Purpose: We studied the association of pre-operative serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels with pathological variables, mainly extra-prostatic extension, in North African men with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). Material and Methods: Preoperative serum SHBG levels were measured in 88 consecutive men who underwent RP. We analyzed potential association of preoperative serum SHBG level with extra-prostatic extension of a tumor in RP specimens via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In univariate analysis, preoperative serum SHBG level was observed to be significantly associated with extra-prostatic extension (p = 0.03) and with pathological Gleason score (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, serum SHBG level (p= 0.03) along with serum PSA level (p<0.001), biopsy Gleason score (P<0.001), and clinical stage (p= 0.04) was observed to be an independent predictor of the extraprostatic extension of the cancer. However, serum SHBG level was not found to be a potential predictor for pathological Gleason pattern (p=0.08). Conclusion: Our results showed that preoperative serum SHBG level may achieve independent predictor status for extra-prostatic extension, after accounting for routinely available preoperative parameters.

Blackfan-Diamond Anemia (BDA) is the only recognized form of congenital erythroblastopenia, its mechanisms of occurrence are still obscure. The unexpected discovery of a ribosomal protein "ribosomal protein S19 (rps19)" has made this pathology a star of ribosomopathies. This mutation is only found in 25% of patients. It presents a great clinical variability (typical and atypical form), but especially poses a real problem related to the complications and the therapeutic accessibility of which the allograft of the marrow remains the only curative means. We report an atypical case of BDA revealed by an anemic syndrome in an infant at the Hassan II University Hospital Center of Fez, Morocco

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive loss and damage of articular cartilage. Increased collagenase activity has a direct impact in the cleavage of type II collagen in osteoarthritis. Somatic mutations such as non-synonymous single nucleotide variants (nsSNVs) in coding regions have a role in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including OA. Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) is a critical target gene in the progression of osteoarthritis. Liver injury and regeneration have both been linked to MMP-13 gene expression. Analysis of MMP-13 gene was conducted using online bioinformatics tool, COSMIC and nsSNVs contributing to possible accumulation events that leads to osteoarthritic phenotypes were identified. The most frequently occurring missense mutation was found to be p.T280M; threonine to methionine that showed gain in function. Moreover, to get insight into the effect of mutation on protein structure and drug binding, MMP-13 three-dimensional structure was analyzed through COSMIC 3D. Structural analyses revealed amino acid substitutions located in hemopexin (HPX) domain. Hemopexin domains are thought to be required in the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) via increased activation of pro enzyme and thus, increased collagen hydrolysis. Therefore, there may be a possibility to modify enzyme activity through antagonist molecules targeted to such alternative enzyme domains. For this reason possible drug binding sites were also identified using COSMIC 3D. An understanding of the mechanisms of activation of procollagenases is important to prevent cartilage destruction and could be utilized for the rational design of novel MMP-13 inhibitors.

Polymeric materials obtained from plant sources have become very versatile excipients for the formulation of pharmaceutical dosage form especially tablet dosage form. This study was aimed at the preliminary characterization of Myrianthus arboreus gum as pharmaceutical excipient. Myrianthus arboreus gum was extracted from the dried powdered leaves of Myrianthus arboreus plant and characterized based on parameters such as micromeritic properties, phytochemical evaluation, viscosity, loss on drying, solubility, ash value and swelling index. The results obtained from this study showed a yield of gum after extraction of 11.34 % and swelling index of 97.63 % after 48 hours. A 1 % w/v dispersion of gum gave pH and viscosity values of 6.73 and 4,333 mPa·s respectively. Myrianthus arboreus gum exhibited fairly good flow properties with angle of repose of 31.65 º, bulk and tapped densities of 0.46 and 0.62 g/ml respectively and Carr’s index value of 25.33 %. The gum was found to swell in cold water, soluble in hot water and insoluble in organic solvents. It can be concluded therefore that Myrianthus arboreus gum could possibly be used as pharmaceutical excipient for the formulation of liquid and solid dosage forms

Head and neck sarcomas are exceedingly rare, representing 4–10 per cent of all sarcomas and less than 1 per cent of head and neck malignanties. The objective of this study is to analyse epidemiological and histopathological data of these neoplasms in Fez, Morocco. This is a retrospective study including all head and neck sarcomas histologically proven between 2007 and 2016. It was conducted at the department of pathology of the Hassan II university hospital, fez, Morocco. The characteristics of patients including age, sex, location, and histological diagnosis were analyzed. 54 cases of head and neck sarcomas were diagnosed. There was a male predominance with a sex-ratio of 1.5. The mean age was 37.7 years (1 year-88years). There were 45 soft tissue sarcomas, mostly located in the face, and 9 bone sarcomas mostly located in the mandible. Rhabdomyosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma were the commonest types. In Fez, head and neck sarcomas share some characteristics with previous published series and present some differences. They occur mostly in males, with a younger age at diagnosis and a higher proportion of children. Soft tissue location is the most frequent, particularly facial and rhabdomyosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma are the commonest types

Aim of the present work was to prepare the colon-targeting pH dependent microcapsules of Thymoquinone for the treatment of colorectal cancer. pH dependent polymer Eudragit L100,and S100 were used to formulate the microcapsules by solvent evaporation technique using two methods. Microcapsules were evaluated for particle size, shape, flow properties, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy, percentage yield, drug content, and in vitro drug release behaviour, in vivo targeting efficiency. The formulated microcapsules were discrete, almost spherical with somewhat folded and invaginated surface, and with good flow properties. Thymoquinone loaded microcapsules demonstrated good entrapment efficiency (of 86.438% in method 1 and 92.49% in method 2). Result of in vivo targeting efficiency showed that the formulation can able to target colon effectively. Formulation done by method 2 gave most promising result compared to first method. It is concluded from the present study that pH dependent Eudragit microcapsules are promising carriers for oral colon-targeted delivery of Thymoquinone for colorectal cancer.

This study was descriptive cross-sectional study, aimed to study the effect of nutritional status, and lifestyle habit among type 2 DM patients in Surman, Western-Libya. A total of 130 type 2 DM patients were enrolled in this study, which was carried out in the period from March to (July 2017). The results were showed that, from 130 type 2 DM patients were recruited for this study, 53 (40.8%) were males, while 77 (59.2%) were females. Out of 130 participants, 47 was normal BMI (36.2%), while 81 was overweight (62.3%) and only 2 was underweight (1.5%). This study was revealed that from 130 participants of type 2 DM patients 88 have taken an ideal diet (67.6%), while 42 were not (32.4%). Moreover, only 37 patients were done physical activities (28.5%), while 93 patients were not (71.5%). Also, the study was shown that 81 patients were exposed to mental stress (62.3%), whereas 49 their life was normal (37.7%). The conclusion, the nutritional status, and lifestyle habit have a great advised effect among type 2 DM patients in Western Libya. It can be concluded that the majorities of individuals with type 2 diabetes were overweight, due to lack of physical activity, and did not follow dietary guidelines for fats, fruits and vegetable consumption. Additional measures are needed to encourage regular physical activity and improve dietary habits in this population.

Teicoplanin induced leukopenia is rare. This case report for 34 years old patient known case of sickle cell anemia diagnosed as osteomyelitis with two episodes of decreased WBC after initiating teicoplanin to cover MRSA strains. WBC increased after drug withdrawal in both episodes. These leukopenias were drug related.

Herbal combinations when used together may sometimes produce enhanced, same or diminished effect. As a result, herb combinations used in the management of diabetes mellitus need to be thoroughly investigated to provide the best effect in reducing the major underlying cause (hyperglycemia) of the disease. Aqueous extracts of Gymnema sylvestre (GS) and Combretum micranthum (CM) leaves were subjected to solvent-solvent partitioning along different polarities. The best fractions (methanol) in terms of in vivo fasting blood glucose (FBG) in alloxan-diabetic mice were subjected to column chromatography and preparative-TLC to obtain sub-fractions and sub-sub-fractions respectively. Sub-fractions D and G for GS and CM respectively gave the best reduction in FBG in vivo while sub-sub-fractions D4 and G4 yielded highest percentage reduction in FBG in alloxan-diabetic mice. The probable mode of action of the phenolic compounds identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS in both plants could be by inhibiting activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. At a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight, a 1:1 combination of GS-D4 and CM-G4 sub-sub-fractions, containing mainly phenolic compounds, significantly (P < 0.05) reduced FBG to 58.25±7.54% in 2 hours and 69.11±6.78% in 4 hours in a synergistic manner.

Literature has confirmed the bitter melon is useful to reduce the levels of blood glucose. A functional food was developed by extracting critical ingredients from bitter melon with advanced techniques. The new ingredient was generally termed as bitter melon peptide, of which had been used as major component of the product in this research. Purpose of this research is testing the effectiveness of this new product in controlling the blood glucose levels of the diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. As a preliminary study, 25 samples were recruited on the basis of volunteer through the participated pharmacies, 52% are female and 80% are aged 45 and above. After a three months period of experiment, the data indicated significant differences in the values of HbA1c and FG between starting (T0) and second month (T2), and T0, and the third moth (T3). The test concluded that the product was effective in reducing blood glucose.

Gentamicin remains a first line therapy for many severe infections. Its use is associated with a low rate of resistance; moreover, it is inexpensive. Data from medical literature reveal an increase in the incidence of acute renal failure associated with the use of aminoglycosides antibiotics. Presented is a case or a 41-year-old male with a history of liver cirrhosis who developed acute renal failure one week after initiating gentamicin therapy for the management of cellulitis

Cutaneous mesenchymal tumors dermal and/or hypodermic are relatively frequent. They are characterised by extreme clinicopathological heterogeneity and dominated by benign tumors. About a series of 126 cases, we have studied the epidemiological, pathological and evolutive profile of these tumors. This is a retrospective study executed at the department of pathology of Moulay Ismail Military Hospital in Meknes-Morocco, between 2014 and 2016. Results: The average age was 41 years-old (15-84 years old). The sex ratio H/F was 1.2. The lower limb was the most frequent location (35%). The surgical pathologic study focused on biopsy material in 100% of cases. 92% of these tumors were benign. They were mainly represented by lipomatous tumors, followed by fibrous and fibro-histiocytic tumors and vascular tumors. 8 % of the tumors were malignant. These were mainly fibrous tumors, followed by vascular tumors. The immunohistochemical study was performed in 11 cases. Surgical treatment was executed in 65% of cases. The evolution was favorable for benign and majority of malignant tumors after a large surgical treatment. One case of death and one case of recidivism were noted. Benign cutaneous mesenchymal tumors have a good prognosis. However, the diagnostic and therapeutic management and the prognostic evaluation of cutaneous sarcomas remain difficult

The roots of Ipomea involucrate (IP) and Rauvolfia vomitoria (RV) and the leaves of Milletia aboensis (MA) are reportedly used for the treatment of mental illness. This study investigated the anticonvulsant potentials of these plants. Ethanolic crude extracts of IP and RV (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg bw, ip) and MA (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw, ip) were administered to respective groups of mice (n=6). The positive control group received 30mg/kg bw, ip of Carbamazepine, while negative control group received 1% DMSO (vehicle). After 30 min, epilepsy was induced by injection of 4-Aminopyrydine (4-AP) (15mg/kg bw ip). They were observed for the next 30min. The ability of the extracts to delay the onset of trembling, hindlimb extension, seizure, and protect from death as compared to the untreated group was taken as a sign of anticonvulsant activity. Ethanolic crude extracts of MA, RV and IP possess anticonvulsant potencies in the order -MA>RV>IP; with MA protecting two-thirds of animals against death from 4-AP-induced seizures. The plant extracts have the potentials of tackling generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures. MA and RV may exert their effects by acting on ion channels while IP is most likely to act via other mechanisms

This study was designed for comparative evaluation of phytochemical, proximate, vitamins and mineral nutrient composition of leaf, stem, and root of two medicinal plants- Ipomea involucrata (IP) and Milletia aboensis (MA) - used for the treatment of mental illness in Southern Nigeria. Result of phytochemical screening reveals the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, deoxy sugars and resins in all parts of both plants while flavonoids, anthraquinones tannins, terpenes and steroids were unevenly distributed. Organic matter content of all parts of IP and MA fell within a narrow range or 90-99 %. Crude fat was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) in both stem and roots than leaves of IP, whereas in MA it was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) in leaves than stem and root. Crude protein content of stem and root of IP were similar and about double (and significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05)) than that of the leaves whereas for MA, similar value for leaves was significantly higher than those for stem and root. Vitamins A and E, Fe, Mg, P, Na, K, and Ca, were found in appreciable amounts in all parts of IP and MA. The result of this study has provided both phytochemical and nutritional evidence for the pharmacological roles assigned for the plants and a guide for effective combination of respective plant parts in treatment. It recommends the use of the whole plant of IP for maximum benefit

The aimed of this work, was improved the stability of the chitosanase enzyme by immobilization with different natural carriers to enhance the economic of industrial biocatalytic process. It was used in preparation of biological active chitooligosaccharides. Pepper chitosanase extracted from (Capsiuum annuum) leaves was immobilized by four different immobilization methods with chitosan, DEAE-cellulose and sodium alginate. The resulted immobilized chitosanases were compared with respect to their immobilization efficiency, reusability and storage stability. Immobilization of chitosanase improved their enzymatic activity. They were 105, 83.8 and 65.2 U/g for immobilized chitosanase with entrapment, covalent and ionic binding methods, respectively. Immobilized chitosanase by covalent and ionic binding exhibited good reusability more than by entrapment method. Generally, the immobilized chitosanases showed better storage stability than that of the free one. The amount chitooligosaccharides produced by using immobilized chitosanase by ionic binding, covalent binding and entrapment methods was higher than that by adsorption method and also more than produced by free one. From a economical point of view, good reusability and storage stability are of the most important feature for the industrial application as biocatalytic.

Allopurinol is the drug of choice in the treatment of gout It reduces the concentration of urates and uric acid in tissues, plasma and urine, while increasing the concentration of xanthine and hypoxanthine. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of Biowaiver study for approval of generic brands of allopurinol tablets without additional in vivo bioequivalence and, to collect information on the safety and efficacy of the different allopurinol tablet brands using simple and cost effective in vitro methods. Physicochemical characteristics comprising drug content, hardness, friability, weight variation, disintegration and dissolution were evaluated for the six brands in comparison with the innovator. Dissolution test was carried under Biowaiver condition and the data analyzed by simple statistics and similarity and difference factors. The assay results showed that all the brands had active pharmaceutical ingredient within the specified official limits except Allo-4- , The crushing strength of three brands (Allo-1-, Allo-5- and Allo-7-) was out of the specified official limits, all the brands were complied with the specified limits For disintegration test, all the brands met the specified limits that stated by USP 32 for dissolution test , and according to f1 and f2 values, all the brands were similar to the innovator except Allo-4 and allo-6. From these results we can conclude that all the brands were met the specified limits for the physical tests, there is a failure of 9 % for content percent, and the brands were not accepted for Biowaiver under WHO criteria

Almost 80% of the world’s visual impairment is treatable or preventable. Regardless of this, millions of people are at risk of visual loss due to the lack of eye-care services. The study examined eye care needs of persons with visual impairments in a District Hospital in Ghana, specifically to assess the availability of eye care services, challenges and measures to improve accessibility. A qualitative approach was adopted to interview persons with visual impairments and eye care providers. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample size of 20; 15 visually impaired and 5 health care providers. A semi-structured interview guide was adopted to capture data onto a voice recorder and transcribed into written notes. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse themes generated from the data according to the objectives. The study found that eye care services were available to some extent but accessibility to the services was limited due to inadequate transport fares and poor health insurance coverage. Aids to accompany clients were limited. Poor infrastructure and equipment limited the ability of healthcare providers to offer effective services. The study recommends that outreach services should be encouraged to provide services at the doorstep to majority and refer complex cases to hospital to reduce cost of transportation. The study further recommends that relevant infrastructure and equipment should be provided by government through the Ghana Blind Union to improve eye care services and also to ensure that health insurance policies adequately cover diagnosis, treatment and the provision of assistive devices.

One of the common clinical observations regarding long-standing diabetes is peripheral neuropathic pain, probably due to its destructive effects on the pain modulating neurons of the dorsal gray column of the spinal cord. Accordingly, the current study was aimed to analyze the effect of experimental hyperglycemia on pain modulating neurons in the lamina I-III of lumbar region of spinal cord of albino rats. Thirty-six albino rats with average weight ~250 g were grouped equally into six. Diabetes was induced with a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg, i.p.). At the end of each experimental period, rats were euthanized by deep ether anesthesia, blood was collected and animals were perfused with Karnovsky fixative. Spinal cord was dissected and processed for histopathological and morphometric parameters and blood for biochemical analysis. Biochemical analysis of all diabetic groups revealed increased serum creatinine and reduced serum total protein. Histopathology and histomorphometry of dorsal gray column and ependymal cells and surrounding structures revealed that with the progressively increasing duration of hyperglycemia was associated with decreased number of pain modulating neurons in the lamina I-III as well as ependymal cell and in addition deposition of collagen fibers in the tunica adventitia of spinal arteries and around the small spinal vessels. The associations of long-standing hyperglycemia with reduction of dorsal gray column inter neurons, demyelination of nerve fibres and excessive deposition of collagen fibers in the tunica adventitia of blood vessels appear to be important contributing factors likely to be responsible for the diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathic pain

Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. This study was carried out to screen the phytochemicals of the extract as well as to evaluate the acute (LD50) and sub-chronic toxicities of aqueous bark extract of Cinnamomum verum in rats. A total of twenty eight rats were used in this study, thirteen for acute toxicity test and fifteen for sub chronic toxicity. The acute toxicity study was done in two phases; in phase I, nine rats were divided into three groups of three rats each and were administered the aqueous bark extract of Cinnamomum verum at different doses of 10, 100 and 1000mg/kg body weight orally. The rats were observed for mortality and general behavior for 24hrs. In phase II, four rats were administered with aqueous bark extract of Cinnamomum verum at higher doses of 1500, 2500, 3500 and 5000mg/kg and were observed for mortality and other signs of toxicity for 24hrs. For the sub chronic toxicity experiment, fifteen rats were divided into five groups of three rats each. Group 1 was the control group, groups II to V were orally administered 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg of aqueous bark extract of Cinnamomum verum respectively for four weeks. The rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected for biochemical analysis of liver and kidney functions. The result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, reducing sugars, flavonoids, steroids, resins and cardiac glycosides. Acute toxicity revealed that the extract was practically non-toxic with oral LD50 greater than 5000mg/kg body weight. The levels of ALP, ALT, AST and TP of the test groups decreased significantly (p<0.05) with respect to control group while serum TB, ALB increased with respect to control group. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea and an increase in serum bicarbonate was observed in extract administered groups in a dose dependent pattern compared to normal control. In conclusion, these results showed that the extract is rich in phytochemicals and was found to be relatively safe at administered doses

Eventhough Tuberculosis is widespread in India; parotid gland involvement is very rare. TB primarily affects the lung, but in about 15 – 20% of the cases extra pulmonary involvement can be seen. Here we present a case of TB parotid abscess in a 45 year old diabetic male patient

Ultrasonography is the most common screening test for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. It is easy, non invasive, and safe and a highly accurate imaging technique that can also detect associated lesions of the liver, pancreas and common bile duct (CBD). Recent studies have demonstrated that laparoscopic removal of gallbladder may be accomplished with a morbidity and mortality rate comparable to or less than that of traditional open cholecystectomy. The present study was conducted to look for some predictive factors on ultrasonography of gallbladder that can give surgeon some idea about the potential difficulty and complications that may be encountered during the course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study presents analysis of 51 patients of cholelithiasis, requiring elective cholecystectomy from 1st May 2008 to 30th April 2009. The study was conducted in the Department of Surgery and Department of Radio diagnosis, G.R. Medical College, Gwalior (M.P.). The ultrasonography of the patients was done on the day of surgery in the department of Radio diagnosis, G.R. Medical College, Gwalior. The patients were fasting overnight for the maximal distention of the gallbladder. The ultrasonography was done with 3.5 Mhz probe on Diatonic spectra color Doppler ultrasound on B mode, gray scale, real time scan.The mean gallbladder wall thickness in the study was 2.9 mm (maximum - 5.6 mm and minimum – 1.8 mm). There were 8 patients who had gallbladder wall thickness more than 4 mm. There were 7 (13.2%) patients with contracted gallbladder. There were 6 (11.76 %) patients with gallstone impacted at the neck of gallbladder or Hartman's pouch. There were only 2 patients with common bile duct diameter more than 6 mm. Out of total 51 cases 7 (13.72%) cases were converted to open procedure. Significant correlation was found between the independent ultra-sonographic parameters (that is gallbladder wall thickness, contracted gallbladder, stone impaction at the neck of gallbladder) with the difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and their subsequent conversion to open cholecystectomy. The most valuable assessment the ultrasound can provide is the gall bladder wall thickness, gall bladder size, CBD diameter and CBD stones and any abnormal anatomy of the biliary tract if present. Thick gallbladder wall is a finding, which may show that more adhesions may be found during surgery.

In pharmaceutical industry, researchers aim at catering to the need of robust analytical methods for analysis of generic drug products. A simple, novel and efficient stability indicating HPLC method has been developed in a multi component drug formulation for simultaneous estimation of Salbutamol, Theophylline and Ambroxol in presence of their degraded products. This HPLC method uses Inertsil ODS C18 column HPLC column, phosphate buffer pH 6.3 and Methanol: Water: Acetate Buffer 60:35:05 v/v as mobile phase in isocratic mode with UV detection at 239 nm. The method was validated and found to be precise, robust, accurate, linear (range of 1‐6μg/ ml, 50-300 μg/ ml and 15‐90 μg/ ml for Salbutamol, Theophylline and Ambroxol respectively), and specific for degraded products ensuring suitability of the method for quantitative determination of Salbutamol, Theophylline and Ambroxol. The method is stability-indicating, and therefore qualified and reliable for demonstrating and detecting any expected change or degradation in the drug product during stability studies. The method developed here is found to be novel, robust and rugged enough to reproduce accurate and precise results under different method conditions