Complete mitochondrial genome of freshwater pearl mussel Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck, 1819) and its phylogenetic relation within unionidae family

Molecular Biology Reports - Freshwater mussels play a key role in ecology and are often considered as ecological indicators. Conversely, these molluscs are one of the most threatened groups due to...     

Multi‐modal meta‐analysis of cancer cell line omics profiles identifies ECHDC1 as a novel breast tumor suppressor

Molecular and functional profiling of cancer cell lines is subject to laboratory‐specific experimental practices and data analysis protocols. The current challenge therefore is how to make an integrated use of the omics profiles of cancer cell lines for reliable biological discoveries. Here, we carried out a systematic analysis of nine types of data modalities using meta‐analysis of 53 omics studies across 12 research laboratories for 2,018 cell lines. To account for a relatively low consistency observed for certain data modalities, we developed a robust data integration approach that identifies reproducible signals shared among multiple data modalities and studies. We demonstrated the power of the integrative analyses by identifying a novel driver gene, ECHDC1, with tumor suppressive role validated both in breast cancer cells and patient tumors. The multi‐modal meta‐analysis approach also identified synthetic lethal partners of cancer drivers, including a co‐dependency of PTEN deficient endometrial cancer cells on RNA helicases.     

Histophysiologic response of the pituitary-inertrenal system to salicylate and adrenocorticotropin in catfish, Heteropneustes iossilis (Bloch).

The interrenal and pituitary cells showed increase in nuclear diameter eight days after treatment with ACTH, salicylate or salicylate + ACTH. After ACTH treatment, however, the cytoplasm in the interrenal cells was granular. Similarly, the lead-haematoxylin positive (PbH + ve) cells in the rostral pars distalis also showed partial depletion of stainable granules after ACTH treatment. Salicylate or salicylate ACTH caused depletion of cytoplasmic material in both the interrenal as well as PbH + ve cells.     

Metabolomic profiling of amoebic and pyogenic liver abscesses: an in vitro NMR study

Pus samples obtained from 109 patients with liver abscess were examined by NMR spectroscopy. To our knowledge this is the first report on metabolic profiling of liver abscesses. Fifty metabolites were identified by combination of one (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectra. Metabolic derangements were evaluated for differentiation between amoebic (ALA) and pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). The NMR results indicate that aspartate, asparagine and galactose, integral components of lipoproteophophoglycans (LPG) of the cell wall of Entamoeba histolytica are metabolic biomarkers of ALA. On the other hand, acetate, propionate, butyrate, succinate and formate, the fermentation products the facultative anaerobes are significantly prevalent in PLA. The NMR based metabolic profile of ALA and PLA are evaluated taking polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial culture as gold standard method. However, when NMR results were compared with culture and PCR methods, a correct diagnosis of 94.11% in ALA (n?=?85) and 100% in PLA (n?=?10) cases were observed. NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with PCR and culture can expedite in differentiating ALA from PLA.     

New Strategies of LIBS-Based Validation of Glycemic Elements for Diabetes Management

Antidiabetic efficacy of medicinal plant cannot be ignored in order to develop drugs without toxicity and side effects. Trace elements present in plant material is responsible for their medicinal nature and hence it is necessary to know the major and minor constituents of the plant material. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a very efficient and powerful analytical tool to monitor the elements present in sample. The present study deals with the LIBS-based validation of glycemic elements present in Withania coagulans and Cajanus cajan medicinal herbs. The decreasing blood glucose level and improving glucose tolerance test significantly showed that the higher content of Mg and Ca in W. coagulans in comparison to C. cajan is responsible for its significant role in diabetes management, whereas the concentration of other elements are nearly the same in both extracts.     

Insights into nitrogen fixing traits and population structure analyses in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) accessions grown in Ghana

Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants - With legumes, symbiotic N2 fixation can meet the species N demand and reduce the over-reliance on chemical fertilizers in tropical regions where N...     

Coexistent Brugada Syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: What is the Optimal Management?

Coexistent Brugada syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is rare, and as such poses management challenges. The overlap of symptoms attributable to each condition, the timing of ventricular stimulation after accessory pathway ablation and the predictive value of programmed stimulation in Brugada syndrome are controversial. We describe a case of coexistent Brugada syndrome and WPW syndrome in a symptomatic young adult. We discuss our treatment approach and the existing literature along with the challenges in management of such cases.