Assessment of Primary Hemostasis by Platelet Function Analyzer-100 and its Relation with TSH and FT4 Levels in Newly Diagnosed Overt and Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients.

Various abnormalities of coagulation such as primary hemostasis, secondary hemostasis and fibrinolysis have been reported in patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism. Platelets are major elements of primary hemostasis and endothelial repair. Platelet size, shape and number are the determinant of platelet function. The objective of this study was to assess primary hemostasis by PFA-100 (Platelet Function Analyzer-100) and its relation with TSH and FT4 levels in newly diagnosed overt and subclinical hypothyroid patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh from January 2016 to December 2016. Twenty overt and 20 subclinical hypothyroid patients with age ranging from 18 to 55 years were selected as study group and twenty age and sex matched healthy subjects were considered as control group. Patients were selected from Outpatients Department of Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka on the basis of exclusion and inclusion criteria. For assessment of primary hemostasis, PFA-100 was analyzed by SIEMENS-INNOVANCE-PFA-200. For statistical analysis Unpaired Student's 't' test, Chi square test and Pearson's correlation co-efficient (r) test were performed. PFA-100 was significantly higher (p<0.001) in overt and subclinical hypothyroid patients as compared to healthy adult subjects. In overt and subclinical hypothyroidism using PFA-100, we found that the existence of a hypocoagulable state is due to a defect in primary hemostasis. Moreover, PFA-100 may replace the in-vivo bleeding time as a screening test for primary hemostasis in routine clinical practice.

PATHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CDH1/E-CADHERIN GERMLINE SEQUENCE VARIANTS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS.

BACKGROUND: Germline alterations of the CDH1 (E-cadherin) tumor suppressor gene have been reported in several epithelial malignancies like hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer. E-cadherin plays a central role in proliferation, maintenance of cell-to-cell adhesion, polarity, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tissue cells. It is necessary to analyze the impact of the CDH1 germline sequence variants on protein and predict its clinical significance in breast cancer (BC) progression. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact and association of CDH1 gene potentially pathogenic variants/likely pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) with the initiation and progression of BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the clinical data of 200 BC patients have been analyzed based on the type of BC, age, grade, stage, hormonal status, and risk factors. Blood samples from 50 healthy donors were used as a control. Furthermore, CDH1 gene molecular analysis, along with in silico analysis, was provided to assess the invasiveness and progression of BC caused by the E-cadherin protein. RESULTS: Four variants were identified by genetic screening within the CDH1 gene that included variations in exons 7, 8, 10, 11, and 13. Exon 10 had splice site mutation at position c.1337C>A, affecting the protein structure. In exon 11, there was an insertion of T base at position 1669, resulting in truncated protein compared to a normal one that can lead to the disease-causing non- sense-mediated decay and exon 13 variant c.2076T>C has already known polymorphism. In silico analysis of CDH1 showed the presence of the different variants that indicated the overall disruption of protein structure and function. CONCLUSIONS: The further functional analysis of these variants and their association with BC can be ensured by increasing the sample size and in vivo studies using mouse models.

Synthesis, Structural, Spectroscopic, Fluorescence, and Dielectric Studies of Bis-(4-Aminopyridine)-Zinc(II) Acetate: A Metal-Organic Crystal.

The advancement of crystalline growth and characterization tools allows us to investigate novel nonlinear optical substances suitable for photonic applications. Bis-(4-aminopyridine)-zinc(II) acetate (B4AZA), a metal-organic crystal was produced in this study using the slow evaporation procedure at room temperature. Analytical studies such as X-ray crystallography, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-visible (UV-Vis), fluorescence, second harmonic generation (SHG), and dielectric tests were used to characterize the as-grown B4AZA crystals. According to the solubility data, the sample has a positive temperature coefficient of solubility. The crystallographic findings show that the B4AZA crystallized in a monoclinic structure with the P21/n space group. Molecular vibrations and functional groups in the substance were determined using the FT-IR technique. The UV-Vis absorbance and transmittance spectra have shown the wide transparency and minimum absorbance of the B4AZA in the near UV and entire visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The bandgap of the B4AZA has been calculated using the Tauc relation and found to be 4.32 eV. The fluorescence spectra have shown a prominent emission peak at 584 nm with an excitation wavelength of 280 nm. The larger Stokes shift found in the fluorescence spectra is advantageous for practical applications. The SHG study revealed that the powdered B4AZA samples generated a second harmonic output. The dielectric test revealed frequency-dependent changes in the dielectric constant and loss factor. Both the dielectric constant and the loss factor decrease exponentially as frequency increases, reaching low values at higher frequencies. The experimental results illustrate the suitability of the B4AZA crystals for photonic applications.

Neutron star mass estimates from gamma-ray eclipses in spider millisecond pulsar binaries.

Reliable neutron star mass measurements are key to determining the equation of state of cold nuclear matter, but such measurements are rare. Black widows and redbacks are compact binaries consisting of millisecond pulsars and semi-degenerate companion stars. Spectroscopy of the optically bright companions can determine their radial velocities, providing inclination-dependent pulsar mass estimates. Although inclinations can be inferred from subtle features in optical light curves, such estimates may be systematically biased due to incomplete heating models and poorly understood variability. Using data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope, we have searched for gamma-ray eclipses from 49 spider systems, discovering significant eclipses in 7 systems, including the prototypical black widow PSR B1957+20. Gamma-ray eclipses require direct occultation of the pulsar by the companion, and so the detection, or significant exclusion, of a gamma-ray eclipse strictly limits the binary inclination angle, providing new robust, model-independent pulsar mass constraints. For PSR B1957+20, the eclipse implies a much lighter pulsar (1.81 ± 0.07 solar masses) than inferred from optical light curve modelling.

Efficacy of acidified phytase supplemented cottonseed meal based diets on growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings / Eficácia de dietas à base de algodão com fitase acidificada suplementada no desempenho do crescimento e na composição proximada de dedos de Labeo rohita

Abstract The growth of aquaculture sector is strongly dependent upon the continuous supply of inexpensive fish feed with balanced nutritional profile. However, fish meal (FM) is unable to satisfy this demand due to its scarce supply and high cost. In order to test the potential of cottonseed meal (CSM) as a fish meal replacer, a feeding trial of 12 weeks was conducted to check growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings. The protein ration of the test feed was satisfied by replacing FM with CSM at 0, 25, 50 and 75%. Sixteen test diets viz., TD1 (control), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 and TD16 were supplemented with citric acid (CA; 0 and 2.5%) and phytase (PHY; 0 and 750 FTU/kg) in a completely randomized design with 3×3 factorial arrangement. The highest weight gain (11.03g), weight gain% (249.21%), specific growth rate (1.39) and best feed conversion ratio (1.20) were recorded by fish fed with TD12. Furthermore, the same level increased the crude protein (59.26%) and fat (16.04%) being significantly different (p<0.05) than that of control. Conclusively, the addition of acidified phytase (CA; 2.5%, PHY; 750 FTU/kg) in TD12 (CSM=50%) led to the improved growth and proximate composition of L. rohita fingerlings.

Resumo O crescimento do setor de aquicultura é fortemente dependente do fornecimento contínuo de rações baratas para peixes com perfil nutricional equilibrado. Porém, a farinha de peixe (FM) não consegue atender a essa demanda devido à sua escassa oferta e alto custo. Com o objetivo de testar o potencial da farinha de semente de canola (MSC) como substituto da farinha de peixe, um ensaio alimentar de 12 semanas foi conduzido para verificar o desempenho de crescimento e a composição centesimal de alevinos de Labeo rohita. A ração de proteína da ração teste foi satisfeita substituindo FM por CSM em 0, 25, 50 e 75%. Dezesseis dietas de teste, viz., TD1 (controle), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 e TD16 foram suplementadas com ácido cítrico (CA; 0 e 2,5%) e fitase (PHY; 0 e 750 FTU / kg) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 3 × 3. O maior ganho de peso (11,03g), % de ganho de peso (249,21%), taxa de crescimento específico (1,39) e melhor taxa de conversão alimentar (1,20) foram registrados por peixes alimentados com TD12. Além disso, o mesmo nível aumentou a proteína bruta (59,26%) e a gordura (16,04%), sendo significativamente diferente (p <0,05) do controle. Conclusivamente, a adição de fitase acidificada (CA; 2,5%, PHY; 750 FTU / kg) em TD12 (CSM = 50%) levou a um melhor crescimento e composição próxima de alevinos de L. rohita.

Efficacy of acidified phytase supplemented cottonseed meal based diets on growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings / Eficácia de dietas à base de algodão com fitase acidificada suplementada no desempenho do crescimento e na composição proximada de dedos de Labeo rohita

The growth of aquaculture sector is strongly dependent upon the continuous supply of inexpensive fish feed with balanced nutritional profile. However, fish meal (FM) is unable to satisfy this demand due to its scarce supply and high cost. In order to test the potential of cottonseed meal (CSM) as a fish meal replacer, a feeding trial of 12 weeks was conducted to check growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings. The protein ration of the test feed was satisfied by replacing FM with CSM at 0, 25, 50 and 75%. Sixteen test diets viz., TD1 (control), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 and TD16 were supplemented with citric acid (CA; 0 and 2.5%) and phytase (PHY; 0 and 750 FTU/kg) in a completely randomized design with 3×3 factorial arrangement. The highest weight gain (11.03g), weight gain% (249.21%), specific growth rate (1.39) and best feed conversion ratio (1.20) were recorded by fish fed with TD12. Furthermore, the same level increased the crude protein (59.26%) and fat (16.04%) being significantly different (p<0.05) than that of control. Conclusively, the addition of acidified phytase (CA; 2.5%, PHY; 750 FTU/kg) in TD12 (CSM=50%) led to the improved growth and proximate composition of L. rohita fingerlings.

O crescimento do setor de aquicultura é fortemente dependente do fornecimento contínuo de rações baratas para peixes com perfil nutricional equilibrado. Porém, a farinha de peixe (FM) não consegue atender a essa demanda devido à sua escassa oferta e alto custo. Com o objetivo de testar o potencial da farinha de semente de canola (MSC) como substituto da farinha de peixe, um ensaio alimentar de 12 semanas foi conduzido para verificar o desempenho de crescimento e a composição centesimal de alevinos de Labeo rohita. A ração de proteína da ração teste foi satisfeita substituindo FM por CSM em 0, 25, 50 e 75%. Dezesseis dietas de teste, viz., TD1 (controle), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 e TD16 foram suplementadas com ácido cítrico (CA; 0 e 2,5%) e fitase (PHY; 0 e 750 FTU / kg) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 3 × 3. O maior ganho de peso (11,03g), % de ganho de peso (249,21%), taxa de crescimento específico (1,39) e melhor taxa de conversão alimentar (1,20) foram registrados por peixes alimentados com TD12. Além disso, o mesmo nível aumentou a proteína bruta (59,26%) e a gordura (16,04%), sendo significativamente diferente (p <0,05) do controle. Conclusivamente, a adição de fitase acidificada (CA; 2,5%, PHY; 750 FTU / kg) em TD12 (CSM = 50%) levou a um melhor crescimento e composição próxima de alevinos de L. rohita.

Partial replacement of fish meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal in practical diets of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings / Substituição parcial da refeição de peixe com farinha de folha de Moringa oleifera em dietas práticas de dedos Cirrhinus mrigala

Fish protein is serving as a source of nutrition for protein starving world. However, sustainable aquaculture products require inexpensive plant by-products due to finite sources of fish meal. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine nutrient utilization, growth performance and hematological indices of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings fed on Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) based diets. Fish were fed with six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets having MOLM as a substitute of fish meal (FM) at the levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% for the period of 90 days. Fingerlings having initial weight 6.35±0.04g were reared in triplicate tanks at the stocking density of 15 and hand fed at the rate of 5% of total biomass twice regularly. Chromic oxide inclusion level was 1% in diets. After analysis, maximum growth performance and improved digestibility of nutrients were found in fish fed with diet at 10% replacement level as compared to fish fed on control diet and other test diets. Additionally, it was found that the red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of fish showed a significantly (p<0.05) inverse correlation with the increase in MOLM. In present research, it was concluded that MOLM has good potential to be used as a FM substitute in C. mrigala diet with maximum effect at 10% showing positive hematological indices.

A proteína do peixe está servindo como fonte de nutrição para o mundo faminto por proteína. No entanto, produtos de aquicultura sustentáveis requerem subprodutos vegetais baratos devido às fontes finitas de farinha de peixe. Portanto, este estudo foi conduzido para examinar a utilização de nutrientes, o desempenho do crescimento e os índices hematológicos de alevinos de Cirrhinus mrigala alimentados com dietas à base de farelo de folhas de Moringa oleifera (MOLM). Os peixes foram alimentados com seis dietas isonitrogênicas e isoenergéticas contendo MOLM como substituto da farinha de peixe (FM) nos níveis de 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% e 50% pelo período de 90 dias. Os alevinos com peso inicial de 6,35 ± 0,04g foram criados em tanques triplicados com densidade de 15 animais e alimentados à mão a uma taxa de 5% da biomassa total duas vezes regularmente. O nível de inclusão de óxido crômico foi de 1% nas dietas. Após análise, desempenho máximo de crescimento e melhor digestibilidade de nutrientes foram encontrados em peixes alimentados com dieta em nível de reposição de 10% em comparação com peixes alimentados com dieta controle e outras dietas teste. Além disso, verificou-se que as concentrações de hemácias, leucócitos, hemoglobina e hemoglobina corpuscular média dos peixes apresentaram correlação inversa significativa (p < 0,05) com o aumento do MOLM. Na presente pesquisa, concluiu-se que o MOLM tem bom potencial para ser utilizado como substituto do FM na dieta de C. mrigala com efeito máximo a 10% apresentando índices hematológicos positivos.

Efficacy of acidified phytase supplemented cottonseed meal based diets on growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings

Abstract The growth of aquaculture sector is strongly dependent upon the continuous supply of inexpensive fish feed with balanced nutritional profile. However, fish meal (FM) is unable to satisfy this demand due to its scarce supply and high cost. In order to test the potential of cottonseed meal (CSM) as a fish meal replacer, a feeding trial of 12 weeks was conducted to check growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings. The protein ration of the test feed was satisfied by replacing FM with CSM at 0, 25, 50 and 75%. Sixteen test diets viz., TD1 (control), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 and TD16 were supplemented with citric acid (CA; 0 and 2.5%) and phytase (PHY; 0 and 750 FTU/kg) in a completely randomized design with 3×3 factorial arrangement. The highest weight gain (11.03g), weight gain% (249.21%), specific growth rate (1.39) and best feed conversion ratio (1.20) were recorded by fish fed with TD12. Furthermore, the same level increased the crude protein (59.26%) and fat (16.04%) being significantly different (p 0.05) than that of control. Conclusively, the addition of acidified phytase (CA; 2.5%, PHY; 750 FTU/kg) in TD12 (CSM=50%) led to the improved growth and proximate composition of L. rohita fingerlings.

Resumo O crescimento do setor de aquicultura é fortemente dependente do fornecimento contínuo de rações baratas para peixes com perfil nutricional equilibrado. Porém, a farinha de peixe (FM) não consegue atender a essa demanda devido à sua escassa oferta e alto custo. Com o objetivo de testar o potencial da farinha de semente de canola (MSC) como substituto da farinha de peixe, um ensaio alimentar de 12 semanas foi conduzido para verificar o desempenho de crescimento e a composição centesimal de alevinos de Labeo rohita. A ração de proteína da ração teste foi satisfeita substituindo FM por CSM em 0, 25, 50 e 75%. Dezesseis dietas de teste, viz., TD1 (controle), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 e TD16 foram suplementadas com ácido cítrico (CA; 0 e 2,5%) e fitase (PHY; 0 e 750 FTU / kg) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 3 × 3. O maior ganho de peso (11,03g), % de ganho de peso (249,21%), taxa de crescimento específico (1,39) e melhor taxa de conversão alimentar (1,20) foram registrados por peixes alimentados com TD12. Além disso, o mesmo nível aumentou a proteína bruta (59,26%) e a gordura (16,04%), sendo significativamente diferente (p 0,05) do controle. Conclusivamente, a adição de fitase acidificada (CA; 2,5%, PHY; 750 FTU / kg) em TD12 (CSM = 50%) levou a um melhor crescimento e composição próxima de alevinos de L. rohita.

Partial replacement of fish meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal in practical diets of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings

Abstract Fish protein is serving as a source of nutrition for protein starving world. However, sustainable aquaculture products require inexpensive plant by-products due to finite sources of fish meal. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine nutrient utilization, growth performance and hematological indices of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings fed on Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) based diets. Fish were fed with six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets having MOLM as a substitute of fish meal (FM) at the levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% for the period of 90 days. Fingerlings having initial weight 6.35±0.04g were reared in triplicate tanks at the stocking density of 15 and hand fed at the rate of 5% of total biomass twice regularly. Chromic oxide inclusion level was 1% in diets. After analysis, maximum growth performance and improved digestibility of nutrients were found in fish fed with diet at 10% replacement level as compared to fish fed on control diet and other test diets. Additionally, it was found that the red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of fish showed a significantly (p 0.05) inverse correlation with the increase in MOLM. In present research, it was concluded that MOLM has good potential to be used as a FM substitute in C. mrigala diet with maximum effect at 10% showing positive hematological indices.

Resumo A proteína do peixe está servindo como fonte de nutrição para o mundo faminto por proteína. No entanto, produtos de aquicultura sustentáveis requerem subprodutos vegetais baratos devido às fontes finitas de farinha de peixe. Portanto, este estudo foi conduzido para examinar a utilização de nutrientes, o desempenho do crescimento e os índices hematológicos de alevinos de Cirrhinus mrigala alimentados com dietas à base de farelo de folhas de Moringa oleifera (MOLM). Os peixes foram alimentados com seis dietas isonitrogênicas e isoenergéticas contendo MOLM como substituto da farinha de peixe (FM) nos níveis de 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% e 50% pelo período de 90 dias. Os alevinos com peso inicial de 6,35 ± 0,04g foram criados em tanques triplicados com densidade de 15 animais e alimentados à mão a uma taxa de 5% da biomassa total duas vezes regularmente. O nível de inclusão de óxido crômico foi de 1% nas dietas. Após análise, desempenho máximo de crescimento e melhor digestibilidade de nutrientes foram encontrados em peixes alimentados com dieta em nível de reposição de 10% em comparação com peixes alimentados com dieta controle e outras dietas teste. Além disso, verificou-se que as concentrações de hemácias, leucócitos, hemoglobina e hemoglobina corpuscular média dos peixes apresentaram correlação inversa significativa (p 0,05) com o aumento do MOLM. Na presente pesquisa, concluiu-se que o MOLM tem bom potencial para ser utilizado como substituto do FM na dieta de C. mrigala com efeito máximo a 10% apresentando índices hematológicos positivos.

Environmental variation of the low-mass IMF.

We use a series of magnetohydrodynamic simulations including both radiative and protostellar outflow feedback to study environmental variation of the initial mass function (IMF). The simulations represent a carefully-controlled experiment whereby we keep all dimensionless parameters of the flow constant except for those related to feedback. We show that radiation feedback suppresses the formation of lower mass objects more effectively as the surface density increases, but this only partially compensates for the decreasing Jeans mass in denser environments. Similarly, we find that protostellar outflows are more effective at suppressing the formation of massive stars in higher surface density environments. The combined effect of these two trends is towards an IMF with a lower characteristic mass and a narrower overall mass range in high surface density environments. We discuss the implications for these findings for the interpretation of observational evidence of IMF variation in early type galaxies.

Partial replacement of fish meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal in practical diets of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings.

Fish protein is serving as a source of nutrition for protein starving world. However, sustainable aquaculture products require inexpensive plant by-products due to finite sources of fish meal. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine nutrient utilization, growth performance and hematological indices of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings fed on Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) based diets. Fish were fed with six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets having MOLM as a substitute of fish meal (FM) at the levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% for the period of 90 days. Fingerlings having initial weight 6.35±0.04g were reared in triplicate tanks at the stocking density of 15 and hand fed at the rate of 5% of total biomass twice regularly. Chromic oxide inclusion level was 1% in diets. After analysis, maximum growth performance and improved digestibility of nutrients were found in fish fed with diet at 10% replacement level as compared to fish fed on control diet and other test diets. Additionally, it was found that the red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of fish showed a significantly (p<0.05) inverse correlation with the increase in MOLM. In present research, it was concluded that MOLM has good potential to be used as a FM substitute in C. mrigala diet with maximum effect at 10% showing positive hematological indices.

Efficacy of acidified phytase supplemented cottonseed meal based diets on growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings.

The growth of aquaculture sector is strongly dependent upon the continuous supply of inexpensive fish feed with balanced nutritional profile. However, fish meal (FM) is unable to satisfy this demand due to its scarce supply and high cost. In order to test the potential of cottonseed meal (CSM) as a fish meal replacer, a feeding trial of 12 weeks was conducted to check growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings. The protein ration of the test feed was satisfied by replacing FM with CSM at 0, 25, 50 and 75%. Sixteen test diets viz., TD1 (control), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 and TD16 were supplemented with citric acid (CA; 0 and 2.5%) and phytase (PHY; 0 and 750 FTU/kg) in a completely randomized design with 3×3 factorial arrangement. The highest weight gain (11.03g), weight gain% (249.21%), specific growth rate (1.39) and best feed conversion ratio (1.20) were recorded by fish fed with TD12. Furthermore, the same level increased the crude protein (59.26%) and fat (16.04%) being significantly different (p<0.05) than that of control. Conclusively, the addition of acidified phytase (CA; 2.5%, PHY; 750 FTU/kg) in TD12 (CSM=50%) led to the improved growth and proximate composition of L. rohita fingerlings.

Insecticide susceptibility status and major detoxifying enzymes activity in Anopheles subpictus from Kasur, Pakistan.

Anopheles subpictus s.l. Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae) is a malaria vector in South Asia, where insecticides are the mainstay for vector control interventions. Information on any variation in metabolic enzyme levels in mosquitoes is helpful with respect to adapting alternative strategies for vector control. The scarce data on the biochemical basis of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors of Pakistan limit the available information for vector control interventions within the country. The insecticide susceptibility status and its biochemical basis against dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (4%), deltamethrin (0.05%) and permethrin (0.75%) in An. subpictus s.l. collected from all Tehsils of district Kasur were evaluated. For this purpose, a World Health Organization susceptibility bioassay was performed followed by the detection of altered metabolic enzyme activity using biochemical assays. Similarly, a significant difference in knock-down effect was observed among field collected and susceptible strain against all insecticides 24 h post exposure. The overall mean mortality rates of DDT, deltamethrin and permethrin were 27.86% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 29.65-26.06], 44.89% (95% CI = 46.23-43.54) and 78.82% (95% CI = 80.16-77.47), respectively. The biochemical assays revealed an elevated level of metabolic enzymes in the field population. The results provide evidence of resistance against organochlorine and pyrethroid groups in a field population of An. subpictus s.l. from district Kasur mediated by multiple metabolic mechanisms, including acetylcholinesterases, esterases, cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferases.

Detection of Hepatitis B Virus DNA among Chronic and potential Occult HBV patients in resource-limited settings by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification assay.

Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) usually occurs due to the transfusion of blood or blood products from chronic HBV (CHB) or occult HBV-infected (OBI) patients. Besides serological tests, e.g. HBsAg and anti- HBc (total), detection of HBVDNA is necessary for the diagnosis of OBI patients. Different nucleic acid tests (NATs) including real- time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) are used to detect HBV- DNA. The NATs are expensive and require technical expertise which are barriers to introduce them in resource-limited settings. This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay as an alternative to qPCR for the detection of HBV-DNA in CHB and potential OBI patients in resource-limited settings. Following the published protocols with some modifications, a LAMP assay was developed for detection of HBV-DNA by either using a heat block followed by detection in an agarose gel or using a qPCR thermocycler. The LAMP assay was applied to supernatant prepared from heat-treated serum collected from CHB and potential OBI patients. HBV viral load in serum was measured by qPCR using a single-step HBV-DNA quantification kit. Among 200 samples tested, qPCR was capable to detect HBV-DNA in 25.5% of cases, whereas LAMP assay detected HBV-DNA in 43.5% cases. The qPCR was able to detect 11 (9.16%) potential OBI cases, whereas LAMP assay identified HBV-DNA in 43 (35.83%) cases. In addition to tests for HBsAg and/or anti-HBc (total), detection of HBV-DNA by LAMP assay may aid in preventing post-transfusion HBV infection in resource-limited settings.

Malnutrition and non-communicable diseases among Bangladeshi women: an urban-rural comparison.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aims at examining the urban-rural differentials in the effects of socioeconomic predictors on underweight and obesity of ever-married women in Bangladesh. The effect of malnutrition and other risk factors on non-communicable diseases is also examined. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The information regarding nutritional status, socioeconomic and demographic background, and non-communicable diseases of ever-married women was extracted from the nationally representative, cross-sectional Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS 2011) data set. Both bivariate (χ2 test) and multivariate (multinomial logistic regression model) analyses were performed in determining the risk factors of malnutrition. The effect of malnutrition and associated risk factors on non-communicable diseases was determined using binary logistic regression models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence as well as the effects of individual risk factors of malnutrition differ in urban and rural settings. Regional differentials in the prevalence of underweight were statistically significant only for rural areas. In rural and urban settings, women from households with poor economic status were 67% (odds ratio (OR) 0.33, 95% CI 0.26-0.43) and 81% (OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.13-0.29) less likely to be overweight, respectively, with respect to those from affluent households. Women from the Rangpur division were significantly more likely to suffer from anemia (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.77) and hypertension (OR=1.67, 95% CI 1.19-2.34) than those from the Sylhet division (reference division). With respect to those considered as underweight, women who were categorized as overweight were 0.47 (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.43-0.65) times less likely to suffer from anemia, and 1.83 (OR=2.83, 95% CI 1.99-4.02) and 1.70 (OR=2.70, 95% CI 2.09-3.50) times more likely to suffer from diabetes and hypertension, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rural-urban differentials in the effects of individual risk factors of malnutrition were observed. Wealth status of households and nutritional status of women showed significant effect on the prevalence of anemia, diabetes and hypertension.

Migraine in Children: A Review.

Recurrent headache is common in children. Among them migraine is the most common disabling cause of primary headache. It causes serious disability in child's life and family. It causes negative impact on their quality of life. Clinical characteristic of migraine in children differ from adult. It may be shorter in duration and bifrontal or bitemporal in location in contrast to adult which is longer in duration and usually unilateral. It is less common before 3 years of age. Males are more affected before puberty. But after puberty females are predominantly affected. Intensity of pain is moderate to severe. There are some triggering factors. Positive family history usually present. Disability can be assessed by PedMIDAS scale in children and adolescents which is modified version of MIDAS scale for adult. Diagnosis of migraine usually clinical but evaluation should be done to exclude severe underlying secondary cause. Management consists of pharmacological and non pharmacological approach. Parental education, life style modification is the mainstay of management. Acute treatment consists of Acetaminophen, NSAIDs and Triptans. Among Triptans, Sumatriptan nasal spray is only found effective for children. Preventive therapy aims to decrease frequency and severity of headache. Flunarizine, Propranolol, Amitryptylline, Levetiracetam, Valproate, Topiramate are found effective in pediatric age group. Pediatrician should evaluate the child to exclude secondary cause of headache when indicated. They should have also proper knowledge and skills to manage a child having migraine to improve their quality of life and academic achievement.

Vibrational dynamics (IR, Raman, NRVS) and a DFT study of a new antitumor tetranuclearstannoxane cluster, Sn(iv)-oxo-{di-o-vanillin} dimethyl dichloride.

The vibrational dynamics of a newly synthesized tetrastannoxane was characterized with a combination of experimental (Raman, IR and tin-based nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy) and computational (DFT/B3LYP) methods, with an emphasis on the vibrations of the tin sites. The cytotoxic activity revealed a significant regression selectively against the human pancreatic cell lines.

Tudor tells about new twists in the story tale of SMURFs.

Smad ubiquitin regulatory factors (SMURFS) belong to the HECT- family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. This family has two members, SMURF1 and SMURF2. SMURFs have emerged as well studied negative regulators of TGF induced intracellular signaling. However, increasingly it is being realized that SMURFs tactfully modulate an array of proteins in different cancers. This review sets spotlight on how SMURF1 and SMURF2 communicate with effectors of different signaling pathways during the multistep progression to cancer. We also summarize how microRNAs (miRNAs) effectively control SMURFs in different cancers. Role of SMURFs is context dependent in different cancers and better concepts related to miRNA regulation of SMURFs in different stages and steps of cancer will be helpful in efficient translation of laboratory findings to clinic.

Simultaneous removal of potent cyanotoxins from water using magnetophoretic nanoparticle of polypyrrole: adsorption kinetic and isotherm study.

Cyanotoxins, microcystins and cylindrospermopsin, are potent toxins produced by cyanobacteria in potable water supplies. This study investigated the removal of cyanotoxins from aqueous media by magnetophoretic nanoparticle of polypyrrole adsorbent. The adsorption process was pH dependent with maximum adsorption occurring at pH 7 for microcystin-LA, LR, and YR and at pH 9 for microcystin-RR and cylindrospermopsin (CYN). Kinetic studies and adsorption isotherms reflected better fit for pseudo-second-order rate and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. Thermodynamic calculations showed that the cyanotoxin adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The regenerated adsorbent can be successfully reused without appreciable loss of its original capacity.

Natural products are the future of anticancer therapy: Preclinical and clinical advancements of Viscum album phytometabolites.

Cancer is a multifaceted and genomically complex disease. Research over the years has gradually provided a near complete resolution of cancer landscape and it is now known that genetic/epigenetic mutations, inactivation of tumor suppressors, Overexpression of oncogenes, spatio-temporally dysregulated intracellular signaling cascades, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis and loss of apoptosis are some of the most extensively studied biological mechanisms that underpin cancer development and progression. Increasingly it is being realized that current therapeutic interventions are becoming ineffective because of tumor heterogeneity and rapidly developing resistance against drugs. Considerable biological activities exerted by bioactive ingredients isolated from natural sources have revolutionized the field of natural product chemistry and rapid developments in preclinical studies are encouraging. Viscum album has emerged as a deeply studied natural source with substantial and multifaceted biological activities. In this review we have attempted to provide recent breakthroughs in existing scientific literature with emphasis on targeting of protein network in cancer cells. We partition this review into different sections, highlighting latest information from cell culture studies, preclinical and clinically oriented studies. We summarized how bioactive ingredients of Viscum album modulated extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in cancer cells. However, surprisingly, none of the study reported stimulatory effects on TRAIL receptors. The review provided in-depth analysis of how Viscum album modulated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in cancer cells and how bioactive chemicals tactfully targeted cytoskeletal machinery in cancer cells as evidenced by cell culture studies. It is noteworthy that Viscum album has entered into various phases of clinical trials, however, there are still knowledge gaps in our understanding regarding how various bioactive constituents of Viscum album modulate intracellular signaling cascades in cancer. Better and deeper comprehension oncogenic signaling cascades will prove to be helful in getting a step closer to individualized medicine.