Effect of Milk Fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 on Nutrient Digestibility, Faecal Biomarkers and Immune Response in Murrah calves

Abstract In neonates, rapid change in diet imbalances gut health allowing colonization of opportunistic pathogens that confer harmful effects on animal health causing reduced digestion and malabsorption of nutrients. In this milieu, probiotic feeding can be a promising approach in promoting animal health and stabilization of gastrointestinal microbiota. Hence, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 enriched fermented milk on nutrient digestibility, faecal biomarkers and immune response in Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty-four, neonatal calves (5-7 days) were randomly allocated into four groups for 90 days. The control group (CT) was provided a basal diet of calf starter and green fodder (maize and jowar), without any probiotic fermented milk (PFM) supplementation. Basal diet was supplemented with probiotic fermented milk at 100, 200 and 300 mL/calf/day, in PFM100, PFM200 and PFM300 groups, respectively. Nutrient digestibility remained similar among the groups. Faecal acetate was higher (P<0.05) in PFM200 and PFM300, while, faecal butyrate was increased (P<0.05) with all levels of probiotic supplementation than control. Faecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium count were increased (P<0.05) with a concomitant reduction in coliform population (P<0.05) among all the treatments. Cell-mediated and humoral immune response were higher (P<0.001) in PFM200 and PFM300 than CT. Overall, it can be concluded that inclusion of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 in the form of fermented milk upto 300 mL/calf/day improved immunity and faecal biomarkers in Murrah buffalo calves without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization which may positively impact growth performance in Murrah buffalo calves.

Speech language characteristics and intervention approaches in lockedin syndrome post snake envenomation

The present case study illustrates hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy as a result of neuroparalytic snake envenomation in an 11 year old male patient. Detailed speech assessment was done which revealed diverged oral structures and language loss. The study aims to document speech and language characteristics as well as rehabilitation in terms of speech therapy. The study enlightens the role of speech language pathologist in assessment and intervention of locked in syndrome. Study shows the swapped roles of traditional therapy approaches and the importance of augmentative and alternative communication as compassion and a beneficial technique in an intricate incident like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy as a result of neuroparalytic snake envenomation.

Molecular Signatures of MicroRNA in Obesity Associated Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Middle-Aged Adults

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disorder with multiple clinical outcomes and is now being recognized as a serious health concern across the globe. However, the mechanisms of its pathophysiology are still elusive. Also, to date, evidence of miRNA regulation of sleep apnea in the Indian sub-population is unknown. Methods: In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of certain potential obesity-linked miRNAs in OSA subjects. Seventy adult subjects (20 obese OSA, 20 non-obese OSA and 30 healthy) were selected for this study. Total RNA was extracted and the expression of miR-21, miR-27, miR-29 and let-7 (normalized with internal control RNU48) was analyzed by SYBR Green-based qPCR. Results: We selected miR-21, miR-27, miR-29 and let-7 for their documented role in obesity. Relative miRNA expression profiles revealed differential expressions of all four above mentioned miRNAs in both obese and non-obese OSA subjects compared to healthy controls. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between miRNA expression with obesity-associated parameters in OSA subjects. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the involvement of four miRNAs (miR-21, miR-27, miR-29 and let-7) as potential molecular players of obesity-associated OSA. Identification of miRNA targets and in-depth analysis of their molecular mechanism in disease pathogenesis is further warranted.

Anaesthetic Management in Patient with Montgomery TTube in-Situ- A Case Report

Montgomery tube is a silicone tube which has greater flexibility and minimal tissue reaction. It can act as both tracheostomy tube and stent to keep the tracheal airway open after repair of tra-cheal stenosis.Here we report a successful management of a case of 45-year old male who had Montgomery tube in situ posted for Direct Laryngoscopy assessment to rule out subglottic steno-sis before decannulation trial.

A randomized, open-label, comparative study of oral tranexamic acid and tranexamic acid microinjections in patients with melasma

Background: Melasma poses a great challenge as its treatment modalities are unsatisfactory. Treatment using tranexamic acid is a novel concept. Aim: This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of oral tranexamic acid and tranexamic acid microinjections in patients with melasma. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, open-label study with a sample size of 64, 32 in each treatment arm. Thirty-two patients were administered localized microinjections (4 mg/ml) of tranexamic acid monthly in 1 arm, while in the other arm, 32 were given oral tranexamic acid 250 mg twice a day. Patients were followed up for 3 consecutive months. Clinical photographs were taken at each visit, and a modified melasma area and severity index scoring was performed at the beginning and end of treatment. Results: Improvement in melasma area and severity index score in the oral group was 57.5% as compared to 43.5% in the intralesional group. All 32 patients in the oral group (100%) showed >50% improvement, out of which 8 showed >75% improvement. In the intralesional group, 17 (53%) patients had >50% improvement, of which 3 had >75% improvement. The remaining 15 patients in this group had <50% improvement. Thus, the oral group showed a more significant response as compared to the intralesional group. No major adverse effects were observed in both the groups. At 6-month follow-up, two patients (6.2%) in the oral group had recurrence as compared to three patients (9.4%) in the intralesional group. Limitations: A small sample size was one of the limitations in this study. The dose of tranexamic acid in microinjections and the frequency of injections could have been increased. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid provides rapid and sustained improvement in the treatment of melasma. It is easily available and affordable. Oral route is undoubtedly efficacious, but the results of microinjections, while encouraging, can probably be enhanced by either increasing the frequency of injections or increasing the concentration of the preparation.

Fabrication and Characterization of chitosan based polymeric Escitalopram nanoparticles.

Objective: Escitalopram (ETP), an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), and s-enantiomer of citalopram is exclusively used as an antidepressant. The drug shows extensive hepatic metabolism, reduced drug efficacy and potential side effects, which reduces its therapeutic index. The present study is focused on developing and characterizing chitosan based nanoparticles of Escitalopram oxalate (ETP). Materials and Methods: The nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method using chitosan and tripolyphosphate (TPP). The formulated nanoparticles were optimized and further characterized by various techniques like particle size, zeta potential analysis, TEM, SEM, EDX, rheological parameters and FT-IR techniques. Also, in vitro drug diffusion was studied to evaluate its pattern of drug release. Result and Discussion: The optimized ETP loaded nanoparticles were made with chitosan: tripolyphosphate (1:1.5) ratio, showing particle size range of 60 – 115nm, with polydispersity index of 0.117, which was further confirmed by TEM analysis whereas; zeta potential was estimated to be -1.89mV. The SEM EDX scans showed almost smooth morphology of the same. The FT – IR results confirmed that there is no interaction between the polymers and drug molecules. The in vitro drug release study using dialysis membrane showed sustained drug release pattern of ETP nanoparticles. Conclusion: ETP loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared successfully from ionic gelation method, suggesting a comparatively suitable option for treatment of disease with fewer side effects and increased affinity of drug.

Enzyme-based Colorimetric and Potentiometric Biosensor for Detecting Pb (II) Ions in Milk

The aim of the present work was to study a simple colorimetric and potentiometric biosensor based on urease inhibition by Pb (II) ions for its estimation in milk samples. Urease immobilized on nylon membrane by hydrosol gel method was used as the biocomponent to demonstrate the metal effect on the enzyme activity using phenol red as the pH indicator. A lower limit detection of 38.6µm was achieved in the milk and the enzyme membranes were stable for more than two months at 4ºC. In potentiometric approach, response of an ion selective electrode (ISE) to changing ammonium ion concentration as a consequence of urease inhibition by Pb (II) ions was explored to achieve a detection limit of 9.66 µm. Lead specificity was attained by means of masking agents 1,10 - phenanthroline and sodium potassium tartarate. Validation of the developed biosensors was carried out with spiked milk samples.

Celiac disease: association with adult-onset Still's disease: apropos of a clinical case.

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rheumatic disorder of unknown etiology characterized by a triad of fever, polyarthritis and evanescent rash. We present a case report of a 28-year-old female who presented with complaints of fever, joint pains, rash, weakness for the past 4 years and diarrhea for the past 2 years. On investigation the patient was diagnosed to be a case of AOSD. Duodenal biopsy report was suggestive of celiac disease with a positive IgA tissue transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibody. The patient was started on weekly methotrexate and gluten-free diet and her symptoms gradually improved. The patient remains in our follow-up and is doing well.

Stem cells: A new paradigm.

Stem cell therapy is emerging as a potentially revolutionary new way to treat disease and injury, with wide-ranging medical benefits. It aims to repair damaged and diseased body-parts with healthy new cells provided by stem cell transplants. Disease and disorders with no therapies or at best, partially effective ones, are the lure of the pursuit of stem cell research. Recently a plethora of work has been done in this field in world around including India. However, Stem cell research presents many ethical and scientific questions as well as future challenges. Nevertheless, stem cell therapy, a prologue to an era of medical discovery of cell-based therapies that will one day restore function to those whose lives are now challenged every day, is still at the beginning of the road.