Identification of stable endogenous reference genes for real-time PCR in the human fetal gonad using an external standard technique

Peer reviewedPostprin

Environmental Preferences of Yellowfin Tuna in the North East Indian Ocean: An Application of Satellite Data to Longline Catches

Abstract: Development of state-of-the-art methodologies to minimise search time and to increase the fishing efficiency of high seas fishery are vital for fishing success. It, minimise the operational cost as well as fishing duration that save the fish quality. Understanding of the ocean environment and their preferences of Yellowfin Tuna (YFT) are important aspect to addresses the fishing uncertainty thereby ensuring the expected catch during a short period of time. Environmental parameters such as temperature, chlorophyll and dynamic height of the sea surface were obtained from remote sensing satellites and a YFT catch dataset was obtained from Sri Lankan longliners. The results of the data analyses have shown that the relationships between oceanographic parameters and YFT catch rates were found significant. These relations are capable of predicting fishable aggregations of YFT using near-real time satellite observations. High frequencies of YFT catches were found in the areas where Sea Surface Temperature (SST) varied primarily between 28-30C. The corresponding Sea Surface Heights (SSH) ranged from 205-215 cm and Sea Surface Clorophyll_a (SSC) concentration ranged from 0.1-0.4 mg/m 3 . The relationships between catch rates and the three environmental variables have been tested with the Empirical Cumulative Distribution Function (ECDF). The degrees of differences between the ECDF and catch-weighted cumulative distributions of the three variables are statistically significant (p<0.01). The strongest association showed between catch rates and SSC while SSH showed the lowest. The results obtained from a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) have shown that the space-time factor is well above the ocean environmental factors and the oceanographic factors are also in significant levels (p<0.05). Therefore, the migratory pathway is an essential factor in predicting YFT inhabitants in the northeast Indian Ocean

The Alzheimer's β-secretase enzyme BACE1 is required for accurate axon guidance of olfactory sensory neurons and normal glomerulus formation in the olfactory bulb

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The β-secretase, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), is a prime therapeutic target for lowering cerebral β-amyloid (Aβ) levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinical development of BACE1 inhibitors is being intensely pursued. However, little is known about the physiological functions of BACE1, and the possibility exists that BACE1 inhibition may cause mechanism-based side effects. Indeed, BACE1^-/-mice exhibit a complex neurological phenotype. Interestingly, BACE1 co-localizes with presynaptic neuronal markers, indicating a role in axons and/or terminals. Moreover, recent studies suggest axon guidance molecules are potential BACE1 substrates. Here, we used a genetic approach to investigate the function of BACE1 in axon guidance of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), a well-studied model of axon targeting <it>in vivo</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We bred BACE1^-/-mice with gene-targeted mice in which GFP is expressed from the loci of two odorant-receptors (ORs), MOR23 and M72, and olfactory marker protein (OMP) to produce offspring that were heterozygous for MOR23-GFP, M72-GFP, or OMP-GFP and were either BACE1^+/+or BACE1^-/-. BACE1^-/-mice had olfactory bulbs (OBs) that were smaller and weighed less than OBs of BACE1^+/+mice. In wild-type mice, BACE1 was present in OSN axon terminals in OB glomeruli. In whole-mount preparations and tissue sections, many OB glomeruli from OMP-GFP; BACE1^-/-mice were malformed compared to wild-type glomeruli. MOR23-GFP; BACE1^-/-mice had an irregular MOR23 glomerulus that was innervated by randomly oriented, poorly fasciculated OSN axons compared to BACE1^+/+mice. Most importantly, M72-GFP; BACE1^-/-mice exhibited M72 OSN axons that were mis-targeted to ectopic glomeruli, indicating impaired axon guidance in BACE1^-/-mice.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results demonstrate that BACE1 is required for the accurate targeting of OSN axons and the proper formation of glomeruli in the OB, suggesting a role for BACE1 in axon guidance. OSNs continually undergo regeneration and hence require ongoing axon guidance. Neurogenesis and the regeneration of neurons and axons occur in other adult populations of peripheral and central neurons that also require axon guidance throughout life. Therefore, BACE1 inhibitors under development for the treatment of AD may potentially cause axon targeting defects in these neuronal populations as well.</p

Municipal solid waste biochar-bentonite composite for the removal of antibiotic ciprofloxacin from aqueous media

This study investigates the adsorption of ciprofloxacin (CPX) onto a municipal solid waste derived biochar (MSW-BC) and a composite material developed by combining the biochar with bentonite clay. A bentonite-MSW slurry was first prepared at 1:5 ratio (w/w), and then pyrolyzed at 450 °C for 30 min. The composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy before and after CPX adsorption. Batch experiments were conducted to assess the effect of pH, reaction time and adsorbate dosage. The SEM images confirmed successful modification of the biochar with bentonite showing plate like structures. The PXRD patterns showed changes in the crystalline lattice of both MSW-BC and the composite before and after CPX adsorption whereas the FTIR spectra indicated merging and widening of specific bands after CPX adsorption. The optimum CPX adsorption was achieved at pH 6, and the maximum adsorption capacity of the composite calculated via isotherm modeling was 190 mg/g, which was about 40% higher than the pristine MSW-BC. The Hill isotherm model along with pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic models showed the best fit to the adsorption data. The most plausible mechanism for increased adsorption capacity is the increased active sites of the composites for CPX adsorption through induced electrostatic interactions between the functional groups of the composite and CPX molecules. The added reactive surfaces in the composite because of bentonite incorporation, and the intercalation of CPX in the clay interlayers improved the adsorption of CPX by the biochar-bentonite composite compared to the pristine biochar. Thus, MSW-BC-bentonite composites could be considered as a potential material for remediating pharmaceuticals in aqueous media

Balancing Profit and Morality: Confucian Insights into Financial Management and Corporate Governance

This study explores the integration of Confucian principles in modern financial management and corporate governance, offering a nuanced perspective on how ancient philosophical wisdom can inform contemporary business practices. By analyzing seminal Confucian texts and reviewing current literature, this research illuminates the alignment between Confucian ethics and ethical business conduct, emphasizing a balance between financial success and societal welfare. The findings reveal that Confucianism, with its core values of Ren (compassion), Yi (righteousness), and Li (propriety), advocates for a holistic approach to business. This approach prioritizes long-term societal benefits and ethical decision-making over immediate financial gains. The study contrasts and compares Confucian perspectives with modern financial theories, highlighting the relevance and applicability of Confucian ethics in today's business world. In financial management, Confucian principles encourage prudent investment strategies and respectful stakeholder relationships, aligning with aspects of portfolio theory and wealth maximization but with an added ethical dimension. In corporate governance, Confucianism promotes leadership based on moral integrity, advocating for a governance model that values trust, mutual respect, and social responsibility. This research contributes to the understanding of how traditional philosophical systems like Confucianism can complement and enrich modern business practices. DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v09i02.0

Impact of Capital Structure on Profitability: Evidence from Star Category Hotels in Sri Lanka

This study examines the impact of the capital structure on the profitability of the 25 registered hotels in the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). The data on capital structure and profitability collected from audited annual reports (2011 to 2021), were analyzed using panel regression methodology and presented through descriptive statistics and models. Total debt to total assets, total debt to total equity and interest coverage ratio were used to measure the capital structure and return on assets and return on equity were used to measure the profitability of the firm. The study found no significant impact of debt to equity ratio and interest coverage ratio on the return on equity and return on asset. There is a significant impact of debt to asset and return on equity and the return on asset. These results concluded that there is an impact of capital structure on the profitability of the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. &nbsp; &nbsp;© 2022 The Authors. Published by Department of Estate Management and Valuation, University of Sri Jayewardenepura &nbsp; Key Words: Capital structure; Profitability; Registered Star Category Hotels in Sri Lank

Involvement of alcohol in injury cases in rural Sri Lanka:Prevalence and associated factors among in-patients in three primary care hospitals

BACKGROUND: Injuries account for a major proportion of global morbidity and mortality related to alcohol use. Information on the prevalence of alcohol-related injury in rural Sri Lanka is limited. The aims of this study were to determine the burden of alcohol-related injury in a hospital-based sample in rural Sri Lanka and explore factors associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related injury. METHODS: Involvement of alcohol in injury amongst in-patients was assessed in three hospitals in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka over 6 months. Adult (≥ 18 years) patients were eligible. Patients were assessed for: injury characteristics, current alcohol use (in the past year) using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), and acute intoxication. Patients with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading equivalent of 10 mg/dL (2.17 mmol/L) were considered as having an alcohol-related injury. Binary logistic regression was used to explore association between alcohol-related injury and demographic and injury characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 883 injured patients were eligible and consented to the study. No alcohol use was reported by 487 (55.2%) of patients (35.6% of men, 95.2% of women). Prevalence of alcohol-related injuries was 14.8% overall and 32.8% among current alcohol users. Almost all patients with an alcohol-related injury were male (122/123; 99.2%); 24 (18.8%) of these patients scored positive for possible alcohol dependence. Patients with an alcohol-related injury had significantly higher AUDIT scores (median = 15 vs 6, p < 0.001), were significantly more likely to be aged 26–40 (OR 2.29, 95% CI:1.11, 4.72) or 41–55 years (OR 2.76, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.90) (compared to 18–25 years), to have a transport-related injury (OR 5.14, 95% CI: 2.30, 11.49) (compared to animal/plant sting/bite), and have intentional injuries (OR 3.47, 95% CI: 1.01, 11.87). CONCLUSIONS: One in three injuries among people who drank alcohol in this sample were alcohol-related. In addition, problematic alcohol use was higher among those with alcohol-related injury. Further work is needed to explore whether this prevalence of alcohol-related injury is reflected in other rural settings in Sri Lanka. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-12958-8

A STUDY ON THE BUTTERFLY FAUNAL DIVERSITY IN VARIOUS FOREST HABITATS IN THE KNUCKLES FOREST RANGE

A butterfly faunal survey was conducted in the Deenston-Nawanagala Nature Trail areaon the eastern flank of the Knuckles Forest Range at a 915-1906m of elevation with theobjective of studying the butterfly faunal of the area in different habitat types.A field survey was carried out one day per month during August 2002 to August 2003period. Data collection was done using the 'long-transect method' containing thetransect width to the 'visible range' that varied according to the atmospheric conditionsThe following five major habitat types (Listed in the descending order of extent) wereidentified: Abandoned Tea Lands with Lime Grass, Lowland Semi-evergreen Forest, SubMontane Forest, Montane Forest and Abandoned Cardamom AreasThe total number of species recorded was 40 in seven familiesThis habitat distribution is as follows: Abandoned Tea Lands with Lime Grass: 27 spp.,Lowland Semi-evergreen Forest; 28, Sub Montane Forest; 18, Montane Forest; 9,Abandoned Cardamom Areas;13.Their distribution in the families is; Nymphalidae 12 spp., Papilionidae 8, Pieridae 6,Satyridae 6, Danaidae 5, Lycaenidae 2 and Riodinidae 1. Only the Family Nymphalidaeis found in all habitat types.Three of these species are endemic and altogether five species (Including the threeendemics) are nationally threatened.In the study area the butterfly fauna facing threats due to human and natural causes. Manmade fires occur in grasslands where 27 species (54%) are found. Cardamom cultivationis another factor. Strong winds in some seasons and forest dieback (especially inNawangala) are natural causes. The need for conserving this butterfly fauna ishighlighted in this paper