Relationship between Clinical Profile, Severity and Outcome of Community Acquired Pneumonia with Hyponatremia in Children Aged 2-60 Months

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte imbalance seen in clinical practice and a common laboratory findings in children with community acquired pneumonia. This study aimed to find out relationship between clinical profile, severity and outcome of community acquired pneumonia with hyponatremia in children aged 2-60 months. This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in pediatrics department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Study period was 6 month from November 2016 to April 2017. Data were collected from 2 months to 60 months old children who fulfill the selection criteria. In this study sampling technique was purposive. Detailed history was taken, and meticulous examinations and relevant investigations were performed. 100 patients with community acquired pneumonia were enrolled, 34.0% patient had hyponatremia and 66.0% patients had no hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is more marked (45.5%) in severe pneumonia followed by moderate pneumonia (33.3%) and no hyponatremia found in mild pneumonia. Mean temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, head nodding, nasal flaring, grunting, stridor, cyanosis, convulsion, feeding problem, Poor air entry were significantly higher in patient of pneumonia with hyponatremia when compared to patient of pneumonia without hyponatremia. Mean duration of symptoms and mean duration of hospital stay were also significantly higher in patient of pneumonia with hyponatremia. The mean serum sodium concentration was 132.18±1.51mmol/L in hyponatremic patients and 137.91±1.94mmol/L in normonatremic patients. Mean values of total leucocyte count, ESR, and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in patient of pneumonia with hyponatremia. Serum hemoglobin was significantly lower in hyponatremic patients than normonatremic patients. Maximum (55.9%) patients of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) with hyponatremia had patchy opacity, 26.5% had consolidation, 11.8% had interstitial opacity and 5.9% had pneumatocele. All the patients were treated with appropriate antibiotics and fluid and discharged after complete recovery without any complication. There was no death in the study population. From this study we can conclude that, hyponatremia is directly related with the severity of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The intensity of clinical profile and investigation findings are also directly related with the severity of pneumonia.

Optimized addition of nitric oxide compounds in semen extender improves post-thaw seminal attributes of Murrah buffaloes

Semen dilution and cryopreservation alter the homogeneity of seminal plasma, resulting in a non-physiological redox milieu and consequently poor sperm functionality. Considering the concentration-specific bimodal action of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of sperm functions, cryopreservation media supplemented with optimized concentrations can improve the semen attributes. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding an optimized concentration of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in an extender on in vitro semen quality. An aliquot of semen samples (n = 32) from Murrah buffalo bulls (n = 8) was divided into control (C) and treatment (T-I: SNP in extender at 1 µmol/L; T-II: L-NAME in extender at 10 µmol/L). Fresh semen quality parameters showed no significant difference at 0 h except for the structural integrity in the T-II group. Post-thaw semen quality parameters and sperm kinematics using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05) cryoresistance in the treatment groups. Viability, acrosome integrity, and membrane integrity were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both treatment groups; however, the results were pervasive in T-II. Lower abnormal spermatozoa were observed in both T-I and T-II. SNP supplementation led to a significant rise (p < 0.05) in NO, whereas L-NAME reduced the NO concentration in post-thawed samples, which was directly correlated with different sperm functionality and associated biomarkers viz. total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). It was concluded that the cryopreservation media supplemented with SNP and L-NAME at 1 µmol/L and 10 µmol/L, respectively, lower the cryo-damage and improve post-thaw seminal attributes.

Resiliencies of soil phosphorus fractions after natural summer fire are governed by microbial activity and cation availability in a semi-arid Inceptisol

The unintended impact of natural summer fire on soil is complicated and rather less studied than its above-ground impact. Recognising the impact of a fire on silvopastoral soils and their resilience can aid in improving the management of silvopastoral systems. We studied the immediate (after 1 week (W)) and short-term (after 3 months (M)) recovery of different soil biological and chemical properties after the natural fire, with specific emphasis on phosphorus (P) dynamics. Soil samples were collected from four different layers (0-15, 15-30, 30-45, and 45-60 cm) of Morus alba, Leucaena leucocephala, and Ficus infectoria based silvopastoral systems. In the 0-15 cm soil layer, soil organic carbon (SOC) declined by ∼37, 42, and 30% after the fire in Morus-, Leucaena-, and Ficus-based systems, respectively within 1W of fire. However, after 3M of fire, Morus and Leucaena regained ∼6 and 11.5% SOC as compared to their status after 1W in the 0-15 cm soil layer. After 1W of the fire, soil nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and potassium availability declined significantly at 0-15 cm soil layer in all systems. Iron and manganese availability improved significantly after 1W of the fire. Saloid bound P and aluminium bound P declined significantly immediately after the fire, increasing availability in all systems. However, calcium bound P did not change significantly after the fire. Dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity declined significantly after the fire, however, phenol oxidase and peroxidase activity were unaltered. Resiliencies of these soil properties were significantly impacted by soil depth and time. Path analysis indicated microbial activity and cationic micronutrients majorly governed the resilience of soil P fractions and P availability. Pasture yield was not significantly improved after the fire, so natural summer fire must be prevented to avoid loss of SOC, N, and S.

Time dependent impact of reactive oxidants on seminal attributes, mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid peroxidation and capacitation-like changes of Karan-Fries bulls during cryopreservation

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation of semen is a valuable technique; however, it is also known to be detrimental to the structure of spermatozoa and fertility due to cryo-injury and subsequent generation of reactive oxidants.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the time-dependent impact of reactive oxidants on seminal attributes, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation status (LPO) and early capacitation like changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen samples were collected by artificial vagina technique from six Karan-Fries (KF) bulls and subsequently examined at 0 h (before cryopreservation) and at 24 hours, 15 days and 2-months of storage for various seminal attributes, MMP, and early capacitation-like changes. Simultaneously, LPO (TBARS) was determined in fresh and post-thaw seminal plasma.

RESULTS

A sharp decrease (P < 0.01) in semen quality was observed only after 24 h of cryopreservation except for viability and acrosomal integrity. Sperm viability and acrosome integrity reduced significantly up to 2 months of cryopreservation. The lipid peroxidation status was found to be lower in fresh seminal plasma (2.6 ±0.2 vs. 3.5 ± 0.3 units/mL) as compared to post-thaw. Furthermore, the active MMP of fresh semen showed a significant (P < 0.01) decrease after 24 hours (77.9 ± 0.4 vs. 54.5 ±0.3%) of cryopreservation, while there was a non-significant decrease in active MMP after 15 d and 2-months (53.7 ± 0.1 and 52.8 ± 0.2%). Moreover, significant (P. < 0.01) early capacitation-like changes were found in post-thaw spermatozoa (25.7 ± 0.1 vs. 9.1 ± 0.2%) as compared to fresh ejaculate.

CONCLUSION

Spermatozoa incur the majority of damages during the early phase of cryopreservation, however the damage associated by different stressors cannot be neglected. doi.org/10.54680/fr22410110212.

Alien genome mobilization and fixation utilizing an apomixis mediated genome addition (AMGA) strategy in Pennisetum to improve domestication traits of P. squamulatum

An approach to release 'frozen' variability in apomictic species using sexuality of another species, eventually its utilization in crop improvement and de-novo domestication of crop wild relatives is presented. Pennisetum squamulatum, a secondary gene pool species of pearl millet (P. glaucum), harbours many desirable traits. However, it was neither utilized to improve pearl millet fodder traits nor improvement of its own domestication traits was attempted, due to the complexities of genomes and apomictic reproduction. To overcome this, we followed an Apomixis Mediated Genome Addition (AMGA) strategy and utilized the contrasting reproductive capacities (sexuality and apomixis) of both the species to access the otherwise un-available variability embedded in P. squamulatum. Segregating population of interspecific hybrids exhibited significant variability and heterosis for desired morphological, agronomical, and nutritional traits. Elite apomictic and perennial hybrids were evaluated in breeding trials, and eventually a novel grass cultivar was released for commercial cultivation in India. The performance of newly developed cultivar was superior to other adapted perennial grasses of arid and semi-arid rangelands. Through AMGA, the sexuality of one species was successfully utilized to 'release' the 'frozen' variability embedded in another species. Subsequently, the hybrids representing desirable trait combinations were again 'fixed' utilizing the apomixis alleles from the male parent in a back-and-forth apomixis-sexual-apomixis selection cycle. This study also demonstrated the potential of AMGA to improve crop relatives through genomes introgression as well as de novo domestication of new crops from wild species.

Complementary gene interaction and xenia effect controls the seed coat colour in interspecific cross between Trifolium alexandrinum and T. apertum

Trifolium alexandrinum (Egyptian clover) is a widely cultivated winter annual fodder. Present work deals with inheritance of the seed coat colour in segregating progenies of the interspecific cross between T. alexandrinum and T. apertum. Although, both the parent species possessed yellow seed coat, the F₁ seeds were black coloured in the reciprocal cross (T. apertum × T. alexandrinum). Seeds borne on individual F₂ plants and the advancing generations segregated in yellow and black seed coat colour, which confirmed xenia effect. F₂ seeds collected from individual F₁ plants exhibited nine black and seven yellow segregation ratio. The segregation of the seed coat colour recorded from F₃ to F₅ generations revealed that yellow seed coat was true breeding (i.e. non-segregating) in this interspecific cross (including the reciprocal crosses). However, the black seeded progenies were either true breeding or segregated in nine black: seven yellow ratio or three black: one yellow ratio suggesting a complementary gene interaction or duplicate recessive epistasis. It indicated that the seed coat colour is controlled by complementary gene interaction along with xenia effect in interspecific crosses between T. alexandrinum and T. apertum. Occurrence of the complementary genes across the species could suggest T. apertum to be the progenitor of T. alexandrinum. Inheritance of seed coat colour in reference to its importance in Egyptian clover breeding is also discussed.

Risk Categorization with Different Grades of Cervical Pre-Neoplastic Lesions - High Risk HPV Associations and Expression of p53 and RARβ

Objective:

To identify high risk HPV associations by evaluating linked p16 overexpression and also the expression of p53 and RARβ together with histopathology for risk categorization of cervical pre-neoplastic lesions.

Materials and Methods:

Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 100 cases of cervical pre- neoplastic lesions for expression of biomarkers like p16, p53 and RARβ for comparison with haematoxylin/eosin (HE) findings. All the experimentally generated data were statistically analyzed.

Results:

In this study 70% cases showed overexpression of p16INK4A increasing progressively from CIN I to CIN II but reduced in CIN III (p <0.01). p53 oncoprotein expression was seen in 51% cases, again with increments from CIN I to CIN II with slight reduction in CIN III (p<0.01). Some 24% cases showed negative immunoreactivity for the putative tumor suppressor gene RARβ (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study provides support for the idea that p16 can be used to identify associations with HPV , as well as having potential along with p53 and RARβ for categorizing cervical pre-neoplastic cases having a higher risk of neoplastic conversion. Thus it may be concluded that accurate risk categorization can be achieved with the help of genetic markers as well as histopathology.

Association of Low Level of High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol with Acute Coronary syndrome

Incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing in developing countries in Bangladesh with improvement of socioeconomic status, urbanization, changes of dietary habits and lifestyle. Dyslipidaemia is one of the major contributors increase CAD risk. This study was aimed to find out the association of low level HDL-C with acute coronary syndrome. This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from August 2009 to May 2010. Sociodemographic characteristics, smoking, hypertension, FBS, serum total cholesterol level, HDL-C, LDL-C, Triglyceride level were important variable considered. A total number of 100 respondents consisted of 50 cases (patient) Group I and 50 healthy people (control) Group II. Investigations included ECG, Troponin-I, FBS and Fasting Lipid Profile. The data was analyzed by computer with the help of SPSS. Chi-square test, T-test, ANOVA test used as test of significance. The mean level in cases of HDL-C 39.3±5.1 and in control level HDL-C 34.2±3.4 statistically significant (p<0.0001). In both group low concentration HDL-C (<40mg/dl) risk for CAD. Un-adjusted odds ratio 95% CI determinants of ACS, HDL-C of OR was 0.2. So, HDL-C is not protective factor. In multivariate logistic regression analysis that adjusted for confounders of HDL-C level (age, sex, smoking, hypertension, TC, LDL-C, TG) associated with ACS. HDL-C was strong predictor of ACS (RR in the highest) compared with lowest quarantile = 0.02; (95% CI=0.003-0.173; P for trend <0.0001). The study reflected that low HDL-C level associated with ACS. Categorization of patients with ACS on the basis HDL-C level may be helpful for risk stratification and management.

Pattern of Disease among Patients Attending Cardiology Outpatient Department of a Private Hospital of Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Epidemiologic transition is taking place in every part of the world. Cardiovascular diseases became the most common cause of death accounting for 30% of deaths worldwide, with 80% of the burden now occurring in developing countries. The objective of the study was to assess the Pattern of disease among patients attending Cardiology outpatient department of a private hospital. The cross sectional descriptive type of observational study was conducted among 550 patients attending Cardiology outpatient department (COPD) of Sodesh Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from March 2016 to June 2016. All the new patients attending COPD of Sodesh Hospital were selected purposively for the study. Data were collected by interview, physical examination and laboratory investigations of patients using a case record form. Mean age of the patients was 45.1 years with a SD of 15.6 years. Among the patients male were 291(52.9%), a bit higher than the female 259(47.1%). It was observed that more than half of the patients (281, 51.1%) visited cardiologist with non-cardiac problems. Less than one third of the patients (169, 30.7%) attended with cardiac problems and 100(18.2%) patients visited with both cardiac and non-cardiac problems. Among the cardiac diseases and symptoms hypertension was on the top of the list 176(65.4%). Ischemic heart diseases was present in 35(13.0%) and palpitation was in 30(11.1%) patients. On the other hand among the non-cardiac diseases or presentations, 121(43.1%) patients had non-specific chest pain, 63(22.4%) had shortness of breath and 17(6.1%) had diabetes mellitus. Hypertension was found the most frequent cardiovascular disease (65.4%) followed by ischemic heart disease (13.0%). More than half (51.1%) of the patients visit cardiologist with non-cardiac problems. Screening at the level of general practitioner (GP) and appropriate referral system can reduce extreme burden of patients to the cardiologists in the Cardiology outpatient department.

Transcriptomic data of pre-meiotic stage of floret development in apomictic and sexual types of guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.)

Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq), an important fodder crop of humid and sub-humid tropical regions, reproduces through apomixis, a method of clonal propagation through seeds. Lack of knowledge of the genetic and molecular control of this phenomena has hindered the genetic improvement of this crop. The dataset provided here represents the first RNA-Seq based assembly and analysis of florets at pre-meiotic stage from the apomictic and sexual genotypes of guinea grass. The raw sequence files in FASTQ format were deposited in the NCBI SRA database with accession number SRP115883. A total of 24.8 Gb raw sequence data, corresponding to 17,96,65,827 raw reads was obtained by paired end sequencing. We used Trinity for de-novo assembly and identified 57,647 transcripts in sexual and 49,093 transcripts in apomictic type. This transcriptome data will be useful for identification and comparative analysis of genes regulating the mode of reproduction in grasses.

Immunomodulatory effects of probiotics and prilled fat supplementation on immune genes expression and lymphocyte proliferation of transition stage Karan Fries cows

Background and Aim:

Probiotics are the living microorganism which when administered improves the digestion and health of the animal. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) improves the humoral and innate immunity of the animal. Prilled fat is a hydrogenated palm oil triglyceride which has been reported to promote the release of cytokines from macrophages. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of probiotic and prilled fat during transition stage in Karan Fries (KF) cows.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 12 KF cows at 21 days prepartum were selected and divided into two groups of six animals each. The control group was fed as per the standard feeding practices and the supplemented group cows were supplemented daily with prilled fat at 100 g/cow, SC at 25 g/cow, and sweetener at 1 g/cow in addition to the standard feeding practices from −30 days of prepartum to 21 days of lactation. The sweetener was added to improve the palatability of the feed. The natural sweetener of an African plant leave had 105 times more sweetness than glucose with good aroma. The dry matter intake of the animal was recorded. Plasma samples were collected weekly from all cows for the analysis of blood metabolite beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). Lymphocytes were isolated from the blood for studying the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and for estimating lymphocyte proliferation index (LPI).

Results:

The upregulated IL-1β and TNF-α around calving might be possibly associated to the metabolic changes occurring during the transition period and suggest a higher degree of inflammation around parturition. High concentrations of BHBA caused increased expression and synthesis of the pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-1β in supplemented group in primary calf hepatocytes. The LPI was higher in supplemented group as compared to control which suggests a stimulatory effect of unsaturated fatty acids on mitogen-stimulated T-cell proliferation.

Conclusion:

Dietary supplementation of probiotics, prilled fat, and sweetener alleviated negative energy balance by stimulating feed intake and modulating hepatic lipid metabolism; and both of these additives improved the postpartum health (antioxidant status and immune function) of transition dairy cows.

Would induction of dopamine homeostasis via coupling genetic addiction risk score (GARS®) and pro-dopamine regulation benefit benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD)?

Prescriptions for Benzodiazepines (BZDs) have risen continually. According to national statistics, the combination of BZDs with opioids has increased since 1999. BZDs (sometimes called “benzos”) work to calm or sedate a person by raising the level of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. In terms of neurochemistry, BZDs act at the GABAA receptors to inhibit excitatory neurons, reducing VTA glutaminergic drive to reduce dopamine release at the Nucleus accumbens. Benzodiazepine Use Disorder (BUD) is very difficult to treat, partly because BZDs are used to reduce anxiety which paradoxically induces hypodopaminergia. Considering this, we are proposing a paradigm shift. Instead of simply targeting chloride channel direct GABAA receptors for replacement or substitution therapy, we propose the induction of dopamine homeostasis. Our rationale is supported by the well-established notion that the root cause of drug and non-drug addictions (i.e. Reward Deficiency Syndrome [RDS]), at least in adults, involve dopaminergic dysfunction and heightened stress. This proposition involves coupling the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) with a subsequent polymorphic matched genetic customized Pro-Dopamine Regulator known as KB220ZPBM (Precision Behavioral Management). Induction of dopamine homeostasis will be clinically beneficial in attempts to combat BUD for at least three reasons: 1) During detoxification of alcoholism, the potential induction of dopamine regulation reduces the need for BZDs; 2) A major reason for BZD abuse is because people want to achieve stress reduction and subsequently, the potential induction of dopamine regulation acts as an anti-stress factor; and 3) BUD and OUD are known to reduce resting state functional connectivity, and as such, potential induction of dopamine regulation enhances resting state functional connectivity. Future randomized placebo-controlled studies will investigate this forward thinking proposed novel modality.

Alterations in amygdala-prefrontal circuits in infants exposed to prenatal maternal depression

Prenatal exposure to maternal depression is common and puts offspring at risk for developing a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite its prevalence and adverse associations, neurobiological processes by which prenatal maternal depression (PMD) confers risk remain poorly understood. Maternal mood and fetal behavior were assessed between 34 and 37 gestational weeks. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion MRI, we examined functional and structural connectivity within amygdala-prefrontal circuits in 64 infants (mean age=5.8±1.7 weeks) with (n=20) and without (n=44) in utero exposure to PMD. Resting fMRI and diffusion MRI both indicated atypical amygdala-prefrontal connectivity in PMD-exposed infants: Resting fMRI indicated increased inverse, or negative, functional connectivity between the amygdala and the dorsal prefrontal cortex (PFC), bilaterally, and diffusion MRI indicated decreased structural connectivity between the right amygdala and the right ventral PFC. Spectral dynamic causal modeling supported these findings suggesting altered amygdala-PFC effective (or directed) connectivity in PMD-exposed infants. Last, path analyses supported a mechanistic account relating PMD to a third-trimester fetal behavior: PMD alters amygdala-PFC connectivity, which in turn, is associated with an increase in fetal heart rate reactivity to in utero perturbation. These data suggest that the maturation and coordination of central and peripheral physiology are altered by prenatal exposure to maternal depression. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to directly associate infant MRI measures with a behavior-fetal heart rate response, and supports hypotheses that PMD-associated variations in the development of amygdala-PFC circuits are relevant for future neurobehavioral maturation.

Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome is Better Predicted by Apolipoprotein B in Young People than Dyslipidemic Parameter of Conventional Lipid Profile

The traditional lipidic parameters when present and clusters within reference range, often fails to predict the risk of acute coronary syndrome in young population in this region. Measurement of Apolipoprotein B (Apo B), a parameter of the lipoprotein-lipid profile, provides a method of quantifying the concentration of lipoproteins, rather than their cholesterol content. Present study aimed to quantify the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young people with having none to less number of traditional lipidic parameters for dyslipidemia. This is a case control study among 50 cases of first attack of ACS among 18-45 years of age of both sexes, admitted in coronary care unit of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from June 2009 to May 2010. Data was recently reanalyzed. Out of five sub-sets of lipid profile, namely TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C and non-HDL-C, 16(32%) cases were dyslipidemic by 0 (none) parameter, 13(26%) cases by one parameter, 7(14%) cases by two parameters, 4(8%) cases by three cases, 7(14%) cases by four parameters and 3(6%) cases by all five parameters. It was found that none to lesser the number of dyslipidemic parameters, greater the percentage of ACS cases and they are having hyper ApoB with statistically significant association (p<0.05).

Acute inferior myocardial infarction with right ventricular infarction is more prone to develop cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock is rare in isolated acute inferior myocardial infarction but there is relationship of cardiogenic shock with inferior myocardial infarction if associated with right ventricular infarction. A prospective study was carried out to see the association of cardiogenic shock with inferior myocardial infarction if associated with right ventricular infarction. This study was conducted from January 2011 to November 2011. A total of 100 cases were selected as study population which was taken from the Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Among them 50 were in Group A and 50 were in Group B. Group A was the patients of acute myocardial infarction with right ventricular infarction. Group B was the patients of acute myocardial infarction without right ventricular infarction. It revealed that 9(18%) in Group A and 3(6%) in Group B developed cardiogenic shock which is statistically significant (p<0.05). The study concluded that AMI (Inf) with RVI is significantly associated with cardiogenic shock.

Electrical Properties and AC Conductivity of (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 Ceramic

Lead-free perovskite (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 (BNBT06) was prepared by conventional ceramic fabrication technique at 1160°C/3h in air atmosphere. The crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric, polarization, piezoelectric properties, and ac conductivity of the sample were studied. X-ray diffraction data confirmed the formation of a single phase tetragonal unit cell. Williamson-Hall plot was used to calculate the lattice strain and the apparent particle size. The experimental relative density of BNBT06 was found to be ~96-97% of the theoretical one with an average grain size ~4 μm. Room temperature dielectric constant and loss factor at 1 kHz were found to be equal to 781 and 0.085, respectively. Longitudinal piezoelectric charge coefficient of the poled sample under 2.5 kV/mm at 80°C in silicone bath was found to be equal to 124 pC/N. Complex impedance and electric modulus spectroscopic analyses showed the dielectric relaxation in the material to be of non-Debye type. The Nyquist plots and conductivity studies showed the NTCR character of BNBT06. The correlated barrier hopping model (CBHM) as well as jump relaxation model (JRM) was found to successfully explain the mechanism of charge transport in BNBT06. The ac conductivity data were used to evaluate the minimum hopping length, apparent activation energy, and density of states at Fermi level.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers from tropical forage Stylosanthes species and analysis of genetic variability and cross-species transferability

A limited number of functional molecular markers has slowed the desired genetic improvement of Stylosanthes species. Hence, in an attempt to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, genomic libraries from Stylosanthes seabrana B.L. Maass & 't Mannetje (2n=2x=20) using 5' anchored degenerate microsatellite primers were constructed. Of the 76 new microsatellites, 21 functional primer pairs were designed. Because of the small number of primer pairs designed, 428 expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences from seven Stylosanthes species were also examined for SSR detection. Approximately 10% of sequences delivered functional primer pairs, and after redundancy elimination, 57 microsatellite repeats were selected. Tetranucleotides followed by trinucleotides were the major repeated sequences in Stylosanthes ESTs. In total, a robust set of 21 genomic-SSR (gSSR) and 20 EST-SSR (eSSR) markers were developed. These markers were analyzed for intraspecific diversity within 20 S. seabrana accessions and for their cross-species transferability. Mean expected (He) and observed (Ho) heterozygosity values with gSSR markers were 0.64 and 0.372, respectively, whereas with eSSR markers these were 0.297 and 0.214, respectively. Dendrograms having moderate bootstrap value (23%-94%) were able to distinguish all accessions of S. seabrana with gSSR markers, whereas eSSR markers showed 100% similarities between few accessions. The set of 21 gSSRs, from S. seabrana, and 20 eSSRs, from selected Stylosanthes species, with their high cross-species transferability (45% with gSSRs, 86% with eSSRs) will facilitate genetic improvement of Stylosanthes species globally.

Membrane bound pyrophosphatase and P-type adenosine triphosphatase of Leishmania donovani as possible chemotherapeutic targets: similarities and differences in inhibitor sensitivities

The activities of inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPase) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were studied in the plasma membrane of Leishmania donovani promastigotes and amastigotes. It was shown that the specific activity of PPase was greater than that of ATPase in the promastigote plasma membrane. We characterized H+-PPase present in the plasma membrane of L. donovani and investigated its possible role in the survival of promastigote and amastigote. PPase activity was stimulated by K+ and sodium orthovanadate and inhibited by pyrophosphate analogs (imidodiphosphate and alendronate), KF, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), thiol reagents (p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate (PCMBS), N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), and phenylarsine oxide (PAO)), the ABC superfamily transport modulator verapamil, and also by the F(1)F(o)-ATPase inhibitor quercetin. ATPase activity was stimulated by K+ and verapamil, inhibited by DCCD, PCMBS, NEM, sodium azide, sodium orthovanadate, and quercetin, and was unaffected by PAO. We conclude that there are significant differences within promastigote, amastigote, and mammalian host in cytosolic pH homeostasis to merit the inclusion of PPase transporter as a putative target for rational drug design.

Feasibility study of stroke surveillance: data from Bangalore, India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Stroke is a leading cause of deaths, and disabilities in India. Reliable and good quality data on epidemiological characteristics of stroke are essential to plan, implement and evaluate stroke prevention and control programmes. A feasibility study was undertaken in Bangalore to examine the possibility of establishing stroke surveillance and to develop methodology for a larger programme.

METHODS

The study adapted WHO STEPs-STROKE methodology to collect data on hospitalized stroke events and fatal stroke events in the city of Bangalore. In STEP I, Information was collected from 1,174 stroke patients in three large hospitals and were followed till discharge and 28 days; outcome was measured as death or disability. Stroke cases fulfilling diagnostic criteria, evaluated by neurologists and CT/MRI confirmed cases were included. Brief information on major risk factors was collected from all stroke patients / family members and from medical records by trained research officers. In STEP II, death records of Bangalore Mahanagara Palike for 2004 (n=23,312) were analyzed to identify stroke related deaths.

RESULTS

Using WHO-STEPs approach, a methodology was developed for stroke surveillance in a geographically defined population. By STEP 1 method--7 per cent of medical and 45 per cent of neurological admissions were due to stroke with a fatality rate of 9 per cent at hospital discharge and 20 per cent at 28 days. With a mean age of 54.5 (+/- 17.0) yr and male preponderance, nearly half had one or more risk factors. Weakness or paresis (92%) was the commonest presentation and ischaemic stroke was most frequent (73.8%). One third of total stroke patients were dependent at both discharge and 28 day follow up. By STEP II method the proportional mortality rate for Bangalore city was observed to be 6 per cent and more than 50 per cent of total stroke deaths had occurred in 10 major hospitals.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The present study has shown that stroke surveillance is possible and feasible. Institution based (hospitals and vital registry data) stroke surveillance supplemented with periodical population based information can provide comprehensive information on vital aspects of stroke like mortality, risk factors, disability and outcome. There is a need to develop stroke surveillance in a phased manner along with mechanisms to apply data for prevention and control programmes.

Discovery of substituted isoxazolecarbaldehydes as potent spermicides, acrosin inhibitors and mild anti-fungal agents

BACKGROUND

The continued endeavour to design novel, non-detergent molecules that can be useful as topical, prophylactic contraceptives has led to the discovery of substituted isoxazolecarbaldehydes as a new class of compounds exhibiting both spermicidal and acrosin inhibitory activities simultaneously.

METHODS

Normal human semen samples were used to detect the spermicidal and acrosin inhibitory activities of the new compounds. Lactobacillus, HeLa and Candida cultures were used to determine the safety of compounds towards normal vaginal flora, their cytotoxicity and anti-fungal activity. Supravital staining and the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) were used to detect the effect on sperm membrane integrity. Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) was used as a reference standard.

RESULTS

The 5- and 3-substituted isoxazolecarbaldehydes showed significant spermicidal [minimum effective concentration (MEC)=0.005-2.5%] and acrosin inhibitory (IC50=3.9-58 x 10(-4) mol/l) activities in several molecules along with weak fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plot analysis of a representative structure showed non-competitive inhibition of human acrosin enzyme, and the most potent acrosin inhibitors also considerably diminished the induction of the acrosome reaction by Ca2+ ionophore. Some compounds were found to be significantly safer than N-9 towards Lactobacillus acidophilus in vitro at their respective spermicidal MECs. In the cytotoxicity assay, the IC50 of these compounds towards the HeLa cell line was of the same order as N-9 (0.9-0.1 mmol/l); however, in contrast, the compounds exhibited only a moderate effect on sperm membrane integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that 5- and 3-substituted isoxazolecarbaldehydes are 'first generation' multifunctional, spermicidal molecules that hold promise for development as topical contraceptives with useful associated activities that can add considerably to their effectiveness, safety and prophylaxis.

Baylis–Hillman reaction assisted parallel synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles and their in vivo bioevaluation as antithrombotic agents

The solution-phase parallel synthesis involving reactions of Baylis-Hillman products of 3-substituted-5-isoxazolecarbaldehydes with nucleophiles and their in vivo antithrombotic evaluations are described along with the results of in vitro platelet aggregation inhibition assay of a few compounds. Results of the detailed evaluation of one of the compounds as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation are also presented.

Interspecific hybridization of Trifolium alexandrinum with T. constantinopolitanum using embryo rescue

The embryo rescue technique was successfully used to raise hybrids between Trifolium alexandrinum and T. constantinopolitanum. As a result of its narrow genetic base, genetic improvement in Egyptian clover (syn. Berseem; T. alexandrinum), an important fodder crop in tropical and subtropical countries, is hampered, thereby making it imperative to introduce alien genes from related species. In a conventional interspecific hybridization program, hybrids could not be raised due to post-fertilization barriers. Of the several combinations tried, pollination 2 days after emasculation was found to be the best. Globular embryos were observed 5-7 days after pollination (DAP), followed by heart-shaped embryos 10-12 DAP. Embryos excised at the heart-shaped stage responded well to EC3 culture medium. Of 612 crosses, 33 healthy embryos could be excised and cultured on EC3 medium. The plumule emerged 8-12 days following inoculation. The embryo-rescued plants were hardened, inoculated with Rhizobium and transferred to the field. The hybrids showed intermediate morphological features with reduced pollen fertility (55-65%) and a chromosomal complement of 2n = 16. Biochemical characterization using isozymes confirmed hybridity.

A study of epilepsy-related psychosis

The association of epilepsy and psychosis is studied. Among the 500 patients of epilepsy evaluated, there were 12 patients, 8 males and 4 females with epilepsy-related psychosis. Their average age was 38 years. The interval between the age of onset of epilepsy and psychotic features was 9 years. Complex partial seizures were present in 7 patients and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure was present in 1 patient. Four patients had post-ictal psychosis, 7 had acute interictal psychosis and 1 patient had chronic psychosis. The inter-ictal and chronic psychoses were schizophreniform whereas the post-ictal psychoses were not. EEG showed a temporal focus in 7 patients with complex partial seizures and an extra-temporal focus was identified in 4 out of the other 5 patients. Imaging (CT scan/MRI) revealed abnormalities in 10 patients. This study attempts to define the characteristics of psychoses occurring in epileptics.

Post-cardiorespiratory arrest beta-alpha coma: an unusual electroencephalographic phenomenon

The presence of frontally-dominant alpha pattern in the EEG is common in patients with coma due to trauma, toxic-metabolic causes and following cardiorespiratory arrest. Diffuse beta activity following resuscitation after a cardiac arrest is not well recognized. We report a case of coma in a 3-year-old girl who had a cardiac arrest from which she was revived. Initial EEG showed diffuse beta activity, which later evolved to predominantly alpha activity. The possible mechanisms involved in the generation of such rhythms are discussed. Transition of EEG activity from faster to slower frequencies is suggested as an adverse prognostic factor in post-cardiorespiratory arrest coma.

Relevance of computerized electroencephalographic topography (brain mapping) in ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Computerized electroencephalographic topography (CET) (brain mapping) is a non-invasive, spatially oriented procedure for depicting amplitude and frequency patterns by two-dimensional color-coded frequency and amplitude display of the electroencephalograph (EEG).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We prospectively studied the relationship between CT scan lesions, conventional EEG and brain mapping in 40 patients with ischemic stroke within 1 week of onset. EEG and brain mapping was done within 24 hours of doing CT scan.

RESULTS

There were 32 males and 8 females and the mean age was 56 years (range 27-75 years). CET/EEG was normal in 2 patients with capsular infarct. Brain mapping showed abnormalities (most commonly low-frequency high-amplitude changes) in 95% of patients, whereas EEG abnormalities were seen in only 40%. Brain mapping abnormalities were appropriate to the side of the CT scan lesion in 20 (52.63%) patients and were present bilaterally n 18 (47.37%) patients. Brain mapping abnormalities were ipsilateral to the side of the CT lesion when the lesion was < 2 cm in diameter and they were bi-hemispherical when the CT lesion was > 2 cm in diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no correlation between motor deficits and brain map abnormalities.

Nadroparin plus aspirin versus aspirin alone in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke

Low-molecular-weight-heparin (LMWH) has been widely used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke but controlled trials are few. In this study, 40 patients with acute ischemic stroke of less than 24 hours duration were randomized to receive either aspirin (325 mg/day) alone or aspirin (325 mg/day) plus subcutaneous nadroparin 4100 units/day. At the end of 4 weeks, the morbidity and mortality were significantly less in the nadroparin group as compared to the aspirin group. There was no increased risk of clinically significant intracranial hemorrhage in either group. The combination of aspirin and LMWH deserves to be tested in larger studies.

Prevalence of photosensitivity--an Indian experience

One thousand nine hundred and forty newly recruited entrants for training as pilots (Group A) underwent photic stimulation during EEG recording during the entrance examination to the flying stream. One hundred and sixty individuals (Group B) working on radars for prolonged periods were interviewed for eliciting complaints referable to photosensitivity and were subjected to EEG. EEGs in respect to 1000 cases (Group C) of known epilepsy were examined for the incidence of a photosensitive response. The study has revealed that 14 cases (0.72%) in group A had an abnormal response to photic stimulation out of which one case developed seizure during EEG recording. One case (0.62%) in group B and 30 cases (3%) in group C were detected to have photosensitivity. The maximum response was seen at 20 Hz stimulation. The prevalence of photosensitivity and its manifestations in these groups indicates that this condition is not uncommon.

Chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in individuals exposed to arsenic through drinking water in West Bengal, India

Arsenic contamination in groundwater has become a worldwide problem. Currently an unprecedented number of people in West Bengal, India and Bangladesh are exposed to the ubiquitous toxicant via drinking water in exposure levels far exceeding the maximum recommended limit laid down by WHO. This arsenic epidemic has devastated nine districts of West Bengal encompassing an area of 38,865 km(2) leading to various clinical manifestations of chronic arsenicosis. We conducted a human bio-monitoring study using chromosomal aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) as end points to explore the cytogenetic effects of chronic arsenic toxicity in the population of North 24 Parganas, one of the arsenic affected districts in West Bengal. Study participants included 59 individuals residing in this district where the mean level (+/-S.E.) of arsenic in drinking water (microg/l) was 211.70+/-15.28. As age matched controls with similar socio-economic status we selected 36 healthy, asymptomatic individuals residing in two unaffected districts--Midnapur and Howrah where the mean arsenic content of water (microg/l) was 6.35+/-0.45. Exposure was assessed by standardized questionnaires and by detecting the levels of arsenic in drinking water, nails, hair and urine samples. In the exposed group the mean arsenic concentrations in nails (microg/g), hair (microg/g) and urine (microg/l) samples were 9.04+/-0.78, 5.63+/-0.38 and 140.52+/-8.82, respectively, which were significantly high (P<0.01) compared to the corresponding control values of 0.44+/-0.03, 0.30+/-0.02 and 5.91+/-0.49, respectively. Elevated mean values (P<0.01) of the percentage of aberrant cells (8.08%) and SCEs per cell (7.26) were also observed in the exposed individuals in comparison to controls (1.96% and 5.95, respectively). The enhanced rates of CAs and SCEs among the residents of North 24 Parganas are indicative of the cytogenetic damage due to long term exposure to arsenic through consumption of contaminated water.

Enhanced frequency of micronuclei in individuals exposed to arsenic through drinking water in West Bengal, India

In West Bengal, India arsenic in ground water has been found to be above the maximum permissible limit in seven districts covering an area of 37,493km2. In the present study, evaluation of the micronuclei (MN) formation in oral mucosa cells, urothelial cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes was carried out in the symptomatic individuals exposed to arsenic through drinking water. Forty five individuals with cutaneous signs of arsenicism from four affected districts (368.11 microg/l of As in drinking water) were considered as the exposed group and 21 healthy individuals with no symptoms of arsenic poisoning and residing in two unaffected districts (5.49 microg/l of As) were considered as controls. The exposed and control groups had similar age distribution and socioeconomic status. Standardised questionnaires were utilised and medical examination was conducted to ascertain exposure history, sociodemographic characteristics, diet, health, medication, addiction and chief symptoms in the study participants. Arsenic exposure was confirmed by measuring the arsenic content in the drinking water, nails, hair and urine samples from the volunteers. Arsenic contents in the urine, nail and hair in the exposed group were 24.45 microg/l, 12.58 and 6.97 microg/g, respectively which were significantly high in comparison to corresponding control group values of 4.88 microg/l, 0.51 and 0.34 microg/g, respectively. Exposed individuals showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of MN in oral mucosa, urothelial cells and lymphocytes (5.15, 5.74 and 6.39/1000 cells, respectively) when compared with the controls (0.77, 0.56 and 0.53/1000 cells, respectively). Thus, the above results indicate that the symptomatic individuals exposed to arsenic through drinking water in this region have significant cytogenetic damage.

Androgen receptor: structural domains and functional dynamics after ligand-receptor interaction

Androgens are C-19 steroids secreted primarily from the testes and adrenals that play a critical role in reproduction. Reproductive functions of androgens are mediated through coordination of diverse physiological processes ranging from brain functions to specific cell proliferation and apoptosis. At the molecular level, most of these regulatory influences are exerted by altered expression of appropriate genes by the androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily. The unliganded AR is a cytoplasmic protein and, upon ligand binding, it translocates into the nucleus. Thereafter, in conjunction with other transcription factors and coactivators, the AR influences transcription of target genes through a multistep process that includes its clustering in a subnuclear compartment. Here, we describe the genomic organization of the AR, the role of individual structural domains in specific AR function, and the influence of agonistic/antagonistic ligands in the intracellular movement of the receptor. We also show that the AR is capable of undergoing multiple rounds of nucleocytoplasmic recycling after ligand binding and dissociation. Xenobiotic ligands, considered as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), can modulate AR activity by inhibiting either its nuclear translocation or its subnuclear clustering and subsequent transactivation function.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase gene induction by bile acid activated farnesoid X receptor

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (STD) is a hydroxysteroid sulfo-conjugating enzyme with preferential substrate specificity for C-19 androgenic steroids and C-24 bile acids. STD is primarily expressed in the liver, intestine and adrenal cortex. Earlier studies have shown that androgens inhibit the rat Std promoter function through a negative androgen response region located between -235 and -310 base pair positions (Song, C. S., Jung, M. H., Kim, S. C., Hassan, T., Roy, A. K., and Chatterjee, B. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 21856-21866). Here we report that the primary bile acid chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) also acts as an important regulator of the Std gene promoter. CDCA is a potent inducer of the Std gene, and its inducing effect is mediated through the bile acid-activated farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a recently characterized member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. The ligand-activated FXR acts as a heterodimer with the 9-cis-retinoic acid receptor (RXR) and regulates the Std gene by binding to an upstream region at base pair positions -169 to -193. This specific binding region was initially identified by bile acid responsiveness of the progressively deleted forms of the Std promoter in transfected HepG2 hepatoma and enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells. Subsequently, the precise RXR/FXR binding position was established by protein-DNA interaction using in vitro footprinting and electrophoretic mobility shift analyses. Unlike all other previously characterized FXR target genes, which contain an inverted repeat (IR) of the consensus hexanucleotide half-site (A/G)G(G/T)TCA with a single nucleotide spacer (IR-1), the bile acid response element of the Std promoter does not contain any spacer between the two hexanucleotide repeats (IR-0). A promoter-reporter construct carrying three tandem copies of the IR-0 containing -169/-193 element, linked to a minimal thymidine kinase promoter, can be stimulated more than 70-fold in transfected Caco-2 cells upon CDCA treatment. Autoregulation of the STD gene by its bile acid substrate may provide an important contributing role in the enterohepatic bile acid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis.

Age dependence of cellular properties of human septal cartilage: implications for tissue engineering

BACKGROUND

The persistent need for cartilage replacement material in head and neck surgery has led to novel cell culture methods developed to engineer cartilage. Currently, there is no consensus on an optimal source of cells for these endeavors.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate human nasal cartilage as a potential source of chondrocytes and to determine the effect of donor age on cellular and proliferation characteristics.

SUBJECTS

Nasal cartilage specimens were obtained after reconstructive surgery from 46 patients ranging in age from 15 to 60 years.

METHODS

Specimens were weighed and chondrocytes were isolated by digestion in 0.2% collagenase type II for 16 hours. Cells were maintained in primary cultures until confluency, then seeded onto polylactic acid-polyglycolic acid scaffolds. Seeding efficiency was determined by quantification of DNA content of seeded constructs by means of Hoechst dye 33258. Specimen weights, cell yields, cell content, and doubling time were also measured and correlated to donor age.

RESULTS

Mean (+/-SD) cartilage mass obtained (648 +/- 229 mg) is higher than from typical biopsy specimens of auricular cartilage, and the cellular characteristics show a higher proliferation rate than auricular chondrocytes. Cell yield increased with age, while doubling time decreased with age in samples from patients ranging from 15 to 60 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of nasal septal cartilage as a source of cells for tissue engineering may be valid over a wide range of patient ages. The large tissue yield and consequent cell yield make this tissue a potential starting source of chondrocytes for large-volume tissue-engineered implants.

Injection molding of chondrocyte/alginate constructs in the shape of facial implants

Over one million patients per year undergo some type of procedure involving cartilage reconstruction. Polymer hydrogels, such as alginate, have been shown to be effective carriers for chondrocytes in subcutaneous cartilage formation. The goal of our current study was to develop a method to create complex structures (nose bridge, chin, etc.) with good dimensional tolerance to form cartilage in specific shapes. Molds of facial implants were prepared using Silastic ERTV. Suspensions of chondrocytes in 2% alginate were gelled by mixing with CaSO(4) (0.2 g/mL) and injected into the molds. Constructs of various cell concentrations (10, 25, and 50 million/mL) were implanted in the dorsal aspect of nude mice and harvested at times up to 30 weeks. Analysis of implanted constructs indicated progressive cartilage formation with time. Proteoglycan and collagen constructs increased with time to approximately 60% that of native tissue. Equilibrium modulus likewise increased with time to 15% that of normal tissue, whereas hydraulic permeability decreased to 20 times that of native tissue. Implants seeded with greater concentrations of cells increased proteoglycan content and collagen content and equilibrium and decreased permeability. Production of shaped cartilage implants by this technique presents several advantages, including good dimensional tolerance, high sample-to-sample reproducibility, and high cell viability. This system may be useful in the large-scale production of precisely shaped cartilage implants.

Chasing hyponatraemia: unusual presentation

Two females, in their sixth decade, presented with recurrent episodes of headache, vertigo, vomiting and altered sensorium. Both patients had persistent hyponatraemia as the only clue. Detailed investigations revealed a pituitary aetiology in both. One patient had a pituitary microadenoma while the other had an empty sella syndrome. The diagnosis and management is discussed and the relevant literature reviewed.

Use of amplified fragment length polymorphism markers to assess genetic diversity of Lolium species from Portugal

We evaluated the use of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to distinguish genotypes, populations and species of Lolium. Accessions of two species Lolium perenne and Lolium multiflorum and their hybrid Lolium x hybridum, collected by the Institute of Grass and Environmental Research in 1995 from locations across Portugal, were used. The genetic variation within and between populations from the extremes of latitude and altitude was determined and assessed. Three primer pair combinations generated 765 polymorphic bands. Principal coordinate analysis of similarities between 127 plants showed high dimensionality in the data. Axes 1-3 were associated primarily with species differences, axes 4-14 with population differences within species and axis 15 onwards with within population differences. UPGMA analysis confirmed the groupings. The three populations of L. perenne formed a discrete cluster widely separated from all other populations. There were two distinct groups of L. x hybridum, of which one was similar to and overlapped with L. multiflorum and the second formed a distinct cluster. Analyses of individual bands showed that every inter- and intraspecific contrast involved a different sets of bands, again confirming the high dimensionality of the data. No single band was strictly diagnostic of any population or species. Nevertheless, the UPGMA analysis showed little or no overlap between populations. Thus, despite the high ratio of within-to-between population genetic variance, the full AFLP banding pattern of each genotype is a relatively reliable fingerprint diagnostic of its parent population. The high dimensionality implies that many different factors contribute to the differences observed. This adds to the potential value of the methodology, since it implies that there is a reasonably high likelihood of finding bands relevant to a given environmental gradient or other factor influencing the distribution of genetic diversity.

Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy and giant axonal neuropathy--overlap diseases of neuronal cytoskeletal elements in childhood?

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) and infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) are two progressive neurodegenerative disorders of childhood that have considerable clinical as well as histological overlap but are believed to be ultrastructurally distinct. The clinicopathological and ultrastructural features of three cases of INAD, two of whom are siblings and one case of GAN are described. The sural nerve biopsies in all four cases were essentially similar on light microscopy revealing giant axons. On electron microscopy, the findings in the case of GAN were typical with dense accumulation of neurofilaments within the giant axons. In the three cases of INAD, too, in addition to accumulation of mitochondria and organelles with vesiculotubular profiles, a similar increase in neurofilaments was evident. We, therefore, believe that these two disorders may represent a spectrum in evolution of intermediate filament pathology with various organelles participating in the temporal evolution of the disease process.

Dynamics of intracellular movement and nucleocytoplasmic recycling of the ligand-activated androgen receptor in living cells

An expression construct containing the cDNA encoding a modified aequorea green fluorescent protein (GFP) ligated to the 5'-end of the rat androgen receptor (AR) cDNA (GFP-AR) was used to study the intracellular dynamics of the receptor movement in living cells. In three different cell lines, ie. PC3, HeLa, and COS1, unliganded GFP-AR was seen mostly in the cytoplasm and rapidly (within 15-60 min) moved to the nuclear compartment after androgen treatment. Upon androgen withdrawal, the labeled AR migrated back to the cytoplasmic compartment and maintained its ability to reenter the nucleus on subsequent exposure to androgen. Under the condition of inhibited protein synthesis by cycloheximide (50 microg/ml), at least four rounds of receptor recycling after androgen treatment and withdrawal were recorded. Two nonandrogenic hormones, 17beta-estradiol and progesterone at higher concentrations (10(-7)/10(-6) M), were able to both transactivate the AR-responsive promoter and translocate the GFP-AR into the nucleus. Similarly, antiandrogenic ligands, cyproterone acetate and casodex, were also capable of translocating the cytoplasmic AR into the nucleus albeit at a slower rate than the androgen 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). All AR ligands with transactivation potential, including the mixed agonist/antagonist cyproterone acetate, caused translocation of the GFP-AR into a subnuclear compartment indicated by its punctate intranuclear distribution. However, translocation caused by casodex, a pure antagonist, resulted in a homogeneous nuclear distribution. Subsequent exposure of the casodex-treated cell to DHT rapidly (15-30 min) altered the homogeneous to punctate distribution of the already translocated nuclear AR. When transported into the nucleus either by casodex or by DHT, GFP-AR was resistant to 2 M NaCl extraction, indicating that the homogeneously distributed AR is also associated with the nuclear matrix. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AR requires ligand activation for its nuclear translocation where occupancy by only agonists and partial agonists can direct it to a potentially functional subnuclear location and that one receptor molecule can undertake multiple rounds of hormonal signaling; this indicates that ligand dissociation/inactivation rather than receptor degradation may play a critical role in terminating hormone action.

Role of redox-regulated transcription factors in inflammation, aging and age-related diseases

A progressive rise of oxidative stress due to the altered redox homeostasis appears to be one of the hallmarks of the aging process. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) also serve as signaling agents for inflammation, a systemic defensive reaction against microbial pathogens and other foreign bodies. Changes in the pattern of gene expression through ROS-sensitive transcription factors give rise to both aging and inflammation phenotypes. Chronic oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction also lead to many age-associated diseases such as atherosclerosis and arthritis. Transcription factors that are directly influenced by ROS and proinflammatory cytokines include nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), activator protein 1 (AP-1), specificity protein 1 (Sp1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and other members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Here we describe the basic components of the intracellular redox control machinery and their dysregulation with age leading to altered transcription factor function and age-associated pathophysiology.

Role of clinical, radiological, and neurophysiological changes in predicting the outcome of tuberculous meningitis: a multivariable analysis

OBJECTIVES

The role of EEG and evoked potentials has not been evaluated in predicting the prognosis of tuberculous (TB) meningitis. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prognostic significance of clinical, radiological, and neurophysiological variables using multi-variable analysis.

METHODS

Patients with TB meningitis diagnosed on the basis of clinical, radiological, and CSF criteria have been prospectively evaluated. All the patients were subjected to a detailed neurological evaluation. The outcome was defined 6 months after starting treatment on the basis of the Barthel index (BI) score into poor (BI <12) and good recovery (BI> or =12). Death was included in the poor recovery group for statistical analysis. Thirteen clinical (age, sex, seizure, focal weakness, stage of meningitis, Glasgow coma scale score, methyl prednisolone therapy), CT (infarction, hydrocephalus, tuberculoma) and neurophysiological (EEG, motor and somatosensory evoked potentials) variables were evaluated employing single variable logistic regression followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The best set of predictors were obtained by stepdown logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty four patients were included in the present study. Their age ranged between 5 and 62 years, 11 were children younger than 12 years and 14 were female. Nine patients were in stage I meningitis, 12 in stage II, and 33 in stage III. On single variable logistic regression analysis the significant predictors of 6 months outcome of TB meningitis included focal weakness, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), motor evoked potential (MEP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP). On multivariable analysis the best set of predictors comprised focal weakness, GCS, and SEP.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with TB meningitis focal weakness, GCS, and SEP are the best predictors of 6 month outcome.

Age-dependent increase of heme oxygenase-1 gene expression in the liver mediated by NFkappaB

Heme, the iron-porphyrin coordination complex, released from the degradation of hemoproteins, is a strong prooxidant. It is enzymatically degraded by heme oxygenase to free iron, carbon monoxide and biliverdin. Biliverdin and its reduced metabolite bilirubin are two potent physiological antioxidants. Here we show a progressive increase of steady-state levels of the mRNA encoding the inducible isoform of this enzyme (heme oxygenase-1) in the rat liver during aging. We had previously reported that aging is associated with increased activation of the nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB). We now provide evidence to establish that overexpression of NFkappaB in transfected liver-derived HepG2 cells can cause a marked induction of the endogenous heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA and activation of the cotransfected HO-1 gene promoter. Taken together, these results support the conclusion that enhanced oxidative stress during aging is accompanied by compensatory induction of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 through activation of the NFkappaB pathway.

Negative regulation of the androgen receptor gene promoter by NFI and an adjacently located multiprotein-binding site

The upstream promoter of the rat androgen receptor (AR) gene contains a strong negative regulatory region located at the -388 to -340 nucleotide position. The distal part (-388/-373) of this regulatory region binds NFI, a ubiquitous transcription factor, while the proximal portion (-372/-340) contains an overlapping binding site for two nuclear proteins. This composite regulatory region (-388/-340) was initially defined by deoxyribonuclease I footprinting as the continuous stretch of a nuclease-protected site. NFI specificity of the distal portion (-388/-373) of the footprint was established through cross-competition in electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) using the well characterized NFI element of the adenovirus major late promoter and by immunoreactivity to the NFI antibody. EMSA with oligonucleotide duplexes corresponding to the proximal domain (-372/-340) indicated multiple retarded bands with at least two major DNA-protein complexes. Further analysis with truncated oligonucleotide duplexes showed that these two major proteins bind to this domain in an overlapping manner. Within this overlapping area, the position spanning -359 to -347 is essential for the formation of either of these two complexes. Substitution of four G with T residues in the overlapping area totally abolished all protein binding at the downstream -372/-340 site. Point mutations that abolish specific binding at either the NFI or immediately downstream multiprotein-binding site caused about a 10-fold increase in AR promoter activity in transfected HepG2 cells. Double mutation involving both the NFI and proximal overlapping protein-binding sites failed to cause any additional increase in promoter function. From these results we conclude that the AR promoter contains a composite negative regulatory region at -388/-340, and the repressor function may involve a coordinate interaction between NFI and at least two other nuclear factors.

Ribozyme-mediated cleavage of the estrogen receptor messenger RNA and inhibition of receptor function in target cells

Estrogen receptor (ER) functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor for estrogen-regulated genes. Because of the critical role of the ER in the proliferation of certain estrogen-dependent cancer cell types such as the mammary tumor, inhibitors of estrogen action at the level of receptor function are of major clinical interest. Here we describe developments of two ribozymes that can selectively degrade the human ER mRNA and inhibit trans-activation of an artificial promoter containing the estrogen response element. Two ribozymes, designated RZ-1 and RZ-2, cleave the human ER alpha mRNA at nucleotide positions +956 and +889, respectively. These cleavage sites lie within the coding sequence for the DNA-binding domain of the receptor protein. Both RZ-1 and RZ-2 were also effective in inhibiting the progression of quiescent MCF-7 breast cancer cells to the S phase of the cell cycle after their exposure to 17beta-estradiol (10(-9) M). These results provide a new avenue for inhibition of estrogen action by selective mRNA degradation with its potential therapeutic application through targeted gene delivery vectors.