Detection of Ovarian Tumors in Chicken by Sonography

OBJECTIVE: Animal models of spontaneous ovarian cancer are important for understanding early tumor development. Ovarian imaging may play an important role in following changes in tumor development. Laying hens are the only animals that develop spontaneous ovarian cancer similar to humans. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of detecting ovarian tumors in laying hens using sonography. METHODS: Ovaries of commercial strains of White Leghorn laying hens (n = 29, 2.5-3.0 years old) were examined by transvaginal 2-dimensional gray scale and color Doppler sonography. Sonographic evaluations were compared with ovarian anatomy and histologic features. RESULTS: Results of in vivo sonography and ovarian anatomic and histologic examinations were consistent. The presence of gross ovarian tumors was correctly detected in all hens by sonography. The resistive and pulsatility index values associated with ovarian tumors were lower than for normal ovaries (P < .001) suggesting that blood flow velocity was increased in ovarian tumors. Values associated with abnormal ovarian histologic findings but no gross tumors were intermediate. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal sonography can be used to determine ovarian status in hens. It offers the ability to make repeated examinations on the same hen to monitor early changes in the ovary associated with ovarian cancer.     

Cardiovascular complications of chronic renal failure - an updated review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is frequently associated with CKD, which is important because individuals with CKD are more likely to die from CVD than to develop kidney failure. CVD in CKD is treatable and potentially preventable and CKD appears to be a risk factor for CVD. In order of incidence and frequency systemic hypertension, left ventricular failure, congestive cardiac failure, ischemic heart disease, anaemic heart failure, rhythm disturbances, pericarditis with or without effusion, cardiac tamponade, uraemic cardiomyopathy are various cardiovascular complications encountered in patients with chronic renal failure. A patient may present with one or more complications of cardiovascular system. The survival rate and prognosis to a great extent depends on proper management of these complications. Use of regular dialysis and renal transplant has changed the death pattern in developed countries but it is still a major problem in developing country. The aim of this article is early detection of CKD and proper management of it thereby preventing the major cardiovascular complications.     

Risk for Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) in Backyard Chickens, Bangladesh

To evaluate risk factors for infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (H5N1) in backyard chickens in Bangladesh, we conducted a matched case–control study. We enrolled 25 case farms (cases March–November 2007) and 75 control farms (June–November 2007). We used a questionnaire to collect farm data, which were analyzed by matched-pair analysis and multivariate conditional logistic regression. Factors independently associated were offering slaughter remnants of purchased chickens to backyard chickens (odds ratio [OR] 13.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–131.98, p = 0.027), having a nearby water body (OR 5.27, 95% CI 1.24–22.34, p = 0.024), and having contact with pigeons (OR 4.47, 95% CI 1.14–17.50, p = 0.032). Separating chickens and ducks at night was protective (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.45, p = 0.006). Reducing these risks and taking protective measures might reduce the risk for influenza (H5N1) infection in backyard chickens.     

Sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor (S1p1), a critical receptor controlling human lymphocyte trafficking, is expressed in hen and human ovaries and ovarian tumors

Background

Sphingosine-1 receptor 1 (S1P1) plays a major role in regulating lymphocyte egress from peripheral lymph tissue. Lymphocyte trafficking is potentially a critical response to tumors and to tumor vaccines. Also, the receptor has been shown to influence metastasis. However, there is little information on its expression in the aged ovary or ovarian tumors. As a basis for further studies in the laying hen model of spontaneous ovarian cancer, the objective of this study was to determine if S1P1 is expressed in hens, and if the morphological distribution of S1P1 is similar in hen and human ovary and ovarian tumors.

Methods

S1P1 mRNA was ascertained in hen tissue by RT-PCR using hen specific primers. S1P1 protein expression and localization was evaluated in hen and human tissue with a human S1P1 antibody by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results

S1P1 mRNA was expressed in all hen tissues examined. Protein was detected in human and hen ovary and ovarian tumors at 47, 72 and 108 kDa in Western blots. S1P1 was similarly expressed on endothelial cells, lymphocytes and surface epithelial cells in normal ovaries and tumor-containing ovaries of the hen. In addition, S1P1 distribution was heterogeneous in both hen and human ovarian tumors by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

The results show that S1P1 is expressed in the hen and human ovary as well as in ovarian tumors. These findings support the use of the hen in further studies of the role of S1P1 in metastasis and immune cell trafficking in ovarian tumor development.     

Xanthophyll epoxides, unlike beta-carotene monoepoxides, are not detectibly absorbed by humans.

Increased intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Epoxycarotenoids are widely distributed in nature and constitute major dietary carotenoids in a number of fruits and vegetables. Previous studies have shown that beta-carotene 5,6-epoxide was absorbed well by humans, and was much more active than beta-carotene in inducing the differentiation of NB4 cells. Xanthophyll epoxides such as neoxanthin, violaxanthin and lutein 5,6-epoxide, are more abundant than epoxy-hydrocarbon carotenes in a number of vegetables and fruits that humans consume. To determine whether xanthophyll epoxides are also absorbed by humans, lutein 5,6-epoxide (taraxanthin) and zeaxanthin 5,6,5'6'-diepoxide (violaxanthin) were chemically prepared, dissolved in corn oil and orally administered to three human subjects. Analysis of plasma for carotenoids within 9 h after a single oral dose of either violaxanthin or taraxanthin failed to show any violaxanthin, taraxanthin or any of their metabolites.     

Analgesic,Anti-inflammatory and Local Anaesthetic Activity of Moringa pterygosperma in Laboratory Animals

The methanol extract of Moringa pterygosperma (Moringaceae) was used to evaluate its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and local anaesthetic activity in the present study. Analgesic activity was tested in mice using various doses orally. Acetic acid-induced writhing episodes were significantly and dose-dependently reduced. At the same dose, its anti-inflammatory activity was also tested. Carrageenin (a standard inflammatory agent)-induced paw edema in mice was significantly reduced after oral administration. Furthermore, its local anaesthetic activity were tested in frog and guinea pig models, and it was seen that in both animals, the plant (root bark) produces significant local anaesthetic activity.     

New Record of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Equisetum ramosissimum</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">debile</Emphasis> from Lower Gangetic Plain,West Bengal,India and Conservation Approach

A recent survey for pteridophytic flora in the lower Gangetic plain of West Bengal, India reports the natural occurrence of Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. subsp. debile (Roxb. Ex Vauch.) Hauke (Equisetaceae) from alluvial Gangetic zone of North 24 Parganas district (22°55′39.00″N and 88°26′14.94″E) which adds new record to the existing database of pteridophytic flora in the region. Regular observations show that the population of E. ramosissimum is sustained completely by vegetative means due to non-formation of reproductive organ i.e. strobilus in an individual plant in any season. The community analyses through standard ecological methods reveal heterogeneous phyto-assemblages in both winter and rainy seasons, however, seasonal variations are observed in species diversity and frequency. Simpson’s Index of Diversity in both plant communities suggests diverse species richness and evenness in the area. Importance Value Index depicts ecological dominance of E. ramosissimum in both seasons. The plant has significant positive correlation with angiospermic taxa, Mikania micrantha and Typha angustifolia in winter and rainy seasons, respectively but is negatively correlated with Xanthium indicum and Desmostachya bipinnata, correspondingly. These observations may be taken into consideration for in situ conservation of the species. Systematic conservation plan is suggested to protect this newly revealed taxon, E. ramosissimum subsp. debile which demands regular awareness program among local people for continued future sustainability as the area is regularly invaded by human footsteps. Finally, the present investigation may motivate the young workers for field study to explore the nature in better way.     

Seroprevalence of anti Helicobacter pylori IgG/IgA in asymptomatic population from Delhi

Helicobacter pylori is recognised as the most important etiological agent for chronic antral gastritis in humans, the major predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as probable cofactor in the development of gastric cancer. This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of anti - H. pylori IgG/ IgA in asymptomatic population. Two hundred and fifty eight serum samples from various age groups (1-40 years) were collected from patients admitted to the wards for conditions other than gastrointestinal disorders and screened for anti H. pylori IgG/IgA antibodies. The prevalence of anti H. pylori IgG/IgA in the age group < 10 years, 10-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years and anti 40 years were found to be 38.89%, 52.08%, 59.62%, 67.88% and 54.17% respectively. The prevalence of H. pylori increased markedly with age, being maximum in 30-39 year age group. Similar trend was observed in a study conducted in South India and Mumbai. Almost half the children acquire H. pylori infection early in life which increases slowly and steadily with a peak prevalence in the age group 30-39 years and then declines as the age advances. There was no significant difference in prevalence rate in males and females.