Immune response in Blackbelly lambs to Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis mixed infection in a hot and humid climate

@#The main objective was to determine the immune response of Blackbelly lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, or both species. In the first stage, an experimental challenge was performed with 200 infective larvae (L3)/kg body weight (BW) of H. contortus (Hct, n = 8). Additionally, eight animals were infected with 500 L3/kg BW of T. colubriformis (Tcl), eight lambs with the mixed infection at the same dose (HctTcl), and lambs without infection were the control group. In the second infection, the same lambs were reinfected with high doses: 400 L3/kg BW of Hct and 900 L3/kg BW of Tcl. The third stage consisted of a natural reinfection in grazing. Faecal samples were taken to determine the faecal egg count (FEC) of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). IgA was determined in serum and saliva by an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The haematological parameters were recorded. With the first challenge, it was not possible to promote an immune response, whereas in the second infection, FEC were higher than 1000 eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) in infected animals. During the third stage, FECs were higher in lambs infected with Tcl. Eosinophils (EOS) did not show differences in the first and second stages, but during grazing the infected lambs had higher counts than the control group (P < 0.05). IgA activity values showed the same trend, and lambs infected with HctTcl had a higher response (33% of the positive standard) than groups mono-infected (16.5% and 22.6%, respectively).

Low-level red laser therapy alters effects of ultraviolet C radiation on Escherichia coli cells

Low-level lasers are used at low power densities and doses according to clinical protocols supplied with laser devices or based on professional practice. Although use of these lasers is increasing in many countries, the molecular mechanisms involved in effects of low-level lasers, mainly on DNA, are controversial. In this study, we evaluated the effects of low-level red lasers on survival, filamentation, and morphology of Escherichia colicells that were exposed to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation. Exponential and stationary wild-type and uvrA-deficientE. coli cells were exposed to a low-level red laser and in sequence to UVC radiation. Bacterial survival was evaluated to determine the laser protection factor (ratio between the number of viable cells after exposure to the red laser and UVC and the number of viable cells after exposure to UVC). Bacterial filaments were counted to obtain the percentage of filamentation. Area-perimeter ratios were calculated for evaluation of cellular morphology. Experiments were carried out in duplicate and the results are reported as the means of three independent assays. Pre-exposure to a red laser protected wild-type and uvrA-deficient E. coli cells against the lethal effect of UVC radiation, and increased the percentage of filamentation and the area-perimeter ratio, depending on UVC fluence and physiological conditions in the cells. Therapeutic, low-level red laser radiation can induce DNA lesions at a sub-lethal level. Consequences to cells and tissues should be considered when clinical protocols based on this laser are carried out.

Toxicidade do pericarpo da Jatropha curcas em ovinos / Jatropha curcas pericarp toxicity in sheep

O pinhão manso (Jatropha curcas) é uma planta cultivada para a produção de biocombustível. O pericarpo é um coproduto com potencial para alimentação animal, e a presença de componentes tóxicos, principalmente ésteres de forbol, pode limitar sua utilização. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a toxicidade do pericarpo. Vinte ovinos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos - um grupo-controle, que não recebeu a planta, e três experimentais, que receberam o pericarpo nas concentrações de 15% (G15), 30% (G30) e 45% (G45), durante 23 dias. Após o 10º dia, a ingestão do pericarpo promoveu redução do consumo de alimento, diarreia, desidratação e caquexia. Todos os grupos tratados apresentaram redução na concentração de fosfatase alcalina. Animais do G30 apresentaram redução na concentração de ureia e proteínas totais e elevação de potássio e sódio. No G45, houve aumento de aspartato aminotransferase, albumina, creatinina bilirrubina indireta e total. A avaliação anatomo-histopatológica revelou ascite, hidropericárdio, congestão no trato gastrintestinal e nos pulmões, edema pulmonar, aderências à parede torácica, degeneração hepática centrolobular e das células tubulares renais, pneumonia linfo-histiocitica e enterite linfoplasmocitária e histiocítica. À análise fitoquímica, constatou-se 0,3845mg de ésteres de forbol/g de pericarpo. Conclui-se que o pericarpo de J. curcas é tóxico, não sendo recomendado para alimentação de ovinos.

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) is a plant cultivated for biofuel production. Pericarp is a potential livestock food source by-product. However, its use may be limited due to the presence of toxic compounds, mainly phorbol esters. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate pericarp toxicity. Twenty sheep were divided in four groups, one control group which did not receive the plant and three experimental groups which received pericarp in 15% (G15), 30% (G30) and 45% (G45) concentrations for 23 days. After 10 days of treatment, pericarp ingestion produced food intake decrease, diarrhea, dehydration and loss of body condition. All treated groups showed decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. G30 animals presented reductions in urea and total protein concentrations, and increase in potassium and sodium levels. G45 animals showed increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and in albumin, creatinin, total and indirect bilirubin levels. Anatomohistopathologic findings included ascites, hydropericardium, congestion of the gastintestinal tract and lungs, pulmonary edema and adhesions in the thoracic cavity, renal tubular cells and centrilobular cytoplasmic vacuolation and lymphohistiocytic pneumonia and lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic enteritis. On the physiochemical analysis 0.3845mg of phorbol esters/g of pericarp were detected. It is concluded that J. curcas pericarp is toxic and is not recommended for sheep feeding.

Impact of an educational programme on knowledge, beliefs, practices and expectations about care among adolescent glaucoma patients in Cairo

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of an educational programme on knowledge, beliefs, practices and expectations towards glaucoma and eye care among adolescent patients with glaucoma. A purposive sample of 50 patients with glaucoma aged 12-18 years, attending ophthalmology outpatient clinics in Cairo, Egypt, were given an educational programme focusing on information about glaucoma, correcting patients' incorrect beliefs and expectations, and demonstrations and retraining about eye care. A range of tools was used to assess patients before and after the programme: questionnaire, observation checklist, physical assessment sheet, childrens' depression scale, children manifest anxiety scale, self-esteem inventory and patients' expectations scale. The programme significantly improved patients' knowledge and beliefs about glaucoma and their practices and expectations concerning eye care. Innovative educational programmes about eye diseases are needed to improve patients' knowledge and practices

clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 100 patients with osteosarcoma in a 10-year period

Background and Purpose: Osteosarcoma is among primary bone tumors, seen mostly in long bones among young adults

Therapeutic approach to this disease consists of surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, there is no access to information on its early symptoms and the high risk group. Therefore, in this study we have assessed the epidemiologic, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of osteosarcomaMethods and Materials: This cross sectional descriptive study involved 100 cases of osteosarcoma with various ages admitted to academic hospitals in Mashad, Iran. The obtained data were analyzed statistically in SPSS 11.5

Results: There were 69 male and 29 female patients, with a mean age of 17.6 +/- 7.04 years. The most common tumor sites were femur [46%] and tibia [41%]. Bone pain [56 cases], swelling [18 cases] and pathologic fractures [11 cases] were the most common complaints

Conclusion: Osteosarcoma can be recognized as a malignancy in young male adults, which is characterized mainly with pain

Stressors and coping patterns of mothers having preterm infants

The preterm infant is traditionally defined as a live-born infant who born before the end of 37 weeks of gestation, regardless of birth weight. This study was aimed to assess stressors and coping patterns of mothers having preterminfants. The study subjects consisted of sixty mothers and their preterm infants at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] at Maternity and Gynaecological Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. The study tools of data collection were; 1] Pre-designed Questionnaire Format; to assess socio-demographic characteristics of the studied mothers and their preterm infants. 2] Parental Stressors Scale [related to Infant Hospitalization]; to measure mothers' perception of stressors arising from the physical and psychosocial environment of the neonatal intensive care unit [hospitalization]. 3] Stressors Scale for Mothers of Preterm Infants; to determine types and degrees of stressors experienced by mothers of preterm infants in addition to physical signs and symptoms of stress. 4] Coping Scale for Mothers of Preterm Infants; to determine coping patterns of mothers of preterm infants. The results of the study revealed that, high total mean scores of maternal stressors were observed among the studied mothers. High mean score of physical signs and symptoms of mothers stressors with low total mean score of positive coping was observed among the studied mothers. The study concluded that mothers were experienced high stressors levels when their infants are admitted to a NICU. Nursing intervention was recommended to decrease levels of stressors experienced by mothers of preterm infants in NICU and improve their coping pattern to overcome this highly stressful period

Estudo do desenvolvimento motor primário de crianças emidade escolar submetidas à avaliação psicomotora / Study of motor primary development of children in school age submitted

Durante o curso do desenvolvimento infantil, as crianças são influenciadas de forma direta e/ou indireta por diversos fatores, sejam eles de ordem pessoal e social. Nos últimos anos, pesquisas apontam as características biológicas da população infantil como uma das principais causas de atrasos neuropsicomotores nas crianças. Neste contexto, foi desenvolvido um estudo descritivo, utilizando abordagem quanti-qualitativa, com o objetivo de analisar o desenvolvimento motor primário de crianças, com e sem alterações psicomotoras, matriculadas em redes públicas e privadas de ensino de João Pessoa, Paraíba. A amostra analisada foi constituída por 22 pais/responsáveis, sendo 11 de crianças com alterações psicomotoras e 11 de crianças sem alterações. Os dados obtidos apontam que a presença de alteração psicomotora está atrelada a atrasos nas fases de desenvolvimento. Foi encontrada correlação positiva relacionada à presença de alterações psicomotoras e impactos negativos no desenvolvimento motor pós-parto. Nas crianças com alterações, os atrasos apresentados nos estágios de desenvolvimento correlacionaram-se a aspectos negativos do comportamento e da personalidade. Quanto ao predomínio de crianças com e sem alterações psicomotoras, em relação à rede pública e privada, foi encontrada distribuição uniforme, apontando que a rede de ensino não seria fator determinante para atraso no desenvolvimento. Ressalta-se a importância da investigação do processo evolutivo e da identificação dos fatores relacionados ao desenvolvimento infantil, possibilitando a intervenção precoce e implementação de programas de estimulação para crianças com alterações psicomotoras.

During the child development course, children are influenced directly and/or indirectly by several factors, either from personal or social order. In the last years, research suggests that the biological characteristics of children are the major cause of neuropsychomotor delays. In this context, a descriptive study was developed, using a quantitative-qualitative approach, aiming to analyze the primary motor development of children with and without psychomotor changes, enrolled in public and private schools of João Pessoa, Paraíba. The sample comprised 22 parents/guardians; 11 children with psychomotor changes and 11 with no one. Data pointed out that the presence of psychomotor change is linked to delays in the stages of development. We found a positive correlation related to the presence of psychomotor changes and negative impacts on the postpartum development. In children with alterations, those produced in the late stages of development correlated to the negative aspects of behavior and personality. As for the predominance of children with and without psychomotor changes, regarding public and private schools, it was found a uniform distribution, indicating that the school system is not a determining factor for delays on their development. Finally, it is emphasized the importance of further research in the evolutionary process and the identification of factors related to children's development, enabling early intervention and implementation of programs of stimulation for children with psychomotor changes.

Treatment of upper urinary tract calculi at the University Hospital of Conakry: retrospective analysis of 54 cases

To study the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of upper urinary tract calculi at a hospital in Guinea taking into consideration the local working conditions. This retrospective study included 52 patients with a total of 54 urinary tract calculi treated between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 2003. The parameters studied included the presenting symptoms, the findings on clinical and laboratory investigations and the methods of treatment. The patients' mean age was 37.5 [range 13 - 76] years with a preponderance of the age group of 21 - 30 years, representing 26.9% [n = 14] of the cases. The male-to-female ratio was 10:3. The socio-economic groups most affected by upper urinary tract calculi were farmers and housewives. Pain was the most frequent presenting symptom seen in 92.3% of the patients. The average time between onset of symptoms and presentation was 35 months. Urine microscopy and culture revealed infection in 46 patients [88.5%]; organisms were isolated in 42 cases [80.8%], the majority were Proteus mirabilis, E. coli and Streptococci in 45.2%, 33.3% and 21.4% of the cases, respectively. Intravenous urography [IVU] helped in the diagnosis in 81.5% cases [n = 44]. Treatment consisted of surgery in 96.2% [n=50] of the patients, while 3.8% [n=2] were treated conservatively. After a mean follow-up of 34 months, the results are satisfactory with a pain- and stone-free rate of 82.7% [n=43]. The diagnosis of upper urinary tract calculi is easy. However, we have noted a considerable delay in treatment due to the lack of equipment in our technical environment leading to considerable morbidity and prolonged hospitalization of the patients

MONRATE: A descriptive tool for calculation and prediction of re-infection of Ascaris lumbricoides (Ascaridida: Ascarididae)

The study presents an interactive descriptive tool (MONRATE) for calculating and predicting reinfection rates and time of Ascaris lumbricoides following mass chemotherapy. The implementation was based on the theoretical equation published by Hayashi in 1977, for time-prevalence: Y=G [1-(1-X)N-R] as modified by Jong-Yil in 1983. Using the Psuedo-Code of the MONRATE tool, the calculated monthly reinfection rates (X) for the LGAs are (names are locations in Nigeria in a region predominately populated by the Yoruba speaking tribes of Nigeria whose traditional occupations are agriculture and commerce): Ewekoro (1.6 %), Odeda (2.3 %), Ado-odo/Otta (2.3 %), Ogun Waterside (3.8 %) and Obafemi/Owode (4.2 %). The mathematical mean of ‘X’ values in the study areas for Ogun State was 2.84. The calculated reinfection time (N months) for the LGAs are varied such as Ado-odo/Otta (12.7), Ogun Waterside (21.8), Obafemi/Owode (22.92), Odeda (25.45), and Ewekoro (25.9). The mean value for N in Ogun State was 21.75. The results obtained from MONRATE were compared with those obtained using the mathematical equation and found to be the same. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (3-4): 755-760. Epub 2007 December, 28.

Se presenta una herramienta descriptiva e interactiva (MONRATE) para calcular y predecir las tasas y tiempo de reinfección con Ascaris lumbricoides tras un tratamiento de quimioterapia. Nos basamos en la ecuación propuesta por Hayashi en 1977 para el tiempo de prevalencia: Y=G [1- (1-X)N-R], según la modificó Jong-Yil en 1983. Utilizando el código Psuedo de la herramienta de MONRATE, las tasas de reinfección mensuales (X) para varios sitios de Nigeria, África, son: Ewekoro (1.6 %), Odeda (2.3 %), Ado-odo/Otta (2.3 %), Ogun Waterside (3.8 %) y Obafemi/ Owode (4.2 %). El promedio matemático de los valores de "X" en el área de estudio del Estado de Ogun fue 2.84. El tiempo de reinfección calculado (N meses) para LGAs es variado: Ado-odo/Otta (12.7), Ogun Waterside (21.8), Obafemi/Owode (22.92), Odeda (25.45) y Ewekoro (25.9). El valor promedio para N en el Estado de Ogun fue 21.75. Los resultados del programa MONRATE son iguales a los producidos por la ecuación.

[Traumatic rupture of the posterior urethra. Analysis of 87 cases at the Conakry University Hospital]

To report on our experience in the management of traumatic rupture of the posterior urethra. Eighty-seven patients with traumatic rupture of the posterior urethra were treated at the Department of Urology and Andrology of the Conakry University Hospital between January 1988 and December 2004. Trauma was caused by a car accident in 68 [78.2%] and by 72 hours after the accident. The others presented at a stage where urethral structure had already developed. Pelvic fracture was observed in 56 [64.4%] patients. The predominant presenting symptom was urinary retention in 62 [71.3%] patients, followed by bleeding per urethram in 59 [67.8%] and perineal hematoma in 23 [26.4%] patients. Treatment consisted of immediate realignment with a guiding catheter, deferred urethroplasty between the 8th and 10th day, or delayed urethroplasty, depending on the time elapsed after the injury. Good results were achieved in 32 [36.8%] and satisfactory results in 29 [44.8%] cases. Erectile dysfunction was noted in 19 [21.8%] patients. Treatment of ruptures of the posterior urethra remains controversial. Due to the fact that in our environment endoscopic realignment is not possible, deferred emergency end-toend urethrorraphy remains the method of choice for ruptures not associated with other serious lesions. In case of associated serious injuries, these are given priority as a life-saving measure before urethral repair

[Clinical features of cancer of the prostate in Guinea. Results of a study covering the period between 2000 and 2006]

To describe the clinical features of prostate cancer in a Guinean population. This retrospective study was carried out at the Department of Urology and Andrology of the Ignace Deen University Hospital, Conakry, between January 2000 and December 2006. In total, 203 patients were included in the study. The following parameters were evaluated: the patients' age at diagnosis, the reasons for consultation, the findings on digital rectal examination [DRE], total PSA value, prostate volume on ultrasound, tumor stage according to the 2002 TNM classification and Gleason score. The statistical evaluation aimed at finding significant relationships among the collected parameters. The mean patient age was 70,3 years [range: 52 -91 years]. The presenting symptoms consisted of irritative and obstructive urinary symptoms in 96.3% of the cases. DRE suggested malignancy of the prostate in 600% of the patients. The mean PSA value was 120.8 ng/m1 [range:0.1 - 6354 ng/ml]. The mean prostate volume on ultrasound was 77.2 cc. Localized tumors [T1 andT2] were found in21.2% of the patients, with a preponderance of T2 tumors [18.2%], and well differentiated tumors in 44.8% of the patients. The knowledge of these clinical features allows better understanding of the necessity for early diagnosis of prostate cancer in Guinea. Men should be evaluated starting from the age of 50 in order to reduce mortality

Antifimgal properties of the crude extracts of bauhinia thonningii schum. [caesalpiniaceae] and sarcocephalus esculentus afzel [rubiaceae] from atropical forest in Nigeria

Ethanol and water crude extracts of Bauhinia thonningii and Sarcocephalus esculentus barks were investigated individually for in vitro antifungal activity by disc diffusion agar technique. The phytochemical properties of the extracts were also assayed. The plant crude extracts had significant antifungal activity on Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton rubrum which were previously isolated from patients with skin diseases. The water extract of the plants showed more antifungal activity than the corresponding ethanol extract. The water extract of B. thonningii had the highest zone of inhibition [16.70 +/- 0.19 mm] on Trichophyton rubrum culture plate. The water extract of B. thonningii had a higher zone of inhibition on the cultures of Candida albicans, Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton rubrum than the antibiotics Nystatin and Fulcin at 10 micro g/ml. The crude extracts of B. thonningii and Sarcocephalus esculentus contained the alkaloid, anthocyanin, anthraquinone, betacyanin, flavonoid, saponin and steroid

Increasing pattern of antibiotic resistance in neisseria gonorrhoeae

To explore the fact of increasing pattern of resistance to commonly used antibiotics by Neisseria gonorrhoeae detected simultaneously in gram-stained smears and cultures of urethral and/or prostatic secretions. Retrospective study to detect N. gonorrhoeae from the submitted urethral and/or prostatic secretions and their antibiogram. One hundred thirty three male patients of suspected gonorrhoea attending the Skin and V.D. outpatient's department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital [RMCH], Bangladesh from January to November 2001. The study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology of Rajshahi Medical College as a part of its diagnostic service delivery to the patients of RMCH. Urethral and/or prostatic secretions were collected from the suspected cases of gonorrhoea. Gram-stained smears for microscopical detection of gram-negative diplococci and culture on Chocolate agar media were done for all samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing by standard disc diffusion method was performed using antibiotics commonly prescribed for the treatment of gonorrhoea. Significant number of cases was found to be positive for N. gonorrhoeae in both urethral and prostatic secretions. As tools for detecting N. gonorrhoeae both Microscopical examination and Culture were equally comparable. Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin showed around 11.60% resistant cases while Penicillin and Amoxycillin were found to be least efficacious drugs. Cephalexin, Doxycycline and Tetracycline were equivocal in sensitivity. This study reinforces the microscopy of gram-stained smears as a good tool for rapid diagnosis of N gonorrhoeae. It also explores the fact of increasing pattern of antibiotic resistance by N. gonorrhoeae to commonly prescribing drugs

Diagnosis of congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis by detection of low avidity specific IGG antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid

To assess the role of congenital toxoplasmosis as a causative agent of the CNS disorders in human off springs, 105 newborns, infants, preschool and school children with these disorders were observed. They consisted of three groups. The first were 24 newborns and infants to mothers seroconverted during pregnancy, the second; 39 newborns and infants whose immunocompromised mothers were Toxoplasma chronically infected before pregnancy, the third, 42 children who were clinically free at birth but presented with CNS disorders 4-9 years later; their mothers were with chronic Toxoplasma seropositivity at the time of the survey. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were sought in the sera of mothers and sera and CSF of the off springs. Specific intrathecal IgG antibody production was estimated by calculating Goldman Witmer Coefficient [C] and by calculating the CSF to serum antibody avidity ratio [AR] exploiting an ELISA that included dissociation of antigen-antibody complexes with 6 Mure a solution. C value > 8 and AR value < 0.5 were detected in 5 [20.8%] members of the first group, 3 [7.6%] of the second and 4 [9.5%] of the third. These values corresponded with the response to specific therapy. The antibody avidity in the diagnosed newborn sera [

Cutaneous hypersensitivity to co-trimoxazole after autologus bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy with interferon alpha-2A and interleukin-2.

Typical cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to co-trimoxazole was seen in a woman after autologous bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy. She had developed no such reaction during chemotherapy prior to the transplant or immediately after the transplant. The immunoperturbed state that exists for a period of time after bone marrow transplantation, especially in the presence of immunomodulation caused by combined therapy with recombinant human interferon alpha and interleukin-2, with exposure to potentially reaginic agents may have contributed to the development of the hypersensitivity reaction in this patient.

Epidemiologic study of major risk factors of ischemic heart disease in teaching staff of Kasr-El-Aini Medical School, Cairo University

192 personnel of the medical staff of 11 departments of Kasr El-Eini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University [144 males and 48 females] aged 29 to 70 years, were divided into two groups. Group [1], 121 persons [111 males and 10 females] aged 30 to 70 years [mean 43.2] were submitted to clinical and laboratory investigations for risk and underlying factors of coronary heart disease. Group [2], 71 persons [33 males and 38 females] aged 29 to 61 years [mean 38.2] were submitted to measurement of blood pressure, interview for life style and activities especially those which may be associated with risk exposure to coronary heart disease. Out of the 121 group [1] subjects, 96 cases have completed all history, clinical and laboratory investigations. The statistical data in the present study revealed that according to existing coronary artery risk and disease, they were classified into a risk 82/96 [95.6%] which were further subdivided into low risk in one case, intermediate risk in 10/96 [10.6%], and high risk in 7/96 [14.6%]. There was a significant difference between group [1] and [2] for at risk subjects and coronary artery disease. This is due to detection of some risk factors by laboratory investigations which change the whole picture of some risk and disease. Hence, periodic health appraisal with the subject may be unaware, yet contribute to progressively increasing risk of developing coronary heart disease and for diagnosis of coronary heart disease cases in the early inapparent stage