Histochemical effects of some biological agents on culex pipiens larvae

The histochemical effects of the lethal concentration that kills 50% of larvae [LC[50]] of three biological agents, abamectin, Bacillus thuringiensis and spinosad on the carbohydrates [polysaccharides], proteins, nucleic acids and lipids content of the midgut and fat bodies of Culex pipiens 2[nd] instar larvae were studied. The results showed that the three tested compounds reduced the carbohydrates [polysaccharides], proteins, RNA synthesis and lipids content after 72 hours of treatment where abamectin was the most effective followed by Bacillus thuringiensis then spinosad

Use of multiplex PCR in the differential detection of Entamoeba histolytica and/or Entamoeba dispar in comparison to microscopic examination

Intestinal amoebiasis, caused by E. histolytica, is a major public health problem in developing countries. E. dispar is morphologically identical to E. histolytica, but is considered a commensal protozoan. Differential identification of E. histolytica and/or E. dispar is important for treatment and epidemiological studies of intestinal amoebiasis. To evaluate multiplex PCR in the differential detection of E. histolytica and/or E. dispar in comparison to conventional microscopic stool examination. The present study was performed on 100 individuals. They were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups according to the presence or absence of symptoms and signs of intestinal amoebiasis. Stool samples were collected and subjected to microscopic examination of fresh preparations of direct wet mount and formalin diethyl ether concentrates, and of permanent preparations stained by trichrome, in addition to molecular assay using multiplex PCR. Percentage detection of Entamoeba species was highest by multiplex PCR [36%] and lowest by direct wet mount [25%]. Multiplex PCR detected E. histolytica in 25%, E. dispar in 41.7% and mixed infection in 33.3% of cases. The sensitivity of PCR was 96.4% compared with the trichrome stain [75%]. Multiplex PCR was more sensitive than the conventional microscopic techniques in the differential detection of E. histolytica and/or E. dispar, at the same time and in a single PCR round

Worm and larval burden, histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation of T spiralis vaccination using crude worms and/or larvae antigens: experimental studies

Currently, there is no vaccine for T spiralis; however, several studies have been made towards understanding the immune mechanisms that contribute to host protection against it. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the protective effect of vaccination by T spiralis adult, larval and combinea adult and larval crude antigens against trichinellosis in experimental mice. Swiss male albino mice [No. = 125] were divided mm 5 groups. Groups A, h and C were immunized by T spiralis crude larval antigen, crude worm antigen, and combined larval and worm antigens, respectively. One week after the last dose of injection, each mouse was injected orally with 150-200 larvae. Two other groups [D and E] served as infected non immunized control groups. Group E. received adjuvant and phosphate buffer saline before infection. At the 8tn day post-infection [PI], 12 mice from each group were sacrificed and the intestinal worm burden was assessed, while the muscle larval burden was evaluated at 28th day P1 in the remaining mice of each group. Intestinal and skeletal muscle specimens were prepared for histopathological study. Meanwhile, adults and larvae were examined by scanning electron microscopic [SEM] and infected muscle sections were examined by transmission electron microscope [TEM]. Combined antigen gave the highest reduction% in intestinal worm and larval muscle burdens 92% and 96%, respectively], followed by larval antigen [86% and 91%], then worm antigen [73% and 88%], compared with infected non immunized control groups. Compared with groups [A and B], group C gave significant reduction in both intestinal and muscle burdens. Histopathological examination revealed marked decrease in intestinal inflammatory infiltrates, and marked reduction of encysted larvae with mild infiltration around the degenerated larvae in mice of group C. SEM and TEM results confirmed the significant effect of the combined vaccine [Group C]. Vaccination with combined worms and larval antigens gave the most protective action against T spiralis challenge infection. The use of combined antigen in mass vaccination of reservoir animals may decrease the risk of human infection

Biological and histopathological studies of some plant extracts on larvae of culex pipiens [Diptera: Culicidae]

The water extract of Artemisia monosperma, Eichhornia crassipes and Zygophyllum coccineum was tested against the 2nd instar larvae of Culex pipiens and the resulting pupae and adults. The larvae were exposed to serial concentrations [0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%]. All extracts showed marked effects on the larval mortality, pupation and adult emergence as compared with the non-treated group. These effects were dose [concentration] dependent. The results indicated that the water extract of E. crassipes gave marked and significant effects, followed by A. monosperma and Z. coccineum, particularly at 2% concentration. The water extract of E. crassipes at 2% concentration revealed a drastic effect on larval mid gut, integument, fats and muscles. These histopathological effects increased with increasing the time of exposure [treatment]

Long term follow-up of surgrically treated skeletal deformities in osteogenesis imperfecta

In this study we evaluate the long term functional results in surgically treated Osteogenesis Imperfecta [O.I.] patients. The goals of our treatment are to maximize function, minimize deformity and disability. We reviewed 128 patients with O.I. who presented to the out patients Orthopaedic Department of the Paediatric Hospital, Cairo University. In this study we present the functional results in 31 surgically treated patients who responded to our letters among 62 operated children scince 1984. Most of the children were operated upon at a delayed age [average 6.5 years]. Our follow-up period range from 4 to 14 years [average 7 years]. None of these patients attended their follow-up dates on a regular basis, and our policy was to review them every 6 months. Revision surgeries were done for a large mumber of patients [71%]. Complications following surgery were common. At the final examination, there were only 4 patients walking without aid

Evaluation of the results of surgical treatment of idiopathic clubfeet

Since Turco [1971] has started the one stage posteromedial release with internal fixation, many surgeons have other approaches for surgical treatment of clubfeet with internal fixation. Norris Carroll [1987] described curvilinear medial and posterolateral incisions through which all components of the foot deformity are corrected including the release of the calcaneocuboid joint. The goals of this study are to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of idiopathic clubfeet with a minimum period of 2 years follow-up using the Norris Carroll technique, to figure out the best way to achieve a long lasting correction and to analyse the possible causes of unsatisfactory results. This work was carried out in the Paediatric Orthopaedic Unit of the Children Cairo University Hospital. 46 patients [34 boys and 12 girls] presenting with 66 idiopathic clubfeet were selected from 300 surgically corrected clubfeet using the same technique since 1988. All patients presenting with neuromuscular disease, arthrogryposis and specific syndromes were excluded as well as the patients with incomplete files or not having a period of minimum 2 years follow up. The patients age at surgery averaged 17 months [range from 6 to 46 months]. Pre-operative radiographs were taken for assessment of the clubfoot angles [talo-calcaneal angles, talo-first metatarsal angle] and calcaneocuboid relationship. The Norris Carroll technique had been used in all feet. On the first post-operative day radiographs were taken to evaluate the surgical correction. A crepe bandage was applied to all feet during the first post-operative week, then an above knee plaster of Paris was applied for about 12 weeks; the kirshner wire was removed at an average 4 weeks post-operatively. The average length of follow up was 62 months [range 24-108 months], during which 33 patients used on regular basis on ankle fast orthosis to maintain the foot in a corrected position. All patients had final clinical and radiological assessment of the degree of foot correction. Clinically, 33 feet were fully corrected, 13 overcorrected and 20 feet were uncorrected. Among the later 20, 5 feet had revision surgery. We conclude that idiopathic club foot is a complex deformity, long lasting correction is possible for surgically treated feet, provided a proper surgical technique is used and a close regular follow up is continued with the child is walking ad there is clinical and radiological evidence that the foot is remaining plant grade

Ultrasonography of the painful hip in children

Fifty patients [aged 20 months to 12 years] presenting to the Orthopedic and Pediatric Clinics with a painful hip were reviewed. All patients were apyrexial with normal ESR, blood count and normal radiographic appearance of the hips. Effusion in 28 hips was diagnosed by ultrasound when a side difference of 2 mm or more in the distance between the femoral neck and the echogenic anterior capsule was measured on the anterior scan. At the time of the first US examination, the average anterior capsule distance [ACD] of the affected and unaffected hips was 8.5 mm and 4.8 mm, respectively. The management protocol was determined according to the US findings upon presentation. All patients were followed up by ultrasound until disappearance of the hip effusion, the latter persisted for an average of 9.3 days. Ultrasound was recommended as the main imaging technique in the diagnosis and follow up of the painful hip in children as it allows for the first time an objective assessment of the condition assisting greatly in its management. Furthermore, it may help select cases requiring hospital treatment leading to obvious financial savings

Does routine sonography of the neonate hips induce over treatment? A suggestion for a new treatment protocol of dysplastic hips

Two groups of dysplastic hips diagnosed by ultrasound were statistically assessed. The treatment protocol in group A was based only on ultrasound examination as advocated by Graf. Most dysplastic hips in group B [86.9%] were not treated and showed spontaneous maturation. In their series, there was evident difference in the behavior of clinically stable and unstable hips. Ultrasonic examination alone did not give a convincing high correlation with the final outcome of dysplastic hips in either group A [r = 0.37, r = 0.41] or group B [r = 0.36], whereas, the clinical assessment gave a fairly good correlation in group B [r = 0.61]. A combination of both ultrasound and clinical examination in describing protocols for treatment of dysplastic hips was suggested in a modified classification of hips at birth

ABO blood groups distribution and their relationship to peptic dyspepsia, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus and hypertension among married couples in rural area in Menoufia governorate

This study was carried out during the period from the first of January to the end of October, 1989 on married couples of 2010 families in a rural area in Menoufia Governorate. This study was done to a study the ABO blood groups distribution and their association with peptic dyspepsia, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus and hypertension among studied group. The study revealed that blood group [O] was the most prevalent [36.7%], while AB group was the least prevalent [16.5%] among examined individuals. Significant association was found between peptic dyspepsia and blood group O [63%], bronchia lasthma and blood group B [60%], hypertension, diabetes mellitus and blood group AB [52.6% and 66%, respectively]