Signature of real-time PCR in detection of Trichomonas vaginalis infection and its association with human papillomavirus genotype 16.

OBJECTIVE: Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection in the world. The objective of the study was to investigate the incidence of TV infection and its association with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in a sample of Egyptian females. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 96 Egyptian females suspected for trichomoniasis were involved in our study. Vaginal washouts and cervical (cytobrush) samples were obtained from all patients and examined for T. vaginalis by direct wet mount, modified Diamond's culture medium, and real-time PCR. Cervical (cytobrush) samples were examined for HPV using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Out of 96 patients, 28 (29%) was positive for T. vaginalis by real-time PCR. HPV was detected in 33 patients (34.4%); 31 cases (32.3%) were infected with HPV of genotype 16, whereas only two cases (2.1%) had genotype 18 infection. A significant association was found between TV and HPV infection [Odds ratio (OR)=10.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.819 - 29.29; p<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: When it comes to diagnosing trichomoniasis in a susceptible population, real-time PCR is more reliable than traditional standard approaches. A significant association between TV and HPV infection was found. Further research into the processes by which these two organisms interact at the cellular level could be revealed.

Aerodynamics of the pseudo-glottis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to study the hitherto unclear aerodynamic parameters of the pseudo-glottis following total laryngectomy. These parameters include airflow rate, sub-pseudo-glottic pressure (SubPsG), efficiency and resistance, as well as sound pressure level (SPL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen male patients who have undergone total laryngectomy, with an age range from 54 to 72 years, were investigated in this study. All tested patients were fluent esophageal 'voice' speakers utilizing tracheo-esophageal prosthesis. The airflow rate, SubPsG and SPL were measured. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean value of the airflow rate was 53 ml/s, the SubPsG pressure was 13 cm H(2)O, while the SPL was 66 dB. The normative data obtained from the true glottis in healthy age-matched subjects are 89 ml/s, 7.9 cm H(2)O and 70 dB, respectively. Other aerodynamic indices were calculated and compared to the data obtained from the true glottis. CONCLUSION: Such a comparison of the pseudo-glottic aerodynamic data to the data of the true glottis gives an insight into the mechanism of action of the pseudo-glottis. The data obtained suggests possible clinical applications in pseudo-voice training.

Intestinal absorptive capacity of glucose, Na+, K+ C++ and Cl-, in vivo in Cotugnia polyacantha infected dove.

The absorptive capacity of the intestine of dove infected by the cestode Cotugnia Polyacantha was studied by the in vivo perfusion technique. The two glucose concentrations 5 and 27 mM were used in the perfusion fluid. Glucose was added at the expense of Nacl to the total osmolarity 238 mOsmol./L. The perfusion fluid of 5 mM glucose: the percentage of reduction in the absorptive capacity in the infected intestine than normal was (at initial pH7) 82.8, 63.1, 68.4, 71.2 and 67.5 and (at initial pH6) 89.7, 59.0, 70.3, 59.9 and 62.6 in glucose, Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl- respectively. The perfusion fluid of 27 mM glucose: the percentage of reduction in the absorptive capacity in the infected intestine than normal was (at initial pH6) 89.7, 59.0, 70.3, 59.9 and 62.6 in glucose, Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl- respectively. The perfusion fluid of 27 mM glucose: the percentage of reduction in the absorptive capacity in the infected intestine than normal was (at initial pH7) 85.6, 65.6, 68.3, 71.1 and 66.9 (at initial pH6), 86.1, 62.4, 70.2, 66.4 and 68.8 in glucose, Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl- respectively. The wet and dry weight of both tunica muscularis and mucosa were increased in the infected part of intestine than normal.