Antibiotic prescription in the management of endodontic infections amongst Iraqi final-year undergraduate dental students

Aim This study aimed to examine the prescription of antibiotics for endodontic infections among undergraduate dental students. Methods Two government Iraqi dental schools [(the University of Baghdad (UOB) (n=99) and University of Babylon (UB) (n=70)], and one private dental school [Osouldeen University College (OUC) (n=103)] were included in this survey study. A paper-based questionnaire composed of seven questions was distributed to students, and collected. A chi-square test was used for data analysis, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (P=0.05). Results A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was identified between students' answers in the three dental schools regarding antibiotic selection for endodontic infections in which patients had no known allergies (P=0.001). In comparison to other dental schools, a statistically significantly higher proportion of respondents from UOB (32%) favored Azithromycin 500mg for treating patients with penicillin hypersensitivity (P=0.003). A high percentage of participants (62.1%) selected antibiotic prescription in cases with necrotic pulp and symptomatic apical periodontitis (with swelling and moderate/severe preoperative symptoms). However, there were no significant differences between the 3 dental schools (P>0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, a significantly greater percentage of UB chose amoxicillin for the treatment of endodontic infection in patients with no medical allergies. Azithromycin 500mg was selected by UOB as the preferred option in patients who were sensitive to penicillin. Our findings support the need for the implementation of strategies to raise awareness of good antibiotic prescribing practices among dentists in Iraq.

Effect of Thymoquinone on skeletal muscle regeneration via assessment of Pax-7 and Myo-D expression in the DMBA-treated hamster pouch / Efeito da Timoquinona na regeneração muscular esquelética através da avaliação da expressão das proteínas Pax-7 e Myo-D em bolsa jugal de hamsters tratados com DMBA

Objective: Pax-7 and Myo-D regulate satellite cells' activation and differentiation, thus muscle regeneration following damage. This research aimed to investigate the effect of Thymoquinone (TQ) on skeletal muscle regeneration following 7,12-dimethylbenz-(a)-anthracene (DMBA)-induced injury in the hamster buccal pouch via immunohistochemical assessment of Pax-7 and Myo-D expression. Material and Methods: 65 male golden Syrian hamsters were divided into 3 groups: Group 1: (n=5) received no treatment. Group 2: (n=20) served as a positive control. The left buccal pouches were painted with the carcinogen 3/week/ 6weeks. Group 3: (n=40) were subdivided into two equal sub-groups as follows: Group 3a: (n=20) were given one i.p. TQ injection. Group 3b: (n=20) were given two i.p. TQ injections. Five animals from each group (2 and 3) were euthanized at 24, 48 hrs, one, and two weeks after the last injection. A blood sample (2 ml) was withdrawn for assessment of TNF-α levels in serum. Serial sections of the pouches were examined histologically (H&E), and immunohistochemically (IHC) for the detection of Pax-7 and Myo-D proteins. Results: double i.p injections of TQ resulted in a significant elevation in the level of TNF-α from the second-day post-injection with a progressive formation of the muscle fibers (MFs) and mononuclear cells (MNCs) around the deeper blood vessels. At 14 days, no statistically significant difference was found between this group and group '2', while the difference remained significant compared to groups '1' and '3a'. The muscle fibers were more mature and compact. IHC results showed positive expression of the perivascular mononuclear cells (MNCs) to both Pax-7 and Myo-D with positive reactivity of the peripheral nuclei of muscle fibers to Pax-7 compared to the negative reaction in the positive control group. Conclusion: early and two TQ injections had a promising effect on the induction of striated muscle regeneration, mainly by non-myogenic stem cells (AU)

Objetivo: Pax-7 e Myo-D regulam a ativação e diferenciação de células satélites durante a regeneração muscular pós-trauma. Assim, objetivamos investigar o efeito da timoquinona (TQ) na regeneração muscular esquelética após injúria causada por 7,12 dimetilbenzantraceno (DMBA) em bolsa jugal de hamsters, através da análise imuno-histoquímica de Pax-7 e Myo-D. Material e Métodos: 65 hamsters-sírios machos foram divididos em 3 grupos: Grupo 1: (n=5) controle negativo, sem tratamento. Grupo 2: (n=20) controle positivo. A bolsa jugal do lado esquerdo recebeu aplicação do DMBA por 3 e 6 semanas. Grupo 3: (n=40) receberam aplicação de DMBA e foram então subdivididos em: Grupo 3a: (n=20) que recebeu 1 injeção intraperitoneal (ip) de TQ e Grupo 3b: (n=20) que recebeu duas injeções ip de TQ. Cinco animais dos grupos 2 e 3 foram eutanasiados em 24 horas, 48 horas, 7 dias e 14 dias após a administração de DMBA e da última injeção de TQ. Amostras de sangue (2 ml) foram coletadas para avaliação dos níveis séricos de TNF-α. Cortes seriados da bolsa jugal dos animais foram analisados histologicamente (H&E), e através de imunohistoquimica (IHC) para avaliação das proteínas Pax-7 e Myo-D. Resultados: duas injeções ip de TQ aumentaram os níveis séricos TNF-α à partir do segundo dia pós-administração com formação progressiva de fibras musculares (MFs) e células mononucleares (MNCs) ao redor dos vasos sanguíneos. No dia 14, não houve diferença estatística entre o grupo 3b e o grupo 2, enquanto a diferença permaneceu entre o grupo 1 e 3a. As MFs apresentavam-se mais maduras e compactas. A IHC mostrou expressão de Pax-7 e Myo-D nas MNCs ao redor dos vasos, e houve expressão nuclear de Pax-7 nas MFs no grupo 2. Conclusão: ambos regimes de administração do TQ, 1 ou 2 aplicações ip, apresentaram efeito promissor na indução da regeneração muscular esquelética, principalmente nas células não-miogênicas.(AU)

Assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness using optical coherence tomography in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common ocular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and considered one of the leading causes of blindness in developed countries. Diabetic retinopathy is predominantly amicroangiopathy in which high glucose levels can make small blood vessels particularly, vulnerable to damage. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measured by Swept Source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Patients and Methods: The study was an observational cross-sectional study. The study was conducted on 40 eyes of diabetic patients from the outpatient clinic in ophthalmology department of Al-Azhar University Hospitals. All patients were subjected to a complete ophthalmic examination including OCT. Results: The current study showed a negative correlation between parameters related to DM (duration of DM, and state of glycemic control measured by HbA1C) and all the parameters related to RNFL, and RGCL thickness but this correlation was statistically insignificant, and there was statistically significant decrease in superior RNFL thickness in patients with mild DR than patients with no DR, however, this difference was statistically insignificant in all parameters related to RGCL thickness in the two groups. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides non-invasive, quantitative and objective measurement of RNFL thickness, optic nerve head, and RGCL thickness with high resolution and accuracy. This could be the method of choice for monitoring the neurodegenerative changes in DR

Comparison between the effect of two regimens for hepatitis c treatment [qurevo and ribavirin] and [sofosbuvir, daclatsvir and ribavirin] on patients above and below the age of 60 years

Background: the goal of antiviral treatment is to prevent complications of the disease, mainly cirrhosis and HCC. New therapy options, known as direct acting antiviral [DAA] regimens, offer the promise of increased success rates complimented by shorter treatment durations, improve side effect profiles, and simplified treatment monitoring

Aim of the Work: to compare between the effect of oral antiviral treatment especially [Quervo and Ribavirin] and [Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir and Ribavirin] between elderly patients above 60 years and young people below this age as regard: Response to treatment, Development of complication

Patients and Methods: the study was conducted on 100 Egyptian patients they were divided into 2 groups each one received one of the two treatment regimens then each group divided into 2 subgroups, subgroup A include patients below 60 years and subgroup B include patients above 60 years. The selected patients were subjected to History taking, Complete physical examination, Pelviabdominal ultrasound, Laboratory investigations: complete blood count, bilirubin and liver enzymes before and after treatment, INR, creatinine, albumin, HBs Ag, HIV antibodies and Alpha feto proteins, HCV RNA

Results: there is no significant difference between two treatment regimens. Both regimens show cure rate about 94%, 96% achieved SVR with [sofosbuvir daclatasvir and ribavirin regimen], [quervo and ribavirin regimen] respectively. Both regimens are effective in elderly patients above 60 years as young patients below this age in both regimens, response of treatment in both regimens in elderly patients above 60 years is 96%. Gender doesn't affect treatment outcome. Anemia develop in 34% of patients receiving sofosbuvir, daclatasvir and ribavirin regimen, and in 58% of patients receiving quervo and ribavirin regimen. Females developed anemia more frequent than males in both regimens. Both regimens developed hepatobiliary complication, 12%, 18% developed hyperbilirubinemia with [sofosbuvir daclatasvir and ribavirin regimen], [quervo and ribavirin regimen] respectively

Conclusion: treatment with [sofosbuvir daclatasvir and ribavirin regimen] or [quervo and ribavirin regimen] is highly effective with little differences between them; also age and gender have no role in achieving SVR Complications such as anemia and hyperbilirubinemia occur in treatment with both regimens and more frequent with [quervo and ribavirin regimen]

White mineral trioxide aggregate mixed with calcium chloride dihydrate: chemical analysis and biological properties

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and biological properties of fast-set white mineral trioxide aggregate (FS WMTA), which was WMTA combined with calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl₂·2H₂O), compared to that of WMTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surface morphology, elemental, and phase analysis were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The cytotoxicity and cell attachment properties were evaluated on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) using methyl-thiazol-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay and under SEM after 24 and 72 hours, respectively. RESULTS: Results showed that the addition of CaCl₂·2H₂O to WMTA affected the surface morphology and chemical composition. Although FS WMTA exhibited a non-cytotoxic profile, the cell viability values of this combination were lesser than WMTA, and the difference was significant in 7 out of 10 concentrations at the 2 time intervals (p < 0.05). HPLFs adhered over the surface of WMTA and at the interface, after 24 hours of incubation. After 72 hours, there were increased numbers of HPLFs with prominent cytoplasmic processes. Similar findings were observed with FS WMTA, but the cells were not as confluent as with WMTA. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of CaCl₂·2H₂O to WMTA affected its chemical properties. The favorable biological profile of FS WMTA towards HPLFs may have a potential impact on its clinical application for repair of perforation defects.

Unusual Deviation of the Main Foramen from the Root Apex

Abstract The relationship of the main foramen to the anatomic root apex has been the subject of several studies. Although they are anatomically close, they rarely coincide, and their distance can vary according to age or tooth type, ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 mm. The aim of this short communication was to evaluate the distance between the main foramen of independent middle mesial canals (MMCs) and the anatomical mesial root apex of mandibular first molars using the micro-computed tomography. Twenty-five mandibular first molars with MMCs were scanned (resolution of 9.9 µm), and the distance from its main foramen to the anatomical apex was evaluated. Overall, the distance ranged from 0.2 to 2.4 mm; however, in 3 specimens the distance was greater than 3 mm. This report demonstrates that the exit of the main foramen of the MMC varies considerably and could approach a substantial distance from the anatomical apex greater than previously reported in the literature.

Resumo A relação do forame principal com o ápice anatômico da raiz tem sido objeto de vários estudos. Embora estejam anatomicamente próximos, eles raramente coincidem, e a sua distância pode variar de acordo com a idade ou o tipo de dente, oscilando entre 0,2 e 3,0 mm. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar que a saída foraminal do canal mediano (MMC), presente na raiz mesial de molares inferiores, pode apresentar variações significativas, atingindo distâncias acima de 3 mm do ápice anatômico. Vinte e cinco primeiros molares inferiores com MMC foram escaneados (resolução de 9,9 mm) e a distância do forame principal ao ápice anatômico avaliada. Em geral, a distância mostrou variações consideráveis; no entanto, em 3 espécimes esta distância ficou acima de 3 mm. Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar que a saída do forame principal de canais medianos de primeiros molares inferiores pode apresentar variações consideráveis, podendo atingir distâncias maiores do que as relatadas previamente na literatura.

An Alternative Inactivant for Rift Valley Fever Virus using Cobra Venom-derived L-Amino Oxidase, which is Related to its Immune Potential

ABSTRACT Vaccine improvement depends on the formulation, adjuvant type and inactivant used. The type of formulation may interfere with immunogenicity. The present work aimed to evaluate the inactivation activity and related immune potential of the Cobra venom-derived LAO enzyme compared to the currently used inactivants (BPL and formalin) for both animal and human vaccines. The RVF virus was completely inactivated within 6 hrs, 4 hrs and 2 hrs after treatment with Formalin, LAO and BPL, respectively. The vaccine potency [ED50] was arranged in a descending order from formalin (0.016) to BPL (0.005) and LAO (0.002). The total IgG levels, Neutralizing Index (NI) and Interferon levels were significantly increased compared to those detected after immunization with the BPL- and Formalin-inactivated vaccine candidates.

In Vitro Schistosomicidal Activity of Phytol and Tegumental Alterations Induced in Juvenile and Adult Stages of Schistosoma haematobium

There is renewed interest in natural products as a starting point for discovery of drugs for schistosomiasis. Recent studies have shown that phytol reveals interesting in vivo and in vitro antischistosomal properties against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Here, we report the in vitro antischistosomal activity of phytol against Schistosoma haematobium juvenile and adult worms and alterations on the tegumental surface of the worms by means of scanning electron microscopy. The assay, which was carried out with 6 concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 μg/ml) of phytol, has shown a promising activity in a dose and time-dependent manner. There was a significant decline in the motility of the worms and a mortality rate of 100% was found at 48 hr after they had been exposed to phytol in the concentration of 150 μg/ml. Male worms were more susceptible. On the ultrastructural level, phytol also induced tegumental peeling, disintegration of tubercles and spines in addition to morphological disfiguring of the oral and ventral suckers. This report provides the first evidence that phytol is able to kill S. haematobium of different ages, and emphasizes that it is a promising natural product that could be used for development of a new schistosomicidal agent.

Nano-computed tomography: current and future perspectives

No abstract available.

Effects of Bilberry on Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage and Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance in the Lens, Induced by Ultraviolet Radiation

Background: This study investigated the possible protective effects of bilberry extract after exposing rat eyes to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Methods: Four groups of rats were included in this study, each consisting of 10 Wistar rats. The first group acted as the control, and the second group was exposed to UV-B, 5 KJ/m2 (λm = 300 nm), for 15 minutes. The third group was orally administered bilberry extract (160 mg twice per day) for two weeks before exposure to the UV-B, while the fourth group was administered the same dose of bilberry extract for two weeks before euthanisation. A comet assay was used to examine DNA damage, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), activities were measured in the lens. Results: After exposing the rats to UV-B radiation, the mean percentage tail DNA and tail moment were significantly increased (P < 0.001) when compared to the control group. In the same context, the lens tissue MDA levels and CAT activity were also significantly increased (P < 0.001). The supplementation of the bilberry extract was found to improve the comet assay parameters and enzymatic activity of the rat lens tissue. Conclusion: The administration of bilberry led to a decrease in the oxidative stress in the lens tissues and DNA damage induced by UV-B radiation in the lenses of Wistar rats.

A survey on light intensity outputs of QTH, cabled and cordless LED light curing units

Light intensity output is one of the determinants for adequate curing of visible light-cured materials. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the light intensity outputs (LIOs) of light curing units (LCUs) in dental clinics of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) and School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The respective LIOs of all functioning Quartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) LCUs were tested using two light radiometers. For cordless LED LCUs, the testing procedure was done in situ and after being fully charged. Statistical analysis using Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests were performed to compare the LIOs between groups and between the LIOs of in situ and post-charged cordless LED LCUs, respectively. The level of significance was set at 0.05 (p<0.05). The results revealed that 72.72%, 42.47% and 92% of QTH, cabled LED and cordless LED LCUs exhibited acceptable LIOs, respectively. Data analysis using Kruskal Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p<0.05). The intergroup comparisons using multiple Mann Whitney test with Bonferroni correction revealed a significant difference between the LIOs of cordless LED and both QTH and cabled LED (p<0.017). The difference between the LIOs of in situ and post charged cordless LED LCUs was also significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, both QTH and cordless LED LCUs performed better in term of LIOs than cabled LED LCUs. Periodic testing of LCUs is essential to ensure optimal performance.

Studies on H1N1 vaccine-induced monoamines alternations and oxidative stress on brain of adult mice.

Over the past decade illness outbreaks have posed a serious threat to human life and well-being. The 2009 outbreak H1N1/A influenza virus also was expected to disproportionately affect healthy young persons under the age of 25 years. A small amount of the preservative thimerosal is routinely added to many vaccine preparations, including H1N1 vaccine. Thimerosal is an organic mercurial containing an ethylmercury moiety attached to the sulfur atom of thiosalicylate. Since the 1930s, thimerosal has been used as an antiseptic and a preservative in a wide variety of products, to investigate the monoamines alternation and oxidative stress induced after H1N1 vaccine injection, adult male Swiss mice were injected with thiomerosal, adjuvant, H1N1 antigen and H1N1 vaccine. Results obtain on the present study showed that thiomerosal, H1N1 antigen and H1N1 vaccine were caused significant decrease in norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) contents of hypothalamus, striatum and cerebral cortex. The alternation in NE and DA was associated with significant increase in oxidative markers namely lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide, oxidation induction was extent to cause significant decrease in glutathione level. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that H1N1 vaccine as a whole and/or its ingredient caused oxidative stress and monoamines alternations in brain of mice. The present observation could be due to the presence of thiomerosal.

Identification of forensically important arthropods on exposed remains during summer season in northeastern Egypt / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To document the arthropod succession pattern and to identify forensically important species in northeastern Egypt (32° 15' E and 30° 36' N) for the first time.@*METHODS@#Carcasses were exposed in an open area for 60 days during summer season. Ambient daily temperature (maximum and minimum) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded and existing keys were used for identification of different species.@*RESULTS@#During the period of study, the mean of maximum and minimum temperatures were 34.85 °C and 29.2 °C respectively, while the mean of RH was 53.5%. Four stages of decomposition were observed: fresh, bloat, decay and dry. The most abundant orders were found to be Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Arthropods were collected belonging to 4 families of Diptera: Muscidae, Fanniidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. While there were 2 families of Coleoptera: Dermestidae and Histeridae. Monomorium species was the only Hymenoptera family in this study.@*CONCLUSION@#The present work provided a basis for further studies dealing with insect colonization of carcasses in different seasons and locations in Egypt.

effect of weight reduction versus reduction mammoplasty on the pulmonary function parameters and leptin level in obese-macromazia subjects

Background: Obese subjects with breast hypertrophy are suffering not only from cosmetic aspects but also negatively affecting the quality of their life so, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of weight reduction versus reduction-mammoplasty on pulmonary function parameters and serum-leptin level

Subjects and methods: Forty females with obesity and macromazia were enrolled into the study. They were classified into two groups, group [1] twenty females who were seeking reduction mammoplasty, and group [2] twenty females who refused surgery and were seeking diet-control regimen. Both groups were matched as regards age and body mass index [BMI]. Pulmonary function parameters [FVC%, FEV[1]%, FEV[1]/FVC and PEFR%] and serum leptin level were measured before starting the intervention in both groups and after starting it by three months

Results: Reduction mammoplasty significantly increases FVC% with non-significant improvement regarding BMI and serum leptin level. On the other hand, diet control regimen improves FEV[1]%, FVC%, FEV[1]/FVC and PEFR% with a significant reduction of BMI and serum leptin levels

Conclusion: Reduction mammoplasty can play a role in improving restrictive pulmonary function parameters while diet control regimen has a more significant improvement in both obstructive and restrictive pulmonary function parameters and in the reduction of BMI and serum leptin level in obese subjects with macromazia

Management of a maxillary first molar tooth with unusual mesiobuccal root anatomy

Sufficient knowledge on the root and root canal anatomy is essential for practicing root canal treatment. The mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molar teeth present an endodontic challenge due to their wide variability and complexity of their internal morphological landmarks. A review on the literature indicates that the prevalence of a third mesiobuccal root canal in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary molar teeth may reach 9%, and the root canal configuration usually is type XV (3-2). These reported data reveal the importance of absolute awareness for this anatomical aberration that requires special attention from dental practitioners while commencing root canal treatment in maxillary molar teeth. Hence, this article aims to report and describe the management of a maxillary first molar tooth with three mesiobuccal root canals, but with an unusual configuration.

Impact of Breast Cancer and Combination Chemotherapy on Oxidative Stress, Hepatic and Cardiac Markers / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Carcinoma of the breast is the most prevalent cancer among Egyptian women and constitutes 29% of National Cancer Institute cases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of breast cancer on oxidative stress, cardiac markers and liver function tests, moreover the role of 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) in the treatment of breast cancer and its mechanism through changing the measured markers. METHODS: Forty female breast cancer patients who were admitted to the Department of Oncology of the Beni-Suef University Hospital were enrolled in the study. This study included three arms: a control group of healthy age-matched females (n=20), breast cancer patients who weren't receiving treatment (n=20), and patients undergoing treatment with anticancer combination drugs FAC (n=20). Blood samples collected from the control subjects and patients were analysed to determine levels of catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), uric acid, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), and creatinine. RESULTS: The levels of catalase and GSH were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in breast carcinoma and FAC treated breast cancer patients. The lipid peroxidation and NO levels were significantly enhanced in both untreated and FAC treated breast cancer patients. The CK and LDH were significantly enhanced (p<0.05) in the FAC group. CONCLUSION: The results from the present study show that oxidative stress is implicated in breast carcinoma and chemotherapy aggravates this oxidative stress which causes damage to many cellular targets and has the main side effect of cardiotoxicity.

Comparison of thris-EDTA and threhalose on DNA quality under different storage conditions "medico-legal view"

DNA storage is important to ensure integrity of DNA sample and maintain its availability while investigations. The best known condition for storage of DNA samples is by using Tris-EDT [TE]; as preservative agent, stored at -80[degree sign]C. A potential alternative to TE is trehalose which could stabilize any biological molecule at room temperature [RT]. Assessment of the optimal storage conditions which maintains quality of blood DNA samples with economical advantage. A case-control study using 8 groups of human blood DNA stored at 2 different temperatures [-80 [degree sign]C,RT] and preserved by using TE and trehalose. The effectiveness of storage conditions were tested at certain intervals [at set-up then after 3 and 6 month] using PCR assay of 18s ribosomal gene to evaluate DNA quality. DNA was assessed by running yield gels. PCR success rate were 43.8% and 62.8% using TE and trehalose respectively. After 6 months, PCR success rate were 25% for TE and 62.5% for trehalose [p<0.05]. The relative risk [RR] of poor quality associated with using trehalose is 0.4. Trehalose serves as an alternative to expensive freezer storage. It has a DNA protective effect which helps in preservation even trace DNA while judicial proceedings continue

Erectile dysfunction: Current diagnosis and risk factors in Upper Egypt

Erectile dysfunction [ED] has taken an increasing importance in andrology and vascular practice. Recognizing the pathological pattern of ED assists in choosing the best method of treatment Normal erectile function needs good arterial inflow for adequate volume expansion of the cavernously sinusoids, sufficient to cause restriction of venous outflow and retention of the penile blood flow. Color flow Doppler analysis after intra-cavernous injection of vaso-active drugs has been reported to be a minimally invasive, accurate method, and considered to be the gold-standard technique for evaluating penile hemodynamics. It becomes one of the useful diagnostic methods for evaluation of ED. to diagnose types of erectile dysfunction and to evaluate the risk factors. From january to August 2006, 280 married patients with ED referred from andrology and vascular surgery clinics to radiology department, of Assiut University Hospital to be included and diagnosed according to International Index of Erectile Function. They aged from 21-63 years and age >40 were considered a risk factor. Full history and clinical examination [including vascular examination of peripheral blood vessels and examination of the external genitalia] was done. Pharmacodynamics color Doppler was done to all patients using Acuson XP/10 machine, and 7 MHz frequencies transducer. Gray scale and color Doppler imaging was performed to the penis to visualize the anatomic details of the corpora cavernosa, cavernosal arteries and surrounding structures. Vaso-dilating agent 20 micro g prostaglandin E1 [PGEI] was injected directly into the corpus cavernosma. Peak systolic velocity [PSV] and end diastolic velocity [EDV] of the cavernosal artery was measured. The resistivity index [Rl] was readily calculated by the machine and given. Description of sildenafil citrate [Viagra] 50 mg orally for six coitus times in all patients was done and they were objectively reevaluated. Patients with peripheral arterial diseases, Leriche syndrome or ischemic heart disease were excluded from the study. Patients mean age was 37.68 +/- 10.85 years and was from 4 months to 15 years and the mean duration of impotence was 3.92 +/- 4.06 years. History of risk factors as smoking was present in 47%, age > 40 years in 35% diabetes in 28%, and drugs induce impotence in 10% of ED patients. Normal Doppler-findings were present in 67.8% of ED patients and were diagnosed non-vasculogenic ED [psychogenic in 32.2 %, idiopathic in 28.5% and neurogenic in 7.1 % of ED patients]. .Abnormal Doppler findings were present in 32.2% of ED patients and were diagnosed as vascurlogenic ED [13.5% of total ED patients were venogenic, 10.5% were arteriogenic and 8.2% were combined ED]. vasculogenic ED patients were venogenic in 41.1%, arteriogenic in 33.3% and combined in 25.6% of them. Doppler study showed a significant decrease ii cavernously artery PSV and RI and a significant increase m EDV values in vasculobogenic group than those of total patients and non-vasculogenic group. Arteriogenic group showed a significantly lower PSV values and venogenic group showed a significantly lower. RI and significantly higher EDV values than those of non-vasculogenic group. No significant difference was present in-between non-vasculogenic groups regarding their Doppler values. Sildenafil citrate [Viagra] response was present in all patients and varies between grade II in 21.6% and grade III and lV in 78.4% of ED patiens. Vasculogenic and psychogenic ED got response in 100% of them. Idiopathic and neuogenic ED response was in 70% and 40% of them respectively. Erectile dysfunction could be vasculogenic or non-vasdogenic as psychogenic, idiopathic, or neurogenic. Pharmacodynamic color Doppler using PGE1 is diagnostic, safe and minimally invasive method to differentiate vasculogenic from nonvasculogenic typs. Risk factors concerned in ED are diabetes, smoking and some drugs. Sildenafil citrate can give good result with vasculogenic and psycogenic and to less extent with idiopathic and neurogenic ED

Hematological and biochemical studies on workers occupationally exposed to pesticides

Pesticides can cause many problems in exposed individuals. Twenty-tour workers exposed to pesticides have been investigated. They were divided into two groups. The first group is the applicators of pesticides [14 workers] and the second group is the salesmen who sale pesticides in the market [10 workers]. Ten non-exposed individuals were used as control. Hemoglobin content [Hb], hematocrit value [Hct], red blood cells [ABCs], white blood cells counts [WBCs], mean corpuscular volume [MCVI, mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC] were measured. Biochemical liver functions: Serum aspartate aminotransferases [ASTI, and alanine aminotransferases [ALTI, renal functions: creatinine [CR] and uric acid [UAJ, acetyl cholinesterase [AChE] activity, and total protein [TP] were estimated in the occupationally and non-occupationally exposed groups. Significant decrease was observed in the hematological parameters [Hb, RBCs, WBCs], plasma AChE activity, and the total protein. In contrast, significant increase in serum AST activity, creatinine, and uric acid concentrations were recorded in the exposed groups when compared with the non-exposed groups. Also, significant increase in MCV and MCH values of the two exposed groups was found. Salesmen were more affected than the applicator group. These results suggested that Salesmen group were exposed to various pesticides and for a long time during day by different routes of exposure