Seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants of district Khanewal, Pakistan.

Objectives: Keeping in view the economic and veterinary public health importance of brucellosis, this research was conducted to determine its seroprevalence and associated risk determinants in small ruminants in district Khanewal, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: Two-stage cluster sampling technique was used for sampling, and the sample size was calculated using C-survey 2.0. Accordingly, sera samples (n = 392) were collected from small ruminants in the study area from October 2022 to July 2023. All the samples were tested for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), followed by confirmation of all the samples using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (ID.vet®, France; sensitivity and specificity=100%, each). Results: The seropositivity rate of brucellosis was 7.14% [n = 28/392; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.87%-10.12%] by RBPT, whereas the results of ELISA showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 7.40% (n = 29/392; 95% CI = 5.11%-10.37%) in the study population. Univariate analysis of risk factors revealed that abortion history (AH), retained fetal membranes (RFMs), repeat breeding, flock size (FS), educational status of farmers (ESFs), awareness about brucellosis (AB), and farm hygiene had a significant association with the seroprevalence of brucellosis (p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis using a binary logistic regression model revealed that variables including tehsil, FS, AH, RFM, ESF, AB, and farming system were significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with brucellosis in the target population. Conclusion: Brucellosis is prevalent in small ruminants in Khanewal, Pakistan. The disease burden can be reduced by improving the reproductive health of animals, farm hygiene, and farmers' awareness about the diseases. Further studies are needed on a larger scale to devise stringent disease control strategies to avoid losses associated with brucellosis at regional, national, and global levels.

Epidemiology of Brucellosis in Small Ruminants of Rural and Peri-Urban Areas of Multan, Pakistan.

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease of veterinary and public health importance with considerably higher prevalence in developing/underdeveloped countries. This study reports the prevalence and risk determinants of brucellosis in small ruminants of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, sera samples (n = 392) of small ruminants were collected and subjected to preliminary screening using commercially available RBPT reagents followed by serodetection of brucellosis using multispecies i-ELISA kit (ID.vet, France). All the ELISA positive samples were confirmed by PCR using genus-specific primers, and frequencies of Brucella species in positive samples were enumerated using species-specific primers. Results indicated seropositivity rates of 9.69, 9.95, and 10.20% in study population using RBPT reagents of IDEXX-USA, ID.Vet-France, and VRI-Pakistan, respectively, with a statistically nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05). Results of ELISA showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 7.14% in target population with a slightly higher rate in sheep (7.65%) as compared to goat (6.63%) population (p = 0.695; OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.53, 2.57). Results revealed that out of total positive samples, B. abortus was detected in 60.71% of seropositive samples and B. melitensis was detected in 14.28% of positive samples. It was revealed that risk factors including body condition scores, hygienic conditions of the housing facility, farming system, reproductive disorders, educational status of farmers, and awareness of farmers about brucellosis had significant association with brucellosis in small ruminants of study area (p < 0.05). Conversely, farm/herd size, locality, gender, age, weight, and parity showed a nonsignificant association (p > 0.05) with brucellosis. In conclusion, brucellosis is prevalent in small ruminants of Multan, Pakistan. It is recommended to devise and implement effective control strategies with a major focus on raising awareness about brucellosis in farmers for the containment of infection in the region.

A study on the epidemiology of brucellosis in bovine population of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan, southern Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a bacterial pathogen belonging to the genus Brucella. It is one of the most frequent bacterial zoonoses globally but unfortunately, it is still considered as a neglected disease in the developing world. Keeping in view, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk determinants of brucellosis in large ruminants of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan-Pakistan. For this purpose, blood samples (n = 490) were collected from the cattle (n = 245) and buffalo (n = 245) population of the study area and subjected to preliminary screening of brucellosis using local and imported RBPT reagents. All the samples were further analyzed using commercially available multi-specie indirect ELISA kit followed by their confirmation by PCR using genus and species-specific primers. Data obtained from lab analysis and questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis for Pearson Chi-square, Odds Ratio and Confidence intervals (95%). RESULTS: The results showed that the maximum seropositivity was recorded with local RBPT reagent (VRI, Pakistan; 12.45%; 95%CI = 9.72-15.65%) followed by RBPT-IDEXX (12.24%; 95%CI = 9.52-15.45%) and RBPT-ID.vet (11.84%; 95%CI = 9.18-14.95%) however statistical difference was non-significant (P = 0.956). The ELISA results showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 11.22% (95%CI = 8.59-14.33%) with comparatively higher rate in cattle (12.65%; 95%CI = 8.82-17.44%) as compared to buffaloes (9.80%; 95%CI = 6.49-14.15%). The PCR analysis confirmed the presence of genus Brucella in all seropositive samples whereas frequency of B. abortus and B. melitensis in seropositive samples was 80% and 20%, respectively. The co-existence of both species was also observed in 5.45% samples. The statistical analysis showed a significant association of bovine brucellosis with herd size, breed, reproductive disorders, mode of insemination, educational status and farmers' awareness about brucellosis (P < 0.05). Conversely, locality, age, weight, gender, pregnancy status, parity and puberty status had no associations with brucellosis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, brucellosis is prevalent in large ruminants of district Multan, Pakistan. It is suggested to devise and implement stringent policies for the effective control and prevention of brucellosis in the region. Further, the current situation also warrants the need to strengthen interdisciplinary coordination among veterinarians and physicians in one health perspective to ensure and strengthen the human and animal health care systems in the region.

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxocara canis and its associated risk factors in socio-economically deprived nomadic communities of Pakistan.

Toxocariasis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara (T.) canis with considerably higher prevalence in developing countries. The data on its epidemiology, especially in socioeconomically deprived nomadic communities, are scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anti-T. canis antibodies and its associated risk factors in nomadic communities located in and around Multan, Pakistan. A total of 184 sera samples were collected from nomadic communities by simple random sampling technique. The descriptive epidemiological data of participants were collected on well-designed questionnaires. Prior consent was also obtained from the participants to use the data generated from their samples without showing their identity. All the samples were analysed for the detection of anti-T. canis antibodies using commercially available Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA) kits having 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity (Bordier Affinity Products, Switzerland). The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis among nomadic communities was 27.7% (51/184). Various factors, including age, known disease history, nutritional status, contact with dogs, practice of hand washing after contact with dogs, use of unwashed vegetables, body mass index, and drug abuse, showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) with toxocariasis in nomadic communities. Conversely, other factors, including gender, marital status, educational status, awareness about zoonotic diseases, source of drinking water, occupation, location, hand washing before taking food, exposure to soil, and hygienic eating behaviour, showed non-significant correlation (p > 0.05) with seroprevalence of toxocariasis. Results also showed that >50% of seropositive cases were asymptomatic, whereas cough and abdominal pain were recorded in 19.6% and 11.76% of seropositive cases, respectively. Keeping in view, it is suggested to conduct surveys at mass level to rule out the exact disease status at national level and to include nomadic communities in local, national, and regional disease control programs through provision of better healthcare facilities and awareness about the disease.

Mitigation potential of individual and combined dietary supplementation of local Bentonite Clay and Distillery Sludge against Ochratoxin-A induced toxicity in broilers.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation of local bentonite clay (BN) and distillery sludge (DS) alone and in combination on ochratoxin-A (OTA) induced toxicity in broilers. For this purpose, day-old-broiler chicks (n = 270) were procured from the local market and reared under standard management conditions. After 7 days of acclimatization, birds were divided into 2 main groups A and B with respect to OTA inclusion level in feed, each with four sub-groups viz. A1-A4, each challenged with OTA at a dietary inclusion level of 250 µg/kg feed and B1-B4, each challenged with OTA at the level of 500 µg/kg feed and a common control group that was fed with basal feed throughout the experiment. In groups A and B, BN and DS were administered with feed at the rate of 10 g/kg of feed and 5 g/kg of feed alone and in combination, respectively. RESULTS: Results showed that OTA administration alone resulted in poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) and immunological responses along with increased serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), urea and creatinine (P < 0.05). A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum protein levels (albumin, globulin and total protein) was also observed in OTA-fed groups in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of BN at 10 g/kg of OTA-contaminated feed resulted in better FCR and immunological responses as compared to those fed OTA only. The BN supplementation also conferred protection against elevation of serum biochemical parameters when compared with OTA-fed groups. However, the addition of DS could not provide significant protection (P > 0.05) on alteration of serum biochemical parameters in response to the OTA induced toxicity. The combined supplementation of BN and DS resulted in amelioration of OTA-induced toxicity and showed improved FCR, immunological, hematological and serum biochemical parameters (P < 0.05) when compared with other groups. Similarly, BN and DS resulted in a significant decline (P < 0.05) in the OTA tissue residues compared with other groups and control. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, combined dietary supplementation of BN (10 mg/kg) and DS (05 mg/kg) in feed reduced the toxic effects of OTA contamination at levels of 250 and 500 µg/kg of feed in broilers. So, the combination products of BN and DS may be successfully developed for use in poultry for protection against OTA-induced toxicity in broilers.

Lepra reactions in new leprosy cases at diagnosis: A study of 50 Pakistani patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence and characteristics of the two types of lepra reactions in new leprosy cases at initial diagnosis. METHODS: The retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, Karachi, and comprised all new leprosy cases registered from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018. Data was collected from the medical record database using a predesigned proforma. RESULTS: Of the 50 cases, 2(4%) were children and 48 (96%) were adults, with overall age ranging from 12 to 85 years. There were 41(82%) males and 9(18%) females.. Of the total, 30(60%) cases presented with type 1 reaction and 20(40%) with type 2. Further, 30(60%) cases were classified as borderline lepromatous. Among them, 17(57%) had type 2 reaction. Inflamed plaques were the main feature in 27(90%) cases of type 1. Crops of painful, erythematous nodules were seen in 19(95%) cases of type 2. CONCLUSION: Lepra reactions were found to be a presenting feature in a significant number of new leprosy cases at initial diagnosis.

Outer Membrane Protein-Coated Nanoparticles as Antibacterial Vaccine Candidates.

Nanoformulations are novel therapeutic strategies as compared to traditional treatments. The development of biomimetic nanoparticles by combining the natural cellular material with synthetic nanoparticles has inspired innovative vaccine strategies for modifying the antibacterial immunity. A lot of work has been done in which synthetic nanoparticles are coated with biomimetic cellular membranes for enhancement of biological functions and treatments. Outer membrane protein of bacteria not only act as adjuvant but also contain a large number of immunogenic antigens that play an important role in motivating the native immunity and stimulating the immune responses of the body. Outer membrane protein coating onto the surfaces of synthetic nanoparticles has synergistic effects to produce antibacterial responses. This article reviews the recent improvements related to the bacterial membrane-coated nanoparticles for antibacterial immunization.

Mechanistic insights of snake venom disintegrins in cancer treatment.

Snake venoms are a potential source of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds with a defensive role for the host. Various peptides with significant medicinal properties have been isolated and characterized from these venoms. Few of these are FDA approved. They inhibit tumor cells adhesion, migration, angiogenesis and metastasis by inhibiting integrins on transmembrane cellular surfaces. This plays important role in delaying tumor growth, neovascularization and development. Tumor targeting and smaller size make them ideal candidates as novel therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. This review is based on sources of these disintegrins, their targeting modality, classification and underlying anti-cancer potential.

Expression and functional characterization in yeast of an endoglucanase from Bacillus sonorensis BD92 and its impact as feed additive in commercial broilers.

Some ingredients used in poultry feed formulation contain carbohydrate polymers which are difficult to digest and thus hinder nutritional feed value. Toward overcoming this limitation, exogenous enzymes have been added to poultry feed to improve its nutritive value. The present study was designed to provide first enzymatic characterization of endoglucanase (BsEgl) from the genome of B. sonorensis BD92 expressed in Pichia pastoris. Further, we tested its impact alone and in combination with a ß-glucosidase (Bteqßgluc) on growth in commercial broilers as feed additive. The expressed enzyme displayed features of GH5 family and had optimum activity against carboxymethyl cellulose at pH 5 and 50 °C. The BsEgl was stable at a range of pH from 4 to 8 for 60 min and at 50 °C for 180 min. Supplementing broilers diet with BsEgl alone or in combination with Bteqßgluc resulted in better feed conversion ratio among treatments during a five weeks testing period. Moreover, meat percentage was also highest for this treatment, and all treatments with recombinant enzymes increased intestinal length in birds compared to treatment control group. Blood parameters and serum biochemistry profile showed non-significant difference among groups. These results support that recombinant cellulolytic enzymes supplement high fiber diets improve their nutritional performance.

Comparison of Intralesional Meglumine Antimonite along with oral Itraconazole to Intralesional Meglumine Antimonite in the treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in developing countries like Pakistan. Pentavalent antimonials are still drug of choice, despite being toxic and intolerable for patients. Second line treatments have been extensively studied but the results of their efficacy are conflicting. This, to our knowledge, will be the first study in this regard. Our objective was to determine if combination of oral itraconazole with intralesional (IL) meglumine antimoniate (MA) reduces the duration of treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis, as compared to intralesional MA alone. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (single blinded) was carried out from August 2017 till December 2017 on 69 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria. They were assigned to Group-A or B by lottery method. Group-A patients received IL MA once a week while Group-B received oral itraconazole 200mg, once daily, for six weeks along with similar regimen of IL MA as Group-A. The patients were assessed every three weeks by the blinded assessor till clinical cure was achieved. A follow up visit, two months after clinical cure was done to look for relapse of the disease. RESULTS: Thirty patients in Group-A and 35 patients in Group-B completed the study. At 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks the patients were assessed for: no, partial or complete response and results of the two groups were compared for statistical significance. The p-values of 0.20, 0.57 and 0.11 at 3, 6 and 9 weeks, respectively, depict that there was no significant difference at any step of assessment between the two groups in terms of healing. The p values of each t test was>0.05 refuting the hypothesis. CONCLUSION: Combination of oral itraconazole with intralesional MA offered no benefit over intralesional MA alone in the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis in terms of duration of therapy.

Immunomodulatory and ameliorative effects of Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces based probiotics on pathological effects of eimeriasis in broilers.

Eimeria infection is very important in broilers and causes heavy economic losses in extensive farming system due to reduced weight gains, high mortality and poor feed conversion ratio (FCR). Under the circumstances, there is a dire need to devise effective control strategies to avoid/counteract this infectious threat. This study was conducted to assess the immunomodulatory and ameliorative effects of Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces based probiotics against Eimeria infection in broilers. The results showed statistically higher (P < 0.05) lymphoproliferative responses in experimental groups treated either with Lactobacillus or Saccharomyces based probiotics, as compared to control group. Further higher antibody titers (geomean titers) were also recorded in chickens of experimental groups treated with probiotics as compared to those of control group. The probiotic treated groups also revealed significantly improved (P < 0.05) FCRs as compared to control group. In challenge experiment, significantly lower (P < 0.05) oocyst counts were recorded in broilers treated with probiotics, when compared with control group. Further, experimental groups also revealed significantly higher (P < 0.05) daily weight gains and protection rates as compared to control. The data regarding the lesion scoring showed that chickens treated with probiotics had higher values of percent protection against intestinal and caecal lesion, when compared with those of control group. In conclusion, supplementation of probiotics proved very useful to enhance the immunological and performance potentials of broilers which subsequently provided protection against Eimeria infection. Further studies on the physico-chemical properties along with commercial feasibility and cost benefit analysis of these probiotic species are needed for wise selection to get maximum profit from broiler industry.

Is Cannabidiol a Promising Substance for New Drug Development? A Review of its Potential Therapeutic Applications.

The pharmacological importance of cannabidiol (CBD) has been in study for several years. CBD is the major nonpsychoactive constituent of plant Cannabis sativa and its administration is associated with reduced side effects. Currently, CBD is undergoing a lot of research which suggests that it has no addictive effects, good safety profile and has exhibited powerful therapeutic potential in several vital areas. It has wide spectrum of action because it acts through endocannabinoid receptors; CB1 and CB2 and it also acts on other receptors, such as GPR18, GPR55, GPR 119, 5HT1A, and TRPV2. This indicates its therapeutic value for numerous medical conditions because of its neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties. Potential therapeutic applications of CBD include, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anti-arthritic, anti-depressant, anti-Alzheimer disease, anti-ischemic, neuroprotective, and anti-fibrotic. More promising areas appear to include diabetes and cancer where CBD exhibits lesser side effects and more therapeutic benefits as compared to recent available medical therapies. Hence, CBD is a promising substance for the development of new drug. However further research and clinical studies are required to explore its complete potential.

A Young Boy with Persistent Nodules and Hoarseness: A Rare Presentation of Nodular Secondary Syphilis.

Syphilis is a venereal disease caused by treponema pallidum, historically known as "great mimicker" because of its variable presentations. Secondary syphilis usually presents with maculopapular or papulosquamous rash. Rare manifestations include papulonodular, annular and lichenoid lesions. Nodules are usually found in benign tertiary syphilis. We present a case of a young boy who presented with five months' history of nodular skin lesions and hoarseness of voice. Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) was initially negative owing to prozone phenomenon. However, histopathology was confirmatory and he responded to benzathine penicillin. We present this case because of rare clinical presentation with persistent nodular lesions, unusual age group, and negative initial VDRL test.

Evaluation of Saccharum officinarum L. bagasse-derived polysaccharides as native immunomodulatory and anticoccidial agents in broilers.

Coccidiosis is one of the most important protozoal diseases of the poultry industry, inflicting heavy economic losses in the form of high mortality and morbidity in affected birds. Under these circumstances, the development of nonchemical consumer-friendly strategies for its effective control is of paramount importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) bagasse-derived polysaccharides as native immunomodulatory and anticoccidial agents in commercial broilers. Polysaccharides were recovered from sugarcane bagasse (PSCB) and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Five different sugars including melezitose, maltose, glucose, mannose, and fructose were detected in hydrolyzed solution of PSCB. The isolated PSCB were orally administered to the broilers in three graded doses ranging from 10 to 50mg/kg of body weight/day for 3 consecutive days, i.e., fifth through seventh days of life. Results showed significantly enhanced (p<0.05) lymphoproliferative and humoral responses to T-cell mitogen (PHA-P) and sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) in PSCB-administered chickens. In a challenge experiment, percent protection and daily weight gains were significantly higher (p<0.05), whereas mean oocyst counts and lesion scores were lower (p<0.05) in PSCB-administered chickens as compared to control. ELISA showed that PSCB significantly enhanced (p<0.05) antibody titers against the Eimeria species used for the induction of infection in chickens of PSCB-administered and control groups. In conclusion, PSCB showed the potential to modulate the immune responses in industrial broiler chickens with subsequent protection against coccidial infection.

Evaluation of immunostimulatory and immunotherapeutic effects of tropical mushroom (Lentinus edodes) against eimeriasis in chicken.

Mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) were processed for hot water (HWE), methanolic (ME), and polysaccharide (PSE) extracts. Polysaccharides were isolated through ion exchange (DEAE cellulose) and size exclusion (Sephadex G-100) chromatography. Monosaccharides including maltose (0.282%), glucose (0.113%), and mannose (0.451%) were identified, qualitatively and quantitatively, from the isolated polysaccharides through high-performance liquid chromatography. The whole study was divided into two experiments. Experiment 1 was meant for the evaluation of HWE and ME; whereas, experiment 2 was meant for the evaluation of PSE for immunostimulatory and immunotherapeutic activities. The cellular and humoral immune responses were demonstrated through lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) and anti-body response to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), respectively. The immunotherapeutic effects of these extracts were demonstrated against eimeriasis in terms of lesion scoring, oocysts per gram of droppings, and percent protection. Cell-mediated immune responses observed at 24, 48, and 72 h post-PHA-P injection were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in chickens administered with any of the three extracts (PSE, ME, and HWE), when compared with the controls. Humoral immune response in terms of anti-SRBCs anti-body titers was also observed higher in chickens administered with mushroom extracts. In the challenge experiment, significantly higher (P < 0.05) OPG and lesion scores were observed in controls as compared to the groups administered with mushroom extracts (HWE, ME, and PSE). Significantly higher (P < 0.05) percent protection against eimeriasis was observed in all groups administered with different extracts of L. edodes as compared to controls. In conclusion, L. edodes extracts showed immunostimulatory potential which persisted against eimeriasis in chicken.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Alopecia Areata.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean Vitamin D level in patients with alopecia areata (AA) with age and gender controlled matched healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Dermatology OPD, JPMC, from October 2014 to March 2015. METHODOLOGY: All the patients diagnosed of alopecia areata by a trained dermatologist were selected. Controls were age and gender matched healthy volunteers. Venous blood was drawn and sent to hospital laboratory for 25 (OH) vitamin D by enzyme immunoassay method on chemical analyser. Data was recorded on SPSS version 16. Mann-Whitney test was applied to compare vitamin D levels of cases and controls. P-value <0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS: There are 30 cases of AA, and 30 age and gender matched controls. The mean age of our study group was 23.77 ±8.86 ng/dL in patients and 24.03 ±8.62 ng/dL in the control group. Fifteen (50%) patients presented between 3-12 months of onset of AA. Median (IQR) vitamin D level of cases was 13.5 (18.6) ng/dL and healthy controls was 22.5 (16.25) (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients with alopecia areata compared to healthy controls.

In vitro and in vivo toxicological evaluations of methyl ferulate, methyl p-coumarate, and pulegone 1,2-epoxide.

CONTEXT: Toxicological screening of natural compounds for medicinal purposes. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the toxicity of methyl ferulate (MF), methyl p-coumarate (MpC), and pulegone 1,2-epoxide (PE) with in vitro and in vivo assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro toxicity of MF, MpC, and PE was assessed at a concentration of 10 mg/ml with the Ames assay using two strains of Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. Human red blood cells (RBC) were used to determine the hemolytic activity of these compounds. The cytotoxicity of above compounds was determined with brine shrimp lethality bioassay (BSLB) at the concentrations of 0.1-20 mg/ml. While dermal and ocular irritation studies were conducted on healthy rabbits (n = 8) for 96 and 12 h post-topical application of test compounds, respectively. RESULTS: PE produced 6-8% hemolysis of RBCs at all the tested concentrations while MF and MpC produced 10-5% hemolysis up to 20 mg/ml, and 50-85% hemolysis at concentrations of 40 and 80 mg/ml, respectively. The Ames assay indicated that MF, MpC, and PE were non-mutagenic as the test values were not significantly higher as compared with background values of the assay. BSLB suggested the lethal concentration (LC50) values of MF, MpC, and PE as 4.38, 6.74, and 25.91 mg/ml, respectively. In vivo ocular and dermal irritation scores of MF, MpC, and PE were comparable with ethanol (control) in rabbits indicating the non-irritant nature of these natural compounds. CONCLUSION: The present studies suggest that these compounds are non-toxic/non-irritant and might be used for medicinal purposes.

Dyslipidemia and Psoriasis: A Case Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean values of lipid profile in psoriatic patients and healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Dermatology, PNS Shifa, Karachi, from November 2012 to April 2013. METHODOLOGY: Patients with psoriasis fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD) of PNS Shifa, Karachi. After fasting for 14 hours, 5 ml of venous blood was drawn in sterile syringe and submitted to the Hospital Laboratory for lipid profile, by enzymatic method on Hitachi (Roshe(®)) using reagents by the same firm. The mean values lipid profile in psoriatic patients versus healthy controls were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Atotal of 256 patients (128 in each group) were enrolled. Mean lipid profile in both groups revealed cholesterol (mg/dl) value of 203.43 ±1 1.43 in cases and 173.64 ± 13.65 in controls. Triglyceride (mg/dl) was 178.87 ± 43.60 and in cases 144.23 ± 34.01 in controls, HDL-C (mg/dl) was 37.81 ± 10.78 in cases and 41.41 ± 9.72 in controls while LDL-C (mg/dl) was 139.52 ± 13.71 in cases and 109.44 ± 13.80 in controls. Each parameters had p-value < 0.05 which was significant. CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia was found in a high percentage of psoriatic patients than healthy controls. Psoriatic patients require thorough lipid and cardiovascular examinations as they should be considered as individuals with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The effect of infection with mixed Eimeria species on hematology and immune responses following Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease booster vaccination in broilers.

BACKGROUND: Coccidiosis is an important parasitic disease of chickens, causing high mortality and morbidity. This morbidity is believed to be correlated with altered population dynamics of blood cells and immunocompromisation. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of mixed Eimeria species (viz., tenella, maxima, acervulina and necatrix) infection on hematology and immune responses following Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) booster vaccination in broilers. ANIMALS AND METHODS: One-day-old broiler chicks (Hubbard; n = 200) were divided into two equal groups A and B. On day 16, group A was infected orally with Eimeria species (7 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts), whereas group B served as control. Both groups were analyzed for hematological parameters on post-infection days 6-8. Sera from both groups were analyzed for antibody titers against ND and IBD vaccines. On day 8 post-infection, lymphoid organs were also examined. RESULTS: Significantly lower (P < 0.05) levels of plasma proteins, globular volume, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, total erythrocytes, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were found in infected chickens compared with non-infected control chickens. In addition, the infected group exhibited significantly increased (P < 0.05) numbers of different leukocytes. Infected chickens also showed significantly lower antibody titers against ND and IBD with decreased relative organ weights of all lymphoid organs except spleen. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Mixed species of Eimeria adversely affected the hematology and immune efficiency of broilers. Thus, inexpensive immune potentiators and hemotonics along with appropriate anti-coccidial medications are suggested to avoid the complications and subsequent economic losses.