Comparative study between computed tomography guided superior hypogastric plexus block and the classic posterior approach: a prospective randomized study

The classic posterior approach to superior hypogastric plexus block [SHPB] is sometimes hindered by the iliac crest or a prominent transverse process of L5. The computed tomography [CT] - guided anterior approach might overcome these difficulties. This prospective, comparative, randomized study was aimed to compare the CT guided anterior approach versus the classic posterior approach. Controlled randomized study. A total of 30 patients with chronic pelvic cancer pain were randomized into either classic or CT groups where classic posterior approach or CT guided anterior approach were done, respectively. Visual analog score, daily analgesic morphine consumed and patient satisfaction were assessed just before the procedure, then, after 24 h, 1 week and monthly for 2 months after the procedure. Duration of the procedure was also recorded. Adverse effects associated with the procedure were closely observed and recorded. Student's t-test was used for comparison between groups. Visual analog scale and morphine consumption decreased significantly in both groups at the measured times after the block compared with the baseline in the same group with no significant difference between both groups. The procedure was carried out insignificantly shorter duration in the CT group than that in the classic group. The mean patient satisfaction scale increased significantly in both groups at the measured times after the block compared with the baseline in the same group. The patients in the CT groups were significantly more satisfied than those in classic group from day one after the procedure until the end of the study. The CT guided approach for SHPB is easier, faster, safer and more effective, with less side-effects than the classic approach

Potential protective role of vitamins C and E administration on renal and retinal toxicity induced by organophosphorus compound chloropyrifos

The potential protective role of combined administration of vitamins C and E was sought to ameliorate the toxicity of chloropyrifos [organophosphorus compound]. Biochemical and histological effects were studied on blood, kidney and retina of rats. 40 Wistar strain rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I was the control group which received an equivalent volume of saline i.m and i.p daily for 7 days; group 11 was the model of toxicity which was induced by an oral administration of a single dose of 63mg/kg chloropyrifos dissolved in corn oil; group III was the model of toxicity treated daily for 7 days a single I.M. injection of vitamin C and I.P injection vitamin E and group IV was the positive control which received the vitamins without any toxicity induction, blood samples were taken at the 7[th] day of experiment, then erythrocytes reduced glutathione [GSH], serum malondialdehyde [MDA] and soluble FAS ligand [sFASL] concentrations were tested. The animals were then sacrificed and specimens of kidneys and retinas were collected and processed for paraffin sections and semithin sections to be examined by light microscope. The biochemical parameters showed significant improvement after vitamin C and E administration also the histological pictures of kidneys and retinas were improved as compared to the toxicity model rats. Combined administration of vitamins C and E can reduce oxidation, apoptosis and histopathological changes of kidney and retina induced by organophosphorus compound chloropyrifos toxicity

Comparative histopathological study of the effect of three strains of pseudomonas aeruginosa on the rabbit's cornea

Three different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were inoculated on scratched rabbit[s] cornea as an experimental model to study their histopathological effect. After one week light microscopic examination of the cornea affected by the haemolytic strain showed severe inflammatory reaction which led to occlusive vasculitis near descemet[s] membrane. Again the degenerated endothelial cells were interspersed, as well, with acute inflammatory cells. Some electron microscopic findings were common in corneas infected by the proteolytic strain as well as the lecithinase positive strain. They were in the form of widened intercellular spaces, disruption of cell membranes and degenerated forms of intracytoplasmic organelles. However, there was elastoid degeneration of the collagen in corneas affected by the proteolytic strain while collagen in corneas affected by lecithinase positive strain exhibited clear lyses. A striking finding was the distribution of tiny pigments all through the corneaI layers except the epithelial cells. Since this kind of corneal infection induced by three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa respond in three severe different mechanisms, it can be particularly dangerous to persons who have experienced industrial accidents, corneal abrasions induced by hard or soft contact lens or to immuno-compromised patients