Effective dose from natural background radiation in Keffi and Akwanga towns, central Nigeria

Human is exposed to radiation in their environment with or without their consent; and the exposure to natural background radiation is an unpreventable event on earth. An in situ assessment of the indoor and outdoor background radiation in Akwanga and Keffi towns of Nasarawa state Nigeria was carried out using a halogen-quenched Geiger Muller [GM] detector [Inspector alert Nuclear radiation monitor SN: 3544]. Each of these towns was divided into at least 20 sampling areas where at least ten readings were taken in order to have a reliable data. The mean indoor and outdoor annual effective dose of Akwanga were 1.29 +/- 0.13mSv/yr and 0.31 +/- 0.04 mSv/yr respectively; and that of Keffi were 1.08 +/- 0.15mSv/yr and 0.25 +/- 0.04 mSv/yr respectively. The radiation levels in both highly populated towns were found to be within the safe limit for areas of normal background set by UNSCEAR [2.4 mSv/yr]. These results would serve as a baseline upon which other exposures would be assessed and in the future, serve as reference for dosimetry and decontamination in situations of radiation poisoning of these towns

Enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in acute ischemic stroke [in-evolution type]. Differential effects of enoxaparin on von willebrand factor release and a possible relation to improved clinical outcomes

The significance of low-molecular-weight heparins [LMWHs] in the management of acute stroke remains controversial. Investigating the effect of early administration of Enoxaparin [ENOX] on risk reduction of early recurrent ischemic strokes compared with Unfractionated Heparin [UFH]. Besides, exploring whether these benefits of ENOX might lead to reduction in death and disability. One hundred patients with acute ischemic stroke in evolution were enrolled [with symptoms of stroke within eight hours randomization]. Patients were randomized to receive UFH or ENOX for ten days. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] and Computed Tomography [ct] scan were performed at the time of admission, and after 48 hours of randomization. The mean baseline of [NIHSS] were 9.14 +/- 0.62 and 7.86 +/- 0.54 among patients randomized to UFH and ENOX respectively [P-value 0.2]. At discharge, the mean NIHSS showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the ENOX group [7.9 +/- 0.82 vs 4.96 +/- 0.54 for ENOX and UFH respectively [P-value = 0.002]] The mean NIHSS after therapy in patients who demonstrated neurological improvement was 5.6 +/- 0.46 in the UFH arm compared to 3.65 +/- 0.39 in the ENOX arm [P-valne=0.001]. A deterioration in the clinical neurological condition [progressive stroke symptoms] inspite of treatment with anticoagulant therapy was seen in 20% [n=10] of the patients in the UFH treatment arm compared to none [n=0] in the ENOX treatment arm [P-value=0.005]. ENOX + aspirin was superior to UFH + aspirin in reducing adverse neurological disability after acute ischemic stroke in evolution

Plasma retinol, thyroid stimulating hormone and zinc as predictors of bone mineral density status

Conflicting results on the association between serum retinol level and bone mineral density [BMD] have been published. Thyroid hormones are essential for skeletal development and have direct effect on bone formation and resorption. Bone has one of the highest concentrations of zinc of all tissues, and has been shown to release zinc during deficiency for soft tissue metabolism. The objective of this study was to assess the relation between plasma levels of retinol, thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] and zinc and BMD of Egyptian adolescents and adults. The study was a part of a cross sectional national survey conducted by National Nutrition Institute. The sample was a multistage stratified random. Target individuals were classified into two age groups [10-

Update status of toxoplasmosis and brucellosis in small ruminants and human in Sharkia province

Toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are widely distributed zoonotic diseases affecting a wide spectrum of animals and humans Serum samples were collected from 182 sheep, 294 goats and 60 human from different localities of Sharkia province [Zagazig - Abo-Hammad - Fakous and Abo-Kabeer] in the period between March - July 2005 and serologically tested for presence of specific antibodies against toxoplasmosis and brucella species Out of 182 sheep, 48 [26 4%] were sero-positive for toxoplasmosis By using of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], 17 [9.3%] were IgG positive and 6 [3.3%] were 1gM positive Among goats 38 [12.93%] were positive by IHAT and by ELISA 12 [4.08%] were positive for presence of IgG as well as 9 [3.06%] were positive for presence of IgM Rose Bengal Plate Antigen [RBPA], Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen [BAPA] Rivanol test [Riv T] and serum agglutiation Test [SAT] were applied to identify brucellosis. Out of 182 sheep sera samples, 21[11.54%] were sero-positive; Meanwhile out of 294 goat sera, 12 [4.08%] showed sero-positivity to brucellosis. Brucella melitensis biovar - 3 was isolated from milk samples and tissue specimens [especially lymph nodes] of the reactor animals and from 17 ewes sero-positive to brucellosis there were 8 positive for isolation and identification of Brucella melitensis, whereas there were 3/15 sero-positive goats [20%] so that control measures of toxoplasmosis and brucellosis were suggested. Concerning to human the incidence of toxoplasmosis and brucellosis were 28.3% and 8.3% respectively

Evaluation of dietary influences on Escherichia coli 0157:H7 shedding by cattle

The effect of diet type and an abrupt change on shedding of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 was investigated, first group of animals were fed on hay which was low in nutrient and digestible energy and high fiber, the second group mixture of concentrated feed [grains] and barseem which is high in nutrient and digestible energy and low in fiber content, third group fed on barseem moderate in nutrient and digestible energy and moderate in fiber content. After a single oral administration of virulent E. coli 0157:H7 all animals shed E.coli 0157:H7. The number of culture positive animals in specific media increased according to the type of diet and also after abruptly changing of diet the shedding of microorganism increases by variable amount. Cattle fed on hay still shedding E.coli 0157:H7 for 55 days, animals fed on barseem and grains shed it for 52 days but animals fed on barseem only shed it for 44 days whereas control group shed microorganism for 31 days only. The concentrations of microorganism at the 5th day post-inoculation were 3x104, 2.4x 107 and 2.1 x 106 for the first, second and third group respectively, whereas the concentrations of the microorganism at the 25th day post-inoculation were 5x 188 n, 5.8 x 1013 and 6 x 1012 respectively. The groups reach the last detectable concentrations [2.2 x 104, 3.4 x 102 and 2 x 103] at the day [40th, 50th and 45th] post-inoculation for the [first, second and third] group respectively. It can be concluded that the grains and barseem fed animals shed E. coli 0157:H7 longer and more concentrated than barseem or hay fed animals. Animals were feeding on grains and barseem or barseem may increase chance of human infection with E. coli 0157:H7

interaction between temperature humidity index and some health parameters of sheep under the Egyptian oasis environment [with 9 tables and 3 figures]

Darb Al-Arbain is a virgin area and represents the southern boundary of the Egyptian oasis depression. It considers one of the most promising areas for agricultural expansion in Egypt. This study aimed to setup a preliminary data on some health indices including clinical, haematological, hormonal and metabolic picture in desert [Barki] and Nile valley [Rahmani and Ossimi] sheep 'which were recently transported with their owners to this newly reclaimed area. Also, to correlate between these indices and the temperature humidity index [THI] as a trial to evaluate the effect of heat stress on the health indices of these sheep. To nullify the effect of age throughout the study period [6 months], this work was designed to select 3 groups of male lambs [15 each; average 7 months and around 24 kg]. Each group represented two months of the study period, so that the three groups represented a cycle of 6 consecutive months began by February [basal data] to July [intensified dry summer stress]. Each group included three subgroups of Rahmani, Ossimi and Barki lambs [5/breed]. Clinical, haematological and biochemical investigations were carried out monthly throughout 6 months study period. The average of maximum ambient temperatures at the end of July was 154.7% higher and the relative humidity was116.8 lower than the basal thermoneutral data. The effect of breed under the changes of THI was significant for rectal temperature, respiratory rate, PCV, potassium and cortisol. The patterns of estimated parameters were insignificantly fluctuated in Barki and Ossimi sheep except the significant elevation of rectal temperature and respiratory rate [at THI above 90]. In Rahmani sheep, the magnitude of rectal temperature and respiratory rate [at THI 85 and 88 respectively] preceded those in other breeds. On the other hand the values of RBC, Hb, PCV, plasma total protein, albumin, K, T[3] were decreased and Na and cortisol values were increased in Rahmani sheep when THI reached 92. Correlation coefficient showed that respiration rate was highly correlated with increasing THI [r=0.738, P=0.0005], whereas rectal temperature was less responsive to THI [r = 0.561, P=0.015]. It was noticed also that THI was negatively correlated with RBC, PCV, total protein, albumin, potassium, T[3], T[4] and positively correlated with Na. The hot arid and drought desert environment did not affect health indices in Barki and Ossimi sheep inhabiting Darb Al-Arbain area. The measured values were within the normal physiological ranges reported for sheep. In despite, the changes in clinical and biochemical indices showed that health of Rahmani breed was at risk only when THI was above 85 and not at 81 as reported for temperate breeds. From these results, this study recommends to establish suitable new THI categories for native breeds reared under tropical environment

Serum neopterin level in patients with coronary artery ectasia with or without stenosis

Coronary artery ectasia [CAE] is an uncommon angiographic finding, the prevalence in most series ranges from 1.2% to 5.3%. CAE was defined as arterial segment with a diameter of at least 1.5 times the diameter of adjacent normal coronary artery segment. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of CAE and there is a high association of CAE with stenotic coronary artery disease. CAE is not an innocent condition even in the patients with pure ectasia without stenosis. It may present by chronic stable angina pectoris, unstable angina, myocardial infarction and heart failure. Immune cells appear to be critical in development of atherosclerosis. High levels of neopterin were found in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndromes. Correlation of serum neopterin levels to the presence of CAE in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Forty patients referred to cardiac catheterization unit for evaluation of typical stable angina pectoris, were divided into three groups: Group A [15 patients] of pure ectasia, Group B [15 patients] of CAE associated with stenosis and Group C [10 patients] of stenotic lesions only. Each patient in the three groups was subjected to coronary angiography, and measurement of serum neopterin level by ELISA technique. Neopterin levels were elevated in the three studied groups but were significantly higher in patients with two and three vessels lesions than in patients with one vessel lesion. Also neopterin levels were significantly higher in ectasia with slow flow than in ectasia without slow flow. Inflammation seems to play a major role in the etiology of CAE as well as coronary artery stenosis. Neopterin level is related to the severity of the disease. Also it seems that there is more activation of the immune system in ectasia with slow flow than in ectasia without slow flow as neopterin level was higher in ectasia with slow flow than ectasia without slow flow

Study of some hormonal changes in children with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, before and during mechanical ventilation

Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure [AHRF] is one of the commonest life-threatening conditions encountered in children. This study was designed to investigate plasma atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP] and endothelin-1 [ET-1] levels in children with AHRF before and after mechanical ventilation [Mv], to clarify their relationship to hemodynamic parameters as well as to assess their prognostic value. Twenty children with AHRF [12 males and 8 females, aged 2 months to 5 years] and ten age-and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Plasma immunoreactive ANP and ET-1 levels were measured just before and one hour after stabilization on MV with pressure controlled ventilation [PCV] and compared with hemodynamic [HR, MBP and CVP] parameters. Blood gas analysis, serum sodium, potassium; urea, creatinine and urine output, sodium and creatinine were measured. Results, Baseline plasma ANP and ET-1 levels were significantly higher in patients than controls, and significantly decreased after stabilization on MV. Early changes of hemodynamics [increased HR and MBP; decreased CVP] and respiratory mechanics [increased MAP; decreased C[DL]] were reversed on MV. Gasometric changes [decreased pH, PaO[2] and PaO[2]/FiO[2], increased PaCO[2] were significantly improved on MV with no effect on PaO[2]/Fio[2] ratio. The initial low serum sodium and potassium levels increased significantly after MV. Mechanical ventilation led to impairment in renal function and reduction in urinary output and sodium excretion. Compared with survivors [n=6], non survivors [n=14] had higher plasma ET-1 and MAP values and lower PaO[2]/FiO[2] ratio. Plasma ANP levels correlated positively with ET-1 levels, MBP, PaCO[2] and negatively with PaO[2]/FiO[2] ratio. Plasma ET-1 levels correlated positively with MAP and negatively with PaO[2]/FiO[2], Plasma ANP and ET-1 levels were markedly increased in children with AHRF and decreased with MV. ET-1 levels will have significant impact on mortality in AHRF. AHRF, acute hypoxemic respiratory failure; ANP, atrial natriuretic peptid ET-1, endothelin4; MV, mechanical ventilation; PCV, positive controlled ventilation; HR, heart rate; MBP, mean arterial blood pressure, CVP, central venous pressure; ABG, arterial blood gases, PaO[2] and PaCQ[2], arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions PaO[2]/FiO[2],ratio of arterial oxygen tension to fraction of inspired oxygen; VT, tidal volume; PEEP, positive end-expiratory pressure; PIP, peak aspiratory pressure; MAP, mean airway pressure; CDL, dynamic lung compliance

P300 auditory event-related potential for the diagnosis of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy and prediction of overt encephalopathy in cirrhotic children

Subclinical hepatic encephalopathy [SHE] has been recognized in patients with cirrhosis, irrespective of its etiology. It is of special clinical relevance to identify this condition and to assess its progression to overt encephalopathy. This study was conducted [I] to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of auditory P3ERP in the detection of SHE in cirrhotic children, to compare it with that of an EEG and a standard psychometric test, and [ii] to examine the clinical progression of SHE to overt HE during follow up. Thirty-four non-encephalopathic cirrhotic children [19M and 15F, mean age 9.84 +/- 3.13 yr] were studied using auditory P300 event related potential [P3ERP], EEG and the number connection test [NCT]. Cut off values for abnormalities in the tests were developed from 45 ages matched controls. Patients were followed regularly for the development of overt HE and the precipitating factors were noted. P3ERP latencies [342.0 +/- 29.4 ms vs. 296.4 +/- 28. 5ms] and NCT time [62.6 +/- 31.3s vs. 43.8 +/- 15.2s] were significantly prolonged in cirrhotics compared to controls. 16 [47%] children had SHE based on at least one abnormal test result. P3ERP detected SHE in maximum number of patients [30%] followed by EEG [23.5%] and NCT [17.6%]. About 55% of patients with SHE progressed to overt SHE within a mean duration of 4 months. Multivariate analysis showed that abnormality on P3ERP and EEG as well as prior episode of HE, occurrence of G.I bleed, dehydration and infection had significantly higher risk for development of overt HE. P3ERP method was more sensitive in detection of SHE in cirrhotic children. Abnormal P3ERP and EEG along with the precipitating factors were significantly associated with development of overt HE

Subclinical pulmonary involvement in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: Clinical, functional, high-resolution computed tomographic and laboratory findings

Early detection of collagen-associated pulmonary disease could have an important effect on prognosis and therapeutic strategies to prevent irreversible pulmonary damage. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pulmonary involvement in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA] and systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] of less than 2-year duration and without prior clinical evidence of lung disease. Twenty-eight patients with JRA [18M and 1OF, mean age 10.3 +/- 2.8 years] and twenty with SLE [6M and 14F, mean age 12.9 +/- 3.1 years] and twenty age- and gender-matched controls were studied. Patients were evaluated using the following measures: clinical, pulmonary function testing [PFT], chest radiography [CXR], high resolution computed tomogram [HRCT], induced sputum cells, phospholipids [PLs] and surfactant protein-A [SP-A] concentrations were also measured in 19 JRA and 12 SLE patients. Results: Measurements of PFT and sputum cellular and biochemical variable were significantly different in study patients as compared to controls. Abnormalities in PFTs, CXR, HRCT and sputum cells and SP-A/PL in JRA were 21.4%, 0.0%, 32.2%, 52.6% and 31.6%, respectively; and in SLE were 30%, 10%, 45%, 54.8% and 33.3%, respectively. Restrictive pattern was the commonest PFT abnormality. PFT results correlated significantly only with age in JRA and with hematological data in SLE. HRCT findings correlated significantly in JRA patients with seropositve disease, high activity grade, and diminished diffusion lung capacity [DLCO], and in SLE with PFTs: FVC, FEVI,FEF25-75% and DLco. Neutrophic alveolitis was closely associated with HRCT changes, low DLco and low sputum SP-A values. Pulmonary changes in children with recent onset JRA and SLE are frequent. The significance of these changes is being determined in a longitudinal study

Prevalence of celiac disease in Egyptian children and adolescents with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: a biochemical and histopathologic study

Diagnosis of atypical and silent celiac disease [CD] is important because of its serious complications. The association of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [DDM] and CD has been reported worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical, biochemical and histopathologic characteristics of CD among Egyptian children and adolescents with IDDM. A total of 116 children and adolescents with IDDM [62 males and 54 females, age rage 2-21 yrs] and 25 age and sex matched healthy children were screened for CD using anti-gliadin [AGA], anti-tissue transglutaminase [t-TG], anti-reticulin [AGA] and anti-endomysial [EmA] antibodies. Clinical data, hemoglobin Air, insulin requirements, hemoglobin concentration, mean red cell volume and serum ferritin levels were evaluated. Twenty six [22.4%] patients were positive for AGA and ITG antibodies, 14 of them were ARA positive. Ten of these patients were EmA positive and four were EmA negative. From the EmA negative patients three sera with IgA deficiency had high lgG class in AGA, anti-t-TG and ARA antibodies. All these 14 patients [EmA positive and negative] underwent intestinal biopsy. Thirteen had histological evidence of CD including the EmA negative patients with IgA deficiency, giving a prevalence of CD in diabetic children of 11.2% [13/116]. Compared with the other diabetic patients, those with CD had a significantly higher height SD scores with no statistical significant changes in any other parameters. The prevalence of CD in Egyptian IDDM children and adolescents was found to the high. Serologic markers for CD are useful for identifying asymptomatic IDDM children who should undergo a small intestinal biopsy

Diagnostic significance of measurement of plasma transforming growth factor-beta 1[TGF-beta 1] level and efficacy of vitamin E in children and adolescents with obesity-related liver disease

Although non-alcoholic fatty liver [NAFL] histologically presents only steatosis, non alcoholic steatoheptitis [NASH] present fibrosis and inflammatory infiltration as well as stealosis. NASH sometimes progresses to liver cirrhosis, but it is not easy to distingvish this disease from NAFL by non-invasive examinations. Transforming growth factor- beta1 [TGF-beta1] is implicated in the development of liver fibrosis. Effective treatment for this disease has not been established. This study was designed to determine the diagnostic significance of measurement of plasma TGF-beta1 level in obese children and adolescents with fatty liver disease as well as to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin E treatment on the clinical course of the disease. Thirty-six obese children and adolescents [age 7-18 yrs] with elevated serum aminotransferase [ALT and AST] levels for more than 3 months with diffusely echogenic liver on ultrasonography and, without demonstrable cause for the abnormal chemistry, were diagnosed to have NAFL disease. They were histologically, 22 NAFL and 16 NASH. Clinical details, investigations including LFTs, serum lipid and alpha-tocopherol/ lipid arid plasma TGF-beta1 levels as well as histology were evaluated at admission and after treatment with oral vitamin E 300-900 IU daily. Serum ALT and AST levels were monitored monthly during treatment twenty age and sex matched healthy children served as controls. Results Duration of follow up was 3-8 months. Plasma TGF-beta1 levels were significantly elevated in NASH compared to NAFL patients and controls and decreased accompanied by an improvement in LFTs and histology following vitamin E treatment. Serum alpha-tocopherol/lipid levels were significantly decreased in patients than controls and significantly elevated following treatment. Measurement of plasma TGF-beta1 level represents a possible method of distinguishing between NAFL and NASH, and is also a good indicator of the efficacy of treatment for NASH. Vitamin E may have a beneficial therapeutic effect in children and adolescents with NASH

Bone mineral density and biochemichal markers in children with chronic liver disease

Metabolic bone disease is known to complicate chronic liver disease. The aim of the present study was to determine bone mineral density [BMD] and bone turnover in children with chronic liver disease [CLD] and to assess the possible correlations with the severity of liver disease. Thirty hospitalized children with CLD,14 males and 16 females, aged 2-14 years and twenty age- and sex - matched healthy controls were enrolled. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumber spines. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone [PTH], osteocalcin and carboxy- terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP] were measured. The severity of liver disease was assessed using Desmet's modification of Knodell's histological activity index. BMD was significantly lower in patients than in controls and osteoporosis was found in 8 [27%] of the patients. BMD was significantly correlated negatively with severity of liver disease and positively with serum osteocalcin level. No correlation was found between BMD and calcium, phosphorus? alkaline phosphatase, PTH, and ICTP serum levels. Serum osteocalcin level was significantly lower and serum ICTP was higher but not statistically significant in patients than in controls. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH values in patients did not differ from those of controls. Levels of osteocalcin, but not PTH and ICTP9 were significantly correlated inversely with severity of liver disease. Ascitic patients had significantly lower BMD and serum osteocalcin values than non-ascitic patients, and also had significantly higher serum levels of ICTP than the controls. The results of this study indicate that BMD is decreased in children with CLD that is related to the severity of liver disease. The biomarkers of bone turnover reflect that decreased bone formation, rather than increased bone resorption, is the major contributor of bone loss in these patients

Impact of health education program on knowledge about AIDS and HIV transmission in students of secondary schools in Buraidah City, Saudi Arabia: an exploratory study

Accurate information about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] is important for their prevention.This study is intended to assess knowledge on AIDS in students of secondary schools in Buraidah City and to measure the effect of a health education program on their knowledge about AIDS in general, modes of HIV transmission and the degree of their misperception about the transmission of the disease through casual contact. A well-designed health education program using personal communication and visual media techniques was conducted for 483 secondary school students in Buraidah secondary schools during the year 1997. Pre- and post-tests were done to examine their knowledge about AIDS.The results of this study pointed out that a health education program on AIDS for students of secondary schools greatly and significantly improved their scores on general knowledge on AIDS views on its transmission and misperception of AIDS [p < 0.01]. Continuous in-ice programs for secondary students are recommended

In situ characterization of B-and T-lymphocytes in basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck region

Twenty cases of basal cell carcinoma [BCC] of the head and neck region were examined immunohistochemically for the detection of T- and Blymphocytes. The results showed that the dense lymphocytic infiltrate surrounding neoplastic cells of BCC consisted chiefly of T-lymphocytes. The lymphocytic infiltrate revealed in parts a pattern of a small lymphocytic follicle with peripherally situated T cells and central B cells. The predominance of Tlymphocytes in BCC suggests a local cell-mediated immune response. However, the presence of B-lymphocytes indicates a possible humoral immune reaction. T cells may be responsible for regulating the proliferation, and thus the growth, of malignant epithelial cells in BCC

Comparative study between open cholecysectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

In this study, the results of 350 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC], were compared with those of 420 patients on whom open cholecystectomy [OC] was performed, in Banha University Hospital. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients included cases presented as symptomatic chronic calcular cholecystitis [96.3%] and acute cholecystitis [3.7%], while OC patients included cases with both chronic [74%] and acute cholecystitis [18.6%] and common bile duct stones [7.4%]. The mean operative time was significantly longer in LC. This procedure was completed in 325 out of 350 patients, while converted to open in 25 patients [7.1%], with fewer complications in 20 patients [5.7%]. The mean postoperative stay was significantly shorter in LC. No mortality was reported in both groups, while the complication rate was 5.7% in LC and 9% in OC

histological study of the pulp responses underneath visible light cured temporary filling material, experimental test

Temporary restorative materials play an important role in protecting the tooth and reserving pulpal health[1]. The reaction of the pulp beneath such a restoration depends on the material ingredients or its sealing properties. This in vivo study was performed to demonstrate the effect of IRM, ZOE, Citadur and Clip temporary restorative materials on the dental pulp and bacterial invasion via the dentinal tubules. Five adult female dogs were used to prepare class V buccal cavities on the posterior teeth. Each segment was filled with a different type of provisional tested filling material. Then the dogs were sacrificed 2 months later. The teeth were grouped, labeled and prepared for histological evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed to compare pulpal responses below various tested restorative materials. Some randomly selected sections from each group were stained with Gram stain for visualization of bacteria. IRM showed the least pulpal reactions, 80% of the cases revealed grade I inflammatory responses. This was followed by ZOE showing only 20% grade I and 70% grade II inflammatory responses. Pulpal response to Citadur varied between grade Il [44%] and grade III [56%] while Clip showed 18% grade II, 46% grade III and 36% grade IV inflammatory reactions. Also, bacterial invasion was demonstrated below Citadur and Clip, which was associated with grades III and IV [unacceptable] that may be due to the observation period of the study

histological study of the oral lesions in erythema multiforme compared with normal oral mucosa

A study of oral lesions in five patients with erythema multiform was carried out to reveal the histopathological and ultrastructural features of this disease in a trial to shed more light on possible diagnostic criteria that may be helpful in the histological diagnosis of this disease, especially if it is limited to the oral cavity, or if it is not accompanied by the characteristic target lesions. The oral lesions were associated with the classical appearance of the skin lesions in three patients, while in the other two cases they were not the only manifestations of the disease. Biopsies of the cheek mucosa were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. No difference was noticed in the histopathological features of the disease between patients with or without skin involvement. Alterations were observed in whole epithelial layers, basal lamina and the underlying connective tissue

Prostaglandin E2 in cancer of head and neck

Plasma PGE2 was measured in fourteen patients with head and neck carcinoma andin another fourteen healthy subjects. The former group had a significantlyhigher level than the latter. There was a significant correlation betweengrade of the tumor and PGE2 level. Also, bone invasion and PGE2 level inplasma showed a significant correlation. These results were discussed in viewof previous studies and the possible clinical application was highlighted. The biological roles played by prostaglandins [PGs] were illustrated for arelatively short time