Challenges we just couldn’t IgG-nore: Case studies of process optimization for next- generation, highly engineered multispecifics

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Predicting microbial response to anthropogenic environmental disturbances using artificial neural network and multiple linear regression

A mathematical model that quantitively describes the combined effect of different environmental variables can be used to predict the growth dynamics of a microorganism. This study evaluates the potential of an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the growth of a bacterial strain, Klebsiella sp., during the treatment of diclofenac sodium contaminated wastewaters. Input parameters, temperature, pH, time, agitation and diclofenac sodium concentration were randomly combined to conduct the batch experiments. Experimental data sets obtained were used for the training and optimization of programme learning. The efficiency of the ANN model was demonstrated by comparing it with the multiple linear regression (MLR) model. Root mean squared error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) were used as model performance parameters. The results obtained depict that the ANN model with RMSE 0.0124 and R2 value 0.926 in the test phase exhibited higher prediction performance. In contrast, low prediction performance was exhibited by the MLR model with RMSE 0.0230 and R2 value of 0.710. The results of this study are expected to guide the development of appropriate operational conditions for bioremediation of wastewater and industrial scale-up of the process

The roles of dynein and myosin VI motor proteins in endocytosis

International audienceABSTRACT Endocytosis is indispensable for multiple cellular processes, including signalling, cell adhesion, migration, as well as the turnover of plasma membrane lipids and proteins. The dynamic interplay and regulation of different endocytic entry routes requires multiple cytoskeletal elements, especially motor proteins that bind to membranes and transport vesicles along the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. Dynein and kinesin motor proteins transport vesicles along microtubules, whereas myosins drive vesicles along actin filaments. Here, we present a brief overview of multiple endocytic pathways and our current understanding of the involvement of these motor proteins in the regulation of the different cellular entry routes. We particularly focus on structural and mechanistic details of the retrograde motor proteins dynein and myosin VI (also known as MYO6), along with their adaptors, which have important roles in the early events of endocytosis. We conclude by highlighting the key challenges in elucidating the involvement of motor proteins in endocytosis and intracellular membrane trafficking

Chromatin remodeling protein INO80 has a role in regulation of homeotic gene expression in Drosophila

The homologues of yeast INO80 are identified across phyla from Caenorhabditis elegans to human. In Drosophila it has been shown that dINO80 forms a complex with Pleiohomeotic but does not interact with Hox PRE (polycomb responsive element). As some proteins of the INO80 complex are implicated in homeotic gene regulation, we examined if dINO80 is involved in regulation of homeotic genes. We find that dINO80 null mutants generated by imprecise excision of P-element are late embryonic lethals and show homeotic transformation. We detect misexpression of homeotic genes like Sex-comb reduced, Antennapedia, Ultrabithorax and Abdominal-B in dIno80 mutant embryos by immunostaining which is further substantiated by quantitative PCR. Polycomb phenotype in dIno80-Pc is enhanced in double mutants. Concurrently, the localization of dINO80 to sequences upstream of misexpressed genes in vivo shows that dINO80 is involved in homeotic gene regulation and probably through its interactions with PcG-trxG complexes

Comprehensive metabolite profiling in distinct chemotypes of <i>Commiphora wightii</i>

<p><i>Commiphora wightii</i> (Arn.) Bhandari, known as guggul, produces a medicinally important gum resin which is used extensively by Ayurvedic physicians to treat various ailments. However, most of the studies on <i>C. wightii</i> have been limited to its gum resin. Comprehensive metabolic profiling of leaves, stem and gum resin samples was undertaken to analyse aqueous and non-aqueous metabolites from three distinct chemotypes (NBRI-101, NBRI-102 and NBRI-103) shortlisted from different agro-climatic zones. GC-MS, HPLC and NMR spectroscopy were used for comprehensive metabolomics. Multivariate analysis showed characteristic variation in quinic and citric acids, <i>myo</i>-inositol and glycine (aqueous metabolites) and 2,6-di-<i>tert</i>-butyl-phenol, <i>trans</i>-farnesol and guggulsterones (non-aqueous metabolites) amongst the three chemotypes. Quinic acid, citric acid and <i>myo</i>-ionositol were detected in substantial quantities from leaves and stem samples which provide opportunities for novel nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations. Quinic acid, from the leaves, was identified as a marker metabolite for early selection of high guggulsterones-yielding cultivars.</p

Screening and management options for severe thinness during pregnancy in India

This paper answers research questions on screening and management of severe thinness in pregnancy, approaches that may potentially work in India, and what more is needed for implementing these approaches at scale. A desk review of studies in the last decade in South Asian countries was carried out collating evidence on six sets of strategies like balanced energy supplementation (BEP) alone and in combination with other interventions like nutrition education. Policies and guidelines from South Asian countries were reviewed to understand the approaches being used. A 10-point grid covering public health dimensions covered by World Health Organization and others was created for discussion with policymakers and implementers, and review of government documents sourced from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Eighteen studies were shortlisted covering Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. BEP for longer duration, preconception initiation of supplementation, and better pre-supplementation body mass index (BMI) positively influenced birthweight. Multiple micronutrient supplementation was more effective in improving gestational weight gain among women with better pre-supplementation BMI. Behavior change communication and nutrition education showed positive outcomes on dietary practices like higher dietary diversity. Among South Asian countries, Sri Lanka and Nepal are the only two countries to have management of maternal thinness in their country guidelines. India has at least nine variations of supplementary foods and three variations of full meals for pregnant women, which can be modified to meet additional nutritional needs of those severely thin. Under the National Nutrition Mission, almost all of the globally recommended maternal nutrition interventions are covered, but the challenge of reaching, identifying, and managing cases of maternal severe thinness persists. This paper provides four actions for addressing maternal severe thinness through available public health programs, infrastructure, and human resources.</p

Population estimates and determinants of severe maternal thinness in India

Objective: To examine prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of maternal severe thinness in India. Methods: This mixed methods study analyzed data from the Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 (2015–2016) to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for severe thinness, followed by a desk review of literature from India. Results: Prevalence of severe thinness (defined by World Health Organization as body mass index [BMI] &lt;16 in adult and BMI for age Z score &lt; –2 SD in adolescents) was higher among pregnant adolescents (4.3%) compared with pregnant adult women (1.9%) and among postpartum adolescent women (6.3%) than postpartum adult women (2.4%) 2–6 months after delivery. Identified research studies showed prevalence of 4%–12% in pregnant women. Only 13/640 districts had at least three cases of severely thin pregnant women; others had lower numbers. Three or more postpartum women aged ≥20 years were severely thin in 32 districts. Among pregnant adolescents, earlier parity increased odds (OR 1.96; 95% CI, 1.18–3.27) of severe thinness. Access to household toilet facility reduced odds (OR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52–0.99]. Among mothers aged ≥20 years, increasing education level was associated with decreasing odds of severe thinness (secondary: OR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57–0.96 and Higher: OR 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32–0.91, compared with no education); household wealth and caste were also associated with severe thinness. Conclusion: This paper reveals the geographic pockets that need priority focus for managing severe thinness among pregnant women and mothers in India to limit the immediate and intergenerational adverse consequences emanating from these deprivations.</p