The effect of ketoconazole on pulmonary pathology associated with deadDirofilaria immitis

The involvement of thromboxane and lipoxygenase in the regulation of pulmonary lesions and immune responses was investigated in dogs given ketoconazole and exposed to dead adultDirofiliara immitis. Immunopathological reactions to the dead filariae were monitored by light and transmission electron microscopy and serology. When compared with control tissues, ketoconazole administration enhanced the level of pulmonary haemorrhage and early parenchymal fibrosis associated with dead adult filariae. Ultrastructurally, alveolar capillaries were filled with erythrocyte aggregations and proteinaceous material. These results suggested that an intact thromboxane and lipoxygenase pathway within the arachidonic acid system is necessary to minimize the effect of deadD. immitis in this pulmonary artery model.     

Simultaneous detection and differentiation of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Theileria</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Babesia</Emphasis> parasites infecting small ruminants by reverse line blotting

Characteristic sequence signatures were identified within the hypervariable region 4 (V4 region) of the small ribosomal RNA gene of ovine/caprine piroplasm species including Theileria lestoquardi, T. ovis , T. separata , Babesia ovis , B. motasi , B. crassa [comprising strains B. crassa (Iran) and B. crassa (Turkey)] and several novel species: Theileria sp. 1 (China), Theileria sp. 2 (China) and Babesia sp. (China), [comprising strain Babesia sp. (Lintan), and Babesia sp. (Ningxian)] as defined previously. Based on the ascertained gene variations a reverse line blotting (RLB) assay was developed enabling direct, concurrent, highly specific and sensitive identification of virtually all presently known ovine/caprine piroplasm species. All probes bound to their respective target sequence only, therefore, no cross-reaction was observed resulting in clear recognition of either individual strains, species or groups. No signal was observed when ovine and caprine genomic DNA was used as the control, demonstrating that the signals are due to the presence of parasite DNA in investigated samples. Furthermore, the sensitivity of RLB could be considerably enhanced to detect a parasitemia level of at least 10^-12% by reamplification of PCR products (nested PCR) thereby substantially increasing the possibility of identifying carrier animals.     

Excess weight and precocious pubarche in children: alterations of the adrenocortical hormones.

In this paper we assess the qualitative and quantitative differences in adrenal function before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation between normal weight and overweight precocious pubarche (PP) patients. Twelve of the 22 PP patients had a normal body weight for height with linear growth and bone ages (BAs) that were appropriate for chronological age. The remaining 10 PP patients had body weights which were greater than 120% of ideal weight for height and body mass indices (BMIs), which were more than 125% of the ideal for age and sex. In six overweight patients, linear growth was accelerated and BAs were advanced beyond chronological age. All patients underwent an ACTH stimulation test where they received an intravenous bolus of 250 micrograms Cortrosyn. Blood samples were obtained at 0′ and 60′ for 17-OHProgesterone (17-OHP), 17-OHPregnenolone (17-OHPG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A-dione), and cortisol levels. Results of the baseline and stimulated adrenal hormones in the normal weight children were found to be within reference range for normal Tanner I children. In contrast, two of the 10 overweight children were suspected of having congenital adrenal hyperplasia [one with 21-hydroxylase (21-OHase) deficiency, another with 3-betahydroxysteroid (3 beta ol) deficiency]. These two children were indistinguishable in their linear growth rate and degree of skeletal maturation from the other overweight children. In both patients the BA/chronological age and BA/height age (HA) ratios were within two standard deviations of the mean for the overweight patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Abnormal thyroid function tests in infants with congenital hypothyroidism: the influence of soy-based formula.

To assess the etiology of hyperthyroxinemia or hyperthyrotropinemia in infants with congenital hypothyroidism who are on replacement therapy with L-thyroxine.

These infants were treated with recommended doses of L-thyroxine following the diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism. Because of hyperthyroxinemia (2 patients) and hyperthyrotropinemia (1 patient), medication compliance and dietary practice (formula type, age of introduction, and discontinuation or change of the formula) were assessed. Clinical evaluation was also performed.

Elevated thyroxine level in 2 infants was associated with discontinuation of soy formula 4 weeks previously; reduction of L-thyroxine dose normalized serum levels in both of these infants. In the third infant, who received soy formula from 1 week of age, TSH remained elevated despite incremental L-thyroxine doses of 19 micrograms/kg/day; discontinuation of soy formula was followed by normalization of the TSH in 3 weeks and helped attain a subsequent decrement of L-thyroxine dose to 8.6 micrograms/kg/day. Neither the hyperthyroxinemia nor hyperthyrotropinemia in these infants was associated with any adverse behavioral-developmental consequence.

When initiating soy-formula feeding in infants with congenital hypothyroidism, the L-thyroxine dose should be increased because of significant reduction in intestinal absorption: conversely, when soy feeding is discontinued, the L-thyroxine dose should be decreased.     

Antihypertensive efficacy of extract of Hedera helix in high salt-induced hypertensive Sprague-Dawley rats

Objective: To explore the antihypertensive effect of extracts from the leaves of Hedera helix(H. helix) on normotensive and hypertensive rats in-vivo followed by vasodilatory studies in-vitro.Methods: The crude methanolic extract was prepared and the activity directed fractionation was carried out. Spectrophotometric analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid content was also done. HPLC analysis was performed for the detection of hederacoside C. In-vivo blood pressure study was carried out in normotensive and high salt-induced hypertensive SpragueDawley rats. Isolated aortic tissues from rat and rabbit were used for in-vitro studies. The effects were recorded and analyzed through PowerL ab data acquisition system. Results: Crude extract of H. helix(1-30 mg/kg) decreased blood pressure to greater extent in high salt-induced hypertensive rats in-vivo compared to the normotensive [Max. fall(58.59±0.02) mm Hg vs.(67.53±3.07) mmH g]. The n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were also checked. These fractions were more effective in hypertensive rats. Aqueous fraction was more potent and n-hexane the least. In isolated rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, crude extract induced endothelium-dependent effect. The endothelium-dependent component of vasodilatory effect was ablated with L-NAME, and denudation of endothelium. The aqueous fraction was most potent vasodilator. In aortic rings from hypertensive rats, extract and fractions produced partial endothelium-independent effect which was not affected by pretreatment with L-NAME, indicating endothelium dysfunction in the hypertensive rats and suggesting additional vasodilatory mechanisms. In rabbit aorta, the extract and fractions also inhibited phenylephrine and high K~+-induced precontractions, and shifted Ca~(++) concentration–response curves. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that extract and fractions of H. helix are antihypertensive remedies, which is the outcome of vasodilatory effect. This vasodilatory effect is mediated through nitric oxide and Ca~(++) antagonism.     

A review of recent research on Theileria parva: Implications for the infection and treatment vaccination method for control of East Coast fever

The infection and treatment (ITM) live vaccination method for control of Theileria parva infection in cattle is increasingly being adopted, particularly in Maasai pastoralist systems. Several studies indicate positive impacts on human livelihoods. Importantly, the first detailed protocol for live vaccine production at scale has recently been published. However, quality control and delivery issues constrain vaccination sustainability and deployment. There is evidence that the distribution of T. parva is spreading from endemic areas in East Africa, North into Southern Sudan and West into Cameroon, probably as a result of anthropogenic movement of cattle. It has also recently been demonstrated that in Kenya, T. parva derived from cape buffalo can ‘breakthrough’ the immunity induced by ITM. However, in Tanzania, breakthrough has not been reported in areas where cattle co‐graze with buffalo. It has been confirmed that buffalo in northern Uganda national parks are not infected with T. parva and R. appendiculatus appears to be absent, raising issues regarding vector distribution. Recently, there have been multiple field population genetic studies using variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) sequences and sequencing of antigen genes encoding targets of CD8+ T‐cell responses. The VNTR markers generally reveal high levels of diversity. The antigen gene sequences present within the trivalent Muguga cocktail are relatively conserved among cattle transmissible T. parva populations. By contrast, greater genetic diversity is present in antigen genes from T. parva of buffalo origin. There is also evidence from several studies for transmission of components of stocks present within the Muguga cocktail, into field ticks and cattle following induction of a carrier state by immunization. In the short term, this may increase live vaccine effectiveness, through a more homogeneous challenge, but the long‐term consequences are unknown.     

Percutaneous Thrombectomy of AVF: Immediate Success and Long‐term Patency Rates

The purpose of this study was to report the results obtained in a cohort of 520 cases of thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) treated by percutaneous intervention over a period of 8 years. The methods used varied according to the individual characteristics of the case. A clinical success rate of 91.1% was obtained with no significant difference being noted among radial‐cephalic, brachial‐cephalic, and brachial‐basilic AVFs. The mean primary patency for this group was 227.3 ± 14.6 days, and the mean assisted primary patency was 677.2 ± 44.6 days. The lower arm AVFs had both a primary patency and an assisted primary patency that were significantly better than the upper arm cases (p = 0.006 and 0.002, respectively). The primary patency for radial‐cephalic AVFs was significantly better than that for brachial‐cephalic AVFs (p = 0.021), but not for brachial‐basilic cases (p = 0.122). Assisted primary patency for radial‐cephalic cases was significantly superior to the values for either patients with a brachial cephalic (p = 0.046) or a brachial‐basilic (p = 0.004). Complications occurred in seven cases (1.3%), all of which were venous ruptures. Blood flow was affected in four cases. Only one of these was salvaged with angioplasty balloon tamponade. In the remaining three cases, the AVF was lost.     

Correction to: An evaluation of the long‑term effectiveness of Gatekeeper™ intersphincteric implants for passive faecal incontinence

Techniques in Coloproctology -