Impact of H5N8 duck and chicken viral isolates on the immunological profile of vaccinated specific pathogen free chickens

Nowadays, there is a global concern about outbreaks caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 which caused devastating losses in the poultry industry sector. This clade was subdivided into two waves: clade 2.3.4.4A from 2014 to 2015 and clade 2.3.4.4b from 2016 until now. In this literature we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of recently used inactivated commercial avian influenza vaccines against two new Egyptian highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 isolates of clade 2.3.4.4b, A/chicken/Egypt/1526v/2020/H5N8 (H5N8-CH) and A/Duck/Egypt/Qalubia321/2021 (H5N8-D). Three-week-old specific pathogen free chickens were vaccinated with eight types of the most recently used inactivated avian influenza vaccines containing homologous and heterologous virus to the circulating H5N8 isolates. All specific pathogen free chicken groups were bled weekly post vaccination for antibody analysis using two H5N8 isolates of chicken and duck origin as antigen in hemagglutination inhibition test. Also, all vaccinated chicken groups were challenged 4 weeks post vaccination against the H5N8 duck isolate with a dose of 109 EID50/0.1 mL per chicken to measure the protection percentage of the commercial vaccines used. The results showed that vaccines with homologous and heterologous virus showed variable degrees of accepted protection percentage ranged from 90percent to 100percent, thus it was concluded that not only the genetic and antigenic match of the vaccine strains with the circulating highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses influences vaccine efficiency; other factors, such as manufacturing procedures, adjuvant, antigen content, vaccine dose and administration factors could affect vaccine efficacy, therefore, further vaccine development studies are needed to improve the percentage of protection and prevention of viral shedding against local highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses in Egypt(AU)

En la actualidad, existe una preocupación mundial por los brotes causados por el virus de la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8 clado 2.3.4.4 que causó pérdidas devastadoras en el sector de la industria avícola. Este clado se subdividió en dos oleadas: clado 2.3.4.4A de 2014 a 2015 y clado 2.3.4.4b de 2016 hasta ahora. En el presente trabajo, dos aislamientos egipcios de la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8 del clado 2.3.4.4b, A/chicken/Egypt/1526v/2020/H5N8 (H5N8_CH) y A/Duck/Egypt/Qalubia321/2021 (H5N8_D), se utilizaron para evaluar la eficacia de vacunas comerciales inactivadas contra la gripe aviar de reciente utilización. Pollos libres de patógenos específicos de tres semanas de edad fueron vacunados con ocho vacunas inactivadas contra la influenza aviar, de uso reciente, que contenían virus homólogos y heterólogos a los aislamientos circulantes de H5N8. Todos los grupos de pollos libres de patógenos específicos fueron sangrados semanalmente tras la vacunación para el análisis de anticuerpos; dos virus H5N8 aislados de pollo y pato se utilizaron como antígeno en la prueba de inhibición de la hemaglutinación. Además, todos los grupos de pollos vacunados fueron retados 4 semanas después de la vacunación con el virus H5N8 aislado de pato, con una dosis de 109 EID50/0,1 mL por pollo, para medir el porcentaje de protección de las vacunas comerciales utilizadas. Los resultados mostraron que las vacunas con virus homólogos y heterólogos presentaron grados variables de aceptada protección, la que osciló entre el 90 por ciento y el 100 por ciento, por lo que se concluyó que no sólo la coincidencia genética y antigénica de las cepas vacunales con los virus circulantes de la influenza aviar altamente patógena influye en la eficacia de la vacuna; otros factores, como los procedimientos de fabricación, el adyuvante, el contenido en antígenos, la dosis de la vacuna y los factores de administración podrían afectar a la eficacia de la vacuna, por lo que es necesario seguir estudiando el desarrollo de vacunas para mejorar la protección y la prevención de la excreción viral contra los virus H5 de la influenza aviar altamente patógena locales en Egipto(AU)

Effect of replacing fish meal in fish diet with shrimp by-product meal on growth performance, feed utilization, length-weight relationship and condition factors of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) / Efecto de reemplazar la harina de pescado en la dieta de pescado por harina de subproducto de camarón sobre el rendimiento del crecimiento, la utilización del alimento, la relación longitud-peso y los factores de condición de la tilapia del Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

SUMMARY: The present work aimed to study the effect of replacing fish meal (FM) in the fish diet with shrimp by-product meal (SBM) on the growth performance parameters of the Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 200 specimens of monosex O. niloticus fries were obtained from a private fish farm at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. They were transported to the fish laboratory at the Animal House of Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University. After two weeks for acclimation, the fish were divided into 5 groups, 2 replicates for each group (20 fish in each replicate). The five experimental diets were: C: control group with20 % fish meal (FM) and 0 % shrimp by-product meal (SM); T1, T2, T3, and T4 FM was replaced with SBM as 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %, respectively. Results indicated that the highest final length, growth in length, length gain, daily length gain and other growth performance parameters including the relationship between length and weight and condition factors of O. niloticus were recorded in T4 group (fed diet in which fish meal was completely replaced with shrimp by-product meal); while, their lowest values were recorded in control group. On the other hand, feed utilization parameters (feed intake, food conversion ratio, the maximum values of feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio) were recorded in T4 group and the minimum values were recorded in T3 group (fed diet in which 75 % of fish meal was replaced with shrimp by-product meal).

RESUMEN: El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo estudiar el efecto de sustituir la harina de pescado (HP) en la dieta del pescado por harina de subproductos de camarón (HSC) sobre los parámetros de rendimiento de crecimiento de la Tilapia del Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus. Se obtuvieron un total de 200 especímenes de monosexo de O. niloticus de una piscifactoría privada en la gobernación de Kafr El-Sheikh. Fueron transportados al laboratorio de peces en el Departamento de Zoología de la Facultad de Ciencias, de la Universidad Al-Azhar. Después de dos semanas de aclimatación, los peces se dividieron en 5 grupos: Se realizaron dos repeticiones para cada grupo (20 peces en cada repetición). Las cinco dietas experimentales fueron: C: grupo control con 20 % de harina de pescado (HP) y 0 % de harina de subproductos de camarón (HSC); T1, T2, T3 y T4 FM se reemplazó con HSC con 25 %, 50 %, 75 % y 100 %, respectivamente. Los resultados indicaron que la longitud final más alta, el crecimiento en longitud, la ganancia de longitud, la ganancia de longitud diaria y otros parámetros de rendimiento del crecimiento, como además la relación entre la longitud y el peso, y los factores de condición de O. niloticus, se registraron en el grupo T4 (con una dieta reemplazada con harina de subproducto de camarón); mientras que, sus valores más bajos se registraron en el grupo control. Por otro lado, los parámetros de utilización del alimento (ingesta de alimento, índice de conversión de alimento, los valores máximos de índice de eficiencia alimenticia e índice de eficiencia proteica) se registraron en el grupo T4 y los valores mínimos se registraron en el grupo T3 (alimentación con dieta en la que el 75 % de la harina de pescado fue reemplazada por harina de subproductos de camarón).

Immunological and histopathological evaluation of Eimeria tenella oocysts Egyptian local isolate vaccine and its comparative efficacy with a commercial live vaccine

@#Coccidiosis is the most important protozoan disease in broilers all over the world. Controlling of broilers coccidiosis via vaccination rather than chemicals is a new trend with promising results. Thus, the present work describes an evaluation of Eimeria tenella Lab-made vaccine of local Egyptian strain and its comparative efficacy with a commercial live vaccine “Fortegra®”. Eighty broiler chickens one day old were used; they were divided in to 4 equal groups; 20 chicks each. Group 1 (G1) kept as control negative, G2 administrated orally with lab-made sporulated oocysts vaccine at 5 days old, the birds of G3 vaccinated orally with Fortegra® at day 6 of age, and G4 served as control positive. All birds were challenge by 50,000 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella at day 21. For testing the efficacy and comparison; OPG (oocyst per gram), serum Interleukin4 (IL4) levels, Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in both serum and ceca, cecal lesion score, as well as histopathological changes in ceca of tested groups were evaluated. The results demonstrated significantly elevated IL4 level in serum and IgA level in serum and cecum of G2 than G3. IgA in cecum significantly elevated in G2 than G3. OPG significantly decreased in both vaccinated groups (G2 and G3), and have lower lesion score than nonimmunized group. Cecal tissues of vaccinated groups had mild pathological changes. Conclusively, good immunization by the currently tested vaccine, against experimental E. tenella infection was observed.

The Protective Effect of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) against Oxidative Stress and Nephropathy Induced by Diabetes in Male Rats: A Biochemical, Molecular and Histopathological Study

Aims: Diabetes mellitus is a significant health problem worldwide and type II diabetes is one of the main health problems facing Saudi society, which is often caused by obesity and increased cholesterol in the blood. Due to the seriousness of diabetes and its complications, the present study was designed to examine the renoprotective effect of pomegranate in diabetes induced oxidative stress and kidney injury. Study Design: Adult male Albino rats (200–250 g) were used in this study. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg) followed by treatment for 8 weeks. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (each group, n = 10): normal control (NC); non-diabetic animals fed on commercial diet, diabetic group (DG); diabetic animals fed on commercial diet, pomegranate treated group (PTG); diabetic animals fed on experimental diet contains 20% dried pomegranate, and drug treated group (MTG); diabetic animals fed on commercial diet and treated with metformin (500 mg/kg). Methodology: At the end of the experimental study (8 weeks) blood glucose levels, lipid peroxidation, biochemical analysis of oxidative stress parameters and biomarkers of kidney damage were determined. The mRNA expression level of oxidative stress defense genes (SOD, CAT ,GR and GPx), as well as the NADPH oxidase (subunits p22phox and p47phox) and the inflammatory factors regulator gene, NF-κB were also evaluated in kidney homogenates using semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of kidney was also studied. Results: Treatment with pomegranate significantly ameliorated the elevated oxidative stress levels in STZ induced diabetic rats resulting in decreased lipid peroxidation and NO concentration, and increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes levels (SOD and GSH). Biomarkers of kidney damage (urea and creatinine) and blood glucose levels were significantly normalized in pomegranate treated group compared to the diabetic group. At the molecular level, a significant enhancement of gene expression of the antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GR and GPx) was observed in pomegranate treated group compared to the diabetic group. In contrast, significant down-regulation of the NADPH oxidase subunits (p22phox and p47phox) as well as the inflammatory factors regulator gene, NF-κB was recorded. Moreover, the histopathological examinations confirmed the protective effects of pomegranate by normalizing the kidney damage. Conclusion: This study validates pomegranate as a promising candidate in preventing diabetes associated complications such as nephropathy through its antioxidant activity and its effects on the activity and regulation of oxidative stress defense gene expression.

Clinical profile of cyanotic congenital heart disease in neonatal intensive care unit at Sohag University Hospital, Upper Egypt

Background: Cyanotic congenital heart disease [CCHD] accounts for 25% of congenital heart defects and has a high morbidity and mortality in neonates

Objective: The aim of this work was to study clinical profile and available therapeutic modalities used in the management of CCHD

Subjects and methods: This was a prospective study carried out for a period of one year, starting from January 2011, and included 50 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] of Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Upper Egypt. All included patients were subjected to thorough clinical history, full clinical examination, initial and frequent measurement of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry, blood gas analysis, and echocardiography. Also, therapeutic modalities used in management of CCHD were noted

Results: 50 neonates were diagnosed as having CCHD, out of them 39 [78%] were males with male to female ratio 3.55:1. The mean age of presentation was 11.78 +/- 9.4 days. CCHD frequency was found to be 9.5% [50/524] in our NICU population. The most common type of CCHD was d-transposition of great arteries [D-TGA] [66%] followed by complex CCHD [12%] and hypoplastic left heart syndrome [HLHS] [12%], whereas the less common type was hypoplastic right ventricle [2%]. All cases presented with central cyanosis and needed medical treatment whereas balloon atrial septostomy was performed in 26% of cases. Seventy-four percent of cases were improved and referred to higher centers while 26% were expired during hospital stay

Conclusion: CCHD is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. CCHD frequency was significant [9.5%] in our study population with D-TGA being the commonest type. Majority of neonates with CCHD showed survival with suitable management. Early diagnosis and referral to pediatric cardiac center for proper management will improve the outcome. Neonatologists and pediatric cardiologists should be familiar with diagnosis and management of CCHD

Morphological investigation of the brain of the African ostrich (Struthio camelus) / Investigación morfológica del cerebro de la avestruz africana (Struthio camelus)

The aim of the current study focused on the morphological features of the brain of the African ostrich. The brain was studied macroscopically, microscopically and the measurements of all brain parts were demonstrated. The brain of ostrich was rhombus in shape with large obtuse triangular cerebrum with sagittal dorsomedial wulst. The olfactory bulb was small with undeveloped olfactory lobe. The diencephalon gave rise to the pineal gland, which was inverted tubal structure with an obtuse triangle bottom. Large optic chiasm and optic tract demonstrated that continued to the optic lobes. The cerebellum was represented by central vermis that had numerous transverse fissures and two small lateral floccules on its lateral surface. The medulla oblongata with clear pontine flexure and no obvious pons or trapezoid body appeared. The histological results revealed that the cerebral cortex formed of several ill-defined layers of neurons. The most common appearance characterized by few small neurons supported by neuroglia. The cerebellar cortex consists of three layers namely molecular layer, Purkinje cells layer and internal granular layer, the layer of Purkinje cells characterized by a very large cell body. The medulla oblongata was covered by pia mater of loose connective tissue that covered with simple squamous epithelium and vascular supply extended beneath the pia mater. The cell nuclei of the medulla oblongata were formed from few multipolar neurons, supported by few neuroglia. The fourth ventricle was lined by pseudo stratified columnar ciliated ependymal cells.

El objetivo fue describir las características morfológicas del cerebro de la avestruz africana. El cerebro se estudió macroscópica y microscópicamente, y las mediciones de todas las partes del cerebro fueron registradas. El cerebro tuvo una forma romboidal, con cerebelo grande triangular obtuso con una protuberancia dorsomedial sagital. El bulbo olfatorio era pequeño, con un lóbulo olfativo sin desarrollar. El diencéfalo dio lugar a la glándula pineal, que es una estructura en forma de tubo invertida con un triángulo obtuso en su parte inferior. Un gran quiasma y tracto óptico demostraron ser continuos con los lóbulos ópticos. El cerebelo estaba caracterizado por la vermis central que tenía numerosas fisuras transversales y dos pequeños flóculos laterales en su superficie lateral. La médula oblongada mostró en algunos casos una flexión pontina evidente, en otros ausencia de puentes o la aparición de un cuerpo trapezoide. Los resultados histológicos revelaron que la corteza cerebral está formada de varias capas de neuronas mal definidas. El aspecto más común se caracterizó por unas pequeñas neuronas soportadas por neuroglias. La corteza cerebelosa consistió en tres capas, molecular, de células de Purkinje y granular interna; las células de Purkinje se caracterizaron por un cuerpo celular grande. La medula oblongada estaba cubierta por pia madre de tejido conectivo laxo, revestida por epitelio escamoso simple y un suministro vascular extenso bajo la piamadre. Los núcleos de las células de la médula oblongada se formaron a partir pocas neuronas multipolares, soportados por algunas neuroglias. El cuarto ventrículo estaba revestido un epitelio pseudo-estratificado de células ependimarias columnares ciliadas.

Equine anatomedia: development, integration and evaluation of an e-learning resource in applied veterinary anatomy / Anatomedia equina: desarrollo, integración y evaluación de un recurso e-learning en anatomía veterinaria aplicada

In Egypt, there is a growing movement to encourage veterinary student-centered learning using the most up to date educational technologies. This paper focuses on a computer-facilitated learning program "Equine Anatomedia", which comprises now two modules (head and digit) fully integrated with the applied anatomy curriculum at Alexandria and Damanhour Universities. The educational design of this program allows students and clinicians to explore anatomical concepts, principles and procedure guidelines in a manner more suited to their individual learning needs than traditional methods. The program comprises over 300 high quality images and diagrams, audio and video clips as well as animated graphics with colored keys highlighting the anatomical features. Staff and student feedback indicates that Equine Anatomedia is an effective and engaging learning tool which helps students to develop their knowledge in anatomy and to appreciate its relevance in clinical situations. In addition, it encourages student-staff interaction and is a useful tool in overcoming the challenges of limited resources and increasing numbers of students.

En Egipto, hay un movimiento creciente para fomentar el aprendizaje centrado en el estudiante de veterinaria utilizando las más modernas tecnologías educativas existentes a la fecha. Este trabajo se centra en un programa de aprendizaje por computación denominado "Anatomedia de Equinos", que en la actualidad está conformado de dos módulos (cabeza y dedos) totalmente integrados con el plan de estudios de la asignatura Anatomía Aplicada en las Universidades de Alejandría y Damanhour, Egipto. El diseño educativo de este programa permite a los estudiantes y los médicos clínicos explorar los conceptos anatómicos, como así también principios y directrices de procedimiento relacionados a sus necesidades individuales de aprendizaje, de una manera más adecuada que los métodos tradicionales de aprendizaje. El programa cuenta con más de 300 imágenes de alta calidad y diagramas, audios y vídeos, así como gráficos animados con identificaciones de colores que destacan las características anatómicas. La retroalimentación del personal a cargo del programa y de parte de los estudiantes indica que Anatomedia de Equinos es una herramienta de aprendizaje eficaz y atractiva que ayuda a los estudiantes a desarrollar sus conocimientos en anatomía y les permite apreciar su importancia en situaciones clínicas. Además, el programa permite fomentar la interacción alumno-personal y constituye una herramienta útil que ayuda a superar los retos que ocasionan los recursos limitados y el número creciente de estudiantes.

The carpal joint of the donkey (Equus asinus): morphological investigation / Articulación del carpo del asno (Equus asinus): investigación morfológica

The current study has been achieved to be an essential resource for all veterinary practitioners that deal with the anatomy of the carpal joint of the donkey. Ten adult donkeys of both sexes were used in the current study. The topographical approach to the carpal joint was investigated in this study. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the carpus delineated the articulations of the carpal joint: radiocarpal, intercarpal, and carpometacarpal. The carpal ligaments were well delineated and the carpal canal was demonstrated with its content such as superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). The contrast radiography visualized that the radiocarpal joint outpouched proximal to the accessory carpal bone by large palmarolateral pouch and small palmaromedial pouch, however the intercarpal joint outpouched distal to the accessory carpal bone by two small palmarolateral and palmaromedial pouches. The carpometacarpal joint showed medial and lateral palmarodistal outpouchings in distal direction between the corresponding 2nd and 4th metacarpal bones and the 3rd metacarpal bone. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed two types of synoviocytes macrophages type A cells and fibroblast like type B cells at the cellular lining of the synovial membrane of the joint capsule.

Este estudio constituye un recurso esencial para todos los veterinarios que se ocupan de la anatomía de la articulación del carpo del asno. Fueron utilizados diez asnos adultos, de ambos sexos. Se analizó la articulación del carpo desde un enfoque topográfico. Se realizaron estudios por radiografía y tomografía computarizada para identificar las articulaciones del carpo en su conjunto: radiocarpiana, intercarpiana y carpometacarpiana. Los ligamentos del carpo se encontraron bien delineados y en el canal carpiano se identificó su contenido, como el tendón del flexor digital superficial y el tendón del flexor digital profundo. La radiografía de contraste permitió visualizar que la articulación radiocarpiana se articula proximalmente con el hueso accesorio del carpo a través una larga evaginación palmarolateral y una pequeña evaginación palmaromedial; sin embargo, la articulación intercarpiana se relaciona distalmente con el hueso accesorio del carpo por medio de dos pequeñas evaginaciones, palmarolateral y palmaromedial. La articulación carpometacarpiana mostró evaginaciones palmarodistales, medial y lateral, en dirección distal entre los correspondiente 2 y 4 huesos metacarpianos y el 3 hueso metacarpiano. La microscopía electrónica de barrido muestra dos tipos de células: células A, correspondientes a sinoviocitos macrófagos y células B, correspondientes a fibroblastos, en el revestimiento celular de la membrana sinovial de la cápsula articular.

[Scutumplasty with glass ionomer cement [GIC] after cholesteatoma surgery]

Objectives: To evaluate the value of glassionomer cement in repair of scutum defect after cholesteatoma surgery

Patients: Prospective study was performed on consecutive patients undergoing combined approach tympanoplasty[CAT] in 34patients with attic cholesteatoma in ENT department of Assuit University Hospital,Assuit, Egypt, from October 2012, to June 2015

Results: In this study, recurrence of cholesteatoma at the last .follow-up was found in6 % and no retraction pocket was seen. Permanent epithelialization of the bone replacement material was achieved in 30 cases[88.2 %]

Conclusion: The GIC aided scutumplasty is simple, safe and effective way of reconstruction of the attic wall in terms of cholesteatoma recurrence and further hearing restoration

Secreted Phosphoprotein 1 Promoter Genetic Variants Are Associated with the Response to Pegylated Interferon alpha Plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The T-helper 1 (TH1) immune reaction is essential for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-alpha)- and ribavirin (RBV)-based therapy in chronic HCV patients. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) was shown to be a crucial cytokine for the initiation of a TH1 immune response. We aimed to investigate whether SPP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence sustained virological response (SVR) rates. METHODS: Two SNPs in the promoter region of SPP1 at the -443 C>T and -1748 G>A loci were genotyped in 100 patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients achieved a SVR, and 33 patients showed no SVR. Patients carrying the T/T genotype at the -443 locus showed a significantly higher SVR rate than those carrying the C/T or C/C genotype (83.67% vs 50.98%, pT and -1748 G>A loci may be useful markers for predicting the response to PEG-IFN-alpha-2b plus RBV therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection.

Gasless laparoscopic anatomy and renal biopsy of the kidney in the standing mare / Anatomía laparoscópica sin gas y biopsia renal de los riñones de la yegua de pie

The current study aimed to provide the topography and renal biopsy of the standing mare kidneys by laparoscopy w ithout CO2 insufflation and to compare between the use of biopsy needle and forceps. Five clinically healthy adult nonpregnant mares weighing 250­300 Kg and aging 7­9 years were used in the current work. The gasless laparoscopic renal biopsy appeared simple, safe, reliable, minimal invasive, timesaving and economical technique. The parallel biopsy portals provided easy and accessible biopsy procedure than dorsal or ventral portals. The biopsies taken from the lateral surface were less hemorrhagic than those taken from the caudal pole. This study recommended the laparoscopic forceps because the biopsy forceps provided satisfactory and representative specimens with minimal hemorrhage than Tru-cut needle.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo proporcionar la topografía y la biopsia renal de los riñones en la yegua de pie, por laparoscopía sin insuflación de CO2, y comparar entre el uso de la biopsia con aguja y pinzas. Fueron utilizadas en este studio cinco yeguas adultas no gestantes clínicamente sanas con un peso de 250­300 Kg y edad de 7­9 años. La biopsia renal laparoscópica sin gas es un método seguro, confiable y mínimamente invasivo, económico y permite además ahorrar tiempo. Los portales de biopsia paralelas permiten un procedimiento de biopsia de fácil acceso. Las biopsias tomadas de la superficie lateral fueron menos hemorrágicas que aquellas obtenidas desde el polo caudal. Este estudio recomienda las pinzas laparoscópicas debido a que, a diferencia de la aguja Tru-cut, demostraron ser satisfactorias con una hemorragia mínima.

Radiographic and computed tomographic anatomy of the fetlock, pastern and coffin joints of the manus of the donkey [Equus asinus]

The digit of the donkey as a draught animal is commonly susceptible to much affection. The purpose of the present study was to provide a detailed anatomic reference of radiographic and computed tomographic images in conjunction with cross and sagittal sections of the normal fetlock, pastern and coffin joints of the donkey for anatomists, surgeons and veterinary students. Eight adult donkeys of both sexes free from any joints affection were used in our study. The digit of two donkeys had undergone radiographic and computed tomographic scanning; the other donkey's specimens were used to anatomical dissection and sectional anatomy. In the computed tomography [CT] of the fetlock joint all bone structures of the joint appeared also the soft tissue structures that could be identified and evaluated on the different soft tissue window planes included the common digital extensor tendon, lateral digital extensor tendon, superficial digital flexor tendon [SDFT], deep digital flexor tendon [DDFT], straight, oblique, and cruciate distal sesamoidean and intersesamoidean ligaments. For the pastern joint the structures that can be identified including the proximal phalanx, DDFT and digital cushion. In the coffin joint the collateral sesamoidean ligament [CSL] is difficult to identify on CT images

Prospective randomised controlled trial of teaching medical students behavioural sciences

In the last few decades, medical professionalismcame upas a challenging issue to teach and assess. To compare the level of understanding of the medical professionalism, medical ethics and human rights among the first year and fifth year medical students at Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan. Prospective randomised controlled trial. Students were randomized in to four groups during teaching of behavioural sciences which was given at different spectra in the different groups. Responders were 365[91.25%], they were 143[39.2%] first year males, 141[38.6%] first year females split in two groups and 81[22.2%] fifth year mixed male and female.Conceptual understanding of medical ethics, professionalism, human rights and the religion values as part of the university requirement were assessed with a pretested questionnaire. Of the fifth year students 69[86.3%] were able to describe triggering organisational help for patients as an advocacy and 119[83.2%] first year male students were able to identify that availing medical facilities to the disabled and the vulnerable groupsas basic human right. The majority [>90%] of all students were described well professional integrity and 132[93%] of first year medical students were able mention correctly the differences between the Healer and the professional and 83[58.5%] of fifth year students specified the confidentiality issue in taking informed consent, respectively. However, the students' categorised the regulation of organ transplantation and tissue engineering has human rights followed by Religion Teachings bases. Teaching medical ethics, human rights, professionalism and University requirements to the first year medical students and gains during the practical experience of the clinical clerkship have a considerable impact on the student perception of these subjects. Gains are expected to improve if these issues are integrated in all areas of the curriculum

Interactions of spodoptera littoralis haemocytes following injection with the entomopathogenic fungi: Beauveria Bassiana and Nomuraea Rileyi

This study compared the cellular interactions of Spodopteralittoralis haemocytes with two virulence-different entomopathogenic fungi: Beauveriabassiana and Nomuraearileyi. Using light and transmission microscopy, five types of haemocytes namely, prohaemocytes [PRs], plasmatocytes [PLs], granulocytes [GRs], spherule cells [SPs] and oenocytoids [OEs] were identified in the 6[th] instar larvae. PRs and PLs were found in the haemopoietic tissue.Intra-haemocoelic injection of blastospores induced ultrastructural alterations in the cytoplasm and nucleiof circulating haemocytes of treated larvae. Different responses were observed in the populations of haemocyte types following injection with the tested fungi. The most important changes were the decrease of the numbers of GRs aiccompanied with increase inSPs at 12-48h following injection with B. bassiana, whereas,a decrease of PLs with a commitment increase inSPs and OEs were observed at most time intervals after injection with N. rileyi. Both fungi provoked a decrease of the total number of haemocytes at 48h followed by an increase at 72h post-injection. In vivo assay showed that the GRs and PLs actively phagocytised fungal blastospores. There was a time-dependent decrease and increase in the phagocytosis activity after injection of B. bassiana and N. Rileyi, respectively .In B. bassiana-injected insects, the numbers nodules increased significantly at 6-48h in comparison with the controls post-injection. In N. rileyi-injected insects, nodules increased significantly only at 72h post-injection.No cellular encapsulation was observed in any of the examined insects

Effect of low-level environmental lead exposure intellectual functions of children of EI-Minia city, EI-Minia Governorate, Egypt

Lead [Pb] is a confirmed neurotoxin. Clear adverse effects of blood Pb level [BLL] >/= 10 microg/dl have been documented in children, but questions remain about Pb-associated intellectual disorders at these BLL and whether lower exposures are associated with greater disorders. To study the intellectual functions associated with environmental low-level Pb exposure in children of the villages of the east coast of the River Nile of EI-Minia city that located nearby EI-Minia industrial area. This study was conducted at Suzan Mubarak Hospital, EI-Minia University during the period from 1[th] August, 2008 to the 31[st] of July, 2010. It included 120 children aged 7-9 from the nearest 2 villages to EI-Minia industrial area [60 children each] namely, EI-Newayrat and AI-Shorafaa, and 60 children from Talla, a village located to the west of EI-Minia city far away from EI-Minia industrial area, as a control group. For all patients, BLL had been estimated, and intellectual functions has been evaluated using Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children, 3[rd] ed. BLL of children of EI-Newayrat and AI-Shorafaa were significantly increased when compared to that of Talla children with higher affection reported with EI-Newayrat. The outcome of Wechsler's Intelligence Scale revealed a significant reduction of verbal, performance and full scale IQs in EI-Newayrat and AI-Shorafaa when compared to Talla with higher affection reported with EI-Newayrat, with a strong negative correlation to BLL of 5-10 microg/dl. It could not be estimated that every microg/dl increase in BLL was accompanied by a fixed lowered score. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females regarding the BLL and Wechsler's Intelligence Scale scores. in conclusion, Low-level Pb exposure in children of the villages of the east coast of the River Nile of in EI-Minia city that located nearby EI-Minia industrial area was accompanied with intellectual function impairment which is not associated with sex and reported to be nonlinear relationship. It is advised to perform a national study to evaluate how big the problem is and to put Pb-toxicity in the list of the national health problems

study of the effect of low-level environmental lead exposure on the intellectual functions of children of El Minia city, El Minia governorate, Egypt

Lead [Pb] is a confirmed neurotoxin. Clear adverse effects of blood Pb level [BLL] >/= 10 micro g/dl have been documented in children, but questions remain about Pb-associated intellectual disorders at these BLL and whether lower exposures are associated with great disorders. The study aim to study the intellectual functions associated with environmental low-level Pb exposure in children of the villages of the east coast of the River Nile of El-Minia city that located nearby El-Minia industrial area. This study was conducted at Suzan Mubarak Hospital, El-Minia University during the period from 1st August, 2008 to the 31st of July, 2010. It included 120 children aged 7-9 years from the nearest 2 villages to El-Minia industrial area [60 children each] namely, El-Newayrat and Al-Shorafaa, and 60 children from Talla, a village located to the west of El-Minia city far away from El-Minia industrial area, as a control group. For all patients, BLL had been estimated, and intellectual functions have been evaluated using Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children, 3[rd] ed. BLL of children of El-Newayrat and Al-Shorafaa were significantly increased when compared to that of TalIa children with higher affection reported with El-Newayrat. The outcome of Wechsler's Intelligence Scale revealed a significant reduction of verbal, performance and full scale IQs in El-Newayrat and Al-Shorafaa when compared to Talla with higher affection reported with El-Newayrat, with a strong negative correlation to BLL of 5-10 micro g/dl. It could not be estimated that every 1 micro g/dl increase in BLL was accompanied by a fixed lowered score. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females regarding the BLL and Wechsler's Intelligence Scale scores. Low-level Pb exposure in children of the villages of the east coast of the River Nile of El-Minia city that is located nearby El Minia industrial area was accompanied with intellectual function impairment which is reported to be nonlinear relationship between BLL and intellectual functions impairment. It is advised to perform a national study to evaluate how big the problem is and to put Pb-toxicity in the list of the national health problems

Nephrotoxicity of long-term occupational exposure to gasoline in El-Minia governorate

The current study was carried out to evaluate the nephrotoxic effect of long-term occupational exposure to gasoline in El-Minia governorate. 76 male subjects aging 18-42 years were involved in this study. They were divided into 4 groups: control group 1: consists of 20 normal subjects with no history of long-term gasoline exposure or previous history of blood, hepatic or renal disorders, group II: consist of 15 gas stations workers for a period of 1 year +/- 2 months with daily exposure to gasoline, group III: consists of 21 gas stations workers for a period of 5 years +/- 2 months with daily exposure to gasoline, and group IV: consists of 20 gas stations workers for a period of 10 years +/- 2 months with daily exposure to gasoline. All subjects sere investigated for blood urea nitrogen [BUN], serum creatinine [S.Cr.], beta[2] microglobulin [beta[2]MG] and cystatin C. The levels BUN, S.Cr., beta[2]MG, and cystatin C of the subjects of group II were within normal with no significant differences when compared to those of group I. The values BUN, S.Cr., beta[2]MG, and cystatin C of the subjects of group III were significantly elevated when compared to those of groups I and II. The levels BUN, S.Cr., beta[2]MG, and cystatin C of the subjects of group IV were significantly elevated when compared to those of group I, II and III. In group III, there was a positive correlation between S.Cr. to the level of beta[2] MG. Also, there was a positive correlation of the level of S.Cr. to the levels of beta[2] MG, and cystatin C among the subjects of group IV. Long-term exposure of the gas station workers to gasoline may carry the risk of nephrotoxicity. This raises the importance of increasing the safety protective measures at these stations, and to develop a more safe fuel in the near future

Survival effects of cyclooxygenase-2 and 12-lipooxygenase in Egyptian women with operable breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the commonest among women in Egypt as well as in many other countries. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 12-lipo-oxygenase (12-LOX) are over-expressed in 30-40% of patients and carry a poor prognosis. The objectives of this study were to correlate COX-2 and 12-LOX expression with various clinico-pathologic patients' characteristics and their impact on overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) in Egyptian women with operable BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 57 consecutive BC cases presenting to the Egyptian National Cancer Institute. Sections from BC and nearby normal tissues were examined for expression of COX-2 and 12-LOX using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 45 years. Fifty-three percent were premenopausal. Stage II and III disease represented 25 and 75% respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and tamoxifen were used in 90, 75 and 60% respectively. Sixty percent had hormone-receptor positive tumors and 28% over-expressed HER2/neu. Forty-nine and sixty-five percent showed over-expression of COX-2 and 12-LOX respectively. Patients with higher TNM stage or who developed visceral metastases had significantly higher COX-2 expression. For the whole group of patients, the median DFS was 37 months, while the median OS was not reached. OS or DFS did not differ significantly between patients with normal and over-expression of COX-2. DFS but not OS was significantly higher in 12-LOX over-expression compared to normal expression. CONCLUSION: COX-2 over-expression was associated with poor prognostic criteria in BC, but did not affect DFS or OS. 12-LOX over-expression was associated with better DFS, but not OS.

Trend of occupational injuries and diseases among insured workers in Saudi Arabia

For the rapidly growing economy of Saudi Arabia, trends analysis of occupational injuries and diseases [OID] is a major need for planning of their management, prevention and control. The aim is to study the trends of OID among insured workers in Saudi Arabia. The related morbidity and mortality data of OID of five years starting from 2003 to 2007 were collected by a structured data collection sheet from offices of injury and diseases compensation in 20 regions of Saudi Arabia. To develop national indicators, basic data were collected from Ministry of labor, Ministry of Industry and The Central Department of Statistics and Information. Morbidity and mortality indicators were calculated. The percentage of increase or decrease between 2003 and 2007 as well as trend values were also calculated. The total identified number of OID was 450841 with a mean annual incidence rate of 29.43/1000 flull time workers [FTW]. An overall significant decreasing trend by 17.93% of OID was detected. OID in construction and transforming industries showed the highest mean annual incidence rates but their trend were significantly decreasing. The highest and significant increasing trend were detected for financing and real-estates [59.50%] followed by mining and quarrying [18.60%] and agriculture and fishing economic activities [14.24%]. Trends of OID depend on nature, causes and body part or system affected. The mean annual disability and fatality rate were 10.05 and 1.25/10000 FTW respectively with an increasing trend. The mean annual incidence rate of OID was less than that mentioned in the available literature. Some economic activities showed an increasing trend in OID while the overall trend was decreasing. Fatality and disability trends were increasing. Evaluation of health and safety programs as well as further studies are recommended to explore the causes of increasing trends of the general disability and fatality rates and the increasing trend of OID in some economic activities

Occupational status and cardiovascular risk factors in primary health care setting in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Cardiovascular diseases [CVD] are major health problem in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. Many studies in KSA were carried out to explore the distribution and determinants of this health problem. Till now there was no study tried to investigate its relation with the occupational status though the previous literature from other regions of the world proved a strong relationship. The study aims at identifying the association between CVD risk factors and main occupation among consumers of primary health care [PHC] system in Riyadh [KSA]. A representative sample of 1252 persons from the total who were registered and having a complete file in the PHC centers were subjected to a battery of: a structured questionnaire, clinical examination and laboratory investigations to explore the current status of CVD risk factors and their association with occupation. A statistically significant associations were detected between the main job title and the prevalence of: high total cholesterol level, increased fasting blood sugar, high systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index and smoking. Military and police occupational group show the best biochemical and clinical profiles, while housewives show the worst. Significant associations were detected between the occupational category and CVD risk factors being better among high and physically active categories and worsen among low and less physically active occupational groups. More studies are needed to explore the details of occupational exposures and stressors for purposes of specific prevention and control