Lumpy skin disease outbreaks in Egypt during 2017-2018 among sheeppox vaccinated cattle: Epidemiological, pathological, and molecular findings

The General Organization of the Veterinary Services in Egypt has adopted a sheeppox vaccination policy to control lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle. Over the course of the last two years, recurrent outbreaks were reported, with animals showing severe clinical signs and consequentially higher fatalities than that of cases reported in previous LSD outbreaks. A total of 1050 cattle showing typical clinical signs suggestive of LSD were clinically and pathologically investigated during 2017–2018. Skin nodules were collected and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) was screened in collected skin samples using PCR for the RPO-30 gene. Furthermore, the entire P32 protein coding gene was sequenced. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the skin nodules were also conducted. The obtained results showed an overall mortality rate of 6.86%. LSDV was confirmed in all the examined nodules as evidenced by immunohistochemistry and positive PCR amplification of the RPO30 gene. Sequencing analysis of the P32 gene revealed a highly conserved nature and genetic stability of the LSDV. The results of the present study show that the current vaccination protocol was not effective for a multitude of reasons. These results also serve as evidence for a strong recommendation of an amendment of homologous vaccine use aside from a complete coverage of cattle populations in order to reduce the incidence of LSD among cattle population in Egypt.

Effect of genistein and oestradiol on the adrenal cortex of the ovariectomised adult female albino rats

BACKGROUND

Genistein, a naturally occurring soy isoflavone, attracts interest as an effective and safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal problems. The aim of the current study was to compare between the effect of genistein and oestradiol on the adrenal cortex of the ovariectomised adult female albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty rats were used in the current study and divided into four groups, 5 rats in each group; group 1 (control non-ovariectomised), group 2 (ovariectomised), group 3 (ovariectomised + genistein) and group 4 (ovariectomised + oestradiol). The rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks. Both adrenal glands were removed for light microscope using haematoxylin and eosin stain, ultrastructural study and immunohistochemical examination using proliferating cell nuclear antigen, caspase-3, and oestrogen receptor-b.

RESULTS

Ovariectomised rats showed signs of degeneration in all zones of adrenal cortex. On the other hand, treatment with genistein showed restoration of the adrenal cortex with less proliferative effect than oestradiol.

CONCLUSIONS

So, genistein can be used as effective therapy to decrease the symptoms of menopause without fear of cancer development.

Novel tetrazole and cyanamide derivatives as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme: design, synthesis, anti-inflammatory evaluation, ulcerogenic liability and docking study

Nineteen new compounds containing tetrazole and/or cyanamide moiety have been designed and synthesised. Their structures were confirmed using spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. Anti-inflammatory activity for all the synthesised compounds was evaluated in vivo. The most active compounds 4c, 5a, 5d-f, 8a and b and 9a and b were further investigated for their ulcerogenic liability and analgesic activity. Pyrazoline derivatives 9b and 8b bearing trimethoxyphenyl part and SO₂NH₂ or SO₂Me pharmacophore showed equal or nearly the same ulcerogenic liability (UI: 0.5, 0.75, respectively), to celecoxib (UI: 0.50). Most of tested compounds showed potent central and/or peripheral analgesic activities. Histopathological investigations were done to evaluate test compounds effect on rat's gastric tissue. The obtained results were in consistent with the in vitro data on COX evaluation. Docking study was also done for all the target compounds inside COX-2-active site.