First isolation and molecular characterization of canine parvovirus-type 2b (CPV-2b) from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) living in the wild habitat of Turkey

BACKGROUND

The canine parvovirus, with its many variants, is responsible for a pivotal and common viral infection affecting millions of dogs and other carnivore species worldwide, particularly the wild ones, which are considered as the main reservoir hosts. To that end, this study investigated the presence of canine parvovirus (CPV) in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) living in wild habitats of several regions of Turkey.

METHODS

We randomly collected 630 archival fox stool specimens from rural areas of 22 provinces and used real-time PCR to detect CPV.

RESULTS

Two of the 630 (0.3%) stool samples were positive for CPV-DNA, named Tr-Fox/128(Aydın) and Tr-Fox/159(Manisa). We attempted to isolate the virus in a MDCK cell line, and cytopathic effects were observed four days post-inoculation. Three regions corresponding to the CPV capsid protein VP2 gene from extracted DNA of positive samples were amplified by conventional PCR, and the products were visualised, purified, and Sanger sequenced. Three overlapping DNA raw sequence fragments, were read, assembled, and aligned to obtain approximately 1.5 kb-long regions that cover most of the VP2 gene, then deposited in GenBank. After comparing the isolates with parvovirus sequences data of domestic and wild carnivores by BLAST processing, our isolates' similarity rate with each other was 99.40%, with base differences in 9 nucleotide positions. They were classified as 2b variant closely related to isolates from dogs in Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Italy, Thailand, and China.

CONCLUSION

This study presents evidence of interspecies transmission of CPV, of which there are no reports on prevalence in wildlife carnivores of our country. Identification of CPV in red foxes threatens local and hunting dogs, which may contract the infection or disseminate it to other wild animal species or vice-versa.

Development of a recombinase polymerase amplification assay for viral haemorrhagic septicemia virus

Viral diseases of fish cause significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry. Viral haemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is one of the most important viral diseases that affects more than 80 fish species. Detection of the disease, especially in the field, is critical to managing disease prevention and control programmes. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal method with a very short amplification period and a single incubation temperature ranging from 37 to 42°C, which is a good alternative to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This study aimed to develop an RPA assay as sensitive as a real-time RT-PCR to detect VHSV. For this purpose, primers and probes are designed for the same targeted region of gG of VHSV. The ssRNA standards were prepared to find the detection limits of the assay. Detection limits were found ten-fold differences between real-time RT-PCR and real-time RT-RPA. While the detection limit of the RT-PCR was found as 95.5 viral RNA molecules/reaction in 95% probit value, the detection limit of RT-RPA was found as 943.75 viral RNA molecules/reaction in 95% probit value using ssRNA standards. These results show that RPA is a suitable test for VHSV Ie detection.

Determination of VP2 sequence-based virulence motifs and phylogenetic analysis of domestic Turkish IPNV ısolates

Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is a highly contagious disease of young salmonid fish and is one of the most severe economic diseases in aquaculture. In Turkey, an increase in infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) outbreaks in freshwater rainbow trout have been reported in recent years. This study aimed to analyze the VP2 gene from recent IPNV isolates from Turkey to determine whether there are epidemiological links between IPNV isolates from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss; 62) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax; 1), wild turbot (Scophthalmus maximus; 1) and the environment in order to investigate potential wild and farmed fish interactions. In this study, 62 Turkish IPNV isolates collected over 10 years (2005-2014) from rainbow trout, sea bass and turbot were genotypically characterized. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Turkish IPNV isolates are closely related to strains from Denmark, Iran and Spain and that all Turkish IPNV isolates belong to genogroup V, serotype A2 (Sp strain). Furthermore, low genetic diversity was found among the Turkish isolates (identity, 95.5%-100% nucleotides and 97.8%-100% amino acids). The result of the analysis of the amino acid residues found at positions 217, 221 and 247 (proline, threonine and alanine, respectively) could be associated with virulence.

The first serological detection of West Nile virus infection among residents living in northern Turkey

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by a mosquito-borne virus whose natural reservoir is birds. Humans and horses are considered accidental hosts. Even if the vast majority of WNV infections in humans have asymptomatic or mild disease settings, serious neurological disorders with lethal outcomes can also be observed in around 1% of the cases. We aimed to serologically investigate the presence of WNV in humans living in Black sea of Turkey, and to obtain epidemiological data that will contribute to the implementation of public health policies to control and prevent potentially other life-threatening arboviral infections.

METHODS

In the current study, a total of 416 human sera were collected from native patients of Samsun and its boroughs attending Samsun Training and Research Hospital; these sera were tested for WNV with pooling method, using anti-IgM and IgG ELISA commercial kits. All pools that were found positive for both IgM and IgG were individually retested for the detection of positive WNV sera. After that, all positive samples were tested using real-time PCR to detect the presence of WNV-RNA particles.

RESULTS

Total seropositivity rates of WNV in terms of IgM and IgG were found as 0.96% and 0.72%, respectively. No presence of WNV-RNA could be detected in positive samples.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

According to the data, further studies should be conducted to better understand the epidemiological dynamics of WNV in Turkey. It is recommended that other antigenically related flaviviruses which can give cross-reaction with WNV should also be investigated.

Inactivated infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) vaccine and E.coli-expressed recombinant IPNV-VP2 subunit vaccine afford protection against IPNV challenge in rainbow trout

Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is a highly contagious disease causing high mortality in juvenile trouts. Since there is no effective way to treatment against IPNV, early diagnosis and prevention play an important role in combating the disease. The different types of IPNV vaccines (inactive, live, recombinant, DNA, etc) have been produced from local isolates and have been used in developed countries. In Turkey, there is no commercial licensed vaccines against IPNV. Due to this reason, IPNV vaccine is needed in Turkey. The production of recombinant VP2 subunit vaccine (IPNV-VP2) and inactivated whole particle virus vaccine (IPNV-WPV) were attempted from selected isolate belong to sp serotype. For this purpose; the virus was produced in RTG-2 cell line and RT-PCR amplification was performed by using primers with restriction enzymes. The whole VP2 gene was cloned into a plasmid vector and VP2 was expressed by using E. coli expression system. A trial was conducted to determine the immunity ability of IPNV-VP2 and IPNV-WPV in rainbow trout. According to the SN₅₀ assay, the IPNV-WPV stimulates immune response faster than the IPNV-VP2 vaccine. Besides, the relative percent of Survive (RPS) was detected as 79% in fish vaccinated with IPNV-WPV and 70% in fish vaccinated with IPNV-VP2. Thus, we can say that the recombinant vaccine of IPNV-VP2 is almost protected against IPNV infection as well as the inactive vaccine.

Sentinel serosurveillance of backyard hens proved West Nile virus circulation in the western provinces of Turkey

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus of a re-emergence importance with a wide range of vertebrate hosts. Granted, it causes asymptomatic infection, but fatal cases and neurologic disorders were also recorded, especially in humans, horses and some exposed birds. The virus is globally spread and birds are considered an amplifying and reservoir host of WNV, helping to spread the disease due to their close contact with main hosts. In this study, we aimed to detect the presence of antibodies against WNV in backyard hens that were reared in the western Anatolian part of Turkey. A total of 480 chicken sera were randomly collected from six provinces in the west of Turkey (Mugla, Izmir, Aydin, Afyonkarahisar, Kutahya and Manisa) with 80 samples from each province (40 in spring and 40 in fall seasons). They were tested by using a competitive ELISA method to identify the specific avian antibodies of IgG that produced against the WNV envelope proteins (pr-E). Twelve of 480 (2.5%) sera were found seropositive, three of these positive sera were detected from the Izmir province (3.75%) collected in the spring session and the other nine positive sera were detected from the Mugla province (11.25%) collected in the fall session. Both of these provinces are located seaside and have suitable climate conditions for vectors of infection. The results indicated that WNV infection is in circulation in these provinces, and that may put the other susceptible vertebrates under risk of infection.

A serosurvey for bovine respirovirus 3 in Turkish domestic ruminants: The first comparison study of A and C genotypes

Bovine parainfluenza virus‐3 (BPIV‐3), also known as bovine respirovirus 3, causes serious respiratory infection in ungulates, often involving other pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and mycoplasmas. In this study, we evaluated antibody titers against virus genotypes A (BPIV‐3a) and C (BPIV‐3c). We conducted a serological survey and comparison analysis of archived serum samples from small and large ruminants reared in four Turkish provinces. A total of 1,307 samples, consisting of sheep (n = 444), cattle (n = 402), water buffalo (n = 261) and goat (n = 200) sera, were randomly selected from stock samples collected between 2015 and 2019 and screened by standard virus neutralisation assay. We found that 49.9% (653/1307) of all samples were positive for neutralising antibody titers. Goats had the highest titer, with total seropositivity of 63% (126/200), followed in descending order by cattle, sheep and water buffalo at 56.2% (226/402), 32.2% (143/444) and 26% (68/261) total seropositivity, respectively. BPIV‐3c had the highest neutralising antibody rate at 34.3% (448/1307), whereas BPIV‐3a had a 24.3% (317/1307) seropositivity rate. Neutralising antibody titers for positive samples ranged between 1/4 and 1/512 per the SN₅₀ test. Seropositivity rates ranged from a low of 8.9% to a high of 18.3%. Our study was the first to compare antibody seroprevalence for two BPIV‐3 genotypes in small and large domestic ruminants, which were shown to be more commonly exposed to BPIV‐3c than BPIV‐3a. This finding could have significant implications as current vaccines mainly use the BPIV‐3a genotype. Further research can determine if current vaccines protect against different BPIV‐3 virus genotypes.

Marek's disease virus in vaccinated poultry flocks in Turkey: its first isolation with molecular characterization

Marek's disease (MD) is an important disease of avian species and a potential threat to the poultry industry worldwide. In this study, 16 dead commercial chickens from flocks with suspected MD were necropsied immediately after death. Pathological findings were compatible with MD, and gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 was identified in PCR of spleen samples. Virus isolation was performed in primary cell culture, and partial sequencing of the meq gene of the isolate revealed >99% nucleotide sequence identity to virulent and very virulent plus strains from a number of European countries, placing it in the same subclade of clade III as two virulent Italian strains and a very virulent plus Polish strain as well as virulent strains of geese and ducks. The data reported here indicate that a virulent strain of Marek's disease virus is circulating in Turkey and has not been stopped by the current national vaccination programme.

Serological study on the presence of some alpha-herpesviruses in goats of northern Anatolia, Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of caprine herpes virus-1 (CpHV-1) and bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) in 269 goat sera collected from small-scale family farms located in six provinces within the Black Sea region of northern Turkey. The overall seropositivity for alpha-herpesvirus in the native goats was found as 19.33% using BoHV-1 glycoprotein B (gB)-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, the seroprevalence of BoHV-1 was determined in 5.20% of the goats using virus neutralization test. To distinguish between CpHV-1 and BoHV-1, the combinations of gB/gE-blocking ELISA tests were performed. Of tested samples, 15.24% were CpHV-1 seropositive; whereas, 4.09% were BoHV-1 seropositive. The results indicated that CpHV-1 is in circulation among local goats of northern Turkey. Considering the close relationship between BoHV-1 and CpHV-1, the transmission of BoHV-1 via goats may also be one of the predisposing factors involving in the spread of virus among the surrounding cattle.

Circulation of Indigenous Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strains in Turkish Cattle: The First Isolation and Molecular Characterization

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a huge economic burden on the livestock industries of countries worldwide. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the most important pathogens that contributes to BRD. In this study, we report the identification and first isolation, with molecular characterization, of a new BRSV strain from lung specimens of three beef cows in Turkey that died from respiratory distress. After the screening of lung tissues for BRD-associated viruses using a multiscreen antigen-ELISA, a BRSV antigen was detected. This was then confirmed by real-time RT-PCR specific for BRSV. Following confirmation, virus isolation was conducted in MDBK cell cultures and clear CPE, including syncytia compatible with BRSV, were detected. RT-nested PCR, using F gene-specific primers, was performed on the cultured isolates, and the products were sequenced and deposited to Genbank with accession numbers MT179304, MT024766, and MT0244767. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences indicated that the cattle were infected with BRSV from subgroup III and were closely related to previously identified American and Turkish strains, but contained some amino acid and nucleotide differences. This research paves the way for further studies on the molecular characteristics of natural BRSV isolates, including full genome analysis and disease pathogenesis, and also contributes to the development of robust national strategies against this virus.

An investigation of the seroprevalence of CrimeanCongo Hemorrhagic Fever and Lumpy Skin Disease in domesticated water buffaloes in northern Turkey

This study was conducted in Samsun Province of Turkey to investigate the serological status of domesticated water buffaloes for both Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). Serum was collected from a total of 272 water buffaloes from different age groups and both genders; of the total, 48.1% had been vaccinated against LSD with heterologous sheep-goat pox vaccine. The serum samples were individually assessed by using a commercial ID screen enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) to detect neutralizing antibodies against both CCHF virus and LSD virus. All 272 buffaloes were negative for antibodies against the CCHF virus. All the unvaccinated buffaloes (141) were seronegative for LSD virus but of the 131 vaccinated buffaloes, 10 (7.6%) were seropositive for the LSD virus. In addition, 8.6% of vaccinated animals age >1 year old were seropositive for LSD, whereas the seropositivity was 5.1% for the animals age <= 1 year old. There was no significant difference for seropositivity between male and female animals in the >1 year old or <= 1 year old age groups. When seroprevalances for LSD in the tested water buffaloes are evaluated by gender, there was a significant difference between females (8.6%) and males (0%) in the <1 year old water buffaloes (X²=20.24; P<0.001). Separately, the results of this study indicate that Bafra district water buffaloes are not infected by CCHFV and LSDV and some of the buffaloes that vaccinated with LSDV did not develop sufficient antibodies to protect them after they were vaccinated for the LSD virus. Furthermore, the authors of this study conclude that both the commercially produced vaccine that is currently administered and the vaccination strategy have to be urgently evaluated by the veterinary authorities in Turkey. This is essential in order to combat the spread of LSD virus infection with an effective vaccine and a comprehensive management strategy across Turkey.

The first serological report for genotype C bovine parainfluenza 3 virus in ruminant species of mid-northen Turkey: Traces from the past

Bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (BPI3V)is one of the most important respiratory pathogens and a leading cause of serious respiratory illnesses in cattle, both independent of and in connection with other pathogens involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). In this study, we aimed to identify the historical circulation of genotype C bovine BPI3V (BPI3Vc) in Turkey using the archival serum samples of domestic ruminants that had been collected from six provinces of northern Anatolia in Turkey between 2009-2010. A total of 896 sera from cattle (n=442), sheep (n=330), and goats (n=124) were randomly selected and screened with a virus neutralization test in order to detect antibodies for BPI3Vc. The overall seropositivity rate was 21.09%, with seropositivity rates for cattle, sheep, and goats of 21.04%, 20.00%, and 24.19%, respectively. Neutralizing antibody titers for selected samples ranged between 1/4 to 1/512. This study represents the first serological study conducted using the first BPI3V isolate of Turkey.

Characterisation of the First Bovine Parainfluenza Virus 3 Isolate Detected in Cattle in Turkey

A respiratory disease outbreak on a cattle farm in northern Turkey produced respiratory tract symptoms and severe pneumonia symptoms in 20 calves. Eight calves died, and a lung specimen from one carcass was analysed for bacteria and for viruses of the Bovine respiratory diseases complex. Bacteriological analysis was negative, but antigen detection ELISA and RT-PCR results indicated the presence of Bovine parainfluenza virus (BPIV). Virus isolation succeeded on Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney cells, and subsequent whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified BPIV-3c. This is the first report of BPIV-3c isolation from cattle in Turkey, indicating the need for more virological and epidemiological studies.

A Comparative Clinical Trial of Mitomycin C and Cyclosporin a in Trabeculectomy

This prospective, randomized clinical trial assessed the effects of mitomycin C and cyclosporin A used as antimetabolites in trabeculectomy on the post-operative IOP and success rate. Eighty-six consecutive patients were randomly allocated to three treatment groups. There were 30 patients in the mitomycin C group, 28 in the cyclosporin A group and 28 in the control group. The follow-up periods were different for the three groups and ranged from 6 to 30 months. The treatment groups consisted of primary open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, various secondary glaucomas and prior failed trabeculectomy. There were no significant differences pre-operatively with respect to IOP and number of medications used (p > 0.05). Postoperative IOP was considered to be successfully reduced when it was reduced by more than 25% from baseline or when it was lower than 20 mmHg. According to these criteria, IOP was under control in 90% of the mitomycin C treated eyes, 85.7% of cyclosporin A treated eyes and 71.4% of the control eyes. Postoperatively there was a significant decrease in IOP (p < 0.01) and in the number of medications need to control IOP (p < 0.01) in the mitomycin C and cyclosporin A groups. Post-operative IOP and number of medications in the mitomycin C and cyclosporin A group were similar. Complications encountered in the three groups were similar. There were no serious complications like hypotonus maculopathy. Our study highlights the utility of mitomycin C as an adjunct in glaucoma filtering surgery and indicated that cyclosporin A may also be used as an antimetabolite.

Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus isolate obtained from a local respiratory outbreak in Northern Turkey

In February 2016, a local respiratory disease outbreak with two fatalities was reported in Samsun, Turkey. A non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (ncp-BVDV) was identified from the organ and leucocyte samples of dead juvenile heifers using RT-PCR with specific primers for the NS2/3 gene coding region. The NS2/3 gene of BVDV was sequenced and compared with other published sequences of BVDV. The sequences of our isolate which was named as Samsun TR, had 81–83% nucleotite (nt) identity for BVDV-1. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Samsun-TR was closely related to LC089875 (Japan), AF526381 (China) and also shared 83% nucleotide(nt) identity with them. The NS2/3 gene sequence of Samsun-TR was deposited in the GenBank database with the accession number of KX428495.

The protective role of topical propolis on experimental keratitis via nitric oxide levels in rabbits

The aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of propolis in the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus keratitis. Twenty young New Zealand white rabbits were used in this experiment. Staphylococcus aureus were given by intrastromal injection to 16 rabbits and 4 rabbits were used as control group (Group 1). Group 2 was treated with phosphate-buffered solution drops; Group 3 was administered ethanolic extract of propolis drops; Group 4 received topical ciprofloxacin drops; Group 5 was treated with topical ciprofloxacin drops along with ethanolic extract of propolis drops. The eyes were examined by slit lamp to assess corneal opacity. And then, corneas were removed to determine nitric oxide (NO) levels and count bacteria. Corneas were also evaluated histologically. Corneal NO concentration in group 5, treated with a combination of propolis and ciprofloxacin was determined significantly lower (10.0+/- 1.8 micromol/g wet tissue) than in Group 4, treated with ciprofloxacin (24.0+/- 3.1 micromol/g wet tissue), from Group 3, treated with propolis (15.6+/- 1.8 micromol/g wet tissue), and treated with PBS (44.7+/- 7.8 micromol/g wet tissue). There were significantly fewer bacteria in eyes that received propolis plus ciprofloxacin than in eyes treated with ciprofloxacin (p = 0.0001) or propolis (p = 0.0001) or eyes treated with PBS (p = 0.0001). The light microscopic examination revealed that the control group showed normal corneal morphology. In the nontreated group, sections of the stromal infiltration revealed the presence of inflammatory cells, which were diffusely distributed (p < 0.05). Administrations of ciprofloxacin plus propolis resulted in a significantly reduced histological damage with fewer bacterial inoculation of the corneal stroma in comparison with the other groups (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, we suggest that ethanolic extract of propolis has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties for S. aureus keratitis in rabbits.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma precipitated by local tiotropium absorption

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma occurring when the filtration mechanism for the aqueous humor is obstructed by apposition of the peripheral iris to the trabecular meshwork. It may be precipitated by pupillary dilatation in a predisposed eye. In this case report, a possible relationship between local tiotropium absorption and acute angle-closure glaucoma attack is presented.

Pain Relief after Pterygium Surgery with Viscous Lidocaine

PURPOSE

The aim of the current study is to investigate the efficacy of lidocaine 2% gel for the control of pain experienced after pterygium surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial on 45 eyes of 45 patients who underwent pterygium surgery. The patients were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 was provided with topical 2% lidocaine gel and group 2 with artificial tear gel. The primary outcome of interest was the pain experienced at the 4th, 7th and 10th postoperative hours. Corneal reepithelization was evaluated by slitlamp biomicroscopy. Pain was determined using a 10-point linear visual analogue scale. No systemic analgesic or topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drop was administered.

RESULTS

The groups had similar demographic data. The mean pain scores of the study and the control groups according to the visual analogue scale were: 4.13 +/- 1.86 and 6.50 +/- 1.47 (p = 0.001) at the 4th postoperative hour, 4.00 +/- 1.16 and 4.00 +/- 1.16 (p = 0.001) at the 7th , and 2.39 +/- 0.89 and 3.63 +/- 1.00 (p = 0.001) at the 10th postoperative hour, respectively. The mean area of the corneal epithelial defect in the lidocaine gel group was 4.78 +/- 1.04 mm2 and 4.68 +/- 0.89 in the artificial tear gel group (p = 0.42). The mean corneal reepithelization time was 37.56 +/- 10.42 h in the lidocaine gel group and 34.36 +/- 10.00 h in the artificial tear gel group (p = 0.26). There were no side effects related to the drugs observed in either of the 2 treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that topical lidocaine gel is an effective and safe anesthetic agent for the control of pain experienced shortly after pterygium surgery.

Effect of propolis in the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus keratitis in rabbits

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of an ethanolic extract of propolis, a natural resin produced by honeybees, and to determine synergistic activity between ciprofloxacin and propolis in the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus keratitis.

METHODS

Sixteen young New Zealand white rabbits were given intrastromal injections of S. aureus strains. Twenty-four hours later, the rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: group 1 was treated with topical 0.3% ciprofloxacin drops along with the ethanolic extract of propolis drops; group 2 received topical 0.3% ciprofloxacin drops; group 3 was administered the ethanolic extract of propolis drops, and group 4, the control group, was treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) drops. Drugs were instilled 8 times/day for 72 h. Twenty-four and 96 h after inoculation of bacteria, the eyes were examined by slit lamp to assess corneal opacity. Corneas were removed to count bacteria.

RESULTS

Slit lamp examination showed that the corneal opacity scores were significantly lower in eyes that received propolis plus ciprofloxacin than in those treated with ciprofloxacin (p = 0.041) or propolis (p = 0.006) or control eyes treated with PBS (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in eyes treated with ciprofloxacin and propolis (p = 1.00). There were significantly fewer bacteria in eyes that received propolis plus ciprofloxacin than in those treated with ciprofloxacin (p = 0.0001) or propolis (p = 0.0001) or control eyes treated with PBS (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in eyes treated with ciprofloxacin and propolis (p = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Taking these findings into consideration, we suggest that the ethanolic extract of propolis has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties for S. aureus keratitis. The combination of ciprofloxacin and propolis had better therapeutic effects than either agent alone.

Efficacy of lidocaine 2% gel in pterygium surgery

PURPOSE

Anaesthesia during pterygium surgery is usually achieved with local injection of anaesthetic medications. The aim of this study was to determine whether lidocaine 2% gel is an effective topical anaesthetic agent for pterygium surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Fifty-four consecutive patients who had primary pterygium underwent surgical excision of the lesion and conjunctival autograft. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 received 1 ml of lidocaine 2% solution subconjunctivally and group 2 received lidocaine 2% gel topically. The primary outcome of interest was the pain experienced during anaesthetic administration and surgery. Following the dissection and excision of the pterygium, conjunctival autograft was transplanted in each of the patients. Immediately after the operation, pain and discomfort scores were determined using a 10-point linear visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

The mean pain score during anaesthetic administration was 4.26 +/- 1.18 in the injection group and 0.92 +/- 0.56 in the gel group. The mean pain score during surgery was 3.96 +/- 0.95 in the injection group and 4.0 +/- 1.01 in the gel group. There was a statistically significant difference in mean pain scores experienced during anaesthetic administration (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in mean pain scores experienced during surgery (p = 0.55). No adverse events were noted.

CONCLUSION

In light of these results, we conclude that topical administration of lidocaine 2% gel can be used as an alternative method of anaesthesia in pterygium surgery, especially for patients with needle phobia.

Managing sacral pressure ulcers with hydrocolloid dressings: results of a controlled, clinical study

One-hundred and three patients with Stage II and III sacral pressure ulcers were enrolled in a prospective, controlled, multi-center clinical study to evaluate and compare dressing performance, safety and efficacy. Fifty-two patients were randomized to treatment with a triangle-shaped hydrocolloid border dressing and 51 patients were randomized to a different, oval shape, hydrocolloid dressing. The majority of patients (70 percent) utilized a pressure reducing mattress or bed. Most ulcers were Stage II, had existed for < 1 month and exhibited no change utilizing previous treatments. Patients and wounds were similarly distributed among treatment groups. Patients in the oval dressing group were more likely to exhibit a product related adverse reaction resulting in discontinuation of treatment as compared to patients treated with the triangle border dressing (p = 0.057, Fisher's Exact Test). Wear time was longest for wounds dressed with the triangle dressing applied point down. Incontinence reduced the interval between dressing changes in both groups. Healing was more likely to occur in wounds dressed with the triangle border dressing. These ulcers showed a greater reduction in ulcer width as compared to wounds dressed with the oval dressing (p < 0.03, Fisher's Exact Test).

Organization and nucleotide sequence of the 3' end of the human CAD gene

Aspartate transcarbamylase (ATCase) is found as a monofunctional protein in prokaryotes and as a part of a multifunctional protein in fungi and animals. In mammals, this enzyme along with carbamyl phosphate synthetase II and dihydroorotase (DHOase) is encoded by a single gene called CAD. To determine the relationship between gene structure and the enzymatic domains of human CAD, we have isolated genomic clones of the human gene and sequenced the region corresponding to the 3' end of the gene. This includes exons encoding the end of the domain for DHOase, the complete domain for ATCase, and the bridge region connecting the two enzymatic domains. Three findings emerged. First, in comparing the human coding sequence to that obtained for other species that have a CAD gene, the length of the bridge region is conserved but its sequence is not. This is in contrast to the strong degree of positional identity observed for the segments of CAD encoding the DHOase and ATCase domains. Second, sets of exons appear to correspond to specific domains and subdomains of the encoded protein. Third, while overall there is a strong conservation of protein sequence among the ATCases of all species, reflecting conservation in catalytic function, two particular regions of the enzyme are more highly conserved among species where ATCase is a domain of a multifunctional protein as opposed to species where it is a monofunctional protein. Such findings may indicate regions of the ATCase domain that provide important structural contacts or functional channels when part of a multifunctional protein.