Marker Assisted Molecular Investigation of Kappa-Casein Gene in Bos Indicus Sindhi Genetic Group Using HINFI Restriction Enzyme

Background: Present research aimed to determine molecular genotype of kappa-casein gene in female Red Sindhi cattle. This gene has great influence on the technologically advanced milk properties. Methods: Blood specimens (n=50) from females of this cattle breed at a well-managed farm in Sindh-Pakistan were collected and commercial kit was employed for DNA extraction. Genotype determination of κ-casein gene and alleles was done through PCR-RFLP technique by using primer; PCR products were digested upon HINFI restriction enzyme. The digested fragments were analyzed by electrophoresis on agarose gel using ethidium bromide to increase visibility. The bands were examined under ultra violet-light to study polymorphic locus on DNA fragments. Results: Digestion upon HINFI restriction enzyme of 350bp fragment indicated three patterns. The 1st (homozygote genotype BB), 2nd (homozygote genotype AA) and 3rd (heterozygote genotype AB) patterns yielded major fragment(s) of 1) 266bp, 2) 134bp and 132bp and 3) 134bp, 132bp and 266bp, respectively. Each of the three patterns yielded one minor fragment of 84bp. The genotype frequency for homozygote AA and the allelic frequency of allele A were higher than the same for homozygote genotype BB and the allelic frequency of allele B, respectively. Conclusions: An accurate profile of genetic make-up and alternate forms of κ-casein genes in Sindhi cattle is likely to help researchers, policy makers, immunologists, dietitians, neonatologists, community physicians and managerial as well as production level officials to exploit it to full potential.

experience of ear diseases among the medical students of Isra university Hyderabad [Sindh]

Objective: To determine the frequency of ear diseases among the medical students of Isra University

Study design: A Descriptive, Cross sectional study

Place and duration: E.N.T department Isra University Hospital Hyderabad, in two years; from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012

Methodology: All medical students of Isra University Hyderabad who visited E.N.T department for complaints related to ears were selected for this study. We did a thorough ENT examination with particular emphasis on otological examination including pneumatic otoscopy, valsalva meanouvre, hearing assessment with tunning fork [512 Hz]. Data were extracted on especially designed proforma and Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 16

Results: 500 students were included in the study; 303 [61%] were females and 197 [39%] were males. Mean age was 22.7 and standard. Deviation +/- 1.521 range from 19 to 27 years. Majority of patients were diagnosed as having impacted wax [29%] or otomycosis [24%]. Some patients [22%] presented with vague otological symptoms but after a complete examination, no ear pathology was found. Majority of patients complained of earache [57%], hearing Impairment [56%] and aural heaviness or blockage [38%]

Conclusion: Although traumatic and infectious diseases of external and middle ear were found, but impacted wax and otomycosis were the most common diseases among the medical students of Isra university

Phorbol myristate acetate [PMA] induced megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells from human chronic myelogenous leukaemia patient

To observe the K562 cell line derived from a patient of chronic myelogenous leukemia differentiated into megakaryocytes by growing in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate [PMA]. The differentiation process of K562 cells was monitored by the expression of a platelet cell marker, CD61 through immunocytochemistry using mouse alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase [APAAP] complex employing fast red TR as substrate, crystal violet and MTT assay used for cell growth analysis. The crystal in the presence of PMA, cells obtained were of large size and less in number as compared to cells incubated without PMA where they were of smaller size and more in number and immunochemical reaction used to detect the presence of CD61, a platelet cell marker that is expressed during differentiation of K562 cells to megakaryocytes. The results showed that the addition of PMA to the growing culture of K562 cell lines induced differentiation, observed through CD61 expression and increase in cell size and cessation of proliferation

Vitamin-C protect ethanol induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in postnatal rat brain

To evaluate ethanol effects to induced activation of caspsae-3, and to observe the protective effects of Vitamin C [vit-C] on ethanol-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in rat cortical area of brain. Administration of a single dose of ethanol in 7-d postnatal [P7] rats triggers activation of caspase-3 and widespread apoptotic neuronal death. Western blot analysis, cells counting and Nissl staining were used to elucidate possible protective effect of vit-C against ethanol-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in brain. The results showed that ethanol significantly increased caspase-3 expression and neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, the co-treatment of vit-C along with ethanol showed significantly decreased expression of caspase-3 as compare to control group. Our findings indicate that vit-C can prevent some of the deleterious effect of ethanol on developing rat brain when given after ethanol exposure and can be used as an effective protective agent for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [FAS]