Sustainable intensification of climate-resilient maize-chickpea system in semi-arid tropics through assessing factor productivity

Global trends show that the rapid increase in maize production is associated more with the expansion of maize growing areas than with rapid increases in yield. This is possible through achieving possible higher productivity through maize production practices intensification to meet the sustainable production. Therefore, a field experiment on "Ecological intensification of climate-resilient maize-chickpea cropping system" was conducted during consecutive three years from 2017-2018 to 2019-2020 at Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Results of three years pooled data revealed that ecological intensification (EI) treatment which comprises of all best management practices resulted in higher grain yield (7560 kg/ha) and stover yield compared to farmers' practice (FP) and all other treatments which were deficit in one or other crop management practices. Similarly, in the succeeding winter season, significantly higher chickpea yield (797 kg/ha) was recorded in EI. Further EI practice recorded significant amount of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and iron after completion of third cycle of experimentation (0.60%, 235.3 kg/ha,21.0 kg/ha,363.2 kg/ha,0.52 ppm and 5.2 ppm respectively). Soil enzymatic activity was also improved in EI practice over the years and improvement in each year was significant. Lower input energy use was in FP (17,855.2 MJ/ha). Whereas total output energy produced was the highest in EI practice (220,590 MJ ha-1) and lower output energy was recorded in EI-integrated nutrient management (INM) (149,255 MJ/ha). Lower energy productivity was noticed in EI-INM. Lower specific energy was recorded in FP and was followed by EI practice. Whereas higher specific energy was noticed is EI-INM. Each individual year and pooled data showed that EI practice recorded higher net return and benefit-cost ratio. The lower net returns were obtained in EI-integrated weed management (Rs. 51354.7/ha), EI-recommended irrigation management (Rs. 56,015.3/ha), integrated pest management (Rs. 59,569.7/ha) and farmers' practice (Rs. 67,357.7/ha) which were on par with others.

Evaluating newly approved drugs in combination regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis with fluoroquinolone resistance (endTB-Q): study protocol for a multi-country randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment for fluoroquinolone-resistant multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR TB) often lasts longer than treatment for less resistant strains, yields worse efficacy results, and causes substantial toxicity. The newer anti-tuberculosis drugs, bedaquiline and delamanid, and repurposed drugs clofazimine and linezolid, show great promise for combination in shorter, less-toxic, and effective regimens. To date, there has been no randomized, internally and concurrently controlled trial of a shorter, all-oral regimen comprising these newer and repurposed drugs sufficiently powered to produce results for pre-XDR TB patients.

METHODS

endTB-Q is a phase III, multi-country, randomized, controlled, parallel, open-label clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a treatment strategy for patients with pre-XDR TB. Study participants are randomized 2:1 to experimental or control arms, respectively. The experimental arm contains bedaquiline, linezolid, clofazimine, and delamanid. The control comprises the contemporaneous WHO standard of care for pre-XDR TB. Experimental arm duration is determined by a composite of smear microscopy and chest radiographic imaging at baseline and re-evaluated at 6 months using sputum culture results: participants with less extensive disease receive 6 months and participants with more extensive disease receive 9 months of treatment. Randomization is stratified by country and by participant extent-of-TB-disease phenotype defined according to screening/baseline characteristics. Study participation lasts up to 104 weeks post randomization. The primary objective is to assess whether the efficacy of experimental regimens at 73 weeks is non-inferior to that of the control. A sample size of 324 participants across 2 arms affords at least 80% power to show the non-inferiority, with a one-sided alpha of 0.025 and a non-inferiority margin of 12%, against the control in both modified intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations.

DISCUSSION

This internally controlled study of shortened treatment for pre-XDR TB will provide urgently needed data and evidence for clinical and policy decision-making around the treatment of pre-XDR TB with a four-drug, all-oral, shortened regimen.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT03896685. Registered on 1 April 2018; the record was last updated for study protocol version 4.3 on 17 March 2023.

Micromolar Metabolite Measurement in an Electronically Multiplexed Format

The detection of metabolites such as choline in blood are important in clinical care for patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease. Choline is only present in human blood at low concentrations hence accurate measurement in an affordable point-of-care format is extremely challenging. Integration of microfluidics on to complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology has the potential to enable advanced sensing technologies with extremely low limit of detection that are well suited to multiple clinical metabolite measurements. Although CMOS and microfluidics are individually mature technologies, their integration has presented challenges that we overcome in a novel, cost-effective, single-step process. To demonstrate the process, we present the microfluidic integration of a metabolomics-on-CMOS point-of-care platform with four capillary microfluidic channels on top of a CMOS optical sensor array. The fabricated device was characterised to verify the required structural profile, mechanical strength, optical spectra, and fluid flow. As a proof of concept, we used the device for the in-vitro quantification of choline in human blood plasma with a limit of detection of 3.2 M and a resolution of 1.6 M.

Evaluating newly approved drugs for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (endTB): study protocol for an adaptive, multi-country randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment of multidrug- and rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) is expensive, labour-intensive, and associated with substantial adverse events and poor outcomes. While most MDR/RR-TB patients do not receive treatment, many who do are treated for 18 months or more. A shorter all-oral regimen is currently recommended for only a sub-set of MDR/RR-TB. Its use is only conditionally recommended because of very low-quality evidence underpinning the recommendation. Novel combinations of newer and repurposed drugs bring hope in the fight against MDR/RR-TB, but their use has not been optimized in all-oral, shorter regimens. This has greatly limited their impact on the burden of disease. There is, therefore, dire need for high-quality evidence on the performance of new, shortened, injectable-sparing regimens for MDR-TB which can be adapted to individual patients and different settings.

METHODS

endTB is a phase III, pragmatic, multi-country, adaptive, randomized, controlled, parallel, open-label clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of shorter treatment regimens containing new drugs for patients with fluoroquinolone-susceptible, rifampin-resistant tuberculosis. Study participants are randomized to either the control arm, based on the current standard of care for MDR/RR-TB, or to one of five 39-week multi-drug regimens containing newly approved and repurposed drugs. Study participation in all arms lasts at least 73 and up to 104 weeks post-randomization. Randomization is response-adapted using interim Bayesian analysis of efficacy endpoints. The primary objective is to assess whether the efficacy of experimental regimens at 73 weeks is non-inferior to that of the control. A sample size of 750 patients across 6 arms affords at least 80% power to detect the non-inferiority of at least 1 (and up to 3) experimental regimens, with a one-sided alpha of 0.025 and a non-inferiority margin of 12%, against the control in both modified intention-to-treat and per protocol populations.

DISCUSSION

The lack of a safe and effective regimen that can be used in all patients is a major obstacle to delivering appropriate treatment to all patients with active MDR/RR-TB. Identifying multiple shorter, safe, and effective regimens has the potential to greatly reduce the burden of this deadly disease worldwide.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02754765. Registered on 28 April 2016; the record was last updated for study protocol version 3.3, on 27 August 2019.

Multifunctional NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for sodium-ion batteries, sensing, and photocatalysis

NiFe2O4 NPs synthesized by co-precipitation method exhibited excellent electrochemical properties towards sodium ion batteries and oxidation of uric acid. NiFe2O4 NPs also exhibited good catalytic activity for simultaneous degradation of multiple dyes.

Indian Publications on SARS-CoV-2: A bibliometric study of WHO COVID-19 database

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nowadays, the whole World is under threat of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many fatalities and forced scientific communities to foster their Research and Development (R&D) activities. As a result, there is an enormous growth of scholarly literature on the subject. We here in this study have assessed the Indian publications contributions on COVID-19.

METHODS

WHO is curating global scientific literature on coronavirus since it declared COVID-19 a global pandemic through Global Research Database on COVID-19. The present study analyzed Indian publications on SARS-CoV-2 as found in WHO COVID-19 database. The research data was restricted for the period of March 2, 2020 to May 12, 2020.

RESULTS

The study found that there is a considerable and constant growth of Indian publications on COVID-19 from mid-April. It is interesting to note that, the most prolific authors belong to either AIIMS or ICMR institutes. Delhi state contributed highest number of publications on COVID-19. The AIIMS, New Delhi was the most productive institution in terms of publications. The Indian Journal of Medical Research has emerged as the productive journal contributing highest number of the publications. In terms of research area, the majority of the publications were related to Epidemiology.

CONCLUSIONS

The highly cited publications were of evidenced based studies. It is observed that the studies pertaining to virology, diagnosis and treatment, clinical features etc. have received highest citations than general studies on epidemiology or pandemic.

Posthysterectomy ureteric injuries: Presentation and outcome of management

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the presentation and management of posthysterectomy ureteral injuries.

Patients and Methods:

Fourteen patients with ureteric injuries after hysterectomy for benign diseases were evaluated. The diagnosis was done based on clinical presentation, intravenous urogram, computed tomography, cystoscopy, and retrograde pyelogram (RGP) depending on the clinical situation.

Results:

Sixteen iatrogenic ureteric injuries in 14 patients over a 2-year period were evaluated. Hysterectomy was the cause of injury in all the cases, 12 abdominal and 2 were vaginal. Two patients presented with anuria, one had ureteric, and bladder injury with hemoperitoneum underwent emergency laparotomy and bilateral ureteral reimplantation. Another patient underwent RGP followed by stenting on the right side, left side unable to put stent so percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) was done followed by antegrade stenting later. Two patients presented with septicemia and pyonephrosis were managed initially with PCN followed by balloon dilatation and JJ stenting. RGP and retrograde stenting was done in seven of the remaining ten patients and ureteric reimplantation in three patients.

Conclusion:

Patient with ureteric injury should be evaluated and intervened at the earliest. Patients presenting early, within 2 weeks after hysterectomy have higher chances of success with endourological procedures, obviating the need for open surgery.

Encapsulation of curcumin over carbon dot coated TiO2 nanoparticles for pH sensitive enhancement of anticancer and anti-psoriatic potential

The surface engineering of rutile phase TiO₂ nanoparticles was performed by carbogenic carbon dots for biological applications.

Green teeth associated with hyperbilirubinemia: a case report

BACKGROUND

Green stain is an uncommon clinical condition associated with deposition of bilirubin in the dental hard tissues. The staining of the teeth is due to hyperbilirubinemia caused by systemic conditions.

CASE REPORT

The purpose of this report is to present a case of green teeth of the primary dentition in a 17-month old girl associated with hydrocephalus and Hirschprung's disease.

CONCLUSION

The clinical characteristics of the teeth may help in the diagnosis of current or past systemic diseases.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children with kidney disease

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinic-radiographic entity of heterogeneous etiologies that are grouped together because of similar findings on neuro-imaging and associated symptom complex of headache, vision loss, altered mentation, and seizures. Although usually considered benign and reversible, characteristics of this syndrome in pediatric patients remain obscure. This case series included 11 patients (8 males, 3 females, age 3-15 years) of PRES during September 2010 to February 2012 out of a total 660 renal pediatric patients (1.66%). We studied their clinical profile, contributory factors, and outcome. Presenting symptoms were headache in 73%, dimness of vision or cortical blindness in 36%, seizures in 91%, and altered mentation in 55%. The associated renal diseases were acute renal failure (55%), chronic renal failure (9%), and 36% had normal renal function. The contributory factors were uncontrolled hypertension (100%), severe hypoproteinemia (9%), persistent hypocalcemia (9%), hemolytic uremic syndrome (36%), cyclosporine toxicity (9%), lupus nephritis (9%), high hematocrit (9%), and pulse methylprednisolone (9%). Brain imaging showed involvement of occipito-parietal area (100%) and other brain areas (63%). All but one patient of hemolytic uremic syndrome had complete clinical neurological recovery in a week, and all had normal neurological imaging after 4-5 weeks. PRES is an underdiagnosed entity in pediatric renal disease patients. Associated hypertension, renal disease, and immunosuppressive treatment are important triggers. Early diagnosis and treatment of comorbid conditions is of prime importance for early reversal of syndrome.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in children with nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome in infancy and childhood can be associated with thromboembolic complications. We describe two cases of nephrotic syndrome who presented with non-specific findings. Magnetic resonance imaging brain with magnetic resonance venography showed thrombosis of multiple venous sinuses. Patients were successfully treated with anticoagulants and there was complete resolution of thrombosis on repeat imaging.

Study of oxidative stress and enzymatic antioxidants in normal pregnancy

Pregnancy is a physiological state accompanied by a high-energy demand and an increased oxygen requirement. Augmented levels of oxidative stress would be expected because of the increased intake and utilization of oxygen. Evidence of increased oxidative stress in normal pregnancy in comparison with nonpregnant controls was estimated by measuring Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), enzymatic antioxidants like Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase, Glutathione reductase and catalase. It was observed that pregnant women were more susceptible to oxidative damage than non-pregnants as indicated by increased TBARS and decreased antioxidants.

Preparation, Characterization, and H2S Sensing Performance of Sprayed Nanostructured SnO2 Thin Films

Nanostructured SnO2 thin films were prepared by spraying tin chloride dihydrate onto the heated glass substrate at 250°C. The films were fired at 500°C. As-prepared thin films were studied using XRD and FESEM to know crystal structure and surface morphology. The average crystallite and grain size observed from XRD and FF-SEM was found to be less than 33 and 67 nm, respectively. The films sprayed for 30 min were observed to be most sensitive to H2S at 250°C. The results are discussed and interpreted.

Improvement in the dissolution profile of diacerein using a surfactant-based solid dispersion technique

In an attempt to improve the dissolution rate of poorly aqueous soluble diacerein (DCN), solid dispersions (SDs) were prepared with a surfactant Pluronic® F 127 (PXMR) at drug to polymer ratios of 1:0.5, 1:1.5, and 1:2.5 (w/w) by an ordinary melting technique. The interaction of DCN with PXMR in all solid binary systems was evaluated by thin layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. TLC indicated an absence of chemical interaction of DCN with PXMR whereas FTIR studies demonstrated an existence of strong hydrogen bonding between them. A uniform molecular dispersion of DCN was observed in DSC thermograms, and this finding was further supported by loss of the crystalline and irregular shape of DCN detected in SEM photomicrographs. Dissolution studies were promptly conducted to examine the release rate performance of DCN from all binary systems. The drug dissolution properties of binary systems improved significantly in comparison to crystalline DCN. The rate and extent of DCN release were observed to be strongly dependent on the proportion of PXMR present within the formulations.

Potentiation of clopidogrel active metabolite formation by rifampicin leads to greater P2Y12 receptor blockade and inhibition of platelet aggregation after clopidogrel

BACKGROUND

 The thienopyridine P2Y(12) receptor antagonist clopidogrel reduces the risk of arterial thrombosis and individual pharmacodynamic responses to clopidogrel are believed to reflect the levels of active metabolite (AM) generated. Rifampicin increases the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel on platelet aggregation (PA). We studied the response to clopidogrel before and during administration of rifampicin in order to study the relationship between individual AM levels and P2Y(12) blockade.

METHODS

 Healthy volunteers received a 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel followed by 75 mg daily for 7 days and, after a washout period and treatment with rifampicin [300 mg twice a day (b.i.d.)], received the same regimen of clopidogrel. Clopidogrel AM levels were determined over 4 h after the clopidogrel loading dose and unblocked P2Y(12) receptor number was assessed using a (33) P-2MeSADP binding assay. PA was measured by optical aggregometry with ADP and TRAP.

RESULTS

 Rifampicin enhanced clopidogrel AM production [area-under-the-curve (AUC): clopidogrel 89±22 ng h mL(-1) , clopidogrel+rifampicin 335±86 ng h mL(-1) , P<0.0001], and P2Y(12) blockade (unblocked receptors: clopidogrel 48±24, clopidogrel+rifampicin 4±2, P<0.0001) and reduced PA (5 μmol L(-1) ADP: clopidogrel 20±4, clopidogrel+rifampicin 5±2, P<0.01). Increasing numbers of unblocked receptors were required for an aggregation response with a decreasing concentration of ADP. PA induced by ADP 2 μmol L(-1) was particularly sensitive to low levels of receptor blockade.

CONCLUSION

 Potentiation of clopidogrel AM production by rifampicin leads to greater P2Y(12) blockade and consequently greater inhibition of PA. PA responses to low concentrations of ADP are more sensitive to P2Y(12) blockade.

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of 5-iodopyrimidine analogs

4-Substituted-5-iodo-2-benzylthiopyrimidines were prepared efficiently in three steps. 2-Benzylthiopyrimidine on iodination in presence of base gave 5-iodo-2-benzylthiopyrimidine (1), which on chlorination with excess of POCl(3) furnished 4-chloro-5-iodo-2-benzylthiopyrimidine (2). Reaction of 2 with substituted aromatic amines, 2-aminopyridine and hydrazine hydrate yielded 4-amino-5-iodo-2-benzylthiopyrimidines 3(a-e), (3f) and (3g) respectively. Further, 4-hydrazino-5-iodo-2-benzylthiopyrimidine on condensation with substituted aromatic and heterocyclic aldehydes afforded the corresponding schiff bases 4(a-h). The structure of synthesized compounds have been established by spectral studies and elemental analysis. Synthesized compounds have been screened for antimicrobial activity. Compound 3f exhibited good antifungal activity against A. niger. The compounds 4a, 4c, 4d, 4g and 4h exhibited good antibacterial activity.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity in complicated pregnancies

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are pregnancy complications with serious consequences for mother and infant. Uncontrolled lipid peroxidation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and eclampsia by causing vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. Antioxidants serve to control lipid peroxidation. We attempted to ascertain whether antioxidant protective mechanisms are diminished in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant markers were assayed in 25 healthy non-pregnant women as a control group, 25 third trimester normal pregnant women, 25 preeclamptic and 25 eclamptic patients of the same trimester by standard spectrophotometer methods.

RESULTS

In preeclampsia and eclampsia malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, was significantly increased while enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase were significantly reduced as compared to normal pregnant women and non-pregnant controls.

CONCLUSION

Lipid peroxidation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and eclampsia. The decrease in antioxidants is probably due to a compensatory nature responding to the increased lipid peroxide load in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients and may indicate the severity of the disease.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in hypertensive pregnancies

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to evaluate the lipid peroxidation and non-enzymatic antioxidant status in hypertensive complications during pregnancy (preeclamptic and eclamptic) compared with healthy pregnant and non-pregnant patients as controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

25 healthy non-pregnant women as controls, 25 third trimester normal pregnant women and 25 preeclamptic and 25 eclamptic patients of the same trimester. Lipid peroxidation as a thiobarbituric acid reactive substance reduced glutathione, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

RESULTS

Lipid peroxidation was significantly elevated and significantly decreased levels of antioxidants were found in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients as compared with normal pregnant and control subjects.

CONCLUSION

Our study gives support to those few studies considering lipid peroxidation as an important factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and eclampsia. The decrease in antioxidants, probably of a compensatory nature responding to the increased peroxide load in preeclampsia and eclampsia, may reflect the severity of the disease.

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma of the kidney: a case report

Renal angiomyolipoma is a distinctive benign neoplasm that occurs either sporadically or in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. A 45-year-old woman was admitted with history offlank pain and vomiting. There were no signs suggestive of tuberous sclerosis either in the patient or her family. At operation, she had a left renal mass with nephrolithiasis and hydronephrosis. Histopathology revealed epithelioid angiomyolipoma of the left kidney with chronic pyelonephritis. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of angiomyolipoma. This case is presented to highlight the epithelioid variant of angiomyolipoma which may behave in an aggressive manner.

Bonding acrylic teeth to acrylic resin denture bases: a review

Partial or complete dentures are more commonly constructed for the elderly group of the population. Teeth debonding from the dentures can be frustrating to the patients as well as the dentist. Research has been carried out and is continuing to study the issue of bonding acrylic teeth to the denture base resin. The present review takes into account the majority of research papers published in the last five decades for determining the bond strength. Selection of more compatible combinations of denture base resins and acrylic teeth may reduce the number of prosthesis fractures and the resultant repairs.

Role of lipid peroxidation and enzymatic antioxidants in pregnancy-induced hypertension

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Preeclampsia remains a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. It is a leading indication for iatrogenic premature delivery. Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the factors in the disease process. The present study is centered on the concept that elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) due to a decline in the efficacy of antioxidant defenses may predispose an individual to preeclampsia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the present study we measured lipid peroxidation products (MDA) and the counteracting enzymatic antioxidants. The study comprises 25 healthy non-pregnant women as controls, 25 third trimester normal pregnant women and 25 preeclamptic patients of the same trimester. Estimation of lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and enzymatic antioxidants were carried out by standard methods.

RESULTS

In the preeclamptic group malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, was significantly increased while enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were reduced significantly as compared to normal pregnant and non-pregnant controls.

CONCLUSION

Increased levels of lipid peroxides and reduced antioxidant activities clearly demonstrate the presence of oxidative stress in preeclampsia.

Effect of ethanol extract of Rivea hypocrateriformis on the estrous cycle of the rat

The ethanol extract of Rivea hypocrateriformis was administered orally at the dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight to adult albino rats and resulted in an irregular estrous cycle with shortened estrus and metestrus, and with lengthened proestrus in non-dose dependent manner. Significant decreases in number of graffian follicles and corpora lutea and significant increases in number of atretic follicles in treated rats during experimental period indicated the antiovulatory effect of the extract. Increases in the weight of the uterus, its thickness and diameter indicated the uterotrophic effect of the extract. The significant increase in the level of cholesterol in the tissues of treated rats indicated the inhibition of steroidogenesis of cholesterol by ovarian endocrine tissues. Restoration of normal estrous cycles after withdrawal of treatment indicate the reversible effect of ethanol extract in rats.

Reactivation of motility of demembranated hamster spermatozoa: role of protein tyrosine kinase and protein phosphatases

Demembranated cauda epididymidal spermatozoa of hamster, following reactivation with 1 mm ATP, exhibited either a loop or planar type of motility. The spermatozoa with planar motility exhibited increased progressive velocity (VSL), straightness (STR), linearity (LIN) and beat cross frequency (BCF) compared to the spermatozoa with loop type motility. cAMP was observed to have differential effects on the motility parameters of the demembranated spermatozoa depending on the type of motility. For instance, in the loop type, average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and VSL were increased in the presence of cAMP unlike in the planar type. Furthermore, in an attempt to understand the role of protein kinases and protein phosphatases in regulation of sperm motility, the effects of various inhibitors of these enzymes on the motility and phosphorylation of proteins of reactivated demembranated spermatozoa were studied. Inhibitors of PTKase (protein tyrosine kinase) and protein phosphatases inhibited the motility of reactivated demembranated hamster spermatozoa. The activity of the respective enzymes associated with demembranated spermatozoa was concurrently inhibited, thus providing evidence that the effect of the inhibitors on motility was mediated through their inhibitory effects on the activities of the enzymes. The results also demonstrated that two phosphotyrosinylated proteins of molecular weight 65 and 80 kDa showed reduced phosphorylation in the presence of PTKase inhibitors, thus indicating their possible role in reactivation of motility of demembranated hamster spermatozoa.

HSP27 modulates agonist-induced association of translocated RhoA and PKC-alpha in muscle cells of the colon

The recruitment of signal transduction molecules to the membrane is crucial for the efficient coupling of extracellular signals and contractile response. The trafficking is dynamic. We have investigated a possible cross talk between agonist-induced association of translocated RhoA and translocated protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha) and a role for heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in mediating this interaction. Immunoprecipitation with HSP27 monoclonal antibody followed by immunoblotting with either RhoA antibody or PKC-alpha antibody indicated that acetylcholine induced associations of HSP27-RhoA and HSP27-PKC-alpha in the membrane fraction but not in the cytosolic fraction. Immunoprecipitation with anti-RhoA monoclonal antibody followed by immunoblotting with PKC-alpha antibody indicated that acetylcholine induced a significant complexing of RhoA-PKC-alpha in the membrane fraction but not in the cytosolic fraction. In summary, the data indicate that agonist-induced contraction is associated with 1) association of translocated RhoA with HSP27 on the membrane, 2) association of translocated PKC-alpha with HSP27 on the membrane, and 3) association of PKC-alpha with RhoA on the membrane. The data suggest an important role for HSP27 in modulating a multiprotein complex that includes translocated RhoA and PKC-alpha.

Semen characteristics of the captive Indian leopard, Panthera pardus

Semen samples from 11 Indian leopards (Pantherapardus) from 3 different zoos in India were collected by electroejaculation. A computer-aided semen analyzer (CASA) was used for assessing the quality of the semen vis-à-vis sperm motility. The volume of the ejaculate, sperm density, and the number of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa were found to be 1.57 +/- 1.26 mL, 55.78 million +/- 38.67 million per mL, 57.05% +/- 16.96% and 71.92% +/- 15.32%, respectively. Although the spermatology varied between individuals in the study, Box-Whisker-plot analysis suggested that the distribution was normal (P > .05). The ejaculated sperm were cryopreserved after diluting in test-yolk buffer. The post-thaw motility was 32.14% and did not differ at 30 or 60 days after cryopreservation. CASA indicated that the progressive velocity (VSL) of cryopreserved spermatozoa was decreased and, as a consequence, they moved more slowly than the neat (VSL 76.3 microm/sec in neat vs 53.8 microm/sec in cryopreserved spermatozoa) and the trajectories were less planar. However, both cryopreserved and neat spermatozoa penetrated the zona-free hamster oocyte with equal efficiency (79% neat vs 80% cryopreserved). The study also reports application of CASA for feline spermatozoa and provides information for the first time on the spermatology of the Indian leopard. This baseline data could be used in captive breeding programs. The results are compared and discussed with the available information on other felines.

GnRH and / or testosterone induced changes in reproductive activities during nonbreeding season in Calotes versicolor (Daud.)

Administration of Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) to male C versicolor during nonbreeding season increases the weight of testis;diameter of testis, seminiferous tubule, Sertoli and Leydig cell nuclei. It also activates the spermatogenic process. Increase in the weight of epididymis and lowered cholesterol level of testis indicate androgen production. Treatment of tesotsterone along with GnRH further enhances the activities of testis as a few spermatozoa appeared in the lumen of seminiferous tubule along with increase in other spermatogenic elements. It may be concluded that the exogenous GnRH can induce reproductive activities during nonbreeding season when the environmental conditions are unfavourable. Testosterone administration has the additive effect on these activities.

Antifertility and hormonal properties of flavones of Striga orobanchioides

The two flavones, apigenin and luteolin, isolated from Striga orobanchioides, were investigated for endocrine and contraceptive properties. Graded doses of these compounds (5-25 mg/kg body weight/day) when administered from day 1 to day 4 of pregnancy showed dose-dependent and significant anti-implantation activity. The mean effective Dose 100% (MED(100)) for both compounds was found to be 25 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of these compounds caused a significant increase in uterine weight in immature ovariectomised rats. It also caused a significant increase in uterine diameter, thickness of the endometrium and its epithelial cell height when compared with those of control rats. The uterotrophic potency was less than that of ethinyl estradiol. Simultaneous administration of these compounds with ethinyl estradiol caused a significant increase in uterine weight, uterine diameter, thickness of the endometrium and height of endometrial epithelium. The extent of these changes was also less than that in only ethinyl estradiol-treated rats. Hence the compounds exhibited estrogenic properties at their contraceptive dose level when given alone. However, along with ethinyl estradiol, they exhibited slight anti-estrogenic activity.

Inhibition of motility of hamster spermatozoa by protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Genistein, tyrphostin and piceatannol, which are specific inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase, were screened for their effects on the motility of intact and demembranated hamster spermatozoa. Of the three inhibitors only piceatannol inhibited the motility of intact spermatozoa. None of the inhibitors had any inhibitory effect on the reactivation of motility of demembranated hamster spermatozoa. Taken together these results indicated that a protein tyrosine kinase associated with the membrane of hamster spermatozoa was probably involved in sustenance of hamster sperm motility. Therefore in the present study a membrane-associated protein tyrosine kinase was purified from a detergent-soluble extract of plasma membranes of mature hamster spermatozoa. The purification involved cation exchange chromatography on fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) followed by affinity chromatography either on an antiphosphotyrosine antibody agarose or poly glu-tyr agarose column. The pure protein tyrosine kinase had an apparent molecular mass of 45 kDa. The enzyme was not inhibited by genistein or herbimycin but was inhibited by piceatannol. This is the first report on the purification of a sperm plasma membrane-associated protein tyrosine kinase, an enzyme which has also been implicated in hamster sperm motility.

Nicotine delays puberty in male rat

Immature male albino rats, 30 days of age, were treated with 0.3 mg nicotine/100 g body weight either orally or intraperitoneally for 30 days. All the animals were autopsied on the 61 st day, by which time they were sexually mature. Testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate gland and vas deferens were dissected out, weighed, and processed for biochemical and histological studies. Weight of testis and accessory sex organs of nicotine treated group was significantly reduced. The total cholesterol content was increased while protein, DNA and RNA contents were decreased. The acid phosphatase content was also decreased whereas that of alkaline phosphatase was increased. The surface epithelial cell height of accessory sex organs was decreased along with secretory activity. No spermatozoan was observed in the cauda epididymis of intraperitoneal nicotine treated rats. The changes in the testis and accessory sex organs may be due to reduced output of pituitary FSH and LH which are important to initiate the spermatogenesis and steroidogensis. The absence of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis and reduction in the activities of accessory sex organs indicates the delay caused by nicotine in the attainment of puberty.

Post-coital antifertility activity of Acalypha indica L

Four successive solvent extracts of the whole plant Acalypha indica L. (Euphorbiaceae) were tested for post-coital antifertility activity in female albino rats. Of these, the petroleum ether and ethanol extracts were found to be most effective in causing significant anti-implantation activity. The antifertility activity was reversible on withdrawal of the treatment of the extracts. Both the extracts at 600 mg/kg body weight showed estrogenic activity. Histological studies of the uterus were carried out to confirm this estrogenic activity.

Effect of graded doses of nicotine on ovarian and uterine activities in albino rats

Nicotine (2 and 4 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) administered to albino rats for 20 days decreased the number of healthy follicles and increased the number of regressing follicles in the ovary. Uterine weight, its diameter, thickness of myometrium and endometrium and height of epithelium were reduced. Increase in the ovarian cholesterol level and decrease in glycogen content in nicotine treated rats indicate the inhibition brought in the steroidogenesis which is dependent on pituitary gonadotrophins. Decreased protein content of the ovary and uterus may be due to their retarded growth. Reduced number of estrous cycle with prolonged metaestrus and diestrus also supports the decreased estrogen synthesis responsible for cornification of vaginal smear in nicotine treated rats.

Nicotine induced ovarian and uterine changes in albino mice

Nicotine at the dose level of 0.3 mg/100 g body weight was administered to normal cycling mice for 15 days through oral and intraperitoneal routes. At autopsy on 16th day significant reduction in the ovarian and uterine weight was observed. Histological observations showed decrease in the number and size of Graafian follicles, corpora lutea and increase in the atretic follicles in the ovary. The uterus showed absence of endometrial glands, decrease in the height of myometrium, endometrium and its epithelial cells. The total cholesterol content of the ovary and uterus is increased whereas the protein content is decreased. This antagonistic action of nicotine to gonadotrophins is discussed.

Efficacy of exogenous gonadotropins on the maintenance of spermatogenesis in pethidine treated albino rats

An attempt is made to induce the pethidine suppressed gonadal activities by the administration of exogenous gonadotropins (hCG, PMSG, hCG + PMSG). Administration of 5 IU gonadotropins either separately or in combination to the rats treated with pethidine for 30 days resulted in the significant increase in the weight of testis, diameter of testis and seminiferous tubules. Gonadotropin(s) treatment stimulated the spermatogenic activity which was inhibited by pethidine. Therefore the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids in the seminiferous tubules and spermatozoa in cauda epididymis is increased significantly. Decreased testicular cholesterol, increased protein content and weight of accessory sex organs indicate the rejuvenation of steroidogenesis. Combination of both the gonadotropins is more effective in bringing all these activities.

Nicotine induced inhibition of the activities of accessory reproductive ducts in male rats

Adult male albino rats were treated with 0.4 mg nicotine/100 g body weight either orally or intraperitoneally for 30 days. All animals were autopsied on the 31st day. Epididymis and vas deferens were dissected out, weighed and processed for biochemical estimations. Nicotine caused a reduction in the weight of epididymis and vas deferens in both drug treated groups. The total cholesterol content is increased while protein, DNA and RNA contents and the epididymal sperm count were decreased. The acid phosphatase content is also decreased, whereas alkaline phosphatase is increased. The surface epithelial cell height of these ducts is decreased and secretory activity is reduced with the disruption of epithelial cell projections. These changes may be due to non-availability of androgens in nicotine treated rats.

Testicular changes due to graded doses of nicotine in albino mice

Administration of graded doses of nicotine (0.2 mg, 0.4 mg and 0.6 mg/100 g body weight) for 15 days to the adult mice reduced the weight of testis, number of spermatocytes and spermatids, but increased the number of spermatogonia which may be due to reduced conversion to subsequent stages. There is a high cholesterol content and Sudanophilic lipid accumulation in the treated testis. The weight of accessory sex organs which is dependent on androgens produced by the testis is also reduced. These changes are brought because of the non-availability of pituitary gonadotrophins essential for initiation and completion of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in the testis due to the administration of nicotine, which being CNS depressor might have caused inhibition in the neural stimulus essential for release of pituitary gonadotrophins.

Antispermatogenic and androgenic activities of various extracts of Hibiscus rosa sinesis in albino mice

The benzene chloroform and alcoholic extracts of the flowers of H.r.sinensis were administered (i.p.) at two different dose levels of 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight to adult male albino mice for 20 days. The results have shown decrease in the spermatogenic elements of testis and epididymal sperm count. High content of testicular cholesterol may be due to lowered androgen synthesis. The increase in the weight of accessory reproductive organs indicates the androgenicity of the plant extract itself, which is proved in the present study by testing the benzene extract in immature mice.

Effect of benzene extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis on the estrous cycle and ovarian activity in albino mice

The benzene extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers was administered intraperitoneally at the dose levels of 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight to adult mice and resulted in an irregular estrous cycle with prolonged estrus and metestrus. An increase in the atretic follicles and the absence of corpora lutea indicate the antiovulatory effect of the extract. The extract also showed estrogenic activity in immature mice by early opening of the vagina, premature cornification of the vaginal epithelium and an increase in uterine weight. Therefore the antiovulatory effect may be due to an imbalance in the hormonal environment, as there may be an increase in the endogenous secretion of estrogen by atretic follicles, and also to the estrogenicity of the flower extract.

Antiandrogenic effect of Striga orobanchioides

The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Striga orobanchioides given for 7 days to immature male rats at a dose level of 200 mg/kg body weight caused a significant decrease in the weight of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and the ventral prostate. It also produced degenerative changes of Leydig cells, their nucleus, the seminiferous tubules and a significant decrease in the number of spermatocytes and spermatids. The seminiferous tubules of the treated rats are shrunken and compactly arranged. The antiandrogenic or antispermatogenic effect of the extract is discussed.

Antifertility activity of Striga orobanchioides

Four successive solvent extracts of the whole plant Striga orobanchioides have been screened for antifertility activity in albino rats. Of these the ethanolic extract was found to be most effective in causing significant anti-implantation activity. The antifertility activity was reversible on withdrawal of treatment with the extract. The ethanolic extract at 200 mg/kg showed estrogenic activity. Histological studies of the uterus were carried out to confirm this estrogenic activity.

Induction of spermatogenesis by exogenous gonadotrophins during nonbreeding season in Calotes versicolor

Treatment of exogenous gonadotrophins(PMSG, hCG and PMSG+hCG) to male C. versicolor during nonbreeding phase resulted in increased weight of testis and its diameter. The seminiferous tubular diameter was also increased and tubules were filled with spermatogenic elements like spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The results suggest that mammalian nonpituitary gonadotrophins(PMSG and hCG) also posses the potency to stimulate spermatogenesis in reptilian testis. Lowered cholesterol levels of testis, increased weight and protein content of epididymis after gonadotrophins treatment indicate that the exogenous gonadotrophins could initiate the steroidogenesis in testis. Interstitial space was enlarged and filled with active Leydig cells. Spermatogenesis was not complete as no spermatozoa were observed in the lumen of seminiferous tubule. The factors essential for the completion of spermatogenesis are discussed.