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.     

Comparison of the effect of Sporobolus virginicus and Rhodes (Chloris gayana) hay diets on the absorption pattern of phenylbutazone in the camel (Camelus dromedarius)

The effect of feeding Sporobolus and Rhodes hay on phenylbutazone (4 g) relative absorption was examined in six camels using a two-period, two-sequence, two-treatment crossover design. Serum concentration of the drug was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The measured values (means+/-SD) for Rhodes and Sporobolus hay, respectively, were Cmax 35.59+/-22.36 and 36.55+/-18.99 microg/mL, Tmax 26+/-2.53 and 26.3+/-1.97 h and AUC0-72 h 1552+/-872.6 and 1621+/-903.6 microg h/mL. Broad plateau concentrations of phenylbutazone in serum were observed between 12 and 36 h. There was no significant difference in any parameter between the two feeding regimens. Multiple peaks in serum concentration-time curve were observed, regardless of the type of grass available to and the animals prior to drug administration. It was concluded that the phasic absorption of phenylbutazone was a particular feature of hay feeding in camels, and the Sporobolus hay can be fed to camels without any effect on the rate and extent of phenylbutazone absorption compared to Rhodes grass hay.     

Pharmacokinetic, metabolism and withdrawal time of orphenadrine in camels (Camelus dromedarius) after intravenous administration

The pharmacokinetics of orphenadrine (ORPH) following a single intravenous (i.v.) dose was investigated in six camels (Camelus dormedarius). Orphenadrine was extracted from the plasma using a simple sensitive liquid–liquid extraction method and determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Following i.v. administration plasma concentrations of ORPH decline bi-exponentially with distribution half-life (t_1/2α) of 0.50 ± 0.07 h, elimination half-life (t_1/2β) of 3.57 ± 0.55 h, area under the time concentration curve (AUC) of 1.03 ± 0.10 g/h l⁻¹. The volume of distribution at steady state (Vd_ss) 1.92 ± 0.22 l kg⁻¹, volume of the central compartment of the two compartment pharmacokinetic model (V_c) 0.87 ± 0.09 l kg⁻¹, and total body clearance (Cl_T) of 0.60 ± 0.09 l/h kg⁻¹. Three orphenadrine metabolites were identified in urine samples of camels. The first metabolite N-desmethyl-orphenadrine resulted from N-dealkylation of ORPH with molecular ion m/z 255. The second N,N-didesmethyl-orphenadrine, resulted from N-didesmethylation with molecular ion m/z 241. The third metabolite, hydroxyl-orphenadrine, resulted from the hydroxylation of ORPH with molecular ion m/z 285. ORPH and its metabolites in camel were extensively eliminated in conjugated form. ORPH remains detectable in camel urine for three days after i.v. administration of a single dose of 350 mg orphenadrine aspartate.     

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and urinary detection time of flunixin after intravenous administration in camels

The pharmacokinetics of flunixin were determined after an intravenous dose of 1.1 mg/kg body weight in six camels and 2.2 mg/kg body weight in four camels. The data obtained (mean ±  SEM) for the low and high dose, respectively, were as follows:
  The elimination half-lives ( t _½β) were 3.76 ± 0.24 and 4.08 ± 0.49 h, the steady state volumes of distribution ( V d_ss) were 320.61 ± 38.53 and 348.84 ± 35.36 mL/kg body weight, total body clearances ( Cl _T) were 88.96 ± 6.63 and 84.86 ± 4.95 mL/h/kg body weight and renal clearances ( Cl _r) were 0.52 ± 0.09 and 0.62 ± 0.18 mL/h/kg body weight. A hydroxylated metabolite of flunixin was identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) under electron and chemical ionization and its major fragmentation pattern was verified by tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) using neutral loss, daughter and parent scan modes. The detection times for flunixin and its hydroxylated metabolite in urine after an intravenous (i.v.) dose of 2.2 mg/kg body weight were 96 and 48 h, respectively.