Dexmedetomidine during suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block for pediatric cleft palate repair, randomized double-blind controlled study

Background@#For children with cleft palates, surgeries at a young age are necessary to reduce feeding or phonation difficulties and reduce complications, especially respiratory tract infections and frequent sinusitis. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine might prolong the postoperative analgesic duration when added to bupivacaine during nerve blocks. @*Methods@#Eighty patients of 1-5 years old were arbitrarily assigned to two equal groups (forty patients each) to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks. Group A received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%; maximum volume 4 mL/side). Group B received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%) + 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (maximum volume 4 mL/side). @*Results@#The modified children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale score was significantly lower in group B children after 8 hours of follow-up postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean values of heart rate and blood pressure were significantly different between the groups, with lower mean values in group B (P < 0.001). Median time to the first analgesic demand in group A children was 10 hours (range 8-12 hr), and no patients needed analgesia in group B. The sedation score assessment was higher in children given dexmedetomidine (P = 0.03) during the first postoperative 30 minutes. Better parent satisfaction scores (5-point Likert scale) were recorded in group B and without serious adverse effects. @*Conclusions@#Addition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.125% has accentuated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair with less postoperative supplemental analgesia or untoward effects.

Enumeration and characterization of Aeromonas spp. isolated from milk and some dairy products in Sharkia governorate Egypt

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of Aeromonas spp. in 75 random samples [25 each of raw cow's milk, local plain yoghurt and Domiati cheese] collected from different dairy shops, supermarket and street peddlers in Diarb Negm and Zagazig cities Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Investigations involved proteolytic and lipolytic activities of isolated Aeromonas spp. and the effect of heat- treatment, acidity, pH and Sodium chloride concentration on prevalence of Aeromonas bacteria. Prevalence of Aeromonas spp. was proved in 32, 44 and 20.0% of examined raw cow's milk, local plain yoghurt and Domiati cheese samples with mean count of 9.8 x10[3], 1.4 x10[5] and 6.9 x10[3]/ml, respectively. Identification of confirmed raw cow's milk isolates revealed that A. trota, A. hydrophila, A. janda and A. caviae were the predominant strains with percentages of 40, 25, 25 and 10.0% respectively. While local plain yoghurt isolates could be identified as A. caviae, A. sobria, A. hydrophila, A. trota and A. schubertii with percentages of 36.4, 22.7, 18.2, 13.6 and 9.1% respectively. Meanwhile identification of 10 confirmed Domiati cheese cultures revealed that the predominant strains were A. hydrophila, A. caviae and A. trota with percentages of 30, 50 and 20% respectively. All laboratory pasteurized milk samples revealed no count and there is marked decrease in the count of Aeromonas spp. as the acidity% of the examined raw cow's milk samples increase. While the count decrease when the pH value of the examined local plain yoghurt samples decrease and the NaCl% of the examined Domiati cheese samples increase. Characterization of isolated Aeromonas strains pointed that 50% of A. hydrophila, 60% of A. caviae, 40% of A. sobria, 53.8% of A. Trota, 100% of A. janda and 50% of A. schubertii were psychrotrophic. A. hydrophila exhibited proteolytic and lipolytic activities at the percentage of 41.7 and 16.7% respectively but in case of A. caviae strains the percentages were 46.7% and 20% respectively and with A. trota were 30.8 and 15.4% respectively. 60% of A. sobria and 100% of A. janda and A. schubertii strains showed proteolytic activity only. The public health importance and economic significance of existing microorganisms as well as the suggestive measures for improving the quality of raw milk and dairy products were discussed

Response: Subclinical Hypothyroidism Is Independently Associated with Microalbuminuria in a Cohort of Prediabetic Egyptian Adults (Diabetes Metab J 2013;37:450-7)

No abstract available.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism Is Independently Associated with Microalbuminuria in a Cohort of Prediabetic Egyptian Adults

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has suggested an association between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, whether SCH is related to microalbuminuria among subjects with prediabetes has not been studied. Thus, we evaluated the association between SCH and microalbuminuria in a cohort of prediabetic Egyptian adults. METHODS: A total of 147 prediabetic subjects and 150 healthy controls matched for age and sex were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric measurements, plasma glucose, lipid profile, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, triiodothyronine levels, and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of SCH and microalbuminuria in the prediabetic subjects was higher than that in the healthy controls (16.3% vs. 4%, P<0.001; and 12.9% vs. 5.3%, P=0.02, respectively). Prediabetic subjects with SCH were characterized by significantly higher HOMA-IR, TSH levels, UACR, and prevalence of microalbuminuria than those with euthyroidism. TSH level was associated with total cholesterol (P=0.05), fasting insulin (P=0.01), HOMA-IR (P=0.01), and UACR (P=0.005). UACR was associated with waist circumference (P=0.01), fasting insulin (P=0.05), and HOMA-IR (P=0.02). With multiple logistic regression analysis, SCH was associated with microalbuminuria independent of confounding variables (beta=2.59; P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that prediabetic subjects with SCH demonstrate higher prevalence of microalbuminuria than their non-SCH counterparts. SCH is also independently associated with microalbuminuria in prediabetic subjects. Screening and treatment for SCH may be warranted in those patients.

Pleurodesis using different agents in malignant pleural effusion

Malignant pleural effusions [MPE] are characterized by rapid reaccumulation, after tapping, and many symptoms related. Pleurodesis, for the management of MPE, is intended to achieve symphysis between parietal and visceral pleura, and to prevent relapse of pleural effusion. Many chemical agents are tried to induce abrasion and damage of the pleural mesothelial layer to achieve this symphysis. The aim of this study is to compare the results of medical pleurodesis, using 4 different chemical agents in these cases, to reach an efficient one with minimal complications. Between July 2010 and July 2012, 40 patients with MPE, divided into 4 groups, underwent medical pleurodesis using 4 chemical agents in comparison: bleomycin, doxycycline, povidone iodine and 5-fluorouracil. Immediately and for 3 months after the procedure, the results of pleurodesis were assessed and the final reported success rates were 70% for bleomycin, 80% for doxycycline and 80% for povidone iodine, while 5 fluorouracil had the lowest success rate [50%] [P-value < 0.05]. Bleomycin, doxycycline and povidone iodine are nearly equally effective and safe pleurodetic agents when used in the optimal dose, while 5-fluorouracil had a much higher failure rate. Although povidone iodine and doxycycline are as effective and safe as bleomycin, they are cheaper alternatives and more available chemical agents for pleurodesis in cases with MPE

Serum interleukin-18: does it have a role in the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus related hepatocellular carcinoma?

Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is the only hope for cure. Although the role of alpha foetoprotein [AFP] in the diagnosis of advanced HCC is well recognised, at least one-third of cases will be missed unless another diagnostic tool is used. Increased levels of circulating interleukin-18 [IL-18] have been observed in patients with several cancer types and were described in patients with chronic hepatitis. The aim of this study is to assess the role of serum IL-18 level in the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus [HCV]-related HCC. A total of 75 subjects categorised into four groups, including 25 patients with HCV-related HCC and AFP above 200 ng/ml, 25 patients with HCV-related HCC and AFP below 200 ng/ml, 15 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and 10 healthy controls, were enrolled. HCC was diagnosed according to guidelines of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. AFP and IL-18 were assessed in all subjects. AFP and IL-18 levels are significantly higher in patients with HCC than in disease control and healthy control subjects. IL-18 level is not correlating with the size or the number of hepatic focal lesions neither with the presence of lymphovascular invasion or abdominal lymphadenopathy. The best cut-off value of IL-18 for the diagnosis of HCC is 500 pg/ml with 84% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.675. Serum IL-18 level is a suitable marker for the diagnosis of HCV-related HCC complementary to AFP, especially in cases with AFP level less than the diagnostic value

Role of HFE gene mutations on developing iron overload in beta thalassaemia carriers in Egypt

A case-control study aimed to determine the prevalence of C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations of the HFE gene in beta thalassaemia carriers and investigate their influence on iron absorption. A total of 41 beta-thalassaemia carriers and 40 control subjects without haemoglobinopathies were screened for the C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism. The iron status in these subjects was studied and correlated with the HFE gene mutations. H63D, S65C and C282Y allele frequencies were 30.5%, 13.4% and 7.3% respectively in [3-thalassaemia carriers and 10.0%, 2.5% and 0.0% respectively in the control group. Compound heterozygosis was found in 10 carriers [24.4%]. The transferrin saturation level was high in compound heterozygote cases. Our study has shown that the HFE gene mutations are common in Egypt among beta-thalassaemia carriers compared with normal controls

effect of aminophylline versus milrinone on ischemia-reperfusion myocardial injury during open heart surgery

Cardioplegic arrest during cardiopulmonary bypass [CPB] is essential for the majority of cardiac surgical procedures; Cardioplegia protects the myocardium by providing continuous or intermittent oxygen while simultaneously reducing cardiomyocyte oxygen demand, but it does not inherently increase the ischemic-reperfusion injury tolerance of the cardiomyocytes. Aminophylline and milrinone by their phosphodiesterase inhibitor and anti-inflammatory activity may decrease this type of injury. This study has been designed to compare between the protective effect of aminophylline and milrinone over the heart during open heart surgery for valve replacement with CPB. Sixty adult patients undergoing elective single valve replacement were randomized to receive aminophylline 5 mg/kg [n=20], milrinone 50 microg/kg [n=20], or normal saline as control group [n=20] through intravenous infusion 10 minutes before the aortic cross-clamping. The cardiac troponin I, inotrope score, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU stay and other hemodynamic variables were measured and recorded. There were no differences between the three groups with regard to clinical variables. Cardiac troponin I raised significantly after declamping in the three groups, however it was significantly lower in aminophylline and milrinone group compared to control group immediately after CPB and after 8 hours with no significant differences between aminophylline and milrinone group, inotrope score duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay showed no significant differences between the three groups. Administration of aminophylline or milrinone reduces the subclinical myocardial injury with no difference between both agents and with no effect on the hemodynamic parameters or short term clinical outcome in patients undergoing single valve replacement with CPB

Plasma stable nitric oxide end products and endothelin-1 states in patients undergoing hemodialysis due to chronic end stage rena disease

In patients with end-stage renal disease [ESRD], it is essential to mandate an active screening for high risk factors of coronary atherosclerosis through periodical clinical examination and determination of the traditional and non traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease [CVD]. Determination of two novel biochemical atherogenic risk factors: plasma nitric oxide [NO] metabolites [nitrite: NO2 and nitrate: NO3] and endothelin-1 [ET-1] concentrations in patients with end stage renal disease who were undergoing hemodialysis. The present study population was classified into: [i] A healthy reference [control] group which comprised 13 clinically healthy blood donors or patients' relatives and [ii] ESRD group which comprised 19 patients with chronic end stage renal failure [ESRD] who were undergoing intermittent hemodialysis [HD] All patients and controls were subjected for determination of plasma native NO-2/NO-3 concentrations by a colorimetric assay and plasma ET-1 concentrations using an enzyme immunometric immunoassay [EIA]. Plasma total nitrites [NO-2,+NO-3], native nitrites and calculated nitrates [umol/mi] and plasma ET-l [pg/mi] levels were significantly higher in ESRD patients both before and after dialysis sessions than their corresponding levels of healthy controls. Hemodialysis sessions induced non significant increase of NO metabolites [NOx, NO2 and NO3] and ET-1 levels above the predialysis values. However, nitrate: native nitrite ratios in the HD-patients both before and after dialysis [1.7: 1 and 1.5: 1] were significantly lower than the corresponding normal ratio [3.1:1]. Plasma total nitrites comprised 21.2% native nitrites in healthy subjects. The native nitrites fraction increased to 37.0% and 40.0% of the total nitrites in ESRF patients immediately before and after HD sessions, respectively. Patients with ESRD who were undergoing hemodialysis presented significant increase of novel vasoactive CVD risk factors [NO and PT-I] when compared with the corresponding healthy reference values. Although there was a significant correlation between No meyabolites and ET-1, plasma NO metabolites concentrations did not necessarily reflect the hemodynamically active plasma NO component

Diabetic foot syndrome: a relevant growth factor

The role of different growth factors in both micro and macroangiopathic complications of diabetes had not been explored enough. One of the most relevant growth factor in diabetic foot syndrome patients [DFU] is the vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]. Some therapeutic trials has been started based on the hypothesis that administration of VEGF will lead to stimulation of angiogenesis and increased collaterals both in peripheral arterial disease [PAD] and coronary artery disease [CAD] specially in inoperable patients. To study plasma VEOF levels in diabetic patients and its relation to PAD in the different subtype of Diabetic foot ulcer whether isehemic, neuropathic or neuroischemic. Sixty nine patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited into this study; 38 had DFU and 31 patients without foot ulceration [diabetic group], together with 24 healthy subjects of matched age and sex as a control group.Ankle brachial pressure was assessed by Doppler ultrasound. The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy was based on complete neurological assessment of both lower limbs with special stress on pressure perception evaluated by using 10 gram monnfllament [5.07 SW monofilament]. Angiography examination of lower limb vessels was done. Plasma level of VEGF was estimated. Serum VEOF was significantly increased in DFIJ patients and in patients with ischemic ulcers. The increase was more pronounced in latter than the former group. The elevated plasma VEOF levels are unlikely to be explained by other confounding variables such as variability in metabolic control, concomitant retinopathy or increased urinary albumin excretion. Whether the high plasma levels of VEGF could affect clinical outcome or have an impact on response to therapy as it is the case in patients with acute coronary syndrome will definitely merit further studies

Nutritional assessment of preschool children in Sinai governorates

This study was carried out during November and December 2005 to the non-urban areas related to five main cities in Sinai. Clusters of house-holds were selected among which 517 children 2-5 years were included. To identify and estimate the magnitude of health and nutritional problems. The study comes as a first step to the lovely gained Egyptian land Sinai after the year 1982. The basic data are needed to the policy maker to implement health and nutrition strategies accordingly. The study reported that Bedouins preschoolers living in Sinai are facing many health and nutritional problems. The overall prevalence of stunting was 39.5% with more or less the same prevalence among north and south governorates. This figure reflects malnutrition over a long period. The overall prevalence of underweight was [38.5%] with more or less the same percentage among north and south governorates. This figure denotes a consequence of inadequate food and/or illnesses lasting for a relatively long period. The overall prevalence of wasting was less frequent as 18.8% with more or less the same percentage among north and south governorates. Night blindness prevalence was 0.8% while that of Bitot spots was 2.9%. Prevalence of vitamin A disorder VADD was higher significantly in North governorate compared to south. First degree goiter was prevalent among 5% and second degree among 0.2% North Sinai shows significantly more affection. The over all prevalence of anemia in Sinai governorate was 59.3%. North Sinai showed significantly more prevalence of anemia compared to south Sinai [p=0.009]. The morbidity of the Bedouins children during the last month of the survey was assessed. Gastroenteritis as a preschool morbid was prevalent among 21.9% of children. Respiratory infection whether upper or lower was prevalent among 39.1% of children. Fever as a symptom of infection whether gastroenteritis, respiratory, or other was prevalent among 37.7%. Measles at a certain time period previous to the study was prevalent among 1.4%. This high prevalence of morbidity affect the health and nutritional status of the young children and predispose to severe malnutrition. Our results revealed that the Bedouins children are facing severe malnutrition status. Urgent interventions to improve their nutritional and health status is mandatory

Sex hormones and oxidant- antioxidant status in post-menopausal women with coronary artery disease

The strikingly lower prevalence of acute coronary syndromes in pre-menopausal women than in men of similar age, then the progressive narrowing of that difference with age after menopause, suggests an important role for sex hormones and probably oxidative stress in the development of coronary artery disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sex hormones and oxidant stress [malondialdehyde, which is a metabolite of lipid peroxidation] and anti-oxidants [vitamin C and E] status in postmenopausal women with stable coronary artery disease and in those with acute coronary syndromes. This study was conducted on 40 non-hormone user postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease. They were divided into 3 groups: the 1[st] group [17 patients] who had an acute myocardial infarction, the 2[nd] group [10 patients] had unstable angina and the 3[rd] one [13 patients] had stable angina. This is an addition to 20 apparently healthy postmenopausal women of similar age. All cases and control subjects were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, resting echocardiography and special laboratory investigations including detection of serum level of; total and free testosterone, total estradiol, morning and nocturnal serum cortisol, malondialdehyde and plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol and vitamin-C. We found a higher serum level of total and free testosterone in cases than control subjects [P-value 0.016 and 0.031 respectively] and the serum free testosterone was significantly higher in the group of acute myocardial infarction than the group of stable angina [P-value 0.008]. The serum level of total estradiol was significantly lower in cases than in control group [P value 0.0001]. Serum malondialdehyde was significantly higher in cases than control subjects [P<0.0001], and it was significantly higher in cases of acute myocardial infarction in comparison to stable angina cases [P-value 0.005]. Vitamin E [[alpha]-tocopherol] and vitamin C were significantly lower in cases than control group [P 0.0001 and 0.048 respectively]. The serum levels of free testosterone as well as malondi-aldehyde were higher in postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease. However, serum level of estradiol, vitamin E and C were lower in them in comparison to control subjects

Congenital penile curvature with orthotopic meatus: a report on the management of 62 cases following a systematic approach

Objectives: We are presenting our experience with a systematic approach in the management of congenital penile curvature [CPC]

Patients and Methods: Between 1993 and 2000, 62 cases of CPC were treated. Ten of 34 cases [30%] presenting with ventral curvature were corrected via excision of the dysgenetic tissue and complete mobilization of the corpus spongiosum only. Two cases [6%] had a minimal corporeal disproportion that required a ventral longitudinal deep intercorporeal incision. Six cases [18%] were managed with Nesbit's procedure, and tunica albuginea plication [TAP] was done in 8 cases [24%]. These cases required mobilization of the neurovascular bundle [NVB]. Four patients [12%] had a small phallus and required ventral grafts [dermal in two and venous grafts in another two]. The remaining four patients [12%] had a short urethra and were managed by excision of the tethering corpus urethrae and neourethral reconstruction. Cases presenting with lateral curvature [14 patients] were managed by a lateral longitudinal incision at the point of maximum curvature followed by TAP in 10 cases [71%] and Nesbit's procedure in four [29%]. Dorsal curvatures [6 cases] were managed by ventral Nesbit in four [67%] and ventral TAP in the remaining two cases [33%]. Patients with a complex curvature [8 cases] were managed by sequential TAP on an individual basis according to the results of intraoperative artificial erection in 5 cases [63%] and by complete penile disassembly: The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years, and the results were satisfactory in the majority of patients. None of our patients developed impotence. Penile haematoma occurred in 6.4% and penile numbness in 19% [persistent in 3%], while foreign body sensation was felt in 8%. None of our patients experienced painful erections beyond three months after operation. A residual curvature was noticed in 9.6%, and it required a second step Nesbit's procedure in only 3%

Conclusion: Management of CPC can result in a very high success rate as long as a systematic stepwise approach is applied with an appropriate preoperative patients counseling. We recommend the limited use of Nesbit's procedure [unless TAP fails to correct the curvature] together with a gentle handling of the NVB

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

Study of the effect of some anticonvulsants on monamine mediated behavior in mice

In this study, the effects of carbamazepine, diazepam, phenytoin and valproic acid on 5-hydroxytryptophan [5-HTP] induced head twitch behavior in mice were evaluated. Moreover the effects of these anticonvulsants on apomorphine induced locomotion and clonidine-induced sedation were investigated. Data revealed that repeated administration of carbamazepine [20mg/kg i.p. once daily] diazepam [1.25 mg/kg i.p. twice daily] and valproic acid [400 mg/kg i.p. twice daily] for 14 days enhanced the 5-HTP [100 mg/kg i.p.] induced head twitch behavior. Carbamazepine enhancement of head twitch response may be due to an increase of 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT] receptor density. The effect of both diazepam and valproic acid was explained by their effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA] which alters 5-HT release. However phenytoin [40 mg/kg i.p. once daily for 14 days] was devoid of an effect on 5 -HTP induced head twitch behavior. The locomotion data showed that carbamazepine, diazepam, phenytoin and valproic acid were unable to alter apomorphine [1 mg/kg] induced locomotion. However, this effect may be due to that these drugs did not affect dopamine metabolism. Results of cloridine [0.15 mg/kg] induced sedation revealed that only valproic acid attenuated the clonidine-induced sedation. An effect which can be explained by its ability to decrease noradrenaline turnover

Study of the effect of phenobarbital and propylthiouracil on glutathione s-transferase in liver cytosol of rat

In this study three groups of rats were used. The first group was used as control and injected with saline, the second group was treated with PB [80 mg/kg I.P.] and the third group was given PTU [1.5 m mole/kg I.P.] after the end of treatment period [15 days], glutathione S-transferase was determined spectrophotometrically using Habig et al. 1974 method. Results revealed that both PB and PTU treatments increased the activity of GSH-S-transferase in vivo. However, PTU inhibited GSH-S-transferase in vitro. This inhibition was from 6.2 to 27.5% for 0.5 to 10 mM PTU respectively. Thus, there was a discrepancy between the in vivo and in vitro effects of PTU on GSH-S-transferase. This discrepancy was explained by that PTU activated some isoenzymes of GSH-S-transferase in vivo and inhbited other isoenzymes in vitro. The evaluated kinetic parameters revealed that the V max in n moles/min./mg protein of control, PB treated and PTU treated rats were 1176, 1818 and 1538 respectively. Thus PB was proved to be a potent inducer of GSH-S-transferase than PTU. The determined Km values for control, PB treated and PTU treated animals were 0.051, 0.06 and 0.062. Both PB and PTU treatments insignificantly affected the Km value of GSH-S-transferase. Thus the nature of enzyme affinity to substrate was not affected. i.e. the increase in GSH-S-transferase activity might be due to an increase of enzyme synthesis

Neutrophil phagocytic power in diabetes mellitus

It was found that the phagocytic activity of the neutrophils in diabetic patients was significantly impaired when compared to the control group. But on comparing the 2 uncontrolled groups with each other, we found no significant difference which can explain the presence or abscence of infection. A significant defect in the serum of the uncontrolled diabetics was observed when compared with the serum of controlled diabetics. Also, there was inverse correlation between the phagocytic activity and blood glucose level. Although insulin treatment does not restore the phagocytic power to normal level, but this lowering of blood surgar offers some support to their defensive mechanisms

Effect of oral hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices on peripheral lymphocytes subpopulation

Subpopulations of peripheral lymphocytes were studied in 40 women taking oral hormonal contraceptives [OC's], in 50 women using intrauterine contraceptive devices [IUD's] and in 20 age matched control group of women who had never taken oral hormonal contraceptive pills not used intrauterine devices. The group taking oral hormonal contraceptive demonstrated significant depression of their T lymphocyte count when compared to the control group. While, the group using IUS's showed significant rise of their T lymphocytes count. On the other hand no significant quantitative difference in subpopulation of the peripheral lymphocytes "B cells" with IgG, IgA and IgM markers was observed between the three studied groups. These findings suggest that the use of oral hormonal contraceptives induces a state of immunological abnormality, affecting mainly the cellular limb of the immune system. While in IUD's users the increase in the T lymphocytes suggest that the ID's mode of action might partly be immunologically mediated

Body temperature and acid-base changes during pediatric anaesthesia in different environmental temperatures

68 cases undergoing pediatric surgery in non-conditioned operating theaters were studied under three different groups according to environmental temperature and relative humidity. These groups were classified as hot, moderate or cold with environmental temperatures of 27.6, 23.07, and 18.46°C respectively. In each group some patients received halothane while others received ether. The effect of environmental temperature and humidity was studied on the body temperature [skin and rectal] as well as acid-base parameters [pH, PCO[2], standard bicarbonate and base excess]. Samples were taken before premedication, after induction, half hourly during anaesthesia and in the post-operative period 24 hours after surgery. Results were also analyzed in relation to the anaesthetic agents used