The ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the normal buffalo and camel eye globes were described in 60 buffaloes (Bos bubalis) aged 1 year (28 eyes) and 10 years (32 eyes), and in 51 humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) aged 1 year (26 eyes) and 10 years (24 eyes). Ocular measurements were recorded by A- and B-scan ultrasonographic examination of 40 buffalo eyes (18 young and 22 adult eyes) and 34 camel eyes (14 young and 20 adult eyes) using a KANGH ultrasound scanner equipped with 10 MHz probe. For gross measurements, 20 buffalo and 16 camel eye globes were frozen and dissected and the same measurements were made using fine callipers macroscopically. The aqueous and vitreous humour of the buffalo and camel eyes appeared anechoic. The cornea, anterior and posterior lens capsule and iris appeared hyperechoic. The ocular measurements for the axial length, vitreous chamber depth (VCD), corneal thickness, lens thickness and scleroretinal rim thickness increase with the advance of age in both buffaloes and camels. Except for the anterior chamber depth, VCD and lens thickness, which were larger in adult camels than in adult buffaloes, no other differences between ocular dimensions were observed in both species. The results of this study are valuable for comparative ocular anatomy and will be useful for ultrasonographic evaluation of ocular diseases in buffaloes and camels.

Given the lack of adequate research on (Dioon spinulosum) Dyer Ex Eichler, this study was conducted focusing on different biological activities and phytochemical investigation of D. spinulosum for the first time. D. spinulosum showed strong protective activity against DNA damage and potent activity against VERO cell line. It also presented antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activity. Phytochemical investigation of the leaves resulted in isolation of two new flavonoids, apigenin 7-O-α-D-glucopyranoside (15) and amentoflavone 7-O-α-Lrhamnopyranoside (16) were isolated from Dioon spinulosum leaves in addition to fifteen known compounds: phytone (1), trans-phytol (2), β-sitosterol (3), stigmasterol (4), oliveriflavone (5), 7,4′,7″,4″′-tetramethylamentoflavone (6), 7,4',7''-trimethylamentoflavone (7), scaidopitysin (8), bilobetin (9), isoginkgetin (10), aromadendrin (11), sotusflavone (12), engeletin (14) and eriocitrin (17) for the first time together with amentoflavone (13). Compounds (11) and (13) displayed very strong cytotoxic activity and showed the highest protective activity against DNA damage.

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Introduction: Energy drinks provide the consumer witha combination of stimulants and energy boosters that increases the physical endurance, concentration, muscular performance and mood. Despite their benefits, many health hazards occur that may be attributed to its caffeine content. Aim: To study the effect of a caffeinated energy drink on the histological structure of submandibular salivary gland of albino rats and evaluation of the effect of its withdrawal. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups: control group, group II (received the energy drink in a dose 3.75 ml/Kg daily orally for 8 weeks), group III (received the energy drink in a dose 3.75 ml/Kg daily orally for 8 weeks, and left for another 8 weeks without treatment). The submandibular salivary gland specimens were taken and prepared for light and electron microscopic study and immunohistochemical staining for myoepithelial cells using anti α-SMA antibody. Results: Specimens from group II showed disturbance of the normal structure of the submandibular salivary glands. The lining epithelium of the acini and ducts showed cytoplasmic vacuoles with compressed or pyknotic nuclei. Disturbance of the basal striation of the cells lining striated ducts. There was deposition of abundant collagen fibers between the lobules and around the acini and ducts. A statistically highly significant increase in α-SMA immunoreaction was noticed around the acini, intercalated, striated and granular ducts. Ultrastructurally, fusion of the secretory granules, swollen mitochondria, dilatation and fragmentation of rough endoplasmic reticulum of the acinar cells were observed. Amelioration of the previous histological changes was detected in group III after withdrawal of the caffeinated energy drink. Conclusion: The caffeinated energy drink induced structural changes in the submandibular salivary gland of Albino rats which were partially ameliorated by its withdrawal. So, excessive intake of the caffeinated energy drinks should be considered as health hazard for human.

Background: Capecitabine is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the treatment of malignancies. Ocular disorders have been reported with capecitabine therapy. Hesperidin is a naturally occurring compound derived mainly from citrus fruits and has a wide range of pharmacological activities and a proposed role in combating many ocular diseases. Aim: To evaluate the potential protective role of hesperidin against the corneal toxicity caused by capecitabine in adult male albino rats. Material and Methods: Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups; control group, hesperidintreated group (50 mg/kg), capecitabine-treated group (40 mg/kg), and combination-treated "capecitabine and hesperidintreated" group. Animals were orally administered once daily for one month. Specimens from the cornea were processed for light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical study was performed using antibodies against p53. Results: Specimens from capecitabine-treated animals showed significant decrease of epithelial thickness. The corneal epithelial cells showed nuclear alteration and vacuolated cytoplasm. The stromal collagen fibers were irregularlyarranged and widely separated with neovascularization and mononuclear cellular infiltration. Ultrastructurally, focal widening of the intercellular spaces, partial loss of desmosomal junctions and swollen mitochondria were observed. The immunohistochemical study showed a significant increase in p53 immunoreaction. In contrast, minimal changes were observed in rats treated concomitantly with both capecitabine and hesperidin, with a non significant increase in the immunoreactions. Conclusion: Capecitabine induced structural changes in cornea of adult albino rat that could be ameliorated by concomitant treatment with hesperidin.

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Introduction: Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum insecticide with widespread usage in agricultural fields despite its toxic effects on human health. Avocado is a highly valuable fruit proven to have curative and preventive role in numerous diseases. Aim: To evaluate the protective role of avocado pulp extract on chlorpyrifos-induced injury on the thyroid gland in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups; control group, avocadotreated group (300 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos-treated group (5.4 mg/kg), and both avocado-and chlorpyrifos-treated group. Doses were given orally, daily for 4 consecutive weeks. Specimens of the thyroid gland were processed for histological and immunohistochemical examinations. A morphometric study and statistical analysis of the findings were performed for different groups. Results: Compared to the control group, the specimens of the chlorpyrifos-treated rats showed degenerated follicles with exfoliated follicular cells in the lumen. Increased amount of collagen fibers and decreased PAS-reaction were observed. Immunohistochemistry showed a significant increase in caspase-3 immunoexpression. The mean height of the thyroid follicular epithelial cells was significantly decreased with significant decrease in area of colloid. In contrast, minimal changes appeared in the group treated concomitantly with both avocado and chlorpyrifos. Conclusion: Avocado pulp extract exerted an excellent role in protecting the thyroid gland from chlorpyrifos injurious-effects in rats.

Background: Paclitaxel is a neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agent. The sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy is a serious dose limiting complication of paclitaxel therapy. Propolis is a natural honeybee product collected from plants. It has broad biological and pharmacological activities and a proposed neuroprotective role. Aim: To assess the possible protective role of propolis on paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in rat's sciatic nerve. Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups; control group, propolistreated group (50 mg/kg orally once daily), paclitaxel -treated group (16 mg/kg intraperitoneally once a week), and both paclitaxel & propolis-treated group. Animals were treated for 5 consecutive weeks. Specimens of sciatic nerve were processed for histological study by light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical study was carried out using CD68 antibody. Morphometric study and statistical analysis of light microscopic data were performed for all groups. Results: Compared to the control group, the sciatic nerve specimens of the paclitaxel-treated rats showed splitting of myelin lamellae with infolded myelin loops, together with invagination and evagination of the myelin sheath. Changes in the axons included formation of myelin figures, compression and irregularity. Schwann cells showed cytoplasmic vacuolation and dilated rER. Immunohistochemical study revealed a significant increase in the number of CD68 positive cells. On the other hand, minimal changes were observed in rats treated concomitantly with both paclitaxel and propolis, with a non-significant increase in CD68 positive cells. Conclusion: Paclitaxel induced structural changes in the myelinated fibers of sciatic nerve of albino rats. The concomitant treatment with propolis ameliorated these changes.