In silico identification of epitopes from house cat and dog proteins as peptide immunotherapy candidates based on human leukocyte antigen binding affinity

The objective of this descriptive study was to determine Felis domesticus [cat] and Canis familiaris [dog] protein epitopes that bind strongly to selected HLA class II alleles to identify synthetic vaccine candidate epitopes and to identify individuals/populations who are likely to respond to vaccines. FASTA amino acid sequences of experimentally validated allergenic proteins of house cat and dog were identified using International Union of Immunological Societies [IUIS] allergen nomenclature database. NetMHCII 2.2 server was used to determine binding affinities in the form of 1-log 50 k and in nM with commonly found HLA II alleles. Screening of house cat and dog allergenic proteins identified 4 [with 2 isoforms for chain 1 and 3 isoforms for chain 2 for fel d 1] and 6 proteins, respectively. Number of strong binders from each protein against each HLA type was determined as potential candidate for allergen immunotherapy. HLA-DRB1*0101 bound maximum number of epitopes [207 and 275 from house cat and dog, respectively] while HLA-DRB1*0802 bound none. We conclude that HLA specific epitope prediction can help identify synthetic peptide vaccine candidates and predict response as well

Isolation, characterization and control of some clinical candida albicans

There has been an increase in fungal infections especially those caused by Candida during the last two decades. This resulted in the development of different antifungal agents. However, emerging of resistance to these antifungal agents has been encountered

The aim of this study: was to evaluate the effect of some plants extracts and volatile oils on the growth of Candida albicans. In addition to detecting synergistic effect of plant extracts and volatile oils when combined with antifungal agents

Methodology: Identification of Candida albicans using colonial morphology, microscopic examination, germ tube test, chlamydospore formation, sucrose assimilation, methyle blue and fluorescence methods were performed. Susceptibility testing of Candida albicans to antifungal drugs, plants extract and volatile oils was assessed. Detection of synergistic effects of combination on Candida albicans strains was performed. Studying the effect of the stress of tested antifungals and natural products on the ultrastructure of Candida albicans using electron microscopy was detected

Results: Out of 70 Candida spp isolated from different clinical speciemens, 18 [25.7%] were identified as Candida albicans. Natural plant extracts and essential oils have an obvious effect in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. The most effective plant extracts were mint, dianthus, Eucalyptus and the most effective volatile oils were thyme, lemon, and peppermint. When fluconazole or nystatin was added for some plant extracts or essential oils it resulted in increasing their effectiveness. Using electronic imaging, there was a clear difference in the ultrastructure of the Candida albicans cell before and after treatment with fluconazole or lemon oil, which proves their influence on the composition of these cells

Comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance with gated SPECT for evaluation of left ventricular function and volumes in patients with severe and multiple myocardial perfusion defects

Gated SPECT is an accurate technique for assessment of myocardial perfusion [MP], left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], end-diastolic volume [EDV] and end-systolic volume [ESV]. However recent studies have concluded that there are large discrepancies in assessment of LVEF and volumes by gated SPECT in patients with multiple severe myocardial perfusion defects. We sought to investigate the correlation between LVEF and volumes calculated by gated SPECT and cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR] in patients with severe multiple perfusion defects who are referred for CMR. Twenty-nine patients [20 male and 9 female, mean age: 63 years +/- 11] with multiple severe fixed perfusion defects [mean 5 +/- 3 segments] were referred to undergo CMR. The average time between CMR and SPECT was 4 weeks. LVEF, EDV, and ESV were derived automatically from gated SPECT. In the CMR studies, the endocardial and epicardial borders were delineated manually in the short axis planes to calculate the LVEF and volumes. The different parameters were compared using linear regression, and correlation coefficients were calculated. Substantial correlation was found between CMR and gated SPECT for EDV: r = 0.7, p < 0.001. Moderate correlation between CMR and gated SPECT for LVEF: r = 0.5, p < 0.007 and ESV r =0.53, p < 0.003. Our data showed that the gated SPECT correlates substantially with MRI for measurement of EDV and moderately for ESV and LVEF in patients with multiple and severe perfusion defects. Thus, when accurate measurement is required, cardiac MRI is recommended

xylocaine test as a prognostic aid for surgery in Sluder's neuralgia

Patients with facial pain without any overt disease especially of the nose and paranasal sinuses are often diagnosed as having Sluder's neuralgia. Large middle turbinates or septal deflections compressing the ethmoidal nerves have been regarded as one of the causes of this pain in those who have their sinus computed tomography [CT] clear. To evaluate the xylocaine test as a prognostic aid for surgical treatment for Sluder's neuralgia. Sixty-one cases were seen; all of them had the xylocaine test positive. They were treated surgically by endoscopic middle turbinectomy or septal surgery. All had relief from the symptoms 4 months postoperatively, except in five cases relief was achieved after revision surgeries for intranasal synechiae. The xylocaine [10 per cent] test seemed to be a good prognostic aid for the surgical procedures for those with Sluder's neuralgia when medical treatment did not seem to relieve the symptom

Osteomalacia - A commonly misdiagnosed cause of gait difficulty

Osteomalacia is a metabolic bone disorder caused by deficiency of Vitamin D and its active metabolites. We report 46 cases of Osteomalacia diagnosed on the basis of clinical features of bone pain, gait difficulty and muscle weakness, plus biochemical findings of a low or normal serum calcium, low phosphorus and raised serum alkaline phosphatase level. Urinary calcium, phosphorus and serum paratharmone levels were also estimated in a few cases. Radiologic features included a typical fuzziness of bone architecture and Looser's zones. Out of 46 cases, 4 were males and 42 females. Age ranged from 13 to 45 years. In 3 males disease was attributed to drugs [Phenytoin, and Carbamazepine] and one to renal osteodystrophy. Out of the 42 female patients 4 were diagnosed as Renal Tubular Acidosis, 3 had Neurofibromatosis associated with Osteomalacia, 1 had malabsorption with Crohn's disease, 2 had hypophosphataemic Osteomalacia, and 2 were diagnosed to be associated with drugs [Rifampicin, Phenytoin and Phenobarbitone]. Eight female patients had onset of symptoms during or after pregnancy [mostly multiparous]. 10 female patients had history of deprivation of sunshine and low Vitamin D diet [deprivational Osteomalacia]. In 12 female patients cause could not be ascertained despite search. All showed good responses to Vitamin D or its analogues. The time between the onset of symptoms and presentation to the department of Neurology where they were diagnosed varied from 1 to 4 years. It is essential that the awareness level of the medical community be raised so that unnecessary morbidity from Osteomalacia may be prevented

Comparative responses of plasma glucose, insulin and c-peptide following ingestion of isocaloric glucose, a modified urban Saudi breakfast and dates in normal Saudi persons

Diabetic patients are commonly advised without scientific basis to avoid ingestion of dates. Prior to undertaking studies in diabetic persons, we considered it important to establish the metabolic consequences of date ingestion in normal Saudi subjects. Nineteen normal subjects, 11 males and 8 females, aged 29.4 +/- 1.5 [mean +/- SEM] with a body mass index [BMI] of 22.1 +/- 0.5 were fed in a random order: a] a date meal [DM] consisting of approximately 300 calories [Carbohydrates - CHO 74. 5 g, proteins 3. 7 g and fats 0. 66 g], b] a modified urban Saudi breakfast [SBF] 300 calories [CHO 35.6 g, proteins 13.16 g and fats 11.9 g], and c] a 75 g glucose solution - 300 calories [oral glucose tolerance test - OGTT], on 3 different days at least 1 week apart. Plasma glucose [G], insulin [I] and C-peptide [C] values were determined at -30,0 and then every 30 minutes for 180 minutes. Glycemic indices for DM and SBF were also determined. G, I and C area profiles were not different between DM and SBF but were when compared with OGTT. This is the first documentation of the glycemic index for dates. For the "Khalas" variety it was found to be 57.7 +/- 8.5 and was significantly lower than that for SBF which was 79.0. Contrary to the usual belief, this study refutes the notion that ingestion of dates adversely affects glucose tolerance compared with SBF in normal subjects. Similar results are observed in preliminary studies in diabetic subjects in our laboratory