Prevalence of bovine infection with mycobacterium bovis some Egyptian Governorates

One hundred and thirty seven [4.6%] out of 3000 cattle at different ages from seven governorates of Egypt [Qualubia, Sharkia; Gharbia, Giza, Behira, Sohag and Ismailia] were found positive for tuberculosis by single inradermal [SID] tuberculin Bacteriological examination of tested samples from slaughtered reactor cattle revealed the isolation and identification of Mycobacterium bovis [M. bovis] and Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis [MOTT] in 90 [65.7%] and 7 [5.1%] samples, respectively. One hundred and eight [78.83%] serum samples out of 137 tuberculin reactors were found positive for enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] by using test. Post mortem [PM] examination of slaughtered reactor cattle revealed tuberculous visible lesions [VL] and non-VL [NVL] in 94 [68.6%] and 43 [31.4%] animals, respectively. Tuberculous lesions were observed in 41 29.9%], 19[13.9%], 20 [15%] and 14 [10.2%] in 137 slaughtered reactor cattle with pulmonary, digestive, mixed and generalized VL, respectively. M.bovis synthetic early secretory antigenic target 6 peptide antigen [ESAT6-p]. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] amplification assay was performed on selected tissues samples from 10 slaughtered tuberculin reactors with pulmonary, digestive, mixed or generalized VL, or NVL. Eight [80%] out of the 10 samples gave positive results with PCR assay. On the other side, only 6 [60%] and 7 [70%] of these samples were found positive for M.bovis isolation and ELISA, respectively. The results obtained in the present study point to the importance of the periodical tuberculin testing of animals, use of ELISA assays with M.bovis-specific antigens as a complimentary diagnostic toot to tuberculin test and application of PCR test for direct and rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis. Improvement of diagnostic assays for M.bovis may be of value in the effectiveness of test and slaughter eradication programs of bovine tuberculosis in governorates of Egypt

Changes in adrenal steroidogenesis in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and sterile ascites

Adrenal androgens, particularly dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], may have important regulatory effects on the immune system in humans. This study measured the changes in adrenal steroidogenesis in 13 non-infected cirrhosis patients with sterile ascites and 13 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and the relation with circulating interleukin-6 [IL-6] levels. Comparisons were made with 10 healthy age-matched control subjects. The severity of bacterial peritonitis in liver cirrhosis was significantly associated with enhanced serum IL-6 and cortisol levels, and a decrease in serum DHEA sulfate in relation to serum IL-6 concentrations. Careful, long-term studies on DHEA administered to cirrhosis patients are needed to assess its safety in improving a number of pathological conditions that complicate liver cirrhosis

Effect of administration of thiazide and/or propranolol on mandibular alveolar bone in rats. an attempt for the possible mechanisms

Bone mass is maintained constant through the interplay of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. Osteoporosis is the most frequent degenerative disease in developed countries. Short-term increases in dietary salt result in increased urinary calcium loss, which suggests that over time, salt intake may cause bone loss. Several studies have reported increased bone density and decreased fracture risk in patients treated with thiazides. Recently, leptin has emerged as a potential candidate for protective effects of fat on bone mass. Furthermore, animal data suggests that bone formation is under beta-adrenergic control and that p-blockers stimulate bone formation and/ or inhibit bone resorption. Moreover, propranolol-treated mice established a direct link between leptin antiosteogenic function and sympathetic activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of sodium chloride [NaCl] intake, alone or combined with thiazide and/or propranolol on bone formation and declear their possible mechanisms of action. In this study, treatment of rats with NaCl solution with either thiazide or propranolol orally for 12 weeks produced significant increase in serum calcium with decrease in urine calcium but produced significant decrease in serum phosphorus with increase in urine phosphorus compared with salt treated rats. Administration of salt with thiazide produced non-significant decrease of serum alkaline phosphatase and non-significant increase of serum leptin, while administration of salt with propranolol produced significant decrease of serum alkaline phosphatase and serum leptin compared with salt treated rats. These results were supported with histological and histochemical examinations' where administration of thiazide or propranolol with salt produced increasing of bone mass, decreasing in bone marrow spaces and produced strong or moderate reaction for alkaline phosphatase, respectively in comparison with salt treated rats. In conclusion, in the light of these results, we could recommend double bladed weapon medication [thiazide and/or propranolol] for many elderly patients with high blood pressure to drive a double benefits i.e., lowering the elevated blood pressure, prevention and/or attenuation of bone loss and osteoporosis which may constitute a potential intervention therapy to prevent alveolar bone loss in periodontal disease

Conservative versus radical surgery for treatment of uncomplicated hepatic hydatid cysts

This work evaluated both radical and conservative surgical approaches in the management of hepatic hydatid cyst. A total of 32 cases with uncomplicated hepatic hydatid cysts were divided into 2 groups according to the type of surgery. Patients in the first group [n=18] were subjected to conservative surgery in the form of endocystectomy, omentoplasty with or without drainage. Cases in the second group [n= 14] underwent radical surgery that included closed pericystectomy, open pericystectomy, wedge hepatic resection or segmentectomy. The results showed that the use of rib cage retractor could avoid the need for thoracotomy incision with its morbidity to manage cysts at the dome of the liver. The mean operating time in GI [140.15 +/- 38.30 mm] was significantly shorter than in GII [190.4 +/- 50.2 mm], with P<0.05. The need of blood transfusion in GI [16.7%] was lesser than in GII [35.7%], but the difference was statistically not significant. The postoperative pain, evaluated by the number of IM analgesic injection was significantly lower in GI [7.2 +/- 3.3] than in GII [9.9 +/- 3.9] with P<0.05. Wound complications were more observed in GII. There was only one reported recurrence in G I in a case with multiorgan cysts that did not receive perioperative anthelmintic chemotherapy. So, conservative surgical management of uncomplicated hepatic hydatid cysts with perioperative anthelmintic chemotherapy supposed to be a simple, safe and effective approach. Its efficacy is comparable to radical surgical procedures with much less morbidity

Pre-operative MRI evaluation of local disease extent in residual / recurrent colorectal and anal cancer

To determine pre-operative MRI accuracy in assessing local disease extent in residual / recurrent colorectal and anal cancer by comparing MRI assessment and staging examination under anaesthesia, Eighteen consecutive patients with recurrent [12 patients] or residual [6 patients] underwent examination under anaesthesia and MRI using a phased array pelvic coil. .Analysis of eight specific anatomical regions for tumor involvement on MRI was performed Findings at examination under anaesthesia and biopsy were recorded. The MRI and examination under anaesthesia findings were correlated with findings at surgery and histopathology. MRI accuracy in determining tumor invasion for all sites assessed were [90%,], sensitivity was [85%,], specificity was [91%], positive predictive value [PPV] was [75%] and negative predictive value [NPV] was [95%]. For those anatomical sites evaluated by both examination under anaesthesia and MRI, MRI was superior to examination under anaesthesia, with an accuracy of 90% Vs 74%. MRI is an accurate technique for assessing disease extent in recurrent / residual colorectal and anal cancer

attack rate and associated risk factors of nephritis among sibling contacts of patients with symptomatic acute post- strepococcal glomerulonephritis

This study aimed at detecting the attack rate and the associated risk factors of nephritis among sibling contacts after the appearance in the family of an index case with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis [APSGN]. The study subjects included 51 patients admitted to the Nehrology unit of Alexandria University Children's Hospital with the diagnosis of APSGN and their 75 sibling contacts aged more than 2 years. APSGN was mainly pharyngitis-associated with peak incidence at winter and autumn and male preponderance. Eighty eight percent of the patients belonged to families of low socioeconomic status. Sibling contacts were examined once within one week of admission of the index case. They were subjected to history taking and had a physical examination, urinalysis and appropriate cultures. Antistreptococcal antibody titers and serum C3 were determined. Among the 75 sibling contacts, 30 of them showed evidence of nephritis whether overt [4 children] and subclinical [26 children] giving an attack rate of 40%, and subclinical to clinical ratio of 6.5. Almost 66% of the affected siblings came from families with a crowding index <=2/room. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [GABHS] were isolated from 15.7% of the index cases and 26.7% of the sibling contacts. T-typing pattern of the isolated GABHS revealed the following nephrogenic types; T3, 6, 12, 8, 8125llmp.19 and 3/13/B3264. In 80% of cases, the same serotype was isolated from the index case and his or her sibling contacts

Conclusion: asymptomatic APSGN adds much to the load of nephritis in our country. Young children living in overcrowded families under low socioeconomic conditions are at high risk of developing nephritis after the appearance of an index case in the family, improving the housing conditions will help in decrease transmission of streptococci with subsequent decrease of the incidence of nephritis

Diagnostic value of lipids, bilirubin and LDH in patients with pleural effusion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the various parameters in differentiating pleural exudates from transudates and its possible role in the diagnosis of the most common causes of pleural effusion. Pleural effusion from 60 patients [36 males and 24 females with a mean age of 45 +/- 10 years] including 18 transudates [9 congestive heart failure, 6 hepatic cirrhosis and 3 with renal failure] and 42 exudates was analyzed. The study concluded that the level of cholesterol in the PF can be closely predicted from the S cholesterol level. A much lower fraction of cholesterol in the PF than in the S is associated with LDL, this suggested that the LDLs undergo metabolic alterations once they enter the pleural space. The PF triglyceride levels are not closely related to either S triglycerides levels. Pleural fluid lipids can not different malignant from tuberculous effusion. P/S bilirubin ratio is a good parameter for distinguishing exudates from transudates, but it has a less sensitivity and accuracy than Light's criteria

Study the effect of B - blocker eye drops on pulmonary function tests in old patients with chronic simple glaucoma

Forty-four patients with chronic simple glaucoma and 20 normal controls were included in this study. All subjects were above 60 years of age; they were without a history of airways diseases or radiological pulmonary diseases. Also, all were nonsmokers and had no systemic diseases that may affect the pulmonary functions as diabetes mellitus, heart failure or renal failure. All cases were subjected to pulmonary function tests, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 and PEFR. Then, patients with glaucoma were classified into two groups. Moreover, 20 subjects were included as a control group. At the end of the 6th month, pulmonary function tests were done to determine FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 and PEFR. The study concluded that no selective B-blocker eye drops in old patients may impair respiratory function, even if they have no history of reversible airway disease; so, using relatively selective B-blocker eye drops reduces the risk of respiratory impairment and heart failure. So, the study recommended to perform simple pulmonary function tests in elderly patients with chronic simple glaucoma to get knowledge about their baseline pulmonary function before giving B-blocker eye drops

Circulating adhesion molecules as predictors of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease

Adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells via cell adhesion molecules is thought to be pivotal in the initiation of atherosclerosis. This study was designed to determine the value of circulating cell adhesion molecules as a predictors of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. This study was conducted on 25 patients with coronary heart disease [CHD], 21 patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis [CAA] and 20 healthy individuals served as control group. The levels of serum soluble[s] adhesion molecules: E-selectin [sE-selectin], intracellular adhesion molecule-l [sICAM-1] and vascular cell adhesion molecule-l [sVCAM-1] were measured in addition to the serum lipids, total cholesterol and triglyceride, HDL-c and LDL-c. The concentration of sE-selectin was significantly higher in the patient groups when compared with the control subjects [CHD 34.9 +/- 19.2 ng/ml; CAA 43.0 +/- 16.7 ng/ml vs. control 18.5 +/- 7.4 ng/ml, p<0.05 and p< 0.001 respectivly]. While there were non significant statistical difference between CHD and CAA [p> 0.05]. The serum level of sICAM-1 was significantly higher in CHD than control [p< 0.05], while there were non significant changes in their values in CAA and control [CHD 318 +/- 85.1 ng/ml, CAA 292.3 +/- 64.2 ng/ml vs. control 240 +/- 68.1 ng/ml]. A significant increase was found in sVCAM-1 among the patient groups when compared with the control [CHD 535 + 227.1ng/ml, CAA 445 + 139.6 ng/ml, control 115+19.7 ng/ml p < 0.001 and p< 0.01 for CHD and CAA respectivly]. The levels of the studied serum lipids were significantly increased in the patient groups when compared with the control [p < 0.001]. When these serum lipids were correlated with the studied adhesion molecules, there were positive correlation between the sE-selectin and LDL-c [r = 0.5, p < 0.02], between sICAM-1 and both of LDL-c [r = 0.51, p< 0.02] and TG [r = 0.39, p<0.05] and between sVCAM-1 and TG [r = 0.62, p< 0.01]. In conclusion, the increase of sE-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-I levels in patients with CHD and CAA suggests that they would be of beneficial value as markers for preclinical prediction of atherosclerosis and CHD

genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of parcetamol in albino rats

This study aimed to shed light on genotoxic, hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of paracetamol. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, alanine amino transferase [ALT], aspirate amino transferase [AST] and alkaline phosphatase were detected after exposure to a high dosage of paracetamol for two weeks. Rats were sacrificed and hepatic and renal tissues were examined by electron microscope to evaluate hepatic and renal toxicity and bone marrow cells were examined for chromosomal abnormalities as an indicator of cytogenic toxicity

Infant and maternal outcomes in the pregnancies of asthmatic women

In this study, 45 pregnant asthmatic women versus 33 pregnant non- asthmatic ones as a control group were examined to evaluate the relationship between infant and maternal outcomes and asthma complicating pregnancy. The adverse maternal outcomes associated with maternal asthma were preeclampsia, placenta previa, cesarean delivery and gestational diabetes. The adverse infant outcomes showed a significant difference as regard to birth weight and Sao2; but other parameters [pre-term infant, small for gestational age, post-term infant, respiratory distress and neonatal deaths] showed a nonsignificant difference

Value of MRI in detection of disease progression in knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis [O.A] of the knee is the most common disorder of human joints. This study was conducted to evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] in the detection of disease progression in patients with knee O.A. Twenty patients with symptomatic knee O.A. were examined clinically, radiologically [plain X-rays] and MR imaging. The procedures were repeated after 6 months. X-ray findings show a significant difference [p<0.05] in medial and patello-femoral compartments, MRI findings show highly significant difference between studied cases [p<0.01]. We concluded that MRI might be useful in the evaluation of disease progression than clinical or radiological examination of O.A knees

Effects of lead toxicity on some important immune factors in human and experimental animals

Lead [pb] is the most common environmental and workplace contaminantpresenting health problem following exposure. This study aimed to investigatethe effect of lead on serum immunoglobulins [IgG and IgM] in exposed workersafter detecting its level in their blood and detect IgG and IgM in serumof albino rats after exposure with detecting IgE that bind to specificcell surface receptors on tissue mast cells. Serum IgG and IgM levels wereestimated by an enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Rats weresacrificed to study mast cell degranulation. The results showed a significantdecrease in IgG and IgM level together with an increase degranulation of mast.cells

Respiratory hazards among workers in flour milling industry

In flour milling industry, respiratory disorders are the main health problems resulting from exposure to grain dust and flour. The aim of this work is to study the prevalence of different respiratory diseases [bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and asthmatic bronchitis] among workers in South Cairo flour Mills Company, and to detect pulmonary ventilatory impairement among them. In our study, chronic obstructive airway diseases [COAD] especially asthmatic bronchitis were significantly higher among exposed workers than among control group, also among exposed smokers than control smokers. The prevalence of COAD among exposed workers showed a significant positive association with the duration of emlpyement. Ventilatory function measurements showed sinificantly lower values of FEV/FVC% FEV and FVC% for exosed workers than the controls, also exposed smokers than exposed non smokers. All ventilatory function measurements showed a significant inverse relationship with duration of exposure