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Kidneys of six each of adult broiler chicken and broiler ducks were used in the present study. In the histological studies, the kidneys of all studied birds showed two zones, the cortex and medulla. The medulla occupied only a small portion of the kidney. In chicken a greater number of distinct cone-shaped medullary lobules were seen among cortical lobules while in duck they were lesser in number, more rounded in outline and were not cone shaped as in chicken. In the case of chicken more than one cortical lobule drained into a medullary lobule. Mammalian type of nephrons that occupied the juxta medullary region presented loop of Henle that was located within the medullary cone. Collecting ducts from different medullary lobules united together to form several large collecting ducts within the medulla which in turn united to form ureteral branches.

Histology, lectin histochemistry and ultrastructure of interdigital gland in sheep was studied using six adult cross bred sheep of either sex collected from the Meat Technology Unit, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. The manus and pes were detached from the rest of limbs and after recording the gross observations, the interdigital glands were fixed in 10 per cent neutral buffered formalin and processed for histological examinations. Stratified squamous epithelium with a prominent keratin layer lined the lumen, similar to the skin over the dorsal surface of manus and pes. The epidermis presented mucosal folds, which projected into the lumen. The dermis contained small sebaceous glands, hair follicles of different sizes, arrector pili muscles and apocrine sweat glands. The secretory epithelium of sweat glands was lined with a simple layer of cuboidal and relatively flattened cells. The excretory ducts of these glands were lined by cuboidal cells, with darker appearance than its secretory portion. The fibrous capsule was composed of dense connective tissue with collagen, adipose cells, blood vessels and nerve fibers. Glandular secretion and the granules in the stratum granolosum of the surface squamous epithelium showed positive reaction for lectin Ulex europaeus (UEA-I). The apocrine nature of sweat glands was revealed in the ultrastructural studies by scanning electron microscope. Keywords: Interdigital gland, sheep, histology, lectin histochemistry and ultrastructure

Histomorphological study was conducted on the oesophageal tonsils in six broiler Vigova Super-M ducks of six to eight weeks age. The location of the tonsil was at the junction between oesophagus and proventriculus. In histological sections six to eight isolated tonsillar units were seen in the lamina propria near the base of the oesophageal folds. Each tonsillar unit consisted of a crypt lined by lymphoepithelium and surrounded by dense lymphoid tissue. The tonsillar units were seen encapsulated by connective tissue and composed of many large lymphoid nodules separated by internodular areas. The secretory portion of the mucosal glands of the oesophagus were firmly associated with the lymphoid tissue and the cylindrical epithelium was transformed to lymphoepithelium. The oesophageal tonsils offered immunological protection at the entrance of stomach. Keywords: Oesophageal tonsils, Histomorphology, Ducks

In mammals, the spinal cord forms a long, roughly cylindrical structure with cervical and lumbar enlargements. It is anchored in the vertebral canal, enclosed by meninges. The cord is protected by the epidural fat and terminates as the conus medullaris, which varied in level at different stages of gestation. The weight and length of the cord have a significant correlation in between them and with age, body weight, CRL, and vertebral column length and other body parameters. All cord segments did not correspond to the corresponding vertebrae. Initially, the spinal cord extended the entire length of the vertebral canal. Later it loose its correspondence with vertebral segments as gestation proceeds.

DNA barcoding is a technique for characterizing species of organisms using a short DNA sequence from a standard and agreed-upon position in the genome. In the present study, DNA barcoding was used as a technology to differentiate deer and goat species from the skin samples. The samples were collected from different regions of the skin, viz. ear pinna, dorsal abdomen, muzzle and interdigital space of foerelimb of deer brought for post mortem at College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, from Thrissur zoo and forest department and of goat freshly slaughtered in Meat Technology Unit, Mannuthy. Samples were chopped and preserved in ethanol and processed. The mitochondrial sequence of Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit (COI) was deliberated as a barcode marker suited best for species identification of the animals and based on this the samples were identified as Cervus unicolor, Rusa timorensis and Capra hircus. The results recommended that unidentified specimens from wild animals can be recognized competently using DNA sequencebased analysis.

Chronic inflammation of the myelin sheath is the crucial event behind the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). Bacoside-A is one of the major constituents obtained from Bacopa monerii (L.) Wettst., and possess neuroprotective as well as anti-inflammatory actions. The current study explores the effect of Bacoside-A in acute and chronic models of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). The results indicate that the Bacoside-A treated mice produced a significant reduction in disease score compared to disease control in both models. The treatment with Bacoside-A downregulated the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17a, and TNFα) and inflammatory chemokine CCL-5 in EAE mice. On the other hand, Bacoside-A treated mice showed a nonsignificant effect on promoting the expressions of NCAM, BDNF1, and FOXP3 in acute and chronic models of EAE. Histopathological analysis revealed that the Bacoside-A treated mice at a dose of 10 mg/kg exhibited a significant reduction in cellular infiltrations, cellular changes, and demyelination in cerebral tissues, but unable to protect at a higher dose in both models. In conclusion, Bacoside-A can able to inhibit the progression of EAE may be by the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine evolved during active EAE.

Background: Rabbit farming provides a valuable additional source of income in the rural areas of the county. Skin is the largest organ in the body and the hair coat forms the first line of defense against the invading pathogenic organisms as well as the physical environment. So far, no detailed comparative study has been conducted on the skin of various breeds of rabbits. Hence, the present work was undertaken to compare the structure and distribution of hair follicles in different breeds of rabbits commonly reared in Kerala.Methods: The study was conducted on the skin of six breeds of rabbits namely, Soviet Chinchilla, New Zealand White, Grey Giant, White Giant, Angora and crossbred. In total, 36 animals were used for the study. From each animal, skin samples were collected from eight representative areas of the body viz., dorsal nasal region, pinna, dorsal neck, dorsal thorax, dorsal abdomen, ventral abdomen, perineal and carpal regions. Standard procedures were adopted for histological studies.Result: All the six breeds of rabbits showed compound hair follicles with primary and secondary follicles with associated sebaceous glands. Arrangement of hair follicles showed differences among the breeds. There was no difference in the histology of hair/hair follicle among the breeds. This work will form a basis for further breed specific research in the area of fur and leather industry and skin penetration studies.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a freshwater fish that has great potential to be developed and has a fairly high economic value. One of the important factors to support the success of Tilapia fish farming is the availability of seeds. Instalasi Budidaya Air Tawar (IBAT) Pandaan is contributing to the fulfillment of the superior seeds through the activities of tilapia fish hatchery. The purpose of this study was to identified the performance of hatcheries techniques of tilapia fish in Instalasi Budidaya Air Tawar (IBAT) Pandaan, Pasuruan, East Java through the survival rate. This research used in this study was descriptive method, supported by primer and secondary data. The survival rate result showed that high value of survivaval rate of 92% and showed good condition of fish This was due to the good technique of tilapia hatcheries included the pond preparation, broodstock selection and preparation, hatchery, feeding, and water quality control.

Passiflora foetida leaves used by the society for generations as a natural antidiabetic drug research aims to test the effectiveness of the leaf extract of Passiflora foetida with variations of a dose of 250 mg / kg, 500 mg / kg, and 750 mg / kg in lowering blood sugar levels in mice. Passiflora foetida leaves were extracted by sokhletasi method with 70% ethanol, the extract was tested on 15 mice, the test animals were randomized into 5 groups consist of negative control group given 0.5% Na-CMC, positive control group was given glibenclamide 0, 65 mg / kg, and the treatment group were given the leaf extract of Passiflorafoetida with variations of each dose of 250 mg / kg, 500 mg / kg, 750 mg / kg. To increase blood sugar levels in mice induced glucose 50%. Measurement of blood sugar levels in mice were performed using an easy touch glucometer and blood is taken via the lateral tail vein. The results showed that the percentage of blood sugar levels drop to a negative control is 13.1%, for a dose of 250 mg / kg body weight of 29.52%, for a dose of 500 mg / kg was 38.79%, to dosis750 mg / kg was 49, 21%, and 48.1% for the positive control. The results showed that the leaf extract of Passiflorafoetida at a dose of 750 mg / kg is most effective as an antidiabetic

Salmonella Paratyphi A is a food-borne Gram-negative pathogen and a major public health challenge in the developing world. Upon reaching the intestine, S. Paratyphi A penetrates the intestinal epithelial barrier; and infects phagocytes such as macrophages and dendritic cells. S. Paratyphi A surviving within macrophages is protected from the lethal action of antibiotics due to their poor penetration into the intracellular compartments. Hence we have developed chloramphenicol loaded chondroitin sulfate (CS-Cm Nps) and dextran sulfate (DS-Cm Nps) nanoparticles through ionotropic-gelation method for the intracellular delivery of chloramphenicol. The size of these nanoparticles ranged between 100 and 200 nm in diameter. The encapsulation efficiency of both the nanoparticles was found to be around 65%. Both the nanoparticles are found to be non-hemolytic and non-toxic to fibroblast and epithelial cells. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited sustained release of the drug of up to 40% at pH 5 and 20–25% at pH 7.0 after 168 h. The anti-microbial activities of both nanoparticles were tested under in vitro and ex vivo conditions. The delivery of DS-Cm Nps into the intracellular compartments of the macrophages was 4 fold more compared to the CS-Cm Nps which lead to the enhanced intracellular antimicrobial activity of Ds-Cm Nps. Enhanced anti-microbial activity of Ds-Cm Nps was further confirmed in an ex vivo chicken intestine infection model. Our results showed that Cm loaded DS Nps can be used to treat intracellular Salmonella infections.

Prenatal development of rectal patch was studied in 30 goat fetuses ranging from 1.4 cm CRL (24 days of gestation) to 38.0 cm CRI (Crown ramp length). Rectal patch first appeared in goat foetuses by 60 days of gestational age as a continuous band of small to medium–sized lymphocytes in the lamina propria of rectum. During fourth month of gestation, the primordia differentiated into large lymphoid nodules which had an oval basal portion and a pyramidal apical portion, which formed a dome-like structure within the intestinal ridges below the surface epithelium and was surrounded by an irregular capsule. During fifth month, an increase in the number and size of the lymphoid nodules and primordial dome region was noticed. The lymphoid nodules were histologically mature with a prominent germinal center, its corona, a wide dome area and an internodular area with few high endothelial venules. The rectal patch was histologically mature at birth with both primary and secondary nodules in it.

Histological studies were conducted on the palatine tonsil of six male crossbred goats of six months of age. The tonsils were lined by a stratified squamous non-keratinized surface epithelium which continued into the crypts forming the non-reticular epithelium. At some areas in the crypts, the non-reticular epithelium associated with lymphoid follicles showed a great reduction in height with only one to two intact cell layers and were called reticular epithelium or lymphoepithelium. Propria-submucosa of the palatine tonsil was characterized by dense irregular connective, lymphoid, glandular, adipose and muscular tissues. Lymphoid tissue constituted majority of the palatine tonsil and was organized into primary and secondary lymphoid nodules and dense diffuse lymphatic tissue. Average diameter of lymphoid nodules was 684.17±6.88µm while the lymphocyte count in the nodules was 28826.54±236.25. The average number of lymphatic nodules counted per field under low power magnification of microscope was 2.67±0.42 and the internodular distance was 34.67±1.41. Glandular tissue was present in the deeper areas of propria-submucosa. A well developed connective tissue capsule separated the lymphoid and glandular tissues of the palatine tonsil. In the immunohistochemical staining technique strong positive reaction for cytoplasmic IgG bearing B- lymphocytes was noticed within the germinal centre of lymphoid nodules, towards the base of the FAE and some cells even infiltrated the crypt epithelium. In the mantle zone and internodular area, reaction was very mild indicating that T- lymphocytes predominated in these areas. It was concluded that the palatine tonsils were histologically mature as a local defence mechanism against the harmful substances to be encountered from the environment after birth.

Aim: The present work was targeted to form the baseline data of normal morphological and histological picture of parathyroid gland in female Kuttanad ducks.Materials and Methods: A Histomorphological study of the parathyroid gland was carried out in twelve adult female Kuttanad ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) of 20 weeks of age. Birds reared semintensively were procured from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Poultry and Duck Farm and sacrificed humanely. Glands were collected and gross parameters were recorded. The glands were fixed in 10 percent neutral buffered formalin. The small sized glands were processed as such by routine histological methods, paraffin blocks were prepared and sectioned to a thickness of 5µ. The tissues were stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) for routine histological studies and Gomori's rapid one step trichrome method for connective tissue fibres. Micrometric parameters were recorded using ocular micrometer. Results: Parathyroid glands in Kuttanad ducks lay just caudal to the division of the innominate artery into the subclavian and common carotid arteries. Parathyroids were oval to spherical in shape, yellow in colour and smaller than thyroid gland of the representative sides. The arterial blood supply was from common carotid artery and blood from gland was drained directly into jugular vein. Although it lied close to the thyroid, thymus and ultimobranchial gland, parathyroid tissue did not merge to any of the above mentioned three glands. Parenchyma was composed irregular anatomizing cords of cells supplied by connective tissue stroma penetrated by blood capillaries. Parenchyma was predominantly made of lightly stained cell, the chief cell. The nuclei were round and contain one or two nucleoli. Oxyphil cells present in parathyroid glands of other mammals were not seen in the present study. Conclusion: Histomorphological features or characteristics of Parathyroid gland in Kuttanad duck were studied. Cranial parathyroids were larger in size as compared to the caudal parathyroids. Parathyroid glands were enclosed by a well-developed connective tissue capsule made predominantly of collagen fibers. Parenchyma was composed of irregular anatomizing cords of cells supplied by connective tissue stroma and penetrated by blood capillaries. Oxyphil cells were absent similar to other aves. Parathyroid gland is very vital in maintaining the homeostasis of the plasma calciumReference?. Findings of this study will contribute to the anatomy literature as a valuable resource for future researchers focused on this subject and will also help other allied subjects on comparative basis.

1- Pylorus. 2- Craniodorsaltenuis muscle. 3- Proximal region of the descending limb of the duodenum 3- Pancreatico- duodenal artery Right branch of Celiac artery 1-Duodenum 2-Pancrease 4- Ileocecal artery Pancreaticoduodenal artery 1- 1-Distal (cranial) two thirds of the left cecom 2- and adjacent ileum 5- Colic branch Cranial mesenteric artery 1- Cranial portion of the colon Abstract The spleen is the largest secondary lymphatic organ involved in filtering the blood and initiating immune re- sponses against blood borne anti- gens. The present study was carried out on the spleen of fox collected from the Department of Veterinary Pathology. Grossly, spleen was tongue shaped and dark brown in colour. It was located in the left cra- nial quadrant of the abdomen. His- tologically, the spleen was sur- rounded by a thick capsule com- posed mainly of dense collagen fi- bers with a few smooth muscle fi- bers. Thick trabeculae consisting of collagen, few elastic and smooth muscle fibers extended from the capsule into the parenchyma. The splenic parenchyma was composed of red pulp with extensive venous sinuses, venules and spleniccords. White pulp was distributed through- out the spleen and was composed of lymphatic nodules with a central artery, and diffuse lymphatic tissue arranged as periarteriolar lymphatic sheaths (PALS).

Gross and histological studies were conducted on the pharyngeal tonsil of six male crossbred goats of six months of age. In the nasopharynx, pharyngeal tonsil was located on the caudal part of the pharyngeal septum and was 5.54±1.41cm long and 2.19±0.92cm wide. It presented numerous longitudinally arranged primary and secondary folds. Histologically the tonsil was lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium comprising of 8-14 rows of nuclei of three types of cells, viz. basal, supporting and goblet cells. This epithelium was transformed at places into follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) and was characterized by decreased height of the epithelial cells, absence of cilia and goblet cells and heavy infiltration of lymphocytes through the interrupted basement membrane. The height of surface epithelium was 87.33± 1.20μm and that of follicle-associated epithelium was 52.33± 5.21μm. Propria-submucosa comprised of a central axis of loosely arranged connective tissue with dense aggregates of lymphoid tissue, fine blood capillaries and few nerve fibres folded around it. The cryptolymphatic units and tonsillar nodules of varying shape and dimensions constituted the majority of the lymphoid tissue. The average diameter of lymphoid nodules was 921.67±8.72μm and the lymphocyte count per nodule was 32233.23±324.24. The average number of lymphatic nodules counted per field under low power magnification of microscope was 2.5±0.43 and the internodular distance was 29.83±1.40μm. In scanning electron microscopy surface of the pharyngeal tonsil was covered by two types of epithelium viz., the ciliated respiratory surface epithelium and the FAE consisting predominantly of three types of non-ciliated microvillus cells.

The present study was conducted on the sternum of an eight year old, male Green-winged Macaw. The sternum was quadrilateral with dorsal concave and ventral convex surfaces and four borders. The dorsal surface presented numerous pneumatic foramina. The ventral surface furnished a large, boat shaped keel. The anterior extremity showed two facets for coracoid. The anterior and posterior borders were convex. The lateral border on either side presented six costal facets. Two distinct oval foramina were seen near the posterior border. Craniolateral processes were short and stump-like. Caudolateral processes fused with the median trabecula on either side. The rostrum was distinct. The morphological features of the sternum of Green-winged Macaw conformed to that of flying group of birds. It was almost similar to that of goose in its anterior half and to that of pigeon in its posterior half.

Aim: To observe the light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the caprine tubal tonsil. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on six crossbred male goats of 6 months of age. From the median sections of the head, tissue pieces from the nasopharynx around the auditory tube were collected and fixed for histology and SEM. Results: Tonsillar lymphoid tissue was located in the nasopharynx ventral to the auditory tube opening in the lateral wall of the pharynx. The height of the surface epithelium of the tubal tonsil measured 80.17±1.08 μm and was a pseudostratified ciliated columnar type with basal, supporting, and goblet cells. Above the dome of lymphoid nodules, the epithelium was modified into a follicle associated epithelium (FAE), also called lympho-epithelium or reticular epithelium and was characterized by the absence of goblet cells and cilia, reduced number of cell layers, and a large number of lymphoid cells due to interrupted basement membrane. The height of FAE was smaller than that of the surface epithelium and measured 34.33±0.92 μm. The surface of tubal tonsil showed folds and invaginations, which formed crypts. The lamina propria-submucosa underneath the epithelium was formed by the meshwork of reticular and, thin and loose collagen fibers with dome-like accumulation of lymphoid nodules. In the secondary lymphoid nodules, a corona, parafollicular area, and interfnodular area were observed. The average number of lymphoid nodules counted per field under low power magnification of microscope was 1.17±0.17, and the internodular distance was 34.00±4.37 μm. The mean diameter of lymphoid nodules was 566.67±11.45 μm and the lymphocyte count per nodule was 14741.67±174.36. The number of plasma cells counted per field under low power was 44.38±2.90 below the surface epithelium. The tubal tonsil was not encapsulated. In SEM, the surface epithelium of the tubal tonsils presented ciliated cells, microvillus (MV) cells, and goblet cells. The region of FAE possessed Type-I and Type-II MV cells and microfold (M) cells in between. Conclusion: It was concluded that the tubal tonsils were well developed in goats, which might serve as a means of protection against the spread of infection to the middle ear cavity.

Receptor targeted therapy is advantageous in overcoming the toxicity burden of conventional cancer chemotherapeutics. Over expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells and its role in metastasis, malignancy and drug resistance in many human cancers lead to its selection as a promising target for cancer treatment. The present work investigated the preparation and characterization of docetaxel (DTXL) loaded gamma-poly (glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA) nanoparticles (Nps) conjugated with EGFR antibody (Cetuximab, CET) targeted to colon cancer cells (HT-29), highly over expressing EGFR. The flow cytometric analysis revealed two fold increased cellular uptake of CET-DTXL-gamma-PGA Nps by HT-29 (EGFR +ve) cells compared to that of IEC-6 (EGFR-ve) cells confirming the active targeting. Cytotoxicity assays (MTT and LDH) showed superior anti-proliferative activity of CET-DTXL-gamma-PGA NPs over DTXL-gamma-PGA Nps against HT-29 cells. The cell cycle analysis indicated that CET-DTXL-gamma-PGA NPs induced cell death in enhanced percentage of HT-29 cells by undergoing cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase compared to that of DTXL-gamma-PGA Nps. The mechanism of cancer cell death was analyzed via apoptotic and mitochondrial membrane potential assays and showed that targeted Nps treatment reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential thereby inducing enhanced HT-29 cell death (apoptosis and necrosis). The biodistribution of targeted and non-targeted Nps were analyzed in vivo in Swiss albino mice using NIR imaging. ICG-CET-DTXL-gamma-PGA Nps (targeted) and ICG-DTXL-gamma-PGA Nps (non-targeted) followed the similar biodistribution pattern in vivo, but with different elimination time. In short, CET-DTXL-gamma-PGA nanoparticles enhance the tumor selective therapeutic efficacy for colon cancer.

Lung cancer, associated with the up-regulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) led to the development of EGFR targeted anticancer therapeutics. The biopolymeric nanoparticles form an outstanding system for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. The present work evaluated the in vitro effects of chitosan cross-linked γ-poly(glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) nanoparticles (Nps) loaded with docetaxel (DTXL) and decorated with Cetuximab (CET), targeted to EGFR over-expressing non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC) cells (A549). CET-DTXL-γ-PGA Nps was prepared by ionic gelation and CET conjugation via EDC/NHS chemistry. EGFR specificity of targeted Nps was confirmed by the higher uptake rates of EGFR +ve A549 cells compared to that of EGFR −ve cells (NIH3T3). The cytotoxicity of Nps quantified using cell based (MTT/LDH) and flowcytometry (Cell-cycle analysis, Annexin V/PI and JC-1) assays showed superior antiproliferative activity of CET-DTXL-γ-PGA Nps over DTXL-γ-PGA Nps. The A549 cells treated with CET-DTXL-γ-PGA NPs underwent a G2/M phase cell cycle arrest followed by reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential of A549 cells, inducing apoptosis and necrosis resulting in enhanced cancer cell death. CET-DTXL-γ-PGA Nps exhibited enhanced cellular internalization and therapeutic activity, by actively targeting EGFR on NSCLC cells and hence could be an effective alternative to non-specific, conventional chemotherapy by increasing its efficiency by many folds.

Nanoparticle mediated delivery of antineoplastic agents, functionalized with monoclonal antibodies has achieved extraordinary potential in cancer therapy. The objective of this study was to develop a drug delivery system comprising O-carboxymethyl chitosan (O-CMC) nanoparticles, surface-conjugated with Cetuximab (Cet) for targeted delivery of paclitaxel (PTXL) to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) over-expressing cancer cells. Nanoparticles around 180±35nm and negatively charged were prepared through simple ionic gelation technique. The alamar blue assay indicated that these targeted nanoparticles displayed a superior anticancer activity compared to non-targeted nanoparticles. The nanoformulation triggered enhanced cell death (confirmed by flow cytometry) due to its higher cellular uptake. The selective uptake of Cet-PTXL-O-CMC nanoparticles by EGFR +VE cancer cells (A549, A431 and SKBR3) compared to EGFR -VE MIAPaCa-2 cells confirms the active targeting and delivery of PTXL via the targeted nanomedicine. Cet-PTXL-O-CMC nanoparticles can be used a promising candidate for the targeted therapy of EGFR over expressing cancers.

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Repeated treatment with chemotherapeutics has resulted in tumors that are resistant to these agents. So, it is becoming necessary to identify natural products that target multiple signaling pathways and cause growth inhibitory effects on human cancer cells without resulting in toxicity issues in normal cells. Curcumin, epigallocatechingallate (EGCG; green tea extract), resveratrol, saponins, silymarin, and grape seed extract (GSE) are some of the phytochemicals with significant anticancer potential that we will be focusing on in this review. Curcumin, a natural diphenolic compound derived from turmeric Curcuma longa, has proven to be a modulator of intracellular signaling pathways that control cancer cell growth, inflammation, invasion and apoptosis, revealing its anticancer potential. EGCG and GSE are two popular plant extracts that have attracted much attention in recent years due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Saponins are a group of naturally occurring plant glycosides, of which at least 150 kinds of natural saponins have been found to possess significant anticancer properties. Silymarin, a mixture of mainly three flavonolignans (silybin, silychristin and silydianin), is extracted from the milk thistle and possesses potential biological properties. Even though these agents are potent anticancer agents, they are limited by their solubility, hydrophobicity, and low bioavailability. Polymeric nanocarriers provide an efficient platform for overcoming the factors that limit application of phytochemicals as therapeutic agents. This review focuses on the development of phytochemical-loaded polymeric nanoparticles and their application as potential anticancer therapeutic agents.

The present study was carried out on three elephant calves to elucidate the general histoarchitecture of stomach of Indian elephant. The stomach was simple and cylindrical with conical diverticulum ventriculi in the anterior border. Grossly the mucosa showed a pale smaller non-glandular region and a larger glandular part, which was folded in cardiac region, pitted in fundic region while smooth in the pyloric region. Cardiac gland area covered nearly half of the stomach and the fundic and pyloric regions formed one-fourth part each of the remaining area. Histologically, the tunica mucosa of the non-glandular region was lined with stratified squamous epithelium whereas that of glandular region was made of simple columnar epithelium. Lamina propria was densely packed with cardiac, fundic or pyloric glands depending on the regions. Diffuse lymphatic tissue was found in the lamina propria of cardiac and fundic regions of stomach. But in the pyloric region diffusely arranged and well organized aggregated lymphatic nodules could be located. Lamina muscularis was relatively thick in all regions and showed inner circular and outer longitudinal layers. The tunica muscularis was very thick and consisted of three distinct layers of smooth muscles. Externally tunica serosa was present. All these features were comparable to those of porcine stomach but the glands in lamina propria were more densely packed and lamina muscularis and tunica muscularis were relatively thicker.

Whole amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) seed flour, its air-classified fractions and extruded blends of these with wheat and oats were studied with the purpose of evaluating their potential as components in the development in infant formulas. Proximal chemical analyses, mineral content, fatty acid composition of lipid fractions, amino acid analyses and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and Net Protein Retention (NPR) values were obtained for all raw materials, as well as for 50:50 and 60:40 blends of these with oats and wheat. The 50:50 and 60:40 blends of whole amaranth, as well as of the protein-rich air-classified fraction, were found to be highly suitable for utilization in infant formulas.

Whole flour air classification protein and starchy fractions of raw amaranth seeds were employed in mixtures with commercial lime-treated corn flour (MINSA) or corn meal, as in the traditional method, to prepare tortillas. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) and net protein rate (NPR), were improved with no changes in the sensory characteristics. Lysine content decreased slightly in the processed samples. Improvement in the tortilla's protein (9.2 to 12%), fat (1.8 to 4.9%), phosphorus (231–370 mg%), and linoleic acid (41–56.8%) content was achieved. Each substituted flour demonstrated a unique sensory pattern, and amaranth flour and fractions showed no significant differences in the substitutions, tested principally for appearance, aroma, texture, flavour and aftertaste.

Selected Amaranthus eruentus ecotypes from different places of origin were used to prepare baking products. Amylograph, alveograph and farinograph data of mixtures of white wheat flour with whole amaranth grain flour from raw, toasted and popped amaranth seeds, as well as with higher protein fractions obtained by air classification, presented clear differences with respect to wheat flour. Six selected amaranth lines displayed different behaviors according to their origin and the seeds, previous treatment. Results indicate the opportunity of employing wheat-amaranth mixtures in programs developed to improve the diet of the population's marginal sectors. Enriched cookies and “bolillos” (French bread) with NPR values of 3.63 and 4.35, respectively, slightly higher than casein (3.0 and 4.0). are especially recommended for this purpose.