Clinical management of cutaneous bovine papillomatosis in a cow calf: a case report

A Sahiwal breed heifer calf of ~ 5-month age was presented with numerous warts of varying sizes principally on head, face and neck. The history and clinical examination were suggestive of bovine cutaneous papillomatosis. The animal was treated medically with an alternative medicine: Thuja occidentalis 30X. The warts regressed completely after two months of treatment with Thuja occidentalis, suggesting this medicine can be used to treat warts in bovines successfully.

Unusual semiconductor-metal-semiconductor transitions in magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a co-precipitation method. Rietveld refinement on the X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the development of a single-phase cubic spinel structure with space group Fd3̄m. However, ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy suggested the presence of Fe³⁺ and Fe^2.5+ (mixed Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺) ions at the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the inverse spinel structure, respectively. Impedance spectroscopy measurements showed a discontinues variation in the temperature dependence of the sample's resistive behavior, indicating the appearance of semiconductor–metal–semiconductor like transitions between the temperature range of 293 and 373 K. A similar dual transition was also observed from the dielectric and conductivity measurements around the same temperature regions. The observed unusual transition is explained in term of the competitive effects among the hopping of localized/delocalized and short-range/long-range charge carriers present in the sample. Moreover, the prepared sample exhibits colossal dielectric permittivity (∼10⁶), reduced tangent loss (∼0.2) and moderate conductivity (>10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹) values, making Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles a potential candidate for electromagnetic absorbing materials.

Herein, we report the existence of a novel semiconductor–metal–semiconductor type transition in Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by employing impedance spectroscopy techniques.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of vitamin C against human bacterial pathogens

Now a day's multidrug resistance phenomenon has become the main cause for concern and there has been an inadequate achievement in the development of novel antibiotics to treat the bacterial infections. Therefore, there is an unmet need to search for novel adjuvant. Vitamin C is one such promising adjuvant. The present study was aimed to elucidate the antibacterial effect of vitamin C at various temperatures (4°C, 37°C and 50°C) and pH (3, 8, and 11), against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at various concentrations (5-20 mg/ml) through agar well diffusion method. Growth inhibition of all bacterial strains by vitamin C was concentration-dependent. Vitamin C significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus licheniformis (25.3 ± 0.9 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (22.0 ± 0.6 mm), Bacillus subtilis (19.3 ± 0.3 mm) and Gram-negative bacteria: Proteus mirabilis (27.67 ± 0.882 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.33±0.9 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.0 ± 1.5 mm) and Escherichia coli (18.3 ± 0.3 mm). The stability of vitamin C was observed at various pH values and various temperatures. Vitamin C showed significant antibacterial activity at acidic pH against all bacterial strains. Vitamin C remained the stable at different temperatures. It was concluded that vitamin C is an effective and safe antibacterial agent that can be used in the future as an adjunct treatment option to combat infections in humans.

DECISION MAKING FOR DEVICE CLOSURE IN ADULTS WITH ‘HYPERTENSIVE PDA’–NON-INVASIVE CRITERIA: IMMEDIATE RESULTS

Objective: To find the mean pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) in adults (>12 years) Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) with ‘reversible pulmonary hypertension’ after the device closure. Residual PDA and immediate complications (embolization, pulse loss, obstruction in the aorta or pulmonary artery) are to be reported. Study Design: Retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary Care Referral Hospital, from Aug 2007 to Jun 2020. Methodology: This retrospective study is descriptive. Data collected by convenience sampling from 3 tertiary care referral hospital. 981 patients were undergone PDA device closure during the period from Aug 2007 to June 2020. After informed consent, an initial assessment was done by history, clinical examination, x-ray chest PA view, electrocardiography (ECG), and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Reversible pulmonary hypertension was labeled based on non-invasive criteria including room air saturation >93% and cardiomegaly on x-ray chest. Patients who had <93% and normal heart size on x-ray chest were excluded. The lower limit for age was 12 years. Results: Nine Hundred Eighty One patients had undergone PDA device closure. 32 (n=32/981 3.3%) had fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 22 ± 9 (13–45) years. Mean weight was 41 ± 11 (25-66) kg. Successful device closure was done in 30 patients (93.7%). Mean diameter of PDA was 7 ± 0.1 (4.5-13 mm. Mean PAP decreased from 59 ± 13 mmHg to 38 ± 19 mmHg (p<0.05). Commonest device used was Shasma duct occluder (n=16/32 50%) followed by Occlutech Duct Occluder (n=7/32 21.9%), while 2 had muscular VSD device (n=5/32 15.6%). In 2 patients, there was an underestimation of the size of PDA so the device was retrieved and replaced with another larger one successfully. Two patients had the device fully dropped into the main pulmonary artery before it was released. Larger size device was not available at that time so the patients were referred for surgery. None of our patients had device embolization or residual shunt on echo performed next day to the procedure. Neither any patient had residual pulmonary hypertension on echocardiography. There was no significant obstruction in the aorta in any patients. Two patients had mild left pulmonary artery obstruction. There was no significant obstruction in the aorta in any of our patients. There was pulse loss in 3 patients which were treated successfully with heparin infusion with no residual damage. Conclusion: Device closure is a feasible option in adults with hypertensive PDA while the decision of reversibility is based on non-invasive criteria.

Characterization of maize genotypes for genetic diversity on the basis of inter simple sequence repeats

Genetic diversity in crops is essential to make improvements related to superior germplasms. Implementation of molecular markers to identify suitable genotypes speeds up the breeding progress by enhancing selection efficiency. This study was carried out to probe genetic diversity among 21 maize genotypes using 20 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. We identified a total of 190 polymorphic bands with an average of 9.5 alleles per primer. The highest number of polymorphic bands (17) was found using ISSR marker UBC-10, whereas the lowest number of polymorphic bands (4) was found using UBC-809. The coefficient of genetic similarity ranged from 0.888 to 0.118%. The highest similarity was found between accessions 12 (015224) and 9 (015114), whereas the lowest similarity was found between genotypes 20 (EV-5098) and 14 (015030). The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.17 to 0.47. A dendrogram was generated based on Jaccard's distance matrix. The genotypes were found to group into two major clusters that could be further partitioned into two sub-clusters. Genotypes located within the same cluster are genetically more closely related to each other. The present study efficiently identified diverse genotypes that may be used for creating new varieties with distinct characteristics. The identified genotypes could be used as parents for future development of diverse populations.

Estimation of genetic variability among peanut genotypes for resistance to leaf spot disease

This study aimed to identify high-yielding peanut genotypes with resistance to leaf spot disease. The experiments included material from fourteen local and four exotic peanut genotypes that showed highly significant differences among morphological and disease severity parameters in all the genotypes which, in turn, suggested diversity genotypes. Disease severity analysis showed that the highest disease score and damaged leaf area were observed in the genotype Kelincer and the lowest scores and leaf damaged areas were observed in Majalaya super and BARI-2000, respectively. Based on these results, the genotypes BARI-2011, Chakori, Golden, BARI-89, Majalaya Super, BARD-699, BARI-2000, SP-1, and No. 334 can be used by breeders in peanut improvement programs for the development of new cultivars with higher disease resistance and increased yield.

Immune activation in the course of HIV-1 infection: Causes, phenotypes and persistence under therapy

Systemic immune activation is a striking consequence of HIV-1 infection. Even in virologically suppressed patients, some hyperactivity of the immune system and even of the endothelium and of the coagulation pathway may persist. Apart from immune deficiency, this chronic activation may contribute to various morbidities including atherothrombosis, neurocognitive disorders, liver steatosis and osteoporosis, which are currently main challenges. It is therefore of major importance to better understand the causes and the phenotypes of immune activation in the course of HIV-1 infection. In this review we will discuss the various causes of immune activation in HIV-1 infected organisms: the presence of the virus together with other microbes, eventually coming from the gut, CD4+ T cell lymphopenia, senescence and dysregulation of the immune system, and/or genetic factors. We will also describe the activation of the immune system: CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, NKT and NK cells, dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages, and neutrophils of the inflammation cascade, as well as of the endothelium and the coagulation system. Finally, we will see that antiretroviral therapy reduces the hyperactivity of the immune and coagulation systems and the endothelial dysfunction, but often does not abolish it. A better knowledge of this phenomenon might help us to identify biomarkers predictive of non AIDS-linked comorbidities, and to define new strategies aiming at preventing their emergence.

The Zn-vacancy related green luminescence and donor–acceptor pair emission in ZnO grown by pulsed laser deposition

A low temperature (10 K) photoluminescence study shows that green luminescence peaking at 2.47 eV and near band edge emission at 3.23 eV from the Zn-vacancy related defect are introduced in undoped ZnO grown by pulsed laser deposition after annealing at 900 °C.

Role of multivalent Cu, oxygen vacancies and CuO nanophase in the ferromagnetic properties of ZnO:Cu thin films

Room temperature ferromagnetism (FM) of these thin film samples are highly tuneable by the simultaneous presence of CuO nanophases and multivalent Cu and Vö concentrations.

Impedance analysis of secondary phases in a Co-implanted ZnO single crystal

Co ions with 100 keV energy with a fluence of 1 × 10¹⁵ cm⁻² are implanted into ZnO(0001) single crystals at 300 °C under vacuum.

[Identification and expression of six drought responsive transcripts through differential display in desi cottion (Gossypium aroreum)]

There is not enough information available on drought-modulated gene(s) in Gossypium arboreum, which can be a valuable gene pool for improving modern cotton cultivars. In the present work differential display reverse transcriptase PCR (DDRT) was used to compare overall differences in gene expression between water stressed and control plants. By screening 93 primer-pair combinations DDRT technique resulted in up-regulation of 30 cDNA transcripts. Through reamplification and quality control assay 10 cDNA transcripts appeared false positive. The remaining 20-cDNA transcripts were extracted from the gel, reamplified, cloned and sequenced. Homology search revealed that 6 transcripts showed significant homology with known genes. Real-time RT-PCR showed that among 6 transcripts 5 showed significant over expression in water stressed leaves as compared to control. This is an important finding since there are only few reports of universal stress protein and transposable elements are available in plants but none in cotton under drought condition.

Study of water quality of Hudiara drain, India-Pakistan

This paper examines the extent of pollution in Hudiara drain water due to untreated industrial and sewage waste of India and Pakistan. Ninety-nine surface water samples from the Pakistani side of the Hudiara drain were collected during September 1997, and April and June 1998. The analytical results of the Hudiara drain samples point out the industrial and sewage inputs from India and Pakistan. Higher values of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand(COD), total organic carbon(TOC), and trace metals in drain samples from the Indo-Pak border clearly indicate the Indian industrial and sewage pollution. Large variations in the levels of various measured parameters (COD, BOD, TOC, pH, total soluble substances, and trace metals) were observed along the Hudiara drain in the Pakistani vicinity. These variations were due to different types of industrial effluents and small village drains. The study showed that suspended solids(SS), COD, and fecal coliform (FC) were the major pollutants. Accordingly, the most feasible alternative is to convert the drainage network to a sedimentation and temporary storage reservoir. If disinfected, the runoff water can be used for restricted irrigation. Groundwater samples taken from the drain's surrounding area have also been analyzed. Thirty percent of the samples are not fit for drinking purposes due to NO3-N, Se and FC counts as prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. A trilinear diagram clearly indicates the influence of surface water of the Hudiara drain on ground water; moreover, higher values of nitrate and FC clearly indicate the seepage from the Hudiara drain.

Estrous and endocrine responses of lactating Holsteins to forced ventilation during summer

Fourteen lactating and cycling Holsteins in each of two summers were assigned randomly to pens in a free-stall barn either with or without overhead fans to study the effect of fan cooling on certain endocrine and behavioral responses during the estrous cycle. After an adjustment period of 8 d in the first summer and 21 d in the second summer, jugular cannulas were inserted, and 25 mg of PGF2 alpha were injected. After injection, blood samples were collected frequently for 84 h in the first summer and 88 h in the second summer, followed by collection three times weekly for 3 wk thereafter each summer. Rectal temperatures were lower in the group cooled by fans than in the control group each summer. Luteal progesterone secretion tended to be greater in the fan group each summer; area under the luteal phase curve was significantly higher than for controls during the second summer. There was tendency for more preovulatory surges of LH and higher estrous responses rates in the fan group during the second summer. Thus, fan cooling of lactating dairy cows for several weeks before anticipated breeding provides potential for more efficient reproductive performance during the summer.

Estrous cyclicity in nonlactating and lactating Holsteins and Jerseys during a Pakistani summer

Data from 36 cows were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement to determine the effects of breed and lactation status on estrous cyclicity during a Pakistani summer (June through October). Cows were selected from a herd of Holsteins and Jerseys imported from the United States 5 yr earlier. Ambient temperatures were highest in June and declined in the ensuing months with the onset of the rainy season. Relative humidity increased in July and August and them remained stable until the end of the study. Although early morning rectal temperatures gradually declined from June through October, late afternoon rectal temperatures were highest in August. Average early morning rectal temperatures were higher in Holsteins than in Jerseys (38.5 vs. 38.3 degrees C). Even though all cows were cyclic throughout the study, as indicated by patterns of progesterone secretion, observed expression of estrus was low (36.8%) and unaffected by breed or lactation status. Average serum progesterone concentrations were lower (2.4 vs. 3.1 ng/ml), and cortisol concentrations were higher (4.1 vs. 3.9 ng/ml), in Holsteins than in Jerseys. Breed by lactation status interactions were significant for lengths of the luteal phase and estrous cycle. Lengths for lactating Holsteins were longer than those of other groups.

Synthesis, characterization and radiolabelling of 2-[6-(4-bromophenoxy)hexyl]oxirane-2-carboxylic acid

A method is described for the synthesis, purification and radiolabelling of 2-[6-(4-bromophenoxy)hexyl]-oxirane-2-carboxylic acid. For the synthesis of this new agent, 6-(4-bromophenoxy)hexylbromide (1), synthesized by the treatment of 4-bromophenol with 1,6-dibromohexane under basic conditions, was converted to diethyl 6-(4-bromophenoxy)hexylmalonate (2), which, on alkaline hydrolysis, yielded ethyl 6-(4-bromophenoxy)hexylmalonate (3). Ethyl 8-(4-bromophenoxy)-2-methyleneoctanoate (4), prepared from the monoester (3), was oxidized with m-chloroperbenzoic acid to yield ethyl 2-[6-(4-bromophenoxy)-hexyl]oxirane-2-carboxylate (5). The method of radiolabelling, based on the Cu(I)Cl-assisted nucleophilic exchange reaction, resulted in regioselective radiobromination with a 45% radiochemical yield.

Synthesis of [131I/123I]-2-[5-(4-iodophenyl)pentyl]oxirane-2- carboxylic acid ethyl ester

A method is described for the synthesis, purification and radiolabelling of [123I/131I]2-[5-(4-iodophenyl)-pentyl]oxirane-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester. For the synthesis of this new agent, 5-phenylpentyl bromide (1), synthesized by reacting 5-phenyl-1-pentanol with sodium bromide under acidic conditions, was converted to diethyl 5-phenylpentylmalonate (2), which, on alkaline hydrolysis, yielded ethyl 5-phenylpentylmalonate (3). Ethyl 7-phenyl-2-methyleneheptanoate (4), prepared from the monoester (3), was oxidized with m-chloroperbenzoic acid to yield ethyl 2-(5-phenylpentyl)oxirane-2-carboxylate 5. The method of radiolabelling, based on the thallation of compound (5) and the subsequent treatment with radioiodide, resulted in a regioselective radioiodination with a 54% radiochemical yield.