Effect of 17α-methyl testosterone incorporated diets on growth of spotted snakehead, Channa punctatus and white carp, Cirrhinus mrigala.

The effect of different concentrations of 17α-methyl testosterone incorporated diet on growth performance in the fry of Channa punctatus and Cirrhinus mrigala was evaluated. Four different doses of hormone such as 60, 80, 100 and 120 mg/kg in C. punctatus and 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/kg in C. mrigala were administered through diet for a period of 90 days. Fifth group on a hormone free diet served as a control. The growth performance in terms of length and weight gain of the fry receiving 100 mg/kg in C. punctatus and 60 mg/kg in C. mrigala were significantly higher than those receiving 80, 120 and 0 (untreated control) mg hormone per kg feed. The highest specific growth rate (0.864 ±â€¯1.18%WG d-1) at 100 mg/Kg diet and (2.47 ±â€¯1.26%WG d-1) at 60 mg/kg diet were observed in C. punctatus and C. mrigala respectively, showing positive influence of hormone incorporated diet on the growth performance. However, the survival rate of both the species remained unaffected by different dosages of 17α-methyl testosterone.

Ovarian development and histological observations of threatened dwarf snakehead fish, Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822).

Channa gachua were monthly sampled throughout a year and the histological analysis of their ovaries was done to determine the changes occurring in ovarian development. Based on histological examination of the ovaries, the oogenic process of C. gachua undergoes distinct cyclic and seasonal morphological changes. Five different developmental stages were identified under three major categories: pre-spawning (immature, maturing, mature), spawning (ripe-running) and post-spawning (spent). The peak spawning period of C. gachua was noticed during December - February. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and ova diameter ranged from 0.79 to 3.61% and 543-1123 µm respectively. The highest mean GSI (3.61 ± 0.16) and oocyte diameter (1123 ± 55 µm) were observed in December indicating that during this month the gonadal development reached maturity.

Synovial CD4+ T-cell-derived GM-CSF supports the differentiation of an inflammatory dendritic cell population in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: A population of synovial inflammatory dendritic cells (infDCs) has recently been identified in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is thought to be monocyte-derived. Here, we investigated the role and source of granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the differentiation of synovial infDC in RA. METHODS: Production of GM-CSF by peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) CD4+ T cells was assessed by ELISA and flow cytometry. In vitro CD4+ T-cell polarisation experiments were performed with T-cell activating CD2/CD3/CD28-coated beads in the absence or presence of pro-Th1 or pro-Th17 cytokines. CD1c+ DC and CD16+ macrophage subsets were flow-sorted and analysed morphologically and functionally (T-cell stimulatory/polarising capacity). RESULTS: RA-SF CD4+ T cells produced abundant GM-CSF upon stimulation and significantly more than RA-SF mononuclear cells depleted of CD4+ T cells. GM-CSF-producing T cells were significantly increased in RA-SF compared with non-RA inflammatory arthritis SF, active RA PB and healthy donor PB. GM-CSF-producing CD4+ T cells were expanded by Th1-promoting but not Th17-promoting conditions. Following coculture with RA-SF CD4+ T cells, but not healthy donor PB CD4+ T cells, a subpopulation of monocytes differentiated into CD1c+ infDC; a process dependent on GM-CSF. These infDC displayed potent alloproliferative capacity and enhanced GM-CSF, interleukin-17 and interferon-γ production by CD4+ T cells. InfDC with an identical phenotype to in vitro generated cells were significantly enriched in RA-SF compared with non-RA-SF/tissue/PB. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a therapeutically tractable feedback loop of GM-CSF secreted by RA synovial CD4+ T cells promoting the differentiation of infDC with potent capacity to induce GM-CSF-producing CD4+ T cells.

Haematotoxicity of integrated textile mill effluent to an air-breathing fish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

The effect of integrated textile mill effluent on the haematological characteristic of the fish Heteropneustes fossilis was studied. LC50 values were found to be 34%-38% on 96-24 h duration. Four sub-lethal concentrations were selected for this study. Exposure to effluent caused an increase in large lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and basiphil granulocytes and decrease in small lymphocytes in H.fossilis.

Molecular characterization of eight Indian Snakehead species (Pisces: Perciformes Channidae) using RAPD markers.

Murrels (Perciformes; Channidei; Channidae) are unique group of freshwater air breathing fishes having a confined distribution to African and Asian continents. The phylogenetic relationship among eight Channid species viz. Channa aurantimaculata, Channa bleheri, Channa diplogramma, Channa gachua, Channa marulius, Channa punctatus, Channa stewartii and Channa striatus were investigated using RAPD markers. Eight random oligodecamers viz. OPAC03, OPAC05, OPAC07, OPAC09, OPAC19, OPA10, OPA11 and OPA16 were used to generate the RAPD profile. Estimates of Nei's (Genetics, 89:583-590, 1978) unbiased genetic distance (D) demonstrated sufficient genetic divergence to discriminate the samples of different species and the values ranged from 0.3292 to 0.800 The present RAPD analyses strongly substantiate the view of earlier morphological and osteological studies of Channid species, the closer association among species in "gachua" and "marulius" groups.

Insight into the immunobiology of human skin and functional specialization of skin dendritic cell subsets to innovate intradermal vaccination design.

Dendritic cells (DC) are the key initiators and regulators of any immune response which determine the outcome of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses. Multiple distinct DC subsets can be distinguished by location, phenotype, and function in the homeostatic and inflamed human skin. The function of steady-state cutaneous DCs or recruited inflammatory DCs is influenced by the surrounding cellular and extracellular skin microenvironment. The skin is an attractive site for vaccination given the extended local network of DCs and the easy access to the skin-draining lymph nodes to generate effector T cells and immunoglobulin-producing B cells for long-term protective immunity. In the context of intradermal vaccination we describe in this review the skin-associated immune system, the characteristics of the different skin DC subsets, the mechanism of antigen uptake and presentation, and how the properties of DCs can be manipulated. This knowledge is critical for the development of intradermal vaccine strategies and supports the concept of intradermal vaccination as a superior route to the conventional intramuscular or subcutaneous methods.

Hybridization between threatened freshwater catfish Mystus gulio (Hamilton & buchanan) and Mystus montanus (Jerdon) by artificial fertilization.

Inter-specific hybrids were produced between the threatened catfish species Mystus gulio x Mystus montanus. The differences in percentage of fertilization and hatching between control and interspecies were significant. The survival of hybrid was significantly lower (24.80 +/- 4.3%) when compared to control (95.1 +/- 3.5%). Time difference in yolk absorption by hybrid (73.30 h) was higher than that of control (72 h). When compared to interspecific fertilized egg the hatching time (24-25 h) and viability of larvae of the control were significantly better. In hybrids more deformed hatchlings (52.7 +/- 4.2 %) were noticed than the control (24.80 +/- 4.3%).

Formalin-fixed tissue Mohs surgery (slow Mohs) for basal cell carcinoma: 5-year follow-up data.

BACKGROUND: Mohs surgery using a formalin-fixed tissue technique (slow Mohs) was used to treat 1090 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) occurring in 1000 patients without Gorlin syndrome in a prospective, open nonrandomized trial of therapy carried out in a university dermatology department. OBJECTIVES: To record outcomes and 5-year cure rates in these patients. RESULTS: Five multirecurrent BCCs could not be cleared and Mohs surgery was abandoned. In the remaining 1085 BCCs, after debulking, clearance was achieved with a mean of 1.7 stages and 7.7 blocks. Logistic regression analysis showed that large tumour size and position on the nose were the only factors that significantly predicted the risk of tumour excision requiring more than two Mohs stages. Wounds were managed by the Mohs surgeon (n = 917), by an oculoplastic surgeon (n = 117) and by a plastic or other surgeon (n = 56). The mean interval between the first Mohs excision and Mohs clearance, regardless of the closure technique, was 4.2 days (range 0-44) and the mean interval between tumour clearance and defect closure was 1.9 days (range 0-49). Reconstruction of 117 periocular defects by the oculoplastic surgeon was done at a mean of 0.8 days (range 0-6) after Mohs clearance. Reconstruction by the plastic surgeon was done at a mean of 10 days (range 0-49) after Mohs clearance. Five-year follow up was possible in 750 BCCs. Within this group 21 tumour recurrences were identified, giving a 5-year cure rate of 97.2% for all patients, 97.8% for primary BCC and 95.3% for recurrent BCC. The mean tumour recurrence time was 2.5 years (range 0.6-4.99) following Mohs excision. There was a higher risk of recurrence for big (four of 78; 5%) and recurrent (nine of 193; 5%) BCCs compared with other indications for Mohs surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The essential difference between frozen sections and formalin-fixed sections is the greater use of an automated laboratory system to process the smaller size and greater number of blocks produced using the latter process. An effective Mohs service based on formalin-fixed sections requires a minimum of three half-day operating sessions together with a pathology laboratory able to provide results routinely within 24-48 h. A formalin-fixed tissue Mohs service is useful for certain skin tumours and requires less technician time than a frozen section service but this advantage may not outweigh the inconvenience to the patient.

Bronchial epithelial cells cultured from clinically stable lung allograft patients promote the development of macrophages from monocytes rather than dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: It is understood that chronic allograft failure occurs as a result of alloimmune and non-alloimmune injury. Dendritic cells (DC) are thought to be crucial in regulating (allo)immune airway damage and interactions with epithelial cells are likely. Studies in human lung transplantation are limited, however, and the available literature on DC is inconsistent. This study focused on the ex vivo influence of primary bronchial epithelial cells derived from lung allografts on DC differentiation. METHODS: Epithelial cell conditioned media (ECCM) were added to monocytes differentiating into DC under the influence of interleukin-4 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor. The resultant cells were compared with DC cultured without ECCM and with monocyte-derived macrophages. Expression of typical DC (eg, CD1a) and macrophage (eg, CD14) markers was assessed by flow cytometry. Phenotypical assessments were complemented by functional studies of mannose receptor-mediated phagocytosis (FITC-dextran uptake) and antigen-presenting capability (mixed lymphocyte reactions). RESULTS: Cells exposed to ECCM expressed significantly lower levels of CD1a than unexposed DC. CD14 expression and phagocytic function were increased. ECCM cultured cells also expressed lower levels of T cell co-stimulatory molecules, secreted an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and had significantly reduced antigen-presenting capability. CONCLUSION: Using phenotypic and functional approaches, this study has shown that ECCM from lung allografts drives the production of macrophage-like cells from monocytes rather than DC. The data suggest that epithelial cells may restrain airway DC and potential alloimmunity. It is unclear whether the observed effect is specifically seen in lung transplant recipients or is a general property of bronchial epithelial cells. This may reflect a homeostatic inter-relationship between airway epithelial and DC populations relevant both to lung allografts and the lung more generally.

The use of a spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis device in the real-time diagnosis of melanoma in the setting of a melanoma screening clinic.

BACKGROUND: Skin imaging devices to aid melanoma diagnosis have been developed in recent years but few have been assessed clinically. OBJECTIVES: To investigate if a spectrophotometric skin imaging device, the SIAscope, could increase a dermatologist's ability to distinguish melanoma from nonmelanoma in a melanoma screening clinic. METHODS: Eight hundred and eighty-one pigmented lesions from 860 patients were prospectively assessed clinically and with the aid of the spectrophotometric device by a dermatologist. Assessment before and after spectrophotometric imaging was made and compared with histology, where available, or with the clinical diagnosis of a dermatologist with 20 years of experience. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-nine biopsies were performed, with 31 melanomas diagnosed. Sensitivity and specificity for melanoma diagnosis before and after spectrophotometry were 94% and 91% vs. 87% and 91%, respectively, with no significant difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (0.932 and 0.929). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides no evidence for the use of SIAscope by dermatologists to help distinguish melanoma from benign lesions.

Melanomas arising from naevi and de novo melanomas--does origin matter?

BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that some melanomas arise from pre-existing naevi, while others appear de novo. The proportions involved and the effect of melanoma origin on prognosis is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether melanomas reported by the patient to have developed from a pre-existing naevus are associated with a better or worse prognosis compared with those arising de novo when adjusted for confounding variables. METHODS: All patients attending a dedicated melanoma screening clinic between March 1997 and March 2002 were included. The distinction between melanoma arising without any pre-existing lesion (de novo) and those derived from a pre-existing lesion (naevus melanoma) was based on patient history. We categorized patients into three groups: those who gave a history of their lesion arising within a pre-existing naevus, those in whom the melanoma developed de novo and those in whom no conclusive history could be obtained. We compared prognostic indicators between the naevus and de novo melanoma groups. RESULTS: Of 8593 patients screened, 377 had a positive diagnosis of melanoma (in situ or invasive). Of these 42% had naevus melanomas, 34% new melanomas and 24% were uncertain. Patients presenting with a melanoma arising from a pre-existing naevus had a greater Breslow thickness despite presenting sooner than the de novo group, although no significant difference in thickness was found when other prognostic factors were controlled for. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study shows that naevi that undergo malignant change may result in melanomas that are thicker and thus potentially have a worse prognosis than de novo melanomas. Although our results were not statistically significant when other risk factors were also taken into account, it is possible that a larger study would identify a significant association.

Inter-specific hybridization between freshwater catfish Mystus cavasius (Ham & Buch) and M. seenghala (Sykes) by artificial fertilization.

By employing the technique of induced ovulation for artificial fertilization, inter-specific hybrids between the threatened catfish species (Mystus cavasius x M. seenghala) were produced. Fertilization, hatching and survival were significantly different between control and hybrids. The hatching time of the hybrid was significantly lower than that of the control. The average performance viz., hatching time and viability of larvae of the control fish, was significantly better than that of the hybrids. In the hybrid cross, hatchlings were mostly deformed and abnormal and after yolk absorption ultimately succumbed.

Interventions to improve compliance with continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnoea.

BACKGROUND: Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) is currently considered to be the cornerstone of therapy for sleep apnoea (OSA). However compliance with this treatment is frequently poor, which may lead to ongoing symptoms of sleep disruption, daytime sleepiness and poor waking cognitive function. Mechanical and psychological/educational interventions have been proposed to try to increase the hours of use of CPAP therapy. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of interventions designed to increase compliance with CPAP. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Sleep Apnoea Specialised Register (January 2004). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing interventions to improve compliance with CPAP usage were considered for inclusion in the review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers assessed articles for inclusion in the review and extracted data. Attempts were made to obtain additional unpublished data from the trialists. MAIN RESULTS: 24 studies met the inclusion criteria with 1007 participants. Each of the mechanical interventions was compared with fixed CPAP alone. Auto-CPAP (13 studies): A small, significant difference was observed in compliance but this effect disappeared when we took account of the variation between the studies. There may be a subgroup of patients who respond better than others. Most participants preferred auto-CPAP to fixed CPAP where this was measured. Bi-level PAP (3 studies): No significant differences were observed in compliance. One small study found no difference in preference. Patient titrated CPAP (1 study): No significant difference was observed in compliance. Humidification(1 study): This small study found no significant difference in compliance. Educational/psychological interventions (6 studies): One small study demonstrated superior compliance in patients treated with cognitive behavioural therapy + CPAP versus CPAP alone but only after 12 weeks. In one, larger study intensive support including home visits increased hours of use. No other study demonstrated significant effects in favour of active treatment. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: The effect of Auto-CPAP in increasing hours of use in unselected patients starting this treatment remains unclear. Different pooled analyses gave conflicting results and it may be that carefully selected participants may respond more favourably than others. The evidence in support of Bi-PAP, self-titration and humidification is lacking and studies are required in these areas. There is some evidence that psychological/educational interventions improve CPAP usage. This requires confirmation in larger studies of longer duration, with rigorous follow-up. The cost-benefit ratio of such interventions requires assessment. Future studies need to consider the effects of treatment in participants who are poorly compliant. The studies assembled were characterised by high machine usage in the control groups, and low withdrawal rates making it less likely that any benefit could be demonstrated.

NBCCS secondary to an interstitial chromosome 9q deletion.

Naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) or Gorlin syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant cancer disorder. The Gorlin's gene, Patched 1 (PTCH1), maps to Chromosome 9q. Germline mutations of PTCH1 occur in patients with NBCCS. The subsequent loss of the remaining allele results in cancer formation. We present a patient with NBCCS and additional phenotypic features including severe developmental delay, short stature and hypotelorism who was found to have an interstitial chromosome 9q deletion. The NBCCS phenotype in our patient occurred as a result of PTCH1 deletion in contrast with an inherited mutation of this gene.

Effect of formulated diet on digestive enzymes of Labeo rohita (Ham.).

Six sets of feeding experiments were carried out using formulated diets containing prawn head waste (PW), chicken intestine waste (CW), banana flower (BF), cauliflower waste (CAU) Dolicos lab lab (DLL) and groundnut leaf (GNL) in four levels of inclusion (15, 30, 45 and 60%) to assess the pattern of distribution and activities of digestive enzymes like cellulase, amylase, maltase, invertase, protease and lipase in the digestive tracts of Labeo rohita fingerlings. A control group of fish was fed with diets containing antibiotics to destroy the digestive tract microflora which may induce digestive functions. In general, the activity of digestive enzymes depended on the amount and type of the ingredients present in the diets ingested by the fish. Test animals showed both endogenous and bacterial cellulase activities which suggests the necessity for including cellulose (plant protein source) as dietary ingredient. Occurrence of higher amount of cellulase in the foregut and amylase in the fore and midgut influenced by DNL and GNL diets revealed the possibility of including less than 40% of the respective ingredients in the diet of rohu. Maltase and invertase were highly influenced by GNL, DLL and BF diets than PW and CW diets. More than 40% inclusion of PW and CW was found to increase protease and lipase secretion in the midgut and hindgut regions. The higher secretion of lipase in the midgut suggested the physiological versatility for lipid digestion in rohu fingerlings.