Egg production performance, egg yolk antioxidant profile and excreta concentration of corticosterone in golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus) fed diets containing different levels of green vegetables.

In order to study the effect of feeding graded levels of green vegetables on egg production performance and egg yolk antioxidant status, 27 female golden pheasants (GP) were randomly distributed into three groups of nine each in an experiment based on completely randomized design. The diets of the birds in groups T1 , T2 and T3 contained 1.4%, 2.7% and 5.0% of green vegetables respectively. Feeding of experimental diets started on 12th February (day 1) and was continued till 30 June 2012. Average number of eggs laid and egg mass produced by the hens in group T3 was higher (p < 0.004) than those of T1 and T2 . Hen day egg production was lowest (p < 0.001) in group T1 . Roche yolk colour score was highest (p < 0.01) in T3 followed by T2 and was lowest in T1 . Other external and internal egg quality parameters were similar among the groups. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of egg yolk was higher (p < 0.04) in group T3 as compared to other two groups. Egg yolk concentration of total carotenoids, ß-carotene, total sulfhydryl, protein-bound sulfhydryl and non-protein-bound sulfhydryl was higher (p < 0.05), whereas concentration of malondialdehyde was lower (p < 0.024) in group T3 as compared to other two groups. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was highest (p < 0.012) in T1 , followed by T2 , and was lowest in T3 . Egg yolk concentration of TAC and TSH was positively and that of malondialdehyde was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. It was concluded that incorporation of green vegetables in the diet at 5% on dry matter basis would improve egg production, egg yolk antioxidant status and the ability of the captive GP to combat stress.

Allelic and genotypic frequencies in polymorphic Booroola fecundity gene and their association with multiple birth and postnatal growth in Chhotanagpuri sheep.

AIM: Chhotanagpuri breed of sheep reared for mutton in Jharkhand, India, having problem of low litter size and body weight. The response of genetic improvement for traits with low heritability through traditional selection method is time-consuming. Therefore, marker-assisted selection based on a polymorphism study of suitable candidate gene can response quickly. Thus, this study was aimed at identification of different allelic and genotypic frequencies of Booroola fecundity (FecB) gene and its association with multiple birth and postnatal growth in Chhotanagpuri sheep. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA isolation and gene-specific amplification of FecB gene was performed from blood samples of from 92 Chhotanagpuri lambs maintained under similar feeding and management conditions. Custom nucleotide sequencing and single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis were performed to identify different genotypes with respect to the target gene. Statistical analysis was performed for determination of allelic and genotypic frequencies of FecB gene polymorphisms and its association with multiple birth and postnatal growth of lambs from birth to 52 weeks age. RESULTS: "AA," "AB," and "BB" genotypes were found at locus-1 as it is polymorphic for FecB gene while locus-2 was found to be monomorphic for FecB gene. Higher frequency of "A" allele at locus-1 was found in single born lambs, whereas "B" allele was predominant among multiple born lambs. The lambs having "BB" genotype weighed significantly (p≤0.01) heavier than those of "AB" and "AA" genotype at 52 weeks of age. CONCLUSION: "BB" genotype has emerged as favored genotype for multiple births and better growth indicator. Therefore, homozygous lambs for "B" allele should be selected and utilized in breeding program for better growth rate.

Influence of dietary protein on serum metabolites and antioxidant status: A study in Chrysolophus amherstiae.

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding graded levels of dietary crude protein (CP) on serum biochemical profile of Lady Amherst's pheasants (LAP). Eighteen male LAP were randomly distributed into three groups of six each in an experiment based on completely randomized design. The CP content of the diets was 13.4%, 16.5%, and 19.1%, in groups I, II, and III, respectively. Serum concentrations of uric acid was lowest (P < 0.05) in group I. Relationship between serum concentration of uric acid and nitrogen intake was linear (R(2) = 0.39, P < 0.01). Concentrations of other serum metabolites and enzymes were similar among the groups. Serum concentration of triiodothyronine (T3 ) was highest (P < 0.05) in group I, followed by groups II and III. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of serum was lower (P < 0.007), whereas serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher (P < 0.001) in group I as compared to groups II and III. Regression of serum concentration of TAC (R(2) = 0.74, P < 0.01) and MDA (R(2) = 0.39, P < 0.05) was polynomial. Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was higher (P < 0.007) in group I as compared to groups II and III. Relationship between H/L ratio and nitrogen intake was polynomial (R(2) = 0.69, P < 0.05). Cell mediated immune response measured as foot web index was similar among the groups. Based upon the results, it was concluded that a diet containing 16.5% crude protein would be optimum for improving antioxidant defense and the ability of Lady Amherst's pheasant to combat stress. Zoo Biol. 35:346-354, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of feeding Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) root as prebiotic on nutrient utilization, fecal characteristics and serum metabolite profile of captive Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) fed a meat-on-bone diet.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of incorporating Jerusalem artichoke (JA) as a prebiotic in the diet of Indian leopards (n = 11 adults) fed a meat-on-bone diet. The trial consisted of three periods (A1 , B, and A2 ). Each period comprised 17 days of adaptation and four days of collection. During the control periods (A1 and A2 ), the leopards were fed their normal zoo diets of 2.5-3 kg of buffalo meat-on-bone six days a week without any supplement. During trial B, meat-on-bone diets of the leopards were supplemented with JA at 2% of dietary dry matter (DM). Meat consumption was similar among the treatments. Supplementation of JA decreased the digestibility of crude protein (P < 0.01). Digestibilities of organic matter and ether extract were similar among the treatments. Serum concentrations of urea and triglycerides were lower (P < 0.05) when JA was added to the diet. Incorporation of JA to the basal diet increased fecal concentrations of acetate (P < 0.01), butyrate (P < 0.01), lactate (P < 0.01), Lactobacillus spp., and Bifidobacterium spp. (P < 0.01) with a simultaneous decrease in the concentration of ammonia (P < 0.01), Clostridia spp. (P < 0.01), and fecal pH (P < 0.01). Fecal microbial profiles and hind gut fermentation were improved, without any adverse effects on feed consumption, nutrient utilization, and serum metabolite profiles. Results of this experiment showed that feeding JA at 2% DM in the whole diet could be potentially beneficial for captive Indian leopards fed meat-on-bone diets.

Effect of concentrates restriction on feed consumption, diet digestibility, and nitrogen utilization in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

In order to study the effect of concentrates restriction on feed consumption, diet digestibility, and utilization of nitrogen in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), two feeding trials were conducted on three juveniles, four sub-adults, and three adults. During trial I, the conventional zoo diets of juveniles, sub-adults, and adult contained 22, 17, and 16% of concentrates on dry matter (DM) basis, respectively. During trial II, the amount of concentrate was reduced by 50%. A digestion trial of five days collection period was conducted during each period. The animals ate more roughages when concentrates were restricted. Intake of DM (g/kg BW(0.75) /day) was highest in sub-adults, followed by juveniles and adults. Apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent soluble (NDS), and supply of digestible energy (DE) was highest in juveniles, followed by sub-adults and adults. Based upon the estimated metabolic fecal nitrogen (MFN) and calculated endogenous urinary nitrogen (EUN) and dermal losses, minimum dietary CP required to meet maintenance requirement was estimated to be 6.12, 6.05, and 5.97% in juveniles, sub-adults, and adults, respectively. Restriction of concentrates resulted in decreased (P < 0.05) digestibility of DM and GE, but the diet still supplied adequate amounts of DE and CP to fulfill estimated requirements of energy and protein during the period of experimentation. Thus, the concentrates portion of the diets of captive Asian elephants should be fed in a restricted way so as to reduce the intake of excessive calories and the potential risk of obesity.

Effect of feeding different levels of wheat roti on nutrient utilization and blood metabolite profile in semi-captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of wheat roti (WR) on nutrient utilization and blood metabolites in Asian elephants fed roughages ad libitum. Nine (3 M, 6 F) Asian elephants (14-52 years of age, 1909-3968 kg BW) were used in an experiment based on replicated Latin square design. Animals in each group (n = 3) were assigned to one of the three dietary treatments in a manner that animals in all the three groups were exposed to all the three treatments in three different periods. Each feeding trial comprised 30 days (25 days of adaptation and 5 days collection period). The amount of WR fed to the elephants was 0.18, 0.12 and 0.06% of BW in groups I, II and III, respectively. They were allowed to forage in the nearby forests for 6 h/day and to bathe for 2 h/day. The animals had ad libitum access to cut Rohini (Mallotus philippensis) trees in their night shelter. Intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn were measured. Feed consumption was not significantly different among the groups. Significant (p < 0.01) decrease in digestibility of DM and GE and blood glucose concentration was observed with decreased level of WR in the diet. Feeding of WR at 0.06% of BW supplied adequate amount of DE, CP, Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn to meet requirement for adult maintenance. Feeding of WR in excess of 0.06% of BW supplied DE in excess of requirement, increased blood glucose concentration which may cause obesity and other associated health problems. It was concluded that the amount of WR should be restricted to 0.06% of BW in the diet of captive Asian elephants.

Radiographic and histologic evaluation of platelet-rich plasma and bovine-derived xenograft combination in bilateral sinus augmentation procedure.

There is currently a great interest regarding the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in combination with various bone graft materials in sinus lift procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the radiographic and histological results of sinus augmentation procedures following treatment with PRP/bovine-derived xenograft (BDX) vs. BDX/collagen membrane. Using a split mouth design, 10 patients, with ≤5 mm of residual alveolar bone in the vertical direction, were treated with PRP/BDX or BDX/collagen membrane. At 8 months after surgery, both graft materials led to a satisfactory increase in vertical dimensions of bone. Bone biopsies were taken from the augmented sites during the implant placement. Histological analysis demonstrated that majority of the trabecula contained orderly layered lamellar bone in the PRP/BDX group, whereas mainly woven bone with a haphazard arrangement of collagen fibers were noticed in the BDX /collagen membrane group. It can be concluded that both combinations resulted with a satisfactory bone height, but more prominent and mature bone formation was observed at sites treated with PRP/BDX.

Hydatid cyst of the uterus.

BACKGROUND: Hydatidosis is a common zoonosis that affects a large number of humans and animals, especially in poorly developed countries. The infesting parasite has four forms named Echinococcus granulosis, E. multilocularis, E. vogeli and E. oligarthrus (very rare in humans). The most frequently involved organs are liver followed by the lung. The involvement of the genital tract is rare and the occurrence in the uterus is an extreme rarity. We report a case of hydatid cyst in the uterus. CASE: A 70-year-old female with a history of hydatid cysts of the liver, was admitted to hospital after complaining of low abdominal pains. On physical and gynecological examinations, no pathological finding was detected. However, the uterus was significantly large for a postmenopausal patient. Transvaginal sonography (TS) revealed a cystic mass in the uterus with a size of 7 x 6 cm. After further examinations a subtotal hysterectomy was performed. Microscopic examination showed scolices of Echinococcus granulosis. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cysts in the genital tract are rare and the occurrence in the uterus is an extreme rarity. Differentiation between hydatid cyst and malignant disease of the related organ is difficult. To avoid misdiagnosis, a careful examination of pelvic masses should be carried out in endemic areas for detection of hydatid cysts.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in larynx and lung carcinomas.

In this retrospective study, we investigated the HPV DNA occurrence in 21 laryngeal and 26 primary lung squamous cell carcinomas. Nonisotopic in situ hybridization (NISH) technique was performed with commercially available digoxigenin-labelled DNA probes for HPV screening. Subtyping for HPV subtypes 6/11, 16/18 and 31/33 was also performed. We observed HPV DNA signals in 10 (47.6%) cases of laryngeal SCC and in only 3 (11.5%) cases of lung SCC. Typing showed signals of HPV 6/11, 16/18 and 31/33 infection in 80%, 40%, 30% of the laryngeal carcinomas, respectively. In the lung, we demonstrated type 16/18 positivity in two and type 6/11 in one of the HPV-positive cases. We found a statistically significant correlation between HPV infection and tumour recurrence (p < 0.035) in laryngeal carcinomas, but not between HPV presence and tumour stage or grade in neither larynx nor lung.

Antimetastasis gene expression and numerical chromosomal abnormalities of chromosomes 1 & 17 in serous tumours of the ovary.

OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this study was to examine the expression of the antimetastasis gene nm23 and numerical changes on chromosome 1 and 17 in ovarian tumours. METHODS: In this study 20 serous cystadenocarcinomas, ten borderline and five benign tumours were analysed for expression of the nm23 antimetastasis gene by immunohistochemistry and for numerical chromosomal abnormalities of chromosomes 1 and 17 by interphase cytogenetics. RESULTS: Strong intracytoplasmic immunoreactivity with the antimetastasis gene was observed in late stage carcinomas but not in benign or borderline tumours or in lymph node metastases. Numerical abnormalities were only observed in carcinomas. CONCLUSION(S): These sets of data are consistent with the majority of benign and borderline tumours lacking invasive potential. Odds Ratio (OR) assessment indicates that the presence of numerical aberrations correlates with immunopositivity.

Expression of structural proteins and angiogenic factors in cerebrovascular anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to describe the expression of matrix proteins and angiogenic factors in cerebrovascular malformations. METHODS: Forty-six cerebrovascular malformations were immunohistochemically investigated with a battery of staining for five structural proteins (collagen IV, collagen III, smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and laminin), and three angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], and transforming growth factor alpha [TGFalpha]). The lesions consisted of 34 arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), 10 cavernous malformations (CMs), and 2 venous angiomas. Expression intensity for each histological layer in the abnormal vessel wall was graded and compared. RESULTS: AVM endothelia and subendothelia expressed more laminin and collagen IV than the same layers of CMs. Conversely, CMs expressed more fibronectin than AVMs. CM endothelia exhibited more prominent staining for smooth muscle actin than AVM endothelia. AVMs and CMs expressed VEGF in the endothelium and subendothelium, and TGFalpha in endothelial and perivascular layers. However, unlike AVMs, CMs expressed bFGF in the endothelium as well. The brain tissue intermingled within AVMs also expressed growth factors. Modified glial cells in the brain tissue adjacent to CMs expressed bFGF and TGFalpha, but not VEGF. Venous angiomas did not express the studied growth factors and mainly consisted of structural proteins of angiogenically mature tissue. CONCLUSION: Expression characteristics of structural proteins reveal that AVMs and CMs have different immunohistological properties. This study provides strong confirmation of previous findings of VEGF and bFGF immunoexpression in AVMs and CMs. It adds new information on TGFalpha expression in these malformations and on expression of the angiogenic factors in venous angiomas.

Tetracycline-induced acute interstitial nephritis as a cause of acute renal failure.

Acute interstitial nephritis with severe acute renal failure is reported following tetracycline treatment in a 22-year-old male medical student. Acute renal failure developed within 48 h of a single repeated tetracycline dose and presented 2 days after taking the drug when there was oliguria, nausea, vomiting and bilateral loin pain without rash and fever. The serum creatinine concentration was 8.6 mg/dl and blood urea nitrogen 84 mg/dl. Examination of the urinary sediment revealed 15-20 RBCs per high-power field, and occasional granular and hyaline casts. Percutaneous renal biopsy performed immediately after admission revealed acute interstitial nephritis with immune complexes along the tubular basement membrane and intact glomeruli and was consistent with type 2 interstitial nephritis. Within 4 days of commencement of steroid treatment and hemodialysis, the urine output started to increase with improvement in serum creatinine and BUN levels and after 2 weeks of therapy hemodialysis was discontinued. He remains well 1 year following his illness with complete normalization of his renal function. Although a number of renal side effects of tetracycline antibiotics have been reported, acute interstitial nephritis is rarely caused by tetracycline treatment having been reported just twice following systemic use of minocycline.

Leukemic children: clinical and histopathological gingival lesions.

The relation between leukemia and gingiva was investigated in the present study. An extensive tumor infiltration in the gingiva was established in 1 of 2 patients with acute leukemia (AML). An inflammatory cell infiltration in various degrees was noticed in total 28 patients with leukemia (L). Various degrees of epithelium hyperplasia in all patients existing in 14 patients with medium intensity and occurring in 14 patients with light intensity of hyperplasia were observed. An increase in the keratinization of epithelium, in 3 patients with medium intensity and 1 patient with light intensity was found. It was also seen that there were fungal infections in 3 patients with medium intensity, in 6 patients with light intensity and existing in a total 26 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

The impact of prostate-specific antigen, its density and the Gleason score in the prediction of extracapsular disease in prostate carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA density (PSAD), the preoperative Gleason score of transrectal-ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided needle biopsies and the Gleason score of the final histological examination in predicting extracapsular disease in prostate cancer (PCa). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 32 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy as the primary treatment for their clinically localized disease. RESULTS: Extracapsular extension was found in 21 patients. In a comparison of different cutoff levels, the best positive predictive values were found for PSA of 20 ng/ml, PSAD of 0.2 and 0.3, a Gleason score of TRUS-guided biopsies of 5 and one of the prostatectomy specimens of 7 with 100, 80 (both), 74 and 95%, respectively, A PSA value higher than 20 ng/ml and a preoperative Gleason score of 7 or higher predicted extracapsular disease with specificity rates of 100 and 91%, respectively. It was noteworthy that there was a statistically significant undergrading in the extracapsular group in the Gleason scores of TRUS-guided biopsies compared to the prostatectomy specimens. CONCLUSION: PSA levels above 20 ng/ ml and/or Gleason scores of 7 or higher in TRUS-guided biopsies are strong indicators of extracapsular extension of PCa.

Detection and typing of human papillomavirus in cervical specimens of Turkish women.

The DNA in situ hybridization (DISH) and conventional solution phase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were applied to identify human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in cervical specimens of Turkish women. Samples consisted of 21 cervical brushings from pregnant women and 20 paraffin-embedded biopsies from women with condylomatous or dysplasic lesions. It was found that two out of 21 (9.5%) pregnant women were harbouring HPV-DNA detected by PCR. One woman was infected with HPV 16/30's and the other with an unidentified type. As for the biopsy specimens, the rate of HPV-DNA positivity was 30% and 45% by DISH and PCR, respectively. A double infection was observed in more than 50% of the positive cases. Moreover, HPV 18 was never detected. The results indicated that HPV-DNA is rarely present in cytomorphologically normal smears from pregnant women. The PCR method was successfully adapted for HPV typing in clinical lesions which simultaneously contained different HPV sequences.

Correlation of transrectal ultrasonography and core biopsies with pathology results in radical prostatectomy specimens.

BACKGROUND: We compared preoperative tumor location, as identified by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), and TRUS-guided core biopsies with the final histopathological examination of radical prostatectomy specimens. METHODS: Thirty patients who had radical retropubic prostatectomy after evaluation with TRUS are included in the study. Diagnosis of prostate cancer was established with TRUS-guided systematic (3 cores from base, mid and apex of the peripheral zone, and 1 core from the transition zone of each side of the prostate) and lesion-directed core biopsies in all cases. Each prostate gland was halved for histopathological examination and results are reported in terms of "sides". RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the prostatectomy specimens revealed prostate cancer bilaterally in 29 glands (58 sides) and unilaterally in 1 gland. Preprostatectomy TRUS examinations missed cancer in 29 sides, and core biopsies were negative for cancer in 14 sides. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that 49% of prostate cancer lesions (n = 29 sides) were not recognized on TRUS and 52% of those (n = 15 sides) were diagnosed only by additional systematic biopsies. Furthermore, even with TRUS-guided systematic core biopsies, failure to detect the prostate cancer lesions may be as high as 24% (n = 14 sides).

Glutathione S-transferase and multidrug-resistant phenotype in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To asses the role of expression of resistance phenotypes in treatment failure in patients with invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, since P-glycoprotein and glutathione S-transferase pi (GST) expression are implicated in resistance to various chemotherapy agents in different tumors. METHODS: Tumor samples from P-glycoprotein and GST-pi were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: P-glycoprotein and GST-pi were found in 35.7 and 42.9% of the samples, respectively. In 21.4% of the samples there was simultaneous expression of both proteins. No significant impact on prediction of tumor behavior was evident on statistical analysis by any one of the protein expressions. CONCLUSION: Drug resistance in transitional cell carcinoma may be through different mechanisms. Although the small sample size of this study precludes firm conclusions, the assessment of P-glycoprotein or GST-pi expression appears to be of little value as a predictor of response to chemotherapy in this group of tumors.

The effectiveness of imaging modalities in clinical staging of localized prostatic carcinoma.

Findings on transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in local staging of prostatic carcinoma (PCa) were compared with the final pathological staging in 30 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. We found TRUS and MRI to have the same accuracy rate (53%) in local staging, whereas CT revealed a lower accuracy rate with 47%. TRUS revealed the highest accuracy rate in detecting seminal vesicle invasion with 70%, and MRI in invasion of periprostatic tissue with 67%. Although it revealed similar efficiency as MRI, TRUS should be considered as the first line modality in local staging of PCa in light of its relatively high accuracy rate, cost effectiveness and case in performance.

A randomized comparison of the 3 Papanicolaou smear collection methods.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 3 cervical smear sampling devices for obtaining acceptable yields of endocervical cells in Papanicolaou smears. In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, we collected 346 smears over a 6-month period, 110 with the Cervex brush, 125 with the cotton swab plus Ayre spatula and 111 with the Cytobrush plus Ayre spatula. The Cytopathology Laboratory, blinded to the Papanicolaou smear method, screened the smears using the Bethesda system guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson X2 and analysis of variance tests. There was an increased detection of endocervical cells in the Cytobrush plus Ayre spatula and the Cervex brush methods, compared with the cotton swab plus Ayre spatula group (p = 2.39 x 10(-6), p = 4.49 x 10(-7) respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the Cytobrush-Ayre spatula and the Cervex brush sampling methods were equally effective in obtaining endocervical cells in Papanicolaou smears.