Cyclooxygenase-2 expression is associated with elevated AST level in hepatocellular carcinoma

Cyclooxygenase-2, the inducible rate-limiting enzyme of prostaglandins biosynthesis, has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of chronic inflammation-related human malignancies including Hepatocellular Carcinoma [HCC]. However, its clinical significance in HCC remains obscure. Our objectives were to evaluate COX-2 expression in HCC and correlate its expression to the different clinicopathological parameters and to assess its impact on patient survival. The present study was conducted on 17 HCC and 21 adjacent non-tumor liver tissues obtained from 22 HCC patients underwent curative hepatectomy at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt. Eight normal liver tissues taken from normal donors and HepG2 cell line were used as controls. Total RNA from tissues and cells was extracted and COX-2 mRNA was detected by RT- PCR and correlated to the clinicopathological criteria as well as to patient's survival. COX-2 mRNA was detected in 58.8% of the HCC tissues and in 28.6% of the adjacent non-tumor liver tissues. COX-2 expression was significantly associated with elevated levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase [AST] with high specificity for the detection of the disease. However, there was no significant correlation between COX-2 expression and any of the histopathological criteria. COX-2 expression may be involved in HCC carcinogenesis with high specificity for the detection of the disease It was significantly associated with elevated AST levels indicating disease severity. However cox2 expression seems to be an independent factor with no correlation to any of the clinicopathological data or patient's survival

involvement of GABA-ergic transmission in the anticonvulsant effect of ginkgo biloba against kainic acid-induced seizures in mice

Ginkgo biloba[GbE] is an herbal product that has been proven to be effective in many neurological disorders. However, its anticonvulsant activity is not sufficiently studied. The aim of this work is to study the anticonvulsant activity of GbE and the role of GABA-ergic transmission in this effect.[1] Studying the anticonvulsant activity of GbE in different dose levels [20, 30 and 50 mg/kg/d, orally] for 15 days against kainic acid [KA]-induced seizures in mice. [2] Measurement of the brain giutamate and GAB A levels and glutamate decarboxylase [GAD] activity. GbE showed a protective effect for animals against KA-induced seizures in a dose-related manner. This appeared in form of a significant increase in time of seizure onset and decrease in percent of seizures and mortality in animals treated with GbE. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in brain glutamate level and increase in GABA level and GAD activity in GbE-treated groups relative to KA-treated group. From the obtained results, we can conclude that GbE has effective anticonvulsant activity against KA-induced seizures. This effect may be mediated via various mechanisms but GABA-ergic transmission plays a vital role in this effect. Future research directions include further studies of the other possible mechanisms of GbE involved in its anticonvulsant and neuropotective activity

Synthesis and docking study of some pyrazolo [3, 4-d] pyrimidin -4 [5H]-one derivatives as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

Twelve new pyrazolo [3, 4-d] pyriniidin-4-[5H]-one derivatives 13a-g, 14-17 and 24 were synthesized as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase enzyme type 5 [PDE5]. All intermediates and final compounds were analyzed by IR, H-NMR, mass spectra and elemental analysis. The title compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity toward PDE5 in comparison with sildenafil using anaesthetized normotensive rabbits. Eleven of the final compounds 13 a-g, 14, 16 and 24 were subjected to biological screening using animal model and nine of these compounds were subjected to molecular modeling study in order to investigate their binding mode. Most of the explored tested compounds showed the same binding mechanism as vardenafil and some of these compounds showed promising activity in comparison to sildenafil in the pharmacological studies. The results indicated that compound 24 is the most active member of the investigated series

Genetic polymorphism of glutatfflone-s- transferase and susceptibility to and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic tobacco smoking is a major risk factor in the development of COPD. However, it is estimated that only 10-20% of chronic heavy smokers will develop symptomatic COPD. This indicates the possible contribution of environmental or genetic cofactors to the development of COPD in smokers. The present work aimed to study the relationship between GST polymorphism and susceptibility to and severity of COPD in smokers. A case control study was done on 140 patients with COPD and 140 matched controls. All subjects were smokers or exsmokers. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood DNA samples. Analysis of data was done by IBM computer using SPSS program. Results shown that the proportion of GSTMl-null genotypes was significantly higher in patients with COPD than in control subjects [62.2% versus 32.2%]. The odds ratio was 3.5 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1-5.7]. Moreover the patients with GSTM1 null genotype were at high risk of developing the severe type of COPD. The odds ratio was 3.2 and [95% CI = 1.5-6.7]. However the genotype frequencies of GSTTl-null genotype did not show significant difference between groups. Our data provide evidence that smokers with null genotype of GSTM1 were more susceptible to develop the severe type of COPD

lipoprotein lipase hind III polymorphism and the susceptibility to hypertension

Lipoprotein lipase [LPL] enzyme plays a central role in lipid metabolism. The primary function of LPL enzyme is the hydrolysis of the core triglycerides of circulating chylomicron and very low density lipoprotein [VLDL]. It releases monoglycerides and free fatty acids, which are taken up by skeletal muscle or adipose tissue. The present work aimed to study the association of the common variant of LPL HindlII [H+] and hypertension. Hindlll [+] variant allele of LPL were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] assay in 150 hypertensive patients and 150 normotensive as a control group. Serum lipoproteins were also observed in both groups. Allele frequencies were H+ = 0.733 and H- = 0.267 for LPL Hindlll in the hypertension group compared to H+ = 0.683 and H- = 0.317 in the control group. Individuals with homozygous [H+/+] genotype were at higher risk of developing hypertension compared to the [H-/-] genotype [Odds Ratio OR = 2.13, 95% Confidence Interval CI = 0.937-4.8]. Serum TG level were also higher in the individuals with [H+/+] genotype compared to the [H-/-] genotype, while HDL showed negative correlation with the presence of [H+/+] genotype. It can be concluded that the LPL Hindlll [H+] variant of LPL may influence the blood lipid metabolism and increase risk for hypertension

Transesopnageal echocardiographic anatomical and functional assessment of right atrial appendage: comparison with left atrial appendage and implications for local thrombus formation in patients with mitral stenosis

Right atrial appendage [RAA] thrombi and dysfunction have been reported in patients with atrial fibrillation [AF]. Although pulmonary embolism was a life-threatening complication of AF, there are little data about RAA and its thrombi in AF. Furthermore, to date there have been no prospective studies designed to examine RAA in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis [MS]. To define RAA anatomical and functional parameters and to compare them with left atrial appendage [LAA] parameters in patients with moderate MS both in AF and in sinus rhythm [SR] and to study the implications for local thrombus formation. Transthoracic [TTE] and multiplane transesophageal echo [TEE] were performed in 31 patients with moderate MS [16 in SR. Group I and 15 in AF, Group II]. We measured mitral valve area [MVA], mean pulmonary artery pressure [MPAP], left atrial diameter [LAD], LV EDD and ESD, EF%, RAA and LAA neck width, length, area, ratio of neck to area, and emptying velocity. We assessed also the incidence of RA-RAA and LALAA SEC and thrombi. Adequate visualization of RAA was highly feasible by TEE in 31/34 [91%] of patients. RAA anatomic and functional parameters were independent of imaging plane. Patients in AF had significantly increased LAD [p=0.004] and MPAP [p<0.0001] than those in SR. The RAA area was proportional to the LAA area [r=0.87, p<0.0001] only in patients with SR. On the other hand, RAA neck width and ratio of neck width to area were greater than those of LAA while LAA length and area were greater than those of RAA regardless the presence of AF. AF caused more enlargement in LAA [10.21 +/- 4.15 Vs 5.41 +/- 1.78, p<0.0001] compared to RAA [5.37 +/- 2.08 Vs 4.40 +/- 1.44, p=NS] while more dysfunction in RAA / [reduced emptying velocities [0.45 +/- 0.11]-[0.28 +/- 0.08], [40%] p<0.0001] compared to that of the LAA [0.43 +/- 0.08] - [0.32 +/- 0.14], [25.6%] p<0.01/ ]. AF caused higher prevalence of RAA spontaneous echo contrast [SEC] [66.7%] than in SR [37.5%], [p<0.0001]. Also it caused higher RAA thrombosis [46.7%] than in SR [25%], [p=0.001]; and finally RAA SEC was the only independent predictor of RAA thrombosis in SR [p=0.04] while the reduced ejection velocity was the only independent predictor of RAA thrombosis in MS patients with AF [p=0.04]. RAA imaging was highly feasible. RAA anatomic and functional parameters were independent of imaging plane. AF was associated with RAA minimal remodeling, maximal dysfunction and subsequently thrombosis. RAA dysfunction and SEC were independent predictors for RAA thrombosis. RAA SEC and thrombosis were directly proportional to LAA remodeling and dysfunction. Therefore, assessment of not only LAA but also RAA may be important during TEE examination of patients with MS

Antibacterial effect of an antibacterial adhesive system, and a resin modified glass ionomer liner

To evaluate the antibacterial effect of an antibacterial adhesive system and a resin modified glass ionomer liner against Streptococcus mutans. The antibacterial effect of the tested materials was evaluated using the agar disc diffusion test. Filter paper discs loaded with the tested materials were applied to agar plates previously inoculated with Streptococcus mutans. After incubation the inhibitory effect of the materials were evaluated by measuring the size of the inhibition zones. Resulted showed that both of the tested materials have a strong antibacterial effect. The primer of the anti bacterial adhesive system has significantly high antibacterial effect than the resin modified glass ionomer [Vitribond] [P < .001]. The use of the antibacterial adhesive system for bonding of composites provides higher antibacterial effect than the use of glass ionomer liner with composite resin restorations

Assessment of the nanoleakage of an antibacterial adhesive system and a resin modified glass ionomer liner

To evaluate the performance of an antibacterial self-etch adhesive systems and a resin modified glass ionomer liner by examining the resin-dentin interface and assessing the nanoleakage. The occlusal surfaces of 20 sound human premolars were ground and divided into two groups one coated with an antibacterial self etch adhesive system Clearfil Protect Bond and the other group was treated with a resin modified glass ionomer liner Vitribond. All teeth were coated with a thin layer of composite. The restored teeth were immersed in physiologic saline for 24 h. Then they were subjected to further immersion in 50% ammoniacal silver nitrate solution for 18 h and soaked in photo-developing solution for 6h. All teeth were sectioned in a bucco-lingual direction. The cut surfaces were polished, followed by 6N HCL application for 45s. All specimens were examined using Environmental Scanning Microscope to characterize the hybrid layer and evaluate the nanoleakage. A thin hybrid layer about 2-3 micro m wide was found at the interface of Clearfil Protect Bond with minimal silver deposition detected by the EDX analysis. Vitribond showed an interaction zone at the dentin interface with heavy deposition of silver granules. Clearfil Protect bond showed minimal degree of nanoleakage. Clearfil Protect Bond provides a hybrid layer at the resin/dentin interface with minimal degree of associated nanoleakage

Role of respiratory viruses in the etiopathogenesis of acute otitis media. How could be avoided?

Acute otitis media is one of the most common infection among children and although the treatment of it is directed towards the elimination of the bacteria from the middle ear space, viruses may also play an important etiologic role in this disease process [Mein, et al., 1979]. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of various respiratory viruses in middle ear effusion [MEE] and nasopharyngeal specimen in children with recurrent acute otitis media [AOM] who had failed to improve after antimicrobial therapy and to determine the incidence of respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] as one of the most common respiratory viruses in AOM. Middle ear effusion [MEE]samples collected at the time of tympanostomy tube placement from 54 children with recurrent AOM were subjected to reverse transecriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] to detect the presence of RSV genomic sequences. Also MEE and nasopharyngeal specimens were subjected to viral and bacterial cultures to detect viral antigens. The viral cause of infections was also assessed by serologic studies of serum samples obtained during the acute illness and convalescence. Viral infection was detected in 43 out of 54 children [79.6%], RSV was isolated from 57.1% of patients by viral culture and antigen detection and from 81.5% by RT-PCR. So, we can conclude that viral infection particularly RSV either alone or concurrent with bacteria is present with large percentage of children with recurrent AOM than previously suspected and PCR has proved to be more sensitive and specific than viral cultures and immunoassays in the detection of viruses in specimen. This would be helpful in guiding the use of preventive measures such as RSV vaccine

protective effect of magnesium on the neurocognitive function in hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion for aortic arch surgery

Background: Neuropsychological dysfunction is a major complication of thoracic aortic surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest [HCA]. Magnesium has been shown to have neuroprotectant effect in acute stroke and in short term neurological dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass. We sought to study the effect of magnesium on the neuropsychological function after HCA for aortic arch surgery using retrograde cerebral perfusion [RCP]

Methods: Forty patients scheduled for elective thoracic aortic surgery including the arch using HCA with RCP were randomly assigned to two equal groups. The magnesium group received magnesium sulfate to increase plasma magnesium level between 1.5 to 2 folds throughout the operation and for 24 hours, while the placebo group received normal saline over the same period as a control. The patients' neurocognitive state was assessed by cognitive P300 visual evoked potentials and the revised Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale done the day before the operation and 2 weeks postoperatively. P300 was assessed as area under the curve [AUC] between 280 and 600 ms and center of this area [Ct [time], Cv [voltage]]. The ratio of these parameters acquired by target [TG] and non-target [NTG] stimulus [TG/NTG], was calculated to assess concentration on TG stimulus and defined as concentration index [CI: CI[AUC], CI[Ct], and CI[Cv]]

Results: There were no stroke, seizure, or hospital mortality in either group. Preoperatively, in the magnesium group, AUC and Cv acquired by TG stimulus in both Cz and Fz leads were significantly altered postoperatively [P value <0.05]. In the placebo group, no significant postoperative change was observed in all leads on TG stimulus. Postoperative CI [Ct] in the placebo group, were significantly impaired in all leads. The revised Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale shows significant decline between baseline and postoperative scores in three subtests [digit span P value <0.05, arithmetic, and picture completion P value <0.01] for magnesium group and four [digit span, arithmetic, picture completion, and picture arrangement P value <0.01] for placebo group. Statistical difference between groups in test score changes was found in one subtest [picture arrangement P value <0.05]

Conclusion: Magnesium administration in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest using retrograde cerebral perfusion did not affect the neurocognitive outcome assessed by cognitive P300 visual evoked potentials and the revised Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, further work is needed to prove any protective value for magnesium in this context

Reverse transcriptase-PCR detection of Egyptian breast cancer micrometastasis using multi marker panel

There is a growing body of evidence that cancer cells infiltrate peripheral blood in very early stages of the breast cancer. Only about one per 105-106 cancer cells will get to and settle in distant organs and a small percentage of those will develop metastasis. The aim of this study was to use Four marker assays for detection of breast cancer cells circulating in patients' blood. We analyzed the usefulness of four mRNA markers: Mammaglobin [hMAM], epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], matrix metal loproteinase-2 and -9 [MMP-2, MMP-9] using RT-PCR technique. Blood samples from 135 cases [75 primary breast cancer patients and 60 healthy volunteers] were tested for the previously mentioned markers. hMAM transcripts were found in 41 of 75 cases [55.6%] of malignant patients and in 1.66% of the healthy donors [p=0.0001]. EGFR transcripts were found in 42.6% of malignant patients and 3.3% of healthy volunteers [p=0.00001]. MMP-2 transcripts were detected in 38.6% of malignant cases and not detected in healthy subjects [p=0.0001]. In case of MMP-9, no significant difference was observed between all cases studied [p=1.00]. No significant correlation was existed among molecular markers studied and clinicopathological data except for MMP-2 with ER positive vases [p=0.012]. These data suggest that, hMAM, EGFR, and MMP-2 allowed the detection of circulating breast cancer cells and MMP-2 is more specific to tumor and is associated with ER positive breast cancer cases

Rotational versus standard quantitative coronary angiography: a comparative study

Standard coronary angiography [SA] has some limitations and complications. Technology has been developed to perform rotational coronary angiography [RA] that may overcome SA limitations and complications while keeping the diagnostic accuracy. RA is a technique that provides with one contrast injection, a panoramic or dynamic cineangiogram of the coronary tree, during up to 180 rotation of the gantry. The purpose was to compare RA and SA regarding diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. Our study included 20 patients with a clinical indication for diagnostic coronary angiography [CA] at Cardiology Department, El Minia University Hospital. Patients were subjected to: SA [4 fixed projections for LCA and 2 for RCA] and RA [2 projections for LCA [RAO 60- LAO 60- caudal and cranial] and [1 projection for RCA [RAO 30- LAO 90- cranial]]. Acquisition of additional static angiographic projections was done for better diagnostic assessment whenever needed after SA and/or RA. QCA analyses were performed on two views [first from SA and second from RA] showing a significant lesion. Radiation dose [RD], contrast volume [CV], total number of frames [TNF], total number of image acquisitions [TNIA], additional projections [AP], reference vessel diameter [RVD], minimal lumen diameter [MLD], lesion percent stenosis [LPS] and lesion length [LL] were evaluated and compared between the two angiographic techniques. We analyzed 38 lesions. Their distributions were: 19[50%] in LAD, 9[23.68%] in RCA, 7[18.42%] in circumflex and 3 [7.89%] in the diagonals. There were no statistically significant differences between SA and RA derived QCA data in MLD[1.197 +/- 0.651 Vs 1.175 +/- 0.642], RVD[2.8l9 +/- 0.961 Vs 2.752 +/- 0.99], LPS [65.495 +/- 16.225 Vs 64.989 +/- 16.426], and in LL [12.575 +/- 6.392 Vs 12.406 +/- 6.338], p ns for all. At the same time, RA derived QCA data strongly correlated with SA derived QCA data with correlation coefficient, 0.99 1, 0.975, 0.994, and 0.996 respectively. On the other hand, RD was 44% less [245.83 +/- 132.17 Vs. 442.23 +/- 272.55 mGy], CV was 45% lower. [24.28 +/- 10.78 Vs. 43.98 +/- 20.77 ml], TNF was 45% fewer [162 +/- 65.54 vs. 293.21 +/- 142.83], TNIA was 59% lower [1.82 +/- 0.67 vs. 4.46 +/- 1.88], and AP was 82% lower beyond the pre specified protocol [0.21 +/- 0.49 vs. 1.179 +/- 1.249] in the RA compared to the SA technique, p<0.0001 for all. RA-derived QCA has similar diagnostic accuracy and strongly correlates with SA derived QCA. Furthermore, RA has better safety as it leads to a significant reduction in radiation exposure and contrast use. In the future therefore, RA may replace SA and should be compared with MSCT CA in diagnosis of CAD especially if coupled with minimally invasive approaches such as radial access and use of 4 French devices

Early detection of Egyptian colorectal cancer patients using stool-based DNA markers

About 50% of the patients with colorectal cancer who are diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptom could be cured by surgery. It may be assumed that diagnosis and surgery at an earlier asymptomatic stage would allow more patients to be cured. Therefore, screening appears to be the simplest way to decrease mortality due to colorectal cancer. The emergence of molecular stool testing promises accurate and user friendly alternative to conventional methods of colorectal cancer screening. The aim of this work is to evaluate the stool-based DNA test for three genetic markers on Egyptian patients. DNA was extracted from stool and/or tissue samples collected from 45 Egyptian patients [17 colorectal cancer, 28 non-cancerous lesions and normal] the lesions include ulcerative colitis, polyps, and schistosomiasis. Mutations were detected in k-ras oncogene at codon 12 using RFLP technique, p53 gene [exons 5, 6, and 7] using SSCP technique and finally microsatellite instability [MSI] for BAT-26 locus as a marker for mismatch repair gene. The overall molecular changes using the three markers showed that 25 patients out of 45 [55.56%] exhibited mutations in one or more of the markers used. Mutations were detected in 76.46% colorectal cancer patients. In non-cancerous cases, 42.86% exhibited mutations using the same gene panel. P53 mutation recorded the highest percentage of markers used [58.8%] in cancerous cases whereas it was 42.86% in non-cancerous cases. K-ras mutations recorded about 29.4% in cancerous cases and non in non-cancerous cases. Finally, MSI at BAT-26 was only 5.9% in cancerous cases and no MSI in non-cancerous group. In conclusion, p53 may represent a golden marker for Egyptian patients with colorectal cancer and pre-malignant diseases. Using multi-target genetic panel is successfully for early detection of colorectal cancer. Finally, stool-based DNA test is a real golden method which reflect the genetic changes in the tumors

Role of mismatch repair genes [h MLHI, h PMS1, h PMS2, GTBP/h MSH6, h MSH2] in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma

DNA mismatch repair [MMR] is an important mechanism involved in maintaining fidelity of genomic DNA. Abnormalities in at least one of five MMR genes are implicated in the development of many cancers and the associated micro satellite instability [MSI]. By using a newly developed multiplex reverse transcription -PCR assay, the expression of the five known MMR [hMLH1, hPMS1, hPMS2, GTBP/hMSH6, hMSH2] were evaluated in 33 human HCC cases as well as 16 cases from the normal distant hepatic tissue samples [NDHT] were also evaluated. Twenty- five of them were associated with HCV infection. This was done in an attempt to determine the role of MMR genes in the development of HCC. The beta actin gene was used as an internal control for RNA degradation and DNA contamination and as well as a reference for quantifying the levels of their transcription. Out of the 33 studied HCC cases, 30 cases [90.9%] showed reduction in the expression of one or more of the 5 studied MMR genes. Reduced expression of hMSH2 was found in [71.9%], hMLH1 [53.3%], GTBP [51.1%], hPMS2 [33.3%] and hPMSI [6%]. Correlation analysis showed a strong significant correlation [P= 0.0069] between reduced expression of hPMS2 and GTBP [P=0.0034] as well as hPMS2 and non-cirrhosis [P=0.0197]. Chi-square analysis showed a significant correlation between reduced expression of hMLHl and grade II. On the other hand, 57.1%, 50%, 20%, 18.8% and 6% of the NDHT showed reduced expression of hMSH2, hMLHI, GTBP, hPMS2 and hPMSI respectively. Multivariate analysis showed significant correlation between HCC and hMSH2 [P= 0.008], hMLH1 [P=0.001] and GTBP [P=0.032], also between hPMS2, GTBP and HCC infected with HCV cases [P< 0.001, 0.002]. It could finally be concluded that reduced expression of hPMS2 is likely associated with growth advantage and stimulates proliferation changes that have encouraged malignant development in non- cirrhotic HCV infected patients via acquisition of more genetic damage and the MMR defects that occur at an early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis

Loss of heterozygosity at BRCA1, TP53, nm-23 and other loci on chromosome 17q in human breast carcinoma

In Egypt, breast cancer ranks number one among the female malignancies. Activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes are thought to play an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. The present study is a trial to investigate the role of chromosome 17 in sporadic invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast through detection of LOH for 6 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci, two of which are located at BRCA1 gene [D17S855 and D17S856], one at TP53 gene, one at nm 23 gene and finally two at 17q12-12.3 [D17S183 and D17S250]. Tissue samples and their corresponding safety margin normal tissues were collected from 25 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast of grades 2 and 3. LOH was detected for the 6 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers mentioned previously using PCR assay. The percentage of overall LOH recorded was 68% of the cases examined. The highest LOH was recorded in D17S855 and D17S856 [43% and 32% respectively], both markers are located at BRCA1 gene, followed by 32% LOH in nm-23 gene. D17S183 and D17S250, which are localized telomeric and centromeric to BRCA1 gene, showed 24% and 28% LOH, respectively. The lowest percentage of LOH was observed in the TP53 gene [14%]. No significant correlation was found between each of the six markers used and lymph node status, grade, or menopause status. LOH at the nm-32 marker exhibited a significant association with lymph node involvement. It can be concluded from the present study that BRCA1 gene may be involved in carcinogenesis of some sporadic breast cancer cases. Deletion in nm-23 gene is associated with the advanced stage of the disease. Finally, another gene located at 17q 12- 12.3 region may be involved in some sporadic breast cancer cases

P53/WAF1 dependent pathway in squamous cell carcinoma of bladder associated with Bilharziasis

Our understanding of cellular growth control and cell cycle control has been studied extensively at the last decade. Several genes have been identified whose expression are affected by p53 gene. The waf1 is a target gene whose expression has been found to be regulated by p53. We studied p53/waf1 expression inschistosomal egyptian bladder cancer patients in an attempt for the possible use of them as genetic marker for assessment of the progression of such type of disease in egypt. For this purpose, 50 bladder tumors and their corresponding safty margins as controls were collected from nci, cairo niversity and screened for detection of p53 alterations using western blotting confirmed by pcr-sscp analysis, as well as the expression of waf1 gene using western blotting technique. Our results revealed that 20 cases [40%] showed mut-p53, 19 of them harbor abnormal pattern of sscp analysis. A significant correlation was reported between p53 and histopathological type of bladder cancer [scc and tcc, p=0.02]. We reported 21 cases [42%] showed waf1 downexpression. This study gives a dramatic example for the interaply between the oncosuppressor genes in cancer where, a very strong negative association was reported between the presence of p53 alteration [at both dna and protein levels] and waf1 expression [p=0.001]. In conclusion, this study provides an evidence that p53 may be involved in scc genetic. However, no role for p53 alterations in the progression or metastatic potential of bladder cancer. Also, p53/waf1 deficiency may not involve in bladder cancer development and/or progression

Composite homograft for tympanoplasty and tympanomastoid surgery

Preserved homologous septal cartilage covered by temporalis fascia had been used to reconstruct the posterior meatal wall in 10 cases [group I]. Group II included other 10 cases with tympanic membrane retraction. The retracted segment is excised, silastic sheet is spread, the defect is repaired with slice of cartilage and two layers of fascia, between which the handle of malleus had been sandwiched. An air-bane gap of less than or equal to 30 db was obtained in 70% of the first group and in 90% of the second group. Homologous cartilage grafts can be expected to remain as functional and durable components and supply firm support to the canal and tympanic membrane, preventing retraction at the grafted site

Reduction of the tonsillar fossa to diminish pain after tonsillectomy

In this study, 20 consecutive patients over the age of 15 years undergoing tonsillectomy had one tonsillar fossa reduction [without suturing of the tonsillar pillars] by 3/0 vicryl suture. The opposite side was used as a control. Pain was assessed on a visual analogue scale from the first to tenth postoperative day. The study showed that tonsillar fossa reduction after tonsillectomy significantly controls the postoperative pain starting from the 5th postoperative day. Moreover, tonsillar fossa reduction is associated with more rapid and better healing and does not show any increase in the incidence rate of complications such as infections or hemorrhage. So, it is a useful, safe and easy procedure that could be used to alleviate post-tonsillectomy pain in terms of shortening of the duration of healing

Detection of chlamydia trachomatis DNA by polymerase chain reaction in urine of women with tubal infertility as diagnosed by hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy

This study included 30 women with tubal infertility and 14 women with other causes of infertility documented by laparoscopy. The presence of C. trachomatis DNA in first void urine was determined using PCR assay and the presence of C. trachomatis-specific IgG in serum samples was also investigated using microimmunofluorescence [MIF] technique. C. trachomatis-specific IgG was present in 14 of 30 women with tubal infertility compared with seven of 14 with other causes of infertility. In conclusion, there was a strong association between the presence of C. trachomatis DNA and the development of chlamydial- associated infertility