<div><strong>Background: </strong>Escalating stray dog population is becoming a big problem worldwide. The chemical contraception is gaining more popularity because of its cost effectiveness, easy application and negligible complications.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>The present study was designed to analyze the contraceptive effect of intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine and chlorhexidine gluconate in twenty-four sexually mature male mongrel dogs divided into four groups <em>viz</em> I, II, III and IV each of six animals. Groups I, II and III were treated with zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine, 5% and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, respectively and group IV were kept as control. The testicular biopsy samples were collected on day 0 and 30 using 16-gauge biopsy gun. The ultrasonographic examination of testes was done on day 0, 5, 15, 24 and 30.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The noteworthy microscopic changes at day 30 such as irregular basement membranes with severe depletion of both germinal and sertoli cells were observed in all the treatment groups. The ultrasonography revealed degenerated testicles and significant diminution in the testicular length by day 30 in all the treatment groups. Thus, intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine, 5% and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate may be used for chemical contraception in dogs.</div>


<div>Analysis of Histopathological and Ultrasonographic Testicular Changes Following Intra Testicular Administration of Zinc Gluconate and Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Adult Dogs</div>


<div style="text-align: justify;">An herbal whey beverage was prepared with extracts of Bacopa monnieri which has the properties of rejuvenating the brain and prevents from Alzheimer&rsquo;s. Thus the work aimed at improving and stimulating the activity of brain with addition of Bacopa monnieri extract at various levels (1.5%, 2.5% and 3%) to whey. Herb contains alkaloids of Brahmine and herpestine, which aids in brain development. &nbsp;Also, the wastage of whey and environmental issues can be reduced. The product was optimized with 3% Bacopa monnieri, 16% sucrose and 0.4% calcium gluconate of the whey based on the sensory evaluation with overall acceptability score of 7.10&plusmn;0.06(3%), 8.65&plusmn;0.02(16% Sucrose) and 0.95&plusmn;0.02(0.4% Calcium gluconate). Calcium gluconate has been fortified as source of calcium. Bacopa monnieri extracts acts as brain stimulator and sucrose impart flavour, acts as preservative and thicker. Proximate analysis of final herbal beverage reported an increase in acidity and microbial content. The study summaries that whey based herbal beverage imparts therapeutic, prophylactic, antibacterial, organoleptic properties as well as excellent pharmaceutical properties.&nbsp;</div>

Preparation of herbal whey drink added with extracts of <em>Bacopa monnieri</em><br />&nbsp;

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Peaches are highly perishable in nature and have a short life so an experiment was conducted to assess the suitability of xanthan and guar gum-based composite edible coatings on prolonging shelf life and quality of peach fruits.<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>Fruits were dipped in different concentrations of xanthan gum (1.0% and 1.5%) and guar gum (1.0% and 1.5%) supplemented with or without calcium gluconate @ 1.5% and ascorbic acid @ 1.0% and stored at a refrigerated temperature of 10<sup>o</sup>C for 20 days. Physiological loss in fruit weight, firmness, shrinkage, decay, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, carotenoids content, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were determined at every 5days intervals until fruits became unmarketable.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The results of the periodic physicochemical and functional quality analysis of stored peach fruits indicated that the application of xanthan gum-based coating in combination with calcium gluconate as a texture enhancer and ascorbic acid as an anti-oxidant was more effective than guar gum coatings on enhancing the shelf life. Among all coating formulations, 1.0% xanthan gum incorporated with 1.5% calcium gluconate and 1.0% ascorbic acid was found most effective in maintaining the overall quality of peach fruits for 20 days. The treatment also significantly reduced weight loss and firmness and preserved ascorbic acid, total carotenoid content, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity as compared to control uncoated peach fruits.</p>


Analysis of Histopathological and Ultrasonographic Testicular Changes Following Intra Testicular Administration of Zinc Gluconate and Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Adult Dogs

Preparation of herbal whey drink added with extracts of Bacopa monnieri

Gum-based Composite Edible Coatings Maintained the Postharvest Quality of Peach Cv. Early Grande Fruits under Refrigerated Storage