Background: Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease. While neither life threatening nor phy... more Background: Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease. While neither life threatening nor physically debilitating, acne can severely affect social and psychological functioning. The present study aims to study the overall impact of acne vulgaris on the patient’s quality of life. Patients and Methods: A total of 150 patients with acne vulgaris and 50 healthy controls were evaluated. Acne patients were evaluated through Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory-Adult version (CFSEI-AD) and Symptom Chick List-90-Revised (SCL-90.R). The controls were evaluated through SCL-90.R, and CFSEI-AD. Results: The mean scores of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in male acne patients were found to be higher than that of female patients in symptoms and feelings, daily activities, personal relationships and treatment and only significant for leisure (P = 0.005) and total score (P = 0.022). Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory (CFSEI-AD) score of patients was si...
The Egyptian journal of immunology / Egyptian Association of Immunologists, 2012
Deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies have recently been suggested as reliable tools for celiac d... more Deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies have recently been suggested as reliable tools for celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. We compared their utility for diagnosis CD in comparison to the routinely used anti-endomysial, and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies. We studied 65 patients (17 men, 48 women; age range, 17- 63 years) who underwent intestinal biopsy because of clinical suspicion of small-bowel disorders. Serum samples were obtained at the time of biopsy for measuring IgA and IgG anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG), IgA and IgG anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DOP) by ELISA and IgA anti-endomesial antibody (EmA) by indirect immunoflouresce. Characterization of patients was based on histological criteria (Marsh type II lesion or greater). Biopsy revealed that 14 patients had positive criteria for CD. The remaining 51 negative patients were used as controls. Assay sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing celiac disease were 85.7% and 92.2% for IgA and 92.9 and 100% for IgG ant...
The term granuloma annulare (GA) appropriately describes the classic type characterized by ringed... more The term granuloma annulare (GA) appropriately describes the classic type characterized by ringed erythematous plaques with histological palisaded granulomatous inflammation. However, GA now includes a range of disease. Over time, more atypical, rare types have been reported in isolated case reports or small case series. Here, we describe a unique case of generalized GA presented by two morphologically different lesions in a 52 years old diabetic man. To the best of our knowledge, this association has never been reported in the literature.
C ancer therapy can further impair the already poor semen quality in cancer patients. This study ... more C ancer therapy can further impair the already poor semen quality in cancer patients. This study evaluated the prefreeze and postthaw semen quality before treatment of patients with malignancies to examine the rationale for sperm banking for these men. Records of nine patients with different malignant tumors, who had been referred for sperm cryopreservation between 1982 and 1997, were reviewed and the results were compared with those of 50 normal healthy donors. Patients did not differ from donors in age, ejaculate volume, or duration of sexual abstinence. The total motile sperm count (median and interquartile range) was significantly different between patients and donors for prefreeze specimens (P = 0.026) and postthaw specimens (P = 0.008). Also, the percent motility was significantly lower in the patients as compared with the donors in prefreeze (P = 0.035) and postthaw specimens (P = 0.005). The percentage change in motility after thawing was also larger for patient samples (-54% versus-47%, P = 0.39). Other sperm motion characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups except for postthaw curvilinear velocity (P = 0.01). This study concludes that fresh and frozen-thawed semen from patients with malignant tumors is poor in quality but is still adequate for assisted reproductive techniques. As cancer therapy may further impair semen quality, patients should be offered the chance to bank sperm before undergoing cancer therapy.
In clinical practice, the attention given to sexual problems in patients with end-stage renal dis... more In clinical practice, the attention given to sexual problems in patients with end-stage renal disease is low. In order to evaluate the erectile function in chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) as a renal replacement therapy in upper Egypt, we used the abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). In all, 75 HD patients were subjected to clinical and laboratory investigations. The controls were 948 healthy males representing the general Egyptian population. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among the HD patients was 82.5% compared to 30% among controls. The prevalence of ED in HD group was significantly higher than in controls. The prevalence of ED in HD patients o50 y was 80% and it was 88% in those Z50 y, while the prevalence of ED among controls was 28 and 69.8%, respectively. The prevalence of severe degree of ED was significantly higher in both groups compared to controls, while moderate degree of ED showed a statistical significance compared to controls in age groups o50 y and mild degree of ED showed a statistical significance compared to controls in age groups Z50 y. The univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (r ¼ À0.3368, Po0.01), serum urea (r ¼ À0.5974, Po0.001), and creatinine level (r ¼ À0.5804, Po0.001) have a significant negative correlation with the presence of ED among HD patients, while serum hemoglobin (r ¼ 0.3396, Po0.001) and years of HD age (r ¼ 0.3147, Po0.01) have a significant positive correlation with the presence of ED among the HD patients. In view of the observed high prevalence of ED among the HD patients, we believe that a complete health evaluation of male HD patients should include a discussion about erectile function in the standard clinical care program of patients with renal disease.
Objectives: Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the etiolo... more Objectives: Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the etiology of male infertility. Quality control of chemiluminescence assay used to measure ROS production is important in evaluating the changes not only within the assay but also among the various observers. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the reliability of ROS measurement performed by assessing the inter-observer, intra-observer, and intra-assay variability. Design: Six healthy donors provided semen samples by masturbation after 2 to 3 days of sexual abstinence. Materials and Methods: After liquefaction, semen specimens were processed for ROS measurement. Briefly, samples were centrifuged at 300g for 7 minutes and the seminal plasma was removed. Pellet was suspended in 3mL of PBS buffer and washed again at 300g for 7 min. The sperm concentration was adjusted to 20 X10 6 sperm/mL after centrifugation. ROS levels were measured by chemiluminescence method using luminol as the probe in a Berthold luminometer. Each sample was measured in duplicate by three different observers. In addition, each donor sample was measured 3 times over a 3-week period. After log transformation of the ROS results, variance components were calculated using random effects ANOVA to compute reliability (inter-class correlations). Results: Average log ROS (ROS + 1) levels for donor sample's was 0.218 with an inter-assay variability of 0.077 (SD). The inter-observer standard deviation was 0.002 for an inter-observer reliability of 97.5% (CV = 0.9%). The intra-observer (between replication) standard deviation was 0.001, for an inter-observer reliability of 98.7% (CV = 0.5%). The intra-assay standard deviation was 0.005 for an intra-assay reliability of 93.8% (CV = 2%). There was no significant inter-observer, intra-observer, inter-or intra-assay variation (P> 0.80). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the chemiluminescence method for ROS measurement is both accurate and reliable. Seminal ROS levels can be measured easily in a clinical laboratory as a part of an infertility work-up.
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris can severely affect social and psychological functioning. OBJECTIVE: Th... more BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris can severely affect social and psychological functioning. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acne vulgaris and its severity on Quality of Life of young adolescents in Greece. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire based survey among 1560 adolescent between the ages of 11 and 19 years old and 1531 of these were completed. Adolescents with acne filled all the questions including the Children Dermatology Life Quality Index. Adolescents without acne filled the questions about age, family history of acne, stress and smoking. Data were analyzed with Pearson Chi Square test. RESULTS: Acne prevalence was 51.2% affecting both sexes equally. Self reported mild acne was present in 71.2% and moderate-severe acne in 28.8% of the study population. The mean age of the study population was 15.77y. The median score of Children Dermatology Life Quality Index was 4.02. The impact of acne on quality of life is associated with the severity of the a...
There have been controversial reports of an elevated prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori infec... more There have been controversial reports of an elevated prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic urticaria patients. Furthermore, in some studies remission of chronic urticaria has been reported after eradication of H. pylori. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection among chronic urticaria patients and to study the effect of eradication therapy on urticaria symptoms. Chronic urticaria patients (n= 235) were enrolled and H. pylori status was determined serologically. Thirty-® ve patients received antimicrobial triple therapy. 25% of the patients were positive for H. pylori. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was not signi® cantly higher among urticaria patients compared with the normal Finnish population in any of the age groups studied. Of the successfully treated patients, 27% showed remission of urticaria. Our data suggest that the prevalence of H. pylori infection is not elevated among chronic urticaria patients and that H. pylori eradication does not appear to in¯uence the course of chronic urticaria.
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that i... more Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that is highly heterogeneous in its presentation. Effective SLE patient care relies on serological biomarkers. There is high interest in the identification of autoantibodies other than Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA (Anti-dsDNA). Aim: To evaluate the use of antinucleosome (Anti-NCS) antibody as a single marker to detect disease activity and renal involvement in SLE patients. Methods and Material: This case-control study was carried out in Clinical Pathology Department at Assiut University Hospital in the period from 2014 to 2017. It included 92 patients. Sixty-two patients were diagnosed as SLE. Thirty patients had connective tissue diseases other than SLE (non-SLE). Twenty apparently healthy subjects were taken as controls. All subjects were tested for ANA, anti-dsDNA antibody and Serum anti-NCS antibody on Alegria ® (OR-GENTEC Diagnostic GmbH-Germany). Statistical analysis: Date entry and data analysis were done using SPSS Version 19, Chicago, USA (Statistical Package for Social Science). Results: There was higher significant elevation in the level of anti-NCS antibodies than anti-dsDNA in SLE patients in comparison to those with non-SLE and control groups.In LN patients anti-NCS antibodies were highly elevated than anti-dsDNA comparing to non LN patients. Anti-NCS antibodies had a stronger correlation than anti-dsDNA antibodies with SLEDAI score. In 22 negative anti-dsDNA SLE patients, 13 (59.1%) were positive for anti-NCS. Anti-NCS antibodies showed higher sensitivity and specificity than anti-dsDNA in SLE and LN patients. Conclusion: Anti-nucleosome antibodies is highly sensitive and specific in diagnosis of SLE, especially if anti-dsDNA antibodies are absent. Anti-NCS antibodies are good disease activity markers for the assessment of SLE and LN disease activity.
Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated form of hair loss that occurs in all ethnic groups, ag... more Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated form of hair loss that occurs in all ethnic groups, ages, and both sexes. Helicobacter pylori has been associated with many extra-digestive dermatological conditions. The causal relation between alopecia areata and Helicobacter pylori is discussed in this study. We have screened for the presence of H. pylori in patients with AA, in order to determine any potential role in its patho-physiology. We have prospectively studied 31 patients with alopecia areata and 24 healthy volunteers of similar gender, for the presence of H. pylori stool antigen (HpSAg). Optical density values for H. pylori infection was positive in 18 of the 31 patients evaluated (58.1%), while in 13 patients, the values did not support H. pylori infection (41.9%). In the control group, 10 of the 24 (41.7%) had positive results. Within the group of alopecia areata, there was no significant difference between HpSAg positive and negative patients. The results have shown that a relation between Helicobacter pylori and alopecia areata is not supported. We advise that H. pylori detection need not to be included in the laboratory work up of alopecia areata.
Sperm quality decreases significantly following freezing and research on improving cryosurvival r... more Sperm quality decreases significantly following freezing and research on improving cryosurvival rates is crucial. We compared the effects of two cryopreservation protocols to determine which method allows better preservation of sperm characteristics. Design: Prospective study in an Andrology Laboratory. Materials/Methods: Each sample was divided into two aliquots after liquefaction. Each aliquot was cryopreserved using two freezing protocols [Cleveland Clinic Foundation method (gradual freezing) and the Irvine Scientific (rapid freezing) method] using TEST-yolk buffer as the freezing medium. In the Cleveland Clinic Foundation method (CCF method) a 5mL vial of freezing medium was thawed and an aliquot equal to 25% of the original specimen volume was added to the specimen. This process was repeated four times to give a final ratio of 1:1 (v/v) of freezing medium to ejaculate. These aliquots were placed in cryovials at-20°C for 8 minutes followed by nitrogen vapors for 2 hours before being immersed in liquid nitrogen. In the Irvine Scientific method (IS method), the entire volume of freezing medium was added at one time and the specimens were immersed in liquid nitrogen. The step that included placing of cryovials at-20°C for 8 minutes was omitted. Prefreeze and post-thaw total sperm count, percentage motility, sperm motion characteristics and morphology (Kruger and WHO) were evaluated. Motility was analyzed at 0, 60, 120, 180 minutes after thawing. Results: Percentage motility was significantly lower in postthaw samples compared to prefreeze values in samples cryopreserved by the two methods. Postthaw sperm motility was greater in specimens processed by IS method compared to the CCF method (15.94 ± 9.14 vs. 12.07 ± 7.31; P <0.006). In addition, percent cryosurvival was also greater in IS method compared to the CCF method (47.42 ± 17.44 vs. 35.76 ± 17.56; P <0.008). Morphology was similar with both methods. Conclusions: Specimens cryopreserved by the IS method had a smaller decrease in sperm motility over time when compared to the CCF method. The IS method for sperm cryopreservation is easy and gives good results. It can be used routinely for long-term storage of human spermatozoa. Rapid freezing of sperm in cryopreservation gives better survival rates compared to gradual freezing, although one may assume that gradual acclimatization to very low temperatures would maintain the functional integrity of the sperm to a greater extent. This as ascertained by morphology is the similar by both protocols thus refuting common belief.
Introduction and Objectives: There is a growing concern regarding the potential detrimental effec... more Introduction and Objectives: There is a growing concern regarding the potential detrimental effects of sperm processing on sperm DNA integrity. We examined the extent of DNA damage in infertile patients with abnormal semen characteristics using two sperm preparation methods, the results were compared with a population of healthy controls. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 22 infertile men and 21 normal healthy male volunteers. These samples were processed by a 2-layer density gradient technique (ISolate) and the swim-up method. Sperm characteristics such as motility, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by chemiluminescence assay, and DNA damage by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) were evaluated both before and after processing by each method as well as between the patients and donors. Values are expressed as median and 25%, 75% interquartile range. Results: Patient samples before sperm preparation showed poor motility (P <0.0001), abnormal ROS (P <0.02), and a high amount of DNA damage [25.9 (21.3, 45.4)] compared to controls [19.4 (13.6, 25.15); p <0.02]. Both sperm preparation techniques were equally effective in improving sperm motility (P <0.0001) and lowering ROS levels (P <0.04). Semen samples prepared by the swim-up technique had significantly lower amounts of DNA damage compared to those prepared by Isolate (P <0.02); as well as to original unprocessed semen samples (P <0.01). Conclusions: Semen samples processed by swim-up technique show minimal amounts of DNA damage compared to those prepared by density gradient media such as ISolate. Since DNA damage is linked to the potential risk of transmission of genetic anomalies to the offspring and according to the latest reports sperm DNA damage of >30% by SCSA technique is predictive of failure of fertilization by in vitro fertilization method. In view of our results, we conclude that laboratories using density gradient media in sperm preparation for assisted reproduction should monitor those patients who fail to fertilize in the presence of normal egg and semen quality. Perhaps in these patients, sperm chromatin damage may be an underlying cause of fertilization failure; and, therefore, these patients could be tested for sperm DNA damage and appropriately counseled about the poor outcome by IVF and offered alternate therapeutic options.
Warts are common skin infections with both physical and psychological impacts. 1 It is caused by ... more Warts are common skin infections with both physical and psychological impacts. 1 It is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is an icosahedral nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA virus which can cause a variety of skin presentations according to its type, site, and the immune status. Nongenital warts may be presented as common, plane, planter, filiform, or mucosal warts. The prevalence of skin warts is between 2.4% and 12.9%. 2 Researchers are still trying to find an ideal treatment modality for warts which should be curative, painless, without side effects, and with no recurrence. Current treatment options include topical,
Semen analysis remains an essential test for evaluation of male infertility. The main components ... more Semen analysis remains an essential test for evaluation of male infertility. The main components of semen analysis are sperm count and motility. MicroCell counting chambers are proven devices for accurate measurement of sperm characteristics, while Standard Count was introduced recently. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of MicroCell and Standard Count chambers in measuring sperm count and percent motility. Design: Laboratory experiment comparing MicroCell and Standard count counting chambers for semen analysis Materials/Methods: Semen specimens from 7 normal donors and 14 infertile patients were analyzed after 30 minutes of liquefaction on MicroCell (Conception Technologies, San Diego, CA) and Standard Count chamber (Mid Atlantic Diagnostics, Inc., Medford, NJ). Both counting chambers are disposable and have a fixed preparation depth of 20µm. Five microliters of semen were loaded on the chambers and analyzed both manually and by a computer assisted semen analyzer (CASA, Motion Analysis Corporation, Model VP 110, Santa Rosa, CA). The two methods were compared with paired t-tests and Lin's coefficient of concordance. Results: CASA results for Standard Count were significantly lower than MicroCell (mean difference 3.6 X 10 6 /mL; p = 0.03. Using Standard Count, manual counts were on average 3.8 X 10 6 /mL higher than CASA (p = 0.04). The manual counts between the two chambers were not significantly different (p = 0.07), however, Standard Count averaged 3.6 X 10 6 /mL lower than MicroCell. In contrast, motility estimates were quite comparable between the two, with concordance of +0.95 using manual methods. Conclusions: MicroCell counting chambers and Standard Count analysis chambers are precise in their measurement of sperm concentration and motility. Standard Count can also be used successfully in an Andrology Laboratory for semen analysis purposes.
Background: Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease. While neither life threatening nor phy... more Background: Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease. While neither life threatening nor physically debilitating, acne can severely affect social and psychological functioning. The present study aims to study the overall impact of acne vulgaris on the patient’s quality of life. Patients and Methods: A total of 150 patients with acne vulgaris and 50 healthy controls were evaluated. Acne patients were evaluated through Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory-Adult version (CFSEI-AD) and Symptom Chick List-90-Revised (SCL-90.R). The controls were evaluated through SCL-90.R, and CFSEI-AD. Results: The mean scores of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in male acne patients were found to be higher than that of female patients in symptoms and feelings, daily activities, personal relationships and treatment and only significant for leisure (P = 0.005) and total score (P = 0.022). Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory (CFSEI-AD) score of patients was si...
The Egyptian journal of immunology / Egyptian Association of Immunologists, 2012
Deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies have recently been suggested as reliable tools for celiac d... more Deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies have recently been suggested as reliable tools for celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. We compared their utility for diagnosis CD in comparison to the routinely used anti-endomysial, and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies. We studied 65 patients (17 men, 48 women; age range, 17- 63 years) who underwent intestinal biopsy because of clinical suspicion of small-bowel disorders. Serum samples were obtained at the time of biopsy for measuring IgA and IgG anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG), IgA and IgG anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DOP) by ELISA and IgA anti-endomesial antibody (EmA) by indirect immunoflouresce. Characterization of patients was based on histological criteria (Marsh type II lesion or greater). Biopsy revealed that 14 patients had positive criteria for CD. The remaining 51 negative patients were used as controls. Assay sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing celiac disease were 85.7% and 92.2% for IgA and 92.9 and 100% for IgG ant...
The term granuloma annulare (GA) appropriately describes the classic type characterized by ringed... more The term granuloma annulare (GA) appropriately describes the classic type characterized by ringed erythematous plaques with histological palisaded granulomatous inflammation. However, GA now includes a range of disease. Over time, more atypical, rare types have been reported in isolated case reports or small case series. Here, we describe a unique case of generalized GA presented by two morphologically different lesions in a 52 years old diabetic man. To the best of our knowledge, this association has never been reported in the literature.
C ancer therapy can further impair the already poor semen quality in cancer patients. This study ... more C ancer therapy can further impair the already poor semen quality in cancer patients. This study evaluated the prefreeze and postthaw semen quality before treatment of patients with malignancies to examine the rationale for sperm banking for these men. Records of nine patients with different malignant tumors, who had been referred for sperm cryopreservation between 1982 and 1997, were reviewed and the results were compared with those of 50 normal healthy donors. Patients did not differ from donors in age, ejaculate volume, or duration of sexual abstinence. The total motile sperm count (median and interquartile range) was significantly different between patients and donors for prefreeze specimens (P = 0.026) and postthaw specimens (P = 0.008). Also, the percent motility was significantly lower in the patients as compared with the donors in prefreeze (P = 0.035) and postthaw specimens (P = 0.005). The percentage change in motility after thawing was also larger for patient samples (-54% versus-47%, P = 0.39). Other sperm motion characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups except for postthaw curvilinear velocity (P = 0.01). This study concludes that fresh and frozen-thawed semen from patients with malignant tumors is poor in quality but is still adequate for assisted reproductive techniques. As cancer therapy may further impair semen quality, patients should be offered the chance to bank sperm before undergoing cancer therapy.
In clinical practice, the attention given to sexual problems in patients with end-stage renal dis... more In clinical practice, the attention given to sexual problems in patients with end-stage renal disease is low. In order to evaluate the erectile function in chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) as a renal replacement therapy in upper Egypt, we used the abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). In all, 75 HD patients were subjected to clinical and laboratory investigations. The controls were 948 healthy males representing the general Egyptian population. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among the HD patients was 82.5% compared to 30% among controls. The prevalence of ED in HD group was significantly higher than in controls. The prevalence of ED in HD patients o50 y was 80% and it was 88% in those Z50 y, while the prevalence of ED among controls was 28 and 69.8%, respectively. The prevalence of severe degree of ED was significantly higher in both groups compared to controls, while moderate degree of ED showed a statistical significance compared to controls in age groups o50 y and mild degree of ED showed a statistical significance compared to controls in age groups Z50 y. The univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (r ¼ À0.3368, Po0.01), serum urea (r ¼ À0.5974, Po0.001), and creatinine level (r ¼ À0.5804, Po0.001) have a significant negative correlation with the presence of ED among HD patients, while serum hemoglobin (r ¼ 0.3396, Po0.001) and years of HD age (r ¼ 0.3147, Po0.01) have a significant positive correlation with the presence of ED among the HD patients. In view of the observed high prevalence of ED among the HD patients, we believe that a complete health evaluation of male HD patients should include a discussion about erectile function in the standard clinical care program of patients with renal disease.
Objectives: Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the etiolo... more Objectives: Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the etiology of male infertility. Quality control of chemiluminescence assay used to measure ROS production is important in evaluating the changes not only within the assay but also among the various observers. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the reliability of ROS measurement performed by assessing the inter-observer, intra-observer, and intra-assay variability. Design: Six healthy donors provided semen samples by masturbation after 2 to 3 days of sexual abstinence. Materials and Methods: After liquefaction, semen specimens were processed for ROS measurement. Briefly, samples were centrifuged at 300g for 7 minutes and the seminal plasma was removed. Pellet was suspended in 3mL of PBS buffer and washed again at 300g for 7 min. The sperm concentration was adjusted to 20 X10 6 sperm/mL after centrifugation. ROS levels were measured by chemiluminescence method using luminol as the probe in a Berthold luminometer. Each sample was measured in duplicate by three different observers. In addition, each donor sample was measured 3 times over a 3-week period. After log transformation of the ROS results, variance components were calculated using random effects ANOVA to compute reliability (inter-class correlations). Results: Average log ROS (ROS + 1) levels for donor sample's was 0.218 with an inter-assay variability of 0.077 (SD). The inter-observer standard deviation was 0.002 for an inter-observer reliability of 97.5% (CV = 0.9%). The intra-observer (between replication) standard deviation was 0.001, for an inter-observer reliability of 98.7% (CV = 0.5%). The intra-assay standard deviation was 0.005 for an intra-assay reliability of 93.8% (CV = 2%). There was no significant inter-observer, intra-observer, inter-or intra-assay variation (P> 0.80). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the chemiluminescence method for ROS measurement is both accurate and reliable. Seminal ROS levels can be measured easily in a clinical laboratory as a part of an infertility work-up.
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris can severely affect social and psychological functioning. OBJECTIVE: Th... more BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris can severely affect social and psychological functioning. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acne vulgaris and its severity on Quality of Life of young adolescents in Greece. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire based survey among 1560 adolescent between the ages of 11 and 19 years old and 1531 of these were completed. Adolescents with acne filled all the questions including the Children Dermatology Life Quality Index. Adolescents without acne filled the questions about age, family history of acne, stress and smoking. Data were analyzed with Pearson Chi Square test. RESULTS: Acne prevalence was 51.2% affecting both sexes equally. Self reported mild acne was present in 71.2% and moderate-severe acne in 28.8% of the study population. The mean age of the study population was 15.77y. The median score of Children Dermatology Life Quality Index was 4.02. The impact of acne on quality of life is associated with the severity of the a...
There have been controversial reports of an elevated prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori infec... more There have been controversial reports of an elevated prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic urticaria patients. Furthermore, in some studies remission of chronic urticaria has been reported after eradication of H. pylori. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection among chronic urticaria patients and to study the effect of eradication therapy on urticaria symptoms. Chronic urticaria patients (n= 235) were enrolled and H. pylori status was determined serologically. Thirty-® ve patients received antimicrobial triple therapy. 25% of the patients were positive for H. pylori. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was not signi® cantly higher among urticaria patients compared with the normal Finnish population in any of the age groups studied. Of the successfully treated patients, 27% showed remission of urticaria. Our data suggest that the prevalence of H. pylori infection is not elevated among chronic urticaria patients and that H. pylori eradication does not appear to in¯uence the course of chronic urticaria.
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that i... more Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that is highly heterogeneous in its presentation. Effective SLE patient care relies on serological biomarkers. There is high interest in the identification of autoantibodies other than Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA (Anti-dsDNA). Aim: To evaluate the use of antinucleosome (Anti-NCS) antibody as a single marker to detect disease activity and renal involvement in SLE patients. Methods and Material: This case-control study was carried out in Clinical Pathology Department at Assiut University Hospital in the period from 2014 to 2017. It included 92 patients. Sixty-two patients were diagnosed as SLE. Thirty patients had connective tissue diseases other than SLE (non-SLE). Twenty apparently healthy subjects were taken as controls. All subjects were tested for ANA, anti-dsDNA antibody and Serum anti-NCS antibody on Alegria ® (OR-GENTEC Diagnostic GmbH-Germany). Statistical analysis: Date entry and data analysis were done using SPSS Version 19, Chicago, USA (Statistical Package for Social Science). Results: There was higher significant elevation in the level of anti-NCS antibodies than anti-dsDNA in SLE patients in comparison to those with non-SLE and control groups.In LN patients anti-NCS antibodies were highly elevated than anti-dsDNA comparing to non LN patients. Anti-NCS antibodies had a stronger correlation than anti-dsDNA antibodies with SLEDAI score. In 22 negative anti-dsDNA SLE patients, 13 (59.1%) were positive for anti-NCS. Anti-NCS antibodies showed higher sensitivity and specificity than anti-dsDNA in SLE and LN patients. Conclusion: Anti-nucleosome antibodies is highly sensitive and specific in diagnosis of SLE, especially if anti-dsDNA antibodies are absent. Anti-NCS antibodies are good disease activity markers for the assessment of SLE and LN disease activity.
Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated form of hair loss that occurs in all ethnic groups, ag... more Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated form of hair loss that occurs in all ethnic groups, ages, and both sexes. Helicobacter pylori has been associated with many extra-digestive dermatological conditions. The causal relation between alopecia areata and Helicobacter pylori is discussed in this study. We have screened for the presence of H. pylori in patients with AA, in order to determine any potential role in its patho-physiology. We have prospectively studied 31 patients with alopecia areata and 24 healthy volunteers of similar gender, for the presence of H. pylori stool antigen (HpSAg). Optical density values for H. pylori infection was positive in 18 of the 31 patients evaluated (58.1%), while in 13 patients, the values did not support H. pylori infection (41.9%). In the control group, 10 of the 24 (41.7%) had positive results. Within the group of alopecia areata, there was no significant difference between HpSAg positive and negative patients. The results have shown that a relation between Helicobacter pylori and alopecia areata is not supported. We advise that H. pylori detection need not to be included in the laboratory work up of alopecia areata.
Sperm quality decreases significantly following freezing and research on improving cryosurvival r... more Sperm quality decreases significantly following freezing and research on improving cryosurvival rates is crucial. We compared the effects of two cryopreservation protocols to determine which method allows better preservation of sperm characteristics. Design: Prospective study in an Andrology Laboratory. Materials/Methods: Each sample was divided into two aliquots after liquefaction. Each aliquot was cryopreserved using two freezing protocols [Cleveland Clinic Foundation method (gradual freezing) and the Irvine Scientific (rapid freezing) method] using TEST-yolk buffer as the freezing medium. In the Cleveland Clinic Foundation method (CCF method) a 5mL vial of freezing medium was thawed and an aliquot equal to 25% of the original specimen volume was added to the specimen. This process was repeated four times to give a final ratio of 1:1 (v/v) of freezing medium to ejaculate. These aliquots were placed in cryovials at-20°C for 8 minutes followed by nitrogen vapors for 2 hours before being immersed in liquid nitrogen. In the Irvine Scientific method (IS method), the entire volume of freezing medium was added at one time and the specimens were immersed in liquid nitrogen. The step that included placing of cryovials at-20°C for 8 minutes was omitted. Prefreeze and post-thaw total sperm count, percentage motility, sperm motion characteristics and morphology (Kruger and WHO) were evaluated. Motility was analyzed at 0, 60, 120, 180 minutes after thawing. Results: Percentage motility was significantly lower in postthaw samples compared to prefreeze values in samples cryopreserved by the two methods. Postthaw sperm motility was greater in specimens processed by IS method compared to the CCF method (15.94 ± 9.14 vs. 12.07 ± 7.31; P <0.006). In addition, percent cryosurvival was also greater in IS method compared to the CCF method (47.42 ± 17.44 vs. 35.76 ± 17.56; P <0.008). Morphology was similar with both methods. Conclusions: Specimens cryopreserved by the IS method had a smaller decrease in sperm motility over time when compared to the CCF method. The IS method for sperm cryopreservation is easy and gives good results. It can be used routinely for long-term storage of human spermatozoa. Rapid freezing of sperm in cryopreservation gives better survival rates compared to gradual freezing, although one may assume that gradual acclimatization to very low temperatures would maintain the functional integrity of the sperm to a greater extent. This as ascertained by morphology is the similar by both protocols thus refuting common belief.
Introduction and Objectives: There is a growing concern regarding the potential detrimental effec... more Introduction and Objectives: There is a growing concern regarding the potential detrimental effects of sperm processing on sperm DNA integrity. We examined the extent of DNA damage in infertile patients with abnormal semen characteristics using two sperm preparation methods, the results were compared with a population of healthy controls. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 22 infertile men and 21 normal healthy male volunteers. These samples were processed by a 2-layer density gradient technique (ISolate) and the swim-up method. Sperm characteristics such as motility, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by chemiluminescence assay, and DNA damage by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) were evaluated both before and after processing by each method as well as between the patients and donors. Values are expressed as median and 25%, 75% interquartile range. Results: Patient samples before sperm preparation showed poor motility (P <0.0001), abnormal ROS (P <0.02), and a high amount of DNA damage [25.9 (21.3, 45.4)] compared to controls [19.4 (13.6, 25.15); p <0.02]. Both sperm preparation techniques were equally effective in improving sperm motility (P <0.0001) and lowering ROS levels (P <0.04). Semen samples prepared by the swim-up technique had significantly lower amounts of DNA damage compared to those prepared by Isolate (P <0.02); as well as to original unprocessed semen samples (P <0.01). Conclusions: Semen samples processed by swim-up technique show minimal amounts of DNA damage compared to those prepared by density gradient media such as ISolate. Since DNA damage is linked to the potential risk of transmission of genetic anomalies to the offspring and according to the latest reports sperm DNA damage of >30% by SCSA technique is predictive of failure of fertilization by in vitro fertilization method. In view of our results, we conclude that laboratories using density gradient media in sperm preparation for assisted reproduction should monitor those patients who fail to fertilize in the presence of normal egg and semen quality. Perhaps in these patients, sperm chromatin damage may be an underlying cause of fertilization failure; and, therefore, these patients could be tested for sperm DNA damage and appropriately counseled about the poor outcome by IVF and offered alternate therapeutic options.
Warts are common skin infections with both physical and psychological impacts. 1 It is caused by ... more Warts are common skin infections with both physical and psychological impacts. 1 It is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is an icosahedral nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA virus which can cause a variety of skin presentations according to its type, site, and the immune status. Nongenital warts may be presented as common, plane, planter, filiform, or mucosal warts. The prevalence of skin warts is between 2.4% and 12.9%. 2 Researchers are still trying to find an ideal treatment modality for warts which should be curative, painless, without side effects, and with no recurrence. Current treatment options include topical,
Semen analysis remains an essential test for evaluation of male infertility. The main components ... more Semen analysis remains an essential test for evaluation of male infertility. The main components of semen analysis are sperm count and motility. MicroCell counting chambers are proven devices for accurate measurement of sperm characteristics, while Standard Count was introduced recently. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of MicroCell and Standard Count chambers in measuring sperm count and percent motility. Design: Laboratory experiment comparing MicroCell and Standard count counting chambers for semen analysis Materials/Methods: Semen specimens from 7 normal donors and 14 infertile patients were analyzed after 30 minutes of liquefaction on MicroCell (Conception Technologies, San Diego, CA) and Standard Count chamber (Mid Atlantic Diagnostics, Inc., Medford, NJ). Both counting chambers are disposable and have a fixed preparation depth of 20µm. Five microliters of semen were loaded on the chambers and analyzed both manually and by a computer assisted semen analyzer (CASA, Motion Analysis Corporation, Model VP 110, Santa Rosa, CA). The two methods were compared with paired t-tests and Lin's coefficient of concordance. Results: CASA results for Standard Count were significantly lower than MicroCell (mean difference 3.6 X 10 6 /mL; p = 0.03. Using Standard Count, manual counts were on average 3.8 X 10 6 /mL higher than CASA (p = 0.04). The manual counts between the two chambers were not significantly different (p = 0.07), however, Standard Count averaged 3.6 X 10 6 /mL lower than MicroCell. In contrast, motility estimates were quite comparable between the two, with concordance of +0.95 using manual methods. Conclusions: MicroCell counting chambers and Standard Count analysis chambers are precise in their measurement of sperm concentration and motility. Standard Count can also be used successfully in an Andrology Laboratory for semen analysis purposes.
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Papers by Ayman Mahran