CREG1: Its Role as a Master Regulator of Liver Function

Mammalian development involves a complex system of regulatory signals and reactions resulting in highly differentiated cell types with specific structure and function. The liver is a major organ that has been studied extensively to understand underlying genetic processes responsible for specification, establishment and maintenance of tissue identity. Hepatoma and hepatoma variant cell lines have been used as models to understand genetic networks responsible for liver function. Whole genome microarray analysis of hepatocyte cell lines has revealed candidate genes that may serve as regulators or master regulators of liver specificity. In two previous studies in our lab, the role of candidate gene Cellular Repressor of EIA Stimulated Gene (CREG1) in regulation of liver-specific gene expression was determined using transfection studies combined with utilization of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR). Both studies found strong activation (10-100-fold) of transcription factor Hnf6 and the downstream gene Serpinal (a marker gene used to identify liver function). These findings suggested that CREG1 might act through Hnf6 to regulate Serpinal via a Locus Control Region (LCR). However, while one study showed that CREG1 overexpression in a hepatoma variant cell line resulted in modest activation of liver-specific transcription factors Hnf1, Hnf4 and Hnf3, the second study suggested robust activation of these genes as measured by qRT-PCR. In the current study, a CREG1 expression vector was reintroduced into one of the variant cell lines (H11) and gene activation profiles monitored to establish validity of the previous studies. However, we postulated that CREG-1 overexpression, validated by qRT-PCR, can activate expression of hepatocyte transcription factor Hnf6 and the downstream gene Serpinal along with other liver-specific downstream genes. Results showed that CREG1 can fully rescue expression of liver-specific genes including transactivation genes, suggesting its role as a master regulator of liver function. CREG1 action appears to act at least partially through HNF6 gene activation, as well as through activation of HNF4/HNF1 pathway, both of which act to increase expression of the serpin locus through LCR activation through HNF6

An L-Point Characterization of Normality and Normalizer of an L-Subgroup of an L-Group

AbstractIn this paper, we study the notion of normal L-subgroup of an L-group and provide its characterization by an L-point. We also provide a construction of the normalizer of an L-subgroup of a given L-group by using L-points. Moreover, we also discuss the product, homomorphic images and homomorphic preimages of normalizers

How does product packaging features influence the purchase decision of young adult?

Packaging is more than just a suitable way of showcasing a product or getting a product to the consumer without reaching any damage. Here, we intended to know the relative significance of different features of packaging in purchase decision-making. We controlled the diversity of products and their confounding effect in the decision-making task by giving participants a particular product category (toiletries items) in the instruction. A survey was conducted on 386 Bangladeshi adult participants to rate their attitudes toward 11 different packing features when they make a purchase decision. The finding shows that participants rated printed detail on the package as the most important attribute which can manipulate their purchase choice. Moreover, they rated Convenience packaging, Hygienic wrapping material, convincing words on the packet, and attractiveness as the top five packaging features for young Bangladeshi adults, respectively. We found some significant gender differences in four features of product packaging. Bangladeshi adult females are more influenced by the attractiveness, colourful packet, convenience packaging, and convincing words on the packet than male customers. This finding could be an important addition to consumer behaviour literature. Moreover, marketers and designers would know their customer's needs and will be able to use this knowledge in product packaging as a reliable source of marketing strategy to increase their product sales. Keywords: product packaging; consumer behaviour; decision making; young adult

Determination of Carbamate and Organophosphorus Pesticides in Vegetable Samples and the Efficiency of Gamma-Radiation in Their Removal

In the present study, the residual pesticide levels were determined in eggplants (Solanummelongena)

Responses and screening of white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) genotypes against salinity stresses

Soil salinity, a serious threat to jute cultivation in saline areas (southern parts) of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) has developed a moderately salt tolerant White Jute variety (BJRI Deshi pat-8; BJC 2197) in 2013 which can’t grow well in saline areas having more than 8.0 dSm-1 salinity stress. Hence, 23 whitejute accessions and one control variety (BJC 2197) were tested to isolate the salt tolerant accession(s) for hybridization purpose followed by augmented design in farmers’ field having nearly 8.0-9.0 dSm-1 salinity at Patuakhali district during mid-March to mid-August 2019. The experimental plot size was 3.0 m2 (3 m × 1 m) for each genotype having 3 lines of 1.0 m length, plant-plant: 10-15 cm and line- line: 30 cm distance. Soil salinity was recorded during sowing, vegetative and plant maturity stages. In this study, the highest plant height 2.84 m was recorded in Acc. 2750 followed by Acc. 2589 (2.76 m) and Acc. 1779 (2.69 m). The highest fiber yield (9.0 g plant-1) was observed in Acc. 1779 followed by Acc. 2589 (8.40 g plant-1) and Acc. 2750 (8.0 g plant-1). The lowest plant mortality rate (2.5%) was found in Acc.2750 followed by Acc.1779 (6.24%), Acc. 1780 (7.50), Acc. 3556 (11.10%), Acc. 2589 (11.20%) and BJC 2197 (16.5%). Few seeds were germinated in Acc. 3020 and Acc. 3658 but plants were died after 20 days of sowing. Six genotypes of cluster I showed higher diversity in Euclidean cluster analysis. The Acc. 2750, Acc. 1779, Acc. 2589 of cluster I having relative salinity tolerance and good fiber yield capacity would be grown in next year for confirmation as well as hybridization with the existing salinity susceptible variety to develop high yielding white jute variety for saline areas

Utilisation and expenditure on long-acting insulin analogues among selected middle-income countries with high patient co-payment levels : findings and implications for the future

The number of patients with diabetes and associated complications is rising across countries including patients requiring insulin to control their diabetes. Hypoglycaemia combined generally with poor control adds to the burden of diabetes. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycaemia, including nocturnal hypoglycaemia, and enhance adherence, which can be a problem. These benefits have resulted in increased use among high and high-middle income countries, which is continuing. However, concerns in middle and lower-income countries as insulin analogues are considerably more expensive than standard insulins. Biosimilars can reduce their costs. Consequently, important to ascertain current usage and prices of analogues across middle-income countries with high patient co-payment levels to provide future direction. Overall, limited use of insulin glargine in Kenya up to 3.6% of total insulins in one leasing hospital with prices up to 3.4 fold higher than standard insulins. Overall, limited use of insulin glargine among hospitals in Northern Nigeria and in pharmacies again due to high prices. Appreciably higher use of long-acting insulin analogues in Bangladesh enhanced by low cost biosimilars with increasing competition. Increased competition enhanced by local production can lower biosimilar costs enhancing future use of insulin glargine to the benefit of all diabetes patients requiring insulin

Availability and price changes of potential medicines and equipment for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 among pharmacy and drug stores in Bangladesh; findings and implications

Objective: There are concerns with increased prices and drug shortages for pertinent medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent and treat COVID-19 enhanced by misinformation. Community pharmacists and drug stores play a significant role in disease management in Bangladesh due to high co-payments. Consequently, a need to review prices and availability in the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Multiple approach involving a review and questionnaire among pharmacies and stores early March to end May 2020. Results and Discussion: 170 pharmacies and drug stores took part, giving a response rate of 63.9%. Encouragingly, no change in utilization of antimalarial medicines in 51.2% of stores despite global endorsements. However, increased utilisation of antibiotics (70.6%), analgesics (97.6%), vitamins (90.6%) and PPE (over 95%). Encouragingly, increases in purchasing of PPE. No increase in prices among 50% of the stores for antimalarials, with a similar situation for antibiotics (65.3%), analgesics (54.7%), and vitamins (51.8%). However, price increases typically for PPE (over 90% of stores). Shortages also seen for medicines and PPE, again greater for PPE. Conclusions: The pandemic has impacted on the supply and prices of medicines and PPE in Bangladesh. Key stakeholder groups can play a role addressing misinformation, with enhanced local production helping address future shortages and prices

Tocilizumab in COVID-19: a study of adverse drug events reported in the WHO database

leading to pneumonitis with a poor prognosis. Tocilizumab, a type of humanized monoclonal antibody antagonizing interleukin-6 receptors, is currently utilized to treat COVID-19. The present study reviews tocilizumab adverse drug events (ADEs) reported in the World Health Organization (WHO) pharmacovigilance database. Research design and methods: All suspected ADEs associated with tocilizumab between April to August 2020 were analyzed based on COVID-19 patients’ demographic and clinical variables, and severity of involvement of organ system. Results: A total of 1005 ADEs were reported among 513 recipients. The majority of the ADEs (46.26%) were reported from 18–64 years, were males and reported spontaneously. Around 80%, 20%, and 64% were serious, fatal, and administered intravenously, respectively. ‘Injury, Poisoning, and Procedural Complications’ remain as highest (35%) among categorized ADEs. Neutropenia, hypofibrinogenemia were common hematological ADEs. The above 64 years was found to have significantly lower odds than of below 45 years. In comparison, those in the European Region have substantially higher odds compared to the Region of Americas. Conclusion: Neutropenia, superinfections, reactivation of latent infections, hepatitis, and cardiac abnormalities were common ADEs observed that necessitate proper monitoring and reporting