Proteomics of nitrogen fixing nodules under various environmental stresses

Abstract Proteomics is an ideal tool to study the interaction of root nodules and their symbiotic bacteria as it provides a broad overview of proteins produced by both partners during their constant signal exchange and allows the signal transduction path ways following photophosphorylation. Iron containing proteins play a key role in symbiotic nitrogen fixation that occurs in a nodule-a specialized structure present on roots. Several proteins like those related to SNF (symbiotic nitrogen fixation), predominantly components of nitrogenase complexes, such as nifD, nifH, nifK, nitrogen regulatory protein II (GlnB) and PIIA (PtsN), and urease accessory protein (UreE) have been found to be affected by abiotic stress. Nodules are better equipped with all kinds of antioxidant systems (i.e., ascorbate-glutathione pathway or Superoxide dismutase) which have been formed to show a decline under stress conditions. The present review article aims to investigate the nodule physiology, the effect of different abiotic stress on nodule proteins comprehensive account of these stress-responsive proteins and their role in combating stress in legume nodules. This will help to elucidate which specific key proteins are affected by abiotic stress. As such, it will greatly facilitate understanding resistance or stress tolerance mechanism and hence improvement in crop resistance

Environmental Factors as Diabetic Mediators: A Mechanistic Approach

Abstract: Despite substantial investment in research and treatment options, diabetes mellitus remains a pressing public health concern with potential epidemic proportions globally. There are reports that by the end of 2040, 642 million people will be suffering from diabetes. Also, according to an estimation, 1.6 million deaths were caused directly by diabetes in 2016. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glucose regulation in the body due to the destruction of pancreatic β-cells or insulin resistance. Genetic propensity, unhealthy and imbalanced diet, obesity and increasing urbanization are the common risk factors for diabetes. Besides this, it has been reported that environmental pollutants like organic pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollutants act as strong predisposing factors for diabetes owing to their highly bio-accumulative nature. These pollutants disturb glucose homeostasis either by up-regulating or down-regulating the expression of diabetic marker genes like insulin (INS) and glucokinase (GCK). Unfortunately, the molecular mechanism of the role of pollutants in causing diabetes is not very clear. This mechanistic review provides evidence of different environmental determinants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), air pollutants, toxic metals, etc., in inducing diabetes and proposes a framework for the possible mechanisms involved. It also illuminates the current status and future challenges, which will not only broaden our understanding but can also be a reasonable platform for further investigation. </jats:sec

Blood and body fluids exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis, and HIV self-testing among healthcare workers in northern Nigeria

Introduction In high-HIV burden settings, such as Nigeria, HIV self-testing and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are often recommended, but not widely practiced. This study aims to identify the predictors of PEP utilization and preferences for HIV self-testing among healthcare workers in Nigeria. Methods A total of 403 healthcare workers from a tertiary hospital in Nigeria completed questionnaires. Adjusted odds ratios were derived from logistic regression models. Results Among the respondents, 141 (35.0%) reported experiencing at least one workplace exposure incident, with 72 (51.1%) of them receiving PEP. The majority of healthcare workers (n = 354, 87.8%) expressed a preference for HIV self-testing over traditional HIV testing and counseling. The occurrence of exposure incidents was predicted by the respondent’s sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-3.08, female vs. male), age (aOR = 0. 16; 95% CI: 0.03-0.92, >40 vs. <30 years), profession (aOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.18-4.66, nurse/midwife vs. physician), work unit (aOR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02-0.23, obstetrics/gynecology vs. surgery), and previous HIV testing and counseling (aOR = 0.01; 95% Cl: 0.004-0.03, no vs. yes). Respondent’s profession, work unit, and previous HIV testing and counseling independently predicted a preference for HIV self-testing. Conclusion Further exploration of the feasibility of implementing HIV self-testing as an alternative to traditional HIV testing and counseling for workplace exposures is warranted

Antenatal corticosteroids reduce neonatal mortality in settings without assisted ventilatory support : a retrospective cohort study of early preterm births on the Thailand-Myanmar border [version 2; peer review: 3 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background Prematurity is the highest risk for under-five mortality globally. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of antenatal dexamethasone on neonatal mortality in early preterm in a resource-constrained setting without assisted ventilation. Methods This retrospective (2008-2013) cohort study in clinics for refugees/migrants on the Thai-Myanmar border included infants born &lt;34 weeks gestation at home, in, or on the way to the clinic. Dexamethasone, 24 mg (three 8 mg intramuscular doses, every 8 hours), was prescribed to women at risk of preterm birth (28 to &lt;34 weeks). Appropriate newborn care was available: including oxygen but not assisted ventilation. Mortality and maternal fever were compared by the number of doses (complete: three, incomplete (one or two), or no dose). A sub-cohort participated in neurodevelopmental testing at one year. Results Of 15,285 singleton births, 240 were included: 96 did not receive dexamethasone and 144 received one, two or three doses (56, 13 and 75, respectively). Of live-born infants followed to day 28, (n=168), early neonatal and neonatal mortality/1,000 livebirths (95%CI) with complete dosing was 217 (121–358) and 304 (190–449); compared to 394 (289–511) and 521 (407–633) with no dose. Compared to complete dosing, both incomplete and no dexamethasone were associated with elevated adjusted ORs 4.09 (1.39 to 12.00) and 3.13 (1.14 to 8.63), for early neonatal death. By contrast, for neonatal death, while there was clear evidence that no dosing was associated with higher mortality, adjusted OR 3.82 (1.42 to 10.27), the benefit of incomplete dosing was uncertain adjusted OR 1.75 (0.63 to 4.81). No adverse impact of dexamethasone on infant neurodevelopmental scores (12 months) or maternal fever was observed. Conclusions Neonatal mortality reduction is possible with complete dexamethasone dosing in pregnancies at risk of preterm birth in settings without capacity to provide assisted ventilation.</p