Assessment of Stx-1A gene polymorphism (rs1569061) in relation to the development of multiple sclerosis in Egyptian patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial polygenic disease; results from autoimmune and neurodegenerative processes which lead to multifocal lesions of the central nervous system. Axonal degeneration was found to be prominent in the inflammation period of MS and contribute to the progression of disability. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) complex plays a vital role in the release of neurotransmitter by synaptic vesicle fusion. Stx-1A protein (Stx-1A), a major component of the SNARE complex, is widely expressed in brain tissue. This study intended to evaluate the prevalence of the Stx-1A gene polymorphism (rs1569061) in the Egyptian population with MS and to investigate its association with various clinical factors. This study included 65 adult Egyptian MS patients and 35 age- and sex-matched normal control subjects. Diagnosis of MS was made by an experienced neurologist according to revised McDonald criteria. All Patients underwent full history taking, included Age of onset of MS, disease duration, disease course and degree of disability according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and family history of neurological diseases. Stx-1A gene polymorphism (rs1569061) genotyping was performed by TaqMan assay based quantitative real time (qPCR) and verified by sanger sequencer. Genotype and allele frequencies of (rs1569061) did not differ significantly between case and control groups. No difference was detected when comparing the genotype frequency and the allele frequency to different disease parameters. Discrepancy of the minor allele frequency (MAF) of Stx-1A gene (rs1569061) between different populations was noted. In conclusion, our study in Stx-1A gene polymorphism (rs1569061) and MS showed that no difference between the patient and control as regards gene frequency and allele frequency. Predicting no association between the studied polymorphism and MS in the Egyptian population. However, discrepancy between different population was noted as regards the MAF for Stx-1A gene (rs1569061).

The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway in breast cancer.

Breast cancer persists as a major problem for the world's healthcare, thus it is essential to fully understand the complex molecular processes that cause its growth and development. ncRNAs had been discovered to serve critical roles in a variety of cellular functions, including the regulation of signalling pathways. Within different pathways, the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signalling cascade has received a lot of interest because of its role in cancer. A complex interaction between ncRNAs, notably miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, and the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signalling pathway exerts both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive activities by targeting critical components of the pathway directly or indirectly. Through miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation, lncRNA-guided chromatin remodelling, and circRNA sequestration, ncRNAs modulate the activity of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, influencing cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Furthermore, ncRNAs can serve as promising biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment response, as their dysregulation is commonly observed in breast cancer patients. Harnessing the potential of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets or tools for restoring pathway homeostasis holds promise for innovative treatment strategies in breast cancer. Understanding the intricate regulatory networks orchestrated by ncRNAs in this context may pave the way for novel diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, and a deeper comprehension of breast cancer's molecular landscape, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This abstract underscores the emerging significance of ncRNAs in the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway in breast cancer.

Performance evaluation of a UOWC system based on the FRS/OCDMA code for different types of Jerlov waters.

In this work, the fixed right shift (FRS) code is utilized for the optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) technique in an underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) system. Additionally, in this system, a 532 nm laser diode (LD) source is employed to generate optical signals. The investigation encompasses an analysis of five distinct Jerlov water types, each exhibiting diverse chlorophyll concentrations. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated when each channel that is assigned a unique FRS code sequence carries different data rates (2.5, 5, and 10 Gbps). Underwater (UW) ranges, bit error rate (BER), eye diagrams, and quality factor (Q-factor) are the performance metrics used to evaluate the system performance. The proposed UOWC-FRS/OCDMA system is simulated, and the obtained results show that the eye diagram openings close, the BER increases, and the Q-factor decreases as the data rate per each channel increases from 2.5 to 10 Gbps, and the attenuation of water becomes higher. Moreover, the lower attenuation values caused by the Jerlov type I (JI) waterbody allow each channel to carry 10 Gbps of data to propagate longer UW for a range of 35 m with a log(BER) ≤-6.33 and Q-factor greater than 4.9. On the other hand, at the same values of BER and Q-factor, the shortest ranges of 12 and 5.15 m are obtained for JII and JIII waters, respectively, where their attenuation coefficient values are 0.5297 (JII) and 1.8998 m -1 (JIII). Furthermore, as our model uses three channels, the overall achieved capacity is 3×10G b p s=30G b p s.

From diagnosis to therapy: The transformative role of lncRNAs in eye cancer management.

The genomic era has brought about a transformative shift in our comprehension of cancer, unveiling the intricate molecular landscape underlying disease development. Eye cancers (ECs), encompassing diverse malignancies affecting ocular tissues, pose distinctive challenges in diagnosis and management. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), an emerging category of non-coding RNAs, are pivotal actors in the genomic intricacies of eye cancers. LncRNAs have garnered recognition for their multifaceted roles in gene expression regulation and influence on many cellular processes. Many studies support that the lncRNAs have a role in developing various cancers. Recent investigations have pinpointed specific lncRNAs associated with ECs, including retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma. These lncRNAs exert control over critical pathways governing tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, endowing them with the ability to function as evaluation, predictive, and therapeutic indicators. The article aims to synthesize the existing information concerning the functions of lncRNAs in ECs, elucidating their regulatory mechanisms and clinical significance. By delving into the lncRNAs' expanding relevance in the modulation of oncogenic and tumor-suppressive networks, we gain a deeper understanding of the molecular complexities intrinsic to these diseases. In our exploration of the genomic intricacies of ECs, lncRNAs introduce a fresh perspective, providing an opportunity to function as clinical and therapeutic indicators, and they also have therapeutic benefits that show promise for advancing the treatment of ECs. This comprehensive review bridges the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and ECs within the context of the genomic era.

PVT1 lncRNA in lung cancer: A key player in tumorigenesis and therapeutic opportunities.

The lncRNA PVT1 has emerged as a pivotal component in the intricate landscape of cancer pathogenesis, particularly in lung cancer. PVT1, situated in the 8q24 chromosomal region, has garnered attention for its aberrant expression patterns in lung cancer, correlating with tumor progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Numerous studies have unveiled the diverse mechanisms PVT1 contributes to lung cancer pathogenesis. It modulates critical pathways, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis evasion, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PVT1's interactions with other molecules, including microRNAs and proteins, amplify its oncogenic influence. Recent advancements in genomic and epigenetic analyses have also illuminated the intricate regulatory networks that govern PVT1 expression. Understanding PVT1's complex involvement in lung cancer holds substantial clinical implications. Targeting PVT1 presents a promising avenue for developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic interventions. This abstract encapsulates the expanding knowledge regarding the oncogenic role of PVT1 in lung cancer, underscoring the significance of further research to unravel its complete mechanistic landscape and exploit its potential for improved patient outcomes.

6G enabling FSO communication system employing integrated PDM-OAM-OCDMA transmission: impact of weather conditions in India.

Currently, free space optics (FSO) transmission has gained attention due to its capability to deliver high data rates with a high level of security. In addition, using multiplexing techniques with FSO makes it capable of handling the excessive increase in traffic data and supporting the 5G and 6G wireless network requirements. Accordingly, in this paper, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, FSO system integrating three multiplexing techniques-orbital angular momentum (OAM) (four OAM beams are used) polarization-division multiplexing (two polarization states are used), and optical code division multiple access (four channels assigned with permutation vector codes are used)-is proposed. Additionally, the effects of rainy, foggy, dusty weather and the real weather for four different Indian cities that have different geographical locations are studied and investigated. The system performance is evaluated based on the bit error rate (BER), quality factor (Q-factor), maximum FSO range, and eye diagram opening. The simulation results show successful transmission of 320 Gbps overall capacity with a maximum achievable FSO range of 7 km under clear weather. On the other hand, the shortest FSO range of 0.105 km is achieved when there are heavy dust storms. As for the Indian cities, Srinagar (hilly area of India) achieves the shortest FSO link, which is 4.2 km while the largest range of 7 km is observed for Chennai city (coastal area of India). All these ranges are evaluated for a log(BER) value <-7. Consequently, this proposed transmission model is suggested for use in 6G applications of FSO communication systems.

Sialic acid and anti-ganglioside M1 antibodies are invaluable biomarkers correlated with the severity of autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are devastating neurodevelopmental disorders that showed global increased prevalence. They are characterized by impairment of social communication and stereotyped patterns. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at measuring the levels of total sialic acid (SA) and anti-ganglioside M1 (anti- GM1) IgG antibodies as essential biomarkers in a cohort of children with ASD to identify their diagnostic yield as well as their correlation with the severity of autistic behaviors. METHODS: The demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and clinical data were recorded. The levels of total plasma SA and serum anti-GM1 IgG antibodies levels were measured in 100 children with ASD and 100 healthy controls. The severity of ASD-related symptoms was assessed by using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). RESULTS: Children with ASD had significantly higher levels of both SA and anti-GM1 antibodies than healthy controls (p < 0.001). SA showed a statistically significant moderate diagnostic performance while anti-GM1 antibody showed a statistically significant high diagnostic in differentiating severe from mild to moderate autism. Moreover, both SA and anti-GM1 antibodies levels were significantly correlated to the severity of ASD symptoms (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The significantly increased levels of SA and anti-GM1 antibodies in children with ASD and their correlation with autism-related symptoms suggest their possible etiopathogenic role in autism as one of the pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders. However, further large-scale studies are still needed to explore their possible bidirectional relationship as biomarkers for autism.

Immunohistochemical Expression of CD200 in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignant renal neoplasm in adults. CD200 is a transmembrane protein and is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. The aim of this study is to assess the CD200 expression in RCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty paraffin-embedded radical nephrectomy specimens, diagnosed with RCC were evaluated immunohistochemically for CD200 expression. RESULTS: Out of eighty cases studied, CD200 was expressed in n = 73 cases (91.25%) with high intensity in 27 cases (33.75%), moderate intensity in 22 cases (27.5%), and mild intensity in 24 cases (30%). No staining was observed in the adjacent apparently normal renal tissue in all examined sections. No significant relationship was found between CD200 expression and the gender, tumor size, tumor side, histologic type, nuclear grade, T stage, and tumor necrosis. CONCLUSION: CD200 expression in most of the studied cases of RCC may refer to the potential therapeutic of anti-CD200 antibody for this cancer.

Vascular endothelial growth factor profile and Vitamin D level in Systemic Sclerosis Egyptian patients.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was described as a potentially important driver of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. Additionally, recent literature elucidated that vitamin D serum level was found to be significantly lower in SSc patients in comparison to healthy individuals. The aim of the current study was to evaluate serum level of VEGF and its correlation with clinical features and vitamin D level in systemic sclerosis (SSc) Egyptian patients. This current case control study included 30 female SSc patients and 20 healthy controls. VEGF level was measured by ELISA. Serum level of 25-OH vitamin D was measured by electrochemiluminescence. Nailfold video capillaroscopy and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) were assessed. Thirty SSc female patients were included in the study, 13 patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc. The mean age of the patients' group was 49.3±4.3years, and the mean serum VEGF level was 3445.9±1183 ng/dl. The mean serum level of vitamin D was 15.57±9.9ng/ml in SSc patients and 30.6±2.26 in the controls. There was a significant association between high level of VEGF and hypovitaminosis D. Serum level of VEGF positively correlated with nailfold capillaroscopy changes and mRSS. In conclusion, high level of VEGF is associated with hypovitaminosis D, suggesting a role of vitamin D in SSc pathogenesis. VEGF levels correlate positively with nailfold capillaroscopy changes and extent of skin involvement.

Development of liver microtissues with functional biliary ductular network.

Liver tissue engineering aims to create transplantable liver grafts that can serve as substitutes for donor's livers. One major challenge in creating a fully functional liver tissue has been to recreate the biliary drainage in an engineered liver construct through integration of bile canaliculi (BC) with the biliary ductular network that would enable the clearance of bile from the hepatocytes to the host duodenum. In this study, we show the formation of such a hepatic microtissue by coculturing rat primary hepatocytes with cholangiocytes and stromal cells. Our results indicate that within the spheroids, hepatocytes maintained viability and function for up to 7 days. Viable hepatocytes became polarized by forming BC with the presence of tight junctions. Morphologically, hepatocytes formed the core of the spheroids, while cholangiocytes resided at the periphery forming a monolayer microcysts and tubular structures extending outward. The spheroids were subsequently cultured in clusters to create a higher order ductular network resembling hepatic lobule. The cholangiocytes formed functional biliary ductular channels in between hepatic spheroids that were able to collect, transport, and secrete bile. Our results constitute the first step to recreate hepatic building blocks with biliary drainage for repopulating the whole liver scaffolds to be used as transplantable liver grafts.

Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract ameliorates lead-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rabbits

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract as an adjunct treatment on lead acetate induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rabbits. Methods: Thirty-six male New Zealand White rabbits were assigned into two main groups. The first group (14 rabbits) served as normal control. The secondgroup (22 rabbits) was administered orally with lead acetate at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. At the 4th and the 8th week of treatment, 6 animals (3 animals at each period) of the second group were sacrificed while the remaining animals (16 rabbits) were assigned randomly into 2 subgroups (8 rabbits each): treated and non-treated. The first subgroup was orally given 1 mL phosphate-buffered saline for further 4 weeks while the second subgroup was administered orally with Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day for the same period. Blood samples were collected to determine hematological and serum biochemical indices. Tissue specimens were collected from the liver and kidney for evaluation of the oxidant/antioxidant markers and for histopathological examinations. Results: Lead acetate exposure decreased the mean body weight gain, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and lymphocytes count. Moreover, it markedly increased counts of monocytes and platelets, serum enzyme activity, levels of creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Malondialdehyde level was markedly increased while the reduced glutathione content was significantly decreased in liver tissue of lead intoxicated-rabbits. Histopathological alterations were also noticed in the liver and kidney of lead intoxicated rabbits. Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract significantly improved hematological and serum biochemical parameters and histopathological structure of the liver and kidney. Conclusions: Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract ameliorates hemato-biochemical and histopathological alterations caused by lead acetate and improveshepatic and renal functions.

Beneficial effects of antioxidants in improving health conditions of sheep infected with foot-and-mouth disease.

The effect of multinutrient antioxidant treatment on sheep naturally infected with FMD virus was investigated in terms of general health conditions, serum proteins profile, and antioxidant/oxidant parameters. Twenty diseased sheep were divided into 4 equal groups (n = 5) and underwent certain therapeutic protocols for 8 weeks as follows: GI, infected not treated group; GII, infected and treated with the ideal and usual line of treatment against FMD virus infection; GIII, infected animals supplemented orally zinc methionine at a dose of 5 g/head/day and vitamin E with selenium-enriched yeast at the same dose level; GIV, infected animals received both the ideal treatment and antioxidants. The animals under experiment were clinically evaluated. Blood samples were obtained for the comet assay and biochemical examination at zero time and at the 8th week after treatment. Results revealed that DNA damage reduced in both GIII and GIV groups which received antioxidants. In the GI group, the activity of SOD and GPx and the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) markedly decreased. However, in both GIII and GIV groups treated with multinutrient antioxidants, GPx and TAC values significantly increased after treatment in comparison with the values of the same groups before treatment. After treatment with multinutrient antioxidants, α1-, ß-, and γ-globulins levels markedly increased in GII and GIII groups while α2-globulin level decreased. The improvement in healing of clinical signs and general health conditions was clear in the GIV group. Finally, FMD infection in sheep was found to be associated with oxidative stress. The use of antioxidants as therapeutic approaches recovers and improves general health conditions and performance of affected animals.

Anthelmintic efficacy of Moringa oleifera seed methanolic extract against Fasciola hepatica.

The current study was carried out to assess in vitro and in vivo effects of Moringa oleifera seed methanolic extract on Fasciola hepatica to develop an alternative source of treatment. The in vitro ovicidal effect of M. oleifera seed extract on immature F. hepatica eggs has provided evidence of inhibitory activity on the vitality and hatchability of F. hepatica eggs. This inhibitory activity was concentration-dependent and also correlated strongly with the exposure time. In the in vivo trial, the oral administration of F. hepatica experimentally infected rabbits with doses of 150 mg/kg BW prepared extract per day for 3 consecutive days on the 63rd day post infection confirmed potent fasciolicide activity of the extract. A gradual decrease in fecal egg count (FEC) was detected from the 1st day post treatment until reaching 100% FEC reduction by the 7th day post treatment. No flukes could be found at post mortem examinations. Significant increments of serum total protein, globulin, the activities of ALT and AST, total cholesterol, triglycerides and urea were recorded during the period of infection, which were improved by treatment. Remarkable histopathological alterations were observed in the infected liver and gallbladder tissues which decreased clearly in the treated rabbits. This study proposes that the used extract has promising and potent fasciolicide activity.

Does nicotine impact tramadol abuse? Insights from neurochemical and neurobehavioral changes in mice.

Nicotine and tramadol concomitant drug dependence pose increasing social, economic as well as public threats. Accordingly, the present study investigated neurochemical, neurobehavioral and neuropathological changes in the brain subsequent to the interaction of nicotine and tramadol. To this end, tramadol (20 mg/kg, i.p) and nicotine (0.25 mg/kg, i.p) were administrated to male albino mice once daily for 30 days. Consequent to microglial activation, nicotine exacerbated oxidative/nitrosative stress induced by tramadol as manifest by the step-up in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitric oxide subsequent to the enhanced levels of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthases; paralleled by decreased non-protein sulfhydryls. Increased oxidative stress by tramadol and/or nicotine sequentially augmented nuclear factor kappa B and the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α with the induction of apoptosis evident by the increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity. However, paradoxical to the boosted inflammation and apoptosis, heightened DA levels in the cortex parallel along with increased tyrosine hydroxylase in midbrain were apparent. Concomitant administration of tramadol and nicotine impaired spatial navigation in the Morris Water Maze test coupled with enhanced levels of acetyl- and butyryl cholinestrases. However, tramadol in association with nicotine improved social interaction while decreasing anxiety and aggression linked to chronic administration of nicotine, effects manifested by increased levels of serotonin and GABA. These results provide evidence that co-administration of tramadol and nicotine may enhance reward and dependence while reducing anxiety and aggression linked to nicotine administration. However, such combination exacerbated neurotoxic effects and elicited negative effects regarding learning and memory.

Causes and management of urogenital fistulas. A retrospective cohort study from a tertiary referral center in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To reviewe the etiology and management of urogenital fistulas at a tertiary care referral center. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all patients with urogenital fistula referred to the King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2005 and July 2016 from electronic records. We collected data on age, parity, etiology and type of fistula, radiologic findings, management, and outcome. Results: Of the 32 patients with urogenital fistula identified, 17 (53.1%) had vesicovaginal fistula. The mean parity was 5.9 (0-15). Obstetric surgery was the most common etiology, accounting for 22 fistulas (68.8%). Twenty of these (90.9%) were complications of cesarean delivery, of which 16 (80%) were repeat cesarean delivery. Forty surgical repair procedures were performed: 20 (50%) via an abdominal approach, 11 (27.5%) via a vaginal approach, 7 (17.5) via a robotic approach, and 2 (5%) using cystoscopic fulguration. The primary surgical repair was successful in 23 patients (74%), the second repair in 5 (16.1%), and the third repair in one (3.1%). One fistula was cured after bladder catheterization, and 2 patients are awaiting their third repair. Conclusion: Unlike the etiology of urogenital fistulas in other countries, most fistulas referred to our unit followed repeat cesarean delivery: none were caused by obstructed labor, and only a few occurred after hysterectomy. Most patients were cured after the primary surgical repair.

Evaluation of crude larval protein and recombinant somatic protein 26/23 (rHcp26/23) immunization against Haemonchuscontortus in sheep.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential possibility of crude larval and recombinant (rHcp26/23) antigens of Haemonchus contortus for immunization to control sheep hemonchosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 lambs were divided into five groups. Lambs were immunized with larval and recombinant (rHcp26/23) proteins at day 0 and day 14 and after that challenged with 5000 infective larvae of H. contortus on day 42. An unvaccinated positive control group was challenged with L3 in the meantime. An unvaccinated negative control group was not challenged. RESULTS: Fecal egg count reduction taking after challenge for rHcp26/23 and larval antigens was 92.2% and 38.2%, respectively, compared with the positive control group. Vaccine incited protection in rHcp26/23 and larval immunization was reflected in significant (p<0.05) decreases in worm burden; 59.9% and 40.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Recombinant rHcp26/23 vaccine induced a partial immune response and had immune-protective effect against sheep hemonchosis.

Assessment of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infections in equine populations in Egypt by molecular, serological and hematological approaches.

BACKGROUND: Equine piroplasmosis (EP) caused by Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, or both, contributes to significant economic loss in the equine industry and remains uncontrolled in Egypt. This study focuses on surveying T. equi and B. caballi infections and hematological disorders in equine populations in Egypt. METHODS: Theileria equi and B. caballi infections were assessed in blood from 88 horses and 51 donkeys in Egypt using light microscopy, indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), nested PCR (nPCR), and competitive-ELISA (cELISA) assays. PCR products were examined for specificity by DNA sequencing. Hematological alterations were evaluated using a standard cell counter. RESULTS: Microscopic analysis revealed EP infection in 11.4% and 17.8% of horses and donkeys respectively. IFAT detected 23.9% and 17.0% infection of T. equi and B. caballi, respectively, in horses, and 31.4% of T. equi and B. caballi in donkeys. T. equi cELISA detected 14.8% and 23.5% positive horses and donkeys, respectively, but the B. caballi RAP-1-based cELISA failed to detect any positives, a result hypothesized to be caused by sequence polymorphism found in the rap-1 genes. Nested-PCR analysis identified 36.4% and 43.1% positive horses and donkeys, respectively for T. equi and it also identified 19.3% and 15.7% positive horses and donkeys, respectively for B. caballi. The overall EP incidence found in the population under study was relatively high and comparable regardless of the diagnostic method used (56.8% using nPCR and 48.9% using IFAT). Hematologic analysis revealed macrocytic hypochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia in all piroplasma-infected horses. CONCLUSIONS: The data confirm relatively high levels of EP, likely causing hematological abnormalities in equines in Egypt, and also suggest the need for an improved serological test to diagnose B. caballi infection in this region.

Protective effect of Egyptian propolis against rabbit pasteurellosis.

The present study was conducted to study the protective effect of ethanolic extract of propolis given subcutaneously (S/C) either alone or in combination with inactivated formalized Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) vaccine in rabbits challenged with virulent P. multocida strain. Twenty-eight New-Zealand rabbits, 6-8 weeks old and not vaccinated against pasteurellosis, were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group (1) was kept as nonvaccinated control. Group (2) was injected S/C with propolis. Group (3) was vaccinated (S/C) with P. multocida vaccine only. Group (4) was injected with vaccine mixed with propolis as adjuvant. Groups (2, 3, and 4) received the same doses of propolis and vaccine after 4 weeks as a booster dose. The experiment continued for six weeks during which clinical signs, body weight, and mortality rate were recorded. Blood samples were collected every 2 weeks of treatment for evaluating the erythrogram and biochemical parameters. At the end of six weeks, all groups were subjected to challenge with a virulent strain of P. multocida. Two weeks later, tissue specimens were collected from different organs for histopathological investigation. Results showed that before challenge all rabbits of different groups were apparently healthy and had good appetite. After challenge, control group (1) showed acute form of the disease, 100% mortality rate, and severe histopathological changes. Rabbits of groups (2 and 3) showed less severe clinical signs, mortality rate, and histopathological changes than control. Rabbits of group (4) were apparently healthy with normal histological picture. In conclusion, an ethanolic extract of propolis injected alone or combined with formalized inactivated P. multocida vaccine improved general health conditions, liver and kidney functions in addition to reduction of the severity of adverse clinical signs, mortality rates, and histopathological changes associated with challenge of rabbits with P. multocida strain.

Does cigarette smoking affect seminal fluid parameters? A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of cigarette smoking on seminal fluid parameters, namely; volume, sperm concentration, and motility, as well as morphology, leukocyte infiltration, among males complaining of infertility. METHODS: Between August 2010 and July 2011, seminal fluid analysis was done for 1438 males who are partners of couples who visited the infertility clinic at Prince Rashid Ben Al Hassan Hospital (PRH) for infertility. The men who fit the inclusion criteria (n=960) were classified into two groups: group a (non-smokers; n=564) and group B (smokers; n=396), which represents 41.25% of the study group. Seminal fluid was collected using masturbation after 3-5 days of abstinence then analyzed for volume, sperm count, sperm concentration, motility and morphology. In order to analyze whether the number of cigarettes smoked per day has an effect on the spermatogram; the smoking men were divided into two subgroups: the heavy smokers (n=266) and non-heavy smokers (n=130). RESULTS: A total of 960 adult males were enrolled. Their age ranged between 21 and 76 years, 564 were non-smokers with mean age of 36. 45±6.27 (Mean±SD). Three-hundred-and-ninety-six were smokers with a mean age of 34.35±4.25 (Mean±SD). There was a significant effect of smoking on the motility of sperms and the ratios of abnormality (p<0.005). Concentration appeared not to be affected by smoking. Furthermore, the group of heavy smokers were found to have lower sperm concentrations and a higher percentage of abnormal sperms compared to the non-heavy smokers. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking has a deleterious effect on some of the seminal fluid parameters (motility, morphology and leukocyte count) which in turn may result in male subfertility.

Co-infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Clostridium perfringens in a postpartum woman with uterine gas gangrene: a case report.

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. We report a case of Toxoplasma gondii and Clostridium perfringens co-infection complicating uterine gas gangrene following a term pregnancy. The histological examination of the necrotic uterine tissues and uterine swab cultures obtained at laparotomy revealed T. gondii and C. perfringens, respectively. Treatment was administered with bactericidal activity against both pathogens and the patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery. Although there have been some cases that have documented an association between toxoplasmosis and non-uterine C. perfringens infection, such a relationship has not been established. It is of interest to determine if the presence of both organisms can explain the severe myonecrosis that occurs in some cases of uterine gas gangrene.