RAPD analysis and antibiotic susceptibility for Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from different locations in Egypt

The routine identification of mycobacterial strains isolated from patients in different locations in Egypt was confirmed by specific DNA fragment amplification. The susceptibilities of 72 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains against the four antibiotics used in tuberculosis treatment (Isoniazid, INH; Rifampicin, Rif; Streptomycin, St and Ethambutol, E) were examined. Our results indicated that, multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) represents about 19.5% of the tested strains, whereas sensitive strains represented 26.4%. The genetic polymorphism of the tested strains was examined using RAPD analysis. Six selected strains represent the different antibiotic susceptibility groups were examined using RAPD fingerprinting. No difference between the strains was recorded using the RFLP analysis of amplified specific fragment. The discrimination power of RAPD analysis was inadequate to clarify the genetic correlation between the tested strains. MDR-TB was approximately double time in 2008 compared with the value in 2007. Most of the new MDR-TB was correlated with resident dense population regions.

Changes in serum calcium, phosphate, albumin and parathyroid hormone before and after hemodialysis in Sudanese patients with end-stage renal failure

To determine the concentrations of serum parathyroid hormone [PTH] and bone minerals and their association before and after hemodialysis. A cross sectional study was done on patients with end-stage renal disease [ESRD] on treatment with maintenance hemodialysis [HD]. Levels of serum calcium, phosphate, urea, creatinine, albumin, and intact parathormone [iPTH] were measured. The total number of patients studied was 50 [40 males; 10 females], the mean age was 40.3 +/- 26.5 years, and the average duration on hemodialysis [HD] was 53 months. Serum PTH level was significantly lower after hemodialysis treatment; it was 945.8 +/- 995.9pg/ml and 781.7 +/- 928.1 pg/ml before and after HD respectively, but still over the normal range. Serum phosphate concentration was remarkably differ before and after HD [5.59 +/- 1.8 mg/ml vs 4.38 +/- 1.2 mg/ml respectively]. In contrast, the mean value of serum calcium concentration was changed significantly after HD [6.7 +/- 1.5 mg/dl] compared with the level before HD [5.6 +/- 6.7 mg/dl]. PTH correlated positively with phosphate [r=0.30, p=0.03], and negatively with calcium [r=-0.299, p=0.04] levels. A significant decrease in serum urea and creatinine levels was reported after HD. Serum albumin showed no significant difference before and after HD. PTH was remarkably decreased post dialysis in our patients with definite increased serum Ca[+]. There is no significant difference between PTH and patient's age, sex and duration in HD Sudanese patients

Titanium elastic nails for children femoral fractures and the impact of their early removal

This prospective study was designed to evaluate using titanium elastic nails [TEN] in our children between 5 and 15 years old with femoral shaft fractures, their compliance with it, its complications, and the impact of early removal. Twenty children, 5-15 years of age, with femoral shaft fractures were studied prospectively in the department of El-Minia University Hospital in the period from February 2004 to April 2005. TEN were introduced retrograde with no postoperative external splint. The nails were removed early just after clinical union and good callus, in an average period of 2.1 months. The results were evaluated according to the scoring system proposed by Flynn et al., 2001[26]. The mean follow-up period was 8.8 months [range 6 to 12 months]. According to Flynn et al., 2001[26] the results were excellent in 16 fractures [80%], successful in 4 [20%], and no poor cases. The mean time to union was 1.9 months [range 1.5 to 5 months]. No intra-operative or post-operative complications that affect the final outcome. Only one case needed another operative interference in the form of closed reduction and application of external fixator. All fractures healed with acceptable alignment and non-significant length inequality. The use of TEN may be the preferred method for the treatment of femoral fractures in children aged 5 to 15 years as it allows early mobilization and fast return to functions. Early removal of the nails did not lead to additional complications or affection of the final outcome