Cardioprotective effects of arjunolic acid in LPS-stimulated H9C2 and C2C12 myotubes via the My88-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway

CONTEXT

Arjunolic acid (AA) is a triterpenoid saponin found in Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. (Combretaceae). It exerts cardiovascular protective effects as a phytomedicine. However, it is unclear how AA exerts the effects at the molecular level.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the cardioprotective effects of arjunolic acid (AA) via MyD88-dependant TLR4 downstream signaling marker expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MTT viability assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of AA. LPS induced in vitro cardiovascular disease model was developed in H9C2 and C2C12 myotubes. The treatment groups were designed such as control (untreated), LPS control, positive control (LPS + pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC)-25 µM), and treatment groups were co-treated with LPS and three concentrations of AA (50, 75, and 100 µM) for 24 h. The changes in the expression of TLR4 downstream signaling markers were evaluated through High Content Screening (HCS) and Western Blot (WB) analysis.

RESULTS

After 24 h of co-treatment, the expression of TLR4, MyD88, MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB markers were upregulated significantly (2-6 times) in the LPS-treated groups compared to the untreated control in both HCS and WB experiments. Evidently, the HCS analysis revealed that MyD88, NF-κB, p38, and JNK were significantly downregulated in the H9C2 myotube in the AA treated groups. In HCS, the expression of NF-κB was downregulated in C2C12. Additionally, TLR4 expression was downregulated in both H9C2 and C2C12 myotubes in the WB experiment.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

TLR4 marker expression in H9C2 and C2C12 myotubes was subsequently decreased by AA treatment, suggesting possible cardioprotective effects of AA.

Probing site-selective doping and charge compensating defects in KMgF3: insights from a hybrid DFT study

Design of optoelectronic materials with tunable properties using activators and defect clusters has become one of the prime interests of current research. In this study, detailed Density Functional Theory based calculations have been presented to investigate the geometries and electronic structures of various possible defect clusters using Eu-KMgF3 as a probe which has numerous technological and industrial applications. Using a more reliable hybrid density functional, we have calculated defect formation energies and thermodynamic transition levels to get knowledge about the site selectivity of Eu. It has been observed that the electronic structure of Eu-KMgF3 is not only dependent on the site of doping but also on the oxidation state of Eu (2+/3+). The present study also investigates the relative stability of different kinds of defects and defect clusters under various synthetic growth conditions. The ultimate aim is to find out the microscopic origin of the fundamental optical properties of Eu-KMgF3 and provide an unambiguous explanation of available experimental results. Thus, it has been revealed that doping with Eu results in the spontaneous formation of intrinsic defects, which contribute to the observed optical behaviour. We have also extended our study to investigate the role of codoping with Li in determining the geometry and electronic structure of Eu-KMgF3 aiming to explain its impact on the optical properties. Thus, a complete presentation of the influence of the activator in the absence and presence of lattice defects on the optical properties of KMgF3 has been accomplished in the current study. We strongly believe that the present study will be helpful in designing tunable phosphor materials by a defect-controlled synthesis strategy.

Arjunolic acid modulate pancreatic dysfunction by ameliorating pattern recognition receptor and canonical Wnt pathway activation in type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Arjunolic acid (AA) is a potent phytochemical with multiple therapeutics effects. In this study, AA is evaluated on type 2 diabetic (T2DM) rats to understand the mechanism of β-cell linkage with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and canonical Wnt signaling. However, its role in modulating TLR-4 and canonical Wnt/β-catenin crosstalk on insulin signaling remains unclear during T2DM. Aim The current study is aimed to examine the potential role of AA on insulin signaling and TLR-4-Wnt crosstalk in the pancreas of type 2 diabetic rats.

METHOD

Multiple methods were used to determine molecular cognizance of AA in T2DM rats, when treated with different dosage levels. Histopathological and histomorphometry analysis was conducted using masson trichrome and H&E stains. While, protein and mRNA expressions of TLR-4/Wnt and insulin signaling were assessed using automated Western blotting (jess), immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Histopathological findings revealed that AA had reversed back the T2DM-induced apoptosis and necrosis caused to rats pancreas. Molecular findings exhibited prominent effects of AA in downregulating the elevated level of TLR-4, MyD88, NF-κB, p-JNK, and Wnt/β-catenin by blocking TLR-4/MyD88 and canonical Wnt signaling in diabetic pancreas, while IRS-1, PI3K, and pAkt were all upregulated by altering the NF-κB and β-catenin crosstalk during T2DM.

CONCLUSION

Overall results, indicate that AA has potential to develop as an effective therapeutic in the treatment of T2DM associated meta-inflammation. However, future preclinical research at multiple dose level in a long-term chronic T2DM disease model is warranted to understand its clinical relevance in cardiometabolic disease.

Evidence of vacancy ordered structures in PuO2-x and AmO2-x from first-principles calculations

A combination of first-principles calculations and cluster expansion method is used to study ordering of oxygen vacancies in PuO_2-x and AmO_2-x. Vacancy ordered stable/metastable structures of composition Pu₈O₁₅ (PuO_1.875), Pu₆O₁₁ (PuO_1.833), Pu₈O₁₄ (PuO_1.75) and Am₁₀O₁₉ (AmO_1.90), Am₈O₁₅ (AmO_1.875), Am₁₀O₁₈ (AmO_1.80), Am₈O₁₃ (AmO_1.625) are identified in PuO_2-x and AmO_2-x, respectively, from cluster expansion calculations. A comparison of formation enthalpies of vacancy ordered and vacancy disordered structures shows that Am₈O₁₅ (AmO_1.875) and Am₈O₁₃ (AmO_1.625) are more stable by 52 and 55 meV per atom, respectively, compared to their disordered counterparts. Similarly, vacancy ordered Pu₈O₁₅ (PuO_1.875) and Pu₈O₁₄ (PuO_1.75) structures are more stable compared to the disordered structures by 10 and 8 meV per atom, respectively. In contrast, the disordered PuO_1.625 structure is more stable compared to the cluster expansion generated structures. The vacancy ordered structures are mechanically stable and their bulk modulus, Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio are reported.

Genetic studies of heat stress regulation in goat during hot climatic condition

Various direct and indirect environmental constraints have an impact on livestock performance. The physiological parameters, such as rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate, are the primary indicators of thermal stress. Under a stressed environment temperature humidity index (THI) had established as a vital measurement to identify the thermal stress in livestock. THI in association with climatic variations can define the environmental effect as stressful or comfortable for livestock. Goats are small ruminants that adapt to a wide range of ecological variations due to their anatomical and physiological characteristics. However, the productivity of animals declines at the individual level during thermal stress. Stress tolerance can be determined through genetic studies associated with at the cellular level using physiological as well as molecular approaches. Information on genetic association with thermal stress in goats is scanty, this severely affects their survival and hence productivity of livestock. The ever-increasing demand for food across the globe needs deciphering novel molecular markers as well as stress indicators that play a vital role in livestock improvement. This review represents an analysis of current knowledge of phenotypic differences during thermal stress and signifies the importance of physiological responses and their association at the cellular level in goats. The regulation of vital genes associated with thermal stress such as Aquaporins (AQP 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8), aquaglyceroporins (AQP3, 7, 9, and 10) and super-aquaporins (AQP 11, 12); BAX inhibitors such as PERK (PKR like ER kinase), IRE 1(inositol-requiring-1); Redox regulating genes such as NOX; Transport of Na+ and K+ such as ATPase (ATP1A1) and several heat shock proteins have been implicated in heat-stress related adaptations have been elucidated. As these changes have a significant impact on production performance as well as on livestock productivity. Such efforts may help in the development of molecular markers and will assist the breeders to develop heat-tolerant goats with improved productivity.

P-wave duration and atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a global health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Catheter ablation (CA) can reduce AF burden and symptoms, but AF recurrence (AFr) remains an issue. Simple AFr predictors like P-wave duration (PWD) could help improve AF therapy.

Purpose

This updated meta-analysis reviews the increasing evidence for the association of AFr with PWD and offers practical implications.

Methods

Publication databases were systematically searched and cohort studies reporting PWD and/or morphology at baseline and AFr after CA were included. Complete interatrial block (cIAB) was defined as PWD≥120 ms and biphasic morphology in inferior leads. Random-effects analysis was performed using the Review Manager 5.3 and R programs after study selection, quality assessment and data extraction, to report odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among 4175 patients in 22 studies, 1138 (27%) experienced AFr. Patients with AFr had longer PWD with a mean pooled difference of 7.8 ms (19 studies, p<0.001)(Figure 1). Pooled OR was 2.04 (1.16-3.58) for PWD>120 ms (13 studies, p=0.01), 2.42 (1.12-5.21) for PWD>140 ms (2 studies, p=0.02), 3.97 (1.79-8.85) for cIAB (6 studies, p<0.001) and 10.89 (4.53-26.15) for PWD>150 ms (2 studies, p<0.001)(Figure 2). There was significant heterogeneity but no publication bias detected.

Conclusion

PWD is an independent predictor for AF recurrence after LA ablation. The AFr risk is increasing exponentially with PWD prolongation. This could facilitate risk-stratification by identifying high-risk patients (cIAB, PWD>150 ms) and adjusting follow-up or interventions.

Pacing electrodes to ablate, not to pace: what settings to use to create lesions even deep in the septum

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Intramural septal ventricular arrhythmia remains challenging, requiring emergent technologies and experimental approaches. Although conduction system pacing (CSP) has allowed us to reach deep in the septum, ablation though pacing electrodes has not been examined yet.

Purpose

To evaluate lesion creation by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) through pacing electrodes.

Methods

A custom ex vivo swine model in a saline bath with an indifferent electrode was used to apply RFA with an 8 mm non-irrigated catheter (SJM, MN, USA) on the proximal end of pacing (CapSureFix 5086) or CSP-electrodes (SelectSecure 3830, Medtronic, MN, USA), screwed in perpendicularly to the slab. A generator (Ampere, SJM, MN, USA) applied RFA at varying settings (1-10 W, 1-20 sec). Lesion depth (D), width (W) and volume (V=3,14*W2*D/4) were assessed and analyzed (SPSS 23).

Results

A total of 80 lesions were used for analysis. Median RFA with 3 W over 6 sec resulted in an impedance drop from 200 to 140 Ω and a lesion of 2x3 mm or 9.4 mm3 (Figure 1). Higher energy settings caused impedance rise with abort (n=3, 4%) or charring (n=3, 4%). Compared to conventional electrodes, lesions with CSP-electrodes had similar volume (9.3±7 vs. 10.8±9 mm3, p=0.45) and width (2±0.8 vs. 2±0.7, p=0.58), but more depth (2.6±0.5 vs. 3±0.6, p=0.0.01). Regression analysis showed final-impedance (FI), power and duration (WS=W*Sec) as independent predictors of lesion volume (V=4.7WS-4.1WS2+4.5FI-4, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Effective ablation through pacing electrodes is possible, but lesion size is limited and low-power settings are necessary. Using CSP-electrodes for effective intramural lesions is possibly a new tool for septal arrhythmias. Further in vivo studies are warranted and bailout use should be considered.

Effects of positive endomyocardial biopsy on the survival and the outcomes of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Heart center of Leipzig

Background

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is frequently unrecognized cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy associated ventricular tachycardia (VT), who eventually require VT ablations because of refractory VTs; however, the reported long-term outcomes after VT ablation are conflicting. Because of the low diagnostic yield of the endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), diagnosis of CS is often based on clinical and imaging criteria, which can lead to misdiagnosing.

Purpose and objectives

The purpose of this study was to identity whether patients with histologically-proven CS (EMB+) have different patient, procedural characteristics and outcomes after VT ablation as compared to those in whom the diagnosis was based on clinical criteria only (EMB-).

Methods

Between 2015-2021, 153 patients with suspected CS were evaluated according to a specified protocol including CMR, 18FDG-PET, EMB, bronchoscopy and EBUS biopsy, and serum markers. Those who fulfilled the latest criteria for CS of the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) were divided into 2 groups: EMB (+) CS proven by myocardial biopsy, and EMB (-) CS fulfilling the clinical criteria for CS. The following endpoints were defined: 1) VT recurrence after ablation; and 2) the composite endpoint of death, heart transplantation or LVAD implantation.

Results

We identified 76 patients fulfilling the JCS criteria for CS (mean age 50 ± 10.6 years, 38% female, EMB (+) 35.5%). The leading symptoms were as follows: sustained VT in 23 (30%), high-grade AV block in 23 (30%), heart failure in 18 (24%), and other in 12 pts (16%). EMB (+) and the EMB (-) patients had similar clinical characteristics except for the imaging findings. EMB (+) patients exhibit LGE in CMR in 96% vs. 73% in EMB (-); P=0.024, whereas 18FDG-PET showed abnormal myocardial activity in 91% in the EMB (+) vs. 65% in the EMB (-); P=0.028. The primary composite endpoint was reached in 7.4% in EMB (+) group and in 12.2 % in EMB (-) group; P = 0.7. VT ablation was performed in 15 cases: 9 ablations (33%) in EMB (+) vs. 6 ablations (12%) in EMB (-); P=0.037. At the end of the procedure, all inducible VTs were successfully ablated in 100% of the EMB (-) patients vs. 56% in EMB (+) patients; P=0.1. VT recurrence was 78% in EMB (+) group vs. 67% in EMB (-); P = 0.6. The only procedural difference between the groups was the presence of vast RV low-voltage areas in 67% of the EMB (+) vs. 0% in EMB (-); P = 0.028.

Conclusions

Patients with CS and positive EMB exhibit more often LGE in CMR, abnormal 18FDG-PET activity and required more frequently VT ablation. The procedural characteristics between both groups were similar, except for the frequently observed RV low-voltage areas in most EMB (+) patients, whereas the RV was not affected in any of the EMB (-) patients. In spite of these differences, the VT recurrence rates and the survival seemed not to be affected by the histological evidence of CS in EMB.

Supraglottic carcinoma with skeletal muscle and multiple bone secondaries

Soft tissue and bone secondaries in supraglottic carcinoma are extremely rare. A 55 year old male presented with history of hoarseness of voice, lump in left side of neck and pain in right shoulder region. Patient underwent Radiotherapy to primary as well as metastatic sites. After 10 months of follow-up, patient presented with distant metastasis to left shoulder, lumbar vertebra and sacrum. This case is being reported on account of its rarity.

Re-thinking cheat-proof and supervision-free exams: A perspective in view of Covid-19 situation in developing economies

The emergence of the global pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has posed several challenges to education across the globe and led to the emergence and progression of newer methods of teaching and assessment. While online teaching has been quickly adopted and implemented across the globe, exams and assessment remain poorly managed both at an elementary and higher level. The practice of promoting students without an equivalent assessment or poor methods of online examinations systems poses a future difficulty in employability assessment and academic equivalence. Here we propose some suggestive measures especially for developing economies with a lack of adequate technology and insufficiently sensitized trainers for online assessment to avert the difficulties due to faulty examination schemes in pandemic situations with prolonged lockdowns.

Migrating rivers, consequent paleochannels: The unlikely partners and hotspots of flooding

Furious floods have become an omnipresent reality with the dawn of climate change and its transition to adulthood. Since climate change has now become an accepted reality, analysing the factors that favour or disfavour floods are an urgent requirement. Here we showcase the role of paleochannels, a product of migrating rivers, in a catastrophic flood in the south-western part of the Indian Peninsula. This study exposes whether these geomorphic features facilitate or impede floods. For the purpose of extracting paleochannels and floodwater mapping, we utilized multiple satellite datasets and took advantage of diversified feature selection algorithms. Paleochannels were demarcated viz., initial identification of a few paleochannels from literature and confirmation through high-resolution Google Earth (GE) images, followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of Sentinel-2 images using Google Earth Engine (GEE), and a supervised classification of the principal bands 1, 2, and 3. False-positives were eliminated using Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA), which reduced the 964,254 polygons to 23,254. These polygons were visually affirmed using GE images that resulted in 115 paleochannels as the final collection. A few locations were verified through Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using the Schlumberger method. The features were analysed with the floodwaters of the 2018 catastrophic flood, extracted from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, which was delineated for different temporal limits including the day of peak flood of August 17, 2018. During the peak flood, the inundation of the study area extended to 534.86 km2 with all the paleochannels getting immersed in floodwater. After 44 days of peak flood, the post-flood analysis revealed that when the floodwater receded 50%, the paleochannels emptied 87.39%, with the midland paleochannels discharging more than those of lowlands. Thus, such geomorphic features can be flood hotspots, but can be considered for discharging floodwater to mitigate flood risk in case of unprecedented rain.

Starch bio-based composite active edible film functionalized with Carum carvi L. essential oil: antimicrobial, rheological, physic-mechanical and optical attributes

In the present study, the antimicrobial, rheological, mechanical, barrier and optical properties of Carrageenan and Manihot esculenta (composite) starch biobased edible film incorporated with caraway (Carum carvi L.) essential oil (EO) were investigated. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of caraway oil against B. cereus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were found to be 0.6, 1.4, 1.4 and 0.8% respectively. The Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) of caraway EO expressed a distinct chromatogram peak for phenolic compounds. Rheological results of Film-Forming Solution (FFS) revealed solid-like viscoelastic behavior. Incorporation of caraway EO in the film caused significant (P < 0.05) increase in moisture, moisture absorption, bio-degradability in terms of film solubility, L value, total color difference (ΔE), haziness and transparency value, however, significantly (P < 0.05) decreased tensile strength and whiteness index were observed. The zone of inhibition of caraway EO incorporated films against all test bacteria were highly significant (P < 0.01) than control whereas antibacterial activity was found more towards gram-positive bacteria than gram-negative bacteria. No significant (P>0.05) changes in thickness, density, water activity, swelling, elongation at break, water vapor transmission rate, a and b value were observed with increasing caraway EO concentration. These results with some good rheological, physic-mechanical, antimicrobial and optical characteristics suggest the application of such active film into a variety of foods with improved food safety and quality.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05028-1.

Arjunolic acid downregulates elevated blood sugar and pro-inflammatory cytokines in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide health issue primarily due to failure of pancreatic β-cells to release sufficient insulin.

PURPOSE

The present work aimed to assess the antidiabetic potential of arjunolic acid (AA) isolated from Terminalia arjuna in type 2 diabetic rats.

STUDY DESIGN

After extraction, isolation and purification, AA was orally administered to type 2 diabetic Sprague Dawley rats to investigate antidiabetic effect of AA.

METHOD

T2DM was induced via single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NIC) in adult male rats. After 10 days, fasting and random blood glucose (FBG and RBG), body weight (BW), food and water intake, serum C-peptide, insulin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured to confirm T2DM development. Dose dependent effects of orally administered AA (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks was investigated by measuring BW variation, fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and levels of serum HbA1c, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), serum and pancreatic C-peptide, insulin, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), serum and pancreatic inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

The oral administration of AA in preclinical model of T2DM significantly normalized FBG and RBG, restored BW, controlled polyphagia, polydipsia and glucose tolerance. In addition, AA notably reduced serum HbA1c, TC, TG, LDL with non-significant increase in HDL. On the other hand, significant increase in serum and pancreatic C-peptide and insulin was observed with AA treatment, while serum and pancreatic GDF-15 were non-significantly altered in AA treated diabetic rats. Moreover, AA showed dose dependent reduction in serum and pancreatic proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.

CONCLUSION

For the first time our findings highlighted AA as a potential candidate in type 2 diabetic conditions.

Altitude acclimatization via hypoxia-mediated oxidative eustress involves interplay of protein nitrosylation and carbonylation: A redoxomics perspective

AIM

Hypoxia is an important feature of multiple diseases like cancer and obesity and also an environmental stressor to high altitude travelers. Emerging research suggests the importance of redox signaling in physiological responses transforming the notion of oxidative stress into eustress and distress. However, the behavior of redox protein post-translational modifications (PTMs), and their correlation with stress acclimatization in humans remains sketchy. Scant information exists about modifications in redoxome during physiological exposure to environmental hypoxia. In this study, we investigated redox PTMs, nitrosylation and carbonylation, in context of extended environmental hypoxia exposure.

METHODS

The volunteers were confirmed to be free of any medical conditions and matched for age and weight. The human global redoxome and the affected networks were investigated using TMT-labeled quantitative proteo-bioinformatics and biochemical assays. The percolator PSM algorithm was used for peptide-spectrum match (PSM) validation in database searches. The FDR for peptide matches was set to 0.01. 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's Multiple Comparison test were used for biochemical assays. p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Three independent experiments (biological replicates) were performed. Results were presented as Mean ± standard error of mean (SEM).

KEY FINDINGS

This investigation revealed direct and indirect interplay between nitrosylation and carbonylation especially within coagulation and inflammation networks; interlinked redox signaling (via nitrosylation‑carbonylation); and novel nitrosylation and carbonylation sites in individual proteins.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study elucidates the role of redox PTMs in hypoxia signaling favoring tolerance and survival. Also, we demonstrated direct and indirect interplay between nitrosylation and carbonylation is crucial to extended hypoxia tolerance.

The Role of Smoothened-Dependent and -Independent Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Tumorigenesis

The Hedgehog (Hh)-glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) signaling pathway is highly conserved among mammals, with crucial roles in regulating embryonic development as well as in cancer initiation and progression. The GLI transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are effectors of the Hh pathway and are regulated via Smoothened (SMO)-dependent and SMO-independent mechanisms. The SMO-dependent route involves the common Hh-PTCH-SMO axis, and mutations or transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation at these levels lead to the constitutive activation of GLI transcription factors. Conversely, the SMO-independent route involves the SMO bypass regulation of GLI transcription factors by external signaling pathways and their interacting proteins or by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GLI transcription factors expression. Both routes of GLI activation, when dysregulated, have been heavily implicated in tumorigenesis of many known cancers, making them important targets for cancer treatment. Hence, this review describes the various SMO-dependent and SMO-independent routes of GLI regulation in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers in order to provide a holistic view of the paradigms of hedgehog signaling networks involving GLI regulation. An in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between GLI and various signaling elements could help inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs for the treatment of Hh-GLI-dependent cancers in the future. Lastly, we have presented an up-to-date summary of the latest findings concerning the use of Hh inhibitors in clinical developmental studies and discussed the challenges, perspectives, and possible directions regarding the use of SMO/GLI inhibitors in clinical settings.

Observations during the COVID-19 pandemic in chronic heart failure patients with complex devices in a tertiary care cardiac centre using the HeartLogic software

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Decompensation of heart failure leading (HF) to hospitalisation is the single most important drain on healthcare resources when managing patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy with/without defibrillators (CRT-P/D) decreases hospitalisation due to HF and improves survival while implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD"s) have a favourable effect on the former. Proprietary software algorithms embedded in these complex devices give an early warning to clinicians when decompensation of HF is imminent allowing preventative action to be undertaken.

HeartLogic (HL) is one such new algorithm in Boston Scientific CRT-D/ICD devices using multiple sensors to track 5 physiological parameters, combining them into one composite Index, with an Alert being triggered if the Index is >16. The COVID-19 pandemic, due to multiple reasons, resulted in a significant decrease in availability of routine HF services in the United Kingdom, especially during the initial lockdown period from 23rd March to 1st July 2020.

Aim

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, using HL, in patients with HF and complex devices. 

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients in a tertiary care cardiac centre in whom the HL software had been activated in March/April 2019 (n = 49) and comparison of those with (Group A n = 21) and without (Group B n = 28) an Alert (HLA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Results (Table): Whole cohort n = 49. Age:  72 ± 12 years, Median: 75, Range: 36-95. 36/49 (73.5%) males. Type of device implanted: Resonate X4 CRT-D: 28/49 (57.1%); Momentum CRT-D: 8/49 (16.3%); Resonate ICD: 13/49 (26.5%). Ischaemic aetiology of HF: 35/49 (71.4%), Total duration of HL monitoring: 632 ± 7 days (median: 632; range: 626-672).  There was no difference in the age, gender, and type of device implanted between Group A and Group B. Over nearly ∼1 year of monitoring in each of the groups, Group A had more unstable HF with 10/21 (47.6%) having their first HLA during the pandemic. Multiple HLA"s, longer period in HLA and those with ischaemic aetiology of HF were higher in Group A. 17/40 (42.5%) HLA"s in Group A were within the first lockdown period (March - July). 24/28 (85.7%) patients in Group B had no HLA"s either before or during the pandemic. There was no difference in the HLA score between Groups A and B.

Conclusion

In this limited group of patients with a medium term follow-up, using the HeartLogic software, patients with ischaemic aetiology of HF and those with more HLA"s prior to the pandemic did worse than those who no HLA"s. First HLA"s, multiple alerts and longer duration of alerts in this group of patients suggests a lack of access to adequate HF services during the pandemic. It has implications with regard to how HF services are configured in future whenever resources are constrained.

Chemical ordering as a precursor to formation of orderedδ-UZr2phase: a theoretical and experimental study

A combination of special quasi-random structure (SQS) analysis, density functional theory (DFT) based simulations and experimental techniques are employed in determining the transformation pathway for the disorderedγ-(U, Zr) phase (bcc structure) to transform into the chemically orderedδ-UZr₂phase (C32, AlB₂type structure). A novel Monte-Carlo based strategy is developed to generate SQS structures to study theβ→ωdisplacive phase transformation in A_1-xB_xbinary random alloy. Structures generated with this strategy and using DFT calculations, it is determined that (222)_bccplane collapse mechanism is energetically unfavorable in chemically disordered environment at UZr₂composition. A mechanically and dynamically stable 24 atom SQS structure is derived which serves as a structural model of chemically orderedδ-UZr₂structure. Finally, a thermodynamic basis for the mechanism of theγtoδtransformation has been established which ensures chemical ordering is a precursor to the subsequent displacive transformation to form chemically orderedδ-UZr₂structure.

A student centric method for calculation of fatty acid energetics: Integrated formula and web tool

Mitochondrial beta-oxidation is one of the most common modes of fatty acids' oxidation in most organisms, particularly mammals. Biochemistry undergraduate curriculum often contains the description of the process, with emphasis on ATP calculations for various types of fatty acids. During our decade long teaching experience in biochemistry, we observed the difficulty faced by students in calculating energetics of several fatty acids beyond palmitic acid. We developed a canonical formula by mathematical transformations and logical derivation to aid the calculation in a much simpler manner to ease both teaching and learning experience. ATP yield of even-numbered fatty acids may be calculated using a formula [(7C - 6 - 1.5 D) - 2(D-2)], andadenosine triphosphate (ATP) yield for odd-numbered fatty acids can be calculated using [(7C - 19 - 1.5 D) - 2(D-2)], where C is the number of carbon atoms in fatty acids, D is the number of double bonds. The unbold part of the formulae is limited to polyunsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, we integrated these formulae into an HTML based web-interface for handily calculations, which is likely to augment fatty acids oxidation learning-teaching processes easier. This tool has been recently tested in our classroom programs on biochemistry and received an excellent feedback from the learners. Also, the mathematical formula is ready for being incorporated into standard biochemistry textbooks. The webtool as an opensource biochemical calculator can be effectively used in classrooms by both instructors and students while solving comprehension based questions on lipid metabolism.

Non-toxic nature of chebulinic acid on biochemical, hematological and histopathological analysis in normal Sprague Dawley rats

Chebulinic acid (CA) is an ellagitannins isolated from the dried fruits of Terminalia chebula with diverse pharmacological activities. The present study focused on the acute toxicity of CA in normal Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. CA was administered via oral gavage to different groups in 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight and vehicle respectively. All the animals were monitored carefully for any physiological or behavioral changes for 14 days. On day 15th animals were euthanized and blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Different tissues were collected for histopathological study using four different staining techniques (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, periodic acid Schiff and picro sirius red) to observe any pathological alterations. The results highlighted no morbidity and mortality after oral ingestion of CA (300 and 2000 mg/kg). Food and water consumption, body weight, relative organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters were normal without any gross pathological lesions in harvested tissues. The outcome of the current study supported safety of CA even at high dose. However, further detailed study is required on experimentally disease model to unfold its therapeutic potential in laboratory animals.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine's Effectiveness in Reducing High-Impact Chronic Pain and Opioid Consumption: A Case Report in the Veteran Population

Chronic pain is a condition affecting millions of Americans annually. Veterans, as a population cohort, are often afflicted with chronic pain that is more complex, with higher rates of psychiatric and social comorbidities when compared to the general population. In this case report, we describe a veteran with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse afflicted by high-impact chronic pain, initially treated and then maintained on high dose opioids developing dependency, who was successfully weaned off and achieved adequate pain management using complementary and alternative medicine, namely Qi gong. We conclude that complementary and alternative medicine offers a safe and effective option in providing pain relief using nonpharmacological means and thus avoiding undesired effects. We postulate that as research in this area increases, the demand for and the availability of complementary and alternative medicine will expand.

Machine-OlF-Action: A unified framework for developing and interpreting machine-learning models for chemosensory research

 

Machine Learning-based techniques are emerging as state-of-the-art methods in chemoinformatics to selectively, effectively, and speedily identify biologically-relevant molecules from large databases. So far, a multitude of such techniques have been proposed, but unfortunately due to their sparse availability, and the dependency on high-end computational literacy, their wider adaptation faces challenges, at least in the context of G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)-associated chemosensory research. Here we report Machine-OlF-Action (MOA), a user-friendly, open-source computational framework, that utilizes user-supplied SMILES (simplified molecular-input line-entry system) of the chemicals, along with their activation status, to synthesize classification models. MOA integrates a number of popular chemical databases collectively harboring ∼103 million chemical moieties. MOA also facilitates customized screening of user-supplied chemical datasets. A key feature of MOA is its ability to embed molecules based on the similarity of their local neighborhood, by utilizing a state of the art model interpretability framework LIME. We demonstrate the utility of MOA in identifying previously unreported agonists for human and mouse olfactory receptors OR1A1 and MOR174-9 by leveraging the chemical features of their known agonists and non-agonists. In summary, here we develop an ML-powered software playground for performing supervisory learning tasks involving chemical compounds.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

MOA is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It's accessible at (https://ahuja-lab.in/). Source code, user manual, step-and-step guide, and support is available at GitHub (https://github.com/the-ahuja-lab/Machine-Olf-Action). For results, reproducibility and hyperparameters, refer to Supplementary Notes.

Asperginols A and B, Diterpene Pyrones, from an Aspergillus sp. and the Structure Revision of Previously Reported Analogues

Two new diterpene pyrones, asperginols A (1) and B (2), and four known analogues (3-6) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. HAB10R12. The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of their NMR, MS, and X-ray diffraction data. The revision of the absolute configurations at C-10, C-11, and C-14 of the known diterpene pyrones (3-6) and the determination of the configuration at the polyene side chain for compounds (4-6) were made using chemical methods and vibrational circular dichroism analysis. This group of diterpene pyrone compounds showed unique structural features including a 7/6/6 tricyclic diterpene moiety with an unusual trans-syn-trans stereochemical arrangement. Compound 6 showed moderate activity against the HT-29 colon cancer cell line.

FoxO1 signaling as a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes and obesity

Glucose production and the consumption of high levels of carbohydrate increase the chance of insulin resistance, especially in cases of obesity. Therefore, maintaining a balanced glucose homeostasis might form a strategy to prevent or cure diabetes and obesity. The activation and inhibition of glucose production is complicated due to the presence of many interfering pathways. These pathways can be viewed at the downstream level because they activate certain transcription factors, which include the Forkhead-O1 (FoxO1). This has been identified as a significant agent in the pancreas, liver, and adipose tissue, which is significant in the regulation of lipids and glucose. The objective of this review is to discuss the intersecting portrayal of FoxO1 and its parallel cross-talk which highlights obesity-induced insulin susceptibility in the discovery of a targeted remedy. The review also analyses current progress and provides a blueprint on therapeutics, small molecules, and extracts/phytochemicals which are explored at the pre-clinical level.

Lauric acid ameliorates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver inflammation by mediating TLR4/MyD88 pathway in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin that leads to inflammation in many organs, including liver. It binds to pattern recognition receptors, that generally recognise pathogen expressed molecules to transduce signals that result in a multifaceted network of intracellular responses ending up in inflammation. Aim In this study, we used lauric acid (LA), a constituent abundantly found in coconut oil to determine its anti-inflammatory role in LPS-induced liver inflammation in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.

METHOD

Male SD rats were divided into five groups (n = 8), injected with LPS and thereafter treated with LA (50 and 100 mg/kg) or vehicle orally for 14 days. After fourteen days of LA treatment, all the groups were humanely killed to investigate biochemical parameters followed by pro-inflammatory cytokine markers; tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β. Moreover, liver tissues were harvested for histopathological studies and evaluation of targeted protein expression with western blot and localisation through immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

The study results showed that treatment of LA 50 and 100 mg/kg for 14 days were able to reduce the elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, liver inflammation, and downregulated the expression of TLR4/NF-κB mediating proteins in liver tissues.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that treatment of LA has a protective role against LPS-induced liver inflammation in rats, thus, warrants further in-depth investigation through mechanistic approaches in different study models.