Insights into the physiology, biochemistry and ecological significance of the red seaweed Tricleocarpa fragilis in the Andaman Sea

The present study focused on the physiological and biochemical aspects of Tricleocarpa fragilis, red seaweed belonging to the phylum Rhodophyta, along the South Andaman coast, with particular attention given to its symbiotic relationships with associated flora and fauna. The physicochemical parameters of the seawater at the sampling station, such as its temperature, pH, and salinity, were meticulously analyzed to determine the optimal harvesting period for T. fragilis. Seaweeds attach to rocks, dead corals, and shells in shallow areas exposed to moderate wave action because of its habitat preferences. Temporal variations in biomass production were estimated, revealing the highest peak in March, which was correlated with optimal seawater conditions, including a temperature of 34 ± 1.1 °C, a pH of 8 ± 0.1, and a salinity of 32 ± 0.8 psu. GC‒MS analysis revealed n-hexadecanoic acid as the dominant compound among the 36 peaks, with major bioactive compounds identified as fatty acids, diterpenes, phenolic compounds, and hydrocarbons. This research not only enhances our understanding of ecological dynamics but also provides valuable insights into the intricate biochemical processes of T. fragilis. The established antimicrobial potential and characterization of bioactive compounds from T. fragilis lay a foundation for possible applications in the pharmaceutical industry and other industries.

Etiological spectrum and diagnostic challenges of short-duration fever in West Bengal (India). A cross-sectional tertiary care study

INTRODUCTION

The scarcity of epidemiological data on acute febrile illnesses from South Asia impairs evidence-based clinical decision-making. Our study aimed to explore the etiological spectrum of short-duration fever in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study from May 2021 to April 2022 involving 150 adult patients presenting with a fever lasting less than two weeks at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital (West Bengal, India). We performed comprehensive clinical assessments, including microbiological, serological, and other specific investigations, to identify the causes of the fever.

RESULTS

The demographic profile predominantly included individuals aged 21-40 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1; 60.7% of participants were from rural areas. The primary etiological agents identified were scrub typhus (25.3%), dengue (15.3%), and enteric fever (13.3%). Notably, 80% of patients presented with non-localizing symptoms, while 14.7% had respiratory symptoms. Blood cultures pinpointed Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus in a minority of cases (3.3%); malaria, primarily Plasmodium vivax, was diagnosed in 12% of the cases.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the complexity of diagnosing short-duration fevers, dominated by a wide range of etiological agents, with a notable prevalence of scrub typhus. These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic facilities, including the availability of scrub typhus testing at primary healthcare centers. We recommend empirical doxycycline therapy for suspected cases and emphasize the need for further research to develop management guidelines for acute febrile illnesses. This study also highlights the importance of raising both community and clinician awareness to prevent irrational antibiotic use.

Crosstalk among WEE1 Kinase, AKT, and GSK3 in Nav1.2 Channelosome Regulation

The signaling complex around voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels includes accessory proteins and kinases crucial for regulating neuronal firing. Previous studies showed that one such kinase, WEE1-critical to the cell cycle-selectively modulates Nav1.2 channel activity through the accessory protein fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14). Here, we tested whether WEE1 exhibits crosstalk with the AKT/GSK3 kinase pathway for coordinated regulation of FGF14/Nav1.2 channel complex assembly and function. Using the in-cell split luciferase complementation assay (LCA), we found that the WEE1 inhibitor II and GSK3 inhibitor XIII reduce the FGF14/Nav1.2 complex formation, while the AKT inhibitor triciribine increases it. However, combining WEE1 inhibitor II with either one of the other two inhibitors abolished its effect on the FGF14/Nav1.2 complex formation. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings of sodium currents (INa) in HEK293 cells co-expressing Nav1.2 channels and FGF14-GFP showed that WEE1 inhibitor II significantly suppresses peak INa density, both alone and in the presence of triciribine or GSK3 inhibitor XIII, despite the latter inhibitor's opposite effects on INa. Additionally, WEE1 inhibitor II slowed the tau of fast inactivation and caused depolarizing shifts in the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation. These phenotypes either prevailed or were additive when combined with triciribine but were outcompeted when both WEE1 inhibitor II and GSK3 inhibitor XIII were present. Concerted regulation by WEE1 inhibitor II, triciribine, and GSK3 inhibitor XIII was also observed in long-term inactivation and use dependency of Nav1.2 currents. Overall, these findings suggest a complex role for WEE1 kinase-in concert with the AKT/GSK3 pathway-in regulating the Nav1.2 channelosome.

Multi-location evaluation of field pea in Indian climates: eco-phenological dynamics, crop-environment relationships, and identification of mega-environments

Characterization of crop-growing environments in relation to crop's genotypic performance is crucial to harness positive genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) in systematic breeding programs. Given that, the study aimed to delineate the impact of diverse environments on crop phenology and yield traits of dwarf-statured field pea, pinpointing location(s) favoring higher yield and distinctiveness within breeding lines. We tested twelve field pea breeding lines across twenty locations in India, covering Central Zone (CZ), North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ), North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ), and Northern Hill Zone (NHZ). Across these locations, maximum and minimum temperatures during flowering (TMAXF, TMINF) and reproductive period (TMAXRP, TMINRP) ranged 18.9-28.3, 3.3-18.0, 15.0-30.8, and 7.9-22.1oC, respectively. Meanwhile, notable variations in phenological and agronomic traits (coefficient of variation) were observed: flowering (31%), days to maturity (21%), reproductive period (18%), grain yield (48%), and 100-seed weight (18%). Combined ANOVA demonstrated an oversized impact of environment (81%) on yield, while genotype and GEI effects were 2% and 14%, respectively. The variables TMINF, TMINRP, and cumulative growing degree-day showed positive correlations with yield, while extended vegetative and maturity durations negatively influenced yield (p < 0.05). Additionally, linear mixed-models and PCA results explained that instability in crop phenology had significant influence on field pea yield. Seed weight was markedly varied within the locations (9.9-20.8 g) and both higher and lower seed weights were associated with lower yields (Optimal = 17.1 g). HA-GGE biplot-based on environment focus-scaling demonstrated three mega-environments and specific locations viz. Kota (CZ), SK Nagar (CZ), Raipur (CZ), Sehore (CZ), and Pantnagar (NWPZ) as the ideal testing-environments with high efficiency in selecting new genotypes with wider adaptability. The study findings highlight distinct impact of environments on crop phenology and agronomic traits of field pea (dwarf-type), hold substantial value in designing efficient field pea (dwarf-type) breeding program at mega-environment scale.

Pollution indices of selected metals in tea (Camellia sinensis L.) growing soils of the Upper Assam region divulge a non-trifling menace of National Highway

The study investigated the influence of a National Highway (NH) traversing tea estates (TEs) on heavy metal (HM) contamination in the top soils of Upper Assam, India. The dispersion and accumulation of six HMs, viz. cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn), within tea-growing soils were assessed using diverse indices: contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DC), enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), modified degree of contamination (MDC), Nemerow pollution index (PINemerow), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk factor (Eri), and potential ecological risk index (RI). The order of HM prevalence was Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cd. Elevated Cd levels near the NH prompted immediate attention, while Cd and Zn showed moderate pollution in CF, EF, and RI. The remaining metals posed minimal individual risk (Eri< 40), resulting in an overall contamination range of "nil to shallow," signifying slight contamination from the studied metals. From MDC values for investigated metals, it was found to be "zero to very low degree of contamination" at all locations except the vicinity of NH. Soil pollution, as determined by PLI, indicated unpolluted soils in both districts, yet PINemerow values indicated slight pollution. The statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant decrease in most of the indices of HM as the distance from NH increases. The application of multivariate statistical techniques namely Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis showed the presence of three distinct homogenous groups of distances based on different indices. This investigation underscores NH-associated anthropogenic effects on TE soil quality due to HM deposition, warranting proactive mitigation measures.

Genetic diversity, morphological traits, quality traits and antioxidants potentiality of Coccinia grandis germplasm under rainfed semi-arid region

The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability for morphological and qualitative traits of Coccinia for development of trait specific lines at ICAR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CIAH-RS), Panchmahals (Godhra), Gujarat during 2020-2022. In this study, we evaluated 26 gynoecious accessions to assess the genetic divergence through principal component and cluster analysis. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rainfed semi-arid conditions. High values of PCV and GCV were observed for variables such as NFFP (25.13 and 22.20), PL (23.14 and 20.69), FD (24.01 and 21.46), AFW (22.98 and 20.13), NFPY (26.38 and 24.40), FYP (37.57 and 31.29), FY (35.55 and 33.20), AsC (28.65 and 27.73), Ac (24.32 and 21.06), TSS (37.23 and 35.94), DPPHL (20.71 and 20.38), FRAPL (21.08 and 20.92), TPF(20.81 and 20.45) respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for vine length (VL), internodal length (IL), number of female flowers per plant (NFFP), fruit length (FL), peduncle length (PL), fruit diameter (FD), average fruit weight (AFW), number of fruit per plant per year (NFPY), fruit yield per plant (FYP), fruit yield (FY), ascorbic acid (AsC), acidity (Ac), total soluble solids (TSS), total phenols in leaves TPL), total flavonoids in leaves TFL, CUPRAC in leaves (CUPRACL), DPPH in leaves (DPPHL), FRAP in leaves (FRAPL), Total phenols in fruits (TPF), Total flavonoids in fruits (TFF), CUPRAC in fruits (CUPRACF) and DPPH in fruits (DPPHF). The FYP exhibited a significant positive correlation with variables like VL (0.6833), IL (0.2991), NFFP (0.8107), FD (0.5245), AFW (0.6766), NFPY (0.7659), ASC (0.4611), TSS (0.5004) and TPF (0.4281). The estimates of genetic parameters revealed scope for further improvement of fruit yield by selection. Of the eight principal components, PC-I through PC-VIII had eigen values greater than 1 and it accounts 85.02% of the total variation for 26 gynoecious accessions of Ivy gourd. The eigen values of PC-I comprised 5.775% of total variation followed by PC-II (4.250%), PC-III (3.175%), PC-IV (2.588%), PC-V (1.828%), PC-VI (1.447%), PC-VII (1.179%) and PC-VIII (1.013%).The cluster VI and cluster I having highest mean values for most of traits under study. Thus, genotypes from the distinct cluster like cluster VI and I for should be used for selection of parents and varietal improvement for further breeding programme in ivy gourd.

Research Note: Effect of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and specific cecal bacteria in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic effect of xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) supplemented in a corn-soybean meal (SBM) based conventional diet on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and quantification of specific bacteria in the ceca of broilers. A total of 240 d of hatch Cobb 500 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (corn-SBM-based control diet) containing 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% XOS. The broilers were raised for 21 d in 6 replicate cages, each containing 10 birds. Growth performance parameters were obtained weekly. Additionally, small intestinal tissues were collected to evaluate histomorphometry and whole ceca were collected to quantify bacterial populations on D21. The results showed that inclusion of XOS has similar body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as the control group during the 21-day study. The results further indicate a tendency for the jejunum villus to crypt ratio (VH:CD) to increase in birds given 0.05 and 0.2% XOS (P = 0.08). Cecal bacteria quantification showed a linear increase in Bifidobacterium with increasing XOS levels (P < 0.0001) and a decrease Clostridium perfringens levels compared to birds fed the control diet (P < 0.0001). However, there were no differences in the total counts of Lactobacillus and E. coli. Together these results showed that while there were no differences in growth parameters up to 21 d, the histomorphology findings and the increase in Bifidobacterium, along with the reduction in C. perfringens observed in the XOS groups, suggest a beneficial impact of XOS inclusion on gut health. Further research with longer feeding periods and higher XOS levels should be conducted to explore potential positive effects on both growth and gut health parameters.

Fibroblast growth factor 13-mediated regulation of medium spiny neuron excitability and cocaine self-administration

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder with few existing treatments. Thus, there is an unmet need for the identification of new pharmacological targets for CUD. Previous studies using environmental enrichment versus isolation paradigms have found that the latter induces increased cocaine self-administration with correlative increases in the excitability of medium spiny neurons (MSN) of the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh). Expanding upon these findings, we sought in the present investigation to elucidate molecular determinants of these phenomena. To that end, we first employed a secondary transcriptomic analysis and found that cocaine self-administration differentially regulates mRNA for fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13), which codes for a prominent auxiliary protein of the voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channel, in the NAcSh of environmentally enriched rats (i.e., resilient behavioral phenotype) compared to environmentally isolated rats (susceptible phenotype). Based upon this finding, we used in vivo genetic silencing to study the causal functional and behavioral consequences of knocking down FGF13 in the NAcSh. Functional studies revealed that knockdown of FGF13 in the NAcSh augmented excitability of MSNs by increasing the activity of Nav channels. These electrophysiological changes were concomitant with a decrease in cocaine demand elasticity (i.e., susceptible phenotype). Taken together, these data support FGF13 as being protective against cocaine self-administration, which positions it well as a pharmacological target for CUD.

Genetic and molecular analysis of leaf blast resistance in Tetep derived line RIL4 and its relationship to genes at Pita/Pita2 locus

The Vietnamese indica landrace 'Tetep' is known worldwide for its durable and broad spectrum-resistance to blast. We performed genetic and molecular analyses of leaf blast resistance in a Tetep derived recombinant inbred line 'RIL4' which is resistant to both leaf and neck blast. Phenotypic analysis of segregating F2 progenies suggested that leaf blast resistance in RIL4 was controlled by a dominant gene tentatively designated as Pi-l(t). The gene was mapped to a 2.4 cm region close to the centromere of chromosome 12. The search for the gene content in the equivalent genomic region of reference cv. Nipponbare revealed the presence of five NBS-LRR genes, two of which corresponded to the alleles of Pita and Pi67 genes previously identified from Tetep. The two other genes, LOC_Os12g17090, and LOC_Os12g17490 represented the homologs of stripe rust resistance gene Yr10. The allelic tests with Pita2 and Pi67 lines suggested that the leaf blast resistance gene in RIL4 is either allelic or tightly linked to these genes. The genomic position of the leaf blast resistance gene in RIL4 perfectly coincided with the genomic position of a neck blast resistance gene Pb2 previously identified from this line suggesting that the same gene confers resistance to leaf and neck blast. The present results were discussed in juxtaposition with past studies on the genes of Pita/Pita2 resistance gene complex.

Change in Quality of Life after Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) on a Prospective Trial of Peripheral Stage I or II Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Predicts Survival

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We previously reported the results of a randomized, multi-institutional phase II clinical trial evaluating one versus three fractions of SBRT for peripheral Stage I to II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A secondary objective to compare quality of life (QOL) data and its association with survival outcomes is reported.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Medically inoperable patients with biopsy-proven peripheral T1-2N0M0 NSCLC were enrolled. Patients were randomized to 30 Gy in 1 fraction (arm 1) or 60 Gy in 3 fractions (arm 2) and stratified by performance status. QOL scores from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC QLQ Lung Cancer-Specific Module (EORTC QLQ-LC13) questionnaires were required at baseline and each follow-up visit. Univariate models were generated to evaluate associations between QOL scores and survival with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated at each time point.

RESULTS

Among 98 patients enrolled (49 in each arm), 88 patients had data available for QOL analysis. At 6 month follow up, patients with stable or decreased (n = 49) versus those with increased global QOL scores (n = 27) had worse progression-free survival (HR [Hazards' Ratio] 2.32 [CI, 1.14-4.73], p = 0.021) and overall survival (HR 2.13 [CI, 1.01-4.51], p = 0.048). Similar results persisted at the 12 month follow up for progression-free survival (HR 3.90 [CI, 1.52-10.04], p = 0.016) and overall survival (HR 3.25 [CI, 1.25-8.43], p = 0.016). Median overall survival for patients with stable or decreased global QOL versus increased global QOL at 6 month follow up was 39.0 vs 60.3 months (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Change in QOL is an early predictor of survival following SBRT for patients with peripheral early-stage NSCLC.

Sinoatrial Node Irradiation in Patients Undergoing Definitive Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Central Lung Cancers

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The clinical consequences of sinoatrial node (SAN) and atrioventricular node (AVN) irradiation in patients undergoing thoracic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) remains unclear. We examined the relationship between SAN and AVN dose with survival outcomes in patients with central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A single-institutional retrospective review of patients with primary NSCLC undergoing definitive SBRT for centrally located tumors from February 2007 to December 2021 was performed. Central tumors were defined as within 2 cm of the proximal airway, mediastinum, great vessels, or spinal cord whereas ultracentral tumors were directly abutting any of the above structures. All patients underwent five-fraction SBRT to a total dose of 50 to 60 Gy. The SAN and AVN were contoured in accordance with a published contouring atlas and the maximum dose (Dmax) and mean dose (Dmean) for each structure were calculated. Sequential log rank testing between the 50th and 90th percentiles was used to identify potential cutoff values for the corresponding dosimetric parameters and non-cancer associated survival.

RESULTS

Among 93 eligible patients, the median age was 72.5 years (Inter-Quartile Range [IQR], 66.6-78.3), median follow up was 32.4 months (IQR, 13.0-49.6), and 48 patients were female (52%). There were 49 ultracentral tumors (53%) and the median planning target volume (PTV) was 31.0 cc (IQR, 18.0-53.3). The median SAN Dmax and Dmean were 95 cGy (IQR, 37-1,072) and 58 cGy (IQR, 26-641), respectively. The median AVN Dmax and Dmean were 45 cGy (IQR, 19-506) and 34 cGy (IQR, 15-160), respectively. Candidate cutoff values for SAN Dmax and Dmean were 1,309 cGy and 814 cGy, respectively. No significant cutoff values were identified for either AVN parameter. Kaplan-Meier analysis for the proposed SAN Dmean constraint was significantly associated with overall (p = 0.016) and non-cancer associated survival (p = 0.028). The SAN Dmax constraint was significantly associated with only overall survival (p = 0.029). In a multivariate model, the SAN Dmean cutoff significantly correlated with both overall (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.1 [1.13-3.78], p = 0.019) and non-cancer associated survival (HR 2.39 [1.12-5.10], p = 0.025) whereas the SAN Dmax cutoff was only significantly associated with overall survival (HR 1.95 [1.03-3.68], p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

SAN Dmax and Dmean were associated with significantly worse overall survival using cut-off values of 1,309 cGy and 814 cGy, respectively. SAN dose should be considered in radiation planning and further study on the consequence of SAN irradiation during SBRT is warranted.

Corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) in eye bank

This case series highlights the challenges in eye banking and the importance of a quality assurance program. Three cases triggered corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to improve the processes. Case 1 emphasized training to prevent retrieval failures. Case 2 stressed the need for blood samples and comprehensive documentation. In Case 3, mishandling led to policy revisions and staff training. CAPA involved identifying concerns, root cause analysis, action plans, implementation, checks, and closure. Errors can occur in man, machinery, process, and policies. Continuous CAPA ensures continuous quality improvement and safe corneal tissue transplantation, benefiting patients in need.

Differential expression of genes during recovery of Nicotiana tabacum from tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus infection

MAIN CONCLUSION

Nicotiana tabacum exhibits recovery response towards tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus. Transcriptome analysis revealed the differential expression of defense-related genes. Genes encoding for cysteine protease inhibitor, hormonal- and stress-related to DNA repair mechanism are found to be involved in the recovery process. Elucidating the role of host factors in response to viral infection is crucial in understanding the plant host-virus interaction. Begomovirus, a genus in the family Geminiviridae, is reported throughout the globe and is known to cause serious crop diseases. Tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus (ToLCGV) infection in Nicotiana tabacum resulted in initial symptom expression followed by a quick recovery in the systemic leaves. Transcriptome analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes both in symptomatic as well as recovered leaves when compared to mock-inoculated plants. The virus infected N. tabacum results in alteration of various metabolic pathways, phytohormone signaling pathway, defense related protein, protease inhibitor, and DNA repair pathway. RT-qPCR results indicated that Germin-like protein subfamily T member 2 (NtGLPST), Cysteine protease inhibitor 1-like (NtCPI), Thaumatin-like protein (NtTLP), Kirola-like (NtKL), and Ethylene-responsive transcription factor ERF109-like (NtERTFL) were down-regulated in symptomatic leaves when compared to recovered leaves of ToLCGV-infected plants. In contrast, the Auxin-responsive protein SAUR71-like (NtARPSL) was found to be differentially down-regulated in recovered leaves when compared to symptomatic leaves and the mock-inoculated plants. Lastly, Histone 2X protein like (NtHH2L) gene was found to be down-regulated, whereas Uncharacterized (NtUNCD) was up-regulated in both symptomatic as well as recovered leaves compared to the mock-inoculated plants. Taken together, the present study suggests potential roles of the differentially expressed genes that might govern tobacco's susceptibility and/or recovery response towards ToLCGV infection.

Tinospora cordifolia modulates the seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and seminal antioxidants in equilibrated and cryopreserved semen of Sahiwal bulls

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of stem extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy or Guduchi) in the semen extender on seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and antioxidants in semen of Sahiwal bull. A total of 48 ejaculates from four bulls were selected for the study. Spermatozoa of 25×10⁶ were incubated in 100, 300 and 500 μg of stem extract of Guduchi as Gr II, III and IV, respectively and pre-freeze and post-thaw semen samples were analysed for seminal parameters (motility, viability, total sperm abnormality; TSA, plasma membrane integrity; PMI, and acrosomal integrity; AcI), intracellular enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase; AST and lactate dehydrogenase; LDH) and seminal antioxidants (superoxide dismutase; SOD and catalase) in comparison with an untreated control group (Gr I). The results revealed that stem extract treated semen had significantly (p<0.05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p<0.05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in untreated control group at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Semen treated with 100 μg stem extract /25×10⁶ spermatozoa had significantly (p<0.05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p<0.05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in control, 300, and 500 μg treated groups at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Further, these seminal parameters and antioxidants were showing decreasing trend and TSA and leakage of intra-cellular enzymes were showing increasing trend from Gr II to Gr IV at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Thus, 100 μg/25×10⁶ spermatozoa were optimum or suitable dose for cryopreservation of Sahiwal bull semen. The study concluded that T. cordifolia stem extract 100 μg/25×10⁶ spermatozoa in the semen extender can be effectively utilized to reduce the oxidative stress and improve the pre-freeze and post-thaw seminal parameters in Sahiwal bull. However, further studies on effects of different concentrations of stem extract on in-vitro or in-vivo fertility trials are to be conducted to assess the impact of the stem extract supplementation in the semen extender on field pregnancy outcome in bovine species.

Structural and functional characterization of RNA dependent RNA polymerase of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MnRdRp)

Macrobrachium rosenbergii is a highly valued farmed freshwater species and its production has been affected globally by white tail disease caused by M. rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV). MrNV is a single stranded positive sense RNA virus encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) for genome replication. Due to its essentiality for pathogenesis, it is an important drug target. The domain prediction of the complete sequence revealed the presence of two enzymatic regions namely methyl transferase and RdRp separated by transmembrane region. The predicted three-dimensional (3D) structure of MnRdRp using AlphaFold 2 shows that the structure is composed of three major sub-domains common for other polymerases namely fingers, palm and thumb. Structural similarity search revealed its similarity with other flaviviridea members especially with BVDV RdRp (BvdvRdRp). The structure of fingers and palm sub-domains is more conserved than the thumb sub-domain. A small α-helix named 'priming helix' having conserve Tyr was identified at position 829-833 with a potential role in de novo initiation. Analysis of electrostatic potential revealed that nucleotide and template channels are electropositive. Metal binding residues were identified as Asp599, Asp704 and Asp705. The α and β phosphates of incoming nucleotide interact with two Mn2+, Arg455 and Arg537. For recognition of 2'-OH of incoming rNTP, Asp604, Ser661 and Asn670 were identified which can form H-bond network with 2'-OH group. Docking study revealed that Dasabuvir can potentially inhibit MnRdRp. The study concluded that the overall structure and function of MnRdRp are similar to Flaviviridae polymerases and their inhibitors can work against this enzyme.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Differential expression of inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin synthases and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in the endometrium and circulation in different graded CEH-pyometra in bitch

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra (CEH-P) is one of the most common reproductive disorders in bitches, posing a risk to both future fertility and life. The aims of the current study were to elucidate the differential expression patterns of inflammatory mediators at transcript and protein levels in the endometrium and to assess the concentrations of key inflammatory mediators in the peripheral circulation of bitches with different graded CEH-P. A total of 25 client-owned intact mixed breed bitches of 3-10 years presented to the outpatient department of RVP-TVCC of the institute were considered for the study. Of which, 22 cases suggestive of pyometra and 3 cases of CEH obtained during routine elective ovariohysterectomy were subjected to histopathological examination. Uteri were categorized into CEH (n = 3), moderate CEH-P (mCEH-P, n = 9), severe CEH-P (sCEH-P, n = 6) and atrophic pyometra (AT-P, n = 7). A group of age matched (n = 12) bitches without pyometra served as control. Endometrial transcripts such as IL6, IL8, PTGS2, PGFS, and SLPI were expressed differentially in the CEH and CEH-P bitch. In addition, a strong immunoreactivity (IR) of IL6, IL8, PTGS2, and mPGES1 was recorded in the sCEH-P uterus, while expression of IL10 was noticed in AT-P. In circulation, serum IL6 was the most relevant marker with high sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 84.6% at a cut off concentration 8.5 pg/mL followed by SLPI with 95.2% sensitivity, and 84.6% specificity at cut off concentration of 1.3 ng/mL. Serum IL10, PGFM and SLPI concentration in the peripheral circulation were 1.5-2.23 fold higher in mCEH-P, 0.87-2.5 fold higher in sCEH-P and 2.9-3.5 fold higher in AT-P than that of control. It is concluded that monitoring the serum concentration of IL6, IL10 and SLPI would be useful adjunct to the established hematobiochemical parameters in the management of pyometra in the bitch with critical illness.

Noise survey of neonatal intensive care unit at a government tertiary-care centre

BACKGROUND

With technological advancement, Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) have become noisier than ever. Studies have shown the detrimental effects of increasing noise in NICU on growing pre-term and sick neonates. The present study aimed to survey the amount of noise in one of the NICU blocks of a government tertiary care centre and explore ways to control it when dealing with these sick babies.

METHODS

A detailed noise survey was carried out, for February 2023, in one of the two blocks of NICU in a government tertiary-care centre. The noise measurements were performed using two "Sound Ear 3" noise meters. The analyses were done in Leq (equivalent continuous sound levels) A-weighted decibels (dBA).

RESULTS

The extracted data analysis revealed that the NICU block was exposed to a mean Leq of 67.78 dBA noise with a maximum of 89.0 dBA. There was a significant difference between the values noted in devices at different locations and across different periods. There were certain instances (57 and 42 for two devices) when there were sudden spikes in the noise levels beyond 80 dBA. It was also seen that noise was more than 65 dBA most of the time (72% and 66% for the two devices).

CONCLUSION

The noise survey carried out over one month revealed a considerable amount of noise in the NICU of a government tertiary-care centre. The study also explored ways such as environmental modification, human behavior modification, awareness programs, and neonatal-centered modifications to reduce the noise and lower its detrimental effects on the growth of neonates.

Range grasses to improve soil properties, carbon sustainability, and fodder security in degraded lands of semi-arid regions

Tropical grasses are the primary source of forage for livestock and a valuable resource for improving soil health and environmental sustainability in semi-arid regions. A study was carried out in a semi-arid region of central India to determine the short-term (6-year) impact of nine range grasses on soil physio-chemical and biological properties, carbon stock, and forage security. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results show that the majority of the grass roots were distributed in the upper soil layer (0-10 cm, 63.5-76.5 %), and then in the middle (10-20 cm, 21.3-25 %) and lower (20-30 cm, 2.2-11.5 %) layers. Perennial tussock grass (Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult) had a higher root volume (2219 mm³), followed by Guinea grass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs] (1860 mm³). A lower soil bulk density (BD, 1.11-1.23 g cm^-3), higher gravimetric water content (GMW, 14.0-17.8 %), and soil organic carbon (0.38-0.73 %) were recorded for grass-cultivated plots compared to the barren land (1.38 g cm^-3, 13.0 %, and 0.28 %, respectively). The perennial tussock grass and Guinea grass resulted in the highest soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC, 70.1 mg kg^-1 soil) and enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, 17.09 μg TPF g^-1 day^-1 and fluorescein diacetate activity 4.94 μg fluorescein g^-1 h^-1). The considerable improvement in soil properties with minimal inputs resulted in a higher sustainable yield index and carbon sustainability index in plots planted with Guinea grass (0.9 and 89.29) and perennial tussock grass (0.89 and 71.61). Therefore, the cultivation of either Guinea grass or perennial tussock grass as an intercrop or sole crop in the semi-arid environment can be an ecologically sound strategy to improve soil health, C sequestration, and fodder supply.