Battle of the Bites: The Effect of Sewage Effluent Exposure on Mosquitofish Biocontrol of Mosquitoes in Residential Louisiana.

Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, are eponymous larval mosquito predators. Their ability to colonize and survive in habitats that are uninhabitable by other potential predators allows them to naturally manage larval mosquito populations in most ground pools they are present in. However, effluent from residential onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) appears to limit the presence of fish predators. This is especially problematic in Louisiana, where regulations allow the discharge of OWTS effluent into open drainage conveyances. To determine the effect of effluent on the capacity of mosquitofish for biocontrol in contaminated areas, we assessed the body condition metrics of populations from two effluent-exposed sites and two sites not exposed to effluent, determined the lethal effect of effluent-contaminated drainage water on fish, and measured the prey consumption rates in the presence of effluent. Female fish collected from effluent-impacted sites had a reduced somatic body condition and most females examined displayed masculinized anal fins resembling the male gonopodium structure. This trait was not seen in fish collected from the control sites and has not yet been documented in association with OWTSs or in the state of Louisiana. Fish from the control sites survived at effluent-contaminated water levels < 70%, and the prey clearance rates increased with dilution. Onsite wastewater treatment system effluent has significant effects on both the short- and long-term persistence of mosquitofish, their body composition, reproductive health, and larval mosquito consumption. These effects likely release mosquito larvae from suppression and may increase the threat of mosquito-transmitted pathogens in effluent-contaminated locations.

Salivary microbiomes: a potent evidence in forensic investigations.

Saliva components combine with oral cavity microorganisms, blood cells, and airway secretions after entering the oral cavity via salivary ducts; these factors provide relevant information about persons' health state, quality of life, and lifestyle, in addition to their age and gender due to which salivary microbiome has emerged as a subject of significant interest in the forensic domain. This study aims to provide an extensive review of the possible applications of the salivary microbiome in characterizing the habit-specific microbiomes. Thirty-three relevant articles were selected for inclusion in this study. The study highlighted the influence of habits on the salivary microbiome suggesting smokers have distinct bacteria like Synergistetes, Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Veillonella in relation to age; people of higher age have more Prevotella; further, dental plaque can be corelated with Streptococci and Actinomycetes. Likewise, dietary habits, alcoholism, and consumption of coffee also affect bacteria types in oral cavities. The study underscores the added benefits of salivary microbiome profiling in forensics, as it is evident that microbial DNA profiling holds substantial promise for enhancing forensic investigations; it enables the characterization of an individual's habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary preferences; bacteria specific to these habits can be identified, thereby helping to narrow down the pool of potential suspects. In conclusion, the salivary microbiome presents a valuable avenue for forensic science, offering a novel approach which not only enhances the prospects of solving complex cases but also underscores the rich potential of microbiome analysis in the realm of forensic investigation.

Identification of habit specific bacteria in human saliva through Next-Generation Sequencing.

Characterization of human saliva through Next-Generation Sequencing has emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the complex microbial communities residing in the oral cavity. This study aims to investigate the habit-based variations in the salivary microbiome using Next-Generation Sequencing technology. Saliva samples were collected from a diverse population representing different habits, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and vegan diet. The DNA from the samples was extracted, and the V3-V4 region of the 16 S rRNA gene was amplified for Next-Generation Sequencing analysis. The obtained sequences were processed and analysed using bioinformatics tools to determine the microbial composition and diversity. Preliminary results revealed distinct microbial profiles associated with different habits, indicating the potential influence of different habits on the salivary microbiome. Smokers exhibited a higher abundance of certain pathogenic bacteria, while alcohol consumers showed alterations in microbial diversity compared to non-consumers. Furthermore, individuals with vegan diet demonstrated an increased prevalence of specific bacteria. These findings highlight the significance of habit-based characterization of the salivary microbiome and its potential implications in the presence of certain bacteria. Understanding the relationship between habits and the salivary microbiome could contribute to developing personalized approaches for estimating and identifying any particular individual. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors and expand the scope of habit-based analysis in saliva-based microbial characterization through Next-Generation Sequencing.

Quadriparesis with different diagnoses after COVID-19 vaccination: Case series and literature review.

Following vaccination with adenoviral vector-based ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, serious neurological adverse events have been reported. Here we report two cases who presented with quadriparesis following the adenoviral vector-based ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. A 55-year-old male patient presented with quadriparesis after 8 days of the second dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. Imaging showed features of stroke with right basilar artery thrombosis; he was started on anticoagulation following which the patient's neurological status improved and he was discharged during the 7th week of hospital stay. A 19-year-old male patient presented with quadriparesis after 16 days of the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. Cerebral spinal fluid and nerve conduction study was suggestive of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Two doses of intravenous immunoglobulin were given, following which the patient's neurological status improved and he was discharged in the 11th week of his hospital stay. Awareness of neurological adverse effects and emphasis on the underlying mechanism of vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) and molecular mimicry in patients presenting with quadriparesis following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination is important.

Utility of ultrasound Angio-PLUS imaging for detecting blood flow in breast masses and comparison with color Doppler for differentiating benign from malignant masses.

BACKGROUND: Tumor neo-angiogenesis plays an important role in the development and growth of breast cancers, but its detection by imaging is challenging. A novel microvascular imaging (MVI) technique, Angio-PLUS, promises to overcome the limitations of color Doppler (CD) in detecting low-velocity flow and small diameter vessels. PURPOSE: To determine the utility of the Angio-PLUS technique for detecting blood flow in breast masses and compare it with CD for differentiating benign from malignant masses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 79 consecutive women with breast masses were prospectively evaluated using CD and Angio-PLUS techniques, and biopsied as per BI-RADS recommendations. Vascular imaging scores were assigned using three factors (number, morphology, and distribution) and vascular patterns were divided into five groups: internal-dot-spot, external-dot-spot, marginal, radial, and mesh patterns. The independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the two groups as appropriate. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) methods were used to assess diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Vascular scores were significantly higher on Angio-PLUS than CD (median=11, [IQR=9-13] vs. 5 [IQR=3-9], P < 0.001). Malignant masses had higher vascular scores than benign masses on Angio-PLUS (P < 0.001). AUC was 80% (95% CI=70.3-89.7; P < 0.001) for Angio-PLUS and 51.9% for CD. Using Angio-PLUS at a cutoff value of ≥9.5, sensitivity was 80% and specificity was 66.7%. Vascular pattern descriptors on AP showed good correlation with histopathological results (PPV mesh 95.5%, radial 96.9%, and NPV of marginal orientation 90.5%). CONCLUSION: Angio-PLUS was more sensitive in detecting vascularity and superior in differentiating benign from malignant masses compared to CD. Vascular pattern descriptors on Angio-PLUS were useful.

Microbiome analysis: An emerging forensic investigative tool.

Microbial diversity's potential has been investigated in medical and therapeutic studies throughout the last few decades. However, its usage in forensics is increasing due to its effectiveness in circumstances when traditional approaches fail to provide a decisive opinion or are insufficient in forming a concrete opinion. The application of human microbiome may serve in detecting the type of stains of saliva and vaginal fluid, as well as in attributing the stains to the individual. Similarly, the microbiome makeup of a soil sample may be utilised to establish geographic origin or to associate humans, animals, or things with a specific area, additionally microorganisms influence the decay process which may be used in depicting the Time Since death. Further in detecting the traces of the amount and concentration of alcohol, narcotics, and other forensically relevant compounds in human body or visceral tissues as they also affect the microbial community within human body. Beside these, there is much more scope of microbiomes to be explored in terms of forensic investigation, this review focuses on multidimensional approaches to human microbiomes from a forensic standpoint, implying the potential of microbiomes as an emerging tool for forensic investigations such as individual variability via skin microbiomes, reconstructing crime scene, and linking evidence to individual.

Wnt/ß-catenin antagonist pyrvinium rescues high dose isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Biochemical and immunohistological evidences.

The up-regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway induces cardiac function abnormalities, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in diabetic hypertensive and pressure overload models. The present study investigates the cardioprotective effects of Wnt/ß-catenin inhibition on isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiotoxicity in rats. ISO was administered at a dose of 85 mg/kg (s.c) for 2 days. Wnt/ß-catenin inhibitor pyrvinium (60 µg/kg, p.o) was given 2h prior and glibenclamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg; p.o, 2 h after ISO injection. Cardiac function parameters were assessed on isolated hearts by using automated Biopac apparatus. The ß-catenin transcription and expression was detected by RT-PCR technique and immunohistochemical method. Serum and cardiac tissue biochemical changes including cardiac troponin-I, CK-MB, LDH, anti-oxidant enzyme levels, inflammatory cytokines, and membrane associated Na+/K + ATPase and Ca2+ATPase and caspase-3 activity, collagen content, fibronectin protein levels were evaluated in various study groups. Histological studies were also carried out to analyze the cardiomyocyte damage, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and necrosis, while α-SMA, TGF-ß expression was checked by immunostaining. ISO administration enhanced ß-catenin gene expression and transcription which promoted oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammatory cytokine release, reduced ATP levels, induced over-expression of fibrotic proteins resulting in cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial necrosis, functional and histological changes. However, antagonism of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway attenuated these ISO induced pathological manifestations. Notably, the co-treatment with ATP-sensitive K+ channel inhibitor partially, reduced the cardioprotective effects of Wnt/ß-catenin blocker pyrvinium in ISO rats. Thus Wnt/ß-catenin inhibition exhibits cardioprotective in ISO model by anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic properties and by possible involvement of ATP-sensitive potassium channel activation.

Platelet-rich plasma exhibits anti-inflammatory effect and attenuates cardiomyocyte damage by reducing NF-κB and enhancing VEGF expression in isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity model.

The present study investigated the cardioprotective effects of activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on high dose isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiotoxicity. ISO was injected at a dose of 85 mg/kg/day, s.c. for 2 days. Cardiac function parameters including dp/dt max/min, left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), relaxation constant (tau) and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, anti-oxidant and membrane bound enzymes assays, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, collagen content, immunohistochemical staining/gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cTnI (cardiac troponin I), NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B), Smad-2/3, TGF-ß (transforming growth factor), collagen-1/3 proteins were evaluated. PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were injected intramyocardially (200 µl in each ventricle region) 3 h after first dose of ISO under anesthesia. ISO injection induced cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, fibrosis, necrosis due to decline in anti-oxidant capacity, enhanced NF-κB and reduced cTnI immunostaining. However, the PRP injection attenuated these cardiac pathological changes by exerting anti-inflammatory properties and promoting cardiomyocyte repair.

2D material based field effect transistors and nanoelectromechanical systems for sensing applications.

Sensors are ubiquitous in modern society because of their wide applications in healthcare, security, forensic industries as well as environmental protection. Specifically, sensors which can be microfabricated employing very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) compatible microfabrication techniques are particularly desirable. This is because they can provide several advantages: small size, low cost, and possibility of mass fabrication. 2D materials are a promising building block for such sensors. Their atomically thin nature, flat surfaces and ability to form van der Waals hetero junctions opens up the pathway for versatile functionalities. Here, we review 2D material-based field-effect-transistors (FETs) and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMs) for applications in detecting different gases, chemicals, and biomolecules. We will provide insights into the unique advantages of these materials for these sensing applications and discuss the fabrication methods, detection schemes and performance pertaining to these technologies. Finally, we will discuss the current challenges and prospects for this field.

Evolution of ß-catenin-independent Wnt-GSK3-mTOR signalling in regulation of energy metabolism in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity model.

OBJECTIVE: Isoproterenol (ISO) is widely used agent to study the effects of interventions which could prevent or attenuate the development of myocardial infarction. The sequence of pathological event's revealed that increased myocardial tissue oxygen demand and energy dysregulation exist early during Iso-induced cardiac toxicity. Later, tissue hypoxia results in increased oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis along with cardiac dysfunction in this model. The canonical Wnt/ß-catenin pathway has been reported to directly implicate in inducing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and remodelling. However, less is known about the role of non-canonical Wnt signalling in cardiac diseases. METHOD: Certain evidences have suggested that the activation of Wnt could up-regulate key energy sensor and cell growth regulator mTOR (Mechanistic target of rapamycin) by inhibition of GSK-3ß mediator. RESULT: The GSK-3ß could negatively influence the mTOR activity and produce energy dysregulation during stress or hypoxic conditions. This suggests that the inhibition of GSK-3ß by Wnt signalling could up-regulate mTOR levels and thereby restore early myocardial tissue energy balance and prevent cardiac toxicity in rodents. CONCLUSION: We hereby discuss a novel therapeutic role of the ß-catenin independent, Wnt-GSK3-mTOR axis in attenuation of Iso-induced cardiotoxicity in rodents.

Calcium sensing receptor as a novel target for treatment of sepsis induced cardio-renal syndrome: Need for exploring mechanisms.

Calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is localized in various organs and plays diverse physiological and pathological roles. Several scientific contributions have suggested the involvement of this cell surface receptor in cardiac and renal diseases. Sepsis is considered to be one of the major causes of ICU admissions. Cardiac dysfunction and acute kidney injury are major manifestations of sepsis and associated with reduced survival. Presently, the treatment approaches for management of sepsis induced cardiac depression and kidney injury are not satisfactory. Activation of CaSR has been demonstrated to induce cardiomyocyte damage upon lipopolysaccaharde (LPS) exposure by enhancing calcium ion levels, ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, promotion of inflammation and apoptosis. In addition, CaSR seems to be a critical regulator of intracellular calcium ion levels, which is directly implicated in induction of mitochondrial dysfunction and release of various pro-apoptotic pathways during sepsis. Certain evidences have also documented the expression of CaSR on neutrophils and T lymphocytes, where it is involved in activation of neutrophils and induces apoptosis of immune cells. Moreover, the expression of CaSR has been confirmed in podocytes, mesangial cells, proximal tubular cells and its activation is responsible for podocyte effacement, mesangial cell proliferation and proximal tubular cell apoptosis. We have analyzed the existing evidences, and critically discussed the possible mechanisms underlying CaSR activation mediated cardiac and renal dysfunction in sepsis condition.