Search

Aims The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that different conformations of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) are present in Parkinson's disease (PD) brain. Methods Using two previously characterized conformations of α-syn fibrils, we generated new conformation-selective α-syn monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We then interrogated multiple brain regions in a well-characterized autopsy cohort of PD patients (n = 49) with these mAbs, Syn7015 and Syn9029. Results Syn7015 detects Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) formed by pathological α-syn in all brain regions tested, and is particularly sensitive to LNs and small Lewy dots, inclusions believed to form early in the disease. Further, we observed colocalization between Syn7015 and an early marker of α-syn pathology formation, phospho-Ser129-α-syn, and a lack of extensive colocalization with markers of more mature pathology. In comparison, Syn9029 detects Lewy pathology in all regions examined, but indicates significantly fewer LNs than Syn7015. In addition, colocalization of Syn9029 with later markers of α-syn pathology maturation (ubiquitin and P62) suggests that the pathology detected by Syn9029 is older. Semiquantitative scoring of both LN and LB pathology in nine brain regions further established this trend, with Syn7015 LN scores consistently higher than Syn9029 LN scores. Conclusions Our data indicate that different conformations of α-syn pathology are present in PD brain and correspond to different stages of maturity for Lewy pathology. Regional analysis of Syn7015 and Syn9029 immunostaining also provides support for the Braak hypothesis that α-syn pathology advances through the brain.

In the frame of landslide susceptibility assessment, a spectral library was created to support the identification of materials confined to a particular region using remote sensing images. This library, called Pakistan spectral library (pklib) version 0.1, contains the analysis data of sixty rock samples taken in the Balakot region in Northern Pakistan. The spectral library is implemented as SQLite database. Structure and naming are inspired by the convention system of the ASTER Spectral Library. Usability, application and benefit of the pklib were evaluated and depicted taking two approaches, the multivariate and the spectral based. The spectral information were used to create indices. The indices were applied to Landsat and ASTER data to support the spatial delineation of outcropping rock sequences in stratigraphic formations. The application of the indices introduced in this paper helps to identify spots where specific lithological characteristics occur. Especially in areas with sparse or missing detailed geological mapping, the spectral discrimination via remote sensing data can speed up the survey. The library can be used not only to support the improvement of factor maps for landslide susceptibility analysis, but also to provide a geoscientific basis to further analyze the lithological spot in numerous regions in the Hindu Kush.

Oral health is part of systemic health, however medical and dental clinicians treat the oral cavity as if it is a separate entity from the rest of the body. An interrelationship between oral health and systemic health exists but causality is yet to be understood and proven.

Recently, we reported the possibility of successfully inducing captive maturation and spawning in golden mahseer through photothermal manipulation. Subsequently, we felt that it was imperative to understand the impact of these environmental manipulations on immunity, stress response, antioxidant potential, and general well-being of adult mahseer to develop a healthy broodstock. For this purpose, two experiments were carried out with changes in photoperiod (experiment I) and temperature (experiment II). In experiment I, random groups of adult female and male Tor putitora were subjected to three photoperiods (8L:16D, 12L:12D and 16L:8D) for 100 days. Decreasing levels of plasma melatonin with increasing photoperiod confirmed the physiological significance of different light-dark conditions in mahseer brooders. In terms of stress, plasma cortisol levels showed a linear increase with decreasing light duration in both males and females. Similarly, the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was also significantly higher in males kept at 8L:16D. Plasma concentration of total immunoglobulins was found reduced in female brooders at 8L:16D, but this was not evident in males. In females, total antioxidants were found significantly elevated at 12L:12D. On the contrary, superoxide dismutase activity was lower at 12L:12D in females. The photoperiod has substantially influenced the plasma total protein and albumin levels in males. In experiment II, random groups of adult T. putitora were reared at ambient (21.2 ± 1.4 °C) or elevated temperature (23.7 ± 1.3 °C) groups for 121 days. The higher temperature was found to significantly decrease lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, and anti-protease activities in female mahseer brooders. However, total immunoglobulin levels were reduced significantly at elevated temperature both in males and females. No other temperature-related significant changes were observed in antioxidant potential, anti-oxidative enzymes or well-being related indices.

Eight filtration tests have been done at Hydro Aluminium’s reference centre at Sunndal. Two different grades of CFF (Ceramic Foam Filter) and two different grits of BPF (Bonded Particle Filter) from Pyrotek were tested. The alloy composition was the same for each test. The inclusion content in the melt was measured with LiMCA II and PoDFA upstream and downstream the filter. Selected filters have been cut and analysed with image analysis after use.

Research is exponentially increasing around the world and “new” up-to-the-minute information is constantly replacing or improving upon “old news”. Clinicians, researchers, educationists find themselves in less and less time to find and utilize “new information”. Selection, reading and application of new research becomes more burdening when researchers report conflicting results on the same issue or present different modalities to solve a single problem. However for a successful professional, it is necessary that one must remain up to date in one’s field.

Purpose: Venetoclax-based therapy is a standard-of-care option in first-line and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patient management following venetoclax discontinuation remains nonstandard and poorly understood. Experimental Design: To address this, we conducted a large international study to identify a cohort of 326 patients who discontinued venetoclax and have been subsequently treated. Coprimary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival for the post-venetoclax treatments stratified by treatment type [Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi), PI3K inhibitor (PI3Ki), and cellular therapies]. Results: We identified patients with CLL who discontinued venetoclax in the first-line (4%) and relapsed/refractory settings (96%). Patients received a median of three therapies prior to venetoclax; 40% were BTKi naïve (n = 130), and 81% were idelalisib naïve (n = 263). ORR to BTKi was 84% (n = 44) in BTKi-naïve patients versus 54% (n = 30) in BTKi-exposed patients. We demonstrate therapy selection following venetoclax requires prior novel agent exposure consideration and discontinuation reasons. Conclusions: For BTKi-naïve patients, selection of covalently binding BTKis results in high ORR and durable remissions. For BTKi-exposed patients, covalent BTK inhibition is not effective in the setting of BTKi resistance. PI3Kis following venetoclax do not appear to result in durable remissions. We conclude that BTKi in naïve or previously responsive patients and cellular therapies following venetoclax may be the most effective strategies. See related commentary by Rogers, p. 3501

In the current study, Ni

Aim: Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT-1) regulates cell growth, proliferation and death. Amantadine is converted by SSAT-1 to acetylamantadine (AA). In our earlier studies, although SSAT-1 was activated in patients with cancer, a number of ostensibly healthy adult volunteers had higher than expected AA concentration. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the outlier group. Materials & methods: A follow up of urine analysis for AA by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry as well as clinical assessments and additional blood analyses were conducted. Results: In some of the outlier controls, higher than expected AA concentration was linked to increased serum carcinoembryonic antigen. Clinical and radiographic assessments revealed underlying abnormalities in other cases that could represent premalignant conditions. Hematology tests revealed elevations in white blood cells and platelets, which are markers of inflammation. Conclusion: High urine concentration of AA could be used as a simple and useful test for screening of cancer in high-risk populations., Graphical abstract, Lay abstract This study describes the potential of a novel noninvasive urine test for screening of cancer using a safe and approved drug, amantadine. We have previously measured high urinary concentration of the acetylated form of amantadine in patients diagnosed with cancer. However, higher than expected acetylated amantadine concentration was also measured in some of the healthy adult volunteers. Subsequent clinical assessments revealed that these healthy individuals could have early clinical signs of cancer. This is a simple test, which may serve as a useful tool for routine screening in populations considered at high risk for cancer.

The Fe

This study examined occupational exposures of Ottawa firefighters to combustion by-products and selected metals. We measured exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), antimony, cadmium, and lead using (1) personal air samplers worn by firefighters during emergency fire suppression; (2) wipe samples from skin, personal clothing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) collected before and after emergency firefighting (n = 29); and (3) air samples collected in three fire stations vehicle bays, truck cabs, and one administration office. We assessed OFS PPE decontamination procedures using wipe samples collected before and after laundering (n = 12). Air concentrations exceeded occupational exposure limits at two fire events for lead and nine for PAHs. After fire suppression, PAH concentrations were significantly higher on skin and PPE (p

RANKL-OPG should be explored in DMD patients to potentially provide targeted therapy. We quantified RANKL and OPG levels in DMD patients compared with controls. RANKL, OPG, and RANKL:OPG significantly declined with age in DMD patients suggesting some bone turnover markers are difficult to assess or use as therapeutic indicators. Osteoporosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is multi-factorial in nature with high prevalence of fractures. RANKL-OPG should be explored to potentially provide targeted therapy for these patients. We quantified RANKL, OPG, and RANKL:OPG levels in DMD patients compared with controls and analyzed the influence of age, glucocorticoid use, ambulatory status, bone density, and fracture history. DMD patients were enrolled at CHLA. Controls were recruited from general pediatric clinic and in collaboration with samples from a previously completed study. Free soluble RANKL and OPG levels were quantified using a sandwich ELISA. Fifty DMD patients and 50 controls were enrolled. DMD patients had a significant decline in RANKL, OPG, and RANKL:OPG with age (p =

This study expressed the influence of Tm substitution on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of Co-Zn spinel ferrites (Co

People with motor symptoms, such as involuntary tremor, slowness of movement, and gait difficulty, often first present for evaluation and diagnosis in general neurology offices. Although the first sign in Parkinson disease (PD) at an early stage varies, the diagnosis of PD is often the correct one, simply by taking account of its prevalence. However, confirmation of that diagnosis takes time and serial examinations, and it is increasingly recognized that a fraction of those diagnosed with PD actually have another movement disorder and will therefore have a different neurodegenerative disease at autopsy.1 In particular, the atypical parkinsonism disorders (APDs), such as multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal syndrome, as well as vascular parkinsonism, can mimic PD at early stages of the clinical disease. These misdiagnoses are not isolated to the general neurology practice; in fact, when the presentation is unusual or early enough, even movement disorder specialists cannot discriminate between PD and APD. As a result of these diagnostic challenges, individuals can walk away thinking they have PD, when in reality a typically more aggressive condition looms in their near future.

12043 Background: Oral targeted therapies (OTT) have transformed the treatment landscape of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, measuring, defining and optimizing adherence to OTT remains a challenge. Prior studies have reported variable adherence rates (12-100%) to OTT in cancer patients (pts), with suboptimal adherence associated with inferior outcomes. In older adults (OA), geriatric syndromes (GS) such as polypharmacy and cognitive impairment can impact adherence. While geriatric assessment (GA) can predict chemotherapy-related toxicity in OA, its utility in NHL pts on OTT is unknown. In this pilot study, we evaluate the role of GA in predicting adherence and outcomes in NHL pts on OTT. We also report the feasibility of using MEMS Cap, an electronic event monitoring system, to measure adherence in this population. Methods: Pts ≥70 years (yrs) with NHL, initiating/receiving OTT were included. A GA was performed at baseline; pt, disease, and OTT characteristics were recorded. Pts were followed monthly for the first 3 months (mos), then every 3 mos for 1 year. Primary endpoint was treatment adherence rate, measured using both subjective [brief adherence rating scale (BARS)] and objective (pill counts and MEMS cap) methods. Progression free survival (PFS) was measured from time of therapy initiation to disease progression or death. Results: Of the 54 pts screened, 25 were enrolled. Median age was 77 yrs (71-93 yrs), 21 pts had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 3 had mantle cell lymphoma and 1 had marginal zone lymphoma. Most frequently used OTT were ibrutinib (n = 17) and venetoclax (n = 5). Most pts (72%) were on OTT at study entry. Median time on therapy was 16.4 mos (1.9-44.6 mos). GS included cognitive impairment (28%), depression (24%), polypharmacy (92%) and recent falls (12%); 48% pts had ≥2 GS. Nine pts (36%) had impaired 4-meter gait speed and/or timed-up-and-go; 20 pts (80%) had an adjusted CIRS-G score of ≥6. So far, pts have completed a median follow up of 3.3 mos. BARS was the most consistent measure of adherence used (63/63 visits, 100%). MEMS Cap and pill counts were used at 13% and 8% visits respectively. Only 5 pts used the MEMS Cap, mostly due to packaging incompatibility (44%-pill box, 32%-blister packs). Median adherence was 100% (range, 70%-100%) with no pts missing > 7 days of prescribed doses. Five pts (20%) required dose interruptions, mostly due to adverse events. Six pts discontinued therapy and 2 pts died of unrelated causes. Median PFS was not reached. Chronological age and presence of a GS were not associated with adherence rate or outcomes. Conclusions: Despite presence of ≥2 geriatric syndromes in 48% of older adults with NHL on OTT, self-reported adherence remains high ( > 99%) in this group. The MEMS Cap device has poor applicability in measuring adherence to OTT due to pill package incompatibility and increasing use of virtual/tele visits.

Continuous supplementation of mineral nutrients and salicylic acid (SA) as foliar application could improve efficacy in controlling basal stem rot (BSR) disease in oil palm seedling. It is revealed from the results that the highest disease severity index (58.3%) was recorded in T8 treatments at 9 months after inoculation. The best disease control was achieved by T7 treatments (calcium/copper/SA [Ca/Cu/SA]) (5.0%) followed by T1 (5.5%), T5 (5.8%), T3 (8.3%), T6 (8.3%), T4 (13.3%), and T2 (15.8%) treatments. Continuous supplementation of Ca/Cu/SA was found to be the most effective in controlling the disease and the high performance liquid chromatography results showed the detection of ergosterol at very low concentration in the treated samples. Moreover, the transmission electron microscopy analysis results clearly indicated that T7 treatment was alsContinuous supplementation of mineral nutrients and salicylic acid (SA) as foliar application could improve efficacy in controlling basal stem rot (BSR) disease in oil palm seedling. It is revealed from the results that the highest disease severity index (58.3%) was recorded in T8 treatments at 9 months after inoculation. The best disease control was achieved by T7 treatments (calcium/copper/SA [Ca/Cu/SA]) (5.0%) followed by T1 (5.5%), T5 (5.8%), T3 (8.3%), T6 (8.3%), T4 (13.3%), and T2 (15.8%) treatments. Continuous supplementation of Ca/Cu/SA was found to be the most effective in controlling the disease and the high performance liquid chromatography results showed the detection of ergosterol at very low concentration in the treated samples. Moreover, the transmission electron microscopy analysis results clearly indicated that T7 treatment was also enhancing lignification, which was responsible for the thickness of the secondary cell walls and middle lamella compared to untreated samples. It was therefore, concluded that continuous supplementation of minerals nutrients and SA could effectively suppress disease severity by reducing ergosterol activity and also improve the process of lignification in the treated plants. Furthermore, this treatment also managed to delay the onset of BSR symptoms and promote the growth of the seedlings and eventually suppress the BSR disease.

The golden mahseer (Tor putitora) is an important and high valued sport and food fish of national and international importance. Therefore for promotion of golden mahseer, proper mineral supplementation in early developmental stages is very important. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary zinc on growth, survivaland physiological response of Tor putitora fry. One thousand eight hundred fry (avg.wt 54.35±3.09 mg) were randomly distributed into 6 treatment groups with triplicates each. Six iso-nitrogenous (40±0.02% to 41.44±0.01% crude protein) semi-purified diets were prepared with graded levels of dietary zinc. Zinc sulphate was added as the dietary zinc source to the basal diet. The results indicated that specific growth rate (SGR) was of value 2.52 ±0.23 gm of T. putitora fry which increased with dietary zinc levels up to a concentration of 40 mg Zn Kg-1 in diet. The zinc dependent metabolic enzymes and antioxidant enzymes was also observed to be highest in groups supplemented with 40 mg zinc/kg feed. The overall results of the present study suggest the efficacy of dietary zinc on growth, survival and physiological response of golden mahseer fry in order to garner the possibility of establishing the species to commercial aquaculture.

Ultrastructural and histological changes in the embryonic and larval surface during ontogenesis of the endangered golden mahseer Tor putitora is studied here for the first time. Embryonic development was completed 91–92 h after fertilization at an ambient temperature of 23° ± 1° C (mean ± s.d.). The gastrula stage was characterized by presence of the Kupffer's vesicle, notochord, ectoderm and endoderm cells. Primordial germ cells were clearly identifiable from c. 55 h post-fertilization at the organogenesis stage. Mean total length of newly hatched larvae was 7·0 ± 0·5 mm. Scanning electron microscopy of newly hatched larvae demonstrated vitelline arteries, microridged epithelial cells and mucous gland openings over much of the body surface. Eye, oral cavity, pharyngeal arches, heart, intestinal loop, prosencephalon, cephalic vesicle and nasal epithelium were clearly distinguished in 3 day old hatched individuals. In 6 day old individuals, caudal-fin rays and internal organs were evident. The dorsal fin became prominent at this stage and larvae began swimming at the surface. The reserved yolk material was totally absorbed 8–11 days after hatching and larvae began feeding exogenously. Tor putitora exhibited a longer early developmental period than other cyprinids reared at similar temperatures.

Histomorphological changes in digestive tract of golden mahseer (Tor putitora) were examined in larvae [starting from hatching to 45 days post-hatching (dph)], fry, fingerling, and adult. Digestive tract appeared during hatching, on the dorsal side of yolk sac, as a straight tube with a narrow lumen. Mouth opening and appearance of liver and pancreas were observed at 2 dph, and subsequently anal opening, appearance of goblet cells in esophagus, and posterior intestine were evident at 3 dph. The remodeling of oral cavity in terms of epithelial stratification, appearance of taste buds, and goblet cells were observed in a window of 4-5 dph. Intestinal folding was found to be initiated at 8 dph. From 12 to 45 dph, thickening of oral and esophageal mucosal/extramucosal layers, increase in intestinal folding, increases in the density of goblet cells in entire gut were observed. Within the same time window, other histological changes such as disappearance of vacuoles in liver, and abundance of zymogen granules in pancreas were also observed. Supranuclear vesicles in mid-to-posterior intestine were found to be prominent from first feeding to 45 dph; however, this phenomenon was no longer evident in fry and fingerling. Overall, the increase in intestinal folding and complexity of extramucosal layer were found to be continuous from the first appearance to adult, and this inferred the fact that the nutritional physiology, in terms of digestion and assimilation, progressively changes throughout the life stages of golden mahseer. Findings of this study will, therefore, help in preparing diets for different life stages of this fish, and in addition, the present information widens the understanding of digestive physiology of golden mahseer.

In present study, an effective photocatalytic activity for Reactive Black GR and metronidazole degradation was evaluated using microwave-assisted prepared Ag doped ZnO, ZnO/CNTs and Ag doped ZnO/CNTs composites as photocatalyst under visible and sunlight irradiation. The photocatalysts were extensively characterized using a variety of standard tools. The results of XRD and XPS analysis identified the presence of Ag in synthesized composites. The introduction of Ag into the lattice of ZnO deteriorated crystal growth with the reduction of crystallites size, suppressed electron-hole pair's rate and shift in the optical absorption response from UV to visible region due to its surface plasmon resonance effect. The presence of CNTs enhanced the specific surface area of the composites meanwhile content of hydroxyl oxygen at the surface reduced concurrently, that increased the surface hydroxyl groups in the framework of ZnO. Moreover, CNTs acted as electron sink to significantly reduce the photocorrosion of ZnO, consequently improving the photostability of the synthesized samples. An appropriate amount of Ag (2 wt%) and CNTs (2 wt%) (AZC1 composite) was measured to be an optimized composition in accordance with the highest efficiency of the photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity of AZC1 composite for the degradation of Reactive Black GR was measured to be 100% within just 30 min of solar light irradiation and 120 min of visible light illumination, while the corresponding metronidazole degradation was achieved within 40 min of solar light irradiation and 120 min of visible light illumination. A photocatalytic mechanism was proposed to explain the increased photocatalytic performance of the synthesized photocatalysts. This work represents an effective strategy to enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnO and provides information to synthesize facile, inexpensive and eco-friendly Ag doped ZnO/CNTs photocatalysts.

To use digital histology in a large autopsy cohort of Lewy body disorder (LBD) patients with dementia to test the hypotheses that co-occurring Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology impacts the anatomic distribution of α-synuclein (SYN) pathology and that co-occurring neocortical tau pathology in LBDs associates with worse cognitive performance and occurs in a pattern differing from AD.Fifty-five autopsy-confirmed LBD (Parkinson disease with dementia, n = 36; dementia with Lewy bodies, n = 19) patients and 25 AD patients were studied. LBD patients were categorized as having moderate/severe AD copathology (SYN + AD = 20) or little/no AD copathology (SYN-AD = 35). Digital measures of tau, β-amyloid (Aβ), and SYN histopathology in neocortical and subcortical/limbic regions were compared between groups and related to antemortem cognitive testing.SYN burden was higher in SYN + AD than SYN-AD in each neocortical region (FLBD patients with AD copathology harbor greater neocortical SYN pathology. Regional tau pathology relates to cognitive performance in LBD dementia, and its distribution may diverge from pure AD. Tau copathology contributes uniquely to the heterogeneity of cognitive impairment in LBD. Ann Neurol 2018; 1-13 ANN NEUROL 2019;85:259-271.

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early diagnosis is crucial to increase the curability chance of the patients. Low dose CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality, but it is associated with several limitations. Metabolomics is a promising technique for cancer diagnosis due to its ability to provide chemical phenotyping data. The intent of our study was to explore metabolomic effects and profiles of lung cancer patients to determine if metabolic perturbations in the SSAT-1/polyamine pathway can distinguish between healthy participants and lung cancer patients as a diagnostic and treatment monitoring tool. Patients and Methods: Plasma samples were collected as part of the SSAT1 Amantadine Cancer Study. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify and quantify metabolite concentrations in lung cancer patient and control samples. Standard statistical analyses were performed to determine whether metabolite concentrations could differentiate between healthy subjects and lung cancer patients, as well as risk prediction modeling applied to determine whether metabolic profiles could provide an indication of cancer progression in later stage patients. Results: A panel consisting of 14 metabolites, which included 6 metabolites in the polyamine pathway, was identified that correctly discriminated lung cancer patients from controls with an area under the curve of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.875-1.0). Conclusion: When used in conjunction with the SSAT-1/polyamine pathway, these metabolites may provide the specificity required for diagnosing lung cancer from other cancer types and could be used as a diagnostic and treatment monitoring tool.

Aim: Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT-1) plays a critical role in cell growth, proliferation and death, and is known to be activated in human cancer cells. Amantadine, a US FDA-approved antiviral drug, is a substrate for SSAT-1 and can be used to indirectly measure SSAT-1 activity because of its conversion to acetylamantadine (AA). This study was undertaken to further validate SSAT-1 activity in breast and lung cancer patients. Results: An increase in the urinary concentration of AA in lung and breast cancer patients was observed. The 0–2 h collection time point was determined to be optimal in revealing significant differences in urinary AA concentration between healthy controls and cancer patients. Conclusion: The high urine concentration of AA could be used as a simple and useful test for the detection of breast and lung cancer., Lay abstract This study describes a novel noninvasive urine test for detecting and screening of breast and lung cancer using a safe and approved drug called amantadine. Higher concentration of the acetylated form of amantadine in the urine are detectable in the urine of both breast and lung cancer patients as compared with healthy adult volunteers. This test is simple and may serve as a useful tool for determining the presence of breast and lung cancer.

While rapid movement of solutes through structured soils constitutes the risk of groundwater contamination, simulation of solute transport in field soils is challenging. A modification in an existing preferential flow model was tested using replicated Chloride and Lithium leachings carried out at constant flow rates through four soils differing in grades and type of structure. Flow rates generated by +10 mm, −10 mm, −40 mm, and −100 mm water heads at the surface of 35 cm diameter 50 cm height field columns. Three well-structured silty clay soils under ponding had concurrent breakthrough of Chloride and Lithium within a few cm of drainage, and a delayed and reduced peak concentration of Lithium with decrease in flow rate controlled by the negative heads. Massive sandy loam soil columns had delayed but uniform breakthrough of the solutes over the flow rates. Macropore flow in well-structured silty clay/clay loam soils reduced retardation, R (1.5 to 4.5) and effective porosity, θe (0.05 to 0.15), and increased macropore velocity, vm (20 to 30 cm cm−1 drainage) compared to the massive sandy soils. The existing simple preferential flow equation (single layer) fitted the data well only when macropore flow was dominant. The modified preferential flow equations (two layers) fitted equally well both for the adsorbing and nonadsorbing solutes. The later had high goodness of fit for a large number of solute breakthroughs, and gave almost identical retardation coefficient R as that calculated by two-domain CDE. With fewer parameters, the modified preferential flow equation after testing on some rigorous model selection criteria may provide a base for future modeling of chemical transport.

The transparency of the cornea is regulated by the unique organization of collagen fibrils (CFs) which is maintained by proteoglycans (PGs). The interlacing of CF lamellae in the anterior stroma provides the biomechanical properties of the cornea.To investigate the alterations of CFs and PGs in the swollen cornea, with special reference to the anterior stroma by using electron microscopy and 3D ultrastructural tomography.Nine healthy normal scleral corneal rings (age from 40 to 65 years) were hydrated individually in deionised water to induce swelling in the cornea. Three of them were hydrated for 2hr whereas the other three were hydrated for 48hr. The remaining three scleral normal corneal rings were used as a control.The corneas were processed for electron microscopy (EM) to study the CFs and PGs. Ultrathin sections were observed using transmission electron microscopy (JOEL 1400) and digital images of CFs, PGs and lamellae were captured using a bottom mounted Quemesa camera and iTEM Soft Imaging System. The software program 'Composer-x64, version 3.4.2.0' was used to construct individual 3D images from 120 digital images taken from -60 to + 60 degree angles.The 3D tomography showed the degeneration of microfibrils within the CFs of the swollen cornea. The CF diameter was significantly reduced and the interfibrillar spacing significantly increased in both the 2hr and 48hr hydrated corneas compared to the normal cornea. Within the hydrated corneas, the CF diameter was smaller and the interfibrillar spacing was increased in the middle and posterior stroma compared to the anterior stroma. The PG area in both the 2hr and the 48hr hydrated cornea was reduced in the anterior stroma, whereas it was increased in middle and posterior stroma compared to the normal cornea. The density of the PGs in both the 2hr and the 48hr samples, was reduced compared to the density of PGs in the normal cornea.The CFs, PGs and lamellae had degenerated, caused by swelling. 3D imaging demonstrated that the impairment of the microfibrils and PGs within the CF, is caused by the excessive hydration or swelling in the anterior as well as in the middle and posterior stroma. The lamellae of the anterior stroma which provides the biomechanical strength in the normal cornea, had degenerated in the swollen corneas due to the presence of the damaged CFs and PGs.

The study aimed to assess the effects of sex and season on hematological and serum biochemical indices of Barilius bendelisis. Hematological and biochemical results showed significant differences (p

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved for the first time using methanol leaf extract of C. didymobotyra and their in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities were also evaluated. Methanol leaf extracts of C. didymobotyra after mixing with AgNO3 solution showed the change in color from light brown to dark yellowish brown within 1 hour. UV-visible spectroscopy study showed the surface plasmon resonance at around 420 nm clearly indicating the biosynthesis of AgNPs. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis proved the presence of biosynthesized AgNPs in spherical shape with huge disparity in sizes. The average size of biosynthesized nanoparticle was about 18 nm. The occurrence of face centered cubic shapes of nanoparticles was established by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study showed the possible capping of AgNPs because of the active biomolecules present in the methanol leaf extract of C. didymobotyra. The antioxidant activities of biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and found that AgNPs demonstrated a strong antioxidant properties compared to methanol leaf extract. Nevertheless, the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against all the tested human pathogenic bacterial strains compared to crude methanol leaf extract of C. didymobotyra. Thus, it is concluded that these biosynthesized AgNPs are cost effective, eco-friendly in nature and could be applied for developing new antibacterial drugs and other biomedical applications in near future.

Eutrophication is caused by an over enrichment of aquatic ecosystems with nutrients, principally with chronic release of phosphorus (P) from point and non-point sources, leading to nuisance algal blooms, anoxic events, impaired water quality and stubborn environmental issues. Aquatic macrophytes display an efficient phytosequestration of inorganics in plant parts due to their non-degradable nature. Serial microcosm experiments were conducted to estimate differential phytoremdiation ability of A. japonica, A. pinnata, and A. hybrid to remove P from different P-eutrophicated solutions under different incubation periods. Azolla plants showed substantial P-removal efficiency from P-eutrophicated solutions, and removed P-amounts were significantly correlated with P-accumulated in plant biomass. About 1-fold decrease in solution pH might be ascribed to Hefflux. Plants without P-hunger showed lower P-removal rates compared to P-hunger plants. A. japonica displayed highest Premoval efficiency in different experiments. From these kinetic experiments, it is plausible to conclude that phytoaccumulation was the possible mechanism for P-removal, and due to fast growth, high tolerance and accumulation ability, free floating Azolla might be the best candidate among macrophytes to combat P-driven eutrophication. Results obtained will not only provide information to environmental managers to mitigate P-eutrophication but will also provide data base to scientists for their future ventures. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers

The presently available therapies for type 2 diabetes have not been able to achieve normoglycemic status in a majority of the patients which may be either due to the limitations of the drug itself or its side effects. In an effort to develop potent and safe oral antidiabetic agents, 4-ethyloxychalcone, which was found to be the most potent antiglycating agent in our previous study, has been evaluated for its in vivo hypoglycemic activity using an alloxanized diabetic rat model. The diabetes was induced in rats by injection of intraperitoneal alloxan. However, the oral route was used for the administration of 4-ethyloxychalcone. A significant glucose-lowering effect (P

We studied the season dependent thermal tolerance, oxygen consumption, respiratory burst response and antioxidative enzyme activities in juveniles of Barilius bendelisis. The critical thermal maximum (CTmax), lethal thermal maximum (LTmax), critical thermal minimum (CTmin) and lethal thermal minimum (LTmin) were significantly different at five different seasons viz. winter (10.64°C), spring (16.25°C), summer (22.11°C), rainy (20.87°C) and autumn (17.77°C). The highest CTmax was registered in summer (36.02°C), and lowest CTmin was recorded during winter (2.77°C). Water temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH were strongly related to CTmax, LTmax, CTmin and LTmin suggesting seasonal acclimatization of B. bendelisis. The thermal tolerance polygon area of the B. bendelisis juveniles within the range of seasonal temperature (10.64-22.11°C) was calculated as 470.92°C(2). Oxygen consumption rate was significantly different (p

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is a rare genetic disorder with high infantile mortality, described to be due to ENPP1, and less commonly ABCC6 mutations. Bisphosphonate treatment has been described to improve survival in ENPP1-positive GACI patients, but few studies have described bisphosphonate treatment in ABCC6-positive patients. Without therapy, patients will die before 6 months of age. Our patient is now 3 years old, former recipient twin of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Initial fetal echocardiogram at 19 weeks showed calcifications of the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery (PA). She underwent utero laser therapy, and despite resolution of the TTTS, her follow-up scans showed progressive calcification of the aorta and PA. Postnatal echocardiogram showed calcification and supravalvar stenosis of the aorta and PA. CT on day of life 6 showed calcifications in the PAs, aortic arch, and descending aorta. Quantification of valvular calcification can be difficult; in our patient, increasing outflow tract gradient on echocardiogram was used to monitor disease progression. Molecular testing revealed an ABCC6 gene mutation. She was started on weekly IV pamidronate (0.1-0.3 mg/kg/week) on day 8 of life then transitioned to oral etidronate (15-20 mg/kg/day). Given progressive supravalvar aortic and pulmonary stenosis, she underwent surgical repair with patch augmentation of the PA and ascending aorta at 4 months old. She has done well post-operatively, continuing on enteral bisphosphonate therapy with no side effects to date. Her identical twin was confirmed to have the same mutation and remains asymptomatic with no calcifications. Aggressive bisphosphonate therapy should be started as soon as possible in patients with infantile arterial calcinosis due to ABCC6 or ENPP1 mutations. Echocardiographic evaluation can be used to monitor disease progression by arterial gradients. Molecular testing is also essential to evaluate for possible co-morbidities in these patients and pregnancy management for the future.

The practice of digitizing cultural heritage sites is gaining ground among conservation scientists and scholars in architecture, art history, computer science, and related fields. Recently, the location of such sites in areas of intense conflict has highlighted the urgent need for documenting cultural heritage for the purposes of preservation and posterity. The complex histories of such sites requires more than just their digitization, and should also include the meaningful interpretation of buildings and their surroundings with respect to context and intangible values. Project Anqa is an interdisciplinary and multi-partner effort that goes beyond simple digitization to record at-risk heritage sites throughout the Middle East and Saharan Africa, most notably in Syria and Iraq, before they are altered or destroyed. Through a collaborative process, Anqa assembles documentation, historically contextualizes it, and makes data accessible and useful for scholars, peers, and the wider public through state-of-the-art tools. The aim of the project is to engage in capacity-building on the ground in Syria and Iraq, as well as to create an educational web platform that informs viewers about cultural heritage in the region through research, digital storytelling, and the experience of virtual environments.

An experiment was conducted to delineate the effect of heat shock and chlorine on the biochemical responses of Labeo rohita spawns for evaluating acquired thermal tolerance. Spawns were equally distributed in three different groups i.e., group 1 heat shock (37 °C) without chlorine, group 2 heat shock (37 °C) in chlorinated water and group 3 control in ambient water (28 °C). Following 1-h stress, the animal was transferred to ambient water conditions to study the recovery from stress at different sampling hours i.e., 0, 2, 4, 8, 14, 24 and 48 h. Stress parameters viz., glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase were measured for both the experimental groups and compared with the control. At the end of 48 h, the recovering spawns in the respective experimental groups were subjected to temperature higher than 37 °C in order to check for thermal tolerance and induction of cross protection. Their survivability rates were checked after exposure to 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 °C. The result indicated that the spawns in group 1 recovered within 24 h wherein heat shock alone imparted higher thermal tolerance in them leading to 100 % survival at 40 °C; however the fishes in group 2 did not recover even after 48 h and demonstrated only 30 % survival at 40 °C. In both experimental groups, none of the fish survived the exposure to 42 °C. The results indicate that the combined effect of heat shock and chlorine has more pronounced effect on L. rohita spawns and fails to develop acquired thermal tolerance.

Postoperative nasal bleeding is a common complication of septoplasty and may lead to painful procedure of nasal packing to stop bleeding. Since Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been reported to reduce bleeding, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of single dose of intravenous TXA on postoperative nasal bleed associated with septoplasty.This prospective randomized, double-blinded clinical trial consisted of 176 patients aged 18-55 years who underwent septoplasty for symptomatic deviated nasal septum. These participants were randomly divided into 2 groups; 88 patients were given normal saline (Control group) and 88 patients were administered a single shot of intravenous TXA 10mg/kg (TXA group). Operative technique applied was same in all cases. At the end of surgery nasal packs, nasal splints or trans-septal suturing were not done. Nasal bleeding was monitored after surgery and up to 2 weeks postoperatively.Patients receiving TXA showed significantly less postoperative nasal bleeding compared with controls. Extensive bleeding in terms of number of gauze pads used and duration was also higher in placebo with a statistically significant difference (all P=0.05). Seven patients required nasal packing in control group to stop bleeding as compared to one patient in TXA group. Adverse reactions to TXA were minimal, and these were easily managed conservatively.Single intravenous dose of TXA is shown to be effective and safe agent in preventing postoperative nasal bleeding after septoplasty therefore avoiding additional techniques of nasal packing, intranasal splint or trans-septal suturing during surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the contemporary trends and comparative effectiveness of adjunctive inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) placement in patients undergoing catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for treatment of proximal lower extremity or caval deep vein thrombosis.CDT is being increasingly used in the management of proximal deep vein thrombosis. Although a significant number of patients treated with CDT undergo adjunctive IVCF placement, the benefit of this practice remains unknown.The National Inpatient Sample database was used to identify all patients with proximal or caval deep vein thrombosis who underwent CDT (with and without adjunctive IVCF placement) in the United States between January 2005 and December 2013. A propensity score-matching algorithm was then used to derive 2 matched groups of patients (IVCF and no IVCF) for comparative outcomes (mortality and major and minor bleeding) and resource use analysis.Of the 7,119 patients treated with CDT, 2,421 (34%) received IVCFs. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality (0.7% vs 1.0%; p = 0.20), procedure-related hemorrhage (1.4% vs. 1.0%; p = 0.23), or intracranial hemorrhage (0.7% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.70) between the IVCF (n = 2,259) and no-IVCF (n = 2,259) groups, respectively. Patients undergoing IVCF placement had higher rates of hematoma (3.4% vs 2.1%; p = 0.009), higher in-hospital charges ($104,049 ± 75,572 vs. $92,881 ± 80,194; p 0.001) and increased length of stay (7.3 ± 5.6 days vs. 6.9 ± 6.9 days; p = 0.046) compared with the no-IVCF group.This nationwide observational study suggests that one-third of all patients undergoing CDT receive IVCFs. IVCF use was not associated with a decrease in in-hospital mortality but was associated with higher inpatient charges and longer length of stay.

Occupational exposures to combustion emissions were examined in Ottawa Fire Service (OFS) firefighters. Paired urine and dermal wipe samples (i.e., pre- and post-event) as well as personal air samples and fire event questionnaires were collected from 27 male OFS firefighters. A total of 18 OFS office workers were used as additional controls. Exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other organic mutagens were assessed by quantification of urinary PAH metabolite levels, levels of PAHs in dermal wipes and personal air samples, and urinary mutagenicity using the Salmonella mutagenicity assay (Ames test). Urinary Clara Cell 16 (CC16) and 15-isoprostane F2t (8-iso-PGF2α) levels were used to assess lung injury and overall oxidative stress, respectively. The results showed significant 2.9- to 5.3-fold increases in average post-event levels of urinary PAH metabolites, depending on the PAH metabolite (p < 0.0001). Average post-event levels of urinary mutagenicity showed a significant, event-related...

There is a possibility to reduce the toxicity of glycerol and osmotic stress of DMSO by lowering their concentrations in freezing extenders.To investigate the effect of glycerol and DMSO in tris-citric acid based extender on post- thaw quality of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa.Semen was collected from five adult buffalo bulls with artificial vagina. Five aliquots of semen per bull were separated for dilution with the treatment extenders. The first aliquot was diluted at 37C with 6 percent glycerol (T1). The second aliquot was diluted at 37C with extenders containing 4.5 percent glycerol and 1.5 percent DMSO (T2). The third aliquot was diluted with extenders containing 4.5 percent glycerol at 37C and 1.5 percent DMSO at 4С (T3). The fourth aliquot was diluted with extenders containing 1.5 percent DMSO at 37C and 4.5 percent glycerol at 4С (T4). The fifth aliquot was diluted with extender containing 2.5percent DMSO at 37 as well as at 4C (T5). The final concentration of spermatozoa was 50×10At post thawing, treatment groups T1 and T2 yielded significant (P0.05) outcome for CASA parameters, longevity, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial transmembrane potential and DNA integrity.We concluded that by decreasing glycerol concentration (4.5 percent) and combining it with DMSO (1.5 percent) at 37C (T2) in tris-citric acid based extender provided similar results to those observed when glycerol (6 percent) alone is used at 37C (T1) for improving the post-thaw quality of buffalo bull spermatozoa.