AIM: To identify the trend, possible risk factors and any pattern change of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Egypt over a decade. METHODS: All HCC patients attending Cairo Liver Center between January 1993 and De...AIM: To identify the trend, possible risk factors and any pattern change of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Egypt over a decade. METHODS: All HCC patients attending Cairo Liver Center between January 1993 and December 2002, were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of HCC was based on histopathological examination and/or detection of hepatic focal lesions by two imaging techniques plus α-fetoprotein level above 200 ng/mL. The duration of the study was divided into two periods of 5 years each; period Ⅰ (1993-1997) and period Ⅱ (1998-2002). Trend, demographic features of patients (age, gender, and residence), risk factors (HBsAg, HCV-Ab, schistosomiasis and others) and pattern of the focal lesions were compared between the two periods. Logistic regression model was fitted to calculate the adjusted odds ratios for the potential risk factors. The population attributable risk percentage was calculated to estimate the proportion of HCC attributed to hepatitis B and C viral infections. RESULTS: Over a decade, 1 328 HCC patients out of 22 450 chronic liver disease (CLD) patients were diagnosed with an overall proportion of 5.9%. The annual proportion of HCC showed a significant rising trend from 4.0% in 1993 to 7.2% in 2002 (P = 0.000). A significant increase in male proportion from 82.5% to 87.6% (P = 0.009); M/F from 5:1 to 7:1 and a slight increase of the predominant age group (40-59 years) from 62.6% to 66.8% (P = 0.387)in periods Ⅰ and Ⅱ respectively, reflecting a shift to younger age group. In the bivariate analysis, HCC was significantly higher in rural residents, patients with history of schistosomiasis and/or blood transfusion. Yet, after adjustment, these variables did not have a significant risk for development of HCC. There was a significant decline of HBsAg from 38.6% to 20.5% (P = 0.000), and a slight increase of HCV-Ab from 85.6% to 87.9% in periods I and II respectively. HBV conferred a higher risk to develop HCC more than HCV in period Ⅰ (OR 1.9 vsl.6) and period Ⅱ (OR 2.7 vs 2.0), but the relative contribution of HBV for development of HCC declined in period Ⅱ compared to period Ⅰ (PAR% 4.2%, 21.32%). At presentation, diagnostic α-fetoprotein level (≥200 ng/mL) was demonstrated in 15.6% vs28.9% and small HCC (≤3 cm) represented 14,9% vs 22,7% (P = 0,0002) in periods Ⅰ and Ⅱ respectively. CONCLUSION: Over a decade, there was neady a twofold increase of the proportion of HCC among CLD patients in Egypt with a significant decline of HBV and slight increase of HCV as risk factors. α-Fetoprotein played a limited role in diagnosis of HCC, compared to imaging techniques. Increased detection of small lesions at presentation reflects increased awareness of the condition.展开更多
A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years in a farmer's field at Haji Mora Village, Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan) in the Northwest Frontier Province (NWPP) of Pakistan to compare various management...A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years in a farmer's field at Haji Mora Village, Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan) in the Northwest Frontier Province (NWPP) of Pakistan to compare various management practices, such as the effect of various organic manures and gypsum in a rice-wheat cropping system on a saline-sodic Entisol (Zindani soil series). The treatments consisted of 1) a control (rice-wheat), 2) gypsum, 3) farmyard manure (FYM), 4) berseem (Trifolium alexzndrinum L.) as green manure (GM), and 5) dhancha (Sesbania sp.) as GM. All treatments increased yields of both rice and wheat significantly (P < 0.01) over the control, with the green manure treatments proving more economical than the others; while they decreased pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of the soil. Saturation percentage and available water of the soil were raised for all treatments due to an increase in organic matter content of the soil.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of specific biochemical markers for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four patients with chroni...AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of specific biochemical markers for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four patients with chronic HCV infection were included in this study; 124 patients were non-cirrhotic, and 30 were cirrhotic. The following measurements were obtained in all patients: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time and concentration, complete blood count, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HCVAb, HCV-RNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, abdominal ultrasound and ultrasonic-guided liver biopsy. The following ratios, scores and indices were calculated and compared with the results of the histopathological examination: AST/ALT ratio (AAR), age platelet index (API), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), cirrhosis discriminating score (CDS), Pohl score, G teborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI). RESULTS: AAR, APRI, API and GUCI demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy of liver cirrhosis (80.5%, 79.2%, 76.6% and 80.5%, respectively); P values were: < 0.01, < 0.05, < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively. Among the studied parameters, AAR and GUCI gave the highest diagnostic accuracy (80.5%) with cutoff values of 1.2 and 1.5, respectively. APRI, API and GUCI were significantly correlated with the stage of fibrosis (P < 0.001) and the grade of activity (P < 0.001, < 0.001 and < 0.005, respectively), while CDS only correlated significantly with the stage of fibrosis (P < 0.001) and not with the degree of activity (P > 0.05). In addition, we found significant correlations for the AAR, APRI, API, GUCI and Pohl score between the non-cirrhotic (F0, F1, F2, F3) and cirrhotic (F4) groups (P values: < 0.001, < 0.05, < 0.001, < 0.001 and < 0.005, respectively; CDS did not demonstrate significant correlation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of AAR, APRI, API, GUCI and Pohl score measurements may decrease the need for liver biopsies in diagnosing cirrhosis, especially in Egypt, where resources are limited.展开更多
Objective Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease representing less than 1% of all malignancies. The objective of the study is to report clinicopathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of MB...Objective Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease representing less than 1% of all malignancies. The objective of the study is to report clinicopathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of MBC in Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. Methods This retrospective study focused on male breast cancer patients during 10 years (2000-2009). The studied variables were data regarding general characteristics of patients, treatment modalities and survival. Results The series included 37 patients (0.8% of all breast cancer). The median age was 57.7 years (range: 26-86 years). The main clinical complaint was a mass beneath the areola ill 94.5% of the cases. Most patients had a locally advanced disease. 94.5% of tumors were invasive duct carcinomas. The treatment was essentially surgery in 91.8%, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (in 89.2%), hormonal therapy (in 56.7%) and chemotherapy (in 91.8%). Follow-up period ranged from 6-115 months. Local recurrence occurred in 4 cases and metastasis in 11 cases. The 2-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 81.6% and 60.5%, respectively. The 2-year and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 68.4%, and 52.6%, respectively. OS was not significantly affected by any of the studied parameters. Factors influencing DFS were: T stage (P=0.05), positive lymph nodes (P=0.043), metastasis (P=0.004), and chemotherapy (1'=0.046). Conclusions MBC is a rare disease and often diagnosed at a locally advanced stage. The management of male and female breast carcinoma is identical. Future research for better understanding of this disease is needed to improve the management and prognosis of male breast cancer patients.展开更多
AIM: To identify the prevalence, risk factors and manifestations of asymptomatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egyptian children. METHODS: Children at the age of 1-9 years were screened for HCV antibodies and a...AIM: To identify the prevalence, risk factors and manifestations of asymptomatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egyptian children. METHODS: Children at the age of 1-9 years were screened for HCV antibodies and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Every child with elevated ALT and/or detectable HCV antibodies was tested for HCV RNA by RT-PCR and compared with two negative controls for risk factors and signs and symptoms of liver disease.RESULTS: We screened 1042 children, six of them had elevated ALT, negative HCV antibody and positive RNA, likely representing acute hepatitis C cases. Fifteen children were HCV seropositive, 5 of them were HCV RNA positive. Asymptomatic HCV infection was present in 2.02% (positive results for either HCV antibodies or HCV-RNA or both). Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, history of fatigue and school absence because of illness and risk factors such as dental care were significantly more common among HCV positive cases than among controls. None of the HCV positive children was diagnosed as having signs of advanced liver disease upon clinical or ultrasonographic examination. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic HCV infection is detectable in 2.02% Egyptian children.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), osteocalcin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with the etiology and clinical condition of patients with chronic liver di...AIM: To investigate the association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), osteocalcin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with the etiology and clinical condition of patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS: Eighty children with hepatocellular damage were divided into 3 groups according to the etiology of disease infection: bilharziasis (9 patients), hepatitis B virus (HBV, 12 patients) and hepatitis C virus (HCV, 29 patients). The Child score index was found as A in 24 patients, B in 22 patients, C in 4 patients. Thirty healthy children served as control group.HBsAg, HBcAbIgM, HBcAbIgG, and anti-HCV were detected using ELISA technique. HCV-RNA was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Antibllharzial antibodies were detected by indirect haemagglutination test. Liver function tests were performed using autoanalyser. Serum IGF-1, osteocalcin and PTH levels were measured by ELISA technique. Abdominal ultrasonography was also conducted. RESULTS: Serum IGF-1 level was significantly lower in all patient groups with liver diseases, while serum osteocalcin and PTH levels were significantly elevated in patients with HBV and HCV infections compared with the control group. Serum osteocalcin and PTH concentrations were measured with the severity of liver disease from Child A to C. Child A patients unexpectedly showed significantly reduced IGF-1 levels in comparison to patients staged as Child B or C. Serum osteocalcin level was negatively correlated with albumin (14.7 ± 0.54 vs 3.6 ± 0.10, P 〈 0.05), while that for PTH was positively correlated with total protein (70.1 ± 2.17 vs 6.7 ± 0.10, P 〈 0.05) in patients with HCV infection.展开更多
AIM:Smoking may affect adversely the response rate to interferon-α.Our objective was to verify this issue among chronic hepatitis C patients. METHODS:Over the year 1998,138 chronic hepatitis C male Egyptian patients ...AIM:Smoking may affect adversely the response rate to interferon-α.Our objective was to verify this issue among chronic hepatitis C patients. METHODS:Over the year 1998,138 chronic hepatitis C male Egyptian patients presenting to Cairo Liver Center, were divided on the basis of smoking habit into:group I which comprised 38 smoker patients(>30 cigarettes/d) and group Ⅱ which included 84 non-smoker patients. Irregular and mild smokers(16 patients)were excluded. Non eligible patients for interferon-α therapy were excluded from the study and comprised 3/38(normal ALT)in group I and 22/84 in group Ⅱ(normal ALT,advanced cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia).Group I was randomly allocated into 2 sub-groups:group Ia comprised 18 patients who were subjected to therapeutic phlebotomy while sub-group Ib consisted of 17 patients who had no phlebotomy.In sub-group la,3 patients with normal ALT after repeated phlebotomies were excluded from the study.Interferon-α 2b 3 MU/TIW was given for 6 mo to 15 patients in group Ia,17 patients in group Ib and 62 patients in group Ⅱ. Biochemical,virological end-of-treatment and sustained responses were evaluated. RESULTS:At the end of interferon-α treatment,ALT was normalized in 3/15 patients(20%)in group Ia and 2/17 patients(11.8%)in group Ib compared to17/62 patients (27.4%)in group Ⅱ(P=0.1).Whereas 2/15 patients(13.3%) in group Ia.and 2/17 patients(11.8%)in group Ib lost viraemia compared to 13/62 patients(26%)in group Ⅱ (P=0.3).Six months later,ALT was persistently normal in 2/15 patients(13.3%)in group 1a and 1/17 patients (5.9%)in group Ib compared to 9/62 patients(14.5%)in group Ⅱ(P=0.47).Viraemia was eliminated in 1/15 patients (6.7%)in group Ia and 1/17 patients(5.9%)in group Ib compared to 7/62 patients(11.3%) in group Ⅱ,but the results did not mount to statistical significance(P=0.4). CONCLUSION:Smokers suffering from chronic hepatitis C tend to have a lower response rate to interferon-α compared to non-smokers.Therapeutic phlebotomy improves the response rate to interferon-α therapy among this group.展开更多
AIM: To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in EI Minya and Assuit, Upper Egypt. METHODS: One thousand ...AIM: To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in EI Minya and Assuit, Upper Egypt. METHODS: One thousand consecutive patients with chronic GERD symptoms were included in the study over 2 years. They were subjected to history taking including a questionnaire for GERD symptoms, clinical examination and upper digestive tract endoscopy. Endoscopic signs suggestive of columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) were defined as mucosal tongues or an upward shift of the squamocolumnar junction. BF was diagnosed by pathological examination when specialized intestinal metaplasia was detected histologically in suspected CLE. pH was monitored in 40 patients. RESULTS: BE was present in 7.3% of patients with chronic GERD symptoms, with a mean age of 48.3 ± 8.2 years, which was significantly higher than patients with GERD without BE (37.4 ± 13.6 years). Adenocarcinoma was detected in eight cases (0.8%), six of them in BE patients. There was no significant difference between patients with BE and GERD regarding sex, smoking, alcohol consumption or symptoms of GERD. Patients with BE had significantly longer esophageal acid exposure time in the supine position, measured by pH monitoring. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BE in patients with GERD who were referred for endoscopy was 7.3%. BE seems to be associated with older age and more in patients with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux.展开更多
Syenogranitic dykes in the north of Egypt's Eastern Desert are of geological and economic interest because of the presence of magmatic and supergene enrichment of radioactive mineralization. Zircon crystal morphol...Syenogranitic dykes in the north of Egypt's Eastern Desert are of geological and economic interest because of the presence of magmatic and supergene enrichment of radioactive mineralization. Zircon crystal morphology within the syenogranitic dykes allows precise definition of sub-alkaline series granites and crystallized at mean temperature of about 637 °C. The growth pattern of the zircons suggest magmatic and hydrothermal origins of radioactive mineralization. Hydrothermal processes are responsible for the formation of significant zircon overgrowth; high U-zircon margins might have occurred contemporaneously with the emplacement of syenogranitic dykes which show anomalous uranium(e U) and thorium(e Th) contents of up to 1386 and 7330 ppm, respectively.Zircon chemistry revealed a relative increase of Hf consistent with decreasing Zr content, suggesting the replacement of Zr by Hf during hydrothermal activity.Visible uranium mineralization is present and recognized by the presence of uranophane and autunite.展开更多
Earthquake induced landslides are one of the most severe geo-environmental hazards that cause enormous damage to infrastructure, property, and loss of life in Nuweiba area. This study developed a model for mapping the...Earthquake induced landslides are one of the most severe geo-environmental hazards that cause enormous damage to infrastructure, property, and loss of life in Nuweiba area. This study developed a model for mapping the earthquake-induced landslide susceptibility in Nuweiba area in Egypt with considerations of geological, geomorphological, topographical, and seismological factors. An integrated approach of remote sensing and GIS technologies were applied for that target. Several data sources including Terra SAR-X and SPOT 5 satellite imagery, topographic maps, field data, and other geospatial resources were used to model landslide susceptibility. These data were used specifically to produce important thematic layers contributing to landslide occurrences in the region. A rating scheme was developed to assign ranks for the thematic layers and weights for their classes based on their contribution in landslide susceptibility. The ranks and weights were defined based on the knowledge from field survey and authors experiences related to the study area. The landslide susceptibility map delineates the hazard zones to three relative classes of susceptibility: high, moderate, and low. Therefore, the current approach provides a way to assess landslide hazards and serves for geo-hazard planning and prediction in Nuweiba area.展开更多
The porosity of a rock is one of the most important reservoir properties. It controls the reservoir storage capacity. In other words, porosity quantifies the amount of fluids that the rock can store. Most of the world...The porosity of a rock is one of the most important reservoir properties. It controls the reservoir storage capacity. In other words, porosity quantifies the amount of fluids that the rock can store. Most of the world's giant fields produce hydrocarbons from carbonate reservoirs. Carbonate rocks contain more than 50% of the world's hydrocarbon reserves. Porosity and compressional wave velocity of 41 carbonate samples were determined under ambient conditions in laboratory. The samples were collected from seven shallow wells in west Tushka area, south Western Desert, Egypt. This paper evaluates the well known Wyllie and Raymer equations, an empirical linear equation, and a generalized model for porosity estimation from compressional wave velocity of saturated carbonate samples. Based on the comparison of the predicting identified to provide the most reliable porosity estimation. qualities, the Raymer equation and the empirical linear equation were展开更多
Sustainable waterfront development is about creating a vision for an area and then deploying the skills and resources to realize it after involving a dialogue with the customer within an area. Also, it draws together ...Sustainable waterfront development is about creating a vision for an area and then deploying the skills and resources to realize it after involving a dialogue with the customer within an area. Also, it draws together many strands of place making such as environmental responsibility, social equity and economic viability, planning and transportation policy, architectural design into the creation of places of beauty and distinct identity. The development of waterfronts shapes communities around the water bodies and reflects the ability of cities to adapt to altered economic and social circumstances. The aim of this paper is to identify some approaches for applying sustainable waterfront development. By respecting the quality of life and defining sustainability in a broader context, a case will he made for enhancing the waterfront development, through the place making criteria, analyzing the Bahary waterfront in Alexandria, Egypt. The paper concludes some recommendations to develop Bahary waterfront based on the principles that are collected from the theoretical study in order to well design a waterfront responded to the wishes of the community.展开更多
This paper addresses men's perspectives on the relationship between female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and women's sexuality in Egypt with the purpose of studying how men and women see a relationship betwee...This paper addresses men's perspectives on the relationship between female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and women's sexuality in Egypt with the purpose of studying how men and women see a relationship between FGM/C and sexual life, The study used qualitative methods and was conducted in three sites. Men saw FGM/C as the key to ensuring women's sexual morality, and considered FGM/C as the key to controlling sexual relationships. Men were reported to increasingly take part in the decision-making about daughters' FGM/C. In men's view, FGM/C reduces female sex drive and thereby keeps girls chaste before marriage and women faithful during marriage. Men wholeheartedly support FGM/C for these reasons. However, others are ambivalent due to a concern that the practice might have negative consequences on their own sexuality as a consequence of a negative effect on their wives' sexual feelings. The study concludes that men's role is important and that they should be involved in community activities against the practice. It also concludes that without comprehensive sexuality education, men will continue to hold on to the misconceptions that FGM/C has a positive effect on women's sexual morality through reducing their sexual desire.展开更多
Objective: The study is a comparative study, the aim of which is to compare 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in treating nasopharyngeal carcinomas; dosimetricall...Objective: The study is a comparative study, the aim of which is to compare 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in treating nasopharyngeal carcinomas; dosimetrically evaluating and comparing both techniques as regard target coverage and doses to organs at risk (OAR). Methods: Twenty patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated by 3D-CRT technique and another 20 patients were treated by IMRT. A dosimetric comparison was done by performing two plans for the same patient using Eclipse planning system (version 8.6). Results: IMRT had a better tumor coverage and conformity index compared to 3D-CRT plans (P value of 0.001 and 0.004), respectively. As for the dose homogeneity it was also better in the IMRT plans and the reason for this was attributed to the dose inhomogeneity at the photon/electron junction in the 3D-CRT plans (P value 0.032). Also, doses received by the risk structures, particularly parotids, was significantly less in the IMRT plans than those of 3D-CRT (P value 0.001). Conclusion: IMRT technique was clearly able to increase the dose delivery to the target volume, improve conformity and homogeneity index and spare the parotid glands in comparison to 3D-CRT technique.展开更多
Objective This study aims to test the acceptance, feasibility, and usefulness of the Arabic version of the revised Edmonton Symptom AssesSment System (ESAS-r) among Egyptian patients with advanced cancer and to comp...Objective This study aims to test the acceptance, feasibility, and usefulness of the Arabic version of the revised Edmonton Symptom AssesSment System (ESAS-r) among Egyptian patients with advanced cancer and to compare the rates of symptoms documented by patients and physicians. Methods Between August 2014 and February 2015, a total of 140 patients at Ain Shams University Hospitals in Cairo, Egypt received the Arabic version of the ESAS-r. For each patient, the ESAS-r was completed twice, first by the treating physician (as part of the basic assessment) and a second time by the patient, with a maximum of 2 hours between the two assessments. An additional survey was included to assess patients' acceptance of the survey and their preferences. Results Out of 140 enrolled patients in the study, 11 patients refused to complete the questionnaire, and 10 patients were excluded due to incomplete records in their medical records. Complete data was retrieved for 119 patients who were included for further analyses. The 78 (65%) patients declared that the test was clear and easy to complete. They were able to answer the test without help. Collectively, tiredness and sense of well-being were the most commonly encountered symptoms in ratings obtained by both patients and physicians. Tiredness was the only symptom showing a significant difference between the two rating methods, patient-rated scores being higher (P = 0.032). Cronbach's alpha showed that both tests com- pleted by the physician and the patients were internally consistent: the physician-rated test had a coefficient of 0.877, and the patient-rated test had a coefficient of 0.863. All ESAS scores had good internal consis- tency, with a Cmnbach's alpha coefficient of 0.88. The internal consistency remained high after removal of individual symptom scores, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.823 to 0.902, indicating that no individual question had undue influence on the total ESAS score. Conclusion The ESAS-r was easily understood by and applicable to patients. There was no significant discrepancy in the rates of symptoms reported by the patients and physicians, apart from tiredness. Based on this, the test could be applied on a larger scale with in-home patients. This test can be cost-effective and can decrease the number of hospital visits among advanced cancer patients in need of supportive treat- ment rather than active cancer therapy.展开更多
Objective:Male breast cancer(MBC) represents < 1% of all breast cancers.Hormone receptors and Her-2/neu status are established prognostic factors in female breast cancer but not yet studied enough in male breast ca...Objective:Male breast cancer(MBC) represents < 1% of all breast cancers.Hormone receptors and Her-2/neu status are established prognostic factors in female breast cancer but not yet studied enough in male breast cancer.The aim of the study was to verify the clinico-pathologic profile of male patients with breast cancer including analysis of hormone receptors and Her-2/neu state and its impact on survival rate.Methods:This is a retrospective study carried on a total of 123 male patients presented to the National Cancer Institute(NCI),Cairo University,Egypt-with breast carcinoma from January 1999 to December 2009.Results:The patients had a median age of 58(ranged from 29-92) years.About 39.8% of the patients presented with T4 lesion.At presentation,12.2% of the cases had metastasis with bone represented 86.7% of metastatic sites.About 92.7% of patients were subjected to modified radical mastectomy and radical mastectomy.Invasive duct carcinoma reported in 91.1%,and 76.4% of the patients had grade II pathology.Hormone profile was reported in 74% of the patients with 71.4% positive ER and 69.2% positive PR.Among 57 cases tested for Her-2/neu,10.5% were positive.Luminal A was the most common subtype detected in male breast carcinoma patients constituting 66.7%.Comparison with female patients with breast carcinoma revealed some differences regarding stage,hormone profile,Her-2/neu status and breast cancer subtypes.Chemotherapy as adjuvant,neo-adjuvant and metastatic was given for 73.1%,17.3% and 9.6% of the cases,with 83% of them had an anthracyclin-containing regimen.Sixty-nine patients received radiation treatment,65.2% and 34.8% of them with adjuvant and palliative aim,respectively.Dose of adjuvant radiotherapy had a median value of 4410(3400-5000) cGy.Adjuvant hormonal treatment(Tamoxafin) was given for 47 patients all of them with ER and/or PR positive for a median period of 33.5(4-60) months.The 5-year overall survival(OS),loco-regional control(LRC),metastasis-free survival(MFS) rates were 63%,68%,and 62%,respectively.Axillary lymph node metastasis and advanced tumor stage significantly worsen all survival rates.While,higher grade was associated with a poor overall survival,this was not reflected on LRC and MFS rates.Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy had significantly improved all survival rates.Conclusion:Some gender differences were detected regarding stage,hormone profile,Her-2 state,and tumor subtypes.展开更多
Zooplankton and 14 abiotic variables were studied during August 2011 at 10 stations in Lake Qarun, Egypt. Stations with the lowest salinity and highest nutrient concentrations and turbidity were close to the discharge...Zooplankton and 14 abiotic variables were studied during August 2011 at 10 stations in Lake Qarun, Egypt. Stations with the lowest salinity and highest nutrient concentrations and turbidity were close to the discharge of waters from the El-Bats and E1-Wadi drainage systems. A total of 15 holozooplankton species were identified. The salinity in Lake Qarun increased and fluctuated since 1901:12 g/L in 1901; 8.5 g/L in 1905; 12.0 g/L in 1922; 30.0 g/L in 1985; 38.7 g/L in 1994; 35.3 g/L in 2006, and 33.4 g/L in 2011. The mean concentration of nutrients (nitrate, nitrite and orthophosphate) gradually increased from 35, 0.16 and 0.38 μg/L, respectively, in 1953-1955 to 113, 16.4, and 30.26 μg/L in 2011. From 1999-2003 some decrease of species diversity occurred. Average total zooplankton density was 30 000 ind./m^3 in 1974-1977; 356 125 ind./m^3 in 1989; 534 000 ind./m^3 in 1994-1995; from 965 000 to 1 452 000 ind./m^3 in 2006, and 595 000 ind./m^3 in 2011. A range of long-term summer salinity variability during the last decades was very similar to a range of salinity spatial variability in summer 2011. There is no significant correlation between zooplankton abundance and salinity in spatial and long-term changes. We conclude that salinity fluctuations since at least 1955 did not directly drive the changes of composition and abundance of zooplankton in the lake. A marine community had formed in the lake, and it continues to change. One of the main drivers of this change is a regular introduction and a pressure of alien species on the existent community. Eutrophication also plays an important role. The introduction ofMnemiopsis leidyi, first reported in 2014, may lead to a start of a new stage of the biotic changes in Lake Qarun, when eutrophication and the population dynamics of this ctenophore will be main drivers of the ecosystem change.展开更多
Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by atrematode blood fluke of the genus schistosoma that belongsto the schistosomatidae family. The ancient Egyptianscontracted the disease more than 4 000 years ag...Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by atrematode blood fluke of the genus schistosoma that belongsto the schistosomatidae family. The ancient Egyptianscontracted the disease more than 4 000 years ago. It wasrecognized through haematuria, the main sign of urinarybilharziasis was recorded in the Kahun papyrus 1900 B.C.' a-a-a-' disease.展开更多
文摘AIM: To identify the trend, possible risk factors and any pattern change of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Egypt over a decade. METHODS: All HCC patients attending Cairo Liver Center between January 1993 and December 2002, were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of HCC was based on histopathological examination and/or detection of hepatic focal lesions by two imaging techniques plus α-fetoprotein level above 200 ng/mL. The duration of the study was divided into two periods of 5 years each; period Ⅰ (1993-1997) and period Ⅱ (1998-2002). Trend, demographic features of patients (age, gender, and residence), risk factors (HBsAg, HCV-Ab, schistosomiasis and others) and pattern of the focal lesions were compared between the two periods. Logistic regression model was fitted to calculate the adjusted odds ratios for the potential risk factors. The population attributable risk percentage was calculated to estimate the proportion of HCC attributed to hepatitis B and C viral infections. RESULTS: Over a decade, 1 328 HCC patients out of 22 450 chronic liver disease (CLD) patients were diagnosed with an overall proportion of 5.9%. The annual proportion of HCC showed a significant rising trend from 4.0% in 1993 to 7.2% in 2002 (P = 0.000). A significant increase in male proportion from 82.5% to 87.6% (P = 0.009); M/F from 5:1 to 7:1 and a slight increase of the predominant age group (40-59 years) from 62.6% to 66.8% (P = 0.387)in periods Ⅰ and Ⅱ respectively, reflecting a shift to younger age group. In the bivariate analysis, HCC was significantly higher in rural residents, patients with history of schistosomiasis and/or blood transfusion. Yet, after adjustment, these variables did not have a significant risk for development of HCC. There was a significant decline of HBsAg from 38.6% to 20.5% (P = 0.000), and a slight increase of HCV-Ab from 85.6% to 87.9% in periods I and II respectively. HBV conferred a higher risk to develop HCC more than HCV in period Ⅰ (OR 1.9 vsl.6) and period Ⅱ (OR 2.7 vs 2.0), but the relative contribution of HBV for development of HCC declined in period Ⅱ compared to period Ⅰ (PAR% 4.2%, 21.32%). At presentation, diagnostic α-fetoprotein level (≥200 ng/mL) was demonstrated in 15.6% vs28.9% and small HCC (≤3 cm) represented 14,9% vs 22,7% (P = 0,0002) in periods Ⅰ and Ⅱ respectively. CONCLUSION: Over a decade, there was neady a twofold increase of the proportion of HCC among CLD patients in Egypt with a significant decline of HBV and slight increase of HCV as risk factors. α-Fetoprotein played a limited role in diagnosis of HCC, compared to imaging techniques. Increased detection of small lesions at presentation reflects increased awareness of the condition.
文摘A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years in a farmer's field at Haji Mora Village, Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan) in the Northwest Frontier Province (NWPP) of Pakistan to compare various management practices, such as the effect of various organic manures and gypsum in a rice-wheat cropping system on a saline-sodic Entisol (Zindani soil series). The treatments consisted of 1) a control (rice-wheat), 2) gypsum, 3) farmyard manure (FYM), 4) berseem (Trifolium alexzndrinum L.) as green manure (GM), and 5) dhancha (Sesbania sp.) as GM. All treatments increased yields of both rice and wheat significantly (P < 0.01) over the control, with the green manure treatments proving more economical than the others; while they decreased pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of the soil. Saturation percentage and available water of the soil were raised for all treatments due to an increase in organic matter content of the soil.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of specific biochemical markers for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four patients with chronic HCV infection were included in this study; 124 patients were non-cirrhotic, and 30 were cirrhotic. The following measurements were obtained in all patients: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time and concentration, complete blood count, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HCVAb, HCV-RNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, abdominal ultrasound and ultrasonic-guided liver biopsy. The following ratios, scores and indices were calculated and compared with the results of the histopathological examination: AST/ALT ratio (AAR), age platelet index (API), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), cirrhosis discriminating score (CDS), Pohl score, G teborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI). RESULTS: AAR, APRI, API and GUCI demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy of liver cirrhosis (80.5%, 79.2%, 76.6% and 80.5%, respectively); P values were: < 0.01, < 0.05, < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively. Among the studied parameters, AAR and GUCI gave the highest diagnostic accuracy (80.5%) with cutoff values of 1.2 and 1.5, respectively. APRI, API and GUCI were significantly correlated with the stage of fibrosis (P < 0.001) and the grade of activity (P < 0.001, < 0.001 and < 0.005, respectively), while CDS only correlated significantly with the stage of fibrosis (P < 0.001) and not with the degree of activity (P > 0.05). In addition, we found significant correlations for the AAR, APRI, API, GUCI and Pohl score between the non-cirrhotic (F0, F1, F2, F3) and cirrhotic (F4) groups (P values: < 0.001, < 0.05, < 0.001, < 0.001 and < 0.005, respectively; CDS did not demonstrate significant correlation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of AAR, APRI, API, GUCI and Pohl score measurements may decrease the need for liver biopsies in diagnosing cirrhosis, especially in Egypt, where resources are limited.
文摘Objective Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease representing less than 1% of all malignancies. The objective of the study is to report clinicopathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of MBC in Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. Methods This retrospective study focused on male breast cancer patients during 10 years (2000-2009). The studied variables were data regarding general characteristics of patients, treatment modalities and survival. Results The series included 37 patients (0.8% of all breast cancer). The median age was 57.7 years (range: 26-86 years). The main clinical complaint was a mass beneath the areola ill 94.5% of the cases. Most patients had a locally advanced disease. 94.5% of tumors were invasive duct carcinomas. The treatment was essentially surgery in 91.8%, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (in 89.2%), hormonal therapy (in 56.7%) and chemotherapy (in 91.8%). Follow-up period ranged from 6-115 months. Local recurrence occurred in 4 cases and metastasis in 11 cases. The 2-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 81.6% and 60.5%, respectively. The 2-year and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 68.4%, and 52.6%, respectively. OS was not significantly affected by any of the studied parameters. Factors influencing DFS were: T stage (P=0.05), positive lymph nodes (P=0.043), metastasis (P=0.004), and chemotherapy (1'=0.046). Conclusions MBC is a rare disease and often diagnosed at a locally advanced stage. The management of male and female breast carcinoma is identical. Future research for better understanding of this disease is needed to improve the management and prognosis of male breast cancer patients.
基金Supported by the Sustainable Sciences Institute, United States as part of the small grants program
文摘AIM: To identify the prevalence, risk factors and manifestations of asymptomatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egyptian children. METHODS: Children at the age of 1-9 years were screened for HCV antibodies and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Every child with elevated ALT and/or detectable HCV antibodies was tested for HCV RNA by RT-PCR and compared with two negative controls for risk factors and signs and symptoms of liver disease.RESULTS: We screened 1042 children, six of them had elevated ALT, negative HCV antibody and positive RNA, likely representing acute hepatitis C cases. Fifteen children were HCV seropositive, 5 of them were HCV RNA positive. Asymptomatic HCV infection was present in 2.02% (positive results for either HCV antibodies or HCV-RNA or both). Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, history of fatigue and school absence because of illness and risk factors such as dental care were significantly more common among HCV positive cases than among controls. None of the HCV positive children was diagnosed as having signs of advanced liver disease upon clinical or ultrasonographic examination. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic HCV infection is detectable in 2.02% Egyptian children.
基金Supported by the National Research Centre during the research plan from 2001-2004 by projects 5/4/5 and 5/5/5 in collaboration with National Liver Institute of Menoufyia University
文摘AIM: To investigate the association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), osteocalcin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with the etiology and clinical condition of patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS: Eighty children with hepatocellular damage were divided into 3 groups according to the etiology of disease infection: bilharziasis (9 patients), hepatitis B virus (HBV, 12 patients) and hepatitis C virus (HCV, 29 patients). The Child score index was found as A in 24 patients, B in 22 patients, C in 4 patients. Thirty healthy children served as control group.HBsAg, HBcAbIgM, HBcAbIgG, and anti-HCV were detected using ELISA technique. HCV-RNA was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Antibllharzial antibodies were detected by indirect haemagglutination test. Liver function tests were performed using autoanalyser. Serum IGF-1, osteocalcin and PTH levels were measured by ELISA technique. Abdominal ultrasonography was also conducted. RESULTS: Serum IGF-1 level was significantly lower in all patient groups with liver diseases, while serum osteocalcin and PTH levels were significantly elevated in patients with HBV and HCV infections compared with the control group. Serum osteocalcin and PTH concentrations were measured with the severity of liver disease from Child A to C. Child A patients unexpectedly showed significantly reduced IGF-1 levels in comparison to patients staged as Child B or C. Serum osteocalcin level was negatively correlated with albumin (14.7 ± 0.54 vs 3.6 ± 0.10, P 〈 0.05), while that for PTH was positively correlated with total protein (70.1 ± 2.17 vs 6.7 ± 0.10, P 〈 0.05) in patients with HCV infection.
文摘AIM:Smoking may affect adversely the response rate to interferon-α.Our objective was to verify this issue among chronic hepatitis C patients. METHODS:Over the year 1998,138 chronic hepatitis C male Egyptian patients presenting to Cairo Liver Center, were divided on the basis of smoking habit into:group I which comprised 38 smoker patients(>30 cigarettes/d) and group Ⅱ which included 84 non-smoker patients. Irregular and mild smokers(16 patients)were excluded. Non eligible patients for interferon-α therapy were excluded from the study and comprised 3/38(normal ALT)in group I and 22/84 in group Ⅱ(normal ALT,advanced cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia).Group I was randomly allocated into 2 sub-groups:group Ia comprised 18 patients who were subjected to therapeutic phlebotomy while sub-group Ib consisted of 17 patients who had no phlebotomy.In sub-group la,3 patients with normal ALT after repeated phlebotomies were excluded from the study.Interferon-α 2b 3 MU/TIW was given for 6 mo to 15 patients in group Ia,17 patients in group Ib and 62 patients in group Ⅱ. Biochemical,virological end-of-treatment and sustained responses were evaluated. RESULTS:At the end of interferon-α treatment,ALT was normalized in 3/15 patients(20%)in group Ia and 2/17 patients(11.8%)in group Ib compared to17/62 patients (27.4%)in group Ⅱ(P=0.1).Whereas 2/15 patients(13.3%) in group Ia.and 2/17 patients(11.8%)in group Ib lost viraemia compared to 13/62 patients(26%)in group Ⅱ (P=0.3).Six months later,ALT was persistently normal in 2/15 patients(13.3%)in group 1a and 1/17 patients (5.9%)in group Ib compared to 9/62 patients(14.5%)in group Ⅱ(P=0.47).Viraemia was eliminated in 1/15 patients (6.7%)in group Ia and 1/17 patients(5.9%)in group Ib compared to 7/62 patients(11.3%) in group Ⅱ,but the results did not mount to statistical significance(P=0.4). CONCLUSION:Smokers suffering from chronic hepatitis C tend to have a lower response rate to interferon-α compared to non-smokers.Therapeutic phlebotomy improves the response rate to interferon-α therapy among this group.
基金Supported by Fund from Minya University, Minya, Egypt
文摘AIM: To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in EI Minya and Assuit, Upper Egypt. METHODS: One thousand consecutive patients with chronic GERD symptoms were included in the study over 2 years. They were subjected to history taking including a questionnaire for GERD symptoms, clinical examination and upper digestive tract endoscopy. Endoscopic signs suggestive of columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) were defined as mucosal tongues or an upward shift of the squamocolumnar junction. BF was diagnosed by pathological examination when specialized intestinal metaplasia was detected histologically in suspected CLE. pH was monitored in 40 patients. RESULTS: BE was present in 7.3% of patients with chronic GERD symptoms, with a mean age of 48.3 ± 8.2 years, which was significantly higher than patients with GERD without BE (37.4 ± 13.6 years). Adenocarcinoma was detected in eight cases (0.8%), six of them in BE patients. There was no significant difference between patients with BE and GERD regarding sex, smoking, alcohol consumption or symptoms of GERD. Patients with BE had significantly longer esophageal acid exposure time in the supine position, measured by pH monitoring. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BE in patients with GERD who were referred for endoscopy was 7.3%. BE seems to be associated with older age and more in patients with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux.
文摘Syenogranitic dykes in the north of Egypt's Eastern Desert are of geological and economic interest because of the presence of magmatic and supergene enrichment of radioactive mineralization. Zircon crystal morphology within the syenogranitic dykes allows precise definition of sub-alkaline series granites and crystallized at mean temperature of about 637 °C. The growth pattern of the zircons suggest magmatic and hydrothermal origins of radioactive mineralization. Hydrothermal processes are responsible for the formation of significant zircon overgrowth; high U-zircon margins might have occurred contemporaneously with the emplacement of syenogranitic dykes which show anomalous uranium(e U) and thorium(e Th) contents of up to 1386 and 7330 ppm, respectively.Zircon chemistry revealed a relative increase of Hf consistent with decreasing Zr content, suggesting the replacement of Zr by Hf during hydrothermal activity.Visible uranium mineralization is present and recognized by the presence of uranophane and autunite.
基金the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
文摘Earthquake induced landslides are one of the most severe geo-environmental hazards that cause enormous damage to infrastructure, property, and loss of life in Nuweiba area. This study developed a model for mapping the earthquake-induced landslide susceptibility in Nuweiba area in Egypt with considerations of geological, geomorphological, topographical, and seismological factors. An integrated approach of remote sensing and GIS technologies were applied for that target. Several data sources including Terra SAR-X and SPOT 5 satellite imagery, topographic maps, field data, and other geospatial resources were used to model landslide susceptibility. These data were used specifically to produce important thematic layers contributing to landslide occurrences in the region. A rating scheme was developed to assign ranks for the thematic layers and weights for their classes based on their contribution in landslide susceptibility. The ranks and weights were defined based on the knowledge from field survey and authors experiences related to the study area. The landslide susceptibility map delineates the hazard zones to three relative classes of susceptibility: high, moderate, and low. Therefore, the current approach provides a way to assess landslide hazards and serves for geo-hazard planning and prediction in Nuweiba area.
文摘The porosity of a rock is one of the most important reservoir properties. It controls the reservoir storage capacity. In other words, porosity quantifies the amount of fluids that the rock can store. Most of the world's giant fields produce hydrocarbons from carbonate reservoirs. Carbonate rocks contain more than 50% of the world's hydrocarbon reserves. Porosity and compressional wave velocity of 41 carbonate samples were determined under ambient conditions in laboratory. The samples were collected from seven shallow wells in west Tushka area, south Western Desert, Egypt. This paper evaluates the well known Wyllie and Raymer equations, an empirical linear equation, and a generalized model for porosity estimation from compressional wave velocity of saturated carbonate samples. Based on the comparison of the predicting identified to provide the most reliable porosity estimation. qualities, the Raymer equation and the empirical linear equation were
文摘Sustainable waterfront development is about creating a vision for an area and then deploying the skills and resources to realize it after involving a dialogue with the customer within an area. Also, it draws together many strands of place making such as environmental responsibility, social equity and economic viability, planning and transportation policy, architectural design into the creation of places of beauty and distinct identity. The development of waterfronts shapes communities around the water bodies and reflects the ability of cities to adapt to altered economic and social circumstances. The aim of this paper is to identify some approaches for applying sustainable waterfront development. By respecting the quality of life and defining sustainability in a broader context, a case will he made for enhancing the waterfront development, through the place making criteria, analyzing the Bahary waterfront in Alexandria, Egypt. The paper concludes some recommendations to develop Bahary waterfront based on the principles that are collected from the theoretical study in order to well design a waterfront responded to the wishes of the community.
文摘This paper addresses men's perspectives on the relationship between female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and women's sexuality in Egypt with the purpose of studying how men and women see a relationship between FGM/C and sexual life, The study used qualitative methods and was conducted in three sites. Men saw FGM/C as the key to ensuring women's sexual morality, and considered FGM/C as the key to controlling sexual relationships. Men were reported to increasingly take part in the decision-making about daughters' FGM/C. In men's view, FGM/C reduces female sex drive and thereby keeps girls chaste before marriage and women faithful during marriage. Men wholeheartedly support FGM/C for these reasons. However, others are ambivalent due to a concern that the practice might have negative consequences on their own sexuality as a consequence of a negative effect on their wives' sexual feelings. The study concludes that men's role is important and that they should be involved in community activities against the practice. It also concludes that without comprehensive sexuality education, men will continue to hold on to the misconceptions that FGM/C has a positive effect on women's sexual morality through reducing their sexual desire.
文摘Objective: The study is a comparative study, the aim of which is to compare 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in treating nasopharyngeal carcinomas; dosimetrically evaluating and comparing both techniques as regard target coverage and doses to organs at risk (OAR). Methods: Twenty patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated by 3D-CRT technique and another 20 patients were treated by IMRT. A dosimetric comparison was done by performing two plans for the same patient using Eclipse planning system (version 8.6). Results: IMRT had a better tumor coverage and conformity index compared to 3D-CRT plans (P value of 0.001 and 0.004), respectively. As for the dose homogeneity it was also better in the IMRT plans and the reason for this was attributed to the dose inhomogeneity at the photon/electron junction in the 3D-CRT plans (P value 0.032). Also, doses received by the risk structures, particularly parotids, was significantly less in the IMRT plans than those of 3D-CRT (P value 0.001). Conclusion: IMRT technique was clearly able to increase the dose delivery to the target volume, improve conformity and homogeneity index and spare the parotid glands in comparison to 3D-CRT technique.
文摘Objective This study aims to test the acceptance, feasibility, and usefulness of the Arabic version of the revised Edmonton Symptom AssesSment System (ESAS-r) among Egyptian patients with advanced cancer and to compare the rates of symptoms documented by patients and physicians. Methods Between August 2014 and February 2015, a total of 140 patients at Ain Shams University Hospitals in Cairo, Egypt received the Arabic version of the ESAS-r. For each patient, the ESAS-r was completed twice, first by the treating physician (as part of the basic assessment) and a second time by the patient, with a maximum of 2 hours between the two assessments. An additional survey was included to assess patients' acceptance of the survey and their preferences. Results Out of 140 enrolled patients in the study, 11 patients refused to complete the questionnaire, and 10 patients were excluded due to incomplete records in their medical records. Complete data was retrieved for 119 patients who were included for further analyses. The 78 (65%) patients declared that the test was clear and easy to complete. They were able to answer the test without help. Collectively, tiredness and sense of well-being were the most commonly encountered symptoms in ratings obtained by both patients and physicians. Tiredness was the only symptom showing a significant difference between the two rating methods, patient-rated scores being higher (P = 0.032). Cronbach's alpha showed that both tests com- pleted by the physician and the patients were internally consistent: the physician-rated test had a coefficient of 0.877, and the patient-rated test had a coefficient of 0.863. All ESAS scores had good internal consis- tency, with a Cmnbach's alpha coefficient of 0.88. The internal consistency remained high after removal of individual symptom scores, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.823 to 0.902, indicating that no individual question had undue influence on the total ESAS score. Conclusion The ESAS-r was easily understood by and applicable to patients. There was no significant discrepancy in the rates of symptoms reported by the patients and physicians, apart from tiredness. Based on this, the test could be applied on a larger scale with in-home patients. This test can be cost-effective and can decrease the number of hospital visits among advanced cancer patients in need of supportive treat- ment rather than active cancer therapy.
文摘Objective:Male breast cancer(MBC) represents < 1% of all breast cancers.Hormone receptors and Her-2/neu status are established prognostic factors in female breast cancer but not yet studied enough in male breast cancer.The aim of the study was to verify the clinico-pathologic profile of male patients with breast cancer including analysis of hormone receptors and Her-2/neu state and its impact on survival rate.Methods:This is a retrospective study carried on a total of 123 male patients presented to the National Cancer Institute(NCI),Cairo University,Egypt-with breast carcinoma from January 1999 to December 2009.Results:The patients had a median age of 58(ranged from 29-92) years.About 39.8% of the patients presented with T4 lesion.At presentation,12.2% of the cases had metastasis with bone represented 86.7% of metastatic sites.About 92.7% of patients were subjected to modified radical mastectomy and radical mastectomy.Invasive duct carcinoma reported in 91.1%,and 76.4% of the patients had grade II pathology.Hormone profile was reported in 74% of the patients with 71.4% positive ER and 69.2% positive PR.Among 57 cases tested for Her-2/neu,10.5% were positive.Luminal A was the most common subtype detected in male breast carcinoma patients constituting 66.7%.Comparison with female patients with breast carcinoma revealed some differences regarding stage,hormone profile,Her-2/neu status and breast cancer subtypes.Chemotherapy as adjuvant,neo-adjuvant and metastatic was given for 73.1%,17.3% and 9.6% of the cases,with 83% of them had an anthracyclin-containing regimen.Sixty-nine patients received radiation treatment,65.2% and 34.8% of them with adjuvant and palliative aim,respectively.Dose of adjuvant radiotherapy had a median value of 4410(3400-5000) cGy.Adjuvant hormonal treatment(Tamoxafin) was given for 47 patients all of them with ER and/or PR positive for a median period of 33.5(4-60) months.The 5-year overall survival(OS),loco-regional control(LRC),metastasis-free survival(MFS) rates were 63%,68%,and 62%,respectively.Axillary lymph node metastasis and advanced tumor stage significantly worsen all survival rates.While,higher grade was associated with a poor overall survival,this was not reflected on LRC and MFS rates.Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy had significantly improved all survival rates.Conclusion:Some gender differences were detected regarding stage,hormone profile,Her-2 state,and tumor subtypes.
文摘Zooplankton and 14 abiotic variables were studied during August 2011 at 10 stations in Lake Qarun, Egypt. Stations with the lowest salinity and highest nutrient concentrations and turbidity were close to the discharge of waters from the El-Bats and E1-Wadi drainage systems. A total of 15 holozooplankton species were identified. The salinity in Lake Qarun increased and fluctuated since 1901:12 g/L in 1901; 8.5 g/L in 1905; 12.0 g/L in 1922; 30.0 g/L in 1985; 38.7 g/L in 1994; 35.3 g/L in 2006, and 33.4 g/L in 2011. The mean concentration of nutrients (nitrate, nitrite and orthophosphate) gradually increased from 35, 0.16 and 0.38 μg/L, respectively, in 1953-1955 to 113, 16.4, and 30.26 μg/L in 2011. From 1999-2003 some decrease of species diversity occurred. Average total zooplankton density was 30 000 ind./m^3 in 1974-1977; 356 125 ind./m^3 in 1989; 534 000 ind./m^3 in 1994-1995; from 965 000 to 1 452 000 ind./m^3 in 2006, and 595 000 ind./m^3 in 2011. A range of long-term summer salinity variability during the last decades was very similar to a range of salinity spatial variability in summer 2011. There is no significant correlation between zooplankton abundance and salinity in spatial and long-term changes. We conclude that salinity fluctuations since at least 1955 did not directly drive the changes of composition and abundance of zooplankton in the lake. A marine community had formed in the lake, and it continues to change. One of the main drivers of this change is a regular introduction and a pressure of alien species on the existent community. Eutrophication also plays an important role. The introduction ofMnemiopsis leidyi, first reported in 2014, may lead to a start of a new stage of the biotic changes in Lake Qarun, when eutrophication and the population dynamics of this ctenophore will be main drivers of the ecosystem change.
文摘Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by atrematode blood fluke of the genus schistosoma that belongsto the schistosomatidae family. The ancient Egyptianscontracted the disease more than 4 000 years ago. It wasrecognized through haematuria, the main sign of urinarybilharziasis was recorded in the Kahun papyrus 1900 B.C.' a-a-a-' disease.