Evidence for variant avian leucosis virus in cases of mixed infection with Marek's disease virus

In the present study, we report for the first time in Egypt the evidence for variants of avain leucosis virus subgroup J. ALV-J associated with 2 cases of mixed infection with Marek's disease virus, MDV [one case is associated with tumors and the other, from homogenates of blood and tissues of chicks experienced transient paralysis syndrome of MDV] was detected. The ALV-Js might be variants as indicated by histopathological behaviour; negativity of the ALV-J specific PCR; and sero-logical profile in the flock with mixed infection [tumor-cases of ALV and MDV] and in experimentally-infected chickens with blood and tissue homogenates of other mixed infection case of ALV-J and MDV was detected. Using specific PCR for REV and ALV groups A or B, or C and/ or, D all samples of both mixed infection cases revealed negative results for amplification. However, 28.3% of sera samples collected from chickens with tumor-cases at age of 38 weeks were positive for ALV-J and negative for ALV [groups A and B] by ELISA. Testing of sera collected from the flock with tumor-cases at 45 and 55 weeks of age revealed that 38.2% and 20% of sera were positive for ALV-J and 2.9 and 3% were positive for ALV [groups A and B], respectively. In experimentally-infected chickens with homogenates of blood and spleen, 14.2% of sera were positive to ALV-J and negative for ALV [groups A and B] when tested at 30 weeks post-inoculation. Histopathological examination revealed the occurrence of mixed infection of MDV and ALV-J with unique pathological lesions in eye and liver which were found to have heavily aggregations of myelocytes characteristic to ALV subgroup J

Women, work and health in Egypt

The special occupational health problems of working women are recognized in both the developing and industrialized countries. In the former, heavy physical work, the double work burden of job and family, less developed working methods and traditional social roles are the factors that increase the burden of female workers. In the industrialized countries, where women also have the double work burden, lower-paid manual jobs are often left to female workers. Also the design of machinery and work tools are often made according to male anthropometry although female workers use such equipments. Women may also face problems of occupational exposures that are hazardous to reproductive health. In many service occupations the female workers may be exposed to the threat of violence from clients or to sexual harassment from fellow workers. Egyptian working females represent about 22% of the total labor force in Egypt. Seventeen percent of female working force is involved in agricultural activities. About 32% of females are sharing by more than half of their earning in house hold expenses. Some studies indicate a higher than average risk of unemployment among female workers which may also have negative social and health consequences on families. We recommend that women's legislative aspects for work should be strictly complied. Women's overtimes and night shifts should be limited very strictly. Certain type of jobs should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. We should encourage research studies to ensure women's safety and ameliorate workplace health

Effect of occupational lead-exposure on blood pressure, serum aldosterone level and plasma renin activity

The present study aimed to investigate the association between occupational lead-exposure and elevated blood pressure as well as serum aldosterone level and plasma renin activity as parameters affecting blood pressure. Fifty occupationally lead-exposed [16 males and 34 females] and 50 non-exposed [15 males and 34 females] workers were selected after the application of certain exclusion criteria. All workers were admitted to complete clinical examination including standard blood pressure measurement. Also, blood lead level, serum aldosterone concentration and plasma reran activity were estimated. The results of both occupationally lead-exposed males and females demonstrated no significant differences regarding age, work duration, systolic and diastolic blood pressures when compared with occupationally non- exposed males and females, respectively. In addition, occupationally lead-exposed males and females revealed a significant increase in blood lead level and serum aldosterone concentration compared with controls. Moreover, plasma renin activity is significantly decreased among the lead-exposed male workers; while it is significantly increased among the lead-exposed female workers in comparison with the controls

Comparative study of postoperative pain and pulmonary function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus small-incision cholecystectomy

In this prospective study, 50 patients having symptomatic cholelithiasis were operated upon; 25 laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 25 small-incision cholecystectomy. Postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, oxygen saturation and pulmonary function [forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow rate] were assessed after laparoscopic and small-incision cholecystectomy. Compared with small-incision cholecystectomy; laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with lower pain scoring, less postoperative morphine consumption in the first and second postoperative days, less reduction in postoperative pulmonary function and better oxygen saturation. The study confirmed that the postoperative pain and pulmonary changes associated with upper abdominal surgery were significantly reduced by the laparoscopic technique

Serum melatonin rhythms and prolactin levels in workers exposed to electeomagnetic fields around high voltage electric power lines

One of the more contentious issues in the scientific community today is that of the biological effects of electromagnetic fields [EMFs] and whether or not they adversely affect our health. Many authors studied the effect of EMFs on melatonin and prolactin serum levels. Our results revealed a significant reduction of serum melatonin levels and an increase in prolactin secretion in workers exposed to EMFs around high voltage power lines. A significant correlation was detected between the reduction in serial measurements of melatonin levels and the strength of electric fields, while no such correlation was detected concerning prolactin level. Although negative correlation was found between serial melatonin levels and duration of exposure, yet it was not significant. Previous studies reported that reduction of melatonin increases cell vulnerability to alteration by carcinogenic agents. Concerning prolactin, no such correlation was detected. We recommended periodic screening tests for early detection of cancer in high risk workers

Thigh pain after PFCtm cementless total hip arthroplasty

Fourty three patients were treated with fifty three PFC[TM] cementless total hip prostheses. The mean age of the patients was 51.9 years [range 38-64]. The minimum follow-up was three years, with a mean of 44 months [range 36-60]. The mean preoperative Harris hip score was 38.2 points and improved at the last follow-up evaluation to 89 points. A good or excellent result was achieved in 87% of hips. At one year follow-up four patients [7.5%] had mild thigh pain, which persisted at three years in two patients [3.8%]. There was no correlation between the degree of press fit and the thigh pain or the clinical results. At three years, 20 hips [37.7%] showed radiodense lines in zones 3 and 5. These radiodense lines were not associated with thigh pain except in one patient. This study shows that thigh pain after cementless total hip replacement is less common when a less stiff stem is used

Nephrotoxic effects of silica dust

The hypothesis of chronic nephropathy in association with silica exposure is supported by several epidemiologic studies. Our study investigates the adverse effects of silica exposure on the kidneys, in both silicotic and non-silicotic workers. The studied population included an exposed group [n=112], working as millers in the manufacture of bricks, and in underground mining, and a referent group [n=51] matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status. Our results revealed renal affection caused by silica exposure which was proved to occur earlier than chest manifestations of silicosis and that laminin levels serve as an early indicator of renal dysfunction. Also laminin levels show positive correlation with the duration of exposure

Occupational lead exposure and kidney functions

Cases included 90 workers occupationally exposed to lead for a period of 15 +/- 3.2 years. An equal number of controls were selected from workers who had never reported occupational expoure to lead. Levels of current as well as remote exposure to lead were higher among exposed compared to the controls. Total urinary protein levels were nearly the same in both groups but urinary alpha 1 microglobulin was significantly higher in the exposed group. The high levels of the alpha 1 microglobulin were positively correlated with blood lead levels, urinary sigma amino levulinc acid, hair lead concentrations and duration of exposure to lead. All lead exposure parameters as well as urinary alpha microglobulin returned back to levels comparable to those of the controls after cessation of exposure for 120 days

Early detection of nephrotoxic effects due to low-dose exposure of cadmium among cigarette smokers

The effects of low-level exposure to cadmium due to cigarette smoking on renal function were judged by the estimation of urinary levels of total proteins, cadmium, alpha-1-microglobulin [alpha1 M] and glutathione S-transferase [GST] activity among 50 males [38 smokers and 12 control. non-smokers]. Elevated urinary cadmium levels [2.408-28.160; 9.31 +/- 7.1 micro g cd/gm urine creatinine] were observed among the majority of smokers [24 cases, 63.16%] and these levels showed a positive correlation with age and smoking index. Furthermore, urine total proteins [115.18-652.14, 242.89 +/- 121.88 mg Protein/gm urine creatinine] were increased suggesting glomerular involvement among 20 cases [52.63%] of smokers. In addition, urinary alpha1 M levels [14.645-86.053; 34.05 +/- 16.83 mg alpha1 M /gm urine creatinine] and urinary GST activity [0.0-0.008; 0.00015 +/- 0.0002 micro mol/min/100 micro1/gm urine creatinine] were elevated among 18 [47.37%] and 20 [52.63%] cages of smokers respectively. Since urinary alpha1 M and GST originate from renal proximal tubules, the data of the present investigation could reflect early low-level cadmium exposure nephrotoxic effect on both the glomeruli and tubules

Prevalence of mitral valve prolapse and echocardiographic abnormalities in primary fibromyalgia

28 female patients [32.07 +/- 9.48 years] with primary fibromyalgia, having no previous or recent cardiovascular or valvular heart disease were subjected to an echocardiographic study to determine the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse [MVP] as well as any other echocardiographic abnormalities. Mitral valve prolapse was detected in 19 patients [67.85%] as follows: grade I [mild-degree] 6 patients [31.57%]. Grade II [moderate degree] 8 patients [42.1%]. Grade III [severe degree] 5 patients [26.3%]. Mild degree of mitral regurgitation [MI] was found in 6 cases [31.6%], while 21% of patients with mitral valve prolapse [MVP] showed myxomatous degeneration of mitral valve leaftes. The prevalence of MVP in this population of primary fibromyalagia group is significantly higher than the control group [X[2]=215.68. P<0.001]. Echocardiographic parameters including, ejection fraction, percentage fiber shortening. Left ventricular end diastolic dimension, end-systolic dimension. aortic root dimensions and left atrial size, were all normal. Primary fibromyalgia and MVP both may belong to a generalized connective tissue abnormality

Breast changes in workers engaged in the manufacture of sex hormones

Numerous studies have established an association between sex hormones and the risk of developing neoplastic disease. It is of course, well known that both the risk of certain tumours occurring in women such as cancer of the breast and the endometrium and the prognosis in the event of their occurrence, are strongly related to endogenous hormones. It is quite justifiable to ask questions about the significance of exogenous hormones in relation to such diseases. This work was performed in one of the companies engaged in manufacturing of sex hormones. All workers already present and those transfered from this section have been examined for the presence of any breast mass or scar of previous operation. Pathological reports have been reviewed and correlated with the duration of exposure; age of workers, parity, and family history. Hormonal assay was performed for all exposed workers

effect of sodium chloride on the free amino acid and the free fatty acid contents of Domiati cheese

Domiati cheese was made from milk containing 5, 10, and 15% sodium chloride. The formation of the free amino acids and fatty acids and the micro flora in fresh cheese and after 1 and 2 months were studied. The total free amino acids and fatty acids of cheese increased during storage but at a slow rate with increasing sodium chloride content. Increasing the sodium chloride content of cheese increased the formation of free lysine, but had unclear effect on histidine, and decreased the concentration of the other free amino acids in cheese. Also, the high salt content of cheese was accompanied with the appearance of therionine; serine; valine and methionine at advanced stage of storage. The total free volatile fatty acids [TFVFA] and non volatile fatty acids [NVFA] were affected by sodium chloride content of cheese. The ratio of volatile free fatty acids [VFEA] [C[2]-C[10]] to total free fatty acids [TFFA] decreased in cheese with high salt content. The count of the detectable microbial groups [total bacterial count; lipolytic and proteolytic bacteria, and yeasts and moulds] decreased by storage period and sodium chloride content of cheese. The addition of 10% sodium chloride to cheese milk greatly reduced the count of the above microbial groups compared to cheese with 5% sodium chloride. Further addition of sodium chloride [15%] did not cause more reduction in the bacterial count than 10%