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Biomedical subjects

A Taha

Publications and source records attributed to A Taha.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Long-term effect of Trigonella foenum graecum and its combination with sodium orthovanadate in preventing histopathological and biochemical abnormalities in diabetic rat ocular tissues.

Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) and Sodium Orthovanadate (SOV) have been shown to demonstrate antidiabetic effects by stabilizing glucose homeostasis and carbohydrate metabolism in experimental type-1 diabetes. However their efficacy in controlling histopathological and biochemical abnormalities in ocular tissues associated with diabetic retinopathy is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparative efficacy of individual as well as combination therapy of TSP and SOV in 8 weeks diabetic rat lens and retina. Retinas and lenses were taken from control, alloxan-induced diabetic rats and diabetic rats treated separately with insulin, 5%TSP, SOV (0.6 mg/ml) and a combined dose of SOV (0.2 mg/ml) and 5%TSP for 60 days. Control and each experimental group had six rats. Alterations in the activities of enzymes HK (hexokinase), AR (aldose reductase), SDH (sorbitol dehydrogenase), G-6-PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GR (glutathione reductase) and levels of metabolites like sorbitol, fructose, glucose, MDA (malondialdehyde) and GSH (reduced glutathione) were measured in the cytosolic fraction of lenses besides measuring blood glucose levels and glycosylated haemoglobin. Histopathological abnormalities were studied in the lens using photomicrography and retina using transmission electron microscopy. Blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin levels and polyol pathway enzymes AR and SDH increased significantly causing accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the diabetic lens and treatment with SOV and TSP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased these to control levels. Similarly, SOV and TSP treatments modulated the activities of HK, G-6-PD, GPx and GR in the rat lens to control values. Ultrastructure of the diabetic retina revealed disintegration of the inner nuclear layer cells with reduction in rough endoplasmic reticulum and swelling of mitochondria in the bipolar cells; and these histopathological events were effectively restored to control state by SOV and TSP treatments. In this study SOV and TSP effectively controlled ocular histopathological and biochemical abnormalities associated with experimental type-1 diabetes, and a combination regimen of low dose of SOV with TSP demonstrated the most significant effect. In conclusion, the potential of SOV and TSP alone or in low dose combination may be considered as promising approaches for the prevention of diabetic retinopathy and other ocular disorders.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed2004

Nutrition in humanitarian crises.

It is anticipated that humanitarian crisis situations will continue to occur in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region affecting large segments of vulnerable populations. Subsequently the magnitude and effectiveness of the humanitarian response, particularly for food and nutrition, must be based on best practices and sound information of affected populations. To bridge the burgeoning gap between the food and nutrition needs of affected populations and the available resources, four key areas need to be addressed by the humanitarian agencies: adequate knowledge and skills in public health nutrition; effective coordination between humanitarian organizations when conducting nutritional assessments and interventions; efficient and appropriate delivery of services; communication, awareness and advocacy. This paper discusses approaches to how these may be improved.

Altruism↗
PubMed2001

[Kidney cancer. Report of 170 cases].

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is the analysis of the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this affection which is usually discovered at a delayed stage in our context. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 170 renal cancer, collected during a period of 15 years (1985-2000). Ninety-two men and 78 women were studied, their mean-age was 50 years (15-81 years). The diagnosis was relied on clinical, radiological and histological arguments. RESULTS: Lumbar pain, hematuria and enormous mass were present in 85 cases (50%). The ultrasound and computed exams permitted the diagnosis and also evaluated the venous and locoregional extension. The treatment consisted on large nephrectomy practiced in 114 patients (67%), abstention in 56 cases (33%) due to the advanced stage of the tumor. The histological exam concludes to clear cell adenocarcinoma in 91.2% of cases. CONCLUSION: The authors deplore the delayed diagnosis of renal cancer in our context which is responsible of a high rate of abstention (33%); and underline the interest of the early diagnosis for an adequate management.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗
PubMed2000

Comparative analysis of the granulin regions of the Phthorimaea operculella and Spodoptera littoralis granuloviruses.

The nucleotide sequence of two cloned restriction fragments encompassing the granulin genes from the granuloviruses of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella, PhopGV, and the Egyptian cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis, SpliGV, have been determined. Although both viruses are able to infect the same Ph. operculella cell line, their granulins do not cluster in the same phylogenetic branches. PhopGV ganulin is closely related to Cydia pomonella GV (CpGV) and Cryptophlebia leucotreta GV (ClGV) (95.2 and 94% identity at the aminoacid level), while SpliGV granulin falls close to Trichoplusia ni GV and Xestia c-nigrum GV (91.6 and 92.0% respectively). The gene organization around the granulins reflects this clustering. Upstream the PhopGV granulin, an ORF belonging to the ME53 gene family (as ORF 124R of CpGV and 909 of ClGV) is present, while no equivalent ORF is found in this region in SpliGV. Downstream the granulin, both viruses present a gene homologous to the Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) ORF 9 followed by a Protein Kinase (AcMNPV ORF10). The structure of this region seems thus conserved not only among nucleopolyhedroviruses but also in at least some granuloviruses.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Detection of Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus in vivo and in vitro by a specific DNA probe.

In analyzing populations of non-infected potato tuber moth (PTM) Phthorimaea operculella, using a total DNA probe from Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV), false positive reactions were obtained indicating homology between cellular and viral DNAs. Using a cloned 2.1 kbp fragment of PhopGV DNA, a specific digoxigenin-labeled probe was developed. This fragment did not show homology using both dot and Southern blot hybridization with either the genome of the larvae or genomes of the cell lines derived from the insect. The PhopGV-specific DNA probe detected as little as 1 ng, while the total DNA probe could detect even 35 pg of purified viral DNA. The 2.1 kb probe was highly specific for PhopGV. It gave negative results with two other granuloviruses isolated on Sesamia cretica and Spodoptera littoralis. The availability of a PhopGV-specific probe is an important prerequisite of detection of early stages of virus infection both in vivo on P. operculella larvae and in vitro on established P. operculella cell lines.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Results of suture of the radial, median, and ulnar nerves after missile injury below the axilla.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional outcome and return to work after suture of upper extremity nerves after low-velocity missile injury. METHODS: Forty-one patients had suture of the radial, median, and/or ulnar nerves between the wrist and axilla, 3 to 17 weeks after low-velocity missile injury. Postoperative functional outcome was good if no supplemental techniques (permanent splints, tendon or muscle transfer, fusion) were required, fair if supplemental techniques were required to restore a functional hand, and poor if the hand was severely deformed. The follow-up period was 14 to 38 months. RESULTS: Supplemental techniques followed the suture of 11% of radial, 45% of median, 72% of ulnar, and 100% of combined median and ulnar nerve injury. After suture +/- supplemental techniques, patients returned to work in 100% of radial, 55% of median, 57% of ulnar, and 0% of combined median and ulnar nerve injuries. CONCLUSION: Nerve suture between the wrist and axilla and supplemental techniques achieve functional recovery in the majority of patients after missile injury with good expectations for return to work, except in combined median and ulnar nerve injuries.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1998

Results of suture of the sciatic nerve after missile injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional recovery after suture of the sciatic nerve after missile injury. METHODS: We reviewed the outcome of 23 adults and four children who had the sciatic nerve sutured above the knee 3 to 14 weeks after missile injury and who were followed for 14 to 36 months. RESULTS: In adults, useful motor recovery was significantly better after suture of tibial (83%) than peroneal (39%) nerves, after suture of nerves at the thigh (71%) than at the buttock (31%) level, and after end-to-end anastomosis (74%) than grafting (39%). Useful sensory function was recovered in 78% of tibial nerves. Fifty-seven percent of adults walked wearing special shoes or pads. Significantly better recovery occurred in children, who all walked with normal footwear. CONCLUSION: We advocate exploration of the sciatic nerve at any level within 3 months if no spontaneous recovery occurs after a missile injury. We do not advocate exploration of the sciatic nerve at the buttock level if only peroneal function is lost except in children.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1997

A new small RNA virus persistently infecting an established cell line of Galleria mellonella, induced by a heterologous infection.

A persistent infection in a Galleria mellonella cell line was revealed when infected with a maize stem borer picorna-like virus isolated on Sesamia cretica (MSBV). The new virus, completely different from the MSBV, is designated as G. mellonella cell line virus (GmclV), induces spectacular cytopathic effects, and is also considered efficient in vivo. The GmclV is a 29-nm-diameter isometric virus, with single-strand RNA of 2.9 x 10(6) Da molecular weight with a poly(A) tract. Its capsid is constituted of only two major polypeptides, of 34,500 and 32,500 Da, and no minor bands could be detected. The characteristics of the GmclV do not permit us to classify it with assurance. Even though it has not yet been identified as a picornavirus, it can be classified in the small RNA virus group of the Picornaviridae. G. mellonella represents a very interesting model, owing to the fact that two different persistent viruses belonging to the same family were isolated in vivo and in vitro, to further the understanding of the general phenomenon of persistency and induction.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Correction of a malunited vertical shear fracture : Staged sliding osteotomy of the pelvic ring.

The authors describe a posterior and anterior osteotomy of the pelvis for correction of a posttraumatic deformity in a 22-year-old female patient. As a shortening of the leg of 4 cm had occurred, surgery was performed in 2 stages. Between these 2 operations skeletal traction was employed. Main indications for this type of surgery included shortening of the leg, gait difficulties and poor posture while sitting. However, poor general health is considered to be a contraindication for such a risky surgery. During the surgical procedure all soft tissues preventing an proper correction have to be dissected or detached, particularly the sacrospinal and sacrotuberal ligaments. Screw fixation guarantees the correction. Exercises can be started as soon as the fragments become stable. Injuries to vessels and nerves are the most frequently encountered complications.The patient was symptom-free after 1 year postoperatively, mobility of both hips and her gait were normal. The author could observe a complete remodelling of the osteotomies after 1 year.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Multiplication of a granulosis virus isolated from the potato tuber moth in a new established cell line of Phthorimaea operculella.

A newly established cell line was obtained from the culture of embryonic cells of the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella in low temperature conditions (19 degrees C) using modified Grace's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The population doubling time was about 80 h when cells were cultivated at 19 degrees C and 38 h at 27 degrees C. The cell line had a relatively homogeneous population consisting of various sized spherical cells. The cells were cultivated for more than 25 passages. Their polypeptidic profile was different from profiles of other P. operculella cell lines we previously described and from other lepidopteran cells. The new cell line was designated ORS-Pop-95. The complete replication of the potato tuber moth granulosis virus (PTM GV) was obtained in vitro by both viral infection and DNA transfection. PTM GV multiplied at a significant level during several passages of the cell line that was maintained at 19 degrees C. As long as the cells were maintained at 19 degrees C, virus multiplication could also be obtained at the same rate at 27 degrees C. To compare PTM GV multiplied both in vivo and in vitro, we used morphological identification, serological, DNA probe diagnosis and endonuclease digest profile analysis and confirmed the identity of the virus.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Coeliac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease.

A well defined cohort of coeliac patients was studied prospectively to assess the prevalence of coexisting thyroid disease and positive thyroid autoantibodies. Comparison with epidemiological data on the prevalence of coeliac disease in a neighbouring area suggested that few adult coeliac patients had been missed. Overall, 14% of the coeliac patients had thyroid disease: 10.3% were hypothyroid and 3.7% hyperthyroid, both significantly more than expected. There were significantly more coeliac disease patients with thyroid autoantibodies than expected--11% had thyroglobulin antibodies and 15% had thyroid microsomal antibodies. This association is clinically important. Three patients are described in whom the coexistence of coeliac disease and hypothyroidism led to diagnostic difficulties and delay of treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Torsade de pointe. Report of 18 cases.

Eighteen patients with long QT interval and recurrent ventricular tachycardia, torsade de pointe, were studied. Fourteen patients had an underlying heart disease. The factors involved in the appearance of this arrhythmia were: antiarrhythmic drugs (55.5%), complete heart block (33.5%), Romano-Ward syndrome (5.5%) and hypokalemic periodic paralysis (5.5%). In drug-induced torsade de pointe the QT interval was moderately prolonged. Seven patients (70%) had hypokalemia and 5 patients were bradycardic (50%). In patients with heart block-induced torsade de pointe, the QT interval was markedly prolonged. The ventricular rate was markedly slow (38 beat/min +/- 6 SD), and hypokalemia was less obvious (33.3%). In all cases there were ventricular extrasystoles with bigeminy, couplets or polymorphism on the basic ECG. Long-short sequence initiating the torsade de pointe was observed in 83 out of the 92 episodes. The withdrawal of the offensive drug or the correction of a treatable cause was sufficient to prevent torsade de pointe while the use of isoproterenol was effective in 7 patients who received this drug alone or prior to the ventricular pacing which was successfully used in 9 patients. Lidocaine was ineffective or had deleterious effects in 15 patients where electrical cardioversion required repeated use with an average of 5 times/patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Primary hyperparathyroidism--a surgical review of 12 cases.

Twelve cases of primary hyperparathyroidism operated by the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Surgical Team from 1978 to 1989 were reviewed. There was a preponderance of Indian females in this series. The majority of the cases presented late and with complications. Renal calculi and bone disease were the commonest complications noted. Of the 12 patients, 9 had single parathyroid adenoma of which 4 were ectopically located, and 2 had hyperplasia of the parathyroids. These were all successfully operated. The remaining patient had 2 failed neck explorations. Failure at initial exploration was due to ectopic location of the glands. Meticulous surgical technique, knowledge of the anatomical variations of location of the parathyroid glands and availability of frozen section facility are essential for successful outcome.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1988

Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of elevated intracranial pressure after head injury.

This study is the first to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) after severe head injury during documented controlled ventilation, hypocapnea, and minute-by-minute ICP data collection. We studied the effect of HBO at 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA) with 100% O2, on ICP in 2 patients, aged 5 and 21 years. Each patient had diffuse cerebral swelling after blunt trauma and after a gun shot wound, respectively. Both required controlled hyperventilation, osmotic diuretics and ICP monitoring. ICP, mean arterial blood pressure, pulse and atmospheric pressure were recorded at 1-min intervals during 1-hour treatments and for 15 min before and after HBO therapy. Controlled hyperventilation was continued during HBO therapy and PCO; was measured at intervals. Each patient underwent 4 treatments. Data was divided into 5 phases, all at 100% O2; (1) prior to therapy; (2) during pressurization from 1 to 2 ATA; (3) at 2 ATA; (4) during depressurization from 2 to 1 ATA, and (5) after HBO therapy. During pressurization the mean ICP dropped from 13 to 8 Torr, rising to 14 Torr during HBO therapy at 2 ATA, and to 16 Torr during depressurization to 1 atmosphere, then returning to 12 Torr after HBO therapy. We conclude from this preliminary work that HBO may lower ICP in head-injured patients with diffuse cerebral swelling during the first 15 min, or pressurization phase, of therapy. However, rebound elevations in ICP may occur during or after treatment. No lasting effects of treatment were seen after concluding therapy. The effect of HBO on elevated ICP has not yet been clarified, but deserves further careful study in those patients with severe enough injury to require ICP monitoring.

Adult↗