Role of Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer andMagnetization Transfer MRI in Detecting Metabolicand Structural Changes of Renal Fibrosis in an AnimalModel at 3T

Objective@#To investigate the value of combined chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and conventional magnetizationtransfer imaging (MT) in detecting metabolic and structural changes of renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) at 3T MRI. @*Materials and Methods@#Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley rats underwent UUO surgery (n = 25) or sham surgery (n = 10). Theobstructed and contralateral kidneys were evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after surgery. After CEST and MT examinations,18F-labeled fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography was performed to quantify glucose metabolism. Fibrosis wasmeasured by histology and western blots. Correlations were compared between asymmetrical magnetization transfer ratio at1.2 ppm (MTRasym(1.2ppm)) derived from CEST and maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) and between magnetization transferratio (MTR) derived from MT and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). @*Results@#On days 3 and 7, MTRasym(1.2ppm) and MTR of UUO renal cortex and medulla were significantly different from those ofcontralateral kidneys (p < 0.05). On day 7, MTRasym(1.2ppm) and MTR of UUO renal cortex and medulla were significantly differentfrom those of sham-operated kidneys (p < 0.05). The MTRasym(1.2ppm) of UUO renal medulla was fairly negatively correlated withSUVmax (r = -0.350, p = 0.021), whereas MTR of UUO renal medulla was strongly negatively correlated with α-SMA (r = -0.744, p <0.001). @*Conclusion@#CEST and MT could provide metabolic and structural information for comprehensive assessment of renal fibrosisin UUO rats in 3T MRI and may aid in clinical monitoring of renal fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Chitosan nanoparticles prepared from lucilia cuprina maggots as antibacterial agent

Chitosan were prepared from cuticle of Lucilia cuprina maggots with two steps; deproteinization and deacetylation. It was characterized with solubility and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy [FT-IR]. Chitosan was ball-milled to obtain the chitosan nanoparticles which characterized with dynamic light scattering [DLS] and transmission electron microscope [TEM]. Chitosan nanoparticles with degree of deacetylation [DDA] 80.5% were showed antibacterial activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis. The mode of action of chitosan nanoparticles on the tested bacteria was studied by TEM. Leakage of some cell contents, cell deformation mi rupture of cell were observed, therefore, the chitosan nanoparticles were observed to be a powerful antibacterial agent

Antimicrobial activities of chitosan nanoparticles prepared from lucilia cuprina maggots [diptera: calliphoridae]

Chitosan nanoparticles were studied as antimicrobial agent. The antibacterial activity of chitosan nanoparticles were investigated against three Gram-negative bacteria; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi, and three Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus pyogenes. The antifungal activity were examined against three fungi; Geotrichum candidum, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis. The antiviral activities were tested against three viruses; Rift Valley Fever [RVFV], Herpes simplex-1 [HSV-1] and Coxsackie viruses. Chitosan nanoparticles were inhibited all bacteria and fungi except E.faecalis seemed to be resistant strain. Infectivity titers of all viruses were reduced by chitosan nanoparticles, which are a natural antimicrobial agent

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus seroconversion among hemodialysis patients in Egypt

Introduction: The prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus [anti-HCV] positivity among dialysis patients varies across countries, ranging from 3 to 75%; unfortunately, Egypt is considered one of the countries with the highest prevalence despite the existence of guidelines for a comprehensive infection control program

Aims: This retrospective multicenter study was conducted to [a] assess the prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis [HD] patients in Cairo governorate sector B [north Cairo] in March and April 2011, [b] determine the incidence of HCV seroconversion, and [c] delineate events and factors correlated to HCV seroconversion

Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 987 patients who were evaluated using a questionnaire for assessment of risk factors for HCV transmission, including age, sex, duration of HD, previous blood transfusion, previous surgery, isolation procedures in the centers, switching dialysis centers, vascular access used, history of schistosomiasis, history of HBsAg, family history of HCV, the cause of chronic kidney disease, HCV antibodies at the start of HD, and timing of seroconversion. Data were collected and statistically analyzed

Results: The study included a total number of 987 patients who attended 22 HD centers; 55.9% of them were male. The age of most of the patients ranged from 50 to 60 years. The most common causes of end-stage renal disease were unknown in 36%, hypertension in 20%, and diabetes mellitus in 17.8%. The prevalence of HCV antibody [HCV Ab] at the start of dialysis was 45.2%, and the prevalence of HCV Ab by the time of data collection was 51%; the incidence rate of seroconversion was 10.7% after a mean duration of dialysis of 3.35 +/- 2.048 years. Univariate analysis showed that blood transfusion, switching dialysis, infection control, and vascular access were significant risk factors for seroconversion. Meanwhile multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that switching of dialysis centers, history of blood transfusion, and inappropriate application of infection control measures, besides the HCV-free duration, were significantly associated with HCV seroconversion

Conclusion: HCV transmission in HD centers in Cairo [Egypt] is multifactorial and includes unmodifiable factors such as duration of dialysis and age and modifiable factors that can be adjusted through implementation of strict infection control guidelines, minimization of blood transfusion, expanded use of erythropoietin, and avoiding the switching of dialysis centers

using of lucilia cuprina maggots in the treatment of diabetic foot wounds

In the present study, Lucilia cuprina maggots were used for the treatment of diabetic foot wounds. An artificial wound was made in diabetic foot of rabbit. The maggots were sterilized arid put directly on the wound after dressing the wound without using any antibiotics. Several cycles of maggots were put on the wound. The present results showed that the treatment of the diabetic foot was observed after 13 days. After this period the wound was completely healed and become free of microbial contamination. The new tissues were observed to close the wound

role of intraoperative colonoscopy in the management of patients with colorectal cancer

Thirty patients underwent intraoperative colonoscopy during elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Complete examination of the colon was achieved in 29 patients [96.6%]. In two patients [6.6%] The colonoscope was inserted via colotomy to complete the examination. A synchronous carcinoma was found in four patients [13.3%] which necessitated a change of planned surgical procedure. Synchronous polyps were detected in two patients [66%] one of them had carcinoma in situ, they were removed endoscopically. The mean age of patients with synchronous carcinoma was significantly higher than that of those without [63.5 versus 51.3 years, P < 0.05]. Intraoperative colonoscopy took a mean of 15 minutes and serosal tear occurred in only one patient. Intraoperative colonoscopy allows complete assessment of the colon and localizes synchronous lesions in patients with colorectal cancers

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy missed lesions

One hundred and forty five cases underwent or were reviewed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for calcular cholecystitis in our department of general surgery at Ein Shams University between 1992 and the end of 1994. Four cases, had post-operative haematemesis from a missed duodenal ulcer. One case had a missed carcinoma of the transverse colon and one case had a missed hepatocellular carcinoma. One case had a missed chronic duodenal ulcer which had penetrated into the pancreas

Needle localisation biopsies of the breast

Thirty seven eases of needle localisation biopsy were performed in our departments revealing the advantages of this technique. The accuracy of localisation has been checked. There were nine malignant lesions and the rest were benign [75%]. All the malignant eases were discovered at a very early stage and this has been proved by other studies to have a definite positive effect on survival and cure rate

Future needs for physicians and beds in the accident, Bahrain

The objective of this research is to provide forecasts to support managerial decision making in the department. The study provides forecasts for the patient load, physicians and beds needed with analysis of their current status. Historical data analysis indicates shortages in the number of physicians and beds which cause overcrowding. According to the forecasts the problem of overcrowding will reach alarming proportions. Therefore, immediate action should be taken to reduce the load on the department and divert the attendants with non-urgent or stable conditions to a complementary health centre

Serum 125 dihydroxy vitamin D, in thalassemia major

In patients with homozygous B-thalassemia, bone changes are considered one of the characteristic features of the disease. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and 1.25[OH]2D levels were estimated in 26 patients with homozygous-thalassemia compared to healthy controls. Also, plain X-ray of both h and s were done to all thalassemic patients. The mean serum calcium and phosphate levels as well as 1.25[OH]2D were diminished in thalassemic patients compared to normal controls. A study of the h and s showed thin metacarpal cortices related to increased resorption, but there were no radiological finding of rickets in thalassemic patients. It can be concluded that the osseous abnormalities of thalassemia were probably due to other mechanisms, mainly anemia, and vitamin D supplementation is not likely to cause their resolution

Vesico-intestinal fistula complicating bowel diseases

Vesico-intestinal fistula is a serious complication of malignant and inflammatory intestinal diseases, and needs serious consideration as well. Eight patients with vesico-intestinal fistulas are presented. Three were due to malignant tumors and five were caused by inflammatory bowel diseases. Involvement of the ureter was observed in two cases, one with regional ileitis and the other with carcinoma of the cecum. The key symptoms of pneumaturia and fecaluria were present in all patients, but one. The principles of management and post- treatment consequences were outlined and discussed

Some chemical and biological effects of cigarettes and Hubbell bubble smoking

The study was performed on 50 adult male cigarette and hubble smokers. The aim was to study and compare the cigarette and hubble bubble smoke on some chemical and biological functions of the smoke component. Plasma epinephrine, glucose, lactate/pyruvate ratio, growth hormone, free fatty acids, and cortisol were significantly higher in smokers than non smokers especially cigarette smokers. Plasma insulin concentration showed a significantly delayed response to the increased blood glucose. Plasma proteins, urea, pyruvate, creatinine and vitamin B12 were significantly reduced inn smokers than non smokers especially cigarette smokers. Both blood erythrocytes and leucocytes were increased significantly in smokers. Blood gases showed significantly low PaO2, significant blood level of Co fraction, while PaCO2 was unaffected. Urinary catecholamines were significantly higher in smokers especially in cigarette smokers

effect of splenectomy on serum glucose and immunoreactive insulin levels during operation and in the post operative period in bilharzial non diabetic patients

The result of this study shows that patients with bilharzial hepatosplenomegaly subjected to splenectomy and followed up for a week react in the same way as other non-bilharizal patients. The routine use of glucose infusions during operation and afterwards seems to be of no benefit. This is due to failure of insulin release during surgery and the occurrence of relative insulin resistance in the postoperative period. Other methods of nourishing such patients in the postoperative period are to be considered