Effect of human β-Globin second intron on transient gene expression in mammalian cell lines

Exogenous protein expression in mammalian cells is necessary to produce therapeutic proteins and modern medical applications like developing DNA vaccines and gene therapy. This study examines the human-Globin (hBG) second intron's capacity for intron-mediated enhancement (IME) in various mammalian cell lines. Our study's main aim is to investigate the effect of the incorporation and arrangement of the second intron of the human Beta-globin gene into the pVAX-1 expression cassette on improving the expression of foreign genes. Two plasmids were constructed, one with the hBG second intron positioned upstream and the other downstream in the expression cassette. EGFP expression was evaluated at the mRNA and protein levels after transfection using Lipofectamine 2000 using One-way ANOVA analysis. Results showed that the pVAX-1 harbouring the hBG second intron did not lead to enhanced transient EGFP expression and did not exhibit Intron Mediated Enhancement (IME) in tested mammalian cell lines. Further investigations are necessary to understand factors contributing to the lack of enhancement and explore alternative intron options for optimizing foreign gene expression in cell lines

Effect of the Nucleotide and Turmeric Extract Supplementation and different Cage Floors on the Blood Profile and Physiological Status of Broiler Chicken

Climate change has been responsible for the high prevalence of heat stress (HS) among broiler chickens. In this research, efforts are made to curb the negative impact of HS on chickens by modifying the feed and cage floor. The blood profile and physiological responses of broiler chickens supplemented with nucleotide and turmeric powder and kept in different floor cages were recorded (litter, slatted, and combination of slat-litter). A total of 245 broiler day-old chicks (DOC) were randomly allotted to seven treatment groups of the combined supplementation of nucleotide and turmeric extract and different types of cage floor (litter, slate, combination of slat-litter) for 35-day maintenance. Each treatment was replicated five times. The supplementation of nucleotide and turmeric extract into feed and different types of cage floor did not significantly affect (P>0.05) body temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate, lien index, PVC, TPP, heterophils, lymphocyte, and monocyte, but significantly affected (P<0.05) the erythrocyte level, hemoglobin, leukocyte, rectal temperature and the index of bursa fabricius of broilers. Results of this study concluded that the combined treatments of supplementing nucleotide and turmeric extract in feed and using slat-floored cages tend to reduce the comfort of broiler chickens

iNCOVACC COVID-19 vaccine: A Twitter based Social Media Analysis Using Natural Language Processing, Sentiment Analysis, and Topic Modelling

Most, if not all, the vaccine candidates designed to counteract COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 infection require parenteral administration. Mucosal immunity established by vaccination could significantly contribute to containing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which is spread by infected respiratory secretions. The world has been impacted on many fronts by the COVID-19 pandemic since early 2020 and has yet to recover entirely from the impact of the crisis. In late 2022 and early 2023, China experienced a new surge of COVID-19 outbreaks, mainly in the country's northeastern region. With the threat of new variants like XBB 1.5 and BF.7, India might experience a similar COVID-19 surge as China and needs to be prepared to avoid destruction again. An intranasal vaccine can elicit multiple immunological responses, including IgG neutralization, mucosal IgA production, and T-cell responses. In order to prevent further infection and the spread of COVID-19, local immune responses in the nasal mucosa are required. iNCOVACC is a recombinant vaccine vectored by an adenovirus that contains a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that has been pre-fusion stabilized. This vaccine candidate has shown promise in both early and late-stage clinical trials. iNCOVACC has been designed for intranasal administration via nasal drops. The nasal delivery system was created to reduce expenses for those living in poor and moderate-income countries. The newly introduced intranasal COVID vaccine will be beneficial in mass immunizing the public as it does not need any syringe and can be proven to be an effective method to boost immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study uses natural language processing (NLP) techniques to analyze the Indian citizen's perceptions of the newly developed iNCOVACC vaccine in social media. For this study, we have used social media posts (tweets) as data. We have analyzed 125,300 tweets to study the general perception of Indian citizens regarding the iNCOVACC vaccine. Our results have indicated 43.19% of social media posts discussing the COVID-19 nasal vaccine in a neutral tone, nearly 34.29% of social media posts are positive, and 22.5% of social media posts discussions are negative. The general positive feeling that the iNCOVACC vaccine will work and the risks in the new vaccine are the two significant aspects Indian citizens voice out in social media posts about the iNCOVACC vaccine

Factors Influencing Suicidal Behaviour among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from North India

In the majority of the affected nations, suicidal behavior against COVID-19 leads to various concerns. This study aimed to analyze determinants affecting suicidal behaviour among university students in Uttarakhand. An online cross-sectional survey of 18-year-old university students in Uttarakhand was conducted between April 2 and May 13, 2022. The questionnaire comprised socio-demographic information, the Suicidal Behaviors’ Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) scale, and elements related to the physical and psychological health of COVID-19 (CRPPF). The statistical study included demographic information, basic statistics in terms of frequency and percentage, and logistic regression. In comparison to students with fewer than seven family members, students with more than seven family members were less likely to participate in suicide behaviour (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.79 to 2.67) and vice versa (AOR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.97). According to the study, a substantial majority of students (76.35%) claimed that the lockdown implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 was extremely upsetting for them and that the pandemic had caused them to miss their graduation (73.90%). Adjusted multivariate logistic regression shows that feelings of a burden on family, (AOR= 1.98, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.82), distancing from family or friends, (AOR =1.66; 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.01), having relationship dilemmas, (AOR= 2.31; 95% CI: 1.84 to 2.97), and being anxious during the lockdown, (AOR= 1.84; 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.27), are significant factors among participants that are linked to higher risk of engaging in suicidal behaviour. The possibility of university students engaging in suicide behaviour was significantly affected by numerous factors. In addition to defending the students' mental health, the concerned authorities should devise and implement strategies to safeguard the students' physical health

Effects of lipoperoxidation and mitochondrial state on milk yield of dairy cows under technological stress

Evaluation of the physiological state of cattle is crucial in creating healthy, high-performing dairy cattle herds. Technological stress is one of the most critical factors determining the biological potential of higher-yielding cows. This work aimed to assess the effect of technological stress on various oxidative parameters and mitochondrial states in dairy cows' blood, milk yield and milk composition. The study was conducted on the black-and-white breed of healthy herds. Regrouping, changing service personnel, and carrying out veterinary and sanitary manipulations were considered technological stress factors. The concentration of cortisol in the blood serum was studied by the immunological method. The concentrations of malonic dialdehyde (MDA), diene conjugates (D.C.), Schiff bases (S.B.), reduced glutathione and catalase activity were measured spectrophotometrically. The mitochondrial state was estimated by laser interference microscopy. While the milk yield, protein and lipid composition of cow milk were studied using an ultrasound analyzer. The researched indicators were analyzed before and for 30 days after the effect of technological stress. Results of the study suggested that technological stress caused an increase in oxidative processes, along with a reduction of antioxidant activity of blood and milk at the initial stages of registration (1-7 days). The concentration of glutathione remained reduced for 30 days after technological stress. A decrease in mitochondrial refractoriness and disintegration accompanied these processes. The milk yield indicator decreased was not restored to the values of intact animals by 30 days after technological stress. Further, the protein and lipid composition also reduced. Thus, a decrease in the quantity and quality of milk under technological stress may be mediated by the development of oxidative stress, which the refractoriness and disintegration of mitochondria might trigger

Potential benefits of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) herb, its chemical make-up and significance in safeguarding poultry health: Current scientific knowledge

Positive results have been seen when bioactive components from herbal plants are added to poultry diets. Efficacy in feeding, digestion of nutrients, antioxidant health, immunological indices, and other factors can all be improved with the help of these additives, which in turn increases growth rates and improves poultry welfare. Several researchers have used sophisticated herbal formulae that included Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) as an ingredient. Epidemic illnesses, mainly in the respiratory, digestive, and immunological systems, pose the greatest threat to the poultry business. Flavonoids and glycyrrhizin are two of the bioactive compounds in Liquorice. The roots of this plant contain glycyrrhizin at concentrations of 1-9%, which has numerous pharmacological benefits, including anti-infectious, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Liquorice extracts are helpful in the treatment of multiple common illnesses. These include problems with the liver, the lungs, and the immunological system. Adding Liquorice to chicken diets improves their productivity in several ways, including fostering organ growth and stimulating digestion and appetite. Liquorice has many beneficial effects on birds, including helping them grow larger bodies, cleansing their systems, and protecting them from free radicals, bacteria, and inflammation. In this article, we'll look at the chemical make-up of liquorice herb, its role in protecting poultry health, and its recent applications and benefits

Cytotoxic Study of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Cervical Cancer Cell Line

The advancement of nanomedicine drugs as an outcome of nanotechnology offers tremendous potential to enhance cancer-fighting tactics. Scientists have begun studying the role of NPs in immunotherapy, an area that is particularly beneficial in treating malignancies. Conventional treatment of cancer uses medications known as chemotherapy that frequently cause adverse effects on healthy tissues. Zinc is a vital micronutrient for the well-being of humans; therefore, nanomaterials such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are progressively appealing as cutting-edge medical agents with implementations like anticancer properties. A bottom-up approach was utilized to chemically produce the ZnO NPs, which were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). MTT assays have been carried out to study the cell viability percentage against multiple ZnO NPs concentrations and durations. The white ZnO NPs displayed a diverse morphology within the nanoscale range, featuring rod and spherical shapes. This synthesis was confirmed through EDX, which revealed distinct peaks corresponding to zinc and oxygen, affirming the formation of pure ZnO NPs. MTT assay data showed that ZnO NPs had a dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. This observation suggests that the ZnO NPs possess the potential to combat cancer and may hold promise for applications in biomedical research, particularly in the development of anticancer drugs

Work Place Self-Management by Academic Cum Clinical Physiotherapist – A Case Study

One of the main issues in industrialized nations is work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), which are linked to demanding and repetitive work environments. Repetitive actions and work without leisure can lead to musculoskeletal problems. To prevent this occurrence, promoting healthy lifestyle self-care management is essential. The main objective of this case study was to assess the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in professional physiotherapist and their workplace self-management. Case Description: a case of a 39-year-old male assistant professor cum clinical practitioner with 12 years of experience in the profession, who engages in using the computer for 6 hours a day for his academic and clinical documentation purposes, was assessed in the workstation. He complains of neck and shoulder pain after engaging in front of the computer for more than one hour, which he manages during the routine practice. He manages his pain by doing simple exercises like chin tuck-in and shoulder bracing by taking a short break every hour while working on a computer. Musculoskeletal-related pain was analyzed using the VAS score (visual analogue scale), and the level of the risks was analyzed using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) scale. The case study showed that professional physiotherapists have a high risk of MSDs due to their engagement in multiple tasks and less attention to body posture. Regular exercise in the workstation and ergonomic workplace awareness would prevent the occurrence of work-related MSD

Argania spinosa Leaves and Branches: Antiaggregant, Anticoagulant, Antioxidant Activities and Bioactive Compounds Quantification

Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are crucial in maintaining the balance between blood clotting. Platelet hyperactivity and oxidative stress are the primary factors contributing to cardiovascular complications. Antithrombotic therapy remains one of the most effective treatments, but various potential side effects hinder its effectiveness, including the risk of haemorrhage. Intense research has been conducted on medicinal plants to discover the natural antithrombotic compounds. Argania spinosa, commonly known as the argan tree or argan oil tree, is a native species of southwestern Morocco. This study evaluated the primary and secondary hemostasis and antioxidant activity of leaf and branch aqueous extracts of A. spinosa and also assessed the phytochemical composition of these extracts. Platelet aggregation assay was performed using washed platelets stimulated with thrombin. For plasmatic coagulation, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time were measured using the poor plasma method. Bleeding time was evaluated by inducing bleeding at the tip of a mouse tail. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined through the DPPH, β-carotene, and FRAP methods. The presence or absence of the secondary metabolites was carried out with the help of specific reagents, and the quantitative analysis was carried out using spectrophotometric and colorimetric methods. The study results revealed the presence of phenols, total flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, and coumarins type of secondary metabolites in both types of aqueous extracts and a higher concentration of these was recorded in the leaves extracts. Both aqueous extracts significantly reduced in vitro thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, extended tail bleeding time, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin and prothrombin time and exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity. The leaf extract of A. spinosa exerts significant effects against thrombotic manifestations and could be a promising source of new antithrombotic compounds

Optimizing the culture conditions for L-Asparaginase production from endophytic fungus Curvularia sp. LCJ413 through conventional and statistical approach

L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase) is a crucial anti-tumour drug used to cure acute lymphocytic leukaemia. The current study aimed to enhance the production medium for the endophytic fungus Curvularia sp. LCJ413 that showed significant L-ASNase activity. L-ASNase production from Curvularia sp. LCJ413 was examined in six different media to select an appropriate liquid medium. Among the various media tested, Modified Czapek Dox broth (MCDB) exhibited the maximum L-ASNase activity (8.81 ± 0.52 U/mL). Physical (pH and temperature) and nutritional (carbon, nitrogen, inducer, and their concentrations) parameters were also optimized to boost L-ASNase production. Results of the study suggested a temperature of 28°C at pH 7 with 2 g/L maltose, 10 g/L L-Asparagine, and 25 g/L ammonium sulphate as the optimal carbon, inducer, and nitrogen source resulted in a high L-ASNase activity of 18.9 ± 0.40 U/mL. The statistical enhancement of L-ASNase by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) produced 20.11 U/mL of L-ASNase, which was 2.2 fold higher than the non-optimized medium. This is the first study on L-ASNase production from the endophytic Curvularia sp. LCJ413 isolated from Vitex negundo medicinal plant. Continuous fermentation with the medium composition provided in the study can produce L-ASNase on a large scale