Comparative study of Anaplasma parasites in tick carrying buffaloes and cattle

A comparative study on the prevalence of Anaplasma parasite was conducted on ticks carrying buffaloes and cattle. Five hundred blood samples of both animals (250 of each) were collected during February, March and April. Thin blood smears on glass slides were made, fixed in 100% methyl alcohol and examined. Microscopic examination revealed that 205 (41%) animals had Anaplasma parasites, out of which 89, 44 and 72 animals had Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale and mixed infection respectively. Infected buffaloes and cattle were 75 and 130 respectively. The infection in female was 53 and 92 in buffaloes and cattle respectively. Twenty-two and 92 blood samples of male were found positive in buffaloes and cattle respectively. Comparative study revealed that the cattle were 26.82% more susceptible than buffaloes. The parasite prevailing percentage in female of both animals was slightly higher than that of the male. This investigation was aimed at studying the comparative prevalence of Anaplasma parasite in tick carrying buffaloes and cattle.

Effect of post-mating GnRH analogue (buserelin) treatment on PGF2alpha release in ewes and ewe lambs

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of buserelin or saline treatment on ovarian function (Experiment 1), plasma PGFM concentrations and oxytocin stimulated prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) release (Experiment 2) in ewe lambs and ewes. Welsh Halfbred ewes (n=26) and ewe lambs (n=24) were mated to vasectomised rams at synchronised oestrus and on Day 12 post-mating each animal was injected intramuscularly either normal saline or 4 microg buserelin. In Experiment 1, plasma progesterone and oestradiol concentrations were determined in samples collected by jugular venepuncture 1h before and at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment (n=7 per treatment group). Progesterone concentrations increased (P<0.05) from 2 to 8h after buserelin treatment and returned to basal levels after 72 h, whereas oestradiol concentrations were maximal at 2h post-treatment and returned to basal levels after 24h (P<0.05). Oestradiol concentrations were lower (P<0.05) in buserelin-treated animals than controls at 72 h post-treatment. Basal and post-treatment progesterone concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in ewes than in ewe lambs but oestradiol levels were similar for both age groups. Ovulation rate, determined by laparoscopy on Day 14, was similar for both age groups (ewes 1.1; ewe lambs 1.0). Buserelin treatment induced accessory corpora lutea in ewes (4/7; 57%) but not in ewe lambs (0/7; 0%). In the Experiment 2, plasma PGFM concentrations were determined in samples collected at 20-min intervals for 6h on Day 14 and at 20-min intervals for 1h before and at 10-min intervals for 1h and then at 20-min intervals for a further 3h period after an intravenous injection of oxytocin (1IU/kg body weight) on Day 15 post-oestrus. In this experiment there were five ewe lambs and six ewes per treatment group. There was no effect of buserelin treatment or age on basal PGFM concentrations on either Day 14 or 15. Although peak PGFM concentrations tended to be lower in buserelin-treated animals, the difference was not significant (P>0.05). However, peak duration following oxytocin challenge on Day 15 post-mating was shorter (P<0.05) in control ewes compared with control ewe lambs. In conclusion, buserelin treatment given on Day 12 post-oestrus enhances luteal function more in ewes than ewe lambs and after a transitory increase, reduces oestradiol concentrations in both ewes and ewe lambs. However, buserelin treatment does not significantly attenuate the luteolytic signal.

Preparation and in vitro stability of (n,γ) yttrium-90 hydroxyapatite

Yttrium-90, produced by irradiating Y2O3 (15 mg) in the Pakistan Research Reactor (PARR-I) at a flux of approximately 1.5x10(14) neutrons/cm2/s, was used to prepare yttrium-90 hydroxyapatite particles for radiosynovectomy applications. The irradiated material was dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid, evaporated and taken up in distilled water. The 120 h irradiation resulted in the production of approximately 12GBq (324mCi) of 90Y at the end of irradiation (EOI) and the corresponding specific activity was approximately 1017GBq/g of yttrium. Hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were synthesized by an already reported method. Labeling of HA particles with 90Y was studied without a transchelating agent. Labeling yields of approximately 100% could be achieved with 40 mg of HA and 0.4 mg of 90Y. In vitro studies showed <2% loss of 90Y activity in normal saline and 1% human serum albumin solution over a period of 8 days. The high labeling yield, good stability and ease of preparation of the 90Y-HA particles indicate that these particles may find wide application in radiation synovectomy.

Azithromycin in bronchiolitis obliterans complicating bone marrow transplantation: a preliminary study

Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a serious noninfectious pulmonary complication following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, may have a beneficial effect in BO through its anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential effect of azithromycin on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in BO complicating BMT. PFTs of 153 post-BMT patients were followed; eight patients out of 153 (12%) developed obstructive airway disease on their PFTs, along with characteristic findings of BO on high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. These patients were given azithromycin 500 mg q.d. for 3 days, followed by 250 mg three times a week for 12 weeks. Clinically significant improvements were achieved both in forced vital capacity, where the mean (95% confidence interval) increase reported was 410 mL (0.16-0.65), which was an average improvement of 21.57%, and in the forced expiratory volume in one second, where the mean increase noticed was 280 mL (0.10-0.44), which was an average improvement of 20.58%. In conclusion, the potential role of azithromycin in the treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans is intriguing and it warrants further testing.

Sprinting on a running track: a rare cause of a Lisfranc dislocation

We present a case report of a young man who sustained a serious foot injury while sprinting in a straight line. We discuss the management of these injuries and emphasise the importance of a high index of suspicion amongst orthopaedic, casualty and radiology trainees.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Multan: species identification

OBJECTIVE

To identify the Leishmania species being responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Multan.

METHOD

Parasites were isolated from clinically and parasitologically confirmed lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis from 30 patients by fine needle aspiration (FNA). The bioptical materials were then cultured in Evans Tobie's medium and parasites isolated were identified by isoenzyme electrophoresis technique.

RESULTS

Successful Leishmania isolates were obtained from 16 patients. All strains were identified by biochemical techniques as belonging to Leishmania tropica zimodeme MON7 variant PGD.

CONCLUSION

The causative species was identified as Leishmania tropica.

Relationship between intrafollicular concentrations of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and steroid hormones in oestrogenic and non-oestrogenic ovarian follicles in the mare

The objective of the present study was to determine whether parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) is present in the equine follicular fluid and if so, how it is related to the follicular development in the horse. For this purpose, ovaries were collected from 40 Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred Cross mares at slaughter during the period from February to May. Normal growing follicles were dissected from the ovaries of each mare and their diameters measured. A total of 174 follicles was used in this study. The follicular fluid was aspirated from each follicle and assayed for PTHrP, oestradiol (E), testosterone (T) and progesterone (P). The follicles were classified as either oestrogenic or non-oestrogenic if the follicular fluid content of oestradiol was >40 or <40 ng/ml, respectively. PTHrP concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in oestrogenic follicles, but T and P concentrations did not differ. Furthermore, E:T ratio was significantly (P<0.05) greater in oestrogenic follicles compared to the non-oestrogenic ones. The mean diameter of oestrogenic follicles was significantly (P<0.05) greater than that of non-oestrogenic ones. The higher concentrations of PTHrP observed in the follicular fluid of healthy oestrogenic follicles suggest that it may have a role in the control of ovarian function.

hCG treatment on day of mating improves embryo viability and fertility in ewe lambs

An investigation was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing hCG at mating time on luteal function, conceptus growth, placentation and reproductive performance in TexelxClun Forest ewe lambs. After oestrus synchronisation with progestagen sponges and PMSG ewe lambs were treated either with normal saline (n=102) or 150 IU of hCG (n=105) at mating time. At 25 days after mating 24 animals were slaughtered from each group to determine embryo viability and placental development. hCG significantly (P<0.05) increased crown-rump length (saline: 11.9+/-0.2 mm; hCG: 12.7+/-0.2 mm), amniotic sac width (saline: 11.4+/-0.4 mm; hCG: 12.0+/-0.3 mm) and the number of placentomes (saline: 90.8+/-7.3; hCG=122.4+/-6.3). Among the pregnant animals that were slaughtered on 25 days post-mating, ovulation rate tended to be higher in the hCG group compared to controls (saline: 1.16; hCG: 1.54). However, no difference was observed either in mean plasma progesterone concentrations (saline: 4.6 ng/ml; hCG: 4.9 ng/ml; sed 0.56) or in progesterone production from luteal slices when cultured in vitro (saline: 239.6+/-11.8 ng/mg; hCG: 263.2+/-13.6 ng/mg) between controls and hCG treated animals. Reproductive performance was also recorded in ewe lambs that were either treated with saline (n=78) or hCG (n=81). The total number of lambs born (saline: 38; hCG: 58) was significantly (P<0.05) greater in hCG group compared to saline-treated controls. Both lambing percentage (saline: 36%; hCG: 48%) and litter size (saline: 1.35; hCG: 1.48) tended to be greater (P<0.10) in hCG-treated animals compared to the controls. In conclusion, these data suggest that treatment of ewe lambs with hCG at the time of mating improves conceptus growth, placentation and number of lambs born.

Factors affecting the survival of sheep embryos after transfer within a MOET program

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) has the potential to increase the rate of genetic improvement in sheep. However, better realization of this potential requires maximum survival rates of transferred embryos of high genetic merit after transfer into recipient ewes. These studies were therefore conducted to investigate the effect of both embryonic and recipient ewe factors on the survival rate of transferred embryos. Survival rate was similar after transfer of morula or blastocyst stage embryos, and these were higher (P<0.05) than for very early morulae and early morulae. Advanced embryos (Day 5 blastocyst) had an advantage (P<0.05) in survival rate over retarded embryos (Day 6 morula). Grades 1 and 2 embryos survived significantly (P<0.05) better than Grades 3 or 4 embryos. There was no difference in embryo survival rate following transfer to recipients with different numbers of corpora lutea. In general, age or parity of recipient ewes did not affect embryo survival rate, although a higher (P<0.05) embryo survival rate was observed for yearling recipients. Buserelin (GnRH agonist) treatment of recipient ewes 5 or 6 days after transfer of embryos (Day 12 of the cycle) did not improve embryo survival rate. These results confirm that both embryonic and recipient factors can play an important role in the success of a MOET program in sheep.

Selective removal of chromates by macroporous exchanger Amberlyst A-21

Sorption studies of chromate on weakly basic macroporous anion exchanger Amberlyst A-21 were performed as a function of pH (2 - 9), temperature (20 - 40 degrees C) and concentration (0.4 - 80 mmol.l(-1)). Chromate sorption was observed to decrease with the increase in initial pH of the solution, with a sorption maxima at pH 2 and increased with the increase in temperature. The changes in pH and in the ratio of choride ions released to chromate ions sorbed suggested that the anion exchange process was accomanied by hydrolysis and Donnan invasion. The FTIR spectra and isoeteric heat of sorption besides showing the hydrolysis / Donnan invasion of resin under different experimental conditions of concentration, pH and temperature also showed the dimerization of the chromate species inside the resin phase.

Milk production and composition, ovarian function, and prostaglandin secretion of dairy cows fed omega-3 fats

Four multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment to study the effects of fat sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids on milk production and composition, follicular development, and prostaglandin secretion. All cows were fed a total mixed diet containing 60% grass silage and 40% concentrate. The four treatments were concentrates based either on Megalac, formaldehyde-treated whole linseed, a mixture (50:50, oil basis) of fish oil and formaldehyde-treated whole linseed, or no fat source in the concentrate but with 500 g per day of linseed oil being infused into the duodenum. Feed intakes and milk yield were similar among treatments. In general, the lowest digestibility was observed for the formaldehyde-treated whole linseed treatment. Feeding fish oil decreased milk fat and protein percentages. Alpha-linolenic acid increased from 1.0 to 13.9% of milk fatty acids with linseed oil infusion. This confirms the high potential to incorporate alpha-linolenic acid into milk, and suggests that the formaldehyde treatment had little effect to limit biohydrogenation in the rumen. Increasing the supply of alpha-linolenic acid to these cows did not result in an increase in the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid in milk. Levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2alpha in plasma were higher for cows receiving formaldehyde-treated linseed and fish oil. Increases in this metabolite in response to oxytocin challenge, tended to be lower for cows given linseed either as sole oil supplement in the diet or as a duodenal infusion of linseed oil. Follicle dynamics were similar among treatments. Larger corpora lutea (CL) were found with cows that received high levels of omega-3 fatty acids through the diet as formaldehyde-treated linseed or as a mixture of formaldehyde-treated linseed and fish oil, although CL were smaller when cows were infused with linseed oil into the duodenum. These results suggest that the improvement in gestation rate that was observed when feeding increased levels of alpha-linolenic acid in earlier work may partly result from lower levels of production of the dienoic prostaglandin PGF2alpha.

An up-regulation of renal alpha(2)A-adrenoceptors is associated with resistance to salt-induced hypertension in Sabra rats

This study investigates the incidence of high-salt diet in blood pressures, renal alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes distribution, and gene expression in salt-sensitive (SBH) and salt-resistant (SBN) Sabra rats. Comparisons have been made between SBH and SBN rats submitted to a normal or a high-salt diet for 6 weeks. Only alpha(2)B-adrenoceptors are detected in kidneys of SBH rats, whatever the diet. In contrast, mRNA corresponding to alpha(2)A- and alpha(2)B-subtypes are found in this substrain. In these rats, high-salt diet increases blood pressures and up-regulates gene expression and density of only alpha(2)B-adrenoceptors. Inversely, alpha(2)A- and alpha(2)B-adrenoceptors and corresponding mRNA are found in kidneys of SBN rats. In these rats, a high-salt diet does not affect blood pressures but increases gene expression and densities of both alpha(2)A- and alpha(2)B-adrenoceptors. If the up-regulation of renal alpha(2)B-adrenoceptor subtypes is indicative of the hypertensive phenotype, the present study shows that this mechanism is also present in normotensive salt-resistant Sabra rats. In fact, the absence of alpha(2)A-adrenoceptors in SBH could be responsible for the lack of adequate receptor-mediated renal functions predisposing to salt-sensitivity and consequently the development of hypertension. Conversely, the presence of this receptor in SBN rats and its up-regulation could be protective change against the increase of alpha(2)B-adrenoceptors induced by the salt overload and could consequently be responsible for the resistance to salt-induced hypertension.

Profile of patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis from Multan

OBJECTIVE

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Multan. Therefore this study was undertaken to elucidate the epidemiological features with main emphasis on the geographical distribution of the infection in Multan.

SETTINGS

Multan city. Dermatology Outpatient Department, Nishtar Medical College.

METHOD

Records of 173 diagnosed patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis were retrospectively reviewed according to the age, sex, number and site of lesions, results of the smear for LD bodies and residential area.

RESULTS

The disease was more common in the children and young adults, with male to female ratio of 3:2. The maximum number of lesions were on the lower legs. Sixty five percent of the patients were from the interior old city.

CONCLUSION

The main focus of infection is in old interior part of the city with microfoci of the disease scattered throughout the city.

The repeatability of superovulatory response and embryo recovery in sheep

Over an 8-year period, a total of 328 Scottish Blackface donor ewes were involved in a MOET program. They were synchronized with fluorogestone acetate sponges and superovulated with ovine FSH. After the onset of estrus, ewes were hand-mated and laparoscopic artificial insemination was performed with fresh semen 44-46 h after sponge removal. Embryos were recovered semi-laparoscopically on either Day 5 or Day 6 after insemination. Of the 328 donor ewes used, 222 ewes were supervoulated only once, while the remaining ewes were superovulated either twice (73 ewes), 3 times (26 ewes) or 4 times (7 ewes) at yearly intervals to generate a maximum of 474 records for subsequent analysis. There was no significant change in either mean ovulation rate or the mean number of embryos recovered per donor ewe at successive treatments. However, significant (P < 0.05 at least) effects of both year and donor ewe age existed for superovulatory response and number of embryos recovered, though only the effect of year was significant (P < 0.001) for percentage embryo recovery. Repeatability was significant (P < 0.05 at least) for both superovulatory response (r = 0.55, s.e. 0.055) and number of embryos recovered (r = 0.38, SE 0.074), but not for percentage embryo recovery (r = 0.04, SE 0.102).

Milk production, milk composition, and reproductive function of dairy cows fed different fats

Thirty-five non-gestating multiparous Holstein cows averaging 571 kg of BW (SE = 8) were allotted at 9 wk postpartum to one of two dietary fat supplements based on either Megalac® (Volac Ltd., Roston, Hertfordshire, UK) and solvent extracted flaxseed meal (MEGA) or whole flaxseed treated with formaldehyde (FLAX) to determine the effects on milk production and composition, follicular development, gestation rate, and fatty acid (FA) composition of blood. Cows were fed a total mixed diet based on ryegrass silage and fat supplements for ad libitum intake. The experiment was carried out between weeks 9 and 19 of lactation. Dry matter (DM) intake and change in body weight were similar for cows fed MEGA and FLAX. Milk production was higher for cows fed MEGA than for those fed FLAX (19.8 vs. 18.6 kg d–1) as was 4% fat-corrected milk yield (22.9 vs. 20.2 kg d–1). Increased fat mobilization could have contributed to increased milk yield when cows were fed MEGA compared with when they were fed FLAX as plasma concentrations of non-esterified FA and cholesterol increased more from weeks 9 to 19 of lactation for cows fed MEGA. Milk fat percentage tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for cows fed MEGA (4.62%) compared with those fed FLAX (4.37%). Milk protein percentage was higher for cows fed FLAX (3.09%) than for those fed MEGA (2.95%), indicating that formaldehyde protection of flaxseed was adequate to partly prevent ruminal degradability of protein in the seed. Milk fatty acid concentrations of C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C14:1, C18:0, C18:3, and C20:5 were higher for cows fed FLAX than for those fed MEGA while the inverse was observed for C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, and C18:2. Cows fed FLAX had lower blood concentrations of C16:0 than those fed MEGA. There was a significant interaction (P < 0.05) between week and diet for C18:0 and C18:2 with a decrease in C18:0 blood concentration for cows fed MEGA and an increase for those fed FLAX between weeks 9 and 19, while the inverse was observed for C18:2. Blood concentrations of C18:1 were similar for both treatments. Conception rate was significantly lower for cows fed MEGA (50.0%) compared to those fed FLAX (87.5%). Diet had no effect on the size of the largest and second largest follicles, or on the difference between the diameter of the largest and second largest follicles. The number of class 1 (1.09 vs. 0.86), 2 (1.33 vs. 0.86), and 3 (1.28 vs. 0.98) follicles was similar for MEGA and FLAX although the total number (3.70 vs. 2.70) of follicles tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for cows fed MEGA than for those fed FLAX. These data suggest that dietary FA have an effect on gestation rate, but this could not be explained by differences in follicle dynamics or number. However, additional trials with greater numbers of animals are needed to confirm the reproductive results. Key words: Dairy, flaxseed, milk production, reproduction, fatty acids

Rectal Pulse Granuloma

Pulse granuloma is a rare benign entity, most likely representing a foreign body reaction to vegetable particles. We report a case of a pulse granuloma involving the rectum. The patient presented with a submucosal and intramuscular mass lesion found at routine rectal examination and subsequent colonoscopy. The mass was excised and the microscopic examination revealed acute and chronic inflammatory cells, foreign-body giant cells, vegetable matter, and convoluted hyaline rings and scattered circular structures containing basophilic granules, consistent with pulse granuloma. There are a few reports in the literature of pulse granulomas, with most occurring in the oral cavity or lungs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported example of pulse granuloma in the rectum. Although rare, familiarity with this entity's distinctive histopathologic features may avoid a delay in diagnosis and prevent the expense of distinguishing it from its histologic lookalikes.

Gastric phytobezoar: treatment using meat tenderizer

In summary bezoars are rarely symptomatic. CT scan of the abdomen is rapidly becoming the first tool of diagnosis, while endoscopy still remains the best diagnostic test. Medical treatment is usually successful, as in this case and rarely do patients require surgery.

[Evaluation and fate of the organic chlorine pesticides at the waters in Jiulong River Estuary]

18 Organochlorine Pesticides at the water(surface water and porewater) in Jiulong River Estuary were determined. The range of organochlorine pesticides at surface water was 51.3-2479 ng/L, and the concentration in porewater was 266-33,355 ng/L. The results showed that the organochlorine pesticides were removed in the estuary and the sediments were the reservior of the organochlorine pesticides. Compared with the results of other harbor and estuaries, it showed that the contamination for organic chlorine pollutants in Jiulong River Estuary was similar to those of others. At the same time, the risk of organochlorine pesticides in the estuary was evaluated.

The effect of recombinant GH treatment on ovarian growth and atresia in sheep

This study investigated the effect of recombinant bovine GH (rGH) on follicle development and LH secretion patterns in ewes. In Experiment 1, 20 ewes (n=10/group) synchronized with progestagen sponges on Day 0 received either a 7 d period of rGH treatment starting on Day 4, or acted as controls. On Day 11, all ewes were unilaterally ovariectomized. Follicles in the excised ovary were characterized on the basis of size, health status and rate of granulosa cell proliferation. Circulating levels of LH, GH, IGF-1 and insulin were monitored. Compared to controls, rGH treatment significantly increased the number of healthy follicles >2.0 mm, reduced the number of 0.25 to 0.5-mm follicles and reduced the number of 0.8 to 2.0-mm early atretic follicles. GH treatment also reduced the mitotic index of 0.25 to 0.5-mm follicles. Recombinant GH treatment had no effect on LH secretion patterns, but plasma GH, IGF-1 and insulin levels were increased in rGH-treated ewes. Because rGH treatment may have had an anti-atresia effect in Experiment 1, the hypothesis for Experiment 2 was that rGH treatment could maintain follicle development beyond 2.5-mm diameter in bovine follicular fluid (bFF)-treated ewes. Forty ewes (n=10/group) were synchronized with progestagen sponges. Starting 5 d after sponge insertion, ewes were treated for 6 d with rGH, bFF, rGH plus bFF, or acted as controls. On Day 12, ewes were sacrificed, and follicles were dissected out of their ovaries and assessed on the basis of size. FSH concentrations were assessed on Days 7, 9 and 11. GH treatment alone significantly increased the number of 2.5 to 4.0-mm follicles compared to controls, whereas no follicles larger than 2.5 mm were present in bFF-treated ewes. In rGH plus bFF-treated ewes, the number of 2.5 to 4.0-mm follicles was similar to controls, but there were less follicles >4.0 mm. GH treatment had no effect on FSH levels, whereas bFF treatment significantly reduced FSH levels. These results expand previous findings that rGH treatment of ewes alters follicle development, but do not suggest that rGH treatment is likely to be of benefit in superovulatory protocols. Furthermore, the data indicate that rGH has an anti-atretic action that is unlikely to be mediated via gonadotropins.

Secretion of IGF-1 by ovine granulosa cells: effects of growth hormone and follicle stimulating hormone

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is implicated in follicle development and is considered to mediate the actions of growth hormone (GH) and gonadotrophins at the ovarian level. However, the expression and secretion of IGF-1 by the ovary are controversial, partly because of species and cell-type specificity. The present study investigated whether IGF-1 is produced by ovine granulosa cells and whether its production is regulated by GH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Follicles (>/=4.0 mm) were obtained from ewes during seasonal anoestrus. Granulosa cells were cultured for a total period of 96 h in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/Ham's F-12 medium supplemented with BSA (0.1%, w:v), transferrin (0.5 microg/ml) and testosterone (100 ng/ml). In the first set of experiments, cells were incubated in the presence of bovine calf serum (BCS) (2.5%) for the initial 48 h of culture. The cells were then cultured for the next 48 h in medium without BCS, but containing either GH (0, 2, 20, and 200 ng/ml) or FSH (0, 20, 200, and 2000 ng/ml). The medium was assayed for oestradiol (E), progesterone (P) and IGF-1. There were six wells per treatment and the experiment was carried out four times. Control granulosa cells maintained both IGF-1 and E secretion, with only low levels of progesterone output. In all experiments, both GH and FSH produced significant (P<0.001) dose-related increases in E, IGF-1 and P secretion into the medium. The maximum responses to GH (20 or 200 ng/ml) were 402% for E and 528% for IGF-1 compared with controls. The maximum responses to FSH (200 or 2000 ng/ml) were 460% for E and 514% for IGF-1. The objective of the second set of experiments was to determine the effect of the progestogenic status of cells on IGF-1 production. Granulosa cells were cultured both in the presence and absence of BCS (2.5% in the medium) during the initial 48 h of culture. For the next 48 h, cells were cultured in serum-free medium. Addition of BCS to the medium during the initial 48 h of culture stimulated progesterone production. However, it did not affect either IGF-1 or oestradiol secretion between 49 and 96 h of culture, or the cell numbers at the end of culture. In conclusion, (1) IGF-1 is secreted by granulosa cells irrespective of their progestogenic status and (2) concomitant increases in E and IGF-1 production by granulosa cells as a result of GH and/or FSH treatment suggest a role for GH and FSH in the regulation of ovarian function.

Effect of mating system, flushing procedure, progesterone dose and donor ewe age on the yield and quality of embryos within a MOET program in sheep

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) has the potential to increase the rates of genetic improvement in sheep. However, better realization of this potential requires a higher yield of transferable embryos. Thus we investigated some factors that may contribute to high embryo yield and quality under field conditions, as part of an ongoing MOET program. Comparison of the effects of 2 breeding systems (natural service plus laparoscopic intrauterine AI vs natural service only) on embryo yield and quality indicated that while AI did not affect embryo recovery, it significantly (P < 0.05) improved fertilization rate and embryo quality, and increased (P < 0.05) embryo survival rate after transfer to recipients. Two flushing procedures (the original semi-laparoscopic and a modified version) were compared for effects on embryo recovery. The modifications made to the original collection method increased (P < 0.001) embryo recovery from 69.0 +/- 2.4 to 83.2 +/- 0.6%. The effects of the progestagen priming dosage during superovulatory treatment and ewe age on MOET outcome were also investigated. Donor ewes primed with 30-mg progestagen sponges came into estrus 1.9 h earlier (P < 0.05) than those primed with 45-mg sponges, but there was no difference in ovulation rate or embryo recovery, or in embryo survival after transfer between the 2 regimens. However, Chi-square analysis indicated a significant benefit in favor of the higher progesterone dose on both fertilization (P < 0.01) and embryo quality (P < 0.001). Age of donor ewe did not significantly affect the timing of estrus, fertilization rate or embryo survival after transfer. While adult ewes had higher (P < 0.05) ovulation rates and embryo yields, shearling ewes produced a much higher proportion of Grade 1 embryos (P < 0.05).

Separation of 111Ag from neutron irradiated natural palladium using alumina as an adsorbent

A simple method is presented for the separation of no-carrier-added 111Ag from neutron irradiated natural palladium. The method is based on sorption of 111Ag in 0.01 M HCl on alumina. Palladium is removed by washing with 0.1 M HCl and the 111Ag is eluted with 4 M HCl. The overall yields of 111Ag are better than 85% with < 1 microg/ml palladium as an impurity. The whole procedure from dissolving the target to the final 111Ag solution takes about 2 h.

CT assessment of torsion following locked intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures

The aim of our study is to determine the incidence and extent of torsional malalignment in patients with tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with closed antegrade intramedullary (IM) nailing. We measured torsion using CT scanning in 22 patients. A difference of 8 degrees or more was found in 8 cases (36%) as compared with the uninjured side. Only 2 of these cases could be clinically detected and only one patient noted the problem. We also describe a method of directly calculating torsion from CT images captured on a single film that is easy and does not require any special equipment.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Multan, Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in certain areas of Pakistan. This study was carried out to determine the incidence and clinical pattern of the disease in Pakistan.

METHODS

CL patients presenting in the out-patient clinic of the Department of Dermatology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan from January 1995 to June 1997 were included in the study. The patients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by laboratory demonstration of the parasite in a Giemsa-stained smear from the lesion. All important clinical details were recorded on specially designed forms.

RESULTS

Three hundred and five patients with 681 lesions were seen during 30 months. All the lesions were of the dry type. Most of the lesions (97%) were present on exposed areas of the body. One hundred and thirty-four (44%) patients had one and 75 (24%) had two lesions. Eight five per cent of the sufferers were less than 30 years of age. The disease was slightly more preponderant in males (60%). Most cases presented during winter.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of wet type lesions may be due to complete absence of Leishmania major in this area. This is in contrast to other areas of Pakistan where both dry and wet types of CL are present.

Growth hormone priming as an adjunct treatment in superovulatory protocols in the ewe alters follicle development but has no effect on ovulation rate

This study investigated the effect of FSH alone and rGH priming followed by FSH treatment on follicle populations, follicular fluid concentrations of components of the IGF system and steroids, and the ovulation rate in sheep. Estrus was synchronized with progestagen sponges. Ewes (n = 10/group) in Group 1 served as untreated controls, while those in Groups 2 to 5 received a standard superovulatory treatment of 1.1 mg i.m. oFSH twice daily for 4 d. In addition, ewes in Groups 3 and 5 were administered rGH (15 mg/d, i.m.) for the 7 d prior to FSH treatment. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were sacrificed just prior to the LH surge; Groups 4 and 5 were allowed to ovulate. Daily plasma samples were collected to monitor GH, IGF-1 and insulin levels. All follicles > or = 1.0 mm from Groups 1, 2 and 3 were counted, and follicular fluid from follicles > or = 2.5 mm was assayed for estradiol, testosterone, IGF-1 and IGFBPs. Compared with the control, treatment with rGH + FSH but not FSH alone increased (P < 0.001) plasma concentrations of GH, IGF-1 and insulin. The mean number of large-(> or = 4.5 mm) and medium-sized (2.5 to 4.0 mm) follicles was increased (P < 0.01), and the mean number of small (< or = 2.0 mm) follicles was decreased (P < 0.001) by FSH treatment. The mean number of medium-sized (2.5 to 4.0 mm) follicles was further increased (P < 0.05) by rGH priming. Estradiol concentration in medium but not in large estrogenic follicles was increased (P < 0.05) by rGH priming, whereas testosterone concentration in estrogenic follicles was not altered. Components of the IGF system in medium-sized estrogenic follicles were similar in all treatment groups; however, in large estrogenic follicles rGH increased IGF-1 concentrations (P < 0.05) and intensity of the 44-42 kDa IGFBP band (P < 0.01). Priming with rGH did not alter superovulatory responses. These results show that rGH priming, when used as an adjunct to FSH treatment in ewes, alters components of the IGF system in large estrogenic follicles and increases the number and physiological maturity of medium-sized follicles in the ovary; it does not however alter ovulation rate responses.

Effect of progesterone pre-treatment on steroid secretion rates and follicular fluid insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations in seasonally anoestrous ewes treated with gonadotrophin releasing hormone

Progesterone priming is known to prevent premature luteal regression in seasonally anoestrous ewes induced to ovulate with small dose multiple injections of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), but the precise mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of progesterone priming, before and after a period of treatment with GnRH, on the biochemical activity of ovarian follicles collected from seasonally anoestrous ewes. Ewes in Groups 1 and 2 (6 ewes/group) received progesterone priming or vehicle alone, respectively, and were slaughtered 72 h later. Ewes in Groups 3 and 4 (6 ewes/group) were similarly primed with progesterone or vehicle only, respectively, and then 72 h later received 2-hourly injections of 250 ng GnRH for 20 h, followed 2 h later by a single bolus injection of 300 micrograms GnRH. They were then slaughtered 2 h after the bolus injection. All normal growing follicles > or = 2.0 mm diameter were dissected from the ovaries of all ewes and after measurement of their diameter, were incubated in Eagle's Basal Medium for 2 h to measure their steroid secretion rates. The fluid from each follicle was then aspirated and assayed for total insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) content. The luteinizing hormone receptor content of the whole follicle was estimated using 125I-labelled human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The follicles were classified as either non-oestrogenic or oestrogenic if their oestrogen production rate was < or = 300 or > 300 pg/ml/2h, respectively. The mean diameter of oestrogenic follicles (5.72 +/- 0.25 mm) was significantly (P < 0.001) larger than that of non-oestrogenic ones (3.93 +/- 0.25 mm). The mean numbers of oestrogenic and non-oestrogenic follicles were not significantly different among the four treatment groups. Oestradiol production rate was significantly (P < 0.001) increased as a result of GnRH treatment, but only in large oestrogenic follicles. Testosterone production rate was, however, significantly (P < 0.05) increased by both GnRH and progesterone in both classes of follicle. While GnRH treatment tended to decrease IGF-1 concentrations in small non-oestrogenic follicles, it significantly (P < 0.05) increased concentrations in large oestrogenic ones. IGF-1 concentrations were, however, significantly (P < 0.05) increased in both classes of follicle collected from progesterone-primed ewes treated with GnRH. Regardless of treatment, follicular fluid IGF-1 concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in small non-oestrogenic follicles compared to large oestrogenic ones. An increase in 125I-hCG binding to large oestrogenic follicles was observed in response to progesterone (P-0.07) in GnRH treated ewes. These results indicate differences in the biochemical activity of follicles attributable to progesterone priming which may be casually related to defective luteal function after ovulation.

Anthropometric comparison between high- and low-altitude Saudi Arabians

Measurements of weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, mid-upper arm muscle circumference and skinfold thickness over the triceps region were made in 437 high-altitude residents (3150m above sea level) aged 16-60 years and 468 low-altitude residents (500 m above sea level) aged 16-60 years in southern Saudi Arabia. Compared with low-altitude residents, high-altitude residents were found to be significantly heavier and taller, but to have nearly similar mid-upper arm circumference, mid-upper arm muscle circumference and triceps skinfold thickness. Estimates of body fat have been made from the triceps skinfold measurements. No significant difference in the percentage of fat was detected between high- and low-altitude residents. When fat mass (kg) and fat mass index (fat mass (kg)/height in m2) were considered, similar trends were found between highland and lowland men only. Highland women showed significantly higher fat mass and fat mass index when compared with lowland women. These differences in physique between highland and lowland residents of southern Saudi Arabia may be attributed to the effect of environmental factors, possibly the hot climate and parasitic infections prevalent in lowland areas, in addition to the higher physical activity observed in lowland women.

Calcium efflux from an intracellular pool activated by GTP hydrolysis in cultured gastric smooth muscle

In these studies, we have characterized calcium movement due to guanosine triphosphate (GTP) hydrolysis from an ATP-sequestered intracellular calcium pool in cultured gastric smooth muscle. GTP (1-100 microM), when added to an ATP-regenerating medium, resulted in a concentration-dependent and irreversible efflux of calcium from an organellar calcium pool. GTP-induced calcium efflux was not affected by variation of the ATP/ADP ratio (8.5-155.0), indicating that GTP did not act by inhibiting calcium influx via calcium adenosinetriphosphatase. To assess whether the calcium increase was necessarily associated with GTP hydrolysis, experiments were performed with the nonhydrolyzable guanine nucleotide analogues guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP beta S), 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate guanosine (GppNHp), and 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S). Administration of GDP beta S and GppNHp resulted in no significant calcium efflux. GTP gamma S caused a small steady-state calcium increase (20% of that induced by the hydrolyzable nucleotide) but irreversibly inhibited all subsequent calcium increase due to GTP. The possibility that GTP may either modify the concentration of mobilizable calcium in inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive calcium stores or the responsivity of IP3-associated calcium channels was assessed by two experiments: 1) prior administration of GTP at concentrations < or = 100 microM had no effect on IP3-induced calcium release, and 2) heparin, which competitively inhibits IP3 binding to its receptor on the endoplasmic reticulum, did not affect GTP-associated calcium increase. These results demonstrate that, in gastric smooth muscle, GTP causes calcium efflux from an intracellular pool that is functionally independent from that pool sensitive to IP3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Data traffic in a new centralized switch node architecture for LAN

A new switch-node architecture for data traffic for integrated services in a Local Area Network (LAN) is proposed. Specifically it has been designed to provide service to the following two broad types of traffic:1. Connectionless service for Interactive Data (ID) traffic.2. Connection-oriented service for Non-Interactive Data (NID) traffic.The topology of the switch-node is a bus. The key feature of the proposed scheme is the centralization , which has been exploited to provide the requisite flexibility for handling every class of traffic. The shared transmission medium is a short high speed bus which enjoys a fundamental advantage relative to distributed approaches in that the propagation delay along the length of the bus is smaller than the transmission time of a single bit. This feature can be exploited to provide simplicity and efficiency in accessing the transmission medium. The performance of the proposed media-access scheme and the centralized scheduling policy for interactive and non-interactive data traffics have been analyzed through simulation. The simulation study shows the actual efficiency of the switch-node, and proves that the proposed concurrent dual buses switch-node architecture with its centralized scheduling policy is a strong candidate to form the core of an efficient ISDN.

[Abandonment, therapeutic relentlessness or euthanasia]

Which standards and values should guide our conduct relating to death and palliative care? Who, in the end, has the right to decide whether or not to administer a life extending therapy to terminally-ill patients? Where exactly is the border between an ordinary treatment and an extraordinary or a relentless one? Should euthanasia be legalized or not? These are some of the basic questions caregivers and health professionals who work with the dying are now asking themselves. To delve deeper into these questions and help to find the answers, the author draws a collective typology of the main ideas people have on these problems. The differences between the various trends of thinking regarding death are explained. The author concludes with a plea in favor of the principle where the dying patient becomes the centre of the end of life and agony process. Therefore, it is the caregiver's responsibility to grant the patient the right to be informed, to ask for or refuse therapeutic relentlessness, or to die with dignity and serenity.

N-methyl-D, L-aspartate induces a transient increase in LH secretion in the seasonally anestrous ewe

The primary objective of this study was to determine the LH response to an excitatory amino acid agonist, N-methyl-D, L-aspartate (NMA) in the seasonally anestrous ewe. In experiment 1, 3 i.v. injections of NMA were given; doses of 0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 mg/kg BW were tested. LH response to NMA depended on the dose. There was little response to the lowest dose. All animals responded to the first injection of the intermediate and the highest doses (mean pulse amplitude: 9.2 +/- 0.4 and 6.8 +/- 1.2 ng ml, respectively). The responses to the second or third injections of both doses were variable and were either absent or reduced compared to that of the first. In experiments 2 and 3, ewes were given 3 injections of normal saline (NS) followed by 3 injections of NMA (1.25 and 4.5 mg/kg BW, respectively) at 2 hr intervals. The last injection of NMA was followed 2 hr later by an injection of GnRH (3.0 ng/kg BW). In experiment 2, the first NMA injection induced an immediate LH pulse (mean pulse amplitude: 8.0 +/- 1.6 ng/ml) in all ewes, however, the second and third injections induced LH pulses in only 25% and 75% (mean pulse amplitude: 2.2 and 2.4 +/- 0.6 ng/ml) of the ewes, respectively. In experiment 3, NMA increased mean LH release (P less than 0.05) after all injections, but responsiveness to the third injection was reduced in some ewes. GnRH injections induced LH release in all ewes in experiments 2 and 3 (mean pulse amplitude: 6.9 +/- 1.8 and 6.4 +/- 2.2 ng/ml, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pulsatile GnRH administration stimulates the number of pituitary GnRH receptors in seasonally anoestrous ewes

Twenty seasonally anoestrous ewes were pretreated with progesterone for 4 days and divided into four equal groups. Ewes in Group 1 received no GnRH treatment and were slaughtered immediately after progesterone removal. Ewes in Groups 2, 3 and 4 received i.v. injections of 250 ng GnRH every 2 h for 36 h starting at the time of progesterone removal. Ewes in Group 2 were slaughtered immediately after the 36 h GnRH pulsing, while ewes in Groups 3 and 4 were given a bolus injection of 125 micrograms GnRH at this time and were slaughtered 2 and 10 h after the bolus injection, respectively. Blood samples were collected every 30 min from ewes in Group 4 only, from 4 h before the start of GnRH treatment until 10 h after the bolus injection. Pulsing with GnRH resulted in episodic release of LH, and the bolus injection of GnRH was immediately followed by a preovulatory type LH surge in those ewes in which an endogenous surge had no already begun. The pituitary GnRH receptor numbers were significantly higher for the ewes in Group 2 than for any of the other treatment groups, while there was no significant difference in the receptor numbers between Groups 1, 3 and 4. The results suggest an up-regulation of GnRH receptors resulting from pulsatile GnRH therapy.