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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may lead to immunosuppression, leaving patients vulnerable to secondary invasive fungal infection like mucormycosis. The present study aimed to determine whether there are any risk factors associated with mortality in mucormycosis among COVID-19 patients. Patients and Methods: Patients with COVID-19 diagnosed with mucormycosis who received treatment at University Hospitals were included in the study. Complete blood count (CBC), glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin level, creatinine, ferritin levels, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer and histopathological observations were performed for all participants’ specimens. Results: The number (N) of patients included in the study was 46. About 85 % (39/46) of patients had post-COVID-19 syndrome and the other 7 cases were in the active phase of the disease. CRP, serum ferritin, D-dimer, CRP/albumin ratio and CRP/absolute lymphocyte counts were statistically significant (P

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death among women world-wide. Let-7d and microRNA-195 (miR-195) are members of microRNAsthat are well-known tumor suppressors involved in the regulation of apoptosis, invasion, and other cellular functions. However, the roles of these microRNAs in BC progression remain controversial. This study aimed to explore the correlation between the expression of let-7d and miR-195 and apoptosis-related genes (ARG) “B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and caspase-3 (CASP3)” as potential biomarkers of breast carcinogenesis. Methods It was a retrospective case-control study where expression of let-7d, miR-195, CASP3, and BCL2 was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to determine expression of BCL2 and CASP3 in BC tissues versus normal breast tissues (NT)samples. Results Expression of let-7d and miR-195 was significantly reduced within BC tissues compared to NT (P: < 0.0001); and there was a statically positive correlation between them (r=0.314, P: 0.005). They have also been correlated to biomarkers’ expression of genes related to apoptosis. There was a statistically significant positive association between CASP3, and both let-7d, and miR-195 relative gene expression (r=0.713, P: P: 0.04 and r=-0.311, P: 0.005, respectively). Conclusions Let-7d and miR-195 have been suggested to be involved in BC by modulating the ARG including BCL2 and CASP3. The qRT-PCR and IHC studies verified that low expression of let-7d and miR-195 prohibit apoptosis via downregulating CASP3 and increasing BCL2 expressions promoting BC progression These results also hypothesize that let-7d and miR-195 along with apoptotic biomarkers (BCL2 and CASP3) can be used in the future to introduce novel, non-invasive molecular biomarkers for BC into clinical practice.

Nowadays, the coronavirus epidemic represents a major threat to the human being, represented by great numbers of deaths and wide world life disrupt. COVID-19 virus, is not only representing a threat to the life of human being, but also to the economic activities that nearly stopped in many countries due to the partial to complete closure of life activities in order to control the wide spread of virus infections. In these extraordinary and unprecedented critical times of human being life, it is essential to review and discus the virus epidemic in trial to suggest an idea that might be beneficial to researchers to find out an exit from this dark tunnel and to prevent as possible epidemic recurrence. Many attempts of management protocols and trials all over the world, nearly failed until now to control the wide spread and the high incidence of morbidity and mortality of this viral infection. In this review, we highlight the virology and pathogenesis of epidemic and possible used therapeutics in a simplified and concise form to be easily understood and available for healthcare members and even general population. This might help in control and eradication of the current epidemic.

Background: Male fertility requires proper functioning testes and proper hormonal balance as well. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) have been described to be a risk factor in male infertility. L-carnitine (LC) is an amino acid derivative that regulates long chain fatty acids metabolism and possess an antioxidant activity.Aim of Work: It was to evaluate the effect of induced hyperthyroidism on adult albino rats’ testes and the possible ameliorating role of LC.Material and Method: Twenty-four adult male albino rats have been used in this work. They were randomly divided into three groups with eight animals in each group. Group I (Control). Group II (l-thyroxine (T4)-treated): Animals were subjected to administration of 2 μg/ml/day l-thyroxine orally. Group III (T4 and LC-treated): Animals were subjected to administration of the same dose of l-thyroxine and LC at a dose of 500 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection. By the end of the experiment that was 30 days; hormonal essay, semen analyses were done. Specimen of testes was prepared for light microscopic examination using hematoxylin and eosin stain, Mallory’s trichrome stain and immunohistochemical stain with PCNA. In addition, morphometrical studies were performed and statistical analysis of results.Results: Induced hyperthyroidism caused loss of germinal epithelium with gaps among spermatogenic cells which was confirmed by decrease in height of seminiferous tubules. There was loss of active spermatogonia which was confirmed by significant decrease in PCNA immunostaining. Some tubular lumina showed absence of sperms and spermatids and others showed exfoliated nuclei and multinucleated giant cells. LC protected the testicular specimens against such changes; it improved seminal quality and quantity as well as testicular structure and biochemistry.Conclusion: Hyperthyroidism could harm the structure of testis. Fortunately, administration of LC to these cases is suggested to reduce the associated hazards.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma. The early stage of MF is a difficult diagnostic case, as it is often confused with many benign inflammatory dermatoses (BID). The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of TOX, FOXP3, CDD4 and GATA3 in differentiating early stages of MF from histologically overlapping BID lesions.A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed, in which immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the expression of TOX, FOXP3, CD4 and GATA3 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections of skin lesions from 30 cases with BID and 30 patients with early-stage MF.The association between TOX expression and early-stage MF was statistically significant (P0.001). TOX had the highest sensitivity of 96.77% and accuracy of 85.71% in diagnosis of MF; followed by CD4 with sensitivity of 85.71% and accuracy of 78.95%; and then, GATA3 with sensitivity of 76.7% and finally FOXP3 with sensitivity of 70.0%.TOX is suggested to be of higher diagnostic value in the early stages of MF than the conventionally used CD4 and other markers examined.

The use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CUONPs) on a large-scale application is a reason for many health problems and morbidities involving most body tissues, particularly those of the nervous system. Crocin is the chemical ingredient primarily responsible for the color of saffron. It has different pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, anticancer, and memory-improving activities. This study was conducted to elaborate the effects of CUONP exposureon the cerebellar cortical tissues of rats and explore the potential protecting role of crocin through biochemical, light microscopic, and ultrastructural examinations. Twenty four adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: Group I (negative control); Group II (crocin-treated group; 30mg/kg body weight (BW) intraperitoneal (IP) crocin daily); Group III (CUONP-treatedgroup; 0.5-mg/kg BW IP CUONP daily); and Group IV (CUONP/crocin-treated group). After 14 days of the experiment, venous blood samples were collected to determine red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Besides, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. Cerebellar tissue samples were examined under light and electron microscopy along with a histomorphological analysis. CUONPs induced oxidative/antioxidative imbalance as evidenced by a significant increase in serum MDA levels and decreased GPx and TAC activities. CUONPs caused a significant decrease in RBC and Hb levels and an increase in WBC count. Histopathological alterations in the cerebellar cortex were observed. The administration of crocin showed some protection against the toxic effects of CUONPs. Crocin is suggested to have a mitigating role on oxidative stress and structure alterations in the cerebellar tissues induced by CUONPs.

Background Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder affecting the functions of many tissues in the body including the testis. Testis is rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acids content and lacks strong intrinsic antioxidant system making it prone to such oxidative stress. L-carnitine (LC) regulates long chain fatty acids metabolism; and is considered a valuable antioxidant factor. Aim It was to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) on rats’ testes and the possible protective role of LC. Methods Forty-eight adult male albino rats were used in this work. The animals were divided into three groups with sixteen animals in each. Group 1 (Control): Animals were kept without medications. Group 2 (PTU-treated): was subjected to administration of PTU; while group 3 (PTU and LC) received both PTU and LC. By the end of the experiment “30 days”, blood samples were taken for hormonal assay; then animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed. Specimens were homogenized for biochemical analysis; epididymal content of each rat was obtained immediately for semen analysis. Testes’ specimens were harvested, prepared and examined by light microscope examination. Results Induced hypothyroidism was noticed to cause histopathological, morphometric and biochemical changes in rat’s testes. LC protected the testicular specimens against such changes; it also improved the seminal quality and quantity as well as testicular structure and biochemistry. Conclusion Hypothyroidism could result in hazards to the structure of testis. Fortunately co-administration of LC might reduce such hazards.

Introduction: Perinatal periods are critical phases in the development of testis, and it is sentient to the surrounding environmental pollutants. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure as a consequence of excessive use of cell phones might be one of such pollutants. Aim of the work: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of pre-and postnatal exposure to cell phone radiations on the development of rats’ testes.Methods: Sixteen healthy pregnant female rats were used in the current work. The dams were exposed to EMR of cell phone 2 hours /day from the 6th day of pregnancy, throughout lactation until weaning. We also used corresponding control dams kept away from any radiation. The male pups of both groups were subdivided into three groups (n = 10); according to their age at the time of scarification; group A; scarified at first postnatal day (PND 1), B (PND 21), and C (PND 70). Testes of each group were excised and processed for light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) studies. Assessment of oxidative parameters, semen analysis and morphometric analysis were conducted on each group.Results: Various degenerative changes in the structure of rat testis were noticed in EMR-exposed animals which were assured by the significant changes in morphometric parameters. Besides, the oxidative stress status because of EMR-exposure was evident. Sperm parameters of rats at PND 70 were markedly decreased in the exposed animals compared with controls regarding sperm count and motility with an increase in abnormal forms. Conclusion: Serious effects might result from excessive EMR exposure on developing testis.

Introduction: The rate of secondary attacks of SARS-COV-2 is high among household close contacts Social distancing, isolation and infection control measures are important for preventing exposure to infection, but insufficient Aim: The study aimed to evaluate possible role of oral ivermectin as a chemoprophylaxis in asymptomatic family close contacts with COVID-19 patients Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional randomised open label-controlled study was conducted (registered at clinicaltrials gov;NCT04422561) during June and July 2020 Two arms were designed according to use of ivermectin In ivermectin arm, contacts received ivermectin according to Body Weight (BW) on day of the diagnosis of their index case The nonintervention group received no treatment Both groups were followed-up for two weeks for development of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 Results: Ivermectin group included 203 contacts (to 52 index cases) aged 39 75±14 94 years;52 2% were males Nonintervention group included 101 contacts (to a total of 24 index cases) aged 37 69±16 96 years, 49 5% were males Fifteen contacts (7 4%) developed COVID-19 in the ivermectin arm compared to 59 (58 4%) in the nonintervention arm (P

Despite great advances in clinical imaging of the human body, clinical determination of consistent surface landmarks for surgical approaches to the cranial cavity is still essential and can be vital for the safe outcome of operations and to minimize operative and postoperative complications as far as possible. Therefore, our aim here is to highlight the sutures and outer anatomical landmark points of the skull to provide a short simplified guide to the closed box of the cranial cavity to help surgeons and clinicians in their practice. In this chapter, we focus on the outer sutures of the skull vault and face that could be used for surgical approaches, without the excessive details that dominate in other textbooks of anatomy. The skull comprises two main parts: the neurocranium (bony box surrounding the brain) and the viscerocranium (skeleton of the face); each is formed from individual bones. All bones of skull except the mandible are firmly interconnected in adults by immobile fibrous joints called sutures. These sutures form important anatomical landmark points for surgical approaches to the closed box of the neurocranium enclosing the brain, arteries and venous sinuses.

Background: Oral ingestion of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) may lead to serious liver injury. Vitamin E (VE) is an important antioxidant factor that can reduce such damage. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the possible changes that could take place in the liver of adult male albino rats after oral ingestion of ZnONPs and elucidate the potential protective role of VE against such damage. Material and Methods: Forty eight male albino rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals each. Group (1) served as control group and received normal saline. Group (2) “VE-treated” received 100 mg/kg/day of VE dissolved in normal saline by oral gavage for 21 days. Group (3) “ZnONPs-treated” received a daily dose of ZnONPs dispersed in the fresh sterilized physiological saline solution 1mg/kg for 5 constitutive days. Group (4) “concomitant ZnONPs and VE-treated” was pretreated with VE 100 mg/kg/day for 14 days followed by the same dose of ZnONPs as in group (3) for 5 days. The extent of hepatic damage was evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical examination of liver samples and serological analysis of liver enzymes. Results: Body weights and liver weights showed very highly significant decrease (P

Cranial vault is the case surrounding the brain. Its structure differs in newborns than in adults in some aspects. Such differences should be clear for both health and family members. Moreover, the anatomy and embryology of fetal skull take a little attention in the previous literature and textbooks. Therefore, this short review aimed to clarify some aspects of anatomy and clinical importance of cranial vault features in newborns. The newborn vault is formed of multiple separate flat bones connected by fibrous tissues with wide soft gaps called fontanelles. Development of bones of skull vault is closely correlated with the expanding growth of the underlying brain. Such brain shouldn't be struggled by continuous tightening of the newborns' vault. Also, the newborn skull could be affected even by a fixed sleeping position.

OBJECTIVE The diverse site of origin and classification complexity of salivary glands tumors increase difficulties in their diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the specificity and diagnostic ability of immunohistochemical expressions of IMP3 versus DOG1 and p63 in cases of such tumors. MATERIAL AND METHOD Thirty paraffin-embedded salivary gland tumors were obtained from the Pathology Department Archive. Their diagnosis was confirmed. The specimens were then re-classified and evaluated using the IMP3, DOG1 and p63 immunohistochemical markers. RESULTS There were 8 pleomorphic adenoma (PA), 12 mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and 10 adenoid cystic carcinoma (ADC) cases. All 12 MECs (100%) were IMP3 positive, while 30% of ADCs and only 25% of PAs were positive for IMP3. There was a statistically significant relationship between salivary gland tumors and IMP3 immunostaining (P =0.03). As regards to DOG1 results, 12.5% of PAs showed variable luminal positive immunostaining and 40% of ADCs showed weak luminal and abluminal immunostaining while 16.7% of MEC showed cytoplasmic staining. On the other hand, all ADCs (100%) showed moderate p63 reactivity in the nuclei of abluminal cells. All MEC cases (100%) were also p63-positive, showing a strong diffuse nuclear reactivity. A statistically significant relationship was noticed between salivary gland tumors and p63 immunostaining (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION IMP3 is more sensitive for diagnosis of MEC than ADC. p63 is statistically significant in diagnosing salivary gland tumors (MEC and ADC). On the other hand, DOG1 staining is not sensitive in diagnosis of studied malignant salivary gland tumors, limiting its diagnostic utility.

Aims: To clarify the nephrotoxic effect of paracetamol in adult male albino rats.Methodology: In this study, fourteen adult male albino rats were divided equally into two groups; Control group and paracetamol-treated group. Kidney specimens were processed for biochemical and histological analysis.Results: Administration of paracetamol revealed a noticeable deterioration of both biochemical and histological changes detected in the paracetamol-treated group. The biological changes were in the form of a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine levels. The histological changes markedly affected the tubular system; the proximal and distal convoluted tubules showed marked degeneration, dense nuclear staining, cytoplasmic vacuolization and partial loss of the brush borders. Most tubules were dilated, irregular and were filled with hyaline casts.Conclusion: Paracetamol made biochemical and histopathological changes in the rat's kidneys. These findings revealed that this nephrotoxicity was associated with an increase in oxidative damage and apoptosis. Keywords: Paracetamol, Nephrotoxicity, Albino Rats

Umbilicus is considered a mirror of the abdomen in newborns. Despite its importance, the umbilicus has been stated in literature and textbooks as discrete subjects with many body systems, such as the urinary, digestive, and cardiovascular ones. This article aimed to address the basic knowledge of the umbilicus in relation to clinical disorders under one integrated topic to aid physicians and surgeons in assessing newborns and infants. The umbilicus appears as early as the fourth week of fetal life when the folding of the embryonic plate occurs. The umbilicus appears initially as a primitive umbilical ring on the ventral aspect of the body. The primitive umbilicus contains the connecting stalk, umbilical vessels, vitelline duct and vessels, allantois, and loop of the intestine. Changes occur to form the definitive cord, which contains three umbilical vessels, namely, "one vein and two arteries," embedded in Wharton's jelly. After birth, the umbilical vessels inside the body obliterate and gradually form ligaments. Congenital disorders at the umbilicus include herniation, bleeding, and discharge of mucous, urine, or feces. Some of these disorders necessitate emergent surgical interference, whereas others may be managed conservatively. The umbilicus has many embryological remnants. Thus, the umbilicus is prone to various clinical disorders. Detecting these disorders as early as possible is essential to prevent or minimize possible complications.

The ovarian reserve (OR) gradually decreases throughout the female fertile life. This continuous depletion in OR is irreversible. This occurs through a programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. Some factors hasten such depletion, such as chemo- and radio-therapy. Others have been investigated in trials to preserve the OR including gonadotropins, cytokines, growth hormones, nitric oxide and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Loss of OR occurs normally at the menopausal age, a stage called menopausal ovarian senescence. At some periods, there are other sources for ovarian hormones that are away from the ovary, like during use of contraceptive pills and at pregnancy after formation of placenta. Future trials to preserve ovarian follicles at these periods might postpone the onset of menopause and hence lengthen the fertile female age.

Aim: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the commonest and most deathly malignant gastrointestinal tumors. Carcinogenic process starts in a group of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs) having the ability to start and maintain tumor growth and invasion. In order to detect and remove colon CSCs, a selective biomarker "LGR5 (leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5)" might be required. At the same time, an abnormal expression of TPX2 (targeting protein for xenopus kinesin-like protein 2) has been found to be related to the development and progression of tumors. We aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expressions of LGR5 and TPX2 in CRC in a trial to clarify their relations to proliferation and metastasis of CRC, and hence its prognosis. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining of both LGR5 and TPX2 was assessed in sections from sixty paraffin blocks of CRC . The relationships between their levels of expressions with the clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome were statistically analyzed. Results: The immunoexpression of LGR5 in CRC was signifi­cantly positively correlated with location of the tumor, grade, stage, local recurrence, lymph node and distant metastasis (p

The distinction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from the metastatic carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma in the liver often presents a diagnostic challenge that carries significant impact on its subsequent management. We aimed to investigate the expressions of arginase-1, hepatocyte paraffin antigen -1 (HepPar-1), and glypican-3 (GPC-3) in a trial to distinguish HCC from non-hepatocellular carcinomas involving the liver.The study included 69 cases, with 32 HCC, 28 MC, 4 CC and 5 normal liver tissues. The predictive capacity of arginase-1, HepPar-1 and GPC-3 staining was determined using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value calculations.Both arginase-1 and HepPar-1 expressions were present in all cases of nonmalignant hepatocellular tissues, whereas GPC-3 expression was absent in all cases. Only two of 28 (7.1%) cases of MC and one of 4 (25%) cases of CC showed positive immunoreactivity for arginase-1. HepPar-1 immunoreactivity was detected in 3 of 28 (10.7%) cases of MC and in one of 4 (25%) cases of CC. In contrast, GPC-3 immunoreactivity was detected in 2 of 28 (7.1%) cases of MC and negative in all cases of CC. Arginase-1 was more sensitive (87.5%) than HepPar-1 (71.9%) or GPC-3 (65.6%) for HCC. GPC-3 was more specific (93.8%) than HepPar-1 (87.5%) and arginase-1 (90.6%). However, the combination of the three biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC raised the specificity to 100%.Arginase-1 and HepPar-1 are effective biomarkers for HCC differentiation. Also, arginase-1 demonstrates a superior sensitivity in comparison with GPC-3 and HepPar-1 in the diagnosis of HCC, whereas GPC-3 demonstrates superior specificity. Hence, the use of combination of arginase-1 with HepPar-1 and GPC-3 can aid in precise diagnosis of HCC and distinguishing it from non-hepatocellular carcinomas.

Objective To investigate whether the immunohistochemical expression of p53, p63 and her2/neu is correlated with the prognosis of tumour recurrence and progression in patients with non-muscle invasive (NMI) bladder cancer. Patients and methods In all, 88 patients diagnosed with NMI transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in a Urology Department from May 2009 to April 2014 were included in the study. Paraffin-embedded specimens were obtained by transurethral resection of the bladder tumours. Sections on haematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were examined histologically and tumour grade was classified according to the World Health Organisation system (2004) Mostofi classification. The sections were evaluated using p63, p53 and her2/neu immunohistochemical staining before and after immunotherapy with bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG), and patients were followed up for 36 months in the Urology Department. Results For tumour grade there was a significant relationship with the overexpression of p53 (P = 0.010), her2 (P = 0.025) and negativity of p63 (P = 0.025). There was no significant relationship between p53 or her2/neu overexpression and tumour stage. However, there was a significant correlation (P = 0.005) between p63 negativity and tumour stage. There was a significant relationship between p53 (P = 0.01), her2/neu (P = 0.025) overexpression and p63 negativity (P = 0.005) and tumour recurrence and progression. Conclusion Patients with transitional cell carcinoma who are selected for BCG treatment should preferably be positively immunoreactive for p63, but negative for both p53 and her2/neu. These patients were less susceptible to recurrence and/or progression after BCG adjuvant therapy. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between these three markers and treatment with anti-her2/neu therapies.

The diagnosis of azoospermia represents a major challenge to andrologists as this condition may occur despite normal spermatogenesis and genital tracts. Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) is a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins involved in regulation of apoptosis in various cell types. This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of Mcl-1 in testicular biopsies of subjects with azoospermia. Eighty-six cases with azoospermia were obtained from 509 infertile patients admitted to the Andrology Unit of the Zagazig University Hospitals from January 2010 to December 2011. Biopsies were diagnosed and classified using H&E-stained slide sections. The specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for Mcl-1 and examined through light microscopy. Forty-five cases of maturation arrest (25 at spermatids and 20 at the spermatocytes), 31 cases of hypospermatogenesis (20 moderate and 11 severe), 5 cases of Sertoli cell-only syndrome, 2 cases of basement membrane hyalinization, and 1 case of tubular and peritubular sclerosis were observed. Normal spermatogenesis was detected in 2 cases. A strong positive immunoreaction in Leydig cells was observed among all investigated specimens. A moderate reaction was detected in spermatocytes and spermatozoa in cases of normal spermatogenesis and hypospermatogenesis, but a negative reaction was detected in cases of maturation arrest and germ cell aplasia. Apoptosis was found to be associated with decreased rate of spermatogenesis. High apoptosis rates may result in azoospermia, which can occur despite normal spermatogenesis and absence of duct obstruction.

To evaluate the changes in estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors in oviducts, their immunohistochemical expression was investigated using albino rats in estrous cycle and after administration of depot-medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA). Materials and methods: Twenty rats underwent this study were classified into groups, five rats were sacrificed in the morning of first day (follicular stage); another five rats were sacrificed in the morning of the second day (luteal stage); and ten rats were injected with 12.5 mg subcutaneous DMPA in the first day of cycle, then sacrificed in the next day to show changes in ER and PR. Paraffin-embedded blocks were prepared from the ampullae of oviducts. Then, immunohistochemical staining was performed for each block. Results: ER immunoreactivity mainly nuclear was expressed in the glands, pseudoglands, stromal cells and vascular endothelia in the follicular phase; becoming cytoplasmic in the luteal phase, expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of luminal epithelial cells, and nearly the same picture after DMPA injection. PR immunoreactivity mainly nuclear was expressed in the glands, pseudoglands and stromal cells in the follicular phase; becoming moderately expressed in the luteal phase, but reached a maximum after DMPA injection. Conclusions: DMPA injection caused increased expression of PR but not affecting ER expression.

Despite the increasing recognition of the functional and clinical importance of lumbar lordosis, little is known about its description, particularly in Egypt. At the same time, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been introduced as a noninvasive diagnostic technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of the lumbar lordosis using midsagittal MRIs. Normal lumbar spine MRIs obtained from 93 individuals (46 males, 47 females; 25–57 years old) were evaluated retrospectively. The lumbar spine curvature and its segments “vertebrae and discs” were described and measured. The lumbar lordosis angle (LLA) was larger in females than in males. Its mean values increased by age. The lumbar height (LH) was longer in males than in females. At the same time, the lumbar breadth (LB) was higher in females than in males. Lumbar index (LI = LB/LH × 100) showed significant gender differences (P<0.0001). Lordosis was formed by wedging of intervertebral discs and bodies of lower lumbar vertebrae. In conclusion, MRI might clearly reveal the anatomy of the lumbar lordosis. Use of LI in association with LLA could be useful in evaluation of lumbar lordosis.

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays an important role in the genesis of familial adenomatous polyposis, the most common form of inherited colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Also, the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) predispose to cancer development; and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) seems to be pivotal in their pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the expression of COX-2 protein and β-catenin in colorectal cancer. The study enrolled 45 patients, all of whom underwent surgery and immunohistochemical staining of tissue specimens for COX-2 and β-catenin was done. Correlation between the two modulators and their relationship with clinicopathological features were examined. In 34 cases (75.56%) of the tumor samples; β-catenin immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm and/or membrane compartment. On the other hand, COX-2 immunoreactivity was weakly and/or strongly positive in 32 cases (71.11%) and negative in 13 (28.89%). Positivity was detected in the cytoplasm and in the perinuclear area. Increased expression of β-catenin was correlated to Duke stage (P=0.009). Furthermore, nuclear β-catenin localization showed a correlation to the Duke stage (P=0.029) and insignificant correlation with distant metastases (P = 0.336). Positive COX-2 expression showed a significant relation to, liver metastases (P = 0.042), and Duke stage (P = 0.011) and insignificant correlation to lymph node invasion (P=0.25). These data indicate that cytoplasmic/membrane β-catenin over-expressions as well as positive COX-2 expressions are associated with a more aggressive behavior of the disease.

Aim of the study: To highlight the importance of cell-block study in combination with FNAC in the diagnosis of different thyroid lesions. Patients and methods: This study was a retrospective study of 85 Egyptian patients with thyroid swellings, coming to cytopathology unit, faculty of medicine, Zagazig U:niversity. FNAC and cell-blocks were performed for each case. Cytological results of FNAC were compared to the cell-block histopathological picture. Results: FNAC findings were diagnosed as follows: 52 (61%) as colloid goiter, 5 (5.8%) as Hashimoto thyroiditis, 2 (2.3%) as branchial cleft cyst, 1.0 (1.1%) thyroglossal cyst, 5 (5.8%) follicular neoplasm without atypia, 2 (2.3%) as follicular neoplasm with atypia, 2 (2.3%) as suspicious of malignancy, 10 (11.7%) papillary thyroid carcinoma, and 1.0 (1.1%) thyroid carcinoma of undefined category. Insufficient cases were 5 in number. The sensitivity of FNAC in comparison with histopathological results of cell-blocks was 91.6% and specificity was 97.2%. Conclusion: It is advised to perform cell-block for each case of FNAC of thyroid lesions to decrease the pitfalls and to improve the diagnosis and management of thyroid lesions.

OBJECTIVE Tumor stem cells have been found in a variety of neoplasms and stated to have a role in tumor progression. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of biomarkers which are said to be related to these cells, i.e., EZH2, ALDH1 and Ki-67, and their correlation with each other in astrocytic gliomas. MATERIAL AND METHOD Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of 40 patients with astrocytic glioma who underwent initial surgery during the period from December 2011 to May 2014 at Zagazig University Hospitals were enrolled in the study. Consecutive 4-μm thick sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological evaluation. Immunohistochemical analysis using ALDH1, EZH2 and Ki-67 antibodies were performed to examine the cases. RESULTS A total of forty patients; 22 males and 18 females were studied. The lesions were classified as follows: 14 cases of low-grade astrocytoma (WHO grade I or II), 11 cases of anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III), and 15 glioblastomas (WHO grade IV). There was a significant increase in ALDH1 immunoreactivity with increasing the grade of astrocytoma (mean ±SD = 0.2 ±0.4, 0.5 ±0.6, 1.1 ±1.3 and 2.95 ±2.97 in grade I to IV astrocytic gliomas, respectively). This expression was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.004). EZH2 expression was also significantly associated with advanced grades (mean ±SD =1.35 ±0.4, 3.1 ±2.6, 7.2 ±3.5 and 9.9 ±4.1, in grade I to IV astrocytic gliomas, respectively). EZH2 and Ki-67 expressions were found to be correlated with OS and PFS (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Increased expression of ALDH1, EZH2 and KI67 are found to be associated with unfavourable prognosis in patients with astrocytic gliomas and may predict therapeutic modalities.

This experiment was conducted at the Floriculture Nursery at the Experimental Farm and the Laboratory of Floriculture, Fac. of Agric., MiniaUniv. during the two successive seasons of 2010 and 2011 to study the effect of FYM (Farmyard manure), bio. and / or salicylic acid, as well as, mineral NPK fertilization treatments on vegetative growth, oil production and chemical composition of clove basil plant. The obtained results indicated that the application of FYM significantly increased plant height (cm), number of branches / plant, herb fresh weight in each cut (g / plant / cut), herb fresh weight in each season (g / plant / season) and total herb fresh weight per feddan for each season (ton. / fed. / season), essential oil (%), essential oil yield / plant / cut (ml) and per plant / season (ml), as well as per fed. / season (liter), content of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids (mg / g. fresh weight) in the fresh leaves, as well as, the percentages of N, P and K in the dry herb. The superiority in all previous traits was for treatment of FYM at high level (45 m3 / fed.) as compared with the other levels including the control. The plants treated with mineral NPK or a mixture of effective microorganisms (E.M.) and phosphorein (Phos.) plus salicylic acid gave the best results of all tested parameters in both cuts of the two growing seasons. Regarding the percentage of essential oil in the fresh herb, the treatment of E.M. + Phos. + Sal. was more effective than the other treatments. The interaction between the main-plots (FYM treatments) and sub-plots (bio, Salicylic acid and NPK treatments) had significant effect on the previous parameters. The highest values, in most cases, were obtained due to the high level of FYM (45 m3 / fed.) in combination with mineral NPK and E.M. + Phos. + Sal.

Background: New prognostic and predictive biomarkers for better choice and improving the current therapies for ovarian cancer are greatly needed. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic and therapeutic importance of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expressions in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Methods: We performed immunohistochemical analysis on formalin-fixed paraffin sections of epithelial ovarian tumors. The association between their expressions in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) with the survival as well as response to chemotherapy was analyzed. Results: The frequency of the nuclear expression of LOX and cytoplasmic expression of COX2 was significantly higher in malignant tumors than in benign and borderline tumors. Also, there were statistically significant relationships between pathological grades and both LOX and COX2 positivity in EOC being at the higher end for poorly differentiated tumors. Both LOX and COX2 expressions were also correlated significantly with higher tumor stage. Overexpression of either LOX or COX2 in EOC was significantly associated with poor survival. Moreover, LOX and COX2 positive expressions in EOC were associated with poor response to chemotherapy. Conclusions: The increased expressions of LOX and COX2 in EOC are associated with several adverse clinicopathologic parameters, including reduced survival and chemotherapy resistance thus suggesting a role for such biomarkers in disease progression.