value of pulse-wave doppler tissue imaging during dobutamine stress echocardiography in detection of right coronary artery narrowing

The importance of right ventricalar function in acute and chronic cardiac affection is well established. Is to assess the value of pulse wave Doppler tissue imaging [PWTDI] during dobutamine stress echocardiography in detection of right coronary artery narrowing. 40 subjects were divided into two groups according to the presence [patient group] or absence [control group] of significant > 70% isolated right coronary artery narrowing proved by coronary angiography. All patients studied had right coronary artery dominance, they were subjected to the following: complete history taking and thorough clinical examination, 12 leads resting surface electrocardiography, resting standard echo Doppler study, coronary angiography, doubtamine-atropine stress echocardiography with pluse-wave Doppler tissue sampling. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regard to early [E] and late diastolic [A] velocity in cm/sec by pulse wave tissue Doppler at rest, low dose and high dose dobutamine. p > 0.05. Regarding the ejection phase velocity in cm/sec. [EJ] by pulse-wave Doppler tissue there was no statistically significant difference between the control and the patient groups at rest and low dose dobutamine p > 0.05., however at higdose dubutamine there was a highly statistically significant difference [p < 0.01] and it was found that a progressive increase of the ejection phase velocity [EJ], expressed by a more than 25% increase from 10 microg/kg/min [low dose] to peak dobutamine stress was predictive of normal or insignificantly narrowed right coronary artery [RCA]. Whereas a blunted increase, expressed by < 25% increase of velocity, was predictive of a significantly narrowed RCA. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy of pulse-wave Doppler tissue sampling in detection of right coronary artery narrowing was 80%, 75%, 79.2%, 76.9% and 78% respectively. Analysis of the right ventricular wall was accessible using the pulsed wave tissue Doppler sampling in all cases while visual assessment was not. Pulsed wave tissue Doppler sampling is a valuable tool to detect right coronary artery narrowing when combined with dobuta-mine-atropine stress echocardiography

Comparison of stenting with minimally invasive bypass surgery for high grade stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery: six months follow up of randomized study

High grade stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery [LAD] in patients with single-vessel disease is associated with a significantly worse prognosis than lesions at any other location. To compare the merits of stenting with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass [MICAB] surgery for high grade stenosis of isolated proximal LAD. One hundred patients with isolated high grade lesion [stenosis] >75% of laminal diameter in the proximal LAD were included. The patients were classified into two groups: Group A included 50 patients in whom successful stenting was performed. Group B included 50 patients in whom successful MICAB was performed. In group A the mean percentage of stenosis was significantly reduced to 10.48 +/- 4.112. After stenting, non of the patients died, 2Q wave infarction, 2 non Q wave infarction and 1 required coronary bypass surgery, 1 stroke, 3 LAD dissection, 5 angina pectoris, 3 needed revascu-larization, 4 vascular complications and 4 needed blood transfusion. In group B, after surgery 1 patient had Q wave infarction, 1 non Q wave infarction, 2 patients needed necessary sternotomy because of an intramyocardial segment of the LAD, 3 angina pectoris, 2 needed revascularization, 2 vascular complications, 2 needed blood transfusion, 2 developed AF and 2 chest wall hernias. The mean duration of lCU stay after surgery was 2.62 +/- 1.086 days as compared to 1.8 +/- 1.591 days after stenting [p < 0.05], the mean duration of hospitalization after surgery was 8.64 +/- 3.186 days as compared to 2.34 +/- 2.471 days after stenting [p < 0.01], Follow-up was complete for all patients except two patients in each group [2 patients died in group B while in group A one patients traveled and other was excluded, eleven asymptomatic patients refused repeated cardiac catheterization after stenting, as did 13 patients after surgery. No statistically significant difference was found between both groups as regard to positive exercise stress test [p > 0.05]. After stenting, the angina class improved 79.2% were free of angina. After surgery, the mean angina class improved, 91.6% of patients were free of angina. After six months of follow up, in-stent restenosis was detected in 11 patients [29.7%] and subgroup analysis showed a restenosis rate 15.4 for type B lesion and 46.2% for type C lesion. The recurrence of stenosis was more in type C and B than type A in stenting group. In surgical group, 3 patients [8.6%] had stenosis > 50% of the luminal diameter at the anatomic region, and subgroup analysis showed a restenosis rate of 3.6% for type B lesions and 21.4% for type C lesions. The recurrence of stenosis was more in type C and B than type A in surgical group. Secondary end points were 56% in group A vs 26% in group B. Stenting and minimally invasive bypass surgery are safe and effective treatment options for high grade lesions in the proximal LAD; MICAB requires longer hospitalization, more cost but has better an-giographic outcome while stenting has higher target vessel revascularization and secondary adverse cardiac event than MICAB

[Pseudo tumoral splenic tuberculosis - a case report]

Splenic tuberculosis is uncommon. It is reported in disseminated tuberculosis syndrome and can be a symptom of AIDS. Pseudo tumoral forms are rare. Diagnosis is difficult on the basis of the clinical and radiological presentation. Histological analysis confirms the diagnosis. We report the case of a 30 years old women treated for nodal tuberculosis. After 4 months of treatment, she consulted for non specific abdominal pain without other signs. Radiological exploration concluded for nodular spleen lesions. The patient had gone under a median laparotomy and a splenectomy was performed for multiple abscess in the spleen. Pathological exam of the spleen confirm that it was splenic tuberculosis

Detection of oxidative stress, genotoxicity and changes in plasma fibronectin level induced by aluminium in exposed workers

Concern about the health hazards in the aluminum industry has initiated this study. The aim of this study was to detect fibronectin [FN] and glutathione peroxidase [GPX] levels as well as genotoxicity in aluminium - exposed workers. A group of 40 workers exposed to aluminium in an aluminium reduction plant with a mean duration of exposure of [20.4 +/- 4.8] years and a group of 20 non-exposed workers were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination and ventilatory function measurements. The plasma FN level and the GPX level were estimated in both the exposed workers and the control group. The age and sex distributions among the 2 groups were comparable. Cultured lymphocytes from blood samples were used to perform cytogenetic analysis. A statistically significant reduction in the ventilatory function parameters among the exposed when compared with the control group was demonstrated. The level of plasma FN of the exposed group was significantly higher than that in the control group [p< 0.05]. It was positively correlated with the cytogenetic data of the exposed group [p < 0.05]. The occupational exposure of workers resulted in a statistically significant decrease of [GPX] [p < 0.05] when compared with the control group. Statistically significant difference could also be detected between the exposed and the control groups as regards the CA [gaps and breaks] [p<0.05], while the DNA adducts rates showed no statistically significant difference between both groups. Concerning smoking, the analysis of Spearman correlation showed no significant difference in the results of cytogenetic parameters between smokers and non-smokers in the exposed group, but a significant inverse correlation [p < 0.05] between smoking and GPX level was observed. A nonsignificant correlation could be detected between duration of exposure and both the cytogenetic parameters and each of FN and GPX levels [p > 0.05]. Environmental Al concentrations were also measured at the various workstations and the mean value was [1.5 +/- 0.7] mg/m[3]

Impact of chronic noise exposure on stress response, cardiovascular system and auditory system among marble and granite workers

Noise-induced hearing loss is a major health risk worldwide. Also, noise is one of the commonest physical stressors to which industrial workers are exposed. The objective of this study was to find out whether chronic exposure of workers to loud occupational noise during the daytime would cause changes in their cardiovascular system, stress hormone levels and their hearing thresholds. Thirty eight male marble and granite workers were interviewed, using questionnaires, as regards their medical and occupational history, use of hearing protection and they underwent clinical and laboratory examinations including measurement of blood pressure, ECG and pure-tone audiometry. We assessed noise-induced alterations in physiological stress by measuring serum and urinary levels of cortisol, catecholamines and the lipid profile. In the study areas, the noise levels ranged from 90 to 105 dBA. Results were analyzed and compared with the data of 20 normal persons matched in age, sex and socioeconomic status. Compared to the control group, the exposed workers showed statistically significant noise-induced hearing loss. Noise exposure produced physiological stress responses in workers in the form of significant increase in the serum and urinary cortisol levels after exposure to noise. Also, the exposed group displayed greater serum lipid responses and higher catecholamines levels than their controls. urthermore, blood pressure was significantly higher and ECG changes were more significant among the exposed than the control group. The present data suggest that chronic noise exposure might potentially lead to endocrine dysfunctions. Thus, we can say that workers exposed to loud occupational noise react to the stress and show, in addition to the NIHL, changes in the ECG and development of hypertension which may be attributed to the exposure to noise

Assessment of splanchnic hemodynamics in neonates at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis

It has been suggested that either acute or chronic intestinal ischemia may play a primary role in the initiation of mucosol injury and subsequently the development of necrotizing enterocolitis [NEC]. Hence, this study aimed at assessment of gut blood flow in neonates at risk of developing NEC and to determine whether a disturbance in splanchnic perfusion could provide not only a pathophysiological basis for the development of NEC but also a mechanism linking a variety of seemingly disparate risk factors. Addingly, changes in splanchnic circulation with increasing postnatal age were evaluated. Duplex pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to study changes in gut blood flow velocities during the first week of life in neonates at risk of developing NEC admitted to NICU of Obsteric and Gynecology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals. This case-control study comprised 127 neonates [61 males and 66 females], their mean gestational age was 35.0 +/- 4.3 weeks and their mean birth weight was 2.35 +/- 0.63 kg. They were classified into 4 groups : 2 control groups [preterms [n=21] and fullterms [n=41]] and 2 patient groups recognized as being at risk of developing NEC [at risk preterms [n=30] and at risk fullterms [n=35]]. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations relevant to the diagonosis on admission, radiological evaluation including chest and abdominal x-rays and echocardiography. Duplex pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to determine blood flow velocities in coeliac axis [CA] and superior mesentric aretry [SMA] in all studied groups. Subjects were studied on the first, second, third, and seventh days of life. The results of the current study showed that the mean peak systolic velocities [PSVs] in the SMA were lower in the at risk groups than in the control groups on all 4 days of measurements [p<0.001]. In contrast to the SMA, PSVs of CA increased significantly in the at risk groups compared to their controls [p<0.001]. The ratio of PSV in the CA to that in the SMA, an index of relative downstream resistance in the SMA, was significantly greater in the at risk groups than in the control groups on days 1, 2 and 3 [p< 0.001]. PSVs of SMA tended to increase over the first week of life in control groups. On the other hand, the increase in PSVs of SMA was delayed in the at risk groups In conclusion, these data demonstrate that neonates at risk of developing NEC have abnormal gut blood flow velocities and splanchnic perfusion is severely compromised. Hence, alteration in the splanchnic circulation may be an important factor in the final common pathway of different risk factors of NEC and the liver could be considered as the fourth preferential organ for arterial blood supply in the compromised neonate, besides heart, brain and adrenals. Therefore, serial Doppler measurements are mandatory for early detection and prediction of NEC

Clinical significance of serum prolactin level in neonatal seizures

Researches on more economical and practical methods for the differential diagnosis of seizures are required. Prolactin is the most specific neurohormone that is elevated after seizures in adults and children. The possibility that serum prolactin could be used as an epileptic marker in neonates is attractive because an ictal EEG recording is not always available. Therefore, this study aimed at determination of the clinical usefulness of serum prolactin as a diagnostic aid in neonatal convulsions and its relation to etiology, type and duration of seizures. The present study was conducted on 35 term neonates with neonatal convulsions [patients group] recruited from the NICU of Obstetric and Gynecology Department, Ain Shams University. Their mean birth weight was 3.45 +/- 0.42 kg and their mean gestational age was 38.63 +/- 1.29 weeks. Thirty-five healthy neonates were chosen to serve as a control group. Each neonate in the patients group had at least one clinically observed seizure. Seizures were diagnosed clinically and EEG confirmation was not required. Postictal serum prolactin levels were obtained at 30 minutes, 24 hours and 72 hours [recovery level] after the seizures using ELISA technique. The ratio of 30 minutes postictal prolactin level to recovery level [prolactin ratio] was used as an indicator of postictal prolactin increase. The results of the current study showed that etiologic diagnoses included were hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy [HIE] [40%] followed by neonatal sepsis [31.4%], intracranial hemorrhage [ICH] [14%], hypoglycemia [8.6%] and hypocalcemia [6%]. Serum prolactin level was significantly higher [P<0.01] at 30 minutes postictally in the patients with seizures than in control group and this value started to decline after 24 hours and became insignificant at 72 hours postictally. Additionally, postictal serum prolactin levels were significantly higher in tonic and clonic convulsions and in seizures due to hypoxia as compared to controls. Moreover, 24 hours postictal serum prolactin level was significantly higher than 30 minutes postictal level in both tonic and myoclonic convulsions. Postictal serum prolactin levels correlated negatively with Apgar score at 5 minutes and the mean prolactin ratio in the patients group was 2.41 +/- 1.80 denoting a marked postictal prolactin elevation. In conclusion, postictal serum prolactin levels increased significantly during the 24 hours following seizures in neonatal seizures especially with tonic and clonic types and mostly due to hypoxia. Therefore, postictal serum prolactin level may be helpful in the differentiation of seizures as well as providing important information about their etiology particularly when continuous EEG monitoring is not possible. In addition, prolactin ratios may be used to assess more accurately the phenomenon of postictal hyperprolactinemia

Smoking attitude in sports: an Egyptian experience

This study aimed to investigate the attitude towards smoking in "Ahli Sporting Club" as a leading club in sports in Egypt. A total of 480 subjects was approached by a preset and a pretested questionnaire prepared for the objective with an adequate response rate of 93%. The mean age of the players was statistically significantly less than that of their responsible technical and administrative staff, being 23.7, 43.5 and 51.6 years, respectively. Males constituted 77.7% of the total subjects. Football showed the highest figure in the activity, 38.3% of the whole group and 41.0% of the players. The current smokers in the whole group constituted 12.3% of the total subjects, which was much lower than the figure in the Egyptian community as a whole and also in many other professions. The study concluded that the attitude towards smoking in sports needs a proper attention, especially among the responsible staff. Although it is less encountered than among other jobs, it is an important sector in the population, especially among the youth

Lipofuscin; a new lipid peroxidation marker among jaundiced neonates with oxygen free radical induced diseases

This study was an attempt to investigate the lipid peroxidation represented by lipofuscin in correlation to some serum antioxidants levels such as vitamins A and E, ceruloplasmin and bilirubin in jaundiced neonates suffering from oxygen free radical induced diseases [ORD] in comparison to a control group. This case-control study was conducted in the NICU, Gynecology and Obstetric Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals in the period from December 1999 to January 2002. This study included 107 jaundiced neonates diagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and neonatal sepsis [ORD Patients group]. They were classified into two subgroups: subgroup I, [51 term and preterm babies] with non pathological level of bilirubin i.e not needing interference and subgroup II, [56 newlyborn term and preterm infants] with pathological level of bilirubin i.e needing interference. One hundred and seven apparently healthy neonates were enrolled in this study as a control group. The results of this study revealed that the mean serum levels of vitamins A and E, ceruloplasmin, and hemoglobin were highly significantly decreased while, the mean serum lipofuscin and bilirubin levels were highly significantly increased in the ORD patients group compared to controls [p

Early onset neonatal sepsis, rule out viral infection

This cross-sectional prospective study was an attempt to define the frequency of viral infections in early onset neonatal sepsis. It was conducted on 260 septic neonates with different diagnoses who had been admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, affiliated to Obstetric and Gynecology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals throughout one year from November 2001 to October 2002. Their mean gestational age was 35.9 +/- 3.7 weeks, their mean birth weight was 2.4 +/- 1.08 kg and their mean postnatal age was 12.35 +/- 10.34 days. They included 148 males and 112 females. The results of this study revealed that 49 out of 260 septic neonates [19%] were diagnosed as virus infected using different cell cultures. Seven viruses were identified by indirect fluorescent antibody tests [IFA] which were in order of frequency; cytomegalovirus [5%], respiratory syncytial virus [3.4%], Echo-11 [3.1%], Echo-14 [2.7%], Coxsackie B5 [2.7%], mumps [1.2%] and parainfluenza type 3 [0.8%]. Most of virus infected cases presented with low Apgar score, low or very low birth weight, prematurity, jaundice, peticheal rash, in addition to signs of sepsis. Meanwhile, respiratory viruses [respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus] were the major pathogens among respiratory distressed infants, enteroviruses, cytomegalovirus and mumps were implicated in neonates with multiple congenital malformations. Cytomegalovirus was the most prevalent single virus isolated. Thirteen cases out of 260 septic neonates proved to be CMV positive. 77% were congenitally acquired, while 23% were postnatally acquired. These neonates presented with various clinical presentations, the most common were prematurity [85%], very low birth weight [62%], jaundice [54%] and hepatosplenomegaly [46%], meanwhile congenital malformations were recorded in 23% of cases [microcephaly, congenital hernia and congenital cataract]. Mortality rate was 46%. It is concluded from this study that viral infection is significantly implicated in the etiopathogenesis of neonatal sepsis. So, this study should raise the awareness of the neonatologists for the diagnosis and anticipation of the potential implications of virus infection on the subsequent growth and development of the newborn infants.

Cytomegalovirus load among Egyptian newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit: new perspective

CMV transmission is very hazardous to neonates whether due to its severe congenital form or the latent effects of this virus. The aim of the study was to assess CMV load among Egyptian newborn infants admitted to the NICU, to clarify the risk factors for CMV transmission and to set clinical criteria for suspicion of this viral infection among such neonates. This cross-sectional prospective study included 260 neonates admitted to the NICU of the Gynecology and Obstetric hospital, Ain Shams University. Each enrolled case was subjected to detailed history taking laying stress on the socioeconomic st and ard, maternal diseases such as infection, fever, premature - rupture of membranes and past history of any abortion, neonatal deaths or affected newborns. APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes, their birth weights and skull circumferences were assessed. Thorough clinical examination including assessment of gestational age was done together with regular follow up of the clinical course of the neonates during their NICU admission for a mean postnatal age of 12.35 +/- 10.34 days. In addition to the routine laboratory investigations and the sepsis screen, peripheral blood samples and nasopharyngeal secretions were taken from all the studied neonates on their first and fifth day of life for viral isolation using human fibroblasts cell line culture. Indirect Fluorescent Antibody [IFA] test was carried out for the identification of isolated CMV virus. The present study revealed positive viral culture in 49 cases, 13 of which were confirmed CMV by IFA. Ten of the CMV positive cases were detected in the first day sample [prenatally acquired] and the other three were detected in the fifth day sample which denotes either perinatal or community acquired infection. In all, 84.6% of the CMV positive cases were delivered prematurelv and 61.5% were IDM. Clinical examination showed that 53.9% of them had MCA, 53.9% had jaundice, 46.2% had rash and 38.5% had enlarged lymph nodes, 30.8% were hypothermic, 23.1% had poor peripheral perfusion, 7.7% were pale and 7.7% were cyanosed. Systemic examination revealed that 46.2% had HSM and 23.1% had abdominal distension. As regards the neurological manifestations, 30.8% had hyporeflexia while 15.4% had hyperreflexia, 38.5% were hypotonic while 15.4% were hypertonic and 15.4% suffered from tonic convulsions. A cardiac murmur was heard in 15.4% and inguinal hernia was detected in 7.7%. In conclusion, CMV acquisition especially the congenital form represent a significant problem among newborn Egyptian infants who may be asymptomatic or present with various manifestations ranging from mild to fetal illness. Thus increasing awareness of this viral infection, its ways of transmission, risk factors for neonatal acquisition and its mode of presentation are m and atory to prevent its neonatal as well as the delayed hazards

Neonatal neutrpenia associated with pregnancy induced hypertension and cord blood granulocyte colony stimulating factor

Neutropenia is frequently observed in neonates born to mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH]. Though transient, it may be a leading cause of early neonatal sepsis. Hence, prophylactic exogenous hematopoietic factors are currently tried. However. Causes of this neonatal neutronenia [NN] and its relation to the endogenous production of these factors are still obscure, therefore we aimed to study granulocyte colony stimulating factor [G-CSF] among other determinants of NN in this population. The present study included 92 neonates; 52 born to normotensive mothers and 40 neonates with maternal PIH. Gestational age [GA] and birth weight [BW] were assessed with clinical evaluation of all studied neonates at birth and after 72 hours to rule out infection. Cord blood absolute neutrophil count [ANC] and levels Of G-CSF [as measured by ELISA] were studied. Neonates born to mothers with PIH had significantly [P<0.05] lower ANC than control newborns. ANC was significantly [P<0.01] lower in neonates with GA <32 weeks as compared to those >32 weeks. Values of ANC were significantly positively correlated with BW [P<0.05]. Neonatal neutropenia [ANC <1.5 x 10[9]/ L] was observed in 35% of infants born to mothers with PIH being moderate to severe [ANC< 1x10[9] / L] in 25%. Of these neonates with moderate to severe NN, 90% were of low BW and 60% were preterms of GA less than 32 weeks. Mean value of cord blood G-CSF [126.3 +/- 99.6 pg/L] was significantly [P<0.001] lower in all babies of mothers with PIH than control [283.9 +/- 221.7 pg/L]. A significant positive correlation was noted between ANC and G-CSF [P<0.05] in FT neonates. Neonates whose GA<32 weeks showed significantly increased frequency of moderate to severe neutropenia [66.7%] compared to other GA groups [13.3% and 12.5% in those born after 37 weeks and those born between 33 and 36 weeks, respectively] [p<0.05]. The least reported mean cord blood G-CSF in this study [79.3 +/- 31.14 pg /L] was encountered in neonates whose GA<32 weeks and who exhibited NN that approached severity [mean ANC: 0.59 +/- 0.21 x 10 [9]/L]. Early neutropenia may be noted in neonates born to mothers with PIH. It may be related to reduced serum G-CSF especially in LBW and in those with increased degree of prematurity. This population may be suitable c and idates for recombinant human G-CSF [rh G-CSF] therapy

Auditory dysfunction among printing workers

The aim of this study is to explore the combined effect of occupational exposure to noise and lead on the hearing process of the exposed workers. Twenty-four exposed workers [48 ears] from two printing facilities at Cairo University and twenty controls [40 ears], not occupationally exposed to noise or lead, were included in this study. All studied personnel were subjected to medical and occupational history, clinical and ENT examination, blood lead level determination and audiological assessment including: pure tone hearing thresholds, otoacoustic emissions [OAE] and auditory brain-stem response [ABR]. The work environments were tested for noise levels which were found to be 88 and 92 dB A, respectively. Statistically significant differences were detected between the exposed group and the controls as regards the hearing thresholds at frequencies 4 and 8 KHz and the OAE, The ABR revealed significant prolongation of the absolute latencies of waves 1 and 3 with increased [1 -3] interpeak latency in the exposed group. The 5/ 1 amplitude ratio was also smaller in the exposed compared to the controls. The blood lead level was significantly higher in the exposed in comparison to the controls [p < 0.001]

Endoscopic sclerotherapy plus ligation versus ligation for the management of esophageal varices

The aim of this work was to compare endoscopic scleroligation with endoscopic variceal ligation alone with regard to efficacy, complications, variceal recurrence and survival rate. Seventy-one patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices were included in this study; 35 treated by endoscopic scleroligation and 36 treated by endoscopic variceal ligation. Both methods were equally effective in achieving a complete eradication of esophageal varices. The recurrence rates in the endoscopic scleroligation group were significantly lower than those in the endoscopic variceal ligation group. The survival rates and incidence of complications were similar among patients treated by both methods. The combined method, endoscopic scleroligation, was superior to endoscopic variceal ligation alone in preventing variceal recurrence

Serum melatonin rhythms and prolactin levels in workers exposed to electeomagnetic fields around high voltage electric power lines

One of the more contentious issues in the scientific community today is that of the biological effects of electromagnetic fields [EMFs] and whether or not they adversely affect our health. Many authors studied the effect of EMFs on melatonin and prolactin serum levels. Our results revealed a significant reduction of serum melatonin levels and an increase in prolactin secretion in workers exposed to EMFs around high voltage power lines. A significant correlation was detected between the reduction in serial measurements of melatonin levels and the strength of electric fields, while no such correlation was detected concerning prolactin level. Although negative correlation was found between serial melatonin levels and duration of exposure, yet it was not significant. Previous studies reported that reduction of melatonin increases cell vulnerability to alteration by carcinogenic agents. Concerning prolactin, no such correlation was detected. We recommended periodic screening tests for early detection of cancer in high risk workers

Incidence and susceptibility to neoplasm among mice, born to neoplasm affected parents

The F1 progeny of BALB/c mice, suffering skin tumor, induced by DMBA and croton oil, showed increased incidence of skin tumors when exposed to such carcinogens. The percentages of tumors were higher in F1 generation [86 males and 98 females] than those of their parents [70 males, 90 females]. The susceptibility of F1 generation was also higher [0.94] than their parents [0.86]. These results indicated that there was an increased risk of tumor development among rodents which were born from parents suffering tumors. This could be due to the transmission of certain cancerogens from parents showing tumors to their offsprings