Prevalence of Ruminant Paramphistomosis and Comparative Histopathology of the Infected Rumens in Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan

The present study reports the prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. in small and large ruminants and their association with the histopathology of the infected rumens. A total of 384 animals were screened for Paramphistomum spp. The animals found positive for Paramphistomum spp. were divided into three groups according to the worm load/5 cm2 (G1: 10 - 20 worms/5 cm2 = Low, G2: 20 - 40 worms/5 cm2 = Medium, and G3: >41 worms/5 cm2 = High). Tissue slides were prepared from samples of the rumen (1 cm2) taken from animals positive for ruminal fluke to determine the histological parameters, including epithelial length or thickness, length and width of the ruminal papilla, and thickness of tunica submucosa and mucularis externae. The overall prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. in the ruminant population of district Narowal was 56.25 % with a significant (P < 0.05) variation among different species of ruminants. The highest prevalence was in cattle, followed in order by buffalo, goat, and sheep. Epithelium thickness was significantly correlated with parasite load in large ruminants and the most significant (P < 0.05) decrease in epithelium thickness was in Group B (31.12 ± 1.82 μm) and Group C (31.07 ± 1.68 μm) and a same trend was recorded in small ruminants. Histopathological changes due to Paramphistomum spp. are reported for the first time, which explained the histomorphological and physiological changes in Paramphistomum-infected rumens which might be associated with lowered feed efficiency and productivity in ruminants.

Retraction notice to "Synergistic effects of thymoquinone and curcumin on immune response and anti-viral activity against avian influenza virus (H9N2) in turkeys" [Poult. Sci. 95 (2016) 1513-1520]

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). The authors retract the above paper due to: 1) conflict of interest among the authors; and 2) addition of coauthor Dr. Muhammad Younus without his knowledge or permission. The authors apologize for these two grave mistakes.

Blackleg in cattle: Current understanding and future research perspectives- A review

Blackleg is an endogenous acute infection that principally affects cattle. The disease is caused by Clostridium chauvoei (C. chauvoei), an anaerobic spore forming bacterium. Control of this disease is based on stringent husbandry measures and scheduled vaccination plan. In recent years, the major virulence factors of C. chauvoei have been discovered and described. However, the pathogenesis of blackleg in cattle and in particular, circulation of the pathogen from point of entry to target tissues is yet not fully elucidated. This review summarizes the latest review of literature that significantly contributed for understanding the disease in cattle, and provides a foundation to preventive strategies.

Role of water chemistry and stabilizers on the Vero-cells-based infectivity of Newcastle disease virus live vaccine

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) live vaccines are supplied in lyophilized form and usually administered through conventional routes (drinking water, spray, or eye drop) following reconstitution in a diluent. Virus inactivation due to physico-chemical properties of the diluent at the time of administration may lead to vaccine failure. The present study aimed to evaluate the survival of NDV live vaccine strain immersed in 5 pH-amended water samples (pH 5.00, pH 6.00, pH 7.00, pH 8.00, and pH 9.00) by sequential determination of virus infectivity on Vero cells for 3 hours. Minimum reduction in virus infectivity was recorded in the water with neutral or slightly alkaline pH, while the virus was relatively less stable at extreme pH conditions. Maximum reduction of infectivity was observed in the water with pH 9.00 in which the virus was completely inactivated within 3 hours. Addition of stabilizers (Cevamune^® or skimmed milk) slightly altered the pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) values of the virus-charged water samples. In the stabilizer-added water samples, minimum reduction in infectivity was observed in the water with neutral pH, followed by the ones with a pH of 8.00, 6.00, 5.00, and 9.00. In all types of water samples, T-90 values (time required for 90% reduction in virus infectivity) were highest (485 minutes) at neutral pH (pH 7.00) and lowest (102 to 134 min) at an extreme alkaline condition (pH 9.00). Results of the present study indicate that water with a pH range of 7.00 to 8.00 is suitable for administration of NDV live vaccines. However, the addition of Cevamune^® or skimmed milk may have beneficial effects on preserving the infectivity of the virus, even at extreme pH conditions.

Voriconazole and squamous cell carcinoma after lung transplantation: A multicenter study

This study evaluated the independent contribution of voriconazole to the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in lung transplant recipients, by attempting to account for important confounding factors, particularly immunosuppression. This international, multicenter, retrospective, cohort study included adult patients who underwent lung transplantation during 2005-2008. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the effects of voriconazole and other azoles, analyzed as time-dependent variables, on the risk of developing biopsy-confirmed SCC. Nine hundred lung transplant recipients were included. Median follow-up time from transplantation to end of follow-up was 3.51 years. In a Cox regression model, exposure to voriconazole alone (adjusted hazard ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.31-4.37) and exposure to voriconazole and other azole(s) (adjusted hazard ratio 3.45, 95% confidence interval 1.07-11.06) were associated with SCC compared with those unexposed after controlling for important confounders including immunosuppressants. Exposure to voriconazole was associated with increased risk of SCC of the skin in lung transplant recipients. Residual confounding could not be ruled out because of the use of proxy variables to control for some confounders. Benefits of voriconazole use when prescribed to lung transplant recipients should be carefully weighed versus the potential risk of SCC. EU PAS registration number: EUPAS5269.

Clinico-pathological findings of Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxaemia in goats and its hemolytic activity in different erythrocytes

The present investigation was conducted to study the effects of experimental Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxaemia in teddy goats. Clinical signs started to appear after 30 min of experimental infection like anorexia, diarrhea, dehydration, frothing and dyspnea. Gross lesions consisted of severe congestion in tissues of varying intensity with enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes while histological examination revealed edema of lungs, kidney, and lymph nodes and to some extent in brain along with hemorrhages in lungs and intestines. Clostridium perfringens type D carrying alpha and epsilon toxin genes were amplified with amplicon size about 247 bp and 665 bp, respectively. Human erythrocytes showed the highest hemolysis, 68%, followed by mice, 57%, against culture supernatants. The percentage of hemolysis was significantly higher at 37°C as compared to 25°C except for rabbit and dog.

Some challenges to progressive control of foot and mouth disease in Pakistan--findings of a pilot survey

Pakistan is at an initial stage for progressive control of foot and mouth disease (FMD). Understanding the risk factors for introduction, spread and persistence of the infection is important to design an evidence-based disease control programme. A rapid appraisal method was adopted, and a convenient sample of twenty commercial dairy farmers was interviewed. The following were considered to contribute in secondary transmission of infection: (i) intermediaries and service providers [animal health workers, animal traders and transporters, raw milk collectors, persons who remove skin of dead animals], (ii) places where animals come in close contact [livestock markets, animal fairs, communal grazing pastures, routes in villages where livestock move, watering points, animal transport vehicles], (iii) use of bulls immediately after recovery from FMD infection, (iv) range land/desert livestock production, (v) small holder sheep and goat production, (vi) purchase of replacement stock and fodder from infected locations. This article reveals contacts within and between villages, some of which may act as routes of transmission of FMD. The study suggests the need for zoosanitary education of the livestock keepers.

Antidepressants that inhibit neuronal norepinephrine reuptake are not associated with increased spontaneous reporting of cardiomyopathy

A recent literature review linked norepinephrinergic stimulation to alterations in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated signaling in cardiac myocytes and suggested that this might contribute to the pathological mechanisms that lead to chamber enlargement and hypocontractility, which are seen in dilated cardiomyopathy. This accompanies a large body of literature linking cardiac sympathetic outflow activation in early heart failure with progressive myocyte deterioration. As the mode of action of a number of antidepressants involves the inhibition of neuronal norepinephrine reuptake to varying degrees, this study was conducted to assess whether such agents might be associated with disproportionate reporting of cardiomyopathy. Limited data exist specifically examining the association between the antidepressant use and the cardiomyopathy. Using a data mining algorithm (DMA), we quantitatively investigated the association between antidepressant agents that predominantly exert their effects through inhibiting neuronal norepinephrine reuptake (rather than serotonin) and cardiomyopathy. We retrospectively applied a Bayesian DMA, the Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network, to the cumulative reports in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (through the fourth quarter of 2006) and World Health Organization Vigibase (through the second quarter of 2007) databases. A threshold of the posterior interval 95% lower limit > 0 was used to define a signal of disproportionate reporting with individual or groups of antidepressants and cardiomyopathy-related terms. The analysis suggested that there is no direct relationship between antidepressants with greater norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor activity (affinity for norepinephrine reuptake transporter or selectivity for norepinephrine versus serotonin) and reporting of cardiomyopathy. In contrast, an inverse correlation might exist with a higher number of cases identified with tricyclic antidepressants showing lower norepinephrine reuptake inhibition and the serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors as well as with serotonin/ norepinephrine/slight dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Socio-economic and demographic factors associated with injecting drug use among drug users in Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To identify the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with injecting drug users (IDUs) in Karachi.

METHODS

We recruited 242 IDUs (taking drugs through sub-dermal routes) and 231 non-IDUs (taking drugs other than sub-dermal routes) from February through June 1996. IDUs were interviewed regarding sociodemographic factors, economic condition, and social network (marital status, living with spouse). In addition, information regarding location of drug users within the city (districts of Karachi) and current history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were gathered. Moreover, blood samples were also obtained for HIV testing.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that the income generation via illegal modes [AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6], non-sharing of income with family (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7) and presence of suicidal thoughts (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.8) were associated with the use of drugs through injections. Further, drug users from districts West, East and Central were more likely to use drug through injection as compared to drug users from district South. The history of genital herpes was also found to be associated with injecting drug use. One IDU was found seropositive for HIV.

CONCLUSION

The high-risk behaviors, such as illegal modes of earning and presence of suicidal thoughts, among IDUs suggest that the group needs rehabilitation programme. Moreover, non-sharing of income suggest that IDUs are isolated from social network, therefore primary prevention activities with focus on improving socio-economic conditions and social networking can reduce drug use through injections. Focused interventions on target districts would be helpful in reducing IDU (JPMA 53:511; 2003).

Hepatitis C virus infection in asymptomatic male volunteer blood donors in Karachi, Pakistan

The objectives of this study were to assess the proportion of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactors and to identify risk factors associated with HCV infection in volunteer blood donors in Karachi, Pakistan. Between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002, consecutive blood donations tested at two blood banks were used to assess the proportion of HCV sero-reactors donors. To evaluate the potential risk factors, a case-control study design was implemented to select cases and controls between 15 October 2001 and 15 March 2002. The overall seroprevalence of HCV in these blood donors was 1.8% (6349/35 1309). Trend analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.001) linear increase in proportions of HCV-seropositive donors from 1998 to 2002. Final multivariate logistic regression model showed that the cases were more likely than controls to have reported past hospitalization or to have received multiple injections. When a glass syringe was used to give therapeutic injections, it increased the adjusted odds of being HCV seropositive significantly more among cases than in controls and this relationship was stronger when injection was given by general medical practitioner than if the injection was given in hospital setting. Cases were more likely than controls to have reported sexual contact with multiple sexual partners. Primary prevention programmes focused on identified risk factors might help to curtail the spread of HCV infection in this community and in other similar settings in developing countries.

Socio-economic and demographic factors associated with injecting drug use among drug users in Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To identify the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with injecting drug users (IDUs) in Karachi.

METHODS

We recruited 242 IDUs (taking drugs through sub-dermal routes) and 231 non-IDUs (taking drugs other than sub-dermal routes) from February through June 1996. IDUs were interviewed regarding sociodemographic factors, economic condition, and social network (marital status, living with spouse). In addition, information regarding location of drug users within the city (districts of Karachi) and current history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were gathered. Moreover, blood samples were also obtained for HIV testing.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that the income generation via illegal modes [AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6], non-sharing of income with family [AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7] and presence of suicidal thoughts [AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.8] were associated with the use of drugs through injections. Further, drug users from districts West, East and Central were more likely to use drug through injection as compared to drug users from district South. The history of genital herpes was also found to be associated with injecting drug use. One IDU was found seropositive for HIV.

CONCLUSION

The high-risk behaviors, such as illegal modes of earning and presence of suicidal thoughts, among IDUs suggest that the group needs rehabilitation programme. Moreover, non-sharing of income suggest that IDUs are isolated from social network, therefore primary prevention activities with focus on improving socio-economic conditions and social networking can reduce drug use through injections. Focused interventions on target districts would be helpful in reducing IDU.

Factors affecting unsuccessful referral by the Lady Health Workers in Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the proportion of patient referral and to identify the factors associated with unsuccessful referral in Karachi, Pakistan.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional survey, a total of 347 patients referred to different health care facilities by the LHWs were interviewed. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, on demographic characteristics of patients (age, sex, income etc) and potential factors (seriousness of medical condition, distance of health facility, attitude of health center staff etc) that can affect patient referral outcome.

RESULTS

An overall referral rate of 55% was found in this study. Out of a total of 347 patients interviewed, 265 (76.4%) were successful while 82 (23.6%) were unsuccessful referrals. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that objection to referral (Adjusted OR, 2.96; CI: 1.44-5.52), never referred before (Adjusted OR, 1.25; CI: 1.34-6.90), not visited the referral site before (Adjusted OR, 4.04; CI: 2.50-6.08) and no knowledge of who to meet at the referral site (Adjusted OR, 1.30; CI: 1.01-2.96) were the factors associated with unsuccessful referral. Other factors found significant were duration of the illness of the patient, anyone not known at the referral site and failure of LHW to follow up.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that a significant proportion of patients seen by the LHWs are referred to different health facilities. Improved management skills of LHWs for simple medical problems would probably reduce the number of referrals. Efforts should also be directed to enhance the communication and counseling skills of LHWs, which may reduce a significant proportion of unsuccessful referrals.

The energy gap law for triplet states in Pt-containing conjugated polymers and monomers

The energy gap law established for aromatic hydrocarbons and rare earth ions relates the nonradiative decay rate to the energy gap of a transition through a multiphonon emission process. We show that this energy gap law can be applied to the phosphoresce of a series of conjugated polymers and monomers for which the radiative decay rate has been enhanced through incorporation of a heavy metal. We find that the nonradiative decay rate from the triplet state T(1) increases exponentially with decreasing T(1)-S(0) gap for the polymers and monomers at 300 and 20 K. Comparison of the nonradiative decay of polymers with that of their corresponding monomers highlights the role of electron-lattice coupling.

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone

Fibrous dysplasia is a rare but interesting benign condition of the bones which affects either a single bone or multiple bones, with or without endocrine abnormalities. Only 75 cases affecting the temporal bone have been reported in the world literature, and to these we add another case. Although systemic involvement in the form of endocrine abnormalities and skin pigmentation has been reported in the past, no case has yet been reported with a congenitally absent kidney in the monostotic form of the disease.

Leprosy in ENT

Two cases of leprosy are reported, one of which was admitted as a case of acute tonsillitis and was referred only later to the ENT surgeons with hoarseness after a diagnosis had been made by biopsy of the lymph node; the other was referred with a possible facial paralysis. This is a rare diagnosis but it should still be kept in mind, particularly in the immigrant population of the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia and particularly of the Saudis from the southern provinces.

Nasal glioma and encephalocele: two separate entities. Report of two cases

The term "nasal glioma" is a confusing misnomer as it implies a neoplastic condition with malignant potential, which it is not. Nasal glioma is a rare development abnormality and should be differentiated from glioma, which is a malignant tumor of the brain, and from a primary encephalocele, which is herniation of the cranial contents through a bone defect in the skull, through which it retains an intact connection with the central nervous system. Two cases of nasal glioma, one with and one without intracranial connections, are described and the literature is reviewed.

Growth performance, immune status and organ morphometry in broilers fed Bacillus subtilis-supplemented diet

The present research aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on performance, immune system, gut, and lymphoid organs’ microarchitecture in broilers. A total of 120 day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four groups. The birds were fed a corn-soy-based basal diet (BD) (control) or the same BD supplemented with 10% zinc bacitracin (ZnB), 0.05 g/kg or 0.1 g/kg of B. subtilis (BS). The broilers fed 0.1 g/kg of B. subtilis had superior mean bodyweight and lower feed conversion ratio compared with the non-supplemented or ZnB-fed groups. The BS-0.1 group registered higher antibody titer against the Newcastle disease (ND) virus. Cell-mediated immune response post Phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) injection was attained by both BS-0.1 and BS-0.05 groups. Histomorphological study revealed increased thymus cortical width, and cortex/medulla ratio in BS-0.1 group compared with control. Area of bursal follicles and germinal centres of spleen also improved in BS-0.1 group. Compared to ZnB and control, higher villus height (VH) and villus crypt ratio of the duodenum and jejunum were recorded on day 21, and higher VH of duodenum and ileum was noted on day 35 in BS-0.1 and BS-0.05 groups. In conclusion, B. subtilis-type probiotics contributed positively to better growth performance, improved immune system and modulated morphology of lymphoid organs and gut mucosa in broilers.Keywords: Immunity, intestinal mucosa, poultry, probiotics