Molecular characterization of Cysticercus tenuicollis of slaughtered livestock in Upper Egypt governorates

Objective To present the molecular characterization of Cysticercus tenuicollis (C. tenuicollis) of Taenia hydatigena (T. hydatigena) from livestock isolates in Egypt, and to introduce a detailed image of C. tenuicollis infection in ruminant animals in Upper Egypt. Methods The prevalence rates of C. tenuicollis infections among the slaughtered animals from different organs were determined using the amplification of sequencing of the MT-CO1 gene. Results In the present study the infection rates of C. tenuicollis were found to be 16% and 19% in sheep and goat samples respectively. Firstly we report one larval stage of T. hydatigena detected in the camel liver in Egypt. C. tenuicollis infection manifested a higher prevalence in females than in males. Those above two years of age manifested a higher infection rate than younger animals. The preferred site for the infection was the omentum: a 70% preference in sheep and a 68% preference in goats. The molecular characterization using the MT-CO1 gene of isolates from sheep, goats and camels corresponded to T. hydatigena. For this study, molecular characterizations of T. hydatigena were done for the first time in Egypt. Molecular tools are of great assistance in characterizing the C. tenuicollis parasite especially when the morphological character cannot be detected, because the metacestodes are frequently confused with infection by the hydatid cyst, especially when these occur in the visceral organs. In the present study, C. tenuicollis manifested high identity in the goat and sheep samples, while differences were found more frequently in the camel samples (10 base pair). Conclusions Clearly molecular diagnosis for C. tenuicollis infection significantly helps to differentiate it from such other metacestodes as hydatidosis, which manifests a completely different pathogenicity and requires different control programs.

Evaluation of microalbuminuria in patients with systemic sclerosis as an indicator of early renal damage and increased morbidity

Renal involvement and systemic vascular damage have been shown to be significantly affecting prognosis in systemic sclerosis. Microalbuminuria detection in SSc patients as an indicator of early renal involvement and its correlation with various SSc clinical, laboratory parameters and severity of organ systems' damage assessed by Scleroderma Assessment Questionnaire. Forty SSc patients [33 females and 7 males] with mean age of 27.48 +/- 12.56 years and mean disease duration of 6.2 +/- 4.14 years were included. Twenty-four [60%] had lSSc; 13 [32.5%] had dSSc and 3 [7.5%] patients had SSc sine scleroderma. Eight [20%] had microalbuminuria and 9 [22.5%] patients had decreased creatinine clearance. Albumin/creatinine ratio was significantly higher among dSSc patients compared to those with lSSc and SSc sine scleroderma [X[2] = 9.077; p = 0.01]. Albumin/creatinine ratio showed significant positive correlations with telangiectasia [r = 0.322; p = 0.04] and mRodnan's skin score [r = 0.352; p = 0.026] and negative correlations with inter-incisor distance [r = -0.525; p = 0.001] and pleurisy [r = -0.446; p = 0.004]. Albumin/creatinine ratio correlated significantly and positively with IMSS and IDS indices of SAQ [r = 0.378, 0.32; p = 0.016, 0.044, respectively]. SSc patients with microalbuminuria showed significantly higher mean IDS than those without [1.058 vs. 0.631, p = 0.04]. No statistically significant correlations were found between creatinine clearance and the different demographic, clinical features and the indices of SAQ. Microalbuminuria compared to creatinine clearance may be a more sensitive indicator of early renal affection and predictor of increased morbidity

value of fibroscan as a non-invasive predictor of large esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients

Periodic endoscopic screening for esophageal varices [EV] is recommended in patients with cirrhosis, but might be limited to a subgroup of patients if a simple non-invasive test was available to select those at risk of bleeding. To assess the value of Fibroscan as a simple non-invasive test for selecting patients with cirrhosis at risk of bearing large EV. In 50 patients with cirrhosis, we studied the relation between the presence and grading of esophageal varices as assessed by endoscopy and liver stiffness measurement by Fibroscan, a non-invasive parameter related to liver fibrosis. Receiver operator characteristic curve was used to identify the best cut-off point for liver stiffness measurement. The identified best cut-off point for liver stiffness measurement [LSM] was 20.90 with sensitivity 71.4% and specificity 66.6% for prediction of the presence of esophageal varices while for prediction of the presence of large varices, the best cut off value was 26.00 with sensitivity 80% and specificity 60%. LSM is of higher diagnostic value in predicting the presence of large esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. and may help to select patients for endoscopic screening

Clinical teaching behaviors and student nurse self-confidence

Teacher behavior can contribute to or discourage student learning and therefore is an important variable in establishing a learning milieu in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical instructor's teaching behaviors as perceived by student nurses that help or hinder their self-confidence as a nurse. To achieve this aim a descriptive research design was utilized on 394 nursing students at Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, The subjects rated 16 clinical teaching behaviors [Flageler et al., 1988] as to the degree each helped or hindered their self-confidence as nurses. Two types of open ended questions were also used to identify additional clinical instructor behaviors. The study results demonstrated that the major clinical teaching behavior that helped student self-confidence was encouraging student to ask questions. In addition the most helpful behavior was giving positive reinforcement. While, Gives mostly negative feedback and Intimidation were the most clinical instructor behaviors hinder student self-confidence. The study identified dimensions of clinical instruction and indicated how each dimension contributes to the development of the student's nurse self-confidence. On the light of the present findings the authors recommended that teachers should become more directive in helping students performing effectively rather than using the time for questioning, and exams

use of [ELISA] for diagnosis and epidemiology of brucella infection in some farm animals in Assiut governorate

The prevalence of brucella infection among different species of farm animals in Assiut Governorate was estimated by using Rose Bengal plate test [RBPT], Buffered acidified plate antigen test [BAPAT], Tube agglutination test [TAT], Rivanol test [Riv. T.] and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. A total number of 197 cattle blood samples were examined serologically. Brucellosis incidence all over Assiut Governorate was 3.6%. On the other hand, slaughter houses revealed the highest infection rate [7.1%] followed by private flocks [1.6%]. While governmental farms did not record any infection rates in this study. A significant correlation between sexually mature animals and the rate of infection was observed. The incidence of brucellosis among cattle was varied according to sex from 0.00% in males to 6% in females. Seroprevalence of brucella infection among 129 sheep blood samples was 11.6% all over the governorate. A highest attack rate [50%] was observed among the age group 2.3-2.6 years. The incidence of brucella infection was 12.2% in ewes while no positive cases were recorded in rams. The serological examination of 32 buffaloes' sera did not detect any positive reactors. The role of these animals in transmitting infection to humans was discussed. The public health hazard from detecting brucella antibodies in 7.3% of the composite milk from 41 dairy cows was also clarified

use of ELISA for diagnosis and epidemiology of brucella infection in humans in Assiut governorate

The prevalence of brucella infection among hyumans in Assiut Governorate was stimated busing Rose Bengal plate test [TAT], and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The seroprevalence of brucellosis among humans in Assiut Governorate was 32.3%. Subjects professionally exposed to livestock including farmers [40.3%] and veterinarians [18.2%] represent a high risk group for brucella infection. The positive butcher case recorded in our study reflects the possibility of abattoir workers to attain the infection. Infections of the occupational groups including students [44.4%], children [40%], manual workers [14.3%] and others [66.7%] explain the role of consumption of raw milk and milk products as well as inadequately cooked meat, liver and spleen in spreading of that zoonosis among humans. A higher brucella prevalence was recorded in men [36.6%] than in women [26.8%]. Also, the rural population shows a higher infection rate [38.7%] than the urban one [14.7%] and this may be attributed to the local dietary customs and habits. Intensification of the infection [40%] among the age group less than 16 years gives a spot light on the serious role of raw milk and milk products in the epidemiology of brucellosis among humans in Assiut Governorate

Evaluation of the effect of some antibiotics, crystal violet dye and clove oil on bacterial organisms isolated from human teeth affected with caries disease

Twenty-six bacterial organisms were isolated from nine samples taken from human teeth affected with caries disease. These organisms were identified as Lactobacillus lactis [30.8%], Streptococcus mitis [19.2%], Streptococcus salivarius [15.4%], Staphylococcus aureus [11.5%], Staphylococcus epidermidis [11.5%] and Staphylococcus mutans [11.5%]. Sensitivity of the bacterial strains to the antibiotics cefuroxime [zinnat], ampicillin [ampicillin], amoxycillin [arnoxil], norfloxin [noroxin] and erythromycin [erythromycin] were conducted. Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be sensitive to all of the tested antibiotics, while Staphylococcus aureus shows sensitivity to amoxycillin and erythromycin only. The two strains were choosen for further studies, Crystal violet dye solution was found, to inhibit the growth of the two bacterial chosen strains at concentration ranged between 0.1 and 0.6 micro g/ml.While as the complete growth inhibition was attained at 0.6 micro g/ml, Sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis to the tested antibiotics in the presence of crystal violet solution at concentration ranged between 0.1 and 0.6 micro g/ml increased with ampicillin, amoxycillin and norfloxin, while the sensitivity decreased with cefuroxime and erythromycin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC[s]] of clove oil against Staph. aureus and Staph, epidermidis were found to be 7% and 6% [v/v], respectively. While, the [MICV] of clove oil were observed in the presence of crystal violet dye to depend on the concentration of the dye in the agar medium

Efficacy of day - old ocular vaccination against very virulent infectious bursal disease virus in commercial broilers

The effect of day old ocular vaccination with live intermediate infectious bursal disease virus [IBDV] vaccine was tested in commercial broiler chicks that have maternally derived antibodies [MDA] against infectious bursal disease virus [IBDV]. Chicks were challenged with very virulent IBDV [vvIBDV] either at 24 days of age after being vaccinated at 1 and / or 14 days or at 31 days of age of those vaccinated at 1 or 14 and /or 21 days. The assessment of protection was determined by measuring, bursa / body weight [B: B] ratio, bursal index [BI], mean severity index [MSI] of bursal lymphoid tissue lesions and mortality rate at 7 days post-challenge [Pch], in addition, antibody response to IBDV at 14 days Pch. Vaccination at 21, 14 and 21 and 1, 14 and 21 days of age protected 100% of vaccinated commercial broiler chickens only against mortality of vvIBDV. However, none of the different vaccination regimes protected commercial broiler chickens neither from bursal atrophy nor bursal lesions. Serum IBDV antibody levels, as monitored by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA], showed similar rates of decline among non-vaccinated and all the vaccinated groups and by day 35 PV, serum antibody level in non-vaccinated and vaccinated groups were below detectable levels. Results of these studies indicate that IBDV vaccination al one day of age via eye drop doesn't protect against mortality, bursal atrophy and lesions and doesn't cause accelerated IBDV specific MDA. Moreover, the serological examination of optimal vaccination time for each flock is required to control of vvIBDV in me field

Evalulation of treated swage water for Rearing fish using gamma Rays and ion exchange

This experimental work was conducted to examine the possibility of reusing primary and secondary treated wastewater to rear Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. The bacteriological examination of primary and secondary treated effluents proved the absence of Salmonella and Shigella spp and the presence of E. Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Aeromonas hydrophila. The microbial pollution was eliminated using an irradiation dose level of 15 kGy, while heavy metals were controlled by the use of ion exchange resin. The chemical and microbiological analyses of fish organs revealed no evidence of any public health hazards which could be associated with the reuse of primary and secondary wastewater in aquaculture, especially that subjected to a secondary treatment before irradiation and ion exchange application. The growth rate of fish grown in treated wastewater was relatively higher than those grown in dechlorinated tap water

Intralesional theory of cutaneous leishmaniasis with hypertonic sodium chloride solution

One hundred and fifty-two liesions of cutaneous leishinaniasis in 70 patients were treated with intralesional hypertonic sodium chloride [116 lesions], intralesional pentostam [26 lesions], and 10 lesions were left untreated as controls. The injections were given at 10 day intervals and patients were followed-up for 42 days. intralesional hypertonic sodium chloride solution was shown to be very effective local therapy [88.2% cure rate], and was as effective as intralesional pentostam [88.9% cure rate]. In both types of therapy most lesions needed either one or two injections, and rarely more injections were needed. Mild improvement was noticed after 10 days of the first injection, while the cure was noticed within 2-6 weeks

prevalence rate of hypertension among a group of industrial population-Iraq

The point prevalence of hypertension [HT] among 1098 male workers with five years of continuous employment was found to be 11.8%, 75% were newly discovered. HT was found to be more prevalent among employees of the general service department. Raised blood pressure was found to be associated significantly with duration of employment using the multiple regression analysis

prevalence of low back pain among workers in an engineering factory-Iraq

The 12 month prevalence rate [PR] of low back pain [LBP] among 1098 male workers working in an engineering factory for more than five years was 16.7% which was significantly prevalent among sedentary workers The PR of LBP was increasing with both advancing age and increasing body weight. A high ESR was found to be associated significantly with LBP. Weight reduction programs are recommended

Suggested reference range of ESR for healthy Iraqi male workers below fifty years of age

A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted on 1098 male employee. who spent more than five-continuous years in AL-Qadissiya State Establishments Factory. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation [ESR] was found to be associated significantly with increasing age, diabetes and low back pain, but no such relation was found with hypertension and varicose veins. The suggested reference range ESR for healthy male workers below fifty years of age was found to be 0-24 m [West.]/hr

prevalence of diabetes mellitus among male workers in an engineering factory Iraq

Across-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted on 1098 male employees who spent more than five continuous years in an engineering factory. The point Prevalence [PR] of diabetes mellitus [DM] and impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] among the study group was found to be 2.8% and 11.5%, respectively- The PR of newly discovered subjects in this study was found to be high. DM was found to be more prevalent among workers in surface treatment department [dept.]. Age and body; mas index [BMI] were correlated significantly and independently to 2hr post-load blood glucose level, but duration of employment was not correlated to blood glucose level. Regular follow up of workers and weight reduction program is recommended

prevalence of contact dermatitis among male workers in an engineering factory-Iraq

The prevalence rate [PR] of contact dermatitis [CD] among 1098 male workers with five and more years of continuous employment was found to be 9.3%. CD was more prevalent in the hands [85.3%] and among those working in plastic moulding department [28.9%]. No significant association was found between CD and age groups or years of employment while such association was found between CD and different educations levels of the workers