Frequency of endoscopic findings of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) in rural horses and its association with Helicobacter pylori virulence genes

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a multifactorial disorder and one of the most common diseases in horses. The objective of this research was to detect one of the potential risk factors of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD), the Helicobacter pylori specific gene, and tracing the presence of the duodenal ulcer-promoting gene (dupA) as a possible virulence marker. Gastric fluid together with faecal samples were collected from twenty rural horses from around Tabriz, Iran. Throughout the endoscopic examinations, the type, numbers, severity, and the location of the lesions were documented. Nine of twenty horses exhibited macroscopic lesions in the squamous mucosa that were later classified into grades 1, 2, 3, and 4. Only three of these horses exhibited H. pylori in their gastric fluid samples, whereas all faecal samples were H. pylori-negative. All the H. pylori-positive cases manifested severe forms of ESGD (grades 3–4). The age and sex were both unrelated to the lesion severity and ESGD status in this study. Research is required to further discuss the virulence aspects of dupA regarding ESGD.

The interspecific relationships of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

<p>As habitat loss, predators (human and non-human) and disease epidemics threaten species worldwide, protected sanctuaries have become vital to species conservation. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in South Africa is at the centre of one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories. The formal proclamation of HiP in 1895 prevented the extinction of the south-central black rhino (Diceros bicornis minor) population. In recent times HiP has been a strategic source population for the D. b. minor range expansion program, facilitating an 18-fold population increase across southern Africa. However, HiP’s own black rhino population appears to be in decline. Evidence for decline is most often attributed to overpopulation and poor habitat quality that is driving apparently significant increases in the average home range sizes, poor growth rates (i.e., low calf recruitment) and poor body condition of black rhino. Other factors such as non-human calf predation and parasitism have also been raised as potential causes of decline but remain untested. HiP does have some of the highest densities of lion (Panthera leo) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). HiP’s black rhino population also suffers from remarkably severe chronic haemorrhaging lesions caused by a filarial parasite (Stephanofilaria dinniki). Empirical evidence if or indeed why the HiP black rhino population might be in decline is lacking. Investigating this population’s true status and any potential causes of an apparent decline is urgently needed. This thesis therefore aimed to test three hypotheses for poor performance that included: (1) investigations of the average black rhino home range size, (2) confirmation of black rhino calf predation and (3) the relationship between filarial lesions and black rhino body condition. I inserted horn-implant VHF radio transmitters into 14 adult (i.e., >5 years) female black rhino in HiP and regularly monitored them on-foot over a three-year period. I found that average home range estimates (9.77 km2) were not significantly dissimilar to estimates using a similar technique obtained forty years prior (i.e., 7.5 km²). I also established the first confirmed link between predation attempts and tail amputation during a lion attack on a black rhino calf. Black rhino body condition, while significantly inversely and temporally correlated to lesion severity, did not appear to be driven by lesion severity itself and highlights the need for further research. An additional research focus for my thesis developed while in the field. I regularly witnessed red-billed oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorynchus) feeding at black rhino filarial lesions while also alarm calling to alert them to my presence. Studies have found it difficult to empirically show how oxpecker-host interactions have net positive benefits that make it a mutualism. Thus, two chapters were designed to determine if red-billed oxpeckers were predominately mutualistic or parasitic when visiting black rhino. Determining this depended on whether I could identify net positive benefits or net costs to black rhino. Oxpeckers provide rhino with two possible benefits i.e., benefit 1 is cleaning ectoparasites and benefit 2 is increasing vigilance, and one cost i.e., lesion parasitism. More than 50 hours of behavioural observations established that oxpeckers favoured haemorrhaging filarial lesions over sites of tick attachment on black rhino. Moreover, black rhino appeared to be completely tolerant of oxpeckers that fed at lesions. To test whether oxpeckers increased rhino’s anti-predator vigilance, I conducted 84 human approach trials towards black rhino both with and without oxpeckers present. Results showed that rhino were immediately responsive to oxpecker alarm calls and benefitted from more than a two-fold increase in human detection rate and detection distance. Rhino predominately orientated to face towards their sensory blind spot (i.e., downwind) after an oxpecker alarm call. The traditional name (Askari wa kifaru) of the red-billed oxpecker, which translates as the rhino’s guard, appears to be validated. However, future research will need to confirm whether black rhino’s tolerance of parasitic oxpeckers is directly related to vigilance benefits. In summary, black rhino managers in HiP can be confident that the average home range sizes have not increased significantly. Further, predation of calves might be a greater problem than previously realised and requires further investigation. Monitoring changes in the filarial lesion severity of black rhino might be a useful tool for detecting impending changes in a rhino’s condition. Finally, black rhino are clearly eavesdropping and benefitting from oxpecker alarm calls – a co-evolution that has implications for conserving oxpecker populations as well.</p>

The interspecific relationships of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

<p>As habitat loss, predators (human and non-human) and disease epidemics threaten species worldwide, protected sanctuaries have become vital to species conservation. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in South Africa is at the centre of one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories. The formal proclamation of HiP in 1895 prevented the extinction of the south-central black rhino (Diceros bicornis minor) population. In recent times HiP has been a strategic source population for the D. b. minor range expansion program, facilitating an 18-fold population increase across southern Africa. However, HiP’s own black rhino population appears to be in decline. Evidence for decline is most often attributed to overpopulation and poor habitat quality that is driving apparently significant increases in the average home range sizes, poor growth rates (i.e., low calf recruitment) and poor body condition of black rhino. Other factors such as non-human calf predation and parasitism have also been raised as potential causes of decline but remain untested. HiP does have some of the highest densities of lion (Panthera leo) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). HiP’s black rhino population also suffers from remarkably severe chronic haemorrhaging lesions caused by a filarial parasite (Stephanofilaria dinniki). Empirical evidence if or indeed why the HiP black rhino population might be in decline is lacking. Investigating this population’s true status and any potential causes of an apparent decline is urgently needed. This thesis therefore aimed to test three hypotheses for poor performance that included: (1) investigations of the average black rhino home range size, (2) confirmation of black rhino calf predation and (3) the relationship between filarial lesions and black rhino body condition. I inserted horn-implant VHF radio transmitters into 14 adult (i.e., >5 years) female black rhino in HiP and regularly monitored them on-foot over a three-year period. I found that average home range estimates (9.77 km2) were not significantly dissimilar to estimates using a similar technique obtained forty years prior (i.e., 7.5 km²). I also established the first confirmed link between predation attempts and tail amputation during a lion attack on a black rhino calf. Black rhino body condition, while significantly inversely and temporally correlated to lesion severity, did not appear to be driven by lesion severity itself and highlights the need for further research. An additional research focus for my thesis developed while in the field. I regularly witnessed red-billed oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorynchus) feeding at black rhino filarial lesions while also alarm calling to alert them to my presence. Studies have found it difficult to empirically show how oxpecker-host interactions have net positive benefits that make it a mutualism. Thus, two chapters were designed to determine if red-billed oxpeckers were predominately mutualistic or parasitic when visiting black rhino. Determining this depended on whether I could identify net positive benefits or net costs to black rhino. Oxpeckers provide rhino with two possible benefits i.e., benefit 1 is cleaning ectoparasites and benefit 2 is increasing vigilance, and one cost i.e., lesion parasitism. More than 50 hours of behavioural observations established that oxpeckers favoured haemorrhaging filarial lesions over sites of tick attachment on black rhino. Moreover, black rhino appeared to be completely tolerant of oxpeckers that fed at lesions. To test whether oxpeckers increased rhino’s anti-predator vigilance, I conducted 84 human approach trials towards black rhino both with and without oxpeckers present. Results showed that rhino were immediately responsive to oxpecker alarm calls and benefitted from more than a two-fold increase in human detection rate and detection distance. Rhino predominately orientated to face towards their sensory blind spot (i.e., downwind) after an oxpecker alarm call. The traditional name (Askari wa kifaru) of the red-billed oxpecker, which translates as the rhino’s guard, appears to be validated. However, future research will need to confirm whether black rhino’s tolerance of parasitic oxpeckers is directly related to vigilance benefits. In summary, black rhino managers in HiP can be confident that the average home range sizes have not increased significantly. Further, predation of calves might be a greater problem than previously realised and requires further investigation. Monitoring changes in the filarial lesion severity of black rhino might be a useful tool for detecting impending changes in a rhino’s condition. Finally, black rhino are clearly eavesdropping and benefitting from oxpecker alarm calls – a co-evolution that has implications for conserving oxpecker populations as well.</p>

Mammary collagen architecture and its association with mammographic density and lesion severity among women undergoing image-guided breast biopsy

Background Elevated mammographic breast density is a strong breast cancer risk factor with poorly understood etiology. Increased deposition of collagen, one of the main fibrous proteins present in breast stroma, has been associated with increased mammographic density. Collagen fiber architecture has been linked to poor outcomes in breast cancer. However, relationships of quantitative collagen fiber features assessed in diagnostic biopsies with mammographic density and lesion severity are not well-established. Methods Clinically indicated breast biopsies from 65 in situ or invasive breast cancer cases and 73 frequency matched-controls with a benign biopsy result were used to measure collagen fiber features (length, straightness, width, alignment, orientation and density (fibers/µm2)) using second harmonic generation microscopy in up to three regions of interest (ROIs) per biopsy: normal, benign breast disease, and cancer. Local and global mammographic density volumes were quantified in the ipsilateral breast in pre-biopsy full-field digital mammograms. Associations of fibrillar collagen features with mammographic density and severity of biopsy diagnosis were evaluated using generalized estimating equation models with an independent correlation structure to account for multiple ROIs within each biopsy section. Results Collagen fiber density was positively associated with the proportion of stroma on the biopsy slide (p < 0.001) and with local percent mammographic density volume at both the biopsy target (p = 0.035) and within a 2 mm perilesional ring (p = 0.02), but not with global mammographic density measures. As severity of the breast biopsy diagnosis increased at the ROI level, collagen fibers tended to be less dense, shorter, straighter, thinner, and more aligned with one another (p < 0.05). Conclusions Collagen fiber density was positively associated with local, but not global, mammographic density, suggesting that collagen microarchitecture may not translate into macroscopic mammographic features. However, collagen fiber features may be markers of cancer risk and/or progression among women referred for biopsy based on abnormal breast imaging.

A CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF DADRUGHNA PATRA TAILA IN DADRU KUSHTA

Introduction: All the skin diseases in Ayurveda have been classified under the broad heading, “Kushta”. Dadru is one among Kushta. It involves the clinical features like kandu, raga, pidaka, utsannamandala. Dadru kushta mostly simulates with ‘Dermatophytosis’ commonly referred to as ringworm which is highly contagious. In this study an effort has been made to evaluate the Dadrughna karma (Antifungal activity) of the oil prepared from Dadrughna (Cassia alata Linn) leaves. Materials and methods: In the present study, action of Dadrughna (Cassia alata Linn) patra taila on Dadru kushta was evaluated in 32 subjects who were treated with Dadrughna patra taila as an external application twice a day for 30 days and follow up was done on 45th day. Assessment was done for subjective parameter-itching and objective parameters-distribution of lesion, severity of inflammation, extent of lesion. Results: The effect of therapy was assessed before treatment, 15th day, 30th day of treatment and follow up was done on 45th day. The results were statistically analyzed; it showed significant changes in subjective parameter-itching (p<0.001) and Objective parameters- distribution of lesion (p <0.001), severity of inflammation (p<0.001), extent of lesion (p <0.001). Discussion and conclusion: The external application of Dadrughna patra taila applied for 30 days has helped in reduction of itching, distribution of lesion, extent of inflammation and severity of inflammation where the taila was found more effective in reducing itching when compared to other symptoms KEY WORDS: Dadru kushta, Dermatophytosis, Dadrughna (Cassia alata Linn), Dadrughna patra taila

Factors affecting Baker cyst volume, with emphasis on cartilage lesion degree and effusion in the young and middle-aged population

Background The principal aim of this study was to investigate the presence of factors affecting Baker’s cyst volume in young and middle-aged populations. Methods Open cyst excision with valve and capsule repair, as well as knee arthroscopy, were used to treat eighty-five patients. The cases were categorized in terms of age, effusion, chondral lesion degree, meniscal tear degree, and Lindgren scores. An ultrasonography (USG) device was used to calculate the cyst volume. The IBM-SPSS 22 program was used for statistical analysis and to assess the relationships between variables using Spearman’s correlation tests. Results The degree of chondral lesion was moderately and positively correlated with cyst volume in the total population (correlation coefficient: 0.469; p < 0.05). The degree of the chondral lesion was moderately and positively correlated with the degree of effusion (correlation coefficient: 0.492; p < 0.005). The cyst volume was weakly and positively correlated with the degree of effusion (correlation coefficient: 0.20; the correlation was at the limits of statistical significance p = 0.07 < 0.08). Conclusions This study revealed that an increase in chondral lesion severity increases the amount of effusion and cyst volume.

Association of Body Mass Index With Severity and Lesion Location in Adolescents With Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

Background: The association between body mass index (BMI) and severity of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee at presentation is poorly understood. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that adolescents in higher BMI percentiles for age and sex would have OCD lesions that were more severe at their initial presentation and located more posteriorly on the condyle as compared with adolescents in lower BMI percentiles. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study included patients aged 10 to 18 years who were treated for knee OCD at a tertiary care hospital from 2006 to 2017. Patients with noncondylar OCD or missing BMI data within 3 months of presentation were excluded. Patients were stratified per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, and the groups were compared according to age, side of lesion, 4 markers of lesion severity (cystic changes, loose fragments, subchondral fluid, and subchondral edema), and surgical treatment. Lesion angle was measured in reference to a line parallel to the femoral axis drawn through the center of a best-fit circle covering the distal condyle. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, relative risk, Student t tests, analysis of variance, and linear regression of cumulative running percentages. Bonferroni correction was performed when applicable. Results: A total of 77 patients met our inclusion criteria (mean age, 14.2 years; range, 10.1-18.8): 2 were underweight, 50 had normal BMI, 13 were overweight, and 12 were obese. We found correlations between BMI percentile and surgical treatment ( R 2 = .732), subchondral fluid ( R 2 = .716), subchondral edema ( R 2 = .63), loose fragments ( R 2 = .835), and the presence of at least 1 marker of lesion severity ( R 2 = .857) ( P < .0001 for all). No correlation was observed for cystic changes ( R 2 = .026). There were significant associations between BMI ≥80th percentile and subchondral edema (risk ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.8), medial condylar lesions (risk ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.01-1.7), and lesions more anterior on the condyle ( P < .05). Conclusion: Higher BMI in adolescents was strongly correlated with multiple markers of severity of knee OCD at initial presentation as well as with more anterior lesions.