Ameliorative effects of Lactobacillus against Aflatoxin B1 / Efeitos benéficos do Lactobacillus contra a Aflatoxin B1

Abstract Lactobacilli are probiotics with Aflatoxin (AF) detoxification ability, found in fermented products, GIT of animals and environment. Purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of broiler isolates of Lactobacillus against Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). For this purpose, 5 isolates of Lactobacillus from broiler gut were incubated with 100 ppb AFB1 in aqueous environment and effect of different parameters (cell fractions, time, temperature, pH) on detoxification was determined by HPLC. The ameliorative effect of Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) against AFB1 was studied in broiler. The results revealed that LS (CR. 4) showed the best results (in vitro) as compared to other isolates (L. salivarius (CR. 3, CR, 4), L. agilis (CE. 2.1, CE. 3.1) and L. crispatus (CE. 28). Cell debris of CR. 4 showed significantly higher detoxification (P<0.05). Maximum amount of AFB1 was detoxified at 30°C (97%), pH 4.0 (99%) and 6 h (99.97%). In vivo study showed that AFB1 decreased weight gain (1,269 ± 0.04 gm/ bird), feed consumed (2,161 ± 0.08 gm/ bird), serum total protein (2.42 ± 0.34 gm/ dl), serum albumin (0.5 ± 0.2 2 gm/dl) and antibody titer (4.2 ± 0.83). Liver function enzymes were found (alanine transaminase (ALT): 32 ± 10.7 U/L) and aspartate transaminase (AST): 314.8 ± 27 U/L) elevated in AFB1 fed broilers. Treatment with 1% LS not only decreased the toxic effects of AFB1 (group D) but also improved the overall health of broilers due to its probiotic effects (p<0.05) as compared to control negative (group A). The detoxification ability of LS was better than commercial binder (CB) (0.2% Protmyc). It was concluded that detoxification of AFB1 by Lactobacillus was strain, temperature, pH and time dependent. LS has detoxification ability against AFB1 in vivo.

Resumo Os lactobacilos são probióticos com capacidade de desintoxicação da Aflatoxina (AF), encontrados em produtos fermentados, TGI de animais e meio ambiente. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a capacidade de isolados de frango de corte de Lactobacillus contra a Aflatoxina B1 (AFB1). Para tanto, 5 isolados de Lactobacillus de intestino de frango foram incubados com 100 ppb AFB1 em meio aquoso, e o efeito de diferentes parâmetros (frações celulares, tempo, temperatura, pH) na desintoxicação foi determinado por CLAE. O efeito melhorador de Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) contra AFB1 foi estudado em frangos de corte. Os resultados revelaram que LS (CR. 4) apresentou os melhores resultados (in vitro) em comparação com outros isolados [L. salivarius (CR. 3, CR. 4), L. agilis (CE. 2.1, CE. 3.1) e L. crispatus (CE. 28)]. Detritos celulares de CR. 4 mostraram desintoxicação significativamente maior (P < 0.05). A quantidade máxima de AFB1 foi desintoxicada a 30 °C (97%), pH 4.0 (99%) e 6 h (99,97%). O estudo in vivo mostrou que AFB1 diminuiu o ganho de peso (1,269 ± 0.04 g / ave), alimento consumido (2,161 ± 0.08 g / ave), proteína total sérica (2.42 ± 0.34 g / dl), albumina sérica (0.5 ± 0.22 gm / dl) e título de anticorpo (4.2 ± 0.83). As enzimas da função hepática foram encontradas (alanina transaminase (ALT): 32 ± 10.7 U / L) e aspartato transaminase (AST): 314.8 ± 27 U / L) elevadas em AFB1 alimentados com frangos. O tratamento com 1% LS não só diminuiu os efeitos tóxicos de AFB1 (grupo D), mas também melhorou a saúde geral dos frangos devido aos seus efeitos probióticos (p < 0.05) em comparação com o controle negativo (grupo A). A capacidade de desintoxicação do LS foi melhor do que o aglutinante comercial (CB) (0.2% Protmyc). Concluiu-se que a desintoxicação de AFB1 por Lactobacillus foi dependente da cepa, temperatura, pH e tempo. LS tem capacidade de desintoxicação contra AFB1 in vivo.

Sublethal toxicity of carbofuran in cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis coromandus): hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations / Toxicidade subletal do carbofurano na garça-vaqueira (Bubulcus ibis coromandus): alterações hematológicas, bioquímicas e histopatológicas

Abstract This study was aimed to investigate Carbofuran (CF)-induced pathological changes in cattle egret. Two hundred cattle egrets were reared and equally divided into four groups and given different CF concentrations (0.03 mg/L, 0.02 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L and 0 mg/L (control group)). Hematology, serum biochemistry, histopathology, and immunological markers were studied. Our results confirm that CF induces anemic conditions, leukocytosis, elevated liver enzymatic activity, and alterations in renal biomarkers. Moreover, specific microscopic lesions such as multifocal necrosis, pyknotic nuclei, hemorrhages, congestion, and inflammatory cell proliferation were observed in the liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus. These findings suggest that CF can induce harmful effects, so the application of this pesticide in the field must be strictly monitored to mitigate the possibility of exposure to non-target species.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar as alterações patológicas induzidas por carbofurano (CF) em garças-vaqueiras. Duzentas dessas garças foram criadas e divididas igualmente em quatro grupos e receberam diferentes concentrações de CF: 0,03 mg/L; 0,02 mg/L; 0,01 mg/L; e 0 mg/L (grupo controle). Foram realizadas análises de hematologia, bioquímica sérica, histopatologia e marcadores imunológicos. Nossos resultados confirmaram que CF induz condições anêmicas, leucocitose, atividade enzimática hepática elevada e alterações nos biomarcadores renais. Além disso, lesões microscópicas específicas, como necrose multifocal, núcleos picnóticos, hemorragias, congestão e proliferação de células inflamatórias, foram observadas no fígado, rim, baço e timo. Esses achados sugerem que o CF pode causar efeitos nocivos, portanto a aplicação desse agrotóxico no campo deve ser rigorosamente monitorada para mitigar a possibilidade de exposição a espécies não alvo.

Ameliorative effects of Lactobacillus against Aflatoxin B1

Abstract Lactobacilli are probiotics with Aflatoxin (AF) detoxification ability, found in fermented products, GIT of animals and environment. Purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of broiler isolates of Lactobacillus against Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). For this purpose, 5 isolates of Lactobacillus from broiler gut were incubated with 100 ppb AFB1 in aqueous environment and effect of different parameters (cell fractions, time, temperature, pH) on detoxification was determined by HPLC. The ameliorative effect of Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) against AFB1 was studied in broiler. The results revealed that LS (CR. 4) showed the best results (in vitro) as compared to other isolates (L. salivarius (CR. 3, CR, 4), L. agilis (CE. 2.1, CE. 3.1) and L. crispatus (CE. 28). Cell debris of CR. 4 showed significantly higher detoxification (P 0.05). Maximum amount of AFB1 was detoxified at 30°C (97%), pH 4.0 (99%) and 6 h (99.97%). In vivo study showed that AFB1 decreased weight gain (1,269 ± 0.04 gm/ bird), feed consumed (2,161 ± 0.08 gm/ bird), serum total protein (2.42 ± 0.34 gm/ dl), serum albumin (0.5 ± 0.2 2 gm/dl) and antibody titer (4.2 ± 0.83). Liver function enzymes were found (alanine transaminase (ALT): 32 ± 10.7 U/L) and aspartate transaminase (AST): 314.8 ± 27 U/L) elevated in AFB1 fed broilers. Treatment with 1% LS not only decreased the toxic effects of AFB1 (group D) but also improved the overall health of broilers due to its probiotic effects (p 0.05) as compared to control negative (group A). The detoxification ability of LS was better than commercial binder (CB) (0.2% Protmyc). It was concluded that detoxification of AFB1 by Lactobacillus was strain, temperature, pH and time dependent. LS has detoxification ability against AFB1 in vivo.

Resumo Os lactobacilos são probióticos com capacidade de desintoxicação da Aflatoxina (AF), encontrados em produtos fermentados, TGI de animais e meio ambiente. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a capacidade de isolados de frango de corte de Lactobacillus contra a Aflatoxina B1 (AFB1). Para tanto, 5 isolados de Lactobacillus de intestino de frango foram incubados com 100 ppb AFB1 em meio aquoso, e o efeito de diferentes parâmetros (frações celulares, tempo, temperatura, pH) na desintoxicação foi determinado por CLAE. O efeito melhorador de Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) contra AFB1 foi estudado em frangos de corte. Os resultados revelaram que LS (CR. 4) apresentou os melhores resultados (in vitro) em comparação com outros isolados [L. salivarius (CR. 3, CR. 4), L. agilis (CE. 2.1, CE. 3.1) e L. crispatus (CE. 28)]. Detritos celulares de CR. 4 mostraram desintoxicação significativamente maior (P 0.05). A quantidade máxima de AFB1 foi desintoxicada a 30 °C (97%), pH 4.0 (99%) e 6 h (99,97%). O estudo in vivo mostrou que AFB1 diminuiu o ganho de peso (1,269 ± 0.04 g / ave), alimento consumido (2,161 ± 0.08 g / ave), proteína total sérica (2.42 ± 0.34 g / dl), albumina sérica (0.5 ± 0.22 gm / dl) e título de anticorpo (4.2 ± 0.83). As enzimas da função hepática foram encontradas (alanina transaminase (ALT): 32 ± 10.7 U / L) e aspartato transaminase (AST): 314.8 ± 27 U / L) elevadas em AFB1 alimentados com frangos. O tratamento com 1% LS não só diminuiu os efeitos tóxicos de AFB1 (grupo D), mas também melhorou a saúde geral dos frangos devido aos seus efeitos probióticos (p 0.05) em comparação com o controle negativo (grupo A). A capacidade de desintoxicação do LS foi melhor do que o aglutinante comercial (CB) (0.2% Protmyc). Concluiu-se que a desintoxicação de AFB1 por Lactobacillus foi dependente da cepa, temperatura, pH e tempo. LS tem capacidade de desintoxicação contra AFB1 in vivo.

Sublethal toxicity of carbofuran in cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis coromandus): hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations

Abstract This study was aimed to investigate Carbofuran (CF)-induced pathological changes in cattle egret. Two hundred cattle egrets were reared and equally divided into four groups and given different CF concentrations (0.03 mg/L, 0.02 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L and 0 mg/L (control group)). Hematology, serum biochemistry, histopathology, and immunological markers were studied. Our results confirm that CF induces anemic conditions, leukocytosis, elevated liver enzymatic activity, and alterations in renal biomarkers. Moreover, specific microscopic lesions such as multifocal necrosis, pyknotic nuclei, hemorrhages, congestion, and inflammatory cell proliferation were observed in the liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus. These findings suggest that CF can induce harmful effects, so the application of this pesticide in the field must be strictly monitored to mitigate the possibility of exposure to non-target species.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar as alterações patológicas induzidas por carbofurano (CF) em garças-vaqueiras. Duzentas dessas garças foram criadas e divididas igualmente em quatro grupos e receberam diferentes concentrações de CF: 0,03 mg/L; 0,02 mg/L; 0,01 mg/L; e 0 mg/L (grupo controle). Foram realizadas análises de hematologia, bioquímica sérica, histopatologia e marcadores imunológicos. Nossos resultados confirmaram que CF induz condições anêmicas, leucocitose, atividade enzimática hepática elevada e alterações nos biomarcadores renais. Além disso, lesões microscópicas específicas, como necrose multifocal, núcleos picnóticos, hemorragias, congestão e proliferação de células inflamatórias, foram observadas no fígado, rim, baço e timo. Esses achados sugerem que o CF pode causar efeitos nocivos, portanto a aplicação desse agrotóxico no campo deve ser rigorosamente monitorada para mitigar a possibilidade de exposição a espécies não alvo.

Efficacy of nasal irrigation of normal saline as compared to budesonide following functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Background: Nasal irrigation following Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) appears to be a nearly universal recommendation. FESS significantly improves the symptoms of the CRS (Chronic rhino sinusitis) and the postoperative endoscopy scores. The primarily objective of our study was to study the efficacy of nasal irrigation of normal saline as compared to budesonide following functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: A total of 100 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of computerized generated random table with 50 patients in each group. In group 1 normal saline was used where as in group 2 budesonide solution was used for nasal douching. Post-operative evaluation was done using Lund Kennedy Endoscopic scoring (LKES) at the 7th and 30th postoperative day. Results: On 7th postoperative day, we found that none of our patient in the study groups had polypoidal change. There was decrease in scores of polyposis, discharge mucosal edema, scaring and crusting in both the groups. However, the reduction of discharge in the budesonide group was more significantly decreased than normal saline group (p value<0.05). We also noted that on 30th postoperative edema, scarring and crusting was significantly decreased in budesonide group as compared to normal saline group (p value <0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that the addition of budesonide in nasal irrigation resulted in improved scores of polyposis, discharge, mucosal edema, crusting and scarring and total score of LKES than normal saline alone.

Efficacy of nasal irrigation of normal saline as compared to budesonide following functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Background: Nasal irrigation following Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) appears to be a nearly universal recommendation. FESS significantly improves the symptoms of the CRS (Chronic rhino sinusitis) and the postoperative endoscopy scores. The primarily objective of our study was to study the efficacy of nasal irrigation of normal saline as compared to budesonide following functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: A total of 100 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of computerized generated random table with 50 patients in each group. In group 1 normal saline was used where as in group 2 budesonide solution was used for nasal douching. Post-operative evaluation was done using Lund Kennedy Endoscopic scoring (LKES) at the 7th and 30th postoperative day. Results: On 7th postoperative day, we found that none of our patient in the study groups had polypoidal change. There was decrease in scores of polyposis, discharge mucosal edema, scaring and crusting in both the groups. However, the reduction of discharge in the budesonide group was more significantly decreased than normal saline group (p value<0.05). We also noted that on 30th postoperative edema, scarring and crusting was significantly decreased in budesonide group as compared to normal saline group (p value <0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that the addition of budesonide in nasal irrigation resulted in improved scores of polyposis, discharge, mucosal edema, crusting and scarring and total score of LKES than normal saline alone.

Correlation of sinonasal polyposis with chronic suppurative otitis media

Background: Aim of the study was to assess correlation of sinonasal polyposis with CSOM. To see the role of lignocaine nebulisation and to compare its role with use of steroids and bronchodilators alone in post bronchoscopy patients. Methods: In the present study, 50 patients of sinonasalpolyposis were subjected to otoscopic, microscopic examination of tympanic membrane findings and tuning fork tests were performed. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was also done in all patients. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of temporal bones and computed tomography (CT) of paranasal sinuses were used to assess otological and sinonasal pathology. Results: Out of 50 patients, males were 26 and females were 24. Age group 11-20 years had 8 males and 8 females, 21-30 years had 5 males and 7 females, 31-40 years had 11 males and 8 females and 41-50 years had 2 males and 1 female. Left side was involved in 6, right in 9 and both sides in 10 patients. Swab cultures revealed pure aerobic isolates in 16, mixed aerobic and anaerobic isolates in 10. Micro-organisms were staphylococcus aureus in 10, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 6, Streptococcus spp. in 5, Peptostreptococcus in 3 and Bacteroides in 2 cases. The difference was significant (p<0.05). Out of 50 Sinonasal polyp patients, 26 (52%) had CSOM. Type identified was tubotympanic in 12 and atticoantral in 14. There was positive pearsoncorrelation of CSOM with sinonasal polyp (r value of 0.92, p value 0.021). Conclusions: In the present study there was positive correlation of sinonasal polyposis with CSOM. The prevalence rate was 26%. Micro-organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus spp., Peptostreptococcus and Bacteroides.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Curcuma longa and Syzygium aromaticum against multiple drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria

@#The present study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial potential of essential oils of Curcuma longa and Syzygium aromaticum against multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Four identified bacterial isolates including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii were selected and their antibiotic sensitivity was checked by disc diffusion assay. C. longa and S. aromaticum were subjected to steam distillation to obtain their essential oils. The crude essential oils were fractioned by employing column chromatography. Crude essential oils and their fractions were evaluated for their antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentrations were calculated. All the selected bacterial isolates showed resistance to three or more than three antibiotic groups and were declared as multidrugresistant (MDRs). Crude essential oils of C. longa and S. aromaticum exhibited antimicrobial activity against all selected isolates but S. aromaticum activity was better than the C. longa with a maximum 19.3±1.50 mm zone of inhibition against A. baumannii at 1.04 µL/mL MIC. GC/MS analysis revealed the abundance of components including eugenol, eugenyl acetate, b- caryophyllene, and a- Humulene in both crude oil and fractions of S. aromaticum. While the main components of C. longa essential oil were Ar-tumerone, a–tumerone, b- Tumerone, I-Phellandrene, a-zingibirene, b- sesquiphellandrene, and p- Cymene. This study highlights that plant-based essential oils could be a promising alternative to antibiotics for which pathogens have developed resistance. C. longa and S. aromaticum carry compounds that have antimicrobial potential against multiple drug-resistant bacteria including MRSA. E. coli, K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii.

Antibacterial activity of plant essential oils against indigenously characterized methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

@#Plant essential oils were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The isolates (n=03) were procured from Institute of Microbiology, UVAS Lahore, Pakistan. After biochemical and 16S rRNA gene-based PCR characterization, accession numbers were retrieved from NCBI i.e. MW344063.1, MW344064.1 and MW344065.1. These isolates exhibited molecular positivity by multiplex PCR for mecA, coa and eta toxin genes. Moreover, these isolates exhibited resistance to cefoxitin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and gentamicin. The antibiotic resistant isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils. The highest zone of inhibition (mean ZOI±S.D.) was measured for Cinnamomum verum (22.67±1.52 mm) followed by Eucalyptus globulus (18.67±2.51 mm) and Syzygium aromaticum (12.67±2.51 mm). Lowest mean MIC value (0.33±0.11 mg/mL) was recorded for E. globulus. Eucalyptus globulus was processed for fractionation by column chromatography and n-hexane, chloroform, n-hexane + chloroform and ethyl-acetate fractions were evaluated for antibacterial activity. Lowest mean MIC (10.04±5.80 mg/mL) was recorded for E. globulus n-hexane fraction. Cell survival percentage of BHK21 cell line was 51.7% at 54.87mg/mL concentration of E. globulus n-hexane fraction. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of n-hexane fraction, benzene was found abundant (29.9%) as active compound. It was concluded that E. globulus n-hexane fraction exhibited significantly promising results against MRSA.

High sensitive C reactive protein as an inflammatory indicator in preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy and one of the leading cause of maternal, prenatal morbidity and mortality. The present study was carried out to estimate serum high sensitive C- reactive protein in both mild and severe preeclampsia as an indicator of inflammation and to correlate Hs-CRP with blood pressure.Methods: A case control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MIMER Medical College and Bhausaheb Sardesai Rural Hospital Talegaon Dabhade, Pune. The study group include 50 cases of normal pregnant women, 43 clinically diagnosed cases of mild preeclampsia and 7 cases of severe preeclampsia in second and third trimester of pregnancy. 2 ml venous blood samples was collected from all the study participants for estimation of Hs-CRP by ultra-sensitive immunoturbidometric assay spin react method.Results: There was significant increase in the mean serum Hs-CRP levels in normal pregnant women and mild preeclamptic women (p<0.001). Serum Hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in severe preeclamspia than mild preeclamptic women (p<0.001). The degree of inflammation increases as HsCRP rises. Hence, present study shows that HsCRP levels increases as disease progresses from mild to severe condition. Significant positive correlations was found between Hs-CRP and Blood Pressure in preeclampsia.Conclusions: In preeclampsia there is an exaggeration of systemic inflammatory response that might induce reactive oxygen species which further induces endothelial dysfunction. This leads to clinical symptoms of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclampsia. Early detection might minimise systemic complications and maternal death due to preeclampsia. Hence, HsCRP may be used as an important indicator of severity of preeclampsia.

Awareness of COVID-19 outbreak in local population of Maval taluka in Maharashtra, India

Background: There is a growing fear and perceived threat about coronavirus among local population. The population, inclusive of all age groups is making use of available media such as internet, social media, newspapers and television to make themselves aware. There is no authenticity and information may be wrong. Since, corona has become major cause of concern, present study was carried out to bring the awareness and educate them about coronavirus among the local population.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on COVID-19 by using online Google based questionnaire in Maval area to assess the knowledge and awareness about corona virus among the 125 local participants. The questionnaire consisted of 10 validated peer reviewed questions covering various aspects of COVID-19 awareness were voluntarily filled by participants. Data was analysed in Microsoft Excel 2010.Results: Present findings revealed that 94% participants knew that COVID-19 is caused by the corona was first detected in Wuhan China and the first case of the same was reported in Kerala was known to 60% respondents. The virus remains on the surface of mobiles was known to 11% participants.76.8% participants apprised 2-14 days being the incubation period of the virus. Patients with two or more comorbidities can develop severe COVID-19 was known to 46.6% participants. Only 5% participants knew the difference between swine flu and corona virus. Nearly 89% participants knew soap is the best material for cleaning in the presence of dirt and about 51% participants knew the need of isolating persons with known COVID- 19 infection.Conclusions: Correct answers with scientific explanation were posted to the participants in the form of instantaneous feedback. Hence knowledge gained was increased by the participants. Their misconceptions were removed. More awareness can be brought & propagation of COVID-19 infection can be prevented even after lockdown period.

Prevalence and molecular detection of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in large ruminants in Punjab, Pakistan

@#Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a highly contagious disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides. It is characterized by anorexia, fever, dyspnea, polypnea, cough, and nasal discharges. Gross lesions in the lung such as marbling, sequestra, thickening of interlobular septa, and consolidation are evident. Serological tests including complement fixation test and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and molecular tests such as polymerase chain reactions are used for diagnostic purposes. In this study, lung samples of suspected large ruminants (cattle n=560, buffalo n=293) were collected from abattoirs of three districts of Punjab namely Lahore, Kasur and Jhang. PCR was performed with specific primers, targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene to detect the positive cases. The results indicated that 49 samples (8.75%) of cattle were positive, with maximum prevalence was observed in Jhang with 16 positive samples (10.06%), but CBPP was not detected in any buffalo sample. High prevalence of disease was seen in cattle of more than seven years of age, in female cattle, and in cross-bred cattle. Age and gender were found significantly associated (P<0.05) with the prevalence of the disease. Gene sequencing of identified 5 isolates of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides had more than 99% similarities with the strains isolated from China, Italy, Australia and Tanzania and were categorized into a monophyletic group but strain isolated from Portugal had more than 55% variable regions, hence clustered separately. This study confirms the presence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in the country which can be a threat to the livestock export market and warrants the implementation of control measures to mitigate the economic losses associated with the disease.

Antidiabetic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats.

A review of literature indicates that diabetes mellitus was fairly well known and well conceived as an entity in India with complications like angiopathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and causing neurological disorders. The antidiabetic study was carried out to estimate the anti hyperglycemic potential of Nardostachys Jatamansi rhizome’s hydro alcoholic extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats over a period of two weeks. The hydroalcoholic extract HAE1 at a dose (500mg/kg) exhibited significant antihyperglycemic activity than extract HAE2 at a dose (500mg/kg) in diabetic rats. The hydroalcoholic extracts showed improvement in different parameters associated with diabetes, like body weight, lipid profile and biochemical parameters. Extracts also showed improvement in regeneration of β-cells of pancreas in diabetic rats. Histopathological studies strengthen the healing of pancreas by hydro alcoholic extracts (HAE1& HAE2) of Nardostachys Jatamansi, as a probable mechanism of their ant diabetic activity.

Management of gastric carcinoma; comparative analysis of various treatment modalities

To find the best treatment modality for carcinoma stomach. Case series study. Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi. From January 1996 to December 1999. 42 cases of gastric carcinoma are included in this study. The mode of treatment predominantly remained surgical with the aim to cure the patient of this disease. The disease occurred mostly above the age of 50 years. Common clinical features were unexplained weight-loss, malnourishment and anaemia, respiratory tract infections. No specific etiological factor was detected except that, out of 42 patients 35 were smokers or had quit smoking during the past six years. Nearly all were having at least 8-10 cups of hot tea per day. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequently encountered histological type. 03 patients could not be operated upon because of extremely poor prognosis due to multi-organ failure. 12 patients were selected for surgery curative resection was carried out, whereas the remaining 27 were subjected to palliative resections. Five patients died during or within one month of surgical intervention. Out of the remaining 34, only 21 patients reported for follow up. In most of the patients in whom curative resection was performed, the quality of life was reasonably good. At the end of one year, another eight patients had died of tumour dissemination and cachexia, three patients developed tumour recurrence at the anastomotic site, and one patient developed stricture at anastomotic site. Patients with recurrence were sent for radiotherapy. It is concluded that for carcinoma of stomach the only possible treatment is surgery either alone or in combination with radiation and chemotherapy, the most common, preventable etiological factor is smoking, probably in combination with hot beverages in excess. The most common presentation remains weight loss with dyspepsia or weakness and anorexia, commonly effected age group is middle and old age, preoperative nutritional build-up achieves good postoperative results, palliative surgical procedures made the quality of life of the patient better. The prognosis remains extremely poor, in terms of morbidity and mortality

Role of nutrition in common dental diseases in rural Bangladesh.

A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate whether dietary intake and nutrition contribute to the aetiology of common dental diseases in rural Bangladesh. Study subjects were selected following multi-staged stratified random sampling procedure. A total of 300 people of both sexes were included in the study with age ranging from 12-40 years. Data were collected for demographic and socio-economic condition, oral hygiene and related knowledge, dietary consumption, history and clinical findings. The study subjects were categorized as adequate nutrient and undernutrient by dichotomy based on their needed intake and the quality of diet consumed. The results showed that only 19% of the subjects had fulfilled their required intake and the rest were undernutrient. The results also showed that about 93% of the subjects were disease positive. The results between dietary intake and prevalence of diseases were statistically significant (p<0.05). From the findings of the study, it was concluded that low income, poor dietary intake, poor oral and general health may be jointly associated with higher prevalence of dental diseases in the rural community.