Histomorphological, Histochemical and Ultrastructural Studies on the Healthy Liver of Yemen Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) in Southern Saudi Arabia / Estudios Histomorfológicos, Histoquímicos y Ultraestructurales en el Hígado Sano del Camaleón Velado de Yemen (Chamaeleo calyptratus) en el Sur de Arabia Saudita

SUMMARY: The livers of reptiles are being studied as a model for the link between the environment and hepatic tissue. There have been few investigations on the histology of reptile livers, and very few or no studies have examined the histology of liver of veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). This paper describes the histomorphological, histochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the liver of veiled chameleons in southern Saudi Arabia. Seven Chamaeleo calyptratus were captured in the summer season in Abha City, Aseer region, southern Saudi Arabia. Chamaeleon liver samples were processed for histomorphology, histochemistry and ultrastructure analyses. Morphologically liver of Chamaeleo calyptratus was observed as a large dark brown organ with lighter speckles, which represent melanin deposits. It located at the ventral part of abdominal cavity forward of the stomach. Its dimensions approximately were 3.7 x 2 cm. The liver was a bilobed organ divided into two lobes, right and left lobes. The right one was bigger than the others. The gallbladder was well developed and had an elongated shape, situated between the two lobes and contained the bile for the digestion. Microscopically, the liver was found to be covered by a thick layer of connective tissue, which formed the hepatic capsule. Hepatic parenchyma probably appeared in cross sections as hepatic glandular-like alveoli "acini" or follicular structures with various diameters, each acinus contains approximately four to six hepatocytes, surrounded by sinusoidal capillaries filled with abundant melanomacrophages, which are absent in birds and mammals. Melanomacrophages are common in the hepatic parenchyma's perisinusoidal areas, particularly near portal spaces. Hepatocytes are polyhedral or pyramidal with and mostly contained large, rounded nuclei mostly peripherally located, with prominent dark oval nucleoli. Some of nuclei are eccentric or central position. The cytoplasm appeared spongy or vacuolated and more eosinophilic when stained by hematoxylin-eosin and strongly reactive to PAS staining technique, indicating abundant glycogen content. The reticular fibers that surround hepatocytes, blood arteries, and sinusoids supported the hepatic parenchyma. The blood sinusoids are seen interspersed among hepatocytes of varying sizes. The sinusoidal lumen was bordered by flattened endothelial cells and includes elliptical nucleated erythrocytes and liver macrophages as phagocytes, which are also known as Kupffer cells. Branches of the portal vein, hepatic artery, small bile duct, and lymph vessels were detected in the hepatic portal area "tract" or triad which made up of connective. Hematopoietic tissue was observed in subcapsular region and portal triads. Ultrastructurally, the hepatocyte appeared polyhedric containing a single large rounded basal or eccentric vesicular nucleus with prominent nucleolus. Extensive network of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) often arranged in an array parallel to the nuclear membrane with many mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus were described. The cytoplasm contained glycogen granules, vesicles or vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm especially at the apical region were reported. The bile canaliculi and the hepatic "Kupffer" cells were also discussed. This is the first study on the histological characterization of the healthy liver of Yemen veiled chameleon in southern Saudi Arabia. The findings reported here should be used as a reference to compare with the pathological abnormalities of the liver in this animal.

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Assessment of the Nutritional Value of the Food Consumed by Saudi Schoolchildren

Objective: This study is aimed at assessing the nutritional value of the food consumed during school meal breaksby Saudi schoolchildren in a healthy school and comparing it with that in another school (a normal school).Methods: A total of 260 schoolchildren from two elementary schools in Tabuk were recruited in the present study.The children were observed at school meal time, and all food consumed by them was recorded by a trainedresearch assistant. The portion size of the consumed food was estimated by household measures, and thenutritional information of the packed food was obtained from the packaging label. Results: Consumption ofprotein, fiber, vitamin A, and calcium was significantly higher in the healthy school compared to the normalschool. Dairy products and fruit contributed significantly more to energy intake in the healthy school comparedto the normal school; while, crisps and sweet fatty products contributed significantly more to the total energyintake for the normal school. Total energy intake was also higher in the normal school than in the healthy school.Conclusion: The nutritional value of school meals from the healthy school was better than the normal school.Therefore, school meals can be used as a strategy to teach schoolchildren food choice skills during this sensitiveperiod.

Pathogenic role of érythropoïétine in Egyptian systemic lupus erthymatosus anemic patients: Prevalence of different types of anemia in SLE / Papel patógeno de la eritropoyetina en pacientes egipcios anémicos con LES; prevalencia de diferentes tipos de anemia en el lupus eritematoso sistémico

Abstract Background & aim: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, its pathogenesis encompasses numerous organs. About 50% of cases of SLE are anemic; multiple pathways are attributed to the occurrence of anemia. Anemia of chronic disease is generally due to reduced erythropoietin function, reduced production and low response to erythropoietin action on red blood cells, which play a role in the development of anemia of chronic disease seen in several conditions with autoimmune etiology. There were three main contributions in our research: First: To evaluate the types of anemia associated with SLE. Second: To evaluate the role of erythropoietin in pathogenesis of SLE associated anemia. Third: To evaluate the correlation between level of anemia and erythropoietin level. Subjects & methodology: 150 patients with SLE were registered in our study. SLE activity was measured by SLE disease activity index. Results: Our study encompassed (150) SLE patients, 20 men and 130 women and (50) controls, 9 men and 41 women. Among them, anemia of chronic disease was the most prevalent (41.3%), then anemia due to iron deficiency (33.3%), and lastly anemia of autoimmune etiology (25.3%). Our study also showed that there was statistically significant dissimilarity (P value = 0.023) between all groups of anemia in erythropoietin value but there was no significant correlation between erythropoietin and hemoglobin levels in any of the three groups. Conclusion: Erythropoietin level variation was detected among the dissimilar groups of anemia but no correlation between hemoglobin level and erythropoietin was found (blunted erythropoietin response).

Resumen Antecedentes y objetivo: El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune, su patogénesis abarca numerosos órganos. Alrededor del 50% del lupus sistêmico es anémico; las múltiples vías se atribuyen a la aparición de anemia. La anemia por enfermedad crónica generalmente se debe a la función reducida de la eritropoyetina, la producción reducida y la baja respuesta a la acción de la eritropoyetina en los glóbulos rojos que desempeñan un papel en el desarrollo de la anemia de la enfermedad crónica observada en varias enfermedades con etiología autoinmune. Hubo 3 contribuciones principales en nuestra investigación: Primero: evaluar los tipos de anemia asociados con el lupus sistémico. Segundo: evaluar el papel de la eritropoyetina en la patogénesis de la anemia asociada al lupus sistêmico. Tercero: evaluar la correlación entre el nivel de anemia y el nivel de eritropoyetina. Sujetos y metodología: Ciento cincuenta pacientes con lupus sistémico se registraron en nuestro estudio. La actividad sistémica del lupus se calculó mediante el índice de actividad de la enfermedad del LES. Resultados: Nuestro estudio abarcó 150 pacientes con lupus sistêmico, 20 varones y 130 mujeres y 50 controles, 9 varones y 41 mujeres. Entre ellos, la anemia de la enfermedad crónica fue la más prevalente (41,3%), seguida de la anemia por deficiencia de hierro (33,3%) y, finalmente, la anemia con etiología autoinmune (25,3%). Nuestro estudio también mostró que hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (valor de p = 0,023) entre todos los grupos de anemia en el valor de eritropoyetina, pero no hubo una correlación significativa entre los niveles de eritropoyetina y hemoglobina en ninguno de los 3 grupos. Conclusión: Se detectó una variación en el nivel de eritropoyetina entre los diferentes grupos de anemia, pero no se encontró correlación entre el nivel de hemoglobina y la eritropoyetina (respuesta de eritropoyetina atenuada).

Dexmedetomidine and propofol sedation requirements in an autistic rat model / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#Autism is a challenging neurodevelopmental disorder. Previous clinical observations have suggested altered sedation requirements for children with autism. Our study aimed to test this observation experimentally in an animal model and to explore its possible mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Eight adult pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. Four were injected with intraperitoneal sodium valproate on gestational day 12 and four were injected with normal saline. On postnatal day 28, the newborn male rats were subjected to the open-field test to confirm autistic features. Each rat was injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of propofol (50 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (0.2 mg/kg). The times to loss of righting reflex (LORR) and to return of righting reflex (RORR) were recorded. On the following day, all rats were re-sedated and underwent electroencephalography (EEG). Thereafter, the rats were euthanized and their hippocampal gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) and glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor gene expressions were assessed.@*RESULTS@#Autistic rats showed significantly longer LORR times and shorter RORR times than did the controls (median LORR times: 12.0 versus 5.0 min for dexmedetomidine and 22.0 versus 8.0 min for propofol; P < 0.05). EEG showed a low-frequency, high-amplitude wave pattern 2 min after LORR in the control rats. Autistic rats showed a high-frequency, low-amplitude awake pattern. Hippocampal GABA(A) receptor gene expression was significantly lower and NMDA gene expression was greater in autistic rats.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study supports the clinical observations of increased anesthetic sedative requirements in children with autism and our biochemical analyses using and glutamate receptor gene expression highlight possible underlying mechanisms.

Dexmedetomidine and propofol sedation requirements in an autistic rat model / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Autism is a challenging neurodevelopmental disorder. Previous clinical observations have suggested altered sedation requirements for children with autism. Our study aimed to test this observation experimentally in an animal model and to explore its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Eight adult pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. Four were injected with intraperitoneal sodium valproate on gestational day 12 and four were injected with normal saline. On postnatal day 28, the newborn male rats were subjected to the open-field test to confirm autistic features. Each rat was injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of propofol (50 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (0.2 mg/kg). The times to loss of righting reflex (LORR) and to return of righting reflex (RORR) were recorded. On the following day, all rats were re-sedated and underwent electroencephalography (EEG). Thereafter, the rats were euthanized and their hippocampal gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) and glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor gene expressions were assessed. RESULTS: Autistic rats showed significantly longer LORR times and shorter RORR times than did the controls (median LORR times: 12.0 versus 5.0 min for dexmedetomidine and 22.0 versus 8.0 min for propofol; P < 0.05). EEG showed a low-frequency, high-amplitude wave pattern 2 min after LORR in the control rats. Autistic rats showed a high-frequency, low-amplitude awake pattern. Hippocampal GABA(A) receptor gene expression was significantly lower and NMDA gene expression was greater in autistic rats. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the clinical observations of increased anesthetic sedative requirements in children with autism and our biochemical analyses using and glutamate receptor gene expression highlight possible underlying mechanisms.

A homeopatia como a arte de cuidar em saúde: análise da percepção dos usuários do SUS sobre o trabalho de homeopatia na cidade de Macaé/RJ / Homeopathy as healthcare art: analysis of public health service users’ perception of homeopathy in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Através da iniciativa da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, a cidade de Macaé vem utilizando um protocolo de intervenção homeopática para prevenção e tratamento da dengue desde 2007, atualizado anualmente, incluído no plano municipal de contingência da dengue, com resultados positivos, diminuindo a intensidade dos sintomas e o período de duração da enfermidade, proporcionando uma melhoria mais rápida do paciente. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a percepção dos usuários quanto ao trabalho de Homeopatia contra a Dengue, realizado no município de Macaé-RJ para subsidiar a elaboração de um folder a ser utilizado como meio de divulgação científica...

Based on an initiative of the Municipal Health Secretary, a protocol for homeopathic intervention targeting prophylaxis and treatment of dengue has been applied in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, since 2007. Inclusion of homeopathy in the municipal program against dengue had positive results, with reduction of the intensity of symptoms and of the duration of disease. Within this context, the aim of the present study was to investigate the perception of public health service users of program Homeopathy against Dengue in Macaé as grounds for the elaboration of educational materials...

Prevalence of dental caries and associated social risk factors among preschool children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dental caries, and associated social risk factors among preschool children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Methods: The study consisted of a random sample of 3 to 5 years- old preschool children who were examined in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 388 children [184 boys and 204 girls] were examined from 10 different preschools. Each surface of their teeth was examined for dental caries utilizing modified WHO criteria [WHO, 1997]. Data information about age, gender and social factors status were obtained by questionnaires that had been answered by parents

Results: About 69% of children had dental caries with dmft score of 3.4 [ +/- 3.6] and dmfs of 6.9 [ +/- 9.9]. There was no statistically significant difference between boys and girls. Less caries was observed among children whose parents worked and it was statistically significant as well as whose mothers had high or low educational level. Increased number of family members appeared to have a high incidence of dental caries which was also statistically significant. There was no significant difference in dental caries prevalence with birth order

Conclusions: Dental caries among preschool children in Saudi Arabia was still very common. Improvement of preventive measure at early age should be emphasized by parents and dental health professionals. More attention is required for Non-working parents telling them about the risk of dental caries affecting their children and the awareness of preventive care of dental health

Amelioration of insulin resistance in rats treated with rice bran oil

Background: insulin resistance [IR] is a pathological condition characterized by inadequate peripheral tissue metabolic response to circulating insulin. It plays pathophysiological role in type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]. High dosage of fructose in the diet [60 g/100 g diet] may induce insulin resistance accompanied by deleterious metabolic consequences including hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Rice bran oil [RBO], is a rich source of antioxidants especially gamma-oryzanol, alpha-tocopherols and tocotrienols which contribute to high oxidative stability, longer shelf life than other edible oils and high antioxidant property against free radicals. The present work was undertaken to study if the addition of rice bran oil in rat's diets ameliorate the insulin resistance

Materials and methods: to achieve this target, plasma fasting glucose, serum insulin and calculated HOMA-IR, which assesse the presence of insulin resistance, was evaluated. Serum lipid profile [cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol [HDL] and low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol [LDL] was also evaluated. In addition, the oxidative stress was assessed through hepatic malondialdehyd [MDA] as an oxidative biomarker and the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase [SOD] was also estimated

Results: RBO ameliorated HOMA-IR, oxidative biomarker [MDA] and increased SOD activity

Conclusion: high fructose diet induced oxidative stress which lead to insulin resistance, this was ameliorated by addition of RBO

Microbiological assessment of some parameters of kariesh cheese sold by supermarkets and street vendors in Alexandria, Egypt

Background: kariesh cheese is the most popular soft cheese consumed in Egypt especially in the countryside. Some of Kariesh cheese is produced in equipped factories, but most in farmers' homes and unlicensed places not under standard requirements for hygienic food production. Cheese could be contaminated by different types of microorganisms during its production, handling, distribution and storage under unhygienic conditions. Contamination with different microorganisms causes cheese spoilage and/or foodborne illnesses

Objective[s]: to assess some microbiological parameters of Kariesh cheese, as recommended by the Egyptian standards for Kariesh cheese No.1008/2000. A comparison of Kariesh cheese samples collected from supermarkets and street vendors was carried out

Methods: a total of 270 Kariesh cheese samples were collected in the period between September 2015 and January 2016 from 3 randomly selected Alexandrian districts. Half of the samples [135] were collected from street vendors and the other half was collected from supermarkets. The microbiological tests performed were: total plate count, estimation of total and fecal coliforms, and detection of E. coli, S. aureus as well as yeasts and moulds

Results: according to the Egyptian standard No.1008/2000 for Kariesh cheese parameters, only 6% and 7% of the examined Kariesh samples were satisfactory for yeasts and moulds and total plate count respectively. As regards total coliforms and E.coli, 44% and 48% respectively of the samples were satisfactory, while 39% of the samples were satisfactory for fecal coliforms, and around 90% were for S. aureus. The mean microbial counts in all tested parameters were higher in Kariesh cheese samples sold by street vendors rather than supermarkets, and this was statistically significant

Conclusions: the microbiological parameters of Kariesh cheese in this study showed unacceptable high levels especially among street vendors' samples

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Five Egyptian Plant Species.

In this study, five Egyptian species were tested for their In vitro antimicrobial activities. The antimicrobial screening was carried out via disc diffusion method toward four strains of the clinical antibiotic resistant pathogens including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Among the methanolic extracts screened, Azadirachta indica, Tectona grandis and Ficus sycomorus showed a broad antimicrobial spectrum against three strains with inhibition zones between 13-27 mm followed by Gmelina arborea and Ficus microcarpa with inhibition zones between 11-17 mm, all plants showed no activity against Aspergillus niger except Gmelina arborea with inhibition zones 12 mm. Penicillin G was used as positive control at concentration of 100 μg/disc with inhibition zones (Staphylococcus aureus 28mm, Escherichia coli 22mm, Candida albicans 25mm and Aspergillus niger 0mm). Owing to the high activity of the methanolic extracts, these extracts were defatted via petroleum ether then were fractionated via; chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The n-butanol of Azadirachta indica was the most active against Candida albicans (25 mm), ethyl acetate of Ficus sycomorus against Staphylococcus aureus (18 mm), n-butanol of Gmelina arborea against Staphylococcus aureus (17 mm) and n-butanol of Ficus microcarpa against Staphylococcus aureus (15 mm). These results suggest that the tested plants may be effective potential sources of natural antimicrobials, and are potent inhibitors of antibiotic resistant pathogens.

Monitoring and molecular characterization of group Drotavirus in brazilian poultry farms / Monitoramento e caracterização molecular de rotavírus do grupo D em criações comerciais brasileiras

Rotaviruses are etiological agents of diarrhea both in humans and in several animal species. Data on avian Group D rotaviruses (RVD) are scarce, especially in Brazil. We detected RVD in 4 pools of intestinal contents of broilers, layer and broiler breeders out of a total of 111 pools from 8 Brazilian states, representing an occurrence of 3.6%, by a specific RVD RT-PCR targeting the VP6 gene. Phylogenetic tree confirmed that the Brazilian strains belong to group D and 3 of the sequences were identical in terms of amino acid whereas one showed 99.5% identity with the others. The sequences described in this study are similar to other sequences previously detected in Brazil, confirming the conserved nature of the VP6 protein.

Rotavírus são agentes etiológicos de diarreia tanto em humanos como em várias espécies animais. Dados sobre rotavírus do grupo D (RVD) em aves são escassos, especialmente no Brasil. Nós detectamos RVD em 4 pools de conteúdo intestinal de frango de corte, poedeiras e matrizes de um total de 111 pools originários de 8 estados brasileiros, representando uma ocorrência de 3,6% a partir de uma RT-PCR específica para RVD, tendo como alvo o gene VP6. A árvore filogenética confirmou que as amostras brasileiras pertencem ao grupo D e três das sequências obtidas foram idênticas em termos de aminoácidos enquanto uma apresentou 99,5% de identidade com as demais. As sequências aqui definidas são semelhantes a outras sequências previamente definidas no Brasil, confirmando a natureza conservada da proteína VP6.

Development of a Real-time PCR test for porcine group A rotavirus diagnosis / Desenvolvimento de um teste de PCR em Tempo Real para o diagnóstico de rotavírus suínos do Grupo A

Group A Rotavirus (RVA) is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in humans and several animal species. A SYBR-Green Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to diagnose RVA from porcine fecal samples, targeting amplification of a 137-bp fragment of nonstructural protein 5 (NSP5) gene using mRNA of bovine NADH-desidrogenase-5 as exogenous internal control. Sixty-five samples were tested (25 tested positive for conventional PCR and genetic sequencing). The overall agreement (kappa) was 0.843, indicating 'very good' concordance between tests, presenting 100% of relative sensitivity (25+ Real Time PCR/25+ Conventional PCR) and 87.5% of relative sensitivity (35- Real Time PCR/40- Conventional PCR). The results also demonstrated high intra- and inter-assay reproducibility (coefficient of variation ≤1.42%); thus, this method proved to be a fast and sensitive approach for the diagnosis of RVA in pigs...

Rotavírus do grupo A (RVA) é uma das causas mais frequentes de diarreias em humanos e várias espécies animais. Um teste de PCR em Tempo Real com SYBR-Green foi desenvolvido visando o diagnóstico de RVA a partir de fezes suínas, através da amplificação de um fragmento de 137 pares de bases do gene da proteína não estrutural 5 (NSP5) viral e de mRNA de NADH-desidrogenase-5 bovina como controle interno exógeno. Foram testadas 65 amostras (25 delas positivas por PCR convencional e sequenciamento nucleotídico). A concordância entre os testes foi de 0,843, considerada "muito boa", apresentando 100% de sensibilidade relativa (25+ PCR Tempo Real/25+ PCR convencional) e 87,5% de sensibilidade relativa (35- PCR Tempo Real/40- PCR convencional). Os resultados também demonstraram elevada reprodutibilidade inter e intra-ensaio (coeficiente de variação ≤ 1,42%); portanto, este método demonstrou ser uma rápida e sensível alternativa para o diagnóstico de RVA em suínos...

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Gmelina arborea ROXB. Leaves.

Aims: The leaves of Gmelina arborea (ROXB.) (Family Verbenaceae) are widely used in the folklore to treat various types of diseases. In this study, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of different methanolic extracts and the derived subfractions of 90% methanolic extract of this plant were evaluated. Methodology: The antioxidant activity was carried out via three different quantitative assays as well as qualitative one. Total phenolic was determined via Folin-Ciocalteu and total flavonoid via AlCl3 assays. The cytotoxic activity was carried out via brine shrimp test and toward human cancer cell line; HepG2 using Sulphorhodamine-B assay. The 90% methanolic extract was fractionated using pet. ether then the 90% defatted methanol undergoes fractionation using (CHCl3, EtOAc and n-BuOH). Results: The antioxidant results showed that the; DPPH antioxidant activity was (19.20, 14.10 and 28.94 μg/ml); total antioxidant capacity was (412.69, 518.45 and 390.41; mg AAE /g extract); reducing power was (0.649, 0.715 and 0.396; 200 mg/ml) and total phenolic was (330.22, 400.66 and 244.76; mg GAE/g extract), respectively for 90% methanol, n-BuOH and EtOAc. The cytotoxic results showed that the; mortality of brine shrimp larvae (LC50) against different dosages of defatted 90% methanol, n-BuOH and EtOAc respectively was (158.48, 39.81 and 199.52; μg/ml) and the results of HepG2 assay showed that n-BuOH fractions have cytotoxic activity with IC50 ≤ 20 μg/ml (IC50 = 17.3 μg/ml) which falls within the American Cancer Institute criteria followed by 90% methanol and EtOAc (IC50 = 22.1 μg/ml). Conclusion: It was concluded that Gmelina arborea extracts possess a powerful antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.

Cross Talk between Oxidative Stress, PPAR- γ and RAS System in Diabetic Rat Heart Exposed to Ischemia / Reperfusion Injury.

The present study aimed at clarifying the cross talk between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR- γ), cardiac reactive Oxygen species (ROS) and Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS). Methods: A total of 90 male albino rats were used. The rats were divided into: Group 1: Control group, Group 2: Type 2 diabetic rats, Group 3: PPARγ agonist protected type 2 diabetic rats. Group 4: Antioxidant protected type2 diabetic rats, Group 5: Metformin treated type 2 diabetic rats. Blood samples were collected for measurement of FBS and fasting insulin. Half the number of each group was sacrificed and the heart excised and perfused, from the rest of the group small piece from the heart was taken for estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA), Angiotensin 2 Receptor (AT2R) and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene expression. Results: Treatment with pioglitazone and Vitamin E significantly lowered blood glucose, insulin levels and Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA IR). However, values did not return to control values. Pioglitazone and Vitamin E improved myocardial performance and percentage recovery following ischemia reperfusion. The cardioprotective effect was more pronounced in the pioglitazone group. This positively correlated with decreased MDA levels and increased AT2R and ACE2 expression in cardiac tissue. Conclusion: Pioglitazone and Vitamin E in type 2 DM significantly offered cardioprotection through improving the diabetic condition and / or decreasing MDA levels.

Rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi Arabia

The status of rheumatoid arthritis [RA] in Saudi Arabia [SA] was examined from various perspectives based on a systematic literature review and the authors' personal experiences. In this regard, database and journal search were conducted to identify studies on RA in SA, yielding a total of 43 articles. Although efforts have been made to promote RA research in SA, current studies mostly represent only a few centers and may not accurately portray the national status of RA care. Notably, biological therapies were introduced early for almost all practicing rheumatologists in SA [government and private]. However, no national guidelines regarding the management of RA have been developed based on local needs and regulations. Also, while efforts were made to establish RA data registries, they have not been successful. Taken together, this analysis can contribute to the planning of future guidelines and directives for RA care in SA.

Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TEARS] a marker of oxidative stress in obstructive sleep apnea

OSA is a common condition that is primarily characterized by intermittent and recurrent pauses in respiration results in multiple cycles of hypoxia/re-oxygenation with an increased production of reactive oxygen species [ROS]. Is to assess TEARS as a marker of oxidative stress in obese patients with and without OSA. Study was performed on 51 obese subjects who had been referred to the Chest Department of Kasr Alaini Hospital with clinical suspicion of OSA in order to perform pol-ysomnography. They were classified into two groups; Cases: consist of 33 obese patients who were diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] and Controls: consist of 18 obese subjects, without OSA as a control group. The two groups were subjected to polysomnograpic study and serum TEARS. There was statistically highly significant increase in Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS] among cases compared to controls. As regards the polysomnographic data, there was statistically highly significant increase in AHI, desaturation index and duration of desaturation < 90% among cases compared to control subjects. While minimal O[2] sat% and average O[2] sat% were lower in cases than in the control subjects this reduction was statistically significant. There was statistically highly significant increase in serum TEARS levels among cases as compared to controls. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between grade of obesity and serum TEARS among studied cases. TERAS could be used as a marker of oxidative stress in OSA

Insulin resistance in obstructive sleep apnea

OSA is a common condition that is characterized by intermittent and recurrent pauses in respiration results in multiple cycles of hypoxia/reoxygenation with an increased production of reactive oxygen species [ROS]. Is to assess serum insulin level and insulin resistance in obese patients with and without OSA. Study was performed on 51 obese subjects who had been referred to the Chest Department of Kasr Alaini Hospital with clinical suspicion of OSA in order to perform polysomnography. They were classified into two groups; cases: consist of 33 obese patients who were diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] and controls: consist of 18 obese subjects, without OSA as a control group. The two groups were subjected to polysomnographic study, serum insulin by ELISA and assessment of insulin resistance by calculation of HOMA index. There was statistically highly significant increase in Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS] among cases compared to controls. As regards the polysomnographic data, there was statistically highly significant increase in AHI, desaturation index and duration of desaturation < 90% among cases compared to control subjects. Regarding minimal O2 sat% and average O[2] sat% were lower in cases than in the control subjects and this reduction was statistically significant. There was statistically highly significant increase in serum insulin, HOMA index among cases as compared to controls. Insulin resistance in OSA is related to sleep associated hypoxemia and hypoxic stress

Influence of adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells in combination with injectable bone substitute on osteoclastogenesis in osteoporotic rats.

The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASCs) with or without calcium phosphate composite on osteoclastogenesis in osteoporotic rats. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were harvested from adipose tissue of both the omentum and the inguinal fat pad of male rats, as the sex mismatch, to track the MSCs fate and to ensure their homing to the injured females' femurs. The isolated ASCs were characterized via the morphological appearance, multilineage potential and the PCR detection of CD29, CD44, CD106, CD14, CD34 and CD45 surface markers. Fifty adult female albino rats were enrolled in the current study. The rats were classified into five groups: group 1 was the gonad intact control, group 2 served as untreated ovariectomized (OVX) rats, group 3 was OVX rats treated with ASCs, group 4 was OVX rats treated with ASCs with injectable bone substitute (IBS) and group 5 was OVX rats treated with IBS. The serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of NF-қβ ligand (RANKL) were assayed using ELISA procedure. In addition, nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κβ) gene expression level was estimated in femur bones using real time –PCR. The isolated ASCs proved their MSCs identity via their morphological appearance and multilineage potential. In addition, the isolated ASCs showed positive expression for CD29, CD45, CD44 as well as CD106 and negative expression for CD34 and CD14. Besides, the positive expression of the Y-chromosome (sry) gene detected in the ASCs treated groups indicated that the systemically delivered single dose of undifferentiated ASCs was able to home at the females' femur bones. Adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) injection with or without calcium phosphate composite in OVX rats reversed the effect of ovariectomy on the studied biomarkers causing significant increase in serum OPG level accompanied with significant decrease in serum RANKL level. Also, significant down regulation of NF-κβ gene expression in femur bones was detected in the treated groups compared with untreated OVX group. These results clarified the good influence of ASCs against osteoclastogenesis. In addition the combination of ASCs injection with osteoinductive material injectable calcium phosphate composite (IBS), may be useful to achieve the significant antiosteoporotic effects.

Non-polio enteroviruses aseptic meningitis: embaba fever hospital admissions 2010-2011

Human enteroviruses [EV] cause a wide spectrum of both common and uncommon illnesses among all age groups. Enterically transmitted. The objective of this study was to identify non-poliovirus EV as a cause of viral aseptic meningitis [VAM] by two methods [cell culture and Real time PCR]. From October 2010 to August 2011 cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] samples were collected from 85 patients Embaba fever hospital admitted with symptoms of aseptic meningitis of any age and both sexes. The 85 CSF samples were inoculated into RD [human rhabdomyosarcoma] cell line in three blind passages to amplify isolates producing EV-like CPE. A total of 14 [16.5%] out of 85 CSF samples showed EV-like CPE. By Real time PCR 11 out of the 14 culture positive samples and 5 out of the 14 source of virus isolation original CSF were non polio EV positive. The frequency of non-polio EV meningitis hospital admissions was in the summer season [50%], spring [25%], late autumn [16.6%] and least frequency in winter [8.4%]. non-polio EV meningitis was detected in 6 out of 41 male patients [14.5%] and in 6 out of 44 female patients [13.5%]. Also non-polio EV meningitis was detected in all ages with marked increase of incidence in young children [41.6%] and old age [50%] and less in adult [8.4%]. Our data showed that the non-polioviruses EV was associated with the majority of VAM during 2010 - 2011 at the Embaba fever hospital which serves Embaba, Shoubra Elkheema, Qualyba and neighbors localities in Egypt. Rapid detection of non-polio EV meningitis is essential for making decisions about patient management and treatment

value of use of amino-terminal brain naturitic peptide as marker in cases of pleural effusion of different etiologies

Background: The criteria of Light et al. have been used to make the differentiation between transudate and exudate effusion for the past 25 years. The main problem with those criteria is that although they identify nearly all exudates correctly, they misidentify about 20-25% of transudates as exudates. The plasma NT-proBNP level is a sensitive marker of cardiac dysfunction and has proved to be a useful tool for the identification and management of systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction

Objective: The aim of this work was to study the value of pleural NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of pleural effusion of different causes in comparison to the conventional diagnostic procedures in cases of pleural effusion

Subjects and methods: The present study was conducted on 32 patients who suffered from pleural effusion, they were classified according to Light's criteria into two groups namely transudate, exudate, and the third group of 10 normal healthy subjects as control group

Results: The levels of both serum and pleural fluid pro-BNP in group I patients with transudate effusion were significantly higher than group II patients with exudate effusion [P > 0.001, 0.003] respectively

Conclusion: The results support the feasibility of using the pleural fluid amino terminal proBNP measurement in thoracentesis that would enhance discrimination among the different causes of pleural effusion especially for heart failure patients. Serum and pleural fluid levels of NT-pro BNP were closely correlated and measurement of NT-pro BNP in serum showed equally good diagnostic properties