Immunohistochemical expression of vimentin, E-cadherin, and CD45 in natural cases of canine cutaneous round tumors

Round cell tumors are common cutaneous lesions in dogs, with increased occurrence percentages among different skin tumors. This study aimed to investigate the frequency as well as gross and pathological characteristics of round cell tumors in natural cases of tumorous dogs in relation to breed, sex, and age. Moreover, it aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of a panel of immunohistochemical stains, including vimentin, E-cadherin, and cluster of differentiation (CD45) as an adjunct technique for the differential diagnosis of cutaneous round cell neoplasm. Data were collected from 64 dogs of both sexes (36 females and 28 males), various breeds, and different ages (8 months to 7 years). The histopathological nature of neoplastic growth was reported, and neoplasm prevalence was classified using age, sex, breed, and site on the body. We observed 48 cases of transmissible venereal tumors, 12 cutaneous histiocytomas, and 4 histiocytic sarcoma. Immunohistochemical characterization revealed an intense positive immunoreactivity for vimentin in transmissible venereal tumor cells and moderate positive immunoreactivity for E-cadherin and CD45 in cutaneous histiocytoma and histiocytic sarcoma cells. In conclusion, the canine transmissible venereal tumor was the most frequent form of round cell tumor; thus, a definitive cutaneous neoplasm diagnosis should be based on histopathological morphology and immunohistochemical findings.

Does the use of different oil sources in quail diets impact their productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and blood constituents?

The present study investigated the impact of dietary oil sources (soybean, corn, peanut, flaxseed, olive, and sunflower oils as sources of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids) on productive and reproductive traits, egg quality, hematological and biochemical blood parameters of laying Japanese quail. A total of 360 eight-week mature Japanese quail were randomly divided into 6 groups fed for 8 wk on a basal diet included with 1.5% of different oil sources. Results showed that the highest egg weights and the best feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) were recorded for quail fed diets supplemented with 1.5% soybean and peanut oil. The highest hatchability percentages (P < 0.05) were recorded for quail fed diets supplemented with corn oil as compared to the other oils. Furthermore, diets enriched with corn, olive, or sunflower oils had higher values of blood lymphocytes (%) compared to the other treated groups. Blood total cholesterol significantly decreased in quail fed on corn, peanut, flaxseed, or olive oil sources as compared to soybean or sunflower oil groups. Immunologically, the highest levels (P < 0.001) of immunoglobulins (G and M) were recorded for quail fed on corn or olive oil sources compared to other oil sources. Quail consuming olive oil–included diets showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activities and a significant decrease on malondialdehyde level compared with those consumed the other oil sources. It could be concluded that varying the oil source can affect productive, reproductive, and health aspects of Japanese quail. Soybean oil showed good results regarding production aspects; however, olive oil was the best regarding health aspects.

A rapid improved method for sexing embryo of water buffalo

The objective of the experiment of this paper is to develop and improve in the sexing method for preimplantation embryos of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction. Embryo sexing has been recognized to control effectively the sex of offspring in the embryo transfer industry. A rapid and simple detection system was established by adding ethidium bromide (EB) or 5 μl of CuSO4 (3M) to the product of LAMP reaction. The result of these additions after 2 min was a color change and a precipitate. It could be employed as an alternative method in the detection of the reaction products in place of the time consuming electrophoresis or the turbidity meter. The in vitro produced buffalo embryos were divided into one to eight pieces using a microblade attached to a micromanipulator. The cell number in each piece was counted before sexing. Sexing of DNA samples extracted from one to five biopsies cells was performed by LAMP. After biopsy, the remaining part of the embryos was used to confirm the sex by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fifty buffalo embryos were used and the accuracy of sex prediction was 100% when the blastomeres dissociated from a morula exceeds three. In conclusion, the present procedure without turbidity meter and electrophoresis was reliable and applicable for sexing the water buffalo embryos.

Implementation of a registry for acute coronary syndrome in resource-limited settings: barriers and opportunities

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Egypt and worldwide, placing great strain on the world's health systems. High-quality treatment of CVD requires a valid, reliable measurement for ensuring evidence-based care. Clinical outcomes registries have been used to support quality improvement activities in some countries, but there are few examples of their implementation in resource-limited settings. A registry for acute coronary syndrome was piloted in 5 hospitals in Egypt, and observations regarding barriers and enabling factors related to implementation are summarized. Themes that emerged from daily observations include the importance of rapid cycles of change, the need to build a culture of applied research, the importance of modeling a blame-free culture, and key constraints encountered related to human resources and technical infrastructure. This pilot demonstrates that clinical registries may be a cost-effective investment in data infrastructure to support quality improvement in low- and middle-income countries.

Synovial sarcoma: Retrospective analysis of treatment outcome and prognostic factors

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Introduction and Objectives: Synovial Sarcoma (SS) account for approximately 10 % of soft tissue sarcoma. Despite numerous case reports and several relatively large series, debate still exists about the prognostic factors for this disease, the biologic behavior and role of adjuvant chemotherapy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the variable prognostic factors that may affect the treatment outcome in patients with SS. Patient and Methods: Sixty-six patients with SS (36 males and 30 females) were seen in institution between January 1985 and December 2000. Median age at diagnosis was 29 years. Site of involvement include, lower extremities 43/66 cases; (65%), upper extremity 16/66 (24%), trunk 3/66 (5%), others 4/66 (include larynx, thyroid, neck, and hypopharynx).Tumor size: = 10 cm 42/66 (64%), = 10 cm 24/66 (36%). Patients with stage III and IV disease represented 58% of all patients (38/66), stage I and II 42%(28/66). All patients underwent surgery and adequate resection margins(= 2 cm) were achieved in 52% of cases. Histopathology: Biphasic 36/66, Monophasic 16/66, spindle cell 12/66 and not otherwise specified 2/66. Radiation therapy was given 44/66 cases (67%). Chemotherapy was delivered to 11/66 patients (17%). Results: With a median follow up of 50 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) for all patients was 45%, while the 5- year relapse free survival (RFS) for patients treated with radical intent was 32%. Prognostic factors that significantly affected OS on univariate analysis were tumor size (≤ 10 cm vs > 10cm), tumor stage (stages I and II vs stage III), adequacy of surgical resection and local control. On multivariate analysis, tumor size and local control were the only independent factors that did affect OS. For RFS, sex, tumor size, tumor grade, tumor stage, and adequacy of surgical resection were the prognostic factors of significance on univariate. Tumor stage and sex were the only independent prognostic factors of significance on multivariate analysis for RFS. Conclusion: Tumor size, stage, grade, and adequacy of surgical resection are the main prognostic factors affecting OS and RFS. These parameters can help to identify the high risk patient who may qualify for aggressive treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome in patients on phenytoin and cranial radiotherapy

The use of phenytoin as a prophylactic anticonvulsant after brain surgery, particularly for brain tumors, is a common practice, regardless of whether the patient has a previous history of convulsions. This treatment policy assumes that the benefits exceed the risks. Four cases are described of adverse reactions to phenytoin during the concomitant use of cranial radiotherapy. In one patient this proved fatal. There is increasing anecdotal support in the literature for a synergistic effect between phenytoin therapy and cranial radiotherapy that can result in the life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome. While the association is uncommon, four cases within 24 months in one department suggest that the routine use of postoperative phenytoin as a prophylactic anticonvulsant in the absence of a history of seizures may not be warranted, particularly if the patient is to receive cranial radiotherapy.

Bronchitis mimicking opportunistic lung infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection/AIDS

Purulent bronchitis was identified in 19 of 422 patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy during a 32-month period because of suspicion of an opportunistic lung infection complicating acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or human immunodeficiency virus infection. Five patients had Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, but other opportunistic lung infections were excluded in the remaining 14 patients. Characteristics of these 14 patients included fever (greater than 38.3 degrees C), cough, and dyspnea in 14 of 14 patients; purulence of expectorated sputum (11/14); and widened alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (13/14). Rapid (2 +/- 1.4 days) clinical response (defervescence and resolution of pulmonary symptoms) occurred with antibiotic therapy in 10 of 14 patients. In three patients, there was no improvement, and adult respiratory distress syndrome developed. Bacterial isolates from bronchoalveolar lavage included Streptococcus viridans (n = 12), Haemophilus influenzae (n = 7), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3). Roentgenographic features of bronchiectasis were present in seven patients. Differential cell counts revealed greater than 50% neutrophils in the bronchial washings of all patients with purulent bronchitis. Neutrophil percentages in bronchoalveolar lavage were as follows: patient with purulent bronchitis without P carinii pneumonia (n = 14), 54.53% +/- 29.18%; patients with purulent bronchitis and concomitant P carinii pneumonia (n = 5), 62% +/- 31.9%. In a control group of 17 patients with P carinii pneumonia who did not have purulent bronchitis, the neutrophil percentage was 6.8% +/- 6.17% (p = less than 0.00001, t-test). Purulent bronchitis appears to be a distinct, treatable entity in patients with HIV infection and may accompany bacterial pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and P carinii pneumonia.

Pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma mimicking infection

Progressive pulmonary shadows prompted investigations which provided the diagnosis of pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in three patients (two with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Rapid progression of radiographic abnormalities seen in these three patients is unusual for pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and mimics disease evolution commonly associated with pulmonary infections.

Pregnancy hepatitis in Libya

The death-rate from hepatitis in pregnant women in Libya is high. Of 922 hepatitis patients treated during 1975, 377 were males and 545 were females. The case fatality-rate was 0.53% for males and 7-67% for females. In 293 pregnant women it was 12-97% compared with 1-6% in 252 non-pregnant women. In pregnant women deaths occurred mainly in the last trimester. Although 18-4% of the male patients and 15-2% of the women were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, no patient shown to be antigen-positive died. The frequency of hepatitis in the second half of the year fell both in pregnant women and in the general population, suggesting a warning hepatitis-A epidemic. The exact cause of the high mortality in pregnant women is not clear, but it may have a nutritional basis.

The epidemiology of Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infections in the Egypt-49 project area. 3. Prevalence of bilharziasis in relation to certain environmental factors

The influence of the size and location of communities in relation to the different types of watercourse, the availability of a protected water supply, types of housing and the presence of other sanitary facilities on the prevalence of bilharziasis in the Egypt-49 project area has been studied. There is no direct relationship between the size of village and the prevalence of bilharziasis. Main drains and distributaries are potent sources of infection and, in terms of the total population exposed, distributaries play the most significant role in the transmission of infection. Of the other factors, the availability of a protected water supply seems to have the greatest effect on the prevalence. Although the presence of a latrine in the dwelling does not of itself influence the extent of schistosome infection, which is caught from polluted water, the installation of latrines assists in the cultivation of healthy habits, thereby lessening the prevalence not only of bilharziasis but also of certain other infections.

The epidemiology of Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infections in the Egypt-49 project area. 2. Prevalence of bilharziasis in relation to personal attributes and habits

The over-all uncorrected prevalence rates of bilharziasis determined in this survey were-Control Division, 59.5%; Rural and Reclamation Divisions, 35.9%; Urban Division, 21.0%. There are significant differences in rates of infection between sections within a division, between adjacent villages and even between different parts of one village. Prevalence increases rapidly with age up to about the age of 14 years, declines somewhat up to the age of 40 years and then remains fairly constant at a rate of about 30%; the age-group 0-8 years should provide the most sensitive group for the assessment of control measures. S. mansoni infection is acquired more slowly than S. haematobium infection during childhood and is more persistent among adults.Except for the youngest age-group, bilharziasis rates are higher in males than in females, but more detailed analysis shows that this is true only for farmers and farm labourers and for those who swim. In respect of occupational categories, farmers and farm labourers, with prevalence rates of 50.6% and 41.6%, respectivelx, bear the brunt of the infection, since they constitute 48% of the population, although fishermen (60.4%) and boatmen (52.0%) have higher infection rates.Differences in bilharziasis rates can also be related to differences in religion, educational attainment and domestic habits (swimming, washing clothes, utensils and cattle) according to the opportunity provided for contact with polluted water. Swimming, because of the thorough exposure to possible schistosome infection that it provides, is one of the most important activities involved in the transmission of bilharziasis.