On Morphology and Morphometry of Trichuris ovis Abildgaard, 1795 Recovered from Ruminants of Ladakh, India

Abstract: Morphology and morphometry is used as tools for parasite identification since times immemorial, however this trend has been no longer used since the last decades and the identification became dependent on molecular characterization. However, this is possible in developed Countries while as the developing and underdeveloped Countries, like India, still largely depend on the traditional techniques. In this investigation an attempt was made to study the morphology and morphometry of adult Trichuris ovis recovered from caecum of the ruminants in Ladakh in order to access the effect of the study area, host, intensity, age, sex of the host and methodology on morphology of the parasite. It has been found that all these factors pose a little effect on the parasite identification were of minor importance because they were found within the range of similarity and were not good enough to label it as a new species as was expected. However, some descriptive features might be helpful in the parasite identification

Factors affecting use of ICTs for Rational Decision-making in Healthcare Organizations of Developing Countries (DCs)

The increasing pressure of business environment of the information age is forcing the organizations of the entire world to adopt and use Information and communication technologies (ICTs) in decision making. It is well reported that private sector organizations are using information system for achieving strategic advantages and gaining financial and business benefits more than its public counterpart. The literature nevertheless offers limited understanding in regard of the impacts of ICTs on public and private health sector organization in Pakistani context. This study aims to investigate the adoption and use of ICTs in decision making of both the public and private health organizations to figure out existing differences. Factors like human and organization; three enabling technologies (TPS, MIS and EIS) and three decision-making phases (intelligence, design and choice) have been used in designing the framework of the study. Data analyses reveal that organization is the strongest factor for the success of IT. Literature also highlights that Decision making process and enabling technologies are significantly positively related with effective decision making with enabling technologies as significant factor. The finding of the study reveals that the public health organizations are far behind in using ICTs in decision making than their private counterpart. The executives of public organizations neither take interest in the adoption and use of ICTs nor have awareness and experience to solve their problems. It is worth mentioning that the Government of Pakistan is moving towards digitization.   Key words: IT-usage factors (human & organization), Enabling Technologies (EIS, MIS, TPS), Decision-making process (intelligence, design, choice) and Effective decision

Evaluation of Prunus domestica gum as a novel tablet binder

To evaluate binding potential of Prunus domestica gum in tablets formulations. Six tablet batches (F-1B to F-6B) were prepared by wet granulation method, containing Avicel pH 101 as diluent, sodium diclofenac as model drug using 10, 15 and 20 mg of Prunus domestica gum as binder and PVP K30 was used as standard binder. Magnesium stearate was used as lubricant. Flow properties of granules like bulk density, tapped density, Carr index, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose as well as physical parameters of the compressed tablets including hardness, friability, thickness and disintegration time were determined and found to be satisfactory. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis showed that the formulation containing plant gum is compatible with the drug and other excipients used in tablets formulation. Hence the plant gum has role as a potential binder in tablets formulations. The dissolution profile showed that tablets formulations containing Prunus domestica gum 15 mg/200 mg of total weight of tablet as binder showed better results as compared to PVP K30.Para avaliar a propriedade aglutinante da goma Prunus domestica em formulações de comprimidos, seis lotes (F-1B para F-6B) foram preparados pelo método de granulação úmida, contendo Avicel pH 101 como diluente e diclofenaco de sódio como fármaco modelo, usando 10, 15 e 20 mg de goma de Prunus domestica como agente aglutinante e PVP K30 como aglutinante padrão. O estearato de magnésio foi utilizado como lubrificante. Propriedades de fluxo dos grânulos, como a densidade, índice de Carr, razão de Hausner, ângulo de repouso, bem como parâmetros físicos dos comprimidos, incluindo o tempo de dureza, friabilidade, espessura e desintegração foram determinados e se mostraram satisfatórios. A análise espectroscópica no FTIR mostrou que a formulação contendo goma vegetal é compatível com o fármaco e outros excipientes utilizados na formulação dos comprimidos. Assim, a goma vegetal tem papel potencial como aglutinante em formulações de comprimidos. O perfil de dissolução das formulações que contêm 15 mg/200 mg do peso total do comprimido em goma de Prunus domestica como aglutinante mostrou melhores resultados comparativamente ao PVP K30

Isolation and preliminary evaluation of Mulva Neglecta mucilage: a novel tablet binder

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de ligação de mucilagem de Mulva neglecta (MNM), com posterior comparação ao PVP K30. Oito lotes de comprimidos de diclofenaco de sódio foram preparados pela técnica de granulação úmida, mantendo diferentes concentrações (4, 6, 8 e 10% w/w) de mucilagem de Mulva neglecta (extraída de folhas de Mulva neglecta) e PVP K30 como ligante padrão. Os grânulos de lotes formulados mostraram densidade aparente (g/mL) 0.49 ± 0.00-0.57 ± 0.00, densidade compactada (g/mL) 0.59 ± 0.01-0.70 ± 0.01, índice de Carr 09.27 ± 0.95-19.65 ± 0.59, a relação de Hausner 1.12 ± 0.00-1.24 ± 0.01 e ângulo de repouso 30.37 ± 2.90 °C a 36.86 ± 0.94 °C. Os comprimidos foram prensados à dureza de 7.50-7.95 kg/cm2. Os comprimidos apresentaram 0.39 ± 0.02-0.39 ± 0.01% friabilidade e 7:20-14:00 min de tempo de desintegração. A avaliação de grânulos e pós-compressão revelou que todos os parâmetros estavam dentro dos limites da farmacopeia. Os resultados (dureza, desintegração e dissolução) provaram que a mucilagem de Mulva neglecta tem maior capacidade de ligação na preparação da forma de dosagem de comprimido não revestido em relação à PVP K30. Entre todas as formulações, MN-1 e MN-4 mostraram liberação lenta em comparação com PV-1 e PV-4 e, assim, a mucilagem de Mulva neglecta exibiu liberação do fármaco satisfatória para os comprimidos de diclofenaco de sódio.The aim of this study was to evaluate binding potential of Mulva neglecta mucilage (MNM) with subsequent comparison to PVP K30. Eight batches of Diclofenac sodium tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique keeping different concentrations (4, 6, 8 & 10% w/w) of Mulva neglecta mucilage (extracted from leaves of Mulva neglecta) and PVP K30 as standard binder. The granules of formulated batches showed bulk density (g/mL) 0.49 ± 0.00 to 0.57 ± 0.00, tapped density (g/mL) 0.59 ± 0.01 to 0.70 ± 0.01, Carr's index 09.27 ± 0.95 to 19.65 ± 0.59, Hausner's ratio 1.12 ± 0.00 to 1.24 ± 0.01 and angle of repose 30.37 ± 2.90 °C to 36.86 ± 0.94 °C. Tablets were compressed to hardness 7.50 to 7.95 kg/cm2. The tablets showed 0.39 ± 0.02 to 0.39 ± 0.01% friability and 7:20 to 14:00 min disintegration time. Granules and post-compression evaluation revealed that parameters assessed were all found to be within the pharmacopoeial limits. The results (hardness, disintegration and dissolution) proved that Mulva neglecta mucilage has better binding capacity for preparation of uncoated tablet dosage form as compared to PVP K30. Among all the formulations, MN-1 to MN-4 showed slow release as compared to PV-1 to PV-4 and thereby Mulva neglecta mucilage exhibited satisfactory drug release phenomenon tablets of diclofenac sodium

Work Culture towards Professions in South Asia: A Multidimensional Study on University Teachers of Pakistan

South Asia means one-fourth population of the world, comprises 7 countries, and the most backward region of the world, educationally, economically and in human development index. On the other hand, it is historically was a rich region with most ancient and educated civilization of the world before colonial rule. The aim of the study was to examine professional attitude of teachers and their psychological satisfaction level towards work culture after adopting teaching profession at university level in the region of South Asia. The researchers explored three major components of attitude called ABC model, A for Affective, B for Behavior and C for Cognitive to explore teaching attitude. The researchers investigate psychological satisfaction level in teachers specify with three factors called intrinsic, extrinsic and altruistic. The study was nonexperimental in its nature with descriptive study design. All teachers of public universities of the South Asian region were the population of the study. Out of three hundred sample teachers, 233 teachers participated in the research from 8 universities. After reviewing the literature two questionnaires were constructed by the researchers for discovering attitude towards teaching ten statements and satisfaction level of teachers towards teaching after adopting teaching profession eight statements at point Likert scale. Pilot testing of the instruments was also conducted. Overall reliability of instruments on Cronbach's Alpha is (α = .91), while attitude (α = .77) and satisfaction was (α = .80) accordingly. Each questionnaire was on five point Likert scale. On the basis of the information it was decided to apply a parametric test One Sample T Test and to check relationship a Pearson Correlation Test were applied. Results of the study show that teachers have positive attitude towards teaching and teachers were low satisfied after adopting teaching profession. According to findings many suitable suggestions were provided by researchers. Key Words; Profession, Attitude, Work Culture, Psychometric Satisfaction, South Asi

Expression of chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 during cardiopulmonary bypass

AbstractObjective: This study investigated the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on neutrophil expression of chemokine receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, and the β2 integrin CD11b. Methods: Ten patients undergoing coronary artery grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass were studied. Blood samples were collected preoperatively, before bypass, at termination of bypass, and 12 to 18 hours postoperatively. In vitro studies were performed on control subjects to determine changes in the surface expression of CXCR1, CXCR2, and CD11b on stimulation with interleukin 8. Receptor expression was measured by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of interleukin 8 from the patients were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: After bypass, CXCR2 expression fell by 66% (P <.0001) and remained low postoperatively (P <.0001). CXCR1 expression persisted at preoperative levels. CD11b expression increased significantly after bypass (P <.0001), returning to prebypass levels postoperatively. In vitro studies showed a dose-related fall of both CXCR1 (P <.0001) and CXCR2 expression (P <.0001) and a significant rise in CD11b expression (P <.0001). Plasma interleukin 8 increased significantly after bypass (P <.0001), remaining elevated 12 to 18 hours postoperatively (P =.02). Correlations between interleukin 8 levels and CXCR2 expression (P <.0001) and CD11b expression (P <.03) were demonstrated. Conclusions: CXCR2 expression is significantly down-regulated after bypass; in contrast, CXCR1 expression remains unchanged. In addition, whereas interleukin 8 is an important determinant of both CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression in vitro, it only correlates with CXCR2 and CD11b expression in vivo. This has implications in the search for antagonists against CXC chemokines and their receptor

In vivo analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Pericampylus glaucus in experimental animals

Pericampylus glaucus is a common Malaysian plant used traditionally in the treatments of joint pain, abdominal pain and headache. Hence, the present research was aimed to evaluate ethanolic extract of Pericampylus glaucus for analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental animals. The central and peripheral analgesic activity was determined by acetic acid induced writhing and hot plate method by examining the number of writhing and paw licking or jumping time. Meanwhile, the antipyretic activity was determined by Brewer’s yeast- test that induced pyrexia and carrageenan- that induced hind paw inflammation was used for anti-inflammatory activities. The ethanolic extract of Pericampylus glaucus at doses (300 and 600 mg/kg b.wt) and Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg (b.wt) was used as a reference drug in the whole experiment. Intraperitoneal administration of Pericampylus glaucus produced significant (p<0.01) inhibition in writhing response in acetic acid induced writhing test and dose-dependent (p<0.001) prolonged paw licking in hot plate test as compared to control (normal saline treated group). Similarly, significant (p<0.001) attenuation in lowering rectal temperature was noted in animal groups that were treated with ethanolic extract of Pericampylus glaucus at different doses. The attenuation was, almost the same as produced by ibuprofen treated group. Furthermore, Pericampylus glaucus extract also produced significant reduction in hind paw edema (p<0.001), 4 h after administration of carrageenan and inhibition was 60.19% and 42.17% as compared to control (normal saline treated group). The findings of this study indicated that Pericampylus glaucus possess significant analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities and could possibly be used in the management of fever, pain and inflammation

Effect of once-a-day milk feeding on behavior and growth performance of pre-weaning calves

Objective The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of once-a-day milk feeding on growth performance and routine behavior of preweaning dairy calves. Methods At 22nd day of age, twenty-four Holstein calves were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (n = 12/treatment) based on milk feeding frequency (MF): i) 3 L of milk feeding two times a day; ii) 6 L of milk feeding once a day. The milk feeding amount was reduced to half for all calves between 56 and 60 days of age and weaning was done at 60 days of age. To determine the increase in weight and structural measurements, each calf was weighed and measured at 3 weeks of age and then at weaning. The daily behavioral activity of each calf was assessed from the 22nd day of age till weaning (60th day of age) through Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek (NEDAP) software providing real-time data through a logger fitted on the calf’s foot. Results There was no interaction (p≥0.17) between MF and sex of the calves for routine behavioral parameters, body weight and structural measurements. Similarly, there was no effect of MF on routine behavioral parameters, body weight and structural measurements. However, the sex of the calves affected body weight gain in calves. Male calves had 27% greater total body weight and average daily gain than female calves. There was no effect of the sex of the calves on behavioral measurements. Collectively, in the current study, no negative effects of a once-a-day milk feeding regimen were found on routine behavioral and growth parameters of preweaning calves in group housing. Conclusion Once-a-day milk feeding can be safely adopted in preweaning calves from 22nd day of age

Mitral regurgitation as a phenotypic manifestation of nonphotosensitive trichothiodystrophy due to a splice variant in MPLKIP

Background: Nonphotosensitive trichothiodystrophy (TTDN) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of neuroectodermal origin. The condition is marked by hair abnormalities, intellectual impairment, nail dystrophies and susceptibility to infections but with no UV sensitivity. Methods: We identified three consanguineous Pakistani families with varied TTDN features and used homozygosity mapping, linkage analysis, and Sanger and exome sequencing in order to identify pathogenic variants. Haplotype analysis was performed and haplotype age estimated. A splicing assay was used to validate the effect of the MPLKIP splice variant on expression. Results: Affected individuals from all families exhibit several TTDN features along with a heart-specific feature, i.e. mitral regurgitation. Exome sequencing in the probands from families ED168 and ED241 identified a homozygous splice mutation c.339 + 1G > A within MPLKIP. The same splice variant co-segregates with TTDN in a third family ED210. The MPLKIP splice variant was not found in public databases, e.g. the Exome Aggregation Consortium, and in unrelated Pakistani controls. Functional analysis of the splice variant confirmed intron retention, which leads to protein truncation and loss of a phosphorylation site. Haplotype analysis identified a 585.1-kb haplotype which includes the MPLKIP variant, supporting the existence of a founder haplotype that is estimated to be 25,900 years old. Conclusion: This study extends the allelic and phenotypic spectra of MPLKIP-related TTDN, to include a splice variant that causes cardiomyopathy as part of the TTDN phenotype

Fracture Risk in Men With Congestive Heart Failure Risk Reduction With Spironolactone

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine whether spironolactone use is associated with fractures in men with congestive heart failure (CHF).BackgroundIn rats with aldosteronism, spironolactone preserves skeletal strength. However, in humans, the relationship of spironolactone to fractures is not known.MethodsThe medical records of all male patients with CHF from 1999 to 2005 treated at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee, were reviewed (n = 4,735). Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals of having a fracture associated with spironolactone use were estimated using conditional logistic regression.ResultsWe identified 167 cases with a single-incident fracture and matched these by age and race to 668 control subjects without fractures. After adjustment for covariates, spironolactone use was inversely associated with total fracture (odds ratio: 0.575; 95% confidence interval: 0.346 to 0.955, p = 0.0324).ConclusionsThe use of spironolactone is inversely associated with fractures in men with CHF