BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:ET-1 signalling modulates intestinal motility and inflammation, but the role of ET-1/ETB receptor signalling is poorly understood. Enteric glia modulate normal motility and inflammation. We investigated whether glial ETB signalling regulates neural-motor pathways of intestinal motility and inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH:We studied ETB signalling using: ETB drugs (ET-1, SaTX, BQ788), activity-dependent stimulation of neurons (high K+ -depolarization, EFS), gliotoxins, Tg (Ednrb-EGFP)EP59Gsat/Mmucd mice, cell-specific mRNA in Sox10CreERT2 ;Rpl22-HAflx or ChATCre ;Rpl22-HAflx mice, Sox10CreERT2 ::GCaMP5g-tdT, Wnt1Cre2 ::GCaMP5g-tdT mice, muscle tension recordings, fluid-induced peristalsis, ET-1 expression, qPCR, western blots, 3-D LSM-immunofluorescence co-labelling studies in LMMP-CM and a postoperative ileus (POI) model of intestinal inflammation. KEY RESULTS:In the muscularis externa ETB receptor is expressed exclusively in glia. ET-1 is expressed in RiboTag (ChAT)-neurons, isolated ganglia and intra-ganglionic varicose-nerve fibres co-labelled with peripherin or SP. ET-1 release provides activity-dependent glial ETB receptor modulation of Ca2+ waves in neural evoked glial responses. BQ788 reveals amplification of glial and neuronal Ca2+ responses and excitatory cholinergic contractions, sensitive to L-NAME. Gliotoxins disrupt SaTX-induced glial-Ca2+ waves and prevent BQ788 amplification of contractions. The ETB receptor is linked to inhibition of contractions and peristalsis. Inflammation causes glial ETB up-regulation, SaTX-hypersensitivity and glial amplification of ETB signalling. In vivo BQ788 (i.p., 1 mg·kg-1 ) attenuates intestinal inflammation in POI. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS:Enteric glial ET-1/ETB signalling provides dual modulation of neural-motor circuits to inhibit motility. It inhibits excitatory cholinergic and stimulates inhibitory nitrergic motor pathways. Amplification of glial ETB receptors is linked to muscularis externa inflammation and possibly pathogenic mechanisms of POI.

In six clinical cases of small ruminant, a supra-cutaneous plating technique was used to treat tibial fractures. The variations in the physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters were recorded pre -operatively and post-operatively on regular intervals. Based on statistical evaluations of the recorded data, the physiological and haematological parameters were within the normal range, indicating less surgical stress and minimal blood loss during the surgery. Whereas, the biochemical studies revealed a non-significant decline in the serum calcium from the 7th to the 45th post-operative day and an increase in the serum alkaline phosphatase up to the 15th day, followed by a drop between the 30th and the 60th post-operative day. Serum phosphorus, on the other hand, showed no significant variations in all six small ruminants.

The efficacy of straight, 4 holed titanium miniplates for repair of mandibular fractures in six dogs was evaluated.Mandibular fractures accounted for about 4.8% in the present study, commonly occurred in shih tzu and non-descript, male dogs of less than one year of age.The common site of fracture was the premolar region and unilateral fractures were more compared to bilateral fractures.The physiological and hematological parameters were within normal physiological range and statistically non-significant, except the leucocyte count, which showed significant variations and higher values at the beginning of the study due to presence of infection, which reduced with administration of antibiotics.Biochemical parameters namely serum calcium, phosphorous, creatinine and ALT showed non-significant variations.However, alkaline phosphatase showed significant variations.

The diversity of scarabaeid beetles was studied in the different agreoceological regions of South India, in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. The species distribution was assessed and 18 species of scarabaeid beetles were recorded from the diversified cropping pattern comprising of arecanut, coconut, groundnut, millets, mulberry, pepper, sugarcane, tapioca and vegetables) was explored. The leaf feeders, Melolonthid beetles (38.23%) was more abundant in the states followed by the Rutelinids (20.53%), The cropping pattern, geographical location and the soil type determined the occurrence of the different species in the states.

Identification of scarabaeid beetles is a challenging task due to variable morphological differences among species and delineation among the immature forms, the grubs and adults. A method for easy and accurate species-level identification at any life stage is required. In this study, a 658-base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was used to explore its utility in the identification of important beetles. Twenty seven specimens were collected from 25 locations in different states, were characterized using specific primers for their identification. Sequence analysis and divergence among the species was assessed. The composition of the mitochondrial sequence of the COI gene in the present study was expectedly AT biased. Genbank accession numbers were obtained for the species. Molecular sequence information from NCBI revealed relatedness in all the collected scarabaeids, accurately as revealed by their morphological characters. The studies indicate the relevance of DNA sequencing to match different forms of beetles and address ambiguities in morphological identification and information on species diversity would help plan strategies for pest management.

The present study was carried out to evaluate efficacy of zap strap method of treatment for malignant tumours of skin and subcutaneous tissue in dogs. There were no significance variations observed in physiological (rectal temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate), haematological (haemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count) and biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, serum alanine aminotransferase and serum alkaline phosphatase). There was non-significant increase in haemoglobin and total erythrocyte count in dogs subjected to zap strap method of treatment. There was a non-significant increase in total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count which later came to the normal range post-operatively. There were no significant changes in serum alkaline phosphatase and serum alanine aminotransferase. There were no statistically significant changes in serum creatinine in dogs subjected to zap strap method of treatment, but pathological significant change was noticed in case 3, succumbed on 31st post-operative day. On the basis of observation and the evaluation during the present study it was concluded that the zap strap method of treatment is effective for skin and subcutaneous malignant tumours in dogs in terms of avoiding the risk of general anaesthesia, minimally invasive, owner’s satisfaction and without any complications in dogs.

A Labrador Retriever bitch of four years old was presented with the history of gradually increase in the size of mass at extra-luminal paravaginal region since one year. On palpation, the mass was soft, fluctuating and drooping from supra-vaginal region. The dog was exhibiting clinical symptoms like vaginal bleeding, dysuria, licking of mass and discomfort. Microscopically, the lesional tissue revealed squamous cell proliferation with acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and horny epidermal cells with pseudo cystic inclusions of keratinized material and adipocytes, suggestive of lipoma.The mass was surgically excised successfully.

An adult dog was presented to the clinics with the history of difficulty in passing the urine since 10 days. Physical examination revealed the signs of urinary tract obstruction. Catheterization of the bladder revealed obstruction at the level of os penis groove. The survey radiograph revealed presence of calculi in the os penis and curled radio-opaque material in the urinary bladder. The retrohydropulsion of urethra was successful in propelling the urethroliths into the bladder. The cystotomy was performed through caudal midline ventral abdominal approach and an insulated electrical wire and cystoliths were removed. The patient was recovered uneventfully.

A recumbent HF cow aged 6.5 years weighing about 400 kg presented to the Veterinary College Hospital, Hebbal, Bangalore with a history of huge swelling in the right ventro-caudal lower flank region after falling on a peg 3 days back and it was recently parturited 15 days back. The animal was sedated with Xylazine hydrochloride and the area was desensitized by infiltrating 2% lignocaine hydrochloride. The hernial ring was closed by polyglactin 910 No.2 with simple interrupted suture pattern. Animal was recovered uneventfully and was discharged on 10th post-operative day after removal of skin sutures.

The host egg preference studies revealed that Trichogramma chilonis, which was collected from 8 crops, preferred the eggs of Corcyra cephalonica most (84.8% parasitism), followed by Chilo partellus (55.1%) and Helicoverpa armigera (47.9% parasitism) and Samia ricini eggs were least preferred, T. achaeae was recorded from eggs collected from 3 crops only. The parasitoids obtained from rice, sugarcane, cabbage and dolichos were more robust rather than other 4 crops. The parasitoids collected from sugarcane showed strong recognition to the crop when released back on sugarcane, while parasitoids from other crops did not show any pattern of host-plant recognition. Sugarcane appeared to be the most preferred crop for T. chilonis releases with parasitism of 30.5%, followed by paddy (18.9%), cotton (18.3%) and tomato was the least preferred host plant.

Specimens of the aphid hunting wasp Carinostigmus Tsuneki (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Pemphredoninae) were collected from South India.Morphological identification revealed three species, and one of them, C. griphus Krombein, is new for India

Luxation of patella may be congenital or traumatic origin, and can affect any breed. The congenital form is related to developmental abnormalities of the limb that create malalignment of quadriceps group of muscles. With underlying abnormalities of hip and stifle joint congenital lateral patellar luxation have skeletal abnormalities like retroversion of femoral head and neck, coxa vara (altered angle of inclination), genu valgum and shallow trochlear groove with poorly developed trochlear ridges (Denny and Butterworth, 2006). Luxation of patella is a common cause of lameness in dog which can be in medial or lateral displacement. The incidence of medial patellar luxation is 5 times more than lateral luxation and is seen more in large breeds of dogs. Lateral patellar luxation may predispose the dogs to knock knee (genu valgum) and cow hock (hock valgus) condition (Robins, 1990). The cause of lateral patellar luxation is unknown but is thought to be related to anteversion or coxa valga of the coxofemoral joint, which shifts the line of force produced by the pull of quadriceps lateral to the longitudinal axis of the trochlear groove. This abnormally directed lateral force pulls the patella from the trochlear sulcus causing skeletal abnormalities (Fossum, 2002).

The diversity of phytophagous scarabaeid beetles from various geographical locations of India and crops (arecanut, coconut, groundnut, millets, mulberry, neem, soybean, sugarcane and vegetables) was explored. The beetles were morphologically identified and characterized for COI gene fragment using specific primers. Sequence analysis and divergence among the species was assessed. Genbank accession numbers were obtained for the species. Molecular sequence information from NCBI revealed relatedness in all the collected scarabaeids, accurately as revealed by their morphological characters. Phylogenetic tree based on Maximum-Likelihood method was drawn on the basis of multiple sequence alignment to assess the genetic relatedness, with those reported elsewhere in the world. The genus Anomala and Protaeta sp. formed distinct clades with high boot strap values. The studies indicate the relevance of DNA sequencing to match different forms of beetles and address ambiguities in morphological identification, while the information on species diversity and abundance would help plan strategies for pest management.

In the study against diamondback moth (DBM), 11 field populations were collected from cabbage during 2012 and 2013 to monitor the level of resistance to organophosphorus compounds (acephate and chlorpyriphos), synthetic pyrethroid (cypermethrin), oxadiazine (indoxacarb), naturalyte (spinosad) and diflubenzoylureas (novoluron) by using leaf dip bioassay method. DBM showed moderate to high resistance to chlorpyriphos, cypermethrin and acephate where the Oddanchatram (PX-3) population being the most resistant (275.61-fold, 108-fold and 52.07-fold for chlorpyriphos, cypermethrin and acephate, respectively). Biochemical validation of enzyme activity was also investigated by quantifying carboxylesterase, glutathione S transferase (GST) and cytochrome P-450. Metabolic inhibitors viz., S, S, S-tributylphosphorotrithioate (DEF), piperonylbutoxide (PBO) and diethyl malate (DEM) clearly proved the role of carboxylesterase and cytochrome P-450 in conferring high level of resistance to Oddanchatram population (PX-3) for chlorpyriphos, cypermethrin and acephate.

Plutella xylostella (L.), commonly known as diamondback moth, is one of the most widely distributed and serious pests of cruciferous crops across the world. To examine the pattern and magnitude of genetic variation in this species in India, a fragment of the mitochondrial (mt) Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I ( COXI ) gene of P. xylostella collected from thirteen provinces in India, spanning a geographic area of ~ 12250000 km 2 , was sequenced. Sequence analysis of the 658 bp mt COXI gene from 13 populations resulted in 9 haplotypes, of which 5 populations clustered to form a haplotype group. Among these populations, 11 polymorphic sites were observed, of which 5 were transitional and 6 were of transversional substitution. Phylogenetic analysis in comparison with nucleotide sequences of other countries obtained from GenBank showed that all the populations were highly interrelated. From a geographical perspective, high rates of migration between Indian populations suggest that dispersal of gene flow over considerable distances is a major factor in the development of genetic variability in the species. Nevertheless, we believe that these variations are induced by local selection pressure in insecticide usage, host strain variation and cultural practices. Our study has revealed that Indian populations of P. xylostella are not homogeneous and use of DNA barcoding with more suitable markers can resolve the issues related to the demography of the species.

A multiple insecticide tolerant strain of beneficial egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis with several folds of tolerance to six different insecticide groups was developed for suppression of Lepidopteran insect pests on vegetable crops. Tolerant strain parasitized significantly more pest eggs and survived long compared to the susceptible strain under sprayed condition. The tolerant strain could parasitize more eggs during winter (50.8%) compared to summer (39.0%), whereas no parasitism was recorded by susceptible strain under sprayed system in net-house. The activity of detoxifying enzymes, viz., glutathione S-transferases and carboxylesterase was significantly high by 2.13-fold and 1.5 to 9.0-fold in tolerant strain. Field evaluation of the strains in different geographical locations in India, on tomato resulted in increased yields by 816, 2400 and 1500 kg / acre and reduced insecticidal application by 20-65% and per cent benefit of Rs. 9,000 to 20,000 / acre to farmers.

The study reports types, causes and clinical findings of esophageal choke, effectiveness of radiography in diagnosis and different methods of foreign body retrieval in twenty five (25) cows. Obstruction at cervical esophagus was found more frequent than pharynx and cardia. Manipulative method of retrieval of foreign body was successful in fifteen (15) cows (60%) and surgical intervention was undertaken in ten (10) cows (40%).

Anthocorid predators widely used as biocontrol agents were characterised for genetic diversity and phylogeny. Cardiastethus exiguus Poppius, Xylocoris flavipes Reuter and Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius were characterised using Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) marker to elucidate the diversity and phylogeny. The sequencing of the COI region at 650bp was compared with sequence of Orius majusculus (Reuter), available at NCBI by BLASTn. The cluster analysis based on dendogram revealed B. pallescens and O. majusculus to be more closely related, while X. flavipes and C. exiguus were distinct. The usefulness of characterisation and phylogenetic relationship among the anthocorid populations for their effective utilisation in pest management is discussed.