Knowledge about glaucoma among adults in Africa: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Africa is one of the continents with a substantial burden of glaucoma, where it is approximately twice as common as it is worldwide. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness and permanent vision loss if it is not addressed promptly. Good knowledge is essential for preventing glaucoma's irreversible blindness and ocular damage. However, no systematic review has been done to report the pooled percentage of adults in Africa who have good knowledge about glaucoma. This study aimed to estimate the level of knowledge about glaucoma in Africa and its determinants. METHODS: The study followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic review. Seven electronic databases which include PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, PROQUEST (PQDT), CINAHL (EBSCO), Google Scholar, African Journal Online, and WHO HINARI databases were searched from January 1, 2013, to July 31, 2023for studies conducted with a focus on the knowledge about glaucoma among adults in Africa. The quality of the final articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: In the present systematic review, 2781 articles were initially identified and evaluated. Of these, eight studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. In this review, the proportion of knowledge about glaucoma among adults in Africa was low. Educational status, family history of glaucoma, occupation, being a male, and having a history of eye examination were the main determinants of good knowledge about glaucoma among adults in Africa. CONCLUSION: The systematic review found that only a few had good knowledge about glaucoma. Education campaigns and eye exam promotions are recommended to enhance awareness. TRAIL REGISTRATION: This systematic review was registered on 30/07/2023 with PROSPERO ID: CRD42023430723.

Magnitude and outcome of road traffic accidents among patients admitted in dessie town governmental hospitals, Northeast Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents(RTA) are a major public health problem worldwide, accounting for almost 1.24 million deaths per year and it is the number one cause of death among those aged group 15-29 years. Even though there are great benefits from access to road transportation there also poses a great challenge in the individual's daily activities ranging from minor injury to death. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the magnitude and outcome of road traffic accidents among patients admitted in Dessie Town Governmental Hospitals, Northeast Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022. METHODS: A five-year hospital-based retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among 377 road traffic accident patients admitted to Dessie Town Governmental hospitals. Data were collected by simple random methods based on patient chart reviews from June 7/, 2022 to May 23/ 2017 using a checklist adapted from the WHO standard hospital-based road traffic accident questionnaires after obtaining consent from the concerned authority. EPI-Data software version 7.2 for data entry and SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05 with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) in the final multinomial logistic regression model. RESULTS: The magnitude of road traffic accidents was 59%, using of logistic multi nominal logistic regression we found results such that, road traffic victims who had unstable vital signs at admission (AOR = 6.4,95% CI; 2.5-16.6), didn't get prehospital treatment (AOR = 9.3,95% CI; 4-20), and severe injury (AOR = 9, 95% CI;7-15.4), had a Glasgow coma scale of 3-5 (AOR = 5.2,95% CI; 1.4-20) were found predictors for death were as unstable vital signs at admission (AOR = 3.79,95%CI;2.1-6.8), Doesn't get prehospital treatment (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI; 1.4-5.7), Hospital stay for one to two months duration (AOR = 6,95% CI;2.3-15), and greater than two months duration (AOR = 6.5,95%CI;2.5-17) were found predictors for disability among road traffic victims. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Road traffic accidents constitute a major public health problem in our setting and contribute significantly to excessively high morbidity and mortality. Unstable vital signs at admission, Client doesn't get prehospital treatment, severely injured client, and had a Glasgow coma scale of 3-5 were found predictors for death were as an unstable vital sign at admission, Client doesn't get pre-hospital treatment, Hospital stays for one to two months duration, and greater than two months duration were found predictors for disability among road traffic victims.

Algorithmic Approach to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Indian Perspective.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition affecting aging men, necessitating a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management. This manuscript, through the summarization of the latest evidence, aims to establish a consensus among clinicians regarding optimal strategies for diagnosing and managing BPH, to improve patient care and outcomes in clinical practice. A panel of urologists conducted a comprehensive review of the literature by searching various databases and search engines (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases). They identified relevant studies on the diagnosis and management of BPH. The literature was summarized and analyzed to develop 14 statements. The panel utilized a Delphi methodology over two rounds (R1 and R2) to reach a consensus on the statements, considering both the literature evidence and expert opinions. The expert panel reached a consensus on 14 statements addressing diverse aspects of BPH, including tailored therapies for different patient profiles and the necessity for a unified diagnosis and management algorithm to enhance patient outcomes. In conclusion, a unified approach to diagnosing and managing BPH promotes consistent and effective patient care. Proper drug selection, considering factors like efficacy and patient-specific characteristics, is crucial for managing BPH. This approach optimizes treatment outcomes and improves the quality of life for BPH patients.

Designing noise-robust quantum networks coexisting in the classical fiber infrastructure.

The scalability of quantum networking will benefit from quantum and classical communications coexisting in shared fibers, the main challenge being spontaneous Raman scattering noise. We investigate the coexistence of multi-channel O-band quantum and C-band classical communications. We characterize multiple narrowband entangled photon pair channels across 1282 nm-1318 nm co-propagating over 48 km of installed standard fiber with record C-band power (>18 dBm) and demonstrate that some quantum-classical wavelength combinations significantly outperform others. We analyze the Raman noise spectrum, optimal wavelength engineering, multi-photon pair emission in entangled photon-classical coexistence, and evaluate the implications for future quantum applications.

Analyzing Angiotensin II Receptor Type 1 Clustering in PC12 Cells in Response to Hypoxia Using Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (dSTORM).

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a hormone that plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis. The Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1R) is expressed in acute O2 sensitive cells, including carotid body (CB) type I cells and pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells, and Ang II increases cell activity. While a functional role for Ang II and AT1Rs in increasing the activity of O2 sensitive cells has been established, the nanoscale distribution of AT1Rs has not. Furthermore, it is not known how exposure to hypoxia may alter the single-molecule arrangement and clustering of AT1Rs. In this study, the AT1R nanoscale distribution under control normoxic conditions in PC12 cells was determined using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). AT1Rs were arranged in distinct clusters with measurable parameters. Across the entire cell surface there averaged approximately 3 AT1R clusters/µm2 of cell membrane. Cluster area varied in size ranging from 1.1 × 10-4 to 3.9 × 10-2 µm2. Twenty-four hours of exposure to hypoxia (1% O2) altered clustering of AT1Rs, with notable increases in the maximum cluster area, suggestive of an increase in supercluster formation. These observations could aid in understanding mechanisms underlying augmented Ang II sensitivity in O2 sensitive cells in response to sustained hypoxia.

Sequence characterization and comparative expression profile of buffalo WNT10B gene in adult and fetal tissues.

In this study, Wingless-type MMTV (mouse mammary tumor virus) integration site family member (WNT10B) gene was sequence characterized in the Indian water buffalo. Sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1176 nucleotides in buffalo, encoding 391 amino acids long protein. Nineteen nucleotide variations were observed between cattle and buffalo resulting in six amino acid changes. Phylogenetic analysis showed the clustering of ruminant species together. Real-time expression analysis of WNT10B in tissues collected from different organs of fetal and adult buffalo, revealed, the gene being abundantly expressed in the rumen and liver of the fetus. The fetal ovary, heart, kidney, lung, testis and mammary gland showed moderate expression, while in adult tissues, expression was high in the ovary, testis, brain, kidney, small intestine and liver, whereas lower expression was observed in the adult rumen. Significant differences in WNT10B expression levels were found for the brain, small intestine, testes, kidney, heart, rumen, and ovary when adult and fetal tissues were compared. A moderate level of genetic variation was found between cattle and buffalo WNT10B and expression patterns in a variety of tissues in adult buffalo implies that in addition to possible roles in adipogenesis and hematopoiesis, the WNT10B gene might be playing a significant role in other regulatory pathways as well.

The efficacy of Ksharsutra, Fistulectomy and Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) procedure in management of Fistula in ano a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Fistula in ano is always a troublesome condition for the clinician and the patients owing to its complexity, recurrences, and high morbidity since ancient times. There is no gold standard treatment modality to date documented in the literature for complex fistula in ano. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 60 consecutive adult patients attending the surgical outpatient department of a tertiary care centre in India, diagnosed with complex fistula in ano. Among them, 20 each in the Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), Fistulectomy andKsharsutra(Special medicated seton) group were respectively recruited randomly. A prospective observational study was conducted. The primary outcomes were postoperative recurrence and morbidity. Post-operative morbidity is measured in terms of postoperative pain, postoperative bleeding, pus discharge and post-operative incontinence. The result of the study were analysed after 6 months of follow-up by clinical examination at outpatient department and at 18 months follow up done telephonically. RESULTS: At 6 months of follow-up, 2 patients (10%) had a recurrence in the Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure group, 3 patients (15%) in the fistulectomy group and 6 patients (30%) in Ksharsutra group, however 3(15%), 4(20%) and 9(45%) patients developed recurrence in Ligation of Intersphincteric fistula tract, Fistulectomy and Ksharsutra group respectively at 18 month of follow-up. The differences in the recurrence were not statistically significant.The mean Visual analogue score for postoperative pain after 24 h as well as after 48 h were statistically significant in Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract versus Ksharsutra group (p < 0.05). The Visual analogue score for post-operative pain was also significant in the Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract versus the Fistulectomy group (p < 0.05). The patients treated via Fistulectomy and Ksharsutra had a higher proportion of bleeding (15%) as compared to the Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure. Postoperative morbidity was statistically significant between the Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract versus the Ksharsutra and the Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract versus Fistulectomy. CONCLUSION: Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract had less postoperative morbidity compared to Fistulectomy and Ksharsutra procedure; although recurrence was less compared to other methods it was statistically not significant.

Risk of incident obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with type 1 diabetes: a population-based retrospective cohort study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnoea. However, it is not known whether people with type 1 diabetes are also at an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnoea. This study aimed to examine whether people with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of incident obstructive sleep apnoea compared with a matched cohort without type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We used a UK primary care database, The Health Improvement Network (THIN), to perform a retrospective cohort study between January 1995 and January 2018 comparing sleep apnoea incidence between patients with type 1 diabetes (exposed) and without type 1 diabetes (unexposed) (matched for age, sex, BMI and general practice). The outcome was incidence of obstructive sleep apnoea. Baseline covariates and characteristics were assessed at the start of the study based on the most recent value recorded prior to the index date. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios, based on a complete-case analysis. RESULTS: In total, 34,147 exposed and 129,500 matched unexposed patients were included. The median follow-up time was 5.43 years ((IQR 2.19-10.11), and the mean BMI was 25.82 kg/m2 (SD 4.33). The adjusted HR for incident obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with type 1 diabetes vs those without type 1 diabetes was 1.53 (95% CI 1.25, 1.86; p<0.001). Predictors of incident obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with type 1 diabetes were older age, male sex, obesity, being prescribed antihypertensive or lipid-lowering drugs, atrial fibrillation and depression. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Individuals with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of obstructive sleep apnoea compared with people without diabetes. Clinicians should suspect obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with type 1 diabetes if they are old, have obesity, are male, have atrial fibrillation or depression, or if they are taking lipid-lowering or antihypertensive drugs.

Nanocatalytic Interface to Decode the Phytovolatile Language for Latent Crop Diagnosis in Future Farms.

Crop diseases cause the release of volatiles. Here, the use of an SnO2-based chemoresistive sensor for early diagnosis has been attempted. Ionone is one of the signature volatiles released by the enzymatic and nonenzymatic cleavage of carotene at the latent stage of some biotic stresses. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at sensing volatiles with multiple oxidation sites, i.e., ionone (4 oxidation sites), from the phytovolatile library, to derive stronger signals at minimum concentrations. Further, the sensitivity was enhanced on an interdigitated electrode by the addition of platinum as the dopant for a favorable space charge layer and for surface island formation for reactive interface sites. The mechanistic influence of oxygen vacancy formation was studied through detailed density functional theory (DFT) calculations and reactive oxygen-assisted enhanced binding through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis.

Genetic admixture and population structure analysis of Indian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using STR markers.

BACKGROUND: India has a vast riverine and swamp buffalo diversity adapted to various agro-ecological conditions. In the present study, genetic diversity data for 10 different buffalo populations of India, using 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers has been generated for the genetic diversity analysis. The buffalo populations of Eastern Odisha state, were the primary focus. METHODS AND RESULTS: The minimal spanning network based on Bruvo's distance, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) based on the Fst (Fixation Index) values, and genetic admixture analysis using both the STRUCTURE and 'snapclust' were performed. The analysis could identify the Manda population as distinct from other Odisha buffalo breeds as well as adjoining Chhattisgarhi buffalo breeds. The total observed number of alleles ranged between 143 (Manda) and 301 (Paralakhemundi) with an average of 204 alleles per breed. The Sambhalpuri buffalo population also clustered into two separate subpopulations, half of the unique sub-population located geographically south-wards, displayed no admixture with any of the adjacent buffalo populations. The Manda buffalo population has shown sufficient allelic richness and heterozygosity under random mating being practiced in the field conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The study has led to the identification of the Manda as a distinct buffalo population, and the germplasm has been registered as a new Indian buffalo breed. Whereas, the Sambhalpuri population requires elaborate analysis to confirm the existence of two distinct sub-populations.

Wavelet analysis for cyclic combustion dynamics of a multi-cylinder CRDI diesel engine fuelled with a blending of argemone biodiesel-diesel oil.

Higher cyclic variability in combustion adversely influences emissions, efficiency, and driveability of internal combustion engines. In this paper, we used wavelet transform techniques to investigate the dynamical characteristics of a combustion process in numerous combustion parameters of a 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine fuelled with Argemone mexicana biodiesel (AGB)/diesel blended fuel. In addition, statistical analysis is described to validate the results of the wavelet spectrum methods for cyclic variation in the diesel engine. The results show that the cyclic variations in IMEP and Pmax are sensitive to the engine load and fuel properties. The coefficient of variation of both combustion parameters decreases as engine load increases for all tested fuels. Moreover, adding Argemone mexicana biodiesel (AGB) into diesel fuel up to 20% (AB20) reduces cyclic variations in combustion parameters at all tested engine loads. Furthermore, the global wavelet spectrum and wavelet power spectrum are utilized to identify the dominant oscillatory combustion modes. The cycle-to-cycle fluctuations in combustion parameters (i.e., IMEP and Pmax) exhibit multi-scale dynamics for all experimental conditions. Compared to long and intermediate oscillations in diesel fuel, AB10 and AB20 fuel showed short and intermittent period fluctuations. The findings of this experimental work will be helpful to optimize engine control strategies for AGB/diesel blended fueled multi-cylinder CRDI diesel engines.

ß-Adrenoceptor blockade prevents carotid body hyperactivity and elevated vascular sympathetic nerve density induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Carotid body (CB) hyperactivity promotes hypertension in response to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). The plasma concentration of adrenaline is reported to be elevated in CIH and our previous work suggests that adrenaline directly activates the CB. However, a role for chronic adrenergic stimulation in mediating CB hyperactivity is currently unknown. This study evaluated whether beta-blocker treatment with propranolol (Prop) prevented the development of CB hyperactivity, vascular sympathetic nerve growth and hypertension caused by CIH. Adult male Wistar rats were assigned into 1 of 4 groups: Control (N), N + Prop, CIH and CIH + Prop. The CIH paradigm consisted of 8 cycles h-1, 8 h day-1, for 3 weeks. Propranolol was administered via drinking water to achieve a dose of 40 mg kg-1 day-1. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of both ß1 and ß2-adrenoceptor subtypes on the CB type I cell. CIH caused a 2-3-fold elevation in basal CB single-fibre chemoafferent activity and this was prevented by chronic propranolol treatment. Chemoafferent responses to hypoxia and mitochondrial inhibitors were attenuated by propranolol, an effect that was greater in CIH animals. Propranolol decreased respiratory frequency in normoxia and hypoxia in N and CIH. Propranolol also abolished the CIH mediated increase in vascular sympathetic nerve density. Arterial blood pressure was reduced in propranolol groups during hypoxia. Propranolol exaggerated the fall in blood pressure in most (6/7) CIH animals during hypoxia, suggestive of reduced sympathetic tone. These findings therefore identify new roles for ß-adrenergic stimulation in evoking CB hyperactivity, sympathetic vascular hyperinnervation and altered blood pressure control in response to CIH.

Tunable dual-channel ultra-narrowband Bragg grating filter on thin-film lithium niobate.

We demonstrate dual-channel phase-shifted Bragg grating filters in the telecom band on thin-film lithium niobate. These integrated tunable ultra-narrow linewidth filters are crucial components for optical communication and sensing systems, as well as future quantum-photonic applications. Thin-film lithium niobate is an emerging platform suitable for these applications and has been exploited in this Letter. The demonstrated device has an extinction ratio of 27 dB and two channels with close linewidths of about 19 pm (quality factor of ${8} \times {{10}^4}$), separated by 19 GHz. The central wavelength could be efficiently tuned using the high electro-optic effect in lithium niobate with a tuning factor of 3.83 pm/V. This demonstration can be extended to tunable filters with multiple channels, along with desired frequency separations and optimized tunability, which would be useful for a variety of complex photonic integrated circuits.

Diversity analysis at MHC class II DQA locus in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) indicates extensive duplication and trans-species evolution.

Variation at MHC Class II-DQA locus in riverine and swamp buffaloes (Bubu) has been explored in this study. Through sequencing of buffalo DQA, 48 nucleotide variants identified from 17 individuals, reporting 42 novel alleles, including one pseudogene. Individual animal displayed two to seven variants, suggesting the presence of more than two Bubu-DQA loci, as an evidence of extensive duplication. dN values were found to be higher than dS values at peptide binding sites, separately for riverine and swamp buffaloes, indicating locus being under positive selection. Evolutionary analysis revealed numerous trans-species polymorphism with alleles from water buffalo assigned to at least three different loci (Bubu-DQA1, DQA2, DQA3). Alleles of both the sub-species intermixed within the cluster, showing convergent evolution of MHC alleles in bovines. The results thus suggest that both riverine and swamp buffaloes share con-current arrangement of DQA region, comparable to cattle in terms of copy number and population polymorphism.

Deciphering the role of meteorological parameters controlling the sediment load and water discharge in the Sutlej basin, Western Himalaya.

The Sutlej River basin of the western Himalaya (study area), owing to its unique geographical disposition, receives precipitation from both the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and the Westerlies. The characteristic timing and intensity of the ISM and Westerlies, leaves a distinct footprint on the sediment load of the River. Analysis with the last forty years data, shows an increasing trend for temperature. While for precipitation during the same period, the Spiti watershed on the west has highest monthly accumulated precipitation with long term declining trend, in contrast to the other areas where an increasing trend has been observed. Thus, to probe the hydrological variability and the seasonal attributes, governed by the Westerlies and ISM in the study area, we analyzed precipitation, temperature, snow cover area (in %), discharge, suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and suspended sediment load (SSL) for the period 2004 - 2008. To accomplish the task, we used the available data of five hydrological stations located in the study area. Inter-annual shift in peak discharge during the monsoon period is controlled by the variation in precipitation, snow melt, glacier melt and temperature. Besides seasonal variability has been observed in generation of the sediments and its delivery to the river. Our analysis indicates, dominance of the Westerlies footprints in the hydrological parameters of the Spiti region, towards western part of the study area. While, it is observed that the hydrology of the Khab towards eastern part of the study area shows dominance of ISM. Further downstream, the hydrology of Nathpa station also shows dominance of ISM. It also emerged out that the snowmelt contribution to the River flow is mostly during the initial part, at the onset of the monsoon, while for rest and major part of the summer monsoon season, the River flow is augmented by the precipitation, glacial melt and some snow melt. We observed, that the SSC increases exponentially in response to increase in temperature and correlates positively with River discharge. The average daily SSL in the summer monsoon is many times more than that in the winter monsoon. The downstream decrease in steepness of the sediment rating curve is attributed to either a change in the River-sediment dynamics or on account of the anthropogenic forcing. The top 1% of the extreme summer monsoon events (only 4 events) in our study area contribute up to 45% of SSL to the total sediment load budget. It has also been observed that the River-sediment dynamics in the upstream catchments are more vulnerable and sensitive to the extreme events in comparison to the downstream catchments. The present study for the first time gives a holistic insight in to the complex dynamics of the hydrological processes operational in the study area. The research findings would be crucial for managing the water resources of the region and the linked water and food security.

The role of the microenvironment in the biophysics of cancer.

During the last decades, cell mechanics has been recognized as a quantitative measure to discriminate between many physiological and pathological states of single cells. In the field of biophysics of cancer, a large body of research has been focused on the comparison between normal and cancer mechanics and slowly the hypothesis that cancer cells are softer than their normal counterparts has been accepted, even though in situ tumor tissue is usually stiffer than the surrounding normal tissue. This corroborates the idea that the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) has a critical role in regulating tumor cell properties and behavior. Rearrangements in ECM can lead to changes in cancer cell mechanics and in specific conditions the general assumption about cancer cell softening could be confuted. Here, we highlight the contribution of ECM in cancer cell mechanics and argue that the statement that cancer cells are softer than normal cells should be firmly related to the properties of cell environment and the specific stage of cancer cell progression. In particular, we will discuss that when employing cell mechanics in cancer diagnosis and discrimination, the chemical, the topographical and - last but not least - the mechanical properties of the microenvironment are very important.

Quantum-correlated photon-pair generation via cascaded nonlinearity in an ultra-compact lithium-niobate nano-waveguide.

We generate quantum-correlated photon pairs using cascaded χ(2):χ(2) traveling-wave interactions for second-harmonic generation (SHG) and spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a single periodically-poled thin-film lithium-niobate (TFLN) waveguide. When pulse-pumped at 50 MHz, a 4-mm-long poled region with nearly 300%/Wcm2 SHG peak efficiency yields a generated photon-pair probability of 7±0.2 × 10-4 with corresponding coincidence-to-accidental ratio (CAR) of 13.6±0.7. The CAR is found to be limited by Stokes/anti-Stokes Raman-scattering noise generated primarily in the waveguide. A Raman peak of photon counts at 250 cm-1 Stokes shift from the fundamental-pump wavenumber suggests most of the noise that limits the CAR originates within the lithium niobate material of the waveguide.

A student practical to conceptualize the importance of Poiseuille's law and flow control in the cardiovascular system.

The laboratory practical reported here is based in Poiseuille's law and utilizes low-cost laboratory consumable items, thereby making it easy to deploy in any teaching laboratory. In the practical, students take an experimental approach of individually changing physical variables and measuring fluid flow rates. Plotting these results allows them to discuss the effect each variable has on flow. Furthermore, students enhance their appreciation of experimental errors and variability by making repeat measurements. In the follow-up teaching session, the students are encouraged to apply their experimental findings to the cardiovascular system and the control of blood flow both at rest and under conditions of altered cardiac output, such as during exercise. By tackling the topic of flow control as a core concept, it allows the students to then apply their understanding in wider physiological contexts, such as airflow in the respiratory system.

G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Signaling in the Carotid Body: Roles in Hypoxia and Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease.

The carotid body (CB) is an important organ located at the carotid bifurcation that constantly monitors the blood supplying the brain. During hypoxia, the CB immediately triggers an alarm in the form of nerve impulses sent to the brain. This activates protective reflexes including hyperventilation, tachycardia and vasoconstriction, to ensure blood and oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs. However, in certain conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, heart failure and essential/spontaneous hypertension, the CB becomes hyperactive, promoting neurogenic hypertension and arrhythmia. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are very highly expressed in the CB and have key roles in mediating baseline CB activity and hypoxic sensitivity. Here, we provide a brief overview of the numerous GPCRs that are expressed in the CB, their mechanism of action and downstream effects. Furthermore, we will address how these GPCRs and signaling pathways may contribute to CB hyperactivity and cardiovascular and respiratory disease. GPCRs are a major target for drug discovery development. This information highlights specific GPCRs that could be targeted by novel or existing drugs to enable more personalized treatment of CB-mediated cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

Broodstock development and captive maturation of hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) in a brackishwater pond-based system.

Successful captive broodstock development of clupeid fish, hilsa, is one of the major challenges for the artificial propagation of this economically valued fish. The present study provides novel insights into the pond-reared captive broodstock development of hilsa using artificial feed. In the present study, wild collected hilsa fry (weight 1.35 ± 0.13 g, length 53.84 ± 0.95 mm) were reared in grow-out ponds for 6 months followed by maintaining them as broodstock in other ponds using formulated feed in both cases. After 6 months of pond rearing, the average body weight and length of fish were 66.76 ± 4.53 g and 184.75 ± 3.65 mm, respectively. In broodstock ponds, hilsa subadults fed with formulated feed (crude protein 41.06%) ensured significant advancement in ovarian maturity with gonado somatic index of 9.09%, enhanced secondary yolk stage oocytes of 91.66% and enlargement of oocyte diameters up to 570 µm. The broodstock reached somatic growth such as average body weight and average body length of 383.80 ± 27.38 g and 339.33 ± 9.68 mm, respectively, with a condition factor of 1.06 ± 0.15. Gut content analysis revealed the better acceptability of the artificial feed. Lipid profiling of muscle and ovary during gonadal maturation revealed mobilization of fat from muscle to ovary and selective retention of some fatty acids (i.e., C14:0, C18:0, C20:5, C22:6 and C20:4) in the ovary, which might help in gonadal maturation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Successful rearing of wild-caught hilsa juvenile in captive condition using formulated feed showed its potential as aquaculture species in low saline conditions. Advance stage of maturation in low saline captive conditions showed the possibility for induced breeding of hilsa, a high priced anadromous fish. Mobilization of fat from muscle to ovary and selective retention of some fatty acids in the ovary showed the scope of dietary manipulation for broodstock development of hilsa.