Factors Influencing Medical Interns' Choice of Hospital for Training, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background High-quality, adequately resourced, and strategically oriented medical internship training plays a pivotal role in the continual growth of junior doctors. Evaluating the perspectives of final-year medical students regarding their internship year and their preferred placement is of paramount importance. This study aims to furnish internship programs with valuable insights into interns' perceptions and attitudes toward an optimal internship experience. By doing so, we aim to empower internship programs with the necessary knowledge to enhance their offerings, ensuring they are better tailored to the needs and preparation of future doctors. Objective The objective of this study was to elucidate the primary factors that influence the preferences of medical interns in selecting a hospital for their internship training. Methods In the academic year spanning September 2023 to 2024, a comprehensive cross-sectional study was conducted at three esteemed medical universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A meticulously crafted questionnaire, consisting of twenty questions was disseminated via various social media platforms, targeting all final-year medical students of the selected medical schools. Overall 241 students actively participated in the survey, their valuable contributions enriching the overall quality and depth of the research findings. Results Among the 241 respondents, 67.22% were male, 83.40% identified as Saudi, and 43.57% hailed from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS). A predominant 94.61% of participants fell within the age group of 22-25 years. Notably, the top four influential factors influencing participants' choice of internship training programs were encouraging consultants (93.80%), the hospital working environment (91.29%), an internship program with effective teamwork (88.38%), and a subspecialty residency program (85.48%). Furthermore, our findings underscored that access to electronic health record (EHR) systems, orientation prior to clinical rotations, and seniors' experiences significantly impact students' decisions when selecting a hospital for rotations. It was also observed that considerations such as the number of on-calls and working hours, salary, location, and extracurricular activities wield a substantial influence over their choices, as indicated by the majority of the surveyed students. Conclusion Given that internship training is one of the most critical stages of medical education, it is recommended to take into account the elements that students believe can influence their hospital choice for conducting their internship. We hope that by acknowledging these aspects, potential approaches to improve and advance hospital training can be formulated in order to provide interns with effective training, a reasonable workload, and a conducive and supportive environment to work in.

Colchicine anti-inflammatory therapy for non-intensive care unit hospitalized COVID-19 patients: results from a pilot open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial.

Systemic inflammation is a hallmark of severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Anti-inflammatory therapy is considered crucial to modulate the hyperinflammatory response (cytokine storm) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. There is currently no specific, conclusively proven, cost-efficient, and worldwide available anti-inflammatory therapy available to treat COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm. The present study aimed to investigate the treatment benefit of oral colchicine for hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. Colchicine is an approved drug and possesses multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This was a pilot, open-label randomized controlled clinical trial comparing standard of care (SOC) plus oral colchicine (colchicine arm) vs. SOC alone (control arm) in non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. Colchicine treatment was initiated within first 48 hours of admission delivered at 1.5 mg loading dose, followed by 0.5 mg b.i.d. for next 6 days and 0.5 mg q.d. for the second week. A total of 96 patients were randomly allocated to the colchicine (n=48) and control groups (n=48). Both colchicine and control group patients experienced similar clinical outcomes by day 14 of hospitalization. Treatment outcome by day 14 in colchicine vs control arm: recovered and discharged alive: 36 (75.0%) vs. 37 (77.1%), remain admitted after 14-days: 4 (8.3%) vs. 5 (10.4%), ICU transferred: 4 (8.3%) vs. 3 (6.3%), and mortality: 4 (8.3%) vs. 3 (6.3%). The speed of improvement of COVID-19 acute symptoms including shortness of breath, fever, cough, the need of supplementary oxygen, and oxygen saturation level, was almost identical in the two groups. Length of hospitalization was on average 1.5 day shorter in the colchicine group. There was no evidence for a difference between the two groups in the follow-up serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP). According to the results of our study, oral colchicine does not appear to show clinical benefits in non-ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients with suspected cytokine storm. It is possible that the anti-inflammatory pathways of colchicine are not crucially involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Effect of season and housing systems on various physio-behavioral attributes of local breed of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of season and various housing systems on behavioral i.e. sitting, standing, walking and physiological i.e. respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), time of sexual libido (TSL) attributes of local breed of rabbits reared in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Adult rabbits (n = 40) of 6 month to 1 year old were divided into two groups (n = 20 / group). Group I was placed under traditional colony system in the soil while group II was kept under modern cage system. Sitting and standing was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher during summer and winter respectively. The RR and RT were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in summer as compared to other study seasons. Standing behavior was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in caged rabbits as compared to colony-reared ones. Statistically higher (p ≤ 0.05) TSL value was observed in summer as compared to other three study seasons. From this study it is concluded that rabbit's behavioral and physiological traits are significantly affected by season and housing systems. We concluded that rabbits show better physio-behavioral performance in autumn and winter season while summer stress negatively affects physiology and behavior under caged-system. This study could contribute new aspects of behavioral and physiological processes in local breed of rabbits due to different seasons and housing systems.

Effect of Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate Replenishment on Tribological Performance of Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oil.

Soot is the main contamination that affects oil performance and increases the frequency of oil changes in heavy-duty engine oil. Several studies discussed that additive concentration in engine oil can be influenced due to additive depletion over time and additive adsorption on soot particles. To extend oil drain intervals and improve oil performance, filter manufactures explore removing the soot to a certain level and replenishing the consumed additives. Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) is one of the most favored antiwear additives that react very rapidly with rubbing surfaces to form tribofilm that reduces wear. In this study, the experimental work aims to investigate the effect of ZDDP replenishment on tribological performance in the existence of soot and after removing soot from heavy-duty used oil. The study reveals that reclaiming the used oil can be achieved by removing the soot to a certain level. The results demonstrate that the reclaimed oil after removing soot is still not as good as the fresh oil. This study proves that additive depletion, additive adsorption on soot, and the decomposition of antiwear additive adversely influence the reclaimed oil performance. However, replenishing the consumed additive by adding a small amount of ZDDP helps to improve the reclaimed oil performance compared to a large amount of ZDDP which is required to re-gain the oil performance in the existence of soot.

Effect of season and housing systems on various physio-behavioral attributes of local breed of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan / Efeito da estação e dos sistemas de alojamento em vários atributos fisiocomportamentais da raça local de coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) no sul de Punjab, Paquistão

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of season and various housing systems on behavioral i.e. sitting, standing, walking and physiological i.e. respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), time of sexual libido (TSL) attributes of local breed of rabbits reared in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Adult rabbits (n = 40) of 6 month to 1 year old were divided into two groups (n = 20 / group). Group I was placed under traditional colony system in the soil while group II was kept under modern cage system. Sitting and standing was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher during summer and winter respectively. The RR and RT were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in summer as compared to other study seasons. Standing behavior was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in caged rabbits as compared to colony-reared ones. Statistically higher (p ≤ 0.05) TSL value was observed in summer as compared to other three study seasons. From this study it is concluded that rabbit's behavioral and physiological traits are significantly affected by season and housing systems. We concluded that rabbits show better physio-behavioral performance in autumn and winter season while summer stress negatively affects physiology and behavior under caged-system. This study could contribute new aspects of behavioral and physiological processes in local breed of rabbits due to different seasons and housing systems.

O presente estudo foi conduzido para investigar o efeito da estação do ano e de vários sistemas de alojamento nos atributos comportamentais, isto é, sentar, levantar, andar e fisiológico, isto é, frequência respiratória (RR), temperatura retal (TR), tempo de libido sexual (TSL), atributos da raça local de coelhos criados no sul de Punjab, Paquistão. Coelhos adultos (n = 40) de 6 meses a 1 ano de idade foram divididos em dois grupos (n = 20 / grupo). O grupo I foi colocado sob o sistema de colônia tradicional no solo, enquanto o grupo II foi mantido sob o sistema moderno de gaiolas. Sentar e ficar em pé foi significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) maior durante o verão e inverno, respectivamente. O RR e o TR foram significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) maiores no verão, em comparação com as outras estações do estudo. O comportamento em pé foi significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) maior em coelhos engaiolados, em comparação com os criados em colônia. O valor de TSL estatisticamente maior (p ≤ 0,05) foi observado no verão, em comparação com outras três temporadas de estudo. A partir deste estudo, concluiu-se que os traços comportamentais e fisiológicos dos coelhos são significativamente afetados pela estação do ano e pelos sistemas de alojamento. Concluímos que os coelhos apresentam melhor desempenho fisiocomportamental no outono e inverno, enquanto o estresse do verão afeta negativamente a fisiologia e o comportamento em sistema enjaulado. Este estudo pode contribuir com novos aspectos dos processos comportamentais e fisiológicos em raças locais de coelhos devido às diferentes estações do ano e sistemas de alojamento.

Study on prevalence and liver function test enzymes of differently plumaged peafowls (Pavo cristatus) infected with Toxoplasma gondii in captivity / [Estudo sobre enzimas de prevalência e teste da função hepatica de pavões de plumage diferente (Pavo cristatus) infectados com Toxoplasma gondii em cativeiro]

O presente estudo foi realizado para determinar a prevalência geral de toxoplasmose em pavões de plumagem diferente e seu efeito nas enzimas de teste da função hepática dos hospedeiros. Um total de cem pavões de plumas diferenciais, como ombro preto (n = 52), azul (n = 28), branco (n = 10) e arlequim (n = 10) foram estudados no zoológico de Bahawalpur, no Paquistão, usando o Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) e ensaio imunossorvente ligado a enzima (ELISA). A prevalência geral por LAT e ELISA foi de 37% e 30%, respectivamente. Por LAT, observou-se uma prevalência não significativamente maior (P≥0,05) em gênero (37,77%) nos machos do que nas fêmeas (36,36%), enquanto os adultos apresentaram uma prevalência maior (37,97%) em relação aos jovens (33,33%). De acordo com o ELISA, uma prevalência significativamente (P <0,05) maior (35,55%) foi observada nos machos do que nas fêmeas (25,45%) e significativamente (P <0,05) maior prevalência (31,64%) foi registrada nos adultos do que nos jovens (23,80%). A análise do perfil bioquímico sérico mostrou que o nível de bilirrubina não teve elevação significativa nos hospedeiros infectados, em comparação aos não infectados, enquanto a concentração de albumina, alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (ALP) foi significativamente (P <0,05) diferente nos hospedeiros infectados. Conclui-se que a toxoplasmose afeta as enzimas do teste da função hepática. Essa é uma pesquisa preliminar e requer mais pesquisas em todo o país, com populações e amostras maiores.(AU)

Numerical simulations of a falling film on the inner surface of a rotating cylinder.

A flow in which a thin film falls due to gravity on the inner surface of a vertical, rotating cylinder is investigated. This is performed using two-dimensional (2D) and 3D direct numerical simulations, with a volume-of-fluid approach to treat the interface. The problem is parameterized by the Reynolds, Froude, Weber, and Ekman numbers. The variation of the Ekman number (Ek), defined to be proportional to the rotational speed of the cylinder, has a strong effect on the flow characteristics. Simulations are conducted over a wide range of Ek values (0≤Ek≤484) in order to provide detailed insight into how this parameter influences the flow. Our results indicate that increasing Ek, which leads to a rise in the magnitude of centrifugal forces, produces a stabilizing effect, suppressing wave formation. Key flow features, such as the transition from a 2D to a more complex 3D wave regime, are influenced significantly by this stabilization and are investigated in detail. Furthermore, the imposed rotation results in distinct flow characteristics such as the development of angled waves, which arise due to the combination of gravitationally and centrifugally driven motion in the axial and azimuthal directions, respectively. We also use a weighted residuals integral boundary layer method to determine a boundary in the space of Reynolds and Ekman numbers that represents a threshold beyond which waves have recirculation regions.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated hematological alterations in small ruminants of D.G. Khan district of Southern Punjab, Pakistan / [Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii e alterações hematológicas associadas em pequenos ruminantes no distrito de D.G. Khan no sul de Punjab, Paquistão]

The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and hematological effects of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goat in district Dera Ghazi Khan. Blood samples (n=204) were collected comprise goats (n=101) and sheep (n=103) alongwith age, gender and breeds of animals. Samples were collected randomly from 25 flocks of 7 different union council Viz. Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani and Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif at least 4 animals from each flock. All ruminants divide into three groups based on age, breed and gender. The prevalence was detected through two different kits Viz. LAT and ELISA kit. The overall prevalence suspected in goats through LAT and ELISA kit was (35.64%), (32.67%) and in sheep was (25.24%), (23.30%) respectively. The Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on goats in age groups and non-significant all other groups of goats and sheep. Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on all hematological parameters like Hemoglobin, total leukocyte cells, granulocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, and red blood cells, except monocytes. In conclusion of the current study, toxoplasmosis is prevalent among ruminants, reveals the possibility of transmission to humans on the use of host animals as protein source.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e efeitos hematológicos de Toxoplasma gondii em ovelhas e cabras no distrito Dera Ghazi Khan. Amostras de sangue (n=204) foram coletadas para incluir cabras (n=101) e ovelhas (n=103), além de idade, gênero e raça dos animais. Amostras foram coletadas aleatoriamente de 25 rebanhos de 7 conselhos sindicais: Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani e Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif com pelo menos 4 animais em cada rebanho. Todos os ruminantes foram divididos em três grupos baseados em idade, raça e gênero. A prevalência foi detectada usando dois kits, LAT e ELISA. A prevalência total suspeita em cabras através dos kits LAT e ELISA foi (35.64%), (32.67%) e em ovelhas foi (25.24%), (23.30%) respectivamente. O Toxoplasma gondii teve efeito significativo em cabras em grupos de idade e não significativo em todos os outros grupos de cabras e ovelhas. Toxoplasma gondii teve efeito significativo em todos os parâmetros hematológicos como hemoglobina, células totais de leucócitos, granulócitos, linfócitos, plaquetas e glóbulos vermelhos, exceto monócitos. O presente estudo conclui que toxoplasmose é prevalente entre ruminantes, e revela a possibilidade de transmissão para humanos com o uso de animais hospedeiros como fonte de proteína.(AU)

Emergence of preconfigured and plastic time-compressed sequences in early postnatal development.

When and how hippocampal neuronal ensembles first organize to support encoding and consolidation of memory episodes, a critical cognitive function of the brain, are unknown. We recorded electrophysiological activity from large ensembles of hippocampal neurons starting on the first day after eye opening as naïve rats navigated linear environments and slept. We found a gradual age-dependent, navigational experience-independent assembly of preconfigured trajectory-like sequences from persistent, location-depicting ensembles during postnatal week 3. Adult-like compressed binding of adjacent locations into trajectories during navigation and their navigational experience-dependent replay during sleep emerged in concert from spontaneous preconfigured sequences only during early postnatal week 4. Our findings reveal ethologically relevant distinct phases in the development of hippocampal preconfigured and experience-dependent sequential patterns thought to be important for episodic memory formation.

Synergistic potential of propolis and vitamin e against sub-acute toxicity of AlCl(3) in albino mice: in vivo study.

Current study evaluated the synergistic potential of propolis and vitamin E against sub-acute toxicity of aluminum chloride on different biochemical parameters and liver histology. Swiss albino mice (n=42) were randomly divided into seven groups. Group I received 0.2 ml of 0.9 % saline solution, Group II received Propolis (50 mg/kg b.w.), Group III received vitamin E (150 mg/kg b.w.), Group IV received AlCl(3) 50 mg/kg b.w., Group V received AlCl(3) + Propolis, Group VI received AlCl(3) + vitamin E and Group VII received AlCl(3) + propolis + vitamin E. Blood and tissue samples were collected after 7 and 21 days. The body weight of the animals significantly increased in all groups except Group IV. The concentration of serum high density lipoprotein significantly decreased in Group IV and increased in Group V, VI and VII. The level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein significantly increased in AlCl(3) treated group and increased in Group V, VI and VII. Tissue sections were processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Group II showed cellular necrosis. Group V, VI showed decreased number of vacuolization, sinusoidal spacing and macrophage cell infiltration. Group VI showed less degenerative changes in the third week. Vitamin E and propolis in combination with Al provides more protection against AlCl(3) induced toxicity.

Genetic diversity and comparison of diagnostic tests for characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus strains from Pakistan 2008-2012.

We report the laboratory analysis of 125 clinical samples from suspected cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and Asian buffalo collected in Pakistan between 2008 and 2012. Of these samples, 89 were found to contain viral RNA by rRT-PCR, of which 88 were also found to contain infectious FMD virus (FMDV) by virus isolation (VI), with strong correlation between these tests (κ = 0.96). Samples that were VI-positive were serotyped by antigen detection ELISA (Ag-ELISA) and VP1 sequence acquisition and analysis. Sequence data identified FMDV serotypes A (n = 13), O (n = 36) and Asia-1 (n = 41), including three samples from which both serotypes Asia-1 and O were detected. Serotype A viruses were classified within three different Iran-05 sublineages: HER-10, FAR-11 and ESF-10. All serotype Asia-1 were within Group VII (Sindh-08 lineage), in a genetic clade that differs from viruses isolated prior to 2010. All serotypes O were classified as PanAsia-2 within two different sublineages: ANT-10 and BAL-09. Using VP1 sequencing as the gold standard for serotype determination, the overall sensitivity of Ag-ELISA to correctly determine serotype was 74%, and serotype-specific sensitivity was 8% for serotype A, 88% for Asia-1 and 89% for O. Serotype-specific specificity was 100% for serotype A, 93% for Asia-1 and 94% for O. Interestingly, 12 of 13 serotype A viruses were not detected by Ag-ELISA. This study confirms earlier accounts of regional genetic diversity of FMDV in Pakistan and highlights the importance of continued validation of diagnostic tests for rapidly evolving pathogens such as FMDV.

Accreditation and evaluation of veterinary medical institutes - a Pakistani perspective.

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) is an independent, autonomous and constitutionally established institution that provides primary funding for higher education in Pakistan, which it also oversees, regulates and accredits. According to the HEC Charter: 'the HEC of Pakistan may set up national or regional evaluation councils or authorise any existing council/or similar body to carry out accreditation of institutions including their departments, facilities and disciplines by giving them appropriate ratings'. At present, 14 accreditation bodies operate under the umbrella of the HEC. Five were established under the HEC's Quality Assurance Agency, while nine councils associated with the accreditation and evaluation of medical institutes are independent bodies that were extant before the HEC was created, and are recognised by the HEC. The authors will discuss the role of the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC), the accreditation of veterinary institutes and associated issues of concern. They suggest that the PVMC should adopt an unbiased approach to new and established veterinary institutes to attain uniform accreditation of all veterinary institutes throughout the country. In addition, the government should consult the accreditation councils and professional bodies before setting up new institutes. The authors also suggest that, instead of placing new veterinary institutes under the aegis of non-veterinary universities, they should be made sub-campuses of established veterinary universities. In time, they will emerge as established institutes in their own right.

La Commission de l'enseignement supérieur du Pakistan (HEC) est une entité indépendante et autonome ayant pour missions constitutionnelles de réunir l'essentiel du financement destiné à l'enseignement supérieur au Pakistan et d'accréditer, superviser et réglementer les institutions d'enseignement supérieur du pays. En vertu de sa Charte, « la HEC du Pakistan peut instituer des Conseils nationaux ou régionaux d'évaluation ou agréer les Conseils ou organismes déjà en place afin de procéder à ces évaluations, dans le but d'accréditer les institutions d'enseignement supérieur y compris au niveau de leurs départements, centres de formation et disciplines, à travers un système de notation approprié ¼. À l'heure actuelle, 14 organismes d'accréditation travaillent sous les auspices de la HEC. Cinq d'entre eux opèrent au sein de l'Agence d'assurance qualité de la HEC tandis que l'accréditation et l'évaluation des établissements d'enseignement du secteur médical sont assurées par neufs Conseils indépendants dont la création est antérieure à celle de la HEC mais que cette dernière a agréés. Les auteurs examinent le rôle joué par le Conseil de la médecine vétérinaire du Pakistan (PVMC), le processus d'accréditation des écoles vétérinaires et les problèmes rencontrés dans ce domaine. Ils préconisent que le PVMC fasse preuve d'impartialité à l'égard des établissements d'enseignement de la médecine vétérinaire, nouveaux ou anciens, afin de garantir l'homogénéité de l'accréditation à l'échelle nationale. Ils recommandent en outre que le gouvernement consulte les Conseils d'accréditation et les ordres professionnels avant toute création de nouvel établissement. Enfin, les auteurs proposent que les nouveaux établissements de formation vétérinaire mis en place ne soient pas placés sous l'égide d'universités généralistes mais enregistrés comme départements nouveaux au sein d'écoles vétérinaires déjà établies. Au fil du temps, ces départements seront reconnus en tant que facultés vétérinaires autonomes.

La Comisión de Educación Superior (HEC) del Pakistán, órgano independiente y autónomo establecido por vía constitucional, es la principal fuente de financiación de la enseñanza superior del país, además de supervisar, regular y acreditar a los establecimientos que dispensan estos estudios. Según reza su Estatuto, la Comisión de Educación Superior del Pakistán puede crear consejos nacionales o regionales de evaluación o habilitar a todo consejo u órgano similar existente para que asuma las labores de acreditación de los establecimiento en cuestión (lo que incluye sus departamentos e instalaciones y las disciplinas impartidas) y los clasifique según corresponda. En la actualidad hay 14 entidades de acreditación que operan bajo la égida de la HEC. Cinco de ellas fueron establecidas desde el Organismo de Garantía de Calidad de la HEC, mientras que otros nueve consejos vinculados a la acreditación y evaluación de institutos de enseñanza médica y veterinaria son entidades independientes que ya existían antes de la creación de la HEC y que esta ha reconocido. Tras exponer la función del Consejo de Medicina Veterinaria del Pakistán (PVMC), los autores presentan el proceso de acreditación de los institutos de enseñanza veterinaria y describen los problemas que se plantean en este terreno. Desde su punto de vista, el PVMC debe aplicar criterios imparciales a los institutos de enseñanza veterinaria, nuevos o ya asentados, para hacer posible una acreditación homogénea de todos estos establecimientos en el conjunto del país. Además, el Gobierno debe consultar a los consejos de acreditación y órganos profesionales antes de establecer nuevos institutos. En opinión de los autores, en lugar de colocar los nuevos institutos de veterinaria bajo la égida de facultades generalistas ajenas a la veterinaria, es preferible constituirlos como subcampus de las facultades de veterinaria existentes, subcampus que con el tiempo se asentarán y adquirirán por derecho propio la condición de institutos de enseñanza veterinaria.

Prevalence of foot and mouth disease virus in apparently healthy buffaloes brought to Islamabad slaughterhouse in Pakistan.

This study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) slaughtered at Islamabad slaughterhouse, Pakistan. Sera and oro-pharyngeal (OP) fluid were collected from 630 healthy buffaloes. These animals originated from various livestock markets from 14 districts of Punjab. The age of animals ranged from 1 to 15 years. Sera were analyzed using FMD virus (FMDV) nonstructural proteins (NSP) and indirect ELISA. The sero-prevalence of FMD was 47.1% (n=297). There was a strong association between age of animal and its risk of being positive for FMD NSP ELISA (Odds ratio 1.27; p<0.001; CI 1.22-1.32). The OP fluids were tested for the presence of FMDV by real time PCR. FMDV specific signals were detected in 33 samples (11.1%). Virus recovery attempts were made after treating them with tri-chloro-tri-flouroethane onto LFBK cell line and four FMD isolates were recovered. This study indicated high sero-prevalence of FMDV in buffaloes slaughtered at abattoir in Islamabad. Furthermore, the virus recovery from these animals is suggestive of their possible role in persistence and transmission of FMDV to other animals.

Appraisal and standardization of curvilinear velocity (VCL) cut-off values for CASA analysis of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) sperm.

One of the basic steps in objective analysis of sperm motility is the subdivision of a motile sperm population into slow, medium and rapid categories based on their velocity. However, for CASA analysis of quail sperm, the velocity values for categorization of slow, medium and rapid sperm have not yet been standardized. To identify the cut-off values of "velocity curvilinear" (VCL) for quail sperm categorization, we captured and analysed 22,300 tracks of quail sperm using SCA® -CASA. The median and mean VCL values were 85 and 97 µm/s. To define the VCL cut-off values, we used two methods. In the first, we identified the upper (rapid sperm) and lower (slow sperm) cut-off values using: (i) median VCL ± 25% or ± 50% or ± 75% of median VCL value; (ii) first and third quartile values of VCL data (i.e. 25% cut-off setting); and (iii) 33% and 66% of VCL data. Among these settings, sperm categories and their corresponding motility characteristics recorded using the "25%" setting (i.e. slow ≤36 ≤ medium ≤154 ≤ rapid) were found the most realistic and coherent with male ranking by fertility. In the second method, we calculated heteroscedasticity in the total VCL data using PCA and the two-step clustering method. With this approach, the mean of the high and low clusters was 165 and 51 µm/s, respectively. Together, the mean from two methods suggested that, for SCA® -CASA categorization of quail sperm, sperm should be classed as "rapid" at VCL ≥160 µm/s and "slow" at VCL ≤45 µm/s.

Intravaginal probiotics modulated metabolic status and improved milk production and composition of transition dairy cows.

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate whether intravaginal infusion of probiotics (a lactic acid bacteria cocktail) around parturition would influence metabolic status and increase milk production of transition dairy cows. One hundred pregnant Holstein dairy cows were assigned to 1 of the 3 experimental groups receiving intravaginal infusion of probiotics or carrier (i.e., sterile skim milk) once a week at wk -2, -1, and +1 relative to calving as follows: 2 consecutive probiotics before parturition and 1 carrier dose after parturition (TRT1), 3 consecutive probiotics doses around parturition (TRT2), and 3 consecutive carrier doses around parturition (CTR). The probiotics were a lyophilized culture mixture composed of FUA3089 and FUA3138 and FUA3140 with a cell count of 10 to 10 cfu/dose. Blood was sampled from wk -2 to +3 and milk was sampled on the third day in milk (DIM) and from wk +1 to +5 on a weekly basis. Feed intake and milk production was monitored until wk +8. Results showed that the TRT2 group (366.12 ± 49.77 µmol/L) had a lower ( = 0.01) concentration of NEFA in the serum than the CTR group (550.85 ± 47.16 µmol/L). The concentrations of IgG in the milk were 32.71 ± 3.00 mg/mL in the TRT1 group, 17.47 ± 4.54 mg/mL in the TRT2 group, and 6.73 ± 3.43 mg/mL in the CTR group at 3 DIM ( < 0.01). Meanwhile, both the TRT1 and the TRT2 group had lower haptoglobin in the milk compared with the CTR group at 3 DIM ( < 0.01). The TRT1 group had greater milk protein content than the CTR group (2.99 ± 0.04 vs. 2.82 ± 0.04%; = 0.02), whereas the TRT2 group tended to have greater lactose content compared with the CTR group (4.53 ± 0.03 vs. 4.44 ± 0.03%; = 0.05). The effect of treatment interacted with parity with regards to milk production and feed efficiency. Multiparous cows in the TRT1 and TRT2 groups had greater milk production and feed efficiency than those in the CTR group ( < 0.01 and = 0.02, respectively). Among primiparous cows, those in the TRT2 group had greater milk production ( = 0.04) whereas those in the TRT1 group had lower feed intake ( < 0.01) than those in the CTR group. Both the TRT1 and the TRT2 groups had enhanced feed efficiency compared with the CTR group ( < 0.01). In conclusion, intravaginal infusion of lactic acid bacteria modulated concentrations of selected serum metabolites and milk components and increased milk efficiency of transition dairy cows.

Intravaginally administered lactic acid bacteria expedited uterine involution and modulated hormonal profiles of transition dairy cows.

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate whether intravaginal infusion of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) around parturition could expedite involution rate of the uterus and improve reproductive performance of postpartum dairy cows. One hundred pregnant Holstein dairy cows were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups: (1) 1 dose of LAB in wk -2 and -1 and 1 dose of carrier in wk 1 relative to the expected day of parturition (TRT1); (2) 1 dose of LAB in wk -2, -1, and 1 (TRT2); and (3) 1 dose of carrier in wk -2, -1, and 1 (CTR). The LAB treatment was a lyophilized mixture of Lactobacillus sakei FUA3089, Pediococcus acidilactici FUA3138, and Pediococcus acidilactici FUA3140 with a cell count of 10(8) to 10(9) cfu/dose. Uterine involution and ovarian activity was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography weekly from d 7 to 49 postpartum. Blood samples were collected from a subset of cows to quantify prostaglandin (PG) F2α metabolite (PGFM), PGE2, and progesterone. Cows treated with LAB had smaller cross-sectional areas of gravid horn and uterine body on d 14 postpartum. Cows in TRT2 resumed ovarian cyclicity earlier, as indicated by increased concentrations of serum progesterone. Cows in TRT1 had fewer days open than those in the CTR (110 vs. 150 d), whereas cows in TRT2 and CTR did not differ in days open. In addition, both TRT1 and TRT2 increased the concentrations of PGFM at calving week, and cows in TRT2 also had greater concentrations of PGE2 on d 14 and d 21 postpartum relative to CTR. Overall, cows treated intravaginally with LAB had smaller gravid horn and uterine body on d 14 postpartum than those in the CTR group. Treatment with LAB also increased concentrations of serum PGFM (3,533±328pg/mL in TRT1, 4,470±372pg/mL in TRT2, and 2,000±328pg/mL in CTR on d 0, respectively), with the TRT1 group having fewer cows that resumed ovarian cyclicity but fewer days open compared with both TRT2 and CTR groups. More research is warranted to better understand the mechanism(s) by which intravaginal LAB expedited uterine involution and affected hormonal profiles.

Effect of proctodeal gland foam on sperm kinetics in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

The proctodeal gland of the male Japanese quail produces thick foam that accompanies semen when it is transferred to the female. It is thought that this foam enhances fertilization by improving the motility of the sperm, but reports are conflicting because the effect of foam on sperm motility has only been assessed subjectively The velocity of individual sperm was not able to be measured accurately, variations were large, and small changes in motility could not be accurately evaluated. So, we tested the hypothesis that foam affects the motility of spermatozoa of Japanese quail by analyzing motility objectively using computer-assisted semen analysis and determining changes in sperm kinetics in the presence of different concentrations of proctodeal gland foam. The addition of 5% or 10% foam to the sperm suspension increased (P < 0.05) all sperm kinetic parameters (the curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity, the velocity of the average path, linearity, straightness, and beat cross frequency). As a result, the percentage of motile and progressive motile sperm also increased. All these parameters declined (P < 0.05) with a further increase in the concentration of foam to 15% and 20%. Furthermore, this effect was similar in males that were 8, 16, or 26 weeks of age. We conclude that sperm motility is enhanced by proctodeal gland foam, and this enhancement depends on its concentration.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP): a new approach for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus and its sero-types in Pakistan.

Successful disease management requires a rapid and sensitive diagnosis method that can recognize early infection even before the manifestation of its clinical signs. The only available field diagnostic tests for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are lateral flow devices, commonly known as chromatographic strips. Low sensitivity and inability to detect FMD virus (FMDV) at the serotype level are limitations of lateral flow devices. Therefore, a reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was standardized using universal and sero-type specific genes in a single tube. This test does not require sophisticated equipment and can detect FMDV at serotype level in about 60 min. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of this test is comparable to conventional reverse transcriptase PCR and real time PCR (rRT-PCR).

Similar results with solitary pancreas transplantation compared with simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation in the new millennium.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze our single-center outcomes according to pancreas transplant (PT) category in the new millennium by using standardized management protocols. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 202 consecutive PTs (179 with portal-enteric drainage) in 192 patients; all received either rabbit antithymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab induction in combination with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and tapered corticosteroids or early steroid withdrawal. Unlike simultaneous pancreas/kidney (SPK) transplant, solitary PT (SPT) recipients were managed with routine perioperative anticoagulation and surveillance pancreas biopsies. RESULTS: From November 2001 to March 2013, we performed 162 SPK transplants, 35 pancreas after kidney transplants, and 5 pancreas-alone transplants (40 SPTs). Demographic characteristics were mostly comparable; however, the SPT group had younger donors, shorter waiting time, fewer HLA mismatches, and fewer African-American recipients but more retransplants (all, P < .05). With a mean follow-up of 5.5 versus 7.5 years, overall patient (86.4% SPK vs 86.8% SPT), kidney graft (74% SPK vs 80% SPT), and pancreas graft (both 65%) survival rates were comparable. Although mortality rates were similar, mortality patterns differed because no SPT recipients died early, whereas the 1-, 3-, and 5-year mortality rates after SPK transplant were 4%, 9% and 12%, respectively (P < .05). The most common causes of pancreas graft loss were death with functioning grafts in SPK recipients and acute/chronic rejection in SPT recipients. Rates of early thrombosis were 8.6% in SPK patients and 5% in SPT patients. Cumulative clinical acute rejection rates were similar between groups (SPK 29% vs SPT 27.5%; P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of depleting antibody induction and tacrolimus-based therapy, HLA matching, careful donor and recipient selection, portal-enteric drainage, selective perioperative anticoagulation, and surveillance SPT biopsy monitoring, similar medium-term outcomes can be achieved in SPK transplants and SPTs in the new millennium.

5-year results of a prospective, randomized, single-center study of alemtuzumab compared with rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The study purpose was to analyze 5-year outcomes in a prospective, randomized trial of alemtuzumab (ALEM) versus rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) induction in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SKPT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2005 through October 2008, a total of 46 SKPTs (45 portal-enteric drainage) were prospectively randomized to receive either single-dose ALEM (30 mg intraoperatively) or multiple-dose rATG antibody induction (starting intraoperatively, minimum of 3 doses administered) with tacrolimus/mycophenolate and/or steroids. RESULTS: Of 222 kidney transplant patients enrolled in the study, 46 received SKPTs; 28 (61%) received ALEM and 18 (39%) received rATG induction. Follow-up ranged from 54 to 98 months (mean, 69 months). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in 5-year patient (82% ALEM vs 89% rATG), kidney graft (79% ALEM vs 72% rATG), or pancreas graft (64% ALEM vs 56% rATG) survival rates. Death-censored kidney (90% ALEM vs 75% rATG) and pancreas (71% ALEM vs 56% rATG) graft survival rates were likewise comparable (both, P = NS). Acute rejection (21% ALEM vs 44% rATG; P = .11) and major infection (39% ALEM vs 67% rATG; P = .13) rates were slightly lower in the ALEM group; cytomegalovirus infections were significantly lower (0% ALEM vs 17% rATG; P = .05). The incidence of late acute rejection was low in both groups. There were no differences in early pancreas thromboses (3.6% ALEM vs 11% rATG), postoperative bleeding (11% ALEM vs 0% rATG), other surgical complications, or readmissions between groups. In patients with functioning grafts, 5-year mean serum creatinine (1.4 ALEM vs 1.6 mg/dL rATG), calculated abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease glomerular filtration rate (55 ALEM vs 52 mL/min/1.73 m(2) rATG), glycosylated hemoglobin (both 5.4%), and C-peptide (2.2 ALEM vs 2.3 ng/mL rATG) levels were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose ALEM and multiple dose rATG induction provided similar medium-term patient, kidney, and pancreas graft function and survival rates. ALEM induction may be associated with less acute rejection and major infection over the long term.