Evaluation of TTK Chitra heart valve prosthesis in pediatric patients

This report highlights the outcome of valve replacement using TTK Chitra heart mechanical valve in a subgroup of pediatric patients This cohort of 27 pediatric patients with implantations during January 2006 to December 2018 was followed up prospectively. The cohort consisted of 12 aortic valve replacement (AVR), 14 mitral valve replacement (MVR), and 1 double valve replacement (DVR) patients. Total follow-up was 254 patient-years (AVR = 107, MVR = 136, DVR = 11) being 90% complete. The results show that the survival rates and event-free rates were satisfactory. Despite many reservations due to the high risk involved, the long-term benefits of having a durable valve replacement seem to outweigh the risks and offer acceptable long-term survival.     

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.     

Melatonin and serotonin: Mediators in the symphony of plant morphogenesis

Melatonin and serotonin are important signaling and stress mitigating molecules that play important roles across growth and development in plants. Despite many well‐documented responses, a systematic investigation of the entire metabolic pathway (tryptophan, tryptamine, and N‐acetylserotonin) does not exist, leaving many open questions. The objective of this study was to determine the responses of Hypericum perforatum (L.) to melatonin, serotonin, and their metabolic precursors. Two well‐characterized germplasm lines (#4 and 112) created by mutation and a haploid breeding program were compared to wild type to identify specific responses. Germplasm line 4 has lower regenerative and photosynthetic capacity than either wild type or line 112, and there are documented significant differences in the chemistry and physiology of lines 4 and 112. Supplementation of the culture media with tryptophan, tryptamine, N‐acetylserotonin, serotonin, or melatonin partially reversed the regenerative recalcitrance and growth impairment of the germplasm lines. Quantification of phytohormones revealed crosstalk between the indoleamines and related phytohormones including cytokinin, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid. We hypothesize that melatonin and serotonin function in coordination with their metabolites in a cascade of phytochemical responses including multiple pathways and phytohormone networks to direct morphogenesis and protect photosynthesis in H. perforatum.     

Anthoceros subtilis Steph: A Rare Disjunct Species,New to North East India from Brahmaputra Valley

A rare bryophyte, Anthoceros subtilis Steph., earlier reported in India only from Western Ghats, (Karnataka and Maharashtra), Gujarat, Rajasthan and elsewhere in world from China, Thailand and Vietnam, has been discovered from southern Brahmaputra flood plains of Assam.