Exploring the role and lived experiences of people with disabilities working in the agricultural sector in northern Nigeria

It is estimated that over 75.0% of households in sub-Saharan Africa are involved in agriculture, and the majority of the poor in rural areas rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. One billion people living with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries are argued to make up the poorest of the poor, yet to our knowledge, no literature has captured the livelihood of people living with disabilities in the context of farming in Nigeria, specifically northern Nigeria where most of the households are involved in agriculture and related activities. Objectives: This article reports on findings from a study that sought to understand disability in the context of northern Nigerian farming, with a particular focus on the role and lived experiences of people living with disabilities working in the agricultural sector. Method: A survey questionnaire was developed and captured the experiences of 1067 people living with disabilities working in the agricultural sector across five states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna and Yobe) in northern Nigeria. Results: Findings indicate that people with disabilities are actively participating in agricultural activities for several reasons, which specifically included 'forced to and for survival'. When participants reported needing care, this was predominantly provided by family members. Findings also showed that participants with disabilities experienced several economic and sociocultural challenges because of their impairments. Conclusion: This study adds to the very limited literature on farmers living with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa and so highlights the need for more research to be conducted with farmers living with disabilities in Nigeria, particularly female farmers living with disabilities. These will provide more evidence pertaining to the experiences of farmers living with disabilities in order to provide effective disability- and gender-inclusive agricultural and entrepreneurship programmes in Nigeria. Contribution: The results of this research reveal important insights relating to the experiences of farmers living with disabilities in northern Nigeria, which can contribute to informing future developmental projects to achieve effective inclusion and actively benefit people living with disabilities

Evaluation of antidiabetic potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Annona squamosa (HAEAS) leaf in alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic Albino rats

Background: Diabetes is almost growing health concern worldwide and now emerging as an epidemic world over. Recently, full attention is being paid to the study of natural products as potential antidiabetics. Objective of the study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Annona squamosa (HAEAS) plant in alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic albino rats.Methods: Almost a 30 Albino rats with 150- 200 grams weight were weighed and grouped into 5 equal groups taking 6 rats in every group. Group A served as normal control, Group B as diabetic control, received alloxan monnohydrate. Group C and D was received alloxan + HAEAS suspension at 350 and 700 mg/kg doses orally respectively, Group E was given alloxan + standard drug (Glibenclamide 5mg/kg) suspension for 28 successive days and the effect of HAEAS on blood sugar(BS) levels was measured at regular intervals. At the end portion of this investigational research study samples of blood were collected from all rats on 0day (initial), after 72 hrs and after 28th day (29thday) of given test drug HAEAS treatment for biochemical estimation of BS and the BS values were observed.Results: The present research study revealed that HAEAS leaves has antidiabetic effect against alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic rats on i.p. alloxan injection at 150mg/kg.b.w. and confirms that on i.p. alloxan injection causes a significant rise off BS in untreated albino rats when compared to control group. Diabetic rats treatment with HAEAS leaves for 28 days caused dose a dependent fall in BS values. Glibenclamide treated diabetic rats also showed a significant (P <0.00) fall in BS content after 28 days of treatment.Conclusions: This research study confirms that HAEAS leaves has shown significant antidiabetic effect at 350 and 700 mg/kg. b.w. doses in alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic rats.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of fruit of Coriandrum sativum. Linn methanolic extract in Streptozocin induced diabetic wistar Albino rats

Background: Diabetes prevalence is estimated to increase annually. Numerous people use traditional medicine, such as India also considered as the diabetic capital in the world. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by disturbances in lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. The present study to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of coriandrum sativum. linn fruits methanolic extract in streptozocin induced diabetic wistar albino rats model.Methods: Diabetes induction in wistar albino rats by administration of streptozocin (50mg/kg, i.p.) in citrate buffer. 30 wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups (A, B, C, D, E). Group A: served as normal control, whereas Group B: diabetic control, Group C, D methanolic coriandrum sativum Linn. fruits extract (CSFME) at a dose of 100, 200mg/kg orally, Group E was given standard drug Glibenclamide (0.5mg/kg) orally. All groups are administered for the period of 14 consecutive days and blood sugar levels was measured at regular intervals up to end of the study.Results: This present research study confirms that the test drug compound CSFME has sustained oral hypoglycaemic activity and statistically significant (p ?0.05) and which is comparable with standard drug Glibenclamide.Conclusions: This research study confirms that the CSFME has antidiabetic activity against streptozocin induced wistar diabetic albino rats. It could be a novel antidiabetic agent and also a dietary adjunct in the type 2 diabetes management and its complication. Further studies are necessary required to confirm the antidiabetic activity of individual phytochemical compounds of Coriandrum sativum.

Low recovery rate of helicobacter pylori from positive CLO test patients suffering from dyspepsia

Helicobacter pylori are a well-known cause of gastrointestinal diseases particularly amongst patients suffering from dyspepsia. To evaluate the recovery rate of Helicobacter pylori from suspected peptic ulcer patients with dyspepsia symptom. Gastroenterology Unit, Aseer Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia. A Prospective Study. Gastroscopy and gastric biopsy were performed on 53 patients with dyspepsia from January 2012 to January 2013; all were subjected urease CLO test and culture. The CLO-positive biopsies were cultured using brain-heart infusion agar with added blood [7%], and Skirrow's supplement was used for isolating Helicobacter pylori. Inoculated plates were incubated at 37°C for 7-10 days in a microaerophilic incubation environment and examined for suspected Helicobacter pylori colonies. Helicobacter pylori cultures were confirmed by the positive urease, oxidase and rapid antigen test. Cultures of non-Helicobacter pylori bacteria were identified using few phenotypic tests then confirmed by VITEK 2 automated system. Seventeen [32.08%] Helicobacter pylori were isolated [in pure form or in mixed cultures] using Brain-Heart Infusion agar with blood and Skirrow's supplement. Nineteen [35.85%] samples revealed no growth, 5 [9.43%%] revealed the growth of Acinetobacter spp, 4 [7.55%] revealed Brucella melitensis, 2 [3.77%] revealed Pasteurella spp. and 1 [1.89%] revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The recovery rate of Helicobacter pylori from CLO positive biopsies was low, 17 [32.08%], but growth of other gram negative bacilli was documented

Seropositivity of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women by ELISA at Minia University Hospital, Egypt

Toxoplasmosis is considered as an important risk factor for bad obstetric history (BOH) and one of the major causes of congenitally acquired infections. The present study aimed to estimate the seropositivity of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among the attendees of high risk pregnancy and low risk antenatal care clinic of Minia Maternity and Pediatric University Hospital, Minia, Egypt. The study was carried out from April 2013 to April 2014 through 2 phases, the first phase was case-control study, and the second phase was follow-up with intervention. A total of 120 high risk pregnant and 120 normal pregnant females were submitted to clinical examinations, serological screening for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA, and an interview questionnaire. Seropositive cases were subjected to spiramycin course treatment. The results showed that the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in high-risk pregnancy group was 50.8%, which was significantly different from that of normal pregnancy group (P<0.05). Analysis of seropositive women in relation to BOH showed that abortion was the commonest form of the pregnancy wastage (56.5%). The high prevalence of T. gondii seropositive cases was observed in the age group of 21-30 years. Post-delivery adverse outcome was observed in 80.3% of high-risk pregnancy group compared to 20% of normal pregnancy group. There was a statistically significant relationship between seropositivity and living in rural area, low socioeconomic level, and undercooked meat consumption (P<0.05). Serological screening for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies should be routine tests especially among high-risk pregnant women.

Right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in asthmatic patients

Asthmatic patients develop right heart affection from early stages through different mechanisms. The current study was performed aiming to assess the right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in different asthmatic stages. The study population was fifty persons subdivided into 30 asthmatic adults and 20 healthy control subjects. Results showed that the prevalence of right ventricular dilatation was statistically higher among asthmatic adults [66%] than controls [0%]. Also, there was a significant elevation of the mean value of ESPAP among asthmatic adults [24 +/- 7.18] than the control group [17.8 +/- 4.98] [P < 0.05]. In addition the mean value of RVEDD was significantly higher among asthmatic adults [17.47 +/- 4.51 cm] compared to control subjects [14.54 +/- 3.15 cm] [P < 0.05]. Also, a more deleterious effect was found that severe asthmatic cases suffered more impairment in diastolic functions of the right ventricle than mild and moderate cases, which means that patients with bronchial asthma have right ventricular diastolic dysfunction and the degree of this dysfunction is related to the severity of the disease

Biochemical parameters in relation to tuberculosis in Sudanese patients

Malnutrition and wasting are associated with TB and HIV infection. Malnutrition and tuberculosis are both problems of considerable magnitude in most of the underdeveloped regions of the world. Nutritional status is significantly lower in patients with active tuberculosis compared with healthy controls. Both, protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies increase the risk of tuberculosis. To investigate the concentration of serum albumin, total protein, glutamate oxalo acetate transaminase [GOT], glutamate pyruvate transaminase [GPT] and zinc in Sudanese tuberculosis patients [TB], attending the Tropical Diseases Teaching Hospital, Khartoum State. The study was performed on 60 tuberculosis patients, compared with 40 healthy individual age and sex matched used as control group .The study period was from April to August 2011. Serum albumin, total protein, GOT and GPT levels were determined by using clinical chemistry analyzer while zinc level was analyzed by atomic absorption spectro-photometers. Among TB patients the mean [+/-]SD of plasma albumin, total protein, GOT, GPT and zinc respectively were 3.29[+/-]0.91, 7.55[+/-]1.59, 21.24[+/-]8.33, 9.12[+/-]6.34 and 0.47[+/-]0.17. The mean [+/-]SD of plasma albumin, total protein, GOT, GPT and zinc for control group respectively were 4.19[+/-]0.93, 8.0[+/-]0.98, 26.0[+/-]9.08, 13.3[+/-]8.15, and 0.55[+/-]0.14. Statistically significant association was observed in all parameters between the patients and control group [P<0.05]. This study concluded that TB patients had significant decreased levels of all parameters; however albumin and GPT were more significant as compared to others

Evaluation of left ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with or without pulmonary hypertension

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] is a common entity in clinical practice. Development of right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual right side heart failure is also common in such patients. However, some disturbance in left ventricular [LV] function has been observed among such patients

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate LV function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] with or without pulmonary hypertension

Patients and methods: Thirty-six patients with COPD without additional cardiac diseases and 12 age and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled into the study. All patients underwent spirometry, standard and tissue Doppler echocardiography

Results: 20 COPD patients [55.6%] had pulmonary hypertension. Left ventricular systolic function did not differ between patient and control groups. However the difference between both groups was significant regarding left ventricular diastolic function and left ventricular global function. Left ventricular diastolic function and global function differed significantly between different COPD grades. Patients with pulmonary hypertension had significantly higher heart rate, less E wave peak velocity [measured by DTI] [P

Conclusion: Left ventricular diastolic function and LV global function are affected in COPD patients especially with progression of the disease. COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension are more liable to LV diastolic and global dysfunction than normal pulmonary pressure COPD patients. Doppler tissue echocardiography is a better tool in the assessment of left ventricular function

Infestation rate with Polyplax spinulosa [burmeister, 1839] among certain laboratory albino rats [Rattus norvegicus] in relation to different washing agents in two Erbil city universities

The ectoparasite Polyplax spinulosa [Class: Insecta; Sub-Order: Anoplura; Familiy: Polyplacidae] was found to act as a biological vector of some pathogenic virus, bacteria and protozoa. The main objective of the present study was to identify the P. spinulosa parasitizing laboratory rats in two different animal houses [Science College-Salahaddin University and Medicine College-Hawler Medical University] and the effect of washing with different detergent agents on the mean intensity and numbers of the Polyplax spinulosa. In a study from the beginning of February to July 2010, thirty [30] adult Albino rats [15 rats from each Science and Medicine Colleges] randomly were collected from two selected animal houses of two universities in Erbil City. The fur was gently examined and scraped off using a fine brush; hair particles and ectoparasites that dropped off were transferred to a petridish, and examined using magnifying lenses and dissecting microscope before and after washing with two different agents. The ectoparasites collected in small vials were fixed in 70% ethanol. The overall prevalence with the P. spinulosa was 80%, the higher rate of infestation [100%] and mean intensity [13.33] was among rats of Science College, while the lower rate [60%] and mean intensity [4] was among rats of Medicine College. The present study showed that Cis-Cypermethrin has greater role than Cyprimidine in declining the rate of infestation with this ectoparasite. The overall prevalence with the P. Spinulosa was 80%, The higher rate of infestation was among rats of Science College. Cis-Cypermethrin has a role in declining the rate of infestation with this ectoparasite

Pituitary gland dysfunction as a parameter for early detection of chronic cadmium toxicity: an experimental study

Cadmium [Cd] is considered one of the most toxic trace elements in the environment. Kidneys have been used as standards for delimiting metal toxic concentration. However, recent reports indicate that chronic exposure to low doses of cadmium can cause pituitary gland and reproductive disturbances. Since the clinical manifestations of cadmium intoxication become evident only after a certain period of its accumulation, it is important to know if there is an early parameter to detect cadmium toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate pituitary gland dysfunction as an early parameter of chronic cadmium toxicity by comparing cadmium toxic effects on pituitary gland, as regard order of appearance, with renal function disturbances. This work was conducted on 66 adult male albino rats that were divided into three main groups; group I [negative control] consisted of 18 rats, group II [positive control group] consisted of 18 rats and received I ml distilled water daily by gavage and group III [Cadmium group]; consisted of 30 rats ad received Cd C12 in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg BW/daily by gavage. Each one of these three main groups was subdivided according to the experimental period into three equal subgroups; [a], [b] and [c]. The experimental period was one month for subgroups Ia, IIa, and IIIa, two months for subgroups Ib, IIb and IIIb and three months for subgroups Ic, IIc and IIIc. Estimation of FSH, LH, creatinine, BUN, Beta2- microglobulins [beta 2-MG] serum levels and Cd tissue level in the kidney and pituitary gland was carried out together with histological examination of pituitary gland and kidneys. The results of this study show that admium has induced toxic effects in both pituitary gland and kidneys with cadmium accumulation in both organs being more in the renal tissues. However, pituitary sysfunction appeared earlier than renal dysfunction. These findings suggest that pituitary gland may be more sensitive to cadmium toxicity than the kidney. So, further researches are recommended for evaluation of estimation of pituitary functions for early detection of chronic cadmium toxicity. Also, strictly enforced limits of cadmium in foods are necessary for an overall decrease in exposure. Moreover, persistence in the environment of this metal requires a long-term move toward minimizing human exposure through environmental measures and preservations of lower cadmium levels wherever possible

Pneumothorax in mechanically ventilated neonates Cairo university: two years study

Pneumothorax is a severe complication of pulmonary disease in newborn infants. It is often related to therapeutic procedures such as resuscitation and mechanical ventilation. Aim of this study was to detect the incidence of pneumothorax in mechanically ventilated neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] -Cairo University and determine their associated risk factors. A retrospective study conducted in the NICU Children's Hospital-Cairo University during the period from January 2007 to December 2008. Files of 633/3321[19.06%] neonates receiving assisted ventilation were studied for presence of a radiological evidence of air leaks. Accordingly, they were classified into 2 groups: Group I including neonates with evidence of pneumothorax, and Group II including those with no evidence of pneumothorax. Results detected pneumothorax in 26/633[4.10%] of ventilated neonates. There were statistical significant differences between both groups in: Mean birth weight which was1.47 +/- 0.58 kg in group I versus 2.48 +/- 0.77 kg in group II with P value<0.001 highly significant [HS], mean duration of Ventilation which was 13.15 +/- 8.61 days in group I versus 7.13 +/- 6.56 days in group II with P value<0. 001 [HS], days in group II with P value<0.001[HS], and outcome as 20/26[76.92%] neonates of group I died and 319/607[52.90%] of group II died with P value<0.001[HS]. Twenty one out of twenty six [80.76%] neonates were diagnosed as respiratory distress syndrome [RDS], while 5126 [19.23%] were meconium aspiration syndrome. The highest percentage of pneumothorax was observed in neonates receiving SIMV from the start of ventilation 15126 [57.69%], followed by those receiving NCPAP then SIMV 10126 [38.46%], and only in 1 neonate receiving NCPAP only[3.84%] with P value 0.032[Significant]. FIO2 was higher in group I compared to group II: 51.54 +/- 23.14 versus 35.09 +/- 19.10; P value<0.001[HS]. PIP was higher in group I than group II: 25.16 +/- 5.79 cm H20 versus20.82 +/- 4.57 cm H20; P value 0.01 [S]. Respiratory rate was higher in group I versus group II: 41.40 +/- 10.93 versus 34.55 +/- 11.65 ; P value 0.01 [S]

Malignant phylliodes tumours: Results of breast conserving surgery and immediate reconstruction

Malignant phylliodes tumour [MPT] is a rare breast tumor. Surgery is the mainstay in treatment but varies from local resection to modified radical mastectomy. In this study, we present our experience using wide local excision or subcutaneous mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction in the management of MPT. Twenty-three recurrent MPT and ten patients with histological evidence of MPT were included. All patients with recurrent MPT [n=23] had subcutaneous mastectomy, two centimeter wide excision of the scar and immediate breast reconstruction with either Latissimus Dorsi [LD] myocutaneous flap [n= 10] or Latissimus Dorsi muscle flap [n=13]. Seven of the newly diagnosed patients had wide local excision of the tumor, reconstruction with LD muscle flap, two had wide local excision and reduction of contra lateral breast, and one had subcutaneous mastectomy and silicon implant. The margin resection varied between five and fifteen centimeter in wide local resection group and subcutaneous mastectomy group respectively and the size of tumors varied between five and fifteen centimeters in diameter. During the follow up period, which ranged between twenty-four and eighty-four months one local recurrence, was recorded [3.03%] and none of the patients had distant metastasis or regional lymph nodes involvement. This approach has secured wider excision of MPT, offered breast reconstruction, and has reduced the chances of recurrence in our patients

Comparison of 4 laboratory methods for detection of Helicobacter pylori

To compare the usefulness of 4 commonly used tests in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection in Saudi patients with dyspepsia. Patients presenting with dyspepsia at the gastroenterology clinic of Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between October 2005 to May 2006, who consented to participate in the study were enrolled. Patients who received anti-Helicobacter treatment or proton pump inhibitors within 30 days, or in whom endoscopy revealed cancer or gastro-esophageal reflux, were excluded from the study. Stool sample for H. pylori stool antigen [HpSA] were tested using the enzyme immunoassay technique 2-7 days before endoscopy. At endoscopy, gastric antrum mucosal biopsies were taken for campylobactelike organism [CLO] test, histology and culture. There were 72 males and 43 females, age range from 18-75 years, mean age 40.09 +/- 15.68. Seventy-nine patients out of the 115 [68.7%] samples were positive for H. pylori, by culture. Culture and histology agreed in 112 cases [97.4%] and disagreed in 3 cases [2.6%]. The sensitivities and specificities [%] of histology were 97.5 and 97.2, of HpSAg were 91.9 and 98.6, and of CLO were 79.7 and 97.2 tests against culture. Culture, histology, and H. pylori stool antigen tests all have comparable results, and there is no need to use all 3 at the same time, for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. The CLO test is less sensitive, and of low negative predictive value

Antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activities of centella asiatica [L.] Urban [Thankuni]

The ethanol and water extracts of Centella asiatica showed significant anti-diarrhoeal activity on castor oil induced diarrhoeal model in rats. Both extracts were also tested against ten pathogenic bacteria for their anti-bacterial activities. They exhibited prominent antibacterial activities against eight bacteria. Among them Shigella dysenteriae culture exhibited the largest zone of inhibition [24 mm] in both extracts

oxidative stress and the anti-oxidant mechanisms in patients with vitiligo in relation to the duration and severity of the disease

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. Previous studies showed that the progress of auto-immune diseases may be related to oxidative modification of cellular structures by free radicals, and at least partly depends on the concentration of antioxidants at critical cellular sites. The present work was arranged to evaluate the alterations in oxidative stress as measured by plasma and red blood cells Malondialdehyde [MDA] and the changes in antioxidant mechanism as measured by plasma and red blood cells Glutathione [GSH] in patients with vitiligo, in comparison to a healthy control group. These changes were studied according to the severity and duration of the disease. Fifty patients with vitiligo were included in this study. The severity of the disease was graded according to the rule of nine into three grades [mild, moderate, and severe]. Duration of the diseases was graded into 2 grades [less than 6 months and equal or more than 6 months]. Plasma and red blood cells Malondialdehyde [MDA], and plasma and red blood cells Glutathione [GSH] were assessed in all patients. The results showed that plasma and red blood cells Malondialdehyde [MDA] were high in mild cases and in the early course of the disease, while they were low in severe and chronic cases. Plasma Glutathione [GSH] was low in mild and acute cases while it reached near to normal levels in chronic and extensive cases. Free radicals are high in mild, and in the early course of the disease in patients with vitiligo, and near to normal in chronic, generalized vitiligo. Similarly, the antioxidants are low in mild, and in the early course of the disease in patients with vitiligo, and near to normal in chronic, generalized disease

Hepatic and renal biochemical responses to the toxicological interaction between acetylsalicylic acid and diazinon in albino rats

The present investigation is aiming at studying the effect of administrating sublethal dose of the insecticide "Diazinon" with and without acetylsalicylic acid [Aspirin, ASA]. Sixty male albino rats were given orally 1/30 LD50 of the insecticide "Diazinon", with and without the high therapeutic dose of acetylsalicylic acid at a dose of [13.5mg/ kg b.w. daily] for 3 weeks. Biochemical indices of liver and kidney functions, namely serum proteins, alanine amino transferase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], bilirubin, cholesterol, triglyceride [TG], urea and creatinine levels were determined at the end of the experiment. The present results showed significant changes in serum ALT, AST, ALP, Biliribin, Triglyceride levels. The changes in enzyme levels indicate the toxicity of the insecticide "Diazinon" alone or in combination with the high therapeutic dose of the anti inflammatory drug "acetyl salicylic acid". The treatments did not affect the level of cholesterol or renal excretory function

Synthesis and characterization of some complexes of Schiff-base condensation ligands

The reaction of p-aminobenzoic acid with benzaldehyde results Schiff-Base[I] which reacts with urea under refluxing conditions and to produce product [II] that was reacted with two moles of oxalic acid to give compound [III]. The metal complexes of compound [III] with Fe[II], Co [II], Ni [II], Cu [II], Zn [II] and UO[2] [II] were prepared in the ratio 1: 1, 2 : 1 [M : L] and their structures were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, UV, [1]HNMR spectra and conductometric titrations. The Fe, Co, Ni and Cu- complexes showed satisfactory results as indicated from pigments evaluation studies and colour measurements

Hypothermia in infants: the important factors

A prospective consecutive observational study over a period of six months was conducted in thepediatric surgical theatre of Hamad General Hospital, Qatar, on infants aged one day to one year who required general anesthesia with or without regional anesthesia. It was found that neonates [aged 1-29 days] had difficulty in maintaining a stable body temperature despite various methods of promoting warmth. Infants [aged 1-12 months] undergoing major surgery were more exposed to hypothermia than those in minor surgery. Causes of hypothermia were multifactorial

Palatal depth and arch parameter in class I open bite, deep bite and normal occlusion

This study aimed to measure the palatal depth, maxillary and mandibular arch widths and circumferences in three groups: class I open bite, class I deep bite and class I normal occlusion, to compare the results among the three groups and to find the correlation coefficient among the different variables in each group separately to identify any possible correlation among palatal depth, maxillary and mandibular arch widths and arches circumferences. Seventy two sets of casts divided into 3 groups [class I open bite malocclusion, class I deep bite malocclusion and class I normal occlusion] were used. Palatal depth, maxillary and mandibular arch widths and arches circumferences were measured using a sliding gauge caliper, readouts were rounded to 0.1 mm. The palatal depth was the highest in open bite followed by normal and then in deep bite. The intermaxillary widths were the highest in normal occlusion followed by deep bite and then open bite. No significant differences were seen in the mandibular widths among the three groups. Correlation coefficient among variables expressed considerable variation

Effect of garlic extract on age-related structural changes in the heart of male albino rat, light and electron microscopical study

Cardiovascular diseases in elderly are mostly ascribable to complications of coronary atherosclerosis, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. So this study was carried out to detect the senile changes occuring in the structure of the heart of male albino rat, and to evaluate the role of garlic extract in prevention and treatment of these senile changes. Thirty male albino rats were used in this study. They were classified into five groups [six animals each]. Group I: [control group] included adult rats with age [6-9] months. Group II:comprised adult rats[6-9 months age] which were given oral supplementation of garlic extract [50mg/ kg of body weight/ day for 12 weeks]. Group III: consisted of senil rats with ages ranging between 12-18 months. Group IV: included animals of 9 months, which received oral garlic extract [50 mg/ kg of body weight/day for 12 weeks]. Group V: comprised rats with ages 12-18 months, which received oral garlic extract [50 mg/ kg of body weight /day for 12 weeks]. Examination of the histological sections of the heart of senile rats showed patchy areas of degenerative changes in the myocardium. These changes included vacuolation and hyalinization of the cardiac muscle fibres, even areas of necrosis were also detected. Haemorrhage and focal areas of mononuclear cellular infiltration were also noticed between the affected muscle fibres. By electron microscopic examination, there were disorganization and lysis of the myofilaments. The mitochondria appeared degenerated with lysis of its cristea. The nuclei of the affected fibres showed abnormal chromatin distribution. They were surrounded by irregular nuclear membranes. The coronary arteries were dilated and congested. Their tunica media contained foam cells. Increase in the collagen content was seen between the muscle fibres as well as in the wall of the coronary vessles. The heart of animals of group IV[with age 9 months and they were given garlic for 12 weeks], showed the same histological profile as in control sections. However, examination of the sections of the heart of animals of group V [treat ment group] showed improvement in most of the reversible cardiac changes