COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN THE EFFECT OF HISTAMINE RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS OF TYPE II (FAMOTIDINE) AND PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (OMEPRAZOLE) ON THE EFFICACY OF CALCIUM CARBONATE AS PHOSPHATE BINDER IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of famotidine versus omeprazole on the efficacy of calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder in the hemodialysis patient.Methods: From February 2014 to June 2014 a total number of 64 patients of both sexes were recruited from the department of renal dialysis, Tanta University Hospital, Egypt. Patients categorized into 3 groups. Group I (control group) consisted of 20 Patients (10) females and (10) males take calcium carbonate (caco3) (2.5–4 g/d) only, Group II consisted of 21 Patients (13) females and (8) males take the same dose of caco3 with famotidine 10 mg/d and Group III consisted of 23 Patients (8) females and (15) male take the same dose caco3 with omeprazole 20 mg/d.Results: All data are expressed as the mean±SD. Group II showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum phosphorus at 3rd mo with significant decreased (p<0.05) in serum calcium comparing with pre-treatment. Group III showed no significant change (p>0.05) in serum calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) comparing with pre-treatment. Both groups (II and III) showed a significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p<0.05).Conclusion: Co-administration of famotidine with calcium carbonate aggravates hyperphosphatemia and this may increase the incidence of complications. The efficacy of calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder was not affected by co-administration of omeprazole

Contemplation Impact of Pulp Seeds Cucurbita Pepo L. and its Paste on Oxidative Stress in Rats

Cucurbita Pepo L. seeds and seeds paste which are rich sources of phytochemicals and act as a rich source of antioxidants. The most important phytochemicals present in the cucurbits are cucurbitacin’s, saponins, carotenoids, phytosterols, and polyphenols. These bioactive phyto-constituents are responsible for the pharmacological effects including antioxidant effect. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Cucurbita Pepo L. seeds and seeds paste on rats suffering from oxidative stress. Thirty-six male albino rats were used in the experiment (Sprague-Dawley strain). The animals randomly divided 6 rats each group according to the following the first Group: Rats were fed basal diet and set as negative control. The other rats (n = 30) were fed on basal diet containing monosodium glutamate (120 mg/kg) for induce stress condition. After that, rats further divided into 5 groups (n = 6) each for six weeks as follows: -2nd Group: Rats were fed on basal diet containing monosodium glutamate and set as positive control. 3rd Group: Rats were fed on diet containing monosodium glutamate with addition of Cucurbita Pepo L. seeds 5%. 4th Group: Rats were fed on diet containing monosodium glutamate with addition of Cucurbita Pepo L. seeds 10%. 5th Group: Rats were fed on diet containing monosodium glutamate with addition of Cucurbita Pepo L. seeds paste 5%. 6th Group: Rats were fed on diet containing monosodium glutamate with addition of Cucurbita Pepo L. seeds paste 10%. The experimental period was six weeks; Blood samples were collected. At the end of the experiment, the results showed that using seeds 5% & 10% and seeds paste 5% & 10% in feeding the stressed rats increased (BWG%, FI, FER, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) with highest results in group fed on 10% seeds paste and decreased (Urea, Creatinine, ALT, AST, IL-6 and INF-gamma) with lowest results in group fed on 10% Cucurbita Pepo L. seeds paste

Vitamin E and N-Acetylcysteine as Antioxidant Adjuvant Therapy in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Although cancer therapies have experienced great success nowadays, yet the associated toxic response and free radicals formation have resulted in significant number of treatment-induced deaths rather than disease-induced fatalities. Complications of chemotherapy have forced physicians to study antioxidant use as adjunctive treatment in cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant role of vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in overcoming treatment-induced toxicity in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) during the intensive period of chemo-/radiotherapy, almost the first two months of treatment. Forty children newly diagnosed with ALL were enrolled in this study. Twenty children (group I) have taken vitamin E and NAC supplementations with chemotherapy and the other twenty children (group II) have not taken any adjuvant antioxidant therapy. They were evaluated clinically for the occurrence of complications and by the laboratory parameters (blood levels of glutathione peroxidase (Glu.PX) antioxidant enzyme, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), liver enzymes, and bone marrow picture). Results revealed reduced chemotherapy and radiotherapy toxicity as evidenced by decreasing level of MDA, increasing level of Glu.Px and decreased occurrence of toxic hepatitis, haematological complications, and need for blood and platelet transfusions in group I compared to group II. We can conclude that vitamin E and NAC have been shown to be effective as antioxidant adjuvant therapy in children with ALL to reduce chemo-/radiotherapy-related toxicities during the initial period of treatment

A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys

The visionary concept of zero waste advocates a systematic process of designing out waste and recovering resources from waste. A strategic zero waste framework (ZWF) is essential for developing and executing systematic waste management activities to achieve the overarching goals. This study identifies the key principles for the development of a strategic ZWF based on a waste experts’ survey analysis. Around 68 experts from different regions responded and provided their views on the key elements of a strategic ZWF though an online questionnaire survey. Eighteen strategic elements of waste prevention, management, treatment and assessment were identified as the key principles of the zero waste framework. As the study followed a generalized approach, it is important to acknowledge that all identified and proposed strategic elements may need to be contextualized based on the local conditions in order to achieve zero waste goals. Based on the findings, the study suggests the following three fundamental strategic action plans that need to be implemented simultaneously for moving towards zero waste societies: (i) sustainable production through a cradle-to-cradle design and product stewardship; (ii) collaborative and responsible consumption of natural resources; and (iii) zero waste management through conservation of resources. In addition, a constant evaluation of progress towards zero waste goals is essential. It is anticipated that by considering local circumstances, the proposed strategic guidelines would be beneficial for local authorities and relevant stakeholders while developing their zero waste strateg

Clinical Study Vitamin E and N-Acetylcysteine as Antioxidant Adjuvant Therapy in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Although cancer therapies have experienced great success nowadays, yet the associated toxic response and free radicals formation have resulted in significant number of treatment-induced deaths rather than disease-induced fatalities. Complications of chemotherapy have forced physicians to study antioxidant use as adjunctive treatment in cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant role of vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in overcoming treatment-induced toxicity in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) during the intensive period of chemo-/radiotherapy, almost the first two months of treatment. Forty children newly diagnosed with ALL were enrolled in this study. Twenty children (group I) have taken vitamin E and NAC supplementations with chemotherapy and the other twenty children (group II) have not taken any adjuvant antioxidant therapy. They were evaluated clinically for the occurrence of complications and by the laboratory parameters (blood levels of glutathione peroxidase (Glu.PX) antioxidant enzyme, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), liver enzymes, and bone marrow picture). Results revealed reduced chemotherapy and radiotherapy toxicity as evidenced by decreasing level of MDA, increasing level of Glu.Px and decreased occurrence of toxic hepatitis, haematological complications, and need for blood and platelet transfusions in group I compared to group II. We can conclude that vitamin E and NAC have been shown to be effective as antioxidant adjuvant therapy in children with ALL to reduce chemo-/radiotherapy-related toxicities during the initial period of treatment

Expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in colorectal neoplastic progression:A marker of malignant potential?

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Higher dose corticosteroids in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 who are hypoxic but not requiring ventilatory support (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial

BACKGROUND: Low-dose corticosteroids have been shown to reduce mortality for patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive mechanical ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). We evaluated the use of a higher dose of corticosteroids in this patient group. METHODS: This randomised, controlled, open-label platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing multiple possible treatments in patients hospitalised for COVID-19. Eligible and consenting adult patients with clinical evidence of hypoxia (ie, receiving oxygen or with oxygen saturation <92% on room air) were randomly allocated (1:1) to either usual care with higher dose corticosteroids (dexamethasone 20 mg once daily for 5 days followed by 10 mg dexamethasone once daily for 5 days or until discharge if sooner) or usual standard of care alone (which included dexamethasone 6 mg once daily for 10 days or until discharge if sooner). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality among all randomised participants. On May 11, 2022, the independent data monitoring committee recommended stopping recruitment of patients receiving no oxygen or simple oxygen only due to safety concerns. We report the results for these participants only. Recruitment of patients receiving ventilatory support is ongoing. The RECOVERY trial is registered with ISRCTN (50189673) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04381936). FINDINGS: Between May 25, 2021, and May 13, 2022, 1272 patients with COVID-19 and hypoxia receiving no oxygen (eight [1%]) or simple oxygen only (1264 [99%]) were randomly allocated to receive usual care plus higher dose corticosteroids (659 patients) versus usual care alone (613 patients, of whom 87% received low-dose corticosteroids during the follow-up period). Of those randomly assigned, 745 (59%) were in Asia, 512 (40%) in the UK, and 15 (1%) in Africa. 248 (19%) had diabetes and 769 (60%) were male. Overall, 123 (19%) of 659 patients allocated to higher dose corticosteroids versus 75 (12%) of 613 patients allocated to usual care died within 28 days (rate ratio 1·59 [95% CI 1·20–2·10]; p=0·0012). There was also an excess of pneumonia reported to be due to non-COVID infection (64 cases [10%] vs 37 cases [6%]; absolute difference 3·7% [95% CI 0·7–6·6]) and an increase in hyperglycaemia requiring increased insulin dose (142 [22%] vs 87 [14%]; absolute difference 7·4% [95% CI 3·2–11·5]). INTERPRETATION: In patients hospitalised for COVID-19 with clinical hypoxia who required either no oxygen or simple oxygen only, higher dose corticosteroids significantly increased the risk of death compared with usual care, which included low-dose corticosteroids. The RECOVERY trial continues to assess the effects of higher dose corticosteroids in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 who require non-invasive ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. FUNDING: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council), National Institute of Health and Care Research, and Wellcome Trust