25 The efficacy of pre-operative multidisciplinary meetings for surgical management of strabismus

Informal discussion regarding surgical management plans between strabismus surgeons is common but this limits potentially valuable multi-disciplinary input and learning opportunities. We evaluate the effectiveness of virtual multidisciplinary meetings to provide a platform for discussion of pre-operative strabismus surgical cases.Weekly virtual MS Teams meetings are held on Monday mornings for one hour, attended by the three paediatric consultants, paediatric fellow, all trainees on the paediatric firm and orthoptists. The meetings are recorded and available for reference to the content and for those not present.Presentations for upcoming surgery cases are prepared and presented by the fellow, with discussion from participants regarding examination findings and surgical options. Cases are anonymised to allow multicentre collaboration. The agreed management plan is documented in the patient's medical notes, and outcomes of challenging cases are discussed.The management plan is formalised during the MDT. Where required, additional tests are arranged. There are opportunities for all participants to constructively challenge decisions. Trainees of all levels are actively engaged by presenting, listening to the rationale behind surgical plans, with the opportunity to ask and respond to questions.Patients are informed that their case has been presented in the MDT to obtain multiple opinions, which gives them additional confidence. Orthoptists can see the impact of the measurements they provide, and how differing tests can change management plans.This MDT has been a positive change to our surgical strabismus patient pathway. Knowledge and teamwork have been strengthened using this innovative virtual discussion method.

Frequency-Dependent Squeezed Vacuum Source for the Advanced Virgo Gravitational-Wave Detector

In this Letter, we present the design and performance of the frequency-dependent squeezed vacuum source that will be used for the broadband quantum noise reduction of the Advanced Virgo Plus gravitational-wave detector in the upcoming observation run. The frequency-dependent squeezed field is generated by a phase rotation of a frequency-independent squeezed state through a 285 m long, high-finesse, near-detuned optical resonator. With about 8.5 dB of generated squeezing, up to 5.6 dB of quantum noise suppression has been measured at high frequency while close to the filter cavity resonance frequency, the intracavity losses limit this value to about 2 dB. Frequency-dependent squeezing is produced with a rotation frequency stability of about 6 Hz rms, which is maintained over the long term. The achieved results fulfill the frequency dependent squeezed vacuum source requirements for Advanced Virgo Plus. With the current squeezing source, considering also the estimated squeezing degradation induced by the interferometer, we expect a reduction of the quantum shot noise and radiation pressure noise of up to 4.5 dB and 2 dB, respectively.

Vortex Motions in the Solar Atmosphere: Definitions, Theory, Observations, and Modelling

Vortex flows, related to solar convective turbulent dynamics at granular scales and their interplay with magnetic fields within intergranular lanes, occur abundantly on the solar surface and in the atmosphere above. Their presence is revealed in high-resolution and high-cadence solar observations from the ground and from space and with state-of-the-art magnetoconvection simulations. Vortical flows exhibit complex characteristics and dynamics, excite a wide range of different waves, and couple different layers of the solar atmosphere, which facilitates the channeling and transfer of mass, momentum and energy from the solar surface up to the low corona. Here we provide a comprehensive review of documented research and new developments in theory, observations, and modelling of vortices over the past couple of decades after their observational discovery, including recent observations in H α , innovative detection techniques, diverse hydrostatic modelling of waves and forefront magnetohydrodynamic simulations incorporating effects of a non-ideal plasma. It is the first systematic overview of solar vortex flows at granular scales, a field with a plethora of names for phenomena that exhibit similarities and differences and often interconnect and rely on the same physics. With the advent of the 4-m Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope and the forthcoming European Solar Telescope, the ongoing Solar Orbiter mission, and the development of cutting-edge simulations, this review timely addresses the state-of-the-art on vortex flows and outlines both theoretical and observational future research directions.

Polysaccharide-Drug Conjugates: A Tool for Enhanced Cancer Therapy

Cancer is one of the most widespread deadly diseases, following cardiovascular disease, worldwide. Chemotherapy is widely used in combination with surgery, hormone and radiation therapy to treat various cancers. However, chemotherapeutic drugs can cause severe side effects due to non-specific targeting, poor bioavailability, low therapeutic indices, and high dose requirements. Several drug carriers successfully overcome these issues and deliver drugs to the desired sites, reducing the side effects. Among various drug delivery systems, polysaccharide-based carriers that target only the cancer cells have been developed to overcome the toxicity of chemotherapeutics. Polysaccharides are non-toxic, biodegradable, hydrophilic biopolymers that can be easily modified chemically to improve the bioavailability and stability for delivering therapeutics into cancer tissues. Different polysaccharides, such as chitosan, alginates, cyclodextrin, pullulan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, guar gum, pectin, and cellulose, have been used in anti-cancer drug delivery systems. This review highlights the recent progress made in polysaccharides-based drug carriers in anti-cancer therapy.

Is heart failure associated with worse outcomes in patients admitted with pneumonia – nationwide analysis

Background

Heart failure (HF) constitutes a huge public health burden today with acute respiratory infections being among the main precipitating causes for hospitalization. On the other hand, HF is a known risk factor for pneumonia which is the most common cause of adult hospital admissions in the United States.

Objective

To examine the effect of HF on the in-hospital outcomes of pneumonia

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, 2016–2018, was queried for inpatient principal diagnosis of all-cause pneumonia, and the study group was stratified into those with and without HF as a secondary diagnosis, using International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) codes. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were used to adjust for confounding. Stata 16 software was used for data analysis.

Results

1,929,598 adults were hospitalized with the primary diagnosis of pneumonia, of which 499,740 (25.9%) had HF. The incidence of mortality was 4.2% (n=20,785) in those with HF compared to 2.0% (n=28,365) in those without HF. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of inpatient mortality for pneumonia patients with HF compared to those without HF was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.29–1.42; p<0.001) when adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. The adjusted hospital length of stay (LOS) in pneumonia patients with HF as compared to those without HF (mean difference= +1.40 days, p<0.001) was significantly longer. Complications such as arrhythmias (aOR=3.18; 95% CI, 3.12–3.25; p<0.001), acute hypoxic respiratory failure (aOR=1.26; 95% CI, 1.24–1.29; p<0.001), acute kidney injury (aOR=1.34; 95% CI, 1.31–1.37; p<0.001), septic shock (aOR=1.60; 95% CI, 1.41–1.81; p<0.001), cardiogenic shock (aOR=7.40; 95% CI, 5.65–9.65; p<0.001) and cardiac arrest (aOR=1.91; 95% CI, 1.71–2.14; p<0.001) were more common in pneumonia patients with HF than those without HF.

Conclusion

In patients hospitalized for pneumonia, HF is associated with increased odds of inpatient mortality and longer LOS. Complications such as arrhythmias, acute hypoxic respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, septic shock, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest occur more frequently in pneumonia patients with HF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

First measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters using neutrinos and antineutrinos by NOvA

The NOvA experiment has seen a 4.4σ signal of ν[over ¯]_{e} appearance in a 2 GeV ν[over ¯]_{μ} beam at a distance of 810 km. Using 12.33×10^{20} protons on target delivered to the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beamline, the experiment recorded 27 ν[over ¯]_{μ}→ν[over ¯]_{e} candidates with a background of 10.3 and 102 ν[over ¯]_{μ}→ν[over ¯]_{μ} candidates. This new antineutrino data are combined with neutrino data to measure the parameters |Δm_{32}^{2}|=2.48_{-0.06}^{+0.11}×10^{-3}  eV^{2}/c^{4} and sin^{2}θ_{23} in the ranges from (0.53-0.60) and (0.45-0.48) in the normal neutrino mass hierarchy. The data exclude most values near δ_{CP}=π/2 for the inverted mass hierarchy by more than 3σ and favor the normal neutrino mass hierarchy by 1.9σ and θ_{23} values in the upper octant by 1.6σ.

Observation of the de Vries behavior in SmA* phase of a liquid crystal using polarised Raman scattering and infrared spectroscopy

Two approaches exist in the literature for describing the orientational distribution function (ODF) of the molecular directors in SmA* phase of liquid crystals, though several models are recently proposed in the literature for explaining the de Vries behaviour. These ODFs correspond to either the conventional unimodal arrangements of molecular directors arising from the mean field theory that leads to the broad or sugar-loaf like distribution or to the "diffuse-cone-shaped" type distribution proposed by de Vries. The hypothesis by de Vries provides for a realistic explanation as to how at a molecular level, a first-order SmA* to SmC* transition can occur where the uniform molecular director azimuthal distributions condense to values lying within a narrow range of angles; finally these condense to a single value while at the same time ensuring a little or no concomitant shrinkage in the layer spacing. The azimuthal distribution of the in-layer directors is probed using IR and polarized Raman spectroscopic techniques. The latter allows us to obtain the ODF and the various order parameters for the uniaxial and the biaxial phases. Based on the results of these measurements, we conclude that the "cone-shaped" (or volcano-shaped) de Vries type of distribution can most preferably describe SmA* where "a first-order phase transition from SmA* to SmC*" and a low layer shrinkage can both be easily explained.

Modified technique of endocapsular lens aspiration for severely subluxated lenses

PurposeSeverely subluxated crystalline lenses pose a difficult situation to anterior segment surgeons and can only be managed surgically by removal of the lens as well as the capsular bag. Several techniques have been described in literature for the management of such cases. We describe a modified technique of endocapsular lens aspiration by the limbal route for lens extraction through small incisions on the cornea.Patients and methodsThirty-two eyes of 16 consecutive patients with severely subluxated crystalline lenses were recruited in the study. All eyes underwent a modified technique of lens aspiration within the capsular bag using a single instrument, vitrectomy cutter, and irrigation cannula, followed by sacrificing of the capsular bag. The patients were either left aphakic or implanted with an open loop anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL Kelman Multiflex) and prospectively followed up for a period of 3 months.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 9 years 3 months±3 years (range 5-15 yrs). All eyes underwent complete lens aspiration within the capsular bag with no dislocation of the lens matter. ACIOL was inserted in 22 eyes (68.7%) and 10 eyes (31.2%) were left aphakic. All the surgeries were uneventful. The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3 months post surgery was 0.47±0.11 logMAR which was significantly better than pre-operative BCVA (P=0.001). The percentage endothelial cell loss at 3 months was 7.1%. There was no evidence of glaucoma, corneal decompensation, or retinal detachment. The astigmatism which increased from 1.45D±086 preoperatively to 3.76D±2.02 1 week post-operatively due to sutures reduced to 1.97D±0.81 post suture removal at 3 months.ConclusionThe modified technique of endocapsular lens aspiration proves to be a simple and effective method of removal of the lens-capsular bag complex in severely subluxated lenses.

Measurement of the Neutrino Mixing Angle θ_{23} in NOvA

This Letter reports new results on muon neutrino disappearance from NOvA, using a 14 kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05×10^{20} protons on target from the NuMI beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The measurement probes the muon-tau symmetry hypothesis that requires maximal θ_{23} mixing (θ_{23}=π/4). Assuming the normal mass hierarchy, we find Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.67±0.11)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} at the two statistically degenerate values 0.404_{-0.022}^{+0.030} and 0.624_{-0.030}^{+0.022}, both at the 68% confidence level. Our data disfavor the maximal mixing scenario with 2.6σ significance.

Abstract P4-03-13: Obesity and breast cancer: The adipocyte-macrophage interaction as a mediator of metastasis

Obese individuals with breast cancer have a poorer prognosis and higher risk of metastatic disease vs. non-obese patients. Prior research has largely focused on defining the interactions between adipocytes and tumor cells, but other cell types may also play a role. Adipose tissue in obese individuals is characterized by a significant infiltration of macrophages. We have therefore investigated the adipocyte-macrophage interaction as a possible mechanism whereby obesity promotes breast cancer metastasis.

We performed co-culture with both human and murine cells to determine whether adipocytes influence the expression of metastasis-promoting signals in macrophages. For the human system we co-cultured primary breast adipocytes with THP-1 macrophages. For the murine system we co-cultured 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes with J774.1 macrophages. We then assayed the mRNA levels and protein expression of metastasis-promoting genes.

In both systems we found that co-culture with adipocytes increased the expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) in macrophages. In examining a potential mechanism, we also show that media collected from cultured adipocytes (adipocyte-conditioned media) activates the transcription factor Egr-1 in macrophages. Since Egr-1 is a known regulator of VEGF-A expression, this is a potential mechanism whereby VEGF-A transcription is up-regulated. Treatment of human macrophages with Interleukin-6, Leptin and Insulin induced VEGF-A levels to a similar degree as co-culture, identifying these as adipocyte-derived signals that can possibly mediate this effect.

In summary we have found that the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages leads to the up-regulation of the pro-angiogenic signal VEGF-A in macrophages. Therefore this represents a potential mechanism whereby obesity could promote breast cancer metastasis.

Citation Format: Connelly L, Yadav N, Barcikowski A, Imaizumi Y, Jacobs A. Obesity and breast cancer: The adipocyte-macrophage interaction as a mediator of metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-03-13.

Effect of Picroliv on cadmium-induced hepatic and renal damage in the rat

The therapeutic efficacy of Picroliv-a standardized-was investigated in male rats exposed to CdCl2 (0.5 mg/kg, sc), 5 days/week for 18 weeks. Picroliv at two doses (6 and 12 mg/kg, po) was given to the cadmium (Cd)-administered group for the last 4 weeks (ie, weeks 15 -18). The Cd altered oxidative stress indices, such as increased lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity, reduced levels of non-protein sulphydryls (NPSHs), and Na-K-ATPase activity in the liver and kidney were found close to the control values by Picroliv treatment, suggesting its antioxidant potential. The hepatoprotective action of Picroliv was evident by its ability to lower the Cd-induced liver function parameters-the serum enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), g-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Bile flow and biliary Cd also increased as a result of Picroliv's choleretic property. The Cd-induced serum urea and urinary excretion of proteins, calcium (Ca), Cd and enzymes, such as Nacetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and LDH, were less marked on Picroliv treatment, indicating recovery from nephrotoxicity. Organ uptake of Cd and essential metals by Cd exposure was reduced on Picroliv treatment. Cdinduced hepatic metallothionein (MT) was lowered by Picroliv, whereas renal MT was unaltered. Cd-induced hepatic damage was also minimized. However, the renal morphological changes were marginally protected by Picroliv. The 12-mg Picroliv dose was more effective than the 6-mg dose in causing amelioration of the above parameters. This study has provided clear evidence for the hepato-and renal protective efficacy of Picroliv against experimental Cd toxicity.

Prevention of acute cadmium toxicity by Picroliv

The potential of Picroliv, a herbal extract against acute cadmium (Cd) intoxication, was evaluated in male rats. Biochemical and histopathological profile in rats pretreated with Picroliv (12 mg/kg, oral) followed by a single dose of Cd as cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (3 mg/kg, ip) revealed marked suppression of oxidative stress in liver and testes. The Cd-induced enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation, membrane fluidity and reduced levels of nonprotein sulphydryls and Na+K+ATPase were significantly restored to near normal by Picroliv pretreatment. In addition, the Cd-induced serum levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase were restored to near basal levels. Hepatic and testicular histopathological damage was also minimized. The results strongly suggest definite hepatoand testicular protection by Picroliv. The antioxidant potential of the herbal extract in the major part, and not its chelating property, seems to be responsible for its ameliorative action.

First Measurement of Electron Neutrino Appearance in NOvA

We report results from the first search for ν_{μ}→ν_{e} transitions by the NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74×10^{20} protons on target in the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector, compared to a background expectation of 0.99±0.11(syst) events based on the Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a background of 1.07±0.14(syst). The 3.3σ excess of events observed in the primary analysis disfavors 0.1π<δ_{CP}<0.5π in the inverted mass hierarchy at the 90% C.L.

Protective role of diet supplements Spirulina and Tamarind fruit pulp on kidney in sodium fluoride exposed Swiss albino mice: Histological and biochemical indices

Fluoride toxicity through potable water, particularly ground water, is not uncommon in countries such as India, China, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, parts of Africa and Afghanistan. Kidney being the main organ involved in fluoride removal, it accumulates considerable amount of fluoride. Here, we report toxic effects of oral exposure of Swiss albino mice to fluoride (sub-acute: 190 mg/kg body wt. for 7 days; and sub-chronic: 94 mg/kg body wt. for 90 days) and recovery of sub-chronic fluoride exposed mice after 90 days of sodium fluoride (NaF) withdrawal. The role of diet supplements (Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp @ 230 mg/kg body wt. independently as well as in combination) in amelioration of fluoride toxicity has also been screened. Compared with controls, feed intake decreased from 3-43%, body wt. 4-18%, and kidney wt. 5-12% in treated mice (except diet supplement groups of sub-chronic exposure) while their water intake increased from 4-43%. Histopathological changes in the cortical region of kidney in fluoride treated mice were as follows: dilation of bowman's capsule and thickening of its parietal and visceral layer; alterations in glomeruli size and their sclerotization; increase in bowman's space; proliferation of mesangial cells; reduction in podocyte counts; and dilation of proximal and distal tubules. Fluoride exposure altered tissue biochemistry (protein, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase content) and increased urea (23-58%) and creatinine content (14-127%) in the serum. Sub-acute exposure was found more toxic. The diet modulation not only reduced fluoride toxicity but also led to better recovery of treated mice after withdrawal, especially in combination.

Transformations of the macromolecular landscape at mitochondria during DNA-damage-induced apoptotic cell death

Apoptosis is a dynamic process regulated by mitochondrion critical for cellular respiration and survival. Execution of apoptosis is mediated by multiple protein signaling events at mitochondria. Initiation and progression of apoptosis require numerous apoptogenic factors that are either released from or sequestered in mitochondria, which may transform the biomolecular makeup of the organelle. In this communication, using Raman microspectroscopy, we demonstrate that transformation in biomolecular composition of mitochondrion may be used as apoptosis marker in an individual cell. For the first time, we show that significant changes occur in the concentrations of RNA, DNA, protein, and lipid constituents of mitochondria during apoptosis. The structural analysis of proteins on mitochondria demonstrated a decrease in α-helix secondary structure content, and an increase in the levels of random coils and β-sheets on mitochondria. This may represent an additional hallmark of apoptosis. Strikingly, we observed nearly identical changes in macromolecular content of mitochondria both in the presence and absence of a key proapoptotic protein, Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein). Increased DNA level in mitochondria corresponded with higher mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial ROS production. Upregulation of polymerase-γ (POLG), mitochondrial helicase Twinkle, and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) in response to DNA damage correlated with increased mtDNA and RNA synthesis. Elevated activity of oxidative phosphorylation complexes supports functional mitochondrial respiration during apoptosis. Thus, we define previously unknown dynamic correlation of macromolecular structure of mitochondria and apoptosis progression in the presence and absence of Bax protein. These findings open up a new approach for monitoring physiological status of cells by non invasive single-cell method.

Effect of periodontal therapy on lactoferrin levels in gingival crevicular fluid

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate lactoferrin quantification as a sensitive and objective method of detecting the degree of periodontal inflammation, oxidative stress and to monitor the effects of periodontal therapy.

METHODS

Fifty subjects were divided into two groups based on gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss and alveolar bone loss: healthy group and periodontitis group with generalized chronic periodontitis. Non-surgical periodontal therapy was rendered and crevicular fluid samples collected at baseline and four weeks after therapy for lactoferrin quantification using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between clinical parameters and lactoferrin levels was drawn and analysed for both groups.

RESULTS

The mean level of crevicular lactoferrin in the periodontitis group was 1857.21 ng/ml. The mean level decreased to 1415.03 ng/ml after treatment. The lowest lactoferrin concentration was seen in the healthy group (75.34 ng/ml). All clinical parameters correlated positively with lactoferrin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The lactoferrin level was higher in the periodontitis group compared to the healthy group, and reduced with periodontal therapy. Higher levels were associated with higher values of clinical parameters, both before and after therapy. The data indicates that Lactoferrin plays an important role in periodontal disease and crevicular lactoferrin quantification can be a marker for detecting periodontal inflammation, oxidative stress and monitoring periodontal therapy.

The anti-proliferative effect of 2-[piperidinoethoxyphenyl]-3-[4-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzo(b) pyran is potentiated via induction of estrogen receptor beta and p21 in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells

In an effort to develop novel therapeutic agents for endometrial cancer, benzopyran derivatives synthesized at our institute display significant inhibitory activity on cellular growth in uterine cancer cells. The current study was undertaken to demonstrate and explore the estrogen receptor (ER) subtype mediated mechanism of action of benzopyran derivative 2-[piperidinoethoxyphenyl]-3-[4-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzo(b) pyran (K-1) in human endometrial cancer cells. K-1 competitively inhibited the estradiol binding to human ERα and ERβ and showed growth inhibitory activity in human endometrial Ishikawa, HEC1B and primary endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. Transient transactivation assays carried out in COS-1 cells have demonstrated the diminished ERα-ERE mediated- and induced the ERβ-ERE mediated-transactivation triggered by compound. It also induced ER-mediated transactivation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p21(WAF-1) in both COS-1 cells and in Ishikawa cells. ERβ inducing effects of compound were blocked by ICI182,780. In endometrial adenocarcinoma cells, it induced ERβ and p21 expression significantly whereas the expression of fos, jun and ERα were significantly reduced. In addition, compound promoted ERα-β heterodimerization as observed in Ishikawa cells. These results demonstrate that the benzopyran compound suppressed the cellular growth via ERβ agonism, induction of p21 and via promoting the ERα-β heterodimerization, in addition to its antagonistic effects exerted on ERα, in human endometrial cancer cells. The study suggests that the dual action of benzopyran molecule may be of significant therapeutic value in ERα/β-positive cases of endometrial cancer.

Androgen action in the prostate gland

The embryonic development, growth and maturation of the prostate relies on androgens, the male sex steroids, acting through their cognate receptor, the androgen receptor (AR). This dependence on androgens continues in adult life, where AR signaling remains necessary for the maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of the prostate gland. Moreover, AR action contributes to the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa), which is the most common malignancy in Western men. Androgen deprivation therapies (ADTs) that interfere with ligand activation of AR to prevent expression of AR target genes and androgen action on target cells have been the standard therapy for locally advanced or recurrent PCa for 7 decades. While they initially induce remission, ADTs are not curative and eventually PCa recurs as castration-recurrent (CR) disease, which is invariably lethal. Despite low levels of circulating androgens, CR PCa cell proliferation still relies on a functional AR. Recently, new insights into the cellular processes and determinants that regulate AR action, including intraprostatic androgen metabolism, AR structure and function, a novel role for well-known tumor suppressors and oncogenes in the control of AR transcriptional output, unexpected non-transcriptional roles for AR, and the identification of distinct modes of androgen-dependent gene expression, have enhanced markedly our understanding of the AR-dependent events that contribute to progression to the lethal stage of PCa. Here, we provide a general overview of androgen action in prostate (cancer), summarize these novel concepts in AR action and discuss their implications for the optimization of therapeutic intervention in PCa.

Study of betasatellite molecule from leaf curl disease of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) in India

Leaves of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) showing geminiviral symptoms were collected from Lucknow, India during rainy season in 2008. DNA template isolated from the symptomatic leaf tissues were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers to amplify coat protein (CP) gene of DNA-A as well as betasatellite DNA associated with the leaf curl disease. CP gene showed 97% sequence identity with that of Cotton leaf curl Burewala virus (CLCuBwV). Further, the betasatellite DNA molecule revealed sequence similarity with previously characterized betasatellite DNA of begomoviruses affecting malvaceous crops from different regions of India and Pakistan. Maximum similarity (>90%) of betasatellite DNA under study was observed with Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB-[Pak: Mul17:08) and other betasatellite DNA from Pakistan thus confirming possible infection of C. juncea with begomovirus. A complementary sense open reading frame (ORF) βC1 is present at nucleotide position 194-550. Sequence comparison of this ORF with other members of begomoviruses further confirmed association of a begomovirus with C. juncea. The betasatellite DNA when expressed under the control of CaMV35S promoter Nicotiana tabacum, showed leaf deformities. Our results demonstrated that a malvaceous betasatellite is adapted by a nonmalvaceous host and causes similar disease symptoms.

Single amino acid substitutions in the enzyme acetolactate synthase confer resistance to the herbicide sulfometuron methyl

Sulfometuron methyl, a sulfonylurea herbicide, blocks growth of bacteria, yeast, and higher plants by inhibition of acetolactate synthase (EC 4.1.3.18), the first common enzyme in the biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids. Spontaneous mutations that confer increased resistance to the herbicide were obtained in cloned genes for acetolactate synthase from Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The DNA sequence of a bacterial mutant gene and a yeast mutant gene revealed single nucleotide differences from their respective wild-type genes. The mutations result in single amino acid substitutions in the structurally homologous aminoterminal regions of the two proteins, but at different positions. The bacterial mutation results in reduced levels of acetolactate synthase activity, reduced sensitivity to sulfometuron methyl, and unaltered resistance to feedback inhibition by valine. The yeast mutation results in unaltered levels of acetolactate synthase activity, greatly reduced sensitivity to sulfometuron methyl, and slightly reduced sensitivity to valine.

T-DNA from Agrobacterium Ti plasmid is in the nuclear DNA fraction of crown gall tumor cells

The crown gall teratoma tumor line BT37, incited by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain T37, has been found to contain part of the tumor-inducing plasmid, pTi T37, of the inciting strain. This foreign DNA segment, called T-DNA, is maintained at several copies per diploid tumor cell. We have examined subcellular DNA fractions from this tumor line in an effort to determine whether T-DNA is in chloroplasts, mitochondria, or nuclei. Tumor cell chloroplast DNA exhibited EcoRI and Bst I endonuclease cleavage patterns identical to those of normal tobacco chloroplast DNA. Tumor cell mitochondrial DNA exhibited a complex Bst I cleavage pattern that did not differ detectably from that of normal tobacco mitochondrial DNA. Southern blots of tumor chloroplast and mitochondrial cleavage products did not hybridize with labeled pTi T37 DNA, whereas blots of tumor cell nuclear DNA cleavage products hybridized strongly. We conclude that T-DNA is located not in chloroplasts or mitochondria but rather in the nuclear fraction of this tumor line.

A novel protein kinase from Brassica juncea stimulated by a protozoan calcium binding protein. Purification and partial characterization

A novel protein kinase (BjCCaBPk) from etiolated Brassica juncea seedlings has been purified and partially characterized. The purified enzyme migrated on SDS/PAGE as a single band with an apparent molecular mass of 43 kDa. The optimum pH for the kinase activity was 8.0. It was stimulated more than sixfold by the protozoa Entamoeba histolytica calcium binding protein EhCaBP (10.5 nM) but not by calmodulin (CaM) when used at equimolar concentration. Moreover the kinase also did not bind CaM-Sepharose. There was neither inhibition of the kinase activity in the presence of W-7 (a CaM antagonist), KN-62 (a specific calcium/CaM kinase inhibitor) and anti-CaM Ig, nor any effect on BjCCaBPk activity of staurosporine (a protein kinase C inhibitor). Furthermore a CaM-kinase specific substrate, syntide-2, proved to be a poor substrate for the BjCCaBPk compared with histone III-S. The phosphorylation of histone III-S involved serine residues. Southern and Northern blot analysis showed the presence of EhCaBP homologues in Brassica. The data suggest that BjCCaBPk may be a novel protein kinase with an affinity towards a calcium binding protein like EhCaBP.

Molecular changes in Entamoeba histolytica in response to bacteria

Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite, is the causative agent of amoebiasis. The degree of virulence, as inferred from invasiveness, of potentially pathogenic strains may be regulated by both host and parasite factors that determine the gut environment. One such factor that plays an important role is the bacterial flora in the gut. Previous studies have clearly shown that bacterial flora is an important determinant of virulence in E. histolytica. However, the exact nature of changes induced in E. histolytica in response to bacteria and their role in virulence is not clear. In this study the levels of a number of molecules potentially important in virulence mechanisms were determined in E. histolytica cells grown with and without normal human bacterial flora, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significant changes were observed only after the E. histolytica cells had been adapted to grow with bacterial flora for a number of generations, and not in short term culture.

Arabidopsis FAD2 gene encodes the enzyme that is essential for polyunsaturated lipid synthesis

The polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleate and alpha-linolenate are important membrane components and are the essential fatty acids of human nutrition. The major enzyme responsible for the synthesis of these compounds is the plant oleate desaturase of the endoplasmic reticulum, and its activity is controlled in Arabidopsis by the fatty acid desaturation 2 (fad2) locus. A fad2 allele was identified in a population of Arabidopsis in which mutations had been created by T-DNA insertions. Genomic DNA flanking the T-DNA was cloned by plasmid rescue and used to isolate cDNA and genomic clones of FAD2. A cDNA containing the entire FAD2 coding sequence was expressed in fad2 mutant plants and shown to complement the mutant fatty acid phenotype. The deduced amino acid sequence from the cDNA showed homology to other plant desaturases, and this confirmed that FAD2 is the structural gene for the desaturase. Gel blot analyses of FAD2 mRNA levels showed that the gene is expressed throughout the plant and suggest that transcript levels are in excess of the amount needed to account for oleate desaturation. Sequence analysis identified histidine-rich motifs that could contribute to an iron binding site in the cytoplasmic domain of the protein. Such a position would facilitate interaction between the desaturase and cytochrome b5, which is the direct source of electrons for the desaturation reaction, but would limit interaction of the active site with the fatty acyl substrate.

Arabidopsis FAD2 gene encodes the enzyme that is essential for polyunsaturated lipid synthesis

The polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleate and alpha-linolenate are important membrane components and are the essential fatty acids of human nutrition. The major enzyme responsible for the synthesis of these compounds is the plant oleate desaturase of the endoplasmic reticulum, and its activity is controlled in Arabidopsis by the fatty acid desaturation 2 (fad2) locus. A fad2 allele was identified in a population of Arabidopsis in which mutations had been created by T-DNA insertions. Genomic DNA flanking the T-DNA was cloned by plasmid rescue and used to isolate cDNA and genomic clones of FAD2. A cDNA containing the entire FAD2 coding sequence was expressed in fad2 mutant plants and shown to complement the mutant fatty acid phenotype. The deduced amino acid sequence from the cDNA showed homology to other plant desaturases, and this confirmed that FAD2 is the structural gene for the desaturase. Gel blot analyses of FAD2 mRNA levels showed that the gene is expressed throughout the plant and suggest that transcript levels are in excess of the amount needed to account for oleate desaturation. Sequence analysis identified histidine-rich motifs that could contribute to an iron binding site in the cytoplasmic domain of the protein. Such a position would facilitate interaction between the desaturase and cytochrome b5, which is the direct source of electrons for the desaturation reaction, but would limit interaction of the active site with the fatty acyl substrate.