Expression of MMTV-like env gene in Egyptian breast cancer patients

Mouse mammary tumor virus [MMTV] causes breast cancer in mice. DNA sequences related to MMTV-like env gene is detected in human breast cancer [EC] tissue suggesting its etiology in human BC. The objective of our study was to assess the significance of MMTV-like env gene in Egyptian BC women. One hundred and fifty archival formalin-fixed paraffin embedded breast tissues were used and divided into 2 groups; group one included 100 malignant, group two included50 benign tissues. To amplify the MMTV-like env gene, semi-nested PCR was used and to confirm the homology with the MMTV genome direct sequencing was used. MMTV-like env was efficiently detected in36%ofmalignantand 4% of benign breast tissues. Sequence analysis was evident revealed 96% homology with the MMTV genome, but no other significant similarities with the human genome

The presence of the viral sequences was associated significantly with estrogen and progesteron positive cases and insignificantly the other pathological parameters studied. The molecular analysis of breast cancer tissue confirmed the presence of MMTV-like env sequences with significant high percentages in cancerous tissues than in benign one. These data raising the possibility that MMTV viral infection may be involved in the neoplastic process

Acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease in basra, southern Iraq

To look for the frequency of acute chest syndrome among children with sickle cell disease, and to evaluate the clinical, hematologic, and radiological features, and outcome of these children. A prospective study was carried out on 154 children with sickle cell disease, who presented with fever and respiratory symptoms. Clinical data were obtained, in addition to pulse oximetry, full blood count and chest x-ray. Twenty nine sickler children [18.83%] fulfilled the criteria of acute chest syndrome. Dyspnea and chest pain are found to be significant predictors of acute chest syndrome, P<0.05. In addition to asthma, history of splenectomy and surgery [P= 0.001, and <0.05 respectively]. Hypoxia was present in a significantly higher percent of sickler children with acute chest syndrome [27.58%] compared to patients without acute chest syndrome [4%], P= 0.001. Acute chest syndrome was associated with longer mean duration of hospitalization [2.9 +/- 4.3] days compared to those without acute chest syndrome [1.6 +/- 1.8] days, P<0.05. The frequency of acute chest syndrome is high among sickler children in Basra. Further studies are needed to look for the etiologic factors, recurrence rate and role of hydroxyurea and incentive spirometry in the prevention and treatment of acute chest syndrome

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of butanol extract of clytostoma binatum against thioacetamide-induced hepatic damage in rats

The plant phenolic compounds such as flavonoids have an important role in the treatment of many diseases and some of them have a potent hepatoprotective effect. This study was aimed to evaluate the anti oxidant and hepatoprotective activity of butanolic extract of Clytostoma binatum on thioacetamide induced hepatic damage in rats. Male Sprague -Dawley rats [200-250 gm] were divided into 5 groups. The first group was designated as a control group [group 1]. The second group [group2] was received Clytostoma binatum extract at a dose of 0.2 gm/kg body weight, given orally daily for one month. The third group [group3] was intraperitoneal injected with thioacetamide at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight twice in week for one month to induce liver fibrosis. The fourth group [group 4]; was administrated orally with the butanol extract of Clytostoma binatum at a dose of 0.2 gm/kg body weight, given pre-treatment with thioacetamide for one month. The fifth group [group] received Clytostoma binatum extract [0.2 gm/kg body weight] post- treatment with thioacetamide for one month. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide. The degree of hepatoprotection was assessed by estimating levels of biochemical markers including AST and ALT activities as well as the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase and hydroxy proline content. The treatment with extract [Clytostoma binatum] exhibited improvement in liver enzymes and antioxidant enzymes [reduced glutathion and catalase] as well as glucose-6-phosphatase and reduce lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, hydroxyproline and collagen. Data on the biochemical parameters and histopathological examination of rat liver sections revealed hepatoprotective potential of Clytostoma binatum pre- and post-treatment with thioacetamide which induced hepatic damage in rats. Our results suggested that butanolic extract of Clytostoma binatum possesses hepatoprotective activity against thioacetamide induced hepatic damage. The protective effect of this extract can be due to the presence of flavonoids and iridoids compounds and their antioxidant effect

Screening for blood lead levels in Basrah, southern Iraq

A prospective study over six months [from 1 July to 31 December 2002] measured the level of blood lead in individuals attending Primary Health Centers in the center District of Basrah Governorate. Six hundred and two individuals were selected randomly from those attending seventeen Primary Health Centers in the center of Basrah. Their ages ranged from 9-79 years. Of 602, Twenty six, 15 years of age or younger had mean blood lead levels [BLL] of 12.62+3.85 micro g/dl, those older than 15 years had levels of 11.20+3.4 micro g/dl, [p<0.05]. Males of different age groups showed a statistically significantly higher BLL compared to females [13.25+3.25 and 10.10+2.96 micro g/dl respectively], p<0.0001. The center of Basrah was divided into 11 main areas; there was a statistically significant difference in BLL among individuals living in different areas, ranging from 7.26+2.81 micro g/dl to 12.76+3.63 micro g/dl. Individuals with higher education and smokers showed higher BLL [12.1 0+3.54 micro g/dl, 13.81+3.57 micro g/dl respectively] compared to those of lower education and non-smokers [11.11+3.23 micro g/dl, 10.93+3.26 micro g/dl respectively], the differences were statistically significant. The sources of drinking water and frequency and amount of milk consumed/week did not show a significant correlation with BLL. History of lead exposure [occupational] was statistically significantly associated with BLL [15.3+4.85 micro g/dl] for those exposed to higher concentration of lead compared to others [11.1 2+3.3 micro g/dl], p<0.0001. Amongst females using kohl [25.6%], the mean BLL was significantly higher [13.91+4.42 micro g/dl], compared to non-users [9.88+2.68 micro g/dl], p<0.0001. No significant difference was observed among those exposed to paints. As adequate data on BLL in our country do not exist, especially for children, and as the number of children in this study was small, further studies are warranted to recognize the extent and risk factors for lead poisoning in children

Metastatic signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of proximal femur with uncertain primary site

Although bone metastases can be found commonly in some malignant tumours, diagnosing a primary malignancy site is not a usual event. Secondary signet ring cell carcinoma of the bone is a very rare tumour. We present a case with pure metastatlc signet ring cell carcinoma of the bone, with an uncertain primary site. A 48-year old man was admitted with Rt thigh swelling and inability to walk. One of first diagnostic effort performed was histopathological examination that revealed a metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma, compressing the regional lymphatics. To our knowledge, in Sudan literature, we believe that this case is the first report of metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma of the proximal femur. Because of the very short survival of many patients, all investigational procedures should be judged in view of their rationality, and should be focused on treatable primary tumours

Epizootiological and molecular characterization of equine influenza virus 2008 outbreak in Egypt

Equine influenza symptoms were detected in population of equines in different governorates in Egypt [Cairo, Giza, Helwan, Alexandria, Minoufia, Behaira, Assiut and Aswan] during July - August 2008. High temperature, inappetence, conjunctivitis, redness of nasal mucosa, serous to mucopurulent nasal discharge and a harsh dry cough were the most common clinical manifestations. Horses of all ages and both sexes were affected. Free movement of the infected animals and direct contact at markets and races facilitated the rapid spread of the disease. Nine suspected cases represented eight governorates were examined for equine influenza virus [EIV] where 107 nasal swabs and 107 serum samples were used for diagnosis. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions [rRT-PCR] assay was applied todetect the matrix [M] gene of influenza type A viruses in nasal swabs and 6 out of the 8 cases were positive. Three cases were positive by virus isolation on embryonated chicken egg inoculation and the hemagglutination test. The hemagglutination inhibition [HI] was performed to identify the isolated influenza virus using reference antisera against A/Equi-1 [H7N1] and A/Equi-2 [H3N8].In this study, full characterization of the isolated virus was carried out through molecular techniques for typing of hemagglutinin [HA] and neuraminidase [NA] genes by RT-PCR and partial sequencing of the HA gene of one isolate [A/Equine/Egypt/21 AHRI/2008[H3N8]] and the results confirmed that H3N8 virus was the causative agent of this outbreak

Surveillance system for HCV infection: testing a model based on blood banks

Developing a National surveillance system for hepatitis C virus infection could provide a reasonable tool for reflecting changes in the trend of the disease in the Egyptian community. The aim of the study is to develop a national sentinel surveillance system, based on blood banks, by measuring the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody in the sera of blood donors. The results were compared with that of the National community-based survey [NS] of the year 1997 from the areas surrounding the blood banks by age-standardized methods. Data were collected retrospectively from 3 blood banks in Cairo. The study population included 2845 consecutive blood donors from the years 1999 and 2000: 1265 [998 males and 267 females] from Mansheyat Elbakry blood bank, 986[840 males and 146 females] from El Galaa blood bank, and 594 [531 males and 63 females] from Ahmed Maher blood bank. Data collected from sheet includes personal data, blood banks serology results of HCV through testing with third generation ELISA. The over all prevalence of HCV among blood donors aged from 18-59 years was 7.6% [males 7.8%, females 6.9%] [NS=15.2%, males 15.5%, females 15.0% for the same age group]. Among different age groups the total prevalence of HCV was; 4.2% in the 18-29 years age group [NS=5.3%], 9.1% in the 30-39 age group [NS=17.9%], 19.0% in the 40-49 age group [NS=19.0%] and 20% in the 50-59 age group [NS=23%]. The prevalence of HCV is higher among replacement blood donors than those in campaign blood donors [8.9%, 3.9% respectively, OR=2.9]. It is also higher among blood donors living in rural areas than those living in urban areas [14.1%, 6.8% respectively, OR=2.3]. Age adjusted rates of HCV among the blood donors were; totally 10.6% [NS=14.7%], males 12.5% [NS=15.1%], females 8.5% [NS=14.5%]. Age and gender standardized HCV prevalence ratio [blood donors/NS] was; total ratio=0.7. Among the different age groups the ratio was; 18-29 years=0.8, 30-39 years=0.5, 40-49 years=0.9, and the 50-59 years age group=0.8. In conclusion, as a sentinel group, the total - as well as the female- population of blood donors have a lower prevalence of HCV with comparison to the National survey. However, with regards to the male population in the 18-29 years age group of blood donors, after age standardization, the rate of HCV among them is equal to that of the National survey, suggesting that male blood donors aged 18-29 years may provide an appropriate group for monitoring HCV prevalence in males of same age group in the general population

Cryptosporidiosis and immunological status in children with malignant diseases

To investigate the relationship of Cryptosporidium and immunological parameters among children with malignant diseases. Stool samples were collected from 101 children with malignant disease and 107 apparently healthy children. Direct smear method and then formalin-ether sedimentation method were done for all stool samples to identify intestinal parasites. Fecal smears were prepared from the sediment and stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method for the recovery of acid-fast oocysts of Cryptosporidium. Phagocytic activity, complement C3 and C4 estimation, immunoglobulin levels and CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 marking and phenotyping were carried out for 30 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL] and 20 control group. ALL was the major type [47.52%] of malignant cases in the studied subjects. The other type ranged from 0.99% to 10.9%. Out of the 101 patients, 50 [49.5%] were found to be positive for intestinal parasites compared to 13 [12.15%] of the control group [P<0.01]. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found to be excreted by 10[9.0%] patients and 1[0.93%] of the control group [P<0.01]. The phagocytic activity, levels of IgM, IgA, IgG and CD3, CD4 cell numbers were lower in patients than in control group while higher in case of C3, C4, CD8 and CD19. Children with malignancy are immunocompromised. Therefore, Cryptosporidium and other intestinal parasites must be considered in the differential diagnosis in this risky group in order to reduce the suffering often faced by those children

Effect of tamoxifin on lymphocytes proliferation in patients with breast cancer: cytogenic analysis

Hormonal agents such as tamoxifen [TAM] and medroxyprogesterone acetate [MPA] are used widely in the treatment of breast cancer. In this context, it is noteworthy to note that there is now much experimental and clinical evidence suggesting that sex hormones can influence immune mechanisms strongly Study the effect of tamoxifin on peripheral blood lymphocytes proliferation in breast cancer patients. Seventy-three patients with breast tumor were included in this study. Sixty-two with malignant breast cancer and 11 with benign breast tumor.The malignant breast tumor: Intraductal carcinoma [IDC] [8 patients], Lobular carcinoma [LC] [5], and infiltrative ductal carcinoma [49] which in turn divided into 11 with Well differentiated ductal carcinoma [WDC], 12 patients with moderately differentiated ductal carcinoma [MDC], 26 patients with Poorly differentiated ductal carcinoma [PDC]. All cases were admitted to Al-Yannouk teaching Hospital, Saddam Medical City, during Dec 1999-Jan 2001. The percentage of estrogen receptor positive patients[ER] recorded 3 7.0%, while progesterone receptor[PR] positive patients were 51.6%. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured with different concentrations of tamoxifm and were assayed for proliferation using cytogenic analysis assay. Results recorded that there were a clear reduction in blastogenic index and mitotic index, P>0.05. Both concentrations [0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml] of tamoxifen showed clear reduction in BI and Ml values. TAM effect both ER[+] and ER[-] patient in slight differences and in both concentrations

Dimensional accuracy of 3 silicone dental impression materials

This study was carried out to measure the dimensional changes in silicone impression material, which can affect the fitness of the prosthesis. Using both single and double mix techniques, 20 impression samples for each of 3 different proprietary silicones, Xantopren- H, President and Fulldent, were made. Selected measurements were made on the stone casts made from each impression. In all 3 cases, the single mix gave more accurate casts than the double mix technique. The Xantopren- H impressions had the most accurate dimensions

Urinary tract bacteriology and phagocytotic activities in diabetes mellitus patients

Bacteriological screening of urine samples taken from 140 patients of diabetes mellitus attending Diabetes Mellitus [DM] Center in the AL- Yarmouk Teaching Hospital was performed. Bacterial etiogenesis of the urogenital tract infection was significantly increased, especially among women. Gram negative bacteria represented 55.5% of isolates, whereas gram positive bacteria represented 28.1%. E coli, S. aureus and C and ida albicans exhibited 20.6, 14.3 and 15.9%, respectively Phagocytic activity was decreased in phagocytes of DM patients and in both sexes. Bacterial, as well as, C and idal infections had no significant influence on the activity of phagocytosis.

Intestinal parasitic infections including cryptosporidiosos and immunological aspects among malnourished children

This is a case control study which involved 194 malnourished children below 5 years of age who were attending Basrah Maternity and Children Hospital during 2001 About 84% have marasmus, 8.24% marasmun kwashiorkor 6.18% kwashiorkor and 1.55% under weight Parasitic infections were more frequent among malnourished children [59.8%] than wellnourished children [33%] with increased frequency among malnourished children with diarrhea [32.5%] Cryptosporidiosis was found in 6.85% of children below 5 years with increased frequency among malnourished children with diarrhea 14.89% compared to 11% in malnourished children without diarrhea Only 2% were noticed among wellnourished children with diarrhea while no case has been recorded in wellnourished children without diarrhea. Depressed cellular immunity characterized by decrease in total lymphocytes [particularly T-lymphocytes] was found among malnourished children either with or without diarrhea While humoral immunity [IgG, IgM, IgA] was significantly elevated among malnourished children with or without diarrhea in comparison to wellnourished children. C3 and C4 were increased in malnourished children without diarrhea with significant difference in C4 only. While they were decreased in malnourished children with diarrhea, with significant difference in C3. In addition, Phagocytic activity showed a significant decrease in malnourished children with or without diarrhea compared to wellnourished children

Frequency of haemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Basra

Basra, southern Iraq, was mapped for haemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency. Of 1064 couples aged 14-60 years recruited from the Public Health Laboratory, 49 had beta-thalassaemia trait, 69 had sickle-cell trait, 2 had haemoglobin D trait, 2 had haemoglobin C trait and 1 had high persistent fetal haemoglobin. Carriers of major beta-globin disorders comprised 11.48%. G6PD deficiency was detected in 133 individuals [12.5%]. Only 10 couples [0.94%] were at risk of having children affected with either sickle-cell disease or beta-thalassaemia major. These defects constitute a real health problem and necessitate a management plan and public health education for early diagnosis and therapy

Indoor/outdoor concentration of potentially toxic elements in urban areas in greater Cairo, Egypt

Potentaillay toxic elements [PTE] like lead, chromium and nickel in suspended paniculate matter [SPM] were evaluated indoor and outdoor at four sites. Two of the sites were offices and the others were homes. The aim of this work was to study the seasonal and annual indoor and outdoor PTE concentrations. The relationship between indoor and outdoor values was studied as well. The results showed seasonal variations. The maximum indoor and outdoor SPM, Pb, Cr and Ni concentrations were recorded during winter season. It was interesting to observe that the annual mean concentration of SPM in both indoor and outdoor [242 and 290 micro g/m[3] respectively] were more than 3.2 times [indoor] and 3.9 times [outdoor] the EPA yearly air quality standard for SPM [75 micro g/m[3]]. In the same way, mean values were more than 2.6 times [indoor] and 3.2 times [outdoor] the Egyptian ambient air quality standardal of 90 micro g/m[3]as annual mean. Also the results showed that the outdoor atmosphere was highly contaminated not only with lead [2.6-0.9 micro g/m[3]] but also with Cr [0.9-0.18 micro g/m[3]] and Ni [2.2-0.37 micro g/m[3]]. Abnormally high metal levels were measured indoor also. In addition, the study showed that the soluble matter of SPM [ammonium, sulphate and chloride] highly exceeded the concentrations found in the atmosphere of other countries. Regarding to indoor/ outdoor [I/O] ratios, the median values of the measured pollutants were observed to be smaller than I. It could be concluded that the above mentioned contaminant concentrations create an appreciable threat lo human health