Molecular Epidemiology of Bovine Babesiosis in Punjab, Pakistan

Background: Babesiosis is endemic in Pakistan and is one of the most important bovine diseases that causes huge economic losses and high mortality in young animals. This disease is transmitted by a protozoan parasite babesia which belongs to genus Babesia (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida: Babesiidae). This disease is very much prevalent in summers followed by rainy season because humid environment is favorable for the growth of these parasites. An epidemiological and molecular study was conducted to unveil the prevalence and associated risk factors of Babesia bigemina (B. bigemina) and Babesia bovis (B. bovis) in selected districts i.e., Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh and Jhang of Punjab, Pakistan.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 518 (Cattle = 360, Buffalo = 158) blood samples were collected. The samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR (n-PCR) targeting apocytochrome b-genes (CYTb). Chi-square test for univariate analysis was used to analyze the data. The overall prevalence in summer based upon microscopic analysis was 20.55% (37/180) and 13.92% (11/79) in cattle and buffaloes respectively and in winter was 8.80% (16/180), 5.06% (4/79)) in cattle and buffaloes respectively. The samples were further analyzed through conventional PCR (c-PCR) and nested PCR (nPCR). The overall results of conventional PCR in summer showed that 72 cows and buffaloes were infected with babesiosis. The conventional PCR based results of summer showed that prevalence of babesiosis was 29.44% (53/180) in cows and 24.05% (19/79) buffaloes. The results of cPCR during the winter season showed that 12.77% (23/180) and 13.92% (11/79) buffaloes were positive for babesiosis. The overall results of conventional PCR in winter showed that 34/259 cows and buffaloes were infected with babesiosis. On the other hand, the nested PCR results of summer season showed that the prevalence of babesiosis in cows was 32.22% (58/180) and 29.11% (23/79) in buffaloes. In total, 81 cows and buffaloes were infected with babesiosis during summer season. The nPCR results of winter showed that 15% (27/180) cows and 20.25% (16/79) buffaloes were infected with babesiosis. In total, 43 cows and buffaloes were infected with babesiosis. The results have shown that sensitivity of n-PCR is more as compared to conventional PCR. This study is the first molecular evidence of B. bigemina and B. bovis and its associated risk factors in Punjab province, Pakistan.Discussion: Dairy sector in Pakistan is one of the fastest growing sectors. Despite of remarkable growth, dairy industry is facing many problems one of them is tick borne diseases (TBDs). TBDs are more prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and leads to huge economic losses to dairy industry in terms of decreased milk, meat and wool production. Babesiosis is characterized by increased fever, decreased production, poor quality wool, anemia, hemoglobinuria, paleness of mucous membrane. The risk factors analysis of summer and winter data revealed that, adult animals were more prone to babesiosis (24.00%) [P = 0.032] and (8.50%) [P = 0.048]. In both seasons (summer and winter), females were more infected with babesiosis (20.19% and 8.17%) [P = 0.049 and P =0.021] as compared to males, high prevalence in females was might be due to that females were reared for longer period of time. Babesiosis was more occurred in non-cemented floor system (26.01% and 13.51%) [P = 0.028 and P = 0.044] in summer and winter, respectively. Disease was found more prevalent in closed housing system in summer and winter (27.27% and 10.93%) [P = 0.043 and P = 0.034] as compared to open housing. Weak animals were more infected with babesiosis (30.84%) [P = 0.045] and (12.80%) [P = 0.042] in summer and winter, as compared to healthy ones. The animals with high tick infestations were more suffered with babesia infection (25.49% and 13.34%) [P = 0.036 and P = 0.003] in both seasons as compared to less tick burden. Keywords: apocytochrome gene, babesiosis, bovine, nPCR, PCR, season

Comparison of Outcome of Chronic Subdural Hematoma (SDH) In Terms of Recurrence with Drain and without Drain

Background/Objectives:  Chronic subdural hematoma commonly reported in neurosurgical practices. Variations are reported in neurosurgical practices regarding the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). This study determined the outcomes of SDH with Drain and without Drain in terms of recurrence and effectiveness. Material and Methods:  A randomized control trial was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Group-A patients were subjected to drainage of chronic subdural hematoma without drain and Group-B patients were subjected to drainage with drain. All patients were followed up to one month for recurrence of subdural hematoma like on CT-scan. Results:  Overall, the recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma in both groups was seen in 16.7% of patients and the procedures were effective in 83.3% of patients. In Group A, 79.6% of patients were successfully treated through burr hole with irrigation, while 20.4% of patients had recurrent chronic SDH. In Group B, only 13% of patients had a recurrence, while 87% of patients were successfully treated with burr with the closed continuous drainage system. An insignificant difference (p-value: 0.302) existed between groups for both types of procedures. Conclusion:  The patients who were treated with burr hole and irrigation of the subdural space with normal saline had high recurrence incidence than those with burr hole with closed continuous drainage system

The Prevalence of Chiari II Malformation in Neonates with Myelomeningocele at Ayub Teaching Hospital, KPK

Objective:  Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common in northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and need a lot of community education for the parents regarding this disease, which impaired the patients for their whole life. The study aimed to assess the contribution of a family history of myelomeningocele and the resulting incidence of Chiari II malformation. Materials and Methods:  A total of 131 patients were observed to determine the frequency of the Chiari II malformation in patients with myelomeningocele who presented in Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. All neonates were sent to the radiology department for MRI. A repair procedure for meningomyelocele was done. Results:  The mean age was 16.56 days. In 53.4% of neonates, there was a familial history of spinal dysraphism, while in 46.6% there was no familial history. Chiari II malformation was present in 23.7% of patients who presented with myelomeningocele. A significant difference (p-value < 0.00001) existed between the presence/absence of a family history of myelomeningocele and Chiari II malformation out of the total. Conclusion:  Early surgery, along with a multidisciplinary approach, provides the best opportunity for improved results and survival. Keywords:  Meningomyelocele, Neural Tissue, Maternal Folate Intake, Meningomyelocele (MMC) Repair

The Effect of Pim Kinases Upon Mitochondrial Dynamics and Metabolism /

Myocardial aging is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cardiac aging promotes adverse myocardial remodeling and the accumulation of poorly functioning senescent cells, leading to a decline in cardiac performance. Pathological remodeling is associated, in part, with changes occurring at the mitochondrial level exacerbating heart disease. Mitochondrial alteration during heart failure includes cellular changes in fuel utilization and alterations in mitochondrial dynamics, implicating mitochondrial biology as an important facet of cardiac aging biology. Pim kinases are protective in a cardiac context, in part by maintaining mitochondrial integrity. However, Pim protein expression diminishes during cardiac aging. Therefore, cardiac mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism were investigated in relationship to Pim kinases. The relationship between Pim1 and Dynamin Related Protein 1 (Drp1) was assessed as a novel mechanism to prevent Drp1 mediated fission. Drp1 mediates fission by mitochondrial localization during pathological challenge, sensitizing cardiomyocytes to apoptosis. Overexpressing Pim1 decreased total Drp1 levels, increased phosphorylation of Drp1 at serine 637, and inhibited Drp1 localization to mitochondria while preserving reticular morphology after simulated ischemia. Overexpression of Pim1 dominant negative (PDN) increased total mitochondrial Drp1, reduced phospho Drp1, and increased mitochondrial fragmentation. PDN hearts exhibit upregulation of BH3 only protein p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) that mediates mitochondrial Drp1 accumulation and increased sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli. Therefore, Pim1 activity prevents Drp1 compartmentalization to the mitochondria and preserves reticular mitochondrial morphology. Cellular pathological hypertrophic remodeling and fetal gene program activation was evident in Pim Triple KnockOut (PTKO) mice phenotypic of cardiac aging. Cardiomyocyte senescence manifested by increased expression of cell cycle inhibitors and decreased telomere lengths. Changes in expression of PPAR[gamma] coactivator-1 (PGC-1) [alpha] and [Beta] led to alterations in mitochondrial ultrastructure and metabolism. An energy-starved phenotype was determined with decreased ATP and increased pAMPK:AMPK ratio, confirming changes in the PPAR signaling circuit. Overexpression of PGC-1[alpha] and c-Myc rescued changes in metabolism and restored energy homeostasis. These studies confirm the significant impact of Pim kinases on mitochondrial biology and support the notion to utilize Pim as a tool to prevent cardiac aging by preserving mitochondrial dynamics and metabolis

Classification of Amputee EMG Signals Using Machine Learning Techniques

In the field of prosthetics and assistive technology, the accurate classification of EMG signals from amputees is of paramount importance. These signals provide insights into the intended movements of the user and are essential for designing intuitive and responsive prosthetic devices. This research is primarily centered on the meticulous classification of EMG signals using advanced machine-learning techniques. This research contributes by achieving high accuracy (95.77%, 97.36%, and 95.77%) using SVM, ANN, and CNN, respectively, on EMG signals from 11 amputees in the Ninapro database, offering an innovative approach to improve amputee assistance. We employed SVM, ANN, and CNN algorithms to classify EMG signals from 11 amputees in the Ninapro database, utilizing a robust methodology. This research yielded impressive accuracy rates of 95.77%, 97.36%, and 95.77% for SVM, ANN, and CNN, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of machine-learning techniques in amputee EMG signal classification. The discussion highlights the potential implications for improving prosthetic control and rehabilitation. This research presents promising results and highlights the potential of machine learning for advancing amputee assistance, opening new avenues for research and application

Classification of Amputee EMG Signals Using Machine Learning Techniques

In the field of prosthetics and assistive technology, the accurate classification of EMG signals from amputees is of paramount importance. These signals provide insights into the intended movements of the user and are essential for designing intuitive and responsive prosthetic devices. This research is primarily centered on the meticulous classification of EMG signals using advanced machine-learning techniques. This research contributes by achieving high accuracy (95.77%, 97.36%, and 95.77%) using SVM, ANN, and CNN, respectively, on EMG signals from 11 amputees in the Ninapro database, offering an innovative approach to improve amputee assistance. We employed SVM, ANN, and CNN algorithms to classify EMG signals from 11 amputees in the Ninapro database, utilizing a robust methodology. This research yielded impressive accuracy rates of 95.77%, 97.36%, and 95.77% for SVM, ANN, and CNN, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of machine-learning techniques in amputee EMG signal classification. The discussion highlights the potential implications for improving prosthetic control and rehabilitation. This research presents promising results and highlights the potential of machine learning for advancing amputee assistance, opening new avenues for research and application

Bacterial or fungal origin phytase enzyme affects the performance and mineralization of calcium and phosphorus differently in broiler chickens fed deficient calcium and phosphorous diets

ABSTRACTThree Ca-P deficient diets viz., Diet-1 (0.85%, 0.35%), Diet-2 (0.75%, 0.30%) and Diet-3 (0.65%, 0.25%) were prepared and supplemented with either bacterial or fungal origin phytase enzymes and were compared with a control diet (1.0% and 0.45%). A total of 280 broiler (Ross 308) chicks were randomly allocated into 7 treatments having 4 replicates of 10 chicks using a completely randomized design. The effect of bacterial phytase on the growth, FCR and carcass weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in chicks on Diet-1 compared to diet-3 (28 days). Bacterial phytase increased serum minerals (Ca and P) and tibia ash in diet-1 compared to Diet-3. Tibia Ca was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the control and the three diets under bacterial phytase compared to other treatments. On Diet-3, more Ca and P were reflected in tibial by bacterial phytase but did not support the optimum growth performance of broiler chicks. In conclusion, the same phytase but of different origins might have specific individual effects on the growth performance, serum and tibia Ca and P in broilers

Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and organic selenium on growth dynamics, blood melanodialdehyde and paraoxonase in broilers exposed to heat stress

A total of 480 1-week-old chicks of about similar average weight, and size were divided into 6 groups. One group served as control, and was fed only basal diet, second group was fed ginger at the rate of 5 g/kg (T1), third group was given organic selenium (Se) at the rate of, 0.3 mg/kg diet (T2), fourth group was given organic Se at the rate of 0.4 mg/kg (T3), fifth group was fed with organic Se at the rate of 0.3 mg/kg + 5 g/kg ginger (T4), sixth group was given organic Se at the rate of 0.4 mg/kg + 5 g/kg ginger (T5). Mean feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) high in T3 and T5 while body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) high in T3 compared to the control. Mean feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P < 0.05) high in T2, T3 and T5 compared to the control. Dressing percentage was significantly (P < 0.05) high in T4 and T5 compared to the control. Serum Antibody titre against Newcastle disease and paraoxonase (PON1) were significantly (P < 0.05) high in the T4 and T5 groups compared to the control while melanodialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) low in the same groups. Results of this study showed that ginger at the rate of 5 g/kg and Se at the rate of 0.4 mg/kg were more effective in improving the growth performance, immune response and antioxidant status in broiler chickens exposed to high ambient temperature

Haematological alterations under the anti-helminthic application in Pavo cristatus

ABSTRACTAnti-helminthic drugs (Albendazole and Levamisole) trials were conducted on Indian Peafowls (n = 20) kept at Jallo Wildlife Park, Lahore, Pakistan for 15. Sampling was conducted on days 7 and 15 of treatments. The results showed that the WBC count was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in both samples in response to Levamisole treatment. Haemoglobin (HGB) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05) in response to both treatments; however, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Albendazole-treated birds on both the sampling days compared to the control. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-Standard Deviation (RDW-SD) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in all treatment groups. On the other hand, the prevalence of eggs per gram (EPG) was reduced by 20% after the application of Levamisole on days 7 and 15. It was concluded that both drugs had significant effects on WBCs, HGB, MCH, MCHC and RDW-SD

Additive effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal and pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder on productive performance, carcass attributes and histological morphology of ileum in Japanese quails

ABSTRACTThe experiment aimed to evaluate the combined effects of supplementing Japanese quail diets with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and pomegranate peel powder (PPP) on growth, carcass quality and ileum histology. Four groups were formed: a control group, MOLM (0.2%), PPP (7.5%) and a combination of both (0.2% MOLM + 7.5% PPP). The control group exhibited the highest weight gain, followed by the MOLM group, with no significant differences in feed intake or conversion ratio. Carcass analysis showed significant differences in liver, heart and gizzard weights, with the mixed diet group having the highest values. However, wings and dressed weight percentages were unaffected by the treatments. Sensory evaluation revealed improved organoleptic properties in the mixed diet group. Histological examination demonstrated enhanced ileum morphology in the mixed diet group, with significant improvements in villi length and villus/crypt depth ratio. Overall, supplementation with 0.2% MOLM and 7.5% PPP positively impacted carcass quality, sensory attributes and bird health. These findings suggest the potential benefits of combining MOLM and PPP in quail diets to enhance growth and overall health, highlighting the importance of further research in poultry nutrition