Cephalometric comparison of dentofacial parameters between Yemeni and Caucasian adults / Comparação cefalométrica de parâmetros dentofaciais entre adultos iemenitas e caucasianos

Objective: The purposes of our research were to establish cephalometric standards for Yemeni adults and to compare them with those of the Caucasians. Material and Methods: 100 Yemeni students (fifty males, mean age of 23.6 ± 2.1 years, and fifty female, mean age of 21.5 ± 3.1 years) with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces were involved in the study. Inclusion criteria were a class I occlusion with minor or no crowding, the whole teeth is present except third molars and no previous orthodontic, orthopedic or maxillofacial surgery treatment. Five angular and eighteen linear measurements were used for the skeletal, dental and soft tissue analysis. All participant's Lateral cephalometric radiographs were evaluated. The average values and standard deviations for all the angles and linear measurements were determined. The differences for each measurement between the Yemeni and Caucasian participants were calculated using unpaired t­tests. Results: Yemeni subjects had a more retrognathic mandibular positions (P< 0.05), protrusive mandibular incisors (P< 0.01), more protruded lip positions (P < 0.01), deeper mentolabial sulci (P< 0.01) and a steeper mandibular planes (P< 0.001) compared to the Caucasians. Yemeni females had a larger lower face height than Caucasian females (P< 0.001). Conclusions The study provides specific standards for Yemeni adults and shows that the Yemenis had different skeletal and dentoalveolar cephalometric standards in comparison with Caucasians (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo de nossa pesquisa foi estabelecer padrões cefalométricos para adultos iemenitas e compará-los com os caucasianos. Material e Métodos: Cem estudantes iemenitas (cinquenta homens, idade média de 23,6 ± 2,1 anos, e cinquenta mulheres, idade média de 21,5 ± 3,1 anos) com oclusões normais e faces bem equilibradas foram envolvidos no estudo. Os critérios de inclusão foram: oclusão de classe I com pouco ou nenhum apinhamento, todos os dentes presentes, exceto terceiros molares e sem histórico de tratamento ortodôntico, ortopédico ou cirurgia maxilo-facial prévio. Cinco medidas angulares e dezoito lineares foram utilizadas para a análise esquelética, dentária e de tecidos moles. Todas as radiografias cefalométricas laterais dos participantes foram avaliadas. Foram determinados os valores médios e desvios padrão para todos os ângulos e medidas lineares. As diferenças para cada medição entre os participantes iemenitas e caucasianos foram calculadas usando testes t não pareados. Resultados: Os indivíduos iemenitas tinham posições mandibulares mais retrognáticas (P <0,05), incisivos inferiores protrusivos (P <0,01), posições dos lábios mais protuberantes (P <0,01), sulcos mentolabiais mais profundos (P <0,01) e planos mandibulares mais inclinados (P <0,001) em comparação com os caucasianos. As mulheres iemenitas tinham uma altura facial inferior maior do que as mulheres brancas (P <0,001). Conclusão:O estudo fornece padrões específicos para adultos iemenitas e mostra que os iemenitas apresentaram padrões cefalométricos esqueléticos e dentoalveolares diferentes em comparação com os caucasianos. (AU)

Patient Satisfaction with Emergency Department Care at a Care Center in Saudi Arabia

Patient satisfaction plays a crucial role in assessments of the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. It is of absolute importance in the quality assessment as its comprehensive analysis can highlight both well-functioning and problematic aspects of a hospital. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the satisfaction of 375 patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) of King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia between December 2016 and September 2017 and to determine the related factors. The patients, selected through non-randomized convenience sampling, completed a validated questionnaire in two phases: August-September and December-January. The mean (standard deviation) score of overall satisfaction was 57.59 (8.69) (range: 19-70). The domain that had the highest “excellent” score was admission (171; 45.8%), while that with the highest “poor” score was nursing care (141; 37.6%). Most participants rated their level of satisfaction as good (96; 50.8%). Those who had been hospitalized in the three days prior to filling out the questionnaire and those who waited longer to see the doctor were significantly less satisfied (p=0.007 and p<0.001, respectively) compared with the other patients. Higher satisfaction levels were observed among patients who were treated in the main ED, were admitted during the morning shift, visited the ED during the slower season (August-September), and had experienced less waiting time to see the doctor. Patients were mostly satisfied with admission and least satisfied with nursing care.

Assessment Of Menstrual Health And Analgesics Usage In Young Age Women

Objective: The study focuses on assessing the incidence of menstrual irregularity among young women and the factors for a disturbance with the rationale to assess the use of analgesic drugs during Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Methods: A cross-sectional study was used. A total of 2500 randomly selected young female between the age of 11 and 30 y completed the study questionnaire to assess lifestyle pattern, variations in menstrual pattern, perceived stress, and to capture information about their menstrual cycle and related problems. In addition, the questionnaire assessed the use of analgesics for PMS. Results: 2481 participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age of participants’ menarche was 12.85±1.432 y. The prevalence of menstrual irregularities was 25.0 % (n=621) and about 8.5% (n=211) of respondents had severe pain that was not relieved by the use of analgesics. On the other hand, 50.9 % (n=1262) reported severe pain that was relieved by analgesics. A total of 1279 (51.6 %) of participants in this study used Over The Counter (OTC) analgesics to relieve PMS. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is the most common complaint among young females in Saudi Arabia. Low Body Mass Index (BMI), sedentary lifestyle, stress and early age of menarche are the most important factors associated with menstrual irregularities. Proper education programs and awareness among young girls about their menstrual health, and the provision of guidance in choosing effective analgesics and treatment options for dysmenorrhea are highly recommended.

Recurrent Campylobacter Bacteremia as the First Manifestation of Hypogammaglobulinemia: a Case Report and Literature Review / 감염과화학요법

A 30-year-old woman with a past medical history of autoimmune hemolytic anemia presented with fever. Blood cultures grew Campylobacter. Her medical history was significant for four prior episodes of Campylobacter gastroenteritis and bacteremia. She received ciprofloxacin for the index presentation, then Meropenem de-escalated to doxycycline 6 months later following recurrence of Campylobacter. This prompted investigation for an immunodeficiency disorder. She was found to have hypogammaglobulinemia. Her Campylobacter infections resolved following the administration of intravenous immunoglobulins every 3 weeks. She did not have recurrence of Campylobacter during 5 years of follow-up. A literature search revealed additional four case reports of six hypogammaglobulinemic adult individuals presenting with recurrent Campylobacter infections. Three patients were already on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) when Campylobacter infection occurred, and two patients achieved clinical cure following therapy with imipenem and IVIG. This case report highlights the importance of suspecting hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with recurrent Campylobacter infections, as this is sometimes the first manifestation of the condition.

Phytochemicals with antifungal properties: Cure from nature

Aims@#The exploration of natural products with innovative uses is dynamic and expanding rapidly. Medicinal plants have fascinated many researchers that subsequently lead to research publications highlighting plant extracts with wide range of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, quinones, terpenoids, tannins and saponins that exhibit antimicrobial activities and disease control. The concentration of these bioactive compounds in each plant species varies based on the pathosystem and environmental conditions. This study aims to uncover the various types of phytochemicals with antifungal properties.@*Methodology and results@#Seven categories of plant-based antifungal compounds were reviewed, which are terpenoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, coumarins, alkaloids, essential oils and peptides, with examples and structures of some available compounds. The mechanism of action of each category of phytochemical was discussed. Also, the impact of some compounds was explained and elaborated. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#It is of a great importance to explore natural plant fighters against fungal infection. Those active plant components do not only have antifungal properties, but they also help in the healing process and some even exhibit anticancer activities. The development and knowledge of antifungal activities from plant extracts have the potential for applications in antifungal therapy. Since the exact description of how antifungal compounds function in the human body is still unclear more studies are required to unveil phytochemicals’ properties and to elucidate their effects on living cells.

The role of mean platelet volume in the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Background and study aim: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a serious condition that needs rapid diagnosis and rapid management due to its serious sequelae. SBP is diagnosed when the polymorpho-nuclear cells count in the ascetic fluid exceeds 250 cell/µL. Mean platelet volume (MPV) was found to be significantly larger in the cirrhotic patients with ascetic fluid infection than cirrhotic patients without ascetic fluid infection. In our study we aimed to assess the role and clinical performance of MPV as a diagnostic marker of SBP. Patients and Methods: This cross sectional study was performed on 124 cirrhotic patients with ascites. They were classified into two groups according to ascetic fluid PMN count into two groups. Group I: 38 patients with ascetic fluid infection, PMN >250 cell/µL and group II: 86 patients without ascetic fluid infection, PMN count Results: The MPV was significantly higher among patients with ascetic fluid infection (11.1±1.2 vs 9.4±1.1 p<0.001). Blotting the ROC curve, MPV was proved to diagnose SBP at a cut off value of 10.45 fL with sensitivity and specificity of 74.4% and 78.9% respectively. Conclusion: MPV is a useful diagnostic marker that can predict the presence of SBP in cirrhotic patients with ascites

Lipoxygenase inhibitors flavonoids from Cyperus rotundus aerial parts

ABSTRACT Cyperus rotundus L. (Suada, Sueda, family: Cyperaceae) is vastly spread in several world's subtropical and tropical regions. It had variable traditional uses and bioactivities. A new flavonol derivative: cyperaflavoside (myricetin 3,3',5'-trimethyl ether 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and five flavonoids: vitexin, orientin, cinaroside, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and myrcetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were separated from the methanolic extract of C. rotundus aerial parts. Their structures were verified based on UV, IR, NMR (1D and 2D), HRESIMS, and comparison with literature. All metabolites were assessed for their 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory potential. All compounds possessed 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory potentials with IC50s 5.1, 4.5, 5.9, 4.0, 3.7, and 2.3 µM, respectively, in comparison to indomethacin (IC50 0.98 µM). These results supported the traditional uses of C. rotundus in treating inflammation and its related symptoms.

Psychological Impacts of Skin Diseases in Comparison to Chronic Diseases

Background: Suffering from skin diseases is more than a cosmetic nuisance. Patients with chronic skin diseases often experience significant psychological and social distress and fear of stigma. The aim of this study was to determine the psychological impact (depression, anxiety and stress) of skin diseases in comparison to chronic diseases among patients at an academic tertiary healthcare centre in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional study involving 125 patients with chronic skin-related disorders recruited from the dermatology clinic at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) and 100 patients with non-skin-related chronic disease were recruited from the medical, surgical and day care clinics at KAUH using the self-administered Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) Arabic questionnaire. Results: There was no significant difference in the level of depression, anxiety and stress in the group of subjects with skin diseases in comparison to the group with chronic diseases. However, subjects who have chronic disease were more likely to have severe and extremely severe stress compared to those who have skin disease when the levels of depression, anxiety and depression were categorized into normal, mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe levels. Conclusions: The association of depression, anxiety and stress in skin diseases are similar to chronic diseases. Subjects who have chronic disease were more likely to have severe and extremely severe stress compared to those who have skin disease. Patients with skin diseases need to be assessed regarding the psychological impact of their diseases.

Trends and Opinion of Isotretinoin Use for Acne Treatment by Dermatologists in Western Area of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Acne is a common disease. Variety of treatment methods are available. Oral isotretinoin is an effective treatment but has some precautions.  Methods: In this study, the attitude of dermatologists in western area of Saudi Arabia toward isotretinoin and their practice are being studied through online questionnaire survey. Results: More than half of responding dermatologists used the dose of 0.5mg per kg per day. Variable dosing, length of therapy, and laboratory investigations were reported. All responding dermatologists did laboratory investigations before commencing therapy and most did it as well after one month. Most of responding dermatologists thought it was safe to perform laser hair removal during or shortly (1-2 months) post isotretinoin therapy, but laser resurfacing was not thought to be safe to do while on therapy. The most common side effects encountered with oral isotretinoin were skin and lip dryness and chelitis. All dermatologists counselled females for teratogenicity and pregnancy prevention. There were variable responses to depression, blood donation abstinence and irritable bowel syndrome. Conclusions: In conclusion, isotretinoin is an effective therapy for acne. There is a controversy among physicians on the dose, length of therapy and laboratory follow up. Controversies for depression, irritable bowel syndrome still exist.

Polyphenolic contents and antimicrobial activity of different extracts of Padina boryana Thivy and Enteromorpha sp marine algae.

Marine algae are potential sources of biologically active compounds with antiviral, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Two species of marine algae, Padina boryana Thivy and Enteromorpha sp were collected from the Red Sea. Both species were extracted with ethanol, acetone, and hexane. The extracts of each sample were examined for, total phenolic, total flavonoid contents and antimicrobial activities. The results showed that solvents with different polarities have various effects on phenolic and flavonoid contents. Among the tested solvents, ethanolic extract of Padina boryana Thivy and Enteromorpha sp showed the highest phenolic content. Results also indicated that the extracts of Padina boryana Thivy showed higher antimicrobial activity compared to Enteromorpha sp. The present study demonstrates that both algae species exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties which may use as natural food preservative for possible application in food for health promotion.

Mobile Phone Use and Risk of Adverse Health Impacts among Medical Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Internationally, there is growing concern about the adverse health effects of mobile phone use by young people. Aim: To determine the pattern of mobile phone use among medical students and determine the potential association between degree of use and self-reported health impacts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 472 medical students in King Abdulaziz University. Self-administered specially designed questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the following: Socio-demographic characteristics, pattern of phone use and self-reported health complaints. Results: The students’ median duration of mobile phone use was 330 min/day and was significantly higher in females (P= 0.04). A positive significant correlation was observed between the health complaints score and the average daily duration of use (r =0.139, P=0.002). Adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that heavy mobile use was significantly associated with self-reported sleep disturbances, headache (AOR=4.76), fatigue (AOR=4.67), depression (AOR=2.63), nervousness (AOR=1.64), musculoskeletal pain (AOR=2.14) and visual problems (AOR=2.40). Conclusion: mobile phone use occupies a significant part in the daily life of medical students. The heavy use of mobile phone in calling and non-calling activities was associated with a high level of subjective health complaints with dose dependent pattern. After controlling for other important predictors, heavy mobile use was associated with sleep disturbances, headache, depression, nervousness, eye and musculoskeletal problems. Excessive use of mobile phones should be avoided and social awareness increased through health education activities. In addition, employing a speaker-phone device for longer daily use and recommended parental procedures are taken to prevent young people being woken by their mobile phones.

Hereditary protein C deficiency in a Saudi neonate with bilateral adrenal gland haemorrhages: a rare case report

This case report describes a full-term 4-day-old Saudi new-born girl diagnosed with hereditary protein C defi-ciency, who presented with bilateral adrenal gland haemorrhages, intracranial haemorrhage and purpura fulminans. She was born to a consanguineous couple after an unremarkable pregnancy involving a primigravida mother. Her parents were asymptomatic for protein C deficiency. During treatment, her adrenal haemorrhage resolved, but she developed hydrocephalus complicated by cerebral palsy that was initially treated with regular fresh frozen plasma [FFP] and later by lowmolecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. Association of protein C deficiency and adrenal haemorrhage in neonates has not been reported previously, and this appears to be the first such case report of its type. Although protein C deficiency may be acquired, the case under consideration proved to be a homozygous hereditary defect. Further genetic studies are required to identify the aetiology of this rare association

Use of onion and curcumin as radioprotectors against ionizing radiation induced hepato-testicular alterations in rats

Background: radiation protection concepts and philosophy have been evolving over the past several decades. The inadvertent exposure of human from various source of radiation causes ionization of molecules, setting off potentially damaging reactions via free radicals production. Onion, Allium cepa linn, is a major source of dietary flavonoids and has used since ancient times as a food plants. Curcumin is a yellow pigment from curcuma longa, is a major component of turmeric and has commonly used as a spice and food coloring materials

Aim: the aim of the present study is to evaluate the radioprotective role of both onion and curcumin extracted as antioxidant against gamma irradiation that induced some biochemical alterations in rats

Materials and Methods: animals were pretreated with onion or curcumin by orally administration using suitable stomach tube for two weeks prior to radiation exposure. The levels of malondialdhyde [MDA], glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT], glutamic pyruvic transaminase [GPT] and testosterone were estimated in both serum and tissues

Results: the results revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation resulted in significant elevation in the levels of MDA, GOT and GPT activities, meanwhile, showed significant depletion in GSH content and SOD activity and testosterone concentration

Conclusion: administration of onion or curcumin by using suitable stomach tube pre-irradiation has significantly ameliorated the radiation induced disturbances in all of the investigated parameters

N-butyl cyanoacrylate- and alpha-cyanoacrylate induced hepatotoxicity and venous sclerosis in a rabbit model

Background and study aims: Tissue adhesives are commonly used. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and hepatotoxicity of intravenous injection of N-butyl cyanoacrylate versus alpha-cyanoacrylate in a rabbit model

Materials and methods: A total of 20 rabbits were divided into three groups: group I included four rabbits injected with lipiodol in the dorsal vein of a pinna [control group]; group II included eight rabbits injected with N-butyl cyanoacrylate/lipiodol; and group III included eight rabbits injected with alpha-cyanoacrylate/lipiodol. All animals were left under normal living conditions for 1 week, and then euthanised. Specimens of ear and liver were taken and fixed in 10% formalin saline for histological examination. Secondary fixation was performed using Bouin solution. Specimens of ear were decalcified in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] at room temperature for 3 months. Then, all specimens were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin stains for microscopic examination

Results: Microscopic examination of all specimens of the control group revealed normal structure of pinna and liver tissue. Both test groups demonstrated a wide variability of structural changes ranging from oedema and congestion to necrosis and marked cellular inflammatory infiltration. The two groups were compared using a self-designed inflammatory score. This revealed that alpha-cyanoacrylate caused more venous sclerosis with extensive perivenous reaction and hepatotoxicity than both N-butyl cyanoacrylate and control [p < 0.05 and p < 0.05]. N-butyl cyanoacrylate was also found to cause more venous sclerosis and hepatotoxicity than control [p < 0.05]

Conclusion: This study suggested that injection of Krazy Glue, either the clinically usable N-butyl cyanoacrylate or the commercially available alpha-cyanoacrylate, caused comparable venous sclerosis. Unfortunately, both induced significant hepatotoxicity. Therefore, neither of them should be used unless all other safe options are absent. Larger studies have to be conducted and effects of these components on other organs should be investigated; however, caution must be exercised in their clinical use

Monocyte chemotactic protein and response to pegylated interferon-alpha-2A treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C [CHC] genotype 4

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection varies across the world, with the highest number of infections reported in Egypt. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [MCP-1] is a potent chemokine, and its hepatic expression is up-regulated during chronic HCV infection. Fifty naive patients with chronic hepatitis C in National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute and 20 healthy volunteers as controls were enrolled in a prospective study designed with strict inclusion criteria to nullify the effect of confounding variables and further minimize selection bias. Fifty naïve patients were treated with PEG-IFN-a2b, at a dose of 180lg/kg subcutaneously every week plus ribavirin at a dose of 1000- 1200 mg/day, according to the patient's body weight, for 48 weeks. Quantification of HCV-RNA by real-time PCR and MCP-1 by ELISA were performed for every patient and controls. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and control group as regards the quantity of MCP-1 [P <0.05] [Mann-Whitney test] [P =0.004]. There was a significant difference between responders and nonresponses regarding MCP-1 [P < 0.05], responders showed a higher percentage of cases with initial MCP-1< 306 [P < 0.05]. We conclude the importance of the detection of MCP-1 expression at the start of therapy as a factor for assessing the likelihood of HCV genotype 4 patients to achieving a sustained virological response to treatment with IFN-a2 in combination with ribavirin

Serum Aluminum Level and Its Relation with Parathyroid Hormone and Anemia in Children on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Aim: Renal excretion of aluminum is impaired in patients with chronic kidney disease, thereby increasing the risk of toxicity. Our aims were to determine the serum aluminum level in children on regular haemodialysis and to assess the effect of aluminum on PTH and blood parameters. Methodology: This is a case control study was done on 120 children, a group of 60 cases on regular hemodialysis, their ages ranged from 3 to 16 year. They were 27 males (45%) and 33 females (55%) they were selected from the hemodialysis unit and outpatient clinic of Al-Zahraa hospital, AL-Azhar University during the period from January 2014 to September 2014. The studied cases were divided into two groups according to the serum aluminum level; group A< 50 μg/L, and group B > 50 μg/L. Another group of 60 apparently healthy children with matched age and sex with the patient group served as a control. All subjects underwent thorough history taking, clinical examination and the following investigations: complete blood count, blood urea, serum creatinine total serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum aluminum, ferritin, PTH and aluminum level of drinking water and water for dialysis. Results: In this study serum aluminum level was significantly higher in cases compared with controls, it was (60±20 μg/L) and (20±10 μg/L) respectively (P=.000). Also we found serum PTH was significantly higher while serum calcium was significantly lower in cases compared to controls particularly in children whose aluminum >50 μg/L. We found a significant positive correlation between serum aluminum levels with PTH (r=.50, P=.001). Also our study reported that the aluminum level in both tap water (for drinking) and water from the dialysis unit their levels were 300 μg/L and 1 μg/L respectively. Conclusion: Drinking water is the main source of high aluminum level in our study and its overload is still a serious health problem in hemodialysis children. So aluminum should be diminished from drinking water to reach the permissible limit; routine monitoring of aluminum level and new modalities of hemodialysis is recommended.

[Effect of Islet Cell Autoantibodies on clinical course of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus: a one year follow up]

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM] is an autoimmune disease identified by the presence of several autoantibodies to islet and/ or /beta-cell antigens, among which is islet cell autoantibodies [ICA]. The positivity of ICA in newly diagnosed patients with T1DM, may predict the course of the disease

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the ICA positive patients with newly diagnosed T1DM and to verify how the ICA positivitycould influence the course of disease during one year follow up as regard clinical improvement[frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA] and insulin dose requirement] and glycemic ocontrol[glycosylated hemoglobin[HbAlc]level]

Methods: A prospective study was conducted over a period of twoyears at Assiut University Children Hospital; including 34 newly diagnosed T1DM children; 20 females and 14 males; the mean age was 9.14 +/- 3.52 yr. Work up for the patients included complete clinical assessment, CBC, liver andkidney function tests,lipid profile, ICA andHbAlclevels at first presentation. We followed up patients for one year with assessment of episodes of DKA, HbAlclevels quarterly, and the mean of insulin doses were calculated and assessed at the end of the study

Results: Out of 34 newly diagnosed T1DM children; 22 [64.7%] wereICA positive. The mean insulin requirement at the end offollow up was significantly greater in ICA positive group [P<0.04]. Out of 34patients, 13 [38.2%] presented by DKA as a first manifestation of T1DM, whileduring the follow up period there was no significant difference [P>0.05] between both ICA positive andnegative groups. The HbA lc levels were significantly greater in ICA positive group than those with negative results throughout the follow up period [P<0.02].Atthe time of presentation 27.3% and 63.6% of ICA positive cases had total cholesterol andLDL-Cholesterol levels which were significantly greater than IC Anegative cases [P<0.03 and P<0.001] respectively

Conclusion: Follow up of newly diagnosed children with T1DM with positive ICA had poor glycemic control [greater HbAlclevel], during the course of follow up, and higher insulin requirement at the end of follow up

Study on the preventive effect of Mulberry [Morus alba l.] fruits in rats exposed to gamma radiation

Background: Ionizing radiation is known to generate and reactive oxygen species. This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of mulberry fruit against -irradiation induced oxidative stress in rats

Materials and methods: Male albino rats were divided into four groups, Group [I]: [control group] rats fed on balanced diet for 4 weeks, Group [II]: rats fed on balanced diet contained 5% mulberry fruits powder [MFP], Group [III]: rats were exposed at the 1[st] week of the experiment to fractionated Gamma-irradiation dose of 8 Gy administered as 2 Gy, every other day and fed on balanced diet for 4 weeks, and Group [IV]: irradiated rats fed on balanced diet contained 5% mulberry fruits powder, at the end of the experiment, animals from each group were sacrificed, 24 hrs post the last dose of treatment, six rats from each group were sacrificed. Blood samples were taken and analyzed for Lipid peroxides as malondialdehyde [MDA] level, Xanthine Oxidoreductase system [XO and XDH], Glutathione [GSH] content, Superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], Aspartate Transaminase [AST], Alanine Transaminase [ALT], Gamma Glutamyl Transferase [GGT], Alkaline Phosphatase [ALP] activities and total bilirubin in rats

Results: The results showed that, irradiation induced high significant decrease in hepatic Glutathione contents [GSH], Xanthine Dehydrogenase [XDH], Superoxides Dismutase [SOD] and Catalase [CAT] activity. Moreover, a remarkable increase in the Malondialdehyde [MDA] concentration, xanthine oxidase activity [XO], the activity of some liver enzymes was observed in Gamma-irradiated rats. In contrast, administration of Mulberry Fruit Powder [MFP] to Gamma-irradiated rats was found to offer protection against Gamma-irradiation induced oxidative stress, by elevating the activity of antioxidant enzymes, enhancing liver function. All results in this study suggested that mulberry fruit had high potential to be developed as radio protective agent

Conclusion: Therefore, MFP could have a beneficial role in modulating oxidative stress by improving the natural antioxidant mechanism

prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis infection among Saudi women attending the infertility clinic in central Saudi Arabia

To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis [C. trachomatis] infection among Saudi women, its clinical presentation, and its association to infertility. This study was conducted between October 2012 and July 2013 at King Khalid University Hospital and King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Female patients aged between 19 and 46 years old with infertility problems seen at both hospitals were recruited to join the study. A separate group of female patients without infertility problems was also recruited from both hospitals to serve as controls for the study. Endocervical swabs were collected from both groups of patients, and samples were analyzed using real time polymerase chain reaction. There was a statistically significantly greater prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in infertile women [n=8, 8.0%] compared with the fertile group of women [n=1, 1.0%]. The C. trachomatis infection was significantly correlated to infertility. A significant association between infertility and increased prevalence of C. trachomatis infection is shown in this study, thus, we suggest that screening for Chlamydial infection to be part of the routine investigation for infertility

Incidental parasitic infections in surgically removed appendices: a retrospective analysis

Numerous parasitic infections can cause inflammation of the appendix and can mimic appendicitis clinically. The diagnosis is generally achieved only after surgery. However early diagnosis through stool examination may prevent life-threatening complications. This study investigated the presence of parasitic infections in surgically removed appendices as an etiology of acute appendicitis. A retrospective study included patients who had undergone surgery for acute appendicitis over a period of three years from Jan 2012 to Dec 2014. Demographic data, laboratory investigations, operative data and pathological findings, presence and type of parasites were retrieved. The results showed that out of 1536 patients with appendectomy done, 938 [61.1%] were males and 598 [38.9%] were females. Parasitic infection was demonstrated only in 0.4% [6 patients]. Mean average age of these patients was 12 years. Enterobius vermicularis was present in 4 patients [66% of the parasitic affection] and Schistosoma mansoni in 2 patients [34% of the parasitic affection]. Other etiologies were acute suppurative appendicitis [94.1%], chronic appendicitis [3.1%], tumors [0.3%], tuberculosis [0.2%] and actinomycosis [0.1%]. Appendix was found normal in 2% of patients underwent appendectomy