Effects of insulin and metformin on fetal kidney development of streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetic albino rats / 대한해부학회지

Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of common medical complications of pregnancy. Hyperglycemia in utero impairs renal development and produces renal anomalies. Metformin has antioxidant properties and better glycemic control. Aim: assessment insulin and metformin effects on renal development of streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetic albino rats. Sixty virgin female albino rats were used. Once pregnancy confirmed, animals were randomly assigned into control, metformin, diabetic, diabetic plus insulin, diabetic plus metformin and diabetic plus insulin and metformin treated groups. Rats were sacrificed on the 20th day of gestation; fetuses were extracted and weighted. Fetal kidneys were extracted prepared for light, morphometric and electron microscopic examination. Diabetic followed by diabetic plus metformin treated groups revealed retardation of glomerular development in the cortical and Juxtaglomerular zones with a significant increase in the early immature glomerular stages and immature to mature glomerular ratio compared to other groups. Diabetic group also showed morphometric changes, shrunken and empty glomeruli, vacuolar degeneration and hemorrhage. Diabetic plus metformin group showed minimal improvement while diabetic plus insulin and diabetic plus insulin and metformin groups showed developmental, histopathological and morphometric improvement with best results in the combination group. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) possess deleterious effects on fetal kidney development. Insulin improves the glycemic state and decreases GDM effects on fetal kidneys. Metformin produces mild protection while the combination of insulin and metformin produces the best glycemic control and protect fetal kidneys.

Protective role of green tea extract against tamoxifen induced liver injury in albino rats

Tamoxifen [TAM] is a synthetic antiestrogen commonly used to treat breast cancer in women. TAM-induced hepatotoxicity has been described, including toxic hepatitis, massive hepatic steatosis, or multifocal hepatic fatty infiltration. Tea is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide. Some studies indicated that green tea prevents hepatotoxicity and has antitumorigenic effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of green tea extract [GTE] against TAM-induced liver injury in rats. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups [10 rats each]: the control group; the green tea group, administered 1.5% GTE orally for 18 days; the TAM group, treated with 45 mg/kg/day of TAM for 7 days; and the TAM and green tea group, administered 1.5% GTE 4 days before and 14 days after TAM treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The livers were removed and processed for light microscopic examination. The TAM-treated group showed loss of normal architecture of hepatic lobules, hemorrhage, cholestasis, ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, steatosis, inflammatory cells infiltration, Kupffer cells hyperplasia, and dilated and congested sinusoids and portal venules. Liver sections of the TAM and green tea-treated group showed normal architecture of hepatic lobules, portal triad, hepatocytes, central vein, and blood sinusoids. Green tea has protective effects against TAM-induced hepatotoxicity

Role of fish oil in gasoline vapor-induced lung damage in adult male albino rats

Background: Exposure to gasoline vapor is known to produce oxidative stress and induce pulmonary diseases. Fish oil was found to play a role in the prevention of chronic lung diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Aim of the study: To study the role of fish oil in lung changes induced by gasoline vapor inhalation in male adult albino rats

Materials and methods: Eighty adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of 20 rats each: control, gasoline-exposed, gasoline+fish oil-concomitant, and fish oil-treated groups. The rats of the control group were subjected to fresh air, whereas rats of the gasoline-exposed group were exposed to gasoline vapor for 10 weeks. Rats of the concomitant group received 0.5 ml/kg fish oil orally daily while being exposed to gasoline vapor. Rats of the fish oil-treated group only received fish oil. Right and left lungs were processed for light and electron microscopic examination, respectively

Results: Lung tissues of gasoline vapor-exposed rats showed collapsed alveoli, thick interalveolar septa, inflammatory cell infiltration, intra-alveolar exudates, hemorrhage, fibrosis, and hypocellularity. Rats of the concomitant group showed a marked reduction in these pathological features

Conclusion: There is evidence that fish oil can ameliorate lung changes induced by gasoline vapor inhalation

Impaired bone formation and osteoporosis in postmenopausal elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis patients

Bone metabolism may be uncoupled in postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. Osteoporotic fracture in RA is highest for the hip especially in elderly women. To detect the bone mineral density [BMD] and markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal RA patients and study the influence of age at disease onset. Correlation with clinical and laboratory manifestations and disease activity were considered. Sixty postmenopausal RA patients were recruited into two groups, group I: 30 elderly onset [EORA] and group II: 30 young onset [YORA] patients. Thirty age and sex matched healthy subjects served as control. Full history taking, clinical examination, relevant investigations including calcium, phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase [ALP], bone specific alkaline phosphatase [BALP], osteocalcin [OC], and N-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen [NTX] were measured and BMD assessed by DEXA in all patients and control. Disease activity score in 28 joints [DAS-28] was calculated. The NTX was remarkably increased and the BMD decreased in RA patients. Osteocalcin in RA was 3.87 +/- 1.15 ng/ml being obviously lower in EORA patients compared to YORA and control. In EORA, a significant correlation was present between the ALP and OC [r 0.41, p 0.025] and the NTX and BALP [r 0.46, p 0.011] and a negative correlation between the hip BMD and DAS-28 [r -0.43, p 0.019]. Impaired bone formation and uncoupling of bone turnover are more evident in postmenopausal EORA patients which form a risk predictor of fracture hip in this subgroup of patients

role of enchinacea purpurea against immuno - supressive effect of dimethoate on male albino rat

Dimethoate, an organophosphate pesticide, is used in controlling the pests of a variety of crops. Herbal medicine is the most widely used form of medicine in the world today where the medicinal plants contain many curative bioactive ingredients. The present work was planned to evaluate the potential protective effect of Enchinacea purpurea [EP] against the immunotoxic effect induced by dimethoate in adult male albino rats. Rats were classified into four groups [10 in each]. Rats in the 1[st] group received no treatment and served as control. Rats in the 2[nd] group were orally administered dimethoate 40%EC in a dose level of 3mg / kg bw. Equivalent to 1/10 LD50. Rats in the 3[rd] group were orally administered EP [Immulant] in a dose level of 2.5 ml/kg bw. The fourth group was treated with dimethoate 40%EC as in group II in addition to EP in a dose level as in the third group. Administration of tested substances was carried out daily for successive 7 days. Rats from treated as well as from control group were injected IP with [1-2x10[8]] sheep RBCs as non specific antigen. After 7 and 14 days from injection of sheep RBCs [SRBCs] five rats from each group were taken, blood and tissue samples were collected. The present data revealed a significant decrease in WBCs count [leucopenia], neutrophillia and lymphocytpenia with lower haemagglutination inhibition antibody titre [HI] and significant decrease in IgM in serum samples from dimethoate treated rats. Also in the same group there was a significant decrease in serum thymus were recorded in dimethoate treated group. EP supplementation induced appreciable improvement in all previous abnormal alterations observed in dimethoate treated rats. Therefore, this study revealed that EP exhibit marked protective role against the toxic effect of dimethoate on immune system of male albino rats

Prevalence and outcome of bacterial endocarditis in patients with implantable cardiac devices infections

Cardiac device infection [CDI] is a devastating complication of permanent pacemakers [PPM] or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators [lCD]. The incidence and outcome of endocarditis among patients [Pts] with CDI is not well defined. Is to report the experience in the prevalence, clinical presentations and management of bacterial endocarditis [BE] among patients with CDI in a tertiary care cardiac center over 25 years. A total of 2630 cardiac devices implanted in a cohort of 2367 patients [pts] over 25 years were studied. Out of these, 117 [4.4%] Pts presented with CDI. Clinical, bacteriologic and both transthoracic [TTE] and transoesophageal Echocardiographic [TEE] assessments were done. Of the 117 Pts with CDI [90 males, age ranging 18-82 yrs, mean=63 +/- 6 ys], 87 [74%] had redo procedures [battery replacement in 50, repositioning of leads in 12, device extrusion in 15 or evacuation of significant haematoma in 10 pts]. Of these 87 pts, 65 had re-implants on the same day of explantation. In 30 pts [26%] no apparent cause of P1 was identified. Out of the 117 Pts with CDI, 30 pts [26% of CDI and 1.1% of total procedures] had device-related BE with vegetations appeared in all pts by TEE [15 DDD, 9 VVI, 3 CRT and 3 lCD]. The clinical presentations were prolonged fever in 25 pts [83%], significant pulmonary hypertension with thrombo-embolism in 3 pts [10%], severe sepsis and multi-organ failure in 2 pts [6%]. Twenty-eight pts [93%] had positive blood cultures Istaph.aureus in 23 [77%] and enterococci in 5]. There were only 2 Pt with negative blood cultures. Device lead vegetations were evident in 20 pts [>10mm diameter in 13 pts]. Ten pts presented with only right heart valves vegetations. Out of the 30 BE pts, 28 [93%] had P1 while 2 pts had no apparent cause but frequent intravenous injections [one drug addict and one on regular haemodialysis]. Out of the 20 pts with lead endocarditis 15 had their leads removed surgically with re-implantation of either epicardial [6 pts] or endocardial leads [9 pts]. Fifteen pts had only medical treatment with proper antibiotics [5 pts with lead BE and all 10 pts with valvular BE]. Four pts [13%] died; all had their devices implanted on same day of explanation. Conclusion: Cardiac devices Redo procedures are major risk factors for CDI specially re-implantation on same day. Device related BE carries a serious morbidity and mortality yet surgical removal of the whole system is the management of choice. Blood stream bactraemia is a potential risk factor in patients with cardiac devices and warrant prophylaxis against BE

Effect of anticancer drugs on genomic DNA and chromosomes in Ehrlich ascites tumor bearing female mice

The antioxidant activity, DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations were studied under the effect of cis-diaminedichloro platinum [CDDP] and vinblastine sulphate [VLB] in Ehrlich ascites tumor bearing female mice. The two doses of CDDP and VLB were found to decrease the hepatic glutahione [GSH] content and total protein. Lipid peroxidation [MDA] increased significantly in the first and second weeks of administration compared to the control. Also, losses in body and liver weights were observed. Genomic DNA concentration was decreased by CDDP and VLB to 15.0%, 32.0%, 22.0% and 43.5%, respectively, DNA banding pattern of liver tissue on agarose gel [1.3%] electrophoresis was found compared to control. Serum protein banding pattern under the effect of the two drugs SDS-PAGE was observed clearly after 2 weeks of administration, but not after the first week. The percentage of total chromosomal numerical aberrations of bone marrow cells were significantly increased for CDDP and VLB to 304.8%, 457.1%, 238.1% and 290.5%, respectively. Also the percentages of total chromosomal structural aberrations of bone marrow cells were significantly increased to 372.7%, 581.8%, 101.0% and 150.0%, respectively in the second week. The effect of these drugs was dose-dependant. It is concluded that these anticancer drugs are harmful and precaution should be considered when administrated in human

Effects of prenatal and postnatal protein malnutrition on the cerebellum of albino rat pups

Protein malnutrition is a worldwide problem affecting millions of infants during development of cerebellum causing structural and functional deficits. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of prenatal and postnatal protein malnutrition on cerebellar cortex of albino rat pups. Pregnant rats were collected randomly and divided into two main groups; Control [25% protein] and malnourished [8% protein]. Each main group was subdivided into two groups [ten dams each] where pups were collected at the age of 4 days and 22 days. The cerebellum from each pup was fixed and prepared for the Haematoxylin and Eosin stain then used for measurements of cerebellar layers thickness. Prenatal and postnatal protein malnutrition in rat pups decreased significantly the thickness of all cerebellar layers at ages of 4 and 22 days. It was observed that protein malnutrition distorted the shape of Purkinje cells and decreased significantly their surface area. In conclusion, exposure of neonatal rats to prenatal and postnatal protein malnutrition resulted in a significant reduction in the thickness of all cerebellar layers and distortion of the Purkinje cells. These changes could affect cerebellar functions later

utilization of monoclonal antibodies in immunocapture RT-PCR and dot blotting immunobinding assays for the detection of Cucumber mosaic virus

Reliable plant diagnostic techniques are necessary for good crop management. Occasionally, ELISA may not give a definitive result, requiring confirmation using different diagnostic methods. Immunocapture reverse transcription PCR [IC-RT-PCR] requires the direct confirmation of an ELISA result in a simple, cost-effective manner. We found that the use of captured antigens as a template in IC-RT-PCR can eliminate the need for traditional extraction methods and reduce the number of steps involved, costs incurred, and sampling variations. Experiments showed that a reliability of pathogens can be detected using ELISA in the IC-RT-PCR process. To date, a rapid assay for diagnosis of CMV has not been developed, and there is a critical need for a method that can be employed in both laboratory and field. Dot immunobinding assays [DIBA] are useful alternatives to microtitre plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. It has the additional advantages of simplicity, and is completed quickly in the field or the laboratory on large numbers of samples, in a short time. The method proposed provides a sensitive quantitative technique for dot-immunobinding assay

Optimal age of sexual maturation in Egyptian children

To establish the optimal age of sexual maturation in Egyptian children, Tanner's maturity stages were determined for a sample of children and adolescents [1550 girls, 1563 boys] ranging from 6.5 to 18.5 years. The mean age for attainment of pubic hair [stage PH2] was 10.46 [SD 1.36] years for girls and 11.86 [SD 1.45] years for boys. For axillary hair [stage A2], mean age was 11.65 [SD 1.62] years for girls and 13.55 [SD 1.52] years for boys. The mean age at menarche in girls was 12.44 years and for breast development [stage B2] was 10.71 [SD 1.30] years. Testicular volume by palpation showed that the mean age of genital stage G2 for boys was 10.56 [SD 1.40] years. The study results can aid in the assessment of sexual maturation and pubertal disorders in Egyptian adolescents

Comparison of BBL chromagar MRSA to conventional media for the detection of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus in surveillance nasal swabs

Objectives This study aims to detect MRSA nasal carriers among medical staff and patients in Dermatology ward Hospital Kuala Lumpur by using two methods, the conventional blood sheep agar (BSA) and the novel BBL CHROMagar MRSA (C-MRSA). It also aims to compare the BSA medium with the C-MRSA medium in terms of specificity, sensitivity and time to detection to MRSA. Method A single centre, prospective study where 100 nasal swab samples were taken from medical staff and inpatients, then plated on to both BSA and C-MRSA. After 24 hours incubation, the plates were examined for presence of bacterial colonies, then incubated for another 24 hours if no colonies were present. All colonies on C-MRSA and BSA were subjected to coagulase and susceptibility testing for confirmation of MRSA. MRSA strains produce mauve colonies on CMRSA from hydrolysis of the chromogenic substance, thus C-MRSA uses colour as a diagnostic tool. Results Mauve colonies were present on nine C-MRSA plates in the first 24 hours which were all confirmed to be MRSA. Another nine CMRSA plates isolated bluish colonies which were not MRSA. There were colonies on 96 BSA plates, nine of which were MRSA. C-MRSA medium has 100% sensitivity and specificity in detecting MRSA. Both culture media had similar detection rates of MRSA from nasal swabs, however C-MRSA allows for earlier detection of MRSA within 24 hours compared to BSA which takes 48 hours. 2.2% of ward staff and 15.7% of inpatients were found to be MRSA carriers. Conclusion CHROMagar MRSA allows for more rapid identification of MRSA carriers within 24 hours compared to the conventional BSA which takes 48 hours. This allows earlier action to be taken to reduce the spread of MRSA infection.

HIV Infection among patients attending the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Background According to the Department of Public Health Malaysia, the total number of HIV patients up to December 2006 was 76,389. More than 90% were males with Malays being the majority. IVDU was the main mode of transmission followed by heterosexual contact. Objectives To determine the sociodemography, associated risk factors and clinical presentation of patients with HIV attending the Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic. Method A retrospective study analyzing the data using a standard questionnaire. All HIV patients seen in the GUM clinic between 1/1/2000-31/12/2005 were recruited. Results A total of 191 patients with HIV were seen, with 84% being males and 16% females. This constituted 4.2% of the total number of patients seen in the clinic. 64% were Chinese, 18% Malays, 15% Indians and 2% other races. 90% were between 21-50 years of age. The major risk factors for males were sexual promiscuity (61%) and IVDU (14%). 41% frequented commercial sex workers. 74% were heterosexuals, 18% homosexuals and 8% bisexuals. The major risk factors for females were being sexual partners of HIV infected males (48%), IVDU (16%) and sex workers (6%). Majority reported no usage of condom. The main diagnoses at presentation were herpes genitalis (24%), genital warts (22%), gonorrhoea (10%) and syphilis (10%). Non venereal disease accounted for 23%. Conclusions The major risk factor for HIV transmission in patients attending the GUM clinic was exposure to sex workers, and the predominant race was Chinese. According to the national figure the main mode of HIV transmission was IVDU with Malays being the majority. The main diagnoses at presentation were herpes genitalis, genital warts, gonorrhoes and syphilis.

Defaulter rate of follow-up of patients with gonorrhoea at the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic

Backround Gonorrhoea is the third most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic. Despite high cure rates achieved with the use of intramuscular ceftriaxone, all patients with gonorrhoea are followed up with one test of cure (gonococcal culture) after treatment. This is essential to ensure success of cure hence preventing complications, to screen for and treat concomitant STIs, and to reduce the possibility of re-infection through repeated patient education. A defaulter is defined as a patient who fails to attend follow-up and undergo test of cure within a period of 2 weeks after completion of treatment. Previous studies showed high defaulter rates of 41.1% and 43.8% in 1996 and 1997 respectively. This study aims to determine the defaulter rate of follow-up of patients with gonorrhoea, and to formulate remedial measures to reduce defaulter rate and thereby improve the management of gonorrhoea specifically and all sexually transmitted infections in general. Materials and Methods An audit of defaulter rate of patients diagnosed as gonorrhoea was performed from January 1998 to December 2005 in the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Kuala Lumpur Hospital. All patients who failed to attend follow-up visit within 2 weeks after treatment were recorded as defaulters. An analysis was performed on all defaulters from January to December 2005. Results Defaulter rates for patients with gonorrhoea were generally high throughout the years studied, ranging from 35.0% to 48.2%, the highest being in year 2001. Despite continuous and relentless efforts in patient education and counseling, there has been no decreasing trend. In the year 2005, all defaulters were males. Majority (72.1%) of the defaulters were young adults aged between 21 and 40 years. 67.4% of the defaulters were Malay, followed by Indian 14.0%, Chinese 7.0% and other ethnic groups 11.6%. Among the defaulters, 30.2% had repeated gonococcal infection and 38.5% had concomitant STIs. Conclusions More effort is necessary in educating patients to attend follow-up visit after treatment of gonorrhoea. Emphasis has to be made on the importance of confirming cure and thereby preventing complications and transmission to sexual partners. Counseling should also be given to all patients regarding practice of safe sex to prevent gonococcal re-infection and other STIs.

Prevalence of herpes simplex virus infection in patients with genital herpes using the immunofluorescent antibody test

Background Herpes genitalis (HG) is the commonest cause of sexually transmitted ulcerative disease in the world, including Malaysia1. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 is more frequently implicated than HSV type 1. This pattern has seen some changes in many parts of the world, with increasing HSV type 1 rates2. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the type of HSV implicated in patients with herpes genitalis at the Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Methods A retrospective study was undertaken on 242 patients with a diagnosis of herpes genitalis at the Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic from January 2000 to December 2004. The study included all cases of genital herpes in patients aged over 12 years. The typing was done by a immunofluorescent - labeled monoclonal antibody technique specific for HSV antigens. Results Majority (76%) were between the ages of 20-49 years. Males outnumbered females by 1.6:1. Younger women (20-29 years old) tend to be more frequently affected than their male counterpart. One fourth (25.7%) of the patients reported having sex with sex workers and less than 1% (0.4%) were sex workers. A significant percentage (30.5%) of married men reported extramarital relationship with sex workers or had a casual or regular partner. Usage of condoms was low at 12%. Clinical diagnosis at presentation was primary herpes genitalis (56%) and recurrent (44%). 162 (67%) out of a total of 242 patients had the herpes immunofluorescent test done. 110 (68%) of those done were negative. Only 34 (21%) of patients with herpes genitalis had a positive immunofluorescent antibody test. Of the 21%, herpes simplex virus type 2 was found in 19 (12%) of patients with herpes genitalis, HSV type 1 in 10 (6%) and HSV types 1 & 2 coinfection in 5 (3%) patients. Conclusions In our study, HSV-2 was still more common causing 57% of the cases seen, HSV-1 29% and HSV-1 and HSV-2 coinfection in 14%. An increased rate of HSV-1 seen could possibly be due to a change in sexual behavior of the patients especially with regards to oro-genital sexual contact.

A 10-year Retrospective Study on Changing Pattern of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV especially, are a major health problem in Malaysia. The emergence of HIV infection has increased the importance of early and effective treatment of STIs as any delay may lead to enhance transmission or acquisition of HIV infection. A proper understanding of the patterns of STIs is necessary for effective planning and control strategies. The present study is designed to determine the changing pattern of STIs in the Genito-urinary Medicine Clinic (GUM), Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Objective To study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients with STIs attending the GUM Clinic in HKL and to analyze any changes in the pattern of STIs seen between the 2 study periods of 1995-1999 and 2001-2005. Method A retrospective review of case notes of new patients with STIs attending the GUM clinic, HKL was done during two study periods of 1995-1999 (Poster presentation on “Pattern of STDs” at 14th RCD, Asia-Australasia, 26-30 July 2000, KL, Malaysia by HB Gangaram et al) and 2001-2005. Results In 1995-1999, a total of 3150 STI patients were studied. Among them, 2016 (64%) were males and 1134 (36%) were females. In 2001-2005, a total of 2909 STI patients were examined, of which 1862 (64%) were males and 1047 (36%) were female. There was a decrease of 8.3% in the total number of cases seen in 2001-2005 as compared to 1995-1999. The decline was more evident with bacterial STIs which included syphilis, gonorrhoea, NGU and chancroid. Viral STIs which consisted of herpes genitalis, genital warts and HIV showed an increasing trend. A younger age group (20-39 years old) appeared to be infected with STIs in 2001-2005. Males outnumbered females in the ratio of 1.8:1, which remained unchanged in both the study periods. Based on ethnicity, there was an increase in the percentage of Malays being infected in STIs in the later study period. Syphilis was the commonest STI seen in both the study periods. The second commonest STI seen in 1995-1999 was gonorrhoea and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). In 2005, there were 184 patients with syphilis; 64% were heterosexuals; 39.6% homosexuals and 1.6% bisexuals. Majority (82%) were asymptomatic (latent syphilis with positive syphilis serology at presentation. Symptomatic patients with early infectious syphilis constituted 15% (Primary 8%; Secondary 7%). Screening for HIV was positive in 31 (16.8%) patients. HIV infection was noted to be the commonest STI associated with syphilis. Conclusion was an overall decline in the number of patients with STIs attending the GUM clinic, HKL. The decline was more evident with bacterial STIs; viral STIs however showed an increasing trend. Syphilis was still the commonest STI seen in the two study periods although the percentage has declined. Non specific urethritis has superseded gonorrhoea as the second commonest STI. HIV was found to be the commonest STI seen in association with syphilis.

Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2001-2005)

Background Gonorrhoea is the third most common sexually transmitted infection (after syphilis and non-gonococcal urethritis) seen in patients attending the Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Its association with poor reproductive health outcomes and the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has made it a major public health concern. Objective To determine the antibiotic resistance pattern of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae in patients attending the GUM Clinic in HKL and its comparison with other countries. Method A retrospective study of all patients with gonorrhoea (new and recurrent) between 2001-2005. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing by standard disc diffusion method was performed to detect sensitivity to penicillin, tetracycline, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, spectinomycin, ceftriaxone and cefuroxime. Results A total of 416 positive culture isolates of N.gonorrhoeae from 2001-2005 were reviewed. Highest level of resistance was detected to tetracycline (86.8% of 296 isolates). Resistance to penicillin was noted in 64.4% of all isolates. Penicillinase Producing N.gonorrhoeae (PPNG) accounted for 62% of cases. Both penicillin and tetracycline showed an increasing resistance trend from 2001-2005. The third commonest antibiotic resistance was to kanamycin (38.3%), followed by ciprofloxacin (10.4%). The resistance to spectinomycin was 1.7%. No resistance was detected to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime. All gonorrhea patients in GUM Clinic, HKL were treated with ceftriaxone, and subsequent cultures on follow-up were negative. We compared our results with the data obtained from the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP)6 and the WHO Western Pacific Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (GASP)7. Conclusion Penicillin and tetracycline resistance remain high in Malaysia and other Western Pacific countries. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was however lower in Malaysia compared to other countries. There was no resistance to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime. The current first line antibiotic for treating gonorrhoea in GUM Clinic, HKL is ceftriaxone.

Histopathological and doppler findings in children with liver cirrhosis : a correlation study

Cirrhosis is an end stage state of virtually any chronic liver disease. There is great clinical interest in establishing the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis in children by non-invasive means. The aim of this work is to study the correlation between Doppler ultrasound parameters and hepatic histopathological findings in children with liver cirrhosis in an attempt to test the efficacy of these parameters as non-invasive means in diagnosis of cirrhosis. Patients and methods: Twenty two children admitted to Liver Institute, Menoufiya university for evaluation of unknown liver disease were examined prospectively and blindly with Doppler ultrasound prior to liver biopsy. Doppler studies were also preformed on 20 control subjects. Patients only were later subjected to liver biopsy. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimens showed established cirrhosis in 11 of 22, early cirrhosis in 5 of 22. and no cirrhosis in 6 of 22 children. In patients group, the portal vein velocity was decreased [p < 0.05], the hepatic artery velocity was increased [p<0.05], and the arterio-portal velocity ratio was increased [p< 0.05] relative to the controls. Also, loss of reverse flow component was present in all established cirrhotic patients. For the criteria of the early and established cirrhotic patients, the sensitivities of the loss of reverse flow component in the hepatic vein, portal vein velocity being less than 20 cm/ s,hepatic artery velocity being more than 60 cm/s, arterio-portal velocity ratio being greater than 3.0 were 68.7%, 68.7%, 87.5% and 81.2% respectively. In established cirrhotic patients, the sensitivities of all parameters were 100%. In early cirrhotic patients, the sensitivities of hepatic artery velocity being more than 60 cm/s and arterio-portal velocity ratio being greater than 3.0 were 60% and 40% respectively. Indicators of parenchymal compliance [LRFC], outflow obstruction [decreased PVV] and arterialization [increased HAV, alteration in APVR] were accurate in the diagnosis of established cirrhosis. Also, HAV and APVR were useful in the diagnosis of early cirrhosis. We believe that on the basis of our data, afferent and efferent flow abnormalities monitored with Doppler ultrasound may be useful in the assessment of Patients with liver cirrhosis

Influence of low frequency electric and magnetic fields exposure on albino rat placentation following maternal exposure during early and late periods of embryogenesis

Background: with the phenomenal growth in the use of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields EMFs, there has been a surge of interest concerning the possible harmful biological effects of electromagnetic fields EMFs with a frequency of 50-60 Hz on the human body

Aim of the work: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the histological changes in the placenta after exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields during two different critical periods of embryogenesis

Methods: twenty-four pregnant albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: control, early exposed and late exposed. Both exposed groups were exposed to 50 Hz magnetic field of intensity 1.5G and a strong electric field of intensity 10KV/m. The EMFs exposure started from gestational day 6 through day 10 in the early exposed group and from gestational day 11 through day 15 in the late exposed group. Twenty day full term placenta were then collected and examined histological through light microscopy using hematoxylin and Eosin stains

Results: The present study indicated that 50Hz EMFs exposure the low frequency EMFs exposure in the early and late period affect the placentation of albino rats. Also EMFs exposure in the early period cause changes in rat placenta more than that occurred in the late exposure except the deciduas was more affected in late exposure

Conclusions: So it is suggested that exposure to appliances that producing EMFs must be limited especially during pregnancy

Craniofacial bones development in albino rat fetuses following maternal exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields during early and late periods of embryogenesis

Background: With the progressive development of the electrical industry, several workers have studied the effects of electromagnetic fields on cells, organs and tissues through animal studies to investigate the possible harmful biological effects on the human body

Aim of the work The aim of the present study is to evaluate the frequency and pattern of craniofacial bones ossification of 18 and 20-day albino rat fetuses, following maternal exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields in the early and late periods of embryogenesis

Methods: Forty eight pregnant albino rats were randomly divided into two age groups [18 and 20 day] each of them was subdivided into three equal groups: control, early exposed and late exposed. Both exposed groups were exposed to 50Hz magnetic fields of intensity 1.5G and a strong electric field of intensity 10KV/m. The EMFs exposure started from gestational day 6 through day 10 in the early exposed group and from gestational day 11 through day 15 in the late exposed group. 18 and 20-day fetuses were then collected and their skeletons were stained with Alizarin red for their evaluation

Results: The present study indicated that 50 Hz EMFs exposure decreased the craniofacial bones development either in the early or late exposed groups but more marked and more delayed in the early exposed group in 18-day fetuses. The early period of embryogenesis was the most critical period for ossification of craniofacial bones

Conclusion: So it is suggested that exposure to appliances that producing EMFs must be limited especially during early period of pregnancy

Synthesis of some azolothienopyrimidines from 4-chloropyrimidines

2-Methylthio-r-methyl-6-phenylthieno[2,3-d] pyrimidine-4 [3H] one and 2-methylthio- 5,6,7,8- Tetrahydrobenzothieno [2,3-d] pyrimidine 4[3H] one [l a,b] reacted with phosphorus oxychloride to give the corresponding 4-chloropyrimidine derivatives [2a,b]. compound 2[a,b] reacted with primary aromatic amines, anthranlic acid and hydrazine hydrate to give 4-substituted derivatives [3a,4a,b] and 5 [a,b], respectively. The 4-hydrazino derivatives [5a,b] could be converted into the triazolo and tetrazolo pyrimidines derivatives [6a,b] and [7] when heated with carbon disulphide and nitrous acid, respectively. 4-aminopyrimidine derivatives [8] could be synthesis by the reduction of tetrazolothieno pyrimidine [7] with zinc dust. On the other hand, compound 5[a,b] reacted with aromatic aldehydes to afford the arylhydrazones derivatives 9[a-f]. Arylhydrazone derivatives [9d-f] could be cycles to thienotriazolopyrimidine derivatives [10a-c]. Compound [5a,b] reacted with beta-diketone and ethylacetoacetate to produce 4-[1-pyrazolyl] and 4-[1-pyrazolinone] derivatives [11a,b] and [12a,b], respectively. Also, compound [5a,b] reacted with formic acid, triethylorthoformate and acetic acid to give, 13[a-d], respectively