High affinity uptake of L-glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid in Drosophila melanogaster

Preparations having properties resembling those of synaptosomes have been isolated from whole fly homogenates of Drosophila melanogaster using ficoll gradient floatation technique. These have been characterized by marker enzymes and electron microscopy and binding of muscarinic antagenist 3H Quinuclidinyl benzilate. An uptake system for neurotransmitter, a-Aminobutyric acid has been demonstrated in these preparations. A high affinity uptake system for L-glutamate has also been studied in these subcellular fractions. This uptake of glutamate is transport into an osmotically sensitive compartment and not due to binding of glutamate to membrane components. The transport of glutamate has an obligatory requirements for either sodium or potassium ions. Kinetic experiments show that two transport systems, with Km values 0.33×10-6M and 2.0×10-6, respectively, function in the accumulation of glutamate. ATP stimulates lower affinity transport of glutamate. Inhibition of glutamate uptake by L-aspartate but not by phenylalanine and tyrosine indicates that a common carrier mediates the transport of both glutamate and aspartate. β-N-oxalyl-L-β β-diamino propionic acid and kainic acid, both inhibitors of glutamate transport in mammalian brain preparations, strongly inhibited transport of glutamate in Drosophila preparations Comparison with uptake of a-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in isolated larval brain is presented to show that the synaptosome-like preparations we have isolated are rich in central nervous system derived structures, and presynaptic endings from neuromuscular junctions

How general practitioners and patients discuss type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases concerns during consultations: Implications for digital health

Objective: To analyse general practitioner–patient consultations about type 2 diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases and describe (i) the nature of self-management discussions; (ii) actions required from patients during and after consultation regarding self-management; and (iii) implications for digital health to support patients during (and after) consultation. Method: This study screened 281 general practitioner consultations conducted in 2017 within the UK general practice setting from an existing dataset containing videos and transcripts of consultations between GPs and patients. Secondary analysis was conducted using a multi-method approach, including descriptive, content, and visualisation analysis, to inform the nature of self-management discussions, what actions are required from patients, and whether digital technology was mentioned during the consultation to support self-management. Results: Analysis of eligible 19 consultations revealed a discord between what self-management actions are required of patients during and after consultations. Lifestyle discussions are often discussed in depth, but these discussions rely heavily on subjective inquiry and recall. Some patients in these cohorts are overwhelmed by self-management, to the detriment of their personal health. Digital support for self-management was not a major topic of discussion, however, we identified a number of emergent gaps where digital technology can support self-management concerns. Conclusion: There is potential for digital technology to reconcile what actions are required of patients during and after consultations. Furthermore, a number of emergent themes around self-management have implications for digitalisation

Trypan Blue Dye Enters Viable Cells Incubated with the Pore-Forming Toxin HlyII of Bacillus cereus

Trypan blue is a dye that has been widely used for selective staining of dead tissues or cells. Here, we show that the pore-forming toxin HlyII of Bacillus cereus allows trypan blue staining of macrophage cells, despite the cells remaining viable and metabolically active. These findings suggest that the dye enters viable cells through the pores. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that trypan blue may enter viable cells. Consequently, the use of trypan blue staining as a marker of vital status should be interpreted with caution. The blue coloration does not necessarily indicate cell lysis, but may rather indicate pore formation in the cell membranes and more generally increased membrane permeability

Potential of farm level rainwater harvesting for enhancing resilience of dryland farming systems in India

The farm level rainwater harvesting which has huge potential for enhancing dryland farming systems resilience is yet to be fully harnessed. Here we have assessed the performance of small rainwater harvesting structures in different five rainfed agro-ecologies in India. Further we have taken a case of the state of Telangana in India and mapped the potential for context specific scaling up of rainwater harvesting through farm ponds at mandal (sub-district) level. The study uses farm level primary data on investments, water use, yield impacts and additional net returns due to farm ponds; perceptions of multiple stakeholders and results of experimental on-farm trials on use of harvested rainwater. The ex-ante study to assess the potential for scaling up farm ponds in the whole Telangana state uses eight years district level yield data of major crops from 2007 to 2015. The technical coefficients representing impact of supplemental/lifesaving irrigation through farm ponds were arrived at based on our above case study in five regions, published literature and stakeholders consultations. Accounting for differential benefits of farm ponds under different rainfall situations, we have used the average rate of additional net returns due to farm pond over the period from 2008 to 2105 considering normal, mild drought, drought and excess rainfall years. Stakeholders’ consultation with participation from each district of Telangana state was organized to understand the perceptions and preferences of farmers in different regions of the state. The farmers cultivating less than 2 hectares of land were reluctant to adopt the farm ponds, hence only 5% of such landholders were assumed to be the potential adopters of rainwater harvesting structures. The harvested rainwater in five different regions representing Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Rajasthan was used for supplemental irrigation and recharging open-wells. In many instances, the rainwater harvesting through farm ponds significantly increased crop yields and had a multiplier effect on farm income under rainfed situation, but in some cases it was perceived by farmers as a waste of resources. Increased access to cash and fodder triggered an increase in income from livestock in some cases. The supplemental irrigation across case studies in the different regions resulted in a significant increase in crop yields (12 to 72 %) and cropping intensity as well as diversification into fruits and fodder production and in few cases aquaculture. The additional net returns due to farm ponds were estimated to be between US$ 120 and 320 structure-1 annum-1. The ex-ante analysis at mandal level in Telangana state indicated that one-fifth of the mandals in the state have potential to create more than 500 farm ponds in each to enhance farming systems resilience and income. We also mapped those one third of the mandals which do not need any farm pond to be created. A few mandals have very high potential with a scope for constructing more than 1000 farm ponds in each. The functional analysis highlighted the technical, capital, social and extension related determinants of adoption of farm ponds. Ex-post impact assessment of farm pond in different regions of India establishes their usefulness and the ex-ante analysis maps out its potential at mandal level in the Telangana state would contribute in prioritizing and better targeting of investments for scaling up of farm level rainwater harvesting in the rainfed regions

Sensitivity of Livestock Production to Climatic Variability Under Indian Drylands and Future Perspective

The livestock production system is considered equally sensitive to climate change as that of core agriculture system and at the same time livestock itself is also contributing to the phenomenon. The present paper attempts to analyze the sensitivity of livestock productivity in rainfed regions to climatic variability, significance of climate change with respect to Indian livestock and mitigation options and leverage points in such a scenario. The sensitively of livestock productivity was examined by using district level data of milk productivity of cow as well as buffalo for the year 1992 and 1997 for 100 districts which was regressed on important weather variables. The analysis shows that weather variables like rainfall and temperature do significantly influence the milk productivity of animals in rainfed regions. Increased climatic variability due to changing climate is likely to negatively influence the livestock productivity. Based on analysis and stakeholders consultation the paper suggests appropriate adaptation strategies particularly focusing on mitigating feed scarcity situations arising due to climatic variability

Economic impact of improved pearl millet production technology in resource-poor rainfed areas of Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh

Five on-farm trials in Karivemula and Devanakonda watersheds of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India, demonstrated the economic viability of improved production technologies for pearl millet. The package included improved cultivar (ICTP 8203), seed rate of 4.0 kg/ha, seed treatment with thiram (3 g per kg of seed), and fertilizer dose of 60 kg N per ha and 30 kg P2O5 per ha

Improved production technology in rainfed groundnut helps reap rich benefits by resource-poor farmers of Andhra Pradesh.

Thirty on-farm trials were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2002 and 2003 in the drought-prone districts of Andhra Pradesh, India, to demonstrate the beneficial effects of improved groundnut production technologies. Improved production technologies gave higher yields at all the locations. The pod yield was 1.22 t/ha in 2002 and 1.64 t/ha in 2003 compared to 0.77 t/ha and 1.02 t/ha, respectively, with farmers' practice. The additional mean cost incurred in the improved package was US$25 (1 US$=Rs 45) compared to an increased mean income of US$158 with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.6

Migration/mobility and vulnerability to HIV among male migrant workers: Karnataka 2007-08

The present study was undertaken by the Population Council and the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust to study the patterns and factors driving migration among men and the extent to which they engage in high-risk activities associated with HIV. The specific objectives of the study were: to understand the patterns and factors driving the migration of men seeking work in the state of Karnataka; to describe the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations among migrant men; and to examine the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among the subpopulations of migrant men, with an emphasis on their mobility as one possible factor. Results suggest no relationship between degree of mobility and risky sexual behaviors among the migrants surveyed, and no systematic pattern of a relationship between condom use with the various types of sex partners and degree of mobility, indicating the need for HIV-prevention initiatives in their home areas as well as in their work destinations. Future research is needed to improve understanding of the behavior of men working in specific occupational groups in terms of their sexual networks and HIV-prevention needs