1
|
Liu D, Billington CJ, Raja N, Wong ZC, Levin MD, Resch W, Alba C, Hupalo DN, Biamino E, Bedeschi MF, Digilio MC, Squeo GM, Villa R, Parrish PCR, Knutsen RH, Osgood S, Freeman JA, Dalgard CL, Merla G, Pober BR, Mervis CB, Roberts AE, Morris CA, Osborne LR, Kozel BA. Matrisome and Immune Pathways Contribute to Extreme Vascular Outcomes in Williams-Beuren Syndrome. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e031377. [PMID: 38293922 PMCID: PMC11056152 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a characteristic feature of Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). Its severity varies: ~20% of people with Williams-Beuren syndrome have SVAS requiring surgical intervention, whereas ~35% have no appreciable SVAS. The remaining individuals have SVAS of intermediate severity. Little is known about genetic modifiers that contribute to this variability. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed genome sequencing on 473 individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome and developed strategies for modifier discovery in this rare disease population. Approaches include extreme phenotyping and nonsynonymous variant prioritization, followed by gene set enrichment and pathway-level association tests. We next used GTEx v8 and proteomic data sets to verify expression of candidate modifiers in relevant tissues. Finally, we evaluated overlap between the genes/pathways identified here and those ascertained through larger aortic disease/trait genome-wide association studies. We show that SVAS severity in Williams-Beuren syndrome is associated with increased frequency of common and rarer variants in matrisome and immune pathways. Two implicated matrisome genes (ACAN and LTBP4) were uniquely expressed in the aorta. Many genes in the identified pathways were previously reported in genome-wide association studies for aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve, or aortic size. CONCLUSIONS Smaller sample sizes in rare disease studies necessitate new approaches to detect modifiers. Our strategies identified variation in matrisome and immune pathways that are associated with SVAS severity. These findings suggest that, like other aortopathies, SVAS may be influenced by the balance of synthesis and degradation of matrisome proteins. Leveraging multiomic data and results from larger aorta-focused genome-wide association studies may accelerate modifier discovery for rare aortopathies like SVAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delong Liu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Charles J. Billington
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMN
| | - Neelam Raja
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Zoe C. Wong
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Mark D. Levin
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Wulfgang Resch
- The High Performance Computing FacilityCenter for Information Technology, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Camille Alba
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMD
| | - Daniel N. Hupalo
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMD
| | | | | | | | - Gabriella Maria Squeo
- Laboratory of Regulatory and Functional GenomicsFondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della SofferenzaSan Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia)Italy
| | - Roberta Villa
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Medical Genetic UnitMilanItaly
| | - Pheobe C. R. Parrish
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
- Department of Genome SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA
| | - Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Sharon Osgood
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Joy A. Freeman
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Clifton L. Dalgard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicinethe Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMD
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Regulatory and Functional GenomicsFondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della SofferenzaSan Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia)Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical BiotechnologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Barbara R. Pober
- Section of Genetics, Department of PediatricsMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - Carolyn B. Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Amy E. Roberts
- Department of Cardiology and Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of PediatricsBoston Children’s HospitalBostonMA
| | - Colleen A. Morris
- Department of PediatricsKirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLVLas VegasNV
| | - Lucy R. Osborne
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of TorontoCanada
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huryn LA, Flaherty T, Nolen R, Prasov L, Zein WM, Cukras CA, Osgood S, Raja N, Levin MD, Vitale S, Brooks BP, Hufnagel RB, Kozel BA. Novel ophthalmic findings and deep phenotyping in Williams-Beuren syndrome. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1554-1559. [PMID: 35760456 PMCID: PMC10074447 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2022-321103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To characterise the ocular manifestations of Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) and compare these to patients with isolated elastin mediated supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS). METHODS Fifty-seven patients with a diagnosis of WBS and five with SVAS underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation at the National Institutes of Health from 2017 to 2020, including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, optical biometry, dilated fundus examination, optical coherence tomography and colour fundus imaging. RESULTS Mean age of the 57 WBS patients was 20.3 years (range 3-60 years). Best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/400 with mean spherical equivalent near plano OU. Twenty-four eyes (21.8%) had an axial length (AL) less than 20.5 mm and 38 eyes (34.5%) had an AL measuring 20.5-22.0 mm. Stellate iris and retinal arteriolar tortuosity were noted in 30 (52.6%) and 51 (89.5%) WBS patients, respectively. Novel retinal findings in WBS included small hypopigmented retinal deposits (OD 29/57, OS 27/57) and broad foveal pit contour (OD 44/55, OS 42/51). Of the five patients with SVAS, none had stellate iris or broad foveal pit contour while 2/5 had retinal arteriolar tortuosity. CONCLUSION WBS is a complex multisystem genetic disorder with diverse ophthalmic findings that differ from those seen in isolated elastin mediated SVAS. These results suggest other genes within the WBS critical region, aside from ELN, may be involved in observed ocular phenotypes and perhaps broader ocular development. Furthermore, retinal arteriolar tortuosity may provide future insight into systemic vascular findings in WBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laryssa A Huryn
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Flaherty
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rosalie Nolen
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lev Prasov
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W K Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Wadih M Zein
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine A Cukras
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharon Osgood
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Neelam Raja
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark D Levin
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan Vitale
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert B Hufnagel
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Beth A Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Butler SS, Raclin T, Lau B, Raja N, Chin AL, Skinner L, Diehn M, Loo BW, Vitzthum L. Hyperfractionated Reirradiation for Locally Recurrent Thoracic Tumors. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e9. [PMID: 37786208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) For patients with locally recurrent thoracic tumors or second primaries within previously irradiated volumes, hyperfractionated reirradiation (re-RT) may mitigate late toxicity compared to conventional fractionation, but clinical outcomes have not been extensively studied. We herein report our institutional experience with thoracic hyperfractionated reirradiation. MATERIALS/METHODS We identified 26 cases among 23 patients treated with re-RT to either primary or metastatic thoracic tumors, 60 Gy in 50 fractions, twice daily over 5 weeks using highly conformal image guided RT with motion management. Nineteen patients had dosimetry data available. The primary outcome was Grade (G2) or higher toxicity rates per CTCAEv5.0. Secondary endpoints were 12-month local control (LC), progression free survival (PFS)-determined by treating physician and/or multidisciplinary tumor board-and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Median follow-up was 13 months. Half had non-small cell lung cancer, 95.8% had ultracentral tumors, 57.7% had single prior thoracic RT course; 38.5%, 11.5% and 11.5% received concurrent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents, respectively. Minimum and median intervals between RT courses were 10 and 39.5 months, respectively; 94.7% of re-irradiation plans had overlapping 80% isodose volumes. Median OS and PFS were 13 and 10 months, respectively. Crude 12-month LC was 73.1%. Of those with a recurrence, the first recurrence occurred locally in 6 (54.6%), regionally in 3 (27.3%), and distantly in 8 (72.7%) patients. ≥G2 and ≥G3 toxicity rates were 30.8% and 7.69%, respectively (one G3 atrial fibrillation; one G5 pneumonitis). Using the American Radium Society guidelines for thoracic reirradiation, only 10.5% met all dose volume constraint recommendations. CONCLUSION Definitive hyperfractionated thoracic re-RT was well tolerated with promising local control. ≥G3 toxicities were rare. Patients should be counseled on the low but potential risk of life-threatening toxicity. Consensus guidelines for dose constraints may be difficult to meet in reirradiation setting; in this cohort, rates of severe toxicity were low despite exceeding putative constraints in most patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S S Butler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - T Raclin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - B Lau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - N Raja
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - A L Chin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - L Skinner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - M Diehn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - B W Loo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - L Vitzthum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stephens A, Pham D, No HJ, Raja N, Lozko Y, Binkley MS, Vitzthum L. Comparison of Plan Quality Metrics after Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Sparing in VMAT Esophageal Radiotherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e706. [PMID: 37786067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.2197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Cardiotoxicity is a significant late effect of esophageal radiotherapy (RT). Mean heart dose has been implicated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and emerging evidence increases MACE association with left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery specific dose. This retrospective planning study investigates the dosimetric impact of including the LAD as an OAR-sparing objective for VMAT-based plan optimization in patients previously treated for esophageal cancers. MATERIALS/METHODS A retrospective cohort was identified of patients who underwent neoadjuvant RT for esophageal cancers between 2017-2020 without intentional LAD sparing. Treatment planning was performed using Eclipse™ treatment planning system. Doses were calculated using Acuros® XB algorithm or anisotropic analytical algorithm with a 2-2.5mm calculation grid. For each patient, the LAD was delineated and the treated VMAT plan was re-optimized to reduce the dose to the LAD receiving 15 Gy to less than 10%, when possible. Re-plans were performed such that 95% of the PTV received the prescription dose. Institutional constraints were used to minimize the dose to the heart, lung, and spinal cord (Table 1). A paired t-test was used to compare the dose between the original VMAT plan used for treatment (Esophagus Original) against those re-optimized (Esophagus + LAD), with significance of p<0.05. RESULTS A total of 19 patients were identified. Of those treated, 12 of 19 original plans (63%) exceeded the LAD constraint (V15<10%) with a mean V15 Gy of 47.1%. Plan re-optimization accounting for the LAD allowed for 66.7% (9/12) of cases to meet LAD V15 constraints. Aside from increased sparing of the mean heart dose, there were no statistically significant impacts on target coverage and OAR doses otherwise, including to that of the lung and spinal cord (Table 1). CONCLUSION Accounting for LAD dose in treatment planning may help reduce future MACE risks. LAD dose can be significantly reduced without compromising PTV coverage or having significant effects on other OAR dose sparing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Stephens
- Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - D Pham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - H J No
- University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - N Raja
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Y Lozko
- Stanford Cancer Institute Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA
| | - M S Binkley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - L Vitzthum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Levin MD, Cathey BM, Smith K, Osgood S, Raja N, Fu YP, Kozel BA. Heart Rate Variability Analysis May Identify Individuals With Williams-Beuren Syndrome at Risk of Sudden Death. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:359-370. [PMID: 36752464 PMCID: PMC10065881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man #194050) is a rare genetic multisystem disorder resulting from a chromosomal microdeletion at 7q11.23. The condition is characterized by distinct facies, intellectual disability, and supravalvar aortic stenosis. Those with WBS have an increased risk of sudden death, but mechanisms underlying this phenotype are incompletely understood. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to quantify and compare autonomic activity as reflected by heart rate variability (HRV) measures in a cohort of individuals with WBS (n = 18) and age- and sex-matched control subjects (n = 18). METHODS We performed HRV analysis on 24-hour electrocardiography recordings using nonlinear, time and frequency domain analyses on a cohort of subjects with WBS and age- and sex-matched control subjects enrolled in a prospective cross-sectional study designed to characterize WBS disease natural history. RESULTS WBS subjects demonstrated diminished HRV (reflected by the SD of the NN intervals [P = 0.0001], SD of the average NN interval for 5-minute intervals over 24 hours [P < 0.0001], average of the 5-minute SDs of NN intervals for 24 hours [P = 0.0002], root mean square of successive differences of NN intervals [P = 0.0004], short axis of the Poincaré plot (SD1) [P < 0.0001], and long axis of the Poincaré plot [P < 0.0001]) and indirect markers of parasympathetic activity (reflected by the percent of NN intervals different from previous by 50% or more of local average [P < 0.0007], root mean square of successive differences of NN intervals [P = 0.0004], natural log high-frequency power [P = 0.0038], and SD1 [P < 0.0001]). Additional parameters were also significantly different, including natural log very low-frequency power (decreased; P = 0.0002), natural log low-frequency power (decreased; P = 0.0024), and SD1 divided by the long axis of the Poincaré plot (decreased; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Individuals with WBS demonstrate significant HRV abnormalities consistent with diminished autonomic reserve. Future studies will be needed to determine the relationship between autonomic dysregulation observed and sudden death risk seen in these patients. (Impact of Elastin Mediated Vascular Stiffness on End Organs; NCT02840448).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Levin
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Brianna M Cathey
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Kevin Smith
- Nursing Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharon Osgood
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Neelam Raja
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Fu
- Office of Biostatistics Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Beth A Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Raja N, No H, Von Eyben R, Das M, Roy M, Myall N, Chin A, Diehn M, Loo B, Chang D, Pollom E, Vitzthum L. Characterizing Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Presenting to an Academic Medical Center in an Era of Changing Treatment Paradigms. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
7
|
Yuvaraj S, GopalaKrishnan M, Reddy S, Vembu R, Namboori Srinivasan S, Raja N, Pandurangi M, Nagireddy S, Raman G, Rajmohan L, Ramamoorthy S, Kumar V. O-261 In-vitro supplementation of vitamin B12 to improve post-thaw viability and DNA integrity. Hum Reprod 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac106.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Does the supplementation of vitamin B12 protect the spermatozoa against damage caused by the freeze-thaw process further improving the overall post-thaw survival and DNA integrity?
Summary answer
The antioxidant property of vitamin B12 protects the spermatozoa and improves the post thaw motility, vitality, and reduces DNA damage caused by freeze-thaw process.
What is known already
Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is an effective way of fertility preservation in humans, often used in Assisted Reproductive Technology(ART). Despite the refinement in cryopreservation, the salvage of post-thaw sperms remains poor. The reactive oxygen species(ROS), that is formed as a result of freeze-thaw process is known to decrease the motility, plasma membrane integrity and increase the DNA fragmentation. Most vitamins have antioxidant properties, that protect the mammalian cells from oxidative stress one such vitamin is cyanocobalamin(vitamin B12). Vitamin B12 modulates oxidative stress through methionine synthase activity and also acts as a scavenger of ROS. Thus protecting the DNA against free radicals.
Study design, size, duration
This prospective observational study was performed for a period of 6 months in 111 men, who attended the fertility clinic. The study population included all semen samples except men with azoospermia, surgically retrieved samples and men on vitamin supplements. The study population contained men ageing between 21-40 years.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
Semen samples were analysed according to WHO 5th edition and were assessed for DNA fragmentation index (DFI) using sperm chromatin dispersion assay (SCD). The ejaculates were split into two as group A: semen samples with equal amount of cryoprotectant and group B: semen samples with equal amount of cryoprotectant supplemented with Vitamin B12 (2mg/ml). They were frozen for a minimum of 24 hrs. Post-thaw motility, vitality and DFI were assessed and compared.
Main results and the role of chance
The mean age of patients in our study was 34.26±4.7yrs. 58.5% of the study population had primary infertility. 37.8% of the study population had male factor infertility, 32.4% had oligoasthenoteratozoospermia(OAT), 31.1% had normozoospermia 16.2% had asthenoteratozoospermia, 13.5% had teratozoospermia, 3.6% had oligozoospermia and rest 2.7% had asthenozoospermia.
There was an overall increase in post thaw motility (41.59±18.09 vs 32.3±18.8,p=0.0005), progressive motility (21.54±13.02 vs 15.91±11.80,p=0.0005), vitality (57.14±15.09 vs 46.76±16.45,p=0.0005) and a significant decrease in DFI (26.69±10.03 vs 32.09±10.00,p=0.0005) in group B compared to group A.
Our study also demonstrated that, Normozoospermia patients had a significant increase in vitality (67.17±13.8 vs 58.51±12.0, p = 0.007) and lower DFI (22.68±9.3 vs 27.6±8.9, p = 0.02) in group B than in group A.
OAT patients had a significant increase in total motility (26.25±12.15 vs 15.7±11.4,p=0.0003), progressive motility (11.69±8.8 vs 6.14±5.8,p=0.0028), vitality (46.06±11.34 vs 34.31±12.99,p=0.0001) and significantly lower DFI (30.22±9.87 vs 36.08±9.7,p=0.012) in group B.
Teratozoospermia patients showed significant increase in progressive motility in group B (27.87±8.81 vs 19.33±10.69,p=0.02) and
Asthenoteratozoospermia patients showed significant increase in total motility (40.72± 13.14 vs 30.89±13.06,p=0.02) and vitality (54.39±12.28 vs 43.78±14.14,p=0.02) in group B.
However, in asthenozoospermic patients the parameters were comparable in both the groups.
Limitations, reasons for caution
Due to ethical reasons the samples were not used for in vitro procedures such as intrauterine insemination(IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI). Hence, no inference was obtained regarding the fertilization rates/ pregnancy rates.
Wider implications of the findings
Our study demonstrated that with supplementation of vitamin B12 the recovery rate significantly increased and also preserved the DNA content. Among the various categories, supplementation of vitamin B12 to OAT samples was more beneficial as it improved the overall viability of the sperms.
Trial registration number
CSP/21/JUL/96/389
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Yuvaraj
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - M GopalaKrishnan
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - S Reddy
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - R Vembu
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - S Namboori Srinivasan
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - N Raja
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - M Pandurangi
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - S Nagireddy
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - G Raman
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - L Rajmohan
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - S Ramamoorthy
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| | - V Kumar
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery , Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kronquist EK, Kaur M, Gober LM, Knutsen RH, Fu YP, Yu ZX, Donahue DR, Chen MY, Osgood S, Raja N, Levin MD, Barochia A, Kozel BA. Airflow Obstruction in Adults with Williams Syndrome and Mice with Elastin Insufficiency. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061438. [PMID: 35741248 PMCID: PMC9221558 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams−Beuren syndrome (WS) results from the deletion of 25−27 coding genes, including elastin (ELN), on human chromosome 7q11.23. Elastin provides recoil to tissues; emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been linked to its destruction. Consequently, we hypothesized that elastin insufficiency would predispose to obstructive features. Twenty-two adults with WS (aged 18−55) and controls underwent pulmonary function testing, 6 min walk, and chest computed tomography (CT). Lung and airspace dimensions were assessed in Eln+/− and control mice via microCT and histology. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) were lower in adults with WS (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The FEV1/FVC ratio was more frequently below the lower limit of normal in cases (p < 0.01). The ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC, percent predicted) was higher in cases (p < 0.01), suggesting air trapping. People with WS showed reduced exercise capacity (p < 0.0001). In Eln+/− mice, ex vivo lung volumes were increased (p < 0.0001), with larger airspaces (p < 0.001). Together these data show that elastin insufficiency impacts lung physiology in the form of increased air trapping and obstruction, suggesting a role for lung function monitoring in adults with WS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise K. Kronquist
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Maninder Kaur
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Leah M. Gober
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Yi-Ping Fu
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Danielle R. Donahue
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20824, USA;
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Sharon Osgood
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Neelam Raja
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Mark D. Levin
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Amisha Barochia
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-451-2888
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Knutsen RH, Gober LM, Kronquist EK, Kaur M, Donahue DR, Springer D, Yu ZX, Chen MY, Fu YP, Choobdar F, Nguyen ML, Osgood S, Freeman JL, Raja N, Levin MD, Kozel BA. Elastin Insufficiency Confers Proximal and Distal Pulmonary Vasculopathy in Mice, Partially Remedied by the KATP Channel Opener Minoxidil: Considerations and Cautions for the Treatment of People With Williams-Beuren Syndrome. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:886813. [PMID: 35665242 PMCID: PMC9160528 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.886813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a recurrent microdeletion disorder that removes one copy of elastin (ELN), resulting in large artery vasculopathy. Early stenosis of the pulmonary vascular tree is common, but few data are available on longer-term implications of the condition. Methods Computed tomography (CT) angiogram (n = 11) and echocardiogram (n = 20) were performed in children with WBS aged 3.4–17.8 years. Controls (n = 11, aged 4.4–16.8 years) also underwent echocardiogram. Eln+/− mice were analyzed by invasive catheter, echocardiogram, micro-CT (μCT), histology, and pressure myography. We subsequently tested whether minoxidil resulted in improved pulmonary vascular endpoints. Results WBS participants with a history of main or branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis requiring intervention continued to exhibit increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP, echocardiogram) relative to their peers without intervention (p < 0.01), with no clear difference in PA size. Untreated Eln+/− mice also show elevated RVSP by invasive catheterization (p < 0.0001), increased normalized right heart mass (p < 0.01) and reduced caliber branch PAs by pressure myography (p < 0.0001). Eln+/− main PA medias are thickened histologically relative to Eln+/+ (p < 0.0001). Most Eln+/− phenotypes are shared by both sexes, but PA medial thickness is substantially greater in Eln+/− males (p < 0.001). Eln+/− mice showed more acute proximal branching angles (p < 0.0001) and longer vascular segment lengths (p < 0.0001) (μCT), with genotype differences emerging by P7. Diminished PA acceleration time (p < 0.001) and systolic notching (p < 0.0001) were also observed in Eln+/− echocardiography. Vascular casting plus μCT revealed longer generation-specific PA arcade length (p < 0.0001), with increased PA branching detectable by P90 (p < 0.0001). Post-weaning minoxidil decreased RVSP (p < 0.01) and normalized PA caliber (p < 0.0001) but not early-onset proximal branching angle or segment length, nor later-developing peripheral branch number. Conclusions Vascular deficiencies beyond arterial caliber persist in individuals with WBS who have undergone PA stenosis intervention. Evaluation of Eln+/− mice reveals complex vascular changes that affect the proximal and distal vasculatures. Minoxidil, given post-weaning, decreases RVSP and improves lumen diameter, but does not alter other earlier-onset vascular patterns. Our data suggest additional therapies including minoxidil could be a useful adjunct to surgical therapy, and future trials should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Leah M. Gober
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Elise K. Kronquist
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Maninder Kaur
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Danielle R. Donahue
- Mouse Imaging Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Danielle Springer
- Murine Phenotyping Core, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zu Xi Yu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yi-Ping Fu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Feri Choobdar
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - My-Le Nguyen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sharon Osgood
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joy L. Freeman
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Neelam Raja
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mark D. Levin
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Beth A. Kozel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kasturiraj A, Reddy S, Daniel M, Namboor. Srinivasan S, Raja N, Reddy E. P–077 Performance of the postwash total motile sperm count as a predictor of pregnancy at the time of intrauterine insemination. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Is the performance of the postwash total motile sperm count a predictor of pregnancy at the time of intrauterine insemination?
Summary answer
The number of motile spermatozoa inseminated (NMSI) in IUI can be used to define clear range of pre /postwash sperm parameters.
What is known already
There is no consensus about the optimal number of motile spermatozoa inseminated (NMSI) required for a reasonable chance of pregnancy after IUI. A meta-analysis of 16 studies assessing NMSI and IUI outcomes, concluded that at cut-off levels between 0.8 and 5 million, defined as the ability to predict failure to become pregnant. The purpose of this study is to determine the range of NMSI as a predictor of success in IUI.
Study design, size, duration
This prospective study includes 60 patients who underwent semen analysis at an academic infertility centre (SRIHER) during the month of December 2020 and January 2021.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
A total of 60 infertile couples who underwent IUI at our academic centre were enrolled in our study. A detailed history and infertility work up was done before proceeding for IUI, as per the department protocol. The semen was prepared by discontinuous 2 layered density gradient method. The results were analyzed by patient factors including age, BMI, semen parameters, NMSI. The NMSI were divided into 4 groups: A (<1), B (1–4), C (5–9), D (>10).
Main results and the role of chance
The mean age of the infertile couples who underwent IUI was (28.2 ± 3.8) in females and (31.8 ± 3.8) in males respectively. The sperm parameters such as concentration (21.8 ± 14.8), motility (53.15 ± 13.22), morphology (2.43 ± 1.33) respectively. When the NMSI was group C (5–9 x 10 6) the pregnancy rate was 38.5% whereas the pregnancy rate was 37.5% in group D ( >10 x 10 6). In the other sub groups such as group A(<1 x 10 6) and group C (1–4 x 10 6) the pregnancy rate was 14.2% and 12.5% respectively.
Limitations, reasons for caution
Infertile men with Azoospermia, Men with Retrograde ejaculation, Testicular samples, Epididymal samples, Infected samples. All of the above samples were avoided. It cannot be used for counselling during the initial infertility workup, but only during/after the IUI procedure.
Wider implications of the findings: The results suggest that NMSI can be a predictor of success in IUI in patients who are < 30 years of age & ≥35 years, NMSI does not appear to be a useful. The effect of NMSI on pregnancy rate needs to evaluated on a larger scale .
Trial registration number
Not applicable
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Kasturiraj
- Sri Ramachandra institute of higher education and research, reproductive medicine and surgery, Chennai, India
| | - S Reddy
- Sri Ramachandra institute of higher education and research, reproductive medicine and surgery, Chennai, India
| | - M Daniel
- Sri Ramachandra institute of higher education and research, reproductive medicine and surgery, Chennai, India
| | - S Namboor. Srinivasan
- Sri Ramachandra institute of higher education and research, reproductive medicine and surgery, Chennai, India
| | - N Raja
- Sri Ramachandra institute of higher education and research, reproductive medicine and surgery, Chennai, India
| | - E Reddy
- Sri Ramachandra institute of higher education and research, reproductive medicine and surgery, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nagireddy S, Nellepalli SR, Vembu R, Pandurangi M, Gopal. Krishnan M, Namboor. Srinivasan S, Raja N. P–301 Intrauterine instillation of autologous platelet rich plasma for thin endometrium improves the outcome of frozen embryo transfer cycles. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
How does the intrauterine instillation of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) affect the endometrial thickness and live birth rate in frozen embryo transfer cycles?
Summary answer
Intrauterine instillation of autologous PRP resulted in significant improvement in endometrial thickness. The live birth rates were satisfactory post-PRP instillation.
What is known already
Autologous Platelet rich plasma (PRP) had resulted in significant improvement in endometrial thickness, when instilled intrauterine in women with thin endometrium in FET cycles.
Study design, size, duration
A retrospective observational study was performed at a tertiary care university teaching hospital in South India. 35 women who received intrauterine autologous PRP during endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer from June 2017 to December 2020, were included. Patients who underwent donor oocyte recipent cycles, those with a history of tubercular endometritis, Asherman syndrome, previous intrauterine manipulations such as manual removal of placenta, and uterine anomalies were excluded.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
All the women underwent endometrial preparation in artificial cycles by depot GnRH agonist suppression and HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) was initiated by 4–6 mg of estradiol valerate and stepped up as required. Autologous PRP was offered to all women who had endometrial thickness < 7 mm on day 16 of HRT. PRP was prepared by the two-step centrifugation method and administered intrauterine by IUI catheter. The patients underwent repeat evaluation after 5 days post-PRP instillation.
Main results and the role of chance
Optimal response to PRP was considered as the attainment of an endometrial thickness (ET) ≥ 7mm after 5 days of post-PRP. 25 (71.4%) had an optimal response to PRP. There was a significant improvement in the endometrial thickness(mm) in the study participants following PRP instillation: 6.3 ± 0.6 vs. 7.1 ± 1.2; P = 0.0001.The study participants were divided into two groups based on their response to intrauterine PRP instillation. Those who optimally responded to PRP were categorized as Group A and those who didn’t were categorized as Group B. The study participants of both the groups were comparable by their demographic characteristics such as age, cause of infertility, indications for ART, and the dose of estradiol valerate before PRP. The dose of estradiol valerate (mg) after PRP was significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A: 19.9 ± 4.9 vs. 15.6 ± 3.9; P = 0.014. A total of 26 women underwent embryo transfer and 9 (25.7%) women had cycle cancellation. Of these 22 were from Group A and 4 from Group B. The pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates were 36.3%(8/22) and 25% (1/4); 31.8% (7/22) and 25% (1/4); and 31.8% (7/22) and 25% (1/4), respectively.
Limitations, reasons for caution
As the study was retrospective in nature and the PRP was offered only in patients who had consented, there was a significant bias. Hence the results of the study should be interpreted with caution. Further large prospective RCTs (Randomised controlled trials) are required to confirm our findings.
Wider implications of the findings: Autologous PRP may enhance the response to the estrogen preparations. It may produce satisfactory live birth rates and reduce cycle cancellations in a reasonable proportion of patients with thin endometrium in FET cycles. However, these findings should be confirmed by dose finding clinical trials, and studies involving a comparison group.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Nagireddy
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, CHENNAI, India
| | - S R Nellepalli
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, CHENNAI, India
| | - R Vembu
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, CHENNAI, India
| | - M Pandurangi
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, CHENNAI, India
| | - M Gopal. Krishnan
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, CHENNAI, India
| | - S Namboor. Srinivasan
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, CHENNAI, India
| | - N Raja
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, CHENNAI, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Raja N, Murali D, Satyanarayana SVM, Posselt M. First principles calculations of the thermodynamic stability of Ba, Zr, and O vacancies in BaZrO 3. RSC Adv 2019; 9:34158-34165. [PMID: 35530013 PMCID: PMC9073612 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra07978e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The temperature dependence of the stability of bulk BaZrO3 (BZO) and of the vacancies in this material are investigated by considering phonon contributions to the free energy. The stability diagram of BZO is determined for different chemical environments. With increasing temperature the stability region becomes smaller which is particularly caused by the strong temperature dependence of the chemical potential of gaseous oxygen. The free formation energy of Ba, Zr, and O vacancies in BZO is calculated for all possible charge states and for different atomic reservoirs. While the free formation energy of Zr vacancies is strongly influenced by temperature a weaker dependence is found for Ba and O vacancies. This also has an effect on the charge transition levels at different temperatures. The present results demonstrate that O poor reservoir conditions and a Fermi level close to the valence band maximum favour a high concentration of doubly positively charged O vacancies which is a prerequisite to get a large number of protonic defects and good proton conductivity. In such a chemical environment the number of Ba and Zr vacancies is low so that Ba and Zr deficiencies are not an important issue and BZO remains sufficiently stable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- Department of Physics, Pondicherry University Puducherry 605 014 India
| | - D Murali
- Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing Kurnool Andhra Pradesh 518002 India
| | | | - M Posselt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research Bautzner Landstraβe 400 01328 Dresden Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Marchetti KA, Lee T, Raja N, Corona L, Kraft KH, Wan J, Ellison JS. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy versus ureteroscopy for management of pediatric nephrolithiasis in upper urinary tract stones: multi-institutional outcomes of efficacy and morbidity. J Pediatr Urol 2019; 15:516.e1-516.e8. [PMID: 31326329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the incidence of pediatric nephrolithiasis rises, understanding the efficacy and morbidity of surgical treatment options is critical. Currently, there are limited comparative data assessing shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) outcomes in children. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare stone clearance, 30-day emergency department visits, and the number of general anesthetics required per stone treatment for both modalities. STUDY DESIGN A multi-institutional retrospective review of children presenting for either URS or SWL between 2000 and 2017 was performed. Stone clearance, need for retreatment, the number of anesthetics, as well as the number and reason for emergency room visit were captured and compared between groups. Multivariate statistical analysis accounting for age, stone location, stone diameter, pre-intervention stent, and provider volume was performed for adjusted analysis. RESULTS A total of 84 SWL and 175 URS procedures were included. Complete stone clearance and rates of residual stone fragments <4 mm after final procedure for SWL were 77.0% and 90.8% and for URS were 78.5% and 91.7%, respectively. Retreatment rates for both procedures were not significantly different (17.9% SWL vs. 18.9% URS, P = 0.85). Children who underwent SWL had lower rates of emergency room visits for infections (0% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.03) and flank pain (3.6% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.05) and required fewer general anesthetics per treatment (1.2 vs. 2.0, P < 0.01) than those who underwent URS (Figure). DISCUSSION Stone clearance after both the initial and final treatments and need for repeat interventions were similar between surgical modalities. However, SWL carries less morbidity than URS. Specifically, patients who underwent SWL experienced lower rates of ED visits for urinary tract infection and for flank pain, parallel to conclusions in current comparative literature. In addition, SWL requires less general anesthetics (2.0 vs. 1.2), secondary to lower rates of ureteral stent placement and removal. Data on the potential risk of general anesthetics to neurodevelopment support thoughtful utilization of these medications. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature and the prolonged 20-year time period over which data were collected. CONCLUSIONS When adjusting for confounders, SWL and URS achieve similar stone clearance. In the setting of equivalent efficacy, considerations regarding necessity of repeat interventions, morbidity of anesthesia, and complications should be integrated into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A Marchetti
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - T Lee
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - N Raja
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - L Corona
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K H Kraft
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J Wan
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J S Ellison
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin & Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rathika C, Balakrishnan K, Manikandan T, Raja N, PalaniKumaran V, Prasad N. Involvement of HLA-DR/DQ, ApoE and ACE I/D Gene Polymorphisms in Development of Secondary Complication in South Indian T2DM Patients. INT J HUM GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09723757.2012.11886158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Rathika
- Department of Immunology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 620 021, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K. Balakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - N. Raja
- Venu Elderly Hospital, Madurai 625 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - N.S. Prasad
- Indira Seshadri Nursing Home, Tiruchirappalli 620 001, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vinoth Kumar J, Karthik R, Chen SM, Raja N, Selvam V, Muthuraj V. Evaluation of a new electrochemical sensor for selective detection of non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide based on hierarchical nanostructures of zirconium molybdate. J Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 500:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2017.03.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
16
|
|
17
|
Tripathi G, Raja N, Yun HS. Effect of direct loading of phytoestrogens into the calcium phosphate scaffold on osteoporotic bone tissue regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2015; 3:8694-8703. [DOI: 10.1039/c5tb01574j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
3D porous calcium deficient hydroxyapatite scaffolds with phytoestrogens were fabricated for osteoporotic bone tissue regeneration through a combination of 3D printing techniques and cement chemistry as a room temperature process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Tripathi
- Powder & Ceramic Division
- Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS)
- Changwon 641-831
- Republic of Korea
| | - N. Raja
- Powder & Ceramic Division
- Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS)
- Changwon 641-831
- Republic of Korea
- Korea University of Science and Technology (UST)
| | - H. S. Yun
- Powder & Ceramic Division
- Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS)
- Changwon 641-831
- Republic of Korea
- Korea University of Science and Technology (UST)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nawaz G, Rehman A, Muhammad S, Khawaja MA, Raja N, Aan N, Hussain I, Akhter S. Testicular abscess caused by Salmonella para-typhi. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2011; 23:153-154. [PMID: 23272459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This case is the first report of a bacteriologically proven testicular abscess in a child caused by Salmonella paratyphi 'A' in Pakistan that clinically simulates a testicular tumour. The case also emphasises that a course of 2 weeks antibiotic is sufficient for testicular abscess if complete surgical debridement is done.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Nawaz
- Department of Urology and Kidney Transplant, Pakistan Kidney Institute, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Raja N, Ramesh R. Mononuclear ruthenium(III) complexes containing chelating thiosemicarbazones: synthesis, characterization and catalytic property. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2010; 75:713-718. [PMID: 20044307 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2009.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Revised: 11/17/2009] [Accepted: 11/18/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mononuclear ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [RuX(EPh(3))(2)(L)] (E=P or As; X=Cl or Br; L=dibasic terdentate dehydroacetic acid thiosemicarbazones) have been synthesized from the reaction of thiosemicarbazone ligands with ruthenium(III) precursors, [RuX(3)(EPh(3))(3)] (where E=P, X=Cl; E=As, X=Cl or Br) and [RuBr(3)(PPh(3))(2)(CH(3)OH)] in benzene. The compositions of the complexes have been established by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurement, FT-IR, UV-vis and EPR spectral data. These complexes are paramagnetic and show intense d-d and charge transfer transitions in dichloromethane. The complexes show rhombic EPR spectra at LNT which are typical of low-spin distorted octahedral ruthenium(III) species. All the complexes are redox active and display an irreversible metal centered redox processes. Complex [RuCl(PPh(3))(2)(DHA-PTSC)] (5) was used as catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of isopropanol/KOH and was found to be the active species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- School of Chemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Venkatachalam G, Raja N, Pandiarajan D, Ramesh R. Binuclear ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes bearing N(4)O(4) donors and their catalytic oxidation of alcohols. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2008; 71:884-891. [PMID: 18358767 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2008.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Revised: 01/22/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
An interesting series of binuclear ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes bearing bis-salophen/bis-naphophen units of the general composition [(EPh(3))(X)Ru-L-Ru(X)(EPh(3))] (where E=P or As; X=Cl or Br; L=binucleating dianionic tetradentate ligands) have been synthesized and characterized by analytical (elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements), spectral (FT-IR, UV-vis and EPR) and electrochemical methods. These ruthenium(III) complexes have two N(2)O(2) metal binding sites, which are linked to each other with a biphenyl bridge and acts as potential catalyst for oxidation of wide range of primary and secondary alcohols to corresponding aldehydes or ketones with moderate to high conversion in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO). The formation of high-valent Ru(V)=O species as a catalytic active intermediate is proposed for the catalytic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Venkatachalam
- School of Chemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chong YY, Sharma V, Raja N, Kodati S. Chest radiographs in uveitis patients. Ann Ophthalmol (Skokie) 2007; 39:267-9. [PMID: 18025642 DOI: 10.1007/s12009-007-0034-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2007] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 03/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This is an article regarding a patient presented with bilateral uveitis who was subsequently found to have lung carcinoma on further investigations. We recommend doing a CXR especially in uveitis patients who have a history of smoking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yap Yew Chong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Watford General Hospital, Watford, Herts, WD18 0HB, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Orange K, De P, Pillay D, Raja N, Burrows K. Evaluation of a primary screening method for detection of ESBL/AmpC beta-lactamases in routine urinalysis using a multipoint method. J Infect 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2007.04.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
23
|
|
24
|
Brown A, Craven B, Hawryluk M, Raja N. Presenting Common Anomalies and Their Impact on BMD Interpretation from a Tertiary Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Center. J Clin Densitom 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2006.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
25
|
Raja N, Niazi MK. Effects of depth of incision on final outcome in radial keratotomy. J PAK MED ASSOC 2004; 54:361-4. [PMID: 15449918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of depth of incision on the final outcome of radial keratotomy for correction of myopia. METHODS Sixty-five eyes with preoperative uncorrected myopia between 2.5-6.0D in subjects with a mean age of 29.2 (+/-7) years underwent radial keratotomy between Sept 1999-July 2002 in department of Ophthalmology, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. Based on their preoperative depth of incision the eyes were divided into group-A (twenty-five eyes), with an incision depth of 500-530 microm, and Group-B (forty eyes), with an incision depth of 531-560 microm. The comparison between the postoperative visual acuity of two groups was made at the end of study after one years' follow up. RESULTS A total of Sixteen eyes in Group-A (64%) that were within one diopter of emmetropia at first follow-up reverted back to their preoperative myopic state after one year of surgery as compared to only two eyes (5%) in Group-B (p<0.05). Hyperopic shift occurred in two eyes (8%) in Group-A, as compared to four eyes (10%) of Group-B (p>0.05). After one year, refraction showed that only 24% cases of Group-A were within 1 diopter of emmetropia as compared to 85% cases in Group-B. Similarly, 40% cases of Group-A were within 2 diopters of emmetropia as compared to 90% cases of Group-B. Glare and variation of vision in the initial four weeks were the most frequently reported complications in both groups. CONCLUSION Depth of corneal incision significantly affects the outcome of surgery, if central optical zone is kept the same in cases of low to moderate degrees of myopia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- B-35, PAF Complex, Sector E-9, Islamabad
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Haitsma DB, Bac D, Raja N, Boomsma F, Verdouw PD, Duncker DJ. Minimal impairment of myocardial blood flow responses to exercise in the remodeled left ventricle early after myocardial infarction, despite significant hemodynamic and neurohumoral alterations. Cardiovasc Res 2001; 52:417-28. [PMID: 11738058 DOI: 10.1016/s0008-6363(01)00426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies have demonstrated a decreased flow reserve in the surviving hypertrophied left ventricle (LV) early after myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that exacerbation of hemodynamic abnormalities and neurohumoral activation during exercise could exhaust coronary flow reserve and thereby impair myocardial O(2) supply. Consequently, we studied hemodynamic, neurohumoral and regional myocardial perfusion and metabolic responses to exercise in pigs with LV hypertrophic remodeling 3 weeks after a myocardial infarction produced by permanent left circumflex coronary artery ligation. METHODS Chronically instrumented pigs were exercised on a treadmill up to 85% of maximum heart rate. Pigs with a myocardial infarction (MI) had a lower cardiac output (21%), stroke volume (28%), LVdP/dt(max) (18%), systemic (22%) and pulmonary (20%) vascular conductance, and increased left atrial (225%) and pulmonary artery (75%) pressures, compared to normal pigs. In MI, the exercise-induced increases in cardiac pump function, and systemic and pulmonary vasodilation were blunted compared to normals. Consequently, perfusion of visceral organs became impaired during strenuous exercise, but cerebral and skeletal muscle blood flows were maintained. Exercise-induced increases in norepinephrine and endothelin levels were exacerbated and, while relative sympathetic drive was maintained, cardiac responsiveness to norepinephrine was blunted. Despite lower capillary densities in the hypertrophied non-infarcted LV and relative subendocardial hypoperfusion during strenuous exercise, which necessitated a slight increase in O(2) extraction, there was no metabolic evidence of overt myocardial ischemia during strenuous exercise as indicated by the arterio-coronary venous pH difference. CONCLUSIONS LV dysfunction and neurohumoral activation were present in pigs with a 3-week-old infarction, particularly during exercise. However, although myocardial perfusion and O(2) supply were slightly impaired, myocardial ischemia did not occur even during exercise up to 85% of maximum heart rate, suggesting that perfusion abnormalities do not contribute to LV dysfunction early after infarction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D B Haitsma
- Experimental Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research Institute COEUR, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Raja N, Albert S, Ignacimuthu S, Dorn S. Effect of plant volatile oils in protecting stored cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) infestation. J Stored Prod Res 2001; 37:127-132. [PMID: 11124376 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-474x(00)00014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Adult Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) were introduced into cowpea seeds which were stored in containers with volatile oils derived from Mentha arvensis, M. piperata, M. spicata and Cymbopogon nardus. The numbers of eggs laid, adult mortality, adult emergence and subsequent seed damage were studied for four months. All oils significantly influenced all parameters (P<0.05) and results with different parameters were generally parallel. Significant differences for at least some time/parameters combinations indicated an order of potency of M. spicata>M. piperata>M. arvensis>C. nardus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Raja N, Shamsudin MN, Somarny W, Rosli R, Rahim RA, Radu S. Detection and molecular characterization of the zot gene in Vibrio cholerae and V. alginolyticus isolates. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2001; 32:100-4. [PMID: 11485069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
A total of 11 Vibrio cholerae isolates from 1996-1998 outbreaks in Malaysia and 4 V. alginolyticus were analyzed. Isolates were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern hybridization for the presence of the gene encoding zonula occludens toxin (zot). Screening of zot gene by PCR revealed the presence of this gene in V. cholerae and V. alginolyticus. The zot gene from one V. cholerae Ogawa isolate that was cloned in a pCR 2.1 TOPO vector was sequenced. The sequences obtained were 99% homologous to the zot gene sequence from the Gene Bank.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Heath Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Raja N, Janarthanan S, Ignacimuthu S. Changes of haemolymph protein profile in the larva of Pericallia ricini (Fabricius) parasitised by the Braconid Wasp, Apanteles taragamae Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Indian J Exp Biol 2000; 38:393-5. [PMID: 11218819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Parasitism by the braconid wasp, A. taragamae caused alterations in the haemolymph polypeptides of woolly bear larvae of P. ricini. Analysis of haemolymph proteins by SDS-PAGE and densitometry showed that the quantities of haemolymph proteins were reduced dramatically in the parasitised larvae. Simultaneously, parasitism induced large amount of 95 kDa polypeptides in the haemolymph of the parasitised larvae. Also, a remarkable induction of 43 and 45 kDa polypeptides which are not detectable in non-parasitised larvae appeared in the parasitised larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Raja N, Albert S, Ignacimuthu S. Effect of solvent residues of Vitex negundo Linn. and Cassia fistula Linn. on pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. and its larval parasitoid, Dinarmus vagabundus (Timberlake). Indian J Exp Biol 2000; 38:290-2. [PMID: 10927878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Effect of solvent residues of Vitex negundo L. and Cassia fistula L. leaves (0.5 and 1%) was studied on egg laying and adult emergence of Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. and on percentage of larval parasitism by Dinarmus vagabundus (Timberlake). Cowpea seeds treated with methanol and aqueous extract of Vitex, at these concentrations (0.5 and 1%), significantly reduced the number of eggs and emergence of F1 adults of C. maculatus. Both Vitex and Cassia extracts did not affect the percentage of parasitism by D. vagabundus on C. maculatus grubs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Raja N, Miller WE, McMillan R, Mason JR. Ciprofloxacin-associated acute renal failure in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue. Bone Marrow Transplant 1998; 21:1283-4. [PMID: 9674866 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1701256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The broad spectrum of activity of ciprofloxacin makes it an ideal drug for the prophylaxis of bacterial infections in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell rescue. We present two cases of ciprofloxacin-associated acute renal failure (ARF) in patients undergoing HDC. Maintaining a high index of suspicion for this complication will allow a prompt diagnosis, with discontinuation of the drug usually resulting in a reversal of renal failure. Renal biopsy usually reveals changes compatible with interstitial nephritis, but is not always possible in these patients due to severe thrombocytopenia following HDC. A brief course of steroid therapy may be beneficial although the role of glucocorticoids is difficult to ascertain in the absence of data regarding its efficiency in this clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Paul M, Mazumder S, Raja N, Jabbar MA. Mutational analysis of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpu transmembrane domain that promotes the enhanced release of virus-like particles from the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. J Virol 1998; 72:1270-9. [PMID: 9445027 PMCID: PMC124605 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.72.2.1270-1279.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpu is a multifunctional phosphoprotein composed of the N-terminal transmembrane (VpuTM) and C-terminal cytoplasmic domains. Each of these domains regulates a distinct function of the protein; the transmembrane domain is critical in virus release, and phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain is necessary for CD4 proteolysis. We carried our experiments to identify amino acids in the VpuTM domain that are important in the process of virus-like particle (VLP) release from HeLa cells. VLPs are released from the plasma membrane of HeLa cells at constitutive levels, and Vpu expression enhanced the release of VLPs by a factor of 10 to 15. Deletion of two to five amino acids from both N- and C-terminal ends or the middle of the VpuTM domain generated mutant Vpu proteins that have lost the ability to enhance VLP release. These deletion mutants have not lost the ability to associate with the wild-type or mutant Vpu proteins and formed complexes with equal efficiency. They were also transported normally to the Golgi complex. Furthermore, a Vpu protein having the CD4 transmembrane and Vpu cytoplasmic domains was completely inactive, and Vpu proteins harboring hybrid Vpu-CD4 TM domains were also defective in the ability to enhance the release of VLPs. When tested for functional complementation in cotransfected cells, two inactive proteins were not able to reconstitute Vpu activity that enhances the release of Gag particles. Coexpression of functional CD4/Vpu hybrids or wild-type Vpu with inactive mutant CD4/Vpu proteins revealed that mutations in the VpuTM domain could dominantly interfere with Vpu activity in Gag release. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the structural integrity of the VpuTM domain is critical for Vpu activity in the release of VLPs from the plasma membrane of mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Paul
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Raja N, Goodson M, Smith DG, Rowbury RJ. Decreased DNA damage by acid and increased repair of acid-damaged DNA in acid-habituated Escherichia coli. J Appl Bacteriol 1991; 70:507-11. [PMID: 1938675 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1991.tb02748.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A study of the conjugal transfer of ColV,I-K94 tn 10 from acid-treated donors suggested that acid-habituated recipients repair acid-damaged plasmid DNA better than those that are not habituated. The presence of an increased repair activity for acid-damaged DNA in habituated cells was confirmed by isolating pBR322 from acid-treated organisms; habituated cells produced more transformants when transformed by it than did non-habituated ones. Additionally, agarose gel electrophoretic studies of pBR322 DNA isolated from acid-damaged cells and tests of its transforming activity both indicated that plasmid DNA in habituated cells is less damaged by extreme acidity than is that in non-habituated organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- Biology Department, University College London, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Raja N, Goodson M, Chui WC, Smith DG, Rowbury RJ. Habituation to acid in Escherichia coli: conditions for habituation and its effects on plasmid transfer. J Appl Bacteriol 1991; 70:59-65. [PMID: 1707869 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1991.tb03787.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Induction of acid resistance (habituation) in Escherichia coli at pH 5.0 took ca 5 min in broth at 37 degrees C and 30-60 min in minimal medium. Induction occurred at a range of pH values from 4.0 to 6.0; it was dependent on continuing protein and RNA synthesis but substantial acid resistance appeared in the presence of nalidixic acid. Acid resistance was long-lasting; organisms grown at pH 5.0 retained most of their resistance after 2 h growth at pH 7.0. Organisms grown at pH 5.0 showed increased synthesis of a number of cytoplasmic proteins compared with the level in cells grown at pH 7.0. DNA repair-deficient strains carrying recA, uvrA or polA1 mutations were more acid-sensitive than the repair-proficient parents but were able to habituate at pH 5.0. Organisms grown at pH 5.0 transferred the ColV plasmid much more effectively at acid pH than did those grown at pH 7.0 and habituated recipients appeared better able to repair incoming acid-damaged plasmid DNA than did those that were non-habituated. Induction of acid resistance at pH 5.0 may be significant for the survival of organisms exposed to periodic discharges of acid effluent in the aquatic environment and habituation may also allow plasmid transfer and repair of acid-damaged plasmid DNA during or after such exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Raja
- Department of Biology, University College London, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Meyer A, Raja N, Campbell N. Coupling of action potential activity between unmyelinated fibers in the peripheral nerve of monkey. Pain 1985. [DOI: 10.1016/0304-3959(85)90131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
37
|
Rao KM, Raja N, Rao SS. A rapid micro radial electrophoretic method of protein separation on cellulose acetate membranes. Experientia 1979; 35:569-70. [PMID: 437065 DOI: 10.1007/bf01922778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A new rapid micromethod for protein separation under a radial electric field is described. As many as 12 rabbit serum samples could be separated in 4--6 min.
Collapse
|