Nonhomologous DNA End Joining in Cell-Free Extracts

Among various DNA damages, double-strand breaks (DSBs) are considered as most deleterious, as they may lead to chromosomal rearrangements and cancer when unrepaired. Nonhomologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) is one of the major DSB repair pathways in higher organisms. A large number of studies on NHEJ are based on in vitro systems using cell-free extracts. In this paper, we summarize the studies on NHEJ performed by various groups in different cell-free repair systems

Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Assessment of Surface Water Quality of a Himalayan Wetland Deoria Tal, India

The Water Quality Index (WQI) is considered as an important method to assess the water quality of a water body for its users. This study was carried out to assess the water quality of a Himalayan wetland Deoria Tal. Deoria Tal is one of the most important wetlands of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. It is the major destination for tourists, trekkers and local inhabitants. The water samples were collected for a period of one year during April, 2014 to March, 2015. In order to develop the water quality index samples were subjected to a comprehensive physico-chemical analysis of 20 parameters which include air temperature, water temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, transparency, total alkalinity, hardness, chlorides, sulphates, phosphates, nitrates, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. The WQI was calculated and the value was obtained as 76.15. Most of the values of physico-chemical parameters are within the prescribed limits of WHO/BIS for drinking water. Water Quality Index (WQI) calculated based on the weight values of these parameters also revealed the ‘good’ quality of lake water. The α-diversity of microbes was found to be 18 in the water of Deoria Tal. The water of the lake is fit for human consumption. Keeping in view the importance of the lake and to provide the sustainable water quality for users its conservation and management is priority in the Himalayan region. Keywords: Himalayan wetland; Deoria Tal; Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand; water quality index; physico-chemical parameter

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of thigh: a rare case report

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) are a rare entity of soft tissue tumors that occur predominantly in soft tissue of lower extremities. Here we present a case of 45-year-old female presented with left thigh swelling. MRI finding suggested primary neoplastic lesion. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) suggested myxoid soft tissue neoplasm/sarcoma. Morphological examination revealed typical extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma with strong immunoreactivity for vimentin and focal immunoreactivity for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA)

Calcifying fibrous tumour: a rare case report of an exceptional lesion localized in retroperitoneum, mesentery and pelvis

Calcifying fibrous tumours are rare benign lesions affecting mostly children and young adults. A 17-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and abdominal distention. Physical examination revealed intra-abdominal mass occupying retro peritoneum and right iliac fossa. Excisional biopsy from peritoneum and mesentery were performed. Histopathologically, it was composed of hypocellular hyalinised collagenized stroma, spindle cells, psammomatous and dystrophic calcification and mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration. Authors are here in reporting a case of calcifying fibrous tumour and discussing its clinical and morphological features with regard to the literature

Field induced single molecule magnet behavior in Dy-based coordination polymer

A new mononuclear Dysprosium based Coordination Polymer {Dy-CP} was investigated magnetically using dc and ac magnetic susceptibility. The dc magnetic susceptibility does not exhibit any long-range ordering down to 1.8 K and the negative value of Curie Constant (~ - 4 K) indicate the dominance of antiferromagnetic interactions between the Dy (III) spins. Ac susceptibility exhibits absence of single molecular magnet behavior at zero dc magnetic field and shows signal of quantum tunneling magnetization (QTM) below 8 K. However, on the superimposition of dc magnetic field (3 kOe), frequency dependent relaxation peak emerged at T_f = 5 K and QTM signal suppress at higher fields. The intermediate value of Mydosh parameter calculated from the shift in peak position (T_f) in ac susceptibility reflects the formation of superparamagnetic state. Further, the temperature dependence of Tf is analyzed with Arrhenius and Cole-Cole plot. The magnetic susceptibility analysis yields characteristics pre-relaxation factor 1.40x10^(-12) sec and energy barrier {\Delta}E/k_B = 93.4 K, indicating the slow spin relaxation. The Cole-Cole fit to the ac susceptibility data shows further evidence for the single ion spin relaxation. Thus, the magnetic measurements support the single-molecule magnet behavior in Dy-CP under the application of dc magnetic field.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Pregnancy with super-obesity: an emerging pandemic

Pregnancy associated with obesity is an upcoming challenge in high risk obstetrics management. Ironically, in India though half the population is under the malnutrition zone, it is known as the diabetic capital. This is attributed to the changing lifestyles which have led to a steep rise in medical disorders like hypertension, diabetes and obesity, especially in metropolitan cities. A case of pregnancy in a super obese woman with a successful outcome is presented here

An MFS Transporter-Like ORF from MDR Acinetobacter baumannii AIIMS 7 Is Associated with Adherence and Biofilm Formation on Biotic/Abiotic Surface

A major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter-like open reading frame (ORF) of 453 bp was identified in a pathogenic strain Acinetobacter baumannii AIIMS 7, and its association with adherence and biofilm formation was investigated. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) showed differential expression in surface-attached biofilm cells than nonadherent cells. In vitro translation showed synthesis of a ~17 kDa protein, further confirmed by cloning and heterologous expression in E. coli DH5α. Up to 2.1-, 3.1-, and 4.1- fold biofilm augmentation was observed on abiotic (polystyrene) and biotic (S. cerevisiae/HeLa) surface, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gfp-tagged fluorescence microscopy revealed increased adherence to abiotic (glass) and biotic (S. cerevisiae) surface. Extracellular DNA(eDNA) was found significantly during active growth; due to probable involvement of the protein in DNA export, strong sequence homology with MFS transporter proteins, and presence of transmembrane helices. In summary, our findings show that the putative MFS transporter-like ORF (pmt) is associated with adherence, biofilm formation, and probable eDNA release in A. baumannii AIIMS 7

Insights from genetic studies of cerebral palsy

Cohort-based whole exome and whole genome sequencing and copy number variant (CNV) studies have identified genetic etiologies for a sizable proportion of patients with cerebral palsy (CP). These findings indicate that genetic mutations collectively comprise an important cause of CP. We review findings in CP genomics and propose criteria for CP-associated genes at the level of gene discovery, research study, and clinical application. We review the published literature and report 18 genes and 5 CNVs from genomics studies with strong evidence of for the pathophysiology of CP. CP-associated genes often disrupt early brain developmental programming or predispose individuals to known environmental risk factors. We discuss the overlap of CP-associated genes with other neurodevelopmental disorders and related movement disorders. We revisit diagnostic criteria for CP and discuss how identification of genetic etiologies does not preclude CP as an appropriate diagnosis. The identification of genetic etiologies improves our understanding of the neurobiology of CP, providing opportunities to study CP pathogenesis and develop mechanism-based interventions

(2R*,3R*,4aS*,6aR*,11aS*,11bS*)-Methyl 2-acet­oxy-11b-hydr­oxy-3,7-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,11,11a,11b-dodeca­hydro­phenanthro[3,2-b]furan-3-carboxyl­ate

In the title compound, C22H30O6, the conformation of the mol­ecule is dictated by an intra­molecular C—H⋯O contact. The crystal structure is stabilized via inter­molecular C—H⋯O, O—H⋯O and C—H⋯π contacts