Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences 

About: Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Health care. It has an ISSN identifier of 1857-5749. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 416 publications have been published receiving 1958 citations.

Antidiabetic Activities of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill. Essential Oil in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract: Background: Foeniculum vulgare Mill (F. Apiaceae) is an ancient common herb and spice known to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, traditionally used as a carminative, a weak diuretic and lactation stimulant. Aim: To evaluate the essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill for its hypoglycaemic effect and antioxidant activity in addition to histopathological study in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into 3 groups; normal control, diabetic control, and diabetic group receiving orally Foeniculum vulgare Mill essential oil (30 mg/kg bw).The dose of essential oil was chosen according to its LD50. Serum glucose and whole blood glutathione peroxidase were measured in addition to histopathological study of rats kidney and pancreas. Results: Ingestion of essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill to diabetic rats corrected the hyperglycemia from (162.5 ± 3.19 mg/dl) to (81.97 ± 1.97 mg/dl) with p<0.05 and the activity of serum glutathione peroxidase from (59.72 ± 2.78 U/g Hb) to (99.60 ± 6.38 U/g Hb) with p<0.05. Also, improved the pathological changes noticed in their kidney and pancreas. Conclusion: Essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill corrected the hyperglycemia and pathological abnormalities in diabetic induced rats, which could be in part through its antioxidative effect and restoring of redox homeostasis. This makes the possibility of its inclusion in antidiabetic drug industry.

Concept of one health - a new professional imperative.

Abstract: 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Department of Biology and Pathology of Fish, Honeybees and Wildlife, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia; 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia; 3Veterinary Station and Laboratory Trust Vet, Bul. Brakja Ginoski bb, 1230 Gostivar, Republic of Macedonia

Neonatal Complications Related with Prolonged Rupture of Membranes

Abstract: Background. Prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common and significant cause of preterm labor and has a major impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine maternal risk factors and the prevalence rate of neonatal complications following PROM . This study also detected the role of maternal antimicrobial treatment on neonatal complications. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at Ghaem hospital, Mashhad, Iran; from March 2008 to April 2010 to evaluate newborns’ outcome that were born from mothers with prolonged premature rupture of membranes (PROM> 18 hours). Maternal risk factors, antibiotic administration and its influences on neonatal complications were evaluated. Eligible infants were categorized into group I (symptomatic infants), II (mother with chorioamnionitis) and III (asymptomatic infants). Results. 150 infants were included in the study. 12 (7.7%) infants had definitive infections (meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia), 101(67%) infants were premature and 88(58.6%) infants had mothers with a history of antibiotic intake. Maternal risk factors were reported in the following order: previous PROM (10%), addiction (8%), high urinary tract infection (5/3%), diabetes (4.7%), placenta abruption (4.7%), preeclampsia (3/3%) and cercelage (2%). Neonatal complications related with PROM were prematurity (67.3%), respiratory distress syndrome (22.6%), asphyxia (8.6%), meningitis (5.2%), sepsis (4%), pneumonia (1.3%) and death (4.6%). History of antibiotic administration to mothers with PROM was negative in four babies with sepsis and one with meningitis. Conclusion. The most common complication of PROM was prematurity and its side effects, but infection is the most important modifiable complication. Although antimicrobial treatment of women with a history of PROM improves neonatal outcome through reducing neonatal sepsis and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), but the incidence rate of meningitis and pneumonia may be increased.

Clinical Course and Prognosis of Hemolytic Jaundice in Neonates in North East of Iran

Abstract: Background: Hemolytic jaundice is the most serious cause of hyperbilirubinemia among neonates. It may develop to kernicterus due to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of hemolytic jaundice, predisposing factors and assessment of treatment and complications in hemolytic jaundice. Methods: This prospective descriptive study has been performed on 1568 newborns with jaundice as their chief complaint, in a seven-year period at Ghaem hospital in Mashhad, Iran. 795 neonates were included in our study (237 infants with hemolytic jaundice and 558 infants with idiopathic jaundice). Complete physical examinations and laboratory tests were performed and data were recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out, using SPSS 11.5 statistical package. Results: In the present study, significant differences were determined between two groups of hemolytic and idiopathic jaundice for total serum bilirubin, hematocrit, time of jaundice appearance, age of admission, hospitalization period and incidence of kernicterus (p<0.001). Newborns with ABO incompatibility (17%), Rh disease (7%), G6PD deficiency (6%) and minor blood group immunization (2%) were developed to hyperbilirubinemia, respectively. Among the newborns affected with kernicterus, 12 cases were placed in group with ABO hemolytic disease (9%), 3 cases were in Rh isoimmunization group (5.5%), 4 cases were in G6PD deficiency group (8.9%) and 9 cases were idiopathic (1.6%). Conclusion: Jaundice due to hemolysis is associated with a higher serum bilirubin and more complications like kernicterus. ABO incompatibility was the most common reason of hemolytic jaundice among neonates in north east of Iran. Special attention to ABO incompatibility and G6PD enzyme screening may decrease complications and improve the prognosis.

Honey between traditional uses and recent medicine.

Abstract: From ancient times, honey was not only used as a natural sweetener but also as a healing agent. Many health-promoting and curative properties attributed to it are the basis for some traditional folk medicine treatments throughout the world today. Its beneficial effects in different disorders, rediscovered in recent decades , varying from its antibacterial effects and benefits in wound healing to its safe role in peptic ulcer, gastroenteritis, oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology and dental hygiene. This will be discussed in this review on the basis of a series of scientific studies conducted to investigate the therapeutic properties of this natural product.