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Abstract Gastrin is secreted following a rise in gastric pH, leading to gastric acid secretion. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a bariatric surgery where 80% of the gastric corpus is excised, presents a challenge for gastric pH homeostasis. Using histology, and single-cell RNA sequencing of the gastric epithelium in 12 women, we observed that SG is associated with an increase in a sub-population of acid-secreting parietal cells that overexpress respiratory enzymes and an increase in histamine-secreting enterochromaffin-like cells (ECLs). ECLs of SG-operated patients overexpressed genes coding for biosynthesis of neuropeptides and serotonin. Mathematical modeling showed that pH homeostasis by gastrin is analogous to non-linear proportional and integral control, that drives adaptation of the epithelium to acid-secretion demand. Quantitative model predictions were validated in patients. The results demonstrate human gastric epithelium remodeling following SG at the molecular and cellular levels, and more generally how trophic hormones enable robust adaptation of tissue function to meet physiological demand.

هدف البحث إلى بيان أثر تطبيق المعيار الدولي لإعداد التقارير المالية 16 (عقود الإيجار) في البيانات المالية والرافعة المالية، اعتمد الباحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي من خلال تكوين إطار معرفي من خلال الدوريات والأبحاث لوصف العلاقة بين متغيري الدراسة، والمنهج التجريبي وذلك بتطبيق المعيار في بنك الشرق للعام 2018 والمقارنة التحليلية بعد الرسملة لمعرفة الأثر الذي يلعبه تطبيق المعيار في صافي الربح وقيم الأصول والالتزامات والرافعة المالية من زيادة ونقصان. وتوصل البحث إلى مجموعة من النتائج أهمها: • إن تطبيق المعيار الدولي لإعداد التقارير المالية 16(عقود الإيجار) يؤثر في صافي الربح في بنك الشرق. • إن تطبيق المعيار الدولي لإعداد التقارير المالية 16(عقود الإيجار) يؤثر في إجمالي الأصول وإجمالي الالتزامات في بنك الشرق، حيث أدى التطبيق إلى ارتفاع الأصول الثابتة وإجمالي الأصول وارتفاع الالتزامات طويلة الأجل وإجمالي الالتزامات في قائمة المركز المالي. • إن تطبيق المعيار الدولي لإعداد التقارير المالية 16(عقود الإيجار) يؤثر في الرافعة المالية. حيث أدى تطبيق وفق المعيار إلى ارتفاع درجة الرافعة المالية.

The criminal proceedings for the 2019 Election are carried out based on the Criminal Procedure Code, as long as Law Number 7 of 2017. That is not stipulated otherwise by Law Number 7 of 2017. That is the essence of what is contained in Article 477 of Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections. The rules regarding the procedural process for election criminal justice contained in Law Number 7 of 2017 along with its implementing regulations have created a framework for a separate judicial system that is different from the general criminal procedural law as regulated in the KUHAP, even though the KUHAP is stated as the main basis for implementation. Election criminal procedure law. The use of the Criminal Procedure Code as the main guideline for handling election crimes has consequences for the criminal justice model Crime Control Model and the Due Process Model in the election criminal justice process.Keywords: Election Crime Court

Background and Aims: Some of the post-operative complications of impacted third molar surgery, one of the most prevalent surgeries in oral field, are known to be infection, erythema, trismus and pain. Antibiotic prescription to prevent post-operative infection under some particular circumstances, is acceptable but under debate considering their disadvantages. In the present study, we examined the infection rate in patients taking no or 2 types of antibiotics distinctively after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Materials and Methods: In this double blind clinical trial, 90 patients within the age range of 18 to 34 were dedicated to 3 groups (group 1: 2 capsules of placebo on surgery day and 1 for 4 days, group 2: Amoxicillin 500 mg every 8 hours for 5 days, group 3: Azithromycin 250 mg, 2 capsules on surgery day and 1 capsule for 4 days). All subjects were treated by a sole surgeon, protocol, surgical technique, and flap type and the same amount of osteotomy. In addition to aforesaid drugs, the patients received chlorhexidine and Gelofen 400 mg. At the day 7 postoperative, cases were examined to evaluate the infection (trismus, erythema and halitosis). Data were analysed using Chi-Square test and the groups were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Three signs of infection (halitosis, erythema and trismus) were compared in patients. Symptoms of halitosis and erythema were more indicated in first group, but the ultimate statistical analyses among the 3 groups from halitosis and erythema viewpoint showed no significant difference (P=0.072, P=0.149). Although, no severe trismus was reported, the most moderate trismus incidence was in group 2 and mild trismus was exhibited in group 1. In group 3, no trismus occurred. On the whole, the trismus frequency among groups was statistically significant (P=0.004). Conclusion: Comparing infection symptoms of the three study groups emphasized the fact that only trismus rate was statistically significant (P=0.004). On balance, the results of this study indicated that antibiotics did not have significant impact on the reduction of most postoperative complications, especially on infection.

Background and aimThe progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is believed to be the driver for future development of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Nevertheless, there remains a clear deficit in non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of NASH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of portal lymphadenopathy (PL) in biopsy- proven NAFLD patients and to determine whether PL correlates with NAFLD stage and severity.MethodsA retrospective study included biopsy-proven NAFLD patients with up to date (within one year) abdominal imaging by computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients were clustered into three groups based on their NAFLD Activity Score (NAS): NAS1-2 (mild), NAS3-4 (moderate) and NAS≥5 (advanced). We Assessed for association between PL and other clinical and laboratory findings with NAS, NAS components and fibrosis.ResultsSeventy-five patients with NAFLD and no other competing etiologies for liver diseases or PL were included. The mean age was 50.7±14.84 years with male predominance (N = 47, 62.7%). Twenty-five (33.3%), 37 (49.3%) and 13 (17.3%) patients had mild, moderate and advanced NAS, respectively. PL significantly correlated with advanced NAS ≥ 5 (Fisher's (F) 9.5, P = 0.009). Correlation was driven mainly by a link to hepatocytes ballooning (F of 5.9, P = 0.043). In addition, PL significantly correlated with portal inflammation (F 4.29, P = 0.038). As for hepatic fibrosis, the F test wasn't significant, though spearman's coefficient (SC) was significant (0.277, P = 0.012). On multivariate analysis, PL was identified as a sole predictor of advanced NAS score (Odds ratio of 2.68, P = 0.002). Incorporation of PL into noninvasive fibrosis scores improved their diagnostic yield.ConclusionPL predicts severity of NAFLD. Its presence may serve as a novel radiological marker for NAFLD/NASH differentiation and disease progression.

One major problem of wireless mesh networks is low throughput and on the other hand, network coding (NC) is a reliable solution to alleviate this problem. In this paper, we evaluate the through­put gain of various intersession wireless NC schemes, includ­ing signal level (analog) NC and packet level NC, which may include non-duplex flows, over the traditional non-NC schemes in multi-radio, multi-channel and multi-hop networks. We also propose a routing approach in order to increase NC opportuni­ties and evaluate its performance in wireless ad-hoc networks in terms of network throughput.

Gastric ulcer due to mesenteric ischemia is a rare clinical finding. As a result, few reports of ischemic gastric ulcers have been reported in the literature. The diagnosis of ischemic gastropathy is seldom considered in patients presenting with abdominal pain and gastric ulcers. In this case report, we describe a patient with increasing abdominal pain, weight loss, and gastric ulcers, who underwent extensive medical evaluation and whose symptoms were resistant to medical interventions. Finally he was diagnosed with chronic mesenteric ischemia, and his clinical and endoscopic abnormalities resolved after surgical revascularization of both the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk.

This report presents a case of an acute Type A aortic dissection in a young patient with atypical symptoms, highlighting the importance of prompt radiology-aided diagnosis and intervention. A 29-year-old male with no significant medical history presented with right upper quadrant and epigastric pain, along with leg numbness. Extensive imaging revealed an ascending aortic dissection with a 5.1 cm aneurysm and moderate-to-severe pericardial effusion. After initial stabilization, an emergency Bentall procedure with mechanical valve replacement was performed. It emphasizes the importance of considering aortic dissection in young patients with atypical symptoms, as it can mimic other conditions, complicating timely diagnosis and management. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient stabilized in the intensive care unit (ICU). Early recognition and rapid surgical intervention are crucial in managing atypical aortic dissection cases, especially in younger patients with minimal risk factors., Competing Interests: Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Alfazza'a et al.)

Objectives: This study aims to design and test a platform of key performance indicators (KPIs) and indices emphasizing achievements and improvement and helping decision-making., Methods: An operations research study was designed to analyze data from the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) from July 2017 to June 2018 at the Research Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), Giza, Egypt. The HMIS data were submitted to reform covering parameters in service delivery and corresponding indicators and indices. Data were grouped into four themes: human resources and outpatient, inpatient, and surgical operations. A total of 14 performance indicators were deployed to four specific indices and total performance indices and applied to six teams of ophthalmologists at RIO. The decision matrices were deliberated to demonstrate achievements and provide recommendations for subsequent improvements., Results: Throughout 1 year, six teams of ophthalmologists ( n  = 222) at RIO provided the following services: outpatient ( n  = 116,043), inpatient ( n  = 8,081), and surgical operations ( n  = 9,174). Teams 2, 1, and 6 were the top teams in the total performance index. Team 4 had plunges in the outpatient index, and Team 5 faced limitations in the inpatient index., Conclusion: The study provided a model for upgrading the performance of the management information system (MIS) in health organizations. The KPIs and indices were used not only for documenting successful models of efficient service delivery but also as examples of limitations for further support and interventions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Abdelgawad, Abd El Razik, Saleh, Abuelela and Salem.)

Exome sequencing (ES) has been utilized in diagnosing children with neurodevelopmental manifestations, this study aimed to investigate the utility of ES in children within a highly consanguineous population that presented with neurodevelopmental complaints. A retrospective chart review was performed for 405 children with neurodevelopmental complaints who have had ES and were evaluated in multiple centers in the United Arab Emirates over a four-year period. Within the cohort of 405 children, consanguinity was reported in 35% (144/405). The primary clinical presentations were developmental delay/cognitive impairment, distinctive facial features, hypotonia, seizures, and weakness. The diagnostic yield was 57% (231/405). Novel variants were identified in 54% (125/231) of positive cases. Within the positive cases, specific treatment was available in 6% (13/231) and copy number variants (CNV) were reported in 3% (8/231) of cases. In eight children, variants in genes that have not yet been linked to human disease that could potentially be the cause of the observed phenotype "candidate genes" were identified. ES was utilized effectively within this cohort with a high diagnostic yield and through the identification of novel gene variants, CNVs, candidate genes and secondary findings as well as the alteration of the treatment plan in cases where treatment was available., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Pain is the most incapacitating symptom of knee osteoarthritis (OA), with intermittent and/or continuous nature as described by the patients. Accuracy of pain assessment tools across different cultures is important. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Intermittent and Constant OsteoArthritis Pain (ICOAP) measure into Arabic (ICOAP-Ar) and evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with knee OA., Methods: The ICOAP was cross-culturally adapted following the recommended guidelines from English. Knee OA patients from outpatient clinics were recruited to assess the structural (confirmatory factor analysis) and construct validity (Spearman's correlation coefficient - rho) to assess the relationship between the ICOAP-Ar and the pain and symptoms subscales of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), in addition to internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and the corrected item-total correlation). A week later, test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) was evaluated. Following four weeks of physical therapy treatment, the ICOAP-Ar responsiveness was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve., Results: Ninety-seven participants were recruited (age = 52.97 ± 9.9). A model with single pain construct showed acceptable fit (Comparative fit index = 0.92). The ICOAP-Ar total and subscales had a strong to moderate negative correlation with the KOOS pain and symptoms domains, respectively. The ICOAP-Ar total and subscales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.86-0.93). The ICCs were excellent (ICCs = 0.89-0.92) with acceptable corrected item total correlations (rho = 0.53-0.87) for the ICOAP-Ar items. The ICOAP-Ar responsiveness was good with moderate effect size (ES = 0.51-0.65) and large standardized response mean (SRM = 0.86-0.99). A cut-off point of 51.1/100 was determined with moderate accuracy (Area under the curve = 0.81, sensitivity = 85%, specificity = 71%). No floor or ceiling effects were found., Conclusions: The ICOAP-Ar exhibited good validity, reliability, and responsiveness after physical therapy treatment for knee OA, which renders it reliable for evaluating knee OA pain in clinical and research settings., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background- Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is an important concern in patients with epilepsy who are otherwise healthy. Current knowledge of SUDEP and attitudes of neurologists in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) towards discussing SUDEP with their patients remain unknown. Objective- We aimed at assessing knowledge, attitudes and factors affecting SUDEP discussion practices of neurologists practicing in the EMR. Methodology- An electronic and paper-based survey was sent to 350 neurologists practicing in the EMR. They were questioned about the frequency, timing, and factors affecting their willingness to initiate SUDEP discussion. We also included questions about perceived patient reactions towards SUDEP discussions and neurologists' preferred way to provide SUDEP information to their patients. Results- We received 132 responses from the 350 surveys sent out (response rate 37.7%). Our results showed that only 1.5% of the neurologists discussed SUDEP with "most" of their patients and their caregivers while 55.3% "rarely" or "never" discussed it. Factors such as additional epilepsy training and more years of clinical experience did not significantly affect the frequency of SUDEP discussion (p = 0.329, p = 0.728). A significant negative association between the number of patients seen per year and the frequency of SUDEP discussion was seen (P= 0.046). Based on their selection of known risk factors, 81% of neurologists were considered as having insufficient knowledge of SUDEP. The top three perceived reactions by the neurologists on SUDEP discussion were distress (74.2%), anxiety (70.5%) and depression (65.9%). Most neurologists initiated SUDEP discussion by themselves and preferred brochures/pamphlets, websites and training sessions to provide SUDEP information. Conclusion- Neurologists in the EMR rarely discuss SUDEP, and have limited knowledge about its risk factors. Upon discussing SUDEP, they overwhelmingly receive negative reactions but not always. Based on our findings, we believe an unintended knowledge gap exists on part of the neurologists. This, coupled with a lack of trained epilepsy nurses and patient education material in regional languages can also be attributed to poor SUDEP discussion practices in the EMR., (Copyright © 2021 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Personal digital assistants (PDAs) used in electronic laboratory-based surveillance are a promising alternative to conventional surveillance to detect healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The aim of the study was to monitor, detect, and analyze HAIs using PDAs in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)., Methodology: In this descriptive study, 1,053 neonates admitted to the NICU in the obstetrics and gynecology ward at the Cairo University hospital were included and evaluated for HAIs by collecting data using PDAs programmed by Naval Medical Research Unit 3, Cairo, with the definitions for HAIs provided by the National Healthcare Safety Network of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Case records were reviewed three times a week over 19 months, from March 2012 to September 2013., Results: Of 124 suspected episodes of infection recorded in PDAs, 89 confirmed episodes of infection were identified. HAI and NICU infection rates were 7.4 and 2.72/1,000 patient-days, respectively. Primary bloodstream infection was detected in 81 episodes and pneumonia in 8 episodes. The majority of infections (62%) were acquired in the ward before NICU admission. Klebsiella spp. was isolated most frequently (42%), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococci (31%)., Conclusions: This study is the first to report the use of PDAs in surveillance to detect HAIs in the NICU in our hospital. The majority of infections were acquired at the obstetric care department, indicating the importance of implementing rigorous prevention and control programs and a more detailed surveillance to identify other risk factors for infections.

Background: Egypt has the world's highest prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. The high HCV prevalence is largely attributed to the parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT) campaigns conducted from the 1950s through the 1980s; however, the primary modes of transmission in the post-PAT period are not well known. In this study we examined the associations between HCV prevalence and exposures to risk factors, including PAT, in a high HCV prevalence population., Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we examined the associations between demographic characteristics and risk factors for HCV transmission and HCV positivity prevalence among a sample of Egyptian residents. Data were collected through an interview-administered survey, and the association estimates were determined using χ (2) and logistic regression., Results: The highest HCV positivity prevalence was observed in cohorts born before 1960, and declined precipitously thereafter; whereas the proportion of subjects reporting PAT remained relatively stable. Being male, having a rural residence, and having received PAT were all associated with HCV positivity; however, PAT alone could not account for the high prevalence of HCV., Conclusions: In Egypt, PAT and other transmission factors yet to be identified, as well as cohorts born before the 1960s and infected with HCV, are most likely the main contributors to the current HCV endemic.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most fatal malignancies, is particularly prevalent in Egypt, where we previously found deficiencies in knowledge concerning HCC and its risk factors. Hepatitis B and C viral infections are highly prevalent in Egypt, pesticides are very commonly used, and diets are often contaminated by aflatoxin, especially in rural areas., Methods: We conducted a study to pilot test a health education intervention addressing HCC, its risk factors, and its main modes of prevention. It included four health education modules: HCC, hepatitis viruses, pesticides and aflatoxin. We used a pre- and post-intervention set of questionnaires to assess knowledge gained by the participants., Results: A total of 25 participants from a village in the Nile Delta area attended the health education session and completed the questionnaires. The education intervention significantly increased the participants' knowledge on HCC and its risk factors, particularly regarding the use of pesticides at home and aflatoxin contaminated foods (both p < 0.05). Overall, there was a 12% increase in the number of participants who believed that HCC could be prevented, and they reported their intention to practice prevention for HCC risk factors., Conclusions: We found that the education intervention we pilot tested was feasible and proved effective in increasing participants' knowledge. Future efforts should focus on implementing targeted education programs in high-risk populations in Egypt.

Background.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an underappreciated cause of pediatric liver disease, most frequently acquired by vertical transmission (VT). Current guidelines that include the option of screening infants for HCV RNA at 1-2 months are based on data prior to current real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing. Previous studies have demonstrated VT rates of 4%-15% and an association with high maternal viral load. We evaluated HCV RNA in infants with HCV VT and assessed maternal risk factors in a prospective cohort in Cairo, Egypt. Methods.  Pregnant women were screened for HCV from December 2012 to March 2014. For those with HCV viremia, their infants were tested at 12 months for HCV RNA using real-time PCR. Maternal risk factors assessed for HCV VT association included HCV RNA levels, mode of delivery, and maternal IL28B genotype. Results.  Of 2514 women screened, a total of 54 women were viremic (2.1%) and delivered 56 infants. Of those, 51 infants of 49 women were tested at 12 months of age. Only 7 infants were viremic, with an HCV VT rate of 14.3% (7 of 49). Median HCV RNA in the infants was 2100 IU/mL. None of the maternal risk factors analyzed were associated with transmission. Conclusions.  In Egypt where HCV is highly endemic, we observed an overall 12-month HCV VT rate of 14.3%. Further studies should focus on better identification of pregnant women more likely to vertically transmit HCV and earlier testing of infants to identify those likely to develop chronicity.

Aim: To identify possible maternal risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) acquisition and assess the efficacy of immunoprophylaxis given to infants born to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) positive mothers., Methods: Screening of 2000 pregnant females was carried out using rapid test and confirmed by enzyme immunoassay. A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions about the possible risk factors for acquisition of HBV infection was filled for every pregnant HBsAg positive female in addition to at least 2 pregnant HBsAg negative females for each positive case. Infants of HBsAg positive women were offered passive and active immunoprophylaxis within the 1st 48 h after birth, in addition to 2nd and 3rd doses of HBV vaccine after 1 and 6 mo respectively. Infants were tested for HBsAg and hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBsAb) at six months of age., Results: HBsAg was confirmed positive in 1.2% of tested pregnant women. Risk factors significantly associated with HBV positivity were; history of injections (OR = 5.65), history of seeking medical advice in a clinic (OR = 7.02), history of hospitalization (OR = 6.82), history of surgery (OR = 4) and family history of hepatitis (OR = 3.89) (P < 0.05). Dropout rate was 28% for HBsAg women whose rapid test was not confirmed and could not be reached to provide immunoprophylaxis for thier newborns. Immunoprophylaxis failure was detected in only one newborn (3.7%) who tested positive for HBsAg at 6 mo of age; and vaccine failure (seronegative to HBsAb after 4 doses of the vaccine) was detected in another one (3.7%). The success rate of the immunoprophylaxis regimen was 92.6%., Conclusion: This pilot study shows that a successful national program for prevention of perinatal transmission of HBV needs to be preceded by an awareness campaign to avoid a high dropout rate.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most fatal types of malignancy, is increasing worldwide, and particularly in Egypt where there is a confluence of its contributing factors, including high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, widespread use of pesticides, and diets that are contaminated by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in rural areas. We investigated knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices related to HCV infection and pesticides use in rural Egypt, where over half of the population resides and agriculture is the predominant occupation., Methods: From two rural villages we recruited 67 residents aged 18-80 years, who completed a 40-item survey that included questions about demographics, knowledge of and protective measures relevant to pesticides use in the home and in agriculture, awareness and perceptions of HCV infection and its treatment and prevention., Results: Among the 67 study participants, gender distribution was equal, the mean age was 47.2, and one third never attended school. More than 50% reported using pesticides at home, but fewer reported having some knowledge about its health effects. Twelve participants were agricultural workers, and 11 of them applied pesticides in the field and knew about their toxicity; however only one person was correctly using the appropriate protective equipment. Among all the participants, 52 did not know what causes HCV infection, and 42 of those who knew it was a virus mentioned incorrect modes of transmission; and 30 did not know the disease manifestations., Conclusion: In rural Egypt, there is a significant lack of knowledge of HCV infection and its transmission mode and limited use of protective measures against pesticides despite familiarity with these chemicals.

Background: The response to antiviral therapy in HCV infected patients depends on several predictive factors; however, the ability to achieve sustained virological response is still limited to around 60% of the patients infected with the HCV-4 genotype. Increased serum and intrahepatic interferon -γ inducible protein 10 (IP-10) levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C have been described. The aim of the work was to study the impact of pretreatment serum IP-10 level on the antiviral treatment outcome in a group of Egyptian patients infected with HCV., Materials and Methods: The study included 80 treatment naive HCV patients. Serum IP-10 levels were determined by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay before therapy was introduced. Serum samples were examined twice by Real-Time PCR after complete course of therapy for detection of HCV RNA; at the end of the antiviral therapy and six months later to detect sustained virological response (SVR)., Results: 57 patients (71%) achieved SVR while 23 (29%) patients were non-responders (NR). Pretreatment serum IP-10 levels were significantly lower in patients who achieved SVR than in NR (p=0.000)., Conclusion: Low pretreatment serum IP-10 is a favorable predictive of response to antiviral HCV therapy in Egyptian patients.

Background: We investigated associations between tobacco exposure, history of schistosomiasis, and bladder cancer risk in Egypt., Methods: We analyzed data from a case-control study (1,886 newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed cases and 2,716 age-, gender-, and residence-matched, population-based controls). Using logistic regression, we estimated the covariate-adjusted ORs and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the associations., Results: Among men, cigarette smoking was associated with an increased risk of urothelial carcinoma (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4-2.2) but not squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); smoking both water pipes and cigarettes was associated with an even greater risk for urothelial carcinoma (OR = 2.9; 95% CI, 2.1-3.9) and a statistically significant risk for SCC (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6). Among nonsmoking men and women, environmental tobacco smoke exposure was associated with an increased risk of urothelial carcinoma. History of schistosomiasis was associated with increased risk of both urothelial carcinoma (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9) and SCC (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0) in women and to a lesser extent (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7 and OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7, for urothelial carcinoma and SCC, respectively) in men., Conclusions: The results suggest that schistosomiasis and tobacco smoking increase the risk of both SCC and urothelial carcinoma., Impact: This study provides new evidence for associations between bladder cancer subtypes and schistosomiasis and suggests that smoking both cigarettes and water pipes increases the risk for SCC and urothelial carcinoma in Egyptian men., (©2011 AACR.)

Background: Bladder cancer is the most common male malignancy in Egypt, consists predominantly of urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and disparities in incidence exist between men and women regardless of geographic region. Tobacco smoke exposure and Schistosoma haematobium (SH) infection and the presence of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GPX1 genotypes, as modulators of the carcinogenic effect of reactive oxidative species, were hypothesized to modify bladder cancer risk and possibly explain these gender differences., Methods: We evaluated the association between bladder cancer risk and functional polymorphisms in the GSTM1, GSTT1, and GPX1 genes in 625 cases and 626 matched population-based controls in Egypt and assessed for potential interactions between these candidate genes and environmental exposures, such as smoking and SH infection. We analyzed the risk for developing UCC and SCC separately., Results: None of these functional polymorphisms were significantly associated with bladder cancer risk. There were no significant interactions between genotypes and smoking or SH infection in this population, nor was any difference detected in genotypic risk between men and women., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that common genetic variations in GSTM1, GSTT1, and GPX1 are not associated with bladder cancer risk overall and that well-known environmental risk factors, such as smoking and SH infection, do not interact with these genes to modulate the risk., Impact: Our data indicate that common genetic variations in GSTM1, GSTT1, and GPX1 were not associated with bladder cancer risk., (©2011 AACR)