FIELD EVALUATION OF THE IMMUNOCONTRACEPTIVE GONACONTM IN REDUCING EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL FECUNDITY IN URBAN AREAS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunocontraceptive GonaConTM in reducing fecundity in Eastern gray squirrel (EGS) (Sciurus carolinensis) in urban areas. Using a modified box trap design, 317 EGS were captured during four trapping sessions on a 5.66 ha site on Clemson University\u27s main campus. EGS were handled using a restraint cone and sexed, weighed, ear-tagged and implanted with a microchip at the nape of the neck on all \u27original\u27 captures and later identified in subsequent captures as \u27recaptures.\u27 Blood samples and morphometric data were obtained on EGS before the immunocontraceptive GonaConTM was administered by injection during three trapping sessions to 33 EGS (17m, 16f) in trapping session 1 (TS1), 23 (14m, 9f) in trapping session 2 (TS2), and 11 (8m, 3f) in trapping session 3 (TS3) at a dosage rate of 0.4 ml containing 400 µg of GnRH-blue protein conjugate intramuscularly in the thigh. Control EGS were given a sham injection containing 0.4 ml saline- AdjuVacTM during the three trapping sessions: 22 EGS (16m, 6f) in TS1, 20 (12m, 8f) in TS2, and 8 (4m, 4f) in TS3. In the last trapping session (TS4) 35 EGS were necropsied to evaluate histological changes in testes and ovaries as potential metrics of GonaConTM efficacy and to determine its potential side effects. EGS density on the study area was estimated to be 9 ± (2.89) EGS/ha, based on the Lincoln-Peterson model. There were no significant differences in body weights of treated and control EGS by TS3 (p = 0.40), or testosterone (p = 0.32) and progesterone (p = 0.68) levels. However, there were significant differences in antibody titers between treated and control EGS by TS3 in both males and females active antibodies seen in the treatment group (χ2 = 5.656, df = 1, p = 0.017). There were highly significant differences in scrotal size of treated and control males with a reduction in scrotal size being observed in treated males (t= 10.14, df = 8, p = 0.001). There were marked histological changes in treated EGS males and no observable histological changes in treated EGS females. Although there were no serious side effects to the vaccine; 6 EGS developed injection site abscesses. GonaConTM may be a potential tool to manage EGS overabundance in urban areas, but additional research is needed

Acousto optic modulated stroboscopic interferometer for comprehensive characterization of microstructure

Mechanical and electro-mechanical advancements to the nano-scale require comprehensive and systematic testing at the micro-scale in order to understand the underlying influences that define the micro/nano-device both from fabrication and operational points of view. In this regard, surface metrology measurements, as well as static and dynamic characteristics will become very important and need to be experimentally determined to describe the system fully. These integrated tests are difficult to be implemented at dimensions where interaction with the device can seriously impact the results obtained. Hence, a characterization method to obtain valid experimental information without interfering with the functionality of the device needs to be developed. In this work, a simple yet viable Acousto Optic Modulated Stroboscopic Interferometer (AOMSI) was developed using a frequency stabilized Continuous Wave (CW) laser together with an Acousto Optic Modulator for comprehensive mechanical characterization to obtain surface, static and dynamic properties of micro-scale structures. An optimized methodology for measurement was established and sensitivity analysis was conducted. Being a whole-field technique, unlike single point or scanning interferometers, AOMSI can provide details of surface properties as well as displacements due to static/dynamic loads and modal profiles. Experiments for surface profiling were carried out on a micro-mirror, along with 2D and 3D profile measurements. The ability of AOMSI to perform dynamic measurements was tested on Micro-Cantilevers and on AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) cantilevers. The resolution of AOMSI was identified as 10nms. The results for static deflections, 1 st and 2 nd natural frequencies and mode shapes were found to be in good agreement with results from the developed theoretical model and manufacturers specifications. The approach is a novel approach to investigate the surface, static and dynamic behavior of microstructures using a single interferometer

Team-based learning as a teaching strategy for first-year medical students

BackgroundTeaching programmes in medical education are now routinely employing active learning strategies to enhance the learning process and engage students in higher levels of learning. Team-based learning (TBL) is one active learning strategy that builds on individuals’ strengths by allowing them to collaborate and work as a team to achieve a common learning objective.AimsThe present study aims to evaluate the impact of TBL on student performance. It also aims to assess students' attitudes towards TBL and the feasibility of its incorporation into the course curriculum.Methods From a class of 241 students, 128 who agreed to participate in the study underwent two sessions of TBL each consisting of Individual and Group Readiness Assurance Tests (IRATs and GRATs). The readiness assurance tests each had 13 multiple choice questions (MCQ). To analyse the impact of TBL supplementation, the median sessional MCQ scores of students who underwent TBL supplementation (group 1) were compared with those who did not undergo the session (group 2). Students' experiences with TBL and their attitudes towards incorporation of TBL into the course curriculum were analysed using a feedback questionnaire that was given to students who underwent TBL. Results Students belonging to the TBL group performed significantly better than the students who did not undergo TBL (

HPLC-LIF for early detection of oral cancer

At present, the diagnosis of many cancers relies on the subjective interpretation of morphological changes in biopsy samples. This usually provides only late diagnosis. Early detection, which can provide more successful therapy, is expected to be possible by identification of tumour markers in physiological samples. Immunoassay used at present for this purpose has several drawbacks. It is applicable only for known markers, can usually detect only one marker at a time, and may also fail to detect a marker when there exist conditions, which may mask or prevent the interaction between antigen and the antibody. We have developed a high performance liquid chromatography- laser induced fluorescence (HPLC-LIF) technique to detect and record simultaneously spectra and chromatograms of physiological samples, which will enable the detection of multiple 'markers' in a single physiological sample in a short time. Samples of saliva and serum from normal and oral cancer subjects have been studied with the set up. The present studies show that body fluids like saliva and serum of normal, premalignant and malignant subjects have substantially different protein profiles. By simultaneous recording of the chromatographic peaks and corresponding fluorescence spectra, it is possible to carry out unambiguous discrimination between normal, premalignant and malignant cases even when markers are present in femto/subfemtomole quantities, which should assist in early diagnosis of neoplasia

Optical pathology of oral tissue: a Raman spectroscopy diagnostic method

Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy methods are being considered as techniques which could be complementary or even alternative to biopsy, and pathology and clinical assays in many medical applications. The present paper discusses the results of Raman spectral studies on oral tissues for optical pathology. It is shown that Raman spectra of oral tissues can be classified into spectra of normal and malignant sets and a model based on such a classification can be used to analyse oral tissue for detection of oral malignancy. Sensitivity and specificity calculated from 90 test spectra are better than 85 and 90 per cent respectively

Cost-Effectiveness Frameworks for Comparing Genome and Exome Sequencing Versus Conventional Diagnostic Pathways: A Scoping Review and Recommended Methods

PURPOSE: Methodological challenges have limited economic evaluations of genome sequencing (GS) and exome sequencing (ES). Our objective was to develop conceptual frameworks for model-based cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of diagnostic GS/ES. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of economic analyses to develop and iterate with experts a set of conceptual CEA frameworks for GS/ES for prenatal testing, early diagnosis in pediatrics, diagnosis of delayed-onset disorders in pediatrics, genetic testing in cancer, screening of newborns, and general population screening. RESULTS: Reflecting on 57 studies meeting inclusion criteria, we recommend the following considerations for each clinical scenario. For prenatal testing, performing comparative analyses of costs of ES strategies and postpartum care, as well as genetic diagnoses and pregnancy outcomes. For early diagnosis in pediatrics, modeling quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs over ≥20 years for rapid turnaround GS/ES. For hereditary cancer syndrome testing, modeling cumulative costs and QALYs for the individual tested and first/second/third-degree relatives. For tumor profiling, not restricting to treatment uptake or response and including QALYs and costs of downstream outcomes. For screening, modeling lifetime costs and QALYs and considering consequences of low penetrance and GS/ES reanalysis. CONCLUSION: Our frameworks can guide the design of model-based CEAs and ultimately foster robust evidence for the economic value of GS/ES

DR*W201/P65 Tetramer Visualization of Epitope-Specific CD4 T-Cell during M. tuberculosis Infection and Its Resting Memory Pool after BCG Vaccination

In vivo kinetics and frequencies of epitope-specific CD4 T cells in lymphoid compartments during M. tuberculosis infection and their resting memory pool after BCG vaccination remain unknown.Macaque DR*W201 tetramer loaded with Ag85B peptide 65 was developed to directly measure epitope-specific CD4 T cells in blood and tissues form macaques after M. tuberculosis infection or BCG vaccination via direct staining and tetramer-enriched approach. The tetramer-based enrichment approach showed that P65 epitope-specific CD4 T cells emerged at mean frequencies of approximately 500 and approximately 4500 per 10(7) PBL at days 28 and 42, respectively, and at day 63 increased further to approximately 22,000/10(7) PBL after M. tuberculosis infection. Direct tetramer staining showed that the tetramer-bound P65-specific T cells constituted about 0.2-0.3% of CD4 T cells in PBL, lymph nodes, spleens, and lungs at day 63 post-infection. 10-fold expansion of these tetramer-bound epitope-specific CD4 T cells was seen after the P65 peptide stimulation of PBL and tissue lymphocytes. The tetramer-based enrichment approach detected BCG-elicited resting memory P65-specific CD4 T cells at a mean frequency of 2,700 per 10(7) PBL.Our work represents the first elucidation of in vivo kinetics and frequencies for tetramer-bound epitope-specific CD4 T cells in the blood, lymphoid tissues and lungs over times after M. tuberculosis infection, and BCG immunization

Effects of antiplatelet therapy on stroke risk by brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases: subgroup analyses of the RESTART randomised, open-label trial

Background Findings from the RESTART trial suggest that starting antiplatelet therapy might reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage compared with avoiding antiplatelet therapy. Brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases (such as cerebral microbleeds) are associated with greater risks of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage. We did subgroup analyses of the RESTART trial to explore whether these brain imaging features modify the effects of antiplatelet therapy

Micropropagation and conservation of selected endangered anticancer medicinal plants from the Western Ghats of India

Globally, cancer is a constant battle which severely affects the human population. The major limitations of the anticancer drugs are the deleterious side effects on the quality of life. Plants play a vital role in curing many diseases with minimal or no side effects. Phytocompounds derived from various medicinal plants serve as the best source of drugs to treat cancer. The global demand for phytomedicines is mostly reached by the medicinal herbs from the tropical nations of the world even though many plant species are threatened with extinction. India is one of the mega diverse countries of the world due to its ecological habitats, latitudinal variation, and diverse climatic range. Western Ghats of India is one of the most important depositories of endemic herbs. It is found along the stretch of south western part of India and constitutes rain forest with more than 4000 diverse medicinal plant species. In recent times, many of these therapeutically valued herbs have become endangered and are being included under the red-listed plant category in this region. Due to a sharp rise in the demand for plant-based products, this rich collection is diminishing at an alarming rate that eventually triggered dangerous to biodiversity. Thus, conservation of the endangered medicinal plants has become a matter of importance. The conservation by using only in situ approaches may not be sufficient enough to safeguard such a huge bio-resource of endangered medicinal plants. Hence, the use of biotechnological methods would be vital to complement the ex vitro protection programs and help to reestablish endangered plant species. In this backdrop, the key tools of biotechnology that could assist plant conservation were developed in terms of in vitro regeneration, seed banking, DNA storage, pollen storage, germplasm storage, gene bank (field gene banking), tissue bank, and cryopreservation. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to critically review major endangered medicinal plants that possess anticancer compounds and their conservation aspects by integrating various biotechnological tool

Effects of antiplatelet therapy after stroke due to intracerebral haemorrhage (RESTART): a randomised, open-label trial

Background: Antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of major vascular events for people with occlusive vascular disease, although it might increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage. Patients surviving the commonest subtype of intracranial haemorrhage, intracerebral haemorrhage, are at risk of both haemorrhagic and occlusive vascular events, but whether antiplatelet therapy can be used safely is unclear. We aimed to estimate the relative and absolute effects of antiplatelet therapy on recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage and whether this risk might exceed any reduction of occlusive vascular events. Methods: The REstart or STop Antithrombotics Randomised Trial (RESTART) was a prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint, parallel-group trial at 122 hospitals in the UK. We recruited adults (≥18 years) who were taking antithrombotic (antiplatelet or anticoagulant) therapy for the prevention of occlusive vascular disease when they developed intracerebral haemorrhage, discontinued antithrombotic therapy, and survived for 24 h. Computerised randomisation incorporating minimisation allocated participants (1:1) to start or avoid antiplatelet therapy. We followed participants for the primary outcome (recurrent symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage) for up to 5 years. We analysed data from all randomised participants using Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusted for minimisation covariates. This trial is registered with ISRCTN (number ISRCTN71907627). Findings: Between May 22, 2013, and May 31, 2018, 537 participants were recruited a median of 76 days (IQR 29–146) after intracerebral haemorrhage onset: 268 were assigned to start and 269 (one withdrew) to avoid antiplatelet therapy. Participants were followed for a median of 2·0 years (IQR [1·0– 3·0]; completeness 99·3%). 12 (4%) of 268 participants allocated to antiplatelet therapy had recurrence of intracerebral haemorrhage compared with 23 (9%) of 268 participants allocated to avoid antiplatelet therapy (adjusted hazard ratio 0·51 [95% CI 0·25–1·03]; p=0·060). 18 (7%) participants allocated to antiplatelet therapy experienced major haemorrhagic events compared with 25 (9%) participants allocated to avoid antiplatelet therapy (0·71 [0·39–1·30]; p=0·27), and 39 [15%] participants allocated to antiplatelet therapy had major occlusive vascular events compared with 38 [14%] allocated to avoid antiplatelet therapy (1·02 [0·65–1·60]; p=0·92). Interpretation: These results exclude all but a very modest increase in the risk of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage with antiplatelet therapy for patients on antithrombotic therapy for the prevention of occlusive vascular disease when they developed intracerebral haemorrhage. The risk of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage is probably too small to exceed the established benefits of antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention