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Gastric (peptic) ulcer is a major gastrointestinal disorder with high morbidity and mortality. While several drugs have been used to treat gastric ulcers, such as proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication, but hey result in adverse side effects. Therefore, development of new alternative therapies is desirable. Many recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might have an enhancing effect on the ulcerated gastric mucosa. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer, and to compare it with the normal ulcer autohealing. This work was performed on 36 adult male albino rats, divided into four groups: Group I (control group), Group II (ulcer group), Group III (autohealing group), and Group IV (stem cells-treated group). The histological changes of gastric mucosa were examined in sections stained with H&E using light microscope for expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in immunohistochemical stained sections using image analyzer. The results from MSCs-treated group revealed restoration of the normal architecture of the gastric mucosa with comparison to the autohealing group which showed excessive granulation tissue and heavy cellular infiltration with disorganized architecture of the fundic mucosa. Immunohistochemical examination showed strong expression of both VEGF and PCNA in the MSCs-treated group. So it was concluded that MSCs accelerate gastric ulcer healing when injected intraperitoneally, compared to autohealing process which showed delayed healing.
ABSTRACT
Gastric (peptic) ulcer is a major gastrointestinal disorder with high morbidity and mortality. While several drugs have been used to treat gastric ulcers, such as proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication, but hey result in adverse side effects. Therefore, development of new alternative therapies is desirable. Many recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might have an enhancing effect on the ulcerated gastric mucosa. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer, and to compare it with the normal ulcer autohealing. This work was performed on 36 adult male albino rats, divided into four groups: Group I (control group), Group II (ulcer group), Group III (autohealing group), and Group IV (stem cells-treated group). The histological changes of gastric mucosa were examined in sections stained with H&E using light microscope for expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in immunohistochemical stained sections using image analyzer. The results from MSCs-treated group revealed restoration of the normal architecture of the gastric mucosa with comparison to the autohealing group which showed excessive granulation tissue and heavy cellular infiltration with disorganized architecture of the fundic mucosa. Immunohistochemical examination showed strong expression of both VEGF and PCNA in the MSCs-treated group. So it was concluded that MSCs accelerate gastric ulcer healing when injected intraperitoneally, compared to autohealing process which showed delayed healing.
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@#Introduction: The Gallbladder stone (GBS) disease is most commonly asymptomatic that may lead to several complications such as ascending cholangitis and obstructive jaundice. In this study the frequency of gallbladder stones among patients referred for abdominal ultrasound at the University of Science and Technology hospital (USTH), Sana’a – Yemen, have been estimated during the period between January and June 2013. Methods: This study is a record-based and conducted at the radiology department in USTH, on cases underwent abdominal ultrasound during the period from January – June 2013. Information were collected from abdominal ultrasonography reports. Results: In this study 4935 patients’ records are included. Of them, 2541 were males and 2394 were females. The frequency of patients with GBS was 5.53%. Multiple stones were observed in 3.57% of patients and 4.34% patients had large stones with size ≥ 5 mm. Females had significantly higher frequency of GBS (8.0%: 191/2394) than males (3.2%: 82/2541) (P < 0.001). It was found that, no significant difference between males and females in harboring small stones (< 5mm) (P = 0.251). However, significantly higher frequency of large GBS (≥ 5 mm) was found among females compared to males (P < 0.001). The frequencies of GBS, small size of GBS and large size of GBS have significantly increased with increasing age (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study it was found that females had significantly higher frequency of GBS than males. No significant difference between males and females in harboring small stones. There was a significantly higher frequency of large GBS was found among females compared to males. The frequencies of GBS, small size of GBS and large size of GBS have significantly increased with increasing age.
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Aims: This study was aimed at investigating the antihyperglycemic effect of a combined extract of Vernonia amygdalinaand croton zabensicuscompare with a hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide.Methodology:Twenty 20 experimental animals were used (albino rats); the rats were divided equally into four groups of five rats each; namely A (control), B (glibenclamide 10mg/kg body weight), C (synergetic treatment 1000mg/kg body weight), D (synergetic treatment 500mg/kg of body weight). Diabetes was induced intraperitoneal using Alloxan Monohydrate to all the animals and their blood glucose rise above 200mg/dl.Results:It was observed that group B and group C treated with glibenclamide (10mg/kg body weight) and synergetic aqueous extract (1000mg/kg body weight) show significantdecrease in the blood glucose level from 451.75mg/dl to 64.50mg/dl and 339.50mg/dl to 182.50mg/dl respectively compared with group D with 278.25mg/dl to 194.75mg/dl.However, a change was also observed in the body weight of the groups; Group A (Normal control) showed a continuous increase in the body weight, Group B, C and D were observed to have decreased in body weight from induction period, but a steady increase was observed astreatment commences. Conclusion:Hence this combined extract can be used as antihyperglycemic; only that it is slower in remediation compared with the glibenclamide; but without side effect, as may be in the case of most standard drug
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Background: For shock wave lithotripsy has proven to be an effective, safe and truly minimally invasive option for the treatment of nephrolithiasis. Various technical factors as well as patient selection can impact the success of the procedure. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the parameters on NCCT that may predict the success of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in ureteral stones. Patients and Methods: 102 patients who underwent SWL for ureteral stones at sayed Galal University Hospital from January 2015 to August 2018 diagnosed by non-contrasted computed tomography were studied. The failure was defined as remnant stones ï»4 mm. We assessed age, sex, body mass index, stone size, location, skin-to-stone distance (SSD), presence of JJ and the presence of secondary signs (hydronephrosis, renal enlargement, perinephric fat stranding, and tissue rim sign). Results: 102 patients with success rate 61.8%, stone size, stone density were significantly associated with outcome of SWL. While SSD, JJ and secondary signs (hydronephrosis, perinephric fat stranding and tissue rim sign) were insignificant. On multivariate analysis, stone size and stone density were the independent factors affecting the outcome of SWL. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that stone size and density are significant and independent predictors of outcome in patients with upper ureteral stones. However SSD and signs of impaction still have to be evaluated
Subject(s)
High-Energy Shock Waves , Lithotripsy , Patient Outcome AssessmentABSTRACT
Patients' rights are a fundamental human right and an important part of modern health care practice. This is a cross-sectional descriptive analytic study, conducted amongst 263 patients at Wadi-Medani Teaching Hospital, Sudan, in March-April 2015. Most patients [95.2%] did not know about the Bill of Rights and most of them [92.8%] were not able to mention any of the patients' rights. The most practiced rights were: the right to be asked for permission before examination [88.1%], proper handling [87.8%], safety of the hospital [87%], presence of a third person when examining a female by a male doctor [85.6%], and admission file confidentiality [75.5%]. The awareness of Sudan FMOH Patients' Bill of Rights was very low among patients at Wad-Medani Teaching Hospital, yet they showed a high satisfaction rate probably due to their low socioeconomic status, educational level and expectations. Therefore, awareness of patients' rights must be increased
Subject(s)
Adult , Adolescent , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patients , Cross-Sectional Studies , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Surveys and Questionnaires , Hospitals, Teaching , Nursing ServicesABSTRACT
Background: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] increases tissue compliance, reduces elastic recoil on expiration and limits expiratory air flow which increases residual volume [RV] and thoracic gas volume [TGV] resulting in lung hyperinflation and air trapping
Objective: to evaluate pulmonary function changes after long acting inhaled bronchodilators and breathing exercise for 2 months in stable COPD patients
Study design and intervention: randomized controlled study included 60 hyperinflated stable COPD patients [total lung capacity >120% predicted].Patients were classified into 4 groups [15 patient in each group]: Breathing exercise group, Salmeterol inhalation group, Tiotropium bromide inhalation group and Control group
Main outcome measures: dyspnea and pulmonary function tests[PFT] parameters
Results: in Breathing exercise group, the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV l], forced vital capacity [FVC] and inspiratory capacity[1C] increased significantly [pi 0.005 for each], the mean functional residual capacity [FRC], RV and total lung capacity [TLC] decreased significantly [PO 0.005 for each]. In Salmeterol inhalation group the mean FEVl and the FEVl/FVC % predicted increased significantly [p=0.014, p=0.040 respectively], the mean FRC, RV, TLC, and RV/TLC % predicted decreased significantly [p 0.005 for each]. In Tiotropium bromide inhalation group the mean FEVl value and mean IC increased significantly [p=0.001, p=0.022 respectively], the mean value for RV/TLC actual and the mean value for RV/TLC % of predicted significantly increased [p 0.005 for each]
Conclusions: in COPD addition of inhaled long acting bronchodilator or breathing exercise reduce hyperinflation and gas trapping in patients with significant hyperinflation, often to a remarkable degree
ABSTRACT
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts. Chickens as important food-producing animals can also serve as intermediate hosts. To date, experimental studies on the pathogenicity of T. gondii in broiler chickens were rarely reported. The objective of the present study was to compare the pathogenicity of 5 different T. gondii strains (RH, CN, JS, CAT2, and CAT3) from various host species origin in 10-day-old chickens. Each group of chickens was infected intraperitoneally with 5 x 10(8), 1 x 10(8), 1 x 10(7), and 1 x 10(6) tachyzoites of the 5 strains, respectively. The negative control group was mockly inoculated with PBS alone. After infection, clinical symptoms and rectal temperatures of all the chickens were checked daily. Dead chickens during acute phage of the infection were checked for T. gondii tachyzoites by microscope, while living cases were checked for T. gondii infection at day 53 post-inoculation (PI) by PCR method. Histopathological sections were used to observe the pathological changes in the dead chickens and the living animals at day 53 PI. No significant differences were found in survival periods, histopathological findings, and clinical symptoms among the chickens infected with the RH, CN, CAT2, and CAT3 strains. Histopathological findings and clinical symptoms of the JS (chicken origin) group were similar to the others. However, average survival times of infected chickens of the JS group inoculated with 5 x 10(8) and 1 x 10(8) tachyzoites were 30.0 and 188.4 hr, respectively, significantly shorter than those of the other 4 mammalian isolates. Chickens exposed to 10(8) of T. gondii tachyzoites and higher showed acute signs of toxoplasmosis, and the lesions were relatively more severe than those exposed to lower doses. The results indicated that the pathogenicity of JS strain was comparatively stronger to the chicken, and the pathogenicity was dose-dependent.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cats , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Chickens , Poultry Diseases/blood , Swine , Swine Diseases/parasitology , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/blood , VirulenceABSTRACT
Numerous parasitic infections can cause inflammation of the appendix and can mimic appendicitis clinically. The diagnosis is generally achieved only after surgery. However early diagnosis through stool examination may prevent life-threatening complications. This study investigated the presence of parasitic infections in surgically removed appendices as an etiology of acute appendicitis. A retrospective study included patients who had undergone surgery for acute appendicitis over a period of three years from Jan 2012 to Dec 2014. Demographic data, laboratory investigations, operative data and pathological findings, presence and type of parasites were retrieved. The results showed that out of 1536 patients with appendectomy done, 938 [61.1%] were males and 598 [38.9%] were females. Parasitic infection was demonstrated only in 0.4% [6 patients]. Mean average age of these patients was 12 years. Enterobius vermicularis was present in 4 patients [66% of the parasitic affection] and Schistosoma mansoni in 2 patients [34% of the parasitic affection]. Other etiologies were acute suppurative appendicitis [94.1%], chronic appendicitis [3.1%], tumors [0.3%], tuberculosis [0.2%] and actinomycosis [0.1%]. Appendix was found normal in 2% of patients underwent appendectomy
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Incidental Findings , Acute Disease , Appendicitis , Retrospective Studies , Schistosoma mansoniABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of using Arabic Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] to assess depression and anxiety among patients attending accident and emergency [A and E] at a University Hospital setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Methods: In this prospective observational study translated questionnaire of HADS was used for patients aged 18 years or above who presented to A and E at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included 257 patients as per an agreed inclusion criteria. The study quantified depression and anxiety and its association with demographic and or illness related variables using SPSS
Results: Out of 257 participants, the dominant age group, ranged between 18-30 years [40.9%] with female participants [55.3%] outweigh the male among all. The overall occurrence of depression was 27.2% [95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 21.8% to 32.6%] and anxiety was 23% [17.8% to 28.2%CI]. Marital, educational and economic status of participants, were statistically significantly associated [p<0.05] with the levels of anxiety whereas age, marital, education, economic and employment status were associated [p<0.05] with the levels of depression
Conclusion: In the A and E setting at University Hospital in Saudi Arabia, comorbid depression and anxiety is not uncommon as enumerated by using HADS. The identified cases could then be sent for appropriate psychiatric treatment promptly not only to improve quality of individual care but also to reduce the overall health care costs in local context
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Depression , Emergency Service, Hospital , Surveys and Questionnaires , Prospective Studies , Hospitals, UniversityABSTRACT
Diabetic patients play an important role in their treatment and reduction of symptoms, with self-care being the most important factor for controlling disease progression. Self-efficacy in promoting self-care behaviors in these patients is a major factor. The present study aims to determine the correlation between self-care and self-efficacy among patients with type 2 diabetes. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 95 patients, aged 30-65 years with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected through interviews using a three part questionnaire covering demographic data, self-efficacy and self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes, and were analyzed using SPSS software version 20, and descriptive and analytical statistics [Pearson correlation square, independent t-test, one way variance and multivariate regression model]. Mean score of self-efficacy was 71.5 +/- 14.1 and for self-care the mean score was 53.6 +/- 11.7. In this study, Spearman correlation square showed a significant positive correlation between self-care and self-efficacy [P<0.001]. Also, significant positive correlations were found between self-efficacy and all the aspects self-care. This study showed a significant positive correlation between self-care and self-efficacy, demonstrating that self-efficacy . is a significant requisite for self-care behavior must be emphasized in diabetes-related educational programs
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Background: Clindamycin resistance among clinically significant staphylococcal isolates is now increasing. Routine testing of staphylococcal isolates for inducible clindamycin resistance [ICR] is advocated by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI]. Automated system Vitek 2 offers a panel that detects inducible clindamycin resistance directly. It is easy and more cost-effective than the more labor-intensive CLSI reference methods
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Vitek-2 system for ICR detection against the reference D-test, as well as to detect the presence of erm-A and erm-C genes among these isolates
Methodology: 22 clinical staphylococcal isolates [15 Staph aureus and 7 coagulase negative Staph [CoNS] were examined for ICR both by D- test and Vitek-2 system. multiplex PCR was performed for the isolates to detect ermA and ermC genes
Results: Out of the 22 isolates, ICR was detected by Vitek-2 in 6 isolates [27.7%]. five of the 6 isolates were confirmed by D-test. sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated as 100%, 94.1%, 83.33% and 100% respectively. ermC gene was detected in 20/22 isolates, 5 isolates were positive for both genes
Conclusion: Vitek-2 is considered a potentially reliable test for detection of ICR, further studies are recommended on large number of isolates
Subject(s)
Staphylococcus/isolation & purification , Clindamycin , Drug Resistance, Microbial , Bacterial Proteins , Staphylococcus/geneticsABSTRACT
To elucidate the mechanism[s] of splenic toxicity of methotrexate [MTX] and the possible protective effect of bone-marrow-derived MSCs [BM-MSCs] and adipose-derived MSCs [AD-MSCs], male Sprague-Dawley rats were given MTX orally in a dose 14 mg/kg, as a single dose/week for 2 consecutive weeks, control rats received the vehicle only, while groups 3 and 4 were intraperitoneal injected with 2 x 10[6] cells in 500 micro L phosphate buffer saline [PBS]/rat of BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs, respectively, 2 weeks after the last dose of MTX. The last group was treated with Dex [0.5 mg/kg, p.o] for 7 days starting after the last dose of MTX. Methotrexate administration showed a significant increase in spleen lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide [NO] accompanied with a significant decrease in reduced glutathione [GSH]. Microscopically, MTX induced degenerative changes in spleen tissue manifested by lymphocytic necrosis and apoptosis also MTX enhanced the splenic caspase-3 and nuclear factor-kappa B expression. The present study discloses that pretreatment with BM-MSCs or AD-MSCs protected the spleen against the oxidative stress and their splenoprotection is also linked to their anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties
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Neurocutaneous syndromes [NCS] are a broad term for a group of neurologic disorders that involve the nervous system and the skin. The most common examples are neu-rofibromatosis type 1 [NF-1] and type 2 [NF-2], tuberous sclerosis [TS], Sturge-Weber syndrome [SWS], ataxia telangiectasia [AT], and Von Hippel Lindau disease [VHL]. These disorders are characterized clinically by neurological manifestations such as convulsions, mental retardation and learning disabilities in addition to cutaneous manifestations, and lastly tubers [benign growths found in different organs of the body]. This study aimed to identify clinical, imaging, and neurophysiological profiles of neurocutaneous disorders. Children presented to the Pediatric neurology and Dermatology clinics, Sohag University Hospital who fulfilled the criteria for diagnosis of specific neurocutaneous syndromes were eligible for this study. All studied patients were subjected to thorough clinical history, full clinical examination, developmental assessment, and dermatological examination. Computed tomography of the brain [CT] and electroencephalography [EEG], ophthalmic, and phoniatric evaluation were also done for all children. Echocardiography was done for only twenty children. During the period of the study we diagnosed 27 cases with neurocutaneous disorders, tuberous sclerosis represented the majority of cases as it was detected in 12 cases [44.45%]. The main complaint was convulsions in 19 cases [70.37%], whereas skin pigmentation was detected in 18 cases [66.66%]. Developmental assessment showed that global developmental delay was found in 20 cases [74%]. CT of the brain showed that 15 cases [55.55%] had intracranial calcifications and abnormal EEG findings were detected in 23 cases [85.2%]. 85% of the studied children had various degrees of mental retardation. Echocardiography showed that three cases [15%] had ventricular wall tumor mostly rhabdomyoma Neurocutaneous disorders had multiple clinical presentations and required a team work approach including various specialties in their evaluation and management
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The zoonotic intracellular protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is highly infectious and as low as 30 sporulated oocysts can cause infection in healthy volunteers. Cryptosporidium oocysts are shed in large numbers in the faeces of infected people or animals. cryptosporidium oocysts are resistant to environmental conditions and are able to resist standard disinfection e.g. chlorination of drinking water. Stool samples of 72 persons [9-64 years old] in rural areas of Sohag Governorate, Egypt, attending the out patients clinic of cancer institute of Sohag Governorate [Ministry of Health] and complaining of diarrhoea [immunocompromized patients], were examined for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified acid-fast staining. Only 25 patients stool samples were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified acid-fast staining is time consuming and need expert individual. The sensitivity and specificity of the test are improved by newer tools, such as immunofluorescent assays and antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays which are now commonly used in diagnostic laboratories. Polymerase-chain-reaction [PCR] - based techniques are available as research tests. In the present study the sensitivity of Direct Fluorescent Antibody [DFA] Test [100%] was found to be higher than that of Triage rapid qualitative enzyme immunoassay [EIA] [96%] and the specificity of both tests reached 100% as all members of the control group gave negative results
Aim of the work: Comparison between Triage Micro Parasite Panel and Immunofluorescence Tests in diagnosis of Cryptosporidium protozoan in Sohag Governorate
Subject(s)
Humans , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Cryptosporidiosis/diagnosis , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Oocysts , Diarrhea , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct , Immunoenzyme TechniquesABSTRACT
Bachground: The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] are the most frequently used medications worldwide for the treatment of a variety of common chronic and acute inflammatory conditions. The association between NSAIDs and liver disease is poorly documented
Aim: the current study was carried out to investigate the hepatic disorders associated with prolonged use of Brufen drug and evaluate the role of both moringa and dandelion extracts as hepatoprotective agents against these disorders
Methods: rats were divided into six groups [six rats/ each] as follow: group 1: rats did not receive any treatment and served as control; group 2: rats orally administrated moringa extract [300mg/kg b.wt] daily for 12 weeks; group 3: rats orally administrated dandelion extract [300mg/kg b.wt] daily for 12 weeks ; group 4: rats orally administrated Brufen [18mg/kg b.wt] daily for 12 weeks;.group5: rats orally administrated moringa extract [300mg/kg b.wt] daily for one week alone then concomitant with Brufen [18mg/kg b.wt] for 11 weeks ;group 6: rats orally administrated dandelion extract [300mg/kg b.wt] daily for one week alone then concomitant with Brufen [18mg/kg b.wt] for 11 weeks
Results: the present results showed that the administration of Brufen led to significant increases in the levels of TL, TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, MDA and XO. While significant decreases in HDL-C, TP, ALP, GSH, TAC, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px, were recorded in Brufen treated rats group. On the other hand, the administration moringa or dandelion extracts succeeded to alleviate these abnormalities resulted from Brufen drug as indicated by the clear amelioration of occurred hepatic metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and histopathological changes in addition to improvement of the antioxidant status
Conclusion: it could be concluded that moringa or dandelion extracts have a remarkable role in management the hepatic disorders and oxidative stress associated with prolonged use of Brufen. Additionally it was recorded that moringa extract was more beneficial than dandelion extract in alleviating the occurred adverse effects of Brufen
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Moringa , Taraxacum , Plant Extracts , Liver Diseases , Liver/drug effects , Oxidative Stress , Rats , Protective AgentsABSTRACT
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy [MHE] is a subtle complication of cirrhosis that may have a detrimental effect on daily functioning and may progress to overt hepatic encephalopathy [HE]. The aims of this study were to identify MHE and assess neuropsychological changes in those patients. A case-control study was conducted in 35 cirrhotic patients. MHE was identified by brain [hydrogen-1] magnetic resonance spectroscopy [1H-MRS]. Neuropsychological changes were evaluated using cognitive abilities screening instrument [CASI] test, Hamilton depression scale, and soft neurological sign assessment. Of the patients, 16 [45.7%] had significant brain 1H-MRS findings suggesting MHE in the form of decreased myo-Inositol/creatine [mI/Cr] and choline/creatine [Cho/Cr] ratios and increased glutamine-glutamate/creatine [Glx/Cr] ratios in white and grey matters compared to patients without MHE and healthy controls. Patients with MHE had significantly lower abstract thinking subset and total CASI score in comparison to patients without MHE [p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively] and controls [p = 0.003 andp = 0.02, respectively]. No statistically significant differences were observed amongst different groups regarding other CASI subsets, depression, and soft neurological assessment in spite of a tendency towards increased values in patients with MHE. MHE associated with neurophysiological changes demonstrated by 1H-MRS preceded neuropsychological changes. Thus, 1H-MRS may be considered as a potential tool for diagnosis of cirrhosis-associated cerebral dysfunction and a promising method for prioritisation of subjects awaiting liver transplantation
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HCV core antigen is detectable in serum several weeks earlier than anti-HCV antibodies. Variability in early detection time is even more pronounced in certain groups of patients such as the hemodialysis and immunocompromised where the antibody response may take between 45-68 days to develop. Early detection of HCV core Ag in serum may represent an attractive, cost effective screening tool for such high risk patients. The current study aimed at evaluation of the analytical performance of the Abbott Architect HCV Chemiluminescenat Microparticle Immunoassay [CMIA] in comparison to the standard PCR detection of HCV RNA. In addition, the current study evaluated the possible clinical utility of HCV Ag kit in testing pooled samples from several patients. Samples from 44 HCV patients and 15 controls were analyzed using the CMIA HCV core Ag assay and quantitative PCR. Samples from positive HCV patients were pooled and analyzed using the HCV core Ag assay. The current study demonstrated a sensitivity of 81.0% and specificity of 97.0% for the ABBOTT HCV core Ag kit assay in detecting HCV positive cases compared to quantitative PCR assay. The most important finding of the current study is that HCV core Ag assays may have false negative results at low level viremia [low HCV copy numbers]. The current study does not support using HCV core Ag as a single test for screening possible HCV cases or using HCV core Ag assays on pooled samples. Bigger studies may be needed to strengthen the findings of the current study
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Salmonellae are well-known pathogens, highly adaptive and potentially pathogenic for humans and/or animals. Salmonellae are capable of producing serious infections that are often food borne and present as gastroenteritis. The main reservoirs for non-typhoidal Salmonella are animals such as poultry, livestock, pets and reptiles. Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi colonize only in humans, so they can be acquired only from close contact with a person who has typhoid fever, from a chronic carrier, or from water or food contaminated by human feces. Determine the virulence of the Salmonella serovars obtained from human and animal sources by investigating the presence of chromosomal virulence gene, invA gene as it triggers the internalization of the organism required for invasion of deeper tissue. A total 480 clinical samples: 120 milk samples were collected from faculty of agriculture farm and Markets, 115 eggs were received from different farms and markets, 125 fresh slaughtered chicken and 120 stool sample were collected from Assiut Children University Hospital. Invasion gene operon, invA was detected in all 50 clinical isolates representing multiple serotypes from different sources. Identification of S. enterica and screening of invA gene through PCR based procedures can have major benefit in public health specifically for rapid diagnosis, epidemiological investigations, ideal vaccine, development of treatment, and prophylactic strategies for salmonellosis
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Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune skin disease, with a prevalence varying between 0.6% to 4.8% of the population worldwide. Psoriatic arthritis [PsA] is an inflammatory arthritis which can involve the musculoskeletal system and is characterized by negative rheumatoid factor. To evaluate the serum level of TNF-alpha, IL23 and oxidative stress [OS] markers in various stages of psoriasis including PsA. The psoriatic patients [N=30] were chosen with different clinical types of psoriasis including PsA, They were subdivided into four subgroups according to Schmitt and Wozel [2005] model of PASI score; mild[N = 8], moderate[N = 8], severe [N = 8] and PsA[N = 6]. The serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL23, NO, MDA, SOD and CAT were determined in all groups. The levels of TNF-alpha, IL23, MDA and NO were significantly higher in both Psoriatic and PsA patients respectively acc. to increase in PASI score in comparison to the control. On the other hand, the levels of SOD and CAT were significantly lower in both Psoriatic and PsA patients, respectively according to increase in PASI score than the control. The finding suggested that both Th1 and Th17 may play an important rule in the pathogenesis of psoriasis in addition to the rule of Oxidative Stress . Moreover, these markers can be used as biomarkers for various stages of psoriasis severity