HnRNPK maintains single strand RNA through controlling double-strand RNA in mammalian cells

Although antisense transcription is a widespread event in the mammalian genome, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) formation between sense and antisense transcripts is very rare and mechanisms that control dsRNA remain unknown. By characterizing the FGF-2 regulated transcriptome in normal and cancer cells, we identified sense and antisense transcripts IER3 and IER3-AS1 that play a critical role in FGF-2 controlled oncogenic pathways. We show that IER3 and IER3-AS1 regulate each other\u27s transcription through HnRNPK-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. HnRNPK controls the mRNA stability and colocalization of IER3 and IER3-AS1. HnRNPK interaction with IER3 and IER3-AS1 determines their oncogenic functions by maintaining them in a single-stranded form. hnRNPK depletion neutralizes their oncogenic functions through promoting dsRNA formation and cytoplasmic accumulation. Intriguingly, hnRNPK loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments reveal its role in maintaining global single- and double-stranded RNA. Thus, our data unveil the critical role of HnRNPK in maintaining single-stranded RNAs and their physiological functions by blocking RNA-RNA interactions

Trisomy 18 Chronicles: A Case Report Illuminating Edward Syndrome

This case report delves into the complexities surrounding Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), a chromosomal abnormality stemming from meiotic disjunction. Initially reported in 1960, Edwards syndrome is the second most prevalent autosomal trisomy following Down syndrome, affecting between 1 in 3500 and 1 in 7000 individuals, with a slight male predominance. The majority of cases involve parents under 30 years old. A review of 152 cases demonstrates a myriad of anomalies, including severe intellectual deficits, congenital heart problems and distinct facial features. This report aims to enhance understanding of Edwards syndrome by presenting a comprehensive case study detailing the diagnosis and distinctive clinical features of a newborn with Trisomy 18. This case report helps in understanding the complexity of genetics and clinical manifestations, highlighting the importance of prenatal diagnosis and counseling, multidisciplinary care approaches, parental decision-making, palliative care and the need for further research. The case report underscores the necessity for heightened public awareness and support for affected families. This study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding Trisomy 18, fostering a more compassionate and informed approach to managing this challenging genetic disorder, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for those affected by Edwards syndrome

Facing north or south: Does slope aspect impact forest stand characteristics and soil properties in a semiarid trans-Himalayan valley?

An understanding of the differences in vegetation and soil characteristics between slope aspects in high altitude semiarid environments is fundamentally important for efficient management of these semi-natural systems; however, few studies have quantified these differences. Here, we analyzed forest stand characteristics, carbon stocks and soil properties of north- and south-facing slopes in a trans-Himalayan semiarid valley. Pinus wallichiana was the dominant and Juniperus indica the co-dominant species in both aspects, whereas Betula utilis and Abies spectabilis were only recorded in north-facing forests. Pinus regenerated in both aspects, whereas Juniperus did not. Carbon stocks did not differ between aspects; 33 t/ha in north-facing and 31 t/ha in south-facing forests. Similarly, soil properties did not vary between slope aspects, expect for potassium (highest in south-facing slopes). These results suggest that topographic factors affect mountain forests through their direct influence on radiation and moisture, but that human disturbance also plays a significant role affecting vegetation and soil characteristics in a semiarid environment. These natural and anthropogenic factors may play in harmony or in discord with each other. Here, the aridity of the region, parent material and land use history led to less pronounced differences between slope aspects, than commonly found in moister habitats

Dickopff 1 inhibits cancer stem cell properties and promotes neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y

Neuroblastomas are pediatric tumors arising from undifferentiated cells of neural crest origin with stem cell-like characteristics. Dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to be linked to the development of various tumors. Activated Wnt signaling results in β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus to support pro-neoplastic traits. DKK1, a secreted glycoprotein, is an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, and the addition of DKKI to the culture medium has been used to suppress the Wnt pathway. This study aimed to analyze the role of Dickopff-1 as a potential differentiating agent for the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and neurospheres derived from it. The treatment of SH-5Y5Y derived neurospheres by DKK1 resulted in their disintegration and reduced proliferation markers like Ki67, PCNA. DKK1 treatment to the neurospheres also resulted in the loss of cancer stem cell markers like CD133, KIT and pluripotency markers like SOX2, OCT4, NANOG. DKK1 treatment caused reduction in mRNA expression of β-catenin and TCF genes like TCF4, TCF12. When the SH-SY5Y cancer cells were grown under differentiating conditions, DKKI caused neuronal differentiation by itself, and in synergy with retinoic acid. This was verified by the expression of markers like MAPT, DCX, GAP43, ENO2 and also with changes in neurite length. We concluded that Wnt inhibition, as exemplified by DKK1 treatment, is therefore a possible differentiating condition and also suppresses the proliferative and cancer stemness related properties of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

Estimates of Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss]

The Present investigation was undertaken to study the genetic variability, correlation and path analysis of twelve quantitative traits in Twenty Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) lines. The experiment material was evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance showed significant difference among genotype for all the characters. Results from the study indicated that heritability was high for all traits studied. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were low to medium for all the traits studied and genetic advance as percent of mean showed low to high values for most of the traits studied. Path coefficient at phenotypic and genotypic level revealed direct positive effect on seed yield per plant for about 50% of the traits studied. The significance for these results and their basis for selection of improved Indian mustard lines for further breeding in the program were discussed

Mass Mimicking Autoimmune Pancreatitis—A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) consists of two clinically histologically distinct forms (type I and II) of chronic pancreatitis that are histologically different. These forms of AIP classically respond to oral steroids. The focal form of AIP resembles pancreatic carcinoma both clinically and radiologically and it is of utmost importance to make an early correct diagnosis between these two diseases in order to identify the optimal therapeutic strategy and to avoid unnecessary laparotomy or pancreatic resection in AIP patients. Here we report focal forms of type I and II AIP with clinical and imaging features closely mimicking pancreatic carcinoma

Comparative Study of Blood Pressure Measurement by Aneroid and Digital Manual Sphygmomanometer

Introduction: After discontinuation of mercury sphygmomanometer, aneroid BP instrument and digital manual BP instrument are commonly used methods in clinical practice. This study was opted to compare the results of blood pressure measurement by aneroid and digital manual sphygmomanometer and determine the agreement between the two apparatus. Material and Method: After written consent, nursing students of Shardaben General Hospital were enrolled in the study. Their blood pressure was measured by both the methods at 5 minute interval in left upper limb. Their reading was documented and analyzed by appropriate statistical test. Results: Mean Systolic Blood pressure by digital and aneroid sphygmomanometer was 108.92+15.14 and 109.66+ 16.81 mm of Hg respectively. Mean Diastolic Blood pressure by digital and aneroid sphygmomanometer was 76.20+12.25 and 78.02+14.35 mm of Hg. By Bland –Altman test, the bias for mean systolic BP was 0.74(-9.0-10.5) and 1.8(_8.28_11.93) for mean diastolic BP by both the apparatus which is clinically non-significant. Conclusion: Blood pressure readings by digital manual and aneroid sphygmomanometer are comparable, so both the apparatus can be used interchangeably in clinical practice

Analysis of Abnormal Epithelial Lesions in Cervical Papsmears: Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Pap smear is a simple, convenient, cost effective and reliable test for early screening of cervical lesions. This test not only plays a crucial role in the detection of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions but also aids in interpretation of various physiological changes as well such infective conditions.Methods: Present study consists of 730 pap smears received at Pathology Department, Medical College, Baroda from January 2019 to December 2020. The smears were reported according to ‘The Bethesda system of reporting cervical cytology (2014)’. Results: Mean age was 39.13 year. Maximum number of patients (272/730 = 37.26%) were in the age group of 31–40 years. Out of total 730 cases, there were 82 (11.23%) unsatisfactory smears and 648(88.77%) adequate/satisfactory smears. Among satisfactory cases, 570 cases showed NILM while 78 cases showed Epithelial cell abnormality (ECA).Conclusion: Pap smear is highly effective screening tool for early detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix, thus helping in prompt treatment at an early stage and reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with cervical malignancy

Effect of signal peptide on stability and folding of escherichia coli thioredoxin

The signal peptide plays a key role in targeting and membrane insertion of secretory and membrane proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In E. coli, recombinant proteins can be targeted to the periplasmic space by fusing naturally occurring signal sequences to their N-terminus. The model protein thioredoxin was fused at its N-terminus with malE and pelB signal sequences. While WT and the pelB fusion are soluble when expressed, the malE fusion was targeted to inclusion bodies and was refolded in vitro to yield a monomeric product with identical secondary structure to WT thioredoxin. The purified recombinant proteins were studied with respect to their thermodynamic stability, aggregation propensity and activity, and compared with wild type thioredoxin, without a signal sequence. The presence of signal sequences leads to thermodynamic destabilization, reduces the activity and increases the aggregation propensity, with malE having much larger effects than pelB. These studies show that besides acting as address labels, signal sequences can modulate protein stability and aggregation in a sequence dependent manner