Molecular phylogeny of some avian species using cytochrome b gene sequence analysis

Veritable identification and differentiation of avian species is a vital step in conservative, taxonomic, forensic, legal and other ornithological interventions. Therefore, this study involved the application of molecular approach to identify some avian species i.e. Chicken [Gallus gallus], Muskovy duck [Cairina moschata], Japanese quail [Coturnix japonica], Laughing dove [Streptopelia senegalensis], and Rock pigeon [Columba livia]. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene [358 bp] was amplified and sequenced using universal primers. Sequences alignment and phylogenetic analyses were performed by CLC main workbench program. The obtained five sequences were deposited in GenBank and compared with those previously registered in GenBank. The similarity percentage was 88.60% between Gallus gallus and Coturnix japonica and 80.46% between Gallus gallus and Columba livia. The percentage of identity between the studied species and GenBank species ranged from 77.20% [Columba oenas and Anas platyrhynchos] to 100% [Gallus gallus and Gallus sonneratii, Coturnix coturnix and Coturnix japonica, Meleagris gallopavo and Columba livia]. Amplification of the partial sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene proved to be practical for identification of an avian species unambiguously

Central and peripheral diaphragmatic neural function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessed by magnetic stimulation

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], the diaphragm may contribute to respiratory decompensation. Factors responsible for such impairment are complex and not completely studied. Little is known about the state of neural diaphragmatic pathways particularly in milder grades of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the cortical and peripheral diaphragmatic neuronal function in COPD using magnetic stimulation. Twenty patients with mild/moderate COPD with mean age of 52.5 +/- 8.5 years, were included. Diaphragmatic function was assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex followed by stimulation of the cervical roots of the phrenic nerves. The following parameters were measured: diaphragmatic resting motor threshold, cortical motor evoked potential [MEP] latency and amplitude, phrenic nerve latency and amplitude and central conduction time [CMCT]. Correlations were done between different electrophysiological parameters and age, duration of illness and variables of pulmonary function testing. Compared to controls, patients demonstrated significant prolongation of cortical [n=9] and cervical [n=3] MEP latencies and CMCT [n=9], reduced phrenic nerve amplitude [n=5] and increased resting motor threshold [n=11]. Significant correlations were identified between different electrophysiological parameters and age, duration, severity of disease and degree of hypoxemia. All patients with phrenic nerve abnormalities had cortical abnormalities [n=9]. We concluded that diaphragmatic neural dysfunction occurs in early stages of COPD. Central impairment [cortico-spinal] seems to occur earlier than peripheral [neuropathy of the phrenic nerve]. This information has important clinical and therapeutic implications. It will be important to study the effect of therapies as non-invasive ventilation and specific pharmacological interventions on these changes

Management of polypoid lesions of the gallbladder

With the wide spread use of Ultrasonography [US], more polypoid lesions of the gallbladder [PLG] are being detected. The management of these is controversial. Fifty nine patients with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of PLG were reviewed to determine the reliability of US in the diagnosis of PLG and the indications for operation in this disease. Of the 59 patients operated on, PLG were demonstrated in the resected specimens in 55 cases. Benign lesions were present in 53 PLG, and malignant lesions in 2 patients. The size and number of PLG, and the presence of gallstones, all correlate with the nature of PLG. and these features are helpful in differentiating malignant from benign lesions before operation. US is a sensitive method for investigating PLG. Surgical treatment is indicated when PLG exceed one cm in diameter, when PLG are single in number, when PLG are associated with gallstones, or when clinical symptoms of PLG are apparent. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC] is advised for lesions below 1 cm, while open approach is advised for larger ones

Effect of violence films viewing on serum catecholamines and nitrites in male adolescents

This study is an attempt to determine the physiological effects of violence films viewing [VFV] in teenagers. For this purpose, 100 male teenagers volunteers [11-15 years] participated in this study. They were divided into 2 equal groups. The first group [Group I] was accustomed to VFV, while the second group [Group II] was not accustomed to VFV. Violence films [Natural Born Killer and Scream I "R-rated"] were viewed to participant volunteers for 3 hours. Blood samples were withdrawn before and after VFV [pre and post viewing samples]. Serum catecholamines [epinephrine [E], norepinephrine [N] and dopamine [D]] and nitrites [as an indicator of nitric oxide [NO]] were measured in pre-viewing and post viewing samples so that each participant acted as his own control. Results of the first group clearly revealed that serum catecholamines [E, N and D] levels were significantly increased. While nitrite levels were significantly decreased in post viewing samples compared to, pre- viewing samples. In the second group, serum E and nitrites were significantly increased, while serum N and D were significantly decreased in post viewing samples compared to pre-viewing samples. It is concluded that previous experience with VFV caused an aggressive stress response in group I; while lack of this past experience in group II was reflected as an attenuated stress response

Cardiovascular effects of violence films in male adolescents

In this study, the cardiovascular [CV] effects of violence film viewing [VFV] were studied. For this purpose, two groups of adolescent volunteers participated in this study. The first group [50 males aged 11-15 years] was violent film viewers, whereas the second group [50 males aged 11-15 years] was not accustomed to view violent film. Before included in the study, written consent and clinical examination were done. The CV parameters [blood pressures and ECG parameters] were recorded before and after VFV, so that each participant acted as his own control. These parameters were: Heart rate [HR], systolic and diastolic blood pressure [SBP and DBP], mean pressure [MP], pulse pressure [PP], the durations of P-R interval, QRS, Q-Tc, R-R interval, S-T segment and interval and the voltage of R and T waves. Statistical analysis of data showed that there were a significant increase in HR, SBP, DBP, PP and MP in group I after VFV compared to their control pre-viewing values. There were significant decrease in R wave and T wave voltage, the durations of P-R, QRS, Q-Tc, R-R and ST in group I after VFV compared to their control previewing values. In group II, there were significant decrease in HR. SBP, DBP, PP and MP after VFV compared with their previewing control values. While there were significant increase in R and T waves voltage, durations of P-R, QRS, Q-Tc [Q-T correct], R-R and ST after VFV compared with their control previewing values there. Previous experience with VFV resulted in sympathetic reactions whereas non accustomed to VFV showed parasympathetic reaction. This may be due to aggressive stress response associated with previous experience with VFV in group I while lack of this past experience could lead to less aggressive reactions in group II

Effect of the black seed oil [Nigella Sativa oil] on experimentally-induced gastric mucosal injury in albino rats

The present study was done to investigate the possible effect of Nigella sativa oil [NSO] on cold restraint [CR] and indomethacin [I] induced gastric ulcer in albino rats. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were used in this study; they were divided into six equal groups. Pyloric ligation was done in all rats to collect gastric juice. Gastric ulcer was induced by CR and I treatment. Oral treatment with NSO daily for two weeks was given to control [non-stressed] and to CR and I treated rats before ulcer induction. Gastric ulcer scores, gastric juice analysis for acidity, proteolytic activity and mucin, gastric mucosa1 histamine, glutathione [GSH], prostaglandin E2 [PGE2] and lipid peroxides as well as serum total antioxidant status [TAS] were determined and the mean levels were compared with control non treated parameters. It can be concluded that NSO imparted a protective action against CR- and I-induced ulcer in rats and can be recommended for prophylaxis and treatment of gastric mucosa1 injury

Assessment of bone turnover by measurement of serum estradiol and interleukin-6

This study included twenty-six postmenopausal women and twenty premenopausal ones in a trial to understand how estrogen performs its antiosteoporotic action. Serum estradiol, interleukin 6 [IL-6] and osteocalcin were measured. A highly significant difference in serum estradiol and IL-6 was found between the two groups. It could be concluded that estrogen exerted its antiosteoporotic effect by modulating the production of IL-6, thus inhibiting its stimulatory effect on osteoblasts

Throat and Nasal carriers of toxigenic and Non-Toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae among food handlers A six month study

This study was carried out in AI JAZIRA POLYCLINIC, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia between April and October 1991. Food handlers were included in this study from whome throat and nasal swabs were cultured of toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae. Results showed that 11 food handlers were throat carriers of toxigenic strains [1.2%] while 6 food handlers were nasal carriers of toxigenic strains [0.66%]. Of those food handler, two harbouring the toxigenic C. diphtheriae both in their noses and throats. So, the total number of carriers of toxigenic strains was 15 [1.6%]. On the other hand, 13 food handlers harbourd non-toxigenic C. diptheriae in their throats[1.4%] compared to 9 nasal earners of non-toxigenic strains [0.99%] Total number of carriers of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae was 22 [2.4%]

value of CEA in the differentiation between malignant and non-malignant effusion

In order to discriminate between benign and malignant effusion, the value of carcinoembryonic antigen has been estimated in the serum and in serous effusion. The present work included 40 patients, 22 with malignant and 18 with benign effusions. The mean CEA level in the malignant group was significantly higher than that in the benign group. Using CEA value of 5 ng/ml as a cut-off value, CEA level in the effusion was found to have a sensitivity of 41% and specificity of 94%. The corresponding values in the serum were 45% and 100% respectively. In the malignant group, the mean CEA value was found to be high in patients having adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. On the other hand, the mean CEA level in patients having mesothelioma was low

Adenosine deaminase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage of pulmonary tuberculosis

Adenosine deaminase [ADA] activity, lymphocytes and T-cell subsets% [CD3%, CD4% and CD8%] were measured in BAL from 15 patients with active pulmonary TB, 15 persons with inactive pulmonary TB and 15 normal nonsmoker volunteers. ADA activity in BAL and serum, lymphocytes%, CD3%, CD4% and CD4: CD8 ratio in BAL were statistically highly significantly [p <0.001] increased among patients with active pulmonary TB compared with inactive cases and normal controls, whereas no statistical difference [p >0.05] was found as regard CD8%. ADA activity showed positive correlation more with CD4% in BAL [r = +0.93] and both showed positive correlation with tuberculin test. So, ADA may constitute a new marker of cell-mediated immune response and tuberculous lung infection is characterized by T- cell [CD4] alveolitis. It is suggested that, ADA activity in BAL over 3 U/L and/or serum: BAL ADA ratio below 7, BAL lymphocytes >10%, CD3 >50% or CD4: CD8 ratio >2.5 denoted active pulmonary TB, whereas lower values serve to diagnose inactive disease. So, measurement of ADA activity and T-cell subsets% in BAL may be valuable parameters for diagnosis and follow up of pulmonary TB

Bronchoalveolar lavage in bronchogenic carcinoma

This study included 30 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and 15 normal non-smoker volunteers. Bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] was done for every subject through the fiberbronchoscope. It was noticed that the percentage of alveolar macrophages [AM] was significantly lower in BAL of bronchogenic carcinoma patients than BAL of normal non-smokers. PNL was significantly higher in BAL of patients with carcinoma than that of normals. Percentage of lymphocytes in BAL of patients with small cell carcinoma was significantly higher than that in both squamous cell and adenocarcinoma. There was a significant correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked by patients with squamous cell carcinoma and the percentage of PNL in their BAL

Soft tissue displacement during recording centric relation with different biting pressures

The displacement of soft tissues beneath jaw record blocks is measured under light and firm pressures [on 32 cephalograph of 16 edentulous subjects]. The results indicate that:1 - The immediate displacement of the mucosa under light load is even 2 - The displacement is uneven when the biting pressure is increased 3 - The centric relation recorded with, minimal pressure is essential for even occlusal contact during swallowing and speech

effect of resilient liner on the biting force of edentulous individuals

The biting pressure of 8 edentulous subjects were recorded by [Boos Dimeter] attached to acrylic record bases. The record bases were relined by soft liner and the biting power measured and compared with the pressure exerted on hard bases. The biting powers were recorded at 3 vertical jaw separation. The results showed a real increase in the biting ability with the application of soft liner. This increase was more evident at the lowest vertical jaw separation