A novel DHTKD1 gene mutation with ALS like presentation: a case report

DHTKD1 is a nuclear gene that encodes "dehydrogenase E1 and transketolase domain-containing 1", essential in mitochondrial metabolism. First identified in the patients of 2-amino-apidic and 2 oxoapidic aciduria, mutation in this gene has recently been implicated in CMT2Q and ALS. Here we report the case of a septuagenarian who presented with a 2 years progressive history of respiratory and neck muscle weakness without significant bulbar and limb involvement. Clinical and electrophysiological examination revealed lower motor neuron involvement with widespread chronic denervation and reinnervation. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous nonsense variant in exon 8 of the DHTKD1 gene, which was previously described in CMT2Q. This report highlights the pleotropic phenotypic presentation of DHTKD1 mutation and the need for genetic testing even in sporadic cases of ALS presenting at a later age.

Eclipta alba L. Derived Phytochemicals against Escherichia coli Causing Diarrhea

Phytochemicals from Eclipta alba L. plant extract are traditionally used to cure Diarrhea. It is caused by Escherichia coli. Molecular docking method applied using “Biovia Discovery Studio”. “High positive values of -CDOCKER energy and -CDOCKER interaction energy” suggested that Pentadecanone can effectively deactivate the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme (protein database code 4GKV) thereby interrupting the life cycle of the organism.

Molecular characterization, computational analysis and expression profiling of Dmrt1 gene in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton 1822)

Sexual dimorphism of fish morphology, physiology and behavior is diverse and complex in nature. Doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor (Dmrt) is a large protein family whose function is sexual development and differentiation in vertebrates. Here, we report a full-length cDNA sequence of Labeo rohita (rohu) Dmrt1 of 907 bp length having 798 bp of open reading frame encoding 265 amino acids. The molecular weight of rohu DMRT1 protein was found to be 28.74 KDa and isoelectric point was 7.53. DMRT1 protein contains 23 positively and 24 negatively charged amino acids with a GRAVY score of -0.618. A characteristic DM domain was found in DMRT1 protein, which is a novel DNA-binding domain. Phylogenetic analysis showed maximum similarity with Cyprinus carpio when compared with DMRT1 of other vertebrates. Molecular docking study identified active sites to be targeted for drug designing. Rohu DMRT1 was observed to interact with other proteins such as FOXL2, CYP19a1a, AMH and SOX9a. Differential expression study revealed higher expression in testis tissue implying its role in male sex differentiation and testicular development. The information generated in the present work could facilitate further research to resolve the issues related to gonadal maturation and reproduction of commercially important aquaculture species.

Population structure and genetic diversity of hatchery stocks as revealed by combined mtDNA fragment sequences in Indian major carp, Catla catla

Catla catla is the second most important Indian major carp due to high growth rate and acceptance to consumers for food value. It is widely cultured in the Indian subcontinent as monoculture or polyculture. In the present study, genetic diversity among hatchery stocks (total 218 samples of catla) collected from different geographical regions of India was examined using mtDNA fragment sequence of Cyt b (306 bp) and D loop (710 bp). High numbers (57) of population specific haplotypes were observed in the present study. The results revealed significant genetic heterogeneity for the sequence data (F_ST = 0.27546, p < .05). Analysis of molecular variance revealed significant genetic differentiation among different catla populations. The information generated in present study could be useful to develop broad genetic base populations of catla.

Role of inflammatory and hemostatic biomarkers in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia - A pilot study from a tertiary center in Northern India

INTRODUCTION

A reliable plasma biomarker in differentiating between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Vascular dementia (VaD) is the need of the hour, in most memory clinics. Even though there is no disease modifying treatment, it is important to know the type of dementia for both symptomatic treatment and prognostication.

METHODS

Neuropsychological assessment, MRI brain, FDG-PET brain and CSF biomarkers of AD (Aβ42 and total tau) were used for establishing the diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), AD or VaD.

RESULTS

68 diagnosed patients of AD/MCI/VaD were included. FDG PET brain, plasma fibrinogen, d dimer, IL6 and CRP were done in all 68 patients while 48 patients underwent CSF biomarker analysis. Sixteen patients had MCI, of which 11 were MCI-AD and 5 were MCI-VaSC. There were 41 patients with AD (Mild AD-9, Mod AD-23, Severe AD-9) and 11 patients with VaD. Alzheimer group (MCI-AD and AD) and Vascular group (MCI VaSC & VaD) consisted of 52 and 16 patients respectively. Alzheimer and Vascular groups did not exhibit significant difference in IL6 and CRP levels. Plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in VaD and vascular group as compared to Alzheimer group. But MCI-VaSC was not significantly different from MCI-AD. Plasma d dimer levels were significantly higher in all vascular subgroups compared to Alzheimer subgroups except between MCI-VaSC and MCI-AD.

CONCLUSION

Hemostatic biomarkers were higher in Vascular group compared to Alzheimer group whereas there was no difference in inflammatory biomarkers. But the sensitivity and specificity of fibrinogen and d-dimer were not high enough for routine clinical use. Further studies in a larger sample are required to confirm these results.

Phytostabilisation potential of lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Stend) Wats) on iron ore tailings

The present pot culture study was carried out for the potential phytostabilisation of iron ore tailings using lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) a drought tolerant, perennial, aromatic grass. Experiments have been conducted by varying the composition of garden soil (control) with iron ore tailings. The various parameters, viz. growth of plants, number of tillers, biomass and oil content of lemon grass are evaluated. The studies have indicated that growth parameters of lemon grass in 1:1 composition of garden soil and iron ore tailings are significantly more (-5% increase) compared to plants grown in control soil. However, the oil content of lemon grass in both the cases more or less remained same. The results also infer that at higher proportion of tailings the yield of biomass decreases. The studies indicate that lemongrass with its fibrous root system is proved to be an efficient soil binder by preventing soil erosion.

Evaluation of an in situ forming hydrogel wound dressing based on oxidized alginate and gelatin

Wound dressings that can be formed in situ offer several advantages over the use of preformed dressings such as conformability without wrinkling or fluting in the wound bed, ease of application and improved patient compliance and comfort. Here we describe such an in situ forming hydrogel wound dressing from gelatin, oxidized alginate and borax. Periodate oxidized alginate rapidly cross-links proteins such as gelatin in the presence of borax to give in situ forming hydrogels that are both non-toxic and biodegradable. The composite matrix has the haemostatic effect of gelatin, the wound healing-promoting feature of alginate and the antiseptic property of borax to make it a potential wound dressing material. The hydrogel was found to have a fluid uptake of 90% of its weight which would prevent the wound bed from accumulation of exudates. The water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of the hydrogel was found to be 2686+/-124 g/m2/day indicating that the hydrogel can maintain a moist environment over wound bed in moderate to heavily exuding wound which would enhance epithelial cell migration during the healing process. The wound healing efficacy of hydrogel was evaluated in experimental full thickness wounds using a rat model which demonstrated that within 2 weeks, the wound covered with gel was completely filled with new epithelium without any significant adverse reactions. These in situ forming hydrogels fulfil many critical elements desirable in a wound dressing material.

Long term tissue response to titanium coated with diamond like carbon

Diamond like carbon (DLC) coatings were deposited on to Ti substrates by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. Ti and DLC/Ti samples were implanted in skeletal muscle of rabbits. The samples were explanted after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and the tissue-cell interaction was studied. Our data indicate both DLC/Ti and bare Ti to be compatible with skeletal muscle.

Development and evaluation of radiopaque light cure composite

After the development of a two-paste chemical cure composite, evaluation of its physicochemical properties, toxicological evaluation and in-vivo experiments in dogs teeth with histopathological study of dental tissues, a clinical trial was carried out and commercial production recommended. As the shelf life of the material was not enough, a light cure composite was developed, its material characteristics, toxiclological study, in-vivo experiments in dogs with histopathological evaluation and clinical trials carried out. However, the material was radiolucent, and could not be seen in an x-ray and differentiated from a cavity after filling was done. This led to the development of radiopaque light cure composite. Compressive strength, diametral strength, and microhardness were tested with 200-250 phr range of incorporated radiopaque glass particle filler of the size 0.7 to 1.0 micron this improved the properties when compared to conventional composites. The composite was non-toxic and suitable for animal studies. In vivo studies are underway in dogs with histopathological studied of the pulp and dentin. The material awaits clinical trials prior to commercial production.

The influence of photodynamic therapy on the wound healing process in rats

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), photosensitisers (PS) are used along with lasers for the treatment of tumors. The combined effect of photosensitisers and lasers on the wound healing process is studied using delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) (5 mg/kg) and hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) (5 mg/kg) as photosensitisers in the open excision wounds of rats. The lasers used were He-Ne laser (3 J/cm2) and Nd:YAG laser (30 J/cm2). This study is important for understanding the healing process involved after PDT. Open excision wounds treated with He-Ne lasers in animals that received ALA as photosensitiser showed complete wound closure at the earliest by 13 +/- 1 days, and with results obtained for HPD and the combination of lasers with complete closing by 14 +/- 1 days. However, the control group of animals that received ALS or HPD with no laser treatment showed wound healing on the twentieth and eighteenth days with a deviation of one day and two days, respectively. ALA with the combination of Nd:YAG and He-Ne lasers and HPD with He-Ne laser alone does not show quicker wound healing effects. Histopathological results also gave similar results. Tensile strength measurements do not vary significantly from control group to the test group. ALA along with He-Ne laser of HPD along with the combination of He-Ne and low power Nd-YAG lasers are found to be ideal methods for quickening the wound healing process in rat.

Synergistic effect of released aspirin/heparin for preventing bovine pericardial calcification

Calcification is a frequent cause of the clinical failure of bioprosthetic heart valves fabricated from glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium (GATBP). Aspirin, a potent antiplatelet drug, and heparin, an anticoagulant, are commonly used for postimplant complications such as thrombosis and thromboembolism. Aspirin and heparin were embedded in chitosan/polyethylene vinylacetate co-matrix to develop a prolonged release form. The effect of these drugs towards the bioprosthetic calcification was investigated by in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro and in vivo evaluation suggest that the released aspirin/heparin from the co-matrix had a synergistic effect in inhibiting GATBP calcification. In vivo subcutaneous co-implantation was performed with PEG-20,000 grafted bovine pericardium (PEG-GABP), aspirin, and heparin. Biochemical, histological, and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of retrieved samples demonstrated a significant reduction in calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase activity on PEG-GABP compared to GATBP. It seems that the aspirin/heparin combination synergistically inhibits the pericardial calcification in addition to their antithrombotic function.

Effects of double cross-linking technique on the enzymatic degradation and calcification of bovine pericardia

The strength, resorption rates, and biocompatibility of collagenous biomaterials are profoundly influenced by the method of cross-linking. The in vitro and in vivo calcification and enzymatic degradation of bovine pericardia (BP) after a series of surface modifications were studied as a function of exposure time. Collagenase degradations of modified BP were monitored by scanning electron microscopy and tensile strength measurements. Bovine pericardium was modified by a combination of different tissue fixatives such as glutaraldehyde (GA), carbodiimide (EDC), diisocyanate (HMDIC), and polyethylene glycol (PEG). GA-PEG-EDC-PEG and GA-PEG-HMDIC-PEG combination treated BP retained maximum stability in collagenase digestion compared to GATBP. In vitro calcification studies and in vivo rat subcutaneous implantations of modified pericardium have shown substantial reduction in the calcification of double cross-linked BP with PEG modification. Further, the biocompatibility aspects of pericardial tissues were established by platelet adhesion and octane contact angle. It seems that cross-links involving amino and carboxyl residues may provide new ways of controlling biodegradation and calcification.

Efficacy of Chitra granule and powder (hydroxyapatite) in alveolar bone regeneration in rabbits. A histological evaluation

The reconstruction or restoration of osseous defects caused by inflammatory periodontal disease is a continuing challenge in periodontal therapy. Great strides are being made to this effect using alloplasts such as hydroxyapatite. The present study was designed in Newzealand dwarf rabbits to observe the biologic response of periodontal tissues to synthetically prepared hydroxyapatite in both powder and granule forms by Srichitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Trivandrum and to compare it with that of a commercially available, pure resorbable hydroxyapatite, OsteoGen (HA Resorb). The test materials were implanted in the artificially created bonydefects in the mandible via an intraoral approach. The wounds were allowed to heal upto 26 weeks postimplantation. The clinical evaluation at 12 weeks and 26 weeks postimplantation revealed neither any evidence of inflammation, infection or abscess formation nor any exposure or exfoliation of test materials. The histological examination of the implant sites at 12 and 26 weeks postimplantation revealed varying extent of formation of new osseous tissue and periodontal fibers. A comparison between test materials and control suggested that Chitra granules exhibit a relatively greater potential for newbone and periodontal fibre formation.

Structural studies on bovine bioprosthetic tissues and their in vivo calcification: prevention via drug delivery

Cardiovascular calcification, the formation of calcium phosphate deposits in cardiovascular tissue, is a common end-stage phenomenon affecting a wide variety of bioprostheses. To study the process of calcification in tissue prosthetics, glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium, dura mater and fascialata were implanted subcutaneously in rats and retrieved 21 days later and thereby morphological findings were correlated with biochemically determined levels of calcium. Transmission electron microscopy showed that calcification primarily involved the surface of collagen fibrils and the interfibrillar spaces. The deposition of calcium was higher with dura and fascia prostheses compared to pericardium. However, the release of Fe3+ ions from chitosan matrix had substantially inhibited the deposits of calcium in all implanted tissues. It seems that the structural and anatomical features of the tissue is one of the important factors for tissue-associated calcification. It is also confirmed that glutaraldehyde-preserved pericardium is the most suitable material for the development of cardiac prosthesis, with an appropriate drug combination therapy for prevention of pathological calcification.

Casein as a carrier matrix for 5-fluorouracil: drug release from microspheres, drug-protein conjugates and in-vivo degradation of microspheres in rat muscle

Glutaraldehyde cross-linked casein microspheres were loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from concentrated aqueous solutions of the drug after the microspheres were synthesized and cleaned. In-vitro release of the drug was examined in phosphate buffer in the absence and in the presence of protease at 37 degrees C. Drug release data showed that only about 20% of the drug is released in the absence of protease even after 5 days, while digestion of the matrix with protease released the entrapped drug completely in about 24 h. A protein-drug conjugate was synthesized via carbamoyl linkage using 6-(5-FU-1-yl)hexyl isocyanate and the drug release was examined in phosphate buffer at 37 degrees C. Release from the protein-5-FU conjugate was slower compared with the release from microspheres in the presence of protease. Implantation of placebo microspheres of different cross-linking densities in the gluteal muscle of rats showed no adverse tissue reactions over a one-year period. Histopathological examination of the tissues containing injected microspheres suggested that the biological life of casein microspheres in muscle is about 6 months, which is three times that of cross-linked albumin microspheres.

Prevention of calcification of tissue valves

In this study an attempt was made to find an optimum method of chemical treatment to prevent the calcification of bioprosthetic heart valves. Bovine pericardium was washed in a 5% sodium chloride solution followed by trypsin (Tr) treatment and was kept in 0.1% glutaraldehyde (GA) with a gradual increase in concentration up to 0.25% GA and finally posttreated with a 4% chitosan (Ch) solution. Fresh, 0.2% GA, 0.625% GA, and sodium chloride-Tr-GA treated pericardial samples were taken for comparative study. Tensile testing showed comparable strength and elongation at the breaking point for all groups. The thermal shrinkage studies indicated merit of the proposed treatment (5% sodium chloride-trypsin-glutaraldehyde treated pericardia with chitosan and without chitosan posttreatment). Collagenase assay showed that all differently treated (GA) materials were equally resistant to collagenase. All samples were implanted subcutaneously in rats for 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks for calcification study. Morphological and mineral analyses showed complete prevention of calcification in sodium chloride-trypsin-GA-chitosan treated pericardium (Ca was 1.1 +/- 0.27 mg/g, von Kossa 0) at the 12th week of implantation.

Use of glutaraldehyde-gentamicin-treated bovine pericardium as a wound dressing

Glutaraldehyde (GA)-pretreated gentamicin post-fixed bovine pericardium has been evaluated as a wound dressing in this study. Two excisions approximately 7 x 4 cm, each of full thickness skin, from the upper and lower parts down to, but not including, the panniculus carnosus were made from the back of the guinea pig. The skin excised from the upper part was placed on the wound bed of the lower part as an autograft, whereas the upper wound was closed using 5% sodium chloride-trypsin-0.1% GA-0.048% gentamicin-treated bovine pericardium and sutured for comparative study. The wounds were inspected every 3-6 d for infection and exudation. Histopathological studies were performed at weekly intervals in the post-operative period. At the fifth week, a very thin linear scar on the epidermal aspect without remarkable contracture was observed and histopathology showed the completion of epithelization across the wounds in all cases. This study demonstrates that GA-pretreated, gentamicin-post-fixed bovine pericardium may be used as an alternative biological dressing in the case of large wounds.

Evaluation of soft tissue response to a poly(urethane urea)

Variations in the performance of vascular prostheses constructed of polyurethanes, and some evidence which suggested that these variations could be due not to the properties of the polymer itself, but to differences in the cellular response to the various microstructures of porous polyurethanes require investigation. Experiments were performed to evaluate quantitatively the extent of the cell behaviour adjacent to a series of polyurethane samples. It was shown that, with Biomer, a polyurethane urea, the profile of cell behaviour as a function of distance from the implant surface and of time following implantation, the response of cells in general and macrophages in particular, varied considerably with different internal microstructure. This supports the suggestion that the cellular response to different structures and susceptibility to degradation are related.

Studies on the effect of degree of hydrophilicity on tissue response of polyurethane interpenetrating polymer networks

Interpenetrating polymer networks of polyurethane and vinyl monomers such as polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate) were implanted intramuscularly in rabbits. Attempts were made to correlate the morphological aspects of the interpenetrating polymer networks to their histological response. A relatively increased hydrophilicity of hydrophobicity of the interpenetrating polymer networks as in the case of polyurethane-polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyurethane-poly(methyl methacrylate) interpenetrating polymer networks, respectively, could elicit an inert response whilst degradation of materials promoted reactivity.

Preparation and evaluation of radiopaque hydrogel microspheres based on PHEMA/iothalamic acid and PHEMA/iopanoic acid as particulate emboli

Highly porous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) microspheres prepared by suspension polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in presence of polymeric diluents such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in toluene and poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) were made radiopaque by esterification of the reactive hydroxyl groups with iothalamic acid and iopanoic acid, two radiopaque substances clinically used. Of the various solvents and catalysts examined, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and N,N'-dimethyl paratoluidine (DMPT) were found to be best for obtaining a high degree of conversion. More than 30 wt% iodine could be bound to the microspheres which made them sufficiently radiopaque to be imaged radiographically. Microspheres retained their porosity, swelling ability, hydrophilicity, and surface morphology to a significant extent after iodination. Preliminary implantation studies of such microspheres subcutaneously in rats have shown no adverse tissue reactions over a 6-month period. It is suggested that these microspheres would prove to be useful as particulate emboli in endovascular embolization.

Pulmonary vasospasm in rabbits infused with stroma free haemoglobin solution

Effect of infusion of stroma free haemoglobin solution into mice and rabbits was studied. Though no abnormalities were noted in mice, pulmonary vasospasm and hepatocytic necrosis were seen in all rabbits. In addition to reports that low adenosine deaminase levels in the solution could be a cause of vasoconstriction, it is proposed on the basis of present results that either denaturation of haemoglobin molecule itself or release of super oxide anion during oxygenation of haemoglobin, could cause cellular damage leading to toxicity.