Sublingual floor of Rahmani sheep (Ovis aries): A scanning electron microscopy and histomorphology analysis

The current study investigated the sublingual floor of Rahmani sheep (Ovis aries). Samples from nine healthy adult sheep have been analysed using morphometrical, scanning electron microscopic (SEM), and histological examination. The sublingual floor of the sheep was formed of a rostral prefrenular part (spatula-shaped) and two lateral sublingual recesses. Right and left sublingual caruncles were asymmetrical in length and each one had a serrated border, divided into three papillae. At higher magnifications, the three papillae of the sublingual caruncle's edge were variable in shape, with other two papillae were demonstrated underneath the caruncle. Each sublingual recess had a sublingual fold (plica sublingualis) extended from the level of frenulum linguae till the glossopalatine arch, bordered with caudolaterally directed papillae till the level of first lower molar cheek teeth. The sublingual salivary glands were mixed (seromucoid) type. The glandular lobule consisted of mucous acini and sporadic serous acini, as well as the presence of some mucous acini capped by acidophilic cells, serous demilunes. The mucous acinus was formed of pyramidal mucous cells with pale stained cytoplasm and basally located nuclei. Two ducts; major sublingual and submandibular ducts were observed within the submucosa of the sublingual caruncle. The sublingual ductal pseudostratified columnar epithelium was interspersed by more goblet cells than that of the submandibular duct. Collagen fibres around the glandular lobules, intralobular and interlobular excretory ducts as well as the connective core of the papillae were noticed. By SEM, two epithelium-lined pits on the surface of the sublingual floor mucosa caudal to the central incisive teeth were termed orobasal organ. As the first study to give a comprehensive analysis of the sheeps' sublingual floor, this one serves as a baseline for future clinical studies.

Treatment strategies for meniscal lesions: from past to prospective therapeutics

Menisci play an important role in the biomechanics of knee joint function, including loading transmission, joint lubrication, prevention of soft tissue impingement during motion and joint stability. Meniscal repair presents a challenge due to a lack of vascularization that limits the healing capacity of meniscal tissue. In this review, the authors aimed to untangle the available treatment options for repairing meniscal tears. Various surgical procedures have been developed to treat meniscal tears; however, clinical outcomes are limited. Consequently, numerous researchers have focused on different treatments such as the application of exogenous and/or autologous growth factors, scaffolds including tissue-derived matrix, cell-based therapy and miRNA-210. The authors present current and prospective treatment strategies for meniscal lesions.

Effect of Vitamin D supplementation in patients with liver cirrhosis having spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) is one of the most serious liver cirrhosis with ascites complications. Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency has been associated with a high risk of infection and mortality in cirrhotic patients. Herein, the assessment of Vit D level as a prognostic marker in SBP patients and the impact of Vit D supplementation on their treatment plan was studied as well.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ascetic patients with SBP and Vit D deficiency were divided randomly into treatment and control groups. The control group received standard treatment without Vit D and the treatment group received standard treatment plus Vit D. Clinical monitoring of Vit D was done over 6 months.

RESULTS

At baseline, all patients in both groups revealed an elevated serum and ascetic TLC, AST, ALT, total and direct bilirubin, in addition to elevation in INR and procalcitonin (PCT) level. Univariate regression analysis confirmed that deficiency of Vit D was an independent predictor of infection and mortality (p < 0.01; Crude Hazard Ratio: 0.951). Over 6 months, the study revealed significant improvement in serum Vit D level in the treatment group (34.6 ± 9.2 and 18.3 ± 10.0 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant increase in survival rate (64% vs. 42%; p < 0.05) and duration (199.5 days vs. 185.5 days; p < 0.05) were recorded as well. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis confirmed that Vit D supplementation was positively correlated to survival over 6 months (p < 0.001; Adjusted Hazard Ratio: 0.895).

CONCLUSIONS

Vit D deficiency is prevalent in SBP cirrhotic patients and is used as an independent predictor of infection and death. Therefore, Vit D supplementation revealed improvement in their response to treatment.

Exaggerated postprandial GLP-1 secretion following esophagectomy is not associated with gastric emptying and intestinal transit

Esophagectomy causes postprandial symptoms associated with an exaggerated postprandial gut hormone response. This study aimed to compare the gastrointestinal transit time of patients 1 year after esophagectomy with unoperated controls, including its relation to satiety gut hormone release. In this cross-sectional study, consecutive, disease-free patients after esophagectomy with pyloroplasty were compared with unoperated control subjects to assess gastric emptying (GE) and cecal arrival time (CAT). Serial plasma samples were collected before, and for 300 minutes after, a mixed-meal challenge. Body composition was assessed, and symptom scores were calculated. Eleven patients 1 year post-esophagectomy (age: 62.6 ± 9.8, male: 82%) did not show a significantly different GE pattern compared with 10 control subjects (P = 0.245). Rather, patients could be categorized bimodally as exhibiting either rapid or slow GE relative to controls. Those with rapid GE trended toward a higher postprandial symptom burden (P = 0.084) without higher postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion (P = 0.931). CAT was significantly shorter after esophagectomy (P = 0.043) but was not significantly associated with GE, GLP-1 secretion, or symptom burden. Neither early nutrient delivery to the proximal small intestine nor to the colon explains the exaggerated postprandial GLP-1 response after esophagectomy. GE varies significantly in these patients despite consistent pyloric management.

Correlation of Primary Tumor Metabolic Parameters with Clinical, Histopathological and Molecular Characteristics in Breast Cancer Patients at Preoperative Staging FDG-PET/CT Study

Introduction:

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the correlation of primary (1ry)tumor metabolic activity parameters maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and tumor SUVmax/liver average SUV ratio (TLR) in initial staging 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography / computerized tomography (PET/CT) scan with clinical, histopathological and molecular characteristics of breast cancer (BC) patients.

Material and Methods:

Initial staging PET/CT was performed in 40 cases with different stages of BC in the supine position. Tumor FDG uptake was qualitatively evaluated and quantitatively assessed using SUVmax and TLR.

Results:

Forty female patients with newly diagnosed BC were enrolled in our study, age range from 31-78 (mean 50.5 +/- SD11.7). All the 1ry tumors were detected with mean SUVmax 10.8(+/-SD 7.9). The mean /median SUVmax values of 1ry tumor was higher in premenopausal, stage III& IV, Estrogen Receptors negative(ER-), Progesteron Receptors negative(PR-), Her2neu positive patients, high nuclear grade (GIII), in triple negative molecular subgroup (TN), positive axillary nodal (ALNs)metastases, and (P value = 0.003, 0.017, 0.113, 0.089 0.01,0.002, 0.007 & 0.016 respectively). The mean/median TLR values was higher in premenopausal and Her2neu positive, GIII, TN molecular subtype patients, stage III& IV and in patients with positive ALNs, ER- &PR - patients (P value = 0.002, 0.0476, 0.005, 0.018, 0.039 and 0.022, 0.095 & 0.129 respectively). SUVmax of the 1ry lesion and TLR were moderately negatively correlated with the age of the patients (P value = 0.005 and 0.008 respectively), also they were moderately positively correlated with the size of the1ry tumor (P value = 0.019 and 0.036 respectively).

Conclusion:

The SUVmax of the 1ry tumor and TLR values had similar significant associations with different prognostic factors in BC

Characterization of R-pyocin activity against Gram-positive pathogens for the first time with special focus on Staphylococcus aureus

AIM

This study is aimed at characterization of both antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of R-pyocin from clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa against Gram-positive pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pyocinogenic P. aeruginosa was detected using reverse-side method, and pyocinogeny typing was confirmed using revised-spotting method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for morphological characterization of R-pyocin and for detection of changes in membrane of R-pyocin-treated S. aureus. SDS-PAGE analysis was used for detection of the molecular weight of R-pyocin protein-subunits and Poisson-killing-distribution assay for burst-size calculation. Lipotechoic-acid (LTA) adsorption-assay was used to confirm whether LTA in Gram-positive bacteria served as R-pyocin receptor. Moreover, R-pyocin production at 10-60°C was assessed herein. Host-range of activity of R-pyocin was tested against antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens. The anti-biofilm activity of R-pyocin was detected against sensitive bacterial strains. Chemical, enzymatic, pH and thermo-stability of R-pyocin were evaluated. TEM micrographs revealed a typical morphology of myotailocins indicating the production of R-pyocin designated as RPU15. TEM revealed pores formation in S. aureus membrane, and bacteriophage-like plaques were obvious on plates of R-pyocin-treated S. aureus. R-pyocin activity was neutralized by LTA of S. aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PU15 produced ~428 non-inducible R-pyocin particles. RPU15 sheath and tube protein-subunits exhibited a molecular weight of 38 and 23 kDa, respectively. RPU15 possessed activity against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans and reduced biofilm-biomasses of tested AMR strains.

CONCLUSION

Our results show the potential therapeutic use of R-pyocin due to its effectiveness on tested bacterial biofilms.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study that investigates antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of R-pyocin activity against S. aureus. R-pyocin shows new phenomenon of bacteriophage-like plaques. Our findings represent a future therapeutic agent targeting both methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus.

Aerobic exercises recommendations and specifications for patients with COVID-19: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This review was conducted to systematically analyze the effects of aerobic exercise on immunological biomarkers to provide safe aerobic exercise recommendations and specifications for patients with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted through MEDLINE (PubMed), Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and SciELO databases. The search included the following keywords "immune system", "immune cell", or "immune function"; "aerobic training", "aerobic exercise", or "physical activity"; "human" or "adult"; and "cytokine", "killer cell", "T cell", "interleukin", "lymphocyte", "leukocyte" or "adhesion molecule".

RESULTS

Eleven studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this search. The most used exercise prescriptions included walking, cycling, or running. The duration of exercise ranged from 18 to 60 min with an intensity of 55% to 80% of VO2max or 60%-80% of maximum heart rate. The frequency range was 1 to 3 times/week. The mainly increased immunological biomarkers included leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, IL-6, CD16-56, CD16, CD4, CD3, CD8, and CD19.

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrated that patients with COVID-19 should follow a regular program of aerobic exercise for 20-60 min. This program should be in the form of cycling or walking with an intensity of 55%-80% VO2max or 60%-80% of maximum heart rate. This program should be repeated 2-3 sessions/week. These previous parameters could safely enhance immune functions without producing any exhaustion.

Toll-like receptor 7 mRNA is reduced in hepatitis C-based liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, out-performs alpha-fetoprotein levels, and with age and serum aspartate aminotransferase is a new diagnostic index

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B and C viruses are leading causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR-7) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC linked to hepatitis B. We hypothesised a role of leukocyte TLR-7 mRNA in hepatitis C related liver cirrhosis and HCC, using alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and liver function tests as comparators.

METHODS

We recruited 102 patients with HCV-related HCC, 97 with HCV-related liver cirrhosis and 60 healthy controls. Quantification of TLR-7 mRNA was performed using real-time PCR, AFP and routine LFTs by standard techniques.

RESULTS

TLR-7 mRNA levels were significantly lower in HCC patients compared to cirrhotic patients and lower again in healthy controls (p < 0.001 for trend). In multivariate analysis, age, aspartate transaminase (AST), AFP, and TLR-7 mRNA were significant predictors of HCC. The ROCC/AUC for age, AST and TLR-7 mRNA were all between 0.64 and 0.78 (all P < 0.01), but for AFP was 0.57 (95% CI 0.48-0.65, P = 0.09). We derived an index score using age, AST and TLR-7 mRNA for the diagnosis of HCC. The ROCC/AUC for the index was superior to all three root indices in the prediction of HCC. The index linked significantly with the Tokyo and Vienna liver cancer staging systems, but not with those of the CLIP and Okuda systems, in distinguishing HCC from liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

The combination of TLR-7 mRNA levels with age and AST improves the performance of TLR-7 in HCC diagnosis, out-performs alpha-fetoprotein and predicts early HCC.

Circulating micro RNA-223 and angiopoietin-like protein 8 as biomarkers of gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious health problem associated with both foetal and maternal complications. New biomarkers that can predict or help in the early diagnosis of GDM are needed to minimize the hazards of hyperglycaemia in pregnant women and their offspring. We hypothesised a link between levels of microRNA-223 (miRNA-223) and Angiopoietin-Like Protein 8 (ANGPTL8) and GDM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 109 patients with confirmed early diagnosed GDM and 103 healthy control pregnant women in their second or third trimester. miRNA-223 and ANGPTL8 blood levels were assessed by real-time RT-PCR and sandwich ELISA, respectively, laboratory markers by standard methods.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in mean [SD] miRNA-223 and ANGPTL8 in GDM (0.31 [0.06] relative units) and (692 [199] pg/ml), respectively, in the GDM women compared to healthy pregnant women (0.17[0.05] relative units) and (261 [127] pg/ml), respectively, P  < 0.001. miRNA-223 and ANGPTL8 correlated significantly with each other (r = 0.38, P  < 0.001) and with fasting, 1-h and 2-h postprandial blood glucose levels (all P ≤ 0.002) HbA1 c (P  < 0.025), total cholesterol (P < 0.01), LDL-C and triglycerides (both P ≤ 0.005). The ROC area under curve (AUC) (95%CI) was 0.94 (0.91-0.97) for ANGPTL8, 0.92 (0.88-0.96) for miRNA-223 and 0.97 (0.95 - 0.99) for their combination.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the hypothesis of involvement of both miRNA-223 and ANGPTL8 in the pathogenesis of GDM. The difference between levels in GDM patients and in control pregnant women indicates potential use for early diagnosis or prediction of GDM.

Wheat-millet flour cookies: Physical, textural, sensory attributes and antioxidant potential

Millet flour (water washed or alkali washed) was replaced with wheat flour (WF) at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% levels. Objectives of the research were to characterize the flour blends for their technical properties and to produce cookies with less or no gluten contents. All types of flour blends were evaluated for their pasting properties. The cookies were baked and evaluated for their textural and physical attributes. Inclusion of millet flour (both types) in wheat flour resulted in significant reduction in peak and final viscosities while setback viscosities were affected non-significantly. Pasting temperature was increased from 65 ℃ (100% wheat flour) to 91 ℃ (100% millet flour). The hardness of cookies was reduced in the presence of millet flour. Fracturability values of cookies with higher millet flour were higher as compared to control cookies (prepared from 100% wheat flour). Cookies prepared from blends having more that 50% millet flour were not much liked by sensory panelists. The phenolic contents of cookies containing higher levels of either water washed or alkali washed millet flour were found to be higher when compared to cookies prepared from plain WF (1.90 ± 0.14 mg gallic acid/g sample). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl activity (%) of cookies ranged from 16.39 ± 0.34 (100% water washed millet flour) to 10.39 ± 0.26 (100% WF; control). The study will help the non-coeliac people to consume low gluten (≈1.6-6.5%) or gluten intolerant people to consume gluten-free cookies (0%) from millet flour having abundant of antioxidants and health-promoting polyphenols.

Comparative anatomical studies on the glandular stomach of the rock pigeon (Columba livia targia) and the Egyptian laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis aegyptiaca)

The rock pigeon (RP) and the laughing dove (LD) are common and widely distributed species in African countries, including Egypt. The present work was carried out to characterize the comparative features of the glandular stomach (proventriculus) in these two birds, which share diets and habitats. In both species, the proventriculus is an elongated spindle obliquely situated in the cranial two-thirds of the body cavity. The length and weight of the proventriculus in the RP were about one and half times greater than that of the LD. Histologically, the proventricular wall generally consisted of the mucosa (thickest), submucosa, muscular and serosa layers. The proventricular glands occupied most of the wall of the proventriculus within the lamina propria of the mucosa. The glands are tubuloalveolar in type, consist of variable shaped lobules and are more condensed in LD than in RP. At the proventricular-gizzard junction (PGJ), the proventricular glands were observed external to the tubular glands of the gizzard in the RP, whereas in LD, these glands end abruptly and are separated from the tubular glands of the gizzard by a short distance. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the proventricular lumen in RP revealed that the openings of the proventricular glands have an irregular outline surrounded by concentrically arranged mucosal folds that resemble a rosette shape. In the LD, these openings have a regular outline surrounded by thinner, widely spaced mucosal folds. To our knowledge, these results identified the structure of the proventriculus in RP and LD for the first time.

Protective effects of sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) extract on testicular dysfunction induced by immune suppressant drugs in Wistar rats

The current study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Holothurian atra (HA) extract; naturally occurring marine resource, against methotrexate (MTX) induced testicular dysfunction. Mature rats received either MTX (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or saline on the 7th day of experiment al design. Seven days prior and after MTX-injection, rats received HA at dose of 300 mg/kg intragastrically (HA + MTX group; HA group alone). Serum was extracted and testicular tissues were examined for the changes in serum biochemistry (liver & kidney biomarkers, testicular hormones and antioxidants), molecular and histopthological alterations using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. MTX-injected rats induced alteration in all testicular parameters. Prior administration of HA ameliorated the MTX-induced oxidative stress. HA administration normalised MTX-induced decrease in serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone) and antioxidants GST, SOD and catalase. MTX-injected rats down-regulated mRNA expression of GST, SOD, steroidogenesis associated genes, IFN-γ, Bcl2 and NFKB. MTX up-regulated BAX expression and caspase 9 immunoreactivity that were ameliorated in HA + MTX group. Collectively, HA ameliorated and restored all altered genes. In conclusion, HA is a promising supplement that is helpful in protection against testicular cytotoxicity and dysfunction induced by methotrexate.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium species isolated from diarrheic children in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Cryptosporidiosis has been identified as a significant underlying cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Studies in high and low income countries have recognized the importance of Cryptosporidium as a cause of diarrhea. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence rate and genotypes of Cryptosporidiumin in diarrheic children in Makkah Region. A total of 1,380 fecal samples were collected from children aged up to 14 years attending 3 major hospitals of Makkah between March 2015 and March 2016. Stool collected were subjected to direct microscopic examination and crypto antigen detection using ImmunoCard STAT, Cryptosporidium/Giardia rapid test. Part of each positive stool sample was kept frozen at -20ºC for molecular characterization. Initial screening by immunochromatographic detection kit revealed 23 positive cases. PCR was performed for positive cases by amplification of a piece of the gene encoding the small (18S) subunit of rRNA producing a 435-438 bp product. Cryptosporidium genotyping was performed by RFLP analysis of PCR products. Genotyping revealed 18 cases C. hominis genotype, 4 cases C. parvaum genotype and one sample failed to be amplified. The data revealed a higher incidence of the common human species C. hominis (81.8%). The detection of both C. hominis and C. parvaum genotypes point to the possibility of both anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission routes occurring in Makkah region. Further studies are needed to verify the subgenotypes of Cryptosporidium to elucidate the real transmission modes and hence plan for effective control strategies.

An efficient adsorption of indigo carmine dye from aqueous solution on mesoporous Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide nanoparticles prepared by controlled sol-gel route

A new approach for removal of indigo carmine blue (IC) dye which is extensively used in jeans manufacture was successfully performed on novel mesoporous [LDH] nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel route using CTAB as shape and pore directing agent. The physicochemical features were monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformer infra-red (FTIR), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm, Field emission electron microscope (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The influence of reaction parameters affecting dye adsorption including contact time, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were investigated. Textural analysis and HRTEM images indicate the existence of mesoporous spherical nanoparticles of size = 26 nm connected to each other's and embedded large numbers of mesopores of average pore radius = 43.5 Å. A successful adsorption of IC on LDH nanoparticles of surface area = 85.6 m²/g at various pH with maximum adsorption capacity = 62.8 mg/g at pH = 9.5. Langmuir model is more favorable to describe the adsorption of IC rather than Freundlich model which reflecting the preferential formation of monolayer on the surface of LDH. Both film diffusion and the intraparticle diffusion affect the dye adsorption. The values of enthalpy change (ΔH) for and (ΔS) are + 28.18 and + 0.118 kJ/mol, respectively indicating that the removal process is endothermic. The results indicated that LDH nanoparticles conserved a good activity even after five consecutive cycles of reuse. Our results suggest that mesoporous LDH nanoparticles are considered a potential novel adsorbent for remediation of wastewater containing IC.

Evaluation of the effects of intrathecal bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine for lumbar spine fusion: a double blinded randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal dexmedetomidine at improving the quality of the operative field, and prolonging the duration of sensory block, motor block, and postoperative analgesia during spinal surgery

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled study included 52 patients undergoing an instrumented one-level posterolateral lumbar spine fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis under spinal anesthesia. The patients were randomized into two groups: group D (n = 26) received 15 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine with 5 μg of dexmedetomidine, while group P (n = 26) received 15 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine only. The operative field quality score, blood loss volume, and the surgeon's satisfaction with the procedure were recorded. The onset time of the sensory block, time to reach peak sensory level, sensory and motor regression times, time to the first requirement of analgesia, sedation level, hemodynamics, and all postoperative complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

The operative field quality and the surgeon's satisfaction scores (rated excellent) were significantly better in group D than in group P (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Patients in group D had significantly longer sensory and motor regression times than patients in group P (p < 0.0001). The time to the first requirement of analgesia and the total dose of ketorolac was significantly longer and smaller, respectively, in group D than in group P (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathecal bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine improved the quality of the operative field, prolonged the duration of the sensory and motor block, prolonged postoperative analgesia, and produced minimal side effects.

Functional effects of distinct innervation styles of pyramidal cells by fast spiking cortical interneurons

Inhibitory interneurons target precise membrane regions on pyramidal cells, but differences in their functional effects on somata, dendrites and spines remain unclear. We analyzed inhibitory synaptic events induced by cortical, fast-spiking (FS) basket cells which innervate dendritic shafts and spines as well as pyramidal cell somata. Serial electron micrograph (EMg) reconstructions showed that somatic synapses were larger than dendritic contacts. Simulations with precise anatomical and physiological data reveal functional differences between different innervation styles. FS cell soma-targeting synapses initiate a strong, global inhibition, those on shafts inhibit more restricted dendritic zones, while synapses on spines may mediate a strictly local veto. Thus, FS cell synapses of different sizes and sites provide functionally diverse forms of pyramidal cell inhibition.

Selective Thalamic Innervation of Rat Frontal Cortical Neurons

Most glutamatergic inputs in the neocortex originate from the thalamus or neocortical pyramidal cells. To test whether thalamocortical afferents selectively innervate specific cortical cell subtypes and surface domains, we investigated the distribution patterns of thalamocortical and corticocortical excitatory synaptic inputs in identified postsynaptic cortical cell subtypes using intracellular and immunohistochemical staining combined with confocal laser scanning and electron microscopic observations in 2 thalamorecipient sublayers, lower layer 2/3 (L2/3b) and lower layer 5 (L5b) of rat frontal cortex. The dendrites of GABAergic parvalbumin (PV) cells preferentially received corticocortical inputs in both sublayers. The somata of L2/3b PV cells received thalamic inputs in similar proportions to the basal dendritic spines of L2/3b pyramidal cells, whereas L5b PV somata were mostly innervated by cortical inputs. The basal dendrites of L2/3b pyramidal and L5b corticopontine pyramidal cells received cortical and thalamic glutamatergic inputs in proportion to their local abundance, whereas crossed-corticostriatal pyramidal cells in L5b exhibited a preference for thalamic inputs, particularly in their distal dendrites. Our data demonstrate an exquisite selectivity among thalamocortical afferents in which synaptic connectivity is dependent on the postsynaptic neuron subtype, cortical sublayer, and cell surface domain.

Vitamin D levels in Egyptian HCV patients (genotype 4) treated with pegylated interferon

BACKGROUND/AIM

Vitamin D has been shown to play an important immunomodulatory role. Deficiency of vitamin D has been recently associated to the lack of response to interferon therapy in Hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infected patients. This study aims to evaluate serum level of vitamin D and verify whether circulating vitamin D has any independent role in predicting the rates of HCV virologic response after the administration of pegylated interferon to Egyptian patients infected with genotype 4 HCV.

METHODS

Fifty patients infected with HCV genotype 4 and not co-infected with neither Hepatitis B virus nor Human Immunodeffiency Virus were recruited for the study. They were treated with ribavirin-pegylated interferon alpha 2a. Viral titer was determined at baseline, at 12 weeks and at end of treatment (48 weeks). Vitamin D levels and a biochemical profile were obtained for the patients at baseline and at end of treatment. Vitamin D control group consisting of 20 healthy patients of similar age and weight to the study group were recruited to obtain vitamin D levels.

RESULTS

Vitamin D levels in HCV infected patients were significantly lower than in healthy subjects. Responders to ribavirin plus pegylated interferon alpha 2a therapy had significantly higher vitamin D levels than non-responders.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency predicts an unfavorable response to interferon-based treatment of HCV.

Clinical significance of telomerase genes (hTERC and hTERT) amplification in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) describes a heterogenous group of hematological disorders. Cytogenetic and molecular assays have allowed patients' follow up aiming for detection of minimal residual disease, prediction of patients' outcome, in addition to providing the rationale for designing novel molecular-targeted therapeutic strategies. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), encoded by the hTERT gene and the telomerase RNA component (hTERC) genes are frequently amplified in human tumors, which may indicate that the hTERT and the hTERC genes may be target for amplification during the transformation of human malignancies including hematological malignancies. This genetic event has implications in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics of cancer. To evaluate the hTERC and hTERT genes as a prognostic marker in patients with AML, hTERC and hTERT gene amplification was studied in 20 adult AML patients using a commercial FISH probes (Kreatech) designated to detect the copy numbers of the genes. They were 12 males and 8 females. Their ages ranged from 16 to 67 years. The patients were further divided into two groups; group I (12 patients) includes newly diagnosed AML patients and group II (8 patients) includes patients taken at 28th day of chemotherapy. The hTERC amplification was detected in 19/21 cases (90.5%). The copy number of the gene ranged from 2-5 copies per interphase cell. For the hTERT gene, the amplification was found in the same percent of the patients. The copy number of the gene ranged from 2-9 copies per interphase cell. On comparing the group I with group II there was a highly statistical significant difference regarding the percent of amplification of both genes. The percent of amplification of hTERT gene was found to be higher among patients with poor outcome of the disease than in patients with good outcome. On the contrary the hTERC gene amplification did not exhibit such a correlation. In conclusion, hTERT and hTERC genes amplification were detected in patients with AML; therefore telomerase can be a good cancer marker which may be involved in carcinogenesis of leukemia. Higher amplification was found in de novo cases than cases in remission which emphasize its role in clinical analysis, disease monitoring and detection of minimal residual disease.

KEYWORDS

Acute Myeloid leukemia, telomerase amplification, hTERC gene, hTERT gene.

Echocardiographic atlas of the mitral regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is defined as the loss of the smooth and adequate trimming closure of the mitral valve, which results in the reflux of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole. The functional competence of the mitral valve relies on the proper and coordinated interaction of the following structures: the mitral annulus, and leaflets, chordate tendineae, papillary muscles, left atrium and the left ventricles. This article will describe the echocardiography assessment of the mitral valve regurgitation with special emphasis on the trans-esophageal and 3D echocardiography. The echocardiography images were all original with special attention to the unique surgical view of the images.

Echocardiography in mitral stenosis

Echocardiography plays a major role in diagnosis, etiology and severity of Mitral Stenosis (MS), analysis of valve anatomy and decision-making for intervention. This technique has also a crucial role to assess consequences of MS and follow up of patients after medical or surgical intervention. In this article we review the role of conventional echocardiography in assessment of mitral stenosis and future direction of this modality using 3D echocardiography.

Determinants of maternal adaptation to mentally disabled children in El Minia, Egypt

This study was carried out in a governmental school for mentally disabled children in El Minia. We assessed maternal adaptation and the relationship between maternal sociodemographic factors and adaptation as well as examining maternal distress. All 100 mothers with children aged 6-18 years attending the school were recruited in the study. Three tools were used: demographic data sheet, adaptation scale to assess the nature of mothers' interaction and patterns of psychosocial adaptation and depression scale to detect the presence of psychiatric disorders among the mothers. Only 35.0% of the mothers adapted positively to their child's condition; 62.9% of those had female children. Negatively adapted mothers were slightly older than positively adapted mothers and had more children. Maternal education and occupation were significantly associated with psychosocial adaptation. Knowledge of mothers about their child's condition significantly affected adaptation as well as the dependency of children in eating, drinking and sleeping. Two-thirds of mothers had high levels of psychopathology.

ERG oncoprotein expression in prostate cancer: clonal progression of ERG-positive tumor cells and potential for ERG-based stratification

Gene fusions prevalent in prostate cancer (CaP) lead to the elevated expression of the ERG proto-oncogene. ERG activation present in 50–70% of prostate tumors underscores one of the most common oncogenic alterations in CaP. Despite numerous reports of gene fusions and mRNA expression, ERG oncoprotein status in CaP still remains to be defined. Furthermore, development of ERG protein-based assays may provide a new dimension to evaluation of gene fusions involving diverse androgen-regulated promoters and the ERG protein-coding sequence. Through exhaustive evaluations of 132 whole-mount prostates (261 tumor foci and over 200 000 benign glands) for the ERG oncoprotein nuclear expression, we demonstrated 99.9% specificity for detecting prostate tumor cells using a highly specific anti-ERG monoclonal antibody. The ERG oncoprotein expression correlated well with fusion transcript or gene fusion in randomly selected specimens. Strong concordance of ERG-positive foci of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) with ERG-positive carcinoma (82 out of 85 sections with PIN, 96.5%) affirms the biological role of ERG in clonal selection of prostate tumors in 65% (86 out of 132) of patients. Conversely, ERG negative PINs were associated with ERG-negative carcinoma. Taken together, the homogeneous and strong ERG expression detected in individual tumors establishes the potential for ERG oncoprotein-based stratification of CaP.

Malaria preventive measures, health care seeking behaviour and malaria burden in different epidemiological settings in Sudan

OBJECTIVES

To provide information about preventive measures and treatment seeking behaviour as well as an estimate of the malaria burden in different epidemiological settings for effective monitoring and evaluation of the ongoing efforts.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey carried out in four areas representing different levels of transmission to explore the use of preventive measures, care-seeking behaviour and accessibility in addition to point prevalence was followed by a follow-up phase in which the health workers registered and reported all fever cases including malaria. The relation between the reported malaria incidence, the product of symptomatic/asymptomatic ratio and the prevalence of confirmed malaria cases was used to develop the equation that could predict the true malaria incidence.

RESULTS

Thousand households and 3628 individuals were surveyed. The presence of any net varied between 6.6% and 40%; the percentage of people who reportedly slept under mosquito nets in the previous night varied between 35 and 80. Prompt use of medications ranged between 14 and 48% with a delay of more than 24 h noticed in different areas. The mean number of individuals per household who reported use of anti-malarial drugs in the last 2 weeks ranged between 0.6 (SD = 0.92) and 1.2 (SD = 1.1), with variable cost per treatment and affordability. The prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia, fever and confirmed malaria at time of the survey differed by area. The incidence of malaria during the follow-up period was estimated to be 8.5, 178.6, 23.7 and 10.3 episodes per 1000 population in Malakal, Elrank, Elhosh and El Matama, respectively. Based on this, a prediction equation was developed.

CONCLUSION

We found suboptimal health care seeking behaviour, coverage and use of preventive measures with a high malaria burden. We developed a model for future estimation of malaria episodes.

Study of larvivorous fish for malaria vector control in Somalia, 2002

An intervention study was conducted on the introduction of the larvivorous fish Oreochromis spilurus spilurus as a method of malaria vector control in Kalabeydh village, northern Somalia. This species is resistant to chlorine in water up to a concentration of 1.0 mg/L. Fish were introduced into 25 berkit (reservoirs). After 1 month the number of larvae in each berkit was reduced by between 16.5% and 78.6% (mean 52.8%). Community acceptance and participation was good. The introduction of larvivorous fish is a cheap method of malaria vector control, but its sustainability needs special consideration and education of the community is important, especially to cover the dry season, when most of the berkit dry up.

Study of factors affecting growth of Leishmania in cultures

The rate of growth of Leishmania major and L. infantum in El-On's culture media supplemented with human, dog, rat and avian blood was studied in vitro. Rabbit blood was used as a control. The effect of culture with these types of blood on the infectivity of both Leishmania strains to albino mice was also studied. The results showed that a good yield of both L. major and L. infantum parasites can be obtained in culture by using avian blood as substitute for rabbit blood in El-ON's medium. In addition, rat blood gave good results with L. infantum. The morphological forms of L. major and L. infantum on all types of blood supplemented media: elongated promastigotes, spindle promastigotes, paramastigotes and amastigoes were present all through the culture period with variable percentages. The infectivity to experimental animals was not affected by culture of both Leishmania strains on rabbit, human, rat, dog as well as avian blood supplemented media.

Amelioration of experimental allergic encephalitis (EAE) through phase 2 enzyme induction

The multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion is characterized by an inflammatory cell mediated attack on white matter. Oxidative stress appears to play a role in the onset and progression of MS. We reasoned that decreasing oxidative stress might ameliorate MS. One way of decreasing oxidative stress is to induce phase 2 enzymes. The model chosen to test this hypothesis was experimental allergenic encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced in the Lewis rat. The 26 animals were placed into two groups: 1) those on normal rat chow, 2) those on rat chow containing 250 mumoles t-butylhydroxyanisole (BHA)/kg. After 2 weeks, animals were administered 100 micrograms guinea pig myelin basic protein and examined daily in a blinded fashion. Twenty-nine days later, animals were sacrificed, blood collected for glutathione (GSH) measurements and tissues collected for histology. Six of the 13 control chow animals developed hindlimb weakness or paralysis while 5 developed tail weakness only. Only 1 BHA fed animal exhibited symptoms--hindlimb weakness. Clinical symptoms correlated well with the extent of perivascular lymphocyte infiltration. Animals with BHA in the diet had 20% higher red cell GSH indicting induction of phase 2 enzymes. We conclude that dietary phase 2 enzyme inducers should be examined for their ability to ameliorate MS.

Type II tumour necrosis factor-alpha receptor (TNFR2) activates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) but not mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or p38 MAPK pathways

The pleitropic actions of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) are transmitted by the type I 55 kDa TNF receptor (TNFR1) and type II 75 kDa TNF receptor (TNFR2), but the signalling mechanisms elicited by these two receptors are not fully understood. In the present study, we report for the first time subtype-specific differential kinase activation in cell models that respond to TNF by undergoing apoptotic cell death. KYM-1 human rhabdomyosarcoma cells and HeLa human cervical epithelial cells, engineered to overexpress TNFR2, displayed c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation by wild-type TNF, a TNFR1-specific TNF mutant and a TNFR2-specific mutant TNF in combination with an agonistic TNFR2-specific monoclonal antiserum. A combination of the TNFR2-specific mutant and agonistic antiserum elicited maximal endogenous or exogenous TNFR2 responsiveness. Moreover, alternative expression of a TNFR2 deletion mutant lacking its cytoplasmic domain rendered the cells unable to activate JNK activity through this receptor subtype. The profile of JNK activation by TNFR1 was more transient than that of TNFR2, with TNFR2-induced JNK activity also being more sensitive to the caspase inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-DL-Asp-fluoromethylketone. Conversely, only activation of the TNFR1 could stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or p38 MAPK activities in a time-dependent manner. The role of TNFR2 activation in enhanced apoptotic cell death was confirmed with agonistic monoclonal antisera in cells expressing high levels of TNFR2. Activation of TNFR2 alone elicited cell death, but full TNF-induced death required stimulation of both receptor types. These findings indicate that efficient activation of TNFR2 by soluble TNFs is achievable with co-stimulation by antisera, and that both receptors differentially modulate extracellular signal-regulated kinases contributing to the cytokine's cytotoxic response.

Modulated kinase activities in cells undergoing tumour necrosis factor-induced apoptotic cell death

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) has a variety of cellular effects including apoptotic and necrotic cytotoxicity. TNF activates a range of kinases, but their role in cytotoxic mechanisms is unclear. HeLa cells expressing elevated type II 75 kDa TNF receptor (TNFR2) protein, analysed by flow cytometry and Western analysis, showed altered c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK; but not MAPK) protein content and activation. There was greater JNK activation, but reduced p38MAPK activation in dying cells compared to those still to enter TNF-induced apoptosis. Moreover, cells displaying more rapid apoptosis possess higher levels of type I 55 kDa TNFR1 receptor isoform, but less TNFR2. These findings reveal differential kinase activation in TNF-induced apoptotic death.

Catalytic spectrophotometric determination of vanadium in seawaters based on the bromate oxidative coupling reaction of metol and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid

A new, simple, sensitive and selective catalytic method is developed for the determination of vanadium in natural and sea waters. The method is based on the catalytic effect of V(V) and/or V(IV) on the bromate oxidative-coupling reaction of metol with 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid (THBA). The reaction is followed spectrophotometrically by tracing the oxidation product at 380 and/or 570 nm after 5 min of mixing the reagents. The optimum reaction conditions are 6.4 x 10(-3) mol l-1 of metol, 2.0 x 10(-3) mol l-1 of THBA and 0.16 mol l-1 of bromate at 35 degrees C and in the presence of an activator-buffer solution of 1 x 10(-2) mol l-1 of tartrate (pH = 3.10). Following the recommended procedure, V(V) and/or V(IV) can be determined with linear calibration graphs up to 0.75 ng ml-1 and detection limits, based on the 3Sb criterion, of 0.008 and 0.018 ng ml-1 at 380 and 570 nm, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied, without any separation or preconcentration processes, to the determination of vanadium in natural and seawaters following the direct calibration and standard addition techniques, respectively.

Evaluation of a national eye care programme: re-survey after 10 years

AIM

To re-survey the Gambia after an interval of 10 years to assess the impact of a national eye care programme (NECP) on the prevalence of blindness and low vision.

METHOD

Comparison of two multistage cluster random sample surveys taking into account the marked increase in population in the Gambia, west Africa. Samples of the whole population in 1986 and 1996 were taken. The definition of blindness is presenting vision less than 3/60 in the better eye, or visual fields constricted to less than 10 degrees from fixation. Low vision is less than 6/18 but 3/60 or better. Causes of blindness were determined clinically by three ophthalmologists.

RESULTS

The crude prevalence of blindness fell from 0.70% to 0.42%, a relative reduction of 40%. During the same 10 year period, the population increased by 51% from 775 000 to 1 169 000. When the results were standardised for age, a west to east gradient was found for changes in risk of blindness over the 10 year period. This matched the phased west to east introduction of the NECP interventions. There was a modest but significant increase in the risk of low vision across the whole country.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall reduction in risk of blindness, in those areas where the NECP has been active, appears to justify the programme and the support of donor organisations. The low vision cases due to cataract must now be addressed.

Effect of kinetin concentration and methods of application on seed germination, yield components, yield and fiber properties of the Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense)

Two field experiments in 1993 and 1994 as well as a laboratory germination experiment were conducted on the Egyptian cotton cultivar Giza 75 (Gossypium barbadense) to determine the effect of six concentrations of kinetin (6-furfurylaminopurine) ranging from 0 to 10.0 mg l(-1) and three different methods of application: (A) seeds were soaked for 24 h before germination (laboratory experiment) or sowing (field experiment) in solutions of different kinetin concentration, (B) cotton plants were sprayed twice with different kinetin concentrations at 60 and 75 days after sowing (DAS) during the square initiation and the beginning of bolling stages, at volume solution of 480 l ha(-1). (C) Seeds were soaked in kinetin solutions before sowing as method A. In addition cotton plants were sprayed twice as method B with the same kinetin concentrations. Kinetin application improved seed viability and seedling vigour as shown by lengths of the hypocotyl, radicle and the entire seedling, as well as seedling fresh weight. Moreover, significant increases were recorded in the number of open bolls/plant, boll weight, lint and seed indices, seed cotton yield/plant, and seed cotton and lint yields/plot. The highest means were obtained at 5 mg kinetin l(-1) concentration and under method C of application. Treatments generally, had no significant effects on lint percentage, yield earliness and fiber properties. These results show that, the use of kinetin at 5 mg l(-1) for pre-soaking seeds before planting and spraying cotton plants at 60 and 75 DAS with the same concentration could improve cotton germination, seed cotton and lint yields.

[Association of HLA-DQB1 alleles and the susceptibility to beta-thalassemia in Guangxi Chinese Zhuang nationality]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between HLA-DQB1 allele and susceptibility to beta-thalassemia in Guangxi Chinese Zhuang nationality.

METHODS

The polymorphism of the HLA-DQB1 loci in 64 randomly selected, unrelated Guangxi Zhuang individuals with beta-thalassemia was investigated by PCR-SSP.

RESULTS

Compared with normal controls, the frequency of HLA-DQB1*0604 allele was significantly increased in the patient group, with a relative risk(RR) of 9.9(chi 2 = 20.78, P < 0.005), while the frequencies of other HLA-DQB1 alleles did not in the patient group.

CONCLUSION

The susceptibility to beta-thalassemia in the Guangxi Zhuang individuals is associated with HLA-DQB1*0604 allele.

Patterns of injury associated with automobile airbag use

The wide use of automobile airbags has undoubtedly reduced the mortality and the incidence of serious injuries from motor vehicle accidents. However, automobile airbags appear to be associated with a variety of injuries including fatal injuries, ocular injuries, upper limb and chest injuries. Further improvements in airbag design together with education of the general public in their use should help reduce airbag-related injuries.

Trachoma in The Gambia

BACKGROUND

As part of the second National Survey of Blindness and Low Vision in the Gambia carried out in 1996, all survey participants were examined for signs of trachoma. The findings were compared with the results of the first survey in 1986, which used the same sampling strategy.

METHODS

A multistage stratified cluster random sample, with proportional probability sampling, was obtained. Stratification included settlement size (less than 400 residents, and 400 and more residents). All subjects were examined for trachoma using the simplified WHO grading system.

RESULTS

Of the sample of 14,110 people, 13,047 (92.5%) were examined. Active inflammatory trachoma (grade TF or TI) was found in 3.0% of all age groups and 5.9% of children aged 0-9 years old. Trichiasis was found in 3.3% and trachomatous corneal opacities in 0.9% of adults aged 30 and over. The prevalence of blinding trachomatous corneal opacities was 0.02%, compared with 0.10% 10 years previously.

CONCLUSION

Compared with a previous national survey undertaken in 1986, prevalence of active trachoma has fallen by 54%. There has been an 80% relative reduction in blinding trachomatous corneal opacities over the 10 year period.

Epidemic optic neuropathy in primary school children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

BACKGROUND

An epidemic of bilateral optic neuropathy is affecting large numbers of people aged between 10 and 40 in Dar es Salaam, the capital city of Tanzania. The disease is characterised by acute onset of bilateral visual impairment, bilateral impairment of colour vision, and a characteristic temporal pallor of the optic discs. The disease often occurs in association with peripheral neuropathy and sensorineural hearing loss. This report presents the first data on disease prevalence in adolescents, based on a rapid assessment of schoolchildren.

METHODS

Three schools in Dar es Salaam were visited and all children aged between 10 and 16 were screened for the disease.

RESULTS

The prevalence of bilateral optic neuropathy among the schoolchildren is estimated to be 1.0% (95% CI 0.5-1.4%). This suggests that 5000 children (95% CI 2600-7300) aged 10-16 in Dar es Salaam may have the disease.

CONCLUSION

The results of this rapid assessment indicate this epidemic is a major public health problem. The prevalence of the disease in the community is likely to be far higher than found in this survey because children with the disease may have withdrawn from school. As the disease predominantly affects young adults, resulting in impaired vision and hearing, the economic and social consequences are enormous.

Reduction of trachoma in a sub-Saharan village in absence of a disease control programme

BACKGROUND

Trachoma is a leading cause of blindness in the developing world and is most prevalent among people who live in poor rural communities in arid locations.

METHODS

We analysed the results of surveys of trachoma prevalence in Marakissa, a rural village in The Gambia. These surveys were undertaken in 1959, by the Medical Research Council, and in 1987 and 1996 by the Gambian National Eye Care Programme.

FINDINGS

During this 37-year period, the prevalence of active inflammatory trachoma among children aged 0-9 years fell from 65.7 cases per 100 children in 1959 to 2.4 cases per 100 children in 1996. The prevalence also fell dramatically among people of 10-19 years (52.5 to 1.4 per 100) and among people of 20 years and older (36.7 to 0 cases per 100).

INTERPRETATION

The dramatic fall in disease occurrence was paralleled by improvements in sanitation, water supply, education, and access to health care in the village. Of particular importance is that the decline in trachoma occurred without any trachoma-specific intervention.

Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice augments the capacity for interleukin 3 (IL-3) and IL-9 production and concurrently enlarges progenitor pools for mast cells and granulocytes-macrophages

Mast cells and granulocytes-macrophages (GM) are components of the host defense system against worm infections, including schistosomiasis. Here we report the kinetics of changes in the number of colony-forming cells (CFC) for mast cells and GM during the course of a primary experimental infection of mice with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae over a period of 24 weeks postinfection (p.i.). Concurrently, we measured known myelopoietic and/or mast cell-stimulating cytokines (i.e., interleukin 3 [IL-3] and IL-9) in pokeweed mitogen-activated spleen cell-conditioned medium. Our results show that during the acute phase of the hepatic granulomatous reaction, the numbers of both mast-CFC and GM-CFC were significantly elevated in bone marrow. However, while femoral GM-CFC numbers had returned to normal control values at week 16 p.i., femoral and splenic mast-CFC numbers remained significantly elevated until week 20 p.i., which corresponds to the chronic fibrotic phase of hepatic granulomatous inflammation. Increased GM-CFC numbers correlated with elevated IL-3 levels, while increased mast-CFC numbers paralleled the increased IL-9 concentrations in spleen cell-conditioned medium. By the reverse transcription-PCR method, enhanced expression of IL-3 and IL-9 transcripts was found in RNA samples obtained from livers and spleens of infected mice. Our data demonstrate that during the course of infection of mice with S. mansoni, the coordinate need for mast cells and GM is at least partly regulated at the stage of progenitor cell commitment in the bone marrow and spleen. It appears that IL-3 and IL-9 help to promote at this stage the ultimate generation of mature effector cells.

Kinetics of interleukin-6 production after experimental infection of mice with Schistosoma mansoni

It has been reported that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is expressed in cells of acute inflammatory granulomas experimentally induced in mice by eggs of Schistosoma mansoni. Moreover, in vitro IL-6 was shown to enhance the cytotoxic activity of human platelets against larvae of S. mansoni. To elucidate further a proposed biological significance of this cytokine during the course of schistosomiasis, we studied the kinetics of IL-6 production and concomitantly performed a histopathological analysis of the livers in BALB/c mice subcutaneously infected with S. mansoni cercariae. Over a period of 24 weeks postinfection (p.i.) we monitored serum IL-6 levels, IL-6 production in vitro by pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated spleen cells as well as IL-6 mRNA expression in livers, spleens and kidneys. We found significantly elevated IL-6 levels in PWM-stimulated spleen cell-conditioned media (SCM) at weeks 6 to 20 p.i., peaking at week 10 p.i. In contrast, serum IL-6 concentrations started to rise not before week 8 but remained significantly elevated above normal control values until week 24 p.i. The time pattern of enhanced IL-6 mRNA expression detected in spleens and livers, but not in kidneys, as well as the rises of IL-6 in SCM and with a delay of 2 weeks in serum samples correlated with the onset of the egg-induced inflammatory reactions as well as the incidence and the number of the granulomas observed histopathologically in the livers of infected mice. Our data emphasize both a local and a systemic role of IL-6 in the host immune response following infection of mice with S. mansoni.

Piracetam is useful in the treatment of children with sickle cell disease

The management of children suffering from sickle cell disease [sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and sickle cell beta degree-thalassaemia (S beta degree-thal.)] has been the concern of all clinicians caring for these patients. Several agents have been tried for treatment, often limited by toxic side effects. Piracetam (2-oxo-l-pyrrolidine acetamide, Nootropyl), a cyclic derivative of gamma-amino butyrate, used for the treatment of psychosenescent syndromes with no known side effects, was considered as a possible therapeutic agent for sickle cell disease. Interest was focused on the use of piracetam when it was shown that it had an antisickling effect, both in vivo and in vitro. We initiated multicentre double-blind investigations in two groups of children suffering from sickle cell disease ranging in age from 3-6 to 6-12 years. The total number of patients included in the study were 87 (SCA = 79 and Hb S beta degree-thal. = 8) in 13 centres in 10 different regions of Saudi Arabia. Coded boxes of the drugs were received from the company (UCB) and were administered as intravenous infusion during crises and orally during the follow-up, for a period of up to 1 year. After decoding the code at the end of the study, the patients were grouped into those receiving placebo (n = 39), i.e. controls, or piracetam (n = 48), i.e. study cases. In terms of age, weight, height and severity index, number of blood transfusions received and number of hospitalization, both groups were statistically homogenous. Data analysis showed that the clinical severity of the disease, the number of crises, the extent of hospitalization and the blood transfusion requirements significantly decreased during piracetam treatment (p < 0.001), though no statistically significant changes occurred in the placebo group. However, in the levels of the haematological and biochemical parameters no significant changes were documented in both groups. In addition, the improvement in the clinical presentation of the disease continued even several months after discontinuation of the drug in the majority of the children, as judged from the low severity index value. Though our results point to the recommendation that piracetam can be used for the treatment of children suffering from sickle cell disease, both SCA and S beta degree-thal, it is advisable to conduct long-term and close follow-up treatment programmes using piracetam to establish its therapeutic value particularly in adults and to ascertain that there are no long-term toxic side effects.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in endemic hepatosplenic schistosomiasis

Thrombin and plasmin generation were assessed in patients with endemic hepatosplenic schistomiasis (15 hepatosplenomegalic, 15 splenomegalic, 15 with advanced hepatic fibrosis and ascites and 15 hepatosplenic patients with hematemesis). Prolongation of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, a decrease in antithrombin III and protein C and S levels and elevation in fibrinopeptide A, D-dimer and thrombin-antithrombin complex levels were detected in all groups. The deficit in hemostatic parameters was more pronounced with the advancement of the disease and was maximal in the hematemesis group. Our data demonstrate an increase in both thrombin and plasmin generation and indicate that low grade disseminated intravascular coagulation may occur in association with endemic Egyptian hepatosplenic schistosomiasis even in the steady state without overt bleeding.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Somalia. Circulating antibodies as measured by DAT, immunofluorescence and ELISA

Sera from patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) (n = 26), healthy residents of Mogadishu (n = 157), inhabitants of a village in an endemic area (n = 276) and healthy Swedes (n = 60) were examined using the direct agglutination test (DAT), immunofluorescence (IF) and ELISA for antibodies against Leishmania donovani. The study was carried out in order to provide baseline data for antibody responses in visceral leishmaniasis as existing in Somalia and to explore which one of these methods would be most suitable for diagnosis of clinical cases as well as for epidemiological population studies in Somalia. All patients had high levels of circulating antibodies, however, lower values were recorded in the early stages of the disease. High reactivity in ELISA was seen first after one year. All three tests distinguished well between sera from VL patients and healthy controls. Approximately 10% of the sera from villagers were reactive above the cut-off levels in the three tests. DAT is the simplest to perform and does not require much equipment. ELISA can be made simple and economic if performed in one serum dilution and read visually. IF requires more expensive and specialized equipment and is not suitable for large scale examination of sera. A complete evaluation of the three tests should also include the analysis of sera from various stages and manifestations of the disease.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Somalia: prevalence of leishmanin-positive and seropositive inhabitants in an endemic area

In an endemic area of Somalia both humoral and cell mediated immunity against Leishmania donovani was demonstrated in 246 inhabitants. In a study of 14 patients with active visceral leishmaniasis, we found that antibodies appear early in infection and that they are then demonstrable for a limited period only. Leishmanin positivity develops later and persists longer, but does not seem to be lifelong. The majority of the immunoreactive individuals were either sero- or leishmanin positive. This finding is in accord with the result obtained in recent experimental studies indicating a regulatory effect exerted on humoral and cell mediated immunity by different T lymphocyte subsets.

[Angiofibroma of the nasal fossae: apropos of 12 cases observed in Mali]

Over a period of 2 years, 12 cases of angiofibroma of the nasal fossae were observed in an otorhinolaryngology department in Bamako. The classical female sex bias attributed to this disorder which involved patients under 40 years of age in 10 cases was not found. Also in contrast with usual observations, the lesion was located in the septum in only one third of cases. In all cases management was performed on an outpatient basis and diagnosis was confirmed by histology. All patients underwent excision of polyps by the endonasal route under local anesthesia. In 2 patients with septal angiomas, electrical cautery did not suffice to control bleeding and had to be associated with abrasion from the submucosal to the sub-perichondral area. This African series shows that simple and rapid management of angiofibromas of the nasal fossae prevents complications which could be particularly severe in tropical regions.

The innervation of the mammalian adrenal gland

Early conflicting reports and the lack of sensitive anatomical methods have led to an oversimplified view of adrenal gland innervation. It was not until the introduction of nerve fibre tracing techniques in the mid-1970s that the true complexity of adrenal innervation began to emerge. The first part of this article comprises a brief review of these and other relevant reports dealing with both medullary and cortical innervation. In the second part a detailed account is given of the work undertaken in Rex Coupland's Department relating to the innervation of the rodent and primate adrenal medulla using a retrograde fluorescent tracer technique. It was concluded that, in all 3 species studied, the adrenal medulla receives a sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent and an afferent innervation. The possible interrelationship between neural control of cortical and medullar secretions is discussed briefly.

Radioprotective effect of vitamins C and E

Albino rats were treated with aqueous vitamin C solution and vitamin E solution dissolved in olive oil at two concentrations, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day, for 6 months. Some of the animals were then subjected to whole-body irradiation. Chromosomal aberrations and mitotic activity in non-irradiated and irradiated groups were recorded. Both vitamins were found to be non-mutagenic. Vitamin C exerted a radioprotective effect but vitamin E was not radioprotective and it suppressed the radioprotection otherwise produced by olive oil.