Mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia: evidence for compromised brain metabolism and oxidative stress

The etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia remain unknown. A parallel transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics approach was employed on human brain tissue to explore the molecular disease signatures. Almost half the altered proteins identified by proteomics were associated with mitochondrial function and oxidative stress responses. This was mirrored by transcriptional and metabolite perturbations. Cluster analysis of transcriptional alterations showed that genes related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress differentiated almost 90% of schizophrenia patients from controls, while confounding drug effects could be ruled out. We propose that oxidative stress and the ensuing cellular adaptations are linked to the schizophrenia disease process and hope that this new disease concept may advance the approach to treatment, diagnosis and disease prevention of schizophrenia and related syndromes.

Normal age-related decay of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness

PURPOSE

To determine the normal age-related loss of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) as measured on Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT 3; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) in an Asian Indian population.

DESIGN

Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred eighty-seven eyes of 187 normal subjects (age range, 5-75 years) who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The subjects were defined as normal if they had visual acuity of 20/30 or better, intraocular pressure less than 22 mmHg with normal optic disc, and no ocular abnormality.

METHODS

All patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation including imaging with Stratus OCT 3. Simple linear regression was performed to study the effect of age on RNFLT, with age as the independent variable and RNFLT as the dependent variable. Spearman's correlation was studied between the age and RNFLT. An analysis of variance was applied to compare RNFLT between the different age groups. The chi-square test also was used to evaluate the relationship between age and RNFLT.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Effect of age on RNFLT.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-seven eyes of 187 normal subjects were analyzed. Mean age+/-standard deviation was 33.0+/-19.7 years (range, 5-75). Average RNFLT and RNFLT by quadrant demonstrated the tendency of RNFLT to decrease with increasing age, especially after age 50 years. Average RNFLT demonstrated a negative slope of 0.16 microm/year (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.1 to -0.24). By quadrant, the superior average (negative slope, -0.23 microm/year; 95% CI, -0.1 to -0.34) showed a maximum tendency to decline with age, whereas in the inferior quadrant (negative slope, -0.08 microm/year; 95% CI, 0.05 to -0.24), the age-related decay was minimal. Six clock-hour RNFLT had a least negative slope of -0.022 microm/year (95% CI, -0.08 to -0.1). Chi-square test results showed a significant inverse relationship between age and average RNFLT (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) loss is not uniform in all the quadrants, with maximum loss in the superior quadrant, and seems to reach a maximum after the age of 50 years. Furthermore, it seems that inferior quadrant RNFL is more resistant to loss.

Expression of Fas ligand by microglia: possible role in glioma immune evasion

The immune-privileged status of the central nervous system is thought to limit the application of immunotherapy for treatment of malignant brain tumors. Because the Fas pathway has been proposed to play a role in immune evasion, we examined the effect of tumor environment on the expression of Fas ligand (FasL) in a mouse glioma model. Immunoblotting revealed the expression of membrane-bound FasL to nearly double when murine G26 gliomas were propagated intracranially (IC) as compared to subcutaneously (SC). Further analysis by flow cytometry revealed microglia, which were absent in the SC tumors, to account for half of the FasL expression in the IC tumors. Interestingly, when FasL activity was inhibited in IC tumors, the proportion of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes increased three-fold, reaching the same frequency as the SC tumors. These observations suggest that microglia are a major source of FasL expression in brain tumors and possibly contribute to the local immunosuppressive milieu of malignant gliomas.

Diagnostic capability of optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT 3) in early glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic capability of optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT 3) for early glaucoma in Asian Indian eyes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Two groups of patients (early glaucoma and normal) who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Early glaucoma was diagnosed in presence of open angles, characteristic glaucomatous optic disc changes correlating with the visual field on automated perimetry (visual field defect fulfilling at least 2 of Anderson and Patella's 3 criteria with mean deviation > or = -6 dB). Normals had visual acuity > or =20/30, intraocular pressure <22 mmHg with normal optic disc and fields and no ocular abnormality.

METHODS

All patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation including visual field examination (24-2/30-2 SITA standard program) and imaging with Stratus OCT 3.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, area under the receiving operating characteristic curve and likelihood ratios were calculated for various Stratus OCT 3 parameters.

RESULTS

Seventy-two eyes (72 patients) with early glaucoma and 96 eyes (96 normal subjects) were analyzed. The inferior maximum parameter had the best combination of sensitivity and specificity, 75% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.2-79.8%) and 89.6% (95% CI, 82.6-96.6%), respectively. The 6-o'clock parameter had a sensitivity of 61.1% (95% CI, 52.3-69.9) and specificity of 99% (95% CI, 95-100); for an assumed prevalence of 5%, the positive and negative predictive values were 75% and 98%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio for the 6-o'clock parameter (P<5%) in early glaucoma was 61.

CONCLUSIONS

Optical coherence tomography has moderate sensitivity with high specificity for the diagnosis of early glaucoma and may have a potential role in screening.

Protein profiling of human postmortem brain using 2-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE)

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-D GE) is a key tool for comparative proteomics research. With its ability to separate complex protein mixtures with high resolution, 2-D GE is a technique commonly employed for protein profiling studies. Significant improvements have been made in 2-D GE technology with the development of two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE), where proteins are first labelled with one of three spectrally resolvable fluorescent cyanine dyes before being separated over first and second dimensions according to their charge and size, respectively. When used in conjunction with automated analysis packages, this multiplexing approach can accurately and reproducibly quantify protein expression for control and experimental groups. Differentially expressed proteins can be subsequently identified by mass spectrometric methods. Here, we describe the successful application and optimisation of 2-D DIGE technology for human postmortem brain studies. This technology, especially when coupled with other functional genomics approaches, such as transcriptomics and metabolomics studies, will enhance our current understanding of human disease and lead to new therapeutic and diagnostic possibilities.

Retinal nerve fibre layer imaging compared with histological measurements in a human eye

PURPOSE

A feasibility study comparing retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness values obtained with imaging devices against RNFL thickness measurements obtained histologically in a human eye.

DESIGN

A single patient scheduled for orbital exenteration, who still possessed a healthy functioning eye.

METHODS

Before surgery, the eye was imaged using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser polarimetry (SLP). After orbital exenteration, the globe was sectioned, and 100 equidistant RNFL thickness measurements were obtained for each of four concentric rings centred on the optic disc, with diameters of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 mm.

RESULTS

RNFL thickness was found to be inversely related to the distance from the centre of the optic disc along each radial meridian. Peripapillary RNFL thickness was found comparable for histology, OCT, and SLP. RNFL thickness measured histologically confirmed a 'double hump' pattern, peaking at the superior and inferior poles. Histologically derived RNFL thickness (microm), at 3.0 and 3.5 mm diameter ring ranged between 30-135 and 25-115 respectively. In comparison, the 3.0 mm diameter GDx data ranged between 25 and 100, and the 3.4 mm diameter OCT data between 40 and 175.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging data appear qualitatively similar when compared to the histologically derived data. Quantitative differences may be partly due to scaling differences and histological artefacts. The histological analysis approach demonstrated in this study can potentially serve to validate imaging-derived data, as well as help improve our understanding of RNFL loss in glaucoma.

Botulinum neurotoxin types B and E: purification, limited proteolysis by endoproteinase Glu-C and pepsin, and comparison of their identified cleaved sites relative to the three-dimensional structure of type A neurotoxin

Botulinum neurotoxin (NT) serotypes B and E are approximately 150 kDa proteins. Isolated from the liquid culture of Clostridium botulinum the NT type E is a single chain protein while the NT type B, from the proteolytic strain of the bacteria, is a mixture of dichain (nicked within a disulfide loop located about one-third the way from the N-terminus to the C-terminus) protein and its precursor single-chain protein. Endoproteinase Glu-C (EC 3.4.21.19) and pepsin (EC 3.4.23.1) were used for controlled digestion of NT types B and E; the amino acid residues flanking many of the cleavable peptide bonds were identified and the corresponding proteolytic fragments partially characterized. Chemical identification of 82 and 108 residues of types B and E NT, respectively, revealed that the residue 738 and 1098 in type E NT, identified as Leu and Asn, respectively, differ from those deduced from nucleotide sequences. Several fragments overlapped spanning various segments of the NT's functional domains; they appear to have potential for structure-function studies of the NT. The cleavage sites were compared with the previously determined proteolyzed sites on NT types A and E. The cleavage sites of the NT types A, B and E, all exposed on the protein surface, were scrutinized in the context of the three-dimensional structure of crystallized NT type A [Lacy, D.B., Stevens, R.C., 1999. J. Mol. Biol. 291, 1091-1104]. Detailed procedures for isolation of pure NT types B and E in large quantities (average yield 92 and 62 mg, respectively) suitable for crystallization are reported.

Documentation and quantitative analysis of local ethnozoological knowledge among traditional healers of Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This study investigated the use of animals among the traditional healers in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India. The data regarding the medicinal animals/animal products were documented and their usages were analyzed quantitatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on free list interviews with the traditional healers, we documented the medicinal usage of animals/animal products and calculated the indices such as informant consensus factor (Fic) to determine the consensus over the species for an illness category, as well as the Index Agreement on Remedies (IAR) to determine the extent of potential utilization of each species.

RESULTS

In this study, 69 medicinal animals/animal products were documented with the help of standardized questionnaires among the local healers. The results were tabulated and Fic value for each illness category was calculated. Three illness categories viz., jaundice (milk of Capra aegagrus hircus), orthopedics (egg white and meat of Gallus gallus domesticus) and pediatrics (milk of Equus africanus asinus) had got high Fic values. Fifteen illness categories had moderate Fic values. Highly cited animals in these illness categories were: Rusa unicolor (antiemetic), Reticulitermes spp. (diabetes), flesh of Varanus benghalensis (oral ailments), milk (eye ailments, fever) and urine (antidote) of Homo sepians, meat of Trachypithecus johnii (respiratory ailments), various parts of C. aegagrus hircus (blood ailments, coolants, diarrhea, pulmonary and urinary ailments), flesh of Chamaeleon zeyalnica (neural ailments), meat of Passer domesticus (aphrodisiac), curd and dung of Bos primigenius taurus (dermatological ailments), meat of G. domesticus (musculo-skeletal disorders, analgesic), meat of Lissemys punctata (hemorrhoids), and Pherthima posthuma (psychological ailments). Six illness categories had low Fic values.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that the animals are still being used by the local healers of Theni district, to treat various illnesses. Cross-disciplinary approaches to explore the full potential of animal-derived medicines will help to improve the health of local people.

Duplication of the urethra

Accessory urethra or duplication of the urethra is a rare anomaly. The vast majority occur in the sagittal plane; however, collateral or side-by-side duplications in the absence of bladder duplication also exist. We report six cases of urethral duplications. The mode of presentation and the importance of complete examination are discussed.

Assessment of colorectal cancer knowledge and patient attitudes towards screening: is Ireland ready to embrace colon cancer screening?

INTRODUCTION

The level of awareness among the Irish public regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain. This study aimed to characterise CRC knowledge levels among a cohort of Irish patients.

METHODS

A survey evaluating CRC knowledge levels was distributed among outpatients at a gastroenterology clinic in a Dublin teaching hospital.

RESULTS

In total, 472 surveys were distributed of which 465 (98.5%) were returned. Twenty-nine percent of respondents correctly judged CRC to be the commonest cause of cancer death among the options provided while 26% correctly judged the lifetime risk of CRC; 59% underestimated and 15% overestimated the risk. Most patients (91%) were willing to pay 300 euros for a prompt colonoscopy if recommended by their physician while 7% opted to wait 6 months for a free colonoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a willingness to embrace CRC screening and to shoulder some of the financial burden that this entails.

Spontaneous biliary perforation in a child with features of Ivemark syndrome

A case of spontaneous biliary perforation is reported for the following noteworthy aspects: its rare mode of presentation as an acute intestinal obstruction; its presentation in late infancy; and its association with Ivemark syndrome.

Diagnostic capability of scanning laser polarimetry with variable cornea compensator in Indian patients with early primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic ability of scanning laser polarimetry (GDx variable corneal compensator [VCC]) for early glaucoma in Asian Indian eyes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Two groups of patients (early glaucoma and normal) who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Early glaucoma was diagnosed in presence of open angles, characteristic glaucomatous optic disc changes correlating with the visual field (VF) on automated perimetry (VF defect fulfilling at least 2 of 3 Anderson and Patella's criteria with mean deviation >or= -6 decibels). Normal subjects had visual acuity >or= 20/30 and intraocular pressure < 22 mmHg, with a normal optic disc and fields and no ocular abnormality.

METHODS

All patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, including VF examination (24-2/30-2 Swedish interactive threshold algorithm standard program) and imaging with GDx VCC.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, area under the receiving operating characteristic curve, and likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated for various GDx VCC parameters.

RESULTS

Seventy-four eyes (74 patients) with early glaucoma and 104 eyes (104 normal subjects) were enrolled. TSNIT Std Dev (temporal-superior-nasal-inferior-temporal standard deviation) had the best combination of sensitivity and specificity-61.3 and 95.2, respectively-followed by nerve fiber index score > 50 (sensitivity, 52.7%; specificity, 99%). Nerve fiber index score > 50 had positive and negative predictive values of 74.3% and 97.6%, respectively, for an assumed glaucoma prevalence of 5%. Nerve fiber index score > 50 had a positive LR (+LR) of 54.8 for early glaucoma.

CONCLUSIONS

GDx VCC has moderate sensitivity, with high specificity, in the diagnosis of early glaucoma. The high +LR for the nerve fiber index score can provide valuable diagnostic information for individual patients.

Adenocarcinoma of the colon as a second malignancy in a child

Solid tumors as second malignancies are not common in children who have been managed for lymphoproliferative disorders. We report a case of adenocarcinoma (AC) of the colon as a second malignancy in a patient who was on maintenance chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In children, primary AC of the colon is very rare; colonic AC occurring as a second malignancy in a child is rarer still. A case of AC of the colon following chemotherapy for ALL has not yet been published.

A scientometric analysis and recent advances of emerging chitosan-based biomaterials as potential catalyst for biodiesel production: A review

Chitosan is a widely available polymer with a reasonably high abundance, as well as a sustainable, biodegradable, and biocompatible material with different functional groups that are used in a wide range of operations. Chitosan is frequently employed in widespread applications such as environmental remediation, adsorption, catalysts, and drug formulation. The goal of this review is to discuss the potential applications of chitosan and its chemically modified solids as a catalyst in biodiesel production. The existing manuscripts are integrated based on the nature of materials used as chitosan and its modifications. A short overview of chitosan's structural characteristics, properties, and some ideal methods to be considered in catalysis activities are addressed. This article includes an analysis of a chitosan-based scientometric conducted between 1975 and 2023 using VOS viewer 1.6.19. To identify developments and technological advances in chitosan research, the significant scientometric features of yearly publication results, documents country network, co-authorship network, documents funding sponsor, documents institution network, and documents category in domain analysis were examined. This review covers a variety of organic transformations and their effects, including chitosan reactions against acids, bases, metals, metal oxides, organic compounds, lipases, and Knoevenagel condensation. The catalytic capabilities of chitosan and its modified structures for producing biodiesel through transesterification reactions are explored in depth.

Review of Indian Allacta Saussure amp; Zehntner, 1895 (Blattodea: Ectobiidae: Pseudophyllodromiinae), with description of three new species

The known species of Allacta Saussure Zehntner, 1895 in India are reviewed. Three new species, A. jcenpro sp. nov., A. vellimalai sp. nov., and A. kollimalai sp. nov., are described. All are placed under hamifera species group. The new species can be differentiated from other members of hamifera species group by the pronotal and facial markings, the structure of the male genitalia and other morphological characters. Additional reports to A. kalakadensis Prabakaran Senraj 2019 and A. figurata (Walker, 1871) are provided. A key to the known species of Indian Allacta is provided.

Boxing Match Gone Awry- A Punch over the Head Leading to Eccentric Proptosis in a Child

The most common ocular pathologic conditions in amateur boxing are sub conjunctival haemorrhage, lid injuries, cataract, pupil deformation, angle abnormalities and retinal tear. Proptosis due to frontoethmoidal mucocele in young is one of the least common complications seen in boxers. Here, we discuss a rare case of unilateral eccentric proptosis of right eye in a child after he was punched over the right side of the head during a boxing match. He came with complaints of swelling of upper eyelid. Examination revealed right sided eccentric proptosis with restricted ocular movements and defective vision. Computed Tomography (CT) of orbit showed a well-defined isodense lesion with smooth margins arising from the frontal sinus, extending inferiorly to anterior ethmoidal sinus which caused mass effect over right eye and ocular muscles which resulted in displacement of the eye ball. Otolaryngologist’s opinion was obtained. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) was done. Postoperatively vision improved with no proptosis and eyeball returned to its normal position.

An optimised gene selection approach using wavelet power spectrum

Data mining is a boon to many fields like bioinformatics for processing a vast amount of data. In our previous paper, we proposed a novel feature selection method for microarray data classification using Wavelet Power Spectrum (WPS). In this paper, we present optimisation techniques to improve the quality of the features thus selected and to select 'tight genes' from various cancer microarrays. The results show that 'tight genes' thus selected were more qualitative and could be used for a wide variety of data sets. Also, 'tight genes' thus selected in this mining process could be used with any existing classification approach.

Canalicular Adenoma of Parotid- A Rare Case Report

Salivary gland canalicular adenoma is rare yet benign. It accounts for fewer than 1% of salivary tumors and is the third most common non-cancerous mass in the small salivary glands. A 45-year-old presented to the outpatient department with complaints of swelling in the left parotid region for the past 3 years. Examination revealed a firm swelling in the left parotid region. USG and MRI revealed features suggestive of pleomorphic adenoma. Superficial parotidectomy was planned but intra-operatively, the mass was seen between the two lobes of the parotid, which was removed, and on histopathological examination, it was diagnosed as canalicular adenoma. Post-operatively, the patient's condition is excellent.

Audiological Assessment in Post COVID19 Patients- A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Hearing loss following a viral infection is a common entity. In recent studies, hearing loss has been seen among Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients, but its association is yet to be established. Aim: To determine the presence of hearing loss and its type in patients after COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary health centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, from October 2021 to April 2022. Total of 125 patients, who had a positive history of COVID-19 infection, were reviewed in the Otorhinolaryngology Department, one month after they were tested Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive. After obtaining proper clinical history and examination, Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) were done. Audiological report was assessed and analysed. Qualitative variables will be expressed in proportions and quantitative variables in Mean±SD/ Median (IQR), Chi- square test was applied. Results: This study included 65 males (52%) and 60 females (48%), and the mean age was 38.44±10.9 years years. Among the 125 patients, 12 (9.6%) were diabetic, 14 (11.2%) were hypertensive, 5 (4%) had dyslipidaemia, 3 (2.4%) were hypothyroid, while remaining 91 patients (72.8%) had no comorbidities. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) was found among 45 patients (34 with unilateral and 11 with bilateral involvement). Out of them, 2 (4.5%) (4.5%) were in the age group of 18-30 years, 19 (42.2%) in 31-45 years and 24 (53.3%) between 46-60 years age group. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hearing loss, 27 patients had mild sensorineural hearing loss, 12 patients with moderate, and 6 patients with moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: SNHL were found among patients who had COVID-19 infection, but due to the absence of a pre COVID-19 documented audiogram, it was difficult to conclude whether the hearing loss had occurred due to COVID-19, pre-existing hearing loss, or age-related. Further studies are required for proper understanding and correlation.

Profile of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate at a Public Hospital in Southern India

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the pattern of cleft lip and cleft palate cases and their operative management at a tertiary-care hospital.

METHODS

Data of all patients (<18 year) with cleft lip and cleft palate operated between 2011 and 2016 were extracted from the records and analyzed.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 1643 cases (60.9% males). Mean (SD) age at the time of surgery was 8.9 (10.17) years. Left-sided cleft clip was more common. Complete hard palate type of cleft palate on left was present in 787 (47.90%). Primary Cleft Palate repair was most common procedure (492, 29.9% children, followed by primary lip nose unilateral in 458 (27.9%) and lip nose revision in 298 (21.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Data on age at presentation and procedures used for correction of cleft lip and cleft palate are presented.

Epithelioid Hemangioma of Tongue a Case Report

Epithelioid hemangioma is an uncommon benign vascular lesion which most commonly appears as a nodular lesion in the head and neck area. Here, we present a rare case of nodular swelling in the dorsal aspect of the tongue in a 30 year old male for the past 3 months. Excision of growth was done and histopathological examination revealed epithelioid hemangioma of the tongue. Patient is on regular follow up and there is no evidence of recurrence.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03969-x.