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S Kumar

Publications and source records attributed to S Kumar.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

A practical guide to defining high-risk myeloma for clinical trials, patient counseling and choice of therapy.

Clinical outcomes for multiple myeloma (MM) are highly heterogeneous and it is now clear that pivotal genetic events are the primary harbingers of such variation. These findings have broad implications for counseling, choice of therapy and the design and interpretation of clinical investigation. Indeed, as in acute leukemias and non-hodgkins lymphoma, we believe it is no longer acceptable to consider MM a single disease entity. As such, the accurate diagnosis of MM subtypes and the adoption of common criteria for the identification and stratification of MM patients has become critical. Herein, we provide a consensus high-risk definition and offer practical guidelines for the adoption of routine diagnostic testing. Although acknowledging that more refined classifications will continue to be developed, we propose that the definition of high-risk disease (any of the t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), deletion 17q13, aneuploidy or deletion chromosome 13 by metaphase cytogenetics, or plasma cell labeling index >3.0) be adopted. This classification will identify most of the 25% of MM patients for whom current therapies are inadequate and for whom investigational regimens should be vigorously pursued. Conversely, the 75% of patients remaining have more favorable outcomes using existing - albeit non-curative - therapeutic options.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2007

Molecular determinants of the subcellular localization of the Drosophila Bcl-2 homologues DEBCL and BUFFY.

The Bcl-2-family of proteins localize to intracellular membranes via a C-terminal hydrophobic membrane anchor (MA) domain, to exert their antiapoptotic or proapoptotic functions. In Drosophila, both Bcl-2 family members, DEBCL and BUFFY, contain an MA. In DEBCL the MA is necessary for the localization of protein to mitochondria and for its proapoptotic activity. BUFFY is highly similar to DEBCL but its localization and function are not clearly defined. Here, we report on comparative analysis of BUFFY and DEBCL to decipher the molecular basis for their subcellular localization. We show that these two proteins localize to distinct intracellular membranes, DEBCL predominantly to mitochondria and BUFFY to endoplasmic reticula (ER). Our results suggest that the MA-flanking residues in DEBCL, homologous to Bcl-X(L), are required for the targeting of DEBCL to mitochondria. The C-terminal positively charged residues present in DEBCL are absent in BUFFY, which allows for its localization to ER. The MA in both proteins is required for the correct targeting and proapoptotic activities of these proteins. Interestingly, a functional nuclear localization signal was identified in the N-terminal region of BUFFY and in the absence of the MA, BUFFY accumulated in the nucleus. The functional implications of these findings are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

A study of CSF catecholamine and its metabolites in acute and convalescent period of encephalitis.

AIMS: To evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) catecholamine (CA) and its metabolites in encephalitis patients in acute and convalescent period and correlate these with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with acute encephalitis diagnosed on the basis of clinical, CSF, MRI and virological parameters underwent detailed neurological evaluation including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Dystonia Rating Scale. Cranial MRI was carried out and CSF dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) levels were estimated by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The CSF catecholamine levels were compared with convalescent phase as well as with controls. These levels were also correlated with parkinsonian features, dystonia and radiological abnormalities. RESULTS: There were 29 encephalitis patients; whose age ranged between 2 and 65 years, 4 were females and 11 children. 25 patients had Japanese encephalitis (JE) and 4 nonspecific encephalitis. The mean GCS score was 8 and 13 had seizures. Movement disorders were present in 13 patients and included parkinsonian features in 5, dystonia in 1 and combination of both in 7 patients. MRI revealed abnormalities in 15 out of 21 patients and included thalamic lesion in 10, globus pallidus in 4, putamen in 5, caudate in 4 and midbrain in 9 patients. In acute stage NE, DOPAC, 5HT and HVA levels were significantly lower compared to controls. NE levels significantly correlated with dystonia and thalamic lesions. Convalescent CSF study revealed significantly lower levels of DOPAC compared to acute phase. CSF catecholamine levels in encephalitis patients with and without movement disorders were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: In encephalitis, catecholamine and its metabolites are lower in acute and convalescent phase. Norepinephrine level correlates with dystonia and thalamic lesions.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed2006

Infectivity rate and transmission potential of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks for Babesia equi infection.

The infectivity rate of Babesia equi in the salivary glands of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum was assessed. The hungry nymphs were fed on a donkey experimentally infected with B. equi. The engorged dropped-off nymphs were collected at different levels of parasitaemia and kept in BOD incubator. After ecdysis, the hungry adults were prefed on rabbits for different time intervals, thereafter the salivary glands were dissected out and acini were examined after methyl green pyronin (MGP) staining. A total of 134 male and 139 female ticks were dissected out. Average infected acini per tick were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in male as compared to the female ticks. Further, maximum infected acini in both male and female ticks were found at 24h of prefeeding on rabbits and overall infected acini per tick increased with rise in parasitaemia. The release of infected ticks on susceptible donkeys resulted in development of clinical babesiosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

How many clinic visits does it take to treat distal radial fractures?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in alignment during the course of treatment for extra-articular distal radius fracture and the relationship of initial and intermediate radiographs, with the final radiograph taken at fracture union. A cohort of 96 consecutive patients who were conservatively managed for extra-articular distal radius fracture in an 18-month period was undertaken. The radiographs analysed were taken at prereduction, postreduction, a week later and at fracture union. The radiological parameters analysed were radial tilt, radial length, radial inclination, dorsal comminution and ulnar styloid fracture. There was a significant change in radiographic alignment between initial and immediate postreduction radiographs, and between postreduction 1 week later radiographs (p < 0.05), but the number of patients in the 1 week later and fracture union groups remained similar (p > 0.05). All patients with poor radiological outcome had ulnar styloid fractures. This was also associated with dorsal comminution in 86% of patients. Patients with satisfactory radiological outcome had ulnar styloid fracture and comminution in 34% and 43% of patients respectively. The final radiological outcome was not found to be influenced by initial unsatisfactory alignment of radial tilt, radial length and radial inclination individually or in combination. We suggest that two clinic visits after initial reduction of the fracture should be sufficient to manage such injuries; the first visit 1 week after manipulation to detect unacceptable displacement and if found satisfactory, the last visit at fracture union for final review, advice and referral to physiotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Development of passive haemagglutination (PHA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) technique for potency estimation of Cobra Antisnake Venom Serum (ASVS).

Antibodies against snake venom or antivenom potency are assayed quantitatively by in-vivo neutralization test in mice, which requires large number of laboratory animals. In potency assays of biological substances such as antivenoms, it is highly desirable to avoid suffering and death of animals by substituting in-vivo method with in-vitro methods, provided such methods measure life-saving capability with precision similar to that of in-vivo method. The in-vitro tests determine the neutralizing power of antivenom by permitting the evaluation of a particular biological activity of the venom and its neutralization after mixing the venom with the antivenom [Theakston RDG, Reid HA. Development of simple standard assay procedures for the characterization of snake venom. Bull WHO 1983;61:949-956; Gutierrez JM, Rojas G, Lomonte B, Gene JA, Chaves F, Alvarado J, et al. Standardizing of assays for testing the neutralizing ability of antivenoms. Toxicon 1990;28:1127-1129; Theakston R.D.G. Comments on letter of Gutierrez et al. on standardization of assays for testing the neutralizing ability of antivenoms. Toxicon 1990;28:1131-1132; Harvey AL, Barfaraz A, Thomson E, Faiz A, Preston S, Harris JB. Screening of snake venom for neurotoxic and myotoxic effects using simple in-vitro preparation from rodents and chicks. Toxicon 1994;32:257-265; World Health Organization Progress in characterization of venom and standardization of anti-venoms. Geneva: WHO offset publication; 1981. p. 58.]. Hence, the ideal requirements for an assay in detecting venom and venom antibody include high level of sensitivity, specificity (ability to differentiate between venom and venom antibody produced by closely related species of snakes), reproducibility and simplicity. A new in-vitro procedure for quantitative analysis of potency of ASVS by passive haemagglutination (PHA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) has been explored. The methods described are simple, rapid, economical, reproducible and useful in replacing the more expensive in-vivo neutralization assays. Moreover, it also eliminates the use of laboratory animals.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Lipopolysaccharide activates an innate immune system response in human adipose tissue in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

UNLABELLED: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Adipose tissue (AT) may represent an important site of inflammation. 3T3-L1 studies have demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activates toll-like receptors (TLRs) to cause inflammation. For this study, we 1) examined activation of TLRs and adipocytokines by LPS in human abdominal subcutaneous (AbdSc) adipocytes, 2) examined blockade of NF-kappaB in human AbdSc adipocytes, 3) examined the innate immune pathway in AbdSc AT from lean, obese, and T2DM subjects, and 4) examined the association of circulating LPS in T2DM subjects. The findings showed that LPS increased TLR-2 protein expression twofold (P<0.05). Treatment of AbdSc adipocytes with LPS caused a significant increase in TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion (IL-6, CONTROL: 2.7+/-0.5 vs. LPS: 4.8+/-0.3 ng/ml; P<0.001; TNF-alpha, CONTROL: 1.0+/-0.83 vs. LPS: 32.8+/-6.23 pg/ml; P<0.001). NF-kappaB inhibitor reduced IL-6 in AbdSc adipocytes ( CONTROL: 2.7+/-0.5 vs. NF-kappaB inhibitor: 2.1+/-0.4 ng/ml; P<0.001). AbdSc AT protein expression for TLR-2, MyD88, TRAF6, and NF-kappaB was increased in T2DM patients (P<0.05), and TLR-2, TRAF-6, and NF-kappaB were increased in LPS-treated adipocytes (P<0.05). Circulating LPS was 76% higher in T2DM subjects compared with matched controls. LPS correlated with insulin in controls (r=0.678, P<0.0001). Rosiglitazone (RSG) significantly reduced both fasting serum insulin levels (reduced by 51%, P=0.0395) and serum LPS (reduced by 35%, P=0.0139) in a subgroup of previously untreated T2DM patients. In summary, our results suggest that T2DM is associated with increased endotoxemia, with AT able to initiate an innate immune response. Thus, increased adiposity may increase proinflammatory cytokines and therefore contribute to the pathogenic risk of T2DM.

Adipocytes, White↗
PubMed2006

Caspase function in programmed cell death.

The first proapoptotic caspase, CED-3, was cloned from Caenorhabditis elegans in 1993 and shown to be essential for the developmental death of all somatic cells. Following the discovery of CED-3, caspases have been cloned from several vertebrate and invertebrate species. As reviewed in other articles in this issue of Cell Death and Differentiation, many caspases function in nonapoptotic pathways. However, as is clear from the worm studies, the evolutionarily conserved role of caspases is to execute programmed cell death. In this article, I will specifically focus on caspases that function primarily in cell death execution. In particular, the physiological function of caspases in apoptosis is discussed using examples from the worm, fly and mammals.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Alginate microspheres of isoniazid for oral sustained drug delivery.

In the present study, spherical microspheres able to prolong the release of INH were produced by a modified emulsification method, using sodium alginate as the hydrophilic carrier. The shape and surface characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy using gold sputter technique. Particle sizes of both placebo and drug-loaded formulations were measured by SEM and the particle size distribution was determined by an optical microscope. The physical state of the drug in the formulation was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The release profiles of INH from microspheres were examined in simulated gastric fluid (SGF pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF pH 7.4). Gamma-scintigraphic studies were carried out to determine the location of microspheres on oral administration and the extent of transit through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The microspheres had a smoother surface and were found to be discreet and spherical in shape. The particles were heterogeneous with the maximum particles of an average size of 3.719mum. Results indicated that the mean particle size of the microspheres increased with an increase in the concentration of polymer and the cross-linker as well as the cross-linking time. The entrapment efficiency was found to be in the range of 40-91%. Concentration of the cross-linker up to 7.5% caused increase in the entrapment efficiency and the extent of drug release. Optimized isoniazid-alginate microspheres were found to possess good bioadhesion (72.25+/-1.015%). The bioadhesive property of the particles resulted in prolonged retention in the small intestine. Microspheres could be observed in the intestinal lumen at 4h and were detectable in the intestine 24h post-oral administration, although the percent radioactivity had significantly decreased (t(1/2) of (99m)Tc=4-5h). Increased drug loading (91%) was observed for the optimized formulation suggesting the efficiency of the method. Nearly 26% of INH was released in SGF pH 1.2 in 6h and 71.25% in SIF pH 7.4 in 30h. No significant drug-polymer interactions were observed in FT-IR studies. Dissolution and gamma-scintigraphy studies have shown promising results proving the utility of the formulation for enteric drug delivery.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed2006

Direct characterization of Blastocystis from faeces by PCR and evidence of zoonotic potential.

In vitro propagation followed by PCR, and a PCR-based method capable of the direct detection of Blastocystis in faeces were utilized to detect Blastocystis from various hosts in Australia, including primates and their handlers from the Perth Zoo. In addition, Blastocystis isolates from dogs and humans living in a localized endemic community in Thailand were also characterized genetically. PCR-based detection directly from faeces was shown to be more sensitive compared with in vitro culture for the detection of Blastocystis. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis isolates amplified utilizing in vitro techniques prior to PCR revealed that this method favoured the preferential amplification of Blastocystis subtype 5 over subtype 1. This study is the first to provide molecular-based evidence supporting the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis in dogs, possums and primates in a natural setting.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Neo-adjuvant and adjuvant hormone therapy for localised and locally advanced prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Hormone therapy for early prostate cancer has demonstrated an improvement in clinical and pathological variables, but not always an improvement in overall survival. We performed a systematic review of both adjuvant and neo-adjuvant hormone therapy combined with surgery or radiotherapy in localised or locally advanced prostate cancer. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to undertake a systematic review and, if possible, a meta-analysis of neo-adjuvant and adjuvant hormone therapy in localised or locally advanced prostate cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE (1966-2006), EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Science Citation Index, LILACS, and SIGLE for relevant randomised trials. Handsearching of appropriate publications was also undertaken. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of patients with localised or locally advanced prostate cancer, that is, stages T1-T4, any N, M0, comparing neo-adjuvant or adjuvant hormonal deprivation in combination with primary therapy (radical radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy) versus primary therapy alone were included in this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted from eligible studies and assessed for quality, and included information on study design, participants, interventions, and outcomes. Comparable data were pooled together for meta-analysis with intention-to treat principle. MAIN RESULTS: Men with prostate cancer have different clinical outcomes based on their risk (T1-T2, T3-T4, PSA levels and Gleason score). However, the majority of studies included in this review did not report results by risk groups; therefore, it was not possible to perform sub-group analysis. Neo-adjuvant hormonal therapy prior to prostatectomy did not improve overall survival (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.85, P = 0.69). However, there was a significant reduction in the positive surgical margin rate (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.42, P < 0.00001) and a significant improvement in other pathological variables such as lymph node involvement, pathological staging and organ confined rates. There was a borderline significant reduction of disease recurrence rates (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.0, P = 0.05), in favour of treatment. The use of longer duration of neo-adjuvant hormones, that is either 6 or 8 months prior to prostatectomy, was associated with a significant reduction in positive surgical margins (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.80, P = 0.002). In one study, neo-adjuvant hormones prior to radiotherapy significantly improved overall survival for Gleason 2 to 6 patients; although, in two studies, there was no improvement in disease-specific survival (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.32, P = 0.97). However, there was a significant improvement in both clinical disease-free survival (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.93 to 2.40, P < 0.00001) and biochemical disease-free survival (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.56, P < 0.00001). Adjuvant androgen deprivation following prostatectomy did not significantly improve overall survival at 5 years (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.85, P = 0.2); although one study reported a significant disease-specific survival advantage with adjuvant therapy (P = 0.001). In addition, there was a significant improvement in disease-free survival at both 5 years (OR 3.73, 95%CI 2.30 to 6.03, P < 0.00001) and 10 years (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.15, P = 0.0009). Adjuvant therapy following radiotherapy resulted in a significant overall survival gain apparent at 5 (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.83, P = 0.0009) and 10 years (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.84, P = 0.003); although there was significant heterogeneity (P = 0.09 and P = 0.07, respectively). There was also a significant improvement in disease-specific survival (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.88, P = 0.00001) and disease-free survival (OR 2.53, 95% CI 2.05 to 3.12, P < 0.00001) at 5 years. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Hormone therapy combined with either prostatectomy or radiotherapy is associated with significant clinical benefits in patients with local or locally advanced prostate cancer. Significant local control may be achieved when given prior to prostatectomy or radiotherapy, which may improve patient's quality of life. When given adjuvant to these primary therapies, hormone therapy, not only provides a method for local control, but there is also evidence for a significant survival advantage. However, hormone therapy is associated with significant side effects, such as hot flushes and gynaecomastia, as well as cost implications. The decision to use hormone therapy should, therefore, be taken at a local level, between the patient, clinician and policy maker, taking into account the clinical benefits, toxicity and cost. More research is needed to guide the choice, the duration, and the schedule of hormonal deprivation therapy, and the impact of long-term hormone therapy with regard to toxicity and the patient's quality of life.

Androgen Antagonists↗
PubMed2006

Production of prolific microsheep by embryo transfer into large non-prolific sheep.

The Garole is a prolific breed of microsheep that possesses the FecB gene, which increases ovulation rate. The purpose of this study was to compare embryo production by multiple ovulation in seven Garole ewes with that in seven normal size, non-prolific Malpura ewes, and assess the influence of the large body size of Awassi crossbred recipient ewes on the birth-weight of Garole lambs. Oestrus was synchronised with two intramuscular injections of 7.5 mg prostaglandin F(2alpha) administered 10 days apart. The donor ewes were superovulated by the use of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and follicle-stimulating hormone. The onset and duration of oestrus were similar in both breeds. The Garole donors had higher total mean (se) ovarian responses (15.6 [3.6] v 9.1 [2.3]), ovulation rate (13.6 [3.1] v 8.4 [2.2]) and produced more transferable embryos (6.0 [3.5] v 4.0 [0.9]) than the Malpura donors, but the differences were not statistically significant. The Garole lambs produced by embryo transfer were on average 57.8 per cent heavier at birth than contemporary Garole lambs produced by natural mating.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Differential effects of systemic ethanol administration on protein kinase cepsilon, gamma, and beta isoform expression, membrane translocation, and target phosphorylation: reversal by chronic ethanol exposure.

Systemic ethanol administration alters protein kinase C (PKC) activity in brain, but the effects of ethanol on the expression and translocation of specific isoforms are unknown. Rats were administered ethanol (2 g/kg i.p.) or saline and PKC levels were measured in the cytosolic and membrane fractions by Western blot analysis. PKCepsilon expression was increased in the cytosol and decreased in the membrane (P2) fraction of cerebral cortex at 10 min. At 60 min, expression of PKCepsilon in the P2 fraction was increased by 42.2 +/- 12%, but cytosolic levels were unchanged. In contrast, PKCgamma in the P2 fraction was decreased 32.7 +/- 7% at 60 min but not at 10 min post-ethanol administration. PKCgamma levels in the cytosol were reduced at 10 min post-ethanol administration and unchanged at 60 min. PKCbeta expression was increased 36 +/- 10 and 144 +/- 52% in the P2 fraction both at 10 and 60 min post-ethanol administration, whereas cytosolic levels were unchanged. Serine phosphorylation of GABA(A) receptor beta-chain was reduced, and phosphorylation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit was increased 60 min following ethanol administration. There was no effect of acute ethanol administration on PKC isoform levels in the hippocampus. Ethanol challenge did not alter PKC isoform expression in the P2 fraction of cerebral cortex following chronic ethanol administration. These findings suggest that acute ethanol administration alters PKC synthesis and translocation in an isoform and brain region specific manner that leads to alterations in serine phosphorylation of receptors. Furthermore, chronic ethanol administration prevents ethanol-induced alterations in PKC expression in the P2 fraction, where PKC interacts with ethanol-responsive ion channels.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Simultaneous bilateral facial palsy as a result of isolated mandibular fractures.

Post-traumatic bilateral facial nerve palsy is usually associated with fracture of the temporal bones in patients who have sustained a significant head injury. Facial nerve injury can also very rarely occur because of isolated mandibular fractures, without associated temporal bone fractures. Here is reported a case of bilateral facial nerve palsy in a patient with mandibular symphysis and bilateral condylar fractures of the mandible without evidence of temporal bone fracture or significant head injury.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A highly potent inhibitor of cathepsin K (relacatib) reduces biomarkers of bone resorption both in vitro and in an acute model of elevated bone turnover in vivo in monkeys.

Cathepsin K is an osteoclast-derived cysteine protease that has been implicated as playing a major role in bone resorption. A substantial body of evidence indicates that cathepsin K is critical in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and suggests that its pharmacological inhibition should result in inhibition of bone resorption in vivo. Here we report the pharmacological characterization of SB-462795 (relacatib) as a potent and orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of cathepsin K that inhibits bone resorption both in vitro in human tissue and in vivo in cynomolgus monkeys. SB-462795 is a potent inhibitor of human cathepsins K, L, and V (K(i, app)=41, 68, and 53 pM, respectively) that exhibits 39-300-fold selectivity over other cathepsins. SB-462795 inhibited endogenous cathepsin K in situ in human osteoclasts and human osteoclast-mediated bone resorption with IC50 values of approximately 45 nM and approximately 70 nM, respectively. The anti-resorptive potential of SB-462795 was evaluated in normal as well as medically ovariectomized (Ovx) female cynomolgus monkeys. Serum levels of the C- and N-terminal telopeptides of Type I collagen (CTx and NTx, respectively) and urinary levels of NTx were monitored as biomarkers of bone resorption. Administration of SB-462795 to medically ovariectomized or normal monkeys resulted in an acute reduction in both serum and urinary markers of bone resorption within 1.5 h after dosing, and this effect lasted up to 48 h depending on the dose administered. Our data indicate that SB-462795 potently inhibits human cathepsin K in osteoclasts, resulting in a rapid inhibition of bone resorption both in vitro and in vivo in the monkey. These studies also demonstrate the therapeutic potential of relacatib in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and serves to model the planned clinical trials in human subjects.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2006

A systematic review of guidelines for the prevention of heat illness in community-based sports participants and officials.

This paper presents the findings of a systematic review of guidelines on preventing heat illness in sports participants and officials. University library databases and Internet sources were searched for guidelines pertaining to community-based sports, and occupational health and safety, using a comprehensive list of search terms. Guidelines were included if they met the criteria of English language, full text and fully referenced, and dealt specifically with, or could be extrapolated to, prevention of heat illness in sports participants and officials. Guideline inclusion was evaluated by two independent reviewers, who also independently assessed guideline quality using the AGREE instrument. Common guideline themes were identified by synthesis and recommendations for each theme were extracted. A synthesis of recommendations for common themes was then undertaken. Thirteen eligible guidelines were included. Thirty-two guidelines were excluded, as they did not provide sufficient information on construction or references. The methodological quality of the included guidelines was variable. The evidence-base of the guidelines varied, reflecting primary and secondary research. While five common heat-illness prevention themes were identified (fluid intake, heat limits, clothing, acclimatisation, precautionary interventions), variable recommendations were made pertaining to these themes. This potentially reflected the variable underpinning evidence of the guidelines. This review highlighted the need for better quality guideline construction related to defensible and transparent evidence sources regarding sports participation in hot weather. The synthesised recommendations cautiously provide a framework of current best evidence upon which sporting organisations internationally can base strategies for safe participation in the heat.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2006

Sperm motion characteristics of GarolexMalpura sheep evolved in a semi-arid tropical environment through introgression of FecB gene.

The arid and semi-arid tropical climates of India are endowed with vast diversity of non-prolific sheep breeds. The GarolexMalpura sheep has been evolved in a semi-arid tropical environment by introgression of FecB gene via artificial insemination of Malpura ewes using diluted semen of prolific microsheep Garole and subsequently multiplied by inter se mating among GarolexMalpura halfbreds. The aim of the present study was to identify FecB mutation in sexually mature GarolexMalpura rams by forced RFLP-PCR of BMPR-1B gene and evaluate: (i) semen production and sperm motion characteristics of GM rams and (ii) influence of age and FecB genotype on their semen attributes. Semen was collected during autumn season from 12 donor rams by artificial vagina on 8 occasions at weekly interval. The overall means of traits which did not differed significantly with age or FecB genotyping were volume (0.72 ml), mass motility (4.44), sperm concentration (2721.56 x 10(6)ml(-1)), curvilinear velocity (134.51 microm/s), motility (81.3%), amplitude of lateral head displacement (6.24 microm), beat frequency (44.43 Hz), sperm head elongation (48.9%) and sperm head area (10.01 microm(2)). The FecB genotyping had a significant effect (P<0.05) on percent linearity and rapid motile sperms, which did not vary significantly with age. Although sperm concentration was higher in FecB(BB) and FecB(B+), compared to FecB(++) genotypes but the effect was non-significant. The age and FecB genotyping had significant effects (P<0.05) on straightness, average path velocity, straight-line velocity and percentage of medium or slow motile sperms. It is concluded that GarolexMalpura rams with introgressed FecB gene are capable of producing good quality semen in a semi-arid tropical climate.

Aging↗