Scrotal circumference: A predictor of testosterone concentration and certain attributes of seminal vesicles influencing buffalo male fertility

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of scrotal circumference (SC) with plasma testosterone, seminal vesicles (SVs) weight, and its secretion as measurable indicators of fertility and also to sequence and establish phylogenetic relatedness of certain SV protein genes with other species as such integrated approach is lacking.

Materials and Methods:

Altogether, 59 apparently healthy male buffaloes sacrificed at slaughterhouse were selected (irrespective of breed) for measuring SC and collecting blood and paired SVs. The SC was measured at greater curvature using soft thread. In the present study, blood plasma testosterone, cholesterol, protein, and glucose in addition to SV fructose, citric acid and proteins in SV fluid were also estimated. The SV tissue was fixed in RNAlater for RNA extraction. Male buffaloes were categorized as per total SV weight into Group I (<5.0 g), Group II (5.0-7.84 g), and Group III (>8.0 g) and dentitions-I (≤18 months), II (18-24 months), and III (≥24 months) to assess the effect of weight and dentition age on SC, SV weight, and its certain secretions. Data were analyzed using linear model procedure including Tukey HSD test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Variance inflation and condition index were also used to assess multicollinearity.

Results:

Gross and histomorphological evaluation of SVs did not show any abnormality. Macronutrients (plasma protein, glucose, and cholesterol) showed non-significant (p>0.05) variation between groups. The SC and SV weight varied significantly (p<0.05) with a significant positive relationship with plasma testosterone, SV protein, fructose, and citric acid. In addition, testosterone concentration also showed increasing trend from Groups I to III but increased significantly (p<0.05) from Group II to III with positive and significant correlations with SV protein, fructose, and citric acid similar to SV weight and SC. Binders of sperm protein (BSP1, 3, and 5) genes (full length) were sequenced and established an evolutionary relationship which is lacking in buffalo.

Conclusion:

The present findings established a significant positive correlation of SC with that of other fertility parameters related to SVs weight and its secretions: Fructose, citric acid, and protein (inclusive of BSPs sequenced full length), and testosterone. Therefore, the present integrated approach along with certain semen quality attributes reflecting epididymis function could be used as a predictive fertility marker for grading and selection of breeding bulls and their progenies to develop outstanding bull mother farm.

Moyamoya syndrome in hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia: A rare presentation and association

Moyamoya disease is an idiopathic, nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory, chronic progressive cerebrovascular disease characterized by bilateral stenosis or occlusion of the arteries around the circle of Willis, typically the supraclinoid internal carotid arteries, followed by extensive collateralization, which are prone to thrombosis, aneurysm, and hemorrhage. Secondary moyamoya phenomenon or moyamoya syndrome (MMS) occurs in a wide range of clinical scenarios including prothrombotic states such as sickle cell anemia, but the association with other hemoglobinopathies is less frequently observed. We describe a case of a 25-year-old female with hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia who had a rare presentation of MMS in the form of choreoathetoid movements in the left upper and lower extremities. We describe this association, primarily to emphasize thalassemia as an extremely rare but a potential etiology of MMS. Since MMS is a progressive disease, it is important to diagnose and initiate treatment to prevent worsening of the disease and recurrence of stroke.

Effects of developmental lead exposure on the hippocampal methylome: Influences of sex and timing and level of exposure

Developmental lead (Pb) exposure results in persistent cognitive/behavioral impairments as well as an elevated risk for developing a variety of diseases in later life. Environmental exposures during development can result in a variety of epigenetic changes, including alterations in DNA methylation, that can influence gene expression patterns and affect the function and development of the nervous system. The present promoter-based methylation microarray profiling study explored the extent to which developmental Pb exposure may modify the methylome of a brain region, hippocampus, known to be sensitive to the effects of Pb exposure. Male and female Long Evans rats were exposed to 0 ppm, 150 ppm, 375 ppm, or 750 ppm Pb through perinatal exposures (gestation through lactation), early postnatal exposures (birth through weaning), or long-term postnatal exposures (birth through postnatal day 55). Results showed a significant contribution of sex to the hippocampal methylome and effects of Pb exposure level, with non-linear dose response effects on methylation. Surprisingly, the developmental period of exposure contributed only a small amount of variance to the overall data and gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed the largest number of overrepresented GO terms in the groups with the lowest level of exposure. The highest number of significant differentially methylated regions was found in females exposed to Pb at the lowest exposure level. Our data reinforce the significant effect that low level Pb exposure may have on gene-specific DNA methylation patterns in brain and that this occurs in a sex-dependent manner.

Study on correlation of sperm quality parameters with antioxidant and oxidant status of buffalo bull semen during various stages of cryopreservation

This investigation was carried out to study the correlation of sperm quality parameters with antioxidant and oxidant status of buffalo bull semen during various stages of cryopreservation. Semen samples were evaluated for sperm parameters (mass motility [MM], concentration [CON], progressive motility [PM], viability [VIB], acrosomal integrity [AI] and hypo-osmotic swelling [HOS] response), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) and oxidants (Lipid peroxidation [LPO] and reactive oxygen species [ROS]) at fresh, pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Sperm parameters (PM, VIB, AI and HOS response) and antioxidants (SOD, CAT and TAC) were significantly (p < .05) reduced at fresh stage, and oxidants (LPO and ROS) were significantly (p < .05) increased at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. At fresh stage, MM was negatively correlated with LPO (p < .05), and CON was positively correlated with SOD, TAC and CAT, negatively correlated with LPO and CAT was positively (p < .01) correlated with VIB and HOS response. At pre-freeze stage, CAT was positively correlated with PM and AI (p < .05), and AI was negatively (p < .05) correlated with ROS. At post-thaw stage, CAT was positively correlated with PM, VIB, HOS response and AI,, and LPO was negatively correlated with HOS, AI and VIB. The study of correlations of these parameters at different preservation stages with bull fertility may play an important role in developing models for predicting future fertility of bulls in the absence of conception rate data.

OCO-2 advances photosynthesis observation from space via solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence

Quantifying gross primary production (GPP) remains a major challenge in global carbon cycle research. Spaceborne monitoring of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), an integrative photosynthetic signal of molecular origin, can assist in terrestrial GPP monitoring. However, the extent to which SIF tracks spatiotemporal variations in GPP remains unresolved. Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2)'s SIF data acquisition and fine spatial resolution permit direct validation against ground and airborne observations. Empirical orthogonal function analysis shows consistent spatiotemporal correspondence between OCO-2 SIF and GPP globally. A linear SIF-GPP relationship is also obtained at eddy-flux sites covering diverse biomes, setting the stage for future investigations of the robustness of such a relationship across more biomes. Our findings support the central importance of high-quality satellite SIF for studying terrestrial carbon cycle dynamics.

Effect of Liquid Nitrogen Flushing of Extender on Seminal Antioxidant Profile of Murrah Buffalo during Cryopreservation

BACKGROUND

The dissolved oxygen in the extender may act as a source for the production of reactive oxygen species that may lead to reduced seminal antioxidant profile which in turn may be responsible for impaired frozen thawed sperm quality and fertility.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of adding liquid nitrogen into the extender on semen freezability and seminal antioxidant profile in buffalo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen extender was prepared freshly and divided into two sub extenders namely, Extender I: control (non deoxygenated) and Extender II: partially deoxygenated by using LN₂ flushing). The estimation of dissolved oxygen (DO) level was done in both extenders. Semen samples with mass motility of ≥ 3+ and individual progressive motility of 70% and above, collected from murrah buffalo bulls were utilized for the present study. Each semen sample was split into two group's viz., group I: diluted with extender I and group II: diluted with extender II up to 60×10⁶ sperm/mL. The diluted semen samples were packed into French mini straws (0.25 mL), sealed with polyvinyl alcohol powder, kept for 3 h at 5°C for equilibration and then kept in automatic programmable freezer until temperature of straws reached -145°C followed by plunging into liquid nitrogen (-196°C). The evaluation of semen samples was carried out for various seminal attributes (sperm motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) response) and antioxidant profile (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) at pre freeze and post thaw stage.

RESULTS

Sperm motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, HOS response were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group II as compared to group I. The average seminal SOD, GPx and TAC levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group II as compared to group I at pre freeze and post thaw stage.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that partial deoxygenation of the extender prior to its addition to semen enhances sperm quality in terms of sperm motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) response and also improves seminal antioxidant profile (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Degradation of chlortetracycline using immobilized laccase on Polyacrylonitrile-biochar composite nanofibrous membrane

The continuous release of antibiotic compounds through wastewater effluent into environment has raised concerns about their potential problems for different organisms. Enzymatic degradation with laccase is a green option for removal of pharmaceutical compounds from aqueous media. In this study, laccase was immobilized onto homemade Polyacrylonitrile-biochar composite nanofibrous membrane and the obtained biocatalyst was employed for removal of chlortetracycline, a widely used antibiotic, from aqueous media in continuous mode. The results showed that the immobilized laccase has improved storage, temperature and pH stability compared to free laccase. Also, it retained more than 50% of its initial activity after 7cycles of ABTS oxidation which indicated improved enzyme reusability. Finally, while using immobilized laccase for degradation of chlortetracycline in continuous mode exhibited 58.3%, 40.7% and 22.6% chlortetracycline removal efficiency at flux rates of 1, 2 and 3mL/h∙cm².

Seasonal occurrence of Japanese encephalitis vectors in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is one of the most common causes of acute encephalitis syndrome in many states of India. Uttar Pradesh state is well known for JE endemicity, contributing 75% of total cases during recent past. Several sporadic cases have been reported from Bareilly region of the state. The disease spread by bite of Culex mosquito. Survey of literature revealed no data on mosquito fauna with reference to JE in this region. Therefore, this study was planned to survey seasonal mosquito population and occurrence of JE vectors in Bareilly region.

METHODS

Mosquitoes were sampled on monthly basis from organized pig farm from February 2016 to January 2017 and identified using mosquito identification keys. The meteorological parameters of the area were obtained monthly and standard statistical methods were used to assess the relationship between different weather variables and mosquito population.

RESULTS

A total of 4337 mosquitoes belonging to five genera were collected. Mosquitoes of genus Culex were predominant and contributed 84.41% to the total catch. The most dominant species was Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (30.81%), followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus (28.50%), Cx. gelidus (17.24%), Cx. pseudovishnui (11.85%), Cx. vishnui (8.11%), Cx. fuscocephala (2.70%), Cx. infula (0.76%) and Cx. bitaeniorhynchus (0.03%). Pronounced seasonal variation was observed with majority of mosquitoes showing high density in monsoon and post-monsoon period.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The present study provides knowledge on distribution of JE vector in Bareilly which indicates that the area is at risk of JE outbreak. Abundance of Culex vector clearly demarcates possible threat of JE incidence in the study area. A long-term entomological study is needed to further evaluate the significant role of different weather variables in shaping mosquito densities.

Note: A compact external-cavity diode laser, using feedback from an optical fiber

We demonstrate a simple and compact external cavity diode laser (ECDL), where light reflected from the tip of an optical fiber provides feedback, and an interference filter provides frequency selection. The ECDL combines ease of construction with robust operation and exhibits a linewidth of 50 kHz.

Lice induced immuno-oxidative wreckage of goats

The present study aimed to evaluate the immuno-oxidative patho-biology of lice infestation in goats. Sixty goats were divided into five groups; sucking lice (Linognathus africanus) infested (Group 1, n=12), chewing lice (Bovicola caprae) infested-mild (Group 2, n=12), chewing lice (B. caprae) infested-moderate (Group 3, n=12), chewing lice (B. caprae) infested-severe (Group 4, n=12) and healthy control (Group 5, n=12). To assess the pathological changes, markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation-LPO, reduced glutathione-GSH, superoxide dismutase-SOD, Catalase-CAT and total antioxidant capacity-TAC), the markers of immune status (Tumour necrosis factor alpha- TNF-α, Interleukin-10- IL-10, Transforming growth factor beta 1- TGF-β1, ratios of TNF-α/IL-10 and TNF-α/TGF-β1) and hemato-biochemical status were evaluated. Significant anemia, hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in caprine pediculosis irrespective of the type of lice infested. Remarkably increased oxidative stress was observed in chewing lice infested goats and no significant changes in oxidative stress markers were observed in sucking lice infested goats. TGF-β mediated suppression of Th1 and Th2 immune responses was observed in sucking lice infested goats; whereas, a Th2 cytokine dominant inflammatory response was observed in chewing lice infested goats. From the present study, it may be concluded that sucking lice infestation produces remarkable immunosuppression and chewing lice infestation produces significant oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in goats.

Characterization and establishment of a reference deltamethrin and cypermethrin resistant tick line (IVRI-IV) of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

The problem of ticks and tick borne diseases is a global threat and growing reports of resistance to commonly used insecticides further aggravated the condition and demands for country specific resistance monitoring tools and possible solutions of the problem. Establishment of standard reference is prerequisite for development of monitoring tools. For studying possible role of different mechanisms involved in development of resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus population and to develop newer drug to manage the problem of resistance, a deltamethrin exposed and selected tick colony, referred to as IVRI-IV, was characterized using reference susceptible IVRI-I tick line as control. The RF values of IVRI-IV ticks against deltamethrin, cypermethrin and diazinon were determined as 194.0, 26.6, 2.86, respectively, against adults. The esterase enzyme ratios of 2.60 and 5.83 was observed using α-naphthyl and β-naphthyl acetate while glutathione S-transferase (GST) ratio was 3.77. Comparative analysis of IVRI-I and IVRI-IV carboxylesterase gene sequences revealed 13 synonymous and 5 non synonymous mutations, reported for the first time. The C190A mutation in the domain II S4-5 linker region of sodium channel gene leading to leucine to isoleucine (L64I) amino acid substitution was also detected in the IVRI-IV population. In the present study, monitorable indicators for the maintenance of the reference IVRI-IV colony, the first established deltamethrin and cypermethrin resistant tick line of India, were identified.

Immobilized laccase on oxygen functionalized nanobiochars through mineral acids treatment for removal of carbamazepine

Biocatalytic treatment with oxidoreductase enzymes, especially laccases are an environmentally benign method for biodegradation of pharmaceutical compounds, such as carbamazepine to less harmful compounds. However, enzymes are required to be immobilized on supports to be reusable and maintain their activity. Functionalization of support prior to immobilization of enzyme is highly important because of biomolecule-support interface on enzyme activity and stability. In this work, the effect of oxidation of nanobiochar, a carbonaceous material produced by biomass pyrolysis, using HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃ and their mixtures on immobilization of laccase has been studied. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the structure of nanobiochars remained intact after oxidation and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of carboxylic groups because of acid treatment. Titration measurements showed that the sample treated with H₂SO₄/HNO₃ (50:50, v/v) had the highest number of carboxylic groups (4.7mmol/g) and consequently the highest efficiency for laccase immobilization. Additionally, it was observed that the storage, pH and thermal stability of immobilized laccase on functionalized nanobiochar was improved compared to free laccase showing its potential for continuous applications. The reusability tests towards oxidation of 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) showed that the immobilized laccase preserved 70% of the initial activity after 3cycles. Finally, using immobilized laccase for degradation of carbamazepine exhibited 83% and 86% removal in spiked water and secondary effluent, respectively.

Adsorption study of environmentally relevant concentrations of chlortetracycline on pinewood biochar

The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in water and wastewater has raised concerns because of potential environmental impacts and thus their removal is of high importance. The adsorption behavior of chlortetracycline (CTC) from aqueous solution on raw and activated pinewood biochar was studied at 298 K. The effect of initial pH of the solution was studied by performing the experiment at three different pHs (1, 5 and 9). At each pH, CTC showed varied electrostatic charge (+1, 0 and -1, respectively) which affected its adsorption. The results indicated that CTC followed Langmuir isotherm and the related parameters were calculated. Also, it was observed that the maximum adsorption occurred at pH1. The adsorption capacity of CTC for raw and activated biochar was at least 2.1 and 208.3mg/g adsorbent, respectively. The characteristics of biochars were studied using zeta potential analyzer, laser size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that raw and activated biochars are promising candidates for removal of CTC from water due to the acidic character of pinewood that can result in better interaction with ionizable compounds at lower pHs.

Croix CM, Watkins S, Shen Z, Li Y, Greenberg ML, Tokarska-Schlattner M, Boissan M, Lacombe ML, Epand RM, Chu CT, Mallampalli RK, Bayır H, Schlattner U. NDPK-D (NM23-H4)-mediated externalization of cardiolipin enables elimination of depolarized mitochondria by mitophagy

Mitophagy is critical for cell homeostasis. Externalization of the inner mitochondrial membrane phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), to the surface of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) was identified as a mitophageal signal recognized by the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3. However, the CL-translocating machinery remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that a hexameric intermembrane space protein, NDPK-D (or NM23-H4), binds CL and facilitates its redistribution to the OMM. We found that mitophagy induced by a protonophoric uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), caused externalization of CL to the surface of mitochondria in murine lung epithelial MLE-12 cells and human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells. RNAi knockdown of endogenous NDPK-D decreased CCCP-induced CL externalization and mitochondrial degradation. A R90D NDPK-D mutant that does not bind CL was inactive in promoting mitophagy. Similarly, rotenone and 6-hydroxydopamine triggered mitophagy in SH-SY5Y cells was also suppressed by knocking down of NDPK-D. In situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) showed that mitophagy-inducing CL-transfer activity of NDPK-D is closely associated with the dynamin-like GTPase OPA1, implicating fission-fusion dynamics in mitophagy regulation.

Modulatory role of leptin on ovarian functions in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the modulatory role of leptin on bubaline granulosa cells (GCs) and luteal cells (LCs) functions using an in vitro cell culture system and to establish a cross talk between leptin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). GCs were collected from group IV follicles (>13 mm size) and LCs from mid-luteal phase corpus luteum and were grown in serum-containing media supplemented with leptin at three different dose rates (0.1, 1, and 10 ng/mL) and time durations (24, 48, and 72 hours). We evaluated the production and secretion of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) using RIA and the mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STARD1), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CYP11A1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1), anti-apoptotic gene PCNA, pro-apoptotic gene caspase 3 and endothelial cell marker, Von Willebrand factor (vWF), using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results depicted a direct inhibitory action of leptin on GCs steroidogenesis in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05), whereas in the presence of IGF-1 the inhibitory effect was reverted. Furthermore, leptin augmented both cellular proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (caspase 3). On the other hand, in LCs, leptin alone showed an apparent stimulatory effect on steroidogenesis (P < 0.05); however, in the presence of IGF-1, an antagonistic effect was witnessed. Moreover, leptin had an inhibitory effect on apoptosis while promoted cellular proliferation and angiogenesis. These findings were further strengthened by immunocytochemistry. To conclude, these observations for the first time reported that in buffaloes leptin has a direct dose-, time-, and tissue-dependent effect on ovarian steroidogenesis, angiogenesis, and cytoprotection, and furthermore, it can regulate the effect of systemic factors like IGF-1. Hence, this in vitro study provides an insight into the putative roles of leptin alone and its interactions in vivo.