Nutritional evaluation of distillery sludge and its effect as a substitute of canola meal on performance of broiler chickens

The study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of distillery yeast sludge and its inclusion in broiler diets to replace canola meal. Raw distillery yeast sludge was washed with water using water and sludge in the ratio 6:1, respectively. Proximate analysis of raw distillery yeast sludge and washed distillery sludge was carried out for crude protein (CP), true protein (TP), ether extract (EE), ash, acid insoluble ash and nitrogen free extract (NFE) determination. Mineral contents and amino acid profile of raw distillery yeast sludge and washed distillery sludge were also determined. After chemical evaluation, four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous broiler starter and finisher diets were prepared in mash form using 0 (control), 4, 8 and 12% levels of washed distillery sludge replacing canola meal. One hundred and twenty day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 12 experimental units in such a way that each diet was offered to three experimental units, each comprising of 10 chicks. It was observed that washing affected the nutrients either by decreasing or increasing their concentration. It decreased the total mineral contents whereas CP, TP, EE and NFE contents increased. Washing also increased amino acid profile. Average feed intake and weight gain were higher in birds fed diet containing 8% washed distillery sludge and lower in birds fed diet containing 0% washed distillery sludge. Feed cost per kg live weight gain decreased significantly as the level of washed distillery sludge was increased in the diet. Average heart, liver and pancreas weights decreased with increased level of washed distillery sludge in the diet. The study revealed that after washing, distillery yeast sludge can be used successfully in broiler diets up to the level of 8% without any adverse effect on broiler’s performance.

Assisted closure of fasciotomy wounds: A descriptive series and caution in patients with vascular injury

Introduction

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and vessel loop assisted closure are two common methods used to assist with the closure of fasciotomy wounds. This retrospective review compares these two methods using a primary outcome measurement of skin graft requirement.

Methods

A retrospective search was performed to identify patients who underwent fasciotomy at our institution. Patient demographics, location of the fasciotomy, type of assisted closure, injury characteristics, need for skin graft, length of stay and evidence of infection within 90 days were recorded.

Results

A total of 56 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 49 underwent vessel loop closure and seven underwent NPWT assisted closure. Patients who underwent NPWT assisted closure were at higher risk for requiring skin grafting than patients who underwent vessel loop closure, with an odds ratio of 5.9 (95% confidence interval 1.11 to 31.24). There was no difference in the rate of infection or length of stay between the two groups. Demographic factors such as age, gender, fracture mechanism, location of fasciotomy and presence of open fracture were not predictive of the need for skin grafting.

Conclusion

This retrospective descriptive case series demonstrates an increased risk of skin grafting in patients who underwent fasciotomy and were treated with NPWT assisted wound closure. In our series, vessel loop closure was protective against the need for skin grafting. Due to the small sample size in the NPWT group, caution should be taken when generalising these results. Further research is needed to determine if NPWT assisted closure of fasciotomy wounds truly leads to an increased requirement for skin grafting, or if the vascular injury is the main risk factor.

First Report of Citrus tristeza virus in National Germplasm of Citrus in Afghanistan

Rejuvenation of the horticulture industry is a government priority in Afghanistan. With that purpose, European Commission-supported programs specifically focus on greater access to improved and appropriate planting materials to increase the quantity and quality of more competitive horticultural products. Establishment of a biotechnology laboratory was considered essential support to horticulture sector development. This laboratory has begun screening the health status of the Afghan Germplasm National Collection to ensure multiplication of not only the best selected varieties or ecotypes but also to avoid reproduction and distribution of virus-infected fruit trees. Symptom inspection and sample collection for viral diseases was carried out in the citrus orchard during survey activity at the National Collection Experimental Farm in Jalalabad (Nangarhar Province). Ninety-nine variety plots (one row of five plants) were inspected visually and samples from two plants for each plot were collected and analyzed by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA. Plants showing vein flecking, yellowing, and plant decline symptoms were observed in several plots. Four accessions were found to be infected by Citrus tristeza virus (CTV): kumquat cv. Margarita (isolates J4 and J8), orange cv. Mahali (J61), mandarin group cv. Fruter (J76), and rough lemon cv. Mahali (J101). Identified isolates have been characterized molecularly. A 655-nt fragment, corresponding to the major coat protein gene, has been amplified from all ELISA-positive samples by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using CTVF (5'-TAATGGACGACGAACAAAGA-3') and CTVR (5'-CCAAGCTGCCTGACATTAGT-3') primers. Sequence analysis revealed high similarity, ranging from 91.1 to 99.8%, within CTV isolates detected in Jalalabad. In accordance with the phylogenetic groups previously defined (page 8 in: Proceedings of the 15th Conference of the International Organization of Citrus Virologists, 2002), nucleotide sequences of Afghan CTV isolates investigated in the current work cluster in Group 1 (J4 and J8), Group 4 (J61 and J76), and Group 5 (J101). In particular, J4 and J8 isolates show, respectively, identity of 99.4 and 99.2% with reference isolate T36 (GenBank Accession No. M76485) from the United States (Florida). Moreover, in Group 4, isolate J61 and J76 were more similar to ANO-1 isolate (GenBank Accession No. DQ211658) from Egypt (identity of 98.5 and 98.0%, respectively) than to isolate 443-4 (GenBank Accession No. AY791844) from Croatia (97.4 and 97.5%, respectively). Finally, isolate J101 in Group 5, shows identity of 95.6% with isolates C268-2 (GenBank Accession No. AY750770) and C269-6 (GenBank Accession No. AY750775) from Argentina. To our knowledge, our results identified for the first time CTV-infected plants in Afghanistan. The presence of CTV in four accessions of the national citrus collection is of concern for Afghan horticulture. Implementation of the certification schemes is therefore necessary to guarantee the production and the employment of virus-free propagating material.

Surface Modified Gold Nanorods in Two Photon Luminescence Imaging

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) possess unique optical properties which make them good contrast agents for optical microscopy. Their longitudinal plasmon resonance peak can be easily tuned from red to near infrared wavelength by increasing their aspect ratio to match the wavelengths of different imaging modalities. AuNRs are also stronger scatterers of light as compared with gold nanospheres. Nevertheless what sets them apart from other gold nanoparticles is their strong multiphoton luminescence. AuNRs are therefore being increasingly used as contrast agents for multiphoton microscopy of biological samples. In this study, control of the longitudinal resonance peak of gold nanorods is investigated with comparison of two chemical synthesis approaches. Both based on a seed-mediated method, one approach is to tune the aspect ratio through manipulation of the ratio of gold seeds to gold salt and the other is through variation of the volume of hydrochloric acid. The synthesized gold nanorods were made biocompatible by replacing the cytotoxic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) molecules with either silica (SiO2) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Multiphoton imaging of gold nanorods taken up by cells was demonstrated and the effect of PEG chain length on passive uptake of gold nanorods by cells is discussed.

Neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the analysis of fresh, pasteurised and powder milk

This study shows the application of semi-absolute k 0 instrumental neutron activation analysis (k 0-INAA), epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) for the determination of 21 elements (Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hf, I, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sc Sr, and Zn) in different types of milk samples. The ENAA was required for the determination of iodine, AAS for Cu, Ni and Pb and the rest of the elements were measured by k 0-INAA. Thirteen elements (Br, Ca, Cl, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, Rb, Sr and Zn) were identified in all milk samples. Ni was detected in eleven and Pb in two samples. Concentrations of most of the elements were within the ranges of the world reported data. The data was further explored by principal component analysis to find relationships between samples and elements.

Pharmacotherapy-Based Problems in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: Needs Much More to be Done!

A total of 856 diabetic patients were evaluated for pharmacotherapy-based problems like for possible drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and other mismatches, if any. Poor correlation between the advised insulin therapy and patients’ fasting blood glucose levels (12%, n=103) was observed. To most of the patients (41.66%, n= 357), insulin therapy was advised in combination with glucocorticoides, thiazides diuretics, and propranolol. Prescribing beta blocker (propranolol) with insulin is contraindicated. The higher incidence of diabetic foot patients was in the mean age of 57±3.4 years that was controlled with combination therapy of insulin and oral antidiabetics (63.0%, n=516). 11.1% of the treated patients could not take the prescribed therapy due to poor acceptance of insulin therapy due to its syringe needle prick. 41.66% risks of potential drug interactions, 7.93% adverse drug reactions, and 6.6% mismatches were recorded, as per the international approved algorithm, for managing a diabetes mellitus that reflects poor health care system. All these events necessitate for coordinating with other health professionals to make the therapy safer in the better interest of the patients. It is concluded that in practice prescribing pattern carries more risks for patients. It is imperative to improve the practice of pharmacotherapeutics rather than to practice in routine.

Giant colonic mucocele following palliative surgery for metastatic adenocarcinoma

We report an unusual case of a giant colonic mucocele following ileo-sigmoid bypass surgery in a patient with advanced adenocarcinoma of the splenic flexure. The formation of a giant colonic mucocele resulted from distal splenic flexure obstruction due to tumour relapse and proximal caecal obstruction due to peritoneal disease with subsequent accumulation of mucus in the closed loop.

Src is a major signaling component for CTGF induction by TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is induced by transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) where it acts as a downstream mediator of TGF-beta1 induced matrix production in osteoblasts. We have shown the requirement of Src, Erk, and Smad signaling for CTGF induction by TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts; however, the potential interaction among these signaling pathways remains undetermined. In this study we demonstrate that TGF-beta1 activates Src kinase in ROS17/2.8 cells and that treatment with the Src family kinase inhibitor PP2 prevents Src activation and CTGF induction by TGF-beta1. Additionally, inhibiting Src activation prevented Erk activation, Smads 2 and 3 activation and nuclear translocation by TGF-beta1, demonstrating that Src is an essential upstream signaling partner of both Erk and Smads in osteoblasts. MAPKs such as Erk can modulate the Smad pathway directly by mediating the phosphorylation of Smads or indirectly through activation/inactivation of required nuclear co-activators that mediate Smad DNA binding. When we treated cells with the Erk inhibitor, PD98059, it inhibited TGF-beta1-induced CTGF protein expression but had no effect on Src activation, Smad activation or Smad nuclear translocation. However PD98059 impaired transcriptional complex formation on the Smad binding element (SBE) of the CTGF promoter, demonstrating that Erk activation was required for SBE transactivation. These data demonstrate that Src is an essential upstream signaling transducer of Erk and Smad signaling with respect to TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts and that Smads and Erk function independently but are both essential for forming a transcriptionally active complex on the CTGF promoter in osteoblasts.

Long-term results following osteotomy of the thumb delta phalanx in Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome is a rare condition affecting 1:125,000 children. It is associated with short broad radially deviated thumbs, secondary to a delta proximal phalanx of the thumb. We undertook a retrospective review of seven children (13 thumbs) with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome whose thumbs were treated using a corrective osteotomy to the delta phalanx over a 13 year period. The types of osteotomy used in the series were reverse wedge osteotomy, opening wedge osteotomy and dome shaped osteotomy. The mean preoperative radial deviation of thumbs was 68 degrees (range 45-85 degrees ). At follow up five of the 13 thumbs demonstrated some residual radial deviation. All recurrences occurred in the dome shaped osteotomy group. Our data suggest that surgery is effective in correcting the deformity, but there is a risk of incomplete correction or recurrence. Despite the recurrence the mean postoperative deformity was significantly better than preoperatively and the majority of patients families subjectively reported good function. No patient in our series has yet undergone further corrective surgery.

The success of continued steroid avoidance after kidney transplantation in the US

There has been a significant increase in the use of steroid avoidance regimens as initial treatment for kidney transplant recipients. Early results of the effectiveness of this strategy has been mixed with certain prospective trials indicating increased acute rejection but population-based studies indicating similar or better graft survival as compared to steroid maintenance. We conducted a retrospective study of national registry data to evaluate risk factors for discontinuation of steroid avoidance protocols based on patient characteristics and concomitant immunosuppression. We evaluated 84 647 solitary kidney transplant recipients in the US with at least 6 months graft survival including 24 218 initially discharged without maintenance steroids. We utilized logistic models to assess risk factors for new initiation of steroids after initial steroid-avoidance and survival models to describe graft survival for patients after return to steroids. The most prominent risk factors for new initiation of steroids after deceased donor kidney transplantation included African-American race (AOR = 1.32, p < 0.01), retransplants (AOR = 1.81, p < 0.01), highly sensitized recipients (AOR = 1.29, p < 0.01), recipients with Medicaid (AOR = 1.85, p < 0.01), elevated HLA-MM (AOR = 1.26, p < 0.01) and older donor age (AOR = 1.19, p < 0.01). Concomitant medications were also significantly associated with the propensity to newly initiate steroids. Cumulatively the study suggests that both patient characteristics and concomitant medications are strongly associated with the success of steroid avoidance immunosuppressive regimens.

The effect of tip geometry on the mechanical performance of unused and reprocessed orthopaedic drill bits

Although reprocessed drill bits have been in clinical use as a cost-saving measure, their performance has not been critically evaluated in comparison with the performance of unused drill bits. The effect of three commonly used reprocessing methods on the geometry and mechanical performance of 2.5 mm orthopaedic drill bits was investigated and compared with that for unused drill bits. Four mechanically significant drill parameters including chisel edge, chisel edge angle, point angle, and lip length of 36 drill bits in four groups were measured and compared. Group A included unused drill bits. Group B included drill bits reprocessed once by one company whereas group C included those reprocessed twice by the same method. Group D included drill bits reprocessed once by another company. For mechanical performance, a test set-up was developed in which the time of travel of the drill bits through layers of cortical and trabecular synthetic bone materials under constant compressive force were measured. The geometrical parameters were found to be significantly altered as a result of the reprocessing methods. A linear relationship was derived to relate the chisel edge to the drill time through cortical and trabecular bones. The mechanical performance of drill bits is correlated largely to the chisel edge length. A larger chisel edge is correlated to a reduced drill time, particularly in the cortical bone.

The efficacy of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis in local patients of Karachi

The primary objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of the 'Disease Modifying AntiRheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) on the disease activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in the local patients of Karachi. The secondary objective is to evaluate whether the combination of two concurrent DMARDs (Combination Therapy) is superior to a single DMARD (Mono-therapy). This is an open labeled retrospective case series. One hundred and five consecutive patients fulfilling 1987 ACR criteria for the diagnosis of RA were initially selected from the case notes of out patients department. Sixty nine patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were finally recruited for analysis. Details of the Tender Joint Count (TJC), Swolen Joint Count (SJC), Patient Global Assessment (PGA) and ESR were obtained at six weeks, three months, six months and one year. Out of the 69 patients studied 48 were in the mono-therapy group and 21 in the combination therapy group. Methotrexate (MTX) was the most commonly used single DMARD (75%) as well as the most frequent component of the combination groups (85%). The TJC, SJC and PGA analyses of all patients show that DMARDs are effective agents for clinically controlling RA activity. The speed of their beneficial effect is slow and unlike analgesics and NSAIDS, may take up to six weeks to start working. The 6 week responses showed 32.49% improvement in TJC, 33.19% improvement in SJC and 59% better responses in PGA. This response continued to show further improvement and at six months when TJC improved by 63.41%, SJC by 53.21% and PGA with 81% better responses. After 6 months the response reached a plateau but nevertheless maintained until 1 year with improvements in TJC by 66.23%, SJC by 56.48% and PGA with 88.23% better responses. The changes in ESR did not go parallel with the other three outcome measures. The mean baseline ESR of 56 reduced to 44 at 6 weeks but rose again gradually to 54 at 1 year. The sub-group analysis did not show the overall superiority of combination therapy over mono-therapy. DMARDs are effective in controlling disease activity in RA. Their effect starts slowly over 6 week and may take up to 6 months to show full benefits. The beneficial effect was maintained for at least 1 year. Sub-group analysis did not show any advantage of combination therapy over mono-therapy in this series of patients. Methotrexote being the most frequently used DMARDs in both groups and being most cost effective agent seems to be the most useful drug in RA in the developing world.

A rare cause of recurrent iron deficiency anaemia

Gastro intestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs) are a rare neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. They often grow silently and present late when surgical cure is not possible. Chemo and radiotherapy have a very poor success rate. We present a case of successful surgical removal of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour in a patient who presented with GI bleeding and a recurrent microcytic anaemia.

Exploitation of multilayer coatings for infrared surface plasmon resonance fiber sensors

We demonstrate surface plasmon resonance (SPR) fiber devices based upon ultraviolet inscription of a grating-type structure into both single-layered and multilayered thin films deposited on the flat side of a lapped D-shaped fiber. The single-layered devices were fabricated from germanium, while the multilayered ones comprised layers of germanium, silica, and silver. Some of the devices operated in air with high coupling efficiency in excess of 40 dB and an estimated index sensitivity of Delta lambda/Delta n=90 nm from 1 to 1.15 index range, while others provided an index sensitivity of Delta lambda/Delta n=6790 nm for refractive indices from 1.33 to 1.37.

Distinct pattern of mutations of conserved regions of TP53 in colorectal cancer patients in the Kashmir population: an emerging high-risk area

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The Kashmir valley, in Northern India, has been described as a high-risk area for colorectal cancer.

Aim:

The aim was to make a preliminary attempt to study mutations in exons 5–8 (the DNA binding domain) of the tumour suppressor gene TP53 in 42 CRC patients from Kashmir.

Materials and methods:

The study population consisted of 42 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Mutations in exons 5–8 of the TP53 gene were detected by means of single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). All samples that showed different band migration patterns in the SSCP were confirmed by sequencing.

Results:

The 28 mutations were found in the TP53 gene in 19 patients, comprised 23 substitutions (17 transitions + six transversions), and five insertions. The 23 substitutions represent 18 missense mutations, leading to amino acid substitutions, two nonsense mutations, leading to stop codons, while the remaining three were silent mutations. The five insertions represented frameshifts. Two of 28 mutations (7.14%) have not been previously reported in colon cancer samples and were identified as novel TP53 mutations. Comparison of the mutation profile with other ethnic populations and regions reflected both differences and similarities indicating co-exposure to a unique set of risk factors.

Conclusions:

Mutation of the TP53 gene is one of the commonest genetic changes in the development of human colorectal cancer. The high frequency of TP53 gene mutations implicates TP53 as a predominant factor for colorectal cancer in the high-risk ethnic Kashmir population.

Molecular requirements for induction of CTGF expression by TGF-beta1 in primary osteoblasts

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a cysteine rich, extracellular matrix protein that acts as an anabolic growth factor to regulate osteoblast differentiation and function. In osteoblasts, CTGF is induced by TGF-beta1 where it acts as a downstream mediator of TGF-beta1 induced matrix production. The molecular mechanisms that control CTGF induction by TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts are not known. To assess the role of individual Smads in mediating the induction of CTGF by TGF-beta1, we used specific Smad siRNAs to block Smad expression. These studies demonstrated that Smads 3 and 4, but not Smad 2, are required for TGF-beta1 induced CTGF promoter activity and expression in osteoblasts. Since the activation of MAPKs (Erk, Jnk and p38) by TGF-beta1 is cell type specific, we were interested in determining the role of individual MAPKs in TGF-beta1 induction of CTGF promoter activity and expression. Using dominant negative (DN) mutants for Erk, Jnk and p38, we demonstrated that the expression of DN-Erk caused a significant inhibition of TGF-beta1 induced CTGF promoter activity. In contrast, the expression of DN-p38 or DN-Jnk failed to inhibit activation of CTGF promoter activity. To confirm the vital role of Erk, we used the Erk inhibitor (PD98059) to block its activation, demonstrating that it prevented TGF-beta1 activation of the CTGF promoter and up-regulation of CTGF expression in osteoblasts. Since Src can also act as a downstream signaling effector for TGF-beta in some cell types, we determined its role in TGF-beta1 induction of CTGF in osteoblasts. Treatment of osteoblasts with a Src family kinase inhibitor, PP2, or the expression of two independent kinase-dead Src mutant constructs caused significant inhibition of TGF-beta1 induced CTGF promoter activity and expression. Additionally, blocking Src activation prevented Erk activation by TGF-beta1 demonstrating a role for Src as an upstream mediator of Erk in regulating CTGF expression in osteoblasts. To investigate the involvement of the TGF-beta1 response element (TRE) and the SMAD binding element (SBE) in CTGF induction, we cloned the rat CTGF proximal promoter (-787 to +1) containing the TRE and SBE motifs into a pGL3-Luciferase reporter construct. Using a combination of CTGF promoter deletion constructs and site-directed mutants, we demonstrated the unique requirement of both the TRE and SBE for CTGF induction by TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts. Electro-mobility shift assays using specific probes containing the TRE, SBE or both showed TGF-beta1 inducible complexes that can be ablated by mutation of the respective motif, confirming their requirement for TGF-beta1 induced CTGF promoter activity. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that CTGF induction by TGF-beta1 in osteoblasts involves Smads 3 and 4, the Erk and Src signaling pathways, and requires both the TRE and SBE motifs in the CTGF proximal promoter.

An endophytic Neurospora sp. from Nothapodytes foetida producing camptothecin

The medicinal plant, Nothapodytes foetida contains a number of important alkaloids like camptothecin (an anticancer drug molecule) but its concentration is less to meet the existing demand of this important molecule, so in an effort for accessible availability of camptothecin. An endophyte (designated ZP5SE) was isolated from the seed of Nothapodytes foetida and was examined as potential source of anticancer drug lead compound i.e. camptothecin, when grown in Sabouraud liquid culture media under shake flask conditions. The presence of anticancer compound (camptothecin) in this fungus was confirmed by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods in comparison with authentic camptothecin. Isolated endophyte (Neurospora crassa) producing camptothecin may become an easily accessible source for the production of precursor anticancer drug molecule in future at large scale.

Radon awareness survey in Pakistan

Significant progress has been made in reducing the risk from exposure to radon and its progeny all over the world as a result of efforts made by different organisations which are working together to educate public about the harmful effects of radon. During the past several surveys, it was found that uneducated people were totally ignorant of radon in Pakistan. Even a large number of science graduates knew very little about radon and its hazards. Therefore, a nationwide survey was conducted to measure general awareness and factual knowledge about radon and its health hazards. In this regard, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed among different classes of the society including students, government employees and general public throughout the country. A total of 7000 people with different educational backgrounds participated in this survey, which includes uneducated people (1000), science and humanities graduates (2000 each) and under graduate (2000). Statistical analysis, excluding uneducated people, revealed that 30.4% of the total respondents were aware of radon and 69.6% had even not heard of radon. Only approximately 8.4% of the total respondents were knowledgeably aware of radon.

Developmental regulation of K accumulation in pollen, anthers, and papillae: are anther dehiscence, papillae hydration, and pollen swelling leading to pollination and fertilization in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) regulated by changes in K concentration?

The presence of potassium (K) in pollen, anthers and papillae from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) flowers with different levels of developmental stages starting from boot stage to fully mature flower, was studied by using the K-sensitive fluorescent dye PBFI (potassium-binding benzofuran isophthalate) and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The presence of heavy K fluorescence was detected only at the aperture area of the mature pollen. Similarly, the presence of K increased with the progression from immature to mature anther and papillae. In addition, a higher concentration of K was observed only at the stomium area (the place of anther dehiscence) of mature anthers. Keeping in view the role of K as an active osmoticum and the consistent and synchronized appearance of K in mature pollen, anthers, and papillae, it was concluded that K may regulate anther dehiscence, pollen imbibition, and papillae hydration leading to pollination and fertilization.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections among general practitioners and medical specialists in Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVES

To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among specialists that is, dermatologist, gynecologists and urologists and general practitioners (GPs) in Karachi, Pakistan.

METHODS

Interviewers administered structured questionnaires to doctors conducting outpatient clinics at tertiary hospitals and/or private clinics in Karachi. All private clinics within a 10 km radius of the Aga Khan University and all tertiary hospitals having more than 100 inpatient beds were included in the study.

RESULTS

One hundred doctors (54 specialists and 46 GPs) responded. Eighty doctors reported seeing at least one STI patient/month. The most commonly diagnosed STI the doctors reported was urethritis/cervicitis syndrome. 50% of the doctors knew the recommended antibiotics for gonorrhea though only 46% of these knew the correct dosage. Specialists were three times more likely to recognize the clinical presentation of herpes and twice as likely to treat chlamydia, syphilis and herpes with appropriate antimicrobials than GPs. 85% of the doctors advised their STI patients regarding condom usage; 36% thought that STI patients had loose sexual morals, 43% believed STI patients were drug addicts. Over 90% of the physicians were willing to attend educational sessions and follow a national STI treatment protocol.

CONCLUSION

Doctors in Karachi, especially GPs, are deficient in appropriately managing and counseling STI patients. Among the specialists, urologists and dermatologists were more likely to manage STIs correctly than gynecologists. Karachi doctors should be educated in the correct management and counseling of STIs to prevent further spread of STIs including AIDS (Sex Transm Inf 2000;76:383-85).

Some more new etchants for CR-39 detector

Recently, several new etchants have been reported for CR-39 detector (Molten Ba(OH)2. 8H2O as an etchant for CR-39 detector, Radiat. Meas. 37 (2003) 205; Discovery of new etchants for CR-39 detector, Radiat. Meas. (2004)). We have made further progress in this direction and have unveiled two more new etchants which are reported in this article. CR-39 detectors were irradiated with fission fragments and alpha particles from a thin 252Cf disc source. The irradiated detectors were then etched in our newly introduced etching solutions as well as in conventionally used 6 M NaOH aqueous solution at 70 degrees C. The newly prepared etching solutions included NaOH dissolved in methanol and NaOH dissolved in methanol + water. Optimum values of NaOH concentration in methanol as well as in methanol + water were determined. Optimum etching temperatures were also determined for both the above-mentioned etchants. From fission and alpha track diameters, bulk etching rate (VB), track etching rate (VT) and etching efficiency (eta) were determined and compared with that obtained for 6 M NaOH at 70 degrees C. Both the newly introduced etchants were found more efficient than the conventionally used 6 M aqueous NaOH (64%) at 70 degrees C and have relatively much smaller etching time.

Functional analysis of pathogenicity proteins of the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis using RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) has been used widely as a tool for examining gene function and a method that allows its use with plant-parasitic nematodes recently has been described. Here, we use a modified method to analyze the function of secreted beta-1,4, endoglucanases of the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis, the first in vivo functional analysis of a pathogenicity protein of a plant-parasitic nematode. Knockout of the beta-1,4, endoglucanases reduced the ability of the nematodes to invade roots. We also use RNAi to show that gr-ams-1, a secreted protein of the main sense organs (the amphids), is essential for host location.

Discovery of new etchants for CR-39 detector

After reporting the excellent etching properties of molten Ba(OH)2 8H2O as an etchant, we now report some more new and efficient etchants for CR-39 detector. CR-39 detectors were irradiated with fission fragments and alpha particles with a thin 252Cf source. The irradiated detectors were etched in a number of our newly introduced etching solutions as well as in conventionally used 6 M NaOH at 70 degrees C. The newly prepared etching solutions included NaOH/ethanol and NaOH/1-propanol. Processing conditions were optimized for these etchants. From fission and alpha track diameters, bulk etching velocity (VB), track etching velocity (VT), etching efficiency (eta) and their activation energies were determined and compared with that obtained for 6M NaOH at 70 degrees C.

Role of HBV genotype in predicting response to lamivudine therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Predictors of response of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to lamivudine therapy need better definition. Whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes could serve as such a predictor has not been well studied.

AIM

To study the association of HBV genotypes with the outcome of lamivudine treatment in patients with CHB.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients with CHB (45 HBeAg +ve) received lamivudine 100 mg/day, orally for 12 mo. Infecting HBV genotypes were determined in pre-treatment specimens using restriction fragment length polymorphism. End-of-treatment response (ETR) and sustained viral response (SVR) were defined as undetectable HBV DNA (< 0.5 pg/mL) at 12 and 18 months, respectively.

RESULTS

ETR was observed in 26 (34%) and SVR in 11 (14%) patients receiving lamivudine. The pre-treatment characteristics of the responders and non-responders were comparable. Genotypes A and D were observed in 28 (37%) and 48 (63%) patients, respectively. The frequency of genotypes A and D was comparable between responders (28.6% vs. 37.5%) and non-responders (71.4% vs. 62.5%), respectively (p=ns). Of the 26 responders, SVR could be evaluated in 20 subjects; 9 (45%) relapsed and 11 achieved SVR. Patients with genotype D achieved higher SVR rate than genotype A (10 of 48, 28.8% vs. 1 of 28, 3.5% p =0.0359).

CONCLUSIONS

Forty-five percent of Indian patients with CHB who achieve ETR relapse, and SVR to lamivudine therapy is achieved in 14%. Patients with genotype D achieve higher SVR rate than with genotype A.

Indoor radon levels and lung cancer risk estimates in seven cities of the Bahawalpur Division, Pakistan

Indoor radon concentration levels were measured in seven major cities of the Bahawalpur Division, Pakistan. These included Fort Abbas, Minchin Abad, Hasilpur, Bahawalpur, Liaqatpur, Rahimyar Khan and Sadiq Abad. In order to select houses for this survey, the inhabitants were approached through their school-registered children. Due to several constraints, only those 100 houses were chosen in each city that were relatively the best representatives of the built-up area. The selected houses were then divided into live categories according to the house locations and building characteristics. CR-39 detectors, placed in polyethylene bags. were installed at head height in bedrooms and sitting rooms of all the selected houses and were exposed to radon and its daughter products for 90 days. Four such measurements were performed over a year in order to average out the seasonal variation in radon levels. After exposure, all the detectors were etched and counted under an optical microscope. The track densities of four measurements were averaged out and related to radon concentration levels. The radon levels were found to be 20, 20, 26, 28, 34, 42, 47 Bq m(-3) in the bedrooms and 24, 26, 27, 26, 37, 40, 43 Bq m(-3) in sitting rooms of Hasilpur, Rahimyar Khan, Minchin Abad, Fort Abbas, Sadiq Abad, Bahawalpur and Liaqatpur respectively. The observed variation in the radon level may be attributed to the geological variation in the area. Based on the observed data, excess lung cancer risk was assessed using the risk factors recommended by the USEPA, UNSCEAR and the ICRP. According to the EPA model, the lifetime excess lung cancer risk due to the lifetime exposure is found to vary from 12-102 per million per year in the houses surveyed. This variation is from 16-114 and 26-62 per million per year if UNSCEAR and ICRP limits are applied respectively.

HLA polymorphism in six ethnic groups from Pakistan

The extreme polymorphism found at some of the loci of the HLA system has made it an invaluable tool for population genetic analyses. In this study the genetic polymorphism of six Pakistani ethnic groups was investigated at the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB and DQB1 loci using polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers. The groups included in this study are the Baloch, Brahui and Sindhi from the south and the Burusho, Kalash and Pathan from the north of Pakistan. The allele frequencies, three-locus haplotype frequencies for HLA-A, -C, -B and HLA-A, -B, -DRB1 are given. Variation in the allele and haplotype distribution between the six Pakistani ethnic groups was observed. A phylogenetic tree and correspondence analysis based on HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1 allele frequencies revealed the Kalash population to be distinct from the remaining Pakistani populations. The Baloch and Brahui were closely related to one another. The Sindhi were closer to the Pathan and Burusho populations than to the neighboring Baloch and Brahui populations, indicating admixture between the northern and southern populations of Pakistan. A phylogenetic tree and correspondence analysis comparing the Pakistani populations with various other world populations showed that the Pakistani ethnic groups lie within the cluster of Asian Indian populations. The three-locus haplotypes found in the Pakistani populations suggest an influence from Caucasian and Oriental populations.

Picosecond time-gated microscopy of UV-damaged plant tissue

We demonstrate that picosecond time-gated fluorescence microscopy can be used to monitor subtle changes in the kinetics and spatial distribution of perturbations to the molecular and cellular structure of plant tissue caused by ultraviolet radiation. Single-molecule experiments on Photosystem II and chloroplast preparations give picosecond fluorescence decay kinetics that are similar to those obtained previously on bulk samples. For green plant leaves, localized and well-defined cellular structure is seen for normal material whereas relatively diffuse and non-specific features are seen after UV-irradiation indicating significant UV-induced rupture of the cellular structure. The changes in the chlorophyll fluorescence decay kinetics indicate uncoupling of chlorophyll molecules in the light-harvesting system leading to inhibition of energy reorganization and transfer in the antennae and subsequent exciton transfer to the reaction centers.