The role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (tevar) of thoracic aortic diseases in patients with connective tissue disorders - a literature review

Abstract Objective: To review the currently available literature to define the role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with connective tissue disorders (CTD). Methods: A comprehensive electronic database search was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Google scholar, and OVID to identify all the articles that reported on outcomes of utilizing TEVAR in patients with CTD during elective and emergency settings. The search was not limited to time or language of the published study. Results: All the relevant studies have been summarized in its correspondence section. The outcomes were analyzed in narrative format. The role of TEVAR has been elaborated as per each study. Currently, there is limited large cohort size studies outlining the use of TEVAR in patients with CTD. The use of endovascular repair in patients with CTD is limited due to progressive aortic dilatations and high possibility of further reinterventions at later stage of life. Conclusion: Open repair remains the gold standard method of intervention in young patients with progressive CTD, especially in the setting of acute type A aortic dissection. However, TEVAR can be sought as a reliable alternative in emergency setting of diseases involving the descending thoracic aorta; yet the long-term data needs to be published to support such practice.

Can Knowledge about Post Extraction Instruction Affect Post Extraction Behavior: A Cross Sectional Study among the Patients Visited Taibah University College of Dentistry Clinic, Madinah, KSA

Background:Teeth are among the most important parts of our body which help in mastication, phonetic and esthetic. Now a daystooth extraction can be avoided due to availabilities of most advanced treatment. Mostly, extraction is the treatment of choice for extensive caries and severe periodontitis because of late reporting to dentist due to lack of knowledge. Knowledge about post extraction complications and their management can prevent the occurrence of untoward sequalae following extraction. Previous studies have shown that preoperative patient education can help in decreasing postoperative anxiety, pain and complications Methodology:This is a questionnaire based cross-sectional descriptive study. The study was conducted during the period of January to March 2018. Total of 250 patients (138 males and 112 females) were included in the study by the convenient method of sampling that visited the dental clinics of college of Dentistry, TaibahUniversity.Validated questionnaire was asked about post extraction preventive knowledge.Categories of answer was good, average and poor according to number of correct answers.The statistical analysis was performed by the Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 (SPSS Inc Chicago, IL, USA). The significant value was obtained by using Chi Square test and p< 0.05 was set to be significant. Results:Females and 31-45 years age group had betterpost extraction preventive knowledge and there was significant relation. Nationality and education level had no significant relation with level of post extraction preventive knowledge. The patients who had better knowledge followed the instructions precisely. Conclusion:It was concluded that female, patients above middle age group and more qualified patients had more post extraction preventive knowledge and they also followed the instructions very strictly. The importance of study came out that dentist or dental assistant should explain and convince them to follow proper post-operative instruction to avoid complications

Preparation and efficacy of freeze-dried inactivated vaccine against bovine viral diarrhea virus genotypes 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus type 1.1, bovine parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus

Purpose@#Bovine respiratory disease is a worldwide health concern in the feedlot cattle causing morbidity and mortality in young with major economic losses to the producer. Programs of vaccination are integral parts of preventive health programs. We aim to prepare and evaluate lyophilized combined inactivated viruses (bovine viral diarrhea virus [BVDV] genotypes 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus type 1.1 [BoHV-1.1], bovine parainfluenza-3 virus [BPI-3V], and bovine respiratory syncytial virus [BRSV]) vaccine using saponin as a solvent and adjuvant in cattle. @*Materials and Methods@#Lyophilized Pneumo-5 vaccine was formulated to include the inactivated BVDV genotypes 1 and 2, BoHV-1.1, BPI-3V, and BRSV. The saponin solution was used as an adjuvant and solvent. The prepared vaccines were adjusted to contain 1- and 1.5-mg saponin/dose. It was evaluated for its sterility, safety, and potency in mice and calves. The antibody titers in vaccinated calves were measured by virus neutralization test and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). @*Results@#The Pneumo-5 vaccine was found to be free from any contaminants and safe in mice. Meanwhile, the vaccine showed safety in calves which inoculated intramuscularly with the double dose of the vaccines. The overall immune response reached its peak in the 2ndmonth post-vaccination. The vaccine contained saponin 1.5 mg/dose reached its antibodies peak in the 4th-week post-vaccination. All groups of vaccinated calves with both concentrations of the saponin did not show statistical significance in antibody titers measured by serum neutralization test and/or ELISA. @*Conclusion@#The prepared vaccine, namely Pneumo-5, and adjuvanted with either 1 or 1.5 mg/dose saponin was proved safe and potent for effectual protection of calves against BVDV genotypes 1 and 2, BoHV-1.1, BPI-3V, and BRSV.

Preparation and efficacy of freeze-dried inactivated vaccine against bovine viral diarrhea virus genotypes 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus type 1.1, bovine parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus

Purpose@#Bovine respiratory disease is a worldwide health concern in the feedlot cattle causing morbidity and mortality in young with major economic losses to the producer. Programs of vaccination are integral parts of preventive health programs. We aim to prepare and evaluate lyophilized combined inactivated viruses (bovine viral diarrhea virus [BVDV] genotypes 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus type 1.1 [BoHV-1.1], bovine parainfluenza-3 virus [BPI-3V], and bovine respiratory syncytial virus [BRSV]) vaccine using saponin as a solvent and adjuvant in cattle. @*Materials and Methods@#Lyophilized Pneumo-5 vaccine was formulated to include the inactivated BVDV genotypes 1 and 2, BoHV-1.1, BPI-3V, and BRSV. The saponin solution was used as an adjuvant and solvent. The prepared vaccines were adjusted to contain 1- and 1.5-mg saponin/dose. It was evaluated for its sterility, safety, and potency in mice and calves. The antibody titers in vaccinated calves were measured by virus neutralization test and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). @*Results@#The Pneumo-5 vaccine was found to be free from any contaminants and safe in mice. Meanwhile, the vaccine showed safety in calves which inoculated intramuscularly with the double dose of the vaccines. The overall immune response reached its peak in the 2ndmonth post-vaccination. The vaccine contained saponin 1.5 mg/dose reached its antibodies peak in the 4th-week post-vaccination. All groups of vaccinated calves with both concentrations of the saponin did not show statistical significance in antibody titers measured by serum neutralization test and/or ELISA. @*Conclusion@#The prepared vaccine, namely Pneumo-5, and adjuvanted with either 1 or 1.5 mg/dose saponin was proved safe and potent for effectual protection of calves against BVDV genotypes 1 and 2, BoHV-1.1, BPI-3V, and BRSV.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin a Deficiency in Children and Women of Child Bearing Age

Background: Vitamin A also plays a role in the morphology and physiology of the eyeball. The present study was conducted to assess prevalence and risk factors of vitamin A deficiency among children and women. Methods: The present study was conducted on 96 children of age ranged 5-12 years and their mothers of both genders. Parents of toddlers were asked for symptoms, suggesting that the child may have poor vision in dim light. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum retinol levels were measured for all participants high-performance liquid. Results: Out of 96 patients, boys were 54 and girls were 42. Out of 54 boys, 7 boys and out of 42 girls, 4 girls had vitamin A deficiency. 56 mothers had low SES, 28 had medium and 12 had high. Mother education was upto college level in 28 and upto high school in 78. Number of children in family was >2 seen in 52 and 2 in 44 parents. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was found to be 11.45%. Risk factors were low socio- economic status, >2 children in family and low education level of mothers.

Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Individuals Having Type- II Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a devastating metabolic disorder that places an economic burden. The present study was conducted to assess prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type II diabetics. Methods: The present study was conducted on 114 type II diabetes patients of both genders. Patients were subjected to fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin to know diabetic status. A thorough clinical examination was done. Physical signs such as numbness, ulcerations loss of reflexes were recorded. Results: Out of 114 patients, males were 64 and females were 50. Out of 114 patients, 46 (40.3%) had PNP. In patients with PDN, 32 had ulcerations and 38 had numbness of limbs. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). There were 2 cases of DPN with 5 years, 10 cases with 5-10 years and 34 cases with >10 years of DPN. The difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that among type II diabetic patients, 46 had diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Natural bioactive molecules melatonin and curcumin, and trace element selenium inhibit cadmium induced oxidative stress in mice

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic and carcinogenic heavy metals in industrial discharges that cause considerable hazards to humans. Curcumin and melatonin are one of the most studied biometabolites known as scrounger of free radicals. Further, selenium is an essential dietary trace element having a protective role as an antioxidant. In this study, we explored the antioxidants effect of selenium, and bioactive molecules melatonin and curcumin over cadmium induced oxidative stress (OS) and some blood indices damages in adult Swiss strain male mice. The animals were treated with selenium, melatonin and curcumin and all pre-treated animals were administered with Cd (10 mg/kg) s.c. for three weeks. The nonenzymatic OS indices viz. lipid peroxides in the form of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced total glutathione (GSH), and enzymatic OS indices, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated together with certain parameters of blood. Cd alone induced a significant increase in TBARS and a significant decrease in GSH, GST, CAT and SOD levels in all tissues. Furthermore, the blood parameters viz. counts of red and white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin and packed cell volume were also depleted due to Cd exposure. The results indicated that though selenium, melatonin and curcumin act as natural antioxidants, the trace element selenium however, proved to be the best antioxidant comparatively.

Three-dimensional assessment of external apical root resorption after maxillary posterior teeth intrusion with miniscrews in anterior open bite patients

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the external apical root resorption (EARR) of the maxillary posterior teeth after intrusion with miniscrews. Methods: Fifteen patients (13 females and 2 males) with age ranging from 14.5 to 22 years (mean 18.1 ±2.03 years) were selected to participate in this study. All patients presented with anterior open bite of 3 mm or more. An intrusion force of 300 g was applied on each side to intrude the maxillary posterior teeth. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken pretreatment and post-intrusion and were analyzed to evaluate the EARR. Results: The maxillary posterior teeth were intruded in average 2.79 ± 0.46 mm (p< 0.001) in 5.1 ± 1.3 months, and all examined roots showed statistically significant EARR (p< 0.05) with an average of 0.55 mm, except the distobuccal root of the left first permanent molars and both the palatal and buccal roots of left first premolars, which showed no statistically significant changes. Conclusions: The evaluated teeth presented statistically significant EARR, but clinically, due to the small magnitude, it was not considered significant. Moreover, the CBCT provided a good visualization of all roots in all three planes, and it was effective in detecting minimal degrees of EARR.

RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a existência de reabsorção radicular apical externa (RRAE) em dentes posterossuperiores após intrusão ancorada em mini-implantes. Métodos: quinze pacientes (13 mulheres e 2 homens) com a idade variando entre 14,5 e 22 anos (média de 18,1 ± 2,03 anos) foram selecionados para participar desse estudo. Todos os pacientes possuíam mordida aberta anterior de 3mm ou mais. Uma força de 300 gramas foi aplicada em cada lado para intruir os dentes posterossuperiores. Tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico (TCFC), adquiridas antes do tratamento e após a intrusão, foram comparadas para se avaliar a RRAE. Resultados: os dentes posterossuperiores foram intruídos em média 2,70 ± 0,46 mm (p< 0,001) em 5,1 ± 1,3 meses, e todas as raízes examinadas mostraram RRAE estatisticamente significativa (p< 0,05), com média de 0,55 mm, exceto pela raiz distovestibular dos primeiros molares permanentes esquerdos, e pelas raízes palatina e vestibular dos primeiros pré-molares esquerdos, que não apresentaram mudanças estatisticamente significativas. Conclusões: os dentes avaliados apresentaram RRAE estatisticamente significativa, a qual, porém, não foi considerada clinicamente significativa, devido à sua reduzida magnitude. Além disso, a TCFC possibilitou uma boa visualização de todas as raízes nos três planos espaciais, e foi eficaz para detecção de níveis mínimos de RRAE.

Nasalance Changes Following Various Endonasal Surgeries

Abstract Introduction There is change in nasalance post endonasal surgery which is not permanent. Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term nasalance changes following different types of endonasal surgeries. Methods We included in this study patients who underwent sinonasal surgery at the Otorhinolaryngology Department in Zagazig University Hospitals from February 2015 until March 2016. We divided the patients into two groups according to the surgeries they underwent: Group (A) was the FESS group and group (B), the septoturbinoplasty group.We checked nasalance using a nasometer before and after the sinonasal surgery. Results Nasalance increased at one month after the operation in both groups. However, it returned to nearly original levels within three months postoperatively. Conclusion FESS, septoplasty, and turbinate surgery may lead to hypernasal speech. This hypernasal speech can be a result of change in the shape and diameter of the resonating vocal tract. Hypernasal speech in these circumstances may be a temporary finding that can decrease with time. Surgeons should inform their patients about the possibility of hypernasality after such types of surgery, especially if they are professional voice users.

Laparoscopic appendectomy between the advantages and complicationsra cross section study -Jeddah - Saudi Arabia - 2016

Background: Appendectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in emergency surgery. Laparoscopic appendectomy [LA] for acute appendicitis has several advantages over open appendectomy [OA]

In cases of complicated appendicitis, LA is converted to OA at a constant rate, though converting appendectomy [CA]. In this study, we aimed to assess the LA complication and the prevalence of CA

Methods: A cross Sectional survey conducted among 243 patients with acute appendicitis who were suitable for the study between April and July 2016. Operative time, length of hospital stay, post-operative complication return to normal activity has been assessed among the all patients

Results and Conclusion: Our results showed the advantages of the laparoscopic appendectomy approach including shorter hospital stay, decreased need for postoperative analgesia, early food tolerance, earlier return to work, lower rate of wound infection. Furthermore we found a considerable preference [during the collection of consent] of patients and a high satisfaction after the surgery

Anticancer and Antioxidant activity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome.

Dietary components present in foods, spices and herbs are source of natural compounds viz. phenols, flavonoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and carotenoids with potential benefits. Ginger is one such herb commonly used throughout the world as a spice for dietary as well as medicinal purpose since ancient period. Here, we investigated the methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome (ZOME) for anticancer activity against human cervical cancer HeLa cells and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) cation decolorization test. Antiproliferative activity was substantiated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assay for cell viability and cell proliferation, Hoechst staining was performed to examine apoptosis. Our results demonstrated that ZOME inhibited the proliferation and colony formation in HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells, in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced typical changes in nuclear morphology, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, membrane shrinkage and blebbing in both cells indicated apoptotic property of Z. officinale. ZOME exhibited potent antiradical activity against DPPH and ABTS. On the basis of the results of the present study, it may be suggested that Z. officinale has promising anticancer and antioxidant properties. Since, Z officinale has been commonly used throughout the world as a spice for dietary as well as for medicinal purposes since prehistoric times. Therefore, enriched use of Z. officinale as dietary material could be recommended in ethno-medicine for the management of cervical and breast cancers. Moreover, further studies are needed to isolate and characterize the potent compounds for further adjuvant therapy against such malignancies.

Identification of Anticancer and Antioxidant phytoconstituents from chloroform fraction of Solanum nigrum L. berries using GC-MS/MS analysis.

Solanum nigrum is a traditional Indian plant acclaimed for its medicinal properties since antiquity. Among all plant parts fruit berries have shown to be most pharmacologically active part. In the present investigation, we tried to characterize the bioactive principles of chloroform fraction of S. nigrum (CFSn) fruit berries using GC-MS analysis. We could identify 29 compounds belonging to different chemical classes viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, proteins, phenolic compounds, and saponins. More specifically, we found two novel phenolic compounds, benzoiisovanillin and syringic acid (4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxybenzoic acid), which may be responsible for its pharmacological properties. Our phytochemical investigation of CFSn was well supported by its total phenolic content and antioxidant activity which we evaluated subsequently. Further, we investigated the anticancer activity against breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) as well. Our in vitro results indicated that CFSn exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against both these cell lines and due induction of cancer cell death through apoptosis. Our study emphasizes the need for isolation and characterization of specific bioactive compounds of CFSn and determination of their mechanism of action responsible for its anticancer activity in breast cancer cells.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (167). Total shoulder arthroplasty glenoid component loosening with secondary rotator cuff failure

A 59-year-old woman who had previously undergone an anatomic left total shoulder arthroplasty presented with increasing left shoulder pain and significant reduction in motion of the left shoulder joint. No evidence of prosthetic loosening or periprosthetic fracture was detected on the radiographs or fluoroscopic arthrogram images. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) images revealed evidence of loosening of the glenoid component and secondary rotator cuff failure. This case illustrates how a combination of detailed clinical history, careful physical examination and DECT arthrogram evaluation may be used to identify complications of an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

Histological effect of bisphosphonate, vitamin D and olive oil on glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis [GIO] in albino rat

Background: Previous studies demonstrated that the prevalence of osteoporosis was 4% in women aged 50 to 59 years compared to 44% in women aged 80 years and older. Osteoporosis may be primary or secondary. Glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis [GIO] is considered among the most common causes of secondary osteoporosis. The present study aimed to assess if vitamin D and olive oil could be useful in the treatment of GIO as bisphosphonate

Materials and Methods: Fifty adult female albino rats weighing 180-220 grams and aged 16-19 weeks were divided into five groups [each consists of ten rats]: the control group, osteoporotic group, bisphosphonate group, vitamin D group and olive oil group. The first group served as a negative control group. The other four groups were injected subcutaneously by methyl-prednisolone [0.5 mg/kg/day - three times a week] for 60 days to induce osteoporosis [glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis "GIO"]. One of the four groups served as a positive control group while other three groups were treated with oral bisphosphonate [0.84 mg/kg/day - five days a week], oral Vitamin D3 [0.1 ug/kg/day - five days a week] and oral Olive oil [0.1 ug/kg/day - five times a week] respectively for additional 60 days. At the end of the experiment, the right femur was removed from each rat and examined histologically after staining by hematoxylin and eosin stain as well as Masson's trichrome stain. The stained sections were photographed and analyzed to assess cortical bone thickness, osteocyte number and osteocyte lacunae

Results: By comparing the cortical thickness in all groups we detected a significant difference between bisphosphonate group and the control group, as well as between the GIO group and the control group. We also found a significant decrease in osteocyte number by comparing the GIO group to the control group. There was as a significant difference between vitamin D group and control group when we compared the number of osteocyte lacunae in all groups

Conclusion: GIO affects mainly the cortical bone thickness as well as the osteocyte number. Bisphosphonate is possibly the drug of choice in the treatment of osteoporosis especially by increasing the cortical bone thickness. Although olive oil acts also on increasing cortical bone thickness as well as bisphosphonates but it was less effective. On the other hand, vitamin D increases both; the cortical thickness and the osteocyte number moderately and may be used as a prophylactic agent against osteoporosis

Optimization of cascade hydropower system operation by genetic algorithm to maximize clean energy output

Background: Several reservoir systems have been constructed for hydropower generation around the world. Hydropower offers an economical source of electricity with reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, it is such a clean and renewable source of energy. Reservoirs that generate hydropower are typically operated with the goal of maximizing energy revenue. Yet, reservoir systems are inefficiently operated and manage according to policies determined at the construction time. It is worth noting that with little enhancement in operation of reservoir system, there could be an increase in efficiency of the scheme for many consumers

Methods: This research develops simulation-optimization models that reflect discrete hedging policy [DHP] to manage and operate hydropower reservoir system and analyse it in both single and multi-reservoir system. Accordingly, three operational models [2 single reservoir systems and 1 multi-reservoir system] were constructed and optimized by genetic algorithm [GA]. Maximizing the total power generation in horizontal time is chosen as an objective function in order to improve the functional efficiency in hydropower production with consideration to operational and physical limitations. The constructed models, which is a cascade hydropower reservoirs system have been tested and evaluated in the Cameron Highland and Batang Padang in Malaysia

Results: According to the given results, usage of DHP for hydropower reservoir system operation could increase the power generation output to nearly 13% in the studied reservoir system compared to present operating policy [TNB operation]. This substantial increase in power production will enhance economic development. Moreover, the given results of single and multi-reservoir systems affirmed that hedging policy could manage the single system much better than operation of the multi-reservoir system

Conclusion: It can be summarized that DHP is an efficient and feasible policy, which could be used for the operation of existing or new hydropower reservoir system

Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Emirati Residents in Ajman, United Arab Emirates / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type-2 is a major public health concern worldwide. Not much information is available with regard to the incidence of DM in United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed at determining the incidence rate of diabetes mellitus among Emirati population in Ajman, UAE. This is a retrospective cohort study. METHODS: This study was conducted in all primary health care centers and Shaikh Khalifa and GMC Hospitals, Ajman, UAE where the Emirati population primarily go for diagnosis and treatment. The incident cases of diabetes mellitus were collected during the period 2010 January to December. RESULTS: A total of 158 cases newly detected in 2010, 54 were among non-Emiratis and one was type-1 diabetes. Eliminating these, the remaining 101 were included in the analysis. The age of the patients ranged from 23 years to 78 years; 35 (34.7%) males and 66 (65.3%) were females. The overall incidence observed was 4.8/1,000 person-years (PY) with a female predominance of 6.3/1,000 PY against incidence among males of 3.3/1,000 PY. With regard to age specific incidence rate among males, it increases with age till 60 years and then showed a decreasing trend. Among females also the same trend was observed but not as similar to males. CONCLUSION: The highest incidence rate was observed in the 55-59 age group among males, 23.4/1,000 PY and females, 32.4/1,000 PY. Among males the incidence rate was much less compared to females in-the age groups older than 59 years.

Experimental Investigation on Rabbits Following Peritoneal Injection of Bacteria Isolated from Human Keratitis.

Aim: This work was aimed at studying the pathogenicity of bacteria causing infectious keratitis through experimental infection using different groups of rabbits that were inoculated with clinical isolates and assessed through biochemical and histopathological investigations. Study Design: This study was carried out on Rabbits. Place and Duration of the Study: this experiment was carried out at Med. Labs. Dept, Qassim Univ., in April 2013. Methodology: The isolated bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus from clinical corneal scraping swabs of patients suffering from infectious keratitis were experimentally inoculated through intraperitoneal injection in different groups of Original Research Article Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(26): 4470-4481, 2014 4471 rabbits (2.0-2.5kg) and were subjected to serum biochemical and histopathological examinations. Results: The experimental rabbits showed alterations in both liver and kidney function parameters that varied with the type of bacteria injected. The level of urea was nonsignificantly increased to a higher extent in rabbits within 3 and 7 days of infection. There was no marked change in the levels of uric acid and creatinine in all groups of rabbits. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed variable increased values but seemed also within limits of reference in all the groups of rabbits injected with either S. aureus or P. aeruginosa. Histopathologically, the internal organs (liver and kidneys) of the experimental rabbits showed inflammatory reactions with degenerative changes and/or necrosis while the cornea revealed oedema and leukocytic infiltration. The microscopic findings were varied in severity according to the type of the bacteria. Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus experimentally induced infections revealed histopathologic lesions and disturbances in the functions of liver and kidneys of experimental rabbits together with proliferation of corneal epithelium and polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration in the corneal stroma. Therefore, strict measures are recommended to control and treat infectious keratitis to avoid visual complications and systemic disturbances among infected patients.

Study of some factors associated with high-risk asthma in children

Background: Bronchial asthma is characterized by lower respiratory tract inflammation associated with bronchial hyper responsiveness with variable and reversible airflow obstruction. The majority of asthmatics are sensitized to at least one common allergen

Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to determine the association of high-risk asthma with allergy-related parameters [total serum IgE levels, serum levels of allergen- specific IgE, eosinophil count, eosinophil percentage ] and pulmonary functions in children

Subjects and methods: 50 Children aged 8-15 years diagnosed with atopic asthma were enrolled in the study. Pulmonary function tests, total leukocyte count [TLC], eosinophil count, and eosinophil percentage were estimated. Total serum immunoglobulin E [IgE] levels and serum IgE levels specific to antigens from 1 to 9 allergens with class 1 or higher, namely, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus [D. pteronyssinus] , Dermatophagoides farina [D. farina ], cat dander , dog dander, cockroach, egg white, milk, Aspergillus fumigatus, and fish, were measured using UniCAP fluoroenzyme immunoassay [FEIA]

Results: This study includes 50 participants, 20 [40%] belonged to the high-risk and 30 [60%] to the low-risk groups. This study revealed no significant association in peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR, %] values between high-risk and low-risk asthma groups [p ? 0.05]. There was no significant association in forced expiratory volume in first second [ FEV1 [L]] values between high-risk and low-risk asthma groups [ p ? 0.05], whereas there was significant association in FEF 25-75% [forced expiratory flow 25-75%] values between high-risk and low-risk asthma groups [ p ? 0.05]. There was a significant association between total serum IgE level and high-risk asthma, but TLC, eosinophil count, and eosinophil percentage showed non significant association with high-risk asthma. Serum levels of IgE specific to D. pteronyssinus, D. farina, cat dander, and dog dander were significantly associated with high-risk asthma. The high-risk group had higher serum levels of IgE specific to D. pteronyssinus [ p < 0.0001], D. farina [ p < 0.0001], cat dander [ p < 0.0001], and dog dander antigens [ p < 0.0001] compared with those in the low-risk group. There was no significant association between high-risk asthma and the serum levels of IgE specific to antigens from other allergens [including cockroach, egg white, and milk]. Serum levels of IgE specific to Aspergillus fumigatus and fish were both negative [class level < 1] in both the high-risk group and the low-risk group

Conclusion: Children with higher serum levels of IgE specific to D.pteronyssinus, D. farina, cat dander and dog dander antigens, and total serum IgE levels, and lower FEF25-75% values belong to the high-risk asthma group. The characterization of risk factors has enabled us to identify high-risk asthma in children , leading to better treatment options

Pulmonary functions after injection sclerotherapy of esophageal varices and after band ligation

Aim of the study: To study changes in pulmonary function tests after esophageal variceal injection sclerotherapy in comparison to changes after esophageal variceal band ligation

Patients and methods: This study was designed as non randomized controlled study. Thirty patients with hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension who were admitted to Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases department , Benha university hospital for elective esophageal variceal therapy [secondary prophylaxis] were classified into group I:15 patients treated with sclerotherapy by using 5-15 ml ethanolamine oleate and group II:15 patients treated with band ligation. Patients were subjected for full clinical evaluation including history, general, chest, and abdominal examination. Laboratory and radiological investigation including complete blood count, liver function tests, kidney function tests and blood sugar and plain chest x-ray [P.A. and lateral views] were done. Pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gasses were done before, one day after and one week after the procedure

Results: The results revealed , significant decrease in vital capacity in group I one day after injection [ p < 0.05],but no significant decrease in vital capacity in group II. There was a significant decrease in PaO2 in group I one day after injection sclerotherapy [ p < 0.05] but no significant changes in group II and no significant changes in PaCO2 in both groups one day after the procedures. The study has also revealed no significant changes in FVC,FEV1/FVC and PaCO2 in group I and group II after procedures. The study revealed significant linear correlation between the decreases in PaO2 and the percentage decrease in vital capacity[ p < 0.05]. One week after procedure, pulmonary functions that has been affected in group I returned back to baseline values

Conclusions: esophageal injection sclerotherapy produces restrictive defect [decrease in PaO2 and vital capacity] in pulmonary functions one day after injection and improved within one week, while there was no effect for band ligation on pulmonary functions tests

Incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus among Emirati population in Ajman, UAE

Diabetes Mellitus [DM], particularly type-2 is a major public health concern worldwide. Studies from UAE report that among the total cases of DM, 31% are type-2. Not much information is available with regard to the incidence of DM in UAE. This study aimed at determining the incidence rate of diabetes mellitus among Emirati population in Ajman, UAE. This study was conducted in all PHCs [Madinath, Hamidiya, Musherif, Muzeireh and Manama] and Khalifa and GMC hospitals, Ajman, UAE where the Emirati population primarily go for diagnosis and treatment. The incident cases of diabetes mellitus were collected during the period 2010 January to December. From the case files of 2010, data was abstracted / extracted retrospectively, for all those who were newly diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus. A total of 158 cases detected in 2010, 54 were among non-Emiratis and one was type-1 diabetes. Eliminating these, the remaining 101 were included in the analysis. The age of the patients ranged from 23 years to 78 years; 35 [34.7%] males and 66 [65.3%] were females. The overall incidence observed was 4.8/1000PY with a female predominance of 6.3/1000PY against incidence among males of 3.3/1000PY. With regard to age specific incidence rate among males, it increases with age till 60 years and then showed a decreasing trend. Among females also the same trend was observed but not as similar to males. The highest incidence rate was observed in the 55-59 aged groups among males, 23.4/1000PY and females, 32.4/1000PY. Among males the incidence rate was much less compared to females in - the age groups older than 59 years. Studies from other parts of the world report incidence rates, 4.3/1000PY [UK-2005], 5.3/1000PY [USA-2004] and 6.3/1000PY [Canada-2011]. This study also observed a similar incidence