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Oxidative stress caused by various pollutants in water can be overcome by different mechanisms in aquatic organisms. Antioxidant enzymes play major role to minimize the hazardous effect of heavy metals in fish. Superoxide dismutase is one of the antioxidant enzyme that converts the superoxide radical into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thus minimize the stress caused by free radicals. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the organs (liver, kidney, gills and muscles) of Catla catla and Cirrhina mrigala exposed to 1/3rd and 1/4th concentrations of 96-hr LC50 of Fe+Mn. These experiments were conducted in glass aquaria with three replications of each concentration for 1 month in controlled laboratory conditions. SOD activity was significantly increased in liver and gills of both fish species compared to control group. Maximum SOD activity in the Fe+Mn mixture exposed Catla catla was measured as 46.55±7.58 and 43.69±5.34 UmL-1 in the liver and gills, respectively, at 1/4th concentration of 96-hr LC50 while in control fish the activity of SOD was recorded as 33.36±6.72 and 34.16±3.19 UmL-1, respectively. Similarly, SOD activity increased with decrease in concentration in Cirrhina mrigala. Maximum activity of enzyme (52.30±7.33 UmL-1) in Cirrhina mrigala was observed in the liver at 1/4th concentration of 96-hr LC50 compared to control in which the activity of enzyme was recorded as 46.95±3.93 UmL-1. The SOD activity in all the metals mixture treated and un-treated fish groups were found lower in muscles than that of other organs.

Introduction Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) struggle with communication, sensory sensitivities and social interaction. These difficulties can make hospital visits challenging. Every child with ASD is unique, and as such, some children can do well in clinical settings with minimal supports while others may require environmental modifications to achieve optimal care. ASD is prevalent worldwide and cultural differences can lead to varied care. Several hospitals, including Boston Medical Center in USA and Sidra Medicine and Research Center in Qatar, have attempted to address these challenges by developing strategies to create an ‘Autism Friendly’ environment. Objectives This workshop will 1. Describe the 4 domains of an “Autism Friendly” environment 2. Describe practical steps for successful implementation of interventions and modifications to consider based on setting and culture. Methods Didactic section 1 will describe the 4 domains for greating an ‘Autism Friendly environment’. Didactic section 2 will describe implementation in an inpatient and outpatient setting focusing on modifications based on environmental differences. These didactic presentations will be followed by a hands on, interactive section where participants will break out in small groups to learn specific implementation skills. Results Participants will learn how to improve care offered to children with ASD during hospital visits. Participants will develop the skills to implement similar interventions in their home institutions. Conclusions Hospitals can create an Autism Friendly environment by using 4 domains of intervention which could help improve provider skills and patient and family experience.

Four Aeromonas strains from clinical and environmental samples differed from known species on the basis of rpoD gene sequence. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization confirmed them as four new species even though their 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with their closest relatives was >98.7%, as occurred for other Aeromonas spp.

To manage Earth in the Anthropocene, new tools, new institutions, and new forms of international cooperation will be required. Earth Virtualization Engines is proposed as an international federation of centers of excellence to empower all people to respond to the immense and urgent challenges posed by climate change.