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Objective@#: To describe the surgical management and postoperative outcomes in infants with metopic synostosis. @*Methods@#: We conducted a 5 years retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical correction of metopic synostosis at two university hospitals in Egypt during the period between June 2014 and June 2019. The study is conducted to 18 children. The type of surgical procedures and postoperative outcomes were assessed in all patients. @*Results@#: Five cases (27.8%) underwent endoscopic-assisted suturectomy, 10 cases (55.6%) underwent craniofacial reconstruction, and three cases (16.6%) underwent open burring of the metopic ridge. Fifteen patients underwent one surgery and three patients (16.6%) who need second operation. Ten patients (55.6%) had class I Whitaker classification. @*Conclusion@#: Regardless of type of surgery, the outcomes of surgical correction of metopic synostosis are excellent with only a few patients require revision or develop major complications.
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@#Avian coccidiosis, an important protozoal disease of chicken triggered by coccidian protozoa of genus Eimeria, causes considerable economic losses to broiler producers. The study was designed to assess the efficiency of Origanum majoranum aqueous extract (OMAE) on E. tenella-infected broiler chicken. Birds were divided into four groups including: positive control (PC, challenged with 5×104 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella at the 12th day of age), PC+OMAE (challenged with E. tenella oocysts at the 12th day of age and received OMAE (125 mg/kg BW) orally, started at the 7th day of age, and continued for 14 consecutive days), OMAE (received OMAE (125 mg/kg BW) orally, at the 7th day of age, for 14 consecutive days), and negative control (received basal diet only). Anticoccidial efficacy of OMAE was evaluated by complete blood picture, serum chemistry, serum protein electrophoresis, antioxidants markers, cecal oocysts count, and cecal lesions score. Briefly, collected data indicated that supplementation of OMAE could increase antioxidants concentrations and improve changes in hematobiochemical parameters and serum protein fractions, as well as decrease cecal oocysts count and reduce cecal lesion scores in E. tenella-infected birds. In conclusion, OMAE restores oxidant-antioxidant balance, and its supplementation in broiler chicken can alleviate E. tenella-infection and reduce its severity.
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@#Coccidiosis is the most important protozoan disease in broilers all over the world. Controlling of broilers coccidiosis via vaccination rather than chemicals is a new trend with promising results. Thus, the present work describes an evaluation of Eimeria tenella Lab-made vaccine of local Egyptian strain and its comparative efficacy with a commercial live vaccine “Fortegra®”. Eighty broiler chickens one day old were used; they were divided in to 4 equal groups; 20 chicks each. Group 1 (G1) kept as control negative, G2 administrated orally with lab-made sporulated oocysts vaccine at 5 days old, the birds of G3 vaccinated orally with Fortegra® at day 6 of age, and G4 served as control positive. All birds were challenge by 50,000 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella at day 21. For testing the efficacy and comparison; OPG (oocyst per gram), serum Interleukin4 (IL4) levels, Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in both serum and ceca, cecal lesion score, as well as histopathological changes in ceca of tested groups were evaluated. The results demonstrated significantly elevated IL4 level in serum and IgA level in serum and cecum of G2 than G3. IgA in cecum significantly elevated in G2 than G3. OPG significantly decreased in both vaccinated groups (G2 and G3), and have lower lesion score than nonimmunized group. Cecal tissues of vaccinated groups had mild pathological changes. Conclusively, good immunization by the currently tested vaccine, against experimental E. tenella infection was observed.
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Vaccines are known to have side effects, most of which are tolerable. Vasculitis following vaccination is reported and has various modes of presentation. We report a 4-month-old girl presented with an unusual presentation of fulminant hepatitis, pan vasculitis, and diffuse body aneurysms following routine immunization diagnosed by echocardiography and computed tomography angiogram. It is important to be aware of different possible adverse effects following vaccines and their different modes of presentation as well as possible treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulins and high dose methylprednisolone.
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Objectives: Medical students are usually exposed to academic and social isolation in addition to environmental and financial stressors. There is a growing concern about an association between increased academic stress levels and several skin disorders. This paper aimed at assessing perceived stressors and their origins by examining the relationship between academic stress and skin disorders among medical students at the University of Albaha. Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of 251 medical students from both the male and female sections was conducted. The participants received a self-administered questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic profile and origin of stressors, such as academic, psychosocial, and environmental stressors, and a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) with a modified form of the self-reported skin disorders. Skin examinations were done via dermatological consultant at Albaha University Medical Centre. Results: Academic stress, in comparison to other types of stressors, represents 80.5% of the origin of stressors affecting stressed medical students. Being female in academic years above the third year was associated with the highest, most significantly perceived stress levels among all students. Loss of hair, pimples beside oily, waxy patches on scalp, itchy skin and troublesome sweating were the top common highly significant dermatological symptoms among all students at different levels of perceived stress. Conclusion: Several skin disorders occur in response to academic stress among medical students.
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Abstract Diospyros kaki L. or Costata cultivar is the main persimmon variety progressively consumed in the Egyptian market and exportation. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioprotective effects of the alcoholic extract of fruits as well as leaves of D. kaki using in-vivo rat models. Petroleum ether extracts of fruits and leaves were analytically characterized for saponifiable and unsaponifiable compounds by GC/MS. Main flavonoids were chromatographically isolated from 80% aqueous methanol extract of leaves. Chemical evaluation for fruits and leaves namely, content of moisture, ash, proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, fat and water soluble vitamins, minerals, carotenoids was carried out. Total antioxidant activity was determined by radical scavenging effects using DPPH assay. The effect on biochemical parameters and its biological activity were also performed. Results revealed the identification of the major compounds of saponifiable and unsaponifiable matters of fruits and leaves. Scopoletin, as well as, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside were isolated and identified. It showed that this plant can provide a good nutritional value and it is safe regarding the kidney and liver functions, good source that help in enhancing the antioxidant defense against free radicals. No abnormal effects were found in lipids profile on experimental animals and there were good results in the ratio of HDL and LDL cholesterol. Also, this plant can help in optimizing blood sugar, enhancing the level of blood haemoglobin. It is concluded that D. kaki displays a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic benefits against the risk of disease complications.
Resumo Diospyros kaki L. ou Costata é a principal variedade de caqui progressivamente consumida no mercado e exportação egípcia. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos bioprotetores do extrato alcoólico de frutos e folhas de D. kaki utilizando modelos de ratos "in vivo". Extratos de éter de petróleo provenientes de frutos e folhas foram caracterizados analiticamente para compostos saponificáveis e insaponificáveis por GC/MS. Os principais flavonoides foram isolados cromatograficamente, a partir de 80% de extrato aquoso de folhas de metanol. Foi realizada avaliação química de frutos e folhas, ou seja, de teor de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, ácidos graxos, aminoácidos, vitaminas lipossolúveis e solúveis em água, minerais, carotenoides. Foi caracterizada a atividade antioxidante, utilizando ensaio (DPPH). O efeito nos parâmetros bioquímicos e sua atividade biológica também foram analisados. Os resultados revelaram a identificação dos principais compostos saponificáveis e insaponificáveis de frutos e folhas. Escopoletina, bem como kaempferol, luteolina, rutina e apigenina 7-O-glicosídeo foram isolados e identificados. Também demonstraram que esta planta pode proporcionar um bom valor nutricional e é segura em relação às funções renais e hepáticas, boa fonte que ajuda a melhorar a defesa antioxidante contra os radicais livres. Não foram encontrados efeitos anormais no perfil lipídico em testes em animais, e houve um efeito satisfatório na relação de colesterol HDL e LDL. Além disso, esta planta pode ajudar na otimização do açúcar no sangue, aumentando o nível de hemoglobina. Conclui-se que o D. kaki apresenta uma boa fonte de nutrientes e de compostos bioativos que contribuem para seus benefícios terapêuticos e contra o risco de complicações de doenças.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Diospyros , Plant Extracts , Plant Leaves , Egypt , AntioxidantsABSTRACT
Background: There are several DNA repair pathways that protect cellular DNA from injury, such as nucleotide excision repair (NER) and mismatch repair (MMR). The protein product of the excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) gene plays a pivotal role in NER. The exact relationship between MMR proteins and ERCC1 is not well known in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Aim of the Study: To investigate expression of ERCC1 and MMR proteins in colorectal mucinous carcinoma (MA) and non-mucinous carcinoma (NMA) using tissue microarray technique. Material and Methods: We studied tumor tissue specimens from 150 patients with colorectal mucinous (MA) and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (NMA). Tissue microarrays were constructed using modified mechanical pencil tips technique and immunohistochemistry for ERCC1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. Results: NMA showed a significantly more frequent aberrant cytoplasmic expression than MA while MA showed a more frequent intact nuclear expression than NMA. There were no significant differences between the NMA and MA groups in the expression of MMR proteins. In NMA cases, ERCC1 expression was significantly related to MMR status while was not significantly related in MA cases. ERCC1 expression was not significantly related to overall and disease-free survival in both NMA and MA groups. Conclusion: this study is the first to investigate the relation between MMR status and ERCC1 expression in colorectal MA and NMA. ERCC1 expression was significantly related to MMR status only in NMA cases. Hence, the current study emphasizes that further research about the relation between various DNA repair pathways is needed.
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@#Coccidiosis is one of the most dangerous diseases that affect poultry, resulting in worldwide economic losses. Plant extracts and essential oils have been used as potential alternatives for chemotherapeutics, because they don’t have the negative consequence of creating tissue residue and drug resistance. Therefore, this study had been conducted to determine the efficacy of artemisinin liquid extract, cinnamon essential oil and clove essential oil against Eimeria stiedae in rabbits. Sixty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six equal groups, where group 1 and group 2 represented the negative and the positive controls, respectively, and groups 3–6 were infected with Eimeria stiedae and received 15 ppm toltrazuril, 200 ppm artemisinin, 100 mg/kg cinnamon oil, and 100 mg/kg clove oil, respectively. The results showed that artemisinin had a significant beneficial role in protection against hepatic coccidiosis: it mitigated the clinical symptoms, reduced the mortality rates, improved body weight and feed conversion, decreased the oocyst output, prevented oxidative stress, improved biochemical parameters, and decreased the lesion formation. Moreover, it has been found that cinnamon and clove essential oils induced partial protection against hepatic coccidiosis. Our findings suggested that artemisinin liquid extract and cinnamon and clove essential oils could be used for protection against hepatic coccidiosis. However, further investigations are needed in order to elucidate the active components, optimal doses, and mode of action of these extracts and essential oils before their clinical applications.
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Background: Liver cirrhosis is a pathologic condition characterized by fibrosis of the liver parenchyma and evidence of regenerative activity, resulting in portal hypertension. Portal hypertension plays a crucial role in the transition from the pre-clinical to the clinical phase of the disease. Bleeding from ruptured esophagogastric varices is the most severe complication of cirrhosis and is the cause of death in about one third of cirrhotic patients. Cirrhotic patients frequently undergo screening endoscopy for the presence of varices. These recommendations imply a considerable burden of endoscopies and related costs
Objective: the aim of the study was to determine the predictive value of noninvasive parameters [Rt. lobe diameter/ serum albumin ratio] in the prediction of esophageal varices
Subjects and Methods: This study was done on 120 patients divided into four groups: Group A: includes 30 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices [OVs] grade I to II. Group B: includes 30 cirrhotic patients with OVs grade III to IV. Group C: includes 30 cirrhotic patients without OVs. Group D: includes 30 none cirrhotic patients presented for esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD] screening because of other etiologic factors that are not associated with liver cirrhosis. All participants were subjected to clinical examination; laboratory investigations [CBC, Liver function tests including serum albumin concentration, prothrombin time and concentration, modified Child-Pugh score and abdominal ultrasonography [studying the right lobe and left lobe diameter, the presence of periportal thickening, the splenic longest axis and the presence of ascites and Portal vein diameter, Right liver lobe diameter/albumin ratio were calculated for all patients]. Upper endoscopy was done for detection and grading of esophageal varices
Results: This study revealed that The predictors that showed statistically significantly associated with the presence of varices were increased right lobe diameter/Albumin ratio, shrunken Rt. hepatic lobe, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and the more advanced liver disease [according to child class scoring of the patients], the more likely the presence of varices
Conclusion: Right lobe diameter/Albumin ratio is good predictor for the presence and grading of esophageal varices
ABSTRACT
Abstract Diospyros kaki L. or Costata cultivar is the main persimmon variety progressively consumed in the Egyptian market and exportation. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioprotective effects of the alcoholic extract of fruits as well as leaves of D. kaki using in-vivo rat models. Petroleum ether extracts of fruits and leaves were analytically characterized for saponifiable and unsaponifiable compounds by GC/MS. Main flavonoids were chromatographically isolated from 80% aqueous methanol extract of leaves. Chemical evaluation for fruits and leaves namely, content of moisture, ash, proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, fat and water soluble vitamins, minerals, carotenoids was carried out. Total antioxidant activity was determined by radical scavenging effects using DPPH assay. The effect on biochemical parameters and its biological activity were also performed. Results revealed the identification of the major compounds of saponifiable and unsaponifiable matters of fruits and leaves. Scopoletin, as well as, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside were isolated and identified. It showed that this plant can provide a good nutritional value and it is safe regarding the kidney and liver functions, good source that help in enhancing the antioxidant defense against free radicals. No abnormal effects were found in lipids profile on experimental animals and there were good results in the ratio of HDL and LDL cholesterol. Also, this plant can help in optimizing blood sugar, enhancing the level of blood haemoglobin. It is concluded that D. kaki displays a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic benefits against the risk of disease complications.
Resumo Diospyros kaki L. ou Costata é a principal variedade de caqui progressivamente consumida no mercado e exportação egípcia. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos bioprotetores do extrato alcoólico de frutos e folhas de D. kaki utilizando modelos de ratos in vivo. Extratos de éter de petróleo provenientes de frutos e folhas foram caracterizados analiticamente para compostos saponificáveis e insaponificáveis por GC/MS. Os principais flavonoides foram isolados cromatograficamente, a partir de 80% de extrato aquoso de folhas de metanol. Foi realizada avaliação química de frutos e folhas, ou seja, de teor de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, ácidos graxos, aminoácidos, vitaminas lipossolúveis e solúveis em água, minerais, carotenoides. Foi caracterizada a atividade antioxidante, utilizando ensaio (DPPH). O efeito nos parâmetros bioquímicos e sua atividade biológica também foram analisados. Os resultados revelaram a identificação dos principais compostos saponificáveis e insaponificáveis de frutos e folhas. Escopoletina, bem como kaempferol, luteolina, rutina e apigenina 7-O-glicosídeo foram isolados e identificados. Também demonstraram que esta planta pode proporcionar um bom valor nutricional e é segura em relação às funções renais e hepáticas, boa fonte que ajuda a melhorar a defesa antioxidante contra os radicais livres. Não foram encontrados efeitos anormais no perfil lipídico em testes em animais, e houve um efeito satisfatório na relação de colesterol HDL e LDL. Além disso, esta planta pode ajudar na otimização do açúcar no sangue, aumentando o nível de hemoglobina. Conclui-se que o D. kaki apresenta uma boa fonte de nutrientes e de compostos bioativos que contribuem para seus benefícios terapêuticos e contra o risco de complicações de doenças.
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Post HCV liver cirrhosis is one of the most prominent etiologies behind the abnormal portal circulation hemodynamics. It occurs as a result of distorted balance between portal venous flow [PVF] and intrahepatic resistances [IHR]. PVF is partially controlled by using both specific and non-specific beta blockers [NSBBs] that have insignificant effects on IHR. Angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs] inhibit the activated hepatic stellate cell [HSC] contraction and thought to reduce the dynamic portion of MR. The study aimed to slow down the venous blood flow and to reduce the IHR of portal vein vasculature to control sequelae of the enhanced post cirrhosis portal venous turbulence. We evaluated the effects of Candesartan plus propranolol compared to each of them individually in management of portal hypertension [PH]. Three groups of 25 patients each, presented with chronic HCV infection and grade II- III esophageal varices [OV], were randomly assigned to one of three treatment regimens: Propranolol or Candesartan or both. Subjects were screened every three month by Doppler Ultrasound for a total of nine months. Damping Index [DI], pulse Pulsatility index [PT], Portal Venous Flow [PVF] Volume, Portal Venous Peak Velocity [PVPV], and Portal Vein Diameter [PVD] were evaluated once every third month. Our study concluded that combined therapy [Propranolol + Candesartan] induced highly significant improvements that led to restoration of normal values of DI, PI, PVF volume and PVPV overtime compared to monotherapy regimens [P>0.001]. Data strongly recommended using Propranolol plus Candesartan in overtime management of portal hypertension
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Abstract Securigera securidaca (L.) Degen & Döefl., Fabaceae, has been widely used in the Iranian, Indian and Egyptian folk medicine as antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic remedy. Phenolic profiling of the ethanolic extract (90%) of the flowers of S. securidaca was performed via HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis in the positive and negative ion modes. The total polyphenols and flavonoids in the flowers were determined colorimetrically, and the quantification of their components was carried out using HPLC-UV. Total phenolics and flavonoids estimated as gallic acid and rutin equivalents were 82.39 ± 2.79 mg/g and 48.82 ± 1.95 mg/g of the dried powdered flowers, respectively. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis of the extract allowed the identification of 39 flavonoids and eight phenolic acids. Quantitative analysis of some flavonoids and phenolics (mg/100 g powdered flowers) revealed the presence of isoquercetrin (3340 ± 2.1), hesperidin (32.09 ± 2.28), naringin (197.3 ± 30.16), luteolin (10.247 ± 0.594), chlorogenic acid (84.22 ± 2.08), catechin (3.94 ± 0.57) and protocatechuic acid (34.4 ± 0.15), in the extract. Moreover, the acute toxicity, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the extract were investigated using alloxan induced diabetes in rats in a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bwt. The ethanolic extract was safe up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. All tested doses of the flower extract showed marked decrease in blood glucose level by 31.78%, 66.41% and 63.8% at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bwt, respectively, at p < 0.05. Regarding the anti-hyperlipidemic effect, a dose of 400 mg/kg of the flower extract showed the highest reduction in serum triacylglycerides and total cholesterol levels (68.46% and 51.50%, respectively at p < 0.05). The current study proved the folk use of the flowers of S. securidaca as anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic agent which could be attributed to its high phenolic content.
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Essential oils of the fresh leaves and fruits of Fortunella margarita Lour. Swingle (Family: Rutaceae) were prepared by hydrodistillation method, which resulted with 0.27 and 0.30% respectively. The resulted oils of both organs were analyzed by GC/MS which revealed the presence of twenty compounds in the leaves oil representing 86.96% of the oil, from which gurjunene, eudesmol and muurolene were identified as major compounds. The fruit’s oil was found to contain fourteen compounds representing 77.77% of the oil, of which terpineol, t-carveol, limonene, muurolene and cadinene represented the major compounds. The antiviral activity of the essential oils of both leaves and fruits was tested against avian influenza-A virus (H5N1), and the results revealed higher potency of fruits oil. Moreover, the essential oils of the leaves and fruits were investigated for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The oil of the leaves showed antimicrobial activity higher than that of the fruits at dilution (1:50 v/v) against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina luta and Streptococcus faecalis, also it has a moderate activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsilla pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. On the other hand, the antifungal activity of the leaves and fruits revealed that the fruits exhibited higher activity than that of the leaves against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.
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Passalurus ambiguus (Rudolphi, 1819) is one of the most common oxyurid nematodes to be found in domestic and wild rabbits worldwide. In order to identify and determine the morphological characteristics of this pinworm, the current research was conducted as a microscopic study, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Adult P. ambiguus were collected from naturally infected domestic rabbits in Egypt. Identification was made primarily by ordinary microscope, and subsequently, the morphological features were evaluated by SEM. Results indicate that SEM is a powerful tool to identify in detail the morphological characteristics such as the head, male cloacal area, female tail and the female copulatory plugs. All these features confirm the species is P. ambiguus and show the effectiveness of the SEM to differentiate P. ambiguus from related oxyurid species.
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Background and Objective: In breast cancer, the expression of CD117 represents a highly controversial subject but the majority of studies have found decreased c-kit expression in malignant breast epithelium. A number of studies have reported that increased intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. The aim of the study was to assess the relation of CD117 and MVD with other clinicopathological parameters in invasive breast carcinomas using the tissue microarray technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 126 cases of invasive breast carcinoma of different histological types and grades were collected from files of a pathology department during 2010. Clinicopathological and histological parameters were evaluated. Sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues microarray blocks were immunostained with CD117 and CD34. Statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS, version 16.0. Results: About 29% of invasive breast carcinomas were CD117 positive. There were significant differences between expression of CD117 in the tumor epithelial cells and age of the patient; tumor grade; tumor size, and LN metastasis. Also, there was significant relation between expression of CD117 in the tumor epithelial cells and MVD, expression of estrogen, and progesterone receptors. On multivariate analysis, the most important predictors of negativity of CD117 were tumor size and positive lymph node involvement. Conclusion: Lack of CD117 immunoreactivity in invasive breast carcinoma was associated with features of more aggressive tumor behavior as higher microvessel density, larger size, higher tumor grade, more lymph node metastasis, and negative estrogen and progesterone receptors.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/immunology , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology , Humans , Female , Microvessels/chemistry , Microvessels/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit/diagnosis , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit/immunologyABSTRACT
The aim of the present work was to formulate ciprofloxacin HCl sponges for the management of wounds. Fifteen plain sponge formulae were prepared, using mixtures of chitosan/sodium alginate [C/SA], chitosan/gelatin [C/G] and sodium alginate/gelatin [SA/G] by the freeze drying method. The resulted plain sponges were evaluated for their visual inspection, mechanical properties as well as their swelling properties. Plain sponge formulae were selected as they were superior in the physical properties. Ciprofloxacin HCl [1%W/V] was thus incorporated into them. The prepared medicated sponges were thoroughly evaluated for the physical properties. Detection of any possible interaction between the mixtures of polymers and ciprofloxacin HCl by IR, DSC and SEM and drug release was done. Analysis by IR and DSC did not show any drug/ polymers interaction. Ciprofloxacin sponges prepared with chiosan 1% and gelatin 1% [1:1], 5% calcium chloride as a cross linking agent and ciprofloxacin HCl 1% showed the highest prolonged release formula. Trials were done on an animal model for evaluation of wound healing efficiency. Ciprofloxacin sponges showed faster wound healing properties compared to in comparison with Gentamicin cream
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Wound HealingABSTRACT
Background and aim: We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of readily available laboratory tests (ALT, AST, platelet count, AST to platelet ratio index: APRI) in predicting liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C, in comparison to the predictive accuracy obtained by liver biopsy. Methods: One hundred and thirteen patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C (CHC) were included in this study. They included 76 children enrolled from the Pediatric Hepatology Unit and 37 adults enrolled from the Hepatology Unit of Tropical Medicine Department, Cairo University, Egypt. Fibrosis results obtained from liver biopsy were assigned a score from 0 to 4 score as per Metavir scoring. Results of serum ALT and AST levels were expressed as ratio of the upper limit of normal (ULN). Results: Of the pediatric patients, 28 (36.8%) showed no evidence of fibrosis on liver biopsy, 26 (34.2%) showed grade 1 fibrosis, and 22 (29%) had grade 2 fibrosis. Among the adult patients, 12 (32.4%) had grade 2 fibrosis and 25 patients (67.6%) had grades 3 to 4 fibrosis. There was a lack of correlation between the degree of fibrosis and AST levels, AST/ALT ratio, platelet count and APRI. The AUROC curve for predicting significant fibrosis was 0.5 for AST levels, 0.37 for AST/ALT ratio and 0.49 for APRI, in pediatric patients (p >0.05). In adult patients the AUROC curve for predicting significant fibrosis was 0.59 for AST levels, 0.76 for AST/ALT ratio and 0.63 for APRI (p >0.05). Conclusion: Liver biopsy remains the gold standard to assess the extent of hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHC.
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Reported to date, strong evidence exists in multiple studies for genetic predisposing in the development of diabetic nephropathy, and no studies addressed this issue among Egyptian population. The results of angiotensin converting enzyme gene [ACE] in the susceptibility to nephropathy in type 1 diabetes with nephropathy are conflicting. We aim to identify the associations of two ACE gene polymorphisms [PstI, A > G substitution and a 287-bp insertion/deletion] with nephropathy in type 1 diabetes in Egyptian children/adolescents. Our case-control study contained 140 diabetic individuals; 80 diabetic with nephropathy as cases, and 60 diabetic subjects without nephropathy as control group. Amplified DNA from peripheral leucocytes/buccal mucosa was genotyped for using polymerase chain reaction and enzymatic assay. We found no significant differences in the distribution of ACE insertion/deletion and PstI genotypes or allele frequencies were observed between the examined groups. Frequencies of PstI-indel haplotypes were similar in all of our study groups. In both cases and control subjects, ACE activity and microalbuminuria were highest among D/D homozygotes and lowest in I/I homozygotes, while a dissimilar result was seen in PstI polymorphism. Our findings in Egyptian population strongly conclude that there is no association between the ACE gene I/D and PstI polymorphisms with nephropathy in type 1 diabetes
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Diabetic Nephropathies/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/bloodABSTRACT
Some biological factors play a role in stimulation of malignant growth, metastasis and angiogenesis; however, their clinical relevance has not yet been well established for most of them. This work was aimed at studying the clinical relevance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and interleukin-6 [IL-6], in patients with colorectal cancer [CRC]. Preoperative serum levels of VEGF and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immuno-assay in 35 CRC patients and in 30 healthy controls. CRC patients with or without metastasis had significantly higher VEGF and IL-6 levels than healthy controls [all P <0.001]. Patients with advanced clinical stage had significantly higher levels of VEGF and IL-6 than those with early clinical stage [all P <0.001]. Also, patients with metastatic disease had significantly higher VEGF and IL-6levels than those with localized disease [all P<0.001]. The diagnostic accuracy for invasiveness was 83% for VEGF [cut off value = 240 pg/ml] and 66% for IL-6 [cut off value = 6.7 pg/ml], with sensitivity 79% and 74% and specificity 68% and 59%, respectively. In CRC patients, preoperative measurement of serum VEGF and IL-6 may prove useful non-invasive diagnostic indicators associated with advanced clinical stage and tumor metastasis that warrants further investigations
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To assess the feasibility of trans-abdominal, fast three-dimensional, colour-coded ultrasound [3D CDUS] in the evaluation of gastric mass lesions compared to video endoscopy [VE] as the reference standard method. The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the local ethics committee. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. Sixty-three patients [34 males, 29 females; ages ranging from 21 to 72 years; mean 48.3 years] with VE-proven gastric mass lesions, from a population with gastric disorders, were included in this study. VE parameters and histopathology results remained blinded to the investigator. Fast 3D CDUS was performed on all patients and results interpreted. Finally, we reviewed the imaging results for each patient and compared them with previously obtained video recordings from VE and confirmed by histopathology. Compared to VE results, 61 out of 63 mass lesions were effectively diagnosed using 3D CDUS. In the remaining two cases [3.2%], a study of the gastric wall produced no conclusive findings. Our results showed an accuracy of 100% in benign gastric mass lesions, 95% in the evaluation of malignant involvement and an overall accuracy of 96.8%. Malignant stenotic segments and staging of malignant masses, which is mandatory if surgical intervention is planned, can be demonstrated by employing 3D CDUS. Fast 3D CDUS imaging is an easy, office-based, non-invasive method that has been shown to be effective for the evaluation of gastric mass lesions. Theoretically, it can also be used as a preliminary test in patient selection for endoscopy