Identification of a putative germ plasm in the amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis

Background: Specification of the germ line is an essential event during the embryonic development of sexually reproducing animals, as germ line cells are uniquely capable of giving rise to the next generation. Animal germ cells arise through either inheritance of a specialized, maternally supplied cytoplasm called 'germ plasm’ or though inductive signaling by somatic cells. Our understanding of germ cell determination is based largely on a small number of model organisms. To better understand the evolution of germ cell specification, we are investigating this process in the amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis. Experimental evidence from previous studies demonstrated that Parhyale germ cells are specified through inheritance of a maternally supplied cytoplasmic determinant; however, this determinant has not been identified. Results: Here we show that the one-cell stage Parhyale embryo has a distinct cytoplasmic region that can be identified by morphology as well as the localization of germ line-associated RNAs. Removal of this cytoplasmic region results in a loss of embryonic germ cells, supporting the hypothesis that it is required for specification of the germ line. Surprisingly, we found that removal of this distinct cytoplasm also results in aberrant somatic cell behaviors, as embryos fail to gastrulate. Conclusions: Parhyale hawaiensis embryos have a specialized cytoplasm that is required for specification of the germ line. Our data provide the first functional evidence of a putative germ plasm in a crustacean and provide the basis for comparative functional analysis of germ plasm formation within non-insect arthropods

'ZP domain' of human zona pellucida glycoprotein-1 binds to human spermatozoa and induces acrosomal exocytosis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The human egg coat, zona pellucida (ZP), is composed of four glycoproteins designated as zona pellucida glycoprotein-1 (ZP1), -2 (ZP2), -3 (ZP3) and -4 (ZP4) respectively. The zona proteins possess the archetypal 'ZP domain', a signature domain comprised of approximately 260 amino acid (aa) residues. In the present manuscript, attempts have been made to delineate the functional significance of the 'ZP domain' module of human ZP1, corresponding to 273-551 aa fragment of human ZP1.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Baculovirus-expressed, nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography purified 'ZP domain' of human ZP1 was employed to assess its capability to bind and subsequently induce acrosomal exocytosis in capacitated human spermatozoa using tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate conjugated Pisum sativum Agglutinin in absence or presence of various pharmacological inhibitors. Binding characteristics of ZP1 'ZP domain' were assessed employing fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labelled recombinant protein.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>SDS-PAGE and immunoblot characterization of the purified recombinant protein (both from cell lysate as well as culture supernatant) revealed a doublet ranging from ~35-40 kDa. FITC- labelled 'ZP domain' of ZP1 binds primarily to the acrosomal cap of the capacitated human spermatozoa. A dose dependent increase in acrosomal exocytosis was observed when capacitated sperm were incubated with recombinant 'ZP domain' of human ZP1. The acrosome reaction mediated by recombinant protein was independent of Gi protein-coupled receptor pathway, required extra cellular calcium and involved both T- and L-type voltage operated calcium channels.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Results described in the present study suggest that the 'ZP domain' module of human ZP1 has functional activity and may have a role during fertilization in humans.</p

Tubo-ovarain abscess in patient with ovarian endometriosis

Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is a sequela of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) found in 15-34% of patients, is comprised of an infectious, inflammatory complex encompassing the fallopian tube and ovary. We are presenting a case of TOA with endometriosis in a patient who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathological findings were compatible with endometriosis with xanthogranulomatous salpingitis and oophoritis. In our patient there was no history of any chronic infection, gynecological procedures or intra uterine device and single partner. The purpose of this case is to make aware of this condition and requirement of further studies to investigate the risk of TOA in patients with endometriosis to find out the exact cause to prevent unnecessary surgery at later stage

A study to determine socio demographic corelates of reproductive tract infection amongst women of reproductive age group

Background: Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is a public health problem, especially in developing country like India. The associated odium with this reproductive morbidity is often a stumbling block in seeking health care. The aim was to study the prevalence of RTI symptoms and its socio-demographic corelates.Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the rural field practice area of department of community medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, from July 2018 to September 2018. Total sample size calculated was 410. Random sampling was used to select eligible couple to whom a predesigned, pretested, semi-structured and anonymous interview schedule was administered after taking consent.Results: The prevalence of self-reported reproductive tract infections was found to be 41.2%. The prevalence was more in lower socio-economic classes, and it was statistically significant. Other socio-demographic corelates (age, education, occupation) did not showed any significant association.Conclusions: The reproductive tract infections prevalence is found to be considerably high in the women of reproductive age group. The frequency was higher among multigravida women and those using cloth during menstrual periods. RTIs are usually spurned by women and even the health care providers, so there is a need to give due consideration to this aspect of reproductive health

Occupational Exposure to Needle Stick Injuries among Health Care Workers in a Tertiary care hospital: A KAP study

Background: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are serious occupational health problem related to accidental exposure of health care workers (HCWs) while involved in patient care services. The percutaneous exposure to potentially contaminated blood and body fluids with blood borne pathogens are responsible for significant prevalence of Hepatitis B, C &amp; HIV infections amongst HCWs. Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted in hospital settings over a period of one year. 178 HCWs were selected for study using systematic random sampling after proportional allocation for each professional category in the hospital. Collected data was processed on SPSS ver 24. The association between needle stick and associated factors were measured using the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval. The statistical significance was made at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results Total of 62 incidences of sustaining a needle stick injury in a year was recorded amongst 178 HCWs. In this study, statistically significant results with p value less than 0.05 was obtained with association with variables like gender [AOR=1.36 (0.64 - 2.68)], experience in years as HCWs [AOR=1.23 (0.32 - 2.12)], profession [AOR=0.063 (0.001- 0.43)], observance of universal precautions as wearing gloves [AOR=0.33 (0.169 – 0.631)] or any training on PEP or universal precautions [AOR=2.29 (1.320 - 4.696)]. Conclusion:  NSIs have the potential to affect the health system both directly and indirectly. To lessen the dangers and impacts of NSIs stringent training should coordinate the endeavors toward preparing of health care workers, utilization of wellbeing designed gadgets, and diminishing patient burden per health care workers

Subdivision of arthropod cap-n-collar expression domains is restricted to Mandibulata

Background: The monophyly of Mandibulata - the division of arthropods uniting pancrustaceans and myriapods - is consistent with several morphological characters, such as the presence of sensory appendages called antennae and the eponymous biting appendage, the mandible. Functional studies have demonstrated that the patterning of the mandible requires the activity of the Hox gene Deformed and the transcription factor cap-n-collar (cnc) in at least two holometabolous insects: the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the beetle Tribolium castaneum. Expression patterns of cnc from two non-holometabolous insects and a millipede have suggested conservation of the labral and mandibular domains within Mandibulata. However, the activity of cnc is unknown in crustaceans and chelicerates, precluding understanding of a complete scenario for the evolution of patterning of this appendage within arthropods. To redress these lacunae, here we investigate the gene expression of the ortholog of cnc in Parhyale hawaiensis, a malacostracan crustacean, and two chelicerates: the harvestman Phalangium opilio, and the scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus. Results: In the crustacean P. hawaiensis, the segmental expression of Ph-cnc is the same as that reported previously in hexapods and myriapods, with two distinct head domains in the labrum and the mandibular segment. In contrast, Po-cnc and Cs-cnc expression is not enriched in the labrum of either chelicerate, but instead is expressed at comparable levels in all appendages. In further contrast to mandibulate orthologs, the expression domain of Po-cnc posterior to the labrum is not confined within the expression domain of Po-Dfd. Conclusions: Expression data from two chelicerate outgroup taxa suggest that the signature two-domain head expression pattern of cnc evolved at the base of Mandibulata. The observation of the archetypal labral and mandibular segment domains in a crustacean exemplar supports the synapomorphic nature of mandibulate cnc expression. The broader expression of Po-cnc with respect to Po-Dfd in chelicerates further suggests that the regulation of cnc by Dfd was also acquired at the base of Mandibulata. To test this hypothesis, future studies examining panarthropod cnc evolution should investigate expression of the cnc ortholog in arthropod outgroups, such as Onychophora and Tardigrada

10,21-Dimethyl-2,7,13,18-tetraphenyl-3,6,14,17-tetraazatricyclo[17.3.1.18,12]tetracosa-1(23),2,6,8(24),9,11,13,17,19,21-decaene-23,24-diol cyclohexane 0.33-solvate

The title compound, C46H40N4O2·0.33C6H12, was obtained unintentionally as a product of an attempted synthesis of a cadmium(II) complex of the [2,6-{PhSe(CH2)2N=CPh}2C6H2(4-Me)(OH)] ligand. The full tetra­imino­diphenol macrocyclic ligand is generated by the application of an inversion centre. The macrocyclic ligand features strong intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. The dihedral angles formed between the phenyl ring incorporated within the macrocycle and the peripheral phenyl rings are 82.99 (8) and 88.20 (8)°. The cyclo­hexane solvent mol­ecule lies about a site of symmetry. Other solvent within the lattice was disordered and was treated with the SQUEEZE routine [Spek (2009). Acta Cryst. D65, 148–155]

Antiangiogenic activity of zinc and zinc-sorafenib combination using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay: a descriptive study

Background: Zinc, a trace element, is known for downregulating several proangiogenic growth factors and cytokines. However, its antiangiogenic activity is not adequately studied. The present study was aimed to evaluate the possible antiangiogenic activity of zinc via the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Also, the antiangiogenic activity of the combination therapy of zinc with various doses of sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was evaluated.Methods: A pilot study was initially conducted so as to select suitable doses of zinc and sorafenib. The antiangiogenic activity after combining zinc 2.5 μg/embryo with sorafenib 1, and 2 μg/embryo was also evaluated. The antiangiogenic activity was quantified in terms of total length of blood vessels, number of junctions, number of branching points, and mean length of the blood vessels.Results: Zinc 2.5 μg/embryo showed significant (p 0.05) to that of sorafenib 2 μg/embryo.Conclusions: Zinc caused significant antiangiogenic activity in the CAM assay. The lack of addition/synergism in the zinc-sorafenib combination could have been due to the variability in the dose/ratio selection. Addition of zinc to sorafenib therapy could improve treatment tolerability, reduce cost of therapy, and reduce the emergence of drug resistance. Future mechanistic studies could identify the exact pharmacodynamics of zinc as an angiogenesis inhibitor