The pharmacokinetics, metabolism and urinary detection time of caffeine in camels

The pharmacokinetics of caffeine were determined in 10 camels after an intravenous dose of 2.35 mg kg(-1). The data obtained (median and range) were as follows. The elimination half-life (t(1/2)) was 31.4 (21.2 to 58.9) hours, the steady state volume of distribution (V(SS)) was 0.62 (0.51 to 0.74) litre kg(-1)and the total body clearance (Cl(T)) was 14.7 (8.70 to 19.7) ml kg(-1)per hour. Renal clearance estimated in two camels was 0.62 and 0.34 ml kg(-1)per hour. In vitro plasma protein binding (mean +/-SEM, n = 10) to a concentration of 2 and 8 microg ml(-1)was 36.0 +/- 0.24 and 39.2 +/- 0.36 per cent respectively. Theophylline and theobromine were identified as caffeine metabolites in serum and urine. The terminal elimination half-life of the former, estimated in two camels, was 70. 4 and 124.4 hours. Caffeine could be detected in the urine for 14 days.     

Evaluation of reforestation potential of 83 tree species planted on Imperata cylindrica dominated grassland – A case study from South Kalimantan,Indonesia

Survival and growth of 83 tree species were tested in three separate species elimination trials on Imperata cylindrica dominated grassland in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The trial layout was randomized complete blocks design with 6–8 replications of 5-tree line plots. At the age of two years exotics, like several Acacia species (A. mangium, A. crassicarpa, A. auriculiformis, A. cincinnata, A. leptocarpa), as well as Gmelina arborea, Paraserianthes falcataria and Cassia siamea had survival rates of 90–100%, crown width of 3–6 m and mean height of 5–8 m. Among the most promising local species were Anthocephalus chinensis, Peronema canescens and Parkia roxburghii but their growth was inferior compared to exotics. Eucalypts and pines were not among the highest ranking trees and cannot be recommended for initial grassland reforestation. At the age of 7–8 years the same species were still dominating, but increasing mortality of several species was observed. Especially Acacia crassicarpa and A. cincinnata of the exotics were affected, and indigenous Anthocephalus chinensis almost perished. Since fast early growth is necessary in first rotation reforestation of grasslands, fast growing exotic species provide a reliable basis for further activities. Final performance of reforestation species has to be confirmed in stand-level experiments and pilot plantations. Intensive work on integrating local tree species in reforestation of grasslands in the long run is recommended.     

Biodiversity and prevalence of parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in a selected semiarid zone of South Khorasan, Iran

Five species of nematodes and cestodes were collected from alimentary canals of pigeons: the nematodes were two species: Ascaridia colombae (16.66%) and Hadjelia truncata (1.96%), while the cestodes were Cotugnia digonopora (13.79%), Raillietina magninumida (18.62%) and Raillietina achinobothridia (32.35%); fecal examination revealed: Eimeria spp. (40.19%) and Cryptosporidium oocysts (2.94%); and blood smears showed: Haemoproteus cloumbae (47/05%); in mouth, throat and larynx: Trichomonans gallinae (57.84%); four species of ectoparasites were collected from feathers and subcutaneous nodules as follows: feathers: Pseudolynchia canariensis (63.72%), Columbicola columbae (79.41%), Menopen gallinea (44.11%); subcutaneous nodules: Laminosioptes cysticola (1.96%). From the parasitic fauna identified in this study, it is imperative to institute an integrated parasitic control through constant changing of litter, regular use of antihelminthics, anticoccidials and dusting of birds with pesticides.     

Development of latex agglutination test with recombinant NcSAG1 for the rapid detection of antibodies to Neospora caninum in cattle

Neospora caninum, an apicomplexan protozoan parasite, is recognized as a major cause of abortion in cattle. Surface antigen 1 of N. caninum (NcSAG1) is an important immunodominant candidate for the development of a diagnostic reagent for neosporosis. The present study describes the development and evaluation of a latex agglutination test (LAT) with recombinant NcSAG1 (rNcSAG1) for the detection of antibodies to N. caninum in cattle. The rNcSAG1 gene was cloned in pET-28a and protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Carboxylated latex particles were coated with rNcSAG1 and the degree of agreement between LAT and a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iscomELISA) was evaluated by using of 164 serum samples. Twenty-two (13.4%) and 23 (14.0%) of samples were positive for antibodies to N. caninum by LAT and ELISA respectively. Eighteen of 23 ELISA-positive samples were positive according to the LAT and a substantial agreement (κ=0.77) was found between the results of LAT and ELISA. The results indicated that the LAT with rNcSAG1 would be a rapid, simple, relatively inexpensive and suitable diagnostic test for detection of specific antibodies in N. caninum infection under field conditions. Improvement in purification of rNcSAG1 can reduce probable false positive reactions and so increase the degree of agreement between the LAT and ELISA.     

Effect of Nutritional Treatments on Physiological Characteristics and Tuberization of Potato Plants under Hydroponic Sand Culture

Under hydroponic condition, number and size of potato tubers are usually controlled by nutritional factors such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and pH. The main objective of the present study was to find an appropriate combination of N, P, and pH (with respect to tuber number) under hydroponic sand culture and to evaluate the physiological traits affected by nutrients and pH. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with four replications was conducted. Results showed that higher phosphorus concentration for 10 days increased tuber number per plant, but tuberization was not influenced by nitrogen interruption and intermittent reduction of pH. Neither N, P, nor pH treatments affected total nitrogen concentration of potato leaf, stem, and tuber. Higher phosphorus concentration increased the level of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), induced tuberization and thereby increased net photosynthesis rate of potato plants.     

Synergetic effects of oral administration of levamisole and Echinacea purpurea on immune response in Wistar rat

This research investigated the effects of levamisole and Echinacea purpurea (EP), separately and together on the immune response of the rat as a laboratory model. In this experiment, 40 male Wistar rats were obtained and divided into four groups (n = 10). These groups received normal saline (10 mg/kg), EP (500 mg/kg), levamisole (2 mg/kg) and EP (500 mg/kg) with levamisole (2 mg/kg) as oral gavages every day for a period of 4 weeks, respectively. After obtaining blood samples (at the end of each week), haematocrit (HCT), differential and total white blood cell (WBC) counts, phagocyte activity (number), total protein, albumin and globulins levels of samples were obtained. The results of the study showed that the gamma globulin level, WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts and phagocyte activity increased significantly in comparison with normal saline group during the study. According to the results, each of the mentioned agents had a stimulant effect on the immune system separately and together on rats. In the group that received EP and levamisole simultaneously, these effects were synergistically increased. These compounds, by increasing the mentioned factors, will probably affect the immune system.     

Wool characteristics in the third generation of Arkharmerino × Ghezel and Arkharmerino × Moghani crossbreed sheep

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the comparative productive performances and effect of some environmental factors on wool characteristics of Arkharmerino × Ghezel (Ar × Gh) and Arkharmerino × Moghani (Ar × Mo) crossbreed sheep. The mid-side fleece samples taken from animals during 2 years (2007–2008) were analyzed. Each sample was measured for average fiber diameter, fiber diameter variability, staple length, proportion of medullated fiber, proportion of kemp, and comfort factor. The comparative values for these fleece characteristics in F₃ generation Ar × Gh were 28.78 ± 0.48 μm, 36.84 ± 1.16%, 11.94 ± 0.35 cm, 7.07 ± 0.93%, 1.02 ± 0.23%, and 68.93%, respectively; while those traits were 29.79 ± 0.43 μm, 41.86 ± 1.16%, 11.96 ± 0.37 cm, 8.13 ± 1.06%, 2.71 ± 0.45%, and 63.33 ± 3.66% for Ar × Mo, respectively. The effects of genotype, sex, birth type, and year of birth were analyzed. Genotype had a significant (P < 0.01) effect on average fiber diameter and proportion of kemp, and Ar × Gh crossbreeds had lower diameter with less proportion of kemp. The two differences in fiber characteristics that were attributable to sex were fiber diameter variability and proportion of medullated fiber, and females had higher measure than males for both traits. Statistical analysis showed that crossbreeding with Arkharmerino generally had positive effects on the fleece favored to be used in the hand woven authentic carpet production.     

A new genus and two new,rare freshwater mussel (Bivalvia: Unionidae) species endemic to Borneo are threatened by ongoing habitat destruction

1. Most of the Bornean endemic freshwater mussel (Unionida) species known to date have not been recorded by science for the past 50 years or more, owing to a lack of research effort and presumed population losses.
2. This study assessed current patterns and recent changes in the diversity and distribution of freshwater mussels in north-eastern Borneo. Physical surveys and interviews were conducted at 24 sites, and anecdotal evidence for current or historical presence of mussels was collected for a further 13 sites.
3. Native species, i.e. Schepmania sp. and Khairuloconcha sahanae gen. & sp. nov., were only found in one small stream of the Kinabatangan River basin within the Gomantong Forest Reserve, whereas the non-native Sinanodonta cf. woodiana was common across the study area.
4. Molecular phylogenetics (five genes) of the native taxa, including comparative material from West Kalimantan and Sarawak, revealed: (i) the presence of a new genus with two new, rare species: Khairuloconcha lunbawangorum sp. nov. in the Limbang River basin and K. sahanae in the Kinabatangan River basin; (ii) that Khairuloconcha and Ctenodesma form the Bornean endemic tribe Ctenodesmini trib. nov.; and (iii) that Schepmania represents another Bornean endemic tribe Schepmaniini trib. nov.
5. Both Khairuloconcha gen. nov. species are known from a single stream each and are apparently restricted to forest stream habitats where they occur at very low densities. Schepmania appears to have a severely contracted range in the Kinabatangan and adjacent basins. We urgently call for full protection of the currently known sites of K. lunbawangorum and K. sahanae, and development of an action plan to save the Bornean freshwater mussel fauna.

     

Caudal epidural anti‐nociception using lidocaine,bupivacaine or their combination in cows undergoing reproductive procedures

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-nociceptive effects of lidocaine, lidocaine-bupivacaine combination or bupivacaine following caudal epidural administration in cows undergoing reproductive procedures.Study designBlinded, randomized experimental study.AnimalsThirty seven healthy Holstein cows (mean weight ± SD, 633 ± 41 kg).MethodsAnimals were allocated randomly to receive one of four treatments: group LID, 0.2 mg kg^?1 lidocaine 2%; group LID-BUP, lidocaine-bupivacaine mixture in a 1:1 volume ratio (0.1 mg kg^?1 and 0.025 mg kg^?1, respectively); group BUP-LD, 0.05 mg kg^?1 bupivacaine 0.5%; and group BUP-HD, 0.06 mg kg^?1 bupivacaine 0.5%. The onset and duration of perineal anti-nociception were determined using superficial and deep pin pricks and the number of cows with complete perineal anti-nociception was recorded. Parameters were compared using anova followed by Duncan's test where relevant.ResultsMean ± SD time to onset of anti-nociception following epidural administration of BUP-LD was significantly longer than for LID-BUP (p < 0.05). The duration (in minutes) of perineal anti-nociception was significantly longer following epidural administration of BUP-HD (247 ± 31) versus LID-BUP (181 ± 33) and LID (127 ± 25) minutes respectively. The % of cows with complete anti-nociception was increased in the group treated with BUP-HD compared to BUP-LD. Severe ataxia or recumbency did not occur in any groups.Conclusions and clinical relevanceEpidurally administered bupivacaine, at a dose of 0.06 mg kg^?1, may provide satisfactory caudal epidural anti-nociception for longer-duration obstetric and surgical procedures.     

The disposition of diclofenac in camels after intravenous administration

The pharmacokinetics of diclofenac was studied in camels (Camelus dromedarus) (n=6) following intravenous (i.v.) administration of a dose of 2.5 mg kg(-1) body weight. The metabolism and urinary detection time were also studied. The results obtained (median and range) were as follows: the terminal elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)) was 2.35 (1.90-2.73)h, total body clearance (Cl(T)) was 0.17 (0.16-0.21)lh kg(-1). The volume of distribution at steady state (V(SS)) was 0.31 (0.21-0.39)l(-1)kg(-1), the volume of the central compartment of the two compartment pharmacokinetic model (V(C)) was 0.15 (0.11-0.17)l kg(-1). Five metabolites of diclofenac were tentatively identified in urine and were excreted mainly in conjugate form. The main metabolite was identified as hydroxy diclofenac. Both diclofenac and hydroxy diclofenac, appear to be the main elimination route for diclofenac when administered i.v. in camels. Diclofenac could be identified up to 4 days following i.v. administration in camels using a sensitive gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method.