Nutrient Composition, Metabolites and Microbial Counts in Litter Material of Broiler Chicken Fed Condensed Tannins Containing Guava Leaf Meal Supplemented Diets: Reduce Environmental Pollution and Alternate Feedstuffs for Ruminants

Present study was conducted in 240 day-old broiler chicks to assess the effect of condensed tannins (CT) containing guava leaf meal (GLM) supplemented diet on nutrient composition, litter metabolites viz. pH, moisture and ammonia concentration) and microbial counts after completion of feeding trial of 42 days. Chicks were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments, with 4 replicates of 15 chicks in each pen in a completely randomized block design (CRD). Chicks were fed basal diets supplemented with GLM @ 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 percent, in T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, while, T0 group fed only basal diet. Litter materials of chicks showed good nutrient profiles and properly sterilized litter material act as alternative feed ingredient for ruminants feed. Supplementation of GLM in the diets of chicks significantly (P<0.05) reduced moisture, pH, NH3 concentration, harmful Eschericia coli and Clostridia spp. counts in the litter materials and reduced environmental pollution. The litter material of GLM supplemented (T1, T2 and T3) chicken showed significantly higher (P<0.05) CP contents as compared to un-supplemented control. It can be concluded that properly sterilized litter material of GLM supplemented chicks act as cheaper alternative feedstuffs for ruminant’s ration and reduce environmental pollution by lowering NH3 concentration, harmful E. coli and Clostridia counts in broiler litter material

Influence of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava Leaf Meal Mixture Supplementation on Carcass Characteristics and Economics of Broiler Chickens

Present study was conducted in 120 day-old unsexed broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) supplemented with leaf meal mixture (LMM) of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava@ 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 % of diet, respectively of 30 birds per treatment, each having 3 replicates (10 chicks per replicate) in a complete randomized block design (CRD). Significantly (P<0.05) higher mean body weight was observed in T1 as compared to T2, T3 and T4 groups. Carcass yields viz. live weight, de-feathered weight, slaughtered weight and eviscerated weights (in gram and % LWt.) were statistically non significant (P>0.05) with and without LMM supplemented diets. However, weights of spleen and liver were significantly (P<0.000, P<0.026) higher in LMM supplemented groups as compared to un-supplemented control (T1). Dietary supplementation significantly reduced abdominal fat content in T4 compared to T1, whereas, T2 and T3 have an intermediate values between T1 and T4 and increased the net profit, it ranged from ` 30.41 to 34.24 per bird

Organ Weights and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Different Supplements

The present study was evaluated the effect of dietary inclusion of various feed supplements and their combination on the performance index, glucose and serum cholesterol for 6 weeks. Day-old broiler chicks (n=252) were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups, each with 3 replicates. The first treatment was designated as control (T0) in which no supplement was added to the feed, while in treatments T1; organic mineral mixture (Organomin forte), T2; organic mineral mixture (Vannamin), T3; probiotics (Microguard), T4; enzyme (Brozyme -XPR) and probiotics, T5; emulsifier (Lipigon) were provided through feed. In the T6 group, 3 percent less energy was given through feed. The weight of vital organs viz. heart, liver, gizzard, and spleen were significantly (P<0.05) increased by the feed supplements of which were in the normal range. The gut morphology was also favorably altered due to feed supplementations. This indicates that the organic mineral mixtures, probiotics, enzymes and emulsifiers, and their combinations can be used as a growth promoter in broiler diets and can improve gut health. These products show promising effects as alternatives for antibiotics as pressure to eliminate growth-promoting antibiotic use increases

Isolation, Identification and Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Bacteria from Leaves of Acacia catechu

Drug resistance in bacteria is becoming an alarming problem in recent years. Post-antibiotic era is not so far. The need for novel antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents and agrochemicals are utmost. Endophytes are microorganisms that reside in the tissues of living plants which are relatively unstudied and are potential sources of novel natural products for exploitation in medicine, agriculture and industry. The endophytes of medicinal plants participate in biochemical pathways and produce novel bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to isolate, identify and to assess antibacterial activity of endophytic bacteria from leaves of Acacia catechu. 18 endophytic bacteria had been isolated and identified by sequencing 16S rRNA gene. The isolated endophytic bacteria were identified as Bacillus humi. Considerable in vitro antibacterial activities against a panel of human pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli) were recorded. Among 18 isolates, 15 isolates had shown inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium and 10 isolates had shown inhibitory activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae

Effect of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava Leaf Meal Mixture Supplementation on Performance, Biochemical Profile and Histopathological Changes of Broiler Chicks

Present study was undertaken in 120 day-old broiler chicks, randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4 supplemented with leaf meal mixture (LMM) of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava @ 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 % of diet, respectively) each having 3 replicates (10 chicks/ replicate) in a complete randomized block design (CRD). Experimental chicks were fed basal diets (starter and finisher) supplemented with graded levels of LMM. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at weekly intervals. Two birds from each replicate were slaughtered at the end of feeding trial (42 days). Blood samples were collected and serum separated for biochemical profiles. For histopathological examination, representative tissue samples were collected in 10% neutral buffer formalin and then processed for paraffin embedding employing alcohol as dehydrating agent and xylene as clearing agent. Sections were cut at 4-5µm thickness and stained by routine haematoxylin and eosin method. On histopathological examination of liver, kidney, heart and intestine of T1 and T2 groups showed normal integrity, mild to moderate histopathological changes in T3 group, while, T4 showed drastic histopathological changes. It was concluded that E. jambolana and P. guajava LMM supplementation (2.5% or even 5%) maintained birds performance, minor histopathological changes and producing healthy low cholesterol broiler meat. The LMM incorporation (2.5%) in the diet of broiler chicks may be recommended as socioeconomic, alternative functional feed resource

Evaluation of Wound Healing Properties of Herbal Medicaments on the Basis of Clinical and Haemato-biochemical Changes

The present study was conducted on 24 dogs irrespective of sex, breed and aged between 1year to 8 years with different types of wounds. The animals were randomly divided into four groups. Each group consisted of 6 dogs. The animals of group I were treated with povidone iodine (5.0%) and in group II, III, IV animals were treated with the herbal ointment which were prepared from hydroalcoholic extract of Marigold leaves, Guava leaves and 1:1 mixture of both extract for 7 consecutive days. Clinical and haematological parameters were recorded at different time intervals in all four groups. The study revealed better wound healing properties of the Ointment of 1:1 mixture of Marigold and Guava (10% w/w) leaves extract without any side effect as compared to povidone iodine 5%, ointment of Marigold leaves extract (10% w/w) and ointment of Guava leaves extract (10% w/w) on the basis of clinical and haematological parameters

Morphometric Variation of Adult Human Clavicle - A Tool for Gender Determination

Introduction: Bones can reflect the basic framework of human body and provide valuable information about the biological identity of the deceased. They often, survive the morphological alteration, decay/mutation and decomposition insults. An in depth, knowledge and analysis of variation in clavicular length, midclavicular circumference and weight is imperative for both clinical and forensic anthropological perspectives. Objectives: The present study was done to determine morphometric variability of adult human clavicles by using length, weight and midclavicular circumference parameters. Materials and Methods: 300 pairs of adult human clavicles of known sex obtained from cadaveric dissection and bony collections of anatomy department were utilized for the study. The length, weight and midclavicular circumference were measured. The data obtained was statistically analysed. Results: Gender specific statistical analysis for length, weight and midclavicular circumference was found to be highly significant. The side specific significance was found only in male and in female clavicles for weight and midclavicular circumference respectively. No side specific significance found for length of clavicle. Conclusions: The present study provides morphometric data for North Indians and compares observations with other populations. The study establishes that length, weight and midclavicular circumference of clavicle have a dimorphic potential. This fact can play a decisive role in forensic identifications and clinical interventions. The results are of immense significance for anatomists, orthopedic surgeons and the forensic anthropologists in their professional endeavors.

Landuse impact on soil physical variability and erodibility in North Western subtropics of India

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the impact of landuse on soil physical properties and erodibility. Methodology: Representative soil samples were collected from surface and sub-surface soil depths. Soil physical properties and erodibility indices viz suspension percentage, dispersion ratio, clay/moisture equivalent ratio, erosion ratio, percolation ratio, clay ratio, erosion index and modified clay ratio were determined using standard procedures. Interrelationship among soil properties and erodibility indices were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis (at 95% and 99% significance level). Results: Among landuse systems, the clay was highest in forest while least in soils under barren landuse. Lowest bulk density and highest value of maximum water holding capacity was found in forest soils. According to susceptibility to erosion, the landuse systems were found in the following order barren lands > cultivated systems (agriculture and horticulture) > forest lands. The ‘r’ values showed positive and highly significant correlations between sand content and bulk density with suspension percentage (SP), clay ratio (CR), modified clay ratio (MCR), dispersion ratio (DR), percolation ratio (PR), erosion ratio (ER), erosion index (EI) while negative and significant correlations of these erodibility indices were found with clay and porosity. Among the erodibility indices SP, DR, PR, ER and EI were positively and significantly correlated with each other. Interpretation: Physical quality of soil was higher in forest compared to other landuse systems. Erodibility of different landuse systems could be arranged in order barren lands > cultivated systems (agriculture and horticulture) > forests. The study was useful for suggesting remedial measures and landuse planning for future

Frontal Lobe: Various Sulci Present On Superolateral Surface- A Morphological And Morphometric Study

Introduction: The sulci of the human brain are specifically the result of an evolutionary infolding process. Theseare the anatomical structures which border and divide the adjacent gyri. Knowledge of pattern of sulci and theirsulcul and intersulcal length is important for diagnosis of neurological, functional and cognitive disorders.Aim: The aim of the study is to present the significance of morphological and morphometric measurements ofsulci of superolateral surface of frontal lobe and their comparison between right and left cerebral hemispheres.Materials and methods: The study comprised of 50 formalin fixed cerebral hemispheres 25 right and 25 left, ofhuman cadaver of unknown sex which were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Government MedicalCollege, Amritsar. . All the parameters were taken by using standard digital vernier calliper and calibrated scale.Result and conclusion: All the sulci of superolateral surface of frontal lobe were found to be present in all thespecimens of right and left cerebral hemispheres except AHR which was absent in 4%(2) specimens of the rightside. The mean length of CS and PreCS was found to be more in right hemispheres where as mean depth of bothsulci was more in left hemispheres. Mean length and depth of lateral sulcus was more in left side as comparedto right. Mean length of SFS and IFS was greater in right hemispheres whereas the mean depth of both the sulciwas found to be similar in both sides. Hence the differences in sulcul length and depth indicate that the twocerebral hemispheres differ structurally and it can be speculated that some morphological asymmetries couldbe related to other functional hemispheric specialization

Evaluation of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Huperzine-A; in silico and in vitro studies

The present study is focused on exploring the Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Huperzine-A in silico and in vitro. In this study, Huperzine-A-A was docked with Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase. Docking studies revealed the excellent interaction of Huperzine-A-A with these targets. The result of present study provides insight for the in vitro studies. The in vitro studies the enzyme kinetics of Huperzine-A-A via Lineweaver brooks plot revealed the kinetics and non-competitive inhibitory nature of the later. Further studies on Huperzine-A-A are necessary to develop and establish its role on brain cholinergic system and cognitive deficits which may serve a stepping stone in CNS medication.

Extensive oral telangiectasias in systemic sclerosis

The word telangiectasia is derived from tel- end, angos- vessels and ectasis- dilatation. Telangiectasia can be primary orsecondary. Connective tissue diseases like systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus maybe associated with secondary telangiectasias. Systemic sclerosis presents with mat-like telangiectasias over face, handsand rarely oral mucosa. The present study discusses a case of extensive oral telangiectasias without significant sclerosisover face.

Comparison of Wound Healing Properties of Herbal Ointments with Povidone iodine on Basis of Histological Changes

Present study was conducted on 24 dogs, aged between 1 to 8 years, irrespective of sex, breed. The animals were randomly divided in to four groups. In group I, animals were treated with standard dressing material Povidone iodine (5.0%). In animals of group II, III, IV herbal ointments (10% w/w) of hydroalcoholic extract of Marigold leaves, Guava leaves and mixture of both Marigold and Guava leaves extracts respectively were used for dressings of wounds for 7 consecutive days. In animals of group IV, marked re-epithelialization and moderate inflammatory cells, neovascularization and thicker but scattered collagen fibrils were seen on day 7 and mature collagen fibres were observed with least number of inflammatory cells on day 14 as compared to other three groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that group IV (mixture of Marigold and Guava leaves hydroalcoholic extract) revealed better wound healing properties as compared to group I (Povidone iodine 5.0%), group II (Marigold leaves hydroalcoholic extract) and group III (Guava leaves hydroalcoholic extract).

Evaluation of liquid artificial larval diets for mass rearing of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coq.)

As a step towards increase production efficiency and quality over the storage, handling, and waste challenges of bulking agents in traditionally based ‘solid’ diets, a liquid diet with synthetic sponge cloths has been developed for mass rearing of Melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coq.) under laboratory condition. Several quantities of Brewer’s yeast (8.62, 11.51, 14.38 and 17.25%), and sugar (4.47, 5.96, 7.45 and 8.94%) were tested in liquid larval medium with or without wheat germ oil (WGO). The diets were assessed in terms of pupal yield (%), larval duration (days), pupal weight (gm), percent of adult emergence, active fliers, sex ratio, fecundity, and fertility. Among the different diets tested, larval rearing of B. cucurbitae on a liquid diet (LD-I) with 14.2g of brewer’s yeast, 7.35g of sugar and wheat germ oil found most suitable. This diet resulted in significantly higher pupal weight with maximum adult emergence (81.00%) and fliers (85.58%). The addition of wheat germ oil to liquid diet increase fertility by 39% and egg hatching by 15%, over the control diet. The diet supplemented with linolenic acid (LD-II) resulted in the 68.85% pupal recovery with 78.33% adult emergence and 81.68% fliers. Although, pupal recovery and weight increased with the increase of brewer’s yeast but resulted in the low adult emergence and poor fliers. In the present study, the quality parameters of melon fly reared in LD-I was found close to the recommended pre-irradiation standards of FAO/IAEA/USDA for sterilization of male flies.

Effect of dietary antioxidants on growth and development of Taro caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fab.)

In India, crop yield losses due to various factors including insect-pests range from 15-25% amounting to INR 0.9-1.4 lakh crores annually.IPM including on-line pest monitoring and real time advisory dissemination system may help minimizing such yield losses. With regard to insect pests, it becomes imperative to understand their biology, life history, behaviour and feeding habits, susceptibility and resistance to insecticides. On the other hand, insect diets in rearing room are highly susceptible to microbial growth as well as oxidative destruction by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can damage macromolecules, such as DNA, RNA and proteins, and thereby check the growth and development of insects. However, not much attention has been paid on the role and nature of antioxidants in rearing insect. Free radicals have been implicated as relevant players in the biology of the insect midgut and as mediators of the relation with the indigenous micro biota. Furthermore, insect feeding contributes to acceleration of oxidative deterioration of diets due to introduction of extra-oral digestive secretions and increased surface area of the diet that is directly exposed to atmospheric oxygen. Here, we studied the effects of five dietary antioxidants in various combinations on the biological attributes like developmental period, survival, fecundity and growth index of tobacco caterpillar Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using meridic diet. The larval weight at 14th day of development, total development period and per cent survival were 708.28 mg, 28.07 days and 88.0% in modified diet as compared to 498.64 mg, 30.22 days and 84.1%, in control. The combinations of α-tocopherol at 1500 ppm and ascorbic acid at 3200 ppm enhanced the survival by 1.33%, fecundity by 73 eggs per female and larval growth index (LGI) by 0.31 points. It also enhanced the reproductive potential of S. litura in combination with β-carotene at 200 ppm by enhancing survival to 89.33%, fecundity by 139 eggs per female, LGI by 5.04 and total developmental index (TDI) by 3.24 which were significantly higher over all other treatments.

Panoramic mandibular index: Effect of age and gender related variations in the North-Indian population.

Background: Panoramic Mandibular Index (PMI) is a quantitative radiomorphometric index of the mandible. It is an important indicator of mandibular bone mineral density. Objectives: To examine the age and gender related variations associated with the panoramic mandibular index and their effect in a group of North-Indian population of Haryana. Methods: 60 adult human orthopantomographs were evaluated and divided into six age groups (35-65 years) with equal number of males and females. Panoramic mandibular index was measured bilaterally on every radiograph. The measurements were analyzed for interactions with age and sex, using SPSS (Stastistical Package for Social Studies) software version no. 18. The tests employed were Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and the unpaired T-test. Results: The male mean panoramic mandibular index values ranged from 0.3 ± 0.025 to 0.381 ± 0.019, whereas the female mean panoramic mandibular values ranged from 0.286 ± 0.306 to 0.36 ± 0.007. Panoramic mandibular index showed significant negative correlation with age in both the sexes. Inter-age group comparisons showed statistically significant differences between the youngest and eldest age-groups in both the genders. Female values were lower than male values in all age groups, but sexual dimorphism was not observed. Conclusion: Panoramic mandibular index was influenced significantly by the variations in age but minimally by the gender related variations.

Bilateral carotico-clinoid foramen.

The carotico-clinoid foramen is the result of ossification either of the carotico-clinoid ligament or of a dural fold extending between the anterior and middle clinoid processes of the sphenoid bone. It is anatomically important due to its relations with the cavernous sinus and its contents, sphenoid sinus and pituitary gland. A case of bilateral foramen caroticoclinoid and interclinoid bar has been reported while teaching the cranial cavity to MBBS students. This carotico-clinoid foramen is seen as a consequence of fusion of anterior and middle clinoid processes. The existence of a bony caroticoclinoid foramen may cause compression, tightening or stretching of the internal carotid artery. Further, removing the anterior clinoid process is an important step in regional surgery. The presence of a bony carotico-clinoid foramen may have high risk. Therefore, detail knowledge of type of ossification between the anterior and middle clinoid processes is necessary to increase the success of regional surgery.

Influence of age on the radiomorphometric indices of the gonial region of mandible in North- Indian population.

Background: The gonial region of mandible plays a significant role in the determination of mandibular basal bone morphology. Gonial Angle is important for maintenance of a harmonius facial profile whereas Gonial Index is an indicator of the bone quality of the mandibular gonial region. Objectives: To examine the influence of age on two quantitative radiomorphometric indices of mandible, Gonial Angle (GA) and Gonial Index (GI) in a group of North-Indian population. Material and Methods: 60 adult human orthopantomographs were evaluated and divided into six age groups (35-65 years) with equal number of cases. Gonial Angle and Gonial Index were measured bilaterally on each radiograph. The measurements were analyzed for interactions with age and other interrelationships between the indices. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Studies) software version No. 18 and Mann- Whitney tests were used for various comparisons. Results: Gonial angle showed a significant positive correlation with age as the mean gonial angle values showed an increase with increasing age. Whereas in sharp contrast to this, gonial index showed no correlation with age as the mean gonial index values showed no pattern of either increase or decrease with increase in age. The correlation between gonial angle and gonial index was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Age had a significant influence on the angular radiomorphometric index i.e. gonial angle but the linear radiomorphometric index i.e. gonial index remained independent of age.

Persistent Sciatic artery.

Arteria comitans nervi ischiadici or Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly with an incidence varying 0.025-0.04% . During routine dissection in department of anatomy an incomplete type of Persistent sciatic artery was found which is being reported here. Its oncogeny and phylogeny is also discussed in detail. Such a PSA is prone to atheromatous degeneration, thrombosis, distal thromboembolism, aneurysm formation and rupture. Although rare, the possibility of such an anomaly must be borne in mind with certain clinical presentations , during orthopedic procedures on the hip and during angiographic studies of the leg. Successful surgical correction of problems necessitates excluding the anomalous artery from the circulation while revascularizing the lower exterimity.