Recently,traditional Chinese medicine-based treatment has succeeded in fighting coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and Rhizoma polygonati(Huangjing)has been one of the recommended components.Its processed products pla...Recently,traditional Chinese medicine-based treatment has succeeded in fighting coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and Rhizoma polygonati(Huangjing)has been one of the recommended components.Its processed products play antidiabetic,antiviral,antitumor,antioxidation,antifatigue,antiaging,and immune enhancement roles.The climate in Mount Tai is mild,and the dense forest is suitable for the growth of Rhizome polygonati,which has gradually evolved into a unique specie.Considering the important medicinal value and pleasant taste of Mount Tai-Rhizoma polygonati,various healthy and functional food products,controlled by quality markers with anti-COVID-19 potential,as well as emergency foods can be developed.The study aimed to review current evidence on the nutritional value of Rhizoma polygonati from Mount Tai and its usefulness as a traditional Chinese medicine,source of herbzyme,and potential remediating agent for COVID-19 and food shortage.Most recent findings regarding herbal nanomedicine have revealed that nanoscale chemical compounds are potentially efficient in drug delivery or nanozyme catalysis upon bioprocessing.Nanoflower structure is found in processed Rhizoma polygonati by self-assembly and has wide application in enzymatic events,particularly nanoscale herbzyme.The novel findings regarding Mount Tai-Rhizoma polygonati could enhance its novel applications in chronic and hidden hunger,clinical nanomedicine,and as an anti-COVID-19 agent.展开更多
Background: The optimal dose of palliative radiotherapy (RT) in symptomatic advanced lung cancer is unclear. Patients and methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC who were indicated for thoracic palliative RT with age up...Background: The optimal dose of palliative radiotherapy (RT) in symptomatic advanced lung cancer is unclear. Patients and methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC who were indicated for thoracic palliative RT with age up to 65 y and Performance Status (PS) 0 - 2 and no significant cardiac or lung co-morbidities were randomized into two fractionation arms: arm A: 30 Gy/10 over 2 weeks and arm B: 27 Gy/6 over 3 weeks (2 fractions per week) using 2 anterior posterior (AP-PA) fields in both arms. Primary end points were symptomatic and radiological tumor response, respiratory functions assessment. Secondary end point was toxicity. Results: From December 2014 to October 2015, 40 patients were randomized, 20 patients in each arm. There was statistically insignificant higher symptomatic improvement in arm B. Four weeks after treatment, 12 out of 40 patients (30%), 6 patients in each arm, had radiological Partial Response (PR) of the primary thoracic lesion without significant difference between the two arms. There was a tendency for improvement in the post treatment mean Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) in each arm without statistical significance. There were no reported skin reactions or esophagitis in both arms up to 4 weeks after treatment. Eleven out of the 40 patients (27.5%), 6 in arm B and 5 in arm A, had radiological signs of radiation pneumonitis without significant difference between both arms. Conclusion: The two RT fractionation schedules showed equal efficacy in terms of symptoms relief, radiological response of the primary thoracic tumor, respiratory functions and toxicity. Thus the 27 Gy/6 fractionation arm appears preferable compared to 30 Gy/10 arm to minimize the patients’ visits and load on the machines.展开更多
Aim： To evaluate the protective effects of ginger （Gin） and roselle （Ros） against testicular damage and oxidative stress in a cisplatin （CIS）-induced rodent model. Their protective effects against CIS-induced a...Aim： To evaluate the protective effects of ginger （Gin） and roselle （Ros） against testicular damage and oxidative stress in a cisplatin （CIS）-induced rodent model. Their protective effects against CIS-induced apoptosis in testicular and epididymal sperms is also investigated. Methods： Ethanol extracts of Gin or Ros （1 g/kg.day） were given orally to male albino rats for 26 days. This period began 21 days before a single CIS intraperitoneal injection （10 mg/kg body weight）. Results： Gin or Ros given orally significantly restored reproductive function. Both tested extracts notably reduced the CIS-induced reproductive toxicity, as evidenced by restoring the testis normal morphology. In Gin and Ros, the attenuation of CIS-induced damage was associated with less apoptotic cell death both in the testicular tissue and in the sperms. CIS-induced alterations of testicular lipid peroxidation were markedly improved by these plant extracts. Conclusion： The present results provide further insights into the mechanisms of protection against CIS-induced reproductive toxicity and confirm the essential anti-oxidant potential of both examined extracts. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar; 10： 291-297）展开更多
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of intragastric administration of chlorella (1 g/kg body weight) for a period of 30 days to treat normal and diabetic male Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperit...The aim of this study is to examine the effect of intragastric administration of chlorella (1 g/kg body weight) for a period of 30 days to treat normal and diabetic male Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg - 1 body weight). A significant (p < 0.05) reduction of blood glucose level in diabetic chlorella-treated rats was observed compared to diabetic untreated. Chlorella increased the number of glutathione-positive cell in diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetics. Chlorella administration increased the percentage of insulin secreting pancreatic beta cells both in normal and diabetic treated rats. Percentage of glucagon producing alpha cells of the pancreas were reduced both in normal and diabetic chlorella-treated rats. Chlorella-induced regenerative ability on pancreas was mediated by up-regulation of Ki67 and down-regulation of P53 and by its potent anti-oxidant ability. The present results suggest that chlorella may play an important role in improving the overall condition of diabetic patients and delay its complication by restoring the function of pancreatic insulin-secreting cells.展开更多
Purpose: To investigate if intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offers a better planning target volume (PTV) coverage and/or lower dose to normal thoracic structures in comparison to three dimensional conforma...Purpose: To investigate if intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offers a better planning target volume (PTV) coverage and/or lower dose to normal thoracic structures in comparison to three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) in the treatment of mid and lower oesophageal carcinoma patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective study in the period from 2014 till 2015 was held in the radiation therapy department of the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, in which 20 locally advanced or inoperable mid and lower oesophageal cancer patients were treated by chemo-radiation using 3DCRT technique. IMRT plans were generated for those 20 patients. The 3DCRT and IMRT plans were compared as regards PTV coverage and doses to critical organs at risk. Results: All plans had produced satisfactory PTV coverage with no significant differences noted. The lung V20 for both lungs in 3DCRT was 16.94% ± 4.2% which was increased to 21.42% ± 3.6% in IMRT (p = 0.017). The mean dose to the heart and V30 were higher in IMRT plans while the mean dose to the spinal cord was higher with 3DCRT plans, yet that didn’t reach a statistically significant level (p = 0.156). The dose delivered to the liver didn’t pose any difference between both techniques. Conclusion: 3DCRT remains to be a feasible cost effective treatment delivery option for mid and lower oesophageal cancer cases with a lower optimization and delivery time than that for IMRT. Moreover, that calls for further dosimetric studies and clinical trials to assess IMRT technique. In our study, IMRT using nine fields didn’t prove to be superior to 3DCRT.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the qualitative and quantitativechanges in N-linked glycosylation, which occurredin association with diethyl nitrosamine-inducedhepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） in rodents.METHODS： Liver tissues of ...AIM： To evaluate the qualitative and quantitativechanges in N-linked glycosylation, which occurredin association with diethyl nitrosamine-inducedhepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） in rodents.METHODS： Liver tissues of （1） normal （non-tumorbearing）rats; and （2） tumor-bearing rats; were collectedand were used for histological and GlycanMap？ analyses.Briefly, GlycanMap？ analysis is a high-throughputassay that provides a structural and quantitativereadout of protein-associated glycans using a unique,automated 96-well assay technology coupled tomatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-offlightmass spectrometry and custom bioinformatics.Histopathological studies were carried out to ensure thedevelopment of HCC in the tested animals.RESULTS： The N-glycomic analysis revealed 5glycans; Glc1Man9GlcNAc2, Gal2Man3GlcNac4Fuc1Neu1,Man4G l c N a c 2, G a l 2Man3G l c N a c 4Neu3OAc 3, andMan3GlcNac5Fuc1, which showed significant changesin rat HCC tissues when compared with normal livertissues. Four glycans were increased （P 〈 0.05） andGlc1Man9GlcNAc2 was decreased （5.89 ± 0.45 vs 3.54± 0.21, P 〈 0.01） in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. An increase （66.5 ± 1.05 vs 62.7 ± 1.1,P 〈 0.05） in high-mannose structures in HCC rats wasobserved compared to normal rats. Importantly, HCCrats showed an increase （P 〈 0.05） in both tumorassociatedcarbohydrates and in branched glycans. Thechanges in glycans correlated well with glycan flowchanges reported in the glycan biosynthetic pathway,which indicates the importance of enzyme activitiesinvolved in glycan synthesis at different subcellularlocalizations.CONCLUSION： The reported HCC-associated changesin glycan flow and subcellular localization explain theincrease in high mannose glycans and siayl Lewisglycans common in HCC liver tissues.展开更多
Objective： Gene expression profiling of breast cancer has identified five molecularly distinct subtypes of breast cancer that have different biological behavior and clinical outcomes. These subtypes are termed lumina...Objective： Gene expression profiling of breast cancer has identified five molecularly distinct subtypes of breast cancer that have different biological behavior and clinical outcomes. These subtypes are termed luminal A, luminal B, luminal HER2, HER2-enriched and triple negative breast cancers （TNBC）. We aimed at identification of breast cancer subtypes among Egyptian population and their clinicopathologic features using ER, PR and HER2, KJ-67 and CK5/6. Methods： Tumors from 100 patients with invasive duct carcinoma were subtyped by immunohistochemistry using ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67 and CK5/6. The prognostic value of the immunohistochemical assignment for breast cancer disease-specific survival was inves- tigated by using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results： Immunohistochemical profiling classified 22 cases as luminal A, 33 cases as luminal B, 9 cases as luminal HER2, 26 cases as HER2-enriched and 10 cases as TNBC. Tumors that measured more than 3.5 cm, showed predominance of HER2-enriched subtype. HER2-enriched and luminal B subtypes dominated the node positive cases （35.4% and 33.8%; respectively）. Large tumor size （〉 3.5 cm）, hormone receptor negative state and HER2 positive state were associated with poor prognosis. Disease free survivals （DFSs） were significantly different （P 〈 0.0001） among different breast subtypes with worst 2-year DFS for HER2-enriched subtype （40.77%） followed by luminal A （63.56%）. DFS was almost similar in the remaining other subtypes, and luminal B, luminal HER2 and TNBC which were 86.85%, 87.5% and 88.89%; respectively. Conclusion： ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67 constituted a strong surrogate for molecular breast cancer subtypes and can be easily applied. HER2-enriched subtype carries worse features being associated with large tumor size, nodal metastasis and is associated with poor outcome. Luminal A is a heterogeneous subtype with underlying several factors that can turn its prognosis adversely. TNBC subtype may behave unexpected in a favorable way.展开更多
The use of plants to improve dental health and to promote oral hygiene has been practiced for centuries and persists in several communities throughout the world. Salvadora persica (Miswak) has a wide geographic distri...The use of plants to improve dental health and to promote oral hygiene has been practiced for centuries and persists in several communities throughout the world. Salvadora persica (Miswak) has a wide geographic distribution. The ancient Arabs had the habit of using it to whiten and polish the teeth. Here, we determined in vitro antioxidant activity, total phenols and flavonoids and evaluated antiproliferative activity of the extract of S. persica (Miswak). The MTT assay was used to estimate the antiproliferative activities of the extract against human hepatoma (HepG2) cancer cell line. Inhibition percentage of DPPH scavenging activity was dose-dependent and ranged from (30.7% ± 0.62) to (5.89% ± 0.98). The phenolic content was (2.7 ± 0.11) mg GAE/g while the flavonoid content was (2.70 ± 0.45) mg QE/g. Antiproliferative results of the extracts were found to be consistent with their antioxidant activity. Our extract also exhibited clear antiangiogenic activity. These findings introduce S. persica as the useful and novel potential anti-tumor agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment.展开更多
Background: Radiotherapy (RT) techniques after Conservative Breast Surgery (CBS) vary. Three Dimension (3D) planning allows for better plan optimization compared to 2 Dimension (2D) plans and also allowing for creatin...Background: Radiotherapy (RT) techniques after Conservative Breast Surgery (CBS) vary. Three Dimension (3D) planning allows for better plan optimization compared to 2 Dimension (2D) plans and also allowing for creating Dose Volume Histograms (DVHs) for both Planning Target Volume (PTV) and Organs at Risk (OAR). Patients and Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with CBS planned for whole breast and supraclavicular (SCV) RT at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Egypt between January and June 2016 were included in this study. All patients were planned clinically in 2D fashion with no more than 2 cm of ipsilateral lung allowed in the tangential fields “Limited 2D” (Limit-2D) then Target and OAR volumes were drawn according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) guidelines and 3D plans and a central slice PTV-based 2D plan, “Modified 2D” (Mod-2D), were performed in the same Computerized Tomography (CT) slices for each patient. Mono-Iso-Centeric technique (MIT) was used in 3D plans. DVH parameters were used to compare the three plans. Results: In 3D plans, compared to Limit-2D, coverage improved for the intact breast (V95% = 95% versus (Vs) 69%, p = 0.036) and SCVPTV (V90% = 90% Vs 65%, p = 0.01). The breast and SCV V 107%, V112% and Dmax were better with 3D plan however not statistical significant (NS). Junctional hot spots were 120% and 107% in the Limit-2D and 3D plans respectively (p = 0.04). The dose to the heart, mean (333 Vs 491 cGy), V10 (5% Vs 10%) and V20 (3% Vs 7%), Ipsilateral lung V20 (19% Vs 26%), and contra lateral breast D-max (205 Vs 462 cGy) were higher in 3D plans however NS, and the dose to the cord was the same. Comparison between 3D and Mod-2D showed better OAR sparing with 3D with mean heart dose (491 cGy Vs 782 cGy, p = 0.025) and Ipsilateral lung V20 (26% Vs 32%, p = 0.07% with statistically comparable target coverage. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that application of 3D plan using MIT improves coverage of breast and SCVPTVs with minimizing hot spot at the junctional area if compared with Limit-2D plans with comparable dose to OAR. When compared with Mod-2D plans, 3D plans not only had better target coverage but also better sparing of OAR, the latter was statistically significant.展开更多
Purpose: To evaluate treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of pediatric Medulloblastoma (MB) patients treated by adjuvant post-operative riskadapted radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). Patients and Methods: A...Purpose: To evaluate treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of pediatric Medulloblastoma (MB) patients treated by adjuvant post-operative riskadapted radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted based on medical records of pediatric patients with pathologically confirmed MB treated between 2006 and 2013 at the National cancer Institute (NCI), Egypt. Various patients’ and disease characteristics, treatment details and outcome data were reviewed. Results: Fifty patients’ records were included in the analysis with a median age of 6 years at diagnosis (range 3 - 18). According to the Chang staging system;38%, 44%, 4%, and 14% were M0, M1, M2, and M3, respectively. All patients underwent primary surgery;gross total resection (with no residual) in 38%, near total resection (with residual ≤1.5 cm2) in 8%, subtotal resection (with residual > 1.5 cm2) in 34%, and 20% had only biopsy. All patients were treated by riskadapted craniospinal irradiation (CSI);high-risk patients were treated by CSI 36 Gy/20 fractions over 4 weeks followed by posterior fossa (PF) boost 18 Gy/10 fractions over 2 weeks (180 cGy per fraction), while standard-risk patients were treated by CSI 23.4 Gy/13 fractions over 2 and half weeks followed by PF boost 30.6 Gy/17 fractions over 3 and half weeks. Median overall treatment time (OTT) was 52 days. All patients received adjuvant CT;47 patients (94%) received concomitant chemo radiotherapy (CCRT), while 4 patients (8%) only received neoadjuvant CT (NB: only one patient received all neoadjuvant, concomitant and adjuvant CT). With a median follow up time of 32.5 months, ranging from 6 to 104 months, the whole group estimates of the overall survival (OS) at 1, 3, and 5 years were 83%, 70%, and 64%, respectively, while, the progression-free survival (PFS) rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 79%, 62%, and 57% respectively. Four patients relapsed. Neural-axis was the commonest site of relapse (3 patients). Both risk groups were equally represented in relapsed patients (2 standard risk & 2 high risk patients) and relapse took place within 2 years. In univariate analysis, performance status,extent of surgery, and post-operative residual tumor size were significant prognostic factors for OS. On the other hand, factors which affected the PFS included gender, extent of surgery, and post-operative residual tumor. Conclusion: Neural-axis relapse was the commonest site of relapse for pediatric MB patients. Extent of surgical resection, post-operative residual tumor, and gender are powerful prognostic factors. Maximal safe resection is the standard surgical approach for MB patients to achieve cure.展开更多
Background: Sound prognostic data in sepsis induced acute renal failure (SARF) are lacking especially on the short term outcome [STO] in the intensive care unit [ICU]. We addressed the use of Tc-99m DMSA [2,3-dimercap...Background: Sound prognostic data in sepsis induced acute renal failure (SARF) are lacking especially on the short term outcome [STO] in the intensive care unit [ICU]. We addressed the use of Tc-99m DMSA [2,3-dimercaptosuccinicacid] renal cortical imaging as a prognostic tool in SARF. Methods: Forty patients with acute renal failure due to sepsis [age range 15-74 years;median 44.5] were subjected for full history taking complete physical examination, routine ICU monitoring, routine laboratory investigations, APACHE II [Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation] and SOFA [Sequential Organ Failure Assessment] together with Tc-99m DMSA cortical renal scintigraphy. Patients’ death in the ICU or discharge was considered as the end point of the study representing the so-called short term outcome [STO]. Results: 25% mortality rate [10/40] was found along the admission period in the ICU. All non-survivors were abnormal with DMSA imaging [NPV & PPV 100% & 66.7% respectively]. Abnormal DMSA cases showed significant positive associations with serum creatinine at admission [r = 0.5;P 0.02];admission duration [r = 0.4;P 0.002];APACHE II score [r = 0.5;P 0.004] and STO [r = 0.4;P 0.03]. Statistically significant difference was elicited between subjects with normal and abnormal DMSA regarding the same parameters. Conclusion: This preliminary data could raise Tc-99m DMSA renal imaging as a prognostic tool in SARF that could allow influential interference to prohibit dramatic outcomes as mortality.展开更多
CSP （concentrating solar power） is a commercially available renewable energy technology capable of harnessing the immense solar resource in southern Europe, the MENA region （Middle East and North Africa）, and else...CSP （concentrating solar power） is a commercially available renewable energy technology capable of harnessing the immense solar resource in southern Europe, the MENA region （Middle East and North Africa）, and elsewhere. This paper summarises the findings of a study by the European Academies Science Advisory Council which has examined the current status and development challenges of CSP, and consequently has evaluated the potential contribution of CSP in Europe and the MENA region to 2050. It identifies the actions that will be required by scientists, engineers, policy makers, politicians, business and investors alike, to enable this vast solar resource to make a major contribution to establishing a sustainable energy system. The study concludes that cost reductions of 50%-60% in CSP electricity may reasonably be expected in the next 10-15 years, enabling the technology to be cost competitive with fossil-fired power generation at some point between 2020 and 2030. Incorporation of storage delivers added value in enabling CSP to deliver dispatchable power. Incentive schemes will be needed in Europe and MENA countries to enable this point to be achieved. Such schemes should reflect the true value of electricity to the grid, effectively drive research and development, and ensure transparency of performance and cost data.展开更多
基金financially supported by Shandong Taishanghuangjing Biotechnology Co.Ltd.received Faculty-Development Competitive Research Grants Program of Nazarbayev University(ID:16797152,ie,15798117(110119FD4531)to Yingqiu Xie,and ID:16796808,ie,15874919(110119FD4542)to Haiyan Fan and Yingqiu Xie)2019 Asian Universities Alliance(AUA)fellowship of United Arab Emirates University(UAEU)to Yingqiu Xie and Amr Amin.
文摘Recently,traditional Chinese medicine-based treatment has succeeded in fighting coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and Rhizoma polygonati(Huangjing)has been one of the recommended components.Its processed products play antidiabetic,antiviral,antitumor,antioxidation,antifatigue,antiaging,and immune enhancement roles.The climate in Mount Tai is mild,and the dense forest is suitable for the growth of Rhizome polygonati,which has gradually evolved into a unique specie.Considering the important medicinal value and pleasant taste of Mount Tai-Rhizoma polygonati,various healthy and functional food products,controlled by quality markers with anti-COVID-19 potential,as well as emergency foods can be developed.The study aimed to review current evidence on the nutritional value of Rhizoma polygonati from Mount Tai and its usefulness as a traditional Chinese medicine,source of herbzyme,and potential remediating agent for COVID-19 and food shortage.Most recent findings regarding herbal nanomedicine have revealed that nanoscale chemical compounds are potentially efficient in drug delivery or nanozyme catalysis upon bioprocessing.Nanoflower structure is found in processed Rhizoma polygonati by self-assembly and has wide application in enzymatic events,particularly nanoscale herbzyme.The novel findings regarding Mount Tai-Rhizoma polygonati could enhance its novel applications in chronic and hidden hunger,clinical nanomedicine,and as an anti-COVID-19 agent.
文摘Background: The optimal dose of palliative radiotherapy (RT) in symptomatic advanced lung cancer is unclear. Patients and methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC who were indicated for thoracic palliative RT with age up to 65 y and Performance Status (PS) 0 - 2 and no significant cardiac or lung co-morbidities were randomized into two fractionation arms: arm A: 30 Gy/10 over 2 weeks and arm B: 27 Gy/6 over 3 weeks (2 fractions per week) using 2 anterior posterior (AP-PA) fields in both arms. Primary end points were symptomatic and radiological tumor response, respiratory functions assessment. Secondary end point was toxicity. Results: From December 2014 to October 2015, 40 patients were randomized, 20 patients in each arm. There was statistically insignificant higher symptomatic improvement in arm B. Four weeks after treatment, 12 out of 40 patients (30%), 6 patients in each arm, had radiological Partial Response (PR) of the primary thoracic lesion without significant difference between the two arms. There was a tendency for improvement in the post treatment mean Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) in each arm without statistical significance. There were no reported skin reactions or esophagitis in both arms up to 4 weeks after treatment. Eleven out of the 40 patients (27.5%), 6 in arm B and 5 in arm A, had radiological signs of radiation pneumonitis without significant difference between both arms. Conclusion: The two RT fractionation schedules showed equal efficacy in terms of symptoms relief, radiological response of the primary thoracic tumor, respiratory functions and toxicity. Thus the 27 Gy/6 fractionation arm appears preferable compared to 30 Gy/10 arm to minimize the patients’ visits and load on the machines.
文摘Aim： To evaluate the protective effects of ginger （Gin） and roselle （Ros） against testicular damage and oxidative stress in a cisplatin （CIS）-induced rodent model. Their protective effects against CIS-induced apoptosis in testicular and epididymal sperms is also investigated. Methods： Ethanol extracts of Gin or Ros （1 g/kg.day） were given orally to male albino rats for 26 days. This period began 21 days before a single CIS intraperitoneal injection （10 mg/kg body weight）. Results： Gin or Ros given orally significantly restored reproductive function. Both tested extracts notably reduced the CIS-induced reproductive toxicity, as evidenced by restoring the testis normal morphology. In Gin and Ros, the attenuation of CIS-induced damage was associated with less apoptotic cell death both in the testicular tissue and in the sperms. CIS-induced alterations of testicular lipid peroxidation were markedly improved by these plant extracts. Conclusion： The present results provide further insights into the mechanisms of protection against CIS-induced reproductive toxicity and confirm the essential anti-oxidant potential of both examined extracts. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar; 10： 291-297）
文摘The aim of this study is to examine the effect of intragastric administration of chlorella (1 g/kg body weight) for a period of 30 days to treat normal and diabetic male Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg - 1 body weight). A significant (p < 0.05) reduction of blood glucose level in diabetic chlorella-treated rats was observed compared to diabetic untreated. Chlorella increased the number of glutathione-positive cell in diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetics. Chlorella administration increased the percentage of insulin secreting pancreatic beta cells both in normal and diabetic treated rats. Percentage of glucagon producing alpha cells of the pancreas were reduced both in normal and diabetic chlorella-treated rats. Chlorella-induced regenerative ability on pancreas was mediated by up-regulation of Ki67 and down-regulation of P53 and by its potent anti-oxidant ability. The present results suggest that chlorella may play an important role in improving the overall condition of diabetic patients and delay its complication by restoring the function of pancreatic insulin-secreting cells.
文摘Purpose: To investigate if intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offers a better planning target volume (PTV) coverage and/or lower dose to normal thoracic structures in comparison to three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) in the treatment of mid and lower oesophageal carcinoma patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective study in the period from 2014 till 2015 was held in the radiation therapy department of the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, in which 20 locally advanced or inoperable mid and lower oesophageal cancer patients were treated by chemo-radiation using 3DCRT technique. IMRT plans were generated for those 20 patients. The 3DCRT and IMRT plans were compared as regards PTV coverage and doses to critical organs at risk. Results: All plans had produced satisfactory PTV coverage with no significant differences noted. The lung V20 for both lungs in 3DCRT was 16.94% ± 4.2% which was increased to 21.42% ± 3.6% in IMRT (p = 0.017). The mean dose to the heart and V30 were higher in IMRT plans while the mean dose to the spinal cord was higher with 3DCRT plans, yet that didn’t reach a statistically significant level (p = 0.156). The dose delivered to the liver didn’t pose any difference between both techniques. Conclusion: 3DCRT remains to be a feasible cost effective treatment delivery option for mid and lower oesophageal cancer cases with a lower optimization and delivery time than that for IMRT. Moreover, that calls for further dosimetric studies and clinical trials to assess IMRT technique. In our study, IMRT using nine fields didn’t prove to be superior to 3DCRT.
基金Supported by National Research Foundation Grant No.UIRCA 2012-21832 for A.Amin
文摘AIM： To evaluate the qualitative and quantitativechanges in N-linked glycosylation, which occurredin association with diethyl nitrosamine-inducedhepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） in rodents.METHODS： Liver tissues of （1） normal （non-tumorbearing）rats; and （2） tumor-bearing rats; were collectedand were used for histological and GlycanMap？ analyses.Briefly, GlycanMap？ analysis is a high-throughputassay that provides a structural and quantitativereadout of protein-associated glycans using a unique,automated 96-well assay technology coupled tomatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-offlightmass spectrometry and custom bioinformatics.Histopathological studies were carried out to ensure thedevelopment of HCC in the tested animals.RESULTS： The N-glycomic analysis revealed 5glycans; Glc1Man9GlcNAc2, Gal2Man3GlcNac4Fuc1Neu1,Man4G l c N a c 2, G a l 2Man3G l c N a c 4Neu3OAc 3, andMan3GlcNac5Fuc1, which showed significant changesin rat HCC tissues when compared with normal livertissues. Four glycans were increased （P 〈 0.05） andGlc1Man9GlcNAc2 was decreased （5.89 ± 0.45 vs 3.54± 0.21, P 〈 0.01） in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. An increase （66.5 ± 1.05 vs 62.7 ± 1.1,P 〈 0.05） in high-mannose structures in HCC rats wasobserved compared to normal rats. Importantly, HCCrats showed an increase （P 〈 0.05） in both tumorassociatedcarbohydrates and in branched glycans. Thechanges in glycans correlated well with glycan flowchanges reported in the glycan biosynthetic pathway,which indicates the importance of enzyme activitiesinvolved in glycan synthesis at different subcellularlocalizations.CONCLUSION： The reported HCC-associated changesin glycan flow and subcellular localization explain theincrease in high mannose glycans and siayl Lewisglycans common in HCC liver tissues.
文摘Objective： Gene expression profiling of breast cancer has identified five molecularly distinct subtypes of breast cancer that have different biological behavior and clinical outcomes. These subtypes are termed luminal A, luminal B, luminal HER2, HER2-enriched and triple negative breast cancers （TNBC）. We aimed at identification of breast cancer subtypes among Egyptian population and their clinicopathologic features using ER, PR and HER2, KJ-67 and CK5/6. Methods： Tumors from 100 patients with invasive duct carcinoma were subtyped by immunohistochemistry using ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67 and CK5/6. The prognostic value of the immunohistochemical assignment for breast cancer disease-specific survival was inves- tigated by using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results： Immunohistochemical profiling classified 22 cases as luminal A, 33 cases as luminal B, 9 cases as luminal HER2, 26 cases as HER2-enriched and 10 cases as TNBC. Tumors that measured more than 3.5 cm, showed predominance of HER2-enriched subtype. HER2-enriched and luminal B subtypes dominated the node positive cases （35.4% and 33.8%; respectively）. Large tumor size （〉 3.5 cm）, hormone receptor negative state and HER2 positive state were associated with poor prognosis. Disease free survivals （DFSs） were significantly different （P 〈 0.0001） among different breast subtypes with worst 2-year DFS for HER2-enriched subtype （40.77%） followed by luminal A （63.56%）. DFS was almost similar in the remaining other subtypes, and luminal B, luminal HER2 and TNBC which were 86.85%, 87.5% and 88.89%; respectively. Conclusion： ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67 constituted a strong surrogate for molecular breast cancer subtypes and can be easily applied. HER2-enriched subtype carries worse features being associated with large tumor size, nodal metastasis and is associated with poor outcome. Luminal A is a heterogeneous subtype with underlying several factors that can turn its prognosis adversely. TNBC subtype may behave unexpected in a favorable way.
文摘The use of plants to improve dental health and to promote oral hygiene has been practiced for centuries and persists in several communities throughout the world. Salvadora persica (Miswak) has a wide geographic distribution. The ancient Arabs had the habit of using it to whiten and polish the teeth. Here, we determined in vitro antioxidant activity, total phenols and flavonoids and evaluated antiproliferative activity of the extract of S. persica (Miswak). The MTT assay was used to estimate the antiproliferative activities of the extract against human hepatoma (HepG2) cancer cell line. Inhibition percentage of DPPH scavenging activity was dose-dependent and ranged from (30.7% ± 0.62) to (5.89% ± 0.98). The phenolic content was (2.7 ± 0.11) mg GAE/g while the flavonoid content was (2.70 ± 0.45) mg QE/g. Antiproliferative results of the extracts were found to be consistent with their antioxidant activity. Our extract also exhibited clear antiangiogenic activity. These findings introduce S. persica as the useful and novel potential anti-tumor agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment.
文摘Background: Radiotherapy (RT) techniques after Conservative Breast Surgery (CBS) vary. Three Dimension (3D) planning allows for better plan optimization compared to 2 Dimension (2D) plans and also allowing for creating Dose Volume Histograms (DVHs) for both Planning Target Volume (PTV) and Organs at Risk (OAR). Patients and Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with CBS planned for whole breast and supraclavicular (SCV) RT at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Egypt between January and June 2016 were included in this study. All patients were planned clinically in 2D fashion with no more than 2 cm of ipsilateral lung allowed in the tangential fields “Limited 2D” (Limit-2D) then Target and OAR volumes were drawn according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) guidelines and 3D plans and a central slice PTV-based 2D plan, “Modified 2D” (Mod-2D), were performed in the same Computerized Tomography (CT) slices for each patient. Mono-Iso-Centeric technique (MIT) was used in 3D plans. DVH parameters were used to compare the three plans. Results: In 3D plans, compared to Limit-2D, coverage improved for the intact breast (V95% = 95% versus (Vs) 69%, p = 0.036) and SCVPTV (V90% = 90% Vs 65%, p = 0.01). The breast and SCV V 107%, V112% and Dmax were better with 3D plan however not statistical significant (NS). Junctional hot spots were 120% and 107% in the Limit-2D and 3D plans respectively (p = 0.04). The dose to the heart, mean (333 Vs 491 cGy), V10 (5% Vs 10%) and V20 (3% Vs 7%), Ipsilateral lung V20 (19% Vs 26%), and contra lateral breast D-max (205 Vs 462 cGy) were higher in 3D plans however NS, and the dose to the cord was the same. Comparison between 3D and Mod-2D showed better OAR sparing with 3D with mean heart dose (491 cGy Vs 782 cGy, p = 0.025) and Ipsilateral lung V20 (26% Vs 32%, p = 0.07% with statistically comparable target coverage. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that application of 3D plan using MIT improves coverage of breast and SCVPTVs with minimizing hot spot at the junctional area if compared with Limit-2D plans with comparable dose to OAR. When compared with Mod-2D plans, 3D plans not only had better target coverage but also better sparing of OAR, the latter was statistically significant.
文摘Purpose: To evaluate treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of pediatric Medulloblastoma (MB) patients treated by adjuvant post-operative riskadapted radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted based on medical records of pediatric patients with pathologically confirmed MB treated between 2006 and 2013 at the National cancer Institute (NCI), Egypt. Various patients’ and disease characteristics, treatment details and outcome data were reviewed. Results: Fifty patients’ records were included in the analysis with a median age of 6 years at diagnosis (range 3 - 18). According to the Chang staging system;38%, 44%, 4%, and 14% were M0, M1, M2, and M3, respectively. All patients underwent primary surgery;gross total resection (with no residual) in 38%, near total resection (with residual ≤1.5 cm2) in 8%, subtotal resection (with residual > 1.5 cm2) in 34%, and 20% had only biopsy. All patients were treated by riskadapted craniospinal irradiation (CSI);high-risk patients were treated by CSI 36 Gy/20 fractions over 4 weeks followed by posterior fossa (PF) boost 18 Gy/10 fractions over 2 weeks (180 cGy per fraction), while standard-risk patients were treated by CSI 23.4 Gy/13 fractions over 2 and half weeks followed by PF boost 30.6 Gy/17 fractions over 3 and half weeks. Median overall treatment time (OTT) was 52 days. All patients received adjuvant CT;47 patients (94%) received concomitant chemo radiotherapy (CCRT), while 4 patients (8%) only received neoadjuvant CT (NB: only one patient received all neoadjuvant, concomitant and adjuvant CT). With a median follow up time of 32.5 months, ranging from 6 to 104 months, the whole group estimates of the overall survival (OS) at 1, 3, and 5 years were 83%, 70%, and 64%, respectively, while, the progression-free survival (PFS) rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 79%, 62%, and 57% respectively. Four patients relapsed. Neural-axis was the commonest site of relapse (3 patients). Both risk groups were equally represented in relapsed patients (2 standard risk & 2 high risk patients) and relapse took place within 2 years. In univariate analysis, performance status,extent of surgery, and post-operative residual tumor size were significant prognostic factors for OS. On the other hand, factors which affected the PFS included gender, extent of surgery, and post-operative residual tumor. Conclusion: Neural-axis relapse was the commonest site of relapse for pediatric MB patients. Extent of surgical resection, post-operative residual tumor, and gender are powerful prognostic factors. Maximal safe resection is the standard surgical approach for MB patients to achieve cure.
文摘Background: Sound prognostic data in sepsis induced acute renal failure (SARF) are lacking especially on the short term outcome [STO] in the intensive care unit [ICU]. We addressed the use of Tc-99m DMSA [2,3-dimercaptosuccinicacid] renal cortical imaging as a prognostic tool in SARF. Methods: Forty patients with acute renal failure due to sepsis [age range 15-74 years;median 44.5] were subjected for full history taking complete physical examination, routine ICU monitoring, routine laboratory investigations, APACHE II [Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation] and SOFA [Sequential Organ Failure Assessment] together with Tc-99m DMSA cortical renal scintigraphy. Patients’ death in the ICU or discharge was considered as the end point of the study representing the so-called short term outcome [STO]. Results: 25% mortality rate [10/40] was found along the admission period in the ICU. All non-survivors were abnormal with DMSA imaging [NPV & PPV 100% & 66.7% respectively]. Abnormal DMSA cases showed significant positive associations with serum creatinine at admission [r = 0.5;P 0.02];admission duration [r = 0.4;P 0.002];APACHE II score [r = 0.5;P 0.004] and STO [r = 0.4;P 0.03]. Statistically significant difference was elicited between subjects with normal and abnormal DMSA regarding the same parameters. Conclusion: This preliminary data could raise Tc-99m DMSA renal imaging as a prognostic tool in SARF that could allow influential interference to prohibit dramatic outcomes as mortality.
文摘CSP （concentrating solar power） is a commercially available renewable energy technology capable of harnessing the immense solar resource in southern Europe, the MENA region （Middle East and North Africa）, and elsewhere. This paper summarises the findings of a study by the European Academies Science Advisory Council which has examined the current status and development challenges of CSP, and consequently has evaluated the potential contribution of CSP in Europe and the MENA region to 2050. It identifies the actions that will be required by scientists, engineers, policy makers, politicians, business and investors alike, to enable this vast solar resource to make a major contribution to establishing a sustainable energy system. The study concludes that cost reductions of 50%-60% in CSP electricity may reasonably be expected in the next 10-15 years, enabling the technology to be cost competitive with fossil-fired power generation at some point between 2020 and 2030. Incorporation of storage delivers added value in enabling CSP to deliver dispatchable power. Incentive schemes will be needed in Europe and MENA countries to enable this point to be achieved. Such schemes should reflect the true value of electricity to the grid, effectively drive research and development, and ensure transparency of performance and cost data.
