Comparative efficacy of different Carbopol concentrations as a stabilizer of live attenuated sheep pox virus vaccine against lumpy skin disease

In Egypt, the lyophilized live attenuated sheep pox virus vaccine has been used for the vaccination of cattle against lumpy skin disease virus to control its economic impact on livestock industry. In this endeavor, we validate the efficacy of Carbopol® as a stabilizer and adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity of such a heterologous sheep pox virus vaccine against lumpy skin disease. Lyophilization of sheep pox virus vaccine stabilized with Carbopol® produced better physical and antigenic properties than freeze-drying with lactalbumin/sucrose stabilizer; this was manifested by superior disc uniformity, thermo-stability at 37oC, and less reduction in virus titer. Immunization of calves' groups with variable sheep pox vaccine doses containing different Carbopol® concentrations revealed that 103.5 TCID50 of sheep pox virus vaccine enclosing 0.5 percent Carbopol® is the field dose of choice. Moreover, it induced protective serum neutralizing index of 2.5 and a ELISA S/P ratio of 36, by the 4th week post vaccination. Besides, the inclusion of 0.5 percent Carbopol® in formulation of the sheep pox virus vaccine was safe in bovines and enhanced cellular immune response to lumpy skin disease virus, as evidenced by increased T cell proliferation. Hence, it is recommended to use Carbopol® as 0.5 percent in preparation of live attenuated sheep pox virus vaccine to confer better protection against lumpy skin disease virus infection(AU)

En Egipto, la vacuna atenuada liofilizada contra el virus de la viruela ovina ha sido utilizado para la vacunación del ganado, contra el virus de la dermatosis nodular contagiosa, para controlar su impacto económico en la industria ganadera. En este trabajo, validamos la eficacia del Carbopol®, como estabilizador y adyuvante, para mejorar la inmunogenicidad de dicha vacuna heteróloga contra la dermatosis nodular contagiosa. La liofilización de la vacuna contra el virus de la viruela ovina estabilizada con Carbopol®, resultó en mejores propiedades físicas y antigénicas que la liofilización con el estabilizador de lactoalbúmina/sacarosa; lo anterior se manifestó en la uniformidad superior del disco, la termoestabilidad a 37°C y la menor reducción del título del virus. La inmunización de grupos de terneros con dosis variables de vacuna contra el virus de la viruela ovina, que contenían diferentes concentraciones de Carbopol®, reveló que la dosis de campo de elección fue 103,5 TCID50 de la vacuna contra el virus de la viruela ovina conteniendo 0,5 por ciento de Carbopol®, la que indujo un índice de neutralización sérica protectora de 2,5 y una relación S/P de ELISA de 36 a la cuarta semana después de la vacunación. Además, la inclusión de Carbopol® al 0,5 por ciento en la formulación de la vacuna contra el virus de la viruela ovina fue segura en los bovinos y potenció la respuesta inmunitaria celular contra el virus de la dermatosis nodular contagiosa, como lo demuestra el aumento de la proliferación de células T. Por lo tanto, se recomienda el uso de Carbopol® al 0,5 por ciento en la preparación de la vacuna viva atenuada contra el virus de la viruela ovina para conferir una mejor protección contra la infección por el virus de la dermatosis nodular contagiosa(AU)

Perceptions and Attitudes of Hospital' Prescribers towards Drug Information Sources and Prescribing Practices

Abstract Healthcare professionals use a variety of drug information sources to fulfill their clinical needs and medical practice. The aim of present study was to assess the sources of drug information among hospital' prescribers and evaluate their prescribing behavior in Saudi hospitals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly selected hospital' prescribers using a self-administered questionnaire. The response rate to the survey was 64.29%, with a ratio of 76.44% male and 23.56% female. The internet 137(60.89%) and textbooks 86(38.22%) were the prevalent sources for drug information used. Up-To-Date 107(47.56%), Medscape 105(46.67%) and FDA 74(32.88%) were the common electronic drug sources used. About 151(67.11%) of hospital' prescribers considered the pharmacist as a reliable drug information source. The most favored drug requests by hospital' prescribers from the pharmacists were drug alternatives 110(48.89%) followed by drug interactions 94(41.78%), side effects 78(34.67%) and indications 60(26.67%). Therapeutic efficacy 168(74.67%) and drug availability 73(32.44%) were the main factors contributed to the selection of drugs. This study shows some differences in hospital prescribers' perceptions of sources of drug information depending upon their background and clinical practice. Therefore, knowing appropriate drug information used by hospital' prescribers is fundamental for drug efficacy and safety in clinical practice.

Preparation and efficacy of freeze-dried inactivated vaccine against bovine viral diarrhea virus genotypes 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus type 1.1, bovine parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus

Purpose@#Bovine respiratory disease is a worldwide health concern in the feedlot cattle causing morbidity and mortality in young with major economic losses to the producer. Programs of vaccination are integral parts of preventive health programs. We aim to prepare and evaluate lyophilized combined inactivated viruses (bovine viral diarrhea virus [BVDV] genotypes 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus type 1.1 [BoHV-1.1], bovine parainfluenza-3 virus [BPI-3V], and bovine respiratory syncytial virus [BRSV]) vaccine using saponin as a solvent and adjuvant in cattle. @*Materials and Methods@#Lyophilized Pneumo-5 vaccine was formulated to include the inactivated BVDV genotypes 1 and 2, BoHV-1.1, BPI-3V, and BRSV. The saponin solution was used as an adjuvant and solvent. The prepared vaccines were adjusted to contain 1- and 1.5-mg saponin/dose. It was evaluated for its sterility, safety, and potency in mice and calves. The antibody titers in vaccinated calves were measured by virus neutralization test and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). @*Results@#The Pneumo-5 vaccine was found to be free from any contaminants and safe in mice. Meanwhile, the vaccine showed safety in calves which inoculated intramuscularly with the double dose of the vaccines. The overall immune response reached its peak in the 2ndmonth post-vaccination. The vaccine contained saponin 1.5 mg/dose reached its antibodies peak in the 4th-week post-vaccination. All groups of vaccinated calves with both concentrations of the saponin did not show statistical significance in antibody titers measured by serum neutralization test and/or ELISA. @*Conclusion@#The prepared vaccine, namely Pneumo-5, and adjuvanted with either 1 or 1.5 mg/dose saponin was proved safe and potent for effectual protection of calves against BVDV genotypes 1 and 2, BoHV-1.1, BPI-3V, and BRSV.

Preparation and efficacy of freeze-dried inactivated vaccine against bovine viral diarrhea virus genotypes 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus type 1.1, bovine parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus

Purpose@#Bovine respiratory disease is a worldwide health concern in the feedlot cattle causing morbidity and mortality in young with major economic losses to the producer. Programs of vaccination are integral parts of preventive health programs. We aim to prepare and evaluate lyophilized combined inactivated viruses (bovine viral diarrhea virus [BVDV] genotypes 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus type 1.1 [BoHV-1.1], bovine parainfluenza-3 virus [BPI-3V], and bovine respiratory syncytial virus [BRSV]) vaccine using saponin as a solvent and adjuvant in cattle. @*Materials and Methods@#Lyophilized Pneumo-5 vaccine was formulated to include the inactivated BVDV genotypes 1 and 2, BoHV-1.1, BPI-3V, and BRSV. The saponin solution was used as an adjuvant and solvent. The prepared vaccines were adjusted to contain 1- and 1.5-mg saponin/dose. It was evaluated for its sterility, safety, and potency in mice and calves. The antibody titers in vaccinated calves were measured by virus neutralization test and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). @*Results@#The Pneumo-5 vaccine was found to be free from any contaminants and safe in mice. Meanwhile, the vaccine showed safety in calves which inoculated intramuscularly with the double dose of the vaccines. The overall immune response reached its peak in the 2ndmonth post-vaccination. The vaccine contained saponin 1.5 mg/dose reached its antibodies peak in the 4th-week post-vaccination. All groups of vaccinated calves with both concentrations of the saponin did not show statistical significance in antibody titers measured by serum neutralization test and/or ELISA. @*Conclusion@#The prepared vaccine, namely Pneumo-5, and adjuvanted with either 1 or 1.5 mg/dose saponin was proved safe and potent for effectual protection of calves against BVDV genotypes 1 and 2, BoHV-1.1, BPI-3V, and BRSV.

Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in asthmatic children and its relation to disease severity

Background: Asthma is a chronic immunological disorder of the lungs. Vitamin D has several effects on the innate and adaptive immune systems. Little is known about vitamin D level and its impact on severity of asthma in children. This study aimed to determine vitamin D levels in asthmatics versus control children; studying the relation if any between these levels and asthma severity.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 asthmatic children and 20 apparently healthy children as controls. Asthma patients were divided into 3 groups (mild, moderate, severe; 20 each). Asthma severity was based on GINA criteria. Vitamin D level was measured to all study group.Results: The difference between the mean values of vitamin D level in control and asthmatic patients was statistically significant (p<0.001). This difference between control group and each asthma subgroup and between asthma subgroups versus each other were statistically significant being highest in control and lowest in patients with severe asthma (p<0.001). Differences in vitamin D status in control and all asthmatic patients were statistically significant (p<0.001). The difference between control group and each asthma subgroup according to vitamin D status were statistically significant (p<0.001). Concerning asthma subgroups the difference in vitamin D status between severe versus mild and moderate asthma were statistically significant (p<0.001), while between mild and moderate asthma it was not.Conclusions: Significantly lower vitamin D level in asthmatic children compared to controls and a differential decrease in vitamin D levels in asthmatic children being lowest in severe asthma was confirmed.

Lipoxygenase inhibitors flavonoids from Cyperus rotundus aerial parts

ABSTRACT Cyperus rotundus L. (Suada, Sueda, family: Cyperaceae) is vastly spread in several world's subtropical and tropical regions. It had variable traditional uses and bioactivities. A new flavonol derivative: cyperaflavoside (myricetin 3,3',5'-trimethyl ether 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and five flavonoids: vitexin, orientin, cinaroside, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and myrcetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were separated from the methanolic extract of C. rotundus aerial parts. Their structures were verified based on UV, IR, NMR (1D and 2D), HRESIMS, and comparison with literature. All metabolites were assessed for their 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory potential. All compounds possessed 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory potentials with IC50s 5.1, 4.5, 5.9, 4.0, 3.7, and 2.3 µM, respectively, in comparison to indomethacin (IC50 0.98 µM). These results supported the traditional uses of C. rotundus in treating inflammation and its related symptoms.

study of endometrial perfusion in unexplained infertility

Background: Infertility in itself represents a wide spectrum of disorders explaining the inability to conceive. Series of investigations are required to depict the potential cause of infertility, yet there exist a small percentage [10 -25%] of couples in which no obvious cause is delineated. these groups of patients are classified as 'unexplained infertility. The endometrium has dynamic features: cyclical growth, desquamation and regeneration. Its main function is to provide the possibility of the time-limited support of implantation of the embryo for further development. Most part of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium is resistant to the embryo but acquires special receptive properties in a limited space and time interval of the luteal phase, known as the ''implantation window''

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the uterine perfusion, particularly the endometrial blood flow in women with unexplained infertility

Methodology: The patients recruited from women presenting to the outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital seeking fertility compared to other fertile group coming to hospital with non specific gynecological problems or for routine checkup at the same period. The study conducted on two groups of women: Group1 [study group] 40 women with unexplained infertility, Group 2 [control group] 20 fertile women who had normal physical and pelvic examination, regular menstrual cycles, didn't have intrauterine device or oral contraceptive, and gave a birth year ago

Results: As regard the mean, the resistance index in the study group was 0.69 ranged from 0.39 to 0.96, while the resistance index in the control group was 0.61 ranged from 0.58 to 0. 73 and the difference between both groups was statistically significant pulsatility index in the study group was 1.3 ranged from 0.51 to 1.99 while the pulsatility index in the control group was 1.16 ranged from 0.88 to 1.7 and this difference between both groups was statistically significant. From the results of our study we could say that uterine perfusion, particularly the endometrial blood flow in women with unexplained infertility different from that in fertile women

Recommendation: We recommend further study on large numbers of women and the possible role of perfusion enhancer's drugs in improving utero-ovarian circulation as a treatment of unexplained infertility

Effect of nigella sativa oil on schistosoma mansoni mature worms in experimentally infected mice

The chemical drugs are safe and effective being the main tool in controlling schistosomiasis. Referring to the possibility of appearance of drug resistant parasites especially with retreatment regimens in endemic areas, search for new schistosomicidal is essential. Nigella sativa has been extensively studied for its biological activities and therapeutic potentials and shown to possess wide spectrum of activities including antihelminthic and antiprotozoal activities. The present report aimed to investigate the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of Nigella sativa oil in treatment of Schistosoma mansoni. Nigella sativa oil was administrated orally to S. mansoni infected mice in two different doses, a prophylactic dose [1.14g/kg] every day for 2 weeks before infection and a therapeutic dose [1.14g/kg] daily for 4 weeks starting from 2[nd] day post infection aiming to investigate its potential therapeutic role. Therapeutic treatment with Nigella sativa oil had a high significant effect on mature worm burden, as the reduction percentage was [57.5%]. Nigella sativa oil in prophylactic and therapeutic doses significantly increased the mean number of dead ova [14.75+/-6.5] and [21.43+/-3.64] respectively in comparison to control [5.25+/-1.71]. Nigella sativa oil therapeutic dose had a high reduction effect on ova count in intestinal tissue [81.45%] and a moderate reduction on ova count in hepatic tissue [57.86%]. Prophylactic dose gave a high reduction effect [78.76%] on ova count in intestinal tissue. As regard the size of hepatic granuloma, Nigella sativa oil treated group had the highest significant reduction on mean granuloma diameter; the reduction was 26.69% with marked improvement of hepatic pathology. N. sativa oil treated group showed obvious improvement of liver pathology with mild hydrobic degeneration and small sized fibrocellular granuloma accompanied by multiple malformations in both S. mansoni adult worms. These results showed that N. sativa oil has remarkable effect on mature S. mansoni which could be helpful for potentiating Praziquantel effect and thus reducing development of resistance

Anti-inflammatory terpenoids from Cyperus rotundus rhizomes

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus L. [Cyperaceae] rhizomes afforded a new norterpenoid with an unprecedented carbon skeleton, namely cyperalin A [1] and sugetriol triacetate [2]. Their structures were identified by using advanced spectroscopic technique such as UV, IR, 1D [[1]H and [13]C], 2D [[1]H-[1]H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY]] NMR, and HRESIMS as well as comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 1 displayed the highest inhibitory activity of PGE2, COX-2, and LOX-5 with IC[50s] 0.22, 1.03, and 1.37 MuM, respectively compared to indomethacin [IC50s 0.15, 0.69, and 0.81 MuM, respectively]. Moreover, 2 demonstrated significant activity with IC[50s] 0.57 [PGE2], 1.74 [COX-2] and 2.03 [LOX-5] MuM

Relation between Uterine Natural Killer Cells and Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage.

Objective: To evaluate the relation between uK (uterine Killer) cells and unexplained repeated miscarriage (RM). Patients and Methods: Eighty (80) women with unexplained repeated miscarriage and missed miscarriage of current pregnancy were studied. Fetal viability and gestational age of current pregnancy were confirmed by ultrasound, followed by suction evacuation to collect abortus specimens and uterine wall curettage to collect decidua specimens. Abortus specimens were collected for long-term monolayer cell culture and subsequent chromosome analysis using conventional G-banding technique. Decidua specimens were subjected to IHC (Immunohistochemical) staining using monoclonal antibodies specific to CD56+ and CD16+ expressed by uK cells. Results: CD56+ CD16+ uK cells was found in 85% (68/80) of studied decidua specimens of women with unexplained repeated miscarriage, 88.5% (54/61) had normal abortus karyotyping and 73.7% (14/19) had abnormal abortus karyotyping. 73.75% (59/80) of studied women with past history of early miscarriage had CD56+ CD16+ uK cells in their decidua specimens and 66.25% (53/80) of studied women with past history of late miscarriage had CD56+ CD16+ uK cells in their decidua specimens, the association between early and late miscarriage and CD56+ CD16+ uK cells in deciduas specimen was significant. Conclusion: CD56+ CD16+ uK cells were predominant in decidua specimens of studied women with repeated miscarriage. Significant association was found between presence of CD56+ CD16+ uK cells in studied decidua specimens and unexplained repeated miscarriage.

In Vitro Schistosomicidal Activity of Phytol and Tegumental Alterations Induced in Juvenile and Adult Stages of Schistosoma haematobium

There is renewed interest in natural products as a starting point for discovery of drugs for schistosomiasis. Recent studies have shown that phytol reveals interesting in vivo and in vitro antischistosomal properties against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Here, we report the in vitro antischistosomal activity of phytol against Schistosoma haematobium juvenile and adult worms and alterations on the tegumental surface of the worms by means of scanning electron microscopy. The assay, which was carried out with 6 concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 μg/ml) of phytol, has shown a promising activity in a dose and time-dependent manner. There was a significant decline in the motility of the worms and a mortality rate of 100% was found at 48 hr after they had been exposed to phytol in the concentration of 150 μg/ml. Male worms were more susceptible. On the ultrastructural level, phytol also induced tegumental peeling, disintegration of tubercles and spines in addition to morphological disfiguring of the oral and ventral suckers. This report provides the first evidence that phytol is able to kill S. haematobium of different ages, and emphasizes that it is a promising natural product that could be used for development of a new schistosomicidal agent.

Evaluation of serum levels and significance of soluble CD40 ligand in screening patients with hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

The study's objective was to evaluate the clinical significance of sCD40L in HCV- associated hepatocellular carcinoma [HCV-HCC] patients. Sera concentration of circulating sCD40L and IL-10 were assayed using ELISA in 30 HCV positive patients with HCC, 30 HCV-positive patients with liver cirrhosis and 30 age-matched healthy volunteers with negative anti-HCV-Ab as a control group. Serum sCD40Lshowed statistically-significant high levels in HCV-HCC patients compared to HCV-cirrhotic patients and normal controls [P < 0.001]. Serum sCD40L had higher diagnostic value in HCC patients compared with serum AFP. High sensitivity and specificity of sCD40L was observed compared to AFP [90%, 86.7% and 83% and 80% respectively]. Significant positive correlation was detected between serum sCD40L and IL-10[r = 0.85 P < 0.001], AFP [r = 0.62 P < 0.05] and tumour staging [r = 0.5 P < 0.05]. The study concluded that sCD40L is a valuable diagnostic tool in early diagnosis and screening for HCV and HCC as well as routine follow up of HCV cirrhosis patients. Assessment of serum IL-10 levels in HCV patients may provide a possible predictive marker for disease progression

CYP21A2 gene mutation in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Molecular genetics report from Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to determine congenital adrenal hyperplasia [CAH] with the pattern of CYP21A2 gene-mutations in Saudi children. Between January 2011 and March 2014 at King Fahad Military Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, we thoroughly examined 11 patients with CAH and 2 asymptomatic individuals with a history of affected siblings. Additionally, we sequenced the full coding regions of the CYP21A2 gene and screened the gene for deletion[s]/duplication[s] using the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification [MLPA] technique. Nine patients had classic CAH and presented with ambiguous genitalia and/or salt losing crisis. Two patients had the non-classic form of CAH and presented with precocious puberty. The remaining 2 subjects were asymptomatic. Screening the CYP21A2 gene, we detected p.Gln318X mutation in 4 patients, c.290 -13 C>G [IVS2-13C>G] in another 4, and a common deletion, involving exons 6 and 8 in 3 patients. Our strategy of Sanger sequencing followed by MLPA was very successful in detecting CYP21A2 mutations in all patients with CAH

The Possibility of Using Fibers as a Prebiotic in Making of Probiotic Based On-Some Dairy Products.

Probiotic microorganisms were found to affect the host health beneficially when found in an a certain count not less than 106 CFU/g (Colony-forming unit / gram), and they have some benefits as protection from cancer, relief of lactose intolerance, reduce the risk from diarrhea, normalize the bowel movement, and enhance the immune functions, reduce cholesterol level and reduce the risk of eczema. This study was carried out to examine some of fibers and polysaccharide for their assimilation by some lactic acid bacterial strain specially known for their probiotic effect. It was concluded from the present study the following: studying the capability of Esherichia coli (E. coli), bifidobacteria and 9 strains related to lactic acid bacteria included in assimilating 7 different (polysaccharides, fibers and other materials) included (Polydextrose, Maltodextrine, inulin, prolia, resistant starch, wheat fiber and gumarabic) when substituted with dextrose inde Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth and incubated at their optimal temperature. The results revealed that the examined culture were varied in their assimilation of the 2% polysaccharides tested, furthermore maltodextrin, showed a good assimilation by Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15707 (B. longum) and Lactobacillus acidophilus NRRLB1910 (L. acidophilus). The effect of certain concentrations (2, 3and 4%) of the selected (polysaccharides, fibers and other materials) on the growth activity of the lactic acid bacterial cultures tested in addition to E. coli (as a representative for coliform bacteria). The results revealed that upon increasing the concentration of the selected polysaccharides there was a remarkable decrease in pH compared to E. coli which showed contrast outcomes on which its pH were significantly higher than the tested bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. Studying the effect of incubation duration and it’s relation on the selected (polysaccharides, fibers and other materials) assimilation by the tested lactic acid bacterial cultures. Results revealed that there is a direct proportion relation between long incubation timing and polysaccharide assimilation (indicated by decrease in pH). This decrease was very clear at 24 hours of incubation at the optimum temperature for each strain. Upon studying the antagonistic effect between E. coli with B. longum ATCC 15707, L. acidophilus NRRLB 1910 and Lactobacillus reuteri B 14171 (L. reuteri) grown on modified MRS with 3% of each polysaccharide (polydextrose, maltodextrin and inulin). The change in the growth of these cultures combinations were determined by counting on MRS and Violet red bile agar (VRBA). It was shown that these (polysaccharides/fibers) challenged the growth of the probiotic bacteria and the count of E. coli (wild) E.W was lowered significantly due to the inhabitation effect of the used probiotic bacteria. It was concluded that good results was shown from using the three polysaccharides/fibers (maltodextrin, inulin andpolydextrose) that was elected to base the rest of work on.

Listeria spp. and Enterobacteriaceae Group in Sandwiches of Meat and Meat Products.

Aims: To evaluate the Egyptian street-vended sandwiches of meat and meat products for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Enterobacteriaceae group. To evaluate the microbiological quality of street-vended sandwiches of meat and meat products sold in Cairo-Egypt. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Microbiology, National Research Center, Cairo, at during the period of January 2011 to September 2012. Methology: Seventy sandwiches of meat and meat products including ten samples each of burger, hawawshi, kofta, liver, luncheon, sausages and shawerma sandwiches were randomly collected from the street-vendors and food shops in Great-Cairo governorate. Samples were investigated for their loads of Enterobacteriaceae counts as well as the presence of L. monocytogenes. Enterobacteriaceae counts was done using the conventional International method (FDA), however isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes was carried out using three different microbiological examination methods including classic selective conventional media, chromogenic media, as well as rapid identification method “food-system kits”. 168 isolates of Listeria spp were identified following the biochemical identification tests (Bergey’s Manual) and confirmed using Hi Listeria identification kits and latex test kits. Results: Enterobacteriaceae group were detected in 51% of the examined samples with an average counts of 37x102 cfu/g. Listeria spp. were detected in range between 24% and 36%, depended on the method used, with numbers ranged from 16x102 to 23x102 cfu/g. All samples that were contaminated with Listeria spp. harboured L. monocytogenes. Listeria spp. was not detected in all the examined Hawawshi sandwiches with an exception of one positive sample detected using the chromogenic media. The obtained results indicated that 37 out 68 (54%) isolates, picked up from classic selective conventional media, and 62 out of 100 (62%) isolates from chromogenic medium were confirmed as L. monocytogenes indicating that chromogenic medium may be the superior for isolation of the pathogen from ready-to-eat sandwiches of meat and products. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated that these foods presented a source of infection to the consumer. Measures to control the quality of the raw material, environmental and hygienic conditions during preparation and serving should be taken. The chromogenic media was the most efficient for the isolation of the pathogen during this course of study.

Viral causes of acute respiratory infection among Egyptian children hospitalized with severe acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Viral respiratory infections are associated with nearly 80% of asthma exacerbation episodes. These can have severe adverse outcomes in patients with established asthma

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the viral causes of acute respiratory infection that precipitate acute asthma exacerbation in Egyptian asthmatic children

Patients and methods: The current prospective study was conducted in Cairo University Children's Hospitals from December 2010 to December 2011. All asthmatic children [n=130] aged 2-12 years admitted with asthma exacerbation due to severe lower respiratory tract infection were included. All cases were subjected to nasopharyngeal or throat swabs that were analyzed for common respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], human metapneumovirus [hMPV], influenza B [Flu B], human parainfluenza virus [hPIV], influenza A [H1N1], and adenovirus [ADV] using the real-time PCR technique. All patients were followed up to record the outcome

Results: PCR analysis was positive for one respiratory virus in 54 asthmatic patients [41.5%] and was negative in 76 patients [58.5%], with a high predominance of RSV [51.9%] and hMPV [25.9%] especially in winter and early spring months. Hypoxia was detected in all patients with RSV infection; of these patients, 21.4% were admitted to the ICU, 14.3% required mechanical ventilation, and 14.3% died. In contrast, among those with hMPV infection, hypoxia was detected in 71.4%; none required ICU admission or mechanical ventilation

Conclusion and recommendations: Viral etiology of lower respiratory tract infections constitutes an important cause of acute asthma exacerbation in asthmatic children admitted to children's hospitals in Cairo, supporting the need for large-scale multicentric studies on asthmatic patients over multiple years using a wider-panel PCR for detection of respiratory viruses

effect of methotrexate on the fallopian tubes of adult albino rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Methotrexate [Mtx] [the anticancer drug] has been a prevalent drug in the conservative treatment for unruptured tubal pregnancy for many years. Unfortunately, current emphasis has been on its damaging effects on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The aim of this study was to examine the acute and long-term toxic effects of different doses of Mtx on the fallopian tubes. The study was carried out on 60 female rats. The rats were divided into three groups: the control group [group I], comprising 20 rats; group II, comprising 20 rats given 2.5 mg/kg Mtx intraperitoneally for 10 days [acute study]; and group III, comprising 20 rats given 2.5 mg/kg Mtx for 2 months [long-term study]. Rats in each group were killed at each time point and the fallopian tubes were dissected and stained with H and E, following which estrogen receptor [ER] expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Light microscopy [acute] study showed a decrease in the number of mucosal folds with fusions of some folds. Cellular infiltration was limited to the mucosa when Mtx was administered in small doses. With increasing dose of Mtx, cellular infiltration extended to the musculosa and serosal layer. In the chronic study some regions showed an improvement in epithelial folding and the muscle layer, together with a decrease in cellular infiltration, especially at low dose. The immunohistochemical study revealed a weak positive immunoreaction for ERs in all rats of the acute group and high-dose chronic group, whereas in the low-dose chronic study moderate positive reaction for ERs in epithelial cells was detected. These results prove that Mtx [>/=5 mg/kg] can induce long-term, irreversible damage to fallopian tubes and steroid hormone receptors [ER] in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, Mtx should be used in a relatively small and safe range of dosage in order to avoid impairment and potential risk of subsequent tubal pregnancy or infertility

Device-associated infection rates in adult and pediatric intensive care units of hospitals in Egypt. International nosocomial infection control consortium [INICC] findings

To determine the rate of device-associated healthcare-associated infections [DA-HAIs] at a respiratory intensive care unit [RICU] and in the pediatric intensive care units [PICUs] of member hospitals of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium [INICC] in Egypt. A prospective cohort DA-HAI surveillance study was conducted from December 2008 to July 2010 by applying the methodology of the INICC and the definitions of the NHSN-CDC. In the RICU, 473 patients were hospitalized for 2930 d and acquired 155 DA-HAIs, with an overall rate of 32.8%. There were 52.9 DA-HAIs per 1000 ICU-days. In the PICUs, 143 patients were hospitalized for 1535 d and acquired 35 DA-HAIs, with an overall rate of 24.5%. There were 22.8 DA-HAIs per 1000 ICU-days. The central line-associated blood stream infection [CLABSI] rate was 22.5 per 1000 line-days in the RICU and 18.8 in the PICUs; the ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP] rate was 73.4 per 1000 ventilator-days in the RICU and 31.8 in the PICUs; and the catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI] rate was 34.2 per 1000 catheter-days in the RICU. DA-HAIs in the ICUs in Egypt pose greater threats to patient safety than in industrialized countries, and infection control programs, including surveillance and guidelines, must become a priority

Epidemiology of nosocomial infections and mortality following congenital cardiac surgery in Cairo University, Egypt

Background: Nosocomial infections [NI] have been associated with significant morbidity and attributed mortality, as well as increased healthcare costs. Relatively few data on congenital cardiac surgical ICU NI have been reported from developing countries. Little is known about the epidemiology of NI following congenital cardiac surgery in Egypt. The aims of the present study were: [a] to estimate the incidence rate and types of NI among children admitted to Pediatric Surgical Cardiac ICU in Cairo University Children's Hospital [Egypt] and [b] to estimate the mortality rate related to congenital cardiac surgery and identify its contributing risk factors

Participants and methods: A follow-up study in the period between 1 January 2009 and 1 January 2010 included all patients admitted to the Pediatric Surgical Cardiac ICU in Cairo University, Abo El Reesh Children's Specialized Hospital [Egypt]. Data were collected for each patient during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. Certain infection control procedures were carried out in certain months

Results: Of 175 patients, NI were identified in 119 [68%]. Poor hand hygiene was associated with increased NI in certain months of the study duration. NI were significantly higher at a younger age [median 9 [5-30] months, P<0.03]. Mortality was found in 54 patients, that is, 31% of the study population. Mortality was significantly observed with younger age, higher complexity score for congenital cardiac lesions, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and ischemic times, NI, prolonged mechanical ventilation, prolonged central line insertion, and the use of total parenteral nutrition. Mortality among the NI patients was found in 44 of 119 [37%]. On carrying out a multivariate analysis, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score [P<0.001, odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1-1.2], age [P<0.001, OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.4], and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation [P<0.03, OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.2] were identified as risk factors of mortality

Conclusion and recommendations: NI rate and subsequent mortality were high among cases followed up during the period from 1 January 2009 to 1 January 2010 in the University Children's Hospital [Cairo, Egypt]. Early surgical interference, enforcement of proper infection control practices, especially hand hygiene, can reduce NI and trials for early extubation from mechanical ventilation might improve outcome following congenital cardiac surgery in pediatrics