Polyethylenimine Increases Antibacterial Efficiency of Chlorophyllin

Polyethylenimines (PEIs), a group of polycationic molecules, are known to impair the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and exhibit antimicrobial activity. The outer membrane of Gram-negative strains hinders the uptake of photosensitizer chlorophyllin. In this study, we report chlorophyllin and branched PEI combinations’ activity against Escherichia coli strains DH5α and RB791, Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium LT2, and Bacillus subtilis 168. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined by plating cells treated with different concentrations of PEI and chlorophyllin on agar and monitoring their growth after 24 h. All tested combinations of PEI and chlorophyllin were lethal for S. enterica after 240 min of incubation in light, whereas PEI alone (<100 µg mL−1) was ineffective. In the darkness, complete inhibition was noted with a combination of ≥2.5 µg mL−1 chlorophyllin and 50 µg mL−1 PEI. If applied alone, PEI alone of ≥800 µg mL−1 of PEI was required to completely inactivate E. coli DH5α cells in light, whereas with ≥5 µg mL−1 chlorophyllin, only ≥100 µg mL−1 PEI was needed. No effect was detected in darkness with PEI alone. However, 1600 µg mL−1 PEI in combination with 2.5 µg mL−1 resulted in complete inactivation after 4 h dark incubation. PEI alone did not inhibit E. coli strain RB791, while cells were inactivated when treated with 10 µg mL−1 chlorophyllin in combination with ≥100 µg mL−1 (in light) or ≥800 µg mL−1 PEI (in darkness). Under illumination, B. subtilis was inactivated at all tested concentrations. In the darkness, 1 µg mL−1 chlorophyllin and 12.5 µg mL−1 PEI were lethal for B. subtilis. Overall, PEI can be used as an antimicrobial agent or potentiating agent for ameliorating the antimicrobial activity of chlorophyllin.

Engineering new limits to magnetostriction through metastability in iron-gallium alloys

Magnetostrictive materials transduce magnetic and mechanical energies and when combined with piezoelectric elements, evoke magnetoelectric transduction for high-sensitivity magnetic field sensors and energy-efficient beyond-CMOS technologies. The dearth of ductile, rare-earth-free materials with high magnetostrictive coefficients motivates the discovery of superior materials. Fe_1-xGa_x alloys are amongst the highest performing rare-earth-free magnetostrictive materials; however, magnetostriction becomes sharply suppressed beyond x = 19% due to the formation of a parasitic ordered intermetallic phase. Here, we harness epitaxy to extend the stability of the BCC Fe_1-xGa_x alloy to gallium compositions as high as x = 30% and in so doing dramatically boost the magnetostriction by as much as 10x relative to the bulk and 2x larger than canonical rare-earth based magnetostrictors. A Fe_1-xGa_x - [Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃]_0.7-[PbTiO₃]_0.3 (PMN-PT) composite magnetoelectric shows robust 90° electrical switching of magnetic anisotropy and a converse magnetoelectric coefficient of 2.0 × 10^-5 s m^-1. When optimally scaled, this high coefficient implies stable switching at ~80 aJ per bit.

Local negative permittivity and topological phase transition in polar skyrmions

Topological solitons such as magnetic skyrmions have drawn attention as stable quasi-particle-like objects. The recent discovery of polar vortices and skyrmions in ferroelectric oxide superlattices has opened up new vistas to explore topology, emergent phenomena and approaches for manipulating such features with electric fields. Using macroscopic dielectric measurements, coupled with direct scanning convergent beam electron diffraction imaging on the atomic scale, theoretical phase-field simulations and second-principles calculations, we demonstrate that polar skyrmions in (PbTiO₃)_n/(SrTiO₃)_n superlattices are distinguished by a sheath of negative permittivity at the periphery of each skyrmion. This enhances the effective dielectric permittivity compared with the individual SrTiO₃ and PbTiO₃ layers. Moreover, the response of these topologically protected structures to electric field and temperature shows a reversible phase transition from the skyrmion state to a trivial uniform ferroelectric state, accompanied by large tunability of the dielectric permittivity. Pulsed switching measurements show a time-dependent evolution and recovery of the skyrmion state (and macroscopic dielectric response). The interrelationship between topological and dielectric properties presents an opportunity to simultaneously manipulate both by a single, and easily controlled, stimulus, the applied electric field.

Influence of Microgravity on Apoptosis in Cells, Tissues, and Other Systems In Vivo and In Vitro

All life forms have evolved under the constant force of gravity on Earth and developed ways to counterbalance acceleration load. In space, shear forces, buoyance-driven convection, and hydrostatic pressure are nullified or strongly reduced. When subjected to microgravity in space, the equilibrium between cell architecture and the external force is disturbed, resulting in changes at the cellular and sub-cellular levels (e.g., cytoskeleton, signal transduction, membrane permeability, etc.). Cosmic radiation also poses great health risks to astronauts because it has high linear energy transfer values that evoke complex DNA and other cellular damage. Space environmental conditions have been shown to influence apoptosis in various cell types. Apoptosis has important functions in morphogenesis, organ development, and wound healing. This review provides an overview of microgravity research platforms and apoptosis. The sections summarize the current knowledge of the impact of microgravity and cosmic radiation on cells with respect to apoptosis. Apoptosis-related microgravity experiments conducted with different mammalian model systems are presented. Recent findings in cells of the immune system, cardiovascular system, brain, eyes, cartilage, bone, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas, as well as cancer cells investigated under real and simulated microgravity conditions, are discussed. This comprehensive review indicates the potential of the space environment in biomedical research.

0869 Slow Wave Sleep Is Associated With Decreased Risk Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction

Pregnancy is associated with disrupted slow-wave sleep (SWS) and a high prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB), which may further exacerbate the decrease of deep sleep. Reduced slow wave sleep may impair glucose homeostasis, contributing to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Studies investigating EEG markers of deep and light sleep, and their associations with SDB and GDM are lacking. In this study, we measured associations of EEG Delta-power with objective SDB measures assessed in late-pregnancy to determine if changes in these bands are associated with GDM risk.

Methods

74 women (24-36 weeks pregnancy) underwent overnight polysomnography. Spectral profiles for Delta relative power were created for NREM and REM sleep after removing epochs with movements or muscle artifacts. The association of Delta power with SDB, assessed by the Apnea Hypopnea-Index (AHI) and AHI-based SDB severity (none, mild, moderate, severe) was tested by multivariate linear regression including demographic variables with bivariate correlations (p&lt;0.2) versus Delta-power. Conditional-regression was used to explore relationships between Delta-power and GDM, controlling for covariates.

Results

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA, AHI&gt;5) was present in 14% of subjects (8 GDM-cases and 3 controls). In bivariate analyses, AHI, AHI-severity categories and OSA were associated with Delta-power in NREM (all p&lt;0.2) and AHI was associated with Delta relative-power in REM (p=0.18). However, these associations did not remain significant after adjusting for covariates. Delta relative-power in NREM was significantly associated with decreased risk of GDM (OR:0.50, 95%CI-0.25,0.91), but, in REM sleep, was not associated with GDM risk (OR:1.25, 95%CI-0.79,1.97).

Conclusion

These analyses failed to demonstrate an association between OSA or OSA severity and EEG Delta power. However, lower levels of SWS, characterized by low Delta power were associated with increased GDM risk.

Support

NIH-R00-NR013187

0529 Behavioral Therapy Components for Insomnia and Fatigue in COPD

Introduction

Insomnia contributes to fatigue, a common symptom in COPD. Our study aims were: (1) to determine the efficacy of a) cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and b) COPD education (COPD-ED) on insomnia and fatigue, and (2) to define potential mechanistic contributors to pre/post intervention change in insomnia and fatigue in patients with COPD and insomnia.

Methods

A randomized 2x2 factorial design was used with factors representing CBT-I (yes/no) and COPD-ED (yes/no). Attention control (health videos) were used in the absence of CBT-I or COPD-ED. All patients received 6, 75-minute weekly sessions. Dependent variables included insomnia severity (Sleep Impairment Index (SII), range 0-28) and fatigue (Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) range 1-7) measured at baseline, just post-intervention, and at 3-months post-intervention.

Results

One hundred nine patients (FEV1% predicted 67 ± 24% (mean ± SD), age 65 ± 8 years, SII 15.9 ± 8, CRQ 3.7 ± 1.1) participated in the study. After 6 sessions, insomnia decreased more in patients who received CBT-I (-5.8) than those who did not (-2.2; p=0.0002). This effect was sustained at the 3-month follow-up (p=0.0003). Fatigue showed no significant differences for CBT-I at 6-weeks (p=.27) but at 3-months patients receiving CBT-I showed marginally better improvement (.75, a clinically important difference) compared to those who did not receive CBT-I (.43; p=.09). COPD-ED showed no effect on insomnia or fatigue. Two main effects suggest mechanisms for the pre-post efficacy of CBT-I: improved sleep beliefs (p=0.0257) and self-efficacy for sleep (p=0.0619) after 6 sessions which were sustained at 3 months (p=0.0184 and p=0.0431 respectively).

Conclusion

CBT-I produced sustained decreases in insomnia in patients with COPD. Results suggest that changes in beliefs about sleep and improved self-efficacy for managing sleep may mediate CBT-I associated decreases in insomnia.

Support

This research was supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health R01NR013937.

0679 Effects Of Cannabimimetic Enhancement On Subjective Sleep Quality And Function In Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

We previously reported that dronabinol a tetrahydrocannobinol, reduced the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a dose-dependent manner. The aim of this report is to assess the effects of dronabinol on subjective sleep quality and daytime function in the Pharmacotherapy of Apnea by Cannabimimetic Enhancement (PACE) II trial.

Methods

By random assignment, 73 adults with moderate or severe OSA received either placebo (N = 25), 2.5 mg dronabinol (N = 21), or 10 mg dronabinol (N = 27) daily, 1 hour before bedtime for 6 weeks. Participants completed the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ-10) at baseline and at the end of intervention.

Results

Between group comparisons were performed using a one-way ANOVA. At baseline, there were no significant difference between groups in the PSQI or FOSQ-10. When compared to placebo, the 10 mg group had a significant reduction in the global PSQI score (p=0.039). Paired t-test analysis showed, in comparison to the baseline, the subscale and total score of the FOSQ-10 were significantly increased (P=0.005); the global PSQI score, subjective sleep quality score, habitual sleep efficiency score and daytime dysfunction score were significantly reduced (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001, p=0.024, p=0.007 respectively) in the 10 mg group, while no improvement was found in the 2.5 mg or placebo groups. Bivariate correlational analysis was used to identify the relationship between the changes of variables. Both ∆ global PSQI and ∆ total FOSQ were correlated with ∆ESS, but not with change in AHI or sleep parameters such as sleep stage percentage, sleep efficiency, arousal index, minutes of wake after sleep onset, time and duration of oxygen saturation below 90% percent.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that in addition to its ability to reduce the AHI, dronabinol can improve subjective sleep quality and daytime function in patients with moderate to severe OSA.

Support

This study was funded by National Institutes of Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Grant Number UM1-HL112856 and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Grant Numbers UL1TR001422 and UL1TR002003.

0640 Initial Sleep Center Evaluation and Follow Up Improves Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy Adherence When Compared to Direct Referrals Without Sleep Physician Follow Up: A Retrospective Study

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 26% of adults and positive airway pressure (PAP) is the gold-standard of therapy. Factors affecting PAP adherence—use &gt;4 hours in a 24-hour period—have been studied extensively. We compared of the three months (or other time frame) PAP adherence between patients seen by a sleep specialist prior to OSA diagnosis versus patients referred directly for OSA testing by non-sleep specialist providers. The goal of the study was to understand the impact of sleep consultation on PAP adherence.

Methods

Direct referral (DR) patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) and received PAP devices prior to the sleep clinic visit. In contrast, sleep center patients (SC) had a sleep clinic visit with a sleep physician or APRN prior to PSG.

Eighty-four patients were included in this study, 42 DR and 42 SC patients. Exclusion criteria were age &lt;18 years old, absence of baseline PSG, and lack of 90-day compliance data. Covariates included demographics, body mass index (BMI), AHI, nadir oxygen saturation, demographics, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score. Objective PAP adherence for first 90 days was the primary outcome.

Results

Age (p=0.1), ESS (p=0.3), BMI (p=0.6), and AHI (p=0.9) were not significantly different between the groups. SC patients had greater PAP adherence (4.77 hours, 95%CI: 4.1 to 5.4) compared to DR patients (3.61 hours, 95%CI: 2.88 to 4.33, p=0.02). SC patients were also 8 times more likely to follow up in clinic within 1 year of starting PAP treatment (Likelihood Ratio 8.25, p=0.004).

Conclusion

While possibly more time-efficient for patients, direct referrals may ultimately result in lower PAP adherence due to missed opportunities for receiving education about OSA and PAP therapy. This is consistent with findings from a previous meta-analysis demonstrating that educational interventions improve PAP adherence. Moving forward, we will continue encouraging directly referred patients to follow up in the sleep center after PSG.

Support

None

The effects of microgravity on differentiation and cell growth in stem cells and cancer stem cells

A spaceflight has enormous influence on the health of space voyagers due to the combined effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation. Known effects of microgravity (μg) on cells are changes in differentiation and growth. Considering the commercialization of spaceflight, future space exploration, and long-term manned flights, research focusing on differentiation and growth of stem cells and cancer cells exposed to real (r-) and simulated (s-) μg is of high interest for regenerative medicine and cancer research. In this review, we focus on platforms to study r- and s-μg as well as the impact of μg on cancer stem cells in the field of gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, and osteosarcoma. Moreover, we review the current knowledge of different types of stem cells exposed to μg conditions with regard to differentiation and engineering of cartilage, bone, vasculature, heart, skin, and liver constructs.

Changes of Gene Expression in Euglena gracilis Obtained During the 29th DLR Parabolic Flight Campaign

Parabolic flight maneuvers of Novespace's Airbus A310 ZERO-G produce subsequent phases of hypergravity (about 20 s), microgravity (about 22 s) and another 20 s hypergravity on experiments located in the experiment area of the aircraft. The 29th DLR parabolic flight campaign consisted of four consecutive flight days with thirty-one parabolas each day. Euglena gracilis cells were fixed with TRIzol during different acceleration conditions at the first and the last parabola of each flight. Samples were collected and analyzed with microarrays for one-color gene expression analysis. The data indicate significant changes in gene expression in E. gracilis within short time. Hierarchical clustering shows that changes induced by the different accelerations yield reproducible effects at independent flight days. Transcription differed between the first and last parabolas indicating adaptation effects in the course of the flight. Different gene groups were found to be affected in different phases of the parabolic flight, among others, genes involved in signal transduction, calcium signaling, transport mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and stress-response as well as membrane and cytoskeletal proteins. In addition, transcripts of other areas, e.g., DNA and protein modification, were altered. The study contributes to the understanding of short-term effects of microgravity and different accelerations on cells at a molecular level.

Using Colistin as a Trojan Horse: Inactivation of Gram-Negative Bacteria with Chlorophyllin

Colistin (polymyxin E) is a membrane-destabilizing antibiotic used against Gram-negative bacteria. We have recently reported that the outer membrane prevents the uptake of antibacterial chlorophyllin into Gram-negative cells. In this study, we used sub-toxic concentrations of colistin to weaken this barrier for a combination treatment of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium with chlorophyllin. In the presence of 0.25 µg/mL colistin, chlorophyllin was able to inactivate both bacteria strains at concentrations of 5-10 mg/L for E. coli and 0.5-1 mg/L for S. Typhimurium, which showed a higher overall susceptibility to chlorophyllin treatment. In accordance with a previous study, chlorophyllin has proven antibacterial activity both as a photosensitizer, illuminated with 12 mW/cm2, and in darkness. Our data clearly confirmed the relevance of the outer membrane in protection against xenobiotics. Combination treatment with colistin broadens chlorophyllin's application spectrum against Gram-negatives and gives rise to the assumption that chlorophyllin together with cell membrane-destabilizing substances may become a promising approach in bacteria control. Furthermore, we demonstrated that colistin acts as a door opener even for the photodynamic inactivation of colistin-resistant (mcr-1-positive) E. coli cells by chlorophyllin, which could help us to overcome this antimicrobial resistance.

Stable nuclear transformation of rhodophyte species Porphyridium purpureum: advanced molecular tools and an optimized method

A mutated phytoene desaturase (pds) gene, pds-L504R, conferring resistance to the herbicide norflurazon has been reported as a dominant selectable marker for the genetic engineering of microalgae (Steinbrenner and Sandmann in Appl Environ Microbiol 72:7477-7484, 2006; Prasad et al. in Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 98(20):8629-8639, 2014). However, this mutated genomic clone harbors several introns and the entire expression cassette including its native promoter and terminator has a length > 5.6 kb, making it unsuitable as a standard selection marker. Therefore, we designed a synthetic, short pds gene (syn-pds-int) by removing introns and unwanted internal restriction sites, adding suitable restriction sites for cloning purposes, and introduced the first intron from the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii RbcS2 gene close to the 5'end without changing the amino acid sequence. The syn-pds-int gene (1872 bp) was cloned into pCAMBIA 1380 under the control of a short sequence (615 bp) of the promoter of pds (pCAMBIA 1380-syn-pds-int). This vector and the plasmid pCAMBIA1380-pds-L504R hosting the mutated genomic pds were used for transformation studies. To broaden the existing transformation portfolio, the rhodophyte Porphyridium purpureum was targeted. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of P. purpureum with both the forms of pds gene, pds-L504R or syn-pds-int, yielded norflurazon-resistant (NR) cells. This is the first report of a successful nuclear transformation of P. purpureum. Transformation efficiency and lethal norflurazon dosage were determined to evaluate the usefulness of syn-pds-int gene and functionality of the short promoter of pds. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed transgene integration into the microalga. Both forms of pds gene expressed efficiently as evidenced by the stability, tolerance and the qRT-PCR analysis. The molecular toolkits and transformation method presented here could be used to genetically engineer P. purpureum for fundamental studies as well as for the production of high-value-added compounds.

Transcriptome, proteome and draft genome of Euglena gracilis

BACKGROUND

Photosynthetic euglenids are major contributors to fresh water ecosystems. Euglena gracilis in particular has noted metabolic flexibility, reflected by an ability to thrive in a range of harsh environments. E. gracilis has been a popular model organism and of considerable biotechnological interest, but the absence of a gene catalogue has hampered both basic research and translational efforts.

RESULTS

We report a detailed transcriptome and partial genome for E. gracilis Z1. The nuclear genome is estimated to be around 500 Mb in size, and the transcriptome encodes over 36,000 proteins and the genome possesses less than 1% coding sequence. Annotation of coding sequences indicates a highly sophisticated endomembrane system, RNA processing mechanisms and nuclear genome contributions from several photosynthetic lineages. Multiple gene families, including likely signal transduction components, have been massively expanded. Alterations in protein abundance are controlled post-transcriptionally between light and dark conditions, surprisingly similar to trypanosomatids.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide evidence that a range of photosynthetic eukaryotes contributed to the Euglena nuclear genome, evidence in support of the 'shopping bag' hypothesis for plastid acquisition. We also suggest that euglenids possess unique regulatory mechanisms for achieving extreme adaptability, through mechanisms of paralog expansion and gene acquisition.

Myocardial Perfusion Scans and Mortality in Asymptomatic Patients Awaiting Renal Transplantation

Cardiac risk assessment for asymptomatic patients awaiting renal transplantation is controversial. Patients awaiting renal transplantation in Southern Saskatchewan from 2005 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients underwent cardiac risk stratification with stress myocardial perfusion scan. Baseline clinical characteristics, nuclear scan results, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular events were analyzed. Abnormal scans were defined as studies with reversible defects, wall motion abnormalities, lung uptake, or transient ischemic dilation. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis were calculated. Charts from 285 consecutive patients with 608 nuclear scans were analyzed. Mean age was 55.2 ± 11.7 years and 34.7% were female. Forty-three (15.1%) patients were transplanted and 99 (40.9%) patients died while awaiting renal transplantation. One hundred fifty-three patients (63.2%) had at least one abnormal scan. The mean follow-up period was 5.47 ± 3.11 years. An abnormal scan was not associated with decreased survival and/or coronary events (hazard ratio: 0.94, P = .77; 95% confidence intervals: 0.62 to 1.43). Patients awaiting renal transplantation in Saskatchewan with abnormal myocardial perfusion scans were not at greater risk of death or coronary events.

Database of Optimized Proteomic Quantitative Methods for Human Drug Disposition-Related Proteins for Applications in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling

The purpose of this study was to create an open access repository of validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) methods for quantifying 284 important proteins associated with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Various in silico and experimental approaches were used to select surrogate peptides and optimize instrument parameters for LC‐MS/MS quantification of the selected proteins. The final methods were uploaded to an online public database (QPrOmics; www.qpromics.uw.edu/qpromics/assay/), which provides essential information for facile method development in triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) instruments. To validate the utility of the methods, the differential tissue expression of 107 key ADME proteins was characterized in the tryptic digests of the pooled subcellular fractions of human liver, kidneys, intestines, and lungs. These methods and the data are critical for development of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to predict xenobiotic disposition.

Ontogeny of Hepatic Drug Transporters as Quantified by LC-MS/MS Proteomics

Protein expression of major hepatic uptake and efflux drug transporters in human pediatric (n = 69) and adult (n = 41) livers was quantified by liquid chromatography / tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). Transporter protein expression of OCT1, OATP1B3, P-gp, and MRP3 was age-dependent. Particularly, significant differences were observed in transporter expression (P < 0.05) between the following age groups: neonates vs. adults (OCT1, OATP1B3, P-gp), neonates or infants vs. adolescents and/or adults (OCT1, OATP1B3, and P-gp), infants vs. children (OATP1B3 and P-gp), and adolescents vs. adults (MRP3). OCT1 showed the largest increase, of almost 5-fold, in protein expression with age. Ontogenic expression of OATP1B1 was confounded by genotype and was revealed only in livers harboring SLCO1B1*1A/*1A. In livers >1 year, tissues harboring SLCO1B1*14/*1A showed 2.5-fold higher (P < 0.05) protein expression than SLCO1B1*15/*1A. Integration of these ontogeny data in physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models will be a crucial step in predicting hepatic drug disposition in children.

Expression of Podoplanin in Different Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background:

The expression of podoplanin is up-regulated in a number of different human cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and its relationship with tumor invasion raises the possibility that podoplanin expression could be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.

Aim:

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the expression of podoplanin in different grades of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to correlate the expression of podoplanin with relevant clinical features such as age, sex, site and associated habits.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective study was carried on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded blocks of oral SCC (OSCC) from the archives of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram. Thirty diagnosed cases were included, of which 10 were well-differentiated SCC (WDSCC) (n = 10), 10 moderately DSCC and 10 poorly DSCC. Demographics including age, sex, gender and associated habit history, were recorded. Immunohistochemical staining was done with podoplanin anti D2–40 antibody, for all the cases of OSCC and assessed qualitatively. The data obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:

In the present study, 27 cases of SCC showed podoplanin expression and remaining three cases showed no expression. The scoring criterion suggested by Yuan et al. was followed for semi-quantitative assessment. OSCC, seven cases presented weak expression (Immunoreactive score [IRS] 0–3), 15 presented moderate expression (IRS Score 4–7) and 5 presented high expression (IRS Score > 8). The assessment of podoplanin expression in the cytoplasm, the membrane and the cytoplasm and membrane (both) of tumor cells showed overall high positivity in the cytoplasmic followed by both and the membrane.

Conclusion:

Podoplanin could be a potent biomarker in assessing the cytoplasm/membrane staining of tumor cells. Furthermore, a high level of podoplanin expression is suggestive of high frequency of lymph node metastasis and immature status in the differentiation process of OSCC.

The concept of fraction of drug transported (ft ) with special emphasis on BBB efflux of CNS and antiretroviral drugs

The fraction of drug transported (ft) into or out of a tissue is a concept useful to understand the impact of transporters on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and tissue distribution of a drug. Here, ft is utilized to explain the impact of transporters on central nervous system (CNS) distribution of drugs, drug interactions (DDI), and to predict the unbound brain concentration (Cu,b) of the drug. The latter is important to ascertain if Cu,b is sufficient for efficacy.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,2,3-triazole linked aminocombretastatin conjugates as mitochondrial mediated apoptosis inducers

A series of 1,2,3-triazole linked aminocombretastatin conjugates were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity, inhibition of tubulin polymerization and apoptosis inducing ability. Most of the conjugates exhibited significant anticancer activity against some representative human cancer cell lines and two of the conjugates 6d and 7c displayed potent cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 53 nM and 44 nM against A549 human lung cancer respectively, and were comparable to combretastatin A-4 (CA-4). SAR studies revealed that 1-benzyl substituted triazole moiety with an amide linkage at 3-position of B-ring of the combretastatin subunit are more active compared to 2-position. G2/M cell cycle arrest was induced by these conjugates 6d and 7c and the tubulin polymerization assay (IC50 of 1.16 μM and 0.95 μM for 6d and 7c, respectively) as well as immunofluorescence analysis showed that these conjugates effectively inhibit microtubule assembly at both molecular and cellular levels in A549 cells. Colchicine competitive binding assay suggested that these conjugates bind at the colchicine binding site of tubulin as also observed from the docking studies. Further, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS generation, caspase-3 activation assay, Hoechst staining and DNA fragmentation analysis revealed that these conjugates induce cell death by apoptosis.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of haptophytes (Isochrysis species)

Isochrysis galbana and Isochrysis sp. are economically important microalgae from the division of haptophytes. Here, we report Agrobacterium-mediated stable DNA transfer into their nuclear genomes. Initial studies were performed to standardize co-cultivation media and determine the sensitivity of the microalgae to selective agents. Up to 1 mg/ml of the antibiotic hygromycin did not inhibit growth, whereas both the haptophytes bleached in artificial seawater (ASW) medium containing micromolar concentrations of the herbicide norflurazon. Co-cultivation of Isochrysis sp. and I. galbana with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 harboring the binary vector pCAMBIA 1380-pds-L504R yielded norflurazon-resistant (NR) colonies visible on selective plates after 20-30 days. pCAMBIA 1380-pds-L540R was constructed by cloning a mutated genomic phytoene desaturase (pds) gene from Haematococcus pluvialis as a selectable marker gene into the binary vector system pCAMBIA 1380. Co-cultivation of Isochrysis sp. with A. tumefaciens in ASW medium containing 200 μM of acetosyringone for 72 h produced the highest number of NR cells. For I. galbana, 100 μM of acetosyringone, ASW medium, and 48 h co-cultivation period appeared to be optimum co-cultivation parameters. The NR colonies kept their resistance phenotype for at least 24 months, even in the absence of selective pressure. The transfer of the pds gene in NR cells was shown by PCR amplification of the T-DNA sequences from the genomic DNA of NR cells and Southern blot analysis using T-DNA sequences as probes. The genetic manipulation described here will allow metabolic engineering and a better understanding of several biochemical pathways in the future.

PECVD based silicon oxynitride thin films for nano photonic on chip interconnects applications

Thin silicon oxynitride (SiO(x)N(y)) films were deposited by low temperature (~300°C) plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), using SiH(4), N(2)O, NH(3) precursor of the flow rate 25, 100, 30 sccm and subjected to the post deposition annealing (PDA) treatment at 400°C and 600°C for nano optical/photonics on chip interconnects applications. AFM result reveals the variation of roughness from 60.9 Å to 23.4 Å after PDA treatment with respect to the as-deposited films, favourable surface topography for integrated waveguide applications. A model of decrease in island height with the effect of PDA treatment is proposed in support of AFM results. Raman spectroscopy and FTIR measurements are performed in order to define the change in crystallite and chemical bonding of as-deposited as well as PDA treated samples. These outcomes endorsed to the densification of SiO(x)N(y) thin films, due to decrease in Si-N and Si-O bonds strain, as well the O-H, N-H bonds with in oxynitride network. The increase in refractive index and PL intensity of as deposited SiO(x)N(y) thin films to the PDA treated films at 400°C and 600°C are observed. The significant shift of PL spectra peak positions indicate the change in cluster size as the result of PDA treatment, which influence the optical properties of thin films. It might be due to out diffusion of hydrogen containing species from silicon oxynitride films after PDA treatment. In this way, the structural and optical, feasibility of SiO(x)N(y) films are demonstrated in order to obtain high quality thin films for nano optical/photonics on chip interconnects applications.

In vitro reaction phenotyping studies on rifamycins to explain the auto-induction of rifabutin metabolism

A study was carried out to establish the relative contribution of human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes in the metabolism of rifampicin (RMP), rifapentine (RPT) and rifabutin (RFB). It involved the incubation of the three drugs in five major CYP450 isoforms. Both RMP and RPT showed minimal metabolism by CYP450 enzymes, whereas RFB showed extensive metabolic degradation by CYP3A4. A known inducer of CYP3A4, RFB was shown in this study to be also a substrate for the same enzyme. The latter might be one of the reasons for the auto-induction of RFB metabolism and the consequent lower bioavailability of the drug on repeated administration.

An unusual case of renal tubular acidosis

A 40-year-old female with a history of glue sniffing and intravenous drug use presented to hospital with a week's history of feeling generally unwell. She had had multiple admissions to hospital with similar presentations in the past. On examination, the only significant clinical finding was that of a reduced level of consciousness. Laboratory investigations revealed a hyperchloremic normal anion gap metabolic acidosis with a positive urine anion gap and a urine pH of 6.5 combined with a severely low hypokalaemia. She was subsequently diagnosed with renal tubular acidosis type 1, secondary to toluene exposure from glue sniffing and was treated with intravenous fluids and potassium replacement and discharged home with oral potassium citrate and advised to stop her inhalant use.

In vitro antioxidant and antibacterial properties of hydrolysed proteins of delimed tannery fleshings: comparison of acid hydrolysis and fermentation methods

Proteins in delimed tannery fleshings were fermentatively hydrolysed using Enterococcus faecium NCIM5335 and also hydrolysed using mild organic acids (formic acid and propionic acid). The liquor portion containing hydrolysed proteins was spray dried, in both the cases, to obtain a powder. The spray dried powder was evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activities with respect to scavenging different free radicals and antibacterial properties against nine different pathogens. Fermentation and acid hydrolysates scavenged 83 and 75.3% of 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radicals, respectively, at a protein concentration of 0.25 mg. Further, fermentation hydrolysate showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of 59% as compared to 56% scavenging by acid hydrolysate at a protein concentration of 5 mg. Acid hydrolysate exhibited lesser (82.3%) peroxy radical scavenging compared to hydrolysate from fermentation (88.2%) at a protein concentration of 10 mg. However, acid hydrolysate exhibited higher (89.2%) superoxide anion scavenging while its fermentation counterpart showed lower activity (85.4%) at 2.5 mg hydrolysate protein. Well as superoxide anion scavenging properties. All the in vitro antioxidant properties exhibited dose dependency. Fermentation hydrolysate exhibited maximum antagonistic activity against Salmonella typhi FB231, from among host of pathogens evaluated. Both the hydrolysates have potential to be ingredients in animal feeds and can help reduce oxidative stress in the animals.