Using mixed silages of sweet sorghum and alfalfa in total mixed rations to improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of sheep.

Combining sweet sorghum (SS) with alfalfa for ensiling has the potential to make a high-quality silage with relatively a better nutrient balance. However, the existing data are insufficient about how changes in ratios of SS to alfalfa in different silage mixtures affect animal performance and meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding total mixed rations containing mixed silages of SS and alfalfa on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of Karakul sheep. Five total mixed rations were formulated with different SS proportions at 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% on a fresh weight basis. Thirty 4-month old male Karakul sheep with 25.5 ± 1.4 kg BW were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each with six lambs for this experiment. The results indicated that the Karakul sheep consuming total mixed rations containing SS-Alfalfa (SS-AF) silage mixtures with a lower proportion of SS tended to increase nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Feeding diets with SS at 40% and 20% inclusion rate showed a significant linear increase in the apparent digestibility of DM, CP and NDF, as well as subcutaneous fat thickness and water holding capacity (P < 0.5). Moreover, reduction in SS inclusion rate in these diets caused significant (P < 0.05) linear and quadratic increases in DM intake, final BW, average daily gain, carcass weight, and the amino acid contents of meat (P < 0.05). Conversely, feeding diet with lower SS inclusion rate led to decrease in feed conversion ratio and shear force significantly (P < 0.05) for these sheep. It appears that 40% inclusion of SS was the optimal rate in making the SS-AF silage mixture for lambs to achieve a superior production performance and high-quality meat products in Karakul sheep. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of feeding SS-AF silage mixtures alongside contrasting ingredients on rumen function, ruminal microorganisms and digestive enzyme activity of sheep and other ruminant animals.

Sex determination in the wild: a field application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification successfully determines sex across three raptor species.

PCR-based methods are the most common technique for sex determination of birds. Although these methods are fast, easy and accurate, they still require special facilities that preclude their application outdoors. Consequently, there is a time lag between sampling and obtaining results that impedes researchers to take decisions in situ and in real time considering individuals' sex. We present an outdoor technique for sex determination of birds based on the amplification of the duplicated sex-chromosome-specific gene Chromo-Helicase-DNA binding protein using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). We tested our method on Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and Black Kite (Milvus migrans) (family Accipitridae). We introduce the first fieldwork procedure for sex determination of animals in the wild, successfully applied to raptor species of three different subfamilies using the same specific LAMP primers. This molecular technique can be deployed directly in sampling areas because it only needs a voltage inverter to adapt a thermo-block to a car lighter and results can be obtained by the unaided eye based on colour change within the reaction tubes. Primers and reagents are prepared in advance to facilitate their storage at room temperature. We provide detailed guidelines how to implement this procedure, which is simpler (no electrophoresis required), cheaper and faster (results in c. 90 min) than PCR-based laboratory methods. Our successful cross-species application across three different raptor subfamilies posits our set of markers as a promising tool for molecular sexing of other raptor families and our field protocol extensible to all bird species.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in chronic kidney disease.

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the rise in the USA. Cardiovascular events are the leading cause of death in this patient population, therefore reducing the risk of these events has become a major focus. The aim of this review is to assess current literature on the use of statins in CKD and end-stage renal disease. Cholesterol reduction is important in preventing the development and progression of coronary heart disease and its negative effects. Statins have been widely studied and proven to reduce cardiovascular risk in the general population. The information gained from trials has been extrapolated to special populations, including CKD, despite these patients often being excluded. However, recent studies have begun to focus on CKD, hemodialysis, and transplant patients and the use of cholesterol-lowering agents and the potential association with decreased cardiovascular events. In addition, due to the unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes that occur in these patients, choosing the appropriate cholesterol-lowering agent becomes important for both safety and efficacy. The complexity of CKD patients is an important consideration when choosing cholesterol-lowering medication. Patients with CKD are often on medications that may interact with many of the cholesterol-lowering agents. Ensuring drug interactions are minimized is essential to the prevention of adverse events from the medications.

Identification of the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Chichaoua province, Morocco.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Morocco is caused by three species, Leishmania major, L. tropica and L. infantum. CL has been known in Chichaoua province since 2000. Using DNA extracted from microscopic slides and parasite cultures, collected in the years 2006 and 2009, we identified for the first time L. tropica as the causative agent of CL in this region. Species identification was achieved by performing the ITS1-PCR-RFLP approach. By using this method it was possible to identify parasites in Giemsa stained slides containing less than five parasites per oil-immersion field even they were conserved for up to four months.

Preparation and pre-clinical study of 177Lu-labelled hydroxyapatite for application in radiation synovectomy of small joints.

AIM: We present in this paper, the preparation and pre-clinical study of 177Lu-labelled hydroxyapatite for the application in radiation synovectomy of small sized joints. METHODS: 177Lu is an adequate radionuclide for therapy, having ability of simultaneously showing therapeutic effects and depicting images. Both hydroxyapatite particulates and 177Lu were prepared indigenously. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Analysis of the gamma ray spectrum showed the radionuclide purity of 177Lu more than 99%. HA particles were synthesized and characterized by FTIR-ATR and X-ray diffractometry. XRD-Pattern generated by the product indicated that the chief inorganic phase of the sample is hydroxyapatite crystal. FTIR spectrum of HA powder calcined at 800°C for 1h showed all the bands that can be assigned to phosphate and hydroxyl groups in an apatite environment. Ca/P ratio was determined by ICP-OES. The Ca/P ratio of 1.68 determined for HA was about 0.6% above the stoichiometric ratio of 1.67. Particle size distribution pattern was obtained with the help of laser particle size analyzer and results showed that more than 80% of the particles bear the size in the range ideal for radiosynovectomy. 177Lu-labelled hydroxyapatite particulates were prepared with high radiochemical purity and yield. >95% labeling yield was achieved at pH 7. Labeled specie remained stable up to 18 days. In vitro stability >99% remained up to >one half life of 177Lu. Bio-evaluation of the 177Lu-HA particles was carried out by injecting approximate activities of 10 and 5 MBq (in 0.1 mL suspension) as intra-articular injection in the right knee joints of rabbit 1 and 2 respectively. Retention of activity was studied using images of the injected joints with the help of a gamma camera at various intervals. In all images no activity was visible in any organ other than knee joints. The retention of the 177Lu activity was followed for 772 hours (30.01 days). Leakage of activity was also assessed indirectly by estimating the residing time of radiopharmaceutical in the synovium. Half life of 177Lu-HA residing time in the knees was estimated to be 154 hours and 158 hours for rabbit-1 and rabbit-2 respectively. No significant extra articular leakage of the injected activity was observed over a period of one month post injection. Pre-clinical study of 177Lu-labelled hydroxyapatite indicated its potential for application in radiation synovectomy of small joints.

Single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of repaglinide in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this single-centre, open-label, parallel-group study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of the prandial glucose regulator repaglinide, following single and multiple dosing, in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without varying degrees of renal impairment. METHODS: The study comprised three screening visits, followed by a 7-day inpatient period. Thirty-four patients, with normal renal function (n = 12), mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction (n = 12) or severe renal dysfunction (n = 10), received a single 2-mg dose of repaglinide on day 1, followed by preprandial 2-mg doses with main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on each of days 2-4. A final 2-mg dose of repaglinide was administered on day 5. RESULTS: Patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment showed no significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of repaglinide, compared with patients with normal renal function. In the group of patients with severe renal dysfunction, the main pharmacokinetic finding was a longer half-life after multiple dosing. Rates of minor hypoglycaemia were similar in patients with severe, mild-to-moderate and no renal dysfunction. No major hypoglycaemic episodes occurred. CONCLUSION: Patients with type 2 diabetes and mild or moderate impairment of renal function may be treated with repaglinide without special precautions. If repaglinide is used in patients with severely impaired renal function, dose adjustment may be necessary if indicated by blood glucose measurements.

Polymerase chain reaction assay based on a highly repeated sequence of Schistosoma haematobium: a potential tool for monitoring schistosome-infested water.

We have cloned from Schistosoma haematobium genome a repeated sequence, the DraI repeated sequence, which consists of tandemly arranged 121-bp-long units and which is highly abundant (approximately 15% of the S. haematobium genome). By these features, the DraI repeat is similar to the Sm1-7 sequence of Schistosoma mansoni previously described by us. However, their nucleotide sequences are profoundly different. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed on the basis of the DraI sequence information and were used in a PCR assay by which as little as 10 fg of schistosomal DNA as well as individual cercariae were detected. The DraI repeat cross-hybridized with DNA from Schistosoma bovis, Schistosoma magrebowiei, Schistosoma mattheei, Schistosoma curassoni, and Schistosoma intercalatum, but not with DNA from S. mansoni nor from Trichobilharzia ocellata and Echinostoma sp. A potential value of this PCR assay is suggested for monitoring free-living cercariae and infected snails only in bodies free of cross-hybridizing species.

Diagnosis of Wuchereria bancrofti infection by the polymerase chain reaction employing patients' sputum.

A preliminary evaluation of the diagnostic potential of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using diurnally collected sputum from bancroftian filariasis patients is described. A new set of PCR primers amplifying a 254-bp-long sequence termed AccI, derived from a long dispersed repeated sequence and SspI primers previously employed for PCR-based diagnosis were employed in this study with similar results. Of the 34 sputum samples from patients, 32 (94%) were PCR positive. Of the 18 patients with low to high microfilaremia (21-1560 microfilariae/ml), 16 (88.8%) were PCR positive. Of the remaining 16 patients, 6 with very low microfilaremia (2-6 microfilariae/ml) and 10 without microfilaremia, all (100%) were PCR positive. Two PCR-positive cases among the 13 endemic normal individuals tested (15.4%) may represent cases of occult filariasis. PCR amplification was also demonstrated with one PCR-positive sputum aliquot when mixed with 14 sputum aliquots from uninfected (PCR-negative) individuals. The potential diagnostic merits of the sputum-PCR assay are discussed.

[Inducing labor with intracervical prostaglandin (PG) gel administration. A comparative analysis of 171 patients with 2 different preparations of PGE2 with regard to course of labor and fetal outcome]. / Geburtseinleitung mit intrazervikaler Prostaglandin (PG)-Gel-Applikation. Eine vergleichende Analyse bei 171 Patientinnen mit zwei verschiedenen Zubereitungen von PG E2 hinsichtlich Geburtsverlauf und fetal outcome.

In the present study we examined whether the difference in viscosity of two prostaglandins applied intracervically for induction of labour influences course of labour and fetal outcome. A comparative analysis was carried out in 171 patients, which received either Cerviprost (n = 85) or Prepidil (n = 86) at 6 hour intervals. The results show that the viscosity of the PG E2 has no influence on the course of induction of labour, the mode of delivery or on fetal outcome. The low viscosity does also not present an increased risk for uterine overstimulation, even in case of intracervical application.

[A two-year retrospective study of patients with acute myocardial infarction in a Norwegian county hospital]. / To års retrospektiv undersøkelse av pasienter med akutt hjerteinfarkt i et norsk fylkessykehus.

The article describes a follow-up study extending over a period of two years (1992-93) of patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction to a Norwegian district hospital. The mortality was 13.8%. In Norway, treatment of acute myocardial infarction is generally standardized, with only minor variations between hospitals. This follow-up illustrates that patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction who do not require emergency surgical intervention can be safely treated in a district hospital.

Fetal heart rate patterns associated with amniotic fluid embolism.

Two cases with recorded fetal heart rate response during maternal amniotic fluid embolus are reported. Fetal heart rate abnormalities can be associated with the development of amniotic fluid embolus or occur during the acute events of amniotic fluid embolus. Attention to the management of amniotic fluid embolus in the mother must not neglect the fetus. Improvement of maternal oxygenation and perfusion can effect intrauterine resuscitation; however, when this is not successful early delivery of the fetus may be necessary for its survival.

Proliferation of group B streptococci in human amniotic fluid in vitro.

The group B Streptococcus is one of the most virulent organisms causing perinatal infection. Human amniotic fluid from the second and third trimesters was pooled and analyzed for electrolytes, protein, albumin, zinc, inorganic phosphorus, ferritin, lysozyme, and immunoglobulins. We inoculated replicates of specimens with known virulent strains of group B streptococci (893, 891, and 878) and Escherichia coli (C5) with Todd-Hewitt broth and normal saline solution used as controls. Group B streptococci strains 893 and 891 proliferated rapidly at rates similar to their rates in Todd-Hewitt Broth. Strain 878 grew at a rate slower than that of strains 893 and 891. The amniotic fluid specimens were similar with respect to factors reported as inhibitory to bacterial proliferation. Second- and third-trimester amniotic fluid supports the growth of group B streptococci as well as a culture medium optimized for bacterial growth. Strain-specific variance in group B streptococci growth rates in amniotic fluid may have clinical significance for those at risk for group B streptococci infection.

Leukocyte esterase activity in the rapid detection of urinary tract and lower genital tract infections in obstetric patients.

Infections of the vagina and urinary tract are important problems for the obstetrician. Examination of the vaginal discharge and urine for the presence of leukocytes is an important part of the evaluation for vaginitis and urinary tract infections. Neutrophils contain several esterases that are not present in serum, urine, or vaginal secretions. These esterases are not influenced by bacteria, commonly used drugs, or variable compositions of urine or vaginal secretions. A prospective study was performed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte esterase activity as measured by dipstick (Chemstrip 9, Biodynamics) for the prediction of vaginitis and urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Results were compared with those obtained from potassium hydroxide smears, wet preps, and urine cultures. The vaginal discharge and urine of 65 patients was tested for leukocyte esterase activity on their initial OB visit. Leukocyte esterase was 100% sensitive and 100% specific for detecting urinary tract infections. It was 100% sensitive and 90% specific for predicting vaginal infections. Trichomonas infections accounted for the positive leukocyte esterase results when the urine culture was negative. On the basis of this study we believe that leukocyte esterase activity is sufficiently sensitive and specific to permit use of this test as a rapid and inexpensive screening procedure for vaginitis and urinary tract infections.