Efficacy of personal protective equipment to prevent environmental infection of COVID-19 among healthcare workers: a systematic review

BACKGROUND@#Healthcare workers (HCWs) employed personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, crucial to protecting themselves from infection. To highlight the efficacy of PPE in preventing environmental infection among HCWs, a systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidance.@*METHODS@#A search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted from January 2019 to April 2021 using pre-defined search terms. Articles were screened by three researchers. The approved papers were read in full and included in this review if relevance was mutually agreed upon. Data were extracted by study design and types of PPEs.@*RESULTS@#47 of 108 identified studies met the inclusion criteria, with seven reviews and meta-analyses, seven cohort, nine case-control, fifteen cross-sectional studies, four before and after, four case series, and one modeling studies. Wearing PPE offered COVID-19 protection in HCWs but required adequate training. Wearing surgical masks provided improved protection over cloth masks, while the benefit of powered air-purifying respirators is less clear, as are individual gowns, gloves, and/or face shields.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Wearing PPE, especially facial masks, is necessary among HCWs, while training in proper use of PPE is also important to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Effect of Patient Empowerment Model on Smoking Cessation: Randomized Controlled Trial / 가정의학회지

Background@#Smoking is a preventable cause of chronic morbidity. Patient empowerment is a process through which people establish greater control over their health-related decisions and actions. To assess the effect of patient empowerment versus health education on the nicotine dependence score and progress of patients under different stages of smoking cessation. @*Methods@#This was a single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial that included 76 smokers attending family medicine clinics. Participants were divided into two groups: empowerment and health education groups. Their nicotine-dependence score and smoking cessation stage were identified. All study participants were subjected to five health education sessions with a 3-month follow-up period. @*Results@#The mean nicotine-dependence score decreased significantly in both groups after the intervention. This decrease was slightly higher in the empowerment group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. After the intervention, 16.7% of the health education and 30.0% of the empowerment group transitioned from stage 1 to stages 2–4 of smoking cessation, with the change being statistically significant only in the empowerment group. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of study participants who stopped smoking between the health education and empowerment groups. @*Conclusion@#Both the empowerment model and traditional health education have similar positive effects on decreasing the nicotine-dependence level. There was a significant improvement in the stage of change for patients under the empowerment model, although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the number of participants who stopped smoking.

Effect of Patient Empowerment Model on Smoking Cessation: Randomized Controlled Trial / 가정의학회지

Background@#Smoking is a preventable cause of chronic morbidity. Patient empowerment is a process through which people establish greater control over their health-related decisions and actions. To assess the effect of patient empowerment versus health education on the nicotine dependence score and progress of patients under different stages of smoking cessation. @*Methods@#This was a single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial that included 76 smokers attending family medicine clinics. Participants were divided into two groups: empowerment and health education groups. Their nicotine-dependence score and smoking cessation stage were identified. All study participants were subjected to five health education sessions with a 3-month follow-up period. @*Results@#The mean nicotine-dependence score decreased significantly in both groups after the intervention. This decrease was slightly higher in the empowerment group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. After the intervention, 16.7% of the health education and 30.0% of the empowerment group transitioned from stage 1 to stages 2–4 of smoking cessation, with the change being statistically significant only in the empowerment group. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of study participants who stopped smoking between the health education and empowerment groups. @*Conclusion@#Both the empowerment model and traditional health education have similar positive effects on decreasing the nicotine-dependence level. There was a significant improvement in the stage of change for patients under the empowerment model, although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the number of participants who stopped smoking.

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.

Magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction in symptomatic women: a prospective comparative study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound (3D-TPUS) features of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in symptomatic women in correlation with digital palpation and to define cut-offs for hiatal dimensions predictive of muscle dysfunction. METHODS: This prospective study included 73 women with symptoms suggesting PFD. 3D-TPUS, MRI, and digital palpation of the levator ani muscle were performed in all patients. Levator hiatal antero-posterior (LHap) diameter and area (LH area) were measured at rest and at maximum muscle contraction. RESULTS: The reduction in LHap diameter and LH area during contraction was significantly less in women with underactive pelvic floor muscle contraction (UpfmC) than in those who had normal pelvic floor muscle contraction by digital palpation (P<0.001). Statistically significant positive correlations (P<0.001) were found between the Modified Oxford Score and 3D-TPUS and MRI regarding the reduction in the LHap diameter (r=0.80 and r=0.82, respectively) and LH area (r=0.60 and r=0.70, respectively). A reduction in LHap of <6.5% on 3D-TPUS and <7.6% on MRI predicted UpfmC with sensitivities of 46.2% and 82.7%, respectively. A reduction in LH area of <3.4% on 3D-TPUS and <3.8% on MRI predicted UpfmC with sensitivities of 75.0% and 88.5%, respectively. MRI was more sensitive in detecting levator avulsion (63.4%) than 3D-TPUS (27.1%). CONCLUSION: MRI and 3D-TPUS had strong positive correlations with findings on palpation, and at certain cut-offs for hiatal dimensions, they can be used as complementary and objective tools to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and management planning of PFD.

Effects of cysteamine during in vitro maturation on viability and meiotic competence of vitrified buffalo oocytes

The aims of the present study were to assess the effects of cysteamine as an anti-oxidant on the rate of in vitro maturation [IVM] of buffalo oocytes [experiment 1], and their viability and nuclear status following vitrification [experiment 2]. Immature oocytes with compact cumulus cells obtained from the ovaries of slaughtered animals were harvested and then cultured in the maturation medium with no cysteamine [control] or 50 microM cysteamine [treated]. Oocytes were vitrified in vitrification solution 1 [VS1]: 1.5 M ethylene glycol [EG] + 1.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] for 45 s [step one]. After this initial exposure, oocytes were transferred to VS2: 3 M EG + 3 M DMSO in a holding medium for 25 s [step two]. After warming, oocytes were evaluated morphologically and then cultured for a further 2 h in the cysteamine-supplemented or control maturation media. The oocytes were evaluated morphologically, stained with trypan blue for viability evaluation. The maturation rate of oocytes was higher [P<0.05] for IVM media with cysteamine compared with controls. There was no significant difference in morphology, survivability and maturation rate between the two vitrification groups [cysteamine-treated and untreated groups] but the morphology, survivability and percentages of metaphase-II oocytes in both groups of vitrified oocytes were lower compared with their respective controls. In conclusion, the addition of cysteamine to the maturation medium improved nuclear maturation of buffalo oocytes but had no positive effect on their cryoresistance during vitrification

[Developmental competence of Dromedary camel oocytes fertilized in vitro by frozen-thawed ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa]

The present study aimed to compare the in vitro fertilizing capacity of frozen-thawed ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa in order to standardize the semen preparation protocol for camel in vitro fertilization [IVF]. Semen samples were collected from 7 Dromedary camels by means of artificial vagina [AV]. Ten cauda epididymes were obtained from slaughtered adult camels, isolated, incised and rinsed for obtaining the sperm rich fluid. Ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa were processed for cryopreservation. Fresh and frozen-thawed ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated for motility, livability, membrane and acrosomal integrities. Frozen-thawed ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa were used to fertilize camel mature oocytes in vitro. The results showed that, the progressive motility of freshly collected epididymal spermatozoa was significantly [P<0.05] higher than ejaculated spermatozoa [49.25 +/- 1.75 vs. 38.50 +/- 1.50%, respectively]. The viability index of epididymal spermatozoa was significantly [P<0.05] higher than that of ejaculated spermatozoa [96.63 +/- 2.45 vs. 84.00 +/- 4.08, respectively]. The post-thaw acrosome and membrane integrities of epididymal spermatozoa were significantly [P<0.05] higher than those of ejaculated spermatozoa. Morula and blastocyst rates of camel oocytes in vitro fertilized by frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa [59.4 +/- 0.8, 19.12 +/- 0.7 and 10.29 +/- 0.7%, respectively] were significantly [P<0.05] higher than those fertilized by frozen-thawed ejaculated spermatozoa [48.27 +/- 3.1, 11.63 +/- 1.1 and 5.43 +/- 0.8%, respectively]. In conclusion, the Dromedary camel frozen epididymal spermatozoa have the capacity to endure cryopreservation, fertilize oocytes and produce embryos in vitro better than ejaculated sperm

Improvement of vitrification of in vitro produced buffalo embryos with special reference to sex ratio following vitrification

Cryopreservation and sexing of embryos are integrated into commercial embryo transfer technologies. To improve the effectiveness of vitrification of in vitro produced buffalo embryos, two experiments were conducted. The first evaluated the effect of exposure time [2 and 3 min] and developmental stage [morula and blastocysts] on the viability and development of vitrified buffalo embryos. Morphologically normal embryos and survival rates [re-expansion] significantly increased when vitrified morulae were exposed for 2 min compared to 3 min [P<0.001]. On the other hand, morphologically normal and survival rates of blastocysts significantly increased when exposed for 3 min compared to 2 min [P<0.001]. However, there were no significant differences between the two developmental stages [morulae and blastocystes] in the percentages of morphologically normal embryos and reexpansion rates after a 24 h culture. The second experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of viability on the sex ratio of buffalo embryos after vitrification and whether male and female embryos survived vitrification differently. A total number of 61 blastocysts were vitrified for 3 min with the same cryoprotectant as experiment 1. Higher percentages of males were recorded for live as compared to dead embryos; however, this difference was not significant. In conclusion, the post-thaw survival and development of in vitro produced morulae and blastocysts were found to be affected by exposure time rather than developmental stage. Survivability had no significant effect on the sex ratio of vitrified blastocysts; nevertheless, the number of surviving males was higher than dead male embryos

Analysis of chromatin integrity and DNA damage of buffalo spermatozoa

This study was conducted to determine chromatin integrity and DNA damage by DNA electrophoresis and comet assays of buffalo fresh and frozen semen. Semen samples were collected from four buffalo bulls and evaluated after freezing for semen motility, viability, sperm abnormalities, chromatin integrity and DNA damage. A significant variation was found in semen parameters after thawing. Highly significant differences [P<0.001] in chromatin integrity were observed between fresh and frozen semen. For the fresh semen, there was no significant difference between the bulls for chromatin integrity; however, a significant variation [P<0.05] was detected in their frozen semen. No DNA fragmentation was observed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The percentage of sperm with damaged DNA detected by comet assay differed significantly between fresh and frozen semen. A significant negative correlation was recorded between motility and DNA damage [r=-0.68, P<0.05]. Sperm abnormalities and DNA fragmentation were significantly positively correlated [r=0.59, P<0.05]. In conclusion, DNA damage evaluation can provide reassurance about genomic normalcy and guide the development of improved methods of selecting spermatozoa with intact DNA to be used in artificial insemination

Assessment of diabetics' follow?up in a primary care setting, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Aim: The aim of this audit was to examine diabetic patients' follow?up at Aohoud Primary Care Clinic during the year 2013 and then compare the results with a recommended standard

Subjects and Methods: Chronic conditions' database at Aohoud Primary Care Clinic was accessed, diabetic patients were identified and inactive patients were excluded. Computerised and paper records were then reviewed. The number of follow?up investigations and visits [glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c], albumin?creatinine ratio [ACR], fasting lipids, retinal screening and podiatry visits] during 2013 were recorded. Annual follow?up criteria were set as follows: Having an HbA1c blood test at least twice and having ACR, fasting lipids, retinal screening and a podiatry visit at least once. A target of 75% of diabetics meeting the criteria was set up for this audit

Results: The total number of diabetics in Aohoud Clinic was 116 with the majority of them [96.5%] being type 2 diabetics. Sixty?nine percent of diabetics were above the age of 45 and 55.2% of them were females. In the year 2013, 58.6% diabetics had their HbA1c tested at least twice, 47.4% had their ACR measured once, 83.6% had their fasting lipids measured at least once, 29.3% had one retinal screening and only 4.3% had a formal podiatry visit

Conclusion: Deficiencies were observed regarding the diabetics' annual follow?up at our clinic during the year 2013. A more consistent approach is needed in requesting the lab investigations and referrals for diabetics in order to meet the clinic's target. Repeat auditing in a year's time is recommended to monitor improvement

AHP modelling of user preferences towards sustainable transport in Egypt

There is a great reliance on sustainable transport assessment toolsimodels in order to monitor the implementation of sustainability in the transport arena. These assessment modeb are varying in nature, type, and context. The selection of an appropriate assessment model within different contexts is a chalbngeable task not only due to the vast number of available models, but also because of the numerous attributes of sustainable transport and the different relative importance that each attribute possesses from a user perspective. These attributes have different influences on the way sustainable transport could be monitored and achieved. Accordingly, this study aims to measure user preferences towards sustainable transport indicators in Assiut City, Egypt as an attempt to promote sustainable transport solution within the Egyptian context. The study utilizes the Analytical Hierarchy Process [AHP] model, and draws upon the data of 144 participants. The results of the study indicate that users allocated higher importance to attributes related to public transit and active travel modes. These resuits give clear indication directed at both policy makers and local authorities in the planning process of new communities in Egypt. In addition, it prioritise the required interventions that are required if we are to promote sustainable solutions in the transport and the urban contexts

Detection of cytogenetics abnormalities in chronic lymphocytic leukemia using FISH technique and their prognostic impact

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL] is a clonal lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by progressive accumulation of morphologically and immunophenotypically mature lymphocytes. Characterization of genomic aberrations may help to understand the pathogenesis of CLL and may give prognostic information independent from conventional clinical markers for a risk-adapted management of CLL patients. The aim of the present study is to determine the most common cytogenetics abnormalities between patients with CLL and its prognostic impact. The present study was carried out on 20 adult patients presented with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The patients were diagnosed on the basis of standard clinical [lymph node involvement and/or hepatosplenomegaly], hematological and immunophenotypic criteria for diagnosis of B-CLL. All cases were studied at the time of their diagnosis. FISH technique was successfully performed on PB samples using CLL LSI probes for ATM [11q22] / GLI [12q13] and 13q14/ p53 [17pl3]. For comparative statistical studies, the patients were divided into group I [patients with favorable outcome] and group II [patients with unfavorable outcome]. All patients showed one or more cytogenetic abnormality with the prevalence of p53 in 16 patients out of 20 that perfectly correlated with the poor outcome of the patients. This is followed by deletion in the 13q14 and to a lesser extent deletion in ATM gene, but no one has exhibited amplification in the 12q13 locus. p53 deletion as a sole abnormality has a higher prognostic power than other cytogenetics abnormalities. The cytogenetics study using FISH panel for CLL patients in a complementary fashion to the other clinical and laboratory findings may overcome the pitfalls in the diagnosis and may also assess the assignment of therapeutic protocols for CLL patients according to the results of their cytogenetic analysis at the time of diagnosis

Frequency of glomerular dysfunction in children with beta thalassaemia major

This study investigated the frequency of glomerular dysfunction in children with beta thalassaemia major [beta -TM] by using different markers and correlating them with serum ferritin and iron chelation therapy. The study, carried out between August 2011 and May 2012, included 100 patients with beta -TM, in two groups. Group Ia [n = 62] received chelation therapy [deferoxamine]. Group Ib [n = 38] received followup care at the Pediatric Hematology Outpatient Clinic, Minia University Children's Hospital, Egypt. Group II included 50 apparently healthy controls, age- and sex-matched to Group I. All patients underwent a thorough history-taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Compared to Group II, Groups Ia and Ib had significantly higher levels of cystatin C, serum creatinine and serum ferritin, and a higher albumin/ creatinine ratio in their urine, and a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] and creatinine clearance [P <0.05]. Moreover, Group ?a had a significantly lower eGFR and creatinine clearance than Group Ib. Cystatin C had a highly significant strong negative correlation with eGFR and creatinine clearance and a significantly strong positive correlation with serum ferritin, and a higher sensitivity and specificity than serum creatinine and creatinine clearance for small changes in GFR. beta -TM patients had a high frequency of glomerular dysfunction-possibly attributable to chronic anaemia, iron overload or chelation therapy. Periodic renal assessment is mandatory to detect renal complications. Cystatin C is a promising marker to monitor glomerular dysfunction, having a higher sensitivity and specificity than serum creatinine and creatinine clearance for small changes in GFR

[Relationship between personality characteristics with self- care behavior and consequences of treatment in patients with Diabetes]

Introduction: Diabetic is one of the important inner disorder that mankind face with it beside arrange [Adjustment] of glucose [Blood Sugar] relation with self-care behavior in diabetic patient some characteristic personality. This research with assigning relation between characteristic and self-care behavior and it's out come in diabetic to perform

Methods: This research is descriptive correlation from prognosis sort statistical society of this research include type I and II diabetic that they went to clinic private in Tabriz city [2011] from age range from 30-80 that they don't have any other discos women and men that suffer [type I or II] Diabetes, 70person chose with available sampling useful tools in this method: brief Questionnaire about self-care in diabetic - short form of Questionnaire - characteristic of personality [NEO-Five Factor Inventory] Questionnaire that made by scholar and outcome of care that is performed for people who participate research paint with statistical analysis regression with several variable discovered

Results: This study showed that among personality characteristics with self protective behaviors' and remedy result, only the openness parameter could forecated the behaviors' such as butrition diet and practicing and sport outcome and the anxiety parameter could forecast the changes of foot control and its result, the conscientious parameter also could fore cast the nutrition diet out come. P<0.05

Conclusion: since the global incidence of diabetes has increased dramatically, based on findings recommended training and intervention programs in self-care behavior and some personality factors, especially the openness and conscientiousness may cause upgrade to patient s sense of control and acceptance of responsibility is to increasing the empowerment of patients

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 ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular lesions in adult albino rat: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Mercury is a toxic metal causing various adverse neurological, developmental, and reproductive disorders. Mercury exposure occurs through contaminated water and food. Ginseng [herbal medicine] can improve male fertility by acting directly on the pituitary gland and central nervous system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular toxicity in adult albino rats. Thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of eight rats each: group I [the Control group]: the animals in this group received 1.5 ml of distilled water; group II [the Ginseng group]: the animals in this group received 100 mg/kg body weight of Ginseng; group III [the Mercury Chloride group]: the animals in this group received mercury chloride at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg/day. Group IV [the Ginseng and Mercury Chloride group]: the animals in this group received both Ginseng and mercury chloride at the same dose and route of administration as the previous group. The testes were removed and fixed. Paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H and E and Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining was performed for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Morphometric study was conducted and results were statistically analyzed. The study showed significant increase in body weight in group II and decrease in body weight in groups III and IV compared with the Control group. The gonadal index of group III showed significant decrease compared with both the Control group and group II. H and E sections of group III showed loosely packed vacuolated seminiferous tubules. Some germ cells showed a hyperchromatic nucleus, whereas others showed chromatolysis. Absence of mature sperms was noticed. Some tubules showed massive loss of germ cells. In the treated group [group IV] germ cells regained more or less a normal appearance. Ginseng can ameliorate the toxic changes of mercury chloride on the rat testis

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

Protective effects and its relative mechanisms of low dose ionizing radiation on pancreatic cells of male diabetic rat's

Diabetes mellitus [DM] is a chronic metabolic disorder brings great danger to human health. Low-dose-rate radiation modulates various biological responses including carcinogenesis, immunological responses and diabetes. This study examined the effect of low doses of irradiation on the pathological and ultrastructural progression of type I diabetes in rats inducted by Streptozotocin. The present study was done on 80 healthy adult albino male rats 9 weeks age, in the weight range from [150-200 gm]. Rats were grouped to 4 groups they were cared according to the Guiding Principle in the Care and Use of Animals. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared Streptozotocin [STZ- 45 mg/kg b.w.]. Whole body gamma irradiation was performed using Caesium -137. Animals were exposed to fractionated dose levels of 0.5 Gy/week of gamma-radiation for 3 and 6 weeks. The body weight, blood glucose and insulin levels were measured after 3 and 6 weeks. Small blocks of pancreatic tissues of different groups were removed and prepared for pathological and ultrastructure examination. An elevated level of glucose and decreased level of insulin in blood were first detected at 3 and 6 weeks of age in the STZ treated rats. There was significant and remarkable tendency of gaining normal levels of both blood glucose and blood insulin by irradiation exposure especially after 6 weeks of irradiation. Both suppression of cell death and cellular injury induced by STZ were also observed by EM examination in 3 week and 6 weeks. The present results indicated that treatment with 0.5 Gy gamma rays suppresses progression of type I diabetes in STZ rats

Ultrasound-guided single injection infraclavicular brachial plexus block using bupivacaine alone or combined with dexmedetomidine for pain control in upper limb surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Dexmedetomidine, is a selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist that is used as an adjuvant mixed with local anesthetics during regional anesthesia. This study was designed to test the efficacy of adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine during placement of infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade [ICB]. Sixty adult patients were divided into 2 equal groups of 30 subjects each. Patients in Group I received an ICB using 30 mL of 0.33% bupivacaine and Group II patients received 30 mL of 0.33% bupivacaine mixed with 0.75 micro g/kg of dexmedetomidine. The following brachial plexus nerve block parameters were assessed: block success rate, sensory onset time and duration, motor block onset time and duration, analgesic pain scores using the verbal rating scale [VRS] for pain, duration of analgesia, and amount of supplemental intravenous [IV] morphine required. There was a statistically significant shorter time to onset of sensory blockade [13.2 vs 19.4 min, P=0.003], longer duration of sensory block [179.4 vs 122.7 min, P=0.002], shorter onset time to achieve motor block [15.3 vs 22.2 min, P=0.003], longer duration of motor block [155.5 vs 105.7 min, P=0.002], lower VRS pain scores, prolonged analgesia [403 vs 233 min, P=0.002], and lower morphine rescue requirements for 48 h after surgery [4.9 [0-8.0] vs 13.6 mg [4.0-16.0] mg, P=0.005]. All patients recovered without evidence of sensory or motor deficit.: Adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine during the placement of an ICB provides: [1] enhancement of onset of sensory and motor blockade, [2] prolonged duration of analgesia, [3] increases duration of sensory and motor block, [4] yields lower VRS pain scores, and [5] reduces supplemental opioid requirements

Effect of adding dexamethasone to bupivacaine on transversus abdominis plane block for abdominal hysterectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Different adjuvants have been used to improve the quality and increase the duration of local anesthetics during various nerve block techniques. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of adding dexamethasone to bupivacaine on the quality and duration of transversus abdominis plane [TAP] block. Sixty adult patients undergoing elective open abdominal hysterectomy were randomly allocated to receive TAP block using 20 mL of bupivacaine hydrochloride 0.25% + 2 mL saline 0.9% [control group, n=30] or 20 mL of bupivacaine hydrochloride 0.25% + 2 mL dexamethasone "8 mg" [dexamethasone group, n=30]. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, as evaluated by visual analog scale [VAS] for pain scoring at 1, 2, 4, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively, whereas the secondary outcomes were time to first analgesia [TFA], morphine consumption and the occurrence of nausea, vomiting or somnolence. The pain VAS score was significantly lower at the postoperative 2 h [4.9 vs. 28.1, P=0.01], 4 h [12.2 vs. 31.1, P=0.01] and 12 h [15.7 vs. 25.4, P=0.02]. Furthermore, TFA was significantly longer in the dexamethasone group [459.8 vs. 325.4 min, P=0.002], with lesser morphine requirements in the postoperative 48 h [4.9 vs. 21.2 mg, P=0.003] and lower incidence of nausea and vomiting [6 vs. 14, P=0.03]. No complications attributed to the block were recorded. Addition of dexamethasone to bupivacaine in TAP block prolonged the duration of the block and decreased the incidence of nausea and vomiting