Wet Blood Research Articles

Near-infrared excitation Raman spectroscopy of colored fabric contaminated with body fluids

Confirmatory identification of dyes in the physical pieces of evidence, such as hair and fabric, is critically important in forensics. This information can be used to demonstrate the link between a person of interest and a crime scene. High performance liquid chromatography is broadly used for dye analysis. However, this technique is destructive and laborious. This problem can be overcome by near-Infrared excitation Raman spectroscopy (NIeRS), non-invasive and non-destructive technique that can be used to determine chemical structure of highly fluorescent dyes. Analyzed fabric materials often possess body fluid stains, which may obscure the accuracy of NIeRS-based identification of dyes. In this study, we investigate the extent to which fabric contamination with body fluids can alter the accuracy of NIeRS. Our results showed that NIeRS coupled with partial-least squared discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) enabled on average 97.6% accurate identification of dyes on fabric contaminated with dry blood, urine and semen. We also found that NIeRS could be used to identify blood, urine and semen on such fabric with 99.4% accuracy. Furthermore, NIeRS could be used to differentiate between wet and dry blood, as well as reveal the presence of blood on washed fabric. These results indicate that NIeRS coupled with PLS-DA could be used as a robust and reliable analytical approach in forensic analysis of fabric.

Trypanosoma vivax in and outside cattle blood: Parasitological, molecular, and serological detection, reservoir tissues, histopathological lesions, and vertical transmission evaluation

This study reports assessment of the sensitivity of diagnostic techniques to detect T. vivax in experimentally infected cattle. Additionally, it describes T. vivax extravascular parasitism during the acute and chronic phases of trypanosomosis and congenital transmission. The T. vivax diagnosis was compared using blood samples collected from the jugular, coccygeal and ear tip veins. For this study, 13 males and two females were infected with ≈ 1 × 106 viable T. vivax trypomastigotes (D0). One animal was kept as a negative control during the entire study. The 13 infected males were euthanized between 14 and 749 days post-infection (DPI). After confirming the cyclicity of both females (9 months of age), they were naturally mated with a bull. One female was euthanized at 840 DPI, and the other at 924 DPI. The two calves, one from each female, were euthanized at six months of age (924 DPI), and the negative control at 924 DPI. During this period, T. vivax in blood was assessed using direct methods (Woo test, cPCR, microscopic examination of fresh wet blood films and parasite quantification - Brener method), and serological methods (IFAT, ELISA, and IA). Tissue samples were collected from the liver, spleen, brain, cerebellum, heart, testicles, epididymis, kidneys, eyeballs, pre-scapular lymph nodes, ear tips, mammary glands, uterus, and ovaries. The protozoan DNA was examined using LAMP. There was no difference in the detection of T. vivax using the Woo test and Brener method among the jugular, coccygeal, and ear tip veins. The sensitivity of the detection methods varied depending on the disease phase. Direct methods (Woo test, Brener method, and cPCR) demonstrated higher sensitivity during the acute phase, while serological methods (IFAT, ELISA, and IA) were more sensitive during the chronic phase. Anti-T. vivax antibodies were detected up to 924 DPI. Tissue evaluation using LAMP demonstrated the presence of T. vivax DNA and associated histopathological changes up to 840 or 924 DPI. Only in mammary glands and ovaries was no DNA detected. The most frequently observed histopathological alteration was lymphohistioplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate. No transplacental transmission of T. vivax was observed.

First outbreak of trypanosomiasis in farmed blood parrot cichlids (Vieja melanura♀ × Amphilophus citrinellus♂) from southern China

Outbreaks of fish trypanosomiasis are regularly reported in cultured groupers (Epinephelus spp.), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and many other species of Cyprinidae, but only rarely reported in ornamental fish. This study reports a trypanosomiasis outbreak in farmed blood parrot cichlids (Vieja melanura♀ × Amphilophus citrinellus♂) in the Nansha district, Guangzhou, Guangdong province. From May 2021 to January 2022, up to 100 fish died daily with an estimated overall mortality of 20%. Blood samples were collected from 21 sick fish, characterized by reduced feeding, slow movement and swimming close to the surface of the water, and 5 asymptomatic fish for parasite examination. Wet blood mounts and Giemsa-stained smears showed that trypanosomes were found in 20 of 21 sick fish (95.2%) and 4 of 5 (80%) asymptomatic fish. Parasitemias were recorded at levels of up to approximately 108 trypanosomes /ml of blood. Morphological and genetic analysis showed that the trypanosome infecting blood parrot cichlids was Trypanosoma carassii danilewskyi. In addition, histopathological analysis showed a severe steatosis in liver and an aggregation of pigments in the spleen and kidneys, which are likely to be melanomacrophages. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an outbreak of trypanosomiasis found in farmed blood parrot cichlids.

MicroRNA expression profiling in tears and blood as predictive biomarkers for anti-VEGF treatment response in wet age-related macular degeneration.

This study aimed to investigate the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tears, blood, and aqueous humor as biomarkers for predicting treatment response in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. In a single-center prospective cohort study, treatment-naïve wet AMD patients and age-matched controls were enrolled. Clinical data and miRNA levels (miR-199a-3p, miR-365-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-335-5p, and miR-185-5p) in tears, blood, and aqueous humor were collected. Treatment response was categorized into responders and non-responders based on visual acuity and central subfield thickness. MiRNA levels were quantified using reverse-transcription PCR. Statistical analyses were performed, including ROC analysis, to evaluate predictive accuracy. Dysregulated miRNA profiles were observed in wet AMD tears and blood compared to controls. Specifically, miR-199a-3p, miR-195-5p, and miR-185-5p were upregulated, while miR-200b-3p was downregulated in tears. All six miRNAs were elevated in wet AMD blood samples. Notably, responders showed higher tear expression of miR-195-5p and miR-185-5p. Combining these miRNAs yielded the highest predictive power (AUC = 0.878, p = 0.006) for anti-VEGF responders. Dysregulated miRNA profiles in tears and blood suggest their potential as biomarkers for wet AMD. MiR-195-5p and miR-185-5p in tears demonstrate predictive value for anti-VEGF treatment responders. This study underscores the non-invasive prediction potential of miRNA tear analysis in wet AMD treatment responses.

Effects of a ketogenic diet on motor function and motor unit number estimation in aged C57BL/6 mice

ObjectivePathological, age-related loss of muscle function, commonly referred to as sarcopenia, contributes to loss of mobility, impaired independence, as well as increased risk of adverse health events. Sarcopenia has been attributed to changes in both neural and muscular integrity during aging. Current treatment options are primarily limited to exercise and dietary protein fortification, but the therapeutic impact of these approaches are often inadequate. Prior work has suggested that a ketogenic diet (KD) might improve healthspan and lifespan in aging mice. Thus, we sought to investigate the effects of a KD on neuromuscular indices of sarcopenia in aged C57BL/6 mice. DesignA randomized, controlled pre-clinical experiment consisting of longitudinal assessments performed starting at 22-months of age (baseline) as well as 2, 6 and 10 weeks after the start of a KD vs. regular chow intervention. SettingPreclinical laboratory study. Sample sizeThirty-six 22-month-old mice were randomized into 2 dietary groups: KD [n = 22 (13 female and 9 male)], and regular chow [n = 15 (7 female and 8 male)]. MeasurementsMeasures included body mass, hindlimb and all limb grip strength, rotarod for motor performance, plantarflexion muscle contractility, motor unit number estimations (MUNE), and repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) as an index of neuromuscular junction transmission efficacy recorded from the gastrocnemius muscle. At end point, muscle wet weight and blood samples were collected to assess blood beta-hydroxybutyrate levels. Statistical analysisPrimary analyses were two-way mixed effects ANOVA (diet and time × diet) to determine the effect of a KD on indices of motor function (grip, rotarod) and indices of motor unit (MUNE) and muscle (contractility) function. ResultsBeta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was significantly higher at 10 weeks in mice on a KD vs control group (0.83 ± 0.44 mmol/l versus 0.42 ± 0.21 mmol/l, η2 = 0.265, unpaired t-test, p = 0.0060). Mice on the KD intervention demonstrated significantly increased hindlimb grip strength (diet, p = 0.0001; time × diet, p = 0.0030), all limb grip strength (diet, p = 0.0005; time × diet, p = 0.0523), and rotarod latency to fall (diet, p = 0.0126; time × diet, p = 0.0021). Mice treated with the KD intervention also demonstrated increased MUNE (diet, p = 0.0465; time × diet, p = 0.0064), but no difference in muscle contractility (diet, p = 0.5248; time × diet, p = 0.5836) or RNS (diet, p = 0.3562; time × diet, p = 0.9871). ConclusionKD intervention improved neuromuscular and motor function in aged mice. This pre-clinical work suggests that further research is needed to assess the efficacy and physiological effects of a KD on indices of sarcopenia.

Detection of Trypanosoma evansi in healthy horses, cattle and buffaloes in East Sumba: eight years after outbreak

Trypanosoma evansi is a widespread hemoflagellate parasite that causes surra (trypanosomiasis) in a variety of mammal species, including horses, cattle, and buffaloes. In 2010-2012, the greatest outbreak of surra in Indonesia occurred on one of Indonesia’s most remote islands, Sumba. This parasite has killed thousands of animals, particularly horses. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. evansi infection in healthy livestock (buffaloes, cattle, and horses) after the 8th outbreak in East Sumba using different methods, including serological test (CATT/T. evansi), parasitological test (WBF, Giemsa-stained blood smears (GSBS), and Microhematocrit Centrifugation Test (MHCT), and molecular method by PCR. The survey was conducted during the arid season, when the population of vectors was at its lowest. Blood samples were taken from 111 animals in three subdistricts in East Sumba (Lewa, Wulla Waijelu, and Kota Waingapu). Results revealed that the infection rate of livestock with T. evansi varies by animal species and detection methods. No positive sampel found by Micro Hematocrit Centrifugation Test (MHCT), wet blood film (WBF), and Giemza-stained blood smears (GSBS). The overall infection prevalence according CATT/T.evansi and PCR were 7.2%(8/111) and 5.4% (6/111); respectively. The infection rates by CATT T.evansi and PCR were as follows: horse, 0/57 (0%) and 1/57(1.75%); buffalo 5/23 (21.7%) and 13.04% (3/23); cattle, 3/31 (9.7%) and 2/31(6.45%); respectively. Buffalo and cattle have a higher prevalence of T. evansi compared to horses. The results of the present study indicate that cattle and buffalo may serve as a reservoir for T. evansi, which poses a high risk to horses due to the virulence of Surra when vector populations are abundant.

Characterization of insect stains produced by Dermestes maculatus De Greer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) resulting from interactions with human blood.

Insect stains produced by adult Dermestes maculatus were characterized during interactions with human blood. Beetles were offered wet or dried blood positioned on ceramic tiles under laboratory conditions. Despite a life history strategy geared toward consumption of dried food stuffs, adult beetles interacted with wet blood more frequently than dried and produced more insect stains after ingesting wet blood. Most (> 95%) of the insect stains produced were the result of fecal elimination. These stains varied in morphologies but were consistently tan/light, black/grey, or red in color; were round to amorphous in shape; and frequently possessed tails. Tailed stains typically were tadpole-shaped or long and tapering from the stain body, yielding Ltl/Lb ratios greater than 1. Tails were the result of beetle locomotion while defecating. Human blood was detected in defecatory stains when using ABA Hematrace® lateral flow assays. When beetles interacted with dried blood, the bloodstains were most often modified due to physical disruption rather than feeding activity. This yielded flaking or dislodgement of the original stains. Within a forensic context, it is unknown whether D. maculatus interacts with any type of bloodstains at a crime scene.

Wet cupping therapy removes oxidative stress related miRNAs

Background: Wet cupping therapy is commonly used in different conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, inflammatory and infectious diseases. The mechanism of action of wet cupping therapy is not yet clear, however several studies have demonstrated that it has a role in limiting oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of wet cupping therapy on oxidative stress-related miRNAs miRNA-34a, miRNA-200a, miRNA-21 levels and oxidant-antioxidant status markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels.
 Methods: 60 healthy volunteer women aged 20-75 years (n=30, 20-45 years; n=30, 45-75 years) who were applied wet cupping at Konya Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Medical Faculty Traditional and Complementary Medicine Center were included in this study. Plasma miRNA-34a, miRNA-200a and miRNA-21 levels were analyzed by using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) analysis. MDA and GSH levels were measured using the commercial ELISA kits. 
 Results: MDA levels [2003.10 (1810.17-7392.15) vs 1884.04 (1800.10-4488.05), p=0.027] of wet cupping blood samples higher than venous blood samples, while GSH levels [125.97 (90.65-219.43) vs 131.77 (88.77-246.42), p=0.037] were lower. miRNA-34a [(0.94±0.74) vs (0.53±0.28), p

Label-Free Digital Holotomography Reveals Ibuprofen-Induced Morphological Changes to Red Blood Cells.

Understanding the dose-dependent effect of over-the-counter drugs on red blood cells (RBCs) is crucial for hematology and digital pathology. Yet, it is challenging to continuously record the real-time, drug-induced shape changes of RBCs in a label-free manner. Here, we demonstrate digital holotomography (DHTM)-enabled real-time, label-free concentration-dependent and time-dependent monitoring of ibuprofen on RBCs from a healthy donor. The RBCs are segmented based on three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) refractive index tomograms, and their morphological and chemical parameters are retrieved with their shapes classified using machine learning. We directly observed the formation and motion of spicules on the RBC membrane when aqueous solutions of ibuprofen were drop-cast on wet blood, creating rough-membraned echinocyte forms. At low concentrations of 0.25-0.50 mM, the ibuprofen-induced morphological change was transient, but at high concentrations (1-3 mM) the spiculated RBC remained over a period of up to 1.5 h. Molecular simulations confirmed that aggregates of ibuprofen molecules at high concentrations significantly disrupted the RBC membrane structural integrity and lipid order but produced negligible effect at low ibuprofen concentrations. Control experiments on the effect of urea, hydrogen peroxide, and aqueous solutions on RBCs showed zero spicule formation. Our work clarifies the dose-dependent chemical effects on RBCs using label-free microscopes that can be deployed for the rapid detection of overdosage of over-the-counter and prescribed drugs.

Diagnosis of microfilaria using modified Knott’s technique in buffalo and its treatment

Filariasis is a vector-transmitted parasitic disease caused by Filarioidea nematode with world wide spread especially in tropical and sub-tropical countries. This is highly prevalent in hot and humid areas of India mainly hilly parts of India like Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The tentative diagnosis was carried out by direct faecal smear examinations, wet blood film observation and blood smear examinations, and modified Knott’s technique, further case history was reviewed. The collected blood was subjected to different staining techniques including modified Knott’s technique. On modified Knott’s method examination detected microfilaria is long slender anterior blunt and tapering posterior ends. Ivermectin 200 μg/kg body weight subcutaneous route (orally microfilaricide 50 ug/ kg) is used as a curative drug in present clinical case and animal was responded well with the treatment. Hematological parameters of buffalo includes decreased hemoglobin (6.5 grs /dl), packed cell volume (20%), and total erythrocytic count (4.5×106/ul) were recovered within 1 week after treatment.

Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Immunosuppressive Drugs-From Sampling and Analytical Issues to Clinical Application.

Miniaturisation and simplification are novel approaches in clinical bioanalysis, especially in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). These contemporary trends are related to the sampling, pre-treatment, and analysis of biological fluids. Currently, dried blood spot (DBS), one of the most popular microsampling techniques, is feasible and inexpensive. However, obtaining reliable results with sample homogeneity and volume variability is difficult. Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) has recently enabled the accurate and precise collection of a fixed blood volume. It reduced the hematocrit effect, improved volumetric accuracy, and generated results correlating with the dose and drug exposure from wet blood. This review focuses on VAMS-Mitra™ devices, which have become increasingly important since 2014, mainly for TDM and toxicology studies. First, the current literature has been reviewed based on immunosuppressants and their determination in samples obtained using Mitra™. Second, the critical points, weaknesses, and strengths have been characterized in contrast to classic venipuncture and other microsampling methods. Finally, we indicate the points of attention according to the perspective of Mitra™ as well as its usefulness in clinical practice. VAMS is currently state-of-the-art in microsampling and seems to be a good instrument for improving adherence to immunosuppressive therapy, especially in the pediatric population.

Antithrombotic Activity of an Indolinone Derivative – a Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator

Introduction . The article presents the results of studying the antithrombotic activity of a novel drug, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator (codename – GRS), in experimental models of arterial and venous thrombosis and thromboembolism. Aim . Study the antithrombotic action of GRS compound in comparison with clopidogrel and rivaroxaban in the following models: arterial thrombosis induced by iron chloride application to carotid artery wall in rats; thromboembolism induced by intravenous administration of thrombin solution in mice; venous thrombosis induced by the ligature of inferior vena cava in rats. Materials and methods . Arterial thrombosis was modelled in rats by applying a pad soaked in iron chloride (FeCl 3 ) to the carotid artery, GRS compound was administered orally in median effective dose of 10 mg/kg once 3 hours before pad application. Blood flow in carotid arteries and blood clot mass were registered. Thromboembolism was induced in mice by intravenous administration of thrombin solution, GRS in dose 10 mg/kg or the reference drug clopidogrel were administered once orally daily for 3 days. Animal mortality, survival time and blood clot size were registered. Venous thrombosis was induced in rats by the ligature of inferior vena cava below renal veins, GRS in dose 10 mg/kg, reference drug rivaroxaban in 5 mg/kg dose or their combination in these doses were administered once orally 1 hour before vein ligature. The mass of dry and wet blood clots was registered. Results and discussion . In arterial thrombosis model GRS compound in 10 mg/kg, administered 3 hours before iron chloride application, increased the time to blood flow cessation in the carotid artery by 35 % and reduced the frequency of complete artery occlusion by 2 times compared to the control group ( р < 0.05). 60 min after arterial thrombosis modelling complete occlusion was observed in 28 % of animals in GRS group and in 75 % of control animals, while after 24 hours the occlusion was observed in 14 % of animals in GRS group and in 50 % of control group animals ( p < 0.05). In thrombin-induced thromboembolism model in mice GRS did not reduce the size of blood clots in pulmonary vessels, while clopidogrel reduced it by 48 %. In GRS group 80 % of animals died of thrombosis, compared to 30 % in clopidogrel group and 90 % in the control group. In ligature-induced venous thrombosis in rats GRS after single oral administration reduced the mass of dry blood clot, being as potent as rivaroxaban. Combined administration of GRS and rivaroxaban did not enhance their antithrombotic action. Conclusion . GRS after single oral administration in 10 mg/kg dose had potent antithrombotic action in models of arterial and venous thrombosis in rats, while not preventing pulmonary vessel thrombosis in mice after thrombin administration. Therapeutic action of GRS in experimental venous thrombosis was as potent as that of rivaroxaban. Antithrombotic action of GRS compound results not only from its antiplatelet action, but also from the alleviation of endothelial dysfunction in arteries and veins.

A Review on a Comparative Study of Lifting Solutions for Dried Blood Exhibits

Many different types of evidence, such as urine, blood, and stomach contents, are collected during the forensic examination. Blood is a type of biological evidence that is collected and stored for further investigation. Forensic analysis is highly dependent on blood evidence. Blood collection, preservation, documentation, and testing are essential to the overall success of the casework. Because there may be a combination of body fluids or epithelial compounds in objects, a person's blood test is necessary in most cases. There are two types of blood found at the scene: dried blood stains and water droplets. Dry blood can be mixed with 0.9 percent common salt. This review article discusses how to remove dried blood stains and what issues are currently being discussed in the intelligence community. Keywords: evidence, epithelial compounds, dry and wet blood, body fluids

Isolation and Purification of Thrombolytic Enzyme Extracted from Earthworm Punjab, Pakistan

The Cardiovascular disease due to thrombus (clot) formation is the major factor of death throughout the world. Earthworms being the eco engineers has thrombolytic enzyme that can be used for thrombolysis. The thrombolytic enzyme was isolated and purified from supernatant of earthworm Apporectodea longa by column chromatography. Six Strain BKT 11, BKT 15, BKT 17, BKT 26, BKT 27 and BKT 28 shows the thrombolytic activity 791.64 U/mg, 1362.39 U/mg, 1205.4 U/mg, 710.63 U/mg, 529.66 U/mg and 625.00 U/mg respectively. Thrombolytic activity was confirmed by blood clot lysis method. Different concentrations 50 ?l,100 ?l, 150 ?l, 200 ?l and 250 ?l of extracted enzyme were applied on 25mg of wet blood clot along with control where distill water used. These fractions of extracted enzymes represent the dissolution of clot (thrombolysis). The molecular weight 32 KDa was determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results show that extracted elute have potential of fibrinolytic activity in this specie of earthworm and it can serve as a suitable therapeutic agent. Keywords: Thrombolytic activity, Casein plate assay, Blood clot lysis, spectrophotometry, Gel electrophoresis.

Camel Trypanosomosis in Yabelo and Gomole Districts in Ethiopia: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Based on Parasitological Examinations.

BackgroundTrypanosomosis is the most prevalent disease and causes serious economic losses in Ethiopia. The disease is among the major constraint to camel production in the country. Hence, this study aimed to determine the occurrence and associated risk factors of camel trypanosomosis in the Borana zone, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted from December 2018 to December 2019 using parasitological techniques in the Yabelo and Gomole districts of the Borana zone. A total of 384 camels were randomly selected and tested using wet blood film (thin) and the Giemsa-stained technique. The packed cell volume (PCV) of sampled camels was recorded using a hematocrit reader.ResultsAn overall 3.91% prevalence of camel trypanosomosis was observed in study areas. Trypanosoma-infected camel had significant (P=0.0001) lower mean PCV (20.73±1.91) than non-infected camel (27.07±4.35). The current study showed body condition of camel (OR=6.8, 95% CI: 1.44–31.83) and season (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.04–9.07) as risk factors for the occurrence of camel trypanosomosis. However, the sex, age, and origin (district) of camel did not affect the occurrence of camel trypanosomosis in the study areas.ConclusionCamel trypanosomosis impeded camel production in the study areas. Therefore, control and prevent methods considering seasonality, different ecology is necessary to design and implement. Moreover, a further study involving more sensitive molecular techniques should be conducted on camel trypanosomosis and their vectors.

AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (ARMD) CLINICAL PROFILE AND MANAGEMENT

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) next to cataract is the leading cause visual loss in elderly. My study is to focus on cleanical profile of Age Related Macular Degeneration with effective Ayurveda management to increasing in average longitivity of an individual with advance in science and technology along with traditional management.In research scenario it has been demonstrated that choroidal neovascular lesion of Age Related Macular Degeneration. Account for most of severe loss of vision attributed to this condition. My study tries to give additional option and contribution of Ayurveda to patient affected with Age Related Macular Degeneration. Macula is area which correspond to centre of vision. There are two types Dry and Wet ARMD based on appearance of exudates and tiny haemorrhage in the macular area . in wet AMD treatment of Raktpitta should be followed. Though description of macular degeneration is not described is classics . Gradual loss of vision in Timira we can assume this regenerative pathology as Prakopita Vatalakshana in Drushti Mandala . Inn proper Tarpak Kapha result in weakening of function and death of life sensing cells of macula . In dry Age Related Macular Degeneration this cells breakdown slowly and result in loss of central vision . These can be stated Kaphavata Drushtijanya Timira . In case of wet AMD abnormal blood vessels start to grow under macula and eventually bleed . This explains Raktpitta Drushti . Management of Age Related Macular Degeneration should be done on the principle of Vatavyadhi with Rasayan Chikitsa .

Prevalence of Filariasis in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Upper Egypt with special reference to treatment.

The study aimed to detect the prevalence of camel filariasis in Upper Egypt, the effect of age, sex, season, locality and periodicity of sampling and treatment of infested cases and also determines the diagnostic technique for detection of the parasite. The study carried out on a total number of 350 camels (Camelus dromedarius) belonged to different Governorates in Upper Egypt including Assuit, Sohag, Asswan and El-wady El-gaded, by using the following methods for diagnosis of camel filariasis, wet blood film, thin blood film, thick blood film and concentration technique (Knott's technique). From the total number of examined camels (13 out of 350) camels were positive by blood film in percentage of 3.71%. The highest percentage of infection was recorded in El-Wady El-gaded Governorate (10.83%), hot season showed 4.96%, female more susceptible (7.79%) than male (2.56%), local breed more susceptible 5.9% while imported were 0%, samples taken at night time gave (5.59%) while day time 2.41%. 5-10years old camels more susceptible than others and from clinically suspected camels (106) only 11 camels were positive by blood film while clinically healthy camels 244 only 2 camels were positive by blood film.

Measurement of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in dried blood spots and venous blood\u2014importance of inhibition of post-sampling formation from ethanol

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a group of phospholipids formed in cell membranes following alcohol consumption by action of the enzyme phospholipase D (PLD). PEth measurement in whole blood samples is established as a specific alcohol biomarker with clinical and forensic applications. However, in blood specimens containing ethanol, formation of PEth may continue after sampling leading to falsely elevated concentrations. This study evaluated the use of dried blood spot (DBS) and microsampling specimens to avoid post-sampling formation of PEth. Filter paper cards and three commercial devices for volumetric microsampling of finger-pricked blood were assessed, using PEth-negative and PEth-positive whole blood fortified with 2 g/L ethanol. PEth (16:0/18:1) was measured by LC–MS/MS. Post-sampling formation of PEth occurred in wet blood and in the volumetric devices, but not filter paper cards, when stored at room temperature for 48 h. Addition of an inhibitor of PLD, sodium metavanadate (NaVO3), eliminated post-sampling formation during storage and drying. In conclusion, the present study confirmed previous observations that PEth can be formed in blood samples after collection, if the specimen contains ethanol. The results further demonstrated that post-sampling formation of PEth from ethanol also occurred with commercial devices for volumetric dried blood microsampling. In order for a PEth result not to be questioned, it is recommended to use a PLD inhibitor, whether venous blood is collected in a vacutainer tube or finger-pricked blood is obtained using devices for dried blood microsampling.Graphical abstract

Public Perceptions of Cupping Therapy (Hijama) and Whether It Will Be Chosen Over Donating Blood

Background: Modern medicine, despite its great advances, still not as effective as cupping therapy in treating many medical conditions.
 Objective: To assess the level of awareness and the general perceptions about cupping therapy (Hijama) in the Saudi population.
 Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1120 adult subjects (473 males and 647 females), during the period from January to March 2020. Participants responded to an anonymous self-administered questionnaire requesting information about their knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of cupping therapy. The data collected from 1120 questionnaires were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods in two stages (descriptive analysis - analysis of the study hypotheses). The frequencies and percentages of the descriptive analysis and the primary data of the study sample were calculated and the responses of its members to the questions included in the questionnaire were determined. The study hypotheses were analyzed using the chi-squared test to study the independence of the variables under study. The analysis was done using (IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0) software.
 Results: About 32% of the participants underwent cupping before and the majority of them performed wet cupping (82.2%) and felt light pain (55.6%). Almost 60% of all participants were afraid of cupping and this fear was mainly from the injury (37%). The percentage of those who prefer to donate their blood was 72% while only 28% choose to perform cupping. There were statistically significant relationships between the gender of the participants and cupping procedure (p=0.003), fear of performing it (p<0.001) and preference for cupping over donating blood (p=0.002). Similarly, there were statistically significant relationships (p<0.001) between the age of the participants and cupping procedure, fear of performing it and preference for cupping over donating blood.
 Conclusion: This study showed the high knowledge, attitudes and perception of the Saudi population towards wet cupping therapy. Importantly, most of the surveyed population, especially younger ones, choose to donate their blood rather than performing wet cupping. Further research is needed to establish a collaboration platform between wet cupping clinics and blood banks to fill the gap of frequent shortage of blood units.

Microbiological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of culture positive bacterial keratitis: A prospective observational study

Background: Microbial keratitis is suppurative infection of cornea considered as emergency and potential threat to vision. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of microbial keratitis is required to prevent complication and blindness. So present study has been designed to determine bacteriological profile and sensitivity pattern of culture positive bacterial keratitis, risk factor associated it and treatment outcome.Material and Method: After enrolment of patients a detailed relevant history of patients regarding to mode of injury and predisposing factor were recorded and detailed clinical examination was done. Visual acuity of all patients was tested. Slit lamp biomicroscopy was performed and Corneal ulcer was examined properly. Under local anaesthesia with 4% lignocaine corneal scrap was taken from edge and base of ulcer. Sample was sent for gram stain, 10% KOH wet mount preparation, blood agar and Sabouraud's dextrose agar.Result: In present study out of 600 specimen 460(76.66%) patients were culture positive out of them 47.33% were fungal and remaining were bacterial(29.33%). Regarding bacteriological profile of culture positive corneal ulcer, we have observed that gram positive bacteria were common than gram negative. Among all staphylococcus aureus was common organism 54(30.68%).Discussion and Conclusion: From present study we can conclude that bacterial corneal ulcer is less common than funga ulcer. Regarding bacteriological profile of culture positive corneal ulcer, we have observed that gram positive bacteria were common than gram negative. Among all staphylococcus aureus was common organism followed by pseudomonas. Regarding sensitivity of common organism isolated staphylococcus was 100% sensitive to vancomycin and azithromycin, sensitivity to fluoroquinolones were from 60 % to 80 %. More than 80% pseudomonas was sensitive to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. 77.27% patients were recovered at final follow up.