Dysregulation of mTOR signaling mediates common neurite and migration defects in both idiopathic and 16p11.2 deletion autism neural precursor cells

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by common behavioral characteristics, raising the possibility of shared pathogenic mechanisms. Yet, vast clinical and etiological heterogeneity suggests personalized phenotypes. Surprisingly, our iPSC studies find that six individuals from two distinct ASD subtypes, idiopathic and 16p11.2 deletion, have common reductions in neural precursor cell (NPC) neurite outgrowth and migration even though whole genome sequencing demonstrates no genetic overlap between the datasets. To identify signaling differences that may contribute to these developmental defects, an unbiased phospho-(p)-proteome screen was performed. Surprisingly despite the genetic heterogeneity, hundreds of shared p-peptides were identified between autism subtypes including the mTOR pathway. mTOR signaling alterations were confirmed in all NPCs across both ASD subtypes, and mTOR modulation rescued ASD phenotypes and reproduced autism NPC-associated phenotypes in control NPCs. Thus, our studies demonstrate that genetically distinct ASD subtypes have common defects in neurite outgrowth and migration which are driven by the shared pathogenic mechanism of mTOR signaling dysregulation.

Outcome of a Simple Novel Technique to Reduce Soft Tissue Complications in Open Tendoachilles Injury: A Series of 20 Patients

Introduction

Open tendoachilles injuries are rare and associated with significant soft tissues complications. The objective of the present study was to assess the clinical outcome and safety of a simple and minimally invasive technique, with a goal to assess if it may help minimise flap and wound related complications in open tendoachilles injuries.

Materials and methods

This prospective study of four years duration included 20 patients with open tendoachilles injuries managed with a simple minimally invasive tunnel technique. The primary outcome variable was occurrence of a major soft tissue complication. The secondary outcome variables included functional outcome measured using AOFAS Ankle hind foot score, re-rupture of tendoachilles and need for revision surgery.

Results

None of the patients in the present series developed a serious soft tissue complication. Based upon the AOFAS hind foot scoring system, good to excellent outcome was achieved in 19 (95%) patients. All the patients were able to perform tip toe walking at six months post-surgery. None of the patients had a re-rupture of the tendoachilles and no patient needed a revision surgery. The complications encountered include thickening of the tendon at the repair site (15%), superficial wound infection (5%), stitch granuloma (5%) and hypertrophic scar (5%).

Conclusion

This technique seems to be promising in reducing the soft tissue complications associated with the surgical management of open tendoachilles injuries. Most patients had a good final clinical outcome. The technique is safe, simple and reproducible. However, further randomised control studies with a larger sample size assessing the technique are recommended.

Role of ultrasound in dengue fever

This study was performed to find out whether ultrasound is an important adjunct to clinical and laboratory profile in diagnosing dengue fever or dengue haemorrhagic fever and to further determine whether ultrasound is useful in predicting the severity of the disease. Ultrasound was performed on 128 patients (2-9 years) with clinical suspicion of dengue fever. Serological tests were performed to confirm the diagnosis. 40 patients were serologically negative for dengue fever and later excluded from the study. Of the remaining 88 serologically positive cases, 32 patients underwent ultrasound on second to third day, repeated on fifth to seventh day of fever and in 56 patients ultrasound was done only on fifth to seventh day of fever. Of the 32 patients who underwent the study on second to third day of fever, all showed gall bladder wall thickening and pericholecystic fluid, 21% had hepatomegaly, 6.25% had splenomegaly and right minimal pleural effusion. Follow-up ultrasound on fifth to seventh day revealed ascites in 53% left pleural effusion in 22% and pericardial effusion in 28%. Of the 56 patients who underwent the study on fifth to seventh day of fever for the first time all had gall bladder wall thickening, 21% had hepatomegaly, 7% had splenomegaly, 96% had ascites, 87.5% had right pleural effusion, 66% had left pleural effusion and 28.5% had pericardial fluid. To conclude, in an epidemic of dengue, ultrasound features of thickened gall bladder wall, pleural effusion and ascites should strongly favour the diagnosis of dengue fever.

Histoenzymatic pattern of adenosine triphosphatase in the different components of the alimentary canal in some common earthworms and its possible physiological significance

The present contribution incorporates an account of the distribution of adenosine triphosphatase and its functional role in various regions of the alimentary canal of Pheretima posthuma and Barogaster annandalei. The main areas, showing adenosine triphosphatase activity in P. posthuma are sub-epithelial blood vessels in pharynx, peri-oesophageal blood vessels in oesophagus, columnar epithelial cells of gizzard and in the areas outside the typhlosole and around the supra-intestinal excretory ducts. In B. annandalei the epithelial cells of gizzard show significant enzymatic localization. In addition to this, enzymatic activity has also been found in the deeply embedded blood vessels of buccal region, peri-oesophageal vasculature, sub-epithelial vasculature of typhlosole and intestine, and in the adjoining chloragogen cells. Physiological significance of the enzymatic pattern has been discussed.

Effect of decerebration on the enzymatic system of stomach and intestine of Indian cattle leech, Poecilobdella granulosa

Experiments on decerebration have brought to light an interesting inverse relationship between the phosphatases of two digestive components, at least up to a week. With the activation of all the gastric phosphatases, intestinal phosphatases are inhibited. This has been correlated with metabolic metameric control in leech.

Effect of different amino acids on the phosphatase system of an ectoparasite: Poecilobdella granulosa

Inhibitory effect of different amino acids (L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-histidine-monochloride and L-arginine) on the phosphatase system of the brain, ventral nerve cord, stomach and intestine of the Indian medicinal leech Poecilobdella granulosa, was observed to be substrate, tissue, and inhibitor-specific. Most fascinating observation recorded was the activation of alkaline phosphatase of stomach and intestine by certain amino acids at low concentrations. This has been correlated with the sanguivorous habit of leeches.

Studies on the host-parasite interaction and role of esterases during biting of the Indian cattle leech, Poecilobdella granulosa

Histochemical localization of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in the salivary glands has unfolded the significant fact that salivary glands are of two types, one being enzymatically negative and the other showing positive activity. Activity of these enzymes has been linked with the operation of glandular dynamics, particularly concerning the synthetic and secretory processes. The enzymes have been seen localized in the core of jaw. Contrary to it they are absent in the papillary and interpapillary zones of the jaw. Absence of esterases in the papillary and interpapillary ductules has been correlated with its possible non-involvement in the synthesis of vasodilating and anticoagulating materials. The experiments on effect of biting on host tissue give a faint indication of vascular dilation due to bite. Likewise, experiments on enzymatic state of a salivary gland after leech-bite reveal that the diminution of the reactive coverage area in the salivary glands reaches its maximum in the case of ATPase, indicating thereby its more involvement in salivary functions than those of esterases and acid phosphatase.

On the distribution and role of acid phosphatase in the sub-pharyngeal ganglia of Indian cattle leech, Poecilobdella granulosa

Histoenzymatic studies on the sub-pharyngeal ganglia have shown two types of neurons, enclosed in a packet-glial-cell. One of these kinds of cells is larger than the other and vesiculated, while the other is non-vesiculated. Interestingly, all the neurons have reacted very violently for acid phosphatase. The reaction is predominently cytoplasmic, masking the cellular organelles in most of the cells. Smaller cells are more in number and of two kinds. The neuronal processes (axons) have manifested mild enzymatic activity. The neuropile shows predominently granular reaction, each dot probably representing a synaptic site. Intersegmental tracts have provided intense enzymatic activity. Possible physiological significance has been discussed.