Influence of combined mechanical-chemical versus mechanical bowel preparation on anastomotic leak and surgical site infections after elective resection of left colon cancer

Background: Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before elective resection of left colon cancer remains controversial. We propose that the protective effect of MBP is dependent on its combination with chemical preparation by oral antibiotics.Methods: Medical data of adult patients with left colon cancer who underwent elective resection at Sohag University Hospital (August 2016-March 2019) were reviewed. Anastomotic leak (AL), surgical site infections (SSI), postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared among patients who preoperatively received MBP followed by chemical preparation with oral antibiotics (MBP and OABx group) versus another group of preoperative MPB alone (MBP group).Results: Forty-two patients with left colon adenocarcinoma were enrolled, 21 per group. Overall, sigmoid colon was the most common site of left sided colon cancer (76%). Malignant lesions were found in proximal sigmoid in 19 (45%), rectosigmoid in 13 (31%), descending colon in 8 (19%) and splenic flexure in 2 (5%) patients. Dukes’ classification was A in 6 (14%), B in 19 (45%) and C in 17 (41%) patients. Compared with MBP, MBP and OABx group showed significantly lower rates of anastomotic leak (3 patients (14%) versus 1 (5%) respectively, p<0.05) and surgical site and intraabdominal infections (7 patients (33%) versus 2 (10%), p<0.05). MBP and OABx group exhibited lesser grades of postoperative complications (p<0.05) and shorter hospital stay (p<0.05). Postoperative mortality occurred only in the MBP group.Conclusions: Combined mechanical-chemical bowel preparation prior to elective resection of left colon cancer confers superior clinical outcome regarding anastomotic leak, surgical site infections and overall postoperative complications.

Review for the management of vitamin B12 deficiency in diabetic patients on metformin

Long-term usage of Metformin is associated with lower serum vitamin B12 levels. The lower than normal levels could worsen neurological complications of diabetes, including diabetic neuropathy and poor cognition. Guidelines advise periodic monitoring of vitamin B12 but do not specify frequency, treatment targets or treatment modality. This commentary aims to review the prevalence and the severity of the presentation and to provide evidence-based answers to those clinical questions not answered by current guidelines.

Combined liver-visceral resection for neoplastic lesions correlates with increased postoperative complications

Background: Combined liver-visceral resections (CLVRs) may impose increased risk of postoperative complications. The clinical outcome of CLVRs versus sole liver resection (SLR) has not been adequately reported from upper Egypt cancer surgery programs.Methods: Medical records of adult non-cirrhotic patients who electively underwent liver resection from February 2015 to April 2018 at Sohag University Hospital, Egypt, were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for liver resection comprised definitively malignant tumors and those with equivocal radiologic features. The severity of surgical complications, including mortality, was compared among patients who underwent CLVRs versus SLR control group with matching age, gender, number of resected liver segments, method of hepatic inflow occlusion and parenchyma transection techniques.Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled, including 13 with CLVRs group and their 13 SLR control group. Histopathologic examination of resected specimens confirmed malignancy in 17 patients (10 in CLVR group and 7 in SLR group). Major liver resection (≥3 segments) was carried out in 14 (54%) patients, 7 per each group. The complication score was significantly higher in CLVRs (p<0.05). Similarly, the length of hospital and intensive care unit stays was significantly prolonged in CLVRs group (p<0.05). Overall, 2 patients died (8%), exclusively in the CLVRs. Elderly patients (>65 years) who underwent CLVRs exhibited increased complications compared with their matching controls.Conclusions: CLVR predisposes to increased morbidity rates and mortality. It should be carried out in carefully selected patients to avoid worse clinical outcome.

Efficacy of diode laser and sonic agitation of Chlorhexidine and Silver-nanoparticles in infected root canals / Eficácia do laser de diodo e agitação sônica de clorexidina e nanopartículas de prata em canais radiculares infectados

Objective: To assess the efficacy of agitation of chlorohexidine (CHX) and Silver nanoparticles "AgNps" with 810nm diode laser or sonic endoactivator compared to side ­vented needle on infected root canals with Enterococcus "E" Faecalis biofilms. Material and Methods: Sixty-five extracted human premolars with single oval canals were instrumented by protaper system up to F3. Biofilms of E. faecalis were generated based on a previously established protocol. Two teeth were used to check the biofilm formation, then the remaining Teeth were randomly divided into three equal experimental groups according to agitation techniques used: group 1 (810 nm diode laser with 1 watt) , group 2 (sonic endoactivator) and group 3 (Side vented needle). Each group was further divided into three equal subgroups according to the irrigant solution into; subgroup A: chlorohexidine, subgroup B: silver nanoparticles and subgroup C: distilled water: Confocal laser scanning microscopy "CLSM" was used to assess bacterial viability. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical analyses with P = 0.05. Results: Regarding the activation method, all groups had a significantly high percentage of dead bacteria (P < 0.05). However, Laser was significantly the highest and Endoactivator the least (P < = 0.001). Diode laser agitation of AgNps irrigant showed the highest reduction percentage of bacteria (78.1%) with a significant difference with both CHX and water irrigation, Conclusion: Under the condition of the present study; results reinforced that laser activation is a useful adjunct, 810 nm diode laser agitation of AgNps or chlorhexidine was more effective in disinfection of oval root canals than endoactivator and side vented needle techniques. (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da agitação de clorohexidina (CHX) e nanopartículas de prata (AgNps) , com laser de diodo de 810 nm ou endoativador sônico, em comparação à agulha de ventilação lateral, em canais radiculares infectados com biofilmes de Enterococcus "E"; Faecalis. Material e Métodos: Sessenta e cinco pré-molares humanos com um único canal oval, extraídos, foram instrumentados pelo sistema protaper até F3. Os biofilmes de E. faecalis foram gerados com base em um protocolo previamente estabelecido. Foram utilizados dois dentes para verificar a formação do biofilme, e os dentes restantes foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos experimentais iguais, de acordo com as técnicas de agitação utilizadas: grupo 1 (laser de diodo 810 nm com 1 watt), grupo 2 (endoativador sônico) e grupo 3 (Agulha com ventilação lateral). Cada grupo foi dividido em três subgrupos iguais, de acordo com a solução irrigante; subgrupo A: clorohexidina, subgrupo B: nanopartículas de prata e subgrupo C: água destilada: A microscopia confocal de varredura a laser foi usada para avaliar a viabilidade bacteriana. Os dados foram analisados por análises estatísticas apropriadas com P = 0,05. Resultados: Em relação ao método de ativação, todos osgrupos apresentaram percentual significativamente alto de bactérias mortas (P < 0.05). No entanto, para o laser foi significativamente o mais alto e, para oendoativador, o menos alto (P < = 0.001). A agitação com laser de diodo doirrigante AgNps apresentou a maior porcentagem de redução de bactérias (78,1%), com diferença significativa tanto para irrigação com CHX quanto comágua. Conclusão: Sob as condições do presente estudo; os resultadosreforçaram que a ativação a laser é um complemento útil, a agitação por laserde diodo de 810 nm de AgNps ou clorexidina foi mais eficaz na desinfecção dos canais radiculares ovais do que as técnicas de endoativador e agulha com ventilação lateral. (AU)

Microhardness and Ultrastructure of Demineralized Gamma-Irradiated Human Enamel after Diode Laser (980 nm) and Fluoride Surface Treatment

Abstract Quality of life drastically diminished after radiotherapy due to radiation induced oral complications. Fluoride was found to be helpful in decreasing the incidence of radiation caries; however it has not led to elimination of dental caries. Thus, new techniques containing low fluoride concentration or not containing fluoride at all, as laser irradiation, have been studied to prevent the beginning or progression of caries. So the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of laser surface treatment with or without fluoride on microhardness and ultrastructure of demineralized gamma irradiated enamel; Thirty enamel slabs were allocated into three groups (n=10): G slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation only; GL slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation followed by diode laser and GFL slabs were subjected to gamma irradiation followed by fluoride then diode laser. Slabs were then exposed to demineralizing solution for 72 hours. Examination of slabs was performed using vickers microhardness test and scanning electron microscope; The lowest microhardness was recorded in group G, while inGL and GFL groups it significantly increased. Scanning electron microscope revealed a pronounced loss of central prism core and retention of prism peripheries in group G. Confluence of prismatic and interprismatic structures in GL slabs and irregular rough surface with prismatic boundaries conservation in GFL slabs were detected. Applying laser improved the microhardness and counteracted the adverse effect of gamma radiation. Adding fluoride before laser irradiation had a marked effect on microhardness..

Epidemiology of urinary tract infections in the children in zagazig university children's hospital

Background: The most common bacterial infection among children is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Early diagnosis and good treatment of UTI is very important as the risk of renal damage is increased in children below the age of five years which result of morbidity. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children attending Pediatric outpatient clinic in Zagazig University Children's Hospital. Also to determine related risk factors, isolate the organisms that cause UTI in children and antibiotics susceptibility patterns. Methods: This Cross sectional descriptive study, was conducted on 600 children, (377 males and 223 females) from two to seven years old attending to pediatric outpatient clinic ZUH , All patient groups were exposed to full medical history, physical examination, Dipstick analysis by using both nitrite and leukocyte esterase detector, Microscopic examinations and urine culture for positive cases.Results: The prevalence of UTI between children included in the current study was (7%). LE positive were 56 (9.3%), Nitrite positive were 47 (7.8%) and both LE and Nitrite positive were 17 (2.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of UTI was 7 % in our study, E - Coli was detected to be the most common organism, Cefotaxime and Amikacin were detected to be the most common antibiotic sensitive to the isolates

The Challenges Facing in Commercial Biotechnology: Its Position in Egypt and Some African Countries

Commercialization of biotechnology can be defined as the conversion of new scientific findings, innovations and discoveries in biotechnology through successful companies and firms or the process by which a product or service in biotechnology is introduced into the general market. Many processes such as sales, production, distribution, marketing, and customer support are required to achieve commercial success. This article deals with factors affecting commercialization of biotechnology in competitive countries and position of biotechnology commercialization in many African countries, including Egypt.

Forced degradation of gliquidone and development of validated stability-indicating HPLC and TLC methods

Forced degradation studies of gliquidone were conducted under different stress conditions. Three degradates were observed upon using HPLC and TLC and elucidated by LC-MS and IR. HPLC method was performed on C18 column using methanol-water (85:15 v/v) pH 3.5 as a mobile phase with isocratic mode at 1 mL.min-1 and detection at 225 nm. HPLC analysis was applied in range of 0.5-20 µg.mL-1 (r =1) with limit of detection (LOD) 0.177 µg.mL-1. TLC method was based on the separation of gliquidone from degradation products on silica gel TLC F254 plates using chloroform-cyclohexane-glacial acetic acid (6:3:1v/v) as a developing system with relative retardation 1.15±0.01. Densitometric measurements were achieved in range of 2 -20 µg /band at 254 nm (r = 0.9999) with LOD of 0.26 µg /band. Least squares regression analysis was applied to provide mathematical estimates of the degree of linearity. The analysis revealed a linear calibration for HPLC where a binomial relationship for TLC. Stability testing and methods validation have been evaluated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Moreover, the proposed methods were applied for the analysis of tablets and the results obtained were statistically compared with those of pharmacopeial method revealing no significant difference about accuracy and precision.

Flavonoid chemical composition and antidiabetic potential of Brachychiton acerifolius leaves extract

Objective:To evaluate Brachychiton acerifolius leaf extracts as antidiabetic potential agent and to identify the main active constituents using bioactivity guided fractionation.Methods:In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated for B.acerifolius different extracts using DPPH assay and vitamin C as control.Antidiabetic activity was then determined using STZ-induced rats treated daily with ethyl acetate and 70％ ethanol leaf extracts for 4 weeks at a dose of 200 g/kg body weight against gliclazide reference drug.Blood glucose,α-amylase,lipid profile,liver function enzymes and oxidative stress markers were assessed along with histopathological study for liver and pancreatic tissues.Isolation and structural elucidation of active compounds were made using Diaion and Sephadex followed by spectral analyses.Results:The results indicated that ethyl acetate and ethanol leaf extracts exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity compared to that of vitamin C (IC50 0.05,0.03 and 12 mg/mL,respectively).Both extracts showed potent anti-hyperglycemic activity evidenced by a significant decrease in serum glucose levels by 82.5％ and 80.9％ and α-amylase by 45.2％ and 53.6％,as compared with gliclazide 68％ and 59.4％,respectively.Fractionation of ethanol extract resulted in the isolation of 9 flavonoids including apigenin-7-O-α-rhamnosyl(1 → 2)-β-D-glucuronidc,apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide,apigcnin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide.Conclusions:This study highlights the potential use of B.acerifolius leaf extract enriched in flavones for the treatment of diabetes that would warrant further clinical trials investigation.

Erectile dysfunction in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background and study aims: There is a lack of studies on erectile dysfunction [ED] in patients diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ED in patients with NAFLD and to determine the independent predictors of ED in these patients

Patients and methods: We conducted a prospective, hospital-based study of 192 consecutive male patients with NAFLD. All patients underwent clinical evaluation; abdominal ultrasonography; test for viral hepatitis markers; and estimation of liver chemistry panel, complete blood count, prothrombin time, serum lipids panel, serum testosterone, and fasting serum levels of glucose, insulin, and C-peptide

Results: The mean age of the study population was 42.4 +/- 7.7 years [79.1% >/= 40 years]. Of the 192 patients with NAFLD, 88 [45.8%] had ED, 28 [14.6%] had metabolic syndrome, 25 [13%] had type-2 diabetes mellitus [DM], and 131 [68.2%] had insulin resistance [IR]. The mean level of serum testosterone was 3.17 +/- 2.94 ng/mL, while the mean insulin resistance index was 2.9 +/- 1.7. Mild ED [38.6%] was the most frequent grade of ED. Age >/= 40 years [odds ratio [OR] 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-24.1; p- 0.006], IR [OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.7-20.6; p- 0.005], and low serum testosterone [OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.5-17.1; p- 0.009] were the predictors of ED

Conclusions: ED is a common disorder in male patients with NAFLD; both IR and low serum testosterone contribute to its development. Treatment of IR may carry a dual benefit of improving erectile function and decreasing the grade of hepatic steatosis

A lignan with glucose uptake activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes from the stem bark of Knema patentinervia

A new naturally occurring dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan named isocubebinic ether has been isolated from Knema patentinervia. The structure was established by spectroscopic methods, which include Ultraviolet, Infrared, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry. The compound showed activity in the stimulation of glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Masimo® Plethysmograph Variability Index as a Tool for Assessment of Fluid Responsiveness in Elective Major Abdominal Surgeries.

Background: Maximizing the stroke volume (SV) as measured by Trans-oesophageal Doppler (TED) optimizes preload, & is a goal-directed fluid therapy technique that has been used in a variety of clinical settings. Masimo® Plethysmograph variability Index (PVI) is a reliable, safe & noninvasive tool to guide fluid management. PVI is an automated measure of the dynamic change in the perfusion index (PI) that occurs during a respiratory cycle. This study was designed to determine whether PVI, measured using finger co-oximetry is an efficient predictor of fluid responsiveness in low-risk patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery. Subjects and Methods: 60 ASA I-II patients of either sex, 25-60 years old, undergoing major abdominal surgery were enrolled in this study. A Masimo® Radical-7 Pulse Co-Oximeter probe & a Cardio Q TED probe were applied to each patient. In all patients, a fluid bolus of 500 ml of 130/0.4 tetrastarch colloid solution was administered rapidly via pressurized IV infusion. Maintenance & deficits were calculated routinely. If the SV decreased by 10%, a 250-mL bolus of colloid was given via fast infusion. Patients’ demography, TED-derived measurements: (SV & Flow Time corrected (FTc)), Masimo®-derived measurements: (PVI & PI), HR and MAP were all collected and statistically analyzed. Measurements were done at five minutes post-induction T1, Ten minutes after volume expansion (500 ml colloid) T2, If the SV decreased by 10%, (guided by TED) T3, Then 250 ml colloid is given. Ten minutes after a 250-ml colloid bolus T4. Results: A significant difference was found in FTc, SV, PI & PVI in T1 vs. T2 & T3 vs. T4 (P=0.001). There was a significant difference in PI & PVI between responders & non-responders for the 1st bolus (P<0.05) and in SV & PVI in subsequent boluses (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between percent changes of SV and PVI at T3 & T4. Conclusions: Plethysmograph Variability Index (PVI) measured by Masimo® Co-Oximeter is an efficient predictor of fluid responsiveness as SV measured by TED in low risk patients undergoing elective major surgery.

Pulse-induced Continuous Cardiac Output Monitor versus Trans-esophageal Doppler Monitor for Optimization of Fluid Management in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery. A Comparative Study.

Background: Perioperative fluid management is essential to the practice of anaesthesia. Outcomes may be improved if fluid therapy is individualized according to the patient's fluid responsiveness. Pulse-induced continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitor is an invasive device that quantifies several parameters, including cardiac output (CO), stroke volume variation (SVV) and extravascular lung water (EVLW). Trans-oesophageal Doppler monitoring (TED) is another minimally invasive form and has the benefit of providing beat to beat analysis. Aim of Work: We designed this prospective, randomized comparative study to evaluate the use of PiCCO monitor from the fluid and haemodynamic point of view in comparison to TED monitor in order to maintain an adequate circulatory volume ensuring end-organ perfusion and oxygen delivery. Patients and Methods: This study was performed on 72 patients of either sex (ASA I-II), undergoing major abdominal surgery. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; PiCCO group (n=36); where fluid management was guided by SVV & colloid boluses were given to maintain SVV below 10% and TED group (n=36); where fluid management was guided by (systolic flow time corrected for heart rate) (FTc) & colloid was infused when the (FTc) ˂ 0.35 second, the fluid challenge would be repeated until FTc raised ˃ 0.40 second with no change in SV. Laboratory parameters of organ hypoperfusion in perioperative period were recorded as well as the number of postoperative complications, mortality and length of ICU stay. Results: PiCCO group received more intraoperative colloids (P=0.001) and had lower incidence of hypotensive events (P=0.001). Postoperative lactate levels were lower in PiCCO group (P=0.04). PiCCO group showed fewer numbers of patients developed complications & overall number of postoperative complications (P=0.01). It also showed shorter duration of ICU length of stay (P=0.01). No mortality was recorded in both groups. Conclusions: During major abdominal surgery; intraoperative fluid optimization using PiCCO monitor showed more haemodynamic stability and was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications, organ dysfunction and infectious complications with a tendency to decrease the ICU length of stay in comparison to TED monitor.

Chemical Composition, Antiviral against avian Influenza (H5N1) Virus and Antimicrobial activities of the Essential Oils of the Leaves and Fruits of Fortunella margarita, Lour. Swingle, Growing in Egypt.

Essential oils of the fresh leaves and fruits of Fortunella margarita Lour. Swingle (Family: Rutaceae) were prepared by hydrodistillation method, which resulted with 0.27 and 0.30% respectively. The resulted oils of both organs were analyzed by GC/MS which revealed the presence of twenty compounds in the leaves oil representing 86.96% of the oil, from which gurjunene, eudesmol and muurolene were identified as major compounds. The fruit’s oil was found to contain fourteen compounds representing 77.77% of the oil, of which terpineol, t-carveol, limonene, muurolene and cadinene represented the major compounds. The antiviral activity of the essential oils of both leaves and fruits was tested against avian influenza-A virus (H5N1), and the results revealed higher potency of fruits oil. Moreover, the essential oils of the leaves and fruits were investigated for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The oil of the leaves showed antimicrobial activity higher than that of the fruits at dilution (1:50 v/v) against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina luta and Streptococcus faecalis, also it has a moderate activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsilla pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. On the other hand, the antifungal activity of the leaves and fruits revealed that the fruits exhibited higher activity than that of the leaves against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.

Designing Evidence-Based Counseling for Family Planning and Nutrition Programs in Dhamar, Yemen.

Objectives: To address the main causes of malnutrition (high fertility, illness, and inadequate nutrition), implementation research was conducted in two districts of Dhamar, Yemen, to design an integrated counseling package to improve family planning by couples and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods by mothers and children younger than two years of age. Methods: Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) methodology determined maternal, infant and young child nutrition and family planning (MIYCN-FP) practices. Mothers were asked to try new MIYCN practices over a two-week period to determine the barriers to continued use. Couples were asked to try a new FP practice, also over the same period. A total of 88 mothers and husbands participated in the study along with 12 key informants who were asked about their knowledge and perceptions of MIYCN-FP practices. Results: FP use and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods by both mothers and children was limited. The majority of mothers and couples tried a new MIYCN and FP practice and were positive about the practice they tried. For example, a few couples were motivated to use FP because it saved money to have fewer children. Mothers could introduce micronutrient-rich foods earlier but mentioned that a few foods, such as meat, were too expensive to buy daily. Conclusions: In rural communities of Yemen, where rates of malnutrition are high and family planning use is limited, families can improve their use of optimal practices, if given the information about these practices and the support to use them.

Screening and Media Optimization for Enhancing L-asparaginase Production, an Anticancer Agent, from Different Filamentous Fungi in Solid State Fermentation.

Aim: The aim of present study was to screen new potent fungal isolates and microorganisms possessing extracellular L-asparaginase production capacity. In addition, optimization of cultural and environmental conditions required for enzyme production will be carried out for the highest Lasparaginase producer in solid state fermentation (SSF) technique using agro-industrial residues. Study Design: Screening and physiological studies on the formation of L-asparaginase by Trichoderma viride F2 in order to obtain the optimum cultural and environmental conditions required for enzyme production. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbial Chemistry, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Division, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt, between July 2013 and June 2015. Methodology: Optimization of physical and nutritional parameters for enzyme production was investigated. Various locally available agro-industrial residues have been screened individually or as mixtures for L-asparaginase production. The combination of Rice husk (RH) with wheat bran (WB) (3:2) proved to be an efficient mixture for enzyme production as it gave the highest enzyme activity (71.87±3.19 U/g-ds) when compared to individual RH (66.71±2.76 U/g-ds) or WB (62.28±2.13 U/g-ds) substrates. Results: Maximal L-asparaginase production (113.43±5.11 U/g-ds) by T. viride F2 was obtained with moisture content of 75%, an inoculums size of 1 x 108 spores/ml and an initial medium pH of 5.0 when incubated at 28ºC for four days. Presence of Tween 20 enhanced enzyme production by 1.19 folds. Glucose (1.0%), Casein (1.5%) and MgCl2 (0.05%) were found to be the best carbon, organic nitrogen and ion sources, respectively. Supplementation of the medium with NaNO3 (0.15%) as an inorganic nitrogen source further increased L-asparaginase production. Under these optimized conditions, L-asparaginase production by T. viride F2 was maximum with a yield of 276.5±13.4 U/g-ds in SSF, which was more than 19-fold enhancement in enzyme activity as compared to that obtained in the basal medium (SmF) (14.23±0.87 U/ml). Conclusion: The results suggest that choosing a suitable substrate coupled with optimization of different parameters can improves enzyme production markedly. Moreover, the production of Lasparaginase from a process based on RH and WB as substrates in SSF is economically attractive due to abundant substrates availability in agriculture-based countries with cheaper cost.

Slow cryopreservation is not superior to vitrification in human spermatozoa; an experimental controlled study

Spermatozoa cryopreservation is used for the management of infertility and some other medical conditions. The routinely applied cryopreservation technique depends on permeating cryoprotectants, whose toxic effects have raised the attention towards permeating cryoprotectants-free vitrification technique. To compare between the application of slow cryopreservation and vitrification on human spermatozoa. This was an experimental controlled study involving 33 human semen samples, where each sample was divided into three equal parts; fresh control, conventional slow freezing, and permeating cryoprotectants-free vitrification. Viability and mitochondrial membrane potential [MM.P] of control and post-thawing spermatozoa were assessed with the sperm viability kit and the JC-1 kit, respectively, using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Significant reduction of the progressive motility, viability and MMP was observed by the procedure of freezing and thawing, while there was not any significant difference between both cryopreservation techniques. Cryopreservation resulted in 48% reduction of the percentage of viable spermatozoa and 54.5% rise in the percentage of dead spermatozoa. In addition, high MMP was reduced by 24% and low MMP was increased by 34.75% in response to freezing and thawing. Progressive motility of spermatozoa was correlated significantly positive with high MMP and significantly negative with low MMP in control as well as post-thawing specimens [r=0.8881/ -0.8412, 0.7461/ -0.7510 and 0.7603/ -0.7839 for control, slow and vitrification respectively, p=0.0001]. Although both cryopreservation techniques have similar results, vitrification is faster, easier and associated with less toxicity and costs. Thus, vitrification is recommended for the clinical application

Environmental assessment of surface water quality of the River Nile surrounding the project of the new Assuit barrage and ITS hydropower plant, Egypt

Owing to the great pressure experienced on the developing countries due to increasing of population and widens industrialization; developing countries have to diverse sources of energy to produce electricity, control irrigation systems and transportation means. At the beginning of 2012, the new Assiut barrage and its hydropower plant was initiated in the River Nile at Assiut city in Egypt. The chemistry of physico-chemical parameters and biological characteristics play a discriminative role for assessment of water quality in the vicinity of the hydropower plant area. About 190 water samples were collected around the project in the period of 2012- 2014, for the analysis of physicochemical properties such as pH, TDS, DO, COD, BOD, NO3 in mg/I and temperature in OC and Turbidity [NTU]. Their mean values are 8.09, 206.25, 7.15, 9.80, 5.11, 0.55 mg/l and 23.20 OC and 5.95 NTU respectively. The obtained values were compared with allowable levels stated by WHO and Egyptian laws 48/1982 for the River Nile protection from pollution. The overall water quality index is 75.50 falls in the second class [70- 90] of water quality categorization of good water quality. Biological species of water environment such as zooplankton, benthos and concentration of the heavy metals in fish were assessed in water samples and sediment around the imdustrial area. The study showed that surface water quality is suitable for industrial projects, but meeds some purification for drinking water. Recommendation to protect surface water quality from environmental pollution was suggested

Interleukin-12 as a biomarker for diagnosis of hepatitis B viral infection and related liver function

Objective: This work aims to evaluation of IL-12 as a biomarker in hepatic patients, chronically infected patients, hepatic patients Under treatment, recovered patients and vaccinated patients

Methodology: The liver function pattern of these groups were monitored using biochemical assays relative to IL-12 as a biomarker using ELISA

Results: Data Recorded revealed that there was a highly significant negative correlation between Interleukin-12 and ALT level, Total Bilirubin and Total Bilirubin [P<0.05]. In the mean time, there was a highly significant negative correlation between Interleukin-12 and AST level, Albumin and Alkaline phosphatase

Conclusion: IL-12 can be used as a biomarker for the hepatic infection

Pregnancy complicated by Aplastic Anemia

A case of a 27-year-old Bahraini female, pregnant for the first time and was not known to have any medical illness presented with pancytopenia. She had an uneventful pregnancy up to 17 weeks when she was referred from local health center with an incidental finding of pancytopenia. She received a total of 32 units of platelets and 3 units of packed red blood cells. Bone marrow biopsy revealed severe hypoplastic bone marrow without infiltrates, and a diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia was confirmed. The pregnancy was terminated by cesarean section at 29 weeks of gestation. The patient remained stable during surgery and postoperatively while the preterm newborn was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit for optimal care. The pancytopenia persisted post-partum, and the patient is currently being followed up