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@#Mycotic aneurysm is one of the extra-intestinal manifestations of Salmonella Enteritidis infection. The diagnosis of this condition is challenging owed to its variation in clinical presentations. We presented a case of a 54-year-old man with underlying diabetes mellitus and chronic smokers presented with acute right flank pain and fever associated with mild jaundice. The initial laboratory investigations suggested features of obstructive jaundice and urinary tract infection. The contrast enhancing computed tomography of the abdomen revealed the presence of saccular mycotic aneurysm located at the infrarenal abdominal aorta. The blood culture grew Salmonella Enteritidis which was susceptible to ceftriaxone, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Intravenous ceftriaxone was initiated, and he underwent open surgery and artery repair at day 8 of admission. He responded well to the treatment given and subsequently discharged home after completed three weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone.
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Background@#and Purpose Abnormal excitability of the central nervous system, both spinal and supraspinal, has previously been described as a pathophysiological plastic mechanism for chronic pain syndromes. Primary fibromyalgia (FM) as one extreme of this spectrum of diseases. This case-control study aimed to determine the changes in the spinal excitability by investigating the Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) in patients with FM. @*Methods@#Thirty-eight patients with FM and 30 healthy controls participated in this case-control study. We measured the H-reflex bilaterally in the upper limbs (flexor carpi radialis) and the lower limbs (gastrocnemius and soleus). Moreover, pain-related variables were measured, including pain severity (using a visual analogue scale), pain duration, Widespread Pain Index, and the score on the Symptom Severity Scale. Various psychiatric comorbidities and qualityof-life parameters were measured for each patient, including scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Taylor’s Manifest Anxiety Scale, and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. @*Results@#A significant increase in the ratio of the maximum baseline-to-peak amplitudes of H and M waves (Hmax/Mmax) but not in the H-wave minimum latency was found in patients with FM compared with healthy controls. There were no significant correlations between this ratio in both muscles and the various pain-related measures, psychiatric comorbidity, and quality of life in patients with FM. Patients with FM suffered more depression and anxiety than did the controls. @*Conclusions@#We found increased spinal excitability in patients with FM, which was not confined to the site of maximum pain. This information may help in the diagnosis of FM and supports the hypothesis of central sensitization.
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@#Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 8 million people globally since its discovery in December 2019. For COVID-19 prevention, the World Health Organization recommended regular handwashing with soap, cough etiquette, mask wearing and social distancing. However, COVID-19 is rather difficult to contain because of its high transmissibility property. Gargling is effective for reducing infection in the respiratory tract. Most antiseptic gargles have antimicrobial properties against common respiratory pathogens. No published study on the effectiveness of antiseptic gargling among COVID-19 patients has been available to date. This article reviewed available literature on methods and solutions available for gargling and their effect on respiratory tract infections.
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Background and study aim: Some of patients with decompensated cirrhosis will exhibit newly developed acute liver failure. This condition is called acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common with ACLF. Kidney injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) is an ideal biomarker of AKI. The aim of this study was to evaluate role of KIM-1 in prediction of AKI in ACLF patients. Patients and Methods: Eighty four patients were included in this study. They were selected from hospitalized patients with acute decompensated cirrhosis. They were allocated into two groups; group I: patients with no acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), group II: patients with ACLF. Results: KIM-1 was significantly higher in the ACLF (group II). KLM-1 median was 2.4 in group I vs 7.35 in group II with p value <0.001. We found that at cut off value of â¥0.5 KLM-1 can predict the presence of AKI with sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity 88.1%, positive predictive value 87.8%, negative predictive value 86%, accuracy 86.9% and AUC= 0.867 p <0.001. Conclusion: KLM-1 rises significantly in patients with ACLF. KLM-1 can be reliable in prediction of the presence of acute kidney injury in decompensated cirrhosis
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Atteinte rénale aigüe , Insuffisance hépatique aigüe sur chronique , Égypte , PatientsRésumé
Background: Splenic injury is the leading cause of major bleeding in the patients of blunt abdominal trauma. In earlier medical practice, the blunt splenic injury was managed surgically in most cases, but the increased understanding of the splenic function in the immunological process and the identification of post-splenectomy complications have led physicians to prefer the non-operative management
Material and methods: A retrospective study of the patients with blunt trauma to the spleen in the pediatric age group between the year 2015 and 2018. The study was conducted in [Nasser Institute Hospital for research and treatment]. Management of the patients was done using hypovolemic resuscitation and serial follow up. Abdominal ultrasound, complete blood picture and Abdominal CT were done. Data was tabled and analyzed
Results: A total of 123 blunt splenic trauma patients were identified. Traffic-related accident and falling from height were the main mechanisms of injury. Splenic contusion and hematoma were the most frequent finding on initial computerized tomography [CT] scans, followed by shattered spleen, blush, and devascularization. Non-operative management failed in 6 patients who underwent splenectomy. [95.12%] of the patients managed successfully using hypovolemic resuscitation without need for surgical interference
Discussion: Non-operative management is considered for patients with low-grade splenic injuries, unless operated upon for other associated injuries. In fact, higher-grade injuries could also be managed non-operatively. Splenic angioembolization of bleeding vessels increased the success rate of non-operative management in hemodynamically stable patients. In our study, although we didn`t use splenic angioembolization we were able to reach high rates of success. In comparison with the operative management of blunt splenic trauma, the non-operative management has the added benefit of preserving the splenic functions
Conclusions: Most blunt splenic trauma patients were successfully treated non-operatively, with a low failure rate. The severity of injury and presence of associated lesions should be carefully considered in developing the management plan
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Background: this study evaluated the clinical utility of the PCA3 assay in guiding initial biopsy decisions in prostate cancer
Subjects and Methods: this study was conducted on fifty patients selected from the Urology Department at Ain Shams University Hospitals and scheduled for prostate biopsy after digital rectal examination first catch urine was collected. PCA3 scores were determined using RT-PCR and compared to biopsy outcome. The diagnostic accuracy of PCA3 was compared to total prostate specific antigen and %free prostate specific antigen
Results: the best cutoff for PCA3 was 4.6 folds [RQ]. This cutoff had a diagnostic sensitivity of 94.7%, specificity 95% and area under the curve [AUC] was 0.978. Total PSA at the cutoff 10 ng/mL had a diagnostic sensitivity 68%, specificity 70% and AUC was 0.766. At cut off 19%, f/t PSA ratio had a diagnostic sensitivity 38%, diagnostic specificity 90 %, and AUC was 0.529
Conclusions: the PCA3 assay can aid in guiding biopsy decisions. It is superior to total prostate specific antigen and %free prostate specific antigen in predicting initial biopsy outcome, and may be indicative of prostate cancer aggressiveness
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Background: this study evaluated the clinical utility of the PCA3 assay in guiding initial biopsy decisions in prostate cancer. Subjects and Methods: this study was conducted on fifty patients selected from the Urology Department at Ain Shams University Hospitals and scheduled for prostate biopsy after digital rectal examination first catch urine was collected. PCA3 scores were determined using RT-PCR and compared to biopsy outcome. The diagnostic accuracy of PCA3 was compared to total prostate specific antigen and %free prostate specific antigen. Results: the best cutoff for PCA3 was 4.6 folds (RQ). This cutoff had a diagnostic sensitivity of 94.7%, specificity 95% and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.978. Total PSA at the cutoff 10 ng/mL had a diagnostic sensitivity 68%, specificity 70% and AUC was 0.766. At cut off 19%, f/t PSA ratio had a diagnostic sensitivity 38%, diagnostic specificity 90 %, and AUC was 0.529. Conclusions: the PCA3 assay can aid in guiding biopsy decisions. It is superior to total prostate specific antigen and %free prostate specific antigen in predicting initial biopsy outcome, and may be indicative of prostate cancer aggressiveness
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Dosage biologique , Égypte , Tumeurs de la prostateRésumé
Objectives: To evaluate health care professionals' knowledge on warfarin interactions with drugs and herbs
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was developed to assess health care professionals' knowledge on warfarin interactions with drug and herb. Respondents were asked to classify 15 drugs that may effect on warfarin action as "enhance", "inhibit ", "no effect". The study sample involved health care professionals [physicians, pharmacists and nurses] from king Salman hospital, Saudi Arabia
Results: About 92.2% of health care professionals identified warfarin interactions with aspirin, 4.4% for warfarin and fluoxetine .Warfarin and cardiac agents [atenolol] was correctly identified by 11.1% of respondents. In warfarin -herb interactions section, the majority of respondents [66.7%] identified the interaction between green tea and warfarin. Approximately one-third of respondents [n=33] correctly classified warfarin interactions with cardamom. No significant difference was found between the health care professionals [p=0.49] for warfarin-drug interactions knowledge score and p= 0.52 for warfarin- herb interactions knowledge score
Conclusion: This study suggests that health care professionals' knowledge of warfarin- drug-herb interactions was inadequate. Therefore, health care professionals should receive more education programs about drugdrug/ herb interactions to provide appropriate patient counseling and optimal therapeutic outcomes
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Background: a well balanced diet is important for normal function of endothelial cells. Diets high in fat and/or calories can lead to hypertriglyceridemia and postprandial lipidemia and thus are considered a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Big meals may result in chronic elevations in the level of atherogenic lipoproteins as well as evoking chronic inflammatory response. Both may lead to pathological changes on the arterial vessel wall and myocardium
Objective[s]: to study the effect of the size of a well-balanced meal on the lipid profile in the post prandial state and its effect on the endothelial function, ventricular filling and diastolic function
Methods: one group pretest-posttest study was carried out on 40 young healthy lean volunteers aged 30 to 39 years who after overnight fast were invited to eat a big breakfast meal. Postprandial blood samples were then drawn after 3-4 hours to determine changes induced by the big meal in the blood. On the following day, the same procedure was adopted but with a breakfast meal which contains only one third of the size of the big meal [small meal]. The items of comparison between the two meals included: The changes induced by both types of meals on the lipid profile of the blood by assessing the postprandial levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and FFAs; assessment of the inflammatory response by assessing postprandial levels of CRP; The changes induced on endothelial cell functions by assessing the postprandial levels of ET1 and NO; and the changes induced by the two types of meals on the left ventricular function as determined by echo Doppler as well as tissue Doppler imaging [TDI]
Results: the big meal was associated with elevations in TG, TC, LDL-C, CRP, ET1 and NO [P=0.001, 0.021, 0.057, 0.110, 0.002, 0.001respectively]. The small meal showed significant increase in levels of HDL-C [P=0.001] and FFAs [P=0.048]. The diastolic function of the left ventricle showed significant reduction after the ingestion of the big meal versus the small meal
Conclusions: the study concluded that big meal size negatively impact lipid homeostasis and endothelial function and the recognition of this possible danger of big meals can lead to the possibility of prevention of atherosclerosis through controlling of the meal size
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Vesical stones in children are common in developing countries. Historically, open cystolithotomy has been the treatment of choice in the management of bladder calculi. Recently there are different treatmrnt of vesical stones like Transurethral Holmium laser cystolithotripsy and Percutaneous cystolithotripsy. To Compare between transurethral Holmium: YAG laser cystolithotripsy and percutaneous suprapubic cystolithotomy in the management of bladder stones in children. A total of 33 children [31 boys and 2 girls] with vesical stones were treated at Urology Department of Al-Sadder Medical City in Najaf between January 2013 and June 2014. Mean patient age at the time of diagnosis was 4.2 years [range 8 months to 10 years]. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the procedure of stone removal. Group 1 [15 patients] underwent percutanous suprapubic cystolithotomy and group 2 [18 patients] underwent transurethral Holmium: YAG laser cystolithotripsy. Stone size ranged from 7 to 25 mm [mean 16.2mm]. Operative time ranged from 10 to 25 minutes [mean 18 minutes] in percutanous suprapubic cystolithotomy [group 1] and was ranged from 15 to 70 minutes [mean 30 minutes] in transurethral Holmium: YAG laser cystolithotripsy [group 2]. The day of catheter removal was 24 to 96 hours [mean 36 hours] in group 1, while it range 0 to 48 hours [mean 8 hours] in group 2. The hospital stay was shorter after transurethral Holmium: YAG laser compared to percutanous suprapubic cystolithotomy [30 vs. 72 hours]. No significant intraoperative or postoperative complication was encountered except prolong urinary leak in two patients [13.3] in group 1 and transient mild haematuria in three children [16.6%] and low grade fever in two children [11%] in group 2. In all cases [100%] the stones were removed successfully in first session in group 1 while one patient [5.5%] need second session due to residual small stone in group 2. Transurethral Holmium: YAG laser and percutanous suprapubic cystolithotomy management of vesical stones in children are efficient, with a low incidence of complications. Transurethral Holmium: YAG laser offers a shorter hospital stay and urethral catheterization but longer operative time compared to percutanous suprapubic cystolithotomy
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Humains , Mâle , Femelle , Lasers à solide , Cystostomie , Pays en voie de développement , Prise en charge de la maladie , Cystoscopes , Enfant , UrètreRésumé
Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone therapy on haemoglobin level and transfusion requirements in children with thalassemia in Alexandria University Children's Hospital
Methods:A total of 30 patients were included in this study. Each of the included patients were subjected to a thorough history taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Each patient received 36 sessions during 3 months period via rectal route
Results: The mean age of studied children was 6.70 +/- 1.52 years and they were 50% males, and 50% female. There was no significant statistical difference between the patients regarding age, sex and other socio-demographic parameters such as family history of thalassemia and the age of diagnosis. There was significant increasing in the interval between PRBCs transfusion and improvement in Hb level during and after ozone therapy. There was significant reduction in reticulocytic count during and after the zone therapy which means significant improvement in it. There were no significant change in serum ferritin level and liver function tests [ALT and AST] before, during and after the ozone therapy
Conclusions: The current study shows that ozone therapy is, at all times, an additive [adjuvant or complementary] therapy, in combination with the other conventional methods of treatment. The treatment of ozone via rectal insufflation [RI] route is easy and cheap. Ozone therapy can improve the interval and frequency of blood transfusion in these patients and also can improve the reticulocytic count. Ozone therapy had no effect on serum ferritin level or on liver function tests
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Inherited thrombophilia may be caused by mutations, polymorphisms in a variety of genes mainly involved in haemostatic pathways was to find the prevalence of thrombophilic gene factor V Leiden [FVL] and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] gene polymorphism in patients with myocardial infarction [MI], aiming at early diagnostic methods and guiding preventive procedures. This study was carried on 30 patients who survived their first MI as compared to 15 healthy volunteers. Patients and controls were subjected to history, physical examination. Factor VL G1691A and MTHFR C677T genotypes were determined by RT PCR. The prevalence of heterozygous FVL GA genotype was significantly higher among MI patients as compared to the control group. The prevalence of mutant homozygous AA was significantly higher in MI patients as compared to control. The low risk cases had a higher frequency of GA genotype as compared to high risk cases. As regards MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism, the prevalence of heterozygous MTHFR C677T CT genotype showed significant increase in MI patients compared with the control group. The prevalence of mutant homozygous TT genotype was significantly higher in MI patients as compared to the control group. The low risk cases had a higher frequency of heterozygous MTHFR C677T CT genotype than high risk cases The prevalence of heterozygous [FVL G1691 A] and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphisms was significantly increased in MI patients compared with the control group and these gene polymorphisms are probably risk factors for myocardial infarction among Egyptian cases especially if integrated with other environmental and genetic risk factors. We recommended screening high risk patients for this polymorphism and the use of specific thromboprophylaxis to prevent recurrent thrombotic disease
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Humains , Mâle , Femelle , Polymorphisme génétique , Prévalence , Génotype , Réaction de polymérisation en chaîne , Thrombophilie/sangRésumé
The hypothalamus is a distinct neurological entity concerned with a variety of regulatory processes. Recently, the prescence of variations in the level of neurosecretions wth the progress of age was reported. To study the changes in the structure of magnocellular neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei during the period of postnatal development. Furthermore, to study the changes which occurred in the structure of these neurons in the old age had been studied. A total of 52 albino rats were used. The age groups of the animals include: one day, 10 days, 20 days, 2 months and 2 years old animals. Brains were processed to be studied with Einarson's gallocyanin-chrome alum stain, Golgi- Cox method and transmission electron microscope. In addition, the number of cells in the magnocellular part of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei were measured in all studied age groups and statistically analyzed. In the newly born rats, the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei were composed of small rounded condensed cells. At the age of 10 days old rats, the paraventricular nucleus appeared to be well differentiated into ventromedial [parvocellular] and dorsolateral [magnocellular] parts. With the progress of age from 10 days up to the adult stage, the cells of the supraoptic nucleus and the magnocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus appeared to be densely stained which indicated increase in the Nissl granules. Ultrastructural study showed that the cells had abundant amount of free ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The nucleus had fine dispersed chromatin. Golgi-Cox study showed marked increase in extension and branching of dendrites with the progress of age during the developmental period. Morphometric study showed significant increase in the number of cells from the new born up to the adult stage. In old aged rats, the cells of the paraventricular nucleus and the supraoptic nucleus appeared to be faintly stained. Some cells had vacuolated cytoplasm. Ultrastructural study showed marked decrease in the free ribosomes and the presence of many lipofuscin pigment in the cytoplasm of cells. The nucleus showed chromatin condensation and irregularity of the nuclear membrane. In addition, there was apparent decrease in the amount of the synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic terminals making contacts with the magnocellular neurons. Golgi-Cox study revealed marked decrease in the extension and branching of dentrites. Morphometric analysis showed significant decrease in the number of cells. This study demonstrated in the presence of structural changes in the magnocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus during the period of development. In old age, the presence of many degenerative changes was observed. This cytoarchitectonic analysis and morphological study could help in the explanation of the functional differences in the various ages
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Animaux de laboratoire , Hypothalamus antérieur/physiologie , Noyaux médians du thalamus/physiologie , Vieillissement , Vieillissement de la cellule , Rats/croissance et développementRésumé
To determine the demographic, clinical, biological and bacteriological profile of acute community acquired hematogenous osteomyelitis [AHO] in children. Prospective study including children admitted for AHO. We noted the demographic parameters of patients and the clinical, biological and radiological characteristics of the infection. Blood cultures and local specimen in operated children were systematically performed. 70 patients were included. The mean age was 7.7 years. The mean time between onset of symptoms and admission was 3.2 days. Distal tibia was the most frequent localization [18.66%]. Fever higher than 38[degree sign] on admission was found in 92.8% of patients. Creactive protein [CRP] was superior to 20 mg / L in 95.8% and ESR superior to 20 mm in the first hour in 92% of cases. A deep venous thrombosis was found in 7 patients and a pleuropulmonary Staphylococcus infection in 4 patients. Amicroorganism was isolated in 64.7% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus methicillin susceptible [SAMS] was the predominant germ. Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant [SAMR] accounted for 15.7% of staphylococcus aureus infections. The importance of CRP on admission and time to resolution of fever after the start of treatment were significantly higher in SAMR infections. The existence of deep venous thrombosis and a pleuropulmonary Staphylococcus infection and the need for surgical drainage were significantly more frequent in SAMR infections. The existence of a severe form of AHO should lead to a high suspicion of SAMR infection and prompt the prescription of an appropriate antibiotiotherapy
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Monosodium glutamate [MSG], the sodium salt of glutamate, is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in many food preparations. Its use has become controversial because of reports of adverse reaction in people who have eaten foods that contain monosodium glutamate. One of these adverse reactions was the blurring of vision. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of monosodium glutamate [MSG] on visual cortex of albino rats. A total 20 pregnant female rats were randomly divided into two groups. Control group and treated group which received monosodium glutamate by gastric gavages in a dose of 2 g/kg b.w from late pregnancy until the end of weaning. Offspring of two groups were left until puberty [2 month old pregnancy until the end of weaning. Offspring of two groups were left until puberty [2 month old rats]. The offspring of both groups were sacrificed at 60 days and their visual cortices were prepared for histological examination by light and electron microscope. The results revealed severe neuronal degeneration. The neurons of treated visual cortex contained hyperchromic, pyknotic nuclei. The cytoplasm became vacuolated and contains large lipofuscin pigments. The mitochondria became swollen with indented membrane, the Golgi apparatus were absent with the presence of few rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosome. The blood vessels were dilated with the presence of perivascular edema. It is concluded that the oral intake of monosodium glutamate during pregnancy and lactation has degenerating effect on the visual cortex of the raf's offspring
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Femelle , Animaux de laboratoire , Cortex visuel/ultrastructure , Gestation animale , Lactation , Dégénérescence de la rétine , Rats , FemelleRésumé
OX40-OX40L interaction is implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. We evaluated the role of OX40/OX40L as markers of disease activity and nephritis in SLE patients. Case-control study conducted in 2009 on SLE patients attending the outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University Hospital, Egypt. We assessed the percentage of CD4+ T-lymphocytes expressing OX40 by flowcytometry, and serum OX40 ligand [OX40L] levels in 40 patients with SLE [20 with lupus nephritis and 20 without] and in 20 healthy controls. Disease activity was assessed by the University of Toronto SLE disease activity index [SLEDAI]. The percentage of CD4+ T-lymphocytes expressing OX40 was significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls, and in patients with lupus nephritis than in those without. OX40 expression correlated positively with both serum creatinine levels and SLEDAI. OX40 expression was the highest in patients with class V lupus nephritis and lowest in class II. Serum OX40L levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls, and in patients with nephritis than in those without. Serum OX40L levels correlated with serum creatinine levels but not with SLEDAI. OX40 expression on CD4+ T-cells had a higher sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing lupus nephritis than both OX40L and anti-double-stranded DNA levels. OX40-OX40L interaction plays a role in the pathogenesis of SLE. The expression of OX40 on CD4+ T-lymphocytes and the serum level of OX40L may act as markers of lupus nephritis. Measurements of percentages of CD4+ T-lymphocytes expressing OX40 may serve as an indicator of disease activity in SLE
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Humains , Mâle , Femelle , Récepteur au OX40 , Lupus érythémateux disséminé/sang , Glomérulonéphrite lupique , Études cas-témoins , Lymphocytes T CD4+ , Créatinine/sangRésumé
To assess the changing profile of children's nephrectomy indications in the south of Tunisia during the last two decades. There were 94 children who underwent nephrectomy between 1982 and 2007. They were classified into two groups. The first group included 55 out of 511 hospitalized children between 1982 and 1994, the second included 39 Out of 382 hospitalized children between 1995 and 2007. K2 [Chi-squared] test was used for this statistical analysis. A P value of<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The average was 7. Pathologies leading to nephrectomies were dominated in both groups by 3 main aetiologies: urolithiasis [42.5%],Wilm's tumors [21.3%] and pelvi-ureteric junction [13.8%]. While in the first group, urolithiasis was found to be the major indication of nephrectomy [54.5%, p<0.05], in the second group, kidney tumors had become the major indication [33%, p<0.05] followed by urolithiasis [25.6%]. So, the rate of nephrectomies performed due to urolithiasis had clearly decrease [P=0.005], but there were no statistical differences observed between the rates of nephrectomies performed due to tumors or upper urinary tract malformations in the two groups. The profile of children's nephrectomy indications in Tunisia stretches currently to be similar to the one of the industrialized countries, with regression of evolved kidney lithiasis leaving place to the tumorous pathologies,because of early detection, improvement and appropriate treatment of urinary lithiasis
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Humains , Néphrectomie/normes , Urolithiase , Études rétrospectivesRésumé
Natural killer [NK] and natural killer T [NKT] cells are components of the innate immune system, and participate in the inflammatory processes during hepatic diseases. Impaired activity of these cells is suggested to contribute to viral persistence and chronic infection in hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. However, the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood. To investigate the frequency of peripheral NK and NKT cells in patients with chronic HCV infection, as compared to healthy controls. 30 patients with chronic hepatitis due to HCV infection were included. Patients with liver cirrhosis, HCV and HBV co-infection, diabetes mellitus, or who received interferon therapy were excluded. In addition, 20 normal healthy subjects were included as controls. Assessment of the frequency of peripheral NK and NKT cells by flow cytometry was carried out for all subjects. Compared to controls, HCV patients had significantly lower percentages of NK and NKT cells in peripheral blood. Among HCV patients, NK and NKT cell percentages did not correlate significantly with serum transaminase levels. Defective innate immunity, as evidenced by reduced peripheral NK and NKT cell frequency, is observed in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection