Variations in morphology of cystic artery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Variations in cystic artery anatomy are not unusual in occurrence, hence considerably crucial during hepatobiliary surgical planning and execution. This systematic review and meta-analysis of the anatomical variations of cystic artery (CA) was undertaken to emphasize their significance in surgical practice. Methods: The PICO model was adopted, both MeSH term and free keywords were utilized for the search strategy. The risk of bias in each study was calculated by the anatomy quality assurance (AQUA) tool. Result: The search strategy identified 8204 records, extracted 5529 studies, and evaluated 117 abstracts. Out of these 117 studies, 53 met the eligibility criteria. The CA was absent in 2% of instances (95% CI: 0.01-0.04), indicating that 98% of cases had the CA. In 10071 participants from 29 investigations, double cystic arteries were found in 13% (95% CI: 11-16%), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 91%). In 46 studies with a total of 9928 participants, 89% of the individuals had CA originating from RHA (95% CI: 85%-92%) with significant heterogeneity (I2=94.3%) and a predictive range of 43%-99%. Conclusion: The cystic artery is primarily derived from the right hepatic artery, followed by aberrant, proper, and left hepatic arteries. It is located anterior to common hepatic ducts and cystic ducts. The mean length and diameter of CA were 20.77 mm and 1.91 mm Short cystic arteries are common (20%) Congenital anomalies like absent and double cystic arteries have low prevalence but must be conside-red during surgery.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Psychological Impact of Traditional Cold Steel Adenoidectomy and Endoscopic-Assisted Cold Steel Adenoidectomy.

Traditional Cold Steel Adenoidectomy (TCSA) and Endoscopic-Assisted Cold Steel Adenoidectomy (EACSA) frequently employ surgical adenoid removal methods. While these techniques effectively treat adenoid- related conditions, their influence on patients' psychological well-being still needs to be more adequately explored. With the increasing focus on the significance of mental well-being in surgical results, this study sought to explore and differentiate the psychological impacts of TCSA and EACSA. The primary objective was to examine and compare anxiety levels between TCSA and EACSA groups. Secondary objectives included evaluating surgical apprehension, post- surgery psychological well-being, procedural satisfaction, postoperative pain, duration until return to daily activities, and occurrence of postoperative complications. In a prospective, randomized controlled trial, 100 patients undergoing adenoidectomy were randomly allocated to the TCSA or EACSA group. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was employed to evaluate anxiety levels at one week, one month, and three months following the surgery. Additional outcomes included surgical apprehension, post-surgery psychological well-being, procedural satisfaction, postoperative pain, time until return to daily activities, and postoperative complications. The EACSA group exhibited significantly lower HADS scores, surgical apprehension scores, and postoperative pain, alongside higher post-surgery psychological well-being scores and procedural satisfaction compared to the TCSA group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the EACSA group had a significantly shorter duration until the return to daily activities (p < 0.05). There were no significant variations found between the groups in terms of either the amount of bleeding during the procedure or the length of the operation. However, the EACSA group demonstrated a lower occurrence of postoperative complications, such as bleeding and infection. The results indicate that EACSA may provide benefits over TCSA in terms of reduced anxiety levels, surgical apprehension, postoperative pain, time until return to daily activities, and enhanced post-surgery psychological well-being and patient satisfaction. These findings could support clinicians in making informed decisions and offering patient counselling when choosing the most appropriate surgical technique based on patients' psychological health. Nevertheless, additional research is required to assess the enduring psychological consequences of these methods.

Anatomical variations and developmental insights of tendons in the first extensor compartment of the hand: Cadaveric study with surgical implications.

Background: Anatomical variations in first extensor compartment play a role in the development of de Quervain's disease. This study delves into the detailed examination of these anatomical variations. Methods: 50 upper limbs (28 male and 22 female) from 25 for-malin-embalmed adult human cadavers were dissected to investigate variations in tendons of first extensor compartment. Results: Accessory tendons to main tendon of abductor pollicis longus (APL) were reported in 49 (98%) cases, with 34% having two accessory tendons, 52% having three, and 12% having four. Terminal ends of these accessory tendons were generally consistent, except in one case where it split into two tendinous bands at insertion site, which was most commonly at base of first metacarpal. Extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) was found as a single tendon in 48 cases, with one case each of duplication and absence. In 19 cases (38%), muscle belly of EPB was fused with that of APL to some extent and it typically inserted at base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. Average length of muscle belly, tendon, and muscle tendon ratio (MTR) of APL was 15.99±0.62 cm, 5.91±0.76 cm and 2.71 and of EPB was 6.39±0.29 cm, 9.15±0.74 cm and 0.70 respectively. Conclusion: APL variations range from accessory tendons, splitting of tendons to various insertion points. Additionally, length and insertions points of these accessory tendons are key factors in deciding their usability as graft sources for tendon reconstruction and in surgical treatments of conditions like de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Negligible radiological impact of Indian nuclear power plants on the environment and the public: Findings from a 20-year study.

Nuclear power plants, recognized for their extended operational life, minimal greenhouse gas emissions, and high-power density, are deemed as reliable energy sources. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the radioactive discharges from these plants and their potential impact on health and the environment. To comprehend the radiological implications of such releases, this study presents, for the first time, an analysis of radiological data from 7 Indian nuclear power plants (NPPs), collected by Indian environmental survey laboratories (ESL) over the past two decades (2000-2020). This dataset encompasses radioactivity concentrations in the atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial environments within a 30 km radius of each NPP, as well as the annual cumulative external gamma doses recorded by environmental thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs). The analysis yielded several key findings: (i) Radioactivity concentrations around the NPPs were low and comparable to values measured at other nuclear power plant sites worldwide; (ii) Tritium concentrations in receiving water bodies were <1 % of the internationally recommended limit of 10,000 Bq/l; (iii) The estimated total radiation doses to the public were at most 10 % of the stipulated regulatory dose limit of 1000 µSv and consistently decreased over the study period and (iv) Variations in doses among the NPP sites were primarily attributed to legacy technology used in specific reactors. These results indicate efficient and secure reactor operations and the minimal contribution of Indian nuclear power plants to anthropogenic doses in the country. The findings hold potential significance for reinforcing India's commitment to advancing its nuclear power program.

A Closer Look at Anatomy Educator Safety: Identifying and Preventing Workplace Hazards: A narrative review.

Abstract: Anatomy, one of medicine's vital subjects, demands extreme visualization to understand the intricate architecture of the human body. Although various other methods of virtual dissections are in place, an increasing number of anatomists, clinicians, and surgeons are advocating for re-enhancing anatomical education through traditional cadaveric dissection. These traditional pedagogies potentially expose anatomy educators to various risks in the dissection laboratory, which endangers their health and well-being. Unfortunately, no one is counting on them or the hazards they face. It's like saying, "Fall ill at your own peril." Various studies have revealed the occupational hazards anatomists are exposed to, but the issue remains unheard of or relatively heard. Hence, this narrative review aims to highlight numerous occupational risks that anatomists face worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped or developing nations. Simultaneously, the authors strongly advocate that competent authorities review and evaluate the working conditions of anatomy laboratories and frame policies that ensure the rights and optimal health of anatomy educators.

Studies on diurnal variation of atmospheric tritium concentration at a sampling location near to PHWR site in Semi-Arid Zone, India.

Tritium (3H) is one of the important long-lived radioisotopes in the gaseous effluent released from Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR). For the first time, the studies on diurnal variation of atmospheric tritium concentration was carried out using an in-house developed automatic air moisture collection sampler at Kakrapar Gujarat site, India, where PHWRs are operational. Correlation of diurnal variation of atmospheric tritium concentration with meteorological parameters such as absolute humidity, ambient temperature and wind speed is studied and presented in this paper. Positive and significant correlation of atmospheric 3H concentration was observed with respect to the absolute humidity. Negative correlation was observed in ambient temperature and wind speed. The diurnal maximum and minimum of 3H concentration was found during 21.00-23.00 h (night) and 13.00-16.00 h (day), respectively.

The conundrum of olecranon aperture and its relation to the distal end of the humerus in a modern Indian population: An anatomical and surgical perspective.

PURPOSE: We aimed to clarify the morphology of the olecranon aperture (OA) of the humerus with its relationship to the distal end of the humerus (epicondylar width) and the width of the medullary canal. METHODS: In total, 156 dry adult humeri were examined for the presence of OA. When present, we reported their shape, measured transverse (TD) and vertical diameter (VD), the distance from its medial border to the tip of medial epicondyle (D1), lateral border to the tip of lateral epicondyle (D2) and lower border to the tip of trochlea (D3). The epicondylar width (EW) and the width of the medullary canal were also measured in all the humeri. RESULTS: OA was reported in 32 humeri (20.6%) with left side predominance, translucent septum in 35.8%, and opaque septum in 43.6%. The most typical shape noted was oval. On right side, mean VD and TD was 4.30±0.54mm and 5.85±0.45mm, respectively, whereas on left, these value were 4.21±0.56mm and 5.64±0.43mm, respectively. The mean of D1, D2 and D3 was 25.86±0.43mm, 26.50±0.28mm and 15.07±0.53mm on right and 24.80±0.41mm, 26.84±0.21mm and 15.81±0.31mm on left with significant difference (P<0.05). The medullary canal was significantly smaller in humeri with OA. CONCLUSION: Topographic location of OA may have possible role in determining safe zone for retrograde nailing in supracondylar humeral fractures. Since OA has a direct relation to the size of the intramedullary canal, it is crucial during preoperative planning and choosing an adequate surgical approach involving lower segment of humerus.

Immobilization of chromium bioavailability through application of organic waste to Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under chromium-contaminated Indian soils.

Industrialization results in production of large volume of wastewaters, and disposing of them become a serious problem. The wastewaters may have range of heavy metals, which have an impact on soil and plant health. The objective was to evaluate the influence of farm yard manure (FYM) and pressmud (PM) applications on Indian mustard growth and chromium (Cr) uptake in tannery effluent irrigated Cr-contaminated soil. Soil was collected from the tannery effluent irrigated fields (chromium contaminated) of Shekhpura village of Kanpur, India. A pot culture experiment was carried out by growing Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) var. RH 749 on the Cr-contaminated soil with application of different levels and combinations of FYM and PM (at 0, 2.5, and 5 g kg-1 each). Biomass yield, Cr uptake, bioconcentration factor (BCF), transfer factor (TF), transfer efficiency (TE), and Cr removal indices were examined. Higher doses of FYM and PM resulted in reduction of Cr concentrations in shoot (6.60 to 2.50 µg g-1) and root (27.27 to 9.43 µg g-1); and absorption in plant tissues and had improved total dry matter yield (14.56 to 30.94 g pot-1). The use of FYM and PM had a substantial (p ≤ 0.05) impact on phytoremediation parameters like BCF (0.128 to 0.045), TE (59.61 to 64.51%), and Cr removal (0.65 to 0.51%). Combined application of FYM (5 g kg-1) and PM (5 g kg-1) had enhanced the dry matter yield of shoot (12.51 to 26.40 g pot-1) and root (2.05 to 4.54 g pot-1) and reduced the Cr uptake (138.54 to 108.79 mg pot-1) than the individual amendment addition of FYM (138.52 to 135.89 mg pot-1) and PM (126.02 to 130.52 mg pot-1). Combined application of FYM (5 g kg-1) and PM (5 g kg-1) could be beneficial for remediation of Cr-contaminated areas for cultivation of crops.

Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Prospective Comparative Study Comparing the Local Infiltrations of Leucocyte Enriched Platelet-Rich Plasma (L-aPRP), Glucocorticoid and Normal Saline.

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition of the elbow, characterised by pain and tenderness with resisted wrist extension. This study was carried out to evaluate the comparative efficacy of the local infiltration of L-PRP, methylprednisolone and normal saline in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Materials and methods: Sixty adult patients, between the ages 30 to 50 years, diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis of more than 12 weeks, were enrolled in the prospective randomised study. Their medical history and previous conservative treatment were recorded; the clinical evaluation of the tendinitis was made with the visual analogue scale (VAS), the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) outcome scores, the modified elbow performance index (MEPS), the functional assessment by patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), together with the laboratory investigations. The patients were randomised using the computer-generated alphabets into three groups of 20: group A received saline, group B received PRP, and group C received corticosteroids. Results: Patients were seen at 4, 8 and 12 weeks to evaluate the post-injection status. VAS, DASH, and PRTEE scores were significantly reduced, and MEPS was significantly improved in group B compared to group A and group C. Moreover, the reductions in VAS and PRTEE were significantly different in group C compared to group A. Conclusion: PRP leads to superior healing with long-term therapeutic advantages compared to corticosteroids though it takes a little longer to have its effect.

Monensin supplementation downregulated the expression signature of genes involved in cholesterol synthesis in the ruminal epithelium and adipose tissue of lambs.

To understand the metabolic mechanisms regulating lipid metabolism by monensin, Afshari male lambs (n = 16) with 41.0 ± 2.4 kg body weight (BW, mean ± SD) at approximately 180 days of age were randomly assigned equally to two dietary treatments. After a 21-day pre-adaptation period, all animals in two groups continued to receive the basal diet, but one group received no monensin supplementation (control) while the other group received 30 mg/day of monensin per animal. Individual BW was recorded weekly to determine the average daily body weight gain (ADG). At the end of the 56-day experimental period, lambs were weighed and slaughtered. Monensin supplementation did not affect BW, ADG, and rumen fermentation characteristics. However, monensin significantly downregulated the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-2 gene expression in all sample tissues (p < 0.05). Also, monensin downregulated expressions of SREBP-1c and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ in back fat tissues. Monensin increased the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGCS)-2, but it decreased the mRNA abundance of HMGCS-1 in the rumen epithelial tissues (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that monensin downregulates cholesterol synthesis via inhibition of HMGCS-1 and impairment of the SREBP pathway, probably due to a crosstalk among different tissues to control energy metabolism.

Role of whole-body vibration exposure and posture of dumper operators in musculoskeletal disorders: a case study in metalliferous mines.

Objectives. The combined role of whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure and awkward posture on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) experienced by dumper operators in two metalliferous mines in India was evaluated through a cross-sectional study. Methods. Frequency-weighted root mean square (rms) acceleration was used for WBV exposure assessment. Anthropometry and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) were used for static and dynamic posture assessment, respectively. Prevalence of MSDs was assessed using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ). Logistic regression was used to assess the factors contributing to MSD problems. Results. The rms values revealed that the operators exceeded the lower limit of Standard No. ISO 2631-1:1997. The dynamic posture study revealed that the majority of dumper operators were taking awkward postures and 58-74% of them were subjected to high and medium levels of MSD risk. The adjusted odds ratio (7.96, 95% confidence interval [1.24, 41.35]) for the most awkward postures revealed WBV exposure as the significant risk factor for MSD problems among the operators. Conclusion. WBV exposure and posture of operators should be regularly monitored and corrective actions implemented to reduce their MSD problems. Ergonomic seat design based on the anthropometry of the operators should be assessed at the time of procuring new equipment.

Topographic location and branching pattern of the superior mesenteric artery with its clinical relevance: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The topographic location of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and its branching pattern are usually arbitrary in textbooks. This study, therefore, aims to provide topographic information of SMA with reference to the vertebral bodies, ventral branches of aorta and branching pattern of SMA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 35 embalmed adult human cadavers. We performed detailed dissection of the SMA to topographically locate its origin in respect to vertebral level and other ventral branches of the abdominal aorta. We have categorised the branching pattern of SMA into three different types depending upon the number of arterial pedicles, traced from proximal to distal to look into their anastomoses and formation marginal artery of Drummond. RESULTS: Vertebral level of origin of SMA varied between the lower third of twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12) and lower third of first lumbar vertebra (L1), most commonly arose at the level of the lower third of L1 (77.14%). The average distances between the origin of SMA and coeliac trunk (CT), inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and aortic bifurcation were 1.84 cm, 6.67 cm and 10.39 cm, respectively. Depending on the branching pattern, type A was found in 29 (82.85%) cases, type B in 5 (14.28%) and type C in 1 (2.85%). In 2 cases (both of type B), the marginal artery was incomplete. CONCLUSIONS: The most common topography of origin of the SMA was opposite the lower third of L1. The coeliac-superior mesenteric relationship was most consistent than between any other two points on the abdominal aorta; 85% of the SMAs were concentrated within a space of 1.00 cm (0.60-1.50 cm) from the CT. Type A branching pattern was most commonly seen in our study population.

The morphological and morphometric analysis of the variant patterns of the tricipital aponeurosis: a new anatomical classification with possible clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Tricipital aponeurosis (TA) has gained attraction as a constant and reliable landmark to identify the location of radial nerve in the setting of fracture distal humeri. The aponeurosis itself shows variant anatomical patterns. In this study, we intend to provide a comprehensive description and functional classification of observed anatomical variations with possible clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty arms belonging to 30 adult cadavers were studied. TA was examined grossly to document variations in its shape and classified accordingly. Subsequently, length and breadth of TA were measured. The distance of the radial nerve (RN) from the point of confluence and from the lateral border of TA was also measured (tricepso-radial distance [TRD]). These distances were correlated with the different patterns of TA obtained. RESULTS: Based on the shape of the proximal apex of TA or point of confluence and frequency of their occurrence, we propose a new classification of 4 patterns for the TA anatomy. Pattern I: classically seen as the triangular proximal apex (76.67%); pattern II: tongue shaped or blunt proximal apex (18.33%); pattern III: bifurcated or dual proximal apex (3.33%); pattern IV: as the absence of TA (1.67%). The mean of length and breadth of TA was 16.58 ± 2.05 cm and 3.61 ± 0.61 cm, respectively. The mean distance of RN from point of confluence and lateral border of TA was 3.57 ± 0.19 cm and 2.04 ± 0.56 cm, respectively. The length, breadth of TA and TRD differs amongst the different patterns of TA. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variations in the shape and size of TA are frequently encountered. The proposed, hitherto undescribed, classification may make operating surgeon aware of these morphological variations and help prevent iatrogenic injury to RN. Such classification is simple and unique; however, its success relies upon universal acceptance.

Evaluation of spatial spreading of phyto-available sulphur and micronutrients in cultivated coastal soils.

Understanding the spatial spreading patterns of plant-available sulphur (S) (AS) and plant-available micronutrients (available zinc (AZn), available iron (AFe), available copper (ACu), available manganese (AMn) and available boron (AB)) in soils, especially in coastal agricultural soils subjected to various natural and anthropogenic activities, is vital for sustainable crop production by adopting site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) strategies. We studied the spatial distribution patterns of AS, AZn, AFe, ACu, AMn, and AB in cultivated soils of coastal districts of India using geostatistical approaches. Altogether 39,097 soil samples from surface (0 to 15 cm depth) layers were gathered from farm lands of 68 coastal districts. The analysis of soil samples was carried out for soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC) and AS, AZn, AFe, ACu, AMn, and AB. Soil pH, EC and SOC varied from 3.70 to 9.90, 0.01 to 7.45 dS m-1 and 0.02 to 3.74%, respectively. The concentrations of AS, AZn, AFe, ACu, AMn, and AB varied widely in the study area with their corresponding mean values were 37.4±29.4, 1.50±1.53, 27.9±35.1, 2.14±1.74, 16.9±18.4 and 1.34±1.52 mg kg-1, respectively. The coefficient of variation values of analyzed soil parameters varied from 14.6 to 126%. The concentrations of AS, AZn, AFe, ACu, AMn, and AB were negatively and significantly correlated with soil pH and positively and significantly correlated with SOC. The geostatistical analysis indicated stable, Gaussian and exponential best-fit semivariogram models with moderate to strong spatial dependence for available nutrients. The generated spatial spreading maps revealed different distribution patterns for AS, AZn, AFe, ACu, AMn, and AB. There were variations in spatial spreading patterns of AS, AZn, AFe, ACu, AMn, and AB in east- and west-coastal area. About 62, 35, 12, 0.4, 23 and 45% of the study area had deficiency of AS, AZn, AFe, ACu, AMn, and AB, respectively. The spatial spreading maps will be highly useful for SSNM in the cultivated coastal soils of the country. This study could also be used as a base for assessing spatial spreading patterns of soil parameters in cultivated coastal areas of other parts of the world.

NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIONUCLIDE 40K BODY CONTENT OF KAKRAPAR GUJARAT SITE POPULATION.

An attempt was made to investigate the naturally occurring radionuclide 40K body content of the Kakrapar Gujarat Site (India) population by using whole-body counting method. The population comprises occupational workers (regular and contract personnel working at Kakrapar Atomic Power station) and students from various educational institutions. A total of 1056 subjects of different age groups and gender were monitored for 40K body content by using a Standfast-II Whole Body Counting System. The reactor released radionuclides such as 137Cs, 60Co and 131I are not detected in occupational workers of Kakrapar Atomic Power station which indicates that occupational workers are free from radioactive contamination. Based on the activity measurement, an effective dose due to 40K was estimated for different groups of the site population based on the dietary habits, sex and age. Statistical significant correlation was not observed in any of the groups. The annual effective dose due to 40K was found to be in the range of 52-243 µSv y-1 with an average of 133 ± 35 µSv y-1 for the vegetarian group (588 subjects), 60-223 µSv y-1 with an average of 136 ± 35 µSv y-1 for the non-vegetarian group (468 subjects), 52-243 µSv y-1 with an average of 134 ± 35 µSv y-1 for the male group (1007 subjects) and 67-203 µSv y-1 with an average of 128 ± 35 µSv y-1 for the female group (49 subjects), respectively. Among the four age groups of the population studied, an effective dose due to 40K is slightly higher in the age group of 20-29 (161 subjects). The annual effective dose due to 40K reported by UNSCEAR, 1982(3) is 180 µSv y-1.

Disease-Suppressive Soils-Beyond Food Production: a Critical Review.

In the pursuit of higher food production and economic growth and increasing population, we have often jeopardized natural resources such as soil, water, vegetation, and biodiversity at an alarming rate. In this process, wider adoption of intensive farming practices, namely changes in land use, imbalanced fertilizer application, minimum addition of organic residue/manure, and non-adoption of site-specific conservation measures, has led to declining in soil health and land degradation in an irreversible manner. In addition, increasing use of pesticides, coupled with soil and water pollution, has led the researchers to search for an environmental-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to controlling soil-borne diseases that are difficult to control, and which significantly limit agricultural productivity. Since the 1960s, disease-suppressive soils (DSS) have been identified and studied around the world. Soil disease suppression is the reduction in the incidence of soil-borne diseases even in the presence of a host plant and inoculum in the soil. The disease-suppressive capacity is mainly attributed to diverse microbial communities present in the soil that could act against soil-borne pathogens in multifaceted ways. The beneficial microorganisms employ some specific functions such as antibiosis, parasitism, competition for resources, and predation. However, there has been increasing evidence on the role of soil abiotic factors that largely influence the disease suppression. The intricate interactions of the soil, plant, and environmental components in a disease triangle make this process complex yet crucial to study to reduce disease incidence. Increasing resistance of the pathogen to presently available chemicals has led to the shift from culturable microbes to unexplored and unculturable microbes. Agricultural management practices such as tillage, fertilization, manures, irrigation, and amendment applications significantly alter the soil physicochemical environment and influence the growth and behaviour of antagonistic microbes. Plant factors such as age, type of crop, and root behaviour of the plant could stimulate or limit the diversity and structure of soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere. Further, identification and in-depth of disease-suppressive soils could lead to the discovery of more beneficial microorganisms with novel anti-microbial and plant promoting traits. To date, several microbial species have been isolated and proposed as key contributors in disease suppression, but the complexities as well as the mechanisms of the microbial and abiotic interactions remain elusive for most of the disease-suppressive soils. Thus, this review critically explores disease-suppressive attributes in soils, mechanisms involved, and biotic and abiotic factors affecting DSS and also briefly reviewing soil microbiome for anti-microbial drugs, in fact, a consequence of DSS phenomenon.

Review: Methanogens and methane production in the digestive systems of nonruminant farm animals.

The greenhouse gases (GHGs) derived from agriculture include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane (CH4). Of these GHGs, CH4, in particular, constitutes a major component of the GHG emitted by the agricultural sector. Along with environmental concerns, CH4 emission also leads to losses in gross energy intake with economic implications. While ruminants are considered the main source of CH4 from agriculture, nonruminant animals also contribute substantially, and the CH4 emission intensity of nonruminants remains comparable to that of ruminants. Means of mitigating CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation have therefore been sought. Methane is produced by methanogens-archaeal microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tracts of animals and participate in fermentation processes. As the diversity of methanogen communities is thought to be responsible for the differences in CH4 production among nonruminant animals, it is necessary to investigate the archaeal composition of specific animal species. Methanogens play an important role in energy metabolism and adipose tissue deposition in animals. Higher abundances of methanogens, along with their higher diversity, have been reported to contribute to lean phenotype in pigs. In particular, a greater abundance of Methanosphaera spp. and early dominance of Methanobrevibacter smithii have been reported to correlate with lower body fat formation in pigs. Besides the contribution of methanogens to the metabolic phenotype of their hosts, CH4 release reduces the productivity that could be achieved through other hydrogen (H2) disposal pathways. Enhanced participation of acetogenesis in H2 disposal, leading to acetate formation, could be a more favorable direction for animal production and the environment. Better knowledge and understanding of the archaeal communities of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including their metabolism and interactions with other microorganisms, would thus allow the development of new strategies for inhibiting methanogens and shifting toward acetogenesis. There are a variety of approaches to inhibiting methanogens and mitigating methanogenesis in ruminants, which can find an application for nonruminants, such as nutritional changes through supplementation with biologically active compounds and management changes. We summarize the available reports and provide a comprehensive review of methanogens living in the GIT of various nonruminants, such as swine, horses, donkeys, rabbits, and poultry. This review will help in a better understanding of the populations and diversity of methanogens and the implications of their presence in nonruminant animals.

Menthol stimulates calcium absorption in the rumen but not in the jejunum of sheep.

Stimulation of Ca2+ absorption can counteract hypocalcemia at the onset of lactation. The plant bioactive lipid compound (PBLC) menthol is an agonist for nonselective cation channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family. It acutely stimulated Ca2+ absorption in ruminal epithelia of nonadapted animals ex vivo and caused higher plasma Ca2+ concentrations in cows and sheep in vivo. To elucidate the pathway by which menthol feeding increases plasma Ca2+ level, the present study aimed to investigate the long-term dose-dependent effects of dietary menthol-rich PBLC on Ca2+ absorption and mRNA abundances of TRP channels in both rumen and jejunum. Twenty-four growing Suffolk sheep were equally distributed to a Con, PBLC-L, and PBLC-H group, which received 0, 80, and 160 mg/d of a menthol-rich PBLC. After 4 wk, ruminal and jejunal epithelia were analyzed for mRNA abundances of TRPA1, TRPV3, TRPV5-6, and TRPM6-8 genes. The Ca2+ flux rates and electrophysiological properties of epithelia from rumen and mid-jejunum were measured in Ussing chambers in the presence and absence of mucosal Na+. Acute changes in Ca2+ flux rates were measured after mucosal application of 50 µM menthol. Ruminal epithelia had quantifiable transcripts of TRPV3 = TRPM6 >TRPM7 >TRPA1 with no difference among feeding groups. Jejunum had quantifiable transcripts of TRPM7 >TRPA1 ≥ TRPM6 ≥ TRPV6 >TRPV5, where TRPA1, TRPV5, and TRPV6 tended to decrease linearly with increasing PBLC dose. Absorptive net flux of Ca2+ was detected only in the rumen, whereas jejunum showed a high passive permeability to Ca2+. Net flux rates of Ca2+ in the rumen increased in a quadratic manner (highest in PBLC-L animals) and were systematically decreased with the omission of mucosal Na+. Short-circuit current increased in both PBLC feeding groups compared with Con only in the rumen. Acute application of menthol-stimulated mucosal-to-serosal and net Ca2+ flux rates only in ruminal epithelia with higher stimulation in PBLC-fed animals. We conclude that Ca2+ transport is mainly active and transcellular in the rumen. It most likely involves TRPV3 that can be stimulated by menthol. Pre-feeding of menthol-rich PBLC enhances ruminal Ca2+ absorption and sensitizes it to acute stimulation by menthol. By contrast, intestinal Ca2+ absorption is not sensitive to menthol stimulation. Menthol could be used as a tool to enhance ruminal Ca2+ absorption and to prevent hypocalcemia in dairy cows.