Prevalence and characteristics of verotoxigenic E.coli in bovine and human intestine

In this study, the prevalence and characterizes of verotoxigenic E. coli was investigated in 140 cattle faecal samples from military farms. Also, 100 human stool samples from governmental hospital in Alex, through the period from January to August 2010, the sample were examined in laboratory of Department of Microbiology, Fac. Of Vet. Med., Alex. Bacteriological examination were done to detect the E. coli verocytotoxin production identified by duplex-PCR. This analysis revealed that the prevalence of VTEC was 62.5% in cattle and 57.14% in human samples. The organism could be isolated at a higher prevalence [66.66%] from healthy calves than from diarrheic ones [50%] indicating the reservoir status of cattle. In human, the prevalence in diarrhoeic children was higher [66.66%] than non diarrhoeic ones [50%]. In conclusion, the prevalence of VTEC in cattle and human was high, indicating the public health importance of organism

Biotypmg of Pasieurella multocida isolates isolated from chickens in Egypt by RAPD PCR

The incidence of P. multocida isolates isolated from 50 random samples collected from chicken suffering from respiratory manifestation was 48%, the random serological classification showed 4 isolates [A:5, A:8, A:9and D:2]. RAPD-PCR using 4 random primers separately was demonstrated to characterize, identify and determine the differences in the DNA sequence among the isolates. Pasteurella multocida is one of the most important Gram-negative bacteria. It is upper respiratory tract [or pharyngeal region] commensal of many animal species. However, under predisposing factors the organism becomes the etiological agent of a wide range of economically important diseases, such as fowl cholera in poultry, hemorrhagic septicemia in cattle and buffalo, atrophic rhinitis in swine and snuffles in rabbits

Immunomodulating effect of ampicillin and cephalosporin in sheep vaccinated with sheep poxvirus vaccine

In this study we use 20 sheep divided into four groups [one group was injected with the vaccine, the second was taken the vaccine and ampicillin, the third group was taken the vaccine and cephalosporin and the fourth act as a control]. The immunity was measured humoral immunity to sheep pox virus vaccine by neutralization test and cell mediated immunity by lymphocyte transformation assay as well as phagocytosis. The results revealed that an increase of the immune status in group injected with antibiotics with vaccine than that received the vaccine only and than the control group. There were an increase of lymphocyte transformation test, neutralization test and phagocytosis. It could be concluded that ampicillin and cephalosporin directly increase the immune status in sheep vaccinated with sheep poxvirus vaccine

Assessment of the pharmaceutical quality of omeprazole capsule brands marketed in Egypt

The pharmaceutical quality of 7 local omeprazole capsule brands in Egypt was assessed relative to the proprietary product [Losec[R]]. Drug content, content uniformity, drug release [using USP test for enteric coated articles and a modified release test] were determined. Products were subjected to a 3-month stability study. Of the 7 brands, 6 had satisfactory drug content and content uniformity. All brands passed the USP drug release test. The modified release test proved to be more discriminative. After 3 months storage, drug content of 3 brands remained > 90% and 2 of these brands maintained drug release above 75%. Changes in pellet appearance during storage were indicative of omeprazole chemical degradation

study of anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The level of anticardiolipin antibodies [ACA] was determined in 40 patients with adult and juvenile onset rheumatoid arthritis [RA] using ELISA technique. Patients were examined for different manifestations of antiphospholipid [APS]. Beside the laboratory and immunological studies, Doppler echo-cardiographic study and Doppler study of the peripheral vessels were performed. 35% of the female patients had a history of recurrent abortions. Thrombotic episodes were not a frequent presentation. ACA were elevated on both groups. Patients with positive antinuclear antibodies [ANA] as well as patients with active disease showed higher levels of ACA. Platelet count did not change significantly, however, there was a significant increase in the mean platelet factor 4 [PF4] which correlated positively with the ACA levels. Doppler study of the peripheral vessels revealed significant decrease in the blood velocity. An abnormal waveform pattern was found in 20% of the patients. These changes together with the minor cardiac abnormalities detected by Doppler echocardiography did not correlate significantly with the ACA levels

Study of health aspects among rural and urban school children, Egypt, 1995/1996

To find out the epidemiologic differentials that touch the health of vulnerable group from school children in the rural and urban communities, a multistage systematic random sample [195 students] was taken out from the target population. By an analytical descriptive study, a designed sheet-questionnaire form was perfectly done to meet the objectives of the study. It includes socioeconomic and demographic aspects, medical history and clinical examination, measurement of height in cm and weight in kg, special scores for scholastic achievement, urine and stool analysis and knowledge, attitude and practice of the school children towards parasitic infections. The results have revealed that 16%and 66% of rural and 12.6% and 51.6% of urban school children were from low and moderate socioeconomic standards, respectively. 46.2% of rural and urban children were in good general condition and their mean height 130. 2 +/- 21, 5 cm and 141.6 +/- 18,5 and weight 35.8 +/- 15, 0 and 40.9 cm, respectively. The good educational ability was 25%and 22.1% among rural and urban pupils. Schistosomiasis was prevalent among rural ones. More than one third of rural and urban pupils have right knowledge, positive attitude and good [healthy] practice towards the parasitic infections

effect of television watching on child diet and physical activity

The present study was conducted by questionnaire involving the mothers of 600 children aged from 8-12 years chosen from Maadi district. This questionnaire include the child personal data, family data, data about telvision watching and any other mother's notes. Analysis of the obtained data revealed that a long period of time is spent by children watching television. More than 90% of children look at television almost each day. More than 95% of children eat meals while watching the television. The food that children requested was greatly affected by food ads advertised on television. The physical activity of the children is inversely related to television viewing time. Girls are more affected by television food ads than boys. Playing with video games is much more common among boys than girls. All children [8-12 y] of the district were included. In conclusion, evaluation of the impact of television watching on diet and physical activity of the children is very important in order to develop strategies to prevent obesity and sedentary life style in children

Role of Chlamydia trachomatis in seronegative spondylarthritis

Demonstration of chlamydial antibodies in the serum and elementary bodies [EBs] in the joint material of patients with seronegative spondylarthritis could show an etiological role of Chlamydia trachomatis in this condition. Chlamydia trachomatis EBs were found in synovial fluid cell deposit from 4 of 11 patients with ankylosing spondylitis [AS] by means of fluorescein labeled antichlamydial monoclonal antibody. Chlamydial IgG antibody measured by ELISA [Chlamyset antibody EIA] was present at a titer of 1/64 or more in the sera of 9 of the total 15 patients [60%] [4 of them having EBs in their joints] compared with only 2 of the 15 healthy controls [13.3%]. 12 of 15 patients were HLA B27 positive, 7 of them has chlamydial antibody at a titer of 1/64 or more. These data suggested that C. trachomatis is implicated in the development of AS HLA-B27 positive individuals

Bioavailability and in-vitro evaluation of marketed allopurinol tablets

The in vitro evaluation of 12 commercial br and s of allopurinol tablets marketed in Egypt was studied. All tested products conformed to the USP XXII dissolution limit, i.e. 75% dissolution after 45 minutes, yet different release rates were observed. The two tablet br and s exhibiting minimum [79%] and maximum [100%] drug release after 45 minutes, in addition to a st and ard product [Zyloric-300], were subjected to in vivo evaluation. The study was carried out according to a cross-over design on six healthy male volunteers. Following a single oral dose of 300 mg, the plasma concentrations of allopurinol and its major metabolite oxypurinol were determined by HPLC. The three products were found statistically bioequivalent. The USP XXII dissolution test proved to be quite satisfactory for the prediction of allopurinol bioavailability and bioequivalence

Solid-state chemical stability of indomethacin in drug adjuvant binary system

Solid-state chemical stability of indomethacin powder was tested periodically in drug-adjuvant binary systems stored at different temperatures and relative humidities over a period of 4-12 weeks. Adjuvants studied were those commonly used in filling hard gelatin capsules as well as hydrophilic adjuvants used in solid dispersion techniques. Undegraded indomethacin in the stored samples was determined by spectrophotometry at intervals during storage. Sorbed moisture was periodically assessed gravimetrically. Parachlorobenzoic acid, one of two hydrolytic products, was determined by HPLC at the end of the storage period. Differential thermal analysis of the freshly prepared drug-adjuvant blends was performed. Indomethacin degradation was least in presence of microcrystalline cellulose and high in presence of lactose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol and urea. Degradation of indomethacin in presence of these hydrophilic carriers was influenced by the method of sample preparation. Indomethacin degradation in the majority of systems studied reached equilibrium. The extent of drug degradation was linearly dependent on the amount of moisture sorbed. Differential thermal analysis thermograms indicated the interaction between indomethacin and each of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol and urea

Immunological and histopathological changes in the gingivae of rheumatoid arthritis patients following methotrexate and d-penicillamine therapy

This work was carried out on 30 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis to study the immunological and histopathological changes in the gingiva following administration of the chelating agent D- penicillamine [250 mg-750 mg/day orally] and the immunosuppressive drug Methotrexate [7.5-15 mg/week]. The study confirmed the beneficial effects of both MTX and D-PA. The response to MTX occurred earlier [2-6 weeks]. The initial immunofluorescent examination of gingival tissue showed large amounts of granular and /or lump deposits of Igs K [G, M and A] as well as complement C3. After treatment, these deposits decreased, but this decrease was statistically insignificant. Histopathological changes were in the form of absent horny layer, parakeratotic areas and the presence of vacuolated cells in the prickle cell layer. The lamina propria showed large number of infiltrating mononuclear cells with disturbed architecture of collagen fibers. At the end of 24 weeks, these changes showed significant improvement. It was evident that gingival specimen can be taken instead of synovial membrane to follow up tissue response to drugs in RA. It is an easier and safer tool

Serum secretory immunoglobulin A [S-IgA]: a new prognostic marker in schistosomiasis mansoni

Serum levels of secretory immunoglobulin A [S-IgA] have not been thoroughly investigated in Schistosomiasis mansoni. The aim of the present work has been to assess if the relation of serum S-IgA to liver insult in alcoholic liver disease can be extrapolated on the situation of Schistosomiasis mansoni. For this, 112 male subjects in their third decade of life have been included in the present study, and followed up for 5 years. Among them, 27 patients with intestinal Schistosomiasis without hepatic affection at the time of inclusion in the study, five of them showed hepatic pathology later on during the follow-up period; 45 patients with intestinal Schistosomiasis complicated by hepatic fibrosis with preserved liver functions, 19 of these showed deterioration of liver functions of variable degrees later on during follow-up, and 40 matched healthy volunteers as a control group. All patients were subjected to egg count in stools using Kato technique; and passive hemagglutination test using Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen; both patients and controls were subjected to liver function tests and quantitation of serum levels of S-IgA using a solid phase direct competition radioimmunoassay. The results of the present study revealed statistically significant differences in serum levels of serum S-IgA in groups and subgroups of patients with hepatic affection being higher than in those without it. These differences are more accentuated in those who developed impairment of liver functions. These findings were consistent even at the onset of the study and even in subgroups of patients who only later on developed these changes. The prognostic value of serum S-IgA, described for the first time in the context of Schistosomiasis mansoni, is further consolidated by the presence of significant moderate to strong linear correlation between S-IgA levels and most parameters of liver function with a concomitant absence of any correlation with egg count or passive hemagglutination titers. Cut off levels of serum S-IgA predicting development of hepatic affection and/or impairment of liver functions have been suggested

Salivary and serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels among insulin dependent diabetics

The study was carried out on 40 male subjects. They were divided into three groups. The first group included 10 healthy control subjects. The second group included 15 patients with controlled insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus. The third group included 15 patients with uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The aim of this work was to determine the level of calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase in saliva and serum of both controlled and uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetics and healthy controls. Significant changes in periodontal variables were found especially in uncontrolled IDD. Radiographic results showed greater amount of bone loss in uncontrolled IDD. Radiographic results showed greater amount of bone loss in uncontrolled IDD. Laboratory studies showed significant alteration of serum and salivary calcium level and retention index and between salivary phosphorous level and plaque and retention indices in uncontrolled IDD. The results were analyzed and discussed

Determination of the oxygen consumption in the gingival tissue of diabetic patients

The research was planned to study the gingival condition of diabetics clinically, to estimate gingival tissue respiration in diabetes and to clarify the effect of severity of the disease of the gingiva. Present results revealed an increase in the pocket depth, loss of attachment and tooth mobility in the diabetic groups [controlled and uncontrolled diabetics] as compared with the non-diabetic persons. There is an increase in the gingival index in the diabetic group. The oxygen consumption of the gingival tissue of the controlled and uncontrolled diabetics was significantly decreased as compared to that of the non-diabetic subjects. Explanation of these results was discussed and explained

Histochemical and histopathological changes in diabetic gingival tissues

120 diabetic and prediabetic gingivae were studied histopathological and histochemically and compared with non-diabetic gingivae, PAS + ve substance was deposited in the epithelial cells and the vascular wall [subendothelially] leading to narrowing and even occlusion of vascular lumen in severe diabetic cases [uncontrolled late onset diabetic] a mirror of the micro-angiopathy occuring in diabetes. Succinic dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase activities showed increase in the epithelial cells and lamina propria cells. The increase in the first enzyme might be due to the abnormal C.H.O. metabolism in diabetes; but the increase in the latter was due to the increased phagocytic function of these cells accompanying the degenerative process in the cell and also as a reaction to the inflammatory processes usually accompanying this disease. The decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity in the capillary endothelial cells might be due to disturbed active ion-transport function of these cells, a condition which usually accompany microangiopathy. From this research it was found that by gingival biopsy one could diagnose and correlate diabetes especially in its presymptomatic or preclinical stage [prediabetic] where easier treatment and control could be done