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protein replacement therapies  

GENE THERAPY FOR TREATING HEMOPHILIA B

L Wang, JM Wilson - US Patent App. 16/093,796, 2019

… range of FIX levels in hemophilia B animal models as well as human
experience with FIX protein replacement … replace the patient's defective hFIX
via rAAV-based liver-directed gene therapy as a viable approach to treat …

[PDF] Soy Isoflavones in Integrative Oncology: Increased Efficacy and Decreased Toxicity of Cancer Therapy

I Sahin, B Bilir, S Ali, K Sahin, O Kucuk - Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2019

… Soy Isoflavones in Integrative Oncology: Increased Efficacy and Decreased Toxicity of
Cancer Therapy. Ilyas Sahin, MD , Birdal Bilir, PhD , Shakir Ali, PhD , Kazim Sahin, PhD ,
and Omer Kucuk, MD. Integrative Cancer Therapies 2019 10.1177/1534735419835310 …

Therapeutic Prospects for Friedreich's Ataxia

S Zhang, M Napierala, JS Napierala - Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 2019

… Frataxin Replacement by Gene Therapy … and validate various categories
of FRDA biomarkers are underway, and these include global gene and protein
expression profiling … pathogenic GAA repeat expansion in FXN in 1996 [1] …

Progress in treatment and newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy

Q Ke, ZY Zhao, JR Mendell, M Baker, V Wiley… - World Journal of Pediatrics, 2019

… Gene replacement therapy … Based on preclinical findings, SMN protein is
restored to motor neurons in the CNS by self-complementary (sc)AAV9 …
Bringing such therapies to China would require further discussion about …

Excessive salt intake increases peritoneal solute transport rate via local tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein in subtotal nephrectomized mice

T Sun, F Sakata, T Ishii, M Tawada, Y Suzuki, H Kinashi… - Nephrology Dialysis …, 2019

… via local tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein in … 1Department of
Nephrology and Renal Replacement Therapy, Nagoya University Graduate
School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan, 2Department of Nephrology and …

[HTML] Discrete Papular Lichen Myxedematosus and Scleromyxedema with Hypothyroidism: A Report of Two Cases

A Shenoy, J Steixner, V Beltrani, A Gottlieb - Case Reports in Dermatology, 2019

… year-old Caucasian female with a past medical history of rheumatoid arthritis,
hip replacement, Hodgkin's lymphoma … the waxy papules responded to courses
of oral steroids, but always returned after stopping the therapy … Serum protein …

[HTML] Urinary Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-2 and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 7 Do Not Correlate With Disease Severity in ADPKD Patients

SEI Dekker, LR Ruhaak, FP Romijn, E Meijer… - Kidney International Reports, 2019

… as continuous variable and all potential confounders (age, gender, eGFR, urine creatinine,
urine osmolality and urine protein) showed no … 1287-1301. Google Scholar. 3 EM Spithoven,
A. Kramer, E. Meijer, et al.Renal replacement therapy for autosomal dominant polycystic …

Intrinsic differences between FVIII a mimetic bispecific antibodies and FVIII prevent assignment of FVIII‐equivalence

NC Leksa, MM Aleman, A Goodman, D Rabinovich… - Journal of Thrombosis and …, 2019

… in assigning a FVIII-equivalent activity value to non-FVIII replacement
therapies by investigating … within the same assay further complicate equation
of non-FVIII replacement molecules to … Moreover, use of all other aPTT-based …

In-vitro adsorption and sieving coefficient of ticarcillin-clavulanate during continuous haemofiltration

W Wan, YG Valero, GYS Choi, JLO Mejia, SC Wallis… - International Journal of …, 2019

… may be increased by the Gibbs-Donnan effect [6]. This effect occurs as a
result of the retention of anionic protein on the … to dosing of amoxycillin-
clavulanate but there are no data on the pharmacokinetics of this agent in …

Cellular therapy in periodontal regeneration

J Nuñez, F Vignoletti, RG Caffesse, M Sanz - Periodontology 2000, 2019

… and predictability of achieving regenerative outcomes, including the use
of bone replacement grafts, barrier … Cementum attachment protein (CAP)
localizes to the cell cytoplasm (A, D, and G). CEMP1 … In fact, the use of MSCs …

 

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Clinical and Scientific Research

Stray dog menace fuelling rabies in India: what can be done? RV Suresh Kumar, A Jagadeesh Babu Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):51-52

Critical flicker frequency: A useful tool in diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy Sukanya Bhrugumalla, Padmavathi R Choudeswari, Nayana Joshi, Ajit Kumar Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):53-57 Background: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is viewed as mild neuro-cognitive abnormalities in cirrhotics without overt encephalopathy. Diagnostic strategies for MHE include portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) syndrome test, critical flicker frequency test (CFF), computerised tests like Inhibitory control test, Scan test etc. We compared critical flicker frequency test with standard PSE syndrome test. Methods: Fifty patients with cirrhotics of liver without overt encephalopathy were studied. PSE syndrome test was done with the standard charts. PSE score was calculated from the normal distribution tables. CFF was tested with manual CFF tool. Results: Their mean age (years) was 46 ± 12.8; there were 45 males. Of these 22, 21 and 7 patients belonged to Child's A, B and C categories. PSE score detected MHE in 40%, of which 35% were in Child's A and 65% in Child's B/C. CFF was normal (>39HZ) in 36% patients and abnormal (<39HZ) in 64% patients. Mean ammonia levels were significantly higher in abnormal CFF (70.87 ± 14.38) as compared normal CFF (32.21 ± 7.9) group (P < 0.001). The sensitivity of CFF for detecting MHE was 85%, specificity 52%, positive predictive value 56% and negative predictive value 85%. Thus, CFF appears to be a good test for excluding MHE. Conclusions: CFF test is highly sensitive (85%) with high negative predictive value (85%). It is a useful test to rule out MHE. The test is simple, quick and in-expensive and can be performed in the outpatient settings.

Effect of sevoflurane with morphine or fentanyl on haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation: a prospective, randomised, double-blind study S. R A. N Bhushanam Padala, Muralidhar Anakapalli, Hanumantha Rao Mangu, Madhusudan Mukkara, Aloka Samantaray Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):58-63 Background: Multimodal therapy can be used for obtundation of the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The current study was undertaken to compare the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation after administration of 0.2 mg/kg morphine or 2 μg/kg fentanyl with 2% end tidal sevoflurane during induction of anaesthesia. Methods: Sixty patients were randomised into two equal groups to receive either 2% end tidal sevoflurane + fentanyl 2 μg/kg (Group SF) or 2% end tidal sevoflurane + morphine 0.2 mg/kg (Group SM). General anaesthesia technique was standardised for both the groups. Haemodynamic parameters heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded for 15 min. Results: The maximum increase in HR compared to baseline was statistically significant in Group SM (16.5%, P = 0.0002) which occurred at one min after tracheal intubation. The maximum increases in SBP, DBP and MAP compared to baseline occurred at one min after tracheal intubation in both the groups, Group SF (7.04%, 6.5% and 7.9% respectively) and Group SM (6.2%, 8.2% and 8.1% respectively) which was not statistically significant. The attenuation of haemodynamic response between the two groups was not statistically significant (for HR P = 0.1428, for SBP P = 0.8558, for DBP P = 0.1958 and for MAP P = 0.5303). Conclusions: With 2% end tidal sevoflurane during induction of anaesthesia, both 0.2 mg/kg morphine and 2 μg/kg fentanyl were equally effective in attenuating haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. However morphine appeared to be less effective in attenuating the chronotropic response resulting in a greater increase in heart rate from baseline.

Relationship of clinical deterioration in leprosy patients while on multidrug therapy with their glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels Abhishek Sharma, D Ramachandra Reddy, Prathap Reddy, Bhumesh Tyagi, Shivanu Mathon, Suryash Jain Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):64-68 Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is known to cause haemolysis in patients with Hansen's disease receiving dapsone containing multidrug-therapy (MDT). However, sparse recent data are available on this topic from India. Methods: All patients aged over 10 years with Hansen's disease receiving MDT who presented with clinical deterioration to our tertiary care teaching hospital in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, were included in the study. G6PD levels were estimated in all of them. Once G6PD deficiency was confirmed dapsone was stopped and rescue therapy was initiated. Results: Between March 2015 and June 2016, 50 patients (mean age 34 ± 13.3 years) were included. G6PD deficiency was found in 14.3% patients. Peripheral blood smear showed Heinz bodies and bite cells in all of them. Mean pretreatment G6PD levels were 19.5 (range 17.5 – 25) units/g haemoglobin, mean serum bilirubin was 3.3 (range 1.6-9.2) mg/dL. Nineteen patients had lepra reactions (type 1 = 5 type 2 = 14). Ten patients required packed red blood cell transfusion. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that checking for G6PD levels before initiating dapsone containing MDT can be helpful in reducing the occurrence of haemolytic complications.

Ectopic parathyroid adenoma: single-centre experience from India CV Harinarayan, Honey Ashok, Adil Sadiq, GR Prashant, Divya Badanidiyur, Neha Gupta, Indira Rajani, NK Sunil Kumar, Shabnam Roohi, G Nandita Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):69-74 Background: The commonest cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is hyperfunctional parathyroid adenoma (PA) (94%), parathyroid hyperplasia (<6%) and rarely parathyroid carcinoma (<1%). Excision of PA is a definitive cure with a success rate of 95%. Less than 15% have one or more hyperfunctioning glands in an ectopic location. Methods: Between 2014 to 2017, seven of the 13 patients with PHPT, who had failed surgical and noninvasive localisation, were included in the study. Hybrid localisation technique positron emission tomography-Computed tomography (PET-CT) with tracer 11C-choline was used. Location of parathyroid adenoma was classified using Perrier classification, which uses, letters A-G to describe the exact location of the adenoma. A 50% drop in PTH levels as compared with pre-incision values was confirmed as a cure. Results: The biochemical and hormonal profile of the 7 (54%) patients with ectopic PA are (mean±SD) serum calcium (mg/dL), 25OH-D (ng/dL) and PTH (pg/mL) 11.36 ± 0.82; 22.82 ± 8.57; 205 ± 105 respectively. Three of the seven had renal stones. In all, seven patients of PA were localised using PET-CT using tracer 11C-choline. The profile of PA were two type-G (intrathyroidal), one type-C (posterior mediastinum), two type-F (superior mediastinum), one of type D (mid region of posterior surface of thyroid parenchyma at the junction of recurrent laryngeal nerve and the middle thyroid vein) and one type B. Conclusion: Ectopic PA is rare. In a biochemically and hormonally confirmed PHPT and in failed imaging localisation techniques/failed neck exploration one should look for ectopic PA. Newer hybrid techniques combined with newer tracer agents (PET-CT) will help in localization of PA. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of series of ectopic PA from a single center from India.

Smoking and Anaesthesia: Implications during perioperative period Aloka Samantaray Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):75-79 There are considerable myths which surround not only about the different terminology used for smoking but also about their possible impact during the perioperative period. The health hazards posed by smokeless tobacco(electronic cigar) is lower compared to tobacco cigarette smoke whereas actually the levels of aldehydes aerosol generated from new-generation devices at high power levels (Electronic cigars) could approach or even exceed the levels found in cigarette smoke. Nicotine has analgesic properties and thus many believe that smoking tobacco or inhaling nicotine only (e.g., smokeless tobacco) may have a similar effect on pain perceptions in the perioperative period. Many others have opined and associated smoking as a protective factor against postoperative nausea and vomiting. However smoking whether active or passive is always a general health problem and when such patients come for surgery possess additional challenges to the anaesthesiologist. This review will give a brief account of who is a smoker and different terminology being described in literature to describe smoking who need to quit smoking before surgery and when how smoking adversely affects the physiology of body and based on the available literature formulate an anaesthetic plan in smokers.

Unusual presentation of Bochdalek hernia in an adult Karanam Gowrinath, Mohammed Ismail Nizami Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):80-82 Left-sided Bochdalek hernia (BH) containing bowel loops and kidney in an adult is very rare and difficult to suspect if the symptoms are mild and non-specific. BH may also cause diagnostic confusion if clinical examination and routine postero-anterior chest radiograph findings mimic lung disease like pleural effusion. We report the case of an adult patient with BH who presented with radiographic appearance mimicking pleural effusion caused by the configuration of omentum with bowel loops in the left hemithorax. A lateral chest radiograph or chest ultrasound may help to avoid misdiagnosis and avoid management errors.

Intermittent flow centrifugation technique used for large volume leucapheresis in a low-body weight paediatric patient Yalamanchili Swapna Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):83-85 Paediatric leucapheresis is a preferred mode of stem cell collection compared to bone marrow harvest. However, the inherent risks of this procedure like difficult venous access, citrate toxicity, large extracorporeal volume and haemodynamic instability are of considerable importance. Leucapheresis can be done by continuous flow centrifugation (CFC) or intermittent flow centrifugation (IFC) technology. Based on the total blood volume that is processed; it is standard or large volume leucapheresis. The use of IFC blood cell separator in paediatric low body weight child to perform large volume leucapheresis is discussed.

A 21-year-old man, with ichthyosis, parotid swelling acute kidney injury M Aruna, E Suguna, M Hari Krishna Reddy, CV Anil Kumar, B Sangeetha Lakshmi, V Sarat Chandra, N Praveen, Manthri Ranadheer, TC Kalawat, R Ram, Aruna Prayag, S Sadasivaiah, V Siva Kumar Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):86-93

Screening for thyroid disorders in medical undergraduate students Doppalapudi Nikhita, P. V L. N Srinivasa Rao, V Suresh Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research 2018 7(2):94-96 Background: Thyroid dysfunction can have a negative impact on cognitive functions in young girls in adolescent age group as well as affect their future development of infertility, reproductive dysfunction and poor pregnancy outcome. Methods: Cross-sectional study of burden of thyroid disorders in 70 medical undergraduate students of 17-19 years age group studying in Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Sri Padmavathi Medical College for Women, Tirupati. Results: Among the 70 female subjects screened for thyroid disorders, a single subject was found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level of this subject was 8.1 mIU/L, which is considered to be mildly elevated from the normal range and the thyroxine levels were 89 ng/mL which is within the normal reference range. Her anti-TPO antibodies test results were negative. Conclusions: Identification of subclinical hypothyroidism in asymptomatic young girls in adolescent age group can help in initiating treatment early.

Health Sciences

The effect of aquatic training on kinematic walking patterns of elderly women Khadijeh Irandoust, Morteza Taheri International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):1-5 Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aquatic training course on the kinematic walking patterns of elderly women. Materials and Methods: Thirty elderly women aged 60–70, who had entry criteria for research, voluntarily entered the study process, of which nine women refused to continue cooperation. Participants were randomly assigned into control (n = 10, 63.2 ± 3.1) and experimental groups (n = 10, average age 64.4 ± 3.3). The exercise program consisted of an 8 week of aquatic protocol, three sessions a week, and each session was performed for 60 min. The h/p/cosmos gait analyzer was used to evaluate the kinematic patterns of walking on the treadmill with the force plate, and the velocity variables (km/h), cadency (steps/min), step length (Cm), and step time (s) were measured in two stages of pretest and posttest. Results: The results suggested that aquatic training had a significant effect on the kinematic patterns of walking (walking speed, cadency, and length of step) in elderly women (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Since walking patterns and walking quality have a significant effect on maintaining balance and functional independence in the elderly populations, any intervention that improves these patterns will have a significant effect on the balance of elderly people. Therefore, water resistance exercises can improve the walking patterns in elderly women.

The effect of clinical factor on the health system integration Bayaneh Seyedamini, Leila Riahi, Mahmoud Mahmoudi Majdabadi Farahani, Seyed Jamaledin Tabibi, Iravan Masoudi Asl International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):6-11 Introduction: Integration in the health system can improve the coordination and continuity of care for the patient. Clinical integration can facilitate the continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated provision of services at the individual level. This study was conducted to determine the effect of clinical variables on the integration of Iran's health system in 2017–2018. Methodology: This is an applied research which has been used in different stages of review, comparative, and quantitative methods in terms of necessity. In the first stage, various patterns of the theory and practice of integration of the health system were studied through library studies. Then, the common and noncommon dimensions of these patterns were set in a comparative table. After determining the variables of various patterns of integration, a questionnaire was developed, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. At the field stage, a survey of 506 experts and management experts of hospitals, data were collected, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Results: Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis in the clinical field, “the development of multifaceted care plans and team meetings” with the highest score of 0.649 was the most important. Regarding the standard coefficients of correlation analysis, the effect of the clinical factor on integration was 0.91. Furthermore, “case management,” “providing continuous care,” and “using protocols and clinical guidelines” with 0.79 factor load are the most important factors in the clinical integration of the health system. Conclusion: The health system can increase the quality of care through the development of multifaceted care plans and multiple team meetings, the development of coordination and continuity of care, focusing on the needs of patients, and step up the development of integration in the health system.

Evaluation of cell phone addiction in shahid beheshti hospital nurses in Kashan 2016 Hamidreza Saberi, Masoud Motalebi Kashani, Hakime Zamani Badi International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):12-17 Background and Purpose: Excessive use of communication technologies such as mobile phones can lead to addiction; in this research, the prevalence of mental disorders among nursing staff dealt with the situation has been examined. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study has been implemented on 222 nurses Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan in 2016. Data of mobile-phone addiction were assessed using a Persian questionnaire with standard reliability validity. The questionnaire included demographic information, including age, sex, marital status, education, and information about the possibilities of mobile features. The data analyzed by software SPSS and descriptive and analytical statistical methods were used. Results: Totally, 32 cases (14.4%) had scores higher than the overall mean score of the questionnaire, in addition to there was a significant difference regarding the sex, time, stress, difficulty in concentrating, error in clinical practice, and the mean score of mobile addiction (P = 0.001, <0.001, 0.003, >0.001, and 0.027). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the accident, job performance, speed, accuracy, and overall mean addiction to mobile-phone addiction. Conclusion: This study revealed that lots of people suffer from addiction to mobile phones, their work indexes are affected in some cases.

Effect of acute interval walking with blood flow restriction on 4EBP1, ERK, p38, and myostatin of skeletal muscle in inactive men Mehdi Khoubi, Abdolhamid Habibi, Mohsen Ghanbarzadeh, Saiid Shakerian, Bahman Mirzaii International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):18-23 Background: There is mounting evidence that moderate- to high-intensity exercise training has a key role in skeletal muscle adaption. Low-intensity exercise with Blood flow restriction (BFR) associated with unique effect on muscle hypertrophy. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute interval walking with BFR on phosphorylation of 4EBP1, P38, ERK, and myostatin (MSTN) of skeletal muscle in inactive men. Materials and Methods: Five healthy inactive men were participated in the study. Training protocol includes five intervals 2-min walking with BFR at 50%–60% maximum heart rate and 1 min at rest. All samples were collected immediately before exercise and 3 h after BFR training. Phosphorylation of 4EBP1, P38, and ERK skeletal muscle was evaluated by Western blotting and MSTN by Elayza test. Dependent t-test was used to analyze the data after subtracting the posttest score from the pretest. Results: However, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-test for 4EBP1 (P = 0.001), ERK (P = 0.049), and MSTN (P = 0.0009). There was no significant difference between the pre- and post-test of P38 (P = 0/452) (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: As a result, acute interval walking with BFR activates mammalian target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways signaling in inactive men.

The effect of rehabilitation training and total checkup as a noninvasive method on hemodynamic parameters in patients who candidate for heart transplantation Mohammad Javad Maleki, Hoseyn Fatolahi, Azadeh Feylizadeh, Bahram Abedi International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):24-29 Aims: Heart transplantation is a valuable technique but the side effects of this surgery should be considered. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rehabilitation training in patients who candidate for heart transplantation. Materials and Methods: This study was done by semi-experimental clinical trial method. Participants were selected from people who refer to the clinic (2010–2018). The information of the patients who candidate for heart transplantation (4 women, 14 men) were obtained (age: 60 ± 13, body mass index: 26.7 ± 3.7). Hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after the treatments. Training setting was at least 3 months and based on the exercise test of patients. Pharmacological and nutritional control and lifestyle education were also carried out. Results: The hemodynamic parameters were improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05). In some cases improvement in Pro Brain natriuretic peptide and homocysteine were observed. Conclusion: Along with other surgical techniques, it was possible to change the lifestyle as much as possible and encourage patients to noninvasive treatment. Patients should follow strict discipline, nutritional and drug policies. Patients should continue this lifestyle and positive thinking regularly. Probably the most important reason for patients undergoing heart transplant is sarcomeropathy. For this reason, regular exercise with effects on genetic signaling pathways can improve this condition if diagnosed early. Despite all the medical controls, it is likely that the most important point that improves patient's reliance is the patient's trust in the treatment method and the existence of a human relationship between the patients and the physician.

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on intolerance of uncertainty, experiential avoidance, and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in individuals with Type II diabetes Esmat Fayazbakhsh, Ahmad Mansouri International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):30-35 Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on intolerance of uncertainty (IU), experiential avoidance (EA), and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in individuals with type II diabetes. Materials and Methods: This study was quasi-experimental study with pretest/posttest design. In this study, 24 individuals with type II diabetes were selected by convenience sampling method and then randomly designed into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in eight sessions of ACT, while the control group was not in any treatment. The participants completed GAD 7-item scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, IU scale, and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance. The significance level was 0.05. Results: The findings showed that ACT decreased the IU, EA, and symptoms of GAD in an individual with type II diabetes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed that ACT might be an efficient way to decrease the IU, EA, and symptoms of GAD in an individual with type II diabetes. Furthermore, therapists can use this therapeutic approach for decreasing IU, EA, and symptoms of GAD in the individual with type II diabetes.

Explanation of dyadic adjustment model based on components of schema modes and coping styles in blended and normal families Mojgan Emdady, Majid Zargham Hajebi, Hassan Mirzahoseini, Nader Monirpour International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):36-40 Aims: The lack of adjustment of couples is not only devastating families but also ruin family relationships in second marriage. The aim of the study was to explain the couples' adjustment model based on the components of the schematic modes and coping styles among blended and normal families. Materials and Methods: The research method was descriptive from type of correlation. The statistical population consisted of normal and blended families of Mazandaran. Samples were selected through stratified random sampling (313 normal and 250 blended). To gather the data, the Spaniel Marital Adjustment Scale (1976), schematic questionnaire (1999), and the Ultra Extreme Compensation Questionnaire (1994) were used. To analyze the data, path analysis was used. Results: The findings showed that in both families, childhood and dysfunctional modes predict couple adjustment in a negative way (P < 0.05), and dysfunctional parenting mode has negative significant effect on couples adjustment in normal and not significant in blended families. The healthy adult mode has positive significant effect in normal and nonsignificant effect on the blended couples. Conclusions: Based on the findings, especially in the blended families that is the weakness of healthy adult modes and the emotional changes of couples in the components of the schematic modes suggest a decline in the compatibility of the spouses.

Biofilm formation and its genes expressions in Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from urinary tract infections of children in Isfahan Samaneh Borooni, Vajiheh Nourbakhsh, Fahimeh Nourbakhsh, Elaheh Tajbakhsh, Afsaneh Yazdanpanah International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):41-45 Aims: Staphylococcus epidermidis is an important bacterium, also one of the 40 species related to the Staphylococcus family. It can be found in the human normal body flora, commonly on the skin, and less commonly on mucosal flora. Instrument and Methods: In the cross-sectional study, we were isolated samples according to the laboratories standards, and S. epidermidis identification were collected for 1 year, 90 S. epidermidis from urinary tract infections of children were selected from educational hospitals in Isfahan, (Iran). In this way, we use the Kirby–Bauer method. S. epidermidis isolates were collected for determined biofilm producing method, with culturing in (Congo red agar) medium and microplate titration. Results: The results reveal that 45 methicillin resistance S. epidermidis isolates produce biofilm in different levels. The high resistance was for methicillin (50%), erythromycin (43.5%), ciprofloxacin (50.2%), and penicillin (46.9%). The lowest resistance was for linezolid (4%) and nitrofurantoin (5%). Conclusions: The results of our study show the high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant and biofilm producing of S. epidermidis strains, especially, in methicillin resistance S. epidermidis strains in the Isfahan hospitals, which could be a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes.

The comorbidity profile among chronic kidney disease patients in clinical practice: A prospective study Olumuyiwa John Fasipe, Peter Ehizokhale Akhideno, Sampson Omagbemi Owhin, Fidelis Azagbor Ilukho, Oluwatosin Beatrice Ibiyemi-Fasipe International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):46-51 Background: The comorbidity profile among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients can influence and predispose them to increase mortality and health-care costs. In addition, there could also be a prolongation in the length of hospital stay and recurrent frequency of hospitalization. Aim: This study was predominantly designed to highlight and create awareness concerning the burden of comorbidity profile among CKD patients in renal practice. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive prospective study of 18-month duration that was carried out to review the medical case records of consented adult CKD patients attending a Nigerian Tertiary Kidney Care Hospital from January 2015 to June 2016. Results: This study involved 123 consented adult CKD patients comprising 82 (66.67%) males and 41 (33.33%) females, with a mean age of 53.81 ± 16.03 years. A majority of the respondents 45 (36.59%) were having 2 comorbidities with hypertension in 103 (83.70%), diabetes mellitus in 39 (31.70%), obesity in 24 (19.51%), heart failure in 11 (8.90%), obstructive uropathy in 8 (6.50%), human immunodeficiency virus infection in 7 (5.70%), peptic ulcer disease/gastroesophageal reflux disease in 7 (5.70%), gastroenteritis/gastrointestinal tract sepsis in 6 (4.9%), stroke in 5 (4.10%), adult polycystic kidney disease in 5 (4.10%), and hepatitis B virus infection in 5 (4.10%), being the most frequent. Eighty-six (69.9%) patients were in CKD Stage 5, 15 (12.2%) were in CKD Stage 4, 19 (15.5%) were in CKD Stage 3, 2 (1.6%) in CKD Stage 2, and the remaining one (0.8%) in CKD Stage 1. Regarding the form of nephrological interventions offered, majority of the respondents 66 (53.66%) were on maintenance dialysis, followed by 53 (43.09%) on conservative care, while 4 (3.25%) were on renal graft transplant. Conclusion: The prevalence rates for comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity were significantly high among these CKD patients; this agreed with the previous studies conducted in other regions of the world. In this study, the comorbidity profile among CKD patients may significantly increase the risk of mortality, recurrent frequency of hospitalization, length of hospital admission, and health-care costs.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for child on bullying behaviors among children Marjan Faraji, Siavash Talepasand, Isaac Rahimian Boogar International Archives of Health Sciences 2019 6(1):52-57 Aims: Bullying is an ever-increasing phenomenon in schools and it has far-reaching consequences on children and adolescents, for which necessary measures must be taken to prevent and reduce it. This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for child (MBCT-C) on bullying behavior among children. Materials and Methods: the population of this study consisted of Grade 3 through 5 students in Kashan town in 2017–2018 school years. The sample consisted of 20 students who had been selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The conventional sampling method was used. A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Participants completed the Illinois Bullying Scale before and after the intervention of experimental and control groups. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results: The findings showed that MBCT-C had a significant effect on bullying behavior reduction and the effect size in this intervention was 0.89. Furthermore, results from individual mean scores in bullying scale questions indicated that in pretest both experimental and control groups, “excluding others from in a group of friends” was the most frequent behavior and mindfulness training had effectively the highest effect on decreasing this character. Conclusion: It suggests that intervention concerning diminishing bullying behaviors may start with mindfulness training.

Medical Sciences

A message from the Editor's Desk Abdel-Naser Y Elzouki Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):1-1

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria Bankole Henry Oladeinde, Richard Omoregie Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):2-7 Aim: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria. Patients and Methods: Venous blood was collected from a total of 1680 (comprising of 1177 HIV infected and 503 non-HIV infected) patients and tested for the presence of HbsAg using immunochromatographic technique. Results: The seroprevalence of HBV among HIV and non-HIV-infected patients was 3.8% and 3.6%, respectively. HIV was not identified as a risk factor for HBV seropositivity (P = 0.919). A statistically significant association was found to exist between CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 and HBV seropositivity among highly active antiretroviral therapy-naïve HIV-infected patients (odds ratio [OR] = 10.085, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.314, 89.56, P = 0.008). HIV-infected males were observed to have a significantly higher prevalence of HBV infection (male vs. female: 6.1% vs. 3.1%; OR = 2.046, 95% CI = 1.103, 3.299, P = 0.029). Tribal mark was identified as a risk factor for HBV infection among HIV-infected male patients (P = 0.042). Conclusions: Male gender, presence of tribal marks, as well as CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 are risk factors for HBV infection among HIV-infected patients. Interventions by appropriate agencies are advocated.

Molecular detection of human papillomavirus in cervical cancer patients Marwa Alwash, Mohammed Altaweel, Omar Alqawi Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):8-12 Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major etiological agent in cancers, especially cervical cancer. More than 96% of cervical cancer cases are positive for HPVs, especially high-risk types. The screening of HPV in cervical cancer patients will impact on the early diagnosis and prevention of the malignancy by a vaccine. Materials and Methods: The aim of the study is to detect HPV in Libyan cervical cancer patients aged between 34 and 80 years. The 38 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of cervical cancer tumors were obtained from Misurata Cancer Center and Tripoli Medical Center. The DNA was extracted and used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to detect HPV using specific primers. The clinical data of patients were collected and correlated with the presence of HPV. Results: Our data showed that 71% (27/38) of studied cases were infected with HPV. The presence of the virus was detected mainly in both squamous cell carcinoma (73%) and adenocarcinoma (33%) patients diagnosed with Grade III of cervical cancer. Conclusion: The infection with HPV is high in Libyan cervical cancer patients. The PCR is a promising molecular technique to detect HPV in cervical cancer. The molecular screening of the virus will improve the early diagnostics of the disease and test the efficacy of its prevention plan in the Libyan population.

Retrospective study among primary care Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients within the city of Zliten, Libya, represented high incidence of early onset of disease diagnosis Abdulrzag F Ahmed, Mohamed S Fayed, Majda H Yasser, Lisa F Lincz Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):13-17 Purpose: The prevalence of diabetes in Libya is increasing. There is also concern that diabetes may be occurring at a greater frequency in younger adults, where longer disease duration could increase the risk of developing complications in later life. We describe the age of diagnosis and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a sample of Libyan patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), collected from the city of Zliten. Methods: The study was conducted in the Zliten Diabetes Center using data recorded from the first visit patients in 2010. A total of 903 patients (433 males and 470 females) with an average age of 52.93 ± 12.44 years (range 16–96 years) were available for the analysis. Results: Average duration of T2DM was 6.81 ± 6.58 years at the time of sampling. Percentages of early aged diagnosed patients were high, with 455/903 (50.39%) having been diagnosed ≤45 years of age. Men were 1.3 times more likely to have been diagnosed at an early age than females (95% confidence interval: 0.99–1.71; P = 0.0483). However, there was no association of age of diabetes diagnosis with major cardiovascular risk factors of glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol levels, or body mass index. Conclusions: This is the first recorded data on T2DM in this area. Our study shows that a high percentage of people with T2DM were diagnosed ≤45 years of age.

A prospective survey of postoperative nausea and vomiting: Its prevalence and risk factors N Ahmed Abired, M Hosam Elmahmoudi, A Nafisa Bkhait, E Ahmed Atia Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):18-21 Background: To improve the efforts that try to detect the common risk factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), this epidemiologic survey was designed to evaluate the present incidence of PONV for different types of common surgical procedures among patients of Tripoli Medical Center, Tripoli, Libya. Methods: Over a period of 6 months, the prospective interview-based survey included more than 170 elective surgical inpatients aged between 18 and >65 years and received general or regional anesthesia was done by the authors. Results: Among the 170 patients surveyed in this study, the incidence of PONV at the recovery room was 28.2% and 22.3%, respectively. Over the whole 24 h period, the incidence of PONV was gradually increased to 32.3% and 25.8%, respectively. The highest prevalence of PONV was observed in the gynecology patients. Female patients were suffered from both nausea and vomiting more than male patients. Besides, PONV in patients who received general anesthesia was much more common than those who received regional anesthesia in both observation periods (the recovery room and the ward). Conclusion: Our study shows various risk factors of PONV. These factors could help to increase the possibility of recognizing patients at risk for PONV.

Primary osteosarcoma of the bone with rhabdoid features: A case report Nesrine Chraiet, Sarra Karrit, Amina Mokrani, Amel Mezlini Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):22-25 Osteosarcomas and rhabdoid tumors are highly aggressive cancers, often described in children. Association of these two pathologies was described for the first time in Miami in 2016. Here, we report the second case of osteosarcoma associated with rhabdoid features diagnosed in Tunisia in a 16-year-old female. Our patient had metastatic mediastinal adenopathy at presentation and died after one course of chemotherapy. As this tumor is unusual, the diagnosis represents a real challenge.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis caused by extensive endometriosis: A very rare entity Bhavya P Mohan, Sandeep A Varghese, Sankar Sundaram, Adarsh Indranath Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):26-28 Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a very rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adults, due to total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel by a fibrocollagenous, cocoon-like membrane. SEP can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary. A 38-year-old nulliparous female who required recurrent paracentesis and laparotomies for intestinal obstruction and was diagnosed to have SEP with extensive endometriosis involving ovaries, peritoneum, mesentery, and appendix along with massive hemoserous ascites is reported here. Endometriosis is a very unusual cause of SEP.

Exudative retinal detachment as the sole manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia Afraa Brahim, Mohamed Amine Bouslama, Sarra Maaraf, Haifa Regaieg, Emna Bouslama, Ahmed Mahjoub, Jaafar Elaouni, Khaled Ben Jazia, Alaa Hafsa Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):29-31 Pregnancy is a confusing time. With many serious complications that can occur, such as preeclampsia which is a serious condition of pregnancy. Visual disturbance is one of the preeclampsia symptoms. However, some other diseases can appear simultaneously and can be hidden in this clinical situation. We report a particular unusual case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman who presented with bilateral serous macular detachment with associated retinal leukemic infiltration as the sole sign of an acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Beta-lactamases among bacterial isolates in Southern Libya Aisha M A. Shahlol, Nazek AL-Gallas, Ibrahim A Altaher, Abdulaziz Zorgani Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):32-33

Antimicrobial resistance: Global scenario and its relation with nation's development Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava, Prateek Saurabh Shrivastava Libyan Journal of Medical Sciences 2019 3(1):34-34

Pharmaceutical

Natural phenolics: a source of anticancer agents Mohamed Amin El-Ansari, Lamyaa Fawzy Ibrahim, Mohamed Sharaf Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 2019 18(1):1-7 Cancer is a worldwide scourge, which affects people of all ages, and is rapidly becoming a global pandemic. It is one of the main leading causes of death especially in developing countries. Mankind has been trying hard to find better and cheaper treatments with fewer side effects to reduce the incidence of the disease and its consequent mortality. Natural phenolics play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. Phenolics from medicinal plants are responsible for their chemopreventive properties and also contribute to their activity as apoptosis inducers. For many years, phenolic compounds have been intensely studied, in vitro and in vivo, for their antitumor effects. In recent years, the use of these compounds has increased considerably. In this regard, this article provides an overview of some natural phenolic compounds with approved anticancer activities.

GABAA receptor plasticity in neuropathic pain: pain and memory effects in adult female rats Azeez O Ishola, Adesola T Ademola, Rosemary K Allen, Babafemi J Laoye, Oluwamolakun T Bankole, Moyosore S Ajao, Philip A Adeniyi Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 2019 18(1):8-15 Background Neuropathic pain has been shown to increase excitability of neurons. This indicates altered inhibitory mechanism of the nervous system. Objective This work was aimed to assess GABAA receptors plasticity in the brain and spinal cord. Materials and methods Fifteen adult female rats were used. Ten animals have their sciatic nerve ligated with no treatment (LIG), and with diazepam treatment for 14 days (LIG+GABA) and the other five were used as the sham group. Pain was assessed using a hot plate and formalin test, while the spatial memory was assessed using Y-maze. At the end of the treatment, the animals were euthanized and fixed using the transcardial perfusion fixation method. The spinal cord, cingulate cortex, and the hippocampus were serially sectioned and stained for GABAA receptor immunohistochemically. Quantification was done using ImageJ software. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Newman Tukey post-hoc test significant level was set at P less than 0.05. Results A low level of pain was observed in LIG and LIG+GABA animals on both formalin and hot plate test compared with the control. Memory impairment was found only in the LIG+GABA group. Stereology counting showed that GABAA receptors reduced in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of LIG-treated animals which was reversed in LIG+GABA, but in the cingulate cortex, GABAA receptors were increased in LIG animals and LIG+GABA more than the control while the spinal cord shows no significant difference. Conclusion GABAA agonist treatment did not alleviate the symptoms of neuropathic pain due to GABA signaling changing to excitatory in nature.

Winter weeds and its control in the medicinal plants in Egypt: a survey study Saber Fayez Hendawy, Hussein F Abouziena, Tamer M Abd El-Razik, Heba M Amer, Mohamed S Hussein Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 2019 18(1):16-26 Weed control is the main obstacle in the production of medicinal plants, especially in organic farming where the growers cannot use synthetic herbicides. For understanding the impact of weeds on the productivity of medicinal plants, the common weeds and weed control practices of more than 20 cultivated medicinal plants were evaluated in eight regions in Egypt with several of climatic conditions and soil types. All tested farms that have applied the organic farming systems and their products are mainly for export. The large-scale weed surveys have shown that the most problematic weed species in medicinal plant crops is Senecio desfontainei because it is content of pyrrolizidine alkaloid plants. The dominant weeds associated with the medicinal plant fields were Malva parviflora (16.8%), Chenopodium album (12.4%), Medicago intertexta (8.8%), Anagallis arvensis (8.8%), Sonchus oleraceus (6.2%), Beta vulgaris (5.3%) Brassica kaber (5.3%), Cichorium pumilum (3.5%), Melilotus indica (3.5%), Euphorbia geniculata (3.5%), S. desfontainei (1.8%), Emex spinosus (0.9), Solanium nigrum (0.9%), and Conyza linifolia (0.9%). The narrow-leaf weeds are Lolium multiflorum (7.1%), Avena fatua (6.2%), Phalaris minor (2.7%), and Polypogon monspeliensis (1.0%). The perennial broad-leaf and narrow-leaf weeds were Convolvulus arvensis (3.5%) and Cyperus rotundus (0.9%). The results of the survey indicated that the crop type and location had a significant effect on weed species and their frequencies and abundances. The common practice for weed control in the medicinal plants is hand weeding, mulch, acetic acid, presowing false irrigation, and mechanical weeding (in limited area). The efforts must be taken regarding search for safe, new, and nontraditional weed control methods to apply in the medicinal plant fields.

Biochemical studies and biological activities on L-glutaminase from rhizosphere soil Streptomyces rochei SAH2_CWMSG Hassan M Awad, Azza M.Noor El-Deen, El-Sayed E Mostafa, Amany A Hassabo Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 2019 18(1):27-41 Background and objective L-glutaminase (L-GLUNase) is a potential anticancer enzyme that hydrolyzes amide bond of L-glutamine to give glutamate and ammonium ion. It is used as an antioxidant, a flavor enhancing agent and a biosensor for glutamine level measurement. The aim was to produce L-GLUNase in high yield from a promising local Streptomyces isolate for many pharmaceutical applications. Materials and methods A total of 20 Streptomyces isolates for their capacity of L-GLUNase production were screened. A potent L-GLUNase producer, SAH2_CWMSG isolate, was identified by phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis. L-GLUNase was purified using ammonium sulfate followed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. The purified L-GLUNase was characterized, and its application as an antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant agent was investigated. Results and conclusion The phylogenetic analysis of SAH2_CWMSG strain confirmed that the SAH2_CWMSG strain was most similar to Streptomyces rochei (99%). It produced L-GLUNase activity of 58 U/ml under shake flask submerged fermentation. The purified L-GLUNase has the molecular weight of 55 kDa and Km and Vmax value of 1.314 mmol/l and 95.24 μ Me/min, respectively. Of the various physiochemical parameters tested, pH 7.5 and temperature 40°C were optimal for the enzyme activity. On the contrary, 10 mmol/l of Mn+2 showed a slight increase in L-GLUNase activity. A promising Streptomyces sp. fully identified as S. rochei SAH2_CWMSG (Gen Bank ID: KU720627) is an efficient source of L-GLUNase production. Therefore, it can be potentially used as enzyme supplement, which has many industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

Production, characterization, and antioxidant activities of bacterial exopolysaccharides extracted from petroleum oil water Sahar S Mohamed, Manal S Selim, Manal G Mahmoud, Abeer Y Ibrahim, Eman A Ghazy Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 2019 18(1):42-52 Backgroundand objective There are large quantities of water produced during the extraction of petroleum oil called ‘produced water’. The aim of this research is to isolate and identify bacteria produced exopolysaccharides (EPSs) present in this water and to evaluate their antioxidant activities as medicinal value. Materials and methods First isolation of Fe, Mn, and biofilm bacteria, next production of of EPSs, then morphological, physiological, and molecular characterization of isolates produced EPSs. Finally, study the characters of EPSs chemically and evaluate the antioxidant activity of EPSs by DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging model, reducing power, and by superoxide anion-scavenging activity. Results and conclusion Three bacteria were isolated from water of petroleum oil (produced water).These isolates produced water-soluble EPSs called Fe, Mn, and BF-EPSs and the highest production were 4.5, 7.5, and 5 g/l, respectively. The isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis SMM1, Bacillus pumilus SMM2, and Bacillus tequilensis SMM3. Results showed that the three EPSs were acidic with different compositions of monosaccharide and different molar ratio. Uronic acid and SO3− were estimated. EPSs scavenged superoxide radical (O2−), DPPH radicals, and reducing power property. Fe-EPS was the most effective one in scavenging the superoxide radical and DPPH radicals while the highest reductant is BF-EPS. The obtained results demonstrated that all EPSs that have strong antioxidant activity can be used in medicinal and nutritional applications related to reduction of oxidative stress.

Chemical composition of Mentha pulegium L. (Pennyroyal) plant as influenced by foliar application of different sources of zinc Eman E Aziz, Abdelhalim I Rezk, Elsayed A Omer, Osama A Nofal, Zeinab A Salama, Hend Fouad, Rasha Fouad Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 2019 18(1):53-59 Background and objective Mentha pulegium L. is commonly known as pennyroyal and it is highly aromatic than any other mint. The essential oil could be considered as a possible candidate for human cancer chemotherapy. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different sources of zinc (algae extract, zinc sulfate, zinc multi, and zinc chelated) on herb yield, nutrient contents and their uptake, carbonic anhydrase, and essential oil production of M. pulegium plant. Materials and methods A field experiment was carried out under drip irrigated sandy soil at the Experimental Station of National Research Centre in Nubaria district, El-Behira Governorate, Egypt. Macronutrients and micronutrients contents of herb, nutrient uptake, carbonic anhydrase activity, and essential oil content were determined. Essential oil constituents were analyzed by chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results The results showed that algae extract followed by zinc multi significantly increased herb fresh and dry weight yield, nutrients content and their uptake, as well as showed the stimulatory impact on carboxylation enzyme activities. The highest essential oil yield (0.93 ml/plant and 20.67 l/ha) was recorded with algae extract, followed by zinc multi (0.80 ml/plant and 17.78 l/ha) than zinc chelate (0.50 ml/plant and 11.11 l/ha). Chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of the essential oil showed that the essential oil composition was characterized by a high percentage of oxygenated compounds (96.83–97.33%) while the nonoxygenated compounds ranged from 2.48 to 2.89%. The major constituents of oxygenated compounds were found to be pulegone (67.75–74.43%) followed by neomenthone (10.66–17.12%). Algae extract and zinc multi produced the highest relative concentration of neomenthone (17.12 and 16.72%) and the lowest concentration of pulegone (67.75 and 67.97%). In contrast, foliar application of zinc chelated and zinc sulfate increased the biosynthesis of pulegone (74.43 and 73.98%) and decreased the percent of neomenthone (11.39 and 10.66%). Conclusion It might be concluded that the foliar application of zinc as algae extract followed by zinc multi chelated gave remarkable higher increases in herb yield, nutrients content and their uptake, carbonic anhydrase and essential oil production of M. pulegium plant.

Elusive function of dental plaque polysaccharide produced from Kocuria rosae and it's molecular signature Dina A Maany, Amr A El-Waseif, Manal F.M Abdelall Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 2019 18(1):60-67 Background Exopolysaccharides have been generally recognized as safe compounds, meaning that they do not represent a health risk when used. Owing to these properties, they have many applications in industrial areas and in healthcare. Our aim is to identify an extracellular polysaccharide (EPS)-producing strain from dental plaque bacteria and the verification of its polysaccharide’s antitumor effect. Materials and methods Isolation of 22 dental plaque bacterial isolates from plaque samples of nine patients was carried out using pour plate method. The selection of the strain for molecular identification was done according to EPS production, whereas isolate no. 4 was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Structure characterization of the EPS was described using UV and SEM images. The cytotoxic experiment was performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of EPS on the growth of cell line MCF7 human White breast adenocarcinoma. Results and conclusion Oral plaque bacteria vary greatly in their occurrence, depending on age, presence of systemic diseases, and personal oral hygiene. The amount of EPS produced from oral plaque bacteria also varies, though in general Gram-negative bacteria yielded larger amounts of EPS. Results revealed that isolate no. 4 is the most producer of EPS, identified as Kocuria rosea strain Y57, having 96% similarity with Kocuria spp. The biosynthesis of EPS from K. rosea using Luria–Bertani broth medium at 37°C for 24 h gave an EPS yield of 213 μg/ml. EPS from K. rosea is a powder with white color and is water soluble. Our results of in-vitro EPS assay against MCF7 human White breast adenocarcinoma released activity with LC50 213 μg/ml.

Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) Ahmed M Amer, Usama I Aly Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 2019 18(1):68-73 Background There is a great interest in the discovery of novel natural bioactive compounds in today’s world. Plants, in particular, from different ecological niches and taxonomic groups are known to produce a high number of naturally occurring secondary metabolites, many of them with unique pharmacological activities. Therefore, the primary aim of the study was to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of anise. Materials and methods The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of different solvent extracts (ethanol and water) prepared from two parts (seeds and aerial parts) of Pimpinella anisum were evaluated. The antioxidant capacity was studied through the evaluation of the free radical-scavenging effect on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the well diffusion method, where zones of inhibition were used as indicators of antimicrobial activity. Results and conclusion The highest percentage of radical-scavenging activity (91.3±1.8%) was recorded for the ethanolic extract of seeds at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml, followed by the aqueous extract of seeds (82.0±1.2%), whereas the aqueous extract of aerial parts demonstrated the lowest frequency of radical-scavenging activity (39.0±1.7%) at the same tested concentration. The largest inhibition zones were determined to be 21.0±1.2, 18.3±1.5, 9.7±1.2, and 7.0±1.2 mm for Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli, respectively. On the whole, the results demonstrated the superiority of seed extracts over aerial part extracts. The results also indicated the stronger activity of ethanolic extracts compared with aqueous extracts. These results offer insights into the antioxidant and the antimicrobial potency of this Egyptian local plant and provide a basis for further phytochemical and pharmacological research.

Reproduction

Review on canine pyometra, oxidative stress and current trends in diagnostics Rupali Rautela, Rahul Katiyar Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2019 8(2):45-55 Pyometra is one of the most important and common disorders in canine. The disease results in life threatening condition associated with septicemia and toxemia. The condition commonly occurs during luteal phase of estrous cycle, generally 4 weeks to 4 months of estrous cycle. The age, parity, breeds, administration of hormones are some predisposing factors of the condition. However, interaction between potentially pathogenic bacteria and hormonally primed uterus is believed to result in pyometra. The disease is initiated in the form of cystic endometrial hyperplasia, which later progresses into purulent uterine content following bacterial infection resulting in pyometra. The disturbance in antioxidant and pro-oxidant balance succeeding bacterial infection results in oxidative stress. The resultant stress further induces endometrial degeneration, immunosuppression and additionally aggravates the condition. An important clinical sign is malodorous, sanguineous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge with general symptoms such as vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, depression, anorexia and occasionally fever. Till date, ultrasonography is the best diagnostic method while radiology and serological test are also helpful. Recently, the estimation of inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins and prostaglandin metabolites) has appeared as marker for diagnosis of the pyometra. Determination of levels of inflammatory mediators has emerged as an important diagnostic method because it can be helpful in prognosis of the condition. The pyometra can be best treated by surgical manipulation (ovariohysterectomy); however, hormonal treatment can be given in less severe cases which aimed at reducing the effect of progesterone on the reproductive tract. Together, provision of antioxidants could be helpful in disease recovery along with the determined treatment. In this review, incidence, predisposing factors, etio-pathogenesis, oxidative stress associated with condition, diagnostic methods and treatment are discussed.

Effect of combination of Gynura procumbens aqueous extract and Trigona spp. honey on fertility and libido of streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic male rats Khaidatul Akmar, Mahanem Mat Noor Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2019 8(2):56-62 Objective: To study the effects of co-administration of Gynura procumbens (GP) and kelulut honey (KH) on male fertility and libido in diabetes-induced rats. Methods: A total 42 males Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly and equally divided into six different groups. All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) intravenously to induce diabetes. A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug, metformin (500 mg/kg) whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment. Meanwhile, another three treatments on diabetic rat groups were performed and categorised as Group 1 (450 mg/kg GP + 300 mg/kg KH), Group 2 (450 mg/kg GP + 600 mg/kg KH) and Group 3 (450 mg/kg GP + 1 200 mg/kg KH). Treatments were given for seven consecutive days through oral gavage and all rats were euthanized on day 8th for fasting blood glucose analysis, sperm quality, spermatogenesis, sexual behaviour and implantation sites analysis. Results: Fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced after treatment of GP and KH, compared to negative and positive controls. The treated groups showed significant increment in sperm quality compared to all control groups. Testes histology illustrated significant damages on leydig and sertoli cells for both negative and positive controls. On the contrary, co-administration of GP and KH displayed regeneration of leydig and sertoli cells in the testes. Additionally, the number of implantation sites significantly increased in females copulated with treated groups, compared to controls. Besides, the libido analysis displayed improvement of libido in treated groups, compared to all controls. Throughout the study, insignificant variances were recorded between the treated groups, indicating that treatment in Group 1 was sufficient to trigger significant improvement on fasting blood glucose level, fertility, and libido in diabetic male rats. Conclusions: Co-administration of GP and KH has great potential to serve as a pro-fertility agent amongst diabetic patients.

Effect of Vitex agnus-castus plant extract on polycystic ovary syndrome complications in experimental rat model Amal H Hamza, Widad M AlBishri, Mona H Alfaris Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2019 8(2):63-69 Objective: To investigate ameliorative effects of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) and VAC containing pharmaceutical supplement (VPS) against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: PCOS in the rats was induced by daily administration of letrozole at 1 mg/kg body weight concentration for 21 d. PCOS rats were then treated daily either with metformin, VAC plant extract or VPS at 70, 8 or 8 mg/kg body weight concentration for 15 d. Rats that received none of these treatments were considered as control. Blood and ovaries were collected from all the rats. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol were measured spectrophotometrically. Serum insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulation hormone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehide and reduced glutathione were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Rats treated with letrozole demonstrated a significant increase in serum testosterone, estrogen, cholesterol, luteinizing hormone, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and malondialdehide levels, and a significant decline in progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, catalase and reduced glutathione levels compared to control. Contrarily, no significant change in superoxide dismutase was noted in response to letrozole treatment. Rats treated with metformin, VAC or VPS showed a remarkable reversal in the levels of parameters affected by letrozole treatment. Conclusions: Data indicate that VAC and VPS exert potential ameliorative effects against PCOS through the modulation of hormonal and lipid profile as well as oxidative stress. Moreover, the favorable effects of these compounds are comparable to that of metformin.

Improvement of Phaseolus vulgaris on breastfeeding in female rats Shiva Roshankhah, Cyrus Jalili, Mohammad Reza Salahshoor Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2019 8(2):70-74 Objective: To evaluate effect of Phaseolus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) on the breastfeeding in female rats. Methods: This experimental study was done from May 2018 to December 2018 in the Anatomical Department of Medical School in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in Iran. In this study, after one-week adaptation and fertilization by male, 40 female rats within 20 days of pregnancy (on average, every mother had 10 newborns) were equally separated into four groups (animals were administrated after delivery of offspring). Group 1 was control group receiving normal saline interaperitoneally, and groups 2, 3, 4 were treatment groups receiving the dose of 20, 50, 100 mg/kg of P. vulgaris interaperitoneally respectively once a day for 60 days. The prolactin hormone was measured by radio immune assay, number and diameter of alveoli via histological and morphometrical examinations, and receptor prolactin gene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results: P. vulgaris significantly improved alveoli’s number and diameter, prolactin hormone and receptor prolactin expression when compared to the control group (P<0.001). Conclusions: P. vulgaris is helpful to improve the breastfeeding parameters of rats’ mammary glands.

Oestrous cycle of Wistar rats altered by sterol and triterpenes rich fraction of Adansonia digitata (Linn) root bark - A scientific rationale for contraceptive use Chibuogwu Ijeoma Chika, Nwannenna Agnes Ifeyinwa, Ubah Simon Azubuike, Ogwu David Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2019 8(2):75-82 Objective: To investigate the effect of different fractions from the aqueous methanolic root bark of Adansonia digitata (Linn) on the estrous cycle of female Wistar rats and to elucidate their phytochemical content. Methods: Crude aqueous methanol extract of Adansonia digitata (Linn) root bark was fractionated by column chromatography using various ratios of hexane, acetyl acetate, methanol and distilled water. Fractions with similar trails on a thin layer chromatography were pooled into four fractions. Each fraction was then screened for its phytochemical content. Forty mature Wistar female rats weighing (135±28) g with regular estrous cycles were given each fraction at two dose levels while a control group received distilled water of equal volume. Treatments were given per os for 15 days starting from the day of estrus. Vaginal smears were observed daily for the duration of each cycle, frequency of occurrence of each stage of the estrous cycle and number of cycles for 15 days before and during treatment. At the end of treatment, rats were humanely sacrificed. Ovaries and uteri were weighed and processed for histopathology. Results: Hexane acetyl acetate and acetyl acetate methanol fractions at 150 mg/kg body weight and 300 mg/kg body weight prolonged the occurrence of proestrus and diestrus and produced atretic cyst-like ovaries at 300 mg/kg body weight. Acetyl acetate methanol treated rats also had low relative ovarian weights when compared to the control. Conclusions: Sterols and triterpenes in hexane acetyl acetate and acetyl acetate methanol fractions of the root bark may be responsible for the disruption of estrous cycle in female Wistar rats and may have a contraceptive effect.

Comparison of p38 MAPK, soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 level in severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome patients Efendi Lukas, Maisuri T Chalid, Upik A Miskad, Syakib Bakri Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2019 8(2):83-87 Objective: To compare the levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 in the serum of patients with severe preeclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and normal pregnancies. Methods: This study was an observational analytic cross-sectional study performed at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia, in the period of 5th February 2016 to 20th January 2017. P38 MAPK, soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 levels of patients with normal pregnancies, severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbentassay technique, using kits of human soluble endoglin, endothelin-1 and p38 MAPK, Quantikine immunoassay: R&D System Inc. Results: Level of serum p38 MAPK in HELLP syndrome group was higher than in severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancy groups. Soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 levels in pregnancies with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were higher than normal pregnancy but there was no significant difference between these two groups (P>0.05). Levels of p38 MAPK, soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 also had a positive linear correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P<0.05). Conclusions: P38 MAPK in serum may be a marker for evidence of the severe hypoxia and its application may be considered for the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome.

Secondary sex ratio of assisted reproductive technology babies Nathira Abdul Majeed, Charley Zheng, Alex Polyakov, Megan Pucci, Mohamed Hatta Tarmizi, Mie Mie Cho Win Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2019 8(2):88-92 Objective: To assess the secondary sex ratio (SSR) of assisted reproduction technology babies within a fertility clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 3 369 babies who were born following single embryo transfer between 2011 and 2016. Variables examined included embryo creation date, maternal and paternal ages, maternal body mass index (BMI), type of infertility, sperm parameters, fertilization method, type of embryo and stage of transfer. Multivariate regression analysis was performed on the data set using STRATA V9.2. Results: More males were found to be born to embryos created in summer (adjusted odds ratio=1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.95; P=0.01). Lower BMI of mother (≤30 kg/m2) and younger age of parents (≤35 years) were associated with an increase in SSR (50.1% vs. 47.1%; 50.6% vs. 48.8%; 50.0% vs. 48.9%) respectively. Decreased SSR value was associated with primary subfertility, using in-vitro fertilization procedure and fresh embryo compared to those with secondary subfertility, using intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure and thawed embryo (49.3% vs. 50.6%; 47.1% vs. 50.8%; 49.4% vs. 50.1%) respectively. Conclusions: The fertilization methods, type of embryo, stage of embryo transfer, parameters of the sperm and status of subfertility do not significantly affect the SSR. SSR is affected by the seasonality, maternal age, and BMI.