Effect of iron supplementation on serum lead levels in Egyptian children with iron deficiency anemia

Background: iron deficiency [ID] is a major health problem worldwide and children are particularly vulnerable because of their rapid growth and increased iron requirements. Other researchers have reported an association of ID with elevated blood led level. Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency in children could help to reduce risk of lead poisoning and increase hemoglobin and iron [Fe]

Aim of the present work: the aim of this study was to estimate the effect of iron supplementation on hemoglobin [HB], serum iron [Fe] and blood lead level in anemic children [ID]

Subjects and methods: 120 anemic children were investigated to estimate the level of hemoglobin, iron and lead [Pb]. The sample was divided into two equal groups one received iron supplementation [iron group n=60] and the other didn't receive iron [control group n=60]. A questionnaire was used to collect information about food habits and food practices. Iron group received ferrous sulphate 3 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected from both groups at zero time, 3 weeks and 6 weeks

Results: the results showed that there was positive correlation between HB, Fe and daily intake of protein, iron, zinc and vitamin C [i.e. by increasing daily intake of these nutrients, level of HB and Fe increase]. However, for Pb it was found a negative correlation with daily intake of iron, zinc and vitamin C [i.e. by increasing daily intake of these nutrients, level of Pb decrease]. Iron supplementation increased the level of hemoglobin by 28.82% and level of iron by 233.52% and reduced level of lead by 94.62% in iron group

Conclusion: iron supplementation diminishes the blood lead level; in addition to improvement of hemoglobin and serum iron

Effect of some botanical materials on certain biological aspects of the house fly, Musca domestica L.

The effects of Lantana camara [leaves], Pelargonium zonale [leaves], Cupressus macrocarpa [leaves], Cyperus rotundus [whole plant] and Acacia nilotica [seeds] powders on some biological aspects of house fly, M. domestica L. were tested. The effects of three lethal concentrations LC25, LC50 and LC75 on the larval duration, pupation percent, pupal weight, pupal duration, adult emergence percent, sex ratio, adult longevity, and fecundity were determined. The induced malformed larvae, pupae and adults were recorded and photographed. The powders of the five plants were found to have promising effects in controlling this insect

Spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods for the determination of cefprozil, dropropizine and tizanidine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations

Two simple, accurate spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods were developed for the determination of cefprozil, dropropizine and tizanidine hydrochloride in their pharmaceutical preparations. The spectrophotometric method is based on the selective oxidation of cefprozil or tizanidine with N-bromosuccinimide in an alkaline medium to given an intense yellow product with a maximum absorption at 396 or 384 nm, respectively. The reaction conditions were studied and optimized. The reaction obeyed Beer's law over the concentration range 5-40 and 10-80 micro g mI[-1] for cefprozil and tizanidine hydrochloride, respectively. The potentiometric method involves the direct titration of cefprozil and dropropizine with N-bromosuccinimide in sulphuric acid medium and the end point is determined potentiometrically using platinum electrode. Cefprozil and dropropizine can be determined quantitatively in the concentration range of 0.13-1.30 and 0.118-1.180 mg with recovery values of 98.46-100.77 and 99.58-100.85% and relative standard deviations 0.39-0.54 and 0.52-0.87% for cefprozil and dropropizine, respectively. The proposed methods are applied for the determination of these drugs in pure forms and in pharmaceutical preparations

Protective effect of Jasonia montana against ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis in rats

Estrogens, and particularly glucuronides such as ethinylestradiol [EE], have been shown to cause cholestasis in animal studies, by reducing bile acid uptake by hepatocytes. The aim of the present article is to investigate anticholestatic activity of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Jasonia montana against liver cholestasis induced by EE in adult female rats in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Subcutaneous administration of 100 micro g/kg b.w. ethinylestradiol to rats induced hepatocellular cholestasis with a significant decrease in serum cholesterol, bile acids and bilirubin levels as well as in hepatic superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutathione reductase [GR] activities and hepatic total, protein-bound and non-protein sulfhydryl groups. Also, treatment with EE produced significant increase in serum Pi-glutathione-s-transferase [Pi-GST], gamma glutamyl transpeptidase [gamma-GT] and alpha-glutathione-s-transferase [alpha-GST] activities as well as serum nitric oxide [NO] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] level and hepatic malondialdehyde [MDA] level as compare to control group. Oral administration of the aerial parts of ethanolic extract at a concentration of 150 mg/kg b.w. daily to rats treated with EE for 15 days showed a significant protection against-induced decrease in serum cholesterol, bile acids and bilirubin levels. The treatment also resulted in a significant increase in hepatic SOD, GPx and GR activities as well as hepatic total, protein-bound and non-protein sulfhydryl groups. In addition, the extract could inhibit serum Pi-GST, gamma-GT and alpha-GST activities as well as reduce serum TNF-alpha, NO and hepatic MDA as compare to ethinylestradiol treated rats. High content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds was found in ethanolic extract, which may be responsible for free radical activity. The results clearly suggest that the aerial parts of J, montana extract may effectively normalize the impaired antioxidant status in ethinylestradiol [EE]-cholestatic model. Thus the extract may have a therapeutic value in drug-induced biliary cholestasis as well as in hormonal therapy

Comparative evaluation of sealing ability of three Root Canal sealers with and without smear layer removal

Successful root canal treatment requires a complete obturation of the root canal system, the study of the sealing ability of different sealers especially the newly introduced ones will be of value for proper root canal treatment. Moreover, the sealing quality of these sealers in the presence or absence of smear layer may be of additional benefit. This study was designed to evaluate the sealing ability of three root canal scalers namely Endofill, GuttaFlow, Endo REZ .with removal of the smear layer or not. A total number of 120 human single rooted teeth were collected for the study. Their root canals were cleaned and shaped using crown down technique using Profile .04 taper rotary files, samples were divided into two equal main groups according to the irrigating solution used as final rinse. Samples of G1 had the smear layer preserved due to irrigation with 5.25% NaOC1 solution. Samples of G2 had the smear layer removed due to irrigation with 17% EDTA solution. Each main group subdivided into four equal subgroups according to the sealer used for obturation.Samples of subgroup A obturated with Zinc Oxide and eugenol based sealer [Endofill], Samples of subgroup B obturated with Silicon based sealer [GuttaFlow], Samples of subgroup C obturated with resin based sealer [Endo REZ] and Endo REZ master cone, samples of subgroup D obturated with Endo REZ and Gutta-Percha master cone .The stereomicroscope [magnification x20] was used to determine dye penetration depth in millimeter. The measurements showed that Zinc Oxide and eugenol based sealer [Endofill] had the highest leakage values between the other scalers in both conditions, Silicon based sealer [GuttaFlow]had the least leakage values which was significant from leakage values of [Endofill] and [Endo REZ with gutta percha master point]] but was not significant from [Endo REZ and Endo REZ master cone]. The smear layer removal using 17% EDTA solution did not significantly improve the sealing ability of the tested sealers

Development of safe chemical and biological formulations for control of nematodes in cucumber

Afield study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a chemical mixture, biological suspension and synthetic nematicide [oxamyl] on the fruit yield and development of a natural polyspecific microorganism community on cucumber plants. This community included the fungi Aspergillus niger, A. ochracious, A. terreus, Fusarium solani, Penicillium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, and Trichoderma spp.; the dominant bacteria Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Changes in the density and structure of the community were presented and discussed. Plots treated with the mixture, consisted of red molasses [50 liter], milk [1 liter], smashed garlic cloves [5 kg] and water [45 liter], had the highest fruit yield and lowest M incognita population. Moreover, cucumber yield was significantly [P

Management of the root-knot nematode, meloidogyne javanicam on cucumber [cucumis sativus] with biological control agent

Two biological control agents, Nemaless [a commercial suspension of the bacterium Serratia marcescens; 1 x 10 [9] bacterial cells/ml] and Nemastop plus [a commercial suspension presumably of garlic, allium sativum, extract and the fungus Paeciiomyces lilacinus], were tried to determine their effects on cucumber growth parameters and Meloidogyne javanica development and reproduction. Both have significantly [P

Synthesis and antineoplastic activity of certain triazene and triazeno-acridine combilexin derivatives

Four series of bifunctional ligands have been synthesized as DNA-binding combilexins. These novel agents contain a triazeno-benzene sulfonamide linker moiety that is attached to an intercalating acridine or acridone chromophore by a functionalized amide or ester residue. In order to obtain these combilexins three series of the anticipated antitumor triazeno-benzene sulfonamide were synthesized. The synthesis and bioscreening of the new antineoplastic compounds are depending on the structural correlation with several reported antineoplastic acridines. 2-Chlorobenzoic acid was reacted with anthranilic acid to give N-[2-carboxyphenyl] anthranilic acid which upon cyclodehydration with sulfuric acid afforded 9-oxo-9, 10-dihydroacridine-4-carboxylic acid, [acridone-4-carboxylic acid] 8. This latter intermediate has been converted to 9-chloroacridine carbonyl chloride 9 using thionyl chloride. Selective substitution of 9 with derivatives of 4-[piperazine-l-yldiazenyl] benzenesulfonamides 4a-e or derivatives of 4-[2-hydroxyethyl] piperazine-l-yl]diazenyi] benzenesulfonamides 5a-e to yield their 9-chloroacridine-4-carboxamides 10a-e and 9-chloroacridine-4-carboxylic acid esters 13a-e respectively. Those intermediates have been reacted either with different sulfonamides to give derivatives of 4-[4-[4-[4 sulfamoylphenyldiazenyl] piperazine-l-carbonyl]-9-ylamino] benz-enesulfonamides 11a-h and derivatives of 2-[[4-[4-sulfamoyl-phenyl]diazenyl]piperazine-l-yl]ethyl 9-[4-sulfamoylphenyl-amino]-9,10-dihydroacridine-4-carboxylates 14a-i respectively or subjected to mild acid hydrolysis to yield derivatives of 4-[4-[[9-oxo-9,1 Q-dihydroacridine-4-carbonyl]piperazine-l-yl]diazenyl]-benzenesulfonamide 12a-e and derivatives of 2-[4-[[4-sulfamoyl-phenyl]diazenyl]piperazine-l-yl]ethyl-9-oxo-9,10-dihydroacridine-4-carboxylate 15a-e respectively. Besides, the synthesis of derivatives of 4-[piperazine-l-yldiazenyl] benzenesulfonamides 4a-e and derivatives of 4-[2-hydroxyethyl]piperazine-1-yl] diazenyl] benzenesulfonamides 5a-e has been achieved via diazotization of various substituted benzene sulfonamides with sodium nitrite and hydrochloric acid followed by various amines coupling to yield the target triazeno-benzene sulfonamides. Fourteen new compounds were selected for screening their antitumor activity against breast cell line in National Cancer Institute. Six of them were found to be active as antitumor agents, while two were found to be mild active

Effect of some technical processes on deep-freezing, enzyme leakage and fertility of buffalo spermatozoa

The present study was performed to clarity the effect of 2 diluents [Tris and Milk], 2 cooling rates [35°C to 5°C for 1 and 2 hr], 2 equilibration periods [1 and 2 hr] and their interactions on the freezability, alkaline phosphatase [AKP], Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT] leakages and fertility of frozen-thawed semen in 24 ejaculates from 4 buffalo bulls. The present study revealed that the pre- and post-freezing motility, acrosomal integrity, AKP, GOT leakages and fertility rate were significantly [P<0.01] influenced by different cooling rates and equilibration periods, diluents and their interactions. The mean pre-freeze and post-thawing motility following 2 hr of cooling was significantly higher [P<0.01] than that following 1 hr Whereas, the mean pre-freeze and post-thawing acrosomal defects following 2 hr of cooling was significantly less [P<0.01] than that following 1 hr. The leakage of GOT was significantly lower [P<0.01], leakage of AKP was significantly higher [P<0.01] and the conception rates were higher for semen frozen after 2 hr [64.8%] than from 1 hr [38.4%]

Yoghurt for athletic people

Buffaloe's concentrated yoghurt was made by using different levels of Na-caseinate or wheat germ [0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%]. The obtained concentrated yoghurt of the all treatments had sufficient energy which is suitable to consume during training or sporting time. Concentrated yoghurt fortified with 1.0% Na-caseinate or 0.5% wheat germ gave the highest score for flavour, body and texture and appearance. ATB culture was used in this work

Laboratory evaluation of the molluscicidal, miracidicidal and cercaricidal properties of two Egyptian plants

Screening the aqueous suspensions of the dry powders of 50 Egyptian plants against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni in Egypt, revealed that the fruits of Sapindus saponaria Burm. [Family Sapindaceae] as well as the leaves and stems of Buddleia asiatica Lour. [Family Loganiaceae] have high molluscicidal activities [LC90= 90 and 180 ppm for the two plants respectively] after 24 hours exposure times. Also, the petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol extracts of each plant were separately tested against the same snail species. Results showed that methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of S. saponaria have activities whereas only the methanol extract of B. asiatica was active. Different ages of snails showed variable susceptibility towards the methanol extracts of both plants. Phytochemical investigation of the two plants was carried out and revealed that saponins are the major constituents in both plants so it may be responsible for the molluscicidal effectiveness of the two plants. To confirm this conclusion, the crude saponins of each of the two plants were prepared and they recorded very strong potency against B. alexandrina at 19 and 11 ppm. Also, the larvicidal potencies of the methanolic extract of each plant was tested against S. mansoni cercariae and miracidia. B. asiatica extract was lethal to both larvae at 90 ppm while 45 ppm of S. saponaria was not larvicidal at this concentration. However none of the methanol extracts of the two plants inhibited the hatchability of S. mansoni ova. Now, the two plants will be submitted to different chromatographic techniques to separate their active ingredients

Muscular and haematopoietic toxicities of zidovudine in adult albino rat. Evaluation of the possible role of some antioxidants

Zidovudine, a potent inhibitor of retroviral replication was the first drug approved for the treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome [AIDS]. Long term use of Zidovudine in patients with AIDS is frequently associated with periods of dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy due to the development of muscular and haematopoietic toxicities. Zidovudine toxicity is thought to be mediated through its action on mitochondria with increased reactive species and oxidative DNA damage. Some antioxidants [Vitamin C, Zinc and N-acetyl Cysteine] were tried in this work aiming to evaluate their possible protective effects on zidovudine - induced muscle and haematopoietic toxicities. One hundred and eighty adult albino rats of both sexes were used in this study divided equally into the following groups: Group I: was considered as -ve control group. Group II: animals received distilled water orally: Group III: in which animals received vitamin C orally at a dose of 175 mg/day. Group IV included animals which received Zinc Oxide orally at a dose of 6 mg/day. Group V: in which animals received N-Acetyl Cysteine [NAC] orally at a dose of 18 mg/day. The drugs used in Group III, IV, V were given for 50 consecutive days. Group VI: included animals which receive Zidovudine [AZT] in a dose of [10.8 mg/rat] oraly for 35 consecutive days. Group VII: comprise animals which were pretreated with vitamin C for 15 days, then vitamin C was given concomitant with AZT for 35 consecutive days at the same previously given dose and route for each. Group VIII: In which animals received Zinc Oxide before AZT for 15 days then Zinc Oxide concomitant with AZT for 35 consecutive days at the same previously given dose and route for each. Group IX comprised animals which received NAC for 15 consecutive days before then concomitant with AZT for 35 consecutive days at the same previously given dose and route for each. At the end of the experiment blood samples used for blood count were collected. Aliquots of the samples were centrifuged and the plasma was used for determination of serum malondialdehyde [MDA] level. Animals were sacrificed and the heart and gastrocnemius muscle with related bone were prepared for histological examination. In AZT group there was marked decrease in total WBC count, RBC count and platelet count with significant increase in serum MDA level. The L/M examination of skeletal and cardiac muscle sections revealed focal areas of necrosis with complete loss of architecture together with mononuclea; cellular infiltration. Skeletal muscles of the same group showed focal depletion of sarcoplasmi, PAS positive material and mitochondrial content together with increase in collagen fiber deposition. E/M examination of cardiac myocytes showed abundant sarcoplasmic vacuolation and myofibrillar loss. Their mitochondria showed different grades of degenerative changes. The bone marrow sections of AZT group showed marked hypercellularity, decrease bone marrow vacuolar spaces, dilated congested blood sinusoids. In AZT and vitamin C group [VII] and AZT with Zinc group [VIII] there was marked elevation of all blood count with marked drop in the level of serum MDA compared with AZT group. Also nearly complete normalization of the histological profile of skeletal and cardiac muscle was obtained in the same groups. The bone marrow sections of AZT and vitamin C group was nearly similar to - ve control group while that of AZT + Zinc group still showed changes. Whereas there was mild improvement of the skeletal, cardiac muscle and bone marrow AZT - induced histological and biochemical changes was detected in AZT and NAC group [IX]

Correlation between timing of wounds and the level of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 [sICAM-1] in traumatized individuals

Cytokines are important in the control of wound healing. Many cytokines could be useful for the determination of wound age. The most important of these cytokines are the growth factors and adhesion molecules. Thirty traumatized individuals of both sexes were subjected to this study and were divided, according to the degree of injury severity score [ISS], into three groups; mild, moderate and severe trauma groups; each group consisted of ten patients. Each group is consisted of ten patients. Each group is further subdivided, according to sampling time, into three subgroups: within the 1[st] 24 hours of admission, on the third day, and on the fifth day of admission. The control group consisted of six persons. The present study was conducted to correlate between the level of the soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type-1 [sICAM-1] and the timing of wounds in traumatized individuals. The level of sICAM-1 was measured in plasma using the ELISA technique and was estimated in relation to the time passed since infliction of injury on the 1[st] day of admission, on the 3[rd] day and on the 5[th] day. A significant increase was noticed in all subgroups when compared with the control group. A characteristic pattern of sICAM-1 variation with the timing of wounds was at its maximum level on the 3[rd] day post-trauma and then decreases towards its normal level. A number of factors were also compared with the sICAM-1 level and these included the nature of injury, the associated severe head injuries, and the combing bone affection with the soft tissue injuries. All the previously mentioned factors in the present work did not affect the characteristics pattern of sICAM-1 variation with the timing of wounds. Furthermore, sICAM-1 level was found to be significantly correlated with the degree of injury severity. It is recommended to use sICAM-1in the estimation of the timing of wounds in traumatized individuals

Effect of zidovudine an anti-human immune deficiency virus [HIV] on skeletal and cardiac muscles of adult albino rat. evaluation of the possible role of some antioxidants

Antiretroviral agents are the cornerstone in the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV]. Zidovudine, a potent inhibitor of retroviral replication was the first drug approved for the treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome [AIDS]. Long term use of zidovudine in patients with AIDS is frequently associated with periods of dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy due to the development of muscular toxicity. Zidovudine toxicity is thought to be mediated through its action on mitochondria with increased reactive species and oxidative DNA damage. Some antioxidants [vitamin C, zinc and N-acetyl cysteine] were tried in this work aiming to evaluate their possible protective effects on zidovudine-induced muscle toxicity. Forty eight adult albino rats of both sexes were used in this study divided equally into the following groups: group I was considered as a control group. Group II in which animals received vitamin C orally at a dose of 175mg/day. Group III included animals which received zinc oxide orally at a dose of 6 mg/day. Group IV in which animals received N-acetyl cysteine [NAC] orally at a dose of 18 mg/day. The drugs used in groups II, III and IV were given for 50 consecutive days. Group V included animals which received zidovudine [AZT] in a therapeutic dose [10.8 mg/rat] orally for 35 consecutive days. Group VI comprised animals which were pretreated with vitamin C for 15 days then vitamin C was given concomitantly with AZT for 35 consecutive days at the same previously given dose and route for each. Group VII in which animals were pretreated with zinc oxide for 15 days then zinc oxide was given concomitantly with AZT for 35 consecutive days at the same previously given dose and route for each. Group VIII comprised animals which received NAC for 15 consecutive days then it was given concomitantly with AZT for 35 consecutive days at the same previously given dose and route for each. At the end of the experiment blood samples were collected for detection of serum malondialdehyde [MDA] level, animals were sacrificed and the heart and gastrocnemius muscle were prepared for histological examination. In AZT group the L/M examination of skeletal and cardiac muscle sections revealed focal areas of necrosis with complete loss of architecture together with mononuclear cellular infiltration. Skeletal muscles of the same group showed focal depletion of sarcoplasmic PAS positive material and mitochondrial content and increase in collagen fiber deposition. E/M examination of cardiac myocytes showed abundant sarcoplasmic vacuolation and myofibrillar loss. Their mitochondria showed different grades of degenerative changes in the form of disrupted cristae, focal areas of matrical loss and ruptured membrane. Marked elevation of the level of serum malondialdehyde [MDA] was also detected. Nearly complete normalization of the histological profile of the skeletal and cardiac muscle was obtained in AZT and vitamin C group [VI] and AZT and zinc group [VII] as well as marked drop in the level of serum [MDA]. Meanwhile, mild improvement of the skeletal and cardiac muscle AZT-induced histological and biochemical changes was detected in AZT and NAC group [VIII]

Vertical and horizontal distributions of plant - parasitic nematodes associated with banana CV. Williams under flood irrigation regime

Under flood irrigation system, the vertical and horizontal distributions of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with soil and roots of banana cv. Williams were investigated. The sampling data generally indicated that the highest population density of parasitic nematodes viz. Criconemoides spp., Helicotylenchus exallus, Hoplolaimus spp. and Meloidogyne incognita were concentrated at soil depth layers of 0-15 cm, and 16-30 cm at the horizontal distance of just beneath the plant base [zero cm] and 40 cm from the banana pseudostem base which is correlated with the growth and distribution of the feeder roots of banana. These sites should be considered as the best sampling points for such coin habiting nematodes

Histopathological changes induced by either Root - Knot or spiral nematedes on banana roots

Cross and longitudinal sections in roots of banana cv. Williams infected by either Meloidogyne incognita or Helicotylenchus dihystera showed that the histological alterations induced in roots infected with M. incognita were displayed by the giant cell formation in both cortical and stelar regions. The giant cells were, always, in clusters each containing 3-6 cells. Roots infected with H. dihystera showed small brown lesions around the penetratedsites in the cortical layer causing considerable cell wall damage. The walls of the invaded cells by the nematodes were heavily stained with safranine indicating the presence of lignin, while healthy cell walls were lightly stained

Effect of low level laser therapy on articular cartilage and synovium in osteoarthritis and adjuvant arthritis models in rats: Histopathology, electron microscopy and oxidative stress markers assessment

The effect of low energy level laser [LLL] therapy was assessed on the basis of physical parameter [paw edema] and histopathological examination of knee joints using light and electron microscopes. Serum nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and ceruloplasmin in addition to blood glutathione and erythrocyle superoxide dismutase levels/activities were also determined. The results revealed that LLL possesses antiedematous and antiarthritic effects, being more relevant in adjuvant arthritis [AA] animals. This was evidenced by a marked reduction in paw edema in addition to decrease in villous formation and disappearance of inflammatory cells in the synovium of AA rats. The histopathological picture of the articular cartilage was also improved; however, not reaching statistically significant level. In AA mode1, the anti-arthritic effect of LLL was extended systemically causing significant reduction in the elevated levels of malondialdehyde, ceruloplasmin and supxoxide dismutase by 46%, 22% and 25%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding untreated AA rats. No marked effects were clearly demonstrated in osteoarthritis [OA] model as noticed from the hisropathological and biochemical aspects, except for the presence of intact mitochondria even in cells undergoing apoptosis. LLL confers good anti-arthritic effect in AA model that support its anti-inflammatory and immunosuprresive effects. More research should be performed using different schedules of laser to explore its role in OA

Tuberculosis of the spine. Is it a changing presentation?

Twenty-eight patients with Potts disease were treated in this study. The mean age of the patients was 28.8 years [15 males and 13 females]. The mean duration of symptoms before referral was 20 months. Clinically, 12 cases were considered as atypical presentation while 11 cases had atypical radiographic presentation. Ten cases were treated conservatively by external bracing and antituberculous drugs, and 18 cases were treated surgically by debridement, bone grafting, and internal fixation in 15 cases. Potts disease is common in Egypt, with a high percentage of atypical and late presentations. Surgical treatment is more effective in correction of kyphotic deformity

Modulation of cortical nitric oxide synthase, glutamate and redox state by nifedipine and taurine in PTZ-Kindled mice

The correlation between pentylenetetrazole [PTZ]-induced kindling and the cortical nitric oxide synthase [NOS], intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, glutamate and free radicals was studied in mice as well as the modulatory action of nifedipine and taurine on these parameters. Male Swiss albino mice were used and divided into three groups. All the kindled groups were sacrificed 24 hours after the last injection. Compared with the normal control group, PTZ- kindled mice had significantly higher levels of [Ca2+]i, malondialdehyde [MDA], NOS and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], but had lower levels of superoxide dismutase [SOD] and reduced glutathione [GSH]. Acute seizures of the same intensity did not induce these alterations indicating their relation to the kindling phenomenon and not to seizure activity. The effect of taurine, known as an antioxidant, was more pronounced than that of the Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine. The first drug reverted the PTZ- kindled action on [Ca2+]i, NOS, LDH, GSH and SOD; while, nifedipine restored only LDH and GSH levels. However, both drugs did not restore the elevated MDA level

Open medial wedge osteotomy with impacted bicortical iliac bone graft in the treatment of adolescent tibia vara

We treated 14 patients [20 extremities] suffering from adolescent tibia vara. The mean age at the time of the operation was 16.1 [13-20] years. There were 10 [71.4%] males and 4 [28.6%] females. Six [42.9%] had bilateral deformity. Ten patients [71.4%] were either obese or over-weight. The pre-operative tibio-femoral angle was in varus and ranged between 196 to 182 degrees. All the patients were treated by medially opended wedge osteotomy of the upper end of tibia below the tibial tubercle. The osteotomy was kept open by impacted bicortical cancellous bone graft. All the patients were followed up for a period ranged between 9-20 months. The mean post-operative tibio-femoral angle was 176 [172-183] degrees. The patellar tendon height was not changed post-operatively. Only one patient had keloid scaring of her tibial wound. No vascular or neurological complications were reported. Medially opened wedge osteotomy was safe, effective, and stable osteotomy for the treatment of adolescent tibia vara