Protective effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla on liver and kidney related serum biomarkers in (CCl4) intoxicate rabbits / Efeitos protetores de Zizyphus oxyphyla em biomarcadores de soro relacionados ao fígado e rim em (CCl4) intoxicam rabbtis

The study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla leaves methanolic (ZOX-LME), on serum liver, kidney and hematology along with other serum parameters in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rabbits. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, six rabbits in each. These were: group NC (normal control), group, TC (toxic control) and group ST i.e. silymarine administered group at dose rate (50) mg/kg body weight (BW). Group ET1 and group ET2 treated with (ZOX-LME) at dose 200 mg/kg BW and 400 mg/kg BW. CCl4 administration caused significant (P> 0.05) impairment in serum liver enzymes, blood factors and other serum indices. Treatment with (ZOX-LME) significantly (P<0.05) reduced and normalized the levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hematological indices. Also significant (P< 0.05) reduction was observed in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin and glucose concentrations. The altered levels of lipid profile and serum electrolytes (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K, and P) were significantly (P<0.05) change toward normal levels with (ZOX-LME) feeding. In addition (ZOX-LME) ingestion caused significant improvement in GSH, GST and CAT levels, while reducing the TBARS levels, exhibited antioxidant capacity. Also (ZOX-LME) showed increase inhibition against percent scavenging of 2, 2-diphenile-1-picrylehydrazyle (DPPH) free radical. Significant (P<0.05) normalizing effects were observed with high dose 400 mg/kg BW of (ZOX-LME and were equivalent to silymarine administered groups. The histological study of liver supported the hepatoprotective and renal curative activity of (ZOX-LME).

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos terapêuticos das folhas metanólicas de Zizyphus oxyphyla (ZOX-LME) no fígado, rim e hematologia séricos, juntamente com outros parâmetros séricos em coelhos intoxicados com tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4). Os animais experimentais foram divididos em cinco grupos, seis coelhos em cada. Estes foram: grupo NC (controle normal), grupo TC (controle tóxico) e grupo ST, isto é, grupo administrado com silimarina na taxa de dose (50) mg / kg de peso corporal (PC). Grupo ET1 e grupo ET2 tratado com (ZOX-LME) na dose de 200 mg / kg de peso corporal e 400 mg / kg de peso corporal. A administração de CCl4 causou prejuízo significativo (P > 0,05) nas enzimas hepáticas séricas, fatores sanguíneos e outros índices séricos. O tratamento com (ZOX-LME) reduziu significativamente (P < 0,05) e normalizou os níveis de alanina transaminase (ALT), aspartato transaminase (AST) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e os índices hematológicos. Também foi observada redução significativa (P < 0,05) nas concentrações de creatinina, ureia, ácido úrico, nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), albumina e glicose. Os níveis alterados de perfil lipídico e eletrólitos séricos (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K e P) foram significativamente (P < 0,05) mudando em direção aos níveis normais com a alimentação (ZOX-LME). Além disso, a ingestão de (ZOX-LME) causou melhora significativa nos níveis de GSH, GST e CAT, enquanto reduzia os níveis de TBARS, exibindo capacidade antioxidante. Também (ZOX-LME) mostrou inibição aumentada contra a eliminação percentual do radical livre 2, 2-difenila-1-picrilehidrazila (DPPH). Efeitos de normalização significativos (P < 0,05) foram observados com altas doses de 400 mg / kg de peso corporal de (ZOX-LME) e foram equivalentes aos grupos administrados com silimarina. O estudo histológico do fígado confirmou a atividade hepatoprotetora e curativa renal de (ZOX-LME).

Protective effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla on liver and kidney related serum biomarkers in (CCl4) intoxicate rabbits

Abstract The study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla leaves methanolic (ZOX-LME), on serum liver, kidney and hematology along with other serum parameters in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rabbits. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, six rabbits in each. These were: group NC (normal control), group, TC (toxic control) and group ST i.e. silymarine administered group at dose rate (50) mg/kg body weight (BW). Group ET1 and group ET2 treated with (ZOX-LME) at dose 200 mg/kg BW and 400 mg/kg BW. CCl4 administration caused significant (P> 0.05) impairment in serum liver enzymes, blood factors and other serum indices. Treatment with (ZOX-LME) significantly (P 0.05) reduced and normalized the levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hematological indices. Also significant (P 0.05) reduction was observed in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin and glucose concentrations. The altered levels of lipid profile and serum electrolytes (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K, and P) were significantly (P 0.05) change toward normal levels with (ZOX-LME) feeding. In addition (ZOX-LME) ingestion caused significant improvement in GSH, GST and CAT levels, while reducing the TBARS levels, exhibited antioxidant capacity. Also (ZOX-LME) showed increase inhibition against percent scavenging of 2, 2-diphenile-1-picrylehydrazyle (DPPH) free radical. Significant (P 0.05) normalizing effects were observed with high dose 400 mg/kg BW of (ZOX-LME and were equivalent to silymarine administered groups. The histological study of liver supported the hepatoprotective and renal curative activity of (ZOX-LME).

Resumo O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos terapêuticos das folhas metanólicas de Zizyphus oxyphyla (ZOX-LME) no fígado, rim e hematologia séricos, juntamente com outros parâmetros séricos em coelhos intoxicados com tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4). Os animais experimentais foram divididos em cinco grupos, seis coelhos em cada. Estes foram: grupo NC (controle normal), grupo TC (controle tóxico) e grupo ST, isto é, grupo administrado com silimarina na taxa de dose (50) mg / kg de peso corporal (PC). Grupo ET1 e grupo ET2 tratado com (ZOX-LME) na dose de 200 mg / kg de peso corporal e 400 mg / kg de peso corporal. A administração de CCl4 causou prejuízo significativo (P > 0,05) nas enzimas hepáticas séricas, fatores sanguíneos e outros índices séricos. O tratamento com (ZOX-LME) reduziu significativamente (P 0,05) e normalizou os níveis de alanina transaminase (ALT), aspartato transaminase (AST) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e os índices hematológicos. Também foi observada redução significativa (P 0,05) nas concentrações de creatinina, ureia, ácido úrico, nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), albumina e glicose. Os níveis alterados de perfil lipídico e eletrólitos séricos (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K e P) foram significativamente (P 0,05) mudando em direção aos níveis normais com a alimentação (ZOX-LME). Além disso, a ingestão de (ZOX-LME) causou melhora significativa nos níveis de GSH, GST e CAT, enquanto reduzia os níveis de TBARS, exibindo capacidade antioxidante. Também (ZOX-LME) mostrou inibição aumentada contra a eliminação percentual do radical livre 2, 2-difenila-1-picrilehidrazila (DPPH). Efeitos de normalização significativos (P 0,05) foram observados com altas doses de 400 mg / kg de peso corporal de (ZOX-LME) e foram equivalentes aos grupos administrados com silimarina. O estudo histológico do fígado confirmou a atividade hepatoprotetora e curativa renal de (ZOX-LME).

Speckle Tracking as Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic Female with Acute Chest Pain

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the most common reason of mortality and morbidity all-over the world and is the major complication of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and the consequences of its diagnosis are as severe as a diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Females are more likely to develop atypical symptoms of coronary CAD than males later in life. Imaging of deformation by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) has developed as a highly effective method for quantification of the function of myocardium. This research aimed to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis using speckle tracking for prediction of the existence or absence of severe CAD in diabetic female with acute chest pain by using two-dimensional echocardiography. Methods: This study is a cohort prospective research which was carried out at the department of cardiology, Tanta University Hospitals and National Heart Institute from the duration of October 2019 to September 2020 on 60 diabetic female patients above 18 years old with acute chest pain may be prolonged for > 20 minutes or transient, changes in ECG in the form of depression of ST segment and/or inversion of T wave (ECG may be normal) and cardiac biomarkers (troponin and CKMB) may be elevated or normal. Results: 2D speckle tracking was good predictor for multi-vessels disease with 95% total accuracy, then for single vessels disease with 85% total accuracy and finally for double vessel disease stenosis with 80% accuracy as shown in table. Among Non-STEMI group, 2D speckle tracking was good predictor for multi-vessels disease with 95% total accuracy, then for single vessels disease with 80% total accuracy and finally for double vessel disease stenosis with 75% accuracy as shown in table. Conclusions: We found that speckle tracking is effective in predicting presence of CAD in diabetic female patients had acute chest pain and in prediction of affected vessels depending on the distribution of affected segments in longitudinal strain by GLS. In addition, it can be used as non-invasive test for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in farmed animals from steppe and high plateau regions in Algeria

@#This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and associated potential risk factors in farmed animals from different steppe and high plateau regions in Algeria. A total of 289, 254 and 149 faecal samples of cattle, sheep and dromedary camels respectively, and tracheas of 135 broiler chickens were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. by formalin-ether concentration method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Overall, Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 36.7%, 15%, 8.9% and 2% of examined cattle, sheep, broiler chickens and dromedary camels. In cattle, the highest prevalence was observed in the neonatal calves (52.6%) and the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. was significantly associated with diarrhoea. Ovine cryptosporidiosis was found in more of 80% of sampled farms and lambs aged between 1-6 months (20.3%), followed by neonatal lambs (18.7%) were the most infected. Cryptosporidium excretion in sheep was not associated with presence of diarrhoea. The presence of cryptosporidia in broiler chickens showed a higher rate in birds aged of 16-24 days (30%) than in those of 35-44 days (3.5%). None of broiler chickens more than 44 days was found to be positive for Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium in dromedary camels was reported in three females aged more than 6 months, which did not show any signs of diarrhoea at the time of sampling. Cryptosporidium prevalence was not affected by sex in all studied animal species. The results of the present study provide the first data on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in dromedary camels and broiler chickens from steppe and high plateau regions in Algeria.

Intensive chemotherapy as salvage treatment for solid tumors: focus on germ cell cancer

Germ cell tumors present contrasting biological and molecular features compared to many solid tumors, which may partially explain their unusual sensitivity to chemotherapy. Reduced DNA repair capacity and enhanced induction of apoptosis appear to be key factors in the sensitivity of germ cell tumors to cisplatin. Despite substantial cure rates, some patients relapse and subsequently die of their disease. Intensive doses of chemotherapy are used to counter mechanisms of drug resistance. So far, high-dose chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell support for solid tumors is used only in the setting of testicular germ cell tumors. In that indication, high-dose chemotherapy is given as the first or late salvage treatment for patients with either relapsed or progressive tumors after initial conventional salvage chemotherapy. High-dose chemotherapy is usually given as two or three sequential cycles using carboplatin and etoposide with or without ifosfamide. The administration of intensive therapy carries significant side effects and can only be efficiently and safely conducted in specialized referral centers to assure optimum patient care outcomes. In breast and ovarian cancer, most studies have demonstrated improvement in progression-free survival (PFS), but overall survival remained unchanged. Therefore, most of these approaches have been dropped. In germ cell tumors, clinical trials are currently investigating novel therapeutic combinations and active treatments. In particular, the integration of targeted therapies constitutes an important area of research for patients with a poor prognosis.

Pattern of eye diseases at tertiary eye hospital in Sudan [Makah Eye Hospital, Khartoum]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and pattern of eye diseases among patients attending the eye clinics of Makah Eye Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan

Methods: A retrospective study involved all the new cases presenting to the outpatient department of the hospital over a 22-month period from January 2012 to October 2013. Patients were examined by optometrists/ophthalmologists through routine examination using the Snellen's chart, refraction, tonometry, slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment, and fundus examination

Results: A total of 64,529 patients were seen during this period with a male to female ratio of 1:1.1. The most common eye diseases were cataract, allergic conjunctivitis, infective conjunctivitis, refractive disorders, and glaucoma

Conclusion: The pattern of eye diseases observed in Makah Eye Hospital was similar to other reports from developing world and such study will be helpful in planning, management, and prevention of blindness

Mother's health awareness and nutritional status of children in Khartoum state-Sudan

The main objectives of the study are to investigate the relation between socioeconomic factors and mother's health awareness, and the impact of mother's awareness on her children's health. Comparative approach was made between three different socioeconomic strata. Sample size was 400 families, the main respondent was mother. Different quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used [questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and observations]. Likert scale was also used to measure mothers' awareness. Anthropometric measurement and prevalence of diseases of under -ten years old children were both used to determine children health status. The study found that family income was the strongest factor affecting mother's health awareness [P=0.000], also mother's education and age are influencing factors. Accordingly, the children of the first class area were found to be healthier than the two other areas; the mean Z-score is [0.01]. Moreover, mother's health awareness leads to decrease the prevalence of malaria and pneumonia. Therefore, intervention health awareness programmes towards mothers are needed to improve children's health [e.g. nutrition, personal hygiene and home sanitation]. The government must also give more attention to the adoption of new policies for improving the general standard of living

Pattern of eye diseases at the primary health centers in a Pakistani district

Pakistan has an extensive network of public facilities aimed to provide primary health care including eye care. Yet no data exist on the number and purpose of eye visits to these facilities. This study aimed to describe the pattern of eye diseases in public primary care hospitals in a district in Pakistan's Sindh province. This study was conducted in 14 randomly selected government primary health care centers 10 Basic Health Units and 4 Rural Health Centers in district Nawab shah, a central district of Sindh province. Doctors in these centers were trained in diagnosis and management of common eye diseases at the primary level and requested to record data prospectively on the total number of patient visits, total number of eye consultations and reasons for eye consultation. Data were entered and analyzed using EPI Info Software. Over a period of one month, 9759 visits were made to the 14 selected primary health care centers. Eye diseases accounted for 1.8% of the total visits. Adults were more likely to have an eye consultation compared with children [Odds Ratio: 2.96; P < 0.01]. Conjunctivitis [34.1%], cataract [22.0%], and corneal problems [6.9%] were the most common reasons for eye consultations. Despite solid evidence of a high burden of eye diseases at the community level in Pakistan, eye diseases accounted for only a very small proportion of the total consultations in the primary health care facilities. Efforts are needed to assess barriers to optimal utilization of existing primary health care services for eye diseases

Pre-operative screening of hepatitis (type B, C) and HIV for patients undergoing cataract surgery at makkah eye complex, khartoum, sudan

Background: The prevalence of Hepatitis [type B and C] and Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] is high in Sub-Saharan region. This creates an attentive risk of transmission among medical staff and their patients. The aim of this article is to appraise possible changes of transmission of those diseases among theater staff and ophthalmic patients

Objectives: To determine the proportion of patients for cataract surgery who might be carriers to hepatitis and/or HIV

Methods: A total of 4848 patients registered for cataract surgery between May and October, 2012 at Makkah Eye Complex, Khartoum, Sudan; were serology screened for hepatitis [type B and C] and HIV. There were 336 patients found to be positively infected by one or more of these diseases

Results: During study period the prevalence rate of total of these viral diseases was 6.93% [336/4848] of which 0.53% [26/4848] patients were HIV positive, 4.5% [227/4848] were positive for hepatitis [B] and 1.9% [95/4848] were positive for hepatitis [C]

Conclusion: There is a negligible but real risk of transmission of HIV and hepatitis during cataract surgery. Pre-operative screening of all patients going for major ophthalmic surgery may be desirable to protect theater staff and patients

Barriers for domestic violence screening in primary health care centers

Violence against women is an important public health problem that draws attention of a wide spectrum of clinicians. However, multiple barriers undermine the efforts of primary health care workers to screen battered women. Reveal barriers that might impede screening of women for domestic violence and compare the list of barriers of physicians and nurses. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out in primary health care centers located in two randomly selected health regions in Kuwait. The study involved all available physicians [210] and nurses [464] in the selected centers. The overall response rate was 54.3%. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Barriers related to the battered woman herself topped the list of ranks for both physicians [92.9 +/- 19.7%] and nurses [85.9 +/- 17.6%], P = 0.02, followed by women culture in general [89.5 +/- 17.2% for physician and 83.8 +20.8% for nurses, P = 0.38], then health administration barriers [78.7 +/- 22.4% for physician and 72.5 +/- 26.4% for nurses, P = 0.04]. Barriers related to the examiner appeared at the bottom of the list [67.8 +/- 26.9% for physician and 69.9 +/- 28.6% for nurses, P = 0.01]. Medical staff face major barriers in screening for domestic violence against women in the primary health care centers. Specifically tailored programs are required to enhance both knowledge and skills of the health care staff about the screening process. Infrastructure and physical environment needs modification to facilitate screening of women

Assay for Molybdenum-99 breakthrough in PAKGEN, PINSTECH generators: a clinical audit at Akuh, Karachi

Molybdenum-99 breakthrough is a rare but potential cause of enormous and unjustified radiation exposure to patients and technologist in nuclear medicine. Recommended limit of [99] Mo in an eluate is 0.15 uCi of [99] Mo / mCi of [99m]Tc. The purpose of this clinical audit was to measure the Mo-99 concentration in eluate of PAKGEN [[99] Mo-[99m]Tc generator] before administering to patients as a part of Good Medical Practice [GMP]. This clinical audit was conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from January to May 2012 and during this period we evaluated 44 [99] Mo-[99m] Tc generators [PAKGEN]. In 369 elutions during this audit period, we did not find any evidence of [99] Mo breakthrough. This clinical audit proves that PAKGEN generators supplied by IPD, PINSTECH, Islamabad had good performance and proved generally to be a reliable source of [99m] Tc-pertechnetate. The application was safe and fulfilled the requirements for good medical practice

Early bone scan imaging protocol: a pragmatic approach to maintain patients throughput in a busy Nuclear Medicine Section

Radionuclide bone scan are acquired 3-4 hours after Technetium-99m Methylene Diphosphonate [[99m] Tc MDP] injection to ensures a better contrast between bone and soft tissue. However, in a busy department with limited gamma cameras this imaging protocol is the limiting factor for reduced patient throughput. Compare the image quality of early [1.5 hr] and delayed [3 hr] acquired bone scans in same patients for image quality and lesion detection efficiency. This prospective study was conducted at Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from 1st August 2011 till 15th September 2011. We recruited 12 patients [age range: 18-75 years] with a male: female ratio of 4:8, who were pain free, cooperative and mobile. [99m]Tc MDP was injected intravenously. Patients were asked to have at least 250 cc of water after every 15 minutes] and void urine frequently to minimize bladder dose. At 1.5 hour and 3 hour post-injection, whole body imaging were acquired under a double head, gamma camera [ECAM, Siemens, Germany] with same acquisition parameters for both images. These images were read by an experienced nuclear physician who evaluated the scans for over all image quality [subjective] and lesion detection efficiency [estimation of lesion appreciable on a scan]. The image quality of early [1.5 hr] and delayed scans were labeled as acceptable [fair bone to soft tissue contrast] and good [good bone to soft tissue contrast] respectively by the reader. Twenty three [23] lesions were identified on early scan and all of these lesions were appreciable on delayed studies as well and no discordance was identified. In a busy nuclear medicine section, to maintain patients' throughput, imaging at 1.5 hour may be used safely in those patients who are cooperative and mobile

Retinopathy of prematurity; a study of frequency and risk factors

Retinopathy of prematurity [ROP] is a serious complication of prematurity treatment and extension of survival in premature infants and can lead to blindness unless recognized and treated early. The aim of this prospective study was to estimate the incidence of ROP in our country and to identify the risk factors which predispose to ROP in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] graduates. An ROP prospective screening survey was performed enrolling all premature admitted to the NICU from 1st September 2007 to 31st August 2008, with a gestational age [GA]of 32 weeks or less at birth and those of birth weight [BW] of 1500gm or less. Infants whom GA was>32 week or BW was>1500 gm were included if they were exposed to high oxygen [FiO2>21%].A total of 175 infants had retinal evaluation by indirect ophthalmoscopy at 4 weeks of gestation and followed up periodically. All clinical and epidemiological data were statistically analyzed. ROP was diagnosed in 34 [19.4%] infants; one of whom was diagnosed as threshold ROP and underwent Laser Ablative therapy. Out of the 175 neonate, 86 [49.1%] were males and 89 [50.9%] were females. The mean gestational age was 33.01 +/- 1.73 weeks; 25 were less than 32 weeks and 150 were>32 weeks. The birth weight ranged from 0.67 to 2 kg with a mean of 1.5 +/- 0.24 Kg. Using univariate comparison between the risk factors in neonates who developed ROP and those who didn't we found a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of ROP and gestational age, supplemental oxygen therapy and frequency of packed RBC transfusions. However insignificant correlation was found with sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome [RDS], intraventricular hemorrhage [IVH], patent ductus arteriosus [PDA] and the use of phototherapy. The incidence of ROP in our study was 19.4%.Short gestation, supplemental oxygen administration and frequency of packed RBC transfusions were significant risk factors for ROP. Laser was effective in regressing ROP

Protective effect of balanites aegyptia on antioxidant deffense system againt adriamycin-induced cariac toxicity in experimental mice

Samir A. El Masry, Mohamed M. Ebeed, Ibrahim H. El Sayed, Mohamed Y. Nasr and Khalil A. El Halafawy. Protective effect of Balanites aegyptiaca on antioxidant defense system against Adriamycin-induced cardiac toxicity in experimental mice. Adriamycin is an anthracycline antibiotic that is widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent. However, usefulness of this agent is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. Increased oxidative stress and antioxidant deficit have been suggested to play a major role in adriamycin induced cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure due to multiple treatments with adriamycin. The rationale of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Balanites aegyptiaca [B. aegyptiaca] as a source of the natural antioxidants against adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity in experimental mice. In present study, four groups [ten animals in each group] of experimental mice were used as follows: Group 1, mice not received both Adriamycin drug and B. aegyptiaca extract and served as a negative control group; Group 2, mice received Adriamycin intraperitoneally [2.5 mg/kg BW] in six equal injections over a period of two weeks for a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg BW; Group 3, mice orally administered with B. aegyptiaca extract [400 mg/kg BW], through an intragastric feeding tube over a period of three weeks; Group 4, mice treated orally with B. aegyptiaca extract plus intraperitoneally adriamycin administration [2.5 mg/kg BW]. Serum Lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], Creatine phosphokinase [CPK], Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase [GOT], Glutamate pyruvate transaminase [GPT], Lipid peroxide [LPO], total Nitric oxide [NO]. erythrocyte lysate Superoxide dismutase [SOD], Glutathion peroxidase [GPx] and plasma Catalase [CAT] were measured in all tested groups. The results showed that, Adriamycin elevated the activities of LDH, CPK, GOT, GPT, LPO and total NO content in the mice heart tissue. Also, Adriamycin drug reduced the activities of SOD, GPx and CAT. Pretreatment with B. aegyptiaca extract significantly [p<0.05] prevented these alterations and restored the enzyme activities to near normal levels. Application of B. aegyptiaca extract with Adriamycin drug either reduced or completely prevented its toxic effects. So, these findings demonstrate the cardio protective effect of B. aegyptiaca on antioxidant tissue defense system during Adriamycin induced cardiac damage in mice. Therefore it could be recommended for further investigation in this potentially new indication for clinical application

Ocular disorders among school-going Pakistani children

The objective of this work is to find out the pattern of eye problems in School-going children of ages 6 to 15 years. The current work designed as descriptive and cross sectional study. All students of schools/ Madaris [religious schools] of district Lasbela were screened during the first week of February 2001 to 30[th] September 2002. all students of Schools/ Madaris of district Lasbela were included in the study. Visual acuity was measured using Standard Snellen's chart; external examination was carried out with the help of torch and Direct Ophthalmoscope. Children with VA<6/12 were refracted to best correction. The team included a community ophthalmologist, an ophthalmologist, an ophthalmic technician and a community social worker. Structured questionnaire was prepared and operational methods were field tested and refined by piloting at the outpatient of Eye Department, JPMC abbreviation for what?. Ophthalmic technician with community social worker checked vision of all students. Ophthalmologist examined the children for any abnormality and refracted children with VA<6/12. All schools and madaris of the target area were visited. The results showed that out of 25437 examined school going children, 77.16% were found to be normal and 22.84% had some ocular problem. When main stream schools were compared to madaris for any eye abnormality, the respective figures were 20.7% to 34.34 as an appreciable difference. Amblyopia 0.24% [0.21% to 0.37], Blephritis 0.146%, [1,46 to 1.44], cataract 0.17 [0.17 to 0.19], Conjunctivitis 11.10% [10.03 to 17.00], glaucoma 0.007% [0.005 to 0.02], nystagmus 0.10% [0.10 to 0.07], ptosis 0.12% [0.14 to 0.04], refractive errors 2.90% [2.14 to 7.00], squint 0.45% [0.45 to 0.54], VADD 3.29% [3.29 to 3.14], vernal catarrh 1.90% [1.62 to 3.33], non-specific 1.01% [0.98 to 1.19]. Appreciable difference is noted in conjunctivitis, refractive errors and spring catarrh. It was concluded that schools screening could play an important role in promotion of eye health and prevention of childhood blindness. It should be an important component of any program of [prevention and control of blindness]

Reflections on eye care services of Al-basar International Foundation in Sudan

Cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people. This leading cause of blindness can be surgically removed to restore the vision. Keeping In view the above background, Al-Basar International Foundation founded in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1989 as a NGO to render eye care services in countries of Africa and Asia through free Eye Camps and establishment of Eye Hospitals. Since then the organization worked in more than 40 countries of Africa and Asia and conducted nearly 750 free eye camps. In those Eye Camps nearly 2.5 million people had been screened, 225.000 were operated and 600.000 spectacles had been distributed 3 Al-Basar International Foundation introduced their services in Sudan through free eye camps in Khartoum and Kadabas in 1993. Within the span of 15 years, the foundation conducted 175 free eye camps, established six Eye Hospitals in the country through which large numbers of people had been benefited

Incidence and clinical predictors of left atrial appendage thrombosis risk markers in end stage renal disease patients on maintenance haemodialysis

The incidence of intracardiac thrombosis and its risk markers in haemodialysis patients has not been sludied in the Egyptian population. This study was designed to determine the incidence of left atrial appendage [LAA] thrombosis and its risk markers as well as its clinical predictors in patients on maintenance haemodialysis in Suez Canal area in the period from 2003-2004. Transoesphageal echocardiography [TEE] was performed in 55 haemodialysis patients, 34 [62%] were males, the mean age was 46 +/- 10 years with mean dialysis duration b8 +/- b months. Any potential candidate with current or past chronic or intermittent atria] fibrillation or with cardiovascular diseases was excluded from the study. LAA abnormalities were defined as the presence of LAA thrombus, spontaneous echo contrast [SEC], LAA emplying or filling Doppler velocities <25cm/s, or LAA area 5 cm[2] Nothrombi were found in the LAA, but SEC detected in 4 [7%] patients, LAA velocities <25cm/s in 12 [22%] palients, and LAA area >5cm2 in 15 [27%] patients. On multe-variate analysis; older age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, low haematocrit <30%, and left venlridilar mass index [LVM1] >116gm/m2 were the only ilinical variables independently associated with LAA abnormalities predisposing to thrombosis. Patients on maintenance haemodialysis in Suez Canal area are at low risk for LAA thrombosis. However, I.AA abnormalities predisposing to thrombosis can still be detected and correlated with older age, hypertension, diabetes incllilus, cigarette smoking, low haematocrit, and increased LVMI>116gin/m2.