[Expression of Ezrin and intercellular adhesion Molecule-1 [Icam-1] In Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Non-Neoplastic Liver Lesions of Hcv infected patients]

Objectives: To investigate the expression of ezrin and ICAM-1 proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and non-neoplastic liver lesions on top of HCV infection

Methods: This study was carried out on a total number of 95 specimens; they were grouped as: Group I: 47 HCC specimens, Group II: 19 HCV related liver cirrhosis specimens. Group III: 18 chronic hepatitis C [CHC] specimens. The specimens of these groups were obtained from HCV positive patients. Group IV: 11 normal liver specimens obtained from donors for liver transplantation proved to be negative for HCV and HBV infection by serological tests [as controls]. The expression of ezrin and ICAM-1 in all groups was examined by immunohistochemical method and scored as Immunoreactivity score [IRS]. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS version 16.0; SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA]

Results: Both ezrin and ICAM-1 protein expressions were low in normal liver [means of IRS +/- SE were 0.36 +/- 0.15 and 0.64 +/- 0.15, respectively], with significant increase in the mean of ezrin IRS in CHC group [3.89 +/- 0.65], while mean of ICAM-1 IRS was insignificantly increased [0.94 +/- 0.29]. Both ezrin and ICAM-1 IRS showed significant increase with transition from cirrhosis [1.31 +/- 0.42 and 0.94 +/- 0.31, respectively] to HCC [4.74 +/- 0.45 and 3.21 +/- 0.41, respectively] [p < 0.001]. There were significant positive correlations between ezrin and ICAM-1 expression and both elevated serum AFP [r = 0.539 and 0.777, respectively, p < 0.001] and vascular invasion in HCC specimens [r = 0.395 and 0.425, respectively, p < 0.01]

Conclusions: Ezrin and ICAM-1 were over expressed in HCC, and correlated with elevated serum AFP and vascular invasion in HCC specimens. In cirrhosis and HCC groups, there was positive correlation between ezrin and ICAM-1 staining. It indicates that ezrin may increase the expression of ICAM-1 to promote the development and advancement of HCC

[Rasagiline protective effect On Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity in mice]

Background: Rasagiline is a selective monoamine oxidase [MAO] B inhibitor which has been approved for treatment of Parkinson's disease [PD]

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate rotenone neurotoxicity in mice and to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of rasagiline and its mechanism

Methods: Thirty six male mice were used and divided into three equal groups. The first group, the control group, received only sunflower oil intraperitoneally [IP] once daily at a volume of 4 ml/kg for 49 days. The second group was given rotenone [2 mg/kg/day; IP] for 49 days. The third group was given rasagiline [1 mg/kg, IP] which was administered 30 min prior to rotenone [2 mg/kg/day; IP] for 49 days. Behavioral tests were performed a day prior to drug administration and then once weekly along the duration of drugs or vehicle administration. At the end of the 49 days all animals were sacrificed and their midbrains were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for dopaminergic neurons staining for anti-tyrosine hydroxylase [TH] antibodies. Midbrain tissues were also isolated for biochemical measurements

Results: Rasagiline administration significantly improved the mice activity. Pretreatment with rasagiline significantly attenuated rotenone-induced midbrain dopamine loss. Moreover, rasagiline treatment also significantly prevented the loss of TH immunoreactive neurons within the substantia nigra pars compacta [SNpc]. Furthermore, rasagiline inhibited the remarkable decrease in total antioxidant capacity as well as the increase in the malondialdehyde [MDA] level and nitric oxide generation induced by chronic rotenone administration

Conclusion: These results suggest that chronic intraperitoneal administration of rotenone induced PD-like disorder in mice. Moreover, these results suggest that rasagiline had neuroprotective effect against the rotenone-induced PD. This neuroprotective effect was mediated even in part by the antioxidant properties of rasagiline

extent of computer literacy among medical students and their attitude regarding its use in medical education

Developments in information and communication technology occur at an astonishing rate. The need for medical students to be computer literate is no longer an issue for debate. Assess computer literacy and skills among medical students and explore their attitude regarding the computer and internet usage to facilitate the educational process. This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in medical college of Cairo University [Kasr Alaini] and concluded 450 medical students from 1[st], 3[rd], and 5[th] grades [150 students from each grade]. Data was collected using a self administrated questionnaire covering the following elements: Computer availability, Computer skills, Web navigation, Attitude toward use of computer and internet in medical education. The study concluded that 81.3% of the included students had access to computer at their homes, and 82.1% of them used the computer as one of their daily norms. The prevalence of computer literacy was 94.9%. Basic skills showed higher score than other skills. As regard internet usage; 60% of the entire sample used it in the last 2 weeks hut for medically irrelevant reasons. Most of the students encouraged the application of computer and internet in medical education especially in lectures. Computer ownership was widely distributed among medical students who showed high level of competency in basic skills. All the students were in favor of use of the computer and internet in medical education process