Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals and Risk Associated with Vegetables Grown from Soil Irrigated with Refinery Wastewater

Eight Fusarium sp. namely, F. acutatum, F. globosum, F. graminearum, F. lactis, F. nivale, F. proliferatum, F.pseudoanthophilum and F. robustum were screened for the presence of lectins by hemagglutination activityusing human ABO, porcine, ovine, goat and rabbit erythrocytes. Mycelial extracts of all the fungal culturesexcept F. graminearum displayed unique lectin activity with only rabbit erythrocytes. Enzymatic treatment ofrabbit erythrocytes with neuraminidase has significantly enhanced the titre of all the lectin-positive extractsof fungal cultures. In contrast, most of the lectins showed a decline in lectin activity with protease treatedrabbit erythrocytes. Saccharide specificity studies have shown that majority of the lectins are inhibitory towardsO-acetyl sialic acids. None of the lectins from Fusarium sp. were inhibited by dextran, meso-inositol, andN-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Most of the fungal cultures displayed highest hemagglutination activity during the10th day of growth in broth cultures. The unique saccharide specificity of Fusarium sp. lectins can be used forelucidating their clinical role in glycobiology research.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer: a retrospective analysis of 120 cases

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer [ATC] is one of the most lethal malignancies with very short survival and extremely poor treatment outcome. ATC accounts for 2-5% of all thyroid cancers worldwide with an annual incidence of about 2/million. To review the natural history and treatment outcome of ATC patients treated at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre [KFSH and RC] located at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Retrospective review of 120 Saudi cancer patients collected from registry data at KFSH and RC from 1976-2008. Search key words included: thyroid cancer, anaplastic, undifferentiated and not otherwise specified. Search was not restricted to particular age, gender, treatment or tumor size. Demographic information, baseline patient characteristics including date of diagnosis, type of treatment and date of death were obtained from KFSH and RC registry data and Saudi death registry. A total of 120 cases were identified at our cancer centre from 1976 to 2008. Of these total, 73 were females [60.8%] and 47 were males [39.2%]. The average age at diagnosis was 63.34 +/- 12.8 years. Thirty-four patients underwent surgery [28.3%], 52 had a palliative radiation treatment [43.3%] and only 5 had chemotherapy [4.2%]. The median survival was 53 days [0-457]. Our review proves that ATC is rapidly fatal cancer and is unresponsive to currently available therapeutic options. More research is needed to understand the tumor biology and novel treatment options

Purification and characterization of thermostable chitinase from a novel S. maltophilia strain

Aims: The presents study examines the purification and characterization of a chitinase from S. maltophilia SJ602 strain isolated from a soil sample collected from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. Methodology and Results: The purification steps included chitin affinity using colloidal chitin as the affinity matrix and column chromatography using Sephadex G-100. The chitinase was purified to 66 fold having a yield of 17%. The molecular weight of the chitinase was found to be around 29 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The pH and temperature optima of the purified chitinase were found to be at pH 5.5 and 60 °C, respectively. Conclusion, Significance and Impact of the study: Besides showing a significant yield, the enzyme has a high thermal stability which has its applicability in the recycling of chitin waste.

Frequency of infantile pyloric stenosis and ocular abnormalities in Turner's syndrome in Bahawalpur city

Turner's syndrome is one of the most common of all chromosomal abnormalities. Pyloric stenosis is the most common pediatric surgical disorder of infancy that requires surgery for associated emesis.4 Ocular abnormalities are common in Turner's syndrome, but are under estimated and often neglected. The study that was hospital - based observational, was conducted from September 1[st], 2005 to August 31, 2011 in the Al-Noor Hospital Yazman [Bahawalpur] in collaboration with ophthalmology department, Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. Laboratory investigations including electrolytes, blood gas analysis, and osmolality were done in pathology department, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College Bahawalpur. Frequency of pyloric stenosis in infants from 0 - 6 months 64.95% and infants 6 - 12 months is 35.09%, the ocular abnormalities amblyopia 19%, strabismus 23%, phoria only 43.5%, epicanthus 10%, hypertelorism 3%, ptosis 1%, nystagmus 0.5%. There is a high frequency of ocular abnormalities and pyloric stenosis in infants with karyotype XO. Timely diagnosis may save from devastating effects of ocular complications leading to blindness and life threatening alkalosis due to pyloric stenosis in infants below one year of age

Modulation the oxidant - antioxidant imbalance induced by thioacetamide in liver of albino rats

The effect of free radicals on human beings has come to attract considerable attention due t their close relation to toxicity and disease. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy of fresh garlic extract [FGE], aged garlic extract [AGE] and ginger ethanolic extract [GEE] against the oxidative stress induced by thioacetamide administration. Silymarin and Hipamax plus [HP] were employed in the current study as reference materials used in the treatment of liver diseases. Intraperitoneal [ip] administration of thioacetamide [200 mg/kg b.wt., three times a week for four weeks] induced oxidative stress that confirmed by the significant elevation of malondialdehyde [MDA, as an indicator of lipid peroxidation], nitric oxide [NO], myeloperoxidase activity [MPO] with the decline in glutathione content [GSH] and the activities of superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSHPx], glutathione S-transferase [GST] in liver tissue. Meanwhile, there was no change in protein carbonyl. The pre and co-administration of fresh garlic extract, aged garlic extract and ginger ethanolic extract with thioacetamide significantly reduced MDA, NO, MPO activity and enhanced the activity of SOD, GSHPx, GST and markedly increase GSH content in liver tissue. In conclusion, the test materials employed in the current study displayed well marked antioxidant potency and more pronounced antioxidant potency was exerted by AGE

Clinical value of screening serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA] for HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is the fifth most common malignancy in the world. In Egypt, HCC was reported to account for about 4.7% of chronic liver disease [CLD] patients. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA] has been reported to be strongly expressed in HCC tissue hampering its extensive use in clinical practice. Study the value of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA] for screening of HCC. The study comprised of two groups. Group A included 60 patients with HCC diagnostically confirmed by spiral CT, elevated alfa-fetoprotein [AFP], and/or liver biopsy .Group B CLD patients diagnosed on clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographical investigations; group B suclassified into three categories according to CHILD-PUGH score included 30 patients, matched for sex and age. All groups were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examination, and laboratory investigations including liver functions, viral markers, and AFP and SCCA estimation using ELISA technique. This study revealed a highly significant difference between patients with HCC and CLD regarding serum SCCA levels being higher in group A [10.35 +/- 20.677] than group B [1.64 +/- 2.462][p=0.02]. SCCA level was elevated in patients with HCC with normal AFP levels representing its useful role in early detection and follow-up of patients treated for HCC. The cut-off value was established at 2 ng/ml with sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 70%. SCCA could represent a useful tool as a marker for detection of HCC

Metabolic syndrome in patients with hypertension attending a family practice clinic in Jordan

Metabolic syndrome is being reported more frequently in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Patients with hypertension attending family practice clinics in the University of Jordan Hospital between February and July 2006 were assessed for the frequency of metabolic syndrome and its individual components. Of 345 patients studied, 65% had metabolic syndrome. Females were more likely to meet Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria for the diagnosis. Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent component of metabolic syndrome in males, while low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high waist circumference ranked first and second in females. Primary care providers should be alert to the importance of screening patients with hypertension for metabolic syndrome to prevent and manage these combined conditions

Obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors among adult Sudanese

In this study, the effect of obesity on the development of dyslipidemia, hypertension and glucose intolerance among Sudanese adults attending weight reduction programs was investigated. According to the BMI [Body mass index], 98 overweight/obese and 60 normal weight adults were included. Anthropometric measures were taken, lipid profile and C - reactive protein [CRP] were determined using commercial kits. Obesity related dyslipidemia seems to affect overweight/obese males more than females. On the other hand, overweight /obesity among females, not like males, was found to be associated with high blood pressure probably due inflammation, as determined by CRP level. Obesity related dyslipidemia is more prominent among males while obesity related hypertension is a phenomenon among females probably due to release of CRP. We recommend a more detailed study of inflammatory cytokines, in relation to obesity, that may reflect the mass and/or activity of the adipose tissue

Early results of oesophagectomy for carcinoma oesophagus in 1008 cases

To determine the early results of 1008 oesophagectomies done for carcinoma oesophagus over a 9 years period. This observational descriptive study was conducted at Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital, and Khyber Medical Centre Peshawar from June 2002 to June 2011. All patients had apart from routine investigations, Barium studies, Endoscopy and biopsy, CT thorax/upper abdomen with oral and I/V contrast and abdominal ultrasound. The operative approaches included left thoracolaparotomy with left neck anastomosis, transhiatal, left thoracolaparotomy with Roux en-Y, McKeown with right decortication, Ivor Lewis and left thoracolaparotomy with left decortication. All operations were done by one surgical team. The hospital records and operation reports of these patients were carefully analysed for demographic feature; operative approach and outcome. Out of 1008 cases, 698 were males and 310 were females with a mean age of 51.6 years. The age range was 17-80 years. Out of 1008 cases 611 [60.61%] cases had lower one third tumours, 384 [38.09%] cases had middle one third tumours while 13 [1.28%] tumours were just below the thoracic inlet. Of the 611 lower 1/3 tumours stomach involvement was present in 271 [44.35%] cases. Adenocarcinoma was present in 516 [51.19%] cases, squamous cell carcinoma was present in 485 [48.11%], adenosquamous was 6 [0.59%] and carcinoma in situ was present in 1 case [0.09%]. Morbidity was 63/1008 [6.25%], and comprised anastomotic leaks 15, aspiration pneumonia 13, wound infection 13, hoarseness 8, and strictures 14, 30-day mortality was 23/1008 [2.28%] and causes included aspiration pneumonia-respiratory failure [5], myocardial infarction [4], anastomotic leak [6], tracheal injury [2], and presumed pulmonary embolism [6]. More than 1000 cases in 9 years is a very high oesophageal workload for malignancy. Morbidity of 6.25% and mortality of 2.28% shows that such major operations can be done safely in thoracic centres

[Effect of an aerobic exercise program on fetal growth in pregnant women]

Exercise is an integral component of physical and mental health. Attention to exercise in women, regarding their physiologic situation is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a specific aerobic exercise program on fetal growth in pregnant women. In this clinical trial, 39 pregnant women in 24-32 weeks of gestation were enrolled. The participants were randomly allocated to experimental [n=18] and control [n=21] groups. Women with single pregnancies and intact amniotic membranes were included. Women who had any contraindications for exercise were excluded from the study. Exercise program included stretching and flexibility exercise and aerobic exercise [constant walking for 30-45 minuets] three days a week for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, c[2], t-test, Kolmogro-smirnov and repeated measurements. P<0.05 was considered to be significant. The results showed a 1.37% increase in the newborns' weight in the intervention group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The average of head circumference and newborns' length in the intervention group's newborns were 0.21cm and 0.09cm more than the control group's newborns, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant too [P>0.05]. There were no reductions in the growth of the fetuses following the exercise activities. This kind of exercise has no adverse effect on fetal growth

Women and epilepsy: Sudanese experience

Epilepsy is equally prevalent in men and women. However, for women there are unique concerns related to hormone effects on seizures and the effects of seizures and antiepileptic drugs [AEDs] on reproductive health. Some AEDs reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptive agents, increasing the probability of unplanned pregnancies. Seizure frequency may change during pregnancy, seizures may cause pregnancy complications, and the treatment of a woman with epilepsy must consider all these issues. To study the clinical presentation of epilepsy among adult Sudanese females and to verify aspects of epilepsy specific to women. This is a cross sectional descriptive non intervention clinical based study; it was carried out in Elshaab Teaching Hospital and El-shiekh Mohamed Kheir charity clinic, from February-2008 to June-2008. 630 female patients with epilepsy were included in the study. The study showed that 72% of the patients had generalized epilepsy and 28% had partial epilepsy, primary epilepsy is more common than secondary epilepsy, 54% of our patients had warning symptoms and 39.7% had triggering factors, irregular menstrual cycle was observed in 28%, 22% of our patients had catamenial seizures, 7.1% had increased frequency of seizures during pregnancy. Obstetric complications were common among our studied group. The incidence of infertility increased among our studied group. Women had differences in presentation and control of epilepsy that must be understood and considered when treating women with epilepsy

Hip magnetic resonance imaging: descriptive epidemiology and outcome in Jordan University Hospital

To evaluate the experience in Jordan University Hospital regarding hip magnetic resonance imaging and to compare our findings with those published in medical literature. one hundred eighty two hip magnetic resonance images performed over the period of 7 years were reviewed, 88 patients [48.3%] had normal hip magnetic resonance image and were excluded from the study while the remaining 94 images [51.6%] with variable abnormalities were included in our study. Variable hip pathologies were seen, the most common was bone marrow edema syndrome found in 22 patients representing [23.4%] of the pathologies detected, followed by transient osteoporosis in 16 [17%] patients and avascular necrosis of the hip joint in 13 [13.8%] patients. Slipped femoral capital epiphysis and Paget_s disease were the least common seen in [1.1%] for each. In Jordan University Hospital referred patients for hip MRI scanning showed diverse findings with the most common abnormality detected being bone marrow edema syndrome of the femoral head followed by transient osteoporosis and avascular necrosis. The great benefit from magnetic resonance imaging was in diagnosing transient osteoporosis, staging avascular necrosis of the hip joint and characterization of deep pelvic soft tissue masses. The prevalence of hip pathology among Jordan University hospital patients as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging was in concordance with what was published in the literature

Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Adult Sudanese

Abstract Subjects and methods: In this study; the effect of obesity on the development of dyslipidemia; hypertension and glucose intolerance among Sudanese adults attending weight reduction programs was investigated. According to the BMI (Body mass index); 98 overweight/obese and 60 normal weight adults were included. Anthropometric measures were taken; lipid profile and C reactive protein (CRP) were determined using commercial kits. Results: Obesity related dyslipidemia seems to affect overweight/obese males more than females. On the other hand; overweight /obesity among females; not like males; was found to be associated with high blood pressure probably due inflammation; as determined by CRP level. Conclusion and recommendation: Obesity related dyslipidemia is more prominent among males while obesity related hypertension is a phenomenon among females probably due to release of CRP. We recommend a more detailed study of inflammatory cytokines; in relation to obesity; that may reflect the mass and/or activity of the adipose tissue

Hammam an ancient principle of health

The baths or 'hammams' as they are named, are for many, aspects of health not just for external cleanliness. Hammam [bath] is being used as a method of Ilaj-bil-tadbeer [Regimental therapy] advocated in Unani system of medicine since ages. Hammam refers to bath. Hammam refreshes body by dispersing the superfluities and preparing body for assimilation of food. Moreover it guards against discomfort. Unani physicians have mentioned various types of Hammam for different ailments and plays important role in prevention and promotion of health like Wajaul Mafasil [Arthritis], skin diseases, menorrhagia, liver disease etc. This paper is a review of the history, benefits, therapeutic effects and different types of Hammam used and mentioned by old Unani physicians in classical Unani literature. Hammam will also be discussed in the light of modern medicine

Is the airtraq laryngoscope superior to macintosh laryngoscope using armord endotracheal tube in head and neck surgery?

The control of the airway is a fundamental aim for the anaesthiologast during routine anaesthesia. The incidence of difficult tracheal intubation has been estimated at 3-18%. This incidence may be more in head and neck Surgery. Our study conducted on 30 patients divided randomly in two groups each of 15 patients. Fifteen patients intubated by Macintosh laryngoscope and 15 by Airtraq laryngoscope. We found that success rate in Airtraq laryngoscope was 100% in comparisons to Macintosh laryngoscope which was 81.8%. We found also the intubation time was reduced significantly with use the Airtraq laryngoscope. The intubation was done in the first attempts in all patients in Airtaq group without need to optimizing maneuvers in comparison to Macintosh laryngoscope which need optimizing maneuvers and also use intubating aids like Bougie. Nearly no complication in Airtraq group like oral mucosal laceration, oxygen alteration and heamodynamic changes. We found that the Airtraq laryngoscope provides superior intubating condition without need intubating aids and less or no complications

Serum levels of estradiol in women with carcinoma of the breast and its correlation with body mass index

Background: carcinoma of the breast is a disease of complex etiology and is discussed in terms of risk factors which include increasing age, increased exposure to estrogen, over weight and obesity etc; Efforts are being made to get more al]d more insight of the· etiology to decrease its occurrence, for early diagnosis and to have good prognosis. The main objective of the study was to determi11e the serum levels of estradiol and to assess· its correlation "with body mass index [BMI >25 kg/m2] in female patients with carcinoma of the breast and healthy over-weight and obese females

Material and Methods: serum levels of 3ffconfrofs-[healthy] and 60 cases [Carcinoma of the breast females] were analyzed for Estradiol and were correlated with their BMI. Levels were estimated by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELIS4] and correlation was calculated by regression analysis and correlation coefficient

Result: overall trend of obesity was observed in cases [patients with carcinoma of the breast]. Serum estradiol leye3fs showed strong correlation with BMI in' both cases [p=0.11] and control [p=0.002]

Conclusion: it is concluded that obesity remains an important risk factor for carcinoma of the Breast.-Serum estradiol levels are strongly associated with Body Mass Index

Systemic amyloidosis presenting as mucocutaneous bullous lesions

A 65-year-old male presented with hemorrhagic bullous skin lesions with purpura and ecchymoses. There was increased skin fragility with a strongly positive Nikolsky sign. Histopathology of the skin revealed large amounts of amyloid deposits in the dermis with a positive Congo Red staining around the dermal vessels. Examination and tests in this patient also revealed anemia, hepatomegaly, infiltrative cardiomyopathy, polyneuropathy and immunoglobulin lamda deposition, favoring a diagnosis of primary amyloidosis [AL type]. The present case is reported in view of the rarity of the bullous variant of primary systemic amyloidosis as well as presence of mucosal lesions and a positive Nikolsky sign

Midazolam deep sedation versus metoclopramide to prevent nausea and vomiting during small dose bupivacaine spinal anesthesia for cesarean section

Nausea and vomiting during regional anesthesia for Cesarean section are very common and unpleasant events. They cause significant distress to the patient and also interfere with the surgical procedure. They have multiple etiologies, which include psychological [anxiety] factor, arterial hypotension, and hypo perfusion of the central nervous system. The trials for prevention and treatment of IONV still not definite. In the present study we evaluate the efficacy of hypnotic doses of midazolam in comparison with metoclopramide to prevent nausea and vomiting during spinal anesthesia for elective Cesarean section. One hundred [100] pregnant females were divided to two groups. Group [A] receives [midazolam, n=50], Group [B] receives [metoclopramide, n= 50], the two groups received spinal anesthesia with 8 mg of bupivacaine to avoid sever hypotension and decrease incidence of nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting occurred in 5% of the total cases. IONV was absent in 97% in the midazolam group, 96% in metoclopramida group [p <0.001] for both group, no significant difference between two groups. The results showed a significant lower incidence of IONV in the deep sedation with midazolam and metoclopramide, without significant difference between two groups. The results confirmed and explained that, IONV during spinal anesthesia for Cesarean Section can be caused by psychological [anxiety] factors

Massage. A Holistic Therapy

Massage is the oldest form of medical care. Massage is systemized manipulation of soft tissues for the purpose of normalizing them. Massage improves circulation and brings fresh air to the body, it assists in elimination of waste products and speeds up healing after injury and enhances the recovery from the disease. In this paper, history, types of massage, benefits and effects of massage will be described from Unani and modern point of view