Hematochemical profile of Cholistani cattle being reared in the Cholistan desert of Pakistan under pastoralism

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to assess and create normal reference intervals for hematochemical profile of Cholistani cattle (n=360) being reared under pastoralism. The comparisons have been made with earlier published data on Bos indicus and taurus cattle breeds. The general health status of animals was ascertained through a thorough anamnesis from the livestock owners and clinical signs. However, theileriosis, in specific, was ruled out through blood smear examination. The animals were assigned in groups according to age: young (n=190; ≤12 months) and adult (n=170; >12 months up till 7 years); and gender: male (n=182) and female (n=178) cattle. The mean (±SE), median, range and reference intervals (25th to 95th percentile) for hematochemical profile were determined through descriptive statistics and differences between various groups were analyzed through Mann Whitney U test. The findings of this study may serve as reference hematochemical values for Cholistani cattle in specific and humped zebu cattle in general for assessing any physiological, pathological, or metabolic alterations.

Colchicine anti-inflammatory therapy for non-intensive care unit hospitalized COVID-19 patients: results from a pilot open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial

Systemic inflammation is a hallmark of severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Anti-inflammatory therapy is considered crucial to modulate the hyperinflammatory response (cytokine storm) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. There is currently no specific, conclusively proven, cost-efficient, and worldwide available anti-inflammatory therapy available to treat COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm. The present study aimed to investigate the treatment benefit of oral colchicine for hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. Colchicine is an approved drug and possesses multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This was a pilot, open-label randomized controlled clinical trial comparing standard of care (SOC) plus oral colchicine (colchicine arm) vs. SOC alone (control arm) in non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. Colchicine treatment was initiated within first 48 hours of admission delivered at 1.5 mg loading dose, followed by 0.5 mg b.i.d. for next 6 days and 0.5 mg q.d. for the second week. A total of 96 patients were randomly allocated to the colchicine (n=48) and control groups (n=48). Both colchicine and control group patients experienced similar clinical outcomes by day 14 of hospitalization. Treatment outcome by day 14 in colchicine vs control arm: recovered and discharged alive: 36 (75.0%) vs. 37 (77.1%), remain admitted after 14-days: 4 (8.3%) vs. 5 (10.4%), ICU transferred: 4 (8.3%) vs. 3 (6.3%), and mortality: 4 (8.3%) vs. 3 (6.3%). The speed of improvement of COVID-19 acute symptoms including shortness of breath, fever, cough, the need of supplementary oxygen, and oxygen saturation level, was almost identical in the two groups. Length of hospitalization was on average 1.5 day shorter in the colchicine group. There was no evidence for a difference between the two groups in the follow-up serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP). According to the results of our study, oral colchicine does not appear to show clinical benefits in non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. It is possible that the anti-inflammatory pathways of colchicine are not crucially involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Effect of season and housing systems on various physio-behavioral attributes of local breed of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of season and various housing systems on behavioral i.e. sitting, standing, walking and physiological i.e. respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), time of sexual libido (TSL) attributes of local breed of rabbits reared in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Adult rabbits (n = 40) of 6 month to 1 year old were divided into two groups (n = 20 / group). Group I was placed under traditional colony system in the soil while group II was kept under modern cage system. Sitting and standing was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher during summer and winter respectively. The RR and RT were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in summer as compared to other study seasons. Standing behavior was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in caged rabbits as compared to colony-reared ones. Statistically higher (p ≤ 0.05) TSL value was observed in summer as compared to other three study seasons. From this study it is concluded that rabbit's behavioral and physiological traits are significantly affected by season and housing systems. We concluded that rabbits show better physio-behavioral performance in autumn and winter season while summer stress negatively affects physiology and behavior under caged-system. This study could contribute new aspects of behavioral and physiological processes in local breed of rabbits due to different seasons and housing systems.

Effect of Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate Replenishment on Tribological Performance of Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oil

Soot is the main contamination that affects oil performance and increases the frequency of oil changes in heavy-duty engine oil. Several studies discussed that additive concentration in engine oil can be influenced due to additive depletion over time and additive adsorption on soot particles. To extend oil drain intervals and improve oil performance, filter manufactures explore removing the soot to a certain level and replenishing the consumed additives. Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) is one of the most favored antiwear additives that react very rapidly with rubbing surfaces to form tribofilm that reduces wear. In this study, the experimental work aims to investigate the effect of ZDDP replenishment on tribological performance in the existence of soot and after removing soot from heavy-duty used oil. The study reveals that reclaiming the used oil can be achieved by removing the soot to a certain level. The results demonstrate that the reclaimed oil after removing soot is still not as good as the fresh oil. This study proves that additive depletion, additive adsorption on soot, and the decomposition of antiwear additive adversely influence the reclaimed oil performance. However, replenishing the consumed additive by adding a small amount of ZDDP helps to improve the reclaimed oil performance compared to a large amount of ZDDP which is required to re-gain the oil performance in the existence of soot.

A preliminary study on devising a hematological formula for estimation of hemoglobin from packed cell volume in beetal goats

ABSTRACT The study was devised with the aim to evaluate the relationship between hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) in beetal goats being reared under pastoralism. It also aims to devise a hematological formula for estimation of Hb from PCV. Female (n=59) and male goats (n=41) were bled for PCV determination through microhematocrit method, and Hb estimation through Sahli’s hemoglobinometer (HbD) as well as through calculation being 1/3rd of PCV (HbC). The HbD and HbC were statistically non-significant (P≥0.05) for male and female beetal goats. Overall, significantly (P≤0.01) positive correlation coefficient was noticed between HbD and PCV, and between HbD and HbC (r=0.75; adjusted r-square=0.57). As the overall model predicted that 57% variability in HbD could be deduced from PCV, hence, in order to enhance the prediction probability, the regression equation i.e. Hb concentration= 0.24(PCV) +1.5 was utilized to deduce corrected hemoglobin (CHb). The comparison of this CHb with HbD gave a non-significant (P≤0.05) difference. Similarly, linear regression of CHb with PCV gave a 99% prediction. We accordingly recommend a simplified pen-side hematological formula for deducing Hb concentration from PCV viz. Hb concentration= 0.24(PCV) +1.5 for beetal goats instead of its calculation as one-third of PCV.

Numerical simulations of a falling film on the inner surface of a rotating cylinder

A flow in which a thin film falls due to gravity on the inner surface of a vertical, rotating cylinder is investigated. This is performed using two-dimensional (2D) and 3D direct numerical simulations, with a volume-of-fluid approach to treat the interface. The problem is parameterized by the Reynolds, Froude, Weber, and Ekman numbers. The variation of the Ekman number (Ek), defined to be proportional to the rotational speed of the cylinder, has a strong effect on the flow characteristics. Simulations are conducted over a wide range of Ek values (0≤Ek≤484) in order to provide detailed insight into how this parameter influences the flow. Our results indicate that increasing Ek, which leads to a rise in the magnitude of centrifugal forces, produces a stabilizing effect, suppressing wave formation. Key flow features, such as the transition from a 2D to a more complex 3D wave regime, are influenced significantly by this stabilization and are investigated in detail. Furthermore, the imposed rotation results in distinct flow characteristics such as the development of angled waves, which arise due to the combination of gravitationally and centrifugally driven motion in the axial and azimuthal directions, respectively. We also use a weighted residuals integral boundary layer method to determine a boundary in the space of Reynolds and Ekman numbers that represents a threshold beyond which waves have recirculation regions.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated hematological alterations in small ruminants of D.G. Khan district of Southern Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and hematological effects of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goat in district Dera Ghazi Khan. Blood samples (n=204) were collected comprise goats (n=101) and sheep (n=103) alongwith age, gender and breeds of animals. Samples were collected randomly from 25 flocks of 7 different union council Viz. Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani and Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif at least 4 animals from each flock. All ruminants divide into three groups based on age, breed and gender. The prevalence was detected through two different kits Viz. LAT and ELISA kit. The overall prevalence suspected in goats through LAT and ELISA kit was (35.64%), (32.67%) and in sheep was (25.24%), (23.30%) respectively. The Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on goats in age groups and non-significant all other groups of goats and sheep. Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on all hematological parameters like Hemoglobin, total leukocyte cells, granulocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, and red blood cells, except monocytes. In conclusion of the current study, toxoplasmosis is prevalent among ruminants, reveals the possibility of transmission to humans on the use of host animals as protein source.

Emergence of preconfigured and plastic time-compressed sequences in early postnatal development

When and how hippocampal neuronal ensembles first organize to support encoding and consolidation of memory episodes, a critical cognitive function of the brain, are unknown. We recorded electrophysiological activity from large ensembles of hippocampal neurons starting on the first day after eye opening as naïve rats navigated linear environments and slept. We found a gradual age-dependent, navigational experience-independent assembly of preconfigured trajectory-like sequences from persistent, location-depicting ensembles during postnatal week 3. Adult-like compressed binding of adjacent locations into trajectories during navigation and their navigational experience-dependent replay during sleep emerged in concert from spontaneous preconfigured sequences only during early postnatal week 4. Our findings reveal ethologically relevant distinct phases in the development of hippocampal preconfigured and experience-dependent sequential patterns thought to be important for episodic memory formation.

Accreditation and evaluation of veterinary medical institutes - a Pakistani perspective

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) is an independent, autonomous and constitutionally established institution that provides primary funding for higher education in Pakistan, which it also oversees, regulates and accredits. According to the HEC Charter: 'the HEC of Pakistan may set up national or regional evaluation councils or authorise any existing council/or similar body to carry out accreditation of institutions including their departments, facilities and disciplines by giving them appropriate ratings'. At present, 14 accreditation bodies operate under the umbrella of the HEC. Five were established under the HEC's Quality Assurance Agency, while nine councils associated with the accreditation and evaluation of medical institutes are independent bodies that were extant before the HEC was created, and are recognised by the HEC. The authors will discuss the role of the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC), the accreditation of veterinary institutes and associated issues of concern. They suggest that the PVMC should adopt an unbiased approach to new and established veterinary institutes to attain uniform accreditation of all veterinary institutes throughout the country. In addition, the government should consult the accreditation councils and professional bodies before setting up new institutes. The authors also suggest that, instead of placing new veterinary institutes under the aegis of non-veterinary universities, they should be made sub-campuses of established veterinary universities. In time, they will emerge as established institutes in their own right.

Synergistic potential of propolis and vitamin e against sub-acute toxicity of AlCl(3) in albino mice: in vivo study

Current study evaluated the synergistic potential of propolis and vitamin E against sub-acute toxicity of aluminum chloride on different biochemical parameters and liver histology. Swiss albino mice (n=42) were randomly divided into seven groups. Group I received 0.2 ml of 0.9 % saline solution, Group II received Propolis (50 mg/kg b.w.), Group III received vitamin E (150 mg/kg b.w.), Group IV received AlCl(3) 50 mg/kg b.w., Group V received AlCl(3) + Propolis, Group VI received AlCl(3) + vitamin E and Group VII received AlCl(3) + propolis + vitamin E. Blood and tissue samples were collected after 7 and 21 days. The body weight of the animals significantly increased in all groups except Group IV. The concentration of serum high density lipoprotein significantly decreased in Group IV and increased in Group V, VI and VII. The level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein significantly increased in AlCl(3) treated group and increased in Group V, VI and VII. Tissue sections were processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Group II showed cellular necrosis. Group V, VI showed decreased number of vacuolization, sinusoidal spacing and macrophage cell infiltration. Group VI showed less degenerative changes in the third week. Vitamin E and propolis in combination with Al provides more protection against AlCl(3) induced toxicity.

Prevalence of foot and mouth disease virus in apparently healthy buffaloes brought to Islamabad slaughterhouse in Pakistan

This study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) slaughtered at Islamabad slaughterhouse, Pakistan. Sera and oro-pharyngeal (OP) fluid were collected from 630 healthy buffaloes. These animals originated from various livestock markets from 14 districts of Punjab. The age of animals ranged from 1 to 15 years. Sera were analyzed using FMD virus (FMDV) nonstructural proteins (NSP) and indirect ELISA. The sero-prevalence of FMD was 47.1% (n=297). There was a strong association between age of animal and its risk of being positive for FMD NSP ELISA (Odds ratio 1.27; p<0.001; CI 1.22-1.32). The OP fluids were tested for the presence of FMDV by real time PCR. FMDV specific signals were detected in 33 samples (11.1%). Virus recovery attempts were made after treating them with tri-chloro-tri-flouroethane onto LFBK cell line and four FMD isolates were recovered. This study indicated high sero-prevalence of FMDV in buffaloes slaughtered at abattoir in Islamabad. Furthermore, the virus recovery from these animals is suggestive of their possible role in persistence and transmission of FMDV to other animals.

Genetic diversity and comparison of diagnostic tests for characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus strains from Pakistan 2008-2012

We report the laboratory analysis of 125 clinical samples from suspected cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and Asian buffalo collected in Pakistan between 2008 and 2012. Of these samples, 89 were found to contain viral RNA by rRT-PCR, of which 88 were also found to contain infectious FMD virus (FMDV) by virus isolation (VI), with strong correlation between these tests (κ = 0.96). Samples that were VI-positive were serotyped by antigen detection ELISA (Ag-ELISA) and VP1 sequence acquisition and analysis. Sequence data identified FMDV serotypes A (n = 13), O (n = 36) and Asia-1 (n = 41), including three samples from which both serotypes Asia-1 and O were detected. Serotype A viruses were classified within three different Iran-05 sublineages: HER-10, FAR-11 and ESF-10. All serotype Asia-1 were within Group VII (Sindh-08 lineage), in a genetic clade that differs from viruses isolated prior to 2010. All serotypes O were classified as PanAsia-2 within two different sublineages: ANT-10 and BAL-09. Using VP1 sequencing as the gold standard for serotype determination, the overall sensitivity of Ag-ELISA to correctly determine serotype was 74%, and serotype-specific sensitivity was 8% for serotype A, 88% for Asia-1 and 89% for O. Serotype-specific specificity was 100% for serotype A, 93% for Asia-1 and 94% for O. Interestingly, 12 of 13 serotype A viruses were not detected by Ag-ELISA. This study confirms earlier accounts of regional genetic diversity of FMDV in Pakistan and highlights the importance of continued validation of diagnostic tests for rapidly evolving pathogens such as FMDV.

Associations between gender and outcome of acute psychiatric admission, looking specifically at length of stay and type of admission

Introduction

There is little published data regarding the association between gender and outcomes in acute inpatient psychiatry. We present outcomes from a study of 5601 acute psychiatric admissions.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify associations between gender and outcome of acute psychiatric admission, looking specifically at length of stay and at whether they were detained in hospital.

Methods

The relationship between gender and acute psychiatric inpatient length of stay and detention status was analyzed for all admissions over 90 months from Sept 2002 to Feb 2010. There were 5601 consecutive admissions included in this study, 2862 of which were male and 2739 were female. There were no exclusions. Data was complete for more than 99% of subjects, and was extracted from part of routine service data on an anonymous- basis. The subjects were admitted into two acute inpatient wards in central Norfolk. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Ethics consent was granted by the research ethics committee.

Results

The study showed no significant difference in average length of stay (female = 32.98, male = 32.11; P = 0.595). Additionally, no significant difference was found linking gender to detention status (26% female, 25% male; P = 0.517) as opposed to informal or voluntary admission.

Conclusion

The study found no evidence of a gender bias regarding overall length of stay and legal status in acute admissions. Further research should be conducted in this area to examine whether there is any gender bias in outcomes relating to diagnosis.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Intravaginal probiotics modulated metabolic status and improved milk production and composition of transition dairy cows

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate whether intravaginal infusion of probiotics (a lactic acid bacteria cocktail) around parturition would influence metabolic status and increase milk production of transition dairy cows. One hundred pregnant Holstein dairy cows were assigned to 1 of the 3 experimental groups receiving intravaginal infusion of probiotics or carrier (i.e., sterile skim milk) once a week at wk -2, -1, and +1 relative to calving as follows: 2 consecutive probiotics before parturition and 1 carrier dose after parturition (TRT1), 3 consecutive probiotics doses around parturition (TRT2), and 3 consecutive carrier doses around parturition (CTR). The probiotics were a lyophilized culture mixture composed of FUA3089 and FUA3138 and FUA3140 with a cell count of 10 to 10 cfu/dose. Blood was sampled from wk -2 to +3 and milk was sampled on the third day in milk (DIM) and from wk +1 to +5 on a weekly basis. Feed intake and milk production was monitored until wk +8. Results showed that the TRT2 group (366.12 ± 49.77 μmol/L) had a lower ( = 0.01) concentration of NEFA in the serum than the CTR group (550.85 ± 47.16 μmol/L). The concentrations of IgG in the milk were 32.71 ± 3.00 mg/mL in the TRT1 group, 17.47 ± 4.54 mg/mL in the TRT2 group, and 6.73 ± 3.43 mg/mL in the CTR group at 3 DIM ( < 0.01). Meanwhile, both the TRT1 and the TRT2 group had lower haptoglobin in the milk compared with the CTR group at 3 DIM ( < 0.01). The TRT1 group had greater milk protein content than the CTR group (2.99 ± 0.04 vs. 2.82 ± 0.04%; = 0.02), whereas the TRT2 group tended to have greater lactose content compared with the CTR group (4.53 ± 0.03 vs. 4.44 ± 0.03%; = 0.05). The effect of treatment interacted with parity with regards to milk production and feed efficiency. Multiparous cows in the TRT1 and TRT2 groups had greater milk production and feed efficiency than those in the CTR group ( < 0.01 and = 0.02, respectively). Among primiparous cows, those in the TRT2 group had greater milk production ( = 0.04) whereas those in the TRT1 group had lower feed intake ( < 0.01) than those in the CTR group. Both the TRT1 and the TRT2 groups had enhanced feed efficiency compared with the CTR group ( < 0.01). In conclusion, intravaginal infusion of lactic acid bacteria modulated concentrations of selected serum metabolites and milk components and increased milk efficiency of transition dairy cows.

Preparation, characterization and application of Cu–Ni/TiO2in Orange II photodegradation under visible light: effect of different reaction parameters and optimization

A series of mono- and bimetallic Cu–Ni/TiO₂photocatalysts were preparedviawet impregnation. The addition of metal onto the surface of TiO₂led to a better photocatalytic performance for Orange II photodegradation under visible light irradiation.

Intravaginally administered lactic acid bacteria expedited uterine involution and modulated hormonal profiles of transition dairy cows

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate whether intravaginal infusion of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) around parturition could expedite involution rate of the uterus and improve reproductive performance of postpartum dairy cows. One hundred pregnant Holstein dairy cows were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups: (1) 1 dose of LAB in wk -2 and -1 and 1 dose of carrier in wk 1 relative to the expected day of parturition (TRT1); (2) 1 dose of LAB in wk -2, -1, and 1 (TRT2); and (3) 1 dose of carrier in wk -2, -1, and 1 (CTR). The LAB treatment was a lyophilized mixture of Lactobacillus sakei FUA3089, Pediococcus acidilactici FUA3138, and Pediococcus acidilactici FUA3140 with a cell count of 10(8) to 10(9) cfu/dose. Uterine involution and ovarian activity was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography weekly from d 7 to 49 postpartum. Blood samples were collected from a subset of cows to quantify prostaglandin (PG) F2α metabolite (PGFM), PGE2, and progesterone. Cows treated with LAB had smaller cross-sectional areas of gravid horn and uterine body on d 14 postpartum. Cows in TRT2 resumed ovarian cyclicity earlier, as indicated by increased concentrations of serum progesterone. Cows in TRT1 had fewer days open than those in the CTR (110 vs. 150 d), whereas cows in TRT2 and CTR did not differ in days open. In addition, both TRT1 and TRT2 increased the concentrations of PGFM at calving week, and cows in TRT2 also had greater concentrations of PGE2 on d 14 and d 21 postpartum relative to CTR. Overall, cows treated intravaginally with LAB had smaller gravid horn and uterine body on d 14 postpartum than those in the CTR group. Treatment with LAB also increased concentrations of serum PGFM (3,533±328pg/mL in TRT1, 4,470±372pg/mL in TRT2, and 2,000±328pg/mL in CTR on d 0, respectively), with the TRT1 group having fewer cows that resumed ovarian cyclicity but fewer days open compared with both TRT2 and CTR groups. More research is warranted to better understand the mechanism(s) by which intravaginal LAB expedited uterine involution and affected hormonal profiles.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP): a new approach for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus and its sero-types in Pakistan

Successful disease management requires a rapid and sensitive diagnosis method that can recognize early infection even before the manifestation of its clinical signs. The only available field diagnostic tests for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are lateral flow devices, commonly known as chromatographic strips. Low sensitivity and inability to detect FMD virus (FMDV) at the serotype level are limitations of lateral flow devices. Therefore, a reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was standardized using universal and sero-type specific genes in a single tube. This test does not require sophisticated equipment and can detect FMDV at serotype level in about 60 min. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of this test is comparable to conventional reverse transcriptase PCR and real time PCR (rRT-PCR).

Similar results with solitary pancreas transplantation compared with simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation in the new millennium

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to analyze our single-center outcomes according to pancreas transplant (PT) category in the new millennium by using standardized management protocols.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 202 consecutive PTs (179 with portal-enteric drainage) in 192 patients; all received either rabbit antithymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab induction in combination with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and tapered corticosteroids or early steroid withdrawal. Unlike simultaneous pancreas/kidney (SPK) transplant, solitary PT (SPT) recipients were managed with routine perioperative anticoagulation and surveillance pancreas biopsies.

RESULTS

From November 2001 to March 2013, we performed 162 SPK transplants, 35 pancreas after kidney transplants, and 5 pancreas-alone transplants (40 SPTs). Demographic characteristics were mostly comparable; however, the SPT group had younger donors, shorter waiting time, fewer HLA mismatches, and fewer African-American recipients but more retransplants (all, P < .05). With a mean follow-up of 5.5 versus 7.5 years, overall patient (86.4% SPK vs 86.8% SPT), kidney graft (74% SPK vs 80% SPT), and pancreas graft (both 65%) survival rates were comparable. Although mortality rates were similar, mortality patterns differed because no SPT recipients died early, whereas the 1-, 3-, and 5-year mortality rates after SPK transplant were 4%, 9% and 12%, respectively (P < .05). The most common causes of pancreas graft loss were death with functioning grafts in SPK recipients and acute/chronic rejection in SPT recipients. Rates of early thrombosis were 8.6% in SPK patients and 5% in SPT patients. Cumulative clinical acute rejection rates were similar between groups (SPK 29% vs SPT 27.5%; P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of depleting antibody induction and tacrolimus-based therapy, HLA matching, careful donor and recipient selection, portal-enteric drainage, selective perioperative anticoagulation, and surveillance SPT biopsy monitoring, similar medium-term outcomes can be achieved in SPK transplants and SPTs in the new millennium.

Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Serum Mineral Chemistry as Affected by Dietary Sodium and Sodium Salts Fed to Broiler Chickens Reared under Phase Feeding System

A basal diet (0.8 g/kg dNa) was formulated in which each of the two sources (NaHCO3 and Na2SO4) were supplemented in such a way to attain four levels (1.7, 2.6, 3.5, and 4.4 g/kg) of total dNa, respectively, under 4×2 factorial arrangement. Eight dietary treatments were replicated four times, with 40 birds in each replicate (n = 1,280). The diets supplemented with Na2SO4 to attain higher levels of dNa showed highest BW gain and feed intake (FI) during d 1 to 10 (interaction effects) while 2.6 g/kg dNa exhibited improved BW gain and gain:feed (FG) during d 11 to 20. Linear rise in daily water intake (DWI) was associated with diets containing increasing dNa during d 1 to 42 (p≤0.036). During the first 10 d, DWI:FI was found highest in NaHCO3 diets while Na2SO4 diets showed highest DWI:FI during last 10 d of the experiment (p≤0.036). Increasing dNa and changing Na2SO4 with NaHCO3 salt increased pH and resulted in poor growth performance. Dressing weight (p≤0.001) and abdominal fat (p≤0.001; quadratic effect) were reduced, whereas breast (p≤0.001) and thigh (p<0.001) weights were aggravated with increasing dNa (linear effects). Present findings suggested higher levels of dNa from Na2SO4 as the supplemental salt in broiler diets would produce better growth performance, especially in first ten days of life, and improve carcass and body organ characteristics.

In vitro initiation of the acrosome reaction in the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

1. An assessment of the efficiency of the acrosome reaction (AR) provides an important predictor of the fertilizing potential of semen and for diagnosis of the causes of infertility. A standardized protocol was therefore developed for initiation of the acrosome reaction in emu spermatozoa in vitro, and the role of CaCl2 or perivitelline membrane (PVM) proteins in determining the outcome of the reaction was investigated. 2. The acrosome reaction (assessed by FITC-PNA) was successfully induced in live spermatozoa by incubation for 2 min in NaCl-TES medium supplemented with 5 mM CaCl2. The maximum response was 32% live acrosome-reacted spermatozoa (LAR) achieved after 10 min incubation. 3. Compared to the outcome with 5 mM CaCl2 or PVM protein alone, the response was significantly better with a combination of PVM protein and CaCl2. 4. A significant variation in the percentage of LAR spermatozoa among individual males was observed. No treatment affected the percentage of dead acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. 5. The results emphasize the important role played by both PVM proteins and Ca(2+) in the in vitro initiation of the acrosome reaction.

Genetic polymorphism in Plasmodium falciparum: differentiation of parasite isolates of high & low virulence by RAPD

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The increase in Plasmodium falciparum infections which are associated with severe and complicated malaria and drug resistance has made control of malaria a difficult task. Extensive genetic polymorphism in P. falciparum has been reported from several parts of the world which affects the efficacy of sub-unit vaccines. The knowledge of genotypes of the parasite in a geographical region is therefore, important for effective management and control. The aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR technique for differentiation of P. falciparum isolates from patients presenting with severe (cerebral malaria) and mild malaria.

METHODS

Genetic polymorphism in 21 P. falciparum isolates obtained from patients found positive for P. falciparum by light microscopy was studied by RAPD-PCR analysis. Eleven RAPD primers were used for analysis of 21 P. falciparum isolates obtained from cerebral and non-cerebral malaria patients.

RESULTS

Of the 11 primers, only three (E-4, E-8, and R-8) produced useful polymorphic patterns. The cluster analysis based on UPGMA demonstrated that isolates causing cerebral malaria cluster separately from those causing uncomplicated malaria. However, the analysis of phylogenic tree showed that P. falciparum isolates causing non-cerebral and cerebral malaria clustered separately but showed relatedness.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study showed that the RAPD-PCR was able to differentiate the isolates causing severe and mild malaria. The cluster analysis of the phylogenic tree suggested that the virulent strains evolved from less virulent strains as it clustered separately. RAPD technique may be useful in discriminating between the different isolates of the same species resulting in different clinical profiles.

Development and validation of a quality of life instrument for Kashin-Beck disease: an endemic osteoarthritis in China

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a disease-specific Quality of Life (QOL) measure for a specialized osteoarthritis (OA)-Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).

METHODS

The standard methodology used for developing QOL instruments was employed. In phase 1, initially a group of health care professionals (HCPs) and KBD patient defined the overall concept of KBDQOL. It was followed by generation of an item pool through literature review, in-depth interview of 20 KBD patients and eight KBD HCPs and four focus group discussions. In phase 2, 368 KBD patients were interviewed and the reinterview of 95 participants, 10-14 days later assessed the reproducibility of the KBDQOL instrument.

RESULTS

A 37 items draft instrument was devised during phase 1. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed six domains: physical function, activity limitation, social support, economics, mental health, and general health. Cronbach's alphas of six domains ranged from 0.77 to 0.90. The test-retest reliability (intraclass co-relation coefficient) of six domains was satisfactory, and ranged from 0.73 to 0.90. The smallest detectable change ranged from 13.2 to 30.2 points at the individual level and from 1.4 to 3.1 points at the group level for different domains. The construct validity was adequate when co-related with the EQ-5D (spearman co-relation coefficients: 0.49-0.61) and WHOQOL-BREF (spearman co-relation coefficients: 0.53-0.68). This resulted into the final version of KBDQOL instrument having 28 items and six domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The KBDQOL is a simple and easy to use 28-item six dimensional questionnaire. The measure has been developed as a true patient-based questionnaire and demonstrates good measurement properties.

The role of the male cloacal gland in reproductive success in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The adult male Japanese quail has a well developed cloacal gland that produces meringue-like white foam. The physiological significance of the cloacal gland and its foam is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted two experiments to establish the functional role of the cloacal gland and its foam in natural mating and oviducal sperm transport. In the first experiment, artificial insemination of equal numbers of spermatozoa diluted in foam extract and normal saline once in a week were used to determine the role of foam in sperm transport in the female oviduct. After artificial insemination, eggs were collected to measure fertility, the duration of the fertile period, sperm holes and attached spermatozoa in the perivitelline membrane. Higher (P < 0.05) fertility and greater duration of the fertile period were observed when semen was inseminated along with foam extract compared with normal saline. Further, the sperm holes and trapped spermatozoa in the perivitelline membrane were also higher (P < 0.05) in the presence of foam extract. In the second experiment, two males with bigger and smaller cloacal gland areas were allowed to mate with a female. The mating attempts of males with larger cloacal gland were more successful (P < 0.05) than males with smaller cloacal glands. Our results indicated that cloacal foam improves sperm transport in the female oviduct and that males with larger cloacal gland areas are preferred during mating.

Road traffic injuries in Rawalpindi city, Pakistan

Data on road traffic accident (RTA) injuries and their outcome are scarce in Pakistan. This study assessed patterns of RTA injuries reported in Rawalpindi city using standard surveillance methods. All RTA injury patients presenting to emergency departments of 3 tertiary care facilities from July 2007 to June 2008 were included. RTA injuries (n = 19 828) accounted for 31.7% of all injuries. Among children aged 0-14 years females suffered twice as many RTA injuries as males (21.3% versus 11.4%), whereas this trend reversed for the age group 15-24 years (41.9% versus 21.7%). One-fifth of injuries were either fractures or concussion. Severity and outcome of injuries were worse for the age group 45 years and older. For every road traffic death in Rawalpindi city, 29 more people were hospitalized and 177 more received emergency department care. These results suggest the need for better RTA injury surveillance to identify preventive and control measures for the increasingly high road disease burden in this city.

Molecular characterization of Ephedra species found in Pakistan

Ephedra, also known as "ma huang", is a dioecious, drought- and frost-resistant, perennial, evergreen shrub with compelling medicinal value. The genus is represented by 42 species around the world, 9 of which were provisionally reported from Pakistan. Species of the genus have a controversial taxonomy due to their overlapping morphological features. Conventional tools alone are not sufficient for characterizing the species. The objective of present study was to assess the genetic variability present in different biotypes of Ephedra growing in Pakistan using molecular markers. A total of six genotypes collected from diverse geographic zones of Pakistan were used. The DNA of all genotypes was amplified using nine randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers to study genetic variability at the molecular level. The dissimilarity coefficient matrix based on the data of 9 RAPD primers was used to construct a dendrogram which was then used to group the genotypes in clusters. Based on the dendrogram and dissimilarity coefficient matrix, the RAPD markers used here revealed a moderate to high level of genetic polymorphism (6 to 49%) among the genotypes. It was found that the collection of genotype accessions from Swat Valley in northwestern Pakistan was most distantly related to the other five collections. More molecular markers including functional genes and ribosomal spacer regions are suggested to find a better estimate of the genetic diversity present in Ephedra growing in Pakistan. The information provided here is useful for identifying valuable Ephedra variants which will be used for medicinal purposes and earning foreign currency.

Two new trans-clerodane diterpenoids from Otostegia limbata

Two new tricyclic clerodane-type diterpenoids, limbatolide D (1) and limbatolide E (2), have been isolated from the roots of Otostegia limbata. Their structures and the relative configuration were established on the basis of spectral methods, especially two-dimensional (2D) NMR techniques.