Descriptive epidemiology of smothering in Australian commercial free-range layer hen farms

Since the early 2000 s the practice of free-range egg production has increased in developed countries, partly driven by consumer perception that free-range housing is better for hen welfare. While poultry in free-range systems have more behavioural opportunities compared with poultry in caged systems, free-range systems are associated with greater frequencies of infectious disease, predation and 'smothering', a condition where birds pile on top of one another with death occurring due to suffocation. Although the frequency of smothering deaths in Australian free-range layer poultry is anecdotally high, there is a lack of empirical evidence quantifying smothering cause-specific mortality rates and identifying factors that place birds at higher risk of death from smothering. This was a prospective cohort study of poultry flocks managed by three commercial free-range layer organisations in Eastern Australia. Flocks were enrolled into the study from 1 January 2019 to 29 March 2021 and were followed until the end of lay or until the end of the study on 31 March 2022, whichever occurred first. Throughout the follow-up period flock managers provided production details for each flock and details of smothering events using custom-designed logbooks.A total of 84 flocks were enrolled in the study: 32 from Organisation 1, 35 from Organisation 2 and 17 from Organisation 3. The number of birds per flock ranged from 16,000 to 45,000. The total mortality rate was 1131 deaths per 10,000 bird-years. Smothering mortality rate across the three organisations was 183 (minimum 133, maximum 223) deaths per 10,000 bird-years at risk. Smothering accounted for around 16% (minimum 9%, maximum 22%) of all deaths.We identified no distinctive temporal pattern in daily smothering risk as a function of either the number of days since placement or calendar date. The locations of smothering events in sheds and in the outdoor range were not consistent, with relatively large numbers of smothering events occurring in specific locations for some sheds but not others. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest prospective study of smothering mortality in commercial free-range layer flocks conducted to date. Estimates of smothering incidence rate and how that varies within and between flocks and organisations over time provides a critically important benchmark for further investigations into this substantial area of productivity loss.

A new approach for accurate determination of particle sizes in microfluidic impedance cytometry

In microfluidic impedance cytometry, the change in impedance is recorded as an individual cell passes through a channel between electrodes deposited on its walls, and the particle size is inferred from the amplitude of the impedance signal using calibration. However, because the current density is nonuniform between electrodes of finite width, there could be an error in the particle size measurement because of uncertainty about the location of the particle in the channel cross section. Here, a correlation is developed relating the particle size to the signal amplitude and the velocity of the particle through the channel. The latter is inferred from the time interval between the two extrema in the impedance curve as the particle passes through a channel with cross-sectional dimensions of 50 μm (width) × 30 μm (height) with two pairs of parallel facing electrodes. The change in impedance is predicted using 3D COMSOL finite-element simulations, and a theoretical correlation that is independent of particle size is formulated to correct the particle diameter for variations in the cross-sectional location. With this correlation, the standard deviation in the experimental data is reduced by a factor of two to close to the standard deviation reported in the manufacturer specifications.

Simultaneous exposure to chronic irradiation and simulated microgravity differentially alters immune cell phenotype in mouse thymus and spleen

Deep-space missions may alter immune cell phenotype in the primary (e.g., thymus) and secondary (e.g., spleen) lymphoid organs contributing to the progression of a variety of diseases. In deep space missions, astronauts will be exposed to chronic low doses of HZE radiation while being in microgravity. Ground-based models of long-term uninterrupted exposures to HZE radiation are not yet available. To obtain insight in the effects of concurrent exposure to microgravity and chronic irradiation (CIR), mice received a cumulative dose of chronic 0.5 Gy gamma rays over one month ± simulated microgravity (SMG). To obtain insight in a dose rate effect, additional mice were exposed to single acute irradiation (AIR) at 0.5 Gy gamma rays. We measured proportions of immune cells relative to total number of live cells in the thymus and spleen, stress level markers in plasma, and change in body weight, food consumption, and water intake. CIR affected thymic CD3+/CD335+ natural killer T (NK-T) cells, CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, CD27+/CD335- natural killer (NK1) cells and CD11c+/CD11b- dendritic cells (DCs) differently in mice subjected to SMG than in mice with normal loading. No such effects of CIR on SMG as compared to normal loading were observed in cell types from the spleen. Differences between CIR and AIR groups (both under normal loading) were found in thymic Treg and DCs. Food consumption, water intake, and body weight were less after coexposure than singular or no exposure. Compared to sham, all treatment groups exhibited elevated plasma levels of the stress marker catecholamines. These data suggest that microgravity and chronic irradiation may interact with each other to alter immune cell phenotypes in an organ-specific manner and appropriate strategies are required to reduce the health risk of crewmembers.

First Observation of Multiple Transverse Wobbling Bands of Different Kinds in ^{183}Au

We report the first observation of two wobbling bands in ^{183}Au, both of which were interpreted as the transverse wobbling (TW) band but with different behavior of their wobbling energies as a function of spin. It increases (decreases) with spin for the positive (negative) parity configuration. The crucial evidence for the wobbling nature of the bands, dominance of the E2 component in the ΔI=1 transitions between the partner bands, is provided by the simultaneous measurements of directional correlation from the oriented states ratio and the linear polarization of the γ rays. Particle rotor model calculations with triaxial deformation reproduce the experimental data well. A value of spin, I_{m}, has been determined for the observed TW bands below which the wobbling energy increases and above which it decreases with spin. The nucleus ^{183}Au is, so far, the only nucleus in which both the increasing and the decreasing parts are observed and thus gives the experimental evidence of the complete transverse wobbling phenomenon.

Shape Coexistence at Zero Spin in ^{64}Ni Driven by the Monopole Tensor Interaction

The low-spin structure of the semimagic ^{64}Ni nucleus has been considerably expanded: combining four experiments, several 0^{+} and 2^{+} excited states were identified below 4.5 MeV, and their properties established. The Monte Carlo shell model accounts for the results and unveils an unexpectedly complex landscape of coexisting shapes: a prolate 0^{+} excitation is located at a surprisingly high energy (3463 keV), with a collective 2^{+} state 286 keV above it, the first such observation in Ni isotopes. The evolution in excitation energy of the prolate minimum across the neutron N=40 subshell gap highlights the impact of the monopole interaction and its variation in strength with N.

Single Sitting Surgery for Concomitant Hydatid Cyst of Lung and Liver: A Case Report

Hydatid disease is one of the diseases that have been discovered in the ancient times. Liver and lung are the most commonly affected organs, though it can involve any organs. Hydatid disease involving both the liver and the lung is reported about 10% of the cases. Here we report a case of 34 year old male presented with upper abdominal pain and intermittent fever for 3 months admitted in October 2016. His chest radiograph and computed tomography scan revealed large cystic lesion at right lung and another similar large lesion in the right lobe of liver. Echinococcus antibody was found positive. We treated him surgically. Histopathology reports confirmed concomitant hydatid cyst of both the lung and the liver.

Evidence for Rigid Triaxial Deformation in ^{76}Ge from a Model-Independent Analysis

An extensive, model-independent analysis of the nature of triaxial deformation in ^{76}Ge, a candidate for neutrinoless double-beta (0νββ) decay, was carried out following multistep Coulomb excitation. Shape parameters deduced on the basis of a rotational-invariant sum-rule analysis provided considerable insight into the underlying collectivity of the ground-state and γ bands. Both sequences were determined to be characterized by the same β and γ deformation parameter values. In addition, compelling evidence for low-spin, rigid triaxial deformation in ^{76}Ge was obtained for the first time from the analysis of the statistical fluctuations of the quadrupole asymmetry deduced from the measured E2 matrix elements. These newly determined shape parameters are important input and constraints for calculations aimed at providing, with suitable accuracy, the nuclear matrix elements relevant to 0νββ.

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems during pregnancy and the reproductive outcomes: A systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among pregnant women is of great concern. To our knowledge the current literature provides conflicting views regarding the uncertainties of the effects of ENDS use during pregnancy on the health of the fetus.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE, for the period 2007 to October 2017 for terms to identify publications on ENDS use during pregnancy and the reproductive outcomes. We updated the search for the period November 2017 to November 2018 using Ovid Medline. We obtained full text of articles and present a summary of the contents.

RESULTS

We found no studies of pregnant women exposed to ENDS use and its effect on their fetus or neonates. However, there is a growing body of experimental studies in animals that suggest that nicotine in ENDS alters DNA methylation, induces birth defects, reduces the birth weight, and affects the development of the heart and lungs of their offspring. A large population-based cohort study in the United States estimated that 5% of pregnant women were current ENDS users in 2014; most of them also smoked cigarettes. Surveys conducted among practitioners indicate that there is a need to screen and counsel pregnant women. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis of studies of women who used smokeless tobacco during pregnancy suggest that prenatal nicotine alone is a risk factor for low birth weight, premature delivery, and stillbirth.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no previous studies assessing the reproductive effects of ENDS use during pregnancy. However, prenatal exposure to nicotine is known to be harmful to the fetus and the pregnancy.

Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas: A Case Report

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPT) of the pancreas are rare neoplasms of the pancreas accounting for only 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms, often detected initially on imaging. Its histogenesis is still uncertain and it has a low-grade malignant potential but excellent post-surgical curative rates and rare metastasis. Pathological and/or cytological evaluation still remains the gold standard in reaching a definitive diagnosis. It occurs most commonly in young females. We report a case of solid pseudopapillary tumor in the head of the pancreas in a 20 years old female admitted in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh on 5th December 2015. Whipple's operation was done as a definitive treatment.

Effects of a natural polyphenol on nicotine-induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation

INTRODUCTION

Resveratrol (trans-3, 4’, 5-trihydroxystilbene), a phytoalexin derived from the skin of grapes and other fruits, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Its anti-carcinogenic effects are closely associated with its antioxidant activity; thus, the use of resveratrol as a possible cancer chemo-preventive is considered to be an important area of investigation. In this study we have examined the inhibitory effects of resveratrol in nicotine induced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.

METHODS

Cultured AR42J cells were incubated with 100 μM nicotine for 3 min and with 100 μM resveratrol for 30 min, either alone or in combination. Proliferation assays were conducted for a period of 0 to 96 h in serum media, incubated with nicotine and resveratrol, and evaluated by MTT assay. Protein was measured in lysed cells and activation of MAPK signals was measured by western blot using purified p-ERK antibody. Co-localization of activated ERK signals was confirmed by FITC conjugated ERK antibody using immunofluorescence assay and confocal microscopy. Biomarker of lipid peroxidation was determined in cell lysates by malondialdehyde (MDA) bioassay.

RESULTS

Resveratrol significantly suppressed the nicotine-induced proliferation of acinar cells compared to untreated controls (p<0.05). Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) analysis revealed up-regulation of p-ERK expression by nicotine (p<0.05) that was suppressed significantly by resveratrol (p<0.05). Co-localization of activated ERK signals was confirmed by FITC conjugated ERK antibody, and this response was reduced significantly by resveratrol. Nicotine-induced malondialdehyde formation was also suppressed by resveratrol (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that resveratrol suppressed nicotine-induced AR42J cell proliferation. The proliferation of AR42J cells by nicotine is associated with activation of MAPK signals and induction of protein oxidation. Resveratrol suppressed lipid peroxidation and P-ERK activated signals induced by nicotine. We conclude that resveratrol acts as an effective antioxidant in reversing the nicotine induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.

Effects of Experimental Coronary Thrombosis upon Regional and Systemic Plasma Chromatographic Patterns

An evaluation of changes in the plasma chromatographic pattern was carried out in dogs with experimental coronary thrombosis. Sequential samples were taken simultaneously from the aorta and coronary sinus over a two, four and twenty-four hour period. In addition to gel-chromatography, immunodiffusion and electrophoresis were also employed to identify the protein components of the elution fractions. The results showed that there was a shift of the normal chromatographic pattern to the left from the control within two hours following thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery and it was maintained over a twenty-four hour period. The shift to the left was presumably due to the earlier elution of the heavy molecular weight components forming as a result of the thrombotic process. The early appearance of the altered chromatographic pattern constitutes an important advantage worthy of further exploration for possible diagnostic application in the human subject.

Incidence of contamination of live bird markets in Bangladesh with influenza A virus and subtypes H5, H7 and H9

In the absence of robust active surveillance of avian influenza viruses (AIV) affecting poultry in South Asian countries, monitoring of live bird markets (LBMs) can be an alternative. In a longitudinal study of 32 LBM, five environments were sampled as follows: market floor, stall floor, slaughter area, poultry holding cage and water used for meat processing. Samples were taken monthly for 5 months, September 2013-January 2014. Incidence rates (IRs) of LBM contamination with AIV and its subtypes H5, H7 and H9 were assessed. In 10 of the LBM selected, biosecurity measures had been implemented through FAO interventions: the other 22 were non-intervened. Standard procedures were applied to detect AIV and three subtypes in pooled samples (1:5). An LBM was considered positive for AIV or a subtype if at least one of the pooled samples tested positive. The incidence rates of LBM contamination with AIV, H5, H7 and H9 were 0.194 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.136-0.276), 0.031 (95% CI 0.013-0.075), 0 and 0.175 (95% CI 0.12-0.253) per LBM-month at risk, respectively. The log IR ratio between the FAO-intervened and non-intervened LBM for contamination with AIV was -0.329 (95% CI -1.052 to -0.394, p = .372), 0.598 (95% CI -1.593 to 2.789, p = .593) with subtype H5 and -0.500 (95% CI -1.249 to 0.248, p = .190) with subtype H9, indicating no significant difference. The results obtained suggest that both H5 and H9 were circulating in LBM in Bangladesh in the second half of 2013. The incidence of contamination with H9 was much higher than with H5.

Aminoguanidine (AG) Induces Induced both Pro- and Antioxidant Effect in AR42J Cells, a Rat Pancreatic Tumor Cell Line

Aminoguanidine (AG), a diamine oxidase and a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, was used in diabetes, thyroid follicular carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer xenografts and in breast cancer research. The effects of AG on these pathologic conditions may be related to its regulatory effects on cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and expression of antioxidant enzymes. However, its role as pro and/or anti-oxidant affecting signaling and function in pancreatic tumor cell lines has not been studied. The current study tested the hypothesis that exposure of AR42J cells to aminoguanidine will induce pro-oxidant effects that may lead to increased proliferation and growth of these cells.

METHODS

AR42J cells were grown in F-12 nutrient medium in 5% CO₂ at 37°C to attain over 90% confluency before being treated with 20 uM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 20 min and 100 uM AG for 30 min separately and in combination. Cell lysates collected from these experiments were measured for formation of lipid peroxides by malondialdehyde (MDA) assay and for activation of phospho-ERK 1/2 signal transduction by Western blotting. The activation of ERK signaling was further confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Effect of ERK1/2 on cell proliferation in response to AG and H₂O₂ was evaluated by MTT assay while the functional status of AR42J cells was determined by release of amylase following CCK-8 stimulation.

RESULTS

MDA concentration in cells treated with AG was not different from untreated cells. However, treatment with H₂O₂ either alone or in combination with AG increased MDA significantly (p<0.05). AG treatment alone induced 3.5 fold activation of pERK-1/2, as compared to 2.5 fold increase with H₂O₂ alone (p<0.05) as compared to untreated control. The results of ERK activation were confirmed further by its co-localization employing FITC-conjugated ERK antibody. AG -induced maximal cell proliferation occurred at 48 hr. incubation (p<0.05); these values were not significantly different from that of H₂O₂ treated and control cells. Cell function (CCK-stimulated amylase release) was significantly enhanced by AG (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that in an in-vitro system, AG acts as a pro-oxidant on AR42J cell proliferation and possibly affects the resulting function.

Ubiquitination and regulation of AURKA identifies a hypoxia-independent E3 ligase activity of VHL

The hypoxia-regulated tumor-suppressor von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is an E3 ligase that recognizes its substrates as part of an oxygen-dependent prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) reaction, with hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIFα) being its most notable substrate. Here we report that VHL has an equally important function distinct from its hypoxia-regulated activity. We find that Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is a novel, hypoxia-independent target for VHL ubiquitination. In contrast to its hypoxia-regulated activity, VHL mono-, rather than poly-ubiquitinates AURKA, in a PHD-independent reaction targeting AURKA for degradation in quiescent cells, where degradation of AURKA is required to maintain the primary cilium. Tumor-associated variants of VHL differentiate between these two functions, as a pathogenic VHL mutant that retains intrinsic ability to ubiquitinate HIFα is unable to ubiquitinate AURKA. Together, these data identify VHL as an E3 ligase with important cellular functions under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Degenerative Tissue Responses to Space-like Radiation Doses in a Rodent Model of Simulated Microgravity

This study examines acute and degenerative tissue responses to space-like radiation doses in a rodent model of simulated microgravity. We have studied four groups of rats, control (CON), irradiated (IR), irradiated and hindlimb suspended (IR-HLS), and suspended (HLS) that were maintained for two weeks. IR and IR+HLS groups were exposed to five sessions of X-ray irradiation (1.2 Gy each, at 3-4 days intervals). Body weights, soleus muscle weights, and hindlimb bone mineral density (BMD) were measured. Results show that compared to CON animals, IR, HLS, and IR+HLS group reduced the body weight gain significantly. IR-associated growth retardation appeared to be closely linked to acute and transient post-IR 'anorexia' (a decrease in food intake). HLS but not IR induced major changes in the musculoskeletal system, consisting in decreases in soleus muscle mass and bone mineral density of distal femur and proximal tibia. Additional dosimetric studies showed that the effect of IR on weight is detectable at 0.3 Gy X-ray doses, while no threshold dose for the IR-produced decrease in food intake could be observed. This study suggests that space flight-associated anorexia and musculoskeletal degenerative changes may be driven by different, radiation- and microgravity-associated (respectively) mechanisms.

Fission barrier of superheavy nuclei and persistence of shell effects at high spin: cases of 254No and 220Th

We report on the first measurement of the fission barrier height in a heavy shell-stabilized nucleus. The fission barrier height of 254No is measured to be Bf=6.0±0.5  MeV at spin 15ℏ and, by extrapolation, Bf=6.6±0.9  MeV at spin 0ℏ. This information is deduced from the measured distribution of entry points in the excitation energy versus spin plane. The same measurement is performed for 220Th and only a lower limit of the fission barrier height can be determined: Bf(I)>8  MeV. Comparisons with theoretical fission barriers test theories that predict properties of superheavy elements.

Isolation, culture optimization and physico-chemical characterization of laccase enzyme from Pleurotus fossulatus

Pleurotus fossulatus (Cooke) Sace is member of oyster mushroom can produced extracellular laccase (benzenediol: oxygen oxidoreductase; EC 1.10.3.2) in submerged fermentation. To analyze the optimum production for laccase P. fossulatus was cultured both in stationary and shaking condition in different media. Partial purification of laccase was done after 0-80% ammonium sulphate precipitation, followed by DEAE (Diethylaminoethyl) Sephadex (A-50) anion exchange chromatography. Potato-sucrose peptone (PSP) medium and Potato-dextrose (PD) medium showed highest laccase production in shaking and stationary conditions, respectively. Though the time required for optimum laccase production in stationary condition was much more than the shaking condition but the amount of laccase was about 2.75t greater in former condition. The laccase produced in stationary condition was more stable than the enzyme produced in shaking condition. The partially purified enzyme showed highest affinity towards o-dianisidine than guaiacol and ABTS (2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) as evidenced by their K(m). The physico-chemical properties of the laccase suggested the significance of this enzyme in industrial applications.

Genetic analyses of ribosomal loci of Anopheles minimus species from north east India

Anopheles minimus is one of the major vectors for transmission of malaria disease in north eastern (NE) region of India. The minimus species complex of Minimus subgroup of Myzomyia series of anophelines were studied in malaria affected states--Assam and Arunachal Pradesh (AP) of NE India. Ribosomal DNA markers--second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) and third domain (D3) of 28S gene were used to characterize An. minimus species. Sequence homogeneity was observed in D3 sequences of An.minimus specimens throughout both the states. However, a transversion in ITS2 sequence of single specimen collected from Assam-Meghalaya border areas illustrates possibility of intra population polymorphism in ITS2 sequence within the geographical region.

Dengue outbreak in an Indo-Myanmar boarder area: epidemiological aspects and risk factors

During October 2007, a large outbreak of suspected dengue fever (DF) was reported in Moreh township, Manipur: the first widespread outbreak in Northeast India. A cross sectional study was carried out in Moreh. The information on outbreak was collected and then described in time, place and person characteristics to arrive at aetiological hypotheses. Two hundred and eighty two serum samples were collected. Ninety one samples were reported positive for acute infection with dengue virus. Co-circulation of all the four dengue virus serotypes (1-4) and concurrent infection of 2 & 3, 1 & 3, and 1 & 4 serotypes was found. Predominant clinical features of the patients were fever (100%), headache (39%), vomiting (9.8%) and joint pain (4.16%). Haemorrhagic manifestation was recorded in one patient who subsequently died. Entomological surveys revealed profuse breeding of Aedes mosquitoes in all the affected municipal wards with high HI (37.5-71.43%), CI (53.84-86.95%) and BI (80-208.33%). Presence of IgM antibody, co-circulation of all the serotypes and concurrent infection with more than one serotype in the same individual confirmed the outbreak due to dengue virus infection. Preventive and control measures undertaken following the epidemiological investigation helped in controlling the outbreak.

Animal model of simulated microgravity: a comparative study of hindlimb unloading via tail versus pelvic suspension

The aim of this study was to compare physiological effects of hindlimb suspension (HLS) in tail- and pelvic-HLS rat models to determine if severe stretch in the tail-HLS rats lumbosacral skeleton may contribute to the changes traditionally attributed to simulated microgravity and musculoskeletal disuse in the tail-HLS model. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into suspended and control-nonsuspended groups were subjected to two separate methods of suspension and maintained with regular food and water for 2 weeks. Body weights, food and water consumption, soleus muscle weight, tibial bone mineral density, random plasma insulin, and hindlimb pain on pressure threshold (PPT) were measured. X-ray analysis demonstrated severe lordosis in tail- but not pelvic-HLS animals. However, growth retardation, food consumption, and soleus muscle weight and tibial bone density (decreased relative to control) did not differ between two HLS models. Furthermore, HLS rats developed similar levels of insulinopenia and mechanical hyperalgesia (decreased PPT) in both tail- and pelvic-HLS groups. In the rat-to-rat comparisons, the growth retardation and the decreased PPT observed in HLS-rats was most associated with insulinopenia. In conclusion, these data suggest that HLS results in mild prediabetic state with some signs of pressure hyperalgesia, but lumbosacral skeleton stretch plays little role, if any, in these pathological changes.

Effect of nicotine on exocytotic pancreatic secretory response: role of calcium signaling

Background

Nicotine is a risk factor for pancreatitis resulting in loss of pancreatic enzyme secretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of nicotine-induced secretory response measured in primary pancreatic acinar cells isolated from Male Sprague Dawley rats. The study examines the role of calcium signaling in the mechanism of the enhanced secretory response observed with nicotine exposure.

Methods

Isolated and purified pancreatic acinar cells were subjected to a nicotine exposure at a dose of 100 μM for 6 minutes and then stimulated with cholecystokinin (CCK) for 30 min. The cell’s secretory response was measured by the percent of amylase released from the cells in the incubation medium Calcium receptor antagonists, inositol trisphosphate (IP₃) receptor blockers, mitogen activated protein kinase inhibitors and specific nicotinic receptor antagonists were used to confirm the involvement of calcium in this process.

Results

Nicotine exposure induced enhanced secretory response in primary cells. These responses remained unaffected by mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK’s) inhibitors. The effects, however, have been completely abolished by nicotinic receptor antagonist, calcium channel receptor antagonists and inositol trisphosphate (IP₃) receptor blockers.

Conclusions

The data suggest that calcium activated events regulating the exocytotic secretion are affected by nicotine as shown by enhanced functional response which is inhibited by specific antagonists… The results implicate the role of nicotine in the mobilization of both intra- and extracellular calcium in the regulation of stimulus-secretory response of enzyme secretion in this cell system. We conclude that nicotine plays an important role in promoting enhanced calcium levels inside the acinar cell.

Fine-grained lower limit of entropic uncertainty in the presence of quantum memory

The limitation on obtaining precise outcomes of measurements performed on two noncommuting observables of a particle as set by the uncertainty principle in its entropic form can be reduced in the presence of quantum memory. We derive a new entropic uncertainty relation based on fine graining, which leads to an ultimate limit on the precision achievable in measurements performed on two incompatible observables in the presence of quantum memory. We show that our derived uncertainty relation tightens the lower bound set by entropic uncertainty for members of the class of two-qubit states with maximally mixed marginals, while accounting for the recent experimental results using maximally entangled pure states and mixed Bell-diagonal states. An implication of our uncertainty relation on the security of quantum key generation protocols is pointed out.