Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

Biofuel Potential of Plants Transformed Genetically with NAC Family Genes

NAC genes contribute to enhance survivability of plants under conditions of environmental stress and in secondary growth of the plants, thereby building biomass. Thus, genetic transformation of plants using NAC genes provides a possibility to tailor biofuel plants. Over-expression studies have indicated that NAC family genes can provide tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses, either by physiological or biochemical changes at the cellular level, or by affecting visible morphological and anatomical changes, for example, by development of lateral roots in a number of plants. Over-expression of these genes also work as triggers for development of secondary cell walls. In our laboratory, we have observed a NAC gene from Lepidium latifolium contributing to both enhanced biomass as well as cold stress tolerance of model plants tobacco. Thus, we have reviewed all the developments of genetic engineering using NAC genes which could enhance the traits required for biofuel plants, either by enhancing the stress tolerance or by enhancing the biomass of the plants.

Overexpression of NAC gene from Lepidium latifolium L. enhances biomass, shortens life cycle and induces cold stress tolerance in tobacco: potential for engineering fourth generation biofuel crops

We report elevated biomass and altered growth characteristics of tobacco plants up on transformation with a NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2,CUC2) gene (GenBank Accession FJ754254) isolated from Lepidium latifolium L. (LlaNAC). Transgenic plants showed significant differences in fresh weight, midrib length of longest leaf, leaf area, height of the plant, root and shoot weights, etc. during vegetative phase. On 100th day after sowing (DAS), plants of transgenic lines were 2-3 times taller than the wild type plants, though no significant difference was recorded in moisture contents of any of the plant tissues. Over-expression of NAC gene up to 2,000 fold was recorded in leaves of transgenic plants on 100th DAS. Interestingly, transgenic plants showed significantly shortened (P(t) = 0.02-0.04) life cycle, as they showed a completely altered growth behaviour. Transgenic plants entered reproductive phase earlier by 60 days, with lines NC2 and NC7b entering first, followed by line NC10. However, the time period spent in the reproductive phase by the plant was nearly twice in case of transgenic lines NC2, NC7b and NC10, as compared to the wild type plants. Despite that, these lines completed their life cycle in 45-60 days lesser than the time taken by wild-type tobacco plants. No difference was recorded in fruit and seed yield of transgenic or wild type plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on over-expression of NAC gene causing altered growth and biomass patterns. We expect this study to become an important reference towards future engineering of plants for fuel and fodder purposes.

Inhibition of Cxcr 1 and 2 Delays Preterm Delivery and Reduces Neonatal Mortality in a Mouse Model of Chorioamnionitis

Intrauterine infection is one of the main etiologies associated with preterm delivery. Cytokines involved in chorioamnionitis, including IL-1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP1, activate different pathways that lead to preterm delivery. Antileukinate (AL) is a potent selective IL-8 inhibitor that binds to CXC receptors 1&2 on neutrophils, thereby inhibiting IL-8-induced neutrophil chemotaxis and degranulation. Since CXC receptors 1&2 are critically involved in the pathology of chorioamnionitis, their inhibition with AL may have therapeutic potential. Four timed-pregnant C57BL6 mice groups were studied. LPS group received LPS intraperitoneally on gestational day (GD) 15. The AL group received LPS on GD15 followed immediately by intraperitoneal AL injection and repeated on GD16, and 17. Control groups received either saline, or no injections. In the LPS group, 90% delivered within 24 hours after LPS administration compared to 20% in the AL group. The LPS group had 85% stillborn compared to 15% in the AL group. Uterine histopathology AL group showed evidence of less inflammatory reaction compared to the LPS group. Uterine tissue and serum from the AL group had a significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines compared with the LPS group. Cytokine levels in brain and lung tissues from surviving pups were not significantly different between the AL and control groups. Our data show that antileukinate significantly delays preterm delivery in a mouse model of chorioamnionitis, and reduces neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the parotid gland: report of a case with fine needle aspiration findings and histologic correlation

BACKGROUND

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the salivary gland is a rare entity. Review of the literature from 1991 to 1999 revealed no previous reports on its cytologic features.

CASE

A 25-year-old man had a slowly growing, painless mass in the left parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration biopsy, performed prior to surgical excision, showed clusters of minimally atypical epithelial cells in which occasional vacuolated cells containing mucin could be seen. Pathologic evaluation of the resected parotid mass showed it to be a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The cytologic differential diagnosis of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is with low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma and with mucinous adenocarcinoma. Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma must be cystic; cysts may be present in low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, but their size and prominence varies. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is not cystic but gelatinous. Nuclei are bland in both mucinous cystadenocarcinoma and low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma but are atypical in mucinous adenocarcinoma. There is no squamous differentiation in either mucinous cystadenocarcinoma or mucinous adenocarcinoma, but it is subtle in low grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma should be considered a potential candidate in the differential diagnosis of mucinous lesions that can occur in the salivary gland.

Transforming growth factor-beta distribution in basal cell carcinomas: relationship to proliferation index

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) distribution in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) was studied using polyclonal antibodies recognizing intra- (precursor) and extracellular (activated) forms (LC 1-30 and CC 1-30), and compared with an index of cell proliferation (PCNA immunoreactivity). Intracellular TGF-beta is found in suprabasal keratinocytes and the outer root sheath. Extracellular TGF-beta is largely absent from normal skin, but is abundant in the intracellular spaces of hyperplastic epidermis overlying BCCs. Twenty-five of 29 BCCs showed increased extracellular TGF-beta in the desmoplastic stroma, with intercellular staining in nine of these. Intracellular TGF-beta was present in fibroblasts and endothelial cells, although only 17 of 29 BCCs were positive, predominantly in central cells showing apparent maturation. Little correlation was seen between the degree of staining of tumour cells and the distribution of extracellular TGF-beta. PCNA immunoreactivity was greater in BCCs compared with normal epidermis in 24 of 37 cases (P = 0.005), and was concentrated on the periphery of nodular BCCs. Strongest stromal reactivity for TGF-beta and maximal PCNA index also showed a significant correlation (P = 0.023). This study demonstrated abundant TGF-beta in the active stroma around BCCs, which may account for many of the morphological and functional characteristics of this tumour, but which may be a product of stromal rather than tumour cells.

Expression of transforming growth factor-alpha, epidermal growth-factor receptor and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in gastric-carcinoma - an immunohistochemical study

Forty four cases of human gastric carcinoma were classified as either diffuse or intestinal in type. Serial sections of the paraffin-embedded tumours were stained with either monoclonal antibodies raised against transforming growth factor (TGF-alpha) or proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) or an affinity purified polyclonal antibody raised against the intracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Significantly higher levels of staining were found in the intestinal-type carcinomas with all three antibodies. When the extent of staining was arbitrarily divided into low (up to one third of cells stained), medium (one third to two thirds) or a high number of cells stained (two thirds to all of the cells), a much higher proportion (44%) of intestinal type tumours coexpressed TGF-alpha and EGFR to a medium or high level compared to the diffuse group (23%). In the intestinal-type tumours, though not in the diffuse-type tumours, this subgroup of tumours was associated with higher levels of PCNA staining. The relative lack of TGF-alpha or its receptor may be a significant factor in the histogenesis of diffuse gastric carcinoma, and in intestinal-type tumours the coexpression of TGF-alpha and EGFR may be part of an autocrine loop which stimulates the cells to divide.