Dinithi C. Peiris

In the Aynrvedic herbal system in Sri Lanka, PassiJlora suberosa is used to treat ma!! including diabetes. The present study was conducted to evaluate in vitro antioxidd and cytotoxic activities of methanol and water extracts, obtained from P. suberosa suberosa leaves were powdered and extracted with methanol and water to obtain extracts. Antioxidant capacity of different concentrations of aqueous and were determined by their ability to scavenge free radical using 1-diphenyl-2-pt (DPPH) and by antihaemolytic activity. Similar concentrations were further fi cytotoxicity using brine shrimps cytotoxicity assay. IC50 values were calculated to both antioxidant properties and toxicity of plant extracts. According to DPPH r values of both aqueous and methanol leaf extracts were 74.33 Wglml and 4l respectively. The IC50 value of the aqueous extract of P. suberosa leaf was si8ni than that of the standard ascorbic acid, which was found to be 166.17 pglml. W values of antihaemolytic activity were 80.08 pglml and 610.25pglm1 in aqueous and leaf extracts respectively. Results from brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay, showed values for aqueous and methanol extracts of P. suberosa leaves wete 60.26 pglml and pglml respectively. The aqueous extract of P. suberosa leaves exhibited better anti activity and cytotoxic activity than the methanol extract. Hence, present findings st extracts of P. suberosa leaves possess applicable natural antioxidant and cytotoxic Further, P. suberosa leaves possess better antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, well-established antioxidant. Hence, extracts from P. suberosa leaves can be potential antioxidant and cytotoxic agents as well as imminent candidate for cancer Keywords: P as siflora suberos a, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, IC50 values iriceedings of the International Eorestry and Enaironment Symposium 2016, Departmmt of Forestry and Enaironmental Science, l)nirtersity of Sri layanardenepura, Sri Lanka.

Ph ltoch e m i ca I S cree n i n g a nd A atimicrrbffi ,+rri*-r d Gxf:rtr bm Abstract Plants are the basis of traditional medicine system and have been the source of many of novel drug components. Passi.flora suberosa is used in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic system to treat many diseases including diabetes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate phyochemical constituent of different extracts and antimicrobial effect of methanol and aqueous extracts of leaves of P. suberosa. Aqueous, methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts of leaves of P. sttberosa obtained under reflux conditions were subjected for phytochemical screening according to previously established methods. Aqueous and methanol extracts of P. suberosa leaves possessed more phytochemicals, thus those extracts were subjected for antimicrobial study which was obtained using minimum inhibition assay as determined by agar well diffusion method. Both methanol and aqueous extracts ranging from 6 ptilml-800 pglml were tested against both gram positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococctrs ./iteciunt) and gram negative bacteria (Pseuduntonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimuriant and Escherichia cloi) while Gentamicin was used as the standarded drug. The phyochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins and anthraquinones in the chloroform extract, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids in the hexane extract and alkaloids, unsaturated sterols, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids and tannins in both rnethanol and aqueous extracts. Proanthocyanidin, which is a potent free radical scavenger, was observed only in the aqueous extract. Further, only methanol extract was found to possess moderate activity against all the tested bacterial strains. Highest concentration (800 pglml) of methanol extract showed widest zone of inhibition (7 mm), indicating moderate activity against tested bacterial strains. in contrast, the aqueous extract showed poor activity against tested bacterial strains. In conclusion, results revealed the presence of bioactive natural compounds in aqueous and mehtanolic extracts that may be used in the development ofpharmaceutical products. Similarly, prelirninary studies on antimicrobial activity exhibited antimicrobial potential of methanol extract, which could be used as future antimicrobial sources for natural therapies, food industry.

has i ni dgi (ilgmai l. cor.r'r Cadmium pollution of soil is widespread across the globe and has caused biological problems. In polluted soils, earthworns are exposed to cadmium via absorption throughout their intestinal epithelium in to the coelomic cavity posing major health challenges to them. The conret assay is efTective in detenlining the levels of DNA damage indr,rced in earthrvorrns by heavy metals. Cument study aimed to evaluare cadnriun-r salts induced genotoxiciq, in Eisenict andrei coelomocytes using alkaline colret assay. Earth*'orr-ns (n: l0 per group) were exposed to different series (0. _l_ 100,900 mg a.i / kg dry soil) of rwo cadmium salts; cadmium chloride (cdcl:) an,c cadmium sulphate (CdSOr) fbr 28 days. Field collected natural soil was used as ihe substrate in all treatrnents (0, 3, 100, 900 rrrg a.i / kg dry soil). Coelon-ric cells were harvested from the earthrvorms and subjected to lysis. Upon electrophoresis, DNA n-rigration was determined using mean comet tail length (prr). tn both cadmiur:i salts comet length increased progressively with increasing Cd concentrations. Coelornocytes fiom eafthworms, exposed to 3 mg and l00mg of cdSo+ showed a significant (P<0.01) increase in comer length (3mg: 10.75*0.l8prn; l00mg: lt.]ii +0.l6prr respectively) when compared to the control (3.50 + 0.45 pm). Earthu.orrn-t erposed to 3mg and 100 rlg of cdcl:t formed comet tails (10.65 + 0.19 pm anJ 11.50 t 0.24 ptm respectively) signiticantly (P<0.01) higher than that of the contrcj (5.00 + 0.73 prn). Nine hundred mg a.i lkg dry soil dose of both salts caused rhr highest DNA damage as measllred by the comet length fonned with cdcl: causing the greatest damage (39.60 *2.200pm) than CdSO+ (28.14 +l.8lpm). Present rlara slt-ugested that in these experinrental conditions coelomocytes light fiaction ma1 represent a tl-)ore settsitive biomarker ol genotoxic insult. Further, it suggests thes earthwornls tlay be usefttl indicator organisms to assess genotoxic risks ol' cadmium pollLrtion. Keywords Cct rue | .7.!.!a1,. Eart hu,ornts. Gen oloxic i 0,. Eis e n ia an drei. Acknowledgement: Financial assistance given by University of Sr Jayewardenepura grant (ASP/06/RE/scy20 I 3/ I 7) is greatly acknowledged. of tann in s l r,, tu t"j tr n u (K Lr nt i. L;,. calculated j-i\i::_ ttsed as i.tn r,,:, _ ol elconte br i-,, erchange cilll,

Organophosphorus pesticides were reported to impair male reproductive function. Admire and lebaycid are two widely used insecticides in agriculture to combat agricultural pests. It is unclear whether these pesticides impact human spermatozoa. We investigated the effects of admire and lebaycid on morphology and functional aspects of human spermatozoa. Human sperm were incubated with admire and lebaycid at different doses (1.25, 2.5 and 5 µg/mL) and Biggers Whitten Whittingham (BWW; control). Total motility, vitality, plasma membrane integrity, capacitation, acrosome reaction and sperm DNA damage was examined. The results indicated that admire and lebaycid inhibit total motility in a dose-dependent manner. The vitality and plasma membrane integrity decrease significantly in sperm incubated with the highest dose of admire and lebaycid. Similarly, the capacitation and acrosome reaction were impaired only at the high dose. Pesticides induced increased sperm DNA damages with increasing exposure levels. The results suggest a direct action of admire and lebaycid on the different parameters studied suggesting that exposure to these two pesticides may result in detrimental effect on human sperm function.

Background: Boiled aqueous extract of flowers (AEF) from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. are used in Sri Lankan traditional Ayruvedic Medicine to manage diabetes mellitus. AEF has widely been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments due to its therapeutic activity. However, little is known concerning therapeutic activity of the extract as well as its underline mechanisms and safety. Diabetes is known to increase low-density cholesterol and decrease high-density cholesterol thus triggering coronary diseases. Hence, the primary objective of the present study is to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of the AEF. Methods: AEF was prepared and male mice (n = 9 group) were gavaged either with 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg of AEF or distilled water (DW). Subsequently, fasting and random blood glucose concentrations were determined. To investigate mechanisms of actions of AEF, animals were orally administered with 500 mg/kg or the vehicle (DW) and glucose tolerance was performed before and after glucose challenge. For further studies, in vitro alpha-amylase assay and glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract were performed using 500 mg/kg of the extract. Additionally, glycogen content in the liver and skeletal muscles, a complete lipid profile assay, and toxicological and biochemical parameters were conducted after a chronic study.

Treatment with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of Cardiospermum halicacabum for 30 days produced a significant dose dependent increase in the sperm counts and sperm motility in both caput and cauda regions. Further, significant increase in serum testosterone level was evident at all applied doses. However, no significant changes in the weight of sex organs were observed. Aqueous leaf extract also increased the number of females impregnated, number of implantations, and number of viable fetuses while decreasing the total number of resorption sites in the pregnant females. However, the total cholesterol level in the serum remained unchanged and there were no records on renotoxicity; nevertheless ALE exhibited a hepatoprotective effect. It was concluded that aqueous leaf extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum enhanced sperm concentration, motility, and testosterone, leading to positive results in fertility.

Historique : le coup de fouet cervical est le type de blessure la plus courante suite à une collision impliquant un véhicule à moteur. Il mène souvent à une invalidité et des souffrances permanentes. La prévention de telles blessures est possible grâce à l'usage d'un appuie-tête pour véhicule correctement positionné. Objectif : effectuer un sondage du niveau de connaissances des gestionnaires de parc automobile de la province de la Colombie-Britannique, au Canada, relativement à la sécurité routière, au coup de fouet cervical, et à la prévention ; et mieux comprendre si ces facteurs influence l'achat/la location d'un véhicule. Méthodes : le sondage fut mené auprès de gestionnaires de parc automobile municipal lors d'une réunion professionnelle (n = 27). Résultats : bien que la plupart des répondants comprennent l'efficacité d'un appuie-tête pour véhicule dans la prévention d'un coup de fouet cervical, la majorité d'entre eux ajustent rarement leur appuie-tête. Les gestionnaires de parc automobile ne possèdent pas les connaissances nécessaires sur la gravité de ce type de blessure, les coûts de celle-ci pour le système de santé canadien, et les positions appropriées de l'appuie-tête pour atténuer de telles blessures. La plupart des répondants ont indiqué que les décisions d'achat/ de location concernant le parc automobile de leur organisation ne tenaient pas compte de la prévention du Background: Whiplash is the most common injury type arising from motor vehicle collisions, often leading to long-term suffering and disability. Prevention of such injuries is possible through the use of appropriate, correctly positioned, vehicular head restraints. Objective: To survey the awareness and knowledge level of vehicle fleet managers in the province of British Columbia, Canada, on the topics of vehicle safety, whiplash injury, and prevention; and to better understand whether these factors influence vehicle purchase/lease decisions. Methods: A survey was administered to municipal vehicle fleet managers at a professional meeting (n = 27). Results: Although many respondents understood the effectiveness of vehicle head restraints in the prevention of whiplash injury, the majority rarely adjusted their own headrests. Fleet managers lacked knowledge about the seriousness of whiplash injuries, their associated costs for Canada's healthcare system, and appropriate head restraint positions to mitigate such injuries. The majority of respondents indicated that fleet vehicle purchase/ lease decisions within their organization did not factor whiplash prevention as an explicit safety priority. Conclusions: There is relatively little awareness and

Aim: To evaluate the effects of 1,3-dinitrobenznene (mDNB) on sperm motility of hamster and to correlate the results with the fertility. Methods: Adult male hamsters were gavaged with one of the 3 dose regimes of mDNB (1.5 mg daily for 4 weeks, 1.5 mg one day a week for 4 weeks and 1.0 mg 3 days a week for 4 weeks). Computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) was used to analyse the sperm motility parameters, curvilinear velocity (VCL) and straight line velocity (VSL) of sperm in distal corpus epididymides and distal cauda epididymides. In vitro fertilisation was carried out only for 1.5 mg mDNB daily group to determine the sperm fertilising capacity. Results: There was a significant reduction in sperm velocity parameters at weeks 3 and 4 after treatment, which was correlated with a decline in sperm fertility. Conclusion: Sperm velocity parameters may be used to determine the effect of a toxic insult on the sperm function. 1 Introduction 1,3-dinitrobenzne (mDNB) is used as an intermediate in many industries, including chemicals, pesticides and plastics. Studies have revealed that mDNB is a potent testicular toxicant and its primary target of action is the Sertoli cell. mDNB is known to cause reduction in testicular weight [1]. It can also cause a reduction in fertility in male rats with a decrease in cauda epididymal sperm reserve and sperm motility, which is not completely recovered even 12 weeks after cessation of chronic [2] or acute [3] exposure. Since lowered fertilising ability is often associated with a poor semen quality, sperm motility is considered as one of the most important parameters in evaluating the fertilising ability of sperm in the human or other mammal species [4]. In the past, assessment of sperm motility was based mainly on subjective evaluation, which is prone to man-made errors. More recently, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) has been developed as a sensitive and reliable method to analyse various motility parameters. In the human, it has been shown that the rate of fertilisation correlates with the curvilinear velocity (VCL); lateral head displacement had been shown to also correlate with the efficiency of cervical mucus penetration. All these motility parameters affect sperm penetration of mucus or oocyte vestments and thus the fertilising ability [5]. In the rodent, the correlation between sperm motility parameters and in vitro fertilisation can be used to predict the outcome of toxicological effects on sperm fertilising ability. Males treated with-chlorohydrin exhibited a significant reduction in straight line velocity (VSL) which correlated with the ability of sperm to fertilise the egg [6]. When sperm motility parameters were measured in rats gavaged with epichlorohydrin, it was found that VCL and VSL decreased in a dose-related manner, thus suggesting a relationship between toxicant-induced reduction in sperm motility and fertility [7]. The present experiment was carried out to determine the correlation between sperm motility parameters and sperm fertilising ability in male hamsters treated with chronic doses of mDNB. 2 Materials and methods 2.1 Animal treatment Adult golden male hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), weighing 120-140 g, were purchased from the Harlen (UK) Limited. The animals were divided at random into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Group 1 gavaged with 1.5 mgkg-1 d-1 of mDNB (dissolved in 60% PEG) for 4 weeks. After completion of treatment one animal was killed at weekly intervals. A second group were given an oral dose of 1.5 mg/kg mDNB, 1 day per week for 4 weeks, and killed at weeks 3 and 4 after the completion of treatment. A third group were dosed with 1.0 mg/kg mDNB, 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for 4 weeks and killed at week 3 and week 4 after cessation of dosing. At all the dose levels, control animals (n=6/group) received the vehicle only. 2.2 Medium for sperm Modified Krebs-Ringers solutions was used for CASA analysis. The medium was supplemented with 12 mg/mL crystalline bovine serum albumin, filter sterilised (0.2 m, Glean Sciences, UK), and equilibrated overnight in an atmosphere of 5% CO 2 in air at 37in a humidified incubator. The final pH of the medium was approximately 7.4 while the osmotic pressure was between 280 and 300 mOsm. 2.3 Collection and preparation of sperm Hamsters were killed with an overdose of pentobarbitone sodium (J.M. Loveridge, Southampton, UK). The distal corpus and the distal cauda regions of the epididymides were excised quickly and rinsed in BWW medium (kept at 37), blotted on tissue paper to remove excess blood. Pieces of tissue were immersed in 500L of medium and incubated at 37 for a few minutes to enable sperm to swim out into the solution. An aliquot of 150 L of BWW medium was placed in a pre-warmed culture dish (3510 mm, Corning, New York, USA) and covered with a prewarmed 2222 mm coverslip. The edges of the cover slip were covered with pre-warmed paraffin oil (Boots Co., Nottingham, UK). An aliquot of 20 L sperm sample was added to a corner of the coverslip giving a chamber depth about 35 m. The petri dish was placed in an inverted microscope (Diaphot, Nikon, London, UK) fitted with a thermostatically controlled air heated cabinet (Nikon, London, UK) equilibrated at 37. The microscope was fitted with a video camera (0.5 lux, Pulnix Ltd. London, UK) and a video recorder

This study examined the reproductive effects of methamidophos, an organophosphorus pesticide on male rats following sub-chronic oral administration (in 3 alternate days). The doses tested were 1.8750 and 0.9375 mg kg" 1 day" 1 and the reproductive effects were investigated upto 28-35 days post-treatment. The results show that both doses of methamidophos inhibited libido in a reversible fashion lasting upto 28 • 35 days. This effect on libido was accompanied by marked depressions in food and water intake, body weight and by cholinergic intoxication. Furthermore, the treatment was reprotoxic: decreased testicular interstitial fluid volume, seminiferous tubular diameter and reduction in motility and numbers of cauda epididymal sperm. Based on these data it is concluded that methamidophos could be detrimental to the sexuality and fertility of men who are constantly exposed to it.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of acute and chronic doses of methoxy acetic acid (MAA) on in vitro fertilisation by hamster sperm and to correlate the data with the testicular damage. Methods: Adult male hamsters were gavaged with 3 single doses (0, 80, 160 and 650 mg/kg) and 3 chronic doses (0, 8, 32 and 64 mg/kg daily for 5 weeks) of MAA in distilled water. After treatment hamsters were killed at weekly intervals and spermatozoa recovered from the distal cauda epididymides were used to assess the fertilising capacity in vitro. The testes were processed for histological examination. Results: Acute doses showed a significant reduction in sperm fertilising ability from week 3 and 4 after treatment and with the chronic doses, the effects were more extensive and persistent.The results were in correpondence with the testicular damages observed. Conclusion: It is evident that both acute and chronic doses of MAA can impair the sperm function by damaging one or more cell populations in the testis. 1 Introduction Fertilisation in vivo requires adequate numbers of spermatozoa to be ejaculated with normal morphology and motility [1]. Since spermatogenesis involves a complex process of cellular development, the impairment to any of the stages may lead to a reduction in fertility. Spermatogenesis has been shown to be susceptible to the damaging effect of a variety of chemical agents [2]. The relationship between the chemical damage to the testis and the male fertility is poorly understood in mammals. Specific damage to germ cells within the testis may take several weeks to become apparent and may not affect the fertilising capacity of all the sperm so that residual fertility remains. Furthermore, at low exposure of toxicant, the effects on sperm development may be subtle and involve changes to sperm function that are not apparent by standard testing such as animal mating trials. In this respect, rodent animal models have been useful to assess the effects of testicular toxicants [3,4]. Methoxy acetic acid (MAA) is widely used as a solvent in the manufacture of protective coatings such as lacquers, enamels, phenolic varnishes and alkyl resins. MAA is also used as an intermediate chemical for the production of ethylene glycolmonomethyl ether (EGME), a common plasticiser used by paint, printing, textile and leather industries [5,6]. Studies have shown that administration of single oral doses of MAA to rats caused selective and stagedependent destruction of late pachytene and diplotene spermatocytes [6-9]. Later the degeneration extended to early and mid-stages of spermatocytes and to round spermatids [9]. At lower dose levels, the effects were less pronounced or confined to fewer stages of spermatogenesis. Ratnasooriya and Sharpe [10] treated rats with a single dose of 650 mg/kg of MAA and found similar results to earlier toxicological studies. In addition, they observed a reduction in sperm motility at 4-7 weeks post-treatment but with no evidence of infertility. Chronic doses of MAA resulted in the reduction in testicular weights [11] in addition to the above mentioned effects. Although there have been a considerable number of investigations on the effect of reproductive toxicants on the histology of the testis, it is less known about how damage is reflected in the fertilising ability of sperm. Further, the effects of MAA on fertility and testicular damages of hamsters have not been studied. The in vitro fertilisation (IVF) assay is sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in the fertilising capacity of spermatozoa [12]. Therefore the present study was undertaken to examine the sperm fertilising ability in vitro in male hamsters treated with acute and chronic doses of MAA and to compare the fertility data with the results on testicular damage. 2 Materials and methods 2.1 Hamster colony Adult (6 weeks old) Syrian (Golden) hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were purchased from Harlan (UK). Animals were maintained on 13 h light and 11 h dark cycle in a room that was lit by artificial light from 06:00 to 19:00. The animal room was kept at (202) and a relative humidity of 45 %-55 %. Animals were fed on a pellet diet with free access to water and animals were allowed to acclimatise for at least 2 weeks before use. Toxicant was given orally by gavage using smooth-ended flexible stainless steel gavage needles connected to a 1 mL syringe. 2.2 Chemicals MAA, >98 % pure, was purchased from Aldrich(UK), while all other chemicals were purchased from Sigma (UK) unless stated otherwise. Solutions of MAA were prepared with distilled water just prior to use. 2.3 Treatment of hamsters Experiment 1 (acute dose): 36 male hamsters were given a single dose of MAA at either 650, 160 or 80 mg/kg. The total dosing solution was 1 mL. Control animals (n=12) received the same amount of distilled water. Experiment 2 (chronic dose): 36 animals were dosed daily for 5 weeks by oral gavage with 8, 32 or 64 mg/kg MAA. Control animals were treated as above.

Little is known about the nature and scope of aggressive driving in developing countries. The objective of this study is to specifically examine the sociodemographic factors associated with aggressive driving behavior among 3-wheeler taxi drivers in Sri Lanka. Convenience samples of 3-wheeler taxi drivers from Rathnapura, Ahaliyagoda, Sri Lanka were surveyed from June to August 2006. Analyses included bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Drivers with less than high school education were 3.5 times more likely to drive aggressively (odds ratio [OR] = 3.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08, 11.1). Single drivers were 9 times more likely to run red lights (OR = 8.74; 95% CI = 2.18, 35.0), and being single was a major risk factor for drunk driving (OR = 4.80; 95% CI = 1.23, 18.7). Furthermore, high school completers were 4 times more likely to bribe a policeman (OR = 4.27; 95% CI = 1.23, 14.9) when caught violating the road rules. Aggressive driving and risk-taking behavior are amenable to policy initiatives, and preventive programs targeted at key groups could be used to improve road safety in Sri Lanka. This study demonstrates that aggressive driving behavior is associated with sociodemographic factors, including the level of education, marital status, and other socioeconomic factors. Hence, economic factors should be addressed to find solutions to traffic-related issues. It will be the government's and policy makers' responsibility to try and understand the economic factors behind risky road behavior and bribe-taking behavior prior to legislating or enforcing new laws.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of 1,3-dinitrobenznene (mDNB) on sperm motility of hamster and to correlate the results with the fertility. Methods: Adult male hamsters were gavaged with one of the 3 dose regimes of mDNB (1.5 mg daily for 4 weeks, 1.5 mg one day a week for 4 weeks and 1.0 mg 3 days a week for 4 weeks). Computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) was used to analyse the sperm motility parameters, curvilinear velocity (VCL) and straight line velocity (VSL) of sperm in distal corpus epididymides and distal cauda epididymides. In vitro fertilisation was carried out only for 1.5 mg mDNB daily group to determine the sperm fertilising capacity. Results: There was a significant reduction in sperm velocity parameters at weeks 3 and 4 after treatment, which was correlated with a decline in sperm fertility. Conclusion: Sperm velocity parameters may be used to determine the effect of a toxic insult on the sperm function. 1 Introduction 1,3-dinitrobenzne (mDNB) is used as an intermediate in many industries, including chemicals, pesticides and plastics. Studies have revealed that mDNB is a potent testicular toxicant and its primary target of action is the Sertoli cell. mDNB is known to cause reduction in testicular weight [1]. It can also cause a reduction in fertility in male rats with a decrease in cauda epididymal sperm reserve and sperm motility, which is not completely recovered even 12 weeks after cessation of chronic [2] or acute [3] exposure. Since lowered fertilising ability is often associated with a poor semen quality, sperm motility is considered as one of the most important parameters in evaluating the fertilising ability of sperm in the human or other mammal species [4]. In the past, assessment of sperm motility was based mainly on subjective evaluation, which is prone to man-made errors. More recently, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) has been developed as a sensitive and reliable method to analyse various motility parameters. In the human, it has been shown that the rate of fertilisation correlates with the curvilinear velocity (VCL); lateral head displacement had been shown to also correlate with the efficiency of cervical mucus penetration. All these motility parameters affect sperm penetration of mucus or oocyte vestments and thus the fertilising ability [5]. In the rodent, the correlation between sperm motility parameters and in vitro fertilisation can be used to predict the outcome of toxicological effects on sperm fertilising ability. Males treated with-chlorohydrin exhibited a significant reduction in straight line velocity (VSL) which correlated with the ability of sperm to fertilise the egg [6]. When sperm motility parameters were measured in rats gavaged with epichlorohydrin, it was found that VCL and VSL decreased in a dose-related manner, thus suggesting a relationship between toxicant-induced reduction in sperm motility and fertility [7]. The present experiment was carried out to determine the correlation between sperm motility parameters and sperm fertilising ability in male hamsters treated with chronic doses of mDNB. 2 Materials and methods 2.1 Animal treatment Adult golden male hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), weighing 120-140 g, were purchased from the Harlen (UK) Limited. The animals were divided at random into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Group 1 gavaged with 1.5 mgkg-1 d-1 of mDNB (dissolved in 60% PEG) for 4 weeks. After completion of treatment one animal was killed at weekly intervals. A second group were given an oral dose of 1.5 mg/kg mDNB, 1 day per week for 4 weeks, and killed at weeks 3 and 4 after the completion of treatment. A third group were dosed with 1.0 mg/kg mDNB, 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for 4 weeks and killed at week 3 and week 4 after cessation of dosing. At all the dose levels, control animals (n=6/group) received the vehicle only. 2.2 Medium for sperm Modified Krebs-Ringers solutions was used for CASA analysis. The medium was supplemented with 12 mg/mL crystalline bovine serum albumin, filter sterilised (0.2 m, Glean Sciences, UK), and equilibrated overnight in an atmosphere of 5% CO 2 in air at 37in a humidified incubator. The final pH of the medium was approximately 7.4 while the osmotic pressure was between 280 and 300 mOsm. 2.3 Collection and preparation of sperm Hamsters were killed with an overdose of pentobarbitone sodium (J.M. Loveridge, Southampton, UK). The distal corpus and the distal cauda regions of the epididymides were excised quickly and rinsed in BWW medium (kept at 37), blotted on tissue paper to remove excess blood. Pieces of tissue were immersed in 500L of medium and incubated at 37 for a few minutes to enable sperm to swim out into the solution. An aliquot of 150 L of BWW medium was placed in a pre-warmed culture dish (3510 mm, Corning, New York, USA) and covered with a prewarmed 2222 mm coverslip. The edges of the cover slip were covered with pre-warmed paraffin oil (Boots Co., Nottingham, UK). An aliquot of 20 L sperm sample was added to a corner of the coverslip giving a chamber depth about 35 m. The petri dish was placed in an inverted microscope (Diaphot, Nikon, London, UK) fitted with a thermostatically controlled air heated cabinet (Nikon, London, UK) equilibrated at 37. The microscope was fitted with a video camera (0.5 lux, Pulnix Ltd. London, UK) and a video recorder

Historique : le coup de fouet cervical est le type de blessure la plus courante suite à une collision impliquant un véhicule à moteur. Il mène souvent à une invalidité et des souffrances permanentes. La prévention de telles blessures est possible grâce à l'usage d'un appuie-tête pour véhicule correctement positionné. Objectif : effectuer un sondage du niveau de connaissances des gestionnaires de parc automobile de la province de la Colombie-Britannique, au Canada, relativement à la sécurité routière, au coup de fouet cervical, et à la prévention ; et mieux comprendre si ces facteurs influence l'achat/la location d'un véhicule. Méthodes : le sondage fut mené auprès de gestionnaires de parc automobile municipal lors d'une réunion professionnelle (n = 27). Résultats : bien que la plupart des répondants comprennent l'efficacité d'un appuie-tête pour véhicule dans la prévention d'un coup de fouet cervical, la majorité d'entre eux ajustent rarement leur appuie-tête. Les gestionnaires de parc automobile ne possèdent pas les connaissances nécessaires sur la gravité de ce type de blessure, les coûts de celle-ci pour le système de santé canadien, et les positions appropriées de l'appuie-tête pour atténuer de telles blessures. La plupart des répondants ont indiqué que les décisions d'achat/ de location concernant le parc automobile de leur organisation ne tenaient pas compte de la prévention du Background: Whiplash is the most common injury type arising from motor vehicle collisions, often leading to long-term suffering and disability. Prevention of such injuries is possible through the use of appropriate, correctly positioned, vehicular head restraints. Objective: To survey the awareness and knowledge level of vehicle fleet managers in the province of British Columbia, Canada, on the topics of vehicle safety, whiplash injury, and prevention; and to better understand whether these factors influence vehicle purchase/lease decisions. Methods: A survey was administered to municipal vehicle fleet managers at a professional meeting (n = 27). Results: Although many respondents understood the effectiveness of vehicle head restraints in the prevention of whiplash injury, the majority rarely adjusted their own headrests. Fleet managers lacked knowledge about the seriousness of whiplash injuries, their associated costs for Canada's healthcare system, and appropriate head restraint positions to mitigate such injuries. The majority of respondents indicated that fleet vehicle purchase/ lease decisions within their organization did not factor whiplash prevention as an explicit safety priority. Conclusions: There is relatively little awareness and

Peiris D, Pacheco I, Spencer C, MacLeod RJ. The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor reciprocally regulates the secretion of BMP-2 and the BMP antagonist Noggin in colonic myofibroblasts. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 292: G753–G766, 2007. First published November 30, 2006; doi:10.1152/ajpgi.00225.2006.—To understand whether postprandial extracellular Ca2  (Ca2o ) changes were related to intestinal epithelial homeostasis, we performed array analysis on extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR)-expressing colonic myofibroblasts (18Co cells) and observed increases in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 transcripts. The present experiments demonstrated that regulated secretion of BMP-2 occurs in response to CaSR activation of these cells and revealed a new property of BMP-2 on the intestinal barrier. Activation by Ca2o , spermine, GdCl3, or neomycin sulfate of 18Co cells or primary isolates of myofibroblasts from the normal human colon stimulated both the synthesis (RT-PCR) and secretion (ELISA) of BMP-2. Transient transfection with short interfering RNA against CaSR completely inhibited BMP-2 secretion. Transient transfection with dominant negative CaSR (R185Q) in- creased the EC50 of Ca2o  (5.7 vs. 2.3 mM). Upregulation of BMP-2 transcript and secretion occurring within 3 h of CaSR activation was prevented by actinomycin D. CaSR-mediated BMP-2 synthesis and secretion required phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation (as as- sessed by phospho-Akt generation). Exogenous BMP-2 and condi- tioned medium from CaSR-stimulated 18Co cells accelerated restitu- tion in wounded postconfluent Caco-2 cells. Exogenous BMP-2 and conditioned medium from CaSR-stimulated 18Co cells increased the transepithelial resistance of low- and high-resistance T-84 epithelial monolayers. CaSR stimulation of T-84 epithelia and colonic myofi- broblasts downregulated the BMP family antagonist Noggin, as as- sessed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Together, our data suggest that the CaSR mediates the effective concentration of BMP-2 in the intestine, which leads to enhanced repair and barrier development.

bone morphogenetic protein 2; barrier

Objectives: Pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of the global death and injury burden, accounting for 65 percent of the 1.2 million annual road deaths. The purpose of this brief literature review is to examine whether bull bars, a rigid aftermarket accessory fitted to the front end of passenger vehicles, increase the risk of severe and fatal injuries to vulnerable road users in the event of a collision.
Methods: Applicable peer-reviewed research, review papers, and grey literature were identified from a search of MED- LINE; the Transportation Research Board (TRB) database composed of Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS) and International Transport Research Documentation (TRID) databases; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and Google Scholar. The following search terms were used: “bull bars” OR “nudge bars” OR “sahara bars” AND “pedestrians” OR “vulnerable road users” for 1948 to March 1, 2011. A secondary set of search terms was also included “bull bars” OR “nudge bars” OR “sahara bars” OR “vehicle frontal protective systems” AND “pedestrians” OR “vulnerable road users” for 1948 to March 1, 2011.
Results: Neither the MEDLINE search nor the Cochrane Review search returned any relevant literature. The TRID search returned 19 research articles, 9 of which were included. Searches using Google Scholar returned 110 items, of which 21 were included in the present review after excluding patents and citations. Seven of the articles from TRID were also found in the Google Scholar search, resulting in 23 unique articles being included in this review. The studies used included 12 real-world studies, 3 computer modeling studies, and 8 laboratory testing studies. Very few studies examined the road safety of pedal-cyclists and motorcyclists; therefore, we focused solely on studies examining pedestrian safety.
Conclusions: The literature reviewed in this study indicates that vehicles fitted with bull bars, particularly those without deformable padding, concentrate crash forces over a smaller area of vulnerable road users during collisions compared to vehicles not fitted with a bull bar. Rigid bull bars, such as those made from steel or aluminum, stiffen the front end of vehicles and interfere with the vital shock absorption systems designed in vehicle fronts. These devices therefore significantly alter the collision dynamics of vehicles, resulting in an increased risk of pedestrian injury and mortality in crashes. This literature review shows that bull bars do indeed increase the severity of injuries to vulnerable road users in the event of a collision and highlights the need for current traffic safety policies to reflect the safety concerns surrounding the use of bull bars.

Keywords Vehicle design; Pedestrian injury; Vehicle fronts; Rigid bull bars

This study examined the reproductive effects of methamidophos, an organophosphorus pesticide on male rats following sub-chronic oral administration (in 3 alternate days). The doses tested were 1.8750 and 0.9375 mg kg" 1 day" 1 and the reproductive effects were investigated upto 28-35 days post-treatment. The results show that both doses of methamidophos inhibited libido in a reversible fashion lasting upto 28 • 35 days. This effect on libido was accompanied by marked depressions in food and water intake, body weight and by cholinergic intoxication. Furthermore, the treatment was reprotoxic: decreased testicular interstitial fluid volume, seminiferous tubular diameter and reduction in motility and numbers of cauda epididymal sperm. Based on these data it is concluded that methamidophos could be detrimental to the sexuality and fertility of men who are constantly exposed to it.

The whole plant of Phyllanthus debilis Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) is used in Sri Lanka for the treatment of diabe- tes mellitus. However, hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of this plant has not been scienti cally validated. The present study was carried out to examine the antidiabetic potential of P. debilis. Aqueous plant extract (APE) of P. debilis was prepared and normoglycemic mice were orally treated either with 3 doses (497.5, 995, or 1990 mg/kg) of APE, tolbutamide (33.5 mg/kg) or distilled water (control), and fasting and random blood glucose levels were determined. In addition, the toxicity of the APE was examined using chronic administration. In normoglycemic mice, high dose (1990 mg/kg) of APE signi cantly lowered the fasting blood glucose level in a dose-dependent manner. Further, APE markedly improved the oral glucose and sucrose tolerance tests up to 5 h post-treatment. The improvement of the glucose tolerance test was dose-dependent. In addition, APE signi cantly inhibited glucose absorption from the small intestine. The APE did not induce any overt toxic signs, hepatotoxicity, or renotoxicity. However, the total red blood cell count and serum HDL level were signi cantly increased. It can be concluded that APE of P. debilis possesses safe, immediate oral antidiabetic activity and its action is mediated via multiple mechanisms. The results of this study scienti cally justi ed the claims made in the Sri Lankan Ayurvedic system regarding the thera- peutic uses of the P. debilis in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Keywords: Antihyperglycemia; diabetes; hypoglycemia; Phyllanthus debilis; toxicology

Background: Pyrethroids are commonly used as insecticides for both household and agricultural applications, and have recently been linked to endocrine disruption. Cypermethrin is a type П pyrethroid which is used widely throughout the world. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of cypermethrin on the sexual behaviour and plasma level of pituitary-gonadal hormones of adult male mice. Materials and Methods: Research methodology comprised injecting mice daily with cypermethrin (10, 15, 20 mg/kg i.p.) or DMSO (0.2 ml) for five weeks. Receptive female mice were used to test male sexual behaviors (sniffing, following, mounting, and coupling). Plasma concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) were measured after five weeks treatment using the ELISA method. Results: The results of the present study showed that cypermethrin-treated groups exhibited reduced sexual behavior when compared with the control group. Assay results demonstrate significantly reduced serum testosterone levels (p<0.05) versus the control group, whereas FSH and LH values increased significantly. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cypermethrin reduces plasma testosterone concentrations and thus is able to disrupt sexual behaviours.

Whiplash is the most common injury type arising from motor vehicle collisions, often leading to long-term suffering and disability. Prevention of such injuries is possible through the use of appropriate, correctly positioned, vehicular head restraints. To survey the awareness and knowledge level of vehicle fleet managers in the province of British Columbia, Canada, on the topics of vehicle safety, whiplash injury, and prevention; and to better understand whether these factors influence vehicle purchase/lease decisions. A survey was administered to municipal vehicle fleet managers at a professional meeting (n = 27). Although many respondents understood the effectiveness of vehicle head restraints in the prevention of whiplash injury, the majority rarely adjusted their own headrests. Fleet managers lacked knowledge about the seriousness of whiplash injuries, their associated costs for Canada&#39;s healthcare system, and appropriate head restraint positions to mitigate such injuries. T...

Current in silico proteomics require the trifecta analysis, namely, prediction, validation, and functional assessment of a modeled protein. The main drawback of this endeavor is the lack of a single protocol that utilizes a proper set of benchmarked open-source tools to predict a protein’s structure and function accurately. The present study rectifies this drawback through the design and development of such a protocol. The protocol begins with the characterization of a novel coding sequence to identify the expressed protein. It then recognizes and isolates evolutionarily conserved sequence motifs through phylogenetics. The next step is to predict the protein’s secondary structure, followed by the prediction, refinement, and validation of its three-dimensional tertiary structure. These steps enable the functional analysis of the macromolecule through protein docking, which facilitates the identification of the protein’s active site. Each of these steps is crucial for the complete cha...

PURPOSE: To compare second eye versus first eye cataract surgery in terms of their impact on vision, falls, driving ability, and quality of life among the elderly. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature will be conducted using seven databases: MEDLINE, AgeLine, Academic Search Complete, Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EconLit. Search terms will include cataract extraction, cataract surgery, second eye, and bilateral. Additional studies will be identified by hand searching reference lists. SELECTION OF STUDIES: Two reviewers will independently review all identified studies using a predefined inclusion form. Published and unpublished studies of any type will be considered if they: (a) compare visual acuity, quality of life, falls and driving skill across first eye and second eye cataract surgery interventions; and (b) studied mostly elderly population (mean age 60 or above). Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus and will involve a third reviewer. QUALI T Y ASSESS...