Osteoactivin inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is mediated through CD44-ERK signaling

Osteoactivin is a heavily glycosylated protein shown to have a role in bone remodeling. Previous studies from our lab have shown that mutation in Osteoactivin enhances osteoclast differentiation but inhibits their function. To date, a classical receptor and a signaling pathway for Osteoactivin-mediated osteoclast inhibition has not yet been characterized. In this study, we examined the role of Osteoactivin treatment on osteoclastogenesis using bone marrow-derived osteoclast progenitor cells and identify a signaling pathway relating to Osteoactivin function. We reveal that recombinant Osteoactivin treatment inhibited osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner shown by qPCR, TRAP staining, activity and count. Using several approaches, we show that Osteoactivin binds CD44 in osteoclasts. Furthermore, recombinant Osteoactivin treatment inhibited ERK phosphorylation in a CD44-dependent manner. Finally, we examined the role of Osteoactivin on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteolysis in vivo. Our data indicate that recombinant Osteoactivin inhibits RANKL-induced osteolysis in vivo and this effect is CD44-dependent. Overall, our data indicate that Osteoactivin is a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo and that this process is regulated through CD44 and ERK activation.

Effect of gama irradiation of bioethanol producing microorganisms on bioethanol formation from sugarcane bagasse and potato peels

THE PRESENT work was designed to investigate the production of bioethanol from agriculture feedstock [sugarcane bagasse and potato peels] using Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 7754 and Zymomonas mobilis ATCC 29191, exposed to different doses of gamma irradiation [0, 100, 300, 500, 1000 and 1500 Gy]. The effect of different hydrolysis pretreatments of feedstock on resulting sugars [initial sugars], which were later fermented to bioethanol, was also tested and compared to non-hydrolyzed feedstock. Hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse and potato peels was conducted with dilute sulphuric acid [2 and 6 % v/v], running at 100 and 120°C for 30 and 60 min of retention time. The highest bioethanol concentration obtained from sugarcane bagasse was 10.3 gL[-1], which was produced by Sacch. cerevisiae ATCC 7754 irradiated at 300 Gy from hydrolysate of 2 % [v/v] H[2]SO[4] at 120°C for 60 min treatment. From the same treatment, the highest bioethanol concentration obtained by Z mobilis ATCC 29191 was 4.4 gL[-1], when irradiated at 100 Gy. This acid treatment produced 23.7 gL[-1] of sugars from the feedstock. The highest bioethanol concentration obtained from potato peels was 7.5 gL[-1], produced by Sacch. cerevisiae ATCC 7754 irradiated at 300 Gy from hydrolysate of 6 % [v/v] H[2]SO[4] at 100°C for 60 min treatment, followed by 5.7 gL[-1] produced by Z mobilis ATCC 29191 irradiated at 100 Gy. This treatment produced 24 gL[-1] of sugars from the feedstock

Ventriculosubgaleal shunt in the management of obstructive hydrocephalus caused by cerebellar infarction

Cerebellar infarction is relatively uncommon. Small infarctions only cause cerebellar manifestations e.g. ataxia and nystagmus and are treated medically. Large cerebellar infarctions, however, can be life threatening. It cause brain stem compression and can obstruct the cerebrospinal fluid pathway causing obstructive hydrocephalus. It has to be treated promptly and may require besides the medical treatment surgical intervention as well. This is mainly in the form of posterior fossa decompression. In this study, we studied the beneficial effect of inserting a temporary ventriculoperitoneal shunt to relieve the supratentorial hydrocephalus in addition to posterior fossa decompression on the morbidity and mortality of patients in comparison to posterior fossa decompression alone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ventriculosubgaleal shunt in cerebellar infarction causing supratentorial ventricular dilatation. This was a retrospective study that included ten patients having extensive cerebellar infarction causing spratentorial hydrocephalus. They were divided into two groups, group [1] was submitted to posterior fossa decompression alone and group [2] was submitted to posterior fossa decompression in addition to temporary ventriculosubgaleal shunt insertion. Group [2] which had posterior fossa decompression in addition to temporary. ventriculosubgaleal shunt hadmuch better results than group [1] which had only posterior fossa decompression. Group [2] had a lower morbidity and mortality and a shorter hospital stay than group [1]. Temporary insertion of ventriculosubgaleal shunt is recommended in patients having extensive cerebellar infarction causing supratentorial hydrocephalus in addition to posterior fossa decompression. It results in a lower morbidity and mortality and a shorter hospital stay

Counseling and depression among diabetic patients

To determine the level of depression in diabetic patients and investigate the effect of a counseling program on the level of depression. A pre-post experimental study was conducted at the outpatient medical clinics of the Health Insurance Hospital affiliated to the Ministry of Health, Mansoura, Egypt. The study was carried out between June 2011 and September 2011. One hundred and twenty type II diabetic patients were recruited in this study. We used 2 tools for data collection: a] A structured interview questionnaire including socio-demographic and disease related data. b] The Zung self-rating depression scale. We classified the subjects into 2 equal groups of 60 patients each [group A - control and group B - experimental]. Both groups were interviewed after 3 months to assess the level of depression. On initial assessment, depression was found in approximately 57.5% of the control group, and severe depression in 32.5%. On second assessment, the depression rate in the control group increased to 67.5%, while the severe depression rate decreased to 25%. In the experimental group, at initial assessment, it was noticed that the percentage of subjects with no depressions increase to be 39.7% instead of 27%, also, the level of mild and severe depression decrease to be 56.1% post assessment instead of 58.4% and 14.6%.Counseling, as a nursing intervention, is helpful in reducing the level of depression among diabetic patients

Protective efficacy of immunoglobulins Y prepared against Cerastes cerastes snake venom in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

To prepare and evaluate the protective efficacy of immunoglobulin Y [IgY] prepared against local Saudi Cerastes cerastes snake venom. The study was conducted between October 2009 and October 2011 at the Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study designed as follow; 4 groups of 8 chickens were immunized intramuscularly with Cerastes cerastes snake venoms mixed with Freund's complete adjuvant. Three weeks later, the injections were repeated with the venoms with incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Three boosters were given with the venoms at 3 weeks intervals. The IgY was extracted by ammonium sulphate-caprylic acid method, the antibody titer were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay, and the protective efficacies of the extracted immunoglobulins were performed. Immunoglobulin Y preparation extracted by ammonium sulphate-caprylic acid method showed lack of low molecular weight bands. The bands representing IgY-antibodies, which have molecular weights ranged from 180-200 KD, appeared sharp and clear. Furthermore, evaluation of the prepared protective value of IgY-antibodies revealed one ml of extracted IgY-antibodies containing 15 mg/ml anti Cerastes cerastes; specific IgY could produce 100% protection against 50 LD50. Laying hens could be used as an alternative source of polyclonal antibodies against Cerastes cerastes snake venoms due to several advantages as compared with mammals

Physiological effect of peri winkle [C. roseus] on diabetic albino rat

Diabetes mellitus [DM] is a major health problem worldwide in recent time. Asia and Africa are the most viable areas where the disease is feared to raise 2-3 folds. Many herbal products have been recommended for the treatment of DM in ancient literature of Ayurveda in India and other worldwide. Thirty male adult albino rats were used to investigate the effect of Catharanthus rosea [C.roseus] on diabetic rats. Rats were divided into three equal groups, control, diabetic non treated and diabetic C.roseus treated groups. After thirty days of treatment all rats of each group were sacrificed. The body weight of each rat was determined at the beginning and the end of each period. Blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid and protein profiles, liver and kidney functions, blood picture and liver glycogen were determined for each rat at the end of each period. Pancreatic samples were obtained and processed for microscopic and quantitative evaluation after staining the prepared sections with heamatoxylin and eosin as well as special stain for demonstration of the different pancreatic cells in the islets of Langerhans. The obtained results showed that the diabetic rats were diagnosed by laboratory assessment to body weight loss, hyperglycemia, and hypoinsulinemia, significant increase in liver and kidney functions, lipid and protein profiles and decreased liver glycogen content. While, C.roseus treatment led to a significant improvement in these parameters except liver function. Microscopically there was definite vaculation, degeneration, karyolysis and pyknosis of beta pancreatic cells in the diabetic group, while other pancreatic cells were not affected [alpha and delta cells]. The use of C.roseus treatment of this study greatly improves such cellular changes. It was recommended that the use of the water extract of C. roseus levies as a hypoglycemic agent may offer a new hope to the diabetics in future. It's well recommended to use variable doses and different periods of treatment to evaluate the best dose and period

Effect of Zingiber officinale on fatty liver induced by oxytetracycline in albino rats

Fatty liver causes were markedly increased in Egyptian people throughout last years. People prefer to use the medicinal plants instead of using chemical compounds because they are cheap and have few side effects compared to chemical compounds. Ginger is a natural dietary rhizome with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible potential therapeutic and protective effects of Zingiber officinale [ginger] against oxytetracyclininduced fatty liver in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Albino rats were divided into two major groups, 15 rats for each. The first group was divided into three sub-groups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120mg/kg] for three consecutive days and c] ginger treated group; which was treated with ginger water extract [125 mg/kg] for 30 days after fatty liver induction . All animals were scarified after 33 days of the beginning of the experiment. The second group was divided into three subgroups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120 mg/kg] for three consecutive days and c] ginger protective group; which received ginger for 15 days before induction of fatty liver, then sacrificed after induction of fatty liver [3 days]. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formalin for histological study. Fatty liver groups showed high significant increase in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, ALAT, ASAT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine and A/G ratio while total protein, albumin, globulin and HDL cholesterol were significantly decreased compared to control group. These biochemical changes were accompanied with histopathological alterations in fatty liver tissue. The treatment with ginger ameliorated most of the evaluated biochemical parameters and improved the induced degenerative histopathological changes. The pre-treatment with ginger before the induction of fatty liver gave some protection against factors that experimentally induced fatty liver. Ginger as diet additive is recommend for fatty liver patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history

Effect of Cichorium intybus L. on fatty liver induced by oxytetracycline in albino rats

Fatty liver is now one of the most common diseases in Egypt. People prefer to use the medicinal plants instead of using chemical compounds because they are cheap and have few side effects compared to chemical compounds.The current investigation was carried out to examine the possible potential therapeutic and protective effects of Cichorium intybus [chicory] against oxytetracyclin-induced fatty liver in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Albino rats were divided into two major groups, 15 rats for each. The first group was divided into three sub-groups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120mg/kg] for three consecutive days resulting in steatosis and c] chicory treated group; which was treated with chicory water extract [70 mg/kg] for 30 days after fatty liver induction . All animals were scarified after 33 days of the beginning of the experiment. The second group was divided into three subgroups: a] control, b] fatty liver group; that was injected intraperitonealy with oxytetracycline [120mg/kg] for three consecutive days and c] drug protection group; which received chicory for 15 days before induction of fatty liver, then sacrificed after induction of fatty liver [3 days]. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver specimens were obtained and fixed in 10% formalin for histological study. Fatty liver groups showed high significant increase in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, ALAT, ASAT, GGT, LDH, urea, creatinine and A/G ratio while total protein, albumin, globulin and HDL cholesterol were significantly decreased compared to control group. These biochemical changes were accompanied with histopathological alterations in fatty liver tissue. The treatment with chicory ameliorated most of the evaluated biochemical parameters and improved the induced degenerative histopathological changes. The pre-treatment with chicory before the induction of fatty liver gave some protection against factors that experimentally induced fatty liver. Chicory as diet additive is recommend for fatty liver patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history

Asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA]: an emerging contributor to endothelial dysfunction in hyperthyroidism

Cardiovascular manifestations are frequent findings in patients with hyperthyroidism. Nitric oxide [NO], a key regulator of endothelial function, is synthesized from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase [NOS]. Evidence has accumulated that asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA] is an endogenous competitive inhibitor of NOS. To measure plasma L-arginine and dimethylarginines [ADMA and SDMA] in patients with hyperthyroidism in order to assess their contribution to endothelial dysfunction and their relationship to plasma NO. The study was conducted on 50 newly diagnosed patients with overt hyperthyroidism as well as 30 age and sex matcned healthy controls. Plasma L-arginine, ADMA and SDMA were analyzed by HPLC. Plasma NO was measured by a colorimetric method based on Griess reagent. L-arginine, ADMA and SDMA were significantly increased, while NO and L-arginine/ADMA ratio were significantly decreased in hyperthyroid patients compared to controls. Serum freeT4 and free T3 were negatively correlated with plasma NO and L-arginine/ADMA ratio and positively correlated with L-arginine, ADMA and SDMA. Moreover, NO was significantly negatively correlated with each of the L-arginine and ADMA and significantly positively correlated with T.arginine/ADMA ratio. Results provide evidence of the presence of endothelial dysfunction in hyperthyroidism. The decrease in NO, and the increase in ADMA emphasizes that ADMA is an emerging contributor of endothelial dysfunction in hyperthyroidism

Cervico-dorsal juxta-medullary lipoma: clinical presentations and surgical management

Spinal non-dysraphic subpial intradural lipoma is rare. It occurs mainly in the dorsal region followed by cervical region. The main presenting feature is sensory loss followed by motor weakness. The aim of this work was to decompress the spinal cord surgically in cases of symptomatizing cervico-dorsal subpial intradural. Nine patients were treated surgically by debulking of the lesion and expansive duroplasty using either fascia lata or artificial dura. All patients had good outcome except one. Supial lipomas of the cervico-dorsal cord can be safely managed through a simple laminectormy spanning the whole lesion and expansive duroplasty

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy versus conventional thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy [MIVAT] has been demonstrated to be a safe procedure with additional advantages regarding cosmetic results and postoperative outcome. The present study was conducted to define the advantages and disadvantages of MIVAT as compared to conventional thyroidectomy [CT]. Between January 2008 and January 2010, 28 patients underwent MIVAT. A similar number of patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy [CT] before the introduction of the MIVAT technique at our department were chosen with the same inclusion criteria used for MIVAT and served as matched controls. The eligibility criteria for both groups was thyroid nodules<35 mm, thyroid volume<25 ml, no thyroiditis, no malignancy, and no previous cervical conventional surgery or irradiation. No differences were found between both groups in terms of age, gender, thyroid volume, maximum nodule diameter, indication for surgery and postoperative complications MIVAT provided a significantly smaller cervical incision, less postoperative pain and parenteral analgesics during the first postoperative day, better cosmetic results, and shorter hospital stay than patients who underwent CT. Operative time was, however, significantly [P=0.001] longer with MIVAT than with CT [75 +/- 18 min versus 55 +/- 12 min, respectively]. The MIVAT technique, in selected patients, seems to be a valid option for thyroidectomy with postoperative complications similar to CT. Though with a longer operative time, MIVAT may even be preferable to CT, because of its significant advantages, in terms of better cosmetic result, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stay

Assessment of targeted parathyroidectomy for solitary adenoma without intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy has become the first surgical option for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism [HPT]. Preoperative localization study using Technetium-99m sestamibi [MIBI] scan is mandatory. The present study was conducted to analyze our series of targeted parathyroidectomies for solitary adenoma without the use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring [IPHM]. In a 5-year period [2005-2010], 50 patients underwent unilateral neck exploration for HPT at Ahmadi hospital, Kuwait. After biochemical diagnosis, a technetium 99m sestamibi scan and cervical ultrasonography were performed preoperatively for all patients. Histopathologic examination was used to confirm parathyroid tissue in all patients. Data regarding patient demographics, surgical details, results, and complications were analyzed. Patients were followed-up regularly for a mean of 48.5 months [range 6-66 months]. There were 37 women and 13 men, with a mean age of 52 years [range 25-71 years]. Mean preoperative calcium was 12.3 mg/dL [range 11.0-15.1 mg/dL], and PTH was 352 pg/mL [range 115-2,131 pg/mL]. Mean operative time was 47 minutes [range 35-90 minutes], and the mean parathyroid weight was 1.1 g[range 0.21-1.8 g]. Mean hospital stay was 2 days [range 1-7 days]. MIBI scan correctly localized the abnormal gland in 47 patients [94%] and three patients [6%] required contralateral exploration. There were no operative mortalities or complications. Postoperatively, there was two operative hematomas [4%]. All patients became normo-calcemic, at 24 hours postoperatively and 46 patients [92%] were asymptomatic at one year. Based on the data presented, it may be concluded that selected patients with solitary parathyroid adenomas, localized preoperatively by MIBI scan be safely and successfully treated with targeted parathyroidectomy without the use of IPHM

Assessment of a dual-facing mesh in prevention of adhesions following ventral hernia repair

The present prospective clinical study was conducted to assess the value of the dual-facing mesh in prevention of adhesion formation after ventral hernia repair. Forty patients admitted to the Ahmadi Hospital, Kuwait, during 2006-2007, with umbilical hernia or incisional hernia underwent laparoscopic hernioplasty with intra-peritoneal placement of a DualMesh. Data regarding patient demographics, operative details, postoperative pain score, hospital stay, and time to return to normal physical activity were all prospectively collected. Postoperative complications [specific to meshadhesions or non-specific] and recurrence were also recorded. All patients were regularly followed-up every two weeks for the first three months postoperatively, and at three-month intervals thereafter for a mean of 24 months [range 15-39 months]. There were 28 women [70%] and 12 men [30%] with a mean age of 51 years [range 33-72 years]. The mean body mass index [BMI] was 27.68 [range 22-35]. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and bronchial asthma were the most common co-morbidities. The mean diameter of hernial defect was 5.2 cm [range 2-12 cm]. There were 18 paraumbilical, 13 recurrent and nine incisional hernias. About one third of patients [n=13, 32.5%] had multiple hernia defects. The mean operative time was 105 +/- 42 minutes [range 75-185 minutes]. There were no mortalities, and no visceral or other intra-operative complications. Postoperative pain resolved gradually over time. The mean postopcrative hospital stay was 4.2 days [range 1-10 days]. Patients were able to resume their normal physical activities after a mean of 17 days [range 10-31 days]. There were no major post-operative complications and the overall complication rate was 15% [six patients] in the form of seroma [7.5%], prolonged suture site pain [2.5%], flank hematoma [2.5%], and trocar site wound infection [2.5%]. There was a single recurrence at seven months, yielding a two-year recurrence rate of 2.5%. From the data presented it may be concluded that laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia with intra-peritoncal placement of the DualMesh confers the advantages of minimal access surgery and appears to be technically feasible, safe and effective, with good clinical outcome of no intra-operative, or major postoperative complications, and a very low recurrence rate

Colorimetric determination of ramipril, enalapril maleate and fosinopril in their pharmaceutical formulations

Two new spectrophotometric methods were developed for the determination of three angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, namely, ramipril, enalapril maleate and fosinopril. The first method was based on the oxidation of the three drugs by Fe[III] in presence of 1.10-phenanthroline, the formed tris-[Fe-o-phen]complex in acetate buffer and optimum pH was measured at [lambda][max] 510 nm with linear relationship over concentration range from 6-50 micro gml[-1] and molar absorptivity 1.2x10[4] 1 mol[-1]cm[-1] for ramipril and enalapril maleate and 1.8x10[4] 1 mol[-1]cm[-1] for fosinopril. The second method was based on measuring the formed tris -[Fe-bipyridyl]complex in the same condition at [lambda][max] 540 nm with linear relationship in concentration range from 10-54 micro gml[-1] and molar absorptivity of 1.0x10[4] 1 mol[-1]cm[-1] for ramipril, 1.6x10[4] 1 mol[-1]cm[-1] for and enalapril maleate and 1.57x10 [4] mol[-1]cm[-1] for fosinopril. The two methods hold their accuracy and precision well when applied to the determination of the studied drugs in their dosage forms

Duodenal and gastric mucosal histopathologic changes in patients with giardiasis

Giardiasis occurs most frequently in subtropical and tropical settings and in areas with poor sanitary conditions. Prevalence varies from 2 to 7% in developed countries to 40% in developing countries. In Egypt; the rate reported is around 15% in patients with gastrointestinal complaints. The histopathology of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract of patients with giardiasis as shown by endoscopy and biopsy is ill defined. Reported histopathological changes in duodenum and gastric mucosa varies from 3.4% to 50% in different studies.Thirty two stool positive cases of giardiasis and 11 stool-Giardia negative controls were studied; biopsies were taken from duodenum and stomach [body and antrum] from each patient. In addition to studying the pathological changes, duodenal biopsies were studied for the presence of Giardia lamblia and gastric biopsies for Helicobacter pylori.Giardia lamblia were detected in 13 of 32 duodenal biopsies [40.6%], chronic inflammation in 27 cases [84%], partial villous atrophy in 13 [40.6%] and fibrosis in 5 cases [15.6%].Gastric histopathologic changes found were chronic antral gastritis in 29 cases [90.6%], Helicobacter pylori in 21 cases [65.6%], follicular gastritis in 11 cases [34.38%] and mild atrophy in 5 cases [15.5%]. Intraepithelial lymphocytes infiltration to lamina propria was 24 +/- 10.4 / 100 enterocytes. Comparison of gastric and duodenal histopathological changes in patients and controls showed significant difference in chronic antral gastritis [P = 0.007], intraepithelial lymphocytes infiltration [P = 0.04] and partial villous atrophy [P = 0.05]. Among the 32 patients group pathological changes were compared in Giardia positive with Giardia negative biopsies [for chronic inflammation 92.3% versus 78.9%, P = 0.322; for partial villous atrophy 46.2% versus 36.8%, P = 0.612 and for fibrosis 23.1% versus 10.5%, P = 0.159, for the 2 subgroups of Giardia positive and Giardia negative biopsies, respectively. Similar but less marked changes were seen in biopsies from the body of stomach, and changes in the antrum were unrelated to the presence of Giardia lamblia in the duodenum. A careful search for Giardia lamblia in stool is important in patients with the gastrointestinal complaints of abdominal cramps, bloating and or diarrhea. In such cases gastric and duodenal mucosal changes can be present even if Giardia is not found in biopsy specimens so long as stool is positive for Giardia lamblia

Effect of garlic on tumor invasion and metastatic potential in induced colon carcinogenesis in rats: histopathological and immunohistochemical study

Preventive intervention of colorectal cancer has become essential as a major portion of the population may develop the disease at some points during their lives. Diet and nutrition play an important role during this multi-step colon carcinogenic process. Inhibitory activity of garlic was tested on Dimethylhydrasin [DMH] induced colon carcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Experimental study was done to investigate the mechanism of garlic action on occurrence of colon neoplasia and liver metastasis as well as the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], matrix metalloproteinase [MMP-2] and CD34 was analyzed in the colonic mucosa. On histopathological examination of colon and liver of the investigated animals, the first [normal control] as well as the fourth group [receiving garlic only] revealed no pathological lesions. In the 2nd group [taking DMH only], colon neoplasia was detected in 21/21 [100%] of animals and liver metastasis in 10/21 [47.6%] while, in the 3rd group [receiving DMH and garlic], the tumor occurrence was detected in 16/32 [50%] of animals with no liver metastasis. Following treatment with garlic, significant suppression of COX-2, MMP-2 expressions [p<0.01] was detected with respect to the carcinogen group. As regards angiogenesis in DMH treated animals, CD34 expression was mostly of grades III and IV compared to grades 1 and II in combined DMH and garlic treated group. It could be concluded that the observed modulatory influences of garlic at the level of suppression of COX-2, MMP-2 and CD34 during DMH induced colon carcinogenesis suggest that the dietary intake of garlic has a chemopreventive and inhibitory effects through the multi-step carcinogenesis

Evaluation of four fixative-stain combinations for identification of intestinal protozoa in faecal sepcimens: a comparative study

Identification of some protozoa in faecal specimens using routine microscopy is sometimes difficult even for the experienced specialist. In order to reach a definite diagnosis, different stains have been routinely used. Most of the routinely used permanent stains require prior preservation of specimens in hazardous fixative. The objective of the present study is to evaluate four fixative-stain combinations for identification of intestinal protozoa in faecal specimens. Fresh stool specimens from 125 patients were divided into aliquots to which each of three different fixatives was added. Specimens were processed and stained with four different stains. A triple stain mixture [Chlorazol Black E, Fast Green and Jenner's stains] was used for specimens preserved in a Cobalt-Zinc based modified PVA fixative [Co-Zn-PVA]. Lacto-phenol cotton blue [LPCB] and modified iron Haematoxylin [MIHX] stains were used for staining of stool fixed in sodium acetate formaldehyde [SAF]. EcoStain was used for staining of EcoFix preserved stool. The first two stains were used as wet mount stains, while the later two were used for preparation of permanently stained slides. Regarding protozoan recovery, the significant figures were that of Entamoeba spp. when identified by LPCB and EcoStain. The stains identified Entamoeba spp. in 12% and 12.8% respectively of stool specimens which were significantly higher than those detected by each of the triple stain mixture and MIHX stains [8%] [p < 0.05]. Regarding the clarity of morphological details, both Triple stain and EcoStain worked better for flagellates, LPCB and EcoStain better identify trophozoites of Entamoeba spp., while both MIHX and triple stain worked better for cysts of Entamoeba spp. The stains which offered easy identification of protozoa from the contrasting background colours were EcoStain and Triple stain mixture. In addition, MIHX stain identified acid fast protozoa along with other intestinal protozoa in the same slide. There are more acceptable alternatives to the traditional methods of fixation and staining. The quality of staining partly depends on a properly matched fixative. According to the multi-attribute ranking of the four used fixative-staining techniques, EcoStain and EcoFix provided the best quality of staining

Stapled versus ligasure hemorrhoidectomy: a prospective randomized clinical trial

The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy and outcome of Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy [LH] and stapled hemorrhoidopexy [SH] for prolapsed hemorrhoids. Forty six patients with Grades III and IV hemorrhoids were randomized into 2 groups of 23 patients each; Group 1 patients underwent LH whereas group 2 patients underwent SH. Data regarding patient demographics, operative details, postoperative pain score, number of Parenteral analgesic injections, hospital stay, and time to return to work or normal physical activity were all prospectively collected. Early and late postoperative complications as well as recurrence of prolapse were also recorded. All patients were regularly followed-up every two weeks for the first 12 weeks postoperatively, and at 3-month intervals thereafter for a total period of 12 months. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were similar between both groups. The mean operating time, postoperative pain score and Parenteral analgesics, hospital stay and time off work or normal activity were not statistically significant between the two groups [P>0.05]. Likewise, both groups had similar postoperative complications except for a residual prolapse that was observed, at 4 weeks postoperatively, in five patients [21.74%] in the SH group as compared to only one patient [4.34%] in the LH group [P=0.043]. Although prolapse recurrence, at one year, was also higher among the SH group as compared to the LH group [13.04% vs 4.34%, respectively], yet the difference was not statistically significant [P=0.216]. Both LH and SH are safe and effective procedures for the treatment of Grades III and IV hemorrhoids yielding comparable results and minimal side effects. Further, owing to their low postoperative pain, short hospital stay and rapid return to work, they offer an excellent therapeutic option for prolapsed hemorrhoids

Acute epididymo-orchitis a retrospective study of 189 cases and review of literature

To analyze the clinical features, laboratory results and response to treatment of patients with acute epididymo-orchitis who presented to our urology unit from June 2005 to July 2006 and to review the pathogenesis and outcome. Retrospective study. Urology Department, Al-Sabah Hospital - Kuwait. The medical records of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis from June 2005 to July 2006 were reviewed. Ultrasonography of the scrotum was performed in every case as an aid to make a diagnosis or to exclude other testicular pathologies. Studying the hospital records of 189 patients with acute scrotal swellings due to epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis, admitted at Urology Department Al-Sabah Hospital, Kuwait from June 2005 to July 2006 were reviewed. Epididymo-orchitis is a common clinical syndrome in Urological practice, in men younger than 35 years of age epididymo-orchitis is most often caused by sexually transmitted pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea. In men older than 35 years of age epididymo-orchitis is most often caused by non-sexually transmitted Gram negative enteric organisms causing urinary tract infections. In our retrospective study, we define the exact pathogenesis of acute scrotal swellings and methods to diagnosis and management of acute epididymo-orchitis along with appropriate treatment strategy according to causative organisms

Stem cell transplantation in hematological disorders: a developing country experience-impact of cost considerations

To describe the experience in setting up a bone marrow transplant program at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Sixteen patients were transplanted at Ain Shams University Bone Marrow Transplantation unit from March 2005 to January 2008. Sixteen patients were transplanted with a median age of 25 years. Indications for transplantation were chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, aplastic anemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and aggressive lymphoma. Seven donors and 6 patients were positive for cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G [IgG] antibody [Ab] pretransplant. Only one patient was positive for toxoplasma IgG Ab and another had a high titre for toxoplasma IgM Ab pretransplant. Two donors and 2 recipients were positive for hepatitis B antibody markers; however, none were positive for hepatitis B virus DNA by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. None of the patients or donors were positive for hepatitis C virus via PCR pre-transplant. Acute graft versus host disease [GVHD] was seen in 3 patients, while chronic GVHD was seen in 5 patients. Primary cause of death was recurrence in 2 patients and graft failure in one patient. Thirteen are alive and disease free with a median follow-up of 20 months. Although our unit is a relatively new unit, these results are comparable to those achieved in the Western world and cost a mean of US$250,000