Efficacy of azithromycin and metronidazole combined therapy on rats' gingival overgrowth induced by cyclosporine-A: An experimental animal study.

Aims: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of azithromycin (azm) and/or metronidazole (mtz) on the histopathological features of rats' gingival overgrowth (GO) induced by cyclosporine-A (CsA) in an animal model.

Methods: Ninety male albino rats were divided randomly into six equal groups. The rats of group I received corn oil via gastric feeding for 7 weeks.

Immunomodulatory capacity of the local mesenchymal stem cells transplantation after severe skeletal muscle injury in female rats.

Context: Cell therapy technique with stem cells is a very attractive strategy for the treatment of muscle disorders.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of local transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which could contribute to skeletal muscle healing.

Materials And Methods: Female rats were divided into three equal groups as the following: group 1, the negative control group (untreated group), group 2, sham-treated group, rats with muscle injuries involving volumetric muscle loss (VML) of adductor brevis muscle and injected locally with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) 0.

Enzymatic synthesis using immobilized Enterococcus faecalis Esawy dextransucrase and some applied studies.

Dextrans enzymatic synthesis by immobilized Enterococcus faecalis Esawy dextransucrase was studied. Different parameters, such as: enzyme protein concentration (EPC), substrate concentration (SC), temperature and reaction time were evaluated. EPC played a fundamental role in controlling dextran molecular size with 0.

Can we apply the MRI BI-RADS lexicon morphology descriptors on contrast-enhanced spectral mammography?

Objective:: To assess the feasibility of using the MRI breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) lexicon morphology descriptors to characterize enhancing breast lesions identified on contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM).

Methods:: The study is a retrospective analysis of the morphology descriptors of 261 enhancing breast lesions identified on CESM in 239 patients. We presented the morphological categorization of the included lesions into focus, mass and non-mass.

Targeted study to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factor status among patients and efficacy of statins in attaining goal lipid levels in a regional hospital in Sultanate of Oman.

Background And Objective: Elevated LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is a major cause of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and LDL lowering therapy reduces the risk for CHD. The study was conducted with the aim of assessing the prescribing pattern of statins based on cardiovascular risk factor category, pattern of lipid monitoring followed among the patients and extent of attainment of goal Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) observed among the patients.

Methods: A group of patient files (among those on statin agent during the year 2011) from the Department of Medicine in Nizwa Hospital were selected for targeted evaluation on the risk factor status of patients and efficacy of statins in attaining goal lipid levels.

Prenatal effects of transplacental exposure to ifosfamide in rats.

Ifosfamide is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent that exhibits activity against a wide range of tumors. Exposure to such agent just prior to mating (preconception period) may have adverse effects on developing embryos. I investigated the rate of apoptosis and the histological changes in both placenta and developing fetal tissues after exposure to ifosfamide of young female rats before mating.

Correlation between Serum Hyaluronic Acid with Steatosis, Non alcoholic Steato-hepatitis and Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an attractive potential marker for noninvasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis instead of liver biopsy for both patients and physicians.

Aim: To assess the role of HA for diagnosing the progression of steatosis to steato-hepatitis (SH) and fibrosis in patients with Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods: 90 patients with chronic HCV infection, 77 (85.

Synthesis and structure elucidation of some novel thiophene and benzothiophene derivatives as cytotoxic agents.

Attempting to produce cyclized systems with potential anti-proliferative activity, a series of novel thiophene and benzothiophene derivatives were designed and synthesized. The reactivity of the latter derivatives towards different chemical reagents was studied. Twenty-one compounds were synthesized and evaluated as anti-cancer agents.

Antibacterial Activity of Ti₃C₂Tx MXene.

MXenes are a family of atomically thin, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and carbonitrides with many attractive properties. Two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx (MXene) has been recently explored for applications in water desalination/purification membranes. A major success indicator for any water treatment membrane is the resistance to biofouling.

The effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on the female reproductive performance and nephrotoxicity in rats.

This study was designed to investigate whether the treatment with the N-acetyl-L-cysteine prior to the administration of chemotherapy drug would prevent from nephrotoxicity and the loss of reproductive performance induced from chemotherapy treatment. Female rats were divided into five equal groups of six each: 1/control group; 2/rats i.p administered saline solution; 3/rats i.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel thiazolidinediones as PPARγ/FFAR1 dual agonists.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects more than 180 million people worldwide. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptors that have been targeted by the thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of compounds for the management of type II diabetes. PPARγ is known to regulate adipogenesis and glucose metabolism.

Differential-display reverse transcription-PCR (DDRT-PCR): a new technology for molecular detection and studying one of the antagonistic factors of Bacillus endophyticus strain SA against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Differential Display (DDRT-PCR) is a powerful technique for analyzing differences in gene expression. In-vivo expression technologies and differential display RT-PCR are providing new approaches to further examine a microbe's response to experimental conditions which more closely resemble natural microbial associations and habitats. In this study, Bacillus endophyticus strain SA isolated from the inner tissue of the stem of the cultivated plant (Salvadora persica, Asir, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) produces an antagonistic factor.

Evaluation of lower facial heights as related to different anthropometric measurements in dentate and completely edentulous subjects.

Objective: The aim was to compare two measurements of lower facial height (base of chin-subnasale and base of chin- tip of the nose) as related to different anthropometric measurements in dentate and completely edentulous subjects.

Method And Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 132 male subjects (group 1 [G1], 120 dentate subjects; and group 2 [G2], 12 completely edentulous subjects). Base of chin-subnasale measurement (FM1), base of chin-tip of the nose measurement (FM2), Willis' measurement (FM3), glabella-subnasale measurement (FM4), length of the index finger measurement (AM1), and tip of thumb-tip of index finger measurement (AM2) of subjects of G1 and G2 were measured by using a modified caliper while the subjects in G1 closed in centric occlusion, and the subjects of G2 were asked to close the maxillary and mandibular complete dentures in centric relation.

Optimizing photo-mineralization of aqueous methyl orange by nano-ZnO catalyst under simulated natural conditions.

Background: Photo-degradation of organic contaminants into non-hazardous mineral compounds is emerging as a strategy to purify water and environment. Tremendous research is being done using direct solar light for these purposes. In this paper we report on optimum conditions for complete mineralization of aqueous methyl orange using lab-prepared ZnO nanopowder catalyst under simulated solar light.

The teratogenic effects of imatinib mesylate on rat fetuses.

Imatinib mesylate, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the first line treatment against chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of imatinib mesylate on the pregnant rats and their fetuses. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups; the first group served as a control group.

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Green Tea Catechins for Prostate Cancer Prevention.

Preclinical, epidemiologic, and prior clinical trial data suggest that green tea catechins (GTC) may reduce prostate cancer risk. We conducted a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of Polyphenon E (PolyE), a proprietary mixture of GTCs, containing 400 mg (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) per day, in 97 men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and/or atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). The primary study endpoint was a comparison of the cumulative one-year prostate cancer rates on the two study arms.

Design, synthesis, characterization, quantum-chemical calculations and anti-inflammatory activity of novel series of thiophene derivatives.

Interaction of 1-(4-morpholinophenyl)ethanone 1 with either malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate 2 afforded Knoevenagel-Cope product 3. In subsequent treatment of 3 with sulfur, the 2-aminothiophene derivatives (4a, 4b) are formed under basic conditions. The solvent-free reaction of thiophene derivative 4a with ethyl cyanoacetate afforded thieno[2,3-d][1,3]oxazine derivative 6.

Sacral neuromodulation outcomes in male patients with chronic urinary retention.

Objectives: To assess the outcome of two-stage sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in men with chronic urinary retention (CUR) and factors affecting the response.

Material And Methods: Data were collected from 21 male patients with complete or partial CUR who underwent two-stage SNM between 2006 and 2014. The implanted lead was connected to a temporary battery (stage-1) and they were assessed over a period of 3-12 weeks.

Homology modeling and explicit membrane molecular dynamics simulation to delineate the mode of binding of thiazolidinediones into FFAR1 and the mechanism of receptor activation.

Free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) is a member of a previously characterized cluster of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Later, this orphan receptor was identified as a target of medium- to long-chain free fatty acids in β-cells of the pancreas. Administration of FFAR1 agonists has been proved to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells.

Statin associated hepatic adverse effects: a retrospective review from a regional hospital in sultanate of oman.

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence, pattern and predisposing factors for hepatic adverse effects with statins in a regional hospital in Sultanate of Oman.

Methods: A retrospective review of the patient files in Department of Medicine during the year 2011 was done to evaluate any hepatic dysfunction possibly related to statins among the patients. For each case of suspected statin induced hepatic effect, additional details on temporal relationship, pattern of presentation, management, final outcome and any contributing factors were obtained.

Goldenhar syndrome - a case report.

Goldenhar syndrome is a developmental abnormality of 1st & 2nd branchial arch involving the craniofacial microsomia with ocular & vertebral abnormality. Though most of the cases are sporadic, some familial association is also found in autosomal dominant or recessive manner. Teratogenic effect of some toxic substances may lead to the condition.

Diagnostics for schistosomiasis in Africa and Arabia: a review of present options in control and future needs for elimination.

Within the World Health Organization 2012-2020 roadmap for control and elimination of schistosomiasis, the scale-up of mass drug administration with praziquantel is set to change the epidemiological landscape across Africa and Arabia. Central in measuring progress is renewed emphasis upon diagnostics which operate at individual, community and environmental levels by assessing reductions in disease, infections and parasite transmission. However, a fundamental tension is revealed between levels for present diagnostic tools, and methods applied in control settings are not necessarily adequate for application in elimination scenarios.

Evaluation of an intervention program to prevent hospital-acquired catheter-associated urinary tract infections in an ICU in a rural Egypt hospital.

Aim: Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are the most common hospital-acquired infection in ICUs. The aim of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of an intervention program by implementing urinary catheter bundle elements to reduce the CAUTI frequency in an ICU.

Methods: The intervention study was conducted over a period of 6 months.