Loop-mediated isothermal amplification [RT-LAMP]: a new approach for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus and its sero-types in Pakistan

Successful disease management requires a rapid and sensitive diagnosis method that can recognize early infection even before the manifestation of its clinical signs. The only available field diagnostic tests for foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] are lateral flow devices, commonly known as chromatographic strips. Low sensitivity and inability to detect FMD virus [FMDV] at the serotype level are limitations of lateral flow devices. Therefore, a reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification [RT-LAMP] was standardized using universal and sero-type specific genes in a single tube. This test does not require sophisticated equipment and can detect FMDV at serotype level in about 60 min. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of this test is comparable to conventional reverse transcriptase PCR and real time PCR [rRT-PCR]

insight on malankholia [melancholia]: unani perspective

Malankholia [melancholia] is defined as a disorder in which the mental functions are deranged and the afflicted person is more prone toward constant grief, fear, and dubious aggression, and the ability to analyze and interpret things is grossly affected, as enunciated by Jalinus [Galen] and quoted by Zakaria Razi [850-923 AD] in his world-renowned treatise "Kitab Al-Havi." The term melancholia literally means "black humor," which is the predominant causative factor. Mental ill-health is one of the most disturbing and disabling disorders of life. It affects not only the concerned person but also his/ her family and the society as a whole with social stigma attached to it. The problem is steadily on the rise due to factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and increase in lifespan, together with the breakup of the joint family system, with implication of multiple genes augmenting the psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric illness is almost the same globally, about 8-10 per 1000 population. Unani, an age-old traditional system of medicine, has described in its classical text not only the concept of this disorder but also its management with various modes of treatment, which if pursued will mitigate the suffering of humanity to a great extent. The present review manuscript is an attempt to highlight the available literature from the Unani perspective

Detection of bla SHV and bla CTX-M genes in ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from Egyptian patients with suspected nosocomial infections

The correct identification of the genes involved in ESBL mediated resistance is necessary for the surveillance and epidemiological studies of their transmission in hospitals. The aim of the present study was to find the prevalence of ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumonia among K. pneumonia isolates separated from Egyptian patients with suspected nosocomial infections, to detect their drug resistance pattern and to look for bla SHV and bla CTX-M genes in such organisms. 138 K. pneumonia isolates from Egyptian patients with suspected nosocomial infections were screened for ESBL production by the pattern of antimicrobial susceptibilities. Phenotypic identification for ESBL production was confirmed by double disc synergy test, phenotypic confirmatory double disc test and by MicroScan panel system. bla SHV and bla CTX-M genes in ESBL producing K. pneumonia were detected using multiplex PCR. The prevalence of ESBL producing K. pneumonia was 21% [30/138]. Their pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility showed that 90% was resistant to [Sulphamethoxazole / Trimethoprim], 70% was resistant to [Amoxicillin / Clavulanate], 63.3% was resistant to Cefotaxime and Ceftazidime, 60% was resistant to Amikacin, 46.7% was resistant to Doxycycline, Cefoxitin, Ceftriaxone and Levofloxacin, 40% was resistant to Cefepime, 20% was resistant to Ertapenem and [Sulbactam / Cefoperazone], 13.3% was resistant to [Piperacillin / Tazobactam], 10% was resistant to [Imipenem/Cilastatin] and Gentamycin and 6.7% was resistant to Meropenem and Ciprofloxacin. Among the ESBL producing K. pneumoniae, three out of 30 [10%] and 16 out of 30 [53.3%] were positive for bla SHV and bla CTX-M genes respectively. It could be concluded that ESBL producing isolates of K. pneumonia have been increasingly recognized in the hospital settings in Egypt and are associated with multiple drug resistance. Thus, molecular identification of the genes encoding beta lactamases would be essential for a reliable epidemiological investigation of their transmission in hospitals and antimicrobial resistance

Shear bond strength of resin composite to rotary and Er:YAG laser-prepared enamel

The aim of this study was to compare enamel shear bond strength to resin composite following preparation with a carbide bur, fine diamond bur, or erbium doped, yttrium-aluminium-garnet [Er:YAG] laser. Forty-eight human anterior teeth, randomly assigned to each preparation group, were studied. Each tooth was mounted in self-curing acrylic resin with the desirable flat facial surface exposed and was randomly assigned to 3 groups according to surface preparation: Er:YAG laser irradiation, carbide bur, or fine-grit diamond bur. A polypropylene cylinder was fixed to the prepared surface, which was demarcated for the area to be bonded with the single bonding system. Restorative composite was then incrementallyinserted into the tubing lumens. The teeth were shear tested to failure at a crosshead speed of 1.0mm/minute. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey test were used for analysis. The mean bond strength values were as follows: fine diamond bur, 23.88MPa; carbide bur, 13.28 MPa; and Er:YAG laser, 12.61 MPa. Different enamel preparation methods affect the shear bond strength between enamel and resin composite

possible role of Petroselinum Sativum extract against oxidative stress in CCL[4]-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

The present study investigated the possible effect of the ethanolic extract of Petroselinum sativum against CCl[4]-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and compared with Rutin as reference. Ethanolic extract of Petroselinum sativum in two concentrations 100 and 200 mg/kg.bw. Was orally administered for 21 days after i.p CCl[4] injection to evaluate its possible effect. Also, Rutin [as standard antioxidant] was orally administered by concentration of 200 mg/kg.bw. Malondialdehyde "MDA" concentration [the end product of lipid peroxide] and total protein were determined both in liver, homogenate and plasma. Reduced Glutathione "GSH" content was determined in liver homogenate and in whole blood. Albumin was also determined and Glutathione-S-transferase "GST" in serum of rats was performed. Histological studies of liver for all treatments were investigated and results revealed that, the lipid peroxides "MDA" and "GST" were significantly increased [p<0.05], while reduced glutathione was decreased after treatment of CCL[4]. Administration of Petroselinum Sativum ethanolic extract at two concentrations and Rutin exerted a significant decreases [p<0.05] in MDA concentration, while the reduced glutathione appeared to be increased in whole blood. The activity of GST was reduced due to the effect of Petroselinum Sativum and Rutin after the duration time [10 and 21 days]. The ethanolic extract of Petroselinum Sativum revealed a significant increase in the total protein, albumin, and A/G ratio. The histological studies showed a significant increase in liver injury of intoxicated rats. After treatment with ethanolic extract of Petroselinum Sativum as well as Rutin, the sites of injury were decreased. It was concluded that, the toxic effect of CCl[4] on liver was abrogated under the effect of Petroselinum Sativum ethanolic extract; also, Rutin had an inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation. These findings suggested that the plant extract of Petroselinum Sativum could has a potent antioxidant activity

Biochemical evaluation of the protective impact of silymarin against cyclophosphamide- induced hepatotoxicity in rats

This study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effect of silymarin on the hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide [CP] in female albino rats. The results revealed that cyclophosphamide induced marked increase in relative liver weight and serum levels of ALT, AST and decrease in serum albumin level which were normalized by silymarin administration. Pretreatment with silymarin significantly attenuated cyclophosphamide-induced increases in malondialdehyde [MDA] in the liver homogenate. The results revealed that the activities of lysosomal enzymes acid phosphatase [ACP], beta-N-acetyl glucosaminidase [beta-NAG] and beta- galactosidase [beta-GAL] were increased significantly in CP-treated animals while pretreatment by silymarin caused marked attenuation in the increased activities of the three enzymes. Cyclophosphamide significantly decreased reduced glutathione [GSH], glutathione-s-transferase [GST] and glutathione reductase [GR] levels in the liver homogenate, while pretreatment with silymarin blunted the decreased levels of GSH,GST and GR. Our results revealed the potential hepatoprotective effect of silymarin against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity. So, it may be worthy to consider the beneficial use of silymarin as supplement with cyclophosphamide therapy

Health related quality of life among cardiac patients at Queen Alia heart institute

Cardiac disease is a debilitating condition that seriously affects the lives of patients and their families and therefore, impacts the health-related quality of life for their patients. The aims of this study are to evaluate the quality of life among cardiac disease patients, and examine the relationship of certain sociodemographic factors, treatment modalities and the presence of co-morbidic diseases on the quality of a cardiac patient's life. A quantitative non-experimental correlational research design was utilized to guide this study. Data were collected from Queen Alia Heart Institute in Amman city using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC QLQ-c30 version 3]. The convenient sample was 118 cardiac disease patients; this study sample was equally distributed in relation to gender. The study findings revealed that the majority of the study sample had a moderate quality of life with a mean score of 78.78 and 20.63 S.D. There were no significant differences in the quality of life among cardiac patients related to treatment modalities. On the other hand, significant differences were found in the quality of life of cardiac patients related to gender [T=2.42, P=.017] and exercise performance [T=2.14, P=.034]. Moreover, the results revealed that the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus had a significant negative relationship to the quality of life among cardiac disease patients. The study concluded that cardiac patients have moderate quality of life as determined by the EORTC QLQ-c30 [version 3] questionnaire and reduced health status related to the quality of life which was associated with low income level, decreased exercise performance, and the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus

Seminal fructose in various classes of infertile patients

A great number of substances have been found in sperm plasma but so far it has not been possible to provide evidence of clinical significance for all of them. Fructose occupies the most important place on biochemical investigations. Fructose acts as a donor of energy to the spermatozoa. Fructose is secreted from the seminal vesicles and the accessory sex glands. It is the major carbohydrate found in seminal plasma, and appears essential for normal sperm motility. We present results of a prospective study of seminal fructose in patients referred for routine semen analysis prior to infertility treatment. Qualitative measurement of fructose in seminal fluid was carried out by Resorcinol method. Fructose level in various groups of male infertility, and sperm concentration in various groups was estimated. They were classified as azoospermic, oligozoospermic, polyzoospermic, normozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, and teratozoospermic on the basis of sperm concentrations, motility and morphology respectively. It is indicated that the true corrected fructose level is a simple method for assessment of the seminal vesicular function

Impact of anemia on diastolic function among a sample of Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes

Anaemia which is common in patients with diabetes has an established role in heart failure. Whether or not anaemia contribute to an increased risk of cardiac dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes, needs to be evaluated. Aim of the work: to investigate the effect of anaemia as a risk factor on the abnormal diastolic function in type 2 diabetes. Seventy diabetic patients from Diabetes Clinic, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt were investigated for control of blood glucose, haemoglobin level, creatinine clearance and albuminuria. Transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler were performed to study parameters diagnosing diastolic dysfunction. 71.4% of the patients were anaemic. Diastolic dysfunction was more prominent in the anaemic patients as they showed significantly higher LAA, E/A, E/E' [0.35 +/- 0.06 cm2, 1.29 +/- 0.63, 8.7 +/- 0.4, respectively] compared to the non anaemic patients [0.32 +/- 0.06 cm2, p,0.05, 0.99 +/- 0.51, p<0.05, 6.86 +/- 0.18, p<0.001, respectively]. By multivariate analysis haemoglobin showed independent association with E/A even after adjustment for age, BMI, BP, albuminuria and creatinine clearance. Decreased haemoglobin level is a potent independent risk factor of diastolic dysfunction among type 2 diabetic patients. Thus maintenance of haemoglobin level in these patients within normal range improves the degree of cardiac

Occupational exposure to cadmium and relation to male infertility

Cadmium is a new class of endocrine disruptors with a wide range of effects on mammalian reproduction. To determine the association between occupational exposure to cadmium and male fertility. Blood cadmium and lead levels were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 30 infertile male welders and 30 healthy age matched, fertile, male welders as controls. FSH, LH and testosterone were estimated and semen analysis was done. The age ranged between 27-45 years. The infertile welders show significantly higher blood cadmium levels [42.7 +/- 1.7 micro g/dl] compared to the fertile group [11.3 +/- 4.1 micro g/dl, p <0.01] while serum testosterone and FSH are significantly lower among the infertile welders compared to controls [p < 0.05]. In addition, blood cadmium but not blood lead level has a significant inverse correlation, with serum testosterone and FSH [r=-0.37, -0.39, respectively, p < 0.05]. Oligozoospermia and abnormal forms is present in 56.7% and 43.3% of the infertile welders, respectively. Smokers have significantly higher blood cadmium compared to non smokers [p <0.01]. Smoking index has insignificant correlation with FSH, LH and testosterone but shows a significant positive correlation with blood cadmium [p <0.05] but not blood lead level. Blood cadmium is an independent predictor of infertility among the studied population Chronic exposure to cadmium can affect endocrine function of reproduction in males at the level of hypothalamus, pituitary and the testes together with its effects on spermatogenesis. Smoking can potentiate the effects of cadmium on the male reproductive system

Comparative effect of petroselinum sativum extract and rutin on liver functions

Serum enzymes are very important in clinical diagnosis of diseases and estimation of liver damage of intoxicated rats by CCL[4]. In this study the effect of Petroselinum sativwn extracts was measured on the enzyme activities of liver transaminase "ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH". Also, the activity of lysosomal enzymes "ACP; beta-GAL, and beta-NAG In addition to superoxide dismutase as an antioxidant enzyme were determined after oral treatment with two concentrations "50 and 100 mg/kg b.w" for 21 days after injection i.p. of CCL[4] to evaluate the possible curative effect for the ethanolic extract of parsley. The activity of SOD as an antioxidant enzyme was also studied. Rutin as a standard antioxidant was orally administered as single dose "100 mg/kg b.w" for the same periods "10, and 20 days". This experiment was performed in two groups of rats "intoxicated and nontoxicated treatments". The results revealed that the liver enzymes activity "ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH" were markedly increased in hepatotoxic rats after the duration time. The higher activities of these enzymes could be referred to induced cell damage after CCL[4] treatment. Also, the lysosomal enzymes such as "ACP, beta-GAL, and beta-NAG" were markedly increased in parallel to the hepatoxic rats, SOD activity was significantly decreased. After plant extract administration by the two concentrations and Rutin by single dose, the enzyme activities of "ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, ACP, beta-GAL, and beta-NAG" were ameliorated and decreased significantly as compared to the control group. SOD activity was increased. Petroselinum sativum ethanolic extract exerted a curative effect on the enzyme activities of transaminase, "ALP, LDH, and the activities of lysosomal enzymes of rat liver. Also, this extract suppressed the oxidative stress by enhancement of the SOD activity

Protective role of green tea against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress in rats

Mitochondria are primary target involved in doxorubicin [DOX] cardiotoxicity which mediated by the induction of reactive oxygen species [ROS]. Therefore, the objective of this study was planned to investigate the effect of DOX on cardiac mitochondrial functions. The harmful effect of DOX on lysosomal membrane was also investigated. Moreover, the protective effect of green tea plus catechin [GT] against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was considered. Thirty two male adult albino rats [180-200 g] were divided into four groups [n=8] as follows: [1] control group [saline solution, 1 ml 100 g[-1] body weight, i.p., for 10 days], [2] DOX group [a single dose of 10mg kg[-1] body weight, i.p. after 10 days of treatment with saline], [3] GT group [received 100 mg kg' body weight, per.os [p.o]. of GT for 10 days] and [4] DOX/GT group [received 100 mg kg[-1] body weight, p.o. of GT for 10 days prior to DOX adminstration]. Doxorubicin-induced significantly increased serum levels of lactic dehydrogenase [LDH] and creatine kinase [CK] which were reduced by GT administration. Pretreatment with GT significantly attenuated the doxorubicin induced increases in malondialdehyde [MDA], protein, carbonyl [PC] formation and lysosomal enzymes activities [P<0.05]. Doxorubicin significantly decreased GSH level, while pretreatment with GT blunted the decrease in GSH level [P<0.01]. This study suggests that green tea plus catechin has potentially protective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity generation. So, it may be worthy to consider the usefulness of GT as adjuvant therapy in cancer management

DNA microarray for identification of fungal pathogens causing invasive fungal infections [IFIs] in neutropenic patients

Opportunistic invasive fungal infections [IFIs] remain as important cause of morbidity and mortality. Candida and Aspergillus species are the most common fungi that cause disease in immunocompromised patients and transplant recipients. This study was designed to identify Candida and AspergilIus spp. as possible causes of IFIs in neutropenic patients with different hematological diseases, using high multiplexing capacity of DNA microarray [species identification array]. Twenty eight patients admitted to Hematology unit-Ain Shams University Hospitals with provisional diagnosis of lFl were enrolled in this study. Venous blood samples were collected to detect Candida and Aspergillus spp. using DNA microarray. Nineteen out of 28 studied patients [67.9%] were infected with Candida and Aspergillus spp. Invasive aspergillosis constituted 13/19[68.4%] distributed as follows: A.fumigatus 6/19 [31.6%], A.flavus 4/19 [21%] and A.niger 3/19 [15.8%]. On the other hand, Fl with Candida spp. constituted 6/19 [31.6%] distributed as follows; C.glabrata 3/19 [15.8%], C.tropicalis 2/19 [10.5%] and C.albicans 1/19 [5.3%]. Duration of hospital stay [mean +/- SD = 30.8 +/- 4 days] was statistically significant among the infected group in comparison to other patients [mean +/- SD = 22.7 +/- 2.3 days]. Nineteen out of 28 studied patients [67.9%] were infected with Candida and Aspergillus spp. Invasive aspergillosis constituted 13/19 [68.4%], while Candidal infection constituted 6/19 [31.6%]. DNA microarray represents a reliable method of potential use in clinical laboratories for parallel one-shot detection and identification of the most common fungal pathogens at the species level for prompt management of infection with tailored antifungal treatments

Vulnerability to depression in mother of emotionally and physically handicapped children from different socio-economic status

In the present study, it was hypothesized that mothers of emotionally and physically handicapped children from lower socio-economic status will be more vulnerable to depression as compared to the mothers from upper socioeconomic status. In order to test these hypotheses the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] was given to 300 mothers. Sample was divided into 3 groups, 100 mothers of emotionally handicapped children, 100 mothers of physically handicapped children and 100 mothers of healthy children. Z-test was applied in order to get statistical significance of the results. The results of the present study show that the mothers of emotionally and physically handicapped children from lower economic status were more depressed than the mothers of emotionally and physically handicapped children from upper status

Effect of interferon alfa-2-beta on the DNA, RNA, proteins and the O[2]-uptake of Rat liver mitochondria and homogenates

The effect of interferon alfa-2-b [IFN] on O[2]-uptake of isolated rat liver homogenate and mitochondria at 37°C over two hours were examined in two concentrations "6428.5 and 3214.3 IU/kg rat". The results of the rates of aerobic respiration of rat liver homogenate revealed the occurrence of uniform reductions in total O[2]-consumption after 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours exposure to the two concentrations of interferon. On the other hand, the O2-uptake of mitochondria exerted an enhancement effect after the exposure time under the effect of the drug. Protein patterns were determined and identified by SDS/PAGE method, genomic DNA was extracted and purified, then isolated on 1% agarose for analysis the molecular size of DNA after treatment with interferon by the two doses. RNA was extracted and purified and then isolated on agarose 1.3% for determining the differences in the molecular size between the treated and nontreated samples. The protein concentration was significantly increased by the two doses of the drug. The protein patterns on SDS/PAGE revealed different bands with different molecular Daltons. The genomic DNA isolated from rat liver mitochondira or homogenate have a high molecular size [more than 1.0 kbp.]. In addition, interferon at the low dose decreased the RNA concentration either in rat liver homogenate or mitochondria, while the high dose of the drug increased the concentration of RNA. The molecular weight of isolated RNA on agarose either from rat liver homogenate or mitochondria after drug treatment exhibited a molecular size more than 1031 bp. PCR amplification was conducted on genomic DNA of rat liver homogenate after interferon alpha 2-b treatment by the high dose only. All PCR products appeared to be identical and the bands had the same molecular weights

Management of soft tissue defects of hand with local [posterior interosseous] flaps

Observational case series study. To evaluate the role of Local Flaps in the management of the soft tissue injuries of hand. Study was conducted at BV Hospital, Bahawalpur from June 2002 to May 2003. In this study, we selected cases in which direct skin closure was not possible due to large defect or skin grafting was contraindicated for example in cases where bones and tendons were exposed, or in certain conditions where some secondary procedures may have to be carried out like tendon repair, tendon grafting nerve repair or fixation of fracture. Patients with severely crushed, non-salvageable hands, manageable with primary suturing and skin grafts and Patients with peripheral vascular disease, Elderly diabetic and Patients medically unfit for anesthesia. A total of 10 patients were treated between June 2002 and May 2003. There were 8 males and 2 females [male to female ratio 4:1]. Mean age of the patients was 26.26 years with range between 10 and 60 years. Most common cause of skin defects was agriculture machine injury [6 cases] followed by roadside accidents [2 cases], blast injury [I cases], and electric burn [1 cases]. In 7 patients there was an uneventful recovery. One flap was lost completely, partial flap loss occurred in one case, marginal necrosis and infection noted in one case. Local [posterior interosseous island] flaps are useful for coverage of the skin defects over the hand when applied with proper indications

Use of apple by-products in poultry rations of broiler chicks in Karachi

In Pakistan and all over the world white meat consumption has increased during the last few decades. The cost of poultry feed and fish is quite high. To over come this problem a lot of research work has been done to replace high cost feed ingredients with low cost fruit byproducts. This study has been carried out on the inclusion of apple by-products in poultry feed. One Hundred one day old broiler chicks purchased from the local breeders were reared in the poultry farm of the Physiology department of University of Karachi. They were divided into two groups A and B. The feed of group A contained maize in addition to other ingredients, whereas the feed of group B substituted maize with apple by-products. Feed consumed, water intake, weight gained, Feed Conversion Ration [FCR] and mortality was recorded daily. Both groups were also vaccinated with only ND and IBD. The performance of broilers on this feed was monitored and compared between conventional feed and apple by-products mixed feed. Both groups of birds gained appropriate weight required to be marketed at the end of 6 weeks. Group B compared to Group A gained more live weight. Although there was a difference of 320 gm between live weight of the two groups. Statistical analysis shows this difference to be nonsignificant. We conclude that apple by-products are a cost effective yet equally good feed adjunct for broiler chicks