Effect of Eco-Friendly Application of Bee Honey Solution on Yield, Physio-Chemical, Antioxidants, and Enzyme Gene Expressions in Excessive Nitrogen-Stressed Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Plants.

Excessive use of nitrogen (N) pollutes the environment and causes greenhouse gas emissions; however, the application of eco-friendly plant biostimulators (BSs) can overcome these issues. Therefore, this paper aimed to explore the role of diluted bee honey solution (DHS) in attenuating the adverse impacts of N toxicity on Phaseolus vulgaris growth, yield quality, physio-chemical properties, and defense systems. For this purpose, the soil was fertilized with 100, 125, and 150% of the recommended N dose (RND), and the plants were sprayed with 1.5% DHS. Trials were arranged in a two-factor split-plot design (N levels occupied main plots × DH- occupied subplots). Excess N (150% RND) caused a significant decline in plant growth, yield quality, photosynthesis, and antioxidants, while significantly increasing oxidants and oxidative damage [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2•-), nitrate, electrolyte leakage (EL), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels]. However, DHS significantly improved antioxidant activities (glutathione and nitrate reductases, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, proline, ascorbate, α-tocopherol, and glutathione) and osmoregulatory levels (soluble protein, glycine betaine, and soluble sugars). Enzyme gene expressions showed the same trend as enzyme activities. Additionally, H2O2, O2•-, EL, MDA, and nitrate levels were significantly declined, reflecting enhanced growth, yield, fruit quality, and photosynthetic efficiency. The results demonstrate that DHS can be used as an eco-friendly approach to overcome the harmful impacts of N toxicity on P. vulgaris plants.

The gametogenic cycle and spawning of the short-necked clam, Paphia undulata Born, 1778 (Bivalvia: Veneridae) from Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Paphia undulata, The Short-Necked Clam, is an edible marine bivalve that is consumed internationally and locally in Egypt. Overfishing and pollution have caused population declines in Egyptian fisheries during the last decade. Accurate reproductive biology knowledge is critical for designing long-term exploitation strategy for this resource. P. undulata spawning and gametogenic cycle research were carried out from January to December 2020 along Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt. RESULTS: These clams are functionally dioecious with a very low incidence of hermaphroditism. The sex ratio of the clam population was 1.0:1.07:0.04 for male, female and hermaphrodite respectively. The shell lengths of the collected clams were 4.64 ± 0.83 cm in males, 4.55 ± 0.9 cm in females and 4.19 ± 0.3 cm in hermaphrodite clams. The sizes at the onset of sexual maturity in both males and females were 2.1 cm and 2.5 cm respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive studies revealed that this species has a prolonged spawning season that is not restricted to a specific period.

Assessment of erosion rate in a rainfed agricultural area on the Northwestern coast of Egypt using 137Cs measurements.

In the present work, the use of the fallout radionuclide 137Cs as a tracer for estimating soil redistribution rates over the past 60 years was tested in Egypt at an agricultural field with a smooth slope (0-10%) located in Ras El-Hekma on the Northwestern coast. The average annual soil erosion rate was derived from 137Cs inventories (Bq m-2) and by using the conversion Diffusion and Migration Model (DMM). The activity concentrations of 137Cs with uncertainty ranging between 7.5 and 20.9% were measured using HPGe gamma spectrometry. Approximately exponential shape for the distribution of 137Cs activity concentration was observed within the upper 20 cm of the soil profile associated with the reference site while for the study sites, the 137Cs depth distribution profiles indicate generally an increase of activity reaching a maximum peak of 137Cs usually at a depth of 10-15 cm followed by an abrupt exponential decrease of 137Cs activity concentration with depth. The measured average reference inventory for this area was 697 Bq m-2 with a coefficient of variation of 23%. This value is close to the estimated reference inventory using the conversion model, which was 744 Bq m-2. Transect sampling strategy was adopted at the study area where three parallel transects were chosen based on the common slope. The estimated average annual erosion rate for the three transects was found to be 7.5 t ha-1 y-1, and sediment delivery ratio was approximately 98%, which shows the moderate vulnerability of the Ras El-Hekma area to water erosion.

In vivo study of dose-dependent antioxidant efficacy of functionalized core-shell yttrium oxide nanoparticles.

Herein, we assess the dose-dependent antioxidant efficacy of ultrafine spherical functionalized core-shell yttrium oxide nanoparticles (YNPs) with a mean size of 7-8 nm and modified with poly EGMP (ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate) and N-Fluorescein Acrylamide. The antioxidant properties of these nanoparticles were investigated in three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (10 per group) exposed to environmental stress daily for 1 week and one control group. Groups 2 and 3 were intravenously injected twice a week with YNPs at 0.3 and 0.5 mg at 2nd and 5th day of environmental stress exposure respectively. Different samples of blood and serum were collected from all experimental groups at end of the experiment to measure oxidative biomarkers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity (HORAC), oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidants concentration as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The liver, brain, and spleen tissues were collected for fluorescence imaging and histopathological examination in addition to brain tissue examination by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to estimate YNPs translocation and concentration in tissues which is consecutively dependent on the dose of administration. Depending on all results, poly EGMP YNPs (poly EGMP yttrium oxide nanoparticles) can act as a potent direct antioxidant in a dose-dependent manner with good permeability through blood-brain barrier (BBB). Also, the neuroprotective effect of YNPs opening the door to a new therapeutic approach for modulating oxidative stress-related neural disorders. HIGHLIGHTS: • The dose-dependent antioxidant efficacy of ultrafine spherical functionalized core-shell yttrium oxide nanoparticles (YNPs) with a mean size of 7-8 nm and modified with poly EGMP (ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate) and N-Fluorescein Acrylamide was assessed. • The dose of administration directly affecting the brain, liver, and spleen tissues distribution, retention, and uptake of YNPs and direct correlation between the absorbed amount and higher dose administered. • YNPs can act as a potent direct antioxidant in a dose-dependent manner with good permeability through blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Re-evaluating the Economic Injury Level for Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Control in Low Desert Irrigated Alfalfa.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) dominates cropping systems in the Western United States and is first in terms of acreage planted in Arizona. The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gylenhall) and/or Hypera brunneipennis (Boheman), respectively, is the most destructive pest in terms of yield loss in low desert-grown alfalfa hay. The current economic threshold of 15-20 larvae per sweep, established in California in 1975, is currently not suitable or adopted by growers in the western U.S. low desert. Here, we conducted 4 yr of field trials to re-evaluate this economic threshold. Supporting observations of agricultural growers and professionals in the region, our results indicate that the economic threshold established in 1975 is too high. Specifically, one to three large larvae often cause a significant decrease in yield justifying weevil control based on current hay prices and costs of insecticide application. These results are discussed in the context of sustainable alfalfa production in the western U.S. low desert.

Functionalized Core-Shell Yttrium Oxide Nanoparticles as Antioxidants Agents in Heat Stressed Rats.

Herein, we assess the antioxidant potential of core-shell yttrium oxide nanoparticles functionalized with ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate (EGMP). The antioxidant properties of these nanoparticles were investigated in heat stressed models of 21 rats (heat stressed group, group B). Different samples of blood, serum, and tissue homogenate were collected at different time intervals in order to measure oxidative biomarkers such as enzymatic antioxidants (SODs, GPX, GST, GR, and TAC) and oxidative byproducts (MDA, PC, and 8-OHdG). Liver specimens of prophylactic group and heat stressed ones were also histopathologically examined 2 h post NPs injection. The measurements of oxidative biomarkers were complementary with histopathological findings and confirmed the antioxidant properties of poly EGMP yttrium oxide NPs.

SOIL-SOYBEAN TRANSFER FACTOR OF NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES IN DIFFERENT SOIL TEXTURES AND THE ASSESSMENT OF COMMITTED EFFECTIVE DOSE.

From three different soil textures (clay, silt and sand), 36 soil and soybeans samples were accumulated from the agricultural area of EL-Mynia governorate in Upper Egypt, between (27°36'19.44″N; 30°30'14.14″ E) and (28°48'28.45″ N; 31°00'32.27″ E). Soil textures were prepared by particle size distribution through a pipette method. Its radioactivity measurements were performed with a NaI (Tl) and 3 × 3 inch crystal. The transfer factor (TF) of natural radionuclides from soil to soybeans was calculated. The value of the TF for 226Ra in clay soil ranges from 0.27 ± 0.03 to 0.42 ± 0.05, in sandy soil it ranges from 0.21 ± 0.02 to 0.57 ± 0.07 and in silt soil it ranges from 0.25 ± 0.03 to 0.53 ± 0.06. The TF for 232Th in clay soil ranges from 0.22 ± 0.03 to 0.90 ± 0.12, in sandy soil it ranges from 0.21 ± 0.03 to 1.00 ± 0.13, while in silt soil it ranges from 0.25 ± 0.03 to 0.88 ± 0.12. The TF for 40K in clay soil ranges from 0.95 ± 0.13 to 2.05 ± 0.29, in sandy soil it ranges from 1.21 ± 0.17 to 2.52 ± 0.35 and in silt soil it ranges and from 1.01 ± 0.14 to 1.46 ± 0.26.The results show that the committed effective dose from soybean consumption is between 54.5 and 103.4 µSv y-1 assuming consumption of 20 kg y-1.

Ground follow-up of the airborne gamma-ray spectrometric survey data, ramlet HOMAYYER area, east abu-zeneima, southwestern Sinai, Egypt.

Ramlet Homayyer area is located in the southwestern part of Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, to the east of Abu-Zeneima city, located on the eastern coast of Gulf of Suez, Red Sea. The Paleozoic succession in the study area (up to 300 m thick) overlies the basement complex and is covered by basaltic sheets. The lithologic nature of the Paleozoic rocks played a very important role in the localization of various mineralizations (e.g. Mn, Fe, Cu, REEs, Th … etc.) In the present study of Ramlet Homayyer area, ground spectral gamma-ray survey was conducted along N-S profiles, equally-spaced, with lengths of about 2.5 km, and the total area equals about 10 km2. The measurements were conducted using a portable gamma-ray spectrometer, model GS-512. The examination of the total-count (T.C.) radiometric contour map shows that the radioactivity values vary widely from 3.4 Ur to 101.3 Ur. The potassium (K) content in Ramlet Homayyer area ranges from 1.2% to 16.0%. The equivalent thorium (eTh) content in the study area has a maximum value reaching about 68.9 ppm. The equivalent uranium (eU) content attains its maximum value reaching about 84.0 ppm. Factor analysis technique, which provides a way of thinking about radiospectrometric elements and ratio interrelationships alltogether was carried out. The application of factor analysis technique, helped to delineate the zones of high concentrations of eU, eTh and K separately, where the first factor (F1) can delineate high eU zones, (F2) high eTh zones and (F3) high K zones. The radiometric lithologic mapping was conducted for the whole area, by testing the homogeneity of all measurements recorded indicates that the distribution of the radioactivity all over the area is not homogeneous. This indicates that the lithological cover of the study area cannot be considered as one lithologic unit, but contains different types of rock units. Each Interpreted radiometric lithologic units (IRLU) is corresponding to one geomorphological mass or features. As a result of the ground radiometric survey of the study area, chemical analyses for some selected samples were taken and conducted from the anomalous zones at G. Homayyer, G. Ghorabi and Khameila areas. These analyses showed presence of concentrations of uranium up to 147 ppm, 58 ppm, 52 ppm in addition to trace elements with high concentrations of some elements as: Y, Cr, W, Sr and Ag, which gives 6819,768,314,561 and15 ppm respectively.

Perspectives of online surveys in dermatology.

The striking rise in the Internet utilization worldwide has led to major changes in the methods of data collection and processing. Online surveying has been used to assess different health services, explore patients' perceptions and measure interventions. The discipline of dermatology is one of the fields that gained benefits from surveying patients and dermatologists online; however, some disadvantages such as the low response rate and participation bias were suggested. This review summarizes the applications of online surveying in dermatology and discusses the methods of enhancing response to online surveys. It also offers a guide for dermatologists to formulate their online surveys and avoid the possibility of bias. The role of social network in data collection and the concerns about anonymity and data security have been discussed.

First-line tracheal resection and primary anastomosis for postintubation tracheal stenosis.

Introduction Tracheal stenosis following intubation is the most common indication for tracheal resection and reconstruction. Endoscopic dilation is almost always associated with recurrence. This study investigated first-line surgical resection and anastomosis performed in fit patients presenting with postintubation tracheal stenosis. Methods Between February 2011 and November 2014, a prospective study was performed involving patients who underwent first-line tracheal resection and primary anastomosis after presenting with postintubation tracheal stenosis. Results A total of 30 patients (20 male) were operated on. The median age was 23.5 years (range: 13-77 years). Seventeen patients (56.7%) had had previous endoscopic tracheal dilation, four (13.3%) had had tracheal stents inserted prior to surgery and one (3.3%) had undergone previous tracheal resection. Nineteen patients (63.3%) had had a tracheostomy. Eight patients (26.7%) had had no previous tracheal interventions. The median time of intubation in those developing tracheal stenosis was 20.5 days (range: 0-45 days). The median length of hospital stay was 10.5 days (range: 7-21 days). The success rate for anastomoses was 96.7% (29/30). One patient needed a permanent tracheostomy. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.3%: 1 patient died from a chest infection 21 days after surgery. There was no mortality or morbidity in the group undergoing first-line surgery for de novo tracheal lesions. Conclusions First-line tracheal resection with primary anastomosis is a safe option for the treatment of tracheal stenosis following intubation and obviates the need for repeated dilations. Endoscopic dilation should be reserved for those patients with significant co-morbidities or as a temporary measure in non-equipped centres.

Does haloperidol prophylaxis reduce ketamine-induced emergence delirium in children?

OBJECTIVES: Ketamine is a non-barbiturate agent with rapid action onset that induces profound sedation; however, some emergency physicians tend not to use ketamine because of the risk of emergence delirium (ED). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of haloperidol prophylaxis in postoperative ketamine delirium in children. METHODS: Prospective data relating to any emergence dreams, delirium, hallucinations, agitation, crying, altered perceptions, and necessary interventions were recorded in consecutive cases of ketamine delirium in patients attending Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt, from June 2010 to May 2011. RESULTS: A total of 537 records were available for analysis. Of those, 267 received prophylactic haloperidol (49.7%). There were significant differences between the two groups regarding post-anaesthetic care unit behaviour. The ketamine-haloperidol groups included more patients who were sleepy, calm (P ≤0.01) and less irritable (P ≤0.01), with a lower incidence of crying (P ≤0.01) and disorientation (P ≤0.01). CONCLUSION: We found that preoperative administration of haloperidol decreases the incidence of postoperative delirium in a sample of Egyptian children undergoing minor surgery. This is congruent with earlier work conducted in adults. This work carries great hope to decrease and even prevent ED in hospitalised, non-surgical patients.

Repair of fistulae in-ano in children using image guided Histoacryl injection after failure of conservative treatment.

PURPOSE: Our aim is to determine the feasibility and safety of N Butyl Cyanoacrylate (HISTOACRYL), adhesive material in the treatment of fistula in-ano in infants and children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 30 patients who presented with a perianal fistula (25 males and 5 females) were studied. Their ages ranged from 9 months to 15 years. All patients received medical (conservative) treatment. Six patients improved, 7 patients were subjected to surgical intervention, and the remaining 17 patients were managed by injection of adhesive material through the fistula under fluoroscopic guidance and general anesthesia after failure of medical management. RESULTS: Of the 17 children who underwent injection therapy to the fistula in-ano after failed medical management, 14 patients were males. The procedure time was 10 to 15 min. The mean follow up was 18 months. Two patients had a recurrence after one to two months. They were subjected to reinjection, and one of them had a second recurrence. Overall, 16 (94%) of 17 patients have had successful closure of their fistula, and one of them healed from a second injection. CONCLUSION: Our method of tissue adhesive Cyanoacrylate injection is safe, feasible, and can be used repeatedly in treatment of fistula in-ano in infants and children.

The weather dependence of particle size distribution of indoor radioactive aerosol associated with radon decay products.

This study was performed to measure the activity size distribution of aerosol particles associated with short-lived radon decay products in indoor air at Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan. The measurements were performed using a low pressure Andersen cascade impactor under variable meteorological conditions. The results showed that the greatest activity fraction was associated with aerosol particles in the accumulation size range (100-1000 nm) with a small fraction of nucleation mode (10-100 nm). Regarding the influence of the weather conditions, the decrease in the number of accumulation particles was observed clearly after rainfall without significant change in nucleation particles, which may be due to a washout process for the large particles.

Role of PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient in the evaluation of pituitary adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between tumor consistency and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values is controversial. We evaluated the role of the ADC using an advanced diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) technique. We employed periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) DWI acquired on a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to assess the consistency of pituitary adenomas and examined the relationship between the ADC and the hormone secretion status of the tumors and their MIB-1 labeling index (MIB-1 LI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study protocol was approved by our institutional review board. We retrospectively studied 24 operated patients with pituitary adenomas who had undergone PROPELLER DWI on a 3-T MRI scanner. Conventional MRI findings were expressed as the ratio of the signal intensity (SI) in the lesions to the SI of the normal white matter and the degree of contrast enhancement. Minimum-, mean-, and maximum ADC (ADCmin, ADCmean, ADCmax) values were calculated. The consistency of the tumors was determined by neurosurgeons. All surgical specimens were submitted for histological study to calculate the MIB-1 LI and the percent collagen content. Preoperative MRI-, intraoperative-, and histological findings were analyzed by a statistician. RESULTS: Our study included 15 soft-, 5 fibrous-, and 4 hard tumors. Tumor consistency was strongly associated with the percent collagen content. However, neither the tumor consistency nor the percent collagen content was correlated with MRI findings or ADC values. The SI of growth hormone-producing adenomas on T2-WI was lower than of the other pituitary adenomas studied (p<0.01); no other significant difference was found in the ADC or on conventional MRI between pituitary adenomas with different secretory functions. The MIB-1 LI of pituitary adenomas was not correlated with their appearance on conventional MRI or their ADC values. CONCLUSION: Using the PROPELLER DWI technique we confirmed that the ADC was not correlated with the consistency of pituitary adenomas. We also demonstrate that the ADC was not associated with the hormone-secreting status or the MIB-1 LI of pituitary adenomas.

Host plant suitability and feeding preferences of the grapevine pest Abagrotis orbis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Thirteen plant species were tested for their suitability as hosts for Abagrotis orbis (Grote), a climbing cutworm pest of grapevines in British Columbia. Choice tests were also conducted to investigate larval feeding preferences for the Brassicaceae species joi choi, Brassica rapa variety. Chinensis L., spring draba; Draba verna L.; and shepherd's purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik; compared with postdormant buds of grape, Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae), and leaves of nine other plant species from several families. Results showed that tah tsai, Brassica rapa L. variety rosularis (M. Tsen & S. H. Lee) Hanelt (Brassicaceae), is a superior host for A. orbis based on shorter time to adult eclosion, heavier pupae, and higher rates of survival. Later-instar larvae died when fed draba, whereas those reared on shepherd's purse did not survive beyond the third instar. White clover, Trifolium repens L. (Fabaceae), and grape leaves were unsuitable hosts throughout development. Fifth-instar A. orbis preferred plants of the Brassicaceae family, dandelion, Taraxacum officinale Weber (Asteraceae), and strawberry, Fragaria sp. L. (Rosaceae), compared with postdormant grape buds. The results of this study suggest that the winter annual mustards draba and shepherd's purse that often grow abundantly in vine rows might help reduce climbing cutworm damage to the buds of grapevines.

Changes of renal blood flow after ESWL: assessment by ASL MR imaging, contrast enhanced MR imaging, and renal resistive index.

The annual incidence of stone formation is increased in the industrialised world. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is a non-invasive effective treatment of upper urinary tract stones. This study is aimed to evaluate changes of renal blood flow in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) by arterial spin labeling (ASL) MR imaging, contrast enhanced dynamic MR imaging, and renal resistive index (RI). Thirteen patients with nephrolithiasis were examined using MR imaging and Doppler ultrasound 12h before and 12h after ESWL. ASL sequence was done for both kidneys and followed by contrast enhanced MR imaging. In addition RI Doppler ultrasound measurements were performed. A significant increase in RI (p<0.001) was found in both treated and untreated kidneys. ASL MR imaging also showed significant changes in both kidneys (p<0.001). Contrast enhanced dynamic MR imaging did not show significant changes in the kidneys. ESWL causes changes in RI and ASL MR imaging, which seem to reflect changes in renal blood flow.

Synthesis, X-ray structure, and pharmacological activity of some 6,6-disubstituted chromeno[4,3-b]- and chromeno- [3,4-c]-quinolines.

Some chromeno[4,3-b]quinolines 4a-i were obtained from beta-chloro carboxyaldehydes 3a-c with different aniline derivatives namely, aniline, 4-fluoroaniline, and 2-aminophenol. Surprisingly, 3a-c reacted with 2-aminothiophenol and afforded the chromeno[3,4-c]quinoline derivatives 5a-c. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 4e and 5b provided good support for the established structure. Compounds 4b and 5b showed significant anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic score activities compared to that of indomethacin.

Effect of temperature and relative humidity on the cellular defense response of Ephestia kuehniella larvae fed Bacillus thuringiensis.

While maintained under all combinations of three temperatures and two RH, fifth instar larvae of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella were fed wheat treated with spores and crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki. Larvae that had fed on wheat with the bacterial preparation contained higher concentrations of nodules in their haemocoel than did larvae fed on wheat without bacteria. Nodule concentrations in larvae fed untreated wheat were unaffected by temperature or relative humidity. Larvae fed treated wheat had higher nodule concentrations at 32 degrees C than at 15 and 23 degrees C, and higher nodule concentrations at a relative humidity of 85% than at 43%. The percentage of larvae that pupated was lower when larvae were fed the bacterial preparation, and was significantly higher at 23 degrees C than at 15 and 32 degrees C, regardless of whether larvae were fed bacteria or not. Less time was required for larvae to develop to pupation at higher temperatures and at higher humidity. Mean time to pupation was lower for bacteria-fed larvae than for those fed untreated wheat, and this appeared to be a result of truncation of the distribution of times to pupation because only rapidly developing larvae survived to pupation.

Stability-indicating methods for determination of vincamine in presence of its degradation product.

Three different stability indicating assay methods are developed and validated for determination of vincamine in the presence of its degradation product (vincaminic acid). The first method is based on the derivative ratio zero crossing spectrophotometric technique using 0.1 N hydrochloric acid as a solvent. In the second method, measurements are based on spectro-densitometric technique using high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) plates with a developing system consisting of methanol-chloroform-ethyl acetate (2:1:1, v/v/v). The third method depends on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Separation of vincamine from vincaminic acid using Lichrocart RP-18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-ammonium carbonate (0.01 M) (7:3, v/v) is achieved. The methods showed high sensitivity with good linearity over the concentration ranges of 12 to 48 microg ml-1, 3 to 17 microg/spot, and 2 to 20 microg ml-1 for derivative spectrophotometry, spectro-densitometry and HPLC methods, respectively. The developed methods were successfully applied to the analysis of pharmaceutical formulations containing vincamine with excellent recoveries.

Potentiation of diclofenac-induced anti-inflammatory response by aminoguanidine in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in rats: the role of nitric oxide.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether aminoguanidine (AG) treatment enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac in an acute inflammation model in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 48 rats carrageenan-induced paw edema was used as an acute inflammation model. Inflammatory activity was assessed at 1.5, 3 and 6 h after sub-planter injection of carrageenan (0.1 ml of a 1% solution in 0.85% saline). The anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac (25 mg/kg, i.p.) was studied in comparison to that of the selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, AG, and of nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). RESULTS: AG, failed to inhibit inflammation during the first 3 h following carrageenan administration, but caused a slight, although statistically insignificant inhibition at 6 h. Diclofenac significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced edema in rat paw at all the time points studied. Administration of diclofenac after AG pretreatment caused significant (P < 0.001) reduction in edema that was double that of diclofenac alone 6 h after carrageenan injection. Administration of SNP as a single dose after AG pretreatment prevented any potentiation of anti-inflammatory response that was observed in the case of AG combined with diclofenac treatment. CONCLUSION: These results show that AG markedly potentiates the anti-inflammatory activity of diclofenac at 6 h and this potentiation effect is nitric oxide-dependent.