Factors associated with dengue fever IgG sero-prevalence in south Kordofan state, Sudan, in 2012: Reporting prevalence ratios

Dengue fever [DF] is a vector-borne virus transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes. In this study, we identified the most important factors associated with the prevalence of IgG antibodies in a border state between Sudan and the new republic of South Sudan. To quantify the association of specific factors with the prevalence of DF IgG antibodies in Lagawa among subjects aged 16-60 years in 2012. Analytical cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Lagawa in 2012. Indoor mosquito breeding was the most significant predictor affecting DF IgG serology. Household water storage was also strongly associated with the presence of IgG antibodies. Residence in urban areas, younger age and a history of travel to the Red Sea State were significant predictors of DF IgG seroprevalence in South Kordofan state. Indoor [household] behaviors associated with DF infection should be modified to mitigate the infection risk in the study area. Awareness should be raised regarding DF in Lagawa to ensure community participation in all control measures, and the surveillance system at the border between Sudan and the republic of South Sudan should be strengthened

Expression of the signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 in colorectal carcinomas, colonic adenomas and ulcerative colitis

Despite the growing understanding of the involvement of protooncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in the oncogenesis of CRC, the exact biological and molecular mechanisms underpinning this process remain poorly understood. The signal transducer and activator of transcription [STAT3] has been implicated in the regulation of growth and malignant transformation. Accumulating evidences have come to indicate that abnormalities in the Janus kinase [JAK]/STAT pathway are involved in oncogenesis of several cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of JAK3 and STAT3 in both normal and activated forms by immunohistochemistry in adenomas of the colon, ulcerative colitis and CRC compared to normal colonic mucosa. Tissues from 30 cases with primary CRC and seven cases with ulcerative colitis [UC], removed by colectomy, were included. In addition, tissues from 10 colonic adenomas, 15 CRC and eight cases with UC, obtained by endoscopic biopsies, were examined histopathologically. Immuno-histochemical evaluation of STAT3, p-STAT3, JAK3 and p-JAK3 expression in tissue sections was completed. Statistical analysis and correlation of data were then performed. Normal colonic mucosa showed expression of STAT3 only. Immunoreactivity of p-JAK3 increased significantly [p < 0.05] and correlated with the degree of dysplasia in colonic adenomas. Immunoreactivity of p-STAT3 increased significantly [p < 0.05] and correlated with the degree of dysplasia in cases with UC. In CRC a significant positive correlation was found between p-STAT3 expression and grading, STAT3, JAK3 and p-JAI<3 and TNM or Dukes' staging, and p-STAT3 and nodal status excluding distant metastasis [p<0.05]. JAK3 and STAT3, and particularly their activated forms, were found to correlate significantly with the degree of dysplasia in adenomas and UC, indicating their potential role in colorectal carcinogenesis. They also correlate with anaplasia and invasion, suggesting a definitive role in progression of CRC

Histopathological and immune-pathological changes in the prostates of golden hamsters experimentally infected with schistosoma mansoni

This work has been planned to study the histopathological and immune-pathological changes in the prostates of experimentally infected golden hamsters with Schistosoma mansoni. Fifty male golden hamsters, 10 weeks old, 200-250 gm in weight each and free from parasitic infections were used. They were classified into two groups. Group [1] 40 male golden hamsters infected with 350 S. mansoni cercariae S.C. each. Group [2] 10 male golden hamsters [control]. Viable S. mansoni eggs were collected, washed and egg hatching was performed. Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were infected by 6 - 8 miracidia each. The released cercariae were collected, counted and concentrated so as to contain 350 cercariae / 0.5 ml. [the infective dose / hamster S. C.]. Five infected hamsters were killed 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 weeks p. i. Control animals were sacrificed at once. The prostate- glands of the infected and control male hamsters were dissected; fixed in 10% phosphate buffered formalin. Microscopic examination was conducted on 4 microm thick H. and E. stained sections from paraffin embedded specimens. Immunohistochemical detection of hamster's schistosomal antigen in prostatic sections was performed by DAKO Avidin-biotin peroxidase technique. Other portions of the prostates were digested in 5% KOH for detection of S. mansoni eggs. The results of this work showed that there were diffuse, non granulomatous inflammatory reaction starting at 12[th] week p.i. and reaching maximum intensity at 16[th] week p.i. The epithelial linings of the prostatic acini showed hyperplasia, enfolding and lymphocytic cell infiltration. Stromal fibrosis started at 18[th] week p.i. in 10 [25%] infected hamsters. Immunohistochemical examination showed mild deposits at 12[th] week p.i., moderate deposits at 14[th] week p.i. and intense deposits at 16[th] week p.i. KOH digestion of prostatic pieces showed no S. mansoni ova at any period p. i. S. mansoni infection could involve the prostate gland by variable degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. These inflammatory reactions may be due to antigen deposition in such organ. The inflammation and fibrosis may interfere with the normal function of the prostatic gland leading to alteration of the chemical composition of the seminal fluid which may decrease the fertility capacity of the sperms. Also, prostatic hypertrophy may lead to problems in the erection and urinary tract obstruction

Association of HIA [Class I and II] and Susceptibility to Hydatid Cyst Disease

Hydatid cyst disease is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by genus Echinococcus This disease believed to has genetic background in it's aetiopathogenesis course. The aim of this study is to shed light on the possible correlation between HLA -class I [A, B, C] and HLA -class II [DR and DQ] antigens and the susceptibility to this disease. Fifty patient with hydatid cyst disease before undergoing surgical operation were investigated for HLA. Class I and class II by using micro lymphocy totoxicity test. The results were compared with 115 healthy control. Significant increased trend of HLA-A28 and A-11, -B18 and B-35, -DR3 and DR-11 [P < 0 001, P < 0.01] in patients with this disease as compared with healthy control. On the other hand, increased trend of HLA-28 [P < 0 01] in patients with hydatid disease especially in those with a cyst location in liver. High frequency of HLA-A11 and -A28, B18 and -B35, -DR3 and -DR11 antigens may play major role in susceptibility to hydatid disease. HLA-A28 could be the most related antigen to this disease and acting as genetic marker that could in one way or another play crucial role in susceptibility especially in cases of hydatid disease in liver

Experimental schistosomal hepatitis: protective effect of coenzyme-Q10 against the state of oxidative stress

Schistosoma mansoni [S. mansoni] eggs trapped in the host liver elicit a chain of oxidative processes, where they not only trigger the production of reactive oxygen species, but also lead to alteration of the host antioxidant defense mechanisms. Such events may be, at least in part, responsible for the pathology and progression of fibrosis associated with schistosomal hepatitis. This study was designed to fulfill two aims; assessment of protective effect of the antioxidant Coenzyme-Q10 [Co-Q10] against the state of S. mansoni-induced oxidative stress in the liver, and evaluation of the potential role of Co-Q10 as an adjuvant to praziquantel [PZQ]. S. mansoni infected mice were divided into four main groups; group I: control non-treated group. Group II: received Co-Q10 after infection and was sacrificed 8 and 12 weeks post infection. Croup III: treated by single oral dose of PZQ 8 weeks post infection. Group IV: treated by single oral dose of PZQ 8 weeks post infection then was given Co-Q10 for four weeks. The oxidative stress and overall liver function were improved under Co-Q10 therapy as evidenced by significant reduction in oxidative stress markers, and preservation of antioxidant factors. Liver fibrosis was also reduced with a positive impact on liver function. Moreover, addition of Co-Q10 to PZQ therapy caused; significant reduction of liver egg load, significant improvement of the redox status, and lastly decreased liver fibrosis. From this study we concluded that Co-Q10: 1] ameliorated the oxidative stress status, 2] reduced the degree of liver fibrosis, and 3] enhanced the efficacy of classical therapy in experimental S. mansoni-induced hepatitis

Study of angiogenesis, P53 and NM23 expression in colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal carcinoma [CRC] is not uncommon in Egypt. Sustained angiogenesis is characteristic of several pathological conditions including tumor growth. Many researches were conducted to investigate the role of P53 in colorectal carcinogenesis; also the role of NM23 in tumor progression and for metastasic potential is not so clear in CRC. In this research we are aiming to study the pattern and density of angiogenesis in colorectal carcinomas, in addition to other histopathological prognostic factors. Besides we are also aiming to study the expression of P53 and NM23 and the relation between these three factors [Angiogenesis, P53 and NM23] in different grades and stages of colorectal carcinomas. The study comprised 44 resection specimens of colorectal carcinomas collected from specimens of department of pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University Hospital and from same of the private laboratories. Each block was stained by hematoxylin and eosin [H and E], immunohistochemical stain for CD34, VEGF, P53 and NM23. Histopathological assessment of grading was done according to WHO classification and staged according to TNM classification. The present study includes 44 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma 35 were male patients and 9 cases were females. The age range was 20 to 80 years. The patients were grouped into three groups as follows: Group [1]: CRC without nodal or distant metastasis, group [II]: CRC with nodal but no distant metastasis and group [III]: CRC with distant metastasis. Most of the tumors were conventional invasive adenocarcinomas, on studying angiogenesis we found that the relation of microvascular density [MVD] detected by CD34 was not significant with the tumor size. Besides there were a significant results between the microvascular density and metastatic history of the disease. There were significant results between VEGF expression and the studied variables. The study ol apoptosis using P53 reveals significant relation between it and the studied variables but not with the nodal or blood metastasis, there was an inverse relation between NM23 and both VEGF and P53, but the results was not significant with the tumor grade and size, so in the present study the relation between VEGF, P53 and NM23 was significant but each marker have its own variable result with the grade .size and the stage of the tumor. In the present study it can be concluded that MVD at vascular hot spots is a very important predictive factor in CRC in addition to VEGF .P53 over expression has an impact on the biological behavior of CRC being more expressed in biological aggressive tumors and it has a role in angiogenicStudy of Angiogenesis, P53 and NM23 Expression in Colorectal Carcinoma activity of the tumor. We also concluded that NM23 is an important metastatic suppressor gene in CRC. So NM23, P53, VEGF and MVD by CD34 all are important to predict the outcome of the disease and they can be used as a guide for treatment. MVD, microvascular density; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; CRC, colorectal carcinoma

HLA association with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Many associations have been found between specific HL.4 antigens and increased susceptibility to various diseases. So we tried to associate class I and class II antigens with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We also demonstrate the presence of antibodies in serum of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients against HLA class I. Prospective study. Tissue typing and histocompatibility center at .Al-Karamah Teaching Hospital. 70 acute Lymphoblastic leukemia patients from pediatric hospitals. HLA [human leukocyte antigens [typing done for them by serological method and cross matching and blood grouping were also done for them. there was significant difference between patients and control groups regarding HLA -C6, D R1, DR4, DR7, DQI, DQ2, DQ3, DQ4. There was14.2% [1 0/70] of patients had antibodies against HLA class I. There were two significant associations between blood group and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Genetic factor increased susceptibility with acute lymphoblastic leukemia HLA- DRI DQI, HLA - DR4 DQ4, HLA- DR4 DQ3, and HLA- DR7 DQ2. This HLA typing increased susceptibility to be affected with leukemia after infection. HLA typing was done to acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients by molecular -DNA based method [PCR-SSP, RSC4] in addition to serological method

Substance use among university and college students in Jordan

A random survey of 5064 university and community college Jordanian students aged between 18-25 years was conducted in early 2001 to investigate the extent of the impact of common substances of abuse among this population and the subjects' emotional and attitudinal stance toward illicit drugs. Participants completed a questionnaire of 72 questions relating to emotions, behaviors, relationship with family and friends and substance use behavior during the previous month. Results showed the following self-reported substance use: 2.5% cannabis; 3.3% sedatives; 0.9% opiates, with the most common method of opiate consumption being burning and inhaling; 2.8% Benzhexol; 2.6% stimulants; 12% alcohol; and 29% tobacco. None of the sample reported using cocaine. Throughout, substance abuse was significantly higher in male students. Some risk factors were identified for substance abuse in the group as seeking acceptance, encouragement by friends, having friends involved in substance abuse and poor communication with the family