A review on versatile applications of biomaterial/polycationic chitosan: An insight into the structure-property relationship

Chitosan is a versatile and generous biopolymer obtained by alkaline deacetylation of naturally occurring chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose. The excellent physicochemical properties of polycationic chitosan are attributed to the presence of varied functional groups such as amino, hydroxyl, and acetamido groups enabling researchers to tailor the structure and properties of chitosan by different methods such as crosslinking, grafting, copolymerization, composites, and molecular imprinting techniques. The prepared derivatives have diverse applications in the food industry, water treatment, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, and biomedical applications. In this review, numerous applications of chitosan and its derivatives in various fields have been discussed in detail with an insight into their structure-property relationship. This review article concludes and explains the chitosan's biocompatibility and efficiency that has been done so far with future usage and applications as well. Moreover, the possible mechanism of chitosan's activity towards several emerging fields such as energy storage, biodegradable packaging, photocatalysis, biorefinery, and environmental bioremediation are also discussed. Overall, this comprehensive review discusses the science and complete information behind chitosan's wonder function to improve our understanding which is much needful as well as will pave the way towards a sustainable future.

Effect of endogenous hormones, antisperm antibody and oxidative stress on semen quality of crossbred bulls

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of factors like hormones, antisperm antibody (ASA), and oxidative stress and its relation with semen quality in crossbred bulls. Ejaculates from two bulls were categorized into good (n = 12) and poor (n = 12) based on initial progressive motility, that is, ≥70% and ≤50%, respectively. The level of hormones like Testosterone (p < 0.05) and PGE₂ (p < 0.01) was significantly higher in good-quality ejaculates compared to poor-quality ejaculates; however, estradiol (p < 0.05), progesterone, oxidative stress, and ASAs were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in poor-quality ejaculates compared to good-quality ejaculates. Therefore, it could be concluded that oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance might have resulted in high number of dead and defective spermatozoa which was ultimately responsible for poor quality semen ejaculates.

Cryoprotection of humanin-like peptides in seminal plasma for ejaculated spermatozoa of crossbred bulls

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation process negatively affects spermatozoa functions. Humanin, a small polypeptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome, is well known for its role in cell survival.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the endogenous levels of humanin in seminal plasma of crossbred Frieswal bulls and to study its role in cryoprotection. The presence of humanin in bull spermatozoa was also investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 semen samples were separated into two groups based on the initial progressive motility (IPM): Good (IPM >70%) and Poor (IPM <50%) groups; and/or based on the post-thaw motility (PTM): Freezable (PTM>50%) and Non-freezable (PTM < 50%) groups. Humanin concentration in seminal plasma (SP-HN) was quantified using ELISA.

RESULTS

SP-HN concentration ranged from undetectable to 67.6 pg/mL with a median level of 35.2 pg/mL. SP-HN level was significantly higher in the good quality semen group than in the poor quality semen group (p<0.001), and also significantly higher in the freezable group than in the non-freezable group (p<0.001). SP-HN level was positively correlated with initial progressive motility, post-thaw semen motility, viability, acrosome intactness and plasma membrane integrity, but negatively correlated the level of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content. Immunochemical localization showed the presence of humanin in the proximal region of the middle piece of spermatozoa.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous humanin level had significant correlation with semen quality and might protect sperm cells against freeze-induced oxidative stress. doi.org/10.54680/fr22510110712.

Cryoprotectant with a mitochondrial derived peptide, humanin, improves post-thaw quality of buffalo spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

Semen cryopreservation results in deleterious effects on spermatozoa, including lipid peroxidation and a reduction in the total antioxidant components of seminal plasma. The ultimate outcome of these changes is a reduction in post-thaw semen quality. A mitochondrial derived peptide, humanin, a potent cytoprotective and antioxidant agent was used in the present study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a mitochondrial-derived peptide, humanin to improve the post-thaw quality of buffalo spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 ejaculates from three Murrah buffalo bulls (n=6 each) were collected. Each ejaculate was divided into four aliquots. The first aliquot was diluted with standard EYTG dilutor (Group I, control), whereas the other three aliquots were diluted with EYTG supplemented with 2 µM (Group II), 5 µM (Group III) and 10 µM humanin (Group IV), respectively. Semen was evaluated for physico-morphological and functional attributes such as progressive motility, viability, abnormality, acrosome integrity, plasmamembrane integrity of fresh samples, pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Oxidative stress parameters [lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] were also measured at the pre-freeze and post-thaw stages.

RESULTS

Humanin supplementation resulted in significantly higher (p < 0.05) post-thaw motility in all treatment groups and, higher (p < 0.05) viability in Groups III and IV in comparison to the control at the post-thaw stage. Spermatozoa with intact acrosome and plasma membrane were higher (p < 0.05) in Groups III and IV as compared to Groups I and II. The LPO levels at the post-thaw stage were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups versus the control group, whereas, higher (p≤0.05) TAC values were recorded in Groups III and IV in comparison to the control and Group II.

CONCLUSION

Humanin supplementation in the extender improved the freezabilty of buffalo spermatozoa.

Standardization of Kaempferia galanga L. rhizome and vasorelaxation effect of its key metabolite ethyl p-methoxycinnamate

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kaempferia galanga L. rhizome (KGR) is part of more than sixty-one Ayurvedic formulations and commonly known as 'Chandramula'. KGR is widely used in traditional Indian medicines to treat fever (jwar), rheumatism (Amavata), respiratory (Shwasa), hypertension (Vyanabala vaishamya) and cardiovascular disorders (Vyanavayu Dushtijanya Hrudrog). Although ethnomedicinal properties have extensively been demonstrated in traditional medicines of south-east countries i.e. China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the chemico-biological validation are still lacking.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Chemico-biological standardization with respect to its vasorelaxation potential is the main objective of the present study. To investigate the vasorelaxation potential of key phytochemical of KGR, i.e., ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC) and to study it's the mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A HPLC method was developed and validated for the quality assessment of KGR using its two major phytochemicals i.e. ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC) and ethyl cinnamate (EC) in KGR. The vasorelaxation effect of major phytochemicals of KGR was evaluated on the main mesenteric arteries isolated from male Wistar rats. Specific BKca channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA), receptor antagonist, nitric oxide scavenging capacity, and antioxidant potential were also evaluated for its plausible mechanism.

RESULTS

Present validated HPLC method facilitates simultaneous quantitation of EPMC and EC faster than classical GC techniques. EPMC has shown a dose-dependent relaxation in rat main mesenteric arteries (MMA) contracted by U46619 with an Emax of 58.68 ± 3.31%. Similarly, in endothelium-denuded MMA rings, relaxation was also observed (Emax of 61.83 ± 3.38%). Moreover, relaxation response to EPMC has strongly inhibited (Emax 14.76 ± 2.29%) when the tissue exposed to depolarizing high K+ containing buffer for the contraction. The point correlation dimension (pD2) values were also significantly decreased in high K+ treated arterial rings compared to control. Interestingly, when MMA rings incubated with a specific BKca channel blocker (TEA, 1 mM), the relaxation response to EPMC was also significantly blocked.

CONCLUSIONS

The first time this study demonstrated the chemical standardization of K. galanga rhizome and EPMC is responsible for its vasorelaxation potential as demonstrated by the endothelium-independent response mediated by Ca2+ dependent potassium channels.

Synthesis, spectral and sol-gel behavior of mixed ligand complexes of titanium(IV) with oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur donor ligands

A new route to synthesize nano-sized Ti(IV) mixed ligand complexes have been investigated by the reaction of titanium(IV) chloride with ammonium salts of dithiophosphate and 3(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-substituted phenyl) pyrazolines. The resultant complex is then treated with H2S gas to get sulfur bridged dimer of Ti(IV) complex, a precursor of TiS2. The morphology of the complexes was studied by employing XRD which shows that all the complexes are amorphous solid. Molecular weight measurements, elemental analysis in conjugation with spectroscopic (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P NMR) studies revealed the dimeric nature of the complexes in which pyrazoline and dithiophosphate are bidentate. Scanning electron microscopic image and XRD indicate that the particles are in the nano range (50 nm). Putting all the facts together, coordination number six is proposed for titanium with octahedral geometry.                     KEY WORDS: Titanium(IV), Dithiophosphate, Pyrazoline, Nano-sized, Sol-gel, Mixed ligand complexes   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(1), 61-76. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i1.5

Effect of Mito-TEMPO Incorporated Semen Extender on Physico-morphological Attributes and Functional Membrane Integrity of Frozen Thawed Buffalo Spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

Sperm mitochondria are the major site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and excess production during freezing-thawing process inflicts oxidative damages to spermatozoa. Buffalo spermatozoa are more prone to oxidative damage due to inherently more polyunsaturated fatty acids and low cholesterol to phospholipids ratio in the plasma membrane. A mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, Mito-TEMPO was used in this study.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Mito-TEMPO incorporated semen extender on the post-thaw semen quality in buffalo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 ejaculates from three murrah buffalo bulls with ≥70% individual progressive motility were utilized for the study. Each semen sample was equally divided and extended with five groups: Group I (Control, without Mito-TEMPO addition); Group II (10 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group III (50 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group IV (100 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group V (500 µM Mito-TEMPO) to have 80×10⁶ progressive motile sperm/mL of extender, filled and sealed in French mini straws (0.25 mL) and frozen following equilibration. The effect of Mito-TEMPO was assessed at fresh/post-dilution and post-thaw stages by evaluating physico-morphological attributes and functional membrane integrity such as hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST).

RESULTS

Initial progressive motility, viability, acrosomal integrity and HOS response was significantly (p<0.05) improved and sperm abnormality was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in extended semen with Mito-TEMPO (50 µM) compared to control at post-thaw stage, although improvement was also observed at 10 and 100 µM in post-thaw samples.

CONCLUSION

Mito-TEMPO incorporated semen extender at 50 µM concentration, could be part of a rationale for improving post-thaw semen quality in buffalo.

Effect of Cryopreservation on Semen Quality Parameters in Relation to Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Profile in Indian Buffalo

BACKGROUND

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) due to oxidative stress leads to structural and functional changes in spermatozoa.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate any association of various seminal characteristics at the pre- and post-cryopreservation stages with LPO and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in Murrah buffalo semen samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five ejaculates from seven bulls were processed for cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen.

RESULTS

Only 31 (47.7%) samples were found satisfactory for inclusion in the further artificial insemination. A strong negative correlation was observed between LPO and individual progressive motility, TAC, viability, plasma membrane integrity as well as acrosome integrity of fresh spermatozoa. At the post-thaw stage, post-thaw motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity had strong positive correlation with TAC.

CONCLUSION

The effort to minimize LPO and enhance TAC shall play a pivotal role in improving buffalo semen quality upon cryopreservation.

The nucleus acts as a ruler tailoring cell responses to spatial constraints

The microscopic environment inside a metazoan organism is highly crowded. Whether individual cells can tailor their behavior to the limited space remains unclear. In this study, we found that cells measure the degree of spatial confinement by using their largest and stiffest organelle, the nucleus. Cell confinement below a resting nucleus size deforms the nucleus, which expands and stretches its envelope. This activates signaling to the actomyosin cortex via nuclear envelope stretch-sensitive proteins, up-regulating cell contractility. We established that the tailored contractile response constitutes a nuclear ruler-based signaling pathway involved in migratory cell behaviors. Cells rely on the nuclear ruler to modulate the motive force that enables their passage through restrictive pores in complex three-dimensional environments, a process relevant to cancer cell invasion, immune responses, and embryonic development.

Exploring the role of E.coli derived enzyme, Oxyrase, as an oxygen scavenger to improve the cryotolerance of spermatozoa of Sahiwal bull

The current study intended to optimize the concentration of Oxyrase in the semen dilutor and to evaluate its effect on freezability of spermatozoa of Sahiwal bulls. Supplementation of Oxyrase at 0.125 IU/mL concentration significantly reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) in the dilutor to 4 ppm in 16-18 min at 35 °C. For supplementation studies, a total of 24 ejaculates were categorized into poor and good ejaculates categories (n = 12 each) based on their initial progressive motility. Each ejaculate was further divided into two aliquotes. The first aliquote was diluted with tris-egg yolk extender without Oxyrase (control group) whereas, in the treatment group, Oxyrase was supplemented at the concentration of 0.125 IU/mL of extender. The parameters evaluated include cholesterol and plasma membrane phospholipids (PMP) at fresh, while IPM, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, cholesterol, PMP and oxidative stress parameters like lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. The IPM and acrosomal intactness were higher (p < 0.05) in treatment group at post-thaw stage in good ejaculates. Oxyrase supplementation resulted in lower (p < 0.05) cholesterol leakage in both categories and lower (p < 0.05) LPO in good ejaculates at post-thaw stage. No statistical difference in ROS was observed between control and treatment groups at all stages whereas, level of TAC was higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group compared to control group at post-thaw stage of both categories. Therefore, Oxyrase as an oxygen scavenging agent could preserve the post-thaw quality of Sahiwal bull spermatozoa.

Strategies to Minimize Various Stress-Related Freeze-Thaw Damages During Conventional Cryopreservation of Mammalian Spermatozoa

The aim of the article is to report a review on different sperm cryopreservation techniques, various stress-related freeze-thaw damages altering sperm structure and function during conventional cryopreservation, and strategies to minimize these stresses. Sperm cryopreservation has allowed indefinite storage and successful transportation of valuable germplasm from proven sites at distant locations, for genetic upgradation through implementation of reproductive techniques, such as artificial insemination. Different techniques for sperm cryopreservation have been proposed such as conventional freezing techniques, directional freezing, and sperm vitrification. Drawbacks related to conventional freezing methods, such as heterogeneous ice nucleation and repeated freeze-thaw cycles at the ice front that disrupts and kill sperm cells, led to the emergence of the directional freezing technique. Sperm vitrification is advantageous as there is no ice crystal-induced physical damages to sperm. However, sperm vitrification has less applicability as encouraging results are only reported in human, dog, and cat. In spite of several drawbacks, conventional freezing techniques are still most widely used for sperm cryopreservation. Spermatozoa experience stresses in the form of cold shock, osmotic stress, and mainly oxidative stress during conventional cryopreservation ultimately reduces the sperm viability and fertility. Several attempts have been made in the past to minimize all these stresses individually or in combination. Membrane fluidity was increased to prevent the cold shock and cryocapacitation-like changes by the addition of cholesterol to the membrane. Antifreeze proteins were added in semen extender to minimize freeze-thaw damages due to heterogeneous ice nucleation and ice recrystallization. Oxidative stress was reduced either by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) through enzymatic, nonenzymatic, plant-based antioxidants or reductants; or by minimizing the level of sources like the semen radiation exposure, leucocytes, and dead and defective spermatozoa, which lead to ROS production during the semen cryopreservation process. A novel approach of minimizing oxidative stress was to reduce the oxygen tension in sperm microenvironment that is, extender by partial deoxygenation process, as a number of literatures pointed out direct link of O₂ with ROS production. When compared with other strategies, partial deoxygenation of semen extender with N₂ gassing is found as a cost-effective, comparatively easy and a potential approach to large-scale frozen semen production.

Mapping human health risk by geostatistical method: a case study of mercury in drinking groundwater resource of the central ganga alluvial plain, northern India

Human health is "at risk" from exposure to sub-lethal elemental occurrences at a local and or regional scale. This is of global concern as good-quality drinking water is a basic need for our wellbeing. In the present study, the "probability kriging," a geostatistical method that has been used to predict the risk magnitude of the areas where the probability of dissolved mercury concentration (dHg) is higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit. The method was applied to geochemical data of dHg concentration in 100 drinking groundwater samples of Lucknow monitoring area (1222 km²⁾ located within the Ganga Alluvial Plain, India. Threefold (high to extreme risk) and twofold (moderate risk) higher dHg concentration values than the WHO permissible limit were observed in all of the groundwater samples. The generated prediction map using the probability kriging method shows that the probability of exceedance of dHg is the highest in the northwestern part of the Lucknow monitoring area due to anthropogenic interferences. The hotspots with high to very high probability are potentially alarming in the urban sector where 32.4% of the total population is residing in 6.8% of the total area. Interpolation of local estimates results in an easily readable and communicable human health risk map. It may help to consider substantial remediation measures for managing drinking water resources of the Ganga Alluvial Plain, which is among the anthropogenic mercury emission-dominated regions of the world.

Aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga L.) extracts with ameliorative and protective potential as a functional food, beyond its flavor and nutritional benefits

Aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga L) is native to India and believed to be originated in Burma. Despite substantial uses in a pickle and south-east Asian cuisines, aromatic ginger is chemically less studied than white and red ginger. Multi-directional investigations have been performed to evaluate chemical composition, nutritional values, ameliorative and protective potential of aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga) rhizome (KGR). Macro and micro components analysis confirmed that KGR contains protein, fiber, and high amount of essential minerals (potassium, phosphorous, and magnesium) along with appreciable amounts of iron, manganese, zinc, cobalt, and nickel. The anti-proliferative potential of KGR evaluated nine human cell lines. We have evaluated the anti-proliferative potential of hydrodistillate, extract, and key compound isolated from KGR on nine human cancer cell line and also reporting the safety to normal peritoneal macrophage cells. The current study demonstrates the anticancer potential of the KGR on MDA-MB-231 and WRL-68 cells. Very likely, results can be extrapolated to an animal or human system. Ethyl p-methoxy cinnamate (EPMC) was responsible for inhibiting the proliferation action which varied in a tested cell by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The present study demonstrates KGR as safe and high energy value medicinal spices with chemo-preventive action, without toxic phytochemicals, and tolerable other anti-nutritional factors.

Interaction of antioxidant gene variants and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes is the seventh most common disease leading to death with a global estimate of 425 million diabetics, expected to be 629 million in 2045. The role of reactive metabolites and antioxidants, such as glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provides an opportunity for identifying gene variants and risk genotypes. We hypothesised that certain antioxidant gene-gene interactions are linked with T2DM and can model disease risk prediction.Materials and methods: Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in antioxidant genes for glutathione (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was performed in 558 T2DMs and 410 age and sex matched healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), routine lab indices by standard techniques.Results: The null/null allele combination of GSTM1del and GSTT1del increased disease risk up to 1.7-fold. The combination of SNPs in GSTM1del, GSTT1del, GSTP1 + 313A/G and in CAT-21A/T, SOD2 + 47C/T, GPx1 + 599C/T increased the risk of diabetes 13.5 and 2.1-fold, respectively. Interaction of SNPs GSTM1del, GSTT1del, GSTP1 + 313A/G (105Ile/Val), CAT-21A/T, SOD2 + 47C/T, GPx1 + 599C/T were significantly linked with disease risk >5 × 10³ fold.Conclusion: As the number of gene combinations increase, there is a rise in the odds ratio of disease risk, suggesting that gene-gene interaction plays an important role in T2DM susceptibility. Individuals who possess the GSTM1del, GSTT1del, GSTP1 105I/V(+313A/G), CAT-21A/T, SOD2 + 47C/T and GPx1 + 599C/T are at very high risk of developing T2DM.

Amruthapala (Decalepis arayalpathra (J. Joseph and V. Chandras.) Venter): A Comprehensive Review on Diversity, Therapeutic Uses, and Valorization of Bioactive Constituents

BACKGROUND

Decalepis arayalpathra (J. Joseph and V. Chandras.) Venter is used primarily for nutrition besides its therapeutic values. Traditional preparations/formulations from its tuber are used as a vitalizer and blood purifier drink. The folklore medicinal uses cover inflammation, cough, wound healing, antipyretic, and digestive system management. A comprehensive review of the current understanding of the plant is required due to emerging concerns over its safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

The systematic collection of the authentic information from different sources with the critical discussion is summarised in order to address various issues related to botanical identity, therapeutic medicine, nutritional usage, phytochemical, and pharmacological potentials of the D. arayalpathra. Current use of traditional systems of medicine can be used to expand future research opportunities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Available scripted information was collected manually, from peered review research papers and international databases viz. Science Direct, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, etc. The unpublished resources which were not available in database were collected through the classical books of 'Ayurveda' and 'Siddha' published in regional languages. The information from books, Ph.D. and MSc dissertations, conference papers and government reports were also collected. We thoroughly screened the scripted information of classical books, titles, abstracts, reports, and full-texts of the journals to establish the reliability of the content.

RESULTS

Tuber bearing vanilla like signature flavor is due to the presence of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (HMB). Among five other species, Decalepis arayalpathra (DA) has come under the 'critically endangered' category, due to over-exploitation for traditional, therapeutic and cool drink use. The experimental studies proved that it possesses gastro-protective, anti-tumor, and antiinflammatory activities. Some efforts were also made to develop better therapeutics by logical modifications in 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, which is a major secondary metabolite of D. arayalpathra. 'Amruthapala' offers the enormous opportunity to develop herbal drink with health benefits like gastro-protective, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

CONCLUSION

The plant has the potential to generate the investigational new lead (IND) based on its major secondary metabolite i.e. 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde. The present mini-review summarizes the current knowledge on Decalepis arayalpathra, covering its phytochemical diversity, biological potentials, strategies for its conservation, and intellectual property rights (IPR) status. Chemical Compounds: 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 69600), α-amyrin acetate (Pubchem CID: 293754), Magnificol (Pubchem CID: 44575983), β-sitosterol (Pubchem CID: 222284), 3-hydroxy-p-anisaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 12127), Naringenin (Pubchem CID: 932), Kaempferol (Pubchem CID: 5280863), Aromadendrin (Pubchem CID: 122850), 3-methoxy-1,2-cyclopentanedione (Pubchem CID: 61209), p-anisaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 31244), Menthyl acetate (Pubchem CID: 27867), Benzaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 240), p-cymene (Pubchem CID: 7463), Salicylaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 6998), 10-epi-γ-eudesmol (Pubchem CID: 6430754), α -amyrin (Pubchem CID: 225688), 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde (Pubchem CID: 12127).

Administration of slow release exogenous melatonin modulates oxidative stress profiles and in vitro fertilizing ability of the cryopreserved mithun (Bos frontalis) spermatozoa

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a unique domestic free range bovine species of North Eastern hilly regions of India. The present study was designed to assess the seasonal effect of slow release exogenous melatonin (MT) implant on semen quality parameters (SQP) and in vitro zona binding ability (IVZ) of spermatozoa. The experimental animals were divided into Gr I: Control (n = 5) and Gr II: Treatment (n = 5; melatonin implant @ 18mg/50 kg bwt). A total of 20 semen samples/group in winter, spring, autumn and summer seasons (n = 160), twice per week were collected. Following cryopreservation, samples were evaluated for motility parameters (forward progressive, mobility & velocity by computer assisted sperm analyser (CASA), viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane and nuclear abnormality, functional status of mitochondria, enzymatic, antioxidant and oxidative profiles, and IVZ. The study revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvement in total motility, viability, acrosome-, plasma membrane-, and nuclear-integrity, and antioxidant profiles; with highest values in spring and lowest in summer season in the fresh semen in Gr II than the Control. A significant (p < 0.05) improvement in motility parameters, membrane potential of mitochondria, antioxidant profiles and reduction in sperm and nuclear abnormalities, leakage of intracellular enzymes and oxidative stress and IVZ index & binding percentage in post-thaw semen samples in melatonin supplemented than in un-supplemented control group was observed. It can be concluded from the study that slow-release melatonin supplementation can be effectively utilized to improve the antioxidant profiles and reduction of oxidative stress, with cascading beneficial effects on semen quality parameters and fertility status of the mithun bull.

Neutrophil-Free Radical Generation and Enzymatic Antioxidants in Migraine Patients

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the role of circulating neutrophils if any in oxidative stress in migraine by evaluating free radical generation and activities of enzymatic antioxidants in the blood in 55 patients with migraine and 60 healthy controls. Free radical generation was assessed by flow cytometry, while activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was estimated in blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) by standard procedures. Platelet SOD was also measured. No significant change was found in free radical generation and in the activity of catalase, SOD and GPx in migraine patients. Univariate analysis of PMN catalase level revealed that migraineurs with a positive family history had significantly lower catalase activity compared with those with a negative family history. No correlation was found in the activity of antioxidant enzymes with age, duration of disease, time since last attack and headache index. The platelet SOD also did not show any significant change in patients of migraine without aura. Platelet aggregation in the presence or absence of PMNs was also not altered significantly. Thus the findings of the present study suggest that neutrophils are not the cause of oxidative stress observed in migraine patients.

EFFECT OF WATERLOGGING STRESS ON MEIOTIC COURSE, TETRAD FORMATION AND POLLEN FERTILITY OF SESBANIA PEA

Sesbania cannabina a multipurpose leguminous crop of family Fabaceae, is widely adaptable to adverse climatic conditions such as waterlogging, drought and high salinity. Flooding and water logging are very common phenomena and there may be possibility to become more serious alarms for environment, which is progressively deteriorated by human beings by their anthropogenic activities, polluting the atmosphere. Flooding provides a case of natural selection to the nature which selects the plants which are more adaptable to this condition and renders themselves to survive due to this tolerance or resistance behavior. Present study envisages the effect of waterlogging stress on chromosomal biology of Sesbania pea. To study the effect of waterlogging stress on microsporogensis of Sesbania cannabina, presoaked seeds were sown in experimental pots. Permanent waterlogged condition is created by shifting pots in water filled tanks. Cytological studies showed various types of chromosomal aberrations induced by waterlogging stress and reduction in pollen fertility was also encountered.

Supplementation of Slow-Release Melatonin Improves Recovery of Ovarian Cyclicity and Conception in Summer Anoestrous Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The role of melatonin as a protective neurohormone against restoring cyclicity in summer anoestrous animals in photoperiod species has gained wider acceptance. This study was designed to uncover the evidence the slow-release melatonin (MLT) has on initiation of ovarian cyclicity and conception rate (CR) in summer anoestrous buffaloes. Thus, buffaloes diagnosed as summer anoestrous (absence of overt signs of oestrus, concurrent rectal examination and radioimmunoassay for serum progesterone at 10 days interval) were grouped as untreated (Group I, sterilized corn oil, n = 8) and treated (Group II, single subcutaneous injection of MLT @18 mg/50 kg bwt in sterilized corn oil, n = 20). Animals treated and detected in oestrus were artificially inseminated (AI) followed by division into Group III (second dose of MLT on 5th day post-AI, n = 8) and Group IV (no melatonin administration, n = 10). Blood samples were collected at 4 days interval for estimation of serum MLT, progesterone and oestrogen using radioimmunoassay kit. Mean oestrous induction rate (OIR), oestrous induction interval (OII), interoestrous interval (IOI) and CR were estimated. Compared to control, concentration of melatonin was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in treated group ranging from 14.34 ± 1.72 to 412.31 ± 14.47 pg/ml whereas other two hormones did not show any concentration difference. Melatonin-administered buffaloes showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher (90%) OIR with OII of 18.06 ± 1.57 days. Results showed improvement in conception rate in buffaloes administered with post-insemination melatonin. It can be concluded from the study that slow-release melatonin supplementation restored cyclicity in summer anoestrous animals resulting in improvement in conception rate in buffaloes.

Perception of Simulation-based Learning among Medical Students in South India

Background:

Traditional methods of educating medical students are no longer sufficient in the current era largely influenced by multimedia. Simulation-based techniques may play a pivotal role in bridging this educational gap.

Aim:

This study was conducted to explore the perception of medical students towards simulation based learning (SBL).

Subjects and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2013 in a private medical college in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. A total of 247 participants from fourth, sixth, eighth semester and internship were chosen by convenience sampling method. Attitudinal data on perception towards SBL were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with responses in a 5-point Likert's scale.

Results:

The mean age of students was 21.3 (standard deviation 1.9) years, and males constituted 55.5% (137/247). Most participants 72.5% (179/247) had favorable perceptions of SBL, with scores of92–118 out of a possible 118 points. Favorable perception towards SBL was seen significantly more among female students (P = 0.04) and senior MBBS students of sixth and eighth semesters (P = 0.05). Nearly, all students (90.7%; 224/247) agreed that simulation supports the development of clinical skills. As many as 29.6% (73/247) agreed that real patients might be replaced with simulated patients in practical examinations.

Conclusion:

SBL was perceived as favorable by a large number of participants in this study indicating a bright prospect for its implementation in the medical curriculum.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic effect of the YHK phytocompound in hepatocytes: in view of an age-management liver-protecting approach

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) regulates cellular proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to test the in vitro effect of Yo Jyo Hen Shi Ko (YHK), a nutraceutical with prior data suggesting its hepatocyte-protecting role, in regulating RAGE in the proliferation of the HCC cell line HuH7 as well checking also its potential modulation in the expression of the transcriptional factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65. Our study showed that YHK significantly reduced cellular growth in the HuH7 cell line (p<0.05). Moreover, this phytocompound partly reduced gene expression of NF-κB p65 (by 35%, p<0.05). These data suggest that YHK has a potential role as a modulator of RAGE and RAGE ligands for potential healthy liver intervention in HCC prevention strategies.

SHIP-1 deficiency in the myeloid compartment is insufficient to induce myeloid expansion or chronic inflammation

SHIP-1 has an important role in controlling immune cell function through its ability to downmodulate PI3K signaling pathways that regulate cell survival and responses to stimulation. Mice deficient in SHIP-1 display several chronic inflammatory phenotypes including antibody-mediated autoimmune disease, Crohn's disease-like ileitis and a lung disease reminiscent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The ileum and lungs of SHIP-1-deficient mice are infiltrated at an early age with abundant myeloid cells and the mice have a limited lifespan primarily thought to be due to the consolidation of lungs with spontaneously activated macrophages. To determine whether the myeloid compartment is the key initiator of inflammatory disease in SHIP-1-deficient mice, we examined two independent strains of mice harboring myeloid-restricted deletion of SHIP-1. Contrary to expectations, conditional deletion of SHIP-1 in myeloid cells did not result in consolidating pneumonia or segmental ileitis typical of germline SHIP-1 deficiency. In addition, other myeloid cell abnormalities characteristic of germline loss of SHIP-1, including flagrant splenomegaly and enhanced myelopoiesis, were absent in mice lacking SHIP-1 in myeloid cells. This study indicates that the spontaneous inflammatory disease characteristic of germline SHIP-1 deficiency is not initiated solely by LysM-positive myeloid cells but requires the simultaneous loss of SHIP-1 in other hematolymphoid lineages.

A Visual Basic simulation software tool for performance analysis of a membrane-based advanced water treatment plant

A Visual Basic simulation software (WATTPPA) has been developed to analyse the performance of an advanced wastewater treatment plant. This user-friendly and menu-driven software is based on the dynamic mathematical model for an industrial wastewater treatment scheme that integrates chemical, biological and membrane-based unit operations. The software-predicted results corroborate very well with the experimental findings as indicated in the overall correlation coefficient of the order of 0.99. The software permits pre-analysis and manipulation of input data, helps in optimization and exhibits performance of an integrated plant visually on a graphical platform. It allows quick performance analysis of the whole system as well as the individual units. The software first of its kind in its domain and in the well-known Microsoft Excel environment is likely to be very useful in successful design, optimization and operation of an advanced hybrid treatment plant for hazardous wastewater.

Clinical efficacy of various root canal obturating methods in primary teeth: a comparative study

AIM

The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of different obturating methods used in primary teeth, when obturated using a combination of zinc oxide and iodoform paste (Endoflas F.S.).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A group of 29 patients aged 3-9 years and a total of 64 teeth were selected. These 64 teeth (32 anterior teeth=32 canals, and 32 posterior teeth=80 canals) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Teeth were obturated with Lentulo spiral, pressure syringe, bi-directional spiral and Pastinject. Post-operative evaluation was done for: quality of canal obturation, (underfilled, optimally filled, overfilled) and presence of voids.

RESULTS

Pastinject exhibited the highest number of optimally filled canals, while the highest number of underfilled canals were observed with bi-directional spiral, and the highest number of overfilled canals were observed with pressure syringe. A minimum number of voids was present in canals filled with the Pastinject technique and pressure syringe.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Pastinject was the most effective technique for obturation of primary teeth.

Effect of yogic intervention on the autonomic nervous system in the patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized controlled trial

In this study 258 patients from the Department of Cardiology in Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow were selected to participate. All had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease. They were randomly divided into 2 groups, the yoga group and the non-yoga group, 129 in each group; 208 completed the study protocol. The yogic intervention consisted of 35-40 min/day, 5 days a week over a period of 18 months in the Department of Physiology. Autonomic function testing was done in both the groups at zero time and after 18 months. We observed a statistically significant reduction in body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate (P < 0.05), i.e., a significant positive effect was observed when yoga therapy was used as an adjunct in patients with coronary artery disease.