Duringthe Study Research Articles

ECLAMPSIA

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to find the outcome, frequency, maternal morbidity and perinatal outcome due toeclampsia in our set up. Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the department of obstetricsand gynae from 1 st January 2007 to 1 st January 2008, in Gynecology & obstetric department: unit 1 of Liaquat University hospital Hyderabad.Patients and Methods: Total 39 patient's who had eclampsia were included in this study while other obstetric patient's who had no eclampsiawere excluded from the study. After an informed consent information was recorded on predesigned proforma regarding maternal age, parity,duration of pregnancy, B.P at admission, mode of delivery, maternal morbidity and perinatal outcome. Results were analyzed through computersoftware programme SPSS version 11 and percentages were used to describe the data. Results: Total 1415 deliveries were conducted duringthe study period. Out of these, 39 patients had eclampsia. So the frequency of eclampsia was 2.7%. Majority of patient's i.e. 15(38.4%) wereless than 20 years .Out of 39 patient's, 32(82.0%) patient's were primigravida while 4(10.2%) were multigravida and 3(7.6%) patient's weregrandmultigravida. Majority of the patient's i.e. 28(71.7%) were unbooked. 18(46.1%) patient's had fit during antenatal period, 14(35.8%)patient's had fit in postpartum period one case with eclampsia was received on 6th postnatal day. Serious maternal morbidity was pulmonaryedema seen in 6(15.3%) HELLP Syndrome in 3 (7.6%) and acute renal failure in 4(10.2%) patient's. Regarding perinatal outcome, 28(71.7%)babies were born alive, out of these 11 (39.2%) were died in early neonatal period.8 (20.5%) babies born, were still birth while 3(7.6%) weremacerated IUD. Conclusion: In our study majority of patient's who developed eclampsia were young and primigravida. Major maternalmorbidity was pulmonary edema, chest infection and acute renal failure. Perinatal mortality was also high.

Corneal Diseases in Children in The Gambia

Background: Blindness surveys carried out in The Gambia in 1986 reported childhood blindness from non-trachomatous corneal diseases as the commonest cause of blindness in children. The major causes were, post measles keratopathy, vitamin A deficiency and ophthalmia neonatorum.Aim: This study aims to find out what impact the ExpandedProgramme on Immunization and the development of humanresources have had on the causes/pattern of corneal eyediseases in children in The Gambia.Design: A prospective six-month hospital-based study.Method: The eyes of all children aged 0-16 years presenting at theRoyal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) in Banjul, TheGambia, from December 2005 to May 2006, were examinedfor aetiology of corneal eye diseases. All the children weretreated according to the diagnosis.Result: A total of 169 children aged 0-16 years were seen duringthe study period. Seventy-one (42%) had corneal diseases.Their ages ranged from 2 weeks to 16 years; mean 7.5 yearsand SD 3.1 years. The aetiology of corneal diseases weretrauma in 23 (32.4%) vernal kerato-conjunctivitis in 16 (22.54%), congenital eye diseases in 12 (16.9%), corneal infections in 12 (16.9%), corneal scarring from unknown causes in 5 (7.04%) and corneal dystrophy/degenerations in 3 patients. Ten patients (14%) became bilaterally blind while 22 patients (31%) suffered unilateral blindness, withcongenital diseases and trauma being the causes respectively.Vernal kerato-conjunctivitis was a major cause of ocularmorbidity. Conclusion: Bilateral blindness is no longer due to preventablecauses like measles, ophthalmia neonatorum and keratomalacia. The use of harmful traditional eye medication is a contributory factor to the severity of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Asymptomatic carrier trees in pine stands naturally infected with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Abstract A rapid and accurate diagnostic method is needed to detect asymptomatic carrier trees to assist in exterminating pine wilt disease caused by the pathogenic pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. We extracted DNA by the CTAB method from pine trees located in two natural stands, a Japanese black pine stand and a Japanese red pine stand, known to be infected with PWN, and detected the PWN by the nested-PCR method. Many trees of both pine species harboured PWN, although some of them had no external and/or internal symptoms such as yellowing of needles and disrupted resin exudation. Some Japanese black pine trees remained asymptomatic during the study and survived for 1 or more years after PWN infection without displaying any wilting symptoms. The diagnostic method adopted in the present study is useful and sensitive enough for practical use to detect the asymptomatic carrier trees and may prove to be an effective method to assist in control of the pest in the field.

Investigation of the induction of antibodies against Crandell-Rees feline kidney cell lysates and feline renal cell lysates after parenteral administration of vaccines against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia in cats

To determine whether administration of Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cell lysates or vaccines against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP vaccines) that likely contain CRFK cell proteins induces antibodies against CRFK cell or feline renal cell (FRC) lysates in cats. 14 eight-week-old cats. Before and after the study, renal biopsy specimens were obtained from each cat for histologic evaluation. Each of 4 FVRCP vaccines was administered to 2 cats at weeks 0, 3, 6, and 50. Between weeks 0 and 50, another 3 pairs of cats received 11 CRFK cell lysate inoculations SC (10, 50, or 50 microg mixed with alum). Clinicopathologic evaluations and ELISAs to detect serum antibodies against CRFK cell or FRC lysates were performed at intervals. Cats had no antibodies against CRFK cell or FRC lysates initially. All cats administered CRFK cell lysate had detectable antibodies against CRFK cell or FRC lysates on multiple occasions. Of 6 cats vaccinated parenterally, 5 had detectable antibodies against CRFK cell lysate at least once, but all 6 had detectable antibodies against FRC lysate on multiple occasions. Cats administered an intranasal-intraocular vaccine did not develop detectable antibodies against either lysate. Important clinicopathologic or histologic abnormalities were not detected during the study. Parenteral administration of vaccines containing viruses likely grown on CRFK cells induced antibodies against CRFK cell and FRC lysates in cats. Hypersensitization with CRFK cell proteins did not result in renal disease in cats during the 56-week study.

Clinical, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic abnormalities in cats with ureteral calculi: 163 cases (1984–2002)

To determine clinical, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic abnormalities in cats with ureteral calculi. Retrospective study. 163 client-owned cats. Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, history, clinical signs, and results of clinicopathologic testing and diagnostic imaging was obtained. The number of cats in which ureterolithiasis was diagnosed each year increased progressively during the study period. Clinical signs tended to be non-specific and included inappetence, vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss. A combination of survey radiography and abdominal ultrasonography revealed ureteral calculi in 66 of 73 (90%) cats in which the diagnosis was confirmed at surgery or necropsy. Ultrasonography revealed that ureteral calculi were causing ureteral obstruction in 143 of 155 (92%) cats. One hundred thirty-four of 162 (83%) cats had azotemia, 84 of 156 (54%) had hyperphosphatemia, and 22 of 152 (14%) had hypercalcemia. Urinary tract infection was documented in 10 of 119 (8%). Fifty-eight of 76 (76%) cats with unilateral ureterolithiasis had azotemia and 33 (43%) had hyperphosphatemia, indicating impairment of renal function in the contralateral kidney or prerenal azotemia. Ultrasonographic imaging of the contralateral kidney in cats with unilateral ureteral calculi suggested that preexisting renal parenchymal disease was common in cats with ureterolithiasis. Ninety-one of 93 (98%) ureteral calculi contained calcium oxalate. Results suggest that abdominal imaging should be performed in all cats with chronic nonspecific signs or with acute or chronic renal failure to rule out ureterolithiasis. Preexisting renal disease may be common in cats with ureteral calculi.

The benefits of finasteride for hirsute women with polycystic ovary syndrome or idiopathic hirsutism

Finasteride has been used frequently in the treatment of prostate hyperplasia ,but this drug inhibits 5α-reductase and for this reason could be useful for the treatment of hirsutism. The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the clinical and hormonal effects of finasteride on hirsute women with idiopathic hirsutism or polycystic ovary syndrome. Twenty-four women were randomly divided into two groups: thosegiven placebo and those given finasteride 5 mg/day. The treatment period was 6 months. All patients were evaluated before the beginning of treatment (baseline) and after 3 and 6 months of treatment usingclinical examination through Ferriman-Gallwey score ,blood pressure ,cardiac frequency and body mass index. Also ,we collected blood for hormonal determination of levels of prolactin ,17α-hydroxyprogesterone,follicle stimulating hormone ,luteinizing hormone ,total and free testosterone ,dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ,androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone. Furthermore ,all patients were asked about theirconcerns and satisfaction with the treatment. The results showed that the Ferriman-Gallwey score in the 6th month of finasteride treatment was significantly lower than at baseline and the 3rd month of thisdrug treatment. The dihydrotestosterone level in the finasteride group was also significantly reduced compared to that in the placebo group. The other hormones did not show any statistical difference duringthe study. All the patients treated with finasteride perceived a reduction in hirsutism after 6 months. In conclusion ,our data suggest that finasteride may be effective for the treatment of the hirsutewoman with idiopathic hirsutism or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Serum concentrations of keratan sulfate, osteocalcin, and pyridinoline crosslinks after oral administration of glucosamine to standardbred horses during race training.

To determine the effects of orally administered glucosamine on concentrations of markers of bone and cartilage metabolism in Standardbred horses during race training. Twenty 16- to 20-month-old Standardbreds beginning race training. Horses were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One group received glucosamine hydrochloride (4 g, PO, q 12 h), and the second (control) group received glucose (4 g, PO, q 12 h). Serum samples were obtained prior to onset of the study (baseline) and at regular intervals for 48 weeks for determination of concentrations of keratan sulfate (KS), osteocalcin (OC), and pyridinoline crosslinks (PYD). Osteocalcin concentrations changed significantly with time; mean serum concentrations were significantly higher than baseline values for samples obtained at 24 to 48 weeks after onset of the study. Although a significant effect of time was observed for mean concentration of KS, concentrations did not differ significantly from baseline values at any time during the study when groups were analyzed separately. However, pooled analysis revealed significant increases of mean serum KS concentration at weeks 24 and 30. Significant changes in serum PYD concentrations were not detected. Oral administration of glucosamine did not significantly affect serum concentrations of any of the markers. Increased serum OC in clinically normal Standardbreds during race training may reflect bone formation that accompanies adaptive remodeling of the appendicular skeleton. For these experimental conditions, glucosamine did not appear to exert a detectable influence on serum concentrations of these 3 markers of connective tissue metabolism.

Polyculture of sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) suspended from salmon cages

Commercial and developmental operations for the culture of the seascallop, Placopecten magellanicus, are present in AtlanticCanada and New England. In an experiment designed to examine the commercialfeasibility of polyculture of scallops with Atlantic salmon(Salmosalar), we measured growth andsurvival of sea scallops grown in suspension at two salmon aquaculture sites innortheastern Maine (Johnson Cove (JC) and Treats Island (TI)). Sea scallop spatwere grown in pearl nets and deployed on drop lines containing ten nets inAugust 1994. One drop line of ten nets was sampled about every four months andscallops were counted, measured and weighed. Scallop tissues were also analysedfor paralytic shellfish toxins (PSP). The maximum level of PSP recorded duringthe study was 1174 μg STX equiv.·100 gtissue−1 (excluding adductor muscle weight). After one year,shell heights were 53.6 and 56.4 mm, growth rates were 0.11 and0.12 mm per day and wet adductor muscle weights were 3.3 and 4.1g (TI and JC, respectively). These growth rates were comparable tosea scallops grown in suspension culture to a nearby scallop aquaculture siteand other areas in Atlantic Canada. Reduced rates of survival were found duringthe latter part of the experiment and were attributable, in part, to heavyfouling, predators and high stocking density. The potential for supplementalincome, diversification of the salmon aquaculture industry, and feasibility ofculturing scallops at adjacent sites to salmon operations does exist.

Hill slope effects on the vertical fluxes of photosynthetically fixed 14C in a grazed pasture

New Zealand hill-country farms consist of an amalgamation of land units in different slope and aspect categories, each with unique production potentials. Information on the influence these slope categories have on carbon (C) partitioning is imperative for more accurate and complete understanding of C inputs and fluxes through a grazed hill pasture ecosystem. The effects of 3 slope categories [representing 1–12°, 13–25°, and ≥26° microtopographical units corresponding to low (L), medium (M), and steep (S) slopes] on the vertical translocation of photosynthetically fixed C was studied by using a 14 C-CO2 pulse-labelling chamber technique. Pasture and soil samples were taken after 4-h, 7-day, and 35-day chase periods, to examine the fluxes of 14C in the pasture plant{root–soil system. Total C and 14C were determined in the pasture shoot, root, and soil components. Microbial biomass C and 14C contents in each soil were also determined using the chloroform fumigation{extraction technique. Pasture composition and growth varied with slope category. High fertility grasses (90%) were dominant on the L slope while low fertility grasses (≥60%) were dominant on the M and S slopes. Shoot growth over 35 days amounted to 4470, 2045, and 1308 kg/ha at the L, M, and S slopes, respectively. The standing root biomass did not differ signifficantly among the slopes. Allocation of the 14C-labelled assimilate below-ground was rapid, with 23–35% detected in the roots within 4 h of pulse-labelling. The above- and below-ground partitioning of 14C varied with the length of the chase period, and was strongly influenced by slope. Pasture plants allocated more C below-ground in the M and S slope categories. During the study period, 173 kg C/ha was assimilated daily at the L slope site, with 73 kg being respired, 50 kg remaining above-ground in the shoot, and 43 kg being partitioned into the root. In comparison, at the S slope, of the 56 kg/ha C assimilated daily, 22 kg was respired, 14 kg remained in the shoot, and 18 kg was partitioned into the root, and the daily input to the soil varied between 2 and 7 kg C/ha. By using annual growth measurements from adjacent areas, the amounts of C translocated annually to roots and soil at each slope category were also estimated from the 14C distribution of spring growth. At the L slope site, 9340 kg C/ha was respired, 6375 kg remained above-ground in the shoot, and 5510 kg was translocated to roots and 930 kg to soil. At the S slope site, 5710 kg C/ha was respired, 3490 kg remained in the shoot, and 4490 kg was translocated to the roots and 555 kg to soil.

Soil erosion and runoff in improved pastures of the Clwydian Range, North Wales

Studies of soil erosion in upland and marginal upland Britain are reviewed. Processes affecting soil erosion and runoff are described in marginal upland improved pastures of differing age in the Clwydian Hills, including one which was cultivated twice during the study period. A Gerlach-type trough was designed for trapping sediment and filtered runoff from bounded plots and for operating under grazing. Erosion and runoff amounts are interpreted in the light of ground cover, rainfall amounts and intensity, the action of grazing stock and other animals, and other influences. The chief erosion processes are the action of animals and surface wash by unconcentrated overland flow; no rilling occurred. The significance of particle size of eroded sediment is discussed.

Serological monitoring of the epidemiology of myxoma virus to assess the effects of imposed fertility control of female rabbits on myxomatosis

The epidemiology of myxomatosis was investigated in 12 populations of wild European rabbits at Wellstead in southern Western Australia, which were part of a larger study of the effects of imposing different levels of female sterility on rabbit population dynamics. Using serology, the aims were firstly to monitor the epidemic pattern of myxomatosis on the study sites between 1993 and 1996, and then to determine whether imposed sterility had any influence on the prevalence of myxomatosis. Two patterns of epidemics were observed during the study. The predominant pattern was a spring–summer outbreak that left approximately 90% of rabbits seropositive for myxoma virus antibodies. The second pattern was a slowly spreading epidemic that lasted from autumn until the following spring. This second type of epidemic may be important in the persistence of myxoma virus. Imposed levels of female sterility as high as 80% for three years had no significant effect on the proportion of animals seropositive for myxoma virus antibodies.

TURBULENCE FLUX ESTIMATES OF SENSIBLE AND LATENT HEAT NEAR SHELTERBELTS DURING LOW WIND CONDITIONS

A study was conducted to evaluate sensible and latent heat fluxes near shelterbelts under low wind conditionsusing eddy correlation. The study site was located at the Agricultural Meteorological Research Center in Mead, Nebraskaduring the summer of 1995. A wheat stubble and alfalfa field surrounded by a shelterbelt 12 m in height were instrumentedwith surface energy balance systems using eddy correlation that were located in the windward and leeward side of theshelterbelts for both fields. Estimates of sensible and latent heat fluxes were compared for the windward and leeward sidesof the shelterbelt for both surfaces. Daily sensible heat fluxes tended to be larger in the open location relative to thesheltered while latent heat fluxes tended to be higher behind the shelterbelt. Overall surface energy balance closure duringthe study averaged 0.85 indicating reliable consistent estimates of turbulence flux using eddy correlation near shelterbelts.

A comparison of proton excretion of twelve pasture legumes grown in nutrient solution

Summary.The use of legumes to improve the productivity of pastures has usually been associated with an increase in soil acidification. The present study compared the acidification potential of 12 N2-fixing pasture legume species/genotypes using a solution culture assay. The legumes were chosen because of their use or potential use in farming systems in the mediterranean zones of southern Australia. The species grown were Trifolium subterraneum L. (vars. Dalkeith, Yarloop and Clare), Trifolium glomeratum L., Trifolium tomentosum L., Medicago murex Willd., Medicago polymorpha L., Medicago truncatulaGaertn., Ornithopus compressus L., Ornithopus sativusBrot., Trifolium vesiculosum and Trifolium balansae. Proton excretion was measured over a period of 21 days from days 40 to 61 after germination. The amount of protons excreted into solution varied between 143 and 265 cmol H+ /kg dry matter for the different species and genotypes. In general, T. tomentosum and T. glomeratum excreted greater amounts of protons per unit biomass than Medicago species and T. subterraneum, which, in turn, excreted more protons than Ornithopus species. The amount of proton excreted per kilogram biomass was well correlated with the concentrations of excess cations over anions and ash alkalinity in plants across all the species. Total acid production was highly correlated with accumulation of excess cations and ash alkalinity, total dry matter production and total nitrogen fixation during the study period. It is suggested that the potential proton excretion by new pasture legume species should be considered when they are introduced into farming systems.

The effects of fire-driven succession on reptiles in spinifex grasslnads at Uluru National Park, Northern Territory

Fire-driven succession had a pronounced effect on the distribution and abundance of reptiles inhabiting spinifex grasslands in Ulu~u National Park from 1987 to 1990. Forty species of reptiles were trapped during the study. Of these 14 were common (> 20 captures), 6 were uncommon (11-20 captures) and 20 were rare (< 10 captures). Species richness and abundance of individuals were greater on plots with mature spinifex for most species. On most sampling occasions only four geographically widely distributed species were more abundant on the regenerating plots: Rhynchoedura ornata, Diplodactylus stenodactylus, Ctenophorus nuchalis and Ramphytyphlops endoterus. Two species, Diplodactylus conspicillatus and Lerista bipes, showed no significant difference in abundance between plots. This study supports the suggestion that fire mosaics maximise reptile diversity. Although most reptile species were caught in mature spinifex, regenerating areas act as fire breaks and ensure that mature spinifex is always present.

Use of Emetics and Anesthesia for Dietary Assessment of Weddell Seals

One female and 19 male Weddell seals, Leptonychotes weddellii, were injected with the emetic apomorphine hydrochloride. Fourteen of these were immobilised with combinations of ketamine hydrochloride and diazepam before the emetic was injected. One seal was administered the emetic tincture of ipecac while immobilised. The mean induction dose of ketamine hydrochloride was 7.99 � 1.99 mg kg-1 (mean�SD) and that of diazepam was 0.05 � 0.01 mg kg-1. The mean induction time was 23.07 � 17.63 min and the mean duration of immobilisation was 127.00 � 20.72 min. Six of the 22 seals apomorphine hydrochloride vomited and the seal given tincture of ipecac did not vomit. The mean dose of apomorphine hydrochloride that produced vomiting in immobilised animals was 0.18 � 0.10 mg kg-1 and the mean dose of apomorphine hydrochloride that produced vomiting in non-immobilised animals was 0.22 � 0.15 mg kg-1. Three seals died after drug administration during the study. Post-mortem examinations were conducted on these animals and nothing abnormal was found. Seals were weighed on 15 occasions (weight range, 137-402 kg) and the relationship between standard length (L, in centimetres) and body weight (W, in kilograms) was found to be: W=3.66L- 489.30. Food comprising five species of fish, two cephalopods and one gastropod were identified. Nematodes and gastroliths were present in most vomit samples. Centrally acting emetics and dissociative anaesthesia were both found to have limitations for use in Weddell seals.

Road-Kills of Macropds on a Section of Highway in Central Victoria

A 20-km section of highway near Heathcote in Central Victoria was surveyed for road-killed macropods over 5 years. Road-kills of seven swamp wallabies, Wallabia bicolor, and 37 eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, were recorded. Kills of grey kangaroos peaked in the autumn of two years. The majority of kills were of adult males, indicating that motor vehicles act as a selective mortality factor. Most road-kills also occurred around the time of full moon, suggesting that kangaroos are more mobile during that phase. The highest incidence of kills per kilometre was recorded between an area of woodland on one side of the road and farmland on the other. Kangaroo warning signs were erected during the study, but were not effective in reducing the incidence of road-kills.

Studies on a saline lake ecosystem

Saline lakes are in many respects simple natural models of ecosystem structure and function. In this regard, a descriptive study was made of a saline crater lake over 3 years (1968-1970). Lake Werowrap is associated with the Red Rock scoria cone, western Victoria. It is small in area (~21 .6 ha), shallow (~1.4 m), and of variable salinity (23-56 g/l.). The local climate is typically cool temperate, but evaporation exceeds precipitation over most of the year. Meteorological data were used to compute the hydrological and analytical energy budgets for 1969 and 1970. The main determinant of variations in lake salinity and volume was the evaporation/rainfall balance, although groundwater seepage also was implicated. The average rate of water renewal was 0.725 times per year. The annual heat budgets of the lake (mean, 1712 g cal/cm² and the lake sediments (mean, 1218 g cal/cm²) were very small fractions of the total energy fluxes within the system. Energy fluxes were governed mainly by incident radiation, evaporation, back-radiation, and sensible heat transfer. Chemically, the lake water is highly alkaline (pH 9. 8), predominantly of sodium "chlorocarbonate" composition, and showed stable ionic proportions despite salinity fluctuations. Inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were high and influenced seasonally by a gull population breeding on a small islet in the lake. Partial information on trace elements was obtained. Optical measurements indicated rapid light attenuation due to dissolved organic material and dense plankton populations. The trophic structure of the ecosystem was taxonomically very simple. The blue-green alga Anabaena spiroides predominated in summer and autumn 1969, but subsequently was displaced by the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium aeruginosum and a blue-green alga tentatively identified as Chroococcus. The change in species composition probably was due to a progressive increase in salinity which occurred during the study. G. aeruginosum, unlike the other species, persisted throughout the seasonal cycle, although changes were observed in the size and structure of the species. Summer and autumn generally were the seasons of most intensive photosynthetic activity. The total phytoplankton production in 1970, measured by the carbon-14 method, was 435 g C/m², evidently the highest figure recorded for any unpolluted lake. Carbon-14 and oxygen productivity data showed good correspondence only in summer, due to effects of non-photosynthetic respiration. Changes in cell and pigment concentrations also were monitored. Radiation and temperature appeared to be the most influential factors governing primary productivity. Inorganic nitrogen was the only chemical constituent to show significant depletion, and may also have been important. Considerable bacterial activity was indicated by high rates of "dark" carbon-14 assimilation. Periphytic productivity, although not measured, was likely to have been significant only in spring 1968. Attention was given to the population dynamics of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, the dominant zooplankter, which attained peak densities in summer and autumn. Variations in rotifer population parameters were attributed mainly to salinity, temperature, and food supply. Other zooplankton species included the rotifer Hexarthra jenkinae, two ciliates, and larvae of aquatic and terrestrial insects, notably the dytiscid Necterosoma penicillatum, which occurred around the lake margins. The benthic community consisted solely of the chironomid Tanytarsus barbitarsis. Incomplete productivity data suggest that the lake had the most productive benthic community yet recorded. Caloric measurements for some species in the lake are recorded.