Effect of Withania somnifera on physical and cardiovascular performance induced by physical stress in healthy human volunteers

Background: Withania somnifera (WS) rejuvenates, increases vigour, vitality and immunity. The antistress effects of WS on physical performance and cardiovascular parameters during exercise were evaluated in healthy volunteers.Methods: Prospective, open label, randomized, placebo controlled, comparative, pilot study was designed in healthy adult volunteers. After Ethics committee approval 30 consented participants were randomly assigned into three equal groups to receive single capsule for 28 days containing maize starch (placebo group), WS aqueous extract 330mg (WS 330 gr) and 500mg (WS 500 gr). They were assessed at day 0, day 14, day 28 with physical stressors (six minute exercise test, YMCA Submaximal Test, Fixed workload exercise on cycle ergometer), Jammers' hand held dynamometer test and cold pressor test in each visit. Physical performance was evaluated as maximum distance, speed, oxygen consumption, hand grip strength. Cardiovascular response was assessed by heart rate and blood pressure measurements.Results: On day 28, both WS 330 and WS 500 groups showed significant increase in mean distance travelled and average speed compared to placebo (p<0.005). WS 330 and 500 groups showed significant decrease in mean systolic BP on fixed workload exercise, compared to placebo (p<0.05).Conclusions: WS increased physical performance when participants were subjected to physical stress but it did not increase the activity of sympathetic system thus contributing to its anti-stress activity

Whole genome scan reveals the genetic signature of African Ankole cattle breed and potential for higher quality beef

BACKGROUND: Africa is home to numerous cattle breeds whose diversity has been shaped by subtle combinations of human and natural selection. African Sanga cattle are an intermediate type of cattle resulting from interbreeding between Bos taurus and Bos indicus subspecies. Recently, research has asserted the potential of Sanga breeds for commercial beef production with better meat quality as compared to Bos indicus breeds. Here, we identified meat quality related gene regions that are positively selected in Ankole (Sanga) cattle breeds as compared to indicus (Boran, Ogaden, and Kenana) breeds using cross-population (XP-EHH and XP-CLR) statistical methods. RESULTS: We identified 238 (XP-EHH) and 213 (XP-CLR) positively selected genes, of which 97 were detected from both statistics. Among the genes obtained, we primarily reported those involved in different biological process and pathways associated with meat quality traits. Genes (CAPZB, COL9A2, PDGFRA, MAP3K5, ZNF410, and PKM2) involved in muscle structure and metabolism affect meat tenderness. Genes (PLA2G2A, PARK2, ZNF410, MAP2K3, PLCD3, PLCD1, and ROCK1) related to intramuscular fat (IMF) are involved in adipose metabolism and adipogenesis. MB and SLC48A1 affect meat color. In addition, we identified genes (TIMP2, PKM2, PRKG1, MAP3K5, and ATP8A1) related to feeding efficiency. Among the enriched Gene Ontology Biological Process (GO BP) terms, actin cytoskeleton organization, actin filament-based process, and protein ubiquitination are associated with meat tenderness whereas cellular component organization, negative regulation of actin filament depolymerization and negative regulation of protein complex disassembly are involved in adipocyte regulation. The MAPK pathway is responsible for cell proliferation and plays an important role in hyperplastic growth, which has a positive effect on meat tenderness. CONCLUSION: Results revealed several candidate genes positively selected in Ankole cattle in relation to meat quality characteristics. The genes identified are involved in muscle structure and metabolism, and adipose metabolism and adipogenesis. These genes help in the understanding of the biological mechanisms controlling beef quality characteristics in African Ankole cattle. These results provide a basis for further research on the genomic characteristics of Ankole and other Sanga cattle breeds for quality beef. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0467-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Endothelial Cells Support Persistent Gammaherpesvirus 68 Infection

A variety of human diseases are associated with gammaherpesviruses, including neoplasms of lymphocytes (e.g. Burkitt's lymphoma) and endothelial cells (e.g. Kaposi's sarcoma). Gammaherpesvirus infections usually result in either a productive lytic infection, characterized by expression of all viral genes and rapid cell lysis, or latent infection, characterized by limited viral gene expression and no cell lysis. Here, we report characterization of endothelial cell infection with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68), a virus phylogenetically related and biologically similar to the human gammaherpesviruses. Endothelial cells supported γHV68 replication in vitro, but were unique in that a significant proportion of the cells escaped lysis, proliferated, and remained viable in culture for an extended time. Upon infection, endothelial cells became non-adherent and altered in size, complexity, and cell-surface protein expression. These cells were uniformly infected and expressed the lytic transcription program based on detection of abundant viral gene transcripts, GFP fluorescence from the viral genome, and viral surface protein expression. Additionally, endothelial cells continued to produce new infectious virions as late as 30 days post-infection. The outcome of this long-term infection was promoted by the γHV68 v-cyclin, because in the absence of the v-cyclin, viability was significantly reduced following infection. Importantly, infected primary endothelial cells also demonstrated increased viability relative to infected primary fibroblasts, and this increased viability was dependent on the v-cyclin. Finally, we provide evidence for infection of endothelial cells in vivo in immune-deficient mice. The extended viability and virus production of infected endothelial cells indicated that endothelial cells provided a source of prolonged virus production and identify a cell-type specific adaptation of gammaherpesvirus replication. While infected endothelial cells would likely be cleared in a healthy individual, persistently infected endothelial cells could provide a source of continued virus replication in immune-compromised individuals, a context in which gammaherpesvirus-associated pathology frequently occurs

Genome-wide analysis reveals the ancient and recent admixture history of East African Shorthorn Zebu from Western Kenya

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Case Report - Iatrogenic Gastric Fistula Due to Inappropriate Placement of Intercostal Drainage Tube in a Case of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia

A 26-year-old, 30 weeks primigravida presented with a gastric fistula through a left intercostal drain, which was inserted for drainage of suspected haemopneumothorax following minor trauma. It was confirmed to be a diaphragmatic hernia, with stomach and omentum as its contents. On exploratory laparotomy, disconnection of the tube and fistulous tract, with reduction of herniated contents and primary suturing of stomach was carried out. Diaphragmatic reconstruction with polypropylene mesh was also carried out. Post-operative recovery was uneventful with full lung expansion by 3rd postoperative day. Patient was asymptomatic at follow-up 6 months

Case Report - Ruptured True Aneurysm of The Splenic Artery: An Unusual Cause of Haemoperitoneum

True aneurysm of the splenic artery is rare. Two cases of ruptured true aneurysm are presented. The first patient was a 62-year-old female who presented within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms. The other was a 27-year-old nonalcoholic male patient who was admitted in a state of shock after 2 days of observation in a peripheral hospital. Both patients had haemoperitoneum and were subjected to exploratory laparotomy. Anuerysmectomy was performed in both the patients in addition to left splenopancreatectomy in the first case and splenectomy in the second. However, due to the prolonged preoperative shock, the second patient succumbed on the third postoperative day

Effect of Withania somnifera on physical and cardiovascular performance induced by physical stress in healthy human volunteers

Background: Withania somnifera (WS) rejuvenates, increases vigour, vitality and immunity. The antistress effects of WS on physical performance and cardiovascular parameters during exercise were evaluated in healthy volunteers.Methods: Prospective, open label, randomized, placebo controlled, comparative, pilot study was designed in healthy adult volunteers. After Ethics committee approval 30 consented participants were randomly assigned into three equal groups to receive single capsule for 28 days containing maize starch (placebo group), WS aqueous extract 330mg (WS 330 gr) and 500mg (WS 500 gr). They were assessed at day 0, day 14, day 28 with physical stressors (six minute exercise test, YMCA Submaximal Test, Fixed workload exercise on cycle ergometer), Jammers' hand held dynamometer test and cold pressor test in each visit. Physical performance was evaluated as maximum distance, speed, oxygen consumption, hand grip strength. Cardiovascular response was assessed by heart rate and blood pressure measurements.Results: On day 28, both WS 330 and WS 500 groups showed significant increase in mean distance travelled and average speed compared to placebo (p&lt;0.005). WS 330 and 500 groups showed significant decrease in mean systolic BP on fixed workload exercise, compared to placebo (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions: WS increased physical performance when participants were subjected to physical stress but it did not increase the activity of sympathetic system thus contributing to its anti-stress activity