Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women in Menoufia governorate and identify the different genotypes of T. gondii in positive clinical samples. Background T. gondii is considered the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic disease worldwide, as at least one-third of the world's population is infected. T. gondii has a highly unusual population structure consisting of three clonal lineages known as types I, II, and III. Patients and methods The present study included 92 pregnant women who were divided into five groups: GI, consisting of 44 women with first trimester abortion; GII, consisting of 29 women with second trimester abortion; GIII, consisting of seven women with IUFD; GIV, consisting of six women with CFM; and GV, consisting of six women with normal pregnancy outcome. Serum samples were collected for detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Placental samples and products of conception were collected for PCR. Results A total of 48 (52.2%) women were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and nine (9.78%) were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. There was an association between IgG seroprevalence and age, gravidity, history of abortion, eating undercooked meat, and eating underwashed vegetables. Toxoplasma spp. DNA was detected in 26 (28.26%) women by means of PCR for the B1 gene. In nine of them amplification of the SAG2 gene was successful and typed as genotype I. Conclusion Seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women in Menoufia governorate was 52.2%, which is considered high. Only genotype I was detected. The introduction of health educational programs should be considered.

Objectives The aim of the study was to compare between clinical examination, skin scraping, and histopathological examinat ion in the diagnosis of scabies and assess the role of immune cells (CD4+ and CD8+) and transforming growth factor b (TGF-b) to differentiate between scabietic and nonscabietic patients. Background Scabies is a contagious skin infection characterized clinically by nocturnal pruritus and visible burrows. Scabies can occur in epidemic or endemic form. Scabies is still a major public health problem in many resource-poor regions, with prevalence rates reaching up to 10% in the general population and 50% in children. The diagnosis of scabies is challenging, leading to the observation that scabies is at once the easiest and most difficult diagnosis in medicine. Patients and methods Physical examination, skin scraping, and histopathological analysis were carried out for diagnosing scabies. Biopsies were taken from untreated skin lesions of patients 35 with scabies, six with psoriasis, eight with lichen planus and eight normal individuals. T-cell subsets (CD4+ and CD8+) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (TGF-b) were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. Results Skin scraping and histopathological examination were highly specific (100%) when compared with physical examination, but the sensitivity of histopathology (88%) was superior to scraping (23%) and clinical diagnosis (85.6%). The highest number of CD4+ T cells was found in scabies and lichen planus but not in psoriasis. In contrast, the highest number of CD8+ T cells was found in psoriasis but not in scabies or lichen planus. There was statistically significant difference between scabietic and nonscabietic patients with regard to CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Mild expression of TGF-b was observed in patients with scabies compared with moderate to strong expression in lichen planus and psoriasis. Conclusion Histopathology is an accurate diagnostic method but recommended in suspicious cases only as it is an invasive technique. A high number of CD4+ cells and low expression of TGF-b are characteristic of scabietic lesions.

Background Coccidian parasites are reported in patients with low immunity. However, there is little knowledge of coccidian parasites in patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Objective The aim of this study was to assess coccidian parasitic infections in liver transplant recipients using microscopic and immunologic assays. Patients and methods Seventy-five participants were divided into two groups: group I included 50 participants from March 2011 to June 2013 during the first 6 months after liver transplantation and group II included 25 apparently healthy participants. Fecal specimens were subjected to microscopic examination for enteric protozoa stained with iodine, trichrome, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stains. Furthermore, all fecal specimens were subjected to examination for Cryptosporidium oocyst surface antigen using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Serum samples of all participants were tested for Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies using a commercially available kit Toxoplasma IgM and IgG ELISAs. Results Of all participants, eight (16%) liver transplant recipients were positive for enteric coccidia. Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in 12% of patients, whereas Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst surface antigen was detected in 20% of patients. Cyclospora oocysts were observed in 6%. Importantly, the positivity rate was high (62.5%) in those patients who had diarrhea. The Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were identified in 28% of patients, whereas the IgM antibodies were detected in 18% of patients. Out of nine Toxoplasma IgM-positive patients, five (55.6%) presented with lymphadenopathy and out of 14 patients seropositive for Toxoplasma IgG, 12 (85.7%) presented with lymphadenopathy. Conclusion Enteric coccidian parasites such as Cryptosporidium should always be taken into account among liver transplant recipients when investigating the etiologies of diarrhea, which occurs in patients in whom the immune system has been suppressed. Toxoplasma gondii is a common opportunistic parasite and causes enlarged lymph nodes among liver transplant recipients. Detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG by the ELISA technique is an important screening test that is used commonly as it is rapid and easy to use.

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection and soluble egg antigen (SEA) immunization on allergic airway diseases and to study the involved immune-modulation mechanisms. Background Schistosomiasis and allergic airway diseases are common health problems that affect a wide range of population. Many studies showed that there is an inverse relationship between prevalence of Schistosoma and allergic airway diseases. Materials and methods The mice groups were either infected with S. mansoni or SEA immunized or noninfected. Airway allergy was induced in laboratory mice by ovalbumin. Thereafter, the degree of lung inflammation was determined by histopathology. Immune response was studied by immune-histochemical examination of regulatory T (T-reg), CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and serum antiovalbumin IgE level was determined by ELISA. Results The infected and immunized groups showed significant reduction in lung pathology, CD4+ cell infiltration of lungs and serum antiovalbumin IgE level than the control group. This was associated with a significant increase in the immune-suppressor T-reg cells and CD8+ cells infiltration of lungs. Conclusion S. mansoni infection or SEA immunization have downregulating effects on ovalbumin-induced experimental allergic airway diseases. These effects could be attributed to increased activation of T-reg cells and CD8+ cells, which downregulate the immune response.

Objectives The aim of our study was to examine improvement in women's health through assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of family planning in our locality, which may help identify health problems associated with contraceptive methods to face them properly. Background The rewards of family medicine come from knowing patients well over time and developing a mutual trust, respect, and friendship, and from the variety of problems encountered in practice that keep the family physician professionally stimulated and challenged. The postpartum period is a convenient time to address family planning; women are particularly motivated to prevent conception just after birth, and so the family physician is in a good position to provide the necessary counseling in terms of contraception for the new mother. Patients and methods This study included 200 women who were selected randomly from Kafer El-Sawlmia village, a rural area in Egypt. An interview in the Arabic language was completed through a precoded questionnaire by each one of the women, ranged in age from 18 to 49 years. Results Sociodemographic factors played a minor role in the usage of contraceptive methods; women's level of education and socioeconomic status were not significant determinants of the likelihood of contraceptive use. Contraceptive methods were not used in this study by 7.5% of women. Most of the women in the study were not aware of physiological, surgical, and emergency contraceptive methods; hormonal methods were the most common contraceptive method used in the area of the study. Conclusion Improvement in the use of contraceptives methods and women health can be achieved by conducting awareness-raising seminars for husbands, mass media contraceptive methods awareness, proper counseling both before and at during the method selection and regular contact between the family doctor and the client.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of maternal depression and/or anxiety among women attending the primary health care facilities in El-Fayum city. Background Women suffering from depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy are at an increased risk for postpartum depression throughout the perinatal period. Patients and methods This study was a nested case-control cross-sectional survey conducted among women attending primary health care centers in El-Fayum city. Results The strongest risk factors of maternal depression and/or anxiety were presence of previous history of psychiatric illness (including antenatal and postnatal depression) to the woman or one of her family members, stressful life events or physical problems during pregnancy and early postpartum, and low levels of social support. History of abortion or miscarriage showed statistically significant results and was considered as an important risk factor (52% of the depressed cases had a previous history of abortion in comparison with controls). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant risk factors of maternal depression where the main risk factors for maternal depression and/or anxiety were history of abortion or miscarriage (odds ratio 4.1) and history of previous psychiatric illness (odds ratio 2.7) (including antenatal depression and postnatal depression). Conclusion Investigating perinatal stress and depression and identification of risk factors of these conditions may reduce the risk for postpartum chronic anxiety or undiagnosed depression.

Background Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional disorder worldwide and nearly two billion individuals have anemia. Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of anemia, especially in infants, preschool children, and school-aged children; it is related to a variety of developmental and behavioral changes. Objective This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify possible risk factors of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) among a representative sample of primary school children (6-11 years), Menoufia governorate. Participants and methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Menoufia governorate. This study was carried out in Shebin El-Kom city. The study sample included 497 students (242 boys, 255 girls). Blood samples and questionnaires were collected through school visits. A complete blood count was performed on all collected samples, and a serum ferritin test was carried out for anemic ones. Results The prevalence of IDA was 25.6%. The result showed that anemia was higher in children from urban areas (63.8%) than rural areas (36.2%) and in children from low and middle socioeconomic (59.1%) backgrounds than those from high socioeconomic standard (40.9%). There was a significant relationship between children without IDA and anemic children in dietary habits, school achievements, and manifestations related to anemia (P < 0.05). Conclusion and recommendations The prevalence of iron deficiency is high among primary school children; to combat this problem, a program should be implemented by the government, especially the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, targeting both children and their parents through different public media approaches. Programs should focus on the nutritional and behavioral needs of this group of children, such as comprehensive iron supplementation programs.

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of interleukin 28B (IL-28B) rs12979860 polymorphism in the response to interferon (IFN)/ribavirin (RBV) therapy in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients and the allele frequencies of this gene in HCV patients as compared with healthy controls. Background HCV infection, one of the major causes of liver disease worldwide, is highly prevalent in Egypt, with a predominance of HCV genotype 4. The standard of care for chronic HCV infection consists of treatment with pegylated interferon-a plus ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV), which is prolonged and costly and is associated with dose-limiting side effects, increasing the need for accurate prediction of treatment failure. IL-28B gene polymorphism has been shown to be related to HCV treatment response, mainly in genotype 1. Patients and methods This study included 130 HCV-positive Egyptian patients treated with IFN/RBV therapy. They were divided into three groups according to their response to therapy. Group I included 70 patients with sustained viral response (SVR). Group II included 49 patients with no response. Group III included 11 patients with relapse, and group IV included 40 healthy controls. Liver function tests, complete blood count, evaluation of viral markers, HCV-RNA by PCR, and evaluation for IL-28B single nucleotide polymorphisms for rs12979860 were performed by PCR-RFLP in all patients. Results IL-28B genotype CC was present in 34.6% of patients, whereas CT and TT genotypes were detected in 42.3 and 23.1% of patients, respectively. Seventeen (53.8%) patients achieved an SVR, whereas 60 (46.2%) did not. Of the 70 patients with an SVR, 38 had genotype CC, 25 had genotype CT, and seven had genotype TT. Patients having the CC genotype achieved significantly higher SVR rates (84.4%) compared with CT (45.5%) and TT patients (23.3%). Conclusion The IL-28B polymorphism is an independent predictor of SVR to PegIFN/RBV in Egyptian HCV-positive patients with genotype 4.

Objectives The aims of the study were to determine bacterial pathogens frequently causing burn infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, to estimate the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) among the isolated pathogens, and to evaluate the different risk factors for the development of burn wound infection. Background Infection in burn patients remains the significant source of morbidity and mortality. The aggressive use of antimicrobials has improved survival but led to an increased colonization and infection of pathogens that resist current therapies. Materials and methods The study was carried out by collecting swabs from 105 burnt patients during the period from October 2012 to November 2013. Semiquantitative assessment of bacterial growth was performed to distinguish between bacterial colonization and infections. MDR strains were detected including methicillin-resistance and vancomycin-resistance staphylococci and Gram-negative bacilli extended-spectrum b-lactamases and metallo-b-lactamases producers by standardized methods. Results Burn wound infections were polymicrobial in 26.6% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common aerobic isolate (32.4%). Among S. aureus, 76.5% were MDR strains, 73.5% were methicillin-resistant, and 17.6% were vancomycin resistant. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were represented by 16.2%. About 47% of CoNS strains were MDR strains, 47% were methicillin-resistant CoNS, and 23.6% were vancomycin-resistant CoNS. All Gram-negative bacteria isolated from burn wounds were MDR. Extended-spectrum b-lactamases were detected in 58.5%, whereas metallo-b-lactamases were detected in 43.4% of Gram-negative bacteria. The risk factors for burn wound infections were young age, low socioeconomic status, abuse of invasive procedures and antimicrobial, prolonged hospital stay, and improper control of burn-associated comorbidities. Conclusion The study highlights the high prevalence of MDR bacteria infecting burn wound in our hospitals.

Objectives The aims of the study were to determine serum levels of interleukin-22 (IL-22) in patients with liver cirrhosis in Menoufia University Hospitals and to detect its relation with the degree of liver cirrhosis and determine the serum level of IL-22 in relation to morbidity of patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. Background IL-22 was recently identified as a crucial parameter of pathology in experimental liver damage. Assuming that IL-22 has hepatoprotective properties in liver diseases, IL-22 may be a relevant factor for progression of liver cirrhosis. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 40 liver cirrhotic patients and 20 age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals. All patients were subjected to history taking, complete medical examination, and thorough laboratory and radiological investigations. Serum IL-22 levels were measured by means of the ELISA technique. Results Hepatitis C virus was the major cause of liver cirrhosis in our studied group (72.5%). The majority of patients presented with liver cirrhosis-related complications at the time of inclusion into the study. Liver cirrhotic patients had significant elevation in serum levels of IL-22 when compared with healthy people (P < 0.001). IL-22 serum levels were elevated in liver cirrhosis regardless of its etiology. IL-22 serum levels were significantly more elevated in patients with ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy, and esophageal varices as compared with patients without these complications (P = 0.05, 0.03, 0.04, 0.004, and 0.05, respectively). IL-22 serum levels showed a statistically significant positive correlation with Model for End-stage Liver Disease score (P < 0.001) and Child-Pugh score (P = 0.006). Conclusion Serum IL-22 is significantly elevated in liver cirrhotic patients and it may be relevant for the prognosis of advanced liver cirrhosis.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) and the standard clinicopathological features of breast carcinoma (BC) in Egyptian patients. Background BC in Egyptian patients has specific features of a poor prognosis, such as higher stage at presentation and higher grade than that in developed countries. Hypoxia is present in most solid tumors and is associated with resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as a more malignant phenotype. The CA IX level is elevated in response to hypoxia and is involved in tumor development and progression by regulating cellular activities, such as growth, survival, and adhesion. Patients and methods This retrospective study was carried out on 56 archival cases of Egyptian BC patients for the evaluation of IHC expression of CA IX. Results Fifty-one cases out of 56 (91.1%) showed positive expression of CA IX, whereas five (8.9%) cases showed negative expression. There were significant differences between CA IX IHC expression and tumor stage and stromal response (P = 0.03 and 0.002, respectively) as advanced stage and desmoplastic stroma in favor of overexpression. In terms of the CA IX staining pattern, 44 (78.5%) showed cytoplasmic localization and seven (12.5%) showed membranocytoplasmic localization. Moreover, there were significant differences between the CA IX cytoplasmic and the membranocytoplasmic pattern of positive cases in mitotic count (P = 0.04) as a high mitotic count is found more often in the cytoplasmic pattern. Conclusion Hypoxia (overexpression of CA IX) in BC of Egyptian patients is associated with poor prognostic parameters such as advanced stage and desmoplastic stromal response. The cytoplasmic pattern of CA IX expression in BC has been associated with mitotically active tumors. CA IX expression has no relationship with hormonal status, HER2/neu, Ki-67 LI, and IHC subtyping. Further large-scale studies are warranted to investigate the new opportunity for CA IX targeted therapies in BC.

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of clinical and histopathological changes in the liver tissue of acute rejection and recurrent hepatitis C patients after liver transplantation and determine whether they could differentiate between them. Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered the most common cause of chronic liver disease and may require liver transplantation in advanced stages. Liver transplantation is today a well-established procedure for curative treatment of various inherited and acquired liver diseases, and in many conditions it is the only possible therapeutic strategy. Acute rejection and recurrent HCV infection are the major causes of graft failure in liver transplant patients and differentiation between them is necessary because of different treatment strategies. Patients and methods This retrospective study included liver biopsies from 51 post-transplant patients (25 acute rejection and 26 recurrent hepatitis C patients). Post-transplanted liver biopsies were histopathologically evaluated for portal tract inflammation as regards the extent and nature of the infiltrate, bile duct injury, venous injury, interface hepatitis, and lobular inflammation (spotty necrosis and confluent necrosis). Other pathological findings were also addressed. Demographic, laboratory, and histopathological results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results Clinically, high model for end-stage liver disease score (P < 0.01) and high viremia (P < 0.01) were in favor of recurrent hepatitis C compared with acute rejection. Histopathologically, the two groups differed with regard to the extent and nature of the inflammatory infiltrate, whereas dense infiltrate (grade II and III) was in favor of recurrent hepatitis C (P = 0.02). With regard to the nature of infiltrate, the mean number of eosinophils (P < 0.01), neutrophils (P < 0.05), macrophages (P < 0.01), and immunoblasts (P < 0.01) was higher in acute rejection compared with recurrent hepatitis C. Presence of bile duct injury(P = 0.001), vascular injury (P = 0.001), and perivenular necrosis(P = 0.001) was in favor of acute rejection, whereas the presence of interface hepatitis (P = 0.001), fibrosis (P = 0.001), and steatosis (P = 0.001) was in favor of recurrent hepatitis C. Conclusion The current study demonstrated that discrimination between acute rejection and recurrent hepatitis C in the setting of post-liver-transplantation could be possible on the basis of clinical data (the value of model for end-stage liver disease score and the degree of HCV viremia) and several histopathological parameters.

Objectives The present study aimed to explore the differences between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that arise in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic liver in terms of the demographical, clinical, and pathological parameters. Background HCC is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Its overall incidence has increased progressively in the last two decades. Cirrhosis from any cause remains one of the strongest known risk factors for HCC. However, HCC also occurs in noncirrhotic livers. Materials and methods This study investigated the demographical and clinicopathological differences between 86 cases of HCC in cirrhotic liver and 17 cases of HCC in noncirrhotic liver. Results The main differences between the groups studied were the predominance of men among the patients with HCC in noncirrhotic livers (P = 0.04) and the large size of the tumor mass in the same group (P = 0.04) in comparison with HCC in cirrhotic livers. Conclusion The present study shows that HCCs arising in cirrhotic livers do not differ considerably from those occurring without cirrhosis in most demographical, clinical, and pathological criteria. However, the large size of HCC in noncirrhotic livers could be because of its late detection.

Objectives To study the epidemiological and pathological properties of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases eligible for surgical resection. Background HCC is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer death. In Egypt, liver cancer forms 1.68% of the total malignancies. HCC constitutes 70.48% of all liver tumors among Egyptians. HCC represents the main complication of cirrhosis. Materials and methods This longitudinal study included 92 HCC patients who had undergone surgical intervention. Clinical and demographic data were collected from medical records, and paraffin blocks were retrieved from the Archives of the Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, during the period between March 2007 and October 2014. Results revealed that 51.1% of the studied HCC patients were at least 58 years old, 81.5% male and 18.5% female, 51.2% of the patients had an a-fetoprotein level of at least 200 ng/ml and 95.7% were positive for hepatitis viral infection. Revision of the pathological data revealed that 82.6% of the HCC cases presented as a single focal lesion with a median size of 5 cm. About 76.1% were on top of a cirrhotic liver and 44.5% showed dysplastic changes and 96.7% of the cases were of the classic type. About 57.6% of the cases presented with stage T1 and 34.8% of the cases had lymphovascular invasion. Conclusion On the basis of 92 surgical specimens of HCC, most of the HCC in Egypt occurred in men who developed a cirrhotic liver due to HCV infection. Epidemiological and histopathological data of HCC highlight the importance of an integrated strategy for the prevention and the treatment of viral hepatitis infections and chronic liver disease.

Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between immunohistochemical expression of Twist and the relevant clinicopathological features of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in Egyptian patients. Background In Egypt, there is an increasing incidence of CRC, especially among patients of 40 years of age or less. Worldwide, many efforts have been made to find biomarkers to predict the behavior of CRC. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is one of the central mechanisms that induces invasion and metastasis of tumors. Twist has been shown to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition and play a critical role in cancer metastasis. In addition, Twist proteins display oncogenic properties by preventing senescence and apoptosis. Materials and methods Using the standard immunohistochemical technique, we assessed Twist expression in 67 colorectal specimens, including 10 specimens from normal colonic mucosa, eight colonic adenoma, and 49 CRC cases, and correlated our results with the available clinicopathological parameters. Results Negative Twist cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was detected in all the normal colonic mucosa specimens, whereas 75% of adenomas and 85.7% of CRC showed positive Twist cytoplasmic expression. Negative Twist nuclear immunoreactivity was detected in all the normal colonic mucosa and adenoma specimens, whereas 44.9% of CRC showed positive nuclear Twist expression. Nucleocytoplasmic Twist expression was significantly associated with high-grade tumors, mucinous adenocarcinoma, and advanced Dukes' stage, and showed a high tendency to be associated with vascular invasion. Conclusion The negativity of Twist in normal colonic mucosa confirm Twist as an embryonic transcription factor that remains largely undetectable in healthy adult tissues and involved in oncogenesis and malignant transformation in CRC. Being negative in adenoma and expressed only in CRC, Twist nuclear translocation may be a late event in carcinogenesis. Nucleocytoplasmic Twist expression is associated with poor prognostic factors in CRC.

Background The role of estrogen in pulmonary function test (PFT) is well known in the normal course of the menstrual cycle. A significant increase in both progesterone (37%) and estradiol (13.5%) was observed in exercising women in previous studies, whereas no change in plasma follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone was observed. Therefore, this study was intended to see the limitations of the pulmonary system in adaptability to exercise in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle in obese and nonobese women. Participants and methods Healthy young women aged between 19 and 25 years and in the proliferative phase of their menstrual cycle leading a sedentary lifestyle were considered in the study group. Ten women in each group were studied on the basis of their BMI. They underwent treadmill exercise testing and computerized spirometry for assessment of their dynamic lung functions. Results It was observed that exercise per se does not cause a statistically significant change in dynamic lung function parameters - maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF), peak expiratory flow rate, and mid expiratory flow 25-75% - in either of the groups. Conclusion This finding supports the hypothesis that the respiratory system is not normally the most limiting factor in the delivery of oxygen even under the predominant influence of estrogen in the proliferative phase, which is further accentuated by exercise, and obesity, at least borderline, does not have much influence on respiratory system adaptability.

Objective Transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and Schwann cells (SCs) can facilitate axon regeneration in peripheral nerve injuries. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of transplantation of BMSCs and SCs on electrophysiological recording after injury of the sciatic nerve in the rat. Materials and methods In this study, 40 adult male albino rats (250-300 g) were used. BMSCs and SCs were cultured. Rats were divided randomly into four equal groups: group 1, control without nerve injury; group 2, nerve injury without cell transplantation; group 3, nerve injury with BMSCs transplantation; and group 4, nerve injury with SCs transplantation. Standardized crush injury of the sciatic nerve (axonotmesis) was performed by surgical hemostat at the first lock for 1 min; BMSCs and SCs were separately transplanted intralesionally. After 8 weeks, electrophysiological recordings were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Results Electrophysiological analysis showed a significant improvement in the cell transplantation groups compared with the injured group (P < 0.01). Conclusion BMSCs and SCs may potentially enable recovery after a standardized injury to the sciatic nerve in rats (axonotmesis). Electrophysiological evaluation confirms this improvement after transplantation of SCs and BMSCs, with no significant difference between them.

Objective This work aimed to study the effect of low intensity electrical stimulation and Mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on repair of sciatic nerve crush injury. Background Injury of peripheral nerves results in temporary or life-long neuronal dysfunction that can subsequently lead to economic or social disability. Despite early diagnosis and use of modern surgical techniques, functional recovery can never reach the pre-injury level. Several alternate approaches have been proposed to get beneficial effects on peripheral nerve regeneration, including application of electric field, transplantation of stem cells, and administration of neurotrophic factors. Materials and Methods 48 albino rats weighing 180:250 gm were used in this study. Rats were divided into four equal groups (12 rats each): Sham surgery group: sciatic nerve was exposed but not crushed. Injured sciatic nerve control group: sciatic nerve was exposed and crushed. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation group: Sciatic nerve injury was done, followed by Transplantation of (3 ΄ 10 ⁵ cells/rat) mesenchymal stem cells intra-lesion immediately after injury. Electrical stimulation (ES) group: sciatic nerve injury was followed by electrical stimulation for 30 minutes. All procedures were followed by wound closure and post-surgical care. Serum malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity were estimated 48 hours after injury then electrophysiological studies were measured 8 weeks after injury. Results Treatment with either ES or MSCs transplantation could accelerate and promote sciatic nerve functional regeneration over 8 weeks. Conclusion We concluded that both ES and MSCs transplantation improve peripheral nerve functional regeneration following crush nerve injury. Such effect makes those treatments beneficial for accelerating and giving better outcome of peripheral nerve functional regeneration.

Objective The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of royal jelly (RJ) as a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), compared with sulfasalazine, in experimental colitis induced with acetic acid. Background Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease in which patients experience cyclic bouts of symptoms including diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Sulfasalazine is mainly used for the treatment of IBD. RJ is a natural product commonly used to supplement the treatment of various diseases. Materials and methods Sixty adult male albino rats were used in the present work and were divided into two groups: group I (the control group) and group II. In group II experimental colitis was induced with 4% acetic acid enema and the rats were divided into four subgroups: subgroups IIa, IIb, IIc, and IId. The rats in subgroup IIa were killed after 24 h; those in subgroup IIb did not receive treatment; subgroup IIc received sulfasalazine orally at 100 mg/kg daily; and subgroup IId received RJ orally at 150 mg/kg daily. After 1 month the animals were killed and the distal colon was excised and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue, and periodic acid-Schiff; immunohistochemical analysis was carried out for inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor kB. Total Colitis Index score was calculated, and morphometric and statistical studies were carried out. Results Rectal instillation of acetic acid resulted in marked disturbed histological structure of the mucosa and submucosa of the colon. The mucosal crypts showed wide separation and sloughing of the surface epithelium, as well as cellular infiltration. Significant decrease in alcian blue and increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor kB were observed in the colitis and recovery subgroups. Treatment with RJ or sulfasalazine caused restoration of the mucosal architecture with histological variations more superior in the RJ subgroup than in the sulfasalazine subgroup as proved by histochemical analysis and Total Colitis Index score. Conclusion RJ had greater therapeutic effect against experimental colitis compared with sulfasalazine.

Objective The present study was conducted to throw light on the histological effects of the antirheumatic drug leflunomide (Avara) on the lungs of adult male albino rats, and to clarify the possible protective effect of N-acetylcysteine. Background Leflunomide (Avara) is an immunomodulating agent and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity. N-acetylcysteine belongs to a class of drugs called antioxidants which may reduce the amount of damage caused by inflammation or active damage of the lungs. Materials and methods A total of 60 adult male albino rats were used in the present study. They were divided into four groups. Group I: The control group composed of 20 rats. Group II: The N-acetylcysteine-treated group composed of 10 rats received N-acetylcysteine in a daily oral dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. Group III: The leflunomide-treated group composed of 20 rats receiving leflunomide on a daily oral dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Then, half the animals were killed 4 weeks after the treatment (subgroup IIIa), and the other half were left without treatment for another 2 weeks and served as the recovery group (subgroup IIIb). Group IV: The protected group composed of 10 rats receiving combined treatment of both leflunomide and N-acetylcysteine in the same previous doses and route of administration for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, animals were killed and specimens from the lungs were processed for both L/M, E/M, and immunohistochemical study (using caspase-3 immunostaining). Morphometric study for the number of pneumocyte type II was counted, and the thicknesses of the interalveolar septa were done and statically analyzed. Results The results of this study revealed that leflunomide treatment caused considerable histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural changes in the lungs. Concomitant administration of N-acetylcysteine with leflunomide resulted in remarkable improvement, whereas arrest of treatment for 2 weeks revealed mild improvement. Conclusion N -acetylcysteine is proven to have a protective effect on the lungs against hazardous effects induced by leflunomide treatment. Therefore, strict follow-up and coadministration of N-acetylcysteine are highly recommended for those patients who use leflunomide.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the genotoxicity and developmental toxicity of acrylamide (ACR) on the spinal cord white matter of male albino rats and the possible protective role of rosemary. Background With increasing number of sources of ACR exposure to the general public, the need for understanding the toxicological risk associated with such exposure is in high demand. Materials and methods Eighty male albino rats were used in this study. 20 rats for each group their mothers were given either distilled water, rosemary aqueous extract (RAE) (2.2 ml/kg/twice/week - i.e 0.44 ml/rat) orally, ACR (10 mg/kg/day - i.e 2 mg/rat) orally, or ACR in combination with RAE. The rats were subjected to morphological (clinical) assessent. They were then killed at the age of 1, 7, 14, and 21 days and the thoracic part of the spinal cord was subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric studies. Single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) was performed on peripheral blood leukocytes. Results ACR administration significantly delayed the normal development, reduced the body measurements, and increased the gait score. The spinal cord white matter of ACR-treated rats showed significant reduction in the number of neuroglia, as well as swollen axons and vacuolation. The area percentage of neurofilament and myelin basic protein immunostaining was reduced. Also, ACR led to DNA damage, which was expressed as significant increase in comet tail length, tail DNA%, and tail moment when compared with the control group. ACR toxicity was age dependent. RAE led to improvement in all tested parameters, especially at younger ages. Conclusion ACR induced its neurotoxic effect through demyelination of axons and alteration of neurofilament protein content. RAE (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) showed protective effects against developmental toxicity and genotoxicity induced by ACR.

Objective The aim of this work was to assess the role of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) on peripheral lymphocytes as a candidate receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients with chronic HCV both without interferon treatment and after interferon treatment in comparison with a control group. Background HCV is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in Egypt. It is considered the main cause of hepatic morbidity in Egypt, with progression to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Pioneering studies have reported the involvement of the LDLR in the cellular entry of HCV. LDLR was found to play a role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection. Materials and methods Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from 40 patients with chronic HCV without interferon treatment and 20 patients with HCV after interferon treatment. Quantification of LDLR expression was performed by flow cytometry and the results were compared with those of 20 normal volunteers as a control group. Results There was a significant difference between the mean ± SD of LDLR% between HCV cases (89.08 ± 4.89), post-interferon treatment cases (57.45 ± 4.72), and the control group (54.69 ± 8.48). There was a significant positive correlation between LDLR%, LDLR mean fluorescence intensity, and viral load. Conclusion There was a significant positive correlation between the amount of LDLR expression on peripheral lymphocytes and viral load as quantified by PCR. This indicates the involvement of LDLR in the pathogenesis of HCV infections.

Pilomatricoma, formerly known as Pilomatrixoma is a benign dermal and/or subcutaneous tumour. It most commonly affects children and adolescents; however, a second smaller peak of onset is also reported in the elderly. It is slightly more common in females. This tumour was first described by Malherbeand in 1880 as a benign, subcutaneous tumor arising from hair cortex cells. The name pilomatrixoma was proposed by Forbis and Helwig in 1961, thus avoiding the word epithelioma, which carries the connotation of malignancy. Although osseous metaplasia in pilomatrixoma is a very rare occurrence but there are a few cases reported in the literature which has shown focal or florid osseous metaplasia. We are hereby presenting a case of pilomatrixoma with florid osseous mataplasia.

From a researcher's point of view, it is quite difficult to ascertain which of the available journals is the best for publication of their research work, as well as identify the quality indices and determine ways and means of enhancing the international reach of the article. The objective of the article is to explore the various indicators that can be used to scientifically assess the quality of the journal. Keywords used in the search included impact factor, Eigenfactor score, article influence score, SCImago journal rank indicator, and H-index. Each of these indices have some positive aspects and at the same time some associated limitations. In conclusion, in order to assist the researchers to make an informed decision when selecting an appropriate and a good-quality journal, so that their work does not go unrecognized, it is necessary that researchers ascertain the quality of the journal and then submit their research work.