Efficacy of current vaccines against recently isolated foot and mouth disease virus type A South America (Venezuela) in Egypt 2022

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that poses a significant economic threat to cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle and sheep. The emergence of a novel foot and mouth disease virus-A isolate, FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022, in Egypt in 2022 has raised concerns about its potential impact on existing vaccination programs. Given that vaccination is a key strategy for foot and mouth disease virus control, the present study was aimed to assess the cross-protective efficacy of both local and imported inactivated vaccines against this new threat. Through challenge experiments and serum neutralization tests, we observed limited effectiveness of both vaccine types. The calculated r1-values at 28 days post-vaccination indicated a minimal immune response to FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022 (0.176 and 0.175 for local and imported vaccines, respectively). Challenge experiments further confirmed these findings, revealing 0percent protection from the local vaccine and only 20percent rotection from imported vaccines by day 7 post-challenge. These results underscore the urgent need to update existing foot and mouth disease virus vaccines in Egypt by incorporating the newly circulating FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022 strain. This proactive measure is crucial to prevent future outbreaks and ensure effective disease control(AU)

La fiebre aftosa es una enfermedad vírica muy contagiosa que supone una importante amenaza económica para los animales biungulados, entre ellos el ganado vacuno y ovino. La aparición de un nuevo aislado del virus A de la fiebre aftosa, el FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022, en Egipto en 2022 ha suscitado preocupación por su posible impacto en los programas de vacunación existentes. Dado que la vacunación es una estrategia clave para el control del virus de la fiebre aftosa, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la eficacia protectora cruzada de las vacunas inactivadas locales e importadas frente a esta nueva amenaza. Mediante experimentos de desafío y pruebas de seroneutralización, observamos una eficacia limitada de ambos tipos de vacuna. Los valores r1 calculados a los 28 días posvacunación indicaron una respuesta inmunitaria mínima frente a FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022 (0,176 y 0,175 para las vacunas local e importada, respectivamente). Los experimentos de provocación confirmaron aún más estos resultados, revelando un 0 por ciento de protección de la vacuna local y sólo un 20 por ciento de protección de las vacunas importadas al séptimo día después de la provocación. Estos resultados subrayan la urgente necesidad de actualizar las vacunas existentes contra el virus de la fiebre aftosa en Egipto incorporando la nueva cepa circulante FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022. Esta medida proactiva es crucial para prevenir futuros brotes y garantizar un control eficaz de la enfermedad(AU)

A modified trans-anconeus approach to facilitate fixation of a posterior radial head fracture: a cadaveric feasibility study / 대한해부학회지

Fixation of radial head fracture with minimally invasive posterior approach remains a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of trans-anconeus posterior elbow approach and to observe lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) in extended elbows. This cadaveric study was performed in twenty upper limbs of fresh fixed adult male cadavers. An oblique incision was made in the middle segment of anconeus until the lateral ligament complex and the joint capsule had been revealed. A deep dissection was explored to observe the anatomical relationship of the LUCL to the anconeus. Measurements of the LUCL were recorded while the elbow was fully extended. The mean distance between the edge of the radial head and the proximal insertion of the LUCL was 13.3 mm (11.5–16.2 mm); the mean distance between the edge of the radial head and the distal insertion of the LUCL was 20.9 mm (19.2–23.4 mm); the distance between the edge of the radial head and the distal edge of the annular ligament was 11.2 mm (8.22–11.7 mm). By estimate correlation of the previous measurements, the direct and accessible way to expose the posterolateral articular capsule of the elbow joint was through a window in medial 2/3 of the middle segment of anconeus muscle. These trans-anconeus approach is useful. It provides good visualization, facilitates applying the implants, and lessens the risk of radial nerve injury. Awareness of the anatomy is mandatory to avoid injury of LUCL.

Morphometric analysis of vastus medialis oblique muscle and its influence on anterior knee pain / 대한해부학회지

Healthy knees require full range squatting movements. Vastus medialis (VM) muscle regulates and adjusts the extensor apparatus that inf luences the patellofemoral function. This work was designed to investigate the anatomy and morphometry of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle by widely used imaging techniques and investigate how VMO muscle participates in anterior knee pain. Ten dissected cadaveric specimens were examined, focusing on fiber orientations, origin, insertions and nerve supply of VMO muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound of VMO muscle were recorded. Anatomical cross-sectional areas of VMO muscle were determined in painless and painful knees and statistically analyzed. In cadaveric specimens, there was distinct separation between VM longus and VMO (change in fiber angle or fibrofascial plane). VMO inserted directly into the medial proximal margin of the patella, capsule of the knee joint and continuous with the patellar tendon. Separate branch of femoral nerve run along the anteromedial border of the muscle. Anatomical cross-sectional area was significantly decreased in painful knee by –17.2%±11.0% at lower end of shaft of femur, –21.1%±6.0% at upper border of patella, –36.7%±11.0% at mid-patellar level. VMO is distinct muscle within quadriceps femoris group. VMO muscle would track the patella medially and participate in last phase of knee extension. Assessment of the VMO muscle anatomical cross-sectional area by ultrasonography may constitute promising and reliable tool to evaluate patellofemoral pain syndrome staging.

Morphometric analysis of vastus medialis oblique muscle and its influence on anterior knee pain / 대한해부학회지

Healthy knees require full range squatting movements. Vastus medialis (VM) muscle regulates and adjusts the extensor apparatus that inf luences the patellofemoral function. This work was designed to investigate the anatomy and morphometry of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle by widely used imaging techniques and investigate how VMO muscle participates in anterior knee pain. Ten dissected cadaveric specimens were examined, focusing on fiber orientations, origin, insertions and nerve supply of VMO muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound of VMO muscle were recorded. Anatomical cross-sectional areas of VMO muscle were determined in painless and painful knees and statistically analyzed. In cadaveric specimens, there was distinct separation between VM longus and VMO (change in fiber angle or fibrofascial plane). VMO inserted directly into the medial proximal margin of the patella, capsule of the knee joint and continuous with the patellar tendon. Separate branch of femoral nerve run along the anteromedial border of the muscle. Anatomical cross-sectional area was significantly decreased in painful knee by –17.2%±11.0% at lower end of shaft of femur, –21.1%±6.0% at upper border of patella, –36.7%±11.0% at mid-patellar level. VMO is distinct muscle within quadriceps femoris group. VMO muscle would track the patella medially and participate in last phase of knee extension. Assessment of the VMO muscle anatomical cross-sectional area by ultrasonography may constitute promising and reliable tool to evaluate patellofemoral pain syndrome staging.

Role of elastography strain ratio and TIRADS score in predicting malignant thyroid nodule

ABSTRACT Objective: Ultrasonography (US) is the most accurate and cost-effective imaging method in diagnosis of thyroid nodules. A practical thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) for thyroid nodules has been proposed to classify nodules of the thyroid gland to solve the problem of nodule selection for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Real-time elastography and strain ratio (SR) is a method used to assess the stiffness and predict the malignancy of thyroid nodules. The objective of this study was to assess the role of elastography and SR and the TIRADS scoring system in discriminating malignant from benign thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: From 2015 to 2018 at Cairo University Hospital, a series of 409 patients with thyroid nodules was referred to undergo thyroid ultrasound. Categorization of each nodule according to the TIRADS ranged from 1 to 5. The qualitative elastography score and semiquantitative SR of the nodules were evaluated. Final diagnosis was done by either post-thyroidectomy histopathological examination or US-guided FNAC. Results: Our study included 409 patients with thyroid nodules. Their mean age was 39 ± 10 SD; 36 were males and 373 were females. There were 22 malignant nodules and 387 benign nodules. There were statistical differences between benign and malignant nodules regarding TIRADS classification, SR, anteroposterior/transverse ratio, degree of echogenicity, border, presence of calcification, and absence of halo sign (P < 0.001). The elastic properties of thyroid nodules proved to be a good discriminator between malignant and benign nodules (P- < 0.001) at a cut off value of > 2.32 with 95.2% sensitivity and 86.5% specificity. For every unit increase in SR, the risk of malignancy increased by nearly 2 times. Patients with irregular borders had nearly 17 times increased risk of malignancy than those with regular borders. Conclusion: Elastography and SR proved to be of high significant value in discriminating benign from malignant nodules, so we recommend adding it to the TIRADS classification.

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.

Bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion block versus intravenous clonidine premedication for surgical field improvement and postoperative pain relief in endoscopic sino-nasal surgery

ackground: Bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) and IV clonidine premedication could provide better hemodynamic parameters, surgical field, postoperative pain control during endoscopic sino-nasal surgery. Design: prospectiverandomized controlled comparative study. Methods: A total of 69 patients of ASA grade I or II scheduled for endoscopic sino-nasal surgery were equally divided into three groups (23 patients each): control group; block group; and clonidine group. The sphenopalatine ganglion block technique done by lateral infra-zygomatic approach guided by x-ray fluoroscopy. Iv clonidine premedication was given 15 min before general anesthesia induction with dose 2 µg/kg as singe bolus. Surgical field quality assessment done by average category scale (ACS), hemodynamic profile and consumption of anesthetics were recorded. Postoperative pain evaluated by VAS. The time to first request for analgesia, analgesic requirement for 24 h postoperatively and any complications were recorded. Results: MAP and HR readings at most of intra and postoperative times, Average category scale score, intraoperative blood loss, average consumption of fentanyl and propofol and hypotensive agent (labetalol) were significantly high in control group when compared with block and clonidine groups and were significantly low in block group when compared with clonidine group except for postoperative HR.VASscore postoperatively, Time of first request of analgesia, Total pethidine consumption was significantly high in control group C when compared with block and clonidine groups. Conclusion: SPGB is effective for better hemodynamic control, surgical field and postoperative analgesia in endoscopic sino-nasal surgery when compared with IV clonidine premedication

Comparison impact of conventional versus conformal radiotherapy techniques on thyroid in breast cancer irradiation

Introduction: Adjuvant radiotherapy is considered one of treatment options for treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. Thyroid gland is not considered an organ at risk in supraclavicular (SC) nodal radiation therapy (RT) for breast cancer. Objectives: Comparison the impact of 2 different RT techniques on thyroid gland; group (I) conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy of SC node and Group (II) three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) planning of SC node. Method: Twenty (20) patients with breast cancer received SC RT, with evaluation of thyroid functions in both groups, including thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine prior to RT and 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months after RT. Based on each patient's dose volume histogram (DVH),total volume of thyroid and mean radiation dose of the thyroid which received radiation doses 10-50 Gy (V10-V50) were considered for statistical analysis. The median follow-up time was 20 months (range, 12-30 months). Results: of 20 patients, 5 (20%) were diagnosed with hypothyroidism (HT), 4 group (II) and 1 group (I). The median time to the development of HT was 9 months. SC node V50 in group I was lower than average in group II (Average: 2.06% versus 55.38% p<0.001).Thyroid V20 in group I was lower than average in group II (Average: 37.65% versus 50.47%, p<0.001) mean TSH in group I was lower than mean in group II (Average: 1.60 IU/L versus 3.08 IU/L, p=0.043). Conclusion: Conformal supraclavicular RT in patients with breast cancer appear to amplify the risk of HT more than conventional, however conformal radiotherapy is better than conventional radiotherapy in locoregional control

Histomorphological study of placenta in gestational diabetes mellitus / Estudio histomorfológico de la placenta en diabetes mellitus gestacional

Evidence from the literature shows that well-controlled glucose levels during pregnancy are usually associated with normal placental morphology. The aim of this study was to identify the lacental changes attributed to maternal hyperglycemia. A total of 20 placentae were selected for study from a tertiary care medical center in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia. Out of 20, 10 placentae were from patients diagnosed with GDM based on IADSPG criteria, and 10 placentae were from patients with normal pregnancies without GDM. The morphometric measurements were recorded. The mean weight of GDM placentae were more than the normal placentae. Upon histopathology, significant changes such as syncytial knots, cytotrophoblastic cell proliferation, fibrinoid necrosis, stromal fibrosis, and hyalinized villi were observed in GDM placentae. GDM produces significant morphological alterations in the placentae, which might affect the developing fetus.

La evidencia de la literatura muestra que niveles de glucosa bien controlados durante el embarazo generalmente se asocian con una morfología placentaria normal. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los cambios placentarios atribuidos a la hiperglucemia materna. Un total de 20 placentas fueron seleccionadas para un estudio en un centro médico de atención terciaria en la ciudad de La Meca, Arabia Saudita. De 20 placentas, 10 de estas fueron de pacientes diagnosticadas con diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) según los criterios de IADSPG, y 10 placentas fueron de pacientes con embarazos normales sin DMG. Las mediciones morfométricas fueron registradas. El peso medio de las placentas GDM fue mayor que la placenta normal. Tras la histopatología, se observaron cambios significativos tales como nudos sincitiales, proliferación celular citotrofoblástica, necrosis fibrinoide, fibrosis estromal y vellosidades hialinizadas en placenta con DMG. La DMG produce alteraciones morfológicas significativas en las placentas, que pueden afectar al desarrollo del feto.

Clinical comparative study between subcutaneous continuous analgesia versus continuous transversus abdominis plane block post caesarian section

Background: post cesarean section pain is associated with a variety of unfavorable post-operative consequences; affect both mother and the newborn, especially the first 48 h after delivery. The pain can be improbable, disrupting mother/child bonding and also affects mental, chest, heart problems, and prolong the hospital stays

Aim of the Work: to compare the efficacy and safety of bilateral continuous transversus abdominis plane [TAP] block versus continuous wound infiltration for pain relief after surgery

Patients and Methods: this study was conducted on forty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status I or II, scheduled for elective CS were enrolled in this controlled study. Information about the study was explained comprehensively both orally and in written form to the patients. All patients gave written informed consents prior to their inclusion in the study

Results: there was no difference between TAP block and CWI as regarding pain during rest but TAP block was more effective during movement than CWI, opioid consumption was much less in TAP group than in CWI group and the time of first analgesia request was earlier in CWI group than in TAP group

Conclusion: both TAP block and CWI provided post-operative analgesia but USG TAP block increased the time to first analgesic request, reduces the total pethidine consumption with hemodynamic stability and decreases the incidence of adverse effects in patient undergoing caesarian section compared to continuous wound infiltration

Correlation between dyslipidiemia and the severity of coronary artery disease using SYNTAX scoring system

Background: the relationship between hyperlipidiemia and an increased risk of coronary heart disease has been well documented and has served as a motivating factor for research into lipoproteins structure, function and metabolism. Many epidemiological studies have revealed that chronically elevated lipid and cholesterol levels are associated with an increased incidence of atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia together with hypertension and diabetes is major modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic disease and the subsequent development of cardiovascular events. Dyslipidemia is known to be an independent predictor for cardiovascular events, other risk factors including family history, hypertension, tobacco use, age, sex and diabetes also have been found to be associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease [CAD]. This cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the association of Dyslipidemia as an atherosclerosis predictor and its relationship to the severity of CAD using SYNTAX score

Patients and Methods: the current study included 535 patients who presented during 2015 with chest pain to Dar Al Fouad Hospital, experiencing symptoms of CAD or evidence of CAD by noninvasive testing were enrolled, a fasting blood sample was extracted and assessed for lipids profile. Patients underwent coronary angiography either using femoral or radial approach, and the resulting angiographic study was used to calculate the SYNTAX score of each patient. Patients were divided in to two group i.e. CAD and Non-CAD group. The CAD group was further divided into three sub-groups according to the SYNTAX score into low risk, intermediate risk and high risk group

Results: in this study, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-C levels were positively associated with sever CAD and higher number of diseased vessels. Higher HCL-C levels were also found in subjects with normal coronaries

Conclusion: there was no significant proportionate, linear relation between the SYNTAX score and the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol or LDL-C

simplified schematic design for cytogenetic testing strategies

The development of new genetic diagnostic, and hence therapeutic possibilities, has brought the realization that genetic disease is now an integral part of medical practice. Advances in cytogenetic and molecular testing have drastically improved the ability to diagnose with certainty many previously unrecognized genetic diseases. However, this advance in technology does not come without new questions. New tests are not always the most cost-effective ones and some have significant diagnostic limitations. Genetic tests fall under three major categories: chromosomal genetic tests; molecular genetic tests [DNA and gene tests]; and biochemical genetic tests [measuring the amount and activity of proteins]. This review article focuses on chromosomal anomalies and cytogenetic tests. The different types of cytogenetic tests, their indications, and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them are discussed. This review will also present the strategy of choice for each one of these tests depending on the type of chromosomal anomalies that we are searching for and the available specimen for diagnosis. Chromosomal anomalies represent one of the entities of genetic diseases. A large number of cytogenetic tests exist for diagnosis of these chromosomal anomalies. However, the choice of cytogenetic test to be carried out should be based on clinical indications, on the type and size of cytogenetic anomaly that we are searching for, and on the available specimen for diagnosis

Pharmacodynamics studies on ricobendazole in male rats

The present study was conducted to study the effect of ricobendazole on male fertility, as well as its effects on the liver and kidney functions tests, some hematological parameters and histopathological changes. Forty-five mature male albino rats were used and divided into 3 equal groups. The first group was kept as control and subcutaneously injected with proplyene glycol [2 ml /kg b.wt.]. The second group was received a single subcutaneous injection of ricobendazole at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg bwt. The third group was subcutaneously injected with 7.5 mg / kg bwt twice within 3 weeks interval. The obtained results showed that administration of ricobendazole as single or repeated dose induced a variety of side effects on male reproduction as reduction of testes, epididymis, and accessory sex organs weights and change in sperm characters; decease of sperm count and motility, and increase in sperm abnormalities. liver functions test values such as Serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alkaline phosphatase [AlP] were significantly increased. Moreover, administration of ricobendazole induced histopathological alterations in reproductive organs, liver and kidney. The adverse effects of ricobendazole was more pronounced in repeated dose group. Therefore, caution is required when using repeated doses of ricobendazole

Postural control and central motor pathway involvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus: dynamic posturographic and electrophysiologic studies

Postural instability causes limitations in daily activities of diabetic patients. There is paucity of data regarding central motor pathway involvement in these patients and its relation to postural control. To evaluate postural control and central motor pathway involvement in type 2 diabetic patients. The study included 30 type 2 diabetic patients and 15 healthy, age and sex matched control subjects. Both groups were subjected to physical and full neurological examination, in addition to electrophysiological study including peripheral conduction study and MEPs recorded from the feet muscles. Total neuropathy score was calculated. In addition, dynamic posturographic tests were performed including sensory organization test and MCT. Most of the dynamic posturographic parameters were significantly impaired in diabetic patient group. There were significant abnormalities in most of the parameters of the peripheral conduction study of the patients compared to the controls. According to the Total neuropathy score, 20 patients had peripheral neuropathy. In addition, there was significant prolongation of the left CMCT, decreased left MEP amplitude and increased MEP resting motor threshold on both sides in the patients compared to the control group. Dynamic posturographic parameters showed correlation with most of the parameters of the peripheral conduction study and few of the MEP parameters. Logistic regression analysis showed peripheral neuropathy as the main factor implicated in postural instability in these patients. However, significant correlation was found between MEP amplitude and MCT composite score in patients without peripheral neuropathy. Although type 2 diabetic patients had prolonged CMCT, decreased amplitude and increased resting motor threshold of the MEP response, peripheral neuropathy was the main factor implicated in postural instability. However, the central motor pathway changes documented could be implicated as a possible cause

Genotoxicity of cadmium in rat lung cells assessed by an alkaline comet assay and the possible protective role of selenium

Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal with many hazardous effects. Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties. To evaluate the cadmium-induced DNA damage in rat lung cells and the possible protective role of selenium. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were used in this experiment. They were divided into four equal groups. Group I was the control group. Group II included rates that were injected intraperitoneally with cadmium chloride [CdCl[2]] [1.0 mg/kg/day] for 8 weeks. Group III included rates injected intraperitoneally with sodium selenite [Na[2]SeO[3]] [0.25 mg/kg/day] for 8 weeks. Group IV included rats injected intraperitoneally with both CdCl[2] [1.0 mg/kg/day] and Na[2]SeO[3] [0.25 mg/kg/day] for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the lungs of rats were taken and processed for single-cell gel electrophoresis [comet assay]. In the control group, comets appeared with large bright heads and small tails. The injection of CdCl[2] in group II induced DNA damage in rat lung cells, indicated by increased migration in the comet assay. Comet cells appeared with small heads and long tails. Statistically, there was a significant increase in tail length, tail moment, and tail% DNA compared with the control. Injection of selenium alone did not show any difference from the control. Concomitant administration of both cadmium and selenium resulted in a partial decrease in the DNA damage in rat lung cells indicated by decrease in DNA migration in the comet assay. Comet cells appeared with large heads and relatively small tails compared with those of group II. A significant decrease was also observed in tail length, tail moment, and tail% DNA compared with group II. CdCl[2] could significantly induce DNA damage in rat lung cells. It was suggested that selenium could partially ameliorate DNA damage induced by cadmium

Hand function in systemic sclerosis: a clinical and ultrasonographic study

To evaluate hand impairment and functional disability in scleroderma patients using clinical and ultrasonographic [US] measures. Fifteen scleroderma patients and 10 age and sex-matched healthy controls were studied. Patients underwent clinical examination including modified Rodnan skin score. Hand function assessment included pinch and grip strength measurement, finger range of motion [ROM] assessment, Hand Mobility in Scleroderma [HAMIS] test and Hand Functional Index [HFI]. Hand disability was assessed by Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ], Scleroderma HAQ Visual Analogue Scale [SHAQ VAS] and Cochin scale. US hand examination included measuring hand skin thickness, screening of the finger flexor and extensor tendons, measuring cartilage thickness of the 2nd MCP joint, anteroposterior thickness of the flexor retinaculum, and surface area of the median nerve. Nine patients had healed digital ulcers while only one patient had active ulcers. Seven patients had arthralgia in the hand joints. The patients had a significant decrease in grip strength and finger ROM. By US, patients showed significant increase in hand skin thickness and flexor retinaculum thickness and a significant decrease in median nerve surface area. Hand disability measures showed variable significant correlations with pinch and grip strength and hand mobility measures which were significantly correlated with US skin thickness of the 2nd inter-metacarpal web space. Hand disability in scleroderma was mainly related to impaired hand mobility and also diminished strength. The use of US in adjunct to clinical examination refines the evaluation of hand impairment in scleroderma

Complex regional pain syndromes: clinical characteristics and pathophysiological factors

To study relationship between clinical pattern of complex regional pain syndromes [CRPS] and inflammatory and sympathetic parameters. Twenty one CRPS patients and 15 healthy controls were examined. Clinical data, sympathetic skin response [SSR], TNFalpha and normetanephrine were evaluated. Fourteen patients had increased serum TNFalpha which showed significant relationship with some clinical parameters. Three patients had increased normetanephrine. Mean SSR latency was shortened in patients. No significant relationship between SSR and sweating manifestations and no correlation between serum normetanephrine, SSR, and serum TNFalpha were found. Inflammation plays a major role and SSR is enhanced in CRPS

Characterization of some virulence factors associated with enterbacteriaceae isolated from urinary tract infections in Mansoura Hospitals

Purpose: the aim of the present study was to determine the role of some virulence determinants and biofilm production in bacteraemia of urinary tract origin by phenotypic defection of these virulence factors. In addition, this research was done to characterize and compare, using genetic techniques, bacterial genes that encode virulence determinants

Methods: a total of 111 strains of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urine of patients with clinically diagnosed urinary tract infection in Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, were included in this study. The isolated strains were phenotypically screened for virulence factors, namely mannose-resistant, mannose-sensitive haemagglutination [MRHA, MSHA], hemolysin production, biofilm formation, serum resistance, and lipase, protease and lecithinase production. They were also genotypically examined by PCR for the presence of genes for the virulence factors MRHA [papC], MSHA [fimH], serum resistance [iss] and biofilm,formation [biofilm]

Results: among 111 urinary isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, 40 isolates of E. coli, 39 isolates of K. pneumonia and 32 isolates of Enterobacter were identified. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that amikacin and imipinem were the most active antibiotic against all isolates[90%-100%]. While most isolates were resistant to ampicillin [95%- 100]. The phenotypic detection results revealed that 29[72%] of E.coli, 32[82%] of K.pneumoniae and 22[69%] of Enterobacter isolates showed MRHA. MSHA was defected in 11[28%] isolates of E.coli. 7[18%] of K.pneumoniae and in 10[31%] of Enterobacter isolates. Serum resistance was seen in 15[37%] o f E.coli, 13[33%] of K.pneumoniae and 7[21%] of Enterobacter isolates. Biofilm formation was observed in 27[67%] of both E.coli and K. pneumoniae and in 30[94%] of Enterobacter isolates. All E.coli isolates were negative lipase and protease producers, while 16[33%] of K.pneumoniae isolates showed lipase production and one isolate showed protease production. For Enterobacter, none of isolates produce lipase, while 4[12%] of isolates were protease producers. All isolates showed no lecithinase production. For genotypic detection, it was observed that among E.coli isolates, 69% were positive for papC gene, 31% were positive for fimH gene, 30% were positive for iss gene and 77% were positive for biofilm gene. For K.pneumoniae, papC gene was detected in 80% of isolates, 20% were positive, for fimH gene, 8% were positive for iss gene and 87% contained the biofilm gene. Results of Enterobacter isolates were 89%, 11 %, 5% and 95% positive for genes of papC, fimH, iss and biofilm respectively

Conclusion: the present study shows the significance role of virulence factors in urinary tract infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and the genotypic characterization was more prominent compared to the phenotypic detection of these virulence factors

Adverse effects of marbofloxacin in male rats

The present work was a trial to study the effect of marbofloxacin on the reproductive system in male Albino rats. Moreover, some biochemical parameters were also examined. Fourty five mature male Albino rats weighing from 140- 180 gm each of 4-5 month old were used in this study. The animals were divided into 3 equal groups each of 15 rats. The first and second groups were injected I/M for 5 consecutive days with marbofloxacin at the dose level of 7.2 mg/ Kg B.Wt and 14.4 mg/ Kg B.Wt. respectively. The third group was kept as control and injected I/M with 0.3 mL saline /rat for 5 consecutive days. The obtained results showed that administration of marbofloxacin induced a variety of adverse effects. These are represented by certain fertility troubles as reduction of testes, epididymis and accessory sex organs weights, changes in sperm characters [decrease of sperm count and motility] and decrease of serum testosterone level. Moreover, the liver and kidney functions were significantly affected. Therefore, caution is required when using large doses of the drug of marbofloxacin due to its adverse effect on the sperm characters, liver and kidneys

Effects of ceftriaxone on reproductive and biochemical aspects of male rats

The present work was a trial to study the effect of ceftriaxone on the reproductive system in male Albino rats. Moreover, some biochemical parameters were also investigated. Fourty-five mature male albino rats weighing from 120 -160 g each of 4-5 month old were used in this study. The animals were divided into 3 equal groups, each of 15 rats. The first and second groups were injected I/M for 5 consecutive days with ceftriaxone at the dose level of 75 mg/kg B.wt. and 300 mg/kg B.wt. respectively. The third group was kept as control and injected I/M with 0.3 ml saline/ rat for 5 consecutive days. The obtained results showed that administration of ceftriaxone induced a variety of side effects. These are represented by reduction of testes, epididymis and accessory sex organ weight, changes in sperm characters [decrease of sperm count and motility] and increase of sperm abnormalities. Moreover, the liver functions were significantly affected. Therefore, caution is required when using large doses of ceftriaxone due to its toxicity to reproductive organs as well as its increasing effect on liver enzymes