Comparison of organic and inorganic amendments for enhancing soil lead phytoextraction by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Phytoextraction has received increasing attention as a promising, cost-effective alternative to conventional engineering-based remediation methods for metal contaminated soils. In order to enhance the phytoremediative ability of green plants chelating agents are commonly used. Our study aims to evaluate whether, citric acid (CA) or elemental sulfur (S) should be used as an alternative to the ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)for chemically enhanced phytoextraction. Results showed that EDTA was more efficient than CA and S in solubilizing lead (Pb) from the soil. The application of EDTA and S increased the shoot biomass of wheat. However, application of CA at higher rates (30 mmol kg(-1)) resulted in significantly lower wheat biomass. Photosynthesis and transpiration rates increased with EDTA and S application, whereas these parameters were decreased with the application of CA. Elemental sulfur was ineffective for enhancing the concentration of Pb in wheat shoots. Although CA did not increase the Pb solubility measured at the end of experiment, however, it was more effective than EDTA in enhancing the concentration of Pb in the shoots of Triticum aestivum L. It was assumed that increase in Mn concentration to toxic levels in soil with CA addition might have resulted in unusual Pb concentration in wheat plants. The results of the present study suggest that under the conditions used in this experiment, CA at the highest dose was the best amendment for enhanced phytoextraction of Pb using wheat compared to either EDTA or S.

Polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor and the androgen receptor gene associated with the risk of urolithiasis

Transcriptional activity of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is regulated by androgen receptor (AR) gene and both are associated with renal stone formation. We examined gene polymorphisms of VDR (PCR-RFLP) and AR (GeneScan analysis) in 125 stone formers and 150 controls from north India. Genotype Ff of Fok-I and Tt of Taq-I demonstrated significantly higher risk (P<0.001, OR=3.559 and P=0.019, 1.830 respectively). Variant f allele exhibited 1.7-folds higher risk. Ff of Fok-I and Aa of Apa-I gene polymorphism showed higher risk in males only. Mean CAG repeat was significantly higher in hypercalciuric patients as compared to normocalciuric (mean=21.62 ± 3.384 vs. 20.11 ± 3.182; P=0.034). Combined effects 1.8-folds higher risk in patients with Tt genotype of Taq-I and short CAG repeat. Thus, association of FokI and TaqI VDR gene polymorphisms suggest VDR as an important genetic marker for urolithiasis. Further, patients with combination of Tt of Taq-I and short CAG repeat were at higher risk for stone formation.

Amyand's hernia in infant: a rare entity

The chance of vermiform appendix lying with in a hernial sac is 1% or less and is known as Amyand's hernia and it is very rare in infant and neonate. Till date, only twenty cases had been reported in English literature. We are reporting a rare case of Amyand's hernia where appendix was present in right inguinal sac of non-obstructed inguinal hernia in a seven month old male infant during operation. The appendectomy was done along with right inguinal herniotomy. In most of the reported cases, appendix was inflamed or perforated, expect in one case where appendix was not inflamed but patient presented with inguinal hernia. This case is reported because of the rarity of Amyand's hernia in infant, the appendix was not inflamed, hernia was not obstructed, and whether in such types of cases appendix should be preserved or not.

On the growth and microstructure of carbon nanotubes grown by thermal chemical vapor deposition

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were deposited on various substrates namely untreated silicon and quartz, Fe-deposited silicon and quartz, HF-treated silicon, silicon nitride-deposited silicon, copper foil, and stainless steel mesh using thermal chemical vapor deposition technique. The optimum parameters for the growth and the microstructure of the synthesized CNTs on these substrates are described. The results show that the growth of CNTs is strongly influenced by the substrate used. Vertically aligned multi-walled CNTs were found on quartz, Fe-deposited silicon and quartz, untreated silicon, and on silicon nitride-deposited silicon substrates. On the other hand, spaghetti-type growth was observed on stainless steel mesh, and no CNT growth was observed on HF-treated silicon and copper. Silicon nitride-deposited silicon substrate proved to be a promising substrate for long vertically aligned CNTs of length 110-130 μm. We present a possible growth mechanism for vertically aligned and spaghetti-type growth of CNTs based on these results.

Biosorption of lead using immobilized Aeromonas hydrophila biomass in up flow column system: factorial design for process optimization

Free and immobilized biomass of Aeromonas hydrophila has been utilized for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. Fitness of Langmuir sorption model to the sorption data indicated the sorption was monolayer and uptake capacity of biomass was 163.9 and 138.88 mg/g for the free and immobilized biomass respectively. 85.38% Pb(II) removal was achieved at bed height of 19 cm and flow rate of 2 mL/min and BDST model was in a good agreement with the experimental results (r(2)>0.997). An attempt has been made to optimize the process conditions for the maximum removal using Central Composite Design with the help of Minitab 15 software and the result predicted by optimization plots was 88.27% which is close to the experimental data i.e. 85.38%. Sorption-desorption studies revealed that polysulfone immobilized biomass could reused up to 16 cycles and bed was completely exhaust after 33 cycles.

Electrical characteristics of PbSe nanoparticle/Si heterojunctions

I-V characteristics of PbSe nanoparticle/single crystal Si heterojunctions prepared by chemical bath deposition method show a rectifying behavior. With decrease in average PbSe grain size between 72 nm and 9 nm currents decrease for forward and reverse bias. C-V characteristics indicate that the junctions transform into that of a metal insulator semiconductor (MIS) as the PbSe nanoparticle size decreases from 72 nm to 9 nm. This insulator like behavior of the small PbSe nanoparticle films is attributed to the highly resistive grain boundaries. Cole-Cole plots demonstrate that on decrease of grain size, the grain boundary contribution increases and grain contribution to the overall impedance decreases. Frequency dependence of capacitance proves space charge polarization in larger grains, which recedes with decrease in average grain size proving insulator like behavior of small PbSe nanoparticles.

Biosorption of Pb(II) from water using biomass of Aeromonas hydrophila: central composite design for optimization of process variables

Biomass of Aeromonas hydrophila was successfully utilized for the removal of lead from aqueous solution. The effect of process variables such as pH, initial Pb(II) concentration, biomass dose and temperature on the uptake of lead were investigated using two level four factor (2(4)) full factorial central composite design with the help of MINITAB version 15 software. The predicted results thus obtained were found to be in good agreement (R(2)=98.6%) with the results obtained by performing experiments. The multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the concentration has positive and temperature and biomass dose have negative whereas pH has curved relationship with the uptake of Pb(II). The maximum uptake of Pb(II) predicted by optimization plots was 122.18 mg/g at 20 degrees C, initial Pb(II) concentration of 259 mg/L, pH 5.0, temperature 20 degrees C and biomass dose 1.0 g. Langmuir isotherm model was applicable to sorption data and sorption capacity was found to be 163.3mg/g at 30 degrees C, pH 5.0 and Pb(II) concentration range 51.8-259 mg/L indicate that the biosorbent was better in comparison of the biosorbent reported in the literature. Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm model was also applied and it was found that sorption was chemisorption (E=12.98 kJ/mol). FT-IR studies indicate the involvement of various functional groups present on biomass surface in the sorption of Pb(II).

An unusual presentation of hydatid cyst in anterior abdominal wall

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of the cestode worm Echinococcus. The most commonly encountered form of the disease is visceral hydatid cyst caused by Echinococcus granulosus or dog tapeworm. Muscular involvement has been reported in only 3-4% cases. We are reporting this case because of its rarity, difficulty to diagnose clinically, dramatic response to medical treatment and to alert the reader of this rare infestation so that open biopsy will be avoided.

Survival update from a multicenter, randomized, phase III trial of vitespen versus observation as adjuvant therapy for renal cell carcinoma in patients at high risk of recurrence

3009

Background: Vitespen (formerly HSPPC-96) is a novel, autologous, heat shock protein (gp96)-peptide complex vaccine. The survival registry is investigating long-term efficacy of vitespen in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients at high risk for recurrence postnephrectomy. Methods: Eligible patients were enrolled and active in Antigenics’ C-100–12 phase III protocol, with a last survival status of alive at study end. Patients randomized in C-100–12 (1:1, vitespen vs. observation) had AJCC stage I (T1b), II (≥5 cm; Fuhrman grade 3/4), stage III, or stage IV (M0) RCC, ≥25% clear cells, ECOG performance score 0/1 and ≥7 g viable tumor tissue for vaccine production. The registry's primary objective is to assess OS. Registry patients are contacted every 6 (no recurrence) or 3 (upon recurrence) m, for a total of 3 y from final C-100–12 data cutoff. Results: Upon C-100–12 termination, 513 of 728 patients were eligible for follow-up. Currently, 306/513 (60%) patients are in the registry database; 207 patients are being contacted. The cohort of 306 patients is well balanced by C-100–12 randomization arm: (59.8% vitespen, 59.5% observation). Formal statistical analyses are in process. Descriptively, updated OS data show a favorable trend in the vitespen arm vs. observation in all analysis sets, especially among patients with earlier-stage disease (stage I/II high grade; n = 118) or at intermediate risk for recurrence (stage I/II high grade, III T1, T2, T3a, low grade; n = 184 ), with 13/125 (10.4%) vs. 21/115 (18.3%), and 18/184 (9.8%) vs. 33/178 (18.5%) deaths reported in the vitespen and observation arms, respectively. Conclusions: The registry provides an opportunity to confirm whether the emerging survival advantage demonstrated at the data cutoff for the C-100–12 trial improves with prolonged follow-up. Formal statistical analyses are ongoing; data available to date show continuing signals of clinical benefit associated with vitespen treatment in patients with better prognostic factors.

[Table: see text]

Structural Modification in Carbon Nanotubes by Boron Incorporation

We have synthesized boron-incorporated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by decomposition of ferrocene and xylene in a thermal chemical vapor deposition set up using boric acid as the boron source. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies of the synthesized CNT samples showed that there was deterioration in crystallinity and improvement in alignment of the CNTs as the boron content in precursor solution increased from 0% to 15%. Raman analysis of these samples showed a shift of ~7 cm(-1) in wave number to higher side and broadening of the G band with increasing boron concentration along with an increase in intensity of the G band. Furthermore, there was an increase in the intensity of the D band along with a decrease in its wave number position with increase in boron content. We speculate that these structural modifications in the morphology and microstructure of CNTs might be due to the charge transfer from boron to the graphite matrix, resulting in shortening of the carbon-carbon bonds.

Phase stabilization by rapid thermal annealing in amorphous hydrogenated silicon nitride film

We have studied the effect of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in the context of phase evolution and stabilization in hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiN(x):H) thin films having different stoichiometries, deposited by an Hg-sensitized photo-CVD (chemical vapor deposition) technique. RTA-treated films showed substantial densification and increase in refractive index. Our studies indicate that a mere increase in flow of silicon (Si)-containing gas would not result in silicon-rich a-SiN(x):H films. We found that out-diffusion of hydrogen, upon RTA treatment, plays a vital role in the overall structural evolution of the host matrix. It is speculated that less incorporation of hydrogen in as-deposited films with moderate Si content helps in the stabilization of the silicon nitride (Si(3)N(4)) phase and may also enable unreacted Si atoms to cluster after RTA. These studies are of great interest in silicon photonics where the post-treatment of silicon-rich devices is essential.

Tailoring the nature of magnetic coupling of Fe-porphyrin molecules to ferromagnetic substrates

We demonstrate that an antiferromagnetic coupling between paramagnetic Fe-porphyrin molecules and ultrathin Co and Ni magnetic films on Cu(100) substrates can be established by an intermediate layer of atomic oxygen. The coupling energies have been determined from the temperature dependence of x-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements. By density functional theory+U calculations the coupling mechanism is shown to be superexchange between the Fe center of the molecules and Co surface-atoms, mediated by oxygen.

Protective or pathogenic immune response to genital chlamydial infection in women--a possible role of cytokine secretion profile of cervical mucosal cells

Little is known about genital mucosal immune response to chlamydial infection in women with or without sequelae (Chlamydia positive women with or without fertility disorders as infertility and multiple spontaneous abortions). Cervical lymphocytes were stimulated with chlamydial EBs and cytokine secretion was determined by ELISA, RT-PCR and ELISPOT assays. Stimulated cervical cells from women with fertility disorders (FD) secrete significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 and cells from fertile women secrete significantly higher levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma compared to other groups. RT-PCR analysis showed similar results for IFN-gamma and IL-12. For IL-10 and IL-4, mRNA expression levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in cells obtained from women with FD compared to other groups. Results for ELISPOT assay were similar as those of RT-PCR. The results suggest that cytokine secretion profile of cervical cells may decide whether infection does not hamper fertility or will develop fertility disorder.

Electron field emission from graphitic nanoflakes grown over vertically aligned carbon nanotubes

Single step growth of self-assembled graphitic nanoflakes (GNF) over carbon nanotubes (CNT) on iron coated silicon(100) substrates is reported. These nanostructures were grown by varying the deposition time in a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition reactor using acetylene, hydrogen and argon as reactant gases. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies of the deposited carbon films revealed that with increase in deposition time from 3 minutes to 6 minutes, the surface topography of the films transformed from one dimensional cylindrical nanostructure to flat-shaped two-dimensional nanoflakes. Carbon film deposited for 5 minutes showed improved surface coverage as compared to films deposited for 6 minutes i.e., surface area of the CNT film covered with nanoflakes increased as compared to carbon film deposited for higher durations. Field emission studies of films deposited at 5 minutes and 6 minutes showed increase in turn-on field, required for electron emission, from 2.7 V/microm to 2.9 V/microm respectively. However, such a combination of one dimension carbon and two dimension carbon may prove useful in applications where high surface area films are required.

The mountain-lowland debate: deforestation and sediment transport in the upper Ganga catchment

The Himalaya-Gangetic Plain region is the iconic example of the debate about the impact on lowlands of upland land-use change. Some of the scientific aspects of this debate are revisited by using new techniques to examine the role of deforestation in erosion and river sediment transport. The approach is whole-of-catchment, combining a history of deforestation with a history of sediment sources from well before deforestation. It is shown that deforestation had some effect on one very large erosional event in 1970, in the Alaknanda subcatchment of the Upper Ganga catchment, but that both deforestation and its effects on erosion and sediment transport are far from uniform in the Himalaya. Large magnitude erosional events occur for purely natural reasons. The impact on the Gangetic Plain of erosion caused by natural events and land cover change remains uncertain.

Sorption of the veterinary antimicrobials sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim in soil

Currently, limited research on the fate of antimicrobials in the environment exists, once they are discharged in human and animal wastes. Sorption of two antimicrobials, sulfadimethoxine (SDM) and ormetoprim (OMP), was investigated in two soils and sand using a series of batch experiments. Because OMP and SDM are often administered in combination, their sorption was also investigated in combination as co-solutes. The rate of SDM and OMP sorption was rapid over the first few hours of the experiments, which then slowed considerably after 16 to 68 h. OMP sorption was enhanced at high concentrations when in combination with SDM, with linear sorption coefficients ranging from 1.3 to 58.3 L.kg(-1) in the single solute experiments and 4.96 to 89.7 L.kg(-1) in the co-solute experiments. Sorption of OMP as a single solute seems to provide a better fit with the Freundlich equation, which became more linear (n approached 1) when SDM was present. Overall, SDM sorbed less than OMP in the two soils and sand. SDM linear sorption coefficients ranged from 0.4 to 25.8 L.kg(-1) as a single solute and 2.5 to 22.1 L.kg(-1) as a co-solute. Sorption of SDM becomes more nonlinear (n < 1) when SDM is present in combination with OMP. Overall, sorption of both antimicrobials increased in the selected soils and sand as the organic matter, clay content, and cation exchange capacity increased. These experiments indicate relatively low sorption of SDM and OMP in natural soils, making them a potential threat to surface and ground water.

Synthesis of nano-dimensional ZnO and Ga doped ZnO thin films by vapor phase transport and study as transparent conducting oxide

We report synthesis of polycrystalline ZnO and Ga doped ZnO (ZnO:Ga) thin films (approximately 80 nm) on Si and quartz substrates in a non-vacuum muffle furnace, a simple and cost-effective route, without any catalyst/reactive carrier gases, at relatively low processing temperature of 550 degrees C. The crystalline phases of the films are identified by grazing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD). The growth of ZnO films is examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM) as a function of deposition time. An optical transmission of approximately 90% is observed for pure ZnO film having a resistivity of approximately 2.1 Omega-cm as measured by van der Pauw technique. Doping with Ga results in single phase ZnO:Ga films, retaining an optical transmission of about 80% and three orders of magnitude decrease in resistivity as compared to pure ZnO film.

Effect of farmyard manure application on boron adsorption-desorption characteristics of some soils

Boron (B) availability to crop plants depends on soil properties as well as management practices like liming, fertilization and use of organic manures. To assess the effect of farmyard manure (FYM) application on availability of added B, adsorption-desorption of B was investigated in five different soils receiving varying doses of FYM (0, 5 and 10 g FYM kg(-1) soil). Two surfaces Freundlich model was found best to account for B adsorption-desorption data of all soils. Application of FYM increased B adsorption capacities pertaining to low (K1) and high (K2) concentration ranges in all soils, except Soil C (Alfisol) having a pH of 9.8, in which the higher rate of FYM decreased the value of K2. Application of FYM did not change B desorption capacities of soils corresponding to low B concentration range (K(1)(1)) significantly, however, it increased B desorption capacity pertaining to high B concentration (K(1)(2)) in all soils, except Soils C (Alfisol) and E (Entisol) having pH of 9.8 and 5.1, respectively. Application of FYM increased the desorption slope factor applicable to low concentration range (1/n(1)(1)) in Soil A (Inceptisol), but decreased it in Soil E (Entisol). The 1/n(1)(2) (desorption slope factor applicable to high concentration range) decreased with FYM application in all soils except Soil E (Entisol), where it was increased. Boron desorption index (slope(ads)/slope(des)) decreased with FYM application in low B concentration range, but increased in high concentration range for all soils except soil E (Entisol, pH 5.1), in which a reverse trend was observed. Application of FYM increased the retention of added B in soils and may help reducing the leaching losses.

Role of azathioprine in preventing recurrences in a patient of recurrent erythema nodosum leprosum

The pathogenesis of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) involves both immune complex deposition and dysfunction of cell mediated immunity. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays an important role in its pathogenesis. Thalidomide and corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for ENL. However, there are often severe limitations to their use. We report a case of recurrent ENL treated successfully with azathioprine. A 15-year-old unmarried girl with lepromatous leprosy had recurrent ENL for 2 years. She was treated with WHO-MB MDT and prednisolone in doses of 40-90 mg a day for 2-12 weeks. Her condition was inadequately controlled. The patient was therefore treated with thalidomide 300 mg and prednisolone 40 mg. The symptoms subsided after 5 days and ENL lesions healed in 2 weeks. Prednisolone was reduced by 10 mg per week and stopped, while thalidomide was reduced to 100 twice daily after 4 weeks. Azathioprine 100 mg (2 mg/kg per day) daily orally was added to prevent recurrences. Thalidomide was further reduced and stopped after another 4 weeks while she continued with azathioprine in the same doses for 8 months. There was no recurrence of ENL lesions and no side effects of the therapy. MB-MDT was stopped 1 year ago, and she is on follow-up without any relapse. Azathioprine, therefore, appears to be an effective and safe drug to prevent recurrences of ENL.

Autologous tumor-derived HSPPC-96 vs. physician’s choice (PC) in a randomized phase III trial in stage IV melanoma

8002

Background: Vitespen (Oncophage; formerly HSPPC-96) is an autologous, tumor-derived, heat shock protein (gp96)-peptide complex vaccine that has shown signals of clinical activity in patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma, and colon and renal cancers. Methods: This phase 3 trial compares vitespen v. PC in AJCC stage IV melanoma. Pts had ECOG PS 0/1 and ≥7 g tumor tissue for vaccine production. Randomization was 2:1 favoring vitespen, and stratified by ECOG PS and AJCC substage (M1a, -b, -c). Vitespen was administered s.c. weekly for 4 weeks, then biweekly until vaccine depletion or disease progression (DP). PC treatment was any regimen including IL-2 and/or dacarbazine/temozolomide and/or tumor resection. Pts were evaluated every 3 months for 1st year, every 6 months for 2nd year, then annually until DP. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). OS data, based on ITT, were analyzed using 1-sided log-rank tests. Results: From Jan 2002-Sept 2004, 322 pts at 76 centers (US, Europe, Russia/Ukraine, Australia) were enrolled. 215 pts were randomized to vitespen, 107 pts to PC. Mean age was 55 y; 59% were male; ECOG was 0 in 71% of pts; 19% of pts were M1a, 24% M1b, 57% M1c. 62% of pts in vaccine arm received vitespen; median number of vaccines was 6 (range, 0–74). As of Sept 2005, 18 pts were in tumor evaluation phase, 53 in survival follow-up, 251 off-study (death, withdrew consent, lost to follow-up). Median follow-up time for vaccine and PC arms was 250 and 289 d, respectively. Estimated median survival for vaccine and PC arms was 281 and 322 d, respectively (P = .078). M1a pts in the vaccine arm survived longer than those in the PC arm (626 v. 383 d, P = .177). Survival was comparable in both arms for M1b pts (297 v. 320 d, P = .478), and longer in the PC arm for M1c pts (299 v. 226 d, P = .015). Impact of number of doses was examined using landmark analyses to correct potential biases. Pts who received ≥10 doses of vaccine survived longer than those who received PC (377 v. 478 d, P = .072). Conclusions: Vitespen confers qualitative survival benefit over PC for M1a melanoma pts. If 10 doses of vaccine can be administered, vitespen also appears to confer survival benefit over PC for M1b pts. A phase 3 trial evaluating vitespen in M1a and M1b pts is planned.

[Table: see text]

Therapeutic modulation of allergic airways disease with leukotriene receptor antagonists

Although asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions, it often remains unrecognized and undertreated, while patients are often reluctant to comply with regular inhaled anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator therapy. Allergic rhinitis co-exists with asthma in as many as 40% of patients, and can be regarded as a continuum of the same inflammatory disease process. Corticosteroids are the 'gold standard' first-line treatment for both conditions, and have a significant impact upon underlying inflammation, symptoms and long-term outcome. Cysteinyl leukotrienes are potent airway inflammatory mediators, suggesting that treatment antagonizing their effects could play a role in disease management. In recent years, leukotriene receptor antagonists have provided a further therapeutic option in the management of allergic airways disease. These drugs are orally active, can be administered once daily, and provide a systemic approach to the management of patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. We review the pharmacology of leukotriene receptor antagonists, their potential role in clinical practice in patients with allergic airways disease, and likely areas for further research.

The heat-shock protein receptors: some answers and more questions

The existence of heat-shock protein (HSP) receptors on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) was hypothesized in 1994. The first such receptor, CD91 or LRP, was identified and characterized in 2000. The pace of attribution has quickened since and during the last three years alone, six putative HSP receptors have been identified. These include CD40, LOX-1, CD36, Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2), TLR-4 and SR-A. The literature on HSP receptors on APCs is critically examined in this review and future directions are imagined.

Serum adenosine deaminase levels in reactional and non-reactional leprosy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Altered serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels have been recorded in various diseases involving lymphocytes and/or lymphoreticular system including leprosy. The study was planned to evaluate alterations in serum ADA levels, if any, in reactional and non-reactional leprosy.

METHODS

Eighty patients of leprosy, comprising 60 patients of non-reactional leprosy and 20 patients of reactional leprosy were studied along with 20 normal healthy controls. Five milliliters of venous blood was collected and ADA levels were estimated by the method of Giusti (1974).

RESULTS

There were 54 males and 26 females. The age of the patients ranged from 5 years to 62 years. The duration of leprosy ranged from 15 days to 3 years. The mean serum ADA level in normal controls was 10.31 +/- 0.58 u/L. The serum ADA levels were raised in leprosy patients, significantly so in multibacillary patients. The serum ADA levels were higher in patients of leprosy with reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed significantly high serum ADA levels in multibacillary leprosy and this was further increased in patients of leprosy with reaction. This may be because of increased lymphoreticular activity during the reactional phases.

Optical properties of Dy3+ doped calibo glass on addition of lead oxide

The effects of PbO on optical properties of dysprosium doped calibo glass have been studied. The content of PbO in the glass has been varied from 0 to 60 mol%. The absorption and fluorescence spectra are analyzed in terms of the Judd-Ofelt theory. It is observed that the fluorescence yield is maximum for the glass containing 40 mol% PbO. The I-R absorption spectra of these glasses have also been recorded and interpreted in terms of changes in the structure of the glasses.

Association of CCR5Delta32 with reduced risk of childhood but not adult asthma

BACKGROUND

A number of potential candidate genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. A 32 base pair deletion in the CCR5 gene renders this chemokine receptor non-functioning and has been shown to be associated with a reduced prevalence of asthma in childhood. The mechanism may be related to impairment of pathogen entry into cells and modified host inflammatory response. We sought to determine the influence of the CCR5Delta32 mutation on asthma and allergy in the transition from childhood to adulthood.

METHODS

627 individuals first studied as part of a whole population schoolchildren cohort in 1989 when aged 8-12 years were followed up 10 years later for respiratory and allergy symptoms and laboratory markers of atopy. CCR5Delta32 status was also characterised and the association with childhood and adulthood symptoms determined.

RESULTS

The follow up sample was representative of the original cohort except for a slightly greater prevalence of symptomatic individuals. As children, none who were homozygous for the CCR5Delta32 mutation had a current physician's diagnosis of asthma. In multivariate analysis and controlling for known confounders, the protective effect of carrying the allele in childhood was highly significant (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.72, p=0.006). There was no protective association with "current asthma" as classified in adulthood within the same population. Subjective or laboratory markers of atopy in childhood or adulthood were not associated with the CCR5Delta32 mutation. Methacholine bronchial hyperresponsiveness in adulthood was also unrelated to gene carrier status.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population with a high allelic frequency for the CCR5Delta32 mutation, a significant protection against childhood asthma is evident which is independent of atopy. This protection is lost in the transition between childhood and early adulthood. The contribution of different genetic candidates to the expression of asthma may change with advancing maturity and confound the interpretation of association and linkage studies unless age is taken into account.

Role of endogenous reactive oxygen derived species and cyclooxygenase mediators in 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions in rat aorta: relationship to nitric oxide

Endogenous reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide), endothelium-derived nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase mediators are involved in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone. An imbalance of these mediators can have profound implications in various cardiovascular disorders. Involvement of endogenous reactive oxygen species, endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase mediators in 5-hydroxytryptamine- (5-HT-) induced contractions of endothelium intact rat aortic rings have been investigated in the present study. The contribution of each of the endogenous reactive oxygen species in mediating 5-HT-induced contractions was studied by pretreating the rings with their respective scavengers. Pretreatment of the rings with superoxide dismutase (superoxide radical scavenger), catalase (H (2)O (2)inactivator), mannitol (extracellular OH. scavenger), or thiourea (intracellular OH. radical scavenger) significantly depressed the 5-HT-induced contractions in the aortic rings. The responses to 5-HT in the presence of SOD or catalase were augmented byL -NAME pretreatment. Though aminotriazole partially inhibited the catalase activity, it inhibited 5-HT-induced contractions significantly. The results obtained thus suggest that endogenous generation of ROS (O(2).(-), H (2)O (2)and OH.) modulates 5-HT-induced rat aortic ring contractions. In addition, H (2)O (2)generated in the endothelium seems to regulate the vascular response and also act as a mediator to release other vasoactive substances. Basal production of NO by the endothelium seems to affect the vascular response due to its interaction with ROS mediators.

Cloning, characterization, and expression of xylanase gene from Bacillus lyticus in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

A genomic library of Bacillus lyticus was constructed in lambda GEM 11 vector and screened for the xylanase gene using Congo red plate assay. A 16-kb fragment containing the xylanase gene was obtained which was further subcloned using Mbo I partial digestion in an E. coli pUC 19 vector. A 1.3-kb sub-fragment was obtained which coded for a xylanase gene of Mr 23,650 Da. This fragment was sequenced and the homology was checked with known xylanases. The maximum homology was 97%, which was obtained with an endo xylanase gene from Bacillus species at the DNA level, while the translated sequence showed only one amino acid change from alanine to serine at position number 102. Expression was checked in E. coli, using the native promoter, and an extracellular activity of 5.25 U/mL was obtained. Cloning of the gene was done in Bacillus subtilis using a shuttle vector pHB 201, which resulted in increasing the basal level xylanase activity from 14.02 to 22.01 U/mL.

Primary tumor tissue lysates are enriched in heat shock proteins and induce the maturation of human dendritic cells

Upon exposure to lysates or supernatants of necrotic transformed cell lines, human dendritic cells (DCs) undergo maturation. In contrast, DCs exposed to apoptotic transformed cell lines or necrotic lysates of primary cells remain immature. Analysis of supernatants of necrotic transformed cell lines showed them to be enriched in the heat shock proteins (hsp)70 and gp96, in contrast to supernatants of primary cells. Likewise, cells from a variety of primary human tumors contained considerably higher levels of hsp than their normal autologous tissue counterparts. Of the majority of human tumors enriched in hsps (hsp70 and/or gp96), their corresponding lysates matured DCs. The maturation effect of tumor cell lysates was abrogated by treatment with boiling, proteinase K, and geldanamycin, an inhibitor of hsps, suggesting that hsps rather than endotoxin or DNA were the responsible factors. Supporting this idea, highly purified, endotoxin-depleted hsp70, induced DC maturation similar to that seen with standard maturation stimuli LPS and monocyte conditioned medium. These results suggest that the maturation activity inherent within tumor cells and lines is mediated at least in part by hsps. The release of hsps in vivo as a result of cell injury should promote immunity through the maturation of resident DCs.

Carbanion-induced base-catalyzed synthesis of 1H-isothiochromenes, benzo[c]thiochromenes through ring-transformation reactions of 6-aryl-2H-pyran-2-ones

An innovative approach to the one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized 3,4-dihydro-1H-isothiochromenes (3), 6H-benzo[c]thiochromenes (5, 6), 6H-benzo[c]chromenes (8), and 2,3-dihydro-1-benzothiophenes (10, 11) is delineated from the reaction of a suitably functionalized 6-aryl-3-carbomethoxy-4-methylthio-2H-pyran-2-one (1) and a carbanion generated from tetrahydrothiopyran-4-one, 4-thiochromanone, 4-chromanone, and tetrahydrothiophene-3-one through ring-transformation reactions.

Intraperitoneal gas drain to reduce pain after laparoscopy: randomized masked trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a drain placed in the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopy is both a clinical and cost-effective method of reducing postoperative pain.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty-five women undergoing diagnostic or minor operative laparoscopic procedures were recruited. Women were assigned to receive either an intraperitoneal gas drain or a dummy drain during surgery. Sample size to detect a two-point difference in visual analogue score was estimated at 158 subjects, with 79 in each arm. The patients and nursing staff were unaware of the position of the drain. A visual analogue score was used to assess pain preoperatively and at 4, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Data on the experience of nausea, frequency of vomiting, and site of pain were collected. The analgesic and antiemetic use was recorded. An economic evaluation of the analgesic use and the material costs for the two groups was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-one complete sets of data (72%) were available for analysis. The two groups were well matched for age, parity, previous surgery, body mass index, volume of carbon dioxide used, and operative time. No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to the overall pain scores preoperatively (8 versus 7) or at 4 (30 versus 34), 24 (40 versus 44), and 48 (26 versus 26) hours postoperatively, after adjusting for multiple point testing. On assessment at different sites, the dummy drain group experienced shoulder pain more frequently at 4 (19 of 79 versus 10 of 82, P =.05) and 48 (16 of 79 versus 7 of 82, P =.03) hours postoperatively compared with the drain group. The placebo group had a 33% greater usage of oral analgesia after discharge, but this was $2.50 cheaper than the use of an intraperitoneal drain. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups with regard to nausea and vomiting postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

An intraperitoneal drain after minor gynecologic laparoscopy decreases the frequency of shoulder pain and reduces postoperative analgesia requirements. However, it is less cost-effective to reduce pain using an intraperitoneal gas drain than simple oral analgesia after minor gynecologic laparoscopy.

Angiotensin receptor blockers and aldosterone antagonists in chronic heart failure

Prognosis in congestive heart failure is directly linked to neurohormonal activation. Angiotensin II through the activation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system has been the principal focus therapy over the last 2 decades. New agents that target selective blockade of the angiotensin II receptor have been introduced in clinical trials for the treatment of heart failure. Aldosterone has been identified as a critically important neurohormone with direct detrimental effects on the myocardium. Aldosterone antagonists have been used in clinical trials to improve mortality in patients with chronic heart failure.

Altered contractions to endothelin-1, phenylephrine, potassium chloride and relaxations to acetylcholine at various stages of renal hypertension in the rat

This study is aimed at investigating the contraction and relaxation responses in the thoracic and abdominal aortae at various stages of hypertension. Hypertension in the rats was produced by aortic banding and the responses in the abdominal and thoracic aortic rings were studied 2 and 8 weeks after aortic banding. Contractile responses to phenylephrine ( 10(-6)M), KCl (80 mM) or to endothelin-1 ( 10(-12)to 10(-6)M) and the relaxation responses to acetylcholine ( 10(-7)to 10(-5)M) were similar in the thoracic and abdominal rings of normotensive rats. The intact thoracic rings from 2 week aortic-banded hypertensive rats (ABHR) showed attenuated responses to all the contractile agents used. However, the relaxation to acetylcholine was not altered. In the rings from 8 week ABHR, the responses to contractile agents were not significantly altered but the acetylcholine-induced relaxations were significantly attenuated. The endothelial-derived relaxing factors might act to antagonize the vasoconstrictive responses during the onset of hypertension but might be disabled, as the endothelial dysfunction becomes predominant after 8 weeks of hypertension. The results thus suggest that the contractile and relaxant responses are differentially altered during different stages of hypertension.

Enhancement of mass transfer using colloidal liquid aphrons: measurement of mass transfer coefficients in liquid-liquid extraction

Interphase mass transfer of a sparingly soluble solute is often the rate-limiting step in multiphase biocatalytic processes. Colloidal liquid aphrons (CLA) provide very large interfacial areas, and thus could enhance mass transfer in such processes. The aim of this study was to characterize mass transfer properties of CLA dispersions during transfer of heptanoic acid from water to limonene. The interfacial area per unit volume (a), film mass transfer coefficient (K(L)), and volumetric mass transfer coefficient (K(L)a) values were determined in a stirred-tank reactor. These results were used, along with a literature correlation, to estimate the mass transfer coefficient of the surfactant-stabilized shell surrounding the CLA. The very large increase in a provided by the CLA was only partially offset by a slight increase in the mass transfer resistance of the shell. As a result, the range of K(L)a values obtained using CLA was about an order of magnitude greater than that obtained using a conventional dispersion. The concentration of the aqueous-phase surfactant used to form the CLA strongly affected the Sauter mean diameter of the CLA; however, the concentration of the nonpolar-phase surfactant had little effect. These results suggest that CLA have considerable potential for multiphase biocatalytic applications.

Raised platelet thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances in proliferative Eales' disease

BACKGROUND

Platelets are an elective site for oxidative stress owing to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acid. Increased lipid peroxidation and elevated platelet thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS) signal oxidative stress. This possibly leads to retinal neovascularization in Eales' disease.

METHODS

TBARS levels were estimated in consecutive cases of Eales' disease with neovascularisation (n = 26), Eales' disease without neovascularisation (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 17).

RESULTS

Platelet TBARS levels in the cases of Eales' disease with neovascularisation, Eales' disease without neovascularisation, and healthy controls were 0.66 +/- 0.1, 0.57 +/- 0.11 and 0.42 +/- 0.14 n moles TBARS formed/hour/10(8) platelets respectively. Student's t-test showed a significant increase in platelet TBARS levels in cases with neovascularisation as compared to cases without neovascularization (p < 0.05) and healthy controls (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The increase in platelet TBARS levels in proliferative Eales' disease is consistent with an emerging view that lipid peroxides may be associated with retinal neovascularisation.

A new class of potential chloroquine-resistance reversal agents for Plasmodia: syntheses and biological evaluation of 1-(3'-diethylaminopropyl)-3-(substituted phenylmethylene)pyrrolidines

1-(3'-Diethylaminopropyl)-3-(substituted phenylmethylene)pyrrolidines were synthesized and evaluated for CQ-resistant reversal activity. In general the compounds of the series elicit better biological response than their phenylmethyl analogues. The most active compound 4b has been evaluated in vivo in detail, and the results are presented. The possible mode of action of the compounds of this series is by inhibition of the enzyme heme oxygenase, thereby increasing the levels of heme and hemozoin, which are lethal to the parasite.

Nephron-sparing surgery in a case of giant renal hydatid cyst

We report a case of a centrally located giant renal hydatid cyst managed successfully by excision of the cyst alone and preserving the renal parenchyma after clamping the main renal artery. Follow-up IVP showed good function.