Allele mining in prolactin receptor gene and its association with some economic traits in Egyptian goat breeds.

The objectives of the current study were to identify polymorphism in the prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene among three Egyptian goat breeds (Zaraibi, Damascus, and Barki) and to investigate the association between PRLR genotype, parity, season of kidding, and litter size factors with milk yield and reproductive traits of Zaraibi goats. One hundred and ninety blood samples were collected for DNA extraction, with 110 from Zaraibi, 40 from Barki, and 40 from Damascus breeds. Three genotypes, CC, CT and TT, for the prolactin receptor gene were identified in the 190 DNA samples using restriction fragment length polymorphism and were confirmed by direct sequencing technique. Milk yield during suckling and lactation periods in addition to age at first conception, gestation length, and litter size were determined in 110 Zaraibi goats. The Zaraibi goats recorded the highest heterozygosity (0.495) and the effective number of alleles (1.972). The g.62130C > T SNP showed a significant association (p < 0.01) with suckling, lactation, and total milk yield of Zaraibi goats with the highest values recorded at the third parity. Age at the first conception and gestation length traits were significantly influenced by the kidding season (p < 0.05) with younger age in autumn and shorter length in spring seasons. Milk yield during the suckling period was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the case of triplets' litter size. The current study showed that litter size and parity played an important role in the amount of Zaraibi goats' milk yield. The g.62130C > T SNP of the PRLR gene may be a useful marker for assisted selection programs to improve goat milk yield during suckling and lactation periods with the heterozygous genotype CT recording the highest values.

Biochemical and genotyping analyses of camels (Camelus dromedaries) trypanosomiasis in North Africa.

Camels are considered an important food source in North Africa. Trypanosomiasis in camels is a life-threatening disease that causes severe economic losses in milk and meat production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the trypanosome genotypes in the North African region. Trypanosome infection rates were determined by microscopic examination of blood smears and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxides (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined in erythrocyte lysate. Furthermore, 18S amplicon sequencing was used to barcode and characterizes the genetic diversity of trypanosome genotypes in camel blood. In addition to Trypanosoma, Babesia and Thelieria were also detected in the blood samples. PCR showed that the trypanosome infection rate was higher in Algerian samples (25.7%) than in Egyptian samples (7.2%). Parameters such as MDA, GSH, SOD and CAT had significantly increased in camels infected with trypanosomes compared to uninfected control animals, while TAC level was not significantly changed. The results of relative amplicon abundance showed that the range of trypanosome infection was higher in Egypt than in Algeria. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis showed that the Trypanosoma sequences of Egyptian and Algerian camels are related to Trypanosoma evansi. Unexpectedly, diversity within T. evansi was higher in Egyptian camels than in Algerian camels. We present here the first molecular report providing a picture of trypanosomiasis in camels, covering wide geographical areas in Egypt and Algeria.

Effect of ultrasound-enhanced bee venom on selected post inguinal hernioplasty complications: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Bee venom (BV) phonophoresis has been recommended as a non-invasive treatment for a variety of inflammatory conditions and for reducing post-operative pain. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of bee venom phonophoresis around incisions and on selected acupuncture points for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and mobility of the hip following inguinal hernioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six male patients who had acute pain and decreased mobility of the hip after having an indirect unilateral inguinal hernioplasty with a mesh participated in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups of 33. The bee venom phonophoresis group (Group A) received low-intensity pulsed ultrasound using BV gel, and the control group (Group B) received low-intensity pulsed ultrasound using only plain gel without BV gel. Both groups received the same regular medical care and 5 minutes of therapy each, three times a week, for three weeks postoperative. The visual analogue scale (VAS), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and hip ROM measurements were used to assess the acute pain, inflammation, and ROM pre-application (pre-treatment) and post-3 weeks of treatment (post-treatment) for both groups. RESULTS: The findings have exhibited an extremely significant difference in VAS, CRP, and hip ROM measurements in the BV phonophoresis group compared to that of the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BV delivered by phonophoresis around incisions and on selected acupuncture points has a beneficial effect in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and mobility of the hip following inguinal hernioplasty with mesh.

Genetic similarity and diversity among three camel populations reared in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Molecular genetics has been extremely useful in determining the relation between animal populations and documenting the degrees of genetic variation found within them. The present study was undertaken to evaluate genetic diversity and the relationships between the three camel populations reared in Egypt: Maghrabi, Sudani, and Baladi using mitochondrial 16S sequences and other breeds of camels in the world. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from camels belonging to these three populations. Genomic DNA was extracted from the collected blood samples and subjected to PCR using specific primers for mitochondrial 16S region. The amplified products were purified using DNA purification kit to remove residual primers and dNTPs. Sequencing was performed in the Macrogen Incorporation. The amplified products were submitted to GenBank/NCBI under accession numbers OM 278349 and OM 278350 RESULTS: Sequencing was done on the partial mitochondrial 16S amplified fragments at 530 bp. This amplified area had two haplotypes. There was one substitution (G/A) at nucleotide 309 of the amplified segment. The nucleotide (π) and Hd stand for haplotype diversity, respectively, at 0.00008 and 0.042, and the average number of pairwise nucleotide differences, k, is 0.042, according to Fu's Fs statistic and Tajima's D, which is -1.10686. Genetic distance percentages between the three populations under study range from 0.000 to 0.0312. A phylogenetic analysis of Egyptian camel populations and other Camelus dromedarius populations revealed a strong relationship between them. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the 16S rRNA sequencing in mitochondria plays a critical role in genetic variation studies and analysis of phylogeny between camel populations and breeds.

Polymorphism of lactoferrin gene in Egyptian goats and its association with milk composition traits in Zaraibi breed.

The objectives of this study were to identify polymorphisms in the lactoferrin gene among three Egyptian goat breeds (Barki, Zaraibi, and Damascus) and to investigate the effect of LF genotype, parity, and lactation stage on milk composition traits of Zaraibi goats. One hundred and thirty-two blood samples were collected for DNA extraction, with 53 from Zaraibi, 40 from Damascus, and 39 from Barki breeds. Fat, protein, total solids, solids-not-fat, and lactose percentages were determined in Zaraibi goat milk using an automatic milk analyzer. Two genotypes, GG and GA, in the lactoferrin gene were identified using single-strand conformation polymorphism and were confirmed by direct sequencing technique. The Zaraibi breed recorded the highest heterozygosity (0.272) and effective number of alleles (1.369), while the Damascus breed recorded the lowest values. The G/A SNP showed a significant association with protein, solids-not-fat, and total solid content of Zaraibi goat milk. Protein, solids-not-fat, and total solid content in our study were significantly higher at early and late parities. Lactose percentage decreased significantly from early to late parity. Fat, protein, solids-not-fat, and total solid content were significantly higher at early and late stages of lactation, and our results encourage the utilization of Zaraibi goat milk in cheese and butter processing at these stages. Moreover, the G/A SNP of the LF gene may be a useful marker for assisted selection programs to improve goat milk composition.

Five BoLA-DRB3 genotypes detected in Egyptian buffalo infected with Foot and Mouth disease virus serotype O.

Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious disease leads to economically loss in livestock production all over the world. This serious disease is caused due to the infection of the animal with a single-stranded RNA virus (FMDV). This study aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphism of BoLA-DRB3 gene in Egyptian buffalo as a candidate genetic marker included in multi-factorial process of FMD resistance/susceptibility. Also this work aimed to genetically characterization and serotyping of circulating FMD virus in Egypt during 2016. For serotyping of FMDV, RT-PCR was used for FMDV-positive samples and the results declared the presence of serotype O in all tested animals. The sequence analysis of FMDV samples revealed five different patterns for the detected serotype O which were submitted to GenBank under the accession Nos.: MG017361-MG017365. The 302-bp amplified fragments from BoLA-DRB3 exon 2 were digested with HaeIII endonuclease and the results showed that the presence of five BoLA-DRB3 genotypes, among them the genotype AA might be associated with FMD-resistance (P < 0.01). On the other hand, genotype AC could be correlated with susceptibility (P < 0.01) to FMD in Egyptian buffaloes where it was absent in resistant group. The five detected genotypes of BoLA-DRB3 exon 2 were submitted to GenBank with the accession Nos.: MF977316-MF977320. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the detection of different BoLA-DRB3 genotypes may be has a promising role for raising the resistance of Egyptian buffalo against FMDV especially serotype O which is prevalent in Egypt with preferring genotype AA.

PCR-RFLP of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15/FecX) gene as a candidate for prolificacy in sheep.

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15/FecX) gene is considered one of the major genes and a candidate marker for the reproduction in farm animals, especially sheep. The present study aimed to detect the genetic polymorphisms of BMP15 gene in sheep using PCR-RFLP technique. In the present study, 115 ewes were assigned into high and low prolificacy categories according to their reproductive history. In high prolific group (n = 20), ewes produced twins more than single births. In the low prolific type (n = 95), the ewes produced single births more than twins. DNA was extracted from blood samples of all ewes, subjected to PCR-RFLP analysis and confirmed by sequence analysis. The PCR products of 356 bp size were cut with HinƒI restriction enzyme. Three digested fragments of 70, 117 and 169 bp were obtained in both types of sheep. All animals were homozygous with CC genotype. In conclusion, the accessible findings did not detect any mutation in FecX gene in sheep, regardless their prolificacy. Therefore, further attempts are necessary to detect other SNP for BMP-15 gene in Egyptian sheep breeds.

Adding sildenafil vaginal gel to clomiphene citrate in infertile women with prior clomiphene citrate failure due to thin endometrium: a prospective self-controlled clinical trial.

We aimed to investigate the effect of adding sildenafil vaginal gel to clomiphene citrate (CC) in infertile women with prior CC failure. METHODS: This is a self- controlled clinical trial. Women with CC failure (in prior 5 cycles) and thin endometrium were recruited (N = 42). In their 6th (CC only) cycle, women continued on CC 100 mg/ day for 5 days, and had measurement of endometrial thickness and Doppler assessment of uterine arteries on day of HCG administration. In the 7th cycle, women (N = 36) were given usual dose of CC supplemented with sildenafil vaginal gel (5 gm, containing 50 mg sildenafil) twice daily from cycle day 8 to day of HCG administration. Endometrial thickness and uterine artery Doppler were measured on the day of HCG injection. RESULTS: In the 7th (CC + sildenafil vaginal gel) cycle, endometrial thickness was significantly higher than in the 6th (CC only) cycle (9.3 mm +/- 3.1mm versus 6.6 mm +/- 1.4 mm, respectively, P = < 0.001). Uterine artery pulsatility index dropped from 2.4 +/- 0.8 in 6th cycle to 1.6 +/- 1.3 in 7th cycle (P = 0.002). Clinical pregnancy rate increased but numbers were too small (only 3 pregnancies). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil vaginal gel significantly increased endometrial thickness and uterine blood flow, and may improve pregnancy rate in patients with CC failure due to thin endometrium. Mucoadhesive vaginal gel formulation allowed shorter duration of sildenafil application, and less frequent daily dosing.

Cytochrome b conservation between six camel breeds reared in Egypt.

This study was aimed to assess cytochrome b conservation in six breeds of camels reared in Egypt and to compare its sequence with those of other livestock species. The 208-bp fragments from camel mtDNA cyto b were amplified using PCR for 54 camels belonging to 6 camel breeds reared in Egypt. The alignment of camel cyto b sequences showed the presence of two polymorphic sites resulting in four haplotypes and their nucleotide sequences were submitted to GenBank under the accession numbers: KX909894-KX909897. The genetic distances between tested camel breeds were zero between Baladi, Fallahi and Maghrabi breeds whereas they were at low value between the other three breeds: Mowaled, Sodany and Somali. Neighbor-joining showed 4 branches; one of them include most of the tested animals and another one contains 2 Somali animals which is considered a specific haplotype for this breed. The other two branches are mixed between Sodani and Mowaled breeds. Neighbor-joining tree was constructed between cyto b sequences of our tested camels and their sequences from livestock species include Camelus dromedaries, Camelus bactrianus, Ovis aries, Capra hircus, Bubalus bubalis, Bos Taurus and Sus scrofa. The result confirmed that our camel breeds belong to Camelus dromedaries and are clearly separated from other species. It is concluded that cyto b sequence is highly conserved among all camel breeds reared in Egypt which belong to Camelus dromedaries in addition to the advantage of cyto b in differentiation between different livestock sources which enables it to widely use for the adulteration detection in mixed meat.

Mitochondrial DNA genetic variations among four horse populations in Egypt.

Horses are one of the early domesticated animals in the world that changed societies and civilizations on a continent-wide scale. Due to the rare information about the genetic characterization of different horse populations in Egypt, this study aimed to identify the genetic biodiversity and relationships between four horse populations reared in Egypt. Genomic DNA was extracted and mtDNA region was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The alignment of 384-bp amplified fragments showed the presence of 41 polymorphic sites resulting in 29 haplotypes which their sequences were submitted to GenBank under the accession numbers: KX909898-KX909926. The phylogeny tree for tested horses declared the presence of mixing maternal lineages between the four tested populations but still there are some separated lineages especially for Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. The sequences of 72 tested sequences were aligned with 13 published sequences as references, 11 of them for different Equus caballus whereas the other two reference sequences for Equus burchellii and Equus asinus. The results showed that all tested horses from the four populations are grouped with reference sequences of Equus caballus and separated from the other two reference sequences of Equus burchellii and Equus asinus. It is concluded that sequence analysis of mtDNA control region is still the most informative tool for the identification of genetic biodiversity and phylogeny of different horse breeds and populations. The horse populations reared in Egypt possess low genetic diversity and all of them are belonged to Equus caballus breed.

Genetic characterization of Egyptian and Italian sheep breeds using mitochondrial DNA.

A 721-bp fragment from 15,541 to 16,261 bp (NC_001941.1) of the mtDNA control region from different Egyptian and Italian sheep breeds was amplified. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. From the amplified fragment of 721-bp, a region of 423 bp after excluding a central region rich in tandem repeats was analyzed. Within all tested breeds, the haplotype diversity and average number of pairwise differences were 0.97571 and 7.01484, respectively. The genetic distances (D) and the average number of pairwise differences (Dxy) between breeds were estimated. The lowest distance was observed between Laticauda and Italian Muflon followed by distance between Sarda and Italian Muflon while the highest distance was observed between Barki and Sarda followed by distance between Barki and Laticauda. Phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of three haplogroups - HapA, HapB and HapC - in the examined samples with the absence of other two haplogroups HapD and HapE. All Italian samples cluster with B haplogroup and also in the Egyptian breeds the most dominant haplogroup was B (62 out of 67 analyzed samples). In Egyptian Barki breed one individual clusters with A haplogroup and another individual with C haplogroup. In Ossimi breed two individuals cluster with C haplogroup and in Rahmani there is one sample belonging to A haplogroup. The matrix of pairwise differences among breeds was used to perform a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This analysis showed that the Italian breeds are clearly separated from the Egyptian breeds; moreover the Egyptian Barki breed is separated from Ossimi and Rahmani.

Effect of pregnancy-lactation overlap on the current pregnancy outcome in women with substandard nutrition: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy during lactation is common in Egypt and is often unplanned. Overlap between pregnancy and lactation could be associated with an increased risk for the pregnant mother, her fetus as well as her nursing child. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current study aims to compare the maternal and perinatal outcome of pregnancies occurred during lactation with those occurred after weaning in women with substandard nutrition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective-cohort study was carried out in six Maternal and Child Health Centers in Assiut-Egypt. Estimated sample size was 540 women divided equally into two groups; the first included women who got pregnant during breastfeeding (PDBF), while the second included women who got pregnant after weaning (PAW). Tools were consisted of structured interview questionnaire including personal history, obstetrical data, breastfeeding, family planning histories and dietary intake during pregnancy. Pregnant women had been followed up to delivery to assess different maternal and fetal outcomes. RESULTS: Miscarriage rate was not statistically significant between both groups (2.2% in PDBF and 0.4% in PAW, p = 0.284). Women in PDBF group had higher prevalence of maternal anemia (54.1% versus 30.7%), intrauterine growth restriction (16.7% versus 4.8%), cesarean delivery (43.7% versus 31.5%), prolonged labor (13.3% versus 11.1%) and low birth weight infants (15.7% versus 8.8%) compared to women in PAW group. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy during breastfeeding is associated with an increase in the overall complications of pregnancy as compared to PAW. Although it does not increase the miscarriage rate, it increases the prevalence of maternal anemia, delayed fetal growth, prolonged labor, cesarean section delivery and the prevalence of low birth weight infants.

Growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis: a possible non-nutritional factor for growth retardation in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess growth hormone (GH)/insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis as a possible non-nutritional factor for growth retardation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital. Thirty children with CP (seven children with normal growth [CP-N] and 23 with retarded growth [CP-R]), 30 children with protein energy malnutrition (PEM), and 30 healthy children (REF group) underwent an assessment of growth parameters, serum IGF-1, basal GH, and peak GH after stimulation with insulin. RESULTS: PEM patients had higher basal GH levels than CP-N, CP-R and REF groups (p = 0.026, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001 respectively). After insulin stimulation, CP-N, CP-R, and PEM patients had lower GH levels compared to the REF group (p = 0.04, p = 0.007, and p = 0.036 respectively). IGF-1 levels were lower in CP-R group compared to CP-N and REF groups (p = 0.037 and p < 0.001 respectively), and in PEM group compared to CP-N and REF groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CP-R patients failed to demonstrate the same high basal GH response as PEM patients, and responded inadequately to the insulin stimulation test, but they had IGF-1 levels comparable to those of PEM patients. On the other hand, CP-N patients behaved as controls regarding their basal GH and IGF-1 levels, but failed to respond adequately to the insulin stimulation test. The PEM group presented high basal GH and low IGF-1 levels. These findings suggest that non-nutritional factors contribute to growth retardation in CP children.

Eixo hormônio de crescimento/fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina-1: um possível fator não nutricional para o retardo de crescimento em crianças com paralisia cerebral / Growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis: a possible non-nutritional factor for growth retardation in children with cerebral palsy

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o eixo hormônio de crescimento (GH)/fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina 1 (IGF-1) como possível fator não nutricional para o retardo de crescimento em crianças com paralisia cerebral (PC). MÉTODOS: Um estudo caso-controle foi realizado em um hospital universitário terciário. Trinta crianças com PC [sete crianças com crescimento normal (PC-N) e 23 com retardo de crescimento (PC-R)], 30 crianças com desnutrição proteico-energética (DPE), e 30 crianças sadias (grupo REF) tiveram avaliados seus parâmetros de crescimento, IGF-1 sérico, GH basal, e pico de GH após estímulo com insulina. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com DPE apresentaram níveis basais mais elevados de GH do que os grupos PC-N, PC-R e REF (p = 0,026, p < 0,001 e p = 0,001, respectivamente). Após estímulo com insulina, os grupos PC-N, PC-R e DPE apresentaram níveis menores de GH se comparados ao grupo REF (p = 0,04, p = 0,007, p = 0,036, respectivamente). O nível de IGF-1 foi menor no grupo PC-R se comparado aos grupos PC-N e REF (p = 0,037 e p < 0,001, respectivamente), e no grupo DPE se comparado aos grupos PC-N e REF (p < 0,001 e p < 0,001, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com PC-R não demonstraram a mesma resposta basal elevada do GH apresentada pelos pacientes com DPE, e responderam de forma inadequada ao estímulo com insulina, mas apresentaram níveis de IGF-1 comparáveis aos dos pacientes com DPE. Por outro lado, os pacientes com PC-N tiveram comportamento semelhante ao dos controles com relação aos níveis basais de GH e IGF-1, mas não responderam adequadamente ao estímulo com insulina. O grupo DPE apresentou GH basal elevado e IGF-1 baixo. Esses achados sugerem que fatores não nutricionais contribuem para o retardo de crescimento em crianças com PC.

OBJECTIVE: To assess growth hormone (GH)/insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis as a possible non-nutritional factor for growth retardation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital. Thirty children with CP (seven children with normal growth [CP-N] and 23 with retarded growth [CP-R]), 30 children with protein energy malnutrition (PEM), and 30 healthy children (REF group) underwent an assessment of growth parameters, serum IGF-1, basal GH, and peak GH after stimulation with insulin. RESULTS: PEM patients had higher basal GH levels than CP-N, CP-R and REF groups (p = 0.026, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001 respectively). After insulin stimulation, CP-N, CP-R, and PEM patients had lower GH levels compared to the REF group (p = 0.04, p = 0.007, and p = 0.036 respectively). IGF-1 levels were lower in CP-R group compared to CP-N and REF groups (p = 0.037 and p < 0.001 respectively), and in PEM group compared to CP-N and REF groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CP-R patients failed to demonstrate the same high basal GH response as PEM patients, and responded inadequately to the insulin stimulation test, but they had IGF-1 levels comparable to those of PEM patients. On the other hand, CP-N patients behaved as controls regarding their basal GH and IGF-1 levels, but failed to respond adequately to the insulin stimulation test. The PEM group presented high basal GH and low IGF-1 levels. These findings suggest that non-nutritional factors contribute to growth retardation in CP children.

Nosocomial infections and fever of unknown origin in pediatric hematology/oncology unit: a retrospective annual study.

BACKGROUND: pediatric hematology/oncology patients are faced with an increased risk of nosocomial infections (NIs) that vary in different populations and different institutions with considerable morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to assess the frequency and patterns of NIs in 1564 pediatric patients and to determine the prevalence of causative organisms and their antimicrobial sensitivity. METHODS: a retrospective analysis was made in the patients admitted between January 2007 and January 2008 to the pediatric hematoloy/oncology unit of Mansoura University, Egypt. The 1564 patients showed 2084 admissions and 27 092 inpatient days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were used as a standard definition for NI. RESULTS: the overall rate of NIs in all patients and neutropenic patients was 8.6 and 25.3 per 1000 patient-days respectively. The frequent sites of NIs were blood stream (42.7%), the respiratory system (25.3%), the urinary system (22.2%) and the central nervous system (9.8%), whereas nosocomial fever of unknown origin constituted 52.9% of cases. The incidence of NIs was significantly higher during neutropenic days (P<0.001). Gram-positive organisms represented 64.5% of pathogens (Staphylococci 71.5%, Streptococci 16%, and pneumococci 7%), and Gram-negative organisms represented 30% (E. coli 48.6%, Klebsiella 15.7%, Pseudomonas 35.7%, and C. albicans 5.5%). Positive cultures were more frequent in summer (July to September). Susceptibility of isolated organisms was relatively low (cefoperazone/sulbactam 49.9%, amikacin 35.9%, imipenem/cilastin 34.4%, cefoperazone 33.6%, and vancomycin 36.5%). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, extended spectrum beta lactamase and vancomycin resistant enterococci represented 30%, 45% and 75% of isolated S. aureus, Gram-negative organisms and Enterococci, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: blood stream infection and fever of unknown origin are the most common nosocomial infections in pediatric hematology/oncology patients with a higher risk during neutropenic days. Isolated organisms are multi-drug resistant, predominantly Gram-positive pathogens with a high incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, extended spectrum beta lactamase and vancomycin resistant enterococci organisms.

Reverse hybridization StripAssay detection of beta-thalassemia mutations in northeast Egypt.

AIM: beta-Thalassemias are widely distributed in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. Reverse hybridization StripAssay method is reported to be rapid, simple, reproducible and less expensive. The aim of this study is to evaluate reverse hybridization StripAssay method for detection of beta-thalassemia mutations in Egyptian children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty children with beta-thalassemia major with mean age of 10.33+/-4.75 years were recruited consecutively from outpatient Hematology Clinic of Mansoura University Children's Hospital. Mutation analysis was performed by the beta-Globin StripAssay MED. RESULTS: The most frequent mutant alleles detected were; IVS 1.110, IVS 1.1 and IVS 1.6 accounting for 33.75, 27.5 and 18.75% respectively. The detection rate of the used method in our population was 90%. CONCLUSION: beta-globin StripAssay is a fast, easy-to-perform and reliable method for genetic screening of beta-thalassemia patients in Egypt. IVS 1.110, IVS 1.1 and IVS 1.6 are the most frequent mutant alleles with poor phenotype/genotype correlation.

Evaluation of myrrh (Mirazid) therapy in fascioliasis and intestinal schistosomiasis in children: immunological and parasitological study.

A total of 21 children with fascioliasis (8 males and 13 females) with mean age of 10.4 years, 8 children with schistosomiasis mansoni (6 males and 2 females) with mean age of 11.37 years were treated with Myrrh (Mirazid) which is an oleo-gum resin from the stem of Commiphora molmol tree (Family Burseraceae). Also, ten healthly cross matched children were utilized as controls. Diagnosis was based on the detection of Fasciola hepatica or Schistosoma mansoni eggs in stool by Kato-Katz technique. Mirazid was given as 10 mg/kg/d an hour before breakfast for 3 consecutive days in schistosomiasis and for 6 days in fascioliasis. Clinical evaluation and stool analysis were done initially and at 2, 4 and 12 weeks post treatment to evaluate cure. Rectal snip was done for responding schistosomiasis cases to confirm recovery. Automated complete blood count with manual assessment of eosinophils, serum total IgE (enzyme immunoassay) and in vitro cytokines assay (IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-5) by ELISA were performed for all subjects before treatment and repeated 12 weeks only for patients after therapy. Parasitologic cure was 90.9% in fascioliasis and 100% in schistosomiasis at 4 weeks post treatment. After a second dose Fasciola patients who remained positive were cured. Total IgE was significantly higher in Fasciola and Schistosoma patients before treatment compared to control (p < 0.001; 0.005 respectively) and decreased significantly with therapy (p = 0.001; 0.036). IL-1beta was higher in both patient groups than control (p < 0.001; 0.003) and decreased significantly 12 weeks after therapy to control level (p < 0.001; 0.017). IL-5 was high before treatment in both groups (p = 0.041; 0.027) and decreased significantly after 12 weeks after therapy (p = 0.005; 0.012). IL-4 did not differ from control before therapy (p = 0.58; 0.79) but increased significantly after treatment in both patient groups (p = 0.04; 0.02). It is concluded that Mirazid is an effective fasciolicidal and schistosomicidal drug. IL-1beta and IL5 were high in fascioliasis and schistosomiasis, but decreased with therapy denoting immunopathogenesis. The depressed IL-4 production may be a parasite immune evasion or host regulatory mechanism and cytokines levels may be criteria of cure.

Clastogenic effects of the fasciolicide drug fasinex on river buffalo lymphocyte cultures in vitro.

Fasinex (triclabendazole) has been reported to be an active fasciolocidal agent used in humans and in farm animals. The clastogenic effects of fasinex were tested in lymphocyte cultures of the river buffalo at three final concentrations: 25, 50 and 100 microg/ml. Chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and micronucleus formation are the three cytogenetic parameters used in this study. The results demonstrated that the number of cells with different types of chromosomal aberrations, including chromatid breaks and gaps, isochromatid breaks and gaps and polyploidy, was increased significantly in cultures treated with different doses of fasinex compared to the control. This increase was dose-dependent where there was a positive correlation between increased drug concentration and induction of chromosomal aberrations. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and the formation of micronuclei in all lymphocyte cultures treated with different doses of fasinex were increased significantly compared to the control; these increases were also dose-dependent. In conclusion, the three cytogenetic parameters used to evaluate the effect of fasinex revealed that the drug has a strong clastogenic effect on river buffalo lymphocytes in vitro.

Congenital cervical teratoma in neonates. Case report and review.

Cervical teratomas are uncommon neoplasms. Although these lesions are histologically benign they are usually large and may cause airway obstruction. Cervical teratomas are usually diagnosed at birth. In-utero diagnosis is possible by prenatal ultrasound which assists in planning early airway management and surgical intervention. Mortality is significant but prognosis is good with airway control and complete surgical excision. However, pressure injury of contiguous structures can limit resectability and adversely affect outcome. Malignant cervical teratoma with metastasis has been reported mostly arising in adults with poor outcome. We present nine cases of neonatal cervical teratoma identified at two institutions between 1984 and 1996. One patient died before surgical intervention. All others underwent resection. There was one intraoperative death and one postoperative death. The remaining six patients did well postoperatively with no significant sequelae with 3 to 14 years follow-up.

Granular cell tumour of the larynx.

Granular cell tumour (GCT) of the larynx is an uncommon laryngeal tumour. It is always benign and commonly located in the posterior part of the larynx. Care must be taken to differentiate this lesion from others due to the presence of pseudo-epitheliomatous hyperplasia which overlies the GCT and may occasionally mimic squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, histological differentiation is important because these tumours are normally managed conservatively. The origin of this tumour is a matter of debate, but most authors believe it to be neural in origin. The rarity of this tumour in the male population prompted reporting this case in the literature.