PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ONION EXTRACT AGAINST EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNESUPPRESSION IN WISTAR RATS: BIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR STUDY

Background: The wrong use of drugs results in disturbances in the immunity that affect human health. These drugs have side effects that may lead to death because of lake of immunity. Human beings need to use natural products to strength the immune system and avoid such side effects. Of these products is the onion that used to strength the immune system. This study was conducted to study the protective effect of onion extract on immune-suppressed rats and its impact on the expression level of cytokines, acute phase proteins and antioxidants compared to both control and immune suppressed groups. Materials and Methods: Forty rats were divided into four groups (10 per group) control group (CNT), immunesuppressed group (DEXA) injected with dexamethasone at a dose of 5 mg per kg intraperitoneally (IP) twice daily for 3 days, onion extract administered group (OE) given orally at a dose of 500 mg per kg for 4 weeks. Group 4 (y), was given onion extract for a week then immune-suppressed with DEXA for 3 days then continued with OE for 3 weeks. Serum and RNA were extracted for examining the biochemical and genetic changes. Results: Injection of dexamethasone decreased number of leukocytes with increase in the number of neutrophils and the decrease of all other types of white blood cells. Moreover, a decrease in antioxidant levels such as catalase, super oxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) with an increase in the level malondialdehyde (MDA). In parallel, a decrease in serum levels of cytokines, such as TNF and IL-6, together with immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM), were reported in DEXA injected rats that were ameliorated by prior administration of OE. Gene expression analysis revealed that dexamethasone suppressed gene expression of antioxidants together with IL-1 and 8 while increased IL- 10 mRNA expression. All of these changes have been normalized to the normal level by OE administration to DEXA injected rats. Conclusion: The present findings clearly emphasize the medical importance of onions as immune-stimulants at genetic and cellular levels, and that they are good for human health

Epidemiology of Lumpy Skin Disease in Egypt between 2006 and 2018

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a notifiable vector-borne disease transmitted by blood-feeding insects affecting cattle populations. LSD is a severe disease that is leading to economic losses. In this study, we displayed the prevalence of LSD in Egypt through retrospective and survey studies to point out the possible hazards of this serious disease. The 2006–2018 passive surveillance data were obtained from OIE-Wahis. A survey was conducted on 326 cattle, collected from 40 villages in 2017, using a structured questionnaire. Between 2006 and 2018, a total of 577 positive LSD outbreaks were reported. For spatial distribution, the Delta region showed the highest significant prevalence of 88% in the 2006 outbreak. Afterwards, Upper Egypt recorded the highest LSD prevalence between 2014 and 2018. The temporal distribution showed an alternative seasonal prevalence of LSD. In the cross-sectional study, the Delta had the highest prevalence, followed by Upper Egypt. Between the seasons, autumn had the highest prevalence followed by winter. Animals over the age of two years had the highest prevalence of risk factors. Dairy animals had a high significant prevalence. Housing animals in the open, the presence of farms near markets and repeated visits to markets, all had a high prevalence. The abundance of biting-flies significantly increased the prevalence. Almost all of the farmers were significantly unaware of the disease. The absence of periodic cleaning, animal isolation, and proper carcass disposal, all significantly increased LSD prevalence especially in unvaccinated animals. In conclusion, the retrospective and cross-sectional studies showed that LSD is an endemic disease with both spatial and temporal distributions. In addition, the survey pointed out the husbandry and biosecurity breaches that magnify LSD prevalence. Therefore, raising disease awareness and applying strategic prevention and control measures are the practical pillars against LSD

Knee Enthesitis and Synovitis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Psoriasis without Arthritic Symptoms

Objective. This case-control study was designed to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of knee joints in patients with psoriasis without clinical peripheral or axial joint involvement, and to correlate MRI findings with disease and demographic variables. \ud \ud \ud Methods. In total 48 patients with psoriasis and no clinical evidence of synovitis or enthesitis in any peripheral or axial joints were enrolled. A random sample of 20 healthy subjects without knee or other joint complaints and matched for age and sex served as controls. All patients and controls underwent enhanced MRI studies of both knee joints, and MRI findings were compared. \ud \ud \ud Results. Among 48 patients (96 knees), a total of 90 entheseal lesions were detected, with no enthesitis in 2 cases (6.3%). Signs of continuing inflammation bilaterally were frequently found: soft tissue edema (STE; n = 52), bone marrow edema (BME; n = 20), perientheseal BME (n = 3), cartilaginous erosions (n = 42), and bone erosions (n = 27). In controls, 2 (10%) subjects had BME and another 5 (25%) showed cartilaginous erosions. None showed evidence of enthesitis. Significant correlations were observed between the number of entheseal lesions of both knees vs STE (present vs absent; r = 0.314, p = 0.030) and STE (number of lesions; r = 0.351, p = 0.014). Enthesitis (unilateral vs bilateral) was significantly and positively correlated with STE (r = 0.304, p = 0.036), cartilaginous erosions (r = 0.304, p = 0.036), and villous projections (r = 0.347, p = 0.016). \ud \ud \ud Conclusion. Subclinical synovitis and enthesitis are frequently found in the knee joint of patients with psoriasis. These may be an early sign of psoriatic arthritis\u

Immunosuppressive Effects of Thallium Toxicity in Nile Tilapia Fingerlings: Elucidating the Rescue Role of Astragalus membranaceus Polysaccharides

This study evaluated the immunotoxic effects of thallium (Tl) in Nile tilapia fingerlings and the recovery role of dietary Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides (ASs). An 8-week experiment was designed where 180 fishes were randomly and equally assigned in triplicates into the six groups: the control group (CNT) was reared in unpolluted water and fed a commercial diet, two groups were fed a well-balanced commercial diet plus 1.5 and 3.0 g AS/kg diet (AS0.15 and AS0.30), respectively, the fourth group was exposed to a sublethal dose of Tl (41.9 μg l−1) [equal to 1/10 of 96-h lethal concentration 50 (LC50)], and the last two groups were fed 0.15 and 0.3% AS, respectively, and concurrently exposed to Tl (41.9 μg l−1) (AS0.15+Tl and AS0.30+Tl). Fish hematobiochemical parameters, serum immunity [nitric oxide, total immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, and lysozyme activity], transcription of hepatic interferon-g (IFN-g), interleukin-1b (IL-1b), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) were assessed. Hematobiochemical parameters and serum immune indices were significantly decreased in the fish group exposed to sublethal Tl concentration compared to the CNT group. Furthermore, Tl exposure significantly induced overexpression of IL-1b, TNF-a, and IFN-g genes (4.22-, 5.45-, and 4.57-fold higher, respectively) compared to CNT values. Tl exposure also increased the cumulative mortality (%) in Nile tilapia challenged with A. hydrophila. Remarkably, the groups fed AS0.15+Tl and AS0.30+Tl significantly ameliorated all the aforementioned parameters, but did not reach CNT values. Our findings suggest the possible immunomodulating roles of dietary AS in recovering the immunotoxic effects of Tl in Nile tilapia. We can conclude that dietary AS would be useful for maintaining the immunity of Nile tilapia fingerlings

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in comorbid patients: A 3 years prospective observational study

Purpose: To report the result of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) via standard nephrostomy tract in a single training institution. The perioperative complications in relation to the comorbid state are particularly assessed. Patients and methods: A prospective interventional study between January 2019 to November 2022, included 210 patients scheduled for PCNL. The average age was 40.3 ± 11.8 years (range 18- 67 years). Patients were categorized into two groups. The first group comprised 146 cases (69 .5%) with no associated co-morbidities while the second group 64 (30.5%) had co-morbidities such as obesity in 4 cases (1.9%), hypertension (HTN) in 24 cases (11.4%) cases, diabetes mellitus (DM) in 17 (8.1%) cases, history of recurrent stone surgery in 11 (5.2%) cases and more than one in 8 cases (3.8%). Co-morbidities, stone burden, location of stone, time of surgery, stay in the hospital, further operations, and negative events were among the reported data. Complications and the stone-free rate were the main outcome indicators. Results: Intraoperative complications were reported in 40 (18.8%) patients (18 group 1 and 22 group 2) during PCNL. Bleeding occurred in 22 (10.5%) patients (9 group 1 and 13 group 2), blood transfusions were needed in 4 (1.9%) (2 group 1 and 2 group 2), extravasation was observed in 11 patients (5.2%) (6 group 1 and 5 group 2) and cardiac arrhythmia in 3 (1.4%) (1 group 1 and 2 group 2) patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 61 patients (29%) (24 group 1 and 37 group 2) in the form of fever in 10 patients (4.8 %) (3 group 1 and 7 group 2) and prolonged leakage in 50 patients (23.8%) (21 group 1 and 29 group 2). One patient of group 2 died from postoperative sepsis. Extravasation and postoperative leakage were higher in diabetic patients than in non-diabetics. Stonefree rate was 60.5% (127 of 210). Clinically significant residual fragments (CSRFs) found in 70 cases (33.3%) (33 group 1 and 37 group 2). In 13 cases (6.2%) (5 group 1 and 8 group 2), clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRFs) were found. In 8 (3 group 1 and 5 group 2) of the 13 cases, spontaneous stone passage was observed within 4-6 weeks of surgery. Residual stones in three cases (1 group 1 and 2 group 2) were asymptomatic and 4 mm or less, whereas stones increased in two cases of group 2. Among all factors studied, stone burden was significantly correlated to both intraoperative and postoperative complications. The occurrence of postoperative fever increased with large stone burden. Conclusions: PCNL is a therapeutic modality that is effective, feasible, and safe for a wide range of patients with concurrent medical issues. A steep curve is required to reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications

Rheumatic tricuspid valve disease: Repair versus Replacement

Background: Tricuspid valve disease is most commonly functional, however, organic affection still accounts for one fourth of cases. Rheumatic fever which is endemic in Egypt is a main cause of organic affection. Current practice largely relies on tricuspid valve repair; however, it has been difficult to determine optimal procedure. Objectives: Herein, we study the outcome of replacement versus repair in such patients. Patients and methods: A prospective study was conducted on 300 consecutive patients with rheumatic heart disease showing severe tricuspid valve affection underwent tricuspid valve surgery, between 2014 and 2018. The patients were divided into two groups; TVR group (n=150) which included patients who underwent tricuspid valve replacement and TVr group (n=150) which included patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair. Diagnosis and follow up were done by echocardiography. Peri-operative variables, clinical outcome, morbidity, mortality, and follow up data were recorded. Results: Mean follow-up was 4±1.32 years. In-hospital mortality was 6 patients (4%) in TVR group and 3 patients (2%) in TVr group (P value ≥ 0.05). Postoperative low cardiac output syndrome and stroke were significantly higher in the repair group. Postoperative RV dysfunction, renal impairment, renal failure and chest re-exploration were significantly higher in the replacement group. Severe tricuspid regurgitation was reported in 19 patients (12.6%) of the repair group on follow up. Conclusion: Tricuspid valve repair is preferable to replacement to avoid the drawbacks of prosthesis. However, tricuspid valve replacement is feasible with comparable survival outcome and the progressive nature of the rheumatic disease may recommend replacement

The outcome of ultrasound-guided insertion of central hemodialysis catheter

Objective: To point out our experience and assess the efficacy and safety of real-time ultrasound-guided central internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization in the treatment of hemodialysis patients. Methods: This retrospective study comprised 150 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who had real-time ultrasonography (US)-guided IJV HD catheters placed in our hospital between March 2019 and March 2021. Patients were examined for their demographic data, etiology, site of catheter insertion, type (acute or chronic) of renal failure, technical success, operative time, number of needle punctures, and procedure-related complications. Patients who have had multiple catheter insertions, prior catheterization challenges, poor compliance, obesity, bony deformity, and coagulation disorders were considered at high-operative risk. Results: All patients experienced technical success. In terms of patient clinical features, an insignificant difference was observed between the normal and high-risk groups (p-value > 0.05). Of the 150 catheters, 62 (41.3%) were placed in high-risk patients. The first-attempt success rate was 89.8% for the normal group and 72.5% for the high-risk group (p = 0.006). IJV cannulation took less time in the normal-risk group compared to the highrisk group (21.2 ± 0.09) minutes vs (35.4 ± 0.11) minutes, (p < 0.001). There were no serious complications. During the placing of the catheter in the internal jugular vein, four patients (6.4%) experienced arterial puncture in the high-risk group. Two participants in each group got a small neck hematoma. One patient developed a pneumothorax in the high-risk group, which was managed with an intercostal chest tube insertion. Conclusions: Even in the high-risk group, the real-time US-guided placement of a central catheter into the IJV is associated with a low complication rate and a high success rate. Even under US guidance, experience lowers complication rates. Real-time USguided is recommended to be used routinely during central venous catheter insertion

HER2/neu expression status of post BCG recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinomas in relation to their primary ones

Background: Transurethral resection (TUR) followed by adjuvant therapy is still the treatment of choice of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma (NMIBUC). However, recurrence is one of the most troublesome features of these lesions. Early second resection and adjuvant BCG therapy has been shown to improve the outcome. Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of C-erbB-2 (HER2/neu) expression status in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma cases, before and after intravesical Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG immunotherapy). Materials and methods: HER2/neu expression was studied in 120 (Ta-T1) Non-Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma cases. The expression was evaluated and compared to the expression after Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy. Results: HER2/neu expression in low and high grade of the Non- Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma was (38%) and (83%) respectively. The difference of the expression rates by tumor grade was statistically significant. In recurring lesions post BCG therapy, C-erbB-2 expression was markedly decreased (31.6%) when compared to its expression before therapy (65%). Conclusions: The HER2/neu expression increased as the tumor grade rose. The reduction in expression following BCG treatment in Non-Invasive transitional cell carcinoma cases could reflect a reduction of the potential malignancy of the tumor

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10&nbsp;years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37&nbsp;years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020