A report on the molecular detection and seasonal prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei in Dromedary Camels from Dera Ghazi Khan District in Southern Punjab (Pakistan)

The present study was designed for molecular detection of Trypanosoma brucei through PCR, by using kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) maxicircle primers, on seasonal basis and to demonstrate the effect of this parasite on complete blood count and selected parameters of serum biochemistry in camels from Southern Punjab (Pakistan). A total of 291 camel blood samples (61 male, 230 females) were collected from Dera Ghazi Khan District in Pakistan during March 2012 till February 2013 for Trypanosoma brucei detection by blood smear screening, micro hemato centrifugation and Polymerase chain reaction techniques. Twenty eight out of 291 blood samples (9.62%) produced a 164 bp DNA fragment specific for T. brucei. Only 6 blood samples (2.06%) were found parasite positive by microscopic examination and 13 (4.46%) were positive for microhematocrit centrifugation technique. Seasonal PCR based prevalence of trypanosomiasis was 6.9%, 13.7%, 9.7% and 8.1% during spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons respectively. T. brucei prevalence was not restricted to a particular age group or and gender of the studied animals (P > 0.05). A significant increase in WBC (P = 0.001), neutrophils (P = 0.004), ALT (P = 0.028) and decreased RBC (P < 0.000), hemoglobin (P < 0.000) and packed cell volume (P < 0.000) were detected in parasite positive as compared to the parasite negative blood samples. In conclusion, PCR is a more reliable and sensitive technique than conventional microscopic blood screening and microhematocrit centrifugation for the detection of T. brucei in camel blood. We recommend the use of PCR for the effective prophylactic detection of T. brucei in livestock in order to reduce economic losses.

Partial repair of salinity-induced damage to sprouting sugarcane buds by proline and glycinebetaine pretreatment

Sugarcane shows reduced crop stand under relatively suboptimal conditions; the main reason for this is its sensitivity to ionic stress in the soil solution. This research was performed to explore some physiological and developmental changes in the immature sugarcane buds submitted to salt stress and possible role of glycinebetaine (GB) and proline (Pro) in mitigating the ion toxicity in a time course manner. Salinity stress reduced fresh and dry weight, induced the generation of hydrogen peroxide, increased tissue levels of Na(+) sand Cl(-), reduced K(+) and Ca(2+), and K(+):Na(+) and Ca(2+):Na(+) ratios, while increasing the osmolyte synthesis in expanding sugarcane buds. Salinity stress reduced and delayed the formation of new bud leaves and their expansion, which was mainly because of reduction in the number and area of mesophyll cells and poor development of vascular bundles. The pretreatment of bud chips with 20 mM each of GB and Pro decreased tissue levels of Na(+) and Cl(-), reduced the generation of H2O2, improved K(+) and Ca(2+), K(+):Na(+) and Ca(2+):Na(+) ratios, and further increased the levels of GB, free proline (FP), and soluble sugars in the buds. The pretreatment increased mesophyll cell number and expansion of bud leaves and formation of elaborated vascular tissues, which apparently enabled the sprouting buds to adapt to salinity stress. Of the two osmolytes, GB was a relatively better inducer of salinity tolerance than Pro. In short, salinity-induced oxidative stress was the main cause for altered tissue development, the production of which was offset by pretreatment of bud tissues with Pro and GB.

Investigation into local cell mechanics by atomic force microscopy mapping and optical tweezer vertical indentation

Investigating the mechanical properties of cells could reveal a potential source of label-free markers of cancer progression, based on measurable viscoelastic parameters. The Young's modulus has proved to be the most thoroughly studied so far, however, even for the same cell type, the elastic modulus reported in different studies spans a wide range of values, mainly due to the application of different experimental conditions. This complicates the reliable use of elasticity for the mechanical phenotyping of cells. Here we combine two complementary techniques, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical tweezer microscopy (OTM), providing a comprehensive mechanical comparison of three human breast cell lines: normal myoepithelial (HBL-100), luminal breast cancer (MCF-7) and basal breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells. The elastic modulus was measured locally by AFM and OTM on single cells, using similar indentation approaches but different measurement parameters. Peak force tapping AFM was employed at nanonewton forces and high loading rates to draw a viscoelastic map of each cell and the results indicated that the region on top of the nucleus provided the most meaningful results. OTM was employed at those locations at piconewton forces and low loading rates, to measure the elastic modulus in a real elastic regime and rule out the contribution of viscous forces typical of AFM. When measured by either AFM or OTM, the cell lines' elasticity trend was similar for the aggressive MDA-MB-231 cells, which were found to be significantly softer than the other two cell types in both measurements. However, when comparing HBL-100 and MCF-7 cells, we found significant differences only when using OTM.

Water turbidity sensing using a smartphone

Smartphone based platform turbidimeter measuring turbidity in drinking and different environmental water bodies.

Measurement of the vascular pedicle width predicts fluid repletion: a cross-sectional comparison with inferior vena cava ultrasound and lung comets

Background

Determination of a patient’s volume status remains challenging. Ultrasound assessments of the inferior vena cava and lung parenchyma have been shown to reflect fluid status when compared to the more traditional static and dynamic methods. Yet, resource-limited intensive care units (ICUs) may still not have access to bedside ultrasound. The vascular pedicle width (VPW) measured on chest radiographs remains underutilized for fluid assessment. In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between ultrasound assessment and vascular pedicle width and to identify a discriminant value that predicted a fluid replete state.

Methods

Eighty-four data points of simultaneous VPW and inferior vena cava measurements were collected on mechanically ventilated patients. VPW measurements were compared with lung comet scores, fluid balance, and a composite variable of inferior vena cava diameter greater than or equal to 2 cm and variability less than 15 %.

Results

A VPW of 64 mm accurately predicted fluid repletion with a positive predictive value equal to 88.5 % and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.843, 95 % CI 0.75–0.93, p < 0.001. VPW closely correlated with inferior vena cava diameter (Pearson’s r = 0.64, p = <0.001). Poor correlations were observed between VPW and lung comet score, Pearson’s r = 0.12, p = 0.26, fluid balance, Pearson’s r = 0.3, p = 0.058, and beta natriuretic peptide, Pearson’s r = 0.12, p = 0.26.

Conclusions

This study shows a high predictive ability of the VPW for fluid repletion, as compared to an accepted method of volume assessment. Given the relationship of fluid overload and mortality, these results may assist fluid resuscitation in resource-limited intensive care units.

Exogenously applied selenium reduces oxidative stress and induces heat tolerance in spring wheat

Heat stress (HS) is a worldwide threat to productivity of wheat, especially in arid and semiarid regions of the world. Earlier studies suggested the beneficial effects of selenium (Se) on the growth of some crop species grown under stressful environments. In the present study, we assessed whether Se application could increase antioxidative potential, and thus enhance tolerance to heat in wheat at the sensitive stage i.e., heading stage. At the heading stage, after foliar application of sodium selenate solutions (0, 2 and 4 mg Se L(-1)), the plants of wheat cultivars, namely Chakwal-97 (drought tolerant) and Faisalabad-08 (drought sensitive), were subjected to HS (38 ± 2 °C). The HS significantly altered antioxidative potential, affected growth, photosynthetic pigments and grain yield in both cultivars. Exogenous application of low (2 mg L(-1)) Se increased chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll contents and modulated the growth of wheat plants under HS. However, high concentration (4 mg L(-1)) of Se was much more effective in increasing grains per spike and grain yield in heat stressed plants of both wheat cultivars. Exogenous Se increased both enzymatic (catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities) and non-enzymatic (carotenoids, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid contents) antioxidants while decreased oxidants (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents) under HS in both wheat cultivars. In conclusion, foliar application of Se (4 mg L(-1)) was much more effective in mitigating the deleterious effects of HS on grain yield of wheat plants. The results suggested that Se-mediated up-regulation of antioxidative system (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic) helped the wheat plants to increase fertility, and hence avoid reduction of grain yield under HS.

Chiral xenobiotics bioaccumulations and environmental health prospectives

The chiral xenobiotics are very dangerous for all of us due to the different enantioselective toxicities of the enantiomers. Besides, these have different enantioselective bioaccumulations and behaviors in our body and other organisms. It is of urgent need to understand the enantioselective bioaccumulations, toxicities, and the health hazards of the chiral xenobiotics. The present article describes the classification, sources of contamination, distribution, enantioselective bioaccumulation, and the toxicities of the chiral xenobiotics. Besides, the efforts are also made to discuss the prevention and remedial measures of the havoc of the chiral xenobiotics. The challenges of the chiral xenobiotics have also been highlighted. Finally, future prospectives are also discussed.

MICROVASCULAR DECOMPRESSION FOR TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN) is the most frequently diagnosed type of facial pain. In idiopathic type of TGN it is caused by the neuro-vascular conflict involving trigeminal nerve. Microvascular decompression (MVD) aims at addressing this basic pathology in the idiopathic type of TGN. This study was conducted to determine the outcome and complications of patients with idiopathic TGN undergoing MVD.

METHODS

In a descriptive case series patients with idiopathic TGN undergoing MVD were included in consecutive manner. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of detailed history and clinical examination. Retromastoid approach with craniectomy was used to access cerebellopontine angle (CP-angle) and microsurgical decompression was done. Patients were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients underwent MVD with mean age of 51.6±4.2 years and male predominance. In majority of cases (58.4%) both Maxillary and Mandibular divisions were involved. Per-operatively superior cerebellar artery (SCA) was causing the neuro-vascular conflict in 33 (62.2%) of the cases, anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) in 6 (11.3%) cases, both CSA and AICA in 3 (5.6%) cases, venous compressions in only 1 (1.8%) patient and thick arachnoid adhesions were seen in 10 (18.9%) patients. Postoperatively, 33 (68%) patients were pain free, in 14 (26.45%) patients pain was significantly improved whereas in 3 (5.6%) patients there was mild improvement in symptoms. Three (5.6%) patients did not improve after the primary surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was encountered in 7 (13.2%) patients post-operatively, 4 (7.5%) patients developed wound infection and 1 (1.8%) patient developed aseptic meningitis. Three (5.6%) patients had transient VII nerve palsy while one patient developed permanent VII nerve palsy.

CONCLUSION

MVD is a safe and effective surgical option for treating patients with idiopathic TGN with better surgical outcome and fewer complications.

Amberinone, a new guaianolide from Amberboa ramosa

The Amberboa is a medicinally important genus present in the family Asteraceae; members of this genus are mainly distributed in Pakistan and India. It has been used in different systems of traditional medicines for different diseases. Amberinone (1), a new sesquiterpene lactone, has been isolated from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) soluble fraction of Amberboa ramosa together with chrysin (2), quercitine (3), eriodictyol (4) and keamferol (5). This is the first report of these compounds from this species. The structures of the isolated compounds have been elucidated by 1D and 2D (1)H (13)C NMR spectroscopy.

FREQUENCY OF EXTRADURAL HAEMATOMA IN PATIENTS WITH LINEAR SKULL FRACTURE

BACKGROUND

Apparently normal looking patients after traumatic brain injury can have serious neurological deterioration, and one of the common causes of such deterioration is extradural haematomas. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of extradural hematoma and common types of trauma leading to it among patients presenting with skull fracture due to head injury.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Neurosurgery Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad from June 2011 to June 2012. All patients who were suspected to have Skull fracture on X-ray skull, during the study period, were included in study after informed consent and later on CT-Scan brain was done to see for extradural hematoma. Findings were recorded on a predesigned pro fonna including demographic data, radiological findings and the type of head trauma.

RESULTS

Out of 114 patients 85 (74.5%) were males and 29 (225.4%) were females. Age ranged from 2 to 70 years (18.23 +/- 16.5 years). Among these patients the most important cause of head injury was fall from height in 65 (57%), followed by road traffic accidents in 39 (34.2%), and assault in 10 (8.8%) patients. The most common site of fracture was parietal in 49 (43%) of patients, followed by frontal bone in 28 (24.6%) of patients, occipital bone in 24 (21.1%) of patients, and temporal bone in 23 (20.2%) of patients. Frequency of extradural hematoma among linear skull fracture was in 34 (29.8%) patients. Extradural hematoma was most common with parietotemporal linear skull fractures (73.5%).

CONCLUSION

Extradural haematoma occurs commonly with linear skull fractures, so patients with linear skull fracture should be properly evaluated with CT brain.

Novel solid-phase membrane tip extraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry methods for the rapid analysis of triazine herbicides in real waters

Novel, fast, selective, eco-friendly and reproducible solid-phase membrane tip extraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry methods were developed and validated for the analysis of triazine herbicides (atrazine and secbumeton) in stream and lake waters. The retention times of atrazine and secbumeton were 7.48 and 8.51 min. The solid-phase membrane tip extraction was carried out in semiautomated dynamic mode on multiwall carbon nanotubes enclosed in a cone-shaped polypropylene membrane cartridge. Acetone and methanol were found as the best preconditioning and desorption solvents, respectively. The extraction and desorption times for these herbicides were 15.0 and 10.0 min, respectively. The percentage recoveries of atrazine and secbumeton were 88.0 and 99.0%. The linearity range was 0.50-80.0 μg/L (r(2) > 0.994), with detection limits (<0.47 μg/L, S/N = 3) and good reproducibility (<8.0%). The ease of operation, eco-friendly nature, and low cost of solid-phase membrane tip extraction made these methods novel. The Solid-phase membrane tip extraction method was optimized by considering the effect of extraction time, desorbing solvents and time.

Lateral meningocele with asymmetric canal stenosis: A case study

Lateral meningocele is a very rare disorder of unknown aetiology typified by the presence of protrusions of the arachnoid and the dura matter extending laterally through inter- or intra-vertebral foramina. We report here the case of a 52-year old male with abnormality of spine when presented with low back pain. The patient did not appear to have any neurological disorder. A computerized tomography (CT) scan was acquired from T12 to mid sacrum with multiplanar reformations. The results showed the presence of a left sided paraspinal cystic lesion projecting from the left neural foramen and extending into the left psoas muscle suggesting a lateral meningocele. In addition, a broad based central and left paracentral disc protrusion was also observed resulting in asymmetric canal stenosis. The patient is on regular follow-up while undergoing palliative treatment.

Inactivation of Aleutian mink disease virus through high temperature exposure in vitro and under field-based composting conditions

Disposal of manure contaminated with Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is a significant concern to the mink industry. Inactivation of AMDV under field conditions has received limited attention in the scientific literature. We evaluated the thermal inactivation of AMDV in vitro and during composting of mink manure. Spleen homogenate containing AMDV was heated under controlled conditions at 45°C, 55°C, and 65°C for 3 days. Results of the in vitro study identified complete absence of viral replication in mink at 65°C only. Next, manure-mixed AMDV packed in polyester pouches was inserted in different layers of three replicate mink manure compost piles. The virus was retrieved after the compost piles had undergone a heating period and subsequently returned to ambient temperatures. Temperature regimes in the compost piles were categorized as ≥65°C, ≥60-64°C, and ≥55-59°C. Initially, layer-wise composite virus samples were assayed for virus replication in mink. Twenty-one-day post-inoculation (p.i.) plasma tested for AMDV and antibodies indicated infection in 40%, 80%, and 100% of mink inoculated from samples originating from the top, center and bottom layers of the piles, respectively. Subsequently, the virus was extracted from individual pouches in compost layers achieving thermal activity ≥65°C and was tested in mink. No antibodies or virus was detected in plasma taken weekly up to day 21 p.i. PCR data of bone marrow and lymph nodes collected on day 21 p.i. also showed no AMDV. However, mink that received virus from positive control manure indicated infection in their plasma as early as 1 week p.i.