An Evaluation Of Endocrine Disrupting Effects Of Emerging Contaminants Using Daphnia Pulex And Danio Rerio

The limit of the availability of water is based on two factors, scarcity and quality. Conserving and protecting our water resources one of the most critical issues facing humanity as we struggle to deal with contaminated lakes and rivers and climate change. The main aim of this study is to examine toxicity of known water contaminants on aquatic model organisms and be able to develop methodology that will enable the characterization of endocrine disrupting potential of water samples with unknown contaminants. Both the category of water contaminants known as pharmaceuticals, personal care products that are known as PPCPs and other non-PPCP contaminants such as pesticides, plasticizers, flame retardants, combustion products, and herbicides are being detected in surface water and ground water. Some of the main sources of these contaminants are agricultural runoff, industrial sources and wastewater effluent. These compounds can be found in very low concentrations and may alter the physiological processes and have long term developmental impacts when animals are exposed. This exposure can alter the endocrine system, and may also be associated with other toxic properties (e.g., neurotoxic). The contaminants found to alter endocrine function have become known as endocrine disrupting chemicals. There is evidence of EDC activity on wildlife and increasing concern about EDC effects on humans. Some of the best evidence to date for EDC activity suggests that there is significant estrogenic and ant-androgenic activity in some of our surface water, especially downstream from wastewater effluent outflows. This study is part of a large EDC project that focuses on the behavioral effects of EDCs as one part of a triad of behavioral assays to characterize estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity in water. The overall goal for the EDC project is to develop a mathematical model for estimating the estrogenicity and anti-androgenic properties of contaminants contributing to EDC – like activity in water. The hypothesis is that known or suspected EDCs have detectable behavioral effects, and that the characterization of these behavioral effects in combination with developmental and gene expression data will provide a mathematical model that enables the identification of chemicals contributing to the estrogenicity or ant-androgenic qualities of contaminated water. Two model organisms, Daphnia pulex and Danio rerio, used to evaluate the sub-lethal effects of the chemicals known or suspected to be EDCs. The behavioral assay evaluated the swimming behavior of these aquatic animals using a novel optical tracking system and measured the maximum distance travelled (mm) and mean change in angle (degrees) over a 24-hour period of exposure. This series of experiments has demonstrated significant concentration-dependent differences in responses across the series of chemicals, between species for a given chemical (chlorpyrifos, atrazine), and similarities in response to a chemical by both species (dieldrin)

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS REGARDING METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS COMPONENTS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness about metabolic syndrome (Met S) and its components among the 1st year physiotherapy students and also the difference in the level of knowledge and awareness among male and female students. Methods: A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of 90 questions about components of Met S was distributed among 38 students studying 1st year physiotherapy at Apollo College of Physiotherapy, Hyderabad, after obtaining a written consent from them. The data extracted were tabulated, statistically analyzed and results were obtained. Results: Physiotherapy students have good knowledge about types and causes of diabetes and poor knowledge about symptoms, biochemical process, and complications of Met S. They expressed poor knowledge to understand the link between hypertension and pregnancy. They could understand the role of hereditary factors only in diabetes but not in other components. Conclusion: Met S is a common disorder in the society; therefore, the awareness should be raised among the student population and as paramedics, it is their responsibility to communicate with the public about the risk factors and complications associated with it and counsel them to adopt a healthy lifestyle to protect themselves from the complications

RNA Sequencing, Selection of Reference Genes and Demonstration of Feeding RNAi in \u3cem\u3eThrips tabaci\u3c/em\u3e (Lind.) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Background: Thrips tabaci is a severe pest of onion and cotton. Due to lack of information on its genome or transcriptome, not much is known about this insect at the molecular level. To initiate molecular studies in this insect, RNA was sequenced; de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis were performed. The RNAseq data was used to identify reference and RNAi pathway genes in this insect. Additionally, feeding RNAi was demonstrated in T. tabaci for the first time. Results: From the assembled transcriptome, 27,836 coding sequence (CDS) with an average size of 1236 bp per CDS were identified. About 85.4% of CDS identified showed positive Blast hits. The homologs of most of the core RNAi machinery genes were identified in this transcriptome. To select reference genes for reverse-transcriptase real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) experiments, 14 housekeeping genes were identified in the transcriptome and their expression was analyzed by (RT-qPCR). UbiCE in adult, 28s in nymphs and SOD under starvation stress were identified as the most stable reference genes for RT-qPCR. Feeding dsSNF7 and dsAQP caused 16.4- and 14.47-fold reduction in SNF7 and AQP mRNA levels respectively, when compared to their levels in dsGFP fed control insects. Feeding dsSNF7 or dsAQP also caused 62 and 72% mortality in T. tabaci. Interestingly, simultaneous feeding of dsRNAs targeting SNF7 or AQP and one of the RNAi pathway genes (Dicer-2/Aubergine/Staufen) resulted in a significant reduction in RNAi of target genes. These data suggest the existence of robust RNAi machinery in T. tabaci. Conclusion: The current research is the first report of the assembled, analyzed and annotated RNAseq resource for T. tabaci, which may be used for future molecular studies in this insect. Reference genes validated across stages and starvation stress provides first-hand information on stable genes in T. tabaci. The information on RNAi machinery genes and significant knockdown of the target gene through dsRNA feeding in synthetic diet confirms the presence of efficient RNAi in this insect. These data provide a solid foundation for further research on developing RNAi as a method to manage this pest

One Complete and Seven Draft Genome Sequences of Subdivision 1 and 3 Acidobacteria Isolated from Soil.

We report eight genomes from representatives of the phylum Acidobacteria subdivisions 1 and 3, isolated from soils. The genome sizes range from 4.9 to 6.7 Mb. Genomic analysis reveals putative genes for low- and high-affinity respiratory oxygen reductases, high-affinity hydrogenases, and the capacity to use a diverse collection of carbohydrates

Draft Genome Sequence of Frankia Strain G2, a Nitrogen-Fixing Actinobacterium Isolated from Casuarina equisetifolia and Able To Nodulate Actinorhizal Plants of the Order Rhamnales

Frankia sp. strain G2 was originally isolated from Casuarina equisetifolia and is characterized by its ability to nodulate actinorhizal plants of the Rhamnales order, but not its original host. It represents one of the largest Frankia genomes so far sequenced (9.5 Mbp)

Histological Transformation to Gliosarcoma With Combined BRAF/MEK Inhibition in BRAF V600E Mutated Glioblastoma

The identification of BRAF V600 mutation in multiple cancers beyond melanoma and the development of combined BRAF and MEK targeting agents have altered the landscape of tissue-agnostic precision oncology therapies with an impact on survival outcomes. Despite initial efficacy, resistance emerges, and it is pertinent to identify putative resistance mechanisms. We report a case of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) harboring BRAF V600E alteration who initially responded to combined BRAF + MEK inhibition and subsequently developed treatment resistance by histological transformation to gliosarcoma and acquisition of oncogenic KRAS G12D and an NF1 L1083R mutation. This documented case represents an initial evidence of a developing phenomenon in cancer research as it provides the first evidence of an emergent KRAS G12D/NF1 L1083R aberration with histological transformation occurring concurrently with primary BRAF V600E-altered glioblastoma as a previously unrecognized acquired mechanism of resistance in the setting of combined BRAF and MEK inhibition. This novel finding not only sheds new light on the RAS/MAPK pathway but also highlights the potential for morphological transformation to gliosarcoma, underscoring the critical need for further investigation in this area

Metatranscriptomic Sequencing of a Cyanobacterial Soil-Surface Consortium with and without a Diverse Underlying Soil Microbiome.

Soil surface consortia are easily observed and sampled, allowing examination of their interactions with soil microbiomes. Here, we present metatranscriptomic sequences from Dark Green 1 (DG1), a cyanobacterium-based soil surface consortium, in the presence and absence of an underlying soil microbiome and/or urea

Trends in matriculation from neurological surgery training programs into academic versus private practice

OBJECTIVE: A career in academic neurosurgery is an arduous endeavor. Specific factors influencing physician practice preferences remain unclear. This study analyzes data from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons membership identifying the impact of several demographic and educational characteristics influencing neurosurgical career choices centered on academia, private practice, or a combination in the United States. METHODS: A list of all current neurosurgeons was obtained from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons membership, and information on physician characteristics was collected via internet searches and institutional databases. The practice type of all neurosurgeons considered in this study were categorized as follows: private practice, academic, or a combination of private practice and academic, termed privademic. These data were subsequently correlated to race, gender, current age, training at a top 40 National Institutes of Health-funded medical school or residency program, and current practice. RESULTS: The median age of private practice and academic neurosurgeons was 58.18 and 53.61 years, respectively (P \u3c 0.001). Age was significantly associated with practicing in an academic setting (odds ratio 0.96), with younger neurosurgeons pursuing careers in academia. Data indicated a positive and statistically significant contribution of female gender (P \u3c 0.001) and training at a top-40 National Institutes of Health-funded institution to practicing in an academic setting (P \u3c 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgery as a field has grown significantly over the past century. The authors recommend that future efforts seek to diversify the neurosurgical workforce by considering practice setting, demographic characteristics, and educational background

Correlation of current-voltage-temperature analysis with deep level defects in epitaxial GaN films

The effect of temperature on the nature of metal-semiconductor system in a Au contact deposited on c-plane and a-plane GaN film was investigated by current-voltage (I-V) measurements. The I-V measurements have been obtained systematically at different temperatures ranging from room temperature (300 K) to low temperature (78 K). Photoluminescence measurements were obtained to investigate correlation between the growth conditions, the substrate used for the growth of GaN film, and the presence of deep level defects therein by equating with the yellow band luminescence. The resistance-voltage-temperature analysis indicates that a gradual shift of the nature of contact towards Schottky behavior takes place while moving from room temperature to low temperature. Additionally, memory effect like aberration is present at low temperature, which can be attributed to the presence of deep-level defects and carrier recombination therein

Covid-19 and Tobacco Cessation:Lessons from India

OBJECTIVES: The Government of India prohibited the sale of tobacco products during the COVID-19 lockdown to prevent spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study assessed the tobacco cessation behaviour and its predictors among adult tobacco users during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period in India. STUDY DESIGN: : Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 801 adult tobacco users (both smoking and smokeless tobacco) in two urban metropolitan cities of India over a 2-month period (July–August 2020). The study assessed complete tobacco cessation and quit attempts during the lockdown period. Logistic and negative binomial regression models were used to study correlates of tobacco cessation and quit attempts, respectively. RESULTS: In total, 90 (11.3%) tobacco users reported that they had quit using tobacco after the COVID-19 lockdown period. Overall, a median of two quit attempts (interquartile range [IQR] 0–6) were made by tobacco users. Participants with good knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco use and COVID-19 were significantly more likely to quit tobacco use (odds ratio [OR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.0) and reported more quit attempts (incidence risk ratio [IRR] 5.7; 95% CI 2.8-11.8] compared with those with poor knowledge. Participants who had access to tobacco products were less likely to quit tobacco use compared with those who had no access (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.2–0.5]. CONCLUSIONS: Access restrictions and correct knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco use and COVID-19 can play an important role in creating a conducive environment for tobacco cessation among users