Jejunal Diverticulosis Causing Small Intestinal Volvulus and Closed Loop Obstruction.

BACKGROUND Jejunal diverticulosis are false diverticula of the small bowel that form from outpouching of the mucosa and submucosa. They are pulsion diverticula that are often asymptomatic and can be found incidentally during surgery. In some instances, jejunal diverticula could result in intestinal obstruction. Small intestinal volvulus is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction that results in a closed loop obstruction and is an indication for emergent surgical intervention. CASE REPORT We report a case of an 84-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain and generalized weakness. A preoperative computerized tomographic scan demonstrated a closed loop small bowel obstruction with mesenteric swirling. The patient was taken for a diagnostic laparoscopy, which revealed extensive proximal jejunal diverticulosis and a volvulus of the involved jejunum. An exploratory laparotomy was warranted for safe detorsion of the small bowel and resection of the diseased segment. The small bowel was successfully detorsed, with resection of the involved jejunum. Intestinal continuity was established by a primary side-to-side anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS Jejunal diverticula have been reported in the literature as a cause of small bowel obstructions, and very few reports exist of concurrent small bowel volvulus. In very rare instances, both of these conditions can coexist. There should be prompt surgical intervention in all cases of closed loop small bowel obstructions to prevent intestinal ischemia, perforation, and sepsis.

Towards the development of a DNA automaton: modular RNA-cleaving deoxyribozyme logic gates regulated by miRNAs.

Advancements in DNA computation have unlocked molecular-scale information processing possibilities, utilizing the intrinsic properties of DNA for complex logical operations with transformative applications in biomedicine. DNA computation shows promise in molecular diagnostics, enabling precise and sensitive detection of genetic mutations and disease biomarkers. Moreover, it holds potential for targeted gene regulation, facilitating personalized therapeutic interventions with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. Herein, we have developed six DNAzyme-based logic gates able to process YES, AND, and NOT Boolean logic. The novelty of this work lies in their additional functionalization with a common DNA scaffold for increased cooperativity in input recognition. Moreover, we explored hierarchical input binding to multi-input logic gates, which helped gate optimization. Additionally, we developed a new design of an allosteric hairpin switch used to implement NOT logic. All DNA logic gates achieved the desired true-to-false output signal when detecting a panel of miRNAs, known for their important role in malignancy regulation. This is the first example of DNAzyme-based logic gates having all input-recognizing elements integrated in a single DNA nanostructure, which provides new opportunities for building DNA automatons for diagnosis and therapy of human diseases.

DNA Logic Gates Integrated on DNA Substrates in Molecular Computing.

Due to nucleic acid's programmability, it is possible to realize DNA structures with computing functions, and thus a new generation of molecular computers is evolving to solve biological and medical problems. Pioneered by Milan Stojanovic, Boolean DNA logic gates created the foundation for the development of DNA computers. Similar to electronic computers, the field is evolving towards integrating DNA logic gates and circuits by positioning them on substrates to increase circuit density and minimize gate distance and undesired crosstalk. In this minireview, we summarize recent developments in the integration of DNA logic gates into circuits localized on DNA substrates. This approach of all-DNA integrated circuits (DNA ICs) offers the advantages of biocompatibility, increased circuit response, increased circuit density, reduced unit concentration, facilitated circuit isolation, and facilitated cell uptake. DNA ICs can face similar challenges as their equivalent circuits operating in bulk solution (bulk circuits), and new physical challenges inherent in spatial localization. We discuss possible avenues to overcome these obstacles.

Updates on Molecular Targets and Epigenetic-Based Therapies for PCOS.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can cause infertility in females due to hyperandrogenism and neuroendocrine abnormalities. The aim of this study is to decipher the impact of endocrine variables, hyperandogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and dietary conditions in PCOS conditions, subsequently to depict the role of epigenetic factors relative to phenotypic manifestations in PCOS conditions. We have reviewed several metabolic milieus pertinent to PCOS conditions. Comparative efficacies of various PCOS therapies, and recent clinical recommendations for the effective management of PCOS and role of metabolic/endocrine variables in PCOS conditions were described. Comparative therapeutic effects were vividly delineated according to the variable pathophysiology and internal variables during PCOS syndrome on the female body through the formation of cascade of endocrine pathology, which affects working capacity and fosters redox stress-induced cardiovascular, neural, and liver abnormalities. GLP-1 agonists, insulin sensitizers (metformin), and diet and exercise regimens efficacy were explained in enhancing the fertility outcomes among the overweight or obese females with PCOS. Comprehensive appraisal of DNA methylation as epigenetic changes and the manifestations of methylated genes in PCOS conditions were discussed particularly to screen novel molecular targets for developing efficient diagnostic indicators for predicting PCOS risk or its progression. Due to the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications, it is possible to screen the "druggable" regions to target or to correct abnormalities in the gene expression subsequently to develop chromatin-modifying therapies against PCOS.