Serum long-noncoding RNA H19 and beta-catenin as biomarkers for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer in egyptian patients: a case control study

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death; however, its early detection can improve the survival. Colonic polyps are considered one of the CRC's major risk factors. Throughout many biological processes and malignancies, the non-coding RNAs have essential functions. Certain long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), including H19, were supposed to be CRC possible biomarkers. Also, H19 has been reported to play a role in regulating the activity of beta-catenin, a protein that regulates cell-to-cell adhesion, as well as gene transcription. The current work aimed to investigate the potential significance of LncRNA H19 relative serum expression level by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and beta-catenin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as noninvasive biomarkers to discriminate between colorectal cancer and colonic polyps. The statistical analysis of the studied factors revealed that the serum expression of H19 and beta-catenin in cancer cases were substantially greater than colonic polyp cases and normal control. Conclusion: The relative expressions of H19 and beta-catenin in the serum can significantly discriminate patients with CRC from those with polyp and normal controls, which could help when screening for CRC. (AU)

Cyclic fatigue resistance of M-Pro and RaCe Ni-Ti rotary endodontic instruments in artificial curved canals: a comparative in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: To compare the flexural cyclic fatigue resistance and the length of the fractured segments (FLs) of recently introduced M-Pro rotary files with that of RaCe rotary files in curved canals and to evaluate the fracture surface by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six endodontic files with the same tip size and taper (size 25, 0.06 taper) were used. The samples were classified into 2 groups (n = 18): the M-Pro group (M-Pro IMD) and the RaCe group (FKG). A custom-made simulated canal model was fabricated to evaluate the total number of cycles to failure and the FL. SEM was used to examine the fracture surfaces of the fragmented segments. The data were statistically analyzed and comparisons between the 2 groups for normally distributed numerical variables were carried out using the independent Student's t-test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The M-Pro group showed significantly higher resistance to flexural cyclic fatigue than the RaCe group (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the FLs between the 2 groups (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thermal treatment of nickel-titanium instruments can improve the flexural cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary endodontic files, and the M-Pro rotary system seems to be a promising rotary endodontic file.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of postoperative knee surgery

Background: MRI has high sensitivity and specificity regarding the assessment of the post-operative knee joint. Purpose: to assess the role of MRI in evaluation of the post-operative knee joint and assessment of the post complications after ACL, meniscal and cartilage surgical repair procedures

Patients and Methods: this study included 20 patients, their age range between 14-50 years, all presented postoperative knee were referred to Radiology Department at El-Hussien University Hospital and private centers for MRI exam for post-operative assessment, complication or follow up after orthopedic examination from Orthopedic Department at El-Hussien Hospitals and Outpatient Clinic. Patients had MRI imaging of the affected knee joint using high field strength scanners [1.5 T] MRI unit [Achieva, Philips medical system] MRI was performed by Knee coil in all cases

Results: this study included 15[75%] males and 5 females [5%][A] Due to different types of operations 10[50%] had ACL reconstruction,6[30%] had menisectomy,4[20%] had cartilage repair. [B] Due to causes16[80%] trumatic,4[20%]non trumatic. [C] Due to types of complications: 3[15%] had no complications,12[60%]had swelling, 2[10%] had limitation of movement,2[10%] had pain and limitation,1[5%]had pain and swelling

Conclusion: MRI proved as an accurate method for evaluation of the knee joint after ACL, meniscus and cartilage repair that can help predict post-operative complications

Predictors of hepatitis C virus recurrence after living donor liver transplantation: Mansoura experience

Background and Study Aims: Hepatitis C virus [HCV]-related cirrhosis is the leading cause of liver transplantation[LT]. All patients who undergo LT with detectable serum HCV-RNA experience graftreinfection, which is the most frequent cause of graft loss and death in these patients. We estimated the rate of HCV recurrence and evaluated the current therapeutic regimens

Patients and Methods: The records of consecutive 325 living donor LT [LDLT] surgeries performed between May 2004 and August 2014 were retrospectively analysed; 207 of them were followed-up throughout the study. Clinical, laboratory, radiological and histopathological examinations were performed thoroughly. Patients received treatment in the form of either pegylated interferon [PEG-IFN] or sofosbuvir, both in combination with ribavirin

Results: In total, 90.3% of recipients who were transplanted because of HCV-related end-stage liver disease experienced recurrence due to the virus. The donor age was older in the HCV recurrent group versus the non-recurrence group [28.7 +/- 7.1 versus 22.6 +/- 2.6 years: p

Conclusions: Older donor age and prolonged warm ischaemia time are independent predictors of HCV recurrence after LDLT, and early treatment with the direct-acting sofosbuvir is helpful in resolving the problem of post-LT HCV recurrence

Therapeutic Options in Idiopathic Burning Mouth Syndrome: Literature Review

Introduction Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a burning sensation in the tongue, palate, lips, or gums of no well-defined etiology. The diagnosis and treatment for primary BMS are controversial. No specific laboratory tests or diagnostic criteria are well established, and the diagnosis is made by excluding all other possible disorders. Objective To review the literature on the main treatment options in idiopathic BMS and compare the best results of the main studies in 15 years. Data Synthesis We conducted a literature review on PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Cochrane-BIREME of work in the past 15 years, and only selected studies comparing different therapeutic options in idiopathic BMS, with preference for randomized and double-blind controlled studies. Final Comments Topical clonazepam showed good short-term results for the relief of pain, although this was not presented as a definitive cure. Similarly, α-lipoic acid showed good results, but there are few randomized controlled studies that showed the longterm results and complete remission of symptoms. On the other hand, cognitive therapy is reported as a good and lasting therapeutic option with the advantage of not having side effects, and it can be combined with pharmacologic therapy. .

Epidemiological study of meningitis and role of neopterin in its diagnosis

Background: Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection, and by certain drugs. Neopterin better with C-reactive protein is suited to support the differential diagnosis of viral versus bacterial infections

Aim: The study aimed at determination of epidemiological profile of admitted cases of meningitis [from two to twelve years old] and to evaluate the role of serum neopterin in differentiation between septic and aseptic meningitis

Patients and Methods: Nignty meningitis cases admitted in Imbabah Fever Hospital in one year [May 2012-May 2013] and eighty one meningitis cases admitted in 1 year [May 2013-May 2014]. The following had been done for all patients Full medical history and Clinical examination, Laboratory investigation including a-CBC, and Serum neopterin by ELISA of the second phase, c-CSF analysis, and Statistical analysis SPSS

Results: risk factors among cases of meningitis are age<5 years, males more affected [63.3%] in the 1st phase in comparison to the 2nd phase [56.8%], there was a statistical significant difference as regard contact to ill relative with a higher percent in the 1st phase 66.2% in comparison to the 2nd phase 33.8%. There was a higher percent of viral meningitis in the 2nd phase [67.9%] in comparison to the 1st [47.8%]. CSF culture: no growth [32.2% in the 1st phase comparison to the 2nd phase 14.8%], followed by St. pneumonia [9.9% in the 2nd phase comparison to the 1st phase 5.6%], then H influenza [7.8% in the 1st phase in comparison to the 2nd phase 2.5%], the lowest percentage was TB meningitis with a percent of 1% and 0% in 1st and 2nd phase respectively. There was positive correlation between the bacterial meningitis occurrence and :he higher level of serum neopetrin

Conclusion: Meningitis is increasing worldwide in an alarming rate. Neopterin is a diagnostic marker to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections

Large thyroid cyst in a patient with congenital hypothyroidism / Grande cisto tiroidiano em paciente com hipotireoidismo congênito

Thyroid hormone biosynthetic defects are rare causes of congenital hypothyroidism. Although, initial presentations are usually diffuse goiter and hypothyroidism, subsequently they may develop thyroid nodules and or thyroid cancer. We describe a case of hypothyroidism due to dyshormonogenesis whose one of the previously solid nodules degenerates into a large cyst. A 22-year-old male was referred to our clinic for evaluation of enlarging thyroid nodule. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in infancy, however due to poor compliance to treatment TSH values were elevated most of the times. When he was fifteen the first nodule was detected which was a solid cold nodule. Fine needle aspiration was in favor of benign follicular nodule. Seven years later we found a large multi nodular thyroid with a predominant large cyst corresponding to the previously detected solid nodule. 21cc straw colored fluid was aspirated. Cytology was reported as benign cystic nodule. The patient underwent thyroidectomy and pathology confirmed a benign thyroid cyst. Although underreported thyroid dyshormonogenesis may progress to cystic degeneration. Taking into account the risk of malignancy and eventually cyst formation, we recommend more frequent evaluation in the face of nodule formation in these patients. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):958-61.

Os defeitos de biossíntese do hormônio tiroidiano são causas raras de hipotireoidismo congênito. Embora as apresentações iniciais sejam geralmente bócio difuso e hipotireoidismo, nódulos tiroidianos ou câncer de tiroide podem se desenvolver subsequentemente. Descrevemos aqui um caso de hipotireoidismo causado por disormonogênese e no qual um dos nódulos sólidos degenerou em um grande cisto. Um homem de 22 anos de idade foi encaminhado para nossa clínica para avaliação do aumento de um nódulo tiroidiano. O hipotireoidismo foi diagnosticado na infância. Entretanto, em razão da baixa conformidade ao tratamento, os valores de TSH estavam elevados na maior parte do tempo. Quando o paciente tinha 15 anos de idade, um primeiro nódulo sólido e frio foi detectado. A aspiração por agulha fina mostrou um nódulo folicular benigno. Sete anos depois encontramos múltiplos nódulos na tiroide e um grande cisto predominante que correspondia ao nódulo sólido anteriormente detectado. Foram aspirados 21cc de fluido cor de palha. A citologia mostrou um nódulo cístico benigno. O paciente foi submetido à tiroidectomia e o exame histopatológico confirmou um cisto tiroidiano benigno. Embora não seja comumente relatada, a disormonogênese da tiroide pode progredir para a degeneração cística. Ao serem considerados o risco de malignidade e a eventual formação de cistos, recomendamos uma avaliação mais frequente da formação de nódulos nesses pacientes. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):958-61.

Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: case report

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is an autoantibody-mediated disease with subepidermal blisters. It is a rare form of presentation of SLE that occurs in less than 5% of cases of lupus. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old, female, FRS patient reported the appearance of painful bullous lesions in the left nasal wing and left buccal mucosa that displayed sudden and rapid growth. She sought advice from emergency dermatology staff 15 days after onset and was hospitalized with suspected bullous disease. Intravenous antibiotics and steroids were administered initially, but the patient showed no improvement during hospitalization. She displayed further extensive injuries to the trunk, axillae, and vulva as well as disruption of the bullous lesions, which remained as hyperemic scars. Incisional biopsy of a lesion in the left buccal mucosa was performed, and pathological results indicated mucositis with extensive erosion and the presence of a predominantly neutrophilic infiltrate with degeneration of basal cells and apoptotic keratinocytes. Under direct immunofluorescence, the skin showed anti-IgA, anti-IgM, and anti-IgG linear fluorescence on the continuous dermal side of the cleavage. Indirect immunofluorescence of the skin showed conjugated anti-IgA, was anti-IgM negative, and displayed pemphigus in conjunction with anti-IgG fluorescence in the nucleus of keratinocytes, consistent with a diagnosis of bullous lupus erythematosus. DISCUSSION: BSLE is an acquired autoimmune bullous disease caused by autoantibodies against type VII collagen or other components of the junctional zone, epidermis, and dermis. It must be differentiated from the secondary bubbles and vacuolar degeneration of the basement membrane that may occur in acute and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus...

Prevalence of coeliac disease in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Coeliac disease [CD] may be associated with several liver disorders including primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis. Furthermore preliminary data suggest a causative role of CD in steatosis and steatohepatitis. The aim of present study was to determine the prevalence of CD in a series of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. In a cross sectional study [2008-2010], 403 consecutive NAFLD patients [127 female and 276 male] referred to GI clinics of the Zahedan University of Medical Sciences were included. IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase [Anti-tTG] was used for screening of coeliac disease. In the patients with a positive serologic test, duodenal biopsies were taken to confirm the diagnosis. The mean +/- SD of the age and BMI of patients were 37.4 +/- 12.4 years and 28.3 +/- 4.15 kg/m[2] respectively. BMIs lower than 25 kg/m2 were found in 58 subjects [14.5%]. Furthermore diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia were diagnosed in 48 [11.9%] and 84 [20.8%] individuals respectively. Positive Anti-tTGs were found in 14/403 [3.4%] and 13/403 [3.2%, 95% CI 1.5-4.9] had coeliac disease according to the modified Marsh classification; 8 had type I, 3 type II, 1 type IIIA and 1 type IIIB lesions. According to our data, prevalence of CD in the subjects with NAFLD is higher than the rates reported in the general population. Therefore screening for CD in selected cases of NAFLD may be appropriate

Laryngeal manifestations in atypical recurrent aphthous stomatitis / Manifestações laríngeas da Estomatite Aftoide Recorrente Atípica

Recurrent aphthoid stomatitis is characteristically observed in children and adolescents in the form of painful relapsing ulcers in the oral mucosa unaccompanied by evidences of systemic disease. The ulcers appear every one or two weeks for at least one entire year. Some patients suspected for recurrent aphthoid stomatitis develop lesions in atypical sites - mainly in the larynx - concurrently to the ones found in the oral mucosa. AIM: this study aims to describe a series of recurrent aphthoid stomatitis patients with atypical laryngeal injuries. Study design: this is a case series study. MATERIALS AND METHOD: patients diagnosed with recurrent aphthoid stomatitis with oral mucosa ulcers and laryngeal symptoms without altered lab test results and no evidence of systemic disease underwent fibroscopic examination, oral and laryngeal biopsies, followed by specimen evaluation by direct immunofluorescence. RESULTS: all six patients in this series had acute and chronic inflammatory processes according to pathology studies and negative direct immunofluorescence test results. CONCLUSION: laryngeal involvement in recurrent aphthoid stomatitis is rare. Therefore, during diagnostic examination thorough clinical history and meticulous physical examination accompanied by fibroscopic examination are necessary. When atypical lesions are found, biopsies for histological evaluation and direct immunofluorescence tests are required.

A Estomatite Aftoide Recorrente é definida como úlceras recorrentes e dolorosas na mucosa oral, de aparecimento na infância e adolescência, sem evidências de doenças sistêmicas, presentes quinzenal ou mensalmente por um período mínimo de um ano. No entanto existem quadros sugestivos de Estomatite Aftoide Recorrente que mostram lesões em localizações atípicas, principalmente em laringe, concomitantes àquelas localizadas na mucosa oral. OBJETIVO: Descrever uma série de portadores de Estomatite Aftoide Recorrente com apresentação atípica em laringe. Forma do Estudo: Estudo de uma série de casos. MÉTODO: Pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de Estomatite Aftoide Recorrente, com lesões em mucosa oral e sintomas laríngeos, sem alterações nos exames laboratoriais e sem evidências de doenças sistêmicas, foram submetidos a exame fibroscópico e a biópsia oral e laríngea, complementadas com Imunofluorescência Direta. RESULTADOS: Todos os seis pacientes desta série apresentaram como resultados histopatológicos processo inflamatório agudo e crônico e Imunofluorescência Direta negativas. CONCLUSÃO: O acometimento laríngeo na Estomatite Aftoide Recorrente é raro, por isso durante o diagnóstico faz-se necessária uma boa história clínica e um adequado exame físico, incluindo os exames fibroscópicos. Diante de lesões atípicas, faz-se necessário uso de biópsia para estudo histológico e de Imunofluorescência Direta.

Early evacuation of posttraumatic clotted hemothorax or retained pleural fluid: result of vats versus conventional thoracotomy

To compare the outcome of VATS versus conventional thoracotomy in the early evacuation of posttraumatic clotted hemaothorax or retained pleural fluid in patients with chest trauma after failure of the initial management with tube thoracostomy. Between January 2001 and December 2005, fifty-four patients with posttraumatic clotted hemothorax or retained pleural fluid were included in this study. They were claimed to have clotted hemothorax or retained pleural fluid after 3 to 5 days posttruama by chest roentgenogram and chest CT. The patients were divided into 2 groups, group I [VATS group] and group II [thoracotomy group]. Group I patients [VATS group] included 23 patients, VATS was performed for evacuation of posttraumatic clotted hemaothorax or retained pleural fluid. Group II patients [thoracotomy group] included 31 patients; conventional thoracotomy was performed for management of posttraumatic clotted hemothorax. There was no statistical significant difference between the mean ages of both groups, as the mean age of the VATS group patients was 33 +/- 8 years, while it was 32.7 +/- 7 years for the thoracotomy group patients. The mean preoperative ICT period was [6 +/- 1.5 days VS 7 +/- 2 days respectively]. It was statistically non-significant There was statistical significant difference [P-value

Early and mid term results of surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta: experience of Benha in 19 patients with simple coarctation of the aorta

To evaluate early and mid-term results of surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta in patients with isolated [simple] coarctation of the aorta. Between March 2000 and February 2005, nineteen patients diagnosed as cases of isolated coarctation of the aorta [with or without PDA] using Echocardiography .They underwent resection of the coarctated segment with end-to-end anastomosis. The patients were followed up for a mean period 23.8 +/- 7.4 months. In each visit, the patient was clinically evaluated for blood pressure, gradient [by echocardiography], neurological and recoarctation symptoms. The age ranged from 6 months to 9 years [mean of 4.4 +/- 2.8 gears] and 12 patients of them [63%] were males. The patients presented with different symptoms in the form of claudications in 12 patients [63%], headache in 10 patients [54%], chest pain in 3 patients [16%], and repeated chest infections in 7 patients [36%]. On examination, 14 patients [73%] had weak femoral pulse, and 11 patients [58%] had systolic continuous murmur conducted to the back. All the patients had hypertension which was defined as blood pressure greater than that of the 90th percentile for age, On measuring blood pressure, the mean upper limb blood pressure was 129/83 +/- 6.7/5.7 mm Hg, and the mean gradient was 35.4 +/- 6.8mm Hg. Operatively, the mean operative time was 149.2 +/- 14.6 minutes, the mean cross clamp time was 25.7 +/- 2.4 minutes, the mean intercostal tube [ICT] period was 2.7 +/- 0.8 days, the mean ICU stay was 1.6 + 0.6 days and the mean hospital stay was 9.9 +/- 1.6 days. There was no operative or hospital mortality. There was immediate postoperative increase in mean blood pressure which was 131/82 +/- 6/3 mm Hg, this increase was controlled with infusion of antihypertensive drugs. However, all the patients had dramatic improvement in blood pressure before discharge as the mean blood pressure on discharge was 114/67 +/- 6/4 mm Hg and the mean gradient on discharge was 13.3 +/- 5.1mm Hg. On follow up, the signs of hypertension occurred in total of 4 patients [21%], unfortunately, 2 of them died due to heart failure [11 and 15 months postoperatively]. The other 2 patients with postoperative hypertension were on one antihypertensive medication to control blood pressure. There was significance difference [P Value less than 0.05] between both mean blood pressure as well as mean gradient on admission and both on discharge, also, there was significant difference between both mean blood pressure and mean gradient on admission and both on 30 months after surgery. Surgical repair of isolated coarctation of the aorta by the technique of excision of the coarctated part with end-to-end anastomosis is essential in young patients to avoid subsequent morbidity and premature mortality. The short-term and mid-term results were satisfactory and encouraging

Effect of SLE on IL-12 level as compared with other autoimmune rheumatic diseases

IL-12 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by different antigen presenting cells. It has been shown to exert a critical role in inducing Th1 phenotype, thus initiating cell-mediated immune responses, but the significance of IL- 12 in rheumatic diseases is not clear. To determine IL-12 serum levels in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and to analyze the relationship of this cytokine with main clinical and laboratory parameters. We analyzed, by ELISA, serum IL-12 levels in 109 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE], 42 with Sjogren Syndrome [SS], 27 with Systemic Sclerosis [Scl], 79 with Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA], 40 with Psoriatic Arthritis [PA] and 20 healthy controls. We also examined main clinical and laboratory parameters, including autoantibody profile and clinical indices of disease activity. IL-12 serum levels were significantly higher in SLE and SS patients in respect to controls. IL-12 serum levels were significantly higher in SLE patients as compared to those suffering from RA, PsA and Scl. When we evaluated disease activity in SLE patients, we found significantly higher IL-12 serum levels in subjects without renal involvement, while no correlation was found in the other rheumatic autoimmune diseases. These findings suggest that IL-12, modulating cell and humoral immune responses, are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as SLE and SS

Value of dexamethasoneiontophopresis vs. local injection of dexamethasone in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone [DXM] iontophoresis in treating plantar fasciitis compared to the effect of local DXM injection. The study was performed on 21 patients [26 feet] complaining of plantar fasciitis of at least 2 months duration. Patients were selected on the basis of their clinical presentation and confirmed by plain Xray and diagnostic ultrasonography. Patients were classified into 2 groups: Group I [11 patients] received 10 sessions of iontophoresis using solution of 0.4% DXM on alternating days, while Group Ii [10 patients] received one local steroid injection of DXM into the area of maximum tenderness. Reassessment of the patients of both groups was done 3 weeks after starting their treatment program by assessment of pain intensity using numerical visual analogue scale [VAS], assessment of tenderness using Heel Tenderness Index [HTI] and ultrasonography examination. There was high statistical significant improvement of in all patients of group I, and in 7 patients of group II. Two feet had steroid flare in group II. No difference of statistical significance between the 2 groups was detected regarding change in HTJ, or change in ultrasound findings. However, there was a statistical significance difference regarding decrease in pain intensity with higher improvement in group I. Dexamethasone is an effective anti-inflammatory drug in treating plantar fasciitis whether applied by iontophoresis or by local injection. However, lontophoresis has the advantages of painless application with no risk of infection or fascial rupture

Ocular features in rubinstein-taybi syndrome

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome [RSTS] is a congenital disorder characterized by growth and mental retardation, facial dysmorphism and broad thumbs and toes. Ocular anomalies are evident in most of RSTS patients and they are phenotypic heterogenous. The study aimed to delineate the nature and the frequency of the ocular findings in RSTS and to demonstrate the clinical variability of this syndrome. Fifteen patients with phenotypic features of RSTS were included in the study. The sex ratio was M: F=9: 6 and the mean age of the cases was 4.5 ys. Negative family history was reported and all the parents were normal. Ocular abnormalities were present in all the cases, where the most common features were slanted down palpabral fissures [93.3%], long eye lashes [46.6%] followed by heavy eye brows [40%], strabismus [33.3%] and micro phthalmia [26.6%]. Hypertetorism was noted in [26.6%], while ptosis, epicanthal folds, 1[ry] optic nerve atrophy and retinal abnormalities in 2 cases each one. The most prominent facial feature was the beaked nose [93.3%]. Microcephaly was evident in 10 cases [66.6%] while triangular face and narrow high arched palate accounting for 53.3%and 40%respectively. Hypoplastic maxilla and low set ears were noted in [20%]. Broad thumbs and bigtoes were present in all the cases [100%] and bilateral clinodactyly of the 5[th] fingers was observed in 6 cases [40%]. Mental retardation was present in 80%of cases and 40%of patients had severe delay in expressive speech. Poor growth was found in 53.2%of the cases, while hirsutism was evident in 20%of the patients. No cytogenesis abnormalities were detected among the studied cases, phenotypic variability was evident in RSTS cases and ocular abnormalities occurred in the majority of patients and were remarkably diverse

Pollution from gerga sugar factory monitoring and assessment

Air quality was studied in Gerga sugar factory to assess and evaluate pollution levels that are generating from sugar manufacturing process. Pollution levels of NO, SO[2], CO, CO[z] and THG gasses and paniculate matter were detected and determined. Also, associated parameters of meteorological conditions such wind speed, wind direction, temperature and pressure were evaluated. This was done using the mobile monitoring unit. The mobile monitoring unit is a mobile laboratory with rapid response instruments for real-time measurements of gasses and particulate distribution and emission source characteristics. The results showed that air quality in Gerga sugar factory has been affected from total hydrocarbons and sulfur dioxide gases that exceeded the acceptable levels. As, for particulate matter, it is considered the worst pollution problem hi the core of the sugar factory and neighbouring colonies. In general we can say that Gerga Sugar factory affects the air quality with a limit range of pollution

Immunoflorescent study of placenta-bound IGg in women with common infection at term

The level of IgG increases during pregnancy reaching a maximal level at term and was clamed to have a role in the immunological initiation of labor at term, some times the presence of infection during pregnancy might increases the level of such antibody as part of the maternal humeral immune response toward invading pathogens, among which U.T.I and chest infection. The evaluation of the role of placenta- bound IgG as a part of immune response against the infectious agents causing UTI and or chest infection during the second half of pregnancy. Fifty one women were included in this study delivered normally at Baghdad teaching hospital, 17 women had UTI and 18 where complaining of chest infection at time of sample collection compared with 17 women delivered normally and apparently healthy as a control group, the level of IgG was detected by direct immunoflorescent test [IF]. The study showed a significant higher level of IgG in the placental biopsy of women with UTI, and chest infection than those of the control group. The level of placenta -bound IgG is higher in women having infectious disease during pregnancy than those with normal uncomplicated gestation, which could be considered as a reflection for the level of passive immunity donated to the baby during his first six months of life

Retrospective study of infections in Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]

Infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], therapeutic, dose-related and genetic factors all contribute to a lupus patient's increased susceptibility to infections. Although bacterial pathogens are the most common cause of infections, a wide variety of pathogens have been reported. Multiple risk factors for infection in SLE have been reported. These include disease activity, renal disease, gluco-corticoid use and cytotoxic therapies. The objective was to analyze infection risk factors in Egyptian lupus patients; the influence of these factors on disease activity, organ damage, disease development and the type of micro-organisms involved. The study included forty patients with SLE [37 females and 3 males] They were selected from those attending the SLE clinic in Ain Shams University hospital outpatient. Lupus disease activity had been established according to SLAM score. They were subjected to a retrospective study to : Complete medical history with special interest on duration of the disease, current treatment for lupus and dosage of prednisone, antimalarial drugs and immunosuppressive agents, number of infections whatever the cause during One year and number of admission due to episodes of infection whatever the cause. It included also symptoms of urinary tract infection [UTI] upper respiratory tract infection [URTT] as well as any complaint of the patient proved to be due to infection Laboratory assays included: CBC, ESR, serum creatinine, urine analysis, 24 hours protein in urine and culture when necessary. Increased incidence of infection in lupus patients which was 83 infections during the one year study. the incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections was 8 infections [9.64%], Urinary Tract Infections 70 infections [84.34%], and Skin Infections 5 infections [6.02%] 83% of the cultures had had obtained from lupus patients. 83% of the urine were G- ve organisms. E. coli was the most common uropathogen encountered in this study [47%] which was resistant to most antibiotics but was sensitive to aminoglycosides. Skin infections were presented by abscesses 4 times [80%] -with predominance of staphylococci- and Herpes Zoster once [20%] There was a significant increase in the number of infection in relation to corticosteroids dose. There was a statistical significance between incidence of infection and addition of immunosupressive drugs to corticosteroids. There was a strong relation between incidence of infection and disease activity. SLE itself, increased dose of corticosteroids, use of immunosuppressive drugs and activity of the disease all are risk factors in incidence of infection in patients with SLE. UTI followed by URTI and skin infections including HZ were the most frequent infections in Egyptian SLE patients