Cypermethrin-induced Repeated-dose Immuno-toxicity in Oryctolagus Cuniculus: An Investigation into Pathology of Spleen and Blood

Background: Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide widely used in agriculture and medicines. Its toxicity effects on spleen and blood in male and female rabbits is studied in this research. Methods: Age- and weight-matched does/females (n=24) and bucks/males (n=24) of Japanese White rabbits were subjected to intraperitoneal cypermethrin administration @50, 100 and 150 mg.kg-1 b.wt. in groups B, C and D, respectively.  The experimental rabbit does and bucks were tested for hematology alterations after each of 5 CY-treatments, at days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.  One rabbit doe and one rabbit buck were sacrificed fortnightly (days 15, 29, 43, 57 and 71) to obtain spleen for histological studies. Results: CY-treated rabbit bucks developed anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, monocytosis, eosinophilia and basocytopenia mostly in dose and time dependent manner.  In contrast, rabbit does show transient but significant leukocytosis, neutropenia, lymphopenia, monocytosis, eosinophilia and basophilia only in high dose group.  Moreover, spleen histology revealed congestion, depletion of white pulp with increased red pulp and hemosiderin deposition in CY treated rabbit bucks, but not rabbit does. Conclusions: This study concludes that immuno-toxicity by cypermethrin insecticide is not similar in male and female subjects.

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.

Microscopy of gram stained uncentrifuged drop of urine for presumptive diagnosis of urinary tract infections

To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of microscopic examination of Gram stained uncentrifuged drop of urine for presumptive diagnosis of urinary tract infections [UTI]. 250 samples collected from March 2005 to August 2005 comprising of both in patient and out patient samples were analyzed. Urine sample was homogenized and a nickel-chrome loop, calibrated to 10 micro l was used to take a drop of urine and was applied on glass slide [25mm x 75mm]. The drop was allowed to dry in air at room temperature [25°C approx.] without spreading. The slides after drying were stained with Gram method of staining. The microscopic examination was carried out with a 100x oil immersion objective, 30 fields were examined. Observation of one or more microorganism per high power oil immersion lens was taken as a positive reading. Culture of urine was taken as reference method and performed by using filter paper strips applying 2micro l of urine on cystine-lactose-electrolyte-deficient agar. Culture results obtaining a mixed growth of >/= 2 organisms were excluded out of the study. Only those cultures were taken as positive and made part of the study which yielded more than 10[5] or 10[4] to 10[5] CFU of pure single type /ml of urine. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated by using appropriate formulas. A total of 250 samples were processed for the study. Out of which 39 [15.6%] samples yielded mixed growth of > 2 organisms. All these samples were excluded out of the study [remaining 211 samples]. Microscopic examination of 97[45.9%] samples showed no organism and no growth was obtained on subsequent culture of these samples [true negative]. 61 [28.9%] samples were found to have >/= 1 organism in Gram stained smear of uncentrifuged single drop of urine and their culture yielded growth of > 10[5] or 10[4] to 10[5] CFU of pure single type /ml of urine [true positive]. No organism was detected on microscopic examination of 9 [4.2%] samples however pure growth of single organism was obtained on their culture [false negative]. >/= 1 organisms were seen on the microscopic examination of 44 [20.8%] samples which failed to grow on culture media [false positive]. Sensitivity [87.1%], specificity [61 .39%], positive predictive value [58.09%], negative predictive value [91.5%] was calculated by using respective formulas. This method provides a good negative predictive value and helps to rule out the presence of UTI efficiently when bacteria are not seen on microscopic examination. A very simple method without the use of laboratory centrifuge and culture media makes it an ideal practice in peripheral laboratories devoid of adequate resources and facilities to deal with one of the most commonly received specimens

Ground water in southern areas of Faisalabad; biochemical analysis

Objective: To evaluate biochemically the water pollution by estimating various quality parameters of ground water supply available in the southern area of Faisalabad. Design: Prospective study Setting: Biochemistry Department Punjab Medical College Faisalabad and Soil Research laboratory of AARI Jhang Road Faisalabad. Duration: May 2000 to September 2000

Material and Methods: Different parameters were divided into three different categories i.e. Highly-desirable [HD], Maximum-permissible [MP] and In-Tolerant [IT] limit groups

Results: Total Hardness [HD] showed 35% in HD, 40% in MP and 25% in IT limits. Similarly Total Dissolved Solids [TDS] were 23% in HD, 52% in MP and 25% in IT range. The Ca was 30%in HD, 50% in MP and 20% in IT limits. The Mg showed 50% in HD, 38% in MP and 12% in IT range. Similarly Cl was, 45% in HD, 32% in MP and 23% in IT range. Lastly SO4 percentage showed 45% in HD, 37.5% in MP and only 17.5% in IT limit

Conclusions: The result showed that people living in Bawaywala area were consuming highly polluted water and similarly the peoples of other colonies are using more or less the same type of water