Morphometric measurements and carcass characteristics of Black Australorp, Naked Neck, and Rhode Island Red crossbreds under alternative production systems / Medições morfométricas e características de carcaça de Black Australorp, Naked Neck e Rhode Island Red crossbreds sob sistemas de produção alternativos

The present trial explained the effect of alternative production systems on growth, morphometric and carcass traits of four different chicken genotypes. The second generation of two genotypes RNN (Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck) and BNN (Black Australorp × Naked Neck) obtained by two self-crosses (RNN × RNN = RR and BNN × BNN = BB) and two reciprocal crosses (RNN × BNN = RB and BNN × RNN = BR) were evaluated in three alternative production systems (conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary). At the 6th week of age after sexing, a total of 600 birds, comprising 150 from each crossbred with a total of 300 pullets and 300 cockerels were divided into conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary systems having 200 birds in each.Birds were organized into 3×4 factorial arrangements under Completely Randomized Design (3 production systems × 4 genotypes × 2 sexes × 25 birds = 600 birds). Regarding genotypes, RB and BR males showed higher (p < 0.01) carcass yield, drumstick weight, breast weight, and thigh weight than BB and RR genotypes. Females of BR genotype showed higher (p < 0.01) breast weight, thigh weight and drumstick weight. As far as production systems are concerned, higher (p < 0.01) liver weight, heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight were observed in the males reared in enriched cages compared with conventional cages and aviary system. Females reared in enriched cages showed higher (p < 0.01) heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight when compared with those reared in conventional cages and aviary. It is concluded that chickens (both sexes) of BR and RB genotypes had better morphological measurements and carcass traits than those of RR and BB genotype chickens. Among alternative production systems, chickens reared in enriched cages had better traits than those of reared in conventional cages and aviary during the growing phase.

O presente estudo explicou o efeito de sistemas alternativos de produção sobre o crescimento, características morfométricas e carcaças de quatro genótipos de frango diferentes. A segunda geração de dois genótipos RNN (Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck) e BNN (Black Australorp × Naked Neck) obtida por duas autocruzes (RNN × RNN = RR e B ANN × BNN = BB) e duas cruzes recíprocas (RNN × BNN = RB e BNN × RNN = BR) foi avaliada em três sistemas de produção alternativos (gaiolas convencionais, gaiolas enriquecidas e aviário). Na 6ª semana de idade após o sexo, um total de 600 aves, compostas por 150 de cada raça cruzada com um total de 300 pullets e 300 galos, foi dividido em gaiolas convencionais, gaiolas enriquecidas e sistemas aviários com 200 aves em cada. As aves foram organizadas em 3×4 arranjos fatoriais sob projeto completamente randomizado (3 sistemas de produção × 4 genótipos × 2 sexos × 25 aves = 600 aves). Em relação aos genótipos, os machos RB e BR apresentaram maior rendimento de carcaça (p < 0,01), peso da baqueta, peso mamário e peso da coxa do que os genótipos BB e RR. As fêmeas do genótipo BR apresentaram maior (p < 0,01) peso mamário, peso da coxa e peso da baqueta. No que diz respeito aos sistemas de produção, maior (p < 0,01) peso hepático, peso cardíaco, peso mamário, peso intestinal, peso da baqueta e peso da coxa foram observados nos machos criados em gaiolas enriquecidas em comparação com gaiolas convencionais e sistema aviário. As fêmeas criadas em gaiolas enriquecidas apresentaram maior (p < 0,01) peso cardíaco, peso mamário, peso intestinal, peso da baqueta e peso da coxa quando comparadas com as criadas em gaiolas convencionais e aviárias. Conclui-se que as galinhas (ambos os sexos) dos genótipos BR e RB apresentaram melhores medidas morfológicas e traços de carcaça do que os de frangos genótipos RR e BB. Entre os sistemas de produção alternativos, [...].

Morphometric measurements and carcass characteristics of Black Australorp, Naked Neck, and Rhode Island Red crossbreds under alternative production systems

Abstract The present trial explained the effect of alternative production systems on growth, morphometric and carcass traits of four different chicken genotypes. The second generation of two genotypes RNN (Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck) and BNN (Black Australorp × Naked Neck) obtained by two self-crosses (RNN × RNN = RR and BNN × BNN = BB) and two reciprocal crosses (RNN × BNN = RB and BNN × RNN = BR) were evaluated in three alternative production systems (conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary). At the 6th week of age after sexing, a total of 600 birds, comprising 150 from each crossbred with a total of 300 pullets and 300 cockerels were divided into conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary systems having 200 birds in each.Birds were organized into 3×4 factorial arrangements under Completely Randomized Design (3 production systems × 4 genotypes × 2 sexes × 25 birds = 600 birds). Regarding genotypes, RB and BR males showed higher (p 0.01) carcass yield, drumstick weight, breast weight, and thigh weight than BB and RR genotypes. Females of BR genotype showed higher (p 0.01) breast weight, thigh weight and drumstick weight. As far as production systems are concerned, higher (p 0.01) liver weight, heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight were observed in the males reared in enriched cages compared with conventional cages and aviary system. Females reared in enriched cages showed higher (p 0.01) heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight when compared with those reared in conventional cages and aviary. It is concluded that chickens (both sexes) of BR and RB genotypes had better morphological measurements and carcass traits than those of RR and BB genotype chickens. Among alternative production systems, chickens reared in enriched cages had better traits than those of reared in conventional cages and aviary during the growing phase.

Resumo O presente estudo explicou o efeito de sistemas alternativos de produção sobre o crescimento, características morfométricas e carcaças de quatro genótipos de frango diferentes. A segunda geração de dois genótipos RNN (Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck) e BNN (Black Australorp × Naked Neck) obtida por duas autocruzes (RNN × RNN = RR e B ANN × BNN = BB) e duas cruzes recíprocas (RNN × BNN = RB e BNN × RNN = BR) foi avaliada em três sistemas de produção alternativos (gaiolas convencionais, gaiolas enriquecidas e aviário). Na 6ª semana de idade após o sexo, um total de 600 aves, compostas por 150 de cada raça cruzada com um total de 300 pullets e 300 galos, foi dividido em gaiolas convencionais, gaiolas enriquecidas e sistemas aviários com 200 aves em cada. As aves foram organizadas em 3×4 arranjos fatoriais sob projeto completamente randomizado (3 sistemas de produção × 4 genótipos × 2 sexos × 25 aves = 600 aves). Em relação aos genótipos, os machos RB e BR apresentaram maior rendimento de carcaça (p 0,01), peso da baqueta, peso mamário e peso da coxa do que os genótipos BB e RR. As fêmeas do genótipo BR apresentaram maior (p 0,01) peso mamário, peso da coxa e peso da baqueta. No que diz respeito aos sistemas de produção, maior (p 0,01) peso hepático, peso cardíaco, peso mamário, peso intestinal, peso da baqueta e peso da coxa foram observados nos machos criados em gaiolas enriquecidas em comparação com gaiolas convencionais e sistema aviário. As fêmeas criadas em gaiolas enriquecidas apresentaram maior (p 0,01) peso cardíaco, peso mamário, peso intestinal, peso da baqueta e peso da coxa quando comparadas com as criadas em gaiolas convencionais e aviárias. Conclui-se que as galinhas (ambos os sexos) dos genótipos BR e RB apresentaram melhores medidas morfológicas e traços de carcaça do que os de frangos genótipos RR e BB. Entre os sistemas de produção alternativos, as galinhas criadas em gaiolas enriquecidas tinham características melhores do que as criadas em gaiolas convencionais e aviárias durante a fase de cultivo.

Morphometric measurements and carcass characteristics of Black Australorp, Naked Neck, and Rhode Island Red crossbreds under alternative production systems / Medições morfométricas e características de carcaça de Black Australorp, Naked Neck e Rhode Island Red crossbreds sob sistemas de produção alternativos

Abstract The present trial explained the effect of alternative production systems on growth, morphometric and carcass traits of four different chicken genotypes. The second generation of two genotypes RNN (Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck) and BNN (Black Australorp × Naked Neck) obtained by two self-crosses (RNN × RNN = RR and BNN × BNN = BB) and two reciprocal crosses (RNN × BNN = RB and BNN × RNN = BR) were evaluated in three alternative production systems (conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary). At the 6th week of age after sexing, a total of 600 birds, comprising 150 from each crossbred with a total of 300 pullets and 300 cockerels were divided into conventional cages, enriched cages, and aviary systems having 200 birds in each.Birds were organized into 3×4 factorial arrangements under Completely Randomized Design (3 production systems × 4 genotypes × 2 sexes × 25 birds = 600 birds). Regarding genotypes, RB and BR males showed higher (p < 0.01) carcass yield, drumstick weight, breast weight, and thigh weight than BB and RR genotypes. Females of BR genotype showed higher (p < 0.01) breast weight, thigh weight and drumstick weight. As far as production systems are concerned, higher (p < 0.01) liver weight, heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight were observed in the males reared in enriched cages compared with conventional cages and aviary system. Females reared in enriched cages showed higher (p < 0.01) heart weight, breast weight, intestinal weight, drumstick weight, and thigh weight when compared with those reared in conventional cages and aviary. It is concluded that chickens (both sexes) of BR and RB genotypes had better morphological measurements and carcass traits than those of RR and BB genotype chickens. Among alternative production systems, chickens reared in enriched cages had better traits than those of reared in conventional cages and aviary during the growing phase.

Resumo O presente estudo explicou o efeito de sistemas alternativos de produção sobre o crescimento, características morfométricas e carcaças de quatro genótipos de frango diferentes. A segunda geração de dois genótipos RNN (Rhode Island Red × Naked Neck) e BNN (Black Australorp × Naked Neck) obtida por duas autocruzes (RNN × RNN = RR e B ANN × BNN = BB) e duas cruzes recíprocas (RNN × BNN = RB e BNN × RNN = BR) foi avaliada em três sistemas de produção alternativos (gaiolas convencionais, gaiolas enriquecidas e aviário). Na 6ª semana de idade após o sexo, um total de 600 aves, compostas por 150 de cada raça cruzada com um total de 300 pullets e 300 galos, foi dividido em gaiolas convencionais, gaiolas enriquecidas e sistemas aviários com 200 aves em cada. As aves foram organizadas em 3×4 arranjos fatoriais sob projeto completamente randomizado (3 sistemas de produção × 4 genótipos × 2 sexos × 25 aves = 600 aves). Em relação aos genótipos, os machos RB e BR apresentaram maior rendimento de carcaça (p < 0,01), peso da baqueta, peso mamário e peso da coxa do que os genótipos BB e RR. As fêmeas do genótipo BR apresentaram maior (p < 0,01) peso mamário, peso da coxa e peso da baqueta. No que diz respeito aos sistemas de produção, maior (p < 0,01) peso hepático, peso cardíaco, peso mamário, peso intestinal, peso da baqueta e peso da coxa foram observados nos machos criados em gaiolas enriquecidas em comparação com gaiolas convencionais e sistema aviário. As fêmeas criadas em gaiolas enriquecidas apresentaram maior (p < 0,01) peso cardíaco, peso mamário, peso intestinal, peso da baqueta e peso da coxa quando comparadas com as criadas em gaiolas convencionais e aviárias. Conclui-se que as galinhas (ambos os sexos) dos genótipos BR e RB apresentaram melhores medidas morfológicas e traços de carcaça do que os de frangos genótipos RR e BB. Entre os sistemas de produção alternativos, as galinhas criadas em gaiolas enriquecidas tinham características melhores do que as criadas em gaiolas convencionais e aviárias durante a fase de cultivo.

Study on prevalence and liver function test enzymes of differently plumaged peafowls (Pavo cristatus) infected with Toxoplasma gondii in captivity / [Estudo sobre enzimas de prevalência e teste da função hepatica de pavões de plumage diferente (Pavo cristatus) infectados com Toxoplasma gondii em cativeiro]

O presente estudo foi realizado para determinar a prevalência geral de toxoplasmose em pavões de plumagem diferente e seu efeito nas enzimas de teste da função hepática dos hospedeiros. Um total de cem pavões de plumas diferenciais, como ombro preto (n = 52), azul (n = 28), branco (n = 10) e arlequim (n = 10) foram estudados no zoológico de Bahawalpur, no Paquistão, usando o Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) e ensaio imunossorvente ligado a enzima (ELISA). A prevalência geral por LAT e ELISA foi de 37% e 30%, respectivamente. Por LAT, observou-se uma prevalência não significativamente maior (P≥0,05) em gênero (37,77%) nos machos do que nas fêmeas (36,36%), enquanto os adultos apresentaram uma prevalência maior (37,97%) em relação aos jovens (33,33%). De acordo com o ELISA, uma prevalência significativamente (P <0,05) maior (35,55%) foi observada nos machos do que nas fêmeas (25,45%) e significativamente (P <0,05) maior prevalência (31,64%) foi registrada nos adultos do que nos jovens (23,80%). A análise do perfil bioquímico sérico mostrou que o nível de bilirrubina não teve elevação significativa nos hospedeiros infectados, em comparação aos não infectados, enquanto a concentração de albumina, alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (ALP) foi significativamente (P <0,05) diferente nos hospedeiros infectados. Conclui-se que a toxoplasmose afeta as enzimas do teste da função hepática. Essa é uma pesquisa preliminar e requer mais pesquisas em todo o país, com populações e amostras maiores.(AU)

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated hematological alterations in small ruminants of D.G. Khan district of Southern Punjab, Pakistan / [Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii e alterações hematológicas associadas em pequenos ruminantes no distrito de D.G. Khan no sul de Punjab, Paquistão]

The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and hematological effects of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goat in district Dera Ghazi Khan. Blood samples (n=204) were collected comprise goats (n=101) and sheep (n=103) alongwith age, gender and breeds of animals. Samples were collected randomly from 25 flocks of 7 different union council Viz. Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani and Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif at least 4 animals from each flock. All ruminants divide into three groups based on age, breed and gender. The prevalence was detected through two different kits Viz. LAT and ELISA kit. The overall prevalence suspected in goats through LAT and ELISA kit was (35.64%), (32.67%) and in sheep was (25.24%), (23.30%) respectively. The Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on goats in age groups and non-significant all other groups of goats and sheep. Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on all hematological parameters like Hemoglobin, total leukocyte cells, granulocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, and red blood cells, except monocytes. In conclusion of the current study, toxoplasmosis is prevalent among ruminants, reveals the possibility of transmission to humans on the use of host animals as protein source.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e efeitos hematológicos de Toxoplasma gondii em ovelhas e cabras no distrito Dera Ghazi Khan. Amostras de sangue (n=204) foram coletadas para incluir cabras (n=101) e ovelhas (n=103), além de idade, gênero e raça dos animais. Amostras foram coletadas aleatoriamente de 25 rebanhos de 7 conselhos sindicais: Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani e Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif com pelo menos 4 animais em cada rebanho. Todos os ruminantes foram divididos em três grupos baseados em idade, raça e gênero. A prevalência foi detectada usando dois kits, LAT e ELISA. A prevalência total suspeita em cabras através dos kits LAT e ELISA foi (35.64%), (32.67%) e em ovelhas foi (25.24%), (23.30%) respectivamente. O Toxoplasma gondii teve efeito significativo em cabras em grupos de idade e não significativo em todos os outros grupos de cabras e ovelhas. Toxoplasma gondii teve efeito significativo em todos os parâmetros hematológicos como hemoglobina, células totais de leucócitos, granulócitos, linfócitos, plaquetas e glóbulos vermelhos, exceto monócitos. O presente estudo conclui que toxoplasmose é prevalente entre ruminantes, e revela a possibilidade de transmissão para humanos com o uso de animais hospedeiros como fonte de proteína.(AU)

A multi-component spectrophotometric method for simultaneous determination of total bilirubin, oxyhemoglobin, and methemalbumin in human sera

A new multi-component spectrophotometric method was developed experimentally and theoreticallyto determine the accurate serum concentrations of the total bilirubin (TB), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), andmethemalbumin (Mha) in healthy human adults and neonates with hemolytic jaundice. With respect to theexperimental technique, the method of preparation of serum solution has been developed, like the use ofdistilled water as a solvent and centrifugation of serum solutions to clear the sample turbidity. The resultsof TB were compared to the diazo-assay. Theoretically, the formulas used for the calculation of the majorcomponents (TB, HbO2, and Mha) in human sera have been derived based on the theory of multi-componentspectrophotometric analysis and the mathematical Gaussian elimination method for matrix calculation. Themethod of multi-component spectrophotometry, suggested in this study for determination of TB, showed% error (3.1%–4.9%), indicating the high accuracy of the method. The small coefficients of variation(CV = 3.65%–5.1%) indicate the high precision of the method. The results showed higher values of serum TB(p < 0.00005), HbO2 (p < 0.001), and Mha concentrations (p < 0.00005) in neonates, when compared to adults.The method is highly sensitive and accurate. It is inexpensive, precise, reproducible, and has the advantages ofsimplicity, speed, and can be computerized.

Incidence of distal caries in mandibular second molars due to impacted third molars - a clinical and radiographic study

Occurrence of distal caries in lower second molars has been associated with impacted mandibu-lar third molars especially mesioangular impactions. Caries detection and restoration can be difficult and if it progresses, root canal treatment or extraction of the second molar may be necessary. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of caries on distal aspect of mandibular second molars in patients referred for corresponding third molar assessment and to identify its association with angular position and depth of the impacted mandibular third molars based on the classification of Pell and Gregory. Two hundred impacted mandibular third molars were assessed in a total of one hundred and sixty seven patients presenting to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Islamic International Dental College and Hospital from April 2011 to July 2012. These patients had age range between 18-57 [mean age of 37years] According to this study, 42.5% cases show caries on distal aspect of mandibular second molars. Incidence of caries with mesioangular impacted third molars was 51%. Majority of these mesioangular cases were level B and Class I as per Pell and Gregory Classification. Distal caries found in association with horizontal impactions was 29.10%, vertical impactions 15.2% and distoangular impactions 4.7%. No caries was found in relation to transverse impactions. It was concluded that distal caries in second molars is common, especially in cases of mesioangular mandibular third molar impactions and prophylactic removal of these impacted teeth may be considered appropriate. If such a third molar is left in situ, close monitoring is necessary

A Clinical Study on the Pattern of Mitral Valvular Disease in a Peripheral Tertiary Hospital in Bangladesh.

Background: Rheumatic mitral valvular disease (MVD) is a common cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Many patients are diagnosed late, get maltreated, and develop complications, which can be minimized if early diagnosis could be made. Objectives: The study was carried out to determine the common symptoms and signs of mitral valvular disease in our population, to find out the incidence and pattern of complications, to list the pattern of valve lesions, to identify the common findings in different investigations and to find out the causes of delay in diagnosis. Methods: Fifty consecutive cases of isolated MVD of rheumatic origin admitted in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, from July, 2002 to March, 2003 were included. Detailed history was taken, and clinical examination was performed. Chest skiagram, 12-lead ECG and echocardiography were performed in all patients. Other investigations include complete blood counts, anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titre, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood sugar, serum creatinine and routine urinalysis. Results: The peak incidence of MVD was found in the third decade (34%), 14 (28%) patients were <20 years of age. Thirty two (64%) patients had poor socio-economic condition. A previous history suggestive of rheumatic fever was found in 28 (56%). Twenty six (52%) patients received treatment from the registered medical practitioners and/or from the hospitals, 11 (22%) consulted with the quacks only, 5 (10%) had treatment from both sources. Significant delay was found in 28 (56%) patients. Illiteracy and ignorance was found to be the cause in 14 (28%) cases, poverty in 12 (24%) and misdiagnosis in 7 (14%). Six (12%) patients adopted indigenous treatment. Forty three (86%) patients experienced moderate to severe limitation of day-to-day activities all had breathlessness. Palpitation, fatigue and cough were found in 49 (98%), 45 (90%) and 42 (84%) cases respectively. Nineteen (38%) patients had haemoptysis, 15 (30%) had dysphagia. Apex beat was normally situated in 32 (64%), and shifted in 16 (32%) cases. Forty two (84%) patients had left parasternal heave and palpable P2 was found in 41 (82%) patients. Diastolic thrill was palpable in 28 (56%) cases, systolic thrill in 8 (16%) patients. The first heart sound (S1) was loud in 34 (68%) and soft in 8 (16%) cases. Mid-diastolic murmur of MS was audible in 46 (92%) cases, pansystolic murmur of mitral regurgitation in 19 (38%) patients and pansystolic murmur of tricuspid regurgitation in 10 (20%). Opening snap was found in 30 (60%), and presystolic accentuation in 27 (54%) cases. Roentgenographic study revealed moderate to huge enlargement of cardiac shadow in 29 (58%), straightening of the left border of the heart with fullness or outward bulging of the pulmonary conus in 43 (86%), double contour of the right border in 35 (70%), upper lobe diversion of pulmonary vasculature in 31 (62%), Kerley B lines in 10 (20%) and pulmonary oedema in 16 (32%) patients. The ECG showed P-mitrale in 32 (64%), atrial fibrillation in 14 (28%) and atrial flutter in 2 (4%) cases. Echocardiography revealed thickening of mitral valve leaflets in all patients, changes in subvalvular apparatus in 28 (56%) and calcification in mitral valve apparatus in 3 (6%) cases. Mitral valve area was <1 cm2 in 33 (66%), 1.0 to 1.4 cm2 in 14 (28%) and e”1.5 cm2 in 1 (2%) patients. The left atrial size was 41 to 50 mm in 20 (40%) and >50 mm in 10 (20%) cases. Two patients had left atrial thrombus. Evidence of pulmonary hypertension was found in 34 (68%) patients. Conclusion: Rheumatic MVD and the accompanying complications can be detected with an appreciable degree of accuracy by skillful clinical assessment and judicial use of simple investigations like roentgenography, electrocardiography and echocardiography which are available in many parts of our country at affordable costs. So every effort should be made to utilize these invaluable resources to tackle this public health problem more efficientlly.

Coronary artery disease and T wave inversions in electrocardiogram at high altitude

To find out the role of coronary artery disease [CAD] as a cause of T wave inversions in electrocardiogram [ECG] in otherwise healthy soldiers who were evacuated from high altitude because of chest pain. A prospective observational study. The study was carried out at CMH Skardu from September 2003 to September 2004 fifty-four consecutive patients evacuated from height > 4000 meters [13123 feet] with symptoms of chest pain and electrocardiographic changes of T-wave inversions in a group of leads were included in the study. Echocardiography and Exercise tolerance test [ETT] was performed on all the patients. All of the patients with indeterminate or inconclusive results on ETT underwent coronary angiography at Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi. Out of 54 patients, 36 [66.7%] patients had normal exercise tolerance test. In the rest 18 [33.34%] patients coronary angiogram was done and in 04 patients it was reported abnormal. In 02 [3.70%] patients coronary angiogram confirmed coronary artery disease. In 02 patients coronary angiograms were abnormal but there was no evidence of coronary artery disease. T wave inversions at high altitude suggestive of IHD are not true indicators of underlying coronary artery disease

Prevalence and awareness of cardiovascular disease including life styles in a lower middle class urban community in an Asian country

The emerging Cardiovascular Diseases are becoming leading cause of death in the developing countries. The incidence of coronary heart disease in Pakistan is not well established. The aim was to report the prevalence of coronary heart disease in an urban Pakistani Community and to evaluate the awareness of coronary heart disease and to determine life styles of the community. Metroville a suburb of Karachi was selected, it has 4296 household population. After open invitation 398 households agreed to participate in an intervention study. The data obtained at baseline is basis of this report. Subjects >/= 18 years age were 1078 while 382 males and 343 females were > 30 years age. Physical exam height, weight, BMI, ECG, waist circumference, blood pressure were determined. Questionnaire was administered to evaluate life styles and awareness in face to face interviews. Household data showed 1.24 families per household with 3.98 adults and 4.26 children. Uneducated were 27.5% while 26.3% had 10 years as more schooling. Most had job. By history the prevalence of heart attack was 8.2% in women and 4.5% in men, Over all 6.2%, Stroke 2.6, hypertension 26.7% and diabetes 9.5%. Abnormal ECG suggesting myocardial infarction or ishaemia prevalence rate was 4.4 percent, awareness that heart attack was major problem was reported in 40% men and 25% women who strongly agreed while 31% men and 35% agreed that heart attack can not be prevented. Food and its linkage to coronary heart disease showed majority were aware of organ meat, fat and obesity linkage to coronary heart disease. Physical activity was mostly confined to walking stairs at home and shopping trips. Tobacco was used by 34.3% men and 6.2% women. Coronary heart disease prevalence was significant in an urban Karachi community and the prevalence had increased over the past decades. Smoking, obesity were prevalent. The community had sedentary life style

Experimental colitis is associated with ultrastructural changes in inflamed and uninflamed regions of the gastrointestinal tract

The objective of this study was to examine theultrastructural changes in cell organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum [ER] and Golgi apparatus in inflamed colon and uninflamed ileum in colitic rats. Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid [TNBS]. The animals were sacrificed on day 5 after TNBS administration and colonic and ileal samples were used for estimation of myeloperoxidase [MPO] activity, malondialdehyde [MDA] concentration, histologic examination and transmission electron microscopy. TNBS caused a significant reduction in body weight and an increase in MPO activity in colonic, but not in the ileal samples in animals with colitis. MDA levels were increased both in inflamed colon and the uninflamed ileal segments in colitis. Electron microscopy revealed swelling of mitochondria with broken cristae and disruption of the inner membrane. Colitis also caused fragmentation of the ER with loss of ribosomes and swelling of the Golgi apparatus with distended vesicles in both smooth muscle and epithelial cells in the ileal and colonic segments. These changes were absent in the control rats without colitis. These findings demonstrate ultrastructural deformities in both the mucosa and smooth muscle in inflamed and uninflamed regions of the gastrointestinal tract in experimental colitis. The structural changes in mitochondria are responsible for reduced ATP, while abnormalities in the ER and the Golgi apparatus may explain a generalized effect on protein synthesis, trafficking and targeting mechanisms, and may account for physiological changes seen in experimental colitis

Predictors of fatal outcome in acute myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is one of the most common life threatening diagnoses in emergency hospital admissions. Most of the complications occur during the first few hours while the patients are likely to be in the hospital. Although the mortality rate after admission for myocardial infarction has declined significantly over the last two decades but it still remains high. Survival is markedly influenced by age of the patient, presence of different risk factors and complications that patients develop after myocardial infarction. We conducted a study at Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases [AFIC/NIHD] to document the predictors of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients with first acute myocardial infarction admitted to the hospital from Feb. 2007 to June 2007 were included in the study. It was a descriptive case series study and data was collected on a pre-designed proforma with convenient sampling technique. Patients were assessed clinically with special emphasis on history of typical chest pain and physical examination. Relevant investigations were carried out to establish the diagnosis. Two hundred and fifty cases were assessed. Mean age was 57.94 +/- 14.00 years. Males were 74.4% and Females were 25.6%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 9.2%. Females had a higher mortality [14.06%] as compared to males [7.52%]. Mortality was also related with age of the patient and Diabetes Mellitus. Other features adversely affecting the in-hospital mortality included higher Killip class, anterior wall myocardial infarction and higher peak Creatine Kinase [CK] levels. Mortality was also higher in patients who did not receive thrombolytic therapy for different reasons. Patients with certain risk factors are more prone to develop complications and have a higher mortality rate. Identification of some of these risk factors and timely management of complications may reduce mortality

Pattern of coronary arterial distribution and its relation to coronary artery diameter

This study was carried out to determine the pattern of coronary arterial distribution and its relation with coronary artery diameter in adult Pakistani population as demonstrated by selective coronary angiography. Consecutive series of 220 adult subjects who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography at National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease [NICVD] between May 2000 and December 2000 were studied. Patients whose age was more than 18 years, with no apparent disease in the proximal arterial segment, proximal artery and tip of the catheter in the middle of the frame and catheter of a No. 6 French size of same manufacturer used were included in this study. Patients who were given vasodilator before or during the procedure, angiograms showing complete proximal occlusions or ectatic arteries were excluded. Sixty% subjects had right dominance pattern of which 78.1% were male and 21.8% female. By contrast 15% had left coronary dominance, of which 78.7% were male and 21.2% female. Where as, 24% patients had co-dominant [balanced] circulation with 83.3% male and 16.6%, female. In patients with left dominant pattern, the mean diameter of the right coronary artery [RCA] was significantly smaller [p<0.00 I] as compared to dominant right or co-dominant pattern. Where as in patients with right dominant pattern, the mean diameter of the circumflex [CX] artery was significantly smaller [p<0.001] as compared to dominant left. The coronary arterial distribution in Pakistani population is not significantly different from that given in the literature and the diameter of the RCA and the CX artery are significantly affected by dominance pattern

Greek technique for type 4A coronary artery bifurcation lesions

In routine coronary angiography, bifurcation lesion is not uncommon. Current practice of dealing with type 4a coronary bifurcation lesions [lesions of main branch without significant lesions of the side branch] may lead to true bifurcation lesions after stenting due to axial plaque redistribution. This series describes an experience with Greek technique for treatment of type 4a bifurcation lesions in 18 patients for primary stenting of main vessel with simultaneous kissing balloon of side branch in an effort to avoid snow plough effect

Spatial patterning of the distribution of Ca2+ in Dictyostelium discoideum as assayed in fine glass capillaries.

We have shown previously that the Ca2+-specific fluorescent dyes chlortetracycline (CTC) and indo-1/AM can be used to distinguish between prestalk and prespore cells in Dictyostelium discoideum at a very early stage. In the present study, pre- and post-aggregative amoebae of Dictyostelium discoideum were labelled with CTC or indo-1 and their fluorescence monitored after being drawn into a fine glass capillary. The cells rapidly form two zones of Ca2+-CTC or Ca2+-indo-1 fluorescence. Anterior (air side) cells display a high level of fluorescence; the level drops in the middle portion of the capillary and rises again to a lesser extent in the posteriormost cells (oil side). When bounded by air on both sides, the cells display high fluorescence at both ends. When oil is present at both ends of the capillary, there is little fluorescence except for small regions at the ends. These outcomes are evident within a couple of minutes of the start of the experiment and the fluorescence pattern intensifies over the course of time. By using the indicator neutral red, as well as with CTC and indo-1, we show that a band displaying strong fluorescence moves away from the anterior end before stabilizing at the anterior-posterior boundary. We discuss our findings in relation to the role of Ca2+ in cell-type differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Use of all-trans-retinoic acid [ATRA] as remission induction agent in acute promyelocytic leukemia [APL]

We present here the details of treatment and hospital course of three patients with APL who were given ATRA therapy. Two complete remmissions and one partial remission were obtained. In addition, the coagulopathy present in one case was controlled easily. The mode of action and other features of ATRA therapy are discussed

usefulness of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor [GM-CSF] in prolonged chemotherapy-induced leukopenia

A study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of granulocyle-macrophage colony stimulating factor [GM - CSF] in prolonged chemotherapy-induced leucopenia. Of the total of ten cases studied seven [70%] had at least 50% increase in total leukocyte count [TLC] and in absolute neutrophil count [ANC]. GM-CSF was well tolerated and no major side effects were noted. Increasing counts were associated with reduced fever and signs and symptoms of infection