Exploring the influence of organ differentiation on biosynthesis and accumulation of camptothecin in Ophiorrhiza rugosa var. decumbens.

Genus Ophiorrhiza has recently emerged as one of the promising sources of Camptothecin (CPT), an antitumour monoterpene indole alkaloid. It possesses CPT in its every part and has a relatively short life span. To determine whether differentiation plays any role in the synthesis and/or accumulation of CPT, the concentration of CPT was analyzed across various tissues of Ophiorrhiza rugosa var. decumbens obtained through both direct as well as indirect modes of regeneration. The results revealed that the plants obtained from both types of regeneration showed similar levels of CPT. It was also observed that with differentiation, the accumulation of CPT increases, as the callus, being an undifferentiated mass of cells, had only traces of CPT. In contrast, the completely differentiated in-vitro plant obtained from it showed a significantly higher percentage of CPT in shoots (0.22% dry weight) and roots (0.247% dw). The CPT when analyzed after hardening, varied among different organs of the plant. It was also observed that the inflorescence accumulated the highest concentration of CPT (0.348% dw) once the flowering began, accompanied by a decrease in remaining organs. This decrease may result from CPT being mobilized to the inflorescence as a chemical defense mechanism. These findings allowed us to determine the ideal plant harvesting age for CPT extraction. The findings could be used to decide the right stage of plant harvest, which is just before the onset of blooming. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03999-4.

Exploring peptidomes of by-products generated during chhurpi production using Lactobacillus delbrueckii WS4 for identification of novel bioactive peptides.

The considerable value of whey is evident from its significant potential applications and contributions to the functional food and nutraceutical market. The by-products were individually obtained during functional chhurpi and novel soy chhurpi cheese production using defined lactic acid bacterial strains of Sikkim Himalaya's traditional chhurpi. Hydrolysis of substrate proteins by starter proteinases resulted in a comparable peptide content in whey and soy whey which was associated with antioxidant and ACE inhibition potential. Peptidome analysis of Lactobacillus delbrueckii WS4 whey and soy whey revealed the presence of several bioactive peptides including the multifunctional peptides PVVVPPFLQPE and YQEPVLGPVRGPFPIIV. In silico analyses predicted the antihypertensive potential of whey and soy whey peptides with strong binding affinity for ACE active sites. QSAR models predicted the highest ACE inhibition potential (IC50) for the ß-casein-derived decapeptide PVRGPFPIIV (0.95 µM) and the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor protein-derived nonapeptide KNKPLVVQF (16.64 µM). Chhurpi whey and soy whey can be explored as a valuable source of diverse and novel bioactive peptides for applications in designer functional foods development.

Aerosol-PM2.5 Dynamics: in-situ and satellite observations under the influence of regional crop residue burning in post-monsoon over Delhi-NCR, India.

The increasing air pollution in the urban atmosphere is adversely impacts the environment, climate and human health. The alarming degradation of air quality, atmospheric conditions, economy and human life due to air pollution needs significant in-depth studies to ascertain causes, contributions and impacts for developing and implementing an effective policy to combat these issues. This work lies in its multifaceted approach towards comprehensive understanding and mitigating severe pollution episodes in Delhi and its surrounding areas. We investigated the aerosol dynamics in the post-monsoon season (PMS) from 2019-2022 under the influence of both crop residue burning and meteorological conditions. The study involves a broad spectrum of factors, including PM2.5 concentrations, active fire events, and meteorological parameters, shedding light on previously unexplored studies. The average AOD550 (0.799) and PM2.5 concentration (140.12 µg/m³) were the highest in 2019. PM2.5 was higher from mid-October to mid-November each year, exceeding the WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³ (24 hours) by 27 to 34 times, signifying a public health emergency. A moderate to strong correlation between PM2.5 and AOD was found (r = 0.650) in 2021. The hotspot region accounts for almost 50% (2019), 47.51% (2020), 57.91% (2021) and 36.61% (2022) of the total fire events. A statistically significant negative non-linear correlation (r) was observed between wind speed (WS) and both AOD and PM2.5 concentration, influencing air quality over the region. HYSPLIT model and Windrose result show the movement of air masses predominated from the North and North-West direction during PMS. This study suggest to promotes strategies such as alternative waste management, encouraging modern agricultural practices in hot-spot regions, and enforcing strict emission norms for industries and vehicles to reducing air pollution and its detrimental effects on public health in the region and also highlights the need for future possibilities of research to attract the global attention.

Hypopigmented Atrophic Pityriasis Versicolor: A Case of Diagnostic Dilemma.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) also referred to as Peter Elam's disease or tinea versicolor is caused by the Malassezia species which is a chronic-relapsing widespread mycosis. The most common sites involved are the shoulders, upper arms, back, upper trunk, and chest. Atrophying PV is a very rare variant that has rarely been reported in the Indian literature. Hence, in this case report, a 29-year-old male presented with chief complaints of multiple asymptomatic, light-colored lesions over his chest, shoulder, and arms for three months. On examination, multiple well-defined hypopigmented macules of varying sizes with fine scales were observed on the patient's chest, shoulders, and arms. Dermoscopic examination revealed nonuniform perifollicular hypopigmentation with clearly demarcated borders, patchy scaling, and inconspicuous ridges and furrows. Moreover, a histopathological examination was performed that reported flattening of rete ridges along with fungal hyphae and spores which consequently confirmed the diagnosis. The medical intervention with antifungal agents was prescribed by the dermatologist, after which the lesion was completely resolved and the follow-up period reported no recurrence of the lesions demonstrating positive outcomes. In conclusion, diagnosing atrophic PV which is a rare variant of PV can be challenging. Hence, accurate diagnosis along with appropriate and adequate intervention can lead to the resolution of the condition and can prevent its recurrence.

A Comprehensive Review of Minimally Invasive Dermatosurgical Procedures.

Minimally invasive dermatosurgical procedures have revolutionized the field of dermatology, offering patients effective treatment options with reduced risks and downtime. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these procedures, beginning with their definition and historical context. We classify minimally invasive techniques, including both surgical and nonsurgical approaches, and explore their wide-ranging applications in cosmetic and therapeutic dermatology. Patient selection, preoperative assessment, techniques, clinical outcomes, and comparisons with traditional surgical methods are thoroughly examined. The implications for clinical practice are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrating minimally invasive techniques into dermatologic care to enhance patient outcomes. Furthermore, areas for future research are identified, highlighting the need for ongoing studies to optimize techniques, evaluate long-term outcomes, and explore emerging technologies. Overall, this review underscores the significance of minimally invasive dermatosurgical procedures in advancing dermatologic practice and improving patient care.

Role of Rmd9p in 3'-end processing of mitochondrial 15S rRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Ribosome biogenesis, involving processing/assembly of rRNAs and r-proteins is a vital process. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria, ribosomal small subunit comprises 15S rRNA (15S). While the 15S 5'-end processing uses Ccm1p and Pet127p, the mechanisms of the 3'-end processing remain unclear. We reveal involvement of Rmd9p in safeguarding/processing 15S 3'-end. Rmd9p deficiency results in a cleavage at a position 183 nucleotides upstream of 15S 3'-end, and in the loss of the 3'-minor domain. Rmd9p binds to the sequences in the 3'-end region of 15S, and a genetic interaction between rmd9 and dss1 indicates that Rmd9p regulates/limits mtEXO activity during the 3'-end spacer processing.

Biochemical characterization of a novel acid-active endopolygalacturonase for pectin depolymerization, pectic-oligomer production, and fruit juice clarification.

Endopolygalacturonases are crucial pectinases known for their efficient and sustainable pectin depolymerization activities. The present study identified a novel gene encoding endopolygalacturonase from an acidic mine tailing metagenome. The putative gene showed a maximum identity of 67.55 % with an uncharacterized peptide sequence from Flavobacterium fluvii. The gene was cloned and expressed in a heterologous host, E. coli. Biochemical characterization of the novel endopolygalacturonase enzyme variant (EPHM) showed maximum activity at 60 °C and at 5.0 pH, while retaining 50 % activity under the temperature and pH range of 20 °C to 70 °C for 6 h, and 3.0 to 10.0 for 3 h, respectively. The enzyme exhibited tolerance to different metal ions. EPHM was characterized for the depolymerization of methylated pectin into pectic oligosaccharides. Further, its utility was established for fruit juice clarification, as endorsed by high transmittance, significant viscosity reduction, and release of reducing sugars in the treated fruit juice samples.

A novel thermotolerant L-rhamnose isomerase variant for biocatalytic conversion of D-allulose to D-allose.

A novel L-rhamnose isomerase was identified and cloned from an extreme-temperature aquatic habitat metagenome. The deduced amino acid sequence homology suggested the possible source of this metagenomic sequence to be Chloroflexus islandicus. The gene expression was performed in a heterologous host, Escherichia coli, and the recombinant protein L-rhamnose isomerase (L-RIM) was extracted and purified. The catalytic function of L-RIM was characterized for D-allulose to D-allose bioconversion. D-Allose is a sweet, rare sugar molecule with anti-tumour, anti-hypertensive, cryoprotective, and antioxidative properties. The characterization experiments showed L-RIM to be a Co++- or Mn++-dependent metalloenzyme. L-RIM was remarkably active (~ 80%) in a broad spectrum of pH (6.0 to 9.0) and temperature (70 to 80 °C) ranges. Optimal L-RIM activity with D-allulose as the substrate occurred at pH 7.0 and 75 °C. The enzyme was found to be excessively heat stable, displaying a half-life of about 12 days and 5 days at 65 °C and 70 °C, respectively. L-RIM catalysis conducted at slightly acidic pH of 6.0 and 70 °C achieved biosynthesis of about 30 g L-1 from 100 g L-1 D-allulose in 3 h. KEY POINTS: • The present study explored an extreme temperature metagenome to identify a novel gene that encodes a thermostable l-rhamnose isomerase (L-RIM) • L-RIM exhibits substantial (80% or more) activity in a broad spectrum of pH (6.0 to 9.0) and temperature (70 to 80 °C) ranges • L-RIM is excessively heat stable, displaying a half-life of about 12 days and 5 days at 65 °C and 70 °C, respectively.

Decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum phospholipids in human skeletal muscle are associated with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome affects more than one in three adults and is associated with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. Muscle insulin resistance is a major contributor to the development of the metabolic syndrome. Studies in mice have linked skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) phospholipid composition to sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase activity and insulin sensitivity. To determine if the presence of metabolic syndrome alters specific phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) species in human SR, we compared SR phospholipid composition in skeletal muscle from sedentary subjects with metabolic syndrome and sedentary control subjects without metabolic syndrome. Both total PC and total PE were significantly decreased in skeletal muscle SR of sedentary metabolic syndrome patients compared with sedentary controls, particularly in female participants, but there was no difference in the PC:PE ratio between groups. Total SR PC levels, but not total SR PE levels or PC:PE ratio, were significantly negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, total fat, visceral adipose tissue, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. These findings are consistent with the existence of a relationship between skeletal muscle SR PC content and insulin resistance in humans.

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: To Be or Not to Be Afraid.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare genetic syndrome comprising an abnormal development of soft tissues and the lymphovascular system with bony overgrowth, venous malformation, and port wine stains. We present an interesting case of a three-year-old child brought to our hospital with a swollen limb and raised skin lesions associated with bleeding from minor trauma. Most of the clinical characteristics of KTS were seen in our patient, including arteriovenous, soft tissue, capillary, and lymphatic abnormalities. The diagnosis of KTS is based on clinical examinations and imaging investigations. He had gross hypertrophy of the left lower limb with measurable lengthening compared to the opposite limb. Ultrasonography of the left limb revealed soft tissue hypertrophy with abnormal venous communication. The management of KTS is mainly symptomatic and should be approached conservatively if the patient has functional limbs without edema, bleeding, ulceration, or pain.

Evaluation of Surface Water Quality in the Betwa River Basin through the Water Quality Index Model and Multivariate Statistical Techniques.

The Betwa River Basin (BRB), a sub-basin of the River Yamuna, is the oldest flowing water system in Central India. The water quality of the rivers are under stress, hence regular monitoring and appraisal is required to know the health of the rivers. Factor analysis and principal component analysis (FA/PCA) multivariate statistical techniques were used to extract three and four varimax factors that explained 96.408 and 100.00 percent of the total variance in water quality, respectively. Cluster analysis (CA) categorizes observed items into distinct quality categories based on correlations between stations and years. Point industrial/sewage effluents, diffuse pollution as runoff from arable land, erosion, and natural source pollution contribute to the pollution of the BRB. As a result, water quality is threatened or impaired, and conditions often departed from natural or desirable levels at Rajghat, Garrauli, Mohana, and Shahijina stations. According to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI), the surface water quality at the Rajghat and Mohana stations corresponds to fair ecological status. However, the surface water quality of the Garrauli and Shahijina stations has a marginal water quality as per CCME-WQI. From 1985 to 2018, the Shahijina had the most considerable load of nutrients and organic matter, as determined by the CCME-WQI and by comparing the water quality data. A thorough examination had revealed a fluctuating trend in the BRB pollution, particularly at all stations. Results indicate that between 1985 and 2018, the only defense mechanism of the river was the auto purification mechanism, which is strongly influenced by the drought, point pollution source, and extreme meteorological events that probably cause these fluctuations.

Noncanonical interaction with microtubules via the N-terminal nonmotor domain is critical for the functions of a bidirectional kinesin.

Several kinesin-5 motors (kinesin-5s) exhibit bidirectional motility. The mechanism of such motility remains unknown. Bidirectional kinesin-5s share a long N-terminal nonmotor domain (NTnmd), absent in exclusively plus-end-directed kinesins. Here, we combined in vivo, in vitro, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies to examine the impact of NTnmd mutations on the motor functions of the bidirectional kinesin-5, Cin8. We found that NTnmd deletion mutants exhibited cell viability and spindle localization defects. Using cryo-EM, we examined the structure of a microtubule (MT)-bound motor domain of Cin8, containing part of its NTnmd. Modeling and molecular dynamic simulations based on the cryo-EM map suggested that the NTnmd of Cin8 interacts with the C-terminal tail of ß-tubulin. In vitro experiments on subtilisin-treated MTs confirmed this notion. Last, we showed that NTnmd mutants are defective in plus-end-directed motility in single-molecule and antiparallel MT sliding assays. These findings demonstrate that the NTnmd, common to bidirectional kinesin-5s, is critical for their bidirectional motility and intracellular functions.

Biophysical and in-silico studies on the structure-function relationship of Brugia malayi protein disulfide isomerase.

Human Lymphatic filariasis is caused by parasitic nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a redox-active enzyme, helps to form and isomerize the disulfide bonds, thereby acting as a chaperone. Such activity is essential for activating many essential enzymes and functional proteins. Brugia malayi protein disulfide isomerase (BmPDI) is crucial for parasite survival and an important drug target. Here, we used a combination of spectroscopic and computational analysis to study the structural and functional changes in the BmPDI during unfolding. Tryptophan fluorescence data revealed two well-separated transitions during the unfolding process, suggesting that the unfolding of the BmPDI is non-cooperative. The binding of the fluorescence probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid dye (ANS) validated the results obtained by the pH unfolding. The dynamics of molecular simulation performed at different pH conditions revealed the structural basis of BmPDI unfolding. Detailed analysis suggested that under different pH, both the global structure and the conformational dynamics of the active site residues were differentially altered. Our multiparametric study reveals the differential dynamics and collective motions of BmPDI unfolding, providing insights into its structure-function relationship.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Analysis of the Efficacy of Elastography in Comparison with Dynamic Renal Nuclear Scintigraphy in the Evaluation of Unilateral Pelvi-Ureteric Junction Obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: In hydronephrosis due to pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO), an obstruction to urine flow may lead to increased pelvic pressure, which may cause interstitial fibrosis and renal impairment. Recently, there have been reports on renal pelvic assessment using ultrasound elastography (USE). This study was conducted to see if USE can evaluate PUJO and if it can be correlated to the findings of the dynamic renal nuclear scan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this observational study, only patients with unilateral PUJO underwent acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography. A rectangular region of interest (ROI) measuring 5 × 10 mm was positioned on the cortex region of the upper, mid, and lower poles of the affected kidney. Three valid measurements were obtained, from which a mean value was calculated. A dynamic renal nuclear scan using Technetium-99m ethylene dicysteine (EC or TC99 m EC) was obtained and split renal function (SRF) was used for comparison. RESULTS: In the group of 20 patients, the mean age was 3.37 years. The mean SRF of the affected kidney was 26.65 %, and the corresponding USE value was 0.45 kpa. The Spearman's rho correlation coefficient for SRF and USE was 1 and 0.672, respectively (p = 0.001). Elastography was not feasible if SRF was less than 20 %. CONCLUSION: USE may be able to comment on the renal functional status of hydronephrosis. If USE is reported as non-feasible, it may suggest that renal function is grossly compromised. It may serve as an alternative diagnostic modality for renal functional evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prospective Cohort Study.

Retrieval of a retained umbilical vein catheter at 6 months.

Umbilical venous catheterisation is carried out for the care of neonates who have very low birth weight and are critically ill. It is uncommon for catheter fragments to become fractured and retained. Here, we describe a case of a retained fractured umbilical vein catheter in an infant. An endovascular procedure to retrieve a catheter is the usual management option when the catheter has been accidentally cut and has moved proximally into a major vessel or inside the heart. It is rare to need open exploration and retrieval.

Land cover and crop types mapping using different spatial resolution imagery in a Mediterranean irrigated area.

Crop type identification is critical for agricultural sustainability policy development and environmental assessments. Therefore, it is important to obtain their spatial distribution via different approaches. Medium-, high- and very high-resolution optical satellite sensors are efficient tools for acquiring this information, particularly for challenging studies such as those conducted in heterogeneous agricultural fields. This research examined the ability of four multitemporal datasets (Sentinel-1-SAR (S1), Sentinel-2-MSI (S2), RapidEye (RE), and PlanetScope (PS)) to identify land cover and crop types (LCCT) in a Mediterranean irrigated area. To map LCCT distribution, a supervised pixel-based classification is adopted using Support Vector Machine with a radial basis function kernel (SVMRB) and Random Forest (RF). Thus, LCCT maps were generated into three levels, including six (Level I), ten (Level II), and fourteen (Level III) classes. Overall, the findings revealed high overall accuracies of >92%, >83%, and > 81% for Level I, Level II, and Level III, respectively, except for Sentinel-1. It was found that accuracy improves considerably when the number of classes decreases, especially when cropland or non-cropland classes are grouped into one. Furthermore, there was a similarity in performance between S2 alone and S1S2. PlanetScope LCCT classifications outperform other sensors. In addition, the present study demonstrated that SVM achieved better performances against RF and can thereby effectively extract LCCT information from high-resolution imagery as PlanetScope.

Giant anterior abdominal wall desmoid tumor successfully managed with abdominal wall reconstruction.

Anterior abdominal wall fibromatosis is a benign soft tissue tumor that is rare, but fast-growing with minimal chances of malignant change. We report a young female with a large abdominal swelling which on evaluation was provisionally diagnosed as anterior abdominal wall fibromatosis on imaging and confirmed by histopathology. She was successfully managed with resection of the tumor with a challenging abdominal wall reconstruction with bilateral inferiorly based external oblique muscle flap followed by a mesh repair. Though rare, these tumors are difficult to miss. The importance of this case report is that it describes the methods of multimodal management of a patient with surgery, reconstruction, and adjuvant therapy leading to better patient outcomes.

Adult Midgut Malrotation With Chronic Volvulus With Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Thrombosis: A Recherche.

Intestinal malrotation is primarily a surgical condition of neonates due to abnormal intestinal rotation during fetal development. Usually, the presentation is immediately after birth. Adult midgut malrotation is rare and primarily detected at laparotomy or incidental radiological imaging for various conditions. We report a sporadic case of a 35-year-old male who presented to the surgical outpatient department (OPD) complaining of dull aching abdominal pain after taking meals for two months. He was able to tolerate a liquid diet only and able to carry out his routine work comfortably. In imaging studies, it was found to be a case of midgut malrotation with volvulus and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis with collaterals without features of intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, and a midgut volvulus was identified with Ladd's bands. He underwent exploratory laparotomy with Ladd's procedure. Postoperatively symptoms were resolved, and the patient was discharged in stable condition. If intestinal malrotation presents in adults, it is challenging to diagnose it as it presents with atypical symptoms like chronic vague abdominal pain and weight loss. Often radiological correlation is essential to diagnose such patients. For surgical intervention, a laparoscopic approach is considered better in expert hands. Even though the disease has a chronic course, a high index of suspicion should arise when treating such cases of intestinal malrotation in an adult male. Timely surgery can do miracles and prevent catastrophic complications.

Lamotrigine compromises the fidelity of initiator tRNA recruitment to the ribosomal P-site by IF2 and the RbfA release from 30S ribosomes in Escherichia coli.

Lamotrigine (Ltg), an anticonvulsant drug, targets initiation factor 2 (IF2), compromises ribosome biogenesis and causes toxicity to Escherichia coli. However, our understanding of Ltg toxicity in E. coli remains unclear. While our in vitro assays reveal no effects of Ltg on the ribosome-dependent GTPase activity of IF2 or its role in initiation as measured by dipeptide formation in a fast kinetics assay, the in vivo experiments show that Ltg causes accumulation of the 17S precursor of 16S rRNA and leads to a decrease in polysome levels in E. coli. IF2 overexpression in E. coli increases Ltg toxicity. However, the overexpression of initiator tRNA (i-tRNA) protects it from the Ltg toxicity. The depletion of i-tRNA or overexpression of its 3GC mutant (lacking the characteristic 3GC base pairs in anticodon stem) enhances Ltg toxicity, and this enhancement in toxicity is synthetic with IF2 overexpression. The Ltg treatment itself causes a detectable increase in IF2 levels in E. coli and allows initiation with an elongator tRNA, suggesting compromise in the fidelity/specificity of IF2 function. Also, Ltg causes increased accumulation of ribosome-binding factor A (RbfA) on 30S ribosomal subunit. Based on our genetic and biochemical investigations, we show that Ltg compromises the function of i-tRNA/IF2 complex in ribosome maturation.