GPR30 activation decreases anxiety in the open field test but not in the elevated plus maze test in female mice

The GPR30 is a novel estrogen receptor (ER) that is a candidate membrane ER based on its binding to 17beta estradiol and its rapid signaling properties such as activation of the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Its distribution in the mouse limbic system predicts a role for this receptor in the estrogenic modulation of anxiety behaviors in the mouse. A previous study showed that chronic administration of a selective agonist to the GPR30 receptor, G-1, in the female rat can improve spatial memory, suggesting that GPR30 plays a role in hippocampal-dependent cognition. In this study, we investigated the effect of a similar chronic administration of G-1 on behaviors that denote anxiety in adult ovariectomized female mice, using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the open field test as well as the activation of the ERK pathway in the hippocampus. Although estradiol benzoate had no effect on behaviors in the EPM or the open field, G-1 had an anxiolytic effect solely in the open field that was independent of ERK signaling in either the ventral or dorsal hippocampus. Such an anxiolytic effect may underlie the ability of G-1 to increase spatial memory, by acting on the hippocampus

Genetic Normalization of Differentiating Aneuploid Human Embryos

Early embryogenesis involves a series of dynamic processes, many of which are currently not well described or understood. Aneuploidy and aneuploid mosaicism, a mixture of aneuploid and euploid cells within one embryo, in early embryonic development are principal causes of developmental failure.^1,2^ Here we show that human embryos demonstrate a significant rate of genetic correction of aneuploidy, or "genetic normalization" when cultured from the cleavage stage on day 3 (Cleavage) to the blastocyst stage on day 5 (Blastocyst) using routine in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory conditions. One hundred and twenty-six human Cleavage stage embryos were evaluated for clinically indicated preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). Sixty-four of these embryos were found to be aneuploid following Cleavage stage embryo biopsy and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 23 chromosome molecular karyotype (microarray). Of these, 25 survived to the Blastocyst stage of development and repeat microarray evaluation was performed. The inner cell mass (ICM), containing cells destined to form the fetus, and the trophectoderm (TE), containing cells destined to form the placenta were evaluated. Sixteen of 25 embryos (64%) [95% CI: 44-80%] possessed diploid karyotypes in both the ICM and TE cell populations. An additional three Blastocyst stage embryos showed genetic correction of the TE but not the ICM and one Blastocyst stage embryo showed the reverse. Mosaicism (exceeding 5%), was not detected in any of the ICM and TE samples analyzed. Recognizing that genetic normalization may occur in developing human embryos has important implications for stem cell biology, preimplantation and developmental genetics, embryology, and reproductive medicine. 

1)Hassold, T. et al. A cytogenetic study of 1000 spontaneous abortions. Ann Hum Genet. 44, 151-78 (1980).
2)Menasha, J., Levy, B., Hirschhorn, K., & Kardon, N.B. Incidence and spectrum of chromosome abnormalities in spontaneous abortions: new insights from a 12-year study. Genet Med. 7, 251-63 (2005)

Proximate composition and functional properties of pra (Elateriospermun tapos Blume) seed flour

The proximate composition and functional properties of flour produced from pra (Elateriospermum tapos Blume) seed were investigated using standard method. The whole seeds were sorted, de-shelled, dried, milled and sieved to produce flour. The flour contained considerable amounts of protein (16.10%), carbohydrate (25.36%) and fat (36.49%). The fatty acid composition showed that the flour was high in unsaturated fatty acids (29.83%) of which oleic acid (12.54%), linoleic acid (12.01%) and - linolenic acid (3.44%) were dominant. The water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsion capacity, foaming capacity and foaming stability (after 2 h) were 187.5, 130.4, 39.6, 32.6 and 28.2%, respectively. Based on these results, pra seed flour is nutritious and has a potential for use as a functional agent in food formulations.Keywords: Elateriospermum tapos Blume, pra, functional properties, flourAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(36), pp. 5946-5949, 6 September, 201

Estimating pulse wave velocity using mobile phone sensors

Pulse wave velocity has been recognised as an important physiological phenomenon in the human body, and its measurement can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases. It is the gold standard for arterial stiffness measurements, and it also shares a positive relationship with blood pressure and heart rate. There exist several methods and devices via which it can be measured. However, commercially available devices are more geared towards working health professionals and hospital settings, requiring a significant monetary investment and specialised training to operate correctly. Furthermore, most of these devices are not portable and thus generally not feasible for private home use by the common individual. Given its usefulness as an indicator of certain physiological functions, it is expected that having a more portable, affordable, and simple to use solution would present many benefits to both end users and healthcare professionals alike. This study investigated and developed a working model for a new approach to pulse wave velocity measurement, based on existing methods, but making use of novel equipment. The proposed approach made use of a mobile phone video camera and audio input in conjunction with a Doppler ultrasound probe. The underlying principle is that of a two-point measurement system utilising photoplethysmography and electrocardiogram signals, an existing method commonly found in many studies. Data was collected using the mobile phone sensors and processed and analysed on a computer. A custom program was developed in MATLAB that computed pulse wave velocity given the audio and video signals and a measurement of the distance between the two data acquisition sites. Results were compared to the findings of previous studies in the field, and showed similar trends. As the power of mobile smartphones grows, there exists potential for the work and methods presented here to be fully developed into a standalone mobile application, which would bring forth real benefits of portability and cost-effectiveness to the prospective user base

Pax6- and Six3-Mediated Induction of Lens Cell Fate in Mouse and Human ES Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells provide a potentially useful in vitro model for the study of in vivo tissue differentiation. We used mouse and human ES cells to investigate whether the lens regulatory genes Pax6 and Six3 could induce lens cell fate in vitro. To help assess the onset of lens differentiation, we derived a new mES cell line (Pax6-GFP mES) that expresses a GFP reporter under the control of the Pax6 P0 promoter and lens ectoderm enhancer. Pax6 or Six3 expression vectors were introduced into mES or hES cells by transfection or lentiviral infection and the differentiating ES cells analyzed for lens marker expression. Transfection of mES cells with Pax6 or Six3 but not with other genes induced the expression of lens cell markers and up-regulated GFP reporter expression in Pax6-GFP mES cells by 3 days post-transfection. By 7 days post-transfection, mES cell cultures exhibited a>10-fold increase over controls in the number of colonies expressing γA-crystallin, a lens fiber cell differentiation marker. RT-PCR and immunostaining revealed induction of additional lens epithelial or fiber cell differentiation markers including Foxe3, Prox1, α- and β-crystallins, and Tdrd7. Moreover, γA-crystallin- or Prox1-expressing lentoid bodies formed by 30 days in culture. In hES cells, Pax6 or Six3 lentiviral vectors also induced lens marker expression. mES cells that express lens markers reside close to but are distinct from the Pax6 or Six3 transduced cells, suggesting that the latter induce nearby undifferentiated ES cells to adopt a lens fate by non-cell autonomous mechanisms. In sum, we describe a novel mES cell GFP reporter line that is useful for monitoring induction of lens fate, and demonstrate that Pax6 or Six3 is sufficient to induce ES cells to adopt a lens fate, potentially via non-cell autonomous mechanisms. These findings should facilitate investigations of lens development

Ayurvedic Management of Developmental Displasia of the Hip: A Case Report

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) poses a significant threat to childhood mobility and can lead to later complications, including the need for hip replacements. This article provides a comprehensive overview of DDH, covering its incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and associated pathology. It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and outlines various treatment modalities, ranging from non-surgical interventions like the Pavlik harness to surgical options such as open reduction and hip reconstruction. The article includes a case report of an 8-year-old female with DDH who sought Ayurvedic treatment after previous consultations offered surgery as the primary solution. The therapeutic intervention involved a combination of Koshta Shuddhi, Basti Karma, and oral medications. The results indicated a significant reduction in pain and improved mobility, demonstrating the potential efficacy of Ayurvedic approaches in managing DDH. The discussion delves into the pathophysiology of DDH, highlighting the role of Vata Dosha and emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of Ayurvedic treatments in addressing the underlying imbalances. The presented case underscores the importance of personalized care and alternative treatment options for DDH, contributing to the broader discourse on holistic healthcare and integrative medicine. In conclusion, this article provides a thorough exploration of DDH, incorporating clinical features, diagnosis, and a detailed treatment case study. It not only contributes valuable insights into the conventional management of DDH but also introduces the potential benefits of Ayurvedic interventions, opening avenues for further research and collaboration between traditional and modern medical practices

MTEG (Mylar and Turbine Electric Generator)

Mylar-Turbine Electric Generator (MTEG) that utilize solar energy to generate electricity. The resulting designs are cost efficient and can be used as an alternative for solar panel. The energy producing efficiency of MTEG is higher than conventional solar panel. The setup requires less area and is easily mobile. It consists of three main components Mylar parabolic reflector, steam turbine and electric generator. Mylar parabolic reflector is used to concentrate the solar rays on the water tank, the steam generated from this water is used to run the turbine which generates electricity. The idea behind this concept is to provide affordable electric generator to the people living in rural areas.MTEG is an eco-friendly idea and a leading innovation to the future

THE USE OF STEVIA AND MONK FRUIT SWEETENERS FOR SUGAR REPLACEMENT IN GREEN TEA AGAR JELLIES

This study aimed to develop healthy agar jellies with low-sugar content, linking to a decreased risk for heart attack, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Two natural non-nutritive sweeteners, stevia and monk fruit were studied at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% sugar replacement based on the equivalent sucrose sweetness. The physical properties assessed on the total soluble solids, firmness, color, and syneresis. Still, the sensory attributes on color, taste, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability was evaluated by a 9-point hedonic scale. The more sugar replacement lowered the total soluble solids but increased the gel firmness (p&lt;0.05) and the lightness (L*). The syneresis declined in reduced-sugar jellies with stevia and monk fruit against the whole sugar jellies. The stevia and monk fruit replacement affected agar jellies' taste and flavor attributes (p&lt;0.05). Jellies with 50% and 75% sugar replacement, either stevia or monk fruit, were preferred over 25% and 100% replacement. The jelly with 50% stevia was the optimal formulation.</p