Effects of Boophilus Microplus Larval Infestation on Kedah - Kelantan Cattle and Their Bos Taurus Crosses

Tick resistance and the effects of dexamethasone and anti-histamine were investigated in four Kedah-Kelantan (KKKK), four FI Kedah-Kelantan X Friesian (KKFF), and four 25% Kedah-Kelantan X 75% Frieisian (KFFF) using experimental tick infestations. Experimental animals were infested (20,000 larvae) on four occasions with an interval of two months between infestations to determine tick responses and haematological and cellular responses of the host. Subsequently, the effects of dexamethasone and anti-histamine were investigated. Number of ticks, their weight, weight of egg masses and number of hatched larvae were significantly (P<0.05) lower in KKKK than in their crosses. At tick attachment sites, infiltration and degranulation of eosinophils and basophils were the striking changes. KKKK expressed intense eosinophil and basophil response than their crosses. Mast cells were completely ablated at 24 h post infestation indicative of their degranulation. Animals treated with dexamethasone were susceptible to B. microplus larvae as shown by the production of a high number of engorged female ticks, high mean weight of replete ticks, mean weight of egg masses and number of larvae. There was a reduction or complete ablation of cellular infiltration particularly of eosinophils at tick feeding sites in all genotypes. There was little or no effect of anti-histamine treatment on the acquisition of resistance. On the contrary, animals treated with anti-histamine and dexamethasone became more susceptible to B. micro plus larvae. Eosinophil number was higher in anti-histamine treated than those receiving both anti-histamine and dexamethasone in all genotypes. The high tick resistance of Kedah-Kelantan (KKKK) may be attributed to reduction of ticks numbers, presence of degranulated eosinophils and basophils, the absence of immunosuppression, and release of histamine at tick attachment sites from degranulated eosinophils and basophils. Histamine initiates an immediate hypersensitivity reaction leading to self-grooming. As a result, the number of engorged ticks were reduced or absent in Kedah-Kelantan than in their crosses

Aspects of Qur'anic exegetical concept of self and human nature past and present

This thesis explores paradigms of the Qur'anic concept of 'self and 'human nature' in the ontological and hermeneutic works of selected contemporary and medieval writers and in the Islamic thought. Among the main themes of the thesis are: (i) the contrast between the humanitarian values projected in the Qur'an and the enigmatic interpretation of the Qur'an which tends to vitiate these values; (ii) the contrast between the respect for human life and human dignity, commensurate with human disposition recognised by Islam, and the radicalised ideology; (iii) the contrast between the code of living devised by Islam at the individual and social levels and the parochial juristic–political outlook. The thesis investigates the distortions concerning the Islamic concepts of Jihad, democracy and tolerance of other faiths. It traces the historic roots of the insurgent groups, evolving into violent extremism, which threatens in modem world the global security through indiscriminate bloodshed and terrorism in the name of Jihad. The treatment of women in Muslim societies has attracted in recent years a barrage of criticism against Islam. This is examined from the exegetical and extra-exegetical sources. The thesis probes into the conflict between the Muslim rationalists and the traditionalists and between the philosophers and the traditionalists on the controversy over emanation and responsibility for human actions. This research is topical in the wake of the 9/11 and 7/7 catastrophes and in the light of the dilemma facing the Muslims in the West. The juristic dictum over the qualification of religio-political leadership of the community and the implementation of the Shari'ah are investigated; and the attitude in the West in fomenting extremism among Muslims is explored. This research, for the first time in a Western University, examines two major Qur'anic exegeses, and correlates these writings to the exceptional, contemporary, burning issues of the day

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii specific repeat element in blood of recurrent aborted women by real-time PCR

Toxoplasmosis caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat contains tissue cyst or contaminated food or water with oocyst of Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is prevalent in humans, domestic and wild animals and is causative agent of abortion and congenital abnormalities. Methods: From october-2019 to April 2020, blood and serum samples were collected from 63 women with recurrent abortion. Serum samples were used for identification of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA technique. Real time- Polymerase Chain reaction technique utilized for revealing of the DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood specimens. Presented study results showed the high aborted women 33 (52%) in age group (20-29), and high number of aborted women 36 (57%) have 3-6 abortions. Serodiagnosis results of 63 aborted women showed that 19 (30%) were seropositive for only IgG antibody, 6(10%) were seropositive for IgM antibody, and 6 (10%) were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Molecular diagnosis of T. gondii DNA infection by RT- PCR for amplification of repeat region 529 bp of T. gondii DNA, revealed that only 7 (11.1%) blood samples were positive. RT-PCR assay was more sensitive and specific than serologic ELISA method in diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in recurrent aborted women

The Modified Quadrature Method for solving Volterra Linear Integral Equations

In this paper the modified trapezoidal rule is presented for solving Volterra linear Integral Equations (V.I.E) of the second kind and we noticed that this procedure is effective in solving the equations. Two examples are given with their comparison tables to answer the validity of the procedure

Mechanisms of Action of Metformin

Metformin is the first-choice drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes notably those associated with obesity. It does not only reduce hyperglycemia, but also possesses pleiotropic effects opening the pave for numerous potential clinical applications. In this chapter we illustrate the various mechanisms of metformin action in reduction of hepatic glucose output, improvement of insulin action, restoration of fat metabolism and gut microbiome, reduction of inflammation, upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, and attenuation of tumor growth. Understanding of such mechanisms might propose further clinical applications for metformin

Immunomodulatory effect of an isolated fraction from Tinospora crispa on intracellular expression of INF-γ, IL-6 and IL-8

Background Immunomodulators are substances that modify immune system response to a threat. Immunomodulators modulate and potentiate the immune system, keeping it highly prepared for any threat. The immunomodulatory effect of the traditional medicine Tinospora crispa is investigated in this work. Methods T. crispa ethanol extract was fractionated by using different solvents. The ethanol extract and effective isolated fraction were used to investigate the potential immunomodulatory effect of different T. crispa doses ranging from 25 μg/mL to 1000 μg/mL on RAW 246.7 cells by detecting intracellular INF-γ, IL-6, and IL-8 expressions. The antioxidant activity of T. crispa was evaluated through FRAP and DPPH. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were also quantified. Results Results show that T. crispa extract has higher antioxidant potential than ascorbic acid. The FRAP value of T. crispa extract is 11011.11 ± 1145.42 μmol Fe+2/g, and its DPPH inhibition percentage is 55.79 ± 7.9, with 22 μg/mL IC50. The results also reveal that the total phenolic content of T. crispa extract is 213.16- ± 1.31 mg GAE/g dry stem weight, and the total flavonoid content is 62.07- ± 39.76 mg QE/g dry stem weight. T. crispa crude extract and its isolated fraction significantly stimulate RAW264.7 cell viability (P ≤ 0.05) and intracellular INF-γ, IL-6, and IL-8 expressions. The results of LC-MS show that four of the active compounds detected in the T. crispa isolated fraction are cordioside, quercetin, eicosenoic acid (paullinic acid), and boldine. Conclusions The results of this study obviously indicate that T. crispa has immunomodulatory effects through the stimulation of INF-γ, IL-6, and IL-8 expressions. LC-MS phytochemical analysis showed that the T. crispa fraction has cordioside, quercetin, eicosenoic acid (paullinic acid), and boldine, which may be responsible for the immunostimulator effect of T. crispa

The Effect of Different Irrigation Interval on Tuber Yield and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Gaining high yield of potato is very crucial for farmer and quality also has a great impact on their production. Beside the quality and yield using the amount of irrigation also important to reduce water lose. The tuber yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is impacted by irrigated water. This study was carried out in two respectively season (2017 and 2018) in Halabja province of Kurdistan regional of Iraq to evaluate the impact of irrigation interval on quality and tuber yield in potato cultivars. In this study there are  four irrigation intervals (3,5,7 and 9 days) used by furrow irrigation method which subjected in complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The potato tuber production in 3 day interval showed highest percentage also protein and starch content was recorded highest in both year of cultivation, but the abscisic acid was affected by more irrigation which in 3 day interval irrigation the rate was less than other. Also in 5 day interval irrigation the rate was acceptable because there is no significant difference in terms of tuber yield, protein and starch content if compare with 3 day interval irrigation in particular for those area faced restricted in using water irrigation

Clients Satisfaction About Interpersonal Communication Sessions Conducted at Primary Health Care Centers by Health Education Providers

Medical interpersonal communication is a core clinical skill and an essential component as they are convincing the patient to follow medical advice. Client prefer health providers to be warm and sympathetic, listen to what they say and ask question which are precise and easily understood. All clients attending either single or in group a session of health education held at PHC centers during the study period were included in this descriptive study. It was found that the clients of age group (35-45) years were more satisfied in communications skills of the health providers reporting a mean score of 25.6±4.8 (P = 0.02). Female more satisfied about health provider communication skills, competency and health provider information This difference was found to be significant P-value (0.01, 0.02, 0.01) respectively. Illiterate clients were more satisfied with the health provider communication skills, competency and information since they gave them high score (26.4 ±4.5, 7.9±1.3, 10.7 ±1.8) compared to the scores given by clients with higher education (24±5, 7.3±1.6, 9.7±1.9). This difference was found to be significant (P = 0.01).Older female clients who have no job and with low education level were more satisfied with interpersonal communication of health education providers at PHC level. Keywords: Client, Communication, PHC, Satisfaction DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/71-03 Publication date: February 29th 2020