A bioinformatic analysis of the role of TP53 status on the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the tumor microenvironment

CD8+ T cells play basic roles in the immune system in a tumor microenvironment (TME) to fight cancer. Several reports have suggested signs of the involvement of tumor protein p53 (TP53) in a complex immune system network. Moreover, our previous research indicated that TP53 orchestrates the polarization and infiltration of macrophages into the TME. In the present study, the clinical function of TP53 status (wild/mutant) in CD8+ T cell infiltration was assessed using more than 10,000 The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) samples from 30 cancer types through Tumor Immune Estimation (TIMER). Our investigation revealed that CD8+ T cell infiltration was higher in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients with wild-type TP53 than in those with mutant TP53. Wild-type TP53 conferred a good prognosis for HNSC and UCEC (P<0.05). In contrast, CD8+ T cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with wild-type TP53 was much lower than in those with mutant TP53. Notably, clinical outcomes for LUAD with wild-type TP53 were poor (P<0.05). This study was the first to provide insights into the novel association of TP53 with CD8+ T cells infiltration in the TME in patients with HNSC, LUAD, and UCEC. Therefore, TP53 status acts as a prognostic marker, and this can be used as a basis to further study the effect of targeting TP53 in these patients. Furthermore, our study found that TP53 status was a reliable predictive factor and therapeutic target in patients with HNSC and UCEC.

Anti-caries activity of selected Sudanese medicinal plants with emphasis on Terminalia laxiflora

Abstract In Sudan, some medicinal plants, such as Acacia seyal, Calotropis procera and Balanites aegyptiaca have been used to prevent or treat oral health problems. The stem and stem bark of Terminalia laxiflora Engl., Combretaceae, are used as antiseptics for mouthwash to prevent gingivitis and thrush in Africa. Methanol and 50% hydroethanolic extracts of 25 plants that are used in traditional Sudanese medicine for several diseases and cavity disorders were screened for anti-cavity activities. T. laxiflora methanolic wood extracts, which exhibited such activity, were investigated. The crude extracts were assayed for their antimicrobial activities against Streptococcus sobrinus in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration and glucosyltransferase inhibition. The active extract of T. laxiflora wood was subsequently fractionated by different chromatographic techniques. Isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods and assessed for S. sobrinus and glucosyltransferase inhibitory effects. Methanolic extracts of Terminalia brownii (bark), T. laxiflora (wood), A. seyal (bark), Persicaria glabra (leaves) and Tamarix nilotica (stem) showed good activities against both S. sobrinus and glucosyltransferase (MIC ≤ 1 mg/ml, IC50 values <50 µg/ml). Over all plant extracts, T. laxiflora demonstrated the good combined activities (MIC 0.5 mg/ml, glucosyltransferase, IC50 10.3 µg/ml); therefore, its methanolic wood extracts were selected for further phytochemical studies. Four constituents were isolated by chromatographic techniques and identified by spectroscopic techniques. Pharmacological evaluation of the obtained compounds showed that flavogallonic acid dilactone had comparatively good antibacterial activity. In the glucosyltransferase inhibitory test, terchebulin displayed potent activity with an IC50 of 7.5 µM. The screening presented in this study showed that methanol extracts of T. laxiflora wood possessed promising anti-cavity effects.

Concomitant Outbreaks of Yellow Fever and Hepatitis E Virus in Darfur States; Sudan; 2012

Introduction: Yellow fever (YF) is a vector-borne disease transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes; while hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a waterborne disease that is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Both diseases have very close clinical presentation; namely fever; jaundice; malaise; and dark urine; they differ in severity and outcome.Methodology: In this cross-sectional; laboratory-based study; an attempt was made to measure the correlation of concomitant YF and HEV infection in Darfur States during the previous YF outbreak in 2012.Results: Results found concomitant outbreaks of YF and HEV at the same time with very weak statistical correlation between the two infections during the outbreak period; with Cramer's V correlation 0.05 and insignificant p value of 0.86.Conclusions: This correlation indicates that clinicians and care providers in tropical areas have to deal with clinical case definitions used for disease surveillance very carefully since prevalence of HEV infection is relatively common and this increases the possibility of misclassification and missing YF cases; particularly initial index cases; in a season or outbreak

First Isolation and Identification of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Frozen and Shock Frozen Dressed Broiler Chicken in Sudan.

Aim: To isolate and identify Listeria monocytogenes from frozen and shock frozen raw dressed broiler chicken in Khartoum State, Sudan. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum-North, Sudan, between July 2011 and June 2012. Methodology: Eight hundred samples were used in this the study. Five hundred frozen (-18º) raw dressed broiler chickens samples were collected from five station chicken abattoirs in Khartoum State. Three hundred samples were collected as fresh, -18ºC and shock frozen (-40ºC) raw dressed broiler chickens. Detection and isolation of L. monocytogenes was carried out using the conventional International Organization for Standardization method. Results: Out of the 500 samples, 195(39%) were found to be contaminated with Iisteria spp.; L. monocytogenes 64(12.8%), Listeria ivanovii 97(19.4%), Listeria grayi 20(4%), Listeria seeligeri 5(1%), Listeria welshimeri 9(1.8%). Out of the 300 samples, 111(37%) were found to be contaminated with Iisteria spp.; L. monocytogenes 39(13%), Listeria ivanovii 54(18%), Listeria grayi 11(3.6%), Listeria seeligeri 3(1%) and Listeria welshimeri 4(1.3%). Conclusion: The results presented in this study indicated that L. monocytogenes was found in frozen (-18ºC) raw dressed broiler chicken and shock frozen (-40ºC) raw dressed broiler chickens.

Narghile Smoking among Jordanian Educated Working Women: Attitudes and Beliefs.

Aims: We estimated the number of users of tobacco, particularly narghile (water pipe) among a sample of women working at a higher education institute in Jordan. We also investigated the attitudes of narghile smokers to their habit, together with their willingness to stop NS; and finally their awareness to oral health and their perceptions about the harmful effects of NS. Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey whereby the sample was conveniently selected from all the faculties, institutes and centres of the University. Place and Duration of Study: University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan during July 2011. Methodology: Data were collected by allowing the participants to complete a preprepared questionnaire privately. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program. Results: Among the (96) participants, 24 ladies (25%) were smokers mostly (79.2%) of narghile. Demographic and social data of age, marital status, education level and number of children did not seem to affect smoking status. Friends and relatives were the main introducers and companions in narghile smoking (73.7%), and home was the main setting for the habit (68.4%). Whereas the hygienic practices related to narghile smoking were below the required level, narghile smokers reported a satisfactory level of oral health practices and were aware of the health risks associated with this habit. Conclusion: Narghile smoking is showing popularity among Jordanian educated working women who invariably have children. Social influences seem to be the major player in shaping women's smoking behavior, whereby close family and friends are the introducers and home is the favorable place for practicing the habit. Specific measures are needed to educate women, their husbands and children of the health hazards of narghile especially that children are adversely affected on different levels.

Outcome of different percutaneous transhepatic interventions for malignant biliary obstruction

Background: Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage [PTBD] is effective in the management of biliary obstruction. PTBD can he used as an alternative to endoscopic approach when it is unavailable, or unsueecssful due to anatomical variations or technical difficulty

Objectives: To evaluate the success rare, complications, morbidity and mortality in patients with inoperable malignant obstructive jaundice treated with PTBD with or without stenting

Subjects and methods: 67 percutaneous transhiepatic biliary procedures were performed for forty five selected patients with inoperable malignant extrahepatic cholestasis, in total there were 21 male [46.7%] and 21 female [53.3%] patients. The mean age was 69 years and ranged from 48-88 ears. These patients were subdivided into three equal groups according to the planned drainage for internal-external drainage, external drainage or metallic stenting. Statistical analysis included Chi square test, values were considered significant when P values 0.05

Results: The overall technical success rate was 83% while the overall therapeutic success was 86.6% with the best results [100%] reported in the group of metallic stenting. There was no procedure related mortality in the different groups. The overall immediate, early and late complications were 20%, 29% and 20% respectively, with the highest complications rate reported ill group of external drainage. The overall 30 days mortality was 26.7% with the highest incidence was reported in the group of external drainage [53.3%]

Conclusion: PTBD and stenting oiler a sale and effective method in providing palliative treatment for patients with malignant biliary obstruction

Variations of the gallbladder in sudanese subjects with literature review.

Background: Advances in the use of laparoscopic surgery, especially in the biliary apparatus interference makes the need to revise the anatomical data of the gallbladder (GB) more important. Variations of the extra-hepatic biliary apparatus are characterized by large varieties of configurations. Objective: The aim of this article was to study the morphology of the GB in Sudanese subjects and review the common variations. Materials and Methods: Dissection of formalin-fixed cadavers' abdomens. Results: GB is larger in Sudanese subjects than what is described in the standard text books. Conclusion: Congenital anomalies and anatomical variations of the extra-hepatic biliary tree, although not uncommon, can be of clinical importance. There are some differences in the only size of GB in Sudanese.

Comparison between magnesium and paracetamol when added as adjuvants to lidocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of magnesium and paracetamol on tourniquet pain, onset times of both sensory and motor blocks and recovery, and on postoperative pain, when added as adjuvants to lidocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia. Sixty patients scheduled for hand surgery were randomly assigned into 3 groups, IVRA was achieved with 3mg/kg lidocaine hydrochloride 0.5% plus normal saline 0.9% in group -C-, with 3mg/kg lidocaine hydrochloride 0.5% plus 20% magnesium sulfate [16.2 mmol] in group -M-, or with 3mg/kg lidocaine hydrochloride 0.5% plus intravenous paracetamol 250 mg [Perfalgan] in group -P-. The onset times of both sensory and motor block and recovery were recorded. Tourniquet and post-operative pains were assessed by using the visual analog scale [VAS], and the onset time of tourniquet pain was recorded. The postoperative analgesic consumption and the first analgesic requirement time were noted. During the intraoperative and postoperative periods, any local or systemic complications were recorded for 24 hours in the ward. Sensory and motor block onset times were statistically shorter in group M than both groups P and C, while sensory and motor recovery onset times were statistically prolonged in this group. Tourniquet pain onset time was significantly longer in group M and group P than in group C. There were statistically significant differences in VAS scores for tourniquet pain at 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes after tourniquet inflation and in VAS scores for postoperative pain between both study groups and control group, they were lower in both M and P groups. The total consumption of diclofenac was significantly lower in group M and group P compared with group C. The times to first postoperative analgesic request in group C was 69.6 +/- 12.8 min and in group M and group P were 100.2 +/- 15.8 min, and 102.2 +/- 17.0 min respectively; which was statistically significant. no any adverse events detected intra-operatively and postoperatively over a period of 24 hours in ward. The addiction of magnesium to lidocaine in IVRA demonstrated more shortened sensory and motor block onset times and more prolonged sensory and motor block recovery times, in comparison with the addition of paracetamol to lidocaine in IVRA. Also their addition similarly, decreased pain associated with tourniquet and postoperative pain, and prolonged the time to the first postoperative analgesic requirement

Quantitative analysis of gallstones in Libyan patients

Gallstone disease is one of the major surgical problems in the Libyan population; it is probably related to diet, especially excessive consumption of meat. The study was conducted to determine the composition of gallstones and their possible etiology in a Libyan population. The chemical composition of gallstones from 41 patients [six males and 35 females] was analyzed. The stones were classified into cholesterol, pigment, and mixed stones [MS]. Cholesterol stones [CS] showed a significantly higher cholesterol content than pigment stones [PS] [p=0.0085] though not significantly higher than MS. Their phospholipid content and inorganic phosphates were higher than in the other types of stones and oxalate content was significantly elevated in comparison with MS [p=0.0471]. In MS, the cholesterol, bile acids, and bilirubin were intermediate between cholesterol and PS, whereas triglycerides were significantly more than PS [p=0.0004]. Bilirubin [0.0001] and bile acids [p=0.0009] were significantly higher than CS [p=0.0001]. However, they contained the lowest amounts of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and oxalate. In PS, bilirubin [p=0.0001] was significantly higher than both groups. Bile acid content was significantly higher than CS [p=0.0001] but not significantly more than MS. They showed the highest values of calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chlorides compared to the other types of stones. High levels of cholesterol in stones and dyslipidemia associated with mixed as well as cholesterol gallstones suggest an etiological association and efforts to reduce dietary fat among the Libyan population may lead to decreased cholesterol and mixed gallstones

Comparison between the streamlined liner of pharyngeal airway TM [slipa] and the laryngeal mask airway unique TM for spontaneous ventilation anaesthesia

The newly developed disposable streamlined of pharyngeal airway [SLIPATM] has recently been introduced into clinical practice. It has no inflatable cuff, because the shape of the SLIPATM closely resembles anatomy of the pharynx. The current study compared the SLIPATM and the LMA Unique TM with respect to insertion success rate, ease of insertion and insertion time, maximum air way sealing pressure, respiratory variables during spontaneous ventilation, haemodynamic response to the insertion of study devices, and postoperative adverse events related to these devices in 80 adult patients [ASA I-II] undergoing routine general surgery, orthopedic, urologic and gynecologic of short, moderate duration under general anaesthesia and through spontaneous ventilation. There was significant rise in MAP from the baseline value [73.8 +/- 12.0 mmHg] at all five minutes interval following insertion of the SLIPA with maximum rise [87.1 +/- 14.9 mmHg] seen at two minutes. There was significant rise in mean arterial blood pressure [MAP] from the baseline value [74.1 +/- 10.3 mmHg] at one and two minutes following insertion of the LMA Unique with maximum rise [81.1 +/- 11.2 mmHg] seen at one minute. MAP was significantly higher with SLIPA than with LMA Unique at two, three, four, and five minutes. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to oxygen saturation, inspired and expired tidal volume [TV ins, TV exp], and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration throughout the surgical procedure. There was no statistical significant difference between the study groups with respect to the rate of successful insertion [96% and 98% in the SLIPATM and LMA Unique TM groups, respectively], and its scale. In the SLIPATM group, insertion was rated straight forward in 87%, slightly difficult in 10%, obviously difficult in 0%, and failure in 2% of patients. In the LMATM Unique group, insertion was rated straightforward in 89%, slightly difficult in 8%, obviously difficult in 2%, and failure in 0% of patients. Regarding to insertion time and peak airway sealing pressure there was no significant difference between the two SGA. With respect to adverse events related to the study air way devices, no regurgitation of gastric contents was observed in any patients, there was a significantly higher incidence of blood on the device with the SLIPA [11/40 versus 4/40 with LMA unique]. Also complaints of sore throat were noticed at significantly higher rate in the LMATM unique group than in SLIPATM group [19%, 3% respectively], 30 minutes after arrival in the post-anesthetic care unit. No cases of sore throat reported at the 24[th] hour postoperatively in both groups. Both the SLIPA and the LMA unique appear to be effective in establishing a clinically patent airway in patients who are spontaneously breathing under general anesthesia during operations of short or intermediate duration. They have similar insertion and functional characteristics. The SLIPA has significant haemodynamic effects on the study patients with frequent blood traces on the device in comparison with the LMA Unique. Fewer patients in the SLIPA group complained of a sore throat suggesting that the SLIPA might increase patients comfort after minor surgery

Prophylactic intravenous ondansteron and nalbuphine for reduction of subarachnoid fentanyl-induced pruritus in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery

Addition of fentanyl to spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine improves the quality and success of anaesthesia. However, it has a frequent incidence of pruritus and a substantial incidence of nausea and vomiting. tn this placebo controlled study, we compared the prophylactic efficacy of ondansetron and nalbuphine for the prevention of intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruri tus after cesarean delivery. Ninety elective parturients were assigned to one of the groups: Group 0 [Ondansetron 8mg IV n=30], Group N [Nalbuphine 4mg IV n=30] and Group S [Saline 0.9% IV n=30] as placebo. The study drugs were administered immediately after the umbilical cord was clamped. The occurrence of pruritus, nausea, pain and adverse reactions from ondansetron and nalbuphine was evaluated by pruritus score, 4-point rating score and visual analog scale respectively, at 15 minutes in the first hour after the injection of the study drugs. Afterward, evaluations were performed at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after the administration of study drugs. The overall incidence of pruritus, it was significantly more frequent in Group S [62%] compared with both Group 0 [43%] and Group N [42.5%]. The incidence of pruritus during the different study intervals showed significant increase in Group S compared with the other groups mainly at 45mm and 1 hour. The pruritus score was significantly different between Group 0 and Group S and between Group N and Group S [p<0.0S] respectively, it was mostly mild in Group 0 and Group N and mostly moderate in Group S. Treatment for pruritus was requested by patients in, 10%, 11% and 29% of patients in the Group 0, Group N and Group 5, respectively. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence and the severity of nausea andlor vomiting at different time study intervals for all groups. However, the number of patients requesting treatment for nausea and/or vomiting was significantly less in Group 0 and Group N when compared with Group S. No significant adverse reactions related to the study drugs reported during the different study intervals. Although IV ondansetron and nalbuphine significantly decreased the incidence of of fentanyl-induced pruritus more than placebo after cesarean delivery, further studies are recommended to show the other possible mecha nisms might be involved in the pathogenesis of fentanylinduced pruritus

Midazolam deep sedation versus metoclopramide to prevent nausea and vomiting during small dose bupivacaine spinal anesthesia for cesarean section

Nausea and vomiting during regional anesthesia for Cesarean section are very common and unpleasant events. They cause significant distress to the patient and also interfere with the surgical procedure. They have multiple etiologies, which include psychological [anxiety] factor, arterial hypotension, and hypo perfusion of the central nervous system. The trials for prevention and treatment of IONV still not definite. In the present study we evaluate the efficacy of hypnotic doses of midazolam in comparison with metoclopramide to prevent nausea and vomiting during spinal anesthesia for elective Cesarean section. One hundred [100] pregnant females were divided to two groups. Group [A] receives [midazolam, n=50], Group [B] receives [metoclopramide, n= 50], the two groups received spinal anesthesia with 8 mg of bupivacaine to avoid sever hypotension and decrease incidence of nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting occurred in 5% of the total cases. IONV was absent in 97% in the midazolam group, 96% in metoclopramida group [p <0.001] for both group, no significant difference between two groups. The results showed a significant lower incidence of IONV in the deep sedation with midazolam and metoclopramide, without significant difference between two groups. The results confirmed and explained that, IONV during spinal anesthesia for Cesarean Section can be caused by psychological [anxiety] factors

Effect of three different pretreatment techniques on clinical intubation conditions and haemodynamics in patients under rocuronium neuromuscular blockade

Onset of action of muscle relaxants is influenced by cardiac output and muscle blood flow. Both of ephedrine and priming rocuronium reduce the: onset time of rocuronium. Aim of our study to hypothesize that the effect of priming rocuronium dose combined with ephedrine on intubating condition and haemodynamic effect of anaesthetic agent is superior to either technique used separately. Ninety adult patients ASA class I and II allocated into one of the three groups - priming rocuronium 0.04mg/kg in combination with ephedrine 75 micro g/kg group I, priming rocuronium 0.04mg/kg with placebo group II and ephedrine 75 micro g /kg with placebo group III. The patients of three groups pretreated with the study drugs 3 minutes before the induction dose of rocuronium [0.5mg/kg] which follows a standardized propofol-fentanyl induction [2.5mg/ kg propofol- 3 micro g/kg fentanyl]. Assessment of clinical intubating conditions occurred within 30 seconds by using 3 point rating scale. Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were measured before induction [baseline], before intubation and 1, 3, 5 minutes after intubation. Patient characteristics, changes in heart rates and mean arterial blood pressure were comparable between the study groups. In group I intubation conditions were moderate significantly better than in both group II and group III [P<0.01]. However there was no significance difference between group II and group III [P>0.05]. No adverse effects which related to study drugs observed in all groups. The present study concludes that pretreatment with combination of priming rocuronium dose [0.04mg / kg] and ephedrine [75 micro g / kg] is significantly more effective on clinical intubating conditions and haemodynamic effect of induction agents than either technique used separately in patients under rocuronium neuromuscular blockade

Efficacy of Ketamine versus propofol in decreasing the incidence of emergence agitation in pediatric ENT day case surgeries under sevoflurane anesthesia

Emergence agitation or delirium may occur children after sevoflurane general anesthesia. Different drugs have been used to decrease its occurrence with variable efficacy. The aim of this study to compare the incidence and severity of emergence agitation in children who received a single dose of ketamine at the end of ENT day case surgeries versus children who received a single dose of propofol. Forty eight healthy children 3-7 years old allocated to ketamine group [n = 24], which received 0.25mg / kg ketamine at the end of the surgery, or propofol group [n = 24], which received 1mg/ kg propofol. Evaluation of recovery characteristics was done upon awakening and during the first thirty minutes using the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale. The mean scores in the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale were significantly lower in the ketamine group compared with the propofol group [8.71 +/- 4.09 vs.11.29 +/- 4.50 respectively]. Also the incidence of agitation was significantly lower in the ketamine group compared with the propofol group [12.5% versus 29.5% respectively]. There was no difference in time to meet eye opening [7 +/- 3.4 min versus 9 +/- 2.7mm] and recovery room discharge [32.67 +/- 2.014min versus 33.04 +/- 1.829 min] between the two groups. The present study concludes that the addition of ketamine 0.25 mg:/ kg at the end of the surgery can significantly decrease the incidence of emergence agitation more than propofol 1mg / kg, in children undergoing ENT day case surgeries under sevoflurane general anesthesia

Computational characteristics of valproic acid binding to histone deacetylase

Recently, the antiepileptic drug valproic acid [VPA] has also demonstrated efficacy in the management of cancer and bipolar disorders. These actions are largely mediated by inhibition of the HDAC enzyme/induction of certain genes. Relative to other HDAC inhibitors such as trichostatin-A [TSA], VPA offers higher selectivity on cancer cells with virtually no detrimental effects on normal cells. The molecular underpinnings of these biological profiles for VPA remain undefined. We currently propose for and attempt to identify differences in the binding of VPA and TSA to HDAC. In this paper, conformational changes and energy calculations have been derived. VPA had to accomplish conformational changes in its structure for best accommodation at the HDAC binding site. Energy computations showed that VPA has a lower binding affinity than TSA [-53.80 vs. -66.30 Kcal/mol]. These findings demonstrate that VPA binding to HDAC confers catalytic, conformational, and computational characteristics that are distinct from those of TSA. These findings for VPA are consistent with a moderate inhibition of HDAC, a low toxicity on normal cells, and a higher selectivity on cancer cells than TSA. Accordingly, these newly identified binding properties of VPA can state a framework strategy for the rational design of VPA-related anticancer drugs with superior cytodifferentiating- and/or safety-profiles

Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with methanol extract of Allium sativa [garlic], Azadirachta indica [Neem] and Accacia nilotica [Garad] in Gezira Central of Sudan

To assess the in vivo treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis using certain medicinal agents and non medicinal agents in Gezira State, Sudan. To evaluate the in vivo anti-lesihmanial activity of certain plant extracts that used traditionally in Sudan [Azadirachta indica [neem], Accacia nilotica [garad], Allium sativa [garlic, Thoum]]. A total of 72 cases with cutaneous leishmanisis were studied in Wad Madani Dermatology Teaching Hospital [September 1999 - December 2000]. They were from different parts of the Gezira state. The patients were interviewed and examined followed a special designed questionnaire. The cases showed different types of lesions with different duration and appeared in different areas of the body. The cases divided equally into six main groups [12 for each] for treatment with different agents including medicinal agents and plant methanol extracts

Excimer retreatment for undercorrection of regression after laser in situ keratomileusis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of excimer retreatment for undercorrection or regression after laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK]. Forty-six eyes received retreatment for undercorrection or regression after first LASIK. The mean manifest spherical equivalent was -2.67 +/- 0.76 D [range -1.0 to -3.75 D]. Retreatment was performed 3 to 16 months after primary LASIK [mean 5.7 +/- 2.9 months]. Retreatment was performed either by lifting the previously created flap or when this was not possible, cutting a new flap. The mean follow up after retreatment was 12.8 +/- 5.1 months. The mean age of the patients was 39 +/- 7.3 years. Proper evaluation of the patients, pre and post-operative, was done. This evaluation included UCVA, BCVA, manifest refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, keratometry, tonometry, pachymetry, fundus examination and corneal topography. The study concluded that retreatment of residual myopia or regression was relatively safe and predictable, with a low risk of sight-threatening complications. However, longer- term studies may be required to detect late complications

Childhood abnormal involuntary movements clinical, MRI and laboratory study

Involuntary movements are usually associated with abnormalities of the basal ganglia and their connections and may occur in several different neurologic disorders. This work was carried out on 60 children patients included 39 males [65%] and 21 females [35%], their ages ranged between 6 and 15 years. They were suffering from different types of abnormal involuntary movements and divided into 6 groups according to the type of movement disorder [Chorea, Choreoathetosis, Dystonia, Tics, Myoclonus and Tremors]. A significant difference was observed between the six groups as regards history of other system affection with high incidence among patients suffering from choreic movements, as regards neurological manifestations associating the abnormal movements such as mental impairment, abnormal speech and abnormal gait, the highest incidence was observed in choreoathetotic patients where mentality and speech were abnormal in all patients, seizures and abnormal gait were observed in 80% of patients, motor weakness in 20% of patients, sphincteic troubles in 60% of patients, while incoordination was observed in only 20% of them However, the clinical evaluation of abnormal involuntary movement has the primary role in the diagnosis of the type of this movement, it is inefficient to study the etiology of this movement. A significant correlation was observed between abnormal MRI brain findings and neurological manifestation associating movement in patients suffering from chorea and tics. Abnormal MRI brain findings were observed in a different percentage in different types of movement disorders [70% in dystonic. 50% in choriec. 50% in choreoathetotic, 30% in tremor, 20% in tics and 20% in myoclonic patients. So, children with abnormal involuntary movements must be assessed via thorough clinical evaluation, structural imaging techniques [MRI], laboratory investigations, karyotyping and metabolic profile as a trial to know the possible etiology and the pathologic insult of the brain

Evalulation of treated swage water for Rearing fish using gamma Rays and ion exchange

This experimental work was conducted to examine the possibility of reusing primary and secondary treated wastewater to rear Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. The bacteriological examination of primary and secondary treated effluents proved the absence of Salmonella and Shigella spp and the presence of E. Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Aeromonas hydrophila. The microbial pollution was eliminated using an irradiation dose level of 15 kGy, while heavy metals were controlled by the use of ion exchange resin. The chemical and microbiological analyses of fish organs revealed no evidence of any public health hazards which could be associated with the reuse of primary and secondary wastewater in aquaculture, especially that subjected to a secondary treatment before irradiation and ion exchange application. The growth rate of fish grown in treated wastewater was relatively higher than those grown in dechlorinated tap water

enterotoxic activity of 18-20 kDa cryptosporidium parvum secretory coproantigen [CCA 18-20 kDa]

An 18-20 kDa Cryptosporidium coproantigen [18-20 CCA] had been detected in the stool of infected humans and calves. A purified, electroeluted and concentrated 18-20 kDa antigen was tested in Ussing chamber. Electric parameters were tested before and after the addition of this antigen. A significant increase in the short circuit current [Isc] was detected. The enterotoxic effect of 18-20 kDa CCA was time and dose dependent, heat labile and CI- dependent. The detected change in the short circuit was not detected when the 18-20 kDa antigen was incubated with its monospecific antibodies. These results indicated an enterotoxic activity of the 18-20 kDa antigen secreted from the released parasite and detected in stool of infected humans and calves. Additionally, they may help in developing an appropriate anti-secretory therapy for the intractable diarrhea caused by cryptosporidiosis