Gastrointestinal parasitic infections of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Sarawak Borneo: Prevalence, risk factors, and farming practices

@#The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in buffaloes from various areas of Sarawak, and to assess current management practices of GI parasites among farmers. Faecal samples were collected from 15 farms and 129 animals, as well as data on farm and animal-based characteristics. A total of 129 faecal samples were examined for GI parasites using a modified McMaster and sedimentation. Association between potential risk factors and the prevalence of GI parasites was investigated using Chi-square statistic. The prevalence of Paramphistomum sp., strongyles, and coccidia were 75.2% (95% CI±7.5), 52.7% (95% CI±8.6) and 48.1% (95% CI±8.6), respectively. Farms which had a grazing area less than 50 acres in size had significantly higher prevalence of strongyles (70.5%, χ² = 8.34, P = 0.004) and paramphistomes (88.6%, χ² = 6.46, P = 0.01) relative to farms with a larger grazing area (43.5% and 68.2%, respectively). Prevalence of strongyles was lower in farms that did not implement a cut- and-carry system (45.6%, χ² = 4.17, P = 0.04) in comparison to those that did (64%). The prevalence of paramphistomes was higher on farms with more than 40 animals (80.6%, χ² = 3.18, P = 0.05) relative to farms with fewer animals. The majority of farmers surveyed (67.9%) showed awareness of GI parasite infection and reported that they recognized the associated symptoms. Most farmers practised deworming, and ivermectin was the most commonly used anthelminthic (60.4%); only 1.9% of farmers used albendazole. Overall this study revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites in buffalo in Sarawak. Although farmers report they are aware of parasitic diseases, further education is still required. This could include how they can successfully implement on-farm changes to reduce the prevalence of GI parasites in their herds.

Determinants of functional status among survivors of severe sepsis and septic shock: one-year follow-up

Sepsis is a leading cause of intensive care unit [ICU] admissions worldwide and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Limited data exist regarding the outcomes and functional status among survivors of severe sepsis and septic shock. This study aimed to determine the functional status among survivors of severe sepsis and septic shock a year after hospital discharge. Adult patients admitted between April 2007 and March 2010 to the medical-surgical ICU of a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia, were included in this study. The ICU database was investigated for patients with a diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock. Survival status was determined based on hospital discharge. Patients who required re-admission, stayed in ICU for less than 24 hours, had incomplete data were all excluded. Survivors were interviewed through phone calls to determine their functional status one-year post-hospital discharge using Karnofsky performance status scale. A total of 209 patients met the eligibility criteria. We found that 38 [18.1%] patients had severe disability before admission, whereas 109 [52.2%] patients were with severe disability or died one-year post-hospital discharge. Only one-third of the survivors had good functional status one-year post-discharge [no/mild disability]. After adjustment of baseline variables, age [adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.04] and pre-sepsis functional status of severe disability [aOR = 50.9, 95% CI = 6.82-379.3] were found to be independent predictors of functional status of severe disability one-year post-hospital discharge among survivors. We found that only one-third of the survivors of severe sepsis and septic shock had good functional status one-year post-discharge [no/mild disability]. Age and pre-sepsis severe disability were the factors that highly predicted the level of functional status one-year post-hospital discharge

Hodgkin's lymphoma an immunohistochemical profile in northern Iraq

To evaluate the expression of several immunohistochemical markers in Hodgkin's lymphoma [HL], and to determine the relative frequency of HL subtypes. From January 2010 through January 2013, 42 HL cases were included in this case series study. Cases were collected from Al-Jumhori Teaching Hospital and private laboratories in Nineveh province, Iraq. The tumors were subtyped according to the World Health Organization classification system. Several markers including CD30, CD15, CD20, CD79a, CD3, and CD43 were evaluated immunohistochemically. The patients' ages ranged from 5-81 years [mean: 32]. A bimodal age distribution was discerned, with most cases in the third decade [26.2%]. Male to female ratio was 1.6:1. Histopathological subtyping revealed that 33 cases [78.6%] were nodular sclerosis HL, 8 cases [19%] were mixed cellularity HL, and one case [2.4%] was nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL. The CD30 marker was expressed in all classical HL cases [100%]; while, CD15 was detected in 51.8% of cases. The nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL was CD30 and CD15 negative, but CD20 and epithelial membrane antigen [EMA] were positive. There was no significant relation between CD15 expression, and both patients' age and HL subtypes. The CD30 marker was expressed in 100% of cases of classical HL, while CD15 was positive in 51.8% only. Nodular sclerosis HL was the most common subtype of HL [78.6%], followed by mixed cellularity HL

Prevalence of diabetes in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a hospital based study, Ajman, UAE

This research was conducted to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients admitted with Acute Coronary Syndrome at GMCHRC, Ajman, UAE, during the period [2010-2013]. A descriptive study was conducted among 175 ACS patients admitted to the cardiology department in GMC hospital in Ajman. The dependent and independent variables that were included in the checklist were chosen after reviewing several case records of patients with ACS. Patient records were viewed on the computer database and all the necessary information required to achieve the objectives was extracted and filled in the checklist forms. The data was analyzed by SPSS 20 and Chi square test was performed to check for any association between variables. Out of the 175 ACS patients, 75 [43%] were diabetic, of which 63 [84%], were Males and 12 [16%] females. Among different age groups, 27 [65.9%] above 60 years had ACS with DM. With regard to ethnicity, among Arabs 30 [46.9%] and among Non-Arabs 45 [40.5%] had ACS with DM. The most common co-morbid conditions observed in patients who had ACS with DM were hypertension 64 [85.3%] and dyslipidemia 60 [80%]. In the study population 43% of ACS patients were diabetic. Majority of the patients were male who had ACS with DM. Non-Arabs individuals appear to have more ACS with diabetes than Arabs. Patients aged 40-60 had the highest proportion of ACS with DM. The most influential factors which contributed to ACS with DM were dyslipidemia and hypertension and both can be considered as the main risk factor in the presence of diabetes

Prune belly syndrome with urethral hypoplasia and vesico-cutaneous fistula: a case report and review of literature

Association between Prune belly syndrome [PBS] and urethral hypoplasia is an unusual condition. It is usually fatal unless there is a communication between the fetal bladder and the amniotic sac. We report a case of PBS with urethral hypoplasia and congenital vesico-cutaneous fistula in a male neonate. Patient underwent cutaneous vesicostomy and was discharged for close follow up of his renal function and for future reconstruction

Formation of biofilm by Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19112 at different incubation temperatures and concentrations of sodium chloride

Biofilm formation can lead to various consequences in the food processing line such as contamination and equipment breakdowns. Since formation of biofilm can occur in various conditions; this study was carried out using L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 and its biofilm formation ability tested under various concentrations of sodium chloride and temperatures. Cultures of L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 were placed in 96-well microtitre plate containing concentration of sodium chloride from 1-10% (w/v) and incubated at different temperature of 4 ºC, 30 ºC and 45 ºC for up to 60 h. Absorbance reading of crystal violet staining showed the density of biofilm formed in the 96-well microtitre plates was significantly higher when incubated in 4 ºC. The formation of biofilm also occurs at a faster rate at 4 ºC and higher optical density (OD 570 nm) was observed at 45 ºC. This shows that storage under formation of biofilm that may lead to a higher contamination along the processing line in the food industry. Formation of biofilm was found to be more dependent on temperature compared to sodium chloride stress.

Oxidative Stress in Vivax Malaria

Malaria is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The increase in lipid peroxidation reported in malaria infection and antioxidant status may be a useful marker of oxidative stress during malaria infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of antioxidant enzymes against toxic reactive oxygen species in patients infected with Plasmodium vivax and healthy controls. Malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were determined in 91 P. vivax patients and compared with 52 controls. Malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were 8.07+/-2.29 nM/ml, 2.69+/-0.33 U/ml, and 49.6+/-3.2 U/g Hb in the patient group and 2.72+/-0.50 nM/ml, 3.71+/-0.47 U/ml, and 62.3+/-4.3 U/g Hb in the control group, respectively. Malondialdehyde levels were found statistically significant in patients with vivax malaria higher than in healthy controls (P<0.001). On the other hand, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were found to be significantly lower in vivax malaria patients than in controls (P<0.05). There was an increase in oxidative stress in vivax malaria. The results suggested that antioxidant defense mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of P. vivax.

Reduction of Mo(VI) by the bacterium Serratia sp. strain DRY5.

The need to isolate efficient heavy metal reducers for cost effective bioremediation strategy have resulted in the isolation of a potent molybdenum-reducing bacterium. The isolate was tentatively identified as Serratia sp. strain DRY5 based on the Biolog GN carbon utilization profiles and partial 16S rDNA molecular phylogeny. Strain DRY5 produced 2.3 times the amount of Mo-blue than S. marcescens strain Dr.Y6, 23 times more than E. coli K12 and 7 times more than E. cloacae strain 48. Strain DRY5 required 37 oC and pH 7.0 for optimum molybdenum reduction. Carbon sources such as sucrose, maltose, glucose and glycerol, supported cellular growth and molybdate reduction after 24 hr of static incubation. The most optimum carbon source that supported reduction was sucrose at 1.0% (w/v). Ammonium sulphate, ammonium chloride, glutamic acid, cysteine, and valine supported growth and molybdate reduction with ammonium sulphate as the optimum nitrogen source at 0.2% (w/v). Molybdate reduction was optimally supported by 30 mM molybdate. The optimum concentration of phosphate for molybdate reduction was 5 mM when molybdate concentration was fixed at 30 mM and molybdate reduction was totally inhibited at 100 mM phosphate. Mo-blue produced by this strain shows a unique characteristic absorption profile with a maximum peak at 865 nm and a shoulder at 700 nm. Dialysis tubing experiment showed that 95.42% of Mo-blue was found in the dialysis tubing suggesting that the molybdate reduction seen in this bacterium was catalyzed by enzyme(s). The characteristics of isolate DRY5 suggest that it would be useful in the bioremediation of molybdenum-containing waste.

role of succinylcholine in the prevention of the obturator nerve reflex during transurethral resection of bladder tumors

To present our 8 year experience in the prevention of the obturator nerve reflex during transurethral resection of bladder tumors. This study was performed in Ataturk University Hospital between 1999 and 2007. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 89 patients with inferolateral bladder tumors, who underwent transurethral resection under epidural or general anesthesia and requested obturator nerve reflex inhibition. Epidural anesthesia was administered to 57 patients, while the remaining 32 patients underwent general anesthesia via mask; and succinylcholine was administered prior to resection. Of the 57 patients received epidural anesthesia, 18 were diagnosed as inferolateral bladder tumors during endoscopy and had to undergo general anesthesia. Obturator nerve block was attempted preoperatively in 39 patients. However, a nerve identification failure, a hematoma, and 4 obturator nerve reflex events, despite the block, were observed and these patients were subjected to general anesthesia with succinylcholine. Fifty-six patients [32 patients initially had general anesthesia and 24 converted from epidural to general anesthesia] were all given succinylcholine prior to resection. Due to its mechanism of action, succinylcholine is completely effective and represents a simple alternative to obturator nerve block. No contraction was observed in any patient given succinylcholine

Biochemical analysis of serum panceratic amylase and lipase enzymes in patients with type1 and type2 diabetes mellitus

To examine the pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patient with diabetes mellitus by estimating serum pancreatic amylase and lipase enzymes in healthy subjects and in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. The study was conducted on 20 normal healthy volunteers and 39 diabetic patients referred to Al-Isra Medical Laboratory, Amman, Jordan during the period from April - November 2003 after recording their age and gender. The age of onset of diabetes and the type of treatment were determined and the patients were categorized into type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for fasting blood sugar [FBS], glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1C], serum insulin, and serum pancreatic amylase and lipase enzymes. All biochemical tests were carried out in the medical laboratories of Islamic Hospital, Amman, Jordan. All estimates were presented as means +/- SD, and statistical treatment of data were performed using student t-test. The FBS and HbA1C estimates were consistently higher in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, while no significant changes were observed in the estimates of serum insulin between the normal and diabetic patients. The reduction in serum pancreatic amylase was recorded in both types of diabetes, which amounted to 71% for type 1 diabetics and 49% for type 2 diabetics. On the other hand, reduction in serum lipase was only detected in type 1 diabetics amounting to 31%. Correlation of the reduction in serum amylase and lipase levels with the duration of disease revealed a remarkable decrease in both enzymes in patients with long-standing disease [76% and 39%] in type 1 diabetic patients. Whereas, patients with very low serum insulin estimates the reduction in serum amylase was 77% while serum lipase level was reduced by 42%. Similarly, the reduction in serum amylase in type 2 diabetes was higher in patients with longer duration of illness [59%] and in patients with low serum insulin value [79%], while reduction in serum lipase was only detected in patients with very low serum insulin [34%]. No differences in all measured parameters between males and females were recorded in type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Although most of diabetic research has been focused on dyslipidemia as a major risk factor for cardiac, cerebral and renal complications, the present study clearly illustrates an impairment of pancreatic exocrine function in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We suggest that analysis of serum pancreatic enzymes could be an additional informative parameter for the assessment of chronicity and progress of the illness as well as the response to therapy

Effects of sevoflurane and desflurane in CA1 after incomplete cerebral ischemia in rats

We compared the postischemic cerebral protective effects of sevoflurane and desflurane in rats with incomplete cerebral ischemia. This study was performed in Ataturk University Medical Faculty in Erzurum, Turkey in 2003. All rats were anesthetized with 5% isoflurane, intubated and mechanically ventilated, then given 2% isoflurane in 70% nitrous oxide and 30% O2. The femoral artery was cannulated. Five minutes before ischemia, and at the end of ischemia, arterial blood was taken for plasma glucose, hematocrit and blood gas analysis. Hypotension was induced by hemorrhage, and then both common carotid arteries were clamped for 10 minutes. In the control group, the arteries were then unclamped and the rats were extubated. In the other 2 groups, isoflurane was discontinued after carotid artery unclamping, and either 2% sevoflurane or 6% desflurane in 70% nitrous oxide and 30% O2 was given for 30 minutes, after which the rats were extubated. Five days later, they were sacrificed, and histological scores in CA1 were graded on a scale 0-3. Histopathological outcome in sevoflurane and desflurane group was not different, but there were differences between sevoflurane and control [p<0.05], and desflurane and control [p<0.01]. These data indicate that sevoflurane and desflurane have cerebral protective effects when given after ischemia