Search

Presence of teeth at birth or within a month post-delivery is a rare condition. We report here 2 cases to highlight their clinical features and discuss their possible treatment. A 7- days old female newborn with two mandibular central incisors, noticed by the parents at birth, with complaint of continuous crying, inability to suck milk and causing discomfort to the mother. The left incisor was highly mobile justifying its extraction. The second case was a female newborn referred 2 hours after delivery, for a brownish highly mobile mandibular incisor noticed by the pediatrician. Extraction was immediately made to avoid the danger of aspiration. This phenomenon can lead to complications either local such as pain on suckling or general such as undernutrition or asphyxia by aspiration. The decision to maintain or remove these teeth should be assessed in each case independently, based on degree of mobility and interference with breastfeeding.

Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV all over the world with 9% countrywide and up to 42% in certain rural areas. Combined PEG-IFN and ribavirin is still the only standard of care treatment in spite of its side effects, high costs and low sustained virological response rates. Hence, this provides a compelling reason for the identification of biomarker predictors of disease response to treatment. Aim of the work: This study is designed to identify IL28B gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 who received standard of care therapy to highlight its impact on response to treatment. Location of study: Viral Hepatitis Treatment Center at Al-Ahrar Hospital, Sharkia Governorate. and Biochemistry Departments of Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University. Methods: Case control study on 124 patients with chronic hepatitis C who finished their treatment with standard of care therapy ( pegylated interferon and ribavirin). Sixty two patients were non responders to SOC therapy (case group) and 62 other patients were responders (control group). In addition to the chemical, laboratory data and histological parameters that were taken from their files, blood samples were taken at the time of study for detection of SNPs for rs8099917 by PCR-RFLP technique. Results: The TT homozygous of rs8099917 genotype was detected in 54 (43.54%) of overall HCV patients, 42 of them (67.74%) achieved SVR. The GT heterozygous was detected in 48 (38.71%) of HCV patients, SVR was achieved in 9 (14.52%) of them. While, the GG genotype was found in 22 patients and 11 of them only (17.74%) were responders. Multiple regression analysis identified IL28 B SNP genotype as the single independent predictor of response to SOC therapy. Conclusion: These data suggest that host genetics may be useful for the prediction of treatment outcomes and that IL28B SNP genotype is an important predictive biomarker for SVR in patients with HCV genotypes 4

Pregnancy is considered as a risk factor for development, severity, and complications of odontogenic infections. Without adequate treatment, the infection can spread and threaten both the mother’s and the foetus lives. We aim to analyze the predisposing factors, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cervico-facial cellulitis during pregnancy, through a descriptive retrospective study conducted at oral and maxillofacial surgery department of Mohamed VI university hospital center at Marrakesh, between June 2017 and June 2019. A total of three patients; all patients were at their last trimester were recruited. Every patient was immediately given intravenous antibiotics, drainage was carried out under local anesthesia, and the causing tooth was removed. During hospitalization, one patient was referred to the gynaecology department for preterm labor, while the remaining two patients were discharged after the pus drainage has stopped. The possible compromise of oral health during pregnancy is well known, however severe odontogenic infections are rarely considered in the literature. It is essential to aggressively treat the gravid patient to minimize the risk of infection spreading to the facial spaces. Moreover, poor oral health in pregnancy has been implicated in adverse birth outcomes, specifically prematurity. We recommend upgrading communication between obstetrician and dentists so that regular routine dental visits are planned for pregnant patients during early stages of pregnancy in order to identify and manage the problem as early as possible.

Background Migraine is a common chronic neurological disorder with still largely unknown pathogenesis. We aimed to explore the possible role of tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-α ) gene polymorphisms as risk factors of migraine, and whether they influence the TNF-α level. Materials and methods Two hundred patients with migraine and 200 controls were enrolled in this study. Polymorphisms of TNF-α gene were detected using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Serum TNF-α level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results TNF-α- 308 GA, AA genotypes and A allele, TNF-α- 857 CT genotype and T allele were associated with increased risk of migraine, while the TNF-α- 238 polymorphism was not. TNF-α- 308 GA, AA genotypes and A allele or AA genotype were associated with increased risk of migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) respectively; this was more significant in female patients with MA than in males. TNF-α- 857 CT genotype was associated with increased risk of MO, or MA in females or males. While -857T allele was significantly associated with MO or MA in males and with MA only in females. On the other hand, we didn't find any significant associations of TNF-α- 238 polymorphism with MO, or MA in males or females. TNF-α levels were higher in patients with migraine, MA, or MO than in controls ( P Conclusion TNF-α polymorphisms were associated with migraine, MA, or MO in Egyptians.

Amputation of the lower third of the ear includes full thickness earlobe defects. Earlobe reconstruction depends on the covering and scaffold technique used. The Crikelair cervical skin flap is one of the available techniques for reconstruction. We discuss its assets and drawbacks by comparing it with alternative procedures.

Resume Introduction Le kyste hydatique est une anthropozoonose due au developpement chez l’homme de la forme larvaire du taenia Echinococcus granulosius . Il est endemique au Maroc. La localisation a la fosse infratemporale est extremement rare. Nous en rapportons un cas pediatrique. Observation Un enfant de 11 ans nous a ete adresse pour tumefaction laterofaciale evoluant depuis 2 mois et augmentant progressivement de volume. L’examen tomodensitometrique a montre une formation kystique de 7 cm de diametre a la fosse infratemporale gauche. La serologie hydatique etait negative. Le kyste a ete reseque par voie transzygomatique. Le diagnostic de kyste hydatique a ete confirme par l’histologie. Discussion Les kystes hydatiques dans la fosse infratemporale sont tres rares chez l’enfant. Leur developpement est rapide (1 a 5 cm par an). Leur expression clinique depend de l’extension aux structures anatomiques adjacentes. La serologie hydatique est souvent negative. La tomodensitometrie est l’examen radiologique de reference. La resection chirurgicale est le traitement de choix. Dans notre cas, la voie d’abord transzygomatique a permis d’exposer completement le kyste contribuant a la qualite exerese.

This work investigates the impact of chemical and physical treatments on biocompatibility for human bone/tendon tissues. Nontreated and treated tissues were compared. In vitro testing assessed indirect and direct cytotoxicity. Tissues were subcutaneously implanted in rats to assess the immunological, recolonization, and revascularization processes at 2-4 weeks postimplantation. No significant cytotoxicity was found for freeze-dried treated bones and tendons in comparison to control. The cellular adhesion was significantly reduced for cells seeded on these treated tissues after 24 h of direct contact. A significant cytotoxicity was found for frozen treated bones in comparison to freeze-dried treated bones. Tissue remodeling with graft stability, no harmful inflammation, and neo-vascularization was observed for freeze-dried chemically treated bones and tendons. Frozen-treated bones were characterized by a lack of matrix recolonization at 4 weeks postimplantation. In conclusion, chemical processing with freeze-drying of human tissues maintains in vitro biocompatibility and in vivo tissue remodeling for clinical application.

Tissue engineering requires the response of the cells to different stimuli inducing the synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM). It was been shown that mechanical and biochemical stimuli acted on the synthesis of ECM, particularly type I and III collagens. Growth factors implied in transduction pathways are multiple, but the main is TGF-beta. Member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family bind to type II and type I serine/threonine kinase receptors, which initiate intracellular signals through activation of SMADs proteins. Nevertheless, the effects of mechanical stress of this pathway remain unknown. The aim of this work was to study the pathway of TGF-beta via the SMADs proteins under mechanical (stretching) and biochemical (TGF-beta) stimulations. Endogenous SMADs expression and its modulation by biochemical and mechanical stimulations were evaluated by both flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrate that 10 ng of TGF-beta and stretching (5%, 1 Hz) applied during 15 min induced a negative feed back loop which blocks the signalling pathway to control TGF-beta activity. This inhibition effect was raised after 1 h of stimulation. Nevertheless, these preliminary studies should be continued by study of expression and localization of inhibitory SMADs (SMAD7).

Nowadays, synthetic biodegradable polymers, such as aliphatic polyesters, are largely used in tissue engineering. They provide several advantages compared to natural materials which use is limited by immunocompatibility, graft availability, etc. In this work, poly(L-lactic) acid (PLLA), poly(DL-lactic) acid (PDLA), poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL), poly(L-lactic)-co-caprolactone (molar ratio 70/30) (PLCL) were selected because of their common use in tissue engineering. The membranes were elaborated by solvent casting. Membrane morphology was investigated by atomic force microscopy. The membranes were seeded with human fibroblasts from cell line CRL 2703 in order to evaluate the biocompatibility by the Alamar blue test. The roughness of the membranes ranged from 4 nm for PDLA to 120 nm and they presented very smooth surface except for PCL which beside a macroscopic structure due to its hydrophobicity. Human fibroblasts proliferated over 28 days on the membranes proving the non-in vitro toxicity of the materials and of the processing method. A further step will be the fabrication of three-dimensional scaffold for tissue engineering and the treatment of the scaffolds to augment cell adhesion.

The aim of this work was to study the influences of Ca2+ (medium free calcium, with BAPTA, with 100 mM Ca2+, 100 mM Ca2++10 microM ionomycin) on the expression of caveolin-1 (structural protein of caveolae) of endothelial cells (ECs) submitted to mechanical forces (shear stress) or biochemical stimulation (TNF-alpha). We found that shear stress enhanced the caveolin-1 expression. Simultaneously, the caveolin-1 expression is dependant on [Ca2+]i: [Ca2+]free medium+100 microM BAPTA[Ca2+]free medium[Ca2+]100 mM[Ca2+]100 mM+10 microM ionomycin. In contrast, TNF-alpha induced a decrease of caveolin-1 in the cells, whatever the [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that there could be a synergistic effect between shear stress and Ca2+ on caveolin-1 expression but an inflammatory stimulation (TNF-alpha) induces a down regulation of caveolin-1 expression.

Schwannoma is a benign neoplasm arising from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve. It very rarely located in the nasal tip. We report two cases of congenital schwannoma of the nasal columella and discuss the surgical approach of such tumor. Case report: Case 1: An 18 year-old female was referred to us for a very slow growing tumor of the columella. The deformity had been present since the birth. The patient underwent an excision of its tumor using an open rhinoplasty approach. The histological examination revealed a schwannoma. No recurrence was found within 2 years of follow up. Case 2: A 4 month male baby presenting a congenital tumor of his columella. He underwent an excision using open rhinoplasty approach. The histological examination showed a plexiform schwannoma. Discussion: Schwannoma of the nasal tip is a benign tumor that gradually causes aesthetic and functional disorders. Congenital schwannoma of columella is an extremely rare clinical situation. Its diagnosis and treatment can pose certain challenges. The treatment is surgical excision and histological analysis of the specimen. Open rhinoplasty approach provided a good surgical exploration and a good cosmetic result on this nasal tip tumor.

We have investigated a method for solving the inverse problem of determining the optical properties of a two-layer turbid model. The method is based on deducing the optical properties (OPs) of the top layer from the absolute spatially resolved reflectance that results from photon migration within only the top layer by use of a multivariate calibration model. Then the OPs of the bottom layer are deduced from relative frequency-domain (FD) reflectance measurements by use of the two-layer FD diffusion model. The method was validated with Monte Carlo FD reflectance profiles and experimental measurements of two-layer phantoms. The results showed that the method is useful for two-layer models with interface depths of >5 mm; the OPs were estimated, within a relatively short time (

To investigate the function of the main adhesion receptors (CD62L, CD49d, CD49e, CD11b and CD18) on CD34+ cells during homing, their expression was quantified by flow cytometry using calibration beads. CD34+ cells were isolated from bone-marrow (BM), cord blood (CB) or peripheral blood (PB) from patients with myeloma. As this process might mimic the mature leukocyte migration, we also observed the effect of exposing endothelial cells to shear stress (7 dyn/cm(2)) on the adhesion of CB CD34+ cells. The proportion of CD34+/CD62L+ cells was greater in PB than in BM (p0.05). Likewise, we found a significantly greater expression of CD62L receptor on PB cells compared to BM cells (p0.05) and on BM cells compared to CB cells (p0.05). The proportions of CD34+/CD49d+ cells and CD34+/CD49e+ cells were significantly higher in the BM and CB than in PB. However, no significant difference in CD49d or CD49e antigen densities was observed. The beta_2 integrins (CD11b and CD18) receptors are also implicated in CD34+ cells homing to BM. No significant variation in CD34+/CD11b+ and CD34+/CD18+ cells frequency was noted. However quantitative analysis revealed that CD18 was more strongly expressed on BM cells than on PB and CB cells. The adhesion assay showed that fluid flow may favour a firm adhesion of CB CD34+ cells to endothelial cells whereas static conditions just allowed CD34+ cells sedimentation. In conclusion, quantitative expression of the main receptors on CD34+ cells indicates that the three main sources of CD34+ cells currently used for transplantation have neither the same phenotype nor the same number of antigenic sites for a receptor. So, we hypothesize that migrational capacity of these cells might be different. Moreover, it seems that shear stress could favor adhesion of CD34+ cells to endothelial cells.

To validate the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) for use as a depression screen amongst human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) positive pregnant women.Amongst 903 (mean age 24.8 years) HIV-positive pregnant women, a two-phased design included measures for health-related quality of life, perceived social support, and the HSCL-25 screen for depressive (HSCL-15 subscale) and anxiety symptoms. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) was independently administered on a stratified random subsample.Internal consistency of the HSCL-25 (alpha 0.93) and HSCL-15 (alpha 0.9) was adequate, with expected findings demonstrated in discriminant validity analysis. A depression-anxiety construct explained nearly 40% of the variance. Eight individual HSCL-25 items demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.6 for DSM-IV major depression and the HSCL-25 and HSCL-revised had an optimal depression cut-off score of 1.06 and 1.03 for the HSCL-15.The HSCL-25 demonstrated utility as a screen for depression; its inability to gauge severity of symptoms in this cultural context is discussed.

Resume Le syndrome de Barraquer-Simons est une lipodystrophie rare et acquise d’etiologie inconnue. Elle s’installe progressivement durant l’enfance. Elle se caracterise par une perte totale du tissu graisseux au niveau de la face, du cou, du tronc et des membres superieurs. Plus frequente chez les femmes, elle est souvent source de defiguration. La lipostructure semble etre une alternative therapeutique appropriee pour corriger les anomalies faciales associees a ce syndrome.