The diagnostic utility of FIB-4 as a non-invasive tool for liver fibrosis scoring among NAFLD patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Liver biopsy is the gold standard method to evaluate patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, due to its several limitations and complications, a reliable and non-invasive marker is required to assess liver fibrosis. In this study, we compared the performance of the FIB-4 index [based on age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and platelets count] with the Scheuer scoring system of liver biopsies to evaluate the diagnostic utility of FIB-4 among NAFLD patients with different liver fibrosis severities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at An-Najah National University Hospital (NNUH) in Palestine. The FIB-4 index was calculated using laboratory data for 128 NAFLD patients who underwent liver biopsies between November 2014 and July 2022. The results of FIB-4 were compared with the Scheuer scoring system of liver biopsies (using F0, F1+F2, F3+F4) to determine the sensitivity and specificity of FIB-4 in detecting and staging liver fibrosis. RESULTS: Out of 128 patients involved in our study, 49 of them had advanced fibrosis according to liver biopsy (F3+F4), where their FIB-4 indices showed 87% sensitivity at 1.45 cut off point and 87% specificity at 3.25 cut off point. CONCLUSIONS: The FIB-4 index may be used as a screening tool in the primary care setting. To raise awareness of liver diseases, this non-invasive, inexpensive, simple, and quick marker could identify people in need of further liver fibrosis evaluation and diagnosis.

Optical and electronic properties of MgPc-Ch-diisoQ blend organic thin film as an active layer for photovoltaic cells.

Organic photovoltaic cells are a promising technology for generating renewable energy from sunlight. These cells are made from organic materials, such as polymers or small molecules, and can be lightweight, flexible, and low-cost. Here, we have created a novel mixture of magnesium phthalocyanine (MgPc) and chlorophenyl ethyl diisoquinoline (Ch-diisoQ). A coating unit has been utilized in preparing MgPc, Ch-diisoQ, and MgPc-Ch-diisoQ films onto to FTO substrate. The MgPc-Ch-diisoQ film has a spherical and homogeneous surface morphology with a grain size of 15.9 nm. The optical absorption of the MgPc-Ch-diisoQ film was measured, and three distinct bands were observed at 800-600 nm, 600-400 nm, and 400-250 nm, with a band gap energy of 1.58 eV. The current density-voltage and capacitance-voltage measurements were performed to analyze the photoelectric properties of the three tested cells. The forward current density obtained from our investigated blend cell is more significant than that for each material by about 22%. The photovoltaic parameters (Voc, Isc, and FF) of the MgPc-Ch-diisoQ cell were found to be 0.45 V, 2.12 µA, and 0.4, respectively. We believe that our investigated MgPc-Ch-diisoQ film will be a promising active layer in organic solar cells.

Synthesis of novel Cu/Fe based benzene Dicarboxylate (BDC) metal organic frameworks and investigations into their optical and electrochemical properties.

In the recent past Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based thin films have demonstrated superior performance in various technological applications such as optical and optoelectronic devices, electrochemical energy storage, catalysis, and sensing. Herein we report tuning the optical performance of stable complexes using Cu and Fe metal ions with carboxylate benzene dicarboxylic (BDC), leading toward the formation of novel MOF structures. The formation of Cu-BDC and Fe-BDC were confirmed by XRD and SEM studies. The thermal stability of two MOFs was investigated, indicating that, the Cu-BDC is more stable than Fe-BDC. Further, the optical properties were investigated in the wavelength range 325-1100 nm, and the Fe-BDC exhibited greater optical transmission properties than Cu-BDC by 33 %, as investigated by Wemple-DiDomenico and Tauc models. The dispersion parameters related to optical studies for Cu-BDC were better in comparison to Fe-BDC, which could be attributed to the increase in Cu valence electrons due to an increase in the number of cations. The electrochemical behavior in terms of CV measurements shows the presence of pseudo capacitance in both Fe-BDC and Cu-BDC MOFs. The improved CV performance of Cu-BDC MOF suggests that it could be used as a storage material. This work successfully demonstrates the tailoring of optical properties related to MOF thin films through the formation of stable complexes using BDC as a potential material for the fabrication of OLED's and Solar cells. The improved CV performance suggests that these MOF based materials could be used as anodes in fabrication of batteries or supercapacitors.

Yttrium-Iron Garnet Film Magnetometer for Registration of Magnetic Nano- and Submicron Particles: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

In the current article, we present a new kind of magnetometer for quantitative detection of magnetic objects (magnetic nano- and submicron particles) in biological fluids and tissues. The sensor is based on yttrium-iron garnet film with optical signal registration system. Inheriting the working principle of a fluxgate magnetometers, the sensor works at a room-temperature, its wide dynamic range allows the measurements in an unshielded environment. A small size of sensitive element combined with a short recovery time after the excitation coils are off provide us with a potentially high spatial and temporal resolution of measurements. We show the feasibility of the developed devices by sensing the remanent magnetization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) both in vitro (test tubes, dry MNPs) and in vivo (local injection of the MNPs into mice).

YIG-Based Sensor System for Millisecond Time Range Magnetorelaxometry.

In the current study we propose a magneto-optical system for registration and analysis of magnetic nano- and microparticles magnetic relaxation. The core of our system is the novel compact magnetometer based on an yttrium-iron garnet film and working at room temperature. The sensor demonstrates sensitivity of 35 pT/√{Hz} at 79 Hz and recovery time less than 100 µs, which allows to register quite fast magnetic relaxations of a low amplitude. All these facts make the system feasible for usage in biological magnetorelaxometry and theranostics. Statistical processing of the relaxation curves allowed us to estimate both amplitudes and relaxation times for various biocompatible magnetic particles at the amount of 100 µg in the test tubes experiments. The system has a great potential of further development for usage in the areas of targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia, magnetic imaging. Being comparatively cheap, the system potentially is of a great interest in the fields of biomedicine and nanomedicine.

CuO nanoparticles mixed with activated BC extracted from algae as promising material for supercapacitor electrodes.

The present analysis aims to use existing resources to lower the cost of electrodes and reduce environmental pollution by utilizing waste materials like green algae. In the present research, the hydrothermal carbonization technique was utilized to synthesize a nano sized CuO mixed with activated biochar (CuO@BC) extracted from red sea algae (Chlorophyta). The CuO@BC sample was extensively examined using several advanced physical techniques, such as UV/Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XED, HRTEM, SEM, EDX, BET, and TGA. The HRTEM indicated that the size of the particles is 32 nm with a larger surface area and without aggregations. The BET analysis of CuO@BC indicates that the material contains pores of a relatively large size and with a pore diameter of about 42.56 A°. The electrochemical analysis of CuO@BC modified glassy carbon electrode CuO@BC/GCE has been investigated using CV, GCD, and EIS techniques. This CuO@BC/GCE shows excellent electrochemical features that are significant for energy storage applications. The CuO@BC/GCE showed a specific capacitance of approximately 353 Fg-1 which is higher compared to individual materials. Overall, the research outcomes suggest that the CuO@BC/GCE shows potential for use in high-performance supercapacitors as energy storage systems that are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Synchrotron-based operando X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of LiCo0.5Fe0.5PO4 mixed d-metal olivine cathode.

Lithium-ion batteries based on high-voltage cathode materials, such as LiCoPO4, despite being promising in terms of specific power, still suffer from poor cycle life due to the lower stability of common non-aqueous electrolytes at higher voltages. One way to overcome this issue might be decreasing the working potential of the battery by doping LiCoPO4 by Fe, thus reducing electrolyte degradation upon cycling. However, such modification requires a deep understanding of the structural behavior of cathode material upon lithiation/delithiation. Here we used a combination of operando synchrotron-based XRD and XAS to investigate the dynamics of d-metal local atomic structure and charge state upon cycling of LiCo0.5Fe0.5PO4 mixed d-metal olivine cathode material. Principal components analysis (PCA) of XAS data allowed the extraction of spectra of individual phases in the material and their concentrations. For both Co and Fe two components were extracted, they correspond to fully lithiated and delithiated phases of LixMPO4 (where M = Fe, Co). Thus, we were able to track the phase transitions in the material upon charge and discharge and quantitatively analyze the M2+/M3+ electrochemical conversion rate for both Fe and Co. Rietveld's refinement of XRD data allowed us to analyze the changes in the lattice of cathode material and their reversibility upon (de)lithiation during cycling. The calculation of DFT and Bader charge analysis expects the oxygen redox procedure combined with d-metals redox, which supplements iron charge variations and dominates at high voltages when x < 0.75 in LixCoFePO4.

Parental occupational and environmental risk factors for childhood bone cancer in Mansoura oncology center: a case control study.

Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed disease-related cause of death among children and adolescents. This study was conducted to test association of occupational, environmental risk factors such as exposure to pesticides, radiations, hazardous chemicals and smoking among children with bone cancer. A retrospective case control study was conducted in Oncology center Mansoura University (OCMU). Study groups included bone cancer cases (n = 51) and an age and sex matched control group (n = 67). An interview-based questionnaire included demographic data, occupational and environmental risk factors for both children and parents. Exposure to n nitrose compounds from burning incense among children, paternal smoking and consanguinity are significantly different between cases and control. (p < 0.05). Paternal smoking and consanguinity are significant predictors for childhood bone cancer. It is recommended to add surveillance for environmental and occupational exposures to childhood bone cancer patients.

Clearing the air about airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has created the current pandemic, has caused a worldwide worry. Different countries have since enforced varying levels of lockdowns and guidelines for their populations to follow in a serious effort to mitigate the spread. Up until recently, the majority of these regulations and policies were established on the assumption that the dominant routes of transmission of this virus are through droplets and fomite contact. However, there is now a substantial amount of research pointing towards the strong possibility that SARS-CoV-2 can spread through airborne means. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently recognized this, which poses the question of whether our collective methods of lessening transmission risk and keeping people safe have been sufficient. This paper is a comprehensive review of the evidence on SARS-CoV-2 being an airborne disease, through different epidemiological, experimental, and animal-model based published research. Studies opposing this evidence have also been discussed. The majority of these studies are favoring the high plausibility of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol transmission, and therefore the many implications of aerosol transmission have been discussed in this paper to suggest effective mitigation and control strategies.

Engineered s-Triazine-Based Dendrimer-Honokiol Conjugates as Targeted MMP-2/9 Inhibitors for Halting Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Despite the advances in developing MMP-2/9 inhibitors, off-target side effects and pharmacokinetics problems remain major challenges hindering their clinical success in cancer therapy. However, recent targeting strategies have clearly revitalized MMP research. Herein, we introduce new s-triazine-based dendrimers endowed with intrinsic MMP-2/9 inhibitory potential and tetherable to hepatocellular carcinoma-specific targeting ligands and anticancer agents via biodegradable linkages for targeted therapy. The designed dendrimeric platform was built with potential zinc-binding branching linkers (hydrazides) and termini (carboxylic acids and hydrazides) to confer potency against MMP-2/9. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening and MMP-2/9 inhibition assay of the free dendrimers revealed promising potency (MMP-9; IC50 =0.35-0.57 µM, MMP-2; IC50 =0.39-0.77 µM) within their safe doses (EC100 =94.15-42.75 µM). The hydrazide dendrimer was comparable to NNGH and superior to the carboxylic acid analogue. MTT assay showed that the free dendrimers were superior to the reference anticancer agent honokiol. Their anticancer potency was enhanced by HK conjugation, targeting ligands installation and PEGylation as exemplified by the hydrazide dendrimer conjugate (TPG3 -NH2 )-SuHK-FA-SuPEG (Huh-7; IC50 =5.54 µM, HepG-2; IC50 =10.07 µM) being 4 folds more active than HK, followed by the carboxylic acid conjugate (TPG3 -OH)-HK-LA-PEG (Huh-7; IC50 =14.97, HepG-2; IC50 =21.29 µM). This was consistent with apoptosis studies.

Enhancement of the adsorptive performance of TiO2nanoparticles towards methylene blue by adding suspended nanoparticles of Pt: kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies.

Methylene blue (MB) is one of the most dangerous dyes found in numerous industries' wastewaters. Thus, the effect of suspended Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on the adsorption capability of TiO2NPs towards MB was investigated in this research. Factors affecting (adsorbate initial concentration, agitation time, solution pH, and temperature) the adsorption capacity of MB on the modified TiO2NPs were also studied. It was found that the first two factors have a positive effect, the temperature has an adverse impact, and the maximum uptake was observed when pH is 11. Isotherm parameters of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Timken models were determined. Langmuir's model was found to be the best one for analyzing the experimental data. The adsorption capacities obtained were 100.61, 90.66, and 80.26 mg g-1at 25 °C, 40 °C, and 55 °C, respectively. 1storder, 2ndorder, and intra-particle diffusion kinetic models were utilized to analyze experimental data. It found that these data were explained well by the 2ndorder model, indicating that this adsorption is chemisorption. Thermodynamic parameters were also determined, and the results obtained suggest that this adsorption is an exothermic and spontaneous process. The findings show that TiO2NPs modified by suspended Pt NPs will get a strong attraction in the treatment of fluids and wastewaters.

Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of nanosized lanthanum (III) complexes thin film with aryl-azo-pyrogallol derivatives.

The present study is focused on the assembly of two new thin films based on the direct layer deposition of lanthanum ion from solution with two aryl-azo-pyrogallol ligands onto the surface of a glass substrate. Assembled lanthanum (III) complexes were characterized by different techniques including thermal gravimetric analysis, metal analysis by acid digestion and complexometric titration, Fourier transforms infrared, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Two complexes were highly similar in their patterns and crystallinities with the characterized particle size range 23.16-23.31 nm. Energy gaps of the two complexes NS Na3La(III)-(L1)2 and NS Na3La(III)-(L2)2 were found to be 2.09 and 2.33 eV, respectively. Linear and calculated nonlinear optical properties have been studied for the two complexes. The nonlinear refractive index has been calculated and NS Na3La(III)-(L2)2 showed a high nonlinear behavior (n2 = 8 × 10-7 esu) and it could be a promising low-cost material in the optical nonlinear application.

Lactoferrin plus health education versus total dose infusion (TDI) of low-molecular weight (LMW) iron dextran for treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common medical disorder disturbing pregnancies particularly in low resources countries, and contributes significantly to morbidities and mortalities. Thus, early diagnosis and prompt management of IDA is highly recommended. AIM: To Test the efficacy and safety of oral lactoferrin plus health education provided by a nurse versus total dose infusion (TDI) of low-molecular weight (LMW) iron dextran for treating IDA in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. DESIGN: A prospective interventional, randomized, parallel-group, single-center longitudinal study. SETTING: Woman's Health Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt, at the outpatient clinic and inpatient unit. It comprised 120 cases divided into two groups as pineapple flavored lactoferrin oral sachets 100 mg twice daily with health education (group A) and TDI of LMW iron dextran (group B). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary efficacy parameter was clinical improvement and the amount of increase in hemoglobin concentration by 4 weeks after therapy, secondary outcome measures included measurement of the rest of RBC, and iron indices, the adverse effects related to iron therapy and the patient compliance to the treatment. RESULTS: There was insignificant difference between both groups regarding sociodemographic data, parity and mean gestational age. Both groups showed a significant clinical improvement of anemia 4 weeks post-therapy. There was no statistically significant difference in mean Hb level improvement in both groups after 1 month of therapy. However, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) improved significantly more in group B than A while iron indices (serum iron and serum ferritin) were significantly more in group A than group B. CONCLUSIONS: Pineapple flavored lactoferrin oral sachets plus health education can be widely used as an alternative to TDI iron dextran supplementation due to clinical as well as laboratory improvement of IDA during pregnancy after 1 month of treatment. Proper health education of the pregnant women with nurse recommendations of balanced diet containing good sources of iron would increase awareness of pregnant women and help eradicate IDA with its serious sequel during pregnancy.

Total dose iron dextran infusion versus oral iron for treating iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To test safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of total dose infusion (TDI) of low molecular weight (LMW) iron dextran for treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy in comparison to oral ferrous fumarate. DESIGN: Prospective interventional randomized controlled trial (RCT). Design classification. Canadian Task Force II3. SETTING: Antenatal clinic and causality unit of a tertiary care referral facility and University Hospital. PATIENTS: A total 66 anemic pregnant women (hemoglobin level between 7-10 g/dl). INTERVENTION: Administration of a LMW iron dextran as a TDI (group A) or Oral iron ferrous fumarate 60 mg elemental iron three times daily (group B) followed by remeasurement of hemoglobin after 4 weeks. MEASURES AND MAIN RESULTS: The main outcome measure was clinical and laboratory improvement of anemia after 4 weeks of starting the therapy. Both groups showed a significant clinical improvement of anemia 4 weeks post-therapy. However, the first improvement of symptoms was significantly faster in group A. Complete blood count (CBC) as well as all iron indices were improved in both groups after 4 weeks of therapy, but were significantly better in group A than B. Side effects in group B were mainly gastrointestinal (GIT) while one case of mild hypersensitivity to TDI and another one case of local reaction at the site of injection were reported in group A. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that despite being equally effective in improving both clinical and laboratory evidence of IDA, TDI allows iron restoration with a single dose faster than oral iron therapy with a reasonable safety profile. It is a good example of office one-stop therapy. Nevertheless, noninvasive selfusage at home is a clear advantage of the cheaper oral iron therapy which makes it the first choice for treating IDA in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy in tolerable cases.

Breast cancer in women aging 35 years old and younger: The Egyptian National Cancer Institute (NCI) experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to identify the epidemiological and clinicopathological features associated with young breast cancer (BC) patients and to discuss factors affecting tumor recurrence and DFS. PATIENTS & METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted based on medical records from young females patients aged ≤35 years with pathologically confirmed primary breast cancer treated during 2008-2010 at NCI. Cases with non invasive cancer and non carcinoma histology are excluded. RESULTS: Of the 5408 cases diagnosed with breast cancer, 554 were young. Four hundred & fifty eight patients representing 9.2% were within our inclusion criteria. Almost half of the patients (45.9%) presented with stage III. Axillary nodes involvement was in 63.9%, 83.3% were grade 2. More than one quarter of tumors was hormone receptors negative (28.8%) & Her2 was over-expressed in 30%. Mastectomy was offered in 72% while conservative breast surgery in 26%, 69.2% received chemotherapy either adjuvant, neoadjuvant or both, 82.5% received adjuvant radiotherapy, 68.6% received hormonal therapy. Metastatic disease developed in 51.3%, with 31% having more than one site of metastases. After a median follow up period of 66 months, the median DFS of patients was 60 months. The median DFS was significantly shorter among patients with positive lymph nodes (P < 0.0001), ER negative disease (P = 0.045) and stage III disease (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Breast cancer in young women is aggressive from the time of diagnosis. Our results provide baseline data of young BC in the Middle East & North Africa region; thus, contributing to future epidemiological and hospital-based researches.

Women Transmits Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) More Than Men: Evidences from Parental Inheritance of T2DM Among Bahrainis.

INTRODUCTION: Heritability in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is observed but not well understood. METHODS: In this study, family history and clinical/biochemical data from 789 Bahrainis (418 T2DM, 371 controls) was analyzed. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c were measured and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients compared to controls have higher proportions of diabetic mothers (50.2% vs. 32.7%, p=0.005), fathers (35.2% vs. 12.1%, p<0.001) and siblings (56% vs. 15.3%, p<0.001). The proportions of diabetic mothers was higher than the proportions of diabetic fathers among the patients (50.2% vs. 35.2%, p<0.001) and the controls (32.7% vs. 12.1%, p<0.001). Patients born to diabetic mothers compared to the other patients were smaller in age at the time of enrollment in this study (p=0.005), and at onset of T2DM (p<0.001), and also had higher FBG (p=0.033). Interestingly, the prevalence of T1DM was highest amongst the siblings of the controls compared to patients (p=0.04). Finally, the heterozygote I/D genotype of the ACE gene was over expressed in patients born to diabetic mothers when compared to patients born to diabetic fathers, p=0.007. CONCLUSIONS: there was strong clustering of T2DM in families, with significant dominant maternal role in transmission of T2DM and associated severity markers. Patients (T2DM) born to diabetic mothers were genetically and phenotypically different from the other patients.

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: treatment outcomes from a single institutional experience

Purpose: To report the outcomes of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) at a single institution and to determine the factors affecting response to chemotherapy and survival. Methods/Patients: From 1979–2010, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 221 patients treated at our center. GTN Patients were assigned to low-risk (score ≤6) or high-risk (score ≥7) based on the WHO risk factor scoring system. Overall survival (OS) probabilities were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method. Logistic regression was applied to study the impact of different factors on the response to initial therapy. Results: Patients’ OS rate was 97 %. Median age at diagnosis was 37 year. 131 (59 %) patients had low-risk and 88 (40 %) cases had high-risk GTN. Complete remission rates to initial chemotherapy in low-risk group were 53 % and 87 % for single-agent methotrexate or dactinomycin, respectively. In high-risk group, 94 % achieved complete remission to initial chemotherapy with etoposide, methotrexate, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (EMA-CO). Etoposide, cisplatin, and dactinomycin as primary therapy in high-risk patients was successful in 70 %, while bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) was successful in 53 % of cases. Salvage chemotherapy, surgical intervention or radiation therapy resulted in overall complete remission of 90 % in low-risk and 73 % in high-risk groups. Factors associated with resistance to initial chemotherapy were advanced-stage III/IV (p = 0.005), metastatic site other than lung or vagina (p = 0.005) and high-risk prognostic score (p = 0.05). OS was significantly influenced by the type of antecedent pregnancy (molar 98 % vs. others 93 %; p = 0.04), FIGO stage (I, II 100 % vs. III, IV 94 %;p = 0.02), score (low-risk 100 % vs. high-risk 92 %; p = 0.01), and site of metastasis (lung/vagina 98 % vs. others 85 %; p = 0.002). Conclusions: GTNs have excellent prognosis if properly treated at experienced centers. Single-agent dactinomycin seems more effective for low-risk GTN. EMA-CO remains the preferred primary treatment regimen for high-risk group. The excellent outcome reflects the success of salvage therapy (AU)

No disponible

Optimal method for collection of umbilical cord blood: an Egyptian trial for a public cord blood bank.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains stem cells and can be used as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation. Engraftment is dependent on the total nucleated cell (TNC) and CD34+ cell counts of the cord blood units. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the method of collection of the UCB on the yield of the cord blood units. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Informed consent was obtained from 100 eligible mothers for donation of cord blood. Both in utero and ex utero methods were used for collection. The cord blood volume was measured. The TNC and the CD34+ cell counts were enumerated. RESULTS: We have found that in utero collection gave significantly larger volumes of cord blood and higher TNC counts than ex utero collection. There was no significant difference between both methods regarding the CD34+ cell counts. This study revealed a significant correlation between the volume of the collected cord blood and both TNC and CD34+ cell counts. CONCLUSION: It is better to collect cord blood in utero before placental delivery to optimize the quality of the cord blood unit.

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: treatment outcomes from a single institutional experience.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) at a single institution and to determine the factors affecting response to chemotherapy and survival. METHODS/PATIENTS: From 1979-2010, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 221 patients treated at our center. GTN Patients were assigned to low-risk (score ≤6) or high-risk (score ≥7) based on the WHO risk factor scoring system. Overall survival (OS) probabilities were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Logistic regression was applied to study the impact of different factors on the response to initial therapy. RESULTS: Patients' OS rate was 97 %. Median age at diagnosis was 37 year. 131 (59 %) patients had low-risk and 88 (40 %) cases had high-risk GTN. Complete remission rates to initial chemotherapy in low-risk group were 53 % and 87 % for single-agent methotrexate or dactinomycin, respectively. In high-risk group, 94 % achieved complete remission to initial chemotherapy with etoposide, methotrexate, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (EMA-CO). Etoposide, cisplatin, and dactinomycin as primary therapy in high-risk patients was successful in 70 %, while bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) was successful in 53 % of cases. Salvage chemotherapy, surgical intervention or radiation therapy resulted in overall complete remission of 90 % in low-risk and 73 % in high-risk groups. Factors associated with resistance to initial chemotherapy were advanced-stage III/IV (p = 0.005), metastatic site other than lung or vagina (p = 0.005) and high-risk prognostic score (p = 0.05). OS was significantly influenced by the type of antecedent pregnancy (molar 98 % vs. others 93 %; p = 0.04), FIGO stage (I, II 100 % vs. III, IV 94 %; p = 0.02), score (low-risk 100 % vs. high-risk 92 %; p = 0.01), and site of metastasis (lung/vagina 98 % vs. others 85 %; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: GTNs have excellent prognosis if properly treated at experienced centers. Single-agent dactinomycin seems more effective for low-risk GTN. EMA-CO remains the preferred primary treatment regimen for high-risk group. The excellent outcome reflects the success of salvage therapy.

Residue levels of organochlorine pesticides in some ecosystem components of Manzala Lake.

To evaluate the organochlorine pesticide (OCP) contamination of Manzala Lake, its ecosystem was investigated during the winter season (December to March). The studied ecosystem components were water, sediment, aquatic weeds, and fishes in four locations. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detector. Pollutant levels of total OCPs showed significantly high levels in the water areas of Round road (46.253 ng/ml), Port-Said Damietta road (19.301 ng/ml), followed by Bughas El-Rasoah (5.539 ng/ml), then Ashtoum El Gamel (natural reserve area now) (0.289 ng/ml). Organochlorines were detected in sediment only in Round road (3.359 µg/kg) and Port-Said Damietta road (0.171 µg/kg) by significant order while they were undetectable in Ashtoum El Gamel and Bughas El-Rasoah. Total OCPs in aquatic weeds ranged between 0.194 µg/kg in Port-Said Damietta and 0.026 µg/kg in Ashtoum El Gamel. While OCPs were 0.160 and 0.153 µg/kg in Round road and Bughas El-Rasoah, respectively. Concerning fish muscles OCPs were significantly higher in the Round road area (0.397 µg/kg) followed by the Port-Said Damietta road (0.258 µg/kg), and finally, Ashtoum El Gamel samples (0.126 µg/kg). The results revealed the direct relation for the accumulation of OCPs between studied ecosystem parameters at the Manzala Lake during the winter season. Results also demonstrated that fish samples collected from the Manzala Lake in the studied areas were contaminated with levels of organochlorines, not higher than the maximum permissible level recorded by FAO/WHO, and that the public is not at risk with fish consumption.