The interaction of chemicals isolated from municipal wastewater effluent with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) thyroid hormone receptors

The normal function of the thyroid hormone (TH) system is essential for growth, development and metabolism in humans as well as in other species. The action of TH is dependent on its binding to thyroid hormone receptors (THR) found in the cell nucleus. In some situations, chemicals with structural similarities to TH can bind to these receptors and disrupt their normal function. It has been previously demonstrated that environmental contaminants including, carbamazapine, nonlyphenol (NP), bisphenol A (BPA), and several others are able to bind to the THR as either agonists or antagonists and modulate downstream biochemical responses. Municipal wastewater effluent (MWWE) is a major source of these contaminants entering aquatic environments. Recently extracts of MWWE have been shown to contain chemicals that are capable of binding to THRs. However, MWWE is a complex mixture of chemicals and the specific chemicals have not been identified. In this thesis, a proof of concept was developed for using an Effects Directed Assessment (EDA) approach to isolate thyroid receptor active compounds in MWWE. An EDA is a technique created to extract and identify chemicals from complex mixtures, using various fractionation methods. Once these chemicals have been identified, they are further reviewed for biological relevance. A competitive binding assay for THR was developed and applied to determine the relative binding affinity of known environmental contaminants to THR. Nuclear thyroid hormone receptors were isolated from rainbow trout liver by differential centrifugation. This method involved liver tissue homogenization and subsequent centrifugations to separate the nuclear fraction containing the receptors. The binding characteristics of the isolated THR were evaluated using the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in a competitive binding assay. Minimal binding affinity was present in this assay and future studies should validate the assay further and assure that it is comparable to literature values. Environmental contaminants, including BPA, NP were also tested to determine their relative binding affinity to the THRs compared to the endogenous hormones. High concentrations of both BPA and NP bound to the thyroid hormone receptor, displacing radiolabeled T3 from its binding site. The rainbow trout competitive binding assay was also used to test the binding affinities of extracts from two municipal wastewater effluents collected in the Grand River watershed in southern Ontario. Effluents were extracted using a solid phase adsorbent (HLB Oasis cartridge), eluted with methanol, taken to dryness then reconstituted in ethanol for use in the assay. Both effluent extracts displaced the binding of radiolabeled T3 to the thyroid receptors. The studies demonstrate that a competitive THR assay can be used to detect chemicals in complex mixtures with the potential to interact with THRs. The next step should be to apply the assay using an EDA approach to isolate and identify specific chemicals in effluents that are not yet known to bind to the THR. Interference with the normal function of the TH system has the potential to disrupt normal growth, development and metabolism in aquatic organisms in the receiving environments

Caesarean Section on Maternal Request

Caesarean section on maternal request (CSMR) is performed in the absence of a standard medical/obstetrical indication in order to avoid vaginal delivery. Globally, there has been an upsurge in CS delivery, which necessitates the urgency to address maternal and foetal health implications, and long-term repercussions. Conceptually, the chapter aims to explore the determinants of increased CSMR, highlight its potential risks and benefits, and discuss the ethical, medico-legal concerns. Findings indicate that medical, psychological, psychosocial, economical, social and cultural determinants might serve as some of the potential influencing factors owing to this serious healthcare concern. Although CSMR has been linked to certain beneficial outcomes (e.g. reduced urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, reduced rate of PTSD and depression, and lesser intrapartum complications), it still imposes serious maternal (e.g. post-partum haemorrhage and infection, visceral damage, placenta accrete, placental abruption and complications in future pregnancy) and foetal adverse outcomes (stillbirth, asphyxia, respiratory distress and other pulmonary infections). Hence, future approaches and interventions should be directed towards mitigating clinically unrequired CS procedures due to medical malpractices, lack of awareness in women and the underlying determinants of elective CS

Comparative evaluation of anti microbial effects of triple antibiotic paste and amox and its derivatives against E. Faecalis : an in vitro study

Enterococcus faecalis is a microorganism commonly detected in asymptomatic, persistent endodontic infections. Triple antibiotic paste has stood the test of time as a proven antibiotic combination against E. Faecalis. However, problems with this include staining of teeth and standardization of the preparation. Thus, the search for better alternatives and better preparation techniques is still on. To observe the potential of combinations [(Amoxicillin+ Metronidazole, Amoxicillin Clavulanic Acid + Metronidazole; Amoxicillin and Cloxacillin + Metronidazole)] over Triple Antibiotic Paste. Fifty single rooted teeth free from dental caries were selected for the study. Teeth were cut at equal distance from root apex (13mm from apex) with sterile diamond disk and straight hand piece for standardization of root length. The opening of root canal was enlarged with engine driven pro-taper files. To remove the organic and inorganic debris, canal was cleaned with 17% EDTA followed by 2.5% NaOCl for 5min. Distilled water irrigation was done for 5 min to remove any traces of used chemical and then sterilized in autoclave at 1200c for 15 min. at 15 lbs pressure. Bacteria cultured on blood agar plate and at the same time fresh antibiotic combinations were made and placed in the root canals, then incubated in the incubator, under sterile conditions and observed at 24hrs, 48hr and 72hrs. The largest inhibition zones were observed for the Triple Antibiotic Paste, followed by Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid + Metronidazole group however, the clearest zones were achieved with Amoxicillin and Clavlunic acid + Metronidazole group and the smallest for Amoxicillin and Metronidazole group. The results suggest that though Triple antibiotic showed the maximum inhibition, Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid combination along with Metronidazole gave the most reliable results. Further studies using the different combinations and different concentrations along with different methods of increasing the shelf life of such medications can be undertaken

Clinically Evaluating The Level Of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha On Tissue Around Implant And Tooth

Background: Implant dentistry has become increasingly prevalent, with complications such as peri-implantitis posing challenges. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been implicated in the inflammatory response around dental implants, akin to its role in periodontal diseases. Evaluating TNF-α levels in peri-implant tissues compared to healthy tooth tissues could provide insights into the inflammatory environment and aid in clinical management. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 50 participants with dental implants and healthy adjacent teeth. Peri-implant mucosal samples and gingival tissue around healthy teeth were collected. TNF-α levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Statistical analysis was performed to compare TNF-α concentrations between peri-implant tissues and healthy tooth tissues. Results: The mean TNF-α level in peri-implant tissues was found to be 120 pg/mL (standard deviation ± 25 pg/mL), whereas in healthy tooth tissues, it was 60 pg/mL (standard deviation ± 15 pg/mL). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in TNF-α levels between peri-implant tissues and healthy tooth tissues. Conclusion: Elevated levels of TNF-α in peri-implant tissues suggest a heightened inflammatory response compared to healthy tooth tissues. This underscores the potential role of TNF-α in peri-implantitis pathogenesis and emphasizes the importance of monitoring inflammatory biomarkers for early detection and targeted intervention in implant dentistry

Evaluation of Lipase from an Indigenous Isolated Bacillus Strain for Biodiesel Production

Lipases are utilized in biodiesel production utilizing various types of substrates. The use of lipase in bioenergy production aims to reduce energy crises and environmental pollution. Lipase-producing indigenous bacteria Bacillus licheniformis (Accession no. OP56979) and Bacillus rugosus (Accession no. OP56980) were isolated from various oil-contaminated sites. The isolated potential lipolytic bacteria were screened for maximum lipase production. Then, the bacteria showing the highest lipolytic activity were subjected to identification using the 16s rRNA technique while other isolated were identified biochemically. Lipase [LipBL-WII(c)] from Bacillus licheniformis having the highest lipolytic activity expressed various characteristics. Characterization of crude LipBL-WII(c) expressed that it showed stability in a wide range of pH (4 to 10) with optimum lipolytic activity observed at pH 8. It was then found to be active at a temperature range from 20°C to 80°C with optimal at 50°C. Lipase activity was also stimulated in metal ions such as Ca+1, Mg2+, and Zn2+ the most. Furthermore, LipBL-WII(c) retained lipolytic activity in the presence of various organic solvents and surfactants. The kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) for LipBL-WII(c) were ascertained using Lineweaver- Burk plot. LipBL-WII(c) showed a potential for biodiesel production using olive oil as a source. Lipase gave 84% yield of biodiesel production from olive oil. Thus, it could be employed as a potential candidate for green biodiesel production using oil sources

Development and Validation of a Surgical Workload Measure: The Surgery Task Load Index (SURG-TLX)

Background: The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a multidimensional, surgery-specific workload measure (the SURG-TLX), and to determine its utility in providing diagnostic information about the impact of various sources of stress on the perceived demands of trained surgical operators. As a wide range of stressors have been identified for surgeons in the operating room, the current approach of considering stress as a unidimensional construct may not only limit the degree to which underlying mechanisms may be understood but also the degree to which training interventions may be successfully matched to particular sources of stress. Methods: The dimensions of the SURG-TLX were based on two current multidimensional workload measures and developed via focus group discussion. The six dimensions were defined as mental demands, physical demands, temporal demands, task complexity, situational stress, and distractions. Thirty novices were trained on the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) peg transfer task and then completed the task under various conditions designed to manipulate the degree and source of stress experienced: task novelty, physical fatigue, time pressure, evaluation apprehension, multitasking, and distraction. Results: The results were supportive of the discriminant sensitivity of the SURG-TLX to different sources of stress. The sub-factors loaded on the relevant stressors as hypothesized, although the evaluation pressure manipulation was not strong enough to cause a significant rise in situational stress. Conclusions: The present study provides support for the validity of the SURG-TLX instrument and also highlights the importance of considering how different stressors may load surgeons. Implications for categorizing the difficulty of certain procedures, the implementation of new technology in the operating room (man-machine interface issues), and the targeting of stress training strategies to the sources of demand are discussed. Modifications to the scale to enhance clinical utility are also suggested. © 2011 The Author(s).published_or_final_versionSpringer Open Choice, 21 Feb 201

The SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics' resources: focus on curated databases

The SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (www.isb-sib.ch) provides world-class bioinformatics databases, software tools, services and training to the international life science community in academia and industry. These solutions allow life scientists to turn the exponentially growing amount of data into knowledge. Here, we provide an overview of SIB's resources and competence areas, with a strong focus on curated databases and SIB's most popular and widely used resources. In particular, SIB's Bioinformatics resource portal ExPASy features over 150 resources, including UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot, ENZYME, PROSITE, neXtProt, STRING, UniCarbKB, SugarBindDB, SwissRegulon, EPD, arrayMap, Bgee, SWISS-MODEL Repository, OMA, OrthoDB and other databases, which are briefly described in this article

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Interfollicular Hodgkin's lymphoma: A diagnostic challenge for pathologists

Interfollicular Hodgkin's lymphoma (IFHL) is a rare pattern of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (CHL) showing reactive follicular hyperplasia with involvement of the interfollicular area by HL. Two cases are reported in this study having primary IFHL out of total of 500 cases of CHL reported at our center. Diagnosis of IFHL was made on the basis of morphological and immunohistochemical features. As they represent an early stage of the disease, their identification and awareness s very important to get proper treatment at its earliest. This variant is very unusual and is diagnostically challenging for pathologists