Susceptibility of Malaysian rice varieties to Fusarium fujikuroi and in vitro activity of Trichoderma harzianum as biocontrol agent

Aims: Bakanae disease on rice has been widely distributed in all countries where rice is grown commercially, especially in Asian countries including Malaysia. As an alternative measure in controlling Fusarium fujikuroi, two approaches have to be adapted i.e. by using resistant varieties and biocontrol agents as reported in the present study. Methodology and results: A total of 31 Malaysian rice varieties were used in screening and results showed that variety MR211 was the most susceptible and MR220 was slightly susceptible. Out of 60 isolates of Trichoderma harzianum isolated from soils in Malaysia and tested against the pathogen under in vitro condition, 13 isolates showed high percentage of inhibition (PIRG > 60%). All isolates of T. harzianum showed that the PIRGs were significantly different at p≤0.05 with those of control plates. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Biocontrol agent and resistant variety are better alternative for controlling plant diseases. We found a variety MR220 was slightly susceptible, but none of tested varieties is resistant towards pathogen of bakanae disease. T. harzianum has the ability to inhibit the growth of F. fujikuroi (T3068P) under in vitro condition. The findings of the Malaysian susceptible/resistant variety and potential T. harzianum isolate as a biocontrol agent of bakanae are important for future tests in the plant house and field trials.

Hip magnetic resonance imaging: descriptive epidemiology and outcome in Jordan University Hospital

To evaluate the experience in Jordan University Hospital regarding hip magnetic resonance imaging and to compare our findings with those published in medical literature. one hundred eighty two hip magnetic resonance images performed over the period of 7 years were reviewed, 88 patients [48.3%] had normal hip magnetic resonance image and were excluded from the study while the remaining 94 images [51.6%] with variable abnormalities were included in our study. Variable hip pathologies were seen, the most common was bone marrow edema syndrome found in 22 patients representing [23.4%] of the pathologies detected, followed by transient osteoporosis in 16 [17%] patients and avascular necrosis of the hip joint in 13 [13.8%] patients. Slipped femoral capital epiphysis and Paget_s disease were the least common seen in [1.1%] for each. In Jordan University Hospital referred patients for hip MRI scanning showed diverse findings with the most common abnormality detected being bone marrow edema syndrome of the femoral head followed by transient osteoporosis and avascular necrosis. The great benefit from magnetic resonance imaging was in diagnosing transient osteoporosis, staging avascular necrosis of the hip joint and characterization of deep pelvic soft tissue masses. The prevalence of hip pathology among Jordan University hospital patients as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging was in concordance with what was published in the literature

Prevalence of urolithiasis in patients presenting with acute flank pain at jordan university hospital as demonstrated by unenhanced Helical CT scan

To identify the frequency and seasonal variations of renal stone disease in patients presenting clinically to Jordan university hospital with acute flank pain. Six hundred twenty five consecutive patients who had acute renal colic and underwent unenhanced urinary tract CT were retrospectively reviewed. The presence or absence of urolithiasis, site, and number of urinary stones in each sex and in each season were determined. Renal stone disease was depicted in 40% of patients. The incidence of male to female ratio was 2.3:1. The prevalence ratio of urinary stones in male and female patients in summer and winter seasons were 1.7:1, and 1.5:1, respectively. The most common site of urinary stones was the pelvicalyceal system with a prevalence rate of 74%. Renal stone disease is more common in male than in female patients; its frequency could be affected by dietary habits, socio-economic, and environmental conditions

Ultrasound measurement of liver span in Jordanian adults: a preliminary experience

One of the most frequent ultrasound requests by clinicians is evaluation of hepatic size. Clinical evaluation by percussion and palpation can be inaccurate, unreliable with significant inter-observer variation. Ultrasound remains a very important imaging modality when the liver is concerned because it is simple, practical and easy-to-use. Yet, ultrasound measurement of liver span didn't receive much attention, particularly in this region. The aims of this study were to establish a normal figure of liver span for adults in Jordan, to investigate relationships between liver span and several anthropometric factors including age, gender, weight, height, body mass index and body surface area and to standardize ultrasound measurement of liver span. A prospective study was carried out at Jordan University Hospital between March 2007 and April 2008, on non-selected population sample of 242 male and 275 female adults with age range of 18-76 years. Statistical analyses including correlation, regression and 95% confidence intervals were performed on the data to test the statistical significance of the various relationships between liver span as represented by midclavicular line longitudinal diameter on one side, and several anthropometric factors including age, gender, weight, height, body mass index and body surface area. Our results showed that all anthropometric variables contributed highly and significantly to the variation in female liver span. The same factors however, with the exception of body mass index, significantly contributed to the variation in male liver span, however to a much lesser extent than females. The best predictor of liver span was height in case of males, body surface area in case of females. And both height and body surface area when both genders are considered. The 95% liver span confidence intervals were 12.3-12.8, 11.9-12.3 and 12.2-12.5 for males, females, and both genders combined, respectively. Height and body surface area were the best determinants of liver span in males and females, respectively

Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging experience in Jordan

To assess the pituitary findings as demonstrated on MRI and to compare the results with the data published in the literature. One thousand, one hundred and thirty-eight pituitary MRI's with and without intravenous contrast media [gadolinium] were performed over 6 years from 2001 to 2007 in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. The patients were referred from various departments and were evaluated for pituitary, other sellar, and juxtasellar abnormalities. The results were compared with those in the published literature. Four hundred and eight-three normal scans were excluded from the study. The remaining 655 were abnormal, pituitary adenoma was detected in 327 [49.9%], microadenoma was present in 213 [32.5%], and macroadenoma in 114 [17.4%]. Partial empty sella was seen in 157 [24%], diffuse pituitary gland enlargement in 98 [14.9%], ectopic pituitary posterior lobe in 13 [2%], and other findings in 31 [4.7%]. The incidence of pituitary adenoma was equal in both genders; however, microadenoma was more common, affected a younger age group, and was predominately seen in females. The other parameters showed agreement with the published literature

Influence of patient's age on prostate volume, and serum PSA levels

Prostate specific antigen could be elevated in prostatic and non prostatic diseases, therefore it is not specific for prostate pathology .We evaluated in this retrospective study other factors such as patient's age to determine its effect on the prostate specific antigen level and prostate volume in normal, benign, and malignant conditions. One hundred twenty one patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound biopsy were included in this study. The prostate volume, total prostate specific antigen, free prostate specific antigen, and percent free prostate specific antigen in normal, benign, and malignant conditions were evaluated Descriptive analysis, Two tailed student's t- test, Anova test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Biopsy results yielded 35 patients with prostate cancer [29%], 77 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia [64%], and no abnormal histological finding in nine patients [7%].There was positive correlation between patient's age and prostate volume [r = 0.22, p < 0.05] Positive correlation was also found between patient's age and prostate specific antigen levels, total prostate specific antigen, and free prostate specific antigen [r = 0. 10 and r = 0. 1 8 respectively, p value was > 0.05]. Across categories no significant difference was found neither in the mean patient's age, nor in the prostate specific antigen levels [p > 0.05]. Although patient's age affects both total and free prostate specific antigen levels, but it could not be used as prostate cancer predictor

Macrodystrophia lipomatosa with syndactyly

Macrodystrophia lipomatosa [MDL] is a rare form of congenital localized gigantism characterized by hypertrophy of all mesenchymal tissues of the affected digits, with particular overgrowth of fat. Syndactyly is a rare association. We report a case of MDL associated with syndactyly affecting the hand. We describe the characteristic radiographic and MRI findings that distinguish the abnormality from other causes of localized gigantism

Isolated neurosarcoidosis: Case Report and Literature Review

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology with a rare tendency to the nervous system. Isolated neurosarcoidosis is rare and difficult to be diagnosed clinically. A 53-year-old Jordanian male admitted to Jordan University Hospital with a history of urine retention, low back pain and feet parasthesia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral enlargement of certain cranial nerves and meningeal masses. Magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine revealed meningeal and lumbar nerves thickening

Clinico-radiological correlates of achalasia

To study the clinical and radiographic characteristics of achalasia in a cohort Jordanian patients and to investigate the presence of any clinico-radiological relationships. Thirty-five cases of recently diagnosed untreated achalasia patients were studied at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan during the period of January 1999 to December 2002. Measurements of maximum esophageal and gastroesophageal [GE] junction diameters, as radiographic features, were obtained from films. The clinical features included age; gender; nature; frequency and duration of typical and atypical symptoms; total number of symptoms; calculated typical symptoms score; and diagnostic delay. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between radiographic and clinical features, and among the radiographic features themselves. Using Spearman's correlation coefficients, the later analysis was repeated for patients with diagnostic delay of 2 years or less and patients with more than 2 years. All results were evaluated based on the 0.05 level of significance. There were 35 consecutive achalasia patients enrolled in this study [20 females and 15 males] with a mean age of 42.3 +/- 15.6 years and diagnostic delay of 29 +/- 26 months. On average, each patient has presented 2 typical symptoms and 2 atypical symptoms. The mean typical symptoms score was almost 3 out of the full score of 6. The mean GE junction diameter was 2.4 mms and maximum esophageal diameter was 29 mms. Maximum esophageal diameter was significantly correlated with the number of typical, atypical and total symptoms as well as with the typical symptom score and diagnostic delay. Negative correlation was found between GE junction diameter and maximum esophageal diameter; but only statistically significant for patients with diagnostic delay of more than 2 years. Statistically significant relationship exists between maximum esophageal diameter and all clinical variables. Negative correlation exists between maximum esophageal diameter and GE junction diameter; however, only significant for patients with a diagnostic delay more than 2 years. The possibility of achalasia is high in patients with longer diagnostic delay who demonstrate negative relationship between maximum esophageal diameter and GE junction diameter