Pediatric Neuro-Oncology in Low-/Middle-Income Countries

Pediatric cancer is becoming increasingly important in low-/middle-income countries (LMICs), due to the improvement in controlling communicable diseases, decrease infant, and early childhood mortalities associated with infection and malnutrition

Unique characterisation of Langerhans cells in the spleen of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) has increasingly become an economically important food source especially in Africa, Asia and Europe, with exports extending to countries throughout the world. In the last 25 years, aquaculture of this species has been particularly effective with large increases in production and this is in part due to the catfish being highly resistant to disease. In order to further understand the immune system of the catfish, the spleen was investigated using a number of staining, immunohistochemical, light and transmission electron microscope techniques in order to verify the histological features of this organ. The gross histological features of the spleen confirmed the presence of a capsule containing numerous collagen fibers surrounded the spleen of the African catfish. Melanomacrophage centers, lymphocytes and surrounding arterial vessels were the main components of the white pulp whilst the red pulp contained sinusoids, capillaries and splenic cords of erythrocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes. Transmission electron microscopy identified Langerhans-like cells which were irregular to ovoid in shape with an electron lucent cytoplasm. The cells were characterized by the presence of numerous Birbeck-like granules, varying in shape from oval, round, rod to racket shaped granules. In total, three types of Birbeck-like granules were identified. The first type had heterogenic content, the second type were cored granules and the third type were racket shaped granules. Some of the racket shaped granules were enlarged and contained granular content. The Langerhans-like cells were further identified and characterised by showing a positive reaction with antibodies to S100 and CD1a. The existence of Langerhans-like cells within the spleen helps to identify the components of the immune system within the African catfish

Morphometric parameters and histological study of the filum terminale of adult human cadavers and magnetic resonance images

Background: Morphology and histology of filum terminale (FT) has a role in the pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome (TCS). This research was implemented to investigate the morphometric parameters and histological structure of normal FT in adult human cadavers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to correlate them with the pathophysiology of TCS.   Materials and methods: Twenty five adult human cadavers (15 males, 10 females) and 100 MRI echo scans of lumbosacral region (50 males and 50 females), were used in this study. MRI patients were divided into 21–40 and 41–60 age groups. The cadavers were dissected at the prone position to explore their fila. The length of FT, filum terminale internum (FTI), filum terminale externum (FTE), vertebral level of beginning, dural piercing and termination of FT, and the initial, midpoint, and mid-FTE diameters were determined. Four segments were excised from lower conus, upper, middle, and lower thirds of FT. The specimens were processed for light microscopic examination. Statistical analysis was done for these parameters.   Results: MRI morphometrical parameters of FT, except FTI length, revealed no age effect or sex differences, where length of FTI, FTE, initial diameter, level of conus medullaris termination (CMT) and dural sac termination (DST) were 174.1 ± 16.8, 75.8 ± 9.5, 1.6 ± 0.21, L1-2 and S2U in males and 166.9 ± 18.9, 74.1 ± 9.3, 1.53 ± 0.25, L1-2 and S2M vertebrae in females, respectively. However, non-significant sex difference was observed in morphometric parameters of cadaveric FT, where length of FTI and FTE, initial diameter, CMT and DST levels were 164.2 ± 11.6, 76.7 ± 8.1, 1.7 ± 0.14, L1L and S2U vertebrae in males and 159.2 ± 10.1, 71.02 ± 7.3, 1.6 ± 0.29, L1L and S2U in females, respectively. Moreover, CMT below L2 vertebra was seen in 5% of MRI scans and 8% of cadavers. Also, the initial diameter of FT > 2 mm was recorded in 7% of MRI and 8% of cadaveric cases. Histologically, the structure of FT showed gradual reduction in nervous, glial, and vascular tissues with converse increase in collagen content in FTE compared with those of FTI.   Conclusions: Knowledge of the morphometric parameters and the histological structure of FT are necessary for clinicians who dealing with diagnosis or treatment of tethered cord syndrome

Endovascular coiling versus surgical clipping in the treatment of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm in Cairo University Hospitals

AbstractIntroductionAneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) remains a devastating and often fatal form of stroke. The aneurysm is targeted for obliteration to prevent re-bleeding and to manage the possible complications from the event. Endovascular coiling has emerged as a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical clipping to treat aneurysms.Patients and methodsThis study was done prospectively in the Cairo University (Kasr El-Eini) hospitals to evaluate the outcome of both modalities used in the treatment of ruptured anterior communicating artery (Acom) aneurysm. 30 patients with Hunt and Hess grade I, II or III. were classified into two groups of microsurgical clipping (Endoscopic assistance used in five cases) and endovascular coiling.ResultsMortality rate was higher in the clipping group (26.7%) compared to the coiling group while recurrence rate was high in the coiling group (26.7%). Complications including hydrocephalus, hemiparesis and failed procedures occurred in (6.7%).ConclusionWe concluded that coiling is better for treating cases of ruptured Acom aneurysms being less invasive and achieving a favorable outcome compared to surgery. While Endoscope-Assisted Microsurgical Clipping (EAM) gives better control during clipping provided that a well-trained, competent and experienced neurosurgeon is available

Development of novel formulations to enhance in vivo transdermal permeation of tocopherol

Tocopherol represents a big challenge for transdermal permeation owing to its extreme hydrophobicity and large molecular mass. The aim of the present study was to develop alpha-tocopherol (T) topical formulations and evaluate the ex vivo and in vivo permeation. Franz diffusion cells were used for the ex vivo permeation, and neonatal rats were used for in vivo permeation. Seven gel formulations and 21 liquid formulations were investigated for physical stability, viscosity and permeation of T. Analysis of T was performed by a validated HPLC method using a UV detector.The ex vivo permeation from gel and emulsion formulations was very poor (0.001–0.015 %). The highest permeation was observed from monophasic liquid formulations containing dimethyl sulfuxide (DMSO), tocopheryl polyethylene glycols (TPGs), propylene glycol, ethanol, and 9.5 % T. The in vivo results demonstrated higher retention in the epidermis compared to subcutaneous tissues; 1377 and 1.13 µg g–1, respectively. Increasing T concentration from 4.8 to 9.5 % did not increase the amount permeated or % of T retained. It was concluded that simple solutions of T in presence of DMSO and TPGs are more promising systems for effective transdermal permeation; compared to gel, emulsion or oleaginous systems

Оценка CLOs, PLOs, ILOs, SLOs: академическая программа для образовательного театра как модель обучения

Introduction. Educational theatre combines integrated opportunities and forms of education using theatrical arts. It develops in students the ability to use their proactive experiences into absorbing and challenge social reality. The educational value of theatre and performing arts is widely recognised, leading to the integration of theater programmes into the curriculum of universities globally. These programmes are overseen by specialised departments, and universities have established resources for instruction and training. Aim. The present research aims to evaluate the educational outcomes of the Academic Programme for Educational Theatre at the Faculty of Specific Education at Mansoura University in Egypt to ensure that the graduates are ready for the changing conditions of the economy and the needs of the labour market. Concerning the same, the adoption of educational theatre as a model had not been evaluated in the country. Methodology and research methods. The current study finds the role of SLOs, CLOs, PLOs, and ILOs as measures to examine the impact of the educational theatre model. Using a mixed method with the survey of 50 students and interviews of 20 faculty members of the Academic Programme for Educational Theatre, the identification of educational theatre’s impact on the learning outcomes of students is determined. Results. The results show that academic educational programmes depend on the performing arts and the participation of the learner in vocal performance, acting, and movement, activate the learning process and make the educational environment more effectively and greatly improve the learning and practice process. The results also emphasised the significance of educational institutions, particularly universities, in adopting academic programmes that incorporate practical experience, training, hands-on activities, and utilising appropriate evaluation methods. Scientific novelty. These academic educational models help engage students to create a positive emotional state, drive curiosity, strive to excel, build national character, focus on social issues, and believe in their capabilities. Practical significance. Accreditation of academic programmes based on practice and training develops students psychologically and mentally and raises the level of academic achievement and professional and personal development. Therefore, the study recommended the adoption of educational theatre courses in Egypt to ensure that the students are prepared to adapt to the changes in the labour market.Введение. Образовательный театр сочетает различные формы воспитания с использованием театрального искусства. Это развивает у учащихся способность применять свой активный опыт для впитывания и оспаривания социальной реальности. Широко признается образовательная ценность театра и исполнительского искусства, что ведет к включению театрального творчества в учебные программы университетов во всем мире. Театральные программы контролируются специализированными департаментами, и университеты создали условия для обучения и репетиций. Целью настоящего исследования является оценка образовательных результатов академической программы образовательного театра на факультете «Специальное образование» Университета Мансура в Египте, чтобы убедиться, что выпускники готовы к меняющимся условиям экономики и потребностям рынка труда. В то же время принятие образовательного театра в качестве модели обучения не оценивалось в стране. Методология, методы и методики. В текущем исследовании определяется роль SLOs, CLOs, PLOs, ILOs в качестве меры для изучения влияния модели образовательного театра. С помощью смешанной методики с опросом 50 студентов и интервьюированием 20 преподавателей академической программы образовательного театра определяется влияние образовательного театра на результаты обучения студентов по программе, по курсу, по учреждению. Результаты. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о том, что академические образовательные программы, основанные на исполнительском искусстве, вокале, актерском мастерстве и движении, активизируют процесс обучения, делают образовательную среду более эффективной и значительно улучшают процессы обучения и практики. Результаты также указывают на важность роли образовательного учреждения, особенно университетов, в принятии академических программ, основанных на практическом опыте, обучении, активизации деятельности и использовании для этого соответствующих методов оценки. Научная новизна. Эти академические образовательные модели помогают вовлечь учащихся в создание положительного эмоционального состояния, стимулировать любопытство, стремиться к совершенству, формировать национальный характер, фокусироваться на социальных проблемах и верить в свои возможности. Практическая значимость. Аккредитация академических программ, основанных на практике и обучении, развивает студентов психологически и умственно и повышает уровень академических достижений, профессионального и личностного развития. Поэтому рекомендуется проводить учебные театральные курсы в Египте для того, чтобы обеспечить готовность учащихся адаптироваться к изменениям на рынке труда