The frequency of various diseases among patients attending Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Khwazakela, Swat

This hospital-based study was conducted in THQ (Tehsil Headquarter) Hospital Khwazakhela, district Swat in April 2018, to determine the incidence of various diseases among patients in general and the cases attended in the OPD (out patients department) in particular. One year of data was taken from April 2017 to March 2018, of all the patients who attended the THQ Hospital to check the frequency of individual diseases, month wise, gender wise, age wise as well as, case wise. Information on patients attending OPD with respiratory, gastro intestinal, urinary tract diseases and other communicable diseases were compiled. A total of 219,056 patients attended Civil Hospital Khwazakhela during that period, with an average of 18,254.66 patients per month. This comprised 104,349(47.63%) males and 114,707 (52.36%) females. Most patients were in the age group of 15 to 59 years which comprised a total of 109,217 (49.85%) patients. In this age group 42,713 (39.10%) were males and 66,504 (60.89%) were females. A total of 77,286 patients attended OPD having respiratory, gastro intestinal, urinary tract diseases and communicable diseases. Among these patients, about 28,115 (36.37%) had respiratory diseases, 23,045 (29.81%) had gastro intestinal diseases, 18,060 (23.36%) had urinary tract diseases and 8,066 (10.43%) had other communicable diseases. Respiratory diseases were the most common in our study. The ratio of female cases was higher than males. Most of the patients were in the age group of 15-59 years. The emerging challenges for health practitioners are to prevent respiratory diseases that pose a major healthcare burden in the region.

The antisense 5' end of the V2 gene confers enhanced resistance against the monopartite begomovirus cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus-Burewala strain

Whitefly-transmitted viruses of the genus Begomovirus (the family Geminiviridae) have become a limiting factor for agricultural productivity in many warmer parts of the world. The economies of Pakistan and India have, since the early 1990s, suffered losses due to cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD). The disease is caused by begomoviruses, the most important of which at this time is cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus strain Burewala (CLCuKoV-Bu), and a disease-specific betasatellite, cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). Efforts to minimize losses due to CLCuD rely mainly on the use of insecticides to kill the whitefly vector; no resistant cotton varieties are currently commercially available. The study described here has investigated RNA interference technology for its potential to yield resistance against CLCuKoV-Bu and three other begomoviruses; CLCuKoV, tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) and Pedilanthus leaf curl virus (PeLCV). Three fragments of the virion-sense V2 gene of CLCuKoV-Bu were transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana in antisense orientation and transgenic lines expressing virus-specific short RNAs were assessed for their ability to yield resistance. Only CLCuKoV-Bu with the V2 sequence closest to the promoter was resistant. Inoculation of CLCuKoV-Bu with CLCuMuB into transgenic plants did not significantly affect the outcome, although viral DNA was detected in number of plants, suggesting that the betasatellite may impair RNAi resistance. Overall the results indicate that targeting the 5' end of V2 gene using antisense-RNA has the potential to deliver resistance against begomoviruses and that RNAi-based resistance imparts some degree of resistance to heterologous viruses. Keywords: geminivirus; begomovirus; RNAi; resistance; CLCuKoV-Burewala; CLCuMuB.

Response of NPY immunoreactivity in the tadpole brain exposed to energy rich and energy depleted states

The central control of feeding in animals depends upon the alternating actions of orexigenic and anorectic peptides. Studies at understanding the food intake mechanisms have emphasised the role of Neuropeptide Y as a potent orexigenic peptide in the brain. The aim of this study is to investigate the response of NPY system to positive and negative energy states and elucidate a holistic response of NPY expression throughout the brain of a tadpole model. The pre-metamorphic tadpoles of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis were subjected to fasting, or intra-cranially injected with glucose or 2-deoxy-d-Glucose (2DG)-a metabolic antagonist of glucose and the response of the NPY system in the entire brain was studied using immunohistochemistry. Glucose injections reduced the basal expression of NPY- immunoreactive perikarya (upto 20%) in the olfactory bulb, nucleus pre-opticus, infundibulum, raphe nucleus and the distal lobe of pituitary. These regions responded to the intracranial injections of 2DG by increasing the expression of NPY up to 30%. Animals deprived of food also possessed the same response except that the increase was much intense in the 2DG injected tadpoles. Our observations lead us to the conclusion that NPY containing neurons in the discrete brain areas may be involved in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis in amphibians and, since these regions also contain the glucose sensing neurons, we further suggest that the release of NPY might be regulated by the glucose sensing neurons of the brain.

Bt Proteins Have No Detrimental Effects on Larvae of the Green Lacewing, Chrysopa pallens (Rambur) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Biosafety of a genetically modified crop is required to be assessed prior to its commercialization. For this, a suitable artificial diet was developed and used to establish a dietary exposure test for assessing the toxicity of midgut-active Bt insecticidal proteins on Chrysopa pallens (Rambur). Subsequently, this dietary exposure test was used to evaluate the toxicity of the proteins Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ah, Cry1Ca, Cry1F, Cry2Aa, Cry2Ab, and Vip3Aa on C. pallens larvae. Temporal stability, bioactivity, and the intake of the insecticidal proteins were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a sensitive-insect bioassay. The life history characteristics, such as survival, pupation, adult emergence, 7-day larval weight, larval developmental time, and emerged male and female fresh weights remained unaffected, when C. pallens were fed the pure artificial diet (negative control) and the artificial diets containing 200 μg/g of each purified protein: Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ah, Cry1Ca, Cry1F, Cry2Aa, Cry2Ab, or Vip3Aa. On the contrary, all of the life history characteristics of C. pallens larvae were adversely affected when fed artificial diet containing boric acid (positive control). The results demonstrate that diets containing the tested concentrations of Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ah, Cry1Ca, Cry1F, Cry2Aa, Cry2Ab, and Vip3Aa have null effects on C. pallens larvae. The outcome indicates that genetically modified crops expressing the tested Bt proteins are safe for the lacewing, C. pallens.

Genetic differentiation of regional populations of the widespread Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans), as revealed by development of novel microsatellite markers

Dispersal is a key component of a species’ life history, by influencing population persistence, genetic structure, adaptation and maintenance of genetic diversity. The Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans) is a widespread species in east Asia. However, we still have no knowledge of what kind of geographical scale equates to genetic differentiation within B. gargarizans. In this study, the population genetics of B. gargarizans was studied at five localities, with the Yangtze River running through the sampling area, in order to detect the level of genetic differentiation and the natural barriers to the species’ dispersal on a small geographic scale, by means of the development and use of novel microsatellite loci. These markers revealed a relatively high level of genetic diversity. Distinct genetic structure among populations in B. gargarizans was observed, as described by genetic distance, AMOVA, PCA and Geneland results. A weak but significant positive correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance. The combination of these findings suggests that the Yangtze River and geographic distance may act as effective barriers for B. gargarizans. These results serve as benchmark data for understanding the impacts of dispersal barriers and continued landscape research on B. gargarizans.

Neuropeptide Y in the brain of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles responds to hypoxic stress

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has emerged as a novel peptide to antagonize various physiological consequences of stress within a mammalian brain. Hypoxia induced neuropeptide Y release in mammalian systems is well established. However, the possible role of NPY in regulating the effects of oxygen variation in lower vertebrates has not been investigated. We have studied the distribution and neuro-anatomical expression of NPY in the brain of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles, exposed to normal and reduced oxygen levels using immunohistochemistry. Animals exposed to hypoxia (<2mg/ml) exhibited a significant amplification of NPY-immunoreactivity throughout the brain. Increased NPY-ir perikarya appeared in all the sub-divisions of pallium, septum and preoptic area of telencephalon; suprachiasmatic nucleus, central and lateral thalamus, infundibulum and habenular regions of diencephalon; and nucleus cerebella and medulla of rhombencephalon. Most of these regions form the stress and anxiety regulating centers of a vertebrate brain and some of the parallel regions also respond to respiratory reflexes in mammals. Hence, our results suggest NPY induced modulation of hypoxia in Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles.

NPY up-regulation in the tadpole brain of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis during osmotic stress

Most of the amphibians breed in temporary ponds vulnerable to occasional desiccation, thus, leaving their larvae exposed to stressful fluctuations in various environmental parameters including salinity. These animals possess a well suited central adaptive mechanism to adapt to these alterations. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36 amino acid neurotransmitter, has been reported to antagonize various neuropsychological consequences of stress within the mammalian brain. Osmotic regulation of NPY in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial pathway of mammalian brain is also known. Although the molecule possesses an extensive distribution in the brain of amphibians, its functional association is not well understood. We have investigated the endogenous response of NPY-ergic system to osmotically stressful conditions in the brain of Indian skipper frog-Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles. Using Immunohistochemistry, we observed an up-regulation of NPY immunoreactivity (NPY-ir) in the brain of tadpoles exposed to stressful salt concentrations. A significant increase of NPY-ir occurred in the pallium and septum regions of telencephalon; preoptic area, epithalamic, thalamic and hypothalamic parts of diencephalon. Most of the regions are implicated in the modulation of stress and anxiety related brain functions and have also been shown to respond to the salinity stress in mammals. In addition, NPY producing neurons in pre-optic and hypothalamic parts show a close co-existence with the vasopressin-ergic neurons. Thus, our study suggests a possible role of NPY in stabilizing the neuro-endocrinological consequences of osmotic stress in an amphibian brain.

Evaluation of foot and mouth vaccination for yak (Bos grunniens) in Pakistan

In northern Pakistan, many farming communities rely on domestic yak (Bos grunniens) as a principle source of income. A 2006 participatory disease surveillance report from this region indicated that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is the most prevalent annual disease of yak. Our objectives of this study were to determine exposure levels of yak to FMD virus; implement a vaccination program based on current, regional FMD virus serotypes and subtypes; and quantify immune responses following vaccination. Blood samples were used to determine pre-vaccination exposure of animals to FMD virus by antibody presence to non-structural proteins of FMD virus using a 3-ABC trapping indirect ELISA. Vaccine used consisted of FMD serotypes 'O' (PanAsia-2), 'A' (Iran-05), and 'Asia-1' (Shamir), but changed later during the study to match newly circulating viruses in the country ('O'-PanAsia-2; 'A'-Turk-06 and Asia-1-Sindh-08). Three hundred sixty-three blood samples were tested from selected villages to determine pre-vaccination FMD virus exposure in yak with an average of 37.7%. Immune responses from initial vaccination and booster dose 30 days later showed clear protective levels (as mean percent inhibition) of antibodies against structural proteins of serotypes 'O,' 'A,' and 'Asia-1.' These responses remained above threshold positive level even at day 210 following initial vaccination. Results of sero-surveillance and anecdotal information of repeated FMD outbreaks demonstrate the persistence of FMD virus of yak in northern Pakistan. Laboratory results and field observations clearly indicated that yak can be protected against FMD with a good quality vaccine with FMD serotype(s) matching current, regionally circulating FMD virus.

Dengue virus exposure among blood donors in Ghana

Dengue is an urban arbovirus whose aetiologic agent is the flavivirus with four distinct antigen serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4) that is transmitted to humans through the bite of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Ghana is endemic for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and probably dengue viruses. Due to limited data on dengue virus exposure among Ghanaians, we surveyed 188 healthy adult blood donors for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies to the four serotypes of dengue. Five milliliters of peripheral blood from the blood donors were collected in plain tubes. Serum was then obtained and ELISA tests were employed to detect both dengue virus total antibodies and IgM. The samples were further tested for dengue virus RNA using RT-PCR. Dengue virus IgG was positive for 43.6% of all the 188 blood donor samples tested but all donors were negative for anti-dengue IgM antibody and dengue virus RNA. The rate of dengue virus total antibody exposure did not differ statistically between urban and rural districts. This study shows for the first time that some regions of Ghana are hyperendemic for dengue virus infection but suggests blood for transfusion is invariably dengue virus free. This report has provided a baseline data that will inform wider discussions about the impact of this dengue fever and also guide policy makers to develop effective and affordable early warning and outbreak response systems for Ghana.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2016) 5(2), 30-35

Design of Bioprosthetic Aortic Valves using biaxial test data

Bioprosthetic Aortic Valves (BAVs) do not have the serious limitations of mechanical aortic valves in terms of thrombosis. However, the lifetime of BAVs is too short, often requiring repeated surgeries. The lifetime of BAVs might be improved by using computer simulations of the structural behavior of the leaflets. The goal of this study was to develop a numerical model applicable to the optimization of durability of BAVs. The constitutive equations were derived using biaxial tensile tests. Using a Fung model, stress and strain data were computed from biaxial test data. SolidWorks was used to develop the geometry of the leaflets, and ABAQUS finite element software package was used for finite element calculations. Results showed the model is consistent with experimental observations. Reaction forces computed by the model corresponded with experimental measurements when the biaxial test was simulated. As well, the location of maximum stresses corresponded to the locations of frequent tearing of BAV leaflets. Results suggest that BAV design can be optimized with respect to durability.

Evaluation of localization uncertainty of fiducial markers due to length and position variations induced by motion in CT imaging by measurement and modeling

PURPOSE

To quantify the variations in the length and position of fiducial markers induced by motion in axial (ACT), helical (HCT) and cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging and associated uncertainty in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) by measurement and modeling.

METHODS

A mobile thorax phantom containing markers of various lengths was imaged using ACT, HCT and CBCT imaging. The phantom was imaged while stationary and moving where it was moved sinusoidally with different motion amplitudes and frequency. An analytical motion model was developed that predicts the localization accuracy of IGRT based on fiducial markers in mobile phantom with ACT, HCT and CBCT.

RESULTS

The apparent lengths of the markers varied with the different motion patterns and CT imaging modalities. In CBCT, the apparent length of the markers increased linearly with the motion amplitude for both half-fan and full-fan modes. In HCT and ACT, the apparent length of the markers increased or decreased non-linearly with motion parameters and speed of the imaging couch. When the marker moved opposed to couch motion the apparent lengths decreased, while they increased when the phantom moved along the direction of the imaging couch as predicted by the motion model. The position of marker centers did not shift and distance between makers did not change in CBCT images. However, in HCT and ACT, the position of marker center and distance between markers varied depending on motion parameters during imaging. The marker center could move superiorly or inferiorly and the distance between markers could increase or decrease depending on the phase of motion as predicted by the motion model.

CONCLUSIONS

The variations of marker length and position due to phantom motion were quantified by measurement and modeling. These variations may lead to large positioning uncertainties in patient setup and tumor localization based on IGRT with fiducial marker registration.