Biological studies concerning the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pelargonium species cultivated in Egypt (Family-Geraniaceae).

Plant-derived pharmaceuticals have become prominent in the market place, making it a favored healthcare choice. In this study, air dried samples of aerial parts of Pelargonium X fragrans Willd. and Pelargonium peltatum L’Hérit. were separately extracted using successive extraction with a soxhlet apparatus. Each extract was tested for its antimicrobial activity using two Gram-negative bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), two Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus subtillus and Staphyllococcus aureus), and clinical fungal isolates (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). Also, their antioxidant activity was tested using a DPPH free radical assay. The ethyl acetate, n-Butanol and the total extracts showed moderate activity against the tested microorganisms with significant high activity against E. coli. The free radical scavenging property was found to be in a concentration dependent manner in all the tested fractions. The most effective antioxidant fractions in both spp. was the n-Butanol fraction (85% and 85.2%) at the concentration of 0.375μg/ml followed by the total ethanolic extracts (78.1% and 84.62%), respectively, with the same concentra-tion compared to the standard reference ascorbic acid which showed a significant radicals scavenging potential (79.1%) in the concentration of 1μg/ml.

Biological studies concerning the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pelargonium species cultivated in Egypt (Family-Geraniaceae).

Plant-derived pharmaceuticals have become prominent in the market place, making it a favored healthcare choice. In this study, air dried samples of aerial parts of Pelargonium X fragrans Willd. and Pelargonium peltatum L’Hérit. were separately extracted using successive extraction with a soxhlet apparatus. Each extract was tested for its antimicrobial activity using two Gram-negative bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), two Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus subtillus and Staphyllococcus aureus), and clinical fungal isolates (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). Also, their antioxidant activity was tested using a DPPH free radical assay. The ethyl acetate, n-Butanol and the total extracts showed moderate activity against the tested microorganisms with significant high activity against E. coli. The free radical scavenging property was found to be in a concentration dependent manner in all the tested fractions. The most effective antioxidant fractions in both spp. was the n-Butanol fraction (85% and 85.2%) at the concentration of 0.375μg/ml followed by the total ethanolic extracts (78.1% and 84.62%), respectively, with the same concentra-tion compared to the standard reference ascorbic acid which showed a significant radicals scavenging potential (79.1%) in the concentration of 1μg/ml.

Radiologic and physiologic correlation in apparently healthy smoker

Pulmonary damage induced by smoking acts slowly and may or may not show symptoms which are related to pulmonary function or radiological effect. To correlate findings on history, chest X-ray, pulmonary function test high resolution computed tomography [HRCT] scans and to determine whether these findings may be useful in diagnosis of lung damage. This study comprised 50 subjects [10 healthy volunteers, 40 smokers] who underwent history taking, CXR, pulmonary function tests [spirometry and lung volumes] and both inspiratory and expiratory HRCT. Pulmonary function measurement in studied groups showed obstructive pattern with highly significant difference. Chest X-ray showed hyperinflation in 38% in group II, 79% in group III, 90% in group IV. Mosaic perfusion was present in 3 cases 19%, 7 cases 50%, 5 cases 50%, paraseptal emphysema was present in 7 cases 44%, 11 cases 78%, 7 cases 70%, centrilobular emphysema was present in 4 cases 25%, 6 cases 43%, 4 cases 40% and bullae was present in 7 cases 44%, 8 cases 57%, 5 cases 50% in groups II, III, VI, respectively. Wheezes and cough showed significant negative correlation with FEF[25-75% and PEF, while dyspnea showed positive correlation with bullae. Cough showed significant correlation with radiological finding, mosaic perfusion and centrilobular emphysema. There was significant correlation between tests of small airway and radiological finding in chest X-ray and high resolution computed tomography. We conclude that there was a functional and pathological impairment in the lung as cigarette consumption increases and chest symptoms in smoker appears to be related to small airway affection

Advanced non-small cell lung cancer in elderly patients: the standard every 3-weekly versus weekly paclitaxel with carboplatin

Paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy is considered to be a standard approach for locally advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]. In recent years, paclitaxel on a weekly schedule in combination with carboplatin has been widely used because it is associated with a lower incidence of neuropathy and myelosuppression. Otherwise, only a few studies are available in elderly patients with NSCLC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of weekly paclitaxel combined with carboplatin compared with the classic 3-weekly schedule of paclitaxel and carboplatin as initial therapy and the feasibility of subsequent maintenance therapy versus observation in elderly patients with locally advanced [stage IIIB] and metastatic [stage IV] NSCLC. Ninty patients >/=65 years with stage IIIB-IV NSCLC were randomly assigned to one of the following arms: arm1, paclitaxel 90 mg/m[2] weekly for 3 of 4 weeks with carboplatin [area under the curve /[AUC/] =6] on day 1 of each 4 week cycle; and arm 2, paclitaxel 200 mg/m[2] with carboplatin [AUC = 6] on day 1 of each 3-week. After four cycles of chemotherapy, those with objective response or stable disease were randomized to weekly paclitaxel [70 mg/ m[2], 3 of 4 weeks] or observation as maintenance therapy. Primary end point was response while second end points included survival and toxicity. Eighty-six patients were evaluable for response, overall responses were recorded in 42.9% in arm 1 versus 31.8% in arm 2; stable disease was 38.1% in arm 1 versus 27.3% in arm 2 and progressive disease was 19% in arm 1 versus 40.9% in arm 2. The median time to progression and median survival times were 7 months and 10.8 months in arm 1 versus 5.6 months and 9 months in arm 2, respectively. The 1-year survival rates were 47.6% in arm 1 versus 36.4% in arm 2. Grade 3/4 anemia was more common in arm 1 [23.8%] than arm 2 [9.1%]. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 14.3% and 4.7% in arm 1 versus 22.7% and 9.1% in arm 2. Grade 2/3 neuropathy occurred in 4.7% in arm 1 versus 13.6% in arm 2. Efficacy was similar between the weekly regimen and the standard regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel for elderly patients with advanced NSCLC and may be advantageous based on its favorable tolerability profile

Clinical pathway versus traditional nursing care for patients with coronary artery bypass graft

The aim of this study was to compare between the traditional nursing care and clinical pathway in planning for postoperative care of patients with CABG surgery. The study was conducted in the intensive care units and postoperative surgical units of open heart surgery departments of the National Heart Institute in Cairo. using a quasi-experimental design. It included 100 nurses, six resident physicians and 200 patients admitted for CABG surgery. The data collection tools included a questionnaire sheet for nurse's knowledge, an observation checklist for nurse's performance, a patient assessment sheet, and the clinical pathway map. A clinical pathway orientation program was designed and implemented. The study revealed very low performance of nurses in the pre-intervention phase. After implementation of the pathway, nurses' knowledge and performance in the intervention group significantly improved, and their patients had significantly higher mean number of instructions. In total, 32.0% of the nurses had correct application of the pathways, and all the clinical pathway team members were satisfied with its application. It is concluded that the implementation of the clinical pathway led to significant improvements in nurses' knowledge and performance, reflected in significant decrease in patients' length of hospital stay. It is recommended to implement the developed clinical pathway in the study settings and similar ones. Post-operative cardiac surgery care nurses need in-service training programs to improve their knowledge and performance

Relation between plasma leptin level and left ventricular function in obese females with insulin resistance

An association between obesity and cardiac mass has been recognized for almost two decades, whereas the precise nature of the association remains elusive Theoretical consideration have long suggested that it may be mediated at least in part by insulin resistance [Mc, Nutly ,2003].Several studies have found an association between insulin resistance and left ventricular hypertrophy. [Lacobellis et al, 2003]. In human, production of leptin[ an adipocyte - derived peptide], has been linked to obesity, insulin and insulin sensitivity [Leyva et al, 1998]. It was considered that alteration in plasma concentration could constitute an additional component of metabolic syndrome of cardio-vascular risk[Leyva et al, 1998]. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between obesity, insulin resistance, leptin and left ventricular mass and function in young obese females with insulin resistance. Sixty five premenopausal females aged 25-45 years with no history of diabetes or hypertension was participated in this study. Twenty were non obese and forty five were obese .Fasting serum glucose, insulin and leptin were assessed and homeostatic model assessment HOMA-IR score was calculated. According to HOMA-IR obese premenopausal females were divided into 2 subgroups: - Subgroups 1: [Insulin sensitive group or IS group] included 20 obese females with HOMA-IR <3.8.And Subgroup 2: [insulin resistance group or IR group] included 25 obese females with HOMA-IR>/=3.8.Echocardiography was done for all females participated in the study to evaluate L.V mass and function. Waist circumference [WC], serum insulin, serum leptin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in obese group compared to non obese group [p<0.05, <0.05, <0.001 and <0.00l respectively] and between IR and IS subgroups [p<0.05, <0.05, <0.001 and <0.00l respectively].As regard Echocardiographic studies left ventricular mass[LVM] and left ventricular mass corrected t height 2.7 [LVM/h2.7 ]were significantly higher in obese group compared to non obese group [p<0.05] and between IR and IS subgroups [p<0.05 for both],while the ratio between peak transmitral E and A wave velocity[E/A ratio] was lower in obese group compared to non obese group [<0.05], it was also lower in IR subgroup compared to IS subgroup [p<0.05].There was positive significant correlation between LVM and LVM/H2.7 and serum insulin [p<0.05]and serum leptin [p<0.05] in IS subgroup while the correlation was highly significant between both and fasting leptin [p<0.001] in IR subgroup. Obesity is a clinical syndrome associated with hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and insulin resistance Abnormalities of LV diastolic function and mass occur frequently in obese patients. Hyperleptinemia can be an early sign for left ventricular dysfunction in obese females

effects of 900-Mhz-emitted mobile phone on the uterus and ovaries of albino female rats

This work was done to study the effects of exposure to mobile emits 900MHz electromagnetic field [EMW] on the uterus and ovaries of female rats. Thirty female adult rates were randomly divided into three groups [10 each] as follows: negative control group [1], positive control group [II]: without exposure to electromagnetic wave [exposure device off for 30 min/day for 30 days]. Exposure group [III]: exposed to 900MHz electromagnetic wave [EMW] for 30 min/day for 30 days. The results showed a significant reduction in ovarian weights and non significant change in uterine weight in the exposed rats [group III] when compared to the other control groups. The Serum levels of estrogen and progesterone were significantly decreased among EMW exposed group. Ovarian and endometrial tissue homogenate revealed a significant increase in malondialgehyde [MDA] levels, while they showed a significant decrease in the activity of the reduced gluthathione [GSH] in the same group. In the EMW exposed group, histopathological changes revealed many apoptotic cells with densely stained cytoplasm and fragmented or phyknotic nuclei, in the endometrial surface, epithelial and glandular cells. The glands were significantly decreased in number and diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the endometrial stroma. Sections of ovaries revealed significant decrease in the follicle numbers in EMW exposed group III compared to both control groups. Uterine sections immunolabeled for active caspase-3, showed significant increasing in numbers of immunolabeled cells for activated caspase 3 and apoptotic cells, in EMW-exposed group III. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that there is impairment in endometrial and ovarian tissues both at biochemical and histological levels after experimental exposure to 900-MHz emitted mobile phone

Sequential chemoradiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus consolidation chemotherapy in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent/consolidation chemoradiotherapy versus sequential chemoradiotherapy in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]. Between January 2003 and April 2006 thirty-two patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms. In the sequential arm, patients received induction chemotherapy with docetaxel [75 mg/m[2]] repeated every 3 weeks for 3 cycles, followed by thoracic radiotherapy at a dose of 61Gy in 33 fractions over 6.5 weeks. In the concurrent/ consolidation arm, the same radiotherapy was started on day 2 with two concurrent cycles of cisplatin 50 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 29, and 36; etoposide 50 mg/m2 on days 1 through 5 and 29 through 33. Then these patients received consolidation therapy with docetaxel started 4-6 weeks after concurrent chemoradiotherapy, repeated every 3 weeks for 3 cycles at a dose of 75 mg/m[2]. The overall response rate was higher in concurrent/consolidation arm [62.5%] than in sequential arm [43.7%], [P=0.03]. The median survival was 19 months in concurrent/ consolidation arm and 13.6 months in the sequential arm, [P=0.001]. The 2- year survival rate was better in concurrent/ consolidation arm [43.7%] than in the sequential arm [25%], [P=0.03]. Median progression-free survival was longer in concurrent/consolidation arm [11.9 months] than in sequential arm [8 months], [P=0.07]. The major and most frequent toxicity was neutropenia, which was 43.7% in concurrent/consolidation arm versus 56.2% in sequential arm, [P=0.09]. However, esophageal toxicity [>/= grade 3] was relatively higher in concurrent/consolidation arm 18.7% versus 6.2% in sequential arm, [P= 0.05]. Brain metastasis was the most common site of distant failure in both treatment arms. Locoregional failure was more frequent in sequential arm [37.5%] than in concurrent/consolidation arm [18.7%], [P=0.04]. Consolidation docetaxel after concurrent cisplatin/ etoposide with radiotherapy in stage III NSCLC was feasible, tolerable and can be safely administered with relatively low incidence of radiation esophagitis. In addition, treatment outcomes compared favorably with the sequential chemoradiotherapy

Effect of an educational protocol for patients' with ulcerative colitis on their related knowledge and self-care practices

Ulcerative colitis [UC] refers to a disease in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed. In patients with ulcerative colitis, the immune system inappropriately targets the lining of the colon. Most cases are treated at home, which points to the importance of self-care in its management. This study aim was to determine the effect of an educational program on ulcerative colitis patients' knowledge and self-care practices. To conduct this study a sample of sixty in patients with ulcerative colitis was selected from the tropical medicine department in Assiut University Hospital. They were divided into two equal study and the control groups. The study group received an educational program. Data were collected using a patient assessment interview sheet. Pre-post comparisons of patients' knowledge and practice showed statistically significant improvements in the study group but not in the control groups, p<0.001. The study concluded that although ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition with no cure, it could be well controlled through proper patient education. Therefore, it is important for nurses to teach patients about the condition to enable them to take an active role in own health-care decisions and treatment. The study recommends implementation of the developed educational program for all patients with ulcerative colitis

Hypofractionated radiotherapy versus conventional fractionated radiotherapy in elderly patients with glioblastoma multiforme

To evaluate efficacy of short-course radiotherapy [RT] in elderly patients [>/= 60 years] with glioblastoma multiforme [GBM], and compare this biological similar short-course radiotherapy with the standard RT. Forty-four elderly patients with GBM were randomly assigned after surgery to receive either a short-course RT [45 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks] or the standard RT [60 Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks] to a target volume described as tumor visible on CT scan and a 2-cm margin. The primary end point was overall survival. The overall response rate and median duration of response were 60% and 8.5 months in short-course RT versus 65% and 8 months respectively in standard RT. Improvement in pretreatment performance status and increase in post-treatment corticosteroid dosage were observed in 50% and 25% respectively in short-course RT versus 40% and 50% in standard RT [p=0.09, p=0.031] respectively. Median survival time was 5.9 months in short-course RT versus 5.6 months in standard RT. Six months, one-year survival and progression-free survival rates were 40%, 15% and 30%, 10% respectively in short-course RT versus 45%, 10% and 35%, 5% in standard RT, respectively. In both treatment groups, females did significantly better than males, patients with karnofsky performance status [KPS] 60-70 did significantly better than those with KPS 50, patients having tumors 4-5 cm did significantly better than those with tumors 6-8 cm as well as did those with more radical surgery when compared to those with biopsy only. On multivariate analysis, only tumor size and extent of surgery were found to independently influence survival. Acute toxicity was generally assessed as mild in the two treatment groups. While RT -induced brain necrosis appeared only in one patient received short-course RT, but this patient died from tumor recurrence. Hypofractionated RT is feasible and safe treatment for elderly patients with GBM

Chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy in limited stage aggressive non hodgkin's Lumphoma

To compare the efficacy, toxicity and clinical out come in patients with limited-stage aggressive nondgkin's lymphoma treated with eight cycles of chemotherapy alone or four to six cycles of chemotherapy plus involved field irradiation. One hundred patients with limited aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were randomly signed to either eight cycles of CHOP alone or four to six cycles of CHOP plus involved-field radiotherapy. The end point were response rate, toxic effects, disease-free survival d overall survival Patients treated with four to six cycles of CHOP is radiotherapy had significantly better disease-free survival in patients treated with CHOP alone. The five-year estimates disease-free survival for patients receiving CHOP plus radiotherapy and for patients receiving CHOP alone were,6% and 65.1%, respectively [p=0.041]. The five-year imates of overall survival for patients receiving CHOP plus radiotherapy and for patients receiving CHOP alone were%and 70%, respectively [p=0.160]. Complete response eswere experienced in 92% in patients treated with CHOP is radiotherapy and 86% in patients treated with CHOP me [p=0.338]. Relapse in original site of disease was significantly higher in patients treated with CHOP alone 9% vs 6.5% in patients treated with CHOP plus radiotherapy =0.007. However, there was no statistically significant difference in systemic relapse between patients treated with CHOP alone [13.9%] and patients treated with CHOP plus radiotherapy [15.2%] [p=0.866]. The adverse effects included a treatment-related deaths in patients treated with eight cycles of CHOP alone versus no treatment-related deaths in ients treated with CHOP plus radiotherapy [p=0.239]. Life threatening toxic effects: grade 3,4 neutropenia were recorded 20% in patients treated with CHOP plus radiotherapy versus% in patients treated with eight cycles of CHOP alone p=0.048, symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure rerecorded in two patients treated with eight cycles of IOP alone, but in no patients treated with CHOP plus iotherapy. For subgroups identified using the Miller modification of the International prognostic Index [IP1], the 5 year disease-free survival and overall survival were signifi-Itly influenced by the number of risk factors in both treat-pt groups [CHOP alone p=0.006, p=0.043 and CHOP plus btherapy p<0.001, p=0.0/3, respectively]. Pour to six cycles of CHOP followed by involved field-radiotherapy are superior to eight cycles of CHOP alone for the treatment of localized aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients who attained complete response after CHOP plus radiotherapy had more prolonged disease-free survival and higher local control than in patients treated with CHOP alone. IPI risk group was found to be the only significant predictor of overall survival and disease-free survival in both treatment groups.

Production and evaluation of functional biscuit by using natural sources

The purpose of this study is to produce functional biscuit by using natural sources which have chemo-prevents such as sources rich in dietary fiber, specially pectin [whole meal wheat, dry powder for orange albedo layer, carrot and apple and pure pectin for citrus and apple], lsoflavone [soy isoflavon], and natural oil such as corn oil and corn oil plus 2% mint oil, lettuce or onion oil. All types of biscuits were evaluated chemically, organolyptically, microbiologically and economically. The current study showed that orange albedo layer biscuit was the lowest value in both of fat and energy and was the highest value in crude fiber compared with corn oil biscuit [control] and other types of biscuit. Energy value from biscuits ranged from 453.85 - 461.13 K.cal. Citrus pectin biscuit and apple pectin biscuit were the best in sensory evaluation, corn oil biscuit; whole meal biscuit, carrot biscuit and orange albedo layer biscuit were the lowest in economic cost. And the total microbial count, peroxide value and characteristics of taste and odor for the different kinds of biscuit samples were considerable in limit permitted and safe in food after 12 months of storage in polyethylene bags at 25 C[degree]

Effect of ascorbic acid on aflatoxin B[1] induced chronic hepatotoxicity: an experimental study

This study was done to evaluate the effect of chronic Aflatoxin B[1] [AFB[1]] administration on the liver of albino rats and to investigate the role of ascorbic acid as a protective agent. It was carried out on 90 male adult albino rats weighing 150-200 gms and divided into 6 numerically equal groups each group consists of 15 rats. First group [-ve control group] untreated animals, second group received olive oil, third group received ascorbic acid, fourth group received distilled water. Both second, third and fourth groups were served as +ve controls. Fifth group received AFB[1] and sixth group received ascobic acid prior to AFBJ. After 12 weeks of treatment all animals were sacrified and blood was collected to investigate the liver functions [ALT, AST, serum billirubin and alkaline phosphatase]. Liver sections of different groups were examined histopathologicaly using light microscope. The results revealed that the levels of liver functions in AFB[1] group were significantly higher than the control groups. In rats which received ascorbic acid prior to AFB[1], the levels of liver functions were significantly reduced to more or less the levels of the control groups. Light microscopic examination of the control groups demonstrated the normal hepatic structure. Histopathological examination of liver specimens of AFB[1] treated rats group showed vacular degeneration, focal necrosis, fatty changes, kupffer cell hyperplasia and portal infiltration and these harmful effects were reduced in rats group treated by ascorbic acid prior to the administration of AFB[1]. In conclusion this work showed that liver damage of rats treated with AFB[1] is associated with biochemical elevation of liver functions and confirmed by histopathological changes. Ascorbic acid can be considered as a potential antidote against the harmful effect of AFB[1] on liver

Comparative study between multihole and conventional fine-needle aspiration cytology of head and neck masses as regard diagnostic efficacy and cost effectiveness

This research demonstrated a randomized study comparing diagnoses obtained using both types of needles in FNA biopsies of head and neck masses to determine whether the specimen from fine-needle aspiration [FNA] biopsy of head and neck masses has greater diagnostic accuracy when using multihole needles, rather than using the conventional needles. Eighty-eight [88] patients had [91] FNA biopsies with both multihole and single-hole, 22-gauge needles. Biopsies were randomized and were unknown to the cytopathologist. No statistically significant differences were noted in quantity of specimen material obtained quality of fixation. There was a great difference and diagnostic value between the multihole and the conventional fine needle. It was found that the multihole needle in FNA biopsy of head and neck masses provide more advantages in such masses, but with a greater cost than the conventional needles

Morphology and structural changes responsible for the chronicity of rhino-scleroma

This study aimed to identify the structural changes of the proliferative phase of rhinoscleroma which could be responsible for the chronicity of the disease. Samples of friable tissue taken from the nasal mucosa of nine untreated patients were processed for light and ultrastructural microscopy. The majority of changes contributing to the chronicity of the disease occurred in the subepithelium and followed a three closely related events. [1]: Infiltrative; sub-epithelial invasion by the Klebsiella was followed by its active multiplication and proliferation of capillaries, [2]: Neutrophilic; a large numbers of neutrophils were delivered into this space. The neutrophils actively phagocytized the Kiebsielia but appeared to die at an accelerated rate without completing digestion of the micro-organisms, and [3]: Histiocytic event the histiocytes entered the subepithelium and engaged in unrestrained phagoaytosis of decaying neutrophils, the Klebsiella, and debris. During this process, the histiocytes, phagosomes underwent massive dilation, thus becoming the Mikulicz cells. Mikulicz cells were unable to consistently destroy the Kiebsiella and eventually ruptured, releasing them into the interstitium. Evidence was found that an autophagic process might contribute to phagosome distention and to the rupture of the vacuolar membranes and cell wall. In conclusion, severaic critical changes responsible for the chronicity of rhinoscleroma occur during the proliferative phase of the disease. The majority of these changes take place in the subepithelium and include: [1] Factors leading to the transformation of histiocytes into Mikulicz cells, [2] The inability of these cells to consistently destroy the Klebsiella, [3] Their rupture releasing viable Klebsiella, and the intrinsic resistance of the pathogen

Nutrients requirements for Trichoderma reesei and Sclerotium cepivorum as effective factors on value adding wastes

The Trichoderma reesei and Sclerotium cepivorum requirements for cellulases production from beet pulp and olive cake were investigated with respect to their affinity to cellulases activities. The appreciated nutrients were [NH4]2 So4 [1.6 g/l] KH2 P04 [4.0 g/l], Ca CL2 [0.4 g/l], Mg So4 [0.6 g/l], and Tween 80 [2.0 g/l] for T. reesei. However, these concentrations, in the same order, were 1.4, 3.0, 0.3, 0.3, and 2.0 g/l for S. cepivorum with substitution of [NH4]2SO4 by NH4 H2 PO4. Vitamin B mixture seemed to be more suitable for T. reesei, whereas, sodium acetate was the best for S. cepivorum. Addition of 5.0% filter paper in the presence of 2.0% beet pulp resulted in the highest values of cellulase enzymes production and activities for both organisms

Cellulases production from wastes under different conditions

The optimal conditions were tested to achieve the highest enzymes production by fermentation. Beet pulp and olive cake, some of the predominant waste materials in Egypt, were checked as base media with respect to cellulases production. The maximum enzyme activities of cellulases produced by Trichoderma reesei and Sclerotium cepivorum were estimated to verify the optimal conditions. The optimal conditions were, 12 day of incubation period, 30 degree C as optimum temperature, 5.0 as pH value and 4% as inoculum size, for T. reesei. The corresponding values for S. cepivorum were 16 days, 21 degree C, 4.5 and 2%. The optimum shaking rate for T. reesei was 200 rpm

Tin Chloride pretreatment prevents potassium dichromate induced nephrotoxicity and Ischemic acute renal injury in rats

This study was done to investigate whether tin chloride [Sncl[2]] pretreatment ameliorates renal injury in rats with toxic or ischaemia acute renal failure [ARF]. It was carried out on 100 adult male albino rats weighing 180-220 gm. Rats were divided into 5 numerically equal groups [each contains 20 animals]. Control group [received physiological saline] group pretreated with physiological saline before single subcutaneous[S.C.] injection of potassium dichromate [K[2]Cr[2]O[7] in a dose of 25 mg/kg, group treated with Sncl[2][10 mg/100 g BW, subcutaneously] 12 hours before K[2]Cr[2]O[7] and group subjected to renal ischaemia. The group of renal ischaemia were subdivided into 2 groups: pretreatment with the same volume of physiological saline 24 hrs before ischaemia and pretreatment with Sncl[2] [10 mg/100g Bw, subcutaneously] 24 hrs before ischaemia,. After the desired period of treatment, animals were killed at different intervals of time. Blood was collected to investigate the renal functions [bloo urea nitrogen and serum creatinine], and kidneys wer examined histopathologically. The results revealed that, K2Cr2O7 and renal ischaemia markedly increased renal functions. Histological sections of ARF treated rats revealed an extensive tubular cell necrosis. Tin chloride pretreatment which specifically induced renal heme oxygenase activity in the rat ameliorated the toxic and ischaemia renal i njury as judged by the significant decrease in serum creatinine and blood urea concentrations and the lesser tubular cell injuries

Determinants of life style patterns among patients with arterial hypertension

The aim of the study was conducted to identify lifestyle patterns among hypertensive patients was carried out in the medical wards and Outpatients Clinic of Assiut University Hospital to select a sample of 120 adult hypertensive patients. The study data was gathered by a specially designed interview schedule, which was developed based on HPLP. The interview was covering six areas of lifestyle patterns. The areas were self-actualization, interpersonal support, stress management, exercises, nutrition and health responsibility. The main finding of this study showed that 60% of patients are males and 40% are females, 43% aged from 30 to 50 years old 54% of patient married and low educational level. As regards of occupation, 36% of them were technical workers and 62.5% of patients were living in rural areas. There is a significant different between physical activity and occupation also between physical activity and residence

Some pharmacological studies of ropivacaine in comparison with bupivacaine

The effect of ropivacaine as a recent amino-amide local anaesthetic compared with bupivacaine on analgesic activities, cardiac contractility, blood pressure, heart rate, Electrocardiogram [ECG] and toxicity was studied. The result of our study revealed that ropivacaine Exhibited a less degree of analgesic potency than bupivacain, it increase the reaction time by 20.6 and up to 167.6% while bupivacaine increased it by 37.32 up to 197.1%. On isolated rabbits heart, ropivacaine and bupivacaine induced a significant dose dependent -ve inotropic effect. The cardiodepressant action of ropivacaine was lesser than that of bupivacaine. IV injection of ropivacaine [0.35-2.8mg/kg] produced slight increase in arterial blood pressure but in the last dose produce decrease in arterial blood pressure. Bupivacaine 0.5-1mg/kg produce no significant change in arterial blood pressure but in the subsequent doses it produces hypotension up to death, this hypotension may be the beginning effect of high toxic blood level of the drug. Ropivacaine showed no alterations in ECG apart from significant decrease in heart rate only in high doses, but on the other hand bradycardia started earlier with bupivacaine [1mg/kg] and ECG changes were seen after 5 minutes from injecting 2mg/kg which ended by cardiac arrest. In respect to toxicity, intra peritoneal LD50 of ropivacaine was found to be 115mg/kg compared to 90mg/kg of bupivacaine. We concluded that ropivacaine nearly resembles bupivacaine in its local analgesic effect but has a great margin of safety with less cardiodepressant action