Minor variations in the ossicles, foramina and ridges of the cranium have aroused the curiosity of anatomists for many decades. These non-metric variants help us to study the genetic relationships among ancient populations. Since these traits show considerable frequency differences in different populations, they can be used as anthropological characters in epidemiological studies. These variants indirectly reflect the part of underlying genotype of a given population thus implying their usefulness in biological comparisons of related groups. They can be used for the assessment of the existence of the parental structures within a community or as taxonomic indicators. For anthropological studies, the traits should be genetically determined, vary in frequency between different populations and should not show age, sex, and side dependency. The present study was conducted on hundred dry adult human skulls from Northern India. They were sexed and studied for the presence of hyperostotic traits (double hypoglossal canal, jugular foramen bridging, and paracondylar process). Sexual and side dimorphism was observed. None of the traits had shown statistically significant side and sexual dimorphism. Since the dimorphism is exhibited by none of them, it can be postulated that these traits are predominantly under genetic control and can be effectively used for population studies.
Adult ; Anatomists ; Anthropology ; Dependency (Psychology) ; Exploratory Behavior ; Genotype ; Humans ; India ; Parents ; Skull

The present study deals with the co-ordination of cytokine(IL-4 and IFN-γ) expression and kinetics of peste des petits ruminants(PPR) virus antigen and antibody in PPRV infected and vaccinated goats.The infected animals exhibited mixed cytokine(both TH1 and TH2) responses in the initial phase of the disease.The infected and dead goats had increased IFN-γ response before their death; while IL-4 remained at the base level.The cytokine expression in recovered animals was almost similar to that of vaccinated ones,where a unique biphasic response of IL-4 expression was observed with an up-regulation of IFN-γ on 7th days post vaccination(dpv).Analysis of PPR virus antigen and antibody kinetics in different components of blood from infected and vaccinated animals revealed that the PPR virus antigen load was highest in plasma followed by serum and blood of the infected animals,whereas vaccinated animals showed only marginal positivity on 9th dpv.The antibody titer was high in serum followed by plasma and blood in both vaccinated and infected animals.Therefore,it is inferred that the presence of antigen and antibody were significant with the expression of cytokine,and that a decreased response of IL-4 was noticed during intermediate phase of the disease i.e.,7 to 12th days post infection(dpi).This indicates the ability to mount a functional TH2 response after 14th dpi could be a critical determinant in deciding the survival of the PPR infected animal.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering centers on creating a niche similar to the natural one, with a purpose of developing an organ construct. A natural scaffold can replace none while creating a scaffold unique to each tissue in composition, architecture and cues that regulate the character of cells. METHODS: Whole pancreas from mouse was decellularized using detergent and enzymes, followed by recellularizing with MSC from human placenta. This construct was transplanted in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice. Histopathology of both decellularized and recellularized transplanted pancreas and qPCR analysis were performed to assess its recovery. RESULTS: Decellularization removes the cells leaving behind extracellular matrix rich natural scaffold. After reseeding with mesenchymal stem cells, these cells differentiate into pancreas specific cells. Upon transplantation in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice, this organ was capable of restoring its histomorphology and functioning. Restoration of endocrine (islets), the exocrine region (acinar) and vascular network was seen in transplanted pancreas. The process of functional recovery of endocrine system took about 20 days when the mice start showing blood glucose reduction, though none achieved gluconormalization. CONCLUSION Natural decellularized scaffolds of soft organs can be refunctionalized using recipient’s mesenchymal stem cells to restore structure and function; and counter immune problems arising during transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering centers on creating a niche similar to the natural one, with a purpose of developing an organ construct. A natural scaffold can replace none while creating a scaffold unique to each tissue in composition, architecture and cues that regulate the character of cells. METHODS: Whole pancreas from mouse was decellularized using detergent and enzymes, followed by recellularizing with MSC from human placenta. This construct was transplanted in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice. Histopathology of both decellularized and recellularized transplanted pancreas and qPCR analysis were performed to assess its recovery. RESULTS: Decellularization removes the cells leaving behind extracellular matrix rich natural scaffold. After reseeding with mesenchymal stem cells, these cells differentiate into pancreas specific cells. Upon transplantation in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice, this organ was capable of restoring its histomorphology and functioning. Restoration of endocrine (islets), the exocrine region (acinar) and vascular network was seen in transplanted pancreas. The process of functional recovery of endocrine system took about 20 days when the mice start showing blood glucose reduction, though none achieved gluconormalization. CONCLUSION Natural decellularized scaffolds of soft organs can be refunctionalized using recipient’s mesenchymal stem cells to restore structure and function; and counter immune problems arising during transplantation.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of andrographolide, a plant derived compound, against chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. Methods: Using flow cytometry and immunoblotting assay, in vitro viral protein expression was studied in THP-1 cells line. In Balb/c mouse neonates, viral RNA copy number was determined by real time PCR. Results: The results showed reduced CHIKV protein expression on andrographolide treatment in CHIKV-infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, Vero cells and THP-1 cell line. In vivo, andrographolide treatment to CHIKV-infected neonates reduced viral RNA copy number. Further, andrographolide also increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Andrographolide also activated host innate immune pathways, viz., protein kinase R, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α , retinoic acid inducible gene-I and interferon regulatory factor 3/7, thereby increasing IFN- α secretion. CHIKV-induced nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells and tumor necrosis factor- α was also reduced on andrographolide treatment. Conclusion: Andrographolide inhibits CHIKV by suppressing viral protein expression and up-regulating host innate immunity and hence could be an effective therapeutic agent against CHIKV infection.