Dioon rzedowskii: An antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer plant extract with multi-faceted effects on cell growth and molecular signaling

This study investigated the antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial properties of Dioon rzedowskii extract, which had not been previously explored. We aimed to determine the extract's effect on liver and breast cancer cell lines and on solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) mouse model to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Three female albino mice groups were established: a tumor control group, a group treated with 100 mg/kg of the extract (D100), and a group treated with 200 mg/kg of the extract (D200) for 16 days after tumor development. Results showed that the D. rzedowskii extract inhibited cell growth in both MCF-7 and HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This was achieved by suppressing the cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. The extract also improved liver, heart, and kidney functions compared to the tumor control. Furthermore, oral administration of the extract reduced tumor volume and alleviated oxidative stress in tumor tissue. The anticancer effects were associated with overexpression of p53 and Bax and downregulation of cyclin D1 expression, which was attributed to decreased phosphorylated MAPK kinases. Additionally, D. rzedowskii exhibited antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae isolated from cancer patients. The extract inhibited bacterial growth and reduced the membrane integrity. The study suggests that D. rzedowskii has promising potential as an adjunctive therapy for cancer treatment. Further investigations are needed to explore its combined anticancer efficacy. These results emphasize the value of natural products in developing compounds with potential anticancer activity and support a paradigm shift in cancer management to improve patients' quality of life.

Rosuvastatin and diosmetin inhibited the HSP70/TLR4 /NF-κB p65/NLRP3 signaling pathways and switched macrophage to M2 phenotype in a rat model of acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin

Numerous efforts to manage acute kidney injury (AKI) were unsuccessful because its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Thus, our research hotspot was to explore the possible renoprotective effects of rosuvastatin (Ros) and diosmetin (D) on macrophage polarization and the role of HSP70/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65/NLRP3/STAT3 signaling in cis-induced AKI and study the activity of D against uropathogenic bacteria. Fifty-four albino male rats were randomized into 9 groups equally: Control, Ros, D20, D40, untreated Cis, and Cis groups cotreated with Ros, D20, D40 and Ros+D40 for 10 days. Our results indicated that Ros and D, in a dose-dependent manner, markedly restored body weight, systolic blood pressure, and renal histological architecture besides significantly upregulated SOD levels, expression of anti-inflammatory CD163 macrophages, arginase1levels, IL-10 levels,STAT3 and PCNA immunoreactivity. Also, they significantly downregulated renal index, serum urea, serum creatinine, serum cystatin c, inflammatory biomarkers (C reactive protein, IL1β & TNF-α), MDA levels, HSP70/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65/NLRP3 expressions, proinflammatory CD68 macrophages and caspase-3 immunoreactivity, resulting in a reversal of cis-induced renal damage. These findings were further confirmed by molecular docking that showed the binding affinity of Ros and D towards TLR4 and NLRP3. Furthermore, D had antibacterial action with a minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 128 to 256 µg/mL and caused a delay in the growth of the tested isolates, and negatively affected the membrane integrity. In conclusion, Ros and D had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties and switched macrophage from proinflammatory CD68 to anti-inflammatory CD163. Additionally, the targeting of HSP70/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65/NLRP3/STAT3 signals are effective therapeutic strategy in AKI.

Fabrication of Nanocrystals for Enhanced Distribution of a Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor (Orlistat) as a Promising Method to Relieve Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma-Induced Hepatic Damage in Mice

BACKGROUND

Orlistat (ORL) is an effective irreversible inhibitor of the lipase enzyme, and it possesses anticancer effects and limited aqueous solubility. This study was designed to improve the aqueous solubility, oral absorption, and tissue distribution of ORL via the formulation of nanocrystals (NCs).

METHODS

ORL-NC was prepared using the liquid antisolvent precipitation method (bottom-up technology), and it demonstrated significantly improved solubility compared with that of the blank crystals (ORL-BCs) and untreated ORL powder. The biodistribution and relative bioavailability of ORL-NC were investigated via the radiolabeling technique using Technetium-99m (99mTc). Female Swiss albino mice were used to examine the antitumor activity of ORL-NC against solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)-induced hepatic damage in mice.

RESULTS

The prepared NCs improved ORL's solubility, bioavailability, and tissue distribution, with evidence of 258.70% relative bioavailability. In the in vivo study, the ORL-NC treatment caused a reduction in all tested liver functions (total and direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP) and improved modifications in liver sections that were marked using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining (Ki-67 and ER-α) compared with untreated SEC mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed ORL-NC could be considered a promising formulation approach to enhance the oral absorption tissue distribution of ORL and suppress the liver damage caused by SEC.

Fenofibrate and Diosmetin in a rat model of testicular toxicity: New insight on their protective mechanism through PPAR-α/NRF-2/HO-1 signaling pathway

One of the most significant chemotherapeutic side effects of cisplatin (Cis) that limits its use and efficacy is testicular toxicity. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the possible ameliorative effect of Fenofibrate (Fen), Diosmetin (D), and their combination against cis-mediated testicular damage. Fifty-four adult male albino rats were randomly allocated into nine groups (6 rats each): Control group, Fen (100 mg/kg), D20 (20 mg/kg), D40 (40 mg/kg), Cis group (7 mg/kg), Cis +Fen group (7 mg/kg+100 mg/kg), Cis+D20 group (7 mg/kg+20 mg/kg), Cis+D40 group (7 mg/kg+40 mg/kg), Cis+Fen+D40 treated group (7 mg/kg+100 mg/kg+40 mg/kg). Relative testicular weight, epididymal sperm count and viability, serum testosterone level, testicular oxidative stress indices, mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), histopathological, and immunohistochemical alterations were assessed. Our results revealed that cis administration induced testicular oxidative and inflammatory damage as indicated by a substantial reduction in relative testicular weight, sperm parameters, serum testosterone levels, the antioxidant enzyme activity of catalase, and Johnson's histopathological score, PPAR-α/NRF-2/HO-1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoexpression with marked increment in malondialdehyde (MDA), Cosentino's score, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κβ p65), interleukin (IL)- 1β and caspase 3 in testicular tissue. Interestingly, Fen and D diminished the harmful effects of cis on testes via upregulation of the antioxidant activities and downregulation of lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Moreover, the combination therapy Fen/D40 also exhibited a more pronounced enhancement of previous markers than either treatment alone. In conclusion, because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, cotreatment with Fen or D or their combination could be beneficial in reducing the harmful impacts of cis on testicular tissue, particularly in patients that receive cis chemotherapy.

Advanced-stage Wilms tumor arising in a horseshoe kidney of a 9-year-old child: a case report

BACKGROUND

Horseshoe kidney (HK) is one of the most common renal fusion abnormalities, with an incidence of 1:400 in the normal population. However, Wilms tumor (WT) arising in an HK is a rare occurrence. We report the case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with an advanced WT in an HK and also highlight the management challenges in a resource-poor setting such as ours.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 9-year-old Nigerian boy presented to the Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) with a history of progressive abdominal swelling, weight loss, abdominal pain, and cough. Abdominal examination revealed an irregular, firm, and non-tender mass in the right lumbar region. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a heterogeneously dense mass that was predominantly to the right side of the abdomen and crossed the midline to the left side, where it continued with the relatively normal renal tissue. Chest CT revealed pulmonary metastases. A diagnosis of WT in an HK was made. The patient had a 6-week course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and a right nephrectomy and left partial nephrectomy was performed. The final histologic diagnosis of WT was made. Radiotherapy was intended but was not available in our facility, and the parents could not afford referral to another center.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with a clinically suspected HK with WT should undergo a careful imaging evaluation such as CT before any surgical intervention. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy to reduce tumor bulk might be a good treatment method to reduce surgical morbidity and aid in complete excision and potential for preserving renal function.

Two decades of neuroscience publication trends in Africa

Neuroscience research in Africa remains sparse. Devising new policies to boost Africa's neuroscience landscape is imperative, but these must be based on accurate data on research outputs which is largely lacking. Such data must reflect the heterogeneity of research environments across the continent's 54 countries. Here, we analyse neuroscience publications affiliated with African institutions between 1996 and 2017. Of 12,326 PubMed indexed publications, 5,219 show clear evidence that the work was performed in Africa and led by African-based researchers - on average ~5 per country and year. From here, we extract information on journals and citations, funding, international coauthorships and techniques used. For reference, we also extract the same metrics from 220 randomly selected publications each from the UK, USA, Australia, Japan and Brazil. Our dataset provides insights into the current state of African neuroscience research in a global context.

Preterm Babies: Management and Challenges Associated with Survival in a Resource-Limited Setting

BACKGROUND

Preterm babies have constituted a major constraints on human and material resources due to early mortality and long term disability among survivors. Rates of disability among survivors have increased over the period, with high rates of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the survival and management challenges of preterm babies in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Borno State REUSLTS: Of the 1129 preterm babies managed in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), 714 cases notes were retrieved and analyzed giving a retrieval rate of 63%. There were 256 (35.9%) preterm babies as in-born, while 458 (64.1%) were out-born. Male preterm babies were 372 (52.1%), while female preterm babies were 342 (47.9%); with female to male ratio of 1.08:1. Extreme low birth weight (<1000grams) were 17 (2.3%), very low birth weight (1000-1499 grams) were 288 (40.3%) while low birth weight (1500-2499 grams) were 406 (56.9%). We also documented 3 preterm babies whose weights >2500 grams were large for gestational age weight. Duration of oxygen therapy (p = 0.620), duration of phototherapy (p = 0.474), and EBT (p = 0.466) showed no association with their survival while only duration of incubator care (p = 0.005) demonstrated significant association with outcome.

CONCLUSION

The population of preterm babies studied is 32.70% and their survival has remarkably improved. However, this improved survival of preterm babies especially the extreme and very low birth weight categories has posed a big challenge due to limited access to incubator care, use of caffeine and surfactant which might influence the outcome.

Targeting MDR-1 gene expression, BAX/BCL2, caspase-3, and Ki-67 by nanoencapsulated imatinib and hesperidin to enhance anticancer activity and ameliorate cardiotoxicity

There is a great demand to introduce new approaches into cancer treatment field due to incidence of increased breast cancer all over the world. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of imatinib mesylate (IM) and/or hesperidin (HES) nanoparticles alone or in combination in enhancing the anticancer activity and to investigate the ability of nanoencapsulation to reduce cardiotoxicity of IM in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)-bearing mice. IM and HES were loaded into PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer. SEC was induced in female albino mice as a model for experimentally induced breast cancer. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10). On day 28 from tumor inoculation, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes for hematological studies, biochemical determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels. In addition, tumor and cardiac tissues were utilized for histopathological examination as well as determination of MDR-1 gene expression. Immunohistochemical staining of BAX and BCL-2 was done. Nano IM- and/or Nano HES-treated groups showed a significant reduction in tumor volume, weight, hematological, cardiac markers, and tumor MDR-1 gene downregulation compared to free conventional treated groups. In conclusion, the use of HES as an adjuvant therapy with IM could improve its cytotoxic effects and limit its cardiac toxicity. Furthermore, nanoencapsulation of IM and/or HES with PLGA polymer showed a remarkable anticancer activity.

Effects of silymarin and mesenchymal stem cells on hematological and some biochemical changes induced by gamma radiation in albino rats

Purpose: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of silymarin and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to ameliorate the damage caused by gamma radiation.Materials and methods: MSCs were given by intravenous injection to male rats (1.4 × 10⁷ cells), 1 day next to gamma radiation (4Gy). While, silymarin was administered orally at a dose of 70 mg/kg b. wt., 3 days before irradiation and continued for 21 days post irradiation.Results: After 1 and 3 weeks post-irradiation, the results revealed a significant decline in red blood corpuscles (RBCs), white blood corpuscles (WBCs) and platelets count with rising in serum lipid profile [total lipids (TL), total glycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels] and total bilirubin; while significant decreases in serum total protein and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were observed. In irradiated animals receiving double treatment with MSCs and silymarin; amelioration of the changes observed in hematological and biochemical parameters when comparing with the irradiated group.Conclusions: Treatment with a radio-protector (such as silymarin) in addition to MSCs transplantation was recommended to protect against gamma radiation injury.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria

OBJECTIVE

This study determined the prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological risk factors were collected from 400 consecutive pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 statistical software. Association between variables was compared by using the Chi-square (χ2 ) and Fisher's exact tests while P < 0.05 was considered significant at 95.0% confidence level.

RESULT

The prevalence of BV among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge was 17.3%. Age 20-24 years, multigravidity, lack of western education and unemployment were associated with increased prevalence of BV. Yellowish, watery vaginal discharge (P = 0.001) was associated with BV. Dysuria, dyspareunia and lower abdominal tenderness were associated with BV (P = 0.001). Fifty three (77%) of patients had BV during the second trimester compared to 6 (9%) who had it in the 1 st trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of BV in this study may necessitate adequate screening of pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge in order to give appropriate treatment and avoid complications associated with it.

Passive measles immunity in a Nigerian tertiary health care facility: the influence of human immunodeficiency virus infection on measles antibody levels in mother-infant pairs at birth

BACKGROUND

Infants are protected from measles infection by maternal measles antibodies (MMA). The level of these MMA at birth in newborn children depends on the levels in their mother and the extent of placental transfer. We investigated maternal HIV infection as a predictor of levels of MMA in mother-infant pairs in Maiduguri.

METHODS

A total of 180 mother-infant pairs were tested for MMA between 15th January and 29th March 2010. Levels of MMA were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test.

RESULTS

Fifteen (8.3%) mothers were found with HIV infection and all were on antiretroviral treatment for HIV, and all of them had protective MMA. Of these mothers with HIV infection, only one (0.6%) of their newborn infants had un-protective level of maternal measles antibody. Maternal measles antibodies in mother-infant pairs had significant correlation (p = 0.005) for both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected groups. The mean MMA of the newborn children was lower in infants of HIV-infected mothers than in HIV-uninfected mothers (p = 0.37). Linear regression analysis showed no significant association between maternal HIV infection and MMA in mother-infant pairs (p = 0.72) for mothers and (p = 0.37) for newborn infants.

CONCLUSION

Maternal HIV infection was not associated with significantly reduced MMA in mother-infant pairs, as high protective levels were evident in both mother-infant pairs at birth.

Suitability of soluble transferrin receptor for the clinical diagnosis of different types of anaemia in children

We evaluated the ability of serum transferrin receptor (sTFR) to identify different types of anaemia in children. Thus 150 Egyptian children suffering from anaemia (iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease and beta-thalassaemia) were enrolled, together with 50 controls. There was a significant increase in the mean levels of sTFR in the groups with iron deficiency anaemia and thalassaemia, and a significant decrease in mean sTFR levels in the group with anaemia of chronic disease. Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in all patient groups except the group with iron deficiency anaemia. There were also significant correlations between the sTFR and sTFR/log ferritin ratio (sTFR-F index) and different indices of iron status and of erythropoiesis. The sTFR-F index could be used as a diagnostic or screening tool for iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease and thalassaemia.

Endoscopic-guided trephination dacryocystorhinostomy (Hesham DCR): technique and pilot trial

OBJECTIVES

(1) Test the feasibility and the safety of guided transnasal trephination in creating a nasolacrimal fistula. (2) Develop an appropriate lacrimal maintainer and test its value in modulating healing at the fistula site.

DESIGN

Prospective, noncomparative interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Five cadavers and 19 patients.

METHOD

A transcanalicular lacrimal probe penetrated the lacrimal fossa to guide the passage of a flexible trephine up the nose, which created the nasolacrimal communication. A special wide-caliber lacrimal maintainer was inserted along lacrimal tubes within the created passage.

OUTCOME MEASURES

For cadaveric study, direct inspection after dissection of the facial flap was performed. For the clinical trial, subjective improvement in watery eye, dye testing, lacrimal probing, lacrimal irrigation, and endoscopic nasal examination.

RESULTS

The technique resulted in the creation of a regular fistula of reproducible diameter into which a standard-shaped wide caliber maintainer could be inserted. Three months after removal of the maintainer and 6 months after surgery, a patent ostium was achieved in 17 of 18 (94%) patients who had a completed procedure. Relief of symptoms was achieved in 83%.

CONCLUSIONS

Guided endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy provides a simple and safe option for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The lacrimal maintainer is a useful device to achieve a large patent nasolacrimal communication.

Endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy and external dacryocystorhinostomy outcome profile in a general ophthalmic service unit: a comparative retrospective study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome profile of endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy (ENL-DCR) in comparison with external dacryocystorhinostomy (ENL-DCR) carried out as part of general ophthalmic service within the same center.

METHODS

Patients who have undergone external or endonasal laser DCR in the authors institute with a minimum follow-up of 9 months and at least 3 months after removal of the tubes were invited to participate in this research. We used a questionnaire and a systematic clinical examination for detecting lacrimal passage patency and function. Patients were classified into categories: complete anatomical and physiological success; anatomical success with partial relief of symptoms; anatomical success with no relief of symptoms; anatomical failure. The endoscopic view of the ostium vertical location has been classified into four levels.

RESULTS

One hundred and ten external-DCR and 53 Endonasal-DCR procedures were evaluated. Free communication (anatomical success) was achieved in 82% undergoing Ext-DCR and in 58% undergoing ENL-DCR. A significant number of patients continued to have symptoms in spite of a patent fistula (54% for Ext-DCR and 39% for ENL-DCR). The site of the opening of the internal ostium was significantly related to the persistence of symptoms in spite of free communication (P < 0.001, chi-square test).

CONCLUSION

In this series of patients undergoing DCR in a general ophthalmic unit, the standard Ext-DCR technique has a higher anatomical success rate than the endoscopic laser DCR but not necessarily with equivalent rate of relief of symptoms. An inferiorly placed ostium is more likely to result in complete relief of symptoms.

Responding to the challenge of diabetic nephropathy: the historic evolution of detection, prevention and management

Diabetic nephropathy remains a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in western societies, accounting for about 40% of all patients beginning renal replacement therapy. Patients with type 2 diabetes comprise the largest and fastest growing single disease group requiring renal replacement therapy. In addition to the high risk of progression to ESRD, diabetic nephropathy is associated with a very high risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, which is not abolished by dialysis or renal transplantation. Over the past two decades there have been major advances in our attempts to understand the risk factors for development and progression of diabetic renal dysfunction, that have resulted in better characterisation of the natural history of this serious complication. Effective antihypertensive treatment and aggressive management of CV risk factors have helped improve the prognosis of patients with overt diabetic nephropathy, particularly those with type 1 diabetes. However, for the larger proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes, the renal and CV prognoses are still poor. Recently, more focus has been placed on treating diabetic patients early in order to prevent future organ damage. Microalbuminuria is an important intermediary end-point that correlates strongly with CV mortality in all people with diabetes as well as progression to ESRD in people with type 1 diabetes. We can now identify patients at high risk early in the natural history of their disease. Clinical trials have uniformly shown that in the early disease history of diabetes, achievement of both tight glucose control, eg, HbA1c <7%, and tight blood pressure control eg, blood pressure <140/80 mm Hg, substantially reduces CV events and progression of nephropathy. In latter stages of diabetes, tight blood pressure control has a relatively greater impact on CV risk reduction as compared to tight glucose control. The challenge for the practising physician, however, is to maximally utilise the available modalities of treatment to prevent progression to overt nephropathy and reduce the associated high risk of CV morbidity and mortality. In the early 21st century, the patient with type 2 diabetes will need to be the specific focus for use of these preventive treatment modalities due to the geometric risk in the international incidence of this disease.

Diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy remains a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in western societies, accounting for over one-third of all patients beginning renal replacement therapy. Patients with Type 2 diabetes comprise the largest and fastest-growing single disease group requiring renal support therapy. In addition to the high risk of progression to ESRD, diabetic nephropathy is associated with a very high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, which is not abolished by dialysis and renal transplantation. While the prognosis of patients with diabetic nephropathy has considerably improved, a greater focus has recently been placed on treating diabetic patients early in order to prevent future organ failure. Microalbuminuria is an important intermediary end-point that correlates strongly with future advanced renal disease and cardiovascular mortality. Recent evidence indicates that optimum glycaemic control, tight blood pressure control, and the regular screening for and early treatment of microalbuminuria are necessary to prevent the development and progression of diabetic renal disease. By utilizing such strategies, the challenge is to reduce the cumulative incidence of overt nephropathy, with its associated increase in cardiovascular mortality, and the requirement for renal support therapy. Over the next 5-10 years, the patient with Type 2 diabetes will need to be the specific focus of such preventive treatment modalities.

Should we routinely check for hepatitis B and C in patients with lichen planus or cutaneous vasculitis?

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBs-Ag and anti-HCV antibodies in a group of 43 patients with lichen planus and 19 patients with cutaneous vasculitis versus 30 controls. The results showed that 12 (27.9%) patients with lichen planus were positive for HBs-Ag, 9 (20.9%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies and 3 (7%) were positive for both. In cutaneous vasculitis patients, 3 (15.8%) were HBs-Ag-positive, 7 (36.8%) were anti-HCV-positive and 3 (15.8%) were positive for both. In the control group, 8 (26.7%) were HBs-Ag positive, 3 (10%) were anti-HCV-positive and 1 (3.3%) was positive for both. These values were not statistically significant.

Scanning electron microscope observations on the digenean intestinal parasite Astiotrema reniferum (Plagiorchiidae)

The body surface of adult digenean intestinal parasite Astiotrema reinferum (Looss, 1898) Stossich, 1904 has been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The posterior region of the body forms a slender stalk terminating with two ventrolateral lobes. The lobes are armed with numerous large spine that are sharply pointed and orientated in all directions. There are regional variations in the distribution of spines all-over the body. The spines are abundant on the general body surface of the head region, the rim of the oral sucker, the inner lip of the ventral sucker and on the posterior ventrolateral lobes. No spines were observed on the genital pore and on the excretory opening. The sensory papillae found on both the oral and ventral suckers are arranged in a bilateral symmetrical patterns. They are dome shaped but some of them possess a short knob-like process and others have no process. The papillae are more abundant on the oral sucker than on the ventral sucker. The possible functions of the spines and sensory papillae are discussed relative to their position.

Am empirical study of selected cost measures of clinical engineering service effectiveness

The growing demand for more and better healthcare service greatly expands the role of medical equipment in providing health services more effectively. The purpose of introducing clinical engineering programs in hospitals was to improve the effectiveness of healthcare institutions' utilization and management of medical technology. Over the last decade, the role of clinical engineering has grown in importance as a component of hospitals and the healthcare delivery system. Hospital administrators currently put a strong emphasis on cost effectiveness of clinical engineering services, to reduce the cost of acquisition and maintenance of equipment. Unfortunately, the lack of a commonly accepted definition of cost effectiveness has resulted in a certain amount of confusion over how the performance of clinical engineering services can or should be measured. The results presented in this paper should assist hospital administrators and clinical engineering program managers to establish a common understanding of what "cost effectiveness" means and how it can be achieved.

Effect of soybean feeding on experimental carcinogenesis--III. Carcinogenecity of nitrite and dibutylamine in mice: a histopathological study

The potential carcinogenic effect of nitrosamine precursors, DBA (dibutylamine) and nitrite, was clearly demonstrated pathologically in the liver and bladder of male Swiss albino mice. Benign tumours were induced in the bladder with an incidence of 40%, and hepatomas were detected in the liver in 27% of the cases. The protective effect of soybean and ascorbic acid, added separately to the diet or to the drinking water respectively, was demonstrated by a marked reduction in dysplastic features and absence of tumour in both the liver and the urinary bladder.