Emergency versus semi-elective management of mandible fractures: a Maxillofacial Trainee Research Collaborative (MTReC) study.

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence suggests that acute emergency management of mandible fractures does not improve surgical outcomes yet is associated with increased financial burden. Current NHS policy advocating for increased adoption of day-case and semi-elective surgical procedures to reduce bed strain must be balanced with providing timely, effective treatment. Our research aims to determine patient groups currently managed via semi-elective admission and whether this can be extended to other groups to provide safe and effective management of mandible fractures. METHODS: A multi-national trainee-led audit of mandibular fractures across 49 units was completed by the Maxillofacial Trainee Research Collaborative (MTReC). Each unit prospectively collected data on fractures on admission and at follow-up. Data collected included patient demographics, behaviour, health, injury, timing to intervention and surgical complications. RESULTS: Data were collected on 947 mandibular fractures. Of the surgically managed patients, 649 (90%) were managed via acute emergency admission at the time of presentation, while 68 (10%) were managed semi-electively. Patient demographics, injury pattern and mechanism appeared to significantly affect timing of management, whereas patient behaviour, health status, timing of injury and presentation did not. Semi-elective management was associated with a significantly shorter inpatient duration (0.9 versus 1.9 days, p=0.000) with no differences in readmission, antibiotic usage or surgical complications (p=1.000, RR 1.030). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the efficacy of planned admissions and semi-elective management of mandibular fractures. Simple mandibular fractures in compliant patients are suitable for semi-elective treatment. Holistic patient assessment and tailored surgical planning is crucial in determining admission modality to effectively manage mandibular trauma.

De-oiled palm kernel cake for stall-fed buffaloes: effect on milk constituents, nutrient digestibility, biochemical parameters, and rumen fermentation.

Palm kernel cake, the main by-product of the palm kernel oil extraction process, is a highly available and low-priced agro-industrial by-product. However, several concerns exist to arriving at a safe inclusion level, especially for buffaloes. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding de-oiled palm kernel cake (DPKC) to tropical buffaloes. In trial I, four fistulated Murrah buffaloes arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design were fed diets containing DPKC inclusions at 0, 15, 30, and 45% levels of compound feed to study their effects on rumen fermentation parameters. Trial II involves feeding twelve lactating buffaloes with DPKC inclusion levels at 0 or 15% of the compound feed to evaluate the effect of DPKC on the nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical constituents, rumen fermentation patterns, and lactation profile. The DPKC diets did not affect rumen pH, TCA-ppt nitrogen, and TVFA proportion; nevertheless, the NH3-N data revealed a decreased trend (P = 0.076). The acetate fraction decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased DPKC diets. Replacing the conventional protein sources with DPKC at a 15% level did not influence the nutrient intake and digestibility coefficients. No significant effects were observed for serum biochemical and mineral profiles of the lactating buffaloes fed the DPKC diet. Neither milk yield nor milk constituents (SNF, total solids, density, lactose, protein) were altered with the diets fed, except for milk fat%, which tended to increase (P = 0.092) on feeding DPKC diets. All the lactation parameters varied with time of collection, and diet × time interactions were noticed for fat, density, protein, 6% FCM yield, and butterfat yield. The feed efficiency tended to increase (P = 0.070) in the buffaloes fed DPKC diets. The profit margins were ₹6.07 and ₹1.63 for the DPKC included diets and feed cost per Kg 6% FCMY, respectively. In  conclusion, the inclusion of DPKC in the diet decreases feed cost without affecting the nutrient intakes, digestibility coefficients, serum biochemical and mineral profile, and lactation parameters.

Can serum albumin level affect the transcutaneous bilirubinometry in term neonates?

BACKGROUND: Jaundice is the quite common benign condition in neonates, but due to its potential toxicity, neonates must be monitored. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of serum albumin level on the transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements in term neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. METHODS: Serum albumin and total serum bilirubin (TSB) of 252 jaundiced term neonates were estimated and simultaneously TcB was measured over sternum and the effect of serum albumin on TcB measurements was evaluated. RESULTS: The correlation between TSB and TcB was linear and significant for the entire cohort. When this correlation was studied separately in the groups with different albumin levels, maximum correlation (r = 0.888, R2 linear = 0.789, p < 0.001) was observed in group 1 with hypo-albuminemia followed by in group 2 with normal albumin levels (r = 0.854, R2 linear = 0.729, p < 0.001) and group 3 with higher albumin levels (r = 0.809, R2 linear = 0.689, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plot analysis of whole study population demonstrate good agreement between TSB and TcB [95% CI = -0.038 to 0.493 mg/dL, 17/252 = 6.75% outside the limits of agreement, Mean difference = 0.227]. This analysis in different groups also show good agreement between TSB and TcB. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between the TSB and TcB may affected by serum albumin level. Therefore, transcutaneous bilirubinometry is not able to replace invasive TSB measurement. However, in the absence of TSB it could be an alternative to measure the level of bilirubin in term neonates.

Understanding the activating mechanism of the immune system against COVID-19 by Traditional Indian Medicine: Network pharmacology approach.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmissions are occurring rapidly; it is raising the alarm around the globe. Though vaccines are currently available, the evolution and mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 threaten available vaccines' significance. The drugs are still undergoing clinical trials, and certain medications are approved for "emergency use" or as an "off-label" drug during the pandemic. These drugs have been effective yet accommodating side effects, which also can be lethal. Complementary and alternative medicine is highly demanded since it embraces a holistic approach. Since ancient times, natural products have been used as drugs to treat various diseases in the medical field and are still widely practiced. Medicinal plants contain many active compounds that serve as the key to an effective drug design. The Kabasura kudineer and Nilavembu kudineer are the two most widely approved formulations to treat COVID-19. However, the mechanism of these formulations is not well known. The proposed study used a network pharmacology approach to understand the immune-boosting mechanism by the Kabasura kudineer, Nilavembu kudineer, and JACOM in treating COVID-19. The plants and phytochemical chemical compounds in the Kabasura kudineer, Nilavembu kudineer, and JACOM were obtained from the literature. The Swiss target prediction algorithm was used to predict the targets for these phytochemical compounds. The common genes for the COVID-19 infection and the drug targets were identified. The gene-gene interaction network was constructed to understand the interactions between these common genes and enrichment analyses to determine the biological process, molecular functions, cellular functions, pathways involved, etc. Finally, virtual screening and molecular docking studies were performed to identify the most potential targets and significant phytochemical compounds to treat the COVID-19. The present study identified potential targets as ACE, Cathepsin L, Cathepsin B, Cathepsin K, DPP4, EGFR, HDAC2, IL6, RIPK1, and VEGFA. Similarly, betulinic acid, 5″-(2⁗-Hydroxybenzyl) uvarinol, antofine, (S)-1'-methyloctyl caffeate, (Z)-3-phenyl-2-propenal, 7-oxo-10α-cucurbitadienol, and PLX-4720 collectively to be potential treatment agents for COVID-19.

In Silico computational screening of Kabasura Kudineer - Official Siddha Formulation and JACOM against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

BACKGROUND: Siddha Medicine is a valuable therapeutic choice which is classically used for treating viral respiratory infections, this principle of medicine is proven to contain antiviral compounds. OBJECTIVE: The study is aimed to execute the In Silico computational studies of phytoconstituents of Siddha official formulation Kabasura Kudineer and novel herbal preparation - JACOM which are commonly used in treating viral fever and respiratory infectious diseases and could be affective against the ongoing pandemic novel corona virus disease SARS-CoV-2. METHOD: Cresset Flare software was used for molecular docking studies against the spike protein SARS-CoV-2 (PDB ID: 6VSB). Further, we also conducted insilico prediction studies on the pharmacokinetics (ADME) properties and the safety profile in order to identify the best drug candidates by using online pkCSM and SwissADME web servers. RESULTS: Totally 37 compounds were screened, of these 9 compounds showed high binding affinity against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. All the phytoconstituents were free from carcinogenic and tumorigenic properties. Based on these, we proposed the new formulation called as "SNACK-V" CONCLUSION: Based on further experiments and clinical trials, these formulations could be used for effective treatment of COVID-19.

In silico evaluation of naturally isolated triterpene glycosides (TG) from Gymnema sylvestre towards diabetic treatment.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which is characterised by high levels of blood glucose. Most of the oral drugs available today for the treatment of diabetes are associated with various side-effects. Herbal medicines are considered relatively safer alternatives and Gymnema sylvestre (GS) is one such known traditional medicinal plant widely used for the treatment of diabetes. In our previous work, we isolated active triterpene glycosides (TG) from Gymnema sylvestre (GS) and screened for yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. The present study aims to use in silico techniques to understand and predict the inhibitory role of the isolated triterpene glycosides (TG); Gymnemic acid I, IV, VII and gymnemagenin against disaccharidase enzymes. enzyme kinetic analysis using Lineweaver-Burk plot indicated that TG competitively inhibited yeast α-glucosidase at IC50 concentration with Ki 0.0028 µM. TG also exhibited significant inhibitory activity against mammalian sucrase and maltase respectively, compared to control. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The molecular docking simulation reveals that TG is capable of docking well with crystallographic structures of the selected enzyme targets. Inhibition of α-glucosidases could delay the absorption of glucose in the blood during post-meal digestion. Thus the current study highlights the dietary intervention of TG towards the selected enzyme targets, thus making TG a potential nutraceutical candidate towards management of blood glucose.

Nanotechnological approach to delivering nutraceuticals as promising drug candidates for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is Caesar's sword, which poses a huge risk to the present generation. Understanding the atherosclerotic disease cycle would allow ensuring improved diagnosis, better care, and treatment. Unfortunately, a highly effective and safe way of treating atherosclerosis in the medical community remains a continuous challenge. Conventional treatments have shown considerable success, but have some adverse effects on the human body. Natural derived medications or nutraceuticals have gained immense popularity in the treatment of atherosclerosis due to their decreased side effects and toxicity-related issues. In hindsight, the contribution of nutraceuticals in imparting enhanced clinical efficacy against atherosclerosis warrants more experimental evidence. On the other hand, nanotechnology and drug delivery systems (DDS) have revolutionized the way therapeutics are performed and researchers have been constantly exploring the positive effects that DDS brings to the field of therapeutic techniques. It could be as exciting as ever to apply nano-mediated delivery of nutraceuticals as an additional strategy to target the atherosclerotic sites boasting high therapeutic efficiency of the nutraceuticals and fewer side effects.

Pre-freezing equilibration for 22 h improves post-thaw sperm functions in cryopreserved ram semen by reducing cholesterol efflux.

Failure of cervical insemination with cryopreserved semen is hindering implementation of AI in sheep in field condition. Here the effect of equilibration time and catalase on post-thaw qualities of ram semen was investigated. Pooled semen was diluted (800 × 106 sperm mL-1) with a TES-Tris-fructose extender with 6% glycerol, 15% egg yolk and supplemented with 0, 50, 100 and 200 U mL-1 catalase and packaged into 0.25 mL straws. In experiment 1, straws were equilibrated at 5 °C either for 3 h in a cold cabinet (E3) or for 10 (E10) and 22 h (E22) inside a refrigerator. In experiment 2, all straws were equilibrated for 22 h inside refrigerator. Straws were frozen at -25 °C min-1 up to -125 °C using a cell freezer and finally plunged into liquid nitrogen. The post-thaw total and rapid motility were higher (P < 0.05) in E22 compared to E3 and E10. Sperm kinetics was comparable between E3 and E22, but lower in E10. Similarly, acrosome integrity, functional membrane integrity, percent high cholesterol (mCHO) and live-high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were higher (P < 0.05) while live-high intracellular calcium and acrosome-reacted sperm were lower in E22 compared to E3 and E10. The percent rapid motile, high mCHO and live-high MMP were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in catalase-treated samples compared to the control, while the membrane integrity was comparable within the groups. In conclusion, pre-freezing equilibration for 22 h compared to 3 or 10 h resulted in higher post-thaw sperm functions while catalase had negative impact on cryopreservation of ram semen.

Computational model to analyze and characterize the functional mutations of NOD2 protein causing inflammatory disorder - Blau syndrome.

Blau syndrome (BS), which affects the eyes, skin, and joints, is an autosomal dominant genetic inflammatory disorder. BS is caused by mutations in the NOD2 gene. However, there are no direct treatments, and treatment with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as adrenal glucocorticoids, anti-metabolites, and biological agents such as anti-TNF and infliximab have all been attempted with varying degrees of success. In this study, we tried to identify all the reported mutations in the NOD2 protein that cause BS. Collectively, 114 missense mutations were extracted from the UniProt, ClinVar, and HGMD databases. The mutations were further subjected to pathogenic, stability, and conservation analyses. According to these computational analyses, six missense mutations (R334Q, R334W, E383G, E383K, R426H, and T605P) were found to be highly deleterious, destabilizing, and positioned in the conserved position. ADP to ATP conversion plays a crucial role in switching the closed-form of NOD2 protein to the open-form, thus activating the protein. Accordingly, the mutations in the ADP binding sites have received more attention in comparison to the mutations in the non-ADP binding positions. Interestingly, the W490L mutation is positioned in the ADP binding site and exhibits highly deleterious and destabilizing properties. Additionally, W490L was also found to be conserved, with a ConSurf score of 7. Therefore, we further performed homology modeling to determine the 3D structure of native NOD2 and the W490L mutant. Molecular docking analysis was carried out to understand the change in the interaction of ADP with the NOD2 protein. We observed that ADP had a stronger interaction with the native NOD2 protein compared to the W490L mutant. Finally, ADP complexed with native NOD2 and W490L mutant were subjected to molecular dynamics simulations, and the trajectories were analyzed. In the simulations, we observed decreased deviation and fluctuations in native NOD2, whereas decreased compactness and inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonds were observed in the W490L mutant. This study is expected to serve as a platform for developing targeted drug therapy for BS.

GANT61 and curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for GLI1 and PI3K/Akt-mediated inhibition in breast adenocarcinoma.

Current conventional mono and combination therapeutic strategies often fail to target breast cancer tissue effectively due to tumor heterogeneity comprising cancer stem cells (CSCs) and bulk tumor cells. This is further associated with drug toxicity and resistivity in the long run. A nanomedicine platform incorporating combination anti-cancer treatment might overcome these challenges and generate synergistic anti-cancer effects and also reduce drug toxicity. GANT61 and curcumin were co-delivered via polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for the first time to elicit enhanced anti-tumor activity against heterogeneous breast cancer cell line MCF-7. We adopted the single-emulsion-solvent evaporation method for the preparation of the therapeutic NPs. The GANT61-curcumin PLGA NPs were characterized for their size, shape and chemical properties, and anti-cancer cell studies were undertaken for the plausible explanation of our hypothesis. The synthesized GANT61-curcumin PLGA NPs had a spherical, smooth surface morphology, and an average size of 347.4 d. nm. The NPs induced cytotoxic effects in breast cancer cells at a mid-minimal dosage followed by cell death via autophagy and apoptosis, reduction in their target protein expression along with compromising the self-renewal property of CSCs as revealed by their in vitro cell studies. The dual-drug NPs thus provide a novel perspective on aiding existing anti-cancer nanomedicine therapies to target a heterogeneous tumor mass effectively.

Preparation and characterization of hybrid chitosan-silver nanoparticles (Chi-Ag NPs); A potential antibacterial agent.

In this study, a novel ecofriendly chitosan- silver nanoparticles hybrid was developed. Biological method using leaf extract of T. portulacifolium was used as reducing agent for its synthesis and the antibacterial efficiency of these hybrid nanoparticles were evaluated against the bacteria E. coli and S. marcescens organisms. The intense peak observed around 419 nm in the UV-Vis indicates the formation of silver nanoparticles. The XRD analysis showed that the hybrid chitosan-silver nanoparticles have a polycrystalline and face-centered cubic configuration. FTIR spectrum hybrid chitosan-silver nanoparticles indicated speaks vibration of NH and OH. The EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Ag, O, C and N elements in the prepared sample. The spherical shape was obtained from TEM analysis and it indicated that with average particles around 3.24 nm to 44.80 nm. The prepared hybrid chitosan-silver nanoparticles showed significant antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. marcescens. In addition, the surface membrane damages and surface morphology of test pathogens were visualized using FESEM analysis.

Treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity using propolis varnish: A scanning electron microscope study.

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) affects all age groups in a population and is perceived as pain to any stimuli. From time immemorial, researchers have sought herbal or natural solutions to treat hypersensitivity. Propolis is one such natural, nontoxic resinous substance produced by honey bees, which is useful in various applications in dentistry and effective in treating dentinal hypersensitivity. AIM: The aim of this in vitro study is to assess the effect of propolis varnish on occlusion of dentinal tubules thus aiding in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed treatment using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty naturally extracted teeth were collected and stored until in vitro assessment. Discs obtained from each tooth were divided into two groups of 20 each - I (test) and II (control), with each tooth acting as its own control. Propolis varnish was applied only to the acid-etched surface of the exposed dentin of discs in the test group, whereas all the discs were subjected to SEM imaging. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in open tubules (P < 0.001) from 160 ± 6.97 before treatment to 61.20 ± 9.10 after propolis varnish application in the test group. CONCLUSION: This study showed the promise of propolis varnish as a natural treatment modality for DH.

Photodynamic therapy at ultra-low NIR laser power and X-Ray imaging using Cu3BiS3 nanocrystals.

Materials with efficient potential in imaging as well as therapy are gaining particular attention in current medical research. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recently recognized as a promising treatment option for solid tumors. Still, most of the nanomaterial-based PDT modules either employ an additional photosensitizer or require high power laser sources. Also, they suffer from a lack of responsiveness in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Nanomaterials that could realize PDT independently (without any photosensitizer), at safe laser dose and in the deep tissue penetrative NIR region would definitely be better solid tumor treatment options. Methods: Herein, Cu- and Bi-based bimetal chalcogenide (Cu3BiS3), with absorption in the NIR region was developed. High-performance PDT of cancer and high-contrast x-ray imaging of tumor were performed in vivo. Biocompatibility of the NCs was also assessed in vivo. Results: The highlight of the results was the realization of ultra-low dose NIR laser-mediated PDT, which has not been achieved before, leading to complete tumor regression. This could be a breakthrough in providing a pain- and scar-less treatment option, especially for solid tumors and malignant/benign subcutaneous masses. Though the NCs are active in the photo-thermal therapy (PTT) regime as well, focus is given to the exciting aspect of extremely low power-induced PDT observed here. Conclusion: Their extended in vivo biodistribution with commendable hemo- and histo-compatibilities, along with imaging and multi-therapeutic capabilities, project these Cu3BiS3 NCs as promising, prospective theranostic candidates.

In silico and In vitro activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam against pseudomonas aeruginosa collected across Indian hospitals.

Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a novel antimicrobial agent with activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other common Gram-negative pathogens. In this study, we determined the antimicrobial susceptibility for a total of 149 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa for the most commonly used antimicrobials including the new agent ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T). Broth microdilution was performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration against various antimicrobials including C/T. Among the ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitor, overall susceptibility was 67%, 55% and 51% for C/T, Piperacillin/Tazobactam (P/T) and Cefoperazone/Sulbactam, respectively. The variations in the susceptibility rates were noted among the three different ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitors. Interestingly, 33% susceptibility was noted for C/T against isolates that were resistant to P/T, indicating the higher activity of C/T. This finding suggests about 33% of the P/T-resistant isolates can still be treated effectively with C/T. C/T could be a better alternative for the treatment of ESBL-producing organism, and thereby usage of higher antimicrobials can be minimised.

Toxicity and toxicokinetic study of RPh201 in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Mastic gum is used for health products and in the food industry, and is being tested for several clinical indications. Nevertheless, information on its safety is scarce. Our aim was to test the local and systemic toxicity of RPh201, a botanical extract of gum mastic, and to assess the toxicokinetic profile of the mastic gum constituents masticadienonic acid (MDA) and isomasticadienonic acid (IMDA). 340 Sprague-Dawley rats were administered twice weekly subcutaneously with placebo or different doses of RPh201 for 6 months with an interim group at 3 months and a 4-week recovery group. No systemic toxicity was observed with RPh201. Local injection site reactions were observed in all animals, with comparable severity and frequency in the placebo and high dose groups. However, given the relative increase in tissue reaction in the high dose group, these changes were attributed to RPh201 administration. Nevertheless, considering the minor local irritation effects and clear trend for reversibility, the effects were not judged to be adverse. The toxicokinetic study revealed that the MDA and IMDA exposure increased with dose and the increase was supra-proportional on all days. This study supports a "no observed adverse effect level" (NOAEL) of 300 mg/kg body weight in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Green chemical approach towards the synthesis of CeO2 doped with seashell and its bacterial applications intermediated with fruit extracts.

Nanomaterials of CeO2 with A. vera were synthesized by using simple chemical method. Grapes drops are used as an oxidizing agent. Structural and morphological studies of nanomaterials of cerium oxide (CeO2), were studied for combustion method of preparation. The precursor solution was initialized by a hydrothermal reaction. Cerium hydroxyl carbonate precursors which involves cerium (III) nitrate Ce(NO3)3. 6 H2O with (1.0M) of seashell powder, 3% A. vera, extracts, grapes and pomegranate drops and this complex solution was used to produce the CeO2 powder particles. We have prepared another sample with 5% of Aloe vera extract and found that 3% Aloe vera extract has lesser grain size and enhanced band gap values, so the article explained the sample analysis of combination with 3% extract of Aloe vera. The product has the rod pattern which was the unusual features appear to originate from the unique crystal chemistry aspects. From the optical absorption spectrum, it has been shown that the CeO2 rods have 3.847eV of direct band gap energy. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the synthesized compounds exhibited activity towards various microbial pathogens such as B. subtilis (15µg/mL), S. aureus (50µg/mL), S. epidermidis (20µg/mL), E. faecalis (25µg/mL) and towards E. coli (100µg/mL), K. pneumoniae (50µg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (75µg/mL) respectively. The tests on bacterial activities confirmed that the CeO2 rods are suitable hand for the biological applications. The seashell structure and the phytochemical contents of A. vera might enhance its bacterial activities.

Assessing reproductive toxicity and antioxidant enzymes on beta asarone induced male Wistar albino rats: In vivo and computational analysis.

AIM: Beta asarone is the major constituent of oil obtained from Acorus calamus, the Indian traditional medicine plant. Several studies have shown that beta asarone causes liver and cardiac damages but the reproductive toxicity is not well understood. The present study was initiated to investigate whether beta asarone has the potential to cause reproductive toxicity by inducing oxidative stress in the testis of male Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, the animals were divided into six groups: Group I was treated with saline (normal saline), Group II with DMSO (vehicle control) and Group III with cisplatin (10mg/kgb.wt.). Group IV, V and VI animals were administrated at three dose levels of beta asarone 12.5, 25 and 50mg/kgb.wt. The treatment was carried out for 14days and animals were sacrificed on 29th day and processed for sperm analysis, hormone assay, histopathological, and antioxidant enzymatic assays. We also used molecular docking studies to predict the binding nature of beta asarone with luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). KEY FINDINGS: Beta asarone administered at a dose of 50mg/kgb.wt. was responsible for inducing certain noticeable degenerative changes in histopathological analysis of the tissue. This was supported by altered sperm morphology and hormonal variations when compared to the control groups. Antioxidant enzyme levels were also found to be decreased. This was further validated by molecular docking studies. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study provides evidence that beta asarone administered at a dose of 50mg/kg b.wt. is capable enough in bringing about moderate amount of degenerative changes in rat testis and altered antioxidant status. Therefore provides a suitable evidence to prove that beta asarone causes reproductive toxicity.

Multifunctional Cu2-xTe Nanocubes Mediated Combination Therapy for Multi-Drug Resistant MDA MB 453.

Hypermethylated cancer populations are hard to treat due to their enhanced chemo-resistance, characterized by aberrant methylated DNA subunits. Herein, we report on invoking response from such a cancer lineage to chemotherapy utilizing multifunctional copper telluride (Cu2-XTe) nanocubes (NCs) as photothermal and photodynamic agents, leading to significant anticancer activity. The NCs additionally possessed photoacoustic and X-ray contrast imaging abilities that could serve in image-guided therapeutic studies.

Effect of supplementation of crystalline lysine on the performance of WL layers in tropics during summer.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of lysine concentration in the diet of WL layers with constant ratio of other essential amino acids to lysine. Pullets (528) aged 25 to 36 weeks were fed with test diet containing two protein levels (13.36 and 15.78%) each with 5% concentration of lysine (0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70) and a control with 17% CP and 0.70%, lysine. Each test diet was fed ad libitum to six replicates of eight birds for a period of 12 weeks. Egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), feed efficiency (g/g) (FE), body weight gain (BWG), Haugh unit (HU) and yolk colour (YC) were measured. Increased (P ≤ 0.05) EP, EW, EM, FE and BWG were obtained with increasing lysine concentration in diets. Whereas, feed intake/h/day, feed intake/egg, egg shell defects (ESD), mortality and shell thickness were not affected (P ≥ 0.05) by the concentration of lysine in diet. However, higher (P ≤ 0.05) HU score and YC were noticed at low lysine (0.50 %) concentrations. Based on this, it was concluded that WL layers (25-36 weeks) reared in open-sided houses in the tropics require approximately 0.70 % lysine (597.90 vs. 584.39 mg/h/day) in low (13.36% CP) and high (15.78% CP) protein groups in diets containing approximately 2700 kcal of ME/kg in summer.

The Significance of Tinospora crispa in Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.

Tinospora crispa is a medicinal plant belonging to the botanical family Menispermiaceae. The plant is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and the northeastern region of India. A related species Tinospora cordifolia is used in Ayurveda for treating a large spectrum of diseases. Traditional healers of Thailand, Malaysia, Guyana, Bangladesh and the southern Indian province of Kerala use this plant in the treatment of diabetes. Many diterpenes, triterpenes, phytosteroids, alkaloids and their glycosides have been isolated from T. crispa. Cell culture and animal studies suggest that the herb stimulates secretion of insulin from ß-cells. It also causes dose-dependent and time-dependent enhancement of glucose uptake in muscles. However, in view of the reported hepatotoxicity, this herb may be used with caution. This article reviews the animal studies and human clinical trials carried out using this herb. Areas of future research are also identified.