Biostimulatory effects of boar seminal gel, saliva and semen on sexual behavior of young boars, gilts and sows.

The present study aimed to identify novel biostimulatory compounds in boar seminal gel (SG), saliva and semen using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The bio-stimulatory effect of SG, SG + saliva and SG + semen on young boar for semen collection as well were employed to study bio-stimulatory effects on gilts and sows. Distilled water (DW) exposure was kept as control. SG, saliva and semen were screened for total 105, 96 and 89 compounds. The highest concentration was of alkanes followed by sugar alcohols, then hydrocarbons, amino acids and fatty acids. Elaidic acid was the novel compound identified in pigs. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) number of males got trained in exposure to SG (80%), SG + saliva (75%) and SG + semen (75%) than control (0%). The time (hrs) taken by young boars to get trained on exposure to combination of SG + saliva (244 ± 22.19) and SG + semen (216 ± 13.14) was lesser (p < 0.05) than SG (356 ± 61.85) alone. Interval (hrs) from initiation of exposure for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by males on exposure to SG, saliva and semen was lesser (p < 0.05) than control. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher number of females showed estrus response to exposure of SG (72.72%), SG + saliva (69.23%) and SG + semen (76.92%) than control (0). Interval (hrs) taken to exhibit estrus was shorter (p < 0.05) in females exposed to SG + saliva (201.88 ± 12.66), SG + semen (198.20 ± 9.42) than SG (262.14 ± 20.06) alone. Interval (hrs) for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by females on exposure to SG + saliva and SG + semen was lesser (p < 0.05) than control. In conclusion, novel compounds were identified in boar seminal gel, saliva and semen with biostimulatory properties have been identified in boar SG, saliva and semen. The combined exposure of SG with saliva and semen has more intense biostimulation effect than SG alone for training of young boars and estrus induction in gilts and sows. Such compounds biostimulatory effects can be exploited for augmenting reproductive efficiency in pigs.

Malaria outbreak along the India-Bhutan border town of Saralpara, Assam, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: A remarkable progress is being made in the South-East Asia region in reducing the burden of malaria. While all countries are committed to malaria elimination, continued transmission at and across international borders poses a threat to achieving this goal. METHODS: We investigated an outbreak of malaria in the India-Bhutan border area in a district of Assam state, India. A line listing of cases occurring during the outbreak period was made and a house-to-house survey was carried out to identify additional cases in the community. Entomological investigation consisted of light trap collection of vectors. Patients and health workers were interviewed to obtain information on the possible mode of transmission and ongoing inter-country collaboration across the border. RESULTS: Between October 21 to November 18 2022, 37 cases of malaria (all Plasmodium vivax), were diagnosed in Saralpara area of Kokrajhar district of Assam, bordering Bhutan. Of these four were diagnosed in Sarpang hospital, Bhutan. Median age was 20 years (range 3 to 70 years). Male to female ratio was 1:1.2. In addition, 6 individuals with asymptomatic malaria were detected in the community through an active case finding campaign. No cases were however reported on Bhutan side of the border. Anopheles culicifacies and An. annularis were identified from light trap collection. Saralpara is a remote and forested area where most of the residents are poor and engaged predominantly in farming activities. Being a harvesting season, they tend to stay overnight to protect their harvest from elephants. The health authorities in India and Bhutan exchanged information regularly at district-to-district level on the outbreak including through available and easy modes such as WhatsApp, telephone as well as electronic mail and collaborated in coherently implementing preventive measures on both sides and in managing the cases. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The outbreak of malaria in Saralpara demonstrates the risk of malaria outbreak in remote and forested areas, with possibility of spill over to the other side of the border. The fact that two countries had excellent inter-country cross-border collaboration and prior commitment thereby preventing further transmission of malaria to Bhutan can serve as a best practice for cross-border control of malaria and other communicable diseases.

Malaria Epidemiology Along the Indian Districts Bordering Bhutan and Implications for Malaria Elimination in the Region.

It is important for malaria-endemic countries to address malaria control across international borders, and in particular to prioritize appropriate rapid diagnosis, treatment and surveillance. Bhutan and India aim to achieve malaria elimination by 2023 and 2030 respectively. Malaria elimination along the Indo-Bhutan border is of common concern. We delineated malaria epidemiology along the border to provide a blueprint for focusing malaria control efforts in key foci within this region. Epidemiological data from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed, as the most drastic reductions in malaria burden across most parts of India were witnessed in this time frame. Several areas of concern include low surveillance in most border districts, favorable climatic conditions for perennial malaria transmission, and movement of potential parasite carriers because of the porous borders. India and Bhutan need to control the importation/exportation of malaria cases. We highlight the foci of concern for which implementing tailor-made malaria control strategies may benefit both countries.

Malaria in North-East India: Importance and Implications in the Era of Elimination.

Worldwide and in India, malaria elimination efforts are being ramped up to eradicate the disease by 2030. Malaria elimination efforts in North-East (NE) India will have a great bearing on the overall efforts to eradicate malaria in the rest of India. The first cases of chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance were reported in NE India, and the source of these drug resistant parasites are most likely from South East Asia (SEA). NE India is the only land route through which the parasites from SEA can enter the Indian mainland. India's malaria drug policy had to be constantly updated due to the emergence of drug resistant parasites in NE India. Malaria is highly endemic in many parts of NE India, and Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of the cases. Highly efficient primary vectors and emerging secondary vectors complicate malaria elimination efforts in NE India. Many of the high transmission zones in NE India are tribal belts, and are difficult to access. The review details the malaria epidemiology in seven NE Indian states from 2008 to 2018. In addition, the origin and evolution of resistance to major anti-malarials are discussed. Furthermore, the bionomics of primary vectors and emergence of secondary malaria vectors, and possible strategies to prevent and control malaria in NE are outlined.

Dietary supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid alters endometrial expression of genes involved in prostaglandin biosynthetic pathway in breeding sows (Sus scrofa).

The present investigation was designed to study the effect of dietary supplementation of omega-3 (n-3) PUFA on endometrial expression of fertility-related genes in breeding sows. Sixteen crossbred sows were randomized to receive diets containing 4% (wt/wt) flaxseed oil as n-3 PUFA source (TRT group) or iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric standard control diet (CON group), starting from the first day of estrus up to 40 days and were artificially bred on the second estrus. Endometrial samples were collected during days 10-11 and 15-16 post-mating for studying relative expression profile of candidate genes viz. Prostaglandin F Synthase (PGFS), microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and Carbonyl Reductase-1 (CBR-1) using quantitative Real-Time PCR. Expression level of mPGES-1 gene transcript was 2.1-fold higher (P < 0.05) during 10-11 days of pregnancy and 1.4-fold higher (P > 0.05) during 15-16 days of pregnancy in TRT group as compared to CON group. Relative expression of PGFS gene transcript was significantly lower (P < 0.05) during 10-11 days of pregnancy in TRT group while there was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of dietary supplementation during 15-16 days of pregnancy. Endometrial mRNA level of CBR1 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) with 3.93-fold decrease in TRT group during 10-11 days of pregnancy whereas 2.82-fold reduction in expression (P > 0.05) was observed subsequently during 15-16 days of pregnancy as compared to CON group. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation can modulate gene expression of key enzymes in prostaglandin biosynthetic pathway during early gestation, which in turn might have beneficial impact on overall reproductive response in breeding sows. These findings partly support strategic dietary supplementation of plant-based source of n-3 PUFA with an aim to improve overall reproductive performance in sows.

A cross-sectional study assessing the residual bio-efficacy and durability of field-distributed long-lasting insecticidal nets in malaria endemic ethnic communities of Assam, Northeast India.

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are being promoted for malaria vector control in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the current residual bio-efficacy and durability of both the Olyset(®) and PermaNet(®)2.0 LLINs that were distributed earlier in 2009, 2011 and 2013 to help formulate informed policy regarding net procurement, supplies and replacement. The study was undertaken in three different malaria endemic blocks of Assam during the period of June to October of 2014. The residual bio-efficacies were ascertained using the WHO cone-bioassay method for mosquito mortality post-exposure and corroborated with the ring-net assay for the median knockdown times of both types of LLINs in use by these communities. Cross-sectional community surveys were distributed to assess net ownership, utilization, community practices and the physical conditions of the nets in terms of being torn and the numbers of holes per position. Both the Olyset(®) and PermaNet(®)2.0 LLINs that were distributed in 2009 (i.e., nearly after five years of community usage) were completely torn, worn out and obsolete. However, the LLINs distributed in 2011 (i.e., three years of community usage) retained their residual bio-efficacies in susceptibility ranges that varied from 57% to 79%. However, for the LLINs that were distributed in 2013, the observed residual efficacy was adequate and resulted in a mosquito mortality rate >80 percent. Of the two types of LLINs inspected, the Olyset(®)nets were more durable and robust in terms of being torn less frequently (37.1%, 39/105) compared with the PermaNet(®)2.0 nets (51.8%, 204/394). Regarding the LLINs that were distributed in 2013, all were physically intact and in good condition. The majority of the distributed LLINs (99.2%, 639/644) were still in the possession of the householders of the surveyed populations. This study revealed that the serviceable life of the nets was slightly less than three years in terms of waning residual bio-efficacy and durability that warranted replacement. The communities were aware of the benefits of the use of mosquito net for personal protection and regularly used the nets; thus, LLIN-based interventions for sustained vector control should be scaled up.

Effect of incorporation of walnut cake (Juglans regia) in concentrate mixture on degradation of dry matter, organic matter and production of microbial biomass in vitro in goat.

AIM: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of incorporation of different level of walnut cake in concentrate mixture on in vitro dry matter degradation in order to determine its level of supplementation in ruminant ration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Walnut cake was used @ 0, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% level to formulate an iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. The different formulae of concentrate mixtures were used for in vitro gas production studies using goat rumen liquor with wheat straw in 40:60 ratio. Proximate composition, fiber fractionation and calcium and phosphrous content of walnut cake were estimated. RESULT: The per cent IVDMD value of T1 and T2 diets was 68.42 ± 1.20 and 67.25 ± 1.37 respectively which was found highest (P<0.05) T3, T4, T5 and T6. Similar trend was also found for TDOM and MBP. Inclusion of walnut cake at 10% level in the concentrate mixture does not affect in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), truly degradable organic matter (TDOM, mg/200 mg DM), total gas production, microbial biomass production (MBP) and efficiency of microbial biomass production (EMP). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that walnut cake incorporation up to 10% level in the iso -nitrogenous concentrate mixture has no any negative effect on in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM), TDOM, MBP, EMP and total gas production in goat.