Early wound-responsive cues regulate the expression of WRKY family genes in chickpea differently under wounded and unwounded conditions

Insect wounding activates a large number of signals that function coordinately to modulate gene expression and elicit defense responses. How each signal influences gene expression in absence of wounding is also important since it can shed light on changes occurring during the shift to wound response. Using simulated Helicoverpa armigera herbivory on chickpea, we had identified at least 14 WRKY genes that showed 5-50 fold increase in expression within 5-20 min of wounding. Our studies show that contrary to their collective effects upon wounding, individual chemical cues show distinct and often opposite effects in absence of wounding. In particular, jasmonic acid, a key early defense hormone, reduced transcripts of most WRKY genes by > 50% upon treatment of unwounded chickpea leaves as did salicylic acid. Neomycin (a JA biosynthesis inhibitor) delayed and also reduced early wound expression. H₂O₂ transiently activated several genes within 5-20 min by 5-8 fold while ethylene activated only a few WRKY genes by 2-5 fold. The summation of the individual effects of these chemical cues does not explain the strong increase in transcript levels upon wounding. Detailed studies of a 931 nt region of the CaWRKY41 promoter, show strong wound-responsive GUS expression in Arabidopsis even in presence of neomycin. Surprisingly its expression was lost in the coi1, ein2 and myc2myc3myc4 mutant backgrounds suggesting the requirement of intact ethylene and JA signaling pathways (dependent on MYCs) for wound-responsive expression. The studies highlight the complexity of gene regulation by different chemical cues in the presence and absence of wounding.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains Supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01170-y.

Abstract P5-07-06: Investigating breast cancer dormancy in response to microenvironment cues with well-defined synthetic extracellular matrices

Breast cancer recurs in approximately 20% of disease-free patients 5+ years after successful treatment of the original tumor. These late recurrences often occur at metastatic sites, including the bone marrow and lungs, and are hypothesized to arise from disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) that reactivate after a long period dormancy. Interactions between DTCs and the microenvironment at these sites are thought to be important regulators of both breast cancer cell dormancy and reactivation. New approaches are needed to study this complex process and test hypotheses about key cell-microenvironment interactions in dormancy toward improved treatment strategies.

In this work, we investigated the role of cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions on dormancy and activation of breast cancer cells utilizing well-defined materials to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of metastatic sites and selectively introducing metastatic niche cells via dynamic co-culture. We established synthetic ECMs with well-defined properties that mimicked key aspects of the mechanical properties and biochemical content of bone marrow and lung metastatic sites (Young's modulus E˜0.5-5 kPa, respectively, and rich in collagen). These synthetic ECMs were constructed with a bioinert, multifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinked with a cell-degradable peptide and decorated with integrin-binding peptides derived from collagen and laminin, creating three-dimensional (3D) environments for the culture of breast cancer cells and niche cells. We cultured breast cancer cells of different metastatic potential (estrogen receptor positive [ER+, T47Ds] and triple negative [ER-, MDA-MB-231s]) within matrices, with or without co-culture of niche cells, and examined differences in markers of dormancy for up to 6 weeks.

Both breast cancer cell types exhibited good viability in 3D culture (> 90%). Different degrees of cell proliferation (metabolic activity, EdU assay, cell/cluster number and volume) were observed over the first 2 weeks in culture, dependent upon matrix composition. Interestingly, ER- MDA-MB-231s were more responsive to differences in the biochemical content of the matrix, with increased elongation and proliferation observed within collagen mimic environments, whereas fewer differences were observed in the responses of the ER+ T47Ds to these same compositions. Further, both cell types exhibited significant decreases in proliferation in response to increased matrix density, mimicking the moduli of bone marrow to lung tissues. Dormant single cells or small cell clusters, reminiscent of micrometastases, were observed over weeks 2-6. Immunostaining and bioinformatics analyses revealed increased expression of autophagy markers for these dormant cells, suggesting a potential mechanism of survival. Additionally, co-culture with specific niche cells, including human mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts, was observed to enhance or suppress breast cancer cell proliferation within these well-defined environments. These studies have established a new controlled 3D breast cancer dormancy culture model, with on-going investigations examining cell re-activation for the identification of therapeutics to maintain dormancy and prevent recurrence.

Citation Format: Kloxin AM, Ovadia EM, Pradhan L, Sawicki LA. Investigating breast cancer dormancy in response to microenvironment cues with well-defined synthetic extracellular matrices [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-06.

Outcome of universal newborn eye screening with wide-field digital retinal image acquisition system: a pilot study

PurposeTo evaluate the outcome of universal newborn eye screening with wide-field digital retinal imaging (WFDRI) system.MethodsIn this pilot study, we examined 1152 apparently healthy newborn infants in the obstetrics and gynecology ward of a civil hospital in Eastern India over 1.5 years. The examination included external eye examination, red reflex test and fundus imaging by WFDRI (RetCam II, Clarity medical system, Pleasanton, CA, USA) by a trained optometrist. The pathologies detected, net monetary gain and skilled manpower saved were documented. The results were compared with three similar studies thus far published in the literature.ResultsOcular abnormality of any kind was seen in 172 (14.93%) babies. Retinal hemorrhage in 153 babies (88.9% of all abnormal findings) was the most common abnormality; it was bilateral in 118 (77.12%) babies and 4 babies had foveal hemorrhage. Other abnormalities included vitreous hemorrhage (n=1), congenital glaucoma (n=2), uveal coloboma (n=2), retinopathy mimicking retinopathy of prematurity (n=2), and cystic fovea (n=3). The retinal hemorrhages resolved spontaneously in all eyes. One baby with congenital glaucoma received surgery and the other was treated medically. The benefits included savings in skilled manpower, a net monetary gain of INR 4.195 million (US$ 62,612) and skilled manpower saving by 319.4 h.ConclusionsThe universal neonatal eye screening using WFDRI detected pathologies that needed immediate care or regular follow up; saved skilled manpower with a net monetary gain. But compared to a red reflex test the benefits were marginal in terms of detecting treatment warranting ocular pathologies.

Evaluation of retinopathy of prematurity screening in reverse Kangaroo Mother Care: a pilot study

PURPOSE

To evaluate retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening practice in reverse Kangaroo Mother Care (R-KMC) with respect to stress and pain to the infant.

METHODS

In a pilot study we evaluated ROP screening practice in R-KMC in 20 babies at risk of ROP. The R-KMC differed from the conventional KMC with respect to the baby position where the baby lay supine on mother's chest. With the mother lying supine and the baby in R-KMC position, screening examinations were done with indirect ophthalmoscope. The outcome measures included stress (quantified by pulse, respiration, and oxygen saturation) and pain to the baby by observing facial expression (eye squeezing, crying, and brow bulge). The heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2 (%) were compared before and immediately after the procedure using paired t-test.

RESULT

Mean (±SD) gestational age and birth weight were 30.8±2.3 weeks and 1362.5±253.9 g, respectively. During examination in R- KMC position 8 babies (40%) were completely relaxed (no eye squeezing and crying), 10 (50%) were partially relaxed (no brow bulge) and 2 babies (10%) were not relaxed. A change in heart and respiration rate both by 10 per minute was recorded in 12 (60%) and 10 (50%) babies, respectively. Five babies (25%) had reduction in blood oxygen concentration below 92%. The majority of the mothers (19 of 20) were relaxed.

CONCLUSION

ROP screening in R-KMC can be a baby friendly screening practice with respect to stress and pain to the infant and needs further evaluation in a larger cohort.

Larger and near-term baby retinopathy: a rare case series

PURPOSE

To report retinopathy in a series of four babies unusually beyond the screening standards reported so far in the literature.

METHODS

During routine screening for retinopathy of prematurity, we detected retinopathy in four babies who were surprisingly bigger and older than the screening standards. The gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), post menstrual age at first examination and significant perinatal events were noted. The retinopathy details imaged by the RetCam were classified as per ICROP revisited standards.

RESULT

The GA ranged from 36 to 39 weeks and BW from 2.4 to 3.0 kg. Three of them had retinopathy in zone III that regressed spontaneously and one had marked plus with vascular arcades and shunts in zone II that regressed after laser photocoagulation. All of them had fetal distress and multiple systemic comorbidities in the neonatal period.

CONCLUSION

This report makes one aware of the possibility of retinopathy in newborn of older GA and larger BW especially with fetal distress and stormy neonatal course.

Rotavirus Nosocomial Infection in Children under 5 years of age: A Preliminary study in Nepal

Introduction: Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis among infants and young children. The spread of rotavirus infection in pediatric wards can cause acute diarrhoea during hospitalization, and in turn, prolong hospitalization or need, rehospitalization. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of nosocomial infection due to rotavirus and other causal organisms among children less than 5 years of age. Methodology: A cross-sectional study between November 2009 and May 2010 was conducted among 96 pediatric patients in children hospital, Nepal. Stool samples were collected during hospitalization and up to 3 days after discharge from the hospital. Rotavirus antigens were detected by EIA and standard microbiological procedure were applied for other enteric pathogens. Results: The prevalence of nosocomial infection due to rotavirus was 30.2% (29/96). Of them, 16 (55.17%) of the 29 children with nosocomial infection during hospitalization and/or up to 72 hours after discharge developed diarrhoea. The prevalence of symptomatic cases of nosocomial infection was 55.17% (16/29), which involved 16.7% (16/96) of the study subjects, showing a prevalence of 44.82% (13/29) for asymptomatic nosocomial infection consisted of 13.54% (13/96) of the total subjects. Eleven of the 16 symptomatic subjects of nosocomial infection were affected by diarrhoea during hospitalization and five subjects after discharge. Bacteria (8.3%) and protozoa (5.2%) agents were also causing nosocomial infection in children. Conclusions: Children attending hospital may asymptomatically carry enteric pathogens and potentially act as source of nosocomial infection. Due to the relatively high frequency of nosocomial infection in the Children Hospital of Nepal, it is necessary to follow strictly hygienic rules such as isolation of patients with diarrhoea and hand-washing before and after the examination of each patient and cleaning the examination instruments after use in each patient. Key words: Diarrhoea; children; Rotavirus infection; Cross-sectional study; Nepal DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i1.3540J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(1):30-34

Foreign body in the rectosigmoid colon

A 55 years old male presented with history of assault and insertion of a "glass object" through his anus. Examination and investigation of the patient revealed a bottle in the rectosigmoid colon. The bottle was manipulated and delivered out transanally under general anesthesia.

Oral myiasis: a case report

Oral Myiasis is a condition in which the soft tissues of different parts of oral cavity are invaded by the parasitic larvae of flies known as Maggots. This study presents a case of oral myiasis in 12 years old mentally retarded girl. Clinically, the patient had multiple perforations of the palatal mucosa at mid-hard palate and tunneling of the palatal gingivae from lateral incisor to the first molar on either side communicated to the palatal perforations. The patient was treated by mechanical removal of the maggots with simple curettage and irrigation with paraffin, povidone iodine and normal saline. After complete larvae removal, the wounds healed normally. Key words: Oral myiases, mentally retarded, fly larvae. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v10i3.8367 BJMS 2011; 10(3): 206-208

Reconstruction of oral mucosal defect with Oven Dried Human Amniotic Membrane graft: A case report

A case of premalignant lesion- leukoplakia of the left buccal mucosa, was excised and defect was reconstructed with human amniotic membrane graft. We evaluated the effectiveness of HAM as a grafting material for the reconstruction of oral mucosal defect after surgical excision of leukoplakia. After 4 weeks of grafting procedure, mucosal defect was restored successfully without any complications. Keywords: Leukoplakia; Buccal mucosal defect; Human amniotic membrane. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i3.6480Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.3 July 2010, pp.170-173