Comparison of Serum Zinc in Children of Wilson Disease and Non-Wilsonian Volunteers in Bangladesh

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism with diverse clinical manifestations. Zinc (Zn) has been used for treatment of WD. Recent studies showed low serum zinc level in patients suffering from WD than the normal. This cross-sectional analytical study has been designed to compare the serum zinc level between paediatric patients suffering from WD but yet not started treatment and children who have normal ALT level. This study was carried out at the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2018 to June 2019. Total 51 children were included in this study. Among them 27 were diagnosed case of WD aged between three to eighteen years and 24 children of same ages who were suffering from other than liver disease having normal ALT were included as volunteers. The patients of WD were divided into four groups according to their presentation as acute hepatitis, chronic liver disease (CLD), acute liver failure & neuropsychiatric manifestation. Informed written consent was obtained from all patients and volunteers for participation in this study. Along with other physical findings and laboratory investigations 3 ml of venous blood were collected for estimation of serum zinc level. After estimation of serum zinc level results were analyzed statistically. The difference in serum zinc levels were compared between the groups. Serum zinc level was significantly lower in Wilson disease patients (43.8±19.7μg/dl; range: 13-83) compared to volunteers group (67.8±11.8μg/dl; range: 47-97) p<0.001. Among the diseased group, serum zinc level were significantly lower in 18 CLD (38.4±17.4μg/dl) and in 4 acute liver failure (33.1±3.7μg/dl) compared to 4 acute hepatitis (71.8±4.3μg/dl) (p=0.001) and (p<0.001) respectively. Mean serum zinc level was low in 4 Wilsonian acute liver failure (33.1±3.7μg/dl), which was significant compared to those (23) who presented as Wilson disease non acute liver failure (45.7±20.8μg/dl) (p=0.013). Serum zinc level was significantly lower in Wilson disease children compared to the volunteers. Zinc level was also found significantly low in Wilson disease presented as CLD and acute liver failure in comparison to Wilson disease presented as acute hepatitis.

Biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt

In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.

Effects of combined treatment of cadmium and oxytetracycline on the terrestrial isopod Porcellio leavis

The influence of pharmaceutical residues and heavy metals on living organisms has received global attention. The present study assessed the interactive effect of antibiotic residues and heavy metals in soil, as contaminated food with cadmium (Cd) and oxytetracycline (OTC) on the isopod Porcellio leavis. It was fed on fresh plant leaves contaminated with different concentrations of cadmium, Cd+OTC1000 ppm, Cd+OTC2000 ppm and Cd+OTC3000 ppm for 4 weeks. The changes in the feeding patterns, protein, lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase activity (CAT), and total free amino acids (TFAA) were recorded. There were significant differences in the obtained results where Cd reduced the egestion ratio (ER) however, OTC enhanced this ratio. Biochemical analysis illustrated that combination between OTC and Cd inhibits the toxic effects of Cd at low concentration (1000 ppm), while at high concentration (3000 ppm) raise the toxicity. Detailed studies are required for further understanding of the interaction between OTC and heavy metals, and also its impact on soil animals and for improving soil risk evaluation.

Comparative anatomical studies on the cranial nerves of the fully formed embryos of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Ostiechthyes-Cichlidae). I. Nervus glossopharyngeus

The organization of the roots, ganglia and the peripheral distribution of the cranial nerves of the fully formed embryos of Oreochromis niloticus are examined in the transverse serial sections. These nerves carry fibers, which were also analyzed. The results of this study demonstrated that the glossopharyngeal nerve originates by means of only one root, which leaves the cranium through the glossopharyngeal foramen. This nerve gives fibers (visceromotor) to the first internal and external levator arcus branchialis muscles. There is a single epibranchial (petrosal) ganglion located extracranially. Nervus glossopharyngeus has three rami; pharyngeus, pretramticus and posttrematicus. The ramus pharyngeus carries only viscerosensory fibers; general for the pharyngeal epithelium and special ones for the pseudobranch. General viscerosensory fibers are also carried by rami pretrematicus and posttrematicus for the pharyngeal epithelial lining. The special sensory fibers are carried by the ramus pretrematicus for the taste buds and by ramus posttrematicus for the gill filaments. The ramus pretrematicus also carries visceromotor fibers for the first adductor arcus branchialis and to the first obliquus ventralis muscles.

Spatio-temporal distribution patterns of Chironomidae communities in the wadis of Northern Tunisia

In Northern Tunisia, seasonal streams, called wadi, are characterized by extreme hydrological and thermal conditions. These freshwater systems have very particular features as a result of their strong irregularity of flow due to limited precipitation runoff regime, leading to strong seasonal hydrologic fluctuations. The current study focused on the spatio-temporal distribution of chironomids in 28 sampling sites spread across the Northern Tunisia. By emplying PERMANOVA, the results indicated a significant spatio-temporal variation along various environmental gradients. The main abiotic factors responsible for noted differences in the spatial distribution of chironomids in wadi were the conductivity and temperature, closely followed by altitude, pH, salinity, talweg slope and dissolved oxygen, identified as such by employing distance-based linear models' procedure. The Distance-based redundancy analysis ordination showed two main groups: the first clustered the Bizerte sites, which were characterized by high water conductivity, sodium concentration and salinity. The second main group comprised sites from the Tell zone and was characterized by low temperatures, neutral pH, low conductivity and nutrients content. The subfamily TANYPODIINAE (e.g., Prochladius sp., Prochladius choerus (Meigen, 1804) and Macropelopia sp.) was the dominant group at Tell zone, whereas species such as Diamesa starmachi (Kownacki et Kownacha, 1970) and Potthastia gaedii (Meigen, 1838) were found only in Tell Wadis. In contrast, chironomid species such as Diamesa starmachi (Kownacki et Kownacha, 1970), Potthastia gaedii (Meigen, 1838), Procladius choreus (Meigen, 1804) were specific for Tell Mountain. Cap Bon wadis region was dominated by genus Cladotanytarsus sp. The results of this survey liked the taxonomic composition of chironomid assemblages to the variation of hydromorphological and physic-chemical gradients across the northern Tunisia wadis.

Assessment of carbamazepine acute toxicity in the cockle Cerastoderma edule through chemical, physiological and biochemical tools

The cockle Cerastoderma edule was exposed to four concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 70 μg L-1) of carbamazepine (CBZ). This anticonvulsant was found to alter the mussel behavior of by reducing its clearance rate (CR). Analysis of CBZ accumulation in tissues of C. edule was carried out using HPLC-UV after 48 or 96 hours of exposure. In addition, an overproduction of H2O2 by the bivalves was detected following exposure to CBZ but nitrite levels remained unchanged. Moreover, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities showed a significant increase in relation to their contact with CBZ. The activity of the biotransformation enzyme gluthatione-S-transferase did not change during exposure. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels indicating cellular damage, increased when bivalves were exposed to 20 and 70 μg l-1 of carbamazepine for 96 h CBZ. The results also indicate that acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) was inhibited in all CBZ concentrations during the 48 h exposure period. However, during the 96 h exposure period, AChE was only inhibited at the highest concentration. Further studies are needed now for more exploration of the toxicity of CBZ since it could be bioaccumulable throughout the food web and may affect non-target organisms.

Hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in rodents and shrews of Bangladesh

Hemoprotozoans are important pathogens of animals and humans, among which some species have zoonotic significance. The prevalence of different hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in larger mammals have been reported from different regions of the world. But, very few studies have been conducted to estimate the prevalence of hemoprotozoa in rodents and shrews of South-East Asia. The study assessed the prevalence of hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in rodents and shrews of Bangladesh. Blood samples (n=451) were collected from rodents and shrews between June 2011 and June 2013 and July-December 2015 from 4 land gradients of Bangladesh. Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed that 13% of animals were harboring hemoprotozoa (4.7% Babesia spp., 0.67% Plasmodium spp.), and Anaplasma spp. (7.5%). The study may serve as a guide for future hemoparasitic research of rodents and shrews.

Sustainable operation and maintenance criteria for non-toll road green rating system

Green Rating System is utilized as tools to analyze the sustainability of buildings or infrastructures. Improvising green rating system is a continuous effort due to the needs of local implementation of a country. In Malaysia, there are two established rating systems for roads; MyGHI for highways and pHJKR (Roads) for non-tolled roads. Preliminary study on pHJKR (Roads) identified this rating tool assess road sustainability performance only at planning, design & construction stages. This study foresees, it is essential to sustain its engineering and sustainability performance, including carbon assessment under Operation and Maintenance (O&M). Therefore, this paper highlights the relevance and applicability of pHJKR (Roads) in comparison to other establish green road rating tools. The assessment criteria and elements during (O&M) phase are proposed for score development, which extensive research will lead to the establishment of O&M pHJKR (Roads). The data was gathered and analysed from a comprehensive review of current pHJKR (Roads) with a comparison other green road rating index. The expert panel discussion also was utilized to determine suitable sustainability factors. This study, in conclusion providing an opportunity to the enhancement of pHJKR (Roads), which offer a complete cycle of assessment in road project development of road Green Rating System.

The effect of cigarette smoking on human seminal parameters, sperm chromatin structure and condensation

Considerable debate still exists regarding the effects of cigarette smoking on male fertility. This work aimed to explore effects of cigarette smoking on semen parameters and DNA fragmentation on 95 infertile patients who were divided into infertile male nonsmokers (45) and infertile male smokers (50). Smokers were subdivided according to a number of cigarettes smoked per day into mild (≤10), moderate (11-20) and heavy smokers (≥21). Semen analysis, sperm chromatin condensation integrity with aniline blue staining and sperm viability were compared between the study groups. A significant decrease has been shown in sperm count (p = .006), progressive motility (p = <.001), percentage of normal forms (p = <.001) and viability (p = .002) between infertile nonsmoker and infertile smokers. The percentage of abnormal sperm chromatin condensation was significantly higher in smokers compared to nonsmokers (p = <.001). A linear correlation was detected between the extent of cigarette smoking and the degree of worsening in progressive motility (p = .001), total motility (p < .001), viability (p < .001) and normal morphology (p < .001). These results indicate that cigarette smoking has detrimental effects on semen parameters. It negatively affected all conventional semen parameters in addition to sperm chromatin condensation and sperm viability. These abnormalities were also proportional to the number of cigarettes smoked per day and to the duration of smoking.

A new approach to the analysis of thermoluminescence glow-curve of TLD-600 dosimeters following Am-241 alpha particles irradiation

A new approach to the analysis of thermoluminescence (TL) glow-curves of LiF:Mg, Ti (TLD-600) following alpha particles irradiation has been presented using general expressions derived from the one-trap-one recombination (OTOR)-level model. It has been found that the results of the deconvolution in the case of using these expressions are different from the case of using the other TL expressions, especially for the high-temperature region. The advantage of using the OTOR expressions is that, unlike the usual analysis, a good fit and reasonable kinetic parameter values could be obtained with a lower number of deconvoluted peaks. The kinetic parameters and the dosimetric properties of each peak have been investigated over different absorbed doses and new findings have been found. Improvement of the accuracy and the precision of the dose measurements at low-dose levels has been achieved using the glow-curve deconvolution algorithm. In addition, theoretical interpretations of some observed behaviors have been presented using the interactive multiple trap system model.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in a Young Female

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts resulting in cholestasis. Due to nonspecific symptoms it is difficult to diagnose until complication arises. It is common in male and usually associated with other autoimmune diseases. Here, we report a case of PSC in a young female which was initially thought to be drug induced cholestasis without presence of any other autoimmunity.

Association of Immunofluorescence pattern of Antinuclear Antibody with Specific Autoantibodies in the Bangladeshi Population

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) is useful in the diagnosis of connective tissue disorder (CTD). Association of specific autoantibodies with the immunofluorescence pattern of ANA in CTD, noted in western literature has been considered as reference in all over the world. However, in Bangladesh no such research work or data correlating the autoantibodies and their ANA patterns is found. Objective of the study was to identify an association between immunofluorescence patterns of antinuclear antibody on HEp-2 cell and more specific antinuclear reactivities (e.g. anti-dsDNA and anti-extractable nuclear antigen) in the serum samples of CTD patients. Serum samples of 152 CTD patients (Systemic lupus erythematosus, Rhumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, Systemic sclerosis, Polymyositis, Mixed connective tissue disease) were diagnosed clinically, attending at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the study period of January, 2010 to December, 2010. Samples were subjected for ANA testing by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp-2 cell (ALPHADIA) in dilution of 1:40, anti-dsDNA by ELISA and anti- extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) by Dot Immunoblot. Dot blot strips were tested for anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La, anti-Scl-70 and anti-Jo-1. Out of 152 patients 110 (72.3%) cases were ANA positive by IIF on HEp-2 cell. ANA positive sera exhibited four fluorescence patterns such as speckled (50.8%), peripheral (21.6%) , homogenous (18.1%) and nucleolar pattern (9%). Peripheral pattern and homogenous pattern was predominantly associated with anti-dsDNA (p < 0.05). Speckled pattern was significantly associated with anti-ENA (p < 0.05).The most commonly identified antinuclear autoreactivity was directed towards anti-RNP (25.7%) then anti-Scl-70 (20%), anti-SSA (14.2%) and anti-SSB (5.7%). Multiple anti-ENA reactivities were identified in 34.28% cases. Peripheral and homogenous pattern is strongly associated with anti-dsDNA and speckled pattern may predict anti-ENA (specially ribonucleoprotiens). As a definite correlation between the ANA patterns and the group of antibodies was detected by dot immunoblot, one could predict presence of certain specific auto antibodies for a particular ANA pattern identified. This may restrict on the cost of laboratory investigations in a developing country like Bangladesh. Thus, ANA-IIF method may reduce the expense of detailed immunological work-up with minimal loss in diagnostic accuracy.

Manipulation of a quasi-natural cell block for high-efficiency transplantation of adherent somatic cells

Recent advances have raised hope that transplantation of adherent somatic cells could provide dramatic new therapies for various diseases. However, current methods for transplanting adherent somatic cells are not efficient enough for therapeutic applications. Here, we report the development of a novel method to generate quasi-natural cell blocks for high-efficiency transplantation of adherent somatic cells. The blocks were created by providing a unique environment in which cultured cells generated their own extracellular matrix. Initially, stromal cells isolated from mice were expanded in vitro in liquid cell culture medium followed by transferring the cells into a hydrogel shell. After incubation for 1 day with mechanical agitation, the encapsulated cell mass was perforated with a thin needle and then incubated for an additional 6 days to form a quasi-natural cell block. Allograft transplantation of the cell block into C57BL/6 mice resulted in perfect adaptation of the allograft and complete integration into the tissue of the recipient. This method could be widely applied for repairing damaged cells or tissues, stem cell transplantation, ex vivo gene therapy, or plastic surgery.

Major Variation in Branches of the Abdominal Aorta in New Zealand White Rabbit (Orycotolagus Cuniculus)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the arrangement and major vascular variation of abdominal aorta in NZW rabbit. A total of 28 healthy adult rabbits (14 males and 14 females) with an average (1.3 ± 0.5kg) body weight were used in this study. Deep surgical anaesthesia was done by using combination of xylazine and ketamine at the doses of 10mg/kg and 40mg/kg body weight respectively, and was sacrificed by bleeding through the right ventricle of the heart. Cannulation of the thoracic aorta and stained latex (added with ammonium water and red carmine stain) injection were performed, followed by 10% neutral buffered formalin. Asymmetry of the even branches with their distribution and the way of departure of the arteries from the abdominal aorta were observed. However, double pair ovarian arteries were found in a single animal. The diameter of the caudal mesenteric artery showed significant (p?0.05) difference between male and female. In case of male and female, the variability of the origin (number and level of origin) of testicular, ovarian and profound iliac circumflex arteries was also observed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v2i4.13218 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2012), 2(4) 91-98

Survival advantage observed with the use of metformin in patients with type II diabetes and colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) have an increased risk of adenomatous colorectal (CRC) polyps and CRC cancer. The use of the anti-hyperglycemic agent metformin is associated with a reduced incidence of cancer-related deaths.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 4758 patients seen at a single institution and determined that 424 patients were identified by their physicians as having type II DM and CRC cancer. Data were subsequently acquired determining the subject's age, body mass index (BMI), and disease date of diagnosis, stage, site of cancer, treatment, and survival.

RESULTS

Patients with type II DM and CRC cancer treated with metformin as one of their diabetic medications had a survival of 76.9 months (95% CI=61.4-102.4) as compared with 56.9 months in those patients not treated with metformin (95% CI=44.8-68.8), P=0.048. By using a multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for age, sex, race, BMI, and initial stage of disease, we demonstrated that type II diabetic patients treated with metformin had a 30% improvement in overall survival (OS) when compared with diabetic patients treated with other diabetic agents.

CONCLUSION

Colorectal cancer patients with DM treated with metformin as part of their diabetic therapy appear to have a superior OS.

Efficacy of bevacizumab plus erlotinib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and predictors of outcome: final results of a phase II trial

OBJECTIVE

A phase II study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bevacizumab and erlotinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to investigate clinical and molecular predictors of outcome.

METHODS

59 patients with advanced HCC received 10 mg/kg i.v. of bevacizumab every 14 days and 150 mg p.o. of erlotinib daily. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 16 weeks. Clinical characteristics and plasma biomarkers expression levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

PFS at 16 weeks was 64% (95% CI 51-76): 14 patients achieved partial response (24%), 33 had stable disease (56%), 6 progressed (10%), and 6 were not evaluable (10%). Median overall survival was 13.7 months (95% CI 9.6-19.7), and median PFS was 7.2 months (95% CI 5.6-8.3). Grade 3-4 adverse events included fatigue (30%), diarrhea (17%), hypertension (14%), elevated transaminases (12%), and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (10%). High plasma angiopoietin-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, and endothelin-1, and lack of acneiform rash were associated with poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of bevacizumab with erlotinib achieved encouraging results in patients with advanced HCC. Current correlatives may help to guide future HCC studies.

Sub-optimal serum gentamicin concentrations in sickle cell disease patients utilizing the Hartford protocol

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES

Several studies have reported that use of the Hartford nomogram in different patients' population was associated with low serum gentamicin concentrations (SGC) at different intervals or midpoints. This study was intended to determine the prevalence and predictors of SGC in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) as another population representing low SGC while utilizing the Hartford protocol.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was carried out in a University-teaching hospital in Oman. The study was conducted from January 2005 through May 2008 and included all adult patients with SCD admitted during that time. Four-hundred and seven SGC representing 248 SCD patients were evaluated. The serum gentamicin concentration was considered sub-optimal if it was <2μg/mL (baseline of Hartford nomogram). Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Eighty-three percent (n=339) of SGC were sub-optimal. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression revealed that sub-optimal SGC were associated with younger patients with higher creatinine clearance. Specifically, patients who were ≤23years old were twice more likely to have sub-optimal SGC compared with those who were >23years of age (95% CI: 1·14-3·45; P=0·015). Patients with creatinine clearance of ≥200mL/min were 5·20 times more likely to have sub-optimal SGC compared with those with creatinine clearance <200mL/min (95% CI: 1·81-14·49; P=0·002). Furthermore, the logistic model also demonstrated that higher serum urea was associated with low SGC, with each one unit increase in serum urea, patients were 17% less likely to have sub-optimal SGC (95% CI: 0·72-0·96; P=0·011). Additionally, patients who were on piperacillin±tazobactam therapy given concurrently with gentamicin were 53% less likely to have sub-optimal SGC (95% CI: 0·28-0·83; P=0·009).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

A majority of patients with SCD had sub-optimal SGC. The pharmacokinetic profile of such patients is apparently too variable to fit the existing Hartford protocol. The Hartford nomogram should be modified to address this issue. Otherwise, clinicians should revert to multiple daily dosing.

Effects of salt stress on some nitrogen fixation parameters in faba bean

The adverse effects of sea water salinity on number of nodules, nitrogen content, nitroginase activity, Chlorophyll a and b content, proline accumulation and protein pattern of faba bean plants (Vicia faba commercial cultivar Nubaria 1) were investigated. Faba bean plants were irrigated with sea water at 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50% concentrations and inoculated with rhizobial isolate ARC307 or with gamma rays treated isolates namely; ARC1, ARC2, ARC3, ARC4, ARC5, ARC6 and ARC7. Nodules number, nitrogen content, nitroginase activity and chlorophyll a and b content parameters were decreased by increasing sea water salinity with all used isolates, while proline accumulation parameter increased. At the same time, ARC2 isolate showed the highest values for these parameters above all isolates including the parental isolate ARC307 at all studied concentrations except for proline accumulation parameter, it was the least. Therefore, ARC2 considered as a promising isolate for salt tolerance. Salinity enhanced the occurrence of particular novel proteins in faba bean plants infected with ARC2 isolate.

Compatibility of a combination of tiamulin and chlortetracycline with salinomycin in feed during a pulsed medication program coadministration in broilers

In an earlier study, the continuous medication of broiler feed with a combination of tiamulin (TIA; 20 mg/kg), chlortetracycline (CTC; 60 mg/kg), and the ionophore anticoccidial salinomycin (SAL; 60 mg/kg) caused an initial increase in BW and feed efficiency (FE; g of weight gain/kg of feed intake). However, as doses increased to combinations of 30 mg/kg of TIA and 90 mg/kg of CTC or 50 mg/kg of TIA and 150 mg/kg of CTC, there was a dose-related reduction in growth rate and FE. This was thought to be due to the interaction between TIA and SAL. In this study, using a protocol similar to the previous trial, broiler chicks were administered SAL at 60 mg/kg via the feed and the same inclusion rates of TIA + CTC. However, instead of feeding the birds continuously, considering the cost of TIA and possibly to compensate for the depressed growth attributable to the interaction with SAL, they were pulse-dosed for 1 to 10 d and again at 21 to 27 d, and the whole trial lasted 35 d to see if the intermittent pulses might reduce production losses. A total of 200 straight-run 1-d-old broiler chicks (Hubbard classic) were randomly distributed into 4 groups, with each group consisting of 5 cages containing 10 birds. The 20 cages were allocated to the 4 treatment groups on a random basis. The control diet, containing only SAL at 60 mg/kg, was fed to all birds throughout the 35-d trial, including the period during the gaps between dosing (i.e., d 11 to 20 and d 28 to 35). Feed and water were available for the whole trial period. Several serum enzymes (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase) were determined from blood samples taken on d 35. Blood samples were also collected at 1, 19, and 35 d of age and were examined for antibody titers to Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae. Necropsy and histopathology of the birds (n = >or=4) were conducted during weekly intervals. There was no significant difference in weight gain, feed intake, and FE when the groups treated with TIA + CTC were compared with the control group (P > 0.05). There was no relationship between mortality and inclusion rates of the medication. No clinical signs of an interaction were exhibited during the trial, which was supported by necropsy and serum enzyme results. Maternally derived antibodies against M. gallisepticum were identified at the start of the trial but disappeared within 19 d, and infection with M. gallisepticum or M. synoviae was found neither serologically nor clinically during the trial. The results demonstrated that intermittent pulse administration of TIA at 50 mg/kg + CTC at 150 mg/kg from d 1 to 10 and d 21 to 27, along with continuous feeding of SAL (60 mg/kg), would be possible without altering performance and while maintaining the health status of the broilers. However, further research is required on the presence of artificial infections with Mycoplasma pathogens to determine the efficacy of the combination of TIA +CTC.

Factors affecting variations in exposure to infections by Leishmania donovani in eastern Sudan

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Gedaref state, eastern Sudan to investigate the prevalence of positive leishmanin skin tests and environmental factors related to Leishmania donovani infection. A total of 3835 people living in 11 villages in 3 regions were screened. Soil types and tree densities were determined in 33 villages inhabited by 44 different tribes. The highest rates of positive skin tests were in Rahad region (33.9%), Atbara (21.6%) and Gedaref (10.6%), with an average of 21.1% for the state. Risk of infection by L. donovani varied significantly between different tribes. Higher densities of Acacia and Balanites spp. trees were in Masaleet villages, suggesting that the relatively high risk of L. donovani exposure in this tribe is due to environmental factors.

Sensitive and specific assay for detecting circulating antigens in individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni

Monoclonal antibody 128C3/3/21 in an antigen-capture ELISA was used to detect circulating antigen in individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni. This antibody recognizes a carbohydrate epitope expressed on the major group of acidic egg glycoproteins and on glycoproteins and glycolipids in all other stages of parasite development. The overall sensitivity of the assay was 78%, with a sensitivity of 100% for patients excreting >100 egg/g feces (EGF) and 72% for those excreting <100 EGF. By increasing the degree of antibody biotinylation, the authors have now achieved sensitivities of 92.4% overall and 82% for those excreting <100 EGF. A direct increase in the mean level of circulating antigen was found with increasing egg counts. The difference between those excreting >100 EGF (53 individuals) and those excreting <100 EGF (39 cases) was statistically significant (P<0.01). None of the control sera (23 uninfected individuals and 16 patients infected with other parasites) had circulating antigen levels >80 ng/ml. Thus, the test specificity was >99%. The test accuracy was 94.7%, the positive predictive value 100%, and the negative predictive value 84.8%.

IgG isotypes in schistosomiasis patients before and after praziquantel

This work evaluated circulating anti-SWAP IgG1 and IgG4 in patients with active S. mansoni infection before and after PZQ and its correlation to clinical, laboratory and sonographic data. The main complaints was abdominal discomfort, pain, tensmus and bleeding per rectum, which progressive decreased after PZQ. The anti-SWAP IgGI and IgG4 were significantly higher in patients than controls. A progressive significant decrease in the level of circulating anti-SWAP IgG1 after treatment, a decrease of IgG4 three months after treatment and a decrease in the egg count after therapy. But, no significant difference in IgG1 or IgG4 was noticed between male and female patients before and after treatment. No significant difference in IgGI or IgG4 in patients having GIT manifestation and organomegalic patients and/or asymptomatic patient. No significant difference in lgG1 or IgG4 between patients with grade (o), graele (I) and grade (II) periportal fibrosis. The sensitivity of ELISA IgGI was 73.3% and specificity was 80% while ELISA IgG4 was 80%. Enlarged liver and/or spleen, periportal fibrosis, and dilated P.V detected by ultrasonography were more among patients than controls. There was no significant difference in hematological parameters and liver function tests between patients and control groups. So, ELISA is sensitive and specific for IgG1 and IgG4. Anti-SWAP IgG1 and IgG4 is useful means in diagnosis and cure, as well as significant reduction of anti-SWAP IgG1 and IgG4 after treatment. Anti-SWAP IgG1 and IgG4 are parameter for evaluating cure. Follow up of anti-schistosomal IgG1 and IgG4 is useful for assessment of treatment

Phase II trial of cisplatin, interferon alpha-2b, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil for biliary tract cancer

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a chemotherapy combination of cisplatin, IFN alpha-2b, doxorubicin, Adriamycin, and 5-fluorouracil (PIAF) as treatment for radiologically measurable cancer of the biliary tree. Forty-one patients (19 gallbladder carcinoma and 22 cholangiocarcinoma) with unresectable, histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma were registered. Starting chemotherapy doses were as follows: cisplatin, 80 mg/m(2) i.v. over 2 h; doxorubicin, 40 mg/m(2) i.v. over 2 h; and 5-fluorouracil, 500 mg/m(2) by continuous infusion daily for 3 days. IFN alpha-2b (5 x 10(6) units/m(2)) was administered s.c. before the cisplatin and daily thereafter for a total of four doses. The overall response rate was 21.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 10-37]. For cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma patients, the response rates were 9.5% (95% CI, 1-32%) and 35.3% (95% CI, 14-62%), respectively. Overall median survival time was 14 months (95% CI, 9.5-18.5), 18.1 months (95% CI, 12.1-24.1) for the cholangiocarcinoma patients, and 11.5 months (95% CI, 5.9-17.1) for the gallbladder carcinoma patients. This difference was not statistically significant. The most common grade III and IV toxicities were neutropenia (41%), thrombocytopenia (20%), nausea and vomiting (34%), and fatigue (20%). In conclusion, the PIAF combination seemed more active against gallbladder carcinoma than against cholangiocarcinoma but was associated with significant toxicity. Therefore, this regimen cannot be recommended for cholangiocarcinoma, but it may have a role in the treatment of gallbladder carcinoma, particularly among patients who were refractory to higher priority investigational agents.

Reference value of immunoglobulins in healthy school children of Bangladesh

The reference value of immunoglobulins (Igs) should be known for a population concerned because it is influenced by many clinical and local conditions. As yet the reference value of the Igs have not been determined in Bangladeshi children. This study determined the reference value of Igs in apparently healthy 261 rural Bangladeshi primary school children (aged 5 to 14 years, mean 9.3 years). IgG, IgM and IgA were determined by an auto-analyzer. The mean (standard deviation) value of IgG was 1728 (344) mg/dl. The corresponding values for IgM and IgA were 200 (88) and 163 (63) mg/dl, respectively. The 95% reference value calculation in all subjects showed that the range for IgG was 1103 to 2524, IgM was 92 to 390, and IgA was 72 to 325 mg/dl. These values could be used to evaluate Ig status in children with a variety of clinical conditions.

Circulating filarial antigens for monitoring the efficacy of ivermectin in treatment of filariasis

Seventy-three asymptomatic bancroftian filariasis patients with positive microfilaria in their blood films were included. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: ivermectin group (50 cases) given 2 doses each of 100 ug/kg body weight, 3 months apart, and 23 cases had 2 doses of placebo. The study was run blindly for one year. The initial mean microfilaria (MF) count was 111/ml. At 3 months after ivermectin therapy, mean MF became 7.8/ml and 24% of ivermectin treated cases had no detectable MF (P <0.05). At 6, 9 and 12 months, the mean MF count became 4.1, 6.5 and 11/ml with amicrofilaria in 54%, 42% and 40% of treated cases respectively (P <0.05). On the other hand, no statistically significant change in the mean MF count in placebo group was detected. The routine laboratory investigations were unchanged or slightly improved at 3 and 6 months. Side effects after the first dose of ivermectin were mild fever in 16% and weakness in 20%. None was recorded after the second dose. Circulating filarial antigens could be detected in 66% of cases before treatment, as all cases with high microfilaremia had positive antigenemia. The mean antigen level started to decline significantly after 9 months post treatment. At the end of the study (one-year), all negative microfilaremic cases had negative antigen levels, indicating that detection of antigen in-patients sera is a very good indicator of cure and efficacy of the drug.

The role of hepatitis C in hepatocellular carcinoma: a case control study among Egyptian patients

BACKGROUND

Egypt has one of the highest prevalence rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the world; however, the risk and attribution related to HCV in Egyptian patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown.

GOALS

The current study was undertaken to estimate the risk of HCC in relation to HCV in Egypt.

STUDY

Thirty-three patients with HCC and 35 healthy controls who had a similar socioeconomic status were prospectively enrolled at the University of Cairo National Cancer Institute.

RESULTS

Anti-HCV antibodies were present in 75.8% of the patients and in 42.9% of the controls (p = 0.01); hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was present in 15.2% of the patients and in 2.9% of the controls (p = 0.03). In addition, the sex-and age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for anti-HCV antibodies was 5.1 (95% CI = 1.5-17.4) and for HBsAg was 13.2 (95% CI = 1.2-148.2). Concurrent Schistosoma mansoni and anti-HCV was associated with an OR of 10.3 (95% CI = 1.3-79.8), which was higher than that for anti-HCV (6.5; 95% CI = 1.6-26.6) and S. mansoni infection (0.2; 95% CI = 0.1-6.2) alone. Finally, we estimated the attributable fraction of HCC to HCV to be 64% in this study population and 48% in the general Egyptian population.

CONCLUSIONS

Both HCV and hepatitis B virus infection increase the risk of HCC in Egyptian patients, whereas isolated Schistosoma infection does not. Because of the very high prevalence rate of HCV in the general Egyptian population, it accounts for most HCC cases in Egypt.

The Egyptian mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon, is a possible reservoir host of visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Sudan

Investigations were made on possible reservoir hosts of Leishmania donovani in 2 zoonotic foci of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Dinder National Park (DNP) and the peri-domestic habitats of adjacent villages of eastern Sudan. Animals were captured, in November 1997-1998 and April-May 1999 and examined for L. donovani infection using light microscopy and 2 sensitive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) systems. Microscopy and PCR investigations were also used to determine the infection rates of L. donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis captured from the uninhabited site of DNP. Infections of L. donovani were detected in 2 out of 14 Egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon), 1 out of 168 Arviconthus niloticus and 1 out of 8 Mastomys natalensis. Samples from 68 other animals captured from the study area were all negative for the infection. Active zoonotic transmission of L. donovani at the time of animal sampling in the uninhabited site of DNP was demonstrated by finding the parasite in 3.4% (7 out of 184) and 3.2% (5 out of 157) of flies collected in March 1998 and May 1999, respectively. We suggest that the Egyptian mongoose is a possible reservoir host of L. donovani. The importance of other animals in maintaining the infection is also discussed.

Evaluation of circulating Fasciola antigens in specific diagnosis of fascioliasis

Ninety-eight individuals were included in this study, 60 of them were passing Fasciola eggs, 20 were infected with other parasites but not Fasciola (infected control group) and 18 individuals were free from parasite infection (normal control group). Circulating Fasciola antigens (CFAg) and anti-Fasciola IgG were estimated by ELISA technique among all groups. Highly significant increased level of CFAg was observed among Fasciola-infected cases when compared with normal control group. The percentage positivity of CFAg was 95% among Fasciola-infected cases. Solid specificity was observed by the test. Moreover, a highly significant increase in the antigen level was detected among moderately infected patients compared with lightly infected group. The level of CFAg was significantly higher in the hepatomegalic cases than those without organomegaly. Anti-Fasciola IgG antibodies were detected in only 35% of Fasciola infected cases, which indicates much lower sensitivity of the antibody detection than antigens. No correlation between the level of the circulating antibodies and either the intensity of infection or the clinical presentations was observed.

Validity and reliability for the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form as applied in the United Arab Emirates culture

Validity and reliability of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form were examined through factor analysis, differences in motor proficiency among age groups, and internal consistency. The sample was comprised of 194 children (96 boys and 98 girls) of ages 6 to 11 years. A principal factor analysis solution with varimax rotation produced four factors: Gross and Fine Motor Skills, Eye-Hand Coordination, Balance-Coordination and Speed, and Visual-motor Coordination. The loadings of these factors partially supported the theoretical work of Bruininks. Univariate analysis of variance showed significant differences between age groups either for each single item or for the total score. Correlation coefficients between single-item and total short form were all significant, although some values were relatively small. These results provided positive support for the construction and reliability of the test.

Detection of Wuchereria bancrofti in mosquitoes by the polymerase chain reaction: a potentially useful tool for large-scale control programmes

Focally endemic bancroftian filariasis is targeted for elimination in the Nile delta of Egypt. Improved methods are needed for identifying endemic villages to be included in the control programme and for monitoring its success. We have evaluated the performance of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in estimating Wuchereria bancrofti infection in pools of Culex pipiens (1-25 females) from 2 adjacent villages with high (El Qolzom, 10.8%) and low (Kafr Shorafa, 2.1%) prevalence rates of human filariasis. This assay detects a repeated sequence in W. bancrofti deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Mosquitoes resting within houses were captured by aspiration and pooled by house. Houses were classified as positive or negative for human filarial infection based on night blood examinations of residents. The assay detected parasite DNA in mosquitoes from 60% of 25 infected houses and 24% of 25 uninfected houses. PCR processing of mosquitoes caught within houses of unknown filariasis infection status (44 in El Qolzom, 37 in Kafr Shorafa) identified 31.8% and 8.1% of houses, respectively, as containing infected mosquitoes. These results support the validity of the PCR assay for evaluating filarial prevalence in different villages. C. pipiens collected outdoors in dry ice-baited traps and tested by PCR (266 in Qolzom, 82 in Kafr Shorafa) did not contain parasite DNA. Pools of female mosquitoes (296 in Qolzom, 240 in Kafr Shorafa) captured in oviposition traps were also negative. We concluded that the PCR based assay is a powerful epidemiological tool that can be used for evaluating W. bancrofti infection in villages in the Nile delta and for monitoring the application of control programmes in filariasis endemic areas.

Anti-fasciola IgG isotypes among patients with fascioliasis before and after treatment

Stool examination using modified Kato thick smear method was performed to detect Fasciola eggs and other parasites. Abdominal pain was the major presenting symptom (83.3%) followed by pallor (71.6%) and fever (16.7%). Anaemia and hepatomegaly were recorded in 70% of patients compared to 25% with splenomegaly. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed hepatomegaly and common bile duct dilatation in 70% of patients. Moreover, 6 cases showed Olympic game rings which is diagnostic. All of patients had positive IgG4 levels, 58 cases were found positive for specific total IgG and IgG1, whereas, only 36 cases had positive IgG2 levels (60%). All negative control group showed no cross reactions. On the other hand, ELISA detecting IgG4 showed the highest specificity (95%), followed by IgG2 (85%) and the least specific test was obtained with detection of IgG (70%) and IgG1 (65%). One week after treatment, 90% of patients were completely cured. One and 3 months after treatment, the cure rate was 83.3%. In completely cured patients, none of anti-Fasciola isotypes was significantly changed.

Durable clinical response of refractory hepatocellular carcinoma to orally administered thalidomide

Thalidomide, a sedative agent previously associated with severe fetal malformations, has anti-angiogenic activity. We describe the antitumor effects of thalidomide in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma that was refractory to systemic and intraarterial therapy.

Different cytokines profiles in spleen cells and liver granuloma of Schistosoma mansoni experimentally infected mice during disease development

To determine the importance of Th1 and Th2 cells in modulating granuloma formation, mRNA transcripts for Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-5) cytokines were assessed by the molecular technique of in situ hybridization in the liver granuloma. The molecular studies showed few number of cells expressing mRNA transcripts for INF-gamma whereas, considerable number of IL-2 cells were present in the liver granuloma at 6 weeks post-infection (p.i.). Complete disappearance of IFN-gamma expressing cells were found when the disease progressed to 13 weeks p.i. Conversely, very high number of cells expressing mRNA transcripts for IL-4 and fair number of IL-5 cells were present at 7 weeks p.i. with a peak level of IL-4 cells at 13 weeks p.i. These in situ molecular studies of the liver tissues, demonstrated that Th1 cells were present at the very early granuloma development. Moreover, Th2 cells were required for its full development. The main interesting finding was the number of cells expressing mRNA for IL-4, as they were very huge and it might exceed the total number of lymphocytes per se in the granuloma. Lymphocytes from experimentally infected mice-spleen cells were also cultured in vitro with S. mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) and the same cytokines of lymphocyte supernatant were measured by ELISA assay. The levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 were high to 6 wk. p.i. with a slight decline of IFN-gamma, and increasing amount of IL-2 at 10-13 wk p.i. Spleen lymphocytes of fully formed granuloma secreted high levels of IL-4 and IL-5. The results suggest that the development of schistosome egg-induced liver granuloma is a complex process and both Th1 and Th2 cell subsets sharing with other inflammatory cells (non lymphocytes), may play an important role in regulating and modulating the immuno-pathology of granuloma formation and the subsequent hepatic fibrosis.

Host feeding of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) associated with the recurrence of Rift Valley fever in Egypt

In 1993, Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus reappeared in Egypt. We determined the prevalence and feeding patterns of mosquitoes in 5 villages where the virus was active. Of 10 species recovered, Aedes caspius (Pallas), Culex pipiens L., Cx. antennatus (Becker), and Cx. perexiguus Theobald constituted 99% of > 35,000 mosquitoes captured in dry ice-baited CDC light traps. Ae. caspius was most prevalent, except at Nag' El Hagar where it was replaced by Cx. perexiguus. Cx. pipiens ranked 2nd, except at Nag' El Ghuneimiya, where it was replaced by Cx. antennatus. Most blood meals analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reacted to > or = 1 antiserum. Cx. pipiens was mainly anthropophagic, and therefore may have been the main vector of RVF virus among humans. Ae. caspius feeds were chiefly from humans, bovines, and equines. Cx. antennatus and Cx. perexiguus fed generally on bovines. Mixed blood meals from humans and RVF virus susceptible animals were identified in the predominant mosquitoes. Prevalence and host selection, as well as predicted probability for a blood meal being interrupted, indicated that Ae. caspius may have served as a bridge vector between humans and bovines in 4 of the villages. Cx. perexiguus may have played this role at Nag' El Hagar. Because potential vectors are abundant, susceptible domestic animals are associated closely with humans, and surveillance of imported livestock is not systematic, we conclude that RVF virus sporadically will recur in Egypt.

Relationship between circulating antigen level and morbidity in Schistosoma mansoni-infected children evaluated by ultrasonography

Ninety-eight Schistosoma mansoni-infected children from an endemic area in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt were evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography to determine liver and spleen sizes, grade of periportal fibrosis, and splenic vein diameter. Circulating antigen levels were measured using a double sandwich ELISA in which the sensitivity was 91.8% and specificity was > 99%, with no evidence of cross-reactivity with other parasites. No significant relationship was observed between antigen level and clinical stages of the disease as assessed by physical examination (P > 0.05). When ultrasound was used to stage disease, the mean antigen level was significantly higher among hepatosplenic cases than intestinal cases (P < 0.05). No difference in mean antigen levels were found between the splenic and hepatic cases. Furthermore, a direct correlation (P < 0.01) was observed between antigen level and disease severity as monitored by ultrasonography. Antigen level showed a positive correlation with the degree of periportal fibrosis (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant increase in the percent of children who were antigen positive (> 80 ng/ml) was found in those with more severe periportal fibrosis (P < 0.001). The findings suggest that ultrasonography along with measurement of circulating antigen levels predict morbidity in schistosomiasis mansoni.

Idiotypic regulation in Schistosomiasis mansoni

The role of anti-idiotype Ab2 in regulation of the immune response in schistosomiasis was studied. Positive Ab2 could be detected among the newborns of infected mothers and experimentally S. mansoni- infected mice. Negative anti-idiotypic antibodies were observed among children above 3 years and control mice. Increasing levels of anti-idiotypic antibodies were detected among S. mansoni infected children and adults. Higher mean anti-idiotype A2 levels were found among patients with hepatosplenomegaly than those with intestinal manifestations. The kinetics of anti-idiotype Ab2 among the S. mansoni- infected mice started from the end of the first week after infection up to 8 weeks. It was continuous, but with undulating levels. Moreover, the anti-idiotype antibody was able to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation at 8 weeks post infection.

Differences in spatial visualization as a function of scores on hemisphericity of mathematics teachers

59 teachers of mathematics were administered the Your Style of Learning and Thinking-Form A and categorized as showing Left (n = 13), Right (n = 12), or Integrated (n = 15) hemisphericity. Rotations scores on the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test were not statistically significant among the three groups.

Colchicine therapy for hepatic murine schistosomal fibrosis: image analysis and serological study

Colchicine in a dose of 200 micrograms kg body weight/day (5 days/week) was administered to groups of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice 12 weeks post infection, either alone or following previous praziquantel therapy at the 8th week of infection. Certain groups received colchicine for 6 weeks and others received it for 10 weeks. Colchicine alone did not significantly change the light microscopic appearance of schistosomal liver fibrosis, or hepatic collagen content estimated histomorphometrically, and did not reduce the elevated IL-2 serum level. Colchicine induced hepatic injury consisted of intense inflammatory reaction in granuloma and portal tracts, hepatocytic degeneration, and elevation of serum AST and ALT levels. Colchicine seemed to postpone granulomatous reaction healing and collagen deposition rather than inhibiting collagen formation or degrading it. Colchicine inhibited proliferation of hepatocytes of infected mice by expanding G2-M phases of cell cycle, thus reduced Ag NOR count and raised cell ploidy and cyclic AMP serum level. Subsidence of schistosomal infection by praziquantel prior to colchicine therapy greatly reduced inflammatory cellular reaction, significantly diminished hepatic collagen deposition and serum IL-2 level, minimized the elevated nuclear ploidy and cyclic AMP serum level that followed colchicine therapy when administered alone.

Environmental determinants of the distribution of Phlebotomus orientalis in Sudan

Despite its importance as a vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Sudan, the ecology of Phlebotomus orientalis is still poorly understood. The results of a ground-based survey and a geographical-information-system (GIS) study, carried out to investigate the environmental determinants of the distribution of P. orientalis in the wooded areas of the central savannah belt of Sudan, are described here. The survey, carried out in April-June 1996, consisted of a collection of sandflies over two consecutive nights at each of 44 study sites, using three CDC, miniature, light traps at each site. During the survey, the ecology of each site was described. Phlebotomus orientalis was caught at 17 of the sites. Environmental data on the collection sites (rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures, soil class, vegetation and land-surface-temperature indices) were extracted from a range of sources of digital data collected by satellites in the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's series. These data were then analysed, to ascertain which variables were significantly associated with sites positive for P. orientalis. In line with the results of previous studies, P. orientalis was found to have a significant association with the presence of the tree species Acacia seyal and Balanites aegyptiaca and with the black cotton (vertisolic) soils of eastern Sudan. The positive sites were found to have significantly higher annual mean maximum and minimum daily temperatures than the negative sites and the annual mean maximum normalized-difference vegetation index (NDVI) value was also found to be significantly higher in these sites than in sites where no P. orientalis were found.

Detection of circulating antigens in patients with active Schistosoma haematobium infection

An antigen-capture ELISA using monoclonal antibody (MAb) 128C3/3/21 was used to detect circulating parasite-derived antigens in the sera of patients actively infected with Schistosoma haematobium (31 males and four females, 5-25 years of age). The assay had a sensitivity of 100% (35 of 35 patients with antigen levels > 80 ng/ml) and a specificity > 99%. We used this ELISA to monitor antigenemia before treatment and one, three, and six months after treatment with a single oral dose of praziquantel (PZQ) (60 mg/kg in 20 patients or 40 mg/kg in 15 patients) and compared our findings with those indicated by other measures of disease progression. Circulating antigen levels decreased drastically after PZQ treatment (P < 0.001), with a significantly higher decrease occurring after treatment with 60 mg/kg than with 40 mg/kg. Although the mean antigen level was still significantly reduced (P < 0.001) at six months after treatment, 16 patients remained antigen-positive after six months, and nine had increased levels of antigenemia, reflecting reinfection in six patients and persistence of infection in another. We observed a correlation (r = 0.6, P < 0.01) between the level of circulating antigen and the intensity of infection as measured by egg count. We also found a direct relationship (P < 0.001) between antigen level and the severity of the disease as monitored by ultrasonography. We conclude that our ELISA may be a useful adjunct to other methods, such as ultrasonography, for monitoring the course of S. haematobium infection and treatment.

Role of ELISA in early detection of Fasciola copro-antigens in experimentally infected animals

An immunodiagnostic sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed for the detection of F. hepatica antigens in stool sample (copro-antigens) of experimentally infected animals (mice, rats and rabbits) over a period of 18 weeks using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies raised against the whole adult F. gigantica. The test demonstrated fascioliasis in mice earlier than in rats or rabbits (4, 6 and 7 weeks post infection respectively) by detection of copro-antigens in stool samples. In all experimentally infected models, F. hepatica copro-antigens concentration showed continuous increase and mice samples had higher antigen concentration than rats and rabbits. Sensitivity of ELISA was significantly higher in mice (83.3%) than in rats and rabbits (75% and 66.7% respectively) and its specificity showed nearly similar results to sensitivity. From the previously obtained data, it could be concluded that ELISA proved to be a rapid, easy and sensitive test for diagnosing fascioliasis by detection of F. hepatica copro-antigens earlier than routine stool examination of Fasciola eggs.

Effect of octreotide on the pathology of hepatic schistosomiasis

In clinical practice, octreotide (CAS 83150-76-9) has its greatest impact in the management of bleeding varices. The present work is the first one which was undertaken to investigate the possible use of octreotide as an antifibrotic agent and to study its effect on hepatic vasculature in Schistosoma mansoni infection. The material of this investigation consisted of two groups of albino mice (A, B), subdivided each into normal control, infected control, subgroups treated with octreotide, praziquantel (CAS 55268-74-1), and a combination of octreotide and praziquantel. Groups A and B were sacrificed at the 8th week and the 18th week post infection, respectively. By analysis of the obtained results, octreotide induced a reduction of the portal pressure, the weight of the spleen and the liver, the liver egg load (number of eggs) granuloma size and cellularity, and of the degree of hepatic fibrosis quantified by serum N-terminal peptide of type III procollagen in serum, serum laminin and tissue collagen using a Picrosirius red dye assay. Moreover, the biochemical state of hepatocytes has been improved. The subgroups treated with octreotide in association with praziquantel revealed better results than the subgroups treated with praziquantel alone. These obtained data were analysed in terms of histological extent of liver fibrosis in sections stained with Masson trichrome and sirius red, hepatocytic and sinusoidal changes at an ultrastructural level and by immunohistochemical demarcation of endothelial cells of blood vessels through the determination of factor VIII-related antigen. The promising results detected in this study may encourage to further investigate the positive findings of this drug with the intention of its possible application on a clinical level.

Simple assay for detection of circulating antigens in children infected with schistosomiasis

The ability of monoclonal based dot-ELISA and a previously described solid-phase ELISA were directly compared to detect circulating schistosomal antigens in sera from 50 Egyptian individuals with parasitologically proven schistosomiasis. The mAb employed, 128C3/3/21, recognized a repeating carbohydrate epitope expressed at all stages of the parasite development. The same mAb and patient serum samples were used i both tests, 17 samples from age-matched individuals infected with other parasites but not with Schistosoma were also tested. In the dot-ELISA, 44 serum samples (88%) were found to contain parasite antigens when screen at a dilution of 1;24, 43 serum samples (86%) were positive in the solid-phase ELISA at 1:8 dilution and only 37 (74%) samples were positive at 1:24 dilution. The specificity of the dot-ELISA was 93% as compared to > 99% for the solid-phase ELISA. The detection limit of dot-ELISA was 0.01 ng/ml, whereas only > 1 ng/ml could be detected by the solid-phase ELISA. As dot-ELISA does not require radioactivity or sophisticated equipment, so it is practically well suited for use in endemic areas in developing countries.

Octreotide decreases connective tissue formation and improves vascular changes associated with hepatic schistosomiasis

In clinical practice, Octreotide has its greatest impact in the management of bleeding varices. The present work is the first one which was undertaken to investigate the possible use of Octreotide as an antifibrotic agent and to study its effect on hepatic vasculature in Schistosoma mansoni infection. The material of this investigation consisted of two groups of albino mice (A&B) subdivided each, into normal control, infected control, Octreotide treated, Praziquantel treated and Octreotide with Praziquantel treated subgroups. Groups A & B were sacrificed at the 8th week and the 18th week post infection respectively. By analysis of the obtained results, Octreotide has induced reduction of the portal pressure, the weight of the spleen and the liver, the number of liver egg load, granuloma size and cellularity, and of the degree of hepatic fibrosis quantified by serum PIIINP, serum laminin and tissue collagen using sirius red dye assay. Moreover, the biochemical state of hepatocytes has been improved. The subgroups treated with Octreotide in association with Praziquantel revealed better results than the subgroups treated with Praziquantel alone. Data were analysed in terms of histological extent of liver fibrosis in sections stained with Masson trichrome and sirius red, hepatocytic and sinusoidal changes at an ultrastuctural level and by immunohistochemical demarcation of endothelial cells of blood vessels through the determination of factor VIII related antigen. The promising results detected in this study may encourage to further investigate the positive findings of this drug with the intention of its possible application on a clinical level.

Determination of the population pharmacokinetic parameters of sustained-release and enteric-coated oral formulations, and the suppository formulation of diclofenac sodium by simultaneous data fitting using NONMEM

Data from sustained-release and enteric-coated oral formulations, and the suppository formulation of diclofenac sodium are fitted simultaneously using NONMEM and the general linear model, ADVAN 5. Absorption and disposition parameters, serum levels, and absorption profiles were determined. The in vivo absorption profiles were determined using the program TOPFIT. The in vivo absorption for the sustained-release formulation is slow first order and follows a flip-flop model since disposition rate constants are greater than absorption rate constants. Absorption from the enteric-coated form is essentially complete (> or = 95%) at about 7.5 h, while it is 95% complete at 24 h from the sustained-release formulation. This suggests likely absorption from the colon in the case of the sustained-release formulation since absorption is only 75% complete during the first 10 h. The sustained-release relative bioavailability is 90-99%. Absorption from the suppository is essentially complete at about 4.5 h. However, the relative bioavailability of the suppository formulation is low (55%), since defecation may remove the drug from the absorption site before complete absorption.

Transmission of circulating schistosomal antigens from infected mothers to their newborns

Two previous reports have appeared in the literature regarding tansplacental transfer of Schistosoma mansoni antigens which raised the question of its reality. In a previous study the senior author, and others (1992 & 1997) detected circulating antigens of S. mansoni and S. haematobium in infected patients, using monoclonal antibodies 128C3, with a very high sensitivity using ELISA. This work tried to answer the question of antigen transfer possibility using a high sensitive assay in 50 mothers and their newborns at birth and 1, 3, and 6 months after delivery. The assay used in the present work could detect circulating S. mansoni antigens in 45 infected mothers (90%) with active S. mansoni infection. A significant direct increase in mean antigen levels was found with the intensity of infection evaluated by egg counting (p < 0.01). The clinical stage of the diseased mothers was apparently unrelated to the ELISA test values as no significant relations were observed. Positive antigen levels were detected in 33 newborns (66%) of the 45 positive antigen mothers, then the percentage positivity was directly decreased with the advancement of age as only 5 infants (10%) had positive antigen levels compared to 0% at 6 months of age. A positive correlation between newborn serum antigen concentration and concentration of antigen in sera of their mothers was obtained. This work answers some of the questions concerning the ability of the used monoclonal to detect antigens in newborns and the possibility of antigen transfer through the placenta alone or incorporated in immune complexes forms. This work clarifies the time of antigen disappearance from the circulation.

The importance of detecting circulating Toxoplasma antigens in human cases

This work was performed on 100 suspected toxoplasmosis cases including 75 females with complicated obstetric histories, 15 children presented with hydrocephalus, retino-chorditis and lymphadenitis and 10 children suffering from leukaemia. Also 40 age-matched controls were included in this study. Serum samples from all patients and controls were examined to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM using indirect ELISA. Antiserum against Toxoplasma avirulent strain was prepared in New-Zealand white rabbit, then it was used after purification for detecting circulating Toxoplasma antigens in the sera of these studied groups using a double antibody sanwich ELISA technique. Positive anti-Toxoplasms IgG was detected in 45% of the female group while 19% were IgM positive. According to IgM/IgG ratio, 9 cases were considered as acutely infected-females and 25 as chronically infected ones. The mean optical density of both IgG and IgM among acutely and chronically infected females were found significantly higher than of the control groups. Ten non-leukaemic children were IgG and IgM positive cases and were considered as acutely infected patients. On the other hand, all children with leukaemia were negative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM. Eleven out of 19 acutely infected cases (58%) had positive Toxoplasma antigens, whereas, only one case (4%) with chronic infection had positive antigen level. The mean optical density of circulating antigen level was significantly higher among acutely infected females and children than chronically infected and control groups. No antigen level difference was found between chronically infected patients and control groups. Six children from leukaemic group (60%) had positive circulating Toxoplasma antigen levels with significantly higher mean optical density than control groups (P < 0.001). As a conclusion the results demonstrate that the detection of circulating antigens can aid in the diagnosis of infection by T. gondii in humans, specially in immuno-compromised patients whose serologic response can be impaired.