Anopheles salivary apyrase regulates blood meal hemostasis and drives malaria parasite transmission

Mosquito salivary proteins play a crucial role in regulating hemostatic responses at the bite site during blood feeding. In this study, we investigate the function of Anopheles gambiae salivary apyrase (AgApyrase) in Plasmodium transmission. Our results demonstrate that salivary apyrase interacts with and activates tissue plasminogen activator, facilitating the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, a human protein previously shown to be required for Plasmodium transmission. Microscopy imaging shows that mosquitoes ingest a substantial amount of apyrase during blood feeding which reduces coagulation in the blood meal by enhancing fibrin degradation and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Supplementation of Plasmodium infected blood with apyrase significantly enhanced Plasmodium infection in the mosquito midgut. In contrast, AgApyrase immunization inhibited Plasmodium mosquito infection and sporozoite transmission. This study highlights a pivotal role for mosquito salivary apyrase for regulation of hemostasis in the mosquito blood meal and for Plasmodium transmission to mosquitoes and to the mammal host, underscoring the potential for new strategies to prevent malaria transmission.

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.

Mineral Element Insiders and Outliers Play Crucial Roles in Biological Evolution

The geosphere of primitive Earth was the source of life’s essential building blocks, and the geochemical interactions among chemical elements can inform the origins of biological roles of each element. Minerals provide a record of the fundamental properties that each chemical element contributes to crustal composition, evolution, and subsequent biological utilization. In this study, we investigate correlations between the mineral species and bulk crustal composition of each chemical element. There are statistically significant correlations between the number of elements that each element forms minerals with (#-mineral-elements) and the log of the number of mineral species that each element occurs in, and between #-mineral-elements and the log of the number of mineral localities of that element. There is a lesser correlation between the log of the crustal percentage of each element and #-mineral-elements. In the crustal percentage vs. #-mineral-elements plot, positive outliers have either important biological roles (S, Cu) or toxic biological impacts (Pb, As), while negative outliers have no biological importance (Sc, Ga, Br, Yb). In particular, S is an important bridge element between organic (e.g., amino acids) and inorganic (metal cofactors) biological components. While C and N rarely form minerals together, the two elements commonly form minerals with H, which coincides with the role of H as an electron donor/carrier in biological nitrogen and carbon fixation. Both abundant crustal percentage vs. #-mineral-elements insiders (elements that follow the correlation) and less abundant outsiders (positive outliers from the correlation) have important biological functions as essential structural elements and catalytic cofactors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes membrane: a screen for evaluating the activity of some traditional plant extracts

The extraction of plant constituents is essential to isolate biologically active compounds and understanding their role in disease prevention, treatment and in knowing their toxic effects as well. However, meager information is available about the properties and biological activities of phytochemicals derived from certain plants found in Allahabad and adjoining areas. Keeping this information in view, we prepared aqueous extracts and determined their biochemical properties including their impact on the activity of human RBC's acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The UV—Visible spectrophotometric profiles of the aqueous extracts of different parts of the four plant species viz. Calotropis procera, Datura metal, Cannabis sativa, Argemone mexicana and Thevitia peruviana displayed two major peaks at 302 and 336 nm corresponding to the presence of different flavonoids in these preparations. These extracts indicated presence of protein in the range of 1.12 to 19.25mg/g wet weight of the plant tissues. The impact of different phytochemicals present in these extracts was studied on the activity of AChE isolated from human erythrocytes (RBCs). The extracts derived from Argemone mexicana and Datura metal exhibited strong AChE inhibitory potential, whereas others did not show significant inhibition even at higher concentrations. The results indicate that human RBC's can be used as a potential biomarker towards evaluation of the efficacy and toxic potential of varied plant extracts.

Neutraceutical approaches to control diabetes: A natural requisite approach

Objective:

The aim of this study is to screen the polyherbal preparation for antidiabetic activity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The blood glucose lowering activity of the polyherbal preparation-I (1:1:1 of wheat germ oil, Coraidrum sativum, and Aloe vera) was studied in normal rats after oral administration at doses of 1.0 ml/kg and 2.0 ml/kg and polyherbal preparation-I, II (wheat germ oil, fresh juice of C. sativum, and A. vera in the ratio of 2:2:1), and III (wheat germ oil, fresh juice of C. sativum and A. vera in the ratio of 1:2:2) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, after oral administration at doses of 1.0 ml/kg and 2.0 ml/kg. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein method at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h in normal rats and in diabetic rats at 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days. Blood plasma glucose was estimated by the GOD/POD (glucose oxidase and peroxidase) method. The data were compared statistically by using the one-way ANOVA method followed by the Dunnett multiple component test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

The polyherbal preparation-I produced significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the blood glucose level of normal rats and polyherbal preparation-I, II, and III produced significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the blood glucose level of diabetic rats during 30-day study and compared with that of control and glibenclamide.

Conclusion:

The polyherbal preparation-I showed a significant glucose lowering effect in normal rats and polyherbal preparation-I, II, and III in diabetic rats. This preparation is going to be promising antidiabetic preparation for masses; however, it requires further extensive studies in human beings.