Predictors and Outcome of in-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients in Emergency Department Suez Canal University Hospitals

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is defined as cessation of cardiac activity, confirmed by the absence of signs of circulation, in a hospitalized patient who had a pulse at the time of admission. The purpose of the present study was to record the definitive predictors of IHCA, focusing on the relation between cause and outcome as well as the influence of location on survival. Subjects and Methods: This prospective observational study (cross sectional) was carried out in Emergency Department at Suez Canal University Hospital and included 223 patients experiencing IHCA at the Emergency Department (ED). Results: Our study showed return of spontanous circulation (ROSC) rate of 27.4%, which is lower than those reported in other studies from the region. In our study, we found that the overall mean duration for comprehensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was 21 min (SD ± 10).We found that Pulse, RR, BP, Witnessed and advanced life support (ALS) interventions at time of event were significant positive predictors to ROSC with patients while age, modified early warning score (MEWS), Interval between collapse to start CPR and CPR duration were negative predictors to cognitive impairment with diabetic patients. Conclusions: IHCA can be predicted using different variable related to patients vital data, laboratories, radiological investigations and patient demographic data which helps in predicting and modifying the outcome in limited situations.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice on adverse drug reaction monitoring among health-care professionals in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Pharmacovigilance has constantly gained importance in the past 15 years, relating to absolute amount of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and to the fact that several hospital admissions are due to ADRs. Knowledge of ADRs and practice of pharmacovigilance by healthcare professionals will definitely help to evaluate the quality of pharmacotherapy in hospitals and effectively decrease the occurrence of ADRs. Aims and Objectives: The objectives are as follows: (1) To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care professionals (HCPs) toward ADR monitoring and (2) to assess the causation of underreporting of ADRs. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. The questionnaire was distributed to 328 HCPs which included al doctors, nurses and pharmacists serving in ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Kalaburagi. HCPs who did not give consent to fill the questionnaire were excluded from the study. Results: The response rate was 82.92%. In our study, only 25.75% were aware that ADR reporting is to be done by doctors, nurses and pharmacists, and 40.44% felt that ADR reporting should primarily done by doctors alone. Overall participants who knowledge about ADRs and pharmacovigilance were 48.8%. Although 75.7% participants agreed that ADR reporting is important, over 76.5% HCPs felt that reporting ADR would be an obligation. In this study 12.5% HCPs have ever reported ADR despite having experienced one during their clinical practice. Majority of the HCPs had a belief that a single ADR reporting would not change the ADR database; hence, this could be one of the reasons for low rate of reporting ADRs. Conclusion: In our study, though the level of knowledge and attitude toward ADR reporting was adequate among the HCPs, there was poor practice of ADR reporting. Necessary measures to be taken to create awareness among HCPs about Pharmacovigilance Programme in India. They should be trained to spontaneously report ADRs.

High HIV prevalence in an early cohort of hospital admissions with COVID-19 in Cape Town, South Africa

Background. South Africa (SA) has a high prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis. Cape Town was the SA metropole most affected in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Early observational data from Africa may provide valuable insight into what can be expected as the pandemic expands across the continent.Objectives. To describe the prevalence, clinical features, comorbidities and outcome of an early cohort of HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients admitted with COVID-19.Methods. This was a descriptive observational study of an early cohort of adults with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted from 25 March to 11 May 2020.Results. Of 116 patients (mean age 48 years, 61% female) admitted, 24 were HIV-positive (21%). The most common symptoms reported were cough (n=88; 73%), shortness of breath (n=78; 69%), fever (n=67; 59%), myalgia (n=29; 25%) and chest pain (n=22; 20%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (n=46; 41%), diabetes mellitus (n=43; 38%), obesity (n=32; 28%) and HIV (n=24; 21%). Mortality was associated with older age (mean (standard deviation) 55 (12) years v. 46 (14) years; p<0.01); the presence of hypertension or hypertension along with diabetes and/or obesity; lower partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio; and higher urea level, white cell count, neutrophil count, and C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin levels, and high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio. The overall survival rate for all hospital admissions was 86/116 (73%). In this early cohort, survival was similar in patients with HIV (n=18; 75%) compared with those without HIV (n=67; 75%) (p=1). Of the 74 patients admitted to the wards, 63 (85%) survived, whereas 22 of 42 (52%) admitted to the intensive care unit survived.Conclusions. Patients with HIV infection represented a large proportion of all COVID-19 admissions. The presentation and outcome of patients with HIV did not differ significantly from those of patients without HIV

Light chain myeloma: A brief report from India

Light chain myeloma (LCM) has a reported worldwide incidence of approximately 15%–20% among all multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Few western studies have shown strong correlation of LCM with anemia, higher International Staging System scores, proclivity to renal failure, elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, raised serum-free light chain ratio, higher frequency of extramedullary plasmacytomas, and poorer overall survival, attributable probably to lack of differentiation and skeletal destruction. The primary aim of this retrospective observational study was to define the clinical and hematological characteristics as well as prognostic outcome of Indian LCM patients in comparison with the IgG and IgA subtypes. Patients were defined according to the International Myeloma Working Group diagnostic criteria 2016 and staged as per the International Staging System. Out of 104 patients of newly diagnosed MM in which results of serum immunofixation (IFE) were available, 65 were of IgG isotype (62.5%), 15 had IgA (14.4%), and 24 had light chain myelomas (LCMs) (23.1%). It was observed that LCM patients significantly correlated with hypercalcemia and higher serum-free light chain ratios, whereas IgA patients were strongly associated with anemia and lower serum albumin levels. However, no difference was found among the three subgroups in terms of serum lactate dehydrogenase levels, proclivity to renal failure, presence of lytic bone lesions, prognostic scoring, pretransplant chemosensitivity, and progession-free survival (1 year). Thus, it may be concluded that Indian LCM patients have significantly different clinico-hematological profile in comparison with other published studies worldwide. Also, their prognostic outcomes are not worse when compared with patients of other protein isotypes, probably due to standardized treatment regimens applied.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from humans by nested polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (nPCR-RFLP) analysis in Egypt

@#Cryptosporidium species is a group of protozoan parasites recognized as a cause of diarrhea with significant morbidity and mortality in industrialized and developing countries. Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum seem to be the most common causes of human cryptosporiodosis, however, other species are also found. Hence, the present study aimed to determine Cryptosporidium spp. infecting humans by nested PCR-RFLP targeting 18 sRNA gene in Minia Governorate, Egypt. A total of 300 diarrheic stool samples have been collected from inpatient and outpatient clinics of University Hospitals and Tropical Hospital, Minia Governorate, Egypt. One hundred twelve positive samples for Cryptosporidium infection (37.3%) were detected by nPCR while, 60 positive samples (20%) were detected by routine microscopy (p-value < 0.0004). The one hundred twelve positive samples detected by nested PCR were processed to RFLP. The RFLP yielded a typical restriction patterns for C. hominis in 73 (65.2%) cases, C. parvum in 25 (22.3%) cases, and C. meleagridis in 14 (12.5%) cases. C. hominis was more prevalent among cases of urban areas with negative history of animal contact in comparison to cases of rural areas (95.5% vs. 21.7%; p-value < 0.001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant association between C. hominis infection and drinking tap water. C. parvum was more prevalent among cases of rural areas than among those of urban areas (47.8% vs. 4.5%; p-value < 0.001) While C. meleagridis was only present among cases live in rural areas (30.4%; p-value < 0.001).

High-sensitivity detection of human malaria parasites by the use of rapid diagnostic tests and nested polymerase chain reaction in burdened communities of North East India

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of malaria through microscopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) analysis performed locally and the accuracy evaluated by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum from hotspot regions of North East (NE) India. Materials and Methods: One thousand one hundred and seventy-three blood samples were collected for identification of P. falciparum infection using microscopy and RDT analysis. DNA was extracted from whole blood using QIAamp DNA blood mini kit, and nested PCR was performed to confirm P. falciparum for evaluating sensitivity and specificity from various epidemiological surveys and geographical areas of NE India. Results: Of 1173 symptomatic malaria suspected patients, 15.6% (183/1173) patients were diagnosed as malaria positive by RDT and 67.94% cases (53/78) with microscopy. Of 183 malaria-positive patients, 42.62% (78/183) were diagnosed with P. falciparum and 84.61% (66/78) further confirmed to be P. falciparum positive by nested PCR. High sensitivity (97.9%) and low specificity (2.03%) of the RDT and high sensitivity (99.1%) and low specificity (0.9%) in microscopy against nested PCR results was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Epidemiological comparisons expressed highest incidences in Manipur (51.11%) followed by Meghalaya (48.93%) and Assam (35.16%). Overall incidence rate among the genders was observed to be higher in males than in females. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PCR, RDT and microscopy can potentially determine hotspots at moderate transmission intensities, but PCR testing has a diagnostic advantage as transmission intensity falls. Therefore, malaria control programs should consider PCR testing when the prevalence of infection is low.

The Effect of Different Routes of Injection of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Parotid Glands of Rats Receiving Cisplatin: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cisplatin is a powerful antitumor chemotherapeutic agent that is widely used in the treatment of many cancers but it has many side effects on many organs including salivary glands. Bone marrow is considered to be a rich environment that comprises many types of stem cells of which BMSCs (Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells) are the most studied with potentiality to differentiate into many cell types. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different routes of injection of BMSCs on parotid glands of rats receiving cisplatin. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: a negative control group receiving phosphate buffered saline, a positive control group receiving cisplatin, and an experimental group where rats received cisplatin and then received iron oxide-labeled BMSCs by either intravenous or intraparotid routes or both. Animals were sacrificed at periods of 3,6,10 and 15 days after cisplatin injection, then histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies were done. The experimental stem cell treated group showed better histological features and increased PCNA proliferation index when compared to the control. The systemic and combination groups showed better results than the local group. Iron oxide-labeled cells were detected with Prussian blue stain. CONCLUSIONS: This study proved that BMSCs can improve cisplatin induced cytotoxicity in parotid glands. Systemic administration showed to have a better effect than local intraparotid administration and comparable effect to combined administration.

Efficacy of Human Platelet Rich Fibrin Exudate vs Fetal Bovine Serum on Proliferation and Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The imperative role of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in regenerative therapy demands an in-vitro expansion which must deal with the safety and ethical problems associated with fetal bovine serum (FBS). The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of human platelet rich fibrin (hPRF) exudate Vs FBS on proliferation and osteodifferentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The secondary one was to determine the optimum concentration of hPRF exudate inducing hDPSCs proliferation and osteodifferentiation. METHODS: The direct method was used to prepare hPRF exudate. hDPSCs were isolated from impacted mandibular third molars of twelve donors by the outgrowth method. For cell viability and proliferation rate testing, 96 well plates were used and the assay was done in duplicate and the trial repeated four times under the same conditions. Six wells were used to contain 10% FBS, serum free media, 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% concentrations of hPRF exudates, respectively. The proliferation assay was carried out by MTS tetrazolium cell proliferation assay kit and Elisa reader. The study design for osteodifferentiation protocol was exactly as the proliferation one and instead the assay was carried out by alizarin red with Elisa reader. RESULTS: Compared to 10% FBS, 10% hPRF exudate was the optimum concentration for hDPSCs proliferation, while 1% hPRF exudate was the optimum concentration for osteodifferentiation of hDPSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Avoiding the risk of zoonosis which may be occurred with FBS, it is recommended to use 10% hPRF exudate for proliferation and 1% for osteodifferentiation.

Relation between Uterine Natural Killer Cells and Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage.

Objective: To evaluate the relation between uK (uterine Killer) cells and unexplained repeated miscarriage (RM). Patients and Methods: Eighty (80) women with unexplained repeated miscarriage and missed miscarriage of current pregnancy were studied. Fetal viability and gestational age of current pregnancy were confirmed by ultrasound, followed by suction evacuation to collect abortus specimens and uterine wall curettage to collect decidua specimens. Abortus specimens were collected for long-term monolayer cell culture and subsequent chromosome analysis using conventional G-banding technique. Decidua specimens were subjected to IHC (Immunohistochemical) staining using monoclonal antibodies specific to CD56+ and CD16+ expressed by uK cells. Results: CD56+ CD16+ uK cells was found in 85% (68/80) of studied decidua specimens of women with unexplained repeated miscarriage, 88.5% (54/61) had normal abortus karyotyping and 73.7% (14/19) had abnormal abortus karyotyping. 73.75% (59/80) of studied women with past history of early miscarriage had CD56+ CD16+ uK cells in their decidua specimens and 66.25% (53/80) of studied women with past history of late miscarriage had CD56+ CD16+ uK cells in their decidua specimens, the association between early and late miscarriage and CD56+ CD16+ uK cells in deciduas specimen was significant. Conclusion: CD56+ CD16+ uK cells were predominant in decidua specimens of studied women with repeated miscarriage. Significant association was found between presence of CD56+ CD16+ uK cells in studied decidua specimens and unexplained repeated miscarriage.

Pathogenesis and Bone Resorption in Acquired Cholesteatoma: Current Knowledge and Future Prospectives

Cholesteatoma is a cystic non tumorous lesion of the temporal bone that has the ability to destroy nearby structures by its power to cause bone resorption and as a result, fatal complications prevail. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive review for pathogenesis of acquired cholesteatoma, bone resorption mechanisms, and offer a future vision of this serious disease. We have reviewed different theories for pathogenesis of acquired cholesteatoma including the most relevant and updated ones with special emphasis on the mechanisms of bone resorption through Medline/PubMed research using the keywords ‘aetiopathogenesis, bone resorption, acquired cholesteatoma, temporal bone, and cytokines.’ In order to strengthen our study, we searched the reference lists of identified reviews. Cholesteatoma is a subject of debate among otolaryngologists since it was prescribed firstly. Over many decades, several theories were postulated for aetiopathogenesis of cholesteatoma with a tendency to follow more than one theory to explain the proper nature of that disease. Until now, the mechanism of bone resorption has yet to be more clarified. In the last century, a leap has occurred in the field of biomolecular cholesteatoma research which improved our knowledge about its pathophysiology and bone destructive mechanism. However, surgery is still the only available treatment. We conclude that discovery of new therapeutic choices for cholesteatoma other than surgery by the use of anti-growth, anti-proliferative, apoptotic agents as well as medications that antagonize osteoclastogenesis should be the main concern in the future clinical and experimental research work. Also, searching for predictors of the aggressiveness of cholesteatoma can affect the timing of intervention and prevent occurrence of complications.

Gulf implantable cardioverter-defibrillator registry: rationale, methodology, and implementation

Background: The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator [ICD] is effective in the prevention of sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients. Little is known about ICD use in the Arabian Gulf. We designed a study to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving ICDs in the Arab Gulf region

Methods: Gulf ICD is a prospective, multi-center, multinational, and observational study. All adult patients 18 years or older, receiving a de novo ICD implant and willing to sign a consent form will be eligible. Data on baseline characteristics, ICD indication, procedure and programing, in-hospital, and 1-year outcomes will be collected. Target enrollment is 1500 patients, which will provide adequate precision across a wide range of expected event rates

Results: Fifteen centers in six countries are enrolling patients [Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar]. Two-thirds of the centers have dedicated electrophysiology laboratories, and in almost all centers ICDs are implanted exclusively by electrophysiologists. Nearly three-quarters of the centers reported annual ICD implant volumes of

Conclusions: Gulf ICD is the first prospective, observational, multi-center, and multinational study of the characteristics and, the outcomes of patients receiving ICDs in the Arab Gulf region. The study will provide valuable insights into the utilization of and outcomes related to ICD therapy in the Gulf region

Preparation and Characterization of Polymeric Mucoadhesive Film for Buccal Administration.

Objectives: Buccal films consist mainly of polymer that has a good mucoadhesive profile and plasticizer. A lot of polymers and plasticizers can be used to configure the mucoadhesive films as hydroxyethyl cellulose and glycerin respectively. Material and Methods: Films prepared by dispersing the polymer, mixing it with plasticizer and pouring it in Petri dishes to be dried and cut finally. Physicochemical tests were used to evaluate the films. These tests are organoleptic evaluation and polymer and plasticizer selection, determination of rheological properties of polymers, film thickness, and determination of moisture content, determination of moisture uptake and evaluation of mechanical properties. Results and Conclusions: It was found that films prepared from polyvinyl alcohol 2% (w/w) especially with the addition of propylene glycol 20% from the weight of the polymer have excellent characteristics. This formula has promising organoleptic and mechanical properties and its solution is Non-Newtonian pseudoplastic. Moreover, this formula is very thin and has moderate percent of moisture content and moisture uptake. Also, it has high elongation with moderate tensile strength. As a result, it is better to prepare the film by these ingredients to obtain an ideal mucoadhesive formula.

potential protective and therapeutic effects of aloe vera juice on malathion induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits

the potential protective and therapeutic effects of Aloe vera juice against malathion induced hepatotoxicity were evaluated in this study. one hundred twelve young male rabbits were used ; they were allocated into two sets of experiments included rabbits treated for short [7 days] and long [21 days] periods. Animals of the first set [short period of treatment] were divided into eight groups; each consisted of four treated groups and four control groups [each treated group had its own control]. The animals of the first group were orally dosed with Aloe vera juice [0.84 ml/kg b. wt]. Rabbits of the second group were orally dosed with malathion [5 mg/kg b. wt.]. The third group animals were dosed orally with malathion concomitant with Aloe vera juice [this group served as the protective group]. Animals of the fourth group were dosed orally with malathion; for 7 days followed by Aloe vera juice for the same period [this group served as the therapeutic group]. The design of the second set [long period of treatment] was exactly similar to that of the short period experiments [divided into eight groups; four treated and four control groups] except the duration of treatment which extended to 21 days. Animals of the control groups of Aloe vera treated rabbits were dosed with distilled water, and those of malathion treated animals were dosed with the solvent of the insecticide. All the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and the serum was used to determine the levels of hepatic enzyme markers: lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT], alanine aminotransferase [ALAT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] as well as the total bilirubin. the results revealed that treatment of rabbits with malathion caused marked increase in the serum activity of LDH, ASAT, ALAT and ALP in treated rabbits. Administration of Aloe vera juice [in the protective and therapeutic groups] was found to be effective in lowering the elevated activities of these enzymes to approximate near normal levels for both the short and long periods of treatment, especially in the activity of LDH, ASAT and ALP. The present results suggested that Aloe vera juice has ameliorative effects against hepatotoxicity produced by malathion in the treated rabbits

General public knowledge, preferred dosage forms, and beliefs toward medicines in western Saudi Arabia

To measure general public knowledge, source of knowledge, preferred dosage forms, and beliefs toward medicines. A cross-sectional study design using convenience-sampling technique was used. A pre-validated questionnaire was designed and distributed to the general public through face-to-face interviews. All data were analyzed, and p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The study took place in the Clinical Pharmacy Department, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between August 2012 and February 2013. Nine hundred participants successfully responded to this study. Males represented two-thirds of the respondents [66.8%]. In addition, 52% of respondents were of high education level. Modern [74.2%] and alternative medicines [88.7%] were understood by most respondents. Tablets [69.6%] and capsules [37.6%] represented the highest preferred dosage forms. In addition, physicians [66.6%] and pharmacists [46.2%] were the main sources of information regarding medicines. In terms of beliefs, respondents showed wrong beliefs in many statements used in this study. There is a need to improve public knowledge and beliefs toward medicines as well as utilizing public preferred dosage forms. In addition, pharmacists should play a major role in these programs since they are experts on medicines and play a more active role in patient education and counseling

potential protective and therapeutic effects of aloe vera juice against malathion induced haematological changes in rabbits

The potential protective and therapeutic effects of Aloe vera juice against malathion induced haematological changes in young rabbits [Oryctolagus cuniculus] were evaluated in this study. Rabbits were allocated into two sets of experiments short [7 days] and long [21 days] periods. Animals of each set were divided into eight groups; four treated groups and each treated group had its own control. The animals of the first group were orally dosed with Aloe vera juice [0.84 ml/kg b. wt.]. Rabbits of the second group were orally dosed with malathion [5 mg/kg b. wt.]. In the third group [the protective group] animals were dosed orally with malathion concomitant with Aloe vera juice. Animals of the fourth group [the therapeutic group] were dosed orally with malathion; for 7 days followed by Aloe vera juice for the same period. All the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and used to determine the levels of hematological indices: red blood cells [RBCs], white blood cells [WBCs], haemoglobin [Hb], haematocrit [Hct], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular haemoglobin [MCH] and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration [MCHC]. Rabbits treated with Aloe vera juice [group 1] showed insignificant change in WBCs count, MCH and MCHC after treatment for both periods. On the other hand, other parameters exhibited significant [RBCs count] and highly significant [Hb and Hct values] change in rabbits treated for the short period. The rabbits of the second group [treated with malathion] exhibited a marked increase in WBCs count, MCV and MCH values, while, the values of RBCs, Haemoglobin and Hct were decreased. The protective group [Group3] showed that the values of all the tested haematological parameters [except MCHC, in both periods of treatment, and WBCs count in the short period of treatment] recorded a significant change in rabbits treated for short [7 days] or long [21 days] periods. A marked recovery in RBCs count and MCH value was observed in rabbits treated for 21 days. Regarding to group 4 [the therapeutic group], it was found that in both terms the rabbits exhibited insignificant changes in the values of all the tested haematological parameters compared to their corresponding controls, except three parameters in which they recorded significant [WBCs count, MCHC] and highly significant [Hct] increase compared to their control values after the long period only. These observations indicated the ability of Aloe vera juice to improve the deleterious effects caused by malathion administration

Universal screening versus universal precautions in the context of preoperative screening for HIV, HBV, HCV in India.

In the Indian context, there is a convention of doing pre-operative screening for HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C viruses for all patients as a routine pre-intervention investigation. This approach is justified in some instances in the best interest of the patient. However, as routine screening is not the standard care internationally and as there is a significant divergence of views about the merits and demerits of this practice, this issue needs to be debated in a rational manner with an evidence-based approach. The present article is authored by a surgeon and a microbiologist from a new cancer care centre in eastern India, who has attempted to address this contentious issue. The various available options have been explored, and advantages and disadvantages of the different approach have been discussed. An algorithm for infection prevention and control has been presented so that surgeons and medical microbiologists could manage infection control challenges satisfactorily.

Effect of manganese chloride on the ovarian development in female mice

Manganese [Mn] is a naturally occurring essential trace element that present as a solid substance with a water soluble property. In the body Mn is absorbed in the intestine and present with a higher concentration in many tissues; It was reported that manganese, is one of the most used metals in the industry, Recently, several new manganese compounds have been used for fungicides and petrol production, in addition to its use as contrasting agent in magnetic resonance tomography. The manganese chloride solution [8000mg/liter] was orally administered via gastric tubes in a dose of 0.1mL/day to 30 pregnant female mice and this considered as treated group, while the control group was given distilled water only in a same dose and route of administration. The number of the born litters was recorded for both groups. Then from the female offspring; blood was aspirated FSH and LH level was evaluated and the ovaries were excised and processed for histological observations. The recorded results showed significant decrease in the number of the litters of both sexes in the treated group compared to control one. The histological features of the mice ovaries which were born by the treated group exhibited structural changes in comparison to control group. The FSH and LH hormones level also showed significant changes in treated group compared to control group. The recorded results of this study assess the presence of teratogenic effect of manganese chloride on the developing ovaries and the hormonal level of the mice exposed to MncL[2] in utero

Correlation between the RhD genotyping and RhD serotyping in isoimmunized pregnancies

Alloimmunisation was one of the most important causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity by the middle of the last century. The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of the RHD gene in fetal cells [amniocytes] obtained from amniotic fluid by genotyping to compare it with the RhD serotyping. Also to correlate the presence of RhD gene with the neonatal outcome. This work was carried out at Maternity hospital and Medical Genetics center, while PCR testing was done at the Medical Research center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University in the period from 2008 to 2010. The present study included recruiting of 20 RhD negative [sensitized to the RhD antigen] pregnant mothers. The entire study group was subjected to complete general, obstetric and a detailed obstetric ultrasonographic examination. Rh typing and indirect Coomb's test were also done. Amniocentesis was performed with a 20-gauge needle under continuous ultrasound guidance. RhD serotyping of the fetuses showed that, 14 fetuses [70%] were positive and six fetuses [30%] were negative. While using RhD gentyping 13 cases [65%] were positive and seven cases [35%] were negative [P value = 0.002]. Among fetuses positive for RhD genotyping six fetuses [46%] had received postnatal treatment, while among fetuses negative for RhD genotyping, neither of them had received postnatal treatment [P value = 0.032], which is statistically significant. From the present study we can conclude that, the identification of an antigen-negative fetus on the basis of the blood group genotype provides significant advantages in managing the pregnancy at risk for HDFN

Clinical Significance Of Serum HbeAg Among HbsAg Positive Patients.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a menace worldwide as a major cause of morbidity & mortality through its consequences viz. acute hepatitis, chronic active, or persistent hepatitis, cirrhosis of liver and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 127 'HBsAg positive' patients were studied for 'HBeAg' by serum ELISA. Patient's aged between 11 to 60 years with a mean age 27.11. Out of 127 'HBsAg positive' cases 19 (14.96%) were 'HBeAg positive', of which maximum (21.43%) were among <20 years age group. Among 106 male patients 15 (14.155) & among 21 female patients 4 (19.055) were 'HBeAg positive'. Often the initiation of therapeutic approach remains a dilemma in absence of laboratory assessment of viraemic load or presence of HBV DNA through PCR or other DNA hybridization techniques. In such situations, alternatively, a significantly serum 'HBeAg' among 'HBsAg positive' patients may be taken as a surrogate marker for acute viral replication, and, thus apply justifying the initiation of antiviral chemotherapy without delay.