Assessment of anterior positioning splint in conjunction with lateral pterygoid BTX injection to treat TMJ disc displacement with reduction — a preliminary report / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Objective@#Treatment of temporomandibular disc displacement with reduction is controversial. This study assesses the use of an anterior positioning splint with botulinum toxin in the lateral pterygoid muscle (BTX) for such cases. @*Methods@#Twelve joints were included; groups I and II received BTX injection while group II also received an anterior positioning splint. Pain scores and clicking status were recorded at regular intervals then a postoperative MRI was done after 4 months. @*Results@#Clinical improvement was noted in both groups. Mean pain scores dropped significantly and clicks in the twelve joints disappeared in 83% of group I and 33% of group II. MRIs showed significant disc position improvement with the higher mean change (1.33 ± 0.76) in group I. Group I showed better improvement of discal position and only one joint regained a click. Patients of group II reported discomfort from the splint which may have caused psychological distress and so worst pain scores. @*Conclusions@#Group I showed slightly better results but the cost of BTX injections and the complications of the splint should be kept in mind and the decision of treatment selection made according to each condition.

Connexin 26 gene mutations in patients with non-syndromic hearing loss

The etiology of hearing loss is heterogeneous. One of the causes is the genetic hearing loss which may be syndromic or non-syndromic. Mutations in the gap junction of beta 2 [GJB2] gene which encode connexin 26 [CX26] protein are a major cause of non-syndromic hearing loss. The aim of this work was to assess mutations of CX26 gene in adults with non-syndromic hearing loss. Twenty seven patients with non-syndromic hearing loss, family history of hearing loss and consanguinity were examined for Cx26 gene mutations by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and subsequent sequencing. Relatives of these patients were examined by Multi-Frequency Pure Tone Audiometry [MFPTA]. The percentage of positive mutations in patients with hearing loss was 70.4%, Four types of Cx26 gene mutations were found in these patients. They were: 35delG [deletion/frameshift mutation], RI43W mutation [missense mutation with nucleotide change 426C-T at codon 143 R-W], V271 mutation [polymorphic mutation with nucleotide change 79G-A at codon 27V-l] and 235delC [deletion/frameshift mutation]. 35delG mutation was the most frequent type of mutation as it was detected in 78.9% of cases Moreover, 70% of cases with this mutation were homozygous. On the other hand, notches of MFPTA were found in 52.63% of the relatives. We can conclude that Knowledge of the genetic cause of hearing loss is important for accurate genetic counseling and early diagnosis for timely intervention and treatment options. Also, the use of MFPTA in diagnosis of congenital hearing loss as it gives immediate results less expensive and can be done by conventional audiometer

Angiotensin converting enzyme I/D polymorphism in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The deletion [D] allele of the angiotensin-I converting enzyme [ACE] is associated with higher ACE activity, it has been studied in various populations in relation lo hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus [DM] with contradictory results. The objective of this study was to determine the ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism, genotype distribution in Egyptian patients with type 2 DM and to evaluate the possible association of ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism with hypertension in diabetic patients. A total of 48 patients with type 2 DM, 23 of them had hypertension and 21 healthy subjects age and sex matched with the patients, as control group were included in this study. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The frequency of DD genotype was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to controls [p=0.008]. The DD genotype [Vs DI and II genotypes] was associated with increased risk of diabetes [OR: 3.647, 95% CI: 1.235-10.773, p=0.016] and the D allele was more frequent in diabetic patients and was associated with increased risk of diabetes [OR: 3.939, 95% CI: 1.782-8.709, p<0.001]. No significant difference in genotype distribution or allele frequency was detected between diabetic patients with and without hypertension. We can conclude that a significant association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and type 2 DM is present in Egyptian patients and the D allele is associated with increased risk for type 2 DM

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies as a discriminating marker between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic hepatitis C-related polyarthropathy

Articular involvement is a frequent extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis C virus infection. The distinction between HCV-related polyarthropathy and true RA may be very difficult especially with recent onset RA before articular damage and erosions develop. To assess the diagnostic utility of anti-CCP antibodies and compare it with that of rheumatoid factor in distinguishing between rheumatoid arthritis and HCV related polyarthropathy. Anti-CCP antibodies and RF were determined in the sera of 30 patients with RA and 22 patients with HCV-related polyarthropathy. Anti-CCP antibodies were positive in 83.3% of patients with RA and in 4.5% in patients with HCV and polyarthropathy. RF was positive in 90% of RA patients and in 81.1% of HCV patients with polyarthropathy. The anti-CCP antibodies showed higher specificity for RA compared to RF [95.4% Vs 18.2%]. However the sensitivity of anti-CCP was comparable to that of RF [83.3% Vs 90%]. Anti-CCP antibodies are reliable laboratory markers to differentiate between RA and HCV-related polyarthropathy

Study of some risk factors of premature atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease in some Egyptian children

Coronary heart disease is a major health problem and one of the most important leading causes of adult deaths although it starts since childhood. Genetic predisposition of coronary heart diseases have been well established, so children of parents or grandparents with premature coronary heart diseases are more susceptible to develop the disease than others. Those with positive family history of premature coronary heart disease are more susceptible to lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities. Lipoprotein [a] is a strong predictor for premature coronary heart disease, together with total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lipoprotein [a] is genetically determined and if it is elevated in a child, it predicts premature coronary heart disease. The effect of a high lipoprotein [a] increases if associated with high serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol or low serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol. This study was done on two groups of children: The First Group: Included 50 children [age ranging from 5-15 years] of parents with a history of premature coronary heart disease or cerberovascular disease diagnosed clinically and through investigations. The Second Group: Included 25 children [age ranging from 5-15 years] of parents without coronary heart disease or cerberovascular disease. All these children were examined clinically and the following parameters were done and recorded: Anthropometric measurements [Height [Ht], Weight [Wt], Skin fold]. Body mass index [BMI]. Blood pressure [SBP, DBP]. Fasting blood glucose [FBG]. Uric acid level [UA]. C-reactive protein [CRP]. Lipid profile: Cholesterol [TC], Triglyerides [TG], High density lipoprotein [HDL], Low density lipoprotein [LDL], Lipoprotein [a] [LP[a]]. Anti hepatitis A virus [HAV] and anti Helicobacter pylori [H.P] antibodies. The Study Showed that: There was no significant difference between cases and controls in age, HT, WT, BMI, skin fold, SBP and DBP. There was no significant difference between cases and controls in TG. FBG and UA. There was a significant increase in cases than controls in TC and LDL. Also there was a high significant increases in cases than controls in LP[a], while there was a high significant increase in controls than cases in HDL. There was no significant difference between cases and controls in sex, HAV, HP or CRP. There was insignificant correlation between LP[a] and age, BMI, skin fold, SBP, BDP, LDL, FBG and UA. There was a significant correlation between LP[a] and TC. Also there was a high significant correlation between LP[a] and TG, HDL. We concluded that high serum TC is not enough for determination of the risk of atherosclerosis and CHD and that high TG alone is not a risk factor except if associated with low serum HDL and high serum LDL. We recommend screening of all children with a positive family history of premature CHD and/or hypercholesterolemia for lipids and lipoprotein abnormalities especially LP[a] which is a strong predictor for premature CHD and this enables early diagnosis and early successful management by following special dietetic measures with avoidance of excess saturated fatty acids, avoidance of obesity and smoking and practicing physical activities. Prevention and treatment of infections especially HAV and HP is encouraged. Genetic counseling and discouraging against marriage for heterozygotes for CHD and/or hypercholestrolemia as their children may be homozygotes for the disease

Biochemical changes in uterine flushings of repeat-breeder buffaloes

This study was conducted to determine some biochemical alterations of uterine flushings in relation to uterine condition. For this reason, uterine flushings from 50 repeat-breeder buffalo-cows and 10 apparently normal buffalo-cows [control] were collected via Foley's balloon catheter using 40 ml sterile normal saline. Total protein concentration [T.P.], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine arnino transferase [ALT] activities of the collected uterine flushings were determined. The mean values of T.P., ALP, LDH, AST and ALT of uterine flushings collected from repeat-breeder buffalo-cows were significantly higher than those of apparently normal buffalo-cows. This study indicates that the biochemical alterations [total protein and enzymatic activities] of uterine flushings can be used for diagnosis of endometritis along with microbiological isolations

Clinicopathological studies on fascioliasis among sheep in Giza province

The present study was carried out on 60 balady sheep of 3-5 years old belonged to several private farms located in Giza province. By clinical and laboratory diagnostic methods, 45 animals were proved to be naturally infested with Fasciola gigantica [infested group], the other 15 were healthy and served as the control group. Some biochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated. The results revealed significant hypoproteinaemia associated with significant hypoalbuminaemia and non significant hyperglobulinaemia were recorded in the infested group. Significant decrease in serum glucose and total cholesterol accompanied with significant increase in serum total bilirubin and both the direct and indirect bilirubin in naturally infested sheep. The enzymatic activities of the infested group showed significant elevation in serum AST, ALT and ALP with non significant alteration in serum level of LDH. The haemogram of the infested sheep showed significant deceased level of RBCs count, PCV and Hb content accompanied with leukocytosis

Effect of closantel on some blood parameters, histopathological changes and fetal development in pregnant female rabbits

The effect of closantel on some blood parameters, histopathological changes and fetal development was studied on 3 groups of 10 pregnant rabbits each. The first group was used as a control whereas, the other groups were injected subcutaneously with closantel in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight twice with one week apart at days 0 [day of mating] and 7of pregnancy [group A] and days 6 and 13 of pregnancy [group B]. The results revealed increased gamma-globulin concentration in the 20[th] and 28[th] day of pregnancy in both groups. Esinophil and monocyte numbers were significantly increased in the 20[th] and 28[th] day of pregnancy in group A and in the 28[th] of pregnancy in group B. There was no significant effect of the treatment on total leukocytic count, numbers of lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophiles and red blood cells. Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume [PCV], total protein, albumin, and globulin in the blood [alpha and beta] were within normal levels. Histopathological examination demonstrated activation in the mesenteric lymph nods, spleenic corpuscles and thymus gland in treated animals at both periods. Atretic oocytes in primary follicles in the ovary of the treated rabbits at day 0 and 7 of pregnancy and necrotic changes in hepatic parenchyma and urinefrous tubules were clearer in rabbits treated at days 6 and 13 of pregnancy. The anthelmentic closantel did not cause embryonic or teratogenic effects in rabbits. It is concluded that closantel has immune stimulatory effects which may contribute to the death of the parasite. It decreased the ovulation rate so it is highly advisable to avoid exposure of females to the drug during ovulation time. The drug also caused some necrotic changes in liver and urineferous tubules. It is contraindicated in animals having liver and kidney problems

effect of demineralized bone powder on the healing of irradiated bone deffects post-operatively in the mandible of rats

The contribution of the tissue components in the healing of bony defects after irradiation was studied using demineralized bone powder [DBP] prepared. In this study 18 rats were divided into two groups, nine rats each. The second group was irradiated after three weeks post-irradiation. The operation was done with two cavities, one filled with DBP and the other one was left empty. The second group was operated without irradiation, then after two weeks from the surgery, three rats were killed, and the same thing was done after four weeks and eight weeks. The specimens were fixed, decalcified and processed routinely for H and E. It was found that the unirradiated bony defect with DBP showed the best healing involving the quantity and quality of bone filled defects, followed by the unirradiated bony defect without DBP, then the irradiated bone defect with DBP, and lastly, the irradiated bone defect without DBP that had the least quality of new bone

Respiratory changes and sputum cytology in spray painters

Occupational exposure to paints affect several organ systems mainly central and peripheral nervous systems, liver, respiratory system.etc. The aim of this study was to investigate job-related respiratory troubles among spray painters. Two groups of population had been examined, 74 spray painters and 30 controls. Our results showed that job-related respiratory symptoms in the form of irritation of upper respiratory tract, dyspnea during work, chest oppression, cough and expectoration and bronchial asthma, were significantly increased among the exposed group when compared to the control group. Results of ventilatory function tests showed significant decrease in spirometric results among painters compared to the control subjects. The effect of duration of exposure on the pulmonary function tests revealed statistically significant decrease with increasing duration of exposure to paints. The group of mixers was the highly affected group. Cytological examination of the sputum of 24 exposed workers revealed the presence of polymorphnuclear leucocytes in 58.3%, plasma cell, histiocytes and lymphocytes in 75.0% and eosinophilia in 50.0%. No malignancy could be detected. We recommended periodic environmental monitoring for the work place and stressed health education programs for exposed workers

Ras cheese lipolysis made by direct acidification of Buffaloe's milk

Ras cheese was made from buffalo's milk by direct acidification technique using citric, lactic or hydrochloric acid. Starter and/or commercial lipase preparation [palatase 750 L. fungal enzyme] were used for the acceleration of lipolysis in the resultant cheese. Both total volatile fatty acids [TVFA] and acid degree value of cheese fat markedly increased as a result of lipase or starter treatments and the relative concentration of TVFA varied with storage periods at 12 +/- 2C

Cardio-respiratory manifestation due to chronic occupational exposure to trichloroethylene

The hazardous effects of Trichloroethylene were studied on 125 exposed workers in the central Bank Note printing. The study shows that the level of air concentration of trichloroethylene is above the threshold limit value of this solvent. A significant obstructive ventilatory impairment and hypertension were found, in the exposed group. As regarding electrocardiographic [ECG] changes; there were high percentage of left ventricular hypertrophy, ischaemic heart diseases and arrhythmia in comparison to the control

Selenito-complexes: mixed ligand complexes of nickel [II] and cobalt [III]

Four selenito amine and/or ammine complexes of Co [III] and one selenito amine complexes of Ni [II] were prepared [Co[NH3]3 SeO3] NO3, [Co[NH3]4 SeO3] NO3, [Co[en]2 SeO3] ClO4.H2O, [Co[en]2 [NH3] [SeO3]1/2] Br2.H2O and [Ni[en]2 SeO3].4H2O. Visible spectra of the complexes showed that they are hexacoordinated. The magnetic moment of the Ni [II] complex is in accord with its octahedral symmetry, and the visible spectra of the Co [III] complexes are consistent with their being low-spin. IR stretching vibrations of the selenite group in the deuterated complexes did not differentiate clearly between types of the SeO3 linkage in these complexes. The solubility of the complexes in water suggests that they are ionic and not polymeric