Comparative study of some mechanical properties of cobalt chromium and polyether ether ketone thermoplastic removable partial denture clasps: an In-vitro Study / Estudo comparativo de algumas propriedades mecânicas dos grampos parciais removíveis termoplásticos removíveis termoplásticos de cobalto cromo e éter cetona: um estudo in vitro

Objective: was to evaluate the retentive force, fatigue resistance and deformity of clasps made from two materials cobalt chromium and poly ether ether ketone (PEEK). Material and Methods: sixteen models were fabricated,each one having lower 1st molar. Models were divided into two groups according to materials,group I (GI) for cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) and group II (GII) for PEEK. Each testing models and its clasps were mounted inside universal testing machine, the retention was measured by applying withdrawal force to it by this machine at 5 mm/min. The Fatigue resistance is measured by the reduction in retention through repeated insertion and removal cycles using robota chewing simulator. Removal and insertion cycling of clasps was carried out for 360, 730, 1080, 1,440, 2,116 and 2,880 cycles (corresponding to 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months of simulated clinical use of a RPD) to simulate the fatigue resistance test. Deformity was measured before and after each cycling using a digital micrometer. Statistical analysis was done by 2-way-ANOVA test to detect significance effects of each variable. Results: Retention and fatigue resistance, after 360, 730, 1080, 1,440, 2,116 and 2,880 cycles totally the difference between Co-Cr and PEEK groups was statistically non-significant (P = 0.0980> 0.05) where (Co-Cr > PEEK). Deformation results, regardless to evaluation time, Co-Cr group recorded statistically significant higher deformation mean value than PEEK group (P = 0.008 < 0.05).Regardless to material group, deformation mean value changed nonsignificantly by time (P = 0.2882> 0.05). Conclusion: PEEK clasps (1.0 mm in cross section diameter) engage 0.50 mm undercut provide sufficient retention nearly similar that of Co-Cr clasps.(AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo foi avaliar a força de retenção, a resistência à fadiga e a deformidade dos grampos fabricados com dois materiais diferentes: cromo-cobalto (Co-Cr) e poliéter-éter-étercetona (PEEK). Materiais e métodos: dezesseis modelos foram confeccionados, cada um com 1º molar inferior. Os modelos foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o material: grupo I Co-Cr e grupo II para PEEK. Cada modelo de teste universal e seus grampos foram montados em uma máquina de teste universal. A retenção foi medida aplicando força de retirada por esta máquina a 5 mm/min. A resistência à fadiga foi medida pela redução na retenção através de ciclos repetidos de inserção e remoção usando um simulador do ciclo de mastigação. O ciclo de remoção e inserção dos grampos foi realizado por 360, 730, 1080, 1.440, 2.116 e 2.880 ciclos (correspondendo a 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 e 24 meses de uso clínico simulado de um RPD) para simular o teste de resistência à fadiga. A deformidade foi medida antes e após cada ciclo, usando um micrômetro digital. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste ANOVA de 2 fatores para detectar os efeitos de significância de cada variável. Resultados: A retenção e a resistência à fadiga após 360, 730, 1080, 1.440, 2.116 e 2.880 ciclos entre os grupos Co-Cr e PEEK não mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,0980> 0,05), onde (Co-Cr> PEEK). Para os resultados da deformação, independentemente do tempo de avaliação, o grupo Co-Cr registrou um valor médio de deformação maior, com diferença estatística significativa, quando comparado com o grupo PEEK (p= 0,008 < 0,05). Independentemente do grupo de material, o valor médio da deformação foi alterado de forma não significativa pelo tempo (p= 0,2882> 0,05). Conclusão: os grampos PEEK (1,0 mm de diâmetro da seção transversal) engatam 0,50 mm retenção quase semelhante à dos grampos Co-Cr (AU)

Development of new lateral-flow immunochromatographic strip using colloidal gold and mesoporous silica nanoparticles for rapid diagnosis of active schistosomiasis

Objective: To develop a new sandwich based lateral flow immunochromatographic strip for rapid detection of circulating Schistosoma mansoni antigen in serum and urine samples of patients with active schistosomiasis. Methods: This lateral flow immunochromatographic strip was prepared by using anti-Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen monoclonal antibody conjugated gold nanoparticles (MAb-AuNPs) as antigen-detecting antibody, while crystalline material (MCM)-41-MAb bioconjugate was immobilized at the test line as antigen-capturing antibody. Both antigen capturing and detecting antibodies formed sandwich complexes with circulating Schistosoma mansoni antigen in the positive samples. Sandwich complexes immobilized at the test line gave distinct red color. The assay reliability was examined by using urine and serum samples of 60 Schistosoma mansoni infected patients, 20 patients infected with parasites other than Schistosoma, and 20 healthy individuals as negative controls. Results were compared with those obtained via sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The detection limit of circulating Schistosoma mansoni antigen by lateral flow immunochromatographic strip was lower (3 ng/mL) than the detection limit by ELISA (30 ng/mL). The sensitivity and specificity of lateral flow immunochromatographic strip in urine samples were 98.3% and 97.5%, respectively compared to 93.5% and 90.0% by ELISA. In serum samples, they were 100.0% and 97.5%, respectively compared to 97.0% and 95.0% by ELISA. The strip test took approximately 10 min to complete. Conclusions: This new lateral flow immunochromatographic strip offers a sensitive, rapid, and field applicable technique for diagnosis of active schistosomiasis.

Assessment of myocardial viability after acute ST- elevated myocardial infarction using stress speckle tracking echocardiography and cardiac MRI

Background: Speckle-tracking echocardiography has emerged as a unique technique for accurately evaluating myocardial function by analyzing the motion of speckles identified. Speckle-tracking measured under stress may offer an opportunity to improve the detection of dynamic regional abnormalities and myocardial viability. Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate stress speckle tracking to detect myocardial viability in comparison to cardiac MRI in post-STEMI patients. Patients and methods: 74 patients were prospectively enrolled in 18-month's study. Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed 4 days post-infarction accompanied with automated functional imaging analysis of left ventricle during rest and then during low dose stress. All patients underwent a follow up stress echocardiography at 3 months with speckle tracking analysis. Cardiac MRI took place concomitantly at 4 days post-infarction and 3 months. Results: Investigating strain rate obtained with stress speckle tracking after revascularization predicted the extent of myocardial scar, determined by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. A good correlation was found between the global strain and total infarct size (R 0.75, p< 0.001). Furthermore, a clear inverse relationship was found between the segmental strain and the transmural extent of infarction in each segment. Meanwhile it provided 81.82% sensitivity and 82.6% specificity to detect transmural from non-transmural infarction at a cut-off value of -10.15. Conclusion: Strain rate obtained from speckle tracking during stress is a novel method of detecting myocardial viability after STEMI. Moreover, it carries a promising role in post-myocardial infarction risk stratification with a reasonable prediction of reversible cardiac-related hospital re-admission

Protective and therapeutic potentials of Dunaliella salina on aging-associated cardiac dysfunction in rats

Objective: To investigate the possible protective and/or therapeutic potentials of Dunaliella salina (D. salina) biomass, its carotenoid and polar fractions on cardiac dysfunction associated with D-galactose (D-GAL) induced aging in rats. Methods: Aging associated cardiac dysfunction was induced in rats by injection of D-GAL (200 mg/kg; i.p) for 8 weeks. D-GAL injected rats were treated with two regimens; protective regimen where D. salina biomass (250 mg/kg), its carotenoid (250 μg/kg) and polar (250 μg/kg) fractions were given orally for two weeks concurrently with D-GAL injection as well as treatment regimen where the three treatments were given orally for 28 consecutive days after D-GAL injection. Results: D-GAL injection for 8 weeks was accompanied with dramatic electrocardiographic changes as well as profound elevation in serum levels of homocysteine, creatinine kinase isoenzyme and lactate dehydrogenase in addition to the reduction of the cardiac content of glucose trasporter 4. D-GAL also induced reduction in cardiac superoxide dismutase activity and elevation of inducible nitric oxide synthetase and interleukin-6. On the other hand, oral administration of D. salina carotenoid fraction as well as the total biomass significantly attenuated the D-GAL-induced disturbances in the above mentioned parameters where the protective regimen appeared more successful in controlling the manifestations of cardiac dysfunction. The histopathological examination further emphasized the promising results. Besides, the HPLC analysis of the carotenoid fraction of D. salina revealed the presence of 2.31% β -carotene. Conclusions: D. salina carotenoid fraction as well as the total biomass ameliorate D-GAL-induced aging associated cardiac dysfunction which is attributed to the potent antioxidant activity of β -carotene.

Protective and therapeutic potentials of Dunaliella salina on aging-associated cardiac dysfunction in rats

Objective: To investigate the possible protective and/or therapeutic potentials of Dunaliella salina (D. salina) biomass, its carotenoid and polar fractions on cardiac dysfunction associated with D-galactose (D-GAL) induced aging in rats. Methods: Aging associated cardiac dysfunction was induced in rats by injection of D-GAL (200 mg/kg; i.p) for 8 weeks. D-GAL injected rats were treated with two regimens; protective regimen where D. salina biomass (250 mg/kg), its carotenoid (250 μg/kg) and polar (250 μg/kg) fractions were given orally for two weeks concurrently with D-GAL injection as well as treatment regimen where the three treatments were given orally for 28 consecutive days after D-GAL injection. Results: D-GAL injection for 8 weeks was accompanied with dramatic electrocardiographic changes as well as profound elevation in serum levels of homocysteine, creatinine kinase isoenzyme and lactate dehydrogenase in addition to the reduction of the cardiac content of glucose trasporter 4. D-GAL also induced reduction in cardiac superoxide dismutase activity and elevation of inducible nitric oxide synthetase and interleukin-6. On the other hand, oral administration of D. salina carotenoid fraction as well as the total biomass significantly attenuated the D-GAL-induced disturbances in the above mentioned parameters where the protective regimen appeared more successful in controlling the manifestations of cardiac dysfunction. The histopathological examination further emphasized the promising results. Besides, the HPLC analysis of the carotenoid fraction of D. salina revealed the presence of 2.31％ β-carotene. Conclusions: D. salina carotenoid fraction as well as the total biomass ameliorate D-GAL-induced aging associated cardiac dysfunction which is attributed to the potent antioxidant activity of β-carotene.

Study of serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in Egyptian autistic children

Background: Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology

Objective: To assess serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in Egyptian autistic children patients

Subjects and methods: 40 participants have been subjected to thorough history taking, complete clinical examination, IQ assessment, estimation of serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels

Results: A statistically significant difference was found between patients and controls as regards stereotypic movements, absent eye contact, delayed motor development, delayed speech and IQ [p < 0.01 for each item]. Mean level of copper was significantly higher in patients than in controls [P < 0.001], also mean level of ceruloplasmin was significantly higher in patients than controls [P = 0.009]

Conclusion: Serum copper level may have a role in the pathogenesis of autism

effect of eicosapentanoic acid administration on clinical outcome of patients with major depression: a pilot study

Background: Major depressive disorder [MDD] is a common brain disorder that affects approximately 10% of the world population and leads to significant disability. The current study was aimed to evaluate the impact of Omega3 PUFAs administration on the clinical outcome of patients with depression

Patients and Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled study included a total of Forty-two patients who diagnosed with depression according to a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, attending at the outpatient clinics of the Department of Psychiatry, Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Approval of the Ethical Research Committee of Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University [registration number 61], and a written informed consent from all the subjects were obtained. This study was conducted between February 2015 till August 2016. patients were randomly assigned to either; Group1; [intervention n=21]; received the prescribed antidepressant + omega3 [2100mg] for 8 weeks, or Group 2; [control, n=21]; received the prescribed antidepressant only for 8 weeks. Baseline evaluation and 8-week assessment included; patient demographicdata collection, history taking and clinical assessment of DSM-5 criteria and HAM-D score. Laboratory assessment included; complete blood picture [CBC], prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]. Patients were followed up regularly every 2 weeks for 8 weeks for the occurrence of side effects due to antidepressants/ Omega 3 and compliance with medications

Results: The 2 groups were comparable at baseline. The test group showed a significant improvement in the HAMD score from baseline values and versus the control. There was no significant difference in the reported side effects between the 2 groups

Conclusion: Omega -3 PUFAs administration at a dose of 2100 [EPA1350 mg/, DHA 600 mg/ 150 mg other omega 3 FA] for 8 weeks, improved depression symptoms and was well tolerated

Variations occurring in intraocular pressure and refraction during pregnancy

Background: pregnancy represents an important challenge in the female's life that she needs close observation during it and also needs counseling by her physician about the changes that are going through her body in this stressful period

Aim of the Work: the purpose of our study was to detect the changes that occur in the women's eyes during pregnancy and postpartum period regarding intraocular pressure and refraction

Patients and Methods: we studied 40 pregnant healthy women whose ages ranged from 18 to 35 years and we exclude any ocular diseases such as keratoconus, amblyopia or diabetic retinopathy. We measured the intraocular pressure using a Goldmann applanation tonometer, best corrected visual acuity using the Snellen's chart and k reading using autorefractor-keratometer

Results: we found that the IOP decreases only in the 3rd trimester with more decrease in women with multiple fetuses and multiple pregnancies. We found that the BCVA decreases only in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. We also found that the K reading increases only in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity and k reading returned to the normal values after delivery

Conclusion: the physiologic changes that occur in the women's eyes during pregnancy and postpartum period are usually marked in second and third trimester; this is because at this period, hormonal activity is at its peak, and however these changes are transient because several weeks postpartum, all hormonal activities return to their prenatal levels

Outcome of unilateral intraocular retinoblastoma

Background: retinoblastoma is the most common primary, malignant intraocular tumor of childhood, the aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of management of 50 consecutive cases of unilateral retinoblastoma

Aims of the Work: to evaluate the outcome of management of unilateral retinoblastoma and to assess the risk of recurrence

Patients and Methods: prospective study of 50 consecutive cases with unilateral intraocular retinoblastoma. The management of cases was performed in the National eye center [Rod El Farag]. Fundus examination was done under general anesthesia with RetCam 3. Management of cases according to the staging was group A: Focal treatment, TTT or cryotherapy, group B and C: chemotherapy with focal treatment, group D: If the patient has good visual potential [according to macular affection] Chemotherapy with focal treatment, if the patient has poor visual potential Enucleation, group E Enucleation

Results: as regard cases that managed with chemotherapy, there was 23 cases, 13 out of them treated with chemotherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy and showed complete regression, 10 cases showed initial regression with further new tumor recurrence after finishing chemotherapy, 5 cases was well managed by focal therapy, and another 5 cases failed to be controlled by focal therapy and Intra vitreal melphalan and ended by enucleation. As regard cases that was managed by enucleation, there was 32 cases, 27 out of them managed by primary enucleation, and 5 cases managed by secondary enucleation after failure of chemotherapy and focal therapy, 17 cases out of the enucleated eyes revealed presence of high risk pathological features, none of the cases developed local or metastatic tumors in the follow up period

Conclusion: retinal seeding, vitreous seeding are major predictive factors for tumor recurrence

Study of obesity associated proopiomelanocortin gene polymorphism: relation to metabolic profile and eating habits in a sample of obese Egyptian children and adolescents

Background: Melanocortinergic system represents a known system involved in the central regulation of body weight with the central proopiomelanocortin [POMC] neurons forming a potent anorexigenic network. Polymorphisms in the POMC gene locus are associated with obesity phenotypes

Aim: To assess the contribution of the POMC gene 9-bp insertional polymorphism in the susceptibility to obesity and its relation to body mass index [BMI] and adiposity-related co-morbidities in obese children and adolescents; as well as binge eating behavior

Patients and methods: Fifty obese children and adolescents with simple obesity were screened for Binge Eating Disorder [BED] by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [DSM-5], they were compared to 50 age, sex and pubertal stage-matched non obese controls. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, abdominal ultrasound for fatty liver, measurement of fasting lipid profile, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose and assessment of POMC gene 9-bp insertional polymorphism were done

Results: Obese patients had significantly higher anthropometric measurements, blood pressure percentiles, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and fasting lipid profiles, and higher frequency of occurrence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease and BED. Allelic frequencies of POMC gene 9 bp insertional polymorphism were comparable in patients and controls [p= 0.956]. Fasting insulin levels were significantly higher in the heterozygous cases having the polymorphism than in wild homozygous cases; whereas no difference was observed among the controls

Conclusion: This polymorphism was associated with higher fasting insulin levels in the obese patients only. These findings support the hypothesis that the melanocortin pathway may modulate glucose metabolism in obese subjects indicating a possible gene-environment interaction. POMC variant may be involved in the natural history of polygenic obesity, contributing to the link between type 2 diabetes and obesity

Chromosomal abnormalities and autism

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by clinical, etiologic and genetic heterogeneity. Many surveys revealed cytogenetically visible chromosomal abnormalities in 7.4% of autistic patients documented as well as several submicroscopic variants. This study had been conducted to identify some aspects that might be involved in the pathogenesis of autism which is necessary for offering proper genetic counseling to families of autistic patients and their role in the prenatal diagnosis of autism

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at the Child Psychiatry Clinic, Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University on 30 autistic patients who were subjected to the following tools: Confirmation of diagnosis using DSM-IV-TR criteria, IQ assessment using Stanford-Binet intelligence scale and assessment of severity of autistic symptoms using childhood autism rating scale [CARS]. Full clinical examination, neurological examination, EEG, audiological assessment were also done. High resolution karyotyping was done for detection of numerical or structural chromosomal abnormalities as deletion, duplication, translocation of chromosomes

Results: All the results of cytogenetic analysis were normal with no detectable numerical or structural chromosomal abnormalities. Males are affected more than females, only one case had history of drug intake [progestin], two cases had history of anti-D injection and two cases had history of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy. Four cases had history of respiratory distress and seven cases had history of jaundice. Two cases had history of generalized tonic clonic convulsion and four cases had history of EEG abnormalities. Fifteen cases of our autistic patients had mild mental retardation and six cases had moderate mental retardation

Conclusion: Chromosomal abnormalities were not detected in the studied autistic children, and so the relation between the genetics and autism still needs further work up with different study methods and techniques

Comparative study on the effect of factor V leiden and prothrombin gene polymorphism in preeclampsic cases

To identify polymorphism of Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin gene in women suffering from preeclampsia. From 142 pregnant women we identified 92 women suffering from preeclampsia and 50 healthy controls with normal pregnancy matched for age and socioeconomic status, preeclampsic patient classified as mild preeclampsia 42[45.7%] and severe preeclampsia 50[54.3%]. Blood samples were tested for DNA polymorphism affecting thrombophilia Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin gene polymorphism. Heterozygous AG genotype showed a significant high frequency among preeclampsic patients [20.7%] compared to controls [4.0%], [OR 6.2, P= 0.006] regarding to Prothrombin gene but: Factor V Leiden, AG genotype showed [8.7%] of preeclampsic patients which was absent in any of the controls

Comparative study on the effect of C667T and A1298C polymorphism in preeclampsic cases

To identify polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene in women suffering from preeclampsia. From 142 pregnant women we identify 92 women suffer from preeclampsia and 50 healthy controls with normal pregnancy matched for age and socioeconomic status, preeclampsic patient classified as mild preeclampsia 42[45.7%] and severe preeclampsia 50[54.3%]. Blood samples were tested for DNA polymorphism affecting thrombophilia methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C. Homozygous TT genotype, T allele of C677T polymorphism has a significantly higher frequency among preeclampsic cases compared to healthy controls [OR=21.7, 1.46, respectively]. Thus TT genotype and T allele may be considered as genetic risk factors for preeclampsic cases. On the other hand, non significant association in either genotype among preeclampsic cases compared to controls regarding to A1298C

Study the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Egyptian autistic children: a clinical trial

Numerous studies of autistic individuals have revealed evidence of cerebral hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, gastrointestinal inflammation, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, relative mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurotransmitter abnormalities. Many of these findings have been correlated with core autistic symptoms. For example, cerebral hypoperfusion in autistic children has been correlated with repetitive, self-stimulatory and stereotypical behaviors, and impairments in communication. Specifically, hyperbaric oxygen therapy [HBOT] has been used and can compensate for decreased blood flow by increasing the oxygen content of plasma and body tissues. The aim of this work was to study the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in autistic Egyptian children. This prospective clinical trial study was conducted on 20 children diagnosed as autism based on DSM-IV-TR criteria [diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition criteria, text revised]. All patients received at least 20 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Sessions were done at pressure 1.5 ATA [atmosphere absolute] with 100% oxygen concentration each lasting for 1-1.5 h either in multiplace chamber or monoplace chamber. MRI Perfusion of the brain was done before and after at least 20 HBOT sessions only for 6 cases. There was a statistically significant increase in the ratio of regional cerebral blood flow [RCBF] to white matter after HBOT in different brain regions when compared to their levels before HBOT. HBOT is a treatment that has recently become quite popular in the autism spectrum disorder [ASD] community. Its benefits cross a wide range of autistic traits as: improved language, increased awareness, behavior and socialization by affecting the pathophysiological findings in autism

model for southern mediterranean research institute self-assessment: a SWOT analysis-based approach to promote capacity building at theodor bilharz research institute in Cairo [Egypt]

THEBERA is a project funded by the European Union [EU], as an ERA-WIDE FP7 project, aiming to strengthen the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute [TBRI] capacities. A SWOT [strength/weakness/opportunities/threats] analysis of human, structural and organisational existing resources was performed in light of an extensive analysis of liver disease research and clinical management in Egypt, for a full understanding of TBRI needs. Strength and weakness features were identified and analysed, so were actions to be implemented and targets to be accomplished, to develop a business plan gathering the required critical mass [political, scientific, industrial, social] to select investment priorities, to sacrifice non-strategic areas of research, to promote national and international connections and industrial innovations, to update diagnostics and research device technologies and clinical management processes at European levels, to implement fundraising activities, to organise and properly assess training activities for young researchers, physicians, nurses, and technicians. Research institute self assessment is a priority need for sustainable capacity building and for future build-up of a competent health care research institute. Sustainable capacity building strategies must be designed on needs assessment, involving salient requirements: clear strategy, leverage of administrative capacities, industrial support and connections, systematised training programmes and enhancement of mobility of health care staff implemented within ill-defined boundaries and continuously re-evaluated with multiple feedback loops in order to build a complex, adaptable and reliable system based on value

In vitro antiviral and antimicrobial activities of Spirulina platensis extract.

Spirulina platensis are filamentous, undifferentiated, non-toxigenic cyanobacteria that have been used as food since ancient times. There have been numerous studies on its antioxidant and antimicrobial actions. In this study antibacterial and antiviral effect of ethanol extract of Spirulina platensis were tested. The reduction of infectious viral units after treatment with ethanol extract of Spirulina platensis was tested. Non toxic doses of Spirulina platensis revealed 53.3%, 66.7%, 76.7%, 56.7%, and 50% reductions in vitro for infectious units of adenovirus type 7, Coxsackievirus B4, astrovirus type 1, rotavirus Wa strain, and adenovirus type 40 respectively. Using disc diffusion method to show the antibacterial effect of ethanol extract of Spirulina platensis against different bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Enterococcus faecalis) in addition to Candida albicans, inhibition zones were observed with Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.

Skin diseases in patients with primary psychiatric conditions: a hospital based study

Although the relationship between skin diseases in patients with primary psychiatric conditions is important for patient management, studies on this issue are limited. To detect the frequency and type of cutaneous disorders among patients with primary psychiatric conditions. This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 400 subjects - 200 patients with primary psychiatric disorders and 200 age and sex matched individuals free from primary psychiatric disorders. Patients included in the study were diagnosed according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DMS IV] Criteria. A specially designed questionnaire including socio-demographic data, medical history, family history and dermatological examination was applied. The data were statistically analyzed. There was a significant statistical increase in the prevalence of skin diseases in general and infectious skin diseases in particular in psychiatric patients compared with non-psychiatric patients [71.5% versus 22%, P < 0.001] and [48% versus 11%, P < 0.001], respectively. Parasitic infestations [42.7%] were the most common infectious skin diseases in psychiatric patients [P < 0.001]. Infectious skin diseases in psychiatric patients were seen most in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia [83.6%] and least in obsessive compulsive disorders [30%][P < 0.001]. Psychogenic skin disorders were found in 8.4% of psychiatric patients with skin diseases; delusional parasitosis was the most common [50%]. Health education of psychiatric patients and/or of their caregiver and periodic monthly inspection of psychiatric patients are highly indicated for the prevention and control of infectious skin diseases in primary psychiatric patients

Serum adiponectin and resistin levels in de novo and relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia children patients

Adipose tissue secretes a large number of adipocytokines such as leptin, resistin, and adiponectin. Many of these hormones and cytokines are altered in obese individuals and may lead to disruption of the normal balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The aim of our work was to investigate the disturbance of secretion of adiponectin and resistin in de novo and relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] in Egyptian children and determine whether adiponectin and resistin are implicated in increased risk relapse compared to healthy individuals. Measurements of adiponectin and resistin were performed at diagnosis, in 32 patients with de novo ALL aged 3 to 18 years [mean 9.8 y] and 19 children with relapsed ALL aged 5 to 17 [mean 9.9 yr]. 10 apparently healthy children with matched age and sex were used as controls. Mean adiponectin levels were low [P < 0.05], whereas mean resistin levels were high [P<0.05] at diagnosis and relapsed ALL [compared to healthy controls]. A significant decrease of adiponectin levels was observed in relapsed ALL compared to de novo ALL. In contrast resistin was significantly increased in relapsed ALL compared to de novo patients. Adiponectin in ALL subjects inversely correlated with resistin level [r = -0.51, P < 0.001]. Low adiponectin and high resistin level at diagnosis suggest their implication in ALL pathogenesis and may serve as potential clinically significant diagnostic markers to detect leukemic relapse

Viral causes of acute respiratory infection among Egyptian children hospitalized with severe acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Viral respiratory infections are associated with nearly 80% of asthma exacerbation episodes. These can have severe adverse outcomes in patients with established asthma

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the viral causes of acute respiratory infection that precipitate acute asthma exacerbation in Egyptian asthmatic children

Patients and methods: The current prospective study was conducted in Cairo University Children's Hospitals from December 2010 to December 2011. All asthmatic children [n=130] aged 2-12 years admitted with asthma exacerbation due to severe lower respiratory tract infection were included. All cases were subjected to nasopharyngeal or throat swabs that were analyzed for common respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], human metapneumovirus [hMPV], influenza B [Flu B], human parainfluenza virus [hPIV], influenza A [H1N1], and adenovirus [ADV] using the real-time PCR technique. All patients were followed up to record the outcome

Results: PCR analysis was positive for one respiratory virus in 54 asthmatic patients [41.5%] and was negative in 76 patients [58.5%], with a high predominance of RSV [51.9%] and hMPV [25.9%] especially in winter and early spring months. Hypoxia was detected in all patients with RSV infection; of these patients, 21.4% were admitted to the ICU, 14.3% required mechanical ventilation, and 14.3% died. In contrast, among those with hMPV infection, hypoxia was detected in 71.4%; none required ICU admission or mechanical ventilation

Conclusion and recommendations: Viral etiology of lower respiratory tract infections constitutes an important cause of acute asthma exacerbation in asthmatic children admitted to children's hospitals in Cairo, supporting the need for large-scale multicentric studies on asthmatic patients over multiple years using a wider-panel PCR for detection of respiratory viruses

Human schistosomiasis: clinical perspective: review

The clinical manifestations of schistosomiasis pass by acute, sub acute and chronic stages that mirror the immune response to infection. The later includes in succession innate, TH1 and TH2 adaptive stages, with an ultimate establishment of concomitant immunity. Some patients may also develop late complications, or suffer the sequelae of co-infection with other parasites, bacteria or viruses. Acute manifestations are species-independent; occur during the early stages of invasion and migration, where infection-naivety and the host's racial and genetic setting play a major role. Sub acute manifestations occur after maturity of the parasite and settlement in target organs. They are related to the formation of granulomata around eggs or dead worms, primarily in the lower urinary tract with Schistosoma haematobium, and the colon and rectum with Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma intercalatum and Schistosoma mekongi infection. Secondary manifestations during this stage may occur in the kidneys, liver, lungs or other ectopic sites. Chronic morbidity is attributed to the healing of granulomata by fibrosis and calcification at the sites of oval entrapment, deposition of schistosomal antigen-antibody complexes in the renal glomeruli or the development of secondary amyloidosis. Malignancy may complicate the chronic lesions in the urinary bladder or colon. Co-infection with salmonella or hepatitis viruses B or C may confound the clinical picture of schistosomiasis, while the latter may have a negative impact on the course of other co-infections as malaria, leishmaniasis and HIV. Prevention of schistosomiasis is basically geared around education and periodic mass treatment, an effective vaccine being still experimental. Praziquantel is the drug of choice in the treatment of active infection by any species, with a cure rate of 80%. Other antischistosomal drugs include metrifonate for S. haematobium, oxamniquine for S. mansoni and Artemether and, possibly, Mirazid for both. Surgical treatment may be needed for fibrotic lesions