The development of cannabidiol as a psychiatric therapeutic: a review of its antipsychotic efficacy and possible underlying pharmacodynamic mechanisms.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a once-considered inert cannabis constituent, is one of two primary constituents of cannabis, alongside delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC/THC). In the last 30 years, CBD has become implicated with a range of pharmaceutical mechanisms of great therapeutic interest and utility. This review details the literature speculating CBD’s attenuation of psychotic symptoms, particularly in light of a marked elevation in mean THC concentrations, and a concomitant decline in CBD concentrations in the prevalent U.K street market cannabis derivatives since c. 2000. CBD is purported to exhibit pharmacology akin to established atypical antipsychotics, whilst THC has been implicated with the precipitation of psychosis, and the induction of associated symptoms. The aim of the review was to clarify the conjecture surrounding CBD’s antipsychotic efficacy, before going on to detail prominent theories about its associated pharmacodynamics. Were CBD’s antipsychotic efficacy established, then there is potential for major latent anthropological repercussions to manifest, such as significant elevations in psychosis manifestations in the U.K. The review found a largely affirmative body of evidence asserting CBD’s antipsychotic efficacy. CBD exhibited capacity to attenuate natural and artificially induced psychoses in both animal and human cohorts, the latter of which included individuals considered resistant to conventional treatment. CBD also shows promising potential for use as an antipsychotic drug for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with psychosis, owing to its low rate of extra-pyramidal side-effect induction. A range of potential pharmacological mechanisms behind CBD’s neuroleptic pharmacology are outlined, with particular emphasis on its prevention of the hydrolysis and reuptake of the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide. However, given the nebular aetiological basis for psychoses, explicit conclusions on how CBD attenuates psychotic symptoms remains to be determined.

Effect of cress [Lepidium sativum] seeds on quality of chicken sausage

The cress is grass-like plant and has numerous medical benefits and contains antioxidants. and antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, the powder of cress seeds was used in this study to evaluate the effect its addition by various amounts in preservation of the chicken sausage quality. Five chicken sausage formulas were prepared using the following amounts of cress seeds powder [0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg formula] and stored frozen for six months. Sensory evaluation was carried out at zero time, While, the physical, chemical and microbial analysis were carried out monthly. Sensory evaluation indicated that the addition of cress seeds powder up to 15 g/kg improve sensory sausage properties [taste, aroma, color and texture]. Cress seeds powder improve the physical properties of sausage compared to control sample by increasing water holding capacity [WHC], plasticity and emulsifying capacity [EC] and decrease cooking [boiling and frying] losses. During frozen storage, addition of cress seeds powder for sausage decrease changes in thiobarbituric acid [TBA] values, total volatile nitrogen [TVN] content and minimize microbial load. In conclusion, cress seeds powder can be used as seasoning to improve, the physical, chemical and microbial quality of chicken sausage and its application in other products need further work

Role of transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis of selected cases of congenital heart diseases in pediatrics

The development of pediatric transesophageal echocardiography [TEE] represents an important advance in the diagnosis and management of the patient with congenital heart disease. As with TEE a new echocardiographic window is obtained which enable cardiologist to explore the heart from esophagus and stomach. The purpose of this work is evaluation of the role and efficacy of transesophageal echocardiography [TEE] in diagnosis of selected cases of congenital heart disease whether cyanotic or non-cyanotic in the pediatric age group. TEE [biplane 14mm width] was performed in 25 patients at pediatric cardiology unit in Abou El-Rich hospital, Cairo University between December 2003 and December 2004. The mean age of 16 males [64%] and 9 females [36%] patients was 7.1 years. The anaesthetic protocol which used was Ketamine followed by midazolam. The procedure had terminated early in 2 cases only due to O2 desaturation [upper air way obstruction] in one and the other case need over sedation to sleep. TEE proved significant additional in formation in 22 patients [88%], ASD comprised 32%of them and other CHD 86%. TEE proved a more detailed evaluation of the morphology and function of systemic and pulmonary venous return, the atria, inter-atrial baffles, atrio-ventricular valves and the left ventricular outflow tract. Based on our experience the transesophageal echocardiography is safe and reliable but still semi-invasive, it should be done in selected cases of CHD especially cases of ASD to evaluate size of the defect probably

Open reduction and internal fixation of ulnar side injuries associated with distal radial fractures

The commonest cause for residual wrist disability after fractures of the distal radius is the distal radioulnar joint injury with resultant pain and limitation of movements. Early management in the acute stage aimed to reduce the incidence of painful sequelae and functional deficit

Objective: Is to describe the results of open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the distal ulna associated with fractures of the distal end of the radius

Patients and Methods: Two groups were studied. Group]: Twenty-five wrist joints [9 left, 16 right] in 25 patients [15 women, 10 men] were selectively treated with an external fixation for the radial fracture combined with internal fixation of the distal ulnar fracture or the ulnar styloid fracture. Group2: 40 patients subjected to manual reduction and application of external fixator for distal radial fracture only

Results: The range of motion of the affected wrist recovered, showing a mean extension of 74.6°, a mean flexion of 73.1°, a mean supination of 84.9°, and a mean pronation of 78.4°. Radiographically, the radial inclination was 19.5°, palmar tilt was 11.24°, and ulnar variance was 2.1 mm. There was a significant improvement of the clinical and radiologic criteria of group] over group 2

Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of a distal ulnar fractures with distal radius fractures is advocated

Does tubularized incised plate urethroplasty fit primary and repeat shat hypospadias repair ?

Objective To evaluate prospectively our experience using tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty in primary and repeat penile shaft hypospadias. Patients and Methods Thirty-two boys with penile shaft hypospadias were selected to undergo TIP procedure. Their age ranged from 22 months to 9 years. Twenty-two cases were primary and 10 cases were repeat hypospadias repairs. To correct penile chordee; complete degloving of the penis and lateral dissection of tethering tissues was done in every case. This was followed by tunica albuginea plication in 7 cases; while ellipse excision was needed in 3 cases. Using the preserved urethral plate; single-layer urethroplasty was done in all cases. A vascularized subcutaneous flap (36 cases) or tunica vaginalis (4 cases) was always used to cover the neourethra. A postoperative stent was used for 8 - 12 days in all cases. Results The patients were followed up for a mean of 14.2 months. Postoperative clinical evaluation revealed success rates of 95.5and 90for primary and repeat cases; respectively. Among the primary cases; only one patient had urethro-cutaneous fistula concomitant with meatal stenosis; while among the repeat cases urethro-cutaneous fistula occurred in one patient. No case of urethral stricture or wound dehiscence was encountered. Our criteria for success were a single unimpeded forward-directed urine stream; a straight penis; good cosmesis and no need for further surgery. Conclusion We feel that TIP urethroplasty in primary and repeat cases of penile hypospadias is a reasonable option in cases with chordee not severe enough to necessitate excision of the urethral plate and when midline incision of the plate yields an adequate width amenable to tubularization