Aza-Flavanone Diminishes Parkinsonism in the Drosophila melanogaster Parkin Mutant

Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease, induced by slow and progressive death of the dopaminergic (DA) neurons from the midbrain region called substantia nigra (SNc) leading to difficulty in locomotion. At present, very few potential therapeutic drugs are available for treatment, necessitating an urgent need for development. In the current study, the parkin transgenic Drosophila melanogaster model that induces selective loss in dopaminergic neurons and impairment of locomotory functions has been used to see the effect of the aza-flavanone molecule. D. melanogaster serves as an amazing in vivo model making valuable contribution in the development of promising treatment strategies. Our in-silico study showed spontaneous binding of this molecule to the D2 receptor making it a potential dopamine agonist. PARKIN protein is well conserved, and it has been reported that Drosophila PARKIN is 42% identical to human PARKIN. Interestingly, this molecule enhances the motor coordination and survivability rate of the transgenic flies along with an increase in expression of the master regulator of Dopamine synthesis, that is, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), in the substantia nigra region of the fly brain. Moreover, it plays a significant effect on mitochondrial health and biogenesis via modulation of a conserved mitochondrial protein PHB2. Therefore, this molecule could lead to the development of an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of PD.

Inhibitory role of oleanolic acid and esculetin in HeLa cells involve multiple signaling pathways

The global burden of cervical cancer from low and middle-income groups is increasing at alarming rates with more than half a million women being diagnosed every year. Although the disease is largely preventable when screened and diagnosed in earlier stages, the development of resistance and relapse had resulted in a poor prognosis. Therefore, a comprehensive approach needs to be put forward to understand and develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies to effectively combat cancer. Recently, much attention has been diverted to plant-derivatives for the treatment as they exhibit potent anti-cancer properties and side-effects caused by chemotherapeutic agents can also be prevented. Oleanolic acid and Esculetin are natural compounds known for their anti-cancer properties. Hence, the present study investigates the effect and mechanism of these compounds on cervical carcinoma, using HeLa cells. Posttreatment, it was observed that these compounds inhibited proliferation by both arresting the cells in the sub G1 phase and inducing senescence. Also, a marked reduction in the migration and cell survival was observed, as evidenced by results obtained from wound healing assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Furthermore, studies on the expression pattern of genes involved in major signaling pathways demonstrated a profound effect of these compounds. Taken together, the results of our study suggest that both Oleanolic acid and esculetin serve as a plausible therapeutic agent.

Outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is increasing in the pediatric population. Pediatric recipients of solid organ transplantation (SOT) may be at a higher risk for CDI in part because of chemotherapy and prolonged hospitalization.

METHODS

We utilized data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database to study the incidence and outcomes related to CDI as a complicating factor in pediatric recipients of SOT.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that hospitalized children with SOT have increased rates of infection, with the greatest risk for younger children with additional comorbidities and severe illness. The type of transplanted organ affects the risk for CDI, with the lowest incidence observed in renal transplant patients.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of CDI in the pediatric SOT population contributes to a greater length of stay and higher hospital charges. However, CDI is not an independent predictor of increased in- hospital mortality in these patients.

Hepatorenal syndrome in hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease: results from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2002–2012

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We conducted a retrospective national database study to determine the epidemiology of HRS in hospitalized patients with CLD. Data from a Nationwide Inpatient Sample were extracted from 2002 to 2012 using ICD-9-CM codes related to CLD and HRS. The following outcomes were examined: in-hospital mortality, total charges, length of stay (LOS), patient demographics, procedures, complications, and comorbidities. Statistical analysis including regression was performed to examine factors associated with HRS. During 2002–2012, hospital discharges related to CLD increased from 407,246 to 836,475 with an increase of 37.9% for HRS as a complication in this population. Patients with CLD and HRS had worse outcomes compared with patients with CLD without HRS. This was manifested as a higher mortality rate (32.0% vs 10.3%), increased LOS (median 7 vs 5 days), and increased hospital costs (median $16,000 vs $11,000). Logistic regression demonstrated that HIV/AIDS (adjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.2 to 3.9), pneumonia (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 2.3 to 3.2), and esophageal variceal bleeding (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 2.0) were associated with higher mortality in patients with HRS. Conversely, liver transplantation (aOR 0.1, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.1), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.6), and hospitalization in the Midwest region of the USA (aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.7) were associated with reduced mortality. The incidence of HRS in hospitalized patients with CLD increased during 2002–2012. HRS is associated with significant mortality and morbidity in these patients.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: the spectrum of computed tomography appearances

Although computed tomography (CT) of the thorax has been compared to plain chest radiography and bronchography for demonstration of central bronchiectasis (CB) in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), the CT presentation of the disease is yet to be highlighted. With this in view, the CT appearances in 23 patients with ABPA were evaluated. The scans were assessed for bronchial, parenchymal and pleural abnormalities. Central bronchiectasis was identified in all patients, involving 114 (85%) of the 134 lobes and 210 (52%) of the 406 segments studied. Other bronchial abnormalities such as dilated and totally occluded bronchi (11 patients), air-fluid levels within dilated bronchi (five patients), bronchial wall thickening (10 patients) and parallel-line shadows (seven patients) were also observed. Parenchymal abnormalities, which had a predilection for upper lobes, included consolidation in 10 (43%) patients, collapse in four (17%) patients and parenchymal scarring in 19 (83%) patients. A total of six cavities were seen in three (13%) patients, and an emphysematous bullae was detected in one (4%) patient. The pleura was involved in 10 (43%) patients. Ipsilateral pleural effusion with collapse was observed in one patient, while in nine other patients, parenchymal, lesions extended up to the pleura. Concomitant allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS) was also detected in three (13%) of the 23 patients. Computed tomography of the thorax in patients with ABPA provides a sensitive method for the assessment of bronchial, parenchymal and pleural abnormalities, and should constitute a part of the diagnostic work of the disease.

Central bronchiectasis in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: comparative evaluation of computed tomography of the thorax with bronchography

Demonstration of central bronchiectasis (CB) with normal peripheral bronchi is an essential requirement for the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Although the results of bronchography remain the gold standard for demonstration of central bronchiectasis they are not always diagnostic. Moreover, it is an unpleasant invasive procedure which may be difficult to perform in a patient of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with acute severe asthma. In an attempt to find a safe and effective alternative to demonstrate central bronchiectasis computed tomography (CT) of the thorax was evaluated against bronchography. Twenty one patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis underwent computed tomography of the thorax followed by bronchography. Of the 378 bronchopulmonary segments available for analysis, 42 had to be excluded because of consolidation or non-filling of the contrast dye, leaving 336 segments for evaluation. CB was identified on CT in all 21 patients. Detailed analysis of the visualized segments revealed that computed tomography (using 8 mm contiguous scans) identified 146 of the 212 segments showing central bronchiectasis on bronchography (sensitivity 70%) and 114 of the 124, read as normal on bronchography (specificity 92%). Supplemental 4 mm scans, used in 8 out of 21 patients improved the overall sensitivity of computed tomography to 83%, whilst the specificity remained unchanged at 92%. Thus, computed tomography of the thorax, being more acceptable to the patient, has the potential of being the investigation of choice for the demonstration of central bronchiectasis in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Pulmonary developmental anomaly associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome and anomalous atrioventricular conduction

We report the findings in a patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome and associated agenesis of right upper and middle lobes, hypoplasia of the right lower lobe of the lung, and Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome. To our knowledge, such an association has not been previously described.

Hypothalamo-pituitary axis by magnetic resonance imaging in isolated growth hormone deficiency patients born by normal delivery

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed using a 1.5 Tesla magnet in 22 children (14 boys and 8 girls) between 5-20 yr of age with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD), born by normal vaginal delivery without any birth asphyxia or trauma. A total of 22 children (10 boys and 12 girls) without short stature and endocrine disease were evaluated as controls. The IGHD group had a height velocity less than 4 cm/yr and delayed bone age. The peak GH levels were less than 10 micrograms/L (mean, 2.4 micrograms/L). The height of the pituitary gland ranged from 3-7.5 mm in controls. An intact stalk was observed in 21 children with IGHD, with nonvisualization in 1. An apparently thin stalk was seen in 6. The posterior lobe identified by the hyperintensity signal, had a mean diameter of 1.84 mm and was located in a normal position in 21 children. An ectopic posterior pituitary hyperintensity was present in 1 patient. The anterior pituitary was hypoplastic in 17 children, with partial empty sella in 13. A total of 5 children had associated brain anomalies, such as Arnold Chiari malformation, craniovertebral malformation with basilar impression, degenerative plaques around posterior horn of lateral ventricle and parietal area, and infarcts in caudate nucleus and putamen. These findings suggest that IGHD was not related to transection or compression of the stalk.