Effects of chlorpyrifos toxicity on brain, pseudobranchial neurosecretory system and swimming performance of a catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis

In the present study, it was aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of CPF on the histopathology of the optic tectum and cerebellum, pseudobranchial neurosecretory system (PNS), biochemical assays of brain tissue, and locomotory behavior in catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. The fishes were exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration of 0.09 and 0.192 mg/L of CPF for 7, 15, and 30 d. The CPF toxicity induced degenerative changes with significantly decreased cell size, number, and nucleo-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio of the PNS; and altered neuro-architectural pattern of optic tectum with degenerative changes in mononuclear and granular cells and necrotic variation in granular and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. The Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Catalase (CAT) activity in the CPF-exposed brain was significantly decreased, whereas Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly increased in comparison with control. In CPF-exposed fishes, the respiratory movements and locomotory behavioral pattern like swimming speed, total distance traveled, time mobile, absolute turn angle, head: distance traveled, maximum speed were significantly decreased, whereas time immobile and time freezing episodes were significantly increased as compared to control fishes. The present study concludes that environmentally relevant concentration of CPF may induce histopathological, biochemical, physiological, and behavioral disturbances in a non-target organism, H. fossilis.

Standards for clinical trials for treating TB

BACKGROUND: The value, speed of completion and robustness of the evidence generated by TB treatment trials could be improved by implementing standards for best practice.METHODS: A global panel of experts participated in a Delphi process, using a 7-point Likert scale to score and revise draft standards until consensus was reached.RESULTS: Eleven standards were defined: Standard 1, high quality data on TB regimens are essential to inform clinical and programmatic management; Standard 2, the research questions addressed by TB trials should be relevant to affected communities, who should be included in all trial stages; Standard 3, trials should make every effort to be as inclusive as possible; Standard 4, the most efficient trial designs should be considered to improve the evidence base as quickly and cost effectively as possible, without compromising quality; Standard 5, trial governance should be in line with accepted good clinical practice; Standard 6, trials should investigate and report strategies that promote optimal engagement in care; Standard 7, where possible, TB trials should include pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic components; Standard 8, outcomes should include frequency of disease recurrence and post-treatment sequelae; Standard 9, TB trials should aim to harmonise key outcomes and data structures across studies; Standard 10, TB trials should include biobanking; Standard 11, treatment trials should invest in capacity strengthening of local trial and TB programme staff.CONCLUSION: These standards should improve the efficiency and effectiveness of evidence generation, as well as the translation of research into policy and practice.

Clinical standards for the management of adverse effects during treatment for TB

BACKGROUND: Adverse effects (AE) to TB treatment cause morbidity, mortality and treatment interruption. The aim of these clinical standards is to encourage best practise for the diagnosis and management of AE.METHODS: 65/81 invited experts participated in a Delphi process using a 5-point Likert scale to score draft standards.RESULTS: We identified eight clinical standards. Each person commencing treatment for TB should: Standard 1, be counselled regarding AE before and during treatment; Standard 2, be evaluated for factors that might increase AE risk with regular review to actively identify and manage these; Standard 3, when AE occur, carefully assessed and possible allergic or hypersensitivity reactions considered; Standard 4, receive appropriate care to minimise morbidity and mortality associated with AE; Standard 5, be restarted on TB drugs after a serious AE according to a standardised protocol that includes active drug safety monitoring. In addition: Standard 6, healthcare workers should be trained on AE including how to counsel people undertaking TB treatment, as well as active AE monitoring and management; Standard 7, there should be active AE monitoring and reporting for all new TB drugs and regimens; and Standard 8, knowledge gaps identified from active AE monitoring should be systematically addressed through clinical research.CONCLUSION: These standards provide a person-centred, consensus-based approach to minimise the impact of AE during TB treatment.

Oriental theileriosis associated with a new genotype of Theileria orientalis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves in Uttar Pradesh, India

Theileria orientalis is known to cause a benign infection in cattle and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). However, the Ikeda and Chitose genotypes of the parasite cause lethal disease in beef and dairy cattle. Recently an outbreak of clinical oriental theileriosis occurred in buffalo calves in a Government Animal Husbandry and Agricultural Farm located in Uttar Pradesh, India. Examination of Giemsa stained thin blood smears revealed typical rod-shaped T. orientalis piroplasms in the erythrocytes. The clinical signs included pyrexia, nasal discharge, lacrimation, lethargy, inappetence and anaemia with varying degrees of paleness of the visible mucous membranes. Vascular congestion in internal organs, pulmonary emphysema and consolidation of lungs, focal areas of necrosis in the heart with mononuclear cell infiltration, focal mononuclear cell aggregation in the cortex and tubular degeneration of the kidney were significant necropsy findings. The T. orientalis major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the PCR product revealed 84.8% identity between the T. orientalis Uttar Pradesh isolate and other reference genotypes available in the public domain. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of the MPSP gene sequence ratified that this is a new genotype of T. orientalis. This is the first report of a clinical outbreak of oriental theileriosis in Indian buffalo calves caused by a novel genotype of T. orientalis.

Moderating Effect Of Bank Size On Nexus Between External Equity Capital And Financial Performance Of Lower-Tier Commercial Banks In Kenya

The commercial banks in Kenya have been recording declining performance over the recent past, with the lower-tier banks being the hardest hit. As a result, several banks in the lower-tier, such as Chase Bank, Dubai Bank of Kenya, and Imperial Bank, have been put under receivership. The collapse of banks does not give a good reflection of the sustainability of the banking system. Thus, the signals of poor financial performance need to be addressed promptly as the collapse of the banking system could also have a ripple effect on other sectors. The Kenyan banking sector is categorized into tier I, II, and III. The categorization is dependent on the size of the bank. The decline in profitability of the banking sector has affected tier II and III most. Also to note is that Tier one is made up of six giant banks that control close to half (49.9 percent) of the market, which begs the question as to whether the size of the bank has any influence on the performance of the banks. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether external financing influences Tier II and III performance and whether the bank size moderates this influence. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were employed in the study. The study population was 37 commercial banks in Tier II and III of the Central Bank's Lower-tier classification. Secondary data were adapted in the study for the years 2016 to 2020. After data cleaning, 26 banks were retained (70%) for further analysis. Data collected was analyzed by use of both descriptive and inferential analysis. Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviations, skewness, and Kurtosis, while inferential analysis included Multilevel Mixed Model Analysis and Hierarchical Multiple Linear Regression. The model coefficients show that equity has a positive and statistically significant relationship with the performance of lower-tier banks in Kenya measured using net profit margin (β=.229, p-value=.036<0.05). Further, the study found that size moderates the relationship between external equity and performance as an introduction of size in the model change R2 by .035 (p-value = 0.001). The study thus concludes that external equity capital positively influences the performance of lower-tier banks in Kenya, while size moderates the same. The study recommends that a bank evaluate when to use external equity funding, although external equity funding may be costlier. As a recommendation, lower-tier banks are encouraged to use external equity as this will improve their performance. Lower-tier banks are also encouraged to increase their asset base as their size moderates the banks′ performance.

Record On Incidence And Intensity Of Estigmena Chinensis Hope. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) On Natural Bamboo Stand

Bamboo is a robust, relatively fast-growing, environmentally sustainable material used worldwide for centuries. It has the potential to be an extremely pleasing and a value alternative to more traditional materials like timber, as seen by numerous visually stunning modern structures. Approximately 212 insect pest species have been identified attacking bamboo, causing damage from seed to completed product. For the first time, Estigmena chinensis was seen destroying seven green-standing bamboo species in natural stands, including Gigantochloa manggog, Thyrsostachyus oliver, Bambusa balcooa, Schizostachyum dullooa, Dendrocalamus hamiltoni, Gigantochloa atroviolacea, and Bambusa polymorpha. Maximum attack incidence was observed in T. oliver (56.18%) in 2017 and minimum in G. atroviolacea (20.75%) in 2020. The maximum and minimum intensity of the attack was recorded in B. balcooa (3.16%) in 2018 and T. oliveri (1.08%) in 2017, respectively.

Prenatal Venlafaxine Exposure-Induced Neurocytoarchitectural and Neuroapoptotic Degeneration in Striatum and Hippocampus of Developing Fetal Brain, Manifesting Long-term Neurocognitive Impairments in Rat Offspring

Depression is a leading cause of disability which at its worst leads to suicide. Its treatment relies on psychotherapy in combination with certain antidepressants (AD_(s)) from various classes such as tricyclics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Among SNRIs, venlafaxine (VEN) is one such most commonly prescribed AD which is recently reported to be in the top 50 most prescribed drugs in the USA. Depression during pregnancy is a common condition, where prescribing an AD becomes necessary as untreated depression during pregnancy has its own complications for both mother and the child. This, probably, is why an incredible rise has been reported in prescribing ADs like VEN to pregnant women in the recent past, despite some studies, including the one from our own group, having reported the in-utero VEN-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in the fetal neocortex and the consequent neurobehavioral anomalies in adulthood. However, there still exists a lack of insight into the effects of intrauterine exposures of VEN on other fetal brain regions like the hippocampus (HPC) and striatum (STR) and the consequent effects on their cognitive and emotional wellbeing in later life. Hence, this study has been conducted where pregnant Charles-Foster (CF) rats were oral gavaged with VEN (25, 40, and 50 mg/kg bw) from gestation day (GD) 05-19. On GD-19, half of the control and treated dams were euthanized to collect their fetuses. Fetal brains were dissected and processed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) estimation neurohistopathology and confocal microscopic studies. The remaining dams were allowed to deliver naturally, and litters were reared for up to 8 weeks then tested for their cognitive abilities by the Morris water maze test and for their emotionality by the Forced swimming test. Our results showed substantial neurocytoarchitectural deficits in both HPC and STR, along with enhanced ROS levels and apoptotic neurodegenerations. Furthermore, VEN-treated young rat offsprings displayed cognitive impairments and depressive behavior as the long-lasting impact of VEN in a dose-dependent manner. So it may be inferred that prenatal VEN-induced oxidative stress causes apoptotic neurodegeneration leading to neuronal loss in HPC and STR which consequently affects the development of the said brain areas resulting in impaired cognitive and emotional abilities of young adult offsprings. Therefore, extrapolating these findings in animal models, caution may be taken before prescribing VEN to pregnant women, especially during the sensitive phase of pregnancy.

Neurotensin agonist PD 149163 modulates the neuroinflammation induced by bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide in mice model

OBJECTIVE

The disruption of bidirectional communication between neuroendocrine and immune components by stressors leads to mental problems. The immunomodulation therapy of neuroinflammation-led psychiatric illness is an emerging area of research. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate immune modulation efficacy of PD 149163 (PD) against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Swiss albino mice (female/12 weeks) were divided into six groups (6 mice/group): (I) Control: 0.9% NaCl; (II) LPS: 1 mg/kg BW, for 5 days; (III) LPS + PD Low: LPS 1 mg/kg BW (for 5 days) after that PD 100 µg/kg BW (for 21 days); (IV) LPS + PD High: LPS 1 mg/kg BW (for 5 days) after that PD 300 µg/kg BW (for 21 days); (V) PD Low: PD 100 µg/kg BW (for 21 days); (VI) PD High: PD 300 µg/kg BW (for 21 days). All treatments were given intraperitoneal.

RESULTS

The LPS-induced weight loss (body and brain) was normalized to control after PD treatment. The PD enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity while decreased lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) level altered in LPS-exposed mice. The significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in LPS exposure were also decreased by PD. Likewise, the LPS-induced HPA axis activation was stabilized by PD. In the hippocampus, the pyramidal cell layer thickness, pyramidal neurons number and size of CA1 and CA3 regions were reduced along with misalignment, shrinkage, and impairment of cytoarchitecture. In the co-treated group, the LPS-induced hippocampus disruption was reversed after PD exposure.

CONCLUSION

We suggested that the PD modulates the LPS-induced neuroinflammation and psychiatric illness in a dose-dependent manner.

Isolation and genetic characterization of canine adenovirus type 2 from a domestic dog showing neurological symptoms

Canine adenoviruses (CAVs) are of two types: canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), which causes infectious canine hepatitis, and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), which is mainly associated with the respiratory type of disease in dogs. Due to the widespread use of modified live vaccines to control canine adenoviral infections and subsequently reduced disease incidence, CAVs are often neglected by clinicians. Although a number of studies are available about CAV-1 prevalence in India, only meagre information is available about CAV-2. This study reports the CAV-2 infection in a vaccinated dog with neurological and respiratory symptoms which was found negative for other canine pathogens like canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus. The virus was successfully isolated from rectal swab in MDCK cells and characterized by immunofluorescence assay and virus neutralization test. On phylogenetic analysis of partial E3 region, the Indian CAV-2 grouped in a separate clade different from established subgroups. An insertion of "G" nucleotide was reported at nucleotide (nt.) position 1077 in the E3 gene of Indian CAV-2 isolates which led to a frameshift in the coding region of E3 gene thereby imparting additional eleven amino acids to its C-terminal end in comparison to isolates from other parts of the world. This may have an implication on the functional role of E3 protein inside the cell. This study reinforces the unique signature insertion in the E3 gene of Indian CAV-2 and is the second study in the world to report the association of CAV-2 with neurological disease in dogs.

Amplification and Characterization of DDT Metabolizing Delta Class GST in Sand Fly, Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) From Bihar, India

Phlebotomus argentipes is an established vector for Visceral leishmaniasis prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Insect Glutathione S-transferases (GST) enzyme plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of xenobiotics and chemical insecticides. We report herein the identification and characterization of a delta class GST from the sandfly, P. argentipes. The resulting clone (rParg-GSTδ) is successfully sequenced, which revealed 76.43% and 66.32% gene identity with GST from Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli; Diptera: Psychodidae) and Lutzomiya longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva; Diptera: Psychodidae), respectively. The identified rParg-GST amino acid Blast results revealed 82.6% homology to delta class GST of Phlebotomus papatasi and more than 50% homology to Lepidoptera which comprises butterflies and moths. The Phylogenetic analysis of Parg-GST with different classes of Insect GSTs further supported its classification as delta class. A functional recombinant Parg-GSTδ protein (rParg-GSTδ) was expressed in Escherichia coli (Migula; Enterobacterales: Enterobacteriaceae) cells in a soluble form, purified to homogeneity and found to be active against a substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dintrobenzene (CDNB) and lipid peroxidation by-product 4-Hydrxynonenal (4-HNE). Interestingly, rParg-GSTδ demonstrates high dehydrochlorination activity against dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) i.e., 16.27 nM/µg in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay. These results provide evidence of direct DDT metabolism property exhibited by P. argentipes GST and set the foundation to decipher the metabolic resistance mechanism in P. argentipes against insecticides.

Evaluation of canine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for experimental full-thickness cutaneous wounds in a diabetic rat model

BACKGROUND

The wound healing potential of canine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was evaluated in the excisional wound of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Xenogenic BMSCs were collected aseptically from the iliac crest of healthy canine donors under general anesthesia. Full-thickness experimental wounds (20 × 20 mm²) on the dorsum of forty-eight adult healthy Wistar white rats. The wounds were assigned randomly to three treatment groups: PBS (Group A) or BMSCs (Group B) injected into the wound margins on days 0, 7, and 14 or BMSCs (Group C) injected into the wound margins on days 7, 14, and 21 post-wounding. The degree of wound healing was evaluated based on macroscopical, hemato-biochemical, histopathological, and histochemical parameters.

RESULTS

The results indicated granulation tissue formation with reduced exudation and peripheral swelling in the treatment groups compared to the control group A. Similarly, the degree of wound contraction was significantly higher in groups B and C animals than group A on days 14 and 21 post-wounding. The transplantation of BMSCs resulted in early drying of wounds, granulation tissue appearance, and enhanced cosmetic appearance.

CONCLUSION

The histopathological, histochemical, and gross findings suggested the therapeutic potential of xenogeneic mesenchymal stem cell therapy in managing diabetic wounds.

ABBREVIATIONS

BMSCs-bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, PBS-phosphate-buffered saline, MSCs-mesenchymal stem cells, FBS-fetal bovine serum, ECM-extracellular matrix.

Management of Cut and Dry Bamboo Borer - Chlorophorus annularis Fab. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) by Using Systemic and Contact Insecticides

Chlorophorus annularis Fab. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) damages cut and dry bamboo. Chlorpyriphos 0.04% yielded 39.13 percent for the control of bamboo borer followed by chlorpyriphos 0.02%, which controlled 34.78% of borer attacks while cypermethrin and deltamethrin were found least effective. Among the systemic insecticides, imidacloprid 0.04% gave 26.32 percent control of borer attack.

Natural infection of Delta mutant of SARS-CoV-2 in Asiatic lions of India

The current pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has underlined the importance of emerging diseases of zoonotic importance. Along with human beings, several species of wild and pet animals have been demonstrated to be infected by SARS‐CoV‐2, both naturally and experimentally. In addition, with constant emergence of new variants, the species susceptibility might further change which warrants intensified screening efforts. India is a vast and second most populated country, with a habitat of a very diverse range of animal species. In this study we place on record of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in three captive Asiatic lions. Detailed genomic characterization revealed involvement of Delta mutant (Pango lineage B.1.617.2) of SARS‐CoV‐2 at two different locations. Interestingly, no other feline species enclosed in the zoo/park were found infected. The epidemiological and molecular analysis will contribute to the understanding of the emerging mutants of SARS‐CoV‐2 in wild and domestic animals.

Protective effect of neurotensin receptor-1 agonist PD 149163 against lipopolysaccharide-induced gut toxicity in mice

The interaction between neuroendocrine and immune components of the gut maintains the organism's physical and psychological health. Its disruption may reflect in disease conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and mental illness. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) disrupts the endocrine-immune homeostasis resulting in gut toxicity. The Neurotensin receptor-1 (NTR-1) agonist PD 149163 (PD) acts as an atypical antipsychotic drug in psychiatric illness, but its role in modulating gut pathophysiology remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of PD against LPS-induced gut toxicity. Swiss albino female mice (12 weeks) were divided into six groups (n = 6/group): (I) Control, (II) LPS (1 mg/kg, for 5 days), (III) LPS (1 mg/kg, for 5 days)+PD low (100 µg/kg, for 21 days), (IV) LPS (1 mg/kg, for 5 days)+PD high (300 µg/kg, for 21 days), (V) PD low (100 µg/kg, for 21 days), and (VI) PD high (300 µg/kg, for 21 days). Drugs were given intraperitoneal in the morning. PD administration prevented the LPS-induced gut inflammation observed in damage of epithelial barrier, disruption of goblet cells, and condensation of lamina propria (LP). The LPS-induced oxidative stress characterized by decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and increased lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) (p < 0.001 for both), and enhanced interleukine-6 (IL-6) & tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p < 0.001 for both) as well as immunointensity of NT (p < 0.01) and NTR-1 (p < 0.05) were reversed and normalized to control after PD treatment. Thus, the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and cell proliferation properties of PD modulate the gut toxicity in LPS-challenged mice.

Seasonal plasticity in the morphology and cytoarchitecture of the hippocampal complex of the Indian Roller, Coracias benghalensis

Coracias benghalensis, commonly known as Indian Roller, a subtropical seasonally breeding bird native to Prayagraj (25° 28' N, 81° 54' E), U.P., India, exhibits a specific rolling behavior (an ornate sexual display) to attract the female for courtship. We hypothesized that the emergence of the seasonal rolling behavior of C. benghalensis would coincide with seasonal neuronal morphology changes in the dorsomedial hippocampus (DMH) area of the hippocampal complex (HCC). To test this hypothesis, the present study aimed to reveal qualitative and quantitative changes in neuronal plasticity in various neuronal classes of DMH across the breeding (pre-breeding and breeding) and the non-breeding (quiescent and regression) phases of the reproductive cycle of C. benghalensis. Plasticity in the morphology of four neuronal types (unipolar, bipolar, pyramidal, and multipolar) in the DMH area of HCC during the breeding and the non-breeding phases was characterized by using Golgi-Colonnier staining for identification and characterization of neuronal morphology. As compared to the quiescent phase, a significant increase of soma diameter, dendritic field, dendritic thickness, length of spine neck, spine head diameter, number of visible spines, and spine density in all four types of neurons was observed during the breeding phase. In contrast, significant decreases were observed during the bird's non-breeding phase compared to the breeding phase. This study concludes that during the breeding phase of C. benghalensis, neuronal arborization was substantially increased in DMH, suggesting an enhanced capability for circuit plasticity possibly underlying rolling behavior. Our study establishes seasonal plasticity in DMH and will serve as a novel model for future studies investigating the molecular, physiological, and cellular mechanisms underlying complex, yet stereotyped, sensorimotor behavior.

Impact of Mesoporous Nano-Silica (SiO₂) on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Wheat, Pea and Mustard Seed

Wide range of nanomaterial applications is helpful to promote sustainable agriculture to the point of nanolevel. With regard to this, biocompatible silica nanoparticles have been used as a nanopriming agent for enhancing seed germination in rabi crops like wheat, pea and mustard. The current study was carried out in a completely randomized block design with four replications. One part of nanosilica (8 g/L) and three parts of Gibberellic acid (GA₃) loaded nano-silica (100 ppm, 125 ppm and 150 ppm) were used for the experimental purpose. The result showed positive significant effect of nanopriming with nano-silica and GA3 loaded nano-silica on seed germination percentage, shoot and root length, seedling length, fresh weight, dry weight and vigour index-I and II at P ≤ 0.05. A comparative study on germination percentage for three of the cereal crops was done and calculated further. It was found to be higher as 91% in wheat, 91% in pea and 75% in mustard. This effect of nanopriming directly help in elevating the activity of α-amylase enzyme, resulting in higher concentration of soluble sugar content needed for supporting seed germination and growth of seedling. In this paper, the nanopriming-induced seed germination is proposed, including the creation of nanopores for enhanced water uptake, rebooting ROS/antioxidant systems in seeds, generation of hydroxyl radicals for cell wall loosening, and nano-catalyst to fasten starch hydrolysis.

Bluetongue in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis with emphasis on diagnosis and seroprevalence

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious viral disease which affects a wide range of ruminants and was first reported in India in 1964. In view of the absence of comprehensive information on the BT status in India, this study presents the seroprevalence on BT in farm animals of India based-on a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review was conducted to identify the published articles (2001–2018) reporting the seroprevalence of BT in sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, camels, and Mithun (Bos frontalis) from India. From 409 research articles, 71 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and meta-analysis for proportions was carried out targeting the eligible studies. From these, 144 strata level data were extracted with a sample size of 14048 sheep, 14696 goats, 5218 cattle, 2653 buffaloes, 2062 camels, and 222 Mithun. Overall, the analyses showed that the BT seroprevalence of 43% (95% CI: 38–49%) in goats, 39% (95% CI: 33–46%) in sheep, 38% (95% CI: 25–45%) in cattle, 34% (95% CI: 20–51%) in buffaloes, 16% (95% CI: 10–22%) in camels, and 66% (95% CI: 17–95%) in Mithun. Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis suggested that serological tests, geographical region, and sample size were the prime moderators. Meta-analytic study indicates the BT seropositivity in 25.35 million sheep (95% CI: 21.5–29.9), 58 million goats (95% CI: 51.3–66.2), 66.8 million cattle (95% CI: 47.7–86), 37.0 million buffaloes (95% CI: 21.7–55.4), 0.06 million camels (95% CI: 0.04–0.09), and 0.19 million Mithun (95% CI: 0.05–0.28). The findings highlight the variation of BT seropositivity in different geographical regions of India.

Mesenchymal stem cell tailored bioengineered scaffolds derived from bubaline diaphragm and aortic matrices for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects

Bioengineered scaffolds derived from the decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) obtained from discarded animal organs and tissues are attractive candidates for regenerative medicine applications. Tailoring these scaffolds with stem cells enhances their regeneration potential making them a suitable platform for regenerating damaged tissues. Thus, the study was designed to investigate the potential of mesenchymal stem cells tailored acellular bubaline diaphragm and aortic ECM for the repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defects in a rabbit model. Tissues obtained from bubaline diaphragm and aorta were decellularized and bioengineered by seeding with rabbit bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (r-BMSC). Full-thickness abdominal wall defects of 3 cm × 4 cm size were created in a rabbit model and repaired using five different prostheses, namely, polypropylene sheet, nonseeded diaphragm ECM, nonseeded aorta ECM, r-BMSC bioengineered diaphragm ECM, and r-BMSC bioengineered aorta ECM. Results from the study revealed that biological scaffolds are superior in comparison to synthetic polymer mesh for regeneration in terms of collagen deposition, maturation, neovascularization, and lack of any significant (P > 0.05) adhesions with the abdominal viscera. Seeding with r-BMSC significantly increased (P < 0.05) the collagen deposition and biomechanical strength of the scaffolds. The bioengineered r-BMSC seeded acellular bubaline diaphragm showed even superior biomechanical strength as compared to synthetic polymer mesh. Tailoring of the scaffolds with the r-BMSC also resulted in significant reduction (P < 0.01) in antibody and cell mediated immune reactions to the xenogeneic scaffolds in rabbit model.

Frontline Publishers of Punjabi Language Books

Publishing industry plays a vital role to spread knowledge. In modern days many local publishers are making knowledge available to the society through their native languages. Punjabi is one of the most popular languages of North Indian states. Many publishers from Punjab, Chandigarh, and Delhi are publishing books in Punjabi. The present study is attempted to provide the overview and analyse the growth and contribution of publishing books in Punjabi by various types of publishers for the decade 2004-2013. The study presents different categories of publishers with the number of books, major publishers of Punjabi books, the contribution of literary, government and academic institutions as publishers and geographical distribution of Punjabi books from Northern parts of India. The study reveals that most of the books have been published in Punjabi by commercial publishers. Punjab is the leading region to publish maximum books in Punjabi as compared to other states and ‘Lokgeet Prakashan’ is the top publisher among them all. This is the first study assessing book publishers of Punjabi books and a useful source of information for practitioners and academics interested in Punjabi language publications.

Detection and functional characterization of sigma class GST in Phlebotomus argentipes and its role in stress tolerance and DDT resistance

Several Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzymes, in insects, have previously been implicated in resistance developed against DDT and other insecticides. The GST enzyme particularly sigma class have important physiological role in detoxification of lipid peroxidation by-products in insects. Phlebotomus argentipes has been intensely exposed to DDT over years due to Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) programme for Kala-azar elimination in Bihar, India. However, in P. argentipes, role of GSTs in DDT resistance have not been elucidated. Here, sigma class GST of P. argentipes (Parg-GSTσ) was successfully cloned, expressed and purified by affinity chromatography. The recombinant Parg-GSTσ was found to be highly active towards cumene hydroperoxide and 4-HNE having specific activity 92.47 & 203.92 µM/min/mg of protein, respectively and exhibited low activity towards universal substrate CDNB i.e., 8.75 µM/min/mg of protein. RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis showed at least 2 and 1.8 fold overexpression of Parg-GSTσ in the single exposed and non exposed DDT resistant P. argentipes as compared to susceptible, implicating Parg-GSTσ also involved in DDT resistance probably by imparting enhanced stress tolerance. The DDT, H₂O₂ and temperature induction assays demonstrated stress-dependent induction of Parg-GSTσ expression indicating its important role in oxidative stress redressal.

Immunohistochemical and molecular detection of natural cases of bovine rotavirus and coronavirus infection causing enteritis in dairy calves

Bovine rotavirus (BRoV) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) are major enteric viral pathogens responsible for calve diarrhoea. They are widespread both in dairy and beef cattle throughout the world and causing huge economic losses. The diagnosis of these agents is very difficult due to non-specific nature of lesions and the involvement of some intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. We performed postmortem of 45 calves, which was below three months of age. Out of 45 necropscid calves, three (6.66%) cases were positive for BRoV and four (8.88%) cases were found positive for BCoV, screened by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Further RT-PCR positive cases were confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in paraffin-embedded intestinal tissue sections. Three cases of enteritis caused by BRoV showed the hallmark lesions of the shortening and fusion of villi, denudation and infiltration of mononuclear cells in the lamina propria. The BRoV antigen distribution was prominent within the lining epithelium of the villi, peyer's patches in the ileum and strong immunoreactions in the lymphocytes and some macrophages of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Four cases in which BCoV was detected, grossly lesions characterized by colonic mucosa covered with thick, fibrinous and diphtheritic membrane. Histopathologically, jejunum showed skipping lesion of micro-abscesses in crypts. The BCoV antigen distribution was prominent within the necrotic crypts in the jejunum and cryptic micro-abscesses in the colon and ileum. It is the first report of BRoV and BCoV antigen demonstration in the jejunum, colon, ileum, Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes of naturally infected calves from India by using IHC.

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The present study was to investigation of natural cases of BRoV and BCoV infection causing enteritis in dairy calves.

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Out of 45 necropscid calves, 6.66% cases for BRoV and 8.88% cases for BCoV were found positive.

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BRoV and BCoV antigen demonstration in the jejunum, colon, ileum, Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes of infected calves by using IHC.

Maternal and severe anaemia in delivering women is associated with risk of preterm and low birth weight: A cross sectional study from Jharkhand, India

Background and objectives

Haemoglobin content is the well accepted indicator for anaemia assessment. The high prevalence of anaemia, maternal health care issues and adverse delivery outcome in Jharkhand, we investigated whether delivering women with anaemia would present a modifiable risk of preterm (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW).

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study involving pregnant women, with screening for pregnancy endpoints and haemoglobin assay, were conducted. Anaemia was classified according to World Health Organization's definition of anaemia in pregnancy. Confounding variables were adjusted in a logistic model. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for analyzing the association among maternal anaemia, PTB and LBW.

Results

We observed a high prevalence of anaemia (78.45%) in delivering women, whereas high prevalence of preterm birth (34.75%) and LBW (32.81%) in delivering women overall. In the adjusted analysis, overall anaemia in pregnancy was strongly associated with preterm birth (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.98–5.88; P ≤ .0001) as compared to LBW (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.65–1.61; P = .0003). The risk of PTB and LBW were dependent on the stratification of the anaemia group, as the strongest association was observed in severe (OR, 4.86) followed by mild (OR, 3.66) and moderate (OR, 3.18) anaemia in PTB; whereas risk of LBW was found in severe (OR, 2.5) followed by moderate (OR, 1.11) and mild (OR, 0.57) anaemia. The risk of PTB and LBW across six pregnancy haemoglobin groups were compared, haemoglobin of 10–10.9 g/dl (OR, 1.25) and ≤ 8 g/dl (OR, 1.03) have shown association with PTB and LBW, respectively. However, high haemoglobin concentration was not associated with either PTB or LBW.

Conclusions

Anaemia in delivering women was associated with an elevated risk of PTB and LBW and the risk increased with the severity of anaemia in pregnant women.

Use of Dapagliflozin in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Real-World Evidence Study in Indian Patients (FOREFRONT)

Background: Dapagliflozin is approved in India based on a controlled clinical study. This study included type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Indian patients to determine effectiveness of dapagliflozin in the real-world setup. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively for 3 months. Primary endpoint was mean change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to months 3 and 6. Patients were stratified by baseline HbA1c and body mass index (BMI). Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test at 5% level of significance with two-sided 95% confidence intervals analyzed endpoints. Results: Total 98.1% (n = 1941/1978) patients completed the study, majority of them were men (57.5%), <60 years (77.8%). Mean (standard deviation [SD]) HbA1c decreased significantly from baseline (9.11% [1.44]) to month 3 (8.11% [1.22]; Δ = 1.00% [1.01]) and month 6 (7.62% [1.04]; Δ = 1.49% [1.18]), P < 0.001. Per baseline HbA1c stratification, the largest mean (SD) decrease in HbA1c was in patients with baseline HbA1c >10% (1.86% [1.32] at month 3; 2.80% [1.22] at month 6). Decrease in mean body weight was significant from baseline (78.15 kg [13.48]) to month 3 (77.01 kg [13.21]; Δ = 1.14 kg [2.21]) and month 6 (76.16 kg [13.09]; Δ = 1.86 kg [3.04]), P < 0.001, with maximum weight loss in patients with BMI >30 kg/m² (1.60 kg [2.50] and 2.56 kg [3.50] at months 3 and 6, respectively). Systolic/diastolic blood pressure also improved. Of the 58 (2.9%) patients having ≥1 adverse event (AE), 9 (0.5%) had vulvovaginitis and 4 (0.2%) each had fungal infection and urinary tract infection (UTI). One patient had a serious AE (SAE) of UTI. No patients died or discontinued the study because of AEs or SAEs. Conclusion: Dapagliflozin significantly decreased HbA1c and body weight in Indian T2DM patients. Dapagliflozin was well tolerated and no new safety signals were detected.

Comparative analysis of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) non-transgenic and transgenic embryos containing human insulin gene, produced by SCNT

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), using transgenic donor cells, is a highly efficient method for producing transgenic embryos. We compared the developmental competence, quality and gene expression of transgenic embryos produced by Hand-made cloning from buffalo fetal fibroblasts (BFFs) containing human insulin gene, with non-transgenic embryos produced from BFFs (Controls). The expression vector (pAcISUBC), constructed by inserting human insulin gene between DNA fragments containing mammary gland-specific buffalo β-lactoglobulin (buBLG) promoter and terminator buBLG 3'UTR regions into pAcGFP-N1 vector, was used for obtaining the 11 kb insert for transfection of BFFs by nucleofection. Presence of the transgene in embryos was confirmed by examining GFP expression by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The blastocyst rate was lower (P < 0.05) for transgenic embryos than for controls (35.7 ± 1.8% vs 48.7 ± 2.4%). The apoptotic index was higher (P < 0.05) for transgenic than for control blastocysts which, in turn, was higher (P < 0.05) than for IVF counterparts (6.9 ± 0.9, 3.8 ± 0.5 and 1.8 ± 0.3, respectively). The total cell number was similar for transgenic and non-transgenic blastocysts (143.2 ± 17.0 and 137.2 ± 7.6, respectively). The expression level of pro-apoptotic genes BAX and BID but not that of CASP3 and CASP9, and cell cycle check point control-related gene P53 was higher (P < 0.05), and that of development- (IGF-1R and G6PD) and pluripotency-related gene NANOG was lower (P < 0.05) in transgenic than in control embryos. The expression level of epigenetic-related genes DNMT1, DNMT3a and HDAC1 and pluripotency-related gene OCT4 was similar in the two groups. The expression level of BAX, BID, CASP9, P53, DNMT1 and DNMT3a was higher (P < 0.05) and that of OCT4, NANOG IGF-1R and G6PD was lower (P < 0.05) in cloned transgenic than in IVF blastocysts whereas, that of CASP3 and HDAC1 was similar between the two groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that transgenic embryos produced by SCNT have lower developmental competence and quality, and altered gene expression compared to non-transgenic embryos.

Comparative evaluation of antidotal efficacy of 2-PAM and HNK-102 oximes during inhalation of sarin vapor in Swiss albino mice

Efficacy of two oximes treatments evaluated during inhalation of sarin vapor (LCt₅₀, 755.9 mg/min/m³) in simulated real scenario in vivo. Majority of mice either became moribund or died within 1-2 min during exposure to multifold-lethal concentrations of sarin vapor. Protection indices were determined by exposing to sarin vapor in two sessions, 1 min exposure followed by treatments with or without HNK-102 (56.56 mg/kg, im) or 2-PAM (30 mg/kg, im) and atropine (10 mg/kg, ip), and again exposed for remaining 14 min. Protection offered by HNK-102 was found to be four folds higher compared to 2-PAM in the same toxic environment. Secondly, sub-lethal concentration of sarin vapor (0.8 × LCt₅₀ or 605 mg/min/m³), 24 h post investigations revealed that the oximes could not reactivate brain and serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The treatments prevented increase in protein concentration (p < .05) and macrophages infiltration compared to sarin alone group in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. Lung histopathology showed intense peribronchial infiltration and edema with desquamating epithelial lining and mild to moderate alveolar septal infiltration in sarin and atropine groups, respectively. Noticeable peeling-off observed in epithelial lining and sporadic mild infiltration of epithelial cells at bronchiolar region in 2-PAM and HNK-102 groups, respectively. The oximes failed to reactivate AChE activity; however, the mice survived up to 6.0 × LCt₅₀, proved involvement of non-AChE targets in sarin toxicity. Atropine alone treatment was found to be either ineffective or increased the toxicity. HNK-102, exhibited better survivability with lung protection, can be considered as a better replacement for 2-PAM to treat sarin inhalation induced poisoning.

Comparative Neuropathology of Major Indian Bluetongue Virus Serotypes in a Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is neurotropic in nature, especially in ruminant fetuses and in-utero infection results in abortion and congenital brain malformations. The aim of the present study was to compare the neuropathogenicity of major Indian BTV serotypes 1, 2, 10, 16 and 23 by gross and histopathological lesions and virus distribution in experimentally infected neonatal BALB/c mice. Each BTV serotype (20 μl of inoculum containing 1 × 10⁵ tissue culture infectious dose [TCID]₅₀/ml of virus) was inoculated intracerebrally into 3-day-old mice, while a control group was inoculated with mock-infected cell culture medium. Infection with BTV serotypes 1, 2 and 23 led to 65-70% mortality at 7-9 days post infection (dpi) and caused severe necrotizing encephalitis with neurodegenerative changes in neurons, swelling and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, midbrain and brainstem. In contrast, infection with BTV serotypes 10 and 16 led to 25-30% mortality at 9-11 dpi and caused mild neuropathological lesions. BTV antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry, direct fluorescence antibody technique and confocal microscopy in the cytoplasm of neuronal cells of the hippocampus, grey matter of the cerebral cortex and vascular endothelial cells in the midbrain and brainstem of BTV-1, -2, -10, -16 and -23 infected groups from 3 to 20 dpi. BTV nucleic acid was detected in the infected brain tissues from as early as 24 h up to 20 dpi by VP7 gene segment-based one-step reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. This study of the relative neurovirulence of BTV serotypes is likely to help design suitable vaccination and control strategies for the disease.

Rapid visual isothermal nucleic acid-based detection assay of Brucella species by polymerase spiral reaction

AIM

The aim of this study was to develop polymerase spiral reaction (PSR) for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of Brucella sp.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Polymerase spiral reaction assay was developed using specifically designed primers targeting the conserved multicopy IS711 gene of Brucella sp. The assay could be performed within 60 min at an isothermal temperature of 64°C. The lower limit of detection of PSR was 11·8 fg and conventional PCR was 1·18 pg of Brucella abortus genomic DNA. Thus, PSR was found to be 100-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR and was comparable to real-time PCR. The specificity of PSR was tested with other non-Brucella bacteria and also with some bacterial and viral pathogens causing abortions. The assay was found to be specific as it did not detect any putative pathogens other than Brucella sp. Fifty-six clinical samples suspected for brucellosis (aborted fetal stomach content) were screened with PSR to validate the applicability of the test to detect Brucella DNA. The same samples were also screened with conventional PCR and real-time PCR. Of 56 samples, 25 samples were found to be positive with both PSR as well as real-time PCR, whereas only 20 samples were found positive with conventional PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicated that the PSR assay is a simple, rapid, sensitive and specific method for the detection of Brucella sp. that may improve diagnostic potential in clinical laboratories or can be used at diagnostic laboratories with minimal infrastructure.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The PSR assay, because of its simplicity and low cost, can be preferred to other molecular methods in the diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Nanosilica-supported liposome (protocells) as a drug vehicle for cancer therapy

This study encompasses the development and comparison of nanosilica-supported liposome (protocells), conventional liposome, and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-liposome. An effort was made to study the drug encapsulation efficiency and the in vitro release of the drug, and whether protocells (nanovesicles) could sustain the release of the drug by increasing the residence time, which could reduce the dose-related systemic toxicity of the drug, that is, vincristine sulfate. Nanovesicles had a good encapsulation efficiency (71%), which was comparable to the conventional and PEG-liposome, which were 74% and 78%, respectively. The obtained vesicles were in the size range 100–150 nm, and the drug release efficiency of conventional, PEGylated, and protocells liposome was about 67%, 42%, and 52%, respectively, in 150 minutes. The intermediate value of nanosilica-supported liposome indicates the ability for stable and controlled release of the drug, which prevents the rapid burst or slower release of the drug. This study reveals that protocells as nanovesicles could be a better choice for the delivery of cancer drugs such as vincristine sulfate.

iNOS polymorphism modulates iNOS/NO expression via impaired antioxidant and ROS content in P. vivax and P. falciparum infection

Nitric oxide (NO) has dicotomic influence on modulating host-parasite interplay, synchronizing physiological orchestrations and diagnostic potential; instigated us to investigate the plausible association and genetic regulation among NO level, components of oxidative stress, iNOS polymorphisms and risk of malaria. Here, we experimentally elucidate that iNOS promoter polymorphisms are associated with risk of malaria; employing mutation specific genotyping, functional interplay using western blot and RT-PCR, quantitative estimation of NO, total antioxidant content (TAC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Genotyping revealed significantly associated risk of P. vivax (adjusted OR = 1.92 and 1.72) and P. falciparum (adjusted OR = 1.68 and 1.75) infection with SNP at iNOS-954G/C and iNOS-1173C/T positions, respectively; though vivax showed higher risk of infection. Intriguingly, mutation and infection specific differential upregulation of iNOS expression/NO level was observed and found to be significantly associated with mutant genotypes. Moreover, P. vivax showed pronounced iNOS protein (2.4 fold) and mRNA (2.5 fold) expression relative to healthy subjects. Furthermore, TAC and ROS were significantly decreased in infection; and differentially decreased in mutant genotypes.

Our findings endorse polymorphic regulation of iNOS expression, altered oxidant-antioxidant components and evidences of risk association as the hallmark of malaria pathogenesis. iNOS/NO may serve as potential diagnostic marker in assessing clinical malaria.

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Polymorphism of iNOS revealed significantly associated risk of P. vivax and P. falciparum malaria and vivax showed higher risk of infection.

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We observed mutation and infection specific differential expression of iNOS/NO cascade.

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We investigated mutation specific antioxidant and ROS orchestration and observed lower TAC and ROS content in infection.

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Evaluated the clinical correlation among stratified axillary temperature, NO and haemoglobin content during infection.

Isolation and evolutionary analysis of Australasian topotype of bluetongue virus serotype 4 from India

Bluetongue (BT) is a Culicoides-borne disease caused by several serotypes of bluetongue virus (BTV). Similar to other insect-borne viral diseases, distribution of BT is limited to distribution of Culicoides species competent to transmit BTV. In the tropics, vector activity is almost year long, and hence, the disease is endemic, with the circulation of several serotypes of BTV, whereas in temperate areas, seasonal incursions of a limited number of serotypes of BTV from neighbouring tropical areas are observed. Although BTV is endemic in all the three major tropical regions (parts of Africa, America and Asia) of the world, the distribution of serotypes is not alike. Apart from serological diversity, geography-based diversity of BTV genome has been observed, and this is the basis for proposal of topotypes. However, evolution of these topotypes is not well understood. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of several BTV-4 isolates from India. These isolates are distinct from BTV-4 isolates from other geographical regions. Analysis of available BTV seg-2 sequences indicated that the Australasian BTV-4 diverged from African viruses around 3,500 years ago, whereas the American viruses diverged relatively recently (1,684 CE). Unlike Australasia and America, BTV-4 strains of the Mediterranean area evolved through several independent incursions. We speculate that independent evolution of BTV in different geographical areas over long periods of time might have led to the diversity observed in the current virus population.

Noninvasive assessment of gastrointestinal parasites infection in free-ranging wild herbivores and adjoining livestock of Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Aim:

This study was conducted to know the epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites of free-ranging wild herbivores and adjoining livestock of Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 374 fecal samples from wild herbivores (Chital Axis axis - 123, Sambar Rusa unicolor - 94, Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus - 86, and Chinkara Gazella bennettii - 71) and 284 fecal samples of domestic herbivores (cattle - 118, buffalo - 78, and goat - 88) were collected from common grazing land and adjoining area of tiger reserve. Detailed coprological examination for the presence of parasitic eggs/oocysts by direct smear examination, standard sedimentation, and floatation techniques was performed.

Results:

Fecal samples (n=374) of four different species of wild herbivores were screened. Out of which, 55.61% (n=208) were positive for parasitic infection. Among them, 13.10% (n=49) were positive for mixed parasitic infection of two or more parasite and 42.5% (n=159) were found positive for single parasitic infection. A total of 284 fecal samples of domestic animals were screened from adjoining areas of the tiger reserve. Out of which, 66.54% (n=189) were positive for parasitic infections, out of which 19.71% (n=56) were positive for mixed infection of two or more parasites, and 46.83% (n=133) were found positive for single parasitic infection.

Conclusion:

Wild herbivores at Panna Tiger Reserve were exposed to parasites including some that are known to be pathogenic; majority of wild animals had mixed infection of Eimeria spp., Trichuris spp., Moniezia spp., Amphistome, Strongyloides spp., Balantidium spp., and Fasciola spp.

PCR-SSCP analysis of MDGI gene and its association with milk production traits in river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

In this study, we investigated the genetic variation within 3'UTR of Mammary-Derived Growth Inhibitor (MDGI) gene of buffalo using PCR-SSCP and sequencing; and also analyzed association of polymorphism with the milk production traits. The study revealed two conformational patterns, 'A' and 'B' among 234 Mehsana buffaloes maintained with their records in the field and at farm. The frequency of SSCP variant 'A' was found to be invariably high in the buffalo population under study. Further, association analysis of SSCP variants with various milk production and milk quality traits indicated no significant effect on any of the traits investigated. Sequencing of SSCP variant 'A' showed homozygous G/G and A/A and 'B' had heterozygous G/C and A/G at positions +124 and +140 respectively, in the 3'UTR of buffalo MDGI. The preliminary results showed the substantial variations in the distribution of SSCP variants' frequencies within Mehsana buffaloes, however these variants had non-significant association with milk yield, fat yield and fat percentage in Mehsana buffaloes.

Intracellular zinc flux causes reactive oxygen species mediated mitochondrial dysfunction leading to cell death in Leishmania donovani

Leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania parasite is a global threat to public health and one of the most neglected tropical diseases. Therefore, the discovery of novel drug targets and effective drug is a major challenge and an important goal. Leishmania is an obligate intracellular parasite that alternates between sand fly and human host. To survive and establish infections, Leishmania parasites scavenge and internalize nutrients from the host. Nevertheless, host cells presents mechanism like nutrient restriction to inhibit microbial growth and control infection. Zinc is crucial for cellular growth and disruption in its homeostasis hinders growth and survival in many cells. However, little is known about the role of zinc in Leishmania growth and survival. In this study, the effect of zinc on the growth and survival of L.donovani was analyzed by both Zinc-depletion and Zinc-supplementation using Zinc-specific chelator N, N, N', N'–tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN) and Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO₄). Treatment of parasites with TPEN rather than ZnSO₄ had significantly affected the growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The pre-treatment of promastigotes with TPEN resulted into reduced host-parasite interaction as indicated by decreased association index. Zn depletion resulted into flux in intracellular labile Zn pool and increased in ROS generation correlated with decreased intracellular total thiol and retention of plasma membrane integrity without phosphatidylserine exposure in TPEN treated promastigotes. We also observed that TPEN-induced Zn depletion resulted into collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential which is associated with increase in cytosolic calcium and cytochrome-c. DNA fragmentation analysis showed increased DNA fragments in Zn-depleted cells. In summary, intracellular Zn depletion in the L. donovani promastigotes led to ROS-mediated caspase-independent mitochondrial dysfunction resulting into apoptosis-like cell death. Therefore, cellular zinc homeostasis in Leishmania can be explored for new drug targets and chemotherapeutics to control Leishmanial growth and disease progression.

In utero exposure to atypical antipsychotic drug, risperidone: Effects on fetal neurotoxicity in hippocampal region and cognitive impairment in rat offspring

Clinical studies indicate that about one-third of pregnant women with psychotic symptoms are exposed to either typical or atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs). Reports on prenatal subject/model are lacking hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of prenatal exposure to risperidone (RIS) on the fetal hippocampus, and their related functional changes in young rat offspring. In this study, pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to equivalent therapeutic doses of RIS at 0.8mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg, and 2.0mg/kg BW from gestation days (GD) 6 to 20. On GD 21, about half of the pregnant subjects of each group were euthanized, their fetuses were collected, fetal brains dissected, and processed for neurohistopathological evaluation. Remaining pregnant dams were allowed to deliver naturally and reared up to 8weeks of age for neurobehavioral study under selected paradigms of cognition. Our results indicate that there was a significant decrease in the thickness of fetal hippocampus with the disturbed cytoarchitectural pattern, and volume of striatum and choroid plexus was also reduced. Furthermore, RIS treated young rat offspring displayed memory impairment on different mazes of learning and memory. The current study concludes that maternal exposure to clinically relevant doses of RIS may induce neurostructural changes in developing hippocampus and striatum, and cognitive sequelae in young offspring, respectively. Therefore, caution must be taken before prescribing this drug to pregnant subjects, especially during the sensitive phase of brain development. Hence, clinical correlation of animal data is urgently warranted.

Deciphering the interplay between cysteine synthase and thiol cascade proteins in modulating Amphotericin B resistance and survival of Leishmania donovani under oxidative stress

Leishmania donovani is the causative organism of the neglected human disease known as visceral leishmaniasis which is often fatal, if left untreated. The cysteine biosynthesis pathway of Leishmania may serve as a potential drug target because it is different from human host and regulates downstream components of redox metabolism of the parasites; essential for their survival, pathogenicity and drug resistance. However, despite the apparent dependency of redox metabolism of cysteine biosynthesis pathway, the role of L. donovani cysteine synthase (LdCS) in drug resistance and redox homeostasis has been unexplored. Herein, we report that over-expression of LdCS in Amphotericin B (Amp B) sensitive strain (S1-OE) modulates resistance towards oxidative stress and drug pressure. We observed that antioxidant enzyme activities were up-regulated in S1-OE parasites and these parasites alleviate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) efficiently by maintaining the reduced thiol pool. In contrast to S1-OE parasites, Amp B sensitive strain (S1) showed higher levels of ROS which was positively correlated with the protein carbonylation levels and negatively correlated with cell viability. Moreover, further investigations showed that LdCS over-expression also augments the ROS-primed induction of LdCS-GFP as well as endogenous LdCS and thiol pathway proteins (LdTryS, LdTryR and LdcTXN) in L. donovani parasites; which probably aids in stress tolerance and drug resistance. In addition, the expression of LdCS was found to be up-regulated in Amp B resistant isolates and during infective stationary stages of growth and consistent with these observations, our ex vivo infectivity studies confirmed that LdCS over-expression enhances the infectivity of L. donovani parasites. Our results reveal a novel crosstalk between LdCS and thiol metabolic pathway proteins and demonstrate the crucial role of LdCS in drug resistance and redox homeostasis of Leishmania.

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Over-expression of CS in L. donovani modulates oxidative stress & Amp B resistance.

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Over-expressing parasite possess higher thiol to counteract the oxidative stress.

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Over-expressing parasites showed increased activity of TXNPx, GST, SOD, and APx.

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Expression/activity of LdCS is up-regulated in Amp B resistant clinical isolates.

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Ex vivo results confirm that LdCS over-expression enhance the parasites infectivity.

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Over-expressing parasites survived long time under oxidative stress conditions.

In vivo protection studies of bis-quaternary 2-(hydroxyimino)- N-(pyridin-3-yl) acetamide derivatives (HNK oximes) against tabun and soman poisoning in Swiss albino mice

The study reports antidotal efficacy of three HNK [ bis quaternary 2-(hydroxyimino)-N-(pyridin-3yl) acetamide derivatives] and pralidoxime (2-PAM), against soman and tabun poisoning in Swiss albino mice. Protection index (PI) was determined (treatment doses: HNK oximes, ×0.20 of their median lethal dose (LD₅₀) and 2-PAM, 30 mg/kg, intramuscularly (im)) together with atropine (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Probit log doses with difference of 0.301 log of LD₅₀ of the nerve agents administered and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity by 50% (IC₅₀) was calculated at optimized time in brain and serum. Using various doses of tabun and soman (subcutaneously (sc)), in multiples of their IC₅₀, AChE reactivation ability of the oximes was studied. Besides, acute toxicity (0.8× LD₅₀, im, 24 h postexposure) of HNK-102 and 2-PAM was also compared by determining biochemical, hematological variables and making histopathological observations. Protection offered by HNK-102 against tabun poisoning was found to be four times higher compared to 2-PAM. However, nearly equal protection was noted with all the four oximes against soman poisoning. HNK-102 reactivated brain AChE activity by 1.5 times more than 2-PAM at IC₅₀ dose of soman and tabun. Acute toxicity studies of HNK-102 and 2-PAM showed sporadic changes in urea, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, and so on compared to control group, however, not supported by histopathological investigations. The present investigation showed superiority of newly synthesized HNK-102 oxime over standard 2-PAM, as a better antidote, against acute poisoning of tabun (4.00 times) and soman (1.04 times), in Swiss albino mice.

Dual Infection with Bluetongue Virus Serotypes and First-Time Isolation of Serotype 5 in India

Bluetongue is endemic in India and has been reported from most Indian states. Of late, the clinical disease is most frequently seen in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana (erstwhile Andhra Pradesh state), Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Our analysis of diagnostic samples from bluetongue outbreaks during 2010-2011 from the state of Karnataka identified bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 5 (BTV-5) for the first time in India. One of the diagnostic samples (CH1) and subsequent virus isolate (IND2010/02) contained both BTV-2 and BTV-5. Segment 2 (seg-2) sequence data (400 bp: nucleotides 2538-2921) for IND2010/02-BTV5, showed 94.3% nucleotide identity to BTV-5 from South Africa (Accession no. AJ585126), confirming the virus serotype and also indicating that Seg-2 was derived from a Western topotype, which is in contrast to serotype 2, that belongs to an Eastern topotype. BTV-5 has been recently reported from Africa, China, French islands and the Americas. Although the exact source of the Indian BTV-5 isolate is still to be confirmed, recent identification of additional exotic serotypes in India is of real concern and might add to the severity of the disease seen in these outbreaks.

Leishmania and its quest for iron: An update and overview

Parasites of genus Leishmania are the causative agents of complex neglected diseases called leishmaniasis and continue to be a significant health concern globally. Iron is a vital nutritional requirement for virtually all organisms, including pathogenic trypanosomatid parasites, and plays a crucial role in many facets of cellular metabolism as a cofactor of several enzymes. Iron acquisition is essential for the survival of parasites. Yet parasites are also vulnerable to the toxicity of iron and reactive oxygen species. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current knowledge about iron acquisition and usage by Leishmania species. We have also discussed about host strategy to modulate iron availability and the strategies deployed by Leishmania parasites to overcome iron withholding defences and thus favour parasite growth within host macrophages. Since iron plays central roles in the host's response and parasite metabolism, a comprehensive understanding of the iron metabolism is beneficial to identify potential viable therapeutic opportunities against leishmaniasis.

Interaction between cysteine synthase and serine O-acetyltransferase proteins and their stage specific expression in Leishmania donovani

Leishmania possess a unique trypanothione redox metabolism with undebated roles in protection from oxidative damage and drug resistance. The biosynthesis of trypanothione depends on l-cysteine bioavailability which is regulated by cysteine biosynthesis pathway. The de novo cysteine biosynthesis pathway is comprised of serine O-acetyltransferase (SAT) and cysteine synthase (CS) enzymes which sequentially mediate two consecutive steps of cysteine biosynthesis, and is absent in mammalian host. However, despite the apparent dependency of redox metabolism on cysteine biosynthesis pathway, the role of SAT and CS in redox homeostasis has been unexplored in Leishmania parasites. Herein, we have characterized CS and SAT to investigate their interaction and relative abundance of these proteins in promastigote vs. amastigote growth stages of L. donovani. CS and SAT genes of L. donovani (LdCS and LdSAT) were cloned, expressed, and fusion proteins purified to homogeneity with affinity column chromatography. Purified LdCS contains PLP as cofactor and showed optimum enzymatic activity at pH 7.5. Enzyme kinetics showed that LdCS catalyses the synthesis of cysteine using O-acetylserine and sulfide with a K_m of 15.86 mM and 0.17 mM, respectively. Digitonin fractionation and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy showed that LdCS and LdSAT are localized in the cytoplasm of promastigotes. Size exclusion chromatography, co-purification, pull down and immuno-precipitation assays demonstrated a stable complex formation between LdCS and LdSAT proteins. Furthermore, LdCS and LdSAT proteins expression/activity was upregulated in amastigote growth stage of the parasite. Thus, the stage specific differential expression of LdCS and LdSAT suggests that it may have a role in the redox homeostasis of Leishmania.

Teneligliptin in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Teneligliptin is a recently developed oral dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults along with diet and exercise. Teneligliptin has been recently available in Japan (Teneria(®)), Argentina (Teneglucon(®)), and India (Tenepure; Teneza) at relatively affordable price. This is a positive step toward the management of T2DM in developing countries, where the cost of medicine is out-of-pocket expenditure and is a limiting factor for health care. This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin in the management of T2DM. Teneligliptin has been systematically evaluated in T2DM as monotherapy with diet and exercise and in combination with metformin, glimepiride, pioglitazone, and insulin in short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (52 weeks) studies. These studies have reported a reduction in HbA1c of 0.8%-0.9% within 12 weeks of therapy. Two 52-week studies reported sustained improvement in glycemic control with teneligliptin. Teneligliptin has been found to be well tolerated, and the safety profile is similar to other dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors. Hypoglycemia and constipation are the main adverse events. Teneligliptin can be administered safely to patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease without dose adjustment. Similarly, it can be used in patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment. Teneligliptin is effective and well tolerated and may have an important role in the management of T2DM.

Laparoscopic management of hydatid cyst of liver

Background and Objectives: The surgical treatment of liver hydatid disease has evolved dramatically and laparoscopic treatment has shown encouraging results with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. We conducted this study to determine the outcome of laparoscopic management of hydatid disease of the liver.Methods: Consecutive patients with this disease reporting to our department from July 2014 to July 2015 were offered laparoscopic management. All patients received pre- and postoperative albendazole. The laparoscopic technique consisted of aspiration of the cyst fluid, sterilization, suction and drainage of the cavity, deroofing and addition of omentoplasty. Age, sex, duration of surgery, surgical morbidity, hospital stay and evidence of hydatid cyst recurrence were measured.Results: Twenty six patients had laparoscopic treatment for hepatic hydatid cysts. Females were 18 (69.2%) and males were 8 (30.8%). Mean age of patients was 37.46 ± 15.96 years (range 17-74 years). Pain was the commonest presentation occurring in 21 (80.8%).The right lobe of the liver was most commonly involved in 20 patients (76.9%). The mean cyst size was 6.77 cm (range, 5 cm to 12 cm). Minor spillage of cyst contents occurred in 5 patients (19.23%) and major spillage occurred in 1 patient (3.8%). The mean duration of surgery was 84.81 ± 28.93 minutes (range 50 – 150 minutes). Conversion was needed in 2 (7.7%). Complications included portsite infection in 2 (7.7%), bile leak in 3 (11.5 %), fever in 5 (19.2%) and chest infection in 2 (7.7%) cases. Mean hospital stay is 4.58 ± 3.40 days (range 3-16). There was no mortality in the series. The average follow-up period is 7.81 ± 2.57 months. There have been no recurrences to date however 1 patient was lost to follow up.Conclusion: Laparoscopic management of hydatid cysts of the liver is a safe and effective option with advantage of minimally invasive surgery in properly selected patients.

Room-temperature and temperature-dependent QSRR modelling for predicting the nitrate radical reaction rate constants of organic chemicals using ensemble learning methods

Experimental determinations of the rate constants of the reaction of NO3 with a large number of organic chemicals are tedious, and time and resource intensive; and the development of computational methods has widely been advocated. In this study, we have developed room-temperature (298 K) and temperature-dependent quantitative structure-reactivity relationship (QSRR) models based on the ensemble learning approaches (decision tree forest (DTF) and decision treeboost (DTB)) for predicting the rate constant of the reaction of NO3 radicals with diverse organic chemicals, under OECD guidelines. Predictive powers of the developed models were established in terms of statistical coefficients. In the test phase, the QSRR models yielded a correlation (r(2)) of >0.94 between experimental and predicted rate constants. The applicability domains of the constructed models were determined. An attempt has been made to provide the mechanistic interpretation of the selected features for QSRR development. The proposed QSRR models outperformed the previous reports, and the temperature-dependent models offered a much wider applicability domain. This is the first report presenting a temperature-dependent QSRR model for predicting the nitrate radical reaction rate constant at different temperatures. The proposed models can be useful tools in predicting the reactivities of chemicals towards NO3 radicals in the atmosphere, hence, their persistence and exposure risk assessment.

Effect of in utero exposure to the atypical anti-psychotic risperidone on histopathological features of the rat placenta

For clinical management of different forms of psychosis, both classical and atypical anti-psychotic drugs (APDs) are available. These drugs are widely prescribed, even during pregnancy considering their minimal extra-pyramidal side effects and teratogenic potential compared to classical APDs. Among AAPDs, risperidone (RIS) is a first-line drug of choice by physicians. The molecular weight of RIS is 410.49 g/mol; hence, it can easily cross the placental barrier and enter the foetal bloodstream. It is not known whether or not AAPDs like RIS may affect the developing placenta and foetus adversely. Reports on this issue are limited and sketchy. Therefore, this study has evaluated the effects of maternal exposure to equivalent therapeutic doses of RIS on placental growth, histopathological and cytoarchitectural changes, and to establish a relationship between placental dysfunction and foetal outcomes. Pregnant rats (n = 24) were exposed to selected doses (0.8, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) of RIS from gestation days 6-21. These dams were sacrificed; their placentas and foetuses were collected, morphometrically examined and further processed for histopathological examination. This study revealed that in utero exposure to equivalent therapeutic doses of RIS during organogenesis-induced placental dystrophy (size and weight), disturbed cytoarchitectural organization (thickness of different placental layers), histopathological lesions (necrosis in trophoblast with disruption of trophoblastic septa and rupturing of maternal-foetal interface) and intrauterine growth restriction of the foetuses. It may be concluded that multifactorial mechanisms might be involved in the dysregulation of structure and function of the placenta and of poor foetal growth and development.

Aetiology of childhood viral gastroenteritis in Lucknow, north India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Due to limited availability of data on viral aetiology of acute gastroenteritis in north India, the present study was planned to detect rotavirus, norovirus, sapovirus and astrovirus in stool samples of both in hospitalized and non-hospitalized children less than five years of age presenting with acute gastroenteritis.

METHODS

A total of 278 stool samples from equal number of children were tested for rotavirus antigen using ELISA and for norovirus, sapovirus and astroviruses by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR.

RESULTS

Of the 169 samples from hospitalized patients, rotavirus, norovirus, sapovirus and astrovirus were detected in 19.5, 2.3, 3.5 and 2.9 per cent samples, respectively. Of the 109 samples collected from the non-hospitalized patients, frequency of rotavirus and sapovirus detection was 9.1 and 1.8 per cent, respectively while norovirus and astrovirus were not detected.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Rotavirus was the most frequent cause of viral gastroenteritis in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized children. Maximum positivity of the viruses was seen in children less than two years of age.

Predicting binding affinities of diverse pharmaceutical chemicals to human serum plasma proteins using QSPR modelling approaches

The prediction of the plasma protein binding (PPB) affinity of chemicals is of paramount significance in the drug development process. In this study, ensemble machine learning-based QSPR models have been established for a four-category classification and PPB affinity prediction of diverse compounds using a large PPB dataset of 930 compounds and in accordance with the OECD guidelines. The structural diversity of the chemicals was tested by the Tanimoto similarity index. The external predictive power of the developed QSPR models was evaluated through internal and external validations. In the QSPR models, XLogP was the most important descriptor. In the test data, the classification QSPR models rendered an accuracy of >93%, while the regression QSPR models yielded r(2) of >0.920 between the measured and predicted PPB affinities, with the root mean squared error <9.77. Values of statistical coefficients derived for the test data were above their threshold limits, thus put a high confidence in this analysis. The QSPR models in this study performed better than any of the previous studies. The results suggest that the developed QSPR models are reliable for predicting the PPB affinity of structurally diverse chemicals. They can be useful for initial screening of candidate molecules in the drug development process.