Curcuma longa as feed additive in broiler birds and its patho-physiological effects

Broiler birds (Vencob chicken of 3 days old) when given feed mixed with powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa (CL; @ 1 g/kg) for 42 days of age, showed significant decrease in serum uric acid and albumin as compared to control, whereas significant increase was recorded in the level of serum total protein and globulin. Level of serum glucose, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate amino transferase and calcium showed no significant variation between the two groups. Micronutrient assay revealed significantly higher level of manganese, zinc, iron and copper in treated group as compared to control group. HA/HI test revealed better humoral response against RD vaccine in CL administered birds. Haematological study showed significantly higher haemoglobin and absolute neutrophil count in treated group. Addition of CL as feed additive also resulted in better growth rate, feed consumption and F:C efficiency in the treated birds. Thus, it could be concluded that powdered CL might be a useful feed additive, since it enhanced the F:C efficiency and had nephroprotective properties.

Precipitation chemistry and occurrence of acid rain over Dhanbad, coal city of India

The present study investigated the chemical composition of wet atmospheric precipitation over Dhanbad, coal city of India. The precipitation samples were collected on event basis for three years (July 2003 to October 2005) at Central Mining Research Institute. The precipitation samples were analyzed for pH, conductivity, major anions (F, Cl, NO(3), SO(4)) and cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K, NH(4)). The pH value varied from 4.01 to 6.92 (avg. 5.37) indicating acidic to alkaline nature of rainwater. The pH of the rainwater was found well above the reference pH (5.6), showing alkalinity during the non-monsoon and early phase of monsoon, but during the late phase of monsoon, pH tendency was towards acidity (<5.6 pH) indicating the non-availability of proper neutralizer for acidic ions. The observed acidic events at this site were 91, (n = 162) accounting 56% for the entire monitoring months. The (NO(3) + Cl)/SO(4) ratio in majority of samples was found below 1.0, indicating that the acidity is greatly influenced by SO(4). The calculated ratio of (Ca + NH(4))/(NO(3) + SO(4)) ranges between 0.42-5.13 (average 1.14), however in most of the samples, the ratio is greater than unity (>1.0) indicating that Ca and NH(4) play an important role in neutralization of acidic ions in rainwater. Ca and SO(4) dominate the bulk ionic deposition and these two ions along with NH(4) accounts 63% of the annual ionic deposition.

Hepatotoxicity potential of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) in rats

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens L.) is an herbal drug used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). There has been a report that a preparation containing this herb has caused cholestatic hepatitis in one person and some indications exist that it may have the potential to produce liver toxicity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of saw palmetto on rat liver function by measuring its effects on several enzymes and formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), a byproduct of lipid peroxidation. A significant increase in these parameters is considered an indication of liver toxicity. Thirty-six rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each. They were treated for 2 or 4 weeks with a placebo or saw palmetto at doses of 9.14 or 22.86 mg/kg/body wt./day; that is, 2 x and 5 x the maximum recommended daily human dosages. After 2 or 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected to prepare serum for enzyme assays, which were performed using commercially available kits. A portion of the liver was removed, and a homogenate prepared for the lipid peroxidation assay. Results showed no significant difference in animal body weight, enzyme activity, or MDA formation at either time or dosage level, as compared to controls. The data indicate that at the doses and time periods tested, saw palmetto did not produce any significant effect on the normal biological markers of liver toxicity.

Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by agricultural waste maize bran

Maize bran is a low cost biosorbent that has been used for the removal of lead(II) from an aqueous solution. The effects of various parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were examined. Optimum removal at 20 degrees C was found to be 98.4% at pH 6.5, with an initial Pb(II) concentration of 100 mg l(-1). Dynamics of the sorption process and mass transfer of Pb(II) to maize bran were investigated and the values of rate constant of adsorption, rate constant of intraparticle diffusion and the mass transfer coefficients were calculated. Different thermodynamic parameters viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy and entropy were evaluated and it was found that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm. A generalized empirical model was proposed for the kinetics at different initial concentrations. The data were subjected to multiple regression analysis and a model was developed to predict the removal of Pb(II) from an aqueous solution.

Mirizzi syndrome: laparoscopic management by subtotal cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The authors present their experience with laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for the management of Mirizzi's syndrome and their review of the literature.

METHODS

Over a period of 24 months, five cases of Mirizzi's syndrome were encountered, representing 1.5% of all the laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in the authors' unit. The sex ratio was 4 females to 1 male, and the mean age of the patients was 66 years. All underwent a subtotal cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Morbidities involved one case of biliary peritonitis and a one case of biliary leak requiring endoscopic stenting.

CONCLUSION

Mirizzi's syndrome cannot always be anticipated on the basis of preoperative staging, and often is encountered during the procedure. The "anatomic scenario" of this condition should be suspected for patients presenting with conditions such as empyema or mucocoele when there is a likelihood of stone impaction in the infundibulum of the gallbladder. Subtotal cholecystectomy with secure intraperitoneal biliary drainage appears to be a safe option for these patients.

Low cost bio-sorbent 'wheat bran' for the removal of cadmium from wastewater: kinetic and equilibrium studies

Novel bio-sorbent wheat bran has been successfully utilized for the removal of cadmium(II) from wastewater. The maximum removal of cadmium(II) was found to be 87.15% at pH 8.6, initial Cd(II) concentration of 12.5 mg l-1 and temperature of 20 degrees C. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were investigated. Dynamics of the sorption process were studied and the values of rate constant of adsorption, rate constant of intraparticle diffusion and mass transfer coefficient were calculated. Different thermodynamic parameters viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy and entropy have also been evaluated and it has been found that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The applicability of Langmuir isotherm showed of monolayer coverage of the adsorbate on the surface of adsorbent. A generalized empirical model was proposed for the kinetics at different initial concentrations.

Healthcare infrastructure, contraceptive use and infant mortality in Uttar Pradesh, India

This paper analyzes data on approximately 30,000 women from a survey in Uttar Pradesh in 1995 together with the data from surveys of public and private providers of healthcare and family planning services. A framework was developed for analyzing the effects of quality of services on utilization, and for understanding the gradual evolution of the healthcare infrastructure. The empirical results from logistic regressions for use of female sterilization and IUD showed significant effects of quality of services in government and private hospitals, and of socioeconomic variables such as education, caste, and an index of household possessions. Secondly, models for infant mortality of children born in the preceding 3-year period showed significant effects of socioeconomic variables, quality of healthcare services and birth spacing. Lastly, analysis of data at a more aggregated (Primary Sampling Unit) level indicated differential effects of economic development on the quality of services available in the public and private facilities.

Removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater using rice bran

The novel biosorbent rice bran has been successfully utilized for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater. The maximum removal of Cr(VI) was found to be 99.4% at pH 2.0, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 200 mg l(-1), and temperature 20 degrees C. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium, and temperature was investigated. The adsorption kinetics was tested for first-order reversible, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order; reaction and the rate constants of kinetic models were calculated. Mass transfer of Cr(VI) from the bulk to the solid phase (rice bran) was studied at different temperatures. Different thermodynamic parameters, viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy, and entropy, have also been evaluated and it has been found that the reaction was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations for describing adsorption equilibrium were applied to data. The constants and correlation coefficients of these isotherm models were calculated and compared. Desorption studies was also carried out and found that complete desorption of Cr(VI) took place at pH of 9.5. The data were also subjected to multiple regression analysis and a model was developed to predict the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater.

Removal of cadmium from wastewater using agricultural waste 'rice polish'

A novel biosorbent rice polish has been successfully utilized for the removal of cadmium(II) from wastewater. The maximum removal of cadmium(II) was found to be 9.72 mg g(-1) at pH 8.6, initial Cd(II) concentration of 125 mg l(-1) and temperature of 20 degrees C. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were investigated. Dynamics of the sorption process were studied and the values of rate constant of adsorption, rate constant of intraparticle diffusion and mass transfer coefficient were calculated. Different thermodynamic parameters, viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy and entropy have also been evaluated and it has been found that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The applicability of Langmuir isotherm showed monolayer coverage of the adsorbate on the surface of adsorbents. A generalised empirical model was proposed for the kinetics at different initial concentrations. The data were subjected to multiple regression analysis and a model was developed to predict the removal of Cd(II) from wastewater.

Pathology of benzalkonium chloride toxicity and its effect on body weight gain in broiler birds

Four groups comprising 16 broiler birds each were given benzalkonium chloride (BC) at 100, 300, 500 and 700 ppm in drinking water for 40 days and one group of 16 birds (control) was kept on plain water. Clinical signs in higher dose groups were respiratory distress, drooling of saliva, difficulty in deglutition, inappetence, apathy, lethargy and loss of body weight. Better body weight gain was recorded in 100 ppm dose rate. At 300 ppm, no significant body weight variation was recorded, whereas, at 500 and 700 ppm dose rates, significantly poor body weight gain was recorded. Major pathological changes were seen in 500 and 700 ppm groups, which exhibited formation of yellow diphtheritic plaques in the buccal cavity, swollen and pale commissures of beak and shortening of tongue. Minute necrotic and ulcerative foci were seen in oesophagus and crop. Hyperplastic and hypertrophic alterations were seen in mucosa of the upper digestive tract. Crop of 300 ppm group revealed formation of well developed epithelial nest with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia at the margin of the lesion. Serum alanine transaminase, urea and uric acid in 500 and 700 ppm groups were elevated whereas no significant variations were observed in the 100 and 300 ppm groups. BC could enhance performance of broiler birds at 100 ppm dose rate. It should not be used beyond 300 ppm.

Studies on persistence of temephos in sandy loam soil under field and laboratory conditions

Persistence of temephos was studied in soils under field and laboratory conditions in sandy loam soil to evaluate the effect of moisture and formulations on persistence. The insecticide was applied as 50 EC and 1 % S.G. granules @1 kg a.i. ha-1 on surface of the soil' and residues were determined spectrophotometrically. The soil was fortified separately with dilute emulsion of EC and suspension of granular formulation at 5 ppm level and incubated at different moisture levels at 25:1:1 degrees C for 90 days. The residues of temephos from both the formulations persisted upto 55 days in soil when applied @1 kg a.i. ha(-1). In 40 days 92 and 91.43 per cent temephos was dissipated from soil treated with EC and granular formulations, respectively. There was no leaching or downward movement of the toxicant beyond 7.5 cm. The half-life of temephos under field condition for EC and granular formulations were 18.14 and 20.44 days, respectively. Statistically, there was no significant effect of two formulations of temephos on its persistence. But at three different moisture conditions viz. airdry, field capacity and sub-merged, the difference was significant at 5% level.

The Bouveret syndrome: an unusual complication of gallstone disease

We present a case of Bouveret's syndrome which is gastric outlet obstruction due to gallstone impaction in the duodenum. The paper also discusses the aetiology, presentation, methods of diagnosis and options for management of Bouveret's syndrome.