Poultry farming not only provides high nutritious food but also creates employment opportunity for rural masses. Documented evidences elaborates that helminth parasitism is most deciduous problem of chickens especially in developing world. Ascaridia (A.) galli, a nematode of small intestine, has been considered as the most common and important parasite of chicken. The present study was carried out to investigate prevalence and severity of A. galli in White Leghorn layers (housing type: battery cage and deep litter, 50 each) and Fayoumi-Rhode Island Red crossbred (male and female: 50 each) flock rearing at Government Poultry Farm, Dina, Punjab, Pakistan. Two hundred faecal samples were examined by using standard parasitological and McMaster egg counting technique. The overall prevalence was 24.5% at farm, 13% in White leghorn layer (battery cage=2%, deep litter=24%) and 36% in Fayoumi-Rhode Island Red (male=34%, female=38%). It was also observed that White leghorn layer rearing in deep litter had more severe infection (EPG=1920) of A. galli compare with battery cages birds (EPG=500). Parasite prevalence was significantly related with sex (P<0.05) in Fayoumi-Rhode Island Red and male birds had less number of average parasites (0.34±0.47) as compared to females (0.38±0.490). Additionally, female birds were under serious threat of infection (EPG=2270) compared with its counterpart (EPG=1250). Given the high infection rates, particular attention should be paid to management and provision of feed supplement to White leghorn layer housing in deep litter and female bird of Fayoumi-Rhode Island Red crossbred.

The left ventricular radial strain in the inner and outer layers was evaluated by using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2DS). Twenty-five piglets were studied. The short axis views were acquired. Peak systolic radial strain was measured from 6 circumferential points related to 6 standard segments in the inner and outer layers respectively using 2DS methods. The peak positive first derivative (dp/dt) of left ventricular pressure was compared to the radial strain from 2DS. The inner band showed higher peak radial strain values as compared to the outer band at all of the segments (P<0.0001), but the differences had significance just in anteroseptal, posterior, inferior and septal segments (P<0.05). Good correlation could be found between radial strain of inner and outer layers and peak dp/dt (P<0.001). These preliminary results showed that the degree of local deformation or wall thickening of the ventricular wall in its inner layer was more obvious than its outer layer. It is suggested that the 2DS technique is useful and sensitive for better understanding the regional and global myocardial motion and its relationship to the complex architecture of myocardium.

Objective: To investigate hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic potential of citrus peel extract and powder using rodent experimental modeling. Methods: Considering the fact, rat feeding trial was carried out for a period of 56 d to access the prophylaxis of citrus peel flavonoids by employing normal (study I), hyperglycemic (study II) and hypercholesterolemic (study III) rats. Each study was further divided into three groups to ensure the provision of selected diets, i.e., control, functional and nutraceutical diets. Each study was further divided into three groups to ensure the provision of selected diets, i.e., control, functional and nutra-ceutical diets. Results: Declining trend for total cholesterol was observed in all studies with maximum reduction(8.55%)in rat group fed on nutraceutical diet in study III.Likewise,levels of low density lipoproteins and triglycerides reduced 11.39% and 7.89% respectively in hypercholesterolemic rats. Moreover, nutraceutical diet alleviated the sera glucose level by 8.96% in study II. Conclusions: Conclusively,inclusion of citrus peel bioflavonoids in dietary therapies is a promising strategy to modulate lipidemic and glycemic attributes without imparting any deleterious effect on hematological parameters.

Objective: To determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and explore the associated risk factors in chronic HCV patients. Methods:A total of 116 patients with chronic hepatitis C were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based detection out of which 112 chronic HCV patients [53 male (47.32%), 59 female (52.68%);mean age (43.76±16.40) years;mean BMI (23.8±3.9) kg] were enrolled in this study. The frequency of 6 HCV genotypes and associated risk factors were evaluated from five districts of North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Results:Genotype 3 was the most prevalent in 73 samples (65.17%) followed by genotype 1 in 24 (21.42%) and genotype 2 in 13 (11.60%) samples. Genotype 3 had significantly high prevalence (P=0.000 2). The results showed that 48 (42.85%) samples were infected with HCV 3a;25 (22.32%) with 3b;14 (12.50%) with 1a;10 (8.92%) with 1b; 11 (9.82%) with 2a; 2 (1.78%) with 2b;and 2 were untypable. The distribution of HCV genotypes in Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Sawabi and Nowshehra districts was different. Use of unsterile equipment for medication, barbers and previous history of hospitalization were the main risk factors for HCV transmission. Conclusions:Genotype 3a and 3b, 1a, 1b and 2a are the common genotypes in NWFP. Genotype 4, 5, and 6 can not be found in a single sample. The level of awareness about various modes of transmission of HCV among the population is found to be very low.

Background: Various parts of Pandanus foetidus Roxb. are used as traditional medicines. However, scientific reports concerning the effect of this plant on central nervous system (CNS) depression and analgesia are unavailable. This study investigated the CNS depressant and antinociceptive effects of Pandanus foetidus leaf extracts in a rodent model. Methods: The sedative and anxiolytic activities of Pandanus foetidus extract (500 g) were tested using behavioural models of Swiss albino mice, and the analgesic activity was assessed by formalin-induced pain and tail immersion tests at 200 mg/kg body weight of the mice. The data were analysed by a one-way ANOVA, a repeated measure of ANOVA and a non-parametric test (Kruskal-Wallis test) using the SPSS software. Acute toxicity was tested using an established method. Results: Compared with the aqueous fraction, the methanol, petroleum ether and chloroform fractions of the extract exhibited a more significant (P < 0.001) reduction of locomotor activity in the mice in the open field, hole-cross, and elevated plus maze (EPM). The methanol fraction maximized the duration of sleeping time caused by the thiopental sodium induction. The extract produced a significant step-down in pain, as shown by the paw licking time in the early and late phases of the formalin test. In the tail immersion test, the chloroform fraction maximally reduced the heat-induced analgesia. The extract was found to be non toxic. Conclusion: The methanol, petroleum ether, and chloroform fractions of P. foetidus have strong CNS depressant and antinociceptive effects and thus merit further pharmaceutical studies.

OBJECTIVESWound healing in the skin is a multifarious orchestration of cellular processes and cigarette smoking may be a cause for delayed wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the plausible association between exposures of cigarette total particulate matter (TPM) and wound healing.

METHODSAn in vivo wound healing model of mice was established for determination of assorted events of wound healing, dermal matrix regeneration, re-epithelialization, and neovascularization. A total of 72 adult mice, separated in eight groups, were exposed to TPM for 12 days.

RESULTSA highly considerable diminution in wound closure (P < 0.001) was pragmatic among all TPM-treated mice from day 6 to day 8 post-wounding. Histological investigations unveiled a noteworthy impede in the outcome of re-epithelialization, dermal matrix regeneration and maturation of collagen bundles among all TPM-exposed wounds. Delayed commencement of neovascularization was pragmatic among all TPM-treated mice, on day 12 post wounding. Abbot curve, angular spectrum, and other different parameters of 3D surface behavior of wounds revealed a very highly significant reduction (P < 0.001) in angiogenesis on days 6 and 8 post-wounding, which points that application of TPM instigates extensive delay in trigging the progression of angiogenesis, resulting in delayed onset of wound healing.

CONCLUSIONOur annotations validate the damaging effects of TPM on wound healing and excessive use of TPM may lead to the production of chronic wounds and oral ulcers.

Animals ; Dermis ; blood supply ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Epithelium ; drug effects ; pathology ; Extracellular Matrix ; drug effects ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Particulate Matter ; pharmacology ; Regeneration ; drug effects ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVES: Areca nut is widely consumed in many parts of the world, especially in South and Southeast Asia, where cardiovascular disease (CVD) is also a huge burden. Among the forms of CVD, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Research has shown areca nut chewing to be associated with diabetes, hypertension, oropharyngeal and esophageal cancers, and CVD, but little is known about mortality and re-hospitalization secondary to ACS among areca nut users and non-users. METHODS: A prospective cohort was studied to quantify the effect of areca nut chewing on patients with newly diagnosed ACS by categorizing the study population into exposed and non-exposed groups according to baseline chewing status. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations of areca nut chewing with the risk of re-hospitalization and 30-day mortality secondary to ACS. RESULTS: Of the 384 ACS patients, 49.5% (n=190) were areca users. During 1-month of follow-up, 20.3% (n=78) deaths and 25.1% (n=96) re-hospitalizations occurred. A higher risk of re-hospitalization was found (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 3.27; p=0.002) in areca users than in non-users. Moreover, patients with severe disease were at a significantly higher risk of 30-day mortality (aHR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.67 to 4.59; p < 0.001) and re-hospitalization (aHR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.73 to 4.26; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 30-day re-hospitalization rate among ACS patients was found to be significantly higher in areca users and individuals with severe disease. These findings suggest that screening for a history of areca nut chewing may help to identify patients at a high risk for re-hospitalization due to secondary events.
Acute Coronary Syndrome* ; Areca* ; Asia, Southeastern ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cohort Studies ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Mass Screening ; Mastication* ; Mortality* ; Nuts* ; Pakistan* ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Prospective Studies

The left ventricular radial strain in the inner and outer layers was evaluated by using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2DS). Twenty-five piglets were studied. The short axis views were acquired. Peak systolic radial strain was measured from 6 circumferential points related to 6 standard segments in the inner and outer layers respectively using 2DS methods. The peak positive first derivative (dp/dt) of left ventricular pressure was compared to the radial strain from 2DS. The inner band showed higher peak radial strain values as compared to the outer band at all of the segments (P<0.0001), but the differences had significance just in anteroseptal, posterior, inferior and septal seg-ments (P<0.05). Good correlation could be found between radial strain of inner and outer layers and peak dp/dt (P<0.001). These preliminary results showed that the degree of local deformation or wall thickening of the ventricular wall in its inner layer was more obvious than its outer layer. It is suggested that the 2DS technique is useful and sensitive for better understanding the regional and global myocar-dial motion and its relationship to the complex architecture of myocardium.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional and observational. PURPOSE: To evaluate the different aspects of lumbar disc degenerative disc disease and relate them with magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings and symptoms. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Lumbar disc degenerative disease has now been proven as the most common cause of low back pain throughout the world. It may present as disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, facet joint arthropathy or any combination. Presenting symptoms of lumbar disc degeneration are lower back pain and sciatica which may be aggravated by standing, walking, bending, straining and coughing. METHODS: This study was conducted from January 2012 to June 2012. Study was conducted on the diagnosed patients of lumbar disc degeneration. Diagnostic criteria were based upon abnormal findings in MRI. Patients with prior back surgery, spine fractures, sacroiliac arthritis, metabolic bone disease, spinal infection, rheumatoid arthritis, active malignancy, and pregnancy were excluded. RESULTS: During the targeted months, 163 patients of lumbar disc degeneration with mean age of 43.92+/-11.76 years, came into Neurosurgery department. Disc degeneration was most commonly present at the level of L4/L5 105 (64.4%).Commonest types of disc degeneration were disc herniation 109 (66.9%) and lumbar spinal stenosis 37 (22.7%). Spondylolisthesis was commonly present at L5/S1 10 (6.1%) and associated mostly with lumbar spinal stenosis 7 (18.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Results reported the frequent occurrence of lumbar disc degenerative disease in advance age. Research efforts should endeavor to reduce risk factors and improve the quality of life.
Arthritis ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration* ; Low Back Pain ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neurosurgery ; Polymethacrylic Acids ; Pregnancy ; Quality of Life ; Risk Factors ; Sciatica ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine ; Spondylolisthesis ; Walking ; Zygapophyseal Joint

The study aimed to achieve enhanced targeted cytotoxicity and cell-internalization of cisplatin-loaded deoxyribonucleic acid-nanothread (CPT-DNA-NT),mediated by scavenger receptors into HeLa cells.DNA-NT was developed with stiff-topology utilizing circular-scaffold to encapsulate CPT.Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization of the DNA-NT showed uniformity in the structure with a diameter of 50-150 nm and length of 300-600 nm.The successful fabrication of the DNA-NT was confirmed through native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis,as large the molecular-weight (polymeric) DNA-NT did not split into constituting strands under applied current and voltage.The results of cell viability confirmed that blank DNA-NT had the least cytotoxicity at the highest concentration (512 nM) with a viability of 92％ as evidence of its biocompatibility for drug delivery.MTT assay showed superior cyto-toxicity of CPT-DNA-NT than that of the free CPT due to the depot release of CPT after DNA-NT inter-nalization.The DNA-NT exhibited targeted cell internalizations with the controlled intracellular release of CPT (from DNA-NT),as illustrated in confocal images.Therefore,in vitro cytotoxicity assessment through flow cytometry showed enhanced apoptosis (72.7％) with CPT-DNA-NT (compared to free CPT;64.4％).CPT-DNA-NT,being poly-anionic,showed enhanced endocytosis via scavenger receptors.