Sialadenoma papilliferum of a minor salivary gland with transformation to mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Sialadenoma papilliferum (SP) is a rare benign tumor usually occurring in the minor salivary glands. Only two cases of malignant transformation of SP and an occasional case of dysplasia in SP have been reported in the literature till now. We report a case of SP of a minor salivary gland in a middle-aged male where the exophytic component retained the histomorphological features of SP while the endophytic component displayed characteristics of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Malignant change in sialadenoma papilliferum is an extremely rare phenomenon that requires further research and documentation. Careful evaluation of morphologic features and reporting of more such cases is required to delineate the clinical behavior of this unusual tumor.

Introduction of case-based learning aided by WhatsApp messenger in pathology teaching for medical students.

Aims: The present study was carried out for comparative evaluation of case-based learning (CBL) aided with WhatsApp and didactic lectures (DL) while teaching a pathology topic to second-year medical students. In addition, the acceptability of WhatsApp as an aid to CBL was assessed. Material and Methods: After obtaining informed consent, 70 second-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students were exposed to six sessions of CBL aided by case scenarios for one set of topics of anemia posted on WhatsApp groups. This was followed by six sessions of DL for separate set of topics in anemia. The multiple-choice questions (MCQ) test scores obtained pre and postintervention, of CBL and DL sessions, were compared to paired t-test (within the groups) and Student's t-test (between the groups). Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square (χ2) test. Student's self-administered questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect student perceptions and analyzed quantitatively, as well as qualitatively. Results: The mean MCQ scores obtained postintervention in CBL topics were significantly higher compared to DL (22.78 ± 2.99 vs 17.78 ± 3.35; P < 0.001). Students perceived that CBL enhanced their curiosity; hence, the acquired knowledge through various resources was retained better. It enhanced their analytical skills and interest in learning pathology. In FGDs, the students appreciated the use of WhatsApp as an aid to CBL for its ease of sharing scenario-related additional information and prior discussions among themselves in chat groups at their convenience. Conclusion: CBL aided by WhatsApp helped students acquire knowledge, discuss and learn actively, score more, and retain better than DL. Using WhatsApp as a platform helped them to interact at their ease and seek guidance from their mentors without resistance and hesitation.

Expression of immune genes in Indian major carp, Catla catla challenged with Flavobacterium columnare.

Columnaris disease, caused by Flavobacterium columnare, is one of the important bacterial diseases responsible for large-scale mortalities in numerous freshwater fishes globally. This disease can cause up to 100% mortality within 24 h of infection and is considered to be a cause of concern for aquaculture industry. Despite being a serious disease, scarce information is available regarding host-pathogen interaction, particularly the modulation of different immune genes in response to F. columnare infection. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to study expression of important immune regulatory genes, namely IL-1ß, iNOS, INF-γ, IL-10, TGF-ß, C3, MHC-I and MHC-II in gills and kidney of Catla catla following experimental infection with F. columnare. The expression analysis of immune genes revealed that transcript levels of IL-1ß, iNOS, IL-10, TGF-ß, C3 and MHC-I were significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) in both the organs of the infected catla. IFN-γ and MHC-II were up-regulated in gills of infected catla whereas, both the genes showed down-regulation in kidney. The results indicate that important immune genes of C. catla are modulated following infection with F. columnare. The knowledge thus generated will strengthen the understanding of molecular pathogenesis of F. columnare in Indian major carp C. catla.

Atypical theileriosis with cutaneous involvement in a cow in India: a case report.

Bovine tropical theileriosis caused by Theileria annulata is an overwhelming haemoprotozoan tick-borne disease in taurine and cross-bred cattle in Punjab, India. However, there seems to be no report from India of cutaneous nodules associated with the disease. This report describes a five-year-old cross-bred cow presented to a university clinic with a history of fever, inappetence and malaise for the past six to seven days. Clinical examination revealed normal vital parameters, pale mucous membranes, mild enlargement of the prescapular lymph nodes and multiple subcutaneous nodular masses (2-4 cm) on the neck and abdomen. Haematology revealed mild anaemia and leucopenia with 48% neutrophils, 48% lymphocytes and 4% eosinophils. Romanowsky-stained smears of fineneedle aspiration biopsy samples from swollen lymph nodes and subcutaneous masses showed an increased number of lymphoid cells, suggesting cutaneous lymphomatosis. However, a critical examination of the smears from subcutaneous nodules showed a large number of Koch's blue bodies in macrophages and lymphoblasts, and several piroplasms were also noticed within the red blood cells in lymph node smears. A peripheral blood smear revealed mild to moderate parasitaemia. Extracted DNA from the parasitologically positive blood sample was subjected to nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) using T. annulata speciesspecific primers encoding the 30-kiloDalton major sporozoite surface antigen. The desired 572-base pair amplified product of the nPCR was comparable to the positive control. This seems to be a rare case of T. annulata in an adult cross-bred cow, showing cutaneous nodular involvement.

La theilériose bovine tropicale est une maladie causée par le protozoaire Theileria annulata et transmise par les tiques, affectant massivement les populations de bovins et de bovidés métis au Pendjab (Inde). Il semble toutefois que la présence de nodules cutanés associés à la maladie n'y ait jamais été rapportée jusqu'à présent. Les auteurs décrivent le cas soumis à une clinique vétérinaire universitaire d'une vache métisse âgée de cinq ans qui présentait depuis six à sept jours un tableau fébrile accompagné d'une perte d'appétit et d'un affaiblissement général. À l'examen clinique, les paramètres vitaux étaient normaux mais une pâleur des membranes muqueuses a été observée, ainsi qu'un gonflement modéré des ganglions lymphatiques préscapulaires et de nombreuses masses nodulaires sous-cutanées (de 2 à 4 cm d'épaisseur) au niveau du cou et de l'abdomen. L'hématologie a mis en évidence une anémie modérée et une leucopénie, les leucocytes se répartissant en 48 % de neutrophiles, 48 % de lymphocytes et 4 % d'éosinophiles. Les frottis à coloration de Romanowsky d'une biopsie par aspiration à l'aiguille fine des ganglions lymphatiques enflés et des masses sous-cutanées ont fait apparaître une augmentation du nombre de cellules lymphatiques évocatrice d'une lymphomatose cutanée. Néanmoins, un examen critique des prélèvements de nodules sous-cutanés a permis de constater la présence d'un grand nombre de corps bleus de Koch dans les macrophages et les lymphoblastes ; en outre, de nombreux piroplasmes ont été trouvés dans les globules rouges des frottis de ganglions lymphatiques. Un frottis de sang périphérique a permis de quantifier la parasitémie comme étant de niveau faible à modéré. L'ADN extrait de l'échantillon de sang à parasitologie positive a été soumis à une amplification en chaîne par polymérase nichée (nPCR) utilisant des amorces spécifiques de T. annulata codant pour l'antigène majeur de surface (30 kDa) du sporozoïte. Le produit amplifié par nPCR de la séquence souhaitée de 572 paires de bases était similaire à celui de l'échantillon de contrôle positif. Il s'agit probablement d'un cas rare d'infection à T. annulata chez une vache adulte métisse présentant des manifestations nodulaires cutanées.

La teileriosis tropical bovina causada por Theileria annulata es una devastadora enfermedad hemoprotozoaria transmitida por garrapatas que afecta al ganado taurino e híbrido del Punjab (India). Ahora bien, en la India no parece haber ningún caso descrito de esta enfermedad que se acompañe de la presencia de nódulos cutáneos. Los autores describen el caso de una vaca de cinco años híbrida que fue presentado a una clínica universitaria con un cuadro de fiebre, pérdida de apetito y decaimiento en los seis a siete días anteriores. El examen clínico puso de manifiesto parámetros vitales normales, mucosas pálidas, leve hipertrofia de los ganglios linfáticos prescapulares y múltiples bultos subcutáneos de tipo nodular (2 a 4 cm) en cuello y abdomen. El análisis hematológico reveló una leve anemia y leucocitopenia, con un 48% de neutrófilos, un 48% de linfocitos y un 4% de eosinófilos. Tras proceder a una biopsia de ganglios inflamados y bultos subcutáneos por aspiración con aguja fina, el examen de frotis de estas muestras con tinción de Romanowsky reveló un número excesivo de células linfáticas, lo que parece apuntar a una linfomatosis cutánea. No obstante, al examinar más a fondo los frotis de nódulos subcutáneos se observó que macrófagos y linfoblastos albergaban un gran número de cuerpos azules de Koch. También se observaron varios piroplasmas dentro de los eritrocitos presentes en los frotis de ganglios linfáticos. Un frotis de sangre periférica reveló una parasitemia entre leve y moderada. El ADN extraído de esta muestra de sangre positiva fue sometido a una técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) anidada en la que se emplearon cebadores específicos de la especie T. annulata que codifican el antígeno de superficie principal de 30 kDa del esporozoíto. La deseada secuencia de 572 pares de bases amplificada por PCR resultó comparable con la correspondiente secuencia de la muestra positiva de control. Parece tratarse pues de un caso raro de infestación por T. annulata de una vaca adulta híbrida que se acompaña de nódulos cutáneos.

Ontogeny of the digestive tract in stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) larvae.

Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) is an important candidate species for diversification of freshwater aquaculture in India. However, high mortality rate during larval rearing is the most serious bottleneck in commercial production of this species. A proper understanding of the ontogenic development of digestive system provides the basis to understand the nutritional physiology of larvae and develop appropriate feeding strategies. In the present study, the ontogenical development of the digestive tract in H. fossilis larvae was studied from hatching until 30 day post-hatching (dph) at 29 °C. At hatching (2.8 ± 0.2 mm standard length, SL), the digestive tract was undifferentiated and attached dorsally to the yolk sac. At 1 dph (2.9 ± 0.2 mm SL), the mouth opened and oral valves were visible. At 2 dph (3.0 ± 0.3 mm SL), goblet cells were observed in the buccoparyngaeal cavity. At this age, exogenous feeding started and the intestine was differentiated into the anterior and posterior regions, and the rudimentary liver and pancreas were also seen. Small supranuclear vacuoles were observed in the enterocytes of the posterior intestine at 2 dph. Zymogen granules were observed in acinar cells of pancreas by 3 dph, and islets of Langerhans were visible at 4 dph (3.5 ± 0.1 mm SL). At the same age, most of the yolk sac reserves were consumed, whereas they were completely exhausted by 5 dph (3.9 ± 0.5 mm SL). Between 4 and 6 dph, the liver elongated in size and started to accumulate lipids in the hepatocytes. Gastric glands were detected at 4 dph, and the pyloric sphincter was completely differentiated at 9 dph (6.1 ± 0.4 mm SL) as an epithelial fold that separated stomach from the anterior intestine. By 13 dph (8.6 ± 0.2 mm SL), profuse gastric glands were visible inside longitudinal mucosal folds of the stomach. The formation of gastric glands and their development were noticed as the last events in the development of the digestive tract in H. fossilis. This indicated the end of the larval period and the commencement of the juvenile stage. Considering these observations, it is suggested that H. fossilis larvae have a morphologically complete digestive tract by 13 dph. The findings of the study on the development of the digestive system in H. fossilis may help in synchronising the larval stage of development and feeding strategies and would be helpful in improving larval rearing techniques for catfish species.

Effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban vs warfarin in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and diabetes: an administrative claims database analysis.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban vs warfarin in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and diabetes treated in routine practice. METHODS: Using US MarketScan claims data for the period November 2011 to December 2016, we identified oral anticoagulation-naïve people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) and ≥12 months of continuous insurance coverage prior to the qualifying oral anticoagulation dispensing time. Rivaroxaban users were 1:1 propensity score-matched to warfarin users. Participants were followed until an event, oral anticoagulation switch/discontinuation, insurance disenrolment or end of follow-up. Rates (events/100 person-years) of the composite of stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding were compared using Cox regression and reported as hazard ratios and 95% CIs. RESULTS: We assessed 5517 rivaroxaban users (20% received the reduced dose) and 5517 warfarin users with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and diabetes (~97% with Type 2 diabetes) with a median (interquartile range) available follow-up of 1.5 (0.7, 2.7) years. Rivaroxaban was associated with nonsignificant reductions in stroke or systemic embolism (0.87 vs 1.35/100 person-years; hazard ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.44-1.05) and ischaemic stroke (0.69 vs 0.93/100 person-years; hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.48-1.30) compared with warfarin. No differences in major bleeding (2.7 vs 3.0/100 person-years; hazard ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.74-1.25) were observed. Similar results were seen when analysis was limited to standard-dose rivaroxaban. Reduced-dose rivaroxaban was associated with a significantly decreased hazard of stroke or systemic embolism and ischaemic stroke, without an increase in major bleeding risk. CONCLUSIONS: Rivaroxaban has effectiveness and safety at least as good as those of warfarin in people with diabetes and non-valvular atrial fibrillation treated in routine clinical practice.

Candidatus Actinochlamydia pangasiae sp. nov. (Chlamydiales, Actinochlamydiaceae), a bacterium associated with epitheliocystis in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus.

Chlamydial infections are recognised as causative agent of epitheliocystis, reported from over 90 fish species. In the present study, the farmed striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (14-15 cm, 70-90 g) with a history of cumulative mortality of about 23% during June and July 2015, were brought to the laboratory. The histopathological examination of gills from the affected fish revealed presence of granular basophilic intracellular inclusions, mostly at the base of the interlamellar region and in gill filaments. A concurrent infection with Trichodina spp., Ichthyobodo spp. and Dactylogyrus spp. was observed in the gills. The presence of chlamydial DNA in the gills of affected fish was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. BLAST-n analysis of these amplicons revealed maximum similarity (96%) with Candidatus Actinochlamydia clariae. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, it was inferred that the epitheliocystis agents from striped catfish were novel and belonged to the taxon Ca. Actinochlamydia. It is proposed that epitheliocystis agents from striped catfish will be named as Ca. Actinochlamydia pangasiae. The 16S rRNA gene amplicons from novel chlamydiae were labelled and linked to inclusions by in situ hybridisation. This is the first report of epitheliocystis from India in a new fish host P. hypophthalmus.

Periurban outbreaks of bovine calf scours in Northern India caused by Cryptosporidium in association with other enteropathogens.

Bovine calf scours reported to be caused by multiple aetiologies resulting in heavy mortality in unweaned calves and huge economic loss to the dairy farmers. Among these, cryptosporidiosis is an emerging waterborne zoonoses and one of the important causes of neonatal calf diarrhoea. Poor immune response coupled with primary cryptosporidial infections predispose neonatal calves to multiple secondary infections resulting in their deaths. In the present study, faecal samples from 100 diarrhoeic calves randomly picked up out of 17 outbreaks of bovine calf diarrhoea in periurban Ludhiana, Punjab in Northern India were subjected to conventional (microscopy, modified Zeihl-Neelsen (mZN) staining) and immunological and molecular techniques (faecal antigen capture ELISA and PCR) for detection of primary Cryptosporidium parvum infection as well as other frequently reported concurrent pathogens, viz. rotavirus and coronavirus, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria spp. The faecal antigen capture ELISA and PCR revealed 35% prevalence of C. parvum in contrast to 25% by mZN staining with a relatively higher prevalence (66·7%) in younger (8-14-day-old) calves. The detection rate of the other enteropathogens associated with C. parvum was 45·71% for C. perfringens followed by Salmonella spp (40·0%), rotavirus (36·0%), coronavirus (16·0%), E. coli (12·0%) and Eimeria spp (4·0%) The sensitivity for detection of C. parvum by ELISA and mZN staining in comparison to PCR was 97·14% and 72·72%, respectively. An important finding of the study was that C. parvum alone was found in only 10% of the diarrhoeic faecal samples, whereas, majority of the samples (90%) showed mixed infections ranging from a combination of two to five agents. This is the first documentary proof of C. parvum and associated pathogens responsible for severe periurban outbreaks of bovine calf diarrhoea culminating in heavy mortality from Northern India.

Quantitative immunoenzymatic detection of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy virus (betanodavirus) in sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax.

Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy disease caused by betanodavirus, genus of the family Nodaviridae, affects marine, wild and farmed species including sea bass, one of the most important farmed species in Europe. This work describes a reliable and sensitive indirect ELISA assay to detect betanodavirus in biological samples using a polyclonal antiserum (pAb 283) against the 283/I09 virus strain, the most common red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) genotype in the Mediterranean area, and a capture-based ELISA using a monoclonal antibody (mAb 4C3) specific to a common epitope present on the capsid protein. Using adsorbed, purified VERv preparation, the detection limit of indirect ELISA was 2 µg mL(-1) (3 × 10(5) TCID50 per mL), whereas for capture-based ELISA, the sensitivity for the antigen in solution was 17 µg mL(-1) (35 × 10(5) TCID50 per mL). The capture-based ELISA was employed to detect VERv in brain homogenates of in vivo infected sea bass and resulted positive in 22 of 32 samples, some of these with a high viral load estimates (about 1.1 × 10(8)  TCID50 per mL). The ELISA system we propose may be helpful in investigations where coupling of viral content in fish tissues with the presence of circulating VERv-specific IgM is required, or for use in samples where PCR is difficult to perform.

A new fish cell line derived from the caudal fin of freshwater angelfish Pterophyllum scalare: development and characterization.

In this study, a new cell line derived from the caudal fin of the freshwater angelfish Pterophyllum scalare was developed and characterized. The cell line was designated angelfish fin (AFF) and subcultured 44 times since its development. These cells grew well in Leibovitz's -15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine saline (FBS) at 28° C and the modal chromosome number (2n) was 48. The AFF cell-line is mainly comprised of epithelial cells as confirmed by immunocytological technique using anti-cytokeratin antibodies, an epithelial cell marker. This cell line was tested for growth in a temperatures range from 20 to 37° C and at various FBS concentrations of 5-20% at 28° C. The cell line was cryopreserved at different passage levels and revived successfully with 80% survival rate. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of partial mitochondrial 16s rRNA and coI genes confirmed that the AFF cell-line originated from angelfish. Mycoplasma sp. contamination was not detected in AFF cells and checked by Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining. At the 42nd passage the cells were transfected with 2 µg of pAcGFP1-N1 expression vector. The AFF cells exhibited cytotoxic effects when exposed to the bacterial extra cellular products from Serratia marcescens and Proteus hauseri. The AFF cells and cells from kidney and brain did not show cytopathic effect when exposed to cyprinid herpes virus2 and viral nervous necrosis virus. The newly developed AFF cell line will be useful for the isolation of viruses affecting angelfishes, such as iridoviruses, in the future.

Adult onset sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma - a rare case report with cytohistological features.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a fast growing, malignant tumour arising from immature mesenchymal cells, committed to skeletal muscle differentiation. It is more often seen in the paediatric population and constitutes less than 1% of all malignancies and less than 3% of all soft tissue tumours. RMS of the paranasal sinuses constitutes 10-15% of adult head and neck RMS, ethmoidal and maxillary sinuses being the most common. We report a 56-year-oldman presenting with left nasal obstruction, epistaxis on and off and left cheek swelling. Nasal endoscopy revealed a reddish friable mass, bleeding on touch, in the left nasal cavity. CECT scan showed a heterogeneous growth in the left maxillary sinus eroding the medial orbital wall and lateral nasal wall. FNAC of the left cheek swelling yielded highly cellular smears showing predominantly singly scattered round to ovoid neoplastic cells with scanty cytoplasm and indistinct nucleoli. Few of the cells had eccentric nuclei with moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. Attempted pseudorossette formation was seen. An impression of round cell tumour was given. A diagnosis of an adult onset sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma was made on histopathological examination of the nasal biopsy, supported by immunohistochemistry (IHC) showing strong myogenin positivity, focal positivity for PAX8 and negativity for CK, LCA, S-100 and CD99. Parameningeal RMS is rare in adults especially the elderly. However, it needs to be considered whenever a poorly-differentiated neoplasm is seen in this age and IHC is a useful aid.

Lepromatous leprosy: An Unusual Presentation.

A 25 year old man presented with loss of sensations over both hands and feet and extreme difficulty in passing urine. On examination, an indurated sclerotic plaque was present on shaft of penis and scrotum in addition to other features of lepromatous leprosy. Skin biopsy from the penile lesion showed presence of a large number of acid fast bacilli with a BI of 6+ extending into the epidermis and histopathology showed absence of Grenz zone and presence of foamy macrophages in the dermis up to the dermo-epidermal junction.

Histopathological Diagnosis of Leprosy Type 1 Reaction with Emphasis on Interobserver Variation.

Upgrading typel lepra reaction or reversal reaction (RR) is an acute inflammatory complication of leprosy and a disparity exists between clinicians and pathologists for diagnosing a RR. Inter-observer variations among pathologists also compound this problem as no universally agreed diagnostic criteria exist. 120 biopsies and H&E stained slides were assessed by 3 pathologists. The pathologists were blinded to the clinical diagnosis and to each other's observations. Each pathologist assigned a likelihood of reaction by their histopathological observations as definitely reaction, probable reaction and no reaction. Clinicopathological correlation and interobserver agreement was analyzed statistically. Discordance between clinical and histopathological diagnosis was seen in 30.8% by pathologist 1 (P1), 23.7% by pathologist 2 (P2) and 34.5% bythe pathologist 3 (P3). Dermal edema, intragranuloma edema and epidermal erosion were consistent findings by all observers. Definite reaction was seen in 54.2% of cases by P1, 53.3% by P2 and 34.5% by P3. Kappa statistics for strength of agreement showed good agreement between 3 pathologists with P1 (κ = 0.83), P2 (κ = 0.61), P3 (κ = 0.62). RR are underdiagnosed on histopathological examination but this study shows that dermal edema, edema within the granuloma and partial obliteration of grenz zone by granuloma are reliable clues to diagnose a RR on histopathology.

Induced neurocysticercosis in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) produces clinical signs and lesions similar to natural disease in man.

Neurocysticercosis is a serious endemic zoonosis resulting in increased cases of seizure and epilepsy in humans. The genesis of clinical manifestations of the disease through experimental animal models is poorly exploited. The monkeys may prove useful for the purpose due to their behavior and cognitive responses mimicking man. In this study, neurocysticercosis was induced in two rhesus monkeys each with 12,000 and 6,000 eggs, whereas three monkeys were given placebo. The monkeys given higher dose developed hyperexcitability, epileptic seizures, muscular tremors, digital cramps at 10 DPI, and finally paralysis of limbs, followed by death on 67 DPI, whereas the monkeys given lower dose showed delayed and milder clinical signs. On necropsy, all the infected monkeys showed numerous cysticerci in the brain. Histopathologically, heavily infected monkeys revealed liquefactive necrosis and formation of irregular cystic cavities lined by atrophied parenchymal septa with remnants of neuropil of the cerebrum. In contrast, the monkeys infected with lower dose showed formation of typical foreign body granulomas characterized by central liquefaction surrounded by chronic inflammatory response. It was concluded that the inflammatory and immune response exerted by the host against cysticerci, in turn, led to histopathological lesions and the resultant clinical signs thereof.

Development of some larval nematodes in experimental and natural animal hosts: an insight into development of pathological lesions vis-a-vis host-parasite interactions.

Infective third-stage larvae of three spiruroid nematodes, Ascarops strongylina and Physocephalus sexalatus of pigs and Spirocerca lupi of dogs, were recovered from 14 species of coprophagous beetles belonging to 4 different genera. These larvae were fed to rabbits and/or guinea pigs to study their development in these experimental hosts. Larvae of A. strongylina reached the adult stage in all rabbits and one guinea pig. The adult worms recovered in these hosts were 40% and 4%, respectively, and became diminutive in comparison to their natural hosts. The larvae of P. sexalatus became reencysted in the gastric wall of rabbits inducing marked pathological changes. The infective larvae of S. lupi became reencapsulated in the stomach wall of the rabbit and also showed development in the aortic wall. Adults of Toxocara canis of dog, collected from 5 different regions of the Indian subcontinent, varied significantly in size. The mouse passage of infective larvae of one of these types led to the recovery of the adults from the experimental dogs that were smaller in size and caused severe pathology in natural experimental hosts. Developmental effects shown in experimental hosts and host specificity are of value in understanding the evolution of nematode parasitism.

Sequencing the intersections of printed strokes with writing instrument strokes using DocuCentre expert (PIA 6000-EDF).

Introduction of the digital techniques in document examination has encouraged the Forensic Document Examiners to work with better accuracy in non-destructive ways. In this study, the examination of sequence of intersecting strokes of printers (inkjet printer, laser printer, dot-matrix printer) and typewriters with writing instruments (gel ink pen, ballpoint pen and fountain pen) of different colors was carried out by using Docucenter Expert via PIA-6000 software utilizing extended depth of focus. The continuity of the stroke is the only characteristic which has been observed at the point of intersection.

Application of Video Spectral Comparator (absorption spectra) for establishing the chronological order of intersecting printed strokes and writing pen strokes.

The sequence of intersecting strokes of laser printers (black, blue, red and green) and typewriter ink (black) with the strokes of gel pen ink, ballpoint pen ink and fountain pen ink (black, blue, red and green) has been determined by studying their absorption spectra. The absorption spectra have been generated for each of the two pure inks (i.e. A and B) and points of their intersections (i.e. A over B and B over A) by using Video Spectral Comparator (VSC-2000-HR). The study was carried out with an assumption that the peak characteristics of spectra from the point of intersection should correspond to the peak characteristics of pure ink which was executed later. It was observed that the absorption spectrum of intersection corresponds with either the laser printer or the typewriter ink stroke, whether these strokes were executed earlier or later than the writing instrument strokes. As the results obtained from the study were negative, the FDEs are advised against the practice of this technique in the examination of the sequence of intersecting strokes for these specified inks.

Primary type 3 abomasal ulceration in cattle and buffalo: clinico-biochemical parameters, treatment, and prognostic indicators.

Background: The clinical findings, laboratory alterations, and prognosis of primary type 3 abomasal ulcer (AU3) are poorly reported in the literature. Aims: To describe clinical findings, hemato-biochemical changes, and peritoneal fluid changes in bovines suffering from primary AU3, and to monitor responses to medical treatment and outcomes. Methods: The study included 32 bovines (20 cattle and 12 buffaloes) diagnosed with primary AU3 along with a control group. Results: Common clinical findings were depressed demeanor, anorexia, dehydration, scanty feces, melena, mushy atonic rumen, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Colic was observed in 56.3% of animals. The mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, and lymphocyte count were lower (P≤0.05), while WBC and neutrophil count were higher than the values of the control group (P≤0.05). The levels of BHBA, NEFA, glucose, total bilirubin, AST, CK, LDH, BUN, creatinine, and lactate were higher (P≤0.05), while cholesterol, total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium were lower than the values of the control group (P≤0.05). The rumen chloride concentration was increased. The left shift was observed in a higher percentage of nonsurvivors than survivors (P≤0.05). The nonsurvivors had higher levels of bilirubin, CK, LDH, BUN, creatinine, and rumen chloride (P≤0.05), and lower levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Type 3 abomasal ulcers occurred during the various stages of lactation as well as in pregnant animals. The response to medical treatment was fair, long time survival rate was good, and there was no recurrence. There was no effect on fetal survival or milk yield in the subsequent lactation.

Ontogeny of the digestive tract in butter catfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) larvae.

The ontogeny of the digestive tract was studied histologically in butter catfish Ompok bimaculatus from hatching to 30 days post-hatching (dph). At hatching, the digestive tract of butter catfish consisted of a straight tube with a smooth lumen dorsally attached to the yolk sac. Between 1 and 2 dph, the mouth opened, oral valves were visible and canine-like teeth and taste buds were detected. During this period, intestine was differentiated into the anterior and posterior intestine, and the digestive accessory glands were also developed. Exogenous feeding started at 2 dph, and there was a 2-day mixed endogenous-exogenous feeding period. Most of the yolk sac reserves were consumed between 2 and 3 dph, and by 5 dph, the yolk sac was completely depleted and no longer visible in histological sections. Between 3 and 4 dph, several vacuoles (neutral lipids) were observed in the intestine and also in hepatocytes, indicating a functional absorption of nutrients from food. At 8 dph, differentiation of gastric glands was noticed, and by 9-11 dph, there were abundant gastric tubular glands arranged along numerous longitudinal folds. During the same period, pyloric sphincter appeared as an epithelial fold that separated the stomach from the anterior intestine. From 12 dph to the end of the study at 30 dph, no noticeable histological modifications were observed. The development of gastric glands is considered as the last major events in digestive tract development and their presence designates the end of larval period and the onset of the juvenile period. Hence, it is suggested that, butter catfish larvae have a morphologically complete digestive tract by 12 dph. These findings on the development of the digestive system in butter catfish may lead to a better understanding of the ontogeny and would be useful to improve the larval rearing techniques of this promising catfish species for freshwater aquaculture diversification.

Oral anti-diabetic drugs for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To determine the comparative efficacy of oral anti-diabetic drugs in preventing the development of Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted for randomized controlled trials evaluating oral anti-diabetic drugs in patients at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Mixed-treatment comparison meta-analysis methods were used to evaluate the relative risks and risk differences of developing Type 2 diabetes, along with associated 95% credible intervals. RESULTS: Overall, 20 trials (n = 23 230 participants) were included. Upon mixed-treatment comparison meta-analysis, thiazolidinediones, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and biguanides significantly reduced the relative risk of developing diabetes by 64, 40 and 27%, respectively, compared with control. Sulphonylureas and glinides showed no significant effect. Moreover, thiazolidinediones significantly reduced the relative risk of diabetes by 50% compared with biguanides and trended towards a 40% risk reduction vs. alpha-glucosidase inhibitors [relative risk 0.60 (95% credible intervals 0.34-1.02)]. None of the results were appreciably altered upon subgroup or sensitivity analyses. When evaluating risk differences compared with control, thiazolidinediones (-9%, number needed to treat = 11), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (-7%, number needed to treat = 14) and biguanides (-7%, number needed to treat = 14) continued to show significant benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Of the oral anti-diabetic drugs evaluated to prevent Type 2 diabetes, thiazolidinediones were associated with the greatest risk reduction compared with control and associated with greater risk reduction than biguanides. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and biguanides performed similarly, and better than control, while sulphonylureas and glinides provided no significant benefit.