Parallel And Divergent Morphological Adaptations Underlying The Evolution of Jumping Ability in Ants.

Jumping is a rapid locomotory mode widespread in terrestrial organisms. However, it is a rare specialization in ants. Forward jumping has been reported within four distantly related ant genera: Gigantiops, Harpegnathos, Myrmecia, and Odontomachus. The temporal engagement of legs/body parts during jump, however, varies across these genera. It is unknown what morphological adaptations underlie such behaviors and whether jumping in ants is solely driven directly by muscle contraction or additionally relies on elastic recoil mechanism. We investigated the morphological adaptations for jumping behavior by comparing differences in the locomotory musculature between jumping and non-jumping relatives using X-ray micro-CT and 3D morphometrics. We found that the size-specific volumes of the trochanter depressor muscle (scm6) of the middle and hind legs are 3-5 times larger in jumping ants, and that one coxal remotor muscle (scm2) is reduced in volume in the middle and/or hind legs. Notably, the enlargement in the volume of other muscle groups is directly linked to the legs or body parts engaged during the jump. Furthermore, a direct comparison of the muscle architecture revealed two significant differences between jumping vs. non-jumping ants: First, the relative Physiological Cross-Sectional Area (PCSA) of the trochanter depressor muscles of all three legs were larger in jumping ants, except in the front legs of Odontomachus rixosus and Myrmecia nigrocincta; second, the relative muscle fiber length was shorter in jumping ants compared to non-jumping counterparts, except in the front legs of O. rixosus and M. nigrocincta. These results suggest that the difference in relative muscle volume in jumping ants is largely invested in the area (PCSA), and not in fiber length. There was no clear difference in the pennation angle between jumping and non-jumping ants. Additionally, we report that the hind leg length relative to body length was longer in jumping ants. Based on direct comparison of the observed vs. possible work and power output during jumps, we surmise that direct muscle contractions suffice to explain jumping performance in three species, except for O. rixosus, where the lack of data on jumping performance prevents us from drawing definitive conclusions for this particular species. We suggest that increased investment in jumping-relevant musculature is a primary morphological adaptation that separates jumping from non-jumping ants. These results elucidate the common and idiosyncratic morphological changes underlying this rare adaptation in ants. まとぅみ (Okinawan language-Uchinaaguchi) (Japanese) РЕЗЮМЕ (Kazakh) ZUSAMMENFASSUNG (German).

Altered biomass allocation and quality improvement in roots of Indian ginseng Withania somnifera Dunal. Linn. through physiological interventions.

Ashwagandha (W. somnifera Dunal. Linn.), known as Indian ginseng, contains three major bioactive compounds, withaferin-A (WA), 12-deoxywithastramonolide (WO) and withanoloide A (WD). In a field experiment, the impacts of foliar application of growth retardants/promoters was assessed with respect to biomass allocation pattern and major withanoloide content at different phenological stages in W. somnifera. Biomass accumulation pattern showed that foliar application of 500 mg l-1ethrel at 50, 65, 85, 105, and 120 days after sowing (DAS) restricted phenological progression and reduced berry weight by 61% as comparted to the control at 160 DAS. 500 mg l-1 succinic acid foliar application resulted in maximum plant height (56.4 cm), maximum dry stem weight (DWS) and dry root weight (DRW) whereas 500 mg l-1 ethrel had resulted in minimum plant height and DRW at 180 DAS. During last 50 days of crop growth, the accumulation pattern drastically changed with more than 60% of the biomass allotment to the reproductive part, the berries. The WD in roots ranged between 0.325 mg g-1and 0.342 mg g-1 during all growth stages. WA content decreased with increase in progression of crop growth and reached the lowest at 180-190 DAS. In a pot experiment, ethrel application up regulated DWF-5 by 2.44, SQE by 3.79 and CYP450s by 1.17 log2fold in roots 8 h after treatment and succinic acid had up regulated the expression of all these genes by nearly 3 log2fold change. This is in accordance with the withanoloide accumulation pattern in field condition under foliar application of these molecules.

COXPD9 an Evolving Multisystem Disease; Congenital Lactic Acidosis, Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Cirrhosis and Interstitial Nephritis.

We present the second report of combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency-9. The infant presented in the neonatal period with poor feeding, lactic acidosis and sensorineural hearing loss. He subsequently developed a lethal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy during infancy. Cirrhosis and interstitial nephritis were identified at autopsy. Exome sequencing has detected compound heterozygous mutations in the MRPL3 gene which encodes a large mitochondrial ribosome subunit protein. We identified a known heterozygous variant NM_007208 c.950>G (Pro317Arg) in the MRPL3 gene and a novel heterozygous mutation NM_007208 c.49delC p.(Arg17Aspfs*57). Mutations in MRPL3 have previously been shown to alter ribosome assembly and cause abnormal function of multiple respiratory chain complexes. Our case adds to the evolving knowledge of disorders of mitochondrial translation.

Alzheimer's Disease and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Is there any Association?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders respectively, with devastating effects not only on the individual but also the society. Collectively, a number of factors contribute to the expression of ASD and AD. It is of utmost curiosity that these disorders express at different stages of life and there is an involvement of certain susceptible genes. This genetic basis makes the background of common associations like memory deficits, cognition changes, demyelination, oxidative stress and inflammation, an integral part of both disorders. Modern technology resulting in genetically modified crops and increase in gadgets emitting electromagnetic frequencies have resulted in enhanced risks for neurological dysfunctions and disorders like ASD and AD. Subsequent advances in the psychological, pharmacological, biochemical and nutritional aspects of the disorders have resulted in the development of newer therapeutic approaches. The common clinical features like language impairment, executive functions, and motor problems have been discussed along with the patho-physiological changes, role of DNA methylation, myelin development, and heavy metals in the expression of these disorders. Psychopharmacological and nutritional approaches towards the reduction and management of risk factors have gained attention from the researchers in recent years. Current major therapies either target the inflammatory pathways or reduce cellular oxidative stress. This contribution focuses on the commonalities of the two disorders.

Synchronous Thyroid Involvement in Plasma Cell Leukemia Masquerading as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Role of Ancillary Cytology Techniques in Diagnostic Workup.

Neoplastic plasma cell involvement of thyroid is an uncommon condition, and it may involve thyroid in multiple myeloma or solitary plasmacytoma. Its clinical and pathological features are not well understood. We present a rare case of synchronous thyroid involvement in plasma cell leukemia presenting as thyroid nodule with primary hypothyroidism. Simultaneous cytology, immunocytochemistry, FISH analysis with 13q14.3 and TP53 on cytology smears and haematology workup were performed to diagnose and to understand disease pathobiology with poor outcome.

Accumulation of three important bioactive compounds in different plant parts of Withania somnifera and its determination by the LC-ESI-MS-MS (MRM) method.

A comprehensive experiment was conducted to study the accumulation pattern and determination of three important bioactive compounds namely withaferin-A (WA), 12-deoxywithastramonolide (WO) and withanolide-A (WD) and its determination by the liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS) method in root, stem, fruits and leaves of Withania somnifera. A rapid and sensitive LC-ESI-MS-MS method was developed and validated for the determination of these three important bioactive compounds, having same molecular weight. The multiple reaction monitoring method was established by two transitions for each analyte and intense transition used for quantification. Separation of the three analytes was achieved within a run time of 5 min on an RP-18 column using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% acetic acid in water in an isocratic condition. The developed method was validated as per the ICH guidelines. The developed method was found to be suitable for identification and quantification of WA, WO and WD in different plant parts such as roots, stems, fruits and leaves of W. somnifera. The accumulation of WA was highest in leaves samples (8.84 ± 0.37 mg/g) and it was 2.23, 5.85 and 27.26 times higher than its concentration in fruits, stems and roots, respectively. WO and WD contents were highest (0.44 ± 0.016 and 0.72 ± 0.016 mg/g, respectively) in root.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an immune disorder characterized by uncontrolled inflammation due to defective immune response. It may be familial or acquired, but both share a common feature of threatening the life of a patient and may lead to death unless treated by appropriate treatment. Here in we report a case of adult HLH.

Stability-indicating liquid chromatographic method for the determination of Letrozole in pharmaceutical formulations.

A stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the determination of Letrozole in tablet dosage forms. Reversed-phase chromatography was performed on Shimadzu Model LC-Class-Vp with Lichrocart/Lichrosphere 100 C-18 (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm particle size) column with methanol: tetra butyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate (80:20V/V) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min with UV detection at 240 nm. Linearity was observed in the concentration range of 0.5-150 µg/mL (R2=0.9998) with regression equation y=102582x+43185. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) were found to be 0.043 and 0.012 µg/mL respectively. The forced degradation studies were performed by using HCl, NaOH, H2O2, thermal and UV radiation. Letrozole is more sensitive towards alkaline conditions and very much resistant towards acidic, oxidative and photolytic degradations. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines. The RSD for intra-day (0.78-0.97) and inter-day (0.86-0.96) precision were found to be lesser than 1%. The percentage recovery was in good agreement with the labeled amount in the pharmaceutical formulations and the method is simple, specific, precise and accurate for the determination of Letrozole in pharmaceutical formulations.

Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and horse antithymocyte globulin conditioning regimen for allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation performed in non-HEPA filter rooms for multiply transfused patients with severe aplastic anemia.

Multiply transfused patients of severe aplastic anemia are at increased risk of graft rejection. Five such patients underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from HLA-identical siblings with a fludarabine-based protocol. The conditioning consisted of fludarabine 30 mg/m(2)/day x 6 days, cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg/day x 2 days and horse antithymocyte globulin (ATG) x 4 days. Two different ATG preparations were used: ATGAM (dose 30 mg/kg/day x 4 days) or Thymogam (dose 40 mg/kg/day x 4 days). Engraftment: median time to absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >0.5 x 10(9)/l was 11 days (range: 8-17) and median time to platelet count >20 x 10(9)/l was 11 days (range: 9-17). At a median follow-up of 171 days (range: 47-389), there has been no graft rejection and all patients are in complete remission. Acute GVHD (grade 1) occurred in one patient only. Chronic GVHD developed in two patients (extensive in one and limited in another). The transplants were performed in non-HEPA filter rooms. In only one patient, systemic antifungal therapy (voriconazole) was used. The use of Thymogam brand of ATG for conditioning is being reported for the first time. Our experience suggests that this fludarabine-based protocol allows rapid sustained engraftment in high-risk patients without significant immediate toxicity.

Nephrocalcinosis in preterm babies.

OBJECTIVES: To determine prospectively the incidence and cause of nephrocalcinosis in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Inborn babies of gestation less than 32 weeks or birth weight less than 1500 g were eligible to be entered into a prospective observational study. Two renal ultrasound scans were performed, the first at 1 month postnatal age and the second at term or discharge. Data were collected on gestation, birth weight, sex, race, family history of renal calculi, oliguria on first day, respiratory support (ventilation, steroid, and oxygen dependency), and use of nephrotoxic drugs (gentamicin, vancomycin, and frusemide). Intake of fluid, calcium, and phosphate and plasma urea, creatinine, calcium, and phosphate were recorded for the first 6 weeks of life. Random urinary calcium/creatinine, oxalate/creatinine, and urate/creatinine ratios and tubular absorption of phosphate were measured once at term. RESULTS: A total of 101 preterm infants were studied. Twenty three (23%) had abnormal ultrasound scans. Sixteen (16%) had nephrocalcinosis. On univariate analysis, gestational age, male sex, duration of ventilation, oxygen dependency, duration and frequency of gentamicin treatment, toxic gentamicin/vancomycin levels, and postnatal dexamethasone were significantly associated with nephrocalcinosis. In addition, babies with nephrocalcinosis had a lower intake of fluid, calcium, and phosphate, longer duration of total parenteral nutrition, and higher urinary oxalate/creatinine and urate/creatinine ratios than infants who did not have the condition. There was also a significant association with plasma urea and creatinine but not with plasma calcium or phosphate or urinary calcium. Multivariate analysis showed that the strongest predictors of nephrocalcinosis were duration of ventilation, toxic gentamicin/vancomycin levels, low fluid intake, and male sex. CONCLUSION: 16% of babies born at less than 32 weeks gestation developed nephrocalcinosis. The multifactorial origin, in particular, the association with extreme prematurity and severity of respiratory disease, is confirmed. In addition, an association with male sex, frequency and duration of gentamicin use, and high urinary oxalate and urate excretion is shown.

Paternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 6 causes transient neonatal diabetes.

We report an infant with intrauterine growth retardation and transient neonatal diabetes who has paternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 6. The infant was not dysmorphic and had no congenital anomalies. To our knowledge, this is the third case of paternal uniparental disomy occurring in an infant with transient neonatal diabetes, thus confirming the association.