Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in patients presenting with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).

Background And Study Aims: Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is defined as bleeding of unknown origin that persists or recurs after an initial negative investigation. Identifying the source of OGIB represents a diagnostic challenge that is frequently focused on visualizing the small intestine. Conventional diagnostic methods, such as push enteroscopy, small-bowel follow-through, radionuclide scanning, and angiography, each exhibit inherent limitations.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic-ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in endoscopic biopsy negative gastrointestinal lesions.

Background And Objectives: Many cases of gastrointestinal (GI) tumors as lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, and most of submucosal tumors (SMT) such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and leiomyoma are difficult to diagnose as they frequently yield negative endoscopic biopsies. We evaluated the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the diagnosis of endoscopic biopsy negative GI tumors.

Patients And Methods: One hundred and nine patients with biopsy negative GI tumors were included in this prospective study.

Assessment of interleukin 28B genotype as a predictor of response to combined therapy with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in HCV infected Egyptian patients.

Background And Aim: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene is associated with spontaneous clearance and variable response to combined therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. This study aimed at assessing the value of IL28B rs8099917 gene polymorphism in predicting sustained virological response (SVR) among HCV infected Egyptian patients treated with PEG-IFN and RBV.

Methods: Our study was conducted on 153 chronic HCV infected patients treated with PEG-IFN and RBV.

Significance of plasma osteopontin in diagnosis of hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background And Study Aims: Alfa fetoprotein (AFP) is widely used as a surveillance test for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). However, the clinical use of AFP has been shown to present some important limitations in sensitivity and specificity. Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted matrix glycoprotein that is emerging as a significant protein in the biology of HCC.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphisms and hypertension in occupational noise exposure in Egypt.

Background: The gene-environment interaction in the pathogenesis of hypertension has not been extensively studied in occupational noise.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between noise and hypertension in Egyptian workers, the interaction of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms as modifiers, and the possible relationship between noise hearing impairment and hypertension.

Methods: Study subjects were divided into two groups depending on noise exposure level.

Role of high resolution ultrasound/endosonography and elastography in predicting lymph node malignancy.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of high resolution ultrasonography (US) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-elastography in predicting malignant lymphadenopathy.

Patients And Methods: This prospective study included 88 patients who underwent EUS or US examination of different groups of lymph nodes (LNs). The classification as benign or malignant based on the real time elastography pattern and the B-mode US/EUS images was compared with the final diagnosis obtained by EUS or US guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), tru-cut biopsy or excisional biopsy and follow-up in benign lesions not indicated for biopsy for at least 12 months.

Short-term evaluation of autologous transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in patients with cirrhosis: Egyptian study.

Background: Stem cell-based therapy has received attention as a possible alternative to organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of autologous transplantation of bone marrow (BM)-derived stromal cells in post-HCV liver cirrhosis patients.

Methodology: 10 × 10(6) of isolated human bone marrow (HBM)-stromal cells in 10 mL normal saline were injected in the spleen of 20 patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis guided by the ultrasonography, and then patients were followed up on monthly basis for six months.

Impact of occupational exposure to elemental mercury on some antioxidative enzymes among dental staff.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of elemental mercury exposure on renal function and antioxidative enzymes activity as a possible mechanism of renal affection among dental staff.

Methods: This study was performed on a group of dental staff exposed to elemental mercury (N = 32) and matched control group (N = 37). Urinary and blood level of mercury, albumin α1 microgloblin in urine, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase blood level were measured for the exposed and control group.