Measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) using PIC 18F452 Microcontroller

The aim of the project was to design a microcontroller based automated Body Mass Index (BMI)calculator with LCD display, which calculates the body mass index using the two basic parameters that are weight and height. The hardware of the project consists of a weighing mechanism i.e. weighing machine, which is used to calculate the body weight of a person, and a height sensing mechanism i.e. LDR, which is use to calculate the height of a person. The weight of the person is calculated in Kilograms and the height in meters in accordance of the BMI standard formula [3]. The microcontroller based automated Body Mass Index calculator is a useful device when it comes to controlling your weight and maintaining a healthy life style. The calculated weight of the person through weighing machine, converts the mechanical force into electrical signals that can be easily obtain after processing through microcontroller. While the height of the person is calculated by the LDR , when dark light falls on it the resistance value decreases and we get high voltage at output. All this data is manipulated through microcontroller and then the result is displayed on the LCD display and a message is sent through GSM module to the person about his BMI and the suggestions related to it. DOI: 10.17762/ijritcc2321-8169.16049

Generation of hypoimmunogenic induced pluripotent stem cells by CRISPR-Cas9 system and detailed evaluation for clinical application

In order to expand the promise of regenerative medicine using allogeneic induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), precise and efficient genome editing of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes would be advantageous to minimize the immune rejection caused by mismatches of HLA type. However, clinical-grade genome editing of multiple HLA genes in human iPSC lines remains unexplored. Here, we optimized the protocol for good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to deplete the three gene locus (HLA-A, HLA-B, and CIITA genes) simultaneously in HLA homozygous iPSCs. The use of HLA homozygous iPSCs has one main advantage over heterozygous iPSCs for inducing biallelic knockout by a single gRNA. RNA-seq and flow cytometry analyses confirmed the successful depletion of HLAs, and lineage-specific differentiation into cardiomyocytes was verified. We also confirmed that the pluripotency of genome-edited iPSCs was successfully maintained by the three germ layers of differentiation. Moreover, whole-genome sequencing, karyotyping, and optical genome mapping analyses revealed no evident genomic abnormalities detected in some clones, whereas unexpected copy number losses, chromosomal translocations, and complex genomic rearrangements were observed in other clones. Our results indicate the importance of multidimensional analyses to ensure the safety and quality of the genome-edited cells. The manufacturing and assessment pipelines presented here will be the basis for clinical-grade genome editing of iPSCs

Notes on the life history of Aguna megacles megacles (Mabille, 1888) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Eudaminae) feeding on Bauhinia species in the State of Alagoas, Brazil

Eudaminae Mabille, 1877 (Hesperiidae), recognized as subfamily recently, is rich in Brazil. It is along the Neotropical Region where a significant part of the diversity is found, however, information that involves the biology of species is poorly yet. This paper gathers new bioecological data of an Aguna species from the municipality of Maceió (Alagoas, Brazil), close to the Environmental Protection Area of “Catolé” and “Fernão Velho”, a remnant of Atlantic Forest. Leaves containing eggs were collected in a peri-urban area (9° 33’ 26” S, 35° 46’ 36” W) and taken to laboratory to observe post-embryonic development. Larvae were also collected from another host plant in an intra-urban area (9° 39’ 40” S, 35° 41’ 58” W). The specimens were identified as Aguna megacles megacles (Mabille, 1888) and the two Fabaceae as Bauhinia pentandra (Bong.) D. Dietr. and Bauhinia monandra Kurz. from exsiccates deposited at the Herbarium. Rearing from the eggs collected on B. pentandra exposes a post-embryonic development that lasted 53.4 days for six larval instars individuals, and 46 days for the five larval instars specimen. The larvae built a shelter since the first instar and in laboratory conditions they preferred pupate on the base of the cage. This is the first report of development features for A. m. megacles, including six and five larval instars, as well as a new locality for the State of Alagoas, and two more host plants of Bauhinia suggesting specialist behavior.Eudaminae Mabille, 1877 (Hesperiidae), reconocida como subfamilia recientemente, es rica en especies en Brasil. A lo largo de la Región Neotropical es donde se encuentra gran parte de la diversidad, sin embargo, información que involucra la biología de las especies es poco conocida todavía. Este trabajo reúne nuevos datos bioecológicos de una especie de Aguna en el municipio de Maceió (Alagoas, Brasil), cerca del Área de Protección Ambiental de "Catolé" y "Fernão Velho", un remanente de Bosque Atlántico. Las hojas que contenían huevos se colectaron en un área periurbana (9° 33’ 26” S, 35° 46’ 36” W) y se llevaron al laboratorio para observar el desarrollo postembrionario. También se colectaron larvas de otra planta huésped en un área intraurbana (9° 39’ 40” S, 35° 41’ 58” W). Los especímenes fueron identificados como Aguna megacles megacles (Mabille, 1888) y las dos Fabaceae como Bauhinia pentandra (Bong.) D. Dietr. y Bauhinia monandra Kurz. desecados depositados en el Herbario. La cría a partir de los huevos colectados en B. pentandra expone un desarrollo post-embrionario de 53.4 días para seis estadios larvales y 46 días para el espécimen de cinco estadios larvales. Las larvas construyeron un refugio desde el primer estadio y en condiciones de laboratorio la pupa prefirió la base de la jaula. Este es el primer informe de características de desarrollo para A. m. megacles, incluye seis y cinco estadios larvales, así como una nueva localidad para el Estado de Alagoas, y dos plantas huésped más de Bauhinia que sugieren un comportamiento especialista

A differentially expressed murine RNA encoding a protein with similarities to two types of nucleic acid binding motifs.

Using differential screening, a murine cDNA, termed X16, was isolated corresponding to an mRNA which is more strongly expressed in pre-B cell lines relative to mature B-cell lines. The complete coding sequence of the mRNA predicts a 19kD protein with two domains connected by a proline-rich spacer. The N-terminal domain of about 90 amino acids encodes an RNA binding motif including the ribonucleoprotein consensus octapeptide found in one class of RNA-binding proteins and highly conserved from yeast to man. Within the very basic C-terminal domain of about 60 amino acids, several copies of two different peptides are found which are also present in several proteins which bind DNA or RNA. The expression of X16 is not limited to the lymphoid lineage. In adult mice, although the strongest expression was seen in thymus, mRNA was also found in testis, brain, spleen, and very low in heart. X16 mRNA was not detected in liver and kidney. In tissue culture, the expression of X16 mRNA can be induced by serum. The conserved protein motifs and expression pattern suggest that X16 could be involved in RNA processing correlating with cellular proliferation