Comparative Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Two Polyherbal Tablet Formulations (Aujaie and Surangeen) in Rats

Purpose: To investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of two herbal polymedicines - Aujaie and Surangeen to ascertain their therapeutic claims.Methods: A total of 96 rats were divided into two equal groups; one for determination of antiinflammatory activity and the other for analgesic activity. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin-induced paw licking test, respectively. For both studies, group I (untreated control) received 1 ml/kg, (po) of gum suspension 1 h before carrageenan injection. Aspirin (100 mg/kg, po) was given to group II (treated control) before injection. Groups III, IV and V were administered orally aujaie (3, 4 and 5 mg/kg, po, respectively), while surangeen tablets (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, po) were given to groups VI, VII and VIII, respectively. Pain was experimentally induced by injecting 0.1 ml of 2.5 % formalin (40 % formaldehyde in distilled water) via the subplantar region of the left hind paw.Results: Significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity for aspirin (group II as well as for groups III - VIII with paw edema inhibition (PDI) ranging from 24.6 - 90.2 %, There was significant ((p < 0.05) analgesic activity in group II, VI and VII while in groups III - V and VIII the activity was insignificant (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Aujaie and surangeen tablets exhibited pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in rats depending on the dose employed.Keywords: Aujaie, Surangeen, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic

Developmental abnormalities of mid and hindbrain: A study of 23 Egyptian patients

Introduction: With the advent of neuroimaging modalities specifically, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), recognition of developmental defects of posterior fossa has greatly improved. The Aim: Is to delineate the clinical, cytogenetics and radiological features of patients with mid-hindbrain anomalies. Patient and Methods: Twenty-three patients with mid-hind brain malformations were included in this study. Complete clinical evaluation, cytogenetic analysis and neuroradiological study were done for each patient. Patients\' sex ratio was (M: F/ 0.9:1) and the mean age was 2.17 years. Parental consanguinity was 86.9 % and positive family history was recorded in 7 families. Based on clinico-radiological findings, patients were categorized as Joubert syndrome and related cerebellar disorders (34.8%), pontocerebellar hypoplasia (26.1%), lissencephaly cerebellar hypoplasia (13%), isolated cobblestone lissencephaly with normal muscle and eye (8.7%), isolated vermian hypoplasia (13%) and retrocerebellar cyst (4.4%). Results: Cytogenetic analysis revealed abnormalities in 3 patients (13%); pericentric inversion of chromosome 8 in a patient with lissencephaly cerebellar hypoplasia, del 5p14.3-pter delineating Cri du chat syndrome and associated with vermian hypoplasia and del 18q21.1-qter in a patient with retrocerebellar cyst due to paternal balanced translocation t (4;18). FISH for specific locus and whole chromosomal painting were used to document the assigned aberrations. Although most of the cerebellar malformations are of Mendelian inheritance, this study emphasizes the importance of chromosomal analysis for patients with posterior fossa anomalies. With more researches describing clinico-radiological characterization of hind brain dysgenesis will allow better understanding of these disorders, further delineation of relevant syndromes and new genes identification. Keywords: Cerebellar, hindbrain, joubert syndrome, cobblestone lissencephalypontocerebellar hypoplasia, cri du chat syndrome- del 18q21.1-qterEgyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics Vol. 9 (2) 2008: pp. 215-23

Influence of nitrogen sources on production of &#946b-galactosidase by Aspergillus niger

The study was undertaken to enhance the production of b-galactosidase using five organic nitrogen sources with wheat bran as a substrate under solid state fermentation. The microbial source Aspergillus niger and its DG-resistant mutant that were grown in medium with initial pH of 5.5 in 250 ml flasks at 30°C for 144 h and sample was harvested after every 24 h and analysed for substrate consumption, cell mass formation and enzyme production. All the nitrogen sources, ammonium sulphate, corn steep liquor, diammonium phosphate, fish meal and urea showed significant results. However, higher values of enzyme activity of 168.0 and 371.15 IU/l/h, parent and mutant, respectively, was obtained from sample in which corn steep liquor was used as a nitrogen source as compared tocontrol (73.1 and 176.3 IU/l/h in parent and mutant, respectively). The effect of nitrogen sources was also found significant in both the organisms but higher in mutant organism (2.2 fold). It is concluded that enzyme production enhanced 2.7 fold by use of suitable production medium under optimum cultural conditions and that the mutant derivative of A. niger can be exploited for hyper production of this enzyme

Clinical, anthropometric, radiological and molecular characteristics of Egyptian achondroplasia patients

Background: Achondroplasia is the most common form of non lethal skeletal dysplasia. It is a fully penetrant autosomal dominant disorder and the majority of cases are sporadic resulting from de novo mutations associated with advanced paternal age. The phenotype of achondroplasia is related to disturbance in endochondral bone formation due to mutations in the fi broblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR3) gene. Aim of the Work: Evaluation of the cardinal phenotypic features in achondroplasia, the body physique using anthropometric measurements, the characteristic radiological signs in the patients as a main tool for diagnosis and detection of the most common mutations in achondroplasia patients in the studied sample.Subjects and Methods: From 42 cases referred to us as achondroplasia, we selected 20 cases where clinical manifestations were consistent with achondroplasia. Cases were subjected to full clinical examination, detailed anthropometric measurements, whole body skeletal survey and molecular studies of the most common mutations of the FGFR3 gene using PCR amplifi cation technique. Results: Nineteen cases were sporadic (95%) and one case had an affected father (5%). A paternal age above 35 years at the time of child’s birth was present in 7 cases (35%). Paternal exposure to occupational heat was noted in 6 cases (30%) and parental exposure to chemicals in 3 cases (15%). All cases showed typical clinical and radiological manifestations of achondroplasia. Anthropometricmeasurements quantitatively confi rmed the body physique in thestudied cases. G380R common mutations of the FGFR3 gene were detected in 15/18 cases (83%) with the G to A transition at nucleotide 1138 in 14 cases (77%). Agenesis of corpus callosum, not previously reported in association with achondroplasia, was present in the only case with the G-C transversio nmutation at nucleotide 1138 (5%).Conclusions: Awareness of the cardinal features of achondroplasia, properanthropometric measurements and detailed skeletal survey are the key foraccurate diagnosis, genetic counseling and avoidance of over diagnosis. The majority of studied Egyptian achondroplasia patients have the same common mutation that has been most often defi ned in patients with achondroplasia from other countries.Keywords: Achondroplasia, fi broblast growth factor receptor3,skeletal dysplasia, paternal heat exposure

Allergic Rhinitis and its Associated Co-Morbidities at Bugando Medical Centre in Northwestern Tanzania; A Prospective Review of 190 Cases.

Allergic rhinitis is one of the commonest atopic diseases which contribute to significant morbidity world wide while its epidemiology in Tanzania remains sparse. There was paucity of information regarding allergic rhinitis in our setting; therefore it was important to conduct this study to describe our experience on allergic rhinitis, associated co-morbidities and treatment outcome in patients attending Bugando Medical Centre. This was descriptive cross-sectional study involving all patients with a clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis at Bugando Medical Centre over a three-month period between June 2011 and August 2011. Data was collected using a pre-tested coded questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical computer software version 17.0. A total of 190 patients were studied giving the prevalence of allergic rhinitis 14.7%. The median age of the patients was 8.5 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1. Adenoid hypertrophy, tonsillitis, hypertrophy of inferior turbinate, nasal polyps, otitis media and sinusitis were the most common co-morbidities affecting 92.6% of cases and were the major reason for attending hospital services. Sleep disturbance was common in children with adenoids hypertrophy (χ2 = 28.691, P = 0.000). Allergic conjunctivitis was found in 51.9%. The most common identified triggers were dust, strong perfume odors and cold weather (P < 0.05). Strong perfume odors affect female than males (χ2 = 4.583, P = 0.032). In this study family history of allergic rhinitis was not a significant risk factor (P =0.423). The majority of patients (68.8%) were treated surgically for allergic rhinitis co morbidities. Post operative complication and mortality rates were 2.9% and 1.6% respectively. The overall median duration of hospital stay of in-patients was 3 days (2 - 28 days). Most patients (98.4%) had satisfactory results at discharge. The study shows that allergic rhinitis is common in our settings representing 14.7% of all otorhinolaryngology and commonly affecting children and adolescent. Sufferers seek medical services due to co-morbidities of which combination of surgical and medical treatment was needed. High index of suspicions in diagnosing allergic rhinitis and early treatment is recommended

Natural coagulates for wastewater treatment; a review for application and mechanism

The increase of water demand and wastewater generation is among the global concerns in the world. The less effective management of water sources leads to serious consequences, the direct disposal of untreated wastewater is associated with the environmental pollution, elimination of aquatic life and the spread of deadly epidemics. The flocculation process is one of the most important stages in water and wastewater treatment plants, wherein this phase the plankton, colloidal particles, and pollutants are precipitated and removed. Two major types of coagulants are used in the flocculation process included the chemical and natural coagulants. Many studies have been performed to optimize the flocculation process while most of these studies have confirmed the hazardous effects of chemical coagulants utilization on the ecosystem. This chapter reviews a summary of the coagulation/flocculation processes using natural coagulants as well as reviews one of the most effective natural methods of water and wastewater treatment

Clinical profile, outcomes and improvement in symptoms and productivity in rhinitic patients in Karachi, Pakistan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Rhinitis can cause a heavy toll on patients because of its bothersome effects on productivity. This retrospective study was conducted to explore the clinical profile, outcomes and improvement in the symptoms and productivity resulting from treatment of allergic rhinitis in Pakistan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We carried out a retrospective file review of all allergic rhinitis patients who presented to the Ear, Nose, Throat Consulting Clinic from January, 2006 to June, 2008 using a structured proforma especially designed for this purpose. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v. 16.0.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The charts of 169 patients were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 35.2 ± 9.1 years. Sixty percent patients were male. Ninety eight patients (58%) reported allergy symptoms to be present at both home and work. One hundred and two patients (60.4%) had symptoms severe enough to cause absence from work or academic activities. Up to seventy one percent patients were spending between 1000 - 3000 Pakistani Rupees (1 US$= 83.3 Pakistani rupees) on the treatment of allergic rhinitis per year. One hundred and fifty one patients (89.3%) reported an improvement in rhinitic symptoms and productivity while 18 patients (10.7%) didn't. This improvement was significantly associated with satisfaction with treatment (p < 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Allergic rhinitis, a ubiquitous disease, was seen to cause a strain on patients in the form of recurrent treatment-related expenses as well as absenteeism from work or other daily activities. Symptoms and productivity improved significantly after treatment.</p

Protective effects of solvent fractions of Mentha spicata (L.) leaves evaluated on 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide induced chromosome damage and apoptosis in mouse bone marrow cells

Spearmint leaves (Mentha spicata L.) contain high levels of antioxidants that are known to protect against both exogenous and endogenous DNA damage. In this study, the protective effects of the hexane fraction (HF), chloroform fraction (CF) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) in an ethanol extract from M. spicata were evaluated against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) induced chromosome damage and apoptosis in bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. Two (EAF; 80 and 160 mg/ kg body weight - bw) or three (HF and CF; 80, 160 and 320 mg/ kg bw) doses of solvent fractions or vehicle control (25% DMSO in water) were administered orally for five consecutive days. Upon the sixth day, 4-NQO was injected intraperitoneally. The animals were killed the following day. Other control groups were comprised of animals treated with either the vehicle control or the various doses of solvent fractions, but with no 4-NQO treatment. 4-NQO induced micro-nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in all the test groups. However, pre-treatment of animals with the solvent fractions significantly reduced the 4-NQO-induced MnPCEs as well as the percentage of apoptotic cells. The reduction of both MnPCE and apoptosis was more evident following the pre-treatment of animals with 160 mg/kg bw EAF

Psychometric properties of a generic, patient-centred palliative care outcome measure of symptom burden for people with progressive long term neurological conditions

Background There is no standard palliative care outcome measure for people with progressive long term neurological conditions (LTNC). This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of a new 8-item palliative care outcome scale of symptom burden (IPOS Neuro-S8) in this population. Data and Methods Data were merged from a Phase II palliative care intervention study in multiple sclerosis (MS) and a longitudinal observational study in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The IPOS Neuro-S8 was assessed for its data quality, score distribution, ceiling and floor effects, reliability, factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, concurrent validity with generic (Palliative care Outcome Scale) and condition specific measures (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale; Non-motor Symptoms Questionnaire; Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire), responsiveness and minimally clinically important difference. Results Of the 134 participants, MS patients had a mean Extended Disability Status Scale score 7.8 (SD = 1.0), patients with an IPD, MSA or PSP were in Hoehn & Yahr stage 3±5. The IPOS Neuro-S8 had high data quality (2% missing), mean score 8 (SD = 5; range 0±32), no ceiling effects, borderline floor effects, good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.7) and moderate test-retest reliability (intraclass coefficient = 0.6). The results supported a moderately correlated two-factor structure (Pearson's r = 0.5). It was moderately correlated with generic and condition specific measures (Pearson's r: 0.5±0.6). There was some evidence for discriminant validity in IPD, MSA and PSP (p = 0.020), and for good responsiveness and longitudinal construct validity. Conclusions IPOS Neuro-S8 shows acceptable to promising psychometric properties in common forms of progressive LTNCs. Future work needs to confirm these findings with larger samples and its usefulness in wider disease groups

Measurements of B --> D_s^{(*)+} D^{*(*)} Branching Fractions

This article describes improved measurements by CLEO of the $B^0 \to D_s^+ D^{*-}$ and $B^0 \to D_s^{*+} D^{*-}$ branching fractions, and first evidence for the decay $B^+ \to D_s^{(*)+} \bar{D}^{**0}$, where $\bar{D}^{**0}$ represents the sum of the $\bar{D}_1(2420)^0$, $\bar{D}_2^*(2460)^0$, and $\bar{D}_1(j=1/2)^0$ L=1 charm meson states. Also reported is the first measurement of the $D_s^{*+}$ polarization in the decay $B^0 \to D_s^{*+} D^{*-}$. A partial reconstruction technique, employing only the fully reconstructed $D_s^+$ and slow pion $\pi_s^-$ from the $D^{*-} \to \bar{D}^0 \pi^-_s$ decay, enhances sensitivity. The observed branching fractions are ${\mathcal B} (B^0 \to D_s^+ D^{*-}) = (1.10 \pm 0.18 \pm 0.10 \pm 0.28)$, ${\mathcal B} (B^0 \to D_s^{*+} D^{*-}) = (1.82 \pm 0.37 \pm 0.24 \pm 0.46)$, and ${\mathcal B} (B^+ \to D_s^{(*)+} \bar{D}^{**0}) = (2.73 \pm 0.78 \pm 0.48 \pm 0.68)$, where the first error is statistical, the second systematic, and the third is due to the uncertainty in the $D_s^+ \to \phi \pi^+$ branching fraction. The measured $D_s^{*+}$ longitudinal polarization, $\Gamma_L/\Gamma = (50.6 \pm 13.9 \pm 3.6)$, is consistent with the factorization prediction of 54%.Comment: 26 pages (LaTeX), 15 figures. To be submitted to PR