Effect of probiotics and rice on ileal microbial count and intestinal morphometry in broiler chicken

An experiment was conducted in the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to find out the effect of probiotics and rice on ileal microbial count and intestinal morphometry in broiler chicken for a period of 42 days. A total of 144, day-old Ven Cobb 430 Y broiler chicks were allotted randomly to six dietary treatment groups with three replicates of eight birds each. The treatment groups were T1-standard broiler ration (SBR1), T2- SBR1 with 0.05 per cent probiotic mixture, T3- SBR1 with 0.1 per cent probiotic mixture, T4- 50 per cent of maize from SBR1 replaced by rice (SBR2), T5- SBR2 with 0.05 per cent probiotic mixture and T6- SBR2 with 0.1 per cent probiotic mixture. The dietary inclusion of rice did not affect the E. coli count and ileal pH. However the coliform count was significantly (p<0.01) lower in group fed rice based diet supplemented with 0.1 per cent probiotics and the E. faecalis count was significantly (p<0.01) higher in rice fed group without probiotic supplementation than corn fed group without probiotic supplementation. The probiotic supplementation at 0.1 per cent level significantly (p<0.01) reduced the E. coli and coliform counts in both rice and corn based diets. The E. faecalis count and ileal pH was significantly (p<0.01) reduced by probiotics at 0.05 and 0.1 per cent levels in corn based as well as rice based diets. The dietary inclusion of rice in broiler diet significantly increased (p<0.01) the ileal villi height in the non-supplemented group. The ileal VH:CD ratio was significantly (p<0.01) increased in rice fed groups compared to corn fed groups. The supplementation of probiotics in both rice and corn based diets significantly (p<0.01) increased the villi height of duodenum, jejunum and ileum and VH: CD ratio in jejunum and ileum. It could be concluded that the dietary supplementation of probiotics at 0.1 per cent level was effective in reducing the intestinal E. coli, coliform count, E. faecalis count, ileal pH and improving the intestinal histo-morphometry. Dietary replacement of 50 per cent corn by rice had no significant effect on these parameters

Nanomedicines for the management of diabetic nephropathy: present progress and prospects

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious microvascular consequence of diabetes mellitus (DM), posing an encumbrance to public health worldwide. Control over the onset and progress of DN depend heavily on early detection and effective treatment. DN is a major contributor to end-stage renal disease, and a complete cure is yet to be achieved with currently available options. Though some therapeutic molecules have exhibited promise in treating DN complications, their poor solubility profile, low bioavailability, poor permeation, high therapeutic dose and associated toxicity, and low patient compliance apprehend their clinical usefulness. Recent research has indicated nano-systems as potential theranostic platforms displaying futuristic promise in the diagnosis and treatment of DN. Early and accurate diagnosis, site-specific delivery and retention by virtue of ligand conjugation, and improved pharmacokinetic profile are amongst the major advantages of nano-platforms, defining their superiority. Thus, the emergence of nanoparticles has offered fresh approaches to the possible diagnostic and therapeutic strategies regarding DN. The present review corroborates an updated overview of different types of nanocarriers regarding potential approaches for the diagnosis and therapy of DN

Mortality Among Adults With Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy and Infected With COVID-19

Importance: Large cohorts of patients with active cancers and COVID-19 infection are needed to provide evidence of the association of recent cancer treatment and cancer type with COVID-19 mortality. // Objective: To evaluate whether systemic anticancer treatments (SACTs), tumor subtypes, patient demographic characteristics (age and sex), and comorbidities are associated with COVID-19 mortality. // Design, Setting, and Participants: The UK Coronavirus Cancer Monitoring Project (UKCCMP) is a prospective cohort study conducted at 69 UK cancer hospitals among adult patients (≥18 years) with an active cancer and a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. Patients registered from March 18 to August 1, 2020, were included in this analysis. // Exposures: SACT, tumor subtype, patient demographic characteristics (eg, age, sex, body mass index, race and ethnicity, smoking history), and comorbidities were investigated. // Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was all-cause mortality within the primary hospitalization. // Results: Overall, 2515 of 2786 patients registered during the study period were included; 1464 (58%) were men; and the median (IQR) age was 72 (62-80) years. The mortality rate was 38% (966 patients). The data suggest an association between higher mortality in patients with hematological malignant neoplasms irrespective of recent SACT, particularly in those with acute leukemias or myelodysplastic syndrome (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.30-3.60) and myeloma or plasmacytoma (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.04-2.26). Lung cancer was also significantly associated with higher COVID-19–related mortality (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.11-2.25). No association between higher mortality and receiving chemotherapy in the 4 weeks before COVID-19 diagnosis was observed after correcting for the crucial confounders of age, sex, and comorbidities. An association between lower mortality and receiving immunotherapy in the 4 weeks before COVID-19 diagnosis was observed (immunotherapy vs no cancer therapy: OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.86). // Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this study of patients with active cancer suggest that recent SACT is not associated with inferior outcomes from COVID-19 infection. This has relevance for the care of patients with cancer requiring treatment, particularly in countries experiencing an increase in COVID-19 case numbers. Important differences in outcomes among patients with hematological and lung cancers were observed

Attitudes, reasons, and effects of vaping among students in Liverpool John Moores University: A quantitative study.

Background: The rising prevalence of vaping among young individuals has raised significant public health concerns due to potential health risks. Even though vaping is considered a smoking cessation tool, vaping is very much influenced by young adults. Therefore, this study focuses on understanding the attitudes and behaviours of LJMU students toward vaping. Furthermore, it evaluates the influence of advertising and marketing of vaping products, attitudes toward age restrictions, awareness programmes, and insights into the factors that motivate students to begin vaping. Methods: This study utilised a quantitative approach, employing convenience sampling for participant selection. An online, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to collect data from 105 participants, which was then analysed using SPSS, including chi-square tests. Results: The study involved 105 students, predominantly females. Most participants were aged 25-34 years, followed by 18-24. Postgraduates exceeded undergraduates. Among students, 58% never vaped, 42% experimented, and 15% were current vapers. Gender correlated significantly with initial vaping engagement. Notably, gender is related to advertisement influence and negative vaping effects. The majority supported stricter regulations, age restrictions, and awareness programmes. Most agree vaping causes significant harm. Curiosity drove vaping. Most had not faced peer pressure to vape. The majority acknowledged vaping’s negative effects, emphasising lung damage. The majority agreed e- cigarettes are 95% less harmful than tobacco smoke, with more harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke. Most disagreed that e-cigarettes are less addictive than tobacco smoke. Conclusion: This study reveals vaping behaviours, attitudes, and perceptions among LJMU students. It highlights varied usage patterns, gender and social influences, and health concerns. Students support regulations and age restrictions while valuing awareness programs. Tailored education, cessation support, and targeted interventions are recommended to address vaping complexities. The research contributes insights to the broader understanding of vaping behaviours and informs strategies for healthier choices among young adults. Further research is needed in student vaping in the United Kingdom, long term health effects of vaping, vaping in pregnant women

Assessment of client satisfaction with the services rendered by female health workers (auxiliary nurse midwife) in sub centers of selected primary health centers, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka state, India

Context: Though, India has made impressive growth in providing primary health care, programs and providers have overwhelming emphasis on the quantitative aspect (targets), neglecting quality of services. Client satisfaction represents a key marker for the quality and needs to be studied repeatedly for smooth functioning of the health care systems. Client is the best judge for accurate assessment and overall improvement of quality health care provision through rectification of system weaknesses. Aims: The aim of the following study is to determine client satisfaction with the services rendered by female health workers. Settings and Design: Descriptive survey approach was used to determine satisfaction of 30 clients, 2 from each sub centers chosen during the immunization program about services received from female health workers. Study was conducted in 15 sub centers of Dakshina Kannada district Karnataka state, India. Materials and Methods: The clients of female health workers were identified. Baseline data of clients were collected using a questionnaire and client satisfaction scale was used to assess satisfaction with the services. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained and data was collected. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were employed and data were analyzed using SPSS package 13.0 SPSS Inc., 233 South Wacker Drive, 11 th . Floor, Chicago, IL. Results: The overall mean percentage scores of satisfaction 67.81% shows that the clients were only "moderately satisfied." On further analysis of satisfaction scores based on the three domains of satisfaction under consideration it is found that clients were "satisfied" (71.58%) about reproductive and child health (RCH) services, whereas they were "moderately satisfied" (62.13%) about the interpersonal relationship and services other than RCH (66.15%). Conclusions: The study concludes that quality may be improved by paying more attention to the perspectives of clients, improving competencies and skills of providers and improving the working environment by better management, supplies and motivation of staff

Utility of cine MRI in evaluation of cardiovascular invasion by mediastinal masses

Background: Accurate imaging assessment of cardiovascular invasion by mediastinal masses is essential for determining surgical feasibility. This can sometimes be difficult on CT owing to limited space available in the mediastinum, resulting in mediastinal masses abutting and indenting adjacent cardiovascular structures. Cine MRI may aid in such situations by demonstrating differential mobility. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the role of cine MRI in assessing cardiovascular invasion by mediastinal masses, by evaluating sliding motion and the presence of chemical shift artifact between the mediastinal mass and apposing structures. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of 44 patients with mediastinal masses, with equivocal involvement of 162 cardiovascular structures on CT scan, in whom cine MRI was done. Involvement on CT was considered equivocal when there was a loss of intervening fat plane and broad surface (>3 cm) or angle (>90°) of contact between the mediastinal mass and cardiovascular structure. The presence of either sliding movement or type 2 chemical shift artifact or both between mass and the cardiovascular structure was considered as no adherence or invasion. The absence of both the parameters was considered as the presence of invasion or adhesion. Imaging findings were correlated with intraoperative findings. Results: After excluding 25 cardiovascular structures in 7 patients, 137 cardiovascular structures whose involvement was suspected on CT were evaluated in 37 patients with mediastinal masses. In all, 31 cardiovascular structures showed invasion on MRI out of which 28 structures were invaded or adhered intraoperatively and 106 cardiovascular structures showed no invasion on MRI out of which 97 structures were intraoperatively not invaded/adhered. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of our study are 75.7%, 97% and 91.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Cine MRI can be used as an effective tool in patients with equivocal cardiovascular invasion by mediastinal masses on CT scans

Magnetic resonance imaging as an adjunct to computed tomography in the diagnosis of pulmonary Hydatid cysts

Introduction: Although pulmonary hydatid cysts can be diagnosed on computed tomography (CT), sometimes findings can be atypical. Other hypodense infective or neoplastic lesions may mimic hydatid cysts. We proposed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may act as a problem-solving tool, aiding the definite diagnosis of hydatid cysts and differentiating it from its mimics. The aim of this study is to assess the findings of pulmonary hydatid cysts on CT and MRI and the additional contribution of MRI in doubtful cases. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 90 patients with suspected hydatid cysts. CT and MRI findings were noted and role of MRI in diagnosing hydatid cysts and its mimics was studied. Descriptive statistics for CT findings and sensitivity and specificity of MRI were calculated using surgery or histopathology as gold standard. Results: Of the 90 patients with suspected pulmonary hydatid cysts, there were 52 true-positive and 7 false-positive cases on CT. Commonest CT finding was unilocular thick-walled cyst. In the 26 patients who had additional MRI, based on T2-weighted hypointense rim or folded membranes, accurate preoperative differentiation of 14 patients with hydatid cysts from 10 patients with alternate diagnosis was possible. There was one false-positive and one false-negative case on MRI. Conclusion: Although hydatid cyst can be diagnosed on CT on most occasions, sometimes there are challenges with certain mimics and atypical appearances. T2-weighted MRI can act as a problem solving tool to conclusively diagnose hydatid cyst or suggest an alternate diagnosis

Spectrum of pulmonary valve morphology and its relationship to pulmonary trunk in tetralogy of Fallot

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a complex congenital heart disease with anatomic variations. Although the pulmonary valve in TOF is abnormal, it has not been studied well, especially on newer imaging modalities such as multidetector computed tomography (CT), which gives excellent anatomic detail. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the morphology of pulmonary valve in TOF on CT and evaluate its association with the degree of hypoplasia of infundibulum and pulmonary trunk. Materials and Methods: The cardiac CT scans of 30 patients with TOF were reviewed to evaluate the morphology of the pulmonary valve, infundibulum, and pulmonary arteries. Fisher's exact test was performed to examine the association between pulmonary valve morphology and degree of hypoplasia of the infundibulum and pulmonary trunk. Results: 16.7% of patients with TOF had pulmonary atresia. The prevalence of tricuspid, bicuspid, and absent valves were 10%, 53.3% and 6.7%, respectively. In another 13.3% of patients, although valve tissue was present, exact morphology could not be determined on CT. The commissures of 62.5% of the bicuspid valves were at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock or slightly off the midline. There was statistically significant association between valve morphology and degree of infundibular hypoplasia (P < 0.001) and calibre of pulmonary trunk (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Morphological abnormality of the pulmonary valve is common in TOF. The most common type of pulmonary valve in TOF patients is bicuspid valve with commissures at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock or slightly off the midline. Fewer cusps of the pulmonary valve are associated with a more severe degree of pulmonary artery hypoplasia

De "l'incapacité littéraire des Belges". Complexe national et contrefaçon

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours of the thorax: Radiologic and clinicopathological correlation

Context and Aims: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm with intermediate malignant potential. The aim of this study is to describe and compare the clinical presentation, computed tomography (CT) findings and anaplastic lymphoma kinase -1 (ALK-1) expression of IMT of the thorax in children and adults. We also sought to study the tumour behaviour after treatment on the follow-up imaging. Materials and Method: This is a retrospective observational study of 22 histopathologically proven cases of IMT in the thorax. The clinical parameters, CT findings, biopsy results, treatment received and follow-up were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test. Results: IMT of the thorax had diverse imaging appearances, presenting either as large invasive lung masses with or without calcifications or as smaller endobronchial lesions. Children commonly presented with long duration fever (P = 0.02) and large invasive lung masses (P = 0.026), whereas adults presented with long duration haemoptysis (P = 0.001) and endobronchial lesions or smaller lung parenchymal lesions. Calcifications were more common in children (P = 0.007). ALK-1 was positive in 40% of children and 18.2% of adults (P = 0.547). Endobronchial lesions showed a trend for ALK-1 negativity. Patients with bronchoscopic excision had local recurrence and patients with surgical wedge resection had metastatic brain lesions as compared to those with lobectomy and pneumonectomy (P = 0.0152). A patient with unresectable lung mass had malignant transformation to spindle cell sarcoma after 9.5 years. Conclusions: Thoracic IMT presents with some distinct clinical and CT findings in adults and children. The CT findings and management options have implications for prognosis. If resectable, lobectomy is a better option than wedge resection or bronchoscopic excision for preventing local recurrence and metastasis. IMT can undergo malignant transformation