A276 CANNABINOID RECEPTOR 1 IS LOCALIZED IN ENTERIC NEURONS AND EPITHELIUM IN FETAL AND EARLY POSTNATAL MOUSE INTESTINE

Background

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is necessary for gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis and serves as a target for exogenous medicinal and recreational cannabinoid compounds. While components of the ECS, including receptors, ligands, and biosynthetic/degradative enzymes, have been increasingly characterized in the adult GI tract of both humans and animal models, similar advances in understanding the role of the ECS in GI developmental programming have not yet been made.

Purpose

We tested the hypothesis that the ECS plays a role in the developmental programming of the GI tract.

Method

The developmental timeline of ECS component expression was investigated in the GI tract from fetal and early postnatal mice. Samples from timed-pregnant outbred mice were collected from embryonic days 14 (E14), E16, E18 and postnatal days 1 (P1), P7 and P28, representing a timeline of early colonization of the GI tract by enteric neurons (E14) to 1 week after weaning (P28). Localization of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) expression was examined in fetal and postnatal small intestine by immunohistochemistry. Fetal intestine was processed for RNA extraction and relative expression of ECS components determined by RT-qPCR.

Result(s)

CB1 expression at E14 was observed in the outer wall of the gut and in the developing mucosa. By E18, expression of CB1 became more localized to the enteric plexuses and to mucosal epithelial cells. In postnatal ileum, at least >50% of myenteric ganglia were found to express CB1 from P1 to P28. CB1 expression continued to be present in the mucosal epithelium of ileum from P1 to P28, with a subset of CB1 expression in enterochromaffin cells, as identified by 5-HT immunolabeling. Significant decreases in expression of mRNA encoding CB1 (p<0.0001) and the ECS biosynthetic enzymes NAPE-PLD (p<0.05) and DAGLa (p<0.05) were found between E14 and E18.

Conclusion(s)

Components of the ECS are present in the fetal and early postnatal GI tract. Further research is needed to better characterize the roles and mechanisms of action of the ECS in GI development. The potential impact of exogenous cannabis exposure in early life, either by in utero exposure or via the use of medicinal cannabinoids in childhood, highlights the importance of identifying the contributions of the ECS to normal development.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Burden and distribution of dengue infection in Pakistan (2000-19): a review

The goal of this study is to review the overall prevalence, burden, and distribution of the dengue disease in Pakistan from 2000 to 2019. Literature was searched using different search engines like Google scholar, PubMed, etc. providing the keywords "Dengue disease/infection, Dengue virus, DENV, DF/DHF/ DSS Pakistan". All the published research papers/reports on the dengue virus over the period 2000 to 2019 were studied and selected data were summarized using MS Excel for windows such as total cases, age wise, gender, DENV serotype distribution, total DHF, and DSS patients. The literature providing insufficient data was excluded. The total number of cases reported during 2000-19 were 201,269. The maximum number of cases during the mentioned literature survey period was reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) (23.3%) followed by Punjab (3.8%) and Sindh (1.9%). The majority of dengue-infected cases were reported as Dengue fever (74.4%) followed by DHF (24.1%) and DSS (1.5%). Overall the deaths during the mentioned literature survey were 1082, of which the maximum mortalities were reported from KP (N=248) followed by Punjab (N=220). DENV remains a major public health problem in Pakistan and seems to remain endemic for a long time. The total prevalence of dengue infection is increased accordingly with time from 2000 to 2019. Moreover, all the four serotypes exist in Pakistan with increased mortalities.

Trends in ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) Utilization During Pregnancy and Post-Partum Period: National Inpatient Sample 2002-2015

Introduction

The use of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during pregnancy and in the post-partum period is a critical decision for both providers and their patients. ECT utilization during this critical period needs to be better understood to assess the need and allocate resources for this valuable treatment option.

Objectives

1) To evaluates baseline characteristics and analyze ECT utilization trends for pregnant and post-partum patients hospitalized in the US. 2) To provide insight into ECT use among inpatient pregnant women with different age groups with various comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Methods

The study used the 2002-2015 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) data. Descriptive statistical and trend analyses were conducted to evaluate data.

Results

A study found that a total of 924 pregnancy-related hospitalizations required ECT treatment; 92.2% of these ECTs were conducted in urban hospitals. The mean age of women was 30.3 years, and the majority (71%) were of the White race. Mood disorders (major depressive disorder- 51.9% and bipolar disorder- 37.9%) accounted for the most common comorbid psychiatric illnesses. The payer source (Medicare/Medicaid vs. Private Insurance) was almost equal (47.9 vs. 46.8). Though not statistically significant, the trend analysis showed that the proportion of ECTs during pregnancy out of the total ECT performed for the year almost doubled (0.24% to 0.47%) from 2008 to 2015.

Conclusions

Though not statistically significant, the use of ECT in pregnant women has increased in 2015 compared to 2002. Results will help clinicians, policymakers, and various stakeholders to optimize ECT utilization, reimbursement and ultimately improve clinical outcomes.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Effects of Se nanoparticles supplementation on growth performance, hematological parameters and nutrient digestibility of Labeo rohita fingerling fed sunflower meal based diet

The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of selenium nanoparticles on the growth, hematology and nutrients digestibility of Labeorohita fingerlings. Fingerlings were fed with seven isocaloric sunflower meal-based diet supplemented with different concentrations of nanoparticles naming T1 to T7 (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 mg/kg), with 5% wet body weight while chromic oxide was used as an indigestible marker. After experimentation for 90 days T3 treated group (1mg/kg -1Se-nano level) showed the best result in hematological parameters (WBC's 7.97 ×103mm-3, RBC's 2.98 ×106 mm-3 and Platelet count 67), nutrient digestibility (crude protein: 74%, ether extract: 76%, gross energy: 70%) and growth performance (weight gain 13.24 g, weight gain% 198, feed conversion ratio 1.5, survival rate 100%) as compared to the other treatment groups. Specific growth rates were found significantly higher in T5 than in other groups. The present study indicated positive effect of 1 mg/kg Se-nanoparticles on growth advancement, hematological parameters, and nutrients digestibility of L. rohita fingerlings.

Authenticity test of the processed meat products

Different and related approaches must be considered to address consumers' concerns regarding the identification of species involved, mainly those of manufactured and derived meat products such as cured and canned meat and canned sausage. Therefore, the development of molecular techniques has been achieved by a mixture containing different shares of meat DNA. This study provided an important indication regarding the validity of the multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique in such tests. Based on the fact that the aforementioned method is qualitative; yet, the different percentages of meat DNA contained in the mixtures cannot be determined. Our current study showed that tracing back the origin of the ingredients used in food production is achievable, even if the DNA is degraded as a result of the food transformation processes. A PCR test was conducted at 35 cycles for mixtures at 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% levels. Our results indicated that the original species of the meat products used were accurately determined in all mixtures tested by PCR technique. Therefore, we concluded that the PCR technique can be useful as a fast, easy to perform, and reliable control for adulterated consumer meat products.

Detection of active mycobacterium tuberculosis at 6th month exit among declared successfully treated cases in Pakistan

OBJECTIVES

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern, and the basis of successful anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) rests on the complete eradication of live bacilli from a patient. This study was conducted to detect the live TB bacilli in Lowenstein Jensen culture media among exit cases of TB who were declared successfully treated, either cured or treatment completed.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted across Pakistan. Fifty-eight active TB DOTS centers were selected. The sample size of 3355 TB cases were equally distributed in all DOTS facilities. A detailed questionnaire was developed to record the information from TB DOTS and patients. After successful treatment, the sputum was taken from TB cases and examined to detect live bacilli on L-J culture.

RESULTS

A total of 3355 TB cases were enrolled in the study. The male to female proportion was 1704(50.9%) and 1651(49.2%). Initially, 1993(59.4%) cases were cured, and 1362(40.6%) were declared as treatment completed cases. At exit, 324(9.65%) cases were again ZN smear-positive, and 328(9.77%) were positive on L-J culture, after being declared successfully treated for TB.

CONCLUSIONS

To eradicate live TB bacilli, all TB cases should be subjected to L-J culture at the end of ATT.

There is a silver lining: carbon footprint reduction by holding Preventive Cardiology conference 2020 virtually

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Special Research Fund (BOF), Hasselt University

Introduction

The transportation sector is one of the major sectors influencing climate change, contributing around 16% of total Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Aviation contributes to 12% of the transport related emissions. Among other climate change impacts, elevated heat exposure is associated with increased cardiac events and exposure to air pollution caused by GHG emissions has also well-known association with increased cardiovascular related morbidity and mortality. The global temperature rise should be restricted to less than 2 °C which requires keeping carbon emission (CO2) less than 2900 billion tonnes by the end of the 21st century. Assuming air travel a major contributing source to GHG, this study aims to raise the awareness about potential carbon emissions reduction due to air travel of international events like a scientific conference.

Purpose

Due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the Preventive cardiology conference 2020 which was planned to be held at Malaga Spain, instead was held in virtual online way. This study aims to calculate the contribution of reduced CO2  emissions in tons due to ESC preventive cardiology conference 2020, which was then held online and air travel of the registered participants was avoided.

Methods

Anonymized participant registration information was used to determine the country and city of the 949 registered participants of the Preventive Cardiology conference 2020. It is assumed that participants would have travelled from the closest airports from their reported city locations to Malaga airport, Spain. At first, the closest city airports were determined using Google maps and flights information, then the flight emissions (direct and indirect CO2-equivalent emissions) per passenger for the given flight distances were calculated. The CO2 emissions (tons) were calculated for round trips in economy class from the participants of 68 nationalities (excluding 60 participants from Spain as they are assumed to take other modes of transport than airplane).

Results

In total, 1156.51 tons of CO2  emissions were saved by turning the physical conference into a virtual event. This emission amount is equivalent to the annual CO2 production of 108 people living in high-income countries.

Conclusion

The pandemic situation has forced us to rethink the necessity of trips by air and has shown us the feasibility of digitally organized events. The information from this study can add to the awareness about reduced amount of carbon emission due to air travel by organizing events in a virtual way when possible. Apart from only digitally organized events there are others options to reduce the carbon footprint of conferences such as limiting the number of physical attendees, encouraging the use of relatively sustainable transport modes for participants from nearby countries (e.g. international trains and use of active transport modes at conference venue etc.) and including CO2 emission offsetting costs.

Is ketamine and lamotrigine interactions responsible for the sub-therapeutic effect of ketamine?

Introduction

The immediate antidepressant effect of Ketamine has become a breakthrough in the treatment of depression. Cytochrome CYP3A4 and 2B6 primarily metabolize Ketamine.

Objectives

The present study explores potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of Lamotrigine and Ketamine.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using (“ketamine” OR “Lamotrigine” AND Interactions in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO. Our literature search resulted in 72 hits and result in qualified five studies.

Results

We found five studies: one RCT study, a RCT, a crossover design, Two case reports, and one murine model study. In the first RCT conducted on 16 healthy normal volunteer subjects. lamotrigine significantly decreased ketamine-induced perceptual abnormalities (P < 0.001), positive (P < 0.001) and negative symptoms (P < 0.05), and learning and memory impairment (P < 0.05) which shows the counter effect of ketamine. Another study revealed Ketamine evoked increases in all the BPRS subscale scores, and all scores were lower after lamotrigine pretreatment. A case report from 2014 reports the failure of ketamine anesthesia in a patient with lamotrigine overdose. Another case report mentions that Lamotrigine reduced the craving in a patient with ketamine use disorder. A murine model study with lamotrigine showed improved PPI (Prepulse inhibition) ketamine-induced disruption. These results suggest that Lamotrigine may exert this effect via a glutamatergic system.

Conclusions

The literature review suggests that Lamotrigine interferes with glutamatergic neurotransmission reducing the effect of Ketamine. It is not clear how this may impact Ketamine’s antidepressant action. Future large scale and well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the management of autism spectrum disorder: Narrative review

Introduction

Fifty years ago, the estimated prevalence of autism was 30-60 per 10,000; now, it has increased to 18.5 per 1,000. Autism disorders are 4.3 times as prevalent among boys as among girls.

Objectives

This systematic review provides an overview of the management of AD with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using (“Autism spectrum disorder” AND “Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic stimulation” AND “RTMS” OR “Children and adolescent”) in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO, resulted in 453 hits and finally qualified 18 studies.

Results

We found 18 eligible studies, 8 randomize controlled clinical trials, 10 non-controlled clinical trials comparing TMS effects with waiting-list controls (n = 6), sham-treatment (n = 8) and no control group (n=4). There was a significant reduction of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors, irritability, social behavior, and executive function improvements with a medium-size effect. Eleven studies in this review had a moderate to high risk of bias due to small sample size, lack of blinding to treatment, and inadequate follow-up period. Four studies reported the stability of these gains in clinical outcomes for more than six months with no clarification after that.

Conclusions

The data encourages the potential safety and efficacy; it provides significant evidence to support TMS’s efficacy in symptom severity reductions and improved clinical outcomes in children with autism. Therefore, future large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to conclude intervention efficacy in a larger sample size further.

Impact of “national suicide prevention week” on digital awareness of suicide prevention : an insight from google trends

Introduction

Every year in the month of September, National Suicide Prevention Week is celebrated. The goal of suicide prevention week is to inform the public about suicide prevention, primarily the warning signs of suicide. However, the impact of this month on the general population is unknown. The Google trends show how frequent web searches have been performed for a particular search-term, which provide an approximation of the people’s interest.

Objectives

To evaluate public interest in suicide prevention by analyzing the google trends of “Suicide Prevention” search-term.

Methods

We estimated the interest in such topics by running the google trends data of the last decade by using the filter [Search Term:“Suicide Prevention”, Locations: “United States” and Time Ranges “ 2010 to 2020”].

Results

During this specific interval, people have searched “Suicide Prevention” most frequently during the month of September (month of National Suicide Prevention week). Conversely, in the other months, interest in “suicide prevention” fluctuated between little to none. The only other time people have shown interest in Suicide prevention, other than the month of September, was with suicide news in the media, such as the death of a celebrity by suicide, or suicide-related TV shows. [Figure]

Conclusions

Although it is not definitive, it gives some idea that National Suicide Prevention week has a considerable impact on population interest. Since we did not observe sufficient public interest in other months, there should be frequent and systematic efforts to spread suicide prevention awareness among the general population.

Human umbilical cord blood infusions in management of autism spectrum disorder: Narrative review

Introduction

According to CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network surveillance in 2016, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was prevalent in 1 in 54 children in 11 states of the US.

Objectives

This systematic review provides an overview of Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion (UCB) to decrease symptoms severity in children with (ASD).

Methods

Systematic literature search was conducted using “Autism” OR “Autism spectrum disorder” AND “Autologous Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion (AUCBI)” OR “umbilical cord blood” OR “Allogeneic Cord Blood” in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO. Three studies were qualified on AUCBI.

Results

We found 3 studies on UCBI The UCB Infusion phase-I/ open-label trial showed significant improvement in cognitive and behavior scales, especially in the social domain in the first six months, and was more significant in children with higher baseline nonverbal intelligence quotients. Other study/phase II trial failed to show any effects of UCBI on social communication, vocabulary, and other autism symptoms. On subgroup analysis, the improvement in Clinical Global Impression - Improvement (CGI-I) in children without intellectual disability (ID) with the allogenic (not autologous) UCBI was observed. Another randomized, blinded crossover trial failed to show any difference between improvements in CGI baseline severity scores in placebo vs. cord blood infusion groups.

Conclusions

The data provides evidence to support the efficacy and safety of autologous UCBI in symptom severity reductions and improved clinical outcomes without intellectual disability. However, the evidence is inadequate and future large scale clinical are required.

Sensitivity of Botrytis cinerea From Nectarine/Cherry in China to Six Fungicides and Characterization of Resistant Isolates

Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of gray mold, can result in considerable preharvest and postharvest losses in many economically valuable plant species. Fungicides were widely used to minimize such losses, but fungicide resistances were detected frequently. In the present study, we collected 164 isolates from nectarine and cherry in China and tested the sensitivity to six fungicides. Among the tested isolates, 71 (43.3%) were resistant to azoxystrobin, 14 (8.5%) to cyprodinil, 7 (4.3%) to boscalid, 4 (2.4%) to carbendazim, 1 (0.6%) to iprodione, and no isolates were found to be resistant to fludioxonil. The EC₅₀ value and resistance factor (RF) of resistant isolates were determined. Fitness analysis showed that there were no significant differences between sensitive and resistant isolates for osmotic stress and pathogenicity, while more conidia production was observed for some resistant isolates. Control efficacy of fungicides showed that the resistant isolates could not be controlled efficiently by using corresponding fungicides. The point mutation G143A was detected in the Cyt b gene of the isolates resistant to azoxystrobin, while the point mutation H272R of SdhB gene was confirmed in boscalid-resistant isolates, and mutations E198V/A of TUB2 gene and mutation I365S of BcOs1 occurred in carbendazim-resistant and iprodione-resistant isolates, respectively. These results indicate that the occurrence of fungicide resistance greatly threatens the management of gray mold on stone fruits nectarine and cherry.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign in Qatar: A Population-Based Campaign

Background: In 2012, it has been estimated that almost 527,600 new patients were diagnosed with cervical cancer causing over 265,000 deaths worldwide. Locally, the disease is affecting a substantial number of women in Qatar, placing it fifth in terms of the most common cancers among females in the country. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, making the treatment more challenging. This is mainly due to the poor knowledge of the disease and the lack of awareness campaigns about cervical cancer. Aim: To raise the awareness about cervical cancer among women in Qatar to promote prevention and early detection. Methods: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) launched a population-based campaign aimed at raising the public awareness about cervical cancer. In January 2018, health educators from QCS conducted 15 workshops in numerous public and private sectors across Qatar including companies, hotels, hospitals, and healthcare centers to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of the disease, its risk factors, as well as methods of prevention and early detection. In addition, the campaign was advertised in 10 local newspapers, 4 TV programs, 3 radio programs, social media, and 2 Web sites to deliver the educational material to a larger audience as possible. A hotline number was also reserved to answer women's questions and concerns about the disease. To promote the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer, women were encouraged to do Pap tests for free in Al-Ahli and Al-Emadi hospitals. Moreover, QCS organized a closing ceremony at the end of the campaign for all women who did the Pap test and a raffle draw was done to appreciate their participation. Results: A total of 635 women attended the various awareness workshops that were delivered over a month period. Interestingly, 100 women aged 21-65 years visited Al-Ahli and Al-Emadi hospitals to have Pap tests for cervical cancer screening. All of these women reported that they have never done the test before and they became aware of it from QCS campaign. Of note, participants indicated that it was the first time for them to learn about human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine which prevents 70% of all cervical cancer cases. In addition, about 150 calls were received inquiring about different aspects of the disease. The closing ceremony came to reinforce the awareness messages delivered by QCS where an educational video about cervical cancer was presented, followed by a speech by a cervical cancer survivor who talked about her battle with the disease and her treatment journey. Conclusion: Despite the widespread of cervical cancer among women in Qatar, little was known about its signs and symptoms, prevention, and early detection methods. This population-based awareness campaign was very effective in raising the awareness about cervical cancer, which will help in detecting the disease at earlier stages, and will ultimately result in higher survival rates.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Resistance to the Dicarboximide and Benzamide Fungicides in Botrytis cinerea From Tomato in Hubei Province, China

Altogether, 192 Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from tomato greenhouses at different locations in Hubei Province were evaluated for their sensitivity to fungicides procymidone and zoxamide. The mean effective concentration to cause 50% growth inhibition (EC₅₀) values of procymidone for sensitive and resistant isolates were 0.25 and 3.60 μg/ml, respectively. The frequency of procymidone-resistant (Pro^R) isolates was 18%, and the highest frequency was recorded in Jingmen. Positive cross-resistance was observed for Pro^R isolates to other dicarboximide fungicides but not to phenylpyrroles. Significant differences were observed for fitness parameters (i.e., mycelial growth, osmotic sensitivity, and virulence between sensitive and resistant isolates). Amino acid sequence of the Bos1 gene revealed that Pro^R isolates carried either point mutations at codon 365 (I365S) or a pair of point mutations at codons 369 (Q369P) and 373 (N373S). For zoxamide, the mean EC₅₀ values for sensitive and resistant isolates were 0.22 and 5.32 μg/ml, respectively. Approximately 14% of the isolates were found to be resistant to zoxamide, and the highest frequency of resistance was also observed in Jingmen. There was positive cross-resistance for zoxamide-resistant (Zox^R) isolates to carbendazim. No significant differences were observed for fitness parameters between zoxamide-sensitive and Zox^R isolates. Sequence analysis of the β-tubulin gene of Botrytis cinerea revealed two previously reported point mutations (E198A and E198K) and one new point mutation (T351I). This new mutation was detected in only those isolates which possessed the E198K but not E198A substitution. This study allows for a better understanding of the resistance development profile in Hubei Province. Results will be useful for the improvement of fungicide resistance management strategies.

Tetramethylpyrazine inhibited hypoxia-induced expression of calcium-sensing receptors in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in chickens

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is a biologically active ingredient, which is isolated from a popularChinese medicinal plant. It has been used effectively to treat ischemic heart problems, cerebrovascular and thrombotic vascular diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of TMP on calciumsensing receptors in pulmonary artery smooth muscle in chickens. For this purpose forty day-old chicks were distributed into five groups: the control group, the hypoxia group (kept under low Oxygen treatment), and TMP groups (kept under low Oxygen treatment along with treatment of different concentrations of TMP). The pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were also cultured on 6-well plates in high glucose culture medium and divided into the same five groups. We used in vivo and in vitro study models by applying immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR assay and Western blotting analysis. Our results showed that pre-incubation with hypoxia markedly stimulated the activation of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). The TMP decreased the mRNA and protein levels of CaSR. Treatment with TMP clearly inhibited the activation of all CaSR in a dose-dependent manner. Our data demonstrated that TMP can down-regulate the expression of CaSR. Therefore, these findings provide a new target to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) under hypoxic conditions.

A critical re-evaluation of the prediction of alkalinity and base cation chemistry from BGS sediment composition data

The model of Begum et al. (2010) that predicts alkalinity and Ca and Mg concentrations in river water from available sediment composition data has been critically re-evaluated using an independent validation data set. The results support the hypothesis that readily available stream water sediment elemental composition data are useful for prediction of mean and minimum concentrations of alkalinity and Ca and Mg in river water throughout the River Derwent catchment in North Yorkshire without requiring land-use data inputs as stream water sediment composition reflects all aspects of the riparian zone soil system, including land-use. However, it was shown for alkalinity prediction that rainfall exerts a significant dilution effect and should be incorporated into the model in addition to flow path-weighted sediments Ca% and Mg%. The results also strongly suggest that in catchments with substantial rough moorland land-use neutralization of organic acids consumes alkalinity and this fact should be considered in any future development of the model.

Zoonotic parasites from exotic meat in Malaysia

Four zoonotic parasites, Sarcocystis spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spp. and Taenia spp were screened in exotic meats. A total of forty-six (n=46) meat samples from various species of exotic animals were received from all the 14 states in Malaysia from January 2012 to April 2012. All exotic meat samples were examined macroscopically and histologically for the four zoonotic parasites. Results by histological examination of exotic meats showed the presence of Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma cysts at 8.7% (n=4) and 4.3% (n=2) respectively. No Trichinella spp. and Taenia spp. were found.

A survey of parasitic infection on small ruminant farms in Kinta and Hilir Perak districts, Perak, Malaysia

This paper reports the occurrence of helminth and protozoan infections on small ruminants from eight farms situated in Kinta and Perak Tengah district, Perak. The results of this survey indicate that helminthiasis and coccidiosis is rampant in sheep and goat farms. Several anthelmintics have been used for the control of helminths. The smallholders depended on health and extention services from the State Veterinary Department. This survey is part of an ongoing programme by the Department of Veterinary Services to upgrade services and report the current status of parasitic diseases in the state.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pigs, goats, cattle, dogs and cats in peninsular Malaysia

Antibodies to the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii were assayed in sera of 200 goats, 100 pigs, 126 cattle from various states of Malaysia, and 135 dogs and 55 cats around Ipoh region using an indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT, cut-off titer 1:200); antibodies were found in 35.5% of goats, 14.5% cats, 9.6% dogs, 7.9% local cattle and 4% yellow cattle but not in pigs. Results indicate that infection is most prevalent in goats.

Mortality of domesticated java deer attributed to Surra

This paper reports an outbreak of trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma evansi in Java deer (Cervus timorensis) on a government deer farm in Lenggong, Perak. Seventeen adult female Java deer were found dead within a week. Symptoms of dullness, inappetence, anaemia, anorexia, respiratory distress and recumbency were seen prior to death in the infected Java deer. Beside trypanosomiasis, other parasitic infections such as theileriosis, helminthiasis and ectoparasite infestation were also recorded. Post mortem results showed generalized anaemia in most animals with isolated cases of jaundice. There was no significant finding with respect to bacteriological and viral investigations.

Daily feeding of fresh Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) for worm control in sheep

This study was Conducted To Evaluate The Anthelmintic Effect Of Neem (azadirachta Indica) On Nematode Parasites Of Sheep. Twelve Santa Ines Cross Bred Sheep From A Government Farm were randomly selected and equally divided into control (n = 6) and treated groups (n =6). Faecal egg counts (FEC) using the modified McMaster technique and the FAMACHA score for assessing clinical anaemia were carried out daily and recorded for 6 weeks. At the end of the study all the animals were slaughtered and the total worm count (TWC) was done. The results of FEC showed that there was no significant difference between the control and treated group (p = 0.081). However, worm burden estimations showed that the number of parasites was significantly higher in the control group compared to the treated group (p < 0.05). This result indicated that feeding Neem had an effect on worm numbers in sheep, but was not reflected in their faecal egg counts. Further work is needed to reconfirm the effect of Neem on helminth infections of sheep.

Field studies on the biological control of nematode parasites of sheep in the tropics, using the microfungus Duddingtonia flagrans

Long-term field studies were conducted on two government managed small ruminant research farms, located in different geo-climatic regions and approximately 300 km separate from each other, on Peninsula Malaysia. The Infoternak trial (48 weeks) and the Chalok trial (43 weeks) each compared nematode parasite control in separately managed groups of young sheep, either short-term rotationally grazed around a suite of 10 paddocks in addition to receiving a daily supplement of Duddingtonia flagrans spores (Fungus Group); or similar groups of sheep being rotationally grazed alone (Control Group). The prevailing weather conditions at Infoternak farm were of below average rainfall conditions for the most of the trial. As a consequence, only very low worm infections (almost exclusively Haemonchus contortus) were acquired by the 17 sets of tracer lambs that grazed sequentially with the experimental lambs. However on all except 2 occasions in the early part of the trial, the mean tracer worm burdens were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and the experimental lambs grew significantly better (P = 0.054) in the Fungus Group. Rainfall at Chalok farm during the course of the trial was also below average. As a consequence infectivity of pastures was assumed to be relatively low based on faecal egg counts (epg) of the experimental sheep, which following an anthelmintic treatment prior to allocation, remained very low in both treatment groups. Faecal egg counts of undosed replacement lambs in the latter half of the Chalok study, showed a progressive increase in the Control Group to levels exceeding 3000 epg, whereas the Fungus Group remained static at approximately 500 epg. These results show that the deployment of the nematophagous fungus, D. flagrans, can improve the level of parasite control of sheep in the tropics above that which can be achieved by the short-term rotational grazing strategy alone.

Evolution of high-level, multiple anthelmintic resistance on a sheep farm in Malaysia

Anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of sheep and goats on a government farm in north Malaysia was monitored over a 3-year period (1997-2000). The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was conducted on young sheep at the beginning and end of this period. Changes in management, designed to reduce the selection pressure for the development of anthelmintic resistance, were also implemented during this time. By far the most important parasite problem was Haemonchus contortus. In 1997, this nematode was found to be resistant to levamisole, with suspected resistance to closantel and moxidectin. However, when the FECRT was repeated 3 years later, its resistance status had become much more severe, with resistance to benzimidazole, levamisole and ivermectin, and suspected resistance to moxidectin. This rapid evolution to multiple anthelmintic resistance is a major concern that needs to be arrested. There is an urgent need to evaluate other control strategies that incorporate livestock management, the 'smart' use of drugs and non-chemotherapeutic approaches, such as biological control agents.

Anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goat farms on Peninsular Malaysia

The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was conducted on 39 sheep farms and 9 goat farms located in Peninsular Malaysia. The anthelmintic groups used in these tests were the benzimidazoles, levamisole, the benzimidazole/levamisole combination, macrocyclic lactones and closantel. Results indicated that the prevalence of resistance to the benzimidazole group was high, with approximately 50% of the sheep farms and 75% of the goat farms having resistant nematode parasite populations present. Resistance to levamisole, closantel and ivermectin was also detected. Differentiation of the infective larvae derived from faecal cultures indicated that by far the most predominant parasite species was Haemonchus contortus.

Childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in Egypt and the neighboring Arab countries: a regional form with three different patterns of clinical expression

Childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in the western world is essentially an acute self-limited disorder. In contrast, the clinical expression of the disease in Arab countries, as revealed by a study of 160 patients from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oatar and North Sudan, is heterogenous forming a spectrum that includes three distinct clinical forms: (a) the acute self-limited form, (b) the intermediate form, and (c) the chronic adulthood-like form. The relative proportions of these forms were 40. 15 and 45%, respectively. The chronic form shows limited response to steroids, and runs a platelet count less than 100,000 microliters for more than 1 year, with a tendency for later spontaneous elevation in platelet counts during the first few years of a long follow-up. The intermediate form shows a transient steroid-induced complete remission giving place to widely fluctuating platelet counts above and below 100,000 microliters once the steroid dosage is reduced to maintenance levels. Platelet counts in excess of 100,000 microliters were achieved in this group by extending steroid maintenance therapy fo 6--9 months. In spite of a tendency to chronicity and partial resistance to steroids i the intermediate and chronic forms, the overall response to steroids was enough both to reduce the number of cases requiring splenectomy to 15%, and to prevent the development of major complications in all the children included in the study.

Lipid Oxidative Stability of Reconstituted Partially Defatted Peanuts1

Changes in tocopherol content, peroxide value and fatty acid composition were measured during storage of reconstituted partially defatted peanuts. These values were compared with those of unreconstituted partially defatted peanuts, whole peanuts and the corresponding oils. Reconstitution effectively inactivated the enzyme lipoxygenase and was destructive on tocopherols, particularly α- tocopherol. The stability of the oil during storage, as measured by the peroxide value, is much greater within the peanuts than in the corresponding extracted oil. No changes in fatty acid composition could be observed in reconstituted partially defatted peanuts. A need for immediate reconstitution following mechanical oil extraction could not be demonstrated as both products had equal oxidative stability.

Xanthinol nicotinate in the management of leg ulcers associated with haemoglobinopathies

The therapeutic role of xanthinol nicotinate, with its potent action on the peripheral circulation, in promoting healing of leg ulcers when added to conservative measures of ulcer treatment in adult beta-thalassaemia major and sickle cell thalassaemia, was evaluated in a double-blind crossover trial in 16 patients suffering from multiple leg ulcers. Conservative measures of ulcer treatment were leg raising in horizontal position for 14 hours, bed-rest, local antiseptic dressings and antibiotics. Xanthinol nicotinate or placebo was administered in a daily dose of 8 tablets (2400 mg) for 10 weeks. Comparison of the treatment results of conservative measures plus xanthinol nicotinate and those of conservative measures plus placebo revealed a statistically significant higher rate of complete ulcer healing during xanthinol nicotinate therapy (p less than 0.01). Apart from a low incidence of generalized itching and flushing at the start of the trial, xanthinol nicotinate was well tolerated in the prescribed dose.

Amoxycillin in treatment of typhoid fever in patients with haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol

Thirty adults with proved typhoid fever were treated with amoxycillin 1 g six-hourly by mouth for an average of 14 days because of haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol. Eighteen patients were Egyptian men with the Mediterranean variety of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and an enzyme activity in the red cells fanging from 0 to 3%, and 12 patients had a history of severe but reversible myelosuppression after eight to 12 days' treatment with chloramphenicol 1-5-2 g daily. The clinical and bacteriological responses in this group of patients were compared with those of 30 haematologically normal patients of comparable age and sex treated with chloramphenicol. The results showed that amoxycillin is an effective alternative to chloramphenicol for treating typhoid fever in patients with haematological contraindications to chloramphenicol.

Incidence of cholera in children under two years of age at the Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya

Stool cultures from 510 patients, admitted to the Children's Ward of the Dr. Soetomo Hospital with gastroenteritis, were examined. Fifty-six cases were found to have para Cholera El Tor (10.98%) and 56 patients showed positive E. coli (10.98%). The clinical features of para Cholera El Tor have been discussed, and compared with E. coli infections. We also reviewed the clinical observations of other writers. Clinically Cholera El Tor and E. coli have similar signs and symptoms. They differ only in: (a) Age (El Tor is usually found in older age groups). (b)Nutritional State (El Tor is found among the undernourished), (c) State of dehydration (El Tor causes dehydration more rapidly), and (d) Faeces (El Tor excretes more faeces per movement).