Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduce endometriosis cellular proliferation through their anti-inflammatory effects / 대한생식의학회지

Endometriosis is a chronic debilitating inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissues outside the uterine cavity. Pelvic soreness and infertility are the usual association. Due to the poor effectiveness of the hormone therapy and the high incidence of recurrence following surgical excision, there is no single effective option for management of endometriosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells studied for their broad immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties; however, their efficiency in endometriosis cases is still a controversial issue. Our study aim was to evaluate whether adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) could help with endometriosis through their studied anti-inflammatory role. Methods: Female Wistar rats weighting 180 to 250 g were randomly divided into two groups: group 1, endometriosis group; established by transplanting autologous uterine tissue into rats’ peritoneal cavities and group 2, stem cell treated group; treated with AD-MSCs on the 5th day after induction of endometriosis. The proliferative activity of the endometriosis lesions was evaluated through Ki67 staining. Quantitative estimation of interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and transforming growth factor β expression, as well as immunohistochemical detection of CD68 positive macrophages, were used to assess the inflammatory status. Results: The size and proliferative activity of endometriosis lesions were significantly reduced in the stem cell treated group. Stem cells efficiently mitigated endometriosis associated chronic inflammatory reactions estimated through reduction of CD68 positive macrophages and the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: Stem cell therapy can be considered a novel remedy in endometriosis possibly through its anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties.

Obesity may be erythropoietin dose-saving in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: In dialysis patients, the obesity-survival paradox still requires an explanation. Anemia and high doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are associated with worse outcomes in the hemodialysis (HD) population. In the present study, we explored the relation between obesity and anemia control in a sample of maintenance HD patients in Egypt. METHODS: This multicenter observational study included 733 patients on maintenance HD from 9 hemodialysis centers in Egypt. Clinical and laboratory data as well as average doses of ESAs and parenteral iron were recorded. The erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) was calculated. RESULTS: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, was present in 22.6% of the studied population. The target hemoglobin level (10.0–11.5 g/dL) was achieved in 27.3% of non-obese and 25.3% of obese patients, with no significant difference. The median serum ferritin and the values of transferrin saturation index did not differ significantly between these two groups. The weekly ESA dose was significantly lower in obese than in non-obese patients (P = 0.0001). A trend toward higher ESA doses and ERI values was observed in patients with lower BMIs (P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression revealed that the BMI and urea reduction ratio were the strongest predictors of the ERI. CONCLUSION: Our study adds more evidence to obesity-associated advantages in HD patients. BMI may determine ESA response, with better responses observed in patients with higher BMIs.

Comparison of intrathecal versus intra-articular dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine on postoperative pain following knee arthroscopy: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is a common, distressing symptom following arthroscopic knee surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the potential analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine after intrathecal versus intra-articular administration following arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing unilateral elective arthroscopic knee surgery were randomly assigned into three groups in a double-blind placebo controlled study. The intrathecal dexmedetomidine group (IT) received an intrathecal block with intrathecal dexmedetomidine, the intra-articular group (IA) received an intrathecal block and intra-articular dexmedetomidine, and the control group received an intrathecal block and intra-articular saline. The primary outcome of our study was postoperative pain as assessed by the visual analogue scale of pain (VAS). Secondary outcomes included the effect of dexmedetomidine on total postoperative analgesic use and time to the first analgesic request, hemodynamics, sedation, postoperative nausea and vomiting, patient satisfaction, and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine administration decreased pain scores for 4 h in both the intrathecal and intra-articular groups, compared to only 2 h in the control patient group. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in pain scores for 6 h in the intra-articular group. The time to the first postoperative analgesia request was longer in the intra-articular group compared to the intrathecal and control groups. The total meperidine requirement was significantly lower in the intra-articular and intrathecal groups than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Both intrathecal and intra-articular dexmedetomidine enhanced postoperative analgesia after arthroscopic knee surgery. Less total meperidine was required with intra-articular administration to extend postoperative analgesia to 6 h with hemodynamic stability.

Monocyte chemotactic protein and response to pegylated interferon-alpha-2A treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C [CHC] genotype 4

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection varies across the world, with the highest number of infections reported in Egypt. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [MCP-1] is a potent chemokine, and its hepatic expression is up-regulated during chronic HCV infection. Fifty naive patients with chronic hepatitis C in National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute and 20 healthy volunteers as controls were enrolled in a prospective study designed with strict inclusion criteria to nullify the effect of confounding variables and further minimize selection bias. Fifty naïve patients were treated with PEG-IFN-a2b, at a dose of 180lg/kg subcutaneously every week plus ribavirin at a dose of 1000- 1200 mg/day, according to the patient's body weight, for 48 weeks. Quantification of HCV-RNA by real-time PCR and MCP-1 by ELISA were performed for every patient and controls. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and control group as regards the quantity of MCP-1 [P <0.05] [Mann-Whitney test] [P =0.004]. There was a significant difference between responders and nonresponses regarding MCP-1 [P < 0.05], responders showed a higher percentage of cases with initial MCP-1< 306 [P < 0.05]. We conclude the importance of the detection of MCP-1 expression at the start of therapy as a factor for assessing the likelihood of HCV genotype 4 patients to achieving a sustained virological response to treatment with IFN-a2 in combination with ribavirin

Insulin resistance and cognitive impairment in type II diabetes mellitus

Background: Type II Diabetes mellitus [DM] is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose because of the insulin resistance. Significant 1 more interest has been dedicated to the effect of type II diabetes on the brain. Along with cerebrovascular disease, type II diabetes is implicated in the development of other neurological co-morbidities

Aim of the work: To study cognitive functions in type II DM and the effect of insulin resistance on it

Subjects and methods: In the present study, cognitive function tests were done for 37 subjects; control [n= 17], type II DM [n= 20]. These tests include mini mental state examination [MMSE], Wechsler adult intelligence scale [WAIS], Wechsler memory scale [WMS] and Cognitive Event related potential [P300]. Circulating levels of glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA[1c]] and insulin were determined in venous blood samples of both groups

Results: MMSE was significantly lower in type II DM than control group [p-value = 0.034]. However no significant difference between type II DM and control group in WAIS and WMS except in visual reproduction [p-value = 0.048]. P300 latency was significantly longer in type II DM than controls [p- value 0.0001]. P300 amplitude was decreased significantly in type II DM than controls [p-value= 0.0001]. HbA[1c] and insulin was significantly higher in type II DM than controls [p-value= 0.0001]

Conclusion: type II DM is associated with cognitive impairment which may be due to insulin resistance

Behavioral and emotional effects of repeated general anesthesia in young children

Preclinical and clinical data suggest the possibility of neurotoxicity following exposure of young children to general anesthetics with subsequent behavioral disturbances. The aim of the study was to determine the overall effect of repeated general anesthesia on behavior and emotions of young children aged 1½-5 years old, compared to healthy children. Thirty-five children underwent repeated anesthesia and surgery were matched with the same number of healthy children who attended vaccination clinic, as a control group. Both groups were administered the child behavior checklist [CBCL] 1½-5 years and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM] oriented scale. Behavior data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. The CBCL score revealed that children with repeated anesthesia were at risk to become anxious or depressed [relative risk [RR]; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 11 [1.5-80.7]], to have sleep [RR; 95% CI = 4.5 [1.1-19.4]], and attention problems [RR; 95% CI = 8 [1.1-60.6]]. There was no difference in the risk between the two groups regarding emotionally reactive, somatic complaints, withdrawn problems, aggressive behavior, internalizing or externalizing problems. On DSM scale, children with repeated anesthesia were at risk to develop anxiety problems [RR; 95% CI = 3.7 [1.1-12.0]], and attention deficit/hyperactivity problems [RR; 95% CI = 3 [1.1-8.4]]. There was no difference in the risk between the two groups regarding affective, pervasive developmental and oppositional defiant problems. Young children who undergone repeated surgical procedures under general anesthesia were at risk for subsequent behavioral and emotional disturbances. Proper perioperative pain management, social support, and avoidance of unpleasant surgical experiences could minimize these untoward consequences

model for southern mediterranean research institute self-assessment: a SWOT analysis-based approach to promote capacity building at theodor bilharz research institute in Cairo [Egypt]

THEBERA is a project funded by the European Union [EU], as an ERA-WIDE FP7 project, aiming to strengthen the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute [TBRI] capacities. A SWOT [strength/weakness/opportunities/threats] analysis of human, structural and organisational existing resources was performed in light of an extensive analysis of liver disease research and clinical management in Egypt, for a full understanding of TBRI needs. Strength and weakness features were identified and analysed, so were actions to be implemented and targets to be accomplished, to develop a business plan gathering the required critical mass [political, scientific, industrial, social] to select investment priorities, to sacrifice non-strategic areas of research, to promote national and international connections and industrial innovations, to update diagnostics and research device technologies and clinical management processes at European levels, to implement fundraising activities, to organise and properly assess training activities for young researchers, physicians, nurses, and technicians. Research institute self assessment is a priority need for sustainable capacity building and for future build-up of a competent health care research institute. Sustainable capacity building strategies must be designed on needs assessment, involving salient requirements: clear strategy, leverage of administrative capacities, industrial support and connections, systematised training programmes and enhancement of mobility of health care staff implemented within ill-defined boundaries and continuously re-evaluated with multiple feedback loops in order to build a complex, adaptable and reliable system based on value

Hazards of nanotechnology: effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the liver and renal cortex of albino rats. An electron microscopic study

Exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles [TiO[2] NPs] results from its wide use in the fields of medicine, industry, engineering, and environmental technology. To investigate the effect of administration of TiO[2] NPs on the ultrastructure of the rat liver and renal cortex. Rats were subdivided into two groups: group A [served as control] and group B [TiO[2] group]. TiO[2] was suspended in PBS and administered by an oral gavage to the rats of group B daily for 90 days at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. Thereafter, group B was subdivided into group B1 and sacrificed 24 h after the last dose of titanium. Group B2 was left untreated for 12 months and then sacrificed. Specimens from the liver and renal cortex were obtained and processed for examination by transmission electron microscopy. Histopathological changes were detected in the hepatocytes of group B1 in the form of dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous lysosomes, and abnormal mitochondria. Moreover, accumulation of large lipid droplets and wide cytoplasmic vacuoles was observed. The renal cortex was also affected. Numerous lysosomes were observed in the lining cells of the proximal tubules and the glomerulus showed an apparent increase in the number of mesangial cells. The interstitium was the site of excessive collagen bundles. These hepatic and renal cortical changes were partially ameliorated 12 months after the last dose of TiO[2]. Small doses of TiO[2] NPs for a long duration resulted in a variety of degenerative changes in the rat liver and renal cortex. Therefore, further studies are required to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this toxicity and to search for possible protective measures

Pharmaceutical and clinical evaluation of intravenous admixture of dobutamine and dopamine used in treatment hypotension in neonatal intensive care units

The aim of this study was to evaluate compatibility and stability of the maximum concentration used for binary admixture containing dobutamine and dopamine in 5% glucose. The maximum concentration of each drug was 5.76 mg/ml of dobutamine and 2.88 mg/ml of dopamine in 50 ml of 5% glucose. The physical compatibility of binary admixtures was assessed using visual inspection and pH determination immediately after preparation [at 0 time] and after 24 hrs. The chemical stability was assessed using high performance thin layer chromatoghraphy [HPTLC]. The method is based on HPTLC separation of the two drugs followed by densitometric measurements of their spots at 254 nm using Camag TLC Scanner 3. The mobile phase comprised ethyl acetate: n-propanol: water: glecial acetic acid [60:24:9:3, v/v/v/v]. The results revealed that no precipitation, gas evaluation, color change, pH change or chemical incompatibility were observed over the entire time of mixing of two drugs in 5% glucose solution

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide: prognostic potential in end stage liver cirrhosis in a cohort free of heart failure; an Egyptian insight

Background and Aim: Natriuretic peptide [NP] system has emerged as one of the most important hormonal systems in control of cardiovascular homeostasis. Liver cirrhosis may affect NP levels that ere well described in heart failure. NP prognostic evaluation was well established in many diseases. Our aims were to measure serum and ascitic NT-proBNP levels in cirrhotic and cardiac Egyptian patients to diagnose a cut-off value for exclusion of heart failure, to assess if cirrhosis per se may contribute in NT-proBNP elevation and to assess the contribution of these levels as predictors of mortality in liver cirrhosis

Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 80 patients [50 cirrhotics and 30 had heart failure]. Serum and ascitic [if available] NT-proBNP were measured. Cirrhotic patients were followed for 1-year. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate 1-year survival rates. Logistic regression analyses were performed with 1-year mortality as the dependent variable

Results: Median serum and ascitic NT-proBNP levels in cirrhotics were 239.4 and 267 pg/ml versus 10596.6 and 9771 pg/ml in heart failure patients [P<0.001]. Serum and ascitic NT-proBNP cut-off values >1000 pg/ml resulted in sensitivity of 100% and 93.3% and specificity of 97.8% and 92.5% for exclusion of cardiac disease in cirrhotics. NT-proBNP was elevated in cirrhotics compared with age matched controls [P<0.001] and significantly correlated with severity of liver cirrhosis based on Child-Pugh and MELD [P=0.05, P<0.001 respectively]. Higher NT-proBNP associated with increased 1-year mortality. NT-proBNP was an independent predictor for mortality in cirrhotics in addition to other conventional factors

Conclusion: NT-pro BNP could be a powerful initial non-invasive diagnostic tool for exclusion of heart disease in cirrhotic patients. End stage cirrhosis per se may contribute to NT-proBNP elevation. NT-proBNP provided incremental information in 1-year mortality prediction in decompensated cirrhotics

Effect of renal sympathetic denervation used in the treatment of resistant arterial hypertension on left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic function

Background: Hypertension [HTN] results in structural and functional cardiac changes which increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The effect of renal denervation [RD] on left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH] and left ventricular [LV] diastolic function is still unclear

Objective: This study investigated the effect of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation on LVH and diastolic function in patients with resistant hypertension

Methods: We evaluated systolic and diastolic blood pressure [SBP and DBP, LV size, mass and diastolic function before and 6 months after RD in 68 patients with resistant hypertension by transthoracic echocardiography and Doppler

Results: SBP and DBP reduced 6 months after RD [-22 +/- 3 mmHg and -10 +/- 12mmHg; P<0.0001 respectively] LV mass index decreased similarly independent on BP response [-19.37 +/- 2.6 gm/m[2]: P<0.0001]. Diastolic parameters E/A ratio, E-wave deceleration time and intra-ventricular relaxation time improved similarly in all patients after 6 months [0.89 +/- 0.04; P=0.001, -24.85 +/- 8.93 ms; P=0.007 and -6.97 +/- 2.57 ms; P=0.012 respectively]

Conclusion: In patients with resistant hypertension and beside blood pressure lowering effect, renal denervation improves left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic function. The relation of BP reduction effect and the improvement of cardiac hypertrophy and systolic function suggests a direct effect of sympathetic activity on LV remodeling and function which needs to be confirmed in larger prospective cohorts

Changes of P21 and Bcl-2 during induction of bladder and/or bladder carcinogenesis

The effect of E. coli infection in association with dibutylamine and sodium nitrate in induction of bladder inflammation and /or bladder carcinogenesis were investigated in 150 male albino rats, divided into five groups, as follows: The first group [G1] infected by E. coli, The second group [G2], given nitrosamine precursors in the diet, The third group[G3] infected by E. coli and given nitrosamine precursors in the diet The fourth group[G4] infected by E. coli, given nitrosamine precursors in the diet and received standard diet containing 1% Curcumin powder mixed in the diet and the fifth group [G5], served as control group. The worst histopathological changes are in G3. A highly significant decrease in the mean cell lysate level of p21 was found in different studied groups[G1,G2 and G3] especially in[G3] where P values in these groups when compared to control group were [P < 0.0001] . In curcumin treated group [G4], there were downregulation in the mean cell lysate level of p21 gene when compared to control group but higher than other studied groups [G1, G2 and G3]. A highly significant increase in the mean serum level of Bcl-2 was found in different studied groups [G1,G2 and G3] especially in [G3] where P values in these groups [G1,G2,G3] when compared to control group were [P <0.0001]. [G4] showed higher Bcl-2 serum level when compared to control group, this difference was insignificant but this level is lower than other studied groups [G1,G2 and G3]. The results in the present study indicate that both P21 and Bcl-2 can be used as biological markers in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. Curcumin have the ability to overcome the decrease in p21 WAF1/CIP1 protein and the increase of Bcl-2 protein and reduce the induction of carcinogenic effect

Germination of three wheat varieties under equipotential levels of matric [vm] and osmotic [vs] stress

Choice of a crop plant to be suitable for cultivation in desert areas must be within some considerations. Desert areas are generally characterized by: [I] lack of water, [2] climatic extremes, [3] several wide deficiencies in nutrient elements, [4] salinity and ion toxicity problems and [5] interaction between one or more of such previous factors. In this work, the response of three wheat varieties [Sids 1, Sakha 93 and Glza 168] to major environmental hazards existing in desert habitats is accounted for. Besides, the combined effects of temperature, matric or osmotic water potentials under different temperatures on different germination characteristics are studied. The study is concerned with both the germination stage and the early seedling stage to ensure success of the vegetative growth later. In most cases, temperature as a single factor had the dominant effect on germination characteristics

Compatibility and stability of ternary admixture of midazolam, dobutamine and dopamine in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride solution

The aim of this study was to evaluate compatibility and stability of the maximum concentration used for ternary admixture containing midazolam, dobutamine and dopamine in 5% glucose and 0.9% sodium chloride solutions. The maximum concentration of each drug was 0.144 mg/ml of midazolam, 5.76 mg/ml of dobutamine and 2.88 mg/ml of dopamine in 50 ml of 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride solutions. The physical compatibility of ternary admixtures was assessed using visual inspection and pH determination of ternary admixtures immediately after preparation [at 0 time] and after 24 hrs. The chemical stability was assessed using high performance thin layer chromatoghraphy [HPTLC]. The method is based on HPTLC separation of the three drugs followed by densitometric measurements of their spots at 254 nm using Camag TLC Scanner 3. The mobile phase comprised ethyl acetate: n-propanol: water: glecial acetic acid [60:24:9:3, v/v/v/v]. There were no visual changes [such as precipitation, gas evaluation or change in color] during 24 hrs after preparation of admixture. Also, there was no change in pH values of admixtures during that time. The results revealed chemical stability of midazolam, dobutamine and dopamine over the duration of mixing [24 hrs] in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride solutions

Effect of ofloxacin on the cartilage of the knee joint of juvenile rats

Ofloxacin is one of fluoroquinolones derivatives, which has a broad spectrum bacterial activity. It is contraindicated in children and adolescents because of its potential chondotoxicity in juveniles. However, fluoroquinolones continue to be prescribed as a drug of choice for treatment of some life threatening diseases in pediatrics. This study was conducted to examine the effect of ofloxacin on cartilage of juvenile rats by light and electron microscopes. Twenty newborn albino rats were treated with an oral dose of 900 mg/kg/day of ofloxacin for 28 days. The animals were sacrificed after the completion of the administration and the knee joints were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Morphometric study and statistical analysis of the results were also performed. The lesions were demonstrated in the articular cartilage of all the animals. Fissures, chondrtocyte clusters and wide area of matrix devoid of cells in the intermediate zone were observed. The surface of the premature articular cartilage of the femur was irregular. The matrix of the articular cartilage showed less staining with toluidine blue and masson trichrome. Electron microscopic results showed separation between chondrocyte cell membrane and the matrix. The chondrocytes were necrotic with pyknotic nuclei and vacuolation of their cytoplasm. There were electron dense aggregates on the cell membrane and inside the cells. The thickness of the premature articular cartilage and epiphyseal plate cartilage were significantly decreased. The numbers of chondrocytes of the premature articular cartilage and epiphyseal plate cartilage were significantly decreased. The numbers of chondrocytes of the premature articular cartilage and epiphyseal plate cartilage were significantly decreased

Pre- and postnatal development of rabbit small intestine; a light and scanning electron microscopic study

The small intestine is a highly differentiated organ that accomplishes both digestive and absorptive functions with great efficiency. The small intestine of rabbit was studied from early prenatal stage to full term in 15 fetuses and during the early days of life till maturity in 21 rabbits using light and scanning electron microscopy. In 15 days old fetuses, the epithelium was flat and stratified and the lumen was elliptical in shape. By the E18, the epithelial ridges were formed. The first rudimentary villus formation was formed in 21 days old fetuses and the true villi appeared by 24[th] days of gestation. At 27 days old fetuses, intestinal glands were not appeared yet. By the first day of postnatal life the duodenal glands appeared. The histological maturity of the rabbit small intestine occurred one month after birth. In conclusion, at all stages, the sequential morphologic changes of the rabbit small intestine developed to meet the structural and physiological demands during the fetal stage to be prepared to extra uterine life

Combined transcatheter embolisation and medical treatment as a replacement therapy for surgery, in low-operative risk patients with endoscopically unmanageable massive bleeding from gastric-duodenal ulcers

There is a concept that embolization does not change the underlying pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease, so endovascular therapy is still used as an alternative treatment to surgery, only in high-risk patients. In this study, we assess the usefulness of endovascular therapy as an alternative to operation in low risk patients with massive bleeding from a peptic ulcer. A retrospective study of 22 consecutive embolization procedures in endoscopically unmanageable, hemodynamically unstable patients, referred from 2004 to 2010. Different techniques and embolization materials were used. Mean follow-up was 7 months. Endoscopy was performed for 12 patients 5 to 9 months after embolization to assess healing of the ulcer. Gastric ulcer was noted in 7 patients, bulbar duodenal ulcer in 13 patients and postbulbar duodenal ulcer in 2 patient. The technical success rate was 100%. The rebleeding rate was 9%, and 30-days mortality rate was 4%. No major complications were reported. Follow up endoscopy revealed healing of the ulcer in 10 of the 12 patients [83%]. Angio-embolization is safe and effective for controlling life-threatening endoscopically unmanageable, bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcers especially in low risk patients. Whenever combined with proper medical therapy it allows ulcer healing without the need for higher risk laparotomy

Facial measurements of Assiut children aged 6-11 years

The aim of the present study is to investigate changes in the facial measurements of Assiut children at the selected ages. A total of 300 healthy child aged 6-11 years old participated in the study; they were taken from primary schools in Assiut City. Children were divided into 6 age groups; each age group included 50 children [25 boys and 25 girls]. Each child was subjected to the following measurements: facial height, upper facial height, lower facial height, upper facial width, lower facial width, maxillary facial depth and mandibular facial depth.. Results reveal that all facial parameters of boys are significantly higher than that of girls at all ages, but girls tend to grow faster than boys. It is also evident that most of facial parameters are correlated with each other. The pattern of facial growth of children in Assiut City indicates leptoprosopic [narrow] face type

Anthropometric study of head measurements of children in Assiut city

The aim of the present study is to detect any existence of a relationship between the different cranial parameters during growth of children at the selected ages. A total of 300 healthy children aged 6-11 years participated in the study; they were taken from primary schools in Assiut City. Children were divided into 6 age groups; each age group included 50 children [25 boys and 25 girls]. Each child was subjected to the following measurements: head circumference, head length, head width, forehead width, head height and auricular height. Results revealed that all cranial parameters of boys were obviously higher than that of girls at all ages, but girls tend to grow faster than boys. It is also evident that head circumference correlated with head length at ages of 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 years. It is also correlated with head width at 6, 7, 9 and 10 years of age. In addition to that, the head length and head width were correlated with each other at 7, 9 and 10 years of age. This indicates that the increase in head circumference could be attributed mainly to the increase in both head length and head width. The pattern of head growth of children in Assiut City indicates mesocephalic [intermediate] head type

Carbon dioxide reforming of methane on Ni/CaO-AI2O3 catalysts

NiO/AI2O3 and NiO/CaO-AI2O3 samples were prepared and calcined at 700-900°C. Characterization of these samples was made using X-ray diffraction, low temperature nitrogen adsorption, thermal programmed reduction [TPR] and chemisorption of hydrogen at 700°C. The samples were reduced and the initial catalytic methane reforming activities were determined at 700°C. The crystalline phases in each catalyst and their domination as well as textural properties of the catalysts depend on the chemical composition and calcination temperatures. The thermal programmed desorption profiles and the chemisorption of hydrogen depend on the chemical composition of the catalysts and their calcinations temperature. Hydrogen chemisorption allowed the determination of important catalytic parameters which play dominant roles in determining the initial activity of these catalysts toward methane reforming to synthesis gas by carbon dioxide at 700°C