Efficacy of pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a novel drug delivery system for Leishmania tropica

@#The present study compares the in vitro effects of nanoparticles loaded pentamidine drug and conventional pentamidine on Leishmania tropica. Herein, pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PTN-CNPs) have been synthesized through an ionic gelation method with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Next, the physical characteristics of PTN-CNPs were determined through the surface texture, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, drug loading content (DLC), and encapsulation efficacy (EE) and compared its efficacy with free pentamidine (PTN) drug against promastigotes and axenic amastigotes forms of L. tropica in vitro. The PTN-CNPs displayed a spherical shape having a size of 88 nm, an almost negative surface charge (-3.09 mV), EE for PTN entrapment of 86%, and in vitro drug release of 92% after 36 h. In vitro antileishmanial activity of PTN-CNPs and free PTN was performed against Leishmania tropica KWH23 promastigote and axenic amastigote using 3-(4, 5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyletetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. It was observed that the effect of PTN-CNPs and free PTN on both forms of the parasite was dose and time dependent. Free PTN presented low efficacy even at higher dose (40 µg/ml) with 25.6 ± 1.3 and 26.5 ±1.4 mean viability rate of the promastigotes and axenic amastigotes, respectively after 72 hrs incubation. While PTN-CNPs showed strong antileishmanial effects on both forms of parasite with 16 ± 0.4 and 19 ± 0.7 mean viability rate at the same higher concentration (40 µg/ml) after 72 hrs incubation. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of PTN-CNPs toward promastigotes and amastigotes were obtained as 0.1375 µg/ml and 0.1910 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, PTN-CNPs effectively inhibited both forms of the L. tropica; however, its effect was more salient on promastigotes. This data indicates that the PTN-CNPs act as a target drug delivery system. However, further research is needed to support its efficacy in animal and human CL.

Effect of different protein based feed on the growth of mahseer / Efeito de alimentação baseada em proteínas diferentes no crescimento de mahseer

For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.

Para o bom crescimento dos peixes, é necessário alimentá-los com uma alimentação adequada e balanceada. Um estudo foi realizado para descobrir o efeito de diferentes dietas à base de proteínas em alevinos de Tor putitora (mahseer). Foi preparado um alimento com níveis de proteína dietética de 35%, 40%, 45% e 50%. O efeito de diferentes alimentos à base de proteína no ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento padrão (SGR), taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR), ganho de peso percentual, eficiência de conversão alimentar (FCE) e taxa de eficiência proteica (PER) foi estudado. Foi observado um aumento na taxa de crescimento com um aumento na concentração de proteína de até 45%. Os alevinos alimentados com dieta de 45% de proteína apresentaram o maior crescimento, seguidos de 50%, 40% e 35%. O valor de SGR foi maior para dieta com 45% de proteína (8,56), seguido de 50% e 40%, enquanto os menores valores foram observados para ração com 35% de proteína (1,57). A mesma tendência foi observada para FCE. Os maiores valores de PER foram observados em peixes alimentados com 45% de ração à base de proteína (0,65), seguido por 50% (0,56), 40% (0,38) e 35% (0,17). A taxa de conversão alimentar foi menor para a dieta com 45% de proteína (3,41), enquanto a maior para a dieta com 35% de proteína (16,85). Concluiu-se que a dieta à base de proteína de 45% foi a melhor formulação alimentar para maior produção de Tor putitora. No entanto, a pesquisa sobre a mesma porcentagem de dieta proteica é recomendada para animais de um ano.

Effect of different protein based feed on the growth of mahseer

Abstract For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.

Resumo Para o bom crescimento dos peixes, é necessário alimentá-los com uma alimentação adequada e balanceada. Um estudo foi realizado para descobrir o efeito de diferentes dietas à base de proteínas em alevinos de Tor putitora (mahseer). Foi preparado um alimento com níveis de proteína dietética de 35%, 40%, 45% e 50%. O efeito de diferentes alimentos à base de proteína no ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento padrão (SGR), taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR), ganho de peso percentual, eficiência de conversão alimentar (FCE) e taxa de eficiência proteica (PER) foi estudado. Foi observado um aumento na taxa de crescimento com um aumento na concentração de proteína de até 45%. Os alevinos alimentados com dieta de 45% de proteína apresentaram o maior crescimento, seguidos de 50%, 40% e 35%. O valor de SGR foi maior para dieta com 45% de proteína (8,56), seguido de 50% e 40%, enquanto os menores valores foram observados para ração com 35% de proteína (1,57). A mesma tendência foi observada para FCE. Os maiores valores de PER foram observados em peixes alimentados com 45% de ração à base de proteína (0,65), seguido por 50% (0,56), 40% (0,38) e 35% (0,17). A taxa de conversão alimentar foi menor para a dieta com 45% de proteína (3,41), enquanto a maior para a dieta com 35% de proteína (16,85). Concluiu-se que a dieta à base de proteína de 45% foi a melhor formulação alimentar para maior produção de Tor putitora. No entanto, a pesquisa sobre a mesma porcentagem de dieta proteica é recomendada para animais de um ano.

Effect of different protein based feed on the growth of mahseer / Efeito de alimentação baseada em proteínas diferentes no crescimento de mahseer

For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.

Para o bom crescimento dos peixes, é necessário alimentá-los com uma alimentação adequada e balanceada. Um estudo foi realizado para descobrir o efeito de diferentes dietas à base de proteínas em alevinos de Tor putitora (mahseer). Foi preparado um alimento com níveis de proteína dietética de 35%, 40%, 45% e 50%. O efeito de diferentes alimentos à base de proteína no ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento padrão (SGR), taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR), ganho de peso percentual, eficiência de conversão alimentar (FCE) e taxa de eficiência proteica (PER) foi estudado. Foi observado um aumento na taxa de crescimento com um aumento na concentração de proteína de até 45%. Os alevinos alimentados com dieta de 45% de proteína apresentaram o maior crescimento, seguidos de 50%, 40% e 35%. O valor de SGR foi maior para dieta com 45% de proteína (8,56), seguido de 50% e 40%, enquanto os menores valores foram observados para ração com 35% de proteína (1,57). A mesma tendência foi observada para FCE. Os maiores valores de PER foram observados em peixes alimentados com 45% de ração à base de proteína (0,65), seguido por 50% (0,56), 40% (0,38) e 35% (0,17). A taxa de conversão alimentar foi menor para a dieta com 45% de proteína (3,41), enquanto a maior para a dieta com 35% de proteína (16,85). Concluiu-se que a dieta à base de proteína de 45% foi a melhor formulação alimentar para maior produção de Tor putitora. No entanto, a pesquisa sobre a mesma porcentagem de dieta proteica é recomendada para animais de um ano.

Reflexividad teórico-epistemológica: una revisión a la praxis en la formación docente / Theoretical-Epistemological Reflexivity: A Review of Praxis and Logic in Teacher Training / Reflexividade teórico-epistemológica: uma revisão à praxis na formação docente

Resumen Este artículo presenta los resultados de investigación sobre Perspectivas teórico-epistemológicas en las prácticas pedagógicas de los egresados del programa de Pedagogía Infantil de la Universidad de los Llanos, que planteó como objetivo, comprender la relación entre las prácticas pedagógicas y las perspectivas teórico-epistemológicas consolidadas en el ciclo de formación de pregrado de los docentes egresados del programa de Pedagogía Infantil de la Universidad de los Llanos. El estudio tomó la hermenéutica diatópica como metodología que permitió a investigadores, egresados y estudiantesre-conocerseycomprender-se como sujetos corporales contextualizados, que poseen conocimientos y saberes en el marco de unas posturas teórico-epistemológicas. Se pone a discusión que las narrativas institucionales formadora/formada comparten ideas significativas, pero prevalecen las distorsiones teórico-prácticas entre los protagonistas.

Abstract This article presents the results of a research about theoretical and epistemological perspectives in pedagogical practices of graduates from the Early Childhood Pedagogy program at Universidad de los Llanos, which raised as objective, to understand the relationship between teaching practices and theoretical and epistemological perspectives consolidated in the cycle of undergraduate training of the teachers graduated from the Early Childhood Pedagogy program at Universidad de los Llanos. The study took the Diatopic hermeneutics as a methodology that allowed researchers, graduates and students to re-know and understand themselves as contextualized body subjects, who have knowledge and know-how in the framework of Theoretical-epistemological postures. The conclusions allow to demonstrate that in the institutional and formative/formed narratives, some significant coherences are set, but the distortions between the same ones prevail and it shows up a complex theoretical-practical relationship.

Resumo Neste artigo apresentase os resultados de investigação sobre as Perspectivas teórico-epistemológico nas práticas pedagógicas dos formados do Programa de Pedagogia Infantil da Universidade de lós Llanos, com o objetivo, compreender a relação entre as práticas pedagógicas e as perspectivas teórico- epistemológico consolidadas no ciclo do formação profissional de é professores formados do Programa Pedagogía Infantil da Universidade de lós Llanos. O estudo tomou a hermenêutica diatópica como metodologia que permitiu a investigadores, saídos e a estudantes re-conhecer e compreender-se como sujeitos corporais contextualizes que possuem conhecimentos e competências no âmbito de uma posições teórico-epistemológicas. Que discute que as narrativos institucionais formação-formado compartilha ideias significativas, mas prevalecendo distorções teóricas e práticas entre os protagonistas.

Vesicles stage of camel brain development / Etapas del desarrollo de las vesículas cerebrales del camello

A successive embryonic developmental study was conducted on the brain of twenty eight embryos and fetuses of one humped camel (Camelus Dromedarius), whose crown vertebral rump lengths (CVRL) ranged from 9 to 80 mm, collected from the El-Basateen (Cairo) and Belbees (ElSharqya) Slaughterhouse. The current investigation revealed that camel brain was found to consist of fore, mid and hind brains. The fore brain is divided into telencephalon and diencephalon while the rhombencephalon divided into metencephalon and myelencephalon. Flexures appeared between the vesicles are cervical flexure between the rhomencephalon and the spinal cord, cephalic flexure in the mesencephalon and pontine flexure between the metencephalon, and the myelencephalon of the hind brain (rhombencephalon). The cavity of the rhombencephalon is the fourth ventricle, while that of the diencephalon is the third ventricle, and those of the telencephalon are the lateral ventricles but that of mid brain is the cerebral aqueduct. myelencephalon becomes medulla oblongata and metencephalon developed to pons and cerebellum while mesencephalon gives rise to the cerebral crura and anterior and a posterior colliculus. Diencephalon gives the thalamus, hypothalamus, mamillary body, infundibulum and pineal body while telencephalon becomes the cerebral hemispheres and corpus striatum.

Se llevó a cabo un estudio del desarrollo embrionario cerebral de veintiocho embriones y fetos de camello jorobado (Camelus dromedarius). Las muestras fueron recolectadas en los mataderos de El-Basateen (El Cairo) y Belbees (ElSharqya). La investigación reveló que el cerebro de camello posee un cerebro anterior, medio y posterior. El cerebro anterior se divide en telencéfalo y diencéfalo, mientras que el rombencéfalo se divide en metencéfalo y mielencéfalo. Las flexiones encontradas entre las vesículas son la flexión cervical entre el rombencéfalo y la médula espinal; la flexión cefálica en el mesencéfalo; y la flexión pontina entre el metencéfalo y el mielencéfalo del cerebro posterior (rombencéfalo). La cavidad del rombencéfalo conforma el cuarto ventrículo, la del diencéfalo forma el tercer ventrículo, y las del telencéfalo a los ventrículos laterales. En el cerebro medio, la cavidad corresponde al acueducto cerebral. El mielencéfalo se convierte en médula oblonga y el metencéfalo deriva en puente y cerebelo, mientras que el mesencéfalo da lugar a la crura cerebral y a los colículos anterior y posterior. El diencéfalo origina el tálamo, el hipotálamo, el cuerpo mamilar, el infundíbulo y la hipófisis, mientras que del telencéfalo se originan los hemisferios cerebrales y el cuerpo estriado.

El agente externo, una aproximación a la formación de formadores en la Escuela Normal de Villavicencio / The external agent, an approach to the training of trainers in the Escuela Normal of Villavicencio / O agente externo, uma abordagem para a formação de formadores na Escuela Normal de Villavicencio

Resumen El artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación reciente que tomó la sistematización de experiencias como fundamento epistemológico y metodológico. En coherencia con la metodología la presencia del agente externo permitió comprender la experiencia desde la pluralidad y objetividad de las narrativas que desentrañan y construyen la realidad del fenómeno educativo: "proyecto de aula" en la Escuela Normal Superior de Villavicencio. El agente externo se constituye en catalizador de las historias narradas y contribuye a comprender la experiencia, siendo "oidor" y "observador" desde una postura no participante. Como conclusiones se encontró que el agente externo se sitúa en dos dimensiones: afecta y es afectado. Su presencia, su acción y participación fungen como experiencia externa, como experto invitado que al ser observador y escucha encuentra un panorama alterno de la realidad que viven los actores participantes en la sistematización; situación que promueve otras dinámicas de comprensión de la realidad para la reconfiguración de la experiencia. De igual manera, la relación con las acciones y narrativas de los protagonistas van haciendo que el agente externo sitúe otras realidades mentales en su perspectiva y recree la experiencia.

Abstract This article presents the results of a recent investigation that took the systematization of experiences as epistemological and methodological basis. In coherence with the methodology, the presence of external agent allowed to understand the experience from the pluralism and objectivity of the narratives that eviscerate and build the reality of educational phenomenon: "classroom project" in the Escuela Normal Superior of Villavicencio. The foreign agent is the catalytic converter of narrated stories and helps to understand the experience, being the "judge" and "observer" from a non-participating position. As conclusions it was found that the foreign agent is situated in two dimensions: it affects and is affected. Its presence, its action and its participation serve as external experience, as an invited expert that when it is an observer and listener it finds an alternate picture of the reality of the lives of the actors involved in the systematization; situation that promotes other dynamics of understanding of reality for the reconfiguration of the experience. In the same way, the relationship with the actions and narratives of the protagonists are doing for the external agent to place other mental realities in its perspective and recreate the experience

Resumo O artigo apresenta os resultados de um recente inquérito que levou a sistematização de experiências como base metodológica e epistemológica. Em coerência com a metodologia, a presença do agente externo permitiu compreender a experiência do pluralismo e a objetividade das narrativas que desentranha e constroem a realidade do fenômeno educacional: "projeto de sala de aula" na Escuela Normal Superior de Villavicencio. O agente externo constitui-se em um catalisador para as histórias narradas e contribui para compreender a experiência, sendo "ouvinte" e "observador" a partir de uma postura não participante Como conclusões verificou-se que o agente externo situa-se em duas dimensões: afeta e é afetado. A sua presença, a sua ação e participação servem como experiência externa, como especialista convidado que ao ser observador e ouvinte encontra um panorama alterno da realidade em que vivem os atores participantes da sistematização; situação que promove outras dinâmicas de compreensão da realidade para a reconfiguração da experiência. De igual forma, a relação com as ações e narrativas dos protagonistas vão fazendo com que o agente externo coloque outras realidades mentais em sua perspectiva e recrie a experiência.

Tenofovir-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Tenofovir, a nucleotide analog, is one of the first-line medications recommended for the treatment of active chronic hepatitis B virus infection [CHB] and as a primary prophylaxis to prevent hepatitis B reactivation in cases of immunosuppression. We report the first case of tenofovir-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis [LCV]. A 43-year-old obese woman, who was known to have inactive CHB, was diagnosed with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP]. She was treated with corticosteroid therapy and was put on tenofovir to prevent hepatitis B virus reactivation. A month later, she developed a skin rash, described as non-blanchable well-defined erythematous to violaceous papules and targetoid patches in her lower extremities. A skin biopsy showed features of LCV. The rash resolved completely within few days after replacing tenofovir with entecavir

Influence du temps et de la vitesse sur la concentration plaquettaire

L'utilisation d'un produit qui accélère la guérison après une chirurgie ou un traumatisme est une idée très attrayante. Après une destruction tissulaire, les facteurs de croissance se produisent naturellement pendant les phases de cicatrisation, de réparation ou de régénération tissulaire. L'injection d'un concentré plaquettaire est suivie d'une augmentation du facteur de croissance dans le site opératoire, ce qui permet une cicatrisation plus rapide. Ces facteurs de croissance sont libérés par la libération de plaquettes. Pour concentrer ces facteurs, il semble utile d'isoler les plaquettes, de les concentrer et de les réinjecter dans le site opératoire. Plusieurs techniques sont utilisées pour isoler les plaquettes telles que PRP, PRF et MPM. Tous ces produits sont à base de concentrés plaquettaires. Le résultat de ces produits est différent dans la concentration plaquettaire. Cependant, le temps et la vitesse d'essorage auront une influence sur la concentration plaquettaire. Nous savons que plus le temps et la vitesse de rotation sont courts, plus le nombre de plaquettes isolées est important. Nous avons essayé dans cette étude de déterminer le temps et la vitesse de rotation optimaux pour obtenir l'indice une concentration plus élevée de plaquettes

Histology and scanning electron microscopy of the lower respiratory tract in the adult red fox (Vulpes vulpes) / Histología y microscopía electrónica de barrido de las vías respiratorias inferiores en el zorro rojo adulto (Vulpes vulpes)

The study was conducted on a total of three adult healthy freshly killed red foxes of both sexes weighing about 4-6 kg collected from Abou Rawwash, Giza, Egypt. The wall of trachea and bronchi formed of mucosa, submucosa and adventitia. The mucosa formed of pseudostratified columnar epithelium and lamina propria. The respiratory epithelium composed of tall columnar ciliated, goblet cells, basal cells, and neuroendocrine cells. Goblet cells account for about 20 to 30% of cells in the more proximal. Basal cells are relatively small triangular cells whose bases are attached to the basement membrane. The primary bronchiole is lined by simple columnar nonciliated to cuboidal epithelium containing some bronchiolar exocrine cells and some goblet cells. Neuroendocrine cells constitute about 4 to 5% of bronchial epithelial cells, attached at their bases to the basement membrane and have tapering apices. The lamina propria consists principally of a network of capillaries, a meshwork of connective tissue fibers continuous with the basement membrane. The submucosa formed of connective tissue elements and blood vessels and devoid of Tracheobronchial glands in red fox. The adventitia contain tracheal cartilage and muscle in trachea and bronchial cartilages and muscles in bronchi. Tracheal muscle is transverse bundles attached to the outer perichondrium. In the bronchi, muscle is organized in transverse bundles close to the epithelium adjacent to the lamina propria and longitudinal bundles close to the cartilages. Alveoli are demarcated by septa composed of a continuous layer of epithelial cells overlying a thin interstitium. The epithelial cells consist principally of type I and type II pneumocytes. SEM revealed that, the mucosal surface of both trachea and bronchi was completely covered by cilia. There were few glandular openings or goblet cell.

El estudio se realizó en tres zorros rojos adultos sanos, recién fallecidos, de ambos sexos, con un peso aproximado 4,6 kg recogidos de Abou Rawwash, Giza, Egipto. La pared de la tráquea y los bronquios estaban formados por mucosa, submucosa y adventicia. La mucosa estaba formada por un epitelio estratificado y lámina propia. El epitelio respiratorio ciliado compuesto de células caliciformes, células basales y células neuroendocrinas. Las células calciformes representaban alrededor del 20 al 30% de las células más proximales. Las células basales eran células triangulares relativamente pequeñas cuyas bases están unidas a la membrana basal. El bronquiolo principal está cubierto por un epitelio columnar simple no ciliado que contiene algunas células exocrinas bronquiolares y células caliciformes. Las células neuroendocrinas constituyen aproximadamente 4 a 5% de las células epiteliales bronquiales, unidas en sus bases a la membrana basal y tienen ápices de ahusamiento. La lámina propia consiste principalmente en una red de capilares, una malla de fibras de tejido conectivo continuo con la membrana basal. La submucosa formada por elementos del tejido conectivo y vasos sanguíneos y escasas glándulas traqueobronquiales. La capa adventicia contiene cartílago traqueal y muscular en la tráquea, y los bronquios cartílagos y músculos. En los bronquios, el músculo está compuesto de haces transversales cercanos al epitelio próximo a la lámina propia y haces longitudinales cerca de los cartílagos. Los alvéolos están delimitados por tabiques compuestos de una capa continua de células epiteliales que recubren un intersticio delgado. Las células epiteliales se componen principalmente de neumocitos tipo I y tipo II. El MEB reveló que la superficie de la mucosa de la tráquea y los bronquios estaba completamente cubierta por cilios. Se observaron pocas aberturas glandulares o células caliciformes.

Effect of different blood sources on the feeding time of sand fly, Phlebotomus Papatasi

The feeding time for sand fly females was determined experimentally by feeding of thirty females [3-5 days-old] sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi on different blood sources [human, pigeon, hamster and blab C mice]. Mean feeding time was longest on blab C mice, 8.55 minutes, followed by hamster, 7.05 minutes, then pigeon, 4.84minutes, and finally human, 4.69 minutes. Significant difference was observed in the feeding time between females fed on hamster and balb c mice but there is no significant difference between females fed on human and pigeon

Rituximab for refractory autoimmune hepatitis: a case report

Auto-immune hepatitis [AIH] is a chronic progressive hepatitis of unknown aetiology whose clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to fulminant hepatic failure. Corticosteroids and azathioprine, which are considered standard therapy for AIH, may, however, be associated with treatment failures and toxicities. Among the alternative medications under investigation, rituximab, used to treat successfully various auto-immune disorders, has fewer side effects. We report herein the case of a 68-year-old woman who developed AIH with worsening clinical, laboratory and histological features despite high-dose prednisone. On rituximab, the patient showed rapid and dramatic clinical improvement, suggesting a therapeutic role for this medication in severe AIH. Indeed, prospective controlled studies are needed to assess and validate this role

Penile autotransplantation in rats: an animal model

Penile allotransplantation might be a viable option for patients who need penile reconstruction. A successful autotransplantation rat model is the first step toward proceeding for allotransplantation. We here in evaluate autotransplantation following transaction of the rat penis just distal to the urethral bulb. Experimental animal study. Five Sprague-Dawely rats weighing 520 g [SD 19] were used. Utilizing a magnification of 6-40, transection and immediate anastomosis of the tunica albuginea, urethra, dorsal vein and nerves were carried out. Vesicostomy was made to divert urine. The glandular skin was sutured to the perineum and the abdominal wall was closed in layers. Descriptive statistics. Average surgery time was 8 h. The first two rats had no vesicostomy and died in the first postoperative day from retention. Three rats tolerated well the procedure and survived to the end point. One rat was sacrificed at day 10 and histopathology showed 30-50% necrosis of the implanted penis. Another rat was sacrificed at day 20 and showed normal cavernous tissue. The fifth rat was sacrificed 3 months postoperatively and showed evidence of moderate corporal fibrosis. Urethral fistula and necrosis of corpus spongiosum, dorsal nerve necrosis and dorsal vein occurred in all animals. Penile autotransplantation in rats is feasible and provides the basis for evaluation of the corpora cavernosa in an allotransplantation model. Long-term urethral continuity and dorsal neurovascular bundle survival in this model is difficult to establish

Arachnoid cyst of the posterior fossa

Arachnoid cysts of the posterior fossa are uncommon. Our case of a 49-year-old man presented with a 2 month history of headaches, nausea, and vertigo associated with walking instability. An MRI revealed a median well-circumscribed cystic lesion of the posterior fossa, with similar signal characteristics to CSF, and without connection to the fourth ventricle. This aspect suggested either arachnoid or hydatid cysts. Direct open surgery was performed allowing complete removal of the cyst wall, with a good outcome

Thyroiditis of Hashimoto and myotonia

Hypothyroidism is frequently associated with different neuromuscular disorders. However, myotonia is rarely a revealing feature. We report a case of hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and myotonia. The patient is a 45-year-old woman who consulted for a progressive myotonia. Blood and thyroid assessments revealed peripheral hypothyroidism with low free thyroxine, high thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and high titers of anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies. Outcome was favorable with thyroid hormone substitution. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common cause of hypothyroidism. The frequency of myopathy during hypothyroidism ranges from 30-80%. The main symptoms related are weakness, muscular cramps, and myalgia. Myotonia may reveal hypothyroidism. The pathogenic mechanism of this myotonia is still unknown. Good outcome of hypothyroid manifestations with thyroid hormone substitution requires systematic thyroid hormone screening in patients presenting with neuromuscular manifestations

Efficacy of ixodes ricinus as a vector of zoonotic babesiosis in Sinai peninsula, Egypt

Ticks and blood samples were collected every month from March 2009 through April 2010 from different sites in Sinai to detect babesial parasites using PCR assay based on nuclear small subunit rRNA gene. Ticks were found to contain babesial DNA. Sequence determination and analysis of amplified portions of nss-rDNA revealed their identity with B. bovis and a high degree of homology with B. bigemina and B. divergens. The results represent the first genetic evidence of different species of Babesia and identified the role of Ixodes ricinus as a vector of zoonotic B. microti infection. Rodent isolate [HK] and American isolate [GI] were studied in transmission experiments. The present study used in vitro culture of zoonotic Babesia sp. EU1 from blood samples of rodent in Sinai. This study provides an evidence of transovarian and transstadial transmissions of the parasite within I. ricinus, which emphasizes that this tick could be a vector and reservoir of EU1

kinetics of microfilaraemia and antigenaemia status among asymptomatic Bancroftian filariasis before and after treatment

In this study, a total of 54 male patients with asymptomatic cases of lymphatic filariasis were selected from the known endemic governorates; Damietta, Sharkia, Gharbia and Dakahlia. Medical sheets were filled out for each case. Diagnosis was based on detection of circulating microfilariae by specific ELISA. Some were treated with Ivermectin, and Albendazole. The treated cases were parasitologic and serologic evaluated pre-treatment and post-treatment for two years follow-up

Distribution of the phalangeal hair of the hand among North Africans

Frequency and the pattern of hair distribution on the phalanges of the hand has been studied among North African population comprising of Egyptians, Libyans, Tunisians and Moroccans, 1855 subjects of both sexes, aged between 17 to 32 years, belonging to workers and students of the three universities at Zagazig in Egypt [Egyptian cases] and Benghazi [Al-Arab Medical University and Garyounis University] in Libya [Libyan, Tunisian and Moroccan cases], were investigated at random. Hair was found to be present on proximal phalanx in large population [98.8% in males and 96.7% in females]. The middle phalanx showed hair only in 42% males and 31.7% females. Most common combination was third, fourth and fifth digits. The frequency order of fingers with middle phalangeal hair remains as 4>3>5>2. No hair was found on the distal phalanx. Values of the present investigation ranged between the black West Africans and white races

anatomical study of an accessory mandibular foramina on the inner mandibular surface and their clinical significance

Most of the common text books of anatomy, including those of dental anatomy, do not give any reference to the forarnina present on the lingual surface of the mandible. This work was planned to investigate the frequency, number, and distribution of such foramen with relation to teeth in 117 dried human mandible. Basically, three types of the foramen have been identified. The internal mental foramen located below the mylohyoid line corresponding with the mental foramen outside. This foramen was found to be present in 74.37% mandibles. The incisive foramen situated adjacent to the alveolar margin in the incisive region. 88.04% mandibles exhibited this foramen. The superior genial spinal foramen located in the middle line above the superior genial spines. This foramen was found to be present in 99.15% mandibles. Details of these types of the foramen were discussed in the light of available literature. These forarnina may provide passage to the sensory fibres responsible for the collateral innervation to the adjacent teeth and thereby incomplete anaethesia in dental block. Also, a large branch from the sublingual or incisive artery passing through it may pose a danger for haemorrhage during dental surgery. Hence, the clinical importance of the foramen can not be ignored

Laparoscopic gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity

Many authors consider Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGBP] to be the "gold standard" in surgery for morbid obesity. However, laparoscopic RYGBP is arguably the most challenging minimally invasive procedure in general surgery and its learning curve is steep and difficult. The aim of this study was to study the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [LRGBP] in the treatment of morbid obesity. This study included 30 consecutive morbidly obese patients that underwent attempted laparoscopic RYGBP. Only patients who had a previous open upper abdominal surgery and/or BMI> 60 kg / m[2] were excluded. A prospective analysis was performed identifying the technical success, operative times, complications, length of hospital stay, and weight loss. Open conversion was required in one patient [3.3%]. There were no leaks at the gastrojejunal anastomosis, but one patient died because of gastrointestinal leak from a traumatic perforation. The mean operative time was 215 minutes. The average hospital stay was 3.4 days. One patient required endoscopic balloon dilation for stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy. Another patient required surgery for internal hernia. Patients were followed up for a mean of 21.3 months. Average excessive weight loss was 74.8%. Laparoscopic RYGBP is feasible, but it is a very complex operation. Our data showed adequate short-term weight loss and marked correction of co-morbidities. The complication rates are acceptable in the very beginning of our experience, which includes our learning curve for the procedure