Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Matching and Post-Vaccination Assessment in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Despite the annual vaccination of livestock against foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), outbreaks of the disease continue to be reported. The effective control of field outbreaks by vaccination requires that the vaccines used are antigenically matched to circulating field FMD viruses. In this study, a vaccine matching analysis was performed using the two-dimensional virus neutralization test (VNT) for three field isolates belonging to the O/ME-SA/PanAsia-2/ANT-10 and O/ME-SA/SA-2018 lineages collected from different FMD outbreaks that occurred within the Abu Dhabi Emirate in 2021 affecting Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), goat, and sheep. In addition, post-vaccination antibodies in sheep and goats were measured using solid-phase competitive ELISA (SPCE) for FMDV serotypes A and O at five months after a single vaccine dose and a further 28 days later after a second dose of the FMD vaccine. An analysis of vaccine matching revealed that five out of the six vaccine strains tested were antigenically matched to the UAE field isolates, with r1-values ranging between 0.32 and 0.75. These results suggest that the vaccine strains (O-3039 and O1 Manisa) included in the FMD vaccine used in the Abu Dhabi Emirate are likely to provide protection against outbreaks caused by the circulating O/ME-SA/PanAsia-2/ANT-10 and O/ME-SA/SA-2018 lineages. All critical residues at site 1 and site 3 of VP1 were conserved in all isolates, although an analysis of the VP1-encoding sequences revealed 14-16 amino acid substitutions compared to the sequence of the O1 Manisa vaccine strain. This study also reports on the results of post-vaccination monitoring where the immunization coverage rates against FMDV serotypes A and O were 47% and 69% five months after the first dose of the FMD vaccine, and they were increased to 81 and 88%, respectively, 28 days after the second dose of the vaccine. These results reinforce the importance of using a second booster dose to maximize the impact of vaccination. In conclusion, the vaccine strains currently used in Abu Dhabi are antigenically matched to circulating field isolates from two serotype O clades (O/ME-SA/PanAsia-2/ANT-10 sublineage and O/ME-SA/SA-2018 lineage). The bi-annual vaccination schedule for FMD in the Abu Dhabi Emirate has the potential to establish a sufficient herd immunity, especially when complemented by additional biosecurity measures for comprehensive FMD control. These findings are pivotal for the successful implementation of the region's vaccination-based FMD control policy, showing that high vaccination coverage and the wide-spread use of booster doses in susceptible herds is required to achieve a high level of FMDV-specific antibodies in vaccinated animals.

Antihypertensive effect of patulitrin and other constituents from Tagetes patula L. (French marigold) in acute L-NAME induced hypertensive rats.

The work is aimed to evaluate the blood pressure reducing effect of constituents from methanol extract and associated constituents of Tagetes patula flowers in normotensive and L-NAME induced hypertensive rats. The HPLC analysis of methanol extract of Tagetes patula flowers (JFM) resulted in the quantitative identification and percent comparison of four phenolic constituents, protocatechuic acid (PA), methyl protocatechuate (MPA), patulitrin (TRIN) and patuletin (PAT). All the extracts, fractions and compounds examined showed significant blood pressure lowering activity. Patulitrin (TRIN) which has emerged as the major constituent (15.33%) of T. patula flowers showed significant 30% and 68% fall in blood pressure in normotensive and L-NAME induced hypertensive rats respectively. The patuletin (PAT), which is an aglycone of TRIN displayed high percentage (84%) of antihypertensive activity. Further, comprehensive and advanced studies on these constituents may result in preparation of an effective blood pressure lowering medicine with active precious rare flavonoids, patuletin and patulitrin.

Preliminary Comparative Assessment of Brucellergene Skin Test for Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius).

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of Brucellergene skin test (BST) for the diagnosis of Brucellosis in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in comparison with Rose Bengal test (RBT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). A total of 68 apparently healthy adult dromedary camels of either gender from three different geographical locations of Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE), were included in the study. The skin test was applied on two shaved areas at the middle of the neck: one for the test and the other area was injected with normal saline as a control. Reading was done 72 h postinjection. Results were subjected to Bayesian analysis to assess the test performances in camels. The model estimated the following sensitivity and specificity median values: BST: Se = 70.72%, Sp = 98.82%; RBT: Se = 93.27%, Sp = 97.79%; and c-ELISA: Se = 94.78%, Sp = 98.48%. As the BST investigated in this study proved to be a highly specific test, we propose using it as a confirmatory test in camels particularly when the serological tests give doubtful results on individual animals.

Performance of an Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) in Comparison to Some Commonly Used Serological Tests for the Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Serological tests may represent an essential tool for the diagnosis of camel brucellosis; however, concerns arise in the scientific community regarding the direct transposition from cattle and small ruminants without adequate validation. The present study was made to compare four serological tests for the diagnosis of brucellosis in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). In terms of sensitivity, our results show that the Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) shows the higher value of sensitivity, 98.67% (95% Confidence Level (C.L): 94.36%-99.99%), followed by the Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA) with 95.05% (95% C.L: 88.23%-99.51%), then the Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA) with 94.94% (95% C.L: 88.25%-99.45%) and, finally, the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) with 68.95% (95% C.L: 56.55%-80.69%), which is the only test showing a significantly lower sensitivity compared to the others. On the other hand, our study revealed no significant difference in terms of specificity between all the tests under study, with a range from 99.06% (95% C.L: 98.34%-99.64%) for the ICT to 99.92% (95% C.L: 99.64%-100%) for the RBT. The ICT was found to be comparable in terms of sensitivity and specificity with the most commonly used tests for camel brucellosis. The results of the present study are of paramount importance for designing surveillance and control measures for brucellosis in camel populations.

Diagnostic Yield of Ultrasound-guided Trucut Biopsy in Diagnosis of Peripheral Lung Malignancies.

Introduction While computed tomography (CT) guided lung biopsy has been standard in histological diagnosis of pulmonary lesions, its use is limited to the interventional radiologists only. Ultrasound (US) guided biopsy of pulmonary lesions, which can be performed in-clinic by the pulmonologists only, is becoming a more popular technique. It also has the edge of real-time techniques, multi-planar imaging, and no radiation exposure to the patients. Methods This is a retrospective review of all the patients presenting with pleural-based lung lesions who underwent US-guided biopsy for diagnosis in the Department of Pulmonology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan from 1st January 2013 till 31st December 2017. The diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US-guided biopsies were evaluated for diagnoses of peripheral lung malignancies. Results Ultrasound-guided biopsies for lung lesions has a diagnostic yield of 88.3%, sensitivity of 95.80%, and specificity of 90% with an accuracy of 95.35%. Pneumothorax as an immediate complication was seen only in 1.5% cases. Conclusion US-guided biopsies are a much safer diagnostic alternative to CT-guided biopsy for lung lesions and have high diagnostic yield. It doesn't require special radiological interventionists, can be performed at patients' bedsides, and the equipment is not as expensive.

Incidence of Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in Sindh, Pakistan.

Introduction Pakistan carries a high burden of pulmonary tuberculosis. Resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs is increasing rapidly in this region. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Sindh, Pakistan. Methods We conducted a prospective, observational study in the department of pulmonology at Civil Hospital, Jamshoro. A total of 169 patients with smear-positive sputum after two months of compliant therapy with first line anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT) were included in the study. Drug susceptibility testing was performed; this involved the preparation and testing of a concentration series of drugs against the Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis complex. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software Version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, US). Results Overall, the frequency of MDR-TB patients being treated with first-line ATT was 40.2% (68/169). Among these cases of MDR-TB, there were 36 (53%) men and 32 (47%) women. The most common second-line drug resistance was to ofloxacin (43.2%; n=73). Conclusions The growing drug resistance of M. tuberculosis is a problem in Pakistan, and measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of resistance, including increasing patient compliance to therapy.

Field-Evolved Resistance of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) to Carbodiimide and Neonicotinoids in Pakistan.

The evolution of resistance to carbodiimide (a toxic metabolite of diafenthiuron) and four neonicotinoids imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, and thiacloprid in the Pakistani populations of sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) was monitored from 1996 to 2015 using a leaf-dip bioassay. Diafenthiuron, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid were introduced into Pakistani agriculture in mid-1990s and heavily used since then, because B. tabaci resistance and consequently control failures to conventional insecticides such as organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids were widespread during the 1990s. According to the current studies, resistance to carbodiimide, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid during 1996-2010 and to thiamethoxam during 1999-2007 remained very low, but then it rose sharply, and by the year 2015, the B. tabaci resistance increased to very high levels. Among neonicotinoids, thiacloprid was the latest introduction in Pakistan in 2002. There was no thiacloprid resistance in 2002 and 2003, a low to moderate resistance during 2004-2006, and a very high resistance during 2007-2010 that even exceeded resistance to previous neonicotinoids. We may conclude that diafenthiuron and neonicotinoids remained effective against B. tabaci for 15 yr following their intensive use under field conditions, before a significant resistance, leading to their field failures, occurred in Pakistan.

Lethal and sublethal effects of cantharidin on the life history traits and population parameters of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

BACKGROUND: The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is a serious and cosmopolitan pest of many economic crops. Its control has not been adequate owing to its resistance to many groups of insecticides. Toxicity of cantharidin on armyworm and diamondback moth has already been reported. However, its toxicity on H. armigera has not been investigated previously. In this study, lethal and sublethal effects of cantharidin on H. armigera under laboratory conditions are reported. RESULTS: Results showed gross abnormalities in the population parameters of H. armigera, ranging from larvae to adults. Reduction in larval weight and wing malformation were observed in the cantharidin-treated population cohort, and higher mortality at the larval, pupal and adult stages was observed in cantharidin-treated H. armigera compared with the control. Moreover, almost 5 times less fecundity was recorded in the treated population cohort. Fertility was also severely affected, and reduction in all population parameters was observed. CONCLUSION: Cantharidin caused larval mortality and other serious abnormalities in H. armigera population parameters, and therefore may have positive implications for pest management decision-making process. More interestingly, the experiment revealed that cantharidin in sublethal dose mimicked insect growth regulator insecticides. Furthermore, cantharidin could be used as a precursor compound for the synthesis of new analogues and compounds to replace ineffective older compounds.

Physiological and population responses of armyworm Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to a sublethal dose of cantharidin-AC.

The oriental armyworm Mythimna separata Walker is a serious threat to the production of cereals. Its control has largely relied on synthetic insecticides, which led to the decrease in their effectiveness. In China, cantharidin, a natural compound of insect origin with a mode of action different from a conventional insecticide, is being developed as a bio-insecticide for the control of lepidopteran pests. Its toxicological effects have already been studied in M. separata. However, its sublethal effects on physiological and population parameters have not yet been studied. The leaf dip bioassay results showed that cantharidin-AC (cantharidin acetone solution) had a high level of toxicity against M. separata and the 96 h LC50 value was 223 microg/ml. The sublethal effects of cantharidin exposure for 72 h at LC10 (77 microg/ml) on physiological and population parameters of M. sepatata were also investigated, and data were subjected to an age-stage two-sex life-table. The sublethal effects of cantharidin indicated reduction in survival rates of larval, pupal, and adult stages. In addition, both male and female moths were observed with crippled wings in the cantharidin-treated cohort. The mean values of the finite rate of increase (lambda), the intrinsic rate of increase (gamma), and the net reproductive rate (R(o)) were significantly lower in the treatment than in the control. The fecundity was also strongly affected by a sublethal cantharidin concentration. A sublethal concentration of cantharidin may reduce the population growth of M. separata by decreasing its survival and reproduction and by increasing its generation time.

Bromocriptine loaded chitosan nanoparticles intended for direct nose to brain delivery: pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and scintigraphy study in mice model.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of chitosan nanoparticles as a delivery system to enhance the brain targeting efficiency of bromocriptine (BRC) following intranasal (i.n.) administration. The BRC loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) were prepared by ionic gelation of CS with tripolyphosphate anions. These NPs had a mean size (161.3 ± 4. 7 nm), zeta potential (+40.3 ± 2.7 mV), loading capacity (37.8% ± 1.8%) and entrapment efficiency (84.2% ± 3.5%). The oral administration of haloperidol (2mg/kg) to mice produced typical Parkinson (PD) symptoms. Catalepsy and akinesia outcomes in animals receiving BRC either in solution or within CS NPs showed a reversal in catalepsy and akinesia behavior when compared to haloperidol treated mice, this reversal being specially pronounced in mice receiving BRC loaded CS NPs. Biodistribution of BRC formulations in the brain and blood of mice following i.n. and intravenous (i.v.) administration was performed using optimized technetium labeled (99mTc-labeled) BRC formulations. The brain/blood ratio of 0.47 ± 0.04, 0.69 ± 0.031, and 0.05 ± 0.01 for BRC solution (i.n.), BRC loaded CS NPs (i.n.) and (i.v.) respectively, at 0.5h are suggestive of direct nose to brain transport bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Gamma scintigraphy imaging of mice brain following i.v. and i.n. administrations were performed to determine the localization of drug in brain. The drug targeting index and direct transport percentage for BRC loaded CS NPs following i.n. route were 6.3 ± 0.8 and 84.2% ± 1.9%. These encouraging results confirmed the development of a novel non-invasive nose to brain delivery system of BRC for the treatment of PD.

Benzodiazepine use among adults residing in the urban settlements of Karachi, Pakistan: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There are hardly any studies carried out in Pakistan on the usage of benzodiazepines at the level of community. This research was aimed to determine the frequency of benzodiazepine use, along with its associations with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics among community dwelling adults, residing in two urban settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: We performed a cross sectional study from August 2008 to December 2009, in 2 areas of Karachi, namely Garden and Sultanabad. We followed the systematic sampling strategy to randomly select the households, with an adult of either sex and of age 18 years or more. Data collection was carried out through interview, using a pre-tested questionnaire, with items on socio-demographic position, medical history and benzodiazepine use. Student's t-test and χ2 test was employed to determine the associations between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and their relationship with benzodiazepine use was determined using applied logistic regression. RESULTS: The overall percentage of benzodiazepine consumption was estimated to be 14%. There were significantly more benzodiazepine users in the peri-urban Sultanabad community to the urban community of Garden (p-value = 0.001). The mean age (± SD) for users was 51.3 (± 15.6) years compared to 37.1 (± 14.4) years among non-users. Bromazepam was the most widely used benzodiazepine (29%); followed by diazepam, with a median duration on primary use being 144 weeks (IQR = 48-240). The adjusted logistic regression model revealed that increasing age, location, female sex, unemployment and psychiatric consultation were associated with increased likelihood of benzodiazepine use. CONCLUSION: We believe the unregulated over-the-counter sales of benzodiazepines and social conditions might be playing a role in this high consumption of benzodiazepines in the community.

Antipsychotic treatment and weight gain: does risperidone behave differently in Pakistani psychiatric patients?

BACKGROUND: Studies from the Western world have shown that antipsychotic medications in psychiatric patients result in weight gain and other metabolic diseases. This study was undertaken to investigate whether any one of the five most commonly prescribed antipsychotics, (risperidone, olanzepine, trifluoperazine, quetiapine and haloperidol) could behave differently in terms of causing weight gain among patients attending the psychiatric outpatient clinics in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: For this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from outpatient records of the Aga Khan University Hospital, from 2003 to 2007. Demographic and clinical data were analysed. Repeated measures ANOVA, using a linear mixed model approach was used to assess weight gain over time due to the use of antipsychotic medications. RESULTS: A total of 124 subject records (68 males and 56 females) were evaluated. One-way ANOVA revealed that the groups being prescribed with antipsychotics were comparable with respect to age, duration of treatment and weight measurements. Frequencies were calculated which showed that weight increases significantly over time with respect to the prescribed antipsychotic medications, except for risperidone. Repeated measures ANOVA using the linear mixed model approach showed that the serial weight measurements were significantly different across the follow up times (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Four of the commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs do result in an increase in weight; however risperidone has no such effect, making it an option in-treating psychiatric disorders without worrying for any gain in weight. In view of the increased prevalence of obesity and other metabolic diseases, measures should be taken towards careful prescription of antipsychotic medications.

Association between antipsychotics and weight gain among psychiatric outpatients in Pakistan: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It has been known for a long time that use of antipsychotics, particularly atypical antipsychotics, is associated with weight gain and increase in risk of metabolic disturbances. In this study we have tried to find out if use of antipsychotics is associated with increase in weight and body mass index (BMI) in the Pakistani population. METHODS: We performed a case note review of all patients who had been prescribed antipsychotic medication at the psychiatry outpatient clinic of a tertiary care university hospital in Pakistan over a 4-year period. RESULTS: A total of 50% of patients had a BMI in the overweight or higher range at baseline. Patients showed a mean weight gain of 1.88 kg from baseline in 3 months and 3.29 kg in 6 months. Both of these values were statistically significant. The increase in mean BMI from baseline was 0.74 and 1.3 in 3 months and 6 months, respectively. In patients for whom we had at least one further weight measurement after baseline, 48% (39/81) showed a clinically significant weight gain. CONCLUSION: Pakistani patients are just as likely to put on weight during antipsychotic treatment as patients from other countries. Considering that this population already has a much higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus compared to the Western countries, the consequences of increased weight may be even more serious in terms of increased morbidity and mortality.

Tertiary amines promoted synthesis of symmetrical 1,3-disubstituted ureas.

Symmetrical 1,3-disubstituted ureas and cyclic ureas have been synthesized from corresponding isocyanates and diisocyanates by a new versatile, simple and quick method in the presence of tertiary amines at room temperature. The method under investigation has several advantages over the existing techniques, as it is simple to carry out; does not require complicated equipment; work-up is simple, as it does not use expensive chemicals. Moreover, the yields are almost quantitative. It has a potential for commercial applications in pharmaceutical chemistry.