Intervalo de tempo decorrido entre o início dos sintomas e a realização do exame para COVID-19 nas capitais brasileiras, agosto de 2020* / Intervalo de tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y el examen de COVID-19 en las capitales brasileñas, agosto de 2020 / Time interval between onset of symptoms and COVID-19 testing in Brazilian state capitals, August 2020

Objetivo: Analisar as notificações de síndrome gripal segundo o intervalo de tempo decorrido entre início dos sintomas e realização do exame para COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal, utilizando registros de casos de síndrome gripal contendo resultados de testes diagnósticos da COVID-19 nas capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal, no sistema e-SUS Notifica, entre 1º/março/2020 e 18/agosto/2020. Comparou-se o intervalo de tempo entre início dos sintomas e realização do exame (teste ANOVA), classificando-o segundo a adequação/oportunidade do exame. Resultados: Entre 1.942.514 notificações, o tempo médio entre início dos sintomas e execução dos testes foi de 10,2 dias (±17,1). Entre testados, predominou o sexo feminino (55,1%), idade de 20-39 anos (43,8%) e região Sudeste (43,0%). O teste ELISA IgM foi realizado em tempo adequado para 58,8%; e o teste rápido-antígeno, em tempo inadequado para 68,0%. Conclusão: Observou-se inadequação entre início dos sintomas e realização dos testes para COVID-19 nas regiões brasileiras.

Objetivo: Analizar las notificaciones de síndrome gripal según el intervalo de tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y el examen de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal utilizando registros de casos de síndrome gripal que contienen resultados de pruebas diagnósticas de COVID-19 en las capitales brasileñas y el Distrito Federal del sistema e-SUS Notifica, entre 1/marzo/2020 y 18/agosto/2020. El intervalo de tiempo se comparó entre el inicio de los síntomas y la realización del examen mediante la prueba ANOVA, clasificándolo según la adecuación/ oportunidad del examen. Resultados: Entre 1.942.514 notificaciones, el tiempo promedio entre el inicio de los síntomas y la ejecución del examen fue de 10,2 días (±17,1). Entre los evaluados, predominaron las mujeres (55,1%), 20-39 años (43,8%) y la región Sudeste (43,0%). El ELISA IgM se realizó en momento adecuado para 58,8% y la prueba de Antígeno Rápido en momento inadecuado para 68,0%. Conclusión: Se constata inadecuación de tiempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y las pruebas para COVID-19 en las regiones brasileñas.

Objective: To analyze notifications of flu-like syndrome according to the time interval between onset of symptoms and testing for COVID-19. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using records of flu-like syndrome cases containing results of COVID-19 diagnostic tests in the Brazilian state capitals and Federal District, held on the e-SUS Notifica system, from March 1st, 2020 to August 18th, 2020. The time interval between symptom onset and testing was compared using the ANOVA test, classifying it according to test adequacy/timeliness. Results: Taking 1,942,514 notifications, average time between symptom onset and testing was 10.2 days (±17.1). Among those tested, females (55.1%), people aged 20-39 years (43.8%), and the Southeast region of Brazil (43.0%) predominated. 58.8% of IgM ELISA tests were performed at an adequate time while 68.0% of rapid antigen tests were not performed at an adequate time. Conclusion: Inadequacy was found between symptom onset and time taken to test for COVID-19 in the Brazilian regions.

Seroprevalence of Visna-Maedi Virus (VMV) and Border Disease Virus (BDV) in Van province and around / Seroprevalência de Visna-Maedi Virus (VMV) e Border Disease Virus (BDV) na Província de Van e Proximidades

The present study investigated the seroprevalance of Visna Maedi Virus (VMV) and Border Disease Virus (BDV) infections in sheeps in regions in and around Van province, Turkey. Sample materials were taken from 360 sheep sent to slaughterhouses around Van. All serum samples were examined using ELISA for antibodies for Visna Maedi (VMV) and Border Disease (BDV) viruses. Of these, 38 (10.5%) tested positive for Visna Maedi virus antibodies and 163 (45.2%) for Border Disease virus antibodies. Varying numbers of samples were positive for both virus antibodies across the towns of Ercis, Çaldiran, Erçek and Baskale in Van, Agri and Hakkari provinces. Both infections should be eliminated by informing veterinarians and animal owners, identifying and eliminating persistently infected animals from flocks, and conducting appropriate eradication measures. Economic support should be provided for this.(AU)

O presente estudo investigou a seroprevalência de infecções por Visna Maedi Virus (VMV) e Border Disease Virus (BDV) em ovelhas nas redondezas da província de Van, na Turquia. Amostras foram retiradas de 360 ovelhas enviadas a um matadouro próximo de Van. Todas as amostras foram examinadas usando ELISA para anticorpos de visna Maedi (VMW) e Border Disease (BDV). Destes, 38 (10.5%) foram positivos para anticorpos virais de Visna Maedi e 163 (45.2%) para anticorpos virais de Border Disease. Números variados de amostras foram positivos para ambos os anticorpos nos municípios de Ercis, Çaldiran, Erçek e Baskale, nas províncias Van, Agri e Hakkari. Ambas as infecções devem ser eliminadas informando veterinários e proprietários, identificando e eliminando animais persistentemente infectados de rebanhos, e conduzindo medidas apropriadas de erradicação. Suporte financeiro deve ser providenciado para tal.(AU)

Influência do ressecamento da superfície radicular, do tratamento com EDTA e ácido Hialurônico na viabilidade e expressão de citocinas inflamatórias de fibroblastos do ligamento periodontal / Influence of root surface dryness and treatment with EDTA and Hyaluronic acid on the viability and expression of inflammatory cytokines of periodontal ligament fibroblasts

O momento ideal para o reimplante de um dente avulsionado é imediatamente após a avulsão, no entanto, isso nem sempre é possível. Uma série de fatores influenciam na viabilidade das células do ligamento periodontal (PDL) contribuindo para acelerar ou minimizar a ocorrência da reabsorção radicular ou anquilose, consequências mais frequentes dos reimplantes. Um destes fatores é o período extra-oral e o tratamento da superfície radicular. O EDTA (ácido etilenodiamino tetracético) a 17% e o ácido hialurônico (AH) são utilizados para tratar a superfície radicular, visando menor ocorrência de reabsorção inflamatória e por substituição. Sendo assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram: a) avaliar a viabilidade de fibroblastos do ligamento periodontal (PDLF) em contato com discos radiculares submetidos ou não ao ressecamento de superfície por diferentes tempos e tratados com EDTA e/ou AH; b) quantificar as citocinas inflamatórias IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß e TNF-α expressas por PDLF; c) observar a adesão de PDLF na superfície do discos radiculares tratados. Foram obtidos 108 discos de dentina e cemento da superfície radicular de dentes bovinos, com 4,5 mm de diâmetro, que foram previamente submetidos a dissolução do ligamento periodontal em solução de hipoclorito de sódio 1% por 15 min. Em seguida os discos foram esterilizados em concentrações decrescentes de álcool (100%,90%,80% e 70%). Os espécimes foram submetidos ou não ao ressecamento radicular por 1h ou 24h e tratados com EDTA associado ou não ao ácido hialurônico, colocados em placas de 96 poços onde foram semeadas células de culturas primárias de PDLF, que ficaram em contato com os discos por 48 h. A viabilidade celular na superfície dos discos foi avaliada através do ensaio de XTT. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura foi utilizada para verificar a adesão de PDLF à superfície dos discos. A detecção e quantificação das citocinas foi realizada pelo teste ELISA. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística pelo teste ANOVA e Tukey (p < 0,05). A maior média foi apresentada no grupo sem ressecamento para o tratamento EDTA+AH (148,39), que diferiu significativamente dos grupos controle e EDTA. No grupo ressecamento 1 h EDTA+AH (144,91) foi diferente dos demais. Para ressecamento 24h, verificou-se que o grupo EDTA+AH diferiu do grupo controle. Não houve modificações na expressão das citocinas IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß e TNF-α quando foi acrescentado os tratamentos propostos. A IL-6 mostrou uma diminuição quando em contato com AH no periodo de 24h. Foi observada pelo MEV adesão de PDLF na superfície de todos os discos tratados e em todos os períodos analisados. Conclui-se que o ácido hialurônico é uma alternativa de tratamento para casos de dentes avulsionados já que mostrou seu papel promovendo adesão e aumento da viabilidade(AU)

The ideal time for reimplantation of an avulsed tooth is immediately after avulsion, however, this is not always possible. A number of factors influence the viability of the cells of the periodontal ligament (PDL) contributing to accelerate or minimize the occurrence of root resorption or ankylosis, more frequent consequences of reimplantation. One of these factors is the extra-oral period and root surface treatment. EDTA (17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are used to treat the root surface, aiming for a lower occurrence of inflammatory resorption and replacement. Thus, the objectives of this study were: a) to evaluate the viability of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) in contact with root disks submitted to surface dryness at different times and treated with EDTA and / or AH; b) quantify the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß and TNF-α expressed by PDLF; c) observe the adhesion of PDLF on the surface of the treated root discs. 108 dentin and cementum disks were obtained from the root surface of bovine teeth, 4.5 mm in diameter, which were previously submitted to dissolution of the periodontal ligament in 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 15 min. Then the disks were sterilized in decreasing concentrations of alcohol (100%, 90%, 80% and 70%). The specimens were submitted to root resection for 1 h or 24 h and treated with EDTA, whether or not associated with hyaluronic acid, placed in 96-well plates where cells from PDLF primary cultures were seeded and left in contact with the discs for 48 h. Cell viability at disc surfaces was assessed by the XTT assay. Scanning electron microscopy was used to verify the adhesion of PDLF to the disc surface. Detection and quantification of cytokines was performed by ELISA. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by the ANOVA and Tukey test (p <0.05). The highest mean was presented in the non-dry group for EDTA + AH treatment (148,39), which differed significantly from the control and EDTA groups. In the dryness group 1 h EDTA + AH (144.91) was different from the others. For dryness 24 h, it was found that the EDTA + AH group differed from the control group. There were no changes in the expression of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß and TNFα when the proposed treatments were added. IL-6 showed a decrease when in contact with HA in the 24-hour period. It was observed by the MEV adhesion of PDLF on the surface of all treated discs and in all periods analyzed. It is concluded that hyaluronic acid is an alternative treatment for cases of avulsed teeth since it showed its role promoting adhesion and increased viability(AU)

Role of cerebrospinal fluid il-8 as a marker for differentiation between acute bacterial and aseptic meningitis

No doubt, the distinguishing between bacterial and aseptic meningitis in the emergency department could help to limit unnecessary antibiotic use and hospital admissions. This study evaluated the role of cerebrospinal fluid IL-8 in differentiating acute bacterial meningitis [ABM] from aseptic meningitis [AM]. A total of 80 hospitalized patients with clinical presentations of suspected acute meningitis were subjected to estimation of IL-8 CSF concentrations. The results showed that CSF IL-8 levels were higher in acute bacterial meningitis than in aseptic ones [p <0.05]. The best cut-off value of CSF IL8 for early diagnosis of bacterial meningitis was 3.6ng/ml with a sensitivity of 82.5% and a specificity of 85.0%

Evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic test for detection of Brucella abortus antibodies in Egyptian cattle sera and milk

Rapid diagnostic tests are needed to facilitate diagnosis and control of brucellosis. Sero-epidemiology of brucellosis is currently done by employing the Rose Bengal test [RBT]. Also the world organization for animal health [OIE] has approved an indirect ELISA for testing serum and milk. The Immuno-Chromatographic brucellosis test [ICT] is a rapid, card-based immunochromatographic test for detection of antibodies directed against B. abortus antigens. To the best of our knowledge, ICT has not been used for the diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle yet. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of the ICT brucellosis test for the diagnosis of B. abortus in cattle sera versus RBT and ELISA as a gold standard, Also evaluation of ICT brucellosis test efficacy for detection of antibodies against B. Abortus in milk samples. 94, 90.36 and 84.3% of sera samples were positive by RBT, ICT and ELISA respectively. The ICT had 94.44% sensitivity and 100% specificity versus RBT and ELISA as a gold standard. The kappa value between ICT and ELISA was 0.76. Also ICT detected antibodies against B. abortus in serum and milk samples of 7 cows while a recently calved cow showed antibodies in the milk sample only. In conclusion, ICT provides a handy and accurate tool for the rapid detection of antibodies to B. abortus in cattle sera and milk

Epstein-barr virus in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. Many diseases are associated with Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] infection, such as infectious mononucleosis and many types of malignancies, and it is thought to be related to some diseases of autoimmune origin, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, and others. The present study aimed to assess EBV in patients with MS. This case-control study was conducted from October 2012 to September 2013 on 75 MS patients and non-MS controls. Both were tested quantitatively for immunoglobulin G [IgG] antibodies against Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 [EBNA1] and viral capsid antigen [VCA] using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Seventy MS patients [93.3%] were positive for EBNA1 IgG compared with 68 controls [90.7%]. In MS patients, the mean EBNA1 IgG serum level was 310.91 [ +/- 131.05] U/ml; meanwhile, among controls the mean serum EBNA IgG level was 177.81 [ +/- 104.98] U/ml. All patients with MS were positive for VCA IgG, whereas only 60 [80.0%] controls were positive. In the MS group, the VCA IgG mean level was 302.19 [ +/- 152.11] U/ml compared with 167.94 [ +/- 111.79] U/ml in controls. The differences in the serum levels of both markers between the two groups were statistically significant [P<0.001]. EBV proved to have a unique immunological pattern in MS patients when compared with non-MS controls. Further studies for more confirmation of the relation between EBV and MS on a large scale are recommended

Histological study of hysteroscopy guided endometrial biopsy from secondary infertile patients after removal of a copper intrauterine contraceptive device

The intrauterine device [IUD] is a long-acting reversible method of contraception. Copper T380 IUD is a copper-wrapped T-shaped IUD containing no hormones. Although the IUD has been a contraceptive method for about 50 years, the possibility of causing subsequent secondary infertility remains controversial. This work was conducted to study the endometrial structure in patients suffering from secondary infertility after copper IUD removal. Thirty secondary infertile patients aged between 20 and 35 years were classified into two groups: the control group [10 patients], with no past history of IUD insertion, and the IUD group [20 patients], with a history of copper IUD insertion for 6 months to 3 years [subgroup B1] or for more than 3 years [subgroup B2]. Preovulatory hysteroscopy-guided endometrial biopsies were obtained and processed for light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Specimens from subgroup B1 showed focal loss of surface epithelium, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and small dark nuclei in surface epithelial cells. The stroma showed extravasated red blood cells, wide empty spaces, and cellular infiltration. In addition, the uterine glands of subgroup B2 appeared irregular and dilated with accumulated secretion and cellular debris as well as epithelial stratification. Ultrastructurally, focal loss, distortion and swelling of microvilli, indented nuclei, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria, and secondary lysosomes were observed in the surface epithelial cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed focal loss of microvilli, irregular surface, and mushroom-like protrusions in subgroup B1. These changes were more prominent in subgroup B2 with the appearance of fissures and corrugation of the surface. Copper IUD could induce different degrees of structural changes in the endometrium, which were directly proportional to the duration of IUD insertion. These changes could explain the secondary infertility that may occur in some cases after IUD removal

oxidative stress and platelet activation in patients infected with T. gondii

Toxoplasma gondiiis a highly frequent obligate intracellular protozoan parasite; it can cause serious problems to the public health especially pregnant females, however, the pathogenesis of this condition is not clear. Was to evaluate the status and the inter-relationship of the oxidative stress and platelet activation in patients infected with T.gondii. Thirty patients infected with T.gondii [10 acute and 20 chronic cases] and 10 healthy subjects [control group] were included in this study. Serum levels of malondialdehyde [MDA], total glutathione [t GSH], reduced glutathione [GSH], oxidized glutathione [GSSG], redox potential [RP] and soluble P-selectin [sP-selectin] were measured. EDITA blood samples were used for complete blood picture with special emphasis on platelet count and mean platelet volume [MPV]. The mean platelet volume [MPV] in patients was significantly higher than the control group, however, platelet count showed no significant difference. The serum mean values of MDA, GSSG, RP and sP-selectin in patients were significantly higher than the control subjects. On the other hand, the levels of IGSH and GSHin patients were significantly lower than in controls. MPV and platelet count showed significant positive correlations with sP-selectin concentration. Although toxoplasmosis is mostly asymptomatic, the findings of the present study strongly indicate that the occurrence of oxidative stress could be a potential mechanism of subclinical inflammatory pathology and tissue damage in these cases

Study the relationship of erythropoietin and chronic obstructive pulomonary disease

It has long been known that COPD causes polycythemia secondary to erythrocytosis caused by hypoxia present in advanced cases of COPD. However, it was shown in several studies that some COPD patients had anemia rather than erythrocytosis. Revealing the changes which occur in erythropoiesis in response to COPD was the aim of the current study. 41 COPD patients of different groups according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and ten healthy control subjects age and sex matched were enrolled in the study. For all, history taking and full Clinical exam were performed, also ABGs, PFT [spirometry], routine labs [CBC, liver and renal function] and determination of EPO should be performed on human serum by ELISA. Showed that the erythropoietin level was 15.24 +/- 2.6 in stage 1, 22.61 +/- 5.68 in stage 2, 33.59 +/- 4, in stage 3, then 17.9 +/- 3.3 in stage 4. Also the total percentage of anemia in COPD patients was 46.3% [19/41], in comparison to 51.3% [21/41] non anemic and 2.4% [1/41] polycythemic. And that the percentage of anemia was 27.3% in stage 1, followed by 38.0% in stage 2, 100% in stage 3 then dropped to 58.33% in stage 4 with emergence of polycythemia in 8.33% of cases. Although COPD was thought to cause polycythemia, the current study showed that almost half of patients have anemia, and polycythemia occurred only in the advanced stages. It also appeared that response to erythropoietin in COPD is probably blunted especially with increased severity of the condition. This might be considered as a contributing factor in the development of anemia in COPD which is considered as anemia of chronic disease

Brain-stem auditory evoked responses in COPD patients

COPD is a multi-system disorder. It appears to be associated with the presence of systemic inflammatory markers as C reactive protein. The present study aimed to evaluate the brain-stem auditory evoked potentials [BAEP] abnormalities in stable COPD patient and its correlation with high sensitivity C reactive protein [hs-CRP] as a part of multi-system disorder. This case control study was carried out at Mansoura University Hospital Egypt from October 2009 to February 2010. The study comprised 40 stable COPD patients and 15 healthy controls with no risk that may lead to neuropathy. All the patients and controls were subjected to the following: I-Thorough history taking and clinical examination. II-Pulmonary function tests including: 1-Spirometry 2-Body plethsymography 3-Arterial blood gases analysis. III- Record of brain-stem auditory evoked potentials [BAEP] including: latencies of waves I, II, III, IV and V together with interpeak latencies [IPLs] of I-III, I-V and III-V and amplitudes of waves I-Ia and V-Va. IV - Measurement of serum high sensitivity C reactive protein [hs-CRP] by ELISA technique. V - Statistical analysis. The level of hs-CRP reactive protein in COPD was significantly elevated and correlated with spirometric, blood gases parameters and GOLD stage. The BAEP latencies of waves I, II, III, IV and V, together with interpeak latencies and amplitudes of waves I-Ia and V-Va measured on both ears were significantly different in COPD patients than controls. The prevalence of brain-stem auditory evoked potentials abnormalities was higher among very severe group of COPD. Most of BAEP wave latencies together with interpeak latencies and wave amplitudes on both ears were significantly correlated with the spirometric and blood gases parameters. The level of hs-CRP was correlated significantly with abnormalities of BAEP variables. This study showed significant subclinical BAEP abnormalities in studied stable COPD male patients. This indicates conductive defect of auditory nerve, cochlea and even hearing pathway in the brain as a part of systemic inflammation. Theses BAEP abnormalities were significantly correlated with GOLD classification, hs-CRP and PaO[2]

Role of quantiferon TB gold assays in monitoring the efficacy of antituberculosis therapy

The impact of antituberculous treatment on [IFN]-gamma response to mycobacterial tuberculosis antigens have been widely investigated but the results have been controversial. To evaluate the role of Quantiferon TB gold assays as one of the interferon-gamma release assays [IGRAs] for monitoring the efficacy of antituberculosis therapy in patients with active disease. Thirty patients with active pulmonary TB were enrolled in this cross-sectional study where they were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, chest X-ray, direct smear examination of sputum samples for AFB using Ziehl-Neelson stain performed on three visits; up on enrollment, 2 and 6 months later. Lowenstein Jensen medium cultures of sputum samples were done for isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosison first visit. All patients in the study group were subjected to QuantiFERON-TB Gold estimation on the three visits. The mean sensitivity and specificity of QFT-G test was 85.9% and 62.6% respectively. Using [2] analysis, there was a statistically significant association between QFT-G results and culture results upon enrollment and Acid fast bacilli positivity on second and third visits. Studying the changes in QFT-G results throughout the whole study period revealed a statistically significant decrease in number of QFT-G positive cases from 24/29 patients [82.8%] at first visit to 4/25 patients [16%] at the third visit. All 21/25 patients [84%] who became QFT-G negative at the end of the study had a complete clinical and microbiological recovery of the TB disease. The analysis of QFT-G assay results showed that in the majority of our TB patients there was a correlation between clinical treatment outcome and changes of IFN-gamma response to M. tuberculosis-specific antigens

Prevalence of chlamydophila pneumoniae in patients with pneumonia in the Main University Hospital in Alexandria

Pneumonia is a common illness in all parts of the world. It is a major cause of death among all age groups and is the leading cause of death in children in low income countries. This prospective study was done at Department of chest diseases and microbiology from January 2011 to July 2011. A total of 60 patients, with pneumonia were included in the study. The present study was conducted on 60 patients with pneumonia who have been admitted to the Chest Department in the Main University Hospital in Alexandria [55 patients] and El Maamoura Chest Hospital [5 patients] in the period from January 2011 to April 2011. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups: group I includes 30 patients with CAP and group II includes 30 patients with HAP; 16 patients with COPD, 7 patients with bronchial asthma, 4 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and 3 patients with ILF. We can conclude that, Chlamydophila pneumoniae cannot be ignored as a cause of pneumonia. ELISA is an excellent screening test because of its high sensitivity for detection of C. pneumoniae while PCR is more accurate because of its high sensitivity and high specificity in diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infection.DM is a risk factor for C. pneumoniae infection

Study of endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation in sleep apnea, obesity and aged humans

Obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] has been associated with cardiovascular complications. The overnight repetitive hypoxia represents a form of oxidative stress in the vasculature which may activate the oxidant-sensitive, proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kjB [NF-kjB], affecting endothelial function and atherosclerosis. We investigated whether the endothelial alterations attributed to OSA rather than to other confounding factors. Also, the production of inflammatory cytokine nuclear factor-kappa beta [NFKbeta] was investigated as the molecular mechanism involved in vascular endothelial dysfunction with OSA. Sixty subjects underwent attended nocturnal polysomnography were grouped by apnea hypopnea index: control [AHI<5/h] and OSA cases [AHI>5/h] the cases were further classified according to age and BMI into subgroup IIA: OSA, non-obese, middle age [35-52 y], subgroup IIB: OSA, non-obese, older age group [55-68 y], subgroup IIIA: OSA, obese, middle age group [35-52 y] and subgroup IIIB: OSA, obese, older age group [55-68 y]. A morning venous blood sample was obtained. Neutrophils were isolated, and NF-kjB activity was determined. Plasma sVCAM-1 was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow-mediated dilation [FMD] was performed. NF-jB activation and plasma level of sVCAM-1 were significantly increased in OSA patients as compared to the control group and there was no significant difference between the obese and non-obese cases also no significant difference between the middle and old age cases. The degree of NF-kjB activation was positively correlated with indices of apnea severity[r = 0.938; p< 0.001]. FMD was significantly decreased in OSA patients as compared to the control group. These findings suggested that OSA is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity also that OSA leads to NF-kjB activation, which may constitute an important pathway linking OSA with systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease

Adiponectin single nucleotide polymorphism [+276G/T] and its possible relation to adiponectin level in Egyptian patients with coronary artery disease

Increasing interest has been directed toward the role of the adiponectin gene polymorphism in the human genome and its implication in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. The present study was investigating the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism +276 G/T of the adiponectin gene with serum adiponectin level in patients with coronary artery disease [CAD]. In this study 100 healthy controls and 100 Egyptian patients with coronary artery disease of both genders presented to the Cardiology Department of Suez Canal University Hospital were investigated. All subjects were genotyped for +276 G/T polymorphism of adiponectin gene. Lipid profile, fasting blood glucose were measured. Adiponectin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were determined by ELISA technique. Polymerase chain reaction based on restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] was used to determine the genotypes of the studied population. The lowest serum adiponectin value was observed in patients with CAD compared with control group. The T allele of SNP +276 G/T in the adiponectin gene was found to be associated with CAD [odd ratio 2.23; 95% CI: 1.44-3.45; P= 0.001]. The significant association of the T allele [GT+TT] of this SNP with loweradiponectin level and higher hsCRP levels was confirmed in the study [p= 0.003 and 0.006 respectively]. Our results concluded that, +276 G/T SNP in the adiponectin gene is associated with CAD. Furthermore, carriers of the at-risk T allele had lower serum adiponectin level and higher serum hsCRP, causing in turn an increased risk to develop CAD

Emerging role of CXCL8 in squamous cell lung carcinoma

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in industrialized countries. CXCL8 is a cytokine that has been shown to exert effects relevant to cancer growth and progression. There are few reports on the clinical roles of CXCL8 in lung cancer progression. The aim of our study was to evaluate the serum levels of CXCL8 and the tissue expression of Bcl-2 and p53 in squamous cell lung cancer patients in order to explore the possible diagnostic role of CXCL8 in squamous cell lung cancer and to clarify the relationship of these markers to each other and with classical clinicopathological factors. Serum and tissue samples were obtained from 50 patients who underwent fibreoptic bronchoscopy for squamous cell lung carcinoma. The tissue expression of both Bcl-2 and p53 proteins in the malignant and control groups were evaluated by ELISA and Western blot. Serum levels of CXCL8 were measured by ELISA. They showed significant increase in the malignant group versus the control group. Regarding the different clinicopathological factors, serum CXCL8 showed significant increase with the histological grades and stages. While no statistical difference was found in the median levels of Bcl-2, p53 as regards the different stages and only p53 showed statistical difference as regards the different histological grades. Concerning the levels of the three investigated biomarkers to each other, p53 and CXCL8 were the only biomarkers that demonstrated a significant correlation. CXCL8 also showed higher sensitivity and specificity in comparison to the other parameters

Clinical varieties of toxocariasis canis in children's hospital, mansoura university: is it an underestimated problem?

Human toxocariasis is a worldwide parasitic disease. Children are more frequently infected because of the closer contact with contaminated soil and relatively frequent geophagia. Toxocariasis in children has variable modes of presentation but clinical diagnosis is difficult. Various clinical phenotypes of toxocariasis in symptomatic children attending Children's Hospital Mansoura University were studied. A total of 480 children were included in the study with mean age 7.24 +/- 4.22 years, 61.9% were boys and 200 age-sex-matched healthy controls. Patients were examined clinically, and the anti-Toxocara antibodies in the blood of children were performed by ELISA using T. canis larval excretory-secretory products as antigen. Eosinophils level in peripheral blood was measured. Sero-positive cases were 12% of patients and only 3.5% of controls. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between infection and male sex [P <0.001]. Sero-positive children were older than the sero-negative [P <0.001]. Eosinophilia was detected in 86.2% of seropositive children. Sero-positivity and degree of eosinophilia were more frequently detected among patients with allergy [bronchial asthma and urticaria]. Degree of eosinophilia was found to be positively correlated to the optical density [OD] ELISA of anti-Toxocam IgG

Egyptian mother-to-fetus transmission of parvovirus B-19 in the first trimester abortions

Parvovirus B-19 infection is a common mild illness in adulthood and usually subclinical in childhood. Serious illness can be caused by this virus in certain circumstances. When a pregnant female contracts parvovirus B-19 complications may affect the fetus and/or the newly born. A study of 240 parturient mothers was carried out to assess the possible role of this virus in abortion. Detection of virus-DNA in fetal tissues by PCR confirmed mother-fetus transmission

Blood meal identification in field-captured sand flies: comparison of PCR-RFLP and ELISA assays

We aimed to develop a PCR-RFLP assay based on available sequences of putative vertebrate hosts to identify blood meals ingested by field female sand fly in the northwest of Iran. In addition, the utility of PCR-RFLP was compared with ELISA as a standard method. This experimental study was performed in the Insect Molecular Biology Laboratory of School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2006-2007. For PCR-RFLP a set of conserved vertebrate primers were used to amplify a part of the host mitochondrial cytochrome b [cyt b] gene followed by digestion of the PCR products by Hae III enzyme. The PCR-RFLP and ELISA assays revealed that 34% and 27% of field-collected sand flies had fed on humans, respectively. Additionally, PCR-RFLP assays could reveal specific host DNA as well as the components of mixed blood meals. Results of PCR-RFLP assay showed that the sand flies had fed on cow [54%], human [10%], dog [4%], human and cow [21%], dog and cow [14%], and human and dog [3%]. The results can provide a novel method for rapid diagnosis of blood meal taken by sandflies. The advantages and limitations of PCR and ELISA assays are discussed

Unconfirmed reactive screening tests and their impact on donor management

To determine the percentage of false positive testing for transfusion transmitted infections [TTIs] using immunochromatographic test [ICT] as first line of screening tests and its effect on loss of volunteer blood donors. Over a period of three months, samples from blood bags of donors undergoing phlebotomy at teaching hospital blood banks in Lahore were screened for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], hepatitis B [HBV] and hepatitis C [HCV] by immunochromatographic tests. Those found positive on initial screening were re-tested by ELISA method at the screening laboratory of the Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Service, Punjab. Lahore. Out of a total of 62090 voluntary blood donors, 469 donors were found to be initially reactive for either HIV, HBV or HCV. Amongst these 96 [0.15%] blood donors were found to have tested falsely positive for HIV, HBV or HCV as compared to testing by ELISA. False positive testing rate of 0.15% or 96 out of a total of 62090 donors is rather small in terms of loss of voluntary donors and appropriate utilization of available resources. Although immunochromatographic testing is not the gold standard, however it serves an important purpose of initial donor screening