An unusual large polythene bezoar in the rumen of a fallow deer (Dama dama)

Ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies in both domestic and wild ruminants are very common. Indigestible foreign materials can be ingested during free range grazing or under captivity in zoos or game parks. There are different types of bezoars in literature. The most common in animals are phytobezoars, trichobezoars, lactobezoars, phytotrichobezoars, lithobezoars or pharmacobezoars. This is a case study of an adult (4 years old), 40 kg body weight female Fallow Deer (Dama dama) which was reared with other four more Fallow Deer does at Riyadh Zoological Garden. The doe was found sluggish and weak. On presentation the veterinarian of the zoo noticed the anorexia, pale mucous membranes and dullness. There was Normocytic Normochromic anaemia, low RBCs and Haematocrit level, high neutrophil count and leucocytosis. The doe was subjected to medicinal and supportive therapy but she could not recover and found dead on very next day. On post-mortem examination, an unusual large polythene bezoar along with calcified stony mass recovered from the rumen. The results suggested that the rumen impaction in the Fallow Deer might be due scavenging on refused Plastic dumps in the premises left over by visitors to the zoo and that the blood biochemical alterations, alongside clinical signs, might be of some diagnostic assistance.(AU)

An unusual large polythene bezoar in the rumen of a fallow deer (Dama dama)

Ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies in both domestic and wild ruminants are very common. Indigestible foreign materials can be ingested during free range grazing or under captivity in zoos or game parks. There are different types of bezoars in literature. The most common in animals are phytobezoars, trichobezoars, lactobezoars, phytotrichobezoars, lithobezoars or pharmacobezoars. This is a case study of an adult (4 years old), 40 kg body weight female Fallow Deer (Dama dama) which was reared with other four more Fallow Deer does at Riyadh Zoological Garden. The doe was found sluggish and weak. On presentation the veterinarian of the zoo noticed the anorexia, pale mucous membranes and dullness. There was Normocytic Normochromic anaemia, low RBCs and Haematocrit level, high neutrophil count and leucocytosis. The doe was subjected to medicinal and supportive therapy but she could not recover and found dead on very next day. On post-mortem examination, an unusual large polythene bezoar along with calcified stony mass recovered from the rumen. The results suggested that the rumen impaction in the Fallow Deer might be due scavenging on refused Plastic dumps in the premises left over by visitors to the zoo and that the blood biochemical alterations, alongside clinical signs, might be of some diagnostic assistance.

Efficacy of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract and hypertonic saline solution as intratesticular chemical sterilizing agents in dogs / Eficácia do extrato de folha de Azadirachta indica (Neem) e solução salina hipertônica como agente químico esterilizante intratesticular em cães

Castration refers to induced sterility via physical, chemical, or hormonal methods. Chemical castration is an efficient and reliable technique in contrast to other sterilization procedures as it is less painful to physical methods and cost­effective to hormonal methods. Azadirachta indica (neem), is a charismatic plant as its leaves possess anti­inflammatory, anti­microbial, and anti­androgenic chattels. To abate the escalating human population in South Asia, neem oil and neem leaf extract have been effectively used as a contraceptive agent. The key determinant of the current study was to evaluate Neem as a chemical sterilizing agent, (either necrotic or apoptotic), in dogs injected intratesticular in comparison to a hypertonic saline solution. Pre­ and post­injection testicular width size and blood samples for serum testosterone levels were collected on alternative days. Results disclosed substantial changes in testicular width size, histopathological profile, and serum testosterone level. A non­significant (P > 0.05) pre­injection testicular width readings in contrast to a significant increase (P < 0.05) three days post­injection was noted in all the competitive groups. The mean values recorded for testicular width size at the end of the trial study via neem leaf extract, 30% HSS and, control groups were 27.7362 ± 2.3315mm, 30.9594 ± 4.6861mm, and 24.5023 ± 2.5387mm, respectively. A declining trend, regarding serum testosterone level being statistically significant (P < 0.05) was recorded in treated groups (A, B) in contrast to the control group (C) as the values were 1.5357 ± 0.7819ng, 1.2669 ± 0.9095ng, and 2.4517 ± 0.1827ng in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Histopathological findings advocated the presence of apoptotic bodies in the neem treated group whereas the presence of degenerated interstitial cells, necrosed seminiferous tubules, damaged germinal epithelium, and ceased spermatogenesis was also studied in both competitive groups. Thus, the apoptotic effect and anti­inflammatory property of neem leaf extract resulted in less painful castration and verified Azadirachta indica as a better substitute for chemical castration in contrast to hypertonic saline solution.(AU)

A castração consiste na indução da esterilidade por meio físico, químico ou hormonal. A castração química é uma técnica eficiente e confiável, em contraste com outros procedimentos de esterilização, pois é menos dolorosa para os métodos físicos e econômicos para os métodos hormonais. Azadirachta indica (neem), é uma planta carismática, pois possui folhas anti­inflamatórias, antimicrobianas e antiandrogênicas. Para diminuir a crescente população humana no sul da Ásia, o óleo de nim e o extrato de folhas de nim têm sido efetivamente usados como agente contraceptivo. O principal determinante deste estudo atual foi avaliar o Neem como um agente esterilizante químico (necrótico ou apoptótico) em cães injetados intratesticularmente em comparação com uma solução salina hipertônica. O tamanho da largura testicular pré e pós­injeção e as amostras de sangue para os níveis séricos de testosterona foram colhidas em dias alternados. Os resultados obtidos revelaram alterações substanciais no tamanho da largura testicular, perfil histopatológico e nível sérico de testosterona. Observou­se uma leitura não significativa (P> 0,05) da largura testicular da pré­injeção, em contraste com um aumento significativo (P <0,05) três dias após a injeção em todos os grupos competitivos.Os valores médios registrados para o tamanho da largura testicular no final do estudo via extrato de folhas de nim,HSS a 30% e grupos controle foram 27,7362 ± 2,3315 mm, 30,9594 ± 4,6861 mm e 24,5023 ± 2,5387 mm, respectivamente.Uma tendência decrescente, com relação ao nível sérico de testosterona sendo estatisticamente significante (P <0,05), foi registrada nos grupos tratados (A, B), em contraste com o grupo controle (C), pois os valores eram 1,5357 ± 0,7819ng, 1,2669 ± 0,9095ng e 2,4517 ± 0,1827ng nos grupos A, B e C, respectivamente. Os achados histopatológicos advogaram a presença de corpos apoptóticos no grupo tratado com nim, enquanto a presença de células intersticiais degeneradas, túbulos seminíferos necrosados, epitélio germinativo danificado e espermatogênese interrompida também foi estudada nos dois grupos competitivos. Assim, o efeito apoptótico e a propriedade anti­inflamatória do extrato de folhas de nim resultaram em uma castração menos dolorosa e confirmaram que a Azadirachta indica foi um melhor substituto para a castração química do que a solução salina hipertônica.(AU)

Efficacy of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract and hypertonic saline solution as intratesticular chemical sterilizing agents in dogs / Eficácia do extrato de folha de Azadirachta indica (Neem) e solução salina hipertônica como agente químico esterilizante intratesticular em cães

Castration refers to induced sterility via physical, chemical, or hormonal methods. Chemical castration is an efficient and reliable technique in contrast to other sterilization procedures as it is less painful to physical methods and cost­effective to hormonal methods. Azadirachta indica (neem), is a charismatic plant as its leaves possess anti­inflammatory, anti­microbial, and anti­androgenic chattels. To abate the escalating human population in South Asia, neem oil and neem leaf extract have been effectively used as a contraceptive agent. The key determinant of the current study was to evaluate Neem as a chemical sterilizing agent, (either necrotic or apoptotic), in dogs injected intratesticular in comparison to a hypertonic saline solution. Pre­ and post­injection testicular width size and blood samples for serum testosterone levels were collected on alternative days. Results disclosed substantial changes in testicular width size, histopathological profile, and serum testosterone level. A non­significant (P > 0.05) pre­injection testicular width readings in contrast to a significant increase (P < 0.05) three days post­injection was noted in all the competitive groups. The mean values recorded for testicular width size at the end of the trial study via neem leaf extract, 30% HSS and, control groups were 27.7362 ± 2.3315mm, 30.9594 ± 4.6861mm, and 24.5023 ± 2.5387mm, respectively. A declining trend, regarding serum testosterone level being statistically significant (P < 0.05) was recorded in treated groups (A, B) in contrast to the control group (C) as the values were 1.5357 ± 0.7819ng, 1.2669 ± 0.9095ng, and 2.4517 ± 0.1827ng in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Histopathological findings advocated the presence of apoptotic bodies in the neem treated group whereas the presence of degenerated interstitial cells, necrosed seminiferous tubules, damaged germinal epithelium, and ceased spermatogenesis was also studied in both competitive groups. Thus, the apoptotic effect and anti­inflammatory property of neem leaf extract resulted in less painful castration and verified Azadirachta indica as a better substitute for chemical castration in contrast to hypertonic saline solution.(AU)

A castração consiste na indução da esterilidade por meio físico, químico ou hormonal. A castração química é uma técnica eficiente e confiável, em contraste com outros procedimentos de esterilização, pois é menos dolorosa para os métodos físicos e econômicos para os métodos hormonais. Azadirachta indica (neem), é uma planta carismática, pois possui folhas anti­inflamatórias, antimicrobianas e antiandrogênicas. Para diminuir a crescente população humana no sul da Ásia, o óleo de nim e o extrato de folhas de nim têm sido efetivamente usados como agente contraceptivo. O principal determinante deste estudo atual foi avaliar o Neem como um agente esterilizante químico (necrótico ou apoptótico) em cães injetados intratesticularmente em comparação com uma solução salina hipertônica. O tamanho da largura testicular pré e pós­injeção e as amostras de sangue para os níveis séricos de testosterona foram colhidas em dias alternados. Os resultados obtidos revelaram alterações substanciais no tamanho da largura testicular, perfil histopatológico e nível sérico de testosterona. Observou­se uma leitura não significativa (P> 0,05) da largura testicular da pré­injeção, em contraste com um aumento significativo (P <0,05) três dias após a injeção em todos os grupos competitivos.Os valores médios registrados para o tamanho da largura testicular no final do estudo via extrato de folhas de nim,HSS a 30% e grupos controle foram 27,7362 ± 2,3315 mm, 30,9594 ± 4,6861 mm e 24,5023 ± 2,5387 mm, respectivamente.Uma tendência decrescente, com relação ao nível sérico de testosterona sendo estatisticamente significante (P <0,05), foi registrada nos grupos tratados (A, B), em contraste com o grupo controle (C), pois os valores eram 1,5357 ± 0,7819ng, 1,2669 ± 0,9095ng e 2,4517 ± 0,1827ng nos grupos A, B e C, respectivamente. Os achados histopatológicos advogaram a presença de corpos apoptóticos no grupo tratado com nim, enquanto a presença de células intersticiais degeneradas, túbulos seminíferos necrosados, epitélio germinativo danificado e espermatogênese interrompida também foi estudada nos dois grupos competitivos. Assim, o efeito apoptótico e a propriedade anti­inflamatória do extrato de folhas de nim resultaram em uma castração menos dolorosa e confirmaram que a Azadirachta indica foi um melhor substituto para a castração química do que a solução salina hipertônica.(AU)

Comparison of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and LED-FM microscopy for the diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

GeneXpert is one of the recent technological instruments used to diagnose tuberculosis in a short span of time. In this study, the performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) was compared with light-emitting diode Fluorescent Microscopy (LED-FM) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 737 EPTB samples were collected from tuberculosis (TB) suspected patients. Out of these samples, male to female ratio was 53% (n = 390) to 47% (n = 347) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity was 73% and 100% for GeneXpert, while 40% and 100% for LED-FM microscopy. This shows that the sensitivity of GeneXpert is 4050%, higher than LED-FM microscopy. GeneXpert also detected low number of bacilli as compared to LED-FM microscopy.(AU)

Comparison of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and LED-FM microscopy for the diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

ABSTRACT GeneXpert is one of the recent technological instruments used to diagnose tuberculosis in a short span of time. In this study, the performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) was compared with light-emitting diode Fluorescent Microscopy (LED-FM) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 737 EPTB samples were collected from tuberculosis (TB) suspected patients. Out of these samples, male to female ratio was 53% (n = 390) to 47% (n = 347) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity was 73% and 100% for GeneXpert, while 40% and 100% for LED-FM microscopy. This shows that the sensitivity of GeneXpert is 40-50%, higher than LED-FM microscopy. GeneXpert also detected low number of bacilli as compared to LED-FM microscopy.

Minerals and phytochemical analysis of bitter melon fruits and its components in some indigenous and exotic cultivars / Análise fitoquímica e de minerais de frutos de melão amargo e seus componentes em alguns cultivares indígenas e exóticos

The present study was designed to compare the mineral contents and phytochemicals in fruits of some indigenous and exoticbitter melon cultivars. Skin, flesh, seeds and whole fruit of each cultivar were dried at room temperature and ground to fine powder which was packed separately in air-tight plastic jars for analysis. The data revealed that all the cultivars possessed appreciable amount of minerals. Indigenous cultivars possessed higher mineral contents than the exotic cultivars. Black King was found to be desirable cultivar with high amount of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc with values of 258.83, 92.92, 46.74, 48.42, 3.90 and 1.78 mg/100g, respectively. Among fruit parts, flesh portion was rich in potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and calcium followed by skin and seed. The seeds possessed relatively high amount of iron (4.44 mg/100g) and zinc (2.80 mg/100g). On the whole, flesh part of Black King is predominated in mineral profile while least quantity was observed in the seeds of Noor. All the cultivars possessed same types of phytochemicals although may vary in their abundance. Phenols, flavanoids, saponins and ascorbic acid were present in abundance in skin and flesh while seeds were found rich in alkaloids and glycoalkaloid. The variations in the chemical composition in fruit and components due to changes in agro-climatic conditions suggest that there is scope for developing cultivars to be grown in wide range of agronomic, climatic and geographic conditions with no effect on its nutrient and phytochemical profile.

O presente estudo foi projetado para comparar os teores de minerais e fitoquímicos em frutos de alguns cultivares indígenas e exóticos de melão amargo. Casca, polpa, sementes e frutos inteiros de cada cultivar foram secos à temperatura ambiente e moídos até obter-se um pó fino que foi embalado separadamente em frascos de plástico hermeticamente fechados para análise. Os dados revelaram que todos os cultivares possuíam quantidade apreciável de minerais. Cultivares indígenas possuíam maior conteúdo mineral que os cultivares exóticos. Descobriu-se que o Black King foi o cultivar desejável com alta quantidade de potássio, fósforo, magnésio, cálcio, ferro e zinco com valores de 258.83, 92.92, 46.74, 48.42, 3.90 e 1.78 mg/100g, respectivamente. Entre as partes das frutas, a polpa era mais rica em potássio, fósforo, magnésio, sódio e cálcio, seguida pela casca e pela semente. As sementes possuíam quantidades relativamente elevadas de ferro (4.44 mg/100g) e zinco (2.80 mg/100g). No geral, na polpa do Black King predomina o perfil mineral, enquanto uma menor quantidade foi observada nas sementes de Noor. Todos os cultivares possuíam os mesmos tipos de fitoquímicos, embora possam variar em sua abundância. Fenóis, flavonóides, saponinas e ácido ascórbico estavam presentes em abundância na casca e na polpa enquanto as sementes eram ricas em alcalóides e glicoalcalóides. As variações na composição química de frutos e componentes devido a mudanças nas condições agroclimáticas sugerem que há espaço para o desenvolvimento de cultivares a serem cultivadas em ampla escala de condições agronômicas, climáticas e geográficas, sem efeito no seu perfil nutricional e fitoquímico.

Comparison of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and LED-FM microscopy for the diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

GeneXpert is one of the recent technological instruments used to diagnose tuberculosis in a short span of time. In this study, the performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) was compared with light-emitting diode Fluorescent Microscopy (LED-FM) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 737 EPTB samples were collected from tuberculosis (TB) suspected patients. Out of these samples, male to female ratio was 53% (n=390) to 47% (n=347) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity was 73% and 100% for GeneXpert, while 40% and 100% for LED-FM microscopy. This shows that the sensitivity of GeneXpert is 40-50%, higher than LED-FM microscopy. GeneXpert also detected low number of bacilli as compared to LED-FM microscopy.

Acute toxicity study of a polysaccharide based hydrogel from linseed for potential use in drug delivery system

ABSTRACT Linseed hydrogel (LSH) was evaluated by acute toxicity for its potential application in oral drug delivery design. White albino mice and rabbits were divided in four groups (I-IV) and different doses of LSH (1, 2 and 5 g/kg body weight) were given except to the control group (I) that was left untreated. Rabbits were monitored for eye irritation, acute dermal toxicity and primary dermal irritation, whereas, body weight, food and water consumption, hematology and clinical biochemistry, gross necropsy and histopathology of vital organs were scrutinized in mice. LSH was considered safe after eye irritation test as no adverse signs or symptoms were seen in the eye. In dermal toxicity and irritation study, skin of treated rabbits was found normal in color without any edema or erythema. After oral administration, there was no sign of any abnormalities in treated group animals (II-IV). The hematology and clinical biochemistry of treated group animals was comparable with the control group. Histopathology of vital organs has not shown any lesion or abnormalities. In the light of these outcomes, it can be concluded that LSH is not a hazardous biomaterial and could be incorporated as an excipient in oral and dermal preparations.