Sonographic Incidence and Characteristics of Thyroid Nodules in Various Age Groups and Gender

Background: Thyroid nodules (TNs) are among the common diseases of the endocrine system, with 3%–7% prevalence by palpation. The prevalence by high-resolution ultrasonography among randomly selected individuals is 19%–67%, with annual increasing trends worldwide. 5% to 15% of TNs is thyroid cancer, which has become the fastest growing cancer.1 Ultrasonography has become an indispensable tool in the evaluation of thyroid nodular disease, and most patients will have had a thyroid ultrasound prior to initial surgical evaluation.9 Objective: To characterize thyroid nodules in various age groups and gender.  Methodology: In this descriptive study, among 179 patients of thyroid nodule were selected with age and gender discrimination by convenient sampling, at Department of Radiology, Lahore General hospital and Inmol Cancer hospital Lahore. Mindray Z5 and Toshiba xario 100 with linear probe of 7.5-11MHz ultrasound machine was used. Results: Out of 179 collected, 105 were females and 74 were males who visited radiology department due to thyroid nodule. It shows 58.7% females and 41.3% males patients diagnosed. Out of 179 patients 106 patients 59.2% came with irregular margins thyroid nodules and remaining 73 patients 40.8% had thyroid nodules with regular margins. 127 patients 70.9% had hyperechoic thyroid nodules and 52 patients 29.1% had hypoechoic thyroid nodules. Out of 97 patients 54.2% developed (Multi Nodular Goiter) MNG, 66 patients 36.9% developed right thyroid nodules and 16 patients 8.9% developed left thyroid nodules. Females developed 56.2% MNG, 33.3% right thyroid nodule and 10.5% left thyroid nodule while males developed 51.4% MNG, 41.9% right thyroid nodule and 6.8% left thyroid nodule. Out of 179 patients 109 (60.9%) patients shows no perfusion of blood while remaining 70 (30.1%) shows some perfusion of blood on USG. Minimum age was 5 years and maximum were 90 years while their mean was 43. Age group between 41 to 50 years most likely develop thyroid nodules.  Conclusion: In this study we conclude that females most likely develop thyroid nodules than males.  Both males and females mostly develop multi nodular goiter and least develop left thyroid nodule. Patients in 4th decade most likely develop thyroid nodules. Key words: Thyroid nodules, Ultrasonography DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/80-15 Publication date:September 30th 202

Carbonic anhydrase influences asymmetric sodium and acetate transport across omasum of sheep

Objective Omasum is an important site for the absorption of short chain fatty acids. The major route for the transport of acetate is via sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE). However, a discrepancy in the symmetry of sodium and acetate transport has been previously reported, the mechanism of which is unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) for this asymmetry. Methods Omasal tissues were isolated from healthy sheep (N = 3) and divided into four groups; pH 7.4 and 6.4 alone and in combination with Ethoxzolamide. Electrophysiological measurements were made using Ussing chamber and the electrical measurements were made using computer controlled voltage clamp apparatus. Effect(s) of CA inhibitor on acetate and sodium transport flux rate of Na22 and 14C-acetate was measured in three different flux time periods. Data were presented as mean±standard deviation and level of significance was ascertained at p≤0.05. Results Mucosal to serosal flux of Na (JmsNa) was greater than mucosal to serosal flux of acetate (JmsAc) when the pH was decreased from 7.4 to 6.4. However, the addition of CA inhibitor almost completely abolished this discrepancy (JmsNa ≈ JmsAc). Conclusion The results of the present study suggest that the additional protons required to drive the NHE were provided by the CA enzyme in the isolated omasal epithelium. The findings of this study also suggest that the functions of CA may be exploited for better absorption in omasum

Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites, Meat Quality, and Jejunal Basal Morphology in Broilers

Simple Summary: Iron is a necessary micronutrient in animal feed. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and the enzymes participating in redox reactions. The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of iron oxide nanoparticle supplementation on production performance, organ development, blood biochemistry, redox status, meat quality, and jejunal histology in broilers. The results indicated that iron oxide nanoparticle supplementation improved the feed conversion ratio, pectoral muscle, and jejunal histology. However, iron oxide nanoparticle supplementation showed no effects on visceral organ development, blood metabolites, redox status, and carcass traits. Abstract: The current research aimed to evaluate the supplemental effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on production performance, viscera development, blood metabolites, redox status, meat quality, and jejunal histology in broilers. A total of 300 day-old broilers were randomly divided into six groups with five replicates per group. Birds were fed on a corn soybean-based diet supplemented with 0, 20, 40, 60, or 80 mg/kg IONPs or 80 mg/kg of FeSO4 for 35 days. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in birds supplemented with 60 mg/kg IONPs. The pH24h was lower in birds supplemented with 40 mg/kg IONPs compared to that of the bulk group. Pectoral muscle fascicle diameter and fiber density were significantly increased in 20 mg/kg IONP-supplemented birds compared to those of the bulk group, respectively. The muscle fiber diameter was higher in 40 mg/kg IONP-supplemented birds compared with the bulk group. The jejunal villus height, crypt depth, and villus surface area were significantly increased with 60 mg/kg IONP supplementation, whereas villus width was decreased in birds supplemented with 40 mg/kg IONPs. The villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio was lower in IONP-supplemented birds compared to the bulk group. IONP supplementation improved the FCR, jejunal, and pectoral muscle morphology without affecting the carcass characteristics and redox status of broilers

Effect of sodium butyrate on performance, immune status, microarchitecture of small intestinal mucosa and lymphoid organs in broiler chickens

Objective This study aimed to examine the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) on growth performance, immune status, organs weights, and microarchitecture of lymphoid organs and small intestine. Methods A total of 120, 1-d-old broiler chicks were distributed into the following four treatment groups: corn-soy based basal diet (BD) without supplement (control), or the same BD supplemented with 0.1 g/kg zinc bacitracin (ZnB), 0.5 g/kg SB (SB-0.5), or 1.0 g/kg SB (SB-1), respectively. Six birds/group were killed on d-21 and d-35, and samples were collected. Results Cell-mediated immune response at 48 h post-Phytohemagglutinin-P injection, and antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine and sheep red blood cells on d-35 was noted higher (p<0.05) in SB-1 compared to ZnB and control. Lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) was attained by the supplemented groups. Thymus and spleen weighed more (p<0.05) in SB-1, and bursa registered more (p<0.05) weight in both SB groups compared to control. On d-21, areas of thymus medulla and spleen germinal centers were noted higher (p<0.05) in SB-1 group. The villus height and villus surface area increased (p<0.05) in duodenum and jejunum in both SB groups on d-21, and in SB-1 on d-35, respectively compared to ZnB and control. On d-21, number of goblet cells containing mucins of acidic nature increased (p<0.05) in all the segments of small intestines in SB-1 group compared to control, and on d-35 in ileum compared to other groups. Conclusion In conclusion, SB improved growth performance and immunity as well as modulated morphology of lymphoid organs and gut mucosa in broiler chickens

Clinical and electrophysiological efficacy of leaf extract of Gingko biloba L (Ginkgoaceae) in subjects with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy

Purpose: To investigate the health benefits of Gingko biloba L. leave extract EGb 761 in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP).Method: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo trial, patients (n = 156) received Gingko biloba (120 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months. Efficacy of Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 was assessed on the reduction in the scores of “Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire” (SF-MPQ) and improvements in latency, amplitude and conduction velocity of four sensory (ulnar, median, peroneal and sural) and four motor (ulnar, median, peroneal and tibial) nerves.Results: Gingko biloba significantly improved the mean scores of sensory, affective, visual analogue score (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI) of SF-MPQ on 3 and 6 month post-treatment. At the start of experiment in the Gingko biloba-treated group, scores for sensory, affective, VAS and PPI domains were 12.90 ± 7.21, 4.40 ± 1.79, 4.38 ± 1.69 and 3.24 ± 0.78 respectively. After 6-months treatment with Gingko biloba, scores for sensory, affective, VAS and PPI domains were reduced (p &lt; 0.01) to 7.24 ± 4.91, 3.11 ± 1.81, 3.37 ± 1.35 and 2.45 ± 0.65 respectively. Contrarily, in the placebo-administered group, sensory domain was (p &lt; 0.01) deteriorated after 6 month (4.70 ± 1.87) compared to the baseline (4.04 ± 1.67). Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 failed to influence the electrophysiological measures when compared with the placebo group. The common adverse effects observed with Gingko biloba were somnolence and dryness of mouth compared with the placebo-treated patientsConclusion: Gingko biloba extract EGb 761 seems to be an effective and safe drug for reducing symptoms of DSP without any apparent effect on the electrophysiological attributes of sensorimotor nerves.Keywords: Diabetic polyneuropathy, Diabetes mellitus, Electrophysiological parameters, Gingko biloba, Sensorimotor nerves, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnair

Effect of Phytosynthesized Selenium and Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) against Stripe Rust Disease

In this study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) were synthesized by using the extract of Melia azedarach leaves, and Acorus calamusas rhizomes, respectively, and investigated for the biological and sustainable control of yellow, or stripe rust, disease in wheat. The green synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The SeNPs and CeONPs, with different concentrations (i.e., 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L), were exogenously applied to wheat infected with Puccinia striformis. SeNPs and CeONPs, at a concentration of 30 mg/L, were found to be the most suitable concentrations, which reduced the disease severity and enhanced the morphological (plant height, root length, shoot length, leaf length, and ear length), physiological (chlorophyll and membrane stability index), biochemical (proline, phenolics and flavonoids) and antioxidant (SOD and POD) parameters. The antioxidant activity of SeNPs and CeONPs was also measured. For this purpose, different concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200 and 400 ppm) of both SeNPs and CeONPs were used. The concentration of 400 ppm most promoted the DPPH, ABTS and reducing power activity of both SeNPs and CeONPs. This study is considered the first biocompatible approach to evaluate the potential of green synthesized SeNPs and CeONPs to improve the health of yellow, or stripe rust, infected wheat plants and to provide an effective management strategy to inhibit the growth of Puccinia striformis.This research was funded by projects APOGEO (Cooperation Program INTERREG-MAC 2014–2020, with European Funds for Regional Development-FEDER). “Agencia Canaria de Investigación, Innovación y Sociedad de la Información (ACIISI) del Gobierno de Canarias” (Project ProID2020010134), and Fundación CajaCanarias (Project 2019SP43).Peer reviewe

Effect of sodium butyrate on performance, immune status, microarchitecture of small intestinal mucosa and lymphoid organs in broiler chickens

Objective This study aimed to examine the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) on growth performance, immune status, organs weights, and microarchitecture of lymphoid organs and small intestine. Methods A total of 120, 1-d-old broiler chicks were distributed into the following four treatment groups: corn-soy based basal diet (BD) without supplement (control), or the same BD supplemented with 0.1 g/kg zinc bacitracin (ZnB), 0.5 g/kg SB (SB-0.5), or 1.0 g/kg SB (SB-1), respectively. Six birds/group were killed on d-21 and d-35, and samples were collected. Results Cell-mediated immune response at 48 h post-Phytohemagglutinin-P injection, and antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine and sheep red blood cells on d-35 was noted higher (p<0.05) in SB-1 compared to ZnB and control. Lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) was attained by the supplemented groups. Thymus and spleen weighed more (p<0.05) in SB-1, and bursa registered more (p<0.05) weight in both SB groups compared to control. On d-21, areas of thymus medulla and spleen germinal centers were noted higher (p<0.05) in SB-1 group. The villus height and villus surface area increased (p<0.05) in duodenum and jejunum in both SB groups on d-21, and in SB-1 on d-35, respectively compared to ZnB and control. On d-21, number of goblet cells containing mucins of acidic nature increased (p<0.05) in all the segments of small intestines in SB-1 group compared to control, and on d-35 in ileum compared to other groups. Conclusion In conclusion, SB improved growth performance and immunity as well as modulated morphology of lymphoid organs and gut mucosa in broiler chickens

Effect of osmotic pressure on spermatozoa characteristics of cryopreserved buffalo bull (Bubalus bubalis) semen

This study was designed to determine the effect of different osmotic pressures on spermatozoa characteristics of cryopreserved buffalo bull semen using tris egg yolk extender (TEYE). Semen of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (n = 4) housed at a semen production unit was collected at weekly intervals for 10 weeks. Three solutions of tris-citric acid-fructose with osmotic pressures of 255, 275 and 295 mOsm/kg were used in extender preparation. Semen straws containing 20 × 106 spermatozoa were processed and stored at −196°C in liquid nitrogen. Post-thaw analyses of spermatozoa included motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity and lipid per-oxidation. Significantly higher (P < .05) sperm motility, acrosomal and DNA integrity were recorded at osmotic pressures of 275 and 295 mOsm/kg compared to 255 mOsm/kg. However, differences in spermatozoa viability, plasma membrane integrity and lipid per-oxidation were non-significant among three osmotic pressures. It is concluded that osmotic pressure of the solution used in extender preparation plays an important role in post-thaw quality of cryopreserved buffalo bull semen

Pattern of varicocele vein blood gases in patients undergoing microsurgical Varicocelectomy

Abstract Background Varicocele is known to be associated with infertility and sperm disorders. The exact cause of this ailment is not fully understood. There are limited numbers of studies where venous blood gases (VBGs) of varicocele veins were determined with conflicting results. Therefore, we have investigated the pattern of VBGs in both internal spermatic and external spermatic varicocele veins and correlation with semen quality parameters in infertile individuals who underwent left microsurgical varicocelectomy. Methods Patients (n = 27) undergoing left microsurgical varicocelectomy at a tertiary care hospital, were included in the study. Before surgery, semen parameters and scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography was performed. During surgery, blood sample was drawn from varicocele veins (internal spermatic and external spermatic veins) and a peripheral arm vein of the same patient as a control. The VBGs of all veins under study were estimated and compared with each other. The VBGs were also correlated with various semen quality parameters. Data, expressed as Mean ± SD, regarding VBGs in three veins were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The correlation between VBGs and semen quality parameters was determined using Pearson’s correlation. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results The pH was found to be higher (p < 0.01) in the internal spermatic vein compared with the external spermatic and the peripheral veins. Partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and oxygen saturation (sO2) were higher (p < 0.01) in the internal spermatic vein compared with the peripheral vein. However, concentration of bicarbonate (HCO3) was lower (p < 0.01) in both veins compared with the peripheral vein. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) was also lower (p < 0.01) in the varicocele veins compared with the control vein. Conclusion The internal spermatic veins had higher pH and oxygen tension, but lower HCO3 and pCO2 levels compared with the control peripheral veins. External spermatic veins had lower pCO2 and HCO3 but other VBGs were similar to the peripheral veins. The shift of VBGs of internal spermatic vein toward arterial blood pattern may be a missing link to understand the pathophysiology of varicocele