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PubMed2006

Smoking expectancies for flavored and non-flavored cigarettes among college students.

Several tobacco companies have introduced specially flavored cigarettes, yet little is known about their appeal among college student nonsmokers, regular smokers, and those susceptible to smoking. Undergraduates (N=424) rated 12 brands of cigarettes on multiple attributes based on manufacturer advertisements. This paper focused on two brands with flavored and non-flavored versions (Camel and Salem). Despite brand, regular smokers and those susceptible to smoking initiation had higher positive expectancies and lower negative expectancies about smoking than nonsmokers. Flavored cigarettes elicited higher positive expectancies than non-flavored counterparts across all groups, including nonsmokers. Indeed, the degree to which flavored Camels had higher positive expectancies than Camel Lights was at least as large in a group of susceptible nonsmokers and experimenters (susceptible/experimenters). Despite being present in nonsmokers and susceptible/experimenters, negative expectancies were significantly lower for flavored versus non-flavored brands. Logistic regressions revealed that positive expectancies predicted "intention to try" each brand for regular smokers and susceptible/experimenters. These findings suggest that targeting the marketing of positive attributes may be useful in preventing smoking behavior.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

An inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibody to Rift Valley fever virus in humans, domestic and wild ruminants.

This paper describes the development and validation of an inhibition ELISA based on gamma-irradiated tissue culture-derived antigen for the detection of antibody to Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in humans, domestic and wild ruminants. Validation data sets derived from field-collected sera in Africa (humans=1367, cattle=649, goats=806, sheep=493, buffalo=258, camels=156) were categorized according to the results of a virus neutralisation test. In addition, individual sera from 93 laboratory workers immunized with inactivated RVF vaccine, 136 serial bleeds from eight sheep experimentally infected with wild-type of RVFV, and 200 serial bleeds from 10 sheep vaccinated with the live-attenuated strain of the virus, were used to study the kinetics of RVFV antibody production under controlled conditions. At cut-off values selected at 95% accuracy level by the two-graph receiver operating characteristic analysis the ELISA sensitivity ranged from 99.47% (humans) to 100% (sheep, buffalo, camels). The specificity ranged from 99.29% (sheep) to 100% (camels). Compared to virus neutralisation and haemagglutination-inhibition tests, the ELISA was more sensitive in detection of the earliest immunological responses in experimentally infected and vaccinated sheep. Our results demonstrate that the ELISA format reported here can be used as a safe, robust and highly accurate diagnostic tool in disease-surveillance and control programmes, import/export veterinary certification, and for monitoring of the immune response in vaccinees.

Africa↗

PubMed2006

Infectious causes of reproductive loss in camelids.

Reproductive losses in camelids are due to infertility, pregnancy loss, udder diseases and neonatal mortality caused by a variety of infectious diseases. Uterine infection and abortion represent the major complaint in camelid veterinary practice. The major infectious organisms in endometritis and metritis are E. coli and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. Abortion rates due to infectious diseases vary from 10% to more than 70% in some areas. Leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and chlamydiosis have been diagnosed as the major causes of abortion in llamas and alpacas. In camels, brucellosis and trypanosomiasis represent the major causes of infectious abortion in the Middle East and Africa. Mastitis is rare in South American camelids. The prevalence of subclinical udder infection in camels can reach very high proportions in dairy camels. Udder infections are primarily due to Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus. Neonatal mortality is primarily due to diarrhea following failure of passive transfer and exposure to E. coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Coccidia and Salmonella. This paper reviews the etio-pathogenesis of these causes of reproductive losses, as well as the major risk factors and strategies to prevent their occurrence.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

PubMed2004

Foot-and-mouth disease in camelids: a review.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South American camelids, in dromedaries and Bactrians is reviewed. Recent well-executed experimental studies in New World camels indicate that, although the llama and alpaca can be infected with FMD virus (FMDV) by direct contact, they are not very susceptible and do not pose a risk in transmitting FMD to susceptible animal species. They do not become FMDV carriers. Reports on FMD in dromedaries are, however, conflicting. Serological investigations in Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on thousands of camel sera were negative and experimental infections have been conducted on only a few dromedaries with one serotype and in one country. The design and execution of most of these experiments were poor and therefore the conclusions are questionable. From these investigations, it seems that dromedaries can contract the disease after experimental infection and through close contact with FMD diseased livestock, but do not present a risk in transmitting FMD to susceptible animals. They do not become FMDV carriers. Recent reports from Mongolia describe similar FMD lesions in Bactrian camels. However, so far no samples have tested positive for FMD. To clarify the situation in Bactrians, samples from suspected clinical cases should be tested because other viral vesicular diseases cannot be distinguished from FMD. Thus, further research on the epidemiology of FMD in camelids is necessary. This would include large-scale serological investigations and experimental infections with different FMD serotypes in connection with susceptible contact animals. The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) Code chapter on FMD includes camelids as being susceptible species to FMD, giving the impression that they are similar to cattle, sheep, goats and pigs in their potential involvement in the epidemiology of FMD. This is clearly not the case, and this issue should be re-addressed by the relevant authorities.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Zeta-crystallin displays strong selectivity for salicylic acid over aspirin.

Interaction of camel lens zeta-crystallin with aspirin was investigated by activity and fluorescence measurements. Aspirin minimally inhibited the oxidoreductase activity of the enzyme and weakly quenched its fluorescence. However, significant fluorescence quenching of zeta-crystallin coincided with the appearance of a fluorescence signal characteristic of salicylic acid thereby raising the possibility that salicylic acid might have been the moiety responsible for inhibition and fluorescence quenching. Direct fluorescence measurements showed that zeta-crystallin had a much higher affinity for salicylic acid than aspirin (K(i) of about 24 microM for salicylic acid versus 630 microM for aspirin). Salicylic acid was also far more effective in inhibiting zeta-crystallin than aspirin (K(i) values were 23 microM versus 820 microM, respectively). Inhibition kinetics suggested that salicylic acid interacted with zeta-crystallin via a binding site that was distinct from that of NADPH. Salicylic acid also interacted with and quenched the fluorescence of camel lens alpha-crystallin suggesting a general mode of interaction with lens proteins. Within the normal therapeutic concentrations of salicylic acid or aspirin, only crystallin-salicylic acid interactions might be significant. These results showed that camel lens zeta- and alpha-crystallin exhibited remarkable selectivity for salicylic acid over aspirin, and thus, could be considered as salicylate-binding proteins.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Dorsal spine injuries in Saudi Arabia--an unusual cause.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal injuries in Saudi Arabia. Camel collisions usually result in cervical spine injuries. Although extremely rare, dorsal spine injuries have also resulted from these accidents. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of the type of accident of all the patients with dorsal spine injuries was conducted at the supra-regional spinal injuries rehabilitation unit in Riyadh. RESULTS: Of all the patients' records reviewed, three patients' injuries to the dorsal spine had resulted from car accidents involving a camel. These patients, during further interviews, described in detail the exact mechanism of their injuries. Protective lateral bending to avoid the direct impact of the animal resulted in their injuries. CONCLUSION: Camel collisions remain a significant cause of mortality and morbidity although they affect the cervical spine most often. Dorsal spine injuries can result from protective lateral bending in unrestrained drivers and passengers.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1999

An unusual cause of depressed skull fracture: case report.

BACKGROUND: Camel collision accidents are a common occurrence in Saudi Arabia, with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Isolated injuries are rare because of the nature of impact sustained by the person. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old child with an isolated depressed skull fracture resulting from a camel collision is described. The other occupants of the car were crushed to death. The child sustained only an impact to his head, causing a compound depressed skull fracture with localized cortical damage. CONCLUSIONS: Camel collision accidents are a common cause of mortality and morbidity in Saudi Arabia. Isolated skull injuries are rare and result from a localized impact. This is the first report of a compound depressed skull fracture from such an incident. The extent of the problem and efforts toward prevention are described.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1998

Comparative studies on the sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction and microscopic examination for the detection of Trypanosoma evansi in experimentally infected mice.

Trypanosoma evansi, a protozoan parasite in the blood of camels is routinely diagnosed by finding the flagellates in the wet films or stained smear of peripheral blood, examined under a microscope. Although specific, this method is not sensitive at early stages of infection. We have tested the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the identification of T. evansi in different stages of infection in mice and compared its sensitivity with that of the standard microscopic examination method. Using a specific pair of primers, it was possible to identify T. evansi in the blood of infected mice. Experimentally, groups of mice were infected with T. evansi, isolated from a naturally infected local camel and blood samples were collected every day for 30 days post-infection. Direct microscopy or PCR was applied to detect parasitaemia. Results showed that during the acute phase of infection, parasites were detected by PCR three days earlier than by microscopy. Furthermore, the infected mice were consistently positive by PCR during the chronic phase while the parasites could not be demonstrated during this period using microscopic examination. These findings suggest that PCR may be applied to camel trypanosomosis during both acute and chronic phase of infection. Furthermore, it would provide an excellent tool in the evaluation of treatment of anti-trypanocidal drugs.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

A study of cystic echinococcosis in slaughter animals in three selected areas of northern Turkana, Kenya.

In an attempt to establish the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis, a study was conducted in slaughter animals in three divisions of northern Turkana, Kenya. A total of 5752 goats, 588 sheep, 381 cattle and 70 camels were examined at slaughter. Echinococcus granulosus metacestodes were found in 19.4% of the cattle, 3.6% of sheep, 4.5% of goats and 61.4% of camels. The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in cattle, sheep and goats was higher in Lokichogio than in either Kakuma or Central divisions. On the other hand, the prevalence of the disease in camels was higher in Central (84.6%) than either Lokichogio (70.6%) or Kakuma (50%). The differences in prevalence rates in different study areas are attributed to differences in environmental conditions, livestock stocking intensity and cross-border migration of livestock.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Cystic echinococcosis in Algeria: cattle act as reservoirs of a sheep strain and may contribute to human contamination.

In Algeria, cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a serious economic and public health problem. The common sheep/dog cycle is usually considered as the major source of human contamination. But to date the main strain of Echinococcus granulosus involved in the human contamination and the role of other hosts are still unknown. This paper reports an original work performed in northern Algeria combining field observations and molecular analysis. In a first step, examination of 6237 carcasses in slaughterhouses showed high infection and fertility rates in cattle and dromedaries. Then, in a second step, we used a molecular biology approach to identify the E. granulosus strain(s) involved. Forty-six samples from various origins were collected. They were analysed using comparison of PCR-amplified DNA sequences with one genomic (BG 1/3) and two mitochondrial (COI and NDI) targets. Results show the presence of a "sheep" strain of E. granulosus in North Algeria circulating between cattle and ovines and infectious to humans, whereas in South Algeria, a "camel" strain and a "sheep" strain were found to circulate in camels and in sheep, respectively. This study also reports an ambiguous genotype which resembled the "sheep" strain genotype (Gl) on the basis of the partial COI gene sequence, whereas on the basis of the partial NDI gene sequence, it was similar either to the "sheep" strain (Gl) or to the "camel" strain (G6). Besides its basic interest, our study confirms the role of other hosts (mainly cattle) in leading to transmission to humans and suggests that control measures should not only target sheep.

Algeria↗

PubMed2002

Several strains of Echinococcus granulosus infect livestock and humans in Argentina.

Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) sequencing, Southern blot of a repetitive DNA element and single strand conformation polymorphism of the 5' non-transcribed region of the cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH) gene were used to determine the extent and distribution of Echinococcus granulosus genetic variation in Argentina. Five distinct strains of E. granulosus were shown to exist in the country. The common sheep, Tasmanian sheep, cattle and camel strains were identified in humans. Unlike the situation found in other countries, where the common sheep strain is the major source of human contamination, the Tasmanian sheep and camel strains produced a significant number of human infections in some regions of Argentina. This is the first report of cattle strain in humans in South America. Goats could be the natural intermediate host of the camel strain, which was not identified in humans from other regions so far. More than one genotype was identified in the same geographic area. These findings may have important consequences for human health and the control of hydatid disease. Within-strain differences were also observed, showing the potential of variation of E. granulosus.

5' Flanking Region↗

PubMed1989

Observations on the suitability and importance of the domestic intermediate hosts of Echinococcus granulosus in Uttah Pradesh, India.

The present study investigated the suitability and importance of buffaloes, camels, sheep, goats and pigs in maintaining the life-cycle of Echinococcus granulosus in Aligarh, India. A total of 565 (36%) of 1556 buffaloes, 20 (2%) of 1208 goats, 5 (1%) of 559 pigs, 6 (6%) of 109 sheep and two of three camels were found to harbour hydatid cysts. The frequency distribution of the hydatid cysts in each intermediate host species was over-dispersed and in buffaloes cyst fertility increased with increasing cyst size. Of 2171, 95 and four buffalo, goat, and camel cysts examined 327 (15%), two (2%) and three cysts respectively were fertile. No pig or sheep cysts were found to contain protoscoleces. The unfenced buffalo abattoir and the large number of dogs allowed access to the abattoir coupled to the number of buffalo slaughtered in comparison to the other potential hosts, indicates that the buffalo is the most significant host for maintaining the life-cycle of the parasite in this area of India. Applicable control measures for the region are suggested.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2004

Crystal structure of a human VH: requirements for maintaining a monomeric fragment.

The variable domain of dromedary immunoglobulins comprises only the heavy chain and is missing the light-chain variable domain. This single domain is sufficient for antigen recognition and binding-half that required by other mammals. Human antibody-VHs have previously been camelized to be soluble stable fragments that retain antigen binding. Such engineered VHH are of interest in drug development, since they are nonimmunogenic, and in other biotechnology applications. We present the structure of a camelized human antibody fragment (cVH), which is a competitive and reversible inhibitor of the NS3 serine protease of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In solution, this cVH undergoes a concentration-dependent monomer-dimer equilibrium. The structure confirms the minimum mutational requirements of the VL-binding face. The fragment also suggests a means by which the observed dimerization occurs, highlighting the importance of the composition of the CDR3 in maintaining a truly camelized VH.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Purification and characterization of liver ferritins from different animal species.

The ferritins were purified from liver homogenates of buffalo, camel, cattle, sheep and shark by thermal denaturation, ammonium sulphate fractionation, Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration and DEAE-blue gel affinity chromatography. The yield and iron content of affinity-purified liver ferritins ranged from 0.008 to 0.052 mg/g and 3.17% to 11.4% respectively. As they are glycoproteins, the ferritins contained variable amounts of neutral carbohydrates. Except for shark ferritin, the ferritins all exhibited immunological cross-reactivity with anti-buffalo liver ferritin and anti-horse spleen ferritin by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis, gel filtration and ultracentrifugal analysis indicated the presence of a monomeric ferritin in all cases. SDS-gel electrophoresis of shark ferritin gave a protein band of 18 kDa. Ovine, buffalo and bovine ferritin comprised two protein subunits, the H (20 and 21 kDa) and the L types (18 and 19 kDa). Oligomeric ferritin subunits with molecular weights of 27, 37 and 55 kDa were also found for bovine and buffalo ferritin. SDS-PAGE of camel ferritin revealed a complex pattern with four prominent bands of 61, 51, 44 and 39 kDa. Two fast-migrating components of 15 and 16 kDa were also found in the purified liver ferritins, including reference preparations. The PO4(3-)/Fe ratios of purified shark (0.10) and bovine ferritin (0.12) were similar to that of standard equine spleen ferritin (0.11). However, the ratio was higher in ovine (0.17), camel (0.22) and bovine (0.26) ferritins. The amino acid compositions, molecular weights and sedimentation coefficients of the different liver ferritins were similar.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1993

Naturally occurring antibodies devoid of light chains.

Random association of VL and VH repertoires contributes considerably to antibody diversity. The diversity and the affinity are then increased by hypermutation in B cells located in germinal centres. Except in the case of 'heavy chain' disease, naturally occurring heavy-chain antibodies have not been described, although antigen binding has been demonstrated for separated heavy chains or cloned VH domains. Here we investigate the presence of considerable amounts of IgG-like material of M(r) 100K in the serum of the camel (Camelus dromedarius). These molecules are composed of heavy-chain dimers and are devoid of light chains, but nevertheless have an extensive antigen-binding repertoire, a finding that calls into question the role of light chains in the camel. Camel heavy-chain IgGs lack CH1, which in one IgG class might be structurally replaced by an extended hinge. Heavy-chain IgGs are a feature of all camelids. These findings open new perspectives in the engineering of antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Induction of CAMEL/NY-ESO-ORF2-specific CD8+ T cells upon stimulation with dendritic cells infected with a modified Ad5 vector expressing a chimeric Ad5/35 fiber.

Delivery of the full-length tumor antigen might be more successful in immunotherapy than single peptides and has the advantage that patients no longer need to be selected for their HLA type. In this study, we tested the in vitro induction of CAMEL/NY-ESO-ORF2-specific T cells by dendritic cells infected with an adenovirus (Ad) type 5 vector containing the fiber shaft and knob of human serotype Ad35 (Ad5F35 vector). Our data show induction of CD8(+) T cells specific for the known HLA-A(*)0201-binding CAMEL/NY-ESO-ORF2(1-11) epitope by DC infected with Ad5F35-CAMEL, but not by DC pulsed with the recombinant CAMEL protein. In one healthy donor, even CD8(+) T cells specific for a new HLA-B7-binding CAMEL/NY-ESO-ORF2(46-54) epitope were raised. In conclusion, the in vitro induction of CAMEL/NY-ESO-ORF2-specific CD8(+) T cells in healthy donors by DC infected with Ad5F35-CAMEL strongly supports further investigation of the Ad5F35 vector as a vehicle for gene transfer into DC for the generation of tumor antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in vivo.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed1980

The prevalence of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in Iraq.

The prevalence of infection with hydatid cysts in sheep, goats, cattle and camels slaughtered at Baghdad Abattoir was recorded over a period of 18 months. The infection rates were generally lower than had been reported in previous surveys but remained high in camels. The lower prevalence rates were attributed to the destruction of stray dogs, improved standards of meat inspection and an overall improvements in socio-economic conditions. The fertility rate of the cysts was higher in camels than in sheep or goats. All the cattle cysts were sterile.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The production and characterization of novel heavy-chain antibodies against the tandem repeat region of MUC1 mucin.

Camelidae are known to produce immunoglobulins (Igs) devoid of light chains and constant heavy-chain domains (CH1). Antigen-specific fragments of these heavy-chain IgGs (VHH) are of great interest in biotechnology applications. This paper describes the first example of successfully raised heavy-chain antibodies in Camelus dromedarius (single-humped camel) and Camelus bactrianus (two-humped camel) against a MUC1 related peptide that is found to be an important epitope expressed in cancerous tissue. Camels were immunized against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the tandem repeat region of MUC1 mucin and cancerous tissue preparation obtained from patients suffering from breast carcinoma. Three IgG subclasses with different binding properties to protein A and G were purified by affinity chromatography. Both conventional and heavy-chain IgG antibodies were produced in response to MUC1-related peptide. The elicited antibodies could react specifically with the tandem repeat region of MUC1 mucin in an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Anti-peptide antibodies were purified after passing antiserum over two affinity chromatography columns. Using ELISA, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting, the interaction of purified antibodies with different antigens was evaluated. The antibodies were observed to be selectively bound to antigens namely: MUC1 peptide (tandem repeat region), human milk fat globule membrane (HMFG), deglycosylated human milk fat globule membrane (D-HMFG), homogenized cancerous breast tissue and a native MUC1 purified from ascitic fluid. Ka values of specific polyclonal antipeptide antibodies were estimated in C. dromedarius and C. bactrianus, as 7 x 10(10) M(-1) and 1.4 x 10(10) M(-1) respectively.

Animals↗