Assessment of Plasma Zinc and Total Leukocyte Count in Calves Experimentally Infected with Mannheimia haemolytica

Mannheimia haemolytica is the main bacterial pathogen isolated in bovine respiratory disease (BRD), a common disease affecting calves before weaning. Previous research has shown that experimental infection with bovine herpesvirus 1, a respiratory virus, decreases plasma zinc (Zn) levels. However, changes in plasma Zn concentrations in calves experimentally infected with M. haemolytica have not been studied thus far. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of experimental infection with M. haemolytica on plasma Zn concentration in calves. Total leukocyte count and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) clinical score were also evaluated. We conducted a 6-day trial in 14 male Holstein calves randomly assigned to one of two groups, experimental (EG, n = 8) and control (CG, n = 6). Animals in EG were intrabronchially inoculated with M. haemolytica (6.5 × 10⁶ CFU/mL) on day 0 of the trial. Plasma Zn levels were affected by time, treatment, and time by treatment interaction, being lower in EG compared with CG on days 1, 2, and 3. Differences in total leukocyte count were significant on day 1, observing a tendency on day 3. BRD clinical score differed between groups, being higher in EG throughout the trial. We conclude that experimental M. haemolytica infection reduced plasma Zn concentration in clinically ill calves, suggesting that the clinical condition of animals (healthy/ill) should be considered to better interpret plasma Zn values.

Statistical optimization of process parameters for improvement of phycobiliproteins (PBPs) yield using ultrasound-assisted extraction and its kinetic study

The present study is mainly concerned for the development of an optimal ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) condition for phycobiliproteins (PBPs) from Oscillatoria sp. (BTA 170) using Taguchi methodology. Four process parameters viz. solid to liquid ratio, duty cycle, electrical acoustic intensity, and pH, for UAE were optimized using Taguchi methodology for enhanced PBPs extraction. The ratio of signal to noise (S/N) was used to compute the optimized condition required to attain a higher yield of PBPs, the average performance of individual parameter and corresponding interactive effects. The statistically significant parameters with their contribution were assessed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that duty cycle contributed the maximum influence (30.81%) on phycocyanin (PC) extraction followed by a solid liquid ratio (28.62%), pH (22.46%) and electrical acoustic intensity (18.10%). The highest contribution on the extraction of phycoerythrin (PE) was found from pH (33.16%), followed by duty cycle (31.57%), solid to liquid ratio (22.83%) and electrical acoustic intensity (12.45%). For extraction of allophycocyanin (APC), the duty cycle, solid to liquid ratio, pH and electrical acoustic intensity contributed 29.47, 29.07, 29.03, and 12.43% respectively. Results obtained from Taguchi methodology indicated that enhanced PC (94.10%), PE (95.20%) and APC (90.54%) can be achieved with solid-liquid ratio (0.2 g/ml), electrical acoustic intensity (16.99 w/cm²), duty cycle (75%), and pH 7 than the yield of PBPs obtained under unoptimized condition. In the present study, higher yield of PC (38.99%), PE (20.84%), and APC (11.93%) were attained with UAE compared to yield obtained from homogenized Oscillatoria sp. BTA 170 using 0.05 M phosphate buffer. Batch extraction data of PBPs under UAE was fitted well with the second order model. The values of second-order rate constant (k) were computed as 6.66 × 10^-4, 64.09 × 10^-4 and 1.49 × 10^-4 L/mg/min for extraction of PC, PE and APC respectively. The PBPs exhibited significant antioxidant property and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, which were increased with the enhancement of PBPs concentration.

Effect of Isothermic Dialysis on Intradialytic Hypertension

The primary outcome was incidence of intradialytic hypertension (IDH) during standard and cooler isothermic dialysate temperatures. Two pair of haemodialysis sessions were done at 37°C (SHD) and at isothermic temperature (IHD). All the four dialysis were done on the same time of the day to negate the changes due to circadian variation in body temperature. Axillary and tympanic temperatures were measured before start of the dialysis and dialysis temperature was adjusted as per axillary temperature. Sixty patients were enrolled and completed the study. The mean delivered dialysate temperature in the intervention group was 36.5 ± 0.2 achieving a 0.5 ± 0.2°C between-group separation. The incidence of IDH and intradialytic hypotension while on SHD and IHD were 79/120 (66%) vs 44/120 (37%), odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.96–5.65) and 45/120 (38%) vs 14/120 (12%), OR 4.5, 95% CI (2.3–8.7), respectively. The 4 h time averaged mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) at IHD and SHD were 154 ± 1.7 and 157.2 ± 1.1 mmHg, respectively, the mean difference in SBP being −3.4 mmHg to −3.1 mmHg, 95% CI, P < 0.001. The standard deviation, a measure of BP variability was lower at IHD than at SHD (P < 0.001). In a subgroup analysis during IHD there was a significant reduction of both SBP and diastolic BP during the entire duration of dialysis in 35 out of 60 patients (systolic 4 h mean 154.96 ± 2.22 vs 164.32 ± 1.99 mmHg), (diastolic 4 h mean 79.24 ± 0.82 vs 82.54 ± 0.68 mmHg) – (rANOVA for systolic and diastolic <0.001). This phenomenon of cooler dialysis causing reduction of BP was reproduced in the same group of patients when the IHD was repeated another time (systolic 4 h mean 157.95 ± 1.88 vs 160.65 ± 1.47), (diastolic 4 h mean 79.27 ± 0.74 vs 82.03 ± 1.07) rANOVA for systolic and diastolic <0.001. The incidence of IDH can be reduced significantly by reducing the dialysate temperature to patients' body temperature. Hypertension during dialysis is related to heat gain during dialysis.

An Unusual Association of Renal Cell Carcinoma and Renal Malakoplakia with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in an Elderly Patient

The association of malignancy and glomerulonephritis may be missed, especially in elderly patients. Here, we report a case of eosinophilic variant of renal cell carcinoma and renal parenchymal malakoplakia discovered on renal biopsy in a patient with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. The presence of malakoplakia in our biopsy was probably due to systemic steroid therapy for glomerulonephritis, presence of concomitant asymptomatic urinary tract infection, and/or history of diabetes mellitus. The patient had remission of proteinuria following laparoscopic removal of the tumor, indicating probable remission of glomerulonephritis.

Interpretation of Kidney Biopsy in Indian Patients Older than 60 Years: A Tertiary Care Experience

The adult population above the age of 60 years has significantly increased in India, with a life expectancy of 68.4 years in 2016. Data regarding the renal histopathology in these patients are scarce though the number of native kidney biopsies done in this subset of population is increasing. The present study is a retrospective analysis of 231 biopsies from a total of 700 biopsies, from patients above 60 years of age (M = 65.8%; F = 34.2%) with a mean age of 64 ± 6.03 years. The indications for kidney biopsy included nephrotic syndrome (NS) (30.4%), nephritic syndrome (19.1%), rapidly progressive renal failure (11.7%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (15.7%), and acute worsening of preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD) (23%). The median percentage of glomerulosclerosis was 22% (5%–45%), and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy was 30% (10%–50%). The most common cause for nephrotic syndrome was membranous nephropathy (31.4%) and for nephritic syndrome was benign arterionephrosclerosis (22.7%). Postinfectious glomerulonephritis (29.6%) was the leading cause for rapidly progressive renal failure. Acute injury on CKD was notable in patients with diabetic nephropathy (30.2%). The predominant causes for AKI were acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (33.3%), acute tubular necrosis (22.2%), and acute pyelonephritis (19.4%). The biopsy proven histopathological features enabled us in tailoring the therapy. None of the patients developed life-threatening complications following ultrasonography-guided biopsy.

Renal allograft eosinophilia: An unusual presentation of sudden graft dysfunction

We present a case of sudden allograft dysfunction 11 months after renal transplantation which presented as severe peripheral and allograft eosinophilia and was managed as a case of an acute cellular rejection with significant interstitial graft eosinophilic infiltration. Patient had partial response to antirejection therapy and eventually ended up in a chronic allograft dysfunction.

The Effectiveness of Gaseous Formaldehyde Decontamination Assessed by Biological Monitoring

The results of seven years experience of the effectiveness of routine gaseous formaldehyde decontamination of rooms, filter canisters and biological safety cabinets at ambient temperature are reported. The effectiveness of each decontamination was monitored biologically by the inactivation of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores at five locations in rooms and biological safety cabinets and at two locations in filter canisters. A greater than 104 reduction in viability was achieved for each group of five spore tests in 92% of room decontaminations and each group of five spore tests in 81% of biological safety cabinet decontaminations, and a greater than 104.7 reduction for both spore tests in 83% of filter canister decontaminations. This long-term study of 2,308 routine formaldehyde decontaminations of varying spaces in practical situations demonstrates the reliability of the procedure. The results confirm that previously-described methods can be applied with confidence for routine decontaminations of laboratory facilities and equipment.

Handling of Large Experimental Animals Infected with a Risk Group 4 Virus

The safe experimental handling of animals infected with a new Risk Category 4 virus posed significant biosafety challenges. Novel approaches for restraining, handling and inoculating horses, cats and large fruit-eating bats with equine morbillivirus were developed. Equipment was designed to allow staff working in encapsulating suits access to all parts of a large animal room capable of accommodating seven horses individually. Procedures were developed for the safe handling, anesthesia and euthanasia of experimental animals and for the disposal of infected horse carcasses. Comprehensive staff training for this demanding work included safety consciousness, teamwork and training in first aid and emergency procedures.

Physiological and proteomic analysis of salinity tolerance of the halotolerant cyanobacterium Anabaena sp

The halotolerant cyanobacterium Anabaena sp was grown under NaCl concentration of 0, 170 and 515 mM and physiological and proteomic analysis was performed. At 515 mM NaCl the cyanobacterium showed reduced photosynthetic activities and significant increase in soluble sugar content, proline and SOD activity. On the other hand Anabaena sp grown at 170 mM NaCl showed optimal growth, photosynthetic activities and comparatively low soluble sugar content, proline accumulation and SOD activity. The intracellular Na(+) content of the cells increased both at 170 and 515 mM NaCl. In contrast, the K(+) content of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp remained stable in response to growth at identical concentration of NaCl. While cells grown at 170 mM NaCl showed highest intracellular K(+)/Na(+) ratio, salinity level of 515 mM NaCl resulted in reduced ratio of K(+)/Na(+). Proteomic analysis revealed 50 salt-responsive proteins in the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp under salt treatment compared with control. Ten protein spots were subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis and the identified proteins are involved in photosynthesis, protein folding, cell organization and energy metabolism. Differential expression of proteins related to photosynthesis, energy metabolism was observed in Anabaena sp grown at 170 mM NaCl. At 170 mM NaCl increased expression of photosynthesis related proteins and effective osmotic adjustment through increased antioxidant enzymes and modulation of intracellular ions contributed to better salinity tolerance and optimal growth. On the contrary, increased intracellular Na(+) content coupled with down regulation of photosynthetic and energy related proteins resulted in reduced growth at 515 mM NaCl. Therefore reduced growth at 515 mM NaCl could be due to accumulation of Na(+) ions and requirement to maintain higher organic osmolytes and antioxidants which is energy intensive. The results thus show that the basis of salt tolerance is different when the halotolerant cyanobacterium Anabaena sp is grown under low and high salinity levels.

Perovskite-Ni composite: a potential route for management of radioactive metallic waste

Management of nickel - based radioactive metallic wastes is a difficult issue. To arrest the release of hazardous material to the environment it is proposed to develop perovskite coating for the metallic wastes. Polycrystalline BaCe0.8Y0.2O3-δ perovskite with orthorhombic structure has been synthesized by sol-gel route. Crystallographic analyses show, the perovskite belong to orthorhombic Pmcn space group at room temperature, and gets converted to orthorhombic Incn space group at 623K, cubic Pm3m space group (with a=4.434Å) at 1173K and again orthorhombic Pmcn space group at room temperature after cooling. Similar observations have been made from micro-Raman study as well. Microstructural studies of BaCe0.8Y0.2O3-δ-NiO/Ni composites showed absence of any reaction product at the interface. This suggests that both the components (i.e. perovskite and NiO/Ni) of the composite are compatible to each other. Interaction of BaCe0.8Y0.2O3-δ-NiO/Ni composites with simulated barium borosilicate waste glass melt also did not reveal any reaction product at the interfaces. Importantly, uranium from the waste glass melt was found to be partitioned within BaCe0.8Y0.2O3-δ perovskite structure. It is therefore concluded that BaCe0.8Y0.2O3-δ can be considered as a good coating material for management of radioactive Ni based metallic wastes.

Antimicrobial activity and identification of potential antimicrobial compounds from aquatic pteridophyte, Azolla microphylla Kaulf

Azolla microphylla Kaulf. is an aquatic nitrogen fixing pteridophyte commonly found in aquatic habitats including paddy fields. Methanolic extract of the fronds of A. microphylla was subjected to partial purification by solvent partitioning with diethyl ether and ethyl acetate followed by hydrolysis, and further partitioning with ethyl acetate. The two fractions, thus obtained were tested for antibacterial activity. It was observed that the ethyl acetate fraction inhibited the growth of the pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae. The GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction showed several prominent peaks with retention time ranging from 8.83 to 45.54 min. A comparison of these peaks with the GC-MS libraries revealed that it could be eicosenes and heptadecanes with potential of antimicrobial activity.

Mineral bone disease in maintenance hemodialysis patients: Association with morbidity and mortality

There is a paucity of data on mineral bone disease in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients from India. This retrospective analysis was undertaken on 858 (males: 599; females: 259) patients from two medical centers on MHD from 1998 to 2010. Age, gender, months on dialysis, hours per session of dialysis, hemoglobin, serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), urine output, erythropoietin dosage per week, blood sugar, blood pressure, urea reduction rate, gain in fluid and fluid removed per session, serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D level, supplemental vitamin D and use of phosphate binder for therapy were documented. Overall, 191 patients died (22%) during the observation period. There was an 86% patient survival rate at 1 year on dialysis and an overall predicted 3-year survival rate of 78%. A relatively higher iPTH (P = 0.012), a need for vitamin D supplementation (P = 0.003), less hours on dialysis per session (P = 0.046) and a non-vegetarian diet (P = 0.022) were significantly associated with mortality.

[Psychotherapy of sexual perversions: is it possible?]

Different psychotherapeutic interventions in order to cure paraphilic symptomatology appeared until now rather disappointing. We propose a new modality focusing especially on some particular aspects, for example the relationship between pleasure and pain and between excitation and inhibition.

[Sexuality between emotions and sensations]

All sexual activity seems to revolve around a mix of sensations and feelings. The complexity of this combination sometimes makes it difficult to determine which aspect predominates. Other times, on the contrary, it is very clear which one plays the main role. In addition comes the question of the level of consciousness implicated in a possible confrontation between reality and imaginary, reality and dreams.

Double ANCA-positive vasculitis in a patient with infective endocarditis

The most common pattern of renal involvement in infective endocarditis is infection-associated glomerulonephritis. Due to clinical symptoms and signs that overlap with vasculitis, the diagnosis of infective endocarditis may be delayed. The unusual combination of reduced complement with positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody should raise the suspicion of infections such as infective endocarditis.

Is abdominal aortic calcification score a cost-effective screening tool to predict atherosclerotic carotid plaque and cardiac valvular calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease?

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), cardiac valvular calcification (CVC), and atherosclerotic carotid plaque (CP) are known cardiovascular risk factors. The accuracy of the AAC score in predicting CP and CVC in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is assessed in this study. Twenty-two consecutive prevalent dialysis patients (group 1) and 26 consecutive nondialysis stage V chronic kidney disease patients (group 2) were assessed for their demographic and laboratory variables. Lateral radiograph of the lumbosacral spine was used to assess the AAC score. CP and CVC were assessed using carotid sonography and echocardiogram, respectively. Prevalence of AAC, CP, and CVC in groups 1 and 2 was, respectively, 72.7%, 81.8%, and 72.7% and 76.9%, 80.8%, and 57.7%. AAC was strongly associated with CP and CVC in both groups (P < 0.001). Tests of accuracy for the AAC score as a predictor of CP and CVC showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratio of a positive test, and likelihood ratio of a negative test, respectively, in group 1: 83%, 75%, 93%, 50%, 3.32, and 0.23 and 85%, 77%, 87%, 70%, 4.5, and 0.29, and in group 2: 90%, 95%, 83%, 69%, 3.9, 0.41, and 82%, 91%, 77%, 71%, 4.1, and 0.21. Reproducibility of the AAC score among observers was acceptable. The AAC score can predict CP and CVC with moderate accuracy in ESRD patients. However, as our study was underpowered, the findings need validation in larger, adequately powered studies.

Reversible acute kidney injury due to bilateral papillary necrosis in a patient with leptospirosis and diabetes mellitus

A 60-year-old lady with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension was referred for fever, bilateral loin pain, and renal failure. Investigations showed severe acute renal failure, bilateral renal papillary necrosis (RPN), urinary tract infection (E. coli), and infection with leptospirosis: Leptospira icterohemorrhagica; serovar hardjo. Renal biopsy showed tubulointerstitial nephritis with mesangial proliferation. The diagnosis was bilateral RPN in a diabetic lady with acute renal failure due to leptospirosis. The patient was successfully treated with hemodialysis, injection ceftriaxone, and benzyl penicillin.

[Examinations on the pharmacokinetics and compatibility of enalapril in racing pigeons]

OBJECTIVE

It was the aim of this study to examine the compatibility and the pharmacokinetics of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril after oral application in racing pigeons and Amazons, and to contribute to a safe dosage regime of this drug in birds.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For the examination of drug compatibility, three groups of pigeons (n = 8 each) received enalapril into the crop at a dose of 5 or 10 mg/kg body weight, or placebo, respectively. Health status, and water and food consumption were monitored regularly, and clinical, hematological and blood-chemical parameters were determined. To determine a suitable starting dosage, birds were treated with enalapril at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg (first trial) and 1.25 mg/kg (second trial), and blood samples were collected at defined time points. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the enalapril concentration in the plasma samples was determined.

RESULTS

Drug application did not cause any significant drug-related difference between the groups. Nearly all measured parameters were found to be within normal physiological ranges. Only for hematocrit was a slight but significant increase found for the group treated with 5 mg/kg enalapril. In pigeons, after application of 2.5 mg/kg enalapril, the maximum plasma concentration was found in the first sample taken (388.2 ± 174.1 mg/kg). The application of 1.25 mg/kg resulted in a maximum concentration of 116.1 ± 70.2 ng/ml after 30 minutes in pigeons. In the Amazon birds, the maximum value was found after 1 hour (first sampling) of 43.3 ±6.0 ng/ml. In all examinations, the enalapril concentration was <15 ng/ml after 8 hours. The terminal half-life was 2.68 hours for pigeons and 2.36 hours for Amazons.

CONCLUSION

The results underline the good compatibility of enalapril after oral administration in healthy pigeons. A starting dosage of 1.25 mg/kg enalapril given twice daily can be recommended.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The study provides basic data (compatibility and pharmacokinetics) for the application of enalapril in birds such as the racing pigeon.

A multicenter cross-sectional study of mental and physical health depression in MHD patients

Depression is ranked fourth among the disabling diseases affecting people worldwide and is the most common psychological problem in patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The aim of this study is to assess the physical and emotional health status of renal dialysis patients, based on the SF-36 scale in relation to their economic status. Sixty maintenance hemodialysis patients, with a mean age of 40±13 years were included in this cross-sectional study using the SF-36 scale. It comprises 36 questions regarding physical and mental functions, body pain, vitality, etc. An SF-36 score of 50 or less was considered as moderate to severe depression and 51–100 as mild depression to good health. 56.81% of the patients who are below poverty line under dialysis had moderate to severe depression with regard to their health status. A physical health score of up to 50 was seen in 63.63% of patients below poverty line 63.63% (P= 0.16). A mental health score of 0–50 was observed in 61.63% of the cohort studied (P = 0.22). Among the patient with diabetes (28.33%) 55.56% had depression. Dialysis duration was directly associated with deteriorating physical health status and inversely proportional to their mental health status (P<0.05). There are problems in other regular activities due to depressed physical and mental health. The factors that were identified in this study that influence depression such as poverty status, increasing age, vintage and frequency of dialysis and treatment with erythropoietin dosage should be addressed and treated accordingly to improve the quality of life. Improving self-esteem with fruitful employment opportunities, concerted rehabilitation by professionals and easing of economic burden by private–public partnership is an achievable goal.

Sevelamer carbonate experience in Indian end stage renal disease patients

This open label, multicentric, comparative clinical trial was done to compare the efficacy and tolerability of two sevelamer formulations, sevelamer carbonate, and sevelamer hydrochloride, in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in Indian end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. A total of 97 ESRD patients on hemodialysis, were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive either sevelamer carbonate or sevelamer hydrochloride. All patients were evaluated every week for 6 weeks for efficacy and safety variables. Total 88 patients completed the study. After 6 weeks of therapy, there were similar reductions (P<0.0001) in mean serum phosphorus and the CaxP product both the groups. The responder rates for test and reference groups were 75%, 68.18% respectively (P=0.3474). The adverse events reported were nausea, abdominal pain/discomfort, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, increased prothrombin time, and severe arthritis. No serious adverse events were reported. There was no significant difference between the groups for adverse events and the laboratory parameters. From the results of this multicentric, comparative, randomized clinical study on sevelamer carbonate we can recommend that sevelamer carbonate may be used as a phosphate binder in Indian chronic kidney disease patients.