In vitro Evaluation of Corn Germ Meal as Ruminant Feed

The present study was taken up to assess the chemical composition and in vitro nutritional worth of corn germ meal (CGM) in comparison to conventional oilseed cakes used in livestock feeding. The CP content of protein sources varied from 18.59% in CGM to 49.41% in soybean meal (SBM). CGM had the highest ether extract (EE) content, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and total carbohydrates. However, total ash, acid detergent insoluble crude protein (ADICP) and neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP) was lowest in CGM. In vitro net gas production in CGM (267.91 ml/g DM/24 h) was higher (P<0.05) than other conventional oil cakes. The digestibility of organic matter varied from 85.12% in DMC (deoiled mustard cake) to 96.19% in SBM. The ME availability was highest (P<0.05) in CGM (9.63 MJ/kg DM). Ammonical nitrogen in CGM was lower (P<0.05) than SBM and GNC (groundnut cake).The total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) production (mM/dl) was highest (P<0.05) in GNC (12.56) and lowest (P<0.05) in CGM (9.31). Methane production was lowest (P<0.05) in CGM than other conventional oil cakes. Hydrogen recovery (%) was higher (P<0.05) in CGM (65.76) and SBM (65.78) than other protein sources tested. Fermentation efficiency (%) was higher (P<0.05) in SBM (77.02) and GNC (76.75) while volatile fatty acids utilization index (VFA UI) was higher (P<0.05) in CGM (2.92) and DMC (2.84) than other protein sources tested. The results revealed that CGM can be used as a potential protein source for ruminants.

Is concurrent prophylactic use of acetazolamide and dexamethasone superior to acetazolamide alone in un-acclimatized lowlanders on ascent to high altitude.

This pilot study was undertaken in lowlanders, during their ascent from 2600 m to 3500 m, to evaluate the effects of Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone on Cardio-Respiratory parameters and Exercise Capacity. 40 un-acclimatised low-landers were divided into 2 groups. Subjects of Group ‘A’ were given Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone and those of Group ‘B’ were given Acetazolamide and placebo. 8 subjects matched for age, physical fitness, height and weight were randomly selected from each study group and were evaluated for their Exercise Capacities. Both study groups showed significant rise in Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate and a significant fall in Systolic Blood Pressure. There was no difference in Exercise capacities achieved by subjects of two groups at 3500 m.

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome: a case report with familial clustering.

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, also known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, is a rare autosomal dominant disorder manifested by telangiectases of the skin and mucous membranes and arteriovenous malformations of various organ systems. We present a case of Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome with 11 affected members in her family.

Immunomodulators in clinical practice.

Immunomodulators have opened new vistas in the management of the immunocompromised patient. They have been shown to enhance the efficacy of vaccines in infections, head and neck malignancy, the immunosuppressed and recently in AIDS. The mechanism of their action is discussed. They hold promise of further advances in immunotherapy.

Motor and sensory conduction in peripheral nerves of unanaesthetized streptozotocin diabetic and normal rats during ischemia.

Motor nerve conduction velocities (MNCVs) of ventral peripheral tail nerves of unanaesthetized streptozotocin diabetic rats were examined in comparison to age matched normal rats under normal and ischemic conditions. A miniature blood pressure cuff was applied to the base of the tail and was adjusted to provide complete vascular occlusion for 30 min. MNCVs were recorded during ischemia and in the post-ischemic period. MNCVs were markedly reduced during ischemia in normal rats but were unchanged in diabetic rats. Conversely, the sensation of heat induced pain was retained to an equal extent in normal and diabetic rats during ischemia states. The abnormal resistance to ischemia of MNCV of peripheral nerves is an early and sensitive index of nerve dysfunction and precedes slowing of MNCV in diabetic rats. The results suggest that initial peripheral nerve abnormalities in diabetic rats may be related to biochemical changes rather than axonopathy and may have heuristic significant for clinical diabetic neuropathy.

Arrest reaction with concomitant spike and wave afterdischarge following thalamic stimulation in conscious juvenile monkeys with Al (OH)3 focal premotor lesions.

The behavioural and electroencephalographic responses resulting from stimulation of a specific area in the nucleus medialis dorsalis (nMD) of unanaesthetized juvenile Rhesus monkeys is described. A behavioural arrest reaction, lack of awareness and motor inhibition with concomitant 2 1/2 to 3Hz spike and wave EEG afterdischarge patterns were obtained by stimulation of the nMD in monkeys with bilaterally symmetrical aluminium hydroxide Al (OH)3 lesions in anterior premotor cortical areas.

Experimental spike and wave EEG pattern from thalamic stimulation in anaesthetized juvenile monkeys.

A bilaterally synchronous 3/sec spike and wave pattern in the EEG can be obtained during stimulation of the nucleus medialis dorsalis (nMD) and nucleus paracentralis (nPC) of the thalamus, in lightly anaesthetized juvenile monkeys. The spike and wave EEG patterns have a frequency of 2 1/2 to 3Hz and occur during low frequency stimulation, without continuing into the post-stimulatory phase. Stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) at higher voltages inhibits the thalamic-induced spike and wave response. This finding has heuristic significance, as activating stimuli arrest the wave and spike EEG pattern of human absence (petit mal epilepsy) seizures. The study also demonstrates the morphological similarity of the 3/sec spike and wave thalamic induced response in experimental and clinical absence states as well as similarities in their alterations with different levels of activation.