Simple cannulation procedure for serial blood sampling through cutaneous ulnar vein in chickens

The objective of the study was to collect repeated, low-stress blood samples from the ulnar vein of chickens required for pharmacokinetic studies or hormonal assays. The study used 5 apparently healthy, unsexed, commercial broiler chickens about 6 weeks old and weighing 1.7-1.9 kg for serial sampling of blood. The study prepared the birds prior to cannulation and penetrated the catheter through the skin and into the lumen of the ulnar vein. The study successfully carried out serial blood samplings in 4 of 5 cannulated birds. Heparin (10%) solution maintained patency and prevented blood clot formation inside the cannula. However, the study found repeated clotting occurring in 1 bird. Cannula failed to maintain patency; the study could not carry out blood sampling properly, which was attributed to air embolism that might have occurred during catheter manipulation or repeated filling of cannula with heparin solution. The study observed no hematoma or inflammation at the site of cannulation. Owing to the advantages and to facilitate compliance with nonhuman animal welfare, this technique seems simple and efficient, allowing adoption for serial blood collection in chickens.

Study of nephrotoxic potential of acetaminophen in birds

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of acetaminophen on kidneys of birds by comparison with diclofenac that is used as positive control. The birds of Group I served as negative control and received normal saline, whereas Group II birds received diclofenac injection (2.5 mg/kg IM) and Group III birds received acetaminophen injection (10 mg/kg IM) for a period of seven days daily. The birds treated with diclofenac showed severe clinical signs of toxicity accompanied with high mortality and significant increase (P<0.001) in serum creatinine and uric acid concentration. The creatinine and uric acid concentrations were consistent with gross and histopathological findings. The negative control and acetaminophen-treated groups showed no adverse clinical signs, serum creatinine and uric acid concentrations were normal, and no gross or histopathological changes in kidneys were observed. Thus, it was concluded that acetaminophen can be used for treatment in birds without any adverse effect on kidneys.

Safety evaluation of silk protein film (a novel wound healing agent) in terms of acute dermal toxicity, acute dermal irritation and skin sensitization

Acute dermal toxicity study was conducted in rats. The parameters studied were body weight, serum biochemistry and gross pathology. The animals were also observed for clinical signs and mortality after the application of test film. The dermal irritation potential of silk protein film was examined using Draize test. In the initial test, three test patches were applied sequentially for 3 min, 1 and 4 hours, respectively, and skin reaction was graded. The irritant or negative response was confirmed using two additional animals, each with one patch, for an exposure period of 4 hours. The responses were scored at 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the patch removal. Skin sensitization study was conducted according to Buehler test in guinea pigs, in which on day 0, 7 and 14, the animals were exposed to test material for 6 hours (Induction phase) and on day 28, the animals were exposed for a period of 24 hours (Challenge phase). The skin was observed and recorded at 24 and 48 hours after the patch removal. In acute dermal toxicity study, the rats dermally treated with silk film did not show any abnormal clinical signs and the body weight, biochemical parameters and gross pathological observations were not significantly different from the control group. In acute dermal irritation study, the treated rabbits showed no signs of erythema, edema and eschar, and the scoring was given as “0” for all time points of observations according to Draize scoring system. In skin sensitization study, there were no skin reactions 24 and 48 hours after the removal of challenge patch, which was scored “0” based on Magnusson/Kligman grading scale.

Effect of ochratoxin A on coccidiosis-challenged broiler chicks

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) on broiler chicks challenged with Eimeria tenella oocysts. Two hundred day-old, unsexed Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups. Each treatment consisted of five replicates and ten chicks per replicate, making the following treatments: group I: control; group II: OTA (1 mg/kg) daily through feed; group III: coccidia (orally inoculated with 50,000 E. tenella oocysts/chick on day 21); group IV: OTA (1 mg/kg) daily through feed + coccidia (orally inoculated with 50,000 E. tenella oocysts/chick on day 21). Six birds from each group were slaughtered on the 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th day post infection. The results showed higher mortality with severe gross lesions in caecum and a greater number of faecal oocysts in groups III and IV. The gross lesions observed in group IV were characterised by distension of caecum with blood-tinged content indicative of haemorrhagic typhlitis with mucosal tissue debris. Microscopically, lymphoid organs revealed severe lymphocytolysis and depletion with cellular sparsity in OTA treated groups. The increased severity of lesions in the caecum of group IV was attributed to the additive effect of OTA and E. tenella. Caecum exhibited severe haemorrhages, the presence of numerous second generation schizonts, matured merozoites and developing oocysts. Group IV showed an increase in the severity of coccidiosis which is due to the immunosuppressive effect of OTA. Thus, it was concluded that the expression of E. tenella and its pathological effects were maximum in the presence of OTA compared to the incidence of coccidiosis alone in broiler chicks.

Evaluation of high-grade sodium bentonite on performance and immune status of broilers, fed ochratoxin and aflatoxin

An experimental trial with 2×2×2 factorial design was conducted to assess the individual and combined effects of mycotoxins including ochratoxin A (OTA) (0 and 1.0 mg/kg), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) (0 and 0.5 mg/kg) and high-grade sodium bentonite (HGSB) (0 and 1.0%) in broilers. Significant depression of body weight, feed consumption, serum protein and serum albumin were noticed due to OTA, AFB1 and OTA+AFB1. The relative weights of pancreas, spleen and bursa were not altered significantly either by inclusion of OTA, AFB1, OTA+AFB1 or HGSB. Increases in the relative weights of liver and gizzard were observed in OTA, AFB1 and OTA+AFB1. Decreases in serum protein levels and increases in gamma glutamyl transferase were noticed in the OTA+AFB1 group. Also decreases in serum protein levels for alanine amino transferase and thymus were observed. The antibody titres against Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in all the treatment groups compared to control. HGSB reduced the toxicity of aflatoxin and marginally ameliorated the effect of OTA+AFB1 on some parameters.

Mechanisms of glucose intolerance in cystic fibrosis

AIMS

Although cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), a poor prognostic factor in cystic fibrosis (CF), is characterized by insulinopenia, the role of insulin resistance is unclear. Using a prospective study design, we measured insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell function and correlated glycaemic status with clinical parameters.

METHODS

Oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 60 stable adult CF patients. Insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function were measured using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2), Stumvoll and oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) indices.

RESULTS

Forty-two (70%) had normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 10 (17%) impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and eight (13%) CFRD. There was no difference in insulin sensitivity among the three groups (HOMA2: NGT 280, IGT 250, CFRD 339, P = 0.42; Stumvoll: NGT 0.128, IGT 0.126, CFRD 0.129, P = 0.76; and OGIS: NGT 515, IGT 472, CFRD 472, P = 0.12). Pancreatic beta-cell function (CFRD 50% vs. NGT 67%; P < 0.05) and first-phase insulin secretion were reduced in CFRD (250 vs. NGT 509; P = 0.004). First-phase insulin secretion was inversely correlated with 1-h (r = -0.74; P < 0.0001) and 2-h glucose levels (r = -0.34; P < 0.05). There was no difference in body mass index or poor lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s: CFRD 54% vs. NGT 65%; P = 0.43). However, there were more hospital admissions in the CFRD group (three vs. NGT one per patient per year; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CFRD is characterized by qualitative and quantitative defects in insulin secretion, but not insulin resistance, and is associated with increased hospital admissions for pulmonary exacerbations.

Transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa epidemic strain from a patient with cystic fibrosis to a pet cat

Chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is common in cystic fibrosis (CF) and certain strains are more transmissible and virulent than others. Of these, the Liverpool Epidemic Strain (LES) is highly transmissible and cross infection has been reported between patients with CF and healthy non-CF relatives. However, the risk of transmission from humans to animals is unknown. The first report of interspecies transmission of the LES strain of P aeruginosa from an adult patient with CF to a pet cat is described. This development further complicates the issue of infection control policies required to prevent the spread of this organism.

Utilization pattern and cost of sedation, analgesia and neuromuscular blockade in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES

To study the utilization pattern and the cost of sedatives, analgesics and neuromuscular blocking agents in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Trinidad and Tobago, for a period of twelve weeks. All patients admitted to the ICU were enrolled. No interventions were done. Data collected included demographics, diagnoses on admission, length of stay in the ICU, status of mechanical ventilation, patient outcome, quantity of sedatives, analgesics and neuromuscular blocking agents used in every patient and their cost.

RESULTS

There were 333 patient-days encountered from 34 patients studied. Midazolam, fentanyl and cisatracurium were the most commonly used sedative, opioid and neuromuscular blocking agents respectively. The total cost of drugs used for sedation, analgesia and neuromuscular blockade was approximately US$ 19,600 per annum. Cost for this treatment alone accounted for more than 50% of the total ICU drug costs. The costs were significantly higher in patients who stayed more than two weeks in the ICU when compared to those who stayed less than two weeks (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the utilization pattern and financial burden of sedation, analgesia and neuromuscular blockade in the delivery of critical care.