Humanized monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 mice develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Mice lacking monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (mMGAT2) are resistant to diet-induced fatty liver, suggesting hMOGAT2 inhibition is a viable option for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We generated humanized hMOGAT2 mice (HuMgat2) for use in pre-clinical studies testing the efficacy of hMOGAT2 inhibitors for treating MASLD/MASH. HuMgat2 mice developed MASH when fed a steatotic diet.

Translation profiling of stress-induced small proteins reveals a novel link among signaling systems.

Signaling networks allow adaptation to stressful environments by activating genes that counteract stressors. Small proteins (≤ 50 amino acids long) are a rising class of stress response regulators. encodes over 150 small proteins, most of which lack phenotypes and their biological roles remain elusive.

SARS-CoV-2 infections before, during, and after the Omicron wave: a 2-year Indian community cohort study.

Background: We measured the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and re-infections in an adult community-based cohort in southern India.

Methods: We conducted a 2-year follow-up on 1229 participants enrolled between May and October 2021. Participants provided vaccination histories, weekly saliva samples, and blood samples at 0, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Evidence of a Hardening in the Cosmic Ray Proton Spectrum at around 166 TeV Observed by the GRAPES-3 Experiment.

We present the measurement of the cosmic ray proton spectrum from 50 TeV to 1.3 PeV using 7.81×10^{6} extensive air shower events recorded by the ground-based GRAPES-3 experiment between 1 January 2014 and 26 October 2015 with a live time of 460 day.

Sloppiness: Fundamental study, new formalism and its application in model assessment.

Computational modelling of biological processes poses multiple challenges in each stage of the modelling exercise. Some significant challenges include identifiability, precisely estimating parameters from limited data, informative experiments and anisotropic sensitivity in the parameter space. One of these challenges' crucial but inconspicuous sources is the possible presence of large regions in the parameter space over which model predictions are nearly identical.

Parent-Reported Assessment Scores Reflect the ASD Severity Level in 2- to 7-Year-Old Children.

We investigated the relationship between parent-reported assessments and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) severity level. Parents evaluated 9573 children with ASD on five subscales-combinatorial receptive language, expressive language, sociability, sensory awareness, and health-using the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Mental Synthesis Evaluation Checklist (MSEC). The scores in every subscale improved with age, and there were clear differences between the three diagnostic categories.

Boston cognitive assessment (BOCA) - a comprehensive self-administered smartphone- and computer-based at-home test for longitudinal tracking of cognitive performance.

Longitudinal cognitive testing is essential for developing novel preventive interventions for dementia and Alzheimer's disease; however, the few available tools have significant practice effect and depend on an external evaluator. We developed a self-administered 10-min at-home test intended for longitudinal cognitive monitoring, Boston Cognitive Assessment or BOCA. The goal of this project was to validate BOCA.

A platelet-derived hydrogel improves neovascularisation in full thickness wounds.

Platelets are a reservoir of growth factors, cytokines and chemokines involved in spontaneous wound repair. In this study, a platelet-rich and fibrin-rich hydrogel was generated from expired platelet components that would have otherwise been transfused. The material contained physiological concentrations of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1, platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), PDGF-BB, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), and epidermal growth factor (EGF).

Effect of Green Banana (Musa paradisiaca) on Recovery in Children With Acute Watery Diarrhea With No Dehydration : A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Cooked green banana (Musa paradisiaca) has been observed to be useful in reducing the duration of diarrheal illness in children.

Objective: To evaluate whether supplementation of cooked green banana shortens the duration of diarrhea in children with acute watery diarrhea with no dehydration.

Study Design: Open label randomized controlled trial.

A Comparative Study of Engineered Dermal Templates for Skin Wound Repair in a Mouse Model.

Engineered dermal templates have revolutionised the repair and reconstruction of skin defects. Their interaction with the wound microenvironment and linked molecular mediators of wound repair is still not clear. This study investigated the wound bed and acellular "off the shelf" dermal template interaction in a mouse model.

Measurement of the Electrical Properties of a Thundercloud Through Muon Imaging by the GRAPES-3 Experiment.

The GRAPES-3 muon telescope located in Ooty, India records rapid (∼10  min) variations in the muon intensity during major thunderstorms. Out of a total of 184 thunderstorms recorded during the interval of April 2011-December 2014, the one on December 1, 2014 produced a massive potential of 1.3 GV.

Transient Weakening of Earth's Magnetic Shield Probed by a Cosmic Ray Burst.

The GRAPES-3 tracking muon telescope in Ooty, India measures muon intensity at high cutoff rigidities (15-24 GV) along nine independent directions covering 2.3 sr. The arrival of a coronal mass ejection on 22 June 2015 18:40 UT had triggered a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm (storm).

Automated, high-throughput derivation, characterization and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are an essential tool for modeling how causal genetic variants impact cellular function in disease, as well as an emerging source of tissue for regenerative medicine. The preparation of somatic cells, their reprogramming and the subsequent verification of iPSC pluripotency are laborious, manual processes limiting the scale and reproducibility of this technology. Here we describe a modular, robotic platform for iPSC reprogramming enabling automated, high-throughput conversion of skin biopsies into iPSCs and differentiated cells with minimal manual intervention.

Transgenic and cloned animals in the food chain--are we prepared to tackle it?

Transgenic and cloned animal production for various purposes has been increasing rapidly in recent times. While the actual impact of these animals in the food chain is unknown, the significance of tracking and monitoring measures to curb accidental and or deliberate release has been discussed. Religious perspectives from different faiths and traditions have been presented.

Laparoscopically assisted retrieval of lost IUCD/foreign bodies: a novel locating technique with fluoroscopic image intensifier.

Migration of therapeutically implanted intrauterine contraceptive devices and foreign bodies pose challenges in accurate localization and removal through the least invasive method. Laparoscopic removal is the desired method of treatment due to the lessened surgical and anesthetic morbidity and accurate and rapid localization of the devices are imperative in aiding an endoscopic removal. Difficulties in locating the device leads to prolonged intraoperative times and at times culminate in a laparotomy with its attendant increased morbidity.

Gradenigo's syndrome--a rare complication of otitis media.

Petrous apicitis is a rare intracranial complication of otitis media. A 4-year-old female child was presented with persistent ear discharge, retro-orbital pain and lateral rectus palsy (triad of Gradenigo's syndrome). A right temporal burr-hole was placed and tapping was done under antibiotic coverage.