Measurement of the Neutrino Mixing Angle θ_{23} in NOvA

This Letter reports new results on muon neutrino disappearance from NOvA, using a 14 kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05×10^{20} protons on target from the NuMI beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The measurement probes the muon-tau symmetry hypothesis that requires maximal θ_{23} mixing (θ_{23}=π/4). Assuming the normal mass hierarchy, we find Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.67±0.11)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} at the two statistically degenerate values 0.404_{-0.022}^{+0.030} and 0.624_{-0.030}^{+0.022}, both at the 68% confidence level. Our data disfavor the maximal mixing scenario with 2.6σ significance.

Coumarin-chalcone hybrid instigates DNA damage by minor groove binding and stabilizes p53 through post translational modifications

S009-131, a coumarin-chalcone hybrid, had been shown to possess anti-proliferative and anti-tumour effect by triggering apoptosis. In this report, we investigated role of DNA damage signalling pathway in S009-131 induced cancer cell death. Here we show that S009-131 causes DNA damage by potential binding to the minor groove which led to the phosphorylation and activation of ATM and DNA-PK, but not ATR, at earlier time points in order to initiate repair process. S009-131 induced DNA damage response triggered activation of p53 through phosphorylation at its key residues. Pharmacological inhibition of PIKKs abrogated S009-131 induced phosphorylation of p53 at Ser 15. DNA damage induced phosphorylation resulted in reduced proteasomal degradation of p53 by disrupting p53-MDM2 interaction. Additionally, our docking studies revealed that S009-131 might also contribute to increased cellular p53 level by occupying p53 binding pocket of MDM2. Posttranslational modifications of p53 upon S009-131 treatment led to enhanced affinity of p53 towards responsive elements (p53-RE) in the promoter regions of target genes and increased transcriptional efficiency. Together, the results suggest that S009-131 cleaves DNA through minor groove binding and eventually activates PIKKs associated DNA damage response signalling to promote stabilization and enhanced transcriptional activity of p53 through posttranslational modifications at key residues.

Data collection using open access technology in multicentre operational research involving patient interviews

Conducting multicentre operational research is challenging due to issues related to the logistics of travel, training, supervision, monitoring and troubleshooting support. This is even more burdensome in resource-constrained settings and if the research includes patient interviews. In this article, we describe an innovative model that uses open access tools such as Dropbox, TeamViewer and CamScanner for efficient, quality-assured data collection in an ongoing multicentre operational research study involving record review and patient interviews. The tools used for data collection have been shared for adaptation and use by other researchers.

Free radicals hasten head and neck cancer risk: A study of total oxidant, total antioxidant, DNA damage, and histological grade

Background:

Free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce oxidative stress, are the main contributors to head and neck carcinogenesis (HNC). The present study was conducted with the aim to assess the oxidant/antioxidant status and DNA damage analysis in head and neck cancer/control patients.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study was conducted on 60 patients with biopsy-proven HNC and 17 patients of head and neck disease (HND). The total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined by novel automatic colorimetric methods from tissue homogenate. DNA damage analysis was determined by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE).

Results:

The mean age of the study cohort was 46.65 ± 14.84 years for HNC patients, while it was 49.41 ± 13.00 years for HND patients. There were no significant differences found between the two groups with respect to demographic presentation except tobacco addiction. The association between oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage analysis with study group revealed the following. (A) DNA damage - tissue homogenate TOS and OSI were significantly higher in HNC subjects than in HND (16.06 ± 1.78 AU vs 7.86 ± 5.97 AU, P < 0.001; 53.00 ± 40.61 vs 19.67 ± 21.90, P < 0.01; 7.221 ± 5.80 vs 2.40 ± 2.54, P < 0.01, respectively), while TAS was significantly decreased. (B) Aggressive histological features were identified, more commonly with higher TOS and lower TAS [probability (P) = 0.002, relative risk (RR) = 11.838, 95% confidence interval CI = 2.514-55.730 and P = 0.043, RR = 0.271, 95% CI = 0.077-0.960, respectively].

Conclusion:

The increase in free radicals may be the event that led to the reduction of antioxidant status in HNC, thus explaining the oxidative damage of DNA and the severity of disease. Increased OSI represents a general mechanism in its pathogenesis.

A high yield DNA extraction method for medically important Candida species: A comparison of manual versus QIAcube-based automated system

The prognosis of infected individuals with candidemia depends on rapid and precise diagnosis which enables optimising treatment. Three fungal DNA extraction protocols have been compared in this study for medically important Candida species. The quality and quantity of the DNA extracted by physical, chemical and automated protocols was compared using NanoDrop ND-2000 spectrophotometer. It was found that the yield and purity (260/230) ratio of extracted DNA was significantly high in the physical treatment-based protocol as compared to chemical based or automated protocol. Extracted DNA-based real time-polymerase chain reaction showed an analytical sensitivity of 103 cfu/mL. The result of this study suggests physical treatment is the most successful extraction technique compared to other two protocols.

Linitis plastica like primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the gallbladder - an extremely rare variant

Signet ring carcinoma (SRCC) of gallbladder is an extremely rare tumor accounting for approximately 3% of all gallbladder carcinomas, with a handful of case reports in the literature. We report a case of signet ring cell carcinoma of the gallbladder in a 70 year-old female who was operated upon after the preoperative diagnosis of cholecystitis with cholelithiasis, based on ultrasonographic findings and subsequently diagnosed as signet ring cell carcinoma of the gallbladder on histopathological examination. Grossly there was no discrete growth, instead tumor presented as linitis plastica like diffuse thickening of the gallbladder wall. Microscopic examination revealed a diffusely infiltrative carcinoma comprised exclusively of signet ring cells and confirmed by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian blue & Cytokeratin 7 stains. Post -operative clinico-radiological workup was done to exclude secondary. This highly aggressive signet ring cell carcinoma of gallbladder is being reported because of its rarity, its unique histomorphological features and diagnostic inadequacy of the routinely performed ultrasonography as well as highlighting the use of special stains and immunohistochemistry to exclude other possibilities. Our case highlights that routine histopathological examination of all the cholecystectomy specimens is a must to facilitate the early diagnosis of aggressive signet ring cell carcinoma gallbladder.

Predicting Salmonella Typhimurium reductions in poultry ground carcasses

To improve understanding of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 inactivation in ground poultry carcasses, a series of experiments were carried out at multiple temperatures. Subsequently, a non-linear model was developed to predict Salmonella inactivation at composting and low rendering temperatures. The Salmonella inactivation study was conducted using bench-top experiments at 38, 48, 55, 62.5, 70, and 78°C in mixed and non-mixed reactors using ground poultry carcasses as a feedstock. Subsequently, these observations were used for developing a non-linear model. The model predictions were compared with the observations of a different set of experiments. The comparisons among predictions and observations showed that the model predictions are reasonable and can be useful to determine the time required for Salmonella inactivation in poultry carcasses at multiple temperatures. Results showed that at composting conditions, when temperature varies between 48 and 62.5°C, Salmonella survival can prolong between 10,000 and 25,000 min (7 to 17 d). If ambient temperature is maintained at low temperature rendering range (70 to 78°C), then Salmonella survival can last for 90 to 120 minutes. We anticipate that this study will help in improving the existing understanding of Salmonella survival in poultry carcasses.

First Measurement of Electron Neutrino Appearance in NOvA

We report results from the first search for ν_{μ}→ν_{e} transitions by the NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74×10^{20} protons on target in the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector, compared to a background expectation of 0.99±0.11(syst) events based on the Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a background of 1.07±0.14(syst). The 3.3σ excess of events observed in the primary analysis disfavors 0.1π<δ_{CP}<0.5π in the inverted mass hierarchy at the 90% C.L.

Induction of targeted osteogenesis with 3-aryl-2H-benzopyrans and 3-aryl-3H-benzopyrans: Novel osteogenic agents

Development of target oriented chemotherapeutics for treatment of chronic diseases have been considered as an important approach in drug development. Following this approach, in our efforts for exploration of new osteogenic leads, substituted 3-aryl-2H-benzopyran and 3-aryl-3H-benzopyran derivatives (19, 20a-e, 21, 22a-e, 26, 27, 28a-e, 29, 31a-b, 32 and 33) have been characterized as estrogen receptor-β selective osteogenic (bone forming) agents. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for osteogenic activity using mouse calvarial osteoblast cells. Four compounds viz20b, 22a, 27and 32 showed significant osteogenic activity at EC50 values 1.35, 34.5, 407 and 29.5pM respectively. Out of these, 20b and 32 were analyzed for their bone mineralization efficacy and osteogenic gene expression by qPCR. The results showed that 20b and 32 significantly increased mineral nodule formation and the transcript levels of BMP-2, RUNX-2 and osteocalcin at 100pM concentrations respectively. Further mechanistic studies of 20b and 32 using transiently knocked down expression of ER-α and β in mouse osteoblast (MOBs) showed that 20b and 32 exerts osteogenic efficacy via activation of estrogen receptor-β preferentially. Additionally, compounds showed significant anticancer activity in a panel of cancer cell lines within the range of (IC50) 6.54-27.79μM. The most active molecule, 22b inhibited proliferation of cells by inducing apoptosis and arresting cell cycle at sub-G0 phase with concomitant decrease in cells at S phase.

Molecular genetics of essential hypertension

Hypertension is a major public health problem in the developing as well as in developed countries due to its high prevalence and its association with coronary heart disease, renal disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and related disorders. Essential hypertension (EH) is the most common diagnosis in this disease, suggesting that a monocausal etiology has not been identified. However, a number of risk factors associated with EH have also been identified such as age, sex, demographic, environmental, genetic, and vascular factors. Recent advances in molecular biological research had achieved clarifying the molecular basis of Mendelian hypertensive disorders. Molecular genetic studies have now identified mutations in several genes that cause Mendelian forms of hypertension in humans. However, none of the single genetic variants has emerged from linkage or association analyses as consistently related to the blood pressure level in every sample and in all populations. Besides, a number of polymorphisms in candidate genes have been associated with differences in blood pressure. The most prominent candidate has been the polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In total, EH is likely to be a polygenic disorder that results from inheritance of a number of susceptibility genes and involves multiple environmental determinants. These determinants complicate the study of blood pressure variations in the general population. The complex nature of the hypertension phenotype makes large-scale studies indispensable, when screening of familial and genetic factors was intended. In this review, recent genetic studies exploring the molecular basis of EH, including different molecular pathways, are highlighted.

Correlation between two chemiluminescence based assays for quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection

PURPOSE

Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) is the hallmark in diagnosing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In India many commercial assays are available for detection of HBsAg but very few can measure it quantitatively. The present study presents the comparative evaluation of two methods and their correlation with serum HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients of CHB were included and there HBsAg levels were measured by two methods: (i) Elecsys, Roche Diagnostics, a qualitative assay and (ii) Architect, Abbott Diagnostics, a quantitative assay. The HBV DNA was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

RESULTS

Total of 136 patients were included in the study and there was a significant overall correlation between both the assays (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.83; P < 0.001). Assays correlated well with each other across all subgroups of CHB: treatment naοve (r = 0.73; P < 0.001, n = 32), on treatment (r = 0.56; P < 0.05, n = 104), hepatitis Be (HBe) antigen positive (r = 0.67; P < 0.001, n = 62) and anti-HBe positive (r = 0.61; P < 0.05, n = 74) group. On correlation with serum HBV DNA, Architect assay demonstrated good correlation (r = 0.73; P < 0.001, n = 136) as compared to the Elecsys assay (r = 0.27; P = 0.068, n = 136). Architect HBsAg QT assay (A1) also correlated well with HBV DNA in the treatment naοve group (r = 0.69; P < 0.001, n = 32).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study hence proved that both the assays are comparable and a simple qualitative assay with in-house modification can be used easily for quatitation of HBsAg in clinical samples.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis can gain access to adipose depots of mice infected via the intra-nasal route and to lungs of mice with an infected subcutaneous fat implant

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis has the remarkable ability to persist as non-replicating forms in the host. These persisters are tolerant to drugs targeting actively replicating bacilli and hence are responsible for the need of an extended duration of anti-tubercular therapy. The anatomical locations and cell types housing Mtb persisters are being investigated in the recent times. Adipose tissue and the adipocytes are proposed niches of Mtb persisters. In the present study, we carried out experiments in the immunocompetent Swiss mice to see the dissemination of Mtb from lungs to adipose tissue and vice versa. Mice infected intra-nasally with ∼ 10(6), 10(4) or 10(2) bacilli harboured Mtb in various adipose depots distal to the lungs such as the visceral, subcutaneous and peri-renal depots. The dissemination was minimal at two weeks post-infection, as evident from culture negative adipose tissue samples. But at seven weeks post-infection, viable Mtb could be detected in 78%, 66% and 66% of the samples from high, moderate and low dose-infection groups respectively. In a separate experiment, Mtb-infected pre-adipocytes were implanted subcutaneously to un-infected mice. At five weeks post-implantation, the intact implants had a mean 7 ± 0.53 log10 CFUs/100 mg tissue, while the lungs had a mean 3.25 ± 0.32 log10 CFUs/100 mg tissue. In conclusion, the study shows that Mtb can disseminate from lungs to distant adipose depots and vice versa.

α-Solanine induces ROS-mediated autophagy through activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway

α-Solanine is a glycoalkaloid found in species of the nightshade family including potato. It was primarily reported to have toxic effects in humans. However, there is a growing body of literature demonstrating in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of α-solanine. Most of these studies have shown activation of apoptosis as the underlying mechanism in antitumor activity of α-solanine. In this study, we report α-solanine as a potential inducer of autophagy, which may act synergistically or in parallel with apoptosis to exert its cytotoxic effect. Induction of autophagy was demonstrated by several assays including electron microscopy, immunoblotting of autophagy markers and immunofluorescence for LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 (MAP1) light chain-3) puncta. α-Solanine-induced autophagic flux was demonstrated by additionally enhanced – turnover of LC3-II and – accumulation of LC3-specific puncta after co-incubation of cells with either of the autophagolysosome inhibitors – chloroquine and – bafilomycin A1. We also demonstrated α-solanine-induced oxidative damage in regulating autophagy where pre-incubation of cells with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger resulted in suppression of CM-H₂DCFDA (5 (and 6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate acetyl ester) fluorescence as well as decrease in LC3-II turnover. α-Solanine treatment caused an increase in the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins (BiP, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), X-box-binding protein 1, PERK, inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endonuclease 1, ATF4 and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-homologous protein) suggesting activation of unfolded protein response pathway. Moreover, we found downregulation of phosphorylated Akt (Thr³⁰⁸ and Ser⁴⁷³), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR; Ser²⁴⁴⁸ and Ser²⁴⁸¹) and 4E-BP1 (Thr^37/46) by α-solanine implying suppression of the Akt/mTOR pathway. Collectively, our results signify that α-solanine induces autophagy to exert anti-proliferative activity by triggering ER stress and inhibiting Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

The prophage-encoded hyaluronate lyase has broad substrate specificity and is regulated by the N-terminal domain

Streptococcus equi is the causative agent of the highly contagious disease "strangles" in equines and zoonotic meningitis in human. Spreading of infection in host tissues is thought to be facilitated by the bacterial gene encoded extracellular hyaluronate lyase (HL), which degrades hyaluronan (HA), chondroitin 6-sulfate, and dermatan sulfate of the extracellular matrix). The clinical strain S. equi 4047 however, lacks a functional extracellular HL. The prophages of S. equi and other streptococci encode intracellular HLs which are reported to partially degrade HA and do not cleave any other glycosaminoglycans. The phage HLs are thus thought to play a role limited to the penetration of streptococcal HA capsules, facilitating bacterial lysogenization and not in the bacterial pathogenesis. Here we systematically looked into the structure-function relationship of S. equi 4047 phage HL. Although HA is the preferred substrate, this HL has weak activity toward chondroitin 6-sulfate and dermatan sulfate and can completely degrade all of them. Even though the catalytic triple-stranded β-helix domain of phage HL is functionally independent, its catalytic efficiency and specificity is influenced by the N-terminal domain. The phage HL also interacts with human transmembrane glycoprotein CD44. The above results suggest that the streptococci can use phage HLs to degrade glycosaminoglycans of the extracellular matrix for spreading virulence factors and toxins while utilizing the disaccharides as a nutrient source for proliferation at the site of infection.

Pulmonary echinococcal cyst with a filamentous fungus co-infection

Fungal infections are known to colonize the pre-existing lung cavities formed as a result of diseases like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, bronchiectasis and cavitatary neoplasia, mostly encountered in immunocompromised patients. Pulmonary echinococcal cysts have been reported coexistent with cryptococcosis and other saprophytic mycosis, but the coexistence of aspergillosis and echinococcal cyst is extremely rare and occasionally been reported in English literature. Active invasion and proliferation of the fungi in the laminated ectocyst of the echinococcal cyst is very unusual. We report a case of 60 years old immunocompetent female, presented with cough, chest pain and shortness of breath. The chest X-ray showed a large thick walled cavity in the lower and mid zone of right lung with positive water lily sign. Surgical enucleation of the echinococcal cyst revealed aspergilloma involving the cavity with massive invasion of laminated ectocyst by filamentous fungus, morphologically resembling an Aspergillus species and was further treated with Itraconazole for 3 months. This unique coexistence of active pulmonary echinococcosis and aspergillosis is being reported because of its rarity and clinical importance for its management.

Chromatin alterations during pollen development in Hordeum vulgare

The dynamics of posttranslational histone modifications in relation to nuclear architecture has been analyzed during pollen development in Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Igri. Notwithstanding the asymmetry of cytokinesis associated with pollen mitosis I, immunolabeling revealed that the vegetative and generative nuclei initially display identical chromatin modification patterns. Yet, differential chromatin modification patterns between vegetative and generative nuclei emerge with the development of conspicuous differences in nuclear morphology as visualized by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. The temporal and spatial distribution of most histone modifications observed is in agreement with reduced gene activity in the generative nucleus and increased expression in the vegetative nucleus as indicated by immunolabeling of active RNA polymerase II. Signals of trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 proved to be particularly enriched in euchromatic domains of subtelomeric regions. In the context of nuclear differentiation in bicellular pollen, this modification became restricted to the vegetative nucleus, indicating a role in activating rather than suppressing gene expression. The presence of acetylated histone H3 at lysine 9 in the cytoplasm of the generative cell is indicative of a more complex, still unknown function of this particular modification.

Impact and feasibility of breast crawl in a tertiary care hospital

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of breast crawl on breast feeding and its feasibility and acceptability in a busy labor room.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, single blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial. Impact of breast crawl was studied in one group and the outcome was compared with the other group where breast crawl was not performed. Feasibility and acceptability was determined by analysis of questionnaire given to obstetricians and nurses. Descriptive statistics and χ(2)-analysis was applied to evaluate the questionnaire and to compare the outcome in the two groups.

RESULT

Breast crawl had a significant positive impact on the onset of lactation (P=0.0005) as well as extent of neonatal weight loss on day 3 (0.032).

CONCLUSION

Our study adds to the body of evidence that breast crawl results in positive short-term breast feeding outcome but acceptability of breast crawl as a routine in a busy labor room remains a major issue.

Nasopalatine canal cyst: often missed

Nasopalatine canal cyst may occur within the nasopalatine canal or in the soft tissues of the palate, at the opening of the canal, where it is called the 'cyst of the palatine papilla'. These are normally asymptomatic, constituting casual radiological findings. We present a case report of a male patient with infected nasopalatine canal cyst seen clinically as swelling over palate. Radiographic interpretation should be thoroughly performed for maxillary anterior region and any occlusal radiograph in routine radiography to screen this entity and must be distinguished from other maxillary anterior radiolucencies by the clinician.