Evaluation of immediate implant placement with osteotome sinus floor elevation without graft material.

Background: Significant difficulties can be encountered when installing posterior maxillary implants. Osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) enables insertion of implants with insufficient bone height at the posterior maxilla using a special instrument known as the "osteotom." Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the implant survival rates and radiographical bone gain data after OSFE with simultaneous implant placement performed without grafting material. Further, we have discussed whether the osteotom tapping distance to sinus floor affects the amount of new bone gain (NBG). Materials and Methods: Forty dental implants were inserted in 36 patients (20 women and 16 men) aged between 24 and 80 years (mean = 55.7 years). Residual bone height and NBG were analyzed using a commercially available software program on panoramic films. Results: The mean residual bone height at the intended implant sites was 5.4 mm ± 2.2 mm, ranging from 3.5 mm to 6.9 mm. The mean NBG was 1.5 mm ± 0.87 mm, ranging from 0.1 mm to 4 mm. At 64.4 months of follow-up, one implant had been lost in the osseointegration period. The remaining 39 implants were in function, with a survival rate of 97.5%. No significant difference was seen between the osteotome tapping distance to sinus floor and NBG at the implant apex (P = 0.395). Conclusion: OSFE without using bone grafts with simultaneous implant installation is a safe and reliable method with successful long-term results for he rehabilitation of edentulous posterior maxillae.

Miniaturised gap sensor using fibre optic Fabry-Pérot interferometry for structural health monitoring.

A miniaturised structural health monitoring device has been developed capable of measuring the absolute distance between close parallel surfaces using Fabry-Pérot interferometry with nm-scale sensitivity. This is achieved by fabricating turning mirrors on two opposite cores of a multi-core fibre to produce a probe with dimensions limited only be the fibre diameter. Two fabrication processes have been investigated: Focused ion beam milling, which has resulted in a sensor measurement accuracy, sensitivity and range of ±0.056 µm, ±0.006 µm and ∼16000  µm respectively; and ultrafast laser assisted etching of the cleaved fibre end, where a sensor measurement accuracy, sensitivity and range of ±0.065 µm, ±0.006 µm and ∼7500 µm have been demonstrated.

Effects of dexamethasone on foetal Doppler flow velocimetry.

Corticosteroid administration before anticipated preterm birth is a well known antenatal therapy available to improve newborn outcomes. Doppler studies of maternal and foetal vessels provide a way to understand how corticosteroid affects and improves foetal respiratory outcome. This study was registered on 8th of October, 2017 by Menoufia Faculty of Medicine Board with registration number 222-2-10-2017. It included 80 pregnant women divided into two groups. Each group consisted of 40 participants. Group A: participants were between 28 weeks and 34 weeks of gestation and were at risk of preterm labour. Group B: participants were those who had undergone an elective caesarean section (CS) before completing the 39th week of gestation. Each woman had received four doses of Dexamethasone 6 mg intramuscularly, 12 h apart. Doppler studies were performed before the Dexamethasone adminstration and 24 h after the Dexamethasone course. Among both groups, only pregnant women before 34 weeks of gestation showed a significant decrease in middle cerebral artery pulsatility index. However, the other Doppler parameters showed no significant effect. In conclusion, Dexamethasone administration affected only the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index before 34 weeks of gestation.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Preterm births account for 75% of neonatal morbidity and pulmonary dysfunction plays an important role on such morbidities. Also, neonates born after an elective CS have significantly higher rates of respiratory morbidity and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Corticosteroids are wildly used to improve neonatal outcome in women who have expected preterm labour and before an elective CS.What do the results of this study add? Dexamethasone affected blood distribution of foetal brain only before 34 weeks of gestation that had been proved by changes of foetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index without affecting other Doppler parameters of both groups. With the improvement of foetal respiratory outcome in both groups.What are the implications of these finding for clinical practice and/or further research? Maternal Dexamethasone injection is recommended for mothers at risk of preterm labour, especially if delivery is expected within six days and mothers who will undergo elective CS before completion of 39 weeks of gestation, in terms of improving neonatal respiratory functions and decreasing the possibility of admission to neonatal intensive care unit for transient tachypnoea of the newborn.

Accidental displacement of mandibular third molar roots into the pterygomandibular space.

The surgical removal of impacted third molars is one of the most common procedures performed in both oral surgery and general dentistry. Accidental displacement of the impacted tooth or root fragments to the adjacent anatomical spaces is a rare but serious complication with even life-threatening complications. This case report presents the diagnosis and surgical management of an accidentally displaced right mandibular third molar root via an intraoral approach.

Psychological impact of female genital mutilation among adolescent Egyptian girls: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, at least 200 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). The medical and sexual consequences have been documented, but the psychological impact has not been studied to the same extent. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between FGM and psychiatric problems among adolescent girls. METHODS: A total of 204 girls, aged 14-19 years, were included in a cross-sectional study conducted at Suez Canal University Hospitals. All participants completed an Arabic-validated, structured questionnaire covering nine symptom scales. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of psychiatric problems among adolescent girls who had undergone FGM. RESULTS: Overall, 66.2% of girls had undergone FGM. The percentage in rural areas was 91.8%, compared with 43.0% in urban areas. There were no significant differences between the FGM and non-FGM groups as regards religion, educational and socioeconomic levels. FGM girls had a significantly higher level of psychological problems with regard to somatisation, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety and hostility compared with non-FGM girls (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: FGM is a traumatic experience that may leave a lasting psychological mark and a negative impact on the psychological status of affected girls.

Nebulized perflubron and carbon dioxide rapidly dilate constricted airways in an ovine model of allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: The low toxicity of perfluorocarbons (PFCs), their high affinity for respiratory gases and their compatibility with lung surfactant have made them useful candidates for treating respiratory diseases such as adult respiratory distress syndrome. We report results for treating acute allergic and non-allergic bronchoconstriction in sheep using S-1226 (a gas mixture containing carbon dioxide and small volumes of nebulized perflubron). The carbon dioxide, which is highly soluble in perflubron, was used to relax airway smooth muscle. METHODS: Sheep previously sensitized to house dust mite (HDM) were challenged with HDM aerosols to induce early asthmatic responses. At the maximal responses (characterised by an increase in lung resistance), the sheep were either not treated or treated with one of the following; nebulized S-1226 (perflubron + 12% CO2), nebulized perflubron + medical air, 12% CO2, salbutamol or medical air. Lung resistance was monitored for up to 20 minutes after cessation of treatment. RESULTS: Treatment with S-1226 for 2 minutes following HDM challenge resulted in a more rapid, more profound and more prolonged decline in lung resistance compared with the other treatment interventions. Video bronchoscopy showed an immediate and complete (within 5 seconds) re-opening of MCh-constricted airways following treatment with S-1226. CONCLUSIONS: S-1226 is a potent and rapid formulation for re-opening constricted airways. Its mechanism(s) of action are unknown. The formulation has potential as a rescue treatment for acute severe asthma.

Propolis enhances the effectiveness of praziquantel in experimental schistosomiasis: biochemical and histopathological study.

Despite the wide current use of praziquantel (PZQ) in treatment of schistosomiasis, low cure rates have been recorded in many studies. The aim of this study was directed to evaluate the curative effect of propolis (Pps) alone or in combination with PZQ on biochemical, immunological, parasitological, and histological changes associated with experimental schistosomiasis in mice. Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were divided into two experimental sets, each with four subgroups: (i) untreated, (ii) treated with Pps/day p.o for 4 weeks, (iii) treated with PZQ p.o 2 × 500 mg/kg bd wt, and (iv) treated with Pps + PZQ as in group ii and iii; all treatments started on the 8th week postinfection, in addition to uninfected group as control for the previous groups. Treatment of infected mice with Pps, although failed to eradicate the worm, significantly reduced the hepatic granuloma number, their lymphocytic infiltration and aggregation, hepatic and splenic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and plasma, and liver and thymus nitric oxide (NOx) levels together with normalization of plasma proteins and alleviation of oxidative stress in the examined tissues as evidenced by reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and normalization of glutathione (GSH). Promising results were obtained when Pps was given in combination with PZQ, where the anti-schistosomal activity of PZQ was markedly potentiated with complete alleviation and amelioration of the histological and biochemical alteration associated with schistosomiasis. This study highlights the potential usefulness of Pps as an adjunct to PZQ in schistosomiasis.

Carbon dioxide enhances substance P-induced epithelium-dependent bronchial smooth muscle relaxation in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Hypocapnia and hypercapnia constrict and relax airway smooth muscle, respectively, through pH- and calcium (Ca(2+))-mediated mechanisms. In this study we explore a potential role for the airway epithelium in these responses to carbon dioxide (CO(2)). Contractile and relaxant responses of isolated rat bronchial rings were measured under hypocapnic, eucapnic, and hypercapnic conditions. Substance P was added to methacholine precontracted bronchial rings with and without epithelium. The role of Ca(2+) was assessed using Ca(2+)-free solutions and a Ca(2+) channel blocker, nifedipine. The effects of pH were assessed in solutions with HEPES buffer. Hypocapnic challenge increased the organ bath's pH and increased bronchial smooth muscle resting tension. This effect was abolished with HEPES buffer and partially inhibited by nifedipine. Hypocapnic conditions suppressed substance P-induced epithelium-dependent relaxation, whereas hypercapnia augmented the response. The epithelial hypocapnic effect was pH dependent, whereas the hypercapnic effect was pH independent. CO(2) had no effect on the epithelial independent smooth muscle agonists methacholine and isoproterenol. In conclusion our data indicate that, in addition to the effects of pH and Ca(2+), CO(2) affects airway smooth muscle by a pH-independent, epithelium-mediated mechanism. These findings could potentially lead to new treatments for asthma involving CO(2)-sensing receptors in the airways.

Efficacy of transforaminal epidural magnesium administration when combined with a local anaesthetic and steroid in the management of lower limb radicular pain.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb radicular pain resulting from a herniated intervertebral disc is a cause of functional disability and could lead to increased consumption of opioids. We evaluated the efficacy of epidural magnesium combined with a local anaesthetic and steroid in the management of this pain. METHODS: This was a prospective, case-control, randomized, double-blind study. Fifty patients each received 2 ml bupivacaine, 1 ml (40 mg) methylprednisolone and 1 ml saline (0.9%) (group C) or magnesium (200 mg) instead of saline (group M). The primary outcome measure was the improvement in the pain score (assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS)), and the secondary outcome was the improvement in the functional ability (assessed using the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ)). The VAS and MODQ scores were assessed before and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months post-intervention. RESULTS: The VAS and MODQ scores were significantly better in group M compared to those in group C at all times post-injection (p-value < 0.001). Comparisons within the same group showed that the VAS and MODQ scores were significantly better at all post-injection time points compared to the pre-injection scores in both group C and group M (p-values < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Adding magnesium to a local anaesthetic and steroid to be injected in the transforaminal epidural space could improve the pain and the quality of life in patients suffering from lower limb radicular pain due to lumbo-sacral disc herniation, and this improvement could last for up to 3 months. SIGNIFICANCE: Magnesium is efficient when added to local anaesthetics and steroids for management of lower limb radicular pain.

Day 1 change in maternal serum ß-HCG levels as an early predictor of successful medical therapy in ectopic pregnancies.

Objective: To evaluate the role of ß-HCG level changes between days 0 and 1 as an early predictor of methotrexate success in cases of tubal ectopic pregnancy.Methods: A retrospective study included 86 tubal ectopic pregnancies treated with a single-dose methotrexate protocol of 50 mg/m2 of body surface. ß-HCG measurements were taken on days 0, 1, 4 and 7 where day 0 is the day of methotrexate injection. Day 0 ß-HCG and the percentage change in ß-HCG level between days 0 and 1 (HCG index) were calculated and compared between patients who were successfully or unsuccessfully treated. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were plotted to identify the best cutoff levels.Results: The average level of ß-HCG (1416.8 versus 2502.5 IU/L, p=.001) and its increment after 24 hours (12.9 versus 27.1%, p=.001) were significantly lower in the successful treatment group. ROC curves for ß-HCG level and its relative increment revealed that cutoff values of ≤1550 IU/L and ≤13% increment showed a sensitivity of 90 and 70% respectively for successful methotrexate treatment.Conclusion: Day 0 ß-HCG level ≤1550 IU/L and an increment of ≤13% after 24 hours are early predictors of successful methotrexate treatment for tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Vaccination of biological cellulose fibers with glucose: a gateway to novel nanocomposites.

This work introduces, for the first time worldwide, the means to preserve and protect the natural nanoporous structure of the never-dried plant cell wall, against the irreversible collapse, which occurs due to drying. Simultaneously, these means, used for the above-mentioned aim, provide a gateway to novel nanocomposite materials, which retain the super reactive and super absorbent properties of the never-dried biological cellulose fibers. The present work showed, for the first time worldwide, that glucose can be vaccinated into the cell wall micropores or nanostructure of the never-dried biological cellulose fibers, by simple new techniques, to create a reactive novel nanocomposite material possessing surprising super absorbent properties. Inoculation of the never dried biological cellulose fibers, with glucose, prevented the collapse of the cell wall nanostructure, which normally occurs due to drying. The nanocomposite, produced after drying of the glucose inoculated biological cellulose, retained the super absorbent properties of the never dried biological cellulose fibers. It was found that glucose under certain circumstances grafts to the never dried biological cellulose fibers to form a novel natural nanocomposite material. About 3-8% (w/w) glucose remained grafted in the novel nanocomposite.

Prevalence and differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus regarding female sexual dysfunction: a cross-sectional Egyptian study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the female sexual dysfunction in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Suez Canal University Hospitals from the start of February 2015 to the end of May 2016 among 189 married premenopausal women attending endocrinology and diabetology outpatient clinic for regular follow-up; 25 of whom refused to participate and 18 more were excluded due to incomplete data sets resulting in a final sample of 146 diabetic females. Ninety healthy women were recruited from the administrative staff at the hospital as a control group. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using female sexual function index (FSFI), a validated 19-item, self-administered, screening questionnaire comprising the six major sexual domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. Responses to each question were reported and scored on 0-5 scale with 0 representing no sexual activity and 5 suggestive of normal sexual activity. RESULTS: Prevalence of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in both type 1 and 2 DM groups (44 and 25%, respectively) than in the control group (9%). FSFI mean total score was significantly lower in type 1 DM (21.1 ± 3.9) than type 2 DM (26.4 ± 4.2) and both were significantly lower than the control group (31.5 ± 5.8). With regard to FSFI domains, mean values for desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain were significantly lower in both type 1 and type 2 DM groups when compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: FSD is a significant health problem among premenopausal diabetic Egyptian women. Type 1 DM women were more affected than type 2 DM that in turn was more affected than healthy control females.

A phase IIa proof-of-concept, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, crossover, single-dose clinical trial of a new class of bronchodilator for acute asthma.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates a novel bronchodilator, S1226, for its efficacy in reversing allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in subjects with mild, allergic asthma. S1226 is a new class of bronchodilator that is an aerosol/vapor/gas mixture combining pharmacological and biophysical principles for a novel mode of action. It contains a potent bronchodilator gas (carbon dioxide or CO2) and nebulized perflubron (a synthetic surfactant possessing mucolytic properties). It has demonstrated rapid reversal of allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in an ovine study model. METHODS: This was a phase IIa proof-of-concept, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, crossover single-dose clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of S1226 (8% CO2) administered by nebulization following an allergen-induced early asthmatic response in 12 subjects with mild, allergic asthma. Primary safety endpoints were adverse events, vital signs, pulse oximetry, and spirometry. Efficacy endpoints included bronchodilator response (measured as the forced expiratory volume in 1 s or FEV1) over time, the area under the curve of FEV1 for the early asthmatic response over time, and achievement of responder status, defined as a 12% improvement after the allergen challenge. RESULTS: No significant safety issues were observed. All adverse events were non-serious, mild, and transient. There was a statistically significant decrease in peripheral blood oxygenation levels over time in the placebo group following allergen inhalation, whereas blood oxygenation was maintained at normal levels in the S1226-treated subjects (P = 0.028). This effect was greatest 5 min after start of treatment (P < 0.001). The recovery rate was faster but not significantly so (P = 0.272) for S1226 compared to the placebo at earlier time points (5, 10, and 15 min), as assessed by ≥12% reversal of FEV1. The recovery of FEV1 over time was significantly greater (P = 0.04) with S1226 compared to the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: S1226 was safe, tolerated well, and provided bronchodilation and improved blood oxygenation in subjects with mild atopic asthma following allergen-induced bronchoconstriction. Additional studies to optimize the therapeutic response are indicated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02334553 . Registered on 12 November 2014.

The influence of Iraqi mothers' socioeconomic status on their milk-lipid content.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the lipid content and fatty acid (FA) composition, especially n(3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n(3) LCPUFAs) of mature breast-milk of Iraqi mothers and their relation to the socioeconomic status of the mothers. DESIGN: A collection of mature breast-milk of mothers with three different socioeconomic status (lactation period 5+/-1 month). SETTING: Mosul province (in the north of Iraq). SUBJECTS: Mature breast-milk samples were obtained from a group of 20- to 35-year-old mothers with different socioeconomic status: high urban (HU, n=25), low urban (LU, n=15) and typical suburban (SU, n=25). PROCEDURE: Mature-milk samples were collected from each lactating mother. The lipid components of each sample, namely triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (C) and phospholipids (PLs) were determined enzymatically. After their separation and esterification, FAs were determined as FA methyl esters by capillary gas chromatography. RESULTS: The percentages of n(3) LCPUFAs were 0.48+/-0.025, 0.37+/-0.029 and 0.38+/-0.018% for HU, LU and SU mothers, respectively. The amount of TGs, the major component of milk lipid, was 5.64+/-0.24, 5.21+/-1.61 and 3.21+/-0.92 g/100 ml for HU, SU and LU mothers, respectively. The milk-lipid content varied with the socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: The socioeconomic status of lactating mothers affected the lipid content and FA composition, especially the level of n(3) LCPUFAs (the very important structural constituents of the retina, brain and other nervous tissues). Mature breast-milk for the studied groups was low in n(3) LCPUFAs compared with that of mothers from developed countries and that recommended by WHO for optimum infant nutrition. SPONSORSHIP: Supported by grants from Department of Chemistry, University of Mosul. The analysis of FA methyl ester samples was performed at the National Centre for Scientific Research, France.

A phase I, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, single ascending dose-ranging study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a novel biophysical bronchodilator (S-1226) administered by nebulization in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: A major challenge in treating acute asthma exacerbations is the need to open constricted airways rapidly enough to reestablish ventilation and allow delivery of conventional medication to diseased airways. The solution requires a new approach that considers both biophysical and pharmacological aspects of treatments used in acute asthma. The result of testing several formulations was S-1226: carbon dioxide-enriched air delivered in nebulized perflubron, a synthetic surfactant. These agents act synergistically to rapidly reopen closed airways within seconds. The bronchodilator effect is independent of ß-adrenergic and cholinergic mediated-signaling pathways, offering a unique mechanism of action. S-1226 has a low toxicity profile and was effective in treating bronchoconstriction in animal models of asthma. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of S-1226 in healthy human subjects. METHODS: The phase I study was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential, single-ascending-dose study conducted in Canada. Thirty-six subjects were distributed into three cohorts. Within each cohort, subjects were randomized to receive a single dose of S-1226 or a matching placebo administered over a 2-minute nebulization period. S-1226 was formulated with perflubron and 4 %, 8 %, or 12 % CO2. The dose of CO2 was sequentially escalated by cohort. The safety and tolerability of S-1226 were evaluated through assessment of adverse events, vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiograms, clinical laboratory parameters, and physical examinations. RESULTS: S-1226 was safe and well tolerated at all three CO2 levels (4 %, 8 %, and 12 %). A total of 28 adverse events were reported, and all were judged mild in severity. Twenty-four adverse events occurred in the S-1226 cohort, of which five were considered remotely related and six possibly related to S-1226. CONCLUSIONS: S-1226 is a novel drug being developed for the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations. It consists of CO2-enriched air and perflubron and has potential to offer rapid and potent bronchodilation. The results of the study indicate that S-1226 is safe and well tolerated. All adverse events were mild, reversible, and likely due to known side effects of CO2 inhalation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02616770 . Registered on 25 November 2015.

Fatty-acid composition of the colostrum and serum of fullterm and preterm delivering Iraqi mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the lipid components of colostrum and the fatty-acid (FA) composition of the colostrum and serum of Iraqi mothers, whether their delivery be fullterm (FT) or preterm (PT). DESIGN: A collection of colostrum and serum samples of FT and PT delivering Iraqi mothers. SETTING: Mosul province (in the north of Iraq). SUBJECTS: Colostrum and blood samples were obtained from FT and PT delivering mothers; their gestation periods were 39.2 and 32.7 weeks, respectively (age 20-40 y). PROCEDURES: Colostrum and serum samples were collected from each lactating mother. The nursing period was 3-5 days. The lipid components of colostrum, namely triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol (C), were determined enzymatically and the phospholipids (PLs) were determined by using a colorimetric method based on the formation of a phosphomolybdate complex. The FA composition of colostrum and serum was determined by capillary gas chromatography. RESULTS: Compared to PT colostrum, FT colostrum exhibited a significant increase in lipid content, viz. TGs (P=0.022); a significant decrease in medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), viz. C12 and C14 (P=0.03 and 0.005, respectively); no significant differences in monounsaturated fatty acids and a significant increase in C20:5 n3 and C22:6 n3 (P=0.001 and 0.05, respectively) and a slight increase in the level of n3/n6. The FA composition of the mother serum was found to mimic that of their colostrum, except for the level of MCFAs which was higher in the colostrum. CONCLUSIONS: The lipid content, the percentage of C22:6 n3 (the most important FA) and the level of n3/n6 in PT colostrum were lower than those in FT colostrum. They may be affected by serum lipid and immaturity of the mammary gland. Generally, the level of n3/n6 for both groups (0.09 and 0.08) is lower than that recommended by WHO (0.1) for infants' optimum nutrition. The difference in the level of MCFAs between the mother serum and colostrum reflects their de novo synthesis in the mammary gland. SPONSORSHIP: Supported by Grants from Department of Chemistry, College of Education, University of Mosul. The analysis of fatty acid-methyl ester samples was performed at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), France.

Serum alcohol dehydrogenase activity in liver diseases.

The normal level of human serum alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1) (ADH) activity which is not measurable by conventional methods was found to be within the range 0.07-0.56 U/1 when measured by a sensitive method based on a coenzyme recycling reaction. In different liver diseases the normal upper limit of serum ADH activity was found to be exceeded up to 70 times. Although ADH activity under pathological conditions usually parallels that of other enzymes, e.g., sorbitol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.14) (SDH) and alanine transaminase (EC 2.6.1.2) (ALT), its relative elevation above the upper normal limit is generally greater, particularly in the early stages of viral hepatitis. Observations on some patients also suggested that very early stages of liver damage, caused by drugs or secondary malignancy, could be detected by increases of serum ADH activity when the activities of some other liver specific enzymes were still within their normal values. A pilot experiment on rats, intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride, showed that serum ADH activity could reflect acute liver parenchymal damage more sensitively than SDH and ALT activity.

Popliteal venous aneurysms and iliac vein compression: a possible association.

Popliteal venous aneurysms have always been linked to death from pulmonary embolism. Incidental finding of an asymptomatic popliteal venous aneurysm during duplex scan performed for patients with chronic venous disease is increasingly diagnosed but the relation between popliteal venous aneurysms and chronic venous disease remains unknown. We report the incidental finding of three asymptomatic popliteal venous aneurysms associated with iliac vein compression in patients with chronic venous disease who had undergone computed tomography venography with direct pedal contrast injection. An association between popliteal venous aneurysms and iliac vein compression is postulated.

Green nanotechnology: a short cut to beneficiation of natural fibers.

For the first time worldwide, it is shown that our novel nanocomposite produced from natural fibers vaccinated with glucose--by fully green nanotechnology--possesses surprising reactivity towards urea. Magic super absorbent carbamated nanocomposite cotton fabrics having remarkable distinguished properties were obtained in few minutes. It is well established that carbamates possess antibacterial effects. The produced magic nanocomposite fabrics, we discovered for the first time worldwide, find their use as woven or nonwoven hygienic pads, bandages or paper nanocomposites.