Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Glucose Homeostasis and Bone Remodeling in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Rat Model

Background@#The present study examined the effect of intermittent fasting (IF) on bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) and the markers of bone remodeling in a glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) rat model. @*Methods@#Forty male rats were allocated to 4 groups (N=10 per group): control group of normal rats; control+IF group (normal rats subjected to IF for 16-18 hr daily for 90 days); dexamethasone (DEX) group: (DEX [0.5 mg i.p.] for 90 days); and DEX+IF group (DEX and IF for 90 days). By the end of the experiment, BMD and BMC in the right tibia were measured. Serum levels of the following were measured: glucose; insulin; triglycerides (TGs); total cholesterol; parathyroid hormone (PTH); osteoprotegerin (OPG); receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK); bone-resorbing cytokines, including bone deoxypyridinoline (DPD), N-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (NTX-1), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b); and bone-forming cytokines, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC). @*Results@#DEX administration for 90 days resulted in significantly increased serum levels of glucose, insulin, TGs, cholesterol, PTH, OPG, DPD, NTX-1, and TRAP-5b and significantly decreased BMD, BMC, and serum levels of RANK, OC, and ALP (all P<0.05). IF for 90 days significantly improved all these parameters (all P<0.05). @*Conclusions@#IF corrected GIO in rats by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and PTH secretion and stimulating osteoblast activity.

Anticancer effect of Psidium guajava (Guava) leaf extracts against colorectal cancer through inhibition of angiogenesis

Objective: To evaluate the anti-angiogenic and anticancer activities of Psidium guajava leaf extracts against angiogenesis-dependent colorectal cancer. Methods: Three extracts were produced using distilled water, ethanol, and n-hexane as solvents. The extracts were physically characterised through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content assays. To assess their anti-angiogenic activity, cell viability and rat aortic ring assays were conducted, while cell migration, tube formation, colony formation, and VEGF ELISA assays were conducted to elucidate their effects on different aspects of angiogenesis. Molecular docking was used to assess the anti-angiogenic potential of some possible compounds in the extracts. Tumour spheroid assay was used to assess the extracts' potential as a treatment for colorectal cancer. Results: The ethanol extract showed the best antioxidant activity. The distilled water and ethanol extracts exhibited more inhibitory activity against EA.hy926 cell viability and aortic ring microvessel growth. In addition, the ethanol extract performed significantly better than the distilled water extract against cell migration and colony formation, and VEGF expression of the cells was suppressed by the ethanol extract. Both the distilled water and ethanol extracts showed significant inhibitory effect on EA.hy926 tube formation and tumour spheroids consisting of EA.hy926 and HCT116 cells. The ethanol extract contained β-caryophyllene and β-elemene by phytochemical analysis and subsequent docking studies, which may contribute to its anti-angiogenic activity. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of Psidium guajava has potential in the treatment of colorectal cancer through the inhibition of angiogenesis.

The pattern of off-label and unlicensed drug use in adult and pediatric patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: multicenter retrospective study

Background: Screening approved medications to identify therapeutics for drug repurposing is an effective tactic, and a deep research into off label drug use (OLDU) is required. Unfortunately, OLDU has not been extensively studied in Middle East. Our study aimed to evaluate the extent of OLDU in Saudi Arabia.Methods: Retrospective study carried out during 12 month period at six tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Each prescription was evaluated as unlicensed or OLDU based on the product information or based on Food and drug Administration (FDA) approval.Results: A total of 288 prescriptions were analyzed, where the reasons for off-label prescribing were OLDU by indication (94.42%), OLDU by different age group (2.09%), and other reasons represented (3.48%). Adults/geriatrics (≥18 years) received (89.05%) of the orders, and children (1-11 years) received (7.78%) of the orders. Both adolescents (12-18 years) and neonates (1-29 days) received (1.42%) of the orders per each category, while infants (1 month-1 year) received (0.36%) of the orders. The therapeutic classes most often prescribed were antidepressants (21.88%), antidiabetics (17.71%), and atypical antipsychotics (10.06%).Conclusions: Off-label prescribing was found in most adults/geriatrics suffering from depression, and diabetes mellitus. The most common reason for off-label prescription was off-label by indication. The results call for the need to conduct more studies with larger sample size, do more investigations on the OLDU in the whole kingdom, and develop policy for OLDU across hospitals.

Effects of heme oxygenase-1 upregulation on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction

The present study was designed to examine the effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction by cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) on the cardiac functions and morphology, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, myocardial antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione [GSH]), and expression of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 and connexin 43 (Cx-43) in myocardial muscles in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI). Thirty two adult male Sprague Dawely rats were divided into 4 groups (each 8 rats): normal control (NC) group, ISO group: received ISO at dose of 150 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 2 successive days; ISO + Trizma group: received (ISO) and Trizma (solvent of CoPP) at dose of 5 mg/kg i.p. injection 2 days before injection of ISO, with ISO at day 0 and at day 2 after ISO injections; and ISO + CoPP group: received ISO and CoPP at a dose of 5 mg/kg dissolved in Trizma i.p. injection as Trizma. We found that, administration of ISO caused significant increase in heart rate, corrected QT interval, ST segment, cardiac enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-muscle/brain), cardiac HO-1, Hsp70 with significant attenuation in myocardial GSH, SOD, and Cx-43. On the other hand, administration of CoPP caused significant improvement in ECG parameters, cardiac enzymes, cardiac morphology; antioxidants induced by ISO with significant increase in HO-1, Cx-43, and Hsp70 expression in myocardium. In conclusions, we concluded that induction of HO-1 by CoPP ameliorates ISO-induced myocardial injury, which might be due to up-regulation of Hsp70 and gap junction protein (Cx-43).

Comparison between infiltration and inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia in extraction of non-vital mandibular posterior teeth [prospective clinical study]

Infiltration anesthesia for the posterior region of the mandible has been routinely avoided because of its questionable effectiveness related to the dense cortical bone of the mandible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of infiltration anesthetic technique on mandibular posterior non-vital teeth. Forty four patients aged between 13and 73 years who attended the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University for extraction of posterior non vital tooth were included in this study. For the infiltration anesthetic technique, patient's approval was taken. The patients were equally divided into two groups. Group [1] received 0.6 ml out of 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80000 adrenaline injection bucally and the same amount infiltration lingually opposite the intended tooth. Group [2] received 1.5 ml out of 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80000 and the remaining 0.3 ml was injected for long buccal nerve anesthesia. In group [1], 68.2% had no pain during extraction, showed statistically highly significant difference [P = 009]. Gender showed no significant difference. In group [2], 100 % of the patients had no pain during extraction. Infiltration anesthesia for non-vital mandibular molars is effective as a substitute for inferior alveolar block technique

Relationship between nurses' and physicians' perceptions of organizational health and quality of patient care

This study investigated the relationship between nurses' and physicians' perceptions of the organizational health of a hospital and the quality of patient care. Data were collected using 2 self-report questionnaires from 75 nurses and 49 physicians working in 4 intensive care units in a university-affiliated hospital in Saudi Arabia. Among the determinants of hospital health in the modified Quality Work Competence questionnaire [12 domains], teamwork was the highest scoring determinant [mean percentage score 70.5 [SD 11.8]]; however it was not significantly correlated with any of the predictors of quality of patient care. In the Quality of Patient Care questionnaire [7 domains] quality results was the highest scoring predictor [69.7 [SD 14.3]]. There was a significant positive correlation between participants' perception of overall mean percentage scores on the determinants of organizational hospital health and the predictors of the quality of patient care [r = 0.26]. In contrast, patient-centred care had no significant positive correlation with any of the studied hospital health determinants

Ameliorative Effect of Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells on Injured Liver of Mice Infected with Schistosoma mansoni

The technique of stem cells or hepatocytes transplantation has recently improved in order to bridge the time before whole-organ liver transplantation. In the present study, unfractionated bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were harvested from the tibial and femoral marrow compartments of male mice, which were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with and without hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and then transplanted into Schistosoma mansoni-infected female mice on their 8th week post-infection. Mice were sacrificed monthly until the third month of bone marrow transplantation, serum was collected, and albumin concentration, ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were assayed. On the other hand, immunohistopathological and immunohistochemical changes of granuloma size and number, collagen content, and cells expressing OV-6 were detected for identification of liver fibrosis. BMSCs were shown to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. Serum ALT, AST, and ALP were markedly reduced in the group of mice treated with BMSCs than in the untreated control group. Also, granuloma showed a marked decrease in size and number as compared to the BMSCs untreated group. Collagen content showed marked decrease after the third month of treatment with BMSCs. On the other hand, the expression of OV-6 increased detecting the presence of newly formed hepatocytes after BMSCs treatment. BMSCs with or without HGF infusion significantly enhanced hepatic regeneration in S. mansoni-induced fibrotic liver model and have pathologic and immunohistopathologic therapeutic effects. Also, this new therapeutic trend could generate new hepatocytes to improve the overall liver functions.

Breast cancer awareness and breast self-examination in Northern Saudi Arabia. A preliminary survey

To elicit knowledge of breast cancer, perception of occurrence, and behavior in relation to breast self-examination [BSE]. A cross-sectional survey was carried out at the Department of Pathology, Medical College, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for local occupants from Hail city and its rural neighborhood between September 2010 and February 2012. A personal interview-administered descriptive questionnaire and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. A total of 1000 participants agreed to be involved, out of which 87.7% were females, 7.2% were males and 5.1% had undisclosed gender. The age range for participants was 12-66 years. Out of all participants, 44% did not know that breast cancer is an abnormal growth and 78% failed to recognise its multi-factorial nature, with "Increased age" being the least recognised single risk factor 4.8%. Scores showed that 61.5% had a low level of breast cancer related knowledge. Out of the participants who knew of someone who had breast cancer 73%, 50.1% said the disease was discovered at a "Late stage" mainly by "Chance". Data for BSE indicated that 50.1% of female participants >16 years old did not practice BSE, and "Fear" was the main declared perceived reason. This study demonstrates a low level of fundamental knowledge of breast cancer and fear to practice BSE

effects of diethylstilbestrol administration on rat kidney. Ultrastructural study

To assess the histological and ultrastructural changes that can be induced by diethylstilbestrol [DES] on renal tissues using histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural methods. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups [10 rats each]: Group 1 - control; Group 2 - received DES at a dose of 60 micro g/kg/day, dissolved in 0.1 ml corn oil for 20 days; and Group 3 - received the same dose of DES for 50 days by oral gavage. The renal tissues were studied histologically, immunohistochemically [using an anti-BCL2-associated X protein [BAX protein] antibody], and ultrastructurally. This study was carried out at the Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between December 2011 and December 2012. The DES administration for 50 days caused noticeable degeneration, and alteration of the morphology of the renal tissues in the form of damaged renal tubules with loss of the brush border of the proximal convoluted tubules and increased cellularity of the glomeruli. In addition, there was a significant increase in BAX protein expression based on immunoreactivity, and in renal tubules, as well as glomerular cells. These changes were less obvious after 20 days of treatment. Non-steroidal, synthetic estrogens showed harmful effects on the renal tissues and altered their morphology with an increased number of apoptotic cells, and these changes were duration dependent

Patterns of admitted cases to respiratory intensive care unit at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt

Background: It is well accepted that early appropriate referral of patients to an ICU can significantly reduce early and possibly late mortality in the critically ill. At the same time improper selection of patients for ICU, often limits bed availability in ICUs. This in turn, adversely affects the dynamics of the whole hospital

Objective: To determine the admission pattern and outcome of patients in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit [RICU] of Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. Design. The study was carried out as a prospective analytical study

Patients and methods: All cases admitted to RICU during the period from March 2010 to October 2010. They were 200 cases [126 males [63%] and 74 females [37%]] with an age range from 11 to 86 years. They were classified according to the causes of admission to RICU into 162 cases due to primary respiratory causes [81%] and 38 cases due to secondary respiratory causes [19%]. On admission the following were carried out for all patients: full medical history, chest examination, assessment of Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APHCHE II] score, arterial blood gases analysis, plain chest and heart X-ray, computerized tomography [CT] electrocardiography [ECG] or echocardiography [ECHO] study when needed and assessment of the outcome

Results: Two hundred cases were admitted during the study period: 57% were referred by chest physicians, 14.5% from other hospitals, 13.5% from other departments and others from chest ward and emergency room [ER]. The mean GCS and APHACHE II score were 12.7 +/- 3.97 and 14.4 +/- 6.5 respectively. The length of stay in RICU was 7.2 +/- 7.4 days. Analysis of outcome of the cases showed that 70 patients [35%] were transferred to chest ward, 61patients [30.5%] died and 54 patients [27.0%] were discharged to home. There was a significant difference between cases with primary [1[ry]] and secondary [2[ry]] respiratory causes regarding outcome [P < 0.005] with mortality rate [26.6%] among cases with 1[ry] respiratory causes while in cases with 2[ry] respiratory causes were 60.4%. Outcome as regards source of admission showed that the highest percentage of death occurred among cases referred from chest ward and non chest physicians [63.7% and 62.5%] respectively. There was a significant association between outcome and duration of stay [P < 0.001]. Concerning the outcome on using mechanical ventilation, the mortality rate in mechanically ventilated patients was 52.05% while in non mechanically ventilated patients it was 47.5%

Conclusion: This study showed that the best prognosis of admitted patients to RICU was for those who were transferred earlier especially those transferred by chest physicians and patients with 1[ry] respiratory diseases than those with 2[ry] respiratory diseases. Also, cases with high Glasgow Coma Scale and low APACH II score and those with a short duration of stay in RICU, especially without the need for mechanical ventilation had a good prognosis. Therefore, considering those aspects in the clinical practice would be reflected as a better outcome on dealing with RICU patients

Prognostic factors for bronchoscopic electrocautery and/or argon plasma coagulation in patients with central aifway obstruction

Significant portions of central airway stenosis patients present with unresectable disease. Using bronchotherapeutic procedures to maintain a patent airway and improve clinical symptoms and quality of life is a well-known armamentarium technique. To assess the contribution of different physiological and pathological prognostic factors on the yield of endobronchial therapies [argon plasma coagulation [APC] and electrocautery] in patients with central airway obstruction whether derived from malignant or non-malignant etiology. Twenty nine patients with central airway obstruction, 21 males arid eight females, were recruited in the study. All the studied patients were categorized into malignant and non-malignant groups with different pathological varieties. Interventional bronchoscopic procedures were performed under general anesthesia. The flexible bronchoscope was either passed via an endotra-cheal tube or through the rigid bronchoscope. Collected data included patient demographics, evaluation of performance scale and quality of life status, evaluation of dyspnea, cough and hemoptysis scores before the interventional bronchoscopy and 1 day after the last session. Also the collected data included; length, size, localization and bronchoscopic appearance of the lesion. Duration of symptoms, duration of mechanical ventilation and the presence of collapse prior to the intervention were all recorded. Number of sessions and type of bronchoscopic modalities used were recorded. Spiromet-ric pulmonary function tests were done before and 1 day after the last session. Complete recanalization was achieved in [17/29] 58.6% of patients, while incomplete or partial recanalization was achieved in [12/29] 41.4% of patients. Using linear regression analysis ofindependent factors affecting patient outcome; it was found that the length of lesion followed by presence of collapse, duration of symptoms and lastly lesion localization whether localized or diffuse [P < 0.0005], [P < 0.011], [P < 0.02] and [P < 0.039] were the most independent factors affecting patient outcome. For favorable outcome, selection of patients with central airway obstructing lesions candidates for bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation and/or electrocautery should rely on several factors including; age, duration of symptoms, performance scale, co-morbidities, pre-therapeutic FEV1%, presence of lung collapse, and length of the obstructing lesion, moreover its shape and localization

frequency of type 2 diabetes mellitus among diabetic children in El Minia Governorate, Egypt

Type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] in children and adolescents is becoming an increasingly important public health concern throughout the world. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of T2DM among diabetic young people in El-Minia Governorate, Egypt, and to detect its risk factors. A total of 210 diabetic patients under 18 years old in Minia Governorate were included in the study and underwent a thorough history-taking, a physical examination and laboratory investigations. T2DM was present in 28 patients [13.3%]; it was significantly present in 18 females [64.3%] and 20 [71.4%] of them had a positive family history of DM. T2DM patients had significantly higher BMI and waist circumference centiles for age and sex than those with T1DM. Also, haemoglobin A1c%, serum C-peptide and cholesterol levels were significantly higher in T2DM than T1DM patients. Finally, there were weak significant positive correlations between C-peptide level and both BMI and waist circumference. T2DM is no longer a disease of adults but can also occur in children and adolescents. The results suggested that obesity, female gender and a positive family history of DM are risk factors for T2DM. Also, patients with T2DM had poorer glycaemic control and hypercholesterolemia than those with other types of diabetes

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in patients with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis and its association with disease activity and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha

To assess vitamin D status in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients and to study whether it was associated with disease activity, inflammatory markers, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Riyadh National Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between March and September 2012. It included 43 patients with plaque psoriasis, 55 RA patients and 40 healthy controls matched for age. Blood samples were drawn from all participants for assessment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH]D], TNF-alpha, C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], parathyroid hormone [PTH], and serum corrected calcium. Disease activity of psoriasis and RA were assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] and Disease Activity Score Index of a 28 joint count [DAS28]. We found a significant difference between psoriatic patients, RA patients, and healthy controls in the mean 25[OH]D [11.74 +/- 3.60, 15.45 +/- 6.42, and 24.55 +/- 11.21 ng/ml; p=0.000]. We found that 25[OH]D was not correlated with PASI, DAS28, TNF-alpha, CRP, or ESR in psoriatic and RA patients. Serum 25-[OH]D levels are significantly lower in psoriatic and RA patients than in healthy control subjects. Low 25-OHD levels also may provide the rationale for vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of psoriasis and RA. More definitive evidence is also required to demonstrate the clinical benefit of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of psoriasis and RA

Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in health-care workers

Health care workers [HCWs] constitute a high-risk population of HBV infection. There are limited data on the efficacy of vaccination in HCWs in Egypt. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune response to hepatitis B recombinant vaccine in HCWs in our hospital. 100 HCWs who completed three doses of intramuscular immunization with recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine [Engerix-B] at different time periods during the last 5 years were examined for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBs Ag], anti hepatitis B surface antibodies [anti HBs Abs] and hepatitis B core antibodies [HBc Abs]. 96% of HCWs showed seroconversion [anti HBs 10 IU/L]; 92% good responders [anti HBs > 100 IU/L] and 4% weak responders [anti HBs = 10-100 IU/L]. The HBsAg and HBc Ab were never detected among the entire responders. Younger age had higher anti HBs titer than older HCWs. The non responders were 4%; two of them had evidence of chronic hepatitis B infection. Vaccination against HBV in HCWs in Egypt is cost effective and achieved good response rate. Screening for Hepatitis B infection before vaccination should be considered to detect those with undiagnosed infection

Serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen as a new marker for hepatocellular carcinoma: a preliminary study

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. To evaluate the clinical usefulness of serum SCCA levels as a serological marker for early detection of HCC among high risk patients compared to AFP. The study comprised 3 groups. Group [A] included 30 patients with CLD diagnosed on clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic basis, group [B] included 49 patients with HCC proved by spiral CT, elevated AFP and/or liver biopsy and group [C] included 15 healthy subjects matched for age and sex as a control group. All groups were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical examinationand laboratory investigations including liver functions, viral markers, AFP and SCCA estimation using ELISA technique. This study revealed a highly significant difference between patients with HCC, CLD and controls regarding serum SCCA level [5.38 +/- 7.689, 1.133 +/- o.516, and 0.787 +/- 0.432 ng/ml respectively]. SCCA level was persistently elevated in patients with HCC with normal APP levels representing its useful role in early detection and follow up of patients treated for HCC. The area under the curve [AUC] of SCCA was 0.869 [95%CI 0.783-0.929], the cut off value was established at 1.5 ng/ml with sensitivity of 77.6%and specificity of 84.4%. The difference between AUC of SCCA and that of AFP was 0.09 which mounted of statistical significance. SCCA could represent a useful tool as a marker for detection of HCC and for monitoring therapy

Effect of the dose of equine chorionic gonadotrophin [ECG] on ovarian response and embryo recovery in Egyptian baladi goats

The effects of doses of equine chorionic gonadotrophin [eCG] for a simple superovulation method in does [Goats] were investigated on ovulation rate, proportions of fertilized oocytes and normal embryos at recovery. The does were treated with intravaginal sponges impregnated with medroxy progesterone acetate [MAP] for 12 days. For superovulation, an intramuscular injection of eCG was given at 24 h before sponge removal. Does were divided into nine equal groups [n = 5] A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. Each received 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 IU of eCG respectively. All does were naturally inseminated by four healthy fertile bucks. Laparotomy and embryo recovery were done for does on day six. The mean numbers of corpora lutea of nine groups were [2.8 +/- 4.34, 4.4 +/- 0.55, 2.8 +/- 1.10, 4.2 +/- 1.79, 6.8 +/- 2.39, 9.6 +/- 4.45, 6.8 +/- 5.81, 6.6 +/- 3.05 and 5.8 +/- 5.17] respectively. While mean of unovulated follicles were counted after laparotomy for nine groups respectively [3.4 +/- 1.14, 5.8 +/- 1.30, 7.0 +/- 2.35, 5.6 +/- 1.82, 6.8 +/- 2.05, 7.2 +/- 1.92, 9.8 +/- 4.71, 11.2 +/- 5.02 and 10.6 +/- 3.58]. On the other hand the percentage of normal embryos were 0, 15.0, 42.86, 42.11, 54.84, 66.67, 48.64, 38.0 and 45.24] of normal embryos. The present study indicates that an appropriate eCG dose would be 600-700 IU for a simple superovulation method in does pre-treated with Progestagen-impregnated vaginal sponges

Influence of subclinical mastitis on some reproductive parameters in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

Over a period of one year [Nov., 2007-Oct., 2008] a total of 1757 Holstein-Friesian cows belonging to a commercial dairy farm in Giza-Egypt were included in this investigation. Somatic cell count [SCC] as a measure of subclinical mastitis was recorded for three times in three consecutive months. Bacteriological examination was also done for milk sample. Reproductive data including days to first insemination, number of inseminations per conception [S/C] and days open [DO] were individually recorded, also the percentage of cows conceived by 305 days in milking [DIM] and percentage of culled cows for reproductive failure were recorded. The obtained data were recorded .The animal status [parity and reproductive status] as well as the establishment and degrees of affection were also considered. The obtained results were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results revealed that, the incidence of subclinical mastitis was 31.75 and 23.79% of the total lactating non pregnant and lactating pregnant cows, respectively. Among cases of subclinical mastitis, 75% were bacteriolo-gically positive. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae were the prevalent isolates. The adverse effects of subclinical mastitis on the reproductive performances in dairy herd included prolonged days to first insemination; Days open; increased number of inseminations per conception and culling rate for infertility. The establishment of subclinical mastitis during the interval to first insemination prolonged this stage while, the establishment from the first insemination to the fertile one prolonged the days open and increase the number of inseminations per conception.lt could be concluded that, subclinical mastitis was associated with unfavourable effects on reproductive performance of dairy cows. Therefore, the appropriate management of lactating dairy cows to minimize the incidence of mastitis should increase the profitability of dairy herds not only by improving milk quality, reducing the use of antibiotics, reducing the amount of milk discarded, and reducing involuntary culling, but also by improving reproductive performance

Detoxifying and anti-oxidant enzymes of Fasciola gigantica worms under triclabendazole sulphoxide [TCBZ-SX]: An in vitro study

Triclabendazole [TCBZ] is an efficient fasciolicide that affects both juvenile and adult worms. After oral administration it is rapidly metabolized to TCBZ sulphoxide and sulphone that were found responsible for its fasciolicidal activity. Parasite defense mechanisms include detoxifying and anti-oxidant enzymes that would suppress its oxidative killing. The present work aimed at evaluating these enzymes under TCBZ-SX. Thirty juvenile and 30 adult F. gigantica worms collected from the liver parenchyma and bile ducts formed the subject of the study. Levels of superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutathione reductase [GR], glutathione S-transferase [GST], and glutathione [GSH] were measured in juvenile and adult worms incubated, without and with 15 and 50 micro g/ml TCBZ-SX for 18 hours at 37°C. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in SOD activity and an increase in GST level in both juvenile and adult worms after incubation in the two concentrations. The remaining enzymes and GSH revealed variable levels

Antiparasitic activity of cystine protease inhibitor E-64 against giardia lamblia excystation in vitro and in vivo

In this work, the therapeutic effect of E-64, a broad spectrum cysteine protease inhibitor against Giardia lamblia excystation was studied in vitro and in vivo. Purification of cysts from heavily infected human faecal samples followed by excystation and axenic cultivation of the emerging trophozoites in TYI-S-33 medium were done. In vivo, the response was evaluated experimentally through counting oocysts out-put every other day until the infection eradicated from the stools of infected E-64 treated mice compared to untreated. Also, the histopathological examination of the small intestine was compared between both of the infected groups. In the present study G. lamblia cysts incubated with E 64 in vitro completely failed in excystation in 90% while trophozoites released on 10% [partially excysted on 5% and completely excysted on 5%] compared to 90% completely excysted on other non incubated [without E-64] of cysts beside, the trophozoites didn't release on 10% [partially excysted on 5% and completely non-excysted on 5%]. In vivo, the evaluation of the therapeutic response proved that the decreasing in the oocysts out-put counting every other day until the infection eradicated from the stools of infected treated mice was very marked in comparison to untreated mice. The differences were statistically significant. The histopathological examination of the small intestine of infected non treated group proved that all the different pathological grades were found while in infected E-64 treated group, only grade I was detected. So, E-64 showed a good therapeutic effect which raises its use in the treatment of human giardiasis

Potential influence of pinoline as protective agent against cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress

Oxidative stress has been associated with increase in age. This study aimed to evaluate the potential influence of pinoline as protective agent against cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in the liver of aged male rats. Pinoline's potency in the defense against oxidative stress was compared with that of melatonin as reference agent. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], reduced [CSH] and oxidized glittathione [GSSG], CSH/GSSG ratio, glutathione peroxidase [CSH-Px] and total superoxide dismutase [total-SOD] activities as well as nitric oxide [N0] level were estimated in the liver to detect oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide. Results indicate that: [1] cyclopliosphamide-induced a status of oxidative stress in the liver, characterized by a high levels of [BARS, GSSG and NO, there was a decrease in the level of GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio as well as in activities of GSH-Px and total-SOD. [2] pinoline counteracted the deleterious effects induced by cyclophosphamide on the oxidative stress markers. [3] pinoline have a lower potency than melatonin in abolishment of oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide. It is concluded that pinoline exhibits a preventive effect similar to that of melatonin against cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in the liver of aged rats through its role in the scavenging of free radicals, prevention of lipid peroxidation and stimulation of antioxidant enzymes activities