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Transcriptional regulation, orchestrated by the interplay between transcription factors (TFs) and enhancers, governs gene expression dynamics crucial for cellular processes. While gross qualitative fluctuations in transcription factor-dependent gene expression patterning have a long history of characterization, the roles of these factors in the nuclei retaining expression in the presence or absence of these factors are now observable using modern techniques. Our study investigates the impact of Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)), a broadly expressed transcription factor, on enhancer-driven transcriptional modulation using Drosophila early embryos as a model system. Building upon previous findings, we employ super-resolution microscopy to dissect Su(H)'s influence on sog-Distal ( sogD ) enhancer activity specifically in nuclei with preserved sogD -driven expression in the absence of Su(H) binding. We demonstrate that Su(H) occupancy perturbations alter expression levels and bursting dynamics. Notably, Su(H) absence during embryonic development exhibits region-specific effects, inhibiting expression dorsally and stabilizing expression ventrally, implying a nuanced role in enhancer regulation. Our findings shed light on the intricate mechanisms that govern transcriptional dynamics and suggest a critical patterning role for Notch/Hairless signaling in sog expression as embryos transition to gastrulation.

Nucleosides and purine nucleotides serve as transmitter and modulator agents that extend their functions beyond the cell. In this context, purinergic signaling plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis and modulating metabolic alterations in tumor cells. Therefore, it is essential to consider the pharmacological targeting of purinergic receptors (PUR), which encompass the expression and inhibition of P1 receptors (metabotropic adenosine receptors) as well as P2 receptors (extracellular ATP/ADP) comprising P2X and P2Y receptors. Thus, the pharmacological interaction between inhibitors (such as RNA, monoclonal antibodies, and small molecules) and PUR represents a key aspect in facilitating the development of therapeutic interventions. Moreover, this review explores recent advancements in pharmacological inhibitors and the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity of PUR, specifically in relation to immunological and inflammatory responses. These responses encompass the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PIC), the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), the regulation of T cells, and the activation of inflammasomes in all human leukocytes., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

A straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective spectrofluorimetric approach has been established for the analysis of baloxavir marboxil (BXM) in raw material, tablets, as well as spiked human plasma. The approach relies on BXM's quenching impact on acetoxymercuric fluorescein (AMF) fluorescence intensity. To improve the reaction, factors such as AMF's concentration, solution's pH, diluting solvents, and reaction time were examined and optimized. Linearity, range, accuracy, precision, LOD, and LOQ were all verified in compliance with ICH criteria. The concentration range was shown to be linear between 0.2 and 2 μg/mL. The technique was effectively utilized for BXM analysis in both its tablet as well as spiked human plasma, with mean % recoveries of 101 ± 0.36 and 98.77 ± 0.65, respectively. Two assessment models (AGREE and RGB-12) were used to compare the proposed process's greenness and sustainability to four previously published chromatographic techniques. Higher green and sustainability qualities were declared by the suggested approach than by earlier ones., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

A simple, rapid, and low-cost technique was developed to allow reliable analysis of the anti-hepatitis C drug sofosbuvir in bulk, tablet form, and spiked human plasma. This method depends on the ability of sofosbuvir to quench the fluorescence of the newly synthesized 2-amino-3-cyano-4,6-dimethylpyridine (reagent 3). Elemental analysis and spectral data were used to validate the structure of the synthesized reagent. The newly synthesized reagent exhibited a satisfactory level of fluorescence emission at 365 nm after excitation at 247 nm. All experimental variables that might affect the quenching process were analyzed and optimized. Linearity, range, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were all validated in accordance with the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines. The concentration range was shown to be linear between 0.1 and 1.5 μg/mL. The technique was effectively utilized for sofosbuvir analysis in both its tablet dosage form and spiked human plasma, with mean percentage recoveries of 100.13 ± 0.35 and 94.26 ± 1.69, respectively., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules expressed on tumor cells can suppress immune responses against tumors. ICP therapy promotes anti-tumor immune responses by targeting inhibitory and stimulatory pathways of immune cells like T cells and dendritic cells (DC). The investigation into the combination therapies through novel immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been limited due to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), low response rate, and lack of optimal strategy for combinatorial cancer immunotherapy (IMT). Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as powerful tools to promote multidisciplinary cooperation. The feasibility and efficacy of targeted delivery of ICIs using NPs overcome the primary barrier, improve therapeutic efficacy, and provide a rationale for more clinical investigations. Likewise, NPs can conjugate or encapsulate ICIs, including antibodies, RNAs, and small molecule inhibitors. Therefore, combining the drug delivery system (DDS) with ICP therapy could provide a profitable immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. This article reviews the significant NPs with controlled DDS using current data from clinical and pre-clinical trials on mono- and combination IMT to overcome ICP therapeutic limitations., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

The development of tools for the annotation of genes from newly sequenced species has not evolved much from homologous alignment to prior annotated species. While the quality of gene annotations continues to decline as we sequence and assemble more evolutionary distant gut microbiome species, machine learning presents a high quality alternative to traditional techniques. In this study, we investigate the relative performance of common classical and nonclassical machine learning algorithms in the problem of gene annotation using human microbiome-associated species genes from the KEGG database. The majority of the ensemble, clustering, and deep learning algorithms that we investigated showed higher prediction accuracy than CD-Hit in predicting partial KEGG function. Motif-based, machine-learning methods of annotation in new species were faster and had higher precision-recall than methods of homologous alignment or orthologous gene clustering. Gradient boosted ensemble methods and neural networks also predicted higher connectivity in reconstructed KEGG pathways, finding twice as many new pathway interactions than blast alignment. The use of motif-based, machine-learning algorithms in annotation software will allow researchers to develop powerful tools to interact with bacterial microbiomes in ways previously unachievable through homologous sequence alignment alone.

Introduction: Acute poisoning is a significant global health burden, and the causative agent is often unclear. The primary aim of this pilot study was to develop a deep learning algorithm that predicts the most probable agent a poisoned patient was exposed to from a pre-specified list of drugs., Research Design & Methods: Data were queried from the National Poison Data System (NPDS) from 2014 through 2018 for eight single-agent poisonings (acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, aspirin, calcium channel blockers, sulfonylureas, benzodiazepines, bupropion, and lithium). Two Deep Neural Networks (PyTorch and Keras) designed for multi-class classification tasks were applied., Results: There were 201,031 single-agent poisonings included in the analysis. For distinguishing among selected poisonings, PyTorch model had specificity of 97%, accuracy of 83%, precision of 83%, recall of 83%, and a F1-score of 82%. Keras had specificity of 98%, accuracy of 83%, precision of 84%, recall of 83%, and a F1-score of 83%. The best performance was achieved in the diagnosis of single-agent poisoning in diagnosing poisoning by lithium, sulfonylureas, diphenhydramine, calcium channel blockers, then acetaminophen, in PyTorch (F1-score = 99%, 94%, 85%, 83%, and 82%, respectively) and Keras (F1-score = 99%, 94%, 86%, 82%, and 82%, respectively)., Conclusion: Deep neural networks can potentially help in distinguishing the causative agent of acute poisoning. This study used a small list of drugs, with polysubstance ingestions excluded.Reproducible source code and results can be obtained at https://github.com/ashiskb/npds-workspace.git.

Growing environmental pollution worldwide is mostly caused by the accumulation of different types of liquid and solid wastes. Therefore, policies in developed countries seek to support the concept of waste recycling due to its significant impact on the environmental footprint. Hot-mix asphalt mixtures (HMA) with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) have shown great performance under rutting. However, incorporating a high percentage of RAP (>25%) is a challenging issue due to the increased stiffness of the resulting mixture. The stiffness problem is resolved by employing different types of commercial and noncommercial rejuvenators. In this study, three types of noncommercial rejuvenators (waste cooking oil (WCO), waste engine oil (WEO), and date seed oil (DSO)) were used, in addition to one type of commercial rejuvenator. Three percentages of RAP (20%, 40%, and 60%) were utilized. Mixing proportions for the noncommercial additives were set as 0−10% for mixtures with 20% RAP, 12.5−17.5% for mixtures with 40% RAP, and 17.5−20% for mixtures with 60% RAP. In addition, mixing proportions for the commercial additive were set as 0.5−1.0% for mixtures with 20% RAP, 1.0−1.5% for mixtures with 40% RAP, and 1.5−2.0% for mixtures with 60% RAP. The rutting performance of the generated mixtures was indicated first by using the rutting index (G*/sin δ) for the combined binders and then evaluated using the Hamburg wheel-track test. The results showed that the rejuvenated mixtures with the commercial additive at 20 and 60% RAP performed well compared to the control mixture, whereas the rejuvenated ones at 40% RAP performed well with noncommercial additives in comparison to the control mixture. Furthermore, the optimum percentages for each type of the used additives were obtained, depending on their respective performance, as 10%, 12.5%, and 17.5% of WCO, 10%, 12.5−17.5%, and 17.5% of WEO, <10%, 12.5%, and 17.5% of DSO, and 0.5−1.0%, 1.0%, and 1.5−2.0% of the commercial rejuvenator, corresponding to the three adopted percentages of RAP.

The development in the construction sector and population growth requires an increase in the consumption of construction materials, mainly concrete. Cement is the binder in concrete, so increasing cement production will increase the energy consumed, as well as in the emission of carbon dioxide. This harmful effect of the environment led to the search for alternative materials for cement, as the waste or by-products of other industries is a promising solution in this case. Among these common materials are ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and cement kiln dust (CKD). This dataset describes the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity of mortar consisted of high content of GGBS and CKD combinations as a partial substitute for cement (up to 80%) at the ages of 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56, 90 and 550 days. This dataset can help the researchers to understand the behaviour of GGBS and CKD in high replacement levels for cement during early (1 day) and later ages (550 days). According to this understanding, the authors believe that the data available here can be used to produce more environmentally friendly mortar or concrete mixtures by significantly reducing the amount of cement used by replacing it with waste or by-products of other industries., Competing Interests: None., (© 2020 The Author(s).)

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Vitamin C alone and in combination with Rutin on the glycemic control, insulin resistance, lipid profile and oxidative stress markers in patients with type 2 diabetes., Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study conducted on 53 type 2 diabetes patients randomized into 3 groups; (group A) 20 received Rutin with vitamin C, (group B) 20receivedvitamin C and (group C)13 received antidiabetic treatment only. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin, Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase, Lipid profile and patients' quality of life (QOL) using SF-36 questionnaire were assessed in all patients at baseline and after 8 weeks., Results: At baseline, the 3 groups were comparable while FBG was lower in group C versus group A and B (p = 0.0021). After 8 weeks, a significant reduction was observed in % change of FBG in groups A and B versus group C (p = 0.0165, 0.0388 respectively). Low Density Lipoprotien-cholesterol (LDL-c) and Total cholesterol (TC) levels significantly improved in group B versus baseline (p = 0.0239,0.0166 respectively). QOL, physical functioning and energy domains improved significantly in group A versus group C (p = 0.0049, 0.0253 respectively), while role limitation to physical health and to emotional problem improved significantly in group B versus group C (p = 0.0267,0.0280 respectively)., Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation alone or with Rutin significantly reduced the % change of FBG compared to controls but had no effect on HbA1c, FBG,TC, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR or oxidative stress in T2DMpatients., Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03437902., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Visualization is a valuable tool in problem solving, especially for citizen science games. In this study, we analyze data from 36,351 unique players of the citizen science game Foldit over a period of 5 years to understand how their choice of visualization options are affected by expertise and problem type. We identified clusters of visualization options, and found differences in how experts and novices view puzzles and that experts differentially change their views based on puzzle type. These results can inform new design approaches to help both novice and expert players visualize novel problems, develop expertise, and problem solve.

Many studies have already shown that games can be a useful tool to make boring or difficult tasks more engaging. However, with serious game design being a relatively nascent field, such experiences can still be hard to learn and not very motivating. In this paper, we explore the use of learning and motivation frameworks to improve player experience in the well-known citizen science game Foldit. Using Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and Self Determination Theory (SDT), we developed six interface and mechanical changes to the tutorial levels in Foldit designed to increase engagement and retention. We tested these features with new players of Foldit and collected both behavioral data, using game metrics, and prior experience data, using self-report measures. This study offers three major contributions: (1) we document the process of operationalizing CLT and SDT as new game features, a unique methodology not used in game design previously; (2) the user interface, specifically the level selection screen, significantly impacts how players progress through the game; and (3) a player's expertise, whether from prior domain knowledge or prior gaming experience, increases their engagement. We discuss both implications of these findings as well as how these implementations can generalize to other designs.

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, Long standing peripheral neuropathic pain associated with peripheral neuropathy occurs in one of six diabetic subjects, Apelin is a peptide secreted from adipocytes that seems to be beneficial in early detection of diabetic neuropathy, Itisnotedthatitincreasesindiabeticpatients and more in those with neuropathy., Aim: We aimed to study the relation between plasma apelin levels and peripheral neuropathy in a sample of type 2 egyptian diabetic patients METHODS: The current study included 60 subjects with type 2 diabetes divided into 30 with diabetic neuropathy (group I) and 30 without diabetic neuropathy (group II) and 20 healthy subjects as a control group (group III). Fasting plasma glucose, Fasting insulin, HOMA- IR, Hemoglobin A1c, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, High density lipoproteins, Low density lipoprotiens and Apelin levels were assessed. Neurological evaluation in diabetic subjects wasdone by nerve conduction study and clinical examination by using microfilament and tunning fork., Results: On comparing the three studied groups a statistical significant difference in plasma Apelin levels was found (p < 0.001) being highest in group I followed by group II then group III(957.433 ± 221.031 pg/dl, 665.967 ± 110.991 pg/dl and 502.950 ± 201.008 pg/dl respectively). There was a statistical significant positive correlation between plasma Apelin and diabetes duration (r = 0.5), age (r = 0.4) and BMI (r = 0.2)., Conclusions: Apelin levels in diabetic patients are higher in the presence of neuropathy, longer disease duration, advanced age and BMI. This draws attention to the possible association between the apelinergic system and diabetic peripheral neuropathy., (Copyright © 2018 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is any degree of glucose intolerance with first diagnosis during pregnancy; it affects 3-10% of pregnancies. The presence of diabetes-related autoantibodies has shown to be able to predict the development of type 1 diabetes before hyperglycemia arises., Objective: To recognize the prevalence of islet cell antibodies among a sample of Egyptian females with gestational diabetes and its possible relation to development of Type 1 diabetes within one year postpartum., Methods: Our cross sectional study was conducted on 150 Egyptian pregnant females with gestational diabetes aged 19-39 years diagnosed by 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. All females were subjected to full history, thorough clinical examination and laboratory measurement of anti-islet cell antibodies. Those females with positive antibodies were followed up six months and one year after delivery for their fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose and two hours post prandial glucose levels., Results: The prevalence of pregnant females with gestational diabetes having positive anti islet cell antibodies was (44%), the prevalence of females diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus was (37.88%) six months and (51.52%) one year postpartum., Conclusion: The high prevalence of ICAs among pregnant Egyptian females with GDM and the risk of developing type 1diabetes later in life makes screening for ICA among women with GDM important to recognize those at risk of developing type 1 diabetes later in life., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Background: Type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy are associated with multifactorial abnormal energy metabolism. Irisin has been recently introduced as a hormone that is exercise-induced and is secreted by skeletal muscles. It is hypothesized that patients with chronic kidney disease usually have abnormal irisin levels., Aim: We aimed to study the level of Irisin hormone in patients with type 2 diabetes and to document that it is related to diabetic nephropathy., Methods: The current study included 60 subjects with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy subjects as a control group. Diabetic subjects were divided into 30 without diabetic complications and 30 with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Serum Irisin levels, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2hours plasma glucose (2hPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), kidney functions including serum creatinine and albumin/ creatinine ratio were assessed., Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in Irisin levels in diabetic patients compared to controls (34.46 ± 15.28 ng/ml vs. 152.600 ± 39.581 ng/ml, p<0.001). Irisin levels were lower in diabetic patients with DN than in those without complications (20.967 ± 4.476 ng/ml vs. 47.967 ± 8.853 ng/ml, p<0.01). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between irisin and serum creatinine (r=-0.729), systolic blood pressure (r=-0.493), diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.625), duration of diabetes (r=-0.942), BMI(r=-0.396), albumin/creatinine ratio (r=-0.696), and HbA1c (r=-0.305) in all type 2 diabetic patients (p<0.05). On performing multivariate regression analysis, we found that the duration of diabetes was the only independent determinant of irisin level., Conclusion: There is a decrease in serum irisin level in type 2 diabetic patients with even more significant reduction in patients with diabetic nephropathy., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is becoming endemic in many parts of the world., Aim: To study vitamin D status in Egyptian females of different age groups., Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 404 females, who were categorized into group 1 (51 nursing females); group 2 (50 pregnant females); group 3 (208 females of childbearing age); group 4 (38 elderly females); and group 5 (57 geriatric females). Females completed a questionnaire regarding dietary calcium and vitamin D intake, sun exposure, and clothing habits, and performed laboratory tests including calcium, PO4, alkaline phosphatase, intact PTH, and 25-OH vitamin D levels., Results: Median and IQR of vitamin D levels across groups 1, 2, 3 and 5 were in the deficient range, being lowest in groups 3, 5, and 1, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 72.6% of the nursing group, 54% of the pregnant group, 72% of the childbearing age group, 39.5% of the elderly group, and 77.2% of the geriatric group. Vitamin D was significantly higher in non-veiled females [23ng/dl] as compared to veiled females [16.7ng/dl]. Vitamin D levels with poor, fair, and good sun exposure were 14.1, 14, and 37ng/dl, respectively., Conclusion: These results show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy Egyptian females., (Copyright © 2015 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The emerging field of game user research (GUR) investigates interaction between players and games and the surrounding context of play. Game user researchers have explored methods from, for example, human-computer interaction, psychology, interaction design, media studies, and the social sciences. They've extended and modified these methods for different types of digital games, such as social games, casual games, and serious games. This article describes several current GUR methods. A case study illustrates two specific methods: think-aloud and heuristics.

The emerging field of game user research (GUR) investigates interaction between players and games and the surrounding context of play. Game user researchers have explored methods from, for example, human-computer interaction, psychology, interaction design, media studies, and the social sciences. They've extended and modified these methods for different types of digital games, such as social games, casual games, and serious games. This article focuses on quantitative analytics of in-game behavioral user data and its emergent use by the GUR community. The article outlines open problems emerging from several GUR workshops. In addition, a case study of a current collaboration between researchers and a game company demonstrates game analytics' use and benefits.

In this study, twenty HCV/PCR-RNA positive patients with neither infection nor infestation were 15 males and five females with ages ranging between 17-78 years old. Liver function tests: S. albumin was decreased in 15 patients (75%), total protein decreased in 3 patients (15%), total bilirubin increased in 7 patients (35%), AST/ALT increased in 3 patients (15%). Globulin value increased in 15 patients (75%). A/G ratio decreased in 12 (60%). Ten normal individuals (five males & five females), gave normal findings. However, a 19 years-old female had non significant elevation (0.26 mg/dl) in direct bilirubin. Liver function tests: one patient had increased AST/ALT, Globulin value decreesed (-0.2) in another one (10%) and A/G ratio increased (+0.3 to +0.6) in three (30%) individuals. Twenty randomly selected patients (15 males and five females) HCV/3rd generation ELISA showed ALT elevation in 17 (85%), AST in all (100%), S. albumin decreased in 9 (45%), and increased in 1 (5%). Total protein decreased in 3 (15%), total bilirubin increased in 7 (35%) and direct bilirubin in 4 (20%), AST/ALT value increased in 3 patients (15%), Globulin value increased in 15 patients (75%). A/G ratio decreased in 12 (60%). Three patients had schistosomiasis, one 30 years old male had increased AST/ALT, normal globulin, increased A/G and positive HBs-Ag. The second one was a 33-year-old male had normal AST/ALT, normal globulin, increased A/G and positive HBs-Ag. The third patient was a 19-year-old female with normal AST/ALT and normal globulin, increased A/G and positive HBs-Ag. Two patients had fascioliasis, one was a 20-year-old male with increased AST/ALT, globulin normal, A/G normal and negative HBs-Ag. The second one was a 26-year-old female with normal AST/ALT and normal globulin, increased A/G and positive HBs-Ag. The other four positive HBs-Ag patients were parasite-free. Also, the other HCV/ELISA positive were negative for HBs-Ag. HCV/ELISA may have cross-reacted with HBs-Ag and/or with elevated ALT and gave false positive HCV. The 3rd generation ELISA in detection of HCV was not as sensitive as PCR/RNA. Out of 41 fascioliasis patients (26 males & 15 females), 14 were positive HCV/ELISA (34.1%), but only six were positive HCV/PCR (14.6%). ALT increased in 18 fascioliasis patients (43.9%), AST in 23 patients (56.1%) but, albumin decreased in 7 patients (17.1%), total protein decreased in 5 (12.2%), but total bilirubin increased in 14 (34.1%) and direct bilirubin increased in 2 (4.9%). Liver function tests of 14 fascioliasis and ELISA positive HCV showed AST/ALT increased in 6 (42.9%), globulin increased in 3 (21.4%) and decreased in 6 (42.8%). A/G decreased in 4 (28.6%) and increased in 8 (57.2%). Liver function tests of pure 27 fascioliasis patients showed that AST /ALT increased in 8 (29.6%), globulin increased in one patient (3.7%) but decreased in 10 (37.0%) and A/G ratio increased in 13 (48.1%).

Hepatitis C and human fascioliasis are two of the most important public health problems locally and internationally. Each one has its own complications regarding spreading to man, clinical picture, laboratory and serologic diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Concomitant human infection with both magnified the complications. Clinically, both diseases (HCV and fascioliasis) have their own broad signs and symptoms. In concomitant infection, the clinical pictures of both showed some variations. The most common feature in fascioliasis and HCV patients was easy fatigability in 78.6% and the lowest was 7.18% for each of tympanic abdomen, tender colon, tender right upper quadrant, itching, arthritis, epi-gastric pain, and right quadrant pain. The eosinophilia % ranged from 5-24 and the haemoglobin ranged from 7-11.1 gm/dl. In patients with fascioliasis alone, the most come feature was pallor in 96.15% and the lowest was 3.85% for each of splenomegaly, ascites and itching. Eosinophilia % ranged from 1 to 22 and haemoglobin ranged from 6-12 gm/dl. In general, the double infection with both HCV and fascioliasis magnified the laboratory and clinical pictures of such patients.

No doubt, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a real health problem worldwide. The liver function tests (S.ALT, S.AST, Albumin, Total Protein, Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin) were evaluated in 20 PCR-RNA positive HCV-patients and 10 cross matched apparently healthy population. All the HCV-patients and controls were free from liver helminthes. The results showed that in the HCV-patients, there was elevation in the level of S.ALT (17/20 or 85%), S.AST (20/20 or 100%), Total Bilirubin (7/20 or 35%), and (4/20 or 20%). Besides, there was neither a correlation between sexes nor the degrees of viraemia and the elevation of these four parameters. However, serum levels of Albumin, and Total Protein were within the normal range. On the other hand, in the controls the levels of the six tests were within the normal range. Nevertheless, only one control subject who had positive HBs-Ag, showed elevated Total Bilirulin and Direct Bilirubin. Consequently, these tests are indicative as useful and dependable markers in the non-invasive diagnosis of the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

H. pylori infects the gastric mucosa and causes many digestive disorders such as peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. H. pylori infection relates neither to functional health status, nor to intensity of dyspepsia. There is evidence that in most patients with H. pylori positive functional dyspepsia do not improve with eradication of the organism.This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of HpSA by determining the sensitivity and specificity of the stool antigen test in predicting successful eradication during and after anti microbial therapy. The work was conducted on patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Al-Azhar University hospitals. Fifty patients (34 male & 16 female) with dyspepsia were selected, the exclusion criteria included use of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors up to one month before the study. All cases were submitted to, full history, general and local examination and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Biopsies were taken from the antrum and body of the stomach for rapid urease test and histopathology. Stool samples were taken to detect H. pylori stool antigen. Positive patients received eradication treatment for one month and H. pylori status was re-determined by rapid urease test, histological examination and HpSA test one month later. H. pylori was detected by rapid urease test in 29 (58%) dyspeptic patient by histology in 26(52%) dyspeptic patient, while H. pylori was detected by HpSA immunoassay in 16 (32%) dyspeptic patient. The sensitivity and specificity of HpSA were 57.7% and 95.8% respectively. After successful eradication of H. pylori, reassessment by rapid urease test and histology revealed curative rate of 86.2% and 84.6% respectively, while HpSA immunoassay revealed curative rate 75%. Based on these results, the HpSA immunoassay gave sensitivity (75%) and specificity (100%). The H. pylori stool test represents an accurate and novel non-invasive concept for diagnosis of infection and can be used for daily routine in clinical practice. HpSA is a promising non-invasive test for diagnosis of H. pylori infection but may be hampered by low patient acceptability. So, HpSA is a valuable test in the pre-and post eradication assessment of infection. HpSA can be profitably employed in the primary diagnosis of H. pylori infection. This non invasive test could be very useful in investigating dyspeptic young patients. Also, it could be used profitably in epidemiological studies to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the asymptomatic subjects in different communities.

By means on the basis of a prospective study of 33 osteosynthesis with the unreamed tibia nail (UTN) the following conclusions were found: 1. A technical simple, intramedullary solid strength bearing device in only two diameters is available, therefore costs for stock keeping are low. Systematic interlocking of the nail is necessary. Regarding the multiplicity of indication as well as the mechanical character the UTN is close to the principle of the internal fixator. 2. As a result of its solid constitution remarkable hollow cavities do not exist, so that retention of hematoma or secretions is limited (prophylaxis of infection). 3. In case of a closed nailing procedure the less rigid fracture fixation is favourable for the biology of the bone healing (fracture hematoma, less traumatic procedure without reaming of the medullary cavity, etc.). 4. The frequently observed breakage of interlocking bolts leads spontaneously to a dynamisation favourable as to time and therefore to a better bone healing process (callus formation). 5. Time intervals of bony fractures consolidation are significantly shorter compared to the exclusive osteosynthesis with the external fixator [3]. 6. The unreamed tibia nail is an implant for both primary stabilisation of closed diaphyseal fractures of the tibia with soft tissue injury and for secondary procedure/treatment for example after external fixator osteosynthesis or initial non-operative treatment. Early change of procedure seems to be of importance.

Plasma fibronectin and serum complement C3 levels were estimated in 30 patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) post virus "B" and another 30 patients with CAH post virus "C" as well as 20 normal healthy subjects. Fibronectin level was significantly increased in CAH when compared to normal controls. Moreover, fibronectin level was significantly increased in CAH following virus "C" when compared to CAH following virus "B" hepatitis. Concerning complement C3 there was no significant changes in the different groups studied. We may conclude that CAH following virus "C" may lead to vigorous inflammatory damage than CAH following virus "B" infection.

The effect of sublethal doses of scorpion venom (Buthus quinquestriatus) on the hepatic vascular bed and hepatic parenchyma were studied. The main toxic effect of the venom was primarily on the vascular bed of the liver as manifested by dilatation of branches of the hepatic artery, portal vein together with intravascular thrombi and subcapsular haemorrhages. Apart from mild hydropic degeneration some cells of the hepatic parenchyma showed focal necrosis and Kupffer cells were frequently hypertrophied and contained pigment. In the lung, dilated thrombosed vessels were observed. In the kidney, the vessels showed the same changes. The epithelial and endothelial cells of the glomeruli appeared normal except for slight swelling with intact basement membrane. The tubular cells were swollen with increased granularity and attenuation of the tubular lumen, a picture compatible with hydropic degeneration. The possible mechanisms in inducing such lesions were discussed.

Twenty patients with bilharzial periportal fibrosis (group I); 20 patients with post hepatitic cirrhosis (group II) and 20 normal controls were chosen to study the correlation between the serum level of human growth hormone (GH) and Somatomedin-C (Sm-C); and the anthropometric measurements; liver function tests and various haematological parameters. Group I showed no statistically significant difference in the mean values of serum GH before and after insulin induced hypoglycemia. The basal serum level of Sm-C showed a statistically significant decrease and highly significant decrease after insulin test. A statistically significant positive correlation was evident between the individual values of serum level of GH and Sm-C and the anthropometric measurements, haematological values and liver function tests (r = 0.41). The mean serum level of GH in group 2, showed statistically significant increase before and after insulin test. The mean serum level of Sm-C showed a statistically significant decrease before and after insulin test. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the individual values of the serum level of GH and Sm-C and the anthropometric measurements, haematological values and liver function tests (r = 0.16).

Twenty patients with bilharzial periportal fibrosis, 20 patients with post hepatitic cirrhosis and 20 normal controls were chosen for assessment of serum level of human growth hormone (HGH) before and after insulin induced hypoglycemia and Somatomedin-C (Sm-C). In the first group no statistical significant difference was noticed in HGH before and after insulin test but the basal serum level of Sm-C showed a statistically significant decrease after insulin test. In the second group HGH showed statistical significant increase before and after insulin induced hypoglycemia. Also, the mean serum level of Sm-C showed a statistical significant decrease before and after insulin induced hypoglycemia.

One hundred and fifty patients with active Schistosomiasis haematobium were chosen from Azizia village an endemic area. 50 healthy controls of the same age and sex groups were chosen. Patients were subjected to complete clinical and laboratory examination. Praziquantel orally in a dose of 40 mg/kg was given to each individual and its therapeutic efficacy was assessed by comparing the results of the previous investigations before and 3 months after treatment. The highest infection intensity was noticed in the small age group (A). There was a statistically significant increase of haematuria in this group, dysunia in middle age (B) and increase frequency of micturition & suprapubic tenderness in older age group (C). Ultrasonography showed partial calcification of bladder in 18% of cases in group A, 28% of cases in group B; in group C the percentage was 32% with 14% hydronephrosis, bladder mass 2%, stone bladder & ureter 6%. After praziquantel therapy there was a statistically significant (1) Reduction in haematuria, dysuria increase frequency and suprapubic tenderness (Z less than 1.96). (2) reduction of mean egg count in urine (3) significant improvement of Hb% (4) bladder calcifications showed partial improvement.

Patients with simple and/or complicated intestinal bilharziasis and normal controls were chosen for CBC, complete urine and stool analysis, liver function tests, liver biopsy, sigmoidoscopy and rectal biopsy. HLA typing was done by microcytotoxicity test. A statistically significant increased frequency of HLA-B8 antigen was present in with or without polyposis and with or without hepatosplenomegaly, as compared to controls (P less than 0.01). Also HLA-B8 showed a statistically significant increased frequency in those with or without polyposis and with hepatosplenomegaly and without polyposis (P less than 0.05). The HLA-A25 and A26 showed a significant increased frequency among all groups (P less than 0.05). HLA-A1, A9, B18 were variable in frequency among all groups. It was concluded that patients with bilharzial hepatosplenomegaly specially with intestinal polyposis have a high frequency of HLA-B8.

Complex formation between oxovanadium(IV) and the antiamebic drugs 5, 7-dibromo-8-quinolinol and 5, 7-dichloro-8-quinolinol was studied in the pH 1.5-2.0 range, using ethanol, dioxane-water, and dimethylformamide as solvents. The composition of the formed complexes was determined by more than one procedure. In ethanol and dioxane-water, the 1:1 and 1:2 complexes were formed; in dimethylformamide, the 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 complexes were formed. The stability constants were computed using two procedures: the molar ratio method and the extrapolation method. The reproducibility or results in satisfactory.

Seventy eight patients with diffuse hepatic lesions were selected for this study. They were classified after liver biopsy histopathologically into four groups. 45 patients with pure bilharzial hepatomegaly (group 1). 12 patients with mixed bilharzial hepatosplenomegaly with hepatitis (group 2). 16 patients with chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis (group 3) and 5 patients with extrahepatic cholestasis (group 4). Ultrasonography of gall bladder was done for all patients. Group 3 patients showed the highest incidence of gall stones (29.4%) as compared to other groups (P less than 0.05).