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In tumors with WT p53, alternate mechanisms of p53 inactivation are reported. Here, we have identified a long noncoding RNA, PITAR (p53 Inactivating TRIM28 Associated RNA), as an inhibitor of p53. PITAR is an oncogenic Cancer/testis lncRNA and is highly expressed in glioblastoma (GBM) and glioma stem-like cells (GSC). We establish that TRIM28 mRNA, which encodes a p53-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a direct target of PITAR. PITAR interaction with TRIM28 RNA stabilized TRIM28 mRNA, which resulted in increased TRIM28 protein levels and reduced p53 steady-state levels due to enhanced p53 ubiquitination. DNA damage activated PITAR, in addition to p53, in a p53-independent manner, thus creating an incoherent feedforward loop to inhibit the DNA damage response by p53. While PITAR silencing inhibited the growth of WT p53 containing GSCs in vitro and reduced glioma tumor growth in vivo, its overexpression enhanced the tumor growth in a TRIM28-dependent manner and promoted resistance to Temozolomide. Thus, we establish an alternate way of p53 inactivation by PITAR, which maintains low p53 levels in normal cells and attenuates the DNA damage response by p53. Finally, we propose PITAR as a potential GBM therapeutic target.

Abstract Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) presents a versatile approach for efficiently converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable products. However, poor electron uptake by the microorganisms from the cathode severely limits the performance of MES. In this study, a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-metal–organic framework (MOF) i.e. HKUST-1 composite was newly designed and synthesized as the cathode catalyst for MES operations. The physiochemical analysis such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy showed the successful synthesis of g-C3N4-HKUST-1, whereas electrochemical assessments revealed its enhanced kinetics for redox reactions. The g-C3N4-HKUST-1 composite displayed excellent biocompatibility to develop electroactive biohybrid catalyst for CO2 reduction. The MES with g-C3N4-HKUST-1 biohybrid demonstrated an excellent current uptake of 1.7 mA/cm2, which was noted higher as compared to the MES using g-C3N4 biohybrid (1.1 mA/cm2). Both the MESs could convert CO2 into acetic and isobutyric acid with a significantly higher yield of 0.46 g/L.d and 0.14 g/L.d respectively in MES with g-C3N4-HKUST-1 biohybrid and 0.27 g/L.d and 0.06 g/L.d, respectively in MES with g-C3N4 biohybrid. The findings of this study suggest that g-C3N4-HKUST-1 is a highly efficient catalytic material for biocathodes in MESs to significantly enhance the CO2 conversion.

Abstract Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) derived nanostructures receive immense research focus due to its high porosity, conductivity, and structural tailrolability features. In this work, porous Zeolitic Imidazole Framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) to synthesize cobalt phosphide/carbon composite (ZCoPC) that serves as a positive electrode is utilized. Furthermore, porous and conductive office paper derived carbon (OPC) are utilized as a negative electrode to make a hybrid system. The metalloid characteristics, high conductivity, and good porosity of ZCoPC material makes it a high‐performance battery like electrode. ZCoPC electrode achieves maximum specific capacity of 192.6 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 using 1 m potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. Furthermore, surface and diffusion charge participation investigation are also undergone for ZCoPC electrode that helps in determining the actual charge dynamics occurring in the electrode. In addition, a supercapattery device is assembled using ZCoPC as battery electrode and OPC as supercapacitor electrode. The as fabricated OPC//ZCoPC hybrid supercapattery device delivers extraordinary energy density of 31.6 Wh kg−1 with a power density of 700 W kg−1 and also a long cycle life of 92.3% even after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. Hence, these outcomes demonstrate that the synergy of porous MOF derived metal phosphide and OPC electrodes are beneficial for supercapattery devices.

Abstract Several in-situ electrochemical approaches have been developed for performing a localized photoelectrochemical investigation of the photoanode. One of the techniques is scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), which probes local heterogeneous reaction kinetics and fluxes of generated species. In traditional SECM analysis of photocatalysts, evaluation of the influence of radiation on the rate of studied reaction requires an additional dark background experiment. Here, using SECM and an inverted optical microscope, we demonstrate the determination of O2 flux caused by light-driven photoelectrocatalytic water splitting. Photocatalytic signal and dark background are recorded in a single SECM image. We used an indium tin oxide electrode modified with hematite (α-Fe2O3) by electrodeposition as a model sample. The light-driven flux of oxygen is calculated by analysis of SECM image recorded in substrate generation/tip collection mode. In photoelectrochemistry, the qualitative and quantitative knowledge of oxygen evolution will open new doors for understanding the local effects of dopants and hole scavengers in a straightforward and conventional manner.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and endocrine disorder affecting the global population, originally named as “schlerocystic ovaries”, “multicystic ovaries”, “Stein Leventhal Syndrome”. Obesity is believed to play a central role in the development of PCOS, as women with this condition are reported to be overweight or obese and the effect of excess weight is inconsistent. Numerous hormonal imbalances, including hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance (IR), and hyperinsulinemia, are reported to be present. The hypothalamus-hypophysis-ovary axis appears to be disrupted by insulin, and insulin resistance in ovarian tissue leads to impaired metabolic signalling but intact mitogenic and steroidogenic activity, favouring hyperandrogenemia, is thought to be the primary cause of PCOS. The metabolic issues of PCOS seem to have IR as a common pathophysiologic mechanism, which is described as a metabolic state marked by a reduction in cellular responsiveness to insulin signalling. Despite the fact that IR plays a role in the development of PCOS, patients exhibit unique ovarian dysfunction-causing processes that are unrelated to IR. PCOS is a polygenic and multifactorial syndrome/disorder and many genes have been associated with PCOS such as fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene. The review article presents the current understanding of the disease and the clinical spectrum and genetic variants associated with PCOS. The mechanisms by which variants in the genes confer risk of PCOS and the genetic elements underlying PCOS remain to be determined. Elucidation of genetic markers and cellular pathways underlying PCOS will be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of this syndrome.

The rising demand of energy and lack of clean water are two major concerns of modern world. Renewable energy sources are the only way out in order to provide energy in a sustainable manner for the ever-increasing demands of the society. A renewable energy source which can also provide clean water will be of immense interest and that is where Photocatalytic Fuel Cells (PFCs) exactly fit in. PFCs hold the ability to produce electric power with simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of pollutants on exposure to light. Different strategies, including conventional Photoelectrochemical cell design, have been technically upgraded to exploit the advantage of PFCs and to widen their applicability. Parallel to the research on design, researchers have put an immense effort into developing materials/composites for electrodes and their unique properties. The efficient strategies and potential materials have opened up a new horizon of applications for PFCs. Recent research reports reveal this persistently broadening arena which includes hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide generation, carbon dioxide and heavy metal reduction and even sensor applications. The review reported here consolidates all the aspects of various design strategies, materials and applications of PFCs. The review provides an overall understanding of PFC systems, which possess the potential to be a marvellous renewable source of energy with a handful of simultaneous applications. The review is a read to the scientific community and early researchers interested in working on PFC systems.

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa often causes nosocomial infection, especially in high risk group patients like diabetics. It shows a high degree of resistance to broad spectrum of antibiotics due to its high adoptability in hospital settings, so their infections are difficult to treat. Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) enzymes confer resistance to most of the β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin, cephalosporins and monobactams. Aim: To identify ESBL producing strains among Multidrug Resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from diabetes patients using various phenotypic methods with their performance characteristics. Materials and Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, from April 2017 to March 2019. Various clinical samples received from diabetic patients were cultured and P. aeruginosa were identified as per standard protocol. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. ESBL producing MDR P. aeruginosa was detected by using standard Epsilometer test (E test), Phenotypic Confirmatory Disc Diffusion Test (PCDDT) and Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST). Test characteristics sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and accuracy were calculated. Kappa coefficient was used to show diagnostic agreement between the tests. Results: A total 430 clinical samples were received from diabetic patients, out of 430 samples, 72 (16.7%) P. aeruginosa were recovered. Multidrug resistance was exhibited by 34 isolates out of 72 P. aeruginosa strains. Out of 34 MDR strains, 10 (29.4%) were found ESBL producers by PCDDT, 9 (26.5%) by DDST while 10 (29.4%) were found positive by E test. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for PCDDT was found 90%, 95.8% and 94.1% respectively and ‘almost perfect agreement’ was observed with E test. Conclusion: Magnitude of multidrug resistant strains was found 47.22% among P. aeruginosa isolated from diabetic patients which is an alarming sign. The ESBLs were found in 29.4% isolates. So, screening of ESBLs with the use of simple test like PCDDT in Pseudomonas aeruginosa will direct us for treatment option of suitable antibiotic regimens in diabetic patients and to prevent the spread of drug resistant organisms in hospitals.

Most of the human genome, except for a small region that transcribes protein-coding RNAs, was considered junk. With the advent of RNA sequencing technology, we know that much of the genome codes for RNAs with no protein-coding potential. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that form a significant proportion are dynamically expressed and play diverse roles in physiological and pathological processes. Precise spatiotemporal control of their expression is essential to carry out various biochemical reactions inside the cell. Intracellular organelles with membrane-bound compartments are known for creating an independent internal environment for carrying out specific functions. The formation of membrane-free ribonucleoprotein condensates resulting in intracellular compartments is documented in recent times to execute specialized tasks such as DNA replication and repair, chromatin remodeling, transcription, and mRNA splicing. These liquid compartments, called membrane-less organelles (MLOs), are formed by liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), selectively partitioning a specific set of macromolecules from others. While RNA binding proteins (RBPs) with low complexity regions (LCRs) appear to play an essential role in this process, the role of RNAs is not well-understood. It appears that short nonspecific RNAs keep the RBPs in a soluble state, while longer RNAs with unique secondary structures promote LLPS formation by specifically binding to RBPs. This review will update the current understanding of phase separation, physio-chemical nature and composition of condensates, regulation of phase separation, the role of lncRNA in the phase separation process, and the relevance to cancer development and progression.

The fast and wireless estimation of moisture in sand and other bulk materials usually requires high-tech instrumentation and computation. To overcome the complexity of such systems, we have employed bipolar electrochemistry as a fast, straightforward, and cost-effective method to wirelessly produce an optical signal. An electric field generated across moist sand is used to polarize an immersed light-emitting diode (LED), triggering an electrochemical reaction and causing a current to flow. Therefore, the bipolar activation of the LED by a threshold electric field creates an optically readable moisture sensor. The light emission intensity depends on two factors: the amount of moisture and the salt concentration. As two stimuli control the light emission, the signal can be considered as an AND logic gate, which is expected to open possibilities in wireless and user-friendly moisture sensors.

Summary: Radial glia-like (RGL) stem cells persist in the adult mammalian hippocampus, where they generate new neurons and astrocytes throughout life. The process of adult neurogenesis is well documented, but cell-autonomous factors regulating neuronal and astroglial differentiation are incompletely understood. Here, we evaluate the functions of the transcription factor zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in adult hippocampal RGL cells using a conditional-inducible mouse model. We find that ZEB1 is necessary for self-renewal of active RGL cells. Genetic deletion of Zeb1 causes a shift toward symmetric cell division that consumes the RGL cell and generates pro-neuronal progenies, resulting in an increase of newborn neurons and a decrease of newly generated astrocytes. We identify ZEB1 as positive regulator of the ets-domain transcription factor ETV5 that is critical for asymmetric division.

Understanding fundamental processes that occur using solar-to-fuel conversion materials is crucial for constructing effective renewable energy collection. Here, authors find the hydrogen peroxide light-driven hole-scavenging mechanism over haematite to proceed with two active sites rather than one

Background: To assess the correlation between salivary glucose and blood glucose levels in diabetics and non diabetics and to study the association between salivary glucose levels and oral candidal carriage in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and method: The study sample was divided into two groups, control and study group. The study group was again divided into two separate groups controlled diabetics and uncontrolled diabetics. Blood and saliva samples (for fasting and postprandial) were taken from each individual. Results: The salivary glucose levels, highly correlated with blood glucose levels in both diabetic as well as non diabetics subjects. Salivary candidal carriage was more in oral cavity of Type 2 diabetic subjects than control subjects. Conclusion: Saliva has the potential to be used as a noninvasive tool to monitor glycemic status of diabetic patients.

Background: The nucleolar organizer region (NOR) is by definition part of a chromosome, and nucleolus is a structure containing this chromosomal part and in addition the material which accumulate around the NOR, mostly rRNAs and their precursors as well as specific ribosomal proteins. Argyrophilic Nucleolar organizing region (AgNOR) are silver binding NORs often used to study cell proliferation in various types of tumors. Aim: Quantitative assessment of Argyrophilic Nucleolar organizing region count and its comparison among dentigerous cyst, keratocystic odontogenic tumor and ameloblastoma. Material and method: Forty-five histologically confirmed cases, 15 cases each of keratocystic odontogenic tumor, dentigerous cysts and ameloblastomas were examined for Argyrophilic Nucleolar organizing region. The sections were obtained and Argyrophilic Nucleolar organizer regions staining was done for comparing the proliferative capacity among these lesions. Result: Post hoc analysis for inter-group comparison and one way ANOVA were done in all three groups in this study. P

Angiogenesis is considered to be an important biological process in disease progression and tumorigenesis. Among the various factors associated with angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a leading candidate. VEGF induces the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of vascular endothelial cells, increases capillary permeability, and enhances endothelial cell survival by preventing apoptosis. This article reviews and highlights the role of VEGF in health, and various oral diseases.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is capable of initiating angiogenesis in blood vessels and may act as mitogenic agent for epithelium of odontogenic cysts and tumors. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of epithelial VEGF expression in odontogenic cysts and ameloblastoma and its correlation with argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region counts to assess its role in their biological behavior. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 45 histologically confirmed cases, 15 cases of each of keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs), dentigerous cysts, and ameloblastomas were examined for immunohistochemical expression for epithelial VEGF, and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) (used as secondary marker in this study) staining was done for comparing the proliferative capacity with VEGF. Results: KCOT shows mild expression within the basal layers and strong expression in the suprabasal layer whereas, in dentigerous cysts, a majority showed no VEGF expression whereas ameloblastomas showed strong expression in all cases by stellate reticulum-like cells at the center of the follicles and suprabasal layers of epithelium. The results of AgNOR counts were higher in KCOTs as compared to ameloblastoma and least in dentigerous cysts. Conclusion: VEGF expression by the epithelium of odontogenic cysts and tumors may play a role in epithelial proliferation via autocrine mechanism as reflected by increased AgNOR counts. The angiogenic activity via paracrine pathway may be responsible for the difference in growth rate and neoplastic behavior of the lesions.

Aim: To investigate the incidence and virulence properties of E. coli in fresh fish and ready-to-eat fish products from retail markets of the Ludhiana the present study was conducted. Materials and Methods: Total of 184 samples comprising 96 raw fish and 88 ready- to-eat (RTE) fish products were collected from Ludhiana and other parts of Punjab and were subjected to suitable microbiological methods for E. coli isolation. E. coli isolates were subjected for haemolytic activity and indicators of plausible cytotoxicity (lecithinase, protease and gelatinase production), congo red dye biding assay. To assess virulence potential isolates were molecularly screened for stx 1 and 2 genes. Results: From raw fish samples 47(48.95%), E. coli, were isolated. From RTE fish products 7(12.96%), E. coli were isolated. Overall incidence for E. coli was 54 (29.34%). In vitro virulence characterization of isolates exhibited that all E. coli isolates were haemolytic while indicators of plausible cytotoxicity ( lecithinase, protease and gelatinase production) were in the range of 16.67% to 35.19% indicated that though the isolates were haemolytic they were perhaps less likely to be cytotoxic. Congo Red binding assay for E. coli isolates revealed that majority (88.89%) of the isolates failed to uptake the dye and only few (11.11%) could bind the dye. Results of serotyping revealed a total of 15 different serotypes among the E. coli isolates. More variation was observed among isolates from raw fish samples (12 serotypes) while RTE fish products harboured only 5 different serotypes. Molecular characterization of E. coli isolates revealed that PCR screening of isolates revealed that total 39 (72.22%) samples out of 54 E. coli isolates were positive for stx1 gene and 28 (51.85%) of isolates were positive for stx2 gene. Sources wise, 36 (66.66%) of isolates from raw fish and 3(5.55%) of isolates from RTE fish products were positive for stx1 while and stx2 gene could be detected in 24(44.44%) isolates from raw fish and 4(7.4%) isolates from RTE fish products.Interestingly, about 20% (37.03%) isolates were positive for both stx1 and stx2 genes. Among these multivirulent isolates majority (n=18) belonged to raw fish samples compared to a few (n=2) from RTE fish products. Conclusion: The results of the present study highlighted the possible risks to consumers of fish and fish products in the region that demand action to address this public health concern. [Vet World 2013; 6(1.000): 5-9]