The Rhodium Analogue of Coenzyme B12 as an Anti-Photoregulatory Ligand Inhibiting Bacterial CarH Photoreceptors

Coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl; 5'-deoxy-5'-adenosylcobalamin), the quintessential biological organometallic radical catalyst, has a formerly unanticipated, yet extensive, role in photoregulation in bacteria. The light-responsive cobalt-corrin AdoCbl performs this nonenzymatic role by facilitating the assembly of CarH photoreceptors into DNA-binding tetramers in the dark, suppressing gene expression. Conversely, exposure to light triggers the decomposition of this AdoCbl-bound complex by a still elusive photochemical mechanism, activating gene expression. Here, we have examined AdoRhbl, the non-natural rhodium analogue of AdoCbl, as a photostable isostructural surrogate for AdoCbl. We show that AdoRhbl closely emulates AdoCbl in its uptake by bacterial cells and structural functionality as a regulatory ligand for CarH tetramerization, DNA binding, and repressor activity. Remarkably, we find AdoRhbl is photostable even when bound "base-off/His-on" to CarH in vitro and in vivo. Thus, AdoRhbl, an antivitamin B12, also represents an unprecedented anti-photoregulatory ligand, opening a pathway to precisely target biomimetic inhibition of AdoCbl-based photoregulation, with new possibilities for selective antibacterial applications. Computational biomolecular analysis of AdoRhbl binding to CarH yields detailed structural insights into this complex, which suggest that the adenosyl group of photoexcited AdoCbl bound to CarH may specifically undergo a concerted non-radical syn-1,2-elimination mechanism, an aspect not previously considered for this photoreceptor.

Acute inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction mimicked by direct lightning strike: a case report

Background

Direct lightning strikes are rare, and multiple organ systems can be involved. Prognosis is dependent on the severity of the injury. Severe myocardial injury associated with transient electrocardiogram changes, which have been previously described, is a hazardous complication.

Case summary

A 35-year-old man with no known past medical history presented unresponsive following a direct lightning strike while sitting in a portable toilet. High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started in the field, with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after 1 h. Following ROSC, he received volume resuscitation and was maintained on multiple vasopressors. Electrocardiogram showed significant ST-elevations in inferior leads with elevated troponin I, consistent with inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Labs revealed lactic acidosis, hyperkalaemia, acute kidney, and liver injury. Due to concern for plaque rupture, coronary angiography was performed and revealed no obstructive coronary artery disease. Vasopressor support and volume resuscitation were continued for extensive burns covering greater than 30% body surface area. The patient became progressively hypotensive, eventually precipitating pulseless electrical activity arrest. Emergent labs were notable for severe acidaemia. Despite aggressive interventions, he expired due to severe multi-organ failure.

Discussion

Direct lightning injuries are rare with serious potential complications. Myocardial damage, either from direct electrical insult or from induced coronary vasospasm, can lead to multi-organ system failure.

Development and validation of stability indicating impurity profiling method for Azelastine Hydrochloride and Fluticasone Propionate in Nasal spray product by using HPLC with UV/PDA detector

BACKGROUND

This Azelastine HCl (AZ) and Fluticasone propionate (FL) nasal spray drug product is commonly used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis worldwide. The impurity profiling of this product is not reported till date.

OBJECTIVE

The present study is aimed to develop and validate a novel stability indicating analytical method for the estimation of impurities from Azelastine Hydrochloride and Fluticasone Propionate nasal spray drug product.

METHODS

A mixture of octane sulfonic acid sodium salt and trifluroacetic acid is used as a mobile phase A. Acetonitrile is used as a mobile phase B. Good separation was achieved on Baker bond phenyl hexyl, 250 x 4.6, 5 µm column at 1 mL/min flow rate in gradient elution mode. The chromatograms were monitored at 239 nm.

RESULTS

The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were found to be 0.006 and 0.019 µg/mL for AZ and 0.010 and 0.030 µg/mL for FL, respectively. The correlation coefficient for all the known impurities and principle analytes was observed 0.999 from LOQ level to 150% of standard concentration. The recovery for all the known impurities was found to be between 90 to 110%. During stress study, 15% degradation was observed in basic condition and 8.7% in acidic condition. No significant degradation was observed in thermal and oxidative conditions.

CONCLUSION

The impurity profiling method for AZ and FL combination nasal spray product was successfully developed, validated and demonstrated to be accurate, precise, specific, robust and stability indicating. The method can be routinely used for the impurity testing of commercial batches in quality control laboratories in the pharmaceutical industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

No impurity study has been reported for this combination product till date.

An analysis of environment effect on ethanol blends with plastic fuel and blend optimization using a full factorial design

There is a growing amount of plastic waste that needs to be properly disposed of in order to protect the environment from the negative effects of increasing reliance on plastic products. Recent interest has focused on chemical recycling as a means of reducing plastic's negative environmental effects. Converting waste plastics into basic petrochemicals allows them to serve as hydrocarbon feedstock or fuel oil through pyrolysis operations. Scientists have taken a keen interest in the production of bioethanol from renewable feedstocks due to its potential as a source of energy and alternative fuel. Due to its beneficial effects on the environment, ethanol has emerged as a promising biofuel. In this paper, energy recovered from low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene waste was converted into an alternative plastic fuel and evaluated for its environmental impact with the blending of ethanol in a diesel engine. Ternary fuel blends with 20%, 30%, and 40% waste plastic fuel and 10%, 15%, and 20% ethanol with standard diesel were tested. The study found that blending 10% ethanol with 20% plastic fuel decreased fuel consumption by around 7.9% compared to base diesel. Carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by about 10.2%, and hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by about 13.43% when using the same ternary blend. The optimum values of fuel consumption and emissions were obtained by full factorial design for a ternary fuel blend of 10% ethanol and 20% plastic fuel at the full load condition.

Use of Diaion HP20 Resin to Achieve High Rutin Containing Moringa oleifera Extract: Its Solubility and Anti-Bacterial Properties and Possible Applications in Nebulizer Formulation for COVID Patients

Rutin with several pharmacological properties has been reported to be an effective inhibitor for SARS-COV-2 viral protease. Due to lack of specific drugs available for treatment of covid infection, hunt is on for possible herbal supplements that will impact multiplication of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and also provide immunity to people against such infections. We report a simple and cost-effective method for extraction of rutin from Moringa oleifera, a plant with high nutritive value due to its rich contents in minerals, vitamins and other essential phytochemicals. The solubility of rutin in water was achieved using rutin-arginine mixture (identified as a good water-soluble version of rutin) and tested for its antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli by MIC studies and compared with rutin solubilized in methanol. Our results demonstrate easy scale of the rutin extraction process and such a process could be applicable to extraction of rutin from other medicinal plants as well. We demonstrate that rutin purified through column chromatography has 20% higher solubility in water and maintains its anti-bacterial properties against Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli. Our findings reveal new possibilities of using resin column chromatography for concentrating rutin from plant extracts. Also, potential use of water soluble rutin is envisaged for development of nebulizers for treatment of asthma, hyperglycemia, and pneumonia, seen in COVID-19 affected patients.

Bio-medical Waste Remediation by Environmental Safe Gelatin Coated Blood Sample Paper and its Effective Utilization

Sustainability in human development sets exact standards for the management of natural resources, including their extraction, use, and the introduction of waste products into a complex, inventive circuit as a consequence of exploitation. Because of the negative influence that medical waste has on the environment and people, it needs specific handling. Medical waste is increasing in amount all the time and has a wide range of consequences across a wide range of activity domains. This paper discusses various issues of the sustainable management of blood sample bio-medical waste and evaluates the properties of alternative samples which are made of gelatin-coated sample paper. A unique bar-coded paper-based blood sample method has prevented complications during blood tests and is much more environmentally friendly.

Plasmalogens and Photooxidative Stress Signaling in Myxobacteria, and How it Unmasked CarF/TMEM189 as the Δ1'-Desaturase PEDS1 for Human Plasmalogen Biosynthesis

Plasmalogens are glycerophospholipids with a hallmark sn-1 vinyl ether bond that endows them with unique physical-chemical properties. They have proposed biological roles in membrane organization, fluidity, signaling, and antioxidative functions, and abnormal plasmalogen levels correlate with various human pathologies, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The presence of plasmalogens in animals and in anaerobic bacteria, but not in plants and fungi, is well-documented. However, their occurrence in the obligately aerobic myxobacteria, exceptional among aerobic bacteria, is often overlooked. Tellingly, discovery of the key desaturase indispensable for vinyl ether bond formation, and therefore fundamental in plasmalogen biogenesis, emerged from delving into how the soil myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus responds to light. A recent pioneering study unmasked myxobacterial CarF and its human ortholog TMEM189 as the long-sought plasmanylethanolamine desaturase (PEDS1), thus opening a crucial door to study plasmalogen biogenesis, functions, and roles in disease. The findings demonstrated the broad evolutionary sweep of the enzyme and also firmly established a specific signaling role for plasmalogens in a photooxidative stress response. Here, we will recount our take on this fascinating story and its implications, and review the current state of knowledge on plasmalogens, their biosynthesis and functions in the aerobic myxobacteria.

A novel property of hexokinase inhibition by Favipiravir and proposed advantages over Molnupiravir and 2 Deoxy D glucose in treating COVID-19

PURPOSE

In the wake of SARS-CoV-2's global spread, human activities from health to social life to education have been affected. Favipiravir and Molnupiravir exhibited novel hexokinase inhibition and we discuss advantages of this property in their COVID-19 inhibition potential.

METHODS

This paper describes molecular docking data of human hexokinase II with Favipiravir, Cyan 20, Remdesivir, 2DG, and Molnupiravir along with hexokinase inhibition assays.

RESULTS

Favipiravir, an antiviral drug previously cleared for treating the flu and ebola, has shown some promise in early trials to treat COVID-19. We observed potent human hexokinase inhibiting potential of Favipiravir (50%) as against 4% and merely 0.3% hexokinase inhibition with Molnupiravir and 2 Deoxy D glucose at 0.1 mM concentration supported by molecular docking studies.

CONCLUSION

Favipiravir could continue to be part of the COVID-19 treatment regimen due to its resistance to host esterases, hexokinase inhibition potential and proven safety through human trials.

Vitamin B12 photoreceptors

Photoreceptor proteins enable living organisms to sense light and transduce this signal into biochemical outputs to elicit appropriate cellular responses. Their light sensing is typically mediated by covalently or noncovalently bound molecules called chromophores, which absorb light of specific wavelengths and modulate protein structure and biological activity. Known photoreceptors have been classified into about ten families based on the chromophore and its associated photosensory domain in the protein. One widespread photoreceptor family uses coenzyme B₁₂ or 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, a biological form of vitamin B₁₂, to sense ultraviolet, blue, or green light, and its discovery revealed both a new type of photoreceptor and a novel functional facet of this vitamin, best known as an enzyme cofactor. Large strides have been made in our understanding of how these B₁₂-based photoreceptors function, high-resolution structural descriptions of their functional states are available, as are details of their unusual photochemistry. Additionally, they have inspired notable applications in optogenetics/optobiochemistry and synthetic biology. Here, we provide an overview of what is currently known about these B₁₂-based photoreceptors, their discovery, distribution, molecular mechanism of action, and the structural and photochemical basis of how they orchestrate signal transduction and gene regulation, and how they have been used to engineer optogenetic control of protein activities in living cells.

Coenzyme B12 -dependent and independent photoregulation of carotenogenesis across Myxococcales

Light-induced carotenogenesis in Myxococcus xanthus is controlled by the B₁₂ -based CarH repressor and photoreceptor, and by a separate intricate pathway involving singlet oxygen, the B₁₂ -independent CarH paralog CarA and various other proteins, some eukaryotic-like. Whether other myxobacteria conserve these pathways and undergo photoregulated carotenogenesis is unknown. Here, comparative analyses across 27 Myxococcales genomes identified carotenogenic genes, albeit arranged differently, with carH often in their genomic vicinity, in all three Myxococcales suborders. However, CarA and its associated factors were found exclusively in suborder Cystobacterineae, with carA-carH invariably in tandem in a syntenic carotenogenic operon, except for Cystobacter/Melittangium, which lack CarA but retain all other factors. We experimentally show B₁₂ -mediated photoregulated carotenogenesis in representative myxobacteria, and a remarkably plastic CarH operator design and DNA binding across Myxococcales. Unlike the two characterized CarH from other phyla, which are tetrameric, Cystobacter CarH (the first myxobacterial homolog amenable to analysis in vitro) is a dimer that combines direct CarH-like B₁₂ -based photoregulation with CarA-like DNA-binding and inhibition by an antirepressor. This study provides new molecular insights into B₁₂ -dependent photoreceptors. It further establishes the B₁₂ -dependent pathway for photoregulated carotenogenesis as broadly prevalent across myxobacteria and its evolution, exclusively in one suborder, into a parallel complex B₁₂ -independent circuit. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Oil Performance with Diethyl Ether Additive on Insulated Piston Diesel Engine

Considering the amount of waste plastics has risen significantly, energy may be extracted from it. Not only is it possible to dispose of waste plastics by converting them to fuel, but it is also possible to extract energy from them. Our research is motivated by the prospect of using waste plastics as a source of energy through waste plastic pyrolysis oil (WPPO). The innovation of this research is that it will assess the efficiency of plastic pyrolysis oil derived from Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) on a Thermal Barrier Coated (TBC) piston engine. The incremental ratio of WPPO to pure diesel with the addition of diethyl ether (DEE) was determined and its output and exhaust emission standards were evaluated using a direct injection single cylinder low heat rejection diesel engine. The results for the WPPO blends were promising as with TBCW20DEE10 demonstrating a 5 to 15% increase in carbon monoxide under different load conditions. TBCW20DEE10 confirmed a greater reduction of hydrocarbons varying from 5 to 12 %. At half load condition, TBCW20DEE10 emits approximately 3.5 % less unit of smoke.

Impurity profiling method development and validation of metformin hydrochloride and teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate in their combination tablet dosage form by using RP-HPLC with UV/PDA detector

Background

An accurate, precise and robust analytical method was developed for the impurity profiling in the metformin hydrochloride and teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate tablet. The gradient was optimized for better separation of impurities by using BDS Hypersil C18 250 × 4.6 mm, 5µ column operated at 35 °C. The octane sulfonic acid and phosphate buffer with triethylamine at pH 3.0 were used as mobile phase A, and acetonitrile was used as mobile phase B. The mobile phase was pumped at 1.0 mL/min. The gradient was optimized for better resolution, and the chromatogram was monitored at 210 nm.

Results

The % recovery of teneligliptin and metformin HCL observed was above 90% from LOQ level to 150%. The correlation coefficient r2 was 0.999 for metformin HCl, teneligliptin, melamine, cyanocobalamin, teneligliptin impurity A and 0.998 for teneligliptin impurity B. The method was found unaffected by change in method variance during the robustness study. During the stress study with acid, base, peroxide and temperature, maximum degradation was observed with peroxide indicating the sensitivity of the molecule toward oxidative stress.

Conclusions

The developed method is precise, accurate, robust and linear and hence can be routinely used for the related substance analysis of metformin hydrochloride and teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate tablet in the quality control laboratory at manufacturing site during the commercial manufacturing.

Case report of Barth syndrome: a forgotten cause of cardiomyopathy

Background

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder characterized by clinical features including cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, neutropenia, growth delay, and exercise intolerance. It is often considered to be a paediatric disease, owing to most cases being diagnosed during childhood and mortality being the highest during the first few years of life.

Case summary

We report a case of dilated cardiomyopathy due to BTHS in a 27-year-old adult male patient, who initially presented with lightheadedness, dyspnoea, orthopnoea, and bilateral lower extremity oedema. Key findings from investigations included leukopenia, prolonged QTc interval, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global enlargement of all heart chambers, patent coronary arteries, and mild pulmonary hypertension. The patient was diuresed to euvolemia and discharged with a LifeVest. Guideline-directed medical therapy was initiated and uptitrated as an outpatient. A repeat echocardiogram 2 years after initial presentation showed marked improvement in LVEF.

Discussion

It is possible that there are adult patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy, which may be attributable to BTHS. In the absence of an obvious underlying cause, with the appropriate historical information, clinical exam, laboratory investigations, and imaging findings, BTHS should be considered as a likely cause of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Development and validation of stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of xylometazoline hydrochloride and ipratropium bromide from nasal spray dosage form

Background

A simple, robust, precise, and an accurate HPLC method was established for simultaneous estimation of xylometazoline hydrochloride and ipratropium bromide from a nasal spray dosage form. The effective separation was obtained by injecting 10 μl of sample and standard solutions on to an Inertsil ODS column, 250 × 4.6, mm, 5 μ at 45 °C using phosphate buffer with 1-pentane sulphonic acid sodium salt at pH 4.7 as a mobile phase A and acetonitrile as the mobile phase B. The gradient was optimized with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and a wavelength of 210.0 nm.

Result

The complete analytical method validation was successfully carried out as per ICH guidelines. The retrieval study was carried out at 50% to 150% level of working concentration, and results were in the range of 99 to 101% for both the analytes. The linearity was proven from 4 to 150% of working concentration with linear regression curve (R2=0.999) for both the analytes. The developed method was robust for different parameters like column temperature, flow rate, mobile phase pH, composition, and gradient.

Conclusion

The developed HPLC method can be successfully used for the estimation of xylometazoline hydrochloride and ipratropium bromide from nasal spray dosage form as a release test in QC department of manufacturing units.

Development and validation of HPLC-UV method for the quantitative analysis of carcinogenic organic impurities and its isomers in the sodium polystyrene sulfonate polymer

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) powder is in use for over 50 years for the treatment of hyperkalemia. SPS powder is official in United States Pharmacopoeia, British Pharmacopoeia and European Pharmacopoeia. However, till date, no study has been published on the assessment of organic impurities for this drug. The organic impurities in bulk drug and finished product are associated with their safety, efficacy and stability. A simple, rapid, specific, precise and an accurate HPLC method has been developed for the estimation of toxic organic impurities like styrene, naphthalene, divinyl benzene (DVB) and ethylvinyl benzene (EVB) from SPS bulk drug and finished product. The developed method was validated for specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), solution stability, ruggedness and robustness. The influence of acid, alkali, oxidative stress, photolytic stress, thermal stress and humidity stress conditions on SPS bulk powder and finished product has been studied and reported. The proposed method can be successfully employed for the impurity testing of commercial batches of the bulk drug and finished products of both sodium salt and calcium salt of polystyrene sulfonate.

Benefits of Soleris® over the Conventional Method for Enumeration of Microbial Load in Salacia Herbal Extract

Stems and roots of Salacia genus plants have been used as a specific remedy for early-stage diabetes, and one of the four sulphonium sulphates, salacinol is the compound responsible for the anti-diabetic activity. Salacia is prone to microbial contamination and insect infestation; hence, methods to estimate the microbial load in such plants will enhance its nutritional value. This paper highlights the novel use of Soleris^® to quantify microbes of all types, namely bacteria, yeasts, molds, and coliforms in herbal extracts. The microbial analysis results obtained with Soleris^® test vial have been compared with the conventional method, and the results indicate that Soleris^® is equally efficient as the conventional method and in fact displays several advantages over the traditional method. The Soleris^® method is a real time monitoring system that is highly sensitive, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly since it generates very little biomedical waste and saves a large amount of time. The data presented here demonstrate that for highly contaminated samples, results are available within 24 h. For yeasts and molds, the Soleris^® method produces results in 48 h, thus offering considerable time savings compared to other commonly used methods.

G6PD deficiency and severity of COVID19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome: tip of the iceberg?

Abstract

The severe pneumonia caused by the human coronavirus (hCoV)-SARS-CoV-2 has inflicted heavy casualties, especially among the elderly and those with co-morbid illnesses irrespective of their age. The high mortality in African-Americans and males, in general, raises the concern for a possible X-linked mediated process that could affect the viral pathogenesis and the immune system. We hypothesized that G6PD, the most common X-linked enzyme deficiency, associated with redox status, may have a role in severity of pneumonia. Retrospective chart review was performed in hospitalized patients with COVID19 pneumonia needing supplemental oxygen. A total of 17 patients were evaluated: six with G6PD deficiency (G6PDd) and 11 with normal levels. The two groups (normal and G6PDd) were comparable in terms of age, sex, co-morbidities, and laboratory parameters—LDH, IL-6, CRP, and ferritin, respectively. Thirteen patients needed ventilatory support ; 8 in the normal group and 5 in the G6PDd group (72% vs.83%). The main differences indicating increasing severity in normal vs. G6PDd groups included G6PD levels (12.2 vs. 5.6, P = 0.0002), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (159 vs. 108, P = 0.05), days on mechanical ventilation (10.25 vs. 21 days P = 0.04), hemoglobin level (10 vs. 8.1 P = 0.03), and hematocrit (32 vs. 26 P = 0.015). Only one patient with G6PDd died; 16 were discharged home. Our clinical series ascribes a possible biological role for G6PDd in SARS-CoV2 viral proliferation. It is imperative that further studies are performed to understand the interplay between the viral and host factors in G6PDd that may lead to disparity in outcomes.

Key Points

• COVID19 studies show higher mortality in men, due to severe pneumonia and ARDS, indicating possible X-linked mediated differences

• G6PD, the most common X-linked enzymopathy, highly prevalent in African Americans and Italians, maintains redox homeostasis.

• Preclinical studies using G6PD deficient (G6PDd) cells infected with human coronavirus (hCoV), show impaired cellular responses, viral proliferation and worsening oxidative damage.

• Retrospective chart review in hospitalized patients with COVID19 pneumonia needing supplemental oxygen shows differences between the two groups (Normal and G6PDd) in hematological indices; the G6PDdgroup demonstrated prolonged PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and longer days on mechanical ventilation indicating the severity of the pneumonia.

Reagent integration and controlled release for multiplexed nucleic acid testing in disposable thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays

The seamless integration of reagents into microfluidic devices can serve to significantly reduce assay complexity and cost for disposable diagnostics. In this work, the integration of multiplexed reagents into thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays is demonstrated using a scalable pin spotting technique. Using a simple and low-cost narrow-bore capillary spotting pin, high resolution deposition of concentrated reagents within the arrays of enclosed nanoliter-scale wells is achieved. The pin spotting method is further employed to encapsulate the deposited reagents with a chemically modified wax layer that serves to prevent disruption of the dried assay components during sample introduction through a shared microchannel, while also enabling temperature-controlled release after sample filling is complete. This approach supports the arbitrary patterning and release of different reagents within individual wells without crosstalk for multiplexed analyses. The performance of the in-well spotting technique is characterized using on-chip rolling circle amplification to evaluate its potential for nucleic acid-based diagnostics.

The Photoactive Excited State of the B12-Based Photoreceptor CarH

We have used transient absorption spectroscopy in the UV-visible and X-ray regions to characterize the excited state of CarH, a protein photoreceptor that uses a form of B₁₂, adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), to sense light. With visible excitation, a nanosecond-lifetime photoactive excited state is formed with unit quantum yield. The time-resolved X-ray absorption near edge structure difference spectrum of this state demonstrates that the excited state of AdoCbl in CarH undergoes only modest structural expansion around the central cobalt, a behavior similar to that observed for methylcobalamin rather than for AdoCbl free in solution. We propose a new mechanism for CarH photoreactivity involving formation of a triplet excited state. This allows the sensor to operate with high quantum efficiency and without formation of potentially dangerous side products. By stabilizing the excited electronic state, CarH controls reactivity of AdoCbl and enables slow reactions that yield nonreactive products and bypass bond homolysis and reactive radical species formation.

A bacterial light response reveals an orphan desaturase for human plasmalogen synthesis

Plasmalogens are glycerophospholipids with a hallmark sn-1 vinyl ether bond. These lipids are found in animals and some bacteria and have proposed membrane organization, signaling, and antioxidant roles. We discovered the plasmanylethanolamine desaturase activity that is essential for vinyl ether bond formation in a bacterial enzyme, CarF, which is a homolog of the human enzyme TMEM189. CarF mediates light-induced carotenogenesis in Myxococcus xanthus, and plasmalogens participate in sensing photooxidative stress through singlet oxygen. TMEM189 and other animal homologs could functionally replace CarF in M. xanthus, and knockout of TMEM189 in a human cell line eliminated plasmalogens. Discovery of the human plasmanylethanolamine desaturase will spur further study of plasmalogen biogenesis, functions, and roles in disease.

Combustion and emission analysis of hydrogenated waste polypropylene pyrolysis oil blended with diesel

Petroleum-based plastic pyrolysis oil contains unsaturated compounds, and the presence of these compounds makes the produced fuel unsuitable for combustion in diesel engines. Hydrogenation of pyrolysis oil is performed to convert unsaturated compounds to saturated compounds. Past studies have shown that hydrogenation of petroleum-based plastic pyrolysis oil is viable; however, its combustion and emissions analysis in diesel engines has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the combustion, performance, and emissions of hydrogenated polypropylene pyrolysis oil (HPPO) blended with diesel. Polypropylene (PP) was converted to pyrolysis oil using ZSM-5 as the catalyst. The hydrogenation of polypropylene pyrolysis oil (PPO) was conducted at pressure of 70 bar, and the reaction temperature was maintained at 350 °C. Ni metal impregnated on the ZSM-5 base support was used as the catalyst of choice. The produced HPPO possessed physicochemical properties that match the EN590 standards(European diesel fuel standards). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies of PPO and HPPO showed the effectiveness of hydrogenation for the complete conversion of alkenes to alkanes, and hydrocracking resulted in cracking higher carbon number alkanes to lower values. HPPO was blended with diesel in ratios of 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, and 40 wt.%. The diesel engine performance results for the blended fuel showed combustion, performance, and emissions on par with pure diesel fuel for blending ratios up to 20 wt.%. As is known, plastic solid waste (PSW) materials pose serious hazards to the environment. Our HPPO physicochemical properties matched the EN590 standards for diesel fuel. The combustion of HPPO in diesel engines can provide an option for environmentally cleaner disposal of PSW.

478 A rare case of right ventricular ischaemia and ventricular tachycardia in neonate caused by intermittent occlusion of origin of the right coronary artery by an echogenic mass

OnBehalf

Cornwall

A term neonate with poor condition at birth was noted to be markedly bradycardic when crying. ECG showed first degree heart block. Echocardiogram demonstrated poor bi-ventricular function. He was treated for Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

In the next few hours he developed short episodes of ventricular tachycardia with left bundle branch block and non-conducted P waves suggesting an origin of tachycardia from the right ventricle.

His repeat ECHO suggested that he had right ventricular infarction due to a very rare finding of intermittent occlusion of the origin of the right coronary artery by an echogenic mass.

He was transferred for emergency cardiac surgery to remove a clot of 1.6cm, occluding the right coronary artery. Histology findings were in keeping with a thrombus. Thrombophilia screen for both parents and infant were negative. MRI Brain did not show evidence of HIE suggesting his poor condition at birth was secondary to intermittent coronary ischemia. Discussion: Myocardial infarction (MI) in neonates is a rarely encountered and potentially life-threatening condition, with mortality rate as high as 90%. We present one of the first reported cases of successful surgical management of an acute right coronary artery thrombosis after an early diagnosis. The cause of thrombosis remains unclear in our patient. They were born in poor condition with initial pH 6.9 and lactate of 10, but with a structurally normal heart and negative thrombophilia screen. Perinatal asphyxia is a potential cause; however there is doubt that this may be a symptom rather than cause of the right coronary artery occlusion. Early diagnosis was key in management after a high level of clinical suspicion. He made significant recovery with near normal RV function, and is currently on captopril and carvedilol post-surgery. This is one of the first cases to document near full return of cardiac function following ischaemia to the right ventricle

Abstract 478 Figure. 5

P705 Is chest wall deformity a serious issue? A rare case of TGFBR1 mutation in the paediatric population

History

3-year old girl seen in general paediatric clinic with 5 months history of worsening chest wall deformity.

Examination

Asymmetrical pectus deformity. Spinal asymmetry and soft systolic murmur at the lower left sternal edge.

INVESTIGATION

Chest x-ray: Grossly enlarged and distorted cardiac/mediastinal silhouette.

Echocardiogram

Massive ascending aortic root dilatation (5.5cm) with significant aortic regurgitation.

MRI whole body angiogram

Massively dilated aortic root and ascending aorta to the proximal arch, hugely tortuous and ectatic cerebral vessels, diffuse marked dural ectasia, asymmetrical pectus deformity and a diaphragmatic morgagni hernia in the lower right hemi thorax.

Genetic analysis

Heterozygous missense variant of unknown clinical significance in exon 3 of TGFBR1 gene. The first heterozygous missense variant of its kind in the paediatric population for which its clinical significance remains unknown.

TREATMENT

As risk of dissection, a Bentall procedure was performed.

Family screening - Father has a dilated proximal ascending aorta.

LEARNING POINTS

Chest wall deformity should prompt clinicians to expedite investigations for aortic root dilatation/aneurysm and connective tissue disorders.

The continuum of clinical features of these genetic associations emphasises the importance of early recognition of the phenotype, prophylactic intervention and meticulous surveillance of the distal aorta and vascular tree for optimal management.

A genetic variant of uncertain significance (VUS) should not be used in clinical decision making. Efforts to resolve the classification of the variant as pathogenic or benign should be undertaken with good working relationships with clinical geneticists.

A VUS is difficult for patients and parents to understand and may also cause psychological distress. The importance of careful clinical and molecular characterisation to identify patients and families at risk cannot be overemphasised. This allows the use of a structured approach to intervention, informed counselling regarding the risk of recurrence, concerns related to pregnancy, and guidelines for clinical management.

Abstract P705 Figure. Case Photography and Imaging

Enhanced sample filling and discretization in thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays using asymmetric contact angles

Sample filling and discretization within thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays is investigated toward the development of low cost disposable microfluidics for passive sample discretization. By using a high level of contact angle asymmetry between the filling channel and microwell surfaces, a significant increase in the range of well geometries that can be successfully filled is revealed. The performance of various array designs is characterized numerically and experimentally to assess the impact of contact angle asymmetry and device geometry on sample filling and discretization, resulting in guidelines to ensure robust microwell filling and sample isolation over a wide range of well dimensions. Using the developed design rules, reliable and bubble-free sample filling and discretization is achieved in designs with critical dimensions ranging from 20 μm to 800 μm. The resulting devices are demonstrated for discretized nucleic acid amplification by performing loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of the mecA gene associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Multifactorial control of the expression of a CRISPR-Cas system by an extracytoplasmic function σ/anti-σ pair and a global regulatory complex

Expression of CRISPR-Cas systems is a prerequisite for their defensive role against invading genetic elements. Yet, much remains unknown about how this crucial step is regulated. We describe a new mechanism controlling CRISPR-cas expression, which requires an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor (DdvS), its membrane-bound anti-σ (DdvA) and a global regulatory complex (CarD–CarG). Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the DdvS/CarD/CarG-dependent regulon comprises a type III-B CRISPR-Cas system in Myxococcus xanthus. We mapped four DdvS-driven CarD/CarG-dependent promoters, with one lying immediately upstream of the cas cluster. Consistent with direct action, DdvS and CarD–CarG localize at these promoters in vivo. The cas genes are transcribed as a polycistronic mRNA that reads through the leader into the CRISPR array, a putative σ^A-dependent promoter in the leader having negligible activity in vivo. Consequently, expression of the entire CRISPR-Cas system and mature CRISPR-RNA (crRNA) production is DdvS/CarD/CarG-dependent. DdvA likely uses its large C-terminal domain to sense and transduce the extracytoplasmic signal triggering CRISPR-cas expression, which we show is not starvation-induced multicellular development. An ECF-σ/anti-σ pair and a global regulatory complex provide an effective mechanism to coordinate signal-sensing with production of precursor crRNA, its processing Cas6 endoribonuclease and other Cas proteins for mature crRNA biogenesis and interference.

A Scalable Random Access Micro-traps Array for Formation, Selective Retrieval and Capturing of Individual Droplets

Formation, selective retrieval and capturing of individual droplets are key operational capabilities needed for a broad range of droplet microfluidic applications. The membrane displacement trap (MDT) element gives a robust method for uniform discretization and controllable manipulation of aqueous droplets using an enclosed micro-well covered by an elastomer membrane. This capability can be scaled up by combining the modular elements with a system design that requires a minimal number of signal inputs. Incorporation of MDT elements with a pneumatically-controllable multiplexer system can lead to a scalable random access MDT array platform for liquid discretization and selective manipulation. Herein, we report the design and development of a programmable droplet microfluidic platform for liquid sampling and selectively handling up to 32 individual droplets using 10 pneumatic signal inputs. The multiplexer system can logarithmically scale up capacity of the MDT array platform, making it possible to manipulate hundreds droplets.

Plasticity in oligomerization, operator architecture, and DNA binding in the mode of action of a bacterial B12-based photoreceptor

Newly discovered bacterial photoreceptors called CarH sense light by using 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl). They repress their own expression and that of genes for carotenoid synthesis by binding in the dark to operator DNA as AdoCbl-bound tetramers, whose light-induced disassembly relieves repression. High-resolution structures of Thermus thermophilus CarH_Tt have provided snapshots of the dark and light states and have revealed a unique DNA-binding mode whereby only three of four DNA-binding domains contact an operator comprising three tandem direct repeats. To gain further insights into CarH photoreceptors and employing biochemical, spectroscopic, mutational, and computational analyses, here we investigated CarH_Bm from Bacillus megaterium We found that apoCarH_Bm, unlike monomeric apoCarH_Tt, is an oligomeric molten globule that forms DNA-binding tetramers in the dark only upon AdoCbl binding, which requires a conserved W-X ₉-EH motif. Light relieved DNA binding by disrupting CarH_Bm tetramers to dimers, rather than to monomers as with CarH_Tt CarH_Bm operators resembled that of CarH_Tt, but were larger by one repeat and overlapped with the -35 or -10 promoter elements. This design persisted in a six-repeat, multipartite operator we discovered upstream of a gene encoding an Spx global redox-response regulator whose photoregulated expression links photooxidative and general redox responses in B. megaterium Interestingly, CarH_Bm recognized the smaller CarH_Tt operator, revealing an adaptability possibly related to the linker bridging the DNA- and AdoCbl-binding domains. Our findings highlight a remarkable plasticity in the mode of action of B₁₂-based CarH photoreceptors, important for their biological functions and development as optogenetic tools.

Novel properties of recombinant Sso7d-Taq DNA polymerase purified using aqueous two-phase extraction: Utilities of the enzyme in viral diagnosis

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Sso7d-Taq fusion protein purified using a single step of aqueous Two-Phase Extraction (ATPE) is >95% pure and is active.

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The S-Taq protein has higher thermostability and detergent tolerance over regular Taq polymerase and can be used for PCR's from direct whole blood.

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The PCR efficiency rate of S-Taq is higher than Taq polymerase and can be used to detect DNA viruses in a clinical setting efficiently.

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S-Taq can tolerate higher concentrations of magnesium ions and can be used for in-situ PCR’s.

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S-Taq can be used to carry out PCR’s of bacterial recombinants directly from the overnight culture since it is resistant to inhibition to Luria Bertani broth. This unique property of S-Taq will enable researchers to screen recombinants without the need to isolate the plasmid DNA of recombinants. This would be a huge cost savings for companies engaged in molecular biology research involving PCR’s.

Using Sso7d from Sulfolobus solfataricus as the DNA binding protein fused to Taq DNA polymerase at its amino terminus, we report the hyper-expression and a novel purification methodology of Sso7d-Taq polymerase (S-Taq) using aqueous two-phase extraction system followed by Ni-affinity chromatography. The utility of such a fusion enzyme in carrying out PCR of human genes from whole blood directly and in detecting hepatitis B virus from clinical samples is demonstrated in this article. We present data on the enhanced thermo-stability of S-Taq DNA polymerase over Taq DNA polymerase and also provide evidence of its higher stability with detergents in comparison to Taq polymerase. The purified S-Taq protein showed acceptable limits of host genomic DNA levels without the use of DNases and other DNA precipitating agents and shows promising potential for use in PCR based diagnostics, in-situ PCR’s and forensic science.

Use of coagulation factor XIII (F13) gene as an internal control for normalization of genomic DNA's for HLA typing

Genomic DNA (gDNA) obtained from whole blood samples is a critical element for genomic research and clinical diagnosis. PCR efficiencies of the targeted genes like HLA-A, -B, -C, DPB1 and DRB1 using such isolated gDNAs were variable in spite of having similar amounts of gDNA taken for PCR. We addressed such PCR variabilities by normalizing the gDNA’s using an internal control of human coagulation factor XIII that was found to be variable with all samples and did not correlate with the observed A₂₆₀ nm readings. The PCR and Q-PCR methodologies for the human coagulation factor XIII have been optimized, and the advantages of normalizing gDNA preparations based on F13 copy numbers have been discussed. This method will serve as a suitable choice to be used in laboratories and research centres, particularly when dealing with a large number of samples for the next-generation sequencing purposes, and in forensic labs with limited sample availability.

Multifactorial control of the expression of a CRISPR-Cas system by an extracytoplasmic function σ/anti-σ pair and a global regulatory complex

Expression of CRISPR-Cas systems is a prerequisite for their defensive role against invading genetic elements. Yet, much remains unknown about how this crucial step is regulated. We describe a new mechanism controlling CRISPR-cas expression, which requires an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor (DdvS), its membrane-bound anti-σ (DdvA) and a global regulatory complex (CarD-CarG). Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the DdvS/CarD/CarG-dependent regulon comprises a type III-B CRISPR-Cas system in Myxococcus xanthus. We mapped four DdvS-driven CarD/CarG-dependent promoters, with one lying immediately upstream of the cas cluster. Consistent with direct action, DdvS and CarD-CarG localize at these promoters in vivo. The cas genes are transcribed as a polycistronic mRNA that reads through the leader into the CRISPR array, a putative σA-dependent promoter in the leader having negligible activity in vivo. Consequently, expression of the entire CRISPR-Cas system and mature CRISPR-RNA (crRNA) production is DdvS/CarD/CarG-dependent. DdvA likely uses its large C-terminal domain to sense and transduce the extracytoplasmic signal triggering CRISPR-cas expression, which we show is not starvation-induced multicellular development. An ECF-σ/anti-σ pair and a global regulatory complex provide an effective mechanism to coordinate signal-sensing with production of precursor crRNA, its processing Cas6 endoribonuclease and other Cas proteins for mature crRNA biogenesis and interference.

Cloning and high-level expression of Thermus thermophilus RecA in E. coli: purification and novel use in HBV diagnostics

We studied the role of Thermus thermophilus Recombinase A (RecA) in enhancing the PCR signals of DNA viruses such as Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The RecA gene of a thermophilic eubacterial strain, T. thermophilus, was cloned and hyperexpressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant RecA protein was purified using a single heat treatment step without the use of any chromatography steps, and the purified protein (>95%) was found to be active. The purified RecA could enhance the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) signals of HBV and improve the detection limit of the HBV diagnosis by real time PCR. The yield of recombinant RecA was ∼35mg/L, the highest yield reported for a recombinant RecA to date. RecA can be successfully employed to enhance detection sensitivity for the diagnosis of DNA viruses such as HBV, and this methodology could be particularly useful for clinical samples with HBV viral loads of less than 10IU/mL, which is interesting and novel.

Development of a Membrane-Based Method for Isolation of Genomic DNA from Human Blood

High quality and sufficient quantity of genomic DNA (gDNA) are the primary requisites of several molecular biologic applications, including clinical studies related to genetics, genomics, gene polymorphism, and DNA fingerprinting. Whole blood is the primary source of gDNA in most of the clinical investigations. Currently, commercial kits are primarily used to achieve these goals. However, the use of kits is limited by the cost and involvement of several centrifugal steps. Other methods reported are either laborious or do not produce high quality or quantity of gDNA or both. Here, we present the data on the development of a centrifugation-free, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for the isolation of human gDNA from the buffy coat of human blood that involves limited numbers of steps with about 15 min of hands-on time per sample.

Controlled droplet discretization and manipulation using membrane displacement traps

An innovative platform enabling complex discretization and manipulation of aqueous droplets is described. The system uses simple membrane displacement trap elements to perform multiple functions including droplet discretization, release, metering, capture, and merging. Multi-layer PDMS devices with membrane displacement trap arrays are used to discretize sample into nanoliter scale droplet volumes, and reliably manipulate individual droplets within the arrays. Performance is characterized for varying capillary number flows, membrane actuation pressures, trap and membrane geometries, and trapped droplet volumes, with operational domains established for each platform function. The novel approach to sample digitization and droplet manipulation is demonstrated through discretization of a dilute bacteria sample, metering of individual traps to generate droplets containing single bacteria, and merging of the resulting droplets to pair the selected bacteria within a single droplet.

Do regional brain volumes and major depressive disorder share genetic architecture? A study of Generation Scotland (n=19 762), UK Biobank (n=24 048) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n=5766)

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heritable and highly debilitating condition. It is commonly associated with subcortical volumetric abnormalities, the most replicated of these being reduced hippocampal volume. Using the most recent published data from Enhancing Neuroimaging Genetics through Meta-analysis (ENIGMA) consortium's genome-wide association study of regional brain volume, we sought to test whether there is shared genetic architecture between seven subcortical brain volumes and intracranial volume (ICV) and MDD. We explored this using linkage disequilibrium score regression, polygenic risk scoring (PRS) techniques, Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis and BUHMBOX. Utilising summary statistics from ENIGMA and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, we demonstrated that hippocampal volume was positively genetically correlated with MDD (r_G=0.46, P=0.02), although this did not survive multiple comparison testing. None of the other six brain regions studied were genetically correlated and amygdala volume heritability was too low for analysis. Using PRS analysis, no regional volumetric PRS demonstrated a significant association with MDD or recurrent MDD. MR analysis in hippocampal volume and MDD identified no causal association, however, BUHMBOX analysis identified genetic subgrouping in GS:SFHS MDD cases only (P=0.00281). In this study, we provide some evidence that hippocampal volume and MDD may share genetic architecture in a subgroup of individuals, albeit the genetic correlation did not survive multiple testing correction and genetic subgroup heterogeneity was not replicated. In contrast, we found no evidence to support a shared genetic architecture between MDD and other regional subcortical volumes or ICV.

A New Facet of Vitamin B12: Gene Regulation by Cobalamin-Based Photoreceptors

Living organisms sense and respond to light, a crucial environmental factor, using photoreceptors, which rely on bound chromophores such as retinal, flavins, or linear tetrapyrroles for light sensing. The discovery of photoreceptors that sense light using 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12 that is best known as an enzyme cofactor, has expanded the number of known photoreceptor families and unveiled a new biological role of this vitamin. The prototype of these B12-dependent photoreceptors, the transcriptional repressor CarH, is widespread in bacteria and mediates light-dependent gene regulation in a photoprotective cellular response. CarH activity as a transcription factor relies on the modulation of its oligomeric state by 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin and light. This review surveys current knowledge about these B12-dependent photoreceptors, their distribution and mode of action, and the structural and photochemical basis of how they orchestrate signal transduction and control gene expression.

A Prospective, Nonrandomized, Open-Labeled Pilot Study Investigating the Use of Magnesium in Patients Undergoing Nonacute Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Stent Implantation

Background: Magnesium has recently been shown to inhibit acute stent thrombosis in animal models. This study tested the feasibility of magnesium administration in patients undergoing nonacute percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation.

Methods: Twenty-one patients undergoing nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled and received intravenous magnesium sulfate (2-g bolus over 20 minutes prepercutaneous coronary intervention, followed by 14 g over 12 hours infusion). Endpoints: safety outcomes-hypotension, bradycardia, bleeding complications and heart block within first 24 hours; angiographic outcomes-acute thrombotic occlusion and need for platelet glycoprotein Ilb/Illa inhibitor bailout; and clinical outcomes-death, myocardial infarction, recurrent ischemia, and need for urgent revascularization at 48 hours and 30 days.

Results: No significant effects on heart rate or blood pressure, major bleeding complication, or new electrocardiographic changes were observed. Angiographic thrombus was visualized in two cases, and coronary artery dissection in one case poststent deployment. None of these cases required the use of glycoprotein inhibitors for bailout. Death, myocardial infarction, recurrent ischemia, and need for urgent revascularization were not observed. The serum magnesium level increased from 2.1 ± 0.3 mg/dL at baseline to 3.5 ± 0.8 mg/dL at the end of the infusion (P < .0001). Platelet activation was significantly inhibited at the end of the magnesium sulfate infusion.

Conclusion: Intravenous magnesium sulfate has been demonstrated as a feasible and safe agent in patients undergoing nonacute percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation. A randomized clinical trial comparing magnesium with glycoprotein inhibitors during percutaneous coronary intervention is warranted.

Cohort profile of the UK Biobank: diagnosis and characteristics of cerebrovascular disease

PURPOSE

The UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical resource, containing sociodemographic and medical information, including data on a previous diagnosis of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). We described these participants and their medication usage.

PARTICIPANTS

We identified participants who either self-reported or were identified from a nurse-led interview, having suffered a stroke or a TIA and compared them against participants without stroke ort TIA. We assessed their risk factor burden (sex, age, deprivation, waist to hip ratio (WHR), hypertension, smoking, alcohol intake, diabetes, physical exercise and oral contraception use (oral contraceptive pill, OCP)) and medication usage.

FINDINGS TO DATE

We studied 502,650 people (54.41% women), 6669 (1.23%) participants self-reported a stroke. The nurse-led interview identified 7669 (1.53%) people with stroke and 1781 (0.35%) with TIA. Hypertension, smoking, higher WHR, lower alcohol consumption and diabetes were all more common in people with cerebrovascular disease (p<0.0001 for each). Women with cerebrovascular disease were less likely to have taken the OCP (p=0.0002). People with cerebrovascular disease did more exercise (p=0.03). Antithrombotic medication was taken by 81% of people with stroke (both self-report and nurse-led responders) and 89% with TIA. For self-reported stroke, 63% were taking antithrombotic and cholesterol medications, 54% taking antithrombotic and antihypertensive medications and 46% taking all 3. For the nurse-led interview and TIA, these figures were 65%, 54% and 46%, and 70%, 53% and 45%, respectively.

FUTURE PLANS

The UK Biobank provides a large, generalisable and contemporary data source in a young population. The characterisation of the UK Biobank cohort with cerebrovascular disease will form the basis for ongoing research using this data source.

Common polygenic risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with cognitive ability in the general population

Cognitive impairment is common among individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has been suggested that some aspects of intelligence are preserved or even superior in people with ASD compared with controls, but consistent evidence is lacking. Few studies have examined the genetic overlap between cognitive ability and ASD/ADHD. The aim of this study was to examine the polygenic overlap between ASD/ADHD and cognitive ability in individuals from the general population. Polygenic risk for ADHD and ASD was calculated from genome-wide association studies of ASD and ADHD conducted by the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium. Risk scores were created in three independent cohorts: Generation Scotland Scottish Family Health Study (GS:SFHS) (n=9863), the Lothian Birth Cohorts 1936 and 1921 (n=1522), and the Brisbane Adolescent Twin Sample (BATS) (n=921). We report that polygenic risk for ASD is positively correlated with general cognitive ability (beta=0.07, P=6 × 10(-7), r(2)=0.003), logical memory and verbal intelligence in GS:SFHS. This was replicated in BATS as a positive association with full-scale intelligent quotient (IQ) (beta=0.07, P=0.03, r(2)=0.005). We did not find consistent evidence that polygenic risk for ADHD was associated with cognitive function; however, a negative correlation with IQ at age 11 years (beta=-0.08, Z=-3.3, P=0.001) was observed in the Lothian Birth Cohorts. These findings are in individuals from the general population, suggesting that the relationship between genetic risk for ASD and intelligence is partly independent of clinical state. These data suggest that common genetic variation relevant for ASD influences general cognitive ability.

A rare form of cardiomyopathy: left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy

Left ventricular non-compaction is a recently recognized, rare form of cardiomyopathy. It is based on the arrest of endomyocardial morphogenesis during embryogenesis. It was first described in 1984 by Engberding who described it as isolated ‘sinusoids’ within the LV. Right now its prevalence is estimated at 0.014 to 1.3 and 3–4% in heart failure patients. Its clinical manifestations are highly variable, ranging from no symptoms to disabling congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and systemic thromboemboli. Doppler Echocardiogram is considered the diagnostic procedure of choice and treatment is symptomatic management of its symptoms and complications.