Identification of stable endogenous reference genes for real-time PCR in the human fetal gonad using an external standard technique

Peer reviewedPostprin

Size-Dependent Diffusion of Dextrans in Excised Porcine Corneal Stroma

Delivery of therapeutic agents to the eye requires efficient transport through cellular and extracellular barriers. We evaluated the rate of diffusive transport in excised porcine corneal stroma using fluorescently labeled dextran molecules with hydrodynamic radii ranging from 1.3 to 34 nm. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to measure diffusion coefficients of dextran molecules in the excised porcine corneal stroma. The preferential sensitivity of FCS to diffusion along two dimensions was used to differentially probe diffusion along the directions parallel to and perpendicular to the collagen lamellae of the corneal stroma. In order to develop an understanding of how size affects diffusion in cornea, diffusion coefficients in cornea were compared to diffusion coefficients measured in a simple buffer solution. Dextran molecules diffuse more slowly in cornea as compared to buffer solution. The reduction in diffusion coefficient is modest however (67% smaller), and is uniform over the range of sizes that we measured. This indicates that, for dextrans in the 1.3 to 34 nm range, the diffusion landscape of corneal stroma can be represented as a simple liquid with a viscosity approximately 1.5 times that of water. Diffusion coefficients measured parallel vs. perpendicular to the collagen lamellae were indistinguishable. This indicates that diffusion in the corneal stroma is not highly anisotropic. Our results support the notion that the corneal stroma is highly permeable and isotropic to transport of hydrophilic molecules and particles with hydrodynamic radii up to at least 34 nm

Challenges in Tea Plantation-Based Small Community Water Safety Plan Implementation – A Sri Lankan Experience

This paper presents the challenges and scientific approach adopted to overcome those challenges for Rural WSP (RWSP) implementation for the water supply schemes (WSS) in the Sri Lankan Tea Plantation sector. Factors positively and negatively impacting WSP implementation were identified through a SWOT analysis. Pooled response of the Likert scale survey of WSP team members to evaluate the impact of each contributing factor. A Spearman correlation was conducted to evaluate the correlations. Survey results confirmed that top management engagement, availability of financial resources, organizational structure, clustered community, government regulations, quality certifications, and similar cultural practices positively impact the success of WSP implementation. Poor community awareness, learning culture, communication barriers, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, inadequate stakeholder relationships, inadequate resources, skills, and lack of accountability were the factors hindering the WSP implementation. Correlation analysis showed specific relationships namely, lack of accountability with inadequate resources and skills, availability of financial support with inadequate resources and skills, and lack of awareness with a lack of resources and skills. Converting the negative factors to positive ones will make the WSP application successful in another similar plantation-based WSS. The major lesson from this intrinsic research study is that socioeconomic and cultural factors in the tea plantation are equally important as the typical technical aspects of the WSP

Environmental Preferences of Yellowfin Tuna in the North East Indian Ocean: An Application of Satellite Data to Longline Catches

Abstract: Development of state-of-the-art methodologies to minimise search time and to increase the fishing efficiency of high seas fishery are vital for fishing success. It, minimise the operational cost as well as fishing duration that save the fish quality. Understanding of the ocean environment and their preferences of Yellowfin Tuna (YFT) are important aspect to addresses the fishing uncertainty thereby ensuring the expected catch during a short period of time. Environmental parameters such as temperature, chlorophyll and dynamic height of the sea surface were obtained from remote sensing satellites and a YFT catch dataset was obtained from Sri Lankan longliners. The results of the data analyses have shown that the relationships between oceanographic parameters and YFT catch rates were found significant. These relations are capable of predicting fishable aggregations of YFT using near-real time satellite observations. High frequencies of YFT catches were found in the areas where Sea Surface Temperature (SST) varied primarily between 28-30C. The corresponding Sea Surface Heights (SSH) ranged from 205-215 cm and Sea Surface Clorophyll_a (SSC) concentration ranged from 0.1-0.4 mg/m 3 . The relationships between catch rates and the three environmental variables have been tested with the Empirical Cumulative Distribution Function (ECDF). The degrees of differences between the ECDF and catch-weighted cumulative distributions of the three variables are statistically significant (p<0.01). The strongest association showed between catch rates and SSC while SSH showed the lowest. The results obtained from a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) have shown that the space-time factor is well above the ocean environmental factors and the oceanographic factors are also in significant levels (p<0.05). Therefore, the migratory pathway is an essential factor in predicting YFT inhabitants in the northeast Indian Ocean

The Alzheimer's β-secretase enzyme BACE1 is required for accurate axon guidance of olfactory sensory neurons and normal glomerulus formation in the olfactory bulb

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The β-secretase, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), is a prime therapeutic target for lowering cerebral β-amyloid (Aβ) levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinical development of BACE1 inhibitors is being intensely pursued. However, little is known about the physiological functions of BACE1, and the possibility exists that BACE1 inhibition may cause mechanism-based side effects. Indeed, BACE1^-/-mice exhibit a complex neurological phenotype. Interestingly, BACE1 co-localizes with presynaptic neuronal markers, indicating a role in axons and/or terminals. Moreover, recent studies suggest axon guidance molecules are potential BACE1 substrates. Here, we used a genetic approach to investigate the function of BACE1 in axon guidance of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), a well-studied model of axon targeting <it>in vivo</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We bred BACE1^-/-mice with gene-targeted mice in which GFP is expressed from the loci of two odorant-receptors (ORs), MOR23 and M72, and olfactory marker protein (OMP) to produce offspring that were heterozygous for MOR23-GFP, M72-GFP, or OMP-GFP and were either BACE1^+/+or BACE1^-/-. BACE1^-/-mice had olfactory bulbs (OBs) that were smaller and weighed less than OBs of BACE1^+/+mice. In wild-type mice, BACE1 was present in OSN axon terminals in OB glomeruli. In whole-mount preparations and tissue sections, many OB glomeruli from OMP-GFP; BACE1^-/-mice were malformed compared to wild-type glomeruli. MOR23-GFP; BACE1^-/-mice had an irregular MOR23 glomerulus that was innervated by randomly oriented, poorly fasciculated OSN axons compared to BACE1^+/+mice. Most importantly, M72-GFP; BACE1^-/-mice exhibited M72 OSN axons that were mis-targeted to ectopic glomeruli, indicating impaired axon guidance in BACE1^-/-mice.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results demonstrate that BACE1 is required for the accurate targeting of OSN axons and the proper formation of glomeruli in the OB, suggesting a role for BACE1 in axon guidance. OSNs continually undergo regeneration and hence require ongoing axon guidance. Neurogenesis and the regeneration of neurons and axons occur in other adult populations of peripheral and central neurons that also require axon guidance throughout life. Therefore, BACE1 inhibitors under development for the treatment of AD may potentially cause axon targeting defects in these neuronal populations as well.</p

Municipal solid waste biochar-bentonite composite for the removal of antibiotic ciprofloxacin from aqueous media

This study investigates the adsorption of ciprofloxacin (CPX) onto a municipal solid waste derived biochar (MSW-BC) and a composite material developed by combining the biochar with bentonite clay. A bentonite-MSW slurry was first prepared at 1:5 ratio (w/w), and then pyrolyzed at 450 °C for 30 min. The composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy before and after CPX adsorption. Batch experiments were conducted to assess the effect of pH, reaction time and adsorbate dosage. The SEM images confirmed successful modification of the biochar with bentonite showing plate like structures. The PXRD patterns showed changes in the crystalline lattice of both MSW-BC and the composite before and after CPX adsorption whereas the FTIR spectra indicated merging and widening of specific bands after CPX adsorption. The optimum CPX adsorption was achieved at pH 6, and the maximum adsorption capacity of the composite calculated via isotherm modeling was 190 mg/g, which was about 40% higher than the pristine MSW-BC. The Hill isotherm model along with pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic models showed the best fit to the adsorption data. The most plausible mechanism for increased adsorption capacity is the increased active sites of the composites for CPX adsorption through induced electrostatic interactions between the functional groups of the composite and CPX molecules. The added reactive surfaces in the composite because of bentonite incorporation, and the intercalation of CPX in the clay interlayers improved the adsorption of CPX by the biochar-bentonite composite compared to the pristine biochar. Thus, MSW-BC-bentonite composites could be considered as a potential material for remediating pharmaceuticals in aqueous media

Balancing Profit and Morality: Confucian Insights into Financial Management and Corporate Governance

This study explores the integration of Confucian principles in modern financial management and corporate governance, offering a nuanced perspective on how ancient philosophical wisdom can inform contemporary business practices. By analyzing seminal Confucian texts and reviewing current literature, this research illuminates the alignment between Confucian ethics and ethical business conduct, emphasizing a balance between financial success and societal welfare. The findings reveal that Confucianism, with its core values of Ren (compassion), Yi (righteousness), and Li (propriety), advocates for a holistic approach to business. This approach prioritizes long-term societal benefits and ethical decision-making over immediate financial gains. The study contrasts and compares Confucian perspectives with modern financial theories, highlighting the relevance and applicability of Confucian ethics in today's business world. In financial management, Confucian principles encourage prudent investment strategies and respectful stakeholder relationships, aligning with aspects of portfolio theory and wealth maximization but with an added ethical dimension. In corporate governance, Confucianism promotes leadership based on moral integrity, advocating for a governance model that values trust, mutual respect, and social responsibility. This research contributes to the understanding of how traditional philosophical systems like Confucianism can complement and enrich modern business practices. DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v09i02.0

Use of electromyography to detect muscle exhaustion in finishing barrows fed ractopamine HCl

Citation: Noel, J. A., Broxterman, R. M., McCoy, G. M., Craig, J. C., Phelps, K. J., Burnett, D. D., . . . Gonzalez, J. M. (2016). Use of electromyography to detect muscle exhaustion in finishing barrows fed ractopamine HCl. Journal of Animal Science, 94(6), 2344-2356. doi:10.2527/jas2016-0398The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of dietary ractopamine HCl (RAC) on muscle fiber characteristics and electromyography (EMG) measures of finishing barrow exhaustion when barrows were subjected to increased levels of activity. Barrows (n = 34; 92 +/- 2 kg initial BW) were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: a conventional swine finishing diet containing 0 mg/kg ractopamine HCl (CON) or a diet formulated to meet the requirements of finishing barrows fed 10 mg/kg RAC (RAC+). After 32 d on feed, barrows were individually moved around a track at 0.79 m/s until subjectively exhausted. Wireless EMG sensors were affixed to the deltoideus (DT), triceps brachii lateral head (TLH), tensor fasciae latae (TFL), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles to measure median power frequency (MdPF) and root mean square (RMS) as indicators of action potential conduction velocity and muscle fiber recruitment, respectively. After harvest, samples of each muscle were collected for fiber type, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and capillary density analysis. Speed was not different (P = 0.82) between treatments, but RAC+ barrows reached subjective exhaustion earlier and covered less distance than CON barrows (P 0.29). There was a treatment x muscle interaction (P = 0.04) for end-point RMS values. The RAC diet did not change end-point RMS values in the DT or TLH (P > 0.37); however, the diet tended to decrease and increase end-point RMS in the ST and TFL, respectively (P 0.10). Muscles of RAC+ barrows tended to have less type I fibers and more capillaries per fiber (P < 0.07). Type I and IIA fibers of RAC+ barrows were larger (P < 0.07). Compared with all other muscles, the ST had more (P < 0.01) type IIB fibers and larger type I, IIA, and IIX fibers (P < 0.01). Type I, IIA, and IIX fibers of the ST also contained less SDH compared with the other muscles (P < 0.01). Barrows fed a RAC diet had increased time to subjective exhaustion due to loss of active muscle fibers in the ST, possibly due to fibers being larger and less oxidative in metabolism. Size increases in type I and IIA fibers with no change in oxidative capacity could also contribute to early exhaustion of RAC+ barrows. Overall, EMG technology can measure real-time muscle fiber loss to help explain subjective exhaustion in barrows