We conclude that the majority of the AML patients analyzed, express low levels of C/EBPa mRNA. However, a subset of patients represented by the M3 subtype, express higher levels of C/EBPa.

The current investigation aimed to determine the accumulated levels of heavy metals (Fe, Mn and Cu) in fish (T. zilii and M. capito) organs (muscles, liver and gill) collected from different sites of Lake Qarun in four seasons (August 2014 to May 2015. Metal concentrations in fish species tissues from the eastern part of the lake followed an abundance of: Fe>Mn>Cu. However, metal concentrations from the middle and west of the lake followed an abundance of: Fe>Cu>Mn. Tissues showed different capacities for accumulating heavy metals, the lowest values of accumulated heavy metals were recorded in the muscle, while the highest values recorded in the liver in two fish species. Also, heavy metals accumulation in the tissue of two fish species followed the order: liver< gill < muscle. M. capito accumulate heavy metals higher than T. zilli.

Lake Qarun is an inland closed basin, located about 80 Kms south west of Cairo. It suffers from a serious water pollution problem which is due to uncontrolled solid and liquid domestic, in addition to agrochemical contamination and lack of sustainable wastewater management. The present study aimed to follow up the changes in the activities of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) in fish (T. zillii and M. capito) Collected from different sites (east, middle and west) of the lake in four seasons. The results showed that in the two fish species at the studied sites, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the liver showed decreased values in comparison with the control fish samples collected from unpolluted site (fish farm) with percentage ranged between 10.86%-45.56%. Also, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the liver decreased significantly in comparison with the control fish samples with percentage ranged between 10.23%-54.07%. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the liver decreased in comparison with the control fish samples with percentage ranged between 16.34%-49.54%.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is an increasingly recognized form of transient cardiac dysfunction in sepsis patients. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluation of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) as a predictor of SIMD and poor outcome in patients with sepsis or septic shock. METHODS: Forty patients were enrolled and divided into: Group 1 with sepsis; Group 2 with septic shock. Each group was subdivided according to the presence or absence of cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography, NT-pro BNP - assay on the 1st and 2nd days of admission - were performed. RESULTS: NT-pro BNP level was significant predictor for cardiomyopathy in all case group with 75% sensitivity, 70% specificity (cutoff level >334 pg/ml) on 1st day of admission and 65% sensitivity, and 80% specificity (cutoff level >325 pg/ml) on 2nd day. On subgroup analysis, pro-BNP had 70% sensitivity, 90% specificity; cutoff level >334 pg/ml for prediction of cardiomyopathy in sepsis group and 70% sensitivity and 80% specificity; cutoff level >357pg/ml in septic shock group. Pro-BNP on 2nd day was excellent predictor of mortality in septic shock group with 100% sensitivity and specificity; cutoff level >350 pg/ml. CONCLUSION: N terminal pro-BNP is a good diagnostic and prognostic indicator for cardiomyopathy and mortality in septic patients.