Genetic variations among the isolates of Bipolaris Maydis based on phenotypic and molecular markers

Abstract Maydis leaf blight, caused by Bipolaris maydis, is an important disease of maize crop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. Fifteen isolates of the pathogen, collected across KP, were studied for variability based on phenotypic and molecular markers. Significant variability among the isolates was observed when assessed using phenotypic traits such as radial growth, spore concentration, fungicide sensitivity and virulence. The isolates were classified into six culture groups based on colour, texture and margins of the colony. Conidial morphology was also variable. These were either straight or slightly curved and light to dark brown in colour. Fungicide test showed significant variation in the degree of sensitivity against Carbendazim. Isolate Bm8 exhibited maximum radial growth on carbendazim spiked plates. Conversely, isolate Bm15 showed the lowest radial growth. Variations in virulence pattern of the isolates were evident when a susceptible maize variety Azam was inoculated with spores of B. maydis. Genetic variability amongst the isolates was also estimated by RAPD as well as sequencing of ITS region. The RAPD dendrogram grouped all the isolates into two major clusters. Average genetic distance ranged from 0.6% to 100%, indicating a diverse genetic gap among the isolates. Maximum genetic distance was found between isolates Bm9 and Bm10 as well as Bm2 and Bm8. Conversely, isolates Bm13 and Bm15 were at minimum genetic distance. Phylogenetic dendrogram based on sequencing of ITS region grouped all the isolates into a single major cluster. The clusters in both the dendrogram neither correlate to the geographical distribution nor to the morphological characteristics.

Genomic characterization of Puccinia triticina using molecular marker technology

Abstract Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, is the most common rust disease of wheat. The fungus is an obligate parasite capable of producing infectious urediniospores. To study the genetic structure of the leaf rust population 20 RAPD primers were evaluated on 15 isolates samples collected in Pakistan. A total of 105 RAPD fragments were amplified with an average of 7 fragments per primer. The number of amplified fragments varied from 1 to 12. GL Decamer L-07 and GL Decamer L-01 amplified the highest number of bands (twelve) and primer GL Decamer A-03 amplified the lowest number of bands i.e one. Results showed that almost all investigated isolates were genetically different that confirms high genetic diversity within the leaf rust population. Rust spores can follow the migration pattern in short and long distances to neighbor areas. Results indicated that the greatest variability was revealed by 74.9% of genetic differentiation within leaf rust populations. These results suggested that each population was not completely identical and high gene flow has occurred among the leaf rust population of different areas. The highest differentiation and genetic distance among the Pakistani leaf rust populations were detected between the leaf rust population in NARC isolate (NARC-4) and AARI-11and the highest similarity was observed between NARC isolates (NARC-4) and (NARC-5). The present study showed the leaf rust population in Pakistan is highly dynamic and variable.

Toward uncovering an operating system in plant organs

Molecular motifs can explain information processing within single cells, while how assemblies of cells collectively achieve this remains less well understood. Plant fitness and survival depend upon robust and accurate decision-making in their decentralised multicellular organ systems. Mobile agents, including hormones, metabolites, and RNAs, have a central role in coordinating multicellular collective decision-making, yet mechanisms describing how cell-cell communication scales to organ-level transitions is poorly understood. Here, we explore how unified outputs may emerge in plant organs by distributed information processing across different scales and using different modalities. Mathematical and computational representations of these events are also explored toward understanding how these events take place and are leveraged to manipulate plant development in response to the environment.

Adenoid hypertrophy-​diagnosis and treatment: the new S2k guideline

Hyperplasia of the pharyngeal tonsils is to be considered pathologic when nasopharyngeal symptoms of mechanical obstruction and/or chronic inflammation occur. Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can result in various middle ear diseases such as conductive hearing loss, cholesteatoma, and recurrent acute otitis media. During examination, attention should be paid to the presence of adenoid facies (long face syndrome), with a permanently open mouth and visible tip of the tongue. In the case of severe symptoms and/or failure of conservative treatment, adenoidectomy is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Conventional curettage remains the established standard treatment in Germany. Histologic evaluation is indicated for clinical evidence of mucopolysaccharidoses. Due to the risk of hemorrhage, the preoperative bleeding questionnaire, which is obligatory before every pediatric surgery, is referred to. Recurrence of adenoids is possible despite correct adenoidectomy. Before discharge home, otorhinolaryngologic inspection of the nasopharynx for secondary bleeding should be performed and anesthesiologic clearance obtained.

[Adenoids-diagnosis and treatment: the new German S2k guideline]

Hyperplasia of the pharyngeal tonsils is to be considered pathologic when nasopharyngeal symptoms of mechanical obstruction and/or chronic inflammation occur. Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can result in various middle ear diseases such as conductive hearing loss, cholesteatoma, and recurrent acute otitis media. During examination, attention should be paid to the presence of adenoid facies (long face syndrome), with a permanently open mouth and visible tip of the tongue. In the case of severe symptoms and/or failure of conservative treatment, adenoidectomy is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Conventional curettage remains the established standard treatment in Germany. Histologic evaluation is indicated for clinical evidence of mucopolysaccharidoses. Due to the risk of hemorrhage, the preoperative bleeding questionnaire, which is obligatory before every pediatric surgery, is referred to. Recurrence of adenoids is possible despite correct adenoidectomy. Before discharge home, otorhinolaryngologic inspection of the nasopharynx for secondary bleeding should be performed and anesthesiologic clearance obtained.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

Data Driven Technique for Palm Oil Mills Boiler Water Quality Monitoring in State of Perak Malaysia

Steam boilers are widely used in oil palm mills industries which physically converting the water into steam. Heating water in the boiler allows solid waste such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, silica and ions to stay in the boiler and creates a solid waste layer that coats the tubes and boilers. This strong coating would increase the heating surface of the boiler and decrease the efficiency of heat transfer. This situation will also increase the consumption of fuel, causing the boiler to overheat, which in turn leads to tube failure. The impact of this issue will cause losses to the oil palm plantation due to the shutdown of unplanned plants. Therefore, for this study, Statistical Process Control (SPC) has been utilized to monitor the quality of the 6 parameters of the boiler and boiler feedwater for palm oil mill in Perak State Malaysia to overcome the problem stated above. Boxplot has been utilized to monitor continuously the parameter based on the probability distribution of the data according to ASME guidelines. The findings from this analysis show that some of the palm oil mills is able to maintain their boiler quality accordingly, however, on controlling the silica, hardness and total iron, its need further improvement.

Anti-bacterial activity of essential oils against multidrug-resistant foodborne pathogens isolated from raw milk

The presence of pathogenic bacteria in food is considered as a primary cause of food-borne illness and food quality deterioration worldwide. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of five essential oils (EOs) against multidrug-resistant foodborne pathogens. In the current study Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella) and the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus were isolated from raw milk and biochemically characterized. The anti-bacterial effect of different antibiotics and EOs (thyme, oregano, lemongrass, mint, and rosemary) was determined using the standard disc diffusion method. The antibiogram study revealed that Gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to penicillin while Staphylococcus was resistant to streptomycin, amoxicillin, and lincomycin. Moderate resistance was observed to doxycycline, amikacin, enrofloxacin, kanamycin and cefixime. Isolates were found less resistant to gentamycin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. EOs showed a broad range of antimicrobial activity against all bacteria except P. aeruginosa. Of these, thyme was more effective against most of the multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and formed the largest zone of inhibition (26 mm) against Escherichia followed by oregano oil (18 mm) against Staphylococcus (p<0.05). Klebsiella spp and Citrobacter spp showed resistance to mint and lemongrass oil respectively. The EOs such as lemongrass, mint and rosemary were less active against all the bacteria. The findings of the recent study suggest the use of EOs as natural antibacterial agents for food preservation.

Damage to the human dentate gyrus impairs the perceptual discrimination of complex, novel objects

The hippocampus (HPC), and the dentate gyrus (DG) subregion in particular, is purported to be a pattern separator, orthogonally representing similar information so that distinct memories may be formed. The HPC may also be involved in complex perceptual discrimination. It is unclear if this role is limited to spatial/scene stimuli or extends to the discrimination of objects. Also unclear is whether the DG itself contributes to pattern separation beyond memory. BL, an individual with bilateral DG lesions, was previously shown to have poor discrimination of similar, everyday objects in memory. Here, we demonstrate that BL's deficit extends to complex perceptual discrimination of novel objects. Specifically, BL was presented with closely matched possible and impossible objects, which give rise to fundamentally different 3D perceptual representations despite being visually similar. BL performed significantly worse than controls when asked to select an odd object (e.g., impossible) amongst three identical counterpart objects (e.g., possible) presented at different rotations. His deficit was also evident in an atypical eye fixation pattern during this task. In contrast, BL's performance was indistinguishable from that of controls on other tasks involving the same objects, indicating that he could visually differentiate the object pairs, that he perceived the objects holistically in 3D, and that he has only a mild weakness in categorizing object possibility. Furthermore, his performance on standardized neuropsychological measures indicated intact mental rotation, visual-spatial attention, and working memory (visual and auditory). Collectively, these results provide evidence that the DG is necessary for complex perceptual discrimination of novel objects, indicating that the DG might function as a generic pattern separator of a wide range of stimuli within high-level perception, and that its role is not limited to memory.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Healthcare Personnel in Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang Indonesia

Purpose

Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been infecting the world including healthcare personnel (HCP), but many survivors still experienced symptoms although had recovered with negative PCR results. This study aimed to identify post-COVID-19 syndrome among HCP in our hospital.

Methods & Materials

We conducted a cross-sectional study, asking HCP, surviving COVID-19 from April 2020 until February 2021, confirmed by twice negative PCR SARS CoV-2, and still working at the hospital at the time the research was conducted, to fill in an online questionnaire asking questions about symptoms related to post COVID-19 syndrome.

Results

Total study participants who completed the questionnaire were 164, 106 (65%) of them were women, consisted of 21 (13%) specialists, 52 (32%) residents, and 91 (55%) nurses. The average age was 37 (26 – 69) years old. When they experienced COVID-19, 60 (37%) participants were in asymptomatic, 76 (46%) mild, 26 (16%) moderate, and 2 (1%) severe-critical condition. Among participants, 78 (48%) still had symptoms by the time the survey was conducted, 61 (78.2%) were women, and these symptoms were still experienced in 41 (53%) survivors who had recovered more than 3 months. Fatigue was the most common symptom reported (55, 71%), followed by cough (15, 19%), joint pain (12, 15%), headache (10, 13%), muscle pain (9, 12%), breathing difficulty (7,9%), anosmia (5, 6%), bitter tongue (4, 5%).

Conclusion

Post-COVID-19 syndrome was quite common in HCP and this might cause the inability to work, treat, and care for patients optimally. Particular attention should be paid to this condition.

Performance of prognostic scores in prediction of 30-day postoperative mortality in COVID-19 patients after emergency surgery: A retrospective cohort study

Background

: Risk assessment with prognostic scoring, though important, is scarcely studied in emergency surgical patients with COVID-19 infection.

Methods and Material

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on adult emergency surgical patients with COVID-19 infection in our institute from 1 May 2020 to 31 October 2021 to find the 30-day postoperative mortality and predictive accuracy of prognostic scores. We assessed the demographic data, prognostic risk scores (American Society of Anesthesiologists-Physical Classification (ASA-PS), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Quick SOFA (qSOFA), Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) and Portsmouth-POSSUM (P-POSSUM) scores), surgical and anesthetic factors. We assessed the postoperative morbidity using the Clavien-Dindo scale and recorded the 30-day mortality. Correlation of prognostic scores and mortality was evaluated using Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), Youden's index and Hosmer- Lemeshow goodness of fit model.

Results

Emergency surgery was performed in 67 COVID-19 patients with postoperative complication and 30-day mortality rate of 33% and 19%, respectively. A positive qSOFA and ASAPS IIIE/IVE had a 9.03- and 12.7-times higher risk of mortality compared to a negative qSOFA and ASA-PS IE/IIE (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Every unit increase of SOFA, POSSUM and P-POSSUM scores was associated with a 50%, 18% and 17% higher risk of mortality, respectively. SOFA, POSSUM and P-POSSUM AUCROC curves showed good discrimination between survivors and non-survivors (AUC 0.8829, 0.85 and 0.86, respectively).

Conclusions

SOFA score has a higher sensitivity to predict 30-day postoperative mortality as compared to POSSUM and P-POSSUM. However, in absence of a control group of non-COVID-19 patients, actual risk attributable to COVID-19 infection could not be determined.

A comparative assessment of air pollutants of smog in wagah border and other sites in Lahore, Pakistan

Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups' levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa rhizome

Curcuma longa is an important dietary plant which possess several pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflamatory, anticancer and anti clotting etc. The aim of the present study was to determine the phenolic profile of Curcuma longa and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. In HPLC chromatogram of Curcuma longa rhizome extract 15 phenolic compounds were identified namely Digalloyl-hexoside, Caffeic acid hexoside, Curdione, Coumaric, Caffeic acid, Sinapic acid, Qurecetin-3-D-galactoside, Casuarinin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Curcuminol, Demethoxycurcumin, and Isorhamnetin, Valoneic acid bilactone, Curcumin, Curcumin-O-glucuronide respectively. The ethanolic extract displayed an IC50 value of 37.1±0.3 µg/ml against alpha glucosidase. The IC50 value of DPPH radical scavenging activity was 27.2 ± 1.1 μg/mL. It is concluded that ethanolic extract of Curcuma long is rich source of curcumin and contain several important phenolics. The in vitro antioxidant and alpha glucosidase inhibitory effect of the plant justifies its popular use in traditional medicine.

Parasitic prevalence in bat fauna captured from selected sites in northwestern Pakistan

Present study was conducted to record ecotoparasitic prevalence in bat fauna of the northwestern parts of Pakistan. A total of 204 bat specimens representing 14 species were captured during a two year survey, extending from June 2015 through May 2016. A species of soft ticks Argas vespertilionis was identified from 23 bat specimens. Similarly, members of the family Dermanyssoidae (dermanyssoid mites) were isolated from 10 bat specimens, that of Spinturnicidae (spinturnicid mites) from 3 and Streblidae (bat flies) from 2 bat specimens. These parasites were collected using entomological tweezers and were identified on morphological basis. Further studies on parasitic prevalence, molecular characterization of bat parasites and their control measures are recommended.

Molecular classification and comparative phylogeographic study of insectivorous bat species (Pipisitrellus coromandra) from Punjab, Pakistan

Molecular based identification of bat fauna in Pakistan has been relatively less explored. The current study was therefore planned to report for the first time the molecular classification of insectivorous bats (Pipistrellus coromandra) based on mitochondrion gene (COI) from Punjab, Pakistan. Specimens were collected from five different locations followed by DNA extraction with subsequent gene amplification and sequencing. All samples in the study had shown close identity matches with species (Pipistrellus coromandra) from India and (Pipistrellus tenuis) from Vietnam with percentage identity score of 96.11 and 95.58 respectively except one sequence which only revealed 86.78% identity match on Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and could only be assigned to genus level Pipistrellus sp. The results indicated negligible intra-population genetic distance among collected samples whereas the comparison with species from other countries had shown high intraspecific (P. coromandra) and interspecific (P. tenuis) mean genetic distances. The current study hence successfully proved the efficiency of COI gene as a molecular marker for species identification and in analyzing the patterns of genetic variation with species from other countries.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

DRP1 Promotes BRAFV600E-Driven Tumor Progression and Metabolic Reprogramming in Colorectal Cancer

Background

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles which remain in a continuous state of fission/ fusion dynamics to meet the metabolic needs of a cell. However, this fission/fusion dynamism has been reported to be dysregulated in most cancers. Such enhanced mitochondrial fission is demonstrated to be positively regulated by some activating oncogenic mutations; such as those of KRAS (Kristen rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue) or BRAF (B- rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma), thereby increasing tumor progression/ chemotherapeutic resistance and metabolic deregulation. However, the underlying mechanism(s) are still not clear, thus highlighting the need to further explore possible mechanism(s) of intervention. We sought to investigate how BRAF^V600E driven CRC (colorectal cancer) progression is linked to mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics and whether this window could be exploited to target CRC progression.

Methods

Western blotting was employed to study the differences in expression levels of key proteins regulating mitochondrial dynamics, which was further confirmed by confocal microscopy imaging of mitochondria in endogenously expressing BRAF^WT and BRAF^V600E CRC cells. Proliferation assays, soft agar clonogenic assays, glucose uptake/lactate production, ATP/ NADPH measurement assays were employed to study the extent of carcinogenesis and metabolic reprograming in BRAF^V600E CRC cells. Genetic knockdown (shRNA/ siRNA) and/or pharmacologic inhibition of Dynamin related protein1/Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase1 (DRP1/PDK1) and/or BRAF^V600E were employed to study the involvement and possible mechanism of these proteins in BRAF^V600E driven CRC. Statistical analyses were carried out using Graph Pad Prism v 5.0, data was analyzed by unpaired t-test and two-way ANOVA with appropriate post hoc tests.

Results

Our results demonstrate that BRAF^V600E CRC cells have higher protein levels of mitochondrial fission factor- DRP1/pDRP1^S616 leading to a more fragmented mitochondrial state compared to those harboring BRAF^WT . This fragmented mitochondrial state was found to confer glycolytic phenotype, clonogenic potential and metastatic advantage to cells harboring BRAF^V600E . Interestingly, such fragmented mitochondrial state seemed positively regulated by mitochondrial PDK1 as observed through pharmacologic as well as genetic inhibition of PDK1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data suggest that BRAF^V600E driven colorectal cancers have fragmented mitochondria which confers glycolytic phenotype and growth advantage to these tumors, and such phenotype is dependent at least in part on PDK1- thus highlighting a potential therapeutic target.

Superoxide Dismutase in Extender Improves the in vitro Quality and in vivo Fertility of Cryopreserved Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) as an antioxidant in semen extender may be used for the cryopreservation of buffalo spermatozoa and in vivo fertility.

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of SOD (SOD1, 100 IU/mL; SOD2, 200 IU/mL; SOD3, 300 IU/mL) and control (0.0) in Tris citric acid extender on in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of cryopreserved water buffalo bull spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen collection was carried out on a weekly basis (four bulls, three replicates, and n = 24 ejaculates). The conventional freezing of semen loaded straws (0.5 mL) was undertaken by placing them horizontally on a steel rack inside a Styrofoam box for 10 min containing liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapours, and plunging into a liquid nitrogen tank (-196 °C) for storage, followed by thawing at 37 °C for 30 s and analysis by computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) and other assays.

RESULTS

At post-dilution, the acrosome integrity (ACR-I, %) was significantly improved (P < 0.05) in extender supplemented with SOD3 as compared to other experimental groups. In addition, DNA integrity (DNA-I, %) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SOD1 and SOD3 compared to SOD2 and control. At post-thawing, the mean values of sperm progressive motility (PM, %), average path velocity (VAP, µm/s) and straight line velocity (VSL, µm/s) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in extender supplemented with SOD3 compared to the control. At post-thawing, mean values of subjective motility (SM, %), plasma membrane integrity (PMI, %) and ACR-I were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in extender supplemented with SOD3 compared to the control. At post-thawing, sperm DNA-I was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in extender supplemented with all SOD doses compared to the control in a dose-dependent manner. The in vivo fertility rate (%) was significantly higher with SOD3 compared to the control (68.2 % vs. 49.5 %).

CONCLUSION

The supplementation of SOD3 (300 IU/mL) in Tris citric acid extender improves both in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Transdermal Microneedles-A Materials Perspective

Transdermal drug delivery is an emerging field in the pharmaceutical remit compared with conventional methods (oral and parenteral). Microneedle (MN)-based devices have gained significant interest as a strategy to overcome the skin's formidable barrier: the stratum corneum. This approach provides a less invasive, more efficient, patient friendly method of drug delivery with the ability to incorporate various therapeutic agents including macromolecules (proteins and peptides), anti-cancer agents and other hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. This short review attempts to assess the various materials involved in the fabrication of MNs as well as incorporation of other excipients to improve drug delivery for novel medical devices. The focus will be on polymers, metals and other inorganic materials utilised for MN drug delivery, as well as their application, limitations and future work to be carried out.

Hybrid Solar Cell using Conjugated Chlorophyll from Pandanus Amaryllifolius as Photosensitizers

Solar energy is one in all few sources to renewable power and it is considerably critical in our each day lifestyles usage thus resulted to ensure the practicality and usefulness of the devices which regularly used to capture and manipulate solar energy. In this work, studies the effect of conjugated chlorophyll (iCHLO) on power conversion efficiency with relation of iCHLO where optical and electrical properties were investigated. These hybrid solar cells consist of combination of organic (Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrenesulfonate) and iCHLO) and inorganic (Titanium Dioxide, TiO2) materials. These hybrid solar cells were fabricated bilayer of ITO/TiO2/PEDOT: PSS/iCHLO/Al. Chlorophyll compound (CHLO) was extracted from the Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves. CHLO undergoes conjugate process by oxidation polymerization using Ferric Chloride (FeCl3) as catalyst. Different percentage of FeCl3 was varied by 5%, 10% and 15% of CHLO molecular weight. Result shows that UV-Vis absorption spectra of CHLO was absorbed in the range of 400 nm – 600 nm (CHLO-PA) and 240 nm - 360 nm (iCHLO-PA). The highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) was obtained at 1.33% and electrical conductivity is 0.135 Scm1 for ITO/TiO2/PEDOT: PSS/iCHLO-PA 10% hybrid solar cell.

Study of Rheology and Plug Assist Thermoforming of Linear and Branched PP Homopolymer and Impact Copolymer

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the fastest growing thermoplastic polymers in the world, second only to polyethylene. This is primarily due to its excellent balance of physical and chemical properties at a lower cost. PP however possesses low melt strength on account of its linear structure and hence is not easily amenable to processing techniques that involve free surface stretching deformations like thermoforming, blow molding and extrusion film casting. One way to enhance the melt strength of PP is to incorporate long chain branches in its molecular architecture. The present study focuses on the impact of rheology of linear and branched PP on their thermoforming characteristics. Two grades each of linear and long chain branched (LCB) PP homopolymer and impact copolymer (ICP) were used. It was observed that the LCB-PP homopolymer and LCB-ICP showed higher flow activation energy, reduced value of loss tangent and nearly equal frequency dependence of storage and loss moduli in shear rheology. Also, a strong strain hardening behavior was displayed in extensional rheology by the LCB grades. Plug assist thermoforming experiments were carried out to assess the effect of long chain branching on surface strain and thickness distribution for axisymmetric cups of two draw ratios. Biaxial surface strain maps of the formed cups were quantified using Grid Strain Analysis (GSA). Thermoformed cups made from LCB-PP homopolymer and LCB-impact copolymer showed lower surface strain and overall higher thickness as compared to cups made from their linear counterparts, which is in accordance with what might be expected from their rheology.

Cell cycle control by the target of rapamycin signalling pathway in plants

Cells need to ensure a sufficient nutrient and energy supply before committing to proliferate. In response to positive mitogenic signals, such as light, sugar availability, and hormones, the target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling pathway promotes cell growth that connects to the entry and passage through the cell division cycle via multiple signalling mechanisms. Here, we summarize current understanding of cell cycle regulation by the RBR-E2F regulatory hub and the DREAM-like complexes, and highlight possible functional relationships between these regulators and TOR signalling. A genetic screen recently uncovered a downstream signalling component to TOR that regulates cell proliferation, YAK1, a member of the dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase (DYRK) family. YAK1 activates the plant-specific SIAMESE-RELATED (SMR) cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and therefore could be important to regulate both the CDKA-RBR-E2F pathway to control the G1/S transition and the mitotic CDKB1;1 to control the G2/M transition. TOR, as a master regulator of both protein synthesis-driven cell growth and cell proliferation is also central for cell size homeostasis. We conclude the review by briefly highlighting the potential applications of combining TOR and cell cycle knowledge in the context of ensuring future food security.

Toxicity bioassay and sub-lethal effects of diazinon on blood profile and histology of liver, gills and kidney of catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Abstract The catfish, Clarias gariepinus, was exposed to different acute concentrations (5-10 mg/l) of diazinon and the Lc50 value was recorded as high as 7.3 mg/l for 96 hours. The fishes exposed to three sub-lethal levels of diazinon (0.73, 1.095 and 1.46 mg/l) for 30 days showed that the pesticide induces changes in different blood parameters. Number of red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin level and haematocrit values were elevated whereas white blood cells (WBC) count was reduced. Various blood indices like mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobine (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobine concentration (MCHC) vary insignificantly in the fish treated with diazinon. Glucose level and activity level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was increased in Clarias gariepinus exposed to diazinon. Protein level in plasma of fish treated with pesticide was changed but the change was insignificant. Histological changes in the liver, gills and kidney of fishes exposed to diazinon were apparent when compared to control. Hepatocytes necrosis and bleeding were more distinct in the fishes exposed to pesticide. Glomerulus hypertrophy and bleeding in kidneys; and fusion and degeneration of secondary lamellae and epithelial hyperplasia in gills were also observed in the exposed fish.

The MKK7-MPK6 MAP Kinase Module Is a Regulator of Meristem Quiescence or Active Growth in Arabidopsis

Plant growth flexibly adapts to environmental conditions. Growth initiation itself may be conditional to a suitable environment, while the most common response of plants to adverse conditions is growth inhibition. Most of our understanding about environmental growth inhibition comes from studies on various plant hormones, while less is known about the signaling mechanisms involved. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central signal transduction pathways in all eukaryotes and their roles in plant stress responses is well-established, while increasing evidence points to their involvement in hormonal and developmental processes. Here we show that the MKK7-MPK6 module is a suppressor of meristem activity using genetic approaches. Shoot apical meristem activation during light-induced de-etiolation is accelerated in mpk6 and mkk7 seedlings, whereas constitutive or induced overexpression of MKK7 results in meristem defects or collapse, both in the shoot and the root apical meristems. These results underscore the role of stress-activated MAPK signaling in regulating growth responses at the whole plant level, which may be an important regulatory mechanism underlying the environmental plasticity of plant development.

Numbness of the lower lip does not adversely affect quality of life or patients' satisfaction after mandibular orthognathic surgery

Measures of patient-reported quality of life (QoL) are increasingly being used to tailor services that are funded by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) in England. Mandibular osteotomies may result in altered sensation of the lower lip, but we know of limited evidence about the resulting effect on QoL. The modified Bristol orthognathic patient outcomes questionnaire was given to patients who had mandibular osteotomies at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, between March 2006 and April 2016. Questionnaires were collected at the final orthognathic postoperative appointment. The significance of the difference in QoL between those who had altered sensation of the lower lip and those who did not was compared using a two-tailed t test. During this period 170 patients had mandibular orthognathic operations. Completed questionnaires were received from 117 of those patients (69%) during this period, after a follow up of about six months. We found no significant difference between the perceived benefits of treatment between the 41 who had altered sensation and the 74 who did not (p=0.30). Only 5/41 who reported residual numbness six months postoperatively stated that they would not choose to have the same treatment again. In conclusion, orthognathic surgery results in an appreciable improvement in QoL and should continue to be funded by CCG in England. Contrary to the perception of some clinicians, those patients with residual numbness of the lip did not have significantly poorer QoL. Future interpretation of the data will be improved if they are collected both before and after the operation.

Sleep onset insomnia, daytime sleepiness and sleep duration in relationship to Toxoplasma gondii IgG seropositivity and serointensity

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infects central nervous tissue and is kept in relative dormancy by a healthy immune system. Sleep disturbances have been found to precipitate mental illness, suicidal behavior and car accidents, which have been previously linked to T. gondii as well. We speculated that if sleep disruption, particularly insomnia, would mediate, at least partly, the link between T. gondii infection and related behavioral dysregulation, then we would be able to identify significant associations between sleep disruption and T. gondii. The mechanisms for such an association may involve dopamine (DA) production by T. gondii, or collateral effects of immune activation necessary to keep T. gondii in check. Sleep questionnaires from 2031 Old Order Amish were analyzed in relationship to T. gondii-IgG antibodies measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and serointensity were not associated with any of the sleep latency variables or Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A secondary analysis identified, after adjustment for age group, a statistical trend toward shorter sleep duration in seropositive men (p = 0.07). In conclusion, it is unlikely that sleep disruption mediates links between T. gondii and mental illness or behavioral dysregulation. Trending gender differences in associations between T. gondii and shorter sleep need further investigation.

Fluorescent Labeling and 2-Photon Imaging of Mouse Tooth Pulp Nociceptors

Retrograde fluorescent labeling of dental primary afferent neurons (DPANs) has been described in rats through crystalline fluorescent DiI, while in the mouse, this technique was achieved with only Fluoro-Gold, a neurotoxic fluorescent dye with membrane penetration characteristics superior to the carbocyanine dyes. We reevaluated this technique in the rat with the aim to transfer it to the mouse because comprehensive physiologic studies require access to the mouse as a model organism. Using conventional immunohistochemistry, we assessed in rats and mice the speed of axonal dye transport from the application site to the trigeminal ganglion, the numbers of stained DPANs, and the fluorescence intensity via 1) conventional crystalline DiI and 2) a novel DiI formulation with improved penetration properties and staining efficiency. A 3-dimensional reconstruction of an entire trigeminal ganglion with 2-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy permitted visualization of DPANs in all 3 divisions of the trigeminal nerve. We quantified DPANs in mice expressing the farnesylated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFPf) from the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8^EGFPf/+) locus in the 3 branches. We also evaluated the viability of the labeled DPANs in dissociated trigeminal ganglion cultures using calcium microfluorometry, and we assessed the sensitivity to capsaicin, an agonist of the TRPV1 receptor. Reproducible DiI labeling of DPANs in the mouse is an important tool 1) to investigate the molecular and functional specialization of DPANs within the trigeminal nociceptive system and 2) to recognize exclusive molecular characteristics that differentiate nociception in the trigeminal system from that in the somatic system. A versatile tool to enhance our understanding of the molecular composition and characteristics of DPANs will be essential for the development of mechanism-based therapeutic approaches for dentine hypersensitivity and inflammatory tooth pain.

Single-species versus dual-species probiotic supplementation as an emerging therapeutic strategy for obesity

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Recent studies have reported beneficial effects of specific probiotics on obesity. However, the difference in the anti-obesity effects of probiotics as single species and dual species is still uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy of single and dual species of bacteria on markers of obesity in high-fat diet-induced obese rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of five groups of varying diets as follows: standard diet, high fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, HFD supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum and HFD supplemented with a mixture of these two bacterial species. After 15 weeks of supplementation, the animals were examined for changes in body weight, body fat, total count of bacteria in fecal, blood serum lipid profile, leptin, adiponectin and inflammatory biomarkers. Histological analysis of the liver and adipose tissue was performed and the hepatic mRNA expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism were measured. It was found that probiotic supplementation of either B. longum or a mixture of B. longum and LcS bacteria significantly reduced weight and triglycerides in the HFD groups. Supplementation of B. longum bacteria showed better results in terms of modulating leptin level, fat mass, adipocyte size and lipoprotein lipase expression, as well as increasing adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ expression compared to dual species of bacteria. No significant differences were observed in the total count of fecal bacteria, glucose and inflammatory biomarker levels between supplemented groups.

CONCLUSIONS

B. longum supplementation in obesity was more beneficial in metabolic profile changes than the mixture species.

Porous Inorganic Drug Delivery Systems-a Review

Innovative methods and materials have been developed to overcome limitations associated with current drug delivery systems. Significant developments have led to the use of a variety of materials (as excipients) such as inorganic and metallic structures, marking a transition from conventional polymers. Inorganic materials, especially those possessing significant porosity, are emerging as good candidates for the delivery of a range of drugs (antibiotics, anticancer and anti-inflammatories), providing several advantages in formulation and engineering (encapsulation of drug in amorphous form, controlled delivery and improved targeting). This review focuses on key selected developments in porous drug delivery systems. The review provides a short broad overview of porous polymeric materials for drug delivery before focusing on porous inorganic materials (e.g. Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA) and Mobil Composition of Matter (MCM)) and their utilisation in drug dosage form development. Methods for their preparation and drug loading thereafter are detailed. Several examples of porous inorganic materials, drugs used and outcomes are discussed providing the reader with an understanding of advances in the field and realistic opportunities.