Author Correction: Association of monomeric C-Reactive Protein (m-CRP) with hypothalamic neurons after CRP hippo-campal administration in a model of dementia.

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2022; 26 (22): 8713-8718. DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202212_30543- PMID: 36524490-published online on December 15, 2022. After publication, the authors applied a correction to the funding statement: The authors extend their appreciation to the deputyship for Research & Innovation, Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia for funding this research work through the project number (lFP-2020-36). There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/30543.

Association of monomeric C-Reactive Protein (m-CRP) with hypothalamic neurons after CRP hippo-campal administration in a model of dementia.

OBJECTIVE: The ensuing ischemia due to the disruption of blood supply to the brain is one of the most common causes of stroke. Evidence suggests a clear association of the ischemic injury with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In response to the brain ischemia, a cascade reaction starts leading to neuronal damage due to oxidative stress and other inflammatory mediators. A pilot study was done, which showed that following stroke, monomeric-C-reactive protein (mCRP) is expressed in large quantities around the infarcted zone and this CRP is able to induce neurodegeneration and inflammation potentially perpetuating dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined both patient brain samples and excised mouse brain tissue, previously injected with 1.75 mg/mL mCRP into the CA1 area of the hippocampus through the stereotactic surgical procedures and followed them over a period of over 6 months. The distribution of mCRP was examined through immunohistochemistry (mouse anti-human mCRP-specific antibodies 8C10). RESULTS: We observed a novel finding: those micro vessels close to the injection location were strongly stained with mCRP only in the mice that had been injected with mCRP, indicating that this small blood vessel can spread it throughout the brain. CONCLUSIONS: mCRP found in the brain after a hemorrhagic stroke promotes damage over a large area via the induction of inflammation and degeneration of perivascular compartments.

Improved regeneration and transformation protocols for three strawberry cultivars.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is an economically important soft fruit crop with polyploid genome which makes the breeding of new cultivars difficult. Simple and efficient method for transformation and regeneration is required for cultivars improvement in strawberry. In the present study, adventitious shoot regeneration has been investigated in three cultivated strawberry plants, i.e., Festival, Sweet Charly and Florida via direct organogenesis using the in vitro juvenile leaves as explants. Explants were collected after sub-culturing on a propagation medium composed of MS supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BA; 0.1 mg/l GA3 and 0.1 mg/l IBA. To select the suitable organogenesis, the explants of the three cultivars were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of TDZ (1, 2, 3, and 4 mg/l), then incubated at a temperature of 22 °C ± 2. Medium containing 2 mg/l TDZ revealed the best regeneration efficiency with the three cultivars (72% for Festival, and 73% for Sweet Charly and Florida). After 4 weeks, the produced shoots were cultured on MS medium with different concentrations of BA and Kin to enhance shoot elongation. Results showed that the medium containing 1.5 mg/l BA and 0.5 mg/l Kin revealed highest elongation efficiency (88% and 94%) for Festival and Sweet Charly, respectively. On the other hand, medium containing 1.5 mg/l BA and 0.1 mg/l Kin showed highest elongation efficiency (90%) in Florida. Elongated shoots were successfully rooted on MS medium containing 1.5 mg/l NAA. Furthermore, transformation of the two cultivars, Festival and Sweet Charly, has been established via Agrobacterium strain LBA44404 containing the plasmid pISV2678 with gus-intron and bar genes. Three days post co-cultivation, GUS activity was screening using the histochemical assay. The results showed 16% and 18% of the tested plant materials has changed into blue color for Festival and Sweet Charly, respectively. Out of 120 explants only 13 shoots were developed on bialaphos medium for each cultivar, representing 10.8% bialaphos resistant strawberry shoot. The presence of the both genes bar and uid A was detected by PCR and Northern giving a transformation efficiency of 5%.

Establishment of regeneration and transformation system of sugarcane cultivar GT54-9 (C9).

Plant regeneration protocols for sugarcane GT54-9(C9) cultivar were developed for direct organogenesis and indirect somatic embryogenesis, using young leaf segments as explants by studying the influence of different concentrations and types of cytokinin and auxin hormones. For the callus formation from young leaves, a medium containing 4mg/l 2,4-D was found very effective. For embryo formation, MS medium supplemented with 1mg/l Kin and 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D was used. While in the case of direct organogenesis protocol, the medium containing 1mg/l BAP and 2mg/l NAA was the best for direct shoot formation. Data showed that the best shoot regeneration and elongation medium for direct organogenesis and indirect somatic embryogenesis was obtained on medium with 2 mg/l Kin and 0.1 mg/l BAP. Root induction was best performed on 2mg/l NAA and complete plantlets were hardened in the greenhouse before transferring to the field for further evaluation. For transformation, young leaf segments of sugarcane from the cultivar GT54-9(C9) were inoculated and co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LB4404 harboring the binary vector pISV2678 with the bar and the gus-intron genes. The obtained putative transgenic plantlets were able to grow under bialaphose containing medium. Stable integration of the bar gene into the plant genomes was tested by PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Histochemical assay and leaf painting analysis were carried out to study the expression of the gus and bar genes in transgenic plants, respectively. The results indicated that the direct organogenesis produced a higher yield of regenerated plants (22% more) within shorter time (4 weeks less). Therefore, this method is recommended for sugarcane regeneration and for further use in genetic transformation via A. tumefaciens with desired genes.

Temporal monitoring of the nor-1 (aflD) gene of Aspergillus flavus in relation to aflatoxin B1 production during storage of peanuts under different water activity levels.

AIMS: A relative quantification system (RQ-PCR) was used to monitor the correlations between the activity of the nor-1 (=aflD) gene of Aspergillus flavus using real-time PCR in relation to phenotypic aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1) ) production and populations of A. flavus in stored peanuts at three water activity levels (a(w) , 0·95, 0·90 and 0·85) for 6 weeks. METHODS AND RESULTS: Real-time PCR was used to amplify the nor-1 gene (target gene), and benA56 (ß-tubulin gene) used as a control gene. Expression of three structural genes, nor-1 (=aflD), ver-1 (=aflM), and omtA (=aflP), and the regulatory gene aflR of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway were also assayed. There were significant differences between nor-1 gene expression at the three a(w) levels; higher expression at 0·90 a(w) in weeks 1-3, when compared to 0·95. In contrast, in the driest treatment (0·85 a(w) ) none or very low nor-1 expression occurred. The populations of A. flavus colony-forming units (CFUs g(-1) ) increased over time with the highest at 0·95 a(w) . Highest AFB(1) production was at 0·90 and 0·95 a(w) from weeks 3-6. A(w) had a significant effect on aflR transcription at 0·95 a(w) over the 6-week period, while at 0·90 a(w) , only in the last 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Correlations between different factors showed that log AFB(1) × log CFUs, log AFB(1) × a(w) , and log CFUs × a(w) were statistically significant, while log CFUs × RQ-PCR and RQ-PCR × a(w) were not. The AflR gene may not have an important role in the regulation of nor-1 expression in food matrices (e.g. peanuts). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Determination of correlations between nor-1 expression and aflatoxin production by A. flavus in raw peanuts under different a(w) levels could be helpful to predict potential risk of aflatoxin production during storage of this hygroscopic food product and minimize contamination with the AFB(1) .

Pharmacokinetic, metabolism and withdrawal time of orphenadrine in camels (Camelus dromedarius) after intravenous administration.

The pharmacokinetics of orphenadrine (ORPH) following a single intravenous (i.v.) dose was investigated in six camels (Camelus dormedarius). Orphenadrine was extracted from the plasma using a simple sensitive liquid-liquid extraction method and determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Following i.v. administration plasma concentrations of ORPH decline bi-exponentially with distribution half-life (t(1/2)(alpha)) of 0.50+/-0.07h, elimination half-life (t(1/2)(beta)) of 3.57+/-0.55h, area under the time concentration curve (AUC) of 1.03+/-0.10g/hl(-1). The volume of distribution at steady state (Vd(ss)) 1.92+/-0.22lkg(-1), volume of the central compartment of the two compartment pharmacokinetic model (V(c)) 0.87+/-0.09lkg(-1), and total body clearance (Cl(T)) of 0.60+/-0.09l/hkg(-1). Three orphenadrine metabolites were identified in urine samples of camels. The first metabolite N-desmethyl-orphenadrine resulted from N-dealkylation of ORPH with molecular ion m/z 255. The second N,N-didesmethyl-orphenadrine, resulted from N-didesmethylation with molecular ion m/z 241. The third metabolite, hydroxyl-orphenadrine, resulted from the hydroxylation of ORPH with molecular ion m/z 285. ORPH and its metabolites in camel were extensively eliminated in conjugated form. ORPH remains detectable in camel urine for three days after i.v. administration of a single dose of 350mg orphenadrine aspartate.

The pharmacokinetics, metabolism and urinary detection time of tramadol in camels.

The pharmacokinetics of tramadol in camels (Camelus dromedarius) were studied following a single intravenous (IV) and a single intramuscular (IM) dose of 2.33 mg kg(-1) bodyweight. The drug's metabolism and urinary detection time were also investigated. Following both IV and IM administration, tramadol was extracted from plasma using an automated solid phase extraction method and the concentration measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The plasma drug concentrations after IV administration were best fitted by an open two-compartment model. However a three-compartment open model best fitted the IM data. The results (means+/-SEM) were as follows: after IV drug administration, the distribution half-life (t(1/2)(alpha)) was 0.22+/-0.05 h, the elimination half-life (t(1/2)(beta)) 1.33+/-0.18 h, the total body clearance (Cl(T)) 1.94+/-0.18 L h kg(-1), the volume of distribution at steady state (Vd(ss)) 2.58+/-0.44 L kg(-1), and the area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC(0-infinity)) 1.25+/-0.13 mg h L(-1). Following IM administration, the maximal plasma tramadol concentration (C(max)) reached was 0.44+/-0.07 microg mL(-1) at time (T(max)) 0.57+/-0.11h; the absorption half-life (t(1/2 ka)) was 0.17+/-0.03 h, the (t(1/2)(beta)) was 3.24+/-0.55 h, the (AUC(0-infinity)) was 1.27+/-0.12 mg h L(-1), the (Vd(area)) was 8.94+/-1.41 L kg(-1), and the mean systemic bioavailability (F) was 101.62%. Three main tramadol metabolites were detected in urine. These were O-desmethyltramadol, N,O-desmethyltramadol and/or N-bis-desmethyltramadol, and hydroxy-tramadol. O-Desmethyltramadol was found to be the main metabolite. The urinary detection times for tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol were 24 and 48 h, respectively. The pharmacokinetics of tramadol in camels was characterised by a fast clearance, large volume of distribution and brief half-life, which resulted in a short detection time. O-Desmethyltramadol detection in positive cases would increase the reliability of reporting tramadol abuse.

Fine needle aspiration vs. mTESE in non-obstructive azoospermia.

This study was carried out on 100 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) to compare between results and complications of fine needle aspiration (FNA) vs. microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) sperm retrieval. They underwent history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, serum follicle stimulating hormone estimation and scrotal Duplex. One testis was subjected to FNA screening whereas the other testis was subjected to mTESE and histopathology. Follow-up was by ultrasonography at 1, 3 and 6 months. The overall sperm retrieval rate was 54% by mTESE and 10% by FNA. Spermatozoa were retrieved by mTESE from all cases with hypospermatogenesis, severe hypospermatogenesis, 30% of Sertoli cell only (SCO), 16.7% of germ cell arrest and in 28.6% of tubular hyalinization. Sperms were retrieved by FNA in 33.3% of hypospermatogenesis, 9% in severe hypospermatogenesis, 5% in SCO, 16.7% in germ cell arrest, while no sperms were retrieved in the tubular hyalinization group. The total complication rate following mTESE was 10% in the early phase and none in the long-term follow-up compared to 24% of FNA side. It is concluded that mTESE is superior to FNA as regards sperm retrieval rate and lower incidence of complications in NOA patients.

Comparison of the effect of Sporobolus virginicus and Rhodes (Chloris gayana) hay diets on the absorption pattern of phenylbutazone in the camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The effect of feeding Sporobolus and Rhodes hay on phenylbutazone (4 g) relative absorption was examined in six camels using a two-period, two-sequence, two-treatment crossover design. Serum concentration of the drug was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The measured values (means+/-SD) for Rhodes and Sporobolus hay, respectively, were Cmax 35.59+/-22.36 and 36.55+/-18.99 microg/mL, Tmax 26+/-2.53 and 26.3+/-1.97 h and AUC0-72 h 1552+/-872.6 and 1621+/-903.6 microg h/mL. Broad plateau concentrations of phenylbutazone in serum were observed between 12 and 36 h. There was no significant difference in any parameter between the two feeding regimens. Multiple peaks in serum concentration-time curve were observed, regardless of the type of grass available to and the animals prior to drug administration. It was concluded that the phasic absorption of phenylbutazone was a particular feature of hay feeding in camels, and the Sporobolus hay can be fed to camels without any effect on the rate and extent of phenylbutazone absorption compared to Rhodes grass hay.

The disposition of diclofenac in camels after intravenous administration.

The pharmacokinetics of diclofenac was studied in camels (Camelus dromedarus) (n=6) following intravenous (i.v.) administration of a dose of 2.5 mg kg(-1) body weight. The metabolism and urinary detection time were also studied. The results obtained (median and range) were as follows: the terminal elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)) was 2.35 (1.90-2.73)h, total body clearance (Cl(T)) was 0.17 (0.16-0.21)lh kg(-1). The volume of distribution at steady state (V(SS)) was 0.31 (0.21-0.39)l(-1)kg(-1), the volume of the central compartment of the two compartment pharmacokinetic model (V(C)) was 0.15 (0.11-0.17)l kg(-1). Five metabolites of diclofenac were tentatively identified in urine and were excreted mainly in conjugate form. The main metabolite was identified as hydroxy diclofenac. Both diclofenac and hydroxy diclofenac, appear to be the main elimination route for diclofenac when administered i.v. in camels. Diclofenac could be identified up to 4 days following i.v. administration in camels using a sensitive gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of diphenhydramine in camels and horses after intravenous administration.

The pharmacokinetics of diphenhydramine (DPHM) was compared in camels (n = 8) and horses (n = 6) following intravenous (i.v.) administration of a dose of 0.625 mg/kg body weight. In addition, the metabolism and urinary detection time of DPHM was evaluated in camels. The data obtained (median and range in brackets) in camels and horses, respectively, were as follows. The terminal elimination half lives (h) were 1.58 (1.13-2.58) and 6.11 (4.80-14.1), and the total body clearances (L/h per kg) were 1.42 (1.13-1.74) and 0.79 (0.66-0.90). The volumes of distribution at steady state (L/kg) were 2.38 (1.58-4.43) and 5.98 (4.60-8.31) and the volumes of the central compartment of the two compartment pharmacokinetic model were 1.58 (0.80-2.54) and 2.48 (1.79-3.17). All the pharmacokinetic parameters in camels were significantly different from those of horses. Five metabolites of DPHM were tentatively identified in the camel's urine. Two metabolites, diphenylmethoxyacetic acid and 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-phenylmethoxyacetic acid, were present in the acid fraction. Two metabolites, desamino-DPHM and diphenylmethanol, were identified in the basic fraction, in addition to DPHM itself, which was present mainly as a conjugate. Even after enzymatic hydrolysis, DPHM could be detected for up to 24 h in camels after an i.v. dose of 0.625 mg/kg body weight.

Comparative disposition of tripelennamine in horses and camels after intravenous administration.

The pharmacokinetics of tripelennamine (T) was compared in horses (n = 6) and camels (n = 5) following intravenous (i.v.) administration of a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, the metabolism and urinary detection time was studied in camels. The data obtained (median and range in brackets) in camels and horses, respectively, were as follows: the terminal elimination half-lives were 2.39 (1.91-6.54) and 2.08 (1.31-5.65) h, total body clearances were 0.97 (0.82-1.42) and 0.84 (0.64-1.17)L/h/kg. The volumes of distribution at steady state were 2.87 (1.59-6.67) and 1.69 (1.18-3.50) L/kg, the volumes of the central compartment of the two compartment pharmacokinetic model were 1.75 (0.68-2.27) and 1.06 (0.91-2.20) L/kg. There was no significant difference (Mann-Whitney) in any parameter between camels and horses. The extent of protein binding (mean +/- SEM) 73.6 + 8.5 and 83.4 +/- 3.6% for horses and camels, respectively, was not significantly statistically different (t-test). Three metabolites of T were identified in urine samples of camels. The first one resulted from N-depyridination of T, with a molecular ion of m/z 178, and was exclusively eliminated in conjugate form. This metabolite was not detected after 6 h of T administration. The second metabolite, resulted from pyridine ring hydroxylation, had a molecular ion of m/z 271, and was also exclusively eliminated in conjugate form. This metabolite could be detected in urine sample for up to 12 h after T administration. The third metabolite has a suspected molecular ion of m/z 285, was eliminated exclusively in conjugate form and could be detected for up to 24 h following T administration. T itself could be detected for up to 27 h after i.v. administration, with about 90% of eliminated T being in the conjugated form.

Histological assessment of tissue repair after treatment of human schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is one of the main health problems hindering socio-economic development in Egypt. It affects millions at an early age, diminishing productivity and exerting a significant socio-economic impact. Schistosomiasis endemicity in Egypt varies in different areas. Schistosoma mansoni, with a prevalence generally ranging between 20 to 40%, has replaced Schistosoma haematobium in the Nile Delta, and the latter is now localized to upper Egypt with low endemicity levels (5-10%). The pathology of schistosomiasis consists essentially of a series of chronic inflammatory lesions produced in and around blood vessels by eggs or their products and sometimes by dead adult worms. If the ova continued to be deposited in sufficient numbers and over several years, they would ultimately lead to progressive fibrosis of the portal tracts and urinary bladder, or may be carried in blood and become trapped in the lungs, gastro-intestinal and genital tracts with only occasional association with other organs. The etiology of human pipe-stem fibrosis is still not understood. The host immune response and frequency of exposure and the time of re-infection interval appear to be involved in the overall process of fibrosis. Additional factors are probably involved in the human disease as genetic host susceptibility, malnutrition, repeated infections and repeated treatment, mixed infections including hepatitis, tuberculosis and typhoid. Reversibility of the fibrosis might be related to the proportion of the collagen types present. Immuno-histopathological demonstration of various types of collagen confirms the importance of time for administration of the treatment and period of follow-up. According to previous studies, the timing for treatment affects the reversibility of liver fibrosis emphasizing the importance of early treatment of schistosomiasis to prevent complications.

The pharmacokinetics, metabolism and urinary detection time of caffeine in camels.

The pharmacokinetics of caffeine were determined in 10 camels after an intravenous dose of 2.35 mg kg(-1). The data obtained (median and range) were as follows. The elimination half-life (t(1/2)) was 31.4 (21.2 to 58.9) hours, the steady state volume of distribution (V(SS)) was 0.62 (0.51 to 0.74) litre kg(-1)and the total body clearance (Cl(T)) was 14.7 (8.70 to 19.7) ml kg(-1)per hour. Renal clearance estimated in two camels was 0.62 and 0.34 ml kg(-1)per hour. In vitro plasma protein binding (mean +/-SEM, n = 10) to a concentration of 2 and 8 microg ml(-1)was 36.0 +/- 0.24 and 39.2 +/- 0.36 per cent respectively. Theophylline and theobromine were identified as caffeine metabolites in serum and urine. The terminal elimination half-life of the former, estimated in two camels, was 70. 4 and 124.4 hours. Caffeine could be detected in the urine for 14 days.

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and urinary detection time of flunixin after intravenous administration in camels.

The pharmacokinetics of flunixin were determined after an intravenous dose of 1.1 mg/kg body weight in six camels and 2.2 mg/kg body weight in four camels. The data obtained (mean +/- SEM) for the low and high dose, respectively, were as follows: The elimination half-lives (t1/2 beta) were 3.76 +/- 0.24 and 4.08 +/- 0.49 h, the steady state volumes of distribution (Vdss) were 320.61 +/- 38.53 and 348.84 +/- 35.36 mL/kg body weight, total body clearances (ClT) were 88.96 +/- 6.63 and 84.86 +/- 4.95 mL/h/kg body weight and renal clearances (Clr) were 0.52 +/- 0.09 and 0.62 +/- 0.18 mL/h/kg body weight. A hydroxylated metabolite of flunixin was identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) under electron and chemical ionization and its major fragmentation pattern was verified by tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) using neutral loss, daughter and parent scan modes. The detection times for flunixin and its hydroxylated metabolite in urine after an intravenous (i.v.) dose of 2.2 mg/kg body weight were 96 and 48 h, respectively.

Study of the efficacy of the new antischistosomal drug 10-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-9-acridanone-(thiazolidin-2-ylidene) hydrazone against an Egyptian strain of S. mansoni in mice.

The efficacy of 3 doses (10, 15 and 20 mg/kg) of the new antischistosomal drug Ro 15-5458 (10-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-9-acridanone-(thiazolidin-2-ylidene)hy drazone, CAS 092928-47-7) against an Egyptian strain of S. mansoni was studied in mice. The effect of duration of infection on the response of mice to treatment with 20 mg/kg was evaluated at 7 and 12 weeks after infection. The criteria used for the assessment of drug efficacy were: worn count and distribution in the liver and portomesenteric system, oogram changes in the small intestine, estimation of the number of ova/g stood, liver and intestine and histopathological examination of mice liver. Data revealed a dose dependent decrease in number of adult worms and number of ova/g stool, liver and intestine. A reduction of 83.6, 89.4 and 94.9% in mean number of schistosomes compared to control was recorded following treatment with 10, 15 and 20 mg/ kg of the drug, respectively. Oogram changes were more remarkable following treatment with 20 mg/kg as evidenced by complete disappearance of all immature stages. Treatment with Ro 15-5458 in a dose of 20 mg/kg resulted in complete disappearance of couples and 100% shift or worms to the live. Examination of mice liver 2 weeks post treatment revealed on changes in pathology following treatment with 10 mg/kg compared to control. Treatment with 20 mg/kg gave better results comparable to 15 mg/kg, a decreased number and size of granulomas with minimal areas of necrosis was observed. Parasitological cure was effectively achieved when treatment was initiated 7 or 12 weeks post infection. However, histopathological data revealed that the earlier the treatment the better the results.

Pharmacokinetics of phenylbutazone in camels.

OBJECTIVE: To document disposition variables of phenylbutazone and its metabolite, oxyphenbutazone, in camels (Camelus dromedarius) after single i.v. bolus administration of phenylbutazone, with a view to making recommendation on avoiding violative residues in racing camels. ANIMALS: 6 healthy camels (4 males, 2 females), 5 to 7 years old, and weighing from 350 to 450 kg. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected to 0, 5, 10, 15, 45, and 60 minutes and at 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 24, 26, 28, 30, 40, 48, 50, 53, and 60 hours after i.v. administration of 4.5 mg of phenylbutazone per kg of body weight. Urine was obtained in fractions during the entire blood sample collection period. Serum and urine phenylbutazone concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography; assay sensitivity was 100 ng/ml. Serum oxyphenbutazone concentration was measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; assay sensitivity was 10 ng/ml. RESULTS: Disposition of phenylbutazone was best described by a two-compartment open model. Mean +/- SEM elimination half-life was 13.44 +/- 0.44 hours. Total body clearance was 12.63 +/- 1.64 mg/kg/h. Renal clearance was between 0.3 and 0.4% of total body clearance. The elimination half-life of oxyphenbutazone was 23.9 +/- 2.09 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The elimination half-life and total body clearance of phenylbutazone in camels are intermediate between reported values in horses and cattle. Extrapolation of a dosage regimen from either species to camels is, therefore, not appropriate. Elimination of phenylbutazone in camels is mainly via metabolism. Owing to the long half-life of phenylbutazone and of oxyphenbutazone, and to the zero drug concentration regulation adopted by the racing commissioner in the United Arab Emirates, practicing veterinarians would be advised not to use phenylbutazone in camels for at least 7 days prior to racing.

Serological diagnosis of extraintestinal Sarcocystosis.

The present study was carried out on eighty patients attending Zagazig University Hospitals. Forty cases suffered idiopathic cardiac diseases (28 with cardiomyopathy, 8 with myocarditis & 4 with valvular lesions) and forty cases suffered idiopathic rheumatic diseases (30 with musculoskeletal complaints and 10 with myositis). Sera were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) using Sarcocystis fusiformis antigen in order to detect the role of Sarcocystis in initiation of these diseases. Twenty positive toxoplasmic sera and sera from twenty normal individuals were considered as control group. The sera of the investigated cases were tested against Toxoplasma gondii antigen to exclude it as one of the causative agents of these idiopathic lesions. No statistical difference was found between IFAT and ELISA in diagnosis of sarcocystosis (P < 0.05). Also, there was no cross reaction between Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma. This study showed that Sarcocystis can be considered as one of the possible causes of some idiopathic diseases.