High-throughput tagging of endogenous loci for rapid characterization of protein function

To facilitate the interrogation of protein function at scale, we have developed high-throughput insertion of tags across the genome (HITAG). HITAG enables users to rapidly produce libraries of cells, each with a different protein of interest C-terminally tagged. HITAG is based on a modified strategy for performing Cas9-based targeted insertions, coupled with an improved approach for selecting properly tagged lines. Analysis of the resulting clones generated by HITAG reveals high tagging specificity, with most successful tagging events being indel free. Using HITAG, we fuse mCherry to a set of 167 stress granule-associated proteins and elucidate the features that drive a subset of proteins to strongly accumulate within these transient RNA-protein granules.

Partner or perish: tree microbiomes and climate change

Understanding the complex relationships between plants, their microbiomes, and environmental changes is crucial for improving growth and survival, especially for long-lived tree species. Trees, like other plants, maintain close associations with a multitude of microorganisms on and within their tissues, forming a 'holobiont'. However, a comprehensive framework for detailed tree-microbiome dynamics, and the implications for climate adaptation, is currently lacking. This review identifies gaps in the existing literature, emphasizing the need for more research to explore the coevolution of the holobiont and the full extent of climate change impact on tree growth and survival. Advancing our knowledge of plant-microbial interactions presents opportunities to enhance tree adaptability and mitigate adverse impacts of climate changes on trees.

Inhibition of Ephrin B2 Reverse Signaling Abolishes Multiple Myeloma Pathogenesis

Bone marrow vascular endothelial cells (BM EC) regulate multiple myeloma pathogenesis. Identification of the mechanisms underlying this interaction could lead to the development of improved strategies for treating multiple myeloma. Here, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of human ECs with high capacity to promote multiple myeloma growth, revealing overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinases, EPHB1 and EPHB4, in multiple myeloma-supportive ECs. Expression of ephrin B2 (EFNB2), the binding partner for EPHB1 and EPHB4, was significantly increased in multiple myeloma cells. Silencing EPHB1 or EPHB4 in ECs suppressed multiple myeloma growth in coculture. Similarly, loss of EFNB2 in multiple myeloma cells blocked multiple myeloma proliferation and survival in vitro, abrogated multiple myeloma engraftment in immune-deficient mice, and increased multiple myeloma sensitivity to chemotherapy. Administration of an EFNB2-targeted single-chain variable fragment also suppressed multiple myeloma growth in vivo. In contrast, overexpression of EFNB2 in multiple myeloma cells increased STAT5 activation, increased multiple myeloma cell survival and proliferation, and decreased multiple myeloma sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, expression of mutant EFNB2 lacking reverse signaling capacity in multiple myeloma cells increased multiple myeloma cell death and sensitivity to chemotherapy and abolished multiple myeloma growth in vivo. Complementary analysis of multiple myeloma patient data revealed that increased EFNB2 expression is associated with adverse-risk disease and decreased survival. This study suggests that EFNB2 reverse signaling controls multiple myeloma pathogenesis and can be therapeutically targeted to improve multiple myeloma outcomes.

SIGNIFICANCE

Ephrin B2 reverse signaling mediated by endothelial cells directly regulates multiple myeloma progression and treatment resistance, which can be overcome through targeted inhibition of ephrin B2 to abolish myeloma.

Controlled experimental generation of perturbed high-order Ince-Gaussian laser modes

We present an experimental approach for generating perturbed high-order Ince-Gaussian laser modes by transforming the low and moderate-intensity lobes of high-order Ince-Gaussian (IG) modes into high-intensity lobes and vice versa. This perturbation reshuffles optical energy among the different lobes and generates new, to the best of our knowledge, modulated Ince-Gaussian (MIG) modes. Computer-generated holograms displayed over spatial light modulators were used to modulate the IGMs. Compared to IG modes, MIG modes are generated precisely in a sense that enhances the IG modes and provides a maximum number of highly intense lobes in a particular mode. That enables the newly generated MIG modes to be utilized more efficiently than IG modes in applications such as particle manipulation and optical trapping of microparticles, which exploit highly intense lobes.

Multi-organ segmentation of organ-at-risk (OAR's) of head and neck site using ensemble learning technique

INTRODUCTION

This paper presents a novel approach to automate the segmentation of Organ-at-Risk (OAR) in Head and Neck cancer patients using Deep Learning models combined with Ensemble Learning techniques. The study aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of OAR segmentation, essential for radiotherapy treatment planning.

METHODS

The dataset comprised computed tomography (CT) scans of 182 patients in DICOM format, obtained from an institutional image bank. Experienced Radiation Oncologists manually segmented seven OARs for each scan. Two models, 3D U-Net and 3D DenseNet-FCN, were trained on reduced CT scans (192 × 192 x 128) due to memory limitations. Ensemble Learning techniques were employed to enhance accuracy and segmentation metrics. Testing was conducted on 78 patients from the institutional dataset and an open-source dataset (TCGA-HNSC and Head-Neck Cetuximab) consisting of 31 patient scans.

RESULTS

Using the Ensemble Learning technique, the average dice similarity coefficient for OARs ranged from 0.990 to 0.994, indicating high segmentation accuracy. The 95% Hausdorff distance (mm) ranged from 1.3 to 2.1, demonstrating precise segmentation boundaries.

CONCLUSION

The proposed automated segmentation method achieved efficient and accurate OAR segmentation, surpassing human expert performance in terms of time and accuracy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This approach has implications for improving treatment planning and patient care in radiotherapy. By reducing manual segmentation reliance, the proposed method offers significant time savings and potential improvements in treatment planning efficiency and precision for head and neck cancer patients.

Super-oscillatory spots with different inhomogeneous linear polarized states

We present the formation of super-oscillatory (SO) spots by tightly focusing the inhomogeneous linear polarized beam of different polarization states. At the entrance pupil of the focusing lens, a suitable phase manipulation in the incident beam results in a small super-oscillatory spot. Our numerical study based on the vectorial diffraction theory shows that SO spots of controllable size and various polarization combinations are possible. We also discuss the effect of the different polarization patterns of the incident beam on the size and energy distribution of the generated SO spots, which are potentially valuable for the orientation determination of single molecules and polarization-resolved imaging. This study reveals more influence of polarization states on the different components of the focused beam under the utilization of the proposed method rather than the usual tight focusing conditions.

Controllable experimental modulation of high-order Laguerre-Gaussian laser modes

High-order helical and sinusoidal Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) laser modes have uneven energy distribution among their multiple concentric vortex core rings and lobes, respectively. Here, we explore an experimental method to reshuffle the optical energy among their multiple concentric vortex core rings and lobes of high-order LG modes in a controllable manner. We numerically designed a diffractive optical element displayed over a spatial light modulator to rearrange optical energy among multiple concentric vortex core rings. This changes outer low-intensity concentric vortex core rings into high-intensity vortex core rings of high-order helical LG modes at the Fourier plane. The precise generation of a high-order modulated helical LG laser mode has a maximum number of highly intense concentric vortex core rings compared to known standard helical LG modes. Further, this method is extended to high-order sinusoidal LG modes consisting of both low- and high-intensity lobes to realize modulated sinusoidal LG modes with a maximum number of highly intense lobes in a controllable manner. We envisage that the modulated helical and sinusoidal high-order LG modes may surpass standard LG modes in many applications where highly intense rings and lobes are crucial, as in particle manipulation of micro- and nanoparticles, and optical lithography.

Measurement of Direct-Photon Cross Section and Double-Helicity Asymmetry at sqrt[s]=510 GeV in p[over →]+p[over →] Collisions

We present measurements of the cross section and double-helicity asymmetry A_{LL} of direct-photon production in p[over →]+p[over →] collisions at sqrt[s]=510  GeV. The measurements have been performed at midrapidity (|η|<0.25) with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. At relativistic energies, direct photons are dominantly produced from the initial quark-gluon hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force at leading order. Therefore, at sqrt[s]=510  GeV, where leading-order-effects dominate, these measurements provide clean and direct access to the gluon helicity in the polarized proton in the gluon-momentum-fraction range 0.02<x<0.08, with direct sensitivity to the sign of the gluon contribution.

Nicotinamide riboside rescues dysregulated glycolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation in a human hepatic cell model of Citrin deficiency

Citrin Deficiency (CD) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by loss-of-function of the mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate transporter, CITRIN, which is involved in both the urea cycle and malate aspartate shuttle. Patients with CD develop hepatosteatosis and hyperammonemia but there is no effective therapy for CD. Currently, there are no animal models that faithfully recapitulate the human CD phenotype. Accordingly, we generated a CITRIN knockout HepG2 cell line using CRISPR/Cas 9 genome editing technology to study metabolic and cell signaling defects in CD. CITRIN KO cells showed increased ammonia accumulation, higher cytosolic NADH/NAD+ ratio and reduced glycolysis. Surprisingly, these cells showed impaired fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial activity. CITRIN KO cells also displayed increased cholesterol and bile acid metabolism resembling those observed in CD patients. Remarkably, normalizing cytosolic NADH:NAD+ ratio by nicotinamide riboside (NR) increased glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation but had no effect on the hyperammonemia suggesting the urea cycle defect was independent of the aspartate/malate shuttle defect of CD. The correction of glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism defects in CITRIN KO cells by reducing cytoplasmic NADH:NAD+ levels suggests this may be a novel strategy to treat some of the metabolic defects of CD and other mitochondrial diseases.

Metabolic switching of estrogen-related receptor alpha in breast cancer aggression

Orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) is an important regulator of energy metabolism, whereas its hyperactivation in breast cancer has been shown to regulate cell migration, proliferation, and tumour development. These findings suggest a fine balance in the status of ERRα in regulating metabolic homeostasis or promoting cancer progression. In this issue, Brindisi et al. have shown that ERRα is endogenously activated by cholesterol and caused breast cancer aggressiveness. This study also supports the anti-tumour mechanisms of cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins.

Creation of pure longitudinal super-oscillatory spot

We present a method that creates a super-oscillatory focal spot of a tightly focused radially polarized beam using the concept of a phase mask. Using vector diffraction theory, we report a super-oscillatory focal spot that is much smaller than the diffraction limit and the super-oscillation criterion. The proposed mask works as a special polarization filter that enhances the longitudinal component and filters out the transverse component of radial polarization at focus, permitting the creation of a pure longitudinal super-oscillatory focal spot.

Vitamin B12 and folate decrease inflammation and fibrosis in NASH by preventing syntaxin 17 homocysteinylation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Several recent clinical studies have shown that serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels are positively correlated, while vitamin B₁₂ (B₁₂) and folate levels are negative correlated, with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) severity. However, it is not known whether hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) plays a pathogenic role in NASH.

METHODS

We examined the effects of HHcy on NASH progression, metabolism, and autophagy in dietary and genetic mouse models, patients, and primates. We employed vitamin B₁₂ (B₁₂) and folate (Fol) to reverse NASH features in mice and cell culture.

RESULTS

Serum Hcy correlated with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. Elevated hepatic Hcy induced and exacerbated NASH. Gene expression of hepatic Hcy-metabolizing enzymes was downregulated in NASH. Surprisingly, we found increased homocysteinylation (Hcy-lation) and ubiquitination of multiple hepatic proteins in NASH including the key autophagosome/lysosome fusion protein, Syntaxin 17 (Stx17). This protein was Hcy-lated and ubiquitinated, and its degradation led to a block in autophagy. Genetic manipulation of Stx17 revealed its critical role in regulating autophagy, inflammation and fibrosis during HHcy. Remarkably, dietary B₁₂/Fol, which promotes enzymatic conversion of Hcy to methionine, decreased HHcy and hepatic Hcy-lated protein levels, restored Stx17 expression and autophagy, stimulated β -oxidation of fatty acids, and improved hepatic histology in mice with pre-established NASH.

CONCLUSIONS

HHcy plays a key role in the pathogenesis of NASH via Stx17 homocysteinylation. B₁₂/folate also may represent a novel first-line therapy for NASH.

LAY SUMMARY

The incidence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, for which there are no approved pharmacological therapies, is increasing, posing a significant healthcare challenge. Herein, based on studies in mice, primates and humans, we found that dietary supplementation with vitamin B₁₂ and folate could have therapeutic potential for the prevention or treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Experimental realization of modulated Hermite-Gaussian laser modes: a maximum number of highly intense lobes

Here, we present an experimental method that redistributes the optical energy among the lobes of high-order standard Hermite-Gaussian (SHG) laser modes in a controlled manner. We numerically designed diffractive optical elements, displayed over a spatial light modulator for redistribution of optical energy that converts low and moderate intense lobes into all highly intense lobes and vice versa at the Fourier plane. Such precise generation of modulated HG (MHG) laser modes offers a maximum number of highly intense lobes compared to SHG modes. Hence, we envisage that MHG beams may surpass SHG beams in many applications, such as particle manipulation and optical lithography, where highly intense lobes play a significant role.

Caffeine prevents restenosis and inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through the induction of autophagy

Caffeine is among the most highly consumed substances worldwide, and it has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. Although caffeine has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that caffeine decreased VSMC proliferation and induced macroautophagy/autophagy in an in vivo vascular injury model of restenosis. Furthermore, we studied the effects of caffeine in primary human and mouse aortic VSMCs and immortalized mouse aortic VSMCs. Caffeine decreased cell proliferation, and induced autophagy flux via inhibition of MTOR signaling in these cells. Genetic deletion of the key autophagy gene Atg5, and the Sqstm1/p62 gene encoding a receptor protein, showed that the anti-proliferative effect by caffeine was dependent upon autophagy. Interestingly, caffeine also decreased WNT-signaling and the expression of two WNT target genes, Axin2 and Ccnd1 (cyclin D1). This effect was mediated by autophagic degradation of a key member of the WNT signaling cascade, DVL2, by caffeine to decrease WNT signaling and cell proliferation. SQSTM1/p62, MAP1LC3B-II and DVL2 were also shown to interact with each other, and the overexpression of DVL2 counteracted the inhibition of cell proliferation by caffeine. Taken together, our in vivo and in vitro findings demonstrated that caffeine reduced VSMC proliferation by inhibiting WNT signaling via stimulation of autophagy, thus reducing the vascular restenosis. Our findings suggest that caffeine and other autophagy-inducing drugs may represent novel cardiovascular therapeutic tools to protect against restenosis after angioplasty and/or stent placement.

Thyroid Hormone Decreases Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammation, and Fibrosis in a Dietary Mouse Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, and fibrosis. Thyroid hormone (TH) reduces steatosis; however, the therapeutic effect of TH on NASH-associated inflammation and fibrosis is not known. This study examined the therapeutic effect of TH on hepatic inflammation and fibrosis during NASH and investigated THs molecular actions on autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. Methods: HepG2-TRβ cells were treated with bovine serum albumin-conjugated palmitic acid (PA) to mimic lipotoxic conditions in vitro. Mice with NASH were established by feeding C57BL/6J mice Western diet with 15% fructose in drinking water for 16 weeks. These mice were administered triiodothyronine (T3)/thyroxine (T4) supplemented in drinking water for the next eight weeks. Results: In cultured HepG2-TRβ cells, TH treatment increased mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation under basal and PA-treated conditions, as well as decreased lipopolysaccharides and PA-stimulated inflammatory and fibrotic responses. In a dietary mouse model of NASH, TH administration decreased hepatic triglyceride content (3.19 ± 0.68 vs. 8.04 ± 0.42 mM/g liver) and hydroxyproline (1.44 ± 0.07 vs. 2.58 ± 0.30 mg/g liver) when compared with mice with untreated NASH. Metabolomics profiling of lipid metabolites showed that mice with NASH had increased triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, monoacylglycerol, and hepatic cholesterol esters species, and these lipid species were decreased by TH treatment. Mice with NASH also showed decreased autophagic degradation as evidenced by decreased transcription Factor EB and lysosomal protease expression, and accumulation of LC3B-II and p62. TH treatment restored the level of lysosomal proteins and resolved the accumulation of LC3B-II and p62. Impaired mitochondrial biogenesis was also restored by TH. The simultaneous restoration of autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis by TH increased β-oxidation of fatty acids. Additionally, the elevated oxidative stress and inflammasome activation in NASH liver were also decreased by TH. Conclusions: In a mouse model of NASH, TH restored autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis to increase β-oxidation of fatty acids and to reduce lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Activating thyroid hormone receptor in the liver may represent an effective strategy for NASH treatment.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis with Bilateral Optic Neuropathy

Introduction Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is characterized by an inflammatory response to a non-invasive fungus which leads to sinus obstruction. Ophthalmic manifestations of AFRS are rare but can be of grave consequence. Case Report A 22-year-old female patient presented with a 5-day history of headache and decreased vision in both eyes (right- perception of light; left-6/18), along with a past history of nasal blockage and recurrent rhinorrhoea. She had thick viscid mucous secretion with polyposis in bilateral nasal cavities. Computed tomography showed pansinusitis with heterogenous opacification and polypoidal mucosal hypertrophy. Bony erosion was seen in bilateral orbital apices with oedematous optic nerves. MRI was suggestive of bilateral optic neuritis. Patient underwent emergency surgical debridement via endoscopic sinus surgery. Histopathological examination of the specimen showed cellular debris, eosinophilic prominence and numerous Charcot-Leyden crystals, with presence of branched septate fungal hyphae. Fungal culture grew Aspergillus flavus. Patient was treated with steroids (injectable followed by oral in gradually tapering doses). Over a period of 3 months vision returned to normal. Conclusion Vision loss is a rare complication of AFRS and constitutes an emergency. Prompt treatment with surgical debridement and corticosteroids is essential for reversal of visual complications.

Genetic Diversity, Population Structure and Linkage Disequilibrium Analyses in Tropical Maize Using Genotyping by Sequencing

Several maize breeding programs in India have developed numerous inbred lines but the lines have not been characterized using high-density molecular markers. Here, we studied the molecular diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns in a panel of 314 tropical normal corn, two sweet corn, and six popcorn inbred lines developed by 17 research centers in India, and 62 normal corn from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The 384 inbred lines were genotyped with 60,227 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Most of the pair-wise relative kinship coefficients (58.5%) were equal or close to 0, which suggests the lack of redundancy in the genomic composition in the majority of inbred lines. Genetic distance among most pairs of lines (98.3%) varied from 0.20 to 0.34 as compared with just 1.7% of the pairs of lines that differed by <0.20, which suggests greater genetic variation even among sister lines. The overall average of 17% heterogeneity was observed in the panel indicated the need for further inbreeding in the high heterogeneous genotypes. The mean nucleotide diversity and frequency of polymorphic sites observed in the panel were 0.28 and 0.02, respectively. The model-based population structure, principal component analysis, and phylogenetic analysis revealed three to six groups with no clear patterns of clustering by centers-wise breeding lines, types of corn, kernel characteristics, maturity, plant height, and ear placement. However, genotypes were grouped partially based on their source germplasm from where they derived.

Probing Gluon Spin-Momentum Correlations in Transversely Polarized Protons through Midrapidity Isolated Direct Photons in p^{↑}+p Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

Studying spin-momentum correlations in hadronic collisions offers a glimpse into a three-dimensional picture of proton structure. The transverse single-spin asymmetry for midrapidity isolated direct photons in p^{↑}+p collisions at sqrt[s]=200  GeV is measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Because direct photons in particular are produced from the hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force, this measurement is a clean probe of initial-state spin-momentum correlations inside the proton and is in particular sensitive to gluon interference effects within the proton. This is the first time direct photons have been used as a probe of spin-momentum correlations at RHIC. The uncertainties on the results are a 50-fold improvement with respect to those of the one prior measurement for the same observable, from the Fermilab E704 experiment. These results constrain gluon spin-momentum correlations in transversely polarized protons.

Laparoscopic management of type VI choledochal cyst with common bile duct stone: report of a case and review of literature

A young adult male presented with biliary colic and intermittent jaundice for 1 year. Abdomen findings were unremarkable. Routine investigations revealed a raised total bilirubin. On abdominal ultrasonography, common bile duct (CBD) dilatation with multiple stones was noted. On further imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, type I choledochal cyst (CDC) was suspected. A laparoscopic approach was planned. Intraoperatively, dilatation of cystic duct was noted which constitute type VI CDC. Partial malrotation of the gut and accessory right hepatic artery were also noted as incidental finding. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with CBD exploration and removal of stones, biliary stent placement, cystic duct cyst excision and primary repair of CBD was done. Postoperatively, the patient improved symptomatically with a fall in bilirubin to normal range. We are describing the laparoscopic management of a rare case of type IV CDC which was diagnosed intraoperatively.

Promising drug targets and associated therapeutic interventions in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most debilitating brain diseases. Despite the availability of symptomatic treatments, response towards the health of PD patients remains scarce. To fulfil the medical needs of the PD patients, an efficacious and etiological treatment is required. In this review, we have compiled the information covering limitations of current therapeutic options in PD, novel drug targets for PD, and finally, the role of some critical beneficial natural products to control the progression of PD.

Pleomorphic liposarcoma of the male breast: lessons from a rare malignancy during COVID-19 pandemic

A 52-year-old man presented with a recurrent right side breast lump. He had undergone excision of a lump on the right breast followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy 1 year ago for a diagnosis of pleomorphic liposarcoma. Imaging revealed a 47×36 mm lesion on the right side of the chest wall involving the pectoralis muscle. The patient underwent right radical mastectomy. Histology of the specimen showed an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma infiltrating into the underlying skeletal muscle. Therefore, he was planned for chemoradiotherapy. But due to lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was lost to follow-up and later presented with malignant pleural effusion. This case emphasises the impact of COVID-19 pandemic over such rare malignancies.

Early induction of hepatic deiodinase type 1 inhibits hepatosteatosis during NAFLD progression

OBJECTIVE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a spectrum ranging from hepatosteatosis to progressive nonalcoholic steatohepatitis that can lead to cirrhosis. Humans with low levels of prohormone thyroxine (T₄) have a higher incidence of NAFLD, and thyroid hormone treatment is very promising in all patients with NAFLD. Deiodinase type 1 (Dio1) is a hepatic enzyme that converts T₄ to the bioactive T₃ and therefore regulates thyroid hormone availability within hepatocytes. We investigated the role of this intrahepatic regulation during the progression of NAFLD.

METHODS

We investigated hepatic thyroid hormone metabolism in two NAFLD models: wild-type mice fed a Western diet with fructose and Lepr^db mice fed a methionine- and choline-deficient diet. AAV8-mediated liver-specific Dio1 knockdown was employed to investigate the role of Dio1 during the progression of NAFLD. Intrahepatic thyroid hormone levels, deiodinase activity, and metabolic parameters were measured.

RESULTS

Dio1 expression and activity were increased in the early stages of NAFLD and were associated with an increased T₃/T₄ ratio. Prevention of this increase by AAV8-mediated liver-specific Dio1 knockdown increased hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol and decreased the pACC/ACC ratio and acylcarnitine levels, suggesting there was lower β-oxidation. Dio1 siRNA KD in hepatic cells treated with fatty acids showed increased lipid accumulation and decreased oxidative phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic Dio1 gene expression was modulated by dietary conditions, was increased during hepatosteatosis and early NASH, and regulated hepatic triglyceride content. These early adaptations likely represent compensatory mechanisms that reduce hepatosteatosis and prevent NASH progression.

Giant secretory multifocal adrenal myelolipoma: a diagnostic dilemma

A 38-yearr-old man presented with erectile dysfunction and infertility. On examination, he was hypertensive and detected to have a left flank mass. Blood investigations were unremarkable except raised serum noradrenaline levels. Imaging revealed multiple well-defined fat-containing hypodense lesions in left suprarenal area with largest one measuring 14×16 cm, suggestive of left adrenal myelolipoma. Diagnostic dilemma was posed due to discordance between clinical, biochemical and imaging findings. Left adrenal mass resection was planned keeping the possibility of pheochromocytoma. However, histopathology revealed it to be adrenal myelolipoma. Hypertension was resolved in the postoperative period and serum noradrenaline levels were normalised. Final diagnosis of a secretary adrenal myelolipoma was made, which is an extremely rare entity.

Gut microbiota and their metabolites in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disorder worldwide. It comprises a spectrum of conditions that range from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, with progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there is no FDA-approved pharmacological treatment for NAFLD. The pathogenesis of NAFLD involves genetic and environmental/host factors, including those that cause changes in intestinal microbiota and their metabolites. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the relationship(s) of microbiota signature with severity of NAFLD and the role(s) microbial metabolites in NAFLD progression. We discuss how metabolites may affect NAFLD progression and their potential to serve as biomarkers for NAFLD diagnosis or therapeutic targets for disease management.

Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's and in some other diseases: recent advancement and future prospective

Mucuna pruriens (Mp) is an annual and perennial legume which belongs to the family Fabaceae having different types of therapeutic activity. Anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, anti-microbial, etc. are the example of some most common activities of Mp. It is widely utilized as a potent aphrodisiac. The anti-Parkinsonian activity of Mp was explored since the nineteenth century. The neuroprotective activity of Mp was shown by several researchers. Levodopa (L-DOPA) is the important constituents responsible for the anti-Parkinsonian activity of Mp. Apart from L-DOPA, several other important bioactive components like Ursolic acid (UA) and Betulinic acid (BA) also exhibit a similar neuroprotective activity. Parkinson's disease (PD) is mainly sporadic. A very small proportion shows the genetic nature of PD. The anti-Parkinsonian activity of Mp was explored in different toxin-induced PD models as like MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), Rotenone, Paraquat, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as suggested by several pieces of literature. Various parts of Mp's like seed, leaf, and stem exhibit potent neuroprotective attributes. Among different parts, seeds are widely utilized as anti-PD agents because of the higher percentage of L-DOPA. Besides anti-PD activity, Mp's neuroprotective potential was also explored in the ischemic model of stroke that also shows positive results. Recently, several clinical trials have been performed on the anti-PD activity of Mp on PD patients that show convincing results. Although, a small population-based study needs to be further validated in the broader population. Apart from anti-PD activity, Mp also shows its therapeutic activity in some other diseases like cancer, diabetes, skin infection, anemia, antihypertensive, etc. that are summarized in Table 1. In this review, we have discussed the anti-PD potential of Mp in the sporadic and genetic model along with some clinical trials that have performed on PD patients. Some other activity of Mp is also summarized in this review. There is a strong need to test the efficacy of Mp in some other neurodegenerative diseases along with PD. Following this, this review emphasizes the role of Mp in PD systematically through literature analysis available to date. [Table: see text].

Systemic lupus erythematosus and infections

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory and multi-systemic autoimmune disorder, characterized by an uncontrolled auto-reactivity of B and T lymphocytes, leading to the production of autoantibodies against self-directed antigens and tissue damage. The life expectancy in patients with SLE has improved tremendously in the last two decades, but the mortality rates still remain three times greater compared to those of the general population. Despite increased awareness and improved management, infections remain a major source of morbidity, mortality, hospitalization, and death in patients with SLE. The infections in SLE patients widely range from opportunistic to common bacterial and viral infections with typical or atypical presentations. Moreover, SLE patients exhibit an increased susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections. Factors associated with increased risk of infections include high disease activity, specific immune dysregulation, drug-induced immune deficiency, and organ failure with irreversible damage. Furthermore, immunosuppressive agents may make patients more susceptible to opportunistic infections. A big challenge faced by physicians in these patients is to distinguish between infections and flares of SLE, as infections may mimic them, leading to predicament in diagnosis and appropriate management. Immunosuppression used to treat severe flares of lupus can have catastrophic complications in patients with active infections. There is an urgent need for biomarkers to make an accurate differential diagnosis in this situation. In spite of increased understanding of SLE, many questions remain unanswered. Further research is needed to determine specific immune dysregulation underlying the increased susceptibility to specific infections, predictors of infection in SLE such as genetic markers, and biomarkers that discriminate between disease activity and active infections. Also, measures must be evaluated appropriately to prevent infections, and their complications in SLE.

Protocol to Generate Senescent Cells from the Mouse Hepatic Cell Line AML12 to Study Hepatic Aging

Previously developed senescent primary fibroblast models have limited relevance to study age-related changes in metabolically active tissues such as the liver. Here, we describe a protocol to generate senescent cells from the mouse hepatic cell line, AML12. These senescent cells exhibit molecular and metabolic signatures that are similar to those observed in livers from aged mice. These senescent AML12 cells should be a useful in vitro model to study the metabolic effects of aging in the liver. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Singh et al. (2020).

Development of Microbiome Biobanks - Challenges and Opportunities

The microbiome research field is rapidly evolving, but the required biobanking infrastructure is currently fragmented and not prepared for the biobanking of microbiomes. The rapid advancement of technologies requires an urgent assessment of how biobanks can underpin research by preserving microbiome samples and their functional potential.

Decreased autophagy and fuel switching occur in a senescent hepatic cell model system

Although aging in the liver contributes to the development of chronic liver diseases such as NAFLD and insulin resistance, little is known about the molecular and metabolic details of aging in hepatic cells. To examine these issues, we used sequential oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide to induce premature senescence in AML12 hepatic cells. The senescent cells exhibited molecular and metabolic signatures, increased SA-βGal and γH2A.X staining, and elevated senescence and pro-inflammatory gene expression that resembled livers from aged mice. Metabolic phenotyping showed fuel switching towards glycolysis and mitochondrial glutamine oxidation as well as impaired energy production. The senescent AML12 cells also had increased mTOR signaling and decreased autophagy which likely contributed to the fuel switching from β-oxidation that occurred in normal AML12 cells. Additionally, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) proteins from conditioned media of senescent cells sensitized normal AML12 cells to palmitate-induced toxicity, a known pathological effect of hepatic aging. In summary, we have generated senescent AML12 cells which displayed the molecular hallmarks of aging and also exhibited the aberrant metabolic phenotype, mitochondrial function, and cell signaling that occur in the aged liver.

Erratum: Evolution of π^{0} Suppression in Au+Au Collisions from sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 to 200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 152301 (2012)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.152301.

Malignant Brenner tumour of the ovary manifesting as distal intestinal obstruction and perforation

A rare case of malignant Brenner tumour of ovary manifesting with intestinal perforation due to colonic infiltration is elaborated in the present report. Brenner's tumour accounts for 1%-2% of all ovarian neoplasms and malignant Brenner tumour is even rarer and only about 5% of Brenner tumours are malignant. A 62-year-old woman came to surgical emergency with 1-month history of abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation with a palpable mass in right iliac fossa. Abdominal radiograph was suggestive of colonic obstruction. Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen revealed cystic right ovarian mass of 10.2×8.8 cm² with pneumoperitoneum. Exploratory laparotomy was done, which revealed mass arising from right ovary involving terminal ileum, cecum and ascending colon. Possibility of ovarian malignancy was kept. Patient underwent debulking surgery along with ileostomy and descending colon mucous fistula was created. Histology was compatible with malignant Brenner tumour of the ovary.

Estrogen-Related Receptor Alpha: An Under-Appreciated Potential Target for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases

The estrogen-related receptor alpha (ESRRA) is an orphan nuclear receptor (NR) that significantly influences cellular metabolism. ESRRA is predominantly expressed in metabolically-active tissues and regulates the transcription of metabolic genes, including those involved in mitochondrial turnover and autophagy. Although ESRRA activity is well-characterized in several types of cancer, recent reports suggest that it also has an important role in metabolic diseases. This minireview focuses on the regulation of cellular metabolism and function by ESRRA and its potential as a target for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Simvastatin Restores HDAC1/2 Activity and Improves Behavioral Deficits in Angelman Syndrome Model Mouse

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by severe disability in intellectual functions and affected by the loss of function of maternally inherited UBE3A gene. Mice deficient for the maternal Ube3a recapitulates many distinguishing behavioral features of the AS and is used as a typical model system to understand the disease pathogenic mechanism. Here, we first show a significant increase in HDAC1 and HDAC2 activities in AS mice brain from as early as embryonic day 16(E16). In depth study further reveals that the deficiency of Ube3a leads to transcriptional up-regulation of both HDAC1 and HDAC2. Restoration of HDAC1 and HDAC2 activities (as evident from the increased acetylation of histones H3 and H4) using simvastatin significantly improves the cognitive deficit and social interaction behavior in AS mice. Simvastatin treatment also restores the reduced level of BDNF in AS mice brain. Finally, we demonstrate that the treatment of simvastatin to primary cortical neuronal culture prepared from AS mice embryo also rescues altered acetylation of histones H3 and H4 and the level of BDNF. These results suggest that simvastatin could be a promising drug for the treatment of AS.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in the Production of Charged Hadrons at Forward Rapidity in Polarized p+p, p+Al, and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the nuclear dependence of transverse single-spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in the production of positively charged hadrons in polarized p^{↑}+p, p^{↑}+Al, and p^{↑}+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements have been performed at forward rapidity (1.4<η<2.4) over the range of transverse momentum (1.8<p_{T}<7.0  GeV/c) and Feynman x (0.1<x_{F}<0.2). We observed positive asymmetries for positively charged hadrons in p^{↑}+p collisions, and significantly reduced asymmetries in p^{↑}+A collisions. These results reveal a nuclear dependence of TSSAs for charged-hadron production in a regime where perturbative techniques are applicable. These results provide new opportunities to use p^{↑}+A collisions as a tool to investigate the rich phenomena behind TSSAs in hadronic collisions and to use TSSAs as a new handle in studying small-system collisions.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

Quality Control in Huntington's Disease: a Therapeutic Target

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominantly inherited brain disease caused by excessively expanded CAG repeats in gene which encodes huntingtin protein. These abnormally encoded huntingtin proteins and their truncated fragments result in disruption of cellular quality mechanism ultimately triggering neuronal death. Despite great efforts, a potential causative agent leading to genetic mutation in HTT, manifesting the neurons more prone to oxidative stress, cellular inflammation, energy depletion and apoptotic death, has not been established yet. Current scenario concentrates on symptomatic pathologies to improvise the disease progression and to better the survival. Most of the therapeutic developments have been converged to rescue the protein homeostasis. In HD, abnormal expansion of glutamine repeats in the protein huntingtin leads to toxic aggregation of huntingtin which in turn impairs the quality control mechanism of cells through damaging the machineries involved in removal of aggregated abnormal protein. Therapeutic approaches to improve the efficiency of aggregate clearance through quality control mechanisms involve protein folding machineries such as chaperones and protein degradation machineries such as proteasome and autophagy. Also, to reduce protein aggregation by enhancing proper folding, to degrade and eliminate the aggregates are suggested to negatively regulate the HD progression associated with the disruption of protein homeostasis. This review focuses on the collection of therapeutic strategies targeting enhancement of protein quality control activity to delay the HD pathogenesis.

Ileosigmoid knotting: an unusual cause of acute intestinal obstruction with bowel gangrene

Ileosigmoid knotting (ISK) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction rapidly progressing to bowel gangrene. It is characterised by the wrapping of loops of ileum and sigmoid colon around each other. The condition often remains undiagnosed preoperatively; however, it can be suspected by the triad of small bowel obstruction, radiographic features suggestive of predominately large bowel obstruction and inability to deflate the intestine by a sigmoidoscope. We are reporting a case of 56-year-old man who presented with features of acute intestinal obstruction and compensated shock within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Exploratory laparotomy revealed ISK resulting in gangrene of ileum and sigmoid colon. In view of haemodynamic instability, end ileostomy was done after excising gangrenous segments. The patient improved and stoma closure and ileocolic anastomosis were done after 3 months in follow-up.

De-novo Drug Design, Molecular Docking and In-Silico Molecular Prediction of AChEI Analogues through CADD Approaches as Anti-Alzheimer's Agents

Background: There are over 44 million persons who suffer with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) worldwide, no existence of cure and only symptomatic treatments are available for it. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-Alzheimer potential of designed AChEI analogues using computer simulation docking studies. AChEIs are the most potential standards for treatment of AD, because they have proven efficacy. Among all AChEIs donepezil possesses lowest adverse effects, it can treat mild-moderate-severe AD and only once-daily dosing is required. Therefore, donepezil is recognized as a significant prototype for design and development of new drug molecule.

Down-Regulation of miRNA-708 Promotes Aberrant Calcium Signaling by Targeting Neuronatin in a Mouse Model of Angelman Syndrome

The expression of ubiquitin ligase UBE3A is paternally imprinted in neurons and loss of function of maternally inherited UBE3A causes Angelman syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability and motor disturbances. Over activation of UBE3A is also linked with autism. Mice deficient for maternal Ube3a (AS mice) exhibit various behavioral features of AS including cognitive and motor deficits although the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we investigated possible involvement of miRNA in AS pathogenesis and identified miR-708 as one of the down-regulated miRNA in the brain of AS mice. This miR-708 targets endoplasmic reticulum resident protein neuronatin (a developmentally regulated protein in the brain) leading to decrease in intracellular Ca²⁺. Suppression of miR-708 or ectopic expression of neuronatin increased the level of intracellular Ca²⁺ and phosphorylation of CaMKIIα at Thr286. Neuronatin level was significantly increased in various brain regions of AS mice during embryonic and early postnatal days as well as in parvalbumin-positive GABAergic neurons during adulthood with respect to age-matched wild type controls. Differentiated cultured primary cortical neurons obtained from AS mice brain also exhibited higher expression of neuronatin, increased intracellular basal Ca²⁺ along with augmented phosphorylation of CaMKIIα at Thr286. These results indicate that miR-708/neuronatin mediated aberrant calcium signaling might be implicated in AS pathogenesis.

The Role of PI3K/Akt and ERK in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Disruption of Akt and Erk-mediated signal transduction significantly contributes in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's diseases, Huntington's disease, and many others. These regulatory proteins serve as the regulator of cell survival, motility, transcription, metabolism, and progression of the cell cycle. Therefore, targeting Akt and Erk pathway has been proposed as a reasonable approach to suppress ND progression. This review has emphasized on involvement of Akt/Erk cascade in the neurodegeneration. Akt has been reported to regulate neuronal toxicity through its various substrates like FOXos, GSK3β, and caspase-9 etc. Akt is also involved with PI3K in signaling pathway to mediate neuronal survival. ERK is another kinase which also regulates proliferation, differentiation, and survival of the neural cell. There has also been much progress in developing a therapeutic molecule targeting Akt and Erk signaling. Therefore, improved understanding of the molecular mechanism behind the regulatory aspect of Akt and Erk networks can make strong impact on exploration of the neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.

Primary enterolithiasis with intestinal tuberculosis: rare presentation of a common disease

Enterolithiasis is the formation of intestinal calculi due to stasis. Tubercular strictures resulting in intestinal stasis provide a favourable environment for enterolith formation. Intestinal tuberculosis occurs commonly in India, but coexistent enterolithiasis has been reported rarely. We are describing three cases of enterolithiasis secondary to tubercular intestinal strictures among female patients in the fourth to fifth decades of life, all of them having pulmonary tuberculosis in the past. All the cases presented with features of subacute intestinal obstruction. X-ray abdomen done for all of them revealed single to multiple round, oval and rectangular, radio-opaque shadows suggestive of stones. Coexistence of enterolithiasis with intestinal tuberculosis may worsen the symptoms of intestinal obstruction and surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. All the patients underwent exploratory laparotomy, resection and anastomosis of the diseased bowel and antitubercular therapy was started. Two patients responded well to the treatment and the third one expired due to cardiac comorbidity.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

Novel Transcriptional Mechanisms for Regulating Metabolism by Thyroid Hormone

The thyroid hormone plays a key role in energy and nutrient metabolisms in many tissues and regulates the transcription of key genes in metabolic pathways. It has long been believed that thyroid hormones (THs) exerted their effects primarily by binding to nuclear TH receptors (THRs) that are associated with conserved thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) located on the promoters of target genes. However, recent transcriptome and ChIP-Seq studies have challenged this conventional view as discordance was observed between TH-responsive genes and THR binding to DNA. While THR association with other transcription factors bound to DNA, TH activation of THRs to mediate effects that do not involve DNA-binding, or TH binding to proteins other than THRs have been invoked as potential mechanisms to explain this discrepancy, it appears that additional novel mechanisms may enable TH to regulate the mRNA expression. These include activation of transcription factors by SIRT1 via metabolic actions by TH, the post-translational modification of THR, the THR co-regulation of transcription with other nuclear receptors and transcription factors, and the microRNA (miR) control of RNA transcript expression to encode proteins involved in the cellular metabolism. Together, these novel mechanisms enlarge and diversify the panoply of metabolic genes that can be regulated by TH.

COMPUTER AIDED DRUG DESIGN: AN OVERVIEW

Discovery and development of a new drug is generally known as a very complex process which takes a lot of time and resources. So now a day’s computer aided drug design approaches are used very widely to increase the efficiency of the drug discovery and development course. Various approaches of CADD are evaluated as promising techniques according to their need, in between all these structure-based drug design and ligand-based drug design approaches are known as very efficient and powerful techniques in drug discovery and development. These both methods can be applied with molecular docking to virtual screening for lead identification and optimization. In the recent times computational tools are widely used in pharmaceutical industries and research areas to improve effectiveness and efficacy of drug discovery and development pipeline. In this article we give an overview of computational approaches, which is inventive process of finding novel leads and aid in the process of drug discovery and development research. Keywords: computer aided drug discovery, structure-based drug design, ligand-based drug design, virtual screening and molecular docking