Nanotube breakthroughs: unveiling the potential of carbon nanotubes as a dual therapeutic arsenal for Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and brain tumors are debilitating neurological conditions that pose significant challenges in current medical practices. Existing treatment options for AD primarily focus on symptom management, and brain tumors often require aggressive therapeutic approaches. Novel disease-modifying strategies and therapeutic agents are urgently needed to address the underlying causes of AD pathogenesis and improve brain tumor management. In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promise as valuable tools in diagnosing and managing various brain disorders, including AD. Among these, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have garnered attention for their unique properties and biomedical potential. Their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with ease opens up new possibilities for targeted drug delivery and neuroprotection. This literature review aims to explore the versatile nature of CNTs, which can be functionalized with various biomolecules or substances due to their sp2 hybridization. This adaptability enables them to specifically target cells and deliver medications under specific environmental conditions. Moreover, CNTs possess an exceptional capacity to penetrate cell membranes, making them valuable tools in the treatment of AD and brain tumors. By delving into the role of CNTs in biomedicine, this review sheds light on their potential in managing AD, offering a glimpse of hope for effective disease-modifying options. Understanding the mechanisms of CNTs' action and their capabilities in targeting and delivering medication to affected cells will pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that can improve the lives of those afflicted with these devastating neurological conditions. The exploration of CNTs as a dual therapeutic arsenal for both brain tumors and Alzheimer's disease holds great promise and may usher in a new era of effective treatment strategies for these challenging conditions.

Efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine for managing glycemia in type-2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims:

No Cochrane meta-analysis with grading of evidence is available on use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in type-2 diabetes (T2DM). This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of HCQ in T2DM.

Methods:

Electronic databases were searched using a Boolean search strategy: ((hydroxychloroquine) OR (chloroquine*)) AND ((diabetes) OR (“diabetes mellitus”) OR (glycemia) OR (glucose) OR (insulin)) for studies evaluating hydroxychloroquine for glycemic control in T2DM. The primary outcome was a change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). The secondary outcomes were changes in other glycemic/lipid parameters and adverse effects.

Results:

Data from 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (3 having placebo as controls [passive controls] and 8 having anti-diabetes medications as controls [active controls]) involving 2,723 patients having a median follow-up of 24 weeks were analyzed. About 54.54% of the RCTs were of poor quality as evaluated by the Jadad scale. The performance bias and detection bias were at high risk in 63.64% of the RCTs. The HbA1c reduction with HCQ was marginally better compared to the active (mean differences [MD]-0.17% [95%, CI:-0.30–-0.04;P=0.009;I²=89%; very low certainty of evidence, VLCE]), and passive (MD-1.35% [95%CI:-2.10–-0.59;P=0.005;I²=74%]) controls. A reduction in fasting glucose (MD-16.63mg/dL[95%, CI: -25.99 – -7.28mg/dL;P<0.001;I²=97%;VLCE]) and post-prandial glucose [MD -8.41mg/dL (95%CI: -14.71 – -2.12mg/dL;P=0.009;I²=87%;VLCE]), appeared better with HCQ compared to active controls. The total adverse events (risk ratio [RR]0.93 [95% CI:0.68–1.28]; P=0.65;I²=66%) were not different with HCQ compared to the controls.

Conclusion:

The routine use of HCQ in T2DM cannot be recommended based on the current evidence.

The management of infected nonunion of tibia with a segmental defect using simultaneous fixation with a monorail fixator and a locked plate

Aims

The aims of this study were to establish whether composite fixation (rail-plate) decreases fixator time and related problems in the management of patients with infected nonunion of tibia with a segmental defect, without compromising the anatomical and functional outcomes achieved using the classical Ilizarov technique. We also wished to study the acceptability of this technique using patient-based objective criteria.

Patients and Methods

Between January 2012 and January 2015, 14 consecutive patients were treated for an infected nonunion of the tibia with a gap and were included in the study. During stage one, a radical debridement of bone and soft tissue was undertaken with the introduction of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. At the second stage, the tibia was stabilized using a long lateral locked plate and a six-pin monorail fixator on its anteromedial surface. A corticotomy was performed at the appropriate level. During the third stage, i.e. at the end of the distraction phase, the transported fragment was aligned and fixed to the plate with two to four screws. An iliac crest autograft was added to the docking site and the fixator was removed. Functional outcome was assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score.

Results

The mean age of patients was 38.1 years (sd 12.7). There were 13 men and one woman. The mean size of the defect was 6.4 cm (sd 1.3). the mean follow-up was 33.2 months (24 to 50). The mean external fixator index was 21.2 days/cm (sd 1.5). The complication rate was 0.5 (7/14) per patient. According to the classification of Paley, there were five problems and two obstacles but no true complications. The ASAMI bone score was excellent in all patients. The functional ASAMI scores were excellent in eight and good in six patients. The mean MSTS composite score was 83.9% (sd 7.1), with an MSTS emotional acceptance score of 4.9 (sd 0.5; maximum possible 5).

Conclusion

Composite fixation (rail-plate) decreases fixator time and the associated complications, in the treatment of patients of infected nonunion tibia with a segmental defect. It also provides good anatomical and functional results with high emotional acceptance. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1094-9.

Identification of novel translocation between short arm of chromosome 4 and long arm of chromosome 6 in an infertile man using Interphase Chromosome Profiling (ICP)

Conventional cytogenetics has always been a favourite to detect chromosomal aberrations. Carriers of chromosomal translocation are often phenotypically normal but are infertile. Couples are often advised to go for karyotyping, but culture failure or improper metaphase spread with poor banding often makes the analysis difficult. We report here a novel translocation between short arm of chromosome 4 and long arm of chromosome 6 in an infertile man using an advanced molecular cytogenetic technique of Interphase Chromosome Profiling (ICP).

Biodegradation study of enzymatically catalyzed interpenetrating polymer network: Evaluation of agrochemical release and impact on soil fertility

A novel interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) has been synthesized through enzymatic initiation using lipase as initiator, glutaraldehyde as cross-linker, acrylic acid as primary monomer and acrylamide as secondary monomer. Biodegradability of synthesized interpenetrating polymer network was studied through soil burial and composting methods. Synthesized hydrogel was completely degraded within 70 days using composting method, while it was 86.03% degraded within 77 days using soil burial method. This was confirmed by Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Synthesized interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel was used as a device for controlled release of urea and also act as water releasing device. Their impact on soil fertility and plant growth was also studied. The initial diffusion coefficient has a greater value than the later diffusion coefficient indicating a higher fertilizer release rate during the early stage. Fertilizer release kinetic was also studied which showed Non-Fickian diffusion behavior, as the rate of fertilizer release was comparable to the relaxation time of the synthesized matrix. Synthesized IPN enhance the water uptake capacity up to 6.2% and 7.2% in sandy loam and clay soil, respectively.

Spontaneous resolution of acute rejection and tolerance induction with IL-2 fusion protein in vascularized composite allotransplantation

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has emerged as a treatment option for treating nonlife-threatening conditions. Therefore, in order to make VCA a safe reconstruction option, there is a need to minimize immunosuppression, develop tolerance-inducing strategies and elucidate the mechanisms of VCA rejection and tolerance. In this study we explored the effects of hIL-2/Fc (a long-lasting human IL-2 fusion protein), in combination with antilymphocyte serum (ALS) and short-term cyclosporine A (CsA), on graft survival, regulatory T cell (Treg) proliferation and tolerance induction in a rat hind-limb transplant model. We demonstrate that hIL-2/Fc therapy tips the immune balance, increasing Treg proliferation and suppressing effector T cells, and permits VCA tolerance as demonstrated by long-term allograft survival and donor-antigen acceptance. Moreover, we observe two distinct types of acute rejection (AR), progressive and reversible, within hIL-2/Fc plus ALS and CsA treated recipients. Our study shows differential gene expression profiles of FoxP3 versus GzmB, Prf1 or interferon-γ in these two types of AR, with reversible rejection demonstrating higher Treg to Teff gene expression. This correlation of gene expression profile at the first clinical sign of AR with VCA outcomes can provide the basis for further inquiry into the mechanistic aspects of VCA rejection and future drug targets.

Microengineered cell and tissue systems for drug screening and toxicology applications: Evolution of in-vitro liver technologies

The liver performs many key functions, the most prominent of which is serving as the metabolic hub of the body. For this reason, the liver is the focal point of many investigations aimed at understanding an organism's toxicological response to endogenous and exogenous challenges. Because so many drug failures have involved direct liver toxicity or other organ toxicity from liver generated metabolites, the pharmaceutical industry has constantly sought superior, predictive in-vitro models that can more quickly and efficiently identify problematic drug candidates before they incur major development costs, and certainly before they are released to the public. In this broad review, we present a survey and critical comparison of in-vitro liver technologies along a broad spectrum, but focus on the current renewed push to develop "organs-on-a-chip". One prominent set of conclusions from this review is that while a large body of recent work has steered the field towards an ever more comprehensive understanding of what is needed, the field remains in great need of several key advances, including establishment of standard characterization methods, enhanced technologies that mimic the in-vivo cellular environment, and better computational approaches to bridge the gap between the in-vitro and in-vivo results.

Plankton diversity and water quality assessment of three freshwater lakes of Mandi (Himachal Pradesh, India) with special reference to planktonic indicators

The present study deals with the limnobiotic status of three selected lakes of Himachal Pradesh using physicochemical and biological parameters (especially phytoplankton and zooplankton) over a period of 2 years. One hundred forty-eight species belonging to nine groups of phytoplankton and 79 species belonging to five groups of zooplankton were identified from the lakes. Trophic level and the pollution status of the lakes were assessed upon the basis of Shannon diversity index (H'), species richness index (S), and physicochemical parameters. Plankton population size was correlated with biotic and abiotic parameters (pH, alkalinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, transparency, phosphate, chloride, and nitrate). The present investigation revealed that the distribution of plankton species depended upon the physicochemical parameters of the environment. Based on water quality standards given by the Central Pollution Control Board, the water quality was between "A-B" at Prashar wetland, "C-D" at Kuntbhyog Lake, and "D-E" at Rewalsar Lake. The results from the present study indicated that the potential of planktons as bioindicators of trophic status is very high.

Major pharmaceutical residues in wastewater treatment plants and receiving waters in Bangkok, Thailand, and associated ecological risks

Pharmaceuticals have been frequently detected in aquatic environment worldwide and suspected for potential ecological consequences. However, occurrences, sources and potential risks of pharmaceutical residues have rarely been investigated in Bangkok, Thailand, one of most densely populated cities in the world. We collected water samples from five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), six canals, and in mainstream Chao Phraya River of Bangkok, in three sampling events representing different seasonal flow conditions, i.e., June and September 2011 and January 2012. Fourteen major pharmaceuticals including acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, atenolol, caffeine, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, roxithromycin, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfathiazole and trimethoprim were analyzed. Levels of pharmaceutical residues in WWTP influents on average were the highest for acetylsalicylic acid (4700 ng L(-1)), followed by caffeine (2250 ng L(-1)) and ibuprofen (702 ng L(-1)). In effluents, the concentration of caffeine was the highest (307 ng L(-1)), followed by acetylsalicylic acid (261 ng L(-1)) and mefenamic acid (251 ng L(-1)). In surface water, acetylsalicylic acid showed the highest levels (on average 1360 ng L(-1) in canals and 313 ng L(-1) in the river). Removal efficiencies of WWTPs for roxithromycin, sulfamethoxazole and sulfamethazine were determined negligible. For several compounds, the concentrations in ambient water were higher than those detected in the effluents, implying contribution of the WWTPs to be negligible. Hazard quotients estimated for acetylsalicylic acid, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac and mefenamic acid in most of the canals and that of ciprofloxacin in the river, were greater than or close to 1, suggesting potential ecological risks. Ecological implications of the pharmaceutical residues in Bangkok waterway warrant further investigation.

Dental insurance! Are we ready?

Dental insurance is insurance designed to pay the costs associated with dental care. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) bill which was put forward in the winter session of the Lok Sabha (2008) focused on increasing the foreign investment share from the existing 26% to 49% in the insurance companies of India. This will allow the multibillion dollar international insurance companies to enter the Indian market and subsequently cover all aspects of insurance in India. Dental insurance will be an integral a part of this system. Dental insurance is a new concept in Southeast Asia as very few countries in Southeast Asia cover this aspect of insurance. It is important that the dentists in India should be acquainted with the different types of plans these companies are going to offer and about a new relationship which is going to emerge in the coming years between dentist, patient and the insurance company.

Studies on water quality of Sutlej River around Ludhiana with reference to physicochemical parameters

Water quality was determined in the different stretches of the river Sutlej (S(1), S(2), and S(3)) for a period of 1 year (November 2006 to October 2007). S(1) was at Ropar Head Works, S(2) at U/S of Budha Nallah at Phillaour, and S(3) was D/S of Budha Nallah in district Ludhiana (Punjab). Relatively low values of TDS, turbidity, BOD, total alkalinity, total hardness, chlorides, nitrates, and phosphates were recorded at S(1) and S(2) as compared to S(3). Heavy metals like Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni were detected at S(2) and S(3). On the basis of water quality standards given by Central Pollution Control Board, the water quality was at "A-B" at S(1), "B-C" at S(2), and "D-E" at S(3). For the computation of water quality rating and water quality index, nine parameters were considered. The mean values of these parameters were compared with WHO, ICMR, and ISI standards. The water quality index at stations S(1), S(2), and S(3) was 32.84, 51.01, and 132.66, respectively. This clearly indicated that the river water at station S(2) and S(3) was found to be unsafe for human consumption.

Development of corn starch based green composites reinforced with Saccharum spontaneum L fiber and graft copolymers--evaluation of thermal, physico-chemical and mechanical properties

In this paper, corn starch based green composites reinforced with graft copolymers of Saccharum spontaneum L. (Ss) fiber and methyl methacrylates (MMA) and its mixture with acrylamide (AAm), acrylonitrile (AN), acrylic acid (AA) were prepared. Resorcinol-formaldehyde (Rf) was used as the cross-linking agent in corn starch matrix and different physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. The matrix and composites were found to be thermally more stable than the natural corn starch backbone. Further the matrix and composites were subjected for biodegradation studies through soil composting method. Different stages of biodegradation were evaluated through FT-IR and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. S. spontaneum L fiber-reinforced composites were found to exhibit better tensile strength. On the other hand Ss-g-poly (MMA) reinforced composites showed maximum compressive strength and wear resistance than other graft copolymers reinforced composite and the basic matrix.

Mathematical modeling of cadmium removal in free water surface constructed wetlands

A mathematical model was developed for the cadmium removal process in the free water surface (FWS) constructed wetlands using a dynamic software program STELLA. Earlier, laboratory-scale experiments were conducted at the Suranaree University of Technology Campus in Northeastern Thailand to investigate the effect of high cadmium loading on the performance of FWS constructed wetlands under different environmental conditions. The predicted values of cadmium concentrations in effluents as well as in various components of the FWS constructed wetlands system, as simulated by the developed and calibrated model, had a good agreement with the experimental results. Thus, the mathematical model developed in this study could be used to explain the cadmium removal process in the FWS constructed wetlands. Hence, it could also be used to predict the fate of cadmium in the industrial effluents treated in FWS constructed wetlands system.

Comparison of the clinical profile and outcome for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and cardia in India

This retrospective review aimed to assess the clinical profile and outcome of squamous cell carcinoma as compared with adenocarcinoma of the lower third of esophagus and cardia following a transhiatal esophagectomy. A total of 169 patients were analyzed retrospectively in this series from 1989 to 1994. There were 100 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 69 patients with adenocarcinoma (ADC). All tumors were assessed by an esophagogram, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and abdominal ultrasonography. The surgical procedure performed in all cases was a transhiatal esophagectomy (THE). The mean age of the patients with SCC and ADC was comparable (48 +/- 14 vs 54 +/- 12 years). Male/female ratio was 1.0:1.4 in the SCC group while in the ADC group it was 8.8:1.0. The main symptom in both the groups was grade II dysphagia (62% in SCC and 60% in ADC). The mean length of the tumor was 6.6 +/- 4.5 cm in the SCC group and 4.2 +/- 3.3 cm in the ADC group. The resectability rate of the SCC group was significantly higher (76%) than in the ADC group (55%). The 6-month and 1-year survival for the SCC patients was not significantly different from the ADC patients (83.7% and 49.3% vs 85.0% and 54.0%). The 5-year survival achieved in SCC was higher than in the ADC group (11.6% vs 7.2%) but the difference was not statistically significant. Adenocarcinoma arising from the distal esophagus and cardia was more common in males, and also occurred in a higher age group and had a lower resectability rate than squamous cell carcinoma. No case of Barrett's esophagus was encountered. The short- and long-term survival in both tumors were similar.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of the effect of exogenous melatonin on delayed sleep phase syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and alertness were investigated in 22 patients with delayed sleep phase syndrome whose nocturnal sleep was restricted to the interval from 24:00 to 08:00 hours. This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Subjects received either placebo or melatonin (5 mg) daily for 4 weeks, underwent a 1-week washout period, and then were given the other treatment for an additional 4 weeks. Patients could take the melatonin between 19:00 and 21:00 hours, which allowed them to select the time they felt to be most beneficial for the phase-setting effects of the medication.

METHODS

Two consecutive overnight polysomnographic recordings were performed on three occasions: at baseline (before treatment), after 4 weeks of melatonin treatment, and after 4 weeks of placebo treatment.

RESULTS

In the 20 patients who completed the study, sleep onset latency was significantly reduced while subjects were taking melatonin as compared with both placebo and baseline. There was no evidence that melatonin altered total sleep time (as compared with baseline total sleep time), but there was a significant decrease in total sleep time while patients were taking placebo. Melatonin did not result in altered scores on subjective measures of sleepiness, fatigue, and alertness, which were administered at different times of the day. After an imposed conventional sleep period (from 24:00 to 08:00), subjects taking melatonin reported being less sleepy and fatigued than they did while taking placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Melatonin ameliorated some symptoms of delayed sleep phase syndrome, as confirmed by both objective and subjective measures. No adverse effects of melatonin were noted during the 4-week treatment period.

Preliminary randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of tryptophan combined with fluoxetine to treat major depressive disorder: antidepressant and hypnotic effects

OBJECTIVE

Because the initial phase of treatment of depression with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is often complicated by a delayed onset of action of the antidepressant or severe insomnia or both, we investigated whether tryptophan, an amino acid with both antidepressant-augmenting and hypnotic effects, would benefit patients with depression at the beginning of treatment with fluoxetine.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PATIENTS

Thirty individuals with major depressive disorder.

INTERVENTIONS

Treatment over 8 weeks with 20 mg of fluoxetine per day and either tryptophan (2 to 4 g per day) or placebo.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Mood was assessed using the 29-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-29) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Laboratory sleep studies were done at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment using standard procedures.

RESULTS

During the first week of treatment, there was a significantly greater decrease in HDRS-29 depression scores, and a similar trend in BDI scores, in the tryptophan/fluoxetine group than in the placebo/fluoxetine group. No significant differences were noted at later time points. With respect to sleep measures, there was a significant group-by-time interaction for slow-wave sleep at week 4. Further analysis revealed a significant decrease in slow-wave sleep after 4 weeks of treatment in the placebo/fluoxetine group, but not in the tryptophan/fluoxetine group. No cases of serotonin syndrome occurred, and the combination was well tolerated, although the 4 g per day dosage of tryptophan produced daytime drowsiness.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining 20 mg of fluoxetine with 2 g of tryptophan daily at the outset of treatment for major depressive disorder appears to be a safe protocol that may have both a rapid antidepressant effect and a protective effect on slow-wave sleep. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these initial findings.

Naevoid psoriasis

A 6-year-old male child had linear scaly erythematous band on the penis, undersuface of penis, extending to the scrotum since birth. He was diagnosed clinically as well as histopathologically as a case of naevoid psoriasis.

Mechanisms of Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Increase in Intracellular Calcium in Cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in high concentrations has been implicated in heart dysfunction attributable to ischemia-reperfusion. Although H(2)O(2) is also known to increase the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in cardiomyocytes, the mechanisms for such a change are not clear. In this study, the sources and mechanisms of increase in [Ca(2+)](i) caused by high concentrations of H(2)O(2) in cardiomyocytes were explored. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cardiomyocytes were isolated from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Cell viability was examined by trypan blue exclusion test. [Ca(2+)](i) was measured by employing cell suspension at room temperature and Fura-2 fluorescence technique. Incubation of cells with 0.25-l mmol/L H(2)O(2) increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Catalase attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) significantly, whereas mannitol showed no effect. Neither the presence of verapamil, a sarcolemmal Ca(2+) channel blocker, nor the removal of Ca(2+) from the medium produced any significant reduction in the H(2)O(2)-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Conversely, treatment of cardiomyoctes with staurosporin, a protein kinase C inhibitor, thapsigargin, a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-pump adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor, as well as ryanodine, a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-release channel blocker, markedly prevented the 0.5-mmol/L H(2)O(2)-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). The responses of cardiomyoctes to H(2)O(2) and other Ca(2+)-mobilizing agents, such as KCl or adenosine triphosphate, were additive. No changes in cardiomyocyte viability were seen on incubation with 0.5 and 1 mmol/L H(2)O(2). Perfusion of the isolated heart with H(2)O(2) (0.1-0.5 mmol/L) depressed the left ventricular developed pressure, rate of contraction, and rate of relaxation, whereas the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was increased. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that formation of H(2)O(2) under pathophysiological conditions such as ischemic heart disease may induce changes in Ca(2+) homeostasis in cardiomyocytes and may induce contractile dysfunction. Furthermore, the sarcoplasmic reticulum involving a protein kinase C-mediated mechanism appears to be the main site of action of H(2)O(2) in cardiomyocytes.

Modification of cardiac beta-adrenoceptor mechanisms by H2O2

From the role of oxidative stress in cardiac dysfunction, we investigated the effect of H2O2, an activated species of oxygen, on beta-adrenoceptors, G proteins, and adenylyl cyclase activities. Rat heart membranes were incubated with different concentrations of H2O2 before the biochemical parameters were measured. Both the affinity and density of beta 1-adrenoceptors were decreased, whereas the density of the beta 2-adrenoceptors was decreased and the affinity was increased by 1 mM H2O2. Time- and concentration-dependent biphasic changes in adenylyl cyclase activities in the absence or presence of isoproterenol were observed when membranes were incubated with H2O2; however, activation of the enzyme by isoproterenol was increased or unaltered. The adenylyl cyclase activities in the absence or presence of forskolin, NaF, and Gpp(NH)p were depressed by H2O2. Catalase alone or in combination with mannitol was able to significantly decrease the magnitude of alterations due to H2O2. The cholera toxin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity and ADP ribose labeling of Gs proteins were decreased by treatment with 1 mM H2O2, whereas Gi protein activities, as reflected by pertussis toxin-stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and ADP ribosylation, were unaltered. The Gs and Gi protein immunoreactivities, estimated by labeling with respective antibodies, indicate a decrease in binding to the 45-kDa band of Gs protein, whereas no change in the binding of antibodies to the 52-kDa band of Gs protein or the 40-kDa subunit of Gi protein was evident when the membranes were treated with 1 mM H2O2. These results suggest that H2O2 in high concentrations may attenuate the beta-adrenoceptor-linked signal transduction in the heart by changing the functions of Gs proteins and the catalytic subunit of the adenylyl cyclase enzyme.

Progesterone mediates nutritionally induced effects on embryonic survival in gilts

The role of plasma progesterone as a potential mediator of nutritionally induced effects on embryonic survival in gilts was assessed in two experiments. Gilts were individually fed 2.5 kg/d for one estrous cycle and inseminated 12 and 24 h after onset of next estrus (d 0). In Exp. 1, 52 gilts were randomly allocated to either N (1.5 x maintenance feed/d) or H (twice maintenance/d) groups from d 1. In 21 gilts, blood samples were collected on d -1, 0, 1, and 2, and gilts were slaughtered on d 3 to 5. Interval from LH peak to postovulatory progesterone rise was shorter (P = .02) in N (28.8 +/- 2.3 h) than in H (38.6 +/- 3.2 h) gilts, with no difference in rate of rise. Embryonic survival was 86.5 +/- 2.1 and 74.2 +/- 6.2% in N and H gilts, respectively, with a higher variability in Group H (P < .05). In 31 gilts, blood samples were collected 48 and 72 h after estrus onset, and gilts were slaughtered on d 11 and 12. Plasma progesterone concentrations at 72 h were higher (P = .02) in N than in H gilts (14.7 +/- 1.2 vs 10.8 +/- 1.0 ng/mL). Uterine plasmin/trypsin inhibitor concentrations were higher (P = .03) in H than in N gilts, but IGF-I concentrations did not differ. In Exp. 2, gilts were randomly allocated to either H or HP groups on d 1. The HP gilts were given six injections of progesterone (75 mg every 12 h) starting 24 h after estrus onset. Gilts were slaughtered on d 28 +/- 3. Plasma progesterone concentrations at 36, 48, 60, 84, and 108 h after estrus onset were higher (P < .001) in HP than in H gilts. Embryonic survival was also higher (P = .004) in HP (84.8 +/- 2.6%) than in H gilts (70.0 +/- 4.0%). Thus, periovulatory plasma progesterone can be the mediator of nutritionally induced effects on embryonic survival.

Effect of nutrition on embryonal mortality in gilts: association with progesterone

The effect of the timing of nutritional changes during the immediate period after mating on early embryonal survival and of progesterone as a potential mediator of such changes was studied. A total of 82 gilts were initially fed 2.5 kg.gilt-1.d-1 for one estrous cycle before they were inseminated at 16 and 24 h after the onset of estrus (d 0) using fresh, pooled semen. After AI, gilts were randomly allocated to one of the three feeding regimens, normal NRC allowance of 1.5 x maintenance per day from d 1 (Group N1) or d 3 (Group N3) or an allowance of 2 x maintenance from d 1 (Group H1). All gilts were fed on an individual basis. Single blood samples were collected 72 h after first detection of standing estrus. From d 15 onward, all gilts were fed 1.8 kg/d until they were slaughtered on d 28 +/- 3. Total and viable empryonal survival were affected by dietary treatment (P = .044 and .027, respectively), and viable embryonal survival in group N1 was greater than in group H1 (84.7 +/- 4.5 vs 64.5 +/- 7.6%; P < .05). Plasma progesterone was greater in group N1 than in groups N3 and H1 (10.5 +/- 1.0 vs 3.7 +/- .8 and 4.5 +/- .7 ng/mL, respectively; P < .05). The timing of the change in feed allowance after mating is therefore crucial for demonstrating effects of nutrition on embryonal survival in gilts, and progesterone may mediate these effects.

Atypical manifestations of tinea faciei

A study of 58 paitents of tinea faciei was conducted. Twenty five (43.1%) patients had history of photosensitivity. Twenty eight (48.2%) patients were applying topical steroids, 2 (3.4%) patients were on 10 mg of prednisolone daily. Associated tinea of other sites were observed in 14 (24.13%). 23 (39.6%) patients had typical circinate, arcuate, annular plaques with raised margin showing vesiculo-pustules. Atypical manifestations were in the form of arcuate plaques on the pinna in 4 patients, erythematous plaques full of vesiculo-pustules without central clearing in 3. Thirty two (55.17%) patients had plaques with broad edges and indistinct central clearing. In 2 patients lesions resembled discoid lupus erythematosus. Skin scrapings for fungus was positive in 36 (62.06%) cases. All patients responded to systemic griseofulvin 10mg/kg with 1% clotrimazole topicaly in 4-8 weeks.

Insulin autoimmune syndrome as a cause of spontaneous hypoglycemia in alcoholic cirrhosis

Hypoglycemia in fulminant hepatic failure and hyperinsulinemia in cirrhosis are well-described phenomena. A patient with alcoholic cirrhosis who developed fasting hypoglycemia with an extremely high immunoreactive insulin level and a mildly elevated C-peptide level is reported. An insulinoma was excluded by detailed radiological imaging of the pancreas and by endoscopic ultrasonography. Detection of very high levels of insulin autoantibodies with no prior exposure to exogenous insulin confirmed the diagnosis of insulin autoimmune syndrome. During his hospital course, the patient developed another rare syndrome, acquired inhibitors to factor V, which led to the fatal coagulopathy that resulted in his death. Insulin autoimmune syndrome is the third leading cause of spontaneous hypoglycemia in Japan, where it has been associated with a variety of diseases and drugs. Outside of Japan, only approximately 20 cases have been reported and usually have been found in the context of an underlying autoimmune disorder or prior exposure to sulfhydryl drugs. It is believed that this is the first case reported outside Japan occurring in association with alcoholic liver disease, and the first in the world with coexisting acquired inhibitors to factor V.

Preservation and storage of pancreatic islets

UW solution is currently the best available for short-term cold storage of pancreatic islets for up to 3-5 days, culture for up to 10-14 days, and cryopreservation for longer periods. More research needs to be done to find a better solution, specifically for cold storage of islets. It seems that such a solution is likely to be a derivative of the UW solution.

Virulence of silver-resistant mutant of Klebsiella pneumoniae in burn wound model

A silver-resistant mutant of Klebsiella pneumoniae B-5 was produced by passaging in nutrient broth containing graded concentrations of silver nitrate up to 150 ppm. The development of silver resistance in the strain resulted in rough colonies, decrease in cell size, carbohydrate content and change in klebocin pattern. The virulence of the AgR strain as checked by the burn wound model decreased as the mutant could not establish itself in the skin and spleen of the animals and the organism was cleared more efficiently by human lymphocytes than the parent AgS strain.