Comparative efficacy of different Carbopol concentrations as a stabilizer of live attenuated sheep pox virus vaccine against lumpy skin disease

In Egypt, the lyophilized live attenuated sheep pox virus vaccine has been used for the vaccination of cattle against lumpy skin disease virus to control its economic impact on livestock industry. In this endeavor, we validate the efficacy of Carbopol® as a stabilizer and adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity of such a heterologous sheep pox virus vaccine against lumpy skin disease. Lyophilization of sheep pox virus vaccine stabilized with Carbopol® produced better physical and antigenic properties than freeze-drying with lactalbumin/sucrose stabilizer; this was manifested by superior disc uniformity, thermo-stability at 37oC, and less reduction in virus titer. Immunization of calves' groups with variable sheep pox vaccine doses containing different Carbopol® concentrations revealed that 103.5 TCID50 of sheep pox virus vaccine enclosing 0.5 percent Carbopol® is the field dose of choice. Moreover, it induced protective serum neutralizing index of 2.5 and a ELISA S/P ratio of 36, by the 4th week post vaccination. Besides, the inclusion of 0.5 percent Carbopol® in formulation of the sheep pox virus vaccine was safe in bovines and enhanced cellular immune response to lumpy skin disease virus, as evidenced by increased T cell proliferation. Hence, it is recommended to use Carbopol® as 0.5 percent in preparation of live attenuated sheep pox virus vaccine to confer better protection against lumpy skin disease virus infection(AU)

En Egipto, la vacuna atenuada liofilizada contra el virus de la viruela ovina ha sido utilizado para la vacunación del ganado, contra el virus de la dermatosis nodular contagiosa, para controlar su impacto económico en la industria ganadera. En este trabajo, validamos la eficacia del Carbopol®, como estabilizador y adyuvante, para mejorar la inmunogenicidad de dicha vacuna heteróloga contra la dermatosis nodular contagiosa. La liofilización de la vacuna contra el virus de la viruela ovina estabilizada con Carbopol®, resultó en mejores propiedades físicas y antigénicas que la liofilización con el estabilizador de lactoalbúmina/sacarosa; lo anterior se manifestó en la uniformidad superior del disco, la termoestabilidad a 37°C y la menor reducción del título del virus. La inmunización de grupos de terneros con dosis variables de vacuna contra el virus de la viruela ovina, que contenían diferentes concentraciones de Carbopol®, reveló que la dosis de campo de elección fue 103,5 TCID50 de la vacuna contra el virus de la viruela ovina conteniendo 0,5 por ciento de Carbopol®, la que indujo un índice de neutralización sérica protectora de 2,5 y una relación S/P de ELISA de 36 a la cuarta semana después de la vacunación. Además, la inclusión de Carbopol® al 0,5 por ciento en la formulación de la vacuna contra el virus de la viruela ovina fue segura en los bovinos y potenció la respuesta inmunitaria celular contra el virus de la dermatosis nodular contagiosa, como lo demuestra el aumento de la proliferación de células T. Por lo tanto, se recomienda el uso de Carbopol® al 0,5 por ciento en la preparación de la vacuna viva atenuada contra el virus de la viruela ovina para conferir una mejor protección contra la infección por el virus de la dermatosis nodular contagiosa(AU)

Viral causes of acute respiratory infection among Egyptian children hospitalized with severe acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Viral respiratory infections are associated with nearly 80% of asthma exacerbation episodes. These can have severe adverse outcomes in patients with established asthma

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the viral causes of acute respiratory infection that precipitate acute asthma exacerbation in Egyptian asthmatic children

Patients and methods: The current prospective study was conducted in Cairo University Children's Hospitals from December 2010 to December 2011. All asthmatic children [n=130] aged 2-12 years admitted with asthma exacerbation due to severe lower respiratory tract infection were included. All cases were subjected to nasopharyngeal or throat swabs that were analyzed for common respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], human metapneumovirus [hMPV], influenza B [Flu B], human parainfluenza virus [hPIV], influenza A [H1N1], and adenovirus [ADV] using the real-time PCR technique. All patients were followed up to record the outcome

Results: PCR analysis was positive for one respiratory virus in 54 asthmatic patients [41.5%] and was negative in 76 patients [58.5%], with a high predominance of RSV [51.9%] and hMPV [25.9%] especially in winter and early spring months. Hypoxia was detected in all patients with RSV infection; of these patients, 21.4% were admitted to the ICU, 14.3% required mechanical ventilation, and 14.3% died. In contrast, among those with hMPV infection, hypoxia was detected in 71.4%; none required ICU admission or mechanical ventilation

Conclusion and recommendations: Viral etiology of lower respiratory tract infections constitutes an important cause of acute asthma exacerbation in asthmatic children admitted to children's hospitals in Cairo, supporting the need for large-scale multicentric studies on asthmatic patients over multiple years using a wider-panel PCR for detection of respiratory viruses

Characterization of recombinant baculovirus expressing envelope glycoprotein E of the local BoHV-1

A recombinant baculovirus expressing envelope glycoprotein E [gE] of the local Bovine Herpesvirus type-1 [BoHV-1] "Abu-Hammad strain" was characterized. PCR analysis was conducted on the genomic DNA of recombinant baculovirus to verify the presence of the inserted gE gene. Spodoptera frugiperda [Sf9] cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus expressed a high level of immunoreactive recombinant gE protein that was demonstrated by indirect immunoflurescence and Western blot analyses. The recombinant gE protein was used as a coating antigen in an indirect ELISA for detection of BoHV-1 anti-gE antibody to differentiate cattle vaccinated with the local of BoHV-1 "Abu-Hammad strain" from those vaccinated with gE negative marker vaccine. A limited number of bovine serum samples which previously tested by the indirect ELISA, virus blocking gE ELISA [IDEXX] were used to be tested by indirect ELISA. The obtained results proved the reactivity of the recombinant gE protein and its utility as a diagnostic antigen in a gE based indirect ELISA for diagnosis of BoHV-1 as well as distinguishing infected animals within a gE marker vaccinated herd

Diagnosis of human brucellosis in Egypt by polymerase chain reaction

This study aimed to establish an accurate and sensitive polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technique for the diagnosis of active human brucellosis in Egypt. We failed to extract Brucella DNA with a commercial kit, but an extraction kit designed in-house using 2 sets of primers [B4/B5 [223 bp] and JPF/JPR [193 bp]] was successful and more economical. The technique showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The PCR positivity increased significantly with increasing seropositivity titres by the standard tube agglutination test and showed 100% positivity in patients with positive blood cultures. We recommend using PCR as an alternative to culture for diagnosis of brucellosis

Risk factors for failure to seroconvert among adults vaccinated against hepatitis B

To explore the possible risk factors for failure to seroconvert after vaccination of healthy subjects against hepatitis B [HB]. This study comprised 381 healthy employees at the Armed Forces Hospitals [AFH] in the southern region, Khamis Mushayt [KM], Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 302 healthy subjects attending the Roda Health Clinic in Abu Dhabi [AD], United Arab Emirates. A data collection sheet was designed by the researchers to include variables related to personal and vaccination characteristics. Data were obtained from medical records of the employees who were appointed at the AFH and attendants of the health clinic during 2006. Titers of hepatitis B surface antibody [HBsAb] >/= 10 IU/L were considered protective, while those <10 IU/L were considered non-protective. Seroconversion occurred in 89.5% of subjects in KM compared with 91.4% of subjects in AD. HBsAb seroconversion of participants from KM was significantly lower among subjects aged >40 years compared with those aged <40 years [86.4%, 92.9%, respectively, p=0.038]. Seroconversion was slightly lower among males [87.9%] than females [92.2%], slightly lower among non-Arabs [86%] than Arabs [91.8%], lower among diabetics [79.2%] than non-diabetics [90.2%] and those who had viral infections [85.2%] than those who did not have viral infections during their course of vaccination [89.8%]. HBsAb seroconversion was significantly higher among subjects whose received vaccines were less than two years old than participants whose received vaccines were more than two years old [91.8%, 82%, respectively, p=0.009]. In AD HBsAb seroconversion of participants was significantly lower among subjects aged >40 years compared with those aged <40 years [87.7%, 94.9%, respectively, p=0.026]. Seroconversion was significantly lower among males than females [88.4% and 95.4%, respectively, p=0.031], slightly lower among non-Arabs [89.8%] than Arabs [92.6%], significantly lower among diabetics [84.3%] than non-diabetics [92.8%] and among those who had viral infections [82.4%] than those who did not have viral infections during their course of vaccination [91.9%]. HBsAb seroconversion was slightly higher among subjects whose received vaccines were less than two years old than participants whose received vaccines were more than two years old [91.8% and 90.1%, respectively]. The main reason for failure to seroconvert after full course HB vaccination includes the use of vaccine lots that are more than two years old. Besides, old, male and diabetic subjects tend to have lower serconversion rates. Anti-HB vaccines should be properly stored till use. Further study is needed to decide if old [>40 years], male diabetic subjects may need more booster doses of anti-HB vaccination to achieve seroconversion

Polymerase chain reaction for rapid diagnosis of a recent lumpy skin disease virus incursion to Egypt

In early 2006, a lumpy skin disease [LSD] outbreak has invaded cattle in different localities of Egypt, exerting severe economic losses to livestock industry. Representative specimens [skin biopsies] were collected form nodular skin lesions of infected foreign [imported from Ethiopia, at Ismailia private quarantine] and local cattle [at Fayoum, Menofia and Sharquia governorates]. A polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay was used, as a basic step, for rapid diagnosis of the causative agent in clinical specimens to control spread of infection in the rest of Egypt. The PCR assay, utilizing a LSDV P32 based primer set, could identify LSDV in all outbreak clinical specimens. The specific PCR amplification products [amplicons] were purified and subjected to direct nucleotide sequencing. Blast search, multiple alignments and phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequence data revealed that outbreak LSDV is closely related to other capripoxviruses of LSD, sheep pox and goat pox. Selection and processing of clinical specimens, methods of DNA isolation, and PCR assay applied in this endeavor, presented a reliable laboratory diagnostic tool for LSDV

Genetic identification of the foot-and-mouth disease virus caused 2006 outbreak in Egypt

In early February 2006, a foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] outbreak has struck cattle and buffaloes in different localities of Egypt exerting severe economic losses to livestock industry. Representative specimens [tongue epithelium and foot vesicular fluid] were collected from severely infected foreign [imported from Ethiopia] and local cattle in different governorates [Ismailia, Sharqia and Behairah]. Several assays of reverse transcription [RT] using random decamer primers, followed by FMDV VP1- based polymerase chain reaction [PCR], were used for rapid identification of the causative agent in clinical specimens, basically to circumscribe the countrywide spread of infection. The first PCR assay, utilizing a FMDV universal primer set, could identify the outbreak causative agent as a FMDV in all clinical specimens. FMDV specific primers were then utilized to determine the outbreak FMDV serotype. The specific PCR amplification products [amplicons] were purified and subjected to direct nucleotide sequencing. Blast searches, multiple alignments and phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequence data revealed that outbreak FMDV is a serotype "A" which is a new serotype incursion to Egypt. Direct sequencing of the PCR amplicons was proved a relevant discriminative tool for genetic characterization of FMDV strains / isolates. Results of this endeavor initiated the potential to produce a bivalent FMDV vaccine, containing both of serotypes A and O[1], for the first time in Egypt

Evaluation of selected markers of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus patients

To evaluate the usefulness of serum hyaluronan [HA], matrix rnetalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9] and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 TIMP-1 as well as AST/ALT ratio [whether as isolated or combined variables] in discrimination of stages of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C [CHC] patients. Internal Medicine, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology Departments, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University and Internal Medicine Department. Theodor Research Institute. Thirty six patients with CHC and twelve age and sex-matched healthy subjects as a control group. Histological staging of fibrosis [F0. F1, F2, F3 and F4] was performed in liver biopsy specimen according to the METAVIR Score. Serum levels of HA, MMP-9 and TIMP-l were determined by the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA]. The AST/ALT ratio was calculated. Levels of serum HA and TIMP-I were significantly increased in all stages of fibrosis versus the control group. The AST/ALT ratio was significantly increased while the MMP-9 was significantly decreased in the F2, F3 and F4 stages only versus the controls. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve [AUC] of the score to discriminate extensive fibrosis [F3] and cirrhosis [F4] stages of CHC from early stages of CHC [FO. Fl, F2] were 0.98 for TIMP-1. with a sensitivity of' 100% and specificity 72.9% . As for HA, the AUC was 0.93% with a sensitivity of' l00f and specificity 57.8% . By multivariate regression analysis, only HA followed by TIMP-1 wee independently associated with extensive fibrosis and/or cirrhosis and were accurate in discriminating F3/F4 stages from the early F0/F1/F2 stages. Furthermore, a combination of the our studied parameters increased the accuracy. The present results suggest that the serum fibrotic markers, especially HA and TIMP-1, may be clinically useful in discriminating early fibrotic stages from the late extensive fibrosis and cirrhosis stages in patients with CHC, especially if combined with other variables, as MMP-9 and AST/ALT ratio

Parent-adolescent conflict in Egypt and United Arab Emirates

This study aimed at exploring the frequency and intensity of parent-adolescent conflict within Egyptian families living in Egypt and those living in a Gulf country [Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates]. Two Arab countries were studied [Egypt and United Arab Emirates]. We examined everyday conflicts for the past 4 weeks between 400 Egyptian children in early adolescence [aged 10-15 years] and their parents [200 Egyptian adolescents living with their parents in Egypt and 200 Egyptian adolescents living with their parents in United Arab Emirates]. The frequency and intensity of conflicts were assessed using an Arabic translated version of the Parent Issues Checklist, which consists of a list of 44 items that can possibly lead to disagreements between parents and adolescents. Fighting with sibling ranked as the most frequent adolescent-parent conflict issue both in Egypt and UAE. Adolescent-parent conflict issues of highest intensity were using drugs, telephone calls and watching TV in Egypt compared with telephone calls and who friends should be and watching TV in UAE. Outcome of most adolescent-parent conflicts was mainly concession of adolescent to parents in Egypt [92%] and to a much lesser extent in UAE [56%]. Concession of parents was much more observed as an outcome for adolescent-parent conflicts in UAE [26%] than Egypt [6%]. A significant positive correlation between frequency of adolescent-parent conflict issues and income of family as well as age of the adolescent in both Egypt and UAE. A significant negative correlation is present between duration of attained education by parents and frequency of adolescent-parent conflict issues. It is to be noted that mother's length of education correlated negatively with frequency of conflict more than that of the father [r=-0.328 vs. -0.310 in Egypt and-0.347 vs. -0.305 in UAE]. Pattern of conflict is affected by socioeconomic status, age of parents and growth of the adolescent. Parents' education, especially maternal education is a favorable factor toward minimizing parent-adolescent conflict. Primary prevention efforts should focus on avoiding the identified reasons and patterns of dispute between parents and their adolescent children in addition to spreading an atmosphere of harmony within the family between parents and their children. This can be achieved through carrying out mental health educational programs. Mothers should actively participate in all these mental health educational programs

Effect of the pattern of colonization of the maternal genital tract at the time of delivery on early onset neonatal sepsis

Early onset neonatal sepsis increases significantly in the presence of vaginal and cervical colonization with pathogenic organisms. The aim of this study was to study the effect of the pattern of colonization of the maternal genital tract at the time of delivery on early onset neonatal sepsis. A prospective clinical study was conducted in Cairo University Hospitals on 352 pregnant women coming for delivery and their newborns. Vaginal swabs were taken from the mothers before first vaginal examination [PV] and just before delivery. Surface swabs from the body of babies were taken. The neonates were clinically evaluated and prospectively followed up in the first week of their life for clinical evidence of sepsis and blood cultures were done for clinically septic neonates. Swabs were taken from different environmental sources in the Obstetric and Neonatology wards. Microbiological typing was conducted by biotyping and antibiogram to prove the similarity between microorganisms isolated from maternal or environmental sources and the corresponding neonates. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used for genotyping of phenotypically similar isolates. Microbiological similarity between culture results of mothers and their newborns was proven in 86% of cases. The correlation between clinical sepsis and microbiological agreement was also highly significant [p value=0.001]. Positive vaginal swab cultures were highly predictive of positive blood culture [p-value=0.09]. We found that, multiple vaginal examinations [more than 3 times] was the most frequent maternal risk factor of neonatal bacteremia [p-value=0.049]. Contamination of environment [gel and gloves] and equipment [suction sets] used for mothers and their babies during delivery was probably an important source of microorganisms. Maternal colonization and the contaminated environment were important risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Hence, limitation of PV and strict infection control measures should be followed in delivery room

role of interleukin 16 in the immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by hyperplasia of the synovium and excessive cellular infiltration, which leads to progressive joint destruction. We analyzed, interleukin 16 [IL16], in relation to disease activity to characterize its biologic function in RA. Secreted IL-16 was measured by enzyme immunoassay in sera from 30 RA patients and 30 healthy controls [HC], and also in synovial fluid [SF] from 16 RA patients and 15 patients with non-RA synovitis as controls. IL-16 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMC] was characterized by flow cytometric analysis after intracellular cytokine staining for IL-16. In synovial tissue specimens, both were done: Immunohistochemistry for localization of IL-16, and histopathology, in which the tissue scored semiquantitatively for synovial hyperplasia and cellular infiltration. IL-16 was detected at significantly higher levels in sera and SF of RA patients in comparison to HC and non-RA synovitis [p<0.001 and p<0.0001 respectively]. Also, IL-16 was detected significantly higher in SF in comparison to sera in RA patients [p<0.001]. Flow cytometry of PBMC showed that a great proportion of both CD4+ and CD8+ cells expressed IL-16 protein. Also, immunohistochemistry revealed more CD4+ and less frequency of CD8+ cells in synovial infiltration. A significant correlation between IL-16 expression and local inflammatory activity could not be established [p>0.21] by microscopic analysis of the synovial cells infiltrate. In addition, no significant association was observed between serum, SF, and synovial tissue expression of IL-16 and clinical disease activity in RA [p>0.61, p>0.5 and p>0.42 respectively]. This indicated that, IL-16 played a regulatory rather than a proin-flammatory role in the immunopathogenesis of RA

Comparison of polymerase chain reaction, culture and serology testing for detection of Bordetella pertussis in children

The aim of this study was to perform a PCR technique on naso- pharyngeal swabs to detect BP in 59 children suffering from protracted cough lasting for at least two weeks and to compare the performance of three different techniques for diagnosis of BP; PCR, culture on Bordet Gengou agar and serological assays of IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies to FHA by enzyme immunoassay test. Three patients out of 59 [5.1%] were positive for B. pertussis by both PCR and culture methods. Eleven cases were positive for IgA antibodies compared to seven cases positive for IgA and only one by IgM. Serum IgA and IgG antibodies results showed highly significant correlation with results of culture and PCR, but no significant difference was found with IgM results. In conclusion, PCR was found to be an accurate and rapid method for detection of B. pertussis compared to culture method. The results of IgA and IgG antibody tests showed highly significant correlation to culture and PCR results

Site of lesion in stroke and its relation to depression

A total of 174 patients [103 males and 71 females] suffering from acute stroke was recruited for this study. All patients were subjected to complete and thorough neurological history and examination on admission, mini-mental state examination [MMSE], CT scanning of the brain within 72 hours after the onset of stroke and Barthel daily living test to compare the physical disability before stroke with that at the time of neurological examination. Six months after the stroke, the patients underwent complete and thorough psychiatric evaluation according to DSM-IV, Barthel daily living test and Beck Depression Inventory. Sixty-two patients met the DSM-IV criteria for depressive disorder. Three significant correlates for post-stroke depression were identified; namely, female gender, severity of disability and volume of lesion. Left hemisphere lesions were significantly more associated with post-stroke depression than right hemisphere lesions. Within the left hemisphere, anterior lesions were significantly more associated with post-stroke depression than the posterior ones

Effect of food intake on lipid pattern of young adults in Beheira governorate

This study was conducted in Beheira governorate during 1999. Three districts were chosen [Rashied Delengat and Damanhour] on the assumption that their populations differ in their food habits. The study included 197 males and 169 females from both rural and urban areas in each district. The mean age of the males was 21.3 years and for females was 20.2 years. Fasting blood sample for plasma was collected from each subject to study the effect of food consumption on plasma lipid pattern as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Total cholesterol, HDL-C, IDI-C and triglycerides were determined for each subject and their food intake was recorded. The results indicated that prevalence rates for hypercholesterolemia were 12.9%, 12.7% and 4.2% in males and 18%, 17.5% and 15.6% in females in rashied, damanhour and delegate, respectively. On the other hand, hypertriglyceridemia was recorded in 16%, 27% and 19.4% of males in Rashid, Damanhur and Delengat, respectively compared with 23% 24.6% and 31.4% in females, respectively. The study recommended that nutrition education is needed for touth and young adults and the encourarge practice of sports in the both urban and rural areas. Further studies should be conducted in other governorates to identify the prevalence of risk factors for atherosclerosis among youth

Patterns of coping among Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients

This study aimed to identify different stressors perceived by rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients and to describe their strategies for coping. Study tools included a sociodemographic data questionnaire, related stressor checklist and the Jalowiec coping scale. The study concluded that psychiatrists can evaluate stressors and psychological precipitants, which will help patients to cope and adapt. Teaching of coping strategies will increase the patients' ability to handle the pain and enhance the psychological wellbeing

Epidemiology and risk factors of substance use disorders among universty students in Upper Egypt

This study aimed to identify the substances abused by university students in Upper Egypt, recognizing the risk factors for substance use among Upper Egyptian university students and exploring reasons for initiating the substance abuse. The study comprised 1780 students in three nonmedical faculties belonging to South Valley University [Arts, Education and Commerce]. The diagnosis of "substance use disorders" was based on the definition of DSM-IV. The study tools included a study questionnaire and the socioeconomic class assessment sheet. The study concluded that substance abuse is a serious problem affecting university students in Upper Egypt, especially males. Cannabis as well as sedatives/hypnotics/anxiolytics and opioids are the most frequently abused illicit substances. Smoking is a highly significant risk factor for illicit substance abuse. Mass media and friends constitute the main source for information about the psychoactive substances. The improper family integrity is a major factor leading to illicit substance abuse

prophylactic effect of vegetable and fruit fibers and wheat bran on serum glucose, lipid profile and liver functions of rats feed hyperlipidemic diet

The aim of this work was to study the effect of dietary fiber sources like fruit fiber [apple peels], vegetable fiber [bean pods], cereal fiber [wheat bran] on serum glucose, lipid profile and liver functions of rats fed hyperlipidemic diet compared with nutraceutical bran capsules as well as positive and negative controls. Vegetables fiber, fruits fiber and wheat bran reduced the increase of serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein [LDL], very low density lipoprotein [VLDL], risk ratio and also declined liver enzymes activity; while, they increased serum high density lipoprotein- cholesterol of rats fed on hyperlipidemic diets compared with a positive control group. The dietary fiber gave better results compared with nutraceutical bran capsules in the aforementioned measurements. Lowest increasing percentages were obtained after eight weeks in the level of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, risk ratio, LDL, VLDL, aspartate amino transferase [AST] and alanine amino transferase [ALT] where the values were 11.92, 45.3, 62.5, 37.5, 240.3, 45.5, 10.0 and 7.9%, respectively, in the serum of rats fed on dietary fiber sources, where the values were 24.13. 122.3, 46.5, 240.3, 257.0, 38.3 and 37.0% in the rats of the positive control group, respectively, as well as 10.72, 192.3, 37.4, 9.4, 22.3, 192.3, 10.0 and 10.3% in rats fed on diet contained nutraceutical bran capsules, respectively

Effect of food preservatives on mother rats and survival of their offspring

This work aimed to investigate the effect of food preservatives [sodium benzoate and sodium nitrite] on the biochemical aspects of mother rats and survival of their offspring. Fifty pregnant albino rats [Sprague Dawley strain] were divided into five groups [ten rats each] and kept individually in wire cages. The first group was fed standard diet free from any additives [control group]. The second and third groups were fed standard diet with added acceptable and high doses of sodium benzoate as a preservative. The fourth and fifth groups were fed on standard diet containing sodium nitrite at the same levels like that for benzoate in the second and the third groups. Animals were fed ad libitum during pregnancy. After delivery, the pups were measured anthropometrically [weight and length] and the mothers were sacrificed and their blood samples were taken from the hepatic portal vain. Serum was separated and subjected to biochemical analysis. The results indicated that sodium nitrite intake was associated with a significantly decreased food intake and lowered hemoglobin and hematocrit values, while their serum AST and ALP showed significantly higher values. Mothers receiving high dose of benzoate had significantly high ALT values. Both levels of benzoate and nitrite were shown to induce a decrease in serum bilirubin and an increase in serum urea, while the high and acceptable doses of benzoate induced higher values of serum uric acid, but did not induce a significant increase in serum creatinine. Pregnant rats which received acceptable and high doses of nitrite showed an increased mortality rate of their pups. The mean weight and length of live pups were lowered by food preservatives compared with the controls

Pulmonary tuberculosis: missed case in the routine hospital investigations of contacts

To assess hospital performance towards case finding among contacts and to find out the value of polymerase chain reaction [PCR] testing in detection of missed cases, 120 pulmonary tuberculous patients were considered index cases. Their contacts were enlisted. Hospital measures towards contacts were audited through interviews with the hospital personnel and revision of the hospital records. Eighty non tuberculous contacts as revealed by the hospital routine measures were subjected to polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The study revealed that cases among contacts might be missed due to omitting examination of contacts other than the household ones. Also, some of the enlisted contacts might not attend due to non competence of the calling system, The hospital applied routine investigations failed in detection of some of the cases. The study revealed also that clinically suspected contacts might be managed as tuberculous cases to avoid missing cases. The study recommended enlistment of contacts other than the household ones. It recommended also direct mailing and communications with the primary health care units besides home visits to reach tuberculous contacts