Outcome Study of Mandibular Fractures Treated by Surgical Stabilization With Plates and Screws.

This study aims to assess the outcomes of mandibular fractures treated through surgical stabilization using plates and screws, focusing on factors such as postoperative complications, patient satisfaction, and functional recovery. A total of 42 patients were included in the study. Surgical interventions involved the application of plates and screws at the fracture sites. Postoperative complications, including infection, hardware failure, and malocclusion, were recorded. Surgical stabilization of mandibular fractures using plates and screws demonstrates favorable outcomes in terms of stability, occlusal alignment, and patient satisfaction. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the efficacy of this surgical approach, highlighting its role in achieving successful outcomes for mandibular fracture management. Further prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are recommended to strengthen the evidence base and refine treatment protocols.

Versatility of the Propeller Flap for Reconstructing Defects of Distal Third of the Leg.

Background: Soft tissue reconstruction of the leg should be relatively easy to perform, utilize viable tissues similar in skin texture and thickness to those lost, leave the most inconspicuous donor-site defect possible, and be performed without compromising other body parts. Evolution in flap surgery has enabled fasciocutaneous, adipofascial, and super-thin flaps to be harvested for the purpose of reconstruction, thereby minimizing morbidity from muscle inclusion into the flap. The authors present their experience with propeller flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the lower third of the leg. Methods: This study included 30 patients (20 male, 10 female; aged 16-63 years) with moderate-sized leg defects. There were 18 posterior tibial artery perforator flaps, and 12 flaps were based on perforators of the peroneal artery. Results: Soft tissue defect dimensions ranged from 9 cm2 to 150 cm2. Six patients developed complications, including infection, wound dehiscence, and partial flap necrosis. One patient had more than one-third flap loss, which was managed by regular dressing and later by split-thickness skin graft. Mean surgery duration was 2 hours. Conclusions: The propeller flap is a useful, versatile option for coverage of compound lower limb defects for which there are limited alternative means of coverage.

NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY AND ASSESSMENT OF HAZARD INDICES OF THE SOIL FOUND AT SUNG VALLEY, MEGHALAYA.

In this work, the variation of the radioactivity at different depth of the soil found at the Sung Valley in West Jaiñtia Hills District of Meghalaya in India is estimated by using the gamma-ray spectroscopy. The average activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K for soil samples at different depths are measured to be 57, 156 and 352 Bq kg-1, respectively. The radiological hazard indices for the soil samples are calculated using standard models in order to determine the safe utility of these materials that are being used to manufacture domestic products by the locals. Values of all the radiological hazard indices are observed to be within the internationally recommended values as proposed by the European Commission and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. The present study ensures that the soil analysed presents a negligible radiation hazard, and produced poetries and artefacts radiological incidence will stay within the allowed natural limit.

Antioxidant additive melatonin in tris-based egg yolk extender improves post-thaw sperm attributes in Hariana bull.

In the study, melatonin, a known antioxidant pineal peptide was used as an additive in the tris-egg yolk glycerol-based semen extender in Hariana bull semen and post-thaw sperm characters were evaluated. In the study, Group I was a control without melatonin; and Group II, III, and IV were having 0.5 mM, 1 mM, and 2 mM melatonin/80 × 106 spermatozoa, respectively were treatment groups. Thirty-two semen ejaculates from 4 Hariana bulls were processed for freezing and post-thaw sperm characteristics were evaluated. Sperm motility, velocity, the viability with intact membrane, and total antioxidant capacity were markedly (P < 0.05) improved in Group IV compared to all other groups. The lipid peroxidation and total protein carbonylation were substantially (P < 0.05) decreased in Group IV compared to all other groups. The population of cryocapacitated, acrosome-reacted, and apoptotic-like spermatozoa were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in Group IV. Further, the relative band intensity of 74 kDa protein and percent of spermatozoa showing positive immune reactivity to tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins was decreased in Group IV. The progesterone-receptor ligand binding, in vitro capacitation response, and Vanguard distance were markedly (P < 0.05) improved in Group IV. In summary- Group IV having 2 mM melatonin was found to be optimal in providing cryoprotective effects to Hariana bull spermatozoa after freezing-thawing and can be suitably used as a semen additive during semen cryopreservation.

Adsorption and Desorption Study of Reusable Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Modified with Justicia adhatoda Leaf Extract for the Removal of Textile Dye and Antibiotic.

The release of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and methylene blue (MB) dye into the aquatic system uncontrollably caused major environmental and health problems; hence, their prevention required serious attention. Adsorption process is now being researched in order to increase adsorption efficiency and reprocess to alleviate environmental issues. The use of magnetic nanoparticle as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment has a lot of prospective. A magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle surface modified by Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda) leaf extract (JA-MIONs) is used to give a fast removal approach for MB dye and TCH antibiotics. Dynamic light scattering, UV-Vis and band gap measurement, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were operated to analyse the formation and size of these magnetic nanoparticles. The impacts of different factors such as contact time (30-150 min), adsorbate concentration (10-50 mg/L), pH (4-10), and adsorbent dose (2-10 mg) were explored. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms show that it follows the pseudo-first-order kinetic and the Freundlich isotherm, with maximum adsorption capacities of 76.92 mg/g for MB and 200 mg/g for TCH at 298 K. The reusability of the JA-MIONs eventually exhibited a decline in the adsorption percentage of MB and TCH after five and four times respectively. After the desorption-adsorption cycles, this adsorbent continued to exhibit significant adsorption capacity. This investigation furnished the significant reference data for the synthesis of JA-MIONs as a novel and auspicious adsorbent for the industrial clean-up of toxic dyes and heavily used antibiotics from water.

Different Effects of Sugars and Methods to Preserve Post-Thaw Functional Properties of Cryopreserved Caprine Spermatogonial Stem Cells.

The present study aimed to identify the effects of sugar and methods (slow freezing [SF] vs. fast freezing [FF]) on post-thaw in vitro functional characteristics of cryopreserved caprine spermatogonial stem cells (cSSCs) and the cells obtained from cryopreserved testis tissue of prepubertal Barbari bucks. For this, in experiment 1, cSSCs were isolated and cryopreserved by either SF or FF method with different non-permeable (sugars; trehalose [140 mm; 140T or 400 mm; 400T] and sucrose [140 mm; 140S or 400 mm; 400S]) or/and permeable (5% ethylene glycol [EG] and dimethyl sulfoxide) cryoprotectants. After 1 week of cryopreservation, the cSSCs were thawed and cultured for evaluation of their characteristics. Further, in experiment 2, the effectiveness of sugars (trehalose [140 mm] or sucrose [140 mm]) for cryopreservation of testicular tissues of prepubertal Barbari bucks using the SF or FF method was evaluated. After 1 week of cryopreservation, the tissues were thawed and cSSCs were isolated and cultured for 3 weeks. In both experiments, cSSCs were evaluated for recovery rate, proliferation, metabolic viability, senescence, and stemness markers' expression. The recovery rate was 1.3-, 1.3-, and 1.1-fold higher in the 140T group compared with EG, 140S, and 400S groups, respectively. Similarly, the expression of stemness markers (protein gene product 9.5 and octamer-binding transcription factor-4) was relatively higher in 140T group compared with the other groups. In experiment 2, the recovery rate of cells per unit tissue weight was significantly (p < 0.05) higher when cryopreserved using 140 mm trehalose compared with other groups. The results of immunocytochemical analyses imply the expression of pluripotent stem cell markers in cSSCs following cryopreservation. Overall, the outcome of the study demonstrates different effects of sugars and methods on post-thaw functional properties of cSSCs with superiority of 140 mm trehalose using SF method over other treatment groups. These results are important for ex vivo expansion and differentiation of cSSCs for fertility preservation and their other downstream applications.

Electronic and thermoelectric properties of Nd-doped Ce-filled skutterudites.

The electronic and thermoelectric properties of Nd-doped Ce-filled skutterudites (CeFe4P12, CeFe4As12, and CeOs4P12) were explored using full-potential linearized augmented plane waves (FP-LAPW). The exchange-correlation between the electrons was treated with the generalized gradient approximation of Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) and the Coulomb repulsion term (U) between the electrons for the highly correlated system was also considered. The energy band structures revealed the semiconducting nature with energy gaps of 0.42 eV, 0.25 eV and 0.22 eV for CeFe4P12, CeFe4As12, and CeOs4P12, respectively. The phonon dispersion curve displayed the forbidden gap between the optical and acoustic modes in CeFe4P12 and CeOs4P12. The analysis of n-type and p-type doping on pure alloys suggest enhanced thermoelectric behavior in p-type doping on pure alloys and hence the addition of Nd at the central cage atomic site generates flat and dense bands at EF and also opens an optical band gap in doped CeOs4P12. Moreover, the Nd atom introduces strong phonon scattering and hence reduces the lattice thermal conductivity (KL) substantially from 6.79 W m-1 K-1 to 3.47 W m-1 K-1 for CeFe4P12, 3.63 W m-1 K-1 to 1.97 W m-1 K-1 for CeFe4As12 and 6.43 W m-1 K-1 to 2.58 W m-1 K-1 for CeOs4P12 at room temperature. A considerably amplified figure of merit has been observed for the doped sample materials with the highest value of 0.72 at 800 K for doped CeFe4P12 with the highest Seebeck coefficient of 215.51 µV K-1.

Curcumin in a tris-based semen extender improves cryosurvival of Hariana bull spermatozoa.

In this study, the cryoprotective potential of natural antioxidant curcumin in Hariana bull semen was evaluated as an additive in a tris-based extender with the assessment of motility and motion parameters of spermatozoa, membrane intactness, progesterone-receptor binding, protein carbonyl content, cervical mucus penetration, cryocapacitation-associated and apoptotic-like changes. The collected ejaculates were divided into five groups in the tris-based extender (control without curcumin-I, 10 µM-II, 25 µM-III, 50 µM-IV and 75µM-V) and were cryopreserved. Groups II and III containing 10 and 25 µM curcumin substantially (p < .05) improved the post-thaw sperm parameters like viability, motility, and velocity parameters; intact acrosome and membrane; lowered protein carbonyl content; DNA fragmentation and cryocapacitation-associated changes in comparison to control. It was interesting to note that early apoptotic-like changes in sperm cells were significantly (p < .05) decreased in Group II along with an increase in a higher population of sperm cells having high mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Higher progesterone-receptor binding, Vanguard distance and in vitro capacitation response were observed only in Group II (10µM) compared to other groups. In conclusion, curcumin in a semen extender manifests cryoprotective effects and may be incorporated at 10 µM concentration in a Hariana bull semen extender for better post-thaw sperm quality.

Investigation of mechanical, thermodynamical, dynamical and electronic properties of RuYAs (Y=Cr and Fe) alloys.

Investigation of structural, dynamical, mechanical, electronic and thermodynamic properties of RuYAs (Y= Cr and Fe) alloys have been performed from the first principle calculations. Among the three structural phases, 'α' phase is found to be energetically favorable for both the RuCrAs and RuFeAs compounds. The computed cohesive energies and phonon dispersion spectra indicate the structural and dynamical stabilities of both the compounds. Mechanical stability of these compounds are studied using elastic constants. The Pugh's ratio predicts RuFeAs to be more ductile than RuCrAs. The RuCrAs alloy, on the other hand, is found to be a stiffer, harder and highly rigid crystal with stronger bonding forces than the RuFeAs. Furthermore, the thermodynamical properties have also been estimated with respect to the temperature under different pressures using the quasi-harmonic Debye model. In order to account for the effect of the highly correlateddtransition elements in the system we incorporated the GGA +Uapproximations. Within the GGA +Uapproach, the electronic structure reveals the half-metallicity for both compounds, which follows the Slater-Pauling rule. The charge density and electron localized function reflect the covalent bonding among the constituent atoms. Bader analysis reveals that the charge transfer takes place from Cr/Fe to Ru and As atoms in both approximations. Both Raman and infrared active modes have been identified in the compounds.

Half-metallicity in new Heusler alloys Mn2ScZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn).

Study of half-metallicity has been performed in a new series of Mn2ScZ (Z = Si, Ge and Sn) full Heusler alloys using density functional theory with the calculation and implementation of a Hubbard correction term (U). Volume optimization in magnetic and non-magnetic phases for both the Cu2MnAl and Hg2CuTi type structures was done to predict the stable ground state configuration. The stability was determined by calculating their formation energy as well as from elastic constants under ambient conditions. A half-metal is predicted for Mn2ScSi and Mn2ScGe with a narrow band gap in the minority spin whereas Mn2ScSn shows a metallic nature. The magnetic moments of Mn and Sc are coupled in opposite directions with different strengths indicating that the ferrimagnetic order and the total magnetic moment per formula unit for half-metals follows the Slater Pauling rule. And a strong effect was shown by the size of the Z element in the electronic and magnetic properties.

Molecular and functional insights into Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in bull spermatozoa.

In view of the limited information available on functional significance of TRPV1 in regulating sperm functions, present study was undertaken on bull spermatozoa. Sixty four ejaculates were collected from four Hariana bulls and were used for molecular and functional characterisation of TRPV1. Immunoblotting using TRPV1 specific antibody revealed the presence of a single band of 104 kDa corresponding to TRPV1 in Hariana bull spermatozoa. Indirect immuno fluorescence revealed positive immune-reactivity to TRPV1 at acrosomal, pre-acrosomal, post acrosomal and flagellar regions of spermatozoa. Based on the results of pilot study dose-response analysis, doses of anandamide (AEA; 0.3 µM) and capsazepine (Cp; 10 µM) were selected for further studies. Three groups of semen samples (control 100 µL diluted semen having 1 × 106 spermatozoa; anandamide (3 µL AEA+97 µL of diluted semen containing 1 × 106 spermatozoa and Cp (1 µL Cp+99 µL of diluted semen containing 1 × 106 spermatozoa) were used to study the functional involvement of TRPV1 in bull spermatozoa. Blocking of TRPV1 with Cp resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reduction in progressive sperm motility (PSM) as compared to control. With activation of TRPV1 using AEA also, PSM was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased till 1h and thereafter the PSM was sustained to the level as observed in control. However, both during blocking and activation of TRPV1, per cent spermatozoa showing hyperactive motility were significantly (P < 0.05) increased (20-30%) compared to the control. Treatment with both Cp and AEA revealed significant (P < 0.05) increase in B-pattern of spermatozoa in chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC) staining indicating induction of capacitation. Inhibition of soluble adenyl cyclase (sAC) with 99 nM KH7and protein kinase A (PKA) with 3 µM P9115 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased PSM both in the presence of Cp and AEA. Blocking as well as activation of TRPV1 showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in sperm livability, intact membrane, intact acrosome, high mitochondrial transmembrane potential; hence indicating the involvement of TRPV1 in regulation of sperm functions in bulls. From the study-it was concluded that TRPV1 channels are found in bull spermatozoa and mediate number of sperm functions like motility, hypermotility, capacitation and acrosome reaction. Further studies are required to find out the possible relationship between TRPV1 channels and other channels in regulating spermatozoa function and possible mechanisms associated with TRPV1 activation as well as its role in sperm function regulation.

Role of transient receptor potential channels in regulating spermatozoa functions: A mini-review.

Flagellar navigation along the genital tract of male and female in spermatozoa is accomplished through a number of biological, physiological, biochemical, and electrophysiological alterations in spermatozoa. These alterations are highly precise, dynamic, and regulated through a number of ion channels along with their associated pathways. Beating of flagella along with intracellular metabolism of spermatozoa is associated with fluxing of Ca++ as well as release of Ca++ from different sources. Calcium fluxing through the spermatozoa is mediated through sperm-specific calcium channel and also through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels which are diversified multifamily of ion channels which are activated through a number of extracellular agents such as pH, temperature, chemicals, and pathogens. Research has shown the dynamic role of TRP channels in regulating sperm functions such as sperm chemotaxis, rheotaxis, thermotaxis, and eventually fertilization. Diversified forms of TRP and their involvement in regulation of sperm function opens new horizons of understanding of the sperm function and, in specific, issues related to infertility. This mini-review is an attempt to draw some insights into the action of TRP channels in regulating sperm fertility competence through both calcium-dependent and calcium-independent mechanisms.

Molecular characterization of voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv) and its importance in functional dynamics in bull spermatozoa.

Present study was undertaken to characterize the voltage gated potassium channel (Kv 1.1) in bull spermatozoa using sixty four ejaculates collected from four Hariana bulls. Functional characterization was undertaken using a selective blocker of Kv channel, 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) while molecular presence of Kv on bull spermatozoa by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence. Three sets of 100 µL diluted sperm samples namely-negative control (100 µL of sperm dilution medium (SDM) containing 10 × 106 cells), vehicle control (99 µL of SDM containing 10 × 106 cells, and DMSO- 1  µL) and 4-AP treatment group (99 µL of SDM containing 10 × 106 cells, and drug 1 µL 4-AP) were used in the study. Immunoblotting identified a single band of 56 kDa corresponding to Kv1.1 in Hariana bull spermatozoa. Immunolocalization showed the positive immunoreactivity at head, middle piece and principal piece of the spermatozoa for Kv 1.1. Blocking of Kv using 4-AP resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reduction in sperm progressive motility, per cent capacitated spermatozoa (B-pattern) and acrosome reacted (AR-pattern) spermatozoa, while significant (P < 0.05) increase in per cent swollen spermatozoa. Blocking of Kv channels resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) increased percentage of spermatozoa with lower mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) of motion and kinematic parameters in 4-AP treated spermatozoa indicated reduction in sperm motion parameters like LIN, STR, VSL and VAP and higher ALH, VCL, and BCF indicating hyperactivity of spermatozoa. Based on our findings, it may be concluded that voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv) are present on bull spermatozoa and these are associated with functional dynamics of spermatozoa. However, based on our limited study, it is not possible to deduce that how these channels are associated with induction of hyperactivity. Therefore, further studies are warranted to unravel the mechanistic signaling pathways involved in Kv-mediated alterations in functional dynamics of spermatozoa.

Effect of reduced glutathione supplementation on cryopreservation induced sperm cryoinjuries in Murrah bull semen.

The experiment was conducted to study cryopreservation induced sperm cryoinjuries and the protective effect of reduced Glutathione supplementation in Murrah bull semen. A total of 20 semen ejaculates were split into two parts after initial examination and were extended in glycerolated egg yolk TRIS diluter (Control group) and glycerolated egg yolk TRIS diluter + 0.5 mM reduced Glutathione (Treatment Group). The diluted semen samples were loaded into 0.25 ml French mini straw and sealing of straws were done. Thereafter, semen straws were kept for equilibration for 4 h at 5 °C and semen was frozen using a standard cryopreservation protocol in automatic biological freezer. Post-thaw analysis was performed after 24 h of semen storage in liquid nitrogen. Fresh and post-thaw sperm assessments included sperm motility, viability (SYBR-14/PI assay), mitochondrial function (JC-1/PI assay) and plasma membrane integrity (HOST). Cryopreservation of semen in liquid nitrogen induced a marked reduction in post-thaw sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial function and plasma membrane integrity and increased moribund type of sperm (SYBR-14/PI assay) in control group as compared to reduced glutathione treated group. There were significant (P < 0.05) cryo injuries in frozen-thawed spermatozoa following cryopreservation in buffalo bull semen. The supplementation of reduced glutathione in treatment group exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower cryoinjuries during cryopreservation and semen storage in liquid nitrogen. From the study it was concluded that, spermatozoa from Murrah bulls are susceptible to injuries due to cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen, but these cryo induced damage can be protected significantly (P < 0.05) by the use of reduced Glutathione.

Effect of reduced glutathione supplementation in semen extender on tyrosine phosphorylation and apoptosis like changes in frozen thawed Hariana bull spermatozoa.

To provide new insights into the mechanisms through which reduced glutathione (GSH) is able to protect spermatozoa, we tested the hypothesis that cryocapacitation and apoptosis like changes can contribute to the negative effect of freezing and thawing on bull spermatozoa, and that GSH prevent this damage. Having known protective effects of GSH in terms of a potent antioxidant, we evaluated capacitation, tyrosine phosphorylation and apoptosis like changes in bull spermatozoa after freezing and thawing in egg yolk tris glycerol extender containing (0.5m M-GSH-T1 & 1mM GSH-T2) and without GSH serving as the control (C). Forty ejaculates were collected from four Hariana bulls and were pooled due to non significant variations among the bull ejaculates for the evaluation of sperm attributes. Capacitation like changes, tyrosine phosphorylation, localization of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins, apoptosis like changes in terms of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and DNA fragmentation after final dilution, 4h of equilibration at 4°C and 24h after freezing and thawing were evaluated. GSH supplementation at 0.5mM showed significant reduction in B- and AR- pattern spermatozoa during all stages of semen freezing and thawing. Immunoblot revealed six proteins which were tyrosine phosphorylated and protein of 30 and 75kDa (p30, p75) were the major tyrosine phosphorylted proteins. On further analysis, the p30 showed differential variation in intensity in all the three groups after freezing and thawing. Positive immune reactivity for tyrosine phosphorylated proteins was found in neck, middle piece and post-acrosomal regions of spermatozoa. Addition of 0.5mM GSH decreased percentage of spermatozoa showing fragmented DNA and increased the percentage of spermatozoa having high transmembrane mitochondrial potential (P<0.05). This study demonstrates that GSH favours survival of bull spermatozoa by interfering with apoptotic and cryocapacitation pathways, and thereby protects the spermatozoa from deleterious effects of cryopreservation. The findings of the study indicated that GSH at 0.5mM can be effectively used as an additive in bull semen extender for freezing and thawing.

Effect of cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin supplementation on tyrosine phosphorylation and apoptosis like changes in frozen thawed Hariana bull spermatozoa.

The beneficial effects of cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) addition were evaluated in cryopreserved bull semen. Forty ejaculates were collected from Hariana bulls (n = 4), pooled and divided into 4 aliquots. All the aliquots were initially diluted in to egg yolk tris citrate and supplemented with CLC @ 0.5 mg (Group-II), 1.0 mg (G-III) and 2.0 mg (G-IV) CLC/120 × 106 spermatozoa or without CLC (G-I) that served as control. Extended semen was cryopreserved at -196 °C for 24 h. Seminal attributes like motility, viability, cryocapacitation like changes, tyrosine phosphorylation, apoptosis like changes in terms of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and DNA integrity were evaluated after equilibration and thawing. Results showed a significant increase in the motility, viability and acrosome intact spermatozoa in Group II as compared to other three groups. Further, the proportion of spermatozoa showing capacitation and acrosome reaction was also decreased (P < 0.05) significantly in Group II as compared to Group I, III, and IV. Immunoblot demonstrated a 32 kDa (p32) protein showing differential variation in the band intensity in all the four groups being lower in Group II. Further, the immunolocalization study revealed positive immune reactivity for tyrosine phosphorylated proteins at middle piece and neck (high fluorescence), post-acrosomal region (medium fluorescence), and principal piece (low fluorescence) of spermatozoa. Addition of CLC significantly increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of spermatozoa showing high transmembrane mitochondrial potential, and also, CLC @ 0.5 mg/120 × 106 in semen extender significantly decreased (P < 0.05) spermatozoa showing fragmented DNA after thawing as compared to control. Results of the present study indicate beneficial effects of CLC supplementation on cryodamage of spermatozoa by reducing the cryocapacitation and apoptosis like changes.

Stabilization of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccines by Freeze Drying, Spray Drying, and Foam Drying.

PURPOSE: The goal of this research is to develop stable formulations for live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) by employing the drying methods freeze drying, spray drying, and foam drying. METHODS: Formulated live attenuated Type-A H1N1 and B-strain influenza vaccines with a variety of excipient combinations were dried using one of the three drying methods. Process and storage stability at 4, 25 and 37°C of the LAIV in these formulations was monitored using a TCID50 potency assay. Their immunogenicity was also evaluated in a ferret model. RESULTS: The thermal stability of H1N1 vaccine was significantly enhanced through application of unique formulation combinations and drying processes. Foam dried formulations were as much as an order of magnitude more stable than either spray dried or freeze dried formulations, while exhibiting low process loss and full retention of immunogenicity. Based on long-term stability data, foam dried formulations exhibited a shelf life at 4, 25 and 37°C of >2, 1.5 years and 4.5 months, respectively. Foam dried LAIV Type-B manufactured using the same formulation and process parameters as H1N1 were imparted with a similar level of stability. CONCLUSION: Foam drying processing methods with appropriate selection of formulation components can produce an order of magnitude improvement in LAIV stability over other drying methods.

A rare clinical presentation of transplacental transmission and subsequent abortion by Babesia (Theileria) equi in a mare.

The present article deals with the rare presentation of transplacental transmission and subsequent abortion by Babesia (Theileria) equi. A pregnant mare was brought with the history of fever and inappetence. Per rectal examination revealed absence of fremitus of the foetus. The foetus was removed using foetotomy. Blood smear examination of the dam and contact smear of the aborted foetus revealed characteristic Maltese cross appearance of B. equi. The possible routes of transmission of parasite, its pathogenesis and future strategies are described in the present article.

Effect of supplementation of butylated hydroxytoluene on post-thaw sperm viability, motility and membrane integrity of Hariana bulls.

AIM: This study was aimed to see the beneficial effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a semen additive of Hariana bull semen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in Hariana bulls. Twenty-four ejaculates from two bulls were used for this study. Each ejaculate was extended with standard glycerolated egg yolk tris extender and supplemented with BHT at two concentrations as 0.5 mM (T1) and 1.0 mM (T2). After dilution, equilibration and 24 h of cryopreservation, the samples were analyzed for progressive motility, sperm viability and membrane integrity. RESULTS: Progressive motility, sperm viability and sperm membrane integrity were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the samples fortified with BHT as compared to the control during the process of cryopreservation and thawing. The BHT concentration of 1 mM revealed better results as compared to 0.5 mM. CONCLUSION: Addition of 1.0 mM BHT was found better in cryopreservation of Hariana bull semen compared to 0.5 mM BHT and control samples. The addition of BHT has improved the sperm quality by acting as an antioxidant thereby reducing the lipid peroxidation of the sperms.

Digital photography and transparency-based methods for measuring wound surface area.

To compare and determine a credible method of measurement of wound surface area by linear, transparency, and photographic methods for monitoring progress of wound healing accurately and ascertaining whether these methods are significantly different. From April 2005 to December 2006, 40 patients (30 men, 5 women, 5 children) admitted to the surgical ward of Shree Sayaji General Hospital, Baroda, had clean as well as infected wound following trauma, debridement, pressure sore, venous ulcer, and incision and drainage. Wound surface areas were measured by these three methods (linear, transparency, and photographic methods) simultaneously on alternate days. The linear method is statistically and significantly different from transparency and photographic methods (P value <0.05), but there is no significant difference between transparency and photographic methods (P value >0.05). Photographic and transparency methods provided measurements of wound surface area with equivalent result and there was no statistically significant difference between these two methods.