Background and aim MRI can detect intramedullary infiltration in a highly advanced manner. It is also useful for the detection of tumor extension, associated soft tissue masses, and neurological compromise. MRI can increase the rate of successful bone marrow biopsies as it can assess a large volume of bone marrow noninvasively and relatively quickly. The aim of this study was to assess the role of MRI in the evaluation of bone marrow infiltrative lesions. Patients and methods This study included 30 patients with bone marrow infiltrative lesions: 14 male and 16 female patients. The ages of the patients ranged from 8 to 75 years (mean 41.5 years). Pain was the most common symptom in the studied cases, followed by swelling. The patients in our study were examined by means of plain radiography (15 cases), computed tomography (five cases), isotopic bone scan (one case), and MRI (all cases). Results According to the pathological and radiological results, the lesions in our study were classified as follows: metastasis (12 cases); plasma cell dyscrasias (eight cases), including multiple myeloma (six cases) and plasmacytoma (two cases); lymphoma (seven cases), including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (five cases) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (two cases); Ewing’s sarcoma (two cases); and leukemia (chronic lymphatic leukemia) (one case). Conclusion MRI is a sensitive method for detection of areas of marrow infiltration. The value of MRI lies in its ability to document the presence and extent of disease and to determine an appropriate radiation field.

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Introduction Height is defined as distance between vertex of head and surface. Reconstruction of the stature from various parameters is quite valuable for identification & for establishing the individuality of a person. Aims and Objectives The present study was done to determine the stature from parameters of upper limb & lower limb of individuals having age group of 17-25. Materials and Methods Authors have studied 213 male and 87 female, healthy subjects in Department of Anatomy, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. All individuals were measured for height and arm, forearm, hand & foot length. Observation and Results The data thus obtained has been tabulated & subjected to statistical computation to derive the regression equations. Conclusion The results concluded that height has a definite correlation with the parameters. This conclusion is of utmost importance to anthropologist and forensic experts for estimation of stature from mutilated, decomposed or fragmentary skeletal remains.

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Background and aim and aim Cine phase-contrast (PC) MRI is a useful noninvasive imaging technique in evaluating the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the evaluation, follow-up, surgical decision, and postoperative survey of certain disease processes, such as normal pressure hydrocephalus, aqueduct stenosis (AS), postendoscopic third ventriculostomy, and arachnoid cysts cases. The aim of this study was to determine the value of cardiac-gated cine-PC-MRI in characterizing CSF flow in patients with CSF flow disorders. Patients and methods The study included 30 patients with 10 persons as the control group and 20 patients who were suspected to have CSF flow abnormalities. Two imaging techniques were applied: the axial plane for flow quantification and the sagittal plane for a qualitative assessment. Results Among the 30 patients, quantitative analysis revealed the mean value to be 22 μl as the average aqueductal stroke volume in the control group. In the normal pressure hydrocephalus group, systolic velocities as well as stroke volume values were higher than those of the controls. In the AS group, lack of significant aqueductal CSF flow was noticeable. Both peak systolic and diastolic velocities were found to be statistically significantly lower in patients with AS than in the control group. In arachnoid cyst cases, CSF flow study with cine PC-MRI enables visualization of flow communication between cysts and neighboring CSF compartments. Two cases were assigned as communicating cysts and four cases were noncommunicating. Conclusion Assessment of CSF flow indicates the potentials of using PC-MRI adjunct to routine MR for the clinical study of CSF-related diseases.

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Background The gold standard to establish inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis remains in the hands of endoscopists and pathologists. A challenge is thus to distinguish symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease from that of irritable bowel syndrome. Aim of this work The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of fecal calprotectin level as a noninvasive marker in order to distinguish patients with diarrhea in need of intensified follow-up from those who do not need further workup. Patients and methods From a total of 150 patients presented with chronic diarrhea with or without bleeding per-rectum in the outpatient clinic of Specialized Medical Hospital, only 60 were involved in this study. Stool analysis and culture were carried out. Measurement of fecal calprotectin was done using the ELISA kit. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (P-ANCA) and cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (C-ANCA), were tested. Full colonoscopy with histopathological examination was performed. Results The frequencies of diseases on the basis of diagnostic colonoscopy and pathological examination were as follows: 19 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (31.67%), 41 patients with nonorganic gastrointestinal (GIT) disease versus organic GIT diseases (68.33%), 32 patients with ulcerative colitis (53.33%), two patients with Crohn's disease (3.33%), two patients with diverticulitis (3.33%), two patients with eosinophilic gastroenteritis (3.33%), and two patients with cancer colon (3.33%). There was a remarkable difference between organic GIT diseases versus nonorganic groups as regard fecal level of calprotectin (P < 0.001). Fecal calprotectin value of at least 350 μg/g with a receiver operating characteristic value of 0.931 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.864-0.971] was diagnostic of ulcerative colitis with a sensitivity of 81.82% (95% CI 64.5-93), specificity of 85.19% (95% CI 66.3-95.8), positive predictive value of 86.32%, and negative predictive value of 80.39%. Conclusion Calprotectin, a fecal marker, is helpful as an adjunctive tool in overall evaluation of patients with nonspecific symptoms and as a diagnostic tool in those with inflammatory disease. It is less invasive than colonoscopy and can help to guide management in a more cost-effective manner.

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Background Tobacco is a leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity. College students are at high risk of smoking as they are prone to higher availability of cigarettes. Although medical students are aware about the health hazards of tobacco smoking, they, as well as physicians, smoke. Aim This study aimed to explore the characteristics of cigarette smoking problem and associated risk factors among medical students in Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on students from Tanta University, Faculty of Medicine in Egypt. Multistage random sampling technique was used. A valid specially designed self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data including age, sex, parents’ education, smoking status, family member smoking habit, and self-reported causes of smoking. Results Of 252 students, 138 were male and 114 were female. The prevalence of current smokers was 12% and ex-smokers was 6.3%; most of them were male (90.0%), and 13.1% were heavy smokers with a statistically significant association with higher parents’ education. The most commonly reported cause of cigarette smoking was stress (42%). There was a statistically significant association between quitting trials and cessation of this habit (P=0.01). Smoking habit among family members and the presence of smoking peers were significantly associated with smoking status (P=0.001, 0.008). Conclusion Cigarette smoking is a common problem among medical students despite their awareness about the health hazards of tobacco. Specific training and counseling should be part of the curriculum at medical schools.

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Introduction Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the life-threatening sequels in diabetes mellitus. Nonadherence to treatment, infections, psychological troubles, and comorbid diseases were the main precipitating factors that trigger DKA. Aim Evaluate infection as a precipitating factor of DKA and its correction may contribute to improve outcome and decrease recurrence. Patients and methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with DKA admitted to the Internal Medicine Department, Tanta University Hospital. All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, routine investigations, glycosylated hemoglobin, and albumin–creatinine ratio. Results Our study included 86 men and 114 women. Of these, 113 patients were of type 2 diabetes, 83 patients were of type 1 diabetes, two patients were of secondary diabetes, and two patients were having gestational diabetes. Infection was the main precipitating factor of DKA (46.5%). The most common source of infections was urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections (31.2, 26.8%, respectively). Infection was the precipitating cause in 38.5% of type 1 diabetes and 53.9% of type 2 diabetes with P value was 0.033. DKA was the first presentation of diabetes in 18.5% of patients. Stress, dietary errors, pregnancy, and nonidentified causes were 19%. Conclusion Infection is the main precipitating factor of DKA in patients of Tanta University Hospital.

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Aim The purpose of this study was to discuss the role of different imaging modalities in the diagnosis and evaluation of adnexal masses. Patients and methods A total of 50 female patients with 60 adnexal lesions were included in his study. After clinical evaluation, ultrasound examination was carried out for all cases. After observing all gray scale features, color Doppler was superimposed on the gray images to assess the site of blood flow and measure the Doppler indexes. Computed tomography was performed in seven suspicious cases, and MRI was performed in eight suspicious cases. The results were correlated with operative and histopathological findings. Results Nine malignant cases had Alcázar score greater than 6, whereas the benign cases (41 cases) had a score less than 6. There were two cases (4%) of hydrosalpinx, five cases (10%) of ectopic pregnancy, three cases (6%) of tuboovarian abscess, four cases (8%) of polycystic ovaries, and four cases of solid masses (8%) (one case of ovarian fibroma, one case of subserous uterine fibroid, one case of broad ligament fibroid, and one case of Krukenberg tumor). There were 24 cases of cystic masses (48%) either unilocular or multilocular within thin septae (seven cases of follicular ovarian cysts, eight cases of hemorrhagic cysts, one case of corpus luteal cyst, two cases of endometrioma, three cases of dermoid cysts, two cases of serous cystadenoma, and one case of paraovarian cyst). There were eight complex masses (16%) (one case of granulosa cell tumor, one case of dysgerminoma, one case of papillary carcinoma, one case of metastasis, two cases of serous cystadenocarcinoma, and two cases of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma). Conclusion Using ultrasound and color Doppler studies with scoring system was found to be useful in differentiating a benign from a malignant adnexal mass. Computed tomography scan has shown to be beneficial in assessing the disease extent and planning for treatment. MRI was beneficial in characterizing adnexal masses in problematic cases.

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Background and objective Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is defined as the presence of a typical neomembrane, typical liquefied blood within the hematoma cavity, and 3 weeks of more of acute subdural hematoma. It has been classified into separate, laminar, homogenous, and trabecular types. This study analyzed the complications after burr hole evacuation in CSDHs and the best methods to avoid or at least minimize them. Materials and Methods A total of 28 patients who were suffering from complications after evacuation of CSDH were analyzed. Data on patients and treatment protocol were collected. Medical problems were also managed. Complications were studied as regards their causes and avoidance. Results The highest incidence of complications is observed in the seventh decade of life. Recurrence was the most common complication especially in the separate type. The recurrence rate was higher among patients operated through a single burr hole. Extradural hematomas, although rare, were observed in three patients. Acute subdural hematoma and cerebral infarction had the worst prognosis. Conclusion Subgaleal dissection and insertion of a subgaleal drain are important for absorption and suction of the residual air and blood. In addition, intraoperative copious saline irrigation and postoperative meticulous follow-up are important for patients with a high risk of recurrence, especially those with hematomas of the separate type. During evacuation of the hematoma, we must avoid sudden decompression of the brain as it leads to cerebral infarction or intracranial hemorrhage. It is important to inform the anesthetist before performing the drainage that the blood pressure should be closely monitored and maintained at normal levels while infusing normal saline during surgery to avoid hypotension, which may lead to infarction. Any source of blood from the extradural space must be adequately dealt with.

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Hypothesis Definite diagnosis and characterization of intracranial mass lesions based on structural MRI alone may be difficult. In such cases, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) represents an advance in the specificity of brain lesion diagnosis. Aim of the work The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MRS in the differentiation of intracranial space occupying lesions (benign/malignant) and malignant (low-high grade)/metastasis. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 40 patients with intracranial space occupying lesions. All patients were subjected to MRS The ratios were calculated, including Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr, in both intralesional and perilesional regions. Results MRI and MRS of the patients were compared with histopathological analysis and we found the following results: conventional MRI had successfully diagnosed 27 cases as primary tumors and three cases as metastasis. Conventional MRI had failed to take decision in six cases as to whether they were primary or metastatic and four cases were diagnosed as non-neoplastic lesions. MRS had correctly diagnosed 31 cases as primary tumors of the 40 cases; five cases were diagnosed as metastasis and four cases were diagnosed as non-neoplastic lesions. Conclusion MRS provides information on the metabolic state of brain tissue. Thus, it is useful to arrive at a more definitive diagnosis compared with MRI in doubtful intracranial space occupying lesions with similar morphological imaging patterns.

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Background Chronic hemodialysis patients are at considerably high risk for vascular access-related blood stream infections that may be associated with serious complications. Infections are more frequent with central venous catheters and polytetrafluoroethylene grafts than with arteriovenous fistula. Aim We aim to evaluate the prevalence of vascular access infection among hemodialysis patients, risk factors, common causative microorganisms and their antibiotics sensitivity. Patients and method This cross-sectional study included 720 end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis recruited from six hemodialysis centers in Al-Gharbia Governorate from June 2019 to June 2020. Results The prevalence of vascular access infection was 27.77%. Sex, old age, and diabetes mellitus had a significant statistical association. Temporary catheters recorded the highest infection rate. Gram-positive bacteria were the most common organisms in 57.5% of cases, Gram negative in 39.5% while candida albicans in only 3% of the cases. The antibiotic sensitivity was higher to amikacin and imipenem. Conclusion Creation of native arteriovenous fistula is highly recommended to avoid catheter-related blood stream infections and their complications. Strict adherence to antiseptic measures and use of a rational antibiotic policy for the early diagnosis and better management of hemodialysis vascular access site infection is important.

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Background Paracetamol (PCM) overdose induces hepatotoxicity in both humans and experimental animals. The pathogenesis and progression of PCM hepatic toxicity are associated with free radical injury and oxidative stress, which could be partially attenuated by antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Aim The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of quercetin on PCM-induced hepatic toxicity in rats. Material and methods In this experimental study, forty adult male rats were divided into four groups: control, quercetin, PCM groups, and the protective group that was pretreated with quercetin orally [50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)] daily for 16 days and thereafter received both quercetin (same dose) and PCM (500 mg/kg b.w.) for another 5 days. Twenty-four hours after the administration of PCM, the rats were killed to measure serum hepatotoxic markers, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Results Oral administration of PCM (500 mg/kg b.w.) for 5 days resulted in a significant elevation of liver enzymes in serum such as aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin, and in levels of tumor necrosis factor-α as well as reducing hepatic total protein and albumin concentrations when compared with the results in the control group. As regards oxidative stress biomarkers, there were increased tissue levels of malondialdehyde and decreases in the activity of liver enzymes [superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-s-transferase] in the group treated with PCM. All of these results were ameliorated by coadministration of quercetin. Conclusion These results suggest that the protective role of quercetin in the prevention of PCM-induced hepatic toxicity in rats was associated with a decrease of oxidative stress in hepatic tissues. However, clinical studies are warranted to investigate such an effect in humans.

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Introduction Coronary artery bypass grafting is a very common surgery with highly successful outcomes; however, wound complications from harvesting the long saphenous vein (LSV) can be a major source of postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of LSV harvesting site infection in coronary artery bypass grafting and to detect the possible risk factors. Patients and methods Between September 2009 and December 2010, 100 patients who were diagnosed with coronary artery disease were included in our study and were admitted at Shebien El-Kom Teaching Hospital. All patients who developed major leg wound complication were assessed daily during the postoperative period using the ASEPSIS scoring system and 10 risk factors were analyzed and compared with the entire cohort of patients undergoing similar bypass procedure during the same time period. Results LSV harvesting site infections (ASEPSIS score >20) were identified in 12 patients (12%), including nine patients with mild infection (ASEPSIS score 21-30), two with moderate infection (ASEPSIS score 31-40), and one with severe infection (ASEPSIS score >40). Of the 10 variables evaluated using multivariate analysis, age, sex, obesity, smoking, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, level of LSV harvesting, usage of intra-aortic balloon pump, Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass (CPB) time, and use of internal thoracic artery graft were identified as significant independent predictors of major leg wound complications (P < 0.05). Conclusion Identification of independent risk factors for infection is important to develop strategies that prevent infection and to allow for recognition of patients at high risk who may need more careful monitoring so as to prevent development of infection.

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Background Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is an iatrogenic disorder caused by too much nasal turbinate resection. Stem cell therapy can be used to repair, replace, or restore the biological function of a damaged tissue or organ. Aim To evaluate the role of adding autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) therapy to intranasal submucosal fat implant for management of ENS and to compare its efficacy and safety to improve nasal functions in patients with ENS. Patients and methods Fifty-two patients having ENS were randomly distributed in two equal groups: group I was subjected to endoscopic intranasal submucosal fat implant injection and group II was subjected to intranasal submucosal fat implant with ADSCs injection at the site of inferior turbinate stump. Subjective evaluation was done by reviewing the SNOT-25 test, whereas objective evaluation was done by nasal endoscopy and nasal clearance test. Histopathological examination and reverse transcription-PCR were done to assess mucosal regeneration. Results Postoperative objective evaluation by anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy showed rapid healing with no signs of implant infection, rejection, or allergic reaction in both groups. Both groups experienced a statistically significant improvement in both SNOT-25 and mucociliary clearance tests after surgery. There was a positive statistical significant between the two groups from 6 months postoperatively. Both histopathological examination and reverse transcription-PCR showed evidence of mucosal regeneration in group II patients by detection of mucin-4 and lysozyme expression in regenerated nasal mucosa. Conclusion Adding ADSCs to intranasal submucosal fat implant augments the results and durability of improvement and also restores the anatomical and physiological functioning of nasal mucosa.

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Background Multislice computed tomography imaging (MSCT) plays an integral role in the characterization of primary retroperitoneal masses and in the evaluation of their extent and involvement of adjacent structures, and therefore in treatment planning. Many authors have described useful imaging features to distinguish between the different entities. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MSCT in differentiation of primary retroperitoneal masses in correlation with pathological findings. Patients and methods This prospective study was performed on 43 patients aiming to determine the role of cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) imaging in the differential diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal masses. Each case was submitted for pathological analysis either following open surgical biopsy, surgical excision, or image-guided biopsy by CT or ultrasound. Correlation of CT findings with pathological results was obtained. Results The calculated accuracy for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal masses by MSCT was 69.7% in the studied cases matched with pathological findings, which represented 30 cases of our study. This was helpful in narrowing the differential diagnosis and thus in treatment planning. Conclusion Multi-slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) is considered the basic standard in morphological evaluation, and the diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal masses according to their origin is carried out first and then characterization of the mass lesion is performed depending upon the specific imaging characteristics detected on CT examination such as consistency, component, vascularity and enhancement pattern, as well as specific pattern of spread.

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Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the antipyretic activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera using Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia model. Materials and methods It was a randomized controlled experimental study. A total of 60 rats were taken, dividing them in six groups, each containing 10 rats. Ethanolic extract of M. oleifera (EMO) was administered at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses orally to the respective four groups. The control group was fed with normal saline at 2 ml/kg. A 20% suspension of Brewer's yeast in normal saline was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 10 ml/kg body weight below the nape of neck of rats in all groups. Pyrexia developed after 10 h of Brewer's yeast injection and the temperature was recorded. Animals which showed a rise in body temperature to at least 39°C were included in the study, allowing a minimal of six rats in each group, total of 36 rats. Drugs were given after development of pyrexia and temperatures were recorded. Paracetamol at 100 ml/kg orally was taken as the standard drug. Results The ethanolic leaf extract of M. oleifera showed significant (P < 0.05) antipyretic activity at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Paracetamol showed significant antipyretic activity from 15 min of drug administration to 12 h. EMO at a dose of 50 mg/kg did not show antipyretic effect. The onset of action of EMO 100 mg/kg was found to be 2 h and that of 200 and 400 mg/kg was found to be 30 min. For all the doses, the antipyretic effect lasted up to 12 h. Conclusion The ethanolic leaf extract of M. oleifera exhibited significant (P < 0.05) antipyretic activity at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg.

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Background Human schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. Ongoing control measures have markedly decreased the incidence of the disease. There are currently no data on newly acquired infections. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among school children in Gharbia governorate and carry out a malacological survey on common snail hosts. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in three rural areas of Gharbia governorate: Tanta, Kafr El-Zayat, and El-Mahala El-Kobra. Parasitological examination of 110 stool samples was performed using direct wet smear, formol–ether concentration technique, and the Kato–Katz method. An immunological test was also performed to detect S. mansoni antigen in urine. Snail vectors were collected from different water streams, identified morphologically, and examined for infection using shedding and crushing methods. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, version 16. Results The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was found to be 1.8% among school children of the studied areas. Risk factors were age and previous exposure to canal water. In the malacological survey, six species of freshwater snails were found and morphologically identified. Biomphalaria alexandrina was widely distributed but did not show any cercarial shedding. Conclusion Although the rate of S. mansoni infection among school children is low, they can be a potential infective pool for the rest of the community.

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Aim The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of isosorbide mononitrate (IMN), misoprostol, and combination therapy for cervical ripening before induction of labor at term. Patients and methods A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 196 term and post-term nulliparous women with unfavorable cervices who were assigned randomly to receive either 40 mg of IMN (n = 65), 50 ΅g of misoprostol (n = 65), or both of them (n = 66) in the posterior vaginal fornix. Changes in the Bishop score and cervical length, progress, and outcomes of labor and adverse effects were assessed. Results Combination therapy was more effective than IMN or misoprostol alone. Successful induction (vaginal delivery within 24 h of initiation of cervical ripening) was significantly higher in the misoprostol (60%) and the combination therapy (62.1%) groups compared with the IMN (27.7%) group (P < 0.0001). The mean duration (h) from treatment initiation to delivery was greater for IMN (26.7 ΁ 7.5) than for misoprostol (16.5 ΁ 6.7) and combination therapy (14.8 ΁ 6.2) groups (P < 0.0001). Oxytocin was needed more in the IMN group (93.8%) than in the misoprostol (21.5%) and combination therapy (25.8%) groups (P < 0.0001). IMN was safer and more acceptable than misoprostol and combination therapy. The cesarean rate was not significantly different among groups, but the major indications were different: dystocia (54.5%) in the IMN group versus a persistent nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern (57.9%) in the misoprostol and (47.6%) the combination therapy groups (P = 0.01). Conclusion Combination therapy was more effective than either IMN or misoprostol alone for preinduction cervical ripening at term. However, IMN was safer, well tolerated, and more acceptable.

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Purpose The present study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of safety of ultrasound during pregnancy among healthcare providers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods This cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, between January and March, 2014. Six hospitals were selected randomly, one from each health sector in the kingdom. All Obstetrics and Gynecology physicians, Radiologists, General practitioners, family physicians, Sonographers, and nurse practitioners in the selected hospitals were the target of the study. They answered a questionnaire containing 30 items. Results Fifty-two percent of 685 respondents who completed the survey were nurse practitioners, 11.5% were sonographers, and 36.6% were physicians, most of them radiologists (n = 110/251). Sixty percent disapproved of keepsake ultrasound examinations. 75.9 and 84.7% of the respondents were not familiar with the term thermal index (TI) and mechanical index (MI), respectively. Only 7% of respondents knew the answer to the specific question on the TI and MI correctly, and 24.5% knew that TI and MI are displayed on the sonographic monitor during the examinations. In terms of Doppler examination, 38.2% never performed a Doppler examination during the first trimester, in contrast to 19.3%, who always performed it. Conclusion There was poor knowledge of ultrasound safety in pregnancy among healthcare providers: physicians, sonographers, and nurse practitioners. This lack of knowledge is an alarm signal for the health authorities; thus, there is a need for training programs for all healthcare providers. Most participants rarely performed a Doppler examination during the first trimester and did not advise nonradiology doctors to scan.

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Background Nowadays, there are wide applications of ionizing radiation in medicine, which can lead to serious health hazards to healthcare workers (HCWs) and nearby environment if safety measures are not properly applied. Aim The aim of the present work was to assess applied safety measures in workplace and the practice of HCWs occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in Tanta University Hospitals. Patients and methods This study was cross-sectional survey study conducted at Diagnostic Radiology Department (11 units), Radiotherapy Department (two units), and Nuclear Medicine Unit (two units) in Tanta University Hospitals. The study participants were 225 HCWs. The study tools included workplace observation checklist and observational checklist for the practice of HCWs toward safety measures. Results Radiation safety measures were insufficient in 54.4 and 50% of diagnostic radiology units, and radiotherapy units, respectively, but were sufficient in all nuclear medicine units. The majority of HCWs did not wear personal protective clothes and equipment, but they used lead aprons more than any other personal protective clothes and equipment. Conclusion There was an insufficient application of radiation safety measures in the workplace as well as insufficient protective practices by HCWs. Therefore, HCWs are more prone to the hazardous effects of ionizing radiation rendering us recommending an ongoing audit system to ensure that all aspects of safe work (radiation safety standards) are being strictly adhered to and holding more basic and refreshing training courses that are needed to raise staff safety practice and good performance.

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Background Gibberellic acid (GA) is widely used in Egypt and other countries to increase the growth of many fruits and vegetables. GA can induce disturbances in the testicular enzymes and hormones. Recent studies have revealed that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has a potential protective effect in male reproductive disorders. Aim This work aimed to study the effect of GA on the seminiferous tubules of testis of adult albino rat and to evaluate the possible protective role of GSPE. Materials and methods Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: control group, group II treated with GSPE (100 mg/kg once daily for 4 weeks), group III treated with GA (20 mg/kg once daily for 4 weeks), and group IV concomitantly treated with GSPE and GA with the same dose and duration of previous groups. Specimens from the testes were processed for light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical study was carried out using antibodies against Bcl-2. Results Specimens from GA-treated animals showed disturbance in the normal architecture with obvious structural changes. Some spermatogenic cells appeared disorganized with wide intercellular spaces, and others were exfoliated into the lumen of the tubules. Many spermatogonia showed vacuolated cytoplasm and deeply stained nuclei. Ultrastructurally, the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells showed markedly dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Some primary spermatocytes appeared with vacuolated cytoplasm and dilated perinuclear cisternae. The early spermatids appeared with electron-dense bodies, concentric lamellar formations, and irregular outlined nuclei. Abnormally shaped spermatozoal heads were detected. The immunohistochemical study showed a highly significant decrease in Bcl-2 immunoreaction. In contrast, minimal changes were observed in rats treated concomitantly with both GSPE and GA, with a nonsignificant change in the immunoreaction. Conclusion GA induced structural changes of the seminiferous tubules of the rat testis that could be minimized by the coadministration of GSPE.

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Chronic rhinosinusitis affects millions of people every year. When medical treatment by antibiotics and steroids is not effective, then functional endoscopic sinus surgery is indicated. The aim of this article is to define the concept of balloon dilatation sinuplasty (BDS), to describe its technique and to review the current literature for the indications, contraindications, complications, outcomes and follow-ups of patients submitted to this procedure. The review showed that Balloon Dilatation Sinuplasty is a feasible, safe and effective procedure. It can be used an alternative in the treatment of CRS patients as a stand-alone medical procedure or as a hybrid surgical one with conventional instruments and/or with microdebriders

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Mucormycosis is a rare but aggressive opportunistic fungal infection. Mucormycosis refers to several different diseases; the causative agents of mucormycosis are the filamentous fungi of the Mucoraceae family, of the order Mucorales. Here, we report a case of mucormycosis in the hard palate of a 46-year-old woman without any predisposing factors. For early diagnosis of mucormycosis, histopathological examination is essential. In the present case, the fungus was identified by hematoxylin and eosin staining and confirmed by PAS and Grocott's silver methenamine special staining. As mucormycosis occurs infrequently, it may pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma to those who are not familiar with its clinical presentation. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of surgical debridement and amphotericin-B. Through this case report, we would like to emphasize that mucormycosis of the hard palate occurs even in immunocompetent patients.

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Background Uterine abnormalities, congenital or acquired, are implicated as one of the causes of infertility. Embryo implantation depends on the quality of the ovum, the condition of the endometrium as well as the uterine cavity. Hence, it is recommended to diagnose and treat these abnormalities in patients with unexplained infertility. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy between saline infusion sonography (SIS) and hysteroscopy (HS) to evaluate uterine cavity pathologies among women with unexplained infertility. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 50 women with unexplained infertility in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tanta University Hospital, from March 2015 to December 2015. Patients were subjected to an ultrasound assessment of uterine cavity using saline as the contrast medium (SIS) and then followed by HS on a later date. Examination was performed after cessation of menstruation, but before the 10th day of the menstrual cycle (early-proliferative phase of the same menstrual cycle). The uterine cavity was inspected for irregularities such as synechiae, polyps, and submucous myomas, as well as uterine malformations. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of SIS and diagnostic HS to detect intracavitary abnormalities were compared. Results In this study, HS was more sensitive (100 vs. 85%), with the same specificity (100 vs. 100%), and more accurate (100 vs. 94%) than SIS. HS also had a higher predictive value (100 vs. 100% positive predictive value, 100 vs. 90% negative predictive value) than SIS during the evaluation of patients with unexplained infertility. Conclusion Infertile women should be screened for possible uterine cavity abnormalities. HS is still considered the gold standard to diagnose intrauterine pathology as it is more sensitive and more accurate than SIS. However, SIS has the advantages of being a simple, well-tolerated, noninvasive, cheap, affordable, shorter duration, and accurate method for uterine cavity evaluation. Thus, SIS can be used as an alternative technique for the evaluation of uterine cavity abnormalities when HS is not available.

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Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of duplex Doppler ultrasound in portal vein and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the assessment of signs of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. Patients and methods This study included 50 patients and 20 apparently healthy individuals as controls. All of them were subjected to a thorough assessment of history, complete clinical examination, and some important laboratory investigations. Also, color duplex Doppler ultrasound was performed for all the participants and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy only for the patients. Results We found that portal vein diameter, congestion index, arterial pulsatility index, and arterial resistive index were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls, whereas portal vein flow velocity and the liver vascular index were significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. Conclusion Duplex Doppler ultrasonography remains the first step in the evaluation of patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The best hemodynamic parameter in the assessment of portal hypertension is the congestion index, whereas arterial indices are less prone to variability and are more reproducible compared with venous indices. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the gold standard in the treatment of esophageal varices and also effective in preventing recurrent variceal bleeding.

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Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in combination with voice therapy (VT) in the treatment of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and to evaluate the efficacy of 3-month treatment. Study design This was a prospective comparative study. Patients and methods A total of 50 patients having different symptoms of LPR were included. The reflux symptom index and reflux finding score were used to diagnose LPR. The patients were classified into two groups: group A patients were treated with omeprazole and VT, and group B patients were treated with omeprazole alone. The patients were followed up for 3 months. Acoustic analysis of voice and the voice handicap index were used to compare both groups. Results Laryngeal findings found in participants of this study were as follows: laryngeal erythema (28%) and posterior commissure hypertrophy and granulation tissue, which represented 16% each. Subglottic edema, ventricular obliteration, diffuse laryngeal edema, and thick endolaryngeal mucus were also observed. Results of acoustic correlates of dysphonia (Jitter, Shimmer, and harmonic-to-noise ratio) and voice handicap index showed significant improvement after 3 months of using PPI. However, marked improvement was observed in patients who received both PPI and VT together. Conclusion PPI in combinations with VT was more effective in alleviating laryngeal manifestations in patients with LPR compared with PPI alone. The duration of 3 months was sufficient to improve symptoms and manifestations in both groups.

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