Exploring internship nursing students’ perception of gerontological nursing competencies: A descriptive study at Cairo University Hospitals

Objective:This research study explores the perceptions of gerontological nursing competencies,attitudes toward older individuals,and the willingness to provide care for the elderly among internship nursing students.Materials and Methods:A convenience sample of 350 internship nursing students from Cairo University Faculty of Nursing participated in the study.Data were collected using a set of comprehensive tools,including personal data and work experience assessment,the Hartford geriatric nurse competency tool,Kogan’s attitudes toward old people scale,and the modified elderly patient care inventory.Results:Descriptive analysis revealed balanced gender representation,with 60%identifying as female.Seventy percent of participants reported prior experience in gerontological care.Self-assessed competency scores indicated moderate proficiency in communication,physiological changes,and functional status assessment.Areas such as pain management and restraint use demonstrated potential gaps in self-perceived skills.Attitudes toward older individuals were predominantly positive,and the willingness to provide care showed positive tendencies,with a minor degree of hesitation noted.Conclusion:The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in nursing education to address competency gaps,enhance positive attitudes,and alleviate potential hesitations in caregiving for older individuals.As the elderly population continues to grow,nursing education programs must prepare future practitioners to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

Clinico-pathological study and treatment results of 1009 operable breast cancer cases:Experience of NCI Cairo University,Egypt

Objective： This retrospective study was designed to evaluate ciinico-pathological data including stage, results of treatment, and prognostic factors which affect the overall survival ＆ disease free survival. Methods： This was a retrospective study carried out at the Radiotherapy Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt on 1009 patients treated for primary breast cancer between 1999-2003. Results： The median follow-up was 68 months. Loco regional relapse occurred in 23 patients （2.3%） and distant relapse occurred in 203 patients （20.1%）. Both Ioco regional and distant relapse were reported in 32 patients （3.2%）. The disease free survival （DFS） at 3 and 5 years were 87% and 78% respectively, while OAS at 3 and 5 years were 96.4% and 91.4% respectively. Multivariate analysis of different prognostic factors showed that the independent bad prognostic factors in the study for disease relapse were positive lymph nodes （LNs, more than 10）, tumor size T3, T4 with significance of 0.0001 for each, and pathologic grade with significance of 0.003. Conclusion： The most important independent bad prognostic factors for relapse are positive LNs more than 10, tumor size T3, T4 and pathologic grade. The timing of radiotherapy affects the disease free survival significantly also it is recommended to analyze the group of patients with LNs negative using well designed randomized trials.

Postoperative Radiotherapy in Bladder Cancer Patients: 5-Year Institutional Experience of National Cancer Institute, Cairo University

Purpose: Adjuvant radiation therapy could reduce loco regional failure, but currently has no defined role because of previously reported morbidity. NCI-Cairo routine work is to give adjuvant PORT for locally advanced bladder carcinoma patients. The aim of this work is to re-evaluate this protocol regarding its effect on prognosis and complications. Patients and Method: A retrospective study included 208 patients with pathologically proven bladder cancer who presented to the NCI, Cairo University from 2007-2011. All of them underwent RC with bilateral PLND followed by conventional post-operative radiotherapy in 2 - 6 weeks after surgery for 5000 cGy in 25 fractions, over 5 weeks using 2D technique. Analysis of data from their files was done for the treatment results, prognostic factors and complications. Results: Three years overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) for the whole group was ~60%, and 54% respectively in favour of the female gender, non-smokers, Squamous cell carcinoma patients, low grade tumours (grade 1 and 2) negative margins, N0, pT2b and early stage group showed the best prognoses. The 3 years metastases free survival (MFS) was ~71%. Only four factors showed a significant relation with the MFS which were the grade, LN status, T-stage and group staging. The local recurrence rate (LRC) at 2 years for the whole group was ~95% and 94% at 3 years. Only surgical margin status and extent of LN dissection had a significant impact on the LRC. Conclusions: Adjuvant radiotherapy shows sustained improvement in the loco regional control, and should be recommended for patients with locally advanced disease especially those with less than 10 dissected lymph nodes and those with positive margins.

A clinicoepidemiological study of esophageal cancer patients at the National Cancer Institute,Cairo University,Egypt

Objective The purposes of this study were to （1） assess the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of esopha-geal cancer patients, （2） analyze the prognostic factors determining treatment failure and survival, and （3） evaluate the results of various treatment modalities for locoregional and disseminated disease and their ef ect on disease-free survival and overal survival （OS）.Methods Clinicoepidemiological retrospective data from 81 esophageal cancer patients treated at the Na-tional Cancer Institute of Cairo between 2007 and 2011 were evaluated. Results The study showed that patients with esophageal cancer commonly present with local y advanced disease （87.7% had T-stage 3 and 12.3% had T-stage 4）. There was a significant correlation between surgery and survival; patients who received radical surgery and postoperative radiation had a better median survival than patients who received radical radiotherapy （20 months vs. 16 months, respectively; P = 0.04）. There was also a significant statistical correlation between radical concomitant chemoradiotherapy （NCRT） and pal iative treatment. Patients who received radical NCRT had a better median survival than patients who received pal-liative radiotherapy （16 months vs. 10 months, respectively; P = 0.001）. The median fol ow-up period for al patients was 7 months. The median OS of the whole group was 12 months. The OS after 1 and 2 years was 57.8% and 15%, respectively.Conclusion High-dose NCRT is an acceptable alternative for patients unfit for surgery or with inoperable disease. High-dose radiation is more ef ective than low-dose radiation in terms of local control, time to relapse, and OS. Further study using a larger series of patients and introducing new treatment protocols is necessary for a final evaluation.

Surgical Approaches to Retrosternal Goiter, When Sternotomy Is Mandatory? National Cancer Institute Experience (NCI), Cairo University, Egypt

Background: Retrosternal goiters (RG) are those lesions extending to occupy the thoracic cavity. They carry a surgical risk due to distorted anatomy, the minimal access, and the potential for great vessels or pleural injury. No other effective therapeutic alternative to surgery exists. Cervicotomy is still the surgical approach of choice, although a form of sternotomy may always be necessary for field extension and safe gland delivery. Materials and Methods: This is a single institution combined retrospective & prospective study including retrospective analysis of all cases presenting to the NCI, Cairo University with RG candidate for surgery between Jan. 2008 until the end of Dec. 2012, and a prospective study of all cases with the same presentation presenting to the NCI between Jan. 2013 until the end of Dec. 2015. Data was collected from archive of patients at the statistical department. Aims: To study the clinico-pathological characteristics, the presentation, work-up, surgical approaches and postoperative complications of RG. Results: 42 patients were included & were divided into benign (34 patients, 80.9%) and malignant groups (8 cases, 19.1%). All patients (100%) were adults ranging (19 to 73 years) with mean 53.1 years. There was a female predominance (36 female, 85.7%) versus (6 males, 14.3%). Median duration of symptomatology was 23 months ranging (6 - 53 months). 23 patients (54.7%) were symptomatic while 19 cases (45.3%) accidently discovered. Mean tumor size was 9.97 cm in the benign group and 11.1 cm in the malignant group. 31 patients (73.8%) were euthyroid, 9 (21.4%) were thyrotoxic and 2 (4.7%) were hypothyroid. All patients (100%) underwent total thyroidectomy. The commonest approach was cervicotomy (33 cases, 78.6%), while a type of sternotomy was done in 9 cases (21.4%). 2 cases (4.7%) received postoperative radiation therapy & 4 cases (9.5%) received postoperative radioactive iodine. No perioperative mortality occurred & the overall morbidity was 6 cases (14.2%) in the benign group and 2 cases (4.7%) in the malignant group (4.7%). The median follow up period was 17.5 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 39.4 months and the median disease free survival (DFS) was 9.8 months for the malignant group. Conclusion: Cervicotomy is a safe favorable approach to remove a RG. Intraoperative field extension up to a form of sternotomy may be necessary for gland delivery with increasing operating time, hospital stay and morbidity. Postoperative morbidity is mainly due to the respiratory, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypoparathyroidism which is mainly increased when sternotomy is performed.

Breast Cancer in Males (BCM), Does It Really Differ? National Cancer Institute Experience (NCI), Cairo University, Egypt

Background: Carcinoma of the male breast is relatively a rare disease accounting for about 1% of all cancer in men. Its treatments are based mainly on those of Female Breast Cancer (BCF). Materials and Methods: This is a single institution retrospective study including all presenting to the NCI, Cairo University with Breast Cancer in a Male (BCM) in the last 11 years between Jan. 2005 until Jan. 2016. Data were collected from patient’s files from the statistical department then analyzed. Aims: To study the clinico-pathological characteristics, the presentation, workup, surgical approaches and postoperative complications and outcome of management, with addressing similarities and difference from BCF. Results: 64 patients were included in this cohort. The mean age was 58.6 & the median age was 59 years (range: 31 - 87 years). The main presenting symptomatology was retroareolar breast lump (50 cases, 78.1%). Most of our cases were advanced;22 cases (34.3%) were stage III & 16 cases (25%) were stage IV. Surgery was performed for 50 patients;MRM for 26 cases (40.6%), RM for 18 cases (28.1%) & toilet mastectomy for 6 cases (9.3%). Primary closure was feasible in 34 patients (68%) while 16 cases (32%) required reconstruction by local or pedicled flaps. Tamoxifen is the most important non-surgical treatment. It was given to all our cases (64 cases, 100%) either postoperatively as adjuvant management (36 cases, 56.2%) or as palliation for metastatic disease (28 cases, 43.8%). Chemotherapy was given to 32 patients (100%) as an adjuvant for 24 cases (75%) and as a palliation for 8 cases (25%). Radiotherapy was given to 26 patients (100%) as adjuvant therapy for 20 cases (76.9%) and as a palliation for 6 cases (23.1%). The only significant factor determining the overall 5 years survival was the stage of the disease. LN status & surgery type were of border line significance (better survival with negative LN & with MRM). The 5-year Overall Survival (OS) & Disease Free Survival (DFS) for the whole group were 66% & 52% respectively. Within the DFS there was no significant variable;however, the stage and type of surgery were of borderline significance, with better survival with early stage disease (I & II) and with MRM (both were 61%). Conclusion: BCM has many similarities to BCF, but it harbours many different genetic and pathologic features. They obtain similar prognostic factors and similar stage-for-stage survival. They are always advanced to T4 stage rapidly due to the lack of breast parenchyma with higher ER expression in BCM than BCF patients.

Askin Tumor in Egyptian Patients;5 Years Experience at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University

Background: Askin tumor is a primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the Ewing sarcoma family arising from soft tissues of the chest wall. It is the commonest chest wall malignancy in children and adolescents. Its diagnosis is complex and management requires a multidisciplinary work including chemotherapy for systemic disease and radiation therapy to assist local control which is achieved through surgery with or without reconstruction. Objective: To analyze report and understand the clinicopathological features, results and outcome of this tumor with assessment of early and late postoperative complications following resection and chest wall reconstruction. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 30 cases with chest wall ES/PNET presented to the National Cancer Institute;Cairo University between January 2011 and December 2015. All patients’ records were revised for age, sex, clinical presentation, imaging, pathology, operative notes, different treatment modalities given, early and late postoperative complications following surgical resection or reconstruction, and outcome including overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). Results: Our cohort included 30 patients with chest wall ES. The median follow up period (n = 30) was 33.7 months (ranging from 3.7 to 69.3 months). The median OS was 54.2 months with cumulative OS at 60 months which was 45.6%. The median DFS was 27.9 months with cumulative DFS at 60 months which was 40.6%. All cases were below 18 years with a male predominance (n = 19). The commonest affected sites were ribs (n = 22, 73.3%), the scapula (n = 5, 16.6%), the clavicle (n = 2, 6.66%) and the sternum (n = 1, 3.33%). 23 patients (76.6%) were presented with localized disease, and 7 patients (23.4%) were metastatic from the start. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (4 cycles of VAC/IE) followed by local control: either surgery (26 cases, 86.6%) or radical radiotherapy (3 cases, 10%). A single case of a rib ES with initial bilateral lung deposited where no local control was done. After chest wall resection, closure of the defect was done by 1 ry closure with no reconstruction or double layer prolene mesh and bone cement that was covered by pedicled flap (latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior or pectoralis major muscle flap). Postoperative radiation therapy was given to 9 patients: 4 (13.3%) had postoperative poor chemotherapy effect (<90% tumor necrosis), 3 (10%) had +ve microscopic safety margin and 2 (6.6%) had pleural based nodules with malignant pleural effusion at initial presentation. Conclusion: Askin’s tumor shows a dramatic response to polychemotherapy. Treatment of such tumor should include multidisciplinary working groups for optimum results and better survival.

A Retrospective Study of the Treatment Results &Patterns of Failure of Type II Endometrial Cancer Patients Treated at Radiotherapy Department, NCI, Cairo University during the Period from January 2000 till December 2012

Aim of the study: To identify all clinico-pathological data, different treatment modalities and the different prognostic factors which affected the locoregional control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) of Type II endometrial cancer patients. Patients and methods: Data of Type II endometrial carcinoma patients who presented to the Radiation Oncology department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University during the period from (2000-2012) were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Multivariate analysis identified stage as an independent prognostic factor for OS & DFS, and age was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and LC. Low pretreatment hemoglobin levels significantly affected OS. Conclusion: Large and multicentric clinical trials are required to further study this group of patients and define optimum treatment modalities.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel diseases in Cairo,Egypt

AIM: To study the natural history, patterns and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Egypt.

Intervention Retrofitting and Rehabilitation of Al-Gawhara Palace at the Saladin Citadel, Cairo, Egypt

Al-Gawhara Palace also known as Bijou Palace is located in the south of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Saladin Citadel in Cairo (Figure 1 and Figure 2). It was commissioned and constructed by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1814. Al-Gawhara Palace is one of the most famous historical royal palaces in Egypt and the most important modern architectural heritage that reflects an important historical period of the Egyptian modern history—the period of the rule of the family of “Muhammad Ali Pasha”. The causes of structural deficiency of the palace could be attributed to many reasons and actions, mainly due to the earthquakes and seismic events (in particular the Dahshuor earthquake, in October 1992), degradation of drainage and feeding systems leading to water leakage, lack of awareness of the palace values, deterioration resulting from the use of old government agencies and the conflicts among authorities supervising historical buildings. The present study includes many phases: 1) the significance of the original building from the circumstances and date of construction;2) detailed studies of the architectural features and design of the building as well as construction type, methods and techniques of construction;3) characterization of the construction and building materials;4) stability analysis of the structure under static and the impact of seismic loadings;5) engineering measures for intervention retrofitting of the palace (this pilot study presents the main design studies for intervention retrofitting and the rehabilitation and re-employment of Al-Gawhara Palace, started from the static monitoring, old and modern documenting of the current state of preservation thorough the strengthening project implementation;6) the study also presents the reuse designs to convert the palace to be a national museum, for the purpose of preserving it by proposing the best means to apply the correct principles and criteria for reuse and employment in a manner that preserves its value through the functions that fit these deficiencies, and the appropriateness of the present function of the value of minors.

Risk factors and prognosis of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in Egypt:a university hospital based study

AIM:To study and compare the predisposing factors and clinical features of pediatric,adult,and elderly rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD).METHODS:This is an observational analytic crosssectional study in which patients with RRD admitted for surgery during 6mo period were divided into 3 age groups:pediatric(<18y),adult(18-60y),and elderly(>60y).Patients’demographic data,clinical features,RRD predisposing factors/features including myopia(axial length≥26.5 mm),aphakia/pseudophakia,blunt trauma,peripheral retinal degenerations,history of RRD in the fellow eye,and surgical interventions/findings were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS:Totally 142 patients(142 eyes)were studied:26(18.31%)pediatrics,86(60.56%)adults,and 30(21.13%)elderly.Elderly patients had a significantly higher intraocular pressures and cataracts compared to the other 2 groups(P=0.04).The RRD extent was larger in pediatric group(mostly 4 quadrants)compared to adults and elderly(mostly 2 quadrants),but it was not statistically insignificant(P=0.242).There were not statistically significantly differences in proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)rate,posterior vitreous detachment(PVD)rate,number,site,shape,and size of breaks in three groups.All three groups had macular detachment in all eyes.Myopia and peripheral retinal degenerations were found to be more significant in adults(P=0.049,P=0.035,respectively),while blunt trauma was higher but insignificant in pediatric eyes(P=0.052).Pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)with silicone oil as a tamponade was the most used surgery in all groups.CONCLUSION:There are no significant difference in PVR rate in pediatric eyes but a significant higher rate of total RRD.Blunt trauma is more frequent in pediatrics eyes while myopia and/or peripheral retinal degenerations are more frequent in older ages.The rate of PPV as a choice for surgery is similar among all age groups.

Dosimetric study comparing intensity modulated and conformal pelvic radiotherapy boost plans in locally advanced cancer cervix in NCI-Cairo

Objective:This study was to compare 5 field conformal technique to the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) 8 fields technique in boosting locally advanced cancer cervix cases after external beam radiotherapy with respect to target volume coverage and dose to normal tissues. Methods:We conducted a single institutional comparative dosimetric analysis of 10 patients with cancer cervix who was presented to radiotherapy department in National Cancer Institute, Cairo in period between June 2012 to September 2012 and received a CRT boost in the place of planned brachytherapy after large field pelvic radiotherapy (PRT) with concurrent chemotherapy were retrospectively identified. All tumors were situated in the low central pelvis. Two plans were done for every patient; one using the 8 fields IMRT and the second one using 5 fields' 3DCRT the two techniques were then compared using dose volume histogram (DVH) analysis for the PTV, bladder, rectum and both femoral heads. Results:Comparing different DVHs, it was found that the planning target volume (PTV) was adequately covered in both plans while it was demonstrates that the 8 fields IMRT technique carried less doses reaching OARs (rectum, bladder, both femoral heads). Conclusion:From the present study, it is concluded that IMRT technique spared more efficiently OARs than CRT technique but both techniques covered the PTV adequately so whenever possible IMRT technique should be used.

A comparative dosimetric study of 3-dimensional conformal radical radiotherapy for bladder cancer patients versus conventional 2-dimensional radical radiotherapy in NCI-Cairo, Egypt

Objective: This study was to compare this multiple-field conformal technique to the 2-dimensional (2D) conventional technique with respect to target volume coverage and dose to normal tissues. Methods: We conducted a single institutional prospective comparative dosimetric analysis of 15 patients who received radical radiation therapy for bladder cancer presented to Radiotherapy Department in National Cancer Institute, Cairo (Egypt), in period between November 2011 to July 2012 using 3-dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy technique for each patient, a second 2D conventional radiotherapy treatment plan was done, the two techniques were then compared using dose volume histogram (DVH) analysis. Results: Comparing different DVHs, it was found that the planning target volume (PTV) was adequately covered in both (3D & 2D) plans while it was demonstrated that this multiple field conformal technique produced superior distribution compared to 2D technique, with considerable sparing of rectum and to lesser extent for the head of both femora. Conclusion: From the present study, it is recommended to use 3D planning for cases of bladder cancer especially in elderly patients as it produces good coverage of the target volume as well as good sparing of the surrounding critical organs.

Low Dose Total Body Irradiation for Relapsed Low Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Experience of National Cancer Institute, Cairo

Background and Purpose: The relapsed low grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LG-NHL) is currently?incurable disease and the optimal treatment regimen has not determined yet. Low dose total body irradiation (LTBI) provides an alternative mechanism of action against cancer cells rather than direct cell kill. The mode of action of LTBI is immune-modulatory effect, induction of apoptosis and?hypersensitivity to low radiation doses. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of LTBI on relapsed?LG-NHL and reporting our experience at National Cancer Institute, Cairo (NCI, Cairo). Material and Methods: Fifty eight patients with relapsed LG-NHL and received LTBI studied retrospectively.?LTBI dose was 1.6 Gy/8 fractions divided on 2 courses;each course 4 fractions treated over 4 days with 2 weeks rest between the 2 courses. Results: The median age is 54 years;65% of the patients are men. Forty (69%) patients had performance status of 2 or more. Twenty seven patients were stage II/III and 31 patients (53%) had stage IV disease. Twenty six (45%) patients had bulky disease more than 10 cm and 22 (38%) patients had B symptoms at the time of relapse. The?extranodal disease was present in 17 patients (29%) and 78% of the patients received?>3 regimens of chemotherapy before referral to LTBI. Twenty three patients received IFRT (mean dose 32 ± 4 Gy) to initially bulky sites after LTBI. Fourteen patients (24%) achieved complete remission (CR) while 45%, 21% and 10% had partial remission (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) respectively. The median PFS duration was 14 months and the median OS duration?was 39 months. Stage VI,?>3 regimen of chemotherapy and bad response to LTBI (SD) affected?progression duration adversely (0.03, 0.05 and 0.01 respectively). The response to LTBI is the only factor affected the OS duration significantly. The 3-year PFS was 19% ± 9%, and 3-year OS was 45% ± 8%. Stage IV was the only factor affected the 3-year PFS significantly with p value 0.03. The hematological toxicity was the main side effect of LTBI. Eleven patients developed G3/4 anemia while 8 patients only developed G3/4 thrombocytopenia and 13 patients developed G3/4 leucopenia. Conclusion: The use of LTBI in patients with relapsed low grade NHL is a feasible, effective and tolerable treatment that is worthy of testing in a future with chemotherapy and Rituximab maintenance.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Investigations for Architectural Heritage Preservation: The Case of Habib Sakakini Palace, Cairo, Egypt

A comprehensive Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) investigations and hazard assessment for the rehabilitation and strengthening of Habib Sakakini’s Palace in Cairo is presented herein, which is considered one of the most significant architectural heritage sites in Egypt. The palace located on an ancient water pond at the eastern side of Egyptian gulf besiding Sultan Bebris Al-Bondoqdary mosque is a place also called “Prince Qraja al-Turkumany pond”. That pond had been filled down by Habib Sakakini at 1892 to construct his famous palace in 1897. The integrated geophysical survey of the palace allowed the identification of several targets of potential archaeological and geotechnical engineering interest buried in fill and silty clay in the depth range between 100 - 700 cm. the methodological development focused on Multi-Fold (MF) Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) imaging and subsurface characterization based on integrated velocity and attenuation analysis. Eight hundred sqm of Ground penetration Radar (GPR) profiling have been conducted to monitor the subsurface conditions. 600 meters are made in the surrounding area of the Palace and 200 sqm at the basement. The aim is to monitor the soil conditions beneath and around the Palace and to identify potential geological discontinuities, or the presence of faults and cavities. A suitable single and dual antenna are used (500 - 100 MHZ) is used to penetrate the desired depth of 7 meters (ASTM D6432). The GPR is used also detect the water table. At the building basement the GPR is used to identify the foundation thickness and soil-basement interface. As well as the inspection of cracks in some supporting columns, piers and masonry walls. The GPR also was used to investigate the floors and ceilings conditions and structural mapping. The results were validated by the geotechnical and structural surveys. All these results together with the seismic hazard analysis will be used for the complete analysis of the palace in the framework of the rehabilitation and strengthening works foreseen in a second stage.

Nano Particles and Nano Composites for Preservation of Historic Marble Minbars with Application on the Minber of Soliman Pasha Al-Khadim Mosque in Salah El-Din Citadel in Cairo, Egypt

Minbar, in Islam, the pulpit from which the sermon (khutbah) is delivered. In its simplest form, the minbar is a platform with three steps. Often it is constructed as a domed box at the top of a staircase and is reached through a doorway that can be closed. Soliman pasha Al-Khadim mosque in Salah El-Din citadel in Cairo is considered the first mosque with ottoman architectural style. This Minbar exposed to aggressive human intervention by mosque workers and archaeological crafts unity-ministry of antiquities in Egypt, to lose more of its historical and architectural values. Now this Minbar undergoes restoration process, they are removing all modern pigments and remains of last reconstruction in 2014 so we proposed some Nano particles and Nano composites for Preservation of it. The study started with the characteristics of the historic architectural elements of Mibars and their joining structural mortars in order to risk assessment and to define the necessary characteristics of the intervention retrofitting new materials, which will be used in the ongoing preservation work of these stucco architectural elements. To achieve such, several analyses and laboratory tests like ultra-sonic pulse method testing and uniaxial compression test were carried out to determine their basic, physical and mechanical properties, along with the microstructural properties determination using Mercury porosimeter. On the other hand, the morphological description, petrography, mineralogical and microstructural properties were determined using scanning electron microscope equipped by EDS, transmission electron microscopy TEM, polarizing light microscopy, XRD and XRF. The results proved the superiority of the samples that have been strengthened by nano lime concentration of 2% with Wacker OH 100 concentration in 5%.

Truthfulness of the Existence of the Pelusium Megashear Fault System, East of Cairo, Egypt

The so-called Pelusium Megashear System (PMS), consists of echelon left-lateral megashears crossing Africa from the Nile-Delta since the Precambrian times. Although this system is questioned by some scientists, its existence is sup- ported by others. This research work provides evidences for the existence of the PMS near Egypt’s capital (Cairo city). Evidence is interpreted from gravity, magnetic, and seismological data, which proves that it has been in existence since 2800 BC [1]. To support the existence of this fault zone system, all available tectonic data are reviewed;new magnetic tilt derivative TDR map and recent fault plane solution map are introduced. Moreover available earthquake catalogue for historical and recent occurrences in and around the Pelusium zone is compiled. The collected recent and historical seismicity data is supporting the existence of PMS system. The faults excluded from magnetic maps were found to be in a good agreement with tectonic and gravity data introduced by some authors. Available fault plane solutions for old and recent earthquakes gave rise to the hypothesis that the PMS is right lateral shear system. Additionally, the Pelusium zone is evaluated for the rate of seismic activity. The hazards of these zones are studied by calculating the earthquake recurrence rates using Richter-Gutenberg formula (LogN = a – bM). A statistical method is applied to exclude the effect of lack of data due to little seismograph station in the early records, or lack of population density. The Pelusium Megashear fault system proved to be active at least in Egypt, however, it plays a role only over big time window, may be thousands of years to dissipate stresses accumulated within the west of Sinai Peninsula in the African Eurasian-Arabian plates. Finally integrated tectonic model including the effect of PMS is introduced to solve the complexity of intraplate tectonics in Northern Egypt.

A Clinic-Epidemilogical Study of Cases of Locally Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) That Received Radiotherapy at NCI Cairo in the Period from 2001-2010

Purpose: This work was to study the clinic-epidemiological characteristics of patients with locally advanced NCSLC and to analyze their prognostic factors and also the results of different treatment modalities for local control and their effect on overall survival (OAS). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study including 121 patients with primary locally advanced NSCLC diagnosed between 2001 and 2010 at the radiotherapy department , National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt. Results: The study showed significant correlation between the tumor size 60, moderately differentiated tumors G2 and treatment outcomes;better locoregional control and better survival rates. On the opposite side poorly differentiated tumors G3, tumor size > 7 cm had the worst locoregional control and survival rates. The study also showed significant statistical correlation between treatment modality, locoregional control and survival rates. Patients who were treated by either concommitent chemo-radiotherapy or sequential chemo-radiotherapy had better local control compared to other patients who were treated by radical radiotherapy, and they also had the best survival rates among all the other treatment groups. The average 6 months OAS rates for all studied patients were 60.3% while 12 months survival rates were 38.8%. The median OAS was 7 months. Conclusions: From the present study, we concluded that concomitant chemo-radiotherapy is the treatment of choice for locally advanced non small cell lung cancer;also we concluded that better performance status and higher hemoglobin levels have better treatment outcome in these cases.

A comparative dosimetric study of neoadjuvant 3D conformal radiotherapy for operable rectal cancer patients versus conventional 2D radiotherapy in NCI-Cairo

Objective:This study was to compare this multiple-field conformal technique to the AP-PA technique with respect to target volume coverage and dose to normal tissues.Methods:We conducted a single institutional prospective comparative dosimetric analysis of 22 patients who received neoadjuvant radiation therapy for rectal cancer presented to radiotherapy department in National Cancer Institute,Cairo in period between June 2010 to September 2011 using 3D conformal radiotherapy technique for each patient,a second radiotherapy treatment plan was done using an anteroposterior (AP-PA) fields,the two techniques were then compared using dose volume histogram (DVH) analysis.Results:Comparing different DVHs,it was found that the planning target volume (PTV) was adequately covered in both (3D & 2D) plans while it was demonstrates that this multiple field conformal technique produces superior distribution compared to 2D technique,with considerable sparing of bladder,ovaries and head of both femora.Conclusion:From the present study,it shows that it is recommended to use 3D planning for preoperative cases of cancer rectum so far it produces good coverage of the target as well as good sparing of the surrounding critical organs.

A comparative dosimetric study of adjuvant 3D conformal radiotherapy for operable stomach cancer versus AP-PA conventional radiotherapy in NCI-Cairo

Objective： Of this study was to compare this multiple-field conformal technique to the AP-PA technique with re- spect to target volume coverage and dose to normal tissues. Methods： Seventeen patients with stages Ⅱ-Ⅲ denocarcinoma of the stomach were treated with adjuvant postoperative chemoradiotherapy presented to radiotherapy department in National Cancer Institute, Cairo in period between February 2009 to March 2010 using 3D conformal radiotherapy technique that consisted of a monoisocentric arrangement Employing 4-6 radiation fields. For each patient, a second radiotherapy treatment plan was generated utilizing AP-PA fields, the two techniques were then compared for target volume coverage and dose to normal tissues using dose volume histogram （DVH） analysis. Results： The planning target volume （PTV） was adequately covered in both （ 3D ＆ 2D ） plans, comparative DVHs for the right kidney, left kidney and spinal cord demonstrate lower radiation doses using the conformal technique especially for left kidney ＆ spinal cord, but the liver doses is higher but still well below liver tolerance. Conclusion： 3D conformal radiotherapy produced reduced radiation doses to the kidneys （especially left kidney ＆ spinal cord） compared to AP-PA techniques, with the potential to reduce treatment toxicity.