Estimation of some heavy metals in polluted well water and mercury accumulation in broiler organs

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of heavy metals in well water and bioaccumulation of the most abundant metals in chicken tissues in some areas in the province of Mecca Almokaramah, Saudi Arabia. Among the heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Cr, Mn, Cu Hg, Pb and Ni) studied, mercury (Hg) revealed highest in concentration in well waters. The concentration of mercury in the ground water, beside in liver, kidney, muscle and blood samples of ten chickens from each of four poultry- production farms were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the kidney followed by liver had the highest bioaccumulation of mercury in all farm samples. The level of mercury in the ground water was 7.06µg/L. The relationship between mercury accumulation levels in the kidney and those in the liver tissues were proportionally correlated and altered with elevation in the antioxidant enzyme activities such as AST and ALT. These elevated enzymatic activities were induced by the level of toxicity. There was a significant elevation in the level of liver and kidney malondialdhyde (MDA), while the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase (SOD and CAT) were significantly decreased. Biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver and kidney sections.

Abdominal compartment syndrome an under-recognized salient killer

Abdominal compartment syndrome is an underdiagnosed surgical entity that carries serious consequences. High index of suspicion and identifying patients at risk cannot be overemphasized. to raise awareness of this syndrome with reference to diagnosis and management. Patients and 12 patients with clinical diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome, confirmed by measurement of intracystic pressure in 8 patients. Abdominal decompression was performed in 9 patients. Clinical parameters were recorded before and after decompression. 48.4% reduction in peak inspiratory pressure, 19.3% increase in arterial oxygen tension, 81.4% increase in urine output, 8.3% increase in Glasgow coma score of head injury, 12.7% increase in systolic blood pressure and 66.1% drop in central venous pressure. There was a 43.8% drop in the intraabdominal pressure. Abdominal compartment syndrome is potentially fatal, if diagnosis and intervention are not timely performed. Measurement of the intra-vesical pressure provides an objective clue to monitor this condition, but should not rule out the clinical diagnosis. Abdominal decompression is a proven lifesaving intervention. Closing the abdomen under severe tension in high risk patients should be abandoned. Sudden release of high intra-abdominal pressure can lead to sudden death and should be watched for. Wound complications after decompression procedure are not uncommon but saving patient's life is the priority