Molecular detection of pox virus in pigeon

Pigeon pox virus causes a serious disease in pigeons and may threats the life of these birds. The pigeon pox virus is easily detected in clinical samples when the signs appeared but in that case the disease could affect the health of birds and may be complicated by secondary bacterial infections. So, the rapid and accurate detection of the virus is needed. In this study the application of molecular techniques based on nucleic acid was characterization done. Molecular characterization of pigeon pox virus was successful carried out by using PCR and real-time PCR techniques for the pox virus in samples from 8 clinical cases of suspected diseased pigeons from three provinces [Giza, Kafr El-Sheikh and Beni-Suef], DNA was extracted from skin lesions from each case, amplify the FWPV P4b gene. Results of PCR amplification of pigeon poxvirus and agarose gel electrophoresis showed that there were five out of the eight suspected field samples were positive for the presence of pigeon pox virus with the expected correct size bands of 578 bp. Real-time polymerase chain reactions [r-PCR] assay was also used for detection of the virus by using the same previously described primers with SYBR Green mix. Real time PCR dissociation curve of PCR products of the SYBR Green PCR assay indicated that the PCR products of melting temperature [Tm] at 75-77°C were positive for 5 samples out of the 8 suspected cases of pigeon pox virus similar to the obtained results by conventional PCR. In this study, the molecular methods the primers and PCR conditions were used to used were able to detect virus in clinical samples and showed the same sensitivity as virus isolation in case of obvious clinical signs but the molecular methods were more rapid and reliable when compared to conventional methods for virus isolation

Gorlin syndrome: single case report and review

We report a 25 year old Sudanese male patient, Hawaeer tribe. He presented with multiple naevoid basal cell carcinomas in the face [14 in number], and multiple mandibular odontogenic keratocytes. This is considered as the first case record from Sudan, as Gorlin syndrome is known to be a rare presentation in Africans

Effect of interferon: a on experimental schistosoma mansoni infection in mice

To investigate the immunomodulatory effect of the Th1 mediated cytokine IFN-alpha on schistosomiasis, this cytokine was weekly injected into mice experimentally infected with S. mansoni, beginning from day 0 [group II], week 3 [group III], week 6 [group IV] and week 10 [group V] post-infection. TGF beta 1 serum levels were estimated on a weekly basis and beginning one week after initiation of IFN-alpha therapy, while all animals were sacrified on week 14 to be used for egg counts in liver and small intestine, oogram study for determination of the maturity of deposited eggs, and histopathological examination of stained liver sections. IFN-alpha treated groups were characterized by a more intense oviposition in the intestine [liver/intestine ratio less than 1], with higher egg numbers the earlier IFN-alpha was administered. Oograms of the intestine indicated the level of immature eggs to be statistically significantly higher in group II, III and IV than in the control group I [p < 0.05]. In IFN-alpha medicated mice, the mean numbers and diameters of hepatic granulomas were less than in GI, in addition to a lower representation of fibrocellular and fibrous granulomas among them [all parameters p < 0.05], especially in Gs IV and V. The inflammatory cell population in the form of eosinophils, histiocytes and giant cells was more pronounced in Gs III, IV and V. TGF-beta 1 serum levels showed a progressive rise, however more pronounced in the untreated control. A statistically positive significant was established between TGF-beta 1 levels and number, size and percentage of fibrotic hepatic granulomas in all groups

effects of Pulicaria crispa and citharexylum quadrangular Jacq extracts on some biochemical parameters in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

The endocrine, central and immune systems could be stimulated either by the host's endogenous composition for instance infection with Schistosoma mansoni parasites or by exogenous substances from various sources [chemicals, radiation temperature,...]. These stimulatory substances may be obtained from some natural plants. From this point of view, the aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of the methanolic extracts of Pulicaria crispa and Citharexylum quadrangular Jacq on certain female sex steroid hormones namely progesterone and 17beta- estradiol, on the humoral immune response [IgM], on acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity and on glucose concentration in female mice before and after infection with Schistosoma mansoni parasites. Mice were injected subcutaneously by P. crispa and C quadrangular extracts at doses of 0.33 micro g and 0.13 micro g per mouse respectively for 10 days. Each treated mouse was then infected with 80 cercariae of S. mansoni. Progesterone and 17 beta estradiol were determined in ovaries of mice by using radioimmunoassy method, IgM level was measured in serum of mice by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and acetylcholinesterase activity and glucose concentration were determined spectrophotometerically in brains of mice. Results showed that progesterone and estradiol were increased significantly by treatment with both extracts, but progesterone only decreased after infection, and they returned to nearly their normal levels by treatment following infection. IgM level was increased significantly in the two extracts-given mice as compared to normal control group. As well as IgM level was increased but not significantly in P. crispa and there was no change in C. quadrangular-treated mice followed by infection with S. mansoni as compared with S. mansoni infected mice. The results showed that the two plant extracts have no effect on acetyleholinesterase activity in brain but the enzyme activity decreased under the effect of infection, also glucose concentration was decreased after infection. In conclusion, our results suggest that the present two plants extracts can ameliorate the severe effects of schistosomiasis which is obvious for female sex steroid hormones only the methanolic extracts of P. crispa and C. quadrangular have an immunornodulatory and prophylactic effects by stimulating IgM response as measured against SWAP before and after infection with S. mansoni

Hearing loss workers testing gun shots

This study was carried out in a military factory on workers testing gun shots, to determine the hearting acuity of 92 workers exposed to that type of impact noise. A control groups of 50 subjects not occupationally exposed to noise were examined. The exposed and control groups were interviewed according to a previously prepared questionnaire and were subjected to otological examination. Pure tone audiometry was done to both groups. The resulting hearing loss of the exposed subjects was asymmetrical, with the great amount of hearing loss in the Lt ear [the ear opposite to the side of shooting]. Asymmetry or hearing loss was found to start at 2KHZ frequencies and increased with increasing duration of exposure

Computer program for periodic medical examination

Because of the different difficulties and defects facing the already present system of periodic medical examination, we proposed a modified set of principles for medical screening for occupational diseases listed in the Egyptian Schedule annex of the law No 79 for the year 1975. This proposal is presented in a computerized form using the C Language to facilitate the task of periodic medical examination. The program was tested in the Egyptian Iron and Steel Company

Effect of oral contraceptive pills on 2-hours post prandial blood glucose level

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of oral contraceptives pills [O.C.P.] on blood glucose as reflected by its effect on the 2-hours post prandial test. The study was carried out in the maternal and child health centers in Zagazig district. Two hundred apparently healthy females in the child bearing period were included in the study, among them 100 were current pill users and the other 100 were never users. The result of the study showed that although a higher risk of occurrence of diabetes [relative risk = 8] and a significantly higher blood glucose level was noticed among pill users, yet adjustment for other factors such as age, parity, family history of diabetes and body weight showed that O.C.P. are not the only factor responsible for carbohydrate metabolism alterations. However the duration of current use and the type of pills showed a significant effect in the 2-hours post prandial test, which highlights the need for the proper choice of type of pills and the proper adjustment of the duration of use

interrelationship between Zinc; Copper and Iron in Lead intoxicated subjects

Inhibition of Hb biosynthesis in lead intoxicated subjects appears as a result of disorder in the interaction of Cu, Zn and Fe ions on delta-Am-inolevulinic acid dehydratase. [ALA-D]. Elevation of free serum copper and decrease of serum iron and zinc are the main cause of ALAD inhibition. Thus, it is safe to suggest that administration of Zn orally leads to replacement of cu from catalytic sites of this enzyme which is known as a zinc dependent enzyme

Affinity of hemoglobin to oxygen of lead poisoned subjects

Changes in the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve and the factors which influence its position were studied in lead poisoned subjects as compared to normal controls. Hemgolobin showed a lower than normal affinity for 02, and this could be considered as a protection against tissue anoxia. It is of interest to notice that 2,3 DPG and plasma inorganic phosphate were elevated with lead poisoning increment

Correlation between environmental and biological levels of lead in printing industry

In the present study the concentration, of lead particles and fumes in the working environment of a printing industry were throughly investigated. The blood lead, urinary lead and ALA of 106 exposed workers and 20 non-exposed workers, as a control group, were measured. Results showed that workers in the departments where lead materials are handled are mainly exposed to lead fumes which represent >80%of total lead exposure moreover, it was found that exposed to >20 micro/g/m[3] [8 hrs] atmospheric lead in both forms of respirable particles and vapour can result in high blood level. ALA was found to be a reliable indicator of lead effect. The present investigation points out that the TLV of 0.20 mg/m[3] is a non-realistic level since the exposure to atmospheric lead in a range between 20-37 micro g/m3 results in a high blood lead and subsquently a higher level of ALA in urine. Consequently, it is suggested to lower the TLV for lead exposure especially where lead fumes exist. Conclusions and special recommendations were given