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The experiment was conducted during the month of February and March, 2023 at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India to evaluate the effect of dietary addition of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed on growth performance, haemato-biochemical profile and faecal microbiota of Kankrej calves. Eighteen Kankrej calves were randomly divided into three treatment groups, viz. Basal diet (control), Basal diet+5 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation and Basal diet+10 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation for a period of 60 days. Results revealed that there was numerically higher body weight gains were observed in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily than the control, the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05) among the treatment groups. The mean faecal counts (log10 cfu g-1 in fresh faeces) of lactobacillus were increased, while coliform were reduced in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily as compared to control group. There was no effect (p>0.05) on the haemoglobin, haematocrit, total erythrocytes count and total leucocytes count among the treatment groups. No difference (p>0.05) was found in serum levels of total proteins, albumin, globulin, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT and AST concentrations among the treatment groups. It may be concluded that dietary fennel seed powder supplementation in calves improved growth performance and had beneficial effect on faecal microbiota with higher faecal lactobacillus count and lower faecal coliform count. Fennel seed supplementation did not affect haemato-biochemical profile of calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A line x tester analysis was undertaken to estimates the magnitude of heterosis and dominance deviation in Gossypium hirsutum L. for yield, its components and other matricate characters in 60 test entries including (44 F1s along with 15 parents and 1 standard check hybrid). Analysis of variance indicated the significant difference among the parents and hybrids for all 12 characters studied which revealed existence of variability among the genotypes. Studies revealed that out of 44 cross combinations, only 3 hybrids viz., BC-68-2 x MCU 11, BC-68-2 x AC 738 and BN 1 x Reba-B-50 depicted significant and positive heterosis over standard check hybrid G. Cot. Hy. 12. The hybrid BC-68-2 x MCU 11 exhibited significant positive standard heterosis for seed cotton yield per plant and other attributing characters i.e. total number of bolls per plant, average boll weight, lint yield per plant and lint index. The mean values of potence ratio in all twelve characters suggested that degree of dominance was governed by over dominance genes for the expression of all the characters under study.

Worldwide dissemination of extended-spectrum -lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli constitutes an emerging global health issue, with animal food products contributing as potential reservoirs. ESBL E. coli infection is associated with the high mortality and mobility rate in developing countries due to less susceptibility to antibiotics. The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular characteristics and sequence-based analysis of ESBL E. coli in the Gujarat state of India. This study included 108 E. coli strains were isolated from different poultry farms (broiler and layer) in the Banaskantha District. PCR was employed to identify genotypic ESBL-producing antimicrobial resistance genes. Overall, a high occurrence of ESBL genes was found in poultry farms due to the high usage of antimicrobials. The PCR analysis revealed that 79.62% of isolates were detected positive with one or more ESBL genes. Among them, blaTEM (63.88%) was found to be the predominant genotype, followed by blaSHV (30.55%) and blaOXA (28.70%). In the blaCTX-M group, a higher occurrence was observed in blaCTX-M-9 (23.14%), followed by blaCTX-M-2 (24.07%) and blaCTX-M-1 (22.22%). We used the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) method to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), plasmid replicons, and plasmid-mediated AMR genes of one ESBL E. coli isolated. We examined the genetic relatedness of a human pathogenic E. coli strain by comparing its sequence with the broad geographical reference E. coli sequences. Escherichia coli ST 681 was determined using multi-locus sequence typing. We compared our findings to the reference sequence of Escherichia coli str. K- 12 substr. MG1655. We found 24,937 SNPs with 21,792 in the genic region, 3,145 in the intergenic region, and six InDels across the genome. The WGS analysis revealed 46 antimicrobial resistance genes and seven plasmid-mediated AMR genes viz., tetA, qnrS1, dfrA14, sul2, aph(3")-lb, aph(6)-ld, and Aph(3')-la. The ST 681 was found to have Cib, traT, and terC virulence factors and two plasmid replicons, IncFII(pHN7A8) and IncI1-I(Alpha). This study revealed a higher occurrence of ESBL E. coli detected in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Surti is a dual purpose goat breed of Gujarat. The bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) gene of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) superfamily ligands is playing a role in ovulation as well as litter size. Mutation in Exon-6 region of BMPR1B gene with base size 190 bp reported increasing litter size. Based on the known mutation information in goat and sheep, PCR primers were designed to screen polymorphism in total 100 Surti goats, 50 Surti goats from University Farm, Navsari and 50 Surti goats from field units of Southern part of Gujarat. During PCR-RFLP study no polymorphic sites were found for Exon-6 region of BMPR1B on Surti goats. Moreover, the twinning rate was 10% in first parity and higher in subsequent second (62.5%) and third (76.8%) parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation focussed on the development of a novel strategy to enhance the bioavailability of risedronate sodium, which has poor and erratic absorption. Nanosponges were statistically developed by full 3² factorial design using Design of Experiment software considering concentration of polymer and stabilizer as independent variables and particle size and entrapment efficiency as experimental responses by utilizing the modified quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique. Optimized formulation showed 67.27± 1.05 % entrapment efficiency, 155.8±2.17 nm particle size and -35.4 mV of zeta potential. The data from in vitro release study showed burst release for initial 2 h followed by slow and sustained release up to 24 h, which followed a diffusion-controlled release mechanism by the Higuchi model. Scanning electron microscopy study showed uniformly discrete spherical particles with porous surface without any agglomeration. Stability study demonstrated no significant changes in particle size, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release, which indicated that the nanosponge formulation was stable. In conclusion, it appeared that the nanosponges were a suitable nanocarrier system that could play a significant role in improving osteoporotic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is crucial for the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of a variety of hematologic diseases. Obtaining an adequate BMB can be challenging given the need to balance patient comfort with acquisition of high quality specimens. We had observed variable BMB quality at our institution with poor quality specimens sometimes affecting diagnosis. We thus undertook this quality improvement (QI) project to improve the quality of diagnostic BMB specimens. Methods: We used an A3 QI process to identify factors possibly influencing BMB quality. We collected baseline data on 211 BMB, with short and long‐term follow‐up data on a further 382 cases. We used clinical conferences to discuss data, perform peer comparisons and identify strategies to create a sustainable improvement in BMB quality. Results: Baseline data showed that BMB length was influenced most by the individual performer, with some influence of needle gauge. Other factors such as sedation, BMB indication were noncontributory. BMB lengths improved following performer education and individual performer data comparisons (15.2 mm post vs 12.8 mm baseline, P < .0001) and with use of an 8‐ rather than 11‐gauge needle (18.3 mm 8‐gauge vs 13.3 mm 11‐gauge P < .0001), and were sustained over the long term. Conclusions: Education on BMB standards, sharing of performer data, and changing needle gauge are relatively straightforward methods to improve BMB quality, leading to easier pathology diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to develop once-daily sustained release microsponges formulations of Nicorandil, a potent potassium channel opener used in cardiovascular diseases and it has low oral bioavailability (70%) and half-life 1 h. So, it is good candidate for sustained release formulations based on microsponge technology. The microsponges were prepared by using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the microsponges of nicorandil with Eudragit - RSPO and HPMC K100M were smooth, porous, glossy and discrete spherical. The actual drug content and encapsulation efficiency of batch M1 to M9 were obtained in range of 62.05 ± 0.31 to 80.69 ± 0.43 and 64.41 ± 1.71 to 70.58 ± 1.12, respectively. The microsponges formulations were subjected to in-vitro release studies and the results were evaluated kinetically and statically. The best fitted model was found to be Korsmeyer - Peppas model (R² = 0.9992) for M6 batch. The 'n' value for Korsmeyer - Peppas model was between 0.5 and 1.0 which is indicative of non-Fickian diffusion. Statistical analysis using ANOVA yielded a p value of 0.572 for all the formulations, indicating that there was no significant difference among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten Trioxide (WO3) thin films were grown by thermal evaporation method to study the effect of film's thickness on its electrochromic (EC) properties. The WO3 thin films of different thicknesses were grown on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass and soda lime (bare) glass substrate held at room temperature. The surface composition of the thin films was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement, which showed the oxygen to tungsten atomic composition ratio to be nearly 2.97. The EC properties of the thin films were examined using electrochemical techniques. Cyclic-voltammetery shows the diffusion coefficient (D) of the intercalated H+ ion in the WO3 thin film increases with the film's thickness. It turns out that the ‘thicker' film exhibits better coloration efficiency (CE) as compared to the ‘thi n- ner' film. The coloration time was found to be independent of film thickness; however, the bleaching time increases as the film thickness increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis and a significant cause of reproductive losses in animals. Abortion, placentitis, epididymitis and orchitis are the most common clinical manifestations in animals. The present study a total of 168 clinical samples were collected from buffaloes (87) and cattle (81). All clinical samples were processed by cultural isolation on Brucella agar medium (BAM) with selective antibiotic supplements and genus specific PCR using B4/B5 (223bp) and F4/R2 (905bp) primer. Out of 168 clinical samples 15 samples yielded Brucella isolates by cultural isolation and 19 samples positive for Brucella organism by genus specific PCR. All genus specific PCR positive 19 samples also positive by Species specific PCR based on omp31, B. abortus +IS711 (498bp) primer. Amplicon of 498bp by B. abortus +IS711 primers indicates that all nineteen samples of cattle and buffaloes were found to be Brucella abortus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious, non-contagious disease of domestic and wild ruminants. Bluetongue virus (BTV) causes severe disease in sheep, which is transmitted by insect vector belonging to Culicoides spp. It is particularly a viral disease of sheep, occasionally affecting cattle, buffaloes, goats, camels and other wild ruminants. Out of 377 (364-blood, 5-spleen and 8-pooled Culicoides) samples 110 (29.18%) and 28 (7.42%) were found positive for BTV antigen by s-ELISA and BT-AGID respectively. Specieswise incidence by s-ELISA recorded was 48.20 per cent in sheep, 57.14 per cent in goats and 2.60 per cent in cattle however, none of the blood sample found positive from buffalo and camel. Specieswise incidence by BT-AGID recorded was 12.23 per cent in sheep and 15.71 per cent in goats however, none of the blood sample found positive for BTV antigen from cattle, buffalo and camel. Higher incidence seen in goats by both the test. s-ELISA proved to be the most sensitive in detecting BTV antigen than BT-AGID. Considering s-ELISA as the reference test, the relative sensitivity, specificity and overall agreement between both the tests were 25.45 per cent, 100 per cent and 78.24 per cent respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this letter, 3D printing technology is used to modify the substrate shape with the aim of modifying the antenna's performance. The antenna substrate is made using a 3D printer and commercially available materials. A ridge near the center of the patch has been used to downshift the resonant frequency of the antenna. The effect of the ridge shape has been investigated via simulations and measurements. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:741-744, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased risk of cerebrovascular accident in diabetes cannot be fully explained by traditional risk factors. Epidemiological studies show that postprandial hyperglycemia is strongly associated with cerebrovascular events and cerebrovascular-associated mortality. Postprandial hyperglycemia contributes to vascular damage by several mechanisms such as endothelial dysfunction, arthrosclerosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypercoagulability. Hyperglycemia has deleterious effects on the vascular endothelium and leads to the development of cerebrovascular disease. Thus, an important strategy to reduce cerebrovascular risk in patients with diabetes is to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia. Glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and α-glucosidase inhibitors predominantly reduce postprandial plasma glucose levels. Among all of these, ?-glucosidase inhibitors reduces postprandial hyperglycemia by delaying carbohydrate absorption from the intestine and this mechanism provides glycemic control without exacerbating coexisting cerebrovascular risk factors. Good glycemic control is proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, but equivalent evidence for cerebrovascular risk reduction is lacking. This review examines the evidences that postprandial hyperglycemia plays a major role in vascular damage, along with the complex interplay between hyperglycemia and coexisting risk factors. Furthermore, the mechanism by which α-glucosidase inhibitors may prevent this vascular damage as well as risk of hypoglycemia with α-glucosidase inhibitors are examined. Thus, this review suggests that α-glucosidase inhibitors are useful in reducing the risk of cerebrovascular events in patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcers are common diseases due to hyperacidity requiring treatment before it worsens. Acineutra liquid is ayurvedic proprietary sugar-free syrup recommended by ayurvedic medical practitioners for treatment of ulcers. Study was performed to obtain scientific evidence to the efficacious claim of the use of ayurvedic proprietary medicine in management of ulcers. Duodenal and gastric ulcers were induced by 0.25 mg/kg i.p Histamine and 5ml/kg p.o 95% Ethanol respectively. Treatment with ayurvedic formulation (1ml/kg) and standard anti-ulcer drug rabeprazole-10mg/kg was given to SD rats once a day for 4 and 10 days for histamine and ethanol induced ulcers. Ulcer scoring, ulcer-index, total acidity and histopathological examinations were determined. Treatment with Acineutra liquid in both animal models showed significant improvement in ulcer healing property and decreased acid secretory activity. We observed that anti-ulcer effect of Acineutra liquid is more due to cytoprotective effect rather than antisecretory activity. Reduction in acid production was found to be less compared to rabeprazole. The combination of cytoprotective and antisecretory action of constituents in formulation yields better results in parameters investigated. Present study reveals that acineutra liquid is an effective anti-ulcer agent. Further, this study also proves that the anti-ulcer effect may be due to its cytoprotective mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, hyperinsulinemia and/ or abnormal ovulation, which are the 3 main consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome. The occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome is higher and 1 out of 45 women gets affected by this disorder. The pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome is very unique, and many hormonal and metabolic changes occur at molecular level. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects multiple organ systems within the body, which is caused by insensitivity to the hormone insulin. The target organs of insulin action are skeletal muscles, adipose tissue, fibroblasts where metabolic actions of insulin take place. In polycystic ovary syndrome condition, due to insulin resistance, the actions like glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis gets declined along with exhibiting steroidogenic effect in ovaries. The action of phophatidylinositide-3 kinase varies in different tissues. It plays major role in several kinases. The inhibition and activation of phophatidylinositide-3 kinase in different tissues results in differential outcomes. The inhibition of phophatidylinositide-3 kinase in ovary leads to decreased androgen synthesis and the activation affects the positive actions of insulin like glucose uptake. Targeting the hyperandrogenemia of polycystic ovary syndrome, we can get more ameliorating action in polycystic ovary syndrome because glucose uptake, which is mediated by phophatidylinositide-3 kinase activation, is not much altered during polycystic ovary syndrome as much as the androgen levels in polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, it is beneficial to control the androgen level. Thus, phophatidylinositide-3 kinase inhibition can be a promising target in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperprolactinaemia is a common condition with varied aetiology. It is more frequent in women, but also seen in men and even in adolescence and childhood. Prolactin is mainly a lactogenic hormone but has other actions. Most cases present with amenorrhoea and infertility and are managed by gynaecologists. However, multidisciplinary involvement may be required in some cases. Evidence relating to aetiology, clinical features, pathogenesis and management has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the ring-shaped hexameric helicases and the properties, structures, and mechanisms shared by the helicases in this class. Roles of hexameric helicases; Polarity of DNA binding; Effect of nucleotides on DNA binding.