Assessment of Left Ventricular Volume and Function Using Real-Time 3D Echocardiography versus Angiocardiography in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) size and function is one of the important reasons for performing echocardiography. Real time three dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) is now available for a precise non-invasive ventricular volumetry. Aim of work was to validate RT3DE as a non-invasive cardiac imaging method for measurement of LV volumes using cardiac angiography as the reference technique. METHODS: Prospective study on 40 consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) referred for cardiac catheterization for preoperative assessment. Biplane cineangiography, conventional 2 dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and RT3DE were performed for the patients. A control group of 18 age and sex matched children was included and 2DE and RT3DE were performed for them. RESULTS: The mean LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LVEDV index (LVEDVI) measured by RT3DE of patients were lower than controls (p value = 0.004, 0.01, respectively). There was strong correlation between the mean value of the LVEDV and the LVEDVI measured by RT3DE and angiography (r = 0.97, p < 0.001). The mean value of LV ejection fraction measured by RT3DE was lower than that assessed by 2DE (50 ± 6.2%, 65 ± 4.6%, respectively, p value < 0.001) in the studied TOF cases. There was good intra- and inter-observer reliability for all measurements. CONCLUSION: RT3DE is a noninvasive and feasible tool for measurement of LV volumes that strongly correlates with LV volumetry done by angiography in very young infants and children, and further studies needed.

Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility of pathogenic fungi isolated at Assiut university hospitals

The incidence of invasive opportunistic mycoses [10Ms] has increased because of the expanding population of immunosuppressed patients raising the demand for identification of local epidemiologic trends, the degree of virulence and antifungal susceptibility pattern of fungal pathogens. Identification of the local epidemiology of l0Ms at Assiut University hospitals showed that there is a marked shift to Candida non albicans [can], rare yeasts that cause Candida like infections, zygomycetes, hyaline moulds and a wide variety of dematiaceous fungi. In vitro susceptibility testing pattern of isolated fungal pathogens against 8 antifungal agents; Amphotericin B [AP], Nystatin [NS], l;luconalole [FU], Ketoconazole [KT], Clotrimazole [CC], Voriconazole [VOR], Itraconazole [IT] andv Terbinafinc showed that these emerging pathogens are resistant to conventional antifungals, in addition, they pose a high enzymatic and toxigenic ability making them more virulent and infections caused by them more aggressive and very difficult to manage

Interleukin 10 gene promoter polymorphism and risk of diffuse large B cell lymphoma [DLBCL]

Given the importance of understanding the genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [NHL], this work was designed to study the impact of IL-10 [-1082 G/A; rs!800896 and -819 C/T; rs!800871] gene promoter polymorphism on susceptibility of Egyptians to diffuse large B cell lymphoma [DLBCL]; the major type of NHL. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first one that examines IL-10 promoter polymorphism in DLBCL in Egyptians. Genotyping polymorphism is performed using sequence-specific primers polymerase chain reaction [SSP-PCR] in 100 Egyptian DLBCL patients and 119 normal controls. Circulating plasma levels of IL-10 were measured using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Insignificant change in IL-10 [-1082 and -819] genotypes was recorded. Although A allele is slightly decreased in DLBCL patients, it did not reach statistical significance. GT haplotype was significantly elevated [P < 0.05] in NHL patients. A significant linkage disequilibrium between the -1082 and 819 SNPs with D' = 0.596 and r[2] = 0.1032 [P < 0.001] was demonstrated. Significantly increased plasma IL-10 [P < 0.01] was found which is positively correlated [r = 0.307; P < 0.01] with the disease Taken together, our findings demonstrated that IL-10 promoter gene polymorphism [-1082 and -819] may not have an influence on the clinical outcome of DLBCL, especially in terms of overall secretion level. Further investigations of other cytokine gene polymorphisms will lead to a better understanding of the disease's biological background

Comparative histological study of human adult cervical and lumbar intervertebral discs and its relation to functions and diseases

The intervertebral discs are the major structural links between adjacent vertebrae. They serve to allow greater movement and compression between vertebral bodies. However, there is regional difference in disc structure and pathology relative to different mechanical stresses and load bearing. Comparing the histological structure of human cervical and lumbar intervertebral discs at adult age to analyze the extent of variations in structure between these regions and its relation to their functions and diseases. [12] IVDs: [4] C3C4, [4] L4L5 and [4] L5S1 and adjacent bony vertebrae were removed from each of 12 adult male and female humans at autopsy. The discs and vertebrae were processed for paraffin sections and stained by haematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, orcein and safranin stains. Histomorphometric study and statistical analysis were conducted. L4-L5, L5-S1 IVDs presented less collagen and more elastic fibers in posterior region of annulus fibrosus than anterior region, peripheral regions were thicker than central one of lumbar end plate. The annulus fibrosus invading nucleus pulposus and dividing it but at cervical level invading without dividing it. Safranin reaction was positive and much higher in cervical than in lumbar annulus fibrosus. The reaction was much higher in lumbar than in cervical nucleus pulposus. There are significant differences in collagen, elastic fibers and heights of cervical and lumbar discs. There are histological differences of human adult intervertebral discs in cervical and lumber regions which may affect their mechanical and physiologic functions and provide a better understanding of the external factors causing spinal disorders and enable the best method to be applied to the patients both at the diagnosis and the treatment stage

histological study on the effect of prenatal and postnatal administration of monosodium glutamate on the developing renal cortex of male albino rats

Monosodium glutamate [MSG] is a widely used flavour enhancer. Its use in high concentration could affect vital functions, including those of the kidney. The present study is concerned with evaluation of the effect of prenatal and postnatal MSG administration on the developing male albino rat renal cortex. Twenty pregnant female albino rats were divided into two equal groups: group I [control] and group II [treated]. In group II, MSG was administered orally at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day from the 12th day of gestation until the 21st day postnatally. After delivery, the offspring of both groups were sacrificed at the newborn stage, at 3 weeks and at 3 months. Kidney specimens were processed for examination by light and scanning electron microscopy. Maternal MSG administration affected both the renal glomeruli and tubules of the offspring. In the newborn stage, the glomeruli at the subcapsular zone appeared immature and crowded. The foot processes showed apparent elongation and disruption of their interdigitations. In weaned rats, apparent widening of Bowman's space in some glomeruli, detachment of podocytes and effacement of foot processes were noticed. In adult rats, the glomeruli showed hypercellularity with apparent elongation and fusion of the foot processes. The renal tubules at the different ages studied showed degenerative changes with sloughs inside the lumen of some tubules accompanied by proliferative changes. The proximal tubules showed partial loss of the brush border. MSG causes a delay in the development of glomeruli. Some glomeruli showed hypercellularity with affection of podocytes, which makes the glomeruli liable to glomerulosclerosis

frequency of vitamin D deficiency among asthmatic Egyptian children

Background: Vitamin D plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma as it has a potent immunomodulatory effect acting on the cells of the innate immunity. It also reduces the risk of respiratory viral infections which are important initiators of asthma exacerbations. Besides, it potentiates the antiinflammatory action of corticosteroids which are considered the most effective controllers of asthma

Objective: To detect the frequency of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among Egyptian asthmatic children and to correlate vitamin D levels to the severity of asthma

Methods: This case control study was conducted on 60 asthmatic children and 40 healthy controls. All were subjected to clinical history taking including history of sun exposure and asthma medications and full clinical examination. Laboratory investigations included measurement of serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum 25-OH-D levels and lung functions [spirometery]

Results: There was a significant correlation between vitamin D deficiency and severity of asthma, yet there was no significant relation between sun exposure and 25-OH-D level. Moreover, there was a significant relation between decreased serum 25-OH-D levels and the intensity of corticosteroid use. Vitamin D was also significantly lower in asthmatic patients with coexistent allergic rhinitis

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Egyptian children with asthma .Lower levels of serum vitamin D are associated with high asthma severity, reduced asthma control and increased corticosteroid use

Role of TC99M MIBI inevaluation of skeletal malignancy

The aim of our study is to assess the value of 99mTc-hexakis-2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile [MIBI] scintigraphy to detect viable boney tumor in patients with clinical and radiological features of primary or metastatic skeletal tumors. This is a prospective study included thirty six patients with different bone malignancies [17 cases with primary lesions and 19 cases with metastatic boney lesions]. All patients were subjected to Tc99m MDP bone scan [BS] and Tc99m MIBI scans. Planar whole body scintigraphy was performed 2 hours after intravenous injection of 20-30 mCi of Tc99m MDP, and after 1 to 2 weeks a Tc-99m MIBI scan was performed using 15-20 mCi and planar imaging was done 15 min post injection. Thirty of 36 patients represented by bone lesions in BS showed increased MIBI uptake, with sensitivity 83.3%. In cases of primary bone tumors 3 patients out of 17 showed no tracer uptake in MIBI scan and also 3 patients of metastatic bone lesions out of 19 showed no tracer uptake in MIBI scan. The MIBI scan can detect more 41 sites of tracer uptake in these patients not seen in Bs. Tc-99m MDP bone and Tc-99m MIBI scans are complementary to each other. The sensitivity of detection of malignant bone tumor is more for combined BS and MIBI than each one alone

Effect of ramadan fasting on muslim patients with chronic liver diseases

The study evaluated the efficacy of fasting in Ramadan on the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic parameters of chronic liver disease patients. A total of 202 patients were selected from the departments of Tropical medicine and outpatient clinics of Al-Azhar University hospitals, Cairo, Egypt from the 26[th] of July till the 30[th] of September 2010. Patients submitted to complete clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic and endoscopic evaluation pre, during, and post Ramadan. The fasting group was 103 [51%] and the non-fasting group was 99 [49%] patients. The non-fasting group showed significantly a good adherence to therapy [43.4%] compared to [27.2%] the fasting group [p=0.0l6]. Dyspeptic symptoms was higher in the fasting [53.4%] compared to [38.4%] the non-fasting group [p=0.032]. G.I. bleeding during Ramadan was higher in the fasting group [17.5%] compared to non-fasting [14.1%], but the bleeding due to o.v. was significantly higher in the non-fasting group [9.1%] compared to [1%] in the fasting group [p=0.004]. Chronic hepatitis in the fasting group showed non significant changes pre, during and post-Ramadan regarding liver function. Fasting cirrhotic group patients child class C was developed to [13%] during and [32.6%] after Ramadan compared to [0%] before [p=0.001]

Risk factors of urinary tract stone formation in Assiut city Public Hospitals

The prevalence of urinary calculi is estimated to be 1-5% worldwide and it is the third most common problem in urology clinics after urinary tract infection and prostate diseases. To identify the different risk factors of urinary stone disease among a sample of patients attended the public urological clinics in Assiut city. Case - control study of 500 patients with different stone burden matched with 500 controls between August 2009 and August 2010 at the departments of urology of Assiut City public Hospitals. Mean age of cases was 46.39 +/- 17.40 years while it was 43.68 +/- 20.67 years for controls. 56.2% of cases and 55.8% of controls were males, with no significant difference between cases and controls [P> 0.05]. 78.0% of cases and 85.2% of controls were rurals with significant difference [P = 0.002]. On the other hand 89.2% of cases and 78.2% of controls were consuming < 2 liters water /day with significant statistical difference between them [P = 0.001]. There was a high significant difference between cases and control regarding consumed food stuff rich in calcium salts and proteins [P= 0.000]. More than half of cases [55.2%] and 2.8% of controls had family history of urinary stone [P< 0.000]. 33.0% of cases were obese, versus 17.0% of controls, [P = 0.000]. There was a high significant difference between cases and controls regarding medications with aspirin, calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone [P<0.000]. There was no significant difference between cases and control regarding regular intake of vitamin C [P=0.675]. There was a highly significant difference between both groups in having previous history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, atherosclerosis [P=0.000]. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding history of urinary tract inflammations, gout, liver disease, and history of bilharziasis [P>0.05]. regarding the anatomical sites of stone; 50.0% of stones were renal, 23.8% ureteric, 9.6% vesical and 16.6% were in more than one site. The majority of cases 74.7% had recurrence stone formation [1-3 times]. A complete profile of the risk factors leading to the cause of a particular patient's stone-formation can be identified and corrected. Increased water intake reduces the risk of recurrence of urinary calculi and prolongs the average interval between recurrences. A low-salt, low-meat, moderate-calcium diet is more effective at limiting stone recurrence.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: contemporary results of a prospective study from a high-volume laparoscopy center

For the treatment of UPJO with success rates of up to 95%. Current reports of laparoscopic pyeloplasty showed success rates >95%. We aim at defining a new gold standard by evaluating the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a high volume laparoscopy center. The research done between October 2009 and March 2011, 26 patients having primary UPJO were operated using conventional laparoscopy in the department of Urology, Klinikum Dortmund hospital, Germany. Preoperative evaluation included clinical assessment, abdominal ultrasound, MAG3 diuretic renography and retrograde pyelography. Postoperative follow-up included assessment of pain, analgesic requirements, laboratory parameters, abdominal ultrasound and reflux retrograde pyelography. Long term follow-up included improvement of symptoms; and pelvi-calyceal decompression by ultrasound, retrograde pyelography and MAG3 diuretic renography. Results were as follow the age range of the 26 patients was 13-74 years [mean 42.2, SD 17.6], 13 males and 13 females. The cause of obstruction was intrinsic stenosis in 11[42.4%], crossing lower pole vessel[s] in 14[53.8%] and external adhesions in one patient [3.8%]. All cases had a unilateral lesion; with the 26 patients equally divided as regards the side of obstruction. Pain was the presenting symptom in 20 patients [76.9%]. Operative time ranged 135-300 min. [mean 211.5, SD 41.9]. Intraoperative blood loss was generally negligible and no intraoperative complication occurred. There was no conversion to open surgery in any case. The total hospital stay ranged 5-11 days [mean 7.8, SD 1.5]. Follow-up ranged 3-18 months. In 24 patients, there was a definite resolution of pain and other symptoms postoperatively. Postoperative evaluation showed a statistically significant improvement of the degree of hydronephrosis by both ultrasonography and retrograde pyelography [p = 0.0001]. In 2 patients with mild postoperative radiological improvement, despite the clinical resolution of symptoms, MAG3 scan showed a mild obstructive drainage pattern. Criteria of success, defined as relieve of symptoms and obstruction together with a half-time clearance of 10 min. or less, shown a short-term success rate of 96%. In conclusion laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a safe and effective treatment option; and it could be a reasonable replacement for open surgery as a new gold standard for treatment of UPJO

Identification of meat species in some meat products in Assiut city

Meat adulteration constitutes an important problem in Egypt. Adulteration of meat may occur by substitution of low priced or even banned meat species for that high priced one. In this study, agar gel immunodiffusion test [AGID] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] techniques were applied for detection of meat adulteration. Meat extract from beef, chicken, pork and donkey were prepared. Hyperimmune sera were prepared in rabbits by subcutaneous injection of meat extracts and blood was collected to get the specific antisera. Positive results indicated by appearance of clear precipitation line between the antibody and the corresponding antigen with assurance that no cross reaction occurred between species. Two hundred samples from beef meat products [50 minced meats, 50 raw kofta, 50 sausages and 50 beef burger] were subjected to analysis by AGID technique. The incidence of adulteration of minced meat with each of chicken and pork were 6%. The rate of adulteration was 34% and 26% in raw kofta, 32% and 14% in sausage and 32% and 2% in beef burger, respectively. Donkey meat was detected only in beef burger at rate of 2%. For application of PCR technique specific primers for chicken, pork and donkey meat species were prepared; there molecular weights were 420, 343, and 350 bp, respectively. Deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] was extracted from tested samples for detection of the previous species in these tested samples. Out of suspected and negative adulterated samples examined by AGID technique, fifty samples were reanalyzed by PCR technique. By using PCR technique the adulteration rates with chicken were 57%, 63.7%, 66.7% and 69% in minced meat, raw kofta, sausages and beef burger, respectively. The adulteration rates with pork were 35.7%, 45.5%, 41.7% and 23% in minced meat, raw kofta, sausages and beef burger, respectively. The adulteration rates with donkey meat were 7%, 18%, 8% and 7.7% in minced meat, raw kofta, sausages and beef burger, respectively

Detection of motive and modified soybean in sowed meat products lp4 Assiut city, Egypt

High metry prices prompted the meat industries in Egypt to produce various meat brands extended with soybean protiens. Genetically modified foods are often in the news. Much of the world has expreniced strong and increasing resistance to the introduction of and genetically modified foods ot the market place.Agar gel immunodiffusion[AGID] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] were used to detect soybeans in some meat products [minced meat, raw kofta, sausage and beef burger]. PCR was applied due to stability of deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] at high temprature and high conserved structure of DNA within all tissues of an individual. soybean was detected with AGID at 12%. 30% and 20% in raw kofta, sausage and beef burger, respectively, but not detected in minced meat.By using PCR native and modified soybeans were detcted in 100% and 69%, respectively in beed burger and at lower rates in other products

Detection of native and modified soybean in some meat production in Assiut city, Egypt

High meat prices prompted the meat industries in Egypt to produce various meat brands extended with soybean proteins. Genetically modified foods are often in the news. Much of the world has experienced strong and increasing resistance to the introduction of any genetically modified foods to the market place. Agar gel immunodiffusion [AGID] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] were used to detect soybeans in some meat products [minced meat, raw kofta, sausage and beef burger]. PCR was applied due to stability of deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] at high temperature and highly conserved structure of DNA within all tissues of an individual. Soybean was detected with AGID at 12%, 30% and 20% in raw kofta, sausage and beef burger, respectively, but not detected in minced meat. By using PCR native and modified soybeans were detected in 100% and 69%, respectively in beef burger and at lower rates in other products

Chemopreventive effect of green tea on 9, 12 dimethyibenz-[a]-Anthracene [DMBA]-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Oral cancer prevention using naturally occurring substances that could be included in diet consumed by humans, is gaining attention. Investigating the chemopreventive effect of green tea, through assessment of mutant p53 immunoexpression, in the hamster buccal pouch epithelium-induced carcinogenesis. Forty-five hamsters were divided into 3 groups. Group A was served as controls. In group B, left pouches of hamsters were painted with 0.5% Dimethylbenz-[a]-anthracene [DMBA], 3 times/week for 6 weeks. Hamsters of group C were given Epigallocatechin Gallate [EGCG]; five animals were sacrificed [Group C3], the remaining 20 were divided into 2 groups; group C1 was given EGCG and DBMA and group C2 was given DBMA only. All pouches were surgically excised, fixed, processed for H and E and mutant p53 immunohistochemical staining. Mutant p53 immunoexpression score was highly significant in group B, compared to group C1 which was given EGCG only. Administration of EGCG, before and in combination with the carcinogen [group C1] resulted in significantly decreased expression of mutant p53 parallel to decreased grades of dysplasia. Administration of EGCG alone for 2 weeks [group C3] showed negative mutant p53 expression. EGCG proved to be a chemopreventive and/or protective agent; through suppressing and/or retarding malignant transformation, reducing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. The apoptosis may be possibly through preventing p53 mutations

Impact of A health education intervention program about breast cancer among women in a semi-urban area in Alexandria, Egypt

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second principal cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide as well as in Egypt. The present work aimed to assess the impact of a health education intervention program about breast cancer [BC] among women in a semi-urban area in Alexandria. The study was carried out through pre-post test design in three phases; pre intervention phase, intervention phase, and post intervention phase. A total number of 139 females accepted to be included in the study, their mean age was 39, 94 +/- 13.5 years, about 23% had secondary and university education. Intervention health education program was administrated to 96 women, those were subjected to post test, and the total number of drop-outs group was 43 women. The results showed that there was a highly significant improvement in all knowledge items of the intervention group from pre to post-test. After the intervention program, eleven women [11.6%] had good knowledge. About, 75.0% practiced breast self examination [BSE] in post-test compared to 7C.0% who did not practiced it in pre-test. Age was the only factor affecting BC knowledge significantly. Women's education and knowledge score were significantly associated with the practice of BSE. Conclusion and Recommendations: data from this study re-enforce the continuing need for more BC education programs that are intended to attract the attention of women with low literacy skills

Knowledge and practice of students of Ain Shams university in measles and rubella [MR] catch up campaign

The ministry of health in Egypt implemented Measles Rubella [MR] campaign in 2008 based on the recommendation of the WHO for supplementary immunization activities to eliminate measles by 2010. The targeted age was 10 to 20 years. Egypt had an epidemic of rubella in spring of 2007. This campaign is unique in Egypt as it is the first national vaccination campaign targeting university students. This study aimed at reporting the practice of vaccination among medical and non medical students in the MR vaccination campaign, to assess the knowledge about the vaccination, side effects and contraindications. Also to explore the compliance to vaccination and causes of refusal of vaccine uptake. The study was done in two stages, first stage during the vaccination sessions. Medical and non medical students were given a questionnaire to assess their knowledge about the campaign and the vaccine. The second stage was done after the end of the campaign to assess the compliance of medical students to vaccination. Vaccination posters inside the university were the main source of knowledge about the campaign as reported by 73.3% of students followed by friends 56% and TV ads 40.7%. Lack of knowledge about adverse effects, and contraindication was high [80.5% and 68.8% respectively]. The mean knowledge score percent of students was 26.5% and was higher among medical than non medical. Overall compliance with vaccination among medical students was [64.8%] which was significantly higher among females compared to males [81.5% versus 52.1% respectively]. Non compliant students had a significant higher mean age. Almost half of non compliant students reported refusal of vaccination due to insufficient information about the vaccine [43.3%]. A successful vaccination campaign was conducted at Am Shams University yet there were insufficient health education messages to support it

Evaluation of the newborn screening program for congenital hypothyroidism in Alexandria 2000-2003

The Newborn Screening Program for Congenital Hypothyroidism started in Alexandria in October 2000. The aim of this study was to evaluate the program in terms of coverage, performance of providers, effectiveness of detecting cases and knowledge of mothers about newborn screening. The computer data base in Alexandria Health Directorate were reviewed from October 2000 to December 2003.A structured interview questionnaire with mothers [during their infants' BCG vaccination] to test their orientation and knowledge about newborn screening. An observation checklist was used to assess nurses' performance during sample collection. Records of the pediatric clinic [where positive cases were treated] were reviewed for screening results Focus group discussions were conducted with health care providers. The mean percentage of coverage was 63.58% with 268747 live births and 170881 screened infants. The total positive cases were 70 with 43 true. positive cases. The positive predictive value in the 3 years was 61.4%, and the incidence of primary [CH] among screened infants was 1:3974. False positive rate among screened infants was 0.016%. 40.5% of mothers had good knowledge about newborn screening. The Knowledge of primary health care physicians about the screening program was good but most of them felt that they were not involved in the program. The knowledge of nurses about [CH] was not satisfactory; their attitude towards infection control measures was not good. The screening program of [CH] in Alexandria has been established and became a routine part of primary health care activities, the screening of other diseases rather than [CH] should follow. Efforts are needed to improve different aspects of the program

Corrosion inhibition of Cu in nitrate solution

The effect of ethylenediamine [ED] and acetic acid on the corrosion inhibition of copper in 0.1 M NaNO] was studied. The study involved electrochemical polarization methods, gravimetric measurements and scanning electron microscopy investigations [SEM]. Both of ED and concentrated solutions of acetic acid >/= 10[-3] M act as a promoter while diluted concentrations of acetic acid

Effect of prion protein extract on the morphology of chick embryos with special reference to the cerebellum

Prion disease is transmitted under natural conditions and involves a variety of mechanism through multiple routes. Prion protein peptides were generated according to amino acid sequences. To study the effect of prion protein extract on the embryo using egg as a model. Thirty chickens, one-day old from Arbor acre strain were used in this study and divided into three groups. The 1[st] group was fed on basal diets and served as a control. The 2[nd] and 3[rd] groups were fed on hyperproteinized diets which contained 50% and 80% concentrates respectively. After four months of feeding, brain, spleen, heart and lung were obtained for the isolation and purification of prion protein [PrP]. The result of SDS-PAGE gel electrophoretic separation of the PrP showed that, all organs contained a major band around 29 - 30 kdt. But purification of the PrP indicated that, the only fraction contained one band in the lung, two bands in the spleen and heart and four bands in the brain. In addition, the normal sequence of isolated PrP was contained 209 amino acids. Chicken fertilized eggs from Arbor acre strain were used in this study and divided into five groups. Group A was a control group. Groups B, C, D, and E that injected with 50 micro L PrP extracted from brain, spleen, heart and lung, respectively of the adult chicken fed on diets containing 80% protein for four months. The eggs were incubated at 37.8°C for 22 days and the injection was performed in the albumin on the 1[st] day of incubation. The eggs were opened on days 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15 and 21. Embryos were collected for the morphological examination. On day 15 of incubation, the eggs were opened and the cerebellum was processed for light microscopic study. Indicated that, PrP caused delay in hatching, decreased body weight and reduced body length. The percentages of malformations in embryos were 31.5, 25, 23 and 37% post injection with PrP extracted from brain, spleen, heart and lung respectively. The congenital malformations were malformed eyes, twisting legs, syndactylia and unformed abdominal wall. Cerebellar sections of chick embryos from injected eggs with any source of tissue PrP extracts showed vacuolar degeneration of cerebellar layers. Purkinje cells lost their normal flask-shaped appearance with eccentric nuclei. It was concluded that, a single injection of PrP which was extracted from hyperproteinized fed chicken caused congenital anomalies as well as histopathological changes independent on the source of tissue PrP

Monocyte chemotactic protein-4 [MCP-4/CCL-13] and CC chemokine receptor 3 [CCR3] in the sputum of asthmatic children

Monocyte chemotactic protein-4 [MCP-4/CCL-13] is a potent chemoattractant to eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. We aimed to investigate MCP-4 and its CC chemokine receptor 3 [CCR3] expression on cells of induced sputum during acute asthma exacerbation. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess MCP-4 and CCR3 expression on induced sputum cells of 30 children during asthma exacerbation and 20 healthy matched controls. Patients were divided into three groups according to exacerbation severity; mild, moderate and severe [n = 10 for each]. Patients were followed until quiescence, when sputum was re-examined. MCP-4 and CCR3 were expressed on eosinophils and monocytes. Lymphocytes expressed only MCP-4. The percentages of sputum total cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes expressing MCP-4 and/or CCR3 were significantly higher during asthma exacerbation than in controls and negatively correlated with peak expiratory flow rate, whereas that of monocytes was not. The percentages of sputum total cells, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes expressing MCP-4; and total cells and eosinophils expressing CCR3 were significantly higher in patients with severe than those with mild and moderate exacerbations. When patients were followed till remission, the percentages of sputum cells expressing MCP-4 and CCR3 decreased. Sputum eosinophil percentage correlated positively with the percentage of eosinophils expressing MCP-4 and CCR3 [r = 0.69, p < 0.0001; r = 0.62, p < 0.001, respectively]. The percentage of sputum eosinophils expressing MCP-4 correlated positively with that of cells expressing CCR3 [r = 0.95, p < 0.0001]. The expression of MCP-4 and CCR3 on sputum cells increases during acute asthma exacerbation and this increase correlates with exacerbation severity, and it decreases during remission. Modification of their expression could be a potential target for asthma therapy