Determination of renal handling of marbofloxacin in Lohi sheep [Ovis aries] following a single intravenous administration

The objective of present study was to investigate renal clearance, urinary excretion and underlying excretory mechanism of marbofloxacin in Lohi sheep. For this purpose, marbofloxacin was administered intravenously [IV] as single bolus dose [2.5 mg/kg body weight] to eight healthy sheep of Lohi breed. After start of experiment, blood and urine samples were drawn at predetermined time intervals and marbofloxacin concentrations in the samples were measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography [RP-HPLC] using UV/Vis detector. The mean +/- SD values of creatinine in plasma and urine were 15.37 +/- 0.65 micro g/ml and 246.7 +/- 48.05 micro g/ml, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate was 1.29 +/- 0.22 ml/min/kg whereas urinary flow rate was observed to be 0.084 +/- 0.016 ml/min/kg. The renal clearance of marbofloxacin in Lohi sheep was 9.45 +/- 2.12 ml/min/kg. Cumulative percentage dose excreted was seen to be maximum at 24 h post drug administration. It was concluded that renal handling of marbofloxacin in Lohi sheep involved both glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion

Trends of serum thyrotropin concentration and associated factors in urban Pakistan [Karachi]

This investigation aimed at assessing trends of TSH levels and associated factors in apparently normal subjects of urban Pakistan [Karachi]. The survey was conducted in 2004 in Lyari, Karachi. Using a geographical imaging system, 85, 520 households were identified, of which 532 were randomly selected; 867 adults aged >/= 25 years consented to take part in the study. Blood samples from 324 subjects were available for analyses. Subjects with previous history of thyroid disorders were excluded. Mean age of subjects was 40.8 +/- 14.13 years; 68.2% were females; mean values of waist circumference of males and females were 89.5 +/- 16 cm 87.8 +/- 15.7 cm repectively. Fifty-nine [18.2%] subjects had TSH>6.0 cm [mU/L] based on the ELISA laboratory reference range, used for the estimation of TSH. Based on the American Thyroid Association [ATA] guidelines, 159 [49.07%] subjects had TSH<2.5, while 76 [23.45%] subjects with TSH between 2.5-4.0 mU/L as per ATA definition were in the "at risk" category. Thirty subjects [9.26%] had TSH levels between 4.1-6.0 mU/L. A significant correlation was found between TSH and BMI and waist circumference, whereas a weak, non significant one was observed between TSH and waist hip ratio. A strong association between overweight [BMI>23] and elevated serum TSH concentration [TSH>4.1 mU/L] was also observed. This spectrum of TSH levels highlighted a high prevalence of increased serum TSH levels in the population studied, a trend that was associated with obesity and various lipid abnormalities. Further population based studies are needed to correlate these findings with clinical parameters of hypothyroidism

Gene therapy developments, promises and cancer treatment

The developments in therapeutics over the years have been punctuated by monumental innovation, which are though conceptually simple, have revolutionized the field due to their efficacy. The idea of introducing healthy nucleic acid into the nucleus for replacing the damaged one - Gene Therapy, may not have done that yet. However, the concept is so tempting that large amounts of research and resources have been committed to this area

Effect of aluminum and chromium on the growth and germination of mesquite [Prosopis juliflora swartz.] DC.

Prosopis seeds were grown under controlled environment in solution of aluminum and chromium at different concentration alone as well as combined together. The effect of these metals was studied on seed germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length and dry biomass. Aluminum and chromium alone, and combined together showed no effects on germination and dry biomass. Chromium alone was found toxic to root, shoot and seedling length. However, application of different concentrations of aluminum increased the root, shoot and seedling growth. It may be concluded that aluminum is not as toxic as chromium, and their combined treatment showed the intermediate effect by ameliorating the impact of one another

Phytotoxic effect of aluminum and chromium on th germination and early growth of wheat [Triticum aestivum] varieties Anmol and Kiran

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic effect of aluminum and chromium on the germination and early growth of two wheat [Triticum aestivum] varieties Anmol and Kiran. Seed were treated with 40, 80, 120 and 160 ppm of aluminum and chromium solution individually and in combined form. Observations were made on seed germination, root, shoot and seedling length, and dry biomass. Seed germination and dry biomass showed no effect of aluminum, chromium and combined treatment. Root, shoot and seedling length of both the varieties showed significant [P<0.05] decrease as compared to control. The growth was also reduced as the concentration of aluminum and chromium increased. Seedling length decreased in both the varieties at all the concentration of different treatment of aluminum, chromium and combined treatment. Attempts are being made in different laboratories to construct novel plants using genetic manipulation technologies that may have a greater tolerance to the presence of toxic metals. The results of the present study may help in understanding the mechanisms involved and their possible use in pytoremediation

Optical internal urethrotomy in stricture urethra: Evaluation on the basis of subjective improvement and peak flow-rates

Fifty three patients were included in this study. Successful internal urethrotomy was done in 44 patients. Operative failures were in 8 patients. Post-operative catheter was kept for 3 days. Thirty eight patients we're followed for a period of 6 to 18 months. Subjective evaluation and uroflowmetery was performed regularly to assess the outcome. Good results were achieved in 66% of the patients. Finally it is the best primary method to manage urethral strictures