Health Facilities Readiness and Determinants to Manage Cardiovascular Disease in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal: Evidence from the National Service Provision Assessment Survey.

Background: In South Asia, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are an increasing public health concern. One strategy for dealing with the growing CVDs epidemic is to make health facilities more ready to provide CVDs services. The study's objectives were to: (1) assess healthcare facilities' readiness to offer CVDs services; and (2) identify the variables that influence such readiness. Methods: This study employed data from the Afghanistan Service Provision Assessment Survey 2018-2019, Bangladesh Health Facility Survey 2017, and Nepal Health Facility Survey 2021 that were cross-sectional and nationally representative. In Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, 117, 368, and 1,381 health facilities, respectively, were examined. A total of 10 items/indicators were used to measure a health facility's readiness to provide CVDs services across three domains. Results: The mean readiness scores of managing CVDs were 6.7, 5.6, and 4.6 in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, respectively. Availability of trained staff for CVD services are not commonly accessible in Afghanistan (21.5%), Bangladesh (15.3%), or Nepal (12.9%), except from supplies and equipment. Afghanistan has the highest levels of medicine and other commodity availability. Among the common factors linked with readiness scores, we ought to expect a 0.02 unit rise in readiness scores for three nations for every unit increase in number of CVDs care providers. In Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, availability of both diagnosis and treatment facilities was associated with increases in readiness scores of 27%, 9%, and 17%, respectively. Additionally, an association was observed between nation-specific facility types and the readiness scores. Conclusions: Country-specific factors as well as universal factors present in all three nations must be addressed to improve a health facility's readiness to provide CVDs care. To create focused and efficient country-specific plans to raise the standard of CVD care in South Asia, more investigation is necessary to ascertain the reasons behind country-level variations in the availability of tracer items.

Apoptosis-inducing anti-proliferative and quantitative phytochemical profiling with in silico study of antioxidant-rich Leea aequata L. leaves.

Natural products have been important parts of traditional medicine since ancient times, with various promising health effects. Leea aequata (L. aequata), a natural product, has been widely used for treating several diseases due to its promising pharmacological activities. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the phytochemical profiling and molecular docking of the antioxidant-rich part of L. aequata leaves and its antiproliferative activity. L. aequata leaves were extracted with methanol, followed by fractionation with the respective solvents to obtain the petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. The cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities were detected using MTT colorimetric and confocal microscopy methods, respectively. Phytochemical compositions were analyzed using gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry analysis. Computer aided (molecular docking SwissADME, AdmetSAR and pass prediction) analyses were undertaken to sort out the best-fit phytochemicals present in the plant responsible for antioxidant and anticancer effects. Among the fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction was the most abundant polyphenol-rich fraction and showed the highest antioxidant, reducing power, and free radical scavenging activities. Compared to untreated MCF-7 cells, ethyl acetate fraction-treated MCF-7 cells showed an increase in apoptotic characteristics, such as membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation, causing apoptosis and decreased proliferation of HeLa and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, gas chromatography mass spectrometry data revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction contained 16 compounds, including methyl esters of long-chain fatty acids, which are the major chemical constituents. Moreover, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (Z, Z) and phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) are known to have antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, as confirmed by computer-aided models. A strong correlation was observed between the antioxidant and polyphenolic contents and the anticancer activity. In conclusion, we explored the possibility that L. aequata could be a promising source of antioxidants and anticancer agents with a high phytochemical profile.

Assessing the readiness of health facilities to provide family planning services in low-resource settings: Insights from nationally representative service provision assessment surveys in 10 Countries.

BACKGROUND: Many low-income countries continue to have high fertility levels and unmet need for family planning (FP) despite progress in increasing access to modern contraceptive methods and in reducing the total fertility rate (TFR). Health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Asia (SA) are thought to be unable to adequately deal with the burden of high unmet FP demands due to their weaker health systems. As a result, determining the readiness of health facilities that offer FP services is critical for identifying weaknesses and opportunities for continued development of FP health systems in those regions. Service Provision Assessment (SPA) tools-which break down health systems into measurable, trackable components-are one useful way to assess service readiness and the ability of health institutions to deliver FP services. METHODS: Using data from nationally representative SPA surveys, we conducted a study that aimed to: (1) evaluate healthcare facilities' readiness to provide FP services; and (2) identify the factors that affect FP service readiness. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we used data from SPA surveys conducted in 10 low-resource SA and SSA countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We analyzed data from public and private health facilities in Afghanistan (84), Bangladesh (1,303), Kenya (567), Malawi (810), Namibia (357), Nepal (899), Rwanda (382), Senegal (334), Tanzania (933), and the DRC (1,061) for a total of 6,730 facilities. We used 17 items/indicators recommended by the Service Availability and Readiness Assessment to measure a health facility's readiness to provide FP services across four domains. RESULTS: Only 3.6% to 34.1% of the health facilities were reporting at least 75% (12-13 of 17) of the relevant items for FP service provision. Most of the health facilities in the countries under investigation suffered from lack of readiness, meaning that they did not fulfill at least 75% of the standards (12-13 items of 17 items on the availability of trained staff and guidelines, equipment, and commodities components). The factors associated with higher readiness scores varied among the 10 countries analyzed. Regression models showed that increases in the number of FP healthcare providers available at a health facility and infection control measures for FP exams were factors linked to increased readiness scores in all 10 countries. The low readiness of health facilities to provide FP services in the countries studied showed that the health systems in these low-resource settings faced significant problems with providing FP services. Differences in country-specific variability in the characteristics linked with better preparedness ratings could be attributed to data collected across different years in different nations or to country-specific healthcare financing policies. CONCLUSIONS: To increase a health facility's readiness to offer FP services, country-specific factors must be addressed, in addition to common factors found in all 10 countries. Further research is required to determine the causes of country-level differences in FP tracer item availability to develop targeted and effective country-specific strategies to improve the quality of FP services in the SA and SSA regions and address unmet need for FP.

Floating raft culture of Gracilariopsis longissima for optimum biomass yield performance on the coast of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

Seaweed cultivation is an eco-friendly method and attracts growing interest which needs a multi-criteria approach for its sustainability. In our present study, an economically significant red alga, Gracilariopsis longissima was cultured using a floating raft method on the coast of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh for a period of 90 days from January to March 2022. The effects of different factors such as rope materials, culture type, raft shape, seeding intensity, harvesting phase and water depth on the biomass yield production of G. longissima were evaluated during a 90-day culture period. The biomass yield production and daily growth rate (DGR% day-1) were estimated to evaluate the possibilities of G. longissima cultures in a floating raft culture method. The range of biomass yield production (3.03-13.37 kg/m2) and DGR (3.08-4.72% day-1) is satisfactory in the floating raft culture method. Different water quality variables, the seasonal appearance of epiphytic algae and a cost-benefit analysis of seaweed culture were also performed. A total of eight epiphytic algal species were recorded, which resulted in major challenges for the growth of Gracilariopsis. The per month income for a seaweed farmer was estimated to be US$175.17 for 20 rafts. Our research concluded that farming of G. longissima in the floating raft method could be successfully performed from January to March on the coast of Cox's Bazar.

Green synthesis and characterization of zirconium nanoparticlefor dental implant applications.

Green synthesis is a promising and cost-effective technique to synthesize nanoparticles from plant extract. The present study shows the green synthesis of zirconium nanoparticles using the extract of ginger, garlic, and zirconium nitride. The obtained nanoparticles were studied for potential dental implant applications. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and antibacterial analysis. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of various organic compounds in the synthesized nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were spherical, triangular, and irregular, with varying sizes confirmed by FESEM analysis. The nanoparticles synthesized from the combination of garlic and ginger, and zirconium exhibited potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Anti-biofilm, anti-microbial activity, biointegration formation, and cell mechanism survival are also mentioned. Thus, the synthesized nanoparticles can be a good candidate for a dental implant because of their excellent antimicrobial properties.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on food safety and hygiene of wet and dry fish handlers in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

This study aimed to provide the very first description of the current scenario of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning the food safety and hygiene subjects among wet fish handlers (WFHs) and dry fish handlers (DFHs) in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Data collection was performed through the application of face-to-face interviews with 234 WFHs and 258 DFHs. The overall score of the correct answer assessed components was 55.95% and 57.05% in WFHs and DFHs, respectively. Among the different knowledge categories, both the respondents showed the highest positive response in the time, temperature, and quality control category and the lowest positive responses noted in the foodborne disease occurrence category. For attitudes, obtained results showed positive attitude with a mean score of 37.82 ± 4.28 and 35.58 ± 5.48 for WFHs and DFHs, respectively. The WFHs gained a mean score of 23.08 ± 4.24 for practices, and the score was 22.78 ± 4.47 in the case of DFHs. A positively significant correlation coefficient (r s) was observed among fish handlers' KAP of 0.326-0.584. Although the association between the three levels was acceptable, several food safety principles and hygiene practices remained unsatisfactory. These findings highlighted the need for rapid action to enhance food safety and hygiene KAP through an intensive training program to assure the production of safe fisheries products for human consumption.

MicroRNA-200c coordinates HNF1 homeobox B and apolipoprotein O functions to modulate lipid homeostasis in alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Hepatic steatosis is an initial manifestation of alcoholic liver disease. An imbalance of hepatic lipid processes including fatty acid uptake, esterification, oxidation, and triglyceride secretion leads to alcoholic fatty liver (AFL). However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AFL remain elusive. Here, we show that mice deficient in microRNAs (miRs)-141 and -200c display resistance to the development of AFL. We found that miR-200c directly targets HNF1 homeobox B (Hnf1b), a transcriptional activator for microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (Mttp), as well as apolipoprotein O (ApoO), an integral component of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system complex. We show that expression of these miRs is significantly induced by chronic ethanol exposure, which is accompanied by reduced HNF1B and APOO levels. Furthermore, miR-141/200c deficiency normalizes ethanol-mediated impairment of triglyceride secretion, which can be attributed to the restored levels of HNF1B and MTTP, as well as phosphatidylcholine abundance. Moreover, we demonstrate that miR-141/200c deficiency restores ethanol-mediated inhibition of APOO expression and mitochondrial dysfunction, improving mitochondrial antioxidant defense capacity and fatty acid oxidation. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-200c contributes to the modulation of lipid homeostasis in AFL disease by cooperatively regulating Hnf1b and ApoO functions.

TORC1 inactivation promotes APC/C-dependent mitotic slippage in yeast and human cells.

Unsatisfied kinetochore-microtubule attachment activates the spindle assembly checkpoint to inhibit the metaphase-anaphase transition. However, some cells eventually override mitotic arrest by mitotic slippage. Here, we show that inactivation of TORC1 kinase elicits mitotic slippage in budding yeast and human cells. Yeast mitotic slippage was accompanied with aberrant aspects, such as degradation of the nucleolar protein Net1, release of phosphatase Cdc14, and anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C)-Cdh1-dependent degradation of securin and cyclin B in metaphase. This mitotic slippage caused chromosome instability. In human cells, mammalian TORC1 (mTORC1) inactivation also invoked mitotic slippage, indicating that TORC1 inactivation-induced mitotic slippage is conserved from yeast to mammalian cells. However, the invoked mitotic slippage in human cells was not dependent on APC/C-Cdh1. This study revealed an unexpected involvement of TORC1 in mitosis and provides information on undesirable side effects of the use of TORC1 inhibitors as immunosuppressants and anti-tumor drugs.

Morpho-phenetical study of high yielding tossa jute variety BJRI Tossa Pat 7 (MG-1) for bast fibre yield and qualities.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius) is a natural fibre crop produces good quality fiber having great demand for industrial uses. High yielding tossa jute variety is very important in Bangladesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) has developed a new tossa jute variety (BJRI Tossa Pat 7) through pure line selection (PLS) from another pre-released variety named OM-1 during 2017. The new variety was evaluated for fiber yield and attributing phonological traits through comparing with another pre-released variety named BJRI Tossa Pat 5 (O-795) in RCB design at six locations during 2015-2018. RESULTS: Distinct morphological traits i.e. ovate lanceolate glossy leaves; full green plant were found in MG-1 and stem & stipule red; ovate lanceolate leaves in O-795. MG-1 showed higher fiber yield (3.39-3.40 t ha-1) where, O-795 showed 3.10-3.22 t ha-1 as means of their maximum performances for three years at both farmers' plots and research fields. MG-1 gave higher plant height, base diameter, fiber yield than O-795 at both research stations and farmers' fields. Even after sowing at 10-15 March, MG-1 gave late flowering; lower leaf size, leaf angle, green leaf biomass and node number; maximum inter-nodal length, bark diameter, bark thickness and fiber bundle cells; and finally golden bright quality fiber than O-795. If both varieties were sown at 2nd to 3rd week of March, and harvested at 110 days old, MG-1 gave 5-7% higher fiber yield than O-795. CONCLUSION: Undoubtedly, MG-1 is a good tossa jute variety for its fiber yield and quality than pre-released varieties. RECOMMENDATION: MG-1 having good fiber yield would be used for commercial cultivation by the farmers to contribute to the national economy.

Traditional uses and pharmacological activities of the genus leea and its phytochemicals: A review.

OBJECTIVES: Plants have been used as traditional medicine (TM) since ancient times and TM remains an effective treatment option in the primary health care system in developing countries, including Bangladesh. There are several reasons to use plants as TM, which are cheaply and easily available and have a cultural heritage of their uses across generations. Leea, a genus of the Vitaceae family, possesses a large number of medicinal plants. In this review, the literature data on the traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Leea species and their phytochemicals are compiled. All the information was collected from the scientific databases. RESULTS: Leea species are endemic that have opened a promising research field to identify new leads against different diseases. Leea contains approximately 70 species, which are widely distributed throughout the Northern and Eastern Australia, South and Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. The Leea plants are used traditionally in different ailments such as fever, diarrhea, dysentery, joint pain, rheumatism, diabetes, bone fracture, body ache, wound, sexual disorders, and so on. The majority of the Leea species are the medicinal plants, which have anticancer, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, and CNS activity. Moreover, phytochemicals such as flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, volatile oils, alkaloids, proteins, quinine derivatives, tannins, saponins, and many other organic compounds have been reported in the Leea species (Leea indica, Leea macrophylla, Leea asiatica, Leea aequata, Leea rubra and Leea guineensis). The presence of phytochemicals and the in vitro and in vivo biological activities reported of these plants support their use as TM. Though original research articles related to the Leea genus are available, supportive reviews on phytochemicals and pharmacological activities remain scarce. CONCLUSION: Leea species are used as TM in different ailments and have a real interest in their diverse pharmacological properties. Also, Leea species contain a remarkable number of bioactive compounds. This review has provided a comprehensive report on the plants of Leea genus to identify its therapeutic potential and future prospects for betterment research. However, chemical and biological investigations of several species of Leea genus remain unexplored. Therefore, further studies on these species are necessary, especially regarding pharmacological properties, isolation of the compounds and mechanism of action for the development of new drugs.

Exposure to domestic violence and the risk of developing depression within 6 months postpartum in Bangladesh.

PURPOSE: Domestic violence (DV) by husbands or in-laws is a recognized problem in many countries and is associated with a wide range of adverse mental health outcomes. However, detailed knowledge on the relationship between DV experience and postpartum depression (PPD) is essential to design appropriate interventions. Therefore, this study assesses the relationship between maternal experience of DV perpetrated by husbands or in-laws and PPD in Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to December 2019 among 497 mothers within the first 6 months postpartum who attended a health center in Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify the associations after controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: The prevalence of PPD in this sample was 34% within the first 6 months after birth; 58.6% of mothers reported having experienced any form of DV in their lifetime. Maternal experience of any form of DV (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-2.93) was associated with PPD, as were experiences of any physical DV (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.40-3.59), emotional DV (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.34-3.19), and controlling behavior (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.08-2.66). Additionally, the likelihood of PPD significantly increased among women who experienced more forms of DV. CONCLUSION: DV perpetrated by husband and/or in-laws is highly prevalent and significantly associated with PPD in Bangladesh. Strategies in developing interventions for improving maternal mental health should consider DV perpetrated by either husband or in-laws.

The anticancer activity of two glycosides from the leaves of Leea aequata L.

Two compounds (7-O-methylmearnsitrin (7-OM) and roseoside A (RA) were identified and characterized from the leaves of Leea aequata (L. aequata) L. The cytotoxicity of 7-OM and RA on HeLa cells was performed using MTT. The 7-OM and RA showed significant inhibition of HeLa cell proliferation with an IC50 of 22 and 20 µg/mL, respectively when compared with the standard vincristin sulphate (VS) (IC50 of 15 µg/mL). Moreover, the 7-OM and RA significantly inhibit other cancer cells (HEK-293, H228, and H3122) when compared with the VS and the cytotoxic activity of the compounds might show through the induction of apoptosis. Strikingly, annexin-V and PI signals could barely be detected in control cells, while strong fluorescence densities were observed in response to treatment indicating that these compounds have capacity to induce HeLa cell apoptosis. Our results suggest that the anticancer activity of 7-OM and RA was due to the induction of apoptosis.

Cdc14 protein phosphatase and topoisomerase II mediate rDNA dynamics and nucleophagic degradation of nucleolar proteins after TORC1 inactivation.

Nutrient starvation and inactivation of target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) protein kinase elicits nucleophagy degrading nucleolar proteins in budding yeast. After TORC1 inactivation, nucleolar proteins are relocated to sites proximal to the nucleus-vacuole junction (NVJ), where micronucleophagy occurs, whereas ribosomal DNA (rDNA encoding rRNA) escapes from the NVJ. Condensin-mediated rDNA condensation promotes the repositioning and nucleophagic degradation of nucleolar proteins. However, the molecular mechanism of TORC1 inactivation-induced chromosome condensation is still unknown. Here, we show that Cdc14 protein phosphatase and topoisomerase II (Topo II), which are engaged in rDNA condensation in mitosis, facilitate rDNA condensation after TORC1 inactivation. rDNA condensation after rapamycin treatment was compromised in cdc14-1 and top2-4 mutants. In addition, the repositioning of rDNA and nucleolar proteins and nucleophagic degradation of nucleolar proteins were impeded in these mutants. Furthermore, Cdc14 and Topo II were required for the survival of quiescent cells in prolonged nutrient-starved conditions. This study reveals that these factors are critical for starvation responses.

rDNA Condensation Promotes rDNA Separation from Nucleolar Proteins Degraded for Nucleophagy after TORC1 Inactivation.

Nutrient starvation and inactivation of target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) protein kinase induce nucleophagy preferentially degrading only nucleolar components in budding yeast. Nucleolar proteins are relocated to sites proximal to the nucleus-vacuole junction (NVJ), where micronucleophagy occurs, whereas rDNA, which is embedded in the nucleolus under normal conditions, moves to NVJ-distal regions, causing rDNA dissociation from nucleolar proteins after TORC1 inactivation. This repositioning is mediated via chromosome linkage INM protein (CLIP)-cohibin complexes that tether rDNA to the inner nuclear membrane. Here, we show that TORC1 inactivation-induced rDNA condensation promotes the repositioning of rDNA and nucleolar proteins. Defects in condensin, Rpd3-Sin3 histone deacetylase (HDAC), and high-mobility group protein 1 (Hmo1), which are involved in TORC1 inactivation-induced rDNA condensation, compromised the repositioning and nucleophagic degradation of nucleolar proteins, although rDNA still escaped from nucleophagic degradation in these mutants. We propose a model in which rDNA condensation after TORC1 inactivation generates a motive force for the repositioning of rDNA and nucleolar proteins.

Def1 mediates the degradation of excess nucleolar protein Nop1 in budding yeast.

Nucleolar proteins such as Nop1/fibrillarin are degraded by nucleophagy in nutrient-starved conditions. However, whether and how excess nucleolar proteins are removed in normal conditions is unknown. Here we show that overexpressed nucleolar protein Nop1 is toxic and degraded in nutrient-rich conditions in budding yeast. The degradation was dependent on proteasomes. The CUE domain-containing protein Def1 mediated the degradation via the CUE domain and alleviated toxicity of Nop1 overexpression. Def1 was recruited to overexpressed Nop1 in the nucleolus. Ubiquitin mutants compromised this recruitment. This study revealed that Def1 is a novel factor for ubiquitin-dependent degradation of excess nucleolar proteins.

Mediating role of arsenic in the relationship between diet and pregnancy outcomes: prospective birth cohort in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological evidence suggests that arsenic (As) exposure during pregnancy may reduce infant birth weight. One significant source of As exposure is diet; thus, As may indirectly affect infant growth by mediating the effect of maternal diet on birth weight (BW). This study evaluated the potential mediating effect of As in the relationship between maternal diet and BW, gestational age (GA), and gestational weight gain (GWG). METHOD: The study used a prospective birth cohort in Bangladesh that captured the dietary habits of 1057 pregnant women through validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. We applied a causal mediation model with counterfactual approach and performed analyses with and without adjustment for total energy intake. Other potential confounders captured by self-report questionnaire were exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, betel nut chewing, maternal age, education level, household income level, physical activity level during pregnancy, and daily hours spent cooking over open fire. RESULT: No association was found between maternal toenail As and BW. Higher absolute and energy-adjusted protein, fat and fiber intakes were associated with higher toenail As and lower GA and GWG, while higher absolute and energy-adjusted carbohydrate intake was associated with lower toenail As and greater GA and GWG. Mediation analysis showed significant natural indirect effects by toenail As in the relationships between absolute fat, carbohydrate and fiber intake with GA. Specifically, 3% (95% CI: 1-6%) of the association between carbohydrate intake and GA was mediated by change in toenail As, 6% (95% CI: 1-9%) for absolute fat intake and 10% (95% CI: 4-13%) for absolute fiber intake. After adjusting for total energy, no significant mediating effect was observed, suggesting the mediating effect might be due to measurement error or that absolute amount of As exposure rather than the amount in relationship to total energy intake was a more important factor to consider when understanding the negative implication of As on fetal growth. CONCLUSION: The mediating effect of As in the relationship between maternal diet and birth outcome was small and might be due to measurement error.

Gene-environment interaction and maternal arsenic methylation efficiency during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence arsenic methylation efficiency, affecting arsenic metabolism. Whether gene-environment interactions affect arsenic metabolism during pregnancy remains unclear, which may have implications for pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate main effects as well as potential SNP-arsenic interactions on arsenic methylation efficiency in pregnant women. METHOD: We recruited 1613 pregnant women in Bangladesh, and collected two urine samples from each participant, one at 4-16 weeks, and the second at 21-37 weeks of pregnancy. We determined the proportions of each arsenic metabolite [inorganic As (iAs)%, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA)%, and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)%] from the total urinary arsenic level of each sample. A panel of 63 candidate SNPs was selected for genotyping based on their reported associations with arsenic metabolism (including in As3MT, N6AMT1, and GSTO2 genes). We used linear regression models to assess the association between each SNP and DMA% with an additive allelic assumption, as well as SNP-arsenic interaction on DMA%. These analyses were performed separately for two urine collection time-points to capture differences in susceptibility to arsenic toxicity. RESULT: Intron variants for As3MT were associated with DMA%. rs9527 (ß = -2.98%, PFDR = 0.008) and rs1046778 (ß = 1.64%, PFDR = 0.008) were associated with this measure in the early gestational period; rs3740393 (ß = 2.54%, PFDR = 0.002) and rs1046778 (ß = 1.97%, PFDR = 0.003) in the mid-to-late gestational period. Further, As3MT, GSTO2, and N6AMT1 polymorphisms showed different effect sizes on DMA% conditional on arsenic exposure levels. However, SNP-arsenic interactions were not statistically significant after adjusting for false discovery rate (FDR). rs1048546 in N6AMT1 had the highest significance level in the SNP-arsenic interaction test during mid-to-late gestation (ß = -1.8% vs. 1.4%, PGxE_FDR = 0.075). Finally, As3MT and As3MT/CNNM2 haplotypes were associated with DMA% at both time points. CONCLUSION: We found that not all genetic associations reported in arsenic methylation efficiency replicate in pregnant women. Arsenic exposure level has a limited effect in modifying the association between genetic variation and arsenic methylation efficiency.

Lead in Air in Bangladesh: Exposure in a Rural Community with Elevated Blood Lead Concentrations among Young Children.

Previous evaluations of a birth cohort in the Munshiganj District of Bangladesh had found that over 85% of 397 children aged 2⁻3 years had blood lead concentrations above the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's reference level of 5 µg/dL. Studies in urban areas of Bangladesh have found elevated levels of lead in the air due to industries and remaining contamination from the historic use of leaded gasoline. Sources of lead in rural areas of Bangladesh remain unknown. We conducted air sampling in both residential and industrial sites in Munshiganj to determine whether children are exposed to elevated lead concentrations in the air and study the association between the children's blood lead levels and sampled air lead concentrations. Residential and industrial air samples in Munshiganj were found to have elevated lead concentrations (mean 1.22 µg/m³) but were not found to be associated with the observed blood lead concentrations. Lead in air is an important environmental health exposure risk to the for children in Munshiganj, and further research may shed light on specific sources to inform exposure prevention and mitigation programs.

The TORC1-Nem1/Spo7-Pah1/lipin axis regulates microautophagy induction in budding yeast.

Nutrient starvation and inactivation of target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) protein kinase promotes macroautophagy. Macroautophagy is a lipid-consuming process, and Nem1/Spo7 protein phosphatase and Pah1/lipin phosphatidate phosphatase are activated after TORC1 inactivation, supporting macroautophagy induction in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. On the other hand, whether and how microautophagy, which also consumes lipids, is regulated by TORC1 is controversial. Here we show that TORC1 inactivation induces microautophagy in budding yeast. Vps27, but not Atg1, Atg7, or Atg8, was required for TORC1 inactivation-induced microautophagy. Furthermore, the Nem1/Spo7-Pah1 axis was also critical for microautophagy induction. Thus, the TORC1-Nem1/Spo7-Pah1 axis is a master regulator of not only macroautophagy but also microautophagy in budding yeast.