Translation of non-canonical open reading frames as a cancer cell survival mechanism in childhood medulloblastoma

A hallmark of high-risk childhood medulloblastoma is the dysregulation of RNA translation. Currently, it is unknown whether medulloblastoma dysregulates the translation of putatively oncogenic non-canonical open reading frames (ORFs). To address this question, we performed ribosome profiling of 32 medulloblastoma tissues and cell lines and observed widespread non-canonical ORF translation. We then developed a stepwise approach using multiple CRISPR-Cas9 screens to elucidate non-canonical ORFs and putative microproteins implicated in medulloblastoma cell survival. We determined that multiple lncRNA-ORFs and upstream ORFs (uORFs) exhibited selective functionality independent of main coding sequences. A microprotein encoded by one of these ORFs, ASNSD1-uORF or ASDURF, was upregulated, associated with MYC-family oncogenes, and promoted medulloblastoma cell survival through engagement with the prefoldin-like chaperone complex. Our findings underscore the fundamental importance of non-canonical ORF translation in medulloblastoma and provide a rationale to include these ORFs in future studies seeking to define new cancer targets.

Translation of non-canonical open reading frames as a cancer cell survival mechanism in childhood medulloblastoma

A hallmark of high-risk childhood medulloblastoma is the dysregulation of RNA translation. Currently, it is unknown whether medulloblastoma dysregulates the translation of putatively oncogenic non-canonical open reading frames. To address this question, we performed ribosome profiling of 32 medulloblastoma tissues and cell lines and observed widespread non-canonical ORF translation. We then developed a step-wise approach to employ multiple CRISPR-Cas9 screens to elucidate functional non-canonical ORFs implicated in medulloblastoma cell survival. We determined that multiple lncRNA-ORFs and upstream open reading frames (uORFs) exhibited selective functionality independent of the main coding sequence. One of these, ASNSD1-uORF or ASDURF, was upregulated, associated with the MYC family oncogenes, and was required for medulloblastoma cell survival through engagement with the prefoldin-like chaperone complex. Our findings underscore the fundamental importance of non-canonical ORF translation in medulloblastoma and provide a rationale to include these ORFs in future cancer genomics studies seeking to define new cancer targets.

Metal doped calcium silicate biomaterial for skin tissue regeneration in vitro

This study spots light on combined Wound healing process conjoining blood coagulation, inflammation reduction, proliferation and remodeling of the cells. The objective is to overcome the drawbacks of conventional clinically applied wound dressings such as poor rigidity, porosity, mechanical potency and bactericidal activity. As nosocomial infection is a very common condition at the wound site, bio-adhesive materials with intrinsic antibacterial properties are used in clinical applications. Considering the provenability of Wollastonite [Calcium silicate (CaSiO3)] to regenerate the soft tissues by inducing vascularization and regeneration of fibroblast cells And the antibacterial potentiality of zinc in clinical applications, the present study focuses on synthesis of Zn-Ws particles and evaluation of its antimicrobial and wound healing potentialities towards skin tissue engineering applications. The compositional characterization by EDAS and FT-IR spectral analysis have substantiated the presence of major elements and corresponding band stretching associated with the synthesized particles whereas the particles morphology by SEM images have shown the size of the Ws and Zn-Ws to be 370 nm and 530 nm respectively. From the in vitro studies, skin regenerative potential of Zn-Ws was determined on promoting fibroblast cell (NIH3T3) proliferation by providing better adhesiveness, biocompatibility and cytocompatibility. The antibacterial property of Zn-Ws evaluation by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition (ZOI) methods against clinical isolates of Gram +Ve and Gram -Ve bacterial strains have confirmed that the addition of Zn has diminished the bacterial growth and also helped in degrading the bacterial biofilms. Thus it is summed up that the process of wound healing is expected to occur with reduced risk of post-injury infections by the presence of zinc-doping on wollastonite for skin tissue application.

Effect of dietary synbiotic supplementation on performance parameters in turkey poults administered a mixed Eimeria species inoculation I

This study examined the effects a synbiotic feed additive (PoultryStar meUS) on performance and intestinal health parameters in turkey poults administered a mixed Eimeria inoculation. The synbiotic feed additive consisted of Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium animalis, Pediococcus acidilactici and a fructo-oligosaccharide prebiotic. Dietary treatments began on day of hatch, and poults were placed on a normal starter, starter containing Clinacox, or starter containing PoultryStar until the conclusion of the experiment on day 42. In addition, on day of hatch, all poults, with exception of the negative control, were orally inoculated with Salmonella enterica Enteritidis. On day 16, poults in inoculated treatment groups received an oral dose of Eimeria adenoides and Eimeria meleagrimitis oocysts resulting in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. BW were measured at weekly intervals after challenge, and fecal samples were collected from all pens during day 21 to day 33 to monitor fecal shedding and calculate oocyst per gram of feces. Five day after Eimeria inoculation, inoculated PoultryStar-fed (I-PS) and inoculated Clinacox-fed (I-CL) poults, on average, weighed and gained significantly more weight (P < 0.05) than inoculated controls (I-CON) and were similar to uninoculated treatments. Between day 21 and day 28, I-PS and I-CL poults showed a 23% improvement (P < 0.001) in percent change in BW gained relative to I-CON, and overall weight gain as a percentage was similar to the uninoculated control. Overall incidence of macroscopic intestinal lesions on day 21 and day 28 was low, but I-PS and I-CL poults were generally less positive than I-CON, and no oocysts were detected in the feces of any group except I-CON which cycled as expected. From this study, it can be concluded that incorporating PoultryStar into the diet of poults reared to 6 wk ameliorates and prevents aspects of performance loss and negative impacts on gut health seen with mixed Eimeria inoculation.

Bioconjugated gold nanoparticles as an efficient colorimetric sensor for cancer diagnostics

The chances of curing and reducing the adverse effect of cancer partly lie in early detection. Colorimetric sensor-based technique show promising results since the target is detected with high sensitivity but without the use of advanced/costly techniques through a simple visual color change. In most cases, gold nanoparticles (Au Nps) functionalized with biomolecules complementary to target analyte are used for colorimetric detection. The interaction of functionalized Au Nps with target analytes induce aggregation or dispersion where the color of the solution changes from red to blue or blue to red respectively, which can be visualized by the naked eyes. Such a facile technique has a high commercial viability and therefore, understanding its concept is essential. Here, some of the reported studies are discussed technically for better understanding about the invitro colorimetric detection of cancer.

Evaluation of anti-urolithiatic potential of ethyl acetate extract of Pedalium murex L. on struvite crystal (kidney stone)

Pedalium murex (L.) is a traditional herb, commonly used for the treatment of kidney stone related problems. Struvite stone can swiftly grow and become 'staghorn calculi' in kidney and its associated areas, which is the most aching urological disorder. The present study investigated the anti-urolithiasis activities of ethyl acetate extract of P. murex L. (EAEP) against struvite crystal. The antibacterial activity of EAEP examined against several urease producing bacteria. It showed the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (>125). On the other hand, total mass, volume, number, growth rate and dissolution rate of synthesised struvite crystals were observed at different concentrations 0.5%, 0.75%, 1% of EAEP and without EAEP. In which, EAEP addition showed appreciably reduced struvite crystal. Alternatively, MgO (300 mg of EAEP/kg/body weight) induced urolithiasis of Wistar albino rat at the rate of 1 ml for 28 days. Various biochemical parameters in serum, urine and histological analysis of kidney were taken for evaluation. Significant results (p < 0.05) were observed in 1% EAEP (300 mg) treated group than cystone treated group. From the histological study, reduced renal damage and glomerular development were observed. Our experiment, P. murex L. enhances the reducing activity on struvite crystal and prevents the crystal formation both in-vitro and in-vivo. It can be suggesting that P. murex L. and its phyto-components could be used as remedy for the management of kidney stone by dissolving the struvite stone in kidney.

Current trends in etiology, prognosis and therapeutic aspects of Parkinson's disease: a review

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder, mainly affecting population consisting of the aged. PD occurs chiefly due to progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in nigrostriatal pathway. Largely, PD patients suffer from non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disorders, that needs further investigation and addressing during PD research. Depression in PD is a predominant and complex symptom, and its pathology exists extrinsic to the nigrostriatal system. This disease can  ultimately be managed by a combination of regular physiotherapy and proper medication. Taking together the present scenario of PD, including the nature of disease, characteristics, treatment, diagnosis of the patients with PD, these outcomes were reviewed to be explored along with many speech-based solutions to PD in this study. This neurodegenerative disorder needs advancement in  research and development which  can help patients with PD to lead a normal life.

Phytochemical residue profiles in rice grains fumigated with essential oils for the control of rice weevil

In the present study, we investigated the fumigant potential of five edible essential oils (EOs) against Sitophilus oryzae and their phytochemical residues in treated grains. Among the tested EOs, peppermint oil proved significantly effective (P ≤ 0.05) on S.oryzae at 400 μl/L air concentration, inducing 83 and 100% mortalities in with-food and without-food conditions respectively over 72 h exposure. In addition, it was also observed that the binary mixtures of peppermint + lemon oil (1:1 ratio) produced an equivalent effect to that of peppermint oil alone treatments. The phytochemical residue analysis by GC-MS revealed the presence of six compounds upon 72 h exposure to EOs. Further, the analysis of physico-chemical properties of the compounds indicated a positive correlation between polar surface area (PSA) and its residual nature. The residue levels of eugenol were significantly elevated corresponding to its high PSA value (29) in clove and cinnamon oils. On the other hand, the compounds with zero PSA value imparted very less or no (D-Limonene, caryophyllene, pinene and terpinolene) residues in treated grains. With respect to the most active peppermint oil, L-menthone, menthyl acetate and eucalyptol residues were at 67, 41 and 23% levels respectively. The outcome of the present study indicate the peppermint oil as a potent fumigant against S. oryzae, and although the residues of phytochemicals in treated grains is higher; they belong to the generally recognised as safe (GRAS) status leaving no harmful effect.

A systems biology and proteomics-based approach identifies SRC and VEGFA as biomarkers in risk factor mediated coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death worldwide. The burden of CHD increases with risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Several studies have demonstrated the association of these classical risk factors with CHD. However, the mechanisms of these associations remain largely unclear due to the complexity of disease pathophysiology and the lack of an integrative approach that fails to provide a definite understanding of molecular linkage. To overcome these problems, we propose a novel systems biology approach that relates causative genes, interactomes and pathways to elucidate the risk factors mediating the molecular mechanisms and biomarkers for feasible diagnosis. The literature was mined to retrieve the causative genes of each risk factor and CHD to construct protein interactomes. The interactomes were examined to identify 298 common molecular signatures. The common signatures were mapped to the tissue network to synthesize a sub-network consisting of 82 proteins. Further, the dissection of the sub-network provides functional modules representing a diverse range of molecular functions, including the AKT/p13k, MAPK and wnt pathways. Also, the prioritization of functional modules identifies SRC, VEGFA and HIF1A as potential candidate markers. Further, we validate these candidates with the existing markers CRP, NOS3 and VCAM1 in the serum of 63 individuals, 33 with CHD and 30 controls, using ELISA. SRC, VEGFA, H1F1A, CRP and NOS3 were significantly altered in patients compared to controls. These results support the utility of these candidate markers for the diagnosis of CHD. Overall, our molecular observations indicate the influence of risk factors in the pathophysiology of CHD and identify serum markers for diagnosis.

Simulation of a Diesel Engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Parametric Study of Variable Vane Position on Engine Performance

Modelling of a turbocharger is of interest to the engine designer as the work developed by the turbine can be used to drive a compressor coupled to it. This positively influences charge air density and engine power to weight ratio. Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) additionally has a controllable nozzle ring which is normally electro-pneumatically actuated. This additional degree of freedom offers efficient matching of the effective turbine area for a wide range of engine mass flow rates. Closing of the nozzle ring (vanes tangential to rotor) result in more turbine work and deliver higher boost pressure but it also increases the back pressure on the engine induced by reduced turbine effective area. This adversely affects the net engine torque as the pumping work required increases. Hence, the optimum vane position for a given engine operating point is to be found through simulations or experimentation. A thermodynamic simulation model of a 2.2l 4 cylinder diesel engine was developed for investigation of different control strategies. Model features map based performance prediction of the VGT. Performance of the engine was simulated for steady state operation and validated with experimentation. The results of the parametric study of VGT’s vane position on the engine performance are discussed.

Geometric Scaling of Plates Subjected to Mine Blast

<p>In the design of AFVs, study of structures subjected to land mine blast is important. Generally, blast related experimental studies are very time consuming and costly. A simple first cut alternative is finite element modelling and analysis. Here, modelling of mine and simulating the blast effect involves large number of mesh elements, which makes the model computationally intensive and time consuming. Hence, instead of using full scale model for analysis, a suitable scaled down model would reduce analysis time and leads to a faster DOE studies. A proper scaling mechanism is to be evolved in order to get accurate results. Discusses about the scaling of plate subjected to mine blast using dimensional analysis approach. The out-of-plane surface deformation, including velocity fields during the blast loading are compared between the scaled and unscaled plate.</p>

Development and Demonstration of Control Strategies for a Common Rail Direct Injection Armoured Fighting Vehicle Engine

<p class="Abstract">The development of a controller which can be used for engines used in armoured fighting vehicles is discussed. This involved choosing a state of the art reference common rail automotive Diesel engine and setting-up of a transient engine testing facility. The dynamometer through special real-time software was controlled to vary the engine speed and throttle position. The reference engine was first tested with its stock ECU and its bounds of operation were identified. Several software modules were developed in-house in stages and evaluated on special test benches before being integrated and tested on the reference engine. Complete engine control software was thus developed in Simulink and flashed on to an open engine controller which was then interfaced with the engine. The developed control software includes strategies for closed loop control of fuel rail pressure, boost pressure, idle speed, coolant temperature based engine de-rating, control of fuel injection timing, duration and number of injections per cycle based on engine speed and driver input. The developed control algorithms also facilitated online calibration of engine maps and manual over-ride and control of engine parameters whenever required. The software was further tuned under transient conditions on the actual engine for close control of various parameters including rail pressure, idling speed and boost pressure. Finally, the developed control strategies were successfully demonstrated and validated on the reference engine being loaded on customised transient cycles on the transient engine testing facility with inputs based on military driving conditions. The developed controller can be scaled up for armoured fighting vehicle engines.</p>

Current trends in etiology, prognosis and therapeutic aspects of Parkinson's disease: a review

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder, mainly affecting population consisting of the aged. PD occurs chiefly due to progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in nigrostriatal pathway. Largely, PD patients suffer from non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disorders, that needs further investigation and addressing during PD research. Depression in PD is a predominant and complex symptom, and its pathology exists extrinsic to the nigrostriatal system. This disease can  ultimately be managed by a combination of regular physiotherapy and proper medication. Taking together the present scenario of PD, including the nature of disease, characteristics, treatment, diagnosis of the patients with PD, these outcomes were reviewed to be explored along with many speech-based solutions to PD in this study. This neurodegenerative disorder needs advancement in  research and development which  can help patients with PD to lead a normal life.

Optimization of SSF parameters for natural red pigment production from Penicillium purpurogenum using cassava waste by central composite design

Pencillium purpurogenum 8904.12, a red pigment producer, was isolated from soil screened and selected based on the pigment production. The pigment production by P.purpurogenum was optimizedby using factorial design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in SSF. Cassava waste is a low cost and nutrient rich substrate used in this study as a substrate. RSM based central composite design was employed to obtain best combination of substrate concentration, inoculum volume, incubation time, initial moisture and initial pH. By the point prediction tool of Design-Expert 8.0, the optimum values of the factors for maximum red pigment production were determined. Under the optimized conditions (substrate concentration 10 g, inoculum volume 5 ml, 15 days incubation time, 50 % initial moisture and initial pH of 6), the red pigment yield was 28.33 colour value units / g of dry fermented substrate which agreed closely with the predicted yield. The model showed that the value of R2 (0.9936) was high and pvalue of interaction of variance was <0.0001. Hence the model can be said to be of highly significant. A significant Increase in red pigment production was achieved using RSM. Thus, utilization of cassava waste for red pigment production in this study could provide the most effective use of cassava resource, and lead to technology of development for its further utilization and value addition.

CardioGenBase: A Literature Based Multi-Omics Database for Major Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Both, genetic and epigenetic factors are involved in the enumeration of various cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, a vast amount of multi-omics data are accumulated in the field of cardiovascular research, yet the understanding of key mechanistic aspects of CVDs remain uncovered. Hence, a comprehensive online resource tool is required to comprehend previous research findings and to draw novel methodology for understanding disease pathophysiology. Here, we have developed a literature-based database, CardioGenBase, collecting gene-disease association from Pubmed and MEDLINE. The database covers major cardiovascular diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertensive heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, ischemic heart disease and rheumatic heart disease. It contains ~1,500 cardiovascular disease genes from ~2,4000 research articles. For each gene, literature evidence, ontology, pathways, single nucleotide polymorphism, protein-protein interaction network, normal gene expression, protein expressions in various body fluids and tissues are provided. In addition, tools like gene-disease association finder and gene expression finder are made available for the users with figures, tables, maps and venn diagram to fit their needs. To our knowledge, CardioGenBase is the only database to provide gene-disease association for above mentioned major cardiovascular diseases in a single portal. CardioGenBase is a vital online resource to support genome-wide analysis, genetic, epigenetic and pharmacological studies.

In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of carotenoid pigment extracted from Sporobolomyces sp. isolated from natural source

The aim of the present study was to isolate and study about the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of carotenoid pigment. Sporobolomyces sp. isolated from the phyllosphere surface of rice plant has found to produce carotenoid pigment. The present investigation was carried out for antioxidant assays viz., DPPH, iron reducing and metal chelating activity. A steady increase in the antioxidant activities was observed in the carotenoid pigment with raising the pigment concentration. In the present study, the maximum antioxidation characteristics of carotenoid by DPPH, iron reducing and metal chelating assays (75.04 %, 1.88 % and 59.32 %) were achieved by pigmentation of Sporobolomyces sp. at the concentration of 100 μg ml-1. The antibacterial activity was studied on several organisms like Enterococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the six pathogens, the pigment was found to be more effective against E. coli (2.9 cm) and S. aureus (2.6 cm). This study revealed that yeast carotenoid pigment was a potential source for its use in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Studies on Polyaniline/Silver Molybdate Nanocomposites

Silver molybdate nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal process. Polyaniline–silver molybdate nanocomposites were prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization technique. Silver molybdate nanoparticles and the polymer samples were characterized by conductivity studies, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), UV-visible spectra, photoluminescence spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrical conductivity of PANI- Cl - increases when doped with silver molybdate nanoparticles and follows the percolation threshold.

Community-based physical activity intervention using principles of social marketing: a demonstration project in Southern India

BACKGROUND

We aimed to study the development and implementation of promotion of physical activity in a rural community by applying the principles of social marketing and to determine participation behaviour in a physical activity programme in a community setting.

METHODS

The intervention targeted 485 people, 20-49 years of age, residents of Periakattupalayam and Rangareddipalayam villages, Tamil Nadu. This community-based participatory research was based on the principles of 'social marketing'. Health education by one-to-one counselling, written materials and community events were used to popularize moderate intensity physical activity (brisk walking for 30 minutes on 4 days/week). We formed 30 walking groups under four coordinators, in a home-based setting with professional supervision and guidance. A log of physical activity sessions for the 10-week intervention period was maintained in the form of group attendance record. Village leaders, self-help groups and youth clubs were involved in promoting physical activity.

RESULTS

Of the 485 subjects, 265 people (54.6%) engaged in brisk walking >4 days a week, while 156 subjects (32.2%) performed walking on 1-4 days per week during the intervention. The drop-out rate was 13.2% (64 subjects). Age, occupation and educational status were important determinants of participation and adherence to the physical activity programme.

CONCLUSION

Application of social marketing techniques in an intervention to promote physical activity was successful in a rural Indian community. Studying the determinants of adoption of a physical activity programme and addressing the barriers to behaviour change are essential for designing relevant policies and effective programmes.

A maxillary lateral incisor with four root canals

AIM

To describe the successful non-surgical endodontic management of a permanent maxillary lateral incisor tooth with four root canals.

SUMMARY

Aberrant morphology of root canals can occur in any tooth, including maxillary lateral incisors. In the presented case, clinical examination and radiographs clearly depicted the presence of four root canals in a right maxillary lateral incisor. The differential diagnosis included fusion, gemination, dens invaginatus or a combination of these. The report emphasises the need for attention during root canal treatment of maxillary lateral incisors.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

• Clinicians should be aware of the variable root canal anatomy in maxillary lateral incisor teeth. • Careful examination of radiographs and the internal anatomy of teeth are essential prerequisites for successful root canal treatment. • Four root canals in maxillary lateral incisors is a possibility.

Immune Augmentation of Single Contact Hepatitis B Vaccine by Using PLGA Microspheres as an Adjuvant

The present study was aimed to replace the alum type adjuvant for hepatitis B vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine was encapsulated in poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres by solvent evaporation technique. The formulated microspheres were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size analysis, in vitro release study and in vivo immune response in male Wistar rats. The FT IR spectrum illustrates the characteristics bands of poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres and hepatitis B vaccine at 1750 cm(-1) and 1650 cm(-1), respectively. The hepatitis B vaccine loaded poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres were able to release antigens till day 42. Significant enhancement of specific antibodies to HBsAg was produced till day 90 after a single administration of HBsAg encapsulated poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres. However, the conventional alum adsorbed hepatitis B vaccine was not found to produce any significant specific antibody levels till day 90 after a single dose. The results showed that poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres show potential as an adjuvant for hepatitis B vaccine.

catena-Poly[[(18-crown-6-κ6O)potassium]-μ-chlorido-[(1H-benzotriazol-1-ol-κN3)chloridoplatinum(II)]-μ-(benzotriazol-1-olato-κ2N3:O)]

In the structure of the title compound, [KPt(C₆H₄N₃O)Cl₂(C₆H₅N₃O)(C₁₂H₂₄O₆)], the Pt^II atom is in a distorted square-planar geometry. The crystal structure is consolidated by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The measured crystal was a non-merohedral twin with four components.

Tetra-μ-chlorido-bis-(18-crown-6)platinum(II)dipotassium(I)

In the title compound, [K(2)PtCl(4)(C(12)H(24)O(6))(2)], the Pt(II) ion is located on an inversion centre and is coordinated by four Cl atoms, forming a square-planar geometry. The K(I) ion is coordinated by six O atoms of the crown ether and two bridging Cl atoms. The K(I) ion is displaced by 0.756 (2) Å from the mean plane of the six O atoms of the crown ether. The mol-ecules are connected by weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming an infinite two-dimensional network parallel to the (10) plane. Intra- and inter-molecular C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds are also observed.

catena-Poly[[aqua-sodium(I)]-μ-[2,2'-(disulfanedi-yl)bis-(pyridine N-oxide)]-μ-(pyridine-2-thiol-ato 1-oxide)]

There are two monomeric units in the asymmetric unit of the polymeric title compound, [Na(C(5)H(4)NOS)(C(10)H(8)N(2)O(2)S(2))(H(2)O)](n). The Na(I) ions are six coordinated by four O atoms, one S atom and one water mol-ecule, forming a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry. An intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond stabilizes the conformation of the mol-ecule. The crystal packing is consolidated by inter-molecular O-H⋯O, O-H⋯N and O-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, π-π inter-actions [with centroid-centroid distances of 3.587 (2) Å] together with weak C-H⋯π inter-actions. The mol-ecules are linked into polymeric chains along the b-axis direction.

Evaluation of sub-microsecond recovery resonators for in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance imaging

Time-domain (TD) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging at 300MHz for in vivo applications requires resonators with recovery times less than 1 micros after pulsed excitation to reliably capture the rapidly decaying free induction decay (FID). In this study, we tested the suitability of the Litz foil coil resonator (LCR), commonly used in MRI, for in vivo EPR/EPRI applications in the TD mode and compared with parallel coil resonator (PCR). In TD mode, the sensitivity of LCR was lower than that of the PCR. However, in continuous wave (CW) mode, the LCR showed better sensitivity. The RF homogeneity was similar in both the resonators. The axis of the RF magnetic field is transverse to the cylindrical axis of the LCR, making the resonator and the magnet co-axial. Therefore, the loading of animals, and placing of the anesthesia nose cone and temperature monitors was more convenient in the LCR compared to the PCR whose axis is perpendicular to the magnet axis.

Integration of color and boundary information for improved region of interest identification in electron magnetic resonance images

A Windows-based, object-oriented application system for segmentation and analysis of electron magnetic resonance (EMR) images is described. The integrated system is developed for better recognition of regions of interest (ROI) in murine EMR images. The system combines the clustering method of color segmentation with boundary detection, for efficient segmentation of regions of interest in EMR images. Initially, the red/green/blue (RGB) color space is converted into spherical coordinates transform (SCT) space. Color quantization is then achieved by center split algorithm applied on the color dimensions of the SCT space. Subsequently, Laplacian boundary detection operator is used to extract the contours of the ROI from the variegated coloring information. The system is implemented in Visual C++ and tested on temporal EMR color images of mouse. The system performs well giving perceptually reasonable segmentation of tumor, kidney and bladder of the mouse image. Experimental results with extensive set of EMR color images demonstrate the efficacy of the system developed.

Tailored sinc pulses for uniform excitation and artifact-free radio frequency time-domain EPR imaging

A method to generate shaped radiofrequency pulses for uniform excitation of electron spins in time-domain radio frequency (RF) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging is presented. A commercial waveform generator was integrated with the transmit arm of the existing time-domain RF-EPR spectrometer to generate tailored excitation pulses with sub-nano second resolution for excitation with a 90 degrees flip-angle. A truncated sinc [sin(x)/x] pulse, tailored to compensate for the Q-profile (RF frequency response) of the resonator, was shown to yield images from phantom objects as well as in vivo images, with minimal distortion. These studies point to the advantages in using shaped sinc pulses to achieve improved uniform excitation over a relatively wide bandwidth region in time-domain RF-EPR imaging (RF-FT-EPRI).

Photodynamic effects of two hydroxyanthraquinones

The aim of this work was to investigate the photodynamic action of electron-rich anthraquinones, viz., cynodontin (CYN) and cynodontin-5,8-dimethylether (CYNM). Both optical and EPR methods are used to detect the generation of singlet oxygen. Based on RNO bleaching, relative to rose bengal (RB), singlet oxygen generating efficiencies of CYN and CYNM are derived to be 0.055 and 0.254, respectively. The formation of superoxide anion via electron transfer to O2 was monitored by optical spectroscopy, using SOD-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction assay. The production of O2-* is enhanced in the presence of electron donors such as EDTA and NADH. Photolysis of CYN and CYNM in DMSO, in the presence of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO), generates a multi-line EPR spectrum, characteristic of spin adduct mixture of O2-* and *OH. Both optical and ESR measurements indicate that O2-* (Type I) and 1O2 (Type II) paths are involved in CYN and CYNM photodynamic action.

A novel soy-based meal replacement formula for weight loss among obese individuals: a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of a low calorie soy-based meal replacement program for the treatment of obesity.

DESIGN

A 12-week prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Outpatient weight control research unit.

SUBJECTS

One hundred obese (28

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomized to either the meal replacement treatment group (n=50; 240 g/day, 1200 kcal/day) or control group (n=50). Both groups at baseline received a single dietary counseling session and a pamphlet describing weight loss practices.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Weight, body fat, serum lipid concentrations.

RESULTS

: By intent-to-treat analysis, the treatment group lost significantly more weight than the control group (7.00 vs 2.90 kg; P<0.001) and had a greater change in total (22.5 vs 6.8 mg/dl; P=0.013) and LDL cholesterol (21.2 vs 7.1 mg/dl; P<0.009). Among completers only, the treatment group again lost more weight (7.1 kg; n=37 vs 2.9 kg; n=37; P=0.0001) and had a greater reduction in total cholesterol (26.1 mg/dl; n=37 vs 6.7 mg/dl; P=0.0012) and a greater change in LDL cholesterol (21.6 vs 5.5 mg/dl; P=0.0025). (For any given degree of weight loss, the reduction in LDL cholesterol was significantly greater in the treatment group.) Treatment was well tolerated and no serious side effects were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of this soy-based meal replacement formula was effective in lowering body weight, fat mass and in reducing LDL cholesterol beyond what could be expected given the weight lost.

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MESH Headings

• Adult
• Blood Pressure
• Body Constitution
• Cholesterol/blood
• Cholesterol, HDL/blood
• Cholesterol, LDL/blood
• Dietary Fiber/administration & dosage
• Energy Intake
• Female
• Food, Formulated/adverse effects
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Obesity/diet therapy
• Obesity/physiopathology
• Soybean Proteins/administration & dosage
• Glycine max
• Weight Loss

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Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

D B Allison Department of Biostatistics and Center for Research on Clinical Nutrition, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0022, USA
G Gadbury
L G Schwartz
R Murugesan
J L Kraker
S Heshka
K R Fontaine
S B Heymsfield

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Infrared and laser Raman studies of [Ni(II)(dppe)Cl2] and [Co(III)(dppe)2Cl2]PF6 (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane)

Infrared and laser Raman spectral investigations of [Ni(II)(dppe)Cl2] and [Co(III)(dppe)2Cl2]PF6 have been made to determine the conformation and nature of bonding in Ni(II) and Co(III) dppe complexes. The stereochemistry of the two forms of these complexes has been confirmed. The role of steric interferences in cis-Planar [Ni(II)(dppe)Cl2] complex is interpreted in terms of reduction in symmetry upon coordination. The strong trans influence of the chelating dppe ligand is observed in the [Co(III)(dppe)2Cl2]PF6 complex. Both complexes exhibit the effect of crystalline field on molecular vibrations. The Fermi resonance overtone is also observed in these complexes.

Single crystal EPR of Cu(II) doped Cd(C5H5NO)6(BF4)2--an example of reduced metal hyperfine coupling constant

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies have been carried out on Cu(II) doped Cd(C5H5NO)6(BF4)2 in single crystal and powder forms at 300 K. Angular variation of hyperfine structure lines shows the presence of two magnetic sites, indicating possible twinning in the Cd lattice. From the mean values of two sites, the angular variation plot is fitted to an orthorhombic spin Hamiltonian. The observed orthorhombic g values and the very low A11 value ([A11] = 107.8 x 10(-4) cm(-1)) are unusual for a hexakis coordinated system. This unique behavior is explicable in terms of the static Jahn-Teller (JT) effect.