Evaluation of scleral incisions and their effects on corneal curvature in manual small-incision cataract surgery.

Purpose: Incisions in cataract surgery can be modified in various ways in terms of size, shape, and axis to reduce or tailor astigmatism. This study was conducted to examine the effect of site (superior vs, temporal) and shape (frown vs. V-shaped, chevron) of scleral incisions for cataract surgery on corneal curvature. Methods: The prospective study was carried out on 200 consecutive patients with senile cataract and who were planned for surgery at a tertiary eye hospital in north India. The placement of the incision was decided by the steeper corneal meridian-whether superior or temporal-and then patients of these two groups were randomized for frown and V-shaped incision; in this way, four groups of 50 patients each were formed. Follow-up was done on day 1, at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. At each follow-up, post-operative keratometry with routine postoperative examination was done. The results were statistically analyzed by using student's t-test, Chi-squared test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: In all the four groups, the difference of preoperative astigmatism and surgically-induced astigmatism was statistically highly significant. The analysis of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was statistically significant (P < 0.05) on postoperative day 1 and at 2, 4, and 12 postoperative weeks; it was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) at postoperative week 8. Conclusion: Temporal incisions result in lesser postoperative surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) than superior incisions. Chevron incisions result in minimal change in corneal curvature. This effect can be utilized to tailor the postoperative astigmatism.

Genome-wide expression analysis of the heat stress response in dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar (zebu) and Karan-Fries (zebu × taurine) cattle.

The present study sought to evaluate mRNA expression profiles in the cultured dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar (zebu) and Karan-Fries (zebu, Tharparkar × taurine, Holstein Friesian) cattle in response to heat stress. Bioinformatics' analysis identified temperature-regulated biological processes and pathways. Biological processes overrepresented among the earliest genes induced by temperature stress include regulation of stress responses, protein repair, metabolism, protein transport, cell division, and apoptosis. The present microarray platform contains 51,338 synthesized oligonucleotide probes corresponding to at least 36,713 unigenes. A total of 11,183 and 8126 transcripts were differentially expressed with a fold change of ≥ 2 in Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle, respectively. Randomly selected real-time validation showed 83.33% correlation with microarray data. Functional annotation and pathway study of the differentially expressed transcripts or genes (DEGs) reveal that upregulated genes significantly (P < 0.05) affect protein processing and NOD-like receptor pathways (NLRs), while downregulated genes were significantly (P < 0.05) found to be associated with cell cycle, metabolism, and protein transport. Gene expression changes include activation of heat shock factors (HSFs), increased expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), and apoptosis, while decreasing protein synthesis and another metabolism. These findings provide insights into the underlying mechanism of the physiology of heat stress in Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle. Understanding the biology and mechanisms of heat stress is critical to developing approaches to ameliorate current production issues for improving animal performance and agriculture economics in tropical climatic conditions. In conclusion, the present study indicates that heat stress differentially affects the expression of the significant number of genes associated with stress response, metabolism, apoptosis, and protein transport in dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle.

Scrotal infrared thermography and testicular biometry: Indicator of semen quality in Murrah buffalo bulls.

This aim of this study was to assess the relationship, if any, of scrotal surface temperature gradient (SSTG), scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular covering thickness (TCT) with semen quality in Murrah buffalo breeding bulls. For this, buffalo breeding bulls (n = 130) were selected from four different semen centres. The ejaculates of each bull were evaluated for ejaculate volume (EV), mass motility (MM); concentration (SPC), motility (SM), viability and abnormalities (SA). The SSTG, SC and TCT of individual bulls were quantified using digital infrared thermography, measuring tape and ultrasonography, respectively. The bulls were divided into three groups on the basis of SSTG (≤ 4 °C, 4.1 to 6.4 °C and ≥ 6.5 °C), and SC (<31, 31 to 35 and> 35 cm) and into two groups on the basis of TCT (5 to 7.2 and 7.4 to 10.4 mm). Results indicated the bulls with a larger temperature gradient and larger SC produced greater quality semen than those with a lesser temperature gradient. The MM (P < 0.01) and SPC (P < 0.05) varied among the groups along with SSTG. Among the SC groups the EV, MM, SPC and SM (P < 0.01), and viability (P < 0.05) varied as did the SC. The bulls with a lesser TCT had a lesser SA (P < 0.05) as compared to the group with the greater TCT. Buffalo bulls having a greater SSTG, SC and lesser TCT produced semen of greater quality and these variables may be used as criteria for breeding soundness evaluation.

First report of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in sheep population of Ladakh, India.

Ladakh is the high altitude (11,184 ft above sea level) cold desert region in the state of Jammu & Kashmir (India), where winter temperature goes below - 35 °C. A total of 37 faecal samples were collected from local Changthangi and Russian merino sheep of the Leh region of Ladakh, having the history of diarrhoea and emaciation, followed by death. Of the 37 samples collected, 20 (54.05%) showed presence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection on faecal smear examination after Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The number of samples positive for Cryptosporidium sp. infection on faecal smear examination was 7 and 13 for Russian Merino and local Changthangi sheep, respectively. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection was similar in both sexes, 11/20 (55%) in females and 9/20 (45%) for males. The Age-wise occurrence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in different age groups was found to be: 50% in less than 2 year age group and 50% in more than 2 year age group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in adult sheep from India. The survival of the parasite at such freezing temperature gives the insight about its cold-resistant nature.

Inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway by astaxanthin supplementation for prevention of heat stress-induced inflammatory changes and apoptosis in Karan Fries heifers.

Present study was conducted on 12 Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) heifers (10-12 months) to assess the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on heat stress amelioration and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway for prevention of heat stress-induced inflammatory changes and apoptosis in the cell during the summer season. The heifers were randomly and equally divided into two groups, i.e., control (fed as per ICAR 2013) and treatment groups (additionally supplemented astaxanthin at a dose rate of 0.25 mg/kg BW/day/animal). Temperature humidity index used to assess the levels of summer stress during the experimental period. Blood samples were collected at the fortnightly interval for quantification of plasma cortisol and IL-12 from both the groups of the heifers and from collected blood samples, RNA was isolated and transcribed into cDNA for real time PCR, for genes expression of NF-κB, IL-2, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Plasma cortisol, IL-12 levels, and expression pattern of NF-κB, IL-2, and caspase-3 were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in treatment group of Karan Fries heifers than control group, whereas, Bcl-2 was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in astaxanthin supplemented group. The temperature humidity index had a positive correlation (P ≤ 0.05) with plasma cortisol and IL-12 and expression pattern of NF-κB, IL-2, and caspase-3. However, it was negatively correlated with Bcl-2. The supplementation of astaxanthin can ameliorate the impact of summer stress through NF-κB downregulation, might be due to the quenching of free radicals, which regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and apoptotic genes.

Reactive Oxygen Species Responsive Naturally Occurring Phenolic-Based Polymeric Prodrug.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) play a vital role in the biological system. Exaggerated, ROS have devastating effects on the human body leading to the pathophysiological condition including the transformation of a normal cell into a cancer phenotype. Nature has blessed us with various biomolecules that we use along with our dietary supplements. Using such therapeutic small molecules covalently incorporated into biodegradable polyoxalate polymer backbone with a responsive group forms an efficient drug delivery vehicle. This chapter "Reactive oxygen species responsive naturally occurring phenolic-based polymeric prodrug" will be focusing on redox-responsive polymers incorporated with naturally occurring phenolics and clinical application.

Acid-activatable oxidative stress-inducing polysaccharide nanoparticles for anticancer therapy.

Drug delivery systems have been extensively developed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs by altering their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. However, the use of high quantities of drug delivery systems can cause toxicity due to their poor metabolism and elimination. In this study, we developed polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems which exert potent therapeutic effects and could display synergistic therapeutic effects with drug payloads, leading to dose reduction. Cinnamaldehyde, a major component of cinnamon is known to induce anticancer activity by generating ROS (reactive oxygen species). We developed cinnamaldehyde-conjugated maltodextrin (CMD) as a polymeric prodrug of cinnamaldehyde and a drug carrier. Cinnamaldehyde was conjugated to the hydroxyl groups of maltodextrin via acid-cleavable acetal linkages, allowing facile formulation of nanoparticles and drug encapsulation. CMD nanoparticles induced acid-triggered ROS generation to induce apoptotic cell death. Camptothecin (CPT) was used as a model drug to investigate the potential of CMD nanoparticles as a drug carrier and also evaluate the synergistic anticancer effects with CMD nanoparticles. CPT-loaded CMD nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher anticancer activity than empty CMD nanoparticles and CPT alone in the study of mouse xenograft models, demonstrating the synergistic therapeutic effects of CMD with CPT. Taken together, we believe that CMD nanoparticles hold tremendous potential as a polymeric prodrug of cinnamaldehyde and a drug carrier in anticancer therapy.

A rare presentation of exudative macroaneurysms in unilateral Eales' disease.

BACKGROUND: A case of exudative macroaneurysms in unilateral Eales' disease is reported. 'Eales disease' is an idiopathic bilateral occlusive periphlebitis with neovascularisation and mostly presents with vitreous hemorrhage. CASE: A 30 year old male presented with diminution of vision in left eye (6/36) for 1 month. Slit Lamp examination of both eyes revealed normal anterior segment. Fundus examination of left eye with + 90 D lens revealed reddish lesions at the macula with surrounding circinate exudation. On peripheral examination hemorrhages were seen along with vasculitis in the superotemporal quadrant.The right eye fundus was normal.All laboratory investigations were found within normal limits. CONCLUSION: Eales' disease is mostly a bilateral condition but this case is rare as there is uniocular involvement with exudative macroaneurysms.Laser therapy was instituted which was effective in management of this condition with restoration of normal visual acuity.There was no relapse on follow up for 2 years.

Expression of HSP70 genes in skin of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan Fries) cattle during different seasons under tropical climatic conditions.

Skin is most important environmental interface providing a protective envelope to animals. It's always under the influence of both internal and external stressors. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are highly conserved stress proteins which play crucial roles in environmental stress tolerance and thermal adaptation. Present study was planned to observe the relative mRNA expression of inducible (HSP70.1 and HSP70.2) and constitutive (HSP70.8) HSP in skin of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan Fries) cattle during different seasons. Skin biopsies were collected from rump region of each animal, aseptically during winter, spring and summer season. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the gene expression of constitutive (HSP70.8) and inducible (HSP70.1 and HSP70.2) HSP in skin of both the breeds during different seasons. Present study observed higher expression of both constitutive and inducible HSP genes in both the breeds during summer and winter than spring season, but magnitude of increase was higher during summer than winter. During summer season, expression pattern of HSPs in skin showed breed differences, where constitutive HSP expression was higher in Tharparkar than Karan Fries and that of inducible HSP was higher in Karan Fries than Tharparkar. Hence, present study suggested that HSP may be conveniently used as biomarkers for assessing protective response of skin against heat stress in zebu and crossbred cattle. Variation in expression between breeds is associated with their heat tolerance and thermal adaptability. In summary, skin of zebu cattle (Tharparkar) is more resistant to summer stress than crossbred (Karan Fries), providing greater protection against heat stress during summer season. Superior skin protective mechanism of zebu (Tharparkar) than crossbred (Karan-Fries) cattle against heat stress may contribute to superior adaptability of zebu cattle to tropical climatic conditions than crossbreed.

Estimation of metabolic heat production and methane emission in Sahiwal and Karan Fries heifers under different feeding regimes.

AIM: The objective of this study was designed to estimate the metabolic heat production and methane emission in Sahiwal and Karan Fries (Holstein-Friesian X Tharparkar) heifers under two different feeding regimes, i.e., feeding regime-1 as per the National Research Council (NRC) (2001) and feeding regime-2 having 15% higher energy (supplementation of molasses) than NRC (2001). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six (n = 6) healthy heifers of Sahiwal and Karan Fries with 18-24 months of age were selected from Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. An initial 15 days was maintained under feeding regime-1 and feeding regime-2 as adaptation period; actual experiment was conducted from 16(th) day onward for next 15 days. At the end of feeding regimes (on day 15(th) and 16(th)), expired air and volume were collected in Douglas bag for two consecutive days (morning [6:00 am] and evening [4:00 pm]). The fraction of methane and expired air volume were measured by methane analyzer and wet test meter, respectively. The oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured by iWorx LabScribe2. RESULTS: The heat production (kcal/day) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in feeding regime-2 as compared to feeding regimen-1 in both breeds. The heat production per unit metabolic body weight was numerically higher in feeding regime-1 than feeding regime-2; however, the values were found statistically non-significant (p>0.05). The energy loss as methane (%) from total heat production was significantly (p<0.05) higher in feeding regime-1. The body weight (kg), metabolic body weight (W(0.75)), and basal metabolic rate (kcal/kg(0.75)) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in feeding regime-2 in both breeds. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that higher energy diet by supplementing molasses may reduce energy loss as methane and enhance the growth of Sahiwal and Karan Fries heifers.

Assessment of adaptability of zebu cattle (Bos indicus) breeds in two different climatic conditions: using cytogenetic techniques on genome integrity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genome integrity so as to assess the adaptability of three breeds of indigenous cattle reared under arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan (Bikaner) and Haryana (Karnal) India. The cattle were of homogenous group (same age and sex) of indigenous breeds viz. Sahiwal, Tharparkar and Kankrej. A total of 100 animals were selected for this study from both climatic conditions. The sister chromatid exchanges (SCE's), chromosomal gaps and chromatid breaks were observed in metaphase plates of chromosome preparations obtained from in vitro culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The mean number of breaks and gaps in Sahiwal and Tharparkar of semi-arid zone were 8.56 ± 3.16, 6.4 ± 3.39 and 8.72 ± 2.04, 3.52 ± 6.29, respectively. Similarly, the mean number of breaks and gaps in Tharparkar and Kankrej cattle of arid zone were 5.26 ± 1.76, 2.74 ± 1.76 and 5.24 ± 1.84, 2.5 ± 1.26, respectively. The frequency of SCEs in chromosomes was found significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Tharparkar of semi-arid region (4.72 ± 1.55) compared to arid region (2.83 ± 1.01). Similarly, the frequency of SCEs was found to be 4.0 ± 1.41 in the Sahiwal of semi-arid region and 2.69 ± 1.12 in Kankrej of arid zone. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) amongst the different zones, i.e. arid and semi-arid, whereas no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the same zone. The analysis of frequency of CAs and SCEs revealed significant effects of environmental conditions on the genome integrity of animals, thereby indicating an association with their adaptability.

Proteasomal inhibition sensitizes cervical cancer cells to mitomycin C-induced bystander effect: the role of tumor microenvironment.

Inaccessibility of drugs to poorly vascularized strata of tumor is one of the limiting factors in cancer therapy. With the advent of bystander effect (BE), it is possible to perpetuate the cellular damage from drug-exposed cells to the unexposed ones. However, the role of infiltrating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), an integral part of the tumor microenvironment, in further intensifying BE remains obscure. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of mitomycin C (MMC), a chemotherapeutic drug, to induce BE in cervical carcinoma. By using cervical cancer cells and differentiated macrophages, we demonstrate that MMC induces the expression of FasL via upregulation of PPARγ in both cell types (effector cells) in vitro, but it failed to induce bystander killing in cervical cancer cells. This effect was primarily owing to the proteasomal degradation of death receptors in the cervical cancer cells. Pre-treatment of cervical cancer cells with MG132, a proteasomal inhibitor, facilitates MMC-mediated bystander killing in co-culture and condition medium transfer experiments. In NOD/SCID mice bearing xenografted HeLa tumors administered with the combination of MMC and MG132, tumor progression was significantly reduced in comparison with those treated with either agent alone. FasL expression was increased in TAMs, and the enhanced level of Fas was observed in these tumor sections, thereby causing increased apoptosis. These findings suggest that restoration of death receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway in tumor cells with concomitant activation of TAMs could effectively restrict tumor growth.

Expression profiling of major heat shock protein genes during different seasons in cattle (Bos indicus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) under tropical climatic condition.

Heat shock proteins consist of highly conserved stress proteins, expressed in response to stress and play crucial roles in environmental stress tolerance and adaptation. The present study was conducted to identify major types of genes under the HSP70 family and other HSPs and to evaluate their expression pattern in Sahiwal and Tharparkar breeds of zebu cattle (Bos indicus) and Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with respect to different seasons. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the transcript variants of three HSP70 family genes (HSPA1A, HSPA1B, and HSPA8) and HSP10, HSP60, HSP90 and HSF1 in each breed. The major finding of this study was the higher abundance of all the studied HSP genes during summer and winter compared to spring season, but the magnitude of increase was higher during summer as compared to winter. HSPA1A and HSPA1B genes showed maximal induction (P<0.001) during summer and winter while HSP60 and HSP10 were found to be the second most abundantly expressed HSPs. The relative mRNA abundance of HSF1 significantly increased (P<0.001) in Murrah buffalo compared to Tharparkar and Sahiwal cattle during summer and winter. Expression pattern of heat shock protein genes indicated that amongst the breeds, the expression was higher in Murrah buffalo compared to Sahiwal and Tharparkar cattle, thereby indicating the more adaptive capacity of later during periods of stress. Hence, this study suggests that heat shock protein genes may be conveniently used as biomarkers for assessing stress response in cattle and buffalo and the expression is species and breed-specific. Furthermore, the variation in expression is associated with heat tolerance and adaptation to different climatic conditions.

Receptor tyrosine kinase signaling regulates replication of the peste des petits ruminants virus.

In this study, we found out that blocking the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling in Vero cells by tryphostin AG879 impairs the in vitro replication of the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). A reduced virus replication in Trk1-knockdown (siRNA) Vero cells confirmed the essential role of RTK in the virus replication, in particular a specific regulation of viral RNA synthesis. These data represent the first evidence that the RTK signaling regulates replication of a morbillivirus.

AMPK maintains energy homeostasis and survival in cancer cells via regulating p38/PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis.

Cancer cells exhibit unique metabolic response and adaptation to the fluctuating microenvironment, yet molecular and biochemical events imprinting this phenomenon are unclear. Here, we show that metabolic homeostasis and adaptation to metabolic stress in cancer cells are primarily achieved by an integrated response exerted by the activation of AMPK. We provide evidence that AMPK-p38-PGC-1α axis, by regulating energy homeostasis, maintains survival in cancer cells under glucose-limiting conditions. Functioning as a molecular switch, AMPK promotes glycolysis by activating PFK2, and facilitates mitochondrial metabolism of non-glucose carbon sources thereby maintaining cellular ATP level. Interestingly, we noted that AMPK can promote oxidative metabolism via increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and OXPHOS capacity via regulating expression of PGC-1α through p38MAPK activation. Taken together, our study signifies the fundamental role of AMPK in controlling cellular bioenergetics and mitochondrial biogenesis in cancer cells.

'Bio-load' and bio-type profiles of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in the domestic livestock population endemic for Johne's disease: a survey of 28 years (1985-2013) in India.

Bio-load and bio-profile of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis was studied in the domestic livestock population of the country. Of the 23,429 farm and farmer's animals screened, average bio-load was 23.3% (Period of study; 28 years for goats; 13 years for sheep, cattle and buffaloes). Species-wise, bio-load was 20.1, 32.7, 39.3 and 28.3% in goats, sheep, cattle and buffaloes, respectively. Bio-load was significantly lower in time period A (P < 0.001) and B (P < 0.03), compared with period C. Geographical zone-wise, bio-load of MAP was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Central zone compared with South, West, East and North zones. Bio-load in 11 states ranged from 16.2 to 87.8%. Of 8450, 5643, 8185 and 1151 samples screened by microscopy, culture, indigenous ELISA and IS900 blood PCR, 20.0, 10.6, 35.1 and 26.6% samples were positive, respectively. Bio-load was 32.8 and 31.6% in farm and farmer's goats and sheep, respectively, and 62.1% in farmer's cattle. MAP bio-load was also monitored in four farm units (three goats and one sheep) for breed improvement and three farm goats units for experimental purposes at Central Institute for Research on Goats in Mathura district. Of the 8025 goats and 1525 sheep that died from 1988 to 2013, 10.9 and 3.0% deaths were due to JD, respectively. On the basis of JD and suspected JD, 10.0 and 28.4% goats and 2.2 and 40.9% sheep, respectively were culled from the farm units in 25 years. Microscopic examination of 214 tissues (mesenteric lymph nodes and intestines) of 107 animals, it was observed that bio-load of MAP was high (25.0-60.0%) in farm animals. 'Indian Bison Type' was the dominant biotype, irrespective of domestic livestock species and the geographical zone.

Effect of thermal stress on HSP70 expression in dermal fibroblast of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan-Fries) cattle.

The present studies were conducted to investigate the difference response of dermal fibroblasts to heat stress in Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle. Skin is the most important environmental interface providing a protective envelope to animals. In skin, dermal fibroblasts are the most regular cell constituent of dermis that is crucial for temperature homeostasis. The study aimed to examine the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, cytotoxicity (%) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes expression in dermal fibroblast of Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle and to assess whether resistance of dermal fibroblast to heat stress is breed specific. Dermal fibroblasts from ear pinna of Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle were exposed at 25 °C, 37 °C, 40 °C and 44 °C for 3 h to measure the ROS, cytotoxicity (%) and HSP 70 (HSPA1A, HSPA2 and HSPA8) genes' expression. The results showed that ROS formation at low temperature (25 °C) decreased in both breeds as compared to control (37 °C) and the differences were significant (P<0.0001). Heat stress at 40 °C did not increase ROS formation significantly in Tharparkar but increased significantly (P<0.001) in Karan-Fries cattle. The overall cytotoxicity (%) was also found to be significantly different (P<0.001) between Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle, and on exposure to different temperatures (P<0.001). The cytotoxicity (%) in dermal fibroblast cells of Karan-fries cows was more than Tharparkar. The expression studies indicated that all HSP70 genes (HSPA8, HSPA1A and HSPA2) were up-regulated at different temperatures in both breeds. In Tharparkar, the relative mRNA expression of HSPA8 gene was higher but HSPA1A and HSPA2 genes were low as compared to Karan-Fries cattle. At 40 and 44 °C, the relative expressions of inducible HSP 70 genes (HSPA1A and HSPA2) were higher in Karan-Fries than Tharparkar. In summary, dermal fibroblast resistance to heat shock differed between breeds. Dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar were observed to be more heat tolerant than crossbred Karan-Fries cattle. The study concludes that zebu cattle (Tharparkar) dermal fibroblasts are more adapted to tropical climatic condition than crossbreed cattle (Karan-Fries). Differences exist in dermal fibroblasts of heat adapted and non-adapted cattle.

Perception of stigma towards TB among patients on DOTS & patients attending general OPD in Delhi.

BACKGROUND: In India, Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a public health problem. One of the key reasons for it is the stigma associated with the disease which affects the treatment seeking behaviour and hence the outcome. OBJECTIVES: To assess the perceived and enacted stigma among TB patients and perceptions of other patients related to TB in Central Delhi. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in urban field practice area of a medical college of Delhi, using a pre-designed questionnaire containing items for assessment of stigma being faced by a TB patient in family, social life and workplace. It also contained questions pertaining to reaction of patients from general OPD to a family member who develops TB. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients on DOTS and 200 patients from general OPD were interviewed. There were 21 patients who reported to have delayed treatment seeking due to stigma. Nearly one third patients (n=34; 34%) noted negative changes in the behaviour of their family members towards them while 40% were isolated on being diagnosed with the disease. Out of the 36 employed TB patients, 65.5% (n=23) experienced negative change in the behaviour of their colleagues. In general OPD patients, significantly higher proportion of female patients said that they would not disclose the disease status of a family member suffering from TB to their neighbours (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Perception of stigmatizing effect of Tuberculosis was high both amongst TB and other patients. Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategies are needed to address the effects of stigma like delayed treatment seeking.

Cephalometric evaluation of mandibular advancement at different horizontal jaw positions in obstructive sleep apnoea patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of the mandibular advancement device (MAD) at 50% (P2) and 75% (P3) of maximum mandibular advancement, relative to maximum intercuspation (P1) subjectively and objectively. METHODS: Eighteen subjects previously diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) were selected for the study. ESS score, VAS score, soft palate angle, MP-H distance, S-H distance, a C4 -H distance, a Pu -p Pu distance and total pharyngeal area were calculated at P1, P2 and P3 positions with the help of an adjustable MAD. The results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: ESS score, VAS score, soft palate angle, MP-H distance, S-H distance and radius of curvature of airway at P2 and P3 were significantly lower compared to P1, but there was no significant difference between P2 and P3. CONCLUSIONS: The MAD produced significant improvement in objective signs and subjective symptoms at both 50% and 75% of the maximum mandibular protrusion positions at comparable comfort levels. Therefore, MAD may be given at 50% of maximum advancement in order to reduce dental or temporomandibular joint disturbances.

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.