Immunotherapeutic effect of spiramycin in experimental giardiasis

Giardiasis is a major global cause of water borne diarrheal disease, which contributes greatly to the burden of malnutrition and malabsorption especially in children. There is a great demand for a new effective therapeutic agent against giardiasis that can be used safely during pregnancy, lactation and in infants. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of spiramycin as well as its immunomodulatory mechanism of action in giardiasis had been investigated. 90 Swiss albino mice were used in this study and classified into 3 groups: GI: 40 mice infected with Giardia lamblia cysts, GII: 40 infected mice that received spiramycin treatment in a daily oral dose of 1000 IU/gm body weight for one week starting one week post infection and GIII: 10 control uninfected untreated mice. 20 mice from each infected group were sacrificed 2 weeks post infection [p.i.] and the remaining mice were sacrificed 4 weeks p.i. Mice of the control groups were sacrificed at one time. The antigiardial therapeutic efficacy of spiramycin was assessed 2 and 4 weeks p.i. by counting of Giardia cysts in stool of mice and studying the histopathological changes and disaccharidase activity in small intestine of mice of different groups. Significant reduction in cysts number shedded in stool of treated animals reached 95.73%. The histopathological changes were mild in all infected groups 2 weeks p.i., while 4 weeks p.i. There was also a significant increase in the number of IELs in treated groups denoting the stimulatory effect of spiramycin on lymphocytic proliferation. On studying the disaccharidase activity, there was significant increase in both sucrase and maltase activities in the treated groups as compared with the nontreated groups. The possible immunomodulatory mechanism of action of spiramycin was studied by measuring the local IgA deposition in small intestinal mucosa by PAP technique 4 weeks p.i. The levels of IgA in small intestine were higher in SP-treated group as compared with the non-treated group. The present results suggested that spiramycin has high efficacy as anti-giardial agent possibly by stimulation of local IgA production

Histochemical effects of some biological agents on culex pipiens larvae

The histochemical effects of the lethal concentration that kills 50% of larvae [LC[50]] of three biological agents, abamectin, Bacillus thuringiensis and spinosad on the carbohydrates [polysaccharides], proteins, nucleic acids and lipids content of the midgut and fat bodies of Culex pipiens 2[nd] instar larvae were studied. The results showed that the three tested compounds reduced the carbohydrates [polysaccharides], proteins, RNA synthesis and lipids content after 72 hours of treatment where abamectin was the most effective followed by Bacillus thuringiensis then spinosad

Risky driving behaviours among medical students in Erbil, Iraq

This study aimed to assess risky driving behaviours among medical students in Erbil, Iraq, and to explore the relationship between risky driving behaviours and perceptions of risky driving. This self-administered questionnaire-based survey was conducted from January to May 2014 among a random sample of 400 medical students at Hawler Medical University in Erbil. The questionnaire was designed to assess the frequency of engagement in 21 risky driving behaviours, the perceived risk of each behaviour and the preference for each behaviour as ranked on a 5-point scale. A total of 386 students responded to the survey [response rate: 96.5%]. Of these, 211 reported that they currently drove a vehicle [54.7%]. Drivers most frequently engaged in the following behaviours: playing loud music [35.9%], speeding [30.4%], allowing front seat passengers to not wear seat belts [27.9%] and using mobile phones [27.7%]. Least frequent driving behaviours included not stopping at a red light [3.9%], driving while sleepy [4.4%], driving after a mild to moderate intake of alcohol [4.5%] and drunk driving [6.4%]. Mean risky driving behaviour scores were significantly higher among males [P <0.001] and those who owned a car [P = 0.002]. The mean risk perception score was higher among >20-year-olds [P = 0.028]. There was a significant positive relationship between the preference for risky behaviours and risky driving behaviours [beta = 0.44; P <0.001]. Medical students in Erbil reported high frequencies of several serious risky driving behaviours. The preference for risky behaviours was found to be an important predictor of risky driving behaviours among medical students in Erbil

Knowledge and attitudes of students of college of medicine towards evidence-based medicine and barriers to its use in clinical practice in Erbil city, Iraq

Background and objective: Evidence-based medicine, by guiding medical care towards meaningful outcomes to patients, has a significant worldwide impact on medical care and education. It is important that medical students, whom are the future physicians, keep themselves updated with recent advancement in medical knowledge and health care. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the attitude, knowledge and barriers among students towards evidence-based medicine and making them familiar with the concept and advantage of evidence based medicine

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 163 sixth year students of the College of Medicine at Hawler Medical University during the period from October 2012 to May 2013. The response rate was 86.5%. Knowledge towards evidence-based medicine, accessing and interpreting evidence and perceived barriers to practice evidence-based medicine among participants were the main outcome measures

Results: Of 141 of participants that filled the questionnaire, only 69.5% had heard about evidence-based medicine. Around 82% stated that they had knew evidence-based medicine and only 23.5% had knew steps of evidence-based medicine. Around 65% of respondents welcomed the promotion of evidence-based medicine and 74.4% agreed with that finding from the current study in which it would be helpful in daily management of patients. Furthermore, 31.6% of students reported that standard textbook as a frequent source used for medical knowledge. Around 91% of students did not know the strongest evidence in the hierarchy of evidence and only small proportion of students reported that they understand the common epidemiological concepts that are used in evidence-based medicine

Conclusion: Evidence-based medicine is relatively a new concept among students at the College of Medicine in Erbil. Although the students appeared interested in learning and implementing evidence-based medicine in clinical practice, they need more guidance and training to ensure the correct use of evidence-based medicine ideals

Age, body mass index, and number of previous trials: are they prognosticators of intra-uterine-insemination for infertility treatment?

To examine whether pregnancy rate [PR] of intrauterine insemination [IUI] is related to certain demographic factors, such as age and body mass index [BMI], along with number of IUI cycles performed, a set of infertile Saudi women. During this prospective study [a 24-month period], 301 Saudi women with infertility underwent IUI in our infertility clinic. We investigated whether PR is correlated with patient age and BMI, and the number of IUI trials, in order to determine if they could be used as prognosticators of pregnancy success. The highest PR was 14.89% for ages 19-25 and the lowest PR was 4.16% for ages 41-45, indicating no statistically significant difference among PR in all age groups [p value of 0.225]. Also, in terms of BMI, the highest PR was 13.04% for BMI >/= 35 and the lowest was 7.84% for BMI of <25 to 18.5, indicating no significant difference among different BMI groups [p value of 0.788]. One-cycle treatment, as expected, was more successful [PR=12.84%] than 2-cycle treatment [PR=5.75%], however, 3-5-cycles treatment still showed encouraging results [PR=17.24%]; but the difference did not reach statistical significance [p value=0.167]. PR after IUI treatment remained approximately 10% from 19 to 40 years of age and declined after 40. Although no significant difference was observed among different age groups, earlier treatment is still recommended. There was a positive but not statistically significant correlation between PR and patient's BMI indicating that BMI is not a determining factor. There was also no correlation between PR and number of IUI trials. Patients can thus try as many times as they want before moving on to in vitro fertilization [IVF] treatment

Validation of the postgraduate hospital educational environment measure at a Saudi university medical school

The English version of the postgraduate hospital educational environment measure [PHEEM] was evaluated to determine its psychometric properties, validity, and internal consistency. The instrument was used to measure the clinical learning environment in the hospital setting of a Saudi university medical school. This cross-sectional study was performed in a Saudi medical school between June and August 2012. The postgraduate hospital educational environment measure was administered to interns [house officers] and residents rotating at a Saudi university hospital. Means and mean ranks were calculated. The effects of training stage [intern versus resident] and gender [male versus female] on the PHEEM scores were estimated. Construct validity was measured using exploratory factor analysis, and internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha. In this study, 193 interns and residents responded to the PHEEM. The response rate was 100%. The internal consistency of the 40-item questionnaire was 0.936 [Cronbach's alpha] with a maximum score of 160. The PHEEM mean score was 89.21 +/- 21.6. The PHEEM is a valid and highly reliable instrument that can be applied to measure the educational environment among interns and residents in hospital-based clerkships. The hospital training environment was positive, and the interns were more satisfied than the residents. Gender had no influence on the perceptions of the hospital's educational environment

Association of NOD2/CARD15, DLG5, OCTN1 and toll-like receptor 4 gene polymorphisms with inflammatory bowel disease: a university hospital experience

Background: Both genetic and environmental factors play major roles in the development of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Recent studies have identified a number of genetic susceptibility loci for Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]

Objectives: The present study aimed at examining the association of nine polymorphisms in four different genes with the development of CD and UC in a sample of Saudi patients with IBD

Materials and Methods: All gene polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction and by direct sequencing. Allele and genotype frequencies of polymorphisms of NOD2/CARD15 [R702W, G908R, L1007finsC], Toll-like receptor 4 [TLR4] [D299G, T399I], OCTN promoter [C1672, G207C] and DLG5 [G113A, C4136A] genes were determined in Saudi subjects with CD [51], UC [26] and in 75 normal controls

Results: Out of the nine polymorphisms studied in four loci, only two polymorphisms in two different loci were found to have increased in patients compared with the control subjects. The CT genotype of TLR4 T3991 was over represented in patients with CD or UC compared to that in controls [odds ratios [OR], 5.63:95% confident interval [CI], 1.19-26.69; P = 0.03]. In addition, the GA genotype of DLG5 G113A was over represented in patients with CD or UC compared with that in controls [OR, 4.72:95% CI 2.30-9.66; P = 0.0001]. However, there were no significant associations found between all other polymorphisms studied and the susceptibility of CD or UC found in the Saudi population

Conclusion: Our finding indicates that association of IBD with nine gene polymorphisms was only significant in two of these polymorphic variants

Prediction of sustained virologic responses to combination therapy of pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection is a major health problem worldwide. Genotype-4 is the most common genotype in Saudi Arabia. The response to treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha combined with ribavirin in chronic HCV infection varies. This study aimed at investigating the pre- and on-treatment predictors of sustained virologic response [SVR] in patients with chronic hepatitis C [CHC] infection. Clinical data of 48 patients with CHC treated with standard HCV antiviral combination therapy, between January 2005 and December 2010, at a Saudi University hospital, were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, body mass index, liver enzymes, HCV-RNA viral load, liver biopsy, and response to treatment. The primary end point was SVR defined as undetectable HCV-RNA by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] 24 weeks after the end of treatment. Univariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between the different variables and SVR. These independent predictors of SVR were then analyzed with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Of the 48 treated patients, 25 [52%] were females and 27 [56%] were Saudi. The mean age was 43 years [43 +/- 10 years]. Twenty-four [50%] had genotype-4, and 26 [54%] had liver biopsy. The overall SVR rate was 75% [36/48] and was 83.3% [20/24] among genotype-4 patients. Baseline factors associated with SVR identified by univariate logistic regression were genotype-4 and early viral response [EVR], defined as a drop of >/= 2 log in serum HCV viral load after 12 weeks of initiation of combination therapy [P = 0.001]. However, in stepwise regression analysis, the independent factor associated with the effect of antiviral therapy was genotype-4. When on-treatment variables were included, EVR [P = 0.003] and low baseline viral load [P = 0.048] were highly predictive of SVR. Of our HCV-treated patients, 75% had SVR. HCV genotype-4, EVR, and low baseline viral load were predictive of SVR

gastro-protective effect of antioxidants in ethanol induced gastric ulcer

Peptic ulcer is a state that result from imbalance between the corrosive effect of acid and pepsin and mucosal defense mechanism in the stomach and may be correlated with antioxidant agents. Forty two healthy albino male rats weighing [180-200] gram were used in this study. The animals were allocated to six groups. Each group was given one of the following drugs: Lansoprazole, Zinc sulfate, chromium, Beta-carotene and distilled water as control. After 5 days of treatment with these agents, ethanol 95% was administered orally after one hour of the last dose of these agents. Animals were sacrificed after one hour later .The main parameters used in this study were ulcer preventive index, free radicals, changing of serum electrolytes. Ethanol in high concentrations was found to be highly ulcerogenic agent with ratio of 100% when administered orally in rat .The preventive index of these drugs equal 97.35, 59.99 and 87.78 for Zinc sulfate, chromium and Beta-carotene respectively in comparing with lansoprazole 99.09. All the tested agents produced highly significant changes in free radicals of the gastric tissue decreasing MDA levels and increasing GSH levels and many of serum electrolytes were significantly changed by the tested drugs. Zinc sulfate, chromium and Beta-carotene proved to have gastroprotective activity against ethanol induced gastric ulcer and the possibility to be used for patients with peptic ulcer

Frequency of low bone mineral density in Saudi patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Metabolic bone disease is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Our aim was to determine the frequency of bone loss among Saudi patients with IBD and possible contributing risk factors. We retrospectively reviewed Saudi patients with IBD, between 18 and 70 years of age, who had bone mass density [BMD] determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning at one of three hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2001 to 2008. Case notes and BMDs results were carefully reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Low bone mass, osteopenia, and osteoporosis were defined according to the WHO guidelines. Predictive factors for BMD were analyzed using group comparisons and stepwise regression analyses. Ninety-five patients were included; 46% had Crohn's disease [CD] and 54% had ulcerative colitis [UC]. The average age was 30.9 +/- 11.6 years. Using T-scores, the frequency of osteopenia was 44.2, and the frequency of osteoporosis was 30.5% at both lumbar spine and proximal femur. Only 25.3% of patients exhibited a BMD within the normal range. Our both lumbar spine and proximal femur. Only 25.3% of patients exhibited a BMD within the normal range. Our results revealed a positive correlation between the Z-score in both the lumbar spine and the proximal femur and body mass index [BMI] [P=0.042 and P=0.018, respectively]. On regression analysis BMI, age, and calcium supplementation were found to be the most important dependent predictors of BMD. Saudi patients with IBD are at an increased risk of low BMD and the frequency of decreased BMD in Saudi patients with CD and UC were similar. BMI and age were the most important independent predictors of low BMD

Case fatality rate of first-ever stroke in erbil city

Stroke is the third most common cause of death. The objective of this study was to find out the case fatality rate of first-ever stroke in Erbil city. This cross-sectional study included 228 first-ever stroke patients hospitalized to teaching hospitals in Erbil city from January, 1[st] 2009 to August, 31st 2009. Stroke was diagnosed by the consultant internist or neurologist and confirmed by brain CT-scan. Patients were followed-up and one month case-fatality rate was calculated. The one month case-fatality rate was 23.7% with a higher proportion of deaths occurred in females [26.4%] than in males [21.2%] [P= 0.358]. The case-fatality increased with age [P= 0.019]; around 75% of deaths occurred in the 7[th] and 8th decades of life and more than 95% occurred among those 60 years and more. More deaths occurred from haemorrhagic [31.3%] than ischaemic [20.7%] strokes [P= 0.093]. The mean +/- SD ages of dead and alive were 68.56 +/- 11.52 and 61.32 +/- 12.91 years, respectively [P=0.001]. Multiple logistic regression revealed significant association of stroke outcome with age [P= 0.037] and atrial fibrillation [P=0.001]. The one month case-fatality rate was relatively comparable to that reported in other developing countries

Risk factors for stroke in erbil city: a case-control study

Stroke is a worldwide health problem. This study was carried out to find out the risk factors associated with stroke in Erbil city. A hospital based case-control study was carried out in Erbil city from January, 1[st] 2009 to June, 30[th] 2009. The sample included [173 cases and 173 controls] cases admitted to Erbil teaching hospitals with first-ever stroke diagnosed by the consultant internist or neurologists and confirmed by brain CT-scan. Sex and age-matched [ +/- 5 years] patients admitted to the same hospital, who do not have stroke, were taken as a control group. The mean +/- SD ages of cases and controls were 62.2 +/- 13.4 and 61.54 +/- 13.16 years, respectively with a male: female ratio of 1.1:1. Nearly 70% were ischaemic and 30% were haemorrhagic. A slightly more than half [51.45%] of strokes occurred in the 7[th] and 8[th] decades of life. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant association between smoking [P<0.001], exercise [P<0.001], hypertension [P=0.001], family history of stroke [P=0.004], BMI [P=0.012] and PCV% [P<0.001] with stroke. However multiple logistic regressions of risk factors for ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes separately revealed that diabetes was significantly associated with ischaemic stroke [P=0.025] while body mass index was significantly associated with haemorrhagic stroke [P=0.001]. Majority of stroke patients were of older age. The most frequent risk factor among stroke cases were lack of exercise, overweight and obesity and hypertension

Evaluation of the level of micronutrients in fortified foods in Alexandria, Egypt

Food fortification is an effective, low-cost way to eliminate dietary micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. This study in Egypt aimed to evaluate the levels of and variations in fortification with iron, iodine and vitamin A in food products from different manufacturers. Almost all iodized salt samples contained iodine concentrations within Egyptian standards. The iron content of iron-fortified biscuits supplied to schools and of vitamin-A-fortified margarine, infant formula milk powder and infant cereal food were highly variable and many samples were not within Egyptian standards. Monitoring of fortification levels of key products is required at the factory, retail and household levels

possible synergistic effect of gossypol [cottonseed oil] and schistosomiasis mansoni on the male reproductive organs in experimentally infected mice

Gossypol is considered as the major toxic ingredient in the cotton plant which affects the male fertility in countries where crude cottonseed oil is used extensively for cooking as in Egypt. In rural areas in Egypt, there is a common association between schistosomal infecion that can affect the male genital organs and gossypol intake through increased consumption of cottonseed oil. Whether this synergism plays a role in enhancing male inferility or not, is a matter that needs evaluation. The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible synergistic effect of gossypol as one of food pollutants and schistosomiasis mansoni on the male reproductive organs in experimental animal. One hundred and thirty laboratories bred, parasite free, male Swiss albino mice were used in the current study. Mice were classified into 4 groups: Group [I]: consisted of 40 mice which remained none infected but received gossypol orally for 4 weeks. Group [II]: consisted of 40 mice which were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and did not receive gossypol. Group [III]: consisted of 40 mice which were infected and received gossypol orally for 4 weeks staring from the 8th week post Schistosoma infection. Group [IV]: consisted of 10 mice which were none infected and did not receive gossypol. Mice were sacrificed at different durations after gossypol intake and post infection whereas control mice were sacrificed at one lime. The tesis and the epididymis were removed from each animal and their weights were recorded. They were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical examinalion as well as electron microscopical examinalion. There were histopathological changes in tesicular sections of group [I] starting from the 2nd week after gossypol intake which became marked later on with depletion of germ cells and spermatozoa in testis and cauda epididymis. Regarding group [II], the pathological changes were rather mild. In group [III], the pathological changes appeared at the 10 week p.i. as spermatogenesis was arrested with a marked reduction in the number of mature spermatozoa. Some seminiferous tubules showed degenerative changes of the germinal epithelium, such as vacuolization, disrupion, and even severe destruction. In both S. mansoni infected groups [Gp. II and III], neither ova nor granulomata were detected in all examined histopathological secions while the immunohistochemical staining showed posilive deposilion of S. mansoni anigen in the testes and epididymes. In addilion, electron microscopical examination showed similar results at the ultrastructural level. Although schistosomiasis mansoni can affect male organs by antigen deposition, it's not a major cause for male infertility, while gossypol is a major culprit where cottonseed oil is used. Acing together, these two culprits exert a synergistic effect on male fertility. Therefore, gossypol should be handled more cautiously. In addition, using crude gossypol for male contracepion in Egypt is not recommended, because its synergism with schistosomiasis may render its effect irreversible

Immunohistochemical and neurotransmitter changes in the brain of mice infected with hymenolepis nana

Hymenolepis nana is one of opportunistic parasites which is widely distributed specially amongst children and immunosuppressed patients. Some neurological manifestations can occur in immunosupressed hosts, however, their possible pathogenesis is not clearly yet idenified. The aim of the present work is to study the possible pathogenesis of the neurological manifestations in Hymenolepis nana infection. Swiss albino mice were used in this study which was divided into two groups. Group I: Mice were maintained immunocompetent [IC]. Group II: Mice were immunosupressed [IS] by subcutaneous injection of cortisone. Mice of both groups were orally infected with H.nana eggs. Mice were sacrificed at different durations post infecion [p.i.]. Small intestine, liver and brain of each sacrificed mouse were removed. Couning of cysticercoids and adult worms in small intestine was performed. Livers were examined histopathologically for the possible cysticercoid disseminalion. Brains were processed for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical examinalion for the possible antigenic deposition by PAP technique. In addition the brain tissue was processed for biochemical estimation of the levels of some neurotransmitters as: Gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA], norepinephfine [NE] and serotonin [5-HT] as well as zinc as one of trace elements. The results of the present study showed a significant increase in the number of cysicercoids and adult worms with delayed expulsion in immunosupressed [IS] mice with manifest histopathological changes in small intestinal mucosa. Aberrant cysticercoids were detected in the liver of IS mice. Regarding the brain examination, there were marked histopathological changes with specific antigenic deposition in IS mice. There were statistical increase in the levels of GABA and NE and staistical decrease in the levels of 5-HT and zinc in brains of IS mice examined at 3 and 5 months p.i. On the basis of the results of the present study, it has been shown that in case of immunosuppression, Hymenolepis nana infection can affect the brain as evidenced by the marked histopathological changes, specific antigenic deposition and the significant changes in the levels of neurotransmitters and zinc in the brain tissue. Since H. nana is widespread and since increasing numbers of patients are given immunosuppressive treatment, it is possible that this peculiar neurological manifestation of H.nana infection is occurring but not being diagnosed. The pathogenesis of such manifestations seemed to be dependent on multifactors that acting together and affecting each other

clinical value of plasma and urinary concentrations of thrombomodulin in bladder cancer

Objective: Tumor metastasis is a complex series of multi-step process. One process is the detachment of cancer cells into blood circulation and another is the adhesion of such cells to endotheliai cells. Several investigators have reported the relationship between coagulation activity and tumor metastasis. Thrombomodulin [TM] was demonstrated recently to be expressed on the urinary bladder epithelium. TM is known to inhibit fibrin formation and platelet activation that stimulates tumor cell bindings to endothelial cells. Therefore it is critical to the pathogenesis of tumor growth and metastasis formation. In this study we focused on the role of soluble TM in plasma and urine in bladder cancer and its relation to the clinico-pathological findings

Patients and Methods: This study comprised 58 bladder cancer patients attending to the National Cancer Institute -Cairo, Egypt, and 10 age, sex and socioeconomic matched apparently normal as controls. Patients were presenting with primary tumor and samples were collected before being subjected to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Diagnosis of bladder cancer was continued in all patients by thorough clinical examination, cytoscopy, histopathological examination bladder biopsies and analysis of cell DNA content of epithelial cells in urine by flow cytometry

Results: There was significant increase in plasma TM and urinary TM levels in bladder cancer patients when compared to the corresponding levels of controls. The increase of TM levels indicates endothelial damage. Significant higher PTM and UTM levels are encountered in presence of LN metastasis, high grade malignancy, DNA anaeploidy and high proliferation rate

Conclusion: TM could be used as a marker of endothelial damage in bladder cancer, as well as monitoring of treatment

Assessment of histopathological and histochemical changes in liver of pregnant female rats and their fetuses following ciprofloxacin administration

The present study was carried out on female albino rats weighing 130-160 g, through two periods of gestation [day 1 or day 6 up to day 19 of pregnancy] representing four experimental groups and one control group. Experimental animals were given daily oral dose [57 mg/Kg b.w., therapeutic dose] or 114 mg/K b.w. [double therapeutic dose] of ciprofloxacin [CPFX]. Dissection was performed on day 20 of pregnancy. Histological changes in liver sections of pregnant rats were in the form of dilatation of central and portal vein, and sinusoidal spaces; appearance of macrophages and Kupffer cells in sinusoidal spaces and congestion in blood vessels, The hepatocytes showed cytoplasmic vacuolation and nuclear unrest, Inflammatory leucocytic infiltration and focal fibrosis were also observed. Liver sections of fetuses obtained from pregnant rats treated with the [CPFX] revealed histopathological alterations similar to their mothers. Total proteins content decreased by -5.59% in GI, -8.60% in GIII and -6.83% in GIV. Group two [GII] recorded a lower level in total protein [-0.62%]. Moreover a significant decrease in total protein of fetuses was manifested being 17.96%, 13.28%, 22.62% and 21.87% for the four groups, respectively. The hepatocytes of mothers exhibited a significant decrease in DNA content presenting 9.42%, 3.46%, 10.40% and 7.51,% in the four groups respectively. In the hepatocytes of their fetuses the DNA content recorded a significant decrease of 10.43%, 9.34%, 18.68% and 17.58% for the four groups respectively. These results emphasize the toxicity of CPFX and its teratogenic effects

Histological changes induced by feeding on fried potato and protective role of curcumin in the liver of female rats and their offsprings

This study deals with the evaluation of the histological effect of feeding on fried potato and the protective role of curcumin on the liver of pregnant rats and their offspring. The results showed that the using of fried potato caused different histopathological lesions in the liver of female rats and their offspring. These lesions include vacuolated cytoplasm, dilated blood vessels, congested blood vessels, haemorrhage, pyknosis, necrosis and complete degenerated areas. The emerged data showed that fried potato induced histological alterations in the liver of rats similar to those caused due to acrylamide in food. The present findings suggested that curcumin have no protective effect against the degenerative effect of fried potato

Ventriculus terminalis cyst in an adult: MR imaging

We report a case of intramedullary cyst within the conus medullaris incidentally found at MR imaging of the lumbar spine in an adult patient complaining of low back pain. The location, signal characteristics, and lack of contrast enhancement of the cyst, in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms related to the spinal cord are diagnostic of ventriculus terminalis cyst and can differentiate it from cystic spinal cord neoplasms