Effect of Stem Cells, Ascorbic Acid and SERCA1a Gene Transfected Stem Cells in Experimentally Induced Type I Diabetic Myopathy

Background and Objectives@#Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2＋-ATPase (SERCA) inhibition was proved in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. The present study aimed at investigating and comparing the therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), BMMSCs combined with ascorbic acid (AA) and SERCA1a gene transfected BMMSCs in induced type I diabetic myopathy of male albino rat. @*Methods@#and Results: 54 rats were divided into donor group of 6 rats for isolation, propagation and characterization of BMMSCs and SERCA1a transfected BMMSCs, groups I∼V 48 rats. Group I of 8 control rats, group II (Diabetic) of 10 rats given STZ 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal, group III (BMMSCs) of 10 rats given STZ and BMMSCs intravenous (IV), group IV (BMMSCs and AA) of 10 rats given STZ, BMMSCs IV and AA 500 mg/kg and group V (SERCA 1a transfected BMMSCs) of 10 rats given STZ and SERCA1a transfected BMMSCs IV. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Gastrocnemius specimens were subjected to biochemical, histological, morphometric and statistical studies. Diabetic rats revealed inflammatory and degenerative muscle changes, a significant increase in blood glucose level, mean DNA fragmentation and mean MDA values and a significant decrease in mean GSH and catalase values, area of pale nuclei, area% of CD105 and CD34 ＋ve cells, SERCA1a protein and gene values. The morphological changes regressed by therapy. In group III significant decrease in DNA fragmentation and MDA, significant increase in GSH and catalase, significant increase in the mean area of pale nuclei, area % of CD105 and CD34 ＋ve cells versus diabetic group. In group IV, same findings as group III versus diabetic and BMMSCs groups. In group V, same findings as group IV versus diabetic and treated groups. Western blot and PCR proved a mean value of SERCA1a protein and gene comparable to the control group. Mean calcium concentration values revealed a significant increase in the diabetic group, in BMMSCs and AA group versus control and SERCA1a group. @*Conclusions@#SERCA1a transfected BMMSCs proved a definite therapeutic effect, more remarkable than BMMSCs combined with AA. This effect was evidenced histologically and confirmed by significant changes in the biochemical tests indicating oxidative stress, muscle calcium concentration, morphometric parameters and PCR values of SERCA1a.

Type of tooth movement during en masse retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth using labial versus lingual biocreative therapy in adults: A randomized clinical trial / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE@#The objective of this two-arm parallel trial was to compare the type of tooth movement during en masse retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth using labial versus lingual biocreative therapy.@*METHODS@#Twenty-eight subjects were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to either the labial or lingual group. En masse anterior retraction was performed using labial biocreative therapy in group A and lingual biocreative therapy in group B. Cone beam computed tomography scans were taken before and after retraction and the primary outcome was the type of tooth movement during anterior retraction. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests for comparisons within each group and independent-sample t-test for comparison of the mean treatment changes between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Significant differences were found between the two groups in relation to the type of tooth movement (labiolingual inclination of the central incisor; mean difference, 5.85 ± 1.85°). The canine showed significant distal tipping in the lingual group (mean difference, 6.98 ± 1.25°). The canine was significantly more intruded in the lingual group (mean difference, 1.67 ± 0.49 mm). Good anchorage control and significant soft tissue changes occurred in both groups. No serious adverse effects were detected.@*CONCLUSIONS@#With a 10-mm retraction hook, the labial biocreative technique with the reverse curve overlay provided anterior retraction with good torque control, while in the lingual group, anterior retraction occurred with controlled tipping movement with significant distal tipping and intrusion of the canine (trial registration: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT03239275]).

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.

Solid tumors after chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients: report of six cases and review of the literature

Introduction: Malignancies have been reported to occur with increased frequency in chronic lymphocytic Leukemia [CLL] patients. The aim of this study was to describe which second malignancies occur in patients with CLL, whether these malignancies are related to CLL, its treatment, or both. We also attempt to study factors predicting the development of other malignancies

Patients and methods: Between 1995 and 2009, six cases of CLL associated with solid tumor were diagnosed in Hematology Department of Military Hospital of Tunis. The diagnosis of CLL was made by immunophenotyping of peripheral blood circulating B cells, and the diagnosis of solid tumors was made by biopsy with anatomopathological exam and immunohistochemical study

Results: The mean age of patients was 71 years. Five patients were male. The CLL was classified Stage A in one case, Stage B in three cases and Stage C in two cases. Two patients had abnormal karyotype. Three patients have not received specific treatment for their CLL. Solid tumors were represented by skin cancer in three cases, lung cancer in two cases and breast cancer in one case. The median time between diagnosis of CLL and that of solid tumor was 53 months

Conclusion: Patients with CLL have an increased risk of developing a second cancer. Awareness of risk factors could permit early detection

effects of estrogen receptor gene-alpha polymorphism on bone mineral density and serum osteoprotegerin levels in postmenopausal Egyptian women

The gene coding for estrogen receptor-alpha [ER-a] is a potential candidate for the regulation of bone mineral density [BMD] in postmenopausal women. The present study was aimed at elucidating the role of two restriction fragment lengths Pvu II and Xba I polymorphisms of the ER-a gene as determinants of bone mineral density; special attention was paid to the correlation between serum osteoprotegerin [OPG] levels and BMD in different ER-a genotypes in postmenopausal [PM] Egyptian women. BMD was measured at the femur neck [FN-BMD]. ER-a gene polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP. Serum OPG levels were measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. There were significant differences in BMD and OPG according to different genotypes of Pvu II Single-nucleotide polymorphism [SNP]. Carriers of the pp genotype were more likely to have lower BMD and lower OPG values than noncarriers. While there was no significant relationship between Xbal polymorphism and these variables. Postmenopausal [PM] women were stratified into; those with osteoporosis and those without osteoporosis. The difference in BMD and OPG among genotypes were significant in PM with osteoporosis. Further we confirmed that the frequency of p allele. and pp genotype of Pvu II polymorphism were significantly higher in PM with osteoporosis as compared to PMwithout osteoporosis. Xba I failed to show any significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies between the two groups. Genotypes modulate the relationships between BMD and OPG levels, in women with the PP [r=0.512, p<0.000l] and Pp [r=0.346, p<0.0009] genotypes but not in women with the other genotypes [p>0.05]. These results suggest that the Pvu II polymorphism of ER-a may be associated with the FN-BMD in PM Egyptian women. Further, P allele carriers supposed to protect against PM osteoporosis at least partly by increasing serum OPG

Comparison between endo-tracheal tube, laryngeal mask airway, combitube and streamlined liner pharynx airway

In a prospective, randomized trial 80 patients scheduled for gynacological, urological and lower abdominal procedures in supine position were randomly allocated to one of four groups to evaluate time of insertion, insertion with resistance, number of attempt of insertion, hemodynamic changes, catecholamine level, fibro-optic score, maximum inspiratory peak airway pressure, trauma and post-operative complications after insertion of ET, LMA, CT, SLIPA. All four devices could be inserted easy and rapidly with shorter time of insertion in LMA than SLIPA, and all providing adequate ventilation and oxygenation with higher peak inspiratory airway pressure in CT than the other three groups. Also insertion of CT was associated with significant increase in MAP compared with ET, LMA or SLIPA respectively. While the catecholamine level were significantly higher after insertion of CT than the ET, LMA or SLIPA. Finally, sore throat, hematoma, mucosal laceration and dysphagia occurred more often in CT group than the other groups. While in LMA or SLIPA there is no suffering from sore throat or dysphagia. We conclude that the four devices providing adequate ventilation and oxygenation, but the SLIPA is useful alternative to the other three groups with easy of insertion, less hemodynamic, less catecholamine release response and less complications, so it useful in elective patient specially with cardiovascular disease

Detection of schistosoma mansoni DNA in human blood as a diagnostic method for schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a major health problem, the diagnosis of which relies on direct examination for ova, and/or serological assays for specific antibodies and circulating antigens. The present study aimed at evaluating the detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] versus the detection of antibodies by indirect haemagglutination test [IHAT] as means for diagnosis of Schistosomiasis in human blood. The individuals under study were categorized into four groups. Group I included 36 patients with active intestinal Schistosomiasis. Group II included 20 patients with past history of intestinal Schistosomiasis. Group III included 20 patients with Schistosoma haematobium and other parasitic infections, and finally group IV which included 15 individuals serving as negative controls. For all groups under study stool and urine were examined for parasitic ova; serum was examined for S. mansoni circulating DNA by PCR and for the detection of bilharzial antibody by IHAT. PCR proved highly significant in diagnosis of active intestinal Schistosomiasis with a sensitivity of 97.2%, specificity of 100%, predictive value of positive [PVP] of 100%, predictive value of negative [PVN] of 98.2% and a diagnostic accuracy of 98.9%. All cases in group II, III, and IV were negative. IHAT results showed a sensitivity of 77.8% in group I, 90.0% in group II, 25% in group III and in group IV all cases were negative. The specificity of IHAT in the diagnosis of active intestinal Schistosomiasis was 85.7%, with PVP 84.8% and PVN 78.9%; the diagnostic accuracy was 81.6%.S. mansoni DNA detection may be used as a valuable and species specific test for diagnosis of early infection or in situations of low worm burden in which other diagnostic methods show low sensitivity and specificity. Early treatment of such cases avoids the occurrence of irreversible pathological damage by the deposited eggs

[Community bacterial meningitis of the adult. study of 70 cases]

Through a retrospective study of 70 cases of acute bacterial meningitidis which have occurred in adults admitted in a Tunisian military hospital, we propose to analyze the characteristics of these infections and to release from them the factors of bad forecast. Fifty seven men [including 26 young military recruits old of less than 25 years] and 13 women old on average 40 years are hospitalized during the period of study [1989-2005]. The average time of hospitalization is of two days. Fever and the meningeal syndrome are not constant [95.7% and 61.4% of the cases]. With the admission, half of the patients have disorders of the conscience. Six patients are allowed in a table of meningococcemia. The average value of the white cells in cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] is of 4900 cells/mm3. A raised prote‹norachie and a hypoglycorachie are found respectively only in 84.3% and 91.4% of the cases. The direct examination of the CSF and the research of the soluble antigens are positive only in 27.1% and 25.8% of the cases respectively. A germ is isolated in the CSF in 51.4% from the cases or blood in 14% from the cases. Neisseria meningitidis [23 cases], Streptococcus pneumoniae [13 cases] are the most frequent germs. The serotype B of N. meningitidis is most frequent [8 cases]. The serotype W135 is isolated in 3 cases. The sensitivity to principal antibiotics of the isolated germs is constant. The average period of antibiotherapy is 15.6 days. A corticotherapy is prescribed among 6 patients. Fourty nine patients [70%] presented at least a complication. The evolution is favorable among 42 patients [60%]. Nineteen patients [27.1%] kept after-effects. Nine patients [12.9%] died. The advanced age [. 60 years], pneumococcic etiology, the presence of a state of shock, the recourse to artificial ventilation, a positive blood culture, an initial leucocytorachie < 100 cells/mm3, an initial glycorachie < 20% of the glycemia, one duration of hyperthermia of more than 3 days under treatment and the hospitalization in an intensive care unit are factors bad forecast among our patients. In spite of the progress made in their assumptions of responsibility, acute bacterial meningitidis remain a major cause of morbi-mortality. In military medium N meningitidis is the most frequent germ and most serious. Introduction of antimeningococcal vaccine is necessary and effective in these communities

Early graft function and carboxyhemoglobin level in liver transplanted patients

Heme-Oxygenase-1 catalyzes hemoglobin into bilirubin, iron, and carbon monoxide, a well known vasodilator. Heme-Oxygenase-1 expression and carbon monoxide production as measured by blood carboxyhemoglobin levels, increase in end stage liver disease patients. We hypothesized that there may be a correlation between carboxyhemoglobin level and early graft function in patients undergoing liver transplant surgeries. In a descriptive retrospective study, 39 patients who underwent liver transplantation between the year 2005 and 2006 at KFSH and RC, are included in the study. All patients received general anesthesia with isoflurane in 50% oxygen and air. Levels of oxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin concentration in percentage were recorded at preoperative time, anhepatic phase, end of surgery, ICU admission and 24 hr after surgery. The level of lactic acid, prothrombin time [PT], partial thrombin time [PTT], serum total bilirubin and ammonia were also recorded at ICU admission and 24 hr after surgery. The numbers of blood units transfused were recorded. 39 patients were included in the study with 13/39 for living donor liver transplant [LDLT] compared to 26/39 patients scheduled for deceased donor liver transplant [DDLT]. The mean age was 35.9 +/- 16.9 years while the mean body weight was 60.3 +/- 20.9 Kg. Female to male ratio was 21/18. The median packed red blood cell [PRBC] units was 4 [Range 0-40]. There was a significant increase in carboxyhemoglobin level during the anhepatic phase, end of surgery and on ICU admission compared with preoperative value [p < 0.005]. However, there was insignificant changes in methemoglobin level and significant decrease in oxyhemoglobin levels throughout the study period compared to the preoperative value [p < 0.005]. The changes in carboxyhemoglobin level on ICU admission and 24 hrs postoperatively were positively correlated with the changes in serum total bilirubin and prothrombin time [R = 0.35, 0.382, 0.325 and 0.31] respectively p < 0.05] but not with the changes in serum lactic acid. The same strong correlation was found when analysing LDLT and DDLT patients separately between carboxyhemoglobin concentration and PT and total bilirubin while still the correlation with lactic acid was weak. There was no correlation between average perioperative carboxyhemoglobin concentration during different timing of measurements and average units of transfused blood [R = -0.02] p > 0.05. The changes in carboxyhemoglobin level significantly correlate with the changes in graft functions particularly prothrombin time and serum total bilirubin and may be used as an early, rapid and simple test for early evaluation of graft function

C-reactive protein in acute ischemic stroke: correlation with the risk factors and stroke outcome

The aim of our study was to evaluate serum C reactive protein [CRP] levels in acute ischemic stroke and to correlate the values with stroke severity, outcome and other generally known risk factors. We studied 100 patients who were admitted with acute ischemic stroke. All patients underwent a clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations and radiologic examination in the first 12 hours of acute ischemic stroke. Neurological status was evaluated by modified Rankin Scale [m-RS] on admission and after one month. CRP was abnormally increased in 35% of our study patients. Elevated CRP levels were significantly associated with severe disability on admission and were also associated with large cortical and subcortical infarcts. We found a significant correlation between CRP, WBC as well as fibrinogen levels and stroke outcome as measured by m-RS after one month [P <0.0001]. Carotid atherosclerosis was significantly frequent in patients with elevated CRP when compared with those with normal CRP [P <0.0001]. The mean systolic or diastolic blood pressure irrespective to the history of arterial hypertension was significantly higher in patients with increased CRP levels when compared with those with normal CRP [P <0.0001]. We conclude that elevated CRP levels are associated with severe functional disability, poor outcome and predict a larger infarct size. Elevated CRP is a significant index for carotid atherosclerosis and may be one of underlying processes related to the inflammatory response after acute ischemic stroke

Role of flexible ureterorenoscopy in the management of lateralizing essential haematuria

Objective: To evaluate the role of flexible ureterorenoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of lateralizing essential haematuria

Patients and Methods: Twenty-three patients suffering from unilateral haematuria were included in the study and underwent flexible ureterorenoscopy. Their age ranged from 17 to 68 years [mean age: 36 years]. Unilateral gross haematuria was demonstrated cystoscopically. The patients were subjected to a careful history taking, full laboratory and radiological investigations which, however, failed to localize the cause of haematuria. We therefore applied flexible ureterorenoscopy on the affected ureterorenal unit

Results: The collecting system was inspected in 21/23 patients. Discrete lesions were identified in 11 patients [haemangioma on a renal papilla in six, small vascular lesions in three, a small calculus in one and a small papillary growth in one]. Non-specific abnormalities [erythema of the infundibulum or abnormal configuration in the renal papilla] were found in six patients. No lesion was detected in 4 patients. Patients with non-specific abnormalities were biopsied and coagulated. The remaining 11 patients with discrete lesions underwent laser fragmentation of the calculus, nephroureterectomy for the papillary transitional cell carcinoma [TCC] and 9 patients underwent fulguration with or without biopsies. The haematuria resolved in all patients with discrete lesions. Patients with non-specific abnormalities had a poor outcome in our series, since all had recurrent or persistent bleeding. Follow-up ranged from 6-18 months [mean 9 months]

Conclusion: Flexible ureterorenoscopy can be of value in the diagnosis and treatment of lateralizing haematuria. Patients with discrete lesions respond well to endoscopic treatment [electrocoagulation]

Maternal plasma leptin concentration in pre eclampsia and its correlation with fetal cord concentration

Leptin is a 16KD a polypeptide hormone originally assumed to be produced only by adipose cells. It has an important role in reproduction. During pregnancy, maternal serum leptin concentrations are greater than those non pregnant women. Pre eclampsia is a serious complication diagnosed by hypertension, proteinuria and edema, Pre eclampsia is associated with dramatically enhanced plasma leptin, In this study that was carried out in Al Azhar University Maternal Hospital on 40 pregnant women that were classified into 2 groups: Pre eclampsia and Normal control pregnant women. The 2 groups are matched to each other with respect to gestational age of the fetus at sampling, and BMI. The study showed that there was no significance difference between 2 groups with respect to either BMI or gestational age but with great significant statistical difference in birth weight between the infants of women with pre eclampsia [2718,75 +/- 117.74 gms] and those of normal pregnant women [3376.0 +/- 130,72 gms]. There were significance statistical difference of maternal plasma leptin-between 2 groups before delivery [44.99 +/- 10.0 ng/ml in pre eclamptic group and 34,9 +/- 9.34 ng/ml in normal pregnant group]. The leptin concentration was [5.5 +/- 1.7 ng/ml] [NV 2.5 - 8.5] in cord blood infants of the women with pre eclampsia but its concentration was 6.6 4/- 2.04 ng/ml] [NV 3.2 - 9.5 ng/ml] for normal pregnant women. There was strong positive correlation between maternal leptin and cord leptin concentration for women with pre eclampsia but not for normal pregnant women, in conclusion, the study has shown that, independent of the maternal BMI, the maternal leptin concentration increases in pre eclampsia and positively correlates with the cord blood leptin concentration

Tableau neuro-psychiatrique revelant une maladie de Biermer en l'absence d'anemie. A propos de 3 observations

In addition to an anemic syndrome, pernicious disease can also include neuropsychiatric manifestations. We report here three cases diagnosed as pernicious disease revealed by neuropsychiatric symptoms and even without anemia. Our patients were made of a man and tow women with a mean age of 55 years. They consulted for progressively worsening troubles of step which were related to a combined degeneration of the cord. This degeneration was associated to a cerebellar syndrome in one case. An isolated macrocytosis with a mean MGV at 109 ft, was noticed allowing thus to evoke the Biermer pernicious disease. This diagnosis was confirmed by the marrow puncture which showed a medullar megaloblastosis in two cases and an erythroblastic nucleocytoplosmic maturation's asynchronism. Treated by vitamin B12 the evolution was favorable in two cases with a total neurological recovery after six months in two patients. One patient died after six days of treatment Following an acute myocardial infarction. If faced to symptoms made of a combined degeneration of the spinal card, a periphery neuropathy and/or psychiatric troubles, pernicious disease is a diagnosis that we must evoke even in absence of anemia

Corporoplasty with saphenous vein graft in the surgical management of Peyronie's disease

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of the saphenous vein in grafting the tunica albuginea defect after excision/incision of Peyronie's plaque in cases of disabling penile deformity

Patients and Methods: A total of 12 patients with significant penile curvature due to Peyronie's disease interfering with their sexual activity were subjected to plaque excision/ incision and corporoplasty by saphenous vein patch grafting of the tunica albuginea

Results: Penile straightening was achieved in 9 patients. One patient had a minimal residual curvature with induration at the graft site which, however, did not interfere with his sexual activity. Two patients complained of less rigid erections and are currently responding to oral measures and ICI. Penile numbness occurred in four patients with dorsal plaques, and it was self limiting within six months. We encountered no complaint of penile shortening or impotence

Conclusion: The saphenous vein presents a reasonable alternative grafting material for the repair of tunica albuginea defects in patients with Peyronie's disease after plaque excision/incision. It is particularly useful in large plaque remnants and yields a satisfactory and appreciable outcome

effect of the plant Furcraea gigantea on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and Schistosoma mansoni miracidia and cercariae

Crude saponins and ethanol extracts were significantly more potent than the water extracts at LC50 28 ppm and 80 ppm, respectively, against B. alexandrina. Boiled water extract was approximately twice as potent than cold water extract. B. alexandria was less susceptible to the plant than B. truncatus. The boiled water extract LC50 for B. alexandrina and B. truncatus were extract 280 ppm and 210 ppm, respectively. The crude saponins were as lethal to snail eggs as to the adult snails. Miracidia and cercaria were also affected by the plant extracts, although the value of this observation in practical control terms may be limited

Elevated concentration of s-ICAM-1 and s-VCAM-1 in IDDM patients with hearingloss

This study was carried out on IDDM patients classified into group I and group II according to the absence or presence of impairment of hearing, respectively. Impairment of hearing was determined by using pure tone audiometry [PTA], distortion product otoacoustic emissions [DPOAE] and brain stem evoked response audiometer [ABR]. The selection of cases, the idea of the study, interpretation of data and comments were presented. It was concluded that soluble VCAM- 1 and s- ICAM-1 were positively associated with the risk for hearing loss in IDDM patients. Soluble VCAM-1 and sICAM-1 may be useful indicators of hearing loss in IDDM patients

Analytical study of the throat and ear microbial flora in the swimming pool primary swimmers

Swimming is considered as one of the sports played in a different media than other sports. Keeping the cleanliness of the used water media is important for preserving the health and safety of swimmers. This includes the cleanliness and clarity of the water, the proper use of disinfectants and thorough cleanliness to guard against spread of diseases and infectious microorganisms. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the closed swimming pools in each of the Faculty of Physical Education for girls in Alexandria, El-kashafa club and YMCA club, as well as to determine the percentage of pathogenic microorganisms in the swimming pools' water and its effect on the microbial flora in the throats and ears of the primary swimmers. The sample of this study was chosen by the non-stratified random sample from the primary swimmers aged from 6-15 years: 20 swimmers from each pool. The following was done: [1]. Questionnaire for the trainees, managers and supervisors of the swimming pools about their evaluation of these pools. [2]. Questionnaire for the parents of the primary swimmers about the frequency of pharyngitis and otitis per year, and their relation with swimming. [3]. Water samples from the swimming pools were taken before and after the cleaning of the pools, and also from the water sources, and total bacterial counts were done and also on Sabouraud's tubes and the organisms isolated from each sample were identified. [4]. Throat and ear swabs were taken from every swimmer and plated on nutrient agar, blood agar, MacConkey's agar and Sabouraud's media. This study clarified that primary swimmers who used the Faculty pool were more liable to throat infection after swimming than those who used EI-Kashafa or YMCA pools, and this difference was statistically significant There was a significant relationship between the frequency of throat infection [more than 4 times per year] in case of affection with Hemophilus in EI-Kashafa pool swimmers, while there was a significant relationship between infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactia and Hemophilus in YMCA pool swimmers. There was a significant relationship between swimming in Faculty pool and affection with beta-hemolytic streptococci which cause pharyngitis, while this was not significant in other pools swimmers

Psychiatric and psychometric study among divers

The aim of this work was to study psychiatric manifestations among divers in the Naval Forces in Alexandria, Egypt. One hundred divers were chosen according to multistage stratified r and om sampling technique. Twenty non-divers from the same Naval Unit were taken as a control group. Complete psychiatric examination and follow up were done together with psychometric study. The results seemed to provide evidence for a possible impact of emotional measurement, social adjustment and diving experience in relation to stressful diving conditions in Navy divers

Early results of double anterior cruciate ligament prosthetic reconstruction

The technique described gives a new approach to the repair of ACL tears. The study reports the early results and analyses the experience gained. 21 males, aged 22-36, mean 28.5 years, managed in Madina National Hospital, Maidina, Saudi Arabia, 1988-1991, They suffered from chronic ACL instability for 1-6, mean 2.4 years, caused by complete ACL tears, in the left knee in 14 cases [66.7%], and in the right in 7 eases [33.3%]. The accidents in which the tears were sustained occurred during sports [5 cases = 23.8%] or work circumstances [16 = 76.2%]. As-sedated knee injuries were tears of the medial collateral ligament in all cases, and of the medial meniscus in 13 cases [61.9%]. In the operative procedure the two bands of the torn ACL were reconstructed by a double technique using two segments of the Leeds-Keio ligament prosthesis. The posterolateral segment was passed over the top of the lateral femoral condyle. The anteromedial segment was passed through a tunnel in the lateral femoral condyle. The postoperative care was nearly that of Fujikawa. It included gradual intermittent passive motion apparatus and gradual weight bearing over a period of 14 weeks. The followup was 25 - 52, mean 38.3 months. The anterior drawer test preoperative mean value was 2.5, SEM +/- 0.59 and postoperatively it was 0.5, SEM +/- 0.51, t = 2.56, P

Comparative hepatorenal toxicity of some commonly used chemical environmental polutants

The major source of environmental contamination by pesticides is the deposits resulting from application of these chemicals to control pests. Daily oral administration of dose level of 1/20 LD50 of thallium sulfate as a rodenticide, permethrin as an insecticide and fluometuron as herbicide were give to three groups of adult male rats to study the harmful hazard effect of these perticide on the livers and kidneys of rats for three-month period and the results were compared with a control group. The results showed that there was a marked increase in SGPT in response to thallium sulfate and permethrin, while fluometuron induced a reduction in its level. Bilirubin was increased in all groups. On the other hand, there was very highly significant in the content of blood urea and serum creatinine. From these aforementioned results it was concluded that all these test compounds have potential harmful effects on both liver and kidney of rats