HLA and rheumatoid arthritis: an analysis of multicase families

In a study of multicase RA families, significantly raised frequencies of the HLA antigens DR4, DR1, Bw62, Cw3, A2, A31 and significantly lower frequencies of DR2, DR3, and B8 were found in probands compared to normal controls. When haplotype frequencies were compared between probands and controls, two haplotypes A2-B44-DR4 and A2-Bw62-DR4 were at higher frequency in probands. These differences no longer reached significance when only DR4-containing haplotypes were compared between probands and controls. A significantly lower haplotype frequency of A1-B8-DR3 was observed in probands compared to controls. This difference did not remain significant when only non-DR4 haplotypes were compared. Using an affected sibling pair ratio method, significant linkage between HLA and RA was found (P less than 0.01). Significant linkage was also observed between HLA and seropositivity. Analysis of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the DR locus did not support the suggestion that DR4-associated RA susceptibility was inherited as a dominant trait. In addition it did not support the notion of an additive effect of DR4 and DR1 in RA susceptibility as these antigens were not found together more frequently than predicted by their individual gene frequencies.

A controlled trial of continuous lumbar traction in the treatment of back pain and sciatica

A controlled trial of continuous lumbar traction in the treatment of back pain and sciatica showed similar improvements in both the treated group (weighted traction) and the control group (simulated traction). The findings of this study question the justification of admitting patients with back pain into hospitals for purposes of traction alone.

Monodehydroascorbate reductase from cucumber is a flavin adenine dinucleotide enzyme

Monodehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.6.5.4) was purified from cucumber fruit to a homogeneous state as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The cucumber monodehydroascorbate reductase was a monomer with a molecular weight of 47,000. It contained 1 mol of FAD/mol of enzyme which was reduced by NAD(P)H and reoxidized by monodehydroascorbate. The enzyme had an exposed thiol group whose blockage with thiol reagents inhibited the electron transfer from NAD(P)H to the enzyme FAD. Both NADH and NADPH served as electron donors with Km values of 4.6 and 23 microM, respectively, and Vmax of 200 mol of NADH and 150 mol of NADPH oxidized mol of enzyme-1 s-1. The Km for monodehydroascorbate was 1.4 microM. The amino acid composition of the enzyme is presented. In addition to monodehydroascorbate, the enzyme catalyzed the reduction of ferricyanide and 2,6-dichloroindophenol but showed little reactivity with calf liver cytochrome b5 and horse heart cytochrome c. The kinetic data suggested a ping-pong mechanism for the monodehydroascorbate reductase-catalyzed reaction. Cucumber monodehydroascorbate reductase occurs in soluble form and can be distinguished from NADPH dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, DT diaphorase, microsome-bound NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase by its molecular weight, amino acid composition, and specificity of electron acceptors and donors.

Field comparison between two nitrous oxide (N2O) passive monitors and conventional sampling methods

Field tests conducted over the range of 4-330 ppm nitrous oxide in hospital operating rooms as well as dental and veterinary clinics showed a prototype of the Landauer NITROX passive monitor compared more favorably with a Miran 1-A IR gas analyzer than either the Solid State Sensor or bag samples. All methods were tested simultaneously in a chamber designed to produce uniform real-time monitoring.

FERTILITY COMPENSATION OF CORNERSTONE MALE STERILITY OF WHEAT BY RYE

The genome of rye is known to compensate for the lost male-fertility gene(s) of wheat chromosome arm 4Aα in the Cornerstone male-sterility mutant. A search for the rye chromosome(s) involved in this compensation showed that chromosomes 2R and 4R are responsible. Only the short arms of these two chromosomes are the operative ones. Chromosome arm 4RS compensates in an erratic way, whereas 2RS compensates in a full and consistent way. The entire chromosome 2R compensates less well than the 2RS telocentric which reflects an antifertility factor(s) on 2RL. This may be a specific expression of the 2R genes for poor vigor which are located on only the long arm. 2RS will be a valuable piece of chromatin for the XYZ system of producing hybrid wheat.

Rehabilitation of the coronary patient

52 out of 56 patients with myocardial infarction completed a 6-week rehabilitation programme. The exercise programme started on the second day of admission and continued during the patient's stay in hospital and for 6 weeks thereafter, with weekly attendances at the hospital. All the patients were assessed monthly by a coronary rehabilitation team. 77% of the patients went back to work in an average time of 9.5 weeks after onset of the infarction; 61% went to their original jobs and 16% had to modify their jobs. The approximate hospital cost per patient for the complete course was 11.33 pounds.

Floctafenine (Idarac) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis

A double-blind controlled cross-over trial comparing floctafenine 1.6 g daily with soluble aspirin 4.0 g daily and matching placebo, in 48 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, is reported. Floctafenine and aspirin gave statistically significant reduction in morning stiffness, grip strength and better subjective assessment than the placebo. There was no difference in the relief of pain between the three treatments under the conditions of this trial where paracetamol was allowed as an additional escape analgesic. During the period of aspirin therapy there was a higher indicence of concurrent complaints, faecal occult blood loss and a reduction in haemoglobin. An open long-term study in 12 rheumatoid patients receiving floctafenine 1.6 g daily for 3--6 months showed satisfactory management of their clinical condition. There were no significant or serious side-effects or change in biochemical or haematological parameters, and patients completed their course of therapy.

Investigation Into Effect Of Crude Mixture Of Abrus Precatorius Seed On Hypothalamopituitary Gonadal Axis And Development Of Antifertility In Male Rats

To evaluate the antifertility effect of crude mixture of A. precatorius seeds at the dose level of 50 mg/kg body weight in adult male rats, after oral administration to male rats for 40 days, the rats were sacrificed and hormonal profiles, serum biochemistry, sperm count and histological changes were recorded. A sharp decrease in the serum levels of testosterone (0.70 ± 0.17 ng/ml), FSH (0.70 ± 0.22 lU/L), and LH (0.87 ± 0.35 IU/L) was detected compared to control (FSH, LH and testosterone levels 0.93 ± 0.15 ng/ml, 0.76 ± 0.28 IU/L, 1.44 ± .011 IU/L, respectively). A significant reduction of epididymal sperm count (2.34 million/mL) was noted in treated rats as compared to control group (7.87 million/mL). Histology of testes showed marked atrophy of the testes, which was characterized by disruption of the seminiferous epithelium and atrophy of the Leydig cells. Crude mixture of A. precatorius seed has a negative impact on male reproductive functions. It might be suggested that crude mixture of A. precatorius seeds might have antifertility property for male rats.   Keywords: Abrus precatorius; antifertility; male rat; testosterone. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i1.9234 BJAR 2011; 36(1): 103-109

Effect of garlic and vitamin B-complex in lead acetate induced toxicities in mice

The experiment was performed on 25 adult mice, (Swiss albino), weighing about 25 gm, maintained on standard pellet diet and drinking water ad libitum. All the mice were randomly divided into five equal groups (5x5). Each group comprised of five mice was marked as group A, B, C, D and E. In the present study an attempt has been taken to study the effect of Garlic and vitamin B-complex in lead induced toxicities in mice with the observation of some parameters as toxic signs and body weight, some haematological parameters like total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), haemoglobin content (Hb%) and Packed cell volume (PCV), some biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase SGPT/ALT, Serum glutamate Oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT/AST) and postmortem changes in mice. An attempt was also made to estimate the residual deposition of lead in body tissues i.e. blood, liver, kidney, brain and bone in mice. Mice treated with lead acetate showed severe toxic signs and significantly reduced total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, haemoglobin content and packed cell volume and significant elevation of SGPT and SGOT. But in case of mice treated by lead acetate along with Garlic and vitamin B-complex showed almost normal levels of haematological and biochemical parameters. From this experiment it is revealed that Garlic and vitamin B-complex has protective and curative effect in lead toxicity. The mean body weight of mice of group B (only lead acetate) was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased, in comparison with the other treated groups. Lead acetate group also significantly reduced (p < 0.01) total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin content was on 42 days of treatment. SGPT and SGOT were significantly elevated in all treated groups in comparison with control group. The liver of the mice of group B were blackish discoloration and enlarged. The significant reduction of lead in blood, liver and kidney was found in group E < C< D in comparison to group B (lead treated). The order of effectiveness was Garlic + Vitamin B- complex > Garlic > Vitamin Bcomplex. Key words: Garlic, vitamin B-complex, lead acetate, mice   doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v6i2.2337 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (2): 203-210

Comparative Efficacy of Piperazine Citrate, Levamisole and Pineapple Leaves Extract Against Naturally Infected Ascariasis in Indigenous Chickens

The experiment was carried out to determine the comparative efficacy of piperazine citrate, levamisole and pineapple leaves extract as anthelmintics against ascariasis in chicken in the Department of Pharmacology in collaboration with Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, during the period from July to October 2004. Accordingly forty chickens naturally infected with ascarid parasite were selected for this experiment. The chickens were equally divided into 4 (A, B, C and D) groups. Group A was kept as infected control, while groups B, C and D were treated with piperazine citrate, levamisole and pineapple leaves extract, respectively. Although pineapple leaves extract showed less effectiveness in reducing parasite count in postmortem examination than piperazine citrate and levamisole but its use may be encouraging because of less adverse effects. In all treated groups total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin estimation (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) significantly (p < 0.01) increased and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total leukocyte count (TLC) significantly (p < 0.01) decreased. Body weight was found to be increased following administration of piperazine citrate, levamisole and pineapple leaves extract. Key words: Piperazine citrate, levamisole, pineapple leaves, ascariasis, chicken doi:10.3329/bjvm.v4i1.1521 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (1): 27-29

Seasonal abundance of zooplankton and growth performance of prawn and fish in ponds of Rajshahi

The present study was conducted on seasonal abundance of phytoplankton of prawn based carp polyculture system fishponds for a period of six months from September 2006 to February in the village Meherchandi of Boalia thana under Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. During the study period, it was found that water temperature varied from 16.59°C (T2) to 29.82 (T1), transparency 26.72 (T1) to 40.13cm (T2), pH 7.21 (T1) to 8.0 (T2) DO 2.13 (T2) to 3.6mg/l (T2), CO2 4.63 (T1) to 10.63mg/l (T2), NH3N 0.001 (T1) to 0.0197mg/l (T2) and total alkalinity fluctuated from 85.38 (T1) to 147.75mgl (T2). A total four groups of zooplankton were identified where 5 rotifera (38.41%) was dominant followed by 3 cladocera (31.49%), 2 copepoda (21.84%) and crustacean larvae (8.26%). It was also found that zooplankton showed abundance in February. The highest total average zooplankton (18390.79±2144.63 cells/l) was recorded in T1 than T2 which might be due to the effective uses by high stocking density of fishes. Zooplankton showed positive correlation with pH, DO, CO2 and alkalinity in T1. In case of T2, positive co-relationship was found with pH, DO, CO2 and NH3-N. The mean values of highest final weight of M. rosenbergii, H. molitrix and C. catla were 89.20±8.62g (T1), 682.70±44.20g (T2) and 428.00±4.50g (T1) respectively, highest survival rate was found 76.25±6.25% (T1) of prawn and highest total average yield was obtained 940.65±259.43 kg/ha in T2 due to high stocking densities of prawn. Key words: Zooplankton abundance; physico-chemical parameters; carp polyculture; growth performance DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v29i1.9459 UJZRU 2010; 29(1): 9-15

Occurrence of common blood parasites of cattle in Sirajgonj sadar area of Bangladesh

 An epidemiological investigation was carried out on common blood parasites (protozoa and rickettsia) in clinically suspected (febrile, anorectic, non responsive to antibiotics therapy) cattle attended at District veterinary hospital of Sirajgong. Total 60 cattle were examined for blood parasite (protozoa and rickettsia) infection. Giemsa's stained were used on peripheral blood smears of suspected cattle. These slides were examined microscopically during September to October, 2004, of which 42 cattle (70 % of the total examined cattle) had Anaplasma infection (either Anaplasma marginale or Anaplasma centrale or both) and 2 cattle (3.3% of the total cattle) had Babesia infection but negative for other blood protozoal infection. Key words: Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, cattle, occurrence DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1300 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 143-145

Effect of concentrate supplementation on growth and reproductive performance of rabbit under rural condition

Crossbred New Zealand White meat type 8 male and 16 female rabbits aged 3.5 to 4.5 months weighing 9.5 to 13.0 kg were used in a 128 day trial to study the effects of concentrate supplementation on growth and reproductive performance of rabbit under rural condition. Rabbits were divided according to live weight into two treatment groups, i.e. T1 (conventional diet) and T2 (conventional diet + concentrate 75 g/d per rabbit) with four replications per treatment in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). All animals had free access to locally available green grasses. Results showed that, average daily live weight gain was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in T2 (13.02 ± 0.43 g/d) than T1 (5.30 ± 0.43 g/d) group. Litter weight at birth was better (p < 0.05) in T2 (180.38 ± 16.37g) than T1 (137.19 ± 16.37g) group. Litter size at weaning differed (p < 0.05) and the mean values were 1.37 ± 0.30 for T1 and 2.37 ± 0.27 for T2 group. Kit weight at weaning was superior (p < 0.01) in T2 (408.12 ± 3.85g) than T1 (310.62  ± 3.56g) group. Kit mortality up to weaning was higher (p < 0.01) in T1 (45.0 ± 10.07 %) than T2 (26.92 ± 10.7 %) group. These results indicate that, supplementation of concentrate in addition to conventional feeding may improve growth and reproductive performance of rabbit under rural condition.  Key words: Crossbred, New Zealand White rabbit, reproductive performance, growth, concentrate DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1296 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 129-132

Seroprevalence and mortality in chickens caused by pullorum disease and fowl typhoid in certain government poultry farms in Bangladesh

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and mortality in chickens caused by pullorum disease and fowl typhoid in five different government poultry farms according to three age groups during the period from June 2002 to May 2003. The overall seroprevalence of salmonellosis, especially pullorum disease and fowl typhoid was 26.67%. The mean seropositivity of five farms in three different age groups from each farm was 18.97±2.27%, 33.20±3.53% and 27.84±2.67% on 10th, 24th and 40th week of age, respectively. The mean seropositivity of three different age groups from each farm was 36.77±5.40%, 24.05±3.97%, 26.80±3.90%, 25.77±4.49% and 19.93±3.28% in Mirpur, Savar, Bogra, Kishoregonj and Tangail poultry farm, respectively. Fowl typhoid caused by S. gallinarum was the most predominant organism accounting for 295 isolates, and only 74 isolates were identified as pullorum disease caused by S. pullorum. The highest mean proportion of mortality due to fowl typhoid among five farms was 43.36±2.39% and was highly significant (P < 0.001) in 27-39 weeks age group. The proportion of mortality due to Pullorum disease was highly significant (P < 0.001) in day 0-13 weeks age groups and in respect of age, the highest mean value of pullorum disease was 10.47±1.14 from five farms.Key Words: seroprevalence; mortality; pullorum disease, fowl typhoid, chickensdoi: 10.3329/bjvm.v2i2.2539Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2004). 2 (2): 103-106

The genetics of the Xasta mutant of Drosophila melanogaster

Xasta flies appear to segregate five types of gametes in unequal numbers, namely two which contain both or neither of the chromosomes affected by the translocation and inversions, two further classes which contain one affected and one unaffected chromosome, and finally the remainder which have an unbalanced chromosomal content. These conditions are necessary to fit the results observed in crosses involving the Xasta stock. Xasta exhibits balanced polymorphism under crowded conditions and this may be due to the production of toxic substances byXalarvae which delay the development of wild type-larvae.