Optimized Ki-67 staining in murine cells: a tool to determine cell proliferation.

The reliable analysis of the cell cycle status has become increasingly relevant for scientific and clinical work, especially for the determination of tumor cell growth. One established method to characterize the proliferation activity of cells is the analysis of the Ki-67 protein. Ki-67 is expressed in the nucleus during the whole cell cycle except for the G0 phase. Several different protocols exist for the examination of the Ki-67 protein in tissue and cell culture, but most of them are defined for human cells. For the analysis of the Ki-67 protein in murine tissue and cell culture there is a variety of protocols existing which recommend different fixation and permeabilization reagents or special kits. In this study, we established a reliable protocol for Ki-67 staining in murine cells and tissue based on PFA fixation, which can be used not only for flow cytometry but also for immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. We tested our protocol successfully with three different Ki-67 anti-mouse antibodies in cell culture, regenerating liver tissue and mouse melanoma tumor to demonstrate the general applicability.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the general public toward sun exposure and protection: A national survey in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Many international studies have been conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the public toward sun exposure and sun-protection measures. However, there are scarce data on these factors from the Middle East. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the KAP of the public toward sun exposure and sun-protection measures among Saudis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a specially designed questionnaire was conducted on a stratified random sample of the general population in the five geographical regions of Saudi Arabia (central, eastern, northern, southern, and western). Data were collected between October 2010 and March 2011. Multiple logistic regressions were applied to relate the use of sunscreen and skin cancer awareness with various socio-demographic variables. Results: The questionnaire was distributed to 2900 Saudis. A total of 2622 questionnaires were completed, returned, and included in the data analysis, corresponding to a response rate of 90.4%. The mean (SD) age of respondents was 27.8 ± 9.7 years. Fifty percent (1301/1601) of the respondents were males. Fifty-five percent (1406/2544) were aware of the association between sun exposure and skin cancer. Female, young and student respondents were more likely to be aware of the connection between sun exposure and skin cancer (p < 0.001). Likewise, respondents from the middle social class and those with higher education levels were more likely to be informed (p < 0.02). The prevalence of regular sunscreen use among study participants was only 23.7%, and female and employed respondents were more likely to use sunscreen (p < 0.001). Protective clothes were the most commonly used sun protection measure as reported by more than 90% of our participants. Conclusion: This study has shown that sun awareness and protection are generally inadequate in the Saudi population and suggests the need for health education programs.

Isolation of Yersinia spp. from cases of diarrhoea in Iraqi infants and children.

All 250 children presenting with diarrhoea at 2 teaching hospitals in Mosul, Iraq over a 9-month period were studied for the presence of Yersinia spp. in stools by cold-enrichment culture at 4 degrees C for 21 days. Pathogenicity of the isolated Yersinia was determined. Antibodies to Y. enterocolitica were raised for rapid Yersinia detection in the stool. Yersinia spp. were isolated from the stools of only 4 patients; 3 isolates were identified as Y. enterocolitica and 1 was Y. pseudotuberculosis. The blood culture was also positive for Y. enterocolitica in 1 case. The antibiogram test for the isolated Yersinia was determined. Cross-reaction between Y. pseudotuberculosis and Salmonella typhi or S. paratyphi B, and between Y. enterocolitica and Brucella was detected serologically.

Isolation of Yersinia spp. from cases of diarrhoea in Iraqi infants and children

All 250 children presenting with diarrhoea at 2 teaching hospitals in Mosul, Iraq over a 9-month period were studied for the presence of Yersinia spp. in stools by cold-enrichment culture at 4 [0]C for 21 days. Pathogenicity of the isolated Yersinia was determined. Antibodies to Y. enterocolitica were raised for rapid Yersinia detection in the stool. Yersinia spp. were isolated from the stools of only 4 patients; 3 isolates were identified as Y. enterocolitica and 1 was Y. pseudotuberculosis. The blood culture was also positive for Y. enterocolitica in 1 case. The antibiogram test for the isolated Yersinia was determined. Cross-reaction between Y. pseudotuberculosis and Salmonella typhi or S. paratyphi B, and between Y. enterocolitica and Brucella was detected serologically

Basic infection control procedures in dental practice in Khartoum-Sudan.

OBJECTIVES: To survey the infection control procedures used by dental practitioners in Khartoum, Sudan. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to150 randomly sampled dentists practising in Khartoum state. Each questionnaire comprised 17 questions about basic infection control procedures. RESULTS: A 100% response rate to the questionnaire showed that 92% of dentists routinely wore gloves when treating patients, 50% face masks, 61% a gown and 14.7% protective eye wear. Furthermore 52% of the practitioners had been immunised against Hepatitis B. The majority of practitioners (72%) used dry heat as their method of instrument sterilisation, 22% used an autoclave, 2% used boiling water and the remainder used chemical sterilisation. Safe disposal of clinical waste was undertaken by only 23% of dentists although 47% of practitioners stored sharp items in closed containers. All respondents used disposable dental needles, but only a few used other disposable items. There was a significant difference in the implementation of cross infection control procedures between salaried and private dental practitioners, especially with regard to handpiece sterilisation, use of disposables, the wearing of face masks and the availability of additional sets of instruments. CONCLUSION: There is a clear need to improve the existing situation particularly with regard to immunisation of dentists against Hepatitis B, the safe disposal of clinical waste and instrument sterilisation in Khartoum.

A panel of eight tests in the serodiagnosis and immunological evaluation of acute brucellosis.

A panel of eight tests was used to study 200 cases of acute brucellosis, 200 patients negative for brucella as a control group and 200 apparently healthy individuals as a second control group. The best diagnostic test was the rose Bengal test using an imported reagent (BioMérieux, France) and 2 local reagents. This test was improved from being a screening test to be a titrable one. The best two tests used together were the tube agglutination test with Coomb-like test. The indirect fluorescent antibody test had no advantages over the use of other tests. The 2-mercaptoethanol test and C-reactive protein test were useful in checking the brucellosis activity. Normal numbers of E-rosette forming cells and inefficient neutrophils in phagocytosis were found in peripheral blood during acute brucellosis.

A panel of eight tests in the serodiagnosis and immunological evaluation of acute brucellosis

A panel of eight tests was used to study 200 cases of acute brucellosis, 200 patients negative for brucella as a control group and 200 apparently healthy individuals as a second control group. The best diagnostic test was the rose Bengal test using an imported reagent [BioM‚rieux, France] and 2 local reagents. This test was improved from being a screening test to be a titrable one. The best two tests used together were the tube agglutination test with Coomb-like test. The indirect fluorescent antibody test had no advantages over the use of other tests. The 2-mercaptoethanol test and C-reactive protein test were useful in checking the brucellosis activity. Normal numbers of E-rosette forming cells and inefficient neutrophils in phagocytosis were found in peripheral blood during acute brucellosis