Exploring the potential of Eu3+ ions doped heavy metal oxide containing germanium borate glasses for high efficiency red emitting solid-state lasers

Glasses activated with europium show promising potential for use in applications relating to photonics, in particular solid-state laser generation. In the current work, Eu2O3 incorporated gemanium borate glasses were developed and explored their potentiality towards lasing active medium by probing physical, structural, optical and lasing properties in detail. The physical and structural features of each glass indicated the presence of non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) and an enhancement in network stability on account of the inclusion of europium ions into the GeO2 glass network. Optical energy band gaps, Ed, Eo, no, So, and λo values were obtained by absorption spectra and found to be increased with europium content. The sequence of Judd-Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters (Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6) exhibited the trend Ω2 > Ω4 > Ω6, and it confirmed the covalent nature of the as-developed glasses. 1 mol% Eu2O3 doped glasses exhibited the highest photoluminescence, quantum efficiency and fluorescence intensity ratio (R). The decay profiles showed single exponential nature for 5D0 state of Eu3+ ions and their lifetime values were calculated. The results amply demonstrated the viability of the manufactured glasses as a potential solid-state active laser medium, with the CIE diagram confirming the intense red color emission as seen from the PL spectra.

Predictive modelling of methane yield in biochar-amended cheese whey and septage co-digestion: Exploring synergistic effects using Gompertz and neural networks

This study performed bench scale studies on anaerobic co-digestion of cheese whey and septage mixed with biochar (BC) as additive at various dosages (0.5 g, 1 g, 2 g and 4 g) and total solids (TS) concentrations (5%, 7.5%, 10%,12.5% and 15%). The experimental results revealed 29.58% increase in methane yield (486 ± 11.32 mL/gVS) with 27% reduction in lag phase time at 10% TS concentration and 50 g/L of BC loading. The mechanistic investigations revealed that BC improved process stability by virtue of its robust buffering capacity and mitigated ammonia inhibition. Statistical analysis indicates BC dosage had a more pronounced effect (P < 0.0001) compared to the impact of TS concentrations. Additionally, the results were modelled using Gompertz model (GM) and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm, which revealed the outperformance of ANN over GM with MSE 17.96, R2 value 0.9942 and error 0.27%. These findings validated the practicality of utilizing a high dosage of BC in semi-solid anaerobic digestion conditions.

Enhanced control over size, areal density, and shape of substrate-supported Au and Ag nanoparticles by solid-state dewetting and alloying

The ability to manipulate the dimensions, areal density, and form of substrate-supported Au and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) is highly desirable for utilizing their plasmonic properties in biosensing, photovoltaics, and nanophotonic applications. The transformation of thin films into the substrate-supported nanostructures by solid-state dewetting (SSD), provides an avenue to manipulate the dimensional aspects of nanostructures simply and cost-effectively on a large scale. However, spontaneous agglomeration of the film produces randomly distributed and non-uniform nanostructures that must be controlled. Here, we have systematically studied the effect of annealing temperature, between 200 °C and 750 °C, on the dewetting morphology evolution of Au, Ag, and Au-Ag bilayer ultrathin films sputter deposited on thec-plane (0001) sapphire substrates. Regardless of the film thickness, Ag films dewet faster than Au films and produce spherical NPs, compared to faceted Au NPs, with broader size distribution. Whereas, by the SSD of Au-Ag bilayer ultrathin films, highly spherical and monodisperse AuAg bimetallic NPs can be fabricated. Furthermore, we have shown the possibility of fabricating the AuAg bimetallic NPs of varying compositions by adjusting the thickness of individual layers, thus enabling us to smoothly tune the spectral location of plasmonic resonance within the visible range.

A Review on Enhancing the Life of Teeth by Toothpaste Containing Bioactive Glass Particles

Purpose of Review

Dental caries or tooth decay is one of the communal problems in the world which can affect not only the oral health but also the general health conditions. The main objective of this systematic review is to explore the efficacy of bioactive glass-based toothpastes against cariogenic bacteria.

Recent Findings

Bioactive glass particulates containing toothpaste show better remineralization potential on demineralized enamel and dentin when compared with toothpaste containing various bioactive constituents such as fluoride and potassium chloride. These constituents in conventional toothpaste can rapidly streak off due to acidic impact in the oral environment as the bioactive glass provides minerals for demineralized enamel and dentin by forming a strong hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer on its surface. Further, the therapeutic ions present in the bioglass can resist plaque formation by raising the pH of the surrounding environment or saliva and create amicable media for healthier teeth.

Summary

Toothpaste containing bioactive glass particles undoubtedly displayed the remineralizing potentiality of the dental hard tissues. Dynamics of the mineralization through different bioactive glass materials needs further investigations. In order to prevent dental cavities and improve oral health, it is important to identify and study different effective bioglass particles in toothpaste.

Bio-conversion of whey lactose using enzymatic hydrolysis with β-galactosidase: an experimental and kinetic study

Lactose in cheese whey is increasingly challenging to metabolise under normal conditions. The hydrolysis of whey lactose into glucose and galactose using enzymatic methods has been acclaimed to confer benefits like enhanced substrate availability for better degradation in anaerobic digestion. In the present study, whey lactose was subjected to hydrolysis using the enzyme β-galactosidase derived from Aspergillus oryzae fungus to reduce the difficulty of lipid and fat transformation in anaerobic digestion. The individual and combined effects of hydrolysis parameters, pH, enzyme load, reaction time and temperature were studied using Response Surface Methodology by Central Composite Design. The optimum conditions were determined based on variance analyses and surface plots; pH 4.63, temperature 40.47°C, reaction time 25.96 min and enzyme load 0.49%. Results showed a maximum lactose hydrolysis value of 86.21%, while the predicted value was 87.44%. Indeed, enzyme hydrolysis induced a change of soluble chemical oxygen demand around 24.6% and 75.8% reduction in volatile fatty acid concentration. Upon anaerobic digestion, the pre-hydrolysed whey revealed a 3.6-fold higher bio-methane production than that of raw hey, and a visible decrease in volatile fatty acid concentrations. The resultant data agreed with the Gompertz model, and lag phase times were significantly reduced for hydrolysed whey.

Rice mill wastewater management in the era of circular economy

Several nations around the world use rice as their primary food staple because of its tremendous nutritional value. India's expanding population has sparked a proliferation of rice mills as a result of the country's growing rice demand. However, small and medium-scale industries lack adequate facilities for processing effluents and other waste generated. Paddy is typically processed by parboiling, which involves soaking it in water, boiling it with steam, and then drying and milling. Around 1-1.5 L of water is necessary to partially cook 1 kg of unhusked rice, with approximately half of this water being discharged as effluent. Disposal of rice mill effluent (RME) in water bodies or on the land causes severe damage to soil and water. An inclusive examination of diverse approaches for the treatment and stabilization of partially cooked rice milling effluents is provided. Moreover, the document provides a concise overview of contemporary and environmentally friendly technologies for treating RME. Adsorption, electrocoagulation, chemical coagulation, and bioremediation using microbes, plants, and microalgae are all included in these methods. This manuscript discusses the concept of a circular economy, which is focused on enhancing environmental sustainability through the recycling and repurposing of generated waste into raw materials for the creation of new products. In addition, this review aims to focus on the impact of RME on soils and water species and the status of sustainable management at the point of circular economy with RME bioenergy production (bioelectricity, biomethane, and bio-hydrogen).

Judd-Ofelt Analysis and Spectroscopy Study of Tellurite Glasses Doped with Rare-Earth (Nd3+, Sm3+, Dy3+, and Er3+)

A series of glasses based on (80-y) TeO2-20 BiCl3-y RE2O3 (y = 0, 0.6 mol%; RE = Nd, Sm, Dy, and Er) were prepared. The thermal stability of the glass was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The density and optical energy values of the prepared glass increased in the order of Sm2O3, Nd2O3, Dy2O3, and Er2O3. In addition, the glass doped with Er2O3 had the highest refractive index values compared to the other samples. Subsequently, Judd-Ofelt parameters (Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6) were obtained for the family of RE3+ trivalent rare-earth ions introduced as dopants in a tellurite glass. These parameters were calculated from the absorption spectra for each RE3+. The structures were studied by Raman spectroscopy deconvolution, which determined that TeO4, TeO3, TeO3+1, BiO6, and BiCl6 units had formed. In addition, the structural changes in the glass are related to the intensity ratio of TeO4/TeO3, depending on the type of rare-earth. For the optics and Judd-Ofelt parameters, the ray spectroscopy results of the prepared glass show that it is a good candidate for nonlinear optics fibers, a solid laser material.

A comparison of ultrasonic, ozone, and enzyme pre-treatments on cheese whey degradation for enhancement of anaerobic digestion

Lactose in cheese whey wastewater (CWW) makes it difficult to degrade under normal conditions. The effect of ultra-sonication (US), ozonation and enzymatic hydrolysis on increasing the bioavailability of organic matter in CWW and biogas production were evaluated. The pre-treatment conditions were: specific energy input varied from 2130 to 8773KJ/KgTS for a sonication time of 4.5-18.5 min, Ozone (O₃) dosages ranging from 0.03 to 0.045gO₃/gTS were applied for 4-16 min, pH (3.8-7.1), temperature (35°C-55°C), enzyme dosage (0.18-0.52%), was operated from 7.75 to 53 min for enzymatic hydrolysis by β-galactosidase. The results of the US reported a maximum sCOD solubilisation of 77.15% after 18.5 min of operation, while the corresponding values for ozonation and enzymatic methods were 64.8% at 16 min and 54.79%, respectively. The organic matter degradation rates evaluated in terms of protein and lactose hydrolysis were 68.78%,46.03%; 47.83%,16.15% and 54.22%,86.2%respectively, for US, ozonation and enzymatic methods. The cumulative methane yield for sonicated, ozonised and enzymatically hydrolysed samples were 412.4 ml/g VS, 361.2 ml/g VS and 432.3mlCH₄/gVS, respectively. Regardless of the lower COD solubilisation rates attained, enzymatic pre-treatment showed maximum methane generation compared to US and ozonation. This could be attributable to the increased activity of β-galactosidase in hydrolysing whey lactose. The energy calculations revealed that the pre-conditioning of organic-rich CWW with enzymatic hydrolysis is more effective and efficient, yielding a net energy gain (gross output energy-input energy) of 9166.7 KJ and an energy factor (ratio of output to input energy) of 6.67. The modified Gompertz model well simulated all experimental values.

Nutritional Status of Underprivileged Indian Children and Youth with Type-1 Diabetes - A Multicentre Study

Background

India has the highest number of prevalent type-1 diabetes (T1D) cases in the under-20-year age population. Data on the anthropometry of underprivileged Indian children with T1D are scarce. In economically disadvantaged countries like India, poor growth in patients with T1D is a major concern due to limited accessibility and affordability. Besides, due to the double burden of malnutrition, the prevalence of obesity is increasing mirroring the global trends, which may lead to the development of insulin resistance.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in Indian children and youth with T1D and to identify the determinants of short stature.

Methods

A registry-based cross-sectional analysis of data collected from various centres across India enrolled in the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) programme.

Results

We observed that 6.4% were undernourished (3.4% severe undernutrition) and 17.7% (overweight 13.2%) had combined overweight/obesity. 21.2% of participants had short stature (adjusted for mid-parental height) with 7.4% cases of familial short stature. Longer duration of illness and insulin requirement were significant positive predictors of short stature while glycaemic control, insulin regimen and mid-parental height did not have a significant relationship with short stature. Participants on basal-bolus regimen had significantly higher insulin requirements and better glycaemic control than the ones on mixed-split regimen.

Conclusion

We report that around one-fifth of children and youth with T1D were overweight/obese and around a fourth were stunted, especially those with longer duration of diabetes and higher insulin requirements. Close monitoring of anthropometric parameters is necessary for all children with T1D to optimize growth and nutrition.

Sources, occurrence and toxic effects of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cause potential threats to biota and are persistent and never-ending substances in the environment. Regulations and ban on legacy PFAS by various global organizations and national level regulatory agencies had shifted the fluorochemical production to emerging PFAS and fluorinated alternatives. Emerging PFAS are mobile and more persistent in aquatic systems, posing potential greater threats to human and environmental health. Emerging PFAS have been found in aquatic animals, rivers, food products, aqueous film-forming foams, sediments, and a variety of other ecological media. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties, sources, occurrence in biota and the environment, and toxicity of the emerging PFAS. Fluorinated and non-fluorinated alternatives for several industrial applications and consumer goods as the replacement of historical PFAS are also discussed in the review. Fluorochemical production plants and wastewater treatment plants are the main sources of emerging PFAS to various environmental matrices. Information and research are scarcely available on the sources, existence, transport, fate, and toxic effects of emerging PFAS to date.

Development and Validation of Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Quantitative Estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib Tablets Dosage Form

Aim: The main intention of the research work is to develop an effective, sensitive, economical and uncomplicated reverse phase HPLC technique for the estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib tablets dosage form. Study Design: HPLC based quantification studies. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, between August 2022 and November 2022. Methodology: Estimation of Tofacitinib in Tofacitinib tablets dosage form. The separation was achieved by using a stationary phase Kromasil C18 (150 x 4.6 mm, 5µ) and the mobile phase consisted of pH 4.0 phosphate buffer and acetonitrile in the ratio of (80:20 volume/volume). The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min. Tofacitinib was detected using UV detector at the wavelength of 215 nm. Column temperature 25°C and sample temperature 25°C and injection volume 20µL, run time was 20 minutes. Results: As there is no meddling between blank and placebo at the retention time of Tofacitinib. Degradation study results were shown significant degradation was observed in alkali (base) stress condition. Hence it can be concluded that Tofacitinib is sensitive to alkali. To obtain system exactitude, a study was conducted with six replicate injections. %RSD was estimated from the peak areas of Tofacitinib found to be 0.16% respectively. The relative standard deviation for method exactitude was found to be 5 mg and 10 mg is 0.26% and 0.75%. The proposed HPLC technique was linear over the range of 24.88-74.64 µg/mL, the correlation coefficient was found to be 1.0000. The accuracy studies were shown as % recovery for Tofacitinib 50% to150% level. The limit of % recovered shown is in the range of 98 and 102% and the results obtained were found to be within the limits. Hence the method was found to be accurate. The solution stability of the standard and samples are stable upto 48 hrs on a bench top and refrigerator (2-8°C). The technique is robust for changes like flow rate, column oven temperature, pH variation and the organic phase of the mobile phase. Performed the filter validation for sample solution 0.45 µm PVDF filterers are suitable for filtration. The technique has authenticated as per ICH instructions and all the validation parameters are satisfy the ICH Q2 specification acceptance limits. Conclusion: The urbanized technique was validated for various parameters as per ICH guidelines like accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, system suitability, solution stability and robustness. The results obtained were within the acceptance criteria. So, it can be concluded that the developed method is simple, precise, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and safe and can be successfully employed for the routine analysis of Tofacitinib in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Identification of Dominant Air Pollutants Over Hyderabad Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

The study aims to bring out the interdependence of the air pollutant components through Correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify the sources causing air pollution in Residential, Resident cum Industrial and Industrial areas of Hyderabad. For this purpose, daily data (from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2020) of air pollutants recorded by Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) that includes 15 air pollution-causing components was collected from the Centre Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website. Data from Residential (Hyderabad Central University (HCU)), Residential and Industrial (ICRISAT-Patencheru), and purely Industrial (Pashmylaram) areas were analyzed and it was identified that 5 majorly contributed pollutants at HCU were due to residential activities however, 5 major pollutants at ICRISAT and Pashmylaram were due to vehicular traffic and industry emissions. The purpose of the study was to figure out the sources of air pollutants and their interdependency under different local conditions. The findings of the study may help the policymakers and authorities concerned to implement different strategies and take necessary steps to keep the pollution levels under control.

Prediction of PM2.5 Over Hyderabad Using Deep Learning Technique

Urbanization and Industrialization during the last few decades have increased air pollution causing harm to human health. Air pollution in metro cities turns out to be a serious environmental problem, especially in developing countries like India. The major environmental challenge is, to predict accurate air quality from pollutants. Envisaging air quality from pollutants like PM2.5, using the latest deep learning technique (LSTM timer series) has turned out to be a significant research area. The primary goal of this research paper is to forecast near-time pollution using the LSTM time series multivariate regression technique. The air quality data from Central Pollution Control Board over Hyderabad station has been used for the present study. All the processing is done in real-time and the system is found to be functionally very stable and works under all conditions. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and R2 have been used as evaluation criteria for this regression technique. Further, the time series regression has been used to find the best fit model in terms of processing time to get the lowest error rate. The statistical model based on machine learning established a relevant prediction of PM2.5 concentrations from meteorological data.

Anaerobic co-digestion of cheese whey and septage: Effect of substrate and inoculum on biogas production

Cheese whey is an industrial waste generated from the cheese processing unit of the dairy industry and requires treatment before its disposal. The present study investigated the possibilities of improving the digestibility from anaerobic digestion of lipid rich dairy by-product, cheese whey using septage as the co-substrate with different inoculum. Biochemical methane potential assays were conducted under mesophilic temperature conditions and results were validated using Modified Gompertz Model. Two sets of BMP tests were done; to assess the individual and combined digestion abilities of septage in anaerobic co-digestion of whey and to assess the ability of 3 inoculum sources (cattle manure, sewage sludge, and acclimatized anaerobic sludge) in the co-digestion process. The results indicated that septage is an excellent co-substrate that has better adaptability with cheese whey and the optimum mix ratio was found as 40:60 (S_CW: S_SP). BMP tests were also conducted with inoculum at S/I ratio of 1 and statistical analysis was performed to study the synergistic effect of both co-digestion and inoculum. The tests revealed that the cattle manure resulted in the highest biogas production (342.22mL/gVS) at 60% whey fraction. Modified Gompertz model fitted the experimental data well and identified an increase in lag phase times when whey fraction is increased. Comparatively higher lag phase times ranging from 1.98 to 4.35 days were obtained for sewage sludge inoculated samples. The maximum methane production (P_max) was obtained at 60% whey fraction (369.63 ± 4.05mL/gVS) at a very short lag time of 0.76 ± 0.17days for cattle manure inoculated mixture.

Simple, Accurate and Efficient High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for Determination of Vandetanib in Bulk and in Pharmaceutical Forms

A simple, selective, linear, precise and accurate isocratic RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for rapid assay of Vandetanib, an anticancer drug, in both bulk and tablet dosage form. Elution at a flow rate of 1ml/min was employed on a symmetry C18 column at ambient temperature. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile, water and orthophosphoric acid in the ratio of 90:08:02 (v/v/v). Linearity was observed in concentration range of 50-200 ppm. The retention time for Vandetanib was 3.326 min. The method was validated as per the ICH guidelines. The proposed method can be successfully applied for the estimation of Vandetanib in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Moreover the detection alone was also verified through LC-MS of the Vandetanib drug using ESI method which provides future scope for study of this drug using LC-MS method also.

Glycosylated fibronectin point-of-care test for diagnosis of pre-eclampsia in a low-resource setting: a prospective Southeast Asian population study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the performance of a glycosylated fibronectin (GlyFn) point-of-care (POC) test for pre-eclampsia (PE) in a large Southeast Asian cohort (India) in comparison to previously described biomarkers.

DESIGN

A total of 798 pregnant women at ≥20 weeks of gestation were enrolled in a prospective case-control study. Study participants included 469 normotensive women with urinary mg protein/mmol creatinine ratio <0.3, 135 with PE (hypertension with urinary mg protein/mmol creatinine ratio ≥0.3) and 194 with gestational hypertension (hypertension with urinary mg protein/mmol creatinine ratio <0.3).

METHODS

GlyFn levels were determined using a POC device and PIGF, sFlt-1 and PAPPA2 levels were determined by immunoassay. Performance was assessed using logistic regression modelling and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Classification performance and positive and negative predictive values are reported at specific thresholds.

RESULTS

Increased levels of GlyFn, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and pregnancy-associated placental protein A2 (PAPPA2), and decreased levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) were significantly associated (P < 0.01) with clinically defined PE. Area under the ROC (AUROC) values with 95% confidence intervals were: GlyFn, 0.99 (0.98-0.99); PlGF, 0.96 (0.94-0.98); sFlt-1, 0.86 (0.83-0.89); and PAPPA2, 0.96 (0.94-0.97). Of subjects with GH, 48% were positive for more than two PE biomarkers, and 70% of these delivered preterm.

CONCLUSIONS

The Lumella™ GlyFn POC test has been validated in a low/middle-income country setting for PE diagnosis and may be a useful adjunctive tool for early identification, appropriate triage, and improved outcomes.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

The Lumella™ point-of-care test had excellent performance in diagnosing PE in a large Southeast Asian cohort.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Pre- and Post-Surgery Myocardial Changes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Correlation with Echocardiography

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common form of cardiomyopathy and a leading cause of sudden death in the young. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an established pre-operative tool for the evaluating of patients suspected with HCM for morphological assessment and identifying patients at risk of sudden death. Echocardiography and MRI are equally used in the post-treatment assessment of cardiac function and morphology. In this report, we present the comparative role of these two modalities in pre- and post-operative imaging assessment in our patients, treated surgically with the left ventricular myomectomy. Relative merits of MRI and echocardiography are presented and discussed.

Effect of Al3+ ions substitution in novel zinc phosphate glasses on formation of HAp layer for bone graft applications

Aluminium doped phosphate based bioglasses have potential applications in the field of bone tissue engineering, because of their excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility along with high mechanical strength and controlled dissolution. In the present study, 8ZnO-22Na₂O-(24-x)CaO-46P₂O₅-xAl₂O₃ (where x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mol%) glass system was synthesized and investigated by means of XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS before and after immersion in SBF for 3, 7, 14 and 21days, the physic-chemical properties of the samples, including density and microhardness, evaluation of pH and weight loss of glasses in physiological fluid and cell cultural studies like cell viability, cytocompatability and cell proliferation by seeding rMSCs cells on the glass samples in order to throw some light on their structural properties. The results showed that, the density and Vickers hardness found to be increased with the increase in content of alumina due to the slight increase in the number of octahedrally coordinated Al³⁺ ions and stronger ionic cross linkages due to insertion of Al³⁺ ions between phosphate networks. The initial rise in pH and controlled solubility in SBF strongly supports the apatite layer development. The growth of the rMSCs cells on all samples showing good cytocompatability and proliferation up to 6 mol% Al₂O₃ after that decreases slightly with an increase in alumina content due to network forming action of Al³⁺ ions in zinc phosphate based glasses. The results confirmed the suitability of these glasses for clinical trials towards bone repair and regeneration resorbable implants.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of (-)-kunstleramide and its derivatives

Stereoselective total synthesis of (-)-kunstleramide, a cytotoxic dienamide from the bark of Beilschmiedia kunstleri gamble, has been accomplished by using Keck's asymmetric allylation and Trost isomerization as key reactions. Application of the developed strategy for the synthesis of a series of amide analogues (8-22) was also reported. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anti-proliferative activities against human epithelial lung carcinoma (A549), human epithelial cervical cancer (HeLa), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) and human neuroblastoma (IMR32) cell lines using the SRB assay. All the compounds show moderate anti-proliferative activity against all cell lines. Some of the piperazine derivatives (17-22) strongly inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells with IC50 values of 8-20 μM.

Optimization of nanohole array parameters for improving the ultimate efficiency of nanohole structured c-Si solar cells

Surface texturing helps in reducing the reflectance of the surface and hence it improves the ultimate efficiency of the solar cell. In this article, rigorous coupled wave analysis was used to find out the effect of different nanohole parameters such as nanohole diameter (D), pitch (P) and nanohole depth (H) on the reflectance and the ultimate efficiency of a c-Si solar cell of 275 μm thickness. Response surface methodology was used for co-relating the nanohole geometry parameters with the ultimate efficiency. The developed relation was used for optimization using genetic algorithm implemented through MATLAB. The optimized parameters have resulted in a 17.81% improvement in ultimate efficiency as compared with bare substrate of same thickness. A comparative study was made on the effect of parameters on the ultimate efficiency of the solar cell and it was found that higher value of diameter yielded greater ultimate efficiency. Finally, the performance of structured Si was compared with that of bare Si and Si coated with anti-reflective coating in various configurations. A 50 nm deep hole filled with anti-reflective coating and with a top surface anti-reflective coating of 75 nm yielded the highest ultimate efficiency of 47.61%.

Identifying the perspectives for sustainability enhancement

Purpose

Integrating sustainability strategies with business processes is the most challenging task for industry professionals due to the lack of a proper understanding of sustainability concepts. At the same time, a lack of proper guidance restricts them from pursuing such activities. As far as the aspects of implementation are concerned, it is very tough to analyse and pick up key points to start with. The purpose of this paper is to utilize a text mining approach to analyse qualitative data and identify the critical issues for implementing sustainability in the manufacturing sector by focussing on turning processes based on the survey responses of researchers and industry professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated method employing principal component analysis (PCA) and the k-means clustering algorithm has been applied to extract useful information from a set of various suggestions provided by both the groups surveyed. The textual data has also been visualized using word clouds and, thus, it has been compared with the results of the text mining approach.

Findings

The results of the study indicate the importance of the role of government organizations and the need for a skilled workforce, which are crucial for enhancing aspects of sustainability in the manufacturing sector, as supported by both researchers and industry professionals. Besides this, researchers have highlighted the need to focus more on environmentally related issues, whereas industry professionals have raised performance-related issues.

Practical implications

The findings of the study present the important concerns of both the groups towards sustainability initiatives and, thus, will help to enhance the understanding of the underlying possibilities of negotiating jointly to enhance the performance of machining processes.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in its identification of important initiatives that are having a direct impact on the sustainable aspects of the machining process, based on the views of researchers and industry professionals.

Identification of urinary proteins potentially associated with diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease. Although several parameters are used to evaluate renal damage, in many instances, there is no pathological change until damage is already advanced. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a novel tool to identify newer diagnostic markers. To identify urinary proteins associated with renal complications in diabetes, we collected urine samples from 10 type 2 diabetes patients each with normoalbuminuria, micro- and macro-albuminuria and compared their urinary proteome with that of 10 healthy individuals. Urinary proteins were concentrated, depleted of albumin and five other abundant plasma proteins and in-gel trypsin digested after prefractionation on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The peptides were analyzed using a nanoflow reverse phase liquid chromatography system coupled to linear trap quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. We identified large number of proteins in each group, of which many were exclusively present in individual patient groups. A total of 53 proteins were common in all patients but were absent in the controls. The majority of the proteins were functionally binding, biologically involved in metabolic processes, and showed enrichment of alternative complement and blood coagulation pathways. In addition to identifying reported proteins such as α2-HS-glycoprotein and Vitamin D binding protein, we detected novel proteins such as CD59, extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), factor H, and myoglobin in the urine of macroalbuminuria patients. ECM1 and factor H are known to influence mesangial cell proliferation, and CD59 causes microvascular damage by influencing membrane attack complex deposition, suggestive their biological relevance to DN. Thus, we have developed a proteome database where various proteins exclusively present in the patients may be further investigated for their role as stage-specific markers and possible therapeutic targets.

Treating to target in type 2 diabetes: the BEGIN trial programme

Insulin degludec is a new-generation basal insulin with an ultra-long duration of action. The insulin degludec and insulin degludec/insulin aspart clinical trial programme was truly global, involving 40 different countries and encompassing a multitude of ethnic populations. It is the largest insulin development clinical trial programme on record--with more than 11,000 patients included worldwide. It includes two main components: BEGIN (insulin degludec studied across the spectrum of diabetes) and BOOST (insulin degludec in a fixed-dose combination with insulin aspart). In clinical trials (phase 2 and phase 3a), insulin degludec achieved similar glycaemic control to that seen with insulin glargine in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes, but with a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia. In addition, trials examining a flexible dosing regimen of insulin degludec in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes show the potential for adjusting the injection time, without compromising glycaemic control or safety. A 200 U/mL formulation of insulin degludec is also available for use in patients who require large volumes of basal insulin. Subcutaneous insulin degludec is generally well tolerated in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes and represents a useful advance in the treatment of type 1 or 2 diabetes.

Initiation of insulin aspart to Indian subjects on OADs show significant improvement in glycaemic outcomes: the A1chieve observational study

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide and India stands second next only to china. The management of diabetes in real life settings needs to be evaluated for deriving better management practices. A1chieve observational study evaluated the use of modern insulin in real life settings. This was a 24-week, international, prospective, multicenter, non-interventional, observational study of people with type 2 diabetes. India recruited with 20,554 subjects and a total of 1815 patients were enrolled to receive insulin aspart as bolus insulin therapy of whom 1450 (79.9%) were insulin naïve and 365 (20.1%) were insulin users. At the end of 24 weeks, only one SAE was reported in this study and overall hypoglycemia events per patient year decreased from 2.49 (348 episodes) to 0.17 (20 episodes). There were no major hypoglycemic episodes reported in either insulin naive or insulin treated subjects. There was a significant improvement in the HbA(1c) values from the baseline in both insulin naive and insulin users. The mean HbA(1c) value was reduced from 9.5 to 7.4 (p < 0.001) for insulin naïve subjects and from 9.2 to 7.7 (p < 0.001) in insulin experienced subjects. Fasting plasma glucose values decreased by 70 mg/dL and 50 mg/dL in insulin naive and insulin experienced, respectively and the difference from baseline was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The post prandial glucose value was also significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by 105 mg/dL for insulin naïve subjects and 55 mg/dL for insulin experienced subjects. The composite end point was achieved by 46.6% of insulin naive and 38.1% of insulin-experienced subjects. The study concluded with good HbA(1c) reduction along with lower incidence of hypoglycemia and better health related quality of life outcomes in both in insulin naive and insulin experienced subjects who used insulin aspart as bolus insulin treatment.

Prevalence of gastro intestinal parasites in ruminants and poultry in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh

The prevalence study was conducted on gastrointestinal parasites of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and poultry belongs to in and around Korutla, Karimangar district (Telangana region) of Andhra Pradesh. The prevalence of Fasciola sp., Amphistome sp., Eimeria sp. and Toxocara vitulorum in cattle and buffaloes were 5.3, 8.0, 10.0, 16.7 % respectively. The prevalence of Moniezia sp., Trichuris sp., Amphistome sp., Strongyle sp., Eimeria sp. in sheep and goat were 10.7, 8.0, 6.0, 9.3,4.7 % respectively. The prevalence of Capillaria sp. and Eimeria sp. in poultry was 7.0 and 6.0 % respectively. The overall prevalence of gastro intestinal parasites in cattle and buffaloes was 40.0 %, 38.7 % in sheep and goat and 13.0 % in poultry. Two species of Eimeria were identified in sheep viz. Eimeria granulosa and Eimeria parva.

Interferences in clinical chemistry analysis

Analyses of body fluids in clinical chemistry laboratory are subject to a number of interferences that affect the analytical accuracy. The interferents arise from exogenous sources like drugs and additives as well as such endogenous sources like lipemia, hemolysis and icteria. Our studies demonstrate matrix interference in the form of analytical blas between serum and aqueous matrix calibrators. The clinical chemist should constantly be aware of this factor. Correction of interferences is recommended as an integral part of the quality assurance program.

Assay of cisapride in pharmaceutical formulations by extraction spectrophotometry

Four simple and sensitive spectrophotometric methods (A-D) for the assay of cisapride in pure and dosage forms based on the formation of chloroform soluble ion-associates under specified experimental conditions are described. Four acidic dyes, namely, Suprachen Violet 3B (SV 3B, method A), Erioglaucine A (EG-A, method B), Naphthalene Blue 12 BR (NB-12BR, method C) and Tropaeolin 000 (TP 000, method D) are utilized. The extracts of the ion-associates exhibit absorption maxima at 595, 640, 620 and 500 nm for methods A, B, C and D, respectively. Beer's law and the precision and accuracy of the methods are checked by the UV reference method. The results are reproducible with an accuracy of +/-1.0%. The methods are found to be suitable for the determination of cisapride in the presence of the other ingredients that are usually present in dosage forms.

Prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) in urban and rural India: phase I results of the Indian Council of Medical Research-INdia DIABetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This study reports the results of the first phase of a national study to determine the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) in India.

METHODS

A total of 363 primary sampling units (188 urban, 175 rural), in three states (Tamilnadu, Maharashtra and Jharkhand) and one union territory (Chandigarh) of India were sampled using a stratified multistage sampling design to survey individuals aged ≥ 20 years. The prevalence rates of diabetes and prediabetes were assessed by measurement of fasting and 2 h post glucose load capillary blood glucose.

RESULTS

Of the 16,607 individuals selected for the study, 14,277 (86%) participated, of whom 13,055 gave blood samples. The weighted prevalence of diabetes (both known and newly diagnosed) was 10.4% in Tamilnadu, 8.4% in Maharashtra, 5.3% in Jharkhand, and 13.6% in Chandigarh. The prevalences of prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) were 8.3%, 12.8%, 8.1% and 14.6% respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, male sex, family history of diabetes, urban residence, abdominal obesity, generalised obesity, hypertension and income status were significantly associated with diabetes. Significant risk factors for prediabetes were age, family history of diabetes, abdominal obesity, hypertension and income status.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS

We estimate that, in 2011, Maharashtra will have 6 million individuals with diabetes and 9.2 million with prediabetes, Tamilnadu will have 4.8 million with diabetes and 3.9 million with prediabetes, Jharkhand will have 0.96 million with diabetes and 1.5 million with prediabetes, and Chandigarh will have 0.12 million with diabetes and 0.13 million with prediabetes. Projections for the whole of India would be 62.4 million people with diabetes and 77.2 million people with prediabetes.

Improved glycaemic control with no weight gain: a 26-week, open label, non-randomised, non-interventional observational study on type 2 diabetes subjects using insulin detemir

The aim of this study was to evaluate the weight change from baseline while using insulin detemir in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus under normal clinical practice conditions. It was a multicentre, open label, non-randomised, non-interventional, observational, safety and efficacy study in subjects using insulin detemir for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, the mean body weight decreased marginally by -0.8 kg at the end of week 26 from baseline. Change in mean body weight during the study was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant (p < -0.05) change in waist circumference (-0.7 cm) from baseline at week 26. Mean fasting plasma glucose reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) from 199.1 mg/dl at initiation of insulin detemir to 141.3 mg/dl at week 13 and 115.8 mg/dl at week 26. Mean HbA1c reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) from 9.2% at initiation of insulin detemir to 7.8% at week 13 and 7.2% at week 26. Insulin dose changed marginally from the baseline (15.1 units) to week 26 (15.3 units). Majority of the subjects (89%) were on once daily insulin detemir. Before initiating insulin detemir proportion of subjects experiencing at least one episode of hypoglycaemia during the past four weeks was 8.8% (n = 884). It was reduced 2.4% (n = 241) at week 13 and 1.6% (n = 164) at week 26 following initiation of insulin detemir. There were no major nocturnal hypoglycaemic episodes during 26 weeks of insulin detemir therapy. In conclusion, this study indicates that insulin detemir is safe, effective and weight neutral.

Long-term effect of rosiglitazone and/or ramipril on the incidence of diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The Diabetes Reduction Assessment with Ramipril and Rosiglitazone Medication (DREAM) trial reported that 3 years of therapy with rosiglitazone reduced the primary outcome of diabetes or death by 60%. Here we investigated whether an effect on diabetes prevention persists more than 1.5 years after therapy has been discontinued.

METHODS

The DREAM On passive follow-up study was conducted at 49 of the 191 DREAM sites. Consenting participants were invited to have a repeat OGTT 1-2 years after active therapy ended. A diagnosis of diabetes at that time was based on either a fasting or 2 h plasma glucose level of ≥7.0 mmol/l or ≥11.1 mmol/l, respectively, or a confirmed diagnosis by a non-study physician. Regression to normoglycaemia was defined as a fasting and 2 h plasma glucose level of <6.1 mmol/l and <7.8 mmol/l, respectively.

RESULTS

After a median of 1.6 years after the end of the trial and 4.3 years after randomisation, rosiglitazone participants had a 39% lower incidence of the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61, 95% CI 0.53-0.70; p < 0.0001) and 17% more regression to normoglycaemia (95% CI 1.01-1.34; p = 0.034). When the analysis was restricted to the passive follow-up period, a similar incidence of both the primary outcome and regression was observed in people from both treatment groups (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.81-1.24 and HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.97-1.32, respectively). Similar effects were noted when new diabetes was analysed separately from death. Ramipril did not have any significant long-term effect.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Time-limited exposure to rosiglitazone reduces the longer term incidence of diabetes by delaying but not reversing the underlying disease process.

Attribute based specification, comparison and selection of feed stock for anaerobic digestion using MADM approach

Organic wastes are common in nature and generated at different sources which need to be treated before disposing into the environment. Anaerobic digestion (AD) process is a primary technique used for digestion and reduction of the ill effects of disposing the organic waste. Selection of appropriate feed stock for anaerobic digestion among the available options is a primary concern and the process efficiency and stability largely depend on this. The present paper describes a methodology for evaluation, comparison, ranking and optimum selection of a feed stock for anaerobic digestion. A 30 attribute coding scheme is proposed to evaluate the existing alternatives for feed stock of anaerobic digester. A three stage procedure which includes the elimination search is proposed to evaluate the available alternatives with the help of attributes quickly. Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is a Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) approach and graphical methods namely line graph and spider diagrams are used for optimum selection of feed stock among the available options. MATLAB code is written to execute the three stage procedure. The proposed methodology is explained through an illustrated example.

Standardized risk and description of results from multivariable modeling of a binary response

Descriptions of significant associations found from a logistic regression analysis typically are based on adjusted odds ratios. Unfortunately, odds ratios provide no information about the prevalence of response. In this paper, we justify and recommend using standardized risks, i.e., standardized probabilities, which do provide information about prevalence, in addition to adjusted odds ratios, for pairwise comparisons of the levels of a significant factor. We illustrate the advantages of generally reporting standardized risk estimates, in the context of assessing the effect of blood lead levels during the preschool years on occurrence of academic problems in kindergarten. Results are more meaningfully interpreted when accompanied by standardized risk estimates.

Sex differences in birth defects: a study of opposite-sex twins

BACKGROUND

Sex differences in structural birth defects are often confounded by environmental risk factors. Opposite-sex twins provide a unique model for detecting sex differences in birth defects while maximally controlling environmental risk factors in a natural setting.

METHODS

Population data from the Florida Birth Defects Registry were analyzed. A total of 4,768 pairs of twins who were discordant for sex and born between 1996 and 2001 were analyzed. The McNemar test was used to compare the differences between a male twin and his twin sister for the risk of developing specific defects and organ-system defects.

RESULTS

Of 4,768 twin pairs, 225 males (4.72%) and 175 females (3.67%) had birth defects. Among opposite-sex twin pairs, males had a 29% higher risk for birth defects than their twin sisters. Compared to their twin sisters, males had a 5.4 times higher risk for pyloric stenosis and a 2.4 times higher risk for obstructive genitourinary defect, but only one-tenth the risk for congenital hip dislocation.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences in birth defects exist between opposite-sex twins.

Outcomes of children with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma after treatment stratified by MYCN status and tumor cell ploidy

PURPOSE

The goal of Pediatric Oncology Group 9243 was to improve outcomes for children with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma (NB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were assigned to treatments on the basis of age, tumor MYCN status, and tumor cell ploidy. Children in the less intensive arm A received cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin and surgery. Patients not in complete remission postoperatively were treated with cisplatin/etoposide, cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin, and additional surgery. Patients with less favorable features were assigned to arm B, which consisted of carboplatin, etoposide, ifosfamide, and surgery. Survival rates were determined using an intent-to-treat approach.

RESULTS

For arm-A patients, the 6-year event-free survival (EFS) was 86% with an SE of 3%. For arm-B patients, the 6-year EFS was 46% with an SE of 7%. MYCN status was the only statistically significant prognostic variable. Among patients whose tumors were MYCN nonamplified, a trend toward improved EFS was seen in children with hyperdiploid versus diploid tumors. However, many of these children responded well to salvage therapy, and overall survival rates did not differ on the basis of ploidy. Six-year EFS rates for arm B were patients with MYCN nonamplified, hyperdiploid tumors, 86% with an SE of 3%; patients with MYCN nonamplified, diploid tumors, 74% with an SE of 10%; patients with MYCN-amplified, hyperdiploid tumors, 46% with an SE of 15%; and patients with MYCN-amplified, diploid tumors, 22% with an SE of 10%.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes for patients with MYCN-nonamplified, hyperdiploid tumors were excellent. Therapy reductions for these patients merit study. A trend toward less favorable outcomes for patients with MYCN-nonamplified, diploid tumors was observed; more children may need to be evaluated before therapy is reduced for this subgroup. For patients with MYCN-amplified tumors, new strategies are needed.

Peripheral genotype-phenotype correlations in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

A genome-wide scan of gene expression in leucocytes in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes was performed and correlated with their known phenotype.

METHODS

Microarray gene profiling of 13,474 sequence-verified, non-redundant human cDNAs was done to study leukocyte gene expression in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes (DM: n=3) and matched controls (n=3).

RESULTS

Significant differential expression (fold change <0.3 or >3) was noted for 897 genes in DM vs. controls. The 147 known genes in this category belonged to following broad functional groups (%): enzyme (32), nucleic acid binding (22), ligand binding or carrier (10), signal transducer (9), transporter (7), structural protein (6), cell adhesion (3), tumor suppressor (3), transcription factor binding (2), enzyme inhibitor (2), chaperone (2), cell cycle regulator (1), and defense/immunity protein (1). The 20 genes with at least a 3-fold change, annotated with known phenotypic associations in the current gene databank (phenotype association, fold change) were aspartoacylase (Canavan disease, 9.96), growth hormone receptor (Laron dwarfism, idiopathic short stature, 8.25), lipoprotein lipase (familial chylomicronemia syndrome, lipoprotein lipase deficiency, 8.00), vitamin D (1,25- dihydroxyvitamin D3) receptor (involutional osteoporosis, vitamin D resistant rickets, 7.94), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 human rhinovirus receptor (cerebral malaria susceptibility, 7.16), peroxisomal membrane protein 3 35-kDa (Refsum disease, infantile form, Zellweger syndrome-3, 6.00), Bardet-Biedl syndrome 2 (Bardet-Biedl syndrome, 5.87), ribosomal protein S19 (Diamond Blackfan anemia, 5.85), apolipoprotein C-III (hypertriglyceridemia, 5.44), argininosuccinate lyase (argininosuccinicaciduria, 5.22), myosin VA (Griscelli syndrome-type pigmentary dilution with mental retardation, 4.92), lysozyme (renal amyloidosis, 4.17), SAM domain, SH3 domain and nuclear localisation signals 1 (Cherubism, 4.12 ), von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (hemangioblastoma, cerebellar, somatic, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, 3.94), early-onset breast cancer 1 (BRCA1, papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum, 3.73), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (inclusion body myopathy, autosomal recessive, sialuria, 3.53), apolipoprotein A-I (amyloidosis, 3 or more types, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, 3.29), midline 1 Opitz/BBB syndrome (Opitz G syndrome, type I, 3.28), ATPase, Na+/K+ transporting, alpha 2 (+) polypeptide (familial hemiplegic migraine, 3.05). Canavan disease, Zellweger syndrome, infantile Refsum disease, Griscelli syndrome, cherubism, breast cancer, peritoneal papillary serous carcinoma, Opitz G/BBB syndrome, and familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) are phenotypes not previously reported in association with type 2 DM, but whose underlying genes were up-regulated in this peripheral genome scan of Asian Indians.

CONCLUSION

Rare and/or previously unknown phenotypes linked to known genes with significant differential expression in type 2 DM are reported. Further testing of heterogeneity in diabetes phenotype syndromes may reveal common pathogenic mechanisms and potential candidate genes responsible for type 2 DM.

On [Fe4S4]2+−(μ2-SR)−MII Bridge Formation in the Synthesis of an A-Cluster Analogue of Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenase/Acetylcoenzyme A Synthase

The construction of a synthetic analogue of the A-cluster of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetylcoenzyme synthase, the site of acetylcoenzyme A formation, requires as a final step the formation of an unsupported [Fe(4)S(4)]-(mu(2)-SR)-Ni(II) bridge to a preformed cluster. Our previous results (Rao, P. V.; Bhaduri, S.; Jiang, J.; Holm, R. H. Inorg. Chem. 2004, 43, 5833) and the work of others have addressed synthesis of dinuclear complexes relevant to the A-cluster. This investigation concentrates on reactions pertinent to bridge formation by examining systems containing dinuclear and mononuclear Ni(II) complexes and the 3:1 site-differentiated clusters [Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))L'](2-) (L' = TfO(-) (14), SEt (15)). The system 14/[{Ni(L(O)-S(2)N(2))}M(SCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))](+) results in cleavage of the dinuclear complex and formation of [{Ni(L(O)-S(2)N(2))}Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))]- (18), in which the Ni(II) complex binds at the unique cluster site with formation of a Ni(mu(2)-SR)(2)Fe bridge rhomb. Cluster 18 and the related species [{Ni(phma)}Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))](3)- (19) are obtainable by direct reaction of the corresponding cis-planar Ni(II)-S(2)N(2) complexes with 14. The mononuclear complexes [M(pdmt)(SEt)]- (M = Ni(II), Pd(II)) with 14 in acetonitrile or Me(2)SO solution react by thiolate transfer to give 15 and [M(2)(pdmt)(2)]. However, in dichloromethane the Ni(II) reaction product is interpreted as [{Ni(pdmt)(mu(2)-SEt)}Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))](2-) (20). Reaction of Et(3)NH(+) and 15 affords the double cubane [{Fe(4)S(4)(LS(3))}(2)(mu(2)-SEt)](3-) (21). Cluster 18 contains two mutually supportive Fe-(mu(2)-SR)-Ni(II) bridges, 19 exhibits one strong and one weaker bridge, 20 has one unsupported bridge (inferred from the (1)H NMR spectrum), and 21 has one unsupported Fe-(mu(2)-SR)-Fe bridge. Bridges in 18, 19, and 21 were established by X-ray structures. This work demonstrates that a bridge of the type found in the enzyme A-clusters is achievable by synthesis and implies that more stable, unsupported single thiolate bridges may require reinforcement by an additional covalent linkage between the Fe(4)S(4) and nickel-containing components. (LS(3) = 1,3,5-tris((4,6-dimethyl-3-mercaptophenyl)thio)-2,4,6-tris(p-tolylthio)benzene(3-); L(O)-S(2)N(2) = N,N'-diethyl-3,7-diazanonane-1,9-dithiolate(2-); pdmt = pyridine-2,6-methanedithiolate(2-); phma = N,N'-1,2-phenylenebis(2-acetylthio)acetamidate(4-); TfO = triflate.).

Sulfur Bridging Interactions of Cis-Planar NiII−S2N2Coordination Units with Nickel(II), Copper(I,II), Zinc(II), and Mercury(II): A Library of Bridging Modes, Including NiII(μ2-SR)2MI,IIRhombs

Sulfur bridging interactions between three cis-planar NiII-S2N2 complexes and NiII, CuI,II, ZnII, and HgII reactants were investigated by synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of some 24 complexes. This work was stimulated by recent crystallographic structures of the A-cluster of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetylcoenzyme A synthase. This bridged biological assembly has the minimal formulation [Fe4S4]-(micro2-SCys)-[M((micro2-SCys)2Gly)Ni] with M = NiII, CuI, and ZnII at sites distal and proximal, respectively, to the iron-sulfur cluster. Bridges supported by representations of the distal nickel site were sought by reactions of the complexes [NiII(LH-S2N2)]2- and [NiII(LR-S2N2)], with 5-5-5 chelate ring patterns. Reaction products implicate the bridges Ni-(micro2-S)1,2-M in a variety of molecular structures, some with previously unknown connectivities of bridge atoms. The most frequently encountered bridge units are the nonplanar rhombs Ni(2-S)2M involving both sulfur atoms of a given complex. Those with M = NiII are biologically relevant inasmuch as the catalytic metal at the proximal site is nickel. The complex [Ni(L-655)]2-, containing the 6-5-5 ring pattern and coordination sphere of the distal nickel site, was prepared and structurally characterized. It was shown to sustain Ni2(micro2-S)2 rhombic interactions in the form of trinuclear [[Ni(L-655)]2Ni]2- and [[Ni(L-655)]Ni(R2PCH2CH2PR2)] (R = Et, Ph) in which the second NiII simulates the proximal site. Bridging interactions of NiII-S2N2 complexes are summarized, and geometrical features of Ni2(2-S)2 rhombs in these complexes, as dependent on ring patterns, are considered (LH-S2N2 = N,N'-ethylenebis(2-mercaptoisobutyramide)(4-); LR-S2N2 = trans-rac-N,N'-bis(2-mercapto-2-methylprop-1-yl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine(2-); L-655 = N-(2-mercaptopropyl)-N'-(2'-mercaptoethyl)glycinamide(4-)).

Induction of hyperthyroidism in mice by intradermal immunization with DNA encoding the thyrotropin receptor

Intramuscular injection with plasmid DNA encoding the human thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) has been known to elicit symptoms of Graves' disease (GD) in outbred but not inbred mice. In this study, we have examined, firstly, whether intradermal (i.d.) injection of TSHR DNA can induce hyperthyroidism in BALB/c mice and, secondly, whether coinjection of TSHR- and cytokine-producing plasmids can influence the outcome of disease. Animals were i.d. challenged at 0, 3 and 6 weeks with TSHR DNA and the immune response was assessed at the end of the 8th or 10th week. In two experiments, a total of 10 (67%) of 15 mice developed TSHR-specific antibodies as assessed by flow cytometry. Of these, 4 (27%) mice had elevated thyroxine (TT4) levels and goitrous thyroids with activated follicular epithelial cells but no evidence of lymphocytic infiltration. At 10 weeks, thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb) were detected in two out of the four hyperthyroid animals. Interestingly, in mice that received a coinjection of TSHR- and IL-2- or IL-4-producing plasmids, there was no production of TSAbs and no evidence of hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, coinjection of DNA plasmids encoding TSHR and IL-12 did not significantly enhance GD development since two out of seven animals became thyrotoxic, but had no goitre. These results demonstrate that i.d. delivery of human TSHR DNA can break tolerance and elicit GD in inbred mice. The data do not support the notion that TSAb production is Th2-dependent in murine GD but they also suggest that codelivery of TSHR and Th1-promoting IL-12 genes may not be sufficient to enhance disease incidence and/or severity in this model.