Biological evaluation of some modified snacks

This investigation aims to assess the effect on health of some modified snacks prepared by addition of different food items known to be rich either in protein or compounds with health value. A basic formula based on snacks available in the local market was modified by adding each of eggs, whey protein, chickpea, soybean, wheat germ, carrot, orange peel or strawberry. The modified products were evaluated through assessment of their effect on lipid pattern and possible atherosclerosis by following the level of plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides, the state of oxidation stress through estimation of R.B.C's malondialdehyde [MDA] and plasma superoxide dismutase enzyme activity [SOD] and the state of the liver and bile duct through determining the level of gamma -glutamyl transferase [gamma -GT]. Groups of rats were given either the basic formula of snack or the modified ones together with a selectively high cholesterol level. It was observed that the modified formulas succeeded to protect against the increase in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Also they protect against the state of oxidation stress confirmed by decreased MDA level and with no hazard on the liver indicated by the normal or even low activity of gamma -GT. It is concluded that snacks available in the local market can be modified to better ones through addition of different food items. The modified snacks are of high protein content and can protect against hyperlipidemia and oxidation stress with no harmful effect on liver

Oxidative preconditioning of medical ozone

Cardiac ischemic reperfusion injury is gaining importance due to rising of cardiac intervention procedures invoking transient ischemia, which requires trials of preconditioning strategies, A possible beneficial one could be the use of medical ozone, which is known to play a vital role in our well -being Therefore, the effect of small dose medical ozone on heart muscle and its possible protective effect on subsequent ischemia/ reperfusion injury was evaluated. Animals included in the present study were allocated into three groups: unconditioned control rats [group I], two months-ozonepreconditioned rats [group II], and three months-ozone-preconditioned rats [group III]. Rats were injected i.p. with small doses of ozone twice weekly. At the end of the experimental period, half the rats in each group were injected with heparin, a blood sample was taken for determination of plasma malondialdehyde [MDA] and the heart excised and used for isolated heart study. A blood sample was collected from the other half in each group for determination of serum glucose and the heart excised and sent for histological examination. Isolated heart study was carried out according to modified Langendorff technique. After recording basal cardiac activity, global ischemia was induced by stoppage of perfusion for 30 minutes followed by resumption of flow for another 30 minutes, and cardiac activity then recorded. The results revealed signifcant reduction in intrinsic inotropy of hearts isolated from unconditioned control rats after ischemia/ reperfusion [I/R], evidenced by significant decrease in tension generation per unit time [PT/t] after I/R in these rats, together with prolongation, of half relaxation time, insignificant change of intrinsic chronotropic activity and myocardial flow rate after I/R. Two months-medical ozone-preconditioning resulted in correction of the impaired intrinsic inotropy after I/R seen in unconditioned control rats, with enhancement of diastolic function. However, three months- medical-ozone preconditioning did not protect the hearts isolated from these rats from systolic dysfunction after I/R, though the diastolic function was significantly improved after I/R compared to unconditioned control rats. Serum glucose was decreased and plasma malondialdehyde was significantly increased in both the two-and three-months ozone-preconditioned rats. Histological examination of heart muscle revealed increased mitochondria! density in ozone preconditioned rats which was more marked in the two months-ozone-treated rats

Two different doses of dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in children

Dexamethasone in a dose of 1mg/kg has been proved to be effective in prevention of PONV. Smaller dose [0.5mg/kg] of dexamethasone was applied in the present study. One twenty children, 5-15 years old, scheduled for strabismus surgery, were randomly allocated to 3 groups. Patients in groups A and B received dexamethasone 1mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg respectively, immediately after induction while group C received saline. Induction with sevoflurane, fentanyl and cistracurium followed by LMA insertion and mechanical ventilation. Incidence and severity of PONV, ondansetrone requirements, duration of stay in PACU and parental satisfaction were recorded for every patient. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric data and ANOVA for parametric data. There was no significant difference between groups as regard the risk factors for PONV. Incidence of PONV during early [0-6h] postoperative periods was significantly lower in both dexamethasone groups A and B compared with control group C [12.5% and 15% Vs 30% with P value c 0.01]. Incidence of PONV during late postoperative period [6-24 h] was also significantly less in groups A and B compared so group C [7.5% and 12.5% Vs 223% with P value of 0.01 and 0.03 respectively]. Severe PONV [score=3] was found in 23% of patients in groups A and B compared to 7.5% in group C during early post operative period [P value = 0.04] Nausea alone [score=l] was also less in group A and B compared with C [5% and 73% Vs 12.5% with P value of 0.01 and 0.04 respectively] in early postoperative period. Rescue antiemetic drug [ondansetrone] was given to 323% of patients in control group [group C] compared with 123% and 173% in groups A and B with P value of 0.01 and 0.02 respectively. Duration of stay in PACU was significantly shorter in group A and B [128.3[35.7 and 130.6[41.9 min] compared with control group [147.5[33.2min] with P value of 0.02 and 0.03 respectively. Parental satisfaction was also less in control group. We concluded that dexamethasone could decrease PONV and ondansetrone requirements. Smaller dose of dexamethasone [0.5 mg/Kg was as effective as that dose already used by others [1 mg/Kg] especially during early postoperative period

Azospirillum inoculation of cereal crops in upper Egypt

This investigation aimed to select efficient Azospirillum strains for inoculation of maize and sorghum at Assiut and Sohag Governorates and reach the best method[s] for inocula application under field condition. Different irrigation regimes and different N-fertilization levels were tested with inoculation to secure the highest yields with least input. The results showed that seed inoculation with peat inocula was better than seed soaking in broth cultures. The double inoculation of maize cultivars [seed treatment + soil spray] gave better growth and yield than the single inoculation as seed treatment. Maize and sorghum cultivars showed variations in response to inoculation with azospirilla. The two-week irrigation intervals were the best regime for maize cultivars, whereas the four-week intervals were the optimum for sorghum cultivars. Significant positive interactions found between inoculation and the two-week irrigation regime in case of maize and between the three-week regime and inoculation in case of sorghum reflected a significant increase in grain yields

Biological effects of feeding abused frying oils by rats

The results given in the present study indicated that feeding frying oils to rats caused no appreciable decrease in body weight gain and feed efficiency. Oils which were used for frying for 32 hours, showed highly increasing levels for serum triglycerides as well as serum total cholesterol except those containing sunflower seed oil or its blends which showed nonsignificant differences for serum total cholesterol. Serum GOT indicated nonsignificant changes, whereas those of serum GPT showed higher levels for sunflower heated oils, only. Serum alkaline phosphatase values were higher for cotton seed oils heated for 32 hours. The results revealed no noticeable changes in the liver and heart weights as well as kidney of rats fed heated oils, while addition of rape seed oil resulted adverse effect on spleen weight. The histological changes of different organs of rats fed the frying oils showed that feeding cotton seed oil and its blends caused severe portal reaction in liver with necrobiotic changes in hepatic tissue. Moderate focal pericarditis in the heart, renal cast in the kidney and slight inflammatory reaction in the liver were shown. The results revealed that using sunflower oil is more safe in the food of human being than cotton seed oil

hypoglycaemic effect of different extracts of ambrosia maritima, L- compositae

The effect of the different successive extracts of the herb of Ambrosia maritima, L. family compositae widely grown in Egypt on postprandial and fasting blood glucose were tested in rats. The results showed that 1.5-hour postprandial blood glucose was reduced significantly after administration of the total water, 50% alcoholic or petroleum ether extracts. The 2-hour postprandial blood glucose was reduced significantly after the administration of either the petroleum ether or the extract. The fasting blood glucose was reduced only on giving either the total water or the alcoholic extract. Methylene chloride extract produced no significant change on postprandial blood glucose. The effect of petroleum ether extract and 50% alcoholic extract on plasma insulin levels 2 hours and 1.5 hours, respectively, after glucose ingestion was determined. The results showed no significant change of insulin level in both cases. Phytochemical and chromatographic study of the extracts revealed the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids and coumarins

Effects of the converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril on the metabolic abnormalities associated with Theophylline intoxication

The effects of enalapril administration in a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight on the metabolic abnormalities associated with theophylline acute intoxication and overmedication was studied in rats. The results showed that single dose administration of enalapril had provided a partial protection against acute theophylline-induced metabolic effect. A lesser changes were occurred in all measurable variables in the combined treatment group of animals. Repeated enalapril dosages were capable to prevent the development of such metabolic abnormalities. It seems that repeated enalapril administration could be beneficial in preventing the metabolic abnormalities associated with theophylline intoxication

Anti-Amebic drugs: reassessed

A study was conducted to reassess the effect of metronidazole or chloroquine administration on pancreatic and renal functions of the rats. Four groups of experimental animals each comprised from 30 rats were used in the study. They received oral doses of metronidazole [500 mg/kg], chloroquine [500 mg/kg], metronidazole [1000 mg/kg] and chloroquine [750 mg/kg], respectively. The results showed that high doses of metronidazole over extended periods of therapy can induce a potential toxic effect on the pancreas. Chloroquine in high doses has manifested a potential nephrotoxic effect. Further studies are needed to evaluate the pancreatic and renal effects of anti-amebic drugs and to study the possible mechanisms of such toxic actions

Comparative study on the protective effect of cimetidine and / or n-acetylcysteine on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the cytoprotective effect of cimetidine on paracetamol-induced hepatic toxicity, and to detect any additive protective action when cimetidine and N-acetylcysteine are used together. The study was conducted on 10 groups of albino rats. The animals received paracetamol in a dose of 500 mg/kg b. wt., cimetidine in a dose of 150 mg/kg b. wt., and/or N-acetylcysteine in a dose of 1 g/kg b. wt. Changes in the activities of aspartate and alanine transaminases were measured and pathological changes in hepatic sections were recoreded. The study showed that, cimetidine has a protective action against paracetamol hepatotoxicity was effective as the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine. No potentiating effects were recorded when cimetidine and N- acetylcysteine are used together

Histochemical study of the effect of hyper and hypothyroidism on skeletal muscles in guinea pigs

The main aim of this study was to detect the effect of both experimental hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism histochemically and morphometrically on skeletal muscles as a trial to obtain an useful explanation for the underlying mechanisms of myopathy that occur in thyroid dysfunction and to correlate the clinical observations with the findings. Hyperthyroidism had lead to increase activity of both succinic dehydrogenase [SDH] and adenosine triphosphatase [ATPase] in the three types of skeletal muscles. In addition, interconversion of muscle fibers from slow twitch to fast twitch was detected. In hypothyroidism, the activity of SDHase and ATPase was decreased with fiber interconversion from fast twitch to slow twitch. The diameter of each muscle fiber was significantly decreased statistically. The muscle fibers showed marked atrophy and loss of angularity in hyperthyroidism and the muscle fiber diameter was reduced in hypothyroidism. It was concluded that slow twitch soleus muscle is more responsive to altered thyroid state than fast twitch extensor digitorum longus and diaphragm

Enzymatic and metabolic alterations as an early predictor of a potential piroxicam-induced hepatorenal toxicity: a possible protective role for the calcium antagonist diltiazem

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of piroxicam administration on the enzymatic and the metabolic functions of the liver and kidneys in order to evaluate the effect of diltiazem administration on any piroxicam-induced hepatorenal toxic events. 120 rats were used in the study. They were divided into 4 major groups of 30 rats each. Piroxicam was given orally in a dose of 10 mg/kg [group 1] and diltiazem was given in a dose of 50 mg/kg [group 2]. Group 3 received a combination of both drugs and group 4 served as controls. The data obtained revealed that, piroxicam can induce hepatic and/or renal toxic effects on repeated administration and diltiazem may be able to protect against such toxic events if used with piroxicam in medical treatment of patients

Descriptive epidemiology of medicolegal cases investigated in a small town: one year study

An epidemiological study was conducted on all medicolegal cases referred to the Forensic Center of Mecca area during a one year period. During this period there was 136 dead cases, 17 living cases, 7 referrals of body remains and 23 cases of evidence examination. The study showed that, the age incidence of the majority of cases was above 50 years. It showed also that, homicidal tendencies [fire arm, stab wounds and handing] were the main prevalent attitudes among males. The suicidal tendencies prevailed among females. The study showed also that, the autopsy rate was low representing only 11.76% of total deaths. The study attributed this low incidence to the type of deaths, the Islamic beliefs and the lack of specialized complementary services. It is recommended that, histochemistry of tissues should be used in postmortem examination of dead bodies

Genitourinary anomalies associated with congenital absence of the vas deferens: Role of transrectal ultrasound

In order to assess the association of upper urinary tract anomalies with congenital aplasia of the vas deferens, 16 male patients were evaluaed by transrectal ultrasound, real time abdominal ultrasound and excretory urography. 13 patients had bilateral congenital absence of the vas, while in 3, the defect was unilateral. In the 13 patients with bilateral vasal aplasia, abdominal ultrasound, and excretory urography revealed unilateral renal agenesis in 6 [46%]. In the 3 patients with unilateral aplasia, abdominal ultrasound and excretory urography demonstrated ipsilateral agenesis in all 3 patients. This high association warrants routine urological screening in patients with absent vas

Repair of the megameatus intact pepuce hypospadias variant by the pyramid procedure

In a minority of cases of anterior hypospadias the prepuce is intact and a megameatus exists under the normal foreskin, with a deep wide glanular defect. The technique utilized to correct this uncommon hypospadias variant is described. The megameatus is carefully dissected from the overlying skin. The neourethra is created by tubularizing the urethral plate. Glanular wings are developed and brought around the repair. Twelve boys ranging in age between 18 months and 4 years were treated. A stent was placed for 48 hours. The repair resulted in a very normally appearing glans. No stenosis or fistule were encountered

Male infertility caused by ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicle disorders: Role of transrectal ultrasound

Fourteen male patients with clinical evidence of obstruction of their ejaculatory ducts were assessed by transrectal ultrasound and vasography. In eleven, the results were comparable. Five had urogenital sinus cysts, four had ejaculatory duct stenosis and two had obstruction outside the substance of the prostate. In one patient, obstruction was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound only. Ten patients were amenable to treatment by transurethral resection. In eight, semen volume increased back to normal. In five, sperm reappeared, reaching fertile levels in three. Two pregnancies were achieved

Studies on lipids metabolism in rats; 1 dietary protein sources and lipids profiles of rats

Protein diets containing either animal protein [skim milk, meat, egg albumin and casein] or plant protein [broad beans, lupinus termis, lentils and soybean] were fed to eight groups of rats for eight weeks. Levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids as well as weight gain, food intake, protein efficiency were measured. The results showed a significant increase in total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesterol and decreasing levels for HDL-cholesterol in the rats fed the animal proteins. However, plant proteins indicated a significant decrease for total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides and total cholesterol with exception of HDL and cholesterol, which showed increasing level