Comparedwith Control Research Articles

Application of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide Liposome Nanoparticles to Improve the Slow Healing of Refractory Wounds in Diabetic Foot

Refractory wounds in diabetic foot heal slowly. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides has been found to have the effect of lowering blood sugar. At the same time, the role of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in the healing process of diabetic foot has attracted much more attention. This study aimed to explore the mechanism by which Lycium barbarum polysaccharide liposome nanoparticles improve slow healing of refractory wounds in diabetic feet through CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis. A rat model of diabetic foot trauma was constructed and lipid nanoparticles-Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LNP-LBP) nanocomposite was prepared and administrated into the rats. During the administration process, wound healing conditions were observed and recorded. HE staining was performed on each group, and inflammatory factors, CXCR4, and podocyte marker protein Nephrin were observed. Compared with control group, the blood sugar levels and inflammatory factor IL-6 levels of mice in the Lycium barbarum polysaccharide liposome nanoparticles group were reduced, and the wound healing speed was significantly accelerated (P < 0.05). LNP-LBP significantly reduced the levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in mouse wound tissues (P < 0.05). Moreover, when LNP-LBP and CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis inhibitors were used in combination, the wound healing speed was further accelerated and IL-6 levels were significantly increased. LNP-LBP can reduce the blood sugar level of diabetic foot rats, reduce the inflammatory response of diabetic foot wounds and swelling of wound podocytes, promote cell autophagy to speed up metabolism, thereby promoting refractory wounds healing in diabetic foot. The effect is related to inhibiting the expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling.

Visfatin as a Biomarker of Obesity in Iraqi Adolescences with Metabolic Syndrome

The present work aims to study the relationship betweenvisfatin levels and metabolic syndrome in Iraqi obese adolescence (with and without metabolic syndrome) and its relation with other studied biochemical parameters. Sixty obese adolescence were depended in this study (with and without metabolic syndrome), compared with (30) non-obese children as control. This study was done in the period from April 2020 until the end of December 2020, in the National Diabetes Center/Mustansiriya University, Baghdad/Iraq. No significant difference in age, height, waist circumferences, and diastolic blood pressure in the patients' groups. In contrast, a significant increase differs (p < 0.05) was recorded in the values of both weights, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar in the adolescent group with metabolic syndrome compared with the adolescent group without metabolic syndrome. Results: The study results showed a highly significant increase difference (P<0.001) in clinical levels of insulin, homo stasis assessment insulin resistance, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, and visfatin in patientsgroups when comparedwith control. Conclusions:The prevalence of metabolic syndrome between adolescence in developing countries is rising, and this is largely driven by increasing obesity rates.Elevated serum visfatin level in adolescence with metabolic syndrome when compared without metabolic syndromeand a positive correlation between visfatin level with metabolic syndrome factors in adolescence,therefore, visfatin may be considered a risk indicator for heart diseasesand diabetes in these individuals in old age.

Effect of Crataegus Azarolus Extracted in Treatment of Giardia Lamblia Infection

The infection of Giardia lamblia has a universal distribution and it is a major cause of diarrhea conditionin adults and children and is transmitted by route of fecal-oral through direct or indirect cysts ingestion. 20adult male rats were used and distributed to the following groups (5 rats in each group); negative group: ratsreceived distill water, positive group: infected rats with G. lamblia at dose 103 cyst/ml. third group infectedwith G. lamblia and treated by 150mg/kg of C. azarolus extract for six weeks. Fourth group: infectedwith G. lamblia and treated by 250mg/kg of C. azarolus extract for six weeks. The results demonstratedsignificant (P &lt; 0.05) increased in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG andIgM with significant (P &lt; 0.05) decreased in levels of glutathione (GSH) in an infected group comparedwith control group. The findings of treated groups demonstrated non-significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference in allstudied parameters compare with control group when using C. azarolus extract. It was concluded that C.azarolus extract has been role against the G. lamblia.

Genipin-Cross-Linked Layer-by-Layer Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite Composite Rod for Bone Fracture Fixation

The synthesis and optimization of chitosan-based inorganic/organic composites have gained growing interest in the last years. In the current study, genipin crosslinked hydroxyapatite/Chitosan (HA/CHI) composite rods (GCHR), which had been prepared and reported in our prevenient studies, were further evaluated via their formation of layer-by-layer structure, cross-linking degree and so on. The cross-linking degree in the range of 28.73∼43.32% was moderate for the in situ periodic precipitation and the formation of homogeneous HA/CHI/Genipin composite rods. In this range the composite rods could obtain a complex structure combined with layer-by-layer structure and radial spokes structure. Benifiting from the special structure, the rods can obtain superior mechanical properties and become fresh device for internal fixation of fracture. Mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) were co-cultured with extract of the GCHR100 rods to evaluate the cytocompatibility of the composite. The results showed that the leachate of the GCHR100 rods significantly up-regulated osteogenesis-related genes like ALP, Runx2 and OCN after 7 days compared with control (P&lt; 0.05).

Nutritional and phytochemical composition of pecan nut [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] and its hypocholesterolemic effect in an animal model

PurposeThe health-promoting phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids present in nonfatty portion of pecan nut remain overlooked. The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and antinutritional/phytochemical constituents of pecan nut and its effect (as a whole nut flour) on the blood lipid profile in the rat model.Design/methodology/approachThe nutritional composition as well as phytochemicals were evaluated by using standard chemical methods. A controlled randomized study was conducted to assess the hypocholesterolemic effect of nut supplementation in male Wistar albino rats.FindingsPhytochemicals/antinutrients analysis exhibited remarkable amount of phenolic compounds (47.05 ± 9.85–302.67 ± 7.72 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (44.95 ± 0.23 mg/100 g) with low trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) (1.18 ± 0.03 TIU/mg), saponins (0.49 ± 0.04 g/100 g), alkaloids (0.26 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), phytic acid (854.75 ± 15.47) and oxalates (8.15 ± 0.58 mg/100 g) content. Kernel oil showed 2.87 ± 0.75 meq O2/kg oil peroxide value (PV), well below the maximum permissible limit, demonstrating good oxidative stability of pecan oil. Pecan nut-supplemented diet exhibited a favorable alteration in the blood lipid profile by decreasing total cholesterol (TC) (from 85.42 ± 1.62–229.23 ± 3.43 to 72.24 ± 1.39–106.10 ± 1.69 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (from 64.02 ± 1.96–199.07 ± 4.40 to 38.73 ± 0.79–55.48 ± 1.69 mg/dl) and increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (from 8.70 ± 0.85–9.64 ± 1.10 to 20.25 ± 0.65–24.96 ± 0.56 mg/dl) when compared with control (CC).Research limitations/implicationsThis information would be further useful for assessing the biological quality of pecan nut as well as developing value-added food products by exploiting deoiled pecan protein concentrates.Originality/valuePecan nut is a rich source of traditional nutrients and phytochemicals and can be recommended to patients with hypercholesterolemia and related cardiovascular diseases.

Efficacy of Manual Therapy on Pain, Impact of Disease, and Quality of Life in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review

Background: Myofascial mobilization has been used as an intervention for patients with fibromyalgia (FM) for acting on ascending nociceptive pathways possibly involved in the central sensitization process, modulating the pain experience. However, there is still a gap in its efficacy compared with another hands-on approach because manual therapy has nonspecific effects, such as placebo. Objectives: This systematic review aims to review the scientific literature for an overview of the efficacy of manual therapy in pain, disease impact, and quality of life in patients with FM compared with control or other treatments through randomized clinical trials. Study Design: This study involved systematic review of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Setting: This study examined all RCTs evaluating the effect of manual therapy on pain, impact of disease, and quality of life for patients with FM. Methods: Systematic review. The research was performed in 9 databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Lilacs, SciELO, PEDro, and Cochrane. Searches were carried out from the end of the project until September 2019, with no language and year restrictions. Randomized controlled clinical trials that used the following outcome measures were included: Visual Analog Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. The risk of bias and quality of studies was assessed using the PEDro scale; the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool; and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation System. Results: Seven studies were included (368 patients). The quantitative analysis was performed on 4 studies because of the lack of data in the others. Myofascial release was the most used modality. The level of evidence ranged from very low to moderate, mainly because of the inconsistency and inaccuracy of results. Limitations: The present systematic review presented limitations because of the heterogeneity of the included studies and only a short-term analysis of the intervention results. It was observed that other information, such as pressure, repetition, and/or sustaining manual therapy techniques, could be better described in future protocols, aiming at a better comparison between the techniques and their subsequent reproducibility. Conclusions: Current evidence of manual therapy in patients with FM, based on a very low to moderate quality of evidence, was inconclusive and insufficient to support and recommend the use of manual therapy in this population. To date, only general osteopathic treatment has achieved clinically relevant pain improvement when compared with control. Key words: Fibromyalgia, manual therapy, pain, quality of life, impact of disease, physiotherapy, manipulation techniques, mobilization

The effects of T4 and A5/80 phages on the expression of immunologically important genes in differentiated Caco-2 cells*

Introduction: Bacteriophages are an abundant component of the mucosal microbiota in humans and some animal species. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are the key element responsible for the induction and regulation of immune responses in the gut mucosa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of T4 and A5/80 bacteriophages on the expression of immunologically important genes in Caco-2, a model cell line for IECs. Materials &amp; Method: Bacteriophages were added to cultures of differentiated Caco-2 cells for 12 hours, while control cultures were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Expression of genes in Caco-2 cells was determined using custom-made RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays, which allow for the evaluation of gene expression with the sensitivity and specificity of real-time PCR. We evaluated the expression of 21 genes which are important for the immune functions of IECs, including IL1B, IL6, IL7, IL10, IL15, IL18, IL25, IL33, TGFB1, TNF, CXCL8, CCL2, TSLP, FCER2, PIGR, DEFB4A, CAMP, REG3G, TNFSF13, TNFSF13B, and MUC2. Results: Both examined phages significantly influenced the expression of a number of genes compared with control cultures. In particular, T4 significantly increased the expression of the CCL2 and DEFB4A genes, while A5/80 induced the expression of the PIGR gene. Discussion: Together with the findings from previous studies, our results suggest that by modulating the expression of some genes, bacteriophages may affect immune responses in the gut mucosa.

Investigation the Association of the VEGFR-2 and -2578C\A Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Incidence of Lung Cancer in Babylon Province

Background: VEGF gene polymorphisms can induce either increase or inhibition of VEGF secretion, with altered promoter activity. Aim: We investigated the association of the VEGFR-2 and -2578C\A polymorphism in the VEGF gene with Lung cancer risk in Babylon province. Methodology: VEGFR-2 level was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbant Assay ELISA and Genotyping of the VEGF-gene variation (-2578A\C) was performed using the amplification refractory mutation system PCR. We investigated the association of VEGF gene variants with different clinicopathological features of lung cancer patients. Results: No significant difference was seen of the VEGFR-2 levels in lung cancer patients when compared with control group (P=092), the allelic frequency of -2578 A\C VEGF gene no difference was seen in patients lung cancer (p=0.652). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed a significant difference cases group (p=0.016), also revealed A allele exhibits a pathological behavior and it appears in over-dominant model (p=0.05), this proves that there is significant association of -2578A\C VEGF gene in lung cancer patients. Conclusion: Our results showed no significant association of the VEGFR-2 in lung cancer patients while showed a significant association of the VEGF -2578C\A polymorphism with LC susceptibility in Babylon province .The VEGF -2578C\A heterozygote significantly increases the risk and can be useful as a predisposing genetic marker.

Functional activity of mitochondria associated with cytoskeleton stability in the HEK293

Mitochondria are dynamic cellular organelles that provide the biological energy to the cell. The dynamic property of the mitochondria is associated with the cytoskeleton network in the cell. However, relationship is no clear identified between cytoskeleton instability and the functional activity of mitochondria in cell. This study is designed to assess the dynamic properties of the mitochondria, and specifically to observe whether they are associated with the cytoskeleton stability for the mitochondria’s functional activityWe prepared the cytoskeleton stability regulation model with the HEK293 cell line by vinorelbine which microtubule distributor and the cytoskeleton stabilizer as a taxol. We determined the optimal concentration of vinorelbine and taxol though cytotoxicity assay with the HEK293 cell line. Then, we analyzed the functional activity of the mitochondria depending on the microtubule instability. First, we undertook an observation of cell morphology under distributor or stabilizer. We analyzed the metabolic activity of the cell with the CCK and ATP productive assay. And we performed confocal live imaging for observation of mitochondria morphology in the cytoskeleton instable cells. We performed the reverse transcription polymer chain reaction for analysis of the mRNA expression in the cytoskeleton’s instable cells with Tau protein, Glut1 and GAPDH as the normalization marker.The vinorelbine treated cell shows dramatically changes with cell morphology compared with control. And the vinorelbine treated cell significantly increases the fission ratios of the mitochondria compared with the original form based on the confocal images. Microtubule instable cells significantly decreased the ATP’s productive ratios and the functional activity of the mitochondria. However, the cytoskeleton stabilizer as a taxol(0.01uM) combined with vinorelbine treated cells, shows recovery effect to cell morphology recovery effect like the control cells that were only treated with vinorebine. And taxol that was combined with vinorelbine treated cells significantly increased bioenergy product ratios and its functional activity compared with the vinorelbine.In conclusion, the dynamic mitochondrial motility might influence the microtubule stability in cells. Because, vinorelbine‐treated cells displayed destabilized microtubules, loss of motility and fission formation of mitochondria. And loss motility of the mitochondria shows poor ATP productive ratios, resulting in a phenotype like that observed in the cells. This data suggests that functional activity of the mitochondria is associated with the microtubule stability in the cells. And microtubule stabilizer has a possibility to recovery functional activity in the microtubule instable cell like aging process. This finding can be applying to understand the mechanism of aging.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by the University Innovation Support Project (UISP) through the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by MEST(Project No. 20190104)CCK analysis(A) and cell morphology(B) of NaB and Taxol treated cellsFigure 1ATP productive ratios(A) and fission form of mitochondria(B) of cellsFigure 2

Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of Softgels Cross-Linked with Cactus Mucilage Extracted from Cladodes of Opuntia Ficus-Indica.

A new crosslinking formulation using gelatin (G) and cactus mucilage (CM) biopolymers was developed, physicochemically characterized and proposed as an alternative wall material to traditional gelatin capsules (softgels). The effect of G concentration at different G/CM ratios (3:1, 1:1 and 1:3) was analyzed. Transparency, moisture content (MC), solubility in water (SW), morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), vibrational characterization (Fourier transform infrared, FTIR), color parameters (CIELab) and thermal (differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis, DSC/TGA) properties of the prepared composite (CMC) capsules were estimated and compared with control (CC) capsules containing only G and glycerol. In addition, the dietary fiber (DF) content was also evaluated. Our results showed that the transparency of composite samples decreased gradually with the presence of CM, the G/CM ratio of 3:1 being suitable to form the softgels. The addition of CM decreased the MC, the SW and the lightness of the capsules. Furthermore, the presence of polysaccharide had significant effects on the morphology and thermal behavior of CMC in contrast to CC. FTIR spectra confirmed the CMC formation by crosslinking between CM and G biopolymers. The addition of CM to the softgels formulation influenced the DF content. Our findings support the feasibility of developing softgels using a formulation of CM and G as wall material with nutritional properties.

PRODUCTION OF FETA LIKE CHEESE FORTIFIED WITH POMEGRANATE AND LEMON PEELS EXTRACT AS NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS

This study was carried out to clear the effect of addition of pomegranate and lemonpeel extracts as natural antioxidant on Feta like cheese quality. These extracts were added to cheeseduring manufacture at a rate of 0.25 and 0.50% of each extract. Cheese treatments were analyzed forchemical analysis, oxidative stability, microbiological examination and organoleptic properties, whenfresh and after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of storage at refrigerator temperature. Results showed that theseextracts have a high content of phenolic compounds, and gave high antioxidant activity. As well as theaddition of these extracts to cheese did not significantly affect the chemical composition but affectedthe oxidative stability, bacteriological and organoleptic properties of cheese samples. A clear reductionin peroxide and acid values of cheese samples containing natural extracts during storage period thancontrol cheese samples where observed. As well as total bacterial, coliform, as well as yeast andmould counts of cheese samples contain natural extracts did not detected during storage comparedwith control cheese samples. Also, results showed that organoleptic properties of all cheese treatmentsimproved by progressed of storage period until the end of storage. Cheese containing lemon peelsextracts showed lowest flavour intensity and body characteristics than other cheese. From the previousresults, it could be recommended the use of some natural extracts in feta like cheese manufacture suchas pomegranate and lemon peel extracts at a rate of 0.5%, where it improved the sensory andbacteriological characteristics of cheese samples and increased stability against oxidation.

Study of Different Therapeutic Agents for the Prevention of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Free Skin Flap

Background: In clinical practice a certain fraction of skinflap transfers fail invariably because of ischemia-reperfusioninjury. This study was designed to develop experimental modelof ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat skin flap to investigatethe effect of certain pharmacological agents on prevention orreducing ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods: A “4x6” cm hemi epigastric skin flap of adultalbino rat was raised and subjected to 8 hours of ischemiathen reperfusion for 48 hours. A total of 40 flaps were studiedand divided randomly into 5 groups. 15 minutes prior toreperfusion, all flaps (except group I) were infused by saline,Vitamin C, Heparin, and Monoclonal antibody LY-6G togroups II, III, IV and V respectively. After 2 days, macroscopicevaluation of flap survival, histological study of neutrophilinfiltration, and biochemical tissue enzymes assay wereperformed.Results: All flaps survived completely in sham group Iwith minimal neutrophilia while the mean percentage of flapnecrosis in control group II was 90.5% with massive neutrophilia.The mean percentage of flap survival were 71, 80,and 84 percent in groups III, IV, and V respectively. Neutrophilcount of flap tissue showed significant reduction as comparedwith control flaps. Tissue enzymes assay showed stable levelof superoxide dismutase activity in flaps pretreated by drugscompared to control group. Caspase-3 enzyme activity showedvariable decrements in flaps pretreated with the differentdrugs when compared with control flaps.Conclusion: The use of certain pharmacological agentscould significantly reduce the effect of ischemia-reperfusioninjury on skin flaps.

SERUM LIPID PROFILE

… Objectives: This study was conducted to determine serum lipid profile in childrenof premature coronary heart disease patients and compare results between children havingparents with one, two or three risk factors. Study Design: A cross sectional comparative study.Patients and Methods: Ninety seven (97) subjects having parents with one risk factor, sixty three(63) subjects having parents with two risk factors and sixty five (65) subjects having parents withthree risk factors were selected from Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore. Fifty (50) age and sexmatched subjects of parents without a history of coronary heart disease were also selected. Theserum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol andserum high density lipoprotein cholesterol was performed and results were compared. Results:Offsprings of parents having more number of risk factors had statistically significantly high totalcholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol as compared with offsprings of parentshaving one risk factor. Triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol of offsprings ofparents having one, two, three or more than three risk factors were comparable. Offsprings ofparents having premature coronary heart disease (CHD) had abnormal lipid levels as comparedwith control group. Conclusions: Coronary heart disease risk factors are significant regardingabnormal lipid levels. Offsprings of premature CHD patients are prone to develop CHD ascompared to normal control group. Genetic predisposition seems to be important indevelopment of CHD.

Risk of Second Primary Cancer in People with Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

PurposePrevious western studies have found Caucasians with skin cancer, either melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), have an elevated risk of second primary cancer. Our objective was to assess the risk of second primary cancer in Taiwanese with NMSC.Materials and MethodsBy using data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a population-based cohort study to assess the risk of incident second primary cancer in Taiwanese affected by NMSC.ResultsWe identified 505 subjects with NMSC and 2,020 matched controls. After adjustment for potential confounders including age, sex, urbanization, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, people who had NMSC had a 1.43-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.96) risk for the development of second primary cancer as comparedwith control group. Menwith NMSC had a 2.99-fold (95% CI, 1.00 to 9.10) risk for second primary cancer involving the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx and a 3.51-fold (95% CI, 1.21 to 10.17) risk for second primary cancer involving the genitourinary organs when compared to the control group. By contrast, women with NMSC did not have an increased risk of second primary cancer.ConclusionThis study revealed Asians with NMSC have an increased risk of second primary cancer. Our findings can be a useful reference for health care for people diagnosed with NMSC.

Effects of Green Tea on Serum Iron Parameters and Antioxidant Status in Patients with β–Thalassemia Major

Background: Iron overload and accelerated oxidative stress are main factors in the pathogenesis of β–thalassemia major. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of green tea consumption on serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) and antioxidant status in β–thalassemia patients. Methods: This study conducted on 52 subjects with β–thalassemia major (males and females) ≥18 y. The intervention group (n= 26) consumed green tea (2.5 g /150 mL hot water) 3 times per day for 8 wk and the control group (n= 26) followed a water regimen. Anthropometric measurements, blood samples and 24-h dietary recalls were gathered at the baseline and at the end of the trial. Independent t test, paired t test and analysis of covariance were used for data analysis. Results: Mean of serum iron, ferritin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were 234.7±49.3 μg/dL, 2776.07±533.4 ng/dl, 3.01±0.64 nmol/ml and 2.2665±0.77 nmol/l in green tea group and 298.19±66.87 μg/dL, 3070.23±643.6 ng/dl, 298.19±66.87 nmol/ml and 2.0862 ±0.35 nmol/l in control group at baseline, respectively. Green tea significantly decreased serum levels of iron, ferritin and MDA and increased TAC compared with control group (all, P < 0.05). No significant changes were seen in TS value in both groups. Conclusions: Green tea consumption had favorable effects on iron status and oxidative stress in studied subjects and may be useful in management of these risk factors in patients with β–thalassemia major.

Influence of Agricultural Wastes and Incubation Period on Aggregate Stability in Sandy Soil

A laboratory experiment was conducted to examine the influence of various organic materials on soil aggregate stability of sandy soil collected from Al-Bustan region, Egypt. The study involved five treatments: control, incorporating 1% of wheat straw, 1% clover straw, 1% mixture of wheat & clover, and 1% chicken manure into sandy soil on the basis of air dry weight. Soil samples were incubated at field capacity for 7, 14, 28, 42 and 56 days at 30 Co±1. Water-stable aggregate size distribution (1.19-2, 0.5-1.19, 0·25–0.5 mm) was determined through wet sieving. The organic wastes treatments improved soil aggregate stability compared with control treatment. The changes in aggregate stability indices (mean weight diameter (MWD), Structure coefficient (Cr), detachability index (DI), percentage of aggregate destruction (PAD) and Wet aggregate stability (WAS) were determined and calculated weekly over the periods of incubation. The application of organic wastes significantly increased all aggregate stability indices compared to the control treatment except PAD. Soil aggregate indices had significant positive correlations between each other. MWD, Cr, WAS and DI values were the highest in chicken manure treatment, while the PAD values were the lowest. Disaggregation occurred in all treatments after 28 days of incubation. Polynomial function brought higher correlations between MWD, Cr, DI and PAD vs. the incubation period of sandy soil amended with organic wastes. The Cr, DI and PAD vs. MWD produced linear relationship with high correlations.

The Frequency of Skin Tumors and Infections in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases

Background: Autoimmune diseases are a vast array of organ-specific as well as systemic diseases, whose pathogenesis results from the activation of B and T lymphocytes reacting against antigens of the body’s own tissues (defined as self). Objective: To record skin tumors and infections in all autoimmune diseases gathered together in a one pathological state, compared with renal transplant recipients and normal control. Patients and Methods: Four hundred patients with different autoimmune diseases were examined. Fifty patients with pemphigus (15 males, 35 females) are aged from 20 - 70 (41.23 ± 3.89) years. Fifty patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (50 females) are aged from 17 - 45 (30.58 ± 10.08) years. One hundred patients with vitiligo (59 males, 41 females) are aged from 9 - 71 (42.89 ± 5.28) years. One hundred patients with alopecia areata (42 males, 58 females) are aged from 7 - 52 (38.67 ± 9.52) years. One hundred patients with psoriasis (56 males, 44 females) are aged from 7 - 71 (47.36 ± 8.62) years were evaluated. One hundred twenty kidney transplant recipients’ (101 males, 19 females) ages ranged from 14 - 70 (45.43 ± 4.63) years. All patients were examined thoroughly for any cutaneous manifestations and tumors and the findings were compared with the general population as a control group, which consisted of 500 healthy control individuals whose ages ranged from 20 - 71 (44.53 ± 11.48) years. This case series, descriptive, controlled study was performed in Baghdad Teaching Hospital from June 2014 to October 2015. Results: In renal transplant recipients, the findings were observed as follow herpetic infection in 30(25%), bacterial 12(10%) while fungal 24(20%) patients. These infections appeared early in the course of immunosuppression. While the tumors were noticed, the benign tumors were the commonest manifestations, which included viral warts in 45(37.5%) followed by actinic keratosis 15(12.5%), seborrheic keratosis 14(11.6%), sebaceous hyperplasia 13(10.8%) and keratoacanthoma 1(0.8%). While the malignant tumors were basal cell carcinoma 4(3.3%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma 3(2.5%), and kaposi’s sarcoma 4(3.3%), Bowen’s disease 1(0.8%). These malignancy usually appeared late in the course of immunosuppression. In pemphigus, viral warts were observed in 4(8%) cases; fungal infection was seen in 4(8%) cases and bacterial infections in 2(4%) of cases and herpetic infection in only 1(2%) of case; no tumors were found in all patients. In vitiligo, viral warts were observed in 2(2%) cases, while seborrhic keratosis and sebaceous hyperplasia were observed in 1(1%) case; herpetic and fungal infections were seen in 3(3%) of cases while bacterial infections were recorded in 2(2%) of cases but no tumors were found in all patients. In alopecia areata viral warts were observed in 9(9%) of cases, sebaceous hyperplasia in 1(1%) case, herpetic and bacterial in 3(3%) of cases and fungal in 4(4%) of cases; no tumors were found in all patients. In systemic lupus erythymatosus (SLE) viral warts were observed in 4(8%) of cases, herpetic infection in 12(12%) of cases, fungal infection in 10(20%) of cases, bacterial infection in 3(3%) of cases and sebaceous hyperplasia in only 1(2%) of case, but no tumors were seen. In psoriasis, viral warts were observed in 14(14%) of cases, herpetic infection in 10(10%) of cases, bacterial infection in 3(3%) of cases, fungal infection in 2(2%) of cases, sebaceous hyperplasia in 2(2%) of cases and seborrhiec hyperkeratosis in 1(1%) case, while no tumors were demonstrated. In healthy control individuals, herpetic infection was present in 36(7.2%) and viral warts in 52(10.4%) individuals, fungal infection in 29(5.8%) of individuals and regarding tumors solar keratosis was present in 24(4.8%); basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were present in 2(0.4%) individuals of each. Conclusions: Patients with autoimmune diseases were protected against infections and tumors while kidney transplant recipients had no such protection although all these groups were on prolonged immunosuppression.

Effect of soybean on some biochemical markers and histopathological changes in lead intoxicated rats

The protective and treatment effect of dietary soybean against lead toxicity induced changes in thebones and the hormones of the reproductive system in male rats were investigated, Seventy two adultmale rats were divided into the following groups:Group1:36 rats fed on soya bean free diet were dividedinto three equal sub groups:Group1a:control soya bean free diet (-ve), Group1b:rats fed on soya beanfree diet after lead intoxicated (rats injected with lead acetate(8mg/body weight) from 1st week to 4thweek , Group1c: rats fed on soya bean free diet before lead intoxicated (rats injected with lead acetate(8mg/body weight) from 5th week to 8th week),Group2:36 rats fed on soya bean diet were divided intothree equal sub groups:Group2a:control soya bean diet (+ve), Group2b:rats fed on soya bean diet afterlead intoxicated (rats injected with lead acetate(8mg/body weight) from 1st week to 4th week), Group2c:rats fed on soya bean diet before lead intoxicated((rats injected with lead acetate(8mg/body weight) from5th week to 8th week). The results revealed that there was a significant increase in AST, ALT, Urea,Creatinine and testosterone in rats fed on soya bean free diet before lead intoxicated, accompanied witha significant decrease in Calcium, inorganic Phosphorus and Luteinizing hormone(LH) after 4th weekwhen compared with control (-ve) group . Also there was a significant increase in AST, ALT, Urea,Creatinine, testosterone in rats fed on soya bean diet before lead intoxicated, accompanied with asignificant decrease in Calcium, inorganic Phosphorus and Luteinizing hormone (LH) when comparedwith control (+ve) group. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in AST, ALT, Urea,Creatinine and Testosterone in rats fed on soya bean free diet before lead intoxicated accompanied witha significant decrease in inorganic Phosphorus, Calcium and Luteinizing hormone (LH), when comparedwith control (-ve) group. Also there was a significant increase in AST, ALT, Urea, Creatinine andTestosterone in rats fed on soya bean before lead intoxicated accompanied with significant decrease ininorganic Phosphorus, Calcium and Luteinizing hormone (LH), when compared with control (+ve)group. It concluded that the soya bean diet ameliorated bone and testis intoxicated with lead.

Serum Cortisol and DHEA-S Levels in Schizophrenic Patients with Different Response to Antipsychotic Therapy: Association with Psychopathology / Серумски Концентрации На Кортизол И DHEA-S Кал Пациенти Со Шизофренша Со Различен Одговор На Антипсихотичната Терапша Асоци.1Аци.1А Со Психопатологшата

Abstract Background: Previous studies suggested that alterations in serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Imbalance in serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may be related to responsivity to antipsychotic treatment. Aim: To compare serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls and to evaluate their association with psychopathology in schizophrenic patients with different response to antipsychotic treatment. Material and Methods: This clinical prospective study included 60 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy age and sex matched controls. All patients experienced an acute exacerbation of the illness (PANSS: P1 and P3 ≥ 4). Clinical evaluation of patients was performed using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. A questionnaire for socio-demographic and clinical data collection was used. For the purposes of the study, the examined group was divided in two subgroups: responders and nonresponders. Serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels were measuredat baseline in all participants and after 3 and 6 weeks of the antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia. Results: Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels comparedwith control group. Responders had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels compared with nonresponders. Responders group had significant correlation between serum cortisol and PANSS positive scale score as well as between hostility and serum DHEA-S. Conclusion: Elevated serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Serum cortisol and DHEA-S are associated with psychopathology in schizophrenic patients with different response to antipsychotic therapy.

The life quality of patients who receiving chemotherapy treatment after mastectomy and stoma surgery

menwith sleep apnea.Modern somnology opens newperspectives for studying different pathological processes during sleep. Objectives: The possibility of an objective study of night penile tuminiscents (NPT)duringpolysomnography (PSG) allows to reveal the initial manifestation of ED in men with sleep apnea. Aims: To identify features of ED in andropausal men with sleep apnea during PSG. Methods: A total of 51 men (37 – with sleep apnea – 1st group, 14 – healthy men – 2nd group) aged 46-55 years. PSG were carried out with the use of GRASS-TELEFACTOR Twin PSG (Comet) c As the amplifier 40with an integratedmodule for sleep SPM-1 (USA)with amplifier for mercuric NPT-sensor. Statistical data processing was carried out using «Statistica for Windows» 6.0 (StatSoft, USA). All differences were considered significant at p<0.05. Results: Significant deviations from a norm of nocturnal erection patternswere detected in all patients 1st group comparedwith Control (2ndgroup). Thus, Tup (a point atwhich tumescencebegins) follows rapid eyemovement (REM) sleep. Tmax (the first point after Tup wherein penile circumference reaches 75 percent of theMCI for the entire night) in the 1st group is lower than in the 2nd group. Period of point Tdown (a point at which detumescence begins) in men with sleep apnea is prolonged in time and exceeds the limits of REM-sleep. Conclusions: Thus, in our study we mark lowered quality and quantity of spontaneous episodes of erection in andropausal men with sleepapnea that is associatedwithREM-sleep,which is thekey component of estimation of nocturnal erections. A study of erectile function in andropausal men with sleep apnea will allow prognosticate premature development erectile dysfunction and correct treatment regimen and timely CPAP-therapy made it possible to eliminate early erectile dysfunction.