Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Anticancer Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Grown in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia / Cribado Fitoquímico y Actividad Anticancerígena in vitro de Algunas Plantas Medicinales Cultivadas en el Reino de Arabia Saudita

SUMMARY: This study evaluated the phytochemical screening, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro anticancer activities of four plants namely, Gypsophila capillaris, Anabasis lachnantha, Haloxylon salicornicum, and Horwoodia dicksoniae which belong to four different families: Caryophyllaceae, Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Brassicaceae, respectively. The total phenolics, anthocyanins, saponins, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and DPPH assays were determined by spectrophotometer. In vitro anticancer activity was assessed using two human cancer cell lines; hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) to estimate the inhibition concentration 50 % (IC50). The results showed that H. dicksoniae has the highest concentrations of phenolics and saponins, while H. salicornicum has the highest DPPH. The highest concentration of TAC was found in G. capillaries. Among the tested extracts, G. capillaries and H. salicornicum have the potential activity against MCF-7 and HepG-2 cell lines in vitro. The content of polyphenols in G. capillaries was profiled by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The highest concentration among the phenolic compounds was chlorogenic (60.8 µg/ml) while the highest concentration among the flavonoid compounds was hesperidin (1444.92 µg/ml). In summary, G. capillaries and H. salicornicum extracts have potent anticancer activity against HepG-2 and MCF-7 cell lines.

Este estudio evaluó la detección fitoquímica, la capacidad antioxidante y las actividades anticancerígenas in vitro de cuatro plantas, Gypsophila capillaris, Anabasis lachnantha, Haloxylon salicornicum y Horwoodia dicksoniae, que pertenecen a cuatro familias diferentes: Caryophyllaceae, Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae y Brassicaceae, respectivamente. Los ensayos de fenólicos totales, antocianinas, saponinas, capacidad antioxidante total (TAC) y DPPH se determinaron mediante espectrofotómetro. La actividad anticancerígena in vitro se evaluó utilizando dos líneas celulares de cáncer humano; carcinoma hepatocelular (HepG-2) y adenocarcinoma de mama (MCF- 7) para estimar la concentración de inhibición del 50 % (IC50). Los resultados indicaron que H. dicksoniae tiene las concentraciones más altas de fenólicos y saponinas, mientras que H. salicornicum tiene el DPPH más alto. La mayor concentración de TAC se encontró en G. capillaries. Entre los extractos probados, G. capillaries y H. salicornicum tienen actividad potencial contra líneas celulares MCF-7 y HepG-2 in vitro. El contenido de polifenoles en G. capillaries se perfiló mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). La concentración más alta entre los compuestos fenólicos fue clorogénica (60,8 µg/ml), mientras que la concentración más alta entre los compuestos flavonoides fue la hesperidina (1444,92 µg/ml). En resumen, los extractos de Gypsophila capillaris y H. salicornicum tienen una potente actividad anticancerígena contra las líneas celulares HepG-2 y MCF-7.

Prescribing patterns of antidiabetic drugs and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients visiting tertiary care hospital based in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern with elevated blood glucose levels and insulin dysfunction. Our study analyzed antidiabetic drug prescriptions and their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with or without comorbidities. We aimed to gain insights into prescribing practices and efficacy in diverse patient populations. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at The Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, over a three-month period. It analysed prescriptions of anti-diabetic drugs for male and female patients aged 18 years and above with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patient data, including prescribed drugs, diabetes duration, co-morbid conditions, and HbA1c levels, were reviewed using the hospital's Health Information Management System (HIMS). Results: Data from 552 diabetic patients were analysed. The mean age of participants with type-2 DM was 58 years, with 53.3% males and 46.7% females. 25.2% had diabetes for 5-10 years. Good glycaemic control was achieved by 48.7% of patients. Metformin (83.9%), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4) inhibitors (61.1%), and sodium-glucose transport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) inhibitors (54.0%) were the most prescribed medications. Three-drug combinations were predominant (41.5%). Conclusions: Metformin was the most prescribed monotherapy for T2DM, followed by DPP4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors. Common combinations included DPP4 inhibitors with metformin, three-drug combinations with metformin, DPP4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors, and four-drug combinations with metformin, DPP4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and sulfonylurea. DPP4 inhibitors were commonly used after metformin due to availability and cost-effectiveness. Glucagon-like peptide-1 inhibitors (GLP-1) analogs were less commonly prescribed due to cost, patient preference, and concerns about side effects.

The role of the initial modality in the investigation of thyroid lesions

Background: Partial or complete thyroidectomies are frequently encountered via the working towards pathologist and the opportunity of neoplastic disease is of principal problem in patients with thyroid nodules. Pathological comparison of these specimens ranged from non-neoplastic lesion to exceedingly aggressive malignancy. The aim of this study is to assess the role of the initial modality in the investigation of thyroid lesions. Methods: This is an observational study. The study used to be carried out in the admitted patient’s department of histopathology, National institute of ear, nose and throat, Dhaka. Bangladesh. In Bangladesh for the duration of the period from June 2021 to May 2022. Results: This study shows that according to 301 patients where, most of the patients in initial modality in the investigation of thyroid lesions 95 (31.56%) were 40 to 49 years and the minimum sex distribution of study 105 (34.88%) belongs to males. Non-neoplastic of goiter were 194 (64.45%), benign cyst was 43 (14.29%), DeQuervains (Subacute) thyroiditis 11 (3.65%), Lymphocytic thyroiditis were 8 (2.65%) and hashimoto thyroiditis were 3 (1.0%). And acfemalesg to neoplastic of papillary carcinoma were 30 (9.97%), Follicular neoplasm were 9 (2.99%) and Anaplastic carcinoma were 3 (1.0%). Conclusions: Thyroid lesions are more common in female. The majority of the thyroid nodules are either non-neoplastic or benign neoplasm. Thyroid lesions present a dependable analysis and is an incredible first line technique for investigating the nature of lesion.

Validity, Reliability and Responsiveness of the Malay Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (M-SPADI) for Patients with Shoulder Pain

@#Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Malay Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (M-SPADI) in Malay speakers suffering from shoulder pain. Materials and methods: The M-SPADI, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and measurements of shoulder active range of motion (AROM) were completed by 140 patients with shoulder pain (68 with rotator cuff pathology and 72 with other shoulder pathology). Thirty-four patients were retested for test-retest reliability with M-SPADI after an average of 9.2 days. M-SPADI was performed on twenty-one individuals three months after completing treatment for rotator cuff disorders to assess response. Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis revealed a bidimensional structure for M-SPADI. M-SPADI disability score was significantly greater in patients with rotator cuff pathologies (median = 31.87, IQR 82.50) than in patients with other shoulder pathologies (median = 20.00, IQR 23.84). In multi-group factor analysis, measurement invariance revealed no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between M-SPADI and NRS (Pain = 0.86, Disability = 0.75, Total = 0.82, p=0.005), and a significant negative correlation between M-SPADI and shoulder AROM (Pain = -0.34 to -0.67, Disability =-0.44 to -0.73, Total =- 0.43 to -0.72, p=0.005). M-SPADI had a high degree of internal consistency (Cronbach's 0.92 for pain and 0.95 for disability). Test-retest reliability was moderate to excellent (ICC Pain = 0.84, ICC Disability = 0.78, ICC Total = 0.81, p=0.001), and the smallest detectable change ranges (Pain = 8.74, Disability = 3.21, Total = 3.83) were less than the minimal detectable change ranges (Pain = 21.57, Disability = 6.82, Total = 8.79). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for M-SPADI was greater than 0.90 (Pain = 0.99, Disability = 0.94, Total = 0.96). Conclusion: The M-SPADI has established construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness. The M-SPADI is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating shoulder pain among Malayspeaking individuals. In addition, the M-SPADI disability subscale may be useful for monitoring functional score changes in patients with rotator cuff pathology.

Validity and Reliability of the Malay Version of the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI-M) Questionnaire among Malaysian University Athletes

@#Introduction: This study was designed to produce a validated and reliable Malay version of the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI-M) questionnaire. Materials and method: The cross-cultural adaptation was conducted based on standard guidelines to produce the Malay version of the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI-M) questionnaire. The reliability and validity testing were then performed among one hundred and twenty-three physically active University of Malaya students. Among them, twenty-two students also participated in the second return of the questionnaire over a two-week interval, which was then evaluated for test-retest reliability testing. Results: The content validity for item-level (I-CVI) and Kappa values for all items were more than 0.7, respectively and the all scales-level (S-CVI) values were 0.983 (consistency), 0.967 (representativeness), 1.00 (relevance) and 0.983 (clarity). The questionnaire also demonstrated excellent reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1) above 0.850 for all items. It was observed that outer loading of most items were more than the minimum acceptable value (0.7). Fornell-Larcker criterion demonstrate all values for each reflective construct was larger than the correlations with other constructs, indicating discriminant. The cross-loading values of each item has shown a weak correlation with all other constructs, except for the one to which it was theoretically associated. Conclusions: The Malay version of the IdFAI (IdFAI-M) is a reliable and valid instrument that can be readily utilised to subjectively assess ankle instability.

Incidence of Football and Futsal Injuries Among Youth in Malaysian Games 2018

@#Introduction: Football and futsal were the main sports in the Malaysian Games. However, they were associated with a risk of injury. The purpose of the study was to analyse the incidence, circumstances, and characteristics of football and futsal injuries during the Malaysian Games of 2018. Materials and method: During the tournament, 14 teams participated in men's football, 12 teams in men's futsal and 11 teams in women's futsal. The biannual event involved athletes aged under 21 years. A medical report form used by FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-Marc), was provided to the physiotherapists and team doctors of all the teams to report all injuries after each match. Results: The response rate was 84.62% in football and 59.76% in futsal. A total of 48 injuries were reported from 26 football matches, equivalent to 64.64 injuries per 1000 match hours (95%CI 46.35 to 82.93). In futsal, a total of 48 injuries from 41 matches were reported, equivalent to 292.42 injuries per 1000 match hours (95% CI 209.7 to 375.14). The rate of injury in women futsal players was higher compared to men: 358.21 versus 247.04 injuries per 1000 match hours (p=0.224). Futsal recorded higher injuries per 1000 match hours than football (p<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of severe injury in futsal and football recorded in the study as compared to previous studies gave rise to serious concerns. Hence, there was an urgent need to pay more attention to injury prevention strategies.

Criminalisation of transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A potential challenge to controlling the outbreak in South Africa

In March 2020, two cases of attempted murder were opened against people who had tested positive for COVID-19 and had not remained in quarantine. Criminal law has previously been used to criminalise intentional transmission of HIV in both South Africa (SA) and other countries. However, it has been found that criminalisation laws undermine public health and measures to control outbreaks by stigmatising those infected and deterring testing. This article explores whether SA's existing HIV criminalisation laws can be applied to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and the potential effect such measures could have on efforts to control the COVID-19 epidemic

Study on physical properties of Ayurvedic nanocrystalline Tamra Bhasma by employing modern scientific tools

Background: Tamra Bhasma is derived from metallic copper that is recommended for different ailmentsof liver and spleen, dropsy, abdominal pain, heart disease, colitis, tumors, anemia, loss of appetite,tuberculosis, as well as eye problems.Objectives: The knowledge of crystallite size and active ingredients in Bhasma materials is limitedrestricting its use as nanomedicine in the modern era. Also, the 2015 Nobel prize in medicine hasmotivated many researchers towards traditional medicines. Therefore, the different chemical andphysical properties of prepared Tamra Bhasma has been studied by modern experimental tools (XRD,VSM, SEM, FTIR and PL spectrometer) and the preliminary testing of Tamra Bhasma nanoparticles wasexamined on bacteria.Materials and methods: Bhasma is prepared by metals and minerals using three step procedures e.g.Shodhana, Bhavana and Marana. In the present work, for the preparation of Tamra Bhasma, pulverizedcopper wire was used and prepared by the principle of Puta (incineration) in an Electrical Muffle Furnace(EMF).Results: X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the crystallitesize of Bhasma powder was less than 100 nm and nanocrystallites of aglomerated size in micrometer.Magnetometer measurement supports its medicinal value. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of nanocrystalline Bhasma powder was investigated in UV-NIR region and shows luminescence in visible region.The antimicrobial study of Tamra Bhasma shows effectiveness on bacteria and, may be useful to controlthe bacterial infection disease.Conclusion: Scientific data obtained using modern scientific tools and evidence would support in utilizing the ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda for the development of newer drugs as a modern nanomedicine and in other possible technological applications.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Trichoderma species diversity in rhizosphere soils and potential antagonism with Fusarium oxysporum / Diversidade de espécies de trichoderma em solos de rizosfera e potencial antagonismo com fusarium oxysporum

Neste estudo foram isoladas seis espécies de trichoderma isoladas de solos rizosféricos de arrozais, bananeiras, dendezeiros, seringueiras, hortaliças e pastagens. As espécies são t. harzianum, t. viride, t. koningii, t. asperellum, and t. parareesei. O estudo morfológico como pigmentação, crescimento de colônias e estudos anatômicos como aparências de conidiação, tamanho de conídios, padrão de ramificação dos conidióforos, formas de phialides, ausência ou presença de clamidósporos foram realizados para identificar as espécies de trichoderma. As espécies de trichoderma harzianum foram abundantes no solo enquanto as de t. viren foram a segunda mais frequente no solo. Todas as espécies apresentaram atividade antagônica contra o fusarium oxysporum. Enquanto t. parareesei apresentou a maior atividade antagônica de 91,10% contra f.oxysporum, relatado como melhor agente antagonista para fitopatógeno.

In this study, six species of trichoderma isolated from rhizospheric soils of rice fields, banana trees, oil palm trees, rubber trees, vegetables and pastures were isolated. The species are t. harzianum, t. viride, t. koningii, t. asperellum, and t. I will stop. Morphological studies such as pigmentation, colony growth and anatomical studies such as appearance of conidia, size of conidia, branching pattern of conidiophores, forms of phialides, absence or presence of chlamydospores were performed to identify the species of trichoderma. The species of trichoderma harzianum were abundant in the soil while those of t. viren were the second most frequent in the soil. All species showed antagonistic activity against fusarium oxysporum. While t. parareesei presented the greatest antagonistic activity of 91.10% against f.oxysporum, reported as the best antagonistic agent for phytopathogen.

ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MALAYSIAN COMPETITIVE POWERLIFTERS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

@#Background: Studies on the anthropometric, physical and physiological characteristics among Malaysian Paralympic powerlifters are limited. This study examined the sociodemographic, clinical information and anthropometric physical parameters of Paralympic powerlifters in Malaysia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a Powerlifting Workshop and National Championship in 2016. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on powerlifters’ sociodemographic, sports participation history and medical information. All participants underwent a structured physical medical examination and anthropometric assessments. Results: Fifty-two powerlifters participated in this study. Mean age of participants was 24.50±SD8.25 year. The majority of the participants were men (82.7%) and most had spinal cord injury (34.6%) or amputation of the lower limb (26.9%). Most of the powerlifters competed at district and state level championships and 42.3% had represented Malaysia at international competitions. Women powerlifters had a significantly higher amount of body fat compared to men (35.61% vs 19.80%; p=0.003). Male power-lifters had significantly longer arm and forearm length (30.10±IQR3.00 cm vs 23.00±IQR2.13 cm; p=0.020). A significantly positive relationship was found between age, experience, weight, BMI, LBM, arm circumferences (relaxed and tensed) and the powerlifter’s best lift. Age, experience, body weight, BMI, lean body mass, body fat, hip circumference and arm circumferences (relaxed and tensed) met the criteria for inclusion in a multivariate model. Years of experience and non-dominant arm circumference (tensed) were significant predictors of best lifts among powerlifters. Conclusion: In conclusion, assessment of anthropometric measures could be useful in monitoring athletes’ progress with training and have a role in the talent identification program for Paralympic powerlifters

Association of Serum Uric Acid with Preeclampsia: A Case Control Study.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is still one of the important causes of maternal and fetal mortality in Bangladesh. Many researches have been done to identify a unique screening test that would predict the risk of developing PE before the classic symptoms appear. One of the most accessible and easiest screening tests is serum uric acid measurement. Numerous studies have demonstrated a relation between elevated maternal serum uric acid levels and adverse maternal and fetal outcome. Among several pathophysiologic factors the most commonly accepted explanation for hyperuricemia in PE is increased reabsorption and decreased excretion of uric acid. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the association of serum uric acid with preeclampsia. Materials and method: A case control study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2010 to June 2011. A total number of 100 pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy attending in Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital were selected purposively as study subjects. Among them 50 pregnant women with preeclampsia were selected as cases and 50 normal healthy pregnant women as controls. Results: Most of the study subjects were within 21 – 30 years of age group and mean age in case and control was 24.06±3.71 and 24.66±3.22 years respectively, which was not statistically different. Mean gestational age in case and control was 33.50±2.55 weeks and 33.60±2.95 weeks respectively, which was also not statistically different. Among the study subjects majority was primi in both groups (case 76%, contol 58%) showing no statistical significance. Majority of the subjects in both groups were irregular in their antenatal checkup (case 52%, contol 40%). Uric acid concentration was measured in all the study subjects. The mean serum uric acid concentration in cases and controls were 7.01±1.90 mg/dl and 4.55±1.63 mg/dl respectively. This difference was highly significant in statistical point of view. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is associated with preeclampsia.

Pneumococcusuria: From bench to bedside.

The present study highlights six cases of pneumococcusuria during the time period of May 2008 to May 2010. All the patients had a co-existing predisposing factor with the isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in urine. Five of the six patients having signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI) were treated and cured of the same. It becomes essential to consider pneumococcal UTI in the presence of clinical signs and symptoms associated with urinary tract abnormalities like hydronephrosis and renal stones. S. pneumoniae may be regarded as an emerging pathogen in UTI. Precise microbiological diagnosis must correlate with the clinical signs and symptoms for the administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Iron Status in Pre-Eclampsia: A Case-Comparison Study.

Preeclampsia is one of the most leading causes of maternal mortality in developing countries. Many studies have demonstrated the relation between alteration of iron status and preeclampsia. The aim of the study was to assess the status of iron in preeclampsia. This case control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2010 to June 2011. A total number of 100 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy attending the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital were selected purposively as study subjects. Among them 50 diagnosed cases of preeclampsia were selected as cases and 50 normal healthy pregnant women as controls. Serum ferritin and serum iron concentration were measured in all study subjects. The mean serum ferritin concentration in cases and controls were 95.06±50.07 μg/l and 45.56±27.44 μg/l respectively. Mean serum iron concentration in cases was 121.78±41.93 μg/dl and that in controls was 61.04±24.18 μg/dl. The present study showed significant differences of mean serum ferritin and serum iron between cases and controls. The study revealed presence of significantly higher level of serum ferritin and serum iron in preeclamptic group.

Studies on seed germination and growth in weed species of rice field under salinity stress.

An investigation was made to see the salt tolerance of 10 weed species of rice. Properly dried and treated seeds of weed species were placed on 9 cm diameter petridishes lined with Whatman No. 1 filter paper under 6 salinity regimes, viz. 0 (control), 4, 8, 16, 24 and 32 dS m-1. The petri dishes were then kept in germinator at 25±1.0oC and 12 hr light. The number of germinated seeds were recorded daily. The final germination percentage, germination index (GI), seedling vigour index, mean germination time and time for 50% germination were estimated. Root and shoot lengths of the weed seedlings were measured at 20 days after salt application and relative growth values were calculated. Results revealed that salinity decreased final germination percentage, seed of germination as measured by GI, and shoot and root length in all the species. Germination of most of the weed seeds was completely arrested (0) at 32 dS m-1 salinity except in E. colona (12%) and C. iria (13.9%). The species C. iria, E. colona, J. linifolia and E. crusgalli showed better germination (above 30%) upto 24 dS m-1 salinity level and were regarded as salt-tolerant weed species. J. linifolia, F. miliacea, L. chinensis and O. sativa L. (weedy rice) were graded as moderately tolerant and S. zeylanica, S. grosus and C. difformis were regarded as least tolerant weed species.

Effect of dexmedetomidine added to spinal bupivacaine for urological procedures

To determine the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine for neuraxial anesthesia. Sixty-six patients were studied between April and May 2008 in the University of Jordan, Amman Jordan. They were randomly assigned into 3 groups, each receiving spinal bupivacaine 12.5mg combined with normal saline [group N] Dexmedetomidine 5ug [group D5], or dexmedetomidine 10ug [group D10]. The onset times to reach T10 sensory and Bromage 3 motor block, and the regression times to reach S1 sensory level and Bromage 0 motor scale, were recorded. The mean time of sensory block to reach the T10 dermatome was 4.7 +/- 2.0 minutes in D10 group, 6.3 +/- 2.7 minutes in D5, and 9.5 +/- 3.0 minutes in group N. The mean time to reach Bromage 3 scale was 10.4 +/- 3.4 minutes in group D10, 13.0 +/- 3.4 minutes in D5, and 18.0 +/- 3.3 minutes in group N. The regression time to reach S1 dermatome was 338.9 +/- 44.8 minutes in group D10, 277.1 +/- 23.2 minutes in D5, and 165.5 +/- 32.9 minutes in group N. The regression to Bromage 0 was 302.9 +/- 36.7 minutes in D10, 246.4 +/- 25.7 minutes in D5, and 140.1 +/- 32.3 minutes in group N. Onset and regression of sensory and motor block were highly significant [N vesus D5, N versus D10, and D5 versus D10, p<0.001]. Dexmedetomidine has a dose dependant effect on the onset and regression of sensory and motor block when used as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia

Surgical management of tuberculum sellae meningioma in a pregnant lady: Case report

Meningioma has an accelerated growth during pregnancy; this may become symptomatic, which may necessitate surgical treatment. We describe a 33 year old female pregnant patient who presented with deterioration in vision of the left eye during her 28[th] week of gestation, treated surgically with uneventful recovery. Vision should be saved anytime during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester when the surgery is relatively safe for both the mother and the fetus

Study the effect of B - blocker eye drops on pulmonary function tests in old patients with chronic simple glaucoma

Forty-four patients with chronic simple glaucoma and 20 normal controls were included in this study. All subjects were above 60 years of age; they were without a history of airways diseases or radiological pulmonary diseases. Also, all were nonsmokers and had no systemic diseases that may affect the pulmonary functions as diabetes mellitus, heart failure or renal failure. All cases were subjected to pulmonary function tests, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 and PEFR. Then, patients with glaucoma were classified into two groups. Moreover, 20 subjects were included as a control group. At the end of the 6th month, pulmonary function tests were done to determine FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 and PEFR. The study concluded that no selective B-blocker eye drops in old patients may impair respiratory function, even if they have no history of reversible airway disease; so, using relatively selective B-blocker eye drops reduces the risk of respiratory impairment and heart failure. So, the study recommended to perform simple pulmonary function tests in elderly patients with chronic simple glaucoma to get knowledge about their baseline pulmonary function before giving B-blocker eye drops

Hair count and thickness reduction in laser-assisted hair removal

Currently the medical field is experiencing a sizable increase in laser hair removal technology. Ruby and alexandrite have proved to be important tools in that field. The aim of this paper is to objectively evaluate the results of hair removal by both lasers in darker skin types [III and IV]. This study included sixteen patients treated in the period from August 2000 to March 2001 Hair count was recorded by a graduated grid; while thickness was evaluated by comparing the hair shaft with standard suture materials. Numerical data concerning both the number and the thickness were obtained before and after each session. Excluding the side effects, both lasers were found efficacious in reducing hair count and thickness in skin types III and IV. And numerical data about the anticipated results could be offered to future patients during the initial consultation