It is known that lymphocytes immunophenotype is a reflection of the functional level of the immune system. The immunosuppressive effect of major burns is also known for many years. T lymphocytes of 50 major burn patients were analyzed in base line (BL) samples at 24 hours and at 1 week and 2 weeks after burn, using monoclonal antibodies of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25 (IL2R) and HLA-DR by flow cytometry and β2-microglobulin (β2-m) by ELISA. Recorded values were compared with those of 50 healthy donors. There was statistically significant reduction in absolute number of CD3 positive cells (CD3+) (p0.000) and CD4/CD8 ratio (p=0.01) in the first 24 hours in comparison with controls. CD25 (IL-2R) shows insignificant upregulation on T lymphocytes after burn with significant upregulation of HLA-DR. The absolute number of CD3+ cells began to increase after 2 weeks (p=0.03) but remained less than controls (p=0.08). CD4/CD8 ratio was more or less same as healthy controls after 2 weeks. Upregulation of CD25 was insignificantly increased and that of HLA-DR was markedly increased after 2 weeks (p=0.001). Significant negative correlations were detected between mean values of β2-m and both absolute numbers of CD3 and CD4 positive cells in BL and one week samples. In addition there was significant correlation between mean values of β2-m and values of CD25 expression in the BL samples. The obtained data is suggestive of persistent activation of T lymphocytes two weeks after major burns whereas early shedding of β2-m is related to activation of lymphocytes increasing their susceptibility to apoptosis, both indicative of altered immune response. Burn intensivists and surgeons should be keen to support the patients’ immune system in the first hours following major burns. This support will ensure free-bacteremic blood with a consequent better prognosis.

Objective: to evaluate the prognostic role of serum VEGF and angiostatin levels in patients with HCC. Patients and methods: Between April 2010 and April 2012, 40 patients diagnosed with HCC, presented to the Departments of Gastroenterology and clinical oncology, Assiut Univ. Hospital were recruited in this study. The control group consisted of 40 healthy individuals and another group of 40 cirrhotic patients with no evidence of HCC attending the Gastroenterology clinic of our hospital were included. Serum samples were prospectively collected from all groups for estimation of α-FP, VEGF, and angiostatin levels using ELISA technique. Patients with HCC were managed according to the BCLC strategy. All patients were reviewed in the Gastroenterology and oncology clinics at least every 1 to 2 months. Results: The mean serum VEGF concentrations (632.3±5.1 pg/mL) were significantly higher in patients with HCC than in liver cirrhosis patients and healthy controls (mean value148.0±23.32 pg/mL, and 45.0±6.4 pg/mL, respectively) (P 0.05). In addition, HCC patients showed increased serum VEGF concentrations with increased BCLC score (Odd’s Ratio1.05 - 95% confidence interval 1.11–3.9). On multivariate analysis, serum VEGF level was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 1.86 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.10 to 3.92); P = 0.032). We also found that angiostatin levels were significantly lower in HCC patients compared with patients with liver cirrhosis and control subjects (P 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between serum angiostatin levels and VEGF levels. We did not find any correlation between angiostatin serum levels and overall survival. Conclusion: this study demonstrated that serum VEGF level is a prognostic marker for HCC that can help guidance in clinical decision-making regarding therapy and outcome. Our study also showed that angiostatin is potential diagnostic marker that may aid in early detection of HCC. However, further studies should be performed.

The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between follicular blood flow of the ovulatory follicle and the levels of serum E2 and nitric oxide (NO) in Ossimi ewe. Seven cyclic ewes were synchronized with a double injection PGF2. The follicular wave was examined daily until ovulation (disappearance of the large dominant follicle ultrasonographically) with transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography (8–10 MHz linear array transducer). The number of recruited follicles was 4.8 ± 0.9 (3–8 follicles) with diameter of 2.8 ± 0.1 mm. The interval from PGF2 injection to follicle deviation was 2.35 ± 0.07 days. The diameter of the first largest follicle (LF1) at recruitment day was 4 ± 0.3 mm while the diameter of the second largest follicle (LF2) was 3.7 ± 0.1 mm. The diameter of LF1 at the day of deviation was 5.1 ± 0.5 mm while the diameter of the LF2 was 4 ± 0.7 mm. The diameter of the ovulatory follicle was 6.1 ± 0.5 at day of ovulation. We detected the blood flow area of the ovulatory follicle at D2. At ovulation, the blood flow area and blood flow area percent increased significantly to be 11.9 ± 0.6 mm2 and 44 ± 3.4% respectively. The results showed a positive correlation between E2 and NO (r = 0.85, P 0.009). Both increased concomitantly with the diameter of the ovulatory follicle. Besides, NO and E2 reached a maximum level at ovulation (12.1 ± 1.8 ng/ml and 16.4 ± 1.7 pg/ml respectively).

The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between follicular blood flow of the ovulatory follicle and the levels of serum E2 and nitric oxide (NO) in Ossimi ewe. Seven cyclic ewes were synchronized with a double injection PGF2. The follicular wave was examined daily until ovulation (disappearance of the large dominant follicle ultrasonographically) with transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography (8–10 MHz linear array transducer). The number of recruited follicles was 4.8 ± 0.9 (3–8 follicles) with diameter of 2.8 ± 0.1 mm. The interval from PGF2 injection to follicle deviation was 2.35 ± 0.07 days. The diameter of the first largest follicle (LF1) at recruitment day was 4 ± 0.3 mm while the diameter of the second largest follicle (LF2) was 3.7 ± 0.1 mm. The diameter of LF1 at the day of deviation was 5.1 ± 0.5 mm while the diameter of the LF2 was 4 ± 0.7 mm. The diameter of the ovulatory follicle was 6.1 ± 0.5 at day of ovulation. We detected the blood flow area of the ovulatory follicle at D2. At ovulation, the blood flow area and blood flow area percent increased significantly to be 11.9 ± 0.6 mm2 and 44 ± 3.4% respectively. The results showed a positive correlation between E2 and NO (r = 0.85, P 0.009). Both increased concomitantly with the diameter of the ovulatory follicle. Besides, NO and E2 reached a maximum level at ovulation (12.1 ± 1.8 ng/ml and 16.4 ± 1.7 pg/ml respectively).

Objectives : We have analyzed t(12;21)(p13:q22) in an attempt to evaluate the frequency and prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion gene in patients with childhood CD 10 positive B-ALL by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Also, we have monitored the prognostic value of this gene as a minimal residual disease (MRD). Methods: All bone marrow samples of eighty patients diagnosed as CD 10 positive B-ALL in South Egypt Cancer Institute were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for t(12;21) in newly diagnosed cases and after morphological complete remission as a minimal residual disease (MRD). We determined the prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion represented by disease course and survival. Results: TEL-AML1 fusion gene was positive in (37.5%) in newly diagnosed patients. There was a significant correlation between TEL-AML1 fusion gene both at diagnosis (r = 0.5, P = 0.003) and as a MRD (r = 0.4, P = 0.01) with favorable course. Kaplan-Meier curve for the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion at the diagnosis was associated with a better probability of overall survival (OS); mean survival time was 47 ± 1 month, in contrast to 28 ± 5 month in its absence (P = 0.006). Also, the persistence at TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD was not significantly associated with a better probability of OS; the mean survival time was 42 ± 2 months in the presence of MRD and it was 40 ± 1 months in its absence. So, persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD had no additive prognostic value over its measurement at diagnosis in terms of predicting the probability of OS. Conclusion: For most patients, the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion gene at diagnosis suggests a favorable prognosis. The present study suggests that persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as MRD has no additive prognostic value.

Objectives : We have analyzed t(12;21)(p13:q22) in an attempt to evaluate the frequency and prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion gene in patients with childhood CD 10 positive B-ALL by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Also, we have monitored the prognostic value of this gene as a minimal residual disease (MRD). Methods: All bone marrow samples of eighty patients diagnosed as CD 10 positive B-ALL in South Egypt Cancer Institute were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for t(12;21) in newly diagnosed cases and after morphological complete remission as a minimal residual disease (MRD). We determined the prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion represented by disease course and survival. Results: TEL-AML1 fusion gene was positive in (37.5%) in newly diagnosed patients. There was a significant correlation between TEL-AML1 fusion gene both at diagnosis (r = 0.5, P = 0.003) and as a MRD (r = 0.4, P = 0.01) with favorable course. Kaplan-Meier curve for the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion at the diagnosis was associated with a better probability of overall survival (OS); mean survival time was 47 ± 1 month, in contrast to 28 ± 5 month in its absence (P = 0.006). Also, the persistence at TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD was not significantly associated with a better probability of OS; the mean survival time was 42 ± 2 months in the presence of MRD and it was 40 ± 1 months in its absence. So, persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD had no additive prognostic value over its measurement at diagnosis in terms of predicting the probability of OS. Conclusion: For most patients, the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion gene at diagnosis suggests a favorable prognosis. The present study suggests that persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as MRD has no additive prognostic value.

Objectives : We have analyzed t(12;21)(p13:q22) in an attempt to evaluate the frequency and prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion gene in patients with childhood CD 10 positive B-ALL by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Also, we have monitored the prognostic value of this gene as a minimal residual disease (MRD). Methods: All bone marrow samples of eighty patients diagnosed as CD 10 positive B-ALL in South Egypt Cancer Institute were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for t(12;21) in newly diagnosed cases and after morphological complete remission as a minimal residual disease (MRD). We determined the prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion represented by disease course and survival. Results: TEL-AML1 fusion gene was positive in (37.5%) in newly diagnosed patients. There was a significant correlation between TEL-AML1 fusion gene both at diagnosis (r = 0.5, P = 0.003) and as a MRD (r = 0.4, P = 0.01) with favorable course. Kaplan-Meier curve for the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion at the diagnosis was associated with a better probability of overall survival (OS); mean survival time was 47 ± 1 month, in contrast to 28 ± 5 month in its absence (P = 0.006). Also, the persistence at TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD was not significantly associated with a better probability of OS; the mean survival time was 42 ± 2 months in the presence of MRD and it was 40 ± 1 months in its absence. So, persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD had no additive prognostic value over its measurement at diagnosis in terms of predicting the probability of OS. Conclusion: For most patients, the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion gene at diagnosis suggests a favorable prognosis. The present study suggests that persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as MRD has no additive prognostic value.

Objectives : We have analyzed t(12;21)(p13:q22) in an attempt to evaluate the frequency and prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion gene in patients with childhood CD 10 positive B-ALL by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Also, we have monitored the prognostic value of this gene as a minimal residual disease (MRD). Methods: All bone marrow samples of eighty patients diagnosed as CD 10 positive B-ALL in South Egypt Cancer Institute were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for t(12;21) in newly diagnosed cases and after morphological complete remission as a minimal residual disease (MRD). We determined the prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion represented by disease course and survival. Results: TEL-AML1 fusion gene was positive in (37.5%) in newly diagnosed patients. There was a significant correlation between TEL-AML1 fusion gene both at diagnosis (r = 0.5, P = 0.003) and as a MRD (r = 0.4, P = 0.01) with favorable course. Kaplan-Meier curve for the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion at the diagnosis was associated with a better probability of overall survival (OS); mean survival time was 47 ± 1 month, in contrast to 28 ± 5 month in its absence (P = 0.006). Also, the persistence at TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD was not significantly associated with a better probability of OS; the mean survival time was 42 ± 2 months in the presence of MRD and it was 40 ± 1 months in its absence. So, persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD had no additive prognostic value over its measurement at diagnosis in terms of predicting the probability of OS. Conclusion: For most patients, the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion gene at diagnosis suggests a favorable prognosis. The present study suggests that persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as MRD has no additive prognostic value.

Objectives : We have analyzed t(12;21)(p13:q22) in an attempt to evaluate the frequency and prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion gene in patients with childhood CD 10 positive B-ALL by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Also, we have monitored the prognostic value of this gene as a minimal residual disease (MRD). Methods: All bone marrow samples of eighty patients diagnosed as CD 10 positive B-ALL in South Egypt Cancer Institute were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for t(12;21) in newly diagnosed cases and after morphological complete remission as a minimal residual disease (MRD). We determined the prognostic significance of TEL-AML1 fusion represented by disease course and survival. Results: TEL-AML1 fusion gene was positive in (37.5%) in newly diagnosed patients. There was a significant correlation between TEL-AML1 fusion gene both at diagnosis (r = 0.5, P = 0.003) and as a MRD (r = 0.4, P = 0.01) with favorable course. Kaplan-Meier curve for the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion at the diagnosis was associated with a better probability of overall survival (OS); mean survival time was 47 ± 1 month, in contrast to 28 ± 5 month in its absence (P = 0.006). Also, the persistence at TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD was not significantly associated with a better probability of OS; the mean survival time was 42 ± 2 months in the presence of MRD and it was 40 ± 1 months in its absence. So, persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as a MRD had no additive prognostic value over its measurement at diagnosis in terms of predicting the probability of OS. Conclusion: For most patients, the presence of TEL-AML1 fusion gene at diagnosis suggests a favorable prognosis. The present study suggests that persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion as MRD has no additive prognostic value.

Background: We evaluated the significance of the genes, defined as DRB1*04 or DRB1*01, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We focused on the role of genetic and serologic markers to predict disease activity and destructive process of joints. Methods: Sixty patients with RA were examined. Radiographic changes were evaluated by (Larsen score) and disease activity was measured by disease activity score 28 (DAS28). The markers analyzed were: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP2) and HLA-DRB1 alleles typed by PCR. Results: In this study, anti-CCP antibodies, CRP, RF and AKA were detected in 83.3%, 56.7%, 71.7% and 52% of patients respectively. HLA-DRB1*01 was found in 45% of patients and 35% of them had one or two HLA-DRB1*04 alleles. According to DRB1*04 subtypes, (DRB1* 0405) was present in of 80% them. For prediction of grade of activity, the independent predictors were anti- CCP (OR 19.6), and DRB1*04 positive allele (OR 5.1). The combination of DRB1*04 + anti-CCP antibodies gave increase in the specificity and positive predictive value to 92% and 90 respectively. As regards to the prediction of radiological joint damage, the independent predictors were HLADRB1* 04, HLA-DRB1*01, RF, and CRP > 18 (OR 5.5, 4.5, 2.5, 2.0 respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that anti-CCP2 is superior to RF for the detection of RA and provided predictive information on joint destruction and disease activity. The presence of RA associated antibodies (ACCP or RF) and/or the SE genes are indicative for a poorer radiological outcome and higher grade of activity.