Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin ameliorate ulcerative colitis in rats

To evaluate the antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin in rats with thioacetamide-induced ulcerative colitis. Methods: Animals were orally administered with a vehicle, sulfasalazine (500 mg/kg), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 mg/kg), and saxagliptin (10 mg/kg) for two weeks. Ulcerative colitis was induced by a single intrarectal instillation of thioacetamide on day 8. Colon samples were collected to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), interleukin-12 (IL-12), caspase-3, β-defensin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Moreover, histopathological examination was performed. Results: Rats treated with thioacetamide caused increases in colonic MAPK, phosphorylated ERK, CREB, caspase-3, IL-12, β-defensin, iNOS, as well as decreases in body weight and GLP-1. In addition, distortion of colonic structure was found by histopathological examination. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin mitigated colitis severity by improving body weight decrease and GLP-1, and reducing colonic MAPK, phosphorylated ERK, CREB, caspase-3, IL-12, β-defensin and iNOS.Conclusions: Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin are efficient against thioacetamide induced colitis through improving inflammatory and oxidative changes.

Chitosan nanoparticles prepared from lucilia cuprina maggots as antibacterial agent

Chitosan were prepared from cuticle of Lucilia cuprina maggots with two steps; deproteinization and deacetylation. It was characterized with solubility and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy [FT-IR]. Chitosan was ball-milled to obtain the chitosan nanoparticles which characterized with dynamic light scattering [DLS] and transmission electron microscope [TEM]. Chitosan nanoparticles with degree of deacetylation [DDA] 80.5% were showed antibacterial activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis. The mode of action of chitosan nanoparticles on the tested bacteria was studied by TEM. Leakage of some cell contents, cell deformation mi rupture of cell were observed, therefore, the chitosan nanoparticles were observed to be a powerful antibacterial agent

Antimicrobial activities of chitosan nanoparticles prepared from lucilia cuprina maggots [diptera: calliphoridae]

Chitosan nanoparticles were studied as antimicrobial agent. The antibacterial activity of chitosan nanoparticles were investigated against three Gram-negative bacteria; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi, and three Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus pyogenes. The antifungal activity were examined against three fungi; Geotrichum candidum, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis. The antiviral activities were tested against three viruses; Rift Valley Fever [RVFV], Herpes simplex-1 [HSV-1] and Coxsackie viruses. Chitosan nanoparticles were inhibited all bacteria and fungi except E.faecalis seemed to be resistant strain. Infectivity titers of all viruses were reduced by chitosan nanoparticles, which are a natural antimicrobial agent

Differential expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and vascular endothelial growth factor in skin biopsy of patients with systemic sclerosis: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Vasculopathy is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis [SSc]. It contributes to many of its clinical manifestations and precedes fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin [alpha-SMA] in skin biopsy of patients with SSc and correlate it with other manifestations of vasculopathy, including those seen on fundus fluorescein angiography and tissue vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] expression. This study included 25 patients with SSc and 10 healthy individuals. Patients underwent full history taking and a clinical examination. All participants underwent fundus fluorescein angiography. Skin biopsy was examined by H and E staining, Mallory triple staining, and immunohistochemical staining for alpha-SMA and VEGF. Histological examination showed loss of dermal papillae, hypovascularity of the dermis, and subepidermal fibrosis. Immunohistochemical staining of the vessel wall in skin biopsy samples showed a statistically highly significant increase in VEGF and a highly significant decrease in alpha-SMA in patients as compared with controls. There was a highly significant positive correlation between VEGF and duration of illness, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, disease activity score, and modified Rodnan Skin Score. As regards alpha-SMA, there was a highly significant negative correlation with Raynaud's phenomenon, disease activity score, modified Rodnan Skin Score, and VEGF, whereas there was a significant negative correlation with digital ulcers. The strongest correlation [r] for the duration of illness was found with alpha-SMA, followed by VEGF. alpha-SMA was found to be correlated to different manifestations of vasculopathy in SSc. It was found to be one of the early markers of vasculopathy among the other studied variables. Besides its diagnostic role in SSc vasculopathy, it could play a role in impaired vasculogenesis, making it a potential therapeutic target in the management of SSc

Anti-inflammatory activity and qualitative analysis of different extracts of Maytenus obscura (A. Rich.) Cuf. by high performance thin layer chromatography method

Objective: To perform aqueous ethanol soluble fraction (AESF) and dichloromethane extract of aerial parts of Maytenus obscura (A. Rich.) Cuf. using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and to test anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts.Methods:HPTLC studies were carried out using CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with Linomat IV applicator, TLC scanner 3, Reprostar 3, CAMAG ADC 2 and WIN CATS-4 software were used. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested by injecting different groups of rats (6 each) with formalin in hind paw and measuring the edema volume before and 1 h later formalin injection. Control group received saline i.p. The extracts treatment was injected i.p. in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg 1 h before formalin administration. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg) was used as standard.Results:The results of preliminary phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, phenol, flavonoid, saponin, triterpenoid, alkaloid and anthraquinone in both extracts. Chromatography was performed on glass-backed silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates with the green solvents toluene: ethyacetate: glacial acetic acid (5:3:0.2, v/v/v) as mobile phase. HPTLC finger printing of AESF revealed major eight peaks with Rf values in the range of 0.28 to 0.80 and the dichloromethane revealed major 11 peaks with Rf values in the range of 0.12 to 0.76. The purity of sample was confirmed by comparing the absorption spectra at start, middle and end position of the band. Treatment of rats (i.p.) with AESF and dichloromethane in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg inhibited singnificantly (P<0.05, n=6) formalin-induced inflammation by 50%, 55.9%, 45.5%, and 51.4%, respectively.Conclusions:HPTLC finger printing of AESF and dichloromethane of Maytenus obscura revealed eight major spots for alcoholic extracts and nine major spots for dichloromethane extracts. These HPTLC profiles may be of great usefulness in the quality control of herbal products containing these extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity of both extracts also revealed the medicinal importance of these extracts. The plant can be further explored for the isolation of phytoconstituents having anti-inflammatory activity.

Pharmaceutical and clinical evaluation of intravenous admixture of dobutamine and dopamine used in treatment hypotension in neonatal intensive care units

The aim of this study was to evaluate compatibility and stability of the maximum concentration used for binary admixture containing dobutamine and dopamine in 5% glucose. The maximum concentration of each drug was 5.76 mg/ml of dobutamine and 2.88 mg/ml of dopamine in 50 ml of 5% glucose. The physical compatibility of binary admixtures was assessed using visual inspection and pH determination immediately after preparation [at 0 time] and after 24 hrs. The chemical stability was assessed using high performance thin layer chromatoghraphy [HPTLC]. The method is based on HPTLC separation of the two drugs followed by densitometric measurements of their spots at 254 nm using Camag TLC Scanner 3. The mobile phase comprised ethyl acetate: n-propanol: water: glecial acetic acid [60:24:9:3, v/v/v/v]. The results revealed that no precipitation, gas evaluation, color change, pH change or chemical incompatibility were observed over the entire time of mixing of two drugs in 5% glucose solution

Bronchial asthma and airway remodeling markers

Abstract: Asthma is an inflammatory disease with extracellular matrix remodeling and collagen deposition. Vascular alterations have been suggested to contribute to airway hyper responsiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factors and metalloproteinases are mediators of airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. There are few data regarding the potential effects of anti-asthma treatment on indices of air way remodeling

Objective: This study investigates the role of VEGF, MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of asthma and their role as index of remodeling, markers of inflammation in symptomatic bronchial asthma on low dose ICS. Also we evaluate the role of adding long acting B[2] agonist for 6 weeks in airway remodeling for the symptomatic asthmatic patients on low dose ICS

Methods: VEGF and MMP-9 were measured in sputum of healthy control, and bronchial asthma patients before and after the addition of long acting B[2] agonists. Also we evaluated whether VEGF correlated with MMP-9 in symptomatic bronchial asthma receiving low or moderate dose of ICS

Results: Levels of VEGF and MMP-9 are significantly higher in sputum of bronchial asthma than in healthy controls. The mean level of VEGF, MMP-9 in sputum of bronchial asthma patients on low to moderate dose of ICS was 2500 pg/ml +/- 750, 33.3 ng/ml +/- 16.7. After 6 weeks of treatment with long acting B[2] agonists there was a reduction in the mean levels of both VEGF, MMP-9 1750 pg/ml +/- 250, 27.4 ng/ml +/- 13. Also there was a significant correlation between the levels of VEGF and MMP-9 in healthy subjects and patients with bronchial asthma. There was a significant correlation between both VEGF MMP-9 and the sputum eosinophils and neutrophil in patients with bronchial asthma before adding long acting B[2] agonists

Conclusion: Symptomatic patients with bronchial asthma on a low dose ICS have elevated levels of VEGF, MMP-9. There was an interrelationship between VEGF and MMP-9, this finding suggests that VEGF signaling regulates MMP-9 expression, and plays a critical role in the maintenance of asthma. VEGF, MMP-9 could be considered as important markers of airway remodeling in asthma. The addition of regular long acting B[2] agonist to low or moderate dose ICS in symptomatic bronchial asthma patients had a beneficial effect on the air way remodeling markers in a way that they may potentate the anti-inflammatory effects of ICS on inflammatory cells

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism in coronary artery disease patients

Coronary artery disease occurs with the interact ion between environmental influences and genetic factors. Genetic susceptibility may be caused by mutations and polymorphisms in a variety of genes mainly involved in blood coagulation, metabolism of lipids, homocysteine and or iron. The most common form of genetic hyperhomocysteinemia results from the production of a thermolabile variant of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] with reduced enzymatic activity. This study was performed on ninety individuals selected with normal serum glucose, kidney, liver, and thyroid function test and lipid profile. They classified into: Group I: 27 apparently healthy persons as control group. Group II: 3 apparently healthy persons with elevated homocysteine level. Group III: 27 CAD patients with normal coronary angiography. Group IV: 33 CAD patients with abnormal coronary angiography. The following specific investigations were done for all the studied persons:- Serum homocysteine [Hcy], serum folic acid [FA] and MTHFR genotyping by PCR-RFLP

Results: In group III three patients had elevated Hey [11.1%]. There was significant elevation of Hey level in group IV compared to group I [P<0. 05].however there were insignificance differences in mean value of folic acid of the studied groups compared to each other. As regard the relation between the MTHFR polymorphisam and hey and FA levels, in group I there was significant elevation of serum Hey level in carriers of CT genotype compared to carriers of CC genotype [P<0.05]. Homocysteine level was highly elevated in patients had TT genotype in group III and group IV when compared to CC and CT genotypes and this was statistically highly significant [<0.000] in group IV, but insignificant elevation in group III Folic acid level was not differing between patients had TT genotype when compared to CC and CT genotype in all studied groups and that was statistically insignificant. When we study the severity of CAD in group IV there was insignificant elevation of serum Hey level in group of one vessel affection compared to group of two vessel and multi vessel affection, there was Significant elevation of serum Hey level in group of >/= 90% stenosis compared to group of >50-75% stenosis and 75-90% stenosis. However there was insignificant difference in serum FA between the groups compared to each other. Homozygous TT was detected in group of one vessel affection and with >90% stenosis. Carriers of TT genotypes in group of one vessel affection and in>/= 90% stenosis had highly significant elevation [P<0.000] of serum homocysteine compared to CC and CT genotypes in the same group

Conclusion: Our findings support that homozygous MTHFR TT genotype is a genetic risk factor for CAD

Compatibility and stability of ternary admixture of midazolam, dobutamine and dopamine in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride solution

The aim of this study was to evaluate compatibility and stability of the maximum concentration used for ternary admixture containing midazolam, dobutamine and dopamine in 5% glucose and 0.9% sodium chloride solutions. The maximum concentration of each drug was 0.144 mg/ml of midazolam, 5.76 mg/ml of dobutamine and 2.88 mg/ml of dopamine in 50 ml of 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride solutions. The physical compatibility of ternary admixtures was assessed using visual inspection and pH determination of ternary admixtures immediately after preparation [at 0 time] and after 24 hrs. The chemical stability was assessed using high performance thin layer chromatoghraphy [HPTLC]. The method is based on HPTLC separation of the three drugs followed by densitometric measurements of their spots at 254 nm using Camag TLC Scanner 3. The mobile phase comprised ethyl acetate: n-propanol: water: glecial acetic acid [60:24:9:3, v/v/v/v]. There were no visual changes [such as precipitation, gas evaluation or change in color] during 24 hrs after preparation of admixture. Also, there was no change in pH values of admixtures during that time. The results revealed chemical stability of midazolam, dobutamine and dopamine over the duration of mixing [24 hrs] in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride solutions

Molecular analysis and anticancer properties of two identified isolates, Fusarium solani and Emericella nidulans isolated from Wady El-Natron soil in Egypt against Caco-2 (ATCC) cell line

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To characterize, identify and investigate the anticancer properties of two new soil fungal isolates, Emericella nidulans and Fusarium solani isolated from Wady El-Natron in Egypt against colon cancer Caco-2 (ATCC) cell line.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Soil sample was cultured and two strains were chosen for morphological and phenotypical characterization. Partial sequences of the 18s rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer region ITS of the two isolates were amplified by PCR. Phylogenetic tree construction and analysis of the resulted multiple sequences from the two fugal isolates were also carried out. In vitro anticancer activity of the two strains was done against colon Caco-2 cancer cell line. Reverse transcription - PCR was carried out to detect level of expression of p53 in Caco-2 cell line.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HF.1 displayed morphological and genotypic characteristics most similar to that of Fusarium solani while HF.2 was most similar to Emericella nidulans with high similarity of 99% and 97% respectively. The multiple sequence alignment of the two fungal isolates showed that, the maximum identical conserved domains in the 18s rRNA genes were identified with the nucleotide regions of 51st to 399th base pairs, 88th to 525th base pairs respectively. While those in the ITS genes were identified with the nucleotide regions of 88th to 463rd and 51st to 274th. The two isolates showed IC50 value with (6.24±5.21) and (9.84±0.36) µg/mL) concentrations respectively at 28h. Reverse transcription - PCR indicated that these cells showed high level of expression for p53 mRNA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The morphology and molecular analysis identified HF.1 and HF.2 to be Fusarium solani and Emericella nidulans; new isolates of anticancer producing fungi from Wady El-Natroon city in Egypt. Treatment with the two isolates caused P53 expression in Caco-2 cell line. These two isolates can be used as an anticancer agents.</p>

Hypofractionation versus conventional fractionation radiotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer: local tumor control and normal tissue response

The aim of this study is to compare the hypofractionation postoperatIve radiotherapy [HF] versus the standard conventional fractionation postoperative radiotherapy [C F] as adjuvant therapy for surgically treated early-stage breast cancer. The objectives include the study of the two treatment regimens of radiotherapy for early stage breast cancer to asess the local control, and normal tissue responses in women prescribed Post-operative radiotherapy. 60 patients with early stages breast cancer who underwent breast surgery were included in the study. Half of the patients received postoperative irradiation using HF schedule, consisting of 4005cGy/267cGy per fraction/15 fractions/3 weeks [group 1]. The other half received postoperative irradiation using CF regimen, consisting of 5000cGy/200cGy per fraction /25 fractions /5 weeks [group 2]. During the course of local radiotherapy the two groups were assessed for normal tissue response [early/acute radiation toxicity outcomes], and later on, after completion of radiation therapy for local tumor control [frequency of local recurrence] and normal tissue response [acute and late radiation toxicity outcomes]. The RTOG/EORTC radiation morbidity scoring scheme was used to assess the radiation toxicity on the skin and the subcutaneous tissues. The study showed no statistical significant difference between the two treatment groups as regards the frequency of local recurrence after a median follow up of 2 years. However, we found that local recurrence of breast cancer was significantly associated with an increased risk of distant metastasis in group two [P =0.04]. Regarding to toxicity outcomes/side effects that may occur with breast radiation therapy, there was a non significant increase in the Incidence of radiation side effects among patients of group 1 than in those of group 2 [P> 0.05]. However the peak incidence of early skin reaction occurred 2 weeks earlier for patients within group 1 [3rd week] compared to group 2 [5[th] week]. As we observed that the CF and the HF exhibits similar sensitivity for local tumor control of breast cancer, and no significant difference in normal tissue response [radiation toxicity outcomes] between the two regimens. Our results support the use of a shorter fractionation schedule in early stages breast cancer patients after surgery

Factors affecting quality of life for patients with rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy

Rectal cancer is a significant health problem for patient and results in bowel and sexual function problems. Quality of life is an important outcome measure that has to be considered when deciding treatment strategy for rectal cancer. It has become an integral part of the modern assessment of cancer treatment. This study has been conducted to assess the factors affecting quality of life for patients with rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy. A descriptive exploratory study was conducted at the surgical outpatient's clinics and Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Department in Ain Shams University Hospitals. A purposive sample of 50 adult patients from both sexes with rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy were recruited for the conduction of this study, from the above mentioned setting. [1] Patients' interview questionnaire sheet were used to assess factors affecting quality of life [pre treatment course, during radiotherapy and pre surgery], [2] Quality of Life Scale that was used to assess the impact of rectal cancer on the quality of life dimension [physical, psychological, social and spiritual] for the patients during and after radiotherapy and [3] A self-report 5 day diary to identify patients' complications during radiotherapy sessions. The prominent factors affecting on quality of life were patients' age and education, disease stage, side-effects, physical condition and nature of the surgery. There were statistically significant differences between the side-effects during and after radiotherapy, added to the improvement in physical and psychological domains of quality of life post radiotherapy by one month later. There were many factors affecting on quality of life for patients with rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy [pre treatment course, during radiotherapy and pre surgery]. In addition strong positive correlation was found regarding to these factors and quality of life domains. Further studies are needed to focus on other factors affecting on quality of life for patients with rectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy

Clinico-epidemiologic features of oculocutaneous albinism in northeast section of Cairo - Egypt

Oculocutaneous albinism [OCA] is a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the absence or reduced pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. To assess the clinico-epidemiologic features of different forms of OCA among Egyptian patients, we performed a retrospective study to determine the frequency, types, clinical presentation and associated genomic errors in albino patients and their relatives consulting the Genetics Clinic, Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. We used the outpatients index files to identify diagnosed cases of albinism referred from the dermatologic and ophthalmologic departments with different genodermatoses over 43 year period. We used specifically designed data collection protocol forms to extract epidemiological and clinical data from the patients medical records. These were entered into a computer database and analyzed using standard statistical software. The occurrence rate of albinism in our study was 20.4% of genodermatoses patients and 1 per 5843 patients attending the Pediatric hospital. Consanguineous marriage was reported among parents of 66.37% of patients and positive family history was reported in 46.01% of patients. Complete OCA was detected in 48.59% of patients, partial albinism in 41.59% of patients and syndromic albinism was detected in 7.96%. Associated genomic errors were detected in 36.28% of our albino patients and seventy one multiple mutant genomic errors were defined among relatives of thirty seven index families of oculocutaneous albinism patients. To the best of our knowledge, this preliminary study is the first report of its kind from Egypt. The high rate of parental consanguinity among the parents of our Egyptian albino patients may account for the frequency of this genodermatosis in Egypt

Effect of origanum majorana on some hospital resistant microbes and reference bacterial strains

The antimicrobial activity of marjoram essential oil was determined using Staphylococcus aureas ATCC 6923, Pseudomonas auregonosa ATCC 9027, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, E. coli ATCC 8736, and two hospital resistant microbes isolates 16 and 21, marjoram oil was found to be effective against used pathogenic bacteria. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by GC-Ms. The major components were Terpineol, cis-beta, Alpha-terpieol, l-terpinen-4-ol. Linalool and I, 6-octadien-3-ol, 3. 7 dimethyl-, 2aminobenzoate. Inhibition was observed at concentration [4-7 micro l/ml] with reference strain and [10 - 15 micro l/ml] with hospital resistant microbes using disk diffusion and micro dilution methods

Isolation and identification of C. perfringens from field chickens suspected to be infected with Necrotic Enteritis in relation to season

Examined field chickens with signs and lesions of natural infection with necrotic enteritis [NE] revealed the isolation of Clostridium perfringens [C. perfringens] from positive chickens at the rate of 63.33%, 30%, 30% and 66.66% in autumn, winter, spring and summer; respectively. The overall positive samples were 57 out of examined 120 chickens with incidence of 47.5%. Regarding chicken breed, isolation rate in autunm were 65% and 60.0%, in winter 35.0% and 20.0%, in spring 25.0% and 40.0%, in summer 85.0% and 30.0% was recorded out of broilers and layers; respectively. C. perfringens isolates were serologically typed into 24 type A, 3 type C and 30 nontoxigenic isolates. Type A isolates were 5, 2, 6 and 11 in autumn, winter, spring and summer; respectively. While type C isolates were 2 in autumn and 1 in spring. C. perflingens Type A recovered from broiler and layer were 2 and 3, 2 and 0, 4 and 2, 10 and 1 in autumn, winter, spring and summer; respectively. Only 2 isolates of type C were recovered in autumn and I in spring

Urinary FSH versus recombinant FSH in clomiphene citrate-resistant anovulatory patients, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness

Recombinant FSH [r-FSH] and urinary FSH [u-FSH] have been repeatedly compared in trials dealing with superovulation induction for IVF. 50 women, suffering WHO group II anovulatory mntertmlity and clomiphene citrate resistance were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I [u-FSH group, n:25] and Group II [r-FSH group, n:25]. Details of ovarian response, FSH dose used and duration of the 100 stimulation cycles are presented. r-FSH may result in a better outcome in IUI cycles for unexplained infertility, while urinary FSH performed better in older women than recombinant FSH when associated with the long protocol

effect of pH on flavor formation and antioxidant activity of amino acid and sugars interaction products

Flavor is the crucial part of eating quality. In the preparation of natural identical flavor in different model systems like cysteine- ribose [cys-rib], cysteine-glucose [cys- glu] and cysteine-beef fat [cys-BF] affected at different pH [4.5, 7 and 10] a wide range of flavors was obtained. The proteins as glutamine, glutamic acid and the sugars as D- ribose and D-glucose,l,l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] and beta-Carotene and all the lab grade chemical as Linoleic acid, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate [Tween-80], Chloroform [99%], Anhydrous sodium sulfate, Dichloromethane [99.8%], 0.1 N HC1 and 0.1N NaOH, Gallic acid, Sodium carbonate, Folin-Ciocalteu reagent were used to conduct research. In sugar and amino acid model system, roasted and burnt meat flavor was obvious while in beef fat model system boiled meat flavor was dominated which was strongly supported by sensory evaluation. In rib-cys and glu-cys model systems total phenolic contents [TPC] were highest at pH 7 and pH 4.5, respectively along with browning, leading to strong antioxidant activity. In beef fat-cys model system it was found that as pH increases TPC, browning increases and antioxidant activity becomes maximum at basic pH. All the results indicated that, there is a positive relationship between the TPC, browning and antioxidant activity of all model systems

possible protective effect of curcumin on naphthalene induced cataract in rats [histological and scanning electron microscopic Study]

Cataract formation is one of the irreversible processes for which modem medical science has no definite cure except surgery. Drugs that may have prophylactic or curative effects for cataract are lacking. Naphthalene has wide industrial and commercial applications and it is well known that ingestion of naphthalene causes cataract in human and experimental animals. Curcumin, a widely used spice, has been proved to have an antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to test the possible efficacy of curcumin in preventing cataract formation in a rat model. So, forty adult male albino rats weighting 100-120 gm were used in this study. They were divided into the experimental groups. Group I: Control animals. Group II: Animals received a dose of 0.7 g/kg of naphthalene solution orally daily for 90 days. Group III: Animals concomitantly administered curcumin with naphthalene in a dose of 75 mg/kg orally daily for the same duration. Slit lamp examination and retroillumination photography were done to all animals at the end of the experiment, then the rats were sacrificed and the lenses were removed and processed for histological and scanning electron microscopic [SEM] examination. Animals received naphthalene showed, by slit lamp photography, equatorial vacuoles and anterior subcapsular white opacities. Histologically, lens capsule was thin with hyperplasia of the lens epithelium. PAS stained deposits were also seen under the capsule with increased spacing between the lens fibers. Furthermore, the hexagonal cross sectional structure of lens fibers was lost in some areas. SEM showed loss of ball and socket interlocking between the lens fibers. Concomitant administration of curcumin with naphthalene resulted in amelioration of most of the histological changes induced by naphthalene. Therefore, curcumin may have a beneficial effect in protection against cataractogenesis

Effect of diet restriction on the survival of myenteric neurons in jejunum of aging male albino rat. histological and immunohistochemical study

Dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal system are more common complaints of the elderly. Enteric neurons are known to be vulnerable to age related cell death. So, the aim of this study was to study the effect of diet restriction on the histological changes in the myenteric neurons of jejunum of aged male albino rat. Thirty male albino rats of 6 months were used. Group I was the control group. Subgroup Ia included 5 rats of 6 months and subgroups Ib and Ic included 5 animals each and were continued to live up to the age of 12 and 18 months, respectively. Group II included 10 rats which were early fed the restricted diet [25 gm diet/rat! day] and subdivided into two subgroups five animals each. Subgroup ha were fed the restricted diet starting from 6 to 12 months. Subgroup IIb were fed the restricted diet starting from 6 to 18 months. Group III included 5 rats that were lately fed the restricted diet from 12 to 18 months. At time of sacrifice all the animals were anaesthetized, the jejunum was dissected out and specimens were processed for histological examination. Immunohistochemical expression of the pan-neuronal marker PGP 9.5 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase [nNOS] was investigated. As age advances in subgroup lb and Ic there was increased neuronal loss and obvious gaps in the myenteric ganglia with significant decrease in the number of PGP positive neurons. Animals of subgroup ha and llb showed that most of the myenteric neurons maintained their usual structural arrangement and expression of PGP. In group III rats showed neuronal loss and significant decrease in the PGP positive neurons. There was non significant decrease in the number of nNOS positive neurons in all groups. The results of the current study revealed that age related change involved mainly the cholinergic neurons and starting diet restriction early at 6 months age might slow or delay the age related damage of the rat myenteric neurons

Health risk behaviors among undergraduate college students: an assessment study

Health attitudes and behaviors develop in childhood and progress through adolescence into adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the different health risk behaviors among undergraduate college students. The study was implemented at 7th of April University, Faculties of medical science in both zawya and Surman city in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. From the above mentioned setting 750 students were selected by means of a convenience sampling method. The data was collected by using the Youth risk behavior questionnaire that had been validated previously for use among University students included dichotomous questions to monitor different health risk behaviors. The results of this study demonstrate the high prevalence of risk behaviors among the undergraduate college students. Tobacco use was reported by [19.3%] of students, alcohol and drug use [15%], unsafe driving [58.9%], violence [41.4%], sexual practices [20.8%], dietary behahaviors and physical activity [74.8%]. Males, younger age and those had family size more than five were significantly more likely to participate in most of different health risk behaviors. Significant correlation was found between the different investigated risky behaviors, where violence related behavior shows a highly significant positive correlation with all risk behaviors. Also, positive correlation was found between sexual practices and alcohol, drug use, violence, dietary behavior and physical activity. The study provide valuable information to policy - makers, educators, health providers and community workers for planning programmes, develop priorities and adapting interventions to promote health of adolescents and youth in Libya. Much more work must be done through a national comprehensive health programme to raise the knowledge about risk factors and unhealthy behavior among youth and educating parents about how to prevent them