Microbiological and hematological aspects of canine pyometra and associated risk factors.

Canine Pyometra, also known as cystic endometrial hyperplasia complex, is a common reproductive issue in bitches. This study aimed to identify associated risk factors, hematological variation, bacteria involved, and the most potent anti-bacterial against bacterial isolates of canine pyometra. Forty-five bitches of different habitats, breeds, and ages infected with pyometra were included in the study. The samples were cultured to isolate bacteria associated with the pyometra and antibiotic sensitivity was done for each bacterial isolates to get antibiogram. The study findings showed that potential risk factors such as age group, medroxyprogesterone acetate administration, and changes in the white blood cells parameters were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the type of pyometra. Closed cervix pyometra in dogs showed significantly higher prevalence of clinical signs including depression, vomiting, abdominal enlargement, and fever compared to the open cervix pyometra. Low levels of red blood cells, pack cell volume, and hemoglobin indicated that the pyometra-infected dogs were more likely to have normocytic, normochromic, and non-regenerative anemia. Pyometra was attributed to an increase in AST (Aspertate aminotransferase), ALT (Alanine transaminase), ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and Creatinine while a decrease in serum albumin. Of the all bacterial isolates, E. coli (35.55%) was the most common pathogen isolated from canine pyometra, followed by Pseudomonas spp. (26.66%). E coli and Pseudomonas spp. were susceptible to Imipenem, Amikacin, and Gentamicin while highly resistant to Ampicillin and Erythromycin. Imipenem, Amikacin, and Gentamicin were the most sensitive antibiotics, while Ampicillin and Erythromycin were the most resistant antibiotics for the bacterial strain isolated from canine pyometra. Multidrug resistant was observed in 26 of the isolated bacteria, indicating acquired resistance due to improper and uncontrolled use. Hence early diagnosis and close monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility before therapeutic intervention is indispensable in preventing the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Vertical Etching of Scandium Aluminum Nitride Thin Films Using TMAH Solution.

A wide bandgap, an enhanced piezoelectric coefficient, and low dielectric permittivity are some of the outstanding properties that have made ScxAl1-xN a promising material in numerous MEMS and optoelectronics applications. One of the substantial challenges of fabricating ScxAl1-xN devices is its difficulty in etching, specifically with higher scandium concentration. In this work, we have developed an experimental approach with high temperature annealing followed by a wet etching process using tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH), which maintains etching uniformity across various Sc compositions. The experimental results of etching approximately 730 nm of ScxAl1-xN (x = 0.125, 0.20, 0.40) thin films show that the etch rate decreases with increasing scandium content. Nevertheless, sidewall verticality of 85°~90° (±0.2°) was maintained for all Sc compositions. Based on these experimental outcomes, it is anticipated that this etching procedure will be advantageous in the fabrication of acoustic, photonic, and piezoelectric devices.

Epidemiology of Taenia solium in Nepal: is it influenced by the social characteristics of the population and the presence of Taenia asiatica?

The transmission of the zoonotic pork tapeworms Taenia solium and T. asiatica depends on a combination of specific risk factors, such as open defecation, backyard pig raising and the consumption of raw or undercooked pork and viscera. A community-based survey was conducted among 289 households in south-eastern Nepal to study the heterogeneity of these risk factor frequencies as a function of the social composition of the population. The frequency of open defecation, backyard pig raising and pork consumption differed significantly (P < 0.005) among the different coexisting caste and ethnic groups. In the same survey, the taeniosis prevalence was examined among the different groups. Tapeworm carriers were identified at a high prevalence among the Dum, one of the most disadvantaged communities of Nepal. A PCR-RFLP assay revealed that all collected tapeworm specimens were T. asiatica, a species thus far not known to occur in South Asia. These results can help to understand the epidemiology of T. solium in Nepal, which appears to be more complex than thought so far.

High-Quality Dry Etching of LiNbO3 Assisted by Proton Substitution through H2-Plasma Surface Treatment.

The exceptional material properties of Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) make it an excellent material platform for a wide range of RF, MEMS, phononic and photonic applications; however, nano-micro scale device concepts require high fidelity processing of LN films. Here, we reported a highly optimized processing methodology that achieves a deep etch with nearly vertical and smooth sidewalls. We demonstrated that Ti/Al/Cr stack works perfectly as a hard mask material during long plasma dry etching, where periodically pausing the etching and chemical cleaning between cycles were leveraged to avoid thermal effects and byproduct redeposition. To improve mask quality on X- and Y-cut substrates, a H2-plasma treatment was implemented to relieve surface tension by modifying the top surface atoms. Structures with etch depths as deep as 3.4 µm were obtained in our process across a range of crystallographic orientations with a smooth sidewall and perfect verticality on several crystallographic facets.

Epidemiology, Impact and Control of Rabies in Nepal: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral zoonosis belonging to the group of neglected tropical diseases. Exposure to a rabid animal may result in a fatal acute encephalitis if effective post-exposure prophylaxis is not provided. Rabies occurs worldwide, but its burden is disproportionately high in developing countries, including Nepal. We aimed to summarize current knowledge on the epidemiology, impact and control of rabies in Nepal. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of international and national scientific literature and searched grey literature through the World Health Organization Digital Library and the library of the National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Research Centre, Nepal, and through searching Google and Google Scholar. Further data on animal and human rabies were obtained from the relevant Nepalese government agencies. Finally, we surveyed the archives of a Nepalese daily to obtain qualitative information on rabies in Nepal. FINDINGS: So far, only little original research has been conducted on the epidemiology and impact of rabies in Nepal. Per year, rabies is reported to kill about 100 livestock and 10-100 humans, while about 1,000 livestock and 35,000 humans are reported to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. However, these estimates are very likely to be serious underestimations of the true rabies burden. Significant progress has been made in the production of cell culture-based anti-rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin, but availability and supply remain a matter of concern, especially in remote areas. Different state and non-state actors have initiated rabies control activities over the years, but efforts typically remained focalized, of short duration and not harmonized. Communication and coordination between veterinary and human health authorities is limited at present, further complicating rabies control in Nepal. Important research gaps include the reporting biases for both human and animal rabies, the ecology of stray dog populations and the true contribution of the sylvatic cycle. INTERPRETATION: Better data are needed to unravel the true burden of animal and human rabies. More collaboration, both within the country and within the region, is needed to control rabies. To achieve these goals, high level political commitment is essential. We therefore propose to make rabies the model zoonosis for successful control in Nepal.

Complexities in using sentinel pigs to study Taenia solium transmission dynamics under field conditions.

The transmission dynamics of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, remain a matter of research and debate. In a longitudinal field study performed in southeastern Nepal, 18 sentinel pigs were serologically monitored to study the field kinetics of Taenia antigens and anti-T. solium antibodies. At the end of the twelve months' study period, necropsy was performed and suspected lesions were subjected to molecular identification of the Taenia species. The study generated new hypotheses on the transmission dynamics of Taenia spp. and exposed crucial complexities in the use of sentinel pigs in longitudinal field studies. Sentinel pigs can be useful epidemiological tools, but their use should be thoroughly planned before initiating a study and carefully monitored throughout the course of the study. Important aspects to be considered are those affecting the pig's susceptibility to infection, such as passive immunity, age, hormonal levels, and infection with competing Taenia species. In addition, serological test results should be interpreted considering possible cross-reactions and with proper understanding of the significance of a positive test result.

Seroprevalence of zoonotic parasites in pigs slaughtered in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal.

For several years, the demand for pork has been on the rise in Nepal. To assess the importance of pork as a carrier of zoonotic agents, we performed a cross-sectional study in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, in which we serologically determined the infection status of slaughtered pigs with regard to three of the most important parasites transmitted through pork consumption: Trichinella spp., Taenia solium cysticerci, and Toxoplasma gondii. From 2007 to 2010, 742 pigs were sampled at slaughter, of which 0.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0-0.7%) were found positive for Trichinella infection, 13.8% (95% credibility interval [CrI] 0.8-28.5%) for T. solium cysticercosis, and 11.7% (95% CI 5.2-17.5%) for Toxoplasma infection. Further monitoring of the related animal and human disease burden and strengthening of food safety protocols throughout the pork production chain are strongly recommended.