Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit / A eficiência da aplicação de sulfato de zinco exógeno reduziu a queda da fruta e melhorou a atividade antioxidante da tangerina 'Kinnow'

'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the "Kinnow" fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-¹) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar [...].

A tangerina 'Kinnow' (Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) é uma importante fruta comercializável do mundo. É o esteio da indústria cítrica no Paquistão, com grande potencial de exportação. Mas, da produção total do país, apenas 10% da produção atendem o padrão internacional de qualidade para exportação. A queda da fruta antes da colheita e a baixa qualidade da fruta podem estar associadas a vários problemas, incluindo a nutrição da planta. A maioria dos agricultores não se preocupa com o fornecimento de micronutrientes que já são deficientes no solo. Além disso, sua mobilidade dentro das plantas também é uma questão. O zinco (Zn) está entre os micronutrientes que afetam a qualidade e a vida pós-colheita da fruta, e sua deficiência em solos paquistaneses já é relatada por diversos pesquisadores. Portanto, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a influência da aplicação pré-colheita de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4; 0, 0,4%, 0,6% ou 0,8%) na queda dos frutos na pré-colheita, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da tangerina 'Kinnow' em colheita. Os tratamentos foram aplicados durante o mês de outubro, ou seja, 4 meses antes da colheita. As pulverizações de Zn aplicadas tiveram efeito significativo no rendimento e na qualidade da fruta 'Kinnow'. Entre as diferentes aplicações foliares de ZnSO4 efetuadas quatro meses antes da colheita, 0,6% de ZnSO4 reduziu significativamente a queda de frutos antes da colheita (10,08%) em comparação com as árvores de controle não tratadas (46,45%). Da mesma forma, número máximo de frutos colhidos por árvore (627), peso do fruto (192,9 g), porcentagem de suco (42,2%), sólidos solúveis totais (9,5 ° Brix), teor de ácido ascórbico (35,5 mg / 100 g-¹) e os teores de açúcar (17,4) também foram significativamente maiores com o tratamento com 0,6% de ZnSO4 em comparação com o restante dos tratamentos e o controle. A aplicação foliar de 0,6% de ZnSO4 também melhorou significativamente os [...].

Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of Kinnow mandarin fruit

Abstract Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the Kinnow fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-1) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar spray of ZnSO4 (0.6%) four months prior to harvest reduced pre-harvest fruit drop, increase yield with improved quality of Kinnow mandarin fruit.

Resumo A tangerina Kinnow (Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) é uma importante fruta comercializável do mundo. É o esteio da indústria cítrica no Paquistão, com grande potencial de exportação. Mas, da produção total do país, apenas 10% da produção atendem o padrão internacional de qualidade para exportação. A queda da fruta antes da colheita e a baixa qualidade da fruta podem estar associadas a vários problemas, incluindo a nutrição da planta. A maioria dos agricultores não se preocupa com o fornecimento de micronutrientes que já são deficientes no solo. Além disso, sua mobilidade dentro das plantas também é uma questão. O zinco (Zn) está entre os micronutrientes que afetam a qualidade e a vida pós-colheita da fruta, e sua deficiência em solos paquistaneses já é relatada por diversos pesquisadores. Portanto, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a influência da aplicação pré-colheita de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4; 0, 0,4%, 0,6% ou 0,8%) na queda dos frutos na pré-colheita, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da tangerina Kinnow em colheita. Os tratamentos foram aplicados durante o mês de outubro, ou seja, 4 meses antes da colheita. As pulverizações de Zn aplicadas tiveram efeito significativo no rendimento e na qualidade da fruta Kinnow. Entre as diferentes aplicações foliares de ZnSO4 efetuadas quatro meses antes da colheita, 0,6% de ZnSO4 reduziu significativamente a queda de frutos antes da colheita (10,08%) em comparação com as árvores de controle não tratadas (46,45%). Da mesma forma, número máximo de frutos colhidos por árvore (627), peso do fruto (192,9 g), porcentagem de suco (42,2%), sólidos solúveis totais (9,5 ° Brix), teor de ácido ascórbico (35,5 mg / 100 g-1) e os teores de açúcar (17,4) também foram significativamente maiores com o tratamento com 0,6% de ZnSO4 em comparação com o restante dos tratamentos e o controle. A aplicação foliar de 0,6% de ZnSO4 também melhorou significativamente os antioxidantes totais (TAO) e os teores fenólicos totais (TPC) nas frutas. Em conclusão, a pulverização foliar de ZnSO4 (0,6%) quatro meses antes da colheita reduziu a queda de frutos antes da colheita e aumentou o rendimento com a melhoria da qualidade da fruta tangerina Kinnow.

An optimized derivative of an endogenous CXCR4 antagonist prevents atopic dermatitis and airway inflammation

Aberrant CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling is involved in many pathophysiological processes such as cancer and inflammatory diseases. A natural fragment of serum albumin, named EPI-X4, has previously been identified as endogenous peptide antagonist and inverse agonist of CXCR4 and is a promising compound for the development of improved analogues for the therapy of CXCR4-associated diseases. To generate optimized EPI-X4 derivatives we here performed molecular docking analysis to identify key interaction motifs of EPI-X4/CXCR4. Subsequent rational drug design allowed to increase the anti-CXCR4 activity of EPI-X4. The EPI-X4 derivative JM#21 bound CXCR4 and suppressed CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 infection more efficiently than the clinically approved small molecule CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. EPI-X4 JM#21 did not exert toxic effects in zebrafish embryos and suppressed allergen-induced infiltration of eosinophils and other immune cells into the airways of animals in an asthma mouse model. Moreover, topical administration of the optimized EPI-X4 derivative efficiently prevented inflammation of the skin in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Thus, rationally designed EPI-X4 JM#21 is a novel potent antagonist of CXCR4 and the first CXCR4 inhibitor with therapeutic efficacy in atopic dermatitis. Further clinical development of this new class of CXCR4 antagonists for the therapy of atopic dermatitis, asthma and other CXCR4-associated diseases is highly warranted.

Antiviral activities of Cholistani plants against common poultry viruses

@#Herbal medicines are becoming more popular and acceptable day by day due to their effectiveness, limited side effects, and cost-effectiveness. Cholistani plants are reported as a rich source of antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, and anticancer agents. The current study has evaluated antiviral potential of selected Cholistani plants. The whole plants were collected, ground and used in extract formation with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. All the extracts were concentrated by using a rotary evaporator and concentrate was finally dissolved in an appropriate vol of the same solvent. All of the extracts were tested for their antiviral potential by using 9-11 days old chick embryonated eggs. Each extract was tested against the Avian Influenza virus H9N2 strain (AIV), New Castle Disease virus Lasoota strain (NDV), Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and an Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Hemagglutination test (HA) and Indirect Hemagglutination (IHA) tests were performed for different viruses. The overall order of the antiviral potential of Cholistani plants against viruses was NDV>IBV>IBDV>AIV. In terms of antiviral activity from extracts, the order of activity was n-butanol>ethyl acetate>n-hexane. The medicinal plants Achyranthes aspera, Neuroda procumbens, Panicum antidotale, Ochthochloa compressa and Suaeda fruticose were very effective against all four poultry viruses through their extracts. The low IC50 values of these extracts confirm the high antiviral potential against these viruses. It is worth to mention that Achyranthes aspera was found positive against IBDV through all its extracts which overcome the problem of unavailability of any known drug against IBDV. In short, the study proved that Cholistani plants are rich source of antiviral agent and their extracts can be used as good source of antiviral drugs both in crude and in purified form.

Bilateral tripartite insertion of the fibularis (peroneus) brevis muscle: a case report / Inserción tripartita bilateral del músculo fibular corto: reporte de caso

SUMMARY: The fibularis brevis muscle typically inserts by a single long, robust, flat tendon upon the base of the fifth metatarsal. In this case report, we demonstrate two comparatively small accessory tendons of insertion in both the right and left limbs of an elderly cadaver. In each limb, the superior and inferior accessory tendons arose from the distal end of the main tendon of insertion to attach to, respectively, the shaft and neck of the fifth metatarsal. The bilateral presence of this comparatively rare condition is a new finding. Review of the literature reveals that these accessory tendons are most probably remnants of the inserting tendons of the atavistic muscle peroneus digiti minimi. The presence of this anomaly could affect reconstruction surgeries that utilize the inserting tendon of fibularis brevis, and treatment of avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal.

RESUMEN: El músculo fibularis corto generalmente se inserta por un solo tendón largo, robusto y plano en la base del quinto metatarsiano. En este trabajo demostramos dos tendones accesorios de inserción comparativamente pequeños en ambos miembros inferiores de un cadáver de edad avanzada. En cada miembro inferior, los tendones accesorios superiores e inferiores surgieron de la porción distal del tendón principal de inserción para adherirse, respectivamente, al eje y al cuello del quinto metatarsiano. La presencia bilateral de éste músculo, comparativamente raro, es un nuevo hallazgo. La revisión de la literatura revela que estos tendones accesorios son probablemente remanentes de los tendones de inserción del músculo peroneus digiti minimi. La presencia de esta anomalía podría afectar las cirugías de reconstrucción que utilizan el tendón de inserción del músculo fibular corto, y el tratamiento de las fracturas por avulsión de la base del quinto hueso metatarsiano.

Effect of diode laser irradiation of bonding agents before curing versus standard bonding protocol on the shear bond strength between resin cement and dentin / Efeito da irradiação com laser de diodo sobre sistemas adesivos antes da cura versus protocolo de adesão padrão na resistência ao cisalhamento entre o cimento resinoso e a dentina

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diode laser irradiation (970 nm) of a one-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil S3 Bond/CS3B) and of the bonding agent of a two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil Liner Bond F/CLBF) placed on dentin before polymerization on the shear bond strength. Material and methods: Forty sound premolars were sectioned buccally to obtain flat dentin surfaces. The specimens were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): Group (OS) ­ CS3B + polymerization. Group (OS-L) ­ CS3B + laser + polymerization. Group (TS) ­ CLBF (bonding agent only) + polymerization. Group (TS-L) ­ CLBF (bonding agent only) + laser + polymerization. The diode laser was irradiated through an 8 mm bleaching tip for 10 seconds, (0.4 W, 10 Hz, 4 J). All samples were cemented to composite blocks and submitted to 4000 thermal cycles. The samples were tested for shear bond strength in a universal testing machine. Data obtained was analyzed using Twoway (ANOVA) (p < 0.05) and the Bonferroni posthoc test. Representative samples from each group were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Group TS-L ­ (7.43 MPa) displayed statistically significant higher shear bond strength in comparison to that of group TS ­ (5.13 MPa). No statistically significant difference was found between group OS-L ­ (6.49 MPa) and group OS ­ (7.28 MPa). Group TS-L exhibited the highest resin penetration beyond the hybrid layer under SEM. Conclusions: Diode laser irradiation of a bonding agent placed on dentin without prior priming increased the bond strength to dentin and is promising as a new dentin adhesion protocol. (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da irradiação com laser de diodo (970 nm) sobre um adesivo autocondicionante de um passo (Clearfil S3 Bond / CS3B) e de um outro adesivo autocondicionante de dois passos (Clearfil Liner Bond F / CLBF) aplicado na dentina, antes de sua polimerização, na resistência ao cisalhamento. Material e métodos: Quarenta pré-molares hígidos foram seccionados vestibularmente para obtenção de superfícies dentinárias planas. Os espécimes foram divididos em 4 grupos (n = 10): Grupo (OS) - polimerização de CS3B +. Grupo (OS-L) - laser + CS3 + polimerização. Grupo (TS) - CLBF (apenas agente de adesão) + polimerização. Grupo (TS-L) - CLBF (somente agente de adesão) + laser + polimerização. O laser de diodo foi irradiado através de uma ponta de branqueamento de 8 mm durante 10 segundos (0,4 W, 10 Hz, 4 J). Todas as amostras foram cimentadas a blocos de compósitos, submetidos a 4.000 ciclos térmicos. As amostras foram testadas quanto à resistência ao cisalhamento em uma máquina universal de ensaios. Os dados obtidos foram analisados utilizandose Two-way (ANOVA) (p < 0,05) e o teste post-hoc de Bonferroni. Amostras representativas de cada grupo foram analisadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Resultados: O grupo TS-L - (7,43 MPa) apresentou resistência ao cisalhamento estatisticamente significativa maior em relação ao grupo TS (5,13 MPa). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o grupo OS-L - (6,49 MPa) e grupo OS - (7,28 MPa). O grupo TS-L exibiu a maior penetração de resina além da camada híbrida em MEV. Conclusões: A irradiação com laser de diodo de um agente adesivo colocado sobre a dentina sem o uso prévio de primers aumentou a força de adesão à dentina e é promissora como um novo protocolo de adesão dentinária. (AU)

Long-term outcome of transobturator suburethral tape procedure for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

The aim is to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of transobturator tape [TOT] procedure in the treatment of women with stress urinary incontinence [SUI] by subjective and objective measures. A total 48 women with SUI underwent the TOT procedure during the period from December 2005 to February 2008. The follow-up period ranged between 60 and 84 months [mean 71 months]. Mean age was 44.21 +/- 7.52 [range: 30-58]. Preoperative and early postoperative data were retrieved from the patient's medical files. Follow-up evaluation was carried out every 3 months during the 1st year and yearly afterwards by history taking [including incontinence and quality-of-life questionnaire], clinical examination, urine analysis, abdominopelvic ultrasonography, and urodynamic studies when indicated. At 12-month follow-up, the cure, improvement, and failure rates were 3[patients [81.25%], 5 [10.42%] and 4 [8.33%], respectively. The corresponding rates at the last follow-up were 38 [7[.15%], 5 [10.42%] and 5 [10.42%] respectively. The postvoid residual urine and peak flow rates did not differ significantly between the preoperative values and at the last follow-up. The complication rates after a mean 71-month included one patient with voiding difficulty and two patients with de novo urgency. No case was recorded with retention of urine or erosion. Transobturator tape procedure appeared to be effective minimally invasive procedure for SUI with low rate of complication and good long-term outcome

Phase II study on the use of intraoperative radiotherapy in early breast cancer

To report our early experience using the Intrabeam radiotherapy delivery system for intraoperative radiotherapy [IORT] in early breast cancer. This is a prospective phase 2 study carried out at the Department of Surgery and Radiology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 2010 to November 2012. Females eligible for breast-conserving surgery with biopsy-proven invasive duct carcinoma, and with a mass of 3 cm, with lymphovascular invasion, multifocal lesion, extensive intraductal carcinoma, and positive nodes. Early and late toxicity were recorded using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group [RTOG] criteria. Forty-five patients were included with a median age of 54 [range: 27-79 years]. Thirty-six cases [80%] had tumor <3 cm in diameter, and 36 [67%] have pathologically negative axillary lymph node metastases. None of the patients developed delayed wound healing, postoperative infection requiring intravenous antibiotic, or breast seroma requiring aspiration. Sixteen [36%] received EBRT after IORT. Twelve patients developed radiologically proved fat necrosis. The IORT for early stage breast cancer patients using the Intrabeam delivery system was easily implemented in our center with an acceptable toxicity profile and cosmetic outcome

Three-dimension anatomy-based planning optimization for high dose rate vaginal vault brachytherapy

To retrospectively compare 3-dimension [3D]-inverse planning optimization with 2 conventional planning methods in vaginal vault high-dose-rate brachytherapy. We randomly selected 26 patients with endometrium cancer, treated with external beam radiotherapy followed by intracavitary high-doserate brachytherapy. The study was carried out in the Radiotherapy Unit of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between July 2010 and October 2011. For each brachytherapy fraction, dosevolume-histograms were analyzed for 3 different dose prescription protocols: 0.5 cm from the applicator's tip, 0.5 cm along the applicator's surface, and inverse planning. Dose-volume-histogram analysis showed a significant difference [p<0.001] between the 3 treatment planning methods regarding clinical-targetvolume prescribed dose coverage: 26.7% +/- 5.4% versus 48.5% +/- 6.7% versus 68.6% +/- 7.5%. The doses received by the volumes of 2 cm[3] of organs-at-risk were [p<0.001]: rectum: 4.6 +/- 1.1 Gy versus 2.8 +/- 0.5 Gy versus 3.3 +/- 0.5 Gy; sigmoid: 1.4 +/- 0.8 Gy versus 0.7 +/- 0.3 Gy versus 0.9 +/- 0.5 Gy; and bladder: 3.7 +/- 1.0 Gy versus 2.3 +/- 0.5 Gy, versus 2.7 +/- 0.6 Gy. Three-dimension inverse planning provides the ability to balance the target dose coverage against the sparing of organs at risk. For vaginal vault high-dose-rate inverse planning brachytherapy, the use of a CT scan only for the first fraction of treatment is feasible, and the dosimetric impact is minimal.

L-isoleucine-supplemented Oral Rehydration Solution in the Treatment of Acute Diarrhoea in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Antimicrobial peptides represent an important component of the innate immune defenses of living organisms, including humans. They are broad-spectrum surface-acting agents secreted by the epithelial cells of the body in response to infection. Recently, L-isoleucine and its analogues have been found to induce antimicrobial peptides. The objectives of the study were to examine if addition of L-isoleucine to oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution would reduce stool output and/or duration of acute diarrhoea in children and induce antimicrobial peptides in intestine. This double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Dhaka Hospital of ICDDR,B. Fifty male children, aged 6-36 months, with acute diarrhoea and some dehydration, attending the hospital, were included in the study. Twenty-five children received L-isoleucine (2 g/L)-added ORS (study), and 25 received ORS without L-isoleucine (control). Stool weight, ORS intake, and duration of diarrhoea were the primary outcomes. There was a trend in reduction in mean±standard deviation (SD) daily stool output (g) of children in the L-isoleucine group from day 2 but it was significant on day 3 (388±261 vs 653±446; the difference between mean [95% confidence interval (CI) (-)265 (-509, -20); p=0.035]. Although the cumulative stool output from day 1 to day 3 reduced by 26% in the isoleucine group, it was not significant. Also, there was a trend in reduction in the mean±SD intake of ORS solution (mL) in the L-isoleucine group but it was significant only on day 1 (410±169 vs 564±301), the difference between mean (95% CI) (-)154 (-288, -18); p=0.04. The duration (hours) of diarrhoea was similar in both the groups. A gradual increase in stool concentrations of ß-defensin 2 and 3 was noted but they were not significantly different between the groups. L-isoleucine-supplemented ORS might be beneficial in reducing stool output and ORS intake in children with acute watery diarrhoea. A further study is warranted to substantiate the therapeutic effect of L-isoleucine.

Treatment planning for high dose rate brachytherapy of cervical cancer based on total dose constraints

To compare the inverse planning optimization based on total dose constraints versus conventional treatment plan [point A planning method] for cervical carcinoma, and evaluate the benefit of CT-based image-guided brachytherapy. We prospectively analyzed data of 10 consecutive patients with cervical cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy to the whole pelvis [45 Gy in 25 fractions] followed by high-dose-rate [HDR] brachytherapy [21 Gy in 3 fractions]. For treatment planning of HDR brachytherapy, the basic equations of the linear-quadratic model were used to calculate the physical dose for each brachytherapy fraction needed to achieve a given total iso-effective dose for the whole treatment. Specific dosimetric parameters are evaluated for high risk [HR CTV], intermediate risk [IR CTV] clinical target volumes, and organs at risk [OARs]. In conventional plans, the HR CTV was well covered in only 15/31, and the IR CTV in 7/31 of the brachytherapy implants, while dose constraints of OARs bladder and rectum were respected in 28/31 and 14/31 implants. After optimization, the HR CTV and IR CTV dose constraints were respected in all the implants, and the bladder and rectum of cases dose constraints were respected in 25/31 and 17/31 of cases. Point A is a poor surrogate of target dose. Significant differences between point doses and dose volume histogram parameters indicate the need for inverse planning in image-guided brachytherapy of cervical cancer

Assessment of the current practice regarding Diarrhea Management by pharmacists/chemist in Moradabad.

Diarrhea is one of the GIT disorders that create discomfort of normal life. Diarrhea is defined by the World Health Organization as having 3 or more loose or liquid stools per day or as having more stools than is normal for that person. It may be due to infection by viruses, Bacteria and parasites etc. Generally in small cities large number of diarrheal patients visit chemist shop and took medicine with or without advice/precaution from over the counter. Present study deal with specific aim focus on evaluating the role of Pharmacist/Chemist in management of diarrhea. Pharmacist helped in out in managing diarrhea to some extent by prescribing drugs either in single or combinations form but they don’t know about the which patients to test, what tests to order, what accurate medical treatments to use, and what steps to take in case of acute as well as in chronic case of diarrhea.

Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft; neonatal presentation and diagnostic challenges

Congenital laryngeal clefts are rare developmental disorders of the upper airway accounting for 0.3% to 0.5% of all congenital anomalies of the larynx. The study is reporting the research team's first experience with this anomaly at the Armed Force Hospital Southern Region to emphasize the difficulties and the challenges in the diagnosis as well as the treatment of such infants. This is a 32 week preterm female infant with antenatal ultrasound diagnosis of isolated esophageal atresia. After delivery the team faced a great difficulty in intubation and passing nasogastric tube. A large NGT size 12FR passed to the stomach, and contrast study showed abnormal anteriorly located esophagus, which suggested a common esophageo-tracheal tract. Esophagogram and soft fibro-optic endoscopy was done by ENT consultant which confirmed the presence of long segment laryngo-trachea-esophageal cleft. The infant was transferred to tertiary center where she died from respiratory failure at the age of 6 months

Nicotine impact on testis, epididymis and semen pattern in adult male rats

Male reproductive function depends on integrity of seminiferous epithelium as well as integrity of accessory sex organs. Nicotine is the major component of tobacco that is responsible for deleterious effect of cigarette smoking. This study is designed to investigate influence of nicotine administration for variable durations on the structure and function of adult male rat genital system. A total number of 60 adult male three months aged albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups [15 animals each]. First group: the animals were served as control Second group: was treated by nicotine subcutaneously in a dose of 6 mg /kg/day for two weeks. Third group: was treated by nicotine in the same dose for four weeks. Fourth group was treated by nicotine in the same dose for nine weeks. Serum testosterone level of rats was .determined. The sperms were examined for estimation of percent of sperm alive, motility, abnormality, and protoplasmic droplets. The animals were sacrificed. Histological section of testis and epididymis were taken. Serum testosterone level of treated animals is reduced but it did not reach a significant level except after four weeks of treatment. The percentage of both the sperm alive, motility were significantly reduced even after two weeks of treatment with nicotine. Sperm abnormalities and percent of unripe [with protoplasmic droplets] showed significant progressive increase starting after two weeks. The testis shows thickening of the tunica propria and irregular basal lamina. Degeneration of germ cells especially with prolonged duration of exposure was observed. Nicotine consumption, especially with prolonged duration, has deleterious effect on male fertility potential

Effect of caffeine administration on the development of skeleton of albino rat

Caffeine, a naturally occurring central nervous system stimulant, is found in coffee and coca-based foods. Although caffeine passes readily through the placenta to the fetus, caffeine-containing products are still widely consumed during pregnancy. The present work was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary caffeine intake during pregnancy and lactation on the skeleton of the developing rat. A total number of 20 pregnant albino rats were randomly chosen and divided into 2 groups: control group: 10 dams were given saline daily from the 10[th] day of gestation until delivery through a gastric tube, and an experimental group: 10 dams were given caffeine at a dose of 100 mg /kg/day dissolved in distilled water through a gastric tube for the same period of gestation. After normal delivery, some litters from both groups were sacrificed at postnatal day 1, and others were left for lactation and sacrificed at postnatal day 30. Samples from the lumbar region of the vertebral column, upper end of ulna and upper and lower ends of radius were taken from all groups, prepared for light microscopic examination and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue stains. Other samples from all groups were taken randomly and stained with alizarin red stain for gross skeletal examination. Caffeine treated groups showed delayed ossification in the developing bones including the skull, forelimb, hind limb and caudal vertebrae. Histological study of the growing ends of the long bones and vertebral bodies revealed cellular disorganization of chondrocytes especially in the hypertrophic zone, delayed ossification in between degenerating chondrocytes and less developed 2ry centers of ossification in treated animals. Also, degenerative changes were observed in the histological structure of the inter-vertebral disc in both newborn and one month old treated animals in the form of shrunken nucleus pulposus and disturbed lamellar arrangement of annulus fibrosus. These observed changes could be attributed to the direct effect of caffeine on the developing skeleton or due to some of its derivatives; theobromine or methylxanthine. The delay in the endochondral ossification may be attributed to zinc deficiency produced by the administration of caffeine

Effect of maternal sodium Fluoride administration during gestation and lactation on the thyroid gland development of albino rat offspring

The study was carried to follow up the postnatal developmental sequences of the rat thyroid gland in addition to investigate the effect of gestational and lactational administration of sodium fluoride on the offspring thyroid gland and its reversibility after fluoride withdrawal. Thirty mature female albino rats were used and allowed for mating. Then the known pregnant rats were divided into two groups: group [A] [control group] received daily distilled water and group [B] [experimental group] received daily oral dose of sodium fluoride dissolved in distilled wafer via gastric tube [40mg/kgm body weight]. Drug administration started from the gestational day 14 up to the weaning on the postnatal day 21. The offspring of the control and experimental [fluoride treated] groups were used at the age of one, five, ten fifteen days.three weeks, one and six months [eight pups from each age]. The thyroid glands were dissected out and then the thyroid specimens were processed for histological study using Hemtoxylin and Eosin and Van Gieson 's staining methods. Histomorphometric technique was done to estimate the volume proportion of the thyroid follicles and interstitial tissues as well as the thickness of follicular epithelium of the rats of the experimental [fluoride treated] group compared to that of the control group at the age of three weeks, one and six months using the point counting technique. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using student t test. The histological results highlighted the normal postnatal developmental events of rat thyroid gland. The thyroid gland showed a primitive and immature microfollicular pattern at birth to attain the macrofollicular pattern by the second postnatal week. Further functional maturation was observed by the third postnatal week till they reached full maturity by the first postnatal month. These observations demonstrated well defined mature macrofollicles that contain abundant colloid material with visible absorptive vesicles. The histological findings of the current study demonstrated the effect of sodium fluoride on thyroid follicular pattern, follicular colloid content and the interfollicular connective tissue. These observations included predominance of microfollicular pattern, presence of disturbed follicular pattern reduction of colloid content [glycoprotein], widening of the interfollicular spaces, increased vascularity as well as obvious fibroplastic and monocytic infiltration. The histomorphometric measurements revealed statistically significant changes behween rats of the control and experimental groups at the age of three weeks and one month. The histological and histomorphometric results of the rats of the experimental group at the age of six months remained more or less similar to that of the control apart from widening of the interfollicular space. This partial recovery of thyroid histopathological and histomorphometric indices after cessation of sodium fluoride administration could indicate reversibility of its adverse effect

Intrapartum ultrasonographic assessment of foetal occiput position a comparison with transvaginal digital examination during the second stage of labor

To compare between digital vaginal examination [DVE], transabdominal sonography [TAS] and transvaginal sonography [TVS] as regards accuracy and time requirements for determination of foetal occiput position during the second stage of labor. Prospective randomized blinded study. 120 laboring patients in the second stage of labor. An informed consent was obtained. A detailed sterile digital vaginal examination was performed immediately before transabdominal and transvaginal examinations. Each sonographer was blinded to the finding of the other as well as to the DVE finding. The findings of digital and ultrasonic examinations were compared with the actual position of the vertex, as determined by direct visualization at vaginal delivery after spontaneous restitution of the foetal head or at cesarean delivery. The foetal head position was assessed by determining the foetal occiput as "the time on a 12-hour clock" into eight categories. The findings of DVE and TAS were considered to be correct if the foetal occiput position was within +/- 45° of TVS finding. The time required by the three methods was recorded. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of DVE, TAS, combined DVE and TAS and TVS [gold standard] in the determination of the foetal head positions in the second stage of labor were calculated. TVS diagnosed correctly the foetal head position in all cases [100% accuracy] when compared with the actual foetal head position at delivery and thus was considered as the gold standard. The accuracy of DVE in determining foetal head position in the second stage of labor was 72%, being higher for occiput anterior positions. DVE was inaccurate in 26.7% of cases, the majority of which were in occiput posterior positions and was unable to determine 5% of cases. The accuracy of TAS in diagnosing the foetal head position was 80.5%. TAS was inaccurate in 9.16% of cases, the majority of which were in the occiput anterior positions and was unable to determine 4.16% of cases. The accuracy of TVS was significantly higher than DVE and TAS [P= 0.001]. However, combining DVE and TAS increased the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy than using either alone. The time required for determining foetal head position was significantly shortest for TVS in comparison to TAS or DVE [8.17 +/- 2.15 vs 29.4 +/- 2.81 or 22.27 +/- 3.59 seconds, P= 0.0001]. Transvaginal sonography is the preferred imaging method for the determination of foetal head position in the second stage of labor. However, combining DVE and TAS was more accurate in the assessment of the foetal head position than using either alone and can be used as an alternative to TVS

content of the undergraduate surgical course needs assessment

The College of Medicine, at King Khalid University [KKU], Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] has been trying to update its curriculum. The aim of this study was to determine the contents of the undergraduate surgical course. We adopted a questionnaire developed by the Association of Surgical Education [ASE], where responders graded the importance of 84 areas of knowledge and 46 skills. We sent the questionnaire to faculty members at KKU, consultants at Aseer Central Hospital [ACH], a group of students, house officers and residents in training at ACH. Knowledge and skills were ranked based on a mean value score [0-3] that determined the priority list. Stratification of results into three levels for knowledge; indepth-knowledge, moderate and familiarity. Skills levels were categories in three groups; proficiency, performed and observed. We compared our results to the finding of ASE published priority list. Our results showed that 25/29 of knowledge ranked as indepth-knowledge matched with ASE findings, whereas 4 topics received a lower score. Our responders added 8 topics that they found essential. Regarding skills priority score, our results matched in 22/24 of skills scored as proficiency essential by ASE. We concluded that the determination of surgery content for surgery course is essential to be done by the group of faculty members in the environment and region of the world were these courses will be implemented. Matching with international standards is important. We recommend that similar studies should be done prior to adopting international course

Development of Egyptian barley with HMW-GS Dy10 gene of wheat

Transgenic barley plants with high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit [HMW-GS] gene from wheat were successfully generated. The HMW-GS Dy10 gene, known to be essential in bread industry, was introduced into the Egyptian barley cv. Giza 123 by biolistic bombardment. The transgenic plants, regenerated from immature embryo-derived callus cultures, were normal and fertile. Stable integration of Dy10 transgene was confirmed by molecular analysis and its expression was studied by protein analysis. Dy10 gene was co-transformed into barley with the plasmid pAHC25 harboring the bar gene for selection and the gus reporter gene. Production of Egyptian barley with wheat HMW-GS genes could be used to develop barley flour with the unique properties of wheat flour for use in bread industry