Mycotoxin residues in different chicken products by HPLC and their inactivation ‎using Gamma radiation

Mycotoxin residues were studied in different chicken products by HPLC and their inactivation using Gamma radiation. 120 differentchicken products were examined for the presence of mycotoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, and OTA) using highly accurate and preciseHPLC-FLD assay. High recovery was achieved by purification of the sample extract using immunoaffinity columns (IAC). Derivatization ofAFs was carried out with a 0.005% aqueous solution of pyridine hydrobromide perbromide (PBPB) by utilizing a post-column LC pump.The incidence of mycotoxins in analyzed chicken products showed that the level of Afla B1, Afla B2, and Afla G2 were 10 % for each and ofAfla G1 and Ochra A were ranged from 10 to 16.7% for each. The results showed that the highest concentration of examined mycotoxinswas present in the liver as the liver is the harbor site of mycotoxin residues. The influence of different gamma irradiation rays (6, 8, and 10kGy) was studied on the reduction of the existed in examined chicken products. There is a positive connection between the elevation ofgamma irradiation dose used to the samples and the reduction level of total mycotoxins current in these samples, whereby, the mostreduction percentage of mycotoxins were achieved at 10 kGy; it reaches 19.6% for total mycotoxins, 27% for AF B1, 40.43% for AF B2,59.42% for AF G1, 92.15% for AF G2, and 73.44% for OTA.

The effect of preheating resin composites on surface hardness: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of preheating on the hardness of nanofilled, nanoceramic, nanohybrid, and microhybrid resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search of papers on MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost was performed. Only in vitro studies were included. Non-English studies, case reports, clinical trials, and review articles were excluded. A meta-analysis of the reviewed studies was conducted to quantify differences in the microhardness of the Z250 microhybrid resin composite using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. RESULTS: Only 13 studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The meta-analysis showed that there were significant differences between the non-preheated and preheated modes for both the top and bottom surfaces of the specimens (p < 0.05). The microhardness of the Z250 resin composite on the top surface in the preheated mode (78.1 ± 2.9) was higher than in the non-preheated mode (67.4 ± 4.0; p < 0.001). Moreover, the microhardness of the Z250 resin composite on the bottom surface in the preheated mode (71.8 ± 3.8) was higher than in the non-preheated mode (57.5 ± 5.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the results reported in the reviewed studies showed great variability, sufficient scientific evidence was found to support the hypothesis that preheating can improve the hardness of resin composites.

Do universal adhesives promote bonding to dentin? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to conduct a systematic review of the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of multi-mode adhesives to dentin and to perform a meta-analysis to assess the significance of differences in the µTBS of one of the most commonly used universal adhesives (Scotchbond Universal, 3M ESPE) depending on whether the etch-and-rinse or self-etch mode was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed of MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. Laboratory studies that evaluated the µTBS of multi-mode adhesives to dentin using either the etch-and-rinse or self-etch mode were selected. A meta-analysis was conducted of the reviewed studies to quantify the differences in the µTBS of Scotchbond Universal adhesive. RESULTS: Only 10 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Extensive variation was found in the restorative materials, testing methodologies, and failure mode in the reviewed articles. Furthermore, variation was also observed in the dimensions of the microtensile testing beams. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the etch-and-rinse and self-etch modes for Scotchbond Universal adhesive (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Multi-mode ‘universal’ adhesives can achieve substantial bonding to dentin, regardless of the used modes (either etch-and-rinse or self-etch).

Effect of smear layer deproteinization on bonding of self-etch adhesives to dentin: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to critically analyze previously published studies of the effects of dentin surface pretreatment with deproteinizing agents on the bonding of self-etch (SE) adhesives to dentin. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the effects of the above-mentioned surface pretreatment methods on the bonding of SE adhesives to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, PubMed and ScienceDirect. The online search was performed using the following keywords: ‘dentin’ or ‘hypochlorous acid’ or ‘sodium hypochlorite’ and ‘self-etch adhesive.’ The following categories were excluded during the assessment process: non-English articles, randomized clinical trials, case reports, animal studies, and review articles. The reviewed studies were subjected to meta-analysis to quantify the effect of the application time and concentration of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) deproteinizing agents on bonding to dentin. RESULTS: Only 9 laboratory studies fit the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that the pooled average microtensile bond strength values to dentin pre-treated with deproteinizing agents (15.71 MPa) was significantly lower than those of the non-treated control group (20.94 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: In light of the currently available scientific evidence, dentin surface pretreatment with deproteinizing agents does not enhance the bonding of SE adhesives to dentin. The HOCl deproteinizing agent exhibited minimal adverse effects on bonding to dentin in comparison with NaOCl solutions.

Serum Fetuin A, hs-CRP and Homocysteine as Biochemical Markers of Cardiovascular Complications in Chronic Dialysis Patients.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are considered a high risk group of cardiovascular disease in which vascular calcifi cation plays central role. A pivotal role in the inhibition of calcifi cation is played by fetuin-A. Th e measurement of infl ammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homocysteine which promotes atherosclerosis is helpful in predicting cardiovascular disease in ESRD patients on regular dialysis. Material and Method: Th e study included 40 adult CKD patients divided into 30 ESRD patients on conventional hemodialysis, 15 with CVD and 15 without CVD, as well as 10 CKD patients on conservative treatment. Ten healthy subjects served as a control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used for fetuin-A, hs-CRP and homocysteine. Results: ESRD patients showed a signifi cant increase in serum hs-CRP, homocysteine and decrease in fetuin-A compared to control group. In addition, ESRD patients with CVD and without CVD showed a signifi cant increase in hs-CRP, homocysteine and only those with CVD had signifi cantly decreased fetuin-A in relation to CKD patients. Th e study revealed increased levels of hs-CRP and decrease in fetuin-A in ESRD patients with CVD compared to ESRD patients without CVD. Fetuin-A showed a negative correlation with hs-CRP and homocysteine in ESRD patients with and without CVD. Conclusion: Th e combined use of hs-CRP at a cutoff of (10 mg/dL) with either fetuin-A at a cutoff value of (0.26 g/L) or alternatively with homocysteine at a cutoff value of (48.23 μmol/L) proved to be eff ective for discrimination of CVD patients from other ESRD or CKD patients.

Significance of serum angiogenin assay as a novel marker for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver cirrhosis: a comparative study

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Angiogenin [ANG] is a potent angiogenic factor first isolated from the culture medium conditioned by colon carcinoma cells. Many reports have demonstrated an elevated serum ANG level in patients with various malignancies including colorectal carcinoma, melanoma, and pancreatic carcinoma. These results pointed to serum ANG as a novel marker for the diagnosis, progression, and aggressiveness of malignant tumors

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of serum ANG as a novel marker for the diagnosis of HCC in liver cirrhosis and compare it with serum alpha-fetoprotein [AFP]

Patients and methods: The study included 40 patients who were divided into group I and group II. Group I included patients with HCC and group II included those with liver cirrhosis. Group III included age-matched and sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Patients in group I were further classified according to the TNM system into subgroup Ia, which included patients with tumor size less than or equal to 2 cm, and subgroup Ib, which included patients with tumor size greater than 2 cm. All individuals were subjected to an assay for evaluating the serum level of AFP and serum ANG

Results: For the diagnosis of HCC, serum AFP showed a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 80%, whereas serum ANG showed a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 85.7%. In discriminating patients with early hepatic cancer from those with more advanced stages, serum AFP showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 89.8%, whereas serum ANG showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 85.7%

Conclusion: Serum ANG is a promising marker for the diagnosis of HCC, being superior to serum AFP in both sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, serum ANG efficiently discriminates early from late stages of HCC

Chromohystroscopy after failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection [1CSI]

Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI], is a procedure adopted worldwide as the ultimate micro-assisted fertilization approach due to its clinical success.The objective of this study was to assess the value of using Chromohystroscopy modality in infertility workup after failed ICSI procedures in evaluating uterine receptivity and detect any signs of chronic endometritis by a less invasive method. Prospective cohort study. A total of 50 infertile patients recruited from the infertility clinic in El-Shatby University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. Cases were allocated into two groups. The first group includes cases that had a foiled trial of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The second group includes control cases from patients seeking for fertility treatment with no previous history of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and with no history of anatomic uterine abnormalities. The selected sample size was found to be 50 women, and were randomly selected and allocated in two groups each group was 25 women after fulfilling the inclusion criteria.There was a statically significant increase in the incidence of endometritis among the study group 68%in comparison to 16% in the control group .In this study. Endometrial dyeing with methylene blue at hysteroscopy improves the detection of chronic endometritis

Evaluation of central veno-arterial carbon dioxide difference as a valid resuscitation tool in pediatric septic shock

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that central venous to arterial carbon dioxide difference [Pcv-a CO[2]] may help as a global marker of tissue perfusion in resuscitated pediatric septic shock patients when the central venous oxygen saturation [ScvO[2]] goal has been reached

Study design: A prospective randomized observational study was conducted in a 9 -bedded pediatric intensive care unit. 49 patients aged from 1 month to 4 years with a new episode of septic shock were included. Patients were categorized into four predefined groups according to the Pcv-a CO[2] gap to a threshold of 6 mmHg evaluated on admission [T0] and six hours after early goal-directed therapy [EGDT] resuscitation protocol [T6]: [I] persistently high Pcv-aCO[2] [high at T0 and T6]; [II] increasing Pcv-aCO[2] [normal at T0, high at T6]; [III] decreasing Pv-aCO[2] [high at T0, normal at T6]; and [IV] persistently normal Pv-aCO[2] [normal at T0 and T6]. Patients were resuscitated according to the international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock using a 6 hour EGDT and 1 ry, 2ry outcomes were evaluated

Results: There was a significant difference among groups as regard Pcv-a CO[2] at T0, T6 [both p <0.001], ScvO[2] at T6 [p 0.003], T24 vasopressor inotrope score [VIS] among category I and II regarding failure to fulfill shock reversal [p <0.001] with T24 VIS AUC on ROC curve 0.960, [p <0.001] to predict failure of shock reversal among category I, II with 88.89% sensitivity and 100% specificity to predict failure of shock reversal. No significant difference among categories concerning demographic data, clinical, ICU mortality, and 28 day mortality rates

Conclusion: Despite of near normalization of oxygen parameters, that does not guarantee adequate tissue perfusion, and still high mortality rates among pediatric septic shock patients. We would advise to measure continuously all parameters [i.e. clinical, oxygen markers, Pcv-aCO[2], lactate] until proper resuscitation by early goal-directed therapy [EGDT] and reversal of shock. Further investigations are recommended to look for other markers of impaired microcirculatory or mitochondrial dysfunction as well as therapeutic approaches targeting these deficiencies

Outcome measures of a pilot [mHealth] intervention for type ii diabetes mellitus in a tertiary level hospital

Background: There have been a significant number of initiatives which aimed at using mobile health [mHealth] to improve diabetes care through improving patient provider communication, providing patients with information and lifestyle tips, and appointment reminders

Objectives: To assess the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction pertinent to a pilot [mHealth] service established for type II Diabetes mellitus patients in an educational tertiary level hospital in order to provide leadership with a recommendation whether or not to institutionalize the service

Methods: Diabetes mellitus type II patients who received a pilot [mHealth]service in an educational tertiary level hospital were followed up for 12 months. Patient records were reviewed for reductions in HbA1C levels, hospitalizations, ER visits, unplanned consultant visits during the follow up period and treatment compliance. Finally patient satisfaction was anonymously measured at the end of the period

Results: Patient satisfaction with the service was relatively high [87.7%]. Satisfaction with phone calls was significantly higher than satisfaction with SMS. The mean reduction in HbA1c levels of all patients was 1.67 +/- 0.54, [p<0.001]. The number of received SMS during the service significantly correlated with the reduction in the HbA1c level [Pearson R= 0.184, p<0.05]. Patient compliance with treatment was significantly correlated with the number of phone calls received [Pearson R = .379 and P<0.001]. The rates of hospitalization, visits to ER and unplanned consultant visits were generally low among the studied patients [4.5%, 7.1% and 16.9% respectively]

Conclusion and Recommendations: The pilot mHealth service implemented in the hospital was significantly correlated to the patient compliance with treatment, and improvement in glycemic control with a remarkably high patient satisfaction. It is recommended to institutionalize the intervention, as a standard component of Diabetes mellitus care, and to conduct further patient satisfaction surveys, benchmarking and evaluation studies to assess the effectiveness of the service

Knowledge and performance among dentists regarding coagulation tests in patients with hereditary bleeding disorders and patients on anticoagulant therapy

Some of the dental procedures can cause bleeding. Bleeding control can be affected in some patients due to systemic disease or chronic anticoagulant therapy, so they may be at increased risk for bleeding events or even death following invasive dental procedures. This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge of general dentists in Qazvin city regarding coagulation tests performed in bleeding disorders during 2010-2011. A questionnaire [including 23 questions] was designed with the aid of specialists in the field of oral medicine and hematology. This questionnaire was distributed among 124 general practitioners. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 15 and T-test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey. The mean score for dentists knowledge was 8.64 +/- 1.20. There was no significant difference in the mean knowledge scores among male and female dentists. Tukey test showed a significant difference in the mean knowledge level among 31 -40 year old and over forty year old dentists [p<0.04]. This study showed that knowledge of the dentists regarding bleeding disorders is not at desirable level which requires planning for continuing education courses

Combined coagulation flocculation pre treatment unit for municipal wastewater

The potentials of using the hydraulic technique in combined unit for municipal wastewater treatment were studied. A combined unit in which processes of coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation, has been designed utilizing hydraulic mixing instead of mechanical mixing. Ajar test treatability study has been conducted to locate the optimum dose of the coagulants to be used. Alum, ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, a mixture of ferric and ferrous sulfates, and mixture of lime and ferrous sulfate were all tested. A pilot unit was constructed in the existing wastewater treatment plant at El Mansoura governorate located in north Egypt. The optimum dose of coagulants used in the combined unit gives removal efficiencies for COD, BOD, and total phosphorous as 65%, 55%, and 83%, respectively

Failure to pass urine following transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP]: does the patient's mode of presentation determine the outcome of TURP?

To elucidate possible predictive factors for failure to pass urine following transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP] in patients subjected to TURP for lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy [BPH]. Prospective Study. Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, Mubarak Hospital, Kuwait. Three hundred and fifteen consecutive patients who presented with LUTS secondary to BPH and underwent TURP were included in the study. TURP. Main Outcome Measure: Ability to void after TURP. Out of 315 patients, 26 [8.3%] failed to void after TURP. The mean age of patients was 67 [range 57-92] years. The causes of failure to void after the catheter removal were: hypotonic bladder [10 / 26, 38%], persistent infra-vesical obstruction [9/ 26, 35%], diabetic neuropathy [4/ 26, 15%], end stage renal failure neuropathy [1 /26, 4%] and old age [2/ 26, 8%]. 21 / 26 [80.7%] patients who failed to void presented with acute on chronic or chronic urinary retention. The etiology of failure to void post-TURP is multi-factorial but is more common in patients presenting with acute on chronic or chronic urinary retention secondary to hypotonic bladder, diabetic neuropathy and occasionally very old age. Careful pre-operative patient selection and counseling is required in patients with chronic urinary retention about to undergo TURP to minimize the frustrations associated with the management of patients failing to void post-TURP

Seminal fluid and hormonal profiles among Iraqi patients with male infertility

The aims of this case-control study were to identify the seminal fluid patterns in Iraqi men with infertility as well as in fertile controls. Also, to demonstrate the types of serum hormones [Follice Stimulating Hormone [FSH], Leutinizing [LH], Testosterone and Prolactin] abnormalities in the study groups. 81 Iraqi men with infertility and 30 fertile men who fulfilled the selection criteria to whom Seminal Fluid Analysis [SFA] was performed according to WHO method. The patients group was subdivided by sperm concentration into azoospermic, oligoasthenozoospermic and oligozoospermic subgroups. Serum levels of the hormones [Testosterone, FSH, LH and Prolactin] were measured for patients and controls using ELIZA immunoassays. Seminal fluid analysis parameters mean levels and serum hormone levels were compared for the groups using Analysis of Variance test. Iraqi infertile men showed lower values for SFA parameters than did the controls. Patients with azoospermia showed the most remarkable hormonal abnormalities especially in the levels of serum FSH and Testosterone. Patients also demonstrated multiple abnormalities in seminal fluid parameters. There were significant differences in the serum sex hormone levels between the patients and control groups and among the infertile men subgroups. Seminal fluid abnormalities among Iraqi patients with male infertility are multicomponents. Hormonal profiles for these patients do not follow a single pattern. Patients with low sperm concentration and especially those with azoospermia are those that most likely will get benefit from hormonal assays. Serum FSH and Testosterone are the best 2 hormones for initial male infertility evaluation

Alhagi maurorum extract has gastro anti-inflammatory activity

Gastric hyperacidity, gastro inflammation and ulcer are very common causing human suffering these days. Gastric initation mechanism is still very poorly understood as mentioned in many scientific articles. Alhagi maurorum is considered a medicinal plant with prospective potent flavonoids. GC-MS spectrum has found three flavone structures [2-phenyl-1, 4 benzopyrone] derivatives with more than 50% in the ethanolic plant extract. In rat experiment, ethanolic A. maurorum extract [100mg/kg bw oral daily] and ranitidine the standard ulcer drug [100mg/kg bw oral daily] were treated aspirin ASP [200 mg/kg bw oral] administrated two times through the 10 days. Some rats were sacrificed after both aspirin administrations and in the end of the experiment. Gastro fluid volume has been decreased in ASP group, and acid output was decreased for plant extract followed by ranitidine. Ranitidine and plant extract protect liver enzymes, oxidation status [MDA and GSH], fucosidase tumor marker and risk lipid ratio. No ulcer patterns have been shown in the histopathological study, but some inflammation in the gastric wall and vascular change dilatation of blood vessels were detected. More studies should be demonstrated potent natural plant extracts and their active components against gastro inflammation and ulcers

Molecular detection of pox virus in pigeon

Pigeon pox virus causes a serious disease in pigeons and may threats the life of these birds. The pigeon pox virus is easily detected in clinical samples when the signs appeared but in that case the disease could affect the health of birds and may be complicated by secondary bacterial infections. So, the rapid and accurate detection of the virus is needed. In this study the application of molecular techniques based on nucleic acid was characterization done. Molecular characterization of pigeon pox virus was successful carried out by using PCR and real-time PCR techniques for the pox virus in samples from 8 clinical cases of suspected diseased pigeons from three provinces [Giza, Kafr El-Sheikh and Beni-Suef], DNA was extracted from skin lesions from each case, amplify the FWPV P4b gene. Results of PCR amplification of pigeon poxvirus and agarose gel electrophoresis showed that there were five out of the eight suspected field samples were positive for the presence of pigeon pox virus with the expected correct size bands of 578 bp. Real-time polymerase chain reactions [r-PCR] assay was also used for detection of the virus by using the same previously described primers with SYBR Green mix. Real time PCR dissociation curve of PCR products of the SYBR Green PCR assay indicated that the PCR products of melting temperature [Tm] at 75-77°C were positive for 5 samples out of the 8 suspected cases of pigeon pox virus similar to the obtained results by conventional PCR. In this study, the molecular methods the primers and PCR conditions were used to used were able to detect virus in clinical samples and showed the same sensitivity as virus isolation in case of obvious clinical signs but the molecular methods were more rapid and reliable when compared to conventional methods for virus isolation

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

Refraction changes in infantile esotropia

Infantile esotropia is a large angle esodeviation that presents within the first year of life. It represents the most common form of strabismus, with an incidence of 1 to 2%. Although the accepted treatment for this entity is by surgical alignment of the eyes, the refractive changes in infantile esotropes and their implications on the outcome has not been adequately studied. A series of 90 cases diagnosed as infantile esotropia collected from the pediatric Ophthalmology department between 1997 and 2001 were studied retrospectively to investigate the refractive state following the initial management and its effect on the ocular alignment and the outcome of therapy. The follow-up period ranged from three to seven years. Out of the 90 patients, 34 patients [37.7%] showed significant refractive error changes after initial surgical alignment that needed further correction. Among these, 25 were fully corrected with glasses and the remaining nine patients needed second surgical interference. On the other hand, 56 patients [62.2%] showed stability of refraction with no further interference. The previous findings lead to conclude that surgical alignment alone does not give the final security for infantile esotropes and that later refraction changes should not be underestimated as it may influence the outcome

role of peripheral iridectomy in prevention of secondary glaucoma after paediatric cataract surgery

To evaluate the role of peripheral iridectomy [PI] alter irrigation/aspiration [I/A] and posterior chamber intraocular lens [PCIOL] implantation in paediatric cataract and its efficiency as a preventive measure against secondary glaucoma occurring post-operatively. The study was conducted as retrospective review for sixty four eyes of forty four patients operated for paediatric cataract at the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo, during the period from 2004-2006. All patients were selected as isolated congenital or traumatic cataract. After initial detailed evaluation including IOP measurement and surgery performancc, postoperative follow-up was done for a period of 1-3 years. Results retrieved during the early postoperative period [up to one month] showed significant difference of IOP rise in cases without PI rather than when PI was performed. The long-term follow-up showed that after one month from the surgery, there were no difference in the rate of occurrence of IOP rise between those who performed PI and those who did not. Peripheral iridectomy was found to be effective in prevention of early onset glaucoma, which is usually of the pupillary block type. In late onset glaucoma, peripheral iridectomy did not prove to be effective as the pathology of this type of glaucoma is usually of the open angle type

Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer thickness in normal Egyptians by fourier domain optical coherence tomography

To determine retinal nerve fiber layer thickness [RNFLT] and ganglion cell layer thickness [GCLT] among different normal Egyptian age groups using the Fourier domain optical coherence tomography [Optovue RTVue 2006]. Eighty two eyes of 82 normal subjects [36 males and 46 females: age range: 20 to 78 years; mean: 47.29 +/- 14.54 years] who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The subjects were defined as normal if they had best corrected visual acuity of 6/9 or better, intra-ocular pressure less than 22 mmhg with normal optic disc and no ocular abnormality. All patients underwent optical coherence tomography [OCT] imaging with the Opto-Vue RTVue 2006. The results were evaluated and compared to determine normal variations in nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer thickness among different age groups. Mean RNFLT was 110.27 +/- 7.54 micro m [range: 97 to 131 micro m] and mean GCLT was 100.59 +/- 4.47 micro m [range: 89 to 110 micro m] with no significant difference between males and females. Thickest NFL was found among the youngest group between 20 and 30 years old [115.43 +/- 11.41 micro m; range: 102 to 131 micro m] and thinnest in the over 60 years group [105.67 +/- 5.4 micro m; range: 98 to 118microm]. Regarding the ganglion cell layr thickness, the least was in the oldest age group above 60 [95.83 +/- 4.56 micro m; range: 89 to 103 micro m]. Younger age groups had very little difference in between. Mean RNFLT in the superior quadrant was 140.46 +/- 11.08 micro m [range: 112 to 168 micro m], nasal was 78.12 +/- 7.49 micro m [range: 60 to 93 micro m], inferior 137.61 +/- 12.3 micro m [range: 120 to 171 micro m] and temporal quadrant was 84.9 +/- 11.12 micro m [range: 65 to 120 micro m]. Our results provide normal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer thickness in normal Egyptians. RNFLT and GCLT decrease in old age

Sporadic carriers of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 among blood donors in Egypt

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 [HTLV-1] infected subjects although remain asymptomatic carriers but up to 7% may develop adult T-cell leukemia and chronic inflammatory neurological diseases represented by HTLV-1 associated myelophathy [HAM]/ tropical spastic paraparesis [TSP]. The impact of these diseases on individuals and their communities is often devastating and the prognosis is poor. This study was to assess the current incidence of asymptomatic HTLV-1 infected carriers in a group of Egyptian healthy blood donors to provide information for appropriate policies. The study was conducted on 90 apparently healthy blood donors that were selected from those attending gynecological and obstetric blood bank of Ain-Shams University for blood donations. They were serologically negative to HBs Ag, HCV Ab, and HIV Ab Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] was done to detect the circulating antibodies against HTLV-1 in their plasma. Four out of 90 subjects [4.4%] were serologically positive by ELISA technique. SYBRgreen real time polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] was performed for the detection of HTLV-1 proviral DNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] to confirm results of ELISA.One sample out of 90 samples [1.1%] was determined to be positive for HTLV-1 proviral DNA by RTPCR. This sample was also ELISA positive. The positive predictive value of ELISA was 96% and the negative predictive value was 100%. HTLV-1 infection in Egypt showed sporadic carriers at low rate but the assessment of its prevalence is important. ELISA is a sensitive reliable technique for screening blood for HTLV-1 infection and ELISA positive results should be confirmed with PCR. Although SYBR- green RT- PCR has high level of specificity, it is not applicable to all cases due to high cost and is better to be used for confirmation. Epidemiological surveillance is recommended to verify the prevalence and incidence of HTLV-1 infection, so that preventive measures can be taken to decrease the spread and transmission of HTLV-1 in Egypt