Association of single-nucleotide polymorphism of melanocortin gene with feed intake in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of two parts of melanocortin gene (MC4R-1, MC4R-2) and feed intake for V-line rabbits. V-line rabbits were grouped into high and low daily feed intake during the period from 30 to 63 days of age in order to identify MC4R SNPs useful for association study with feed intake. DNA from blood samples of each group was extracted to amplify the MC4R gene. The purified PCR products were sequenced in those had the highest and lowest feed intake. Alignment of sequence data from each group revealed that there is a variation detected in MC4R-1 at nucleotide 35 (T-G) (sense mutation) and another variation was detected in MC4R-2 gene at nucleotide 19 (T-C) (sense mutation) for high feed intake rabbits. These sense mutations lead to transform some amino acids and cause a significant change of the MC4R function. The results of average daily feed intake (ADFI) indicated that group (1) had significantly higher feed intake than group (2) of V-line rabbits. The detected mutations and the analysis of daily feed intake means revealed a significant association between MC4R polymorphism and feed intake in rabbits.

Revisiting an ancient treatment for transphincteric fistula-in-ano 'There is nothing new under the sun' Ecclesiastes 1v9.

OBJECTIVE: The history of treatments for fistula-in-ano can be traced back to ancient times. Current treatment of transphincteric fistulae is controversial, with many options available. We reviewed the history of treatment using cutting setons and present our series of transphincteric fistulae in the light of the series in the literature. DESIGN: Literature review and case series. SETTING: Hospital based coloproctology service PARTICIPANTS: 140 consecutive patients presenting with fistula-in-ano were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The literature pertaining to treatment of transphincteric fistula was reviewed, along with the outcome of various treatment methods for this condition. Data were collected for 140 consecutive patients presenting with fistula- in-ano were assessed for fistula healing, recurrence and complications. RESULTS: A total of 140 consecutive patients with fistula-in-ano were identified, of which 111 were cryptoglandular (79.3%). Eighty-one of these 111 were transphincteric (73.0%). At a median follow-up of 35 months (range, 2-83 months), 70 transphincteric fistulae had healed (86.4%), 10 were still undergoing treatment (12.3%) and one patient was lost to follow-up prior to treatment (1.2%). Two patients in this group required a stoma (2.5%), six patients developed recurrence (7.4%); three 'true' recurrences (3.7%). One (1.2%) developed a chronic fissure. There were no reported cases of incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The management of transphincteric fistula-in-ano is complex and controversial, for which no clear surgical procedure has gained acceptance as the gold standard. This study demonstrates that transphincteric fistulae can be successfully treated using cutting setons. A high healing rate (86.4%), low recurrence rate (7.4%) and a low complication rate (3.7%) are shown, which compares favourably with published rates over a long follow-up.

Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in Porto Alegre, Brazil

The prevalence of uncontrolled and controlled asthma, and the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Patients aged 11 years with confirmed asthma diagnosis were recruited from the outpatient asthma clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. Patients were excluded if they had other chronic pulmonary disease. They underwent an evaluation by a general questionnaire, an asthma control questionnaire (based on the 2006 Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines), assessment of inhaled device technique and pulmonary function tests. Asthma was controlled in 48 of 275 patients (17.5 percent), partly controlled in 74 (26.9 percent) and uncontrolled in 153 (55.6 percent). In the univariate analysis, asthma severity was associated with asthma control (P < 0.001). Availability of asthma medications was associated with asthma control (P = 0.01), so that most patients who could purchase medications had controlled asthma, while patients who depend on the public health system for access to medications had lower rates of controlled asthma. The use of inhaled corticosteroid was lower in the uncontrolled group (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified three factors associated with uncontrolled asthma: severity of asthma (OR = 5.33, P < 0.0001), access to medications (OR = 1.97, P = 0.025) and use of inhaled corticosteroids (OR = 0.17, P = 0.030). This study showed a high rate of uncontrolled asthma in patients who attended an outpatient asthma clinic. Severity of asthma, access to medications and adequate use of inhaled corticosteroids were associated with the degree of asthma control.

Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

The prevalence of uncontrolled and controlled asthma, and the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Patients aged 11 years with confirmed asthma diagnosis were recruited from the outpatient asthma clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. Patients were excluded if they had other chronic pulmonary disease. They underwent an evaluation by a general questionnaire, an asthma control questionnaire (based on the 2006 Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines), assessment of inhaled device technique and pulmonary function tests. Asthma was controlled in 48 of 275 patients (17.5%), partly controlled in 74 (26.9%) and uncontrolled in 153 (55.6%). In the univariate analysis, asthma severity was associated with asthma control (P < 0.001). Availability of asthma medications was associated with asthma control (P = 0.01), so that most patients who could purchase medications had controlled asthma, while patients who depend on the public health system for access to medications had lower rates of controlled asthma. The use of inhaled corticosteroid was lower in the uncontrolled group (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified three factors associated with uncontrolled asthma: severity of asthma (OR = 5.33, P < 0.0001), access to medications (OR = 1.97, P = 0.025) and use of inhaled corticosteroids (OR = 0.17, P = 0.030). This study showed a high rate of uncontrolled asthma in patients who attended an outpatient asthma clinic. Severity of asthma, access to medications and adequate use of inhaled corticosteroids were associated with the degree of asthma control.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a model system for examining gene by environment interactions across development.

There has been a dramatic rise in gene x environment studies of human behavior over the past decade that have moved the field beyond simple nature versus nurture debates. These studies offer promise in accounting for more variability in behavioral and biological phenotypes than studies that focus on genetic or experiential factors alone. They also provide clues into mechanisms of modifying genetic risk or resilience in neurodevelopmental disorders. Yet, it is rare that these studies consider how these interactions change over the course of development. In this paper, we describe research that focuses on the impact of a polymorphism in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, known to be involved in learning and development. Specifically we present findings that assess the effects of genotypic and environmental loadings on neuroanatomic and behavioral phenotypes across development. The findings illustrate the use of a genetic mouse model that mimics the human polymorphism, to constrain the interpretation of gene-environment interactions across development in humans.

Flavonoids and biological activities of Jussiaea repens.

A new acylated avicularin, namely avicularin 2''-(4'''-O-n-pentanoyl)-gallate (1) along with 12 metabolites have been isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the aerial parts of Jussiaea repens L. (Onagraceae). Their structures were established as trifolin 2''-O-gallate (2), quercetrin (3), guaijaverin (4), reynoutrin (5), juglanin (6), avicularin (7), hyperin (8), trifolin (9), hyperin 2''-O-gallate (10), rutin (11), kaempferol (12) and quercetin (13) on the basis of their chromatographic properties, chemical and spectroscopic evidences. The investigated ethyl acetate extract was found to be non-toxic (LD(50) up to the maximum soluble dose 4 g kg(-1) body wt.) and had significant antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities. Also some of the isolated flavonoids showed cytotoxic activity against Ehrlich ascitis carcinoma cells.

Genetic study of blepharoptosis among Egyptians.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to develop an etiological classification of congenital blepharoptosis among Egyptian children and also to differentiate between congenital blepharoptosis as an isolated anomaly or part of a syndrome. BACKGROUND: Blepharoptosis refers to dropping of the upper eyelid. The difference in the height of the fissures with the eyes in primary position signifies the amount of ptosis. Ptosis has traditionally been divided into congenital and acquired types. METHODS: Thirty six patients presenting with blepharoptosis (22 males and 14 females) were examined. All patients were subjected to thorough detailed personal and family history, three generation family pedigree construction, and detailed clinical examination with complete eye evaluation. Investigations such as cytogenetic studies, EEG, ECG, EMG, X-ray, and MRI were done needed. RESULTS: Patients were classified into 4 groups: I--simple congenital ptosis (28%), II--blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (25%), III--congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles (CFEOM) (14%), IV--ptosis associated with syndromes (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical aspects of blepharoptosis are related to etiology. The ophthalmologist should be alert for the possibility of coexisting associated defects (ocular and systemic) in patients with blepharoptosis. Genetic evaluation of patients with blepharoptosis is important to allow accurate diagnosis and to permit appropriate counseling on potentially life-threatening health issues (Tab. 5, Fig. 4, Ref: 37).

Synthesis and 5-HT2A antagonist activity of derivatives of the novel heterocycles indolo[3,2-d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine and benzo[d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine compared to the benz[d]indolo[2,3-g]azecine derivative LE 300.

An indolo[3,2-d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine and a benzo[d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine analogue of the potent dopamine receptor antagonist LE 300 (7-methyl-6,7,8,9,14,15-hexahydro-5H-benz[d]indolo[2,3-g]azecine) have been prepared in multi-step reactions via C-N bond cleavage of corresponding quaternary N-methylquinolizinium iodides. LE 300, the target compounds and two precursor quinolizines have been tested in vitro for antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors (rat tail artery) and H1 receptors (guinea-pig ileum), respectively. LE 300 and compound 19 (3,6-dimethyl-4,5,6,7,8,13-hexahydro-3H-benzo[d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine) competitively inhibited 5-HT-induced contractions with similar nanomolar potency (pA2 = 8.32 and 8.01, respectively) but were less active than the reference antagonist ketanserin (pA2 = 9.55). Compound 19 displayed moderate H1-antihistaminic activity in the guinea-pig ileum assay (pA2 = 7.37).

Synthesis of some pyridone derivatives.

Chlorination of 6-aryl-3-cyano-2-pyridone-4-carboxylic acid (1) afforded the corresponding acid chloride (2) and the 2-chloro derivative (3). Esterification of (2) gave the corresponding esters (4a; b). Hydrazinolysis of (4a) afforded the respective pyridazinone derivative (5). Treatment of 6-aryl-2-chloro-3-cyano-4-pyridine carboxylic acid (3) with acetyl hydrazine, gave the triazinopyridine derivative (6), while treatment of 3 with sodium azide in DMF afforded the tetrazinopyridine derivative (7). Treatment of the N-acetyl derivative (1b) with thiosemicarbazide and/or hydroxylamine hydrochloride, yielded the correspoding semicarbazone and oxine derivatives (8) and (10), respectively. The reaction of 6-aryl-3-cyano-1,2-dihydro-2-thioxo-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid (1c) with ethylchloro acetate and/or thiourea yielded the mercapto ester derivative (11) and the corresponding pyrido [2,3-d] pyrimidine thione derivative (12). Condensation reaction of (1d) with anthranilic acid, afforded the quinazolone derivative (11). The reactivity of 11 towards hydrazine hydrate was investigated. The structural assignment of the new derivatives were based on IR, 1H NMR and mass data. Some of the new compounds were screened, in vitro, for antimicrobial activity and the results were encouraging.

Polysubstituted pyrazoles, Part 4: Synthesis, antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activity of some pyrazoles.

As a continuation of an earlier interest in polysubstituted pyrazoles, the synthesis of some derivatives of 1H-pyrazol-4-yl-2-oxo-but-3-enoic acid and ethyl 4-hydroxy-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylates of potential antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activity is described. One compound showed in vitro antibacterial activity and two compounds displayed in vivo antiinflammatory potency in rats.

Reactions with pyrrolidine-2,4-diones, Part 4: Synthesis of some 3-substituted 1,5-diphenylpyrrolidine-2,4-diones as potential antimicrobial, anti-HIV-1 and antineoplastic agents.

The condensation of 1,5-diphenylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione (1) with ethyl orthoformate yielded 3-ethoxymethylene-1,5-diphenylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione (2). Reaction of the latter with hydrazine hydrate, secondary amines 7a-c or urea afforded the corresponding 3-substituted aminomethylene-1,5-diphenylpyrrolidene-2,4-diones 3, 8a-c or 9. On the other hand, condensation of 3 with veratraldehyde (5a) yielded 3-[(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazinomethylene]-1,5-diphenylpyrrolidine- 2,4-dione (6). Whereas, cyclization of 9 with the reactive malonate ester 11 produced 3-[(5-butyl-4-hydroxy-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-yl) methylene]-1,5-diphenylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione (12). The condensation of some selected aromatic aldehydes 5a-c and addition of morpholine (7c) or piperidine (7d) to some of the resulting 3-arylidene-1,5-diphenylpyrrolidine-2,4-diones 13b, c gave the respective 3-substituted methyl-4-hydroxy-1,5-diphenyl-delta 3-pyrrolin-2-ones 14a-c. Selected members of the new series were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial, anti-HIV-1 and antineoplastic activities. Two compounds 14a, b showed pronounced inhibitory activities against Gram-positive bacteria; whereas, in the in vitro anti-HIV-1 screening, only one compound 13c displayed a moderate activity. However, in the antineoplastic screening protocol, the tested compounds were devoid of activity.

Induction of hsp70 by the herbicide oxyfluorfen (Goal) in the Egyptian Nile fish, Oreochromis niloticus.

This paper deals with the expression of the biomarker hsp70 in the liver and kidney of the freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus following exposure to the herbicide oxyfluorfen (Goal). Fishes were exposed to three concentrations, the 96-h LC50 (3 mg/L), the 96-h (1/2)LC50 (1.5 mg/L), and the 96-h (1/4)LC50 (0.75 mg/L) of oxyfluorfen for 6, 15, and 24 days, respectively, and samples were taken at three different time periods for each concentration. The livers responded to the herbicide by an induction of the expression of both the constitutive (hsp75; Mr 75 kDa) and the inducible (hsp73; Mr 73 kDa) hsp70 proteins. In kidney, the herbicide induced a time-dependent increase in the expression of the constitutive hsp70 (hsp75) as well, but the inducible hsp70 (hsp73) required much longer incubation periods to reach maximal levels (15 and 24 days). Our results suggest that expression of hsp70 in fish is a sensitive indicator of cellular responses to herbicide exposure in the aquatic environment.

Patient Dependency Knowledge-Based Systems.

The ability of Patient Dependency Systems to provide information for staffing decisions and budgetary development has been demonstrated. In addition, they have become powerful tools in modern hospital management. This growing interest in Patient Dependency Systems has renewed calls for their automation. As advances in Information Technology and in particular Knowledge-Based Engineering reach new heights, hospitals can no longer afford to ignore the potential benefits obtainable from developing and implementing Patient Dependency Knowledge-Based Systems. Experience has shown that the vast majority of decisions and rules used in the Patient Dependency method are too complex to capture in the form of a traditional programming language. Furthermore, the conventional Patient Dependency Information System automates the simple and rigid bookkeeping functions. On the other hand Knowledge-Based Systems automate complex decision making and judgmental processes and therefore are the appropriate technology for automating the Patient Dependency method. In this paper a new technique to automate Patient Dependency Systems using knowledge processing is presented. In this approach all Patient Dependency factors have been translated into a set of Decision Rules suitable for use in a Knowledge-Based System. The system is capable of providing the decision-maker with a number of scenarios and their possible outcomes. This paper also presents the development of Patient Dependency Knowledge-Based Systems, which can be used in allocating and evaluating resources and nursing staff in hospitals on the basis of patients' needs.

Automation of patient dependency systems.

One of the most challenging decisions in resource allocations in hospitals is: how to allocate nursing duties on the basis of patients' needs? Patient Dependency Systems, in different forms, can be used to provide information for staffing decisions and budgetary developments. That is why Patient Dependency Systems are emerging as powerful tools in hospital management. It is anticipated that their use will grow, as hospitals everywhere come under pressure to reduce cost and improve the delivery and quality of health care to patients. Experience has shown that manual Patient Dependency Systems lack the ability to process and provide information fast enough to handle crisis situations. In addition, manual calculations are inefficient and are not free from human errors. However, the utilization of current advances in computing technology can overcome these disadvantages. Patient Dependency Systems are suitable for automation since their essence is too complex to handle manually. Furthermore, it is essential to automate the Patient Dependency Systems because of their critical role and their inherent complexity. In this paper, the automation of Patient Dependency Systems is presented. The development of Patient Dependency Automated Systems is shown to provide reliable and valid methods for evaluating the needs of patients in terms of the nursing effort required.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of enrofloxacin in chickens.

1. The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of enrofloxacin in chickens were investigated following intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral administration of 10 mg/kg body weight. A rapid distribution phase was followed by a slower elimination phase. 2. The apparent volume of distribution was 2.2 l/kg. Absorption half lives were 0.37, 0.36 and 0.92 h; elimination half lives were 4.06, 4.48 and 4.29 h and bioavailabilities were 87.5%, 80.8% and 59.6% after intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral administration, respectively. The drug completely disappeared from all tissues after 3 days following oral administration. 3. Based on the bioavailability and disposition kinetics of enrofloxacin, administration of one dose per day should both be practical and adequate to maintain plasma enrofloxacin concentrations within the pharmacologically active but lower than tolerance limit.

Physician clinical communication systems--an Australian perspective.

Information systems are increasingly being adopted by both community- and hospital-based providers of health care services. A gap is in linkages between carers both within a hospital and between hospitals and community providers. A range of technologies is available to improve communication of patient clinical data and other information. This paper discusses the benefits and challenges of electronic communications and reports on a successful case of physician use of a hospital communication system (information systems, technology, physicians, health care).

Improving resource utilization through patient dependency systems.

Hospitals are striving for funds and at the same time are required to improve the delivery and quality health care to patients. Naturally this strains hospital resources and requires sophistication in planning and in resource utilization. Nursing staff time remains one of the most important resources that require careful planning. Scheduling the time and duties of the nursing staff on the basis of patients' needs could improve the quality of care and ultimately leads to efficient utilization of hospital resources. This paper presents a model for allocating nursing staff duties using a Patient Dependency System. The model was developed using a time motion study conducted in a leading hospital. Resource utilization indexes were compared before and after the model was implemented. Results show significant increase in the efficiency of utilization of resources and improvement in the quality of the care. The model presented as a set of decision making rules suitable for use in a Patient Dependency Knowledge Based System.

Relationship between shell porosity, shell thickness, egg weight loss, and embryonic development in Japanese quail eggs.

Japanese quail eggs that hatched (H) or pipped (PIP) exhibited less weight loss through 15 d of incubation than did eggs that died late (LD), whereas eggs containing early dead (ED) embryos exhibited the greatest weight loss. The pore concentration at the large end of each egg was greatest in H eggs when compared with all other types. The pore concentration at the equator was greatest in H eggs and least in the eggs of the ED embryos. All other egg types lay statistically between these two types with regard to equator porosity. The small end pore concentration was similar in H, INF, and LD eggs and in the LD, PIP, and ED eggs. The least number was exhibited by the ED eggs and most by the H eggs. The thinnest shells at the small end were exhibited by H eggs, whereas thicker small end shells were exhibited by ED, LD, and PIP egg types. No differences were observed at the large end or equator. The data suggest that ED eggs exhibit excessive weight loss even though shell porosity was lower and shell thickness was similar to other egg types. This suggests that some functional component of the egg such as the shell membrane or albumen may contribute to this excessive weight loss. A similar statement can be made for LD eggs, which experienced greater weight loss through 15 d than did PIP or H eggs.

Effect of garlic on lead contents in chicken tissues.

Lead has been indicted to be involved in the aetiology of human and animal diseases. In view of earlier literature indicating that garlic antagonized lead toxicity, we have investigated the possible use of garlic feeding to clean up lead contents from chickens which had been exposed to natural or experimental lead pollution and consequently eliminate one of the sources of lead pollution to human consumers. Groups of chickens (10 birds each) were given lead alone (lead acetate equivalent to 5 mg lead/kg B.W.) or both lead and garlic simultaneously or lead followed by garlic post-treatment or garlic alone or distilled water. Lead concentrations were reduced in muscle and liver tissues of chickens given both lead and garlic simultaneously or as a post-treatment. Reduction in tissue-lead concentrations were greater in birds given garlic as a post-treatment than those given garlic simultaneously with lead. The results indicate that garlic contain chelating compounds capable of enhancing elimination of lead. Garlic feeding can be exploited to safeguard human consumers by minimizing lead concentrations in meat of food animals which had been grown in a lead polluted environment.