α-Viniferin, a dietary phytochemical, inhibits Monoamine oxidase and alleviates Parkinson's disease associated behavioral deficits in a mice model

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Behavioral complexities worsen over time due to progressive dopaminergic (DArgic) neuronal loss at substantia nigra region of brain. Available treatments typically aim to increase dopamine (DA) levels at striatum. DA is degraded by Monoamine oxidase (MAO), thus dietary phytochemicals with MAO inhibitory properties can contribute to elevate DA levels and reduce the ailment. Characterization of naturally occurring dietary MAO inhibitors is inadequate. Based on available knowledge, we selected different classes of molecules and conducted a screening process to assess their potential as MAO inhibitors. The compounds mostly derived from food sources, broadly belonging to triterpenoids (ursane, oleanane and hopane), alkaloid, polyphenolics, monoterpenoids, alkylbenzene, phenylpropanoid and aromatic alcohol classes. Among all the molecules, highest level of MAO inhibition is offered by α-viniferin, a resveratrol trimer. Cell viability, mitochondrial morphology and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation remained unaltered by 50 μM α-viniferin treatment in-vitro. Toxicity studies in Drosophila showed unchanged gross neuronal morphology, ROS level, motor activity or long-term survival. α-Viniferin inhibited MAO in mice brain and elevated striatal DA levels. PD-related akinesia and cataleptic behavior were attenuated by α-viniferin due to increase in striatal DA. Our study implies that α-viniferin can be used as an adjunct phytotherapeutic agent for mitigating PD-related behavioral deterioration.

Disparities in adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by disability status in metropolitan Texas

BACKGROUND

This article addresses the urgent need for more evidence-based research using primary data to document how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the health and social wellbeing of disabled individuals. Our study sought to determine if adults with disabilities, and with specific types of disability, were more likely to suffer adverse health and social impacts related to COVID-19 than nondisabled adults in metropolitan Texas, during the first 18 months of the pandemic.

METHODS

We collected primary data from randomly selected residents in eight Texas metropolitan areas through a bilingual telephone survey in July 2021. Statistical analysis comprised multivariable generalized estimating equations that control for relevant sociodemographic and COVID-related risk factors, and spatial clustering.

RESULTS

Disabled survey respondents had been more adversely affected by COVID-19 than nondisabled respondents, in terms of mental and physical health, health care access, living conditions and social life. Significant disparities were also found for almost all COVID-19 impacts when the disabled category was disaggregated by disability type. Respondents experiencing cognitive and independent living difficulties were negatively impacted in all five areas of life examined.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings emphasize the need to consider a wide range of impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic that negatively affect the health and social wellbeing of disabled persons, as well as develop disability-inclusive policies that provide adequate protections.

Activation of Ca2+ phosphatase Calcineurin regulates Parkin translocation to mitochondria and mitophagy in flies

Selective removal of dysfunctional mitochondria via autophagy is crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. This event is initiated by the translocation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin to damaged mitochondria, and it requires the Serine/Threonine-protein kinase PINK1. In a coordinated set of events, PINK1 operates upstream of Parkin in a linear pathway that leads to the phosphorylation of Parkin, Ubiquitin, and Parkin mitochondrial substrates, to promote ubiquitination of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins. Ubiquitin-decorated mitochondria are selectively recruiting autophagy receptors, which are required to terminate the organelle via autophagy. In this work, we show a previously uncharacterized molecular pathway that correlates the activation of the Ca2+-dependent phosphatase Calcineurin to Parkin translocation and Parkin-dependent mitophagy. Calcineurin downregulation or genetic inhibition prevents Parkin translocation to CCCP-treated mitochondria and impairs stress-induced mitophagy, whereas Calcineurin activation promotes Parkin mitochondrial recruitment and basal mitophagy. Calcineurin interacts with Parkin, and promotes Parkin translocation in the absence of PINK1, but requires PINK1 expression to execute mitophagy in MEF cells. Genetic activation of Calcineurin in vivo boosts basal mitophagy in neurons and corrects locomotor dysfunction and mitochondrial respiratory defects of a Drosophila model of impaired mitochondrial functions. Our study identifies Calcineurin as a novel key player in the regulation of Parkin translocation and mitophagy.

Calcineurin inhibition protects against dopamine toxicity and attenuates behavioral decline in a Parkinson's disease model

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD), a highly prevalent neuro-motor disorder is caused due to progressive loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons at substantia nigra region of brain. This leads to depleted dopamine (DA) content at striatum, thus affecting the fine tuning of basal ganglia. In patients, this imbalance is manifested by akinesia, catalepsy and tremor. PD associated behavioral dysfunctions are frequently mitigated by l-DOPA (LD) therapy, a precursor for DA synthesis. Due to progressive neurodegeneration, LD eventually loses applicability in PD. Although DA is cytotoxic, it is unclear whether LD therapy can accelerate PD progression or not. LD itself does not lead to neurodegeneration in vivo, but previous reports demonstrate that LD treatment mediated excess DA can potentiate neurotoxicity when PD associated genetic or epigenetic aberrations are involved. So, minimizing DA toxicity during the therapy is an absolute necessity to halt or slowdown PD progression. The two major contributing factors associated with DA toxicity are: degradation by Monoamine oxidase and DAquinone (DAQ) formation.

RESULTS

Here, we report that apoptotic mitochondrial fragmentation via Calcineurin (CaN)-DRP1 axis is a common downstream event for both these initial cues, inhibiting which can protect cells from DA toxicity comprehensively. No protective effect is observed, in terms of cell survival when only PxIxIT domain of CaN is obstructed, demonstrating the importance to block DRP1-CaN axis specifically. Further, evaluation of the impact of DA exposure on PD progression in a mice model reveal that LD mediated behavioral recovery diminishes with time, mostly because of continued DAergic cell death and dendritic spine loss at striatum. CaN inhibition, alone or in combination with LD, offer long term behavioral protection. This protective effect is mediated specifically by hindering CaN-DRP1 axis, whereas inhibiting interaction between CaN and other substrates, including proteins involved in neuro-inflammation, remained ineffective when LD is co-administered.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we conclude that DA toxicity can be circumvented by CaN inhibition and it can mitigate PD related behavioral aberrations by protecting neuronal architecture at striatum. We propose that CaN inhibitors might extend the therapeutic efficacy of LD treatment.

Corrigendum: USP14 as a therapeutic target against neurodegeneration: a rat brain perspective

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00727.].

A Zn-dependent structural transition of SOD1 modulates its ability to undergo phase separation

The misfolding and mutation of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is commonly associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). SOD1 can accumulate within stress granules (SGs), a type of membraneless organelle, which is believed to form via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Using wild-type, metal-deficient, and different ALS disease mutants of SOD1 and computer simulations, we report here that the absence of Zn leads to structural disorder within two loop regions of SOD1, triggering SOD1 LLPS and amyloid formation. The addition of exogenous Zn to either metal-free SOD1 or to the severe ALS mutation I113T leads to the stabilization of the loops and impairs SOD1 LLPS and aggregation. Moreover, partial Zn-mediated inhibition of LLPS was observed for another severe ALS mutant, G85R, which shows perturbed Zn-binding. By contrast, the ALS mutant G37R, which shows reduced Cu-binding, does not undergo LLPS. In addition, SOD1 condensates induced by Zn-depletion exhibit greater cellular toxicity than aggregates formed by prolonged incubation under aggregating conditions. Overall, our work establishes a role for Zn-dependent modulation of SOD1 conformation and LLPS properties that may contribute to amyloid formation.

An Interesting Case of Acute Colitis Possibly Associated with Deposition of Pharmaceutical Fillers

Introduction/Objective

Crospovidone and microcrystalline cellulose, known as pharmaceutical fillers, are nonabsorbable and insoluble white powders. They are widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to facilitate the delivery of consumed substances and can be identified in pathological specimens from the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we report a case of diarrhea and colonic inflammation associated with extensive deposition of crospovidone and microcrystalline cellulose within the colonic mucosa.

Methods/Case Report

A 49-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea for 3 weeks. CT abdomen showed wall thickening and inflammatory stranding throughout the colon, and area with possible pneumatosis coli versus pseudo-pneumatosis. Colonoscopy revealed segmental involvement with congested, erythematous and friable mucosa confined to hepatic flexure, transverse colon and splenic flexure. The biopsies of these areas showed colonic mucosa with chronic and acute inflammation, architectural distortion of the glands, melanosis coli, and extensive deposition of foreign body material within the mucosa. Closer microscopic examination of the foreign body material revealed an aggregate of coral-shaped particles with a pink center and purple periphery, which were non-birefringent under polarized light, consistent with crospovidone. Also, there was an extensive deposition of aggregates of polygonal, transparent fragments which appeared brightly birefringent under polarized light, consistent with microcrystalline cellulose. The patient denied the usage of laxatives.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA.

Conclusion

Although the data does not suggest an association between the presence of pharmaceutical fillers within the gastrointestinal tract and mucosal injury, our case suggests the possibility of associated colitis. Here, extensive mucosal deposition of crospovidone and microcrystalline cellulose shows possible association with endoscopic findings of congested and inflamed colonic mucosa, supported by microscopic examination of the sampled tissue. Hence, more investigation of iatrogenic foreign body materials, such as pharmaceutical fillers is required for optimal patient care.

Myricitrin - a flavonoid isolated from the Indian olive tree (Elaeocarpus floribundus) - inhibits Monoamine oxidase in the brain and elevates striatal dopamine levels: therapeutic implications against Parkinson's disease

Flavonoids exhibit several biological activities including inhibition of Monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that metabolizes several neurotransmitters. Thus, MAO inhibitors are well included in traditional therapeutic practices to fine-tune neuromotor behavior. This study aims to isolate flavonoids from a less explored plant of northeast India, named Indian olive (Elaeocarpus floribundus; Ef, family Elaeocarpaceae), and evaluate their MAO inhibitory properties. Four flavonoids from Ef leaf extract, namely, myricitrin, mearnsitrin, myricetin, and mearnsetin, are taken into consideration. Spectrofluorimetric assay is carried out to determine the MAO inhibitory properties. Next, in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies are performed in neuronal cell line and Drosophila, respectively. Furthermore, MAO inhibition by the selected compounds and their effect on dopamine levels are examined in the mouse brain. We evaluated the therapeutic potential in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) in terms of behavior, neurotransmitter levels, and dopaminergic neuronal loss. In an in vitro setup, all four compounds inhibited total MAO, whereas myricitrin exhibited some selectivity against MAO-B at 100 μM. Myricitrin and mearnsitrin exhibited no toxicity, in vitro or in vivo. However, only myricitrin inhibited MAO in the mouse brain and elevated dopamine levels. Myricitrin was able to attenuate motor incoordination in the mouse model of PD and improved dopamine levels in the striatum.

Colorectal cancer in younger adults from a Bi-National Colorectal Cancer Audit registry

BACKGROUND

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in younger adults (<50 years old) is rising worldwide, at a rate of 1% per annum since mid-1980s. The clinical concern is that younger adults may have more advanced disease leading to poorer prognosis compared to their older cohort due to lack of screening. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the incidence and short-term outcomes of colorectal cancer in younger adults.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained bi-national database from 2007 to 2018.

RESULTS

There were 1540 younger adults diagnosed with CRC, with a rise from 5.8% in 2007 to 8.4% in 2018. Majority had lower American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) scores (89%), rectal cancers (46.1%) and higher tumour stage (65.4%). As a consequence, they were likely to have higher circumferential resection margin positivity (6%, P = 0.02) and to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (57.1%, P < 0.001) compared to their older cohort. Multivariate analysis showed disadvantaged socioeconomic status (odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-7.94, P < 0.001) and increasing tumour stage (OR 14.9, 95% CI 1.89-116.9, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for circumferential resection margin positivity whereas being female (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53-0.95, P = 0.02), higher ASA score (OR 175.3, 95% CI 26.7-1035.5, P < 0.001), urgent surgery (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.84-4.11, P < 0.001) and anastomotic leak (OR 5.02, 95% CI 3.32-7.58, P < 0.001) were predictors of inpatient mortality.

CONCLUSION

There is a steady rise in the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults. Both physicians and younger adults should be aware of the potential risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and appropriate investigations performed so not to delay the diagnosis.

USP14 as a Therapeutic Target Against Neurodegeneration: A Rat Brain Perspective

In the recent past, many of the deubiquitinases (DUB) were found to modulate mitochondrial clearance or mitophagy and thus they are currently projected as therapeutic targets against neurodegeneration. Among these DUBs, USP14 stands at a distinctive juncture, since it can influence both proteasome complex activity and autophagy process. USP14 interference can enhance mitochondrial clearance and thus can protect Parkinsonian phenotypes in Drosophila model. However, in higher animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, evaluation of the protective role of USP14 is yet to be done. In this perspective, we pointed out a few of the major considerations that should be classified before designing experiments to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this DUB in rodent models of neurodegeneration. These are mainly: level of USP14 in the concerned brain region and how the level alters in the model system. Because USP14 mediated mitophagy is Prohibitin2 dependent, the anticipated impact of this protein in this aspect is also discussed. To illustrate our view, we show that USP14 levels increases in adult rat brain substantia nigra (SN) and cerebellum compared to the young ones. We also depict that rotenone treatment can immediately lead to increased SN specific USP14 levels. Our perception thus portrays USP14 as a therapeutic target, especially for addressing SN specific neurodegeneration in adult rat brain, but may vary with the disease model.

Investigating mitochondrial autophagy by routine transmission electron microscopy: Seeing is believing?

Mitochondrial autophagy is affected in many diseases. In the past few years, the multiple-steps process of selective degradation of mitochondria has been dissected in details by combining outcomes from different approaches. Perhaps one of the most rigorous methods to clearly visualise mitochondria undergoing autophagic engulfment and degradation, is transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this opinion paper, we want to give a brief summary of the mitophagic process, and by which means mitophagy can be addressed, including TEM analysis. We will report examples of autophagy and mitophagy-related TEM images, and discuss how to decipher the different steps of the mitophagic process by routine TEM. In our opinion, this technique can be used as a powerful confirmatory approach for mitochondrial autophagy and can provide details of the organelle fate throughout the course of mitophagy with no substantial sample manipulation.

Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Parkinson's Disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration have been directly correlated in many neurodegenerative disorders. Parkinson’s disease (PD) in particular has been extensively studied in this context because of its well-characterized association with mitophagy, a selective type of autophagy that degrades mitochondria. Mitophagy is triggered by ubiquitin modification of proteins residing on the surface of mitochondria. Therefore, mitophagy is subject to suppression by deubiquitination. In recent years, many deubiquitinase enzymes (DUBs) emerged as therapeutic targets to compensate hindered mitophagy in PD. It is reasonable that inhibition of specific DUBs should induce mitophagy by blocking deubiquitination of mitochondrial proteins, although the signaling pathway is not always that linear. The broad aspect suggests that there could be cross talks among DUBs, which may in turn have synergistic effect to rescue the disease progression. In this short review we have highlighted DUBs that hold therapeutic value in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, PD in particular.

Asymmetric total syntheses of naturally occurring α,β-enone-containing RALs, L-783290 and L-783277 through intramolecular base-mediated macrolactonization reaction

Asymmetric total synthesis of two naturally occurring α,β-enone containing RALs, L-783290 and L-783277 is described in this article. An E-selective Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination was used as a key reaction to construct the C7'-C8' olefinic unsaturation in L-783290. An enantiopure alkyne addition to the aldehyde followed by Z-selective partial reduction was employed to construct the C7'-C8' olefinic unsaturation in L-783277. Biomimetic lactonization reaction was used to construct the macrolactone core in both the target molecules.

USP14 inhibition corrects an in vivo model of impaired mitophagy

Mitochondrial autophagy or mitophagy is a key process that allows selective sequestration and degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria to prevent excessive reactive oxygen species, and activation of cell death. Recent studies revealed that ubiquitin–proteasome complex activity and mitochondrial membrane rupture are key steps preceding mitophagy, in combination with the ubiquitination of specific outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) proteins. The deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 14 (USP14) has been shown to modulate both proteasome activity and autophagy. Here, we report that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of USP14 promotes mitophagy, which occurs in the absence of the well‐characterised mediators of mitophagy, PINK1 and Parkin. Critical to USP14‐induced mitophagy is the exposure of the LC3 receptor Prohibitin 2 by mitochondrial fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane rupture. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of USP14 in vivo corrected mitochondrial dysfunction and locomotion behaviour of PINK1/Parkin mutant Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease, an age‐related progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is correlated with diminished mitochondrial quality control. Our study identifies a novel therapeutic target that ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction and in vivo PD‐related symptoms.

Inhibition of the deubiquitinase USP8 corrects a Drosophila PINK1 model of mitochondria dysfunction

Aberrant mitochondrial dynamics disrupts mitochondrial function and contributes to disease conditions. A targeted RNA interference screen for deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) affecting protein levels of multifunctional mitochondrial fusion protein Mitofusin (MFN) identified USP8 prominently influencing MFN levels. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of USP8 normalized the elevated MFN protein levels observed in PINK1 and Parkin-deficient models. This correlated with improved mitochondrial function, locomotor performance and life span, and prevented dopaminergic neurons loss in Drosophila PINK1 KO flies. We identified a novel target antagonizing pathologically elevated MFN levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dopaminergic neuron loss of a Drosophila model of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Safety of laparoscopic appendicectomy during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis is the most common non-obstetric surgical presentation during pregnancy. There were concerns that laparoscopic appendicectomy increases the risk of foetal loss compared to an open approach. Therefore, with recent advances in perioperative care, it is likely the risk has changed. Here, we performed an updated meta-analysis assessing the safety of laparoscopic appendicectomy in pregnant women.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was undertaken between 2000 and 2017 on Ovid Medline and Embase. The primary outcome measures were foetal loss and preterm delivery, whereas secondary outcome measures were operative time and hospital length of stay. A random-effect model was performed to pool odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference (SMD).

RESULTS

Seventeen observational studies were included, with 1886 patients in the laparoscopic and 4261 patients in the open group. Comparing laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy, there were 54 (5.96%) and 136 (3.73%) foetal losses, respectively. However, preterm delivery was much higher in the open approach (8.99%) compared to laparoscopic approach (2.84%). Pooled OR for foetal loss was 1.84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-2.58, P < 0.001), whereas OR for preterm delivery was 0.39 (95% CI 0.27-0.55, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between both approaches for operative time (SMD -0.07; 95% CI -0.43 to 0.30, P = 0.71) or hospital length of stay (SMD -0.34; 95% CI -0.83 to 0.16, P = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

In a pooled analysis of level III evidence, laparoscopic appendicectomy posed a higher risk of foetal loss but lower risk of preterm delivery. Caution and informed consent are crucial when offering a laparoscopic approach.

The reassuring CT scan with a lethal diagnosis

We discuss an interesting case of a patient who presented with symptoms of abdominal and worsening chronic back pain with a known history of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Asymmetric total synthesis of paecilomycin C through intramolecular nucleophilic ring opening of an epoxide

An efficient asymmetric total synthesis of naturally occurring resorcylic acid lactone (RAL) paecilomycin C was achieved by employing carboxylate assisted 5-exo-tet ring opening of an epoxide as a key reaction.

Regulation of ER-mitochondria contacts by Parkin via Mfn2

Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase and a Parkinson's disease (PD) related gene, translocates to impaired mitochondria and drives their elimination via autophagy, a process known as mitophagy. Mitochondrial pro-fusion protein Mitofusins (Mfn1 and Mfn2) were found to be a target for Parkin mediated ubiquitination. Mfns are transmembrane GTPase embedded in the outer membrane of mitochondria, which are required on adjacent mitochondria to mediate fusion. In mammals, Mfn2 also forms complexes that are capable of tethering mitochondria to endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a structural feature essential for mitochondrial energy metabolism, calcium (Ca²⁺) transfer between the organelles and Ca²⁺ dependent cell death. Despite its fundamental physiological role, the molecular mechanisms that control ER-mitochondria cross talk are obscure. Ubiquitination has recently emerged as a powerful tool to modulate protein function, via regulation of protein subcellular localization and protein ability to interact with other proteins. Ubiquitination is also a reversible mechanism, which can be actively controlled by opposing ubiquitination-deubiquitination events. In this work we found that in Parkin deficient cells and parkin mutant human fibroblasts, the tether between ER and mitochondria is decreased. We identified the site of Parkin dependent ubiquitination and showed that the non-ubiquitinatable Mfn2 mutant fails to restore ER-mitochondria physical and functional interaction. Finally, we took advantage of an established in vivo model of PD to demonstrate that manipulation of ER-mitochondria tethering by expressing an ER-mitochondria synthetic linker is sufficient to rescue the locomotor deficit associated to an in vivo Drosophila model of PD.

Failure to Provide Clinicians Useful IT Systems: Opportunities to Leapfrog Current Technologies

Objective: To discuss why clinical information systems are failing.

Method: Subjectively analyzing the development of clinical IT systems during the last decades.

Results and Conclusions: The challenge is to anticipate what information clinicians need and then deliver it in a way that is tailored for their unique views. Clinicians need workstations that offer the highest level possible of user-determined flexibility and customization. We envision and outline a so-called point of care work station, automatically scaling to the display, hardware capacity, operating system, applications (local or distributed) the user needs and across diverse health IT systems.

Life table estimates of the invasive snail Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, occurring in India

The life table characteristics of the invasive snail Physa acuta were assessed in the laboratory using the individuals occurring in a newly colonised area in Burdwan, West Bengal, India. Using the changes in the shell length and the body weight of the snails as surrogate, the population growth of the snails was estimated along with longevity and the fecundity schedule. The cohort of P. acuta lived for a maximum of 22 weeks with a life expectancy (ex) of 7.27 weeks and the age-specific survivorship being 0.825. Increment of the shell length of the snails complied with the von Bertalanffy growth equation, lt = 11.75(1 − exp−0.17(t−0.06)), and the observed and the expected data of the length at time t (lt) did not vary significantly (z score = 0.230; P = 0.818; n=20 pairs). Following attainment of sexual maturity between 28 and 42 days, oviposition continued till 20 weeks time, with 0.1-10 eggs laid by each individual. The eggs present per capsule remained between 01 and 11, whilst the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and the finite rate of increase (λ) were 116.07, 0.1 and 1.11, respectively. The observations are similar to those made earlier on the same species but from African and South American continents. The results of the present observation are pioneer in providing the initial studies about the life history of the invasive snail P. acuta in Indian context. Using the present information as a basis, further studies including long-term population monitoring should be initiated to understand the effects of the invasive snail P. acuta in the freshwater ecosystem of West Bengal, India.

Post translational modification of Parkin

Mutations in the gene encoding for the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin are associated to a rare form of familiar autosomal recessive Parkinsonism. Despite decades of research on the Parkin protein, whose structure has been recently solved, little is known about the specific signalling pathways that lead to Parkin activation. Parkin activity spans from mitochondria quality control to tumor suppression and stress protection; it is thus tempting to hypothesize that the broad impact of Parkin on cellular physiology might be the result of different post translational modifications that can be controlled by balanced opposing events. Sequence alignment of Parkin from different species indicates high homology between domains across Parkin orthologs and identifies highly conserved amino acid residues that, if modified, impinge on Parkin functions. In this review, we summarize findings on post translational modifications that have been shown to affect Parkin activity and stability.

REVIEWERS

This article was reviewed by Prof. Dr. Konstanze F. Winklhofer and by Prof. Thomas Simmen. Both reviewers have been nominated by Professor Luca Pellegrini.

An Atypical Hysteria Epidemic in Tripura, India

This paper reports an atypical hysteria epidemic in a tribal village of the State of Tripura, India. Twelve persons, eight female and four male, were affected in a chain reaction within a span of ten days. The cardinal feature was an episodic trance state of 5 to 15 minutes duration with restlessness, attempts at self-injury, running away, inappropriate behaviour, inability to identify family members, refusal of food and intermittent mimicking of animal sounds. The illness was self-limiting and showed an individual course of one to three days duration. Sociocultural aspects of the epidemic are discussed.

A simple room temperature fast reduction technique for preparation of a copper nanosheet powder

Growth of large nanosheets from small nanosheets by oriented attachment.

Leiomyoma of broad ligament mimicking ovarian malignancy- report of a unique case

Tumors of the broad ligament are uncommon. Leiomyoma, which is the commonest female genital neoplasm, is also the most common solid tumor of the broad ligament. Leiomyomas affect 30% of all women of reproductive age but the incidence of broad-ligament leiomyoma is <1%. These benign tumors are usually asymptomatic. A case is being described where a 52 year old presented with gradual abdominal swelling which was clinically and radiologically diagnosed as ovarian malignancy. On abdominal and bimanual palpation a soft cystic mass was noted in the right pelvic region. CA 125 was mildly raised. CEA, CA 19.9 levels were within normal limit. The radiological diagnosis was ovarian cyst with possibility of malignant changes. Staging laparotomy and histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed a right sided broad ligament leiomyoma with cystic changes. The degenerative changes in the leiomyoma lead to the clinical and radiological diagnostic confusion. Thus, though uncommon, broad ligament leiomyoma should be considered during evaluation of adnexal masses for optimal patient management. The above description of leiomyoma in the broad ligament is a highly unique case and thus deserves appropriate attention.

Synthesis of monodisperse copper nanoparticles using a modified digestive ripening technique and formation of superlattices

Synthesis of very uniform copper nanoparticles and subsequent superlattice formation.

Synthesis, Characterisation and Crystal Structure of a Copper(II) Dichromate Complex with the N,N’-Bis(2-pyridylmethylene)butane- 1,4-diamine Schiff Base Ligand

The new complex Cu[L1]Cr2O7has been synthesised with the N,N′-bis(2-pyridylmethylene) butane-1,4-diamine Schiff base L1, [NC5H4CH=N(CH2)4N=CHC5H4N], and characterised with elemental analyses and different spectroscopic and electrochemical studies. The structure of the new complex has been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallises in the monoclinic system with space group P21/c having cell parameters a = 14.7(5), b = 9.22(2), c = 16.2(5) Å , β = 116.9(1)°, and Z = 4. The Cr2O7 2− unit is bonded through one terminal oxygen donor end to the central Cu(II) chelated by the Schiff base ligand.

Synthesis, Structure and Fluorescence Properties of a Trinuclear Zn(II) Complex with N,N,O-donor Schiff Base Ligands and Bridging Acetates

A new centrosymmetric trinuclear Zn(II) complex [Zn3L2(CH3COO)4] (1) has been synthesized by the reaction of Zn(CH3COO)2 · 2H2O with a tridentate N,N,O-donor Schiff base ligand HL [C5H4NC(CH3)=NC6H4(OH)] and systematically characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV/Vis and thermal methods. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis reveals that three Zn(II) centers are in two different coordination environments. Two terminal Zn(II) centers adopt a distorted squarepyramidal geometry leaving the central Zn(II) in a distorted octahedral environment. Two adjacent metal centers are connected through single μ2-phenolato as well as double μ-acetato-O,O´ syn-syn bridges. Fluorescence properties of the complex as compared to the ligand indicate that the former can serve as a potential photoactive material.

Two New Quadridentate Schiff Base Complexes of Nickel(II) and Cobalt(III): Synthesis, Structure and Spectral Characterisation

Two novel quadridentate Schiff base complexes, [NiIILH](ClO4)2・H2O (1) and [CoIIIL]- (ClO4)2・H2O (2) [LH, a Schiff base ligand: Ph(OH)C(Me)=NCH2CH2N(CH2CH2NH2)2] have been synthesised and characterised by elemental analyses, spectroscopic and electrochemical studies. The structures of both have been unequivocally established from single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. 1 and 2 crystallise in the monoclinic space group P21/n having cell parameters a = 8.536(1), b = 13.832(4), c = 18.194(2) Å , β = 100.00(10)°, Z = 4 for 1, and a = 10.819(5), b = 14.301(2), c=14.224(1) Å , β =97.04(2)°, Z =4 for 2. The complexes expose a square planar geometry around the metal centers chelated with three different types of nitrogen donor centers of the ligand.

ROS-PIASγ cross talk channelizes ATM signaling from resistance to apoptosis during chemosensitization of resistant tumors

With the existing knowledge of ATM's role in therapeutic resistance, the present study aimed at identifying the molecular mechanisms that influence ATM to oscillate between chemoresistance and chemosensitivity. We observed that the redox status of tumors functions as a major determinant of ATM-dependent ‘resistance-to-apoptosis' molecular switch. At a low reactive oxygen species (ROS) condition during genotoxic insult, the ATM/sumoylated-IKKγ interaction induced NFκB activation that resisted JNK-mediated apoptosis, whereas increasing cellular ROS restored ATM/JNK apoptotic signaling. A search for the upstream missing link revealed that high ROS induces oxidation and ubiquitin-mediated degradation of PIASγ, thereby disrupting PIASγ-IKKγ cross talk, a pre-requisite for IKKγ sumoylation and subsequent NFκB activation. Interruption in the PIASγ-mediated resistance pathway channels ATM signaling toward ATM/JNK pro-death circuitry. These in vitro results also translated to sensitive and resistant tumor allograft mouse models in which low ROS-induced resistance was over-ruled in PIASγ knockout tumors, while its overexpression inhibited high ROS-dependent apoptotic cues. Cumulatively, our findings identified an unappreciated yet critical combinatorial function of cellular ROS and PIASγ in regulating ATM-mediated chemosensitization of resistant tumors. Thus, therapeutic strategies employing ROS upregulation to inhibit PIASγ during genotoxic therapy may, in future, help to eliminate the problems of NFκB-mediated tumor drug resistance.

A mitochondrial basis for Huntington's disease: therapeutic prospects

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disease, with overt movement dysfunctions. Despite focused research on the basis of neurodegeneration in HD for last few decades, the mechanism for the site-specific lesion of neurons in the brain is not clear. All the explanations that partially clarify the phenomenon of neurodegeneration leads to one organelle, mitochondrion, which is severely affected in HD at the level of electron transport chain, Ca(2+) buffering efficiency and morphology. But, with the existing knowledge, it is not clear whether the cell death processes in HD initiate from mitochondria, though the Huntingtin (Htt) aggregates show close proximity to this organelle, or do some extracellular stimuli like TNFα or FasL trigger the process. Mainly because of the disparity in the different available experimental models, the results are quite confusing or at least inconsistent to a great extent. The fact remains that the mutant Htt protein was seen to be associated with mitochondria directly, and as the striatum is highly enriched with dopamine and glutamate, it may make the striatal mitochondria more vulnerable because of the presence of dopa-quinones, and due to an imbalance in Ca(2+). The current therapeutic strategies are based on symptomatic relief, and, therefore, mainly target neurotransmitter(s) and their receptors to modulate behavioral outputs, but none of them targets mitochondria or try to address the basic molecular events that cause neurons to die in discrete regions of the brain, which could probably be resulting from grave mitochondrial dysfunctions. Therefore, targeting mitochondria for their protection, while addressing symptomatic recovery, holds a great potential to tone down the progression of the disease, and to provide better relief to the patients and caretakers.

Quercetin improves behavioral deficiencies, restores astrocytes and microglia, and reduces serotonin metabolism in 3-nitropropionic acid-induced rat model of Huntington's Disease

AIM

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder, for which clinically available drugs offer only symptomatic relief. These prescription drugs are not free of side effects, and the patients usually suffer from anxiety and depression. We investigated quercetin, a dietary flavonoid with free radical scavenging properties, for its beneficial potential if any, in 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced HD in rats where both drugs were administered simultaneously.

METHODS

Performance of rats on beam balancing, elevated plus maze and gait traits were investigated following 3-NP and/or quercetin treatments for 4 days. Striatal biogenic amine levels and monoamine oxidase activity were assayed. Striatal sections were examined for Cd11B and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity, and for evidences of neuronal lesion.

RESULTS

Quercetin significantly attenuated 3-NP-induced anxiety, motor coordination deficits, and gait despair. While the dopaminergic hyper-metabolism was unaffected, quercetin provided a significant reduction of 3-NP mediated increase in serotonin metabolism. Quercetin failed to affect 3-NP-induced striatal neuronal lesion, but decreased microglial proliferation, and increased astrocyte numbers in the lesion core.

CONCLUSION

These results taken together suggest that quercetin could be of potential use not only for correcting movement disturbances and anxiety in HD, but also for addressing inflammatory damages.

Melatonin synergizes with low doses of L-DOPA to improve dendritic spine density in the mouse striatum in experimental Parkinsonism

The dopamine precursor, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), is the preferred drug for Parkinson's disease, but long-term treatment results in the drug-induced dyskinesias and other side effects. This study was undertaken to examine whether melatonin could potentiate low dose L-DOPA effects in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced experimental parkinsonism. Mice were treated with the parkinsonian neurotoxin, MPTP, and different doses of melatonin and low doses of L-DOPA. Behavior, striatal histology, and dopamine metabolism were evaluated on the 7th day. MPTP-induced striatal dopamine loss was not modified by melatonin administration (10-30 mg/kg; i.p. at 10-hr intervals, 6 times; or at 2-hr intervals, by day). However, low doses of L-DOPA (5 mg/kg, by oral gavage) administered alone or along with melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) twice everyday for 2 days, 10 hr apart, after two doses of MPTP significantly attenuated striatal dopamine loss and provided improvements in both catalepsy and akinesia. Additionally, Golgi-impregnated striatal sections showed preservation of the medium spiny neurons, which have been damaged in MPTP-treated mouse. The results demonstrated that melatonin, but not L-DOPA, restored spine density and spine morphology of medium spiny neurons in the striatum and suggest that melatonin could be an ideal adjuvant to L-DOPA therapy in Parkinson's disease, and by the use of this neurohormone, it is possible to bring down the therapeutic doses of L-DOPA.

Retroperitoneal mass: a diagnostic challenge

We report a case of retroperitoneal mass involving lumbar spine (L2 region) of eight months duration in a male aged 26 years. X ray of the lumbar spine was suggestive of tuberculosis. However, as there was no response to specific therapy, a CT scan was performed which was indicative of a soft tissue sarcoma. Subsequent biopsy of the tumor showed it to be a giant cell tumor of bone (GCT). The tumor was inoperable and the patient is presently undergoing radiotherapy. Giant cell tumors only rarely arise in the axial skeleton. GCT of the spine is uncommon, accounting for 1.3-6.5% of all cases in various series. The case is being presented because of its rarity, diagnostic dilemma encountered and to emphasize the role of surgical biopsy.

Magnetic behavior of Ba3Cu3Sc4O12

The chain-like system Ba(3)Cu(3)Sc(4)O(12) has potentially interesting magnetic properties due to the presence of Cu(2+) and a structure-suggested low dimensionality. We present magnetization M versus magnetic field H and temperature T, T- and H-dependent heat-capacity C(p), (45)Sc nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), muon spin rotation (μSR), neutron diffraction measurements and electronic structure calculations for Ba(3)Cu(3)Sc(4)O(12). The onset of magnetic long-range antiferromagnetic (AF) order at T(N) ∼ 16 K is consistently evidenced from the whole gamut of our data. A significant sensitivity of T(N) to the applied magnetic field H (T(N) ∼ 0 K for H = 70 kOe) is also reported. Coupled with a ferromagnetic Curie-Weiss temperature (θ(CW) ∼ 65 K) in the susceptibility (from a 100 to 300 K fit), it is indicative of competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. These indications are corroborated by our density functional theory based electronic structure calculations, where we find the presence of significant ferromagnetic couplings between some copper ions whereas AF couplings were present between some others. Our experimental data, backed by our theoretical calculations, rule out the one-dimensional magnetic behavior suggested by the structure and the observed long-range order is due to the presence of non-negligible magnetic interactions between adjacent as well as next-nearest chains.

BRCA1 protein expression and its correlation with ER/PR status in sporadic and familial breast cancer in Eastern Indian patients--a hospital based study

BRCA1 gene expression in familial breast cancer is mainly focused on mutational analysis. However in sporadic cancers BRCA1 protein expression is the main area of interest because somatic inactivation of one allele of the gene is likely to occur during the oestrogen mediated proliferation at puberty and subsequent tumourigenic events take place in the same cell. Standard immunohistochemical analysis was used to assess BRCA1 and oestrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status in familial and sporadic breast cancer patients and correlation of BRCA1 protein expression with histopathological features ER/PR status was studied in these tumours. One hundred and seventy-seven sporadic tumours (group A) and 28 familial tumours (patients with history of breast cancer in first or second degree relative ie, group B) were studied. In group A, 61 tumours had absent/reduced BRCA 1 protein expression; 30 (49%) out of these were negative for ER/PR receptors. In group B, 18 patients had absent/reduced BRCA1 protein expression, and 10 (55.6%) out of these, were ER/PR negative. Overall in 2 groups, 82 tumours were of grade 1, 61 tumours of grade 2 and 62 tumours were of grade 3 differentiation. Test of proportion showed that percentage of ER/PR negativity is significantly higher than ER/PR positivity in sporadic as well as in familial tumours with absent/ reduced BRCA 1 protein expression (p < 0.05). Sporadic tumours with deranged BRCA1 protein expression like familial tumours have more unfavourable histopathological characteristics and are likely to be of higher grade and oestrogen receptor negative

Azoospermia and maturation arrest: malfunction of valves in erect poster of humans leads to hypoxia in sperm production site

Maturation arrest (MA) of spermatogenesis is diagnosed on histology as interruption of spermatogenesis before the final stage without impairment of Sertoli or Leydig cells. It is considered a condition of irreversible or absolute infertility. Varicocele, which represents impairment in the testicular venous drainage system, has been shown to be a bilateral disease. Malfunction of the valves increase the hydrostatic pressure in the testicular venous system that exceeds the pressure in the arterial system leading to hypoxia in the testicular microcirculation and in the seminiferous tubules, the sperm production site. Sperm production deteriorates, and ultimately progresses to azoospermia. Our prediction was that MA, if genetic factors are excluded, is the final stage of long standing hypoxia. This would indicate that MA is not always an independent disease entity, but may represent progressive process of deterioration of the testicular parenchyma beyond azoospermia. By histology and electron microscopy, our prediction confirmed, at least partially, that MA is associated with degenerative ischaemic changes in the seminiferous tubules. Adequate treatment of bilateral varicocele by microsurgery or super-selective sclerotherapy of the internal spermatic veins including associated network of venous bypasses, vertically oriented, may resume the flow of oxygenated blood. If irreversible damages did not occur and ischaemia is not too long standing, limited sperm production may be restored, at least partially.