Rapid Enzymatically Reduction of Zincum Gluconicum for the Biomanufacturing of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Mycoextracellular Filtrate of Penicillium Digitatum (Pdig-B3) as a Soft Green Technique.

Molds have been used as micro-biofactories for biomanufacturing of metal oxide nanoparticles (MetNps) since they are effortless, immaculate, safe, non-poisonous, vital-biocompatible, and environmentally acceptable. The present study aimed to explore the bioindustry, mold screening protocol, and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using a diverse filamentous Green mold (FiGM) isolated from spoiled citrus fruits. Eight filamentous Penicillium Digitatum mold strains had been obtained and subjected to investigate the capability of ZnONPs biosynthesis by fungal extracellular free-cell filtrate. P. digitatum (P-digB3) obtained the peak of ZnONps (379 nm) detected by the UV-visible spectrophotometry and was found as a significantly optimum strain in the highest quantity (mean±SD: 0.0138±0.001 gm/100 ml) and the smallest average NPs size. The ZnONPs were characterized by UV-visible scanning spectrophotometry, Atomic Force Microscopy, X-RD, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The final average size of ZnONPs was obtained at 65.46 nm with diversified shapes and dimensions. The present study concluded the high capabilities of fungi (FiGMs) as eco-friendly and cheap bio-nano factories to manufacture ZnONPs with great nano-level average size, which may consider new boost sources for use in many nano-sectors and applications.

Mortality Rate, Demographics, and Clinical Attributes of Patients Dying in the Intensive Care Unit of a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jordan: A Descriptive Study.

Very little is known about the provision of or the need for palliative care in the Middle East, including Jordan. This study investigated the mortality rate, demographics, and clinical attributes of patients with cancer who had died in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a national cancer center over a 3-year period in Jordan. We reviewed the records of 661 patients who had died and found that the majority of the people were terminally ill at the time of admission (had metastatic cancer, multisystem organ dysfunction, and seriously ill). This approach differs from the usual practice worldwide in which it is uncommon to admit patients with cancer to the ICU at the end of life. Improving end-of-life care in the ICUs in Jordan requires further exploration of the cultural context in which end-of-life care practice occurs in Jordan and developing a palliative care approach that fit with the Islamic and Arabic culture.

Linum usitatissimum seeds oil down-regulates mRNA expression for the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and Cyp11A1 genes, ameliorating letrezole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in a rat model.

The safety and effectiveness of nutricetics suggest that they may offer an alternative to pharmaceutical and surgical therapy for hormone-dependent disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We investigated the effects of Linum usitatissimum seed oil (LSO) on ovarian functionality, its molecular targets, and the oxidative response in hyperandrogenism-induced polycystic ovary. The composition of LSO has been analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). A well-established PCOS rat model orally administered with letrozole daily for 21 days was used to investigate the effect of LSO at doses of 1 and 2 mL/kg body weight for 28 days. The effect on hormonal profile and antioxidant status, histopathology (cell proliferation), and the expression ratio of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and Cyp11A1 gene were evaluated. LSO exerted beneficial effects on PCOS rat models via restoring glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), beta subunit subunit luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone levels, and histopathological scoring. Furthermore, LSO reversed the elevated StAR and Cyp11A1 genes in the PCOS rat model. This study demonstrated the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the beneficial effect of LSO against the reproductive and metabolic disorders of PCOS.

Effect of bovine colostrum intake on growth, reproductive parameters and survival in red kids.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of frozen Azawak colostrum supplementation on body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), reproductive parameters (mean age at first parturition, fertility, fecundity, prolificacy) and mortality rate among red kids. The study was conducted at the goat farm secondary centre of Maradi in Niger from September 2010 to September 2011. The control animals (n = 20) were left with their mother, while the treatment animals (n = 20) received in addition 50 ml/animal/day of bovine colostrum at birth and 15 ml/animal/day from d2 to d15. Weight was measured weekly from birth to d365. Mortalities were also recorded over the same period. For reproductive parameters, observations began at weaning (d197). Growth rate was higher (p < 0.001) in supplemented animal, and the treatment effects on ADG were observed up to 150 day after the end of supplementation. A similar long-lasting trend was also observed in relation to the mortality rate (25% for ColG vs. 55% for ConG; p = 0.05). The age at first kidding tended to be lower in the treated group (13.8 ± 0.7 vs. 14.1 ± 0.8 month; p < 0.1). In conclusion, mild bovine colostrum supplementation induces a long-lasting positive impact on growth rate and to a lower extent on reproduction parameters and survival rate.

Hospital-based study on the use of herbal medicine in patients with coronary artery disease in Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and pattern of herbal therapy use among patients with chronic coronary artery disease as self remedies. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted by face to face interview of 690 consecutive patients visiting the outpatient department at Queen Alia Heart Institute during the period 1/6/2008 to 1/6/2009. Data was collected using a specially designed questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall frequency of herbal use was 14.1%. The most commonly used herbs in Jordan were hawthorn and ginger. A total of 27 local and one Chinese herbal product were used, while the use of adulterated formulae were absent. Pharmacists were never consulted regarding the quantity or frequency of herb use. Side effects were rare. CONCLUSION: The use of medicinal herbs among cardiac patients in Jordan is not uncommon and consists largely of local herbs. Active role of pharmacists and doctors for counseling patients on the appropriate use of herbal products should prevent toxicity, ensure proper modes of preparation and optimize safety and efficacy.

Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases in photodamaged skin by photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been described for photoageing treatment, but its mechanism of action is not clarified. Although PDT-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and collagen production have been studied in normal skin and in inflammatory disease, there is no report about the effect of PDT on the extracellular matrix in photodamaged skin. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate skin remodelling induced by methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL)-PDT in photodamaged skin by histological and immunohistochemical studies. METHODS: Fourteen patients were treated with two sessions of MAL-PDT. The light source was a light-emitting diode (635 nm, 37 J cm(-2)). Skin biopsies were performed in all patients before and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Immunohistochemical studies evaluated collagen types I and III, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-12 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1. RESULTS: Global improvement in photodamaged skin was observed. A significant increase in expression of MMP-9 in the dermis was detected at 3 months after treatment (P = 0.002). Significant increases in the expression of collagen type I at 3 months (P = 0.002) and at 6 months after treatment (P = 0.001) were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Skin remodelling induced by MAL-PDT was demonstrated in photodamaged skin. Two sessions of MAL-PDT increases immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 in the dermis at 3 months after treatment, and also of collagen type I.

Dietary supplementation with cranberry concentrate tablets may increase the risk of nephrolithiasis.

OBJECTIVES: Cranberry juice has been recommended for patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. However, cranberry juice has a moderately high concentration of oxalate, a common component of kidney stones, and should be limited in patients with a history of nephrolithiasis. Cranberry concentrate tablets are currently available at nutrition stores and are sold as promoters of urinary tract health. After one of our patients with a distant history of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis developed recurrent stones following self-administration of cranberry concentrate tablets, we sought to investigate the potential lithogenic properties of cranberry supplements. METHODS: Five healthy volunteers on a normal diet provided 24-hour urine collection for pH, volume, creatinine, oxalate, calcium, phosphate, uric acid, sodium, citrate, magnesium, and potassium. Cranberry tablets were administered to these volunteers at the manufacturer's recommended dosage for 7 days. On the seventh day, a second 24-hour urine collection was obtained. RESULTS: The urinary oxalate levels in the volunteers significantly increased (P = 0.01) by an average of 43.4% while receiving cranberry tablets. The excretion of potential lithogenic ions calcium, phosphate, and sodium also increased. However, inhibitors of stone formation, magnesium and potassium, rose as well. CONCLUSIONS: Cranberry concentrate tablets are marketed for urinary tract ailments. Physicians and manufacturers of cranberry products should make an effort to educate patients at risk for nephrolithiasis against ingestion of these dietary supplements.

Prospective multicenter study of transperineal prostatic block for transurethral needle ablation of the prostate.

The choice of anesthesia during thermal therapy of the prostate plays a significant role in the morbidity profile, patient convenience, and cost. We report 39 men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent transurethral needle ablation of the prostate under transperineal prostatic block. This method of local anesthesia proved safe, convenient, and satisfactory during the procedure.

A prospective study of transperineal prostatic block for transurethral needle ablation for benign prostatic hyperplasia: the Emory University Experience.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and role of transperineal prostate block in providing anesthesia during minimally invasive radio frequency thermal therapy of the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 consecutive patients undergoing transurethral needle ablation for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were entered in this prospective study. All patients received transperineal prostatic block as the main method of anesthesia. A mixture of equal volumes of 1% lidocaine and 0.25% bupivacaine, each with epinephrine (1:100,000 concentration ratio) was used. Pain control during the instillation of transperineal prostatic block and transurethral needle ablation was assessed using a 10-point linear analog pain scale and questionnaire. RESULTS: Median patient age was 65.5 years (range 47 to 79), with 21% of men in the eighth decade of life. Median American Urological Association symptom score was 25.0 (range 14 to 35), bother score was 20.0 (11 to 28), quality of life score was 4.0 (3 to 6) and peak urinary flow rate was 8.9 cc per second (3.5 to 15.7). Median sonographic prostate volume was 35.0 cc (range 17 to 129). Median volume of anesthetic agent used was 40.0 cc (range 30 to 60) per case (1.1 cc solution per 1 cc prostate tissue). No adverse events were encountered. Median pain score was 3.3 (range 1 to 6) during instillation of transperineal prostatic block and 1.0 (0 to 6) during transurethral needle ablation. Transperineal prostatic block proved highly effective and was a satisfactory method of anesthesia during transurethral needle ablation as judged by postoperative questionnaire. No sedation, narcotic or analgesia was required. All procedures were performed in the outpatient cystoscopy suite or office setting without support of an anesthesia team or conscious sedation monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal prostatic block is a safe, convenient, effective and satisfactory method of minimally invasive anesthesia for transurethral needle ablation of the prostate in an outpatient office setting. Elderly patients and those at high surgical risk can be treated safely using this approach. Considerable cost saving is seen secondary to omission of charges related to anesthesia team support, recovery room facility and conscious sedation monitoring.

The prostate anesthetic block for outpatient prostate surgery.

With the emergence of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and the need to reduce health care costs, a simple and effective prostate anesthetic block may allow more procedures to be done in an outpatient or office setting. As based on neuroanatomy studies of the prostate, the perineal approach appeared to be the best way to anesthetize the prostate. This technique was used in 43 patients who underwent interstitial laser coagulation an outpatient or office setting. The perineal prostatic block was effective for pain control whether lidocaine or lidocaine/bupivacaine was used as determined by visual analog scale, linear pain scale, or global pain questionnaire. The use of intravenous (i.v.) sedation did not influence the efficacy of the prostate anesthetic block. Thus, the perineal prostate anesthetic block may be employed in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia in the outpatient/office location.

The pattern of intussusception in Kuwait. A review of 244 cases.

Two-hundred and thirty-three patients with 244 intussusceptions were treated in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, Kuwait, with only one death. Our incidence was around 25 per year. The age for idiopathic intussusception fits that reported in Western countries. Kuwaitis have a lower incidence of intussusception than other nationalities living in Kuwait. Diarrhea seems to precede intussusception in about 19.1% of cases; leading points were found in 8.2%, and recurrences in 4.5% of cases, most of them following barium reduction. Our complications were high, particularly in the operated group. Barium enema has become our first line of management and it has greatly reduced complications and shortened hospitalization times. Those who present early and late are more prone to operative treatment.