Natural radioactivity of some Egyptian materials used in glasses manufacturing and glass ceramics

Background: the new glasses from harmful environmental waste such as cement dust; limestone phosphate, sand and borax [Genkare] were manufactured. Investigation of the radioactivity present in these materials [Phosphate rock, cement dust, limestone, sand and borax] enables one to assess any possible radiological hazard to humankind by such materials

Materials and Methods: fifteen samples were collected from five locations. Activity measurements have been performed by gamma-ray spectrometer, employing a high-resolution scintillation detector Nal [Tl] crystal 3 ×3 inch. In addition, the radiological hazards were calculated for the investigated samples

Results: the average values of activity ranged from 28 +/- 2 to 163 +/- 12, 2.8 +/- 0.7 to 40 +/- 3 and from 49 +/- 4 to 1337 +/- 74 Bq kg-1 for 226R, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The values of absorbed dose rates, radium equivalent activities and annual effective dose due to 226Ra, 232Th and 40K respectively, are ranged from 22.05 to 101.59 nGy h-1, 45.90 to 224.22 Bq kg-1 and 27.04 to 124.59 micro Sv y-1. In addition, the values of external hazard index, internal hazard index and gamma index have been calculated

Conclusion: according to the obtained results, all materials would not present a significant radiological hazard except phosphate. The results of the study could serve as important baseline radiometric data for future epidemiological studies and monitoring initiatives

Relative abundance of the major piercing-sucking pests andtheir associated natural enemies on coriander plants

The present work was carried out at Shotb and Abnoub locations, Assuit Governorate, Upper Egypt throughout two successive coriander growing seasons, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013.The obtained results showed that coriander plants harbored 55 and 43 insect species belonging to 41, 31 families and 9, 9 orders in shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Among these species, [29, 26]; [6, 4]; [7, 4] and [16, 11] were recorded as pests, predators, parasitoids and pollinators and visitors in Shotb and Abnoub, respectively. The order Hymenoptera had the highest number of species [16, 13, species] followed by Diptera [9, 9 species] in both Shotb and Abnoub, respectively. Results also indicated that, regardless of the seasons, aphids [different species] were the most abundant piercing-sucking insect pests on coriander plants, representing 59.00 and 83.14 %, followed by T. tabaci which represented 38.12 and 15.57 % of the grand total of sucking pests. The Empoascae spp. and Campylomma spp. were less abundant and represented only an average of 2.09 and 0.09 % for Empoascae spp. and 1.10 and 1.19 % for Capylomma spp. of the grand total of piercing-sucking pests in Shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Concerning the relationships between abiotic and biotic factors with the aphid populations, results also indicated that the studied variables were together responsible for 58.49 % of the aphid population changes in Shotb location, while 64.57 % were recorded in Abnoub location. The change of the aphid populations varied with the plant age [23.46 and 39.73 %], maximum temperature [20.34 and 12.16 %] and natural enemies [4.76 and 4.21 %] in Shotb and Abnoub locations, respectively. Minimum temperature was found to be related with the population of aphid species only in Abnoub location [7.28 %]

Effect of smoking on skin elastic fibers: a morphometric and immunohistochemical analysis

Tobacco smoking is one of the major health problems in the world. This study was conducted to investigate the morphological changes of the dermal elastic tissue of sun-protected skin induced by smoking. Punch biopsies were obtained from the nonexposed skin of 15 smokers and 15 nonsmokers to evaluate the dermal elastic fibers using morphometric analysis and immunohistochemical techniques. Elastic fibers of the reticular dermis were more numerous, thickened and fragmented in smokers than in nonsmokers. Correlations between the cumulative tobacco dose and the morphology of the elastic fibers were highly significant. Immunohistochemical analysis for alpha-1-antitrypsin showed negative cytoplasmic staining for all samples of both smokers and nonsmokers. This study indicates that smoking is one of the risk factors that lead to an increase in elastic fibers of the reticular dermis. This increase is due to elastic tissue degradation rather than by new synthesis, as in solar elastosis. Furthermore, smoking has multiplicative effects on facial ageing and could share, at least in part, a pathophysiological pathway

Neuroimaging in Iran: a review

Neuroimaging allows noninvasive evaluation of the anatomy, physiology, and function of the brain. It is widely used for diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment evaluation of neurological disorders as well as understanding functions of the brain in health and disease. Neuroimaging modalities include X-ray computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], single photon emission computed tomography [SPECT], positron emission tomography [PET], electroencephalography [EEG], and magnetoencephalography [MEG]. This paper presents an overview of the neuroimaging research in Iran in recent years, partitioned into three categories: anatomical imaging; anatomical image analysis; and functional imaging and analysis. Published papers reflect considerable progress in development of neuroimaging infrastructure, hardware installation and software development. However, group work and research collaborations among engineers, scientists, and clinicians need significant enhancement to optimize utility of the resources and maximize productivity. This is a challenge that cannot be solved without specific plans, policies, and funding

Reasons for taking medicine as a career by female students

The purpose of the study was to explore and recognize the variety of reasons that underlie the female students' decision of entering the field of medicine. Cross sectional. Five medical colleges in Karachi, namely Sindh Medical College, Dow Medical College, Aga Khan University, Ziauddin Medical University and Baqai Medical University. 1[st] March 2008 to 31[st] July 2008. 900. All the female medical students of these medical colleges who consented to participate were included, and those who did not consent were excluded. Out of 900 female medical students who participated in the study, 336 [37.3%] were from pre-clinical years, that is from 1[st] and 2[nd] year of M.B, B.S; and 564 [62.7%] from clinical years, which includes students from 3[rd] to 5[th] year. There are a variety of reasons for the choice of medicine as a profession by the females, with the majority being attracted to it by the respect directed to a doctor, while others desired to serve humanity. Some other reasons were parental pressure, chances of better suitors and greater financial prospects. Respect for medical profession was the first choice for majority of study participants. This needs to be publicized to change the mind set of our traditional and conservative society

Evaluation of diagnostic procedures for lump breast

Breast lumps are very common and account for more than half the referrals seen at breast clinics. They can occur in women of any age. Although over 80% of breast lumps are benign, every breast lump must be evaluated by "triple assessment" i.e. a combination of clinical assessment, radiological imagining and a tissue sample taken for either cytological or histological analysis to rule out malignancy. It is the most frequent female cancer in Pakistan accounting for almost 26.6%. The objective of the study was to compare the diagnostic reliability of different procedures, to classify types of lumps breast and to associate serious pathologies with demographic and other habits. Hospital based descriptive study. This study was conducted at the Department of Surgery CMH Kharian. Out of 200 cases of breast lump included in the study, 53 [26.5%] were found malignant on open biopsy while 147 [73.5%] were benign. On FNAC 48 cases were C5, 10 were C4, 40 were C2 and 102 were C3 [77%] cases were found benign. Clinical examination revealed 40 [20%] malignant and 160 [80%] benign cases. Lump breast should be diagnosed by a combination of clinical assessment, radiological imagining and cytological or histological analysis. FNAC can be used as primary screening tool in the management of breast lump. Apart from using as a screening tool for malignancy in lump breast, mammography can be used to ensure accurate positioning of for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures like FNAC/Core and pre-operative localization of non-palpable breast lesions. Whenever there is doubt, diagnosis should be confirmed by open biopsy which remains the gold standard investigation

Role of chelating agents in thalassaemia major patients

The purpose of this work was to evaluate current chelation in thalassaemia major patients. It is a retrospective study. This study was conducted at a charity blood transfusion center in Lahore; from March 2006 to August 2006. One hundred and seventy patients suffering from transfusion dependent thalassaemia major were evaluated for chelation practice and iron overload. Among them 98.2% were found to be either non-chelators or inadequate chelators whereas 82.3% patients had serum ferritin levels above 2500 ng/ml. Growth failure and hepatosplenomegaly were also common. Survival appears to be limited as only 6 patients were older than 20 years. Patients face risks and complications during treatment of thalassaemia major. Urgent and effective measures need be taken to remove the difficulties to improve quality of life in these patients. Involvement of clinical haematologists or physicians in the treatment of thalassaemia major can produce promising results

In-vitro antibacterial activities of rifampicin and cinnamon on methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]

The present study aimed to investigate antibacterial activity of cinnamon and rifampicin alone and in combination against 45 Methecillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates [MRSA]. The present study deals with determination of minimal inhibitory concentration [MICs], killing curve and synergism assay of cinnamon extracts and rifampicin for MRSA isolates. The results indicate that MICs of cinnamon aqueous extract mixed with rifampicin for all tested MRSA ranged between 0.2 micro g/ml of rifampicin plus 1.5mg/ml of cinnamon aqueous extract and 16 micro g/ml of rifampicin plus 2mg/ml of cinnamon aqueous extract, that was compared with MICs of rifampicin cinnamon methanol extract, MICs of rifampicin and cinnamon hexane extract combination, rifampicin MIC and cinnamon different extracts MICs. Time-killing curve of rifampicin in combination with cinnamon aqueous extract exhibit zero CFU/ml after 10 hrs incubation period at 37°C that was compared with time-killing curve of rifampicin in combination with cinnamon methanol extract, time-killing curve of rifampicin in combination with cinnamon hexane extract, time-killing curve of rifampicin and time-killing curve of cinnamon different extracts. From our data, we conclude that, cinnamon aqueous extract combined with rifampicin is the best combination to be used as anti-staphylococcal agent

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting as bilateral renal enlargement in a child

To report a case with early presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] as bilateral renal masses and renal failure. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 6-year-old boy was admitted with bilaterally enlarged kidneys and severe renal impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] showed bilateral renal enlargement with features suggestive of an infiltrative lesion. Accordingly, bone marrow examination was performed, and diagnosis of ALL was made. The patient developed acute renal failure after initiation of chemotherapy, so he received hemodialysis. His renal function normalized and kidney enlargement regressed. This case demonstrates an unusual early renal involvement in ALL in a child. MRI is a valuable imaging modality in the evaluation of renal masses

Synthesis of new 4[3H]-quinazolinone derivatives of potential antimicrobial activity

A new series of quinazoline-4[3H]-one derivatives containing hydrazone, thiosemicarbazide, pyrazole moiety and 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-[4H]-one derivatives, were prepared in order to study the effect of such combinations on the expected antimicrobial activity. Synthesis of target compounds [3-8] has been achieved through an interaction of the starting 2a or 2b with different alkyl or aryl isothiocyanate. Condensation of 2a or 2b with various aromatic aldehydes or ketones afforded the corresponding hydrazones 9-12. 1- [4-Pyridinyl]-l,2-dihydro-4-phenyl [allyl]-l, 2,4-triazolo [4t 3-a] quinazolin-5- [4H]-one derivatives 13, 14 have been synthesized through reflux of compound 9 or 10 in glacial acetic acid. On the other hand, 1-[3-substituted-3,4-dihydro-4-quinazolinon-2-yl]-3-[4-chlorophenyl] pyrazole-4-car-baldehyde 15 or 16 has also been synthesized through interaction of compounds 11 or 12 with Vilsmeier-Haack reagent. The structures of the new compounds were assigned by spectral and elemental methods of analysis. The synthesized compounds were tested for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. The tested compounds showed moderate antibacterial activity and weak or no antifungal activity

Glucose-dependent insulin-releasing peptide [GIP] in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without autonomic neuropathy

This study was conducted to investigate the role of glucose-dependent insulin-releasing peptide or gastric inhibitory polypepetide [GIP] in the control of glycemic state in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the presence and absence of autonomic neuropathy. Twenty patients with type 2 jiabetes mellitus and 10 healthy normal subjects were studied. The diabetic patients were divided into 2 equal groups: one group with autonomic neuropathy [AN] and the other without AN according to cardiovascular autonomic function tests. Patients and controls were subjected to clinical examination and determination of HbA[1c]%, fasting blood sugar and basal insulin level. One-hour after ingestion of standard mixed meal [50 gm carbohydrate and 8% amino acid in 400 ml water] blood samples were collected for determination of glucose, insulin, and GIP plasma levels. Insulin resistance index was calculated from the homeostasis model assessment equation [HOMA]. A significantly impaired postprandial GIP and insulin levels as well as their responses to the ingestion of the mixed meal in the type 2 diabetics with AN was observed compared to those without AN. Postprandial GIP level was found to be correlated negatively with postprandial glucose level [r=-0.54] and positively with postprandial insulin level [r=-0.45], P < 0.05 for all diabetic patients. In diabetic patients with AN, significant -negative correlations were detected between duration of diabetes and postprandial GIP level [r= -0.66], absolute GIP response [r= -0.74], as well as% GIP response [r=- 0.71] [P < /= 0.05 for all.]. GIP plays an important role in the physiologic control of postprandial glucose homeostasis. GIP responses were lower in the diabetics as a group compared with healthy subjects despite similar basal levels. Moreover, In diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy, there was a delayed and impaired GIP response to the mixed meal. Their absolute and% GIP responses were significantly lower than those of control subjects and patients without autonomic neuropathy

Management of empyema thoracis-Peshawar experience of 450 patients

To observe the various clinical presentations of empyema thoracis and evaluate its management and outcome. An observational descriptive study. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital from June 2001 to June 2004. Clinical record of 450 patients who underwent various surgical procedures during 3 years were retrospectively analyzed. Detailed scrutiny of record was carried out to analyze the clinical presentation; various surgical procedures and outcome. There were 270 [60%] male and 180 [40%] female patients. Majority of the patients 310 [68.8%] were in the age range of 20 - 40 years. Common presentation was fever [62%]; cough [26%] and chest pain [11%]. The duration of symptoms was less than 8 weeks in 57% and more than 8 weeks in 42% cases. Common etiologies were pneumonia [31%], post tuberculous [37.7%], traumatic [24%] and iatrogenic [6.6%]. Tube thoracostomy was the initial l ine of management in 200 patients. Decortication was required in 200 patients while 50 patients needed thoracoplasty to obliterate persistent residual pleural space. The mortality was 4% [18/450]. Thirty one [7%] had wound infection, air leak in 18 [4%], wound dehiscence in 9 [2%] and septicemia in 14 [3%] cases. Depending upon the stage, various surgical options exist for the treatment of thoracic empyema. Selection of the most appropriate procedure must be individualized but the basic principle is evacuation of pus from the pleural space, appropriate antibiotic therapy and obliteration of empyema cavity

Diaphragmatic injuries, a retospective analysis of 50 patients

This study seeks to define the clinical presentation, the usefulness of diagnostic tests, surgical management approach and outcome of treatment of diaphragmatic injuries in our trauma patients. An observational descriptive study. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from March 2001 to April 2005. In this retrospective study, 50 patients admitted to our department with diaphragmatic injury were evaluated according to the type of injury, diagnostic methods, associated organ injury, treatment, modality, morbidity and mortality. The average age of patients was 32 years. There were 35 [70%] male and 15 [30%0 female patients, 38 [76%] of these patients sustained blunt and 12 [24%] had penetrating chest injury. The diaphragmatic injury was right sided in 4 and left sided in 46 patients. Thirty nine [78%] patients presented in respiratory distress within 48 hours of in jury while 11 [22%] presented with bowel obstructive symptoms months and years after injury. A chest x-ray on admission suggested the diagnosis in 70% of the cases while chest ultrasonography and contrast studies were required in others. Surgery was emergent in 35 [70%], semi-emergent in 9 [18%] and effective in 6 [12%] cases. Surgical approaches were left thoracotomy [40 patients], left thoracolaprotomy [6 patients] and right thoracotomy [4 patients]. The diaphragmatic repair was achieved by direct suture in 45 cases while prolene Mesh was required in 5 cases. The mortality rate was 6% [n = 3]. Recurrence occurred in one [2%], wound infection in 3 [6%], pleural, space, problem in 1 and chest infection in 2 [4%] patients. A high index of suspicion and early surgical treatment determine the successful management of traumatic diaphragmatic injury with or without the herniation of abdominal organs. The surgical approach is individualized. We prefer the thoracic approach adding laporotomy when necess ary

Pattern of injuries in road traffic accident [RTA] in Karachi city

This study was conducted at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Karachi where a total 981 cases of road traffic accidents were recorded during one year period from 30th November, 1992 to 1st December, 1993. Seventy-eight cases were fatal. The overall injury pattern noted was abrasions 1042, bruises 58, laceration 713, fractures 138 and amputation 7. Most frequently injured part of the body was head and neck region [812]. Majority of fatal injuries were observed to involve either head and neck or chest. Maximum number of fatal accidents occurred during late night and early morning hours. It is, therefore, emphasized that strict speed control and observance of signals must be ensured during night hours as well

Factorial analysis of narcotic drug abuse in Karachi city

This retrospective study was conducted at fifteen rehabilitation centres for narcotic drug abuse in Karachi, Pakistan, during 1st October, 1993 to 31 December, 1993. Five hundred ten patients which included female patients were studied by direct interviews. Majority of patient [53%] were in the age group of 20 to 30 years. The eldest child in the family was involved in 31%. The socio-economic status showed that 76% were earning less than Rs. 3000 per month. The switch over pattern from one drug to another was 50%. The most common [23%] substances abused were charas/heroin, the most common drug was heroin 43%. Almost all patients were using inhalation method for charas and heroin. Only 37% patients were illiterate

Pattern of fatal injuries in railway accidents

The purpose of this retrospective study, conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, was to establish the pattern of injuries in railway accidents, involving single person. Secondary objective was to highlight the preventive aspects by which precious lives can be saved. Analysis of postmortem data of 71 persons [63 males and 8 females] reveals that the majority of deaths [55%] were caused by head injuries, followed by injuries of the limds [15.5%] and chest injuries [8.5%]

Value of exhumation

This study was conducted on recorded reports of exhumations performed in Karachi from 1988 to 1992. Twenty-five exhumation were performed in five years to review the cause of death. No exhumation was done for the purpose of personal identification. Maximum number of exhumation were conducted on cases of homicides [68%]. Definitive conclusions were drawn in 72% of the cases, while exhumation remained inconclusive in 28% cases. There was 1 6% difference on the exhumation reports as compared to the cause of death ascertained at the time of death. The time duration in 60% cases was less than three months, while in 72% cases it was less: they were 25 years of age

Putrefaction after burial: study of 26 exhumed bodies

A retrospective study of 26 necropsies done on exhumed bodies buried at various cemeteries of Karachi was conducted to evaluate the physical changes occurring in the body after burial. The cases were selected from the files of the Police Surgeon at Karachi. Seventy-seven% of the dead bodies were reported to be found in state of decomposition showing early putrefactive changes involving the soft tissues. Whereas 23% of the bodies were found in skeletonised stage. The main objective of this study was to correlate the physical state of the body with the time factor, considering the nature of the soil and the material of the coffin