Letter: Lanthanum-calcium-manganate (La0.67Ca0.33MnO3) nanoparticle assisted affinity probes for MALDI MS analysis of proteins

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) has been used extensively for the analysis of -intact proteins and for proteomics. Proteins or proteomics analyses with low molecular mass range have some limitations because of background interference from the salt or surfactant ions. Lanthanum-calcium- manganate La(0.67)Ca(0.33)MnO(3) nanoparticles (LCMONPs) have been used as the matrix-assisting material after surface modification to reduce the salt or surfactant interference. The detectable mass range was tested in the range of 800-16,000 Da. The surface-modified LCMONPs have affinity with protein molecules through ionic or electrostatic interaction at pH 4.0. The nanoparticles mixed with proteins give a spectrum with a large signal-to-noise ratio for the analytes, and effectively eliminate the noise from interfering salt or surfactant ions. The results indicate that surface-modified La(0.67)Ca(0.33)MnO(3) nanoparticles can be used with MALDI matrix for proteins to eliminate the excessive noise of selective surfactants or salt ions from the MALDI spectrum.

Experimental transmission of Enteromyxum leei to freshwater fish

The myxosporean Enteromyxum leei is known to infect a wide range of marine fish hosts. The objective of the present study was to determine whether freshwater fish species are also receptive hosts to this parasite. Seventeen species of freshwater fish were experimentally fed E. leei-infected gut tissue from donor gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata obtained from a commercial sea bream cage farm. Four of the tested species, tiger barb Puntius tetrazona, zebra danio Danio rerio, oscar Astronotus ocellatus and Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus, were found to be susceptible with prevalences ranging from 53 to 90%. The course of infection and pathology was limited to the gut mucosa epithelium and was similar to that observed in marine hosts. Little is known of the differences in physiological conditions encountered by a parasite in the alimentary tract of freshwater vs. marine teleost hosts, but we assume that a similar osmotic environment is maintained in both. Parasite infectivity may be influenced by differences in the presence or absence of a true stomach, acidic gastric pH and digestive enzyme activity both in the stomach and intestine. Variability in susceptibility among species may also stem from differences in innate immunity. Dimensions of spores produced in the donor sea bream and recipient freshwater species are variable in size, as previously observed in other captive marine host species.

Comparative cytoprotective activity of vitamin C, E and beta-carotene against chromium induced oxidative stress in murine macrophages

The present study reports the cytoprotective efficacy of vitamin C, E and beta-carotene against chromium (VI) induced oxidative stress in murine macrophages. Addition of chromium (VI) resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity as revealed by fall in neutral red uptake and increase in LDH release compared to control cells. Further there was an appreciable increase in apoptosis, ROS production and fall in reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Chromium also inhibited macrophage proliferation and phagocytic activity. Addition of vitamin C but not vitamin E and beta-carotene inhibited chromium induced cytotoxicity, ROS generation and apoptosis. Vitamin C significantly inhibited NO production, enhanced macrophage proliferation and phagocytic activity while vitamin E and beta-carotene had marginal effect.

Chemiluminescence as a diagnostic aid in the detection of oral cancer and potentially malignant epithelial lesions

Chemiluminescence was evaluated as a diagnostic aid in the detection of oral cancer and potentially malignant epithelial lesions (PMELs) by comparing it against 1% tolonium chloride mouth rinse. Forty-six clinically identified lesions [14 primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 26 PMELs and 6 benign lesions] and five cases of normal oral mucosa from 40 subjects (inclusive of 10 previously treated SCC cases) were examined with a commercial chemiluminescent kit (Vizilite) and tolonium chloride. Biopsy and histological verification of 31 lesions disclosed 14 SCC (45.2%), 10 epithelial dysplasias (32.3%), 5 lichen planus (16.1%) and 2 benign lesions (6.4%). For the remaining 15 lesions, a biopsy was not performed owing to patient's lack of consent or ill-health. The five cases of normal oral mucosa which tested negative for both tools were also not biopsied for ethical reasons. Sensitivity for Vizilite and tolonium chloride was 100% and 70.3%, respectively; and specificity was 14.2% for Vizilite and 25% for tolonium chloride. Their accuracy was 80.6% and 64.5%, respectively. Current findings suggest that chemiluminescence is a more reliable diagnostic tool than tolonium chloride in the detection of oral cancer and PMELs, and for follow-up of patients treated for the same.

Synthesis and unusual electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of metastable nanoclusters of ZnO semiconductor crystallites

Metastable nanoclusters of ZnO semiconductor crystallites, 20 to 30 nm diameter, are synthesized by a reconstructive decomposition of a polymer precursor of dispersed Zn2+ cations in poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer molecules. They have EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) spectrum of distinct excitonic features. Multiple EPR bands appear in prominent intensities in oxygen vacancies VO+ and singly ionized Oi- and Zn(i)+ interstitials. A paramagnetic VO+ vacancy derives from usual diamagnetic O2- vacancy of VO++ (behaves as if doubly charged compared to the lattice) by addition of one electron. The results demonstrate the existence of a surface-interface or surface barrier layer in free-carrier depletion at the crystallite surface in the clusters and its effects on the Oi- and Zn(i)+ ionization states (determine green photoluminescence). Both VO+ and Zn(i)+ are curable by a thermal annealing in O2 gas. A cured sample of equilibrium structure achieved by heating at approximately 550 degrees C has a single EPR in Oi- at g = 1.990. The results are useful in understanding their correlation with EPR and optical properties in ZnO semiconductors and devices.

Spinal cord infarction secondary to intervertebral foraminal disease

STUDY DESIGN

The 5 year review of patients referred to one center.

OBJECTIVE

To report spinal cord infarction secondary to vascular occlusion from disease in a lower thoracic intervertebral foramen.

METHOD

The clinical and imaging findings of two cases with acute spinal cord dysfunction are presented.

SETTING

Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, England.

RESULTS

The CT and MR imaging features revealed lower thoracic unilateral foraminal occlusion due to acute facet joint septic arthritis in a diabetic patient, and secondary to chronic hypertrophic osteophytes in a second hypertensive individual. The presumed mechanism of infarction was occlusion of the artery of Adamkiewicz.

CONCLUSION

Foraminal disease in the lower thoracic levels needs to be entertained in cases of unexplained nontraumatic acute spinal cord dysfunction.

Raised serum prolactin in rheumatoid arthritis: genuine or laboratory artefact?

OBJECTIVES

Serum prolactin concentrations have been reported as higher, similar or lower in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with control subjects. We investigated whether low biological activity macroprolactin (a prolactin antibody complex), which is detected variably in different prolactin immunoassays, could account for the discrepant total prolactin results reported in RA.

METHODS

We compared serum total prolactin and free prolactin in 60 women with RA and 31 female controls.

RESULTS

No subject had hyperprolactinaemia or macroprolactinaemia. Serum concentrations of total and free (monomeric) prolactin were higher (P<0.05) in women with RA [mean (s.d.), 225.6 (104.6) and 201.6 (95.4) mU/l respectively] compared with controls [175.0 (68.5) and 154.0 (60.9) mU/l respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

We report higher serum free prolactin concentrations in women with RA compared with control subjects. This result indicates that the higher serum total prolactin levels in patients with RA are the consequence of increased free prolactin concentrations and are not due to macroprolactin.

Serum prolactin in human immunodeficiency virus infection

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have higher serum prolactin compared to healthy controls but this is controversial. As part of a laboratory audit investigating the interference of macroprolactin in our prolactin assay, we investigated whether low biological activity macroprolactin could account for the increased serum prolactin concentrations observed in HIV infection. We, therefore, compared serum total prolactin and free prolactin in 32 subjects infected with HIV (HIV+ve) with 52 subjects not infected with HIV (HIV-ve). Serum total prolactin concentrations were similar in HIV+ve and HIV-ve patients [median (95% confidence limits); 167.0 (122.4 - 313.8) vs 206.5 (187.8 - 248.4) mU/L respectively]. Serum free prolactin concentrations were lower (p <0.005) in HIV+ve subjects than in HIV-ve subjects [112.0 (91.1-141.8) vs 171.0 (154.5 - 200.9) mU/L respectively; p<0.0005]. These results are consistent with the notion that low biological activity macroprolactin contributes to circulating prolactin concentrations in HIV+ve subjects.

Evaluation of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of valdecoxib gel (1%) in adult patients with painful inflammatory joint disease

Valdecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, has recently been introduced as a gel formulation. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of valdecoxib gel in adult patients with painful inflammatory joint conditions. The present study was a 10-day prospective, open, multicentric (6 centres) trial. Patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of painful inflammatory joint conditions were treated with valdecoxib gel (1%). Efficacy was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), patient's and physician's global assessment of pain relief. Grading of associated clinical manifestations such as stiffness, swelling, tenderness and restriction of mobility was done. Tolerability and safety was assessed by physical examination, laboratory parameters and evaluation of adverse events. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean pain visual analogue score (p<0.05). Onset of pain relief was within 15 minutes. There was a reduction of 58.8%, 57.2%, 65.4% and 60.2% in mean scores of stiffness, swelling, tenderness and mobility respectively from the baseline which was statistically significant. The laboratory values were within normal limits. The drug was well tolerated. There was no report of any hypersensitivity reaction. This study confirms that valdecoxib gel (1%) is an effective and safe option for the management of painful inflammatory joint conditions.

Efficacy and safety of the first parenteral selective COX-2 inhibitor, parecoxib sodium, in adult patients with postoperative pain

Parecoxib, a prodrug of valdecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, has been recently introduced for the treatment of moderate to severe postoperative pain. This prospective, open, multicentric study enrolled 260 patients undergoing orthopaedic, gynaecological, dental and general surgery. Postoperatively, patients were treated with parecoxib, 40 mg IM/IV. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean pain intensity score (p<0.05). At the end of 24 hours, 89.6% of total cases had a very good to total relief of pain. The mean duration of analgesia was 19.26 hours and mean time of onset of analgesia was 16.25 minutes ranging from 11-20 minutes. The laboratory values were within normal limits. The drug was well tolerated. There was no report of any hypersensitivity reaction. This study suggests that parecoxib, in a dose of 40 mg IM/IV, is an effective and safe option for the management of postoperative pain.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide and lung-liquid reabsorption in vitro by lungs from fetal guinea-pigs

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is present in the lungs, notably in their internal neuroendocrine system; however, its use is not clear. It was investigated for its possible ability to cause lung-liquid reabsorption around birth. Lungs from 31 late-term fetal guinea-pigs (at 60 ± 2 days of gestation) were supported in vitro for 3 h; lung-liquid movements were monitored by a dye-dilution method. Untreated control preparations (n = 9) produced fluid at 1.85 ± 0.40 mL·kg–1 body mass·h–1 (mean ± SD), with no significant change (ANOVA, regression analysis). Those given 10–8 M PACAP in the middle hour turned to reabsorption (n = 3) or reduced production markedly (n = 3) (average fall 84.4 ± 5.4%; significant at P < 0.001–0.0005); effects continued and increased after the PACAP was removed. Preparations given 10–9 M PACAP reacted similarly, but there was partial recovery after treatment (five reabsorbed, four reduced production; average fall 91.4 ± 14.3%; significant at P < 0.01–0.0005). Preparations given 10–10 M PACAP all reduced production, with partial recovery (average fall 43.5 ± 8.2%; significant at P < 0.005–0.0005). Preparations given 10–11 M PACAP showed little or no effect. The linear log dose–response curve became maximal at 10–9 M (r2 = 0.98; theoretical threshold 10–13 M). The results increase the likelihood that the neuroendocrine system is important in lung-liquid reabsorption, and suggest that PACAP could combine its relaxation of airways with lung-liquid removal, and therefore aid the first attempts of the newborn to breathe.

Evaluation of efficacy, safety and tolerability of valdecoxib in osteo-arthritis patients--an Indian study

Valdecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, has been introduced as a new treatment for osteo-arthritis (OA). The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of valdecoxib, in OA patients in an Indian setting. The present 4-week study was a prospective, non-comparative, assessor blind, single group, multicentric trial with OA patients treated with valdecoxib, 10 mg once a day. Efficacy was assessed by analysing the changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS), patient's and physician's global assessment of arthritis. The incidence of adverse events was monitored throughout the study. There was a clinical and statistical significant improvement in the mean pain score, stiffness score, physical function, composite WOMAC index score and VAS (p<0.05). Patient's and physician's global evaluation of valdecoxib treatment was very good to good in 84.1% and 83.6% of cases respectively. The present study has shown that valdecoxib, in a dose of 10 mg/day given over 4 weeks, is an effective and safe treatment for the signs and symptoms of OA of hip and knee joints.

Correlation between Congo red binding and contact haemolysin production in Shigella species

Haemolytic strains of Shigella dysenteriae type 1, Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii and Shigella sonnei cultured on Congo red agar produced pigmented colonies (Pcr+) whereas nonhaemolytic strains produced white colonies and did not bind Congo red (Pcr-). S. flexneri-1 haemolysin negative mutant (lacking plasmid) of haemolysin positive prototroph also did not bind Congo red and produced nonpigmented colonies. Among the twelve strains of Shigella included in this study, the characteristics of Congo red binding, plasmid profile and haemolytic activity appeared to be correlated. Congo red binding occurred comparatively more by haemolysin-producing strains. Congo red binding can be used as a quick and reliable method for virulence traits of pathogens, including haemolysin activity.