Experimental Limits on Solar Reflected Dark Matter with a New Approach on Accelerated-Dark-Matter-Electron Analysis in Semiconductors

Recently a dark matter-electron (DM-electron) paradigm has drawn much attention. Models beyond the standard halo model describing DM accelerated by high energy celestial bodies are under intense examination as well. In this Letter, a velocity components analysis (VCA) method dedicated to swift analysis of accelerated DM-electron interactions via semiconductor detectors is proposed and the first HPGe detector-based accelerated DM-electron analysis is realized. Utilizing the method, the first germanium based constraint on sub-GeV solar reflected DM-electron interaction is presented with the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. In the heavy mediator scenario, our result excels in the mass range of 5-15  keV/c^{2}, achieving a 3 orders of magnitude improvement comparing with previous semiconductor experiments. In the light mediator scenario, the strongest laboratory constraint for DM lighter than 0.1  MeV/c^{2} is presented. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of the VCA technique in future accelerated DM-electron analyses with semiconductor detectors.

Hail the HACOR as a Customized Indian Weaning Score!

Singh MK. Hail the HACOR as a Customized Indian Weaning Score! Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(3):198-199.

A review of digital PET-CT technology: Comparing performance parameters in SiPM integrated digital PET-CT systems

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to perform a narrative review of digital Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scanners, focussing on the current development in the technology of optimized crystal size and design, the time of flight (ToF) resolution, sensitivity, and axial field of view (AFOV).

KEY FINDINGS

It was observed that significant developments were carried out on the optimization of scintillation crystal size which results in the improvement of spatial resolution. such developments include the upgrade in the AFOV after the integration of SiPM technology, which results in dynamic parametric imaging acquisition in PET and sensitivity boost. The improvement in ToF resolution and the better ToF resolution values, which result in a boost in adequate sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Other upgrades include the use of the smallest crystal size of 2.76 × 2.76 mm, and the use of the lowest ToF resolution of 214 ps. The use of the largest AFOV of 194 cm with the highest observed NEMA sensitivity of 225 cps/kBq for the total body PET-CT system.

CONCLUSION

Digital PET-CT systems offer various advantages such as a reduction in radiation dose from injected radiopharmaceuticals doses and the overall PET acquisition time with an improved diagnostic certainty. This is because of the better performance of the SiPM detector. Digital PET-CT also has added benefits of the dynamic acquisition and Patlak modeling capabilities into routine clinical practice with the advancement in higher AFOV PET systems.

IMPLICATION

This will help the users choose the best system during the evaluation of the PET-CT for purchase in clinical and research applications. This review will further help in teaching the latest technology and developments in PET-CT systems.

IGF-1 stabilizes goat sperm mitochondrial transmembrane potential and reduces dna fragmentation

BACKGROUND

Antioxidant present in sperm cells protects them from oxidative damage. However, sperm are more susceptible to peroxidative damages due to the loss of these enzymes during cryopreservation and their survival and fertility may be compromised. Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has an antioxidant effect and could maintain sperm motility.

OBJECTIVE

To improve seminal parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), oxidative status and DNA integrity of buck semen after freeze-thawing by fortification of goat semen diluent with various concentrations of IGF-1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty ejaculates were collected and were extended with tris- citric acid- fructose diluent with 10% egg yolk and 6% glycerol with sperm concentrations of 1×108 mL-1. Post-cryopreserved sperm were assessed for motility and a range of other functional parameters.

RESULTS

In post-thaw semen sperm motility, live sperm count, acrosome integrity, hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC), TUNEL positive sperm differed significantly (P<0.05) with the various concentrations of IGF-1 used. Sperm functional parameters post-thawing were significantly (P<0.05) better in 250 ng/mL IGF-1. IGF-1 protects against lipid peroxidation by lowering MDA and PCC production, thus reducing the harmful effect of reactive oxygen species. The kidding percentage using the artificial insemination technique was significantly higher ( i.e., 40%) in the group supplemented with 250 ng/mL of IGF-1 than in the non-supplemented group (i.e., 30%).

CONCLUSION

IGF-1 may be used to improve post-thaw semen quality and fertility as measured by actual kidding rate. Doi.org/10.54680/fr23610110312.

The spectrum and etiologies of lower urinary tract symptoms in postmenopausal women

Background

Although the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is high in the female population, it is even higher in postmenopausal females. The frequency, severity, and etiology of LUTS vary among populations and individuals. This study aimed to define the characteristics of LUTS in postmenopausal women and their underlying etiologies.

Material and methods

Overall, 74 postmenopausal patients presenting with LUTS in the urological outpatient department were included in the study. A detailed evaluation of LUTS and their underlying etiologies was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on age (<65 and ≥65 years), and the variation in different factors was compared across the groups. Variables were compared using the t test and 1-way analysis of variance.

Results

Nocturia was the most common symptom (89.2%) followed by frequency (83.8%). Among voiding LUTS, the most common was a weak stream (63.5%). Frequency, nocturia, urgency, urge urinary incontinence (UI), stress UI, and nocturnal enuresis were more common in patients older than 65 years. Urgency and urge UI were recognized to be the most bothersome symptoms by 37% of the study population followed by straining (32%). The mean storage scores, incontinence scores, and quality of life (QoL) scores for patients younger than 65 years and 65 years or older were 6.9 and 8.5 (p < 0.01), 1.8 and 4.1 (p ≤ 0.01), 4.9 and 6.1, respectively. The most common diagnosis was bladder outlet obstruction due to urethral/meatal stenosis (40.5%) followed by an overactive bladder (32.4%), urinary tract infection (10.8%), cystocele (8.1%), urethral prolapse (4.1%), and urethral caruncle (4.1%).

Conclusions

Storage LUTS were the most common and increased in both frequency and severity with age. The QoL was also more severely affected in older postmenopausal women. Bladder outlet obstruction due to meatal with or without distal urethral stenosis was the most common underlying cause of LUTS followed by an overactive bladder. Overactive bladder had the most severe impact on patients' QoL among all the etiologies.

Technical and clinical assessment of latest technology SiPM integrated digital PETCT scanner

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to conduct a technical and clinical evaluation of a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) integrated digital Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PETCT) Scanner using National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 2- 2018 standards.

METHODS

System sensitivity was measured by using a NEMA sensitivity phantom. Scatter fraction, count-rate performance, accuracy of count loss, and timing resolution were all computed. Clinical images were acquired and image quality was assessed and compared with published studies.

RESULTS

At 1 cm, tangential, radial, and axial spatial resolutions were 3.02 mm, 3.02 mm, and 2.73 mm at full width half maximum (FWHM), respectively. Sensitivity at centre and 10 cm was 10.359 cps/kBq and 9.741 cps/kBq, respectively. The timing resolution was measured at 372 ps.

CONCLUSION

The digital PETCT exhibits a high-spatial resolution and a superior timing resolution, which advances the diagnostic ability to detect small lesions and boosts the diagnostic confidence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Increases clinical relevance by improving the ability to detect and differentiate tiny or low-contrast lesions without compromising radiopharmaceutical dose or overall scan time.

Under nonlinear prey-harvesting, effect of strong Allee effect on the dynamics of a modified Leslie-Gower predator-prey model

In the present study, the effects of the strong Allee effect on the dynamics of the modified Leslie-Gower predator-prey model, in the presence of nonlinear prey-harvesting, have been investigated. In our findings, it is seen that the behaviors of the described mathematical model are positive and bounded for all future times. The conditions for the local stability and existence for various distinct equilibrium points have been determined. The present research concludes that system dynamics are vulnerable to initial conditions. In addition, the presence of several types of bifurcations (e.g., saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation, homoclinic bifurcation) has been investigated. The first Lyapunov coefficient has been evaluated to study the stability of the limit cycle that results from Hopf bifurcation. The presence of a homoclinic loop has been demonstrated by numerical simulation. Finally, possible phase drawings and parametric figures have been depicted to validate the outcomes.

A diet-independent zebrafish model for NAFLD recapitulates patient lipid profiles and offers a system for small molecule screening

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) or pathological hepatic lipid overload, is considered to affect obese individuals. However, NAFLD in lean individuals is prevalent, especially in South Asian population. The pathophysiology of lean NAFLD is not well understood and most animal models of NAFLD use the high-fat diet paradigm. To bridge this gap, we have developed a diet-independent model of NAFLD in zebrafish. We have previously shown that chronic systemic inflammation causes metabolic changes in the liver leading to hepatic fat accumulation in an IL6 overexpressing (IL6-OE) zebrafish model. In the present study, we compared the hepatic lipid composition of adult IL6-OE zebrafish to the controls and found an accumulation of saturated triacylglycerols and a reduction in the unsaturated triacylglycerol species reminiscent of NAFLD patients. Zebrafish is an ideal system for chemical genetic screens. We tested whether the hepatic lipid accumulation in the IL6-OE is responsive to chemical treatment. We found that PPAR-gamma agonist Rosiglitazone, known to reduce lipid overload in the high-fat diet models of NAFLD, could ameliorate the fatty liver phenotype of the IL6-OE fish. Rosiglitazone treatment reduced the accumulation of saturated lipids and showed a concomitant increase in unsaturated TAG species in our inflammation-induced NAFLD model. Our observations suggest that the IL6-OE model can be effective for small molecule screening to identify compounds that can reverse hepatic lipid accumulation, especially relevant to lean NAFLD.

Impact of gadolinium doping into the frustrated antiferromagnetic lithium manganese oxide spinel

Cubic spinel LiMn₂O₄ (LMO) are promising electrode materials for advanced technological devices owing to their rich electrochemical properties. Here, a series of Gd³⁺-doped LiMn₂O₄ were synthesized using a simple one-step sol-gel synthesis, and a systematized study on the effect of increasing Gd³⁺ concentration on magnetic properties is conferred. The Raman and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the synthesized materials were correlated with the magnetic properties; we observed a high coercivity value for the doped LMO compared to pristine LMO, which scales down from 0.57T to 0.14T with an increase in Gd concentration. The samples exhibited paramagnetic (at 300K) to antiferromagnetic (at 5K) transition and variation in the magnetic moment due to the replacement of Mn⁺² or Mn⁺³ ion by Gd⁺³ ion from the octahedral 16d lattice site. The observed phase transitions in the hysteresis curve below the Neel temperature (T_N) at 5K are found to be due to the superexchange mechanism.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80  MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90  MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100  MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46}  cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10  MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14  MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

N-terminal domain of ARF-GEF GNOM prevents heterodimerization with functionally divergent GNL1 in Arabidopsis

Evolutionary change following gene duplication can lead to functionally divergent paralogous proteins. If comprising identical subunits their random assortment would also form potentially detrimental heteromeric proteins. In Arabidopsis, the ARF GTPase guanine-nucleotide exchange factor GNOM is essential for polar recycling of auxin-efflux transporter PIN1 from endosomes to the basal plasma membrane whereas its paralog GNL1 mediates retrograde Golgi-endoplasmic reticulum traffic. Here we show that both GNOM and GNL1 form homodimers but no heterodimers. To assess the biological significance of this, we generated transgenic plants expressing engineered heterodimer-compatible GNOM variants. Those plants showed developmental defects such as the failure to produce lateral roots. To identify mechanisms underlying heterodimer prevention, we analyzed interactions of the N-terminal dimerization and cyclophilin-binding (DCB) domain. Each DCB domain interacted with the complementary fragment (ΔDCB) both of their own and of the paralogous protein. However, only DCB^GNOM interacted with itself whereas DCB^GNL1 failed to interact with itself and with DCB^GNOM . GNOM variants in which the DCB domain was removed or replaced by DCB^GNL1 revealed a role for DCB-DCB interaction in the prevention of GNOM-GNL1 heterodimers whereas DCB-ΔDCB interaction was essential for dimer formation and GNOM function. Our data suggest a model of early DCB-DCB interaction that facilitates GNOM homodimer formation, indirectly precluding formation of detrimental heterodimers.

Genetic and population diversity of Toxocara cati (Schrank, 1788) Brumpt, 1927, on the basis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region

The present investigation was aimed to study the sequence, phylogenetic and haplotype analyses of Toxocara cati based on the ITS region, along with the genetic diversity, demographic history and population-genetic structure. The maximum likelihood tree based on Kimura 2-parameter model was constructed using the complete ITS region of all the nucleotide sequences (n = 57) of Toxocara spp. and other related ascarid worms available in the GenBank™. It placed all the sequences of T. cati into four major clades designated as T. cati genotypes 1-4 (TcG1-G4). A total of 66 signature nucleotides were identified in the ITS region between genotypes. The median-joining haplotype network displayed a total of 24 haplotypes, with China exhibiting the highest number of haplotypes (h = 20) followed by India (h = 4), and Japan and Russia (h = 1). It indicated a clear distinction between all the four genotypes. The pairwise F_ST values between all the genotypes indicated huge genetic differentiation (> 0.25) between different T. cati genotypes. Moreover, the gene flow (Nm) between T. cati genotypes was very low. Results of AMOVA revealed higher genetic variation between genotypes (92.82%) as compared to the variation within genotypes (7.18%). The neutrality indices and mismatch distributions for the G1-G4 genotypes, Indian isolates and the overall dataset of T. cati indicated either a constant population size or a slight population increase. The geographical distribution of all the genotypes of T. cati is also reported. This is the first report of genotyping of T. cati on the basis of the ITS region.

Association between mental health and executive dysfunction and the moderating effect of urban-rural subpopulation in general adolescents from Shangrao, China: a population-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between mental health and executive dysfunction in general adolescents, and to identify whether home residence and school location would moderate that association.

DESIGN

A population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A subsample of the Shanghai Children's Health, Education, and Lifestyle Evaluation-Adolescents project. 16 sampled schools in Shangrao city located in downstream Yangtze River in southeast China (December 2018).

PARTICIPANTS

1895 adolescents (48.8% male) which were divided into three subpopulations: (A) adolescents who have urban hukou (ie, household registration in China) and attend urban schools (UU, n=292); (B) adolescents who have rural hukou and attend urban schools (RU, n=819) and (C) adolescents who have rural hukou and attend rural schools (RR, n=784).

MEASURES

The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 was used to assess adolescent mental health symptoms, and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (parent form) was applied to measure adolescent executive dysfunction in nature setting.

RESULTS

Mental health symptoms were common (depression: 25.2%, anxiety: 53.0%, stress: 19.7%) in our sample, and the prevalence rates were lower among UU adolescents than those among the RR and RU, with intersubgroup differences in screen exposure time explaining most of the variance. We found the three types of symptoms were strongly associated with executive dysfunction in general adolescents. We also observed a marginal moderating effect of urban-rural subgroup on the associations: UU adolescents with depression (OR 6.74, 95% CI 3.75 to 12.12) and anxiety (OR 5.56, 95% CI 1.86 to 16.66) had a higher executive dysfunction risk when compared with RR youths with depression (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 4.12) and anxiety (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.33), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural adolescents experienced more mental health symptoms, whereas urban individuals with mental health problems had a higher executive dysfunction risk.

Structural, thermal, and electrochemical studies of biodegradable gel polymer electrolyte for electric double layer capacitor

A quasi-solid-state supercapacitor is fabricated using a biodegradable gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), and graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) capacitive electrodes. The GPE film comprises biodegradable polymer cellulose acetate (CA), ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate (EMImSCN) and dopant salt potassium thiocyanate (KSCN). The polymeric gel films are prepared using the standard “solution cast technique” and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravemetric analysis (TGA), Impedance spectroscopy, and Linear sweep voltammetry techniques. The synthesized GPE exhibits maximum room temperature ionic conductivity ∼1.2 x 10−3 S cm−1 and an electrochemical stability window of ∼2.4 V. The electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) is configured by sandwiching the GPE film between two graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) electrodes. The performance of the EDLC cell is evaluated in terms of specific capacitance, rate, and pulse power by using cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance measurement techniques.

Prevalence of incidental and total human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C seropositivity among patients posted for cataract surgery at a tertiary care center in India

Purpose:

To study the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) viral seropositive among the patients posted for cataract surgery at a tertiary care center in north India.

Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study done for 30 months duration. All the patients posted for cataract surgery underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation followed by routine hematological workup, including viral markers for HIV, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and anti-HCV. Data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 20).

Results:

A total of 7,316 individuals underwent cataract surgery from Jan 2016 to August 2018, 4,073/7,316 (55.7%) were males. The prevalence for HIV was 58/7,316 (0.8%), HBsAg was 151/7,316 (2.1%), and HCV was 11/7,316 (0.1%); 28/58 (48.3%) HIV positives were unaware of their seropositivity till testing, as were 37/151 (24.5%) of HBsAg positives, and 4/11 (36.4%) HCV positives. There was a significant relationship between the mean age in the patients with HIV (P = 0.002) and anti-HCV (P = 0.045). A majority of the seropositive patients were found to be illiterate (45.6%), followed by educated up to high school level (29.1%), and graduate (25.0%).

Conclusion:

Viral seropositivity was significant among the patients posted for cataract surgery. The eye care providers could refer these patients for counseling and further management for the patient’s and their caretaker’s benefit.

Genomic characterization and epidemiology of an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in Delhi, India

Delhi, the national capital of India, experienced multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks in 2020 and reached population seropositivity of >50% by 2021. During April 2021, the city became overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases and fatalities, as a new variant, B.1.617.2 (Delta), replaced B.1.1.7 (Alpha). A Bayesian model explains the growth advantage of Delta through a combination of increased transmissibility and reduced sensitivity to immune responses generated against earlier variants (median estimates: 1.5-fold greater transmissibility and 20% reduction in sensitivity). Seropositivity of an employee and family cohort increased from 42% to 87.5% between March and July 2021, with 27% reinfections, as judged by increased antibody concentration after a previous decline. The likely high transmissibility and partial evasion of immunity by the Delta variant contributed to an overwhelming surge in Delhi.

Genomic characterization and epidemiology of an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in Delhi, India

Delhi, the national capital of India, experienced multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks in 2020 and reached population seropositivity of >50% by 2021. During April 2021, the city became overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases and fatalities, as a new variant, B.1.617.2 (Delta), replaced B.1.1.7 (Alpha). A Bayesian model explains the growth advantage of Delta through a combination of increased transmissibility and reduced sensitivity to immune responses generated against earlier variants (median estimates: 1.5-fold greater transmissibility and 20% reduction in sensitivity). Seropositivity of an employee and family cohort increased from 42% to 87.5% between March and July 2021, with 27% reinfections, as judged by increased antibody concentration after a previous decline. The likely high transmissibility and partial evasion of immunity by the Delta variant contributed to an overwhelming surge in Delhi.

Temperature response of enriched pre-pubertal caprine male germline stem cells in vitro

The present study aims to evaluate culture temperature-dependent variation in survival, growth characteristics and expression of stress, pluripotency, apoptosis, and adhesion markers in enriched caprine male germline stem cells (cmGSCs). For this, testes from pre-pubertal bucks (4-5 months; n = 4) were used to isolated cells by a two-step enzymatic digestion method. After enrichment of cmGSCs by multiple methods (differential platting, Percoll density gradient centrifugation, and MACS), viability of CD90+ cells was assessed before co-cultured onto the Sertoli cell feeder layer at different temperatures (35.5, 37.0, 38.5, and 40.0 °C). The culture characteristics of cells were compared with MTT assay (viability); cluster-forming activity assay, SA-β1-gal assay (senescence), BrdU assay (proliferation), and transcript expression analyses by qRT-PCR. Moreover, the co-localization of pluripotency markers (UCHL-1, PLZF, and DBA) was examined by a double-immunofluorescence method. The cells grown at 37.0 °C showed faster proliferation with a significantly (p < 0.05) higher number of viable cells and greater number of cell clusters, besides higher expression of pluripotency markers. The transcript expression of HSPs (more noticeably HSP72 than HSP73), anti-oxidative enzymes (GPx and CuZnSOD), and adhesion molecule (β1-integrin) was significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated when grown at 35.0, 38.5, or 40.0 °C compared with 37.0 °C. The expression of pluripotency-specific transcripts was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cmGSCs grown at the culture temperature lower (35.5 °C) or higher (38.5 °C and 40.0 °C) than 37.0 °C. Overall, the culture temperature significantly affects the proliferation, growth characteristics, and expression of heat stress, pluripotency, and adhesion-specific markers in pre-pubertal cmGSCs. These results provide an insight to develop strategies for the improved cultivation and downstream applications of cmGSCs.

Variation in therapeutic strategies for the management of severe COVID-19 in India: A nationwide cross-sectional survey

AIM

During the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the physicians are using various off-label therapeutics to manage COVID-19. We undertook a cross-sectional survey to study the current variation in therapeutic strategies for managing severe COVID-19 in India.

METHODS

From January 4 to January 18, 2021, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians involved in the management of severe COVID-19. The survey had three sections: 1. Antiviral agents, 2. Immunomodulators, and 3. Adjuvant therapies.

RESULTS

1055 respondents (from 24 states and five union territories), of which 64.2% were consultants, 54.3% working in private hospitals, and 39.1% were from critical care medicine completed the survey. Remdesivir (95.2%), antithrombotics (94.2%), corticosteroids (90.3%), vitamins (89.7%) and empirical antibiotics (85.6%) were the commonly used therapeutics. Ivermectin (33%), convalescent plasma (28.6%) and favipiravir (17.6%) were other antiviral agents used. Methylprednisolone (50.2%) and dexamethasone (44.1%) were preferred corticosteroids and at a dose equivalent of 8 mg of dexamethasone phosphate (70.2%). There was significant variation among physicians from different medical specialities in the use of favipiravir, corticosteroids, empirical antibiotics and vitamins.

CONCLUSION

There is a considerable variation in the physicians' choice of therapeutic strategies for the management of severe COVID-19 in India, as compared with the available evidence.

Expression of the developmental important candidate genes in oocytes, embryos, embryonic stem cells, cumulus cells, and fibroblast cells of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study was undertaken to study the expression of the developmental important gene transcripts in immature oocytes, mature oocytes, different stages of IVF produced embryos, embryonic stem (ES), cumulus (BCC), fetal fibroblast (BFF), newborn fibroblast (NBF) and adult fibroblast (BAF) cells of buffalo by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of GLUT1, HSP70.1, POL A Polymerase, GDF9, BMP15, and SURVIVIN transcripts was found in immature oocytes, mature oocytes, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-16 cell, morula, and the blastocyst. Interestingly, the CX43 expression was found in oocytes, embryos, and other cell types, but it was not detected in the blastocyst. However, the IFNT expression was found in the blastocyst only, but not in other cells. The buffalo ES cells showed the expression of intracellular and cell surface markers (NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, FOXD3, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81) and alkaline phosphatase activity. Two ES cell lines (S-line and M-line-II) were continued to survive up to 98th passages (~630 days) and 97th passages (~624 days), respectively. It was interesting to note that GLUT1, CX43, HSP70.1, POL A Polymerase, GDF9, BMP15, and SURVIVIN transcripts (except the IFNT) were expressed in buffalo ES, BCC, BFF, NBF and BAF cells. This is the first preliminary report that the buffalo ES, BCC, BFF, NBF, and BAF cells expressed the several developmental important candidate genes. It is concluded that the expression of the major developmental important genes was not only expressed in the oocytes and embryos but also expressed in the ES, BCC, BFF, NBF, and BAF cells of buffalo.

Differential gene expression in liver of colored broiler chicken divergently selected for residual feed intake

Feed constitutes about 60-70% of the total cost of poultry production. So maximizing the feed efficiency will reduce production cost. The rapid growth in the juvenile period is essential to achieve higher body weight. Therefore, identifying the genes and pathways involved in rapid growth at an early age with a lesser requirement of feed is of utmost importance to further economize the broiler production. The efficiency of feed utilization was measured using RFI (residual feed intake). The present study aimed to estimate the RFI (0-5 week) in a population of indigenously developed colored broiler sire line chicken as well as identifying the differentially expressed genes influencing RFI in high and low RFI groups. The liver samples of high and low RFI broiler chicken aged 35 days were used for microarray analysis. A total of 2798 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, out of which 913 genes were downregulated and 1885 were upregulated. The fold change varied from - 475.17 to 552.94. A subset of genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR, and outcomes were matched well with microarray data. In the functional annotation study of DEGs, the highest significant GO (Gene Ontology) terms in the biological process included protein transport, protein localization, regulation of apoptosis, and mitochondrial transport. Gene network analysis of these DEGs plays an important role to understand the interaction among genes. Study of the important genes which were differentially expressed and the related molecular pathways in this population may hold the potential for future breeding strategies for augmenting feed efficiency.

Status of Beta Defensin-1 and its Effect on Post-thaw Semen Fertility Gene Expression in Indian Goat Breed

BACKGROUND

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides and uniformly spans the entire sperm surface and is not exclusive to a specific domain. Goat β-defensin-1 helps in initiation of motility and capacitation of sperm.

OBJECTIVE

To know the status of β-defensin-1 in blood, semen and its effect on post thaw fertility gene expression in Indian goat breeds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen was extended and divided for estimation of β-defensin-1 and cryopreserved having different concentrations of β-defensin-1.

RESULTS

Bet defensin-1 concentration (pg/mL) in neat semen, sperm pellet and seminal plasma was significantly higher (P< 0.05) in goat breed Barbari followed by Jamunapari and Jakhrana. β-defensing-1 was also high in Jakhrana blood followed by Barbari and Jamunapari. The post thaw motility, live sperm, acrosome intactness and hypo osmotic swelled sperms were significantly higher (P< 0.05) with 10 ng/mL β-defensin in the semen dilutor.

CONCLUSION

Beta defensin (10 ng/mL) in semen dilutor may be used as immuno-modulator to get better post thaw quality suitable for artificial insemination.

Association of TYRP1 with hypoxia and its correlation with patient outcome in uveal melanoma

PURPOSE

Molecular mechanisms of uveal melanoma development in association with high pigmentation are unclear. Tyrosinase Related Protein (TYRP1) is not only one of the important melanogenesis marker that contributes to melanin synthesis, but can also prevents the melanocyte death. The induction of melanogenesis leads to induction of HIF-1α which can affect the behavior of melanoma cells and its surrounding environment. The aim of our study was to determine the expression of TYRP1 and HIF-1α at the protein and RNA level and determine its prognostic significance.

METHODS

In the present study, the expression of TYRP1 and HIF-1α was investigated on 61 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded choroidal melanoma samples by immunohistochemistry. Fresh 50 samples were validated by real-time PCR. Results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and Kaplan-Meier was performed to determine the prognostic significance.

RESULTS

High immunoexpression of TYRP1 and HIF-1α was present in 61 and 54% of patients, respectively. Both TYRP1 and HIF-1α correlated well with high pigmentation and BAP1 (BRCA1 Associated Protein-1) loss (p < 0.05) at IHC level as well as transcriptional level. There was reduced metastatic free survival in patients with necrosis and this was statistically significant (p = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that TYRP1 can be used as a potential biomarker in the development of targeted therapy in UM. Further studies on melanogenesis markers associated with TYRP1 could provide us a better understanding in this field.

Controlling the aqueous growth of urea crystals with different growth inhibitors: a molecular-scale study

Molecular scale understanding of the mechanism of solution-mediated nucleation and the growth of crystalline materials in the presence of growth inhibitors together with the process parameters continues to attract the interest of the scientific community though much headway has been made in recent years. Growth inhibitors can be added to solution of a crystallizing parent molecule to alter the rate of growth of different crystal faces, size and shape of the crystalline materials. In this work, we investigated the effects of a number of shape-controlling inhibitors, such as acetone, biuret and biurea, on the growth kinetics of the various faces of aqueous-grown urea crystals as a means to predictably control the crystal growth morphology. We combined the adsorption energy landscape of various auxiliaries with the kinetics of the molecular growth processes to develop an analytical model to compute the rate of growth as a function of supersaturation and the additive concentration. The model relates the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the adsorption of the solute, solvent and additive to provide a quantitative description of the crystal growth. Ab initio periodic dispersion-corrected density functional theory using the hybrid exchange-correlation functional was employed to determine the interfacial structure of the adsorption of various auxiliaries at crystalline surfaces. The calculated adsorption energies of different auxiliaries were employed to examine the role played by these auxiliaries during the aqueous crystallization of urea crystals containing small amounts of additives. Our results showed that the growth of (110), (111) and (1̄1̄1̄) faces were nearly unaltered by the addition of moderate amounts of acetone as it has lower adsorption energies with the surfaces of these faces. Nevertheless, the presence of acetone in the solution reasonably impeded the growth of the (001) face. The addition of biuret or biurea in the solution led to a higher adsorption energy at (001) and (111) faces. Consequently, the low concentration of these additives severely obstructed the growth of (001) and (111) faces as most of the adsorption sites were occupied by these additives. On the other hand, these additives were weakly adsorbed at the (110) face and, hence, the growth of the (110) face largely remained unaltered. Moreover, unlike biuret, biurea considerably inhibited the growth of the (1̄1̄1̄) face. Our results are in agreement with the experimental and computational results reported in the literature.

Chronic systemic exposure to IL6 leads to deregulation of glycolysis and fat accumulation in the zebrafish liver

Inflammation is a constant in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), although their relationship is unclear. In a transgenic zebrafish system with chronic systemic overexpression of human IL6 (IL6-OE) we show that inflammation can cause intra-hepatic accumulation of triglycerides. Transcriptomics and proteomics analysis of the IL6-OE liver revealed a deregulation of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway, especially a striking down regulation of the glycolytic enzyme aldolase b. Metabolomics analysis by mass spectrometry showed accumulation of hexose monophosphates and their derivatives, which can act as precursors for triglyceride synthesis. Our results suggest that IL6-driven repression of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, specifically aldolase b, may be a novel mechanism for fatty liver. This mechanism may be relevant for NAFLD in lean individuals, an emerging class of NAFLD prevalent more in Asian Indian populations.

Comparative evaluation of DTT treated ABO isoagglutinin titres performed by two methods with solid phase red cell adhesion (SPRCA) titres

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Measurement of actual concentration of IgG requires methods like treatment of serum with dithiothreitol (DTT). This study was aimed at comparing of DTT treated ABO titres performed by conventional test tube technique (CTT) and column agglutination technique (CAT) with HA/SPRCA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, observational study conducted from October 2019 to March 2020. All consecutive A, B and O group donors who gave consent for participation were included. All samples were tested by CTT and CAT before and after DTT treatment (pCTT, pCAT) and with HA/SPRCA.

RESULTS

A total of 300 donors were included; 100 each from A, B and O blood group donors. Group O titres were higher than group A/B titres. Group O titres were highest when performed by pCAT, followed by pCTT and lowest by HA/SPRCA. Group A/B titres were highest when performed by HA/SPRCA, followed by pCAT and pCTT for anti-A and highest when performed by pCAT, followed by HA/SPRCA and lowest by pCTT for anti-B.

CONCLUSION

Results obtained by pCAT were closer to results obtained by pCTT, whereas those obtained by HA/SPRCA were variable. SPRCA offers the advantage of automation, no inter-observer variation and less time consumption because IgM interference is not observed with SPRCA, thus providing an alternative to pCTT. However, these methods cannot be used interchangeably and to discern the most suitable method, a clinical impact of these results needs to be studied.

Effects of treatment with a microRNA mimic or inhibitor on the developmental competence, quality, epigenetic status and gene expression of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos

Expression levels of 13 microRNAs (miRNAs) were compared between buffalo blastocysts produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer through hand-made cloning and IVF to improve cloning efficiency. Expression of miR-22, miR-145, miR-374a and miR-30c was higher, whereas that of miR-29b, miR-101, miR-302b, miR-34a, miR-21 and miR-25 was lower, in nuclear transferred (NT) than IVF embryos; the expression of miR-200b, miR-26a and miR-128 was similar between the two groups. Based on these, miR-145, which is involved in the regulation of pluripotency, was selected for further investigation of NT embryos. miR-145 expression was lowest at the 2-cell stage, increased through the 4-cell stage and was highest at the 8-cell or morula stage in a pattern that was similar between NT and IVF embryos. miR-145 expression was higher in NT than IVF embryos at all stages examined. Treatment of reconstructed embryos 1h after electrofusion with an inhibitor of miR-145 for 1h decreased the apoptotic index and increased the blastocyst rate, total cell number, ratio of cells in the inner cell mass to trophectoderm, global levels of acetylation of histone 3 at lysine 18 and expression of Krueppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) and SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2) in blastocysts. Treatment with an miR-145 mimic had the opposite effects. In conclusion, treatment of NT embryos with an miR-145 inhibitor improves the developmental competence and quality, and increases histone acetylation and expression of pluripotency-related genes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with atrial tumor thrombus presenting as myxoma: Resection under cardiopulmonary bypass

Surgical resection for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with atrial tumor thrombus is a rare life saving procedure. A case of left lateral segment liver tumor (HCC) with atrial tumor thrombus resected with use of cardio-pulmonary bypass is presented.

Variations in the central corneal thickness during the menstrual cycle in Indian women

Purpose:

To determine the changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) during the menstrual cycle in Indian women.

Methods:

A prospective observational clinical study at a tertiary care center between December 2015 and December 2018. One hundred and twenty sixty women between 18 and 45 years were included. The CCT was measured using an ultrasound pachymeter at three specific timelines of the menstrual cycle: at the beginning (1^st to 3^rd day), during ovulation time (14^th to 16^th day), and at the end of the cycle (28^th to 33^rd day). Phases of the cycle were confirmed by the urine luteinizing hormone level.

Results:

The mean CCT of both eyes was 541.76 ± 4.21 μm, 559.21 ± 4.50 μm, and 544.52 ± 8.06 μm at the beginning, mid, and end of cycle, respectively. The mean CCT of the right eye was 541.68 ± 4.15 μm, 559.08 ± 4.50 μm, and 544.44 ± 8.06 μm and of the left eye was 541.84 ± 4.27 μm, 559.35 ± 4.50 μm, and 544.61 ± 8.06 μm at the beginning, mid, and end of cycle, respectively.

Conclusion:

The CCT value was significantly (P < 0.001) higher during ovulation compared to the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle. Our study recommends adding menstrual history in the workup of women undergoing refractive surgery as physiological variations in the CCT may result in unexpected surgical outcomes.

Repurposing Drugs, Ongoing Vaccine, and New Therapeutic Development Initiatives Against COVID-19

As the COVID-19 is still growing throughout the globe, a thorough investigation into the specific immunopathology of SARS-CoV-2, its interaction with the host immune system and pathogen evasion mechanism may provide a clear picture of how the pathogen can breach the host immune defenses in elderly patients and patients with comorbid conditions. Such studies will also reveal the underlying mechanism of how children and young patients can withstand the disease better. The study of the immune defense mechanisms and the prolonged immune memory from patients population with convalescent plasma may help in designing a suitable vaccine candidate not only for the current outbreak but also for similar outbreaks in the future. The vital drug candidates, which are being tested as potential vaccines or therapeutics against COVID-19, include live attenuated vaccine, inactivated or killed vaccine, subunit vaccine, antibodies, interferon treatment, repurposing existing drugs, and nucleic acid-based vaccines. Several organizations around the world have fast-tracked the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, and some drugs already went to phase III of clinical trials. Hence, here, we have tried to take a quick glimpse of the development stages of vaccines or therapeutic approaches to treat this deadly disease.

Effect of Dickkopf-1 and colony stimulating factor-2 on the developmental competence, quality, gene expression and live birth rate of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos produced by hand-made cloning

A functional canonical WNT signaling pathway exists in preimplantation embryos and inhibits embryonic development. Recent studies suggest that this pathway is over-expressed in nuclear transferred (NT), compared to IVF embryos. The present study investigated the effects of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), an inhibitor of canonical WNT signaling pathway and colony stimulating factor-2 (CSF2), an embryokine, on the developmental competence, quality, gene expression and live birth rate of NT buffalo embryos produced by Hand-made cloning (HMC). Following supplementation of the in vitro culture medium on day 5 with DKK1 (100 ng/mL), CSF2 (10 ng/mL), DKK1+CSF2 or no supplementation (control), the blastocyst rate was higher (P < 0.05) with DKK1 and DKK1+CSF2 (42.6 ± 1.4% and 46.6 ± 0.9%, respectively) than with CSF2 or controls (40.6 ± 1.3% and 39.0 ± 1.3%, respectively). The apoptotic index of the blastocysts was lower (P < 0.05) for DKK1, CSF2 and DKK1+CSF2 groups (3.44 ± 0.14, 3.39 ± 0.11 and 3.11 ± 0.22, respectively) compared to controls (6.64 ± 0.25), and was similar to that of the IVF blastocysts (3.67 ± 0.18). Although the total cell number was similar for the DKK1, CSF2, DKK1+CSF2 and control groups (200.4 ± 3.05, 196.4 ± 3.73, 204.7 ± 3.71 and 205 ± 4.03, respectively), the inner cell mass:trophectoderm cell number ratio of DKK1, CSF2 and DKK1+CSF2 groups (0.21 ± 0.01, 0.17 ± 0.01 and 0.22 ± 0.02, respectively) was higher (P < 0.05) than controls (0.13 ± 0.01) and was similar to that of IVF blastocysts (0.19 ± 0.01). Treatment with DKK1 or CSF2 or both increased (P < 0.05) the expression level of OCT4, NANOG,SOX2, GATA6, BCL2, PTEN, P53, FGF4, GLUT1 and IFN-τ, and decreased that of C-MYC, CDX2, CASPASE, DNMT3a, TCF7 and LEF1 in blastocysts, compared to controls. Transfer of DKK1-treated embryos to 13 recipients resulted in 4 pregnancies (30.8%; 2 live births, one abortion and one currently at 9 months of pregnancy) whereas, transfer of DKK1+CSF2-treated embryos to 16 recipients, resulted in 4 pregnancies (25.0%), all of which resulted in live births. No pregnancy was obtained after transfer of control and CSF-treated embryos to 12 and 16 recipients, respectively. These results suggest that DKK1 treatment of NT embryos increases the blastocyst, conception and live birth rate, and improves their quality whereas, CSF2 treatment, does not affect the blastocyst, conception and live birth rate despite improvement in embryo quality.

Coordinated Activation of ARF1 GTPases by ARF-GEF GNOM Dimers Is Essential for Vesicle Trafficking in Arabidopsis

Membrane trafficking maintains the organization of the eukaryotic cell and delivers cargo proteins to their subcellular destinations, such as sites of action or degradation. The formation of membrane vesicles requires the activation of the ADP-ribosylation factor ARF GTPase by the SEC7 domain of ARF guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (ARF-GEFs), resulting in the recruitment of coat proteins by GTP-bound ARFs. In vitro exchange assays were done with monomeric proteins, although ARF-GEFs form dimers in vivo. This feature is conserved across eukaryotes, although its biological significance is unknown. Here, we demonstrate the proximity of ARF1•GTPs in vivo by fluorescence resonance energy transfer-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, mediated through coordinated activation by dimers of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ARF-GEF GNOM, which is involved in polar recycling of the auxin transporter PIN-FORMED1. Mutational disruption of ARF1 spacing interfered with ARF1-dependent trafficking but not with coat protein recruitment. A mutation impairing the interaction of one of the two SEC7 domains of the GNOM ARF-GEF dimer with its ARF1 substrate reduced the efficiency of coordinated ARF1 activation. Our results suggest a model of coordinated activation-dependent membrane insertion of ARF1•GTP molecules required for coated membrane vesicle formation. Considering the evolutionary conservation of ARFs and ARF-GEFs, this initial regulatory step of membrane trafficking might well occur in eukaryotes in general.

Constitutive expression of c-REL in uveal melanoma patients: correlation with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome

PURPOSE

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular cancer with a high mortality rate that requires new research in the field of prevention and treatment. c-REL is a member of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factor family and an emerging regulator of tumorigenesis. Therefore, the objective of the study is to evaluate the constitutive expression of c-REL in uveal melanoma patients and its prognostic significance.

METHODS

Detection of c-REL expression was carried out by immunohistochemistry in all 75 patients, and qRT-PCR performed on 58 fresh cases of uveal melanoma along with IL-6 status. Immunoblot was performed to validate immunohistochemistry results. Expression of c-REL protein correlated with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival of patients.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry results revealed nuclear expression of the c-REL protein (56%) in our cases. Out of 75 cases, 31 cases showed nuclear expression, and 11 cases had cytoplasmic expression. qRT-PCR showed upregulation of the REL gene in 56.89% cases at the transcriptional level. There was a statistically significant difference in the overall survival of patients with c-REL nuclear immunopositivity (p = 0.0048). On multivariate analysis, scleral invasion and c-REL nuclear expression found to be an independent prognostic factor (p < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study reporting the expression of the c-REL protein in uveal melanoma. Strong nuclear immunoexpression of c-Rel suggests NFκB pathway activation which might be involved in the progression of the disease. Differential expression of c-REL protein may be used as an attractive target for the development of anticancer strategies.

Lethal Morel-Lavallée lesion: A forensic radiology-pathology correlation

Morel Lavallée lesion or closed degloving injury is normally associated with severe trauma and occurs when the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue traumatically and abruptly separated from the underlying fascia thus creating a potential space filled with fluid. MVA is the commonest etiology but large or lethal Morel Lavallée is extremely rare. A 35 years old, female pillion rider was involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustained injuries to the left pelvis and thigh. Emergency laparotomy and intra-op abdominal and bilateral lower limb arteriogram revealed no significant finding. Her general condition and vital signs continued to deteriorate despite aggressive resuscitation and eventually died. Post-Mortem Computed Tomography and Post-Mortem Computed Tomography Angiogram was performed and revealed a large cavity in the left thigh suggestive of a lethal Morel Lavallée lesion. Findings were confirmed by conventional autopsy.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

Basic Critical Care for Management of COVID-19 Patients: Position Paper of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, Part II

In a resource-limited country like India, rationing of scarce critical care resources might be required to ensure appropriate delivery of care to the critically ill patients suffering from COVID-19 infection. Most of these patients require critical care support because of respiratory failure or presence of multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. As there is no pharmacological therapy available, respiratory support in the form of supplemental oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, and invasive mechanical ventilation remains mainstay of care in intensive care units. As there is still dearth of direct evidence, most of the data are extrapolated from the experience gained from the management of general critical care patients.

How to cite this article: Juneja D, Savio RD, Srinivasan S, Pandit RA, Ramasubban S, Reddy PK, et al. Basic Critical Care for Management of COVID-19 Patients: Position Paper of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, Part II. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S254–S262.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6  GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35}  cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180  MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38}  cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75  MeV/c^{2}-3.0  GeV/c^{2}.

Successful transplantation of transfected enriched buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatogonial stem cells to homologous recipients

Genetic modification of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is an alternative method to pronuclear microinjection and somatic cell nuclear transfer for transgenesis in large animals. In the present study, we optimized the process of homologous SSC transplantation in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using transfected enriched SSCs generated by a non-viral transfection approach. Firstly, the SSC enrichment efficiencies of extracellular matrix components viz. collagen, gelatin, and Datura stramonium agglutinin (DSA) lectin were determined either individually or in combination with Percoll density gradient centrifugation. The highest enrichment was achieved after differential plating with DSA lectin followed by Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Nucleofection showed greater transfection efficiency (68.55 ± 4.56%, P < 0.05) for enriched SSCs in comparison to fugene HD (6.7 ± 0.25%) and lipofectamine 3000 (15.57 ± 0.74%). The transfected enriched SSCs were transplanted into buffalo males under the ultrasound guidance and testis was removed by castration after 7-8 weeks of transplantation. Persistence and localization of donor cells within recipient seminiferous tubules was confirmed using fluorescent microscopy. Further confirmation was done by flow cytometric evaluation of GFP expressing cells among those isolated from two-step enzymatic digestion of recipient testicular parenchyma. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time, generation of buffalo transfected enriched SSCs and their successful homologous transplantation in buffaloes. This study represents the first step towards genetic modifications in buffaloes using SSC transplantation technique.

Health risks from PAHs and potentially toxic elements in street dust of a coal mining area in India

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Ba, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, As, Co) were determined in the road dusts of a coal mining area (Dhanbad, India) to assess their content and potential human health risks. Dust samples were collected from sign boards of the heavy traffic road connecting Dhanbad and Sindri. The total PAHs (∑PAHs, all values in mg/kg) content in the road dust samples varied from 3.98 to 13.1, with carcinogenic PAHs content of 14.8-34.4% of the ∑PAHs. Phenanthrene (2.72), fluorene (0.715) and pyrene (0.575) are the major PAHs. Principal component analysis revealed that these PAHs are probably originated from pyrogenic (coal combustion and traffic emission) and petrogenic (coal dust, tyre and road particles) sources. Among the PTEs, the mean content was higher for Ba (293 mg/kg) followed by Zn (224), Pb (128), Cu (52.6), Cr (45.2), Ni (22.0), As (17.5) and Co (8.11). The overall pollution load index varied from 0.43 to 1.0. Source analysis showed that PTEs in the road dust of the study site were derived from traffic emission (Zn, Fe, Mn, Co and Pb), coal dust (Cr, As and Ni) and soil (K, Mg, Ba, Sr and Ca). In general, the PTEs are lower, but the PAHs contents were elevated in the road dust samples. Although the exposure risks from PTEs are low, the risk to children (expressed as hazardous quotient) for As and Pb is near to the permissible limit of 1.0. Cancer risk from PAHs for adult (4.8 × 10^-6) and child (5.3 × 10^-6) has exceeded the acceptable limit of 10^-6.

Relationship of foetal number and parity in Barbari goats to plasma profile of caprine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (caPAG) during gestation and the early postpartum period

This study was conducted to characterise pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (caPAG) in peripheral plasma during gestation and postpartum periods of nulliparous and multiparous does with one or two foetuses using a caPAG specific two-step sandwich ELISA system. Earliest time-points for detection of pregnancy and foetal number with appropriate cut-off values were identified. Plasma samples from 15 pregnant (multiparous: n = 8; nulliparous: n = 7; during pregnancy and postpartum period) and six non-pregnant (during oestrous cycle) goats were collected and analysed. Mean caPAG concentration was greater than the threshold for pregnancy detection (S-N = 0.40) on d22, peaked on d45 and remained unchanged until parturition. From d45 until parturition, caPAG concentration in multiparous does with two foetuses was 1.4 to 1.8 fold greater (P < 0.001) than those with one foetus. For the ELISA, 0.83 (S-N) was the most appropriate cut-off to differentiate does with two from those with a single foetus with an overall sensitivity and accuracy of 88.9% and 84.7%, respectively. Circulating caPAG concentration in multiparous goats was greater (P < 0.05) compared with nulliparous goats during the early pregnancy and postpartum periods. After parturition, caPAG concentrations markedly decreased and were basal within 14 days postpartum. In conclusion, using the caPAG specific ELISA, results indicated there were unique gestational and postpartum profiles for caPAG concentrations that are affected by number of foetuses and parity of the doe. The marked decrease in concentration of caPAG following parturition indicates there would not be compromising of the detection of subsequent pregnancies in goats using this technique.

Treatment of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos with MicroRNA-29b Mimic Improves Their Quality, Reduces DNA Methylation, and Changes Gene Expression Without Affecting Their Developmental Competence

microRNA-29b (miR-29b) plays an important role in controlling DNA methylation in cells. We investigated its role during early embryonic development in buffalo embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). miR-29b expression was highest at the 2-cell stage, decreased (p < 0.001) at the 4-cell stage, and remained low thereafter at the 8-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages, showing a similar pattern in cloned and IVF embryos. Treatment of reconstructed embryos with miR-29b mimic for 1 hour after 1 hour of electrofusion increased (p < 0.05) the total cell number and decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of apoptosis and DNA methylation compared with controls. It also increased (p < 0.05) the ratio of inner cell mass:trophectoderm cell numbers of blastocysts compared with controls to the levels observed in IVF blastocysts. However, the blastocyst rate was not affected by treatment with miR-29b mimic (29.0% ± 2.0% vs. 27.0% ± 2.0% for controls). The treatment decreased (p < 0.001) the expression of epigenetic-related genes, DNMT3A and DNMT3B, but not DNMT1, and increased (p < 0.05) that of pluripotency- (NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2) and development-related genes (FGF4 and GLUT1) in blastocysts compared with controls. Our results suggest that miR-29b mimic treatment of reconstructed embryos improves the quality, reduces the level of apoptosis and DNA methylation, and changes gene expression in SCNT blastocysts without affecting the blastocyst rate.

Comparative analysis of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) non-transgenic and transgenic embryos containing human insulin gene, produced by SCNT

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), using transgenic donor cells, is a highly efficient method for producing transgenic embryos. We compared the developmental competence, quality and gene expression of transgenic embryos produced by Hand-made cloning from buffalo fetal fibroblasts (BFFs) containing human insulin gene, with non-transgenic embryos produced from BFFs (Controls). The expression vector (pAcISUBC), constructed by inserting human insulin gene between DNA fragments containing mammary gland-specific buffalo β-lactoglobulin (buBLG) promoter and terminator buBLG 3'UTR regions into pAcGFP-N1 vector, was used for obtaining the 11 kb insert for transfection of BFFs by nucleofection. Presence of the transgene in embryos was confirmed by examining GFP expression by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The blastocyst rate was lower (P < 0.05) for transgenic embryos than for controls (35.7 ± 1.8% vs 48.7 ± 2.4%). The apoptotic index was higher (P < 0.05) for transgenic than for control blastocysts which, in turn, was higher (P < 0.05) than for IVF counterparts (6.9 ± 0.9, 3.8 ± 0.5 and 1.8 ± 0.3, respectively). The total cell number was similar for transgenic and non-transgenic blastocysts (143.2 ± 17.0 and 137.2 ± 7.6, respectively). The expression level of pro-apoptotic genes BAX and BID but not that of CASP3 and CASP9, and cell cycle check point control-related gene P53 was higher (P < 0.05), and that of development- (IGF-1R and G6PD) and pluripotency-related gene NANOG was lower (P < 0.05) in transgenic than in control embryos. The expression level of epigenetic-related genes DNMT1, DNMT3a and HDAC1 and pluripotency-related gene OCT4 was similar in the two groups. The expression level of BAX, BID, CASP9, P53, DNMT1 and DNMT3a was higher (P < 0.05) and that of OCT4, NANOG IGF-1R and G6PD was lower (P < 0.05) in cloned transgenic than in IVF blastocysts whereas, that of CASP3 and HDAC1 was similar between the two groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that transgenic embryos produced by SCNT have lower developmental competence and quality, and altered gene expression compared to non-transgenic embryos.