Combined fluticasone propionate and salmeterol reduces RSV infection more effectively than either of them alone in allergen-sensitized mice

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the major cause of bronchiolitis in infants and is a risk factor for the development of asthma. Allergic asthmatics are more susceptible to RSV infection and viral exacerbation. METHODS: Since the effectiveness of corticosteroids in treating RSV infection has been controversial, we tested fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol (Sal) alone versus FP plus Sal (FPS) on RSV-induced airway inflammation. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and infected with RSV. Following infection they were treated with FP, Sal, or FPS intranasally and airway hyperreactivity (AHR), inflammation and RSV titers were examined. RESULTS: The group treated with FPS showed significantly lower AHR compared to the group treated with FP or Sal alone. The group treated with FP alone showed slightly decreased (non-significant) AHR compared to controls. Treatment with FPS resulted in significant decreases in the percentage of eosinophils and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in lung pathology compared to FP or Sal. FP alone decreased eosinophils but not neutrophils or lymphocytes, while Sal alone decreased eosinophils and neutrophils but not lymphocytes. FPS treatment of mice infected with RSV in the absence of allergen sensitization resulted in a 50% decrease of RSV titer in the lung and a reduction in neutrophils compared to FP or Sal. CONCLUSION: Together, these results indicate that fluticasone in combination with salmeterol is a more effective treatment for decreasing airway hyperreactivity and inflammation than either of them alone in allergen-sensitized, RSV-infected mice

Development and evaluation of introgression lines with yield enhancing genes of the Indian mega-variety of rice, MTU1010

MTU 1010 is an early maturing and high-yielding mega rice variety widely grown in an area of 3 Mha. It is characterised by limited grain number and panicle branching. To improve the grain number in MTU 1010, an IRRI breeding line, IR121055-2-10-5 was utilized as donor to transfer yield-enhancing genes Gn1a and OsSPL14 (associated with increased grain number and better panicle branching, respectively) into MTU1010 by Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding (MABB). At each backcross generation, foreground selection was carried out with Gn1a and OsSPL14- specific molecular markers, whilst background selection was done with a set of SSR markers polymorphic between the IR121055-2-10-5 and MTU1010. With the use of a gene-specific marker, homozygous BC2 F2 plants carrying the yield-enhancing gene were identified and advanced through pedigree-method of selection till BC2 F6 and best performing ten lines were selected and evaluated in replicated station trials for yield contributing traits, where grain number and brancing per panicle exhibited high significant and positive correlation with single plant yield. Three promising lines namely RP6353-5-8-13-24, RP6353-26-13-39-5 and RP6353-32-12-8-16 with higher grain number and yield than MTU1010 were identified and nominated for evaluation in Initial Varietal Trial-Aerobic (IVT-Aerobic) of All India Crop Improvement Programme on Rice (AICRP), of which RP6353-26-13-39-5 (IET28674), was promoted for further testing

Anticonvulsant and Antimicrobial Activity of Cu (II), Zn (II) and Co (II) Complex of Isatin 3-Glycine

Abstract The role of Cu, Zn and Co in human physiology is well documented. Isatin and glycine have inhibitory effects on central nervous system. To capitalize on these features metal complexes of isatin-3-glycine were prepared and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. The Cu (II) complex was found to be most active among the compounds. The compounds were screened against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudononas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial activity of ligand and its complexes were comparable to that of nitrofurantoin

Anticonvulsant and Antimicrobial Activity of Cu (II), Zn (II) andCo (II) Complex of Isatin 3-Glycine: Anticonvulsant activity of metal complex of isatin

The role of Cu, Zn and Co in human physiology is well documented. Isatin and glycine have inhibitory effects on central nervous system. To capitalize on these features metal complexes of isatin-3-glycine were prepared and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. The Cu (II) complex was found to be most active among the compounds. The compounds were screened against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coliand Pseudononas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial activity of ligand and its complexes were comparable to that of nitrofurantoin

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Not AvailableRed rice is the reservoir of large amount of phytochemicals such as carotenoids, phenolics, alkaloids, nitrogen and organosulfur containing compounds, possesses antioxidant properties, richer source of protein, zinc and have nutritive and medicinal value. Present study examines the utility of red rice accessions for their resistance against Brown planthopper (BPH), a damaging insect pest of rice. A total of 215 red rice accessions along with susceptible check TN1, resistance checks PTB-33 and Salkathi were evaluated under greenhouse condition of the National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack. Accessions were screened using standard seed box technique for mass screening followed by replicated screening for the confirmation of resistant reaction. Only four accessions, namely, matameher, manipuri black sonahanan and hormonona were found to be highly resistant (score-1) while eleven showed resistant reaction (Score-3) and 13 were moderately resitant (Score-5) to BPH. Mechanism of resistance was studied in the resistant accessions through the method of antixenosis or nymphal preference to plants. Matameher and manipuri black showed least nymphal preference as compared to the susceptible check TN1. Resistant genotypes identified and confirmed in the present study can be grown as resistant varieties in BPH endemic areas and also can be utilised in resistance breeding programme to develop BPH-resistant varieties with other desired traits.ICAR-NRR

Usage pattern of chemicals, biologicals and veterinary medicinal products in Indian aquaculture

The use of chemicals, biologicals and veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) helps in healthy and sustainable fish production. Information on the use of these products is essential for assessing farming practices, potential human health and environmental risks. A questionnaire-based nationwide survey covering aquaculture farms (n = 2936) producing carps, tilapia, pangasius and rainbow trout in freshwater and shrimp in brackishwater estimated the use of 52 different types of inputs which included disinfectants (597 g t−1), probiotics (2.28 kg t−1), environmental modifiers (22.82 kg t−1), nutritional supplements (1.96 kg t−1), natural anti-infective agents (293 g t−1), herbicide and piscicides (844 g t−1), antibiotics (2 mg PCU−1), antifungal (4 mg PCU−1), and antiparasitic (14 mg PCU−1) agents. The bulk of these inputs was used for soil and water quality improvement and had low environmental and human safety concerns. The multivariate analysis revealed significant variation in the frequency and quantity of compounds use among farm groups. Redundancy analysis revealed a significant association between the number of products used and stocking density. The survey also showed a considerable influence of education and farming experience on the usage pattern of aquaculture inputs. Results of the study indicated greater reliance of farmers on the use of disinfectants for biosecurity, nutritional supplements for enhanced growth and environmental modifiers for maintaining soil and water quality in culture systems. Though there was no use of restricted antibiotics and antiparasitic agents, the development and implementation of standard regulatory guidelines are essential for safe and effective use of inputs for sustainable aquaculture