Association of inherited thrombophilia mutations and their combinations among palestinian women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage

BACKGROUND

Inherited thrombophilia (IT) has a complex pathophysiology and is associated with recurrent miscarriage (RM) by causing placental insufficiency and inhibiting fetal development. However, thrombophilia screening in unexplained RM cases is still questionable. This study aimed to investigate the association between the common eight IT mutations and their combinations among Palestinian women with unexplained RM.

METHODS

This is an unmatched case-control study with 200 women (100 unexplained RM cases, 100 controls). Eight common IT mutations namely Factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin gene (FII) G202120A, Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene (C677T and A1298C), B-fibrinogen gene - 455G > A, FV HR2 A4070G, Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1) 5G/4G and Factor XIIIA (FXIIIA) V34L; were analyzed. The first five mutations were analyzed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism PCR and the other three mutations were analyzed using Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the eight IT mutations among the control group was in the order PAI1 5G/4G (69%), MTHFR C677T (53%) and A1298C (47%), BFG - 455G > A (35%), FVL and FV HR2 (each 18%), FXIIIA V34L (16%) and FII G20210A (3%). Patients had a higher percentage of MTHFR A1298C (heterozygotes and mutant homozygote) compared to controls (p = 0.016). Frequencies of mutant alleles MTHFR A1298C (p < 0.001) and FXIIIA V34L (p = 0.009) were higher among patients compared to controls. No significant differences were observed for all other mutations or mutant alleles. Most patients (75%) and controls (75%) have 2-4 mutant alleles out of 8 mutant alleles studied, while 1% of patients and 2% of controls have zero mutant alleles. None of the combinations of the most often studied mutations (FVL, FII G20210A, MTHFR C1677T, and MTHFR A1298C) showed a significant difference between patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant association between unexplained RM and the mutant alleles of MTHFR A1298C and FXIIIA V34L. No significant association was observed between unexplained RM and the combination of both mutant alleles for the mutations studied. This study is the first Palestinian report that evaluates eight inherited thrombophilia mutations and their alleles' combinations in unexplained RM cases.

A novel CNN architecture for accurate early detection and classification of Alzheimer's disease using MRI data

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that requires accurate diagnosis for effective management and treatment. In this article, we propose an architecture for a convolutional neural network (CNN) that utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset to categorize AD. The network employs two separate CNN models, each with distinct filter sizes and pooling layers, which are concatenated in a classification layer. The multi-class problem is addressed across three, four, and five categories. The proposed CNN architecture achieves exceptional accuracies of 99.43%, 99.57%, and 99.13%, respectively. These high accuracies demonstrate the efficacy of the network in capturing and discerning relevant features from MRI images, enabling precise classification of AD subtypes and stages. The network architecture leverages the hierarchical nature of convolutional layers, pooling layers, and fully connected layers to extract both local and global patterns from the data, facilitating accurate discrimination between different AD categories. Accurate classification of AD carries significant clinical implications, including early detection, personalized treatment planning, disease monitoring, and prognostic assessment. The reported accuracy underscores the potential of the proposed CNN architecture to assist medical professionals and researchers in making precise and informed judgments regarding AD patients.

Evaluation of platelet parameters, coagulation markers, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thyroid function in palestinian women with recurrent pregnancy loss

BACKGROUND

Multiple etiologies contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) including immunological, endocrine, anatomical, genetic and infection but more than 50% of cases remain unexplained. Evidences of thrombotic and inflammatory processes were observed at maternal-fetal interface and considered pathological findings in most RPL cases including unexplained cases. This study aimed to evaluate the association between RPL and several risk factors: platelet parameters, coagulation factors, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thyroid function.

METHODS

This is an unmatched case-control study that included 100 RPL and 100 control women. Anthropometric and health data were collected and a gynecologist examined participants to assure fitting the inclusion criteria. Platelet parameters [including Mean Platelet Mass (MPM), Concentration (MPC) and Volume (MPV)] and ratios (MPV/Platelet, MPC/Platelet, MPM/Platelet, Platelet/Mononuclear cells), coagulation markers [Protein C (PC), Protein S (PS), Antithrombin III, D-dimer], antiphospholipid antibodies [Anti-phospholipid (APA), Anti-cardiolipin (ACA) and anti-B2-glycoprotein 1], Lupus anticoagulant, Antinuclear antibodies, and thyroid function (Thyroid stimulating hormone and anti-thyroid peroxidase) were measured.

RESULTS

Mean ages of cases and controls at marriage were 22.5 years for both, and their current ages were 29.4 and 33.0, respectively. 92% of cases and 99% of controls aged blow 30 years at marriage. 75% of cases have 3-4 miscarriages and 9% have ≥ 7 miscarriages. Our results indicated significantly lower male/female age ratio (p = .019), PC (p = .036) and PS (p = .025) in cases compared to controls. Plasma D-dimer (p = .020) and antiphospholipid antibodies [ACA (IgM and IgG), APA (IgM)] were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. No significant differences were observed between cases and controls concerning APA (IgG), anti-B2-glycoprotein 1 (IgM and IgG), Lupus anticoagulant, Antinuclear antibodies, platelet parameters, thyroid markers, family history of miscarriage, consanguineous marriage, and other health data.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study that investigated the association between platelet, coagulation, antiphospholipid, autoimmune and thyroid parameters, and RPL in Palestinian women. Significant associations between male/female age ratio, PC, PS, D-dimer, ACA (IgM, IgG), APA (IgM) and RPL were observed. These markers could be used in evaluating RPL. These findings confirm the heterogeneous nature of RPL and emphasize the need for further studies to find out risk factors for RPL.

Immunomodulatory, apoptotic and anti-proliferative potentials of sildenafil in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma murine model: In vivo and in silico insights

Sildenafil is a potent phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor that effectively inhibits cGMP and increases the strength of nitric oxide. PDE5 was overexpressed in several carcinomas, including breast cancer, which inhibited tumor growth and cell division. The current research aims to investigate the in vivo sildenafil's immunomodulatory and antineoplastic potentials against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma. This study looked at the effects of sildenafil mono-treatment and co-treatment with cisplatin; tumor cell count, viability and the inhibition rate were determined. Apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, alterations in tumor cells and splenocytes proliferation, changes in splenocytes immunophenotyping using flowcytometry, plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), interferone (IFN)-γ, granzyme B, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine and hematological alterations were detected. Additionally, docking study was conducted to get further insights on how Sildenafil exerts its activity. Sildenafil mono-treatment and co-treatment with cisplatin markedly reduced tumor cell count, viability, growth rate and proliferative capability accompanied by apoptosis enhancement and G₀/G₁ and sub G₁ cells cycle arrest. Fortunately, sildenafil evoked efficient cellular immune response by increasing plasma levels of granzyme B and IFN-γ, proportion of splenic T cytotoxic (CD3⁺CD8⁺) and T helper (CD3⁺CD4⁺), accompanied by decrease in the proportion of splenic regulatory T cells. . Moreover, in silico data suggest LcK and MAPKs as the potential targets of sildenafil. Furthermore, sildenafil rebalanced the oxidant-antioxidant status by decreasing MDA and increasing GSH plasma levels. Sildenafil successfully retrieved various hematological values besides renal and hepatic functions in EAC-bearing animals. In conclusion, our results suggest that sildenafil could be potential safe anti-tumor agent with immuno-modulatory properties against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

Serum netrin and VCAM-1 as biomarker for Egyptian patients with type IΙ diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the serum level of netrin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-I) in patients with type IΙ diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluate the association of their levels with the development of a diabetic complication.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was carried out on type II diabetic patients with and without complications and healthy individuals served as controls. All subjects were submitted to the estimation of serum lipid profile, serum creatinine, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), visceral adiposity index (VAI), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), lipid accumulation product (LAP) and detection of serum level of netrin1 and VCAM1.

RESULTS

Diabetic patients with complications had significantly higher serum levels of creatinine, ACR, cholesterol, Triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, netrin1, and VCAM1 than diabetic patients without complications. Likewise, the level of VAI and LAP as markers of excessive body fat were significantly higher in diabetic patients with complications than diabetic patients without complications. The netrin1 and VCAM1 were a significant discriminator of T2DM renal complications with a sensitivity of 96%, 90%, and specificity of 82.7%, 91.3% respectively.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that serum netrin1 and VCAM1 correlated significantly with markers of excessive body fat, a renal complication in the patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Distinct Features of Germinal Center Reactions in Macaques Infected by SIV or Vaccinated with a T-Dependent Model Antigen

B-cell follicles constitute large reservoirs of infectious HIV/SIV associated to follicular dendritic cells and infecting follicular helper (T_FH) and regulatory (T_FR) T-cells in germinal centers (GCs). Thus, follicular and GC B-cells are persistently exposed to viral antigens. Despite recent development of potent HIV immunogens, numerous questions are still open regarding GC reaction during early HIV/SIV infection. Here, we dissect the dynamics of B- and T-cells in GCs of macaques acutely infected by SIV (Group SIV⁺) or vaccinated with Tetanus Toxoid (Group TT), a T-dependent model antigen. Systemic inflammation and mobilization of antigen-presenting cells in inguinal lymph nodes and spleen are lower in Group TT than in Group SIV⁺. Despite spleen GC reaction of higher magnitude in Group SIV^+, the development of protective immunity could be limited by abnormal helper functions of T_FH massively polarized into T_FH1-like cells, by inflammation-induced recruitment of fCD8 (either regulatory or cytotoxic) and by low numbers of T_FR limiting T_FH/T_FR competition for high affinity B-cells. Increased GC B-cells apoptosis and accumulation of CD21^lo memory B-cells, unable to further participate to GC reaction, likely contribute to eliminate SIV-specific B-cells and decrease antibody affinity maturation. Surprisingly, functional GCs and potent TT-specific antibodies develop despite low levels of CXCL13.

Ameliorating effect of selenium nanoparticles on cyclophosphamide induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in male rats: light, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CPH) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug that can affect the hippocampal neurocytes with a subsequent effect on memory and cognitive functions. Nanomedicine has the potential to overcome the current chemotherapeutic side effects, because of the unique nanoscale size and distinctive bioeffects of nanomaterials. So, the present study aims to investigate the potential ameliorative effect of the biologically synthesized nano-selenium (nano Se) on CPH induced hippocampal neurotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty four rats were randomly classified into four groups of 6 rats each: control group, nano Se group (dose of 0.5 mg biological nano Se /kg daily via oral gavage), CPH group (dose of 20 mg CPH/kg daily intraperitoneally), and CPH plus Nano Se group. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus was excised and processed. Sections were stained with H&E stain and immunohistochemically stained for caspase 3 (apoptosis marker) and GFAB (astrocytic activity marker). Morphometric analysis and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination were also done.

RESULTS

Control and nano Se groups revealed no structural changes. By light microscopy, CPH group showed degeneration and necrosis of hippocampal neurocytes, significantly reduced thickness of the neurocyte cell layers, increased expression of GFAB and caspase 3 immunostains and significantly elevated apoptotic index. Moreover, neurocytes damage, mitochondrial cristeolysis, mild dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum (Er), and disrupted neurolemmal sheaths of nerve fibers were also demonstrated by TEM. Nano Se cotreatment in the fourth group reversed all the aforementioned deleterious changes that induced by CPH in the hippocampal neurocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with CPH caused damage to hippocampal neurocytes that can be reversed by biological nano Se co-treatment.

First detection of Anaplasma ovis in sheep and Anaplasma platys-like variants from cattle in Menoufia governorate, Egypt

Tick-borne diseases are of global economic importance, especially due to the costs associated with disease treatment and productivity losses in livestock. In this study, 244 livestock animals (cattle N = 92, buffaloes N = 86 and sheep N = 66) from Menoufia, Egypt were tested for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Babesia species using PCR. Results revealed detection of A. ovis (9.1%) in sheep while Anaplasma spp. (14.1%), A. marginale (15.2%), B. bigemina (6.5%) and B. bovis (5.4%) in cattle. On the other hand, Anaplasma spp. (1.2%), A. marginale (1.2%) and B. bovis (1.2%), were detected in buffaloes. Significantly higher detection rates were observed in cattle for Anaplasma spp. (P = .020), A. marginale (P = .001) and B. bigemina (P = .022) than in buffaloes. Sequence analysis of Anaplasma spp. isolates from cattle, revealed A. platys-like strains. Phylogenetic analyses of the A. platys-like isolates revealed variation among the strains infecting cattle. The A. marginale buffalo isolate, on the other hand, showed some level of divergence from the cattle isolates. This study reports the first detection of A. ovis in sheep and A. platys-like strains in cattle in Menoufia and Egypt at large. The results of the current study provide valuable information on the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of tick-borne pathogens infecting livestock in Egypt.

Anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory potency of co-treatment based on bovine lactoferrin and/or muramyl dipeptide in tumor-bearing mice

The current study investigates anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory activities of co-treatment based on bovine lactoferrin (bLF) and/or muramyl dipeptide (MDP) with or without cisplatin (Cis) in tumor-bearing mice. In the present study, bLF (100 mg/kg; orally) and MDP (0.5 mg/kg; subcutaneously) was administered alone or together. MDP or bLF was co-treated with Cis (1 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) in mice-bearing Ehrlich solid carcinoma. Tumor size, tumor mass proliferation, apoptosis using immunohistochemistry, the alteration in spleen cell proliferation, phenotype using flow cytometry and white blood cells total and differential counts were detected. Treatment with Cis or (bLF and MDP) significantly reduced tumor size, upregulated the pro-apoptotic p53 expression and downregulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and proliferative marker PCNA expression compared to non-treated tumor-bearing animals. Moreover, co-treatment of MDP and Cis significantly potentiated the reduction of the tumor size, downregulated the Bcl-2 and PCNA expression and upregulated the p53 expression compared to Cis-treated animals. While bLF and Cis co-treatment positively controlled PCNA and p53 expression compared to tumor-bearing animals, it significantly potentiated the reduction of the tumor size and downregulated the Bcl-2 expression compared to Cis-treated animals. Co-treatment of (bLF and MDP), (bLF and Cis) or (MDP and Cis) increased the spleen cell proliferation and altered the immunological profile of the CD3⁺CD4⁺, CD3⁺CD8⁺, CD3⁺CD4⁺CD69⁺, CD3⁺CD8⁺CD69⁺ and CD11b⁺Ly6G⁺ cells to achieve better immune response against tumor. In conclusion, co-treatments based on bLF and/or MDP are promising therapies against cancer, through their potency to control proliferation, enhance apoptosis and improve the immune status against tumor cells.

Impact of BAFF Blockade on Inflammation, Germinal Center Reaction and Effector B-Cells During Acute SIV Infection

Memory B-cell dysfunctions and inefficient antibody response suggest germinal center (GC) impairments during HIV/SIV infection with possible contribution of overproduced B-cell activating factor (BAFF). To address this question, we compared proportions and functions of various B-cell subsets and follicular helper T-cells (T_FH) in untreated (Placebo) and BR3-Fc treated (Treated) SIV-infected macaques. From day 2 post-infection (dpi), Treated macaques received one weekly injection of BR3-Fc molecule, a soluble BAFF antagonist, for 4 weeks. Whereas, the kinetics of CD4⁺ T-cell loss and plasma viral loads were comparable in both groups, BAFF blockade delayed the peak of inflammatory cytokines (CXCL10, IFNα), impaired the renewal of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and fostered the decline of plasma CXCL13 titers after 14 dpi. In Treated macaques, proportions of total and naïve B-cells were reduced in blood and spleen whereas SIV-induced loss of marginal zone (MZ) B-cells was only accentuated in blood and terminal ileum. Proportions of spleen GC B-cells and T_FH were similar in both groups, with CD8⁺ T-cells and rare Foxp3⁺ being present in spleen GC. Regardless of treatment, sorted T_FH produced similar levels of IL21, CXCL13, and IFNγ but no IL2, IL4, or BAFF and exhibited similar capacities to support IgG production by autologous or heterologous B-cells. Consistently, most T_FH were negative for BAFF-R and TACI. Higher proportions of resting and atypical (CD21^lo) memory B-cells were present in Treated macaques compared to Placebo. In both groups, we found higher levels of BAFF-R expression on MZ and resting memory B-cells but low levels on atypical memory B-cells. TACI was present on 20-30% of MZ, resting and atypical memory B-cells in Placebo macaques. BAFF blockade decreased TACI expression on these B-cell subsets as well as titers of SIV-specific and vaccine-specific antibodies arguing for BAFF being mandatory for plasma cell survival. Irrespective of treatment, GC B-cells expressed BAFF-R at low level and were negative for TACI. In addition to key information on spleen BAFF-R and TACI expression, our data argue for BAFF contributing to the GC reaction in terminal ileum but being dispensable for the generation of atypical memory B-cells and GC reaction in spleen during T-dependent response against SIV.

Potential use of N-carboxyethylchitosan in biomedical applications: Preparation, characterization, biological properties

N-carboxyethylchitosan (CECS) was successfully prepared via Michael addition reaction of chitosan (CS) with acrylic acid in water. The structure of CECS was characterized by Fourier transform Infra-Red spectrometry (FT-IR), ¹HNMR, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Antibacterial activity of CECS was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by using minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). The results showed that the prepared CECS soluble in water at wide range of pH values. In addition, it has amorphous character improve its chemical reactivity than CS itself, in addition it has been showed stronger antibacterial activity than chitosan itself due to the presence of both -COOH and -NH₂ groups and the CECS shows higher antibacterial activity towards S. aureus than E. coli. Finally, the cytotoxicity of CECS has been evaluated through Cell viability assay, which confirm that CECS is non-toxic and tissue compatible like CS.

Camel milk exosomes modulate cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress and immuno-toxicity in rats

Camel milk proteins exhibit many beneficial properties including immuno-modulatory and anti-oxidant effects. Recent studies demonstrated that most of these properties are ascribed to the presence of extracellular nanovesicles known as exosomes. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of the immuno-modulatory and anti-oxidant properties of camel milk exosomes on the immuno-toxicity and oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in albino rats. Exosomes were isolated from camel milk and exosomal kappa casein and lactoferrin mRNAs were detected and then sequenced. CTX was used to induce immunosuppression in rats, which were further treated with camel milk and its exosomes. The alterations in biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, cytokine profile, spleen histopathology and flow cytometric analysis were detected. Treatment with CTX resulted in a significant decrease in total protein, albumin, globulin, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels associated with a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared with the control group. Moreover, CTX depleted lymphocytes in the spleen tissue, significantly reduced the expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the spleen cells and decreased the CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cell percentages in the blood and spleen, while it induced a significant increase in the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Co-administration of camel milk exosomes was able to normalize the antioxidant status and most of the biochemical and immunological parameters. This study clarifies that camel milk and its exosomes successfully ameliorate immunosuppression and oxidative stress induced by CTX in rats.

Formulation and optimization of drug-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based tablets to improve the dissolution rate of the poorly water-soluble drug silymarin

Porous carriers have been put forward as a promising alternative for stabilizing the amorphous state of loaded drugs, and thus significantly improving the dissolution rate of poorly soluble compounds. The purpose of this study was to enhance the saturation solubility, dissolution rate and drug loading of the poorly water-soluble drug silymarin via incorporation into mesoporous silica nanospheres within a lyophilized tablet to obtain a unique formulation. 3² full factorial design was applied to study the effect of both independent variables, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as stabilizer and binder and sucrose as cryoprotectant and disintegrant; and on the dependent variables that included the mean particle size (Y₁), disintegration time (Y₂), tablet strength (Y₃) and % of drug release after 2 min, R_2min,Y₄. The drug-loaded mesoporous silica nanospheres and the optimized formula was evaluated by different characterization methods: scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; as well as drug content, saturation solubility and moisture content. The evaluation demonstrated that the loaded mesoporous silica nanospheres and the optimized formula are in amorphous state without any chemical interaction with the silica matrix or the stabilizer. Moreover, the drug was stably maintained in nanosize range with narrow particle size distribution. Furthermore, the optimized lyophilized tablets had highly porous structure, low friability (less than 1%), fast disintegration (less than 30 s), high tablet strength, low moisture content (less than 1%), remarkably increased dissolution rate and noticeable improvement in saturation solubility.

Effect of high-fat diet-induced obesity on thyroid gland structure in female rats and the possible ameliorating effect of metformin therapy

BACKGROUND

Obesity is known to induce a state of lipotoxicity that affects the different organs of the body. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug commonly used in obesity treatment. It was known to improve thyroid function and its regulating hormones. Structural changes in the thyroid gland associated with obesity have not been well investigated. So, the aim of the present study is to detect structural changes in thyroid gland induced by obesity and to investigate the possible protective role of metformin therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty adult female albino rats were divided into three groups (10 rats each). Group I (control group), group II (rats fed with a high-fat diet), and group III (rats fed with a high-fat diet and treated with metformin therapy). After 12 weeks, rats from all groups were sacrificed. Blood samples were taken for measurement of lipid profile, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 and free T4. Thyroid glands were extracted and processed for histological and ultrastructural study. Morphometric measurements for the colloid area of thyroid follicles and height of the follicular cells were done.

RESULTS

Group I displayed normal biochemical parameters and architecture of the thyroid gland. Group II revealed disordered lipid profile, high TSH, free T3 and T4. Microscopically, large thyroid follicles with excessive colloid accumulation and decreased follicular cells height were seen. Some follicular cells showed pyknotic nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm and disrupted basement membrane with mast cell infiltration of the thyroid tissue. Ultrastructurally, group II follicular cells showed loss of apical microvilli, dense shrunken nuclei, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, swollen damaged mitochondria with large intracellular vacuoles and colloid droplets. In group III, the biochemical parameters and structure of thyroid follicles were improved, and they had a near-normal appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity induced by high-fat diet in female rats structurally and functionally changed the thyroid gland in a way that may explain hypothyroidism associated with obesity. These changes were improved by metformin therapy.

Toxoplasma gondii: Prevalence of natural infection in pigeons and ducks from middle and upper Egypt using serological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical diagnostic methods

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most serious coccidian parasites, which infect human and nearly all warm-blooded animals. Domestic farm birds, which represent a good source of animal protein for humans, are subjected to such infection. Because pigeons and ducks get their feed from the soil, they are susceptible to being infected orally with Toxoplasma oocysts. Consequently, these birds may represent a public health problem for humans. Lack of information on T. gondii infection in pigeons and the insufficient data on its epidemiology in ducks were the main reasons to perform the present study. In the current study, four hundred and fifty-two blood and tissue samples were collected from 310 pigeons and 142 ducks from Asyut, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, and Giza provinces, Egypt. Specific antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii were determined using recombinant TgSAG2t specific surface antigen based ELISA. Histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations were also performed. Overall Toxoplasma positivity was 13.55%, 1.61%, and 1.61% in pigeons and 10.56%, 2.11%, and 2.11% in ducks using ELISA, histopathology, and IHC, respectively. Statistically significant difference in the T. gondii prevalence was observed in relation to period of the year. No significant changes were recorded regarding the gender or age. The current study indicated soil contamination and observable Toxoplasma infection in pigeons and ducks, which could represent a major danger for human infection.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cyclodextrin-based nanosponges for enhancing oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of complexing the poorly water-soluble drug atorvastatin calcium (AC) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) based nanosponges (NS), which offer advantages of improving dissolution rate and eventually oral bioavailability. Blank NS were fabricated at first by reacting β-CD with the cross-linker carbonyldiimidazole at different molar ratios (1:2, 1:4, and 1:8), then NS of highest solubilization extent for AC were complexed with AC. AC loaded NS (AC-NS) were characterized for various physicochemical properties. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics and histological finding of AC-NS were performed in rats. The prepared AC-NS showed particles size ranged from 408.7 ± 12.9 to 423 ± 15.9 nm while zeta potential values varied from -21.7 ± 0.90 to -22.7 ± 0.85 mV. The loading capacity varied from 17.9 ± 1.21 to 34.1 ± 1.16%. DSC, FT-IR, and PXRD studies confirmed the complexation of AC with NS and amorphous state of the drug in the complex. AC-NS displayed a biphasic release pattern with increase in the dissolution rate of AC as compared to plain AC. Oral administration of AC-NS (1:4 w/w, drug: NS) to rats led to 2.13-folds increase in the bioavailability as compared to AC suspension. Pharmacodynamics studies in rats with fatty liver revealed significant reduction (p < .05) in total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C and increased level of beneficial HDL-C along with improvement in the associated liver steatosis as confirmed through photomicrographs of liver sections. In this study, we confirmed that complexation of AC with NS would be a viable approach for improving oral bioavailability and in vivo performance of AC.

Atorvastatin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs): strategy to overcome oral delivery drawbacks

Atorvastatin (AT) is a widely used lipid-regulating drug to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Its poor aqueous solubility and hepatic metabolism require development of drug delivery systems able to improve its solubility and bypass hepatic effect. For this purpose, atorvastatin nanostructured lipid carriers (AT-NLCs) were prepared and characterized. AT-NLCs were prepared by emulsification using high-speed homogenization followed by ultrasonication. The prepared NLCs showed particle size between 162.5 ± 12 and 865.55 ± 28 nm while zeta potential values varied between −34 ± 0.29 and −23 ± 0.36 mV. They also showed high encapsulation efficiency (>87%) and amorphous state of the drug in lipid matrix. Pharmacokinetic parameters of optimized formulation (NLC-1; composed of 2% Gelucire^® 43/01, 8% Capryol^® PGMC, 2% Pluronic^®F68 and 0.5% lecithin) revealed 3.6- and 2.1-fold increase in bioavailability as compared to atorvastatin suspension and commercial product (Lipitor^®), respectively. Administration of NLC-1 led to significant reduction (p < .05) in the rats’ serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This improvement was confirmed histologically by minimizing the associated hepatic steatosis. These investigations demonstrated the superiority of NLCs for improvement of oral bioavailability and in vivo performance of AT.

B-Cell-Activating Factor and the B-Cell Compartment in HIV/SIV Infection

With the goal to design effective HIV vaccines, intensive studies focused on broadly neutralizing antibodies, which arise in a fraction of HIV-infected people. Apart from identifying new vulnerability sites in the viral envelope proteins, these studies have shown that a fraction of these antibodies are produced by self/poly-reactive B-cells. These findings prompted us to revisit the B-cell differentiation and selection process during HIV/SIV infection and to consider B-cells as active players possibly shaping the helper T-cell program within germinal centers (GCs). In this context, we paid a particular attention to B-cell-activating factor (BAFF), a key cytokine in B-cell development and immune response that is overproduced during HIV/SIV infection. As it does in autoimmune diseases, BAFF excess might contribute to the abnormal rescue of self-reactive B-cells at several checkpoints of the B-cell development and impair memory B-cell generation and functions. In this review, we first point out what is known about the functions of BAFF/a proliferation-inducing ligand and their receptors [B-cell maturation, transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), and BAFF-R], in physiological and pathophysiological settings, in mice and humans. In particular, we highlight recent results on the previously underappreciated regulatory functions of TACI and on the highly regulated production of soluble TACI and BAFF-R that act as decoy receptors. In light of recent data on BAFF, TACI, and BAFF-R, we then revisit the altered phenotypes and functions of B-cell subsets during the acute and chronic phase of HIV/SIV infection. Given the atypical phenotype and reduced functions of memory B-cells in HIV/SIV infection, we particularly discuss the GC reaction, a key checkpoint where self-reactive B-cells are eliminated and pathogen-specific memory B-cells and plasmablasts/cells are generated in physiological settings. Through its capacity to differentially bind and process BAFF-R and TACI on GC B-cells and possibly on follicular helper T-cells, BAFF appears as a key regulator of the physiological GC reaction. Its local excess during HIV/SIV infection could play a key role in B-cell dysregulations.

SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION AND. ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG ASYMPTOMATIC PREGNANT FEMALES IN EGYPT

Protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is considered as one of the most critical risk factor for recurrent abortion in pregnant females and resulted in multi congenital malformation in fetus world-wide. The present study was carried out on 693 pregnant females from Alexandria, Beheira, Gharbia, Menoufia, Qalyoubia and Fayoum provinces,"The study determined the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant females during pregnancy trimesters and shed the lights on the main risk factors and possible contamination routes. Detection for the presence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were done by enzyme linked fluorescence assay (ELFA). It was found that the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 30.16%.The seroprevalence increased with age. Significant relations were observed between Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and abortion history, maternity trimester and consumption of under-cooked meat. No significant differences were reported due to parity, occupation, abortion trimester, contact with cats and/or other animals and exposure to soil.

The protective role of the opioid antagonist LY255582 in the management of high fat diet-induced obesity in adult male albino rats

OBJECTIVES

The involvement of the opioid system in energy balance has been known for several decades but many questions remain unanswered. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist (LY255582) on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity.

METHODS

Twenty-four adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, HFD non-treated, HFD+LY255582 treated during the first 4 weeks and Obese-LY255582- treated groups during the following 4 weeks after the induction of obesity. LY255582 (0.31 mg/kg, s.c.) was administrated daily with HFD feeding. Blood samples were collected for measurement of lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and leptin. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and food intake were also measured.

RESULTS

Consumption of HFD resulted in a significant increase in body weight, body mass index (BMI), glucose, insulin, leptin levels, and induced a state of dyslipideamia. Opioid antagonist LY255582 administration with HFD decreased food intake, body weight and BMI, in addition to the improvement of HFD related metabolic abnormalities (dyslipidemia and insulin resistance) during the dynamic phase of obesity development than in animals with already developed dietary obesity.

CONCLUSION

The use of opioid antagonist may be a promising approach in treatment of HFD-induced obesity.

Determinants of stillbirths in katsina, Nigeria: a hospital-based study

Every year, about 3 million stillbirths occur globally, almost a third occurring during the intra-partum period. Almost all stillbirths (98%) occur in low and middle income countries, with Nigeria having the third largest burden. The aim of this study was to determine the stillbirth rate and its determinants in the Federal Medical Centre Katsina, located in north western Nigeria. This study was a retrospective review of all deliveries conducted between 1(st) March 2010 and 31(st) December 2012 in Federal Medical Centre Katsina. Data were extracted from labor room and theatre records, and patient folders. Cases were matched with controls by booking status. The privacy and confidentiality of information retrieved from cases and controls was also ensured by anonymizing the data retrieved. No conflict of interest was identified. The data was analyzed with SPSS 20. During the period under review, there were 6628 deliveries, out of which 331 of the products were stillborn. The stillbirth rate was 46.9±3.6 per 1000 deliveries. Determinants of stillbirths were antepartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, uterine rupture, low birth weight and congenital fetal malformations. The study highlighted the poor perinatal health in the study population.

Increased Levels of Type 1 Interferon in a Type 1 Diabetic Mouse Model Induce the Elimination of B Cells from the Periphery by Apoptosis and Increase their Retention in the Spleen

Background: The autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is associated with a defect in the immune response, which increases susceptibility to infection. We recently demonstrated that prolonged elevated levels of type 1 interferon (IFN) induce lymphocyte exhaustion during T1D. Aims: In the present study, we further investigated the effect of blocking the type I IFN receptor signaling pathway on diabetic dyslipidemia, in which an abnormal lipid profile leads to the exhaustion of B cells and alteration of their distribution and functions. Methods: T1D was induced in a mouse model by an intraperitoneal injection of a single dose (60 mg/kg) of streptozotocin (STZ). Three groups of mice were examined: a non-diabetic control group, a diabetic group and a diabetic group treated with an anti-IFN (alpha, beta and omega) receptor 1 (IFNAR1) blocking antibody to block type I IFN signaling. Results: We observed that induction of T1D was accompanied by a marked destruction of β cells and a reduction in the insulin levels in the diabetic group. Diabetic mice exhibited many changes, including alterations in their lipid profiles, expansion of splenic B cells, increased caspase-3, -8 and -9 activity, and apoptosis in peripheral B cells. Blocking type 1 IFN signaling in diabetic mice significantly returned the insulin and lipid profiles to normal levels, subsequently restored the B cell distribution, and rescued the peripheral B cells from apoptosis. Conclusion: Our data suggest the potential role of type I IFN in mediating diabetic dyslipidemia and an exhausted state of B cells during T1D.

Peptide-micelle hybrids containing fasudil for targeted delivery to the pulmonary arteries and arterioles to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension

This study investigates the respirability and efficacy of peptide-micelle hybrid nanoparticles as carriers for inhalational therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). CARSKNKDC (CAR), a cell-penetrating and lung-homing peptide, conjugated polyethylene glycol-distearoyl-phosphoethanolamine micelles containing fasudil, an investigational anti-PAH drug, were prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized for various physicochemical properties. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacological efficacy of hybrid particles containing fasudil were evaluated in healthy rats and monocrotaline-induced PAH rats. CAR micelles containing fasudil had an entrapment efficiency of approximately 58%, showed controlled release of the drug, and were monodispersed with an average size of approximately 14 nm. Nuclear magnetic resonance scan confirmed the drug's presence in the core of peptide-micelle hybrid particles. Compared with plain micelles, CAR peptide increased the cellular uptake by approximately 1.7-fold and extended the drug half-life by approximately fivefold. The formulations were more prone to accumulate in the pulmonary vasculature than in the peripheral blood, which is evident from the ratio of the extent of reduction of pulmonary and systemic arterial pressures. On the whole, this study demonstrates that peptide-polymer hybrid micelles can serve as inhalational carriers for PAH therapy.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Chicken samples from delta of Egypt using ELISA, histopathology and immunohistochemistry

Estimates of the zoonotic diseases are helpful for monitoring and improving public health. Laboratory-based surveillance provides crucial information for assessing zoonotic disease trends and developments. Toxoplasmosis is considered as a zoonotic disease and has both medical and veterinary importance since it leads to abortion in humans and several animal species. In view of the worldwide importance of T. gondii, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii in chickens from the Delta of Egypt. A total of 304 blood and brain samples were collected from Egyptian chickens from Gharbiya, Qalyoubiya, Minufiya, Beheira, Kafr EL-Shaykh and Dakahlia Provinces. In order to determine the serological and histopathological prevalence of T. gondii, the samples were examined by ELISA, histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The prevalence of T. gondii was 11.18, 6.91, 6.91 % by ELISA, histopathology and IHC, respectively. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of T. gondii were observed on the basis of season, sex and habitat. These data provide valuable information regarding the epidemiology of T. gondii infections in Egyptian chickens, which can be employed in developing efficient strategies for disease management and control.

Biodegradable injectable in situ implants and microparticles for sustained release of montelukast: in vitro release, pharmacokinetics, and stability

The objective of this study was to investigate the sustained release of a hydrophilic drug, montelukast (MK), from two biodegradable polymeric drug delivery systems, in situ implant (ISI) and in situ microparticles (ISM). N-Methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), triacetin, and ethyl acetate were selected as solvents. The release of 10% (w/v) MK from both systems containing poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) as the biodegradable polymer was compared. Upon contact with the aqueous medium, the PLGA in ISI and ISM systems solidified resulting in implants and microparticles, respectively. The in vitro drug release from the ISI system showed marked difference from miscible solvents (NMP and DMSO) than the partially miscible ones (triacetin and ethyl acetate), and the drug release decreased with increased PLGA concentration. In the ISM system, the initial in vitro drug release decreased with decreased ratio of polymer phase to external oil phase. In vivo studies in rats showed that ISM had slower drug release than the drug release from ISI. Also, the ISM system when compared to ISI system had significantly reduced initial burst effect. In vitro as well as the in vivo studies for both ISI and ISM systems showed sustained release of MK. The ISM system is suitable for sustained release of MK over 4-week period with a lower initial burst compared to the ISI system. Stability studies of the ISI and ISM formulations showed that MK is stable in the formulations stored at 4°C for more than 2 years.

Overproduction of Toxoplasma gondii cyclophilin-18 regulates host cell migration and enhances parasite dissemination in a CCR5-independent manner

Background

Toxoplasma gondii hijacks host cells to allow it to disseminate throughout a host animal; however, the migratory machinery involved in this process has not been well characterized. We examined the functional role of T. gondii cyclophilin 18 (TgCyp18) in host cell recruitment using recombinant parasites transfected with TgCyp18.

Results

High levels of TgCyp18 enhanced IL-12 production in cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) knockout mice (CCR5^−/−) that had been infected peritoneally with T. gondii. Recruitment of CD11b⁺ cells to the infection site was enhanced in a CCR5-independent manner. T. gondii spread to several organs, particularly the liver, in a TgCyp18-dependent and CCR5-independent manner. Additionally, CCL5 levels were upregulated in macrophages treated with recombinant protein TgCyp18 and in the peritoneal fluids of the infected CCR5^−/− mice. Furthermore, the chemokines involved in macrophage migration, CCL2 and CXCL10, were upregulated in the livers of CCR5^−/− mice infected with recombinant parasites that had been transfected with TgCyp18.

Conclusion

TgCyp18 may play a crucial role in macrophage migration, and in assisting with transport of T. gondii via CCR5-independent mechanisms. TgCyp18 may also play a role with CCL5 in the migration of macrophages to the site of infection, and with CCL2 and CXCL10 in the transport of T. gondii-infected cells to the liver.

Molecular and serological prevalence of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in cattle and water buffalos under small-scale dairy farming in Beheira and Faiyum Provinces, Egypt

In order to determine the molecular and serological prevalence of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis, a total of 247 blood samples were collected from cattle and water buffalos in Beheira and Faiyum Provinces in Egypt and examined by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In cattle, the prevalence of B. bigemina and B. bovis was 5.30% and 3.97% by nPCR and 10.60% and 9.27% by ELISA, respectively, whereas those of water buffalos were 10.42% and 4.17% by nPCR and 15.63% and 11.46% by ELISA, respectively. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of the two infections were observed on the basis of age and health status. Sequencing analysis revealed two genotypes for B. bovis spherical body protein-4. In conclusion, the current data provide valuable information regarding the epidemiology of B. bigemina and B. bovis infections in cattle and water buffalos from Egypt, which can be employed in developing future strategies for disease management and control.

Silymarin loaded liposomes for hepatic targeting: in vitro evaluation and HepG2 drug uptake

Silymarin has hepatoprotective properties and is used in treatment of various liver diseases, but its bioavailability from oral products is very poor. In order to overcome its poor oral bioavailability we have prepared silymarin loaded hepatic targeting liposomes suitable for parenteral administration. The liposomal formulations were composed of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol with or without distearoylphosphoethanolamine-(polyethyleneglycol)-2000 and various amounts of β-sitosterol β-D-glucoside (Sito-G) as the hepatic targeting moiety. Increasing the amount of Sito-G in the liposomes gradually decreased drug encapsulation efficiencies from ∼70% to ∼60%; still showing promising drug encapsulation efficiencies. Addition of Sito-G to non-PEGylated liposomes clearly affected their drug release profiles and plasma protein interactions, whereas no effect on these was seen for the PEGylated liposomes. Non-PEGylated liposomes with 0.17 M ratio of Sito-G exhibited the highest cellular drug uptake of 37.5% for all of the studied liposome formulations. The highest cellular drug uptake in the case of PEGylated liposomes was 18%, which was achieved with 0.17 and 0.33 M ratio of added Sito-G. The liposome formulations with the highest drug delivery efficacy in this study showed hemolytic activities around 12.7% and were stable for at least 2 months upon storage in 20 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) containing 1.5% Polysorbate 80 at 4 °C and room temperature. These results suggest that the Sito-G containing liposomes prepared in this work have hepatic targeting capability and that they are promising candidates for delivering silymarin to the liver.

Prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge in Maiduguri

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy represents a risk factor in the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and clinical features associated with abnormal vaginal discharge and C. albicans infection in pregnant women.

METHODS

High vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological characteristics were collected from 400 pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge at booking clinic of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy was 31.5%. The frequency of abnormal vaginal discharge was 183 (45.8%) among those aged 20-24 years, 291 (72.8%) in multipara, 223 (55.8%) in those with Primary education and 293 (73.2%) in unemployed. Vulval pruritus 300 (75.0%) was significantly related to abnormal vaginal discharge (P < 0.001). The prevalence of C. albicans was 41%. The frequencies of Vulval itching, Dyspareunia and vulval excoriation among those with candidiasis were 151 (50.3%), 14 (56.0%) and 75 (75.0%) respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy was high in this study and C. albicans was the commonest cause. It is recommended that a pregnant woman complaining of abnormal vaginal discharge be assessed and Laboratory diagnosis done in order to give appropriate treatment.

Pattern of gynaecological malignancies at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Gynaecological malignancies contribute to the global burden of diseases and are of public health interest. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of distribution of gynaecological malignancies seen between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2006, at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. It was a retrospective descriptive study. A total of 166 cases of gynaecological malignancies were encountered, cervical cancer was the most common (59.6%). This was followed by ovarian cancer (21.1%), trophoblastic tumour (7.8%) and corpus uteri cancer (6.0%). Others included cancer of the vulva (3.6%) and cancer of the vagina (1.8%). Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 96.0% of cervical cancers. Epithelial tumours represented 60.0% of ovarian cancers, and serous cyst adenocarcinoma was the most common histological variety. All the vulval and vaginal cancers were of squamous cell type. In conclusion, genital malignancies are common and cervical cancer remains the leading gynaecological malignancy in this centre.

Maternal deaths: initial report of an on-going monitoring of maternal deaths at the Federal Medical Centre Katsina, Northwest Nigeria

OBJECTIVES

To assess the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) from data collected as maternal deaths occurred over a 4-year period.

METHODS

A Departmental database established in 2008 was used to keep data on deliveries and maternal deaths as they occurred. The causes of death were decided after a meeting reviewed the case. Analysis was done using Microsoft Excel software and results presented in means and frequencies.

RESULTS

Eight thousand two hundred and twenty live deliveries that occurred were complicated by 68 maternal deaths. The MMR was 827/100 000 live births. The MMR for unbooked women was four times higher than for booked women. Obstetric haemorrhage was the main (21.6%) direct cause of death followed by preeclampsia/eclampsia (18.9%). While anaemia was the leading (8.1%) indirect cause of death, tetanus in the puerperium reared its head as an emerging (5.4%) indirect cause of maternal death. None of the women ever used contraceptives. Most deaths occurred in teenage mothers (23.5%), unbooked women (86%) and in the postpartum period (69%).

CONCLUSION

The MMR was high and tetanus in puerperium emerged as an indirect cause of maternal deaths. There is a need to curb the emergence of tetanus in the puerperium as a cause of maternal death.

Development of meloxicam in situ implant formulation by quality by design principle

OBJECTIVE

The focus of this study was to develop and optimize in situ implant formulation of meloxicam by quality by design (QbD) principle for long-term management of musculoskeletal inflammatory disorders.

METHODS

The formulation was optimized by Box-Behnken design with polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) level (X1), N-methyl pyrrolidone level (X2) and PLGA intrinsic viscosity (X3) as the independent variables and initial burst release of drug (Y1), cumulative release (Y2), and dissolution efficiency (Y3) as the dependent variables. The formulation was physicochemically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Pharmacokinetic studies of the optimized formulation were performed on Sprague-Dawley rats.

RESULTS

Y1 was significantly affected by X2 and X3. Y2 was affected by X1 and X3 while Y3 was affected by all three independent variables employed in the formulations. Responses for the optimized formulation were in close agreement with the values predicted by the model. SEM photomicrographs indicated uniform gel formulation. No chemical interaction between the components of formulation was observed by FT-IR and meloxicam was found to be present in the amorphous form in the gel matrix as revealed by PXRD. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to achieve Cmax and area under plasma concentration curve were significantly different from those of the solution formulation used as the control. Plasma concentration of meloxicam was maintained above its IC50 concentration required for COX-2 inhibition for 23 days.

CONCLUSION

Meloxicam in situ implant may provide long-term management of inflammatory conditions with improved patient compliance and better therapeutic index.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in chicken samples from Delta Egypt using a recombinant NcSAG1 protein-based ELISA

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan that causes abortion and economic loss in the cattle industry. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in chicken using ELISA methods based on the surface antigen 1 of N. caninum (NcSAG1t). The overall prevalence of N. caninum in chicken was 15.51%. The seroprevalence was high in Qalyoubiya, Minufiya, Kafr EL-Shaykh, Gharbiya, Dakahlia Provinces; (34%, 17.39%, 14.75%, 14.29%, and 12.25% respectively). In contrast, the seropervalence was low in Beheira Province only 2%. The lowest prevalence was recorded in the winter. On contrary, the prevalence was higher in the spring autumn and summer. The risk of infection with N. caninum was 1.4 times higher for females than for males. Finally, antibodies to N. caninum showed significant increase in free-range chickens compared to caged chickens. The high prevalence of neosporosis in chicken indicated that neosporosis may be widely distributed in Delta of Egypt. Recombinant NcSAG1t is good diagnostic candidates for the detection of N. caninum infection.

Treating impaired cognition in schizophrenia

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia that substantially accounts for poor functional outcomes associated with this disease in areas such as work, independent living and social relationships. Until recently, drug development in schizophrenia has focused on developing compounds that mainly target the positive psychotic symptoms of the illness. Although current antipsychotic drugs treat psychosis in schizophrenia rather well, their impact on cognitive dysfunction is minimal. In recent years there has been growing interest in developing novel treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. In this review we discuss pharmacologic strategies considered most likely to improve cognition. These putative molecular targets include receptors for acetylcholine, dopamine, glutamate, g-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin and histamine. In addition, we propose that not only pharmacological, but also psychological treatments should be considered to enhance cognition in schizophrenia.

The efficacy of 10gram intramuscular loading dose of MgSO(4) in severe preeclampsia/ eclampsia at a tertiary referral centre in Northwest Nigeria

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The efficacy of 10g intramuscular loading dose of magnesium sulphate in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia was assessed at a tertiary health centre for potential use at primary health level.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Intramuscular 10g loading dose and 14g loading dose of Pritchard were compared in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. Primary outcome measures were the occurrence of fits in women with severe preeclampsia, further fits in those with eclampsia and maternal death. Other outcome measures were mode of delivery and severe birth asphyxia at 5 minutes of life.

RESULTS

One hundred and three women were enrolled; 54 and 49 women had 10g and 14g loading dose respectively. No significant convulsions (p= 0.1424) occurred in women with severe preeclampsia who had 10g intramuscular loading dose and repeat convulsion was averted in 93% of women with eclampsia. 10g loading dose did not increase the likelihood of caesarean section in women with preeclampsia (p=0.2832) or eclampsia (p=0.9112). The mean Apgar score at 5 minutes of life of neonates whose mothers had 10g and 14g loading dose for preeclampsia was 8 and 8.46 respectively, and 8.9 and 8.8 respectively for eclampsia. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal death between the two groups for severe preeclampsia (p= 0.2020) and eclampsia (p=0.3496).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a potential use of intramuscular 10 gram loading dose of MgSO at the primary health care level in Nigeria.

The efficacy of intramuscular loading dose of MgSO4 in severe pre-eclampsia/ eclampsia at a tertiary referral centre in Northwest Nigeria

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The efficacy of 10g intramuscular loading dose of magnesium sulphate in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia was assessed at a tertiary health centre for potential use at primary health level.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Intramuscular 10g loading dose and 14g loading dose of Pritchard were compared in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. Primary outcome measures were the occurrence of fits in women with severe preeclampsia, further fits in those with eclampsia and maternal death. Other outcome measures were mode of delivery and severe birth asphyxia at 5 minutes of life.

RESULTS

One hundred and three women were enrolled; 54 and 49 women had 10g and 14g loading dose respectively. No significant convulsions (p= 0.1424) occurred in women with severe preeclampsia who had 10g intramuscular loading dose and repeat convulsion was averted in 93% of women with eclampsia. 10g loading dose did not increase the likelihood of caesarean section in women with preeclampsia (p=0.2832) or eclampsia (p=0.9112). The mean Apgar score at 5 minutes of life of neonates whose mothers had 10g and 14g loading dose for preeclampsia was 8 and 8.46 respectively, and 8.9 and 8.8 respectively for eclampsia. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal death between the two groups for severe preeclampsia (p= 0.2020) and eclampsia (p=0.3496).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a potential use of intramuscular 10 gram loading dose of MgSO4 at the primary health care level in Nigeria.