Distinct histopathological phenotypes of severe alcoholic hepatitis suggest different mechanisms driving liver injury and failure

Intrahepatic neutrophil infiltration has been implicated in severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) pathogenesis; however, the mechanism underlying neutrophil-induced injury in SAH remains obscure. This translational study aims to describe the patterns of intrahepatic neutrophil infiltration and its involvement in SAH pathogenesis. Immunohistochemistry analyses of explanted livers identified two SAH phenotypes despite a similar clinical presentation, one with high intrahepatic neutrophils (Neu^hi), but low levels of CD8⁺ T cells, and vice versa. RNA-Seq analyses demonstrated that neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1), a key factor in controlling neutrophilic ROS production, was upregulated and correlated with hepatic inflammation and disease progression. To study specifically the mechanisms related to Neu^hi in AH patients and liver injury, we used the mouse model of chronic-plus-binge ethanol feeding and found that myeloid-specific deletion of the Ncf1 gene abolished ethanol-induced hepatic inflammation and steatosis. RNA-Seq analysis and the data from experimental models revealed that neutrophilic NCF1-dependent ROS promoted alcoholic hepatitis (AH) by inhibiting AMP-activated protein kinase (a key regulator of lipid metabolism) and microRNA-223 (a key antiinflammatory and antifibrotic microRNA). In conclusion, two distinct histopathological phenotypes based on liver immune phenotyping are observed in SAH patients, suggesting a separate mechanism driving liver injury and/or failure in these patients.     

Recent advances in visible-light graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysts for chemical transformations

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has emerged as a new research hotspot, attracting broad interdisciplinary attention in the form of metal-free and visible-light-responsive photocatalysts in the field of solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. These photocatalysts have evolved as attractive candidates due to their non-toxicity, chemical stability, efficient light absorption capacity in the visible and near-infrared regions, and adaptability as a platform for the fabrication of hybrid materials. This review mainly describes the latest advances in g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts for chemical transformations. In addition, the typical applications of g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysts involving organic transformation reactions are discussed (synthesis of heterocycles, hydrosulfonylation, hydration, oxygenation, arylation, coupling reactions, etc.).

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has emerged as a new research hotspot, attracting broad interdisciplinary attention in the form of metal-free and visible-light-responsive photocatalysts.     

Coverage and compliance MDA programme for lymphatic filariasis in Bidar district,Karnataka, India

ObjectiveTo describe the socio demographic characteristics of beneficiaries of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme, to assess the coverage, compliance and causes for noncompliance towards MDA in the district, to assess the awareness regarding elephantiasis among beneficiaries and to assess the knowledge of drug distributors towards the filariasis and MDA programme.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted in 3 rural and 1 urban clusters in Bidar district for the period of 1 week. 50 houses were selected in each cluster by systematic random sampling method and data was collected in a structured proforma by interview technique.ResultsMajority of beneficiaries were at the age group of 15-60 years (72.3%) and male (53%). The overall coverage of MDA in Bidar district was 62.3%. Compliance among those who had received the tablets was 60.4%. Coverage and compliance was more in rural areas compared to urban. The most common reason quoted for not consuming drugs was fear of adverse effects (72.2%) The incidence of adverse events was 0.2%. Even though 75% of them were aware of the disease elephantiasis, only 45.4% had knowledge regarding MDA programme. The knowledge of drug distributors towards MDA and filariasis was found to be adequate.ConclusionCoverage and compliance towards MDA in Bidar district was poor. The coverage and compliance in rural areas was higher compared to the urban areas.     

Pellagra in a child–A rare entity

This case has been presented as pellagra, which is very rare in children. Pellagra is due dietary deficiency of niacin. Usually seen in alcoholics, malabsorption syndromes occur very rarely in children. A 11-y-old girl presented with well-defined, hyperpigmented, hyperkeratotic, symmetrical, thick scaly plaques surrounded by erythema on the dorsum of the hands, arms, feet, legs up to knees, and along the sides of the neck. The child was given 100 mg of Nicotinamide. Skin lesions resolved rapidly with the treatment and the child improved.     

Screening of Alcoholic Yeast Strains for Petite Mutation Frequency and Killer Phenotypes

Seventeen strains of alcoholic yeasts were screened for petite mutation frequency and killer phenotypes with an objective to develop them as industrial strains. The frequency of petite mutations varied with the strain. Though some strains have shown high frequency mutations, a few strains were found to be genetically stable. The killer property was found to vary with the strains. Interestingly, though some strains proved to be sensitive, some strains were found to be killer strains for marker killer strain also. Thus, the study provides the evidence that the killer principle varies with the strain.     

Changes in the levels of indoleamine phytochemicals during véraison and ripening of wine grapes

Abstract: Melatonin and serotonin have previously been described in mature wine grapes and finished wines, but the metabolism of these signalling molecules in the development of wine grapes has not previously been investigated. We harvested wine grapes at different stages of development from lag phase through véraison from eight different commercial vineyards representing a diversity of growing conditions, management practices, merlot varietals and localized ecosystems to determine whether different patterns in melatonin and serotonin can be found in wine grapes during seed development and berry maturation. Melatonin was detected in 45% of the fully developed purple, postvéraison grapes but only found in 23% of prelag phase samples. However, the actual concentration of melatonin was highest in wine grapes harvested at the early stage of véraison when the seed is developing. Serotonin was not detected in any of the prelag phase grapes but was consistently detected in 30–35% of grapes harvested during the véraison transition at consistent levels of about 8–10 μg/g. Interestingly, the nitrogen storage compound γ‐aminobutyric acid was also found at about 115 μg/g in 77% of early stage green grapes and declined in both prevalence and concentration with ripening. Together, these data are indicative of a potential role for these molecules in the development and maturation of wine grapes.