Epidemiological risk factors and phylogenetic affinities of Sarcocystis infecting village chickens and pigs in Peninsular Malaysia

@#The intake of food and water containing the Sarcocystis parasite has been linked to a number of outbreaks worldwide, including Malaysia. Nevertheless, the lack of surveys and epidemiological data on Sarcocystis infections in Malaysia makes it difficult to estimate its occurrence in humans and animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis and the risk factors associated with infection among village chickens and pigs reared under different farm managements in Peninsular Malaysia. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using partial fragments of the 18S rRNA gene and ITS1 sequences. In the present study, 680 sera samples were collected from village chickens (n=250) and commercial pigs (n=433) and anti-Sarcocystis antibodies were screened using the enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kit. At the animal level, the prevalence of Sarcocystis was 9.2% (95% CI: 5.92-13.48) and at the farm level, it was 64.0% (95% CI: 42.52-82.03) in village chickens. The animal-level seroprevalence of Sarcocystis for pigs was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.13-5.93) and 36.8% (95% CI: 16.29-61.64) at the farm-level. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was conducted on meat samples from various parts of village chickens (n=250) consisting of brain, heart, lung, and pectoralis muscle tissues, and pork (n=121) consisting of intercostal muscle, diaphragm, and tongue. Sarcocystis DNA was detected in 6.4% (95% CI: 4.60-11.60) of village chicken samples but zero in pork samples. A total of 11 unique Sarcocystis haplotypes were isolated from these tissue samples. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of the putative risk factors showed a statistically significant association between Sarcocystis infection in pigs and uncovered storage of feed. Although no zoonotic Sarcocystis was isolated in this study, we reported the first discovery of S. wenzeli in Malaysia.

Assessment Of 10-Year Risk Of Developing A Major Cardiovascular Event In Patients Attending A Hospital For The Treatment Of Other Disorders

Objective: To assess the individual’s predicted risk of developing a CVD event in 10 y using risk scores among persons with other disorders/diseases. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted for a period of 6 mo among 283 subjects. Total risk was estimated individually by using Framingham Risk Scoring Algorithm and ASCVD risk estimator. Results: According to Framingham Risk score the prevalence of low risk (<10%) identified as 67.84% (192), followed by intermediate risk (10%-19%), 19.08% (54), and high risk (≥20%) 13.07% (37). By using ASCVD Risk estimator, risk has reported in our study population was low risk (<5%) is 48.76% (138), borderline risk (5-7.4%) is 13.07% (37), intermediate risk (7.5-19.9%) is about 25.09% (71), high risk (>20%) is about 13.07% (37). Conclusion: In this study burden of CVD risk was relatively low, which was estimated by both the Framingham scale and ASCVD Risk estimator. Risk scoring of individuals helps us to identify the patients at high risk of CV diseases and also helps in providing management strategies.

Pharmacology Of Noval Cannabinoids

Cannabis is a plant rich in various compounds that have a variety of impacts on the physiology of humans and the effects of these metabolites have a significant role in managing a variety of clinical diseases. A substantial increase in the use of SC (synthetic cannabinoids) had seen in the last few years especially infrequent cannabis users. The SCs will generate psychoactive effects that were similar to cannabis. However, the composition and pharmacological characteristics of these drugs make them possibly hazardous. Like all drugs, cannabis’ pharmacokinetics depends on the route of administration. Several studies showed that the bioavailability is less in oral administration when compared to inhalation. The main reason for this decrease in oral bioavailability is that cannabinoids undergo the first-pass metabolism before entering into the systemic circulation whereas in inhalation, it enters the circulation directly through the lungs. Cannabis sativa is a psychoactive plant that contains more than 500 components of which 104 cannabinoids had been identified. Of these, 2 components such as Δ9-THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidol) were under the scientific investigation. Δ9-THC is the primary cannabinoid which was responsible for the consequences of psychotrophy. The potency of cannabis is assessed based on the THC concentration of a sample that is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. The adverse effects are in direct relation to the concentration of THC in the product after regular cannabis use. It can be assumed that several cannabinoids will find their way into the pharmacies from preclinical research within a century.

Socio-economic status of the fisher folk of upper Bahmaputra River: A case study in Jankhana Village of Jorhat District.

The fisher folk are belongs to schedule cast community. They are known as Koibotra community in Assam. The total 50 families of the village were surveyed during the study. The results reveal that total number of population of the village was 210; 61.90 % (literate) and 38.1% (Illiterate). Among the literate population, 51.53 % have upto primary, 33.84 % up to middle school, 11.53 % up to matriculation and only 3.07 % of the fisherman was found to be higher degree. The peoples were in different services such as agriculture (23.81 %), fishing (28.1 %), business (19.52 %), service (15.24 %) and labour (13.33 %). Again, 90% people were lived in the kachcha house and remaining (10 %) in pukka house while, per month income was found to be lowest (Rs. 500-1000) in the age of 20-30 and highest (1500- 4000) in the age of 50-60 group. The overall fish production of the beel was 1757 kg/yr. Out of these productions, miscellaneous was found to be maximum (679 kg/yr) with 38.65% while feather back was minimum (218 kg/yr) with 12.41%. Production of carp was lowest but production of small fishes was highest. All the villagers were not only confined in fishing but also in different occupation, because of reducing fish production in the beels due to overexploitation, siltation, human activities etc.

Anesthetic management of right atrial mass removal and pulmonary artery thrombectomy in a patient with primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS) characterises a clinical condition of arterial and venous thrombosis associated with phospholipids directed antibodies. APLAS occurs in 2% of the general population. However, one study demonstrated that 7.1% of hospitalised patients were tested positive for at least one of the three anticardiolipin antibody idiotype. Antiphospholipid antibodies often inhibit phospholipids dependent coagulation in vitro and interfere with laboratory testing of hemostasis. Therefore, the management of anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass can be quite challenging in these patients. Here, we present a case of right atrial mass removal and pulmonary thrombectomy in a patient of APLAS.

Essential medicines management during emergencies in Pakistan

This paper illustrates the experiences of essential medicine management in providing cure and care to victims of Pakistan's 2005 earthquake in a safe, rational and effective mode. The health interventions assured access to essential medicine, sustained supply, inventory control through a computerized logistic support system and rational use of medicines. World Health Organization Pakistan outlined modalities for acceptance of donated medicines, assisted in speedy procurement of medicines and designed customized kits. Proper storage of medicines at controlled temperature was ensured in warehousing facilities in 12 locations. A steady supply of medicines and their consumption without stock-outs in the 56 first-level care facilities of calamity-hit areas helped to ascertain the average consumption and cost of essential medicines and supplies for the catchment population. Tools for quantification and forecasting of medicines and supplies were developed and shared. Medicines and medical supplies were efficiently used resulting in minimum wastage

The little master-results of proxima hip replacement / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective] Total hip replacement has given good results in the elderly population but with an increasing number of younger patients requiring hip replacement,soft tissue and bone preservation has become important.Studies have shown that a more natural loading of the proximal femur leads to preservation of bone stock and aids remodeling.Proxima hip was developed keeping these requirements in mind.[Methods] Twenty nine Proxima hip replacements were performed on twenty one patients between July 2006 and March 2008 by the senior author.The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 44 years.Eight of the patients had bilateral hip replacement in the same sitting.The implant used was a Proxima stem with a large diameter metal on metal XL head.Particular care was taken in preserving the full length of femoral neck and the trechanteric muscles.The patients were assessed by Harris hip acore,return to normal and advanced hip functions and satisfaction levels.All patients were followed up with serial X rays and clinical examination.[Results] Average duration of follow up was 1 year.The mean Harris hip score pre surgery was 48 and at last follow up was 88.All patients at 3 to 4 months achieved full weight bearing.One patient had an intra-operation fracture of the lateral cortex which recovered without any sequelae.Another patient had persistent thigh pain without any apparent cause and a poor result.One stem was revised because of aseptic loosening after 9 months.None of the hips showed any sign of acetabular cup loosening or migration.[Conclusions] Early results in this young group of patients are very encouraging.This small implant relies on the preserved neck and the lateral flare for its stability,ensuring a more natural loading of the proximal femur and preserving bone stock and facilitating remodeling.As our results show the Proxima stem as an implant that stands the test of biomechanics and holds a promising future.

Immediate treatment of frostbite using rapid rewarming in tea decoction followed by combined therapy of pentoxifylline, aspirin & vitamin C.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Frostbite, the severest form of cold injury is a serious medical problem for our Armed Forces operating in the snow bound areas at high altitude. Effects of treatment by rapid rewarming in tea decoction followed by combined therapy of pentoxifylline, aspirin and vitamin C were evaluated in amelioration of tissue damage due to experimentally induced frostbite in rats. METHODS: Experiments were conducted in 2 groups (25 each) of albino rats (control i.e., untreated and experimental i.e., treated). Frostbite was produced experimentally in all the animals by exposing one of the hind limbs at -12 +/- 1 degree C with wind flow 25-30 lit/min for 30 min in a freezing-machine, with simultaneous recordings of rectal and ambient temperatures. The degree of tissue damage was assessed after 10 days. Following cold exposure, neither external thawing nor any medication was given to the animals of the control group; while the exposed limb of the experimental animals was rewarmed in tea decoction maintained at 37-39 degrees C for 30 min immediately after cold exposure, with simultaneous oral ingestion of warm tea decoction. These animals were also given pentoxifylline (40 mg/kg), aspirin (5 mg/kg) and vitamin C (50 mg/kg) twice daily orally for the next 7 days. RESULTS: In the control group, 68 per cent animals suffered from severe (56%) to very severe (12%) frostbite, while the remaining 32 per cent had moderate frostbite. No animals of this group could escape injury or suffered anything less than moderate frostbite; whereas 52 per cent of experimental animals escaped injury (no frostbite) and 32 and 16 per cent suffered only with primary and moderate degree of injury, respectively. None from this group suffered from severe or very severe frostbite. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: It is evident from the study that this combined therapy resulted in significant improvement in the degree of tissue preservation and proved to be highly beneficial as an immediate treatment of frostbite in rats. The combined pharmacological properties of these drugs might have altered the haemorrheologic status of blood and produced curative beneficial effect in improving tissue survival. Clinical studies are required for confirmation of these beneficial effects in humans, which has already been taken up.