study of HER-2/neu expression and silver binding nucleolar organizer regions [Ag NORs] in perilesional normal salivary gland tissue

Salivary gland neoplasms comprise phenotypically and biologically diverse lesions of uncertain histogenesis. The present study was carried out to assess the immunohistochemical expression of HER-2/neu protein and of silver binding nucleolar organizer regions in normal salivary tissue. Twenty paraffin blocks of salivary tumors containing surrounding normal salivary tissue were used in the study. One section was processed to investigate HER-2/neu protein expression and another section was stained to assess the mean Ag NOR counts in normal salivary tissue. Only two cases of the studied normal salivary tissue showed HER-2/neu expression [10%], which was expressed only in ductal cells with 4.2 +/- 2.1 mean number of reactive cells per five high power fields [HPFs]. Statistically significant [P=0.01] higher mean Ag NOR counts in ductal [2 +/- 0.83] than in acinar cells [1.2 +/- 0.01] of normal salivary tissue were found. It was concluded from the data of the present study that ductal cells of normal salivary tissue are a proliferative pool and an oncogenic target which plays an important role in the histogenesis of salivary gland tumors

Immunohistochemical analysis of P53 protein in odontogenic cysts

The p53 is a well-known tumor suppressor gene, the mutations of which are closely related to the decreased differentiation of cells. Findings of studies on immunohistochemical P53 expression in odontogenic cysts are controversial. The present study was carried-out to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of P53 protein in odontogenic cysts. Thirty paraffin blocks of diagnosed odontogenic cysts were processed to determine the immunohistochemical expression of P53 protein. Nine of the 11 odontogenic keratocysts [81.8%] expressed P53, one of three dentigerous cyst cases expressed P53, while none of the 16 radicular cysts expressed P53 protein. The findings of the present work supported the reclassification of OKC as keratocystic odontogenic tumor

possible antidiabetic role of selective beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist in animal models of diabetes mellitus

Control of blood glucose is a key objective in the management of type I and type II diabetes mellitus [DM] as well. The basis for development of new antidiabetic drug is the proper control of the hyperglycemia and furthermore could manage accompanying [isomers especially dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate a newly developed Beta-3 adrenergic agonist [BRL 37344] to confirm its effect on blood glucose in two animal models of DM. which induced by streptozotocin [STZ] in a dose of 70 or 40 mg/kg for induction of type I or II D. M, respectively and try to explore for the possible underlying mechanism this effect. Oral administration of BRL 37344 for 4 successive days in either STZ type I or STZ type II diabetic rats produced significant reduction in mean serum glucose level and non-significant change in mean serum insulin level in comparison with non treated STZ diabetic rats. BRL treatment significantly increased glucokinase activity and decreased glucose-6-phosphatase activity in hemogenated hepatic tissues which were isolated from both STZ diabetic rat models. In in-vitro study, BRL. produced non-signiticant changes in insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic tissue of STZ type II diabetic rats, while BRL showed significant increase in glucose uptake by isolated soleus muscle from both STZ diabetic rat models. These results showed that selective stimulation of the [Beta-3 -adrenoceptors in diabetic rats, produced significant antihyperglycemic effect. This effect is not through stimulation of pancreatic insulin secretion but it is through inhibition of hepatic glucose output or enhanced glucose utilization by skeletal muscles

Psoriatic arthritis: Is there a relationship of severity of nail disease to skin or joint disease?

To examine the relationship between the severity of nail disease and severity of both skin and joint disease as well as functional assessment among psoriatic arthritis [PsA] patients. Thirty two patients were included in the current study. Pattern of arthritis was recorded and severity of joint disease was assessed using modified Ritchie index [adding DIPs, lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints] and scored as mild, moderate and severe. Psoriatic skin patterns were recorded and severity of skin disease was assessed using the percentage of body surface area [% BSA] affected with psoriasis. Severity of nail disease was assessed using Psoriasis Nail Severity Score [PNSS] where all the 20 nails were scored for pitting, onycholysis, hyperkeratosis and dystrophy. Functional assessment was done using HAQ. Finally, the presence of HLA-B17 and HLA-B27 were investigated. Pattern of arthritis was as follows: polyarthritis was found in 19 patients [59.4%], oligoarthritis in 7 [21.9%], spondyloarthropathy in 4 [12.5%], DIPs in 2 [6.2%] and arthritis mutilans was not found. Modified Ritchie index was mild in 11 patients [34.4%], moderate in 18[56.3%] and severe in 3 [9.3%]. As for skin disease pattern, psoriatic plaques were found in 25 patients [78.2%], guttate in 4[12.5%], combined guttate and plaques in 2[6.2%] and pustular psoriasis in 1[3.1%].No erythrodermic or discoid pattern were found. The percentage of involved BSA ranged from [2.8-44%]. Nail disease was detected in 26 patients [81.2%] and was distributed as follows: 6 patients [23%] scored PNSS > 10, 13[50%] scored 10-19, 5[19.4%] scored 20-29 and 2[7.6%] scored > 30.PNSS had no correlation with age or duration of arthritis but had significant positive correlation with skin disease duration [p< 0.01] and with%BSA [p<0.01]. Also, PNSS had positive correlation with modified Ritchie index but not with HAQ which was found to correlate with modified Ritchie index [p<0.05]. Low PNSS scores were found in positive HLA-B27 and not in positive HLA-B17 patients but overall, no significant correlation were found between them. PNSS, as a simple and practical method, could be used as a good indicator for assessment of nail disease severity among psoriatic arthritis patients. Also it correlates with duration and severity of skin involvement and severity of joint disease. Research for disease pathogenesis at genetic and cellular level is still needed to understand the true link between psoriatic nail, skin and joint disease

Evaluation of aluminum migration from cooking utensils into food

Effect of kitchen utensils and food type on aluminum [Al] content of food during cooking and holding at 4° for different periods were studied. The results indicated that the migration of Al from aluminum pan into food was greater than stainless steel. Acidic and salty foods caused greater migration of Al into the foods during cooking and holding at 4° than non-acidic and non-salty foods, while addition of sugar reduced migration of Al into the foods. Al contents of 12 infant foods, 6 dairy products, 5 milk powder, 6 tea, 10 chocolate and 9 canned fish were determined. Highest concentrations were found in tea canned fish, chocolate and milk powder. Low concentrations were found in dairy products and infant foods

Urodynamic evaluation after Stamey's bladder neck suspension

Between January 1993 and December 1995, eighteen patients were subjected to Stamey's bladder neck suspension at our center, with an overall success rate of 94.4%. All patients had preoperative uroflowmetry, water cystometry and profilometry using water-filled catheters. Resting and stress urethral pressure profiles were recorded at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively and then every 6 months thereafter. The mean follow-up was 1 year. Patients in whom surgery was successful were further subdivided into two subgroups [A and B] for the purpose of comparison. Group A included 12 patients who had achieved complete cure and group B 6 patients who showed improvement. Success was assessed both subjectively [through direct questions given on subsequent follow-up visits] and objectively [through doing a stress test at each visit]. It was found that different profilometry variables showed a statistically significant increase in postoperative traces for the successful group in general, and a significant difference existed when comparing the two subgroups

Role of herpes simplex virus as a possible causative agent of Bell's palsy in children

This study included 50 patients of Bell's palsy, in the childhood period [up to 13 years] and 50 children chosen as a control group. A cases and controls were subjected to clinical examination and bacteriological investigation: virus isolation in mouth wash and I[g]m detection in serum by ELISA technique. Cases were more frequent in the cold season, I[g]m antibodies to Herpes simplex virus were found in the serum of two Bell's palsied cases and in none of the controls, suggesting a role of Herpes simplex virus in the causation of Bell's palsy

Varicella zoster virus as a possible cause of Bell's Palsy

This study was carried out on fifty patients with acute idiopathic Bell's plasy and fifty normal controls, all were at childhood age [up to 13 years]. All were subjected of full clinical and neurological examined. The acute serum and mouth wash from both cases and controls were examination for the presence of specific I[g]m of Varicella Zoster Virus [VZV] in the sera, and the presence of the respective antigen in the mouth washes using the ELISA technique. Eight percent of patients were found to have specific I[g]m for VZV in their sera and the respective antigen in their mouth washes indicating recent infection with Varicella Zoster Virus and showing the relation between Bell's palsy and VZV infection

Atlanto-axial subluxation in rheumatoid arthritic patients

Atlantolaxial subluxation is still the most eminent and helpful sign of rheumatoid arthritis of cervical spine, specially if correlated with disease activity parameters. Males are more susceptible to atlanto-axial subluxation and could occur early in disease even in asymptomatic cases. Plain x-ray in full flexion and extension and open mouth view provides a simple and reliable investigation for detection of atlanto-axial subluxation and other subaxial subluxation. It should be done early in the disease and it would be of great help to detect serious and unexpected complication in symptomatic and asymptomatic rheumatiod patients

Radiological pattern of cervical spine in rheumatoid arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RH A] frequently have involvement of the cervical spine; its effects ranging from minor restriction of movement and discomfort of major neurological disability. The present study is an evaluation of the radiological manifestation of rheumatoid disease of cervical spine and its correlation with various indicators of disease activity using plain X-ray. Fifty-five adult patients with [RH A] of both sexes constituted the material of this study. All patients were examinated clinically and radiologically in addition to laboratory investigations. More than one radiographic findings were seen in the same patient. Apophyseal joint affection and bony demineralization were seen frequently in rheumatoid patients. No significant differences were found between males and females for any of the common radiological changes. Significant differences existed between sero-positivity or negativity of the rheumatoid factor and radiological changes. There existed a relationship between oral corticosteroid therapy and the common radiographic findings especially osteoporosis, erosive changes, and atlanto axial subluxation. The percentages for agreement for the results of E.S.R. and Ritchie's index and radiological signs ranged from 71.4% to 100%. The more usefull criteria in diagnosis of rheumatoid involvement of cervical spine are combined clinical and radiological signs and it should be investigated and expected as early as possible especially with increased disease activities

Ophthalmological changes among patients of rheumatoid arthritis

Twenty-five patients of rheumatoid arthritis, 19 females and six males, aged 26-48 years, non-complaining of ocular symptoms, were subjected to clinical examination, serological investigations, and ophtalmological evaluation for criteris of dry eye: Shirmer test, staining of cornea or conjunctiva with rose bengal, tear film break-up time [B.T.U.], tear crystallisation and conjunctival impression cytology

Electromyographic study on the effect of muscle advancement in vestibuloplasty operation

In recent years there has been a new wave of interest with new publication on the electromyography of mandibular muscles. Reviewing the litrature of this region gives very limited light of the true function of the muscle of the mandible after advancement, muscle cutting and repositing in vestibuloplasty operation. The aim of this is to study the effect of muscle advancement and repositing by E.M.G. in different techniques of vestibuloplasty. Thirty patients were selected from the department or oral surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University. They were divided into 3 groups A, B and C. Different operative procedures were carried out. E.M.G. study was performed pre and postoperative for the mentalis and buccinato muscles at various degrees of jaw separation, rest, submaximal and on volition. The healing process in group A was faster than other groups. Also the time consumed to perform operation was much less in group A. There was spontaneous recovery in the group of muscle advancement within 2 weeks after transient loss of function with neuropraxia of its nerve without real degeneration. This could be explained by nerve fatigue and associated oedema of the wound. Partial degeneration of the other two groups-has occured with maximal recovery and regeneration within one mouth [muscle cutting and repositioning]. It was observed that the least time of operation the more rapid spontaneous recovery and regeneration and this could be explained by the minimal manipulation that leads to minimal oedema, least trauma and least fatigue of the nerve and rapid healing with maximal recovery

Bstructive anuria, [management appraesal]

Post renal [obstructive] anuria is a common urologic emergency in Egypt. In this study, a retrospective analysis of 170 patients admitted with obstructive anuria is presented. The most common cause of obstrcution was stones [62.3%] and ureteral strictures presented 24.7% of the cause. Only 13% of the patients presented with bilateral obstruction and the remaining had single functioning obstructed kidneys. Most of the patients were drained with PCN with success rate of 90%. After drainage and correction of the uremic, half of the patients had corrective surgery for the obstructing factore, one fourth had spontaneous diuresis with of small stones and the remaining fourth had permenant nephrostomy for drainage in view of the poor renal function or the poor cardio-pulmonary status. Our policy is to use primarily the PCN for draingae ast it was observed that it is a simple; procedure that increases the overall cure rate and reduces the overall mobidity and mortality

9 year's experience with management of branching stones

102 patients having staghorn stones were managed, between 1975, 1984. Patients were evaluated medically, radiologically, bacteriologically and their renal function was assessed by creatinine clearance and in some cases by renogram. Different lines of management were utilized. Extended pyelolithotomy in 30 cases, Extended pyelotomy and multiple nephrotomies in 3, anatrophic nephrotomy in 23, lower polar partial nephrectomy in 15, nephrectomy in 17 and medical treatment in 19 patients. [5 patients underwent two operations]. 75 patients could be followed up using the same preoperative investigation with the addition of typing of the incecting organism. Residual stones were within the reported figures 29.5%. Infection was controlled after surgery from 80% but it increased with medical treatment. Morbidity was minimal and no mortality was reported among cases treaed surgically

Adenocarcinoma in bilharzial bladder: a retrospective study of 41 cases

Our experience with 41 patients with vesical adenocarcinoma treated between 1969 and 1983, is presented. The operative mortality was 9.5%. The 5-year actuarial survival of cases treated by radical surgery was 38.9%. The relation between treatment failures, histologic types of adenocarcinoma [Non mucin, mucin producing and mucinous] and grade is outlined

Visual internal urethrotomy for stricture urethra

50 patients with stricture urethra were treated with V.I.U. in our department and follow up after 6 months. The bulbous urethra was the commonest site of structure in 17 patients [34%]. The most common cause of stricture was traumatic [36/50]. The complications were minor and only in 14%. The success rate was 88%. Urethral dilatation is essential in most of the cases to maintain urethral patency