030226   ASTAWA I N M, OKA I B M, DWINATA I M (Udayana Univ, Denpasar Bali 80232, Indonesia, Email: mantik.astawa@unud.ac.id) : Antibody immunoglobulin G1 and immunoglobulin G2a responses against some cystic fluid proteins of Cysticercus bovis in Balb/c mice. Vet World 2018, 11(11), 1641-7.

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 and IgG2a are the surrogate markers respectively for humoral and cellular immune responses of hosts against antigens including cystic fluid proteins of Cysticercus bovis. A study was conducted to investigate the IgG1 and IgG2a responses of Balb/c mice against some individual cystic fluid proteins of C. bovis in an effort to determine the roles of each protein in inducing the humoral and cellular immune responses in host. Individual p71, p31, and p14 proteins of C. bovis were purified by separation of the proteins using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and elution of individual proteins from the gel. Six female Balb/c mice were immunized 4 times at 10-day intervals with the crude cystic fluid proteins, and sera were collected for the measurement of IgG1 and IgG2a levels against the individual proteins. Sera samples collected before the first immunization were used as negative antibody control, sera samples collected after the fourth immunization were used as positive antibody control, and crude cystic fluid protein was used as positive antigen control. All immunized mice were immune to p71, p31, p14, and crude cystic fluid proteins of C. bovis. The crude cystic fluid proteins of C. bovis induced a higher IgG2a than IgG1 level following the first and the second immunizations but switched into a higher IgG1 than IgG2a level following the fourth immunization. Protein 71 kDa (p71) induced a higher IgG2a than IgG1 level following the fourth immunization. In contrast, p14 induced a higher IgG1 than IgG2a level following the fourth immunization. Low and balance IgG1 and IgG2a levels against p31 were observed following the first to the fourth immunizations. Using IgG1 and IgG2a levels as the surrogate markers, it appears that cystic fluid antigens of C. bovis induce both humoral and cellular immune responses in Balb/c mice. The p71 appears to be a better inducer of cellular immune response, whereas p14 is a better inducer of humoral immune response of mice.

4 illus, 34 ref

030222   AIT-KAKI A, DIAW M T, GEDA F, MOULA N (Animal Production Dep, Liege Univ, B-4000 Liege, Belgium, Email: Nassim.Moula@uliege.be) : Effects of Artemisia herba-alba or olive leaf (Olea europaea) powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass yield, and blood biochemical parameters in broilers. Vet World 2018, 11(11), 1624-9.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Artemisia herba-alba (white wormwood) or olive leaf (Olea europaea) powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass yield, and serum biochemical parameters in broilers. The study was conducted from April to May 2017 in Chemini region, Northern Algeria. A total of 60 1-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were divided into three groups consisted of 10 chicks, in each of two replications. The chicks in Group 1 were fed with a standard commercial diet (SCD); Group 2 received the same SCD with 2 % supplementation of A. herba-alba powder; and Group 3 received the same SCD with 2 % supplementation of O. europaea powder. Growth performance was measured with body weights every 2 weeks, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and carcass yield at the end of 42 days of rearing. Blood samples were collected to analyze serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and total protein levels. Results showed that, at 42 days of rearing, supplementation of O. europaea and A. herba-alba significantly increased (p < 0.001) mean body weight (2230.10 ± 26.38 g and 2117.42 ± 26.38 g, respectively, vs. 2336.66 ± 27.88 g in chicks of Group 1), but there was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) among the three diets for FCR or percentage carcass yield. Among the serum biochemical parameters, glucose was significantly affected (p < 0.01) by supplementation of olive leaf powder (1.90 g/L: Group 3), compared to the SCD (2.24 g/L: Group 1) or Artemisia powder (2.05 g/L: Group 2). Moreover, the supplementation of olive leaf powder in Group 3 broilers significantly affected (p < 0.05) the serum cholesterol level (0.95 g/L), compared to the control diet (1.13 g/L). There was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) for the other selected serum biochemical concentrations, namely triglycerides, urea, and total protein. The supplementation of Artemisia or olive leaf powder into the diet for broilers improved body weight by about 5 % or 10 %, respectively, at slaughter with moderate changes in blood biochemical parameters.

3 tables, 38 ref

030269   KUMAR A, MISHRA A K, SWAIN D K, SINGH V, YADAV S, SAXENA A (Physiology Dep, U.P. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Email: dilip_swain@yahoo.com) : Role of transient receptor potential channels in regulating spermatozoa functions: A mini-review. Vet World 2018, 11(11), 1618-23.

Flagellar navigation along the genital tract of male and female in spermatozoa is accomplished through a number of biological, physiological, biochemical, and electrophysiological alterations in spermatozoa. These alterations are highly precise, dynamic, and regulated through a number of ion channels along with their associated pathways. Beating of flagella along with intracellular metabolism of spermatozoa is associated with fluxing of Ca++ as well as release of Ca++ from different sources. Calcium fluxing through the spermatozoa is mediated through sperm-specific calcium channel and also through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels which are diversified multifamily of ion channels which are activated through a number of extracellular agents such as pH, temperature, chemicals, and pathogens. Research has shown the dynamic role of TRP channels in regulating sperm functions such as sperm chemotaxis, rheotaxis, thermotaxis, and eventually fertilization. Diversified forms of TRP and their involvement in regulation of sperm function opens new horizons of understanding of the sperm function and, in specific, issues related to infertility. This mini-review is an attempt to draw some insights into the action of TRP channels in regulating sperm fertility competence through both calcium-dependent and calcium-independent mechanisms.

1 illus, 4 tables, 51 ref

030346   YBAÑEZ R H D, RESUELO K J G, KINTANAR A P M, YBAÑEZ A P (Biology and Environmental Science Dep, The Philippines Cebu Univ, Cebu City, Philippines, Email: dr.adrianpybanez@gmail.com) : Detection of gastrointestinal parasites in small-scale poultry layer farms in Leyte, Philippines. Vet World 2018, 11(11), 1587-91.

Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites can affect poultry productivity by compromising its health. It is well studied in other countries, but the documented reports in the Philippines have been limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of GIT parasites in selected small-scale poultry layer farms in Leyte, Philippines. A total of 243 stool samples from eight small-scale poultry layer farms in Leyte, Philippines, were examined for GIT parasites using floatation and sedimentation technique. Profile parameters were also obtained. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Statistical significance between GIT parasite positivity and profile parameters was determined using Chi-square test. GIT parasites were detected in 92.2 % of the samples (24.7 % with single infection, 42.0 % with 2-3 parasites, and 25.5 % with three or more parasites). The common parasites detected were Ascaridia spp. (41.2 %), Heterakis spp. (59.3 %), Capillaria spp. (10.7 %), Eimeria spp. (43.2 %), and Strongyloides spp. (74.1 %). Some profile parameters, including farm location, years in business, number of workers, nearby water system, the practice of fecal cleaning, and presence of other animals, were found to be significantly associated with GIT positivity. GIT parasites were detected in the poultry of small-scale layer farms in selected areas in Leyte, Philippines. This finding calls for the importance of routine GIT parasite monitoring and the implied need for regular deworming or dewormer rotation in the area.

1 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

030319   SISWANTO F M, JAWI I M, KARTIKO B H (Biochemistry Dep, Dhyana Pura Univ, Badung, Indonesia, Email: ferbianms@undhirabali.ac.id) : The role of E3 ubiquitin ligase seven in absentia homolog in the innate immune system: An overview. Vet World 2018, 11(11), 1551-7.

The innate immune system has been considered as an ancient system and less important than the adaptive immune system. However, the interest in innate immunity has grown significantly in the past few years marked by the identification of Tolllike receptors, a member of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). The PRRs are crucial for the identification of self- and non-self-antigen and play a role in the initiation of signaling events that activate the effective immune response. These sensor signals through interweaving signaling cascades which result in the production of interferons and cytokines as the effector of immune system. Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifiers (UBLs) actively mediate the rapid and versatile regulatory processes that initiate the activation of the innate immune system cascade. The seven in absentia homolog (SIAH) is a potent RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase that is known to involve in several stress responses, including hypoxia, oxidative stress, DNA damage stress, and inflammation. In this review, the role of SIAH will be discussed as an E3 ubiquitin ligase on the regulation of innate immune.

3 illus, 64 ref

030276   MANSOURI N, AOUN L, DALICHAOUCHE N, HADRI D (Veterinary Medicine Dep, Chadli Bendjedid Univ, El-Tarf, Algeria, Email: avinanou@gmail.com) : Yields, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity of two Algerian essential oils against 40 avian multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains. Vet World 2018, 11(11), 1539-50.

The aim of this study is to investigate, in vitro, a possible antibacterial activity of Algerian essential oils (EOs) of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and that of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) against multidrug-resistant avian Escherichia coli strains and this in a perspective of their future use as a substitute for antibiotics (ATBs). In addition to the reference strain of E. coli ATCC 25922, 40 strains of avian E. coli have been isolated (24 strains of broilers and 16 of turkeys), their antimicrobial resistance profile was determined by antibiogram tests against 21 ATBs whereupon they were subjected to the action of two Algerian EOs; the EO of Thyme (T. vulgaris L.) and that of Coriander (C. sativum L.), which oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and this for the determination of their chemical composition. The antibacterial activity, resulting in zones of inhibition, was evaluated by carrying out, in triplicate, aromatograms for both pure EO and that which has been diluted to 15 % in Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), while the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the two EOs were highlighted by the method of liquid macrodilution. Antibiogram performance demonstrated an alarming state of antimicrobial resistance, the multidrug resistance rate was estimated at 100 % for the broilers chicken strains and at 81.25 % for strains isolated from turkeys, hydrodistillation allowed to obtained EOs with yields estimated at 1.22 ± 0.26 % for Thyme EO and 0.23 ± 0.15% for the essence of Coriander, the GC-MS analysis identified 19 main compounds and showed that the majority chemical components were Carvacrol (73.03 %) for Thyme volatile oil and Linalool (60.91 %) for Coriander EO, aromatograms and the determination of MIC concluded that the EO of Thyme showed a greater antibacterial activity with an average of the zones of inhibition estimated at 26.75 ± 0.426 mm and MIC ranging from 0.07 to 0.93 mg/ml against an average of the inhibition zones evaluated at 17.05 ± 0.383 mm and MICs evaluated between 0.6 and 10 mg/ml for the EO of Coriander. In aviculture, these results seem to be very promising in the case where we think about the replacement of ATBs by EOs, in vivo studies would be very interesting to confirm or invalidate this hypothesis.

7 tables, 97 ref

030259   JONOVA S, ILGAZA A, GRINFELDE I, ZOLOVS M (Latvia Life Sciences and Technologies Univ, LV-3004, Latvia, Email: sintija.jonova@llu.lv) : Impact of the flour of Jerusalem artichoke on the production of methane and carbon dioxide and growth performance in calves. Vet World 2018, 11(11), 1532-8.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the growth performance, to measure the amount of methane (CH₄ ) and carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) in calves’ rumen, and to compare the obtained results between the control group (CoG) and the experimental group (Pre12) which received the additional supplement of the prebiotic inulin. The research was conducted with ten Holstein Friesian (Bos taurus L.) crossbreed calves with an average age of 33 ± 6 days. Calves were split into two groups: 5 calves that were fed with the control non-supplemented diet (CoG) and 5 calves that were fed with the same diet further supplemented with 12 g of flour of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) containing 6 g of prebiotic inulin per 0.5 kg of barley flour diet (Pre12). The duration of the experiment was 56 days. CH₄ and CO₂ were measured using cavity ringdown spectroscopy device Picarro G2508. The weight and samples from calves’ rumen were evaluated 3 times during the experimental period - on the 1^st, 28^th, and 56^th days. Samples were obtained by puncturing the calf rumen. The weight gain (kg) during the whole experimental period was higher in the Pre12 (65.8 ± 6.57) compared to CoG (36.8 ± 7.98) calves (p < 0.001). The daily weight gain was also increased in the Pre12 (1.2 ± 0.12) than CoG (0.7 ± 0.14) calves (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the levels of CH₄ and CO₂ produced in the rumen of CoG and Pre12 calves (p > 0.05). The main results showed that the prebiotic inulin can promote weight gain in calves, without affecting the mean concentration of CH₄ and CO₂ in calves’ rumen.

3 tables, 36 ref

030343   WIDJIATI W, SOEHARSONO S, DHAMAYANTI Y (Veterinary Anatomy Dep, Airlangga Univ, Surabaya, Indonesia, Email: widjiati@fkh.unair.ac.id) : The profiling of pre- and post-warming DNA in mouse embryos with microsatellite method. Vet World 2018, 11(11), 1526-31.

This research aimed to identify the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profile and changes of post-warming embryo after being frozen with vitrification method using microsatellite method. This research examined the mouse embryo blastocysts that were divided into four groups: Postwarming living blastocyst, post-warming living blastocyst with half fragmented cell, post-warming dead blastocyst, and pre-freezing living blastocyst. The isolation sample applied phenol-chloroform method. After obtaining polymerase chain reaction results, all the samples of pre-freezing fresh embryo, post-warming living embryo, dead embryo, and degenerated embryo were then examined by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The amplification with D18mit14 primer was 100 bp and 150 bp with D18mit87 primer, 150 bp with D7mit22, and 300 bp with D7mit25. The result of SSCP with D18mit14 primer showed that the blastocysts were fragmented and dead after warming process and formed into two DNA strand fragments, while the fresh embryos which passed freezing process did not form any fragment. D18mit87 primer SSCP indicated different fragments for each treatment. The result of SSCP using D7mit22 formed two different fragments for each treatment. While using D7mit25, the SSCP result formed some different fragments for each sample. Post-warming living embryo had similar ribbon to pre-freezing fresh embryo. D7mit222, D7mit25, and D18mit87 primers could be used as the aneuploidy marker on mouse embryos that were induced by post-warming process. The profile of living blastocyst, dead blastocyst, and post-warming fragmented blastocyst had different DNA tapes.

5 illus, 29 ref

030299   PRABHAKAR C (Sam Higginbottom Agriculture Univ, Uttar Pradesh) : Relationship of iron with other nutrients. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2018, 7(6), 290-4.

We need nutrients for maintenance of constant body weight and for ensuring proper body function. Infants and young children grow rapidly and require nutrients not only for maintenance but also for growth. They require relatively more nutrients (2-3 times) per kg body weight than adults. In physiological conditions like pregnancy and lactation, adult woman needs additional nutrients to meet the demand for foetal growth and maternal tissue expansion in pregnancy and milk secretion during lactation. These extra intakes of nutrients are essential for normal growth of infants in utero and during early post-natal life. The aim of the study is to find the correlation of iron with other nutrients. When considering their children's nutrition, parents often think more about fat grams, carbs, and calories, and forget about iron, a mineral that is important to help building red blood cells. We can get iron from food source vegetables. The level of iron and other nutrients were highly correlated, the level of iron can affect human body growth and health also. Iron helps in RBC maintenance. The study suggests more emphasis on dietary iron intake and probably recommend iron supplements for the socioeconomically compromised class who probably cannot afford dietary sources of iron. There was a positive correlation between levels of iron with other nutrients.

13 ref

030268   KOJO H, EGUCHI Y, MAKINO K, TERADA H (Systems Pharma Sciences Research Organization, Chiba, Japan) : Versatile pharmacological activities of phytochemicals through their effects on nuclear receptors. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2018, 7(6), 251-64.

Phytochemicals are well-known to exert versatile pharmacological activities, and these activities had been ascribed to their antioxidative activity and ability to interact with membranes. This review focuses on the activities of phytochemicals against nuclear receptors (NRs) and summarizes recent progress in this area, leading to elucidation of the versatile pharmacological activities of phytochemicals. The in vitro modes of action of 94 phytochemicals on 19 NRs and their in vivo modulatory activities in regulating the physiological functions of NRs, as well as the modulatory activities of some phytochemicals against NR signaling networks in the regulation of aquaporins and circadian rhythm, are described. These studies have revealed not only that there are phytochemicals capable of modulating multiple NRs but also that NRs perform their physiological roles in co-operation with other NRs through crosstalk between them as well as working independently. Hence, further efforts are needed to clarify the entire picture of the pharmacological activities of phytochemicals against NRs.

3 illus, 103 ref

030344   YADAV T, SINGH V, ACHARYA V S, YADAV R (Entomology Div, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Rajasthan) : Molecular approaches and their role in integrated pest management. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2018, 7(6), 145-50.

Recent advances in plant molecular biology have opened new avenues for the production of genetically engineered plants and in the precise transfer of novel genes into crop plants from diverse sources. A series of genes has been transferred through various transformation techniques including genes for several agronomically important traits such as herbicide resistance, enzyme inhibiters (amylase inhibiters, protease inhibiters), lectin proteins, disease and insect resistance. The application of transgenic technology has resulted in useful GM insect-resistant varieties by genetic engineering (GE). Crops expressing Cry toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been planted globally and are a vital tool for pest control. Molecular techniques employed for identifying and monitoring establishment and dispersal of specific biotypes of natural enemies. Production, formulation and storage of entomopathogenic fungi can be dramatically improved through biotechnology and genetic engineering.

67 ref

030311   SAMANDARI-BAHRASEMAN M R, JAHANSHAHI M, BARBARIHA S A, ELYASI L (Anatomy Dep, Golestan Univ of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran, Email: elyasi@goums.ac.ir) : Altered micro-RNA regulation and neuroprotection activity of Eremostachys labiosiformis in Alzheimer's disease model. Ann Neurosci 2018, 25(3), 160–5.

Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is involved in the formation of senile plaques in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and causes neuronal cell death by inducing oxidative stress. We investigated the protective effect of Eremostachys labiosiformis extract against the Aβ-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Methanolic extract from the aerial parts of E. labiosiformis was prepared by percolation method at room temperature. SH-SY5Y cells were treated and incubated with different concentrations of the extract for 1 h, before addition of Aβ. Cytotoxicity was measured 24 h after the addition of Aβ to the medium using MTT and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. Effective doses were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction to evaluate expression of miR-212 and miR-132. The results were analyzed using SPSS software (16). Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to Aβ significantly affected the viability of cells and increased ROS levels. The results revealed that 1.2 and 2.5 μg/mL of the E. labiosiformis extract reduced Aβ-induced deterioration. Only 2.5 μg/mL of the extract could reduce ROS levels. In addition, 5 μg/mL of the extract increased the expression of the miRNAs, which was reduced after exposure to Aβ. Based on the antioxidant and protective effects of the E. labiosiformis extract on expression of miR-132 and miR-212 and ROS level, this herb could be used as a suitable candidate for future studies on neurodegenerative diseases including AD.

6 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

030284   MUNISWAMI D M, KANTHAKUMAR P, KANAKASABAPATHY I, THARION G (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Dep, Christian Medical Coll, Vellore - 632 004, Email: durai.morgan@gmail.com) : Motor recovery after transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rat models of spinal cord injury. Ann Neurosci 2018, 25(3), 126-40.

Neuronal tissue has a limited potential to selfrenew or get repaired after damage. Cell therapies using stem cells are promising approaches for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) injuries. However, the clinical use of embryonic stem cells is limited by ethical concerns and other scientific consequences. Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC) could represent an alternative source of stem cells for replacement therapy. Indeed, many studies have demonstrated that MSCs can give rise to neuronal cells as well as many tissue-specific cell phenotypes. Motor recovery by transplantation of bone marrow MSCs in rat models of spinal cord injury (SCI). Bone marrow was collected from the femur of albino Wistar rats. MSCs were separated using the Ficoll-Paque density gradient method and cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 20 % fetal bovine serum. Cultured MSC was characterized by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry and neuronal-induced cells were further characterized for neural markers. Cultured MSCs were transplanted into the experimentally injured spinal cord of Wistar rats. Control (injured, but without cell transplantation) and transplanted rats were followed up to 8 weeks, analyzed using the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scale and electromyography (EMG) for behavioral and physiological status of the injured spinal cord. Finally, the tissue was evaluated histologically. Rat MSCs expressed positivity for a panel of MSC markers CD29, CD54, CD90, CD73, and CD105, and negativity for hematopoietic markers CD34, CD14, and CD45. In vitro neuronal transdifferentiated MSCs express positivity for β III tubulin, MAP2, NF, NeuN, Nav1.1, oligodendrocyte (O4), and negativity for glial fibrillary acid protein. All the treated groups show promising hind-limb motor recovery BBB score, except the control group. There was increased EMG amplitude in treated groups as compared to the control group. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled MSC survived and differentiated into neurons in the injured spinal cord, which is responsible for functional recovery. Our results demonstrate that BM-MSC has the potential to repair the injured cord in rat models of SCI. Thus, BM-MSC appears to be a promising candidate for cell-based therapy in CNS injury.

10 illus, 79 ref

028971   MODI L C, KHASATIYA C T, PATEL M D, TYAGI K K, MODI F (Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics Dep, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Gujarat - 396 450) : Prepartum administration of vitamin E and selenium injection and its abiding effect on calf weight, placental weight and expulsion time of fetal membrane in Surti buffaloes. Indian J Anim Health 2018, 57(2), 195-200.

A study was conducted on twenty (20) Surti buffaloes during their transient period categorized into two groups; treatment (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. In treatment group of animals to which 10 mL DL-$\mathrm{\alpha }$ tocopheryl acetate I.P. equivalent to tocopherol (vitamin E) base -50 mg, sodium selenite U.S.P. equivalent to selenium base -1.5 mg in each mL (E-CARE Se) and in control group animals 10 mL normal saline injected i/m on 60^th, 45^th, 30^th and 15^th day before expected date of parturition and after parturition on 15^th and 30^th day. The mean expulsion time of fetal membranes in the treatment group was found to be significantly shorter than that of control group. The mean placental weight in the treatment group was found to be non-significantly lower than that of control group. The calf weight in the treatment and control group did not differ significantly.

1 table, 25 ref

028917   DEEPTHI B, PUSHPA R N R, SRIVANI M, KAVITHA K L, SUBRAMANYAM K V (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, NTR Veterinary Science Coll, Andhra Pradesh - 521 102) : Seroprevalence patterns of bovine brucellosis in organised and unorganised farms of coastal Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian J Anim Health 2018, 57(2), 175-82.

Brucellosis is an economically important infection of livestock and humans due to the reproductive problems it causes and also the risk to the public health. A study of bovine brucellosis was conducted using different serological tests to determine the disease status in an organized dairy farm and two private dairy farms in coastal area of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 445 serum samples from 200 cattle and 245 buffaloes were screened using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), Serum agglutination test (SAT), Lateral flow assay (LFA) and Indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA). An overall prevalence of 9.88 %, 7.78 %, 6.29 % and 7.86 % was detected by RBPT, SAT, LFA and i-ELISA respectively. The present study identified overall high prevalence of bovine brucellosis in un-organized private farms particularly in female white cattle. RBPT and i-ELISA can be used successfully to declare the disease status of the herd and to implement control programmes like test and culling of the affected animals and adoption of strict hygienic measures in the farm.

2 tables, 18 ref

028934   GOSWAMI T K (Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122) : Blocking T-cell negative signal reduce tumor burden to minimal. Indian J Anim Health 2018, 57(2), 137-40.

Sustainable T-cell activation for tumor regression without inducing autoimmunity has been targeted by the cancer biologist. Alternatively blocking the T-cell negative signaling that has a retarding effect on T-cell activation signal may preclude tumor progression an unusual approach has been proposed recently. The proponent of the new concept James Patrick Allison working at US and Tasuku Honjo from Japan conceptualized that activation signal is similar like accelerator and negative signal is brake of a moving car, therefore releasing the brake may propel the vehicle forward without additional acceleration. Both Allison and Honjo has shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for the year 2018 for their original concept of blocking T-cell negative signal in cancer immunotherapy. Specific blocking of CTLA-4 and PD-1 two distinct protein molecules expressed on T-cell by Allison and Tasuku Honjo respectively using monoclonal antibody eventually leads to tumor regression in clinical cases.

9 ref

028918   DESHPANDE A C, PRABHUDESAI N, DESHPANDE C V (Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed Univ, Pune - 411 043, Email: aditi_8729@yahoo.co.in) : Incidence of clinical and subclinical cystoid macular edema in diabetic and non-diabetic patients after cataract surgery by means of optical coherence tomography. Delhi J Ophthalmol 2018, 29(2), 39-43.

To evaluate the incidence of clinical and subclinical cystoid macular edema in diabetic and non-diabetic patients after cataract surgery by means of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). A total of 30 eyes of 30 patients (15 diabetic and 15 non-diabetic) aged between 50 and 80 years diagnosed to have cataract were enrolled. Patients were investigated for absence of any evidence of macular edema with OCT before surgery. After undergoing cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implant, OCT was again carried out at post operative 1st week and 4th week to know the foveal thickness and total macular volume. Similarly distance visual acuity was recorded at post-operative 1st and 4th week on Snellen’s visual acuity chart. The comparison was done between visual acuity and OCT readings obtained in non-diabetic and diabetic patients to know the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME). There was no significant change found between foveal thickness measured pre-operatively and post-operatively at 1st and 4th week in diabetic and non-diabetic group but significant increase of total macular volume was found at post operative 4 weeks when compared with baseline in nondiabetic (p=<0.001) and diabetic group (p=0.035). There was a significant correlation found in foveal thickness and visual acuity in diabetic patients at 4th week of surgery. This study has shown a low incidence of subclinical CME. OCT showed increased macular volume in both groups of patients in a small percentage of cases.

4 illus, 7 tables, 17 ref

029000   SHETTY M, THULASIDAS N, JOHN N, HEGDE C (Prosthodontics Dep, NITTE Deemed to be Univ, Karnataka, Email: nivijae89@gmail.com) : Microbial analysis and determination of antibiotic susceptibility of dental laboratory equipments and laboratory attire. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(4), 607-12.

This study was done to determine the level and type of microbial contamination present on the surface of various dental laboratory equipment and laboratory attire and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of these isolated pathogens. The samples were divided into following groups: six groups of dental laboratory equipment (articulators, facebow, fox plane, polishing buff, micromotor handpiece, and surveyors) and dental attire of laboratory technicians and students. A total of 33 swabs were collected from each dental laboratory equipment, namely, articulators, facebow, fox plane, polishing buff, micromotor handpiece, and surveyors. The dental laboratory attire of students and dental technicians were analyzed separately. The swabs were collected from the laboratory attire at the end of the week, and they were washed once a week and at the beginning of the week. The groups are Group 1 – dental laboratory attire (students), Group 2 – dental laboratory attire (technicians), Group 3 – polishing buff, Group 4 – facebow, Group 5 – surveyor, Group 6 – fox plane, Group 7 – articulator, and Group 8 – micromotor handpiece. The moistened swabs were inoculated into the broth and subcultured on to the MacConkey Agar plates, and then incubated aerobically at 37$°$C for 24 h. The organisms were identified based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and standard biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolated organisms were done according to the CLSI guidelines. The collected data were statistically analyzed. The data collected were entered into a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 22 (Armonk, NY, IBM Corp.). The frequency and mean standard deviation of the samples were analyzed using Fisher’s exact value test. Percentage of resistance among the isolates to different antimicrobials was also determined. The microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, coagulase‑negative Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, nonfermenting Gram‑negative bacteria, and Bacillus species. The mean microbial levels in dental laboratory attire were more (5 log₁₀ colony‑forming units [CFU]) compared with dental equipment (3 log₁₀ CFU–4 log₁₀ CFU). Furthermore, most of the isolated organisms showed increased antimicrobial resistance. Majority of the isolated organisms were not a part of the normal oral microflora and are capable of causing various diseases. The increased resistance to the antimicrobials showed by the isolated organisms proves that there are increased chances of multiresistant organisms to occur in the future.

4 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

028939   HENDRIJANTINI N, ROSTINY R, KUNTJORO M, SIDHARTA K, WIYONO D S P, ANINDYANARI A, SALIM S (Prosthodontics Dep, Airlangga Univ, Indonesia, Email: nike-h@fkg.unair.ac.id) : The effect of combination spirulina-chitosan on angiogenesis, osteoclast, and osteoblast cells in socket models of hyperglycemic Rattus norvegicus. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(4), 582-6.

Prolongation of the inflammatory process in hyperglycemic interferes with bone formation, inhibits the healing process, and triggers bone resorption. A combination of spirulina and chitosan in the tooth socket of Rattus norvegicus is expected to promote the bone remodeling process. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of spirulina and chitosan on angiogenesis, osteoclast, and osteoblast cell in tooth socket models of type 1 diabetes. A laboratory‑based experiment involving 36 R. norvegicus, divided into three groups (nondiabetes mellitus (DM), uncontrolled DM, and controlled DM) and further divided into six subgroups. The controlled groups (K1, K2, and K3) were induced with 3 % carboxymethyl cellulose Na, while the treated groups were induced with 12 % spirulina and 20 % chitosan. On the 14^th day, the mandibles of the rats were removed. The capillary lumen, osteoblasts, and osteoclast cells were counted by hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal examination and the results analyzed by means of Shapiro–Wilk, Levene’s, one‑way ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey’s honestly significant difference test. There was a significant increment in the number of capillary lumen, osteoblast cells, and a decrease in osteoclasts in all three treated groups (P1, P2, and P3). A combination of spirulina and chitosan can effectively promote the healing process in postextraction sockets of type 1 DM R. norvegicus.

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

028985   PRAHASANTI C, ULFAH N, KUSUMA I I, HAYATI N, ERNAWATI D S, KRISMARIONO A, BRAMANTORO T (Periodontology Dep, Airlangga Univ, Indonesia, Email: chiquita-p-s@fkg.unair. ac.id) : Transforming growth factor-β1 and runt-related transcription factor 2 as markers of osteogenesis in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth enriched bone grafting. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(4), 574-6.

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are one source of adult stem cells which can proliferate and differentiate into many types of tissues than any other stem cells. SHED represent potential stem cells for therapeutic therapy and tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF‑β1) and runt‑related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold with SHED. Eight experimental animals were divided into two groups. The first group was transplanted with HA and the second with HA and SHED. The expression of TGF‑β1 and RUNX2 was seen 21 days later by means of immunohistochemical analysis. Data were analyzed using an independent t‑test with a significance level of 5 %. The analysis results of an independent t‑test showed a significant difference between the two groups. The second group given HA with SHED showed a significantly higher expression of TGF‑β1 and RUNX2 than that of the first group. Expression of TGF‑β1 and RUNX2 occurs after the application of HA with SHED, while TGF‑β1 and RUNX2 expression in the HA with SHED group was significantly higher than in the group without SHED.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

028984   PRABAKAR J, JOHN J, ARUMUGHAM I M, KUMAR R P, SAKTHI D S (Public Health Dentistry Dep, Saveetha Univ, Chennai - 600 039, Email: jayashriprabakar@ yahoo.com) : Comparing the effectiveness of probiotic, green tea, and chlorhexidine- and fluoride-containing dentifrices on oral microbial flora: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(4), 560-9.

Oral cavity harbors wide variety of microorganisms; these are considered crucial for the dental caries initiation and progression. Plaque‑induced caries is a local disease; therefore, dentifrices are the most ideal vehicle for the daily delivery of antibacterial agents. In recent years, alternatives to fluorides such as green tea, probiotic, and chlorhexidine (CHX) toothpastes have been proposed to possess antiplaque and anticariogenic properties. To compare the effectiveness of probiotic, green tea, and CHX‑ and fluoride‑containing dentifrices on oral microbial flora. A double‑blinded, parallel group, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among healthy adults. Fifty‑two individuals were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 13): Group I – green tea dentifrice, Group II – fluoridated dentifrice, Group III – CHX dentifrice, and Group IV – probiotic dentifrice. Plaque and saliva samples were evaluated for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus at baseline and 15^th and 30^th days of follow‑up. Paired t‑test and one‑way ANOVA were used to compare the mean differences of plaque and salivary S. mutans counts at two and three time periods. Wilcoxon signed‑rank and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the mean Lactobacillus count in plaque and saliva samples at two and three time periods, respectively. The mean S. mutans and Lactobacillus counts in plaque and saliva samples were significantly reduced by all the treatment groups at the 30^th day of follow‑up. However, Group III showed the highest reduction and was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). All the four groups exhibited antimicrobial activity by bringing about a significant reduction in the mean S. mutans and Lactobacillus colony counts at the 30th day of follow‑up. Among all the preventive modalities, Group III (CHX dentifrice) showed better results compared to other groups.

6 illus, 7 tables, 42 ref

028913   COLLINS J R, OLSEN J, CUESTA A, SILVA-VETRI M, HERNÁNDEZ M, ROMANOS G, SANTOSH A B R, PALMA P (Periodontology Dep, Pontificia Catolica Madre Y Maestra Univ, Dominican Republic, Email: jamescollins@pucmm. edu.do) : In vitro microbiological analysis on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and inhibitory action on matrix metalloproteinases-8 of commercially available chlorhexidine digluconate mouth rinses. Indian J Dent Res 2018, 29(6), 799-807.

Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinses are known to have a beneficial effect in the management of periodontal disease. The present study was designed to investigate the antibacterial, anti‑inflammatory, and matrix metalloproteinases‑8 (MMP‑8) inhibition efficacy of eight commercially available CHX mouthrinses from the Dominican Republic. The study samples are categorized into two categories, eight commercially available CHX mouthrinses were case sample group, and positive and negative controls used in the study are categorized as control sample group. Antibacterial activity of the samples was evaluated on bacterial strains obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Rockville, MD USA) which were Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Eikenella corrodens, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The study samples 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 showed significant higher antibacterial efficacy and sample 4 and 7 were less effective. Samples 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 showed higher antibacterial efficacy with no bacterial colonies formation in dilution assay method, whereas sample 8 showed smaller colonies of bacterial growth. The halo diameter found to be average in sample 8 with 13 mm, whereas sample 9 showed 12.5 + 3.48 mm, sample 1 was with a mean of 11.79 + 3.51 mm. The smaller halo diameter and minimal antibacterial activity were observed in samples 4 (mean of 3.5 + 5.95 mm) and 7 (3.5 + 7.70 mm). All eight samples showed statistically significant higher MMP‑8 inhibition activity with P < 0.0001. Commercially available CHX digluconate mouthrinses showed the difference in plaque inhibition with 0.12 and 0.15 % concentration.

3 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref

028967   MEGALAA N, THIRUMURUGAN K, KAYALVIZHI G, SAJEEV R, KAYALVIZHI E B, RAMESH V, VARGEESE A (Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry Dep, Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental Coll, Puducherry, Email: megalaapedo@ gmail.com) : A comparative evaluation of the anticaries efficacy of herbal extracts (tulsi and black myrobalans) and sodium fluoride as mouth rinses in children: A randomized controlled trial. Indian J Dent Res 2018, 29(6), 760-7.

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease in which microorganisms play an important role. Recently, herbs have been tried as mouthrinses to combat the side effects of chemical mouthrinses. The anticaries efficacy of Sodium fluoride, Tulsi leaf, and Black myrobalans fruit extracts on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) have been reported in the literature, but no comparative study has been done yet. This study aims to observe the change in the pH of saliva and to assess the efficacy of the herbal rinses‑Tulsi and Black myrobalans on S. mutans count while comparing it with Sodium fluoride mouthrinse. Herbal ethanolic extracts of Tulsi (4 %) and Black myrobalans (2.5 %) were prepared as mouthrinses and compared with sodium fluoride mouthrinse (0.05 %). Sixty high caries risk patients were selected and allocated randomly into three groups [n = 20], categorized as Group A‑Sodium fluoride mouthrinse, Group B‑Tulsi mouthrinse, and Group C‑Black myrobalans mouthrinse. They were instructed to rinse their mouth with their assigned mouthrinses for 7 days. Salivary samples were collected and sent to the laboratory at baseline, 1 h postrinsing and after 7th day of rinsing for determining the salivary pH and S. mutans count. The increase in pH and reduction of S. mutans were determined. The values obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed. There was a significant increase in the salivary pH and reduction in S. mutans count after rinsing in all the three groups. Increase in salivary pH was more in the Sodium fluoride mouthrinse when compared to the experimental herbal groups (Group B and Group C). While S. mutans counts reduced more with Tulsi mouthrinse at 1 h postrinsing and after the 7th day of rinsing more reduction was seen in Black myrobalans mouthrinse group. The results of the study suggest that herbal mouthrinses could be tried as an adjunctive anticaries agent against dental caries causing microorganisms.

12 tables, 38 ref

028993   SABU P, ELANGOVAN D, PRAGASAM A K, BAKTHAVATCHALAM Y D, RODRIGUES C, CHITNIS D S, CHAUDHURI B N, VEERARAGHAVAN B (Clinical Microbiology Dep, Christian Medical Coll, Vellore - 632 004, Email: vbalaji@ cmcvellore.ac.in) : Efficacy ratio: A tool to enhance optimal antimicrobial use for intra-abdominal infections. Indian J Pharmacol 2018, 50(6), 332-5.

Antimicrobial resistance and inappropriate antibiotic regimen hamper a favorable outcome in intra‑abdominal infections. Clinicians rely on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value to choose from the susceptible antimicrobials. However, the MIC values cannot be directly compared between the different antibiotics because their breakpoints are different. For that reason, efficacy ratio (ER), a ratio of susceptible MIC breakpoint and MIC of isolate, can be used to choose the most appropriate antimicrobial. A prospective, observational study conducted during 2015 and 2016 included 356 Escherichia coli and 158 Klebsiella spp. isolates obtained from the intra‑abdominal specimens. MIC was determined by microbroth dilution method, and ER of each antibiotic was calculated for all the isolates. For both E. coli and Klebsiella spp., ertapenem, amikacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam had the best activities among their respective antibiotic classes. This is the first study calculating ER for deciding empiric treatment choices. ER also has a potential additional value in choosing the use of susceptible drugs as monotherapy or combination therapy. A shift in ERs over a period of time tracks rising MIC values and predicts antimicrobial resistance development. Estimation of ER could be a meaningful addition for the interpretation of an antimicrobial susceptibility report, thus helping the physician to choose the best among susceptible antimicrobials for patient management.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

028950   KASHYAP B, GOYAL N, GUPTA N, SINGH N P, KUMAR V (Microbiology Dep, College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital Univ, New Delhi - 110 078, Email: dr_bineetakashyap@ yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay among varying titers of the venereal disease research laboratory test. Indian J Community Med 2018, 63(6), 479-83.

Syphilis, besides being a significant cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, is a substantial cause of adult morbidity. A discordant serological result can present a diagnostic challenge; hence, a fundamental knowledge about the diagnostic limitations or interpretation of these assays becomes imperative for the clinicians to avoid management dilemma. The study was proposed to see the usefulness and correlation of Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) with varying titers of Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test.  Over a period of 2 years, 22,351 sera were subjected to screening for syphilis by VDRL test. TPHA test was performed for confirmation in 243 of the total sera. VDRL reactivity was seen in 0.77 % of the tested sera. TPHA positivity was 58.85 % among the sera tested. Calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of VDRL against TPHA were 87.41 %, 52 %, 72.25 %, and 74.29 %, respectively. TPHA positivity was found to be 100 % and 55 % in VDRL reactive cases with titers ≥ 32 and < 8, respectively. Screening and diagnostic serological tests for syphilis should be reviewed in routine by the treating physician in the light of clinical presentation and the history of infection and treatment.

5 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

028995   SEMWAL S, JOSHI D, GOEL G, ASATI D, KAPOOR N (Pathology Dep, L N Medical and J K Hospital Coll, Madhya Pradesh, Email: shrutisemwal29@gmail. com) : Clinico histological correlation in Hansen's disease: Three year experience at a newly established tertiary care center in central India. Indian J Dermatol 2018, 63(6), 465-8.

Hansen’s disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is characterized by a wide range of clinical and histological manifestations. Ridley– Jopling criteria are widely used for classifying leprosy. The demonstration of acid-fast bacilli on slit-skin smear examination and in skin biopsy aids in its diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to perform clinico-histological correlation of skin lesions in all patients with a clinical suspicion of Hansen’s disease. The study included skin biopsies of all suspected cases of Hansen’s disease received over a period of 3 years. Hematoxylin and eosin and Fite-Faraco stained sections of all cases were examined. Corresponding slit-skin smears, if available, were also reviewed. During the study, a total of 116 cases were clinically diagnosed as Hansen’s disease. Clinico-histological correlation was obtained in 62.9 % of the cases (73/116). The most common histological subtype of Hansen’s disease was borderline tuberculoid (TT) (40/116). Seven cases were diagnosed as lepromatous leprosy, five as TT, four as histoid, one as indeterminate, and three cases diagnosed as erythema nodosum leprosum. Fite-Faraco stain was positive in 33/73 cases. Out of 116 cases, slit-skin smears were available for 43 cases and were positive in 23 cases. Correlation between clinical, bacteriological, and morphological features is required for accurate classification of Hansen’s disease. Clinical detection and morphological diagnosis of early lesions remain challenging, and the histological findings should always be interpreted in correlation with clinical findings.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

028992   REJA A H H, DE A, PATRA P K, BISWAS S, DUTTAGUPTA U, SIL A, BISWAS N, BANNERJEE S, SARDA A, BHATTACHARYA B (Dermatology Dep, Calcutta National Medical Coll, Kolkata - 700 103, Email: dr_abhishek_de@yahoo. co.in) : Genomic reduction at Ttc repeats in the bacterial genome of treated cases of Hansen's disease: A possible survival mechanism of Mycobacterium leprae. Indian J Dermatol 2018, 63(6), 449-54.

Mycobacterium leprae has a small genome and a tendency of persisting as a very low-grade infection. The authors have shown earlier, that the changes in TTC repeats, in M. leprae genome may contribute to the restriction of the pathogenicity of the bacterium and its survival strategy in case of pure neural Hansen’s disease. We suspect, that a similar genomic reduction if happens in treated cases of Hansen’s disease, can be a determining factor for developing persisters and relapse. The present study aimed to find out if there was any evidence of genomic reduction in treated cases of Hansen’s disease that showed microbiological nonresponse. Skin biopsies were taken from treated cases of Hansen’s disease at tertiary centers in Kolkata and at Raipur who had bacterial index (BI) unchanged or increased compared to their pretreatment BI. Analysis for the mutation in rpoB gene and folP1 gene were done to rule out rifampicin and dapsone resistance, respectively. The entire TTC repeat region of the bacteria was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and was subjected to sequencing. The obtained sequences were then analyzed by CLUSTALW. A total of 127 patients were included in the study of which in 52 the BI remained same and 75 had an increase in BI, even after 6 months of completion of multidrug therapy. Among the samples, 2 had positive rpoB gene mutation. No mutation was found in the folP1 gene. The TTC repeat of both the rpoB-resistant samples was found to have 17 copies, which matched their pretreatment copy number. In other 125 cases, 60 cases showed no change from their pretreatment TTC number. Of those 65 samples that showed evidence of genomic reduction, 11 samples showed one copy, 41 showed 2 copies, and 13 showed 3 copies deletion. We also observed a significant regional variation. We concluded that there was evidence of genomic reduction, which might lead to microbiological nonresponse in treated cases of Hansen’s disease. This indicated a possibility of future persistence and relapse.

3 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

028989   RAJA K, ANTONY M, HARIKRISHNAN S (Microbiology Dep, Sree Chithra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Kerala, Email: kavita_raja@yahoo.com) : Infective endocarditis due to Streptococci and Enterococci: A 3-year retrospective study. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 61(4), 545-8.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the heart valves with an aggregation of bacteria in a fibrin plaque called vegetation. This is a retrospective study of all infective endocarditis cases due to alpha haemolytic streptococci and enterococci. All cases of infective endocarditis cases due to alpha haemolytic streptococci and enterococci in a period of three years from 1^st January 2010 to 31^st December 2012 were included. Isolation of the same organism from more than one set of blood cultures was taken as a confirmed case of infective endocarditis. Clinical and serological parameters were recorded using a proforma. Native valve endocarditis was more common with only five prosthetic valves being involved. Out of 89 clinically suspected cases of IE in the three years from Jan 2010 to Dec 2012, for which blood was sent for culture, 63 (70.78 %) samples were positive by culture. Of these, 42/63 (66.66 %) were due to alpha-lytic Streptococci, Enterococci and rare gram positive cocci. The rare ones included Enterococcus gallinarum, abiotropha defective, Vagococcus fluvialis and Nutritionally Variant Streptococci (NVS). High level Aminoglycoside resistance(HLAR) was also encountered. The varied and important features of these isolates are discussed. Complications and treatment are described. From a clinical microbiology point of view, the major challenge faced by the microbiologist in diagnosis of IE is proper aseptic collection of sample before starting antibiotics with a need for multiple samples to detect and also to prove the causative organism. Sensitivity reporting can be a difficult task in the context of NVS, HLAR and gram positives that are slow growing. Congestive failure and embolisation occurs even when the antibiotic treatment is successful. When patients go in for complications, it is very rarely due to wrong antibiotics.

3 tables, 7 ref

028906   BIBI A, JAVA S, CHAUDHARY S, JOSHI S, MASCERHENAS R, RABADE N, TEMBHARE P, SUBRAMANIAN P G, GUJRAL S, MENON H, KHATTRY N, SENGAR M, BAGAL B, JAIN H, PATKAR N (Molecular Div, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai - 410 210, Email: nvpatkar@gmail.com) : BRAFV600E mutation in hairy cell leukemia: A single-center experience. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 61(4), 532-6.

BRAFV600E mutation has been reported as a unique genetic lesion of hairy cell leukemia (HCL), a subset of which lacks this lesion and shows adverse outcomes. To determine the prevalence of BRAFV600E in HCL from our center and derive clinicopathological correlation, if any. A 9‑year retrospective analysis of 46 consecutive cases of HCL diagnosed on morphology and immunophenotyping was done. Stained smears were used as samples for amplification refractory mutation system polymerase‑chain reaction using fluorescent primers for mutation detection. BRAFV600E mutation was detected in 41/46 patients (89.1 %) while absent in control samples of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cases mimicking HCL‑variant clinically or immunophenotypically too showed the presence of this mutation. HCL with mutated BRAF presented at a younger age. No statistical difference in blood counts, tumor load, and immunophenotype patterns existed among BRAF mutated and unmutated group. Nine patients (45 %) with mutated BRAF had residual disease following treatment with cladribine. BRAFV600E mutation analysis has a definitive role in the diagnosis of HCL.

1 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

028925   Elkady N, Sultan M, Elkhouly E (Pathology Dep, Menoufia Univ, Egypt, Email: Nohalkdy@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of topoisomerase II, KI-67, and P53 expression in non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma and their clinical significance. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 61(4), 526-31.

Transurethral resection of tumor is the main treatment of non‑muscle‑invasive urothelial carcinoma, but it is associated with high rate of recurrence and/or progression and this arouses the need for adjuvant therapy. Topoisomerase II (Top II), KI‑67, and P53 are proliferation and cell cycle regulation markers that may predict tumor response to therapy. This study aimed to assess Top II, KI‑67, and P53 expression and their effect on clinical outcome and response to therapy of non‑muscle‑invasive urothelial carcinoma. Fifty cases of non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma were collected; Top II, KI‑67, and P53 expression was evaluated. Patients received treatment then tumor recurrence was correlated with the expression of previous markers. There was a significant association between high Top II score, P53, and KI‑67 and high tumor grade (P = 0.0001, 0.001, and 0.0001), submucosal infiltration (P = 0.0001 and 0.01), and recurrence (P = 0.01, 0.001, and 0.001). Top II, P53, and KI‑67 may predict tumor response to therapy and the clinical outcome in non‑muscle‑invasive urothelial carcinoma.

1 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

029008   YADAV M, AGRAWAL V, PANI K C, VERMA R, JAISWAL S, MISHRA A, PANDEY R (Pathology Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi - 221 010, Email: mahima.yadav@gmail.com) : C-cell hyperplasia in sporadic and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 66(6), 485-8.

C‑cell hyperplasia (CCH) is characterized by increased mass of C‑cells and has been identified as a precursor condition for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Varying proportion of MTCs is associated with CCH in different studies. This could be due to the lack of uniformity of the definitions and techniques used to identify CCH in these studies. This study aims to study the occurrence, clinicopathological, and immunohistochemical features of CCH in MTC diagnosed during a 22‑year period at a tertiary care center in North India and to review the available literature on CCH. Eighty‑seven consecutive cases of MTC were included in the study. Histological evaluation for the presence of CCH and neoplastic CCH was performed. Confirmation of CCH was done by immunohistochemistry for calcitonin and chromogranin. The presence of neoplastic CCH was correlated with clinical factors and prognostic factors. Of 87 cases of MTC included in the study, 71 (82 %) patients were sporadic and 16 (18 %) had familial MTC. Neoplastic CCH was seen in 12 (75 %) familial and in 9 (13 %) sporadic MTC. Patients with familial MTC were more frequently associated with neoplastic CCH than sporadic MTC (P < 0.001), were younger (P < 0.001), and had more often bilateral and multifocal tumors (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in mean survival time and progression‑free survival in patients with and without CCH. CCH, though more common in familial MTC, can also be seen in sporadic tumors. CCH is not associated with patient survival and disease progression.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

028991   RAVI M, BOAZ K, NATARAJAN S, LEWIS A, PRASAD M, YELLAPURKAR S (Oral Pathology and Microbiology Dep, Manipal Dental Sciences Coll, Karnataka, Email: karen.boaz@manipal.edu) : Expression of α‑Smooth Muscle Actin in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors: An immunohistochemical study. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 61(4), 479-84.

Myoepithelial cells (ME) are known to contribute in the patterning of salivary gland neoplasms (SGN) and possess cytoplasmic smooth muscle actin (SMA) revealed by alpha SMA (α‑SMA). The present study aimed to assess the expression of α‑SMA in selected benign and malignant SGN (pleomorphic adenoma [PA], mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and polymorphous low‑grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA). The intensity and pattern of expression of α‑SMA were studied in 25 cases of SGN’s ACC (n = 7), MEC (n = 8), PA (n = 8), and PLGA (n = 2), and correlated with the histological patterns. Maximum expression of α‑SMA in the epithelial compartment was seen in ACC, followed by PA, whereas MEC and PLGA showed completely negative staining. The connective tissue expression was mild in ACC and MEC. The myxoid stroma of PA with “melting” pattern was weakly positive for α‑SMA. The stroma in PLGA showed complete negativity. In ACC, α‑SMA‑positive cells were lining the cribriform spaces, small islands, and dispersed within large islands. Small nests showed complete positivity for α‑SMA. In ACC, α‑SMA expression supports the involvement of ME in epithelial organization explaining the histological patterns seen. In PA, the expression correlates with the predominantly secretory nature of ME. The absence of epithelial positivity in MEC and PLGA suggest that ME has less role to play in their histogenesis. The weak stromal positivity observed in MEC and ACC may be attributed to the positive immunoreactivity of myofibroblasts playing a role in modulating the course of SGN’s.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

028910   CHATTERJEE S, KARMAKAR A, AZMI S A, BARIK A (Zoology Dep, The Burdwan Univ, West Bengal - 713 104, Email: anandamaybarik@yahoo.co.in) : Antibacterial activity of long-chain primary alcohols from Solena amplexicaulis leaves. Proc Zool Soc 2018, 71(4), 313–9.

Extraction, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of Solena amplexicaulis (Lam.) Gandhi, commonly known as creeping cucumber, (Cucurbitaceae) leaves revealed 21 long-chain primary alcohols, and 100 g leaves indicated presence of 3651.59 ± 327.18 SE µg long-chain primary alcohols. 1-Heptadecanol and 1-triacontanol were the predominant and least abundant primary alcohols, representing for 780.44 ± 42.59 and 3.28 ± 0.55 SE µg, respectively. Antibacterial property of the complete synthetic blend (0.1 %), comparable to long-chain alcohols as detected by GC-FID of 100 g S. amplexicaulis leaf extracts was evaluated on the pathogenic bacteria Salmonella gallinarum by agar well diffusion method, and exhibited 20.4, 26.7 and 38.2 mm zone of inhibition at 25, 50 and 100 µl doses, respectively. One hundred µl dose of 6 individual pure synthetic compounds, 1-tridecanol, 1-pentadecanol, 1-heptadecanol, 1-nonadecanol, 1-eicosanol and 1-tricosanol comparable to the amounts present in 0.1 % solution of pure isolated alcohols from S. amplexicaulis leaves displayed 16.2, 17.7, 18.6, 22.8, 15.8 and 14.5 mm zone of inhibition against this bacterium, respectively. Hundred µl dose from a synthetic blend of above 6 compounds (comparable to the proportions as present in 0.1 % solution of pure isolated alcohols from 100 g S. amplexicaulis leaves) exhibited 38.1 mm zone of inhibition against this bacterium. Furthermore, 100 µl dose from a mixture (1:1) comprising of chloramphenicol (1 µg/ml) and a synthetic blend of above 6 compounds displayed 38.8 mm inhibition zone against S. gallinarum, and hence, this combination might be used against this pathogenic bacteria.

1 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

028915   DANDAN S, YUQIN C, WEI L, ZIHENG P, DAPENG Z, JIANZHU Y, XIN X, YOUNGHONG L, FENGJUN T (Hebei Medical Univ Third Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, People’s Republic of China, Email: drtian@sohu.com.) : Novel deletion of SLC34A2 in Chinese patients of PAM shares mutation hot spot with fusion gene SLC34A2-ROS1 in lung cancer. J Genet 2018, 97(4), 939–44.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is an autosomal recessive disorder with distinctive deposition of calcium phosphate microliths in the lungs. Mutation of the SLC34A2 gene was proved to be responsible for PAM. Here, we report the study of a family affected by PAM in China. Two daughters of an inbred family whose parents are cousins and are affected by PAM. Mutation analysis of the SLC34A2 gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and direct sequencing in both patients revealed that exon 5 was deleted on both alleles. Both parents of the patients are proved to be carriers of the mutated allele. Gap-PCR was performed to determine the breakpoints and a homologous deletion of 1152 bp encompassing exon 5 of the SLC34A2 gene (c.IVS4+1452_IVS5+660del) was confirmed. A 4-bp fragment of TGGG was located on the edge of both upstream and downstream breakpoints. The upstream breakpoint lies in the same region as the breakpoint of a fused gene SLC34A2–ROS1, which encodes a constitutive kinase in the lung cancer cell line HCC78 and nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), suggesting that the deletion in this family is a hot spot for recombination, not only in cancer samples with somatic mutation, but also in PAM patients with germline genetic defects of SLC34A2.

2 illus, 15 ref

028966   MAKHTAR S M, HUSIN A, BABA A A, ANKATHIL R (Human Genome Centre, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Email: rankathil@hotmail.com.) : Genetic variations in influx transporter gene SLC22A1 are associated with clinical responses to Imatinib mesylate among Malaysian chronic myeloid leukaemia patients. J Genet 2018, 97(4), 835–42.

Imatinib mesylate (IM), a well-established gold standard drug in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), is a synthetic tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Despite excellent efficacy, a significant number of patients on IM therapy develop resistance to IM. Currently, great focus has been laid on the effect of interindividual pharmacogenetic variability on IM treatment responses. IM uptake is mediated by the hOCT1 protein encoded by the solute carrier 22 gene (SLC22A1). The current study investigated the impact of few single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SLC22A1 on mediating resistance and/or good response to IM among 278 Malaysian CML patients (146 IM-resistant group and 132 IM good response group) undergoing IM therapy on 400 mg daily. Our results showed that the allelic frequencies of heterozygous (CG) and homozygous variant (GG) genotypes of SLC22A1 C480G were significantly higher in the IM-resistant group compared with the IM good response group (41.8 % versus 30.3 % and 10.9 % versus 4.5 % with P values of 0.047 and 0.048, respectively). On evaluating the association of genotypes with risk of IM resistance development, heterozygous (CG) and homozygous (GG) variant genotypes showed significantly higher risk for developing resistance to IM treatment with odds ratio (OR): 1.901 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.142–3.163, P = 0.013) and 3.324 (95 % CI: 1.235–8.947, P = 0.017), respectively. Two SNPs and two insertions/deletions were detected in exon 7 of SLC22A1. For exon 7, 1222AA carriers together with the presence of both the 8-bp insertion and 3-bp deletion, and M420del alleles showed higher possibility of developing resistance towards IM treatment. Our results warrant the need of genotyping this SNP in terms of modulating IM treatment in CML patients

3 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

028930   GAO S, WANG H, ZHOU C, GUAN M, LI X, DAI J, ZOU Y, FANG H (Orthopedics Dep, Huazhong Univ of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei, People’s Republic of China, Email: fanghuangtjh@126.com.) : Association of rs4552569 and rs17095830 single-nucleotide polymorphisms with susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis in east Asian population: A meta-analysis. J Genet 2018, 97(4), 825–33.

Several studies have been conducted in east Asian population to evaluate the association between rs4552569 and rs17095830 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but the outcomes are inconsistent. A summary evaluation of the evidence supporting the associations has not been performed. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to access whether the two SNPs are related to ankylosing spondylitis. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for papers published up until 3 February 2017, to obtain relevant studies using our research strategy. The allele/genotype frequencies were extracted from each study. We calculated the summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the associations between the two SNPs and AS risk. Four papers including five studies were obtained for this meta-analysis. The included studies suggested that there was no significant association between rs4552569 SNP and AS (C vs T, OR = 1.08, 95 % CI: 0.96–1.22, P = 0.20). With regard to rs17095830 SNP, significant association was observed (G vs A, OR = 1.19, 95 % CI: 1.06–1.33, P = 0.002). Based on a comprehensive analysis of the currently available evidence, rs4552569 SNP is not significantly associated with the predisposition of AS, while rs17095830 SNP is likely a susceptibility variant for AS in east Asian population. Further studies with different population groups are needed to confirm these potential associations.

7 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

028983   POH K B, ROSLAN Z M, MISNAN R, SINANG S C (Biology Dep, Pendidikan Sultan Idris Univ, 35900, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia, Email: remmy.keong@fsmt.upsi.edu.my) : Characterization and expression of Xiphophorus maculatus microsatellite Msb069 full sequence in subgenus Poecilia. J Genet 2018, 97(4), 817–24.

Msb069 primer pairs encompassed region is believed to be associated with a quantitative trait loci (QTL) of dorsal fin length in subgenus Poecilia. However, detailed investigation on Msb069 which originated from Xiphophorus on subgenus Poecilia remains unexplored. In this study, full sequence of Msb069 was characterized by sequencing bioinformatics analysis and gene expression. The sequence analysis of Msb069 primer pairs encompassed region on three species of Poecilia revealed higher number of microsatellite tandem repeats in Poecilia latipinna (ATG16) compared to P. sphenops (ATG13–14). There is no notable pattern of ATG tandem repeats discovered in the hybrids. The full sequence of Msb069 is 734 bp in length and showed a 233 bp conserved region between Xiphophorus and Poecilia. BLAST search performed on this sequence revealed no significant similarities. Nonquantitative RT-PCR exhibited the presence of Msb069 transcripts in three different tissues in subgenus Poecilia. Meanwhile, quantitative RTPCR expression on two different tissues showed relatively higher expression of Msb069 transcript in P. latipinna dorsal fin tissues in both male and female fishes, suggesting a repressive function of this transcript with respect to dorsal fin length. However the exact gene expression event of Msb069 is still unknown and requires further investigation.

4 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

028960   LI X, LI C, NI W, WANG D, HOU X, LIU Z, CAO Y, YAO Y, ZHANG X, HU S (Shihezi Univ, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China, Email: niweiwonderful@sina.com) : Identification and comparison of microRNAs in pituitary gland during prenatal and postnatal stages of sheep by deep sequencing. J Genet 2018, 97(4), 965–75.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short-chain RNA molecules of ∼22 nucleotides in length and regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional levels by interacting with mRNAs. Although many miRNAs have been identified, the expression and function of miRNAs in the pituitary gland of sheep are still unclear. In this study, the identity and abundance of miRNAs were determined in the sheep pituitary gland of prenatal and postnatal stages. We showed that 107 miRNAs are significantly (P < 0.05) differentially expressed in pituitary glands between the prenatal and postnatal stages, and 44 new miRNA candidates were found according to a series of filtration criteria. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and DNA sequencing analysis confirmed the presence of several miRNAs. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that sheep miRNAs were expressed in prenatal and postnatal pituitary glands. We found that miRNAs were involved in hormone synthesis, secretion and signalling pathway regulation by gene ontology (GO) and KEGG concentration analysis. Our study provides valuable resources for comprehensive investigation of miRNAs in the pituitary gland and biology of sheep.

7 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

028999   SHARMA S, DOBHAL S, THAKUR S (Biotechnology Dep, Horticulture Coll, Solan - 173 230, Himachal Pradesh, Email: 1992samritisharma@gmail.com) : Analysis of genetic diversity in parents and hybrids of Populus deltoides Bartr. using microsatellite markers. Appl Biol Res 2018, 20(3), 262-70.

Molecular markers have proved a valuable source for assessing plant genetic resources by improving our understanding on the distribution and extent of genetic variability present within and among the species. In this study, genetic diversity among and between 16 parents and 12 hybrids of Populus deltoides were analyzed by SSRs (simple sequence repeats). The 18 selected SSR primers yielded 51 polymorphic scorable bands with PIC value of 0.77. The effective multiplex ratio and marker index were 1.82 and 0.80, respectively. Genetic similarity among the collections varied from 0.39 to 0.88 when pooled data of parents and hybrids were analyzed through UPGMA. The analysis of combined data set with SSR, clustered hybrids on dendrogram based on their relationship with parents. Thus, high polymorphism obtained indicates that SSR markers have potential for identification and characterization of genetic variation within and among Populus species.

5 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

028909   CASTELLO A, BRUSCHETTA G, GIUNTA R P, MARINO A M F, FERLAZZO A M (Italian National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis (Ce.Tox) - Experim, Via Passo Gravina 195, 95125 Catania, Italy, Email: annamaria.marino@izssicilia.it) : The effect of Toxoplasma gondii on plasma serotonin concentration in sheep. Vet World 2018, 11(10), 1500-5.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that commonly infects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Virtually all species can be infected, but a species-specific variability is evident, in terms of both type and severity of the symptoms encountered. As serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) plays an important regulatory role in both physiological and immune responses, the aim of this research was to assess whether toxoplasmosis disease could affect plasma 5-HT concentration and/or hematochemical parameters in a particularly susceptible species to infection as sheep. 5-HT plasma levels were analyzed in platelet-poor plasma fraction by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Blood count and hematochemical parameters were evaluated. Total proteins (TPs), glucose (Glu), and lactate dehydrogenase were determined by a spectrophotometer. Results showed significantly higher levels in plasma 5-HT, monocytes, and TP and significantly lower levels of Glu, in infected sheep compared to the control group. Results could support the hypothesis of an effect of toxoplasmosis infection on plasma 5-HT concentrations in sheep. More research is needed to assess the function of 5-HT in the regulation of infected sheep’s immune responses.

1 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

028943   IMATARA H, AL-WAILI N, BAKOUR M, AL-WAILI W, LYUOUSSI B (Nephrology and Hypertension Dep, NY Medical Care for Nephrology, New York, USA, Email: noori786@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of antioxidant, diuretic, and wound healing effect of Tulkarm honey and its effect on kidney function in rats. Vet World 2018, 11(10), 1491-9.

The composition and activity of honey depend on its floral origin. Honey collected from Tulkarm was evaluated for physicochemical property and antioxidant content as well as a diuretic and wound healing activity. Its effect on kidney function was evaluated and compared with furosemide. Honey was collected in Tulkarm, Palestine, and its phenol, flavones, and flavonol content were assessed. The antioxidant activity was determined with the use of colorimetric assays, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). Two sets of experiments were conducted. First experiment: 18 rats were used for the evaluation of diuretic activity of honey. The rats received either honey or furosemide. Renal function test, uric acid, and serum and urine electrolytes assay were performed. Second experiment: 18 male mice were used to evaluate the wound healing property of honey. Wounds were created on mice skin and treated daily with honey or Madecassol. Measurements of wounds were performed over a period of 12 days. The physical and chemical parameters of Tulkarm honey are within the limits of the European legislation and fulfilling the criteria described in the standard codex for honey. It contains antioxidant compounds and shows antioxidant activity. Oral honey increased creatinine clearance and urine volume, sodium, and chloride without causing hypokalemia or affecting blood urea, uric acid, or serum creatinine level. The diuretic activity of furosemide was associated with hypokalemia. Topical honey application enhanced wound closure when compared with the Madecassol application. The study is the first to report that honey collected from Tulkarm has a considerable diuretic effect without affecting serum electrolytes or kidney function test and exhibits strong antioxidant activity and wound healing property.

5 illus, 4 tables, 57 ref

028932   GIRIDHAR K S, PRABHU T M, SINGH K C, NAGABHUSAN V, TIRUMALESH T, RAJESHWARI Y B, UMASHANKAR B C (Animal Nutrition Dep, Veterinary Coll, Karnataka, Email: giridharksdr@gmail.com) : Nutritional potentialities of some tree leaves based on polyphenols and rumen in vitro gas production. Vet World 2018, 11(10), 1479-85.

The study was conducted to evaluate eight tree leaves based on polyphenolic content and rumen in vitro incubation and gas production technique (RIVIGPT) for their nutritive potentiality. Eight selected tree leaves, namely Sesbania grandiflora, Melia dubia, Dillenia spp., Artocarpus heterophyllus, Commiphora caudata, Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala, and Acacia auriculiformis, were selected for proximate composition, forage fiber fractions, total phenolics (TPs), non-tannin phenols (NTPs), total tannins (TTs), condensed tannins (CTs), and hydrolysable tannins (HTs); RIVIGP with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG); and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (modified in vitro two stage) analysis was conducted. On the basis of RIVIGPT, the in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) and dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated. Crude protein (CP) content of tree leaves ranged from 9.59 to 25.81 %, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 28.16 to 53.33 %, acid detergent fiber (ADF) 21.26 to 41.7 %, acid detergent lignin (ADL) 3.62 to 21.98 %, TP 1.83 to 17.35 %, TT 0.40 to 15.47 %, and CTs 0.02 to 15.26 %. IVDMD (%) was ranged from 64.95 to 88.12. The mean metabolizable energy (ME) (MJ/Kg) of tree leaves estimated with and without PEG was 7.75 ± 0.56 and 8.75 ± 0.39, in vitro gas production at 24 h (IVGP²⁴) (ml) 31.06 ± 4.14 and 37.09 ± 2.64, initial gas production (a) (ml) 0.49 ± 0.63 and 1.33 ± 0.72, potential gas production (D) (ml) 38.74 ± 4.27 and 43.79 ± 2.44, rate of gas production (k) (h⁻¹) 0.11 ± 0.02 and 0.11 ± 0.013, t_1/2 (ml) 9.81 ± 2.41 and 7.42 ± 0.80, in vitro gas production at 96 h IVGP⁹⁶ (ml) 39.50 ± 4.430 and 45.14 ± 2.65, the predicted IVDOM (%) 55.44 ± 4.15 and 61.98 ± 3.03, and DMI (g/Kg W^0.75) 103.1 ± 14.76 and 104.3 ± 10.16, respectively. The addition of PEG showed an improvement in IVGP²⁴,IVGP⁹⁶, ME, predicted IVDOM, and predicted DMI. CP was positively correlated with ME, IVGP²⁴, IVGP⁹⁶, a+b, k (r = 0.749, p < 0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM, and DMI (r = 0.838, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with a and t_1/2. NDF, ADF, and ADL contents were negatively correlated with ME (r = 0.899, p < 0.05), IVGP²⁴ (r = −0.867, p < 0.05), IVGP⁹⁶ (r = −0.858, p < 0.05), a+b (p < 0.05), k (r = −0.828, p < 0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM (r = −0.853, p < 0.05), and DMI and positively correlated with a and t_1/2. TP, TT, and CT were negatively correlated with ME, IVGP, IVGP⁹⁶, a+b, k, IVDMD, IVDOM, and DMI and positively correlated with a (r=0.808, p<0.05) and t_1/2. ME (MJ/Kg) was positively correlated with IVGP²⁴ (r=0.938, p<0.05), IVGP⁹⁶ (r=0.875, p<0.05), a+b (r=0.813, p<0.05), k (r=0.731, p<0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM (r=0.985, p<0.05), and DMI (r=0.727, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with a and t_1/2. In the present study, the potentiality of tree leaves was assessed based on CP, ADF, ADL, TP, CT, IVGP, ME, IVDMD, predicted IVDOM, and predicted DMI. Based on this, it can be concluded that S. grandiflora, M. dubia, M. Oleifera, and L. leucocephala were graded as best; A. heterophyllus and C. caudata as moderate; and Dillenia spp. and A. auriculiformis as lowest potential ruminant feed.

5 tables, 36 ref

028982   PETER I D, HARON A W, JESSE F F A, AJAT M, HAN M H W, FITRI W N, YAHAYA M S, ALMAARY M S M (Veterinary Clinical Studies Dep, Putra Malaysia Univ, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Email: wahidh@upm.edu.my) : Opportunities and challenges associated with fecal progesterone metabolite analysis. Vet World 2018, 11(10), 1466-72.

Conventionally, plasma or milk progesterone evaluations are used to determine the reproductive status of female animals. Collection of such samples is often associated with difficulties of animal handling and restraint. Measurable quantities of progesterone metabolites are found in feces of animals. Their concentrations are known to be well correlated to plasma progesterone levels and are, therefore, used as non-invasive samples for assessing reproductive function in a wide range of animal species. Although the analysis of fecal progesterone metabolites has been widely accepted in many laboratories, several factors are known to affect the results from this valuable analytical technique. Some of these factors include storage/ transportation media for fecal samples, type of solvent that is used for extraction of progesterone metabolites from feces, and the type and sensitivity of an assaying technique employed. Although fecal progesterone metabolites analysis is associated with some difficulties, it can effectively be used to monitor reproductive function in a wide range of animal species. This review aims to highlight the usefulness of fecal progesterone metabolite analysis as a non-invasive technique in monitoring reproductive function in animals.  The article mainly focuses on the many opportunities and challenges associated with this analytical technique.

1 illus, 1 table, 87 ref

028923   ED-DRA A, FILALI F R, BOUYMAJANE A, BENHALLAM F, ALLAOUI A E, CHAIBA A, GIARRATANA F (Moulay Ismail Univ Faculty of Science, BP. 11201 Zitoune Meknes, Morocco, Email: abdelaziz_iaa@yahoo.fr) : Antibiotic susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sausages in Meknes, Morocco. Vet World 2018, 11(10), 1459-65.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of foodborne disease worldwide, due to the consumption of food contaminated by their toxins. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus isolated from sausages in Meknes city of Morocco. A total of 156 samples (Beef sausages, Turkey sausages, and Artisanal sausages “Merguez”) were collected from different shopping sites (butchery, supermarket, street vendors, and weekly market “Souk”) and used for the isolation of S. aureus. All the isolated strains were tested for their antimicrobials resistance to 16 antibiotics. Our results showed the presence of S. aureus in 63 samples (40.38 %). Furthermore, the antimicrobial resistance study showed that 84.13 % of isolated S. aureus were resistant to streptomycin, 76.20 % to tetracycline, 42.86 % to ampicillin, 41.27 % to doxycycline, 38.1 % to penicillin G, and 19.05 % to chloramphenicol with the presence of 25 different phenotypic profiles. However, all isolated strains were sensitive to oxacillin, cefoxitin, gentamicin, and vancomycin. The findings of this study revealed consumption of sausages as a potential risk of foodborne poisonings because of its contamination with the multi-resistant strains of S. aureus. Moreover, this contamination is related to the season, sampling sites and the origin of the raw material.

3 illus, 6 tables, 45 ref

028948   JYOTHI J S, PUTTY K, REDDY Y N, DHANALAKSHMI K, UMAIR M A H (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, Telangana Veterinary Univ, Telangana, Email: kalyaniputty@gmail.com) : Antagonistic effect of ursolic acid on Staphylococcal biofilms. Vet World 2018, 11(10), 1440-4.

The present study was carried out to study the effect of ursolic acid (UA) as a potential anti-biofilm agent in dispersing the biofilm generated by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk samples of crossbred dairy cows on the day of drying. Further, in the S. aureus isolates, the presence of intracellular adherence gene locus involved in biofilm production (icaD) was investigated. A total of 50 S. aureus strains were isolated over a period of 3 months from 200 milk samples collected from crossbred dairy cows on the day of drying. These isolates were subjected for biofilm detection by Congo red agar (CRA), microtiter plate assay (MTP), and polymerase chain reaction specific for icaD gene. The antagonistic effect of biofilm formation by UA was studied using different concentrations (30 µg/ml and 60 µg/ml) of UA and compared with the control group. Among the 50 S. aureus subjected for biofilm detection, 34 and 40 isolates were detected as biofilm agents by CRA and MTP methods, respectively. The in vitro studies on the effect of UA in inhibiting biofilm formation by S. aureus using MTP assay showed 71.5 % and 48.6 % inhibition at UA concentrations of 60 µg/ml and 30 µg/ml, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treated and untreated isolates, which was further evident by scanning electron microscopy. Interestingly, the isolates that were tested to be resistant through Antibiotic Sensitivity Test to commonly used antibiotics were found to be sensitive to all the tested antibiotics following UA treatment at both the tested concentrations. Furthermore, molecular detection of icaD gene for biofilm detection revealed that all the isolates that were positive by MTP had icaD gene. Increased incidence of biofilm agents in dairy infections must be considered as an alarming situation. UA treatment significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the microbial pathogens to commonly used antibiotics. Hence, attention must be paid toward implementation of new strategies such as therapeutic regimes with a combination of antibiotic and anti-biofilm agents for effective treatment of infections in dairy farms.

4 tables, 34 ref

028976   NAIK H S, SRILATHA C, SUJATHA K, SREEDEVI B, PRASAD T N V K V (Veterinary Pathology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary Univ, Tirupati - 517 502, Email: radhasrinivas99@gmail.com) : Supplementation of whole grain flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) along with high cholesterol diet and its effect on hyperlipidemia and initiated atherosclerosis in Wistar albino male rats. Vet World 2018, 11(10), 1433-9.

Flaxseeds are known to have varying antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherogenic activity due to its lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, alpha-linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. The beneficial effect of whole grain dietary flaxseed was evaluated experimentally in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed Wistar albino rats. Male Wistar albino rats (200 g) were divided into four groups of 12 rats each. Group I rats kept as control and given basal rat chew diet, Group II as positive control for induction of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis by addition of 1 % cholesterol and 15 % saturated edible oil to the 1000 g of standard rat chew diet (HCD), Group III rats fed with whole grain flaxseed powder at 7.5 g/kg of rat/day in the standard rat chew diet and kept as flaxseed control, and Group IV rats supplemented with flaxseed at 7.5 g/kg of rat/day along with HCD and maintained for 90 days. Group II rats revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very LDL-C and significantly (p<0.05) reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), whereas tissue antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S transferase (GST) were significantly (p<0.05) reduced, and lipid peroxidation products of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level were nonsignificantly (p<0.05) increased in the heart and liver tissues. Flaxseeds supplementation along with HCD significantly ameliorated the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C along with cellular antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, SOD, GPx, GR, GST, and non-significant amelioration of TBARS in the heart and liver tissues compared to Group II rats. Majority of the histopathologically initiated atherosclerotic changes in the aorta and fatty change in the liver of Group II were not observed in the flaxseed supplemented Group IV; however, interestingly proliferation of endothelial cells with new vascular channel formation in the liver and in between cardiac muscle fibers was observed in Group I and Group IV rats. The present study established the hypercholesterolemia with initiated atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta but unable to establish the atheromatous plaque in the aorta. Flaxseed supplementation along with HCD showed significant antihypercholesterolemic effect and ameliorated the changes of initiated atherosclerosis in the aorta. It needs further studies to explore all the possible beneficial effects and angiogenic properties of flaxseeds in the laboratory animals and human trials.

8 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

028980   PALKHADE R, YADAV S, MISHRA S, MUHAMED J (ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health, Gujarat, Email: drpalkhade@rediffmail.com) : Acute oral toxicity of pesticide combination (acephate 50% and imidacloprid 1.8% as active ingredients) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Vet World 2018, 11(9), 1291-7.

The aim of this study was to assess the acute toxic interaction and lethal dose (LD50) of pesticide combination product (acephate 50 % and imidacloprid 1.8 % as active ingredients) available in the market in Sprague-Dawley female rats by oral route. A total of 10 Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into two groups, comprising five rats in each dose group. Both groups were identified as control and test groups, respectively. Control group received sterile water as vehicle and test group received pesticide combination (acephate 50 % and imidacloprid 1.8 % as active ingredients) at a dose of 0 and 2000 mg/kg body weight. As per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guideline 420, initially one animal each from both the control and test groups were dosed with 0 and 2000 mg/kg, respectively, as sighting study. Based on the results of sighting study, additionally, four animals each from both groups were dosed with the same dose to make a total of five animals in each group. Dose volume was constant as 10 mL/kg. All animals were observed daily twice for clinical signs and mortality. Body weight was recorded on day 0 and weekly thereafter during 14 days’ observation period; last body weight (fasted) was recorded on day 15. All the rats of both the groups were humanely sacrificed on day 15 for gross pathology, collection of organs for histopathology, organ weighing, and morphometry. Organ weights were taken as absolute values, and relative organ weights to last fasted body weights were calculated. Pesticide combination (acephate 50 % and imidacloprid 1.8 % as active ingredients) treated rats showed cholinergic signs with one mortality in the test group. No significant difference was observed in body weight, relative organ weights, and organ morphometry between pesticide combination exposed and non-exposed groups. Gross pathology of the treated rats was also comparable with respect to control group. Histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, heart, lung, adrenaline, spleen, and ovaries of test group rats were found to be comparable with control group rats. The present study demonstrated the LD50 of one of the combination products available in the market having acephate 50 % and imidacloprid 1.8 % as active ingredients in Sprague-Dawley female rats which is >2000 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, gross, histopathology and histoarchitectural alterations of all the vital organs of the test group were comparable to the control.

4 tables, 35 ref

028875   ADI Y K, WIDYANATI R, PANGESTININGSIH T W (Anatomy Dep, Gadjah Mada Univ, Indonesia, Email: estifkh@ugm.ac.id) : N-Propanol extract of boiled and fermented Koro benguk (Mucuna pruriens seed) shows a neuroprotective effect in paraquat dichloride-induced Parkinson's disease rat model. Vet World 2018, 11(9), 1250-4.

n-Propanol extracts from fresh, boiled, and fermented seeds were studied to evaluate their neuroprotective effects in a Parkinson’s disease (PD) rat model, based on the total number of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Rats were induced with paraquat dichloride at a dosage of 7 mg/kg BW intraperitoneally twice a week and at the same time supplemented with extract at a dosage of 70 mg/kg BW orally every day for 3 weeks. On the 24^th day, all rats were perfused and fixed with 4 % paraformaldehyde. The left part of the SNpc was processed for immunohistochemical staining with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-antibody. The total number of DA neurons in SNpc was evaluated with a stereological method. TH-immunoreactive cells found in the SNpc were identified as DA neurons. The average total number of DA neurons in the SNpc increased significantly in the PD rat model that was given an n-propanol extract of boiled and fermented seeds compared with a control PD rat model. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in the average total number of DA neurons in SNpc between the PD rat model that was given n-propanol extract of fresh seeds and the control PD rat model. n-Propanol extract of boiled and fermented seeds could produce a higher neuroprotective effect against DA neuron than fresh seeds in a PD rat model.

1 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

028940   HENING P, MATARAM M B A, VIJAYANTI N, KUSINDARTA D L, WIHADMADYATAMI H (Anatomy Dep, Gadjah Mada Univ, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia, Email: heviwihadmadyatami@ugm.ac.id) : The neuroprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract on human embryonic kidney-293 cells as in vitro model of neurodegenerative disease. Vet World 2018, 11(9), 1237-43.

This study aimed to analyze the neuroprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract (OSE) on human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK-293) cells as the in vitro model of neurodegenerative diseases. In this research, HEK-293 cells divided into five groups consisting of normal and healthy cells (NT), cells treated with Camptothecin 500 µM as the negative control, cells treated with trimethyltin 10 µM (TMT), cells treated with OSE 75 µg/ml, and cells pre-treated with OSE 75 µg/ml then induced by TMT 10 µM (OSE+TMT). MTT assay and phase contrast microscopy were applied to observe the cell viability quantitatively and morphological after Ocimum sanctum Linn extract treatment. Finally, the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was employed to study the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). The MTT assay and phase contrast microscopy showed that OSE pre-treatment significantly increased the viability of TMT-induced apoptotic cells and maintained cell viability of the normal HEK-293 cells. Expression of ChAT markedly reduced on TMT treatment group, but OSE administration stabilized ChAT expression in TMT-induced HEK-293 cells. This present study proved that OSE administration has neuroprotective effect by increased HEK-293 cells viability and maintain ChAT expression.

4 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

028972   MOHAMMED T T, SAEID Z J M, AL-DHANKI Z T M, AL-KHALANI F M H (Animal Production Dep, Anbar Univ, Iraq, Email: ag.thafer.thabit@uoanbar.edu.iq) : Effect of adding the antioxidants on some biochemical blood plasma traits of brown layer during hot season in Iraq. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2834-41.

During the hot season in Iraq (June, July and August) the ambient temperature inside the Layer house reached 39 Celsius, this condition put the layer in heat stress condition which resulted decreasing layer performance by increasing the oxidative damage of some biological traits of blood, so , adding antioxidants (synthetic and natural) could moderate this condition, this hypothesis was tested in field experiment lasted for 12 weeks (84 days), by using 200 Lohman brown layer at 34 wks of age, the hens were distributed into 5 treatments (40 hens/treatment) with 4 replicates / treatments and 10 hens/ replicate , the first treatment was the control with no antioxidant added to ration, whereas, synthetic antioxidants (vit. C and E) were added at rate of 300 mg/kg of feed in 2nd and 3rd treatment, in 4th and 5th treatments the natural antioxidants (grape seeds and rosemary leaves) were used at rate of 5 g/kg of feed. The results of the experiment revealed that adding both types of antioxidants significantly decreased the glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and non HDL in blood plasma, whereas, a significant increase in the total protein, albumen and HDL in blood plasma of hen consumed diet having antioxidant as compared with the control treatments. It can be concluded that adding antioxidant leads to protect the glucose, lipid profile and proteins in blood plasma from damaging by antioxidant during heat stress.

2 tables, 42 ref