Comparison of imaging modalities in the diagnosis of external cervical resorption (ECR): an in-vitro study.

External cervical resorption is a pathological condition affecting the cervical margins of teeth. Due to the increased prevalence and the area it affects, it can be easily misdiagnosed. The ability of clinicians to diagnose ECR and subcategorise the lesions using periapical radiographs and cone beam-CT scans has not been investigated in-depth. This study aims to assess if diagnostic ability to detect ECR lesions with the two modalities was different and if there was a change in the diagnosis when CBCT was used. A human skull, including the mandible was used for this study. The teeth were randomly allocated to the different subcategories, then pre and post-preparation radiographs with CBCT were taken. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The study sample was composed of 60 participants, the overall sensitivity of intraoral radiographs was significantly lower than CBCT. When the participants were told the radiograph and the CBCT were of the same tooth 60% said they would change their diagnosis. The use of intraoral radiographs alone might not be enough to identify and correctly diagnose ECR lesions. CBCT can give a better idea about the nature and the extent of the lesion.

Red blood cells alloimmunization and autoimmunization among transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients in Alexandria province, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Beta thalassemia is considered a severe, progressive anemia, which needs regular transfusions for life expectancy. One of the most important complications of regular blood transfusions is autoimmunization and alloimmunization, which increases the need for transfusion. This study was performed to investigate the frequency of auto- and allo-antibodies in beta thalassemia patients in Alexandria, Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples of fourteen beta thalassemia patients were collected and tested for autosensitization with direct antiglobulin test (DAT). The positive DAT blood sample undergone antibody elution then identification. Plasma of the patients were also investigated for allosensitization by testing against cell panel reagents. RESULTS: DAT was positive in 45% of the patients. Eluted antibodies were identified in 6 cases of 10, they were Kp(b) and Lu(b), and one positive test was unidentified. Alloantibodies were detected in 42.5% of the cases. The identified antibodies were anti-D (4.76%), anti-c (4.76%), anti-K (4.76%), anti-Kp(a) (9.52%), anti-Kp(b) (19.05%), anti-Lu(a) (9.52%), anti-Lu(b) (19.05%), and anti-Bg(a) (4.76%). A total 23.81% of the alloantibodies were unidentified. DISCUSSION: This study observes that autoimmunization and alloimmunization were more frequent among poly transfused beta thalassemia Egyptian patients. The presence of these clinically significant alloantibodies is a bad indicator for situation of blood transfusion. There is need for use an effective strategies to provide a safe blood for those patients by using leukodepleted blood and more compatible blood with extended phenotyping.

Compensation of CD55 Underexpression on Red Blood Cells of ß-Thalassemia Major Patients.

ß-Thalassemia (ß-thal), is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations at the ß gene locus. ß-Thalassemia major (ß-TM) is a severe form of the disease, characterized by severe hypochromic and hemolytic anemia with an increased need for transfusion. Hemolysis is caused by intoxication, whereas mechanical removal of the affected cells caused by macrophage. Immunological implications are also reported and occur via antibodies and complement. We found previously that complement inhibitor receptor CD55 is underexpressed in these patients. This study concerns the compensatory mechanisms of this diminished expression upon flow cytometry analysis of CD55 and CD59 on the red blood cells (RBCs) of ß-thal patients. This study was conducted on 24 patients and 10 healthy controls. Full history and transfusion data was obtained, then a complete blood count (CBC) and flow cytometry analysis of CD55 and CD59 on erythrocytes were carried out. Within our 24 patients, we found a diminished expression of CD55 with a normal expression of CD59. The percentage of cells that express CD55 was significantly different from that of the controls. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD55 and CD59 with correlation studies reveals that different factors affect the underexpression of CD55 and also revealed compensatory changes of the defect to minimize the hemolysis occurring in ß-thal patients. Compensation of CD55 underexpression in the deficient patients occurred when an increase in the MFI of both the receptor CD55, on the positive cells, and another complement inhibitor receptor CD59.

Expression of CD55 on red blood cells of ß-thalassemia patients.

CD55 is a complement regulatory protein expressed by cells to protect them from bystander lysis by complement. It prevents the formation of C3/C5 convertase. In ß-thalassemia (ß-thal), the defective hemoglobin (Hb) production makes red blood cells (RBCs) lyse early and frequently. Loss of CD55 expression in those patients compromises the complement regulatory function, thereby accelerating RBC lysis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of CD55 on erythrocytes of ß-thal patients. Flow cytometry analysis of CD55 was conducted on RBCs of 21 ß-thalassemia major (ß-TM) patients, 11 ß-thalassemia intermedia (ß-TI) patients and 10 healthy volunteers. The results showed a significant decrease in CD55 expression in ß-TM (57.5 ± 16.7%), while there was a slight decrease in ß-TI patients (81.8 ± 3.8%) in comparison with that of the normal controls (88.7 ± 0.8%). The diminished expression of CD55 was not accompanied by decrease in CD59 expression in ß-thal patients (97.2 ± 2.3%). This could suggest a mechanism (could be genetic) responsible for low CD55 expression. It may be related to defective Hb genes in thalassemia, but it does not relate to cell membrane changes.

Predictive Value of Serum CYFRA 21-1 and CK19-2G2 for Tumor Aggressiveness and Overall Survival in Hepatitis C-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among Egyptians: A Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: Cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) and cytokeratin 19 fragment 2G2 (CK 19-2G2) are two soluble fragments of cytokeratin 19 (CK 19) that can be detected in serum. CK 19-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by an aggressive behavior and a poor outcome. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of serum CYFRA 21-1 and CK 19-2G2 in predicting tumor aggressiveness and overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatic C virus (HCV)-related HCC. METHODS: The current study included 138 patients with HCV-related HCC recruited from the Hepatobiliary and Interventional Radiology Units at Alexandria's main university hospitals and 40 healthy individuals as controls. Patients were assessed for clinical, radiological tumor characteristics, and aggressiveness index. Baseline serum CYFRA 21-1 and CK 19-2G2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Elevated CYFRA 21-1 levels were associated with tumors size ≥ 5 cm (p < 0.001), malignant portal vein thrombosis (mPVT) (p < 0.001), distant metastasis (p = 0.030), ill-defined/infiltrative pattern (p = 0.010), and aggressiveness index > 4 (p = 0.045). Elevated CK19-2G2 levels were not associated with any clinical or radiological characteristics. Either or both elevated serum CYFRA 21-1 and CK 19-2G2 in combination with alpha-feto protein (AFP) ≥ 400 ng/ml have a better predictability for mPVT and ill-defined/infiltrative patterns (sensitivity (10-25%) and specificity (96-100%)). Elevated levels of CYFRA 21-1, CK 19-2G2, or AFP ≥ 400 ng/ml were associated with decreased 1-year OS. CONCLUSIONS: Either or both elevated serum CYFRA 21-1 and CK 19-2G2 levels when added to AFP ≥ 400 ng/ml are specific but less sensitive biomarkers for predicting tumor aggressiveness. These biomarkers can be used independently to predict reduced 1-year OS in Egyptian patients with HCV-related HCC.

A Cone Beam CT Study on the Correlation between Crestal Bone Loss and Periapical Disease.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the degree of bone loss around teeth can be linked to the loss of vitality of adjacent teeth and periapical disease, which necessitates root canal treatments. Three hundred and twenty-one full maxilla cone-beam computed tomography scans were examined. The parameters investigated included the degree of crestal bone loss in relation to the cementoenamel junction, the presence/absence of apical periodontitis, and the presence/absence of root canal treatments. Out of the 2001 teeth examined, 696 (34.8%) showed evidence of crestal bone loss. The degree of crestal bone loss was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. A significant association (p < 0.001) was found between the presence of crestal bone loss around a tooth and root canal treatment of that tooth. It was found that it is more likely for teeth with crestal bone loss to be root canal treated compared to teeth with existing root canal treatment and healthy crestal bone levels. Furthermore, teeth with buccal or lingual crestal bone loss were significantly associated with a higher rate of periapical disease than teeth without crestal bone loss (p < 0.001). CBCT identified the severity of bone loss on all surfaces of the teeth, and the most common presentation was bone loss to the mid-root level. Teeth with crestal bone loss were significantly more likely to be associated with a higher rate of periapical disease. Teeth with crestal bone loss were more likely to be root treated than teeth with healthy crestal bone levels.

Soluble CD163 for Prediction of High-Risk Esophageal Varices and Variceal Hemorrhage in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis.

Introduction: Activation of hepatic macrophages in liver disease is pathogenically related to portal hypertension (PH). Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is shed in blood by activated macrophages and may predict PH progression noninvasively. This study was designed to investigate the relation of serum sCD163 to the grade and bleeding risk of esophageal varices (EV) and its role for prediction of variceal hemorrhage (VH). Methods: The study included cirrhotic patients divided into 3 groups: patients who presented with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) proved to originate from EV on endoscopy, patients without any history of UGIB but who revealed EV on surveillance endoscopy, and patients without endoscopic evidence of varices. Variceal grade and risk signs and bleeding stigmata were noted simultaneously with measurement of serum sCD163 concentration. Results: Serum sCD163 concentration showed a significant increase in cirrhotic patients compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.001) with a stepwise increase among the group without varices, nonbleeder group, and bleeder group sequentially. Serum sCD163 levels correlated positively with the variceal grade and risk signs in both the bleeder and nonbleeder groups (p = 0.002, p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively). Serum sCD163 at a cutoff value of 3.6 mg/L performed significantly for prediction of EV presence (AUC = 0.888). Serum sCD163 at a cutoff value >4 mg/L significantly predicted large-size and high-risk EV (AUC = 0.910 and AUC = 0.939, respectively) and the index bleed risk (AUC = 0.977). Serum sCD163 at a cutoff value >4.05 mg/L modestly discriminated bleeding EV from those that had never bled (AUC = 0.811). Conclusions: Serum sCD163 levels accurately predicted high-grade and high-risk EV and could help plan for primary prophylaxis. However, it modestly identified VH occurrence, and endoscopy would be required to make a definitive diagnosis.

Introdução: A ativação dos macrófagos hepáticos na doença hepática está patogenicamente relacionada com a hipertensão portal (HP). O CD163 solúvel (sCD163) é libertado no sangue por macrófagos ativados e pode predizer a progressão da HP de forma não invasiva. Este estudo foi desenhado para investigar a relação do sCD163 ao grau e risco hemorrágico por varizes esofágicas (VE) e o seu papel da predição na hemorragia varicosa (HV). Métodos: Estudo incluiu doentes cirróticos divididos em três grupos: doentes com hemorragia digestiva alta aguda (HDA) por VE, doentes sem história de HDA mas com VE comprovadas endoscopicamente e doentes sem evidência de VE. O grau, sinais de risco e estigmas hemorrágicos das varizes foram avaliados simultaneamente com a medição sérica da concentração de sCD163. Resultados: A concentração sérica de sCD163 apresentou um aumento significativo nos doentes cirróticos comparados com os indivíduos saudáveis (>4 mg/L) previu de forma significativa VE grandes e de alto-risco (AUC = 0.910 e AUC = 0.939 respectivamente) e o risco index-hemorrágico (AUC = 0.977). O valor cut-off de sCD163 sérico >4.05 mg/L discriminou de forma modesta VE sangrantes daquelas que nunca sangraram (AUC = 0.811). Conclusões: Os níveis de sCD163 sérico predizem com acuidade VE grandes e de alto-risco e podem ajudar a planear a profilaxia primária. Contudo, apenas modestamente identificaram a ocorrência de HV, sendo a endoscopia necessária para fazer um diagnóstico definitivo.

A prospective randomized trial comparing computerized columnar insulin dosing chart (the Atlanta protocol) versus the joint British diabetes societies for inpatient care protocol in management of hyperglycemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted to cardiac care unit in Alexandria, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is linked to raised morbidity and mortality. Insulin administration using insulin infusion protocols (IIP) is the preferred strategy to control hyperglycemia in critically ill patients. To date, no specific IIP has been identified as the most efficient for achieving glycemic control. AIM: to compare glycemic achievements (safety) (primary objective), and coronary and other clinical outcomes (efficacy) (secondary objective) by hyperglycemia management in Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) using computerized Atlanta Protocol (Group (I)) versus paper-based Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) For Inpatient Care Protocol (Group (II)). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was done on 100 ACS patients admitted to Alexandria Main University hospital CCU with RBG >180 mg/dL. They were randomized into the 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio. CBG was measured hourly for 72 hours and was managed by IV insulin infusion. RESULTS: Group (I) showed statistically significant less mean time for target BG achievement (3.52 ± 1.53hours), lower incidence of Level 1 hypoglycemia (2%) than Group (II) (4.76 ± 2.33 hours, 22%, p = 0.013, 0.002 respectively) and statistically significant less mean number of episodes above the glycemic target after its achievement than Group (II) (p < 0.001). Regarding Level 2 hypoglycemia the difference was not significant statistically. CONCLUSION: Both protocols successfully maintained target BG level with low incidence of clinically significant hypoglycemia, however, the computerized Atlanta protocol achieved better glycemic outcomes. We recommend the use of the computerized Atlanta protocol in CCU rather than JBDS for Inpatient Care Protocol whenever this is feasible.

Subtarsal approach for orbital floor repair: a long-term follow-up of 12 cases in a Jordanian teaching hospital.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term functional and esthetic outcomes of using the subtarsal approach for orbital trauma patients in a group of Jordonian patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients treated using the subtarsal approach for orbital floor fractures in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery unit at the Jordan University Hospital were involved. Aspects evaluated included: the distance between scar and lower lid lash margin, scar length, esthetic appearances of the scar, lid edema, scleral show, ectropion, lagophthalmous, epiphora, subconjunctival injections, and keratoconjunctivitis. RESULTS: Half the cases were the result of road traffic accidents. Follow-up time ranged from 10 to 73 months (mean +/- SD, 37.25 +/- 23.7 months). The postoperative outcome was favorable; 1 scar was noticeable, but was not hypertrophic. One patient suffered from scleral show that was associated with subconjunctival injections. One patient suffered from mild lid edema and 1 had keratoconjunctivitis. No other complications were recorded and patients were satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The subtarsal approach is a safe and simple to perform procedure for treating orbital floor fractures. It results in a good surgical outcome functionally and esthetically.

Pfeiffer syndrome: oral healthcare management and description of new dental findings in a craniosynostosis.

Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare fibroblast growth factor receptor-related craniosynostosis with variable clinical presentations. We describe new dental findings of hypodontia, microdontia, dilacerations, and radicular dentin dysplasia in a 19-year-old girl, and discuss the oral health management.

Use of recombinant calreticulin and cercarial transformation fluid (CTF) in the serodiagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is traditionally diagnosed by microscopic detection of ova in stool samples, but this method is labour intensive and its sensitivity is limited by low and variable egg secretion in many patients. An alternative is an ELISA using Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) to detect anti-schistosome antibody in patient samples. SEA is a good diagnostic marker in non-endemic regions but is of limited value in endemic regions, mainly because of its high cost and limited specificity. Here we assess seven novel antigens for the detection of S. mansoni antibody in an endemic region (the Northern Nile Delta). Using recombinant S. mansoni calreticulin (CRT) and fragments thereof, anti-CRT antibodies were detected in the majority of 97 patients sera. The diagnostic value of some of these antigens was, however, limited by the presence of cross-reacting antibody in the healthy controls, even those recruited in non-endemic areas. Cercarial transformation fluid (CTF), a supernatant that contains soluble material released by the cercariae upon transformation to the schistosomula, is cheaper and easier to produce than SEA. An ELISA using CTF as the detection antigen had a sensitivity of 89.7% and an estimated specificity of 100% when used in non-endemic regions, matching the performance of the established SEA ELISA. CTF was substantially more specific than SEA for diagnosis in the endemic region, and less susceptible than SEA to cross-reacting antibody in the sera of controls with other protozoan and metazoan infections.