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Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by an intracellular alpha-proteobacterium, Ehrlichia canis, which replicates within mononuclear cells in the host. This study was designed to use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol for the molecular detection of E. canis by the amplification of a portion of its 16S rRNA gene, as well as the effects of this alpha-proteobacterium on the haematological parameters of the sampled dogs and the risk factors associated with E. canis infection. A total of 151 blood samples were collected from dogs of various breeds at three sampling sites (Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Multan) in Punjab, Pakistan. Data regarding the epidemiological factors (including age, gender, breed, body temperature, deworming, vaccination, mucous membrane status, hydration status, the presence of haematuria and tick infestation) were collected through a questionnaire at the time of sample collection. A 400 bp DNA fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of E. canis was amplified from 42 dog blood samples (28% of the total), [Lahore (N = 24), Rawalpindi/Islamabad (N = 13) and Multan (N = 05)] through PCR. Data analysis revealed that the character of the animals (age, sex and breed) had no significant association (P > 0.05) with the presence of E. canis. Various haematological parameters were also compared, and the results revealed that all of the parameters remained unaffected, except significantly lower white blood cell counts (P = 0.004) in E. canis-positive blood samples, as compared with the control group. We concluded that this is the first molecular confirmation of canine infection by E. canis using PCR. Moreover, no specific epidemiological parameter was found associated with the prevalence of E. canis in dogs.

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Polysaccharide based stimuli responsive, superporous and superabsorbent hydrogel for sustained drug release.

Hydrogel forming polysaccharides are attracting attention for the design of diverse nature silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with potential biological applications.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a hydrophilic carrier on the solid-state and dissolution characteristics of poorly water-soluble drugs. Three poorly water-soluble drugs, ibuprofen, carbamazepine, and nifedipine, were studied in combination with hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), a low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer, without the use of solvent. A 1:1 drug-polymer ratio was used to evaluate the percent drug release, crystallinity, and wettability. A drug-polymer ratio of 1:4 was also used in co-grinding process to evaluate the effect of polymer levels on drug release. Dissolution studies were carried out in deionized water. Mean dissolution time (MDT) was calculated, and statistical analysis of MDTs was done following a single factor one-way analysis of variance. The dissolution rate of the drugs was enhanced by several folds by the simple process of co-grinding with HPC. X-ray diffraction studies were done to investigate the effects of physical and co-ground mix with HPC on the crystallinity of the drugs, which indicated a partial loss in crystallinity upon grinding. Differential scanning calorimetry studies were performed in order to identify possible solid-state interactions between the respective drugs and HPC. Wettability of the drugs by a 0.5% aqueous HPC solution was compared with that of water and n-hexane using the "Washburn method." Increased wetting and hydrophilization of the drugs by HPC, enlarged surface area due to particle size reduction, and a decrease in the degree of crystallinity were identified as the likely contributors to dissolution rate enhancement.