Fabrication of porous and visible light active ZnO nanorods and ZnO@TiO2 core-shell photocatalysts for self-cleaning applications.

Highly transparent and self-cleaning ZnO nanorods (NRs) and ZnO@TiO2 core-shell (CS) nanoarrays were fabricated using the sol-gel dip-coating technique. TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were coated as a shell layer over the hydrothermally grown ZnO NRs. The number of shell layers on the ZnO NRs was varied by modulating the number of dipping cycles from 1 to 3 to optimize their transmittance. The optimized CS nanoarrays with two dipping cycles display a 2% enhancement of optical transmission compared to the ZnO NRs. In addition, superhydrophilicity (contact angle ∼of 12°) stimulates the self-cleaning nature of the thin films. A water contact angle of 12° was noted for the ZnO@TiO2: 2 cycle sample, indicating their superhydrophilic nature. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the pristine ZnO NRs and ZnO@TiO2 CS nanoarrays was tested under UV and direct sunlight through the dye degradation of methylene blue (MB). Based upon the TiO2 morphology and accessibility of the ZnO@TiO2 heterojunction interface, CS nanoarrays with two shell layers exhibit the highest degree of dye photodegradation efficiency of 68.72% and 91% under sunlight and UV light irradiation, respectively. The CS nanoarrays demonstrate medium sunlight and excellent UV-light-driven photocatalytic activity. Our findings suggest that the ZnO@TiO2 CS nanoarrays are potential photocatalysts for dye degradation and self-cleaning applications in solar cell coverings.

Differential gene expression in liver of colored broiler chicken divergently selected for residual feed intake.

Feed constitutes about 60-70% of the total cost of poultry production. So maximizing the feed efficiency will reduce production cost. The rapid growth in the juvenile period is essential to achieve higher body weight. Therefore, identifying the genes and pathways involved in rapid growth at an early age with a lesser requirement of feed is of utmost importance to further economize the broiler production. The efficiency of feed utilization was measured using RFI (residual feed intake). The present study aimed to estimate the RFI (0-5 week) in a population of indigenously developed colored broiler sire line chicken as well as identifying the differentially expressed genes influencing RFI in high and low RFI groups. The liver samples of high and low RFI broiler chicken aged 35 days were used for microarray analysis. A total of 2798 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, out of which 913 genes were downregulated and 1885 were upregulated. The fold change varied from - 475.17 to 552.94. A subset of genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR, and outcomes were matched well with microarray data. In the functional annotation study of DEGs, the highest significant GO (Gene Ontology) terms in the biological process included protein transport, protein localization, regulation of apoptosis, and mitochondrial transport. Gene network analysis of these DEGs plays an important role to understand the interaction among genes. Study of the important genes which were differentially expressed and the related molecular pathways in this population may hold the potential for future breeding strategies for augmenting feed efficiency.

Dynamics of gene expression of hormones involved in the growth of broiler chickens in response to the dietary protein and energy changes.

The synergy between the genetic potential and the nutrient intake determines the growth performance of meat-type chicken and nutrigenomics approach helps us understand the response of candidate genes of growth in chicken to dietary manipulations. The current study aimed to assess the growth performance and expression of hepatic growth related genes in the naked neck broiler chicken in response to different dietary energy and protein levels with a hypothesis that high plane of nutrition enhances both of these positively. The results revealed that birds have shown significantly better growth performance under high protein (HP) and high energy (HE) dietary regime. The expression profiles of the genes studied revealed upregulation of IGF-1, IGF-2, and GH under dietary HP and HE regime relative to other protein and energy levels with greater upregulation at 3rd week than the 1st and 5th week of age of birds. The IGFR and GHR mRNA expression was significantly higher under HP and HE dietary regimen with an increasing and decreasing trend from 1st to 5th week of age, respectively. A consistent and significant downregulation of IGFBP-2 was observed under HP and HE regime throughout the feeding trial. The myostatin expression was higher at 3rd week of age followed by 1st week expression. The HP and HE as well as LP (Low protein) and HE diet resulted in significant upregulation of myostatin gene expression in liver. In support to the set hypothesis of this study the high protein and high energy diet resulted in better growth performance of broiler chickens with corresponding upregulation of IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFR, GH, GHR, and Myostatin gene expression and downregulation of IGFBP-2 in liver.

Effect of laboratory-isolated Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 from gastrointestinal tract of guinea fowl on growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chicken.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplements, viz Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 (laboratory isolate from GIT of Guinea fowl), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCDC, Karnal) and in-feed antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on growth performance, FCR, carcass traits and immune organs weight, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design, CARIBRO-Dhanraja broiler chicks (n = 160) were used with four treatment groups. During the entire experimental duration of 35 days, treatment groups were provided with different dietary treatments (T1 - basal diet (negative control), T2 - antibiotic growth promoter BMD 20 g/100 kg feed (positive control), T3 - 1 × 108  cfu of L. acidophilus/gm-fermented feed +MOS 1 g/kg feed and T4 - 1 × 108  cfu of laboratory-isolated L. plantarum LGFCP4/gm-fermented feed+ MOS 1 g/kg feed. After 35 days of experimental period, no significant results have been observed in different growth performance traits among treatment groups. Cut-up parts and edible organs' weight remained unaffected by dietary supplementation, whereas weight of immune organs were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in L. plantarum LGFCP4-supplemented group. At the end of feeding trial, significantly (p < 0.05) lower E. coli count was observed in crop of T4 birds, while in ileum, T2 and T3 showed lower count. In caeca, T2 group showed lowest E. coli count. Salmonella count in crop and ileum was significantly (p < 0.05) low in T3 and T4, while in caeca, T2 group showed lowest count. In terms of histomorphometry, duodenal villous height (VH), crypt depth (CD) and VH:CD ratio were higher for T3 and T4 and lowest values were obtained for T2 group. The results of the study showed that L. plantarum LGFCP4 isolated from GIT of guinea fowl can effectively replace in-feed antibiotic growth promoters in broiler diets by altering intestinal villi morphology and improving the gut health by reducing the pathogenic microbial load.

Screening of Lactobacillus isolates from gastrointestinal tract of guinea fowl for probiotic qualities using in vitro tests to select species-specific probiotic candidates.

A total of 32 Lactobacillus isolates, 8 each from the crop (LGFCP1-LGFCP8), proventriculus (LGFP9-LGFP16), ileum (LGFI17-LGFI24) and caeca (LGFCM25-LGFCM32) were isolated from 25 adult guinea fowl (Pearl variety), 22-28 weeks of age, and characterised morphologically, physiologically, biochemically and by molecular methods. Isolates were screened for their probiotic quality using range of in vitro tests: aggregation test, cell surface hydrophobicity, resistance to bile salts and acidic conditions, enzymatic tests and coaggregation and antagonistic test. Based on in vitro test results and a novel scoring method, the two best isolates were selected and partial 16S rRNA sequencing was done. BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) analysis of sequence of isolate LGFCP4 showed 99% genetic identity with Lactobacillus plantarum and LGFP16 with Lactobacillus reuteri. The study shows that these two microbial agents may be suitable as potential probiotic candidates in guinea fowl, as well as in a feed supplement for other poultry species.

Characterisation of caecum and crop microbiota of Indian indigenous chicken targeting multiple hypervariable regions within 16S rRNA gene.

A comparative analysis of caecum and crop microbiota of chick, grower and adult stages of Indian indigenous chickens was conducted to investigate the role of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, which play an important role in host performance, health and immunity. High-throughput Illumina sequencing was performed for V3, V4 and V4-V6 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. M5RNA and M5NR databases under MG-RAST were used for metagenomic datasets annotation. In the crop, Firmicutes (~78%) and Proteobacteria (~16%) were the predominant phyla whereas in the caecum, Firmicutes (~50%), Bacteroidetes (~29%) and Actinobacteria (~10%) were predominant. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index suggested that sample richness and diversity increased as the chicken aged. For the first time, the presence of Lactobacillus species such as L. frumenti, L. antri, L. mucosae in the chicken crop along with Kineococcus radiotolerans, Desulfohalobium retbaense and L. jensenii in the caecum are reported. Many of these bacterial species have been found to be involved in immune response modulation and disease prevention in pigs and humans. The gut microbiome of the indigenous chicken was enriched with microbes having probiotic potential which might be essential for their adaptability.

Chicken sperm transcriptome profiling by microarray analysis.

It has been confirmed that mammalian sperm contain thousands of functional RNAs, and some of them have vital roles in fertilization and early embryonic development. Therefore, we attempted to characterize transcriptome of the sperm of fertile chickens using microarray analysis. Spermatozoal RNA was pooled from 10 fertile males and used for RNA preparation. Prior to performing the microarray, RNA quality was assessed using a bioanalyzer, and gDNA and somatic cell RNA contamination was assessed by CD4 and PTPRC gene amplification. The chicken sperm transcriptome was cross-examined by analysing sperm and testes RNA on a 4 × 44K chicken array, and results were verified by RT-PCR. Microarray analysis identified 21,639 predominantly nuclear-encoded transcripts in chicken sperm. The majority (66.55%) of the sperm transcripts were shared with the testes, while surprisingly, 33.45% transcripts were detected (raw signal intensity greater than 50) only in the sperm and not in the testes. The greatest proportion of up-regulated transcripts were responsible for signal transduction (63.20%) followed by embryonic development (56.76%) and cell structure (56.25%). Of the 20 most abundant transcripts, 18 remain uncharacterized, whereas the least abundant genes were mostly associated with the ribosome. These findings lay a foundation for more detailed investigations on sperm RNAs in chickens to identify sperm-based biomarkers for fertility.

Pathology of a H5N1, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, in two Indian native chicken breeds and a synthetic broiler line.

In this study, susceptibility to H5N1 virus infection was studied in two Indian native chicken breeds viz. Kadaknath and Aseel (Peela) and an Indian synthetic broiler strain (Synthetic dam line (SDL-IC). Fifty birds from each genetic group were infected intra-nasally with 1000 EID50 of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) strain A/chicken/Navapur/India/7972/ 06 (H5N1) and observed for a period of 10 days. Significant differences in severity of clinical signs, gross lesions and time for onset of symptoms were observed. The overall severity of clinical signs and gross lesions was less in SDL-IC broilers as compared to the other two genetic groups. The mortality percentages were 100, 98 and 92% with Mean Death Time (MDT) of 3.12, 5.92 and 6.96 days, respectively for the two native breeds Kadaknath and Aseel (Peela), the and SDL-IC broiler strain. Comparison of histological lesions revealed differences in disease progression among the genetic groups. Vascular lesions such as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) were predominant on 3 days post infection (dpi) in Kadaknath, and on 5 and 6 dpi in Aseel (Peela) and SDL-IC broiler. The mean log2 HA titres of the re-isolated virus from various organs of H5N1 AIV infected birds of the three genetic groups ranged from 2.32 (lung, trachea and bursa) to 5.04 (spleen) in Kadaknath; 2.32 (lung) to 6.68 (brain) in Aseel (Peela); and 2.06 (liver) to 7.01 (lungs and kidney) in SDL-IC broiler. These results suggest that the susceptibility to H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection differed among the three breeds; Kadaknath being highest followed by Aseel (Peela) and synthetic SDL-IC broiler. This is possibly the first report on the differences in the susceptibility of the India native breeds to H5N1 virus infection and its severity.

Assessment of Genetic Variability in the Coding Sequence of Melatonin Receptor Gene (MTNR1A) in Tropical Arid Sheep Breeds of India.

Seasonal behaviour in sheep, which varies in tropical and temperate environmental conditions, is a matter of study, because it can provide a clue to address the problem of seasonality in sheep. Melatonin receptor is the membrane-bound G-coupled receptor, sensing the message of photoperiodic cues thorough melatonin. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) studies were carried out to assess the variability of gene at G612A and C606T SNPs in MTNR1A gene, which have been studied to be markers for out-of-season breeding. Allelic frequency distribution corresponded to higher frequency of GG and CC genotype, in tropical arid sheep breed in comparison with temperate region sheep breed. PCR amplification of MTNR1A gene of 30 animals was performed and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identification was carried out using Lasergene software. Seven SNPs/mutations were identified, but most of them were synonymous, except the one G706A, leading to substitution of valine by isoleucine. Polyphen-2 analysis of G706A mutation revealed that it is a benign mutation. Two important SNPs C426T and G555A, which were identified in temperate sheep breeds, could not be traced in Magra and Marwari breeds of sheep. Thus, the Magra and Marwari breeds of tropical, arid region demonstrated the presence of both polymorphic SNPs markers G612A and C606T, associated with out-of-season breeding. GG and CC genotypes were having a higher prevalence in the studied population.

Development of a new method for sperm RNA purification in the chicken.

Currently RNA transcripts are being used as male fertility biomarker for many mammalian species, but research work on chicken is at halt because classical RNA isolation methods are not effective for chicken spermatozoa. Hence, attempts have been made to optimize RNA isolation protocol from chicken sperm by using different methods, and to confirm the presence of sperm-specific transcripts of PRM and PLCZ1. Semen samples were centrifuged at low speed for removing debris like uric acid. Further, 1mL diluted semen was gently placed over 40% PureSperm or 45%/90% Percoll, and centrifuged to remove somatic cells and immature diploid spermatocytes. RNA was isolated from sperm by using RNAzol or TRIzol reagent or RNeasy Micro kit with certain modification, and RNA quantity and quality were evaluated. RNA isolated by using RNAzol or RNeasy Micro Kit yielded good quantity and quality of RNA for downstream applications compared to TRIzol. 40% PureSperm was found effective in removing somatic cells. RT-PCR results showed that sperm RNA samples were negative for CD4 and PTPRC. All the sperm RNA samples were positive for PRM and PLCZ1, markers of sperm RNA.

In vitro rapid clearance of infectious bursal disease virus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chicken lines divergent for antibody response might be related to the enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute and highly contagious viral disease of young chickens caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). An effective way to control IBDV would be to breed chickens with a reduced susceptibility to IBDV infection. In the present work, we used chickens selected for high and low specific responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) (H and L, respectively) to assess the susceptibility of differential immune competent animals to IBDV infection. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of high SRBC line (HL) and low SRBC line (LL) were infected with IBDV and viral RNA loads were determined at different time post-IBDV infection. Chicken orthologues of the T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2); a Th2 cytokine, IL-10; a pro inflammatory cytokine, IL-6; the CCL chemokines, chCCLi2, chCCLi4 and chCCLi7; colony stimulating factor, GM-CSF; and a anti-inflammatory cytokine, transforming growth factor ß-2 (TGFß-2) were quantified. The expression of chCCLi2, chCCLi4 and chCCLi7 was significantly higher in L line as compared to H line. However, in H line the viral RNA loads were significantly lower than in L line. Therefore, the upregulated chemokines might be associated with the susceptibility to IBDV. The expression of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-6 was significantly higher in H line as compared to L line. We assume that the higher proinflammatory cytokines expression in H line might be related to the rapid clearance of virus from PBMCs. Significantly higher levels of IL-10 and TGFß-2 mRNAs in L line might be related to the pathogenesis of IBDV. In conclusion, selection for antibody responses appears to influence the expression profiles of chemokines and cytokines against IBDV. Further, the selection for high SRBC response might improve the immuno-competence of chickens against IBDV.

Expression profiles of different cytokine genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of goats infected experimentally with native strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

Paratuberculosis (ParaTB), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a chronic enteritis of ruminants and may contribute to Crohn's disease in humans. Key features of host immunity to MAP infection include an early pro-inflammatory (Th1-like) response that eventually gives way to a predominant anti-inflammatory (Th2-like) response. Many studies have been conducted to understand the underlying mechanism of misdirected host immune response, however, these studies mainly focused on cattle. The present study is the first attempt to test the hypothesis of shift in Th1 to Th2 like responses during the progression of ParaTB in caprine species (small ruminant). Ten healthy male kids (<6 months old) of the same breed were selected for this study. Of the 10 kids, 6 were experimentally infected with native strain (S5) of MAP ("Indian Bison Type") and the remaining 4 kids were control. Kids were monitored for a period of 12 months post infection (MPI) and were tested for establishment of infection. Expression levels of IFNG, IL2, IL12, IL4, and IL10 genes were estimated before infection and at 4, 8, and 12 MPI in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of infected and control kids. The study demonstrated the expression of IFNG and IL2 as classic Th1-like pro-inflammatory signatures; whereas, IL10 exhibited itself as classical Th2-like signature. The study also reports unexpected lowered expression of the IL12 gene simultaneously with increased expression of IFNG, lowered expression of the IL2 gene (compared to IFNG), and suppressed expression of the IL4.

Effect of genetic variation in the MHC Class II DRB region on resistance and susceptibility to Johne's disease in endangered Indian Jamunapari goats.

The pathogenesis of Johne's disease (JD), caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is complex and has not been completely understood yet. In the present study, we analysed the polymorphism in the exon-2 of the caprine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II DRB region and its association with resistance or susceptibility to JD. A total of 203 Jamunapari goats, which is an Indian endangered breed highly susceptible to JD, kept at a single farm were studied. On the basis of clinical signs, microscopic examination, faecal culture, ELISA and diagnostic PCR, 60 and 143 goats were classified as resistant and susceptible to JD, respectively. PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) with two enzymes, PstI and TaqI, was used to assess variation in the DRB gene(s) in all 203 goats studied. Two di-allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), here referred as 'P' and 'T', were tested. In each of them, three genotypes were found in the group analysed. The minimum allele frequencies (MAFs) were 0.233 and 0.486 for the P and T SNPs, respectively. Statistically significant associations between alleles, individual genotypes and composed genotypes of both SNPs were found. The frequency of p and t alleles, of individual pp and tt and of composed pptt genotypes were significantly higher (P(corr) < 0.001) in the 'resistant' group as compared to the 'susceptible' group, while the P and T alleles were associated with susceptibility (P(corr) < 0.001). In heterozygous genotypes, susceptibility was dominant over resistance. The effects of both SNP on resistance and susceptibility were comparable and composed heterozygous genotypes showed intermediate levels of susceptibility in terms of the odds ratio and P-values calculated.

The role of the male cloacal gland in reproductive success in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

The adult male Japanese quail has a well developed cloacal gland that produces meringue-like white foam. The physiological significance of the cloacal gland and its foam is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted two experiments to establish the functional role of the cloacal gland and its foam in natural mating and oviducal sperm transport. In the first experiment, artificial insemination of equal numbers of spermatozoa diluted in foam extract and normal saline once in a week were used to determine the role of foam in sperm transport in the female oviduct. After artificial insemination, eggs were collected to measure fertility, the duration of the fertile period, sperm holes and attached spermatozoa in the perivitelline membrane. Higher (P<0.05) fertility and greater duration of the fertile period were observed when semen was inseminated along with foam extract compared with normal saline. Further, the sperm holes and trapped spermatozoa in the perivitelline membrane were also higher (P<0.05) in the presence of foam extract. In the second experiment, two males with bigger and smaller cloacal gland areas were allowed to mate with a female. The mating attempts of males with larger cloacal gland were more successful (P<0.05) than males with smaller cloacal glands. Our results indicated that cloacal foam improves sperm transport in the female oviduct and that males with larger cloacal gland areas are preferred during mating.

Cytokines Expression and Nitric Oxide Production under Induced Infection to Salmonella Typhimurium in Chicken Lines Divergently Selected for Cutaneous Hypersensitivity.

In the present study, the impact of Salmonella Typhimurium on cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was investigated in 5 week-old immuno divergent broiler lines selected for the high and low response to phytohemagglutinin-P. The immune response was assessed in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced with Salmonella Typhimurium at different time intervals (0 h, 0.5 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h). The differential mRNA expression patterns of IFN-γ, IL-2 and iNOS were evaluated by quantitative real time PCR. In-vitro production of nitric oxide (NO) was also estimated in the culture supernatant and correlated with iNOS mRNA expression. Present study showed higher production of NO in the high cell-mediated line (HCMI) as compared to the low cell-mediated line (LCMI) upon stimulation with Salmonella Typhimurium. Correspondingly, higher mRNA expression of iNOS and IFN-γ were observed in high response birds (HCMI); but IL-2 was down regulated in this line compared to the low response birds (LCMI). Significantly (p<0.05) higher expression of iNOS, IFN-γ and higher production of NO in high line indicated that the selection for PHA-P response might be employed for increasing the immune competence against Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken flocks.

A Brief Review on Diagnosis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease of Livestock: Conventional to Molecular Tools.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the highly contagious diseases of domestic animals. Effective control of this disease needs sensitive, specific, and quick diagnostic tools at each tier of control strategy. In this paper we have outlined various diagnostic approaches from old to new generation in a nutshell. Presently FMD diagnosis is being carried out using techniques such as Virus Isolation (VI), Sandwich-ELISA (S-ELISA), Liquid-Phase Blocking ELISA (LPBE), Multiplex-PCR (m-PCR), and indirect ELISA (DIVA), and real time-PCR can be used for detection of antibody against nonstructural proteins. Nucleotide sequencing for serotyping, microarray as well as recombinant antigen-based detection, biosensor, phage display, and nucleic-acid-based diagnostic are on the way for rapid and specific detection of FMDV. Various pen side tests, namely, lateral flow, RT-LAMP, Immunostrip tests, and so forth. are also developed for detection of the virus in field condition.

Assessment of seawater impact using major hydrochemical ions: a case study from Sadras, Tamilnadu, India.

The impact of seawater intrusion was investigated using major hydrogeochemical ions to evaluate the origin of salinity in Sadras watershed located between Buckingham Canal and Bay of Bengal in the southeastern coast of India. From empirical data collected twice during pre- and post-monsoon seasons, it was found that groundwater was slightly acidic to mildly alkaline, and more than 44% of groundwater samples had EC > 3,000 µS/cm in both the seasons. Results of principle component analysis (PCA) showed that Na( + ), Cl( - ), Mg(2 + ), and SO[Formula: see text] concentrations had the highest loading factor and the samples affected by saline/seawater were separated from the cluster. Hydrochemical processes that accompany the saline/seawater were identified using ionic changes. It was observed during sampling periods that the mixing due to saline/seawater intrusion varied from 4.82-7.86%. Negative values of ionic change (e (change)) for Na( + ) and K( + ) decreased with the increasing fraction of seawater. Furthermore, salinity, sodium adsorption ratio, percentage of sodium Na (%), and exchangeable sodium percentage in well samples showed that groundwater was unsuitable for irrigation purposes.

Characterization of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in seminal plasma of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Lactate dehydrogenase enzyme present in quail seminal plasma has been characterized. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and subsequently with LDH specific staining of seminal plasma revealed a single isozyme in quail semen. Studies on substrate inhibition, pH for optimum activity and inhibitor (urea) indicated the isozyme present in the quail semen has catalytic properties like LDH-1 viz. H-type. Furthermore, unlike other mammalian species, electrophoretic and kinetic investigations did not support the existence of semen specific LDH-X isozyme in quail semen. The effect of exogenous lactate and pyruvate on sperm metabolic activity was also studied. The addition of 1 mM lactate or pyruvate to quail semen increased sperm metabolic activity. Our results suggested that both pyruvate and lactate could be used by quail spermatozoa to maintain their basic functions. Since the H-type isozyme is important for conversion of lactate to pyruvate under anaerobic conditions it was postulated that exogenous lactate being converted into pyruvate via LDH present in semen may be used by sperm mitochondria to generate ATP. During conversion of lactate to pyruvate NADH is being generated that may be useful for maintaining sperm mitochondrial membrane potential.

Insecticide treated nets, antimalarials and child survival in India.

Malaria has been a complex public health problem affecting mainly the poor and the rural communities in India. Insecticide treated nets (ITN) and antimalarials are the two proven interventions for prevention and control of malaria. ITN has been amply demonstrated to be an effective intervention to protect children from malaria, and in preventing deaths due to falciparum malaria. Antimalarials are a therapeutic intervention for management of malaria, and prevention of complications due to Plasmodium falciparum infection. However, implementation of these interventions is fraught with problems of complex and multidimensional nature at the periphery. These can be addressed by optimizing the use of the 2 interventions, the insecticide treated nets and antimalarials, for area specific application and country specific needs, determined by the eco-epidemiological diversity of malaria in India. This article reviews the significant role of ITN in reducing child mortality, and the judicious use of antimalarials in the management of malaria patient, and the problems associated with the use of these interventions in protecting children against malaria in India.