No abstract

The genetically engineered mice require special husbandry care and are mainly housed in Individually Ventilated Cage (IVC) systems and Static Micro Isolator Cages (SMIC) to minimize the risk for spreading undesirable microorganisms. However, the static micro isolation cage housing like SMIC are being replaced with IVC systems in many facilities due to a number of benefits like a higher density housing in limited space, better protection from biohazards and allergens and decreased work load due to decreased frequency of cage changing required in this system. The purpose of this study was to examine the reproductive performance of genetically engineered mice housed in individually ventilated cages (IVC) and Static Micro Isolator Cages (SMIC). When the B6C3-Tg (APPswe, PSEN1dE9) 85Dbo/Mmjax transgenic mice were housed in these two housing systems, the number of litters per dam, number of pups born per dam and number of pups weaned per dam were found to be slightly higher in the IVC as compared to the SMIC but the difference was not significant (P<0.05). In case of Growth Associated Protein 43 (GAP-43) knockout mice, the number of litters born per dam and the number of pups born per dam were marginally higher in the IVC as compared to those housed in SMIC but the difference was not significant (P<0.05). Only the number of pups weaned per dam were found to be significantly higher as compared to those housed in the SMIC system at P<0.05.

Background Hernia is protrusion of an organ from the wall of the cavity bearing it. Omentum, adipose tissue and intestinal loops are the most frequently involved organs. Present case report is a new case of indirect inguinal hernia having omentum engaged in scrotum though hernial ring in a bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) and its surgical emergency treatment. Case Description A 19-year-old male Bonnet macaque was presented with distension of right inguinal and scrotal region. Physical examination revealed inguinal hernia. Surgical intervention was deemed necessary considering the state of the animal. Surgery was performed to confirm the type of hernia and to repair the inguinal hernia. The herniation was corrected surgically by removal of the protruded fatty mass. The monkey recovered well from anesthesia and was held in strict confinement to allow the surgical site to heal. The animal recovered successfully in two weeks without any clinical complications. This case report details a successful surgical repair of indirect inguinal hernia in a bonnet macaque. Conclusion The present case recovered uneventfully without any post-operative complication and was brought on normal appetite after one week. As observed in present study, surgery can be an ideal and effective solution for the treatment of inguinal hernias in primates. Considering Macaca radiata, there have been scarcity of literature about inguinal hernias relative to other species of non-human primates.

Stroke causes brain damage and is one of the main reasons for death. Most survivors of stroke face long-term physical disabilities and cognitive dysfunctions. In addition, they also have persistent emotional and behavioral changes. The two main treatments that are effective are reperfusion with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and recanalization of penumbra using mechanical thrombectomy. However, these treatments are suitable only for a few patients due to limitations such as susceptibility to hemorrhage and the requirement for administering tissue plasminogen activators within the short therapeutic window during the early hours following a stroke. The paucity of interventions and treatments could be because of the multiple pathological mechanisms induced in the brain by stroke. The ongoing immune response following stroke has been attributed to the worsening brain injury. Hence, novel compounds with immunomodulatory properties that could improve the outcome of stroke patients are required. Natural compounds and medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory activities and having minimal or no adverse systemic effect could be beneficial in treating stroke. Ocimum sanctum is a medicinal herb that can be considered an effective therapeutic option for ischemic brain injury. Ocimum sanctum, commonly known as holy basil or “Tulsi,” is mentioned as the “Elixir of Life” for its healing powers. Since antiquity, Tulsi has been used in the Ayurvedic and Siddha medical systems to treat several diseases; it possesses immuno-modulatory activity, which can alter cellular and humoral immune responses. Tulsi can be considered a potential option as an immuno-modulator for treating various diseases, including brain stroke. In this review, we will focus on the immunomodulatory properties of Tulsi, specifically its effect on both innate and adaptive immunity, as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially be effective in treating ongoing immune reactions following ischemic brain injury.