Approaches for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)/Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) in brain metastases using different radiotherapy modalities (Feasibility study).

BACKGROUND: SRS and SRT are precise treatments for brain metastases, delivering high doses while minimizing doses to nearby organs. Modern linear accelerators enable the precise delivery of SRS/SRT using different modalities like three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and Rapid Arc (RA). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare dosimetric differences and evaluate the effectiveness of 3DCRT, IMRT, and Rapid Arc techniques in SRS/SRT for brain metastases. METHODS: 10 patients with brain metastases, 3 patients assigned for SRT, and 7 patients for SRS. For each patient, 3 treatment plans were generated using the Eclipse treatment planning system using different treatment modalities. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed among the three techniques in the homogeneity index (HI), maximum D2%, and minimum D98% doses for the target, with a p >  0.05. The RA demonstrated a better conformity index of 1.14±0.25 than both IMRT 1.21±0.26 and 3DCRT 1.37±0.31. 3DCRT and IMRT had lower Gradient Index values compared to RA, suggesting that they achieved a better dose gradient than RA. The mean treatment time decreased by 26.2% and 10.3% for 3DCRT and RA, respectively, compared to IMRT. In organs at risk, 3DCRT had lower maximum doses than IMRT and RA, but some differences were not statistically significant. However, in the brain stem and brain tissues, RA exhibited lower maximum doses compared to IMRT and 3DCRT. Additionally, RA and IMRT had lower V15Gy, V12Gy, and V9Gy values compared to 3DCRT. CONCLUSION: While 3D-CRT delivered lower doses to organs at risk, RA and IMRT provided better conformity and target coverage. RA effectively controlled the maximum dose and irradiated volume of normal brain tissue. Overall, these findings indicate that 3DCRT, RA, and IMRT are suitable for treating brain metastases in SRS/SRT due to their improved dose conformity and target coverage while minimizing dose to healthy tissues.

Tumor microenvironment and immune system preservation in early-stage breast cancer: routes for early recurrence after mastectomy and treatment for lobular and ductal forms of disease.

BACKGROUND: Intra-ductal cancer (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer, with intra-lobular cancer (ILC) coming in second. Surgery is the primary treatment for early stage breast cancer. There are now irrefutable data demonstrating that the immune context of breast tumors can influence growth and metastasis. Adjuvant chemotherapy may be administered in patients who are at a high risk of recurrence. Our goal was to identify the processes underlying both types of early local recurrences. METHODS: This was a case-control observational study. Within 2 years of receiving adjuvant taxan and anthracycline-based chemotherapy, as well as modified radical mastectomy (MRM), early stage IDC and ILC recurred. Vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP1), and clustered differentiation (CD95) were investigated. RESULTS: Of the samples in the ductal type group, 25 showed local recurrence, and 25 did not. Six individuals in the lobular-type group did not experience recurrence, whereas seven did. Vimentin (p = 0.000 and 0.021), PDGF (p = 0.000 and 0.002), and CD95 (p = 0.000 and 0.045) expressions were significantly different in ductal and lobular carcinoma types, respectively. Measurement of ductal type was the sole significant difference found in MMP1 (p = 0.000) and α-SMA (p = 0.000). α-SMA and CD95 were two variables that helped the recurrence mechanism in the ductal type according to the pathway analysis. In contrast, the CD95 route is a recurrent mechanism for the lobular form. CONCLUSIONS: While the immune system plays a larger role in ILC, the tumor microenvironment and immune system both influence the recurrence of IDC. According to this study, improving the immune system may be a viable cancer treatment option.

Potential Anti-Toxoplasmosis Efficiency of Phoenix dactylifera Extracts Loaded on Selenium Nanoparticles.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii that infects humans and many types of mammals and birds. Objective: To investigate the effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and Phoenix dactylifera (Pd) extracts loaded on SeNPs as a new agent to combat chronic T. gondii infections in murine model as an alternative method to standard Spiramycin drug therapy. Methods: A total of 64 female mice were randomly divided into eight groups: GI: Normal control, GII: Positive control, GIII: infected and treated with Spiramycin, GIV: infected and treated with SeNPs, GV: infected and treated with aqueous extract of Pd, GVI: infected and treated with methanolic extract of Pd, GVII: infected and treated with aqueous extract of Pd loaded on SeNPs, GVIII: infected and treated with methanolic extract of Pd loaded on SeNPs. Date palm (P. dactylifera) fruits were identified and collected from the farms of Saudi Arabia. Preparation and characterization of SeNPs were done. The parasitological, histopathological examinations and biochemical changes were evaluated in all groups. Results: Parasitological results showed significant differences in GVII in comparison to GII while GVIII showed significant differences in comparison to GII and GIII. The histopathological section of the cerebral cortex showed obvious alterations in the infected compared with untreated control groups. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. dactylifera loaded on SeNPs treatment showed improvement that indicated by few perivascular cuffing with few inflammatory cell infiltrations. Few granule cells with mild intracellular vacuolation and edema few deformed neurons with deep pyknotic nuclei. Microglia cells expression of Iba-1 and inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and INF-γ) in serum of all groups was higher in GII and lowest in GVIII followed by GVII. Conclusion: SeNPs and P. dactylifera extracts loaded on SeNPs could be a potent agent to combat T. gondii infections.

Metabolomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle and Limonia acidissima Linn. fruits and leaves in perspective to their antimicrobial potential.

Antimicrobial potential of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle and Limonia acidissima L. fruits and leaves extracts CMF, CML, LAF and LAL, respectively were evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for lipoidal matters revealed a high percentage of non-oxygenated compounds. Phytol was the major in LAL. Palmitic and linoleic acid were the major in CML and LAL, respectively. Rutin and P-hydroxy benzoic acid were the main compounds identified by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the plants extract were determined by the well diffusion method. Antimicrobial investigation for different successive fractions of active methanol extracts of CML, LAL, LAF and CMF showed the highest activity (CML), whereas the petroleum ether (CML PE) and MeOH (CML) fractions exhibit a significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 12 and 15 µg/mL, respectively. The antifungal activity prevailed by C. medica leaves may be attributed to its polyphenolics (rutin, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid) in addition to phenylated hydrocarbon.

Evaluation of nutritional and physicochemical characteristics of soy yogurt by Lactobacillus plantarum KU985432 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCMI-745.

Nutritional yeast-produced soy yogurt has grown in demand, because of its unique nutritional and health benefits. It has low cholesterol, no lactose, and high levels of protein, probiotic yeast, vitamins, and minerals. In this work, Soymilk (12.5%) was prepared and fermented to produce soy yogurt. Growth curves, probiotic characteristics of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCMI-745 and Lactobacillus plantarum KU985432 were determined. The nutritional value of both yogurts was evaluated, including viable cell count, protein, vitamin B-complex, sugars, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, mineral content, stability, and storage. Analysis of the physicochemical composition of the yogurts included assessment of titratable acidity, antioxidant potential, viscosity, and moisture content. The probiotic viable count of the produced yogurts met the standards for commercial yogurts. S. boulardii CNCMI-745 displayed safety characteristics and high tolerance to heat, acid, and alkaline stress. The produced B vitamins increased in both yogurts. The total saturated fatty acids in Saccharomyces-yogurt decreased, while the unsaturated fatty acids increased. Saccharomyces-yogurt showed high antioxidant activity, phenolic acids, and crude protein content. Both yogurts demonstrated the same tendency for stability during 16 day-storage. In conclusion, using nutritional yeast in the production of soy yogurt increased its nutritional content more than probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

Lactobacillus-fermented yogurt exerts hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-inflammatory activities in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Hyperglycemia is a symptom of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose concentrations. Antidiabetic drugs are common treatments for this metabolic disorder; however, they may have unpleasant side effects. This study hypothesized that probiotic fermented products could preserve nutritional value, maintain metabolic homeostasis, and attenuate the inflammatory response associated with diabetes while reducing side effects. Lactobacillus plantarum KU985438 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus KU985439 showed the lowest alfa-amylase enzyme (α-amylase) activity among 8 lactobacilli tested. These 2 strains were used to develop functional fermented milk products, and their antidiabetic efficacy was tested in induced diabetic Wistar rats. The treatment of diabetic rats with L. plantarum KU985438 or L. rhamnosus KU985439 fermented yogurt resulted in a considerable reduction in blood glucose concentrations (136.79% and 145.17%, respectively) and α-amylase concentrations (56.84% and 56.84%, respectively) compared with conventional treatments. Diabetes relief began after 4 days of yogurt consumption compared with drug-based treatment. Significant improvements in both liver and kidney enzyme concentrations were also observed, in addition to a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and improved lipid profiles. Inhibition in nuclear factor κB and an increase in Bcl-2 concentrations were also detected. Histopathological examination of both hepatic and pancreatic cells revealed the positive effects of the studied treatment compared with standard treatment. Therefore, the selected Lactobacilli, which has hypoglycemic potential, could be used to produce functional nutraceutical antidiabetic supplements.

Augmented inferior rectus transposition with medial rectus recession in treatment of chronic unilateral sixth nerve palsy.

BACKGROUND: to report the results of augmented inferior rectus muscle transposition (IRT) in management of chronic sixth nerve palsy. METHODS: a retrospective review of medical records of patients with chronic complete sixth nerve palsy who were treated by augmented full thickness IRT to the lateral border of the paralyzed lateral rectus muscle. Patients were selected for IRT if there was more limitation of abduction in inferior gaze associated with V- pattern esotropia. Medial rectus recession (MRRc) was performed in case of positive intraoperative forced duction. Effect on primary position esotropia, face turn, amount of V-pattern and limitation of ocular ductions were reported and analyzed. RESULTS: the review revealed 11 patients (7 males) with chronic unilateral sixth nerve palsy who were treated by simultaneous augmented IRT and MRRc. Causes of sixth nerve palsy were trauma (6 cases), vascular (3 cases), inflammation and congenital (one case each). Mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 35.6 years (range; 11-63) and mean follow up was 8.6 months (range; 6-13). Postoperatively, average correction of esotropia, V-pattern, face turn and limited abduction were 35.9 PD, 11.4 PD, 25.9° and 2.2 unit, respectively (p < .00). Postoperative complications in the form anterior segment ischemia, symptomatic induced vertical deviations were not found. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of chronic unilateral sixth nerve palsy associated with more limitation of abduction in downgaze and V-pattern esotropia, augmented IRT could be considered as an effective and safe modality.

Parasitological and Biochemical Efficacy of the Active Ingredients of Allium sativum and Curcuma longa in Schistosoma mansoni Infected Mice.

The active ingredients allicin and curcumin have a wide range of actions against fungi, bacteria, and helminths. Therefore, the study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of allicin (AL) and curcumin (CU) as antischistosomal drugs and their biochemical effects in normal and Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Praziquantel (PZQ) was administrated for two successive days while AL or CU was given for two weeks from the week 7th postinfection (PI). The possible effect of different regimens on Schistosoma worms was evaluated by measuring the percentage of the recovered worms, tissue egg load, and oogram pattern. Serum alanine transaminase activity and levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and uric acid were measured. Liver tissue malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels besides, the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were assessed for the oxidative/antioxidant condition. DNA electrophoresis of liver tissue was used to indicate the degree of fragmentation. There was a significant reduction in the recovered worms and egg load, with a marked change of oogram pattern in all treated groups with PZQ, AL, and CU in comparison with infected-untreated mice. PZQ, AL, and CU prevented most of the hematological and biochemical disorders, as well as significantly improved the antioxidant capacity and enhanced DNA fragmentation in the liver tissue of schistosomiasis mice compared to the infected-untreated group. These promising results suggest that AL and CU are efficient as antischistosomal drugs, and it would be beneficial to test their combination to understand the mechanism of action and the proper period of treatment leading to the best result.

The in Vitro Antischistosomal Activity and Genotoxicity of the Active Ingredients of Allium sativum (allicin) and Curcuma longa (curcumin).

BACKGROUND: In this study, we assessed the in vitro antischistosomal activity of the active ingredients of Allium sativum (allicin) and Curcuma longa (curcumin) on Schistosoma mansoni. METHODS: This study was conducted in Faculty of Science, Port said University, Egypt (2018). Adult worms were exposed to a range of concentrations of AL or CU, and worm survival was assessed 24 h post-exposure to calculate the lethal concentration of the compounds. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess ultrastructural changes in the surface of AL- or CU- treated worms. The genotoxicities of AL and CU on S. mansoni were determined by DNA fragmentation analysis. RESULTS: We determined the concentrations of AL and CU required to kill 50% of S. mansoni (LC50 ). The LC50 of AL was 8.66 µL/mL, whereas 100% mortality of S. mansoni was achieved by AL at concentrations of 50 µL/mL. The LC50 of CU was 87.25 µL/mL, with the highest mortality of 91.3% seen after 24 h exposure to 100 µg/mL CU. Ultrastructural studies revealed that exposure to either AL or CU led to mild or severe surface damage to S. mansion, respectively. The degree of damage in the worms was sex-dependent. Interestingly, while CU exposure resulted in DNA fragmentation in S. mansoni worms, we observed no genotoxic effects of AL. CONCLUSION: Both AL and CU exhibit antischistosomal activity; the study provided evidence suggesting that these compounds act through distinct mechanisms. These promising results encourage further investigation into these compounds as potential antischistosomal agents, either alone or as complementary treatments to praziquantel.

Surgical Outcomes of Primary Congenital Glaucoma in Children Under One Year from the Nile Delta.

PURPOSE: To present outcomes of surgical management of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in children less than one year of age in a population based at the Nile Delta. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of patients with PCG less than one year of age at presentation who underwent surgical intervention in a tertiary care facility based at the Nile Delta. All patients underwent measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), horizontal corneal diameter (HCD), cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) before and after surgery and a minimum of 6 months follow up was required. Surgical success was defined as IOP less than 22mmHg without medications and without progression of main disease parameters. RESULTS: The review revealed 44 eyes of 26 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for PCG. Average age at surgery was 5.2 months and mean follow up was 18.5 months. Preoperative IOP was 28.5±4 mmHg, HCD was 13.7±0.7mm, and CDR (when visible) was 0.65±0.18. A total of 69 surgical procedures were performed with an average of 1.56 procedures per eye. Postoperative IOP was 13.3±4.8 mmHg, HCD was 12.8±0.9mm, and CDR was 0.3±0.2 (P<0.0001). Surgical success was achieved in 32 eyes (72.7%) while sight-threatening postoperative complications were reported in 3 eyes. CONCLUSION: Surgical management of PCG younger than one year of age achieved good success rate in the region of the Nile Delta with low rate of visually significant postoperative complications. However, larger studies with longer follow up are needed to fully reveal the overall characteristics of PCG in the region.

Assessment of exopolysaccharides, bacteriocins and in vitro and in vivo hypocholesterolemic potential of some Egyptian Lactobacillus spp.

Lactobacilli probiotics have been suggested to reduce cholesterol with low side effects to host. Bacteriocins and exopolysaccharides (EPSs) production are two meaningful examples of functional applications of lactobacilli in the food industry. Eight Lactobacillus strains were isolated from some Egyptian fermented food and tested for their probiotic properties. Analysis of the monosaccharide composition by thin layer chromatography showed the presence of glucose, galactose and unknown sugar. The main functional groups of EPSs were elucidated by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Their fermentation cultures displayed powerful antioxidant activities extending from 97.5 to 99%, 40-75% for their EPSs and free cells, respectively, and exhibited in vitro cholesterol downgrading from 48 to 82% and 72 to 91% after 48 and 120 h, respectively. Their EPSs showed good anticancer activities against carcinoma cells with low IC50 values for HCT-116, PC-3 and HepG-2 cells. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports on the potential of Lactobacillus EPSs activity against PC-3. The selected strains, L. plantarum KU985433 and L. rhamnosus KU985436 produced two different bacteriocins as detected by gel permeation chromatography with good antimicrobial activities. In vivo study demonstrated that feeding Westar rats with fermented milk exhibited greater cholesterol, LDL and blood triglyceride reduction for both strains. Whereas, HDL was increased by about 43 and 38%, respectively, and the atherogenic indices decreased.

Augmented superior rectus muscle transposition in management of defective ocular abduction.

BACKGROUND: Superior rectus muscle transposition (SRT) is one of the proposed transposition techniques in the management of defective ocular abduction secondary to chronic sixth nerve palsy and esotropic Duane retraction syndrome (Eso-DRS). The aim of the current study is to report the outcomes of augmented SRT in treatment of Eso-DRS and chronic sixth nerve palsy. METHODS: a retrospective review of medical records of patients with Eso-DRS and complete chronic sixth nerve palsy who were treated by augmented full tendon SRT combined with medial rectus recession (MRc) when intraoperative forced duction test yielded a significant contracture. Effect on primary position esotropia (ET), abnormal head posture (AHP), limitation of ocular ductions as well as complications were reported and analyzed. RESULTS: a total of 21 patients were identified: 10 patients with 6th nerve palsy and 11 patients with Eso-DRS. In both groups, SRT was combined with ipsilateral MRc in 18 cases. ET, AHP and limited abduction were improved by means of 33.8PD, 26.5°, and 2.6 units in 6th nerve palsy group and by 31.1PD, 28.6°, and 2 units in Eso-DRS group respectively. Surgical success which was defined as within 10 PD of horizontal orthotropia and within 4 PD of vertical orthotropia was achieved in 15 cases (71.4%). Significant induced hypertropia of more than 4 PD was reported in 3 patients (30%) and in 2 patients (18%) in both groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: augmented SRT with or without MRc is an effective tool for management of ET, AHP and limited abduction secondary to sixth nerve palsy and Eso-DRS. However, this form of augmented superior rectus muscle transposition could result in high rates of induced vertical deviation.

Prognostic Value of TWIST1 and EZH2 Expression in Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common human cancer. Twist, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, is an epithelial-mesenchymal transition ((EMT) inducer that has been involved in carcinogenesis and chemoresistance. Also, the enhancer of Zeste homolologue2 (EZH2), a member of the polycomb group of genes, had been associated with poor prognosis in several malignancies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of Twist1 and EZH2 in colon carcinoma in Egyptian patients and its relation to clinicopathological parameters, prognosis, and survival. METHODS: Twist1 and EZH2 expressions were evaluated immunohistochemically in 50 cases of colorectal tumors (12 colon adenomas and 38 colon carcinomas) and 20 samples from normal colonic mucosa. RESULTS: The expression of Twist1 and EZH2 was significantly higher in colon adenoma and carcinoma than that in normal colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Twist1 and EZH2 expressions were associated with decreased tumor differentiation, advanced stage, and lymph node metastasis. Twist1 and EZH2 expressions were significantly related to 3-year disease-free survival (P = 0.005 and 0.002 respectively) and 3-year overall survival (P = 0.045 and 0.039, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Twist1 and EZH2 may serve as prognostic predictors for colon carcinoma and may have a potential role as therapeutic targets in patients with colon carcinoma in the future.

Adsorption mechanism and effectiveness of phenol and tannic acid removal by biochar produced from oil palm frond using steam pyrolysis.

In order to meet the growing demand for adsorbents to treat wastewater effectively, there has been increased interest in using sustainable biomass feedstocks. In this present study, the dermal tissue of oil palm frond was pyrolyzed with superheated steam at 500 °C to produce nanoporous biochar as bioadsorbent. The effect of operating conditions was investigated to understand the adsorption mechanism and to enhance the adsorption of phenol and tannic acid. The biochar had a microporous structure with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 422 m2/g containing low polar groups. The adsorption capacity of 62.89 mg/g for phenol and 67.41 mg/g for tannic acid were obtained using 3 g/L biochar dosage after 8 h of treatment at solution pH of 6.5 and temperature of 45 °C. The Freundlich model had the best fit to the isotherm data of phenol (R2 of 0.9863), while the Langmuir model best elucidated the isotherm data of tannic acid (R2 of 0.9632). These indicated that the biochar-phenol interface was associated with a heterogeneous multilayer sorption mechanism, while the biochar-tannic acid interface had a nonspecific monolayer sorption mechanism. The residual concentration of 26.3 mg/L phenol and 23.1 mg/L tannic acid was achieved when treated from 260 mg/L three times consecutively with 1 g/L biochar dosage, compared to a reduction to 72.3 mg/L phenol and 69.9 mg/L tannic acid using 3 g/L biochar dosage in a single treatment. The biochar exhibited effective adsorption of phenol and tannic acid, making it possible to treat effluents that contain varieties of phenolic compounds.

Suture loop myopexy versus silicone band loop myopexy in the management of myopic strabismus fixus.

PURPOSE: To compare two different modalities of superior rectus-lateral rectus loop myopexy; suture (SLM) and silicone band loop (SBM), in the treatment of myopic strabismus fixus. METHODS: The medical records of patients with myopic strabismus fixus who underwent surgical management with either SLM or SBM at a single institution over a period of 4 years were retrospectively reviewed. In cases with positive intraoperative forced duction test, the medial rectus muscle was recessed. The primary outcome measures were improvement of primary position esotropia, hypotropia, and limitations of abduction and elevation. The angle between the displaced superior rectus and lateral rectus muscles (angle of globe dislocation) was also assessed by orbital imaging before and after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were identified, of whom 10 underwent SLM and 11 underwent SBM. Mean age at surgery was 65.4 ± 5.7 years in the SLM group and 68.5 ± 6.4 years in the SBM group. Both procedures significantly improved esotropia, hypotropia, angle of globe dislocation, and limitation of abduction and elevation (P < 0.0001), with no significant statistical difference between procedures (P > 0.05). Intraoperative muscle splitting occurred in 2 cases in the SLM group, and transient foreign body sensation was documented in 3 cases in the SBM group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study cohort, both techniques achieved significant correction of ocular deviation, limitation of ocular ductions, and angle of globe dislocation associated with myopic strabismus fixus, with no statistically significant difference between procedures. Operative complications in both groups were mild and innocuous.

Improving oral health: a short-term split-mouth randomized clinical trial revealing the superiority of resin infiltration over remineralization of white spot lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate masking effects of resin infiltration on labial white spot lesions (WSL), by comparing the latter with a remineralization approach (using hydroxyapatite and fluorides) and conventional oral care (using fluoride-free toothpaste). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Fifteen patients with at least three WSL were enrolled for a within-person randomized controlled trial, thus allowing for intrapersonal comparisons. Each WSL per tooth in every patient was randomly assigned to one of the following groups. Group 1: lesions were resin-infiltrated with Icon (RI; DMG); Group 2: Remin Pro (RP; VOCO) was used as remineralizing agent; and Group 3 (control): affected teeth were brushed with Complete Care toothpaste (CC; Himalaya). RP and CC were applied by means of a polishing brush, using a low-speed handpiece (5 min), and these procedures were repeated chairside thrice daily for 7 consecutive days. Digital photographs were captured before and after lesion treatment under standardized conditions. The CIE L*a*b* color system was used to analyze the optical outcome, and intrapersonal color differences were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Compared to RP and CC, RI showed prompt and subjectively satisfactory color improvements, and this was primarily driven by L* and b* shifts. Statistical analysis of the objective color differences (ΔE*) between the three groups revealed significant differences for RI vs RP (P = .029), RI vs CC (P < .001), and RP vs CC (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Resin infiltration is considered a time-effective treatment option for esthetically camouflaging WSL, while RP and CC failed to improve lesion appearance and oral health in the current short-term trial.

Fasting Ghrelin and Postprandial GLP-1 Levels in Patients With Morbid Obesity and Medical Comorbidities After Sleeve Gastrectomy and One-anastomosis Gastric Bypass: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) are among the commonly performed bariatric procedures. This randomized study aimed to compare SG and OAGB in terms of weight loss, improvement in comorbidities, and change in serum ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized trial on patients with morbid obesity associated with medical comorbidities who were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 equal groups; group I underwent SG and group II underwent OAGB. Outcome measures were percent of excess weight loss (%EWL), improvement in comorbidities, change in the venous levels of fasting ghrelin and postprandial GLP-1 at 12 months after surgery, in addition to operation time and complications. RESULTS: Forty patients (38 female) of a mean age of 33.8 years and mean body mass index of 48.6 kg/m2 were included. Operation time in group II was significantly longer than in group I (86 vs. 52.87 min; P<0.001). There were 6 recorded complications (1 in group I and 5 in group II, P=0.18). The %EWL, %total weight loss, and %excess body mass index loss at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were significantly higher in group II than in group I. Both groups had similar rates of improvement in comorbidities. Group I had significantly lower ghrelin and GLP-1 levels postoperatively at 6 and 12 months, respectively, as compared with group II. CONCLUSIONS: OAGB was associated with significantly higher EWL than SG. The reduction in fasting ghrelin and postprandial GLP-1 serum levels at 12 months after SG was significantly higher than that after OAGB.

Structural, physical characteristics and biological activities assessment of scleroglucan from a local strain Athelia rolfsii TEMG.

Athelia rolfsii TEMG (MH 236106) an exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing fungal strain was isolated and identified. Extraction, purification, characterization, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral and antitumor activities of the polysaccharide were investigated. It characterized as a homopolysaccharide of glucose with a molecular weight of 345.622 kDa. The identification of the polysaccharide was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The existence of ß-1,3 and ß-1,6 linkages suggests that EPS could be scleroglucan. The purified scleroglucan showed considerable antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The results indicated that, there was no cytotoxicity on normal cell (W138) and no effect on tumor cell lines including HepG2 and PC3 showing IC50 of 5096.83, 5885.80 and 4803.90 µg/mL, respectively. The results showed also that Sclg could reduce the cytopathic effect by 50% (EC50) at 15 and 50 µg/mL of herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and influenza virus (H5N1), respectively.

Surgical outcomes of three different weakening procedures of inferior oblique muscle in the treatment of unilateral superior oblique palsy.

BACKGROUND: To compare surgical outcomes and complications of three inferior oblique weakening procedures; Inferior Oblique Myectomy (IOM), Inferior Oblique combined Resection-Anterior Transposition (IORAT) and Inferior Oblique Anterior Transposition (IOAT) in the management of unilateral Superior Oblique (SO) palsy. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of all patients with unilateral SO palsy who underwent one of the aforementioned IO weakening procedures at Benha University hospital was performed. Patients were excluded if surgery was bilateral or combined with other vertical muscle surgery. Primary outcome parameters were improvement of Hypertropia (HT) in primary gaze, side gazes, on alternate head turn, Inferior Oblique Overaction (IOOA), Superior Oblique Underaction (SOUA), correction of head tilt and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The review reveals a total of 65 patients with unilateral SO palsy; 54 congenital and 11 acquired, who met the study criteria and were classified into 3 groups; IOM group (24cases), IORAT group (19cases) and IOAT group (22cases). Compared with IOM, both IORAT and IOAT induced significant correction of HT in primary position, ipsilateral gaze, contralateral head tilt and IOOA. IORAT was significantly more effective than IOAT in correction of HT in ipsilateral gaze and contralateral head tilt while there was no statistical difference between the three groups in correction of HT in ipsilateral gaze, contralateral head tilt and SOUA. Postoperative Anti-elevation was significantly recorded following IORAT (6 cases, 31%) than IOAT (3 cases, 13%) and IOM (one cases, 4%). CONCLUSIONS: The IORAT and IOAT were more superior to IOM in correction of IOOA and HT in the primary position and some other gaze positions. However, superiority of IORAT over the other two procedures should be weighed against its significant association with postoperative underaction of IO muscle and anti-elevation syndrome.