Identify the Phenotypic Indicators for Prognostic of Hypothetical Litter Size of Black Bengal Goat

The present investigation recorded that the average litter size was 2.03 per doe and the prolificacy rate being 202.92%. The result indicates that the litter size proportion for single, twin and triplet were 28.3%, 40.4% and 31.3% respectively. The present study revealed substantial phenotypic variations among the goats bearing single, twin and triplet foetus. Based on stepwise discriminant function to find out month wise phenotypic descriptors, some important linear traits namely Punch girth (PG), Body Weight (BW), Rump Length (RL), Croup Height (CrH), Clearance of Sternum (CS), Distance between Tuber coxae (DTC), Distance between Trochanter major (DTM), Head-Rump Length (HRL), Body Length (BL), Curved Head-Rump Length (HRCL), Heart girth (HG, Pelvic Triangle (PLVT) and Wither Height (WH); were identified to be significant in discriminating the foetal numbers between groups. Out of these, HRL measurement might be considered as one of the best indicator for higher Litter Size (LZ) during the second, third, fourth, fifth parity. Other best suitable phenotypic descriptors like BL, CS, PG, PLVT and BW could be used to predict probable kidding size.

Reproductive Traits for Identifying Prolific Black Bengal Goat (Capra hircus bengalensis)

The present investigation recorded that the average litter size was 2.03 per doe and the prolificacy rate being 202.92%. The result indicates that the litter size proportion for single, twin and triplet were 28.3%, 40.4% and 31.3% respectively. There was a tendency of increasing body weight with higher litter size and such variation was highly significant (P<0.01). The result revealed that the overall mean age of first estrus was 209.08±2.06 days. Maximum age of first conception was 226.18±5.39 days when the animal gave single birth and the minimum AC was 216.65±4.9 days when it produced triplet indicating that failure of conception was more in single bearing does. Service period were recorded to very significantly (P<0.01) among different litter bearing groups, the highest value was observed in triplet producing does (80.88±4.68 days). This is an important finding to understand that, less Age of Puberty (AP), Age at 1stConception (AC), Days Open (DO) & Kidding Interval (KI) has prominent benefit for multiple foetuses and thus achieving economic benefit.

Estimate the Serum Trace Minerals of Female Black Bengal Goats at Different Stages

Serum hormone level was estimated to find out FSH, LH and total estrogen for all the animals under three treatment groups from 20 to 55 week. The FSH level (from 0.56 to 1.32 ng/ml; 0.91 to 1.91 ng/ml and 0.46 to 1.36 ng/ml for first, second and third treatment group, respectively) was higher in the second group; and third group had lowest level out of the three groups. The serum LH level (0.46 to 1.40 ng/ml and 0.27 to 1.91 ng/dl in first and second treatment group, respectively) showed similar pattern like FSH. The total estrogen was higher in the first treatment group (1.08 to 4.2 pg/ml) than that of the second group (0.14 to 2.30pg/ml) and third group ((0.04 to 2.37 pg/ml)). The serum biochemical profiles of the animals under three groups were estimated by serum glucose, total protein in blood and serum cholesterol levels. The glucose level varied from 65.66 to 77.11, 50.03 to 63.78 and 55.22 to 68.66 mg/dl for the first, second and third group, respectively, with higher value at the time of service. The total protein level did not vary much among the animals under three treatment groups (64.45 to 78.55 g/l). The serum cholesterol level varied between 50.17 to 110.05 mg/dl among all the animals irrespective of groups. During prepubertal period this value was low, but it was higher during pubertal period, time of several other services and towards pregnancy for all groups of animals. Regarding the serum trace mineral status, serum copper level showed higher value from 7 months onwards; serum zinc and iron level were almost similar in first and second group; and the third group showed lower value for all the trace minerals. All the good effects noticed in the first treatment group were due to the non-hormonal factors applied to them through nutrition and buck. The effects in the second group of animals was due to the nutritional effect, whereas, the third group showed poor performance without any support from nutrition and social interaction through buck.

An overview of the recent trends in HIV/AIDS in the United States.

This paper reviews the recent trends in the HIV/AIDS disease in the United States focusing on how the disease has matured over time and has now started to affect population segments that were not typically considered at-risk. The data reveals that HIV/AIDS levels have increased among women while it has decreased among men. HIV/AIDS has disproportionately affected the African American population while the levels have declined among whites. The case fatality rates of AIDS have declined from about 93% to 6% between 1981 and 1995. Overall the epidemic has slowed in the United States and more people affected with this disease are living longer. This can be attributed to effective treatment available and the increase in the general awareness of the disease in the US.

Antibacterial activity of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil.

Ocimum sanctum fixed oil showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where S. aureus was the most sensitive organism. Sesame and soyabean oils also showed moderate activity against S. aureus. Higher content of linolenic acid in O. sanctum fixed oil could contribute towards its antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity combined with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the oil, could make it useful in inflammatory disorder resulting from staphylococcal infection.

Insulin in type 2 diabetes: promises to keep.

The concept which has evolved in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus is early insulin therapy. In type 2 diabetes mellitus first phase insulin response is grossly impaired on eventually absent, overburdening phase 2 responses which obviously fail to compensate in the long run. Perpetuation of the age old practice to continue OHA while almost all beta-cells are exhausted is only buying time for starting insulin. Preservation of beta-cell function by early insulin therapy yields two important benefits: (1) Better glycaemic control at lower medication dose and (2) relative freedom from hypoglycaemia because of well preserved glucagon response. To ensure and to translate the proper action of insulin in the target organs we are now talking about designer insulins which are basically insulin analogues (short and long acting). So type 2 diabetes is a growing menace and is responsible for severe morbidity, mortality and poor quality of life. Good glycaemic control from the very beginning of diabetes has shown to favourably influence all of these and is accepted as a cardinal goal of proper diabetes care.

Pulmonary involvement in chronic arsenic poisoning from drinking contaminated ground-water.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic arsenic poisoning, due to ingestion of contaminated ground-water, is a major public health problem in West Bengal. It causes multiorgan damage. The present study attempts to objectively investigate the pulmonary involvement by examining the lung function. The nature of lung changes was also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and seven subjects with (cases) and 52 subjects without (controls) chronic arsenic poisoning were examined by spirometry. Forced expiratory volume-I second (FEVI), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in five cases with and five cases without pulmonary involvement. RESULTS: Thirty three (30.8%) cases and four (7.6%) controls (p<0.01) had respiratory involvement. The pattern of involvement in cases was: obstructive- 20(68.9%) (including three (10%) with bronchiectasis), restrictive- 1(3.5%), mixed- 8(27.6%), malignancy- 4(12.1%) (adenocarcinoma-I, squamous cell- 2, undifferentiated- I). FEVI (69.7+/-25.9 [n=105] vs 83.7+/-15.19 [n=51], p=0.0005), FVC (77.4+/-22.7 [n=105] vs 85.6+/-18.23 [n=51], p=0.025), FEVI/FVC (73.6+/-13.38 [n=105] vs 79.1+/-18.65 [n=52], p=0.007) and PEFR (53.9+/-21.52 [n= 103] vs 67.3+/-18.36 [n=51], p=0.0002) (percent of predicted) were all reduced more in cases compared to controls. Worsening of these parameters correlated with increasing degree of arsenic toxicity. Markers of inflammation (macrophage, lactate dehydrogenase, nitric oxide) were apparently more in the BAL fluid of those with lung involvement than in those without, though the arsenic content did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Chronic arsenic poisoning causes pulmonary involvement, predominantly obstructive, the degree of which worsens with increasing degree of arsenic toxicity. Inflammation, rather than direct toxicity, appears to be the underlying mechanism.

Effect of preservative, antioxidant and viscolizing agents on in vitro transcorneal permeation of ketorolac tromethamine.

The influence of formulation additives, e.g. preservative, antioxidant and viscolizing agents on in vitro transcorneal permeation of ketorolac tromethamine from 0.5%(w/v) aqueous drop was studied using goat cornea. Permeation characteristics of drug, from selected formulations, through excised rabbit cornea were also evaluated. Aqueous solution of ketorolac tromethamine (0.5% w/v), pH 6.5 or 7.0 having ionic strength 0.2, was prepared. To this solution perservatives either alone or in combination with other additives were added to have drops of various composition. Permeation studies with goat cornea showed maximum permeation of ketorolac tromethamine from formulation containing benzalkonium chloride and disodium edetate. Increase in viscosity of drop resulted in decreased permeation of drug. Formulation containing benzalkonium chloride and disodium edetate also increased permeation of drug through rabbit cornea. Cumulative permeation of drug through rabbit cornea was found to be 2.3-2.4 fold higher than that observed with goat cornea.

Management of the Budd-Chiari syndrome by balloon cavoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Obstruction of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) by a membrane or stricture is the commonest cause of Budd-Chiari syndrome in the eastern hemisphere. We present our experience with the outcome of balloon cavoplasty in such cases. METHODS: We followed up 40 consecutive cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome over seven years. Doppler study of hepatic venous outflow tract (in all cases), liver biopsy (30 cases) and necropsy (two cases) were performed. Balloon cavoplasty was done in selected cases. RESULTS: Of 40 patients with BCS (mean age 35.2 [SD 8.7] years; 26 men) 5, 5 and 30 had fulminant, acute and chronic presentation, respectively. Inferior vena cavography was performed in 32 cases, and showed membranous obstruction of the IVC in 12, segmental occlusion of the IVC in 11 cases, and block in both the IVC and the main hepatic veins in the rest. Successful balloon cavoplasty was done in 18 cases with obstruction of the IVC (membrane or stricture); 15 of them are well over a mean follow up of 56 (14.6) months. Three patients developed restenosis; two of them, treated with redilatation, are doing well, and one died of septicemia and hepatic failure following a surgical bypass. Pressure gradient between the IVC and right atrium decreased significantly after cavoplasty (15.4 [2.8] vs 6.6 [2.0] mmHg; p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Balloon cavoplasty gave encouraging results in the management of Budd-Chiari syndrome due to membranous obstruction or stricture of the IVC.

Permeation through cornea.

The permeability of the cornea to drugs is clinically important because it is the major factor determining the efficacy of topically applied ophthalmic preparations. With this perspective, the present article gives a brief update and overview of corneal structure and proposed mechanisms of permeation. Physiological, physicochemical and formulation factors affecting drug permeation through cornea are highlighted. Influence of ocular penetration enhancers on drug permeation is also discussed.

Effect of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil on vascular permeability and leucocytes migration.

Ocimum sanctum fixed oil significantly inhibited the rise in protein concentration and dye leakage in peritoneal fluid in experimentally induced peritoneal inflammation in mice. In carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats, the fixed oil showed significant inhibition of leucocytes migration in the pleural exudate. The results suggest that the fixed oil can inhibit enhancement of the vascular/capillary permability and leucocyte migration following inflammatory stimulus.

Physiological and psychological effects of ageing in man.

A cross-sectional study involving men in various age groups was carried out to evaluate some of the physiological and psychological correlates responsible for functional alteration with advancement of age. Each group consisted of 20 soldiers. Their resting physiological variables, lung function parameters, psychophysiological tests, and different mental functions were studied in thermoneutral laboratory. The results revealed the age related decline in various physiological and psychological functions.

In vitro transcorneal permeation of ketorolac from oil based ocular drops and ophthalmic ointment.

Transcorneal permeation of ketorolac from oil based ocular drops and ophthalmic ointments was studied in vitro, using goat cornea. Cumulative (%) permeation of ketorolac through cornea, was found to be maximum with 0.2% (w/v) ketorolac drops in sesame oil followed by formulations in corn oil and soyabean oil. Ketorolac 1% (w/v) drops in castor oil increased the quantity permeated but cumulative (%) permeation was less. Permeation profiles of ketorolac were in consistence with the partition characteristic of drug between oil and aqueous phase. Formulations favouring corneal permeation of ketorolac increased corneal hydration. Addition of benzyl alcohol, a preservative, to oil drops reduced permeation of ketorolac and corneal hydration indicating possible protective effect of benzyl alcohol against corneal damage. Permeation studies on ointment formulations containing either ketorolac acid or ketorolac tromethamine salt indicated better permeation for formulation containing ketorolac tromethamine aqueous solution. Thus for better transcorneal permeation, ketorolac 0.2% (w/v) drops, formulated in sesame oil, containing 0.5% v/v benzyl alcohol and ophthalmic ointment containing 0.5% (w/w) ketorolac tromethamine in dissolved state appear suitable.

In vitro transcorneal permeation of ketorolac tromethamine from buffered and unbuffered aqueous ocular drops.

In vitro transcorneal permeation of ketorolac tromethamine from 0.5% w/v solutions containing equimolar (0.02 M) concentrations of citrate (pH 6.5), phosphate (pH 6.5 and 7), citrate-phosphate (pH 7) and borate (pH 7) buffers was studied using goat cornea. Cumulative % permeation was maximum with phosphate buffered drops of pH 6.5. The effect of pH and ionic strength on permeation of ketorolac tromethamine from buffered (phosphate) drops was next investigated. Cumulative % permeation of ketorolac tromethamine from buffered drops was pH dependent being maximum at pH 4.5. Adjustment of ionic strength of drops to 0.2 resulted in decreased permeation of drug. Permeation of ketorolac tromethamine from unbuffered drops of varying pH and ionic strength 0.2 was also pH dependent and was maximum at pH 4.5. Buffered drops of pH between 4.5-5.5, ionic strength 0.2, provided better permeation of drug compared to unbuffered drops of same pH and ionic strength. Above pH 6.5 unbuffered drops showed better permeation than buffered drops. Increase in molarity of phosphate buffer (pH 4.5) used in making drops, between 0 to 0.15 M increased permeation. Aqueous drops of ketorolac tromethamine formulated in 0.15 M phosphate buffer of pH 4.5 and ionic strength 0.2 showed maximum cumulative % permeation in vitro. Considering lacrimation induced drug loss in vivo, by buffer of high concentration, ketorolac tromethamine drops formulated in buffer of low molarity, pH 4.5 and ionic strength 0.2 appear suitable.

Effect of concentration, pH, and preservative on in vitro transcorneal permeation of ibuprofen and flurbiprofen from non-buffered aqueous drops.

Influence of drug concentration, pH of aqueous drops and some commonly used preservatives on in vitro transcorneal permeation of ibuprofen and flurbiprofen were investigated using goat cornea. Increase in drug concentration in the drops made in normal saline resulted in increase in quantity permeated but decrease in cumulative percent permeation of both drugs. Permeation of each drug from 0.5% drops was maximum at acidic pH (6.4) and decreased with increase in pH of the drops. Normal saline, as a vehicle, favoured permeation of each drug, hence retained in the formulation. Benzalkonium chloride and chlorobutanol enhanced cumulative percent permeation of ibuprofen while benzalkonium chloride and phenyl mercuric nitrate increased permeation of flurbiprofen. Benzalkonium chloride being incompatible with 0.5% drops (pH 6.4) of either drug, chlorobutanol appears suitable for ibuprofen drops and phenyl mercuric nitrate for flurbiprofen drops.

Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of fatty acids of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil.

Ocimum sanctum fixed oil and linolenic acid were found to possess significant antiinflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. Plant lipids like linseed oil and soyabean oil containing linolenic acid when tested along with O. sanctum fixed oil, also showed significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema. The results suggest that linolenic acid present in O. sanctum fixed oil has the capacity to block both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism and could be responsible for the antiinflammatory activity of the oil.

Chemical and pharmacological studies on fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum.

Gas liquid chromatographic analysis of fixed oil of O. sanctum revealed the presence of five fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids). The triglyceride fraction of the oil showed higher protection compared to fixed oil against carrageenam-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhings in rats and mice, respectively. The pharmacological activity of the fixed oil could be attributed to its triglyceride fraction or the fatty acids.

Hepatic histology in chronic liver disease in hepatitis B surface antigen positive cases.

The spectrum of histological changes in needle biopsies of the liver tissue was analysed in 43 patients with chronic liver disease who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in their sera. Majority of the patients were around 40 years and there was a male predominance. According to histopathological pattern, there were 18 (41.8%) cases of chronic active hepatitis, 16 (37.2%) cases of inactive cirrhosis, 3 (6.9%) cases of chronic persistent hepatitis and 2 (4.7%) cases of chronic lobular hepatitis and hepatoma each. Two (4.7%) cases could not be exactly categorised into any particular histological entity. The inflammation, hepatic cell necrosis and fibrosis were more marked in cases of chronic active hepatitis without past history of jaundice. Micronodular cirrhosis was the most common histological pattern in the study. Shikata orcein stain for detection of HBsAg in the hepatocytes was positive in 8 (18.6%) cases only.