Identification and phylogenetic comparison of p53 in two distinct mussel species (Mytilus)

Author Posting. © The Authors, 2005. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of Elsevier B. V. for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology 140 (2005): 237-250, doi:10.1016/j.cca.2005.02.011.The extent to which humans and wildlife are exposed to anthropogenic challenges is an important focus of environmental research. Potential use of p53 gene family marker(s) for aquatic environmental effects monitoring is the long-term goal of this research. The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene that is fundamental in cell cycle control and apoptosis. It is mutated or differentially expressed in about 50% of all human cancers and p53 family members are differentially expressed in leukemic clams. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the p53 gene in two species of Mytilus, Mytilus edulis and Mytilus trossulus, using RT-PCR with degenerate and specific primers to conserved regions of the gene. The Mytilus p53 proteins are 99.8% identical and closely related to clam (Mya) p53. In particular, the 3′ untranslated regions were examined to gain understanding of potential post-transcriptional regulatory pathways of p53 expression. We found nuclear and cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements, adenylate/uridylate-rich elements, and a K-box motif previously identified in other, unrelated genes. We also identified a new motif in the p53 3′UTR which is highly conserved across vertebrate and invertebrate species. Differences between the p53 genes of the two Mytilus species may be part of genetic determinants underlying variation in leukemia prevalence and/or development, but this requires further investigation. In conclusion, the conserved regions in these p53 paralogues may represent potential control points in gene expression. This information provides a critical first step in the evaluation of p53 expression as a potential marker for environmental assessment.AFM was supported by the Greater Vancouver Regional District, BC, Canada, and RLC was supported by STAR grant R82935901 from the Environmental Protection Agency (USA)

A novel bio-physical approach for perchlorate contaminated well water treatment

A novel bio-physical approach for treating well water contaminated with perchlorate (ClO4¯) at 15 mg/L is reported in this study. In this process, the ClO4¯ was initially treated in an anaerobic fixed-film bioreactor (55 L), followed by a ceramic Micro-Filtration (MF) unit (1.5 μm pore size, 0.12 m2 surface area) and a Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit (0.38 m2 surface area) connected in series. The bioreactor inoculated with a ClO4¯ reducing bacterium Serratia marcescens (Gen bank no. JQ807993) removed ~97% of the ClO4¯ using acetate as substrate (acetate/ClO4¯ ratio = 4). Subsequently, the MF and RO units removed ClO4¯ to <10 μg/L, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to <25 mg/L and Total Chemical Oxygen Demand (TCOD) to below detection Limit. The fouling associated with membranes was controlled (88–100%) through hourly manual backwashing with 2 L pure water at 25 L/h, and 60 psi, and forward flushing with 1 L pure water at 30 L/h and 3–5 psi for MF and RO units, respectively. The rejects and membrane wash water were also treated in the bioreactor, resulted in complete removal of ClO4¯ through this approach. This is the first report where biotreatment is adopted as a pre- and post-treatment to membrane process for removing ClO4¯, and this will find field application for treating ClO4¯ contaminated ground as well as surface water sources

Resurgence of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in patients recovered from COVID-19: An Indian perspective

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence, extent, clinical approach of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients recovered from COVID-19. Methods: The round table meetings (RTMs) and survey convened a diverse panel of specialists including cardiologists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, consultant physicians, and family physicians from various geographical zones of India. A standard questionnaire including 10 questions was developed pertaining to the resurgence of hypertension and CVD in patients recovered from COVID-19. The RTMs and survey were held virtually. The collected opinions and recommendations were compiled to derive a consensus document. Results: A stotal of 3066 health-care practitioners (HCPs) participated. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity in patients recovered from COVID-19 followed by diabetes, dyslipidemia, and coronary artery disease. Almost two-thirds of HCPs reported that 10%–30% newly diagnosed hypertension in patients recovered from COVID-19. Uncontrolled hypertension in 10-20% of COVID-19 recovered patients opined by 45% of the HCPs. About, 35% HCPs reported CV complications in 10-20% of Covid-19 recovered patients and 63% HCPs reported exacerbations of CAD in 10-30% of patients. Majority of HCPs preferred to switch to dual combination therapy from monotherapy for hypertension management (52.0%) and ARBs and its combination is most preferred combination for hypertension control (60%). Majority of the HCPs suggested follow-up after 1-2 weeks (39.0%). Close monitoring on symptoms including chest pain and breathlessness (45.0%), adherence to medication and regular monitoring of lab parameters (25%) is recommended for these patients. Conclusion: Overall observations indicate an increased incidence of hypertension and CVDs post recovery from COVID-19. A dual therapy of ARBs was the preferred choice for management of hypertension. Regular follow-up and close monitoring of symptoms to prevent further CV complications in COVID-19 recovered patients is recommended