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)

Detection of 14q32 rearrangements in multiple myeloma, using simultaneous FISH analysis combined with immunofluorescence

14q32 rearrangement has been identified as a recurrent hotspot of translocations in multiple myeloma [MM]. The Fluorescence Immunophenotyping and Interphase Cytogenetics as a tool for the Investigation of Neoplasms [known as FICTION technique] for evaluation of chromosomal changes in MM. The aim of this work is to detect 14q32 rearrangement, using FICTION technique, on archival bone marrow [BM] slides of MM patients, and to study its prognostic value. This study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital. The FICTION technique, which uses CD138 and dual color, and the break-apart 14q32 rearrangement probe, was performed on archived smears of BM slides for 50 MM patients at the time of diagnosis. A significantly higher percentage of cases were positive for 14q32 rearrangement by FICTION [32%] compared to fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] [12%] [p = 0.04]. Cases positive by FICTION for the rearrangement were designated as Group A, while negative cases were designated as Group B. Significantly lower Hb and CRP levels were found among Group B when compared to Group A patients [p = 0.001 and 0.01, respectively]. Serum albumin level and Bence Jones protein [BJP] significantly affect overall survival [OS] [p = 0.01, 0.007, respectively]. However, a statistically non-significant shorter mean survival time was found in positive cases through FICTION versus negative cases. FICTION technique provides a sensitive tool for establishing clonal plasma cells [PC] infiltration of BM aspirates, and is amenable for use on archived as well as fresh smears

Effect of anticancer drugs on genomic DNA and chromosomes in Ehrlich ascites tumor bearing female mice

The antioxidant activity, DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations were studied under the effect of cis-diaminedichloro platinum [CDDP] and vinblastine sulphate [VLB] in Ehrlich ascites tumor bearing female mice. The two doses of CDDP and VLB were found to decrease the hepatic glutahione [GSH] content and total protein. Lipid peroxidation [MDA] increased significantly in the first and second weeks of administration compared to the control. Also, losses in body and liver weights were observed. Genomic DNA concentration was decreased by CDDP and VLB to 15.0%, 32.0%, 22.0% and 43.5%, respectively, DNA banding pattern of liver tissue on agarose gel [1.3%] electrophoresis was found compared to control. Serum protein banding pattern under the effect of the two drugs SDS-PAGE was observed clearly after 2 weeks of administration, but not after the first week. The percentage of total chromosomal numerical aberrations of bone marrow cells were significantly increased for CDDP and VLB to 304.8%, 457.1%, 238.1% and 290.5%, respectively. Also the percentages of total chromosomal structural aberrations of bone marrow cells were significantly increased to 372.7%, 581.8%, 101.0% and 150.0%, respectively in the second week. The effect of these drugs was dose-dependant. It is concluded that these anticancer drugs are harmful and precaution should be considered when administrated in human

EEG changes and neuroimaging abnormalities in relevance to severity of autism

Autism is currently viewed as a genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder although its definite underlying etiology remains to be established. Our purpose was to assess autism related morphological neuroimaging changes of the brain and EEG abnormalities in correlation to the degree of disease severity. Seventeen cases with classic autism, 13 males and 4 females were included in the study. Severity of the disease was assessed both clinically and by Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS]. MRI changes and EEG abnormalities were detected in seven patients, mostly severely and moderately affected. Hypoplasia of cerebellar vermian lobules is the most replicated MRI abnormality in our patients [18%]. Periventricular white matter dysmyelination is detected in 12% of studied cases. 29% of the cases have EEG abnormalities. Head circumference above 97[th] centiles is detected in 18% of cases. The increased head circumference, when in combination with EEG abnormalities, positively correlates with the degree of disease severity. Although, no definite correlation could be established between the studied parameters and disease severity, most patients in the present study who exhibited MRI abnormality, EEG changes and/or increased head circumference [H.C] manifested severe form of autism, The absence of correlation may be attributed to lack of statistical power, resulting from small sample size. However, the correlation was not solidly excluded therefore, the recommendation of further neuroradiological evaluation as well as the implementation of newer techniques, might help future elucidating the etiology of autism

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

new method for non operative treatment of giant omphalocele

The incidence of omphalocele is approximately, 1 in 500 live born. More than 50% have other serious defects. Ideal treatment would be primary closure which is not always possible. When the defect is large [> 10 cm], the infant has a small abdominal cavity or in cases of suspected chromosomal anomalies, non operative management using topical application of escharotic agent is a reasonable choice of treatment. Thirty Five patients were treated for omphalocele at Assiut University hospital, Pediatric surgery unit between years 1998 and 2004, using topical application of paste of Acacia Nilotica mixed with gentian violet to the intact sac twice daily for variable periods. The sac changes to a very tough structure without any infection or any other local or systemic complications and the skin creeps under it and it takes off gradually leaving a ventral hernia for later repair. Non operative management of large omphalocele with Acacia Nilotica is a good initial treatment

Immune response chicken vaccinated with combined E. coli and multocida vaccine private

Immunogenicity of an experimentally prepared combined oil emulsified Escherichia coli-Pasteurella multocida [E. coli-P. multocida] vaccine was evaluated in susceptible chickens. The immune responses of vaccinated birds against monovalent E. coli, P. multocida and combined E. Coli-P. mutocida vaccines as estimated serologically using indirect haemagglutination test and ELISA test revealed no substantial differences with respect to the protective values between the monovalent and combined vaccines. The results of challerge test showed that vaccinated chickens could be effectively immunized with combined E. coli-P. multocida vaccine against challenge with E. coli and P. multocida virulent strains. In conclusion, this locally prepared vaccine was safe, immunogenic and protect chickens against E. coli and P. multocida infection

Identification of biochemical changes in intractable postpartum hemorrhage and evaluation of the different methods used in management

To find out the possible causes for inability of the smooth muscle fibers of the uterus to contract in cases with postpartum hemorrhage in response to ecbolics and evaluation of the different methods used in management. This study included 200 women, 100 of them delivered and developed postpartum hemorrhage [the study group] which was divided into two subgroups, the first subgroup included 75 women that responded to conservative and medical methods of treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, the second subgroup included 25 women who did not respond. The other 100 women delivered and not developed postpartum hemorrhage [the control group]. The cases included in this study were [of atonic postpartum hemorrhage], of all parities, without rupture uterus, retention of the placenta, genital tract laceration or blood coagulation defects. Blood samples: [10 cm each] were taken from each patient for determination of hemoglobin percentage, complete blood analysis, random blood sugar, urea and creatinine, serum sodium and potassium and coagulation profile. Another sample [10 cm] was taken for nitric oxide assay and determination of plasma lipid peroxides. The routine medical managements used for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage were done for all cases. Surgical managements were done for the non-responding cases. In relation to the risk factors for development of postpartum hemorrhage, the study group was more anemic, with more antepartum hemorrhage, more malpresentation, more multiple pregnancies, more polyhydramnious and more manipulation outside the hospital than the control group and the differences were statistically significant. There was more prolonged labor and prolonged rupture of membranes in the study group than in the control group but there was no difference in relation to the mode of delivery. There was significant difference in relation to the level of plasma lipid peroxides [P value<0.01] and serum nitric oxide [P value<0.001] between the study group and the control group. The level of plasma lipid peroxides and serum nitric oxide was elevated in the intractable subgroup more than in the responding one and the difference was statistically significant [P<0.001]. Twenty five cases did not respond to the medical methods used for treatment [the intractable subgroup], they were of high parity, more anemic and of more medical disorders than the responding subgroup [75 cases responded for medical methods] and the differences were statistically significant. The surgical methods [conservative one] succeeded in 19 cases of 25 who failed to respond to medical treatment with a percentage of 76%. The remaining 6 cases, hysterectomy was done and succeeded in 3 cases only with a percentage of 50%. The other 3 cases died later on from pulmonary embolism, renal failure and DIC. Elevation of the level of free radicals as plasma lipid peroxides and serum nitric oxide was more markedly evident in the cases that failed to respond to the medical methods and ecbolic drugs used in control of postpartum hemorrhage [Intractable cases]. This elevation in free radicals, most probably, was due to cellular injuries of the uterine muscle fibers as a result of hypoxia and anoxia resulting from failure of correction of blood loss rabidly in cases of postpartum hemorrhage. Thus early and rapid correction of blood loss especially by fresh blood can prevent this vicious circle and prevent cellular injury in cases of postpartum hemorrhage. It is advisable not to rush to do urgent hysterectomy without performing the other conservative surgical methods for controlling of postpartum hemorrhage, as they succeeded in more than 75% of cases

In vitro tests of thyroid function and triple screening marker during pregnancy

In this study, sera of healthy pregnant females collected during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters were analyzed for total thyroxine [TT4], total triiodothyronine [FT3] and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] utilizing radioimmunological assays [RIA]. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin [beta HCG], alpha fetoprotein [AFP] and estradiol [E3], which are interesting hormones related to the mother-fetal relationship and the safety of the fetus, were also determined in the same sera. As a function of pregnancy duration, there was an increase in each of serum T4 and T3 and no appreciable changes could be noticed in TSH. On the contrary, FT4 decreased gradually with the progress of pregnancy. On the other hand, FT3 showed no significant difference between the different intervals of pregnancy. The feto-mother markers [AFP and E3] showed a remarkable increase with the progress of pregnancy. A correlation coefficient was found between each two parameters at each interval of pregnancy and revealed interesting relationships which clarified the findings

Concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy in treatment of non-hodgkin's lymphoma

This study includes 50 patients with Ann Arbor stage II-IV non-hodgkin's lymphoma [NHL]. Thirty patients [60%] had been treated with CHOP [cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone] and involved field radiotherapy 2500 cGy/2.5 weeks [Group A]. Twenty patients [40%] were treated with chemotherapy [CHOP] only [Group B]. The overall response was 90% in group A and 85% in group B [P > 0.05]. The complete response rate [CR] was relatively higher in group A [53.3%] than in group B [40%] [P > 0.05]. Poor prognostic factors included, advanced age, stage IV, size of tumor > 5 cm, bone marrow infiltration, aggressive histology and high LDH > 250 u/L. Relapse rate was higher in group B than in group A [37% vs, 41%] respectively [p> 0.05]. All patients tolerated their treatment well with slight variation in the incidence and severity of treatment morbidity between both groups. Conclusion, chemoradiation in the stage II - IV NHL is well tolerated and increasing the dose of radiotherapy to 4000 cGy to the involved sites may add to the response rate

Effects of garlic [allium sativum] administration on: 1-serum lipids, lipoproteins and some physiological parameters in healthy male subjects

Garlic has been claimed to be effective against many diseases, a daily ingestion of 4-5 fresh garlic cloves were given to 14 healthy male volunteers along 30 days. Eight healthy male volunteers were served as control, their ages ranged [35-50 years], to evaluate the effects of garlic use on serum total lipids, lipoprotein cholesterol fractions and ratios, cortisol, glucose and liver transaminase enzymes. Garlic consumption produced significant reduction in total lipids, total cholesterol and T-ch/HDL-C ratio, significant increase in HDL-C. No differences in serum triglycrides, LDL-C, HDL C/LDL-C, cortisol, glucose and SOOT, SGPT liver enzymes were observed in comparison to control or before garlic ingestion. The results suggest that garlic may be of some use as lipid lowering agent, hypocholeslerolaemic action and anti-atherosclerosis-related effects

Effects of garlic [allium sativum] administration on: 2- some blood and hemostatic parameters in healthy male subjects

Garlic is a potent spice and medicine with broad therapeutic properties ranging from antibacterial to anticancer. Twenty two healthy male volunteers aged [35-50 years] comprising garlic administered group consumed 4-5 garlic cloves daily for 30 days [N = 14] and control group [N -8] participated in the study, to evaluate the effects of garlic administration on certain blood and hemostatic factors. Garlic ingestion resulted in significant reduction in platelets count, plasma fihrinogen level and longer prothrombin time. No changes in total and ionized calcium, hematocrit value, red blood cells count, serum total protein, albumin andferritin levels were noticed as effect of garlic ingestion. The findings suggest that garlic consumption may be benificial in diseases associated with platelets function, plasma fibrinoly tic activity and thrombosis

Thromboxane biosynthesis and platelet function in type II diabetes mellitus

It has been suggested that platelet hyper-reactivity in patients with diabetes mellitus [D.M.] is associated with increased platelet production of thromboxane. We therefore compared the excretion of thromboxane metabolite and platelet function in 30 patients with diabetes mellitus who had normal renal function and 18 healthy controls. The mean [ +/- SD] excretion rate of urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 was siginifcantly higher than in the controls [p<0.00/]. Aspirin in low doses [50 mg per day for 7 daye] reduced urinary excretion of the metabolite by approximately 80% in four patients. We concluded that in type l/ diabetes that [i], increased 11-dehydtro-thromboxane B2 excretion reflects enhanced biosynthesis of thromboxane A2 by platelets rather than a shift in its metabolic disposition [ii]. This is likely to reflect in Vivo platelet activation. [iii]. Improved metabolic control as well as low doses aspirin therapy may correct these abnormality in platelet function to a variable extent

Role of blood lactic acid in assessing the need for erythrocyte transfusion in healthy preterm infants with anemia of prematurity

The study included 60 healthy preterm infants [26 males and 34 females] with anemia of prematurity during the second week of life. Their gestational age ranged from 28 to 33 weeks. They were selected from the neonatology unit of A1-Hussein University Hospital during the period front June, 1994 to March, 1995. The aim of this work is to evaluate blood lactic acid as an indicator of early tissue hypoxia in identifying the need of blood transfusion to anemic otherwise healthy preterm infants and consequently save unnecessary blood transfusion. The results showed that the infant's body weight at transfusion and the estimated hemoglobin and hematocrit values were significantly increased after blood transfusion. There was a significant decrease in high blood lactate levels after blood transfusion while there was not such a decrease in normal lactate group following red cell transfusion. Moreover, there was a very high significant correlation between high blood lactate group and hematocrit values before and after blood transfusion, while such correlation was not found in nomal lactate group. We can conclude that elevated blood lactate levels is a good indicator to identify the need of anemic otherwise healthy preterm infants to save unnecessary blood transfusion

Synthesis of a variety of fudsed pyrrole heterocycles

The behavior of 4-amino-1-benzoyl-3-benzylidene-4-pyrroline-2-one towards a variety of reagents was reported. New pyrrolo[3,2-b] pyrrole [5], pyrrolo-[r,2-b] pyrrole [3] and pyrrolo [3,2-b] pyridine [7] derivatives were obtained

Study of plasma methionine in chronic hepatic schistosomiasis

Plasma methionin enkephalin [PME] and noradrenalne were estimated in 40 subjects [10 healthy individuals as control [Group I] and 30 Ch. B. hepatic fibrosis patients [Group II]: 10 non-ascitic non-bleeder [Group IIa], 10 ascitic non-bleeders [Group IIb] and 10 non-ascitic bleeders [Group IIc]. A significantly higher [P < 0.01] PME [191.3 +/- 17.7 pg/ml] and non-adrenaIine [1182.30 +/- 327.28 pg/ml] in ch. B. fibrosis patients than the control groups [66.5 +/- 5.87 pg/ml and 228.8 +/- 41.37 pg/ml respectively] was detected. Moreover, the study showed that patients with bleeding varices and or ascitis had a significantly higher PME and noradrenaline. A + ve correlation was found between PME and noradrenaline against portal pressure in the diseased groups [r = 1.748, P < 0.01]: r = 0.809, P < 0.01 respectvely]. Lastly, PME levels were correlated negatively with plasma albumin [r = 0.922, P < 0.001: r = 0.881, P < 0.001 in group IIb and IIc] and positively with plasma nor-adrenaline [r = 0.937, P < 0.001: r = 0.652, P < 0.001 in group IIb and IIc]. In conclusion, the noticed rise in PME and nor-adrenaline in Ch. B fibrosis patients indicate that the liver might play a significant role in the metabolism of PME. Also, the strong correlation between PME and both portal pressure and nor-adrenaline may give a clue to the role played by this peptide in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension either directly through splanchnic vasodilatation and or indirectly through stimulation of sympathetic activity. Moreover, the highest level of PME in ascitic patients may interpret the pathogeneitc role of this peptide in ascitis formation through salt retention, enhancement of sympathetic activity and stimulation of lymphatic leakage from the diseased liver

Potentiometric and spectrocolorimetric methods for the estimation of chlorzoxazone in presence of paracetamol

In this work two methods were developed for the determination of chlorzoxazone without any interference of paracetamol. The first method depends on determination of the chlorine contents of the drug after oxygen flask combustion by addition of excess silver nitrate and filtration. The residual silver nitrate was determined potentiometrically using standard ammonium thioyanate solution. Detection of the end point electrically showed more accurate results than those obtained by using an indicator. Myolgin capsules were determined successfully using the proposed potentiometric method after extraction of the drug with methyl alcohol to guard against any interference due to inorganic ions, if present. The standard addition technique was applied and the mean percent recovery was shown to be 100.64%. The colorimetric method is based on measurements of the greenish blue color developed as a result of the reaction of chlorzoxazone with alkaline sodium nitroprusside reagent. Absorbances were measured at 670 nm against blank. Myolgin capsules were also estimated applying the standard addition technique, and the mean percent recovery was 101.67%

Sensitivity of H-reflex in S1 radiculopathy versus clinical, radiographic, electromyographic and operative findings

This study includes 35 patients [26 males and 9 females] with S1 radiculopathy. Their mean age was 40.17 years, whereas mean duration of symptoms was 16.39 months. Thirty normal controls matched in age and sex were subjected to same H reflex studies. All patients were subjected to full clinical examination, CT scanning for lumbosacral spine, electromyography to muscles supplied by S1 root and H-reflex studies. For each patient, the operative findings were reported as regards the level of the surgical exposure and the nerve root involved. The results of this study lead to the conclusion that H reflex study was the most sensitive in evaluation of S1 radiculopathy when compared with clinical, radiological, electromyographic and operative findings. No root compression was missed by this sensitive electrophysiological technique which was of special importance in evaluation of S1 radiculopathies prior to surgery