relation between dual energy x-ray absorptiometry measurement of body fat composition and plasma ghrelin in patients with end-stage renal disease

To clarify the role of ghrelin in malnutrition in uremia and its relationship to fat composition using dual x-ray absorptiometry DXA. This is a cohort study including Group I: 60 patients with end stage renal disease 30 on hemodialysis [group IA] and 30 pre-dialysis [group IB] and Group II: 20 controls. This study was carried out in Cairo University Hospital, Kasr Al-Aini, Cairo, Egypt in 2007. Body fat composition total, differential, and lean body mass was assessed using DXA, and plasma ghrelin was measured. Ghrelin was significantly higher in hemodialysis and pre-dialysis groups compared to the control group, and higher in hemodialysis group compared to the pre-dialysis group. In hemodialysis, ghrelin was negatively correlated with weight, body mass index BMI, and truncal fat mass, and positively correlated with serum creatinine. In pre-dialysis, ghrelin inversely correlated with weight, BMI, and truncal fat mass, and positively correlated with serum creatinine, lean body mass. In control, plasma ghrelin showed negative correlation with weight, BMI, truncal fat mass, and body fat mass, and positive correlation with lean body mass. Ghrelin was markedly elevated in renal failure due to its decrease in excretion. Negative correlation between ghrelin and fat composition was detected in dialysis patients. Serial evaluation of body fat composition using DXA is recommended for assessment of nutritional status of those patients

Predictive value of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C as markers for contrast nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Contrast induced-nephropathy is a more frequent and potentially serious complication after coronary angiography. Very few biomarkers exist for monitoring contrast induced-nephropathy. Recently, serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL] represents a novel biomarker for early identification of acute kidney injury. The present work aimed to test the hypothesis that NGAL could represent an early biomarker for kidney injury and to assess the relation ship between NGAL and serum creatinine and cystatin C, in patients with normal serum creatinine undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography. The study was performed on thirty non-diabetic patients with normal serum creatinine, undergoing coronary angiography due to corollary artery disease. All patients were mateched for age and body mass index. following full clinical examination, fasting blood sample were withdrawn for estimation of blood glucose. glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile. creatinine as well as NGAL and cystatin C before coronary angiography. Another blood samples were taken 4 and 24 hours after coronary angiography for all patients for evaluation of serum creatinine, NUGL and cystatin C. There was a significant increase in serum NGAL level 4 hours and 24 hours after coronary interventions when compared to the baseline value before coronary- angiography Before coronary angiography, serum NGAL was positively correlated with serum creatinine, and cystatin C. in multiple regression analysis, serum creatinine was the only predictor of serum NGAL. Serum NGAL, 4 hour after coronary angiography, correlated with serum ereatinine only in simple and multiple regression analysis. On the other hand, serum cystatin C level increased significantly only 24 hour after coronary angiography compared to the baseline value before coronary angiography. In a simple regression analysis serum cystain C correlated positively to systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Serum creatinine and serum NGAL, before Coronary angiography. In multiple regression analysis, serum creatinine and systolic blood pressure were the predictors of serum cystatin C. Serum NGAL and cystatin C could be valuable in the detection of acute renal impairment after coronary angiography. However current diagnostic methods such as. Serum creatinine or cystatin C measurements only respond after renal function has deteriorated. Therefore, the presence of new early markers for renal injury such as NGAL, can initiate proper management of acute renal failure within hours rather than days of the insult

Study of radiation protection for Elekta medical linear accelerator

The incidence of cancer throughout the world is increasing with the prolonged life expectancy that has resulted from improvements in standards of living. About half of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy, either as part of their primary treatment or in connection with recurrences or palliation. The International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] has estimated that approximately 2500 teletherapy machines were in use in 1998 in developing countries and that 10000 such machines may be needed by 2015. The preparation of this Safety paper was initiated as a result of an expected increase in the construction of radiotherapy facilities, and in response to Member States that have requested practical guidance regarding the design and shielding of such facilities[1] In this work, The Harshaw Model 4500 Manual TLD Reader was used for Thermo Luminescence Dosimetry [TLD] by using a set of 20 chips Dosimeter TLD-1 00. A comprehensive set of measurements were performed for five different sites inside and outside the accelerator. The obtained results showed agreement with published data in some location while the results of the working staff site were within the limits of the recommended permissible dose where it was about 0.5 m Sievert per year

study of some trace elements in fingernail and hair of Egyptian bilharzial patients using short neutron activation

The concentration of 10 elements has been determined in fingernail and hair of four groups representing normal and hepatosplenic [bilharzial] subjects. Samples were collected from rural inhabitants to the east of Alexandria City and irradiated with thermal neutrons from a Triga Mark III Reactor, for 10 minutes. Measurements were made using HPGe detector, ADC and PDP 11 /34. The analysis were performed using the RAYGUN program. The results showed an increase in the concentration of AI, Cl and I in both fingernail and hair of bilharzial patients than normal while Mg, Ca, K, Mn, Cu, and Sr decreased. Most of the elements showed a higher concentration in fingernail than in hair

Evaluation of porcelain surface after glazing by diamond polishing paste

30 vacuum fired [Vita] porcelain discs [10 mm. In diameter were prepared under identical conditions. All the specimens were finished to smooth surface and divided into three groups no. one glazed with natural glaze, the second with low fusing glazing paste, and the third glazezd with diamond polishing paste. Comparisons were evaluated by means of [surtronic] tracer. The mean surface roughness, obtained by the diamond poliching paste, was less than natural glaze. The difference was not significant at 5% level. The mean surface roughness, obtained by the diamond poliching paste, was less than the low fusing glazng paste, the difference was significant at 5% level. From this study, it is concluded that: 1- Glazing of vacuum fired porcelain can be achieved by polishing paste. 2- After spot grinding of porcelain, resmoothing and reglazing the surface can be achieved without exposing the porcelain and the underlying metal to a more further firing. Agreement with Barghi et al [1976][3] who found that the vacuum fired porcelain is less porous than air fired porcelain