Therapeutic Effect of Adipose Derived Stem Cells versus Atorvastatin on Amiodarone Induced Lung Injury in Male Rat

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Amiodarone (AM), a class 3 antiarrhythmic drug, has been associated with variety of adverse effects, the most serious of which is pulmonary toxicity. Ator (A) is a statin, known for their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Recent studies provide evidence of potential therapeutic effect of statins on lung injury. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown great promise in the repair of various tissues. The present study aimed at investigating and comparing the possible therapeutic effect of A and ADSCs on AM induced lung injury in albino rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: 34 adult male albino rats were divided into 5 groups: control group (Gp I), A group (Gp II) received 10 mg/kg of A orally 6 days (d)/week (w) for 4 weeks (ws), AM group (Gp III) received 30 mg/kg of AM orally 6 d/w for 4 ws, AM&A group (Gp IV) received AM for 4ws then A for other 4 ws and AM&SCs group (Gp V) received AM for 4 ws then injected with 0.5 ml ADSCs on 2 successive days intravenously (IV). Histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies were performed. Group III displayed bronchiolitis obliterans, thickened interalveolar septa (IAS) and thickened vascular wall which were proven morphometrically. Increased area% of collagen fibers and apoptotic changes were recorded. All findings regressed on A administration and ADSCs therapy. CONCLUSION: Ator proved a definite ameliorating effect on the degenerative, inflammatory, apoptotic and fibrotic changes induced by AM. ADSCs administration denoted more remarkable therapeutic effect compared to A.

Comparative Histological Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Green Tea and Stem Cells in Alzheimer's Disease Complicating Experimentally Induced Diabetes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Increasing evidence implicates diabetes mellitus (DM) as a risk factor for AD. Green tea (GT) has several beneficial effects attributed to its anti-oxidant phenolic compounds. Adipose tissue is a rich source of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). This study was designed to evaluate and compare the possible therapeutic effect of green tea extract (GTE) and ADSCs on AD complicating induced DM in male rat. METHODS: 31 adult male albino rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I (Control), Group II received GTE, 50 mg/kg daily orally for 4 weeks, Group III received a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (STZ), 50 mg/kg, Group IV: received STZ followed by GTE and Group V: received STZ followed by human ADSCs (hADSCs) intravenously. RESULTS: Multiple acidophilic masses, deformed neurons, Congo red +ve masses and Caspase 3 +ve neurons were seen in group III, became few in group IV and occasional in group V. Multiple Prussian blue +ve cells were detected in group V. Some CD44 +ve cells were noticed in group III, became multiple in groups IV and V. The mean area of neurons exhibiting acidophilic cytoplasm, mean area of amyloid plaques and mean area % of Caspase 3 +ve cells indicated a significant increase in group III. The mean area % of CD44 +ve cells recorded a significant increase in group IV. CONCLUSIONS: hADSCs exerted a more marked therapeutic effect on the neurodegenerative changes complicating DM and corresponding to AD.

Comparative Study between Intravenous and Intraperitoneal Stem Cell Therapy in Amiodarone Induced Lung Injury in Rat

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The fibrosing form of lung injury (occupational, environmental, infective or drug induced) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Amiodarone (AM), often prescribed for control of arrhythmias is considered a potential cause. No effective treatment was confirmed, except lung transplantation. Intravenous (IV) stem cell therapy may produce pulmonary emboli or infarctions. Despite being commonly used in clinical practice, the intraperitoneal (IP.) route has been rarely used for cell delivery. The present study aimed at investigating and comparing the possible effect of IP stem cell therapy (SCT) on pulmonary toxicity versus the intravenous route in a rat model of amiodarone induced lung damage. METHODS AND RESULTS: 36 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Rats of AM group were given 30 mg/kg daily orally for 4 weeks. Rats of IV SCT group were injected with stem cells in the tail vein. Rats of IP SCT group received IP cell therapy. Histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies were performed. Obstructed bronchioles, overdistended alveoli, reduced type I pneumocytes, increased thickness of alveolar septa and vessels wall besides increased area% of collagen fibers regressed in response to IV and IP SCT. The improvement was more obvious in IV group. The area% of Prussion blue +ve and CD105 +ve cells was significantly higher in IV group. CONCLUSIONS: Cord blood MSC therapy proved definite amelioration of lung injury ending in fibrosis. The effect of IP SCT was slightly inferior to that of IV SCT, which may be overwhelmed by repeated IP injection.

Histological Experimental Study on the Effect of Stem Cell Therapy on Adriamycin Induced Chemobrain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Negative consequences of chemotherapy on brain function were suggested and were addressed in animal models as the clinical phenomenon of chemobrain .It was postulated that adriamycin (ADR) induce changes in behaviour and in brain morphology. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) could be induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells .The present study aimed at investigating the possible therapeutic effect of HUCMSC therapy on adriamycin induced chemobrain in rat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty five female albino rats were divided into control group, ADR group where rats were given single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 5 mg/kg ADR. The rats were sacrificed two and four weeks following confirmation of brain damage. In stem cell therapy group, rats were injected with HUCMSCs following confirmation of brain damage and sacrificed two and four weeks after therapy. Brain sections were exposed to histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies. In ADR group, multiple shrunken neurons exhibiting dark nuclei and surrounded by vacuoles were seen .In response to SC therapy ,multiple normal pyramidal nerve cells were noted. The area of shrunken nerve cells exhibiting dark nuclei, Prussion blue and CD105 positive cells were significantly different in ADR group in comparison to SC therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: ADR induced progressive duration dependant cerebral degenerative changes. These changes were ameliorated following cord blood human mesenchymal stem cell therapy. A reciprocal relation was recorded between the extent of regeneration and the existence of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Intravenous Stem Cell Therapy on Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Induced Myocardial Injury

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The myocyte death that follows intestinal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major factor contributing to high mortality and morbidity in ischemic heart disease. The purpose of stem cell (SC) therapy for myocardial infarction is to improve clinical outcomes. The present study aimed at investigating the possible therapeutic effect of intravenous human cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (HCBMSCs) on intestinal ischemia reperfusion induced cardiac muscle injury in albino rat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty male albino rats were divided equally into control (Sham-operated) group, I/R group where rats were exposed to superior mesenteric artery ligation for 1 hour followed by 1 hour reperfusion. In SC therapy group, the rats were injected with HCBMSCs into the tail vein. The rats were sacrificed four weeks following therapy. Cardiac muscle sections were exposed to histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies. In I/R group, multiple fibers exhibited deeply acidophilic sarcoplasm with lost striations and multiple fibroblasts appeared among the muscle fibers. In SC therapy group, few fibers appeared with deeply acidophilic sarcoplasm and lost striations. Mean area of muscle fibers with deeply acidophilic sarcoplasm and mean area% of fibroblasts were significantly decreased compared to I/R group. Prussion blue and CD105 positive cells were found in SC therapy group among the muscle fibers, inside and near blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal I/R induced cardiac muscle degenerative changes. These changes were ameliorated following HCBMSC therapy. A reciprocal relation was recorded between the extent of regeneration and the existence of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells.

Effects of stem cell therapy on amiodarone-induced liver injury in albino rats

Sustained liver injury causes the development of fibrosis. For patients with end-stage fibrosis [cirrhosis] with subsequent portal hypertension, liver failure, and hepatocellular cancer, liver transplantation is the only effective method of treatment. However, it is associated with several complications and side effects. The present study aimed to determine the possible effect of human cord blood mesenchymal stem cell therapy on liver injury using amiodarone as a model of induced liver damage in albino rats. Twenty-three adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: group I [control] included six rats that were given 0.5ml Tween 80 orally for 2 weeks, group II included 10 rats that were given 5.4mg of amiodarone orally for 2 weeks, and group III included seven rats that were injected with stem cells in the tail vein following confirmation of liver damage and held for 4 weeks before sacrifice. Liver specimens were processed. Sections were subjected to the following stains: H and E, Masson's trichrome, and Prussian blue. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out for CD44 and human APF. Digital image analysis was used to determine the area% of collagen fibers and the optical density of alpha-fetoprotein-positive cells. The results were compared statistically. In group II, congested dilated blood sinusoids were observed. Some hepatocytes showed dark nuclei. Some hepatocytes appeared with dark nuclei and a strong acidophilic cytoplasm; others were ballooned. Mallory bodies were observed. Some portal areas showed intense mononuclear cellular infiltration. Extensive collagen fibers existed around some central veins and portal tracts and increased area% of collagen fibers was observed. Most histological findings were improved in group III. In addition, multiple-positive alpha-fetoprotein immunostained cells were detected and proved morphometrically by their increased mean optical density in comparison with group II. It can be concluded that cord blood mesenchymal stem cell therapy induces amelioration in morphological changes associated with amiodarone-induced liver injury, provided therapy is initiated early in the development of the injury

Tissue Regeneration and Stem Cell Distribution in Adriamycin Induced Glomerulopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Glomerulosclerosis develops secondary to various kidney diseases. It was postulated that adriamycin (ADR) induce chronic glomerulopathy. Treatment combinations for one year did not significantly modify renal function in resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Recurrence of FSGS after renal transplantation impacts long-term graft survival and limits access to transplantation. The present study aimed at investigating the relation between the possible therapeutic effect of human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs), isolated from cord blood on glomerular damage and their distribution by using ADR induced nephrotoxicity as a model in albino rat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty three male albino rats were divided into control group, ADR group where rats were given single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 5 mg/kg adriamycin. The rats were sacrificed 10, 20 and 30 days following confirmation of glomerular injury. In stem cell therapy group, rats were injected with HMSCs following confirmation of renal injury and sacrificed 10, 20 and 30 days after HMSCs therapy. Kidney sections were exposed to histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, morphometric and serological studies. In response to SC therapy multiple Malpighian corpuscles (MC) appeared with patent Bowman's space (Bs) 10 and 20 days following therapy. One month following therapy no remarkable shrunken glomeruli were evident. Glomerular area and serum creatinine were significantly different in ADR group in comparison to control and SC therapy groups. CONCLUSIONS: ADR induced glomerulosclerosis regressed in response to cord blood HMSC therapy. A reciprocal relation was recorded between the extent of renal regeneration and the distribution of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells.

Effect of Stem Cell Therapy on Induced Diabetic Keratopathy in Albino Rat

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent disorder. Diabetic keratopathy is a well-known ocular complication secondary to type 2 DM. Topical insulin application did not affect apoptosis and necrosis levels in corneal epithelium. Autologous cell transplantation is not a viable option for diabetic patients with bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency. The present study aimed at assessing the possible effect of hemopoeitic stem cell (HSC) therapy on induced diabetic keratopathy in albino rat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifteen male albino rats were divided into control group of 2 rats, diabetic group of 8 rats receiving single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). 3 animals were sacrificed 6 weeks following confirmation of diabetes to confirm keratopathy and 5 rats were sacrificed 4 weeks following confirmation of keratopathy. SC therapy group included 5 rats injected with HSCs 6 weeks following confirmation of diabetes and sacrificed 4 weeks following SC therapy. Cord blood collection, stem cells isolation and labeling were performed. Eye specimens were subjected to histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, morphometric and statistical studies. In diabetic group, the central cornea showed multiple cells with vacuolated cytoplasm and dark nuclei, focal epithelial discontinuity, reduced corneal thickness and less number of layers of corneal and conjunctival epithelia. In stem cell therapy group, few cells with vacuolated cytoplasm and dark nuclei were found in the corneal and conjunctival epithelia with more number of epithelial layers. CONCLUSIONS: A definite ameliorating effect of HSC therapy was detected on diabetic keratopathy. The therapeutic cells were effective in limiting corneal epithelial changes.

Motivational factors and retention among graduate nurses at Mansoura university hospitals

Motivation is a vital element for retaining and maintaining graduates in the nursing profession. It is defined as a willingness to exert high level of efforts to reach organizational goals. The financial impact of turnover, loss of experienced nurses results in an increased in workload. The aim of the study is to identify what are the motivational factors at work and retention among graduate nurses in general medical and surgical units at Mansoura University Hospitals and to identify problems that affecting on their retention at work. All graduate nurses with Bachelor of Science who were working in these units and available at time of data collection were included in the study [n=82]. Three tools were used for data collection: Work Motivational Factors Questionnaire Sheet [WMFQ], Graduate Retention Questionnaire [GRQ], and an Open-ended Questionnaire. A major finding of this study that there was a statistical positive relation between work motivational factors and graduate nurses retention at their workplace. Also, the common problems affecting graduate nurses' retention in their work setting were: reality shock, relationship with health team, role stress, and role ambiguity. It is recommended that developing a strategy that enhance graduate nurses' retention, rewards, supportive work environment, recognition programs and designing educational approaches to support and manage reality shock during the early transitional stage of graduate nurses

Job description for head nursing in surgical units at Mansoura University Hospital

A new perspective developed at Mansoura University Hospital is to provide quality patient care. The responsibility of ensuring quality patient care units falls directly on the shoulders of the head nurses. So, Job description is needed more than ever to have a written statement of: organizational relationships, duties, responsibilities as well as qualifications of the head nurses. Thus, this study aims to develop and validate job description of the head nurses in the surgical units at Mansoura University Hospital. The sample consists of all head nurses [10 head nurses] in the surgical units and 12 nurse supervisors at Mansoura University Hospital. There is also a jury group includes 15 different levels of nurse managers working at Mansoura University Hospital and 15 academic staff from Faculty of Nursing at Mansoura, Ain shams, and Cairo Universities. Three tools were used for data collection, namely: an observation sheet [activity analysis], a job description questionnaire, and opinionnaire sheet. The study findings indicated that the proposed job description is valid to be used in the general surgical inpatient units at Mansoura University Hospital. It is recommended to be applied and to be up dated periodically

Comparison of clinical instructors' teaching behaviors as perceived by themselves with those assessed by their students in the clinical setting

The clinical education is considered as the heart of the nursing education. It remains the single most important resource in the development of competent, capable, and caring nurses. It prepares the students for their professional role and provides them with opportunity to apply knowledge, skills, and concepts in the clinical settings. Most importantly, clinical instructors' behaviors in the clinical area play an important part in the learning process of the student. There are few studies that determine and evaluate what constitutes effective teaching behaviors of clinical instructors in the clinical area. Hence, the present study aimed at comparing clinical instructors' teaching behaviors as perceived by themselves with those assessed by their students and also using qualitative analysis to determine positive and negative students' comments for clinical instructor behaviors in the clinical setting. The study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing at Mansoura University. Two groups of subjects were included in the present study; clinical instructors group [n=62] and nursing students group [n=120]. Two questionnaire sheets were used for data collection; clinical instructors' questionnaire and student's questionnaire that were developed by researcher based on reviewing literature. The third part of student's questionnaire included open ended questions to establish positive and negative clinical instructors' as perceived by student encountered in clinical training. A major finding of this study was that there was a statistical significance difference between clinical instructors' teaching behaviors as perceived by themselves with those assessed by their students in the clinical setting. At the end of the study, recommendations were given that clinical instructor should offer information and positive feedback in the directions of students, being accessible and also encourage student's creative thinking and freedom in discussion

Description quality of nursing care for oncology patients as expressed by patients1 and their nurses' perspectives

Today's quality of nursing care for oncology patients' has always been a primary concern in the health care organization which reflects on rendering quality of nursing care. The vision of nursing is providing high quality nursing care, which related to the degree of patients' physical, psychological, and extra care needs were met. Quality of nursing care from views of patients and their nurses are not often involved in identifying components of quality. Studies on patients perspectives of health care quality and what quality nursing care means to them will contribute to a better understanding of how the public views quality of care and their expectations. Providers' perceptions of quality often differ from patients perspectives. From this view, the present study aimed to explore patients and nurses perspectives for describing quality of nursing care and also to determine whether patients perspectives are congruent with these of nurses. The study was conducted at Oncology Center-Mansoura University at two units included one medical and one surgical inpatient care units. Two groups of subjects comprised in the present study included nurses' and patients groups. Two tools were used for data collection. Questionnaire sheet is contained 40 items to investigate the perspectives of both study groups as regarding themes that describing quality of nursing care for oncology patient by using Oncology Patients Perceptions of the Quality of Nursing Care Scale [OPPQNCS]. The second tool was rating scale. Subjects were asked to rating scale of defined quality as their views. It included 6 items that concluded to ask [what dose quality nursing care mean to you?]. The study revealed that, there was a incompatibility between patients and nurses perspectives regarding themes quality of nursing care. And also there was a significant difference between two groups perspectives. Thus, it is recommended that perspectives of both patients and nurses represent the yardstick for identifying what are constitutes quality of nursing care. And also patients and nurses' perspectives are important in order to develop quality improvement programs

Plasma antioxidative enzymes in down syndrome

Numerous biochemical abnormalities are present in Down syndrome [DS] patients, and these abnormalities have not yet been completely-clarified, the antioxidant defense system enzymes have shown to be altered due to increased gene on chromosome 21. In this study we investigated the activities of plasma superoxide dismutase [SOD-1] and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] enzymes and the levels of their cofactors zinc[zn] and selenium [Se] in plasma of 20 Down Syndrome patients 14 males and 6 females with age ranging from 3-14 years, comparing the results with age and sex- matched controls [n=15]. Plasma GSH-Px, SOD-1 were significantly decreased in DS patient group [p<0.001]. Also their cofactors Zn and se were significantly; decreased with [p<0.05] and these changes in the plasma enzyme levels and their cofactors were not correlated to age or sex of the patients. We conclude that evaluation of these antioxidative enzymes and their cofactors are of great importance in DS patients

Developing ergonomic proactive safety protocol for hospital nurses

There has been increasing interest in occupational health hazards related to ergonomic pain amongnurses. Ergonomic pain is described as a musculoskeletal pain, which refers to injuries and illness that affect themusculoskeletal system. Ergonomic pain is a major health problem hazards among nurses. This problem iscomplex and costly because it affects the quality of nurses' life and it has economical consequences for society,Added to this, there are significant effect to work related disability and a major cause of sick leave among nurses.That means higher absenteeism rate, particularly among professional nurses. The aim of the study is to identify factors causing musculoskeletal pain [MSP] among nurses asperceived by themselves, and to develop an ergonomic proactive protocol based on the previous factors to preventor decrease MSP among hospital nurses. The study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital. 200 staff nurses from general units wereincluded in the study. The tool used in this study is a structured questionnaire that was developed by theresearchers based on literature and previous studied. It is divided into two parts: First part includes personalcharacteristics of the staff nurses as; age, nursing qualifications, years of experience. Second part includes 35items to assess factors causing MSP among hospital nursesA major finding of this study was that there is correlation between musculoskeletal factors andoccurrence of MSP among nurses especially those related to patient factors.The findings of the present study have important implication for developing an ergonomic proactivesafety plan of occupation musculoskeletal pain for nurses. The design of proactive safety plan for nurses focusedon improving ergonomics and work place factors which leading a healthy lifestyle of nurses

level of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in subjects exposed to asbestos

The objective of the study is to evaluate the role of tumour necrosis factor Alpha [TNF-alpha] a in the pathogenesis of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis caused by occupational exposure to asbestos fibres by comparing its serum level in exposed versus non-exposed subjects. Twenty workers exposed to asbestos were chosen by simple random sampling and compared to a similar number of controls [unexposed to asbestos]. Both groups were subjected to history taking, clinical examination. TNF-alpha was measured in serum and correlated with possible relevant factors. Data analysis was done by SPSS computer based program. The study showed a significant increase in the level of TNF-alpha in the exposed group as compared to the controls. No correlation was found in the exposed group between the serum TNF-alpha level and respiratory symptoms, signs or disability nor with medical history. Further studies are needed to assess the use of serum TNF-alpha as an early predictor of susceptibility to the effect of asbestos. It could predict those more prone to develop asbestos-induced pulmonary injury. Anti-TNF should be assessed as a possible prevention or treatment for asbestos-induced lung injury