028002   SINHA A, GILL S S (Pathology Dep, Base Hospital and ACMS, Delhi Cantt - 110 010, Email: anamikasinha@outlook.com) : Correlative study of cytological features in grading of invasive breast carcinoma. J Cytol 2018, 35(3), 149-52.

Fine‑needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a proven diagnostic technique for establishing the benign or malignant character of breast lesions. Several cytological grading systems have been proposed for grading of carcinoma breast, with results similar to histologic grades. This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value of FNAC in invasive ductal carcinoma of breast by correlating it with histological grade. Tertiary care hospital, retrospective analytical study. One hundred and fifty cases of breast carcinoma that underwent modified radical mastectomy consequent to an FNAC diagnosis were included in the study. Robinson’s grading system and Elston–Ellis modification of Scarff–Bloom–Richardson grading system were used to assign cytologic and histologic grades, respectively. The cytological grades were correlated with the histological grades using χ² ‑test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The individual features of the cytological grades were correlated with the histological grades using Kappa coefficient and χ² ‑test. Values were considered significant at P < 0.05. A statistically significant association was observed between cytologic and histologic grades (r = 0.97; P < 0.01) with sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of 100 % and 93.95 % for cytological grade 1, 100 % and 100 % for cytological grade 2 and 100 % and 100 % for cytological grade 3. Also, a positive correlation was found between each feature of the cytologic grade and the histologic grade (P < 0.05). Among these, a better correlation was demonstrated by cytological features like cell uniformity (Kappa coefficient = 0.50) and appearance of nucleoli (Kappa coefficient = 0.52). Robinson’s cytologic grading system is a reliable grading method on FNAC smears of cases of carcinoma breast. It correlates well with Elston–Ellis modification of Scarff–Bloom–Richardson grade in invasive ductal carcinoma of breast.

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

027981   SALAZAR CAMPOS J E, GONZÁLEZ ENCISO A, DÍAZ MOLINA R, LARA HERNÁNDEZ M E, CORONEL MARTÍNEZ J, PÉREZ PLASENCIA C, LEÓN D C D (Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México, Email: dcantude@gmail.com) : Cervicouterine cancer screening - TruScreen™ vs. Conventional Cytology: Pilot study. J Cytol 2018, 35(3), 143-8.

Cervicouterine cancer (CC) is a health problem worldwide and is the fourth most common cancer in women, with a greater proportion of individuals affected by advanced stages of the disease in developing countries. To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the TruScreen™ opto‑electronic device vs. conventional cytology in CC screenings. This is a prospective observational study that included individuals who presented for the first time at the Dysplasia Clinic of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología from March 1 through April 30, 2016, and those referred due to abnormal conventional cytology. The patients were evaluated with the TruScreen™ device, conventional cytology, colposcopy and, if necessary, cervical biopsy. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics as well as the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the TruScreen™, using conventional cytology as the standard. Thirty‑two patients were included who met the inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 40 years (range, 23–61 years). For the diagnosis of high‑grade intraepithelial lesions, the TruScreen™ device showed a 43 % sensitivity, a 92 % specificity, a PPV of 60 %, and a NPV of 85 %, whereas evaluation via cervical biopsy exhibited a 33 % sensitivity, an 86 % specificity, a 33 % PPV, and an 86 % NPV. The Kappa agreement index of the TruScreen™ with the colposcopies was 0.70. TruScreen™ demonstrated low sensitivity and high specificity compared with conventional cytology, which had a high NPV.

1 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

027933   KAR M, SENGUPTA M, SARKAR S, BERA S, DATTA C, CHATTERJEE U, GHOSH S N (Pathology Dep, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata - 700 019, Email: uttarac1@gmail.com) : Role of squash cytology in intraoperative diagnosis of spinal lesions. J Cytol 2018, 35(3), 139-42.

Squash cytology for intra operative diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) tumors is an immensely important modality. Though its role in brain lesions is unquestionable and has been proven in a number of studies, its utility for spinal lesions is still a grey zone. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of squash preparation in spinal lesions and its statistical significance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value) following histological confirmation.  A total of 57 cases of spinal tumors were taken. May-Grunewald-Giemsa staining (MGG) and Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) were done in each one of them. Rest of the tissue was processed for histological diagnosis and results were compared. In our study, histology was taken as the gold standard. By comparing the results, squash preparation had sensitivity of 95.75 %, specificity 80.0 %, positive predictive value (PPV) 95.74 %, and negative predictive value (NPV) 80.80 %. Schwannoma was found to be the most prevalent tumor in the spine (17/57) in our study, followed by meningioma (13/57). Diagnostic accuracy for schwannoma was fairly high i.e. 92.3 %, followed by meningioma (82.35 %). Highest diagnostic accuracy was documented in intradural, extramedullary compartment. Inspite of having pitfalls and various limitations in case of spinal lesions, squash preparation is a rapid and easy method with fairly high diagnostic accuracy. So it can be reliably used as an intraoperative diagnostic tool in spinal lesions.

2 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

027900   DAS D K (Pathology Dep, Kuwait Univ, Kuwait, Email: dilip76@hotmail.com) : Functional state of cells during their life and on their journey toward inactivity and death: Search for morphological evidence in thyroid fine needle aspiration smears. J Cytol 2018, 35(3), 131-8.

Synthesis and storage of thyroglobulin as well as synthesis of thyroid hormones and their release into the circulation are important functions of thyroid, which were studied in fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears from thyroid lesions. Evidence of thyroglobulin synthesis was demonstrated in neoplastic and nonneoplastic follicular cells, especially in Hürthle cells, in the form of colloid inclusions. Whereas the pinocytic vesicles containing colloid at the luminal end of in nonneoplastic and neoplastic follicular cells indicated engulfment of colloid for synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), the marginal vacuoles(MVs) (fire‑flare appearance) at the basal aspects of follicular cells suggested their release on way to the interfollicular capillaries. The morphological evidence of secretary activity could also be demonstrated in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in the form of azurophilic granules, marginal vacuoles, and intracytoplasmic lumina (ICL) with secretions; the secretory material, likely to be amyloid, present in MTC cells, and their release to the extracellular space was confirmed by positive immunocytochemical staining for calcitonin. It was found that nuclear grooves and related intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions (INCIs) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) possibly represent an initial step of a degenerative process leading to formation of inactive cerebriform nuclei. Based on observation regarding formation and release of precursor substances for psammoma bodies (PBs), it was also suggested that PBs may not represent a process of dystrophic calcification over infarcted/dead papillae but suggest an active biological process, which leads to inhibition of growth of neoplastic cells and acts as a barrier against spread of PTC.

6 illus, 57 ref

027910   DUTTA D J, SARMAH B C, DEV H, RAJ H (Veterinary Physiology Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Guwahati-781022, Email: duttadj@hotmail.com) : In vitro competence of vitrified bovine oocytes with open pulled straw. Indian J Biotechnol 2018, 17(3), 402-406.

In vitro developmental competences of post thaw vitrified bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were studied. Good qualities COCs were cryopreserved using vitrification solution comprising of 15 or 20 % ethylene glycol (EG) + 15 % or 20 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + 0.6 M sucrose in tissue culture medium 199 (TCM199) with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS). Immediately they were plunged in LN2 for ultra- rapid freezing using open pulled straw. Thawing and dilution were made stepwise. Post thaw normal vitrified and non vitrified oocytes were subjected to in vitro maturation and fertilization. The performance in respect of post thaw survivality and in vitro maturation on the basis of cumulus cell expansion was more than 80 %. In comparison, the non-vitrified COCs group, in vitro maturation performance was 93.12 %. The in vitro fertilization performances of vitrified immature and mature post thaw oocytes were recorded as 50.65 % and 56.16 % with 17.95 % and 19.51 % of blastocysts formation, respectively. Ultra rapid freezing protocol using vitrification with open pulled straw technique i.e. 7.5 or 10 % EG + 7.5 or 10 % DMSO for equilibration at room temperature for 3 min and 15 or 20 %    EG + 15 or 20 % DMSO + 0.6 M sucrose as vitrification solution within 1 min, on immature bovine oocyte yielded acceptable in vitro oocyte growth and embryonic development.

4 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

027894   CHALLA S, UPPIN M S, KANNAN M A, RAJASEKHAR L (Pathology Dep, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad - 500 082, Email: challa_ sundaram@yahoo.com) : C4d as a marker of complement activation in dermatomyositis muscle tissue. Neurol India 2018, 66(4), 1062-6.

To study C4d expression as a marker of complement activation in the diagnosis of dermatomyositis Muscle biopsies from patients diagnosed as definite dermatomyositis (10), nonspecific myositis associated with connective tissue disease (9), necrotizing autoimmune myositis (1), inclusion body myositis (1), and normal muscle (1) according to European Neuromuscular criteria 2004 were studied for C4d expression and capillary loss on CD 34 immunohistochemistry. C4d was expressed in all biopsies of definite dermatomyositis in the perimysial vessels and in 3/10 endomysial capillaries corresponding to capillary loss on CD 34.C4d expression was seen in 2/3 perimysial and endomysial vessels in nonspecific myositis (2/3 overlap myositis), and 1/1 of nectrotizing autoimmune myositis.Necrotic muscle fibers in all biopsies showed positivity irrespective of the diagnosis. C4d can be used as a marker of complement activation for the diagnosis of dermatomyositis.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

027949   MENICAGLI R, MAROTTA O, MENICAGLI L (Roma Biomed Research Lab, Italy, Email: menicagli@libero.it) : The question on the potential cancerous effects of hair dyes: The monitoring of the oxidative stress induced by the hair dyes with the dosage of the salivary free radicals. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2018, 22(2), 109-12.

Many studies indicate the difficulty on assessing the possible carcinogenic effects of hair dyes, for their high time of the latence. Our objective is to determine their prognostic index, by monitoring the oxidative stress, produced exposed to hair dyes, in hairdressers, and in consumers, by measuring the concentration of salivary malondialdehyde. Saliva samples are provided by the hairdressers, working in private (NP) or shopping center (CC), by users of hair dyes, for at least 10 years, and by a control group. The values of malondialdehyde are determined using the thiobarbituric acid method. The results are statistically analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test. Comparing the three groups with tests for K‑independent Kruskal–Wallis samples (dyed vs. control vs. dyed at least 10 years), there is a significant difference for the amount of MDA (P < 0.001). Proceeding for the median MDA in the subgroups by testing for two independent U‑samples of Mann–Whitney: control versus dyed, P < 0.001; control versus CC, P = 0.013; control versus NP, P < 0.001; control versus 10 years, P = 0.111; CC versus NP, P = 0.001; CC versus 10 years, P = 0.462; and NP versus 10 years, P < 0.001. In hairdressers, the increase of the salivary MDA versus control group is statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05), with an accentuation in small workplace, for age, probably for a more direct exposure to dyes’ gas. Another statistically significant increase of salivary MDA is for the consumers versus control group, also function of the increasing age. The results of this study show a significant increase of oxidative stress in the hairdressers. This factor involves a potential carcinogenic risk, especially for the bladder, difficult to assess in the short term.

2 tables, 8 ref

027934   KAUR K, KAUR R (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World Univ, Fatehgarh Sahib - 140 406, Email: rupinderkdogra@yahoo.in) : Occupational pesticide exposure, impaired DNA repair, and diseases. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2018, 22(2), 74-81.

Pesticides are a mixture of chemical substances used to kill pests. Apart from their toxicity to pests, thy affect nontarget organisms. They also generate free radicals producing reactive oxygen species(ROS) which can disturb cellular pathways by inhibiting various enzymes or receptors. Pesticides also induce oxidative DNA damage, DNA adducts, and single or double strand DNA breaks. Various mechanisms of DNA repair deal with such damages and help to maintain cell integrity. Alteration in DNA repair genes modulates the individual’s susceptibility towards DNA repair and various diseases. Biological monitoring provides a useful tool for the estimation of genetic risk in populations exposed to pesticides. Large numbers of evidences show that occupational exposure to pesticides in agricultural workers has been associated with an increased incidence of various diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, reproductive disorders, and birth defects. In this review, we have discussed occupational pesticide exposure, various mechanisms of DNA damage caused by pesticides, DNA repair mechanisms, biomonitoring tools, and various diseases caused by pesticide exposure.

3 illus, 1 table, 73 ref

027942   KUMAR V, KALAISELVAN V, KUMAR A P, SAURABH A, THOTA P, SIDHU S, MEDHI B (National Coordination Centre-Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, Ghaziabad - 201 002, Email: arpharmaarchana @gmail.com) : Cefixime-associated acute generalized Exanthematous pustulosis: Rare cases in India. Indian J Pharmacol 2018, 50(4), 204-7.

Cefixime is a widely used third‑generation cephalosporin schedule H1 drug, which is prescribed for the treatment of otitis media, respiratory tract infections, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections and is effective against infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and Haemophilus influenzae species in India. The National Coordination Centre (NCC)‑Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), has received rare individual case safety reports (ICSRs) for acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) associated with the use of cefixime. IPC, NCC‑PvPI also acts as a national collaborating center for pharmacovigilance activities under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; moreover, it is a member country in global pharmacovigilance system, World Health Organization‑Uppsala Monitoring Centre, Sweden. There are more than 250 government/corporate medical colleges and hospitals acting as regional adverse drug reaction monitoring centers, actively functioning under PvPI. Furthermore, various stakeholders including consumers and pharmaceutical industries also play a significant contribution. NCC‑PvPI receives spontaneous ICSRs from various stakeholders. NCC‑PvPI, IPC has received a total of four spontaneous ICSRs for cefixime‑induced AGEP. After clinical evaluation of reported ICSRs, a strong causal relationship was established between AGEP and cefixime and was supported by published literature and histopathological examination of skin. Based on the statistics with positive information component (IC025 Value: 0.17) and proportionality relative risk (PRR:3.4), PvPI considered cefixime‑associated AGEP may be a potential signal. Hence, initially, AEGP is considered by PvPI as drug safety alert in July 2016. Therefore, to enhance the safety of population in rational usage of medication, as a result, there is a need for physicians and health‑care professionals to sensitize about serious adverse reaction while prescribing the cefixime as signal in India.

1 table, 21 ref

027902   DAS K K, YENDIGERI S M, PATIL B S, BAGOJI I B, REDDY R C, BAGALI S, BIRADAR M S, SAHA S (Physiology Dep, BLDE (Deemed to be Uni), Bijapur - 586 103, Email: kusaldas@yahoo. com) : Subchronic hypoxia pretreatment on brain pathophysiology in unilateral common carotid artery occluded albino rats. Indian J Pharmacol 2018, 50(4), 185-91.

This study was aimed to assess the effect of unilateral common carotid artery occlusion on brain pathophysiology in rats pretreated with subchronic hypoxia. Rats (200 ± 20 g) were randomized into three groups: Group 1 served as sham, Group 2 were normoxic (21 % O₂ and 79 % N₂), and Group 3 were hypoxia preconditioned (10 % O₂ and 90 % N₂ ) for 21 days before left common carotid artery occlusion (LCCAO). The LCCAO was done for 75 min followed by reperfusion for 12 h. Neurological scores were recorded. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels at pre‑ and 12 h post‑LCCAO were measured. Brain histopathological assessments were also done. Higher neurological deficits scores in Group 2 as compared to Group 3 rats were noticed. Serum MDA and NO levels at 12 h post‑LCCAO in Group 2 rats showed significant elevation as compared to preocclusion levels. Group 3 rats did not show such elevations. On histopathology of left and right cerebral hemispheres of Group 1 (sham) did not show any specific changes. In Group 2 rats, the right cerebral hemisphere (nonoccluded) showed no areas of ischemia‑induced brain changes, but in the left side (occlusive), there were features of ischemic brain damage including cerebral edema. In the case of Group 3 rats, there were less ischemic damages in the left occluded side as compared to the left side of the Group 2 rats. This study clearly demonstrates that subchronic hypoxia pretreatment can reduce ischemic brain injury by unilateral common carotid artery occlusion in rats.

5 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

027946   MASHHADI S N Y, ASKARI V R, GHORANI V, JELODAR G A, BOSKABADY M H (Physiology Dep, Mashhad Unive, Iran, Email: boskabadymh@ mums.ac.ir) : The effect of Portulaca oleracea and α-linolenic acid on oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Indian J Pharmacol 2018, 50(4), 177-84.

Various pharmacological effects including antioxidant property of Portulaca oleracea L. were reported previously. In the present study, the effect of the extract of the plant and its constituent, α‑linolenic acid (ALA), on oxidant and antioxidant markers of PHA/non‑stimulated human mononuclear cells was evaluated. The effect of 10, 40, and 160 µg/ml of P. oleracea and 5, 15, and 45 µg/ml of ALA or dexamethasone (0.1 mM) on nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol (SH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the supernatant of phytohemagglutinin‑A (PHA)‑ and nonstimulated lymphocytes was examined (n = 6 for each group). In nonstimulated cells, dexamethasone, high concentration of the extract (160 µg/ml), and ALA (45 µg/ml) significantly increased thiol, CAT, and SOD values. Dexamethasone and high concentration of ALA significantly reduced MDA value (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). However, the levels of NO and MDA due to dexamethasone and 160 µg/ml of the extract and 15 and 45 µg/ml of ALA treatment were also reduced in PHA‑stimulated cells (P < 0.001 for all cases). Treatment of stimulated lymphocyte by dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of the extract and ALA also leads to increased levels of thiol, CAT, and SOD (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). P. oleracea and ALA, as well as dexamethasone, decreased NO and MDA levels but increased antioxidant agents in human lymphocytes. These results suggest that P. oleracea and ALA may have therapeutic effect in diseases associated with enhancement of oxidation agents as an antioxidant agent.

5 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

027948   MEHTA D, DAGAR A, KISHAN J, SINGH P, NEHRA T, SHARMA H (Respiratory Medicine Dep, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Haryana, Email: drdineshmehta@gmail.com) : Common allergens prevalent in and around Ambala, Haryana: An intradermal study among patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol 2018, 63(4), 311-6.

Identification of allergens by intradermal test in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. Intradermal test was performed in 100 patients of Ambala over an 8-year period to identify the common allergens. A total of 197 allergens including 50 types of pollen, 19 fungi, 17 insects, 14 types of dust, 6 animal dander, 7 types of fabric and feather and 82 types of foods, dust mite, and parthenium were tested. In this study, the major allergens were pollen (51 %) followed by foods (28.9 %), insects (26.9 %), fungus (12.6 %), dusts (6.7 %). Among pollen allergens, Brassica campestris (8 %) was a major allergen followed by Ageratum conyzoides (7 %) and Artemisia scoparia (6 %) Cannabis sativa, Cynodon dactylon and Maerua arenaria (5 %). Among the fungal group, Alternaria tenuis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates, Candida albicans, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus nigricans (3 %), Fusarium solani (2 %) were found. In the insect group, mosquito (7 %), ant (6 %), grasshopper (5 %), locust (male), moth, and house fly (4 %) were the major allergens. Among the dust allergens, grain dust rice (3 %), straw dust, house dust, and grain dust bajra (2 %) were found. Among the food allergens, prawn (5 %), almonds, Baker’s yeast, Bengal gram (3 %) and mushroom, mango ripe, rajma, cinnamon, chocolate, beans fresh, and areca nut (2 %) were found. It can be said that the knowledge may help to create a mapping of allergens in this area and help to treat patients by immunotherapy or avoidance strategy.

2 illus, 7 tables, 16 ref

027935   KIRAN K C, MADHUKARA J, ABRAHAM A, MURALIDHARAN S (DVL Dep, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Karnataka, Email: docanilabe@yahoo.co.in) : Cutaneous bacteriological profile in patients with pemphigus. Indian J Derm 2018, 63(4), 301-4.

Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease. The common cause of death in pemphigus is septicemia which is usually secondary to cutaneous bacterial infection. The aim was to study the cutaneous bacteriological profile in patients with pemphigus. Pus for culture and sensitivity was collected from clinically infected lesions of pemphigus patients in the Department of Dermatology, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru, from June 2013 to June 2014. Of the 49 patients included in the study, 44 were suffering from pemphigus vulgaris, 4 from pemphigus foliaceus and one had pemphigus vegetans. There were 31 male and 18 female patients. The mean age of the group was 35.51 year. Mean Autoimmune Bullous Disorder Intensity Score was 17.36. About 32.7 % were diabetic. About 40.81 % showed the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, 12.24 % of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 6.12 % of Proteus mirabilis, 4.08 % of β-hemolytic streptococci and nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli, and 2.04 % of Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus species, and Klebsiella species. S. aureus showed 100 % sensitivity to antibiotics – tetracycline, amikacin, chloramphenicol, and netilmicin; 90 % resistance was found for penicillin and 55% resistance was found for ciprofloxacin and erythromycin. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was 30 %. P. aeruginosa showed 100% sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, amikacin, gentamicin, piperacillin, piperacillin + tazobactam, and netilmicin. S. aureus was the most common organism showing sensitivity to tetracycline, amikacin, chloramphenicol, and netilmicin and resistance to penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

027966   PATRO S, SARANGI G, DAS P, MAHAPATRA A, MOHAPATRA D, PATY B P, CHAYANI N (Microbiology Dep, AIIMS, Odisha, Email: meetasoka@yahoo.co.in) : Bacteriological profile of ventilator-associated pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 61(3), 375-9.

Ventilator‑associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most frequent intensive care unit (ICU)‑acquired infection. The etiology of VAP and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern varies with different patient populations and types of ICUs. An observational cross‑sectional study was performed over a period of 2 years in a tertiary care hospital to determine the various etiological agents causing VAP and to detect the presence of multidrug‑resistant (MDR) pathogens in these VAP patients. Combination disk method, Modified Hodge test, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disk synergy test, and AmpC disk test were performed for the detection of extended‑spectrum beta‑lactamase (ESBL), carbapenemases, metallo‑beta‑lactamases (MBL), and AmpC beta‑lactamases, respectively. The prevalence of VAP was 35 %. Enterobacteriaceae (66.66 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (20 %) were common in early‑onset VAP, while nonfermenters (50 %) and Enterobacteriaceae (40.61 %) were predominant from late‑onset VAP. Nearly 60.87 % of the bacterial pathogens were MDR. ESBL was produced by 21.74 % of Enterobacteriaceae. AmpC β‑lactamase was positive in 35.29 % nonfermenters and 26.08 % Enterobacteriaceae. MBL was positive in 17.64 % nonfermenters and 17.39 % Enterobacteriaceae. Among the S. aureus isolates, 75 % were cefoxitin resistant. Prior antibiotic therapy (P = 0.001) and hospitalization of 5 days or more (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for VAP by MDR pathogens. polymyxin B, tigecycline, and vancomycin were the most sensitive drugs for Gram‑negative and positive isolates respectively from VAP. SPSS for Windows Version SPSS 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and Chi‑square with Yates correction. Late‑onset VAP is increasingly associated with MDR pathogens. Treatment with polymyxin B, tigecycline, and vancomycin should be kept as last‑line reserve drugs against most of the MDR pathogens.

5 tables, 23 ref

027918   GONUL I I, CAKIR A, SOZEN S (Pathology Dep, Gazi University Medical School, Turkey, Email: dripek@gmail.com) : Immunohistochemical expression profiles of MUC1 and MUC2 mucins in urothelial tumors of bladder. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 61(3), 350-5.

Mucins may show aberrant expression, localization, and/ or glycosylation in multiple malignancies. However, information regarding expression of these mucins is mostly unknown in urothelial tumors. This study was conducted for examining the expressions of membrane associated and secreted mucin (MUC1) and a secreted gel‑forming mucin (MUC2) in urothelial tumors of the urinary bladder. Archival transurethral resection materials of 97 urothelial carcinoma cases were reexamined light microscopically and graded according to the 2004 WHO Classification. Pathological stage was given as pTa, pT1, and pT2. Demonstrative sections were recut for immunohistochemistry for MUC1 and MUC2. The results were statistically analyzed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The positivity for MUC1 and MUC2 was 89.7 % and 44.3 %, respectively. Independent from pathological stage of the tumor, MUC1 expression showed statistically significant correlation with tumor grade (P < 0.05). We did not find any correlation between pathological stage and MUC1 and MUC2 expression (P > 0.05). MUC1 staining pattern in papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential cases was more commonly apical and superficial (luminal cell layer only). Intermediate cells ± basal cells or isolated cells or islands of tumor cells with cytoplasmic and/or circumferential membrane positivity for MUC1 and MUC2 were more commonly observed in both low‑ and high‑grade carcinomas. The difference between groups in terms of MUC1 and MUC2 staining was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The staining patterns of both mucins are different between urothelial papillary tumors and may be used to make a differentiation, especially for low‑grade papillary urothelial lesions. This difference may also be important in the carcinomatous transformation of urothelial neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions.

2 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

027901   DAS I, DAS R N, PAUL B, MANDAL B, MUKHERJEE S, CHATTERJEE U (Pathology Dep, IPGME and R, Kolkata - 700 030, Email: rndasmaliandi@gmail.com) : A study of spectrum of pulmonary pathology and expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 during neonatal period. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 61(3), 334-8.

Neonatal period is the single most hazardous period of life. The major causes of neonatal death are prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome. We report a series of neonatal autopsies in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with special emphasis on pulmonary pathology. The spectrum of pathological changes in the lungs and thyroid transcription factor‑1 (TTF‑1) expression was studied in detail with reference to its spatial distribution. This study aims to analyze the causes of neonatal death with special attention to pulmonary pathology along with associated histopathological changes in lungs. We also evaluated the expression of TTF‑1 at different levels of the airway. After taking consent and anthropometric measurements, autopsy was performed. Weights of all organs were taken, and histological sections were examined under hematoxylin and eosin stain. TTF‑1 immunostaining was done on lung sections. Localization of TTF‑1 was evaluated at the intrapulmonary level of terminal bronchioles (TBs), distal bronchioles, and alveoli. We performed a series of 25 autopsies in neonates. In our series, most of the neonates were preterm (64 %), had low birth weight (44 %), and died within the first 7 days of life (80 %). Majority (60 %) of the neonates died due to pulmonary causes, followed by septicemia (24 %), congenital anomalies (12 %), and birth injury (4 %). Among the respiratory causes, hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was diagnosed in maximum number of cases (32 %), followed by pneumonia (12 %) and pulmonary hemorrhage (12 %). The TTF‑1 expression in TBs, distal airways, and alveoli was significantly reduced or absent in cases of HMD compared to the control group. In this study, we observed that HMD is the most common cause of perinatal death among respiratory disorders, and in this disease, the expression of TTF‑1 is significantly reduced in TBs, distal airways, and alveoli compared to the control group.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

028010   VATS S, GANESH M S, AGARWAL A (Surgical Oncology Dep, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka, Email: msganesh1965@gmail.com) : Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 neu expression in head and neck squamous cell cancers and its clinicopathological correlation: Results from an Indian Cancer Center. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2018, 61(3), 313-8.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2)/neuprotooncogene (neu) is a proven molecular prognostic marker in breast, ovarian, gastric, and ovarian cancers. In head‑and‑neck cancers, varied expression is documented and therefore its prognostic role is debatable. To find the rate of overexpression of HER2/neu in head‑and‑neck cancers and to understand its prognostic role by evaluating its association with nodal stage and overall stage of the patient. A total of 70 surgically resected cases of head‑and‑neck cancers were evaluated for expression of HER2/neu by immunohistochemistry. Scoring was done according to the American Society of Clinical Oncologists/College of American Pathologistsguidelines for Her2/neu testing in breast cancer. Of the 70 cases studied, 57 were of oral cavity and 13 were laryngeal squamous cell cancers and 14 (20%) were Her2/neu positive. On correlating the expression of HER2/neu in T1/T2 (41 cases) versus T3/T4 (27 cases), the P value was found to be 0.8273 which was statistically insignificant. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference in expression of HER2/neu was found in between node negative and node positive cases (49 vs. 19 cases, respectively), with P = 0.512. In the current settings, HER2/neu is not found to be a prognostic marker in head‑and‑neck cancers. Standard immunohistochemistry staining protocols need to be established like in breast cancers to aid uniform reporting and further evaluate the role of this important protooncogene in head‑and‑neck cancers.

1 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

027938   KRISHNAMOORTHY G (Biotechnology Dep, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: gk@tifr.res.in) : Fluorescence spectroscopy for revealing mechanisms in biology: Strengths and pitfalls. J Biosci 2018, 43(3), 555–67.

This article describes the basic principles of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence. The formal equivalence of the two methodologies is described first, followed by the extra advantages of time-resolved methods in revealing population heterogeneity in complex systems encountered in biology. Several examples from the author’s work are described in support of the above contention. Finally, several misinterpretations and pitfalls in the interpretation of fluorescence data and their remedy are described.

6 illus, 58 ref

027883   BANERJEE S, MAURYA S, ROY R (Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Email: rahulroy@iisc.ac.in) : Single-molecule fluorescence imaging: Generating insights into molecular interactions in virology. J Biosci 2018, 43(3), 519–40.

Single-molecule fluorescence methods remain a challenging yet information-rich set of techniques that allow one to probe the dynamics, stoichiometry and conformation of biomolecules one molecule at a time. Viruses are small (nanometers) in size, can achieve cellular infections with a small number of virions and their lifecycle is inherently heterogeneous with a large number of structural and functional intermediates. Single-molecule measurements that reveal the complete distribution of properties rather than the average can hence reveal new insights into virus infections and biology that are inaccessible otherwise. This article highlights some of the methods and recent applications of single-molecule fluorescence in the field of virology. Here, we have focused on new findings in virus–cell interaction, virus cell entry and transport, viral membrane fusion, genome release, replication, translation, assembly, genome packaging, egress and interaction with host immune proteins that underline the advantage of single-molecule approach to the question at hand. Finally, we discuss the challenges, outlook and potential areas for improvement and future use of single-molecule fluorescence that could further aid our understanding of viruses.

6 illus, 177 ref

028000   SINGH P, BAGCHI D, PAL S K (Chemical, Biological and Macromolecular Sciences Dep, S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata- 700 106, Email: skpal@bose.res.in) : Ultrafast dynamics-driven biomolecular recognition where fast activities dictate slow events. J Biosci 2018, 43(3), 485–98.

In general, biological macromolecules require significant dynamical freedom to carry out their different functions, including signal transduction, metabolism, catalysis and gene regulation. Effectors (ligands, DNA and external milieu, etc) are considered to function in a purely dynamical manner by selectively stabilizing a specific dynamical state, thereby regulating biological function. In particular, proteins in presence of these effectors can exist in several dynamical states with distinct binding or enzymatic activity. Here, we have reviewed the efficacy of ultrafast fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor the dynamical flexibility of various proteins in presence of different effectors leading to their biological activity. Recent studies demonstrate the potency of a combined approach involving picosecond-resolved Fo¨rster resonance energy transfer, polarisation-gated fluorescence and time-dependent stokes shift for the exploration of ultrafast dynamics in biomolecular recognition of various protein molecules. The allosteric protein–protein recognition following differential protein–DNA interaction is shown to be a consequence of some ultrafast segmental motions at the C-terminal of Gal repressor protein dimer with DNA operator sequences O_E and O_I. Differential ultrafast dynamics at the C-terminal of $\mathrm{\lambda }$-repressor protein with two different operator DNA sequences for the protein–protein interaction with different strengths is also reviewed. We have also systemically briefed the study on the role of ultrafast dynamics of water molecules on the functionality of enzyme proteins $\mathrm{\alpha }$-chymotrypsin and deoxyribonuclease I. The studies on the essential ultrafast dynamics at the active site of the enzyme $\mathrm{\alpha }$-chymotrypsin by using an anthraniloyl fluorescent extrinsic probe covalently attached to the serine-195 residue for the enzymatic activity at homeothermic condition has also been reviewed. Finally, we have highlighted the evidence that a photoinduced dynamical event dictates the molecular recognition of a photochromic ligand, dihydroindolizine with the serine protease $\mathrm{\alpha }$-chymotrypsin and with a liposome (L-$\mathrm{\alpha }$-phosphatidylcholine).

8 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

027965   PATHAK D, THAKUR S, MALLIK R (Biological Sciences Dep, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai- 400 005, Email: roop@tifr.res.in) : Fluorescence microscopy applied to intracellular transport by microtubule motors. J Biosci 2018, 43(3), 437–45.

Long-distance transport of many organelles inside eukaryotic cells is driven by the dynein and kinesin motors on microtubule filaments. More than 30 years since the discovery of these motors, unanswered questions include motor– organelle selectivity, structural determinants of processivity, collective behaviour of motors and track selection within the complex cytoskeletal architecture, to name a few. Fluorescence microscopy has been invaluable in addressing some of these questions. Here we present a review of some efforts to understand these sub-microscopic machines using fluorescence.

2 illus, 92 ref

027970   PUCADYIL T J (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune- 411 008, Email: pucadyil@iiserpune.ac.in) : A novel fluorescence microscopic approach to quantitatively analyse protein-induced membrane remodelling. J Biosci 2018, 43(3), 431–5.

Membrane remodelling or the bending and rupture of the lipid bilayer occurs during diverse cellular processes such as cell division, synaptic transmission, vesicular transport, organelle biogenesis and sporulation. These activities are brought about by the localized change in membrane curvature, which in turn causes lipid-packing stress, of a planar lipid bilayer by proteins. For instance, vesicular transport processes are typically characterized by the cooperative recruitment of proteins that induce budding of a planar membrane and catalyse fission of the necks of membrane buds to release vesicles. The analysis of such membrane remodelling reactions has traditionally been restricted to electron microscopy–based approaches or force spectroscopic analysis of membrane tethers pulled from liposome-based model membrane systems. Our recent work has demonstrated the facile creation of tubular model membrane systems of supported membrane tubes (SMrTs), which mimic late-stage intermediates of typical vesicular transport reactions. This review addresses the nature of such an assay system and a fluorescence-intensity-based analysis of changes in tube dimensions that is indicative of the membrane remodelling capacity of proteins.

2 illus, 30 ref

027881   BAKAR M B A, HAQUE M (National Defence Univ of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur- 570 00, Malaysia, Email: runurono@gmail.com) : Antibiotics in chronic rhinosinusitis: A brief synopsis of literatures. Adv Hum Biol 2018, 8(2), 54-8.

Sinusitis is an inflammation or else infection of the nose and paranasal sinuses. These cavities are adjacent, and any provocative or transferrable process that touches one also communicates and contaminates others. Consequently, the important entity in this regard to remember that the befitting locution is: rhinosinusitis preferably apart from sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis, more accurately termed chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), is diagnosed more often than acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). Rhinosinusitis is founded on the four key symptoms of ‘obstruction, drainage, smell loss and facial pain or pressure’ in both ARS and CRS. CRS relates to a progressive upsurge in healthcare exploitation, expenses and healthcare cost remains high. It has been estimated that widespread antimicrobials prescribing and use for CRS cost in the USA was more than the US $150 million to 2.4 billion per year and in the UK, it is about ≤10 million, which finally promotes antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Multiple meta-analyses revealed that the respiratory fluoroquinolones (specifically moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and gatifloxacin) were not able to establish superiority to β-lactams and other classes of antimicrobials for the management of ARS regarding the efficacy and ADR. Thereafter, three additional meta-analyses revealed that there were no corroboration and affirmation of superior efficacy, usefulness and lower adverse effects observed with any definite group of antibiotics in sinusitis. The current understanding regarding the pathophysiology of CRS microbial infection cannot be established, and antimicrobials role should be dedicated in the management ARS episodes or their contagious impediments, and the choice of antimicrobials should be channeled by optimally obtained on endoscopic sinus culture.

88 ref

027878   ARNESON D, ZHANG Y, YANG X, NARAYANAN M (Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Dep, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai - 600 036, Email: nmanik@cse.iitm.ac.in) : Shared mechanisms among neurodegenerative diseases: From genetic factors to gene networks. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 795–806.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are pressing health concerns in modern societies for which effective therapies are still lacking. Recent high-throughput genomic technologies have enabled genome-scale, multidimensional investigations to facilitate a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the identification of novel targets. Here we review the molecular insights gained through such studies, and compare the similarities and differences between neurodegenerative diseases revealed by systems genomics and gene network modelling approaches. We focus specifically on the shared mechanisms at multiple molecular scales ranging from genetic factors to gene expression to network-level features of gene regulation, and whenever possible also point out mechanisms that distinguish one disease from another. Our review sets the stage for similar genomewide inspection in the future on shared/distinct features of neurodegenerative diseases at the levels of cellular, proteomic or epigenomic signatures, and how these features may interact to determine the progression and treatment response of different diseases afflicting the same individual.

3 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

027986   SARKAR S (Genetics Dep, Delhi South Campus Univ, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi - 110 021, Email: sarkar@south.du.ac.in) : Neurofibrillary tangles mediated human neuronal tauopathies: Insights from fly models. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 783–93.

Tauopathies represent a group of neurodegenerative disorder which are characterized by the presence of tau positive specialized argyrophilic and insoluble intraneuronal and glial fibrillar lesions known as neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Tau is a neuron specific microtubule binding protein which is required for the integrity and functioning of neuronal cells, and hyperphosphorylation of tau and its subsequent aggregation and paired helical filaments (PHFs) and NFTs has emerged as one of the major pathogenic mechanisms of tauopathies in human and mammalian model systems. Modeling of human tauopathies in Drosophila results in manifestation of associated phenotypes, and a recent study has demonstrated that similar to human and mammalian models, accumulation of insoluble tau aggregates in the form of typical neurotoxic NFTs triggers the pathogenesis of tauopathies in fly models. In view of the availability of remarkable genetic tools, Drosophila tau models could be extremely useful for in-depth analysis of the role of NFTs in neurodegeneration and tau aetiology, and also for the screening of novel gene(s) and molecule(s) which suppress the toxicity of tau aggregates.

2 illus, 83 ref

028001   SINGHAL N, JAISWAL M (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad- 500 107, Email: manish@tifrh.res.in.) : Pathways to neurodegeneration: Lessons learnt from unbiased genetic screens in Drosophila. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 773–81.

Neurodegenerative diseases are a complex set of disorders that are known to be caused by environmental as well as genetic factors. In the recent past, mutations in a large number of genes have been identified that are linked to several neurodegenerative diseases. The pathogenic mechanisms in most of these disorders are unknown. Recently, studies of genes that are linked to neurodegeneration in Drosophila, the fruit flies, have contributed significantly to our understanding of mechanisms of neuroprotection and degeneration. In this review, we focus on forward genetic screens in Drosophila that helped in identification of novel genes and pathogenic mechanisms linked to neurodegeneration. We also discuss identification of four novel pathways that contribute to neurodegeneration upon mitochondrial dysfunction.

113 ref

027953   NADIMINTI S S P, KAMAK M, KOUSHIKA S P (Biological Sciences Dep, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai - 400 005, Email: spkoushika@tifr.res.in) : Tied up: Does altering phosphoinositide-mediated membrane trafficking influence neurodegenerative disease phenotypes?. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 753–71.

Phosphoinositides are a class of membrane lipids that are found on several intracellular compartments and play diverse roles inside cells, such as vesicle formation, protein trafficking, endocytosis etc. Intracellular distribution and levels of phosphoinositides are regulated by enzymes that generate and breakdown these lipids as well as other proteins that associate with phosphoinositides. These events lead to differing levels of specific phosphoinositides on different intracellular compartments. At these intracellular locations, phosphoinositides and their associated proteins, such as Rab GTPases, dynamin and BAR domain-containing proteins, regulate a variety of membrane trafficking pathways. Neurodegenerative phenotypes in disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) can arise as a consequence of altered or hampered intracellular trafficking. Altered trafficking can cause proteins such as α-synuclein to aggregate intracellularly. Several trafficking pathways are regulated by master regulators such as LRRK2, which is known to regulate the activity of phosphoinositide effector proteins. Perturbing either the levels of phosphoinositides or their interactions with different proteins disrupts intracellular trafficking pathways, contributing to phenotypes often observed in disorders such as Alzheimer’s or PDs. Thus, studying phosphoinositide regulation and its role in trafficking can give us a deeper understanding of the contribution of disrupted trafficking to neurodegenerative phenotypes.

4 illus, 5 tables, 210 ref

027917   GHATAK S, TRUDLER D, DOLATABADI N, AMBASUDHAN R (Scintillon Institute, CA 92037, United States, Email: rajesh@scintillon.org) : Parkinson's disease: What the model systems have taught us so far. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 729–51.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, for which people above the age of 60 show an increased risk. Although there has been great advancement in understanding the disease-related abnormalities in brain circuitry and development of symptomatic treatments, a cure for PD remains elusive. The discovery of PD associated gene mutations and environmental toxins have yielded animal models of the disease. These models could recapitulate several key aspects of PD, and provide more insights into the disease pathogenesis. They have also revealed novel aspects of the disease mechanism including noncell autonomous events and spreading of pathogenic protein species across the brain. Nevertheless, none of these models so far can comprehensively represent all aspects of the human disease. While the field is still searching for the perfect model system, recent developments in stem cell biology have provided a new dimension to modelling PD, especially doing it in a patient-specific manner. In the current review, we attempt to summarize the key findings in the areas discussed above, and highlight how the core PD pathology distinguishes itself from other neurodegenerative disorders while also resembling them in many aspects.

2 illus, 2 tables, 240 ref

027890   BRIELLE S, KAGANOVICH D (Cell and Developmental Biology Dep, Hebrew Univ of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel, Email: shlomi.brielle@mail.huji.ac.il) : Mitochondrial dysfunction in protein conformational disorders. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 703–13.

Protein aggregation is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. In Parkinson’s disease protein misfolding of α-synuclein involves conformational changes in the protein structure that often results in self-association and aggregation leading to accumulation of α-synuclein in neuronal cells. The underlying mechanisms by which aggregations can lead to impaired cellular functions are often not understood. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence that links mitochondrial dysfunction to Parkinson’s disease. As both mitochondria and protein aggregation of α-synuclein have been shown to play a major role in Parkinson’s disease, it seems likely that a converging mechanism exists that links the two pathways.

1 illus, 1 table, 104 ref

028003   SURESH S N, VERMA V, SATEESH S, CLEMENT J P, MANJITHAYA R (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru - 560 064, Email: ravim@jncasr.ac.in) : Neurodegenerative diseases: Model organisms, pathology and autophagy. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 679–701.

A proteostasis view of neurodegeneration (ND) identifies protein aggregation as a leading causative reason for damage seen at the cellular and organ levels. While investigative therapies that aim at dissolving aggregates have failed, and the promises of silencing expression of ND associated pathogenic proteins or the deployment of engineered induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are still in the horizon, emerging literature suggests degrading aggregates through autophagy-related mechanisms hold the current potential for a possible cure. Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is an intracellular degradative pathway where superfluous or unwanted cellular cargoes (such as peroxisomes, mitochondria, ribosomes, intracellular bacteria and misfolded protein aggregates) are wrapped in double membrane vesicles called autophagosomes that eventually fuses with lysosomes for their degradation. The selective branch of autophagy that deals with identification, capture and degradation of protein aggregates is called aggrephagy. Here, we cover the workings of aggrephagy detailing its selectivity towards aggregates. The diverse cellular adaptors that bridge the aggregates with the core autophagy machinery in terms of autophagosome formation are discussed. In ND, essential protein quality control mechanisms fail as the constituent components also find themselves trapped in the aggregates. Thus, although cellular aggrephagy has the potential to be upregulated, its dysfunction further aggravates the pathogenesis. This phenomenon when combined with the fact that neurons can neither dilute out the aggregates by cell division nor the dead neurons can be replaced due to low neurogenesis, makes a compelling case for aggrephagy pathway as a potential therapeutic option.

2 illus, 1 table, 267 ref

027978   RUDICH P, LAMITINA T (Pittsburgh Medical Center Univ, PA - 15224, United States, Email: stl52@pitt.edu) : Models and mechanisms of repeat expansion disorders: A worm's eye view. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 665–77.

The inappropriate genetic expansion of various repetitive DNA sequences underlies over 20 distinct inherited diseases. The genetic context of these repeats in exons, introns and untranslated regions has played a major role in thinking about the mechanisms by which various repeat expansions might cause disease. Repeat expansions in exons are thought to give rise to expanded toxic protein repeats (i.e. polyQ). Repeat expansions in introns and UTRs (i.e. FXTAS) are thought to produce aberrant repeat bearing RNAs that interact with and sequester a wide variety of essential proteins, resulting in cellular toxicity. However, a new phenomenon termed ‘repeat-associated nonAUG dependent (RAN) translation’ paints a new and unifying picture of how distinct repeat expansion-bearing RNAs might act as substrates for this noncanonical form of translation, leading to the production of a wide range of repeat sequence-specific-encoded toxic proteins. Here, we review how the model system Caenorhabditis elegans has been utilized to model many repeat disorders and discuss how RAN translation could be a previously unappreciated contributor to the toxicity associated with these different models.

1 illus, 1 table, 99 ref

027960   PANDEY M, RAJAMMA U (Inter Univ Center for Biomedical Research and Super Specialty Hospital, Kottayam - 686 009, Email: ushar@iucbr.ac.in) : Huntington's disease: The coming of age. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 649–64.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused due to an abnormal expansion of polyglutamine repeats in the first exon of Huntington gene. The mutation in huntingtin causes abnormalities in the functioning of protein, leading to deleterious effects ultimately to the demise of specific neuronal cells. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and leads to a plethora of neuropsychiatric behaviour and neuronal cell death mainly in striatal and cortical regions of the brain, eventually leading to death of the individual. The discovery of the mutant gene led to a surge in molecular diagnostics of the disease and in making different transgenic models in different organisms to understand the function of wild-type and mutant proteins. Despite difficult challenges, there has been a significant increase in understanding the functioning of the protein in normal and other gain-of-function interactions in mutant form. However, there have been no significant improvements in treatments of the patients suffering from this ailment and most of the treatment is still symptomatic. HD warrants more attention towards better understanding and treatment as more advancement in molecular diagnostics and therapeutic interventions are available. Several different transgenic models are available in different organisms, ranging from fruit flies to primate monkeys, for studies on understanding the pathogenicity of the mutant gene. It is the right time to assess the advancement in the field and try new strategies for neuroprotection using key pathways as target. The present review highlights the key ingredients of pathology in the HD and discusses important studies for drug trials and future goals for therapeutic interventions.

1 illus, 1 table, 189 ref

027941   KUMAR S, YADAV N, PANDEY S, THELMA B K (Genetics Dep, Delhi South Campus of Univ, New Delhi -110 021, Email: thelmabk@gmail.com.) : Advances in the discovery of genetic risk factors for complex forms of neurodegenerative disorders: Contemporary approaches, success, challenges and prospects. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 625–48.

Neurodegenerative diseases constitute a large proportion of disorders in elderly, majority being sporadic in occurrence with $~$5–10 % familial. A strong genetic component underlies the Mendelian forms but nongenetic factors together with genetic vulnerability contributes to the complex sporadic forms. Several gene discoveries in the familial forms have provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration with implications for treatment. Conversely, findings from genetic dissection of the sporadic forms, despite large genomewide association studies and more recently whole exome and whole genome sequencing, have been limited. This review provides a concise account of the genetics that we know, the pathways that they implicate, the challenges that are faced and the prospects that are envisaged for the sporadic, complex forms of neurodegenerative diseases, taking four most common conditions, namely Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington disease as examples. Poor replication across studies, inability to establish genotype–phenotype correlations and the overall failure to predict risk and/or prevent disease in this group poses a continuing challenge. Among others, clinical heterogeneity emerges as the most important impediment warranting newer approaches. Advanced computational and system biology tools to analyse the big data are being generated and the alternate strategy such as subgrouping of case–control cohorts based on deep phenotyping using the principles of Ayurveda to overcome current limitation of phenotype heterogeneity seem to hold promise. However, at this point, with advances in discovery genomics and functional analysis of putative determinants with translation potential for the complex forms being minimal, stem cell therapies are being attempted as potential interventions. In this context, the possibility to generate patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells, mutant/gene/genome correction through CRISPR/Cas9 technology and repopulating the specific brain regions with corrected neurons, which may fulfil the dream of personalized medicine have been mentioned briefly. Understanding disease pathways/biology using this technology, with implications for development of novel therapeutics are optimistic expectations in the near future.

1 illus, 5 tables, 230 ref

027963   PARIHAR R, RAI A, GANESH S (Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur- 208 016, Email: sganesh@iitk.ac.in.) : Lafora disease: From genotype to phenotype. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 611–24.

The progressive myoclonic epilepsy of Lafora or Lafora disease (LD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by recurrent seizures and cognitive deficits. With typical onset in the late childhood or early adolescence, the patients show progressive worsening of the disease symptoms, leading to death in about 10 years. It is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by the loss-offunction mutations in the EPM2A gene, coding for a protein phosphatase (laforin) or the NHLRC1 gene coding for an E3 ubiquitin ligase (malin). LD is characterized by the presence of abnormally branched water insoluble glycogen inclusions known as Lafora bodies in the neurons and other tissues, suggesting a role for laforin and malin in glycogen metabolic pathways. Mouse models of LD, developed by targeted disruption of the Epm2a or Nhlrc1 gene, recapitulated most of the symptoms and pathological features as seen in humans, and have offered insight into the pathomechanisms. Besides the formation of Lafora bodies in the neurons in the presymptomatic stage, the animal models have also demonstrated perturbations in the proteolytic pathways, such as ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, and inflammatory response. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive coverage on the genetic defects leading to the LD in humans, on the functional properties of the laforin and malin proteins, and on how defects in any one of these two proteins result in a clinically similar phenotype. We also discuss the disease pathologies as revealed by the studies on the animal models and, finally, on the progress with therapeutic attempts albeit in the animal models.

3 illus, 2 tables, 138 ref

027943   KUMARI R, KUMAR D, BRAHMACHARI S K, SRIVASTAVA A K, FARUQ M, MUKERJI M (CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi- 110 025, Email: mitali@igib.res.in) : Paradigm for disease deconvolution in rare neurodegenerative disorders in Indian population: Insights from studies in cerebellar ataxias. J Genet 2018, 97(3), 589–609.

Cerebellar ataxias are a group of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders with an average prevalence ranges from 4.8 to 13.8 in 100,000 individuals. The inherited disorders affect multiple members of the families, or a community that is endogamous or consanguineous. Presence of more than 3000 mutations in different genes with overlapping clinical symptoms, genetic anticipation and pleiotropy, as well as incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity due to modifiers pose challenges in genotype–phenotype correlation. Development of a diagnostic algorithm could reduce the time as well as cost in clinicogenetic diagnostics and also help in reducing the economic and social burden of the disease. In a unique research collaboration spanning over 20 years, we have been able to develop a paradigm for studying cerebellar ataxias in the Indian population which would also be relevant in other rare diseases. This has involved clinical and genetic analysis of thousands of families from diverse Indian populations. The extensive resource on ataxia has led to the development of a clinicogenetic algorithm for cost-effective screening of ataxia and a unique ataxia clinic in the tertiary referral centre in All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Utilizing a population polymorphism scanning approach, we have been able to dissect the mechanisms of repeat instability and expansion in many ataxias, and also identify founders, and trace the mutational histories in the Indian population. This provides information for genetic testing of at—risk as well as protected individuals and populations. To dissect uncharacterized cases which comprises more than 50 % of the cases, we have explored the potential of next-generation sequencing technologies coupled with the extensive resource of baseline data generated in-house and other public domains. We have also developed a repository of patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymphoblastoid cell lines and neuronal lineages (derived from iPSCs) for ascribing functionality to novel genes/mutations. Through integrating these technologies, novel genes have been identified that has broadened the diagnostic panel, increased the diagnostic yield to over 75 %, helped in ascribing pathogenicity to novel mutations and enabled understanding of disease mechanisms. It has also provided a platform for testing novel molecules for amelioration of pathophysiological phenotypes. This review through a perspective on CAs suggests a generic paradigm from diagnostics to therapeutic interventions for rare disorders in the context of heterogeneous Indian populations.

4 illus, 3 tables, 167 ref

026464   SYAFRUDDIN, SIREGAR T N, AZRIN, ZUHRAWATI , ROSMAIDAR, ROSLIZAWATY (Syiah Kuala Univ, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Email: roslizawaty@unsyiah.ac.id) : Histological description of Aceh cattle ovary cryopreserved by various cryoprotectants. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1223-6.

This research aimed to determine Aceh cattle ovarian follicle morphological integrity after vitrified by various cryoprotectants. Cryoprotectants used in this research were 30 % ethylene glycol (EG), 30 % dimethyl suphocide (DMSO), and combination of 15 % EG + 15 % DMSO. Prior to vitrification process, ovaries were cleansed by phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and then cut into ± 1 mm³ . Ovaries were consecutively submerged into the following liquid for 5 minutes each: PBS + 0.25 M sucrose; PBS + 0.5 M sucrose; PBS+ 0.5 M sucrose + 10 % cryoprotectants; and PBS + 0.5 M sucrose + 30 % cryoprotectants. Then, ovaries were packed into straws with ± 7 cm in length and ± 6 mm in diameter. Before kept in liquid nitrogen, ovaries were first exposed to nitrogen fume for 10 second. After being stored for 1 day, the ovaries were proceed for histological examination . The result showed that Aceh cattle ovarian follicle after vitrification using 30 % EG  yields the best morphological integrity. Cumulus oophorus, zona pellucida, granulose cell arrangement, theca interna, and theca externa cells were observed clearer in ovary which was vitrified with 30 % EG than those with 30 % DMSO  and combination of 15 % EG + 15 % DMSO. As conclusion, 30 % EG  was able to protect ovary morphological integrity better than 15 % EG + 15 % DMSO  and 30 % DMSO. Furthermore, combination of 15 % EG + 15 % DMSO  was relatively better in protecting ovary follicle morphological integrity compared to 30 % DMSO.

1 illus, 17 ref

026463   PATHAK P, DUBEY P P, DASH S K, DEKA D, RAINA V (Animal Genetics and Breeding Dep, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: prajwalitapathak@gmail.com) : Evaluation and comparison of immune responsiveness to sheep red blood cells, PHA-P and IBDV vaccine in divergent stocks of chicken. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1218-22.

A total of 90 birds comprising two native breeds viz. Aseel and Kadaknath and one synthetic broiler stock i.e. IBL-80 were utilized to evaluate and compare antibody response to Sheep Red Blood Cells by haemagglutination test at 0, 5 and 10 days post primary inoculation, to study in vivo cell mediated immune response to mitogen Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA-P) and to evaluate immune responsiveness to IBDV vaccine. The presence of natural antibodies against SRBC was evident in all the genetic groups. All groups showed an increase in HA titre upto 10 days post immunization. The HA titre on 10 day was significantly higher in Aseel (1.88 ± 0.10) followed by IBL-80 (1.13 ± 0.05) and Kadaknath (1.09 ± 0.06). However, the differences among Kadaknath and IBL-80 at day 10 PPI were failed to attain statistical significance. The in vivo cell mediated response to mitogen was highest in Aseel (0.68 mm) followed by IBL-80 (0.59 mm) and Kadaknath (0.43 mm).There was significant difference between the layer breeds for response to phytoheamagglutinin but IBL-80 was not significantly differ from both Aseel and Kadaknath. The titre values for IBDV were lowest before immunization and got increased during 7, 14, 21 DPI.  At 14 DPI the titre value were significantly different in all the breeds in which Aseel exhibited the highest titre value (2.96 ± 0.04) followed by IBL-80 (2.77 ± 0.09) and Kadaknath (2.64 ± 0.06). It was found that at 21 DPI antibody response was highest in all the breeds, however differences in titre value at 21 DPI in different breeds were not significantly different.

3 tables, 26 ref

026462   BANERJEE S, BATABYAL K, JOARDAR S N, ISORE D P, DEY S, SAMANTA I, SAMANTA T K (Veterinary Microbiology Dep, West Bengal Univ of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata- 700 037, Email: drkb.micro@gmail.com) : Mice pathology study of toxA and exoS genes bearing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from bovine sub-clinical mastitis in West Bengal with their antibiogram. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1212-7.

Sub-clinical Mastitis is one of the major problems in India which is among the largest milk producing countries in the world, hampering national economy. Among 422 bovine milk samples screened from different cattle farms of West Bengal with history of infection and drop in milk yield by on-spot bromothymol blue (BTB) test, 371 samples were considered for collection and secondary screening by somatic cell count study. The collected milk samples showed significantly high average SCC value of 3.26-4.88 lakh cells/ml of milk which was indicative of infection. Samples (23, 6.53 %) were found to be positive for Pseudomonas sp. showing distinct bluish-green pigmentation on cetrimide agar, typical results on morphological and in biochemical characterization. Presence of 19 (5.39 %) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were confirmed by fluorescent technique for detection of characteristic blue-green fluorescence by the pigment pyoverdin. PCR of these positive isolates revealed that 11 isolates were positive for toxA and 6 isolates for exoS genes with 2 isolates possessing both the genes. In Mice pathogenicity test, highest fatality (100 %) was shown by the isolates with both the genes followed by isolates with toxA (66.67 %) and exoS (41.67 %) respectively with successful re-isolation of P. aeruginosa from the dead mice. Post-mortem examination of the dead mice showed marked haemorrhages on liver, blackish discoloration of intestines and haemorrhages on lungs. Antibiogram revealed that the isolates were highly sensitive to drugs like amikacin (89.47 %), imipenem (84.21 %), meropenem (78.95 %) and cefoperazone-sulbactam (84.21 %) but resistant to tetracycline (68.42 %), piperacillin (63.16 %), oxacillin (52.63 %), mecilinam (47.37 %) and others.

3 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

026461   MANIKANDAN R, ANAND A V, SAMPATHKUMAR P, MANOHARAN N (Biochemistry Dep, M.I.E.T Arts and Science Coll, Trichy- 620 007, Email: mani_r_trichy@yahoo.co.in) : Protective effect of Psidium guajava leaf ethanolic extract against streptozotocin-induced diabetes and lipidosis in rats. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1198-205.

This study was conducted to find out the anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic potential of ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava Linn leaves and its one of the important compound of caryophyllene in a streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The rats were divided into eight groups. Diabetes was induced by STZ at a dosage of 60 mg/kg b.w. The various dosages of extract (100, 200, 300 mg/kg b.w), caryophyllene (300 mg/kg b.w) were injected and glibenclamide (3 mg/kg b.w) is used as a standard drug. After the treatment of the extract and caryophyllene the levels of blood glucose, HbA1c, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bis phosphatase, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined. Pancreatic tissue changes were noticed in all the groups. The present study showed that there was a significant reduction in blood glucose, HbA1c, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bis phosphatase, TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and the enhancement was noticed in the level of  insulin, glucokinase and  HDL. Pancreas was damaged in diabetic induced rats and it altered to normal size and shape in the plant extract treated and caryophyllene treated groups. The results proved that the STZ induced diabetic rat models had revealed anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic effect treated with ethanolic leaf extract of P. guajava and caryophyllene.

1 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

026460   SASEENDRAN A, ALLY K, SHERIN K G, USHA A P (Animal Nutrition Dep, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Thrissur– 680 651, Email: arathy.saseendran1990@gmail.com) : Effect of carnitine supplementation on growth performance and economics in pigs fed high fat diet. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1190-4.

Thirty two weaned piglets were randomly divided into three groups allotted to the three dietary treatments, T1- control ration, T2- control ration plus 5 per cent fat and T3- T2 plus 150 mg/kg carnitine. The total dry matter intake, fortnightly body weight of each individual animal and economics were recorded. There was a significant improvement (P < 0.01; and 0.05) observed for pigs under supplemented group (T2 and T3) than that of control group (T1) with regards to all growth parameters studied during growing phase than finisher phase and overall period. The cost of feed per kg weight gain during the overall period was found to be comparable among treatments (T1, T2, and T3). It may be concluded that primary response of pigs to dietary supplements were more during growing stage than finisher and inclusion of 5 % fat would be beneficial for improving growth in weaned LWY piglets.

2 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

026458   NGUYEN D H, LAN R X, KIM I H (Animal Resource and Science Dep, Dankook Univ, Chungnam 31116, South Korea, Email: inhokim@dankook.ac.kr) : Bacillus subtilis, essential oil, chromium and glucose as sow pack alters the performance, immune and stress on pregnant sows and piglets. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1174-9.

A total of 26 (Landrace × Yorkshire) sows were randomly allotted to two experimental dietary treatments: 1) basal diet (CON); 2) CON plus 0.28 % sow pack (SP) to determine the effect of Bacillus subtilis, essential oil, chromium and glucose as sow pack supplementation on sows and piglets. During the overall study, sows fed the SP diet increased body weight of sow after weanling and farrowing, sow back-fat thickness on d 110 , average daily gain of piglets, the level of immunoglobulinG (IgG) and insulin on d 14 lactating and after weanling and decreased body weight loss, the level of cortisol and glucose on d 14 lactating as well as the level of cortisol after weanling 3 d (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicated that supplementation of sow pack diet increased performance of sows and piglets, IgG, insulin of blood and decreased the cortisol and glucose in the blood profiles of sows.

4 tables, 31 ref

026457   LIU X, LI S, WANG Z, ZHANG B (China Agricultural Univ, 100193 Beijing, P.R. China, Email: bingkunzhang@126.com) : Effects of dietary lipids and Clostridium butyricum on chicken volatile flavour compounds. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1167-73.

The effect of dietary lipids and Clostridium butyricum supplementation on chicken volatile aroma compounds was investigated. One hundred and ninety two one-day-old broilers were divided into 4 treatment groups in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, and fed four diets with two lipid sources (soybean oil or fish oil) and two levels of C. butyricum (0 or 1 x 10⁹ CFU/Kg) for a period of 42 days. Dietary lipids and C. butyricum had no effect on broiler performance. The contents of C18:2, C18:3, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3 and n-3 PUFA were significantly increased in breast muscle by feeding fish oil. Dietary oil had an effect on aroma compounds significantly in breast muscle. Cooked chicken breast muscle from fish oil diet had lower flavor, and the flavor was improved after supplementing with C. butyricum in the diet. The results of this study indicated that fish oil diets could increase the n-3 PUFA content of chicken meat, but lower flavor of cooked chicken. The lowered flavor could be improved by supplementing with C. butyricum in the diet.

4 tables, 20 ref

026456   KONYAK P, MANDAL A, MONDAL M, BHAKAT C, DAS S K, RAI S, GHOSH M K, KARUNAKARAN M (ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani- 741 235, Email: drmkarunakaran@gmail.com) : Preservation of Black Bengal buck semen in soybean lecithin based chemically defined extender. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1151-4.

This experiment was conducted with the aim to study the effect of replacing egg yolk with soybean lecithin (SL) for cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen. Sexually matured Black Bengal buck (n = 5) were used and the ejaculates were obtained using an artificial vagina method. The semen samples were pooled and diluted in Tris extender with 5 % Glycerol containing either 15 % egg yolk (control group) or SL at different concentrations (1 % SL, 1.5 % SL and 2 % SL). The semen samples were filled in straws and cooled gradually to 5 °C. Semen straws were equilibrated for 3 hours at 5 °C and were frozen in static liquid nitrogen vapor and stored in liquid nitrogen. Semen samples were evaluated after initial dilution, after completion of equilibration and after freeze thawing for in vitro sperm characters such as sperm motility, functional membrane integrity and malondioldehyde (MDA) concentration. Semen samples preserved in extender containing 1 % SL was able to maintain in vitro sperm characters similar to the extender containing egg yolk. However, significant (P<0.05) reduction in all semen parameters was observed as the concentration of soybean lecithin increased above 1 % level. It is concluded that an extender containing soybean lecithin @ 1 % with 5 % Glycerol can be used for replacing egg yolk for cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

026455   CHAUDHARY P J, DHAMI A J, CHAUDHARI D V, HADIYA K K, PATEL J A (Animal Reproduction Gynaecology and Obstetrics Dep, Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Coll, Anand- 388 001, Email: ajdhami@aau.in) : Efficacy of egg yolk based and egg yolk free soya bean milk based extenders for cryopreservation of Zebu cattle and buffalo semen. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1134-40.

This study was undertaken on three mature bulls each of Gir cattle and Surti buffalo breeds to evaluate the comparative efficacy of egg yolk based standard TFYG (Tris-citrate-fructose-yolk-glycerol) extender and egg yolk free soybean based commercial extenders Optixcell® (IMV, France) and Andromed® (Minitube, Germany) under split-sample technique. The ejaculates (9/bull) were extended @ 100×10⁶ sperm ml^-1 with three extenders and frozen using biofreezer following 4 hr of equilibration. The pooled means of progressively motile sperm observed (irrespective of extenders) at initial, pre-freeze and post-thaw stage in Gir bulls semen were 76.53 ± 0.53, 71.11 ± 0.53 and 39.86 ± 0.90 % and in Surti buffalo 80.76 ± 0.39, 74.65 ± 0.45 and 40.35 ± 1.07 %, respectively. The corresponding values for live sperm were 75.64 ± 0.76, 69.01 ± 0.97 and 47.99 ± 1.11 % for Gir and 80.90 ± 0.45, 75.76 ± 0.48 and 52.33 ± 0.86 % for Surti buffalo; and those of intact acrosome 94.29 ± 0.25, 90.29 ± 0.27 and 79.29 ± 0.33 % for Gir bulls, and 93.94 ± 0.21, 89.94 ± 0.23 and 78.95 ± 0.26 % for Surti buffalo semen, respectively. The HOS reactive sperm at initial, pre-freeze and post-thaw stage were 76.18 ± 0.74, 71.04 ± 0.76 and 27.90 ± 0.70 % for Gir, and 81.83 ± 0.35, 76.47 ± 0.39 and 27.83 ± 0.68 % for Surti bulls, respectively. The overall mean postthaw incubation (37 $°$C) survival of spermatozoa observed at 60, 120 and 180 min were 28.40 ± 0.91, 17.78 ± 0.86 and 9.44 ± 0.72 % for Gir bulls semen, and 28.01 ± 0.99, 18.40 ± 1.01 and 10.51 ± 0.93 % for Surti buffalo semen, respectively. Optixcell was proved superior, and at par with TFYG, than the Andromed in maintaining greater motility, viability, morphology, acrosomal/plasma membrane integrity including post-thaw sperm longevity of cattle and buffalo spermatozoa with significant differences only in sperm motility and post-thaw longevity. The motile, live and HOST reactive sperm were significantly higher in buffalo semen than cattle at initial and pre-freeze stage, but not at post-thaw stage. The results showed that egg yolk free commercial Optixcell extender and egg yolk based TFYG extender were at par in terms of most of the sperm quality traits, hence any one of them can be preferred over Andromed for successful routine cryopreservation of cattle and buffalo semen.

4 tables, 35 ref

026454   AHMED S S, ABDEL-RAHMAN S M , GROBLER P J, KOTZÉ A (Cell Biology Dep, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt, Email: selnahta@yahoo.com) : Allelic diversity of DQA2 exon 2 gene in Egyptian goat populations. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(8), 1101-6.

The study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of 2-decyl-4-quinazolinyl amine exon2 (DQA2 exon2) gene among the Egyptian goat populations from different agro-climatic areas. Data of diseases distribution as well as blood samples were collected. The data collected for diseases distribution showed differences in the types of diseases between the agro-climatic areas. The Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism technique (SSCP) was used to assess the genetic diversity of DQA2 exon2 gene among the goat populations. The results showed that the DQA2 exon2 gene locus displayed 21 alleles with different frequencies in each of goat population. The gene diversity values among the populations ranged from 0.950 ± 0.022 to 0.887 ± 0.033. The difference between the most southern population (Aswan) and the remaining populations translate to significant (P < 0.05) differentiation for only one population pair (Aswan – Baladi, with FST= 0.055; P= 0.001). Scrutiny of allele composition in these two goat populations showed unique alleles in each population (six in Aswan and four in Baladi). The results of the study suggested that the allelic numbers and allelic composition for the DQA2 exon2 gene among the Egyptian goat populations showed diversity in the immune gene due to the different pathogens exposure.

2 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

026453   TAHIR M S, DURRANI U F, MAHMOOD A K, AKHTAR R, HUSSAIN R, HUSSAIN A, MATLOOB K, ZAHID B (Pathology Dep, Veterinary and Animal Sciences of Univ, Lahore- 54000, Email: raheela.akhtar@uvas.edu.pk) : Evaluation of autologous and homologous platelet rich plasma as a surgical wound healing promoter in rabbits. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1068-70.

The present study compared the efficacy of autologous and homologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a surgical wound healing promoter in rabbits. Sixteen adult healthy rabbits were divided into two groups i.e. A & B. Group A was treated with autologous platelet rich plasma (APRP) and group B was treated with homologous platelet rich plasma (HPRP). Both groups were operated for skin grafting (auto grafting) at two (PRP treated experimental and control) sites. Clinical evaluation of PRP was performed by using macroscopic (edema, exudation, coloration, temperature, cosmetic appearance and healing status) and microscopic (acute inflammation, fibroblast proliferation and granulation tissue proliferation) parameters. The healing status, coloration and cosmetic appearance of APRP treated group were more satisfactory than HPRP treated group. APRP group also showed less inflammation, edema and more granular tissue proliferation as compare to HPRP group. It was concluded that autologous PRP is an efficient surgical wound healing promoter in rabbits.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

026452   BHAGAT M, SOOD S, YADAV A, KATOCH R, CHAKRABORTY D, GODARA R, SULTANA M, SANGHA N (Veterinary Pathology Dep, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu - 181 102, Email: shilpasoo@gmail.com) : Clinico-haematological studies on experimental Cryptosporidium parvum Jammu isolate infection in Swiss albino mice. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1025-30.

The present study was conducted to determine the clinco-haematological effects of a well characterized Cryptosporidium parvum isolate in Swiss albino mice. Sixty female mice were divided into four groups. Group I mice served as healthy control. In group II, C. parvum oocysts were administered orally, mice of group III were given dexamethasone in drinking water whereas group IV mice were given dexamethasone along with C. parvum oocysts. Clinical signs were more severe in immunosuppressed infected mice and observed dullness, depression, inappetance, poor fur condition, progressive weakness, and decrease in body weight. In addition, mice in group IV showed profuse diarrhoea. An overall mortality rate of 7 % and 20 % was seen in group III and IV animals, respectively. Animals of group IV had significantly lower average body weight as compared to other groups around the time of peak infection with C. parvum which was recorded to be around 10^th DPI. Based on severity of clinical disease and oocyst shedding intensity significant leukocytosis along with neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia was observed in group IV mice at 10^th DPI as compared to mice in other groups. It was concluded that experimental infection with C. parvum in mice caused a severe clinical disease which peaked around 10^th day and was seen to subsequently resolve around 15 DPI.

2 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

026451   KIM J, KIM B, CHO S, CHO K, SEO J (Animal Science Dep, Pusan National Univ, Miryang- 50463, Republic of Korea, Email: jseo81@pusan.ac.kr) : Effects of dietary supplementation of endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase producing Bacillus subtilis sp.-fermented products on growth performance in broilers. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1014-7.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Endoglucanase producing Bacillus subtilis sp. fermented product (EBFP) on growth performance and meat characteristics in broilers. A total of 480, 1 day old ROSS male broiler chicks were obtained from a local hatchery and randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens consisting of 20 chicks. Three additional diets were prepared by mixing 0.1 % of commercial cellulase, 0.1 %, and 0.2 % of EBFP with the control diet and all chicks were fed experimental diets and water ad libitum. Feed intake and body weight (BW) were recorded at 0, 3, and 5 week of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, birds fed a diet containing 0.1 % of EBFP had the highest BW compared to birds in other groups (P < 0.01). During 0 to 5 week the experimental period, the dietary addition of 0.1 % EBFP significantly increased (P < 0.01) BW gain that was higher than that of birds fed the diet in which only a commercial cellulase was added. No significant difference among treatments was observed in carcass weight, carcass yield, left breast, and thigh meat. These results suggest that dietary addition of cellulolytic probiotics may enhance growth performance compared with the single use of probiotics or enzymes.

2 tables, 17 ref

026450   MASSOD D, GANAI A M, SHEIKH G G, FAROOQ J, AFZAL Y, AHMAD I (Animal Nutrition Dep, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of K, Shuhama-190 006, Email: gull2217@gmail.com) : Effect of feeding graded levels of apple pomace on growth performance, haemato-biochemical parameters and rumen metabolites in crossbred calves. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 1000-4.

To study effect of feeding graded levels of apple pomace on performance of crossbred calves, 90 days growth trial followed by 6 days metabolic trail was conducted on 16 female Jersey crossbred calves divided into four equal groups with control (T₀) fed concentrate diet without apple pomace and experimental groups viz, T₁, T₂ and T₃, where maize was replaced by 25 %, 50 % and 75 % of apple pomace, respectively. There was no significant difference in dry matter intake, growth performance, feed conversion ratio and digestibility coefficients of CF, NFE, ADF and HC with inclusion of apple pomace in calf ration; however digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE and NDF reduced significantly at higher inclusion level (75 %). There was also no significant difference in nutritive value of the experimental diets with respect to % DCP and % TDN, ME, DE and NR. There was no significant difference in the mean haemato-biochemical values, however significant (P<0.05) effect of feeding apple pomace was observed on total serum proteins with lower values in animals of T3 group as compared to control. Similarly non-significant differences were observed in ruminal pH, TVFA, total nitrogen, NH₃-N, TCA-ppt. N and NPN values.

4 tables, 27 ref

026449   YANG X, LIANG T, ZHANG X, YANG S-F, WU P, XIAO Y-Y, CHEN X-K, SONG J-W, YAN G-Q, SHENG J-L (Shihezi Univ, Shihezi 832000, China, Email: sjlshz@126.com) : Examination of polymorphisms in the sequence encoding the extracellular domain of Suffolk and Kazak sheep's Toll-like receptor 7. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(7), 968-73.

Innate immune recognition of single-stranded RNA via Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) plays an important regulatory role in the development of the immune response. In the study, we used PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCRSSCP) analysis to investigate genetic variations in the sequence encoding the ectodomain (ECD) of ovine TLR7. PCR was carried out using 12 different primer pairs (ECD-1– ECD-12), and polymorphisms were detected in the products for 4/12 pairs (ECD-2, -5, -6, and -7). ECD-2 and ECD -5 amplified products with mutations in Suffolk and Kazakstan sheep, while ECD-6 and ECD-7 amplified products with mutations only exist in Suffolk. The second pair of primers mutation in Suffolk does not conform to Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. As the mutations identified in this study may influence the structure and function of TLR7 and may thus affect the immune response to pathogens. The data indicate to undertake further disease associations studies to examine the usefulness of these findings in livestock breeding.

5 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref