Pramipexole protective effect on rotenone induced neurotoxicity in mice

Introduction: 
Pramipexole is a new dopaminergic drug which has been approved for PD treatment. However, we tried to find a new capacity for this drug rather than symptomatic effect. 

Materials and Methods: 
A chronic rotenone model with daily oral dose of 30mg/kg was induced in mice. Pramipexole was tried in a new approach where the treatment began in the middle of rotenone course with oral dose 1mg/kg/day of pramipexole. 

Results: 
Further analysis of behavioral tests and immunohistochemistry revealed success of pramipexole in improving the rotenone intoxicated mice. 

Conclusion: 
These results showed possible beneficial effects of pramipexole against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity

Mangifera indica peels: A common waste product with impressive immunostimulant, anticancer and antimicrobial potency

The volatile components of 3 mango cultivars were investigated by means of GC, and GC-MS. Two hundred and forty compounds were identified, of which eighty five compounds were found for the first time in mango fruit. Terpene hydrocarbons were the major volatiles of all cultivars, the dominant terpenes in the 3 mango cultivars were ?-3-carene (2.784-14.904%), ?-terpinolene (4.825-15.879%), ?-copaene (2.281-8.097%), and caryophyIlene (3.390-10.897%). peel essential oils of M. indica cultivar zebdeya and M. indica cultivar cobaneya showed appreciable non specific immunostimulant activity measured by low Macrophage migration index. M. indica cultivar zebdeya and M. indica cultivar cobaneya had higher phagocytic indices up to 1.47and 1.06 respectively. The cytotoxicity of the essential oils were studied invitro against MCF-7, HCT-116 and Hep-G2 cancer cell lines using MTT assay showed significant effect with IC50 = 1.62-1.77, 2.95-5.56 and 2.76-3.14 µl/ml for respectively. Interestingly, M. indica cultivars zebdeya, cobaneya and hindi expressed a valuable cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line as compared to standard antitumor drug. The essential oils M. indica cultivars were tested by Kirby-Bauer method showing a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal activities. Generally, essential oils of the M. indica cultivars showed a moderate to high antibacterial activity with M. indica cultivar hindi being the most active showing broad spectrum activity against Gram-positive (18-21 mm) and Gram-negative bacteria (16-19 mm). It also showed significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans (16 mm); however, data revealed that all tested cultivars were ineffective and have no antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus. The MIC of the three M. indica cultivars essential oils revealed that although essential oils didn’t show antimicrobial activities against Aspergillus flavus the peel essential oils demonstrated variability in the inhibitory concentrations of each essential oil for the given microorganisms. The essential oils of peels showed activities in the range (concentrations) from 116 to 142 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar zebdeya, 58 to 89 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar hindi and from 121 to 172 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar cobaneya. The present investigation proved the possibility of using M. indica peel waste as a source of low-cost natural immunostimulant, anticancer and antimicrobial. Key words: Mangifera indica peels; waste product; immunostimulant, anticancer; antimicrobia

From Theory to Practice: Application of Self-Regulation Model for the Management of Fatigue among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Background: Cancer-related fatigue is a common distressing symptom that is present in most cancer patients at some point during the disease course. According to self-regulation model, inadequate management of fatigue may lead to increased fatigue distress and worsen patients’ outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of the self-regulation model on the management of fatigue for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used to collect data from the Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department and its relevant outpatient's clinic of Tanta Main University Hospital. A sample of 60 patients was interviewed during their follow-up. Sociodemographic, medical data, cancer fatigue scale, and the self-regulation questionnaire were used to collect data for the study. Results: Majority were in the age group 41 to 50 and 51 to 60 years old, 50% were males, 50% females and 58% were married. Most of the patients were high school and university graduates. More than half of the patients have had the disease for more than a year and were not smoking. Majority had GIT, pancreatic, kidney and prostatic cancer.  Physical, affective, and cognitive fatigue were reduced to the minimum at one month after application of the SRM with significant differences in the fatigue mean score at one month. Self-regulation was obviously improved at one month.  Understanding emotions reported a significant association with affective fatigue. In addition, self-regulation and problem-solving reported a significant association with cognitive fatigue. Conclusion and recommendations: Self-regulation Model applied in this study advises that cognitive and emotional regulation influences health‐related behaviours and coping behaviours which influence patients' management and control of their fatigue. Self-regulation model can be incorporated into rehabilitation programs, applied to other types of cancer and chronic illnesses and integrated into nursing curriculum and health education. Further research with a larger sample, qualitative design, and different patients' populations would add more to the nursing body of knowledge. Keywords: Fatigue, Self-Regulation Model, Cancer, Chemotherapy DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/63-10 Publication date:June 30th 201

Effect of Educational Program about Breast Cancer Knowledge and Breast Self-Examination Training on Building Accurate Information and Behavior among Women

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women world wide. It is the second to cervical cancer as a cause of death from cancer among women. The common age group affected is women above 30 years old. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the level of breast cancer knowledge and breast self-examination practice among women and also to examine the effect of educational program regarding breast cancer knowledge and breast Self-examination training on increasing awareness and changing behavior of women. Design and Setting: The study uses a quasi experimental design to collect data from the Faculty of Education for Science Departments in Dammam University at Hafer Al Batin Governate, Kingdome of Saudi Arabia. Sample: a convenience sample of 36 women who are working as a faculty and administrators in the Faculty of Education for Science Departments in Dammam University. Tools: Data collection tool consisted of 2 parts, socio-demographic part and assessment of knowledge and practice toward breast cancer and breast self-examination practice. Results: The program contributed to a significant improvement of the level of women’s knowledge regarding breast cancer and their practice of breast self-examination. Conclusion and Recommendation: Based on the findings of the study, women need to continue updating their  knowledge of breast cancer and keep their practice for breast self-examination in order to improve their health and have a better health outcomes Keywords: breast cancer, breast self-examination, educational program

LORNOXICAM-LOADED NANOSPONGES FOR CONTROLLED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT: IN VITRO/IN VIVO ASSESSMENT

Objective: To design a controlled topical delivery system of lornoxicam (LX) in order to enhance skin permeation and treatment efficacy. Nanosponges were selected as a novel carrier for this purpose. Methods: Nanosponges were formulated via the emulsion solvent evaporation method using ethyl cellulose (polymer) and polyvinyl alcohol (surfactant). Nanosponge dispersions were characterized for colloidal properties, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release study. The nanosponge formulation (LS1) was then incorporated into carboxymethyl cellulose sodium hydrogels and evaluated for pH, viscosity and in vitro drug release. Skin irritation was evaluated, and anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via rat hind paw edema method. Results: Nanosponges were in the nano-sized range and attained a uniform round shape with a spongy structure. LS1exhibited the highest LX release after 6 h, so it was incorporated as hydrogel. Formulated hydrogels showed acceptable physicochemical parameters (pH, drug content and rheological properties). Skin irritation testing proved LX-loaded nanosponge hydrogel formulation (G1) to be non-irritant. In vivo study revealed an enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of G1 for 6 h (p<0.001). Conclusion: The developed nanosponge hydrogel is an efficient nanocarrier for improved and controlled topical delivery of LX

New Solutions for System of Fractional Integro-Differential Equations and Abel’s Integral Equations by Chebyshev Spectral Method

Chebyshev spectral method based on operational matrix is applied to both systems of fractional integro-differential equations and Abel’s integral equations. Some test problems, for which the exact solution is known, are considered. Numerical results with comparisons are made to confirm the reliability of the method. Chebyshev spectral method may be considered as alternative and efficient technique for finding the approximation of system of fractional integro-differential equations and Abel’s integral equations

Chemical, physical, microbiological and quality attributes studies on River Nile crayfish

In Egypt, red crayfish has become an important new food source, a cheap and popular source of aquatic food, replacing the expensive marine crustaceans. Chemical, physical, microbiological and quality attributes of red crayfish samples were determined. Results show that total weight of inedible parts was 84.64% of the live weight. Value of raw fresh crayfish yield was higher than that boiled. Cooking loss tail meat for boiled crayfish was 33.88% of meat. Moisture, protein and ash contents of raw fresh red crayfish (%) were slightly higher than those of boiled, while fat, fiber and carbohydrates contents (%) were higher than those of raw fresh. Crayfish is considered as a good source for minerals. Amino acids content for raw fresh crayfish was relatively high and the reverse was recorded for boiled crayfish. In conclusion, the boiled red crayfish had better quality attributes than that of raw fresh.Keywords: Red swamp crayfish, chemical composition, physical properties, microbiological aspects and quality attribute

Effect of Sickle Cell Crises Prevention Guide for Children on Parents Knowledge and Reported Practices

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a global health concern associated with high childhood morbidity and mortality. The major associated complication is sickle cell crisis which cause frequent hospital admission. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sickle cell crises prevention guide for children on parents’ knowledge and reported practices. The study was conducted at Hematology & oncology unit of Pediatric department at Menoufia University Hospital and Health insurance hospital for children.  A quazi experimental design was used. A convenient sample of parents with sickle cell children in the above mentioned settings were selected (34 parents) from January to November 2018. One tool was used for data collection consists of 4-sections questionnaire to assess parents' knowledge and practice. The results of this study revealed that there were knowledge deficit between parents' about sickle cell disease, approximately two thirds of parents (64.7%) had improved on post intervention for reported practices of crisis prevention than pre intervention. Also, 79.4% of parents didn’t use social and cultural practices in prevention of sickle cell crises post intervention. Therefore, there was a highly statistical significance differences between pre and post intervention. Conclusion, implementing sickle cell prevention guide improve parents’ knowledge and reported practices for prevention of crises to promote children recovery. Recommendation, ensure that sickle cell booklets are made available to hospitals for parents in order to remind themselves on treatment and prevention of sickle cell crises. Keywords: Sickle cell crisis, knowledge, Practice DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/64-07 Publication date:July 31st 201

Investigation of the Nuclear Structure of Some Ni and Zn Isotopes with Skyrme-Hartree-Fock Interaction

تم التقصي عن عوامل التشكل C2 الغير مرن  وتوزيع كثافة الشحنة (CDD) لـ 58,60,62Ni  و 64,66,68Zn  من خلال استخدام طريقة Skyrme-Hartree-Fock مع معلمات (Sk35-Skzs *). تم حساب عوامل التشكل C2 غير المرن باستخدام شكل نماذج Tassie و Bohr-Mottelson مع الشحنات الفعالة المناسبة للبروتون والنيوترون لحساب مساهمة تأثيرات أستقطاب القلب. تمت مقارنة القيم النظرية المتوقعة مع البيانات المقاسة المتاحة لعوامل الشكل C2 و CDD وأظهرت توافقًا جيدًا جدًا.The inelastic C2 form factors and the charge density distribution (CDD) for 58,60,62Ni and 64,66,68Zn nuclei has been investigated by employing the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock method with (Sk35-Skzs*) parametrization. The inelastic C2 form factor is calculated by using the shape of Tassie and Bohr-Mottelson models with appropriate proton and neutron effective charges to account for the core-polarization effects contribution. The comparison of the predicted theoretical values was conducted with the available measured data for C2 and CDD form factors and showed very good agreement

A Methodology for Intentional Specification and User-Centered Documentation of Object-Oriented APIs

The ideal companion to any application programming interface (API) is its documentation, which can take various forms, such as API reference documentation, user guides, and tutorials. One of the essential resources for learning APIs, commonly found in many types of API documentation, is code examples that demonstrate common API usage. However, writing and maintaining effective API usage examples is often a demanding and repetitive process for API developers. This is because API users ideally expect these examples to be simple, standalone, and linear. This PhD research addresses this challenge by providing an approach to assist API developers in producing and maintaining effective API usage examples. The approach also aims to support the development of code examples that align with API users' expectations, thereby promoting API learnability. Additionally, this research proposes a method to assess coverage of API code examples. The proposed approach provides API developers with a dedicated API description language that enables them to concisely describe intended APIs. This API description is then utilised to report code example coverage both textually and visually. The evaluation conducted in this research demonstrates that the proposed techniques can reduce the effort required to write and maintain API code examples by minimising repetition in example code and generating linear code. A controlled user study further shows that linear code examples are easier to comprehend and are preferred by API users. The findings also indicate that the proposed code example coverage tool and its accompanying API description language can simplify the process of describing intended APIs for API developers by providing features that facilitate formal and concise API specifications