Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vitamin D: Two concordant players controlling depression among alopecia areata and vitiligo patients: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common psychiatric comorbidity among chronic dermatology patients. There is extreme lacking in the research studying biomarkers responsible for it. Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vitamin D have a significant role in the development of depression. AIM: To assess BDNF and vitamin D serum levels in different clinical verities of alopecia areata (AA) and vitiligo patients, correlating them with depression prevalence and quality of life. METHODS: In all, 30 AA patients, 30 vitiligo patients, and 30 healthy volunteers were included. Both alopecia and vitiligo severity and activity were evaluated using the suitable clinical scores. Depression was assessed using Beck depression inventory (BDI) scale and quality of life was recorded using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Both serum BDNF and vitamin D levels were investigated using ELISA. RESULTS: In both alopecia and vitiligo patients, serum BDNF and serum vitamin D were significantly lower compared to controls (p = 0.001 for both). Both were associated and negatively correlated with BDI and DLQI. Regarding alopecia, they showed a significant decline in more sever disease and with longer disease duration. However, in vitiligo, BDNF (p = 0.001) and vitamin D (p = 0.03) correlated negatively with disease activity, but not with disease severity. Serum BDNF and vitamin D correlated positively with each other (p = 0.001) in both AA and vitiligo cases. CONCLUSION: The inverse association of both serum BDNF and vitamin D with depression, and the positive correlation noted between their serum levels, may indicate a potential combined effect of these two players on development of depression and its negative health-related outcomes.

Intracapsular Micro-Enucleation of a Painful Superficial Peroneal Nerve Schwannoma in a 60-Year Old Man: A Rare Encounter.

BACKGROUND Schwannomas are the most common benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors, localized mainly to the cranial and upper extremity nerves. Their occurrence in the lower limbs is uncommon, and specific involvement of the superficial peroneal nerve is exceedingly rare. We report a case of a painful right superficial peroneal nerve schwannoma that was excised via the intracapsular micro-enucleation technique. CASE REPORT A 60-year-old South Asian man presented with a 2-year history of a painful lump on the lateral aspect of the right upper leg. Clinical examination revealed a firm mass located at the proximal lateral aspect of the right leg, measuring approximately 3×2.5 cm. Severe tenderness over the mass was present. The Tinel test was positive. There were no sensory or motor deficits or history of neurofibromatosis. Imaging showed features suggestive of a schwannoma. Surgery was indicated; intracapsular micro-enucleation was performed. Histopathological assessment of the tumor demonstrated Antoni A and B patterns with nuclear palisading and Verocay bodies, hallmarks of a schwannoma. The postoperative period was uneventful; no neurological deficits were noted. CONCLUSIONS The case described is considered rare, with no data on disease epidemiology in the literature. We provide a brief review and add pivotal data to the literature. Despite its rarity, one should remain cognizant of the condition and consider it in the differential diagnosis of nontraumatic leg pain. Based on our experience, corroboration from previous case reports, and the satisfactory outcome of our case, we advocate the intracapsular micro-enucleation technique when possible for schwannomas.

Interferon-γ inducible protein-10 and interleukin 28B gene polymorphism as predictive markers for genotype 4 hepatitis C virus treatment response.

HCV genotype 4 dominates the HCV epidemic in Egypt. Drug resistance was the most serious side effect that reflects bad clinical outcome. Several studies had demonstrated that baseline serum interferon-γ-inducible-protein 10 (IP-10) levels and interleukin 28B polymorphisms were associated with the resistance to the standard of care pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin (PEG-IFNα/RBV) therapy and development of post-treatment relapse. Our purpose was to assess the predictive value of combining IP-10 levels and IL28B genotypes to PEG-IFNα/RBV therapy response in Egyptian chronic HCV infection patients with genotype 4. Ninety Egyptian patients chronically infected by HCV genotype-4 treated with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin (PEG-IFNα/RBV) therapy were enrolled. Serum IP-10 levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay pre- and post- treatment. IL-28B (rs12979860 and rs8099917) polymorphisms were performed by PCR-RFLP in all patients. Overall, 38 patients (42.2%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) and 52 (57.8%) patients have non-viral response (NVR). Pretreatment serum IP-10 mean levels were significantly lower in patients who achieved SVR than in NVR (P<0.05). CC genotype in IL28B polymorphism (rs12979860) was the favorable genotype as 65.8% achieved SVR, while TT genotype in IL-28B polymorphism (rs8099917) was the favorable genotype as 81.5% achieved SVR. Baseline IP-10 was significantly correlated to genotypes CC in rs12979860 and TT in rs8099917. Combined use of serum baseline IP-10 levels with IL-28B polymorphisms could improve the prediction of SVR to PEG-IFNα/RBV therapy in Egyptian chronic HCV infection patients with genotype 4.

Interferon-γ inducible protein-10 and interleukin 28B gene polymorphism as predictive markers for genotype 4 hepatitis C virus treatment response

@#HCV genotype 4 dominates the HCV epidemic in Egypt. Drug resistance was the most serious side effect that reflects bad clinical outcome. Several studies had demonstrated that baseline serum interferon-γ-inducible-protein 10 (IP-10) levels and interleukin 28B polymorphisms were associated with the resistance to the standard of care pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin (PEG-IFNα/RBV) therapy and development of post-treatment relapse. Our purpose was to assess the predictive value of combining IP-10 levels and IL28B genotypes to PEG-IFNα/RBV therapy response in Egyptian chronic HCV infection patients with genotype 4. Ninety Egyptian patients chronically infected by HCV genotype-4 treated with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin (PEG-IFNα/RBV) therapy were enrolled. Serum IP-10 levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay pre- and post- treatment. IL-28B (rs12979860 and rs8099917) polymorphisms were performed by PCR-RFLP in all patients. Overall, 38 patients (42.2%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) and 52 (57.8%) patients have non-viral response (NVR). Pretreatment serum IP-10 mean levels were significantly lower in patients who achieved SVR than in NVR (P<0.05). CC genotype in IL28B polymorphism (rs12979860) was the favorable genotype as 65.8% achieved SVR, while TT genotype in IL-28B polymorphism (rs8099917) was the favorable genotype as 81.5% achieved SVR. Baseline IP-10 was significantly correlated to genotypes CC in rs12979860 and TT in rs8099917. Combined use of serum baseline IP-10 levels with IL-28B polymorphisms could improve the prediction of SVR to PEG-IFNα/RBV therapy in Egyptian chronic HCV infection patients with genotype 4.

Comparison of Adiponectin Levels During the Menstrual Cycle Between Normal Weight and Overweight/Obese Young Females.

To compare serum adiponectin changes across the menstrual cycle between normal weight and overweight/obese young women and its correlation with serum estradiol. Young women (n=56) with regular menstrual cycle had been grouped according to their BMI into normal weight group (n=26) and overweight /obese group (n=30). Blood samples were drawn during early follicular (FP), pre-ovulatory (OP) and luteal phases (LP) of menstrual cycle for serum adiponectin and estradiol levels determination using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adiponectin serum level showed a significant decreasing pattern across the phases of menstrual cycle in normal weight group. This pattern was absent in the overweight/obese group. In addition, serum adiponectin was lower in overweight/obese group compared to normal weight subjects through all phases of menstrual cycle. No correlation was found between adiponectin and estradiol levels in both groups. A significant variation of serum adiponectin level was detected across the menstrual cycle in females with normal weight. In comparison, overweight/obese group showed a relatively stable adiponectin level throughout the cycle. This lack of adiponectin variation might be added to the complex mechanisms lies behind obesity-related female infertility.

Effects of paroxetine on intravaginal ejaculatory latency time in Egyptian patients with lifelong premature ejaculation as a function of serotonin transporter polymorphism.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common ejaculatory complaint. The estimated rates among Turkish men reached 20%, although the severest type of PE (lifelong PE) usually does not exceed 2.3%. This could be seen in line with two survey studies involving five nations. They revealed that 2.5% of men had an intravaginal ejaculation latency time of <1 min and 6% of <2 min. Rapid ejaculation may be treated pharmacologically with a variety of different medications that act either centrally or locally to delay ejaculation and subsequent orgasm. Antidepressants, particularly members of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class, retard ejaculation significantly. Recently, it was postulated that men with lifelong PE might result from a combination of polymorphisms of the serotonergic transporter and receptors, and other neurotransmitters and/or receptors. Our findings augment the significant effect of paroxetine in delaying ejaculation in the responders (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the findings do not suggest a positive association between such response and serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism.

Investigating the addition of collagen and its integrin binding sequence (RGD) to glass polyalkenoate: In terms of material and cellular properties to explore a more biocompatible method of root caries restoration.

AIMS: Placement of a restoration to treat root caries disrupts many tissues. There is scope for the restorative material to interact with these to augment reductions in micro leakage afforded by an adhesive restorative material. OBJECTIVES: 1) To investigate the effects of incorporating bioactive molecules into a glass polyalkenoate (GPA) 2) To quantify the changes in physical properties of the material. METHODS: Biocompatibility of the GPA cement (Chemfil Superior, Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany) in unmodified and modified forms was ascertained using cell culture techniques. The optimum concentration of bioactive components required to promote cell attachment was determined indirectly by quantification and localisation of the fibroblast marker vimentin. The properties of surface hardness, compressive strength and adhesive bond strength were also determined prior to and following addition of the bio-additives: collagen type I and a pentapeptide containing Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD). RESULTS: Addition of Type I Collagen (100µg/ml) and RGD (5mg/ml) to ChemFil Superior had no statistically significant effect upon the compressive strength and bond strength to bovine enamel but significantly (P<0.05) increased the materials shore hardness. The addition of RGD to ChemFil Superior increased most the expression of vimentin, indicating that the cells had become more fibroblastic. This may be indicative of increased synthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules with the potential to foster adhesion of the modified glass polyalkenoate to distracted gingival tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that addition of bioactive molecules to GPA cement for subgingival restorations has potential clinical applications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is possible to envisage that the additions, as described in this paper, could foster the attachment of displaced gingival tissues to GPA restorative materials placed subgingivally where root caries has been treated. This would offer potential to form a seal around the restoration by the attached gingival tissues avoiding a periodontal pocket and depriving residual cariogenic bacteria of a nutrient supply. Further investigation of the effects upon other similar materials of such additions is warranted.

Spectroscopic and structural studies of the Schiff base 3-methoxy-N-salicylidene-o-amino phenol complexes with some transition metal ions and their antibacterial, antifungal activities.

Spectroscopic (IR, Raman, NMR, UV-visible, and ESR), and structural studies of the ligand 3-methoxy-N-salicylidene-o-amino phenol (H2L) and its synthesized complexes with some transition metal ions (Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II)), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) were recorded and analyzed. The magnetic properties and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA and DTA) were also measured for the complexes. The metal complexes were found to have The structural formula ML⋅H2O and the metal ions Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II)) and Zn(II) were found to form tetrahedral complexes with the ligand whereas Cu(II) formed a square planar one. Antimicrobial activity of the ligand and its complexes were also investigated and discussed.

Lipophilicity assessment of ruthenium(II)-arene complexes by the means of reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography and DFT calculations.

The lipophilicity of ten ruthenium(II)-arene complexes was assessed by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography (RP-TLC) on octadecyl silica stationary phase. The binary solvent systems composed of water and acetonitrile were used as mobile phase in order to determine chromatographic descriptors for lipophilicity estimation. Octanol-water partition coefficient, logK(OW), of tested complexes was experimentally determined using twenty-eight standard solutes which were analyzed under the same chromatographic conditions as target substances. In addition, ab initio density functional theory (DFT) computational approach was employed to calculate logK(OW) values from the differences in Gibbs' free solvation energies of the solute transfer from n-octanol to water. A good overall agreement between DFT calculated and experimentally determined logK(OW) values was established (R(2) = 0.8024-0.9658).

Traumatic brain injuries from work accidents: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The United Arab Emirates is a rapidly developing country with recent expansion in construction and manufacturing. AIMS: To investigate the occurrence and outcomes following occupational traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring hospital admission. METHODS: Records for all TBI cases admitted to an Abu Dhabi hospital between 2005 and 2009 were reviewed. Data on mechanisms of occupational injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) on follow-up, were analysed. RESULTS: Of 581 TBI cases reviewed, 56 (10%) cases were reported as occupational by either the patient or the informant accompanying the patient. All cases were male migrants, and 63% were aged 25-44. Falls accounted for 63% of cases, falling objects 34% and motor vehicle collisions 4%. Median GCS score was 13 for all cases. Median hospital stay was 7.5 days. Intensive care unit admission data were available in 47 cases, of which 34% (16) were admitted with a median stay of 5 days. GOS data were available in 95% (53) of cases, with good recovery in 81% cases, moderate-to-severe disability in 11% of cases and death in 8% (4) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational TBI requiring hospitalization is most frequently due to falls and falling objects, with potentially grave consequences. This study further highlights the urgent need to implement preventative measures to improve construction worker safety.

WHO/INRUD patient care and facility-specific drug use indicators at primary health care centres in Eastern province, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to measure the performance of primary health care centres in Eastern province, Saudi Arabia, using the WHO/International Network of Rational Use of Drugs patient care and facility-specific drug use indicators. In a cross-sectional study, 10 health centres were selected using systematic random sampling. A total of 300 patients were interviewed while visiting the centre from January to March 2011 and 10 pharmacists from the same centres were interviewed. Average consultation time was 7.3 min (optimal > or = 30 min), percentage of drugs adequately labelled was 10% (optimal 100%) and patient's knowledge of correct dosage was 79.3% (optimal 100%). The percentage of key drugs in stock was only 59.2% (optimal 100%). An overall index of rational facility-specific drug use was calculated and applied to rank the health centres for benchmarking.

WHO/INRUD patient care and facility-specific drug use indicators at primary health care centres in Eastern province, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to measure the performance of primary health care centres in Eastern province, Saudi Arabia, using the WHO/International Network of Rational Use of Drugs patient care and facility-specific drug use indicators. In a cross-sectional study, 10 health centres were selected using systematic random sampling. A total of 300 patients were interviewed while visiting the centre from January to March 2011 and 10 pharmacists from the same centres were interviewed. Average consultation time was 7.3 min [optimal >/-30 min], percentage of drugs adequately labelled was 10% [optimal 100%] and patient's knowledge of correct dosage was 79.3% [optimal 100%]. The percentage of key drugs in stock was only 59.2% [optimal 100%]. An overall index of rational facility-specific drug use was calculated and applied to rank the health centres for benchmarking

Differential display analysis of mRNAs in chronic myelogenous leukaemia.

Analysis of expressed mRNAs with differential display-polymerase chain reaction (DD-PCR) is a powerful tool for the characterization of genes involved in malignant pathways and might identify markers for different phases of chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML). We examined the presence of BCR-ABL transcripts in 25 CML patients in either the chronic phase or blast crisis. We then analysed the expression of leukocytic RNA transcripts in CML phases. DD-PCR technique was used to examine CML cases with BCR-ABL in comparison with CML cases lacking detectable BCR-ABL transcripts. Our results support the use of differential display not only for characterization of the CML differentially expressed genes but also to locate patterns that can be implemented as valuable fingerprints for each phase of CML.

Differential display analysis of mRNAs in chronic myelogenous leukaemia

Analysis of expressed mRNAs with differential display-polymerase chain reaction [DD-PCR] is a powerful tool for the characterization of genes involved in malignant pathways and might identify markers for different phases of chronic myelogenous leukaemia [CML]. We examined the presence of BCR-ABL transcripts in 25 CML patients in either the chronic phase or blast crisis. We then analysed the expression of leukocytic RNA transcripts in CML phases. DD-PCR technique was used to examine CML cases with BCR-ABL in comparison with CML cases lacking detectable BCR-ABL transcripts. Our results support the use of differential display not only for characterization of the CML differentially expressed genes but also to locate patterns that can be implemented as valuable fingerprints for each phase of CML

Gas venoso hepatoportal secundario a diverticulitis aguda / Hepatoportal venous gas secondary to acute diverticulitis

La presencia de gas en el sistema venoso hepatoportal es una entidad muy infrecuente que se asocia a cuadros abdominales catastróficos, con una mortalidad del 75 por ciento. Se origina por la presencia de gérmenes productores de gas y/o comunicación directa del gas intraluminal con el espacio portal en casos de lesión mucosa -asociada o no a necrosis intestinal- u obstrucción intestinal. El tratamiento ha de ser combinado e intensivo, con reanimación, antibioterapia y cirugía. Se presenta un cuadro secundario a una etiología excepcionalmente citada, como es la diverticulitis aguda perforada, que inicialmente respondió al tratamiento agresivo médico y quirúrgico, aunque la evolución final fue el fallecimiento del paciente (AU)

Eosinophil cationic protein as a serological marker of disease activity in childhood bronchial asthma.

To study the value of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as a serological marker of disease activity in childhood bronchial asthma, ECP levels were measured in 20 healthy control children and 25 asthmatic children, during and 2 weeks after acute exacerbation. The mean serum ECP level of all asthmatic patients, during and after exacerbation, was significantly higher than the control group and was significantly higher during attacks than 2 weeks after their termination. ECP levels were highest in severe attacks, but did not differ between mild and moderate attacks. ECP levels in asthmatic patients 2 weeks after mild and moderate attacks were comparable to normal; after severe attacks levels remained higher than normal. Measurement of serum ECP will be helpful in determining asthma activity and deciding the use of anti-asthma drugs.

Allosteric control of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase from rat lung.

1. The regulation of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK) in the rat lung of normally fed (control), 72 hr-starved and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was investigated. 2. No significant changes in the total enzyme activities and the activity ratios [activity at 0.5 mM fructose 6-phosphate at pH 7.0/activity at pH 8.0 (v0.5/V)] of rat lung were observed between the control and 72 hr-starved or streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. 3. Rat lung PFK was highly stimulated by fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) as the affinity of the enzyme for fructose 6-phosphate was highly increased by this metabolite and the enzyme inhibition by ATP was released. 4. Although rat liver and mucosal PFK were found to be highly sensitive to stimulation by Fru-2,6-P2, lung PFK was significantly more sensitive to the stimulation by this metabolite than the other tissues. 5. The enzyme was highly inhibited by citrate and was only slightly inhibited by phosphocreatine. 6. ADP, AMP and c-AMP were shown to be activators of lung PFK with c-AMP being the most effective activator. 7. As a rate limiting enzyme of glycolysis, rat lung PFK is highly controlled by its allosteric effectors, especially Fru-2,6-P2, possibly for surfactant lipid synthesis which usually requires a high rate of glycolysis.

Regulation of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase in the placenta and small intestine of pregnant streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Changes in the activities of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK, EC 2.7.1.11) in the placenta and jejunal mucosa of pregnant rats during the onset of experimental diabetes induced by streptozotocin were investigated. The concentrations of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate were significantly decreased in the placenta and small intestine of the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The total activities and the activity ratios (activity at 0.5 mM fructose 6-phosphate at pH 7.0/activity at pH 8.0 (v0.5/V] of placental and jejunal PFK of diabetic pregnant and virgin rats were markedly diminished as compared to normal control rats. Also the susceptibility of jejunal and placental PFK to inhibition by ATP was increased in the diabetic virgin and pregnant rats. Administration of insulin in vivo completely reversed the effects of diabetes on the regulatory properties and on the total activities of placental and jejunal PFK. It is suggested that the diminished activity of PFK in the placenta and small intestine of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats could be the result of the decreased concentrations of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate as well as the effect of insulin on the activity of PFK.

Biochemical key to eight species of adult Egyptian mosquitoes.

1. An electrophoretic key is described, based on enzyme relative mobility, to distinguish eight species of Egyptian mosquito adults. 2. Using horizontal starch gel electrophoresis, five different enzyme assays unambiguously separated Culex pipiens L., Cx antennatus (Becker), Cx pusillus Macquart, Aedes caspius (Pallas), Culiseta longiareolata (Macquart), Uranotaenia unguiculata Edwards, Anopheles multicolor Cambouliu and An.pharoensis Theobald. 3. Diagnostic loci between species were: Ak-2, G6pd, alpha-Gpd, Gpi and 6-Pgd; the probability of correct diagnosis in each case was at least 0.989.