Sequencing and multiple antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas fluorescens isolated from Nile tilapia fish in Egypt / Sequenciamento e resistência antimicrobiana múltipla de Pseudomonas fluorescens isoladas de tilápia-do-nilo no Egito

Pseudomonas fluorescens is one of the main causes of septicemic diseases among freshwater fish, causing severe economic losses and decreasing farm efficiency. Thus, this research was aimed to investigate the occurrence of P. fluorescens in Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) fish in Egypt, gene sequencing of 16SrDNA gene, and antimicrobial susceptibility. P. fluorescens strains were detected in 32% (128/400) of apparently healthy (9%; 36/400) and diseased (23%; 92/400) Nile tilapia fish. The highest prevalence was observed in gills of fish, 31.3% followed by intestine 26.9%, liver 24.2%, and kidneys 17.6%. The PCR results for the 16SrDNA gene of P. fluorescens showed 16SrDNA gene in 30% of examined isolates. Moreover, Homogeny and a strong relationship between strains of P. fluorescens was confirmed using 16SrDNA sequences. Beside the responsibility of 16SrDNA gene on the virulence of P. fluorescens. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that all strains were resistant to piperacillin (100%), followed by ceftazidime (29.7%), and cefepime (25.8%). The strains of P. fluorescence were highly sensitive to cefotaxime (74.2%), followed by ceftriaxone and levofloxacin (70.3% each). Interestingly, 29.7% of strains of P. fluorescens were multiple antimicrobial-resistant (MAR).

Pseudomonas fluorescens é uma das principais causas de doenças septicêmicas em peixes de água doce, causando graves perdas econômicas e diminuindo a eficiência da fazenda. Assim, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de P. fluorescens em peixes de tilápia-do-nilo (O. niloticus) no Egito, sequenciamento do gene 16S rDNA e suscetibilidade antimicrobiana. Cepas de P. fluorescens foram detectadas em 32% (128/400) de peixes tilápia-do-nilo aparentemente saudáveis ​​(9%; 36/400) e doentes (23%; 92/400). A maior prevalência foi observada nas brânquias dos peixes, 31,3%, seguida pelo intestino 26,9%, fígado 24,2% e rins 17,6%. Os resultados da PCR para o gene 16SrDNA de P. fluorescens mostraram o gene 16SrDNA em 30% dos isolados examinados. Além disso, a homogeneidade e uma forte relação entre cepas de P. fluorescens foi confirmada usando sequências de 16SrDNA. Além da responsabilidade do gene 16SrDNA na virulência de P. fluorescens. Os resultados dos testes de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana revelaram que todas as cepas foram resistentes à piperacilina (100%), seguida pela ceftazidima (29,7%) e cefepima (25,8%). As cepas de P. fluorescens foram altamente sensíveis à cefotaxima (74,2%), seguida pela ceftriaxona e levofloxacina (70,3% cada). Curiosamente, 29,7% das cepas de P. fluorescens eram multirresistentes a antimicrobianos (MAR).

Sequencing and multiple antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas fluorescens isolated from Nile tilapia fish in Egypt

Abstract Pseudomonas fluorescens is one of the main causes of septicemic diseases among freshwater fish, causing severe economic losses and decreasing farm efficiency. Thus, this research was aimed to investigate the occurrence of P. fluorescens in Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) fish in Egypt, gene sequencing of 16SrDNA gene, and antimicrobial susceptibility. P. fluorescens strains were detected in 32% (128/400) of apparently healthy (9%; 36/400) and diseased (23%; 92/400) Nile tilapia fish. The highest prevalence was observed in gills of fish, 31.3% followed by intestine 26.9%, liver 24.2%, and kidneys 17.6%. The PCR results for the 16SrDNA gene of P. fluorescens showed 16SrDNA gene in 30% of examined isolates. Moreover, Homogeny and a strong relationship between strains of P. fluorescens was confirmed using 16SrDNA sequences. Beside the responsibility of 16SrDNA gene on the virulence of P. fluorescens. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that all strains were resistant to piperacillin (100%), followed by ceftazidime (29.7%), and cefepime (25.8%). The strains of P. fluorescence were highly sensitive to cefotaxime (74.2%), followed by ceftriaxone and levofloxacin (70.3% each). Interestingly, 29.7% of strains of P. fluorescens were multiple antimicrobial-resistant (MAR).

Resumo Pseudomonas fluorescens é uma das principais causas de doenças septicêmicas em peixes de água doce, causando graves perdas econômicas e diminuindo a eficiência da fazenda. Assim, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de P. fluorescens em peixes de tilápia-do-nilo (O. niloticus) no Egito, sequenciamento do gene 16S rDNA e suscetibilidade antimicrobiana. Cepas de P. fluorescens foram detectadas em 32% (128/400) de peixes tilápia-do-nilo aparentemente saudáveis (9%; 36/400) e doentes (23%; 92/400). A maior prevalência foi observada nas brânquias dos peixes, 31,3%, seguida pelo intestino 26,9%, fígado 24,2% e rins 17,6%. Os resultados da PCR para o gene 16SrDNA de P. fluorescens mostraram o gene 16SrDNA em 30% dos isolados examinados. Além disso, a homogeneidade e uma forte relação entre cepas de P. fluorescens foi confirmada usando sequências de 16SrDNA. Além da responsabilidade do gene 16SrDNA na virulência de P. fluorescens. Os resultados dos testes de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana revelaram que todas as cepas foram resistentes à piperacilina (100%), seguida pela ceftazidima (29,7%) e cefepima (25,8%). As cepas de P. fluorescens foram altamente sensíveis à cefotaxima (74,2%), seguida pela ceftriaxona e levofloxacina (70,3% cada). Curiosamente, 29,7% das cepas de P. fluorescens eram multirresistentes a antimicrobianos (MAR).

The Obesity Transition and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Glimpse from the Hospital based Study in South India

Background: NAFLD is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation in the Western population. The studies in India have been conducted in the general population. The present study is the first in India to be conducted in the medical community. Objective: To assess the prevalence of NAFLD among nursing staff in our institute and to assess the association of NAFLD with its risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study was an institute based cross-sectional analytical study conducted among the nursing staff of our institute. A pretested interview was used to collect the participants’ demographic details and personal and medical history. This was followed by measurement of blood pressure, weight, height and, waist circumference, and blood investigation for fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile, serum AST, ALT, HBsAg and anti-HCV. The staff underwent ultrasound abdomen to look for presence of fatty liver. Results: About 150 nursing staffs were included with a mean age of 34.2 years. The prevalence of NAFLD was 28.7 %. Of the subjects, 54% had obesity, 40.7% had abdominal obesity, 9.3% had diabetes, 3.3% had hypertension, 46.7% had dyslipidemia and 18% had metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of NAFLD was seen to be significantly higher among subjects with these risk factors: age > 40 years, obesity, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD among nursing staff is higher than the national prevalence. The risk factors for NAFLD in the studied population were age > 40 years, obesity, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

Phytochemical, antibacterial and antioxidant screening of Artemisia santolinifolia various parts

The current study was carried out to explore the phytochemical, antioxidant potential and antibacterial activities of the crude methanolic extract of A. santolinifolia Turcz. Ex Besser. The antioxidant activity was carried out by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay, while methanolic extract displayed the highest scavenging activity (DPPH) was 61.31µg/ml on Artemisia santolinifolia root and the lowest (51.05µg/ml) was record for their leaves. Similarly, in (ABTS) the highest activity (89.16µg/ml) was recorded for roots of A. santolinifolia followed by leaves (68.14µg/ml). In low inhibitory concentration assay, the crude methanolic extracts showed significant inhibition against all tested microbes on different concentrations like 25 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, and 100 µg/ml. The leaves extract of A. santolinifolia AsL showed MIC of 12.5µg/ml for B. subtilis, a gram-positive bacterium, 50µg/ml for gram positive bacteria S. aureus and 37.5 µg/ml for gram negative bacteria P. aeruginosa that is almost equal to the response of standard ciprofloxacin. Our current study revealed that Artemisia santolinifolia root (AsR) exhibited a significant antioxidant potential while AsL showed good antibacterial effect which is suggested to be used for treatment and management of different infectious diseases.

Assessment of genetic diversity in chinese hulless barley accessions for qualitative traits

Cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been proven to be an economically important model plant and having large genetic diversity among the species. The effective exploitation of qualitative characters in barley can be measured by its genetic diversity and interrelationship. This study aims to determine the assessment of genetic diversity in Chinese hulless barley accessions for qualitative traits. Presently, in this study, the genetic diversity of 208 Chinese hulless barley from different Provinces of China, 111 genotypes were from the Tibet plateau, 30 Sichuan, 2 USA, 1 Canada, 12 Gansu, 51 Qinghai, 1 Yunnan was investigated; collected. Almost all the qualitative traits including crude protein, fiber, starch, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber exhibited significantly high variability (p≤0.0001) among the cultivars. The data were analyzed using Statistics 8.1. In this study, significantly high variation was observed between starch content and neutral detergent fiber (23.64% and 11.54%). However, the highest diversity is based on the magnitude of the coefficient of variation exhibited in crude protein (13.82%), starch (12.87%), and fiber (12.17%). There was a significantly positive correlation between fiber, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber except for starch content with crude protein and fiber that exhibited a significant negative correlation (r= -0.38*** and r= -0.92***). A large genetic diversity was observed through cluster analysis among all the 208 barley accessions, distance coefficient ranging between 0.28 and 75.86. The histogram revealed that frequency distributions of 208 different genotypes of hulless barley crop with all five different characters, crude protein, fiber, starch, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, showed normal distribution. It is concluded that this hulless barley study showed genetic diversity among the accessions and confirmed genetic diversity in various traits used.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP), for Cartilage Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background:Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), is an extracellular matrix (ECM) non-collagenous glycoprotein that is mainly localized within the cartilage, and also be found in tendon and synovium.RecentstudiesinwestandAsiaPacificregionhasshownthatCOMP, is a prognostic marker in Rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Objective:To correlate serum COMP levels with disease severity and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.Methods:The study was conducted in Department of Pathology and Rheumatology, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi from June 2018 to May 2019. Patients were recruited as per American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 classification criteria. The study populationconsists of 88 healthy subjects and 88 RA patients. Sandwich ELISA technique was used to assess serum COMP level. Other inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) antibodies like rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) were also assessed. Results were analyzed using SPSS-20 and P-value ≤0.05 was considered as significant.Results: Serum COMP levels were significantly higher in RA patients 51.35ng/ml than controls 21.454ng/ml with significant p value=<0.0001. There was strong positive correlation between COMP level and disease severity in RA patients with moderate as well as high disease activity score (DAS) with significant p value. Serum COMP showed 96% sensitivity and 83% specificity at level of 27.01ng/ml for diagnosis of RA.Conclusions:COMP has significant positive correlation with severity of RA. Serum COMP can be utilized as a biomarker to quantify cartilage destruction in RA patients

Evaluation of Antihypertensive Efficacy of Intravenous Hydralazine and Intravenous Labetalol in the Management of Severe Preeclampsia and Eclampsia..

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are one of the most common obstetrical problems and affect 5-10% of all pregnancies. Severe preeclampsia is a multi-system disorder and causes many complications like intracranial haemorrhage, hypertensive encephalopathy, abruptio placentae, heart failure, pulmonary oedema and eclampsia. Intravenous hydralazine and labetalol are considered as first line antihypertensive agents for management of hypertensive crisis. The objective of this study was to compare efficacy of intravenous hydralazine and labetalol in lowering blood pressure in severe pregnancy induced hypertension, as well as to find out frequency of maternal adverse reactions and foetal impacts.METHODSThe study was conducted at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital over a period of one year. 100 women with severe preeclampsia were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups of 50 each. One group received intravenous hydralazine while the other group was treated with intravenous labetalol. The time and number of doses taken to achieve target blood pressure were noted. Number of patients having persistent severe hypertension after receiving maximum drug dosage were also taken into account.RESULTSThe pre-treatment systolic blood pressure was 168.80 mmHg in hydralazine group and 173.64 mmHg in labetalol group whereas the diastolic blood pressure was 143.92 mmHg and 142.6 mmHg in hydralazine and labetalol group respectively. Mean time to achieve blood pressure control was 22.20 minutes in hydralazine group and 26.04 minutes in labetalol group. There were 3 cases of persistent severe hypertension in hydralazine group and 2 cases in labetalol group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of efficacy, maternal adverse effects and perinatal outcome. However, maternal tachycardia and headache was found to be significantly higher in patients treated with hydralazine.CONCLUSIONSThus, both hydralazine and labetalol are effective and safe antihypertensive drugs which can be used to treat pregnancy induced hypertensive crisis. No significant difference is found between these two agents.

Plasma Levels of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Children with Congestive Heart Failure

Objectives: Assessment ofplasma level of connective tissue growth factor in congestive heart failure children,assessment of its diagnostic and prognostic role and correlate its level with clinical and echocardiographic assessment of congestive heart failure.Methods: Connective tissue growth factorlevel in the plasma was measured in 40 children; 20 of them have congestive heart failure, and 20 are healthy then,correlated with clinical parameters. Results: The diagnostic and prognostic value of itwas evaluated. Wecompareditslevels in both patientsand healthy children. We found that connective tissue growth factor level was significantly increased in diseased children. Fractional shortening and ejection fraction correlated negatively with the plasma levelof connective tissue growth factor. Heart rate, respiratory rate and calibrated integrated backscatter correlated positively with connective tissue growth factor. Connective tissue growth factorwas significantly correlated with the class of heart failure according to Ross classification.Conclusions: Plasma connective tissue growth factor has a promising diagnostic and prognostic value as a biomarker for congestive heart failure in children with high sensitivity and specificity.

Study of heart disease in pregnancy and its effect on maternal outcome

Background: Heart diseases in pregnant women and has higher incidence of maternal mortality and morbidity and is regarded as risk factor for unfavourable outcome of pregnancy both for the mother and the foetus. Heart disease in pregnancy was found to be second indirect cause contributing to maternal mortality in India.Methods: This study is a hospital based prospective analytical study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sultania Zanana Hospital, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal over a period of 1 year from 1st March 2017 to 28th February 2018. Patients were evaluated clinically by both obstetrician and cardiologist and followed all through their hospital stay till discharge.Results: Total 51 cases of heart disease were found during the study period. Incidence of heart disease in our study during study period was found 0.25%. Most patients were unbooked 33(64.71%) and maximum number of patients belonged to NYHA functional class II 24 (47.06%), RHD cases were 4 times more common than CHD. 24 (47.06%) patients had undergone surgical intervention for heart disease. Congestive cardiac failure was most common complication seen. Three maternal deaths were seen. All cases belonged to NYHA functional class III. All 3 cases were unbooked presented first time in labor.Conclusions: We found that pregnancy outcome was good in booked cases with regular checkup by obstetrician and cardiologist, surgically corrected cases and those with NYHA functional class I and II. Hence, joint management by obstetrician, cardiologist, and anesthetist is required to ensure better maternal outcome.

Protective effect of glucosamine and risedronate (alone or in combination) against osteoarthritic changes in rat experimental model of immobilized knee / 대한해부학회지

Study of Age Wise Distribution of Preneoplastic and Neoplastic Lesions of Cervix by Using Conventional Pap Smear

Background: Carcinoma of cervix is one of the most common cause of cancer related deaths among women in developing countries. Adoptions of healthy life style and extensive screening by Conventional Pap smear followed by early intervention have resulted in decline in death rates by cervical cancer. Aims: The aim of this study was to know the incidence of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of cervix in various age groups by using Conventional Pap smear. Methods: A retrospective observational study carried out in the Department of Pathology, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal from January to April 2018. All the cases (n= 268), from May 2015 to April 2018, reported in Conventional Pap smear as preneoplastic lesions and invasive malignancies were retrieved from hospital medical record and Lab Information System (LIS). Results: Highest number of cases 93 (34.7%) of both preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions were found in the age range of 41-50 years. We had 19 cases (7%) of preneoplastic lesions and zero cases of invasive malignancy in the age range of 21-30 years, 31 cases (11.5%) of both preneoplastic and invasive malignancy in >60 years of age. Conclusion: Conventional Pap smear is cost effective, simple and easily applicable method which can be performed on OPD basis. It should start at a younger age so that preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions can be diagnosed in an early stage.

Effect of Maturity And Birth Weight On Umbilical Cord Blood Lipid Profile: A Fetal Programming Phenomenon

Background:The recent research on "fetal programming hypothesis" has totally revived the mechanistic understanding of triggering factors responsible for development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). As deranged lipid profile is associated with increased predisposition to atherosclerotic CVDs, we planned to study effect of fetal maturity and birth weight on umbilical cord blood lipid profile. Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study including 200 neonates satisfying inclusion criteria was carried out. The umbilical cord blood samples of selected neonates were collected and analysed for lipid profile (Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) and Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C)) in order to be compared among groups of neonates based on maturity and birth weight. Results: The preterm neonates had statistically significant higher levels of umbilical cord blood TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C (with P values of 0.025, 0.001, 0.045, 0.007 and 0.045 respectively) while lower but statistically insignificant (p value of 0.131) levels of HDL-C in as compared to full term neonates. The low birth weight neonates also had statistically significant higher levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C (P values of 0.001, 0.032, 0.00001 and 0.032 respectively) but statistically significant (P value of 0.034) lower levels of HDL-C in umbilical cord blood as compared to normal birth weight neonates. Conclusion: The results suggest that prematurity as well as low birth weight have deleterious effect on umbilical cord blood lipid profile resulting in more atherogenic lipid levels. This could be regarded a triggering factor responsible for development of CVDs in later life. This observation not only conciliates with fetal programming hypothesis but also indicates that its effect is evident (in the form of altered lipid profile) even at the birth in such programmed neonates.

A Human Cadaveric Study On Incidence And Morphology Of Anatomical Variations Of Kidney And Ureter With Emphasis On Its Embryological, Genetic And Clinical Significance

Background: Kidneys are amongst the common sites of congenital abnormalities and anatomical variations.Congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) constitute approximately 20 to 30% of all anomaliesidentified in the prenatal period and a leading cause of renal failure in children. The common variationspertaining to kidney are polycystic kidney, unascended kidney, horseshoe kidney with fused upper or lower pole,atrophic kidney, lobulated kidney, malrotated kidney, bifid pelvis or ureter, most common being bifid pelvis andpancake kidney is a very rare variant.Materials and Methods: Fifty human adult cadavers were included in our study; observed and studied over aperiod of three years in the Department of Anatomy, Grant Govt. Medical College, Mumbai, during routinedissection.Results: In our study we found, 01.01% of renal agenesis, 01.01% of fused pelvic or pancake kidney, 01.01% ofmalrotated kidney, 02.02% of unascended kidneys, 05.05% hypoplastic or atrophic kidneys, 07.07% lobulatedkidneys, 05.05% polycystic kidneys, 02.02% of bifid pelvis and 03.03% of triplicate pelvis.Embryological basis: The development of kidney begins at the fourth week of gestation; the failure of properinductive interaction between the ureteric bud and the metanephric blastemal can lead to various congenitalanomalies. Anomalies can result due to abnormal development, ascent, rotation and migration.Genetic basis: CAKUT are either sporadic, familial, syndromic or non-syndromic. Transcription factor ‘WT1’produced by mesenchyme of the metanephric blastemal helps in epithelialization of ureteric bud. Congenitalabnormality occurs when there is mutation of genes that regulates the expression of WT1.Conclusion: Renal anomalies are one of the commonest anomalies which may remain unnoticed till adulthood.The knowledge of anatomical variations of kidney and ureter is of utmost importance for surgical anduroradiological interventions. Hence an early detection and proper follow-up may be helpful in better managementand increased survival rates.

NO-cGMP-K channel-dependent anti-nociceptive activities of methanol stem bark extract of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Mimosaceae) on rats

Objective:To explore anti-hyperalgesic properties of methanol extract of Piptadeniastrum africanum stem bark (PAME) and it possible action mechanism.Methods:PAME was tested on carrageenan induced hyperalgesia using plantar test (thermal) and analgesymeter (mechanical) in rats,on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced mechanical hyperalgesia and vincristine induced neuropathic pain in rat,both with analgesymeter.Modulators of NO/cGMP/K+ channel pathway and endogenous opioids receptor antagonists and/or agonists were used to determine the possible action mechanism of PAME.Results:PAME significantly decreased carrageenan induced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia,as well as PGE2 induced mechanical hyperalgesia.PAME significantly protected the animals against the installation of neuropathic pain.Anti-nociception activity produced by PAME was significantly blocked in animals pre treated with all the antagonists (naloxone,NW-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME),methylene blue and glibenclamide).Conclusions:Results of this study reveal that,PAME administrate orally,can induce anti-hyperalgesic action against installation of inflammatory pain as well as neuropathic pain.The mechanism underlying PAME antihyperalgesic effect could probably be associated with an activation of opioid receptors and NO/cGMP/K+ channel pathway.

Quercetin modulates iron homeostasis and iNOS expression of splenic macrophages in a rat model of iron deficiency anemia / 中国天然药物

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common micronutrient deficient conditions around the globe with various consequences, including the weakened immune system. Quercetin is widely distributed bioflavonoid; it has been debated for its dual roles in iron regulation. Quercetin-iron interaction in the body is a complex mechanism which has not been completely understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of quercetin on iron supplementation in iron deficiency anemia and on iNOS expression in splenic macrophages. The rat model of iron deficiency anemia was induced by feeding low iron diet to weanling rats for 20 days. The animals were then administered with ferrous sulfate, quercetin, and their combination for 30 days. Blood parameters, histopathological analysis, iron storage, CD68, iNOS and SLC40 expression in rat spleen were investigated. Our results showed that quercetin regulated iron absorption, despite SLC40 down-expression, indicating possible alternate route of iron transport, and that quercetin modulated iNOS production in splenic macrophages.

Quercetin modulates iron homeostasis and iNOS expression of splenic macrophages in a rat model of iron deficiency anemia / 中国天然药物

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common micronutrient deficient conditions around the globe with various consequences, including the weakened immune system. Quercetin is widely distributed bioflavonoid; it has been debated for its dual roles in iron regulation. Quercetin-iron interaction in the body is a complex mechanism which has not been completely understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of quercetin on iron supplementation in iron deficiency anemia and on iNOS expression in splenic macrophages. The rat model of iron deficiency anemia was induced by feeding low iron diet to weanling rats for 20 days. The animals were then administered with ferrous sulfate, quercetin, and their combination for 30 days. Blood parameters, histopathological analysis, iron storage, CD68, iNOS and SLC40 expression in rat spleen were investigated. Our results showed that quercetin regulated iron absorption, despite SLC40 down-expression, indicating possible alternate route of iron transport, and that quercetin modulated iNOS production in splenic macrophages.

Symptoms and prevalence of constipation among adult population of Riyadh city: an internet based survey

Background: Constipation is commonly encountered in clinical practice. The global population is witnessing a rapid increase in its occurrence

Objectives: Since there is paucity of data in Saudi Arabia, there is a need to assess its prevalence in Saudi population. This study was performed as a pilot to determine the symptoms and prevalence of constipation among adult population of Riyadh city

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based cross sectional survey was done through twitter among Riyadh based accounts. The study was conducted among 388 adults older than 20 years, between November 2016 and January 2017. For the diagnosis of constipation three criteria were used; self-perception, Rome III and Bristol's criteria

Results: Our study showed that the prevalence of constipation in general population is 43%, 60% and 25% according to the three criteria, respectively. Females tend to have greater prevalence than males though not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed low dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, middle age [40-49years], and strained defecation significantly associated with constipation. As per Bristol's criteria the most common stool form was Type 3 [sausage shaped with cracked surface]

Conclusion: These findings suggest high prevalence of constipation among Saudi population. A wider margin of variation in rates by the three criteria is obtained

Limitation: This twitter based survey may only be considered as a pilot study and is non-representative of general population

Synthesis, optimization and biological evaluation of [99m]Tc-digoxin as possible cardiac imaging agent

Heart imaging radiopharmaceuticals could improve the diagnostic value of routine heart scanning for detecting cardiac disorders. The aim of the study was to prepare high radiochemical purity [99m]Tc-Digoxin in a yield of about 98%. The optimal conditions for labelling were as follows: 100microg of Digoxin, 2microg of SnCl2·2H2O, room temperature [25 +/- 1°C], reaction retention time of 30 min at pH 7. Under these conditions, the radiochemical yield of [99m]Tc-Digoxin reaches 98%. In vivo bio distribution was performed in normal Swiss Albino mice at different time intervals after administration of [99m]Tc-Digoxin.Scintigraphic study of [99m]Tc-Digoxin was performed in rabbits. The heart uptake of 99m Tc-Digoxin was sufficiently high and thus may be a potential myocardial imaging radiopharmaceutical applicable in cardiology

Biowaiver studies of newly optimized meloxicam tablets

In this research work biowaiver studies of newly developed and optimized Meloxicam 7.5mg and 15mg water dispersible formulations were carried out at different dissolution media i.e. 0.1N HCl, phosphate buffer pH 4.5, pH 6.8, and pH 7.5 at 50 rpm. For this purpose reference [MA[9] and MB[9] and tests MA[2], MA[4], MA[6], MA[7] and MA[8] [15 mg] and MB[2], MB[4], MB[6], MB[7]and MB8 [7.5 mg] formulations were compared. In vitro patterns were analyzed by using model-independent and model-dependent methods. Results indicated that all formulation at pH 0.1N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 4.5 followed Weibull model, while at pH 6.8 and pH 7.5 all formulations followed Hixson-Crowell model. Similarly results of model independent methods demonstrated that all the reference formulations were found to be similar with the tests formulations. Results indicated that Biowaiver could be granted to all the optimized water dispersible meloxicam formulations of both batches, so waiver for bioequivalence study can be allowed