RNA polymerase II pausing is essential during spermatogenesis for appropriate gene expression and completion of meiosis.

Male germ cell development requires precise regulation of gene activity in a cell-type and stage-specific manner, with perturbations in gene expression during spermatogenesis associated with infertility. Here, we use steady-state, nascent and single-cell RNA sequencing strategies to comprehensively characterize gene expression across male germ cell populations, to dissect the mechanisms of gene control and provide new insights towards therapy. We discover a requirement for pausing of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) at the earliest stages of sperm differentiation to establish the landscape of gene activity across development.

Transcriptomic analysis of the Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) to address gene expression regulation in human testis.

There is a need to understand the molecular basis of testes under Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA), a state of failed spermatogenesis. There has been a lack of attention to the transcriptome at the level of alternatively spliced mRNAs (iso-mRNAs) and the mechanism of gene expression regulation. Hence, we aimed to establish a reliable iso-mRNA profile of NOA-testes, and explore molecular mechanisms - especially those related to gene expression regulation.

Systematic comparison of the protein-protein interaction databases from a user's perspective.

In absence of periodic systematic comparisons, biologists/bioinformaticians may be forced to make a subjective selection among the many protein-protein interaction (PPI) databases and tools. We conducted a comprehensive compilation and comparison of such resources. We compiled 375 PPI resources, short-listed 125 important ones (both lists are available at startbioinfo.

Alcoholic ketoacidosis: a case report and review of the literature.

Alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) is a cause of severe metabolic acidosis usually occurring in malnourished patients with a history of recent alcoholic binge, often on a background of alcohol dependency. AKA can be fatal due to associated electrolyte abnormalities and subsequent development of cardiac arrhythmias. This is a diagnosis that is often delayed or missed, in patients who present with a severe lactic and ketoacidosis.

Continuous recycling of homogeneous Pd/Cu catalysts for cross-coupling reactions.

Given the importance of homogeneous catalysts recycling in organic chemistry, we have developed a unique microfluidic loop system for automated continuous recirculation of a soluble polymer supported metal catalyst for novel isocyanide cross-coupling reactions under thermomorphic multicomponent solvent (TMS) conditions. Our system provides an innovative approach for the chemical library synthesis of quinazolinone derivatives as well as an important intermediate of Merck's LTD4 antagonist "Singulair" with efficient continuous homogeneous catalyst recycling.

Chitosan-microreactor: a versatile approach for heterogeneous organic synthesis in microfluidics.

Microreactors have been proven to be efficient tools for a variety of homogeneous organic transformations due to their mixing efficiency, which results in very fast reactions, better heat and mass transfer, and simple scale-up. However, in heterogeneous catalytic reactions each catalyst needs an individual substrate as support. Herein, a versatile approach to immobilize metal catalysts on chitosan as a common substrate is presented.

A rare case of "rosai-dorfman disease".

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML) is a benign proliferating histiocytic disorder, predominantly of lymphnodes with extranodal involvement also seen. We present a case of 35 years old female with history of multiple swellings in neck since 1 month duration. On examination patient had painless bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy.

Patient acceptance and clinical impact of Bravo monitoring in patients with previous failed catheter-based studies.

Background: Standard pH monitoring is performed over 24 h with a naso-oesophageal catheter (C-pH). Limitations include naso-pharyngeal discomfort, nausea and social embarrassment resulting in reduced reflux-provoking activities. Recently a catheter-free pH-monitoring technique has become available.

Is an atypical presentation becoming typical of coeliac disease?

A 38-year-old woman was referred to a gastroenterology clinic for investigation of abnormal liver function test (LFT). She had no history of pre-existing liver disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, excess alcohol consumption or use of any hepatotoxic drugs. She was being investigated and treated by oral surgeons for recurrent mouth ulcers which she had for about 18 months.

A rare cause of dysphagia and gastroparesis.

An 82-year-old woman was admitted with severe vomiting and progressive dysphagia mainly to solids. She gave a 3-month history of increasing heartburn, vomiting, tiredness, lethargy, anorexia and 13 kg weight loss. Her past medical history was unremarkable and she was a non-smoker.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis: a common cause of dysphagia in young adults?

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EO) is an increasingly recognised chronic, relapsing inflammatory condition of the oesophagus. There has been a mini-epidemic of EO in the last decade. The incidence of this condition is higher in children and is commoner in males.