Carpal conformation is thought to contribute to the frequency of carpal pathology so non-invasive measurement of carpal morphometry would be useful to identify joints at risk. However, there are scant radiographic morphometrical details for the carpals of Thoroughbred (TB) and Standardbred (SB) racehorses even though these breeds differ in the incidence of carpal damage. This study aimed to identify morphometrical similarities and differences in carpal conformation in TB and SB. Thirty carpal dorsopalmar radiographs (DP) were collected from 15 TB and 15 SB. All DP radiographs were at zero degrees or within the acceptable range of rotation. Twelve carpal radiographic parameters were selected and measured on each radiograph. Statistical analysis found significant differences in four carpal parameters. These parameters revealed that the middle carpal joint in SB was significantly more angled distomedially whereas the radial distal metaphysis showed a greater distolateral inclination in TB. The radiocarpal and the carpometacarpal articulations exhibited common features in the two groups of horses. These carpal traits in TB and SB highlight their potential association with loading distribution and pathology. Measuring carpi from untrained and injured horses is necessary to establish breed specific features for the ideal carpal conformation in each of these breeds.
Aiman Hussein Saleh Oheida, Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, Aiman Abdulghader Salim Shalgum, Mansur Ennuri Moftah Shmela, Mohamed A Marzok, Helen M S Davies(4-2019)

The imprinted expression of the IGF2 and H19 genes is controlled by the imprinting control region 1 (ICR1) located at chromosome 11p15.5. DNA methylation defects involving ICR1 result in two growth disorders with opposite phenotypes: an overgrowth disorder, the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (maternal ICR1 hypermethylation in 10% of BWS cases) and a growth retardation disorder, the Silver-Russell syndrome (paternal ICR1 loss of methylation in 60% of SRS cases). In familial BWS, hypermethylation of ICR1 has been found in association with microdeletion of repetitive DNA motifs within ICR1 that bind the zinc finger protein CTCF; but more recently, ICR1 point mutations were described in BWS pedigrees. We present a case report of two brothers with BWS and prolonged post-pubertal growth resulting in very large stature. A maternally inherited point mutation was identified in ICR1 in both brothers, which altered binding of OCT transcription factors. The same mutation was present on the paternally inherited allele of their unaffected mother. This is a second report of a point mutation causing ICR1 hypermethylation by altering an OCT-binding motif. The atypical growth phenotype of the brothers may be connected to the unusual underlying cause of their BWS. arabic 24 English 118
Rebecca L Poole, Donald J Leith, Louise E Docherty, Mansur Ennuri Moftah Shmela, Christine Gicquel,, Miranda Splitt, I Karen Temple, Deborah J G Mackay(2-2012)

Formaldehyde is an anxious gas used as a tissue preservative of cadavers in anatomy halls. Therefore, laboratory staff and students are at high risk of different clinical complications due to the continuous exposure to formaldehyde. The present questionnaire-based study evaluates the effects of formaldehyde exposure on veterinary students and staff in the anatomy gross dissection laboratory, University of Tripoli, Libya. A total of 104 students and 6 anatomy staff members completed a questionnaire of 24 questions related to the clinical symptoms observed after formaldehyde exposure and the answers were assessed using a six point (0-5) scale. Students had a high prevalence of nasal itching 78(75%), eyes burning 78(75%), excessive lacrimation 76(73%), eyes redness 60(58%), headache 64(62%) and respiratory distress 61(59%). Smoking and wearing glasses or gloves worsened many symptoms while wearing masks minimized other symptoms and male students were more affected than females. All anatomy staff members (100%) reported nasal itching, burning and congestion, eyes burning and redness, excessive lacrimation, cough and respiratory distress and less than that (83%) suffered from mouth dryness, headache, temporary loss of their ability to recognize the smell of formaldehyde and needed a physician assistance after the exposure to formaldehyde. The repeated exposure to formaldehyde in gross anatomy dissection has harmful effects on both students and staff member and finding alternative preservation methods, such as freezing, would be safer than using the formaldehyde. arabic 12 English 74
Fahima A Alnagar, Mansur Ennuri Moftah Shmela, , Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, , Fathia mahmoud Mohammad Ashour, Amal Omar Elarif Buker, Anwar Mustafa Abdalhadi Abdalmula(10-2015)