Leveraging a temperature-tunable, scale-like microstructure to produce multimodal, supersensitive sensors

The microstructure of a flexible film plays an important role in its sensing capability. Here, we fabricate a temperature-dependent wrinkled single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) film (WSPF) and a wrinkle-dependent scale-like SWCNT/PDMS film (SSPF) successfully, and address the formation and evolution mechanisms of each film. The low elastic modulus and high coefficient of thermal expansion of the PDMS layer combined with the excellent piezoresistive behavior of the SWCNT film motivated us to investigate how the scale-like microstructure of the SSPF could be used to design multimodal-sensing devices with outstanding capabilities. The results show that SSPFs present supersensitive performance in mechanical loading (an effective sensitivity of up to 740.7 kPa^-1) and in temperature (a tunable thermal index of up to 29.9 × 10³ K). These exceptional properties were demonstrated in practical applications in a programmable flexile pressure sensor, thermal/light monitor or switch, etc., and were further explained through the macroscopic and microscopic piezoresistive behaviors of scale-like SWCNT coatings.

Protective effect of aqueous extract of seed of Psoralea corylifolia (Somraji) and seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Methi) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat: A comparative evaluation

BACKGROUND

Psoralea corylifolia (Somraji) and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Methi), important medicinal plants widely used in India as folk medicine. Local people of West Bengal traditionally used the seeds of these plants to cure diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

Present study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic efficacy of aqueous extract of seeds of these plants in separate or in composite manner in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced by intramuscular injection of STZ at the dose of 40 mg/ml of citrate buffer/kg body weight. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glyclated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphatase of liver in experimental animals were assessed. Hyperlipidemic state developed in the experimental diabetic rat was assessed by measuring the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoproteins in serum.

RESULTS

There was significant increased in the levels of FBG, HbA1C and lipid profiles along with diminution (P < 0.001) in the activities of hepatic hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and elevation in glucose-6-phosphatase in diabetic control animals in respect to the untreated control. Significant recovery (P < 0.05) in the activities of above mentioned enzymes along with the correction in the levels of FBG, HbA1C and serum lipid profiles were noted towards the control level after the treatment of composite extract (i.e. 100 mg of Somraji: 100 mg of Methi, total 200 mg/kg body weight) than the individual extract (i.e. 200 mg of Somraji or 200 mg of Methi, per kg body weight) treatment.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that composite extract of above plant parts has more potent antidiabetic efficacy than the individual extract.

Overweight and obesity among early adolescent school girls in urban area of west bengal, India: prevalence assessment using different reference standards

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity are epidemic and a 'public health crisis' among adolescents worldwide. The rising trends in adolescent obesity in girl are poorly documented in India. The aim of this study was to compare and assess the extent of overweight and obesity in early adolescent school girls using three references [World Health Organization (WHO) 2007; the Center for Diseases Control (CDC) 2000 and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) 2000].

METHODS

A cross sectional study was designed in 1375 early adolescent girl (10-14 years), in five Government affiliated schools of Kharagpur Municipality of West Bengal, India.

RESULTS

Results of this study are eloquent of the fact that the roots of obesity lies in early stage of adolescence. Incidence of overweight, including obesity of participants was 10.62%, 7.64% and 7.49% depending on the references used (WHO, CDC and IOTF) respectively. Both incidence and remission rates were higher among younger girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding the harmful ramifications of overweight and obesity, it is encourage to healthy eating patterns and increase physical activity among early adolescent girls.

Antioxidant potential of hydro-methanolic extract of seed of Caesalpinia bonduc: An in vitro study

It is well known that the over production of reactive oxygen species is harmful for living organisms and it damages major cellular constituents such as DNA, protein, and lipid. At present, searching of new plant sources having free radical scavenging activity is an important field of research in phytomedicine as natural products are safe and relatively low cost. In this respect, attention has been focused to evaluate the antioxidant potential of hydro-methanolic extract of seed of Caesalpinia bonduc (Caesalpenacae) using different in vitro models. To evaluate the antioxidant activity, extract was examined on 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging effect, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging potential, and anti-lipid peroxidation activity by biochemical methods. Total phenol and flavonoids contents in the said extract were measured biochemically as per standard methods. Results were compared with butylated hydroxyl toluene and α-tocopherol. Results indicated that hydro-methanolic extract has strong scavenging activity on 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical with IC₅₀ value 157.4 μg/ml, hydroxyl radical with IC₅₀ value 61.9 μg/ml and hydrogen peroxide with IC₅₀ value 64.32 μg/ml. Hydro-methanolic extract also showed notable inhibition in lipid peroxidation having IC₅₀ value 58.87 μg/ml. Phytochemical study focused that the extract is rich in phenolic compounds (24.66 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried extract) and flavonoids (136.65 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried extract). Findings of the experiment indicated that the hydro-methanolic extract of seed of Caesalpinia bonduc is a source of natural antioxidants.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of n-hexane fraction from the hydro-methanolic extract of sepals of Salmalia malabarica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Bio-efficacy of n-hexane fraction of sepal of Salmalia malabarica was evaluated covering the biochemical sensors for the management of hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic effects. Evaluation of n-hexane fraction of Salmalia malabarica (SMH) from hydro-methanolic (2:3) extract at the dose of 0.1 gm/kg body weight twice a day were investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats were divided into five groups. The effect of the fraction on fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLc), phospholipids, free fatty acids, urea, uric acid, creatinine, albumin and transaminases were investigated in STZ-induced diabetic rat. A significant reduction of FBG level was observed after SMH treatment in STZ-induced diabetic rat. Treatment of diabetic rats with n-hexane fraction of this plant restored the levels of the above biochemical sensors significantly (p<0.001) in respect to the control. Histological studies of pancreas showed a qualitative diminution in the area of the islet's of Langerhans in diabetic group which was recovered by said fraction. Phytochemical screening of the fraction revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids.

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative effects of the hydro-methanolic extract of the seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male albino rats

BACKGROUND

No satisfactory effective treatment is available yet to cure diabetes mellitus. Though, synthetic drugs are used but there are several drawbacks. The attributed antihyperglycemic effects of many traditional plants are due to their ability for the management of diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hydromethanolic extract was administered orally at a dose of 250 mg/kg of body weight per day for 21 days. Its effects on the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, activities of key carbohydrate metabolic enzymes like hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and antioxidant enzymes like catalase and superoxide dismutase along with the effect on the lipid peroxidation level in hepatic tissues were measured. Glycogen levels were also assessed in hepatic and skeletal muscles and some toxicity parameters, such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and alkaline phosphates activities were measured.

RESULTS

Treatment of the hydromethanolic extract of the seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) recovery in the activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes along with correction in FBG and glycogen levels as compared with the untreated diabetic group. The extract also resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) recovery in the activities of toxicity assessment enzyme parameters. Activities of antioxidant enzymes like catalase and superoxide dismutase along with the lipid peroxidation levels were also recovered significantly (P < 0.05) after the treatment of the extract. The corrective effects produced by the extract were compared with the standard antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide that the extract shows possible antihyperglycemic and antioxidative activities.

Effect of yogic exercise on super oxide dismutase levels in diabetics

Context:

Reactive oxygen species are known to aggravate disease progression. To counteract their harmful effects, the body produces various antioxidant enzymes, viz, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase etc. Literature reviews revealed that exercises help to enhance antioxidant enzyme systems; hence, yogic exercises may be useful to combat various diseases.

Aims:

This study aims to record the efficacy of yoga on superoxide dismutase, glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb) and fasting blood glucose levels in diabetics.

Settings and Design:

Forty diabetics aged 40–55 years were assigned to experimental (30) and control (10) groups. The experimental subjects underwent a Yoga program comprising of various Asanas (isometric type exercises) and Pranayamas (breathing exercises) along with regular anti-diabetic therapy whereas the control group received anti-diabetic therapy only.

Materials and Methods:

Heparinized blood samples were used to determine erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glycosylated Hb levels and fasting blood specimens collected in fluoride Vacutainers were used for assessing blood glucose.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data were analyzed by using 2 × 2 × 3 Factorial ANOVA followed by Scheffe's posthoc test.

Results:

The results revealed that Yogic exercise enhanced the levels of Superoxide dismutase and reduced glycosylated Hb and glucose levels in the experimental group as compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

The findings conclude that Yogic exercises have enhanced the antioxidant defence mechanism in diabetics by reducing oxidative stress.

The Impact of Nutritional Awareness Package (NAP) on Secondary School Students for the Improvement of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) at Rural Areas of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal

Objective: Nutritional problem in school age children is common throughout the India. Occurrence of nutritional problems like anaemia, scurvy, ricket and protein energy malnutrition (PEM) may develop due to lack of knowledge and awareness. Poor knowledge on nutrition among children can lead to unhealthy community. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of school-based nutrition awareness package on the development of nutritional knowledge of school children at rural areas of West Medinipur district. Material & Methods: Total 827 secondary school children were selected randomly from class VII to IX of three different schools of West Medinipur comprising 433 boys and 394 girls. To access the awareness level, a peer-reviewed, scoring system questionnaire was applied. The nutrition education was imparted through lectures, audiovisual aids and demonstrations for three months in school settings. Before and after imparting nutrition education, the changes in knowledge, attitude and practices regarding good nutrition was evaluated by questionnaire method. Results: After delivery of nutrition education, a significant improvement in their nutritional knowledge was observed. Nutritional knowledge was improved significantly on anaemia (p≤0.001), scurvy (p≤0.001), ricket (p≤0.001) and PEM (p≤0.001) at post-awareness stage. The analysis of data also inferred that the students scoring more marks in management part of deficiency diseases which is important during their future life. The study was successful in identifying certain gaps in their knowledge, attitude and practices before imparting nutrition education. Conclusion: It is concluded that a school-based comprehensive nutritional programme has significant effect on cognitive and attitudinal variables to increase the level of knowledge and to follow-up appropriate dietary behaviours. The findings support the importance of knowledge in nutrition of the children in connection with the development of healthy dietary behaviours. Key Words: School Children; Nutritional diseases; NAP; KAP DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.3976Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 87-92

CAPC negatively regulates NF-κB activation and suppresses tumor growth and metastasis

CAPC, also known as LRRC26, is expressed in normal prostate and salivary gland. We developed a mAb to CAPC and used it to characterize the protein and study its function. CAPC protein was detected in normal prostate and salivary gland, in several human breast cancer cell lines and in the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. Knockdown of CAPC by siRNA in LNCaP cells enhanced anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Conversely, overexpression of CAPC in MDA-231 breast cancer cells and A431 epidermoid cancer cells inhibited growth in soft agar and tumorigenesis in nude mice, and suppressed the metastasis of MDA-231 cells to the lung. Overexpression of CAPC downregulated NF-κB activity and its target genes, including GM-CSF (CSF2), CXCL1, IL8 and LTB1. It also suppressed genes encoding the serine protease mesotrypsin (PRSS3) and cystatin SN (CST1). CAPC expressing tumors showed a decrease in the number of proliferating cells and a large increase in ECM. The role of CAPC in the suppression of tumor growth and metastasis may be through its alteration of the tumor microenvironment.

Inhibitory effect of hydro-methanolic extract of seed of Holarrhena antidysenterica on alpha-glucosidase activity and postprandial blood glucose level in normoglycemic rat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The present experiment was conducted to search out the effect of hydro-methanolic extract of seed of Holarrhena antidysenterica on intestinal α-glucosidase activity in dose dependent manner and on the management of postprandial hyperglycemia in starch loaded rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Activity of intestinal α-glucosidase was measured by in vitro method. Fasting blood glucose level was determined by single touch glucometer. Total phenol and flavonoids of seed extract of Holarrhena antidysenterica were estimated using gallic acid and quercetin standard curves, respectively.

RESULTS

The degree of elevation in blood glucose level after starch administration was significantly (p<0.05) less by the extract in respect to the control. The said extract also inhibited α-glucosidase activity having an IC(50) of 0.52mg/ml. Phytochemical study revealed that the extract is rich in phenolic compounds (60.23mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of extract) and flavonoids (360.23mg of quercetin equivalent/g of the extract).

CONCLUSION

The extract exerts its antihyperglycemic effect by retarding the carbohydrate absorption from intestine through the inhibition in α-glucosidase activity and therefore resists postprandial hyperglycemia.

Antidiabetic Potentiality of the Aqueous-Methanolic Extract of Seed of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Albino Rat: A Correlative and Evidence-Based Approach with Antioxidative and Antihyperlipidemic Activities

Antidiabetic, antioxidative, and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous-methanolic (2 : 3) extract of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. (family Meliaceae) seed studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Feeding with seed extract (25 mg 0.25 mL distilled water(-1)100 gm b.w.(-1)rat(-1) day(-1)) for 21 days to diabetic rat lowered the blood glucose level as well as the glycogen level in liver. Moreover, activities of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, peroxidase, and levels of the products of free radicals like conjugated diene and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in liver, kidney, and skeletal muscles were corrected towards the control after this extract treatment in this model. Furthermore, the seed extract corrected the levels of serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoproteins towards the control level in this experimental diabetic model. The results indicated the potentiality of the extract of S. mahagoni seed for the correction of diabetes and its related complications like oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia. The extract may be a good candidate for developing a safety, tolerable, and promising neutraceutical treatment for the management of diabetes.

Peritoneal repairing cells: a type of bone marrow derived progenitor cells involved in mesothelial regeneration

The peritoneal mesothelium exhibits a high regenerative ability. Peritoneal regeneration is concomitant with the appearance, in the coelomic cavity, of a free-floating population of cells whose origin and functions are still under discussion. We have isolated and characterized this cell population and we have studied the process of mesothelial regeneration through flow cytometry and confocal microscopy in a murine model lethally irradiated and reconstituted with GFP-expressing bone marrow cells. In unoperated control mice, most free cells positive for mesothelin, a mesothelial marker, are green fluorescent protein (GFP). However, 24 hrs after peritoneal damage, free mesothelin⁺/ GFP⁺ cells appear in peritoneal lavages. Cultured lavage peritoneal cells show colocalization of GFP with mesothelial (mesothelin, cytokeratin) and fibroblastic markers. Immunohistochemical staining of the peritoneal wall also revealed colocalization of GFP with mesothelial markers and with procollagen-1 and smooth muscle α-actin. This was observed in the injured area as well as in the surrounding not-injured peritoneal surfaces. These cells, which we herein call peritoneal repairing cells (PRC), are very abundant 1 week after surgery covering both the damaged peritoneal wall and the surrounding uninjured area. However, they become very scarce 1 month later, when the mesothelium has completely healed. We suggest that PRC constitute a type of monocyte-derived cells, closely related with the tissue-repairing cells known as ‘fibrocytes’ and specifically involved in peritoneal reparation. Thus, our results constitute a synthesis of the different scenarios hitherto proposed about peritoneal regeneration, particularly recruitment of circulating progenitor cells and adhesion of free-floating coelomic cells.

Yogic exercises and health--a psycho-neuro immunological approach

Relaxation potential of yogic exercises seems to play a vital role in establishing psycho-physical health in reversing the psycho-immunology of emotions under stress based on breath and body awareness. However, mechanism of yogic exercises for restoring health and fitness components operating through psycho-neuro-immunological pathways is unknown. Therefore, a hybrid model of human information processing-psycho-neuroendocrine (HIP-PNE) network has been proposed to reveal the importance of yogic information processing. This study focuses on two major pathways of information processing involving cortical and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) interactions with a deep reach molecular action on cellular, neuro-humoral and immune system in reversing stress mediated diseases. Further, the proposed HIP-PNE model has ample of experimental potential for objective evaluation of yogic view of health and fitness.

Self-organization of supramolecular helical dendrimers into complex electronic materials

The discovery of electrically conducting organic crystals and polymers has widened the range of potential optoelectronic materials, provided these exhibit sufficiently high charge carrier mobilities and are easy to make and process. Organic single crystals have high charge carrier mobilities but are usually impractical, whereas polymers have good processability but low mobilities. Liquid crystals exhibit mobilities approaching those of single crystals and are suitable for applications, but demanding fabrication and processing methods limit their use. Here we show that the self-assembly of fluorinated tapered dendrons can drive the formation of supramolecular liquid crystals with promising optoelectronic properties from a wide range of organic materials. We find that attaching conducting organic donor or acceptor groups to the apex of the dendrons leads to supramolecular nanometre-scale columns that contain in their cores pi-stacks of donors, acceptors or donor-acceptor complexes exhibiting high charge carrier mobilities. When we use functionalized dendrons and amorphous polymers carrying compatible side groups, these co-assemble so that the polymer is incorporated in the centre of the columns through donor-acceptor interactions and exhibits enhanced charge carrier mobilities. We anticipate that this simple and versatile strategy for producing conductive pi-stacks of aromatic groups, surrounded by helical dendrons, will lead to a new class of supramolecular materials suitable for electronic and optoelectronic applications.

Bivalent disulfide-stabilized fragment variable immunotoxin directed against mesotheliomas and ovarian cancer

We have used protein engineering to generate a stable bivalent fragment variable (Fv) molecule from the antimesothelin antibody SS, in which the VH and VL domains of the Fv are linked to each other by a disulfide bond, and the two Fvs are connected by a flexible 15-amino acid (Gly4-Ser)3 linker. The SS (dsFv)2 molecule is fused to a M(r) 38,000 truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin to generate a bivalent, disulfide stabilized, (dsFv)2 immunotoxin. The immunotoxin was expressed in Escherichia coli, refolded in vitro, and purified to approximately 95% purity with a high yield of > 10%. Binding studies demonstrated that the (dsFv)2 molecule has 40 times higher apparent affinity for recombinant mesothelin than a monovalent dsFv molecule. The (dsFv)2 immunotoxin was 4-10-fold more cytotoxic to three mesothelin antigen-positive cell lines than the monovalent dsFv immunotoxin. However, when tested in mice bearing tumor cells expressing mesothelin, the antitumor activity of the bivalent immunotoxin is very similar to the activity of the lower affinity monovalent immunotoxin. Our data indicate that increasing affinity of an antibody fragment does not necessarily lead to higher antitumor activity of an immunotoxin in vivo.

Cse1l is essential for early embryonic growth and development

The CSE1L gene, the human homologue of the yeast chromosome segregation gene CSE1, is a nuclear transport factor that plays a role in proliferation as well as in apoptosis. CSE1 and CSE1L are essential genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian cells, as shown by conditional yeast mutants and mammalian cell culture experiments with antisense-mediated depletion of CSE1L. To analyze whether CSE1L is also essential in vivo and whether its absence can be compensated for by other genes or mechanisms, we have cloned the murine CSE1L gene (Cse1l) and analyzed its tissue- and development-specific expression: Cse1l was detected at embryonic day 7.0 (E7.0), E11.0, E15.0, and E17.0, and in adults, high expression was observed in proliferating tissues. Subsequently, we inactivated the Cse1l gene in embryonic stem cells to generate heterozygous and homozygous knockout mice. Mice heterozygous for Cse1l appear normal and are fertile. However, no homozygous pups were born after interbreeding of heterozygous mice. In 30 heterozygote interbreeding experiments, 50 Cse1l wild-type mice and 100 heterozygotes were born but no animal with both Cse1l alleles deleted was born. Embryo analyses showed that homozygous mutant embryos were already disorganized and degenerated by E5.5. This implicates with high significance (P < 0.0001, Pearson chi-square test) an embryonically lethal phenotype of homozygous murine CSE1 deficiency and suggests that Cse1l plays a critical role in early embryonic development.

GDEP, a new gene differentially expressed in normal prostate and prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The database of human expressed sequence tags (dbEST) is a potential source for the identification of tissue specific genes. The database contains sequences that originate from cDNA libraries from different tissues cell types and tumors.

METHODS

Computer based analysis identified a cluster of sequence homologous ESTs, containing ESTs derived only from human prostate cDNA libraries. The tissue specificity was examined by multiple tissue RNA dot blots and RT-PCR. The new RNA transcript was characterized using northern blot analysis, RACE-PCR, and a ribonuclease protection assay.

RESULTS

We have identified a gene differentially expressed in prostate using EST database analysis and experimental studies. We name the gene GDEP for gene differentially expressed in prostate. The major GDEP transcript is about 520 bp long. GDEP RNA was detected in nine prostate tissue samples, four normal and five cancer. Expression in prostate epithelial cells was established by in situ hybridization. Weak expression was detected in the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. In vitro transcription/translation indicate that the RNA encodes a small 34 amino acid protein. The major transcript consists of two exons with one large intron (> 15 kb). The GDEP gene was mapped to chromosome 4q21.1 by radiation hybrid mapping.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data proves that tissue specific genes can be identified by EST database mining. The prostate specificity of GDEP expression indicates that GDEP may be useful in the diagnosis or treatment of prostate cancer. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

MRP8, a new member of ABC transporter superfamily, identified by EST database mining and gene prediction program, is highly expressed in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

With the completion of the human draft genome sequence, efforts are now devoted to identifying new genes. We have developed a computer-based strategy that utilizes the EST database to identify new genes that could be targets for the immunotherapy of cancer or could be involved in the multistep process of cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Utilizing our computer-based screening strategy, we identified a cluster of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) that are highly expressed in breast cancer. Northern blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses demonstrated the tissue specificity of the computer-generated cluster and comparison with the human genome sequence assisted in isolating a full-length cDNA clone.

RESULTS

We identified a new gene that is highly expressed in breast cancer. This gene is expressed at moderate levels in normal breast and testis and at very low levels in liver, brain, and placenta. The gene has two major transcripts of 4.5 kb and 4.1 kb. The 4.5-kb transcript is very abundant in breast cancer, and has an open reading frame of 1382 amino acids. The predicted protein sequence of the 4.5-kb transcript reveals that it has high homology with MRP5, a member of multidrug resistant-associated protein family (MRP). There are seven reported members in the MRP family; we designate this gene as MRP8 (ABCC11). The 4.5-kb MRP8 transcript consists of 31 exons and is located in a genomic region of over 80.4 kb on chromosome 16q12.1. The smaller 4.1-kb transcript of MRP8 is found in testis and may initiate within intron 6 of the gene.

CONCLUSION

The selective expression of MRP8 (ABCC11), a new member of ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily could be a molecular target for the treatment of breast cancer.

PRAC: A novel small nuclear protein that is specifically expressed in human prostate and colon

BACKGROUND

The database of human Expressed Sequence Tags (dbEST) provides a potential source for identification of tissue-specific genes. This database contains sequences that originate from cDNA libraries from particular tumors, organs or cell types. In this report, we have used the EST database to identify PRAC, a novel gene specifically expressed in human Prostate, prostate cancer, Rectum And distal Colon.

METHODS

Using a computer based analysis, a cluster of sequence homologous ESTs was identified which contained ESTs derived only from human prostate cDNA libraries. The tissue specificity was examined by multiple tissue RNA dot blots and RT-PCR. The PRAC transcript and protein was identified using Northern blot analysis, RACE-PCR, primer extension, and western blot.

RESULTS

PRAC encode a 382 nucleotide RNA found in prostate, rectum, distal colon, and in three prostate cancer cell lines; LNCaP, PC-3 and DU145. This transcript encodes a 6 kDa nuclear protein. The PRAC gene is located on chromosome 17 at position 17q21, about 4 kbp downstream from the homeodomain Hoxb-13 gene.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data proves that the EST database can be a useful tool for discovery of prostate-specific genes. The nuclear localization, identification of potential phosphorylation sites, and possible cotranscription with the Hoxb-13 gene suggest that PRAC may have a regulatory role in the nucleus.

Synthesis of functional aromatic multisulfonyl chlorides and their masked precursors

The synthesis of functional aromatic bis(sulfonyl chlorides) containing an acetophenone and two sulfonyl chloride groups, i.e., 3,5-bis[4-(chlorosulfonyl)phenyl]-1-acetophenone (16), 3,5-bis(chlorosulfonyl)-1-acetophenone (17), and 3,5-bis(4-(chlorosulfonyl)phenyloxy)-1-acetophenone (18) via a sequence of reactions, involving in the last step the quantitative oxidative chlorination of S-(aryl)- N,N'-diethylthiocarbamate, alkyl- or benzyl thiophenyl groups as masked nonreactive precursors to sulfonyl chlorides is described. A related sequence of reactions was used for the synthesis of the aromatic trisulfonyl chloride 1,1,1-tris(4-chlorosulfonylphenyl)ethane (24). 4-(Chlorosulfonyl)phenoxyacetic acid, 2,2-bis[[[4-(chlorosulfonyl)phenoxyacetyl]oxy]methyl]-1,3-propanediyl ester (27), 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(chlorosulfonyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrakis(ethoxycarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (38), 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexakis(chlorosulfonyl)-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexakis(ethoxycarbonylmethoxy)calix[6]arene (39), 5,11,17,23,29,35,41,47-octakis(chlorosulfonyl)-49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56-octakis(ethoxycarbonylmethoxy)calix[8]arene (40), 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(tert-butyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrakis(chlorosulfonyl phenoxyacetoxy)calix[4]arene (44), 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexakis(tert-butyl)-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexakis(chlorosulfonylphenoxyacetoxy)calix[6]arene (45), and 5,11,17,23,29,35,41,47-octakis(tert-butyl)-49,40,51,52,53,54,55,56-octakis(chlorosulfonylphenoxyacetoxy)calix[8]arene (46) were synthesized by two different multistep reaction procedures, the last step of both methods consisting of the chlorosulfonation of compounds containing suitable activated aromatic positions. 2,4,6-Tris(chlorosulfonyl)aniline (47) was obtained by the chlorosulfonation of aniline. The conformation of two series of multisulfonyl chlorides i.e., 38, 39, 40 and 44, 45, 46, was investigated by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The masked nonreactive precursor states of the functional aromatic multisulfonyl chlorides and the aromatic multisulfonyl chlorides reported here represent the main starting building blocks required in a new synthetic strategy elaborated for the preparation of dendritic and other complex organic molecules.

ERGL, a novel gene related to ERGIC-53 that is highly expressed in normal and neoplastic prostate and several other tissues

We have identified a new gene, that is highly expressed in normal and neoplastic prostate, and is also expressed in cardiac atrium, salivary gland, spleen and selective cells in the CNS. Database analyses of ESTs indicated prostate specificity but experimental results showed the expression in other tissues. The full length transcript is 1800 bp with an open reading frame of 526 aa. The amino-terminal 230 residues of the expressed protein has high homology to a family of lectins, especially to the sugar binding domain of ERGIC-53. We therefore designate the new gene ERGL (ERGIC-53-like). There is a transmembrane domain at amino acid positions 468-482 suggesting that the product of ERGL is a type-I membrane protein. In prostate there are two fully processed transcripts one of which is a splice variant with a deletion in the region of the transmembrane domain of the protein.

XAGE-1, a new gene that is frequently expressed in Ewing's sarcoma

Our previous expressed sequence tag database analysis indicates that XAGE-1 is frequently found in Ewing's sarcoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (U. Brinkmann et al., Cancer Res., 59: 1445-1448, 1999). Using Northern blots and RNA dot blots, we have now found that XAGE-1 is highly expressed in normal testis, in seven of eight Ewing's cell lines, in four of nine Ewing's sarcoma patient samples, and in one of one alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma patient sample. The gene is located on the X chromosome. The full-length cDNA contains 611 bp and predicts a protein of Mr 16,300 with a potential transmembrane domain at the NH2 terminus. XAGE-1 shares homology with GAGE/PAGE proteins in the COOH-terminal end. These findings could be valuable for cancer diagnosis and cancer immunotherapy.

Effect of selected yogic practices on the management of hypertension

On the basis of medical officers diagnosis, thirty three (N = 33) hypertensives, aged 35-65 years, from Govt. General Hospital, Pondicherry, were examined with four variables viz, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and body weight. The subjects were randomly assigned into three groups. The exp. group-I underwent selected yoga practices, exp. group-II received medical treatment by the physician of the said hospital and the control group did not participate in any of the treatment stimuli. Yoga imparted in the morning and in the evening with 1 hr/session. day-1 for a total period of 11-weeks. Medical treatment comprised drug intake every day for the whole experimental period. The result of pre-post test with ANCOVA revealed that both the treatment stimuli (i.e., yoga and drug) were effective in controlling the variables of hypertension.

Mesothelin is not required for normal mouse development or reproduction

Mesothelin is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked glycoprotein highly expressed in mesothelial cells, mesotheliomas, and ovarian cancer, but the biological function(s) of the protein is not known. We have analyzed the expression of the mouse mesothelin gene in different developmental stages and in various adult tissues by Northern hybridization. The 2.5-kb mesothelin transcript was detected in the mRNA of E 7.0, E 15.0, and E 17.0 stages of mouse development. In adult tissues the mesothelin gene was expressed in lung, heart, spleen, liver, kidney, and testis. To directly assess the function of the mesothelin in vivo, we generated mutant mice in which the mesothelin gene was inactivated by replacing it with the neomycin resistance gene. In homozygous mutant mice neither mesothelin mRNA nor the protein product was detected. Null mutant mice were obtained in accordance with Mendelian laws, and both males and females produced offspring normally. No anatomical or histological abnormalities were detected in any tissues where mesothelin was reportedly expressed in wild-type mice. Our results demonstrate that mesothelin function is not essential for growth or reproduction in mice.

Chimeric toxins targeted to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein augment the in vivo activity of combination antiretroviral therapy in thy/liv-SCID-Hu mice

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which combines multiple inhibitors of essential human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) enzymes, induces dramatic and sustained viral load reductions in many people infected with HIV-1. However, reservoirs of infected cells capable of producing replication-competent virus persist even after years of HAART, preventing elimination of infection. CD4-PE40 and 3B3(Fv)-PE38, chimeric toxins designed to target the HIV envelope (Env), represent a complementary class of agents that selectively kill productively infected cells. To investigate whether these Env-targeted toxins might serve as adjuncts to HAART for the elimination of infected cells, we tested their ability to augment HAART efficacy in vivo by using a thy/liv SCID-hu mouse model. CD4-PE40 and 3B3(Fv)-PE38 markedly enhanced the capacity of HAART to suppress acute HIV-1 infection and improved HAART-mediated viral load reduction in mice with established HIV-1 infection. These results represent the first demonstration of in vivo anti-HIV-1 efficacy for Env-targeted toxins and support their potential therapeutic utility in combination with HAART.

Expression of MAT1/PEA-15 mRNA isoforms during physiological and neoplastic changes in the mouse mammary gland

MAT1 is a novel transforming gene which was cloned from a mouse mammary tumor induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea in vitro in the presence of lithium as a mitogen. Later, it was found to be identical to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the 2.5 kb isoform of PEA-15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes-15 kDa). We re-cloned MAT1/PEA-15 cDNAs and showed 2.5, 2.0 and 1.8 kb isoforms and confirmed MAT1 localization as reported. The 2.0 and 1.8 kb isoforms were produced by alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation at the 3' UTR, respectively. To analyze the role of MAT1/PEA-15, we examined the expression of MAT1/PEA-15 mRNA in normal mammary tissues and in mammary tumors. The mammary gland during pregnancy, lactation and weaning showed weak but stable expression. Compared with normal mammary gland, mammary tumors showed stronger expression. Aberrant expression of MAT1/PEA-15 isoforms was found in mouse mammary epithelial cell lines, FSK7 and TM6, which lost the 2.5/2.0 and 2.5 kb isoforms, respectively. In contrast to other oncogenes like c-myc, MAT1/PEA-15 mRNA was extremely stable after actinomycin D and cycloheximide treatments suggesting that other protein expression is prerequisite for degradation of MAT1/PEA-15 mRNA. It evoked the possibility of the 3' UTR of MAT1/PEA-15 (designated as MAT1-T) as a riboregulator in mammary tumorigenesis and necessity for further analysis of human breast cancers as well as mouse mammary tumors.

Pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of a bivalent disulfide-stabilized Fv immunotoxin with improved antigen binding to erbB2

We have generated a stable bivalent Fv molecule [(dsFv)2] of the anti-erbB2 monoclonal antibody e23 in which the V(H) and V(L) domains of the Fv are linked to each other by a disulfide bond and the two Fvs are connected by a 15-amino acid linker (T. K. Bera et al., J. Mol. Biol., 281: 475-483, 1998). The e23 (dsFv)2 molecule is linked to a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38) to generate a bivalent disulfide-stabilized immunotoxin e23 (dsFv)2-PE38. Compared to the monovalent immunotoxin, the (dsFv)2 immunotoxin showed greatly increased cytotoxicity to four cancer cell lines expressing low levels of erbB2 but not to four other cell lines with high erbB2 expression. e23 (dsFv)2-PE38 was administered i.v. to mice, and its half-life was determined. The t(1/2)alpha and t(1/2)beta were 20 and 325 min, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for the monovalent dsFv immunotoxin were shorter, 6 and 52 min. The antitumor activities of the monovalent and bivalent immunotoxin were compared using mice bearing A431 tumors. Despite the fact that e23 (dsFv)2-PE38 was 13-fold more active than e23 dsFv-PE38 on A431 cells in cell culture, its antitumor activity in mice was <2-fold that of the monovalent immunotoxin. These data show that a large increase in avidity does not always lead to an increase in cytotoxic activity. Furthermore, in one of the cases in which cytotoxic activity in vitro was greatly enhanced, there was only a small increase in antitumor activity.

Tissue-specific alternative splicing of the CSE1L/CAS (cellular apoptosis susceptibility) gene

CSE1L/CAS (CAS) is a nuclear transport factor that plays a role in proliferation and apoptosis. The CAS gene consists of 25 exons. mRNA homologous over its entire length to the yeast homologue CSE1 is the predominant transcript in proliferating tissues. Additional mRNAs are generated by alternative splicing in a tissue-specific manner. An extended 3'-end is found in fetal and adult brain. A mRNA containing the 5'-end of CAS up to position 690 and an alternative 3'-end is expressed in trachea and encodes a truncated Ran-binding domain. Fetal liver expresses a mRNA with deletions of a central portion of CAS and additional sequences encoded by the last intron. SW480 colon cancer cells express another approximately 1500-base mRNA. Western blot analyses of various human tissues and immunohistology of mouse embryos show a correlation of CAS transcripts and CAS protein in different tissues. CAS isoforms may control nuclear transport of tissue-specific proteins.

Comparison of recombinant immunotoxins against LeY antigen expressing tumor cells: influence of affinity, size, and stability

Monoclonal antibody B3 (MAb B3) reacts with many epithelial cancers. It recognizes a carbohydrate antigen (Ley) which is expressed in a variety of solid tumors including breast and colon. We have used the Fab portion of MAb B3 and a portion of the constant domain of human IgG1 to make recombinant immunotoxins of different compositions. The toxin component employed is a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38). The light chain or Fd of the antibody was cloned from hybridoma RNA and fused to PE38. Immunotoxin (IT) was then expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein and refolded with either the Fd or the light chain. We have also made B3(Fab) immunotoxins of different sizes ranging 85-140 kDa, by introducing different portions of the constant domain of human IgG1 at the junction of Fd and PE38 fusion site. We compared the properties of the resulting immunotoxins with existing anti-Ley immunotoxins side by side. All recombinant Fab-immunotoxins made in this study were cytotoxic to antigen-positive cancer cell lines. However, in contrast to the B3(scFv) immunotoxin, the B3(Fab) immunotoxins are very stable, retaining 90% of their activity after 24 h of incubation in human serum albumin at 37 degreesC. A pharmacokinetics study with these immunotoxin molecules showed a longer survival in the circulation of mice compared to the smaller Fv immunotoxins. The smaller size of the Fab immunotoxins compared to B3Lys-PE38 and the increased T1/2 value compared to B3(scFv)-PE38 and B3(dsFv)-PE38 make these recombinant immunotoxins alternative therapeutic agents to treat Ley antigen positive cancers.

Recovery from stress in two different postures and in Shavasana--a yogic relaxation posture

The recovery from induced physiological stress in Shavasana (a yogic relaxation posture) and two other postures (resting in chair and resting supine posture) was compared. Twenty one males and 6 females (age 21-30 yrs) were allowed to take rest in one of the above postures immediately after completing the scheduled treadmill running. The recovery was assessed in terms of Heart Rate (HR) and Blood pressure (BP). HR and BP were measured before and every two minutes after the treadmill running till they returned to the initial level. The results revealed that the effects of stress was reversed in significantly (P < 0.01) shorter time in Shavasana, compared to the resting posture in chair and a supine posture.

A bivalent disulfide-stabilized Fv with improved antigen binding to erbB2

We have used protein engineering to generate a stable bivalent Fv molecule of the anti-erbB2 monoclonal antibody e23. The VH and VL domains of the Fv are linked to each other by a disulfide bond and the two Fvs are connected by a flexible 15 amino acid residue (Gly4-Ser)3 linker. The e23 (dsFv)2 molecule is fused to a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin to generate a bivalent disulfide-stabilized, (dsFv)2, immunotoxin. The immunotoxin was expressed in Escherichia coli, refolded in vitro and purified to about 95% purity. Binding studies demonstrated that the (dsFv)2 molecule has a much higher affinity for erbB2 than a monovalent dsFv molecule and a similar binding affinity as the parental antibody e23. The (dsFv)2 immunotoxin was 5 to 20-fold more cytotoxic to two e23 antigen-positive cell lines than the monovalent dsFv immunotoxin. The bivalent dsFv molecule is very stable, retaining 94% of its activity after a 24 hours incubation in human serum at 37 degreesC. Two other molecules with shorter linkers five and ten amino acid residues in length were produced and showed similar activities as the molecule containing a 15 amino acid residue linker. The bivalency, stability and the relative ease of purification makes these e23 (dsFv)2 molecules valuable reagents for cancer immunotherapy and diagnosis.

Defective retrovirus insertion activates c-Ha-ras protooncogene in an MNU-induced rat mammary carcinoma

Endogenous retrovirus sequences are present in the genome of a wide variety of animal species. The activation of the proto-oncogenes of the ras family, particularly c-Ha-ras, by either point mutation or overexpression, has been shown to be associated with a vast number, of different cancers. here we report that the insertion of a defective retrovirus in the -1 intron of rat c-Ha-ras is responsible for the activation of the gene by over 10-fold overexpression in an MNU-induced rat mammary cancer. A portion of the 3' end of the retroviral sequence is expressed as a part of the c-Ha-ras transcript in the carcinoma tissue, indicating the direct involvement of this element in the transcription of the c-Ha-ras gene. The c-Ha-ras structural gene transcribed by the promoter of the defective retroviral element can neoplastically transform the NIH 3T3 cell line upon transfection.

Specific killing of HIV-infected lymphocytes by a recombinant immunotoxin directed against the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein

BACKGROUND

3B3 is a high-affinity anti-gp120 antibody that neutralizes a wide range of primary and laboratory isolates of HIV-1. The parental antibody was isolated from a combinatorial phage display library constructed from bone marrow RNA of an HIV-infected individual. We have generated a highly active immunotoxin using the 3B3 single-chain Fv (scFv) which can specifically kill lymphocytes infected by HIV-1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used recombinant DNA technology to clone the Fv fragment of 3B3 and produce a single-chain Fv (scFv). 3B3 scFv was then fused to a truncated version of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38), giving rise to a recombinant immunotoxin 3B3(Fv)-PE38 that was expressed in E. coli and purified to near homogeneity.

RESULTS

3B3(Fv)-PE38 binds with the same affinity as the parental Fab antibody to the MN strain of gp120. The immunotoxin specifically kills a gp120-expressing transfected cell line and a chronically HIV-infected lymphocytic cell line. The immunotoxin is very stable at 37 degrees C, retaining 80% of its original activity after 24 hr.

CONCLUSIONS

Potent immunotoxins such as 3B3(Fv)-PE38 could be utilized in combination with multidrug cocktails that limit viral replication to help reduce viral reservoirs in patients with AIDS.

Identification of a mammary transforming gene (MAT1) associated with mouse mammary carcinogenesis

We have developed an efficient in vitro transformation system using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea that allows us to study the role of hormones and growth factors in mouse mammary tumorigenesis. Utilizing this system, we reported earlier that mammary tumors induced in vitro with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea in the presence of mammogenic hormones (progesterone and prolactin) contain predominately an activated c-Ki-ras protooncogene with a G35 --> A35 transitional mutation in the 12th codon. Mammary tumors induced in the presence of another mitogen, lithium (Li), do not have a mutation in the c-Ki-ras protooncogene. By using an expression cloning system, a plasmid clone containing a 1.75-kb cDNA insert has been isolated from this group of tumors. Nucleic acid sequence analysis of the insert reveals that it has a short open reading frame of 61 amino acids and that it does not have sequence homology with any known gene. The gene, designated MAT1, can neoplastically transform NIH 3T3 cells and also the mammary epithelial cell line TM3. Expression of this gene occurs in normal mouse tissues including mammary gland and is overexpressed in the original mammary tumors as indicated by Northern blot analysis. In vitro transcription and translation of the clone shows a protein product of 6000 Da, which agrees with the predicted open reading frame.

In situ localization of prolactin receptor message in the mammary glands of pituitary-isografted mice

The receptors for prolactin (PRLR) are expressed in many tissues including the mammary gland, a classical target tissue for prolactin (PRL), but the cellular localization of expression of the PRLR gene in mammary gland has not yet been identified. PRL is known to up regulate its own receptor. We therefore employed the pituitary isografted mouse as a model to distinguish the cells expressing PRLR since PRL blood levels are known to be constitutively elevated in these animals. Mammary glands of virgin or pituitary isografted mice were analyzed by northern blot or in situ hybridization with a digoxygenin-labeled cRNA probe. Northern analysis revealed the expression of 1.3 kb and 2.5 kb forms of PRLR corroborating the results of various laboratories studying other tissues. PRLR was barely detectable by in situ hybridization in non-isografted mice. Two weeks after pituitary isografting, however, PRLR expression was substantially increased in the epithelial cells of mammary ducts and alveoli. No signal was ever detected in the mammary stromal compartment of either virgin or pituitary-isografted mice. The localization of PRL-responsive cells to the parenchyma of the mammary gland suggests that epithelial cells are the mediators of PRL action and that the transcriptional regulation of PRLR expression by PRL is direct in the epithelial cell.

Body composition, cardiovascular endurance and anaerobic power of yogic practitioner

Forty male high school students, age 12-15 yrs, participated for a study of yoga in relation to body composition, cardiovascular endurance and anaerobic power. Ths Ss were placed into two subsets viz., yoga group and control group. Body composition, cardiovascular endurance anaerobic power were measured using standard method. The duration of experiment was one year. The result of ANCOVA revealed that a significant improvement in ideal body weight, body density, cardiovascular endurance and anaerobic power was observed as a result of yoga training. This study could not show significant change in body fat (midaxillary), skeletal diameters and most of the body circumferences. It was evident that some of the fat-folds (tricep, subscapular, suprailiac, umbilical, thigh and calf) and body circumferences (waist, umbilical and hip) were reduced significantly.