Comparing carbon footprints of sheep farming systems in semi-arid regions of India: A life cycle assessment study.

Carbon foot prints (CFs) studies based on life cycle assessment between sheep farming systems and green house gases (GHG) emissions is one of the best indicators to quantify the amount of GHG emissions per kg of product. Therefore, a life cycle assessment (LCA) study was conducted for three different sheep farming systems i.e. intensive system (stall fed only), semi-intensive (grazing with supplementation) and extensive system (grazing only) under semiarid region of India to assess the carbon cost of sheep rearing. The total CFs were estimated to be 16.9, 15.8 and 17.1 kg CO2-eq in intensive, semi-intensive and extensive system of grazing indicating semi-intensive system to be most carbon (C) efficient. For 1kg mutton production in semi-intensive and intensive system, around 30% and 24% CFs were contributed from enteric fermentation and feed respectively, whereas, in extensive system, the contribution of enteric fermentation increased up to 50%. The carbon foot prints analysis gives an insight of carbon inputs used but the amount of CO2 sequestered in soil making LCA a holistic approach for estimating GHG emissions from livestock.

Drip irrigation and sulphur fertilization influenced fodder yield, quality and water use efficiency of groundnut in arid region.

Availability of ample and nutritious fodder for livestock is always a challenge in arid region. Choice of crops such as groundnut that can fulfil the requirement of fodder with its crop residues along with human needs can be a viable option to bridge the gap between availability and requirement of fodder. The fodder yield and quality largely depend on soil moisture and nutrient supply especially sulphur (S), a key nutrient for improving groundnut fodder quality. However, no researchers have given emphasis on coupling effect of drip irrigation (DI) and sulphur on fodder yield, quality, digestibility and water use efficiency (WUE). Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the effects of different regimes of DI and S on productivity and quality of fodder. Results revealed that higher regimes of DI i.e. 0.8 +1.0 PE(pan evaporation) and 1.0 PE level of irrigation along with 40 kg S ha-1 significantly improved the yield, primary quality traits (crude protein, ether extract and ash), digestibility indices and significant reduction in Fibers which indicates improvement in quality of fodder. Fodder productivity was 27.0 and 25.6% higher in 1.0 PE and 0.8+1.0 PE level of irrigation, respectively, as compared to 0.6 PE level (lower water regime) of irrigation, although 0.6 PE level of irrigation recorded higher WUE and was at par with 0.8 PE and 0.6 +1.0 PE level of DI. By changing the levels of DI from 1.0 PE to 0.8+1.0 PE, considerable water can be saved without affecting the yield and quality of fodder. Similarly, crop responded to S up to 60 kg ha-1 but at par with 40 kg S ha-1 indicating that application of extra S after 40 kg did not warrant any extra benefit in terms of fodder yield, WUE and quality of fodder. Thus, adjusting the PE levels of DI for water saving and optimal S application can be a sustainable strategy to improve the productivity and quality of groundnut fodder in arid region.

Feasibility and outcomes of Desarda vs Lichtenstein hernioplasty by local anesthesia for inguinal hernia: a noninferiority randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The Desarda autologous tissue repair is comparable to the Lichtenstein hernioplasty for inguinal hernia regarding recurrence, chronic groin pain, and return to work activities. This study was designed to establish the outcomes of Desarda's repair versus Lichtenstein's hernioplasty concerning post-operative recovery to normal gait and its feasibility under local anesthesia (LA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center, prospective, double-blinded, non-inferiority, randomized trial. Patients undergoing open hernia repair for primary inguinal hernia were included. Patients were randomly assigned and followed up for 2 years. The primary endpoint was the time to return to normal gait post-surgery with comfort (non-inferiority margin fixed as 0.5 days). The secondary outcomes studied were post-operative pain score, the time required to return to work (all previously performed activities), and surgical-site occurrences (SSO). RESULTS: One hundred ten eligible patients were randomly assigned [56 patients (50.9%) in the Desarda group and 54 patients (49.1%) in the Lichtenstein group]. All the procedures were safely performed under LA. The median (interquartile range) time for resuming gait post-surgery with comfort was 5 days in the Desarda vs 4 days in Lichtenstein's arm (P = 0.16), thereby failing to demonstrate non-inferiority of Desarda against Lichtenstein hernioplasty. However, there were no significant differences in days to return to work, SSO, chronic groin pain, and recurrence within two years of surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study could not demonstrate the non-inferiority of the Desarda repair versus Lichtenstein hernioplasty regarding the time taken to return to normal gait. Comparing the days to return to work, pain score, SSO, and chronic groin pain, including recurrence rate, Desarda repair faired equally with Lichtenstein hernioplasty, thereby highlighting its feasibility and efficacy under LA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03512366.

Vaccine effectiveness to protect against moderate or severe disease in COVID cases: A prospective cohort study.

Background: This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of partial and full vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (COVISHIELD) to prevent the development of moderate or severe illness among COVID-positive cases. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted among Armed Forces personnel deployed in Northern India who were found COVID positive during the study period between January and June 2021. Information about the vaccination status, age and comorbidities was collected at the time of diagnosis. Classification of COVID cases as moderate or severe was performed as per criteria given by the Government of India. Individuals were considered partially vaccinated three weeks after one dose and fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose. Risk ratio and vaccine effectiveness (VE) to prevent moderate or severe disease among COVID cases were calculated. Results: A total of 2005 COVID-19 patients were included in our study. Partial vaccination and full vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 offered 13% (95% credible interval (CI): -56.8%, 52.8%) and 66.6% (95% CI: 34.9%, 84.6%) protection against progression to moderate/severe illness among COVID-positive individuals. The risk of moderate-severe disease among COVID-positive cases occurring 4-11 weeks after the first dose was also lesser among those who had taken the second dose of vaccine than individuals who have been vaccinated with only one dose. Conclusion: Interval between the first and second doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine should be reduced to 4-6 weeks, as partial vaccination offers lower protection against the development of moderate-severe illness after COVID infection.

On valorization of solvent extracts of Terminalia arjuna (arjuna) upon DNA scission and free radical scavenging improves coupling responses and cognitive functions under in vitro conditions.

Chronic diseases have been treated using the phytochemical concepts of ethnomedicinal plant-derived herbal products. Terminalia arjuna, a significant ethnomedicinal plant, was revisited and reconnoitred for antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and DNA nicking inhibiting activity under H2O2 conditions using 21 solvent extracts. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, and nitrous oxide scavenging (%) were found to have a strong positive association and interaction (PCA 1 explains 84.54% variation) with ethanol bark (Etoh-AB) (Meoh-AF). TPC (144.67-1794 µg/mL GAE) and TFC (2.5-34 µM Fe(II)/g were highest in Etoh-AB. In a pattern of combined solvent extracts, Etoh-AB had the highest antioxidant capacity, accompanied by Etoh-AL ≥ Meoh-AB ≥ Dw-AF. With R2 = 0.94, the DNA nicking inhibition behaviour parameters relative front, relative quantity, band (%), and lane (%) formed a positive significant (p < 0.01) connection. For the first time, we show that Etoh-AB nicks supercoiled, circular plasmid DNA in a way that is comparable to normal antioxidants. Normal antioxidants with the ability to prevent DNA nicking include Butylated hydroxy anisole < Butylated hydroxy toluene < ascorbic acid < and Gallic acid. Gallic acid (m/z 170.0208 g/mol) and Ellagic acid (m/z 302.0063 g/mol were present in high concentrations in solvent extracts. 0.48 mg was found to be the effective concentration for inhibiting relative DNA nicking. The current study is the first of its kind to show that steroid concentrations are higher in bark fractions of acetone, ethanol, and methanol. Furthermore, T. arjuna solvent extracts provide a wealth of information on phytochemical profiling, antioxidant ability, and DNA nicking inhibition, which may be useful for exploring the natural way and further research to develop a remedy against geriatric chronic disease. Despite the fact that ethanol is very close to methanol in terms of solvent toxicity, the current study identified it as the preferred solvent. Thus, the current research revisits previous studies and explores the potentiality of non-polar and polar aprotic and polar protic solvent systems, which lend credence to bioactive compounds that may be useful in isolating and formulating safe and cost effective herbal medicament for livestocks and aquaculture, and drugs for deoxygenerative human diseases, and can also be investigated further to instil environmental frugality.

Utilization of fruit and vegetable waste as an alternative feed resource for sustainable and eco-friendly sheep farming.

Globally, 10-20% of horticultural wastes are disposed in landfills leading to environmental pollution. Recycling these wastes as animal feedstuff will lessen food-feed competition and minimize environmental hazards. The present study was undertaken to determine the nutritional quality of fresh fruit and vegetable waste (F&VW) and their dietary inclusion on nutrient utilization, antioxidant status, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and potable water sparing efficacy in sheep. Three dietary combinations were formulated i.e. control (C):70% Cenchrus ciliaris hay +30% concentrate mixture (CM), diet with fruit waste (FWD):70% Cenchrus ciliaris hay +20% CM +10% FW and diet with vegetable waste (VWD):70% Cenchrus ciliaris hay +20% CM +10% VW for in vitro and in vivo evaluation of these wastes as potential livestock feed. Twenty-one adult ewes were allocated into 3 groups C, FWD and VWD and fed on the above three diets. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were significantly enhanced by 5.5 and 7.2%; 7.3 and 7.6% in F&VW supplemented groups, respectively, without affecting feed intake. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was improved by 32.2 and 26.3% in F&VW supplemented groups. Inclusion of F&VW biomass reduced annual methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions (kg CO2eq/sheep) by 3.12 and 4.55%; 15.18 and 14.92% and thus contributed to lowering of global warming potential by 4.00 and 5.27%, respectively. Furthermore, there was a net reduction of potable water consumption by 21.78 and 13.92% in F&VW supplemented groups, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that F&VW can be a potential feedstuff for ruminants and its efficient reuse would minimize environmental impacts associated with disposal of such waste in the landfills.

Entropy generation and dissipative heat transfer analysis of mixed convective hydromagnetic flow of a Casson nanofluid with thermal radiation and Hall current.

The present article provides a detailed analysis of entropy generation on the unsteady three-dimensional incompressible and electrically conducting magnetohydrodynamic flow of a Casson nanofluid under the influence of mixed convection, radiation, viscous dissipation, Brownian motion, Ohmic heating, thermophoresis and heat generation. At first, similarity transformation is used to transform the governing nonlinear coupled partial differential equations into nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations, and then the resulting highly nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations are numerically solved by the utilization of spectral quasi-linearization method. Moreover, the effects of pertinent flow parameters on velocity distribution, temperature distribution, concentration distribution, entropy generation and Bejan number are depicted prominently through various graphs and tables. It can be analyzed from the graphs that the Casson parameter acts as an assisting parameter towards the temperature distribution in the absence of viscous and Joule dissipations, while it has an adverse effect on temperature under the impacts of viscous and Joule dissipations. On the contrary, entropy generation increases significantly for larger Brinkman number, diffusive variable and concentration ratio parameter, whereas the reverse effects of these parameters on Bejan number are examined. Apart from this, the numerical values of some physical quantities such as skin friction coefficients in x and z directions, local Nusselt number and Sherwood number for the variation of the values of pertinent parameters are displayed in tabular forms. A quadratic multiple regression analysis for these physical quantities has also been carried out to improve the present model's effectiveness in various industrial and engineering areas. Furthermore, an appropriate agreement is obtained on comparing the present results with previously published results.

Dietary supplementation of plant bioactive-enriched aniseed straw and eucalyptus leaves modulates tissue fatty acid profile and nuggets quality of lambs.

Utilization of low-input feed resources rich in plant bioactive compounds is a promising strategy for modulating the fatty acid profile in ruminant products. They manipulate microbes involved in rumen biohydrogenation and increase the accumulation of desirable fatty acids at the tissue level. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of aniseed straw and eucalyptus leaves on growth performance, carcass traits and fatty acid profile of finisher lambs. Thirty-six Malpura hogget were divided into three treatment groups of 12 each, reared individually in pen (1.6 m × 1.1 m) and fed ad libitum complete feed blocks made up of 55 parts concentrate, 5 parts molasses and 40 parts roughage. Roughage in control (Con) was 20 parts each of ardu (Ailanthus excelsa) leaves and oat (Avena sativa) straw. In test diets, that is, Con-as and Con-el, 10% aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) straw and Eucalyptus rudis leaves, respectively, were added by replacing 5% each of oat straw and eucalyptus leaves. The lambs were weighed weekly; and at the end of 3 months of feeding trial, the lambs were slaughtered to study the carcass traits, composition and product evaluation. Average daily gain (ADG) and DM intake (DMI) was higher (P < 0.05) in Con-as compared to Con and Con-el, while ADG and feed conversion ratio decreased (P < 0.05) by 29.4% and 36.4%, respectively, in Con-el compared to Con. Carcass traits showed lower (P < 0.05) loin eye area and chilling loss in the Con-el group compared to the Con-as and Con, and the total carcass fat compared to Con-as. However, the keeping quality of meat improved in both Con-as and Con-el which was reflected by lower (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances values. Nuggets prepared from Con and Con-as meat had superior (P < 0.05) sensory attributes with an overall palatability. Fatty acid profile of longissimus thoracis muscle showed lower (P < 0.05) atherogenic and thrombogenic indices in Con-as and higher (P < 0.05) in Con-el group. Moreover, in Con-as group, the proportion of C16:0 was lower (P < 0.05) and C18:3n-3 was higher (P < 0.05), but no effect was observed on the amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; C18:2 c9t11). In case of adipose tissue, the content of CLA was higher (P < 0.05), and the ratio of n-6:n-3 was more nearer to desirable levels in Con-as group. Therefore, it can be concluded that aniseed straw is a promising feed supplement compared to eucalyptus leaves for improving meat quality and fatty acid profile in lambs.

Utilization of byproducts of sheep farming as organic fertilizer for improving soil health and productivity of barley forage.

Wool is a biodegradable fiber, rich in nutrients and can be recycled in soil as a fertilizer for maximum benefits. The present study was planned with the hypothesis that waste wool could be used as a nutrient source or manure to forage crops and aim of this study was to identify practicable recycling options of sheep based wastes in agriculture. In our study, we have compared the effect of different sheep based organic wastes on soil health, crop productivity and water use. Application of waste wool in soil significantly improved the fertility status of soil, and considerable improvement was also observed in organic carbon and nitrogen, i.e. around 30.8 and 32.6% higher over control. The activities of soil enzymes were 10-30% and 3-20% higher in waste wool treatment as compared to control and sheep based manures, respectively. Application of waste wool not only improved soil health but produced 50% higher grain and dry fodder yield of barley over control. The improvement in physical properties of soil with waste wool resulted in higher water use efficiency of the system. Our study will help in distinguishing choices for safe use of organic wastes along with up gradation of soil health and crop water utilization, particularly in nutrient poor soils of arid and semi-arid region of India.

In vitro rumen fermentation kinetics, metabolite production, methane and substrate degradability of polyphenol rich plant leaves and their component complete feed blocks.

BACKGROUND: This experiment aimed at assessing polyphenol-rich plant biomass to use in complete feed making for the feeding of ruminants. METHODS: An in vitro ruminal evaluation of complete blocks (CFB) with (Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus nummularia leaves) and without (Vigna sinensis hay) polyphenol rich plant leaves was conducted by applying Menke's in vitro gas production (IVGP) technique. A total of six substrates, viz. three forages and three CFBs were subjected to in vitro ruminal fermentation in glass syringes to assess gas and methane production, substrate degradability, and rumen fermentation metabolites. RESULTS: Total polyphenol content (g/Kg) was 163 in A. nilotica compared to 52.5 in Z. nummularia with a contrasting difference in tannin fractions, higher hydrolysable tannins (HT) in the former (140.1 vs 2.8) and higher condensed (CT) tannins in the later (28.3 vs 7.9). The potential gas production was lower with a higher lag phase (L) in CT containing Z. nummularia and the component feed block. A. nilotica alone and as a constituent of CFB produced higher total gas but with lower methane while the partitioning factor (PF) was higher in Z. nummularia and its CFB. Substrate digestibility (both DM and OM) was lower (P < 0.001) in Z. nummularia compared to other forages and CFBs. The fermentation metabolites showed a different pattern for forages and their CFBs. The forages showed higher TCA precipitable N and lower acetate: propionate ratio in Z. nummularia while the related trend was found in CFB with V. sinensis. Total volatile fatty acid concentration was higher (P < 0.001) in A. nilotica leaves than V. sinensis hay and Z. nummularia leaves. It has implication on widening the forage resources and providing opportunity to use forage biomass rich in polyphenolic constituents in judicious proportion for reducing methane and enhancing green livestock production. CONCLUSION: Above all, higher substrate degradability, propionate production, lower methanogenesis in CFB with A. nilotica leaves may be considered useful. Nevertheless, CFB with Z. nummularia also proved its usefulness with higher TCA precipitable N and PF. It has implication on widening the forage resources and providing opportunity to use polyphenol-rich forage biomass for reducing methane and enhancing green livestock production.

RNA Seq analysis for transcriptome profiling in response to classical swine fever vaccination in indigenous and crossbred pigs.

In present investigation, differential expression of transcriptome after classical swine fever (CSF) vaccination has been explored at the cellular level in crossbred and indigenous (desi) piglets. RNA Sequencing by Expectation-Maximization (RSEM) package was used to quantify gene expression from RNA Sequencing data, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using EBSeq, DESeq2, and edgeR softwares. After analysis, 5222, 6037, and 6210 common DEGs were identified in indigenous post-vaccinated verses pre-vaccinated, crossbred post-vaccinated verses pre-vaccinated, and post-vaccinated crossbred verses indigenous pigs, respectively. Functional annotation of these DEGs showed enrichment of antigen processing-cross presentation, B cell receptor signaling, T cell receptor signaling, NF-κB signaling, and TNF signaling pathways. The interaction network among the immune genes included more number of genes with greater connectivity in vaccinated crossbred than the indigenous piglets. Higher expression of IRF3, IL1ß, TAP1, CSK, SLA2, SLADM, and NF-kB in crossbred piglets in comparison to indigenous explains the better humoral response observed in crossbred piglets. Here, we predicted that the processed CSFV antigen through the T cell receptor signaling cascade triggers the B cell receptor-signaling pathway to finally activate MAPK kinase and NF-κB signaling pathways in B cell. This activation results in expression of genes/transcription factors that lead to B cell ontogeny, auto immunity and immune response through antibody production. Further, immunologically important genes were validated by qRT-PCR.

Effect of feeding complete feed block containing rumen protected protein, non-protein nitrogen and rumen protected fat on improving body condition and carcass traits of cull ewes.

Nutrient utilization, body condition and carcass traits of cull ewes were studied in three dietary regimens based on complete feed block (CFB) feeding to control (C) with rumen protected protein (RPP), CU [RPP + urea (6 g/kg)] and CUF [RPP + urea + rumen protected fat (RPF; 40 g/kg)]. The RPP component (g/kg) in C had 1% formaldehyde-treated soy flakes 50, mustard cake 50 and sesame cake 30. The mustard and sesame cakes were replaced with urea on equivalent N basis in CU and CUF. The ewes were offered ad libitum CFB composed (g/kg) of concentrate 650, roughage 300 and molasses 50. The digestibility of OM and EE was higher (p < 0.05) in CUF than in CU and C, while that of NDF and ADF was lower (p < 0.05). The CP digestibility was higher in both CU and CUF. Utilization of N and Ca was higher (p < 0.05) in CUF compared with C and CU. Urinary purine derivatives analysis and microbial N synthesis were similar in all the groups. Blood glucose concentration improved at 90 day compared with 0 day. Ruminal attributes showed a higher (p < 0.05) pH, total N, TCA precipitable N, entodiniomorphs and total ciliate population in CU and CUF than in the control. The CUF had higher (p < 0.01) DM, digestible OM and ME intake, which resulted in higher (p < 0.05) weight gain and better feed efficiency. Ewes in all the groups showed an improvement in carcass traits at 90 day. The pre-slaughter weight was higher (p < 0.05) and dissected and KOH bone content was lower in CUF. Thus, feeding of CFB with urea as a cheaper N source and RPF to enrich with energy supported the improved performance as evidenced from higher nutrient input, 'utilization and efficiency with enhanced carcass traits' for better marketability and returns from cull ewes.

Isolation, culture, characterization, and osteogenic differentiation of canine endometrial mesenchymal stem cell.

AIM: In this study, the canine endometrium tissue is characterized for its stem cell properties such as adherence to tissue culture plate (plasticity), short population doubling time, serial clonal passaging, long-term culturing properties, stem cell marker expression, and multilineage differentiation potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present work describes a novel isolation protocol for obtaining mesenchymal stem cells from the uterine endometrium and is compared with cells derived from umbilical cord matrix as a positive control. These cells are clonogenic, can undergo several population doublings in vitro, and can be differentiated to the osteocytes in mature mesenchymal tissues when grown in osteogenic differentiation media as detected by Alizarin Red-S staining. RESULTS: It is reported for the first time that the cells derived from the canine endometrium (e-multipotent stem cells [MSCs]) were able to differentiate into a heterologous cell type: Osteocytes, thus demonstrating the presence of MSCs. Thus, the endometrium may be told as a potential source of MSCs which can be used for various therapeutic purposes. CONCLUSION: The endometrium can be used as a potential source of MSCs, which can be used for various therapeutic purposes.

Effect of climate region and stocking density on ostrich (Struthio camelus) productive performances.

The effects of three climates (hot and dry, mild and humid and Alpine) and three flock densities (<100, 100-300 and >300 m2 ) on ostrich reproductive and productive traits were studied. Data were compared with the benchmark target sets by the World Ostrich Association (Ostrich benchmark Performance Targets. Version 2, May, 2008) for reproductive qualifications of ostrich. No significant difference was observed on egg production, weight, fertility, hatchability and day-old chicks weight among the three climate conditions; however, the Alpine climate had a lower performance trend. Mild and humid climates had a significant effect of age at sexual maturity for both males and females as well as on the duration of egg production season. Stocking density did not show significant difference on egg production, hatchability, age of male and female at sexual maturity and on duration of egg production season, while an area >300 m2 showed a reduction in egg weight and day-old chick weight. Further, an area <100 m2 led to a weaker ostrich fertility rate. Results showed that the ostrich would have a better performance under hot and dry and mild and humid climates as compared to Alpine climate with a stocking density of 100-300 m2 area per breeder bird. Thus, climatic intervention strategies at Alpine regions may be carried out for maintaining optimal reproductive qualification of ostrich so as to improve the productivity in this sector.

Bilateral blindness following anterior nasal packing in a case of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

BACKGROUND: Epistaxis is the most common ENT emergency encountered in the Emergency Department. Most cases can be managed by simple anterior nasal packing. This is usually a safe and very effective option in an emergency situation, requiring minimal expertise and infrastructure. This paper describes a rare instance of a serious complication following anterior nasal packing in a case of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old man diagnosed with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma presented to the Emergency Department with bilateral epistaxis. The patient was stabilised and anterior nasal packing was performed, which controlled the bleeding. Three hours later, the patient developed complete blindness in both eyes. Aggressive medical management was initiated immediately, but failed to restore the patient's vision. CONCLUSION: Anterior nasal packing is a simple and minimally invasive procedure practised regularly in an Emergency Department setting. However, it can occasionally lead to serious complications such as blindness. Thus, obtaining informed consent is essential to avoid medico-legal consequences in high-risk cases.

Reduced small world brain connectivity in probands with a family history of epilepsy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The role of inheritance in ascertaining susceptibility to epilepsy is well established, although the pathogenetic mechanisms are still not very clear. Interviewing for a positive family history is a popular epidemiological tool in the understanding of this susceptibility. Our aim was to visualize and localize network abnormalities that could be associated with a positive family history in a group of patients with hot water epilepsy (HWE) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). METHODS: Graph theory analysis of rsfMRI (clustering coefficient γ; path length λ; small worldness σ) in probands with a positive family history of epilepsy (FHE+, 25) were compared with probands without FHE (FHE-, 33). Whether a closer biological relationship was associated with a higher likelihood of network abnormalities was also ascertained. RESULTS: A positive family history of epilepsy had decreased γ, increased λ and decreased σ in bilateral temporofrontal regions compared to FHE- (false discovery rate corrected P ≤ 0.0062). These changes were more pronounced in probands having first degree relatives and siblings with epilepsy. Probands with multiple types of epilepsy in the family showed decreased σ in comparison to only HWE in the family. CONCLUSION: Graph theory analysis of the rsfMRI can be used to understand the neurobiology of diseases like genetic susceptibility in HWE. Reduced small worldness, proportional to the degree of relationship, is consistent with the current understanding that disease severity is higher in closer biological relations.

HN protein of Newcastle disease virus sensitizes HeLa cells to TNF-α-induced apoptosis by downregulating NF-κB expression.

Hemagglutinin neuraminidase (HN) is a membrane protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) with the ability to induce apoptosis in many transformed cell lines. TNF-α is a multi-factorial protein that regulates cell survival, differentiation and apoptosis. In a previous study, we reported that HN protein induces apoptosis by downregulating NF-κB expression. Further, we speculated that downregulation of NF-κB expression might sensitize HeLa cells to TNF-α-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate if HN protein could sensitize HeLa cells to TNF-α and to examine the apoptotic potential of the HN protein and TNF-α in combination. The results revealed that the pro-apoptotic effects were more pronounced with the combination of HN and TNF-α than with HN or TNF-α alone, which indicates that the HN protein indeed sensitized the HeLa cells to TNF-α-induced cell death. The results of the study provide a mechanistic insight into the apoptotic action of HN protein along with TNF-α, which could be valuable in treating tumor types that are naturally resistant to TNF-α.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Newcastle Disease Virus.

Newcastle Disease (ND) is one of the major causes of economic loss in the poultry industry. Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is a single-stranded, negative-sense enveloped RNA virus (Fam. Paramyxoviridae; Order Mononegavirales). In the present study three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced by polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-mediated fusion of lymphocytes sensitized to NDV Bareilly strain and myeloma cells. NDV possesses ability to agglutinate erythrocytes of avian species. All the three MAbs designated as 2H7, 3E9 and 3G6 caused hemagglutination inhibition of NDV by specifically binding to NDV. The reactivity for all the 3 MAbs on indirect ELISA was found to be significantly higher than the antibody and antigen controls. On flowcytometry of HeLa cells infected with NDV using the MAbs as primary antibodies, there was a significant difference in the percentage of cells showing positive fluorescence compared to the mock control. One of the MAbs (3E9) was found to react with hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein on western blot.

Poly (I:C) enhances the anti-tumor activity of canine parvovirus NS1 protein by inducing a potent anti-tumor immune response.

The canine parvovirus NS1 (CPV2.NS1) protein selectively induces apoptosis in the malignant cells. However, for an effective in vivo tumor treatment strategy, an oncolytic agent also needs to induce a potent anti-tumor immune response. In the present study, we used poly (I:C), a TLR3 ligand, as an adjuvant along with CPV2.NS1 to find out if the combination can enhance the oncolytic activity by inducing a potent anti-tumor immune response. The 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells were used to induce mammary tumor in Balb/c mice. The results suggested that poly (I:C), when given along with CPV2.NS1, not only significantly reduced the tumor growth but also augmented the immune response against tumor antigen(s) as indicated by the increase in blood CD4+ and CD8+ counts and infiltration of immune cells in the tumor tissue. Further, blood serum analysis of the cytokines revealed that Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2) were significantly upregulated in the treatment group indicating activation of cell-mediated immune response. The present study reports the efficacy of CPV2.NS1 along with poly (I:C) not only in inhibiting the mammary tumor growth but also in generating an active anti-tumor immune response without any visible toxicity. The results of our study may help in developing CPV2.NS1 and poly (I: C) combination as a cancer therapeutic regime to treat various malignancies.