Histomorphological, Histochemical and Ultrastructural Studies on the Healthy Liver of Yemen Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) in Southern Saudi Arabia / Estudios Histomorfológicos, Histoquímicos y Ultraestructurales en el Hígado Sano del Camaleón Velado de Yemen (Chamaeleo calyptratus) en el Sur de Arabia Saudita

SUMMARY: The livers of reptiles are being studied as a model for the link between the environment and hepatic tissue. There have been few investigations on the histology of reptile livers, and very few or no studies have examined the histology of liver of veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). This paper describes the histomorphological, histochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the liver of veiled chameleons in southern Saudi Arabia. Seven Chamaeleo calyptratus were captured in the summer season in Abha City, Aseer region, southern Saudi Arabia. Chamaeleon liver samples were processed for histomorphology, histochemistry and ultrastructure analyses. Morphologically liver of Chamaeleo calyptratus was observed as a large dark brown organ with lighter speckles, which represent melanin deposits. It located at the ventral part of abdominal cavity forward of the stomach. Its dimensions approximately were 3.7 x 2 cm. The liver was a bilobed organ divided into two lobes, right and left lobes. The right one was bigger than the others. The gallbladder was well developed and had an elongated shape, situated between the two lobes and contained the bile for the digestion. Microscopically, the liver was found to be covered by a thick layer of connective tissue, which formed the hepatic capsule. Hepatic parenchyma probably appeared in cross sections as hepatic glandular-like alveoli "acini" or follicular structures with various diameters, each acinus contains approximately four to six hepatocytes, surrounded by sinusoidal capillaries filled with abundant melanomacrophages, which are absent in birds and mammals. Melanomacrophages are common in the hepatic parenchyma's perisinusoidal areas, particularly near portal spaces. Hepatocytes are polyhedral or pyramidal with and mostly contained large, rounded nuclei mostly peripherally located, with prominent dark oval nucleoli. Some of nuclei are eccentric or central position. The cytoplasm appeared spongy or vacuolated and more eosinophilic when stained by hematoxylin-eosin and strongly reactive to PAS staining technique, indicating abundant glycogen content. The reticular fibers that surround hepatocytes, blood arteries, and sinusoids supported the hepatic parenchyma. The blood sinusoids are seen interspersed among hepatocytes of varying sizes. The sinusoidal lumen was bordered by flattened endothelial cells and includes elliptical nucleated erythrocytes and liver macrophages as phagocytes, which are also known as Kupffer cells. Branches of the portal vein, hepatic artery, small bile duct, and lymph vessels were detected in the hepatic portal area "tract" or triad which made up of connective. Hematopoietic tissue was observed in subcapsular region and portal triads. Ultrastructurally, the hepatocyte appeared polyhedric containing a single large rounded basal or eccentric vesicular nucleus with prominent nucleolus. Extensive network of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) often arranged in an array parallel to the nuclear membrane with many mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus were described. The cytoplasm contained glycogen granules, vesicles or vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm especially at the apical region were reported. The bile canaliculi and the hepatic "Kupffer" cells were also discussed. This is the first study on the histological characterization of the healthy liver of Yemen veiled chameleon in southern Saudi Arabia. The findings reported here should be used as a reference to compare with the pathological abnormalities of the liver in this animal.

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First Record of A serious Wilt Disease Induced by Fusarium sacchari and Root Borer on Sugarcane in Kenana Scheme, Sudan

Background: Wilt of sugarcane was recorded almost 100 years ago and is one of the major fungal diseases affecting cane production and productivity. Many commercial varieties were withdrawn from cultivation due to their susceptibility to the disease in many countries. Even though the disease was recorded long back. Methods: For the assessment of disease status and varieties susceptibility of wilt disease, an extensive survey was conducted on sugarcane fields of 2020-2021 of Kenana Sugarcane Company. Isolation of the Pathogen was done by two types of culture in Petri dishes containing PDA the other was incubated in a Plotter test. Both segments were incubated at 28� The pathogenicity test was conducted according to Koch's postulate by Dipping inoculation method and the Plug inoculation method. Results: The result of the survey revealed that the symptoms of the disease appeared clearly in the fields and the result of laboratory isolation indicated that the pure culture of causing pathogen, Fusarium sacchari based on detailed culture morphology. Among the insect pests, root borer was found to associate with wilt disease from sugarcane-infected stalks. The result of the pathogenicity test in pot culture under greenhouse conditions using the variety Co 997 with the pathogenic culture of F. saccharri induced the same symptoms. And re-isolation of the pathogen is similar to the isolation from fields. Conclusion: We were concluded that the wilt of sugarcane affects cane productivity in Sudan and this is considered as the first record of wilt disease in sugarcane in Sudan. As sugarcane is an important crop, future disease control methods will soon be started to control this important disease.

Effect of heavy cigarette and water pipe smoking on antioxidants and lipids in Sudanese male smokers: a case-control study

Background: Tobacco smoking is a source of many toxins such as free radicals, mutagenic substances as well as cause for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly atherosclerosis. This study aims to assess the impact of smoking on antioxidants in Sudanese male smokers. Methods: Cases were 85 and 48 men who smoke cigarettes (CS) and water pipe (WPS) respectively and they were compared with matching 50 non-smoking controls. Blood samples were collected and following parameters: Glutathione peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, Total cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL, HDL, Paraoxinase, and Malondialdehyde were measured. Results: There were no significant differences in biochemical parameters between light CS and WPS compared to controls. In heavy smokers of both WPS and CS, the TC, TG, LDL, and MDA were higher than controls (p>0.05), GPx, SOD, HDL, and PON were lower in smokers than controls (p>0.05). In both groups of smokers, HDL, GPx, SOD, and PON were inversely correlated with duration of smoking (p>0.05), also, HDL was positively correlated with SOD and GPx (p>0.05). Moreover, GPx and SOD were correlated with each other in both groups of smokers (p>0.05). Conclusion: In Sudanese male smokers' biochemical profile disturbances suggest that heavy smoking was leading to developing CVD, particularly WPS

Vestibular assessment in chronic noise exposure subjects

Background: The damaging effect of noise on vestibular disturbance is well known, first described in 1890 by Haberman in tinkers with occupational hearing loss. Others have reported vestibular disturbances and abnormalities, such as balance disorders, dizziness, vertigo, and even spontaneous nystagmus in workers exposed to various kinds of occupational noise. Objective: To evaluate vestibular function in subjects with chronic noise exposure.Subjects and methods: Eighty subjects were included in the study, divided into 2 groups: 60 subjects exposed to noise in laundry with mean age 41.53±11.15 (study group) and 20 subjects not exposed to noise with mean age 38.60±6.48 (Control group). All subjects underwent audiovestibular evaluations (puretone audiometry, tympanometry, vedionystagmography, and posturography).Results: This study demonstrated elevated hearing threshold at audiometric frequencies 2-8 KHz (pv <0.001) and speech discrimination (pv <0.001). in addition, marked caloric weakness and reduced SOT composite scores (pv = <0.001), reduced SOT equilibrium scores in noise exposure subjects (pv<0.001), reduced SOT sensory scores in VEST and PREF (Pv <0.001). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between duration of exposure and auditory and vestibular implications. Conclusion: this study revealed apparent effect of noise on auditory and vestibular system

comparison between post-operative analgesia after intrathecal injection of nalbuphine versus fentanyl as an adjuvent to bupivacaine after cesarean section

Background: one of the primary aims of anesthesia is to alleviate the patient's pain and agony, by permitting the performance of surgical procedures without any discomfort. Relief of postoperative pain has gained real importance in recent years considering the central, peripheral and immunological stress response to tissue injury. Any expertise acquired in this field should be extended into the postoperative period, which is the period of severe, intolerable pain requiring attention. So there is a need for extended analgesia without any side effects to achieve this goal. The use of opioids in intrathecal or epidural anesthesia has become popular to optimize postoperative analgesia. However, opioid-induced side effects, such as respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention and pruritus, limit their use

Aim of the Work: the purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative analgesic requirements and the spinally mediated analgesic effects of intrathecal nalbuphine as an adjunct to intrathecal bupivacaine after cesarean section in comparison to intrathecal bupivacaine plus fentanyl

Patients and Methods: eighty female patients came to Demerdash Hospital for cesarean delivery, they were randomly allocated into two equal groups [40 patients] group F and group N. Group F: Bupivacaine-Fentanyl: Patients received an intrathecal injection of 2 ml of 0.5% heavy [hyperbaric] bupivacaine plus 0.5 ml [25 Mug] fentanyl. Group N: Bupivacaine-Nalbuphine: Patients received an intrathecal injection of 2 ml of 0.5% heavy [hyperbaric] bupivacaine plus 0.5 ml [0.8 mg] Nalbuphine

Results: the addition of a small dose of nalbuphine or fentanyl to bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia moderately prolonged the time of postoperative analgesia, while the duration of analgesia was more prolonged and the adverse effects were minimal with the group of nalbuphine, our result shows no significant difference, but shows significant difference in the More rapid onset of sensory block with Fentanyl than with Naluphine, more rapid Regression time to S1 dermatome with Fentanyl than with Naluphine, the duration of motor block is shorter with Fentanyl than with Naluphine, patients receive rescue analgesia 6 h postoperatively is fewer with Nalpuphine than Fentanyl

Conclusion: more rapid onset of motor block in fentanyl group than in nalbuphine group, more rapid onset of sensory block with Fentanyl than with Naluphine, more rapid regression time to S1 dermatome with Fentanyl than with Naluphine

Effect of intra-muscular administration of dexamethasone on the duration of induction of labor in primigravida full-term pregnancy

Background: induction of labor refers to the process of artificially initiating uterine contractions prior to their spontaneous onset to effects progressive effacement and dilatation of the cervix and ultimately, delivery of the baby

Aim of the Work: to establish whether a single dose of dexamethasone [8mg] intra-muscularly plays a role in shorting the duration interval between initiation of labor induction and beginning of the active phase of labor in primigravida full-term pregnancy

Patients and Methods: this clinical interventional randomized case-controlled trial was conducted at El Hussien University Hospital during the period from July 2017 to March 2018. One hundred twenty full term and post-term [>/= 40 weeks] nulliparous women were included in this study and divided into the following: Group I [Dexamethasone group] injected with 2 ml [8 mg] of the product [dexamethasone] 6 hours before initiation of labor induction and Group II [Control group] was not receive dexamethasone or any other cervical ripening agent

Results: our results showed that the intramuscular administration of dexamethasone appears to shorten labor duration

Conclusion: single intra-muscular injection of two ml. [8mg.] of dexamethasone before induction of labour appears to shorten labor duration

Pharmacological study on the effect of the aqueous extract of mangifera indicaa leaves on vascular activity of diabetic albino rats

Background: diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease, which is considered one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diabetes can affect many different organ systems in the body and can lead to serious complications. These complications can be classified as microvascular or macrovascular. Microvascular complications include nervous system damage, renal system damage and eye damage. Macrovascular complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease

Objective: it aimed to assess effects of aqueous mango leaves extract on diabetes mellitus

Materials and Methods: aqueous mango leaves extract were assessed for their effects on blood glucose, blood pressure, lipid profiles and body weight in diabetic rats. Also, check out photochemical agents including total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant activity in the aqueous mango leaves extract

Results: aqueous mango leaves extract are rich in total phenols, flavonoides and tannins content, so the antioxidant activity is high. Random blood glucose level and systolic blood pressure were decreased in diabetic rats treated with either aqueous extract of mango leaves or glibenclamide, while, body weight was increased in diabetic rats treated with either glibenclamide or aqueous extract of mango leaves. The contractile responses to norepinephrine were decreased and the relaxant effect of acetylcholine were increased significantly in diabetic rats treated with either glibenclamide or aqueous extract of mango leaves. The treatment of glibenclamide with aqueous mango leaves extract gave the best results with diabetic rats compared to other treatments

Conclusion: aqueous mango leaves extract produced a significant hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats and improved the diabetes mellitus induced changes in the vascular reactivity, so possibility of its usingas dietary supplements have healthy and therapeuticproperties

study of lung ultrasonography in Infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection as a quick and safe alternative tool in a group of Egyptian infants

Background: acute lower respiratory infections [ALRI], such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age

Aim of the Work: to study ultrasonography findings in infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection and to test its sensitivity and specificity in comparison to clinical and conventional x- ray for diagnosis of childhood acute lower respiratory tract infection

Patients and Methods: the present cross sectional study was conducted on sixty patients were chosen according to inclusion criteria [fever with signs of respiratory distress] to compare chest ultrasonography to chest x-ray in diagnosis of children with acute lower respiratory tract infection

Results: in our study, diagnostic Accuracy of ultrasound was 93.45%, while diagnostic Accuracy of chest X- ray was 81% in patients' group. Sensitivity of ultrasound in cases of Bronchiolitis was 87.5% in comparison to chest X-ray was 78.1%, sensitivity of ultrasound in cases of pneumonia was 84.2% in comparison to chest X- ray was 52.6%. According to specificity, there is no difference in specificity between all patients' group

Conclusion: in view of our study it can be concluded that, chest US offers an important contribution to the diagnostic procedures of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children, as Bronchiolitis, pneumonia and pleural effusion with higher sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive index comparable to chest X-ray

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] is used more commonly in evaluation of knee trauma compared to other modalities. It is an excellent diagnostic tool that may help clinicians in the evaluation of injuries to menisci and ligaments, osseous structures, articular surfaces, and tendon, it plays an important role in clinical decision-making

Aim of the Work: The aim of the study was to determine the role of magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] in the assessment of injuries related to anterior cruciate ligament compared to arthroscopy

Patients and Methods: This study included [20] ACL injury patients referred to the Radiology Department from the Orthopedics outpatient clinic department, Al-Demerdash Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University from December of 2016 to August of 2017

Results: eighteen [90%] male and 2 [10%] female patients were enrolled in this study. We found that sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were [90%, 70%, 71.4% 100%, 80 %] respectively in partial ACL injury. And the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy in complete ACL injury were [78.4%, 100%, 100%, 71.4%, 82 %] respectively. And the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV and accuracy of medial meniscal tear were 99.8 %, 91.7%, 92.3%, 100%, 94% respectively and the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV of lateral meniscal tear were 95.4%, 97.3%, 99%,100%, 98% respectively

Conclusion: MRI is now commonly used before diagnostic arthroscopy in most settings as an effective screening tool with most patients because it is faster, non-invasive and does not involve morbidity associated with arthroscopy. MRI findings before arthroscopy help in the management of meniscal and ligament injuries, ultimately improving patient outcome

model of an evidence- based medicine in the management of pneumonia in a sample of preschool children

Background: Community acquired pneumonia [CAP] is a serious illness with significant costs to the society. Clinical decisions based on evidence based medicine [EBM] improve the outcome of management in an approach for appropriate treatment and prompt referral for care

Objective: Observing cases managed on EBM and comparing the outcomes with cases managed without EBM in a community hospital, providing approach for the clinician in evaluating and treating children

Methodology: A descriptive study on 56 children divided into 28 children EBM group and 28 children Non-EBM group, from June 2015 to May 2016 at Abo El Resh hospital, reviewing demographic, clinical data, observing therapies and outcomes

Results: EBM group showed statistically significant short days [6.8 +/- 2.1 days] for antimicrobial therapy than NEBM group [P=0.001]. outcomes of Non-EBM group who needed admission to ICU for 4.2 +/- 2.6 days, while no children of EBM group need admission [P=0.001]

Conclusion: Effective case management is strategy to reduce pneumonia- related morbidity. Guidelines based on sound evidence are available but used variable

Recommendation: Unifying clinical practice and scientific evidence could rationalize the use of health resources, improving health care quality

Vocabulary development of down syndrome educable children using the video clip children songs

Introduction: Mental disability considers one of the human problems that most societies are suffering from, as it is not limited only on specific social level, but it also includes all economic and cultural levels, Down syndrome considers one of the basic pattern of mental disability characterized by mental shortness and poorness. Hence, it is necessary that we search in impact of using songs with children of Down syndrome who are educable and examine the extent those children songs help enriching those children language vocabulary

Problem: The study problem is defined in the following main inquiry "What is the effectiveness of using the video clip children songs in developing the educable children of Down syndrome language vocabulary?"

Significance: The study is beneficial for all those are dealing with children of Down syndrome, particularly parents, professionals, and trainers, helping them to select the appropriate songs that increase children vocabulary

Objectives: Identifying the most popular and effective children songs may acquire the Down syndrome children language vocabulary. Study Population and Sample: A sample of 30 Male/ Female children is selected from mental education schools in Cairo governorate, aged [6-12] year olds, divided into two equal groups, the control and the experimental

Tools: The Achievement Test [by researcher], and The video clip of Children Songs Program, for developing vocabulary [by researcher]

Results: Regarding the first hypothesis that says There are significant statistical differences between the control and the experimental group, in favor of the experimental group; denoting the effectiveness of the video clip children songs in developing vocabulary, Regarding the second hypothesis of study, the results demonstrate that no significant statistical differences exist between males and females post use of the video children songs with the down syndrome educable children

Expression of survivin in squamous cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: A comparative immunohistochemical study

PURPOSE: To compare the expression of survivin and its association with clinicopathological criteria in major types of urinary bladder carcinoma, specifically, transitional cell carcinoma with and without squamous differentiation and squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for survivin and Ki67 was performed on paraffin-embedded sections of 104 carcinomas: 52 transitional cell carcinoma, 20 transitional cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation, and 32 squamous cell carcinoma. Expression of survivin in >10% of tumor cells was described as altered survivin status. Ki67 staining in >20% of tumor cells was described as a high proliferation index. RESULTS: Altered survivin expression was detected in 60/104 specimens (58%) and was significantly more frequent in transitional cell carcinoma (78%) than in squamous cell carcinoma (38%) or transitional cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation (40%) (p<0.0001). In transitional cell carcinoma but not in squamous cell carcinoma, altered survivin status was associated with higher tumor grade, higher proliferation index, and recurrence. In the whole specimens, altered survivin expression was significantly associated with advanced stage (p<0.001), recurrence (p=0.005), distant metastasis (p<0.001), and death (p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, altered survivin was an independent poor prognostic factor for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike in transitional cell carcinoma, alteration of survivin expression in squamous cell carcinoma occurs less frequently and is not associated with features of tumor aggression or patient outcome. These findings raise a question: are urinary bladder carcinoma patients with squamous cell carcinoma type suitable candidates for survivin vaccine? This is an important question to be answered before approving the vaccine in management.

Morphological studies on the vagina and vestibule of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) / Estudios morfológicos de la vagina y vestíbulo del camello (Camelus dromedarius)

The camel (Camelus dromedarius) is an important multipurpose livestock species and its meat represents about 10% of the red meat consumption in Egypt. The reproductive efficiency of camel under natural condition is generally considered to be low. Sound knowledge about the tubular genital organs of this species might facilitate the application of new reproductive methodology. Our study was therefore conducted to investigate the morphology of mucosal surface of vagina and vestibule on camels using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The mucosal surface of vagina consisted of stratified columnar epithelium with mucous secreting cells (goblet-like cells). SEM of vagina revealed the presence of longitudinal primary and secondary folds and small transverse folds. The columnar epithelium showed marked cell boundary and its apical surface was studded by a lot of microvilli. TEM confirmed the presence of microvilli at apical surfaces and showed some secretory granules in the supranuclear region of the columnar epithelium. The vestibule of dromedary camel was lined by stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Basal lamina and stratum granulosum of this epithelium showed strong PAS positive reaction. SEM of vestibule revealed the presence of small longitudinal and fine transverse folds with a lot of mucous debris. However TEM of vestibule showed the stratified squamous keratinized epithelium with basal layer of cuboidal cells and superficial layers of squamous cells.

El camello (Camelus dromedarius) es una importante especie de ganado de usos múltiples y el consumo de su carne corresponde al 10% aproximadamente del consumo de carne roja en Egipto. La eficiencia reproductiva del camello, bajo condiciones naturales, se considera generalmente baja. El conocimiento adecuado sobre los órganos genitales tubulares de esta especie podría facilitar la aplicación de una nueva metodología de reproducción. Por lo tanto, se llevó a cabo este estudio para investigar la morfología de la superficie de la mucosa de la vagina y el vestíbulo en camellos, utilizando luz, escaneado y microscopía electrónica de transmisión. La superficie de la mucosa de la vagina está formado por epitelio columnar estratificado con células secretoras mucosas (células en copa). La microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) de la vagina reveló la presencia de pliegues primarios y secundarios longitudinales y pequeños pliegues transversales. El epitelio columnar mostró un límite celular marcado y su superficie apical se evidenció salpicado por una gran cantidad de microvellosidades. La microscopía electrónica por transmisión (TEM) confirmó la presencia de microvellosidades en las superficies apicales y mostró algunos gránulos secretores en la región supranuclear del epitelio columnar. El vestíbulo del dromedario está revestido por epitelio estratificado queratinizado, de tipo escamoso. La lámina basal y el estrato granuloso de este epitelio mostraron una fuerte reacción PAS positiva. La microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) del vestíbulo reveló la presencia de pequeños pliegues transversales longitudinales y finos, con gran cantidad de restos de mucosidad. Sin embargo, la microscopía electrónica por transmisión (TEM) del vestíbuloreveló un epitelio queratinizado escamoso estratificado, con una capa basal de células cúbicas y capas superficiales de células escamosas.

Gasless laparoscopic anatomy and renal biopsy of the kidney in the standing mare / Anatomía laparoscópica sin gas y biopsia renal de los riñones de la yegua de pie

The current study aimed to provide the topography and renal biopsy of the standing mare kidneys by laparoscopy w ithout CO2 insufflation and to compare between the use of biopsy needle and forceps. Five clinically healthy adult nonpregnant mares weighing 250­300 Kg and aging 7­9 years were used in the current work. The gasless laparoscopic renal biopsy appeared simple, safe, reliable, minimal invasive, timesaving and economical technique. The parallel biopsy portals provided easy and accessible biopsy procedure than dorsal or ventral portals. The biopsies taken from the lateral surface were less hemorrhagic than those taken from the caudal pole. This study recommended the laparoscopic forceps because the biopsy forceps provided satisfactory and representative specimens with minimal hemorrhage than Tru-cut needle.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo proporcionar la topografía y la biopsia renal de los riñones en la yegua de pie, por laparoscopía sin insuflación de CO2, y comparar entre el uso de la biopsia con aguja y pinzas. Fueron utilizadas en este studio cinco yeguas adultas no gestantes clínicamente sanas con un peso de 250­300 Kg y edad de 7­9 años. La biopsia renal laparoscópica sin gas es un método seguro, confiable y mínimamente invasivo, económico y permite además ahorrar tiempo. Los portales de biopsia paralelas permiten un procedimiento de biopsia de fácil acceso. Las biopsias tomadas de la superficie lateral fueron menos hemorrágicas que aquellas obtenidas desde el polo caudal. Este estudio recomienda las pinzas laparoscópicas debido a que, a diferencia de la aguja Tru-cut, demostraron ser satisfactorias con una hemorragia mínima.

Safety and outcome of treatment of metastatic melanoma using 3-bromopyruvate: a concise literature review and case study / 癌症

3-Bromopyruvate (3BP) is a new, promising anticancer alkylating agent with several notable functions. In addition to inhibiting key glycolysis enzymes including hexokinase II and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 3BP also selectively inhibits mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, angiogenesis, and energy production in cancer cells. Moreover, 3BP induces hydrogen peroxide generation in cancer cells (oxidative stress effect) and competes with the LDH substrates pyruvate and lactate. There is only one published human clinical study showing that 3BP was effective in treating fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. LDH is a good measure for tumor evaluation and predicts the outcome of treatment better than the presence of a residual tumor mass. According to the Warburg effect, LDH is responsible for lactate synthesis, which facilitates cancer cell survival, progression, aggressiveness, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Lactate produced through LDH activity fuels aerobic cell populations inside tumors via metabolic symbiosis. In melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer, 3BP induced necrotic cell death in sensitive cells, whereas high glutathione (GSH) content made other melanoma cells resistant to 3BP. Concurrent use of a GSH depletor with 3BP killed resistant melanoma cells. Survival of melanoma patients was inversely associated with high serum LDH levels, which was reported to be highly predictive of melanoma treatment in randomized clinical trials. Here, we report a 28-year-old man presented with stage IV metastatic melanoma affecting the back, left pleura, and lung. The disease caused total destruction of the left lung and a high serum LDH level (4,283 U/L). After ethics committee approval and written patient consent, the patient received 3BP intravenous infusions (1-2.2 mg/kg), but the anticancer effect was minimal as indicated by a high serum LDH level. This may have been due to high tumor GSH content. On combining oral paracetamol, which depletes tumor GSH, with 3BP treatment, serum LDH level dropped maximally. Although a slow intravenous infusion of 3BP appeared to have minimal cytotoxicity, its anticancer efficacy via this delivery method was low. This was possibly due to high tumor GSH content, which was increased after concurrent use of the GSH depletor paracetamol. If the anticancer effectiveness of 3BP is less than expected, the combination with paracetamol may be needed to sensitize cancer cells to 3BP-induced effects.

Expression of CD 44 and MIB-1 in serous and mucinous ovarian tumors

In ovarian cancer, alterations in the extracellular environment are critical for tumor Initiation, progression and intra-peritoneal dissemination. Some markers have been used to study the progression of ovarian tumors, one of them is CD44 which shown to play critical roles in ovarian ameer metastasis. Tumor proliferation is known to be important factor in tumor growth. This can be measured by assessment of expression of MIB-1 protein in the tumor cells. To examine the immunohistochemical expression of CD44 and MIB-1 in a spectrum of serous and mucinous ovarian tumors [benign, borderline and malignant tumors] and to evaluate the correlation between intensity of markers expression with relevant clinicopathological criteria [Age, size, hilaterality, gross picture and stage]. Immunohistochemical staining of 120 samples [65 benign, 10 borderline, 30 malignant and 15 metastatic deposits] of spectrum of serous and mucinous ovarian tumors for CD44 and MIB-1 was performed using tissue microarray [TMA] and statistical analyses was done with SPSS [chi-square test]. In whole tumors, expression of [1] 44 in tumor cells [CD-44-T] was low in 20[80%] and high in 5[20%] of benign tumors, low in [70%] and high in 3[30%] of borderline tumors, and low in 24 [83%] and high in 5[17%] of malignant tumors with no significant association in transition from benign to malignant tumours [P 0.70]. Stromal CD44 [CD-44-S] expression was low in 33[94%] and high in 2[6%] of benign mmors, low in 8[80%] and high in 2[20%] of borderline tumors and low in 23[77%] and high in [23%] of malignant tumors with significant association in transition from benign to borderline to 14[CD44-M] showed reactivity in 9[25%] of benign tumors,5[50%] of borderline tumors and 21[72%] of malignant tumors with high significant association in transition from benign to malignant tumors [P<0.001]. In whole tumors, twenty three specimens [31%] showed high PI. All benign tumors had low PI. High significant association was detected between high PI and transition from benign to borderline to malignant tumors [P<0.001] with significant positive correlation between MIB-1 and CD44-M [P 0.013]. Our findings indicates that stromal and membranous expression of with transition from benign to borderline to malignant tumor, so increase in CD44 may play an important role in tumor progression and can be a target of more effective therapies

Pattern of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2] expression in invasive breast carcinoma, immunohistochemical - study on patients in Upper Egypt

Breast cancer is a major public health problem throughout the world. It accounts for 38% of all new cancer cases among women living in Egypt. One of the most important prognostic and determinant factor of the line of its treatment is the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2], it is associated with the more aggressive phenotype. Attention has been focused on the expression of HER2 receptor proteins in breast cancer cells especially its membranous domain, it resulted in variable results concerning its percentage of expression as well as its geographic distribution. So there is a need to study HER2 types of expression in breast cancer patients in our location as well as its correlation with the clinicopathological parameters. HER2 expression in 336 retrospective breast cancer specimens was examined immunohistochemically using tissue microarray. Expression was scored into 0, 1, 2 and 3 degrees and was correlated with clinicopathological criteria. HER2 expression in our specimens showed both membranous and cytoplasmic staining patterns. 18.6% of specimens showed membranous immunoreactivity and 74.1% specimens showed cytoplasmic staining pattern. Significant statistical association was found between cytoplasmic staining of HER2 and tumors of low grade, ER positivity [p<0.001, 0.001, 0.008] respectively. There was statistical significance difference between high membranous expression of HER2 and ER negativity [p=0.038], but our results didn't find significant difference with tumor size, lymphvascular invasion or lymph node metastasis. The frequency of high membranous expression of HER2 in our specimens is 18.6% and inversely correlated with ER positive tumors. This group of patients should be subjected to specific treatment with Trastuzumab, to improve their survival. Surprisingly cutoplasmic expression detected in most of our patients with frequency of 74.1% with positive relationship to low tumor grade and hormone receptor positive tumors. Since this group of patients may be resistant to trastuzumab and need specific treatment with tyrosine kinase drug inhibitors, this observation is going to be discussed and need to be followed up in the future

effect of omega-3 on renal functions and structure in experimental hyperthyroidism: possible role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 1

Hyperthyroidism is associate with reduced serum creatinine and urea, renal hypertrophy and eventually chronic renal disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential therapeutic value of omega-3 on renal functions and structural changes induced by hyperthyroidism and the effect of omega-3 on angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 [ACE1] as a possible mechanism. Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups. Control group received the vehicle. Hyperthyroid group was treated with L-thyroxine 0.1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks and hyperthyroid-omega-3 treated group received L-thyroxine 0.1 mg/kg/day alone for 2 weeks followed by concurrent treatment with L-thyroxine 0.1 mg/kg/day and 3 g/kg/day omega-3 orally for 4 weeks. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], serum total antioxidant capacity [TAC], renal ACE1 and kidney weight to body weight [KW/BW] ratio were determined. Histopathological studies using H and E, Masson trichrome were done. Administration of L-thyroxine induced a significant decrease in serum creatinine, BUN and TAC and a significant increase in renal ACE1 and KW/BW ratio. Moreover, renal cortex thickness was increased, glomerular capillaries were congested with an increase in mesangial matrix. Proximal convoluted tubules [PCTs] were degenerated with no structural changes were observed in distal convoluted tubules [DCTs], afferent and efferent arterioles. Omega-3 administration is nearly normalized serum creatinine, BUN, TAC and renal ACE1 levels and ameliorates L-thyroxine-induced renal hypertrophy, glomerular congestion and PCTs degenerative changes. In conclusion, omega-3 administration has protective effects against hyperthyroidism-induced functional and structural changes. These reno-protective effects are possibly mediated by reducing ACE1 activity and its antioxidant activity

Axillary lymph node in rheumatoid arthritis: Does it associate disease activity?

Lymph node [LN] in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] has been the focus of recent research work; as it is implicated in disease pathogenesis. Power Doppler ultrasonography [PD-US] is increasingly used for imaging of lymph nodes in conditions other than arthritis. To assess the axillary LN in RA using PD-US, and to correlate the findings to disease activity. Fourteen Consecutive RA patients were subjected to clinical examination and PD-US of axillary LNs, metacarpophalangeal joints [MCPJs] and wrist joints of the ipsilateral sides. LNs were assessed for cortex/hilum [CH] area ratio, longitudinal/transverse [LT] axis ratio and PD signal type. Joints were assessed for grey scale [GS] score and PD score. GS and PD signals were assigned to each joint in accordance with semi-quantitative 0-3 scales for each. DAS28 score was used for disease activity assessment. PD-US detected subclinical LN changes in 24/28 of the examined axillae in RA patients. Changes included hypertrophy mainly of the cortical area and amplification of vascularity of the central type. LN changes did not correlate to DAS28 score; rather correlated to GS and PD scores of ipsilateral wrist and MCPJs as assessed by PD-US. PD-US detects subclinical axillary LN changes in RA patients. These changes do not correlate to DAS28. Axillary LN changes associate signs of synovitis in ipsilateral wrist and MCPJs as assessed by PD-US. Owing to the small number of patients enrolled, results presented in this work should be considered preliminary

Some endocrinologic changes and its relation to severity of scorpion envenomation in children

Envenomation by scorpion stings is common in tropical and subtropical regions. In Upper Egypt, particularly Qena governorate, scorpion still represents a medical problem and a life hazard especially to children. The present study was conducted to determine circulating levels of some hormones that may be incriminated in pathophysiology of catastrophic impacts on scorpion envenomed children as noradrenaline, aldosterone, insulin and cortisol and measure some biochemical parameters as nitric oxide [NO] and creatine phosphokinase [CPK] and electrolytes such as sodium [Na+] and potassium [K+] in scorpion envenomed children in mild and severe cases. Another aim for our study was to find any possible relationship between these parameters and severity of scorpion envenomation. Study Design: The present study was carried out in South Valley University on forty two envenomed children. They were admitted to Pediatric Department during summer months [from May to October 2012] after approval from Qena Faculty of Medicine ethics committee. According to the severity of envenomation, 22 of those envenomed children were admitted to the emergency unit and considered as mild cases with signs of mild envenomation and the others were admitted to the intensive care unit and considered as severe cases with signs of severe envenomation and multiple organ dysfunction. Twenty apparently healthy children were considered as control group. All the studied cases were subjected to complete medical history, clinical examination and routine laboratory investigations. The biochemical investigations included circulating levels of some hormones as noradrenaline, aldosterone, insulin and cortisol and some biochemical parameters as nitric oxide and CPK and electrolytes such as Na+ and K+ in scorpion envenomed children and controls. Plasma nor-adrenaline, insulin and cortisol were determined using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Plasma aldosterone was determined using radioimmunoassay [RIA] method. The enzyme activity of nitric oxide levels was determined using spectrophotometric assay. Serum electrolyte levels of Na+ and K+ were determined by Flame photometer. All of these parameters were assayed for cases and controls. Results: The incidence of scorpion envenomation was more in those aged >6 years of age [62%] while the lowest was in those less than 2 years [4.7%]. Additionally, there was an unequal distribution of cases between genders: the male-to-female ratio was 25:17. All patients had local pain, and sweating [100%] followed by hyperemia, vomiting, tachycardiaandirritability [83.3%, 81%, 81% and 73.3% respectively]. Evidence of severe manifestations and organ affection were detected in lesser percentages. Regarding levels of the studied biochemical parameters in children with mild and severe envenomation in comparison to controls, it showed that nitric oxide and CPK levels were significantly higher in both mild and severe cases compared to the controls. Also, it showed significant increase in levels of Na+ and significant reduction in K+ in both mild and severe cases compared to the controls. Regarding levels of the studied hormonal parameters in children with mild and severe envenomation in comparison to controls, it showed significantly higher levels of noradrenaline, cortisol, and aldosterone in scorpion envenomed children compared to the controls and in severe cases than mild ones. On the other h and, insulin level was significantly decreased in severe cases of scorpion envenomation cases than mild ones. Moreover, hyperglycaemia was detected in all envenomed patients than controls with significantly higher blood glucose level was found among severely envenomed children in comparison to those with mild envenomation manifestations.Mortality rate was 19% and all of them were severely envenomed. Conclusion: Endocrinological changes were common in all scorpion envenomed children and more obvious in cases of severe envenomation than mild cases. These released mediators may account for several of inflammatory manifestations observed such as pulmonary edema, myocardial failure, systemic inflammatory responses syndrome and multiple organ failure. The use of insulin is recommended in cases of severe envenomation to improve the outcome