Innovative approach: utilizing silver nanoparticles sheet for improved rabbit cecal anastomosis healing.

Introduction: Anastomotic leakage is a severe complication associated with gastrointestinal surgery. The process of intestinal wound healing is crucial for the successful outcome of digestive tract surgical repair procedures. This research aimed to determine the impact of silver nanoparticles sheet (Acticoat) on the anastomotic healing of the cecum in rabbits. Methods: A total of 48 New Zealand male rabbits in good health were used for cecum transection and anastomosis. The animals were randomized into the control group (C) and the silver nanoparticles group (AgNPs). In the C group, the transected cecum was end-to-end anastomosed with a single layer of simple continuous suture pattern using 3-0 polyglyconate. In contrast, a silver nanoparticle sheet (Acticoat) was covered around the sutured anastomotic line in the AgNPs group. Postoperatively, abdominal ultrasound imaging and the Bristol Rabbit Pain Score (BRPS) were measured on days 7, 15, and 30. Eight rabbits from each group were euthanized at each time point to assess macroscopic findings, bursting pressure tests, tensile strength tests, histopathological examinations, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: The AgNPs group demonstrated a significant increase in the cecal lumen diameter wall (p ≤ 0.001), burst pressure measurement (p ≤ 0.02), and tensile strength (p ≤ 0.01). Conversely, the AgNPs group had significantly lower BRPS scores (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, histopathological examinations revealed that AgNPs significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration (neutrophils and macrophages) and enhanced collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) of α-SMA and a reduction of CD31 in the anastomotic tissue of the AgNPs group. Discussion: The results of the present study indicate that the utilization of the AgNPs sheet (Acticoat®) effectively enhanced the strength of cecum anastomosis, resulting in a reduction in anastomosis leakages, pain scores, and abdominal adhesions. Additionally, the bursting pressure values in the rabbit model were significantly increased.

Ozonated saline intradermal injection: promising therapy for accelerated cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats.

Introduction: The use of ozonized water is gaining importance in medicine due to its effects on hyperglycemia and wound healing mechanisms. Methods: This experiment was conducted to assess the impacts of intradermal administration of ozonated water on acute skin wound healing in a diabetic rat model. Sixty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: an ozonated water group (O3W) and a control group (CG). Experimental diabetes was chemically induced in the rats by the intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. One week later, full-thickness skin surgical wounds (1 cm2) were created between the two shoulders of the rats under general anesthesia. The wounds were then daily irrigated with normal saline (CG) or intradermally injected with 1 mL of ozonated water at 10 mg/L O3W. Wound healing was evaluated through macroscopic analysis, measuring wound size, diameter, and percentage of contraction rate before wounding and at 3, 7, 9, 12, 14, 18, 21, 24, and 28 days post-wounding. On days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after induction of the wounds, the body weights and blood glucose levels of rats (8 per group) were measured before the rats were euthanized. Moreover, the morphological structure of the tissue, vascular endothelial and transforming growth factor (VEGF and TGF) affinity and gene expression were examined. Results: The O3W group had significantly lower blood glucose levels and wound size and gained body weight. Additionally, epithelial vascularization, stromal edema, TGF, and VEGF gene expression significantly improved in the O3W group. Discussion: Therefore, ozonated water has the potential to enhance and promote cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats.

Diagnosis and Surgical correction of salivary affections in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis); a retrospective study.

AIM: This study aimed to describe the diagnosis and treatment of various surgical salivary affections in buffaloes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 135 buffaloes examined at Dakahlia Governorate between 2011 and 2022 suffering from various surgical salivary affections. The recorded surgical affections had salivary fistula (n = 44), ectasia of Stenson's duct (n = 11), ranula/mucocele (n = 46), and cervical sialocele (n = 34). The buffaloes were sedated using an intramuscular injection of xylazine (0.05 mg/kg) and local infiltration analgesia of lidocaine for specific surgical interventions. RESULTS: The salivary duct fistula cases were surgically corrected using a retrograde infusion of povidone-iodine into the duct and its double ligation with Prolene following fistulectomy. Intraoral marsupialization was done in buffaloes suffering from ectasia of the parotid duct. The mucocele /ranula was surgically incised with daily flushing with povidone-iodine. The cervical sialocele was treated by giving an elliptical excision on the sialocele, and sialoadenectomy of the mandibular salivary gland was performed to facilitate dynamic fluid/saliva drainage. A 92.5% of diseased buffaloes showed an uneventful recovery without any postoperative complications after the first treatment, whereas 7.5% of animals tended to recur. The most common and almost equally distributed salivary affections recorded in adult buffaloes were parotid duct fistula, mucocele, and cervical sialocele. The Stenson's duct ectasia was commonly registered in calves, being congenital. CONCLUSION: Ranula was the most common salivary affection encountered in adult buffaloes, closely followed by parotid duct fistulae and cervical sialoceles. Stenson's duct ectasia was the least encountered salivary affection in calves and was congenital. All salivary affections were corrected easily and safely, with satisfactory outcomes.

Reinforcement of colon anastomosis healing with leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin in rabbit model.

AIM: This study investigated the regenerative efficacy of leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on colon anastomotic healing in rabbits. MAIN METHODS: Thirty-six healthy male white New Zealand rabbits were subjected to complete transactions of the ascending colon. The rabbits were equally divided into two groups: the control group, where the transected colon ends were anastomosed by a simple interrupted suture pattern, and the L-PRF-treated group, in which L-PRF was wrapped entirely around the anastomotic line. The postoperative acute pain scale was assessed using the Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale before surgery and at each four-hour interval post-operatively. After euthanizing the rabbits, the adhesion degree score, anastomotic bursting pressure, and stenosis degree of the anastomotic colon were assessed, and histopathological examination at the 7th, 14th, and 28th days postoperatively. KEY FINDINGS: Rabbits in both groups showed a significant increase in pain scores compared to baseline. Postoperatively, the L-PRF group exhibited significantly lower pain scores, adhesion scores, and stenosis degrees than the control group. However, the anastomotic bursting pressure was significantly higher in the L-PRF group. Re-epithelialization, polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration, granulation tissue formation, and collagen deposition scores were improved considerably in the L-PRF group compared to the control group. Immunostaining of growth factor expression was significantly lower in the control than in the L-PRF group. SIGNIFICANCE: The L-PRF can augment collagen deposition, re-epithelialize the mucosa, promote angiogenesis, reduce adhesions, and diminish the stenosis degree scores. Therefore, it can be considered a promising aid in healing bowel anastomoses.

Possible Role of Oxidative Stress and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in Pentylenetetrazole-induced Epilepsy in Aged Rats.

Background: To examine the impact of aging on the response of rats to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induction of epilepsy and the possible role of oxidative stress and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathway in this response. Methods: Forty male albino rats were equally allocated into 4 groups; 1) Young control (YC) group, aged 8-12 weeks, 2) Old control (OC) group, aged 24 months, 3) PTZ-Young group: young rats received PTZ (50 mg/Kg, i.p. every other day) for 2 weeks and 4) PTZ-Old group: as group 3 but rats were old. The seizure score stage and latency to the first jerk were recorded in rats. Redox state markers in brain tissues including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. Also, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 genes were measured in the brain tissues. Results: Old rats showed an early and a significant rise in the seizure score with PTZ administration and a significant drop in the seizure latency compared to young rats (P <0.01). Also, old rats showed a significantly higher MDA concentration and a significantly lower TAC and catalase activity than young rats (P <0.01). Moreover, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was significantly lowered in old rats compared to young rats with PTZ administration (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Aging increases the vulnerability of rats to PTZ-induced epilepsy. An effect might come down to the up-regulation of oxidative stress and the down regulation of antioxidant pathways including Nrf2 and HO-1.

Biostimulation effect of platelet-rich fibrin augmented with decellularized bovine pericardium on full-thickness cutaneous wound healing in Donkeys (Equus asinus).

AIM: The current research aimed to evaluate the potential effect of adding platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to the decellularized bovine pericardium (DBP) on the distal limb of donkeys' full-thickness cutaneous wounds healing (Equus asinus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy male donkeys (n = 12) were used in this study. Under general anesthesia, 6 cm2 full-thickness incisions were made on the middle dorsolateral surface of both forelimbs' metacarpi. The left forelimbs were control wounds, while the right wounds were treated with PRF/DBP. Control wounds were bandaged with a standard dressing after saline irrigation and were evaluated at days 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 28 post-wounding. PRF/DBP-treated wounds were dressed with a combination of PRF/DBP at the first, second, and third weeks post-wounding. Clinical and histopathological examinations of the wounds were performed to assess the healing process. Additionally, the immunohistochemical evaluation and gene expression profiles of myofibroblastic and angiogenic genes (transforming growth factor-ß1, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7), and collagen type 3α1) were analyzed. RESULTS: PRF/DBP wounds had a significantly faster healing process (61.3 ± 2.6 days) than control wounds (90.3 ± 1.4 days) (p < 0.05). The immunohistochemical examination and gene expression profile revealed significant enrichment in PRF/DBP wounds compared to control wounds. CONCLUSION: PRF/DBP dressing can be considered a natural and cost-effective biomaterial for enhancing the recovery of donkeys' distal limb injuries.

Possible Mechanisms of the Neuroprotective Actions of Date Palm Fruits Aqueous Extracts against Valproic Acid-Induced Autism in Rats.

The current study aimed to determine how palm date aqueous fruit extracts (AFE) affected the autistic-like behaviors brought on by valproic acid (VPA) injection, as well as any potential contributions from Sirt-1, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. The pregnant Sprague Dawley females were treated with VPA at 12.5th gestation day and pregnant females and their offspring were treated with AFE orally at doses of 4 mg/Kg by gastric gavage for 45 days after birth. The elevated plus-T maze, water maze, and rotarod tests were used to examine autism-like behaviors. At the end of the study, the expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase (HO-1), Sirt-1, caspase-3 (a marker of apoptosis), LC3 (a marker of autophagy), and NFκB (inflammatory cytokines) were evaluated along with the oxidative stress in brain tissues and the histological changes in the cerebellum and hippocampus. The neurobehavioral assessments significantly declined due to VPA, which also significantly increased oxidative stress in the brain tissues and significantly decreased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. Additionally, VPA administration caused significant increase in the expression of caspase-3 in the cerebellar cortex, not in the hippocampus; LC3 and NFκB in the hippocampus, not in the cerebellar cortex; and significant reduction in the expression of Sirt-1 in the hippocampus, not in the cerebellum. On the other hand, AFE treatment significantly improved the neurobehavioral changes as well as it improved significantly the oxidative stress and the expression of LC3, NFκB, NrF2, HO-1, and Sirt-1 in the cerebellum and hippocampus. Conclusions: AFE administration might improve the autistic-like symptoms induced by VPA in rats via attenuation of the oxidative stress, upregulation of Nrf2 and HO-1, Sirt-1 and LC3 expression with downregulation of caspase-3, and NFκB expression in the cerebellum and hippocampus.

Acellular bovine pericardium as a biological dressing for treatment of cutaneous wounds of the distal limb in donkeys (Equus Asinus).

This research was performed to determine the impact of repeated topical dressing with acellular bovine pericardium (ABP) on healing distal limb wounds in donkeys. Twelve male clinically healthy donkeys were subjected to general anesthesia, and full-thickness wounds of six cm2 (2 × 3 cm) were created on the middle dorsolateral surface of the metacarpi. Two defects were made on each donkey's forelimbs; the right limb was considered a control wound, and the left one was considered a treated wound. Moreover, the control wounds were irrigated with saline every three days postoperatively and bandaged with a standard dressing. The treated wounds were covered with ABP dressings. The ABP dressing was reapplied thrice at 7-, 14- and 21-days post-wound induction. In addition, the wound healing process was monitored clinically, histopathologically, and immunohistochemically of tissue as growth factor-ß1, epidermal growth factor receptor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Besides, the gene expression profile of angiogenic and myofibroblastic genes was applied as vascular endothelial growth factor-A, collagen type 3α1, fibroblast growth factor 7, and the transforming growth factor-ß1.The results revealed that the wounds treated with ABP healed more quickly than the control wounds. Additionally, the mean days required for healing were significantly shorter in the ABP-treated wounds (p < 0.05; 69.5 ± 1.6) compared to control wounds (86.3 ± 3). Furthermore, immunohistochemical and gene expression analyses were significantly improved in ABP wounds than in control wounds. In conclusion, ABP is considered a natural biomaterial and promotes the healing of distal limb wounds in donkeys if applied weekly during the first three-week post-wound induction.

Evaluation of the effect of different sedative doses of dexmedetomidine on the intestinal motility in clinically healthy donkeys (Equus asinus).

AIM: Gastrointestinal effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine in donkeys are still unidentified. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of different doses of dexmedetomidine on the motility of selected parts of the gastrointestinal tracts in donkeys using transabdominal ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental crossover study was conducted on 30 healthy donkeys of both sexes (15 males and 15 females; 160 ± 60 kg). With a two-week washout period, each donkey received an injection of either a normal saline solution or three different doses of dexmedetomidine (3, 5, and 7 µg/kg, respectively). All medications were administered intravenously in equal volumes. The contractility of selected intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum) was measured 3 min before administration (zero time) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administration. RESULTS: Small and large intestinal motility was within the normal ranges before IV injection of normal isotonic saline or dexmedetomidine at a dose of 3, 5, and 7 µg/kg. Two Way Repeated Measures ANOVA output of the data displayed a statistically significant the between time and treatments for the contractility of each of the duodenum (P = 0.0029), jejunum (P = 0.0033), left colon (P = 0.0073), right colon (P = 0.0035), and cecum (P = 0.0026), implying that the impact of treatment on the gastric motility varied among different time points. The simple main effect analysis revealed that the IV dexmedetomidine at 3, 5, and 7 µg/kg doses significantly inhibited (P ≤ 0.01) the bowel contractility compared to the administration of isotonic saline. CONCLUSION: Dose-dependent inhibitory effect of dexmedetomidine on intestinal motility was reported in donkeys following intravenous administration. This inhibitory effect on intestinal motility should be considered in clinical practice.

Antinociceptive effect of lidocaine, tramadol, and their combination for lumbosacral epidural analgesia in rabbits undergoing experimental knee surgery.

AIM: The current study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of lidocaine, tramadol, and their combination for lumbosacral epidural analgesia in rabbits undergoing knee surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 24 male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2.8 to 3.0 kg and was allocated into three groups. All groups were anaesthetized by intramuscular (IM) injection of 35 mg/kg ketamine and 5 mg/kg xylazine, 0.1 mg/kg butorphanol. Rabbits in Group A received epidural analgesia of 4 mg/kg lidocaine 2%; Group B rabbits received epidural analgesia of 4 mg/kg tramadol 5%, and Group C rabbits received epidural analgesia of a combination of 4 mg/kg lidocaine and 4 mg/kg tramadol. Prior to and during surgery, the following parameters were recorded in a regular pre-set time interval: onset time of analgesia (OT), duration of flaccid paralysis (DFP), duration of analgesia (DA), onset and duration of sensory blockade, onset and duration of motor blockade, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal temperature (RT). RESULTS: The mean OT demonstrated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in Group C (46.5 ± 1.4 sec) compared to Group A and B (61.0 ± 2.4 and 54.5 ± 3.5 sec), respectively. DFP was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Group C (35.5 ± 2.9 min) than in Group A and B (17.6 ± 1.4 and 21.8 ± 3.6), respectively. DA showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in group C (45.8 ± 3.3 min) compared to groups A and B, respectively (23.3 ± 1.1 and 31.5 ± 2.3). Heart rate, RR, and RT significantly decreased in Group C compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: According to the current study findings, lumbosacral epidural administration of lidocaine combined with tramadol could be a better choice for potentiating the analgesia than administration of either drug separately and may be safely used in rabbits undergoing knee surgery.

A Descriptive Study of the Carpal Joint of Healthy Donkeys Using Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

This study was conducted to establish a detailed anatomic reference for the carpal joint of apparently healthy donkeys using ultrasonography (US), computed tomographic (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ten orthopedically sound adult donkeys were used for US examination of the carpal joint in each forelimb. Additionally, the carpi of ten donkey cadavers were subjected to CT and MRI examinations. The carpal joint was divided into four zones to simplify examination. US assessment of the carpal joint included transverse and longitudinal sonograms. CT was performed using three planes: axial, sagittal, and coronal. MRI was performed using axial and sagittal planes with two sequences: gradient-echo T1-weighted and proton density. The donkeys' carpus US, CT, and MRI images were labeled and serially interpreted based on references and anatomical cross-sections. The anatomical characteristics of the carpal joint and the surrounding soft tissue structures were thoroughly described and precisely differentiated on US, CT, and MRI scans. It can be concluded that US, CT, and MRI are effective noninvasive diagnostic imaging tools for evaluating the carpal joint in donkeys. Moreover, these imaging modalities can aid in establishing a reference database for the carpal joint of donkeys, which differs from that of horses.

Pycnogenol a promising remedy for diabetic keratopathy in experimentally induced corneal alkali burns in diabetic rats.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of topically applied pycnogenol (PYC) in healing the standardized alkaline corneal ulcer in diabetic and normal rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The corneal alkali-burn injury (CA-I) model was unilaterally developed in Wistar rats by filter paper saturated with 0.01 M of NaOH and touching the eyes for 45 s. Rats were divided into four groups: Normal control (NC), normal PYC (NPYC), diabetic control (DC), and diabetic PYC (DPYC). Both NPYC and DPYC groups were daily treated with PY eye drops three times, whereas NC and DC ones were treated with ordinary saline for six successive days. RESULTS: The wound healing of corneal epithelial was improved in the NPYC group compared to the NC group. Meanwhile, it was significantly improved (P < 0.05) in the DPYC group than in the DC group. Histological examination revealed that corneal re-epithelialization was more accomplished in the DPYC group than in the DC group. In addition, the inflammatory cells were augmented in the DC group more than those in the DPYC one. CONCLUSION: The findings obtained revealed the efficiency of PYC for enhancing the corneal re-epithelialization and reducing the inflammatory reaction post alkali burn in rats, and thus it could be beneficially valuable as a treatment for the diabetic keratopathy.

Synergistic effects of sitagliptin and losartan against fipronil-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Fipronil (FPN) is a potent pesticide that is heavily used around the world in agriculture. However, its irrational use could potentially have deleterious effects on animals and humans. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of sitagliptin (Sit) and losartan (LOS), when used both individually or concurrently, to guard rat liver against the acute hepatotoxicity caused by FPN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were equally divided into seven groups (6/group). Group I (control) received normal saline (0.5 mL/rat, vehicle for all treatments) by gavage once daily for 10 days. Group II received oral Sit (10 mg/kg body weight [BW]) daily for 10 days and Group III received oral LOS (5 mg/kg BW) daily for 10 days. Group IV received oral FPN (19.4 mg/kg BW; 1/5 of the oral LD50) for the past 5 days of the study. Groups V and VI received oral Sit (10 mg/kg BW) and LOS (5 mg/kg BW) daily, respectively, 5 days prior and 5 days during FPN administration (19.4 mg/kg BW). Group VII received oral Sit (10 mg/kg BW) and LOS (5 mg/kg BW) for 10 days with daily FPN during the past 5 days. After the end of the treatment period, the rats were humanely sacrificed and blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical analysis and histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations. RESULTS: FPN administration resulted in elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase serum concentrations as well as increased malondialdehyde levels and reduced catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione activity. The histopathological investigation showed disorganization of the hepatic cords and focal necrosis of the hepatocytes in FPN-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical examination showed that hepatic caspase-3 was overexpressed in the FPN-treated rats. The administration of Sit and LOS before and alongside FPN markedly mitigated the alterations caused by FPN and the hepatoprotective effects were more prominent in the combination group. CONCLUSION: Sit and LOS, both individually or in combination, confers considerable hepatoprotection against FPN-induced hepatotoxicity.

Effect of orally administered zinc oxide nanoparticles on albino rat thymus and spleen.

This study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effects of oral intake of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the structure of thymus and spleen. Twenty-four young male Wistar albino rats were assigned into two groups: group I (control) and group II (ZnO NPs treated group).The thymus and spleen were analyzed biochemically, histopathologically and immunohistochemically. After ZnO NPs intake, hematologically, the total leucocytic count was significantly increased while the RBCs and platelets counts and Hb % were significantly decreased. Biochemically, a significant decrease in serum total antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 4 and 10 (IL-4 and IL-10) levels was noted. While a significant increase in splenic and thymic malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA shearing, as well as the studied proinflammatory cytokines; IL-1ß, tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α) and interferon (INF-γ) levels was detected. Notably, we noted upregulation of the immunomodulatory [CD3, CD11b, heme oxygenase (HO-1)] and the inflammatory [toll-like receptor 4 and 6 (TLR4 and TLR6)] genes. Histopathologically, degenerative changes were detected in thymus and spleen of ZnO NPs treated group. While the immunohistochemical analysis of the ZnO NPs treated group revealed a decrease in the number of cells expressed positive reactions of anti-PCNA and an increase in the number of cells expressed positive reaction of anti-p53 in the thymus and spleen. In conclusion, ZnO NPs induced obvious immunotoxicity in the thymus and spleen, where oxidative/inflammatory pathway may be the potential mechanism underlying this immunotoxicity. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):528-539, 2017.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein 3 are risk markers of cardiotoxicity in carbon monoxide poisoning cases in Zagazig university hospitals.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of toxicity-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recent studies focused on CO-induced cardiovascular toxicity. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of CO toxicity. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between cardiac damage biomarkers and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with CO-induced cardiotoxicity. This study was carried out on 36 CO-poisoned patients admitted to Zagazig University Hospitals. Forty healthy individuals (age- and sex-matched) were selected as a control group. Clinical examination and electrocardiography (ECG) were performed for CO-poisoned patients. These patients have been investigated for carboxyhaemoglobin percent (COHB%) and cardiac damage biomarkers; cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), heart-type fatty acid-binding protein 3 (H-FABP3). Oxidative stress biomarkers comprising malondialdehyde (MDA), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) have been also assessed. All biomarkers have been assessed on admission (0 h) and 6 h after treatment of CO-poisoned patients with high-flow oxygen and compared with those of the control groups. ECG findings were abnormal in 31 patients (86.11%), where sinus tachycardia was the commonest finding (58.33%). There was a statistically significant increase of COHB%, MDA, ADMA, and H-FABP3 levels, and a significant decrease of TAC level in CO-poisoned patients compared to controls with no significant changes in cTn-I. Six hours following treatment, all measured parameters were significantly improved except for cTn-I, which was significantly increased when compared with admission status (0 h). Furthermore, H-FABP3 showed a significant positive correlation with COHB%, MDA, ADMA, and a negative correlation with TAC, while cTn-I was significantly correlated with COHB% only. ADMA and MDA seem to be the strongest determinants for the prediction of H-FABP3 changes and hence cardiovascular toxicity. Thus, cardiac damage in patients with CO poisoning could be partially mediated by CO-induced oxidative stress, where H-FABP3 level was directly and strongly associated with MDA and ADMA levels.

Lycopene ameliorates atrazine-induced oxidative damage in adrenal cortex of male rats by activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Atrazine (ATZ) is one of the most commonly used herbicides contaminating plants, soil and water resources. Several strategies have been used to counteract ATZ toxicity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that lycopene could ameliorate ATZ-induced toxicity in the adrenal cortex. For this purpose, 35 adult male albino rats were randomized into five equal groups: untreated control, vehicle control (received 0.5 mL corn oil/day), lycopene (treated with lycopene dissolved in 0.5 mL corn oil, 10 mg/kg b.w./day), ATZ (received ATZ dissolved in 0.5 mL corn oil 300 mg/kg b.w./day), and ATZ + lycopene (treated with ATZ and lycopene at the same previously mentioned doses). All treatments were given by oral gavage for 4 weeks. We found that ATZ exposure significantly increased relative adrenal weight, plasma ACTH levels, and adrenal oxidative stress as manifested by elevated malondialdehyde levels, decreased reduced glutathione content and depressed antioxidant enzyme activities in adrenal cortex tissues with respect to control groups. Furthermore, the transcription of adrenal cortex nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor kappa B, and caspase-3 genes was increased significantly compared with the control groups. This was accompanied with DNA fragmentation and structural and ultrastructural changes in zona glomerulosa and zona fasiculata of the adrenal cortex. Notably, all these changes were partially ameliorated in rats treated concomitantly with ATZ and lycopene. Our results showed that lycopene exerts protective effects against ATZ-induced toxicity in rat adrenal cortex. These effects may be attributed to the antioxidative property of lycopene and its ability to activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Epithelial and stromal alterations in prostate after cypermethrin administration in adult albino rats (histological and biochemical study).

Histological and biochemical alterations induced in prostate by cypermethrin insecticide exposure were investigated in adult albino rats. 60 mg/kg/day of cypermethrin were given orally to experimental group for 15 days then prostatic specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations and for assessment of oxidative stress markers; prostatic glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Masson's trichrome and anti-α-actin antibodies immunohistochemical staining were done. Blood samples were collected for measurement of total and prostatic acid phosphatase enzymes. Morphometric and statistical analyses were conducted. Cypermethrin treated group showed decrease in acinar epithelial height with detection of heterochromatic nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolations and few apical microvilli. The stroma surrounding the acini was widened with significant increase in collagen fibers and significant decrease in smooth muscle cell α-actin immunoexpression. This was accompanied by a significant decrease of prostatic GSH level, activity of GPx enzyme with a significant increase in MDA level. Significant decrease in total and prostatic enzyme activities was also detected. In conclusion, cypermethrin induced epithelial degenerative changes in prostate which were accompanied by stromal alterations that seemed to be due to oxidative stress. More attention is required to the role of stromal microenvironment and oxidative stress markers in prostatic diseases.

Effective Communication Barriers in Clinical Teaching among Malaysian Medical Students in Zagazig Faculty of Medicine (Egypt).

INTRODUCTION: effective communication in a clinical environment plays a vital role in patient assessment and treatment. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of Malaysian medical students concerning communication barriers during clinical practice. The goal was to provide answers for three important research questions, i.e., 1) Are communication barriers an impediment to Malaysian students during clinical teaching? 2) What is the nature of the language barriers that the students encounter? and 3) What are the best ways of reducing these barriers during clinical teaching? METHODS: The qualitative method was used to conduct the research, and open-ended questionnaires were used to collect the data. The study was conducted on 95 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year students, 80% of whom completed the study. RESULTS: Medical students from Malaysia who have limited knowledge of the Arabic language experience some difficulties in communicating with staff members, patients, and nurses during their clinical practices. CONCLUSION: Successful orientation of students to the language used in the clinical environment will help the students overcome the communication barriers they encounter during their clinical practices.

Malathion exposure and insulin resistance among a group of farmers in Al-Sharkia governorate.

OBJECTIVES: Exposure to certain environmental toxins may be associated with increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between chronic exposure to malathion and insulin resistance among farmers. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study included 98 non diabetic farmers who handle agricultural insecticides during their field work. The range of the exposure period for agricultural pesticides was 15-20 years. All farmers were males with mean age 39±12 years. Another 90 administrative employees at Zagazig University Hospitals, non diabetic males age matched were selected as controls. History taking including family history for diabetes, assessment of blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference and body mass index was done for all participants. Blood samples were withdrawn for measurement of malathion concentration, fasting blood glucose level and fasting insulin level for calculation of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: 24.5% had positive family history for diabetes. It was observed that there was a significant increase in the mean values of malathion blood concentration among studied farmers compared to corresponding controls. There was a positive correlation between malathion blood concentration, waist circumference and insulin resistance. It was also observed that the increase in the mean values of waist circumference and body mass index was accompanied by a significant increase in the mean values of malathion blood concentration. CONCLUSION: The current results suggested that chronic exposure of non diabetic farmers to organophosphorus malathion pesticides may induce insulin resistance. This effect tended to strengthen as waist circumference increases.

Differential effects of alprazolam and clonazepam on the immune system and blood vessels of non-stressed and stressed adult male albino rats.

Benzodiazepines belongs to one of the most commonly used anxiolytic and anticonvulsant drugs in the world. Full description of toxic effects on different organs is lacking for nearly all the current benzodiazepines. The aim of the current work was to study the immunologic and vascular changes induced by sub-chronic administration of alprazolam and clonazepam in non-stressed and stressed adult male albino rats. Forty-two adult male albino rats were divided into 6 groups (I): (Ia) Negative control rats, (Ib): Positive control rats received distilled water, (II): Stressed rats, (III): Non-stressed rats received daily oral dose of clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg), (IV): Stressed rats received daily oral dose of clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg), (V): Non-stressed rats received daily oral dose of alprazolam (0.3 mg/kg). (VI): Stressed rats received daily oral dose of alprazolam (0.3 mg/kg). At the end of the 4th week, total leukocyte count (WBCs) and differential count were determined, anti-sheep RBC antibody (Anti-SRBC) titer and interleukin-2 (IL-2) level were assessed, thymus glands, lymph nodes, spleens and abdominal aortae were submitted to histopathological examination. Alprazolam was found to induce a significant increase in neutrophil count and a significant decrease in lymphocytes, anti-SRBC titer and IL-2 level with severe depletion of the splenic, thymal and nodal lymphocytes, accompanied by congestion and eosinophilic vasculitis of all organs tested in comparison to clonazepam treated rats. Stress enhanced the toxic effects. It was concluded that the immune system and blood vessels can be adversely affected to a greater extent by short-term chronic administration of alprazolam than by clonazepam, and these toxic effects are aggravated by stress.