Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of Pulicaria crispa (Forssk. ) Oliv. (Asteraceae)

Abstract Some plants of the genus Pulicaria have been used in traditional medicines for treating back pain and inflammation. They possess various bioactivities such as antipyretic, analgesic, and hepatoprotective. This study aimed to investigate the potential analgesic, antipyretic, anti- inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of Pulicaria crispa (P. crispa) extract (PCE). Analgesic activity was evaluated using the hot plate and acetic acid-induced writhing tests. Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using rectal temperature and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema methods, respectively. CCl4-intoxication was used for hepatoprotective activity. Also, liver histopathology was assessed. PCE, at 500 mg/kg, exhibited significant analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and bilirubin of CCl4-exposed rats reflects their liver injury. PCE significantly decreased the elevated liver markers. The hepatoprotective effect of PCE was confirmed, as it successfully reversed the altered levels of total protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) in the liver tissues of CCl4-exposed rats. Histopathological studies confirmed the hepatoprotective nature of PCE. Pretreatment of rats with PCE reduced the severity of CCl4-induced liver damage. These findings concluded that PCE possesses analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities.

Study Of The Anti-Hyperlipidemic Effect Of The Combined Administration Of Three Natural Extracts In A Poloxamer-407 Hyperlipidemic Model And Their Lc-Esi-Ms/Ms2 And Hplc Profiling

Objective: Dyslipidaemia is considered a high-risk factor for inducing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study aims to investigate the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the co-administration of the ethanol extracts of both ginger (root and rhizome) and leek (leaves and bulbs) in addition to the aqueous extract of gum arabic.  Methods: Rats were divided into eight groups: Hyperlipidaemia was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of Poloxamer 407 (P-407) [1 g/kg], negative control [saline injected], hyperlipidemic control [P-407 injected], positive control [Atorvastatin 70 mg/kg], groups four, five and six received ginger extract (400 mg/kg), leek extract (500 mg/kg) and gum arabic aqueous extract (7.5 g/kg) respectively and groups seven and eight received a co-administration of ginger, leek and gum arabic extracts at doses A and B respectively. Lipid profile was monitored. The profiling of all the tested extracts was performed by LC-ESI/MS and HPLC. Results: A significant anti-hyperlipidemic activity (P<0.05) was seen for group eight among all the tested groups producing ≈54%, 72%, 50% and 72% decrease in the measured parameters total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) respectively. An overall of 56 and 45 compounds were tentatively identified in the ethanol extracts of ginger and leek, respectively. Galactose and arabinose sugars were found to be the major saccharides in gum arabic and glucuronic acid was the major polyuronide part. Conclusion: the co-administration of a group of natural extracts in the given concentration proved to be more effective than the use of synthetic drugs or the use of a single component.

Evaluation of Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Different Bioactive Fractions Present in Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Root Extract: An in-vitro Approach

Aimand Objectives:Boerhavia diffusa(B. diffusa) frequently known as punarnava is specifically used to replenish the body. The present work was designed to evaluate the scavenging potentialof its bioactive constituents. Materials and Methods:The different fractions ofB. diffusaroot methanolic extractwere examined for phenolic, flavonoids contents, DPPH free radical and Nitric oxide scavenging activities. Further antioxidant activity wasevaluated by ABTS free radical scavenging method and also from the reducing potential scavenging activity. The total phenolic content in different fractions by using various solvent like ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol were carried out to find the antioxidant activities. Results:The phenolic content was highest in ethanolic fraction that was significantly comparable with ascorbic acid. The flavonoid content was highest in ethanol fraction (41.93 ± 3.92 μg/mL) followed by n-butanol fraction (31.68 ± 1.72 μg/mL), then ethyl acetate fraction (29.67 ± 2.83 μg/mL) and least in chloroform fraction (16.91 ± 2.74 μg/mL). The ethanolic fraction of B. diffusaalso showed highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (101.29 ± 3.78) when compared with other fractions of same extract using different solvent phases. Moreover the nitric oxide scavenging activity of ethanolic fraction was maximum (82.31 ± 2.83) than different fractions. The ethanolic fraction also showed improved ABTS radical scavenging activity (81.73 ± 2.73 mg/mL) while chloroform fraction showed poor ABTS radical cation scavenging activity (29.51 ± 2.79 mg/mL). Conclusions:The study concludes that Boerhavia diffusa has rich and ample source of phenolic acid and flavonoids. Among all fractions the ethanolic has potent antioxidant activity, which shows its significance for a better novel approach.

Thyroid disorders, epidemiology and outcome among patients in South Western region: Southern Saudi Arabia

Background: Thyroid gland may have a group of a medical condition that affects its main function. The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones. The released hormones go through the blood to many body organs for regulating their function, meaning that it is an endocrine organ. These hormones normally act in the body to regulate energy use, infant development, and childhood development. The study aimed to assess the epidemiology of thyroid disorders among cases in the south-western region, Saudi Arabia, and to assess the reporting quality for these cases data.Methods: A retrospective record based descriptive approach was used through reviewing medical records of all cases that were admitted and diagnosed as thyroid related disorders for different indications in the main hospital (king Khalid Hospital) during the period from January 2018 to January 2020. Data extracted throng pre-structured questionnaire including patient's bio-clinical data, preoperative radiological and laboratory investigations. Also, laryngoscope pre and post operatively was reviewed to record findings.Results: The study included 405 cases with thyroid disorders whose ages ranged from 15 to 71 years old with a mean age of 30.5±10.6 years. Females were 82.7% of the included cases, and 83.8% were Saudi. Thyroid related symptoms were recorded for 1-2 years among 58.1% of the cases and for more than 5 years among 15.8%. Thyroid enlargement was recorded for 73.1% of the cases. The multinodular enlargement was recorded for 53.5% of the cases followed with diffuse thyroid enlargement (27.3%). Regarding the type of surgery undergone, total thyroidectomy was the most recorded followed with lobectomy.Conclusions: The study revealed that the majority of the cases were females at middle age presented with benign lesions with Euthyroid status. The most important conclusion was the significant remarkable underreporting of the different clinical data for the cases with many missing items.

Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients’ Knowledge Regarding the Modifiable Risk Factors of Heart Disease

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is a condition of the heart that occurs when blood flowto the heart muscles is stopped abruptly. The disruption in blood flow to the heart muscles is usually caused by ablockage of one or several coronary arteries. Heart attacks can be fatal owing to the critical functions performedby blood in the heart. Fatalities arising from heart attacks are witnessed all over the world. The difference infatality rates of heart attacks is highly dependent on the exposure to risk factors such as smoking and obesity.Healthy living populations will rarely encounter high cases of a heart attack. This study was set out to assess anddocument the knowledge level of acute myocardial infarction patients regarding the modifiable risk factors of aheart attack in Saudi Arabia. Patients suffering from a heart attack are at great danger of fatality. Knowledge ofmodifiable factors can promote healthy living habits and behaviors among them. Methods: A cross-sectionalsurvey was developed to assess knowledge levels of acute myocardial infarction patients in the three cities ofRiyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. A total of 123 participants were recruited through convenient sampling across15 hospitals in the cities. The eligibility criteria for recruitment included a mandatory age of 18 years and SaudiArabian citizenship. Participants were issued with questionnaires containing different questions on modifiablerisk factors (fatty foods, vegetables, fruits, smoking, physical exercise, and obesity). Results: Five out of the sixmodifiable factors represented knowledge levels of less than 50%. Participants were only knowledgeable on therisk factor of obesity which saw 52.8% associating it with a heart attack. Conclusion: There is a need to boosteducation and awareness among acute myocardial infarction patients in Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation of Metabolic Syndrome in Primary Health Care

Background: Metabolic syndrome includes atherogenic dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, andinsulin resistance. This complex of metabolic abnormalities is a risk factor for DM2, stroke, adverse cardiacevents, and hepatic necrosis. In the last few years, studies showed a significant high prevalence of this syndromeamong Saudi males. Central visceral adiposity is thought to be the primary trigger of most pathogenic eventsinvolved in the advent of the syndrome. Objectives: In this paper, our aim is to discuss metabolic syndrome, itsdefinitions, pathophysiology, diagnosis, screening, and the management done for such patients in general withspecial focus to primary healthcare. Methodology: PubMed database was used for articles selection. Conclusion:The syndrome is linked with significant impacts on the patient health; as a result, the health care providers shallbe alarmed on how to screen, diagnose and manage such disease. Prevention of childhood obesity is criticalthrough screening and early diagnosis to save major burden and prevent future complications. Thus, nowadays,the new trend is towards incorporating screening of this syndrome in primary health care centers.

Effect of Finish Line Design and Cement Space Thickness on the Marginal Accuracy of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns / Efeito do desenho da linha de término e da espessura do espaço de cimento na precisão marginal de coroas monolíticas de zircônia

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of finish line design and cement space thickness on the marginal accuracy of monolithic zirconia crowns. Materials and methods: Thirty crowns were fabricated from translucent zirconia (inCoris TZI) using Cerec in-Lab system and divided into three main groups (10 each) according to the finish line type of the die (knife-edge, chamfer, and shoulder). Every group was divided into two subgroups (5 each) according to cement space thickness (20 and50µm). Optical impressions were taken for the dies using the Cerec scanner and cement space was set twice for every finish line design; 20 and 50 µm. The completed crowns were cemented to the dies and the marginal gap was evaluated. The collected data was statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test and the significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Regarding the marginal gap; there was no statistically significant difference between different finish line designs or between different cement space thicknesses. Conclusion: Neither finish line design nor cement space thickness has an effect on the marginal gap of inCoris TZI crowns. (AU)

Declaração do problema: A necessidade de um método minimamente invasivo de preparação de coroa única é inevitável, principalmente com dentes enfraquecidos e com alta probabilidade de irritação pulpar. Portanto, é necessária uma restauração durável e adaptada, com preparação menos invasiva da linha de término. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do design da linha de término e da espessura do espaço de cimento na precisão marginal das coroas monolíticas de zircônia. Material e Métodos: Trinta coroas foram fabricadas a partir de zircônia translúcida (inCoris TZI) usando o sistema Cerec em laboratório, e divididas em três grupos principais (n = 10), de acordo com o tipo de linha de término da matriz (lâmina, chanfro e ombro). Cada grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos (5 cada), de acordo com a espessura do espaço do cimento (20 e 50 µm). Impressões ópticas foram obtidas para as matrizes usando o scanner Cerec e o espaço de cimento foi definido duas vezes para cada projeto de linha de chegada: 20 e 50 µm. As coroas confeccionadas foram cimentadas nos moldes e a diferença marginal foi avaliada. Os dados coletados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste U de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis e o nível de significância foi estabelecido em P ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Em relação ao gap marginal não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre diferentes projetos de linha de acabamento ou entre diferentes espessuras de espaço de cimento. Conclusão: nem o design da linha de término, nem a espessura do espaço de cimento afetam a folga marginal das coroas inCoris TZI. (AU)

SNP mapping and phylogenetic analysis of Saudi Arabian horse breeds based on mitochondrial genome sequencing

Arabian horse breeds (Equus caballus L.) are renowned for elegance, endurance and their contribution to Thoroughbreds. In heredity, the mitochondrial (mt) genome is maternally inherited and represents extensive genetic diversity. The mt genomes of Seglawi and Hadban horse breeds of Saudi Arabia were sequenced to decipher the genetic variations in the coding and non-coding regions. We observed that the coding region of mt genome has 11 and 34 amino acid variations in Seglawi and Hadban breeds, respectively. Sequencing analyses of COX1 gene indicated highest variations of which, 5 in Seglawi and 8 in Hadban followed by the NADH5 gene. The mitochondrial genes of respiratory chain showed positive selections with respect to different environments. Our data also highlighted that the Hadban breed had much higher nucleotide changes as compared to Seglawi and together they formed individual branches in phylogenetic tree. However, the tree shows that they were relatively branched to Arabian horse breeds. This study on two Arabian horses shed light on variations among mt genes and their phylogenetic relationship with other horse breeds.

Epidemiology and Patterns of Leukemia in Northern Saudi Arabia

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the patterns of leukemia in Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted in King Khalid hospital, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) including records of leukemia from 2008 to 2016. Results: The overall Crude Incidence Rate (CIR) of leukemia was 7.45 per 100.000 person-year, including patients diagnosed with different patterns of leukemia in Northern Saudi Arabia. The mean age of patients was 45.4 years with a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 107 years old. Around 43 (59%) were males and 30 (41%) were females. Conclusion: The incidence rates of leukemia are relatively higher in Northern Saudi Arabia, with an increase of all subtype.

Experimental murine model of intra-abdominal infections caused by some non-albicans Candida species

Background: Even though intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC) has been increasingly recognized, with associated high morbidity and mortality rates, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. This model aims to study the pathogenicity and invivo susceptibility of non-albicans Candida species associated with IAC in human in order to predict the frequency of infections, outcome of clinical disease and response to antifungal therapy. Methodology: Both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent female CD-1 mice were challenged intraperitoneally with 5 x 108 CFU/ml inoculum of five non-albicans Candida strains; Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida lipolytica, Candida tropicalis and Candida guilliermondii. Mice were closely observed for symptoms. Treated groups received voriconazole (40 mg/kg/day) or micafungin (10 mg/kg/day) 24 hours after infection depending on invitro susceptibility results. Survival rate, mean survival time and fungal tissue burdens were recorded for all groups. Results: All infected groups developed hepatosplenomegaly, peritonitis and multiple abscesses on intra-abdominal organs and mesenteries. C. glabrata and C. lipolytica represented the most and the least virulent strains respectively in terms of survival rate, mean survival time and fungal burden in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent models. Following treatment, all immunocompetent animals survived the entire duration of experiments (0% mortality rate), while mortality rate was relatively high (20-60%) in immunosuppressed mice. Treatment failed to eradicate the infection in immunosuppressed mice despite significant decrease of the fungal burden and increase mean survival time. Conclusion: This study reports an increasing pathogenicity of non-albicans Candida species, with persistent infection among immunosuppressed animals

A Descriptive Study of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Tertiary Care Clinics of a Caribbean Island / Estudio descriptivo de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en clínicas de atención terciaria de una isla caribeña

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the relationship between severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and quality of life as well as COPD's correlation with depressive symptoms in West Indian subjects. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of outpatients with COPD in tertiary care. The severity of COPD was determined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage, GOLD group, and body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity (BODE) index. Quality of life was assessed by the St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and depression was assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: A total of 105 patients (85.7% male, 37.1% Indo-Trinidadian, 42.9% Afro-Trinidadian, 64.8% primary level education) were recruited with a mean age of 66.9 years (standard deviation: 9.60 years). The median body mass index was 25 kg/m2; 26.7% were underweight. Risk factors identified were: ever-smokers (27.6%), marijuana (20%), biomass (81.9%), passive smoke (70.5%), occupational exposures (80%). The CES-D of 25% of the patients was ≥16. Co-morbidities included diabetes (22%), hypertension (29%), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (10%) and previous myocardial infarction (15%). A total of 59% of the patients reported a monthly household income of less than US$800. Lower level of education was associated with worse SGRQ (total and impact), lower forced expiratory volume in one second, modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC) of ≥ 2 and higher BODE index. Higher GOLD group correlated with worse SGRQ, CAT and CES-D. Higher CES-D was associated with shorter six-minute walk distance, worse SGRQ, CAT and mMRC scores, higher GOLD group and increased COPD admissions per year. Patients with a CES-D of ≥ 16 walked shorter distances. Higher BODE quartile was associated with worse SGRQ, CAT and CES-D scores. Conclusion: Higher GOLD group and higher BODE quartile were associated with worse quality of life scores and higher depression scores. Patients in higher GOLD groups should be screened for depression. Education on COPD should be targeted at those of lower socioeconomic status.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la severidad de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y la calidad de vida, así como la correlación de la EPOC con síntomas depresivos en sujetos antillanos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal de pacientes ambulatorios con EPOC en cuidados terciarios. La severidad de la EPOC fue determinada por la etapa de la Iniciativa Global para la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (GOLD, en inglés), el grupo GOLD, así como el índice de masa corporal, la obstrucción del flujo de aire, la disnea y la capacidad de ejercicio (índice BODE). La calidad de vida fue evaluada mediante el Cuestionario Respiratorio de Saint George (CRSG) y la prueba de evaluación de la EPOC (CAT, en inglés), en tanto que la depresión fue evaluada por la Escala de Depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos (CES-D). Resultados: Un total de 105 pacientes (85.7% varones, 37.1% indotrinitenses, 42.9% afrotrinitenses, 64.8% nivel de educación primaria) fueron reclutados con una edad promedio de 66.9 años (desviación estándar: 9.60 años). El índice de masa corporal promedio fue de 25 kg/m2; 26.7% por debajo del peso normal. Los factores de riesgo identificados fueron: fumar ocasionalmente (27.6%), marihuana (20%), biomasa (81.9%), humo pasivo (70.5%), exposición ocupacional (80%). El CES-D del 25% de los pacientes fue ≥ 16. Las comorbilidades incluyeron diabetes (22%), hipertensión (29%), enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (10%), y previo infarto del miocardio (15%). Un total de 59% de los pacientes reportaron un ingreso mensual familiar de menos de $800 USD. El nivel más bajo de educación se asoció con un peor (CRSG) (total e impacto), menor volumen espiratorio forzado en un segundo, Escala del Consejo de Investigaciones Médicas modificada (mMRC) de ≥ 2, y más alto índice de BODE. Un grupo más alto de GOLD se correlacionó con peores resultados de CRSG, CAT y CES-D. El CES-D más alto se asoció con una caminata de una distancia más corta en seis minutos, peores puntuaciones de CRSG, CAT y mMRC, un grupo más alto de GOLD, y mayores ingresos de EPOC por año. Los pacientes con CES-D de ≥ 16 caminaron distancias más cortas. El cuartil más alto de BODE estuvo asociado con las puntuaciones peores de CRSG, CAT y CES-D. Conclusión: El grupo GOLD más alto y el cuartil más alto de BODE se asociaron con peores puntuaciones de calidad de vida y puntuaciones de depresión más altas. Los pacientes en los grupos de GOLD más altos deben ser tamizados para detectar si padecen depresión. La educación sobre la EPOC debe estar dirigida a aquellos que tienen una situación socioeconómica inferior.

Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among the general Saudi public

Background: Glaucoma is a disease that results in increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and decreased visual acuity. It is the second leading cause of blindness and leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Aim: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of glaucoma in the general Saudi public and to identify possible factors contributing to the level of awareness. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire was conducted among the general Saudi Public with a sample size of 1233 was conducted Level of awareness, and knowledge were evaluated. Results: 64% reported that they had heard of glaucoma, whereas (36%) did not hear about glaucoma. Age group and level of education had significant effect on the awareness of glaucoma. The majority 701 (56.8%) thought that headache was a symptom of glaucoma, with only. 110 (8.9%) said glaucoma presented with no symptoms. Conclusion: The Saudi general public has demonstrated an adequate awareness and knowledge of glaucoma.

High Plasma Sphingosine 1-phosphate Levels Predict Osteoporotic Fractures in Postmenopausal Women: The Center of Excellence for Osteoporosis Research Study

BACKGROUND: Higher sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) plasma levels are associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD), and increased risk of prevalent vertebral fracture. So, we hypothesized that postmenopausal women with increased baseline plasma S1P levels have a greater risk for future incident fracture (osteoporosis-related fractures [ORFs]). METHODS: This study was conducted in a prospective longitudinal cohort of 707 women recruited in 2004 and followed up annually for a mean period of 5.2±1.3 years. They were postmenopausal (aged ≥50 years). The primary outcome measure was the time to the first confirmed ORF event using radiographs and/or a surgical report. RESULTS: The plasma S1P levels (µmol/L) were significantly higher in the women with incident fracture (7.23±0.79) than in those without ORFs (5.02±0.51; P < 0.001). High S1P levels were strongly associated with increased fracture risk. After adjustment for age and other confounders, the hazard ratio (HR) was 6.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.92−7.66) for each 1-standard deviation increase in plasma S1P levels. The women in the highest quartile of S1P levels had a significant increase in fracture risk (HR, 9.89; 95% CI, 2.83−34.44). Results were similar when we compared plasma S1P levels at the 1-year visit. CONCLUSIONS: The associations between plasma S1P levels and fracture risk were independent of BMD and other confounders. These findings demonstrate that high plasma S1P level at baseline and at years 1 to 5 is a strong and independent risk factor for future [ORFs] among postmenopausal women and could be a useful biomarker for fracture risk assessment in this population.

An accessory extensor pollicis longus tendon: a case report of rare anatomical variant / Tendón accesorio del músculo extensor largo del pulgar: reporte de caso de una rara variación anatómica

SUMMARY: Variation in the morphology of the extensor pollicis longus muscle is very rare. The muscle is considered as one of the deep group of dorsal forearm muscles. It passes through the dorsal radiocarpal ligament in a detached compartment. It inserts at the base of the distal phalanx of the thumb. The muscle might have double tendons where they run either in one, or in separate compartments. In this study, we report an extremely rare condition for a 38-year-old male where some of the tendon fibers split at the base of the proximal phalanx and the two tendons insert at the sides of the base of the distal phalanx. We also noticed a high range of hyperextension where the action was painless and showed no sign of discomfort. We believe that the way the tendons get inserted might have a role in this wide range of extension.

RESUMEN: La variación en la morfología del músculo extensor largo del pulgar es muy rara. Es considerado perteneciente al grupo profundo de los músculos del dorso del antebrazo. Su tendón pasa a través del ligamento radiocarpiano dorsal en un compartimiento separado. Se inserta en la base de la falange distal del pulgar. El músculo puede tener tendones dobles que pasan a través de un solo compartimiento, o en compartimentos separados, del ligamento radiocarpiano dorsal. En este estudio se reporta una variación extremadamente rara en un hombre de 38 años de edad, donde algunas de las fibras del tendón se dividen en la base de la falange proximal y los dos tendones se insertaban a los lados de la base de la falange distal del pulgar. También observamos un alto grado de hiperextensión siendo la acción indolora y no mostrando ningún signo de malestar. Creemos que la forma en que los tendones se insertan podrían tener un papel en este amplio rango de extensión.

Copro-antigen versus classical microscopy as diagnostic tool for giardia lamblia infection in Egyptian patients

Background: Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa, is a one of the most common causes of non-viral (parasitic) diarrheal illness in humans. Laboratory diagnosis mainly consists of direct microscopic examination of stool specimen for trophozoites and cysts. However, due to intermittent fecal excretion of the parasite, the patient may be misdiagnosed, continue excreting the parasite and infecting others. Therefore, other methods of diagnosis should be looked for, which overcome the drawbacks of microscopy when used alone for diagnosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of coproantigen detection by ELISA test in comparison to direct microscopy in the diagnosis of G. lamblia in stool specimens from patients with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients and methods: stool samples were collected form 250 child included in the present study (150 symptomatic and 100 apparently healthy as a control group) aged between 1-10 years old, and subjected for direct microscopic examination and ELISA test for copro-antigen detection. Results: out of 250 stool samples, 53 specimens (21.2%) were positive for Giardia by direct microscopy, while 68 specimens (27.2%) were positive by ELISA test. Conclusion: ELISA test for copro-antigen detection in stool samples is a rapid and effective method with high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of giardiasis in stool specimens even when the parasitic count is low, thus reducing the chances of missing even in the asymptomatic cases

Copro-antigen versus classical microscopy as diagnostic tool for giardia lamblia infection in Egyptian patients

Background: Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa, is a one of the most common causes of non-viral [parasitic] diarrheal illness in humans. Laboratory diagnosis mainly consists of direct microscopic examination of stool specimen for trophozoites and cysts. However, due to intermittent fecal excretion of the parasite, the patient may be misdiagnosed, continue excreting the parasite and infecting others. Therefore, other methods of diagnosis should be looked for, which overcome the drawbacks of microscopy when used alone for diagnosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of copro-antigen detection by ELISA test in comparison to direct microscopy in the diagnosis of G. lamblia in stool specimens from patients with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms

Patients and methods: stool samples were collected form 250 child included in the present study [150 symptomatic and 100 apparently healthy as a control group] aged between 1-10 years old, and subjected for direct microscopic examination and ELISA test for copro-antigen detection

Results: out of 250 stool samples, 53 specimens [21.2%] were positive for Giardia by direct microscopy, while 68 specimens [27.2%] were positive by ELISA test

Conclusion: ELISA test for copro-antigen detection in stool samples is a rapid and effective method with high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of giardiasis in stool specimens even when the parasitic count is low, thus reducing the chances of missing even in the asymptomatic cases

The Profile and Frequency of Known Risk Factors or Comorbidities for Deep Vein Thrombosis in an Urban District Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal

Background: Although deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a preventable disease; it increases the morbidity and mortality in hospitalised; patients; resulting in considerable economic health impact. The identification and primary prevention of risk factors using risk assessment and stratification with subsequent anti-thrombotic prophylaxis in moderate- to severe-risk categories is the most rational means of reducing morbidity and mortality.Aim and setting: The aim of the study was to describe the profile and frequency of known risk factors or comorbidities of hospitalised medical patients with ultrasound-diagnosed DVT in an urban district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: A retrospective review of clinical notes of all medical patients (age = 13 years) admitted to the hospital with ultrasound-diagnosed DVT between July and December 2013.Results: The median age was 40 years (interquartile range 32-60 years) and female preponderance was 72.84%. HIV and tuberculosis emerged as the prevalent risk factors; accounting for 51.85% and 35.80%; respectively. Other risk factors observed were recent hospitalisation (34.57%); smoking (25.93%); previous DVT (19.75%) and congestive cardiac failure (18.52%).Conclusion: DVT in our study occurred predominantly in young female patients unlike previous studies where patients were generally older. Furthermore; HIV and tuberculosis were the two most common known risk factors or comorbidities observed. Clinicians should have a heightened awareness of venous thromboembolism in patients with either condition or where both conditions occur together and appropriate thromboprophylaxis should be administered

effect of saffron, basil, and red cabbage on rats with hepatic damage

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of saffron [Crocus sativus], basil [Ocimum sanctum], and red cabbage[ Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra] on hepatic damage in rats. Seventy two adult male albino rats of Sprague-Dawley were divided into two main groups. The first main group [n=8] was kept as a negative control group [-ve].The rest of the animals [n=64] were subcutaneously injected with a single dose of CCL4 for the induction of necrosis. After injection of CCL4, rats were divided into 8 subgroups [n=8]. The first subgroup of rats continued as a positive control group [+ve]. the other subgroup were fed on the experimental diets containing different levels of saffron, basil, red cabbage and their mixtures. At the end of the experiment a period, liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP, gamma glutamile transpeptidase [GGT], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] were determined. Total protein, albumin, total and direct billirubin were determined. As well as histopathological examinations of organs [ liver and kidney]. Results indicated that feed intake was improved in all groups except group of rats fed on experimental diet containing 10% saffron. Body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio of ll groups were decreased when compared with negative control group moreover, liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP in addition GGT, LDH, albumin, total and direct billirubin were decreased in the treated groups compared with positive control group. This study concluded that saffron, basil and red cabbage have a protective effect against hepatic damage in rats. This study recommends the inclusion of saffron, basil and red cabbage in the meals of patients with hepatic damage for possible beneficial effect

Average tooth size in south jordanian population

The aim of this study was to establish the mesiodistal tooth width of permanent teeth among South Jordanian population and to compare it with previous studies in the region. 621 patients were examined, 543 patients fullfilled the requirement used in the studies with average age 14.01 +/- 0.97. Alginate impressions were taken for all patients and were poured in the same day by an orthodontic

Upper maxillary permanent lateral incisors and mandibular permanent central incisors showed greatest variations in the mesiodistal width. On the contrary permanent canines and maxillary 1st premolars showed most stability in the mesiodistal width

This study will help in orthodontic research, diagnosis and analysis of spaces during orthodontic assessment in addition to the uses in anthropology and forensic dentistry