A commercial monovalent canine parvovirus vaccine performs better than a commercial combination vaccine in puppies

Thirty puppies were randomly divided in to 3 groups for comparative evaluation of two commercial CPV vaccines. Each group was further subdivided in to < 6 months and < 3 months -old puppies and either vaccinated with a monovalent vaccine: Primodog, a combination vaccine: Duramune or maintained as a non-vaccinated control. Humoral immune response was determined by Hemagglutination Inhibition (HAI) on 21 and 35 -days after vaccination. The geometric mean titer (GMT) induced by Duramune, 21 and 35 -days post-vaccination was GMT 73.3 and 137.2, respectively. Comparatively, Primodog demonstrated higher GMT on 21 and 35 -days after vaccination: 97.0 and 168.9, respectively. The older puppies (< 6 months old) demonstrated higher seroconversion to both vaccines.

Effectiveness of vortioxetine in real-world clinical practice: French cohort results from the global RELIEVE study

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects around 10% of the French population annually and significantly impacts patient functioning. Efficacy of vortioxetine was demonstrated in randomised controlled trials, data on its real-world performance is needed.

Objectives

To describe the effectiveness and safety of vortioxetine in real-world setting from patients enrolled from France in the global RELIEVE study.

Methods

RELIEVE was a prospective, multi-national, observational study of outpatients initiating vortioxetine treatment for MDD at physician’s discretion. Data were collected at routine clinical visits. Here we present the outcomes of treatment of patients in France. The primary outcome was functioning measured by SDS. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9, cognitive symptoms measured by PDQ-5 and DSST. Changes from baseline to month 6 were estimated with a linear mixed model of repeated measures approach.

Results

A total of 184 patients (mean age, 50.2 years, 65% female, 67.9% of patients had at least one comorbidity) were enrolled from France and included in the analysis. Mean(SD) SDS total score, PHQ-9, PDQ-5 scores at baseline were 21.1(5.4), 17.5(4.7) and 11.7(4.4), the scores(SE) decreased by 10.9(0.59), 9.3(0.48) and 6.1(0.37) from baseline to month 6. Mean(SD) DSST improved from 41.6(15.2) at baseline to 49.1(19.0) at month 6. Safety and tolerability profile of vortioxetine was in line with previous studies.

Conclusions

Sustained improvements in overall functioning, depressive symptoms, cognitive function were observed in patients treated with vortioxetine in a real-world setting, which provided further evidence of effectiveness and safety of vortioxetine in a broad MDD population in France.

Disclosure

M. Rabbani is an employee of Lundbeck France. K. Simonsen and H. Ren are employees of H. Lundbeck A/S.

AB1456 CLINICAL IMPACT OF THE INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE MULTIDISCIPLINARY SERVICE

Background

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a diverse group of pulmonary diseases for which accurate diagnosis is critical for optimal management and outcomes. Diagnosing ILD, both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and connective-tissue-disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD), has become critically important, as the disease has a devastating prognosis with poor survival.There are also management implications, as patients with ILD can now potentially be treated with new antifibrotic therapies such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, both of which have been approved. Certain types of CTD – ILD may benefit from systemic immunomodulatory therapies. Diagnosis of ILD can be challenging and a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is recommended in current guidelines. Several studies have reported that MDT diagnosis is associated with higher levels of diagnostic confidence and better interobserver agreement (1-3).

Objectives

We describe the benefits of an ILD multidisciplinary service on the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected ILD.

Methods

We performed a single-centre retrospective review of consecutive patients referred to the ILD clinic with subsequent discussions in ILD MDTs over a 36-month period from 2016 to 2019. We compared changes in ILD diagnosis and management at referral to those following the ILD-MDT. We collected data on the demographics, occupation, age at ILD onset, smoking status, imaging, blood tests including autoimmune serology, MDT recommendations, change in diagnosis after MDT, tertiary referral, serial PFTs, medications and outcomes. Cases of suspected ILD that were not fully characterised and those with complex management issues were presented at our monthly ILD MDT.

Results

A total of 208 patients were referred to the ILD clinic over a 36-month period. Of these, 106 cases were discussed at the ILD MDT and the remaining 102 cases did not require discussion at the MDT as these deemed to be clear cut, which included RA and CTD ILD. The mean age of the total cohort was 74 (min age 32, max age 97) and 120 (58 %) were males. Overall, evaluation by the ILD service (i.e. ILD clinic and MDT) resulted in a change in diagnosis in 106(51%) patients. Of those, 49(46%) didn’t have ILD. In the remaining 57 patients with suspected ILD, the majority of the diagnoses were ILD with an uncertain classification (24, 23%). The other diagnoses included CTD-ILD (4, 3.7%), ILD with autoimmune serology 11(10.4%), IPF 10(9.4%), Drug-induced-ILD 3(2.8%), Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis 5(4.7%), Eosinophilic pneumonitis 1 (0.94%), Cryptogenic Pneumonitis 1(0.94%), PPFE with IPF 1 (0.94%), PPFE 1 (0.94%), CPFE 4 (0.94%), EAA 2 (0.94%), RB-ILD 2 (1.88%), Langerhans Histiocytosis 2 (1.88%).16/57(28%) were referred to a tertiary centre for further management. Serology was positive in 11 patients (ANA 6, CCP 3, and ANCA 2). Of the 57 patients with other diagnoses, the main recommendations included steroids (28), anti-fibrotic therapy (4), immunomodulatory therapy (6) and ambulatory Oxygen (1). Further analysis will be carried out on survival and treatment outcomes of the cohort.

Conclusion

Dedicated ILD-MDT service has an important clinical impact on the care of the ILD patient, with frequent changes in ILD diagnosis and subsequent management and outcomes. Multidisciplinary approach to the management of these patients should be standard of care for these patients.

References

[1]Flaherty KR, King TE Jr, Raghu G, et al. Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia: what is the effect of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis? Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2004; 170:904-10.

[2]Lynch DA, Sverzellati N, Travis WD, et al. Diagnostic criteria for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a Fleischner Society White Paper. Lancet Respir Med 2018; 6:138-53.

[3]Ryerson CJ, Corte TJ, Lee JS, et al. A standardized diagnostic ontology for fibrotic interstitial lung disease. An international working group perspective. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 196:1249-54.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Molecular detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in different poultry breeds of Abbottabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan

The poultry sector in Pakistan is contributing mainly in bridging gap between demand and supply for protein. Mycoplasma gallisepticum is an emerging bacterium causing serious problems in poultry industry of Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the M. gallisepticum load in poultry populated regions of Pakistan. Total 600 serum and 600 swab samples were collected, 200 from each broiler, layers and breeders poultry in Rawalpindi and Abbottabad districts. Serum samples were analyzed through ELISA for seroprevalence. Swabs were cultured on Frey's medium followed by PCR and partial mgc2 gene sequencing. Results of seroprevalence of M. gallisepticum showed that layers (75%, n=150) are more positive as compared to breeders (70%, n=140) and broilers (50%, n=100). Typical colonies of the M. gallisepticum were observed in breeder (26.5%), followed by layer (21%) and broilers (9%). A total of 37.1% (n=42) samples were identified positive through PCR out of total 113 cultured based positive samples. A total of six M. gallisepticum isolates of current study showed 98-99 percent similarity with previously reported isolates on the basis of mgc2 gene partial sequencing. The M. gallisepticum was found highly prevalent in different poultry breads. Results of this study would add into basic data and provide a direction for livestock sector to strengthen a control strategy for mycoplasmosis in poultry farms.

Removal of dibutyl phthalate from aqueous environments using a nanophotocatalytic Fe, Ag-ZnO/VIS-LED system: modeling and optimization

An (Fe, Ag) co-doped ZnO nanostructure was synthesized by a simple chemical co-precipitation method and used for the degradation of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in aqueous solution under visible light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation. (Fe, Ag) co-doped ZnO nanorods were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, elemental mapping, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis. A Central Composite Design was used to optimize the reaction parameters for the removal of DBP by the (Fe, Ag) co-doped ZnO nanorods. The four main reaction parameters optimized in this study were the following: pH, time of radiation, concentration of the nanorods and initial DBP concentration. The interaction between the four parameters was studied and modeled using the Design Expert 10 software. A maximum reduction of 95% of DBP was achieved at a pH of 3, a photocatalyst concentration of 150 mg L^-1 and a DBP initial DBP concentration of 15 mg L^-1. The results showed that the (Fe, Ag) co-doped ZnO nanorods under low power LED irradiation can be used as an effective photocatalyst for the removal of DBP from aqueous solutions.

Role of water chemistry and stabilizers on the Vero-cells-based infectivity of Newcastle disease virus live vaccine

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) live vaccines are supplied in lyophilized form and usually administered through conventional routes (drinking water, spray, or eye drop) following reconstitution in a diluent. Virus inactivation due to physico-chemical properties of the diluent at the time of administration may lead to vaccine failure. The present study aimed to evaluate the survival of NDV live vaccine strain immersed in 5 pH-amended water samples (pH 5.00, pH 6.00, pH 7.00, pH 8.00, and pH 9.00) by sequential determination of virus infectivity on Vero cells for 3 hours. Minimum reduction in virus infectivity was recorded in the water with neutral or slightly alkaline pH, while the virus was relatively less stable at extreme pH conditions. Maximum reduction of infectivity was observed in the water with pH 9.00 in which the virus was completely inactivated within 3 hours. Addition of stabilizers (Cevamune^® or skimmed milk) slightly altered the pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) values of the virus-charged water samples. In the stabilizer-added water samples, minimum reduction in infectivity was observed in the water with neutral pH, followed by the ones with a pH of 8.00, 6.00, 5.00, and 9.00. In all types of water samples, T-90 values (time required for 90% reduction in virus infectivity) were highest (485 minutes) at neutral pH (pH 7.00) and lowest (102 to 134 min) at an extreme alkaline condition (pH 9.00). Results of the present study indicate that water with a pH range of 7.00 to 8.00 is suitable for administration of NDV live vaccines. However, the addition of Cevamune^® or skimmed milk may have beneficial effects on preserving the infectivity of the virus, even at extreme pH conditions.

Effect of mutations in putative hormone binding sites on V2 vasopressin receptor function

The vasopressin V2 receptor belongs to the large family of the G-protein coupled receptors and is responsible for the antidiuretic effect of the neurohypophyseal hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP). Based on bioinformatic studies it seems that Ala300 and Asp297 of the V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) are involved in receptor binding. Ala300Glu mutation resulted in lower energy while Asp297Tyr mutation resulted in higher energy in AVP-V2R docked complex rather than the wild type. Therefore we hypothesized that the Ala300Glu mutation results in stronger and Asp297Tyr mutation leads to weaker ligand-receptor binding. Site directed mutagenesis of Asp297Tyr and Ala300Glu was performed using nested polymerase chain reaction. After restriction enzyme digestion, the inserts were ligated into the pcDNA3 vector and Escherichia coli XL1-Blue competent cells were transformed using commercial kit and electroporation methods. The obtained colonies were analyzed for the presence and orientation of the inserts using proper restriction enzymes. After transient transfection of COS-7 cells using ESCORT™ IV transfection reagent, the adenylyl cyclase activity assay was performed for functional studies. The cell surface expression of V2R was analyzed by indirect ELISA method. Based on the obtained results, the Ala300Glu mutation of V2R led to reduced levels of cAMP production without a marked effect on the receptor expression and the receptor binding. Effect of Asp297Tyr mutation on cell surface expression of V2R was the same as the wild type receptor. Pretreatment with 1 nM vasopressin showed an increased level of Asp297Tyr mutant receptor internalization as compared to the wild type receptor, while the effect of 100 nM vasopressin was similar in the mutant and wild type receptors. These data suggest that alterations in Asp297 but not Ala300 would affect the hormone receptor binding.

Effects of disulfiram on apoptosis in PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line

Pancreatic carcinoma is currently considered as a rapidly progressive and fatal disease, and is typically diagnosed late in its natural course. It is characterized by a poor diagnosis and lack of response to conventional therapy. Recent studies have suggested that disulfiram (DSF), a member of the dithiocarbamate family, may have antitumor activity. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of DSF on apoptosis in human pancreatic cancerous cell line (PANC-1). PANC-1 cells were cultured and treated with DSF at doses of 5, 10, 13 μM for 24 h and apoptosis was measured. Methylation specific PCR (MS-PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR were carried out to detect the methylation pattern and to estimate the mRNA expression levels of RASSF1A, p21 and Bax. MS-PCR analysis demonstrated that no unmethylated band was apeared in PANC-1 cell line after DSF treatments. The real-time quantitative PCR results showed no significant mRNA expression for RASSF1A (p>0.05); whereas p21 and Bax expression were significantly (p<0.01) enhanced after treatment with DSF. The results of the current study indicated that DSF can induce appoptosis in PANC-1 through p21 and Bax pathway but not through RASSF1A.

The effect of nimodipine on memory loss following naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal in object recognition

We have previously evaluated the effect of nimodipine, L-type calcium channel blocker, on memory loss during spontaneous morphine withdrawal. In the present study the effect of nimodipine on memory loss in naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal mice was investigated. Mice were made dependent by increasing doses of morphine for three days. Object recognition task that was used for evaluation of memory performance comprised of three sections: 15 min habitation, 12 min first trial and 5 min test trial. Naloxone was injected 3 h after the administration of the last dose of morphine. Recognition index was evaluated 20 min after naloxone injection. Nimodipine was administrated in repeated form (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) with daily doses of morphine or as a single injection (5 and 10 mg/kg) on the last day. Both acute and repeated treatments with nimodipine prevented the memory impairment in naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal mice (P<0.05 comparison of acute and repeated treatment data with their corresponding control values). Corticosterone concentration was significantly increased in the brain and blood of the mice during withdrawal. Pretreatment with nimodipine, however, decreased the corticosterone concentration in both brain and blood. The present study showed that nimodipine prevents intense memory loss following naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal.

The apoptotic effects of sirtuin1 inhibitor on the MCF-7 and MRC-5 cell lines

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is an enzyme that deacetylates histones and several nonhistone proteins including p53 during stress and plays an important role in the survival of tumor cells. Hereby, this study describes the potency of salermide as a SIRT1 inhibitor to induce apoptosis in the MCF-7 and MRC-5 cell lines. MCF7 and MRC-5 cell lines were cultured in RPMI-1640 and treated with or without salermide at concentration of 80.56 μmol/L, based on the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) index at different times (24, 48 and72 h). The IC50 value was established for the salermide in MCF-7. The percentage of apoptotic cells was measured by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was performed to estimate the mRNA expression of sirtuin1 in MCF-7 and MRC-5 with salermide at different times. ELISA and Bradford protein techniques were used to detect endogenous levels of total and acetylated p53 protein generated in MCF-7 and MRC-5 cells. Our findings indicated that salermide can induce apoptosis in MCF-7 significantly more effective than MRC-5 cells. We showed that the expression of SIRT1 was dramatically down-regulated by increasing the time of salermide treatment in MCF-7 but not MRC-5 and that the acetylated and total p53 protein levels were increased more in MCF-7 than MRC-5. Salermide, by decreasing the expression of sirtuin1 gene, can induce acetylation of P53 protein and consequently induce significant cell death in MCF-7 that was well tolerated in MRC-5.

The effect of AM281, a cannabinoid antagonist, on memory performance during spontaneous morphine withdrawal in mice

Abrupt cessation of morphine leads to withdrawal signs and cognitive deficits. Endocannabinoid system is activated during withdrawal; therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of AM281, cannabinoid antagonist/inverse agonist, on memory deficit following spontaneous morphine withdrawal. Cognition was evaluated by using the object recognition task. The novel object recognition task was tested in a square wooden open-field box using objects. The test was consisting of three sections: 15 min exploration, first trial for 12 min and second one for 5 min. In the second trial the difference in exploration between a previously seen object and a novel one, was considered as an index of memory performance (recognition index - RI). Male mice were made dependent by increasing doses of morphine (30-90 mg/kg) subcutaneously twice daily for 3 days. AM281 (0.62, 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg) were used in chronic form concurrent with morphine i.p. or acutely (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) on the last day. RI was evaluated on the third day 4 h after the last dose of morphine. Chronic administration of AM281 at 2.5 mg/kg improved RI to the 22.1 ± 4.8 and single dose of AM281 at 5 mg/kg improved the memory impairment to the 8.5 ± 4, as compared with vehicle-treated which was 4.8 ± 2.5. The results suggested that administration of AM281 at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg in chronic form and 5 mg/kg in acute dose improved memory.

Comparison of bleomycin-induced pulmonary apoptosis between NMRI mice and C57BL/6 mice

Apoptosis has a critical role in the pathogenesis of bleomycin induced-pulmonary fibrosis. The severity of fibrosis varies among different strains of mice. Recent studies have indicated that expression of apoptotic regulatory genes may be specific in different cell types in various strains. In this study, bleomycin-induced pulmonary apoptosis in NMRI (Naval Medical Research Institute, USA) albino mice were compared with C57BL/6 black mice. Pulmonary fibrosis induced by single intratracheal administration of bleomycin (3 U/kg). Control mice were instilled with the same volume of saline. After 2 weeks, fibrotic responses were studied by biochemical measurement of collagen deposition and histological examination of pathological lung changes. Apoptosis was detected and quantitated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Bleomycin significantly (P<0.05) increased lung collagen content and also induced fibrotic histological changes in both strains. Apoptosis was detected in the bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells after bleomycin instillation. TUNEL-positive alveolar epithelial cells in bleomycin-treated lungs of C57BL/6 and NMRI mice (19.5% + 2.7 and 17% + 2.0, respectively) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of saline-treated lungs (1.5% + 0.5) with no significant difference between two strains of mice (P>0.05). Despite some murine strain variation in the expression of apoptotic regulatory genes in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, the results of the present study revealed no significant differences in alveolar epithelial apoptosis between NMRI and C57BL/6 black mice. However, these results confirm the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and suitability of both strains as experimental models of lung fibrosis.

Evaluation of the anxiolytic effect of Nepeta persica Boiss. in mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Nepeta persica Boiss. (Lamiaceae) on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) model of anxiety. The extract of arial parts of the plant was administered intraperitoneally to male NMRI mice, at various doses, 30 min before behavioural evaluation. The HE extract of N. persica at the dose of 50 mg kg⁻¹ significantly increased the percentage of time spent and percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the EPM. This dose of plant extract affected neither animal's locomotor activity nor ketamine-induced sleeping time. The 50 mg kg⁻¹ dose of the plant extract seemed to be the optimal dose in producing the anxiolytic effects, lower or higher doses of the plant produce either sedative or stimulant effects. At 100 mg kg⁻¹, the plant extract increased the locomotor activity. These results suggested that the extract of N. persica at dose of 50 mg kg⁻¹ possess anxiolytic effect with less sedative and hypnotic effects than that of diazepam and causes a non-specific stimulation at 100 mg kg⁻¹.

Inverted impacted primary maxillary incisors: a case report

Tooth impaction rarely occurs in primary dentition. Most of the primary teeth impactions are seen in second molars. The purpose of this article is to present a 4-year-old girl with bilateral impaction of inverted primary maxillary central incisors which trauma had displaced their tooth germ before erupting.

Validation and optimization of experimental colitis induction in rats using 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid

Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis is one of the most common methods for studying inflammatory bowel disease in animal models. Several factors may, however, affect its reproducibility, rate of animal mortality, and macroscopic and histopathological outcomes. Our aim was to validate the main contributing factors to this method and compare the effects of different reference drugs upon remission of resultant colon injuries. TNBS was dissolved in 0.25 ml of ethanol (50% v/v) and instilled (25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) intracolonically to the male Wistar rats. After determination of optimum dose of TNBS in male rats and assessment of this dose in female rats, they were treated with reference drugs including dexamethasone [1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.) and 2 mg/kg, orally (p.o.)], Asacol (mesalazine, 100 mg/kg, p.o.; 150 mg/kg, enema) and hydrocortisone acetate (20 mg/kg, i.p.; 20 mg/kg, enema) which started 2 h after colitis induction and continued daily for 6 consecutive days. Thereafter, macroscopic and microscopic parameters and clinical features were assessed and compared in different groups. We found that the optimum dose of TNBS for the reproducibility of colonic damage with the least mortality rate was 50 mg/kg. Amongst studied reference drugs, hydrocortisone acetate (i.p.), dexamethasone (i.p. and p.o.) and Asacol (p.o.) significantly diminished the severity of macroscopic and microscopic injuries and could be considered effective for experimental colitis studies in rats . Our findings suggest that optimization of TNBS dose is essential for induction of colitis under the laboratory conditions; and gender exerts no impact upon macroscopic and histological characteristics of TNBS-induced colitis in rats. Furthermore, the enema forms of hydrocortisone and Asacol are not appropriate reference drugs.

A Lack of tolerance to the anxiolytic action of Echium amoenum

The anxiolytic effect of the flower of Echium. amoenum was shown in several experimental studies in mice. The present study was aimed to determine whether tolerance develops to anxiolytic action of E. amoenum in mice. NMRI male mice were injected intraperitoneal with hydroalcoholic extract (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) or saline once each day (8 am) for period of 7 days and then tested on light/dark box model. Anxiolytic effect was determined by light/dark box and elevated plus-maze. According to the results, hydroalcohoic extract of E. amoenum when given both acutely and chronically (7 days) at 25 and 50 mg/kg, significantly increased the time in the illuminated zone. The number of transitions in the light/dark apparatus, however, was not significantly altered by the tested doses of the plant. Diazepam at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg produced anxiolytic effect in both model of anxiety, namely, the light/dark box and elevated plus-maze. No tolerance was developed to the anxiolytic effect of E. amoenum extract after 7 days of treatment. Our results suggest that one week treatment with extract of the E. amoenum does not produce tolerance to its anxiolytic action. Longer period of treatment using implant procedure is probably necessary to cause molecular changes in order to induce tolerance.

Designing of an online system for radiocaesium measurements in the marine environment

An online radiocaesium measuring system (ORMS) is designed to determine the environmental radiocaesium contamination of sea water near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). The System consists of a 400-liter, spherical stainless steel water tank, including three aluminum (0.5mm) enclosure NaI (TI) detectors, which each are located in 120° phase angle with size (6×3in.) to confirm each other. Responses of detectors to gamma radiations were calculated, using Monte Carlo code MCNP.4C. Moreover, delay time of each response and the dead time of the whole system to be considered due to designing decisions were calculated.

Formulation and characterization of modified release tablets containing isoniazid using swellable polymers

The aim of this work was to develop swellable modified release (MR) isoniazid tablets using different combinations of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and sodium-carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC). Granules were prepared by moist granulation technique and then compressed into tablets. In vitro release studies for 12 hr were carried out in dissolution media of varying pH i.e. pH 1.2, 4.5, 7.0 and 7.5. Tablets of all formulations were found to be of good physical quality with respect to appearance (width and thickness), content uniformity, hardness, weight variation and friability. In vitro release data showed that increasing total polymer content resulted in more retarding effect. Formulation with 35% polymer content exhibited zero order release profile and it released 35% of the drug in first hr, later on, controlled drug release was observed upto the 12(th) hour. Formulations with PVAc to Na-CMC ratio 20:80 exhibited zero order release pattern at levels of studied concentrations, which suggested that this combination can be used to formulate zero order release tablets of water soluble drugs like isoniazid. Korsmeyer-Peppas modeling of drug release showed that non-Fickian transport is the primary mechanism of isoniazid release from PVAc and Na-CMC based tablets. The value of mean dissolution time decreased with the increase in the release rate of drug clearly showing the retarding behavior of the swellable polymers. The application of a mixture of PVAc to Na-CMC in a specific ratio may be feasible to formulate zero order release tablets of water soluble drugs like isoniazid.

The role of N53Q mutation on the rat mu-opioid receptor function

Glycosylation of the mu-opioid receptor may play an important role on its function. Using nested PCR, N53Q mutation was prepared in the N-terminal region of the rat mu-opioid receptor cDNA and cloned into the pcDNA3 vector. The plasmids containing the wild-type and mutated receptor cDNA were transfected into the COS-7 cells. Intracellular cAMP was measured in the morphine-treated and untreated transfected cells using an ELISA kit. Plasmid expression was evaluated using X-gal staining. Intracellular concentration of cAMP in the N53Q-mutated cells was not significantly different from the wild-type. The expression of the transfected plasmids was confirmed. Therefore, based on these results, it seems that glycosylation at the N53 site of the rat mu-opioid receptor does not influence the function of this receptor significantly.

Mutation of the histidin residue of the DRH motif in vasopressin V2 receptor expression and function

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R), a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR), plays an important role in the regulation of renal antidiuretic function. The highly conserved DRH motif is essential for G protein signaling of V2R; however its role especially regarding the histidin residue is not fully understood..

METHODS

Site directed mutagenesis was performed with replacements of the histidin to isoleucine by using nested polymerase chain reaction. ELISA was performed for receptor expression assay and the adenylyl cyclase activity assay was performed for functional characterization of DRI mutation on V2R signaling.

RESULTS AND MAJOR CONCLUSION

The adenylyl cyclase activity assay in COS-7 cells showed no difference in the amount of cAMP production between the wild type and the mutant V2 receptors. The V2 receptor expression was not changed in the presence of this mutation using ELISA assay. These results suggest that the role of histidin residue is not critical in the V2 receptor function, however further mutagenesis studies are required to define the role of this motif in V2R function.

Mutating Asn-666 to Glu in the O-helix region of the taq DNA polymerase gene

Taq DNA polymerase is widely used in laboratories and for this reason many investigators have focused their attention on understanding the role of various regions and amino acids in this enzyme. O-helix is a part of taq polymerase suggested to play an important role in the enzyme fidelity. The influence of Asn666 in this helix on the enzyme function has never been investigated, and therefore by using nested PCR, a portion of taq DNA polymerase gene containing Asn666Glu mutation was amplified. This DNA was digested with Eco RI restriction enzyme to confirm the presence of Asn666Glu mutation. After digesting this product and the wild type taq-pET-15b plasmid with NheI and BamHI restriction enzymes, they were ligated and used for the transformation of E. coli DH5α competent cells. The obtained colonies were screened for the presence of the mutated taq polymerase gene using EcoRI, NdeI and BamHI restriction enzymes. In conclusion, with the use of the obtained recombinant plasmid it is possible to study the role of this amino acid on taq DNA polymerase function.

The role of strain variation in BAX and BCL-2 expression in murine bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

This study hypothesized that the expression of apoptosis-regulatory genes, such as BCL-2 and BAX may be affected by genetic variation in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in C57BL/6 and NMRI mice. Pulmonary fibrosis induced by single intratracheal dose of bleomycin (3 U kg(-1)). After 2 weeks, lung samples were analyzed for collagen deposition, pathological changes and expression of BCL-2 and BAX. The fibrotic lung changes were similar in both strains. The immunohistochemical assay using a biotin-streptavidin technique showed no significant difference in immunoreactivity for BCL-2 protein between the controls and bleomycin-treated C57BL/6 mice. However, in NMRI mice, the expression of BCL-2 was significantly (p<0.05) upregulated in myofibroblasts and neutrophils. The expression of BAX protein was significantly (p<0.05) upregulated in alveolar epithelial cells of both strains and downregulated in myofibroblasts and lymphocytes of the lung tissues of C57BL/6 mice and also in lymphocytes of NMRI mice at 2 weeks after bleomycin instillation. These results confirm the role of BCL-2 and BAX proteins in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and suggest that the expression of apoptotic regulatory genes may be specific in different cell types in various strains.

Molecular detection of Streptomyces griseus isolated from Isfahan soil

The aim of the present study was to detect Streptomyces griseus from Isfahan soil using biochemical, morphological and molecular techniques. Soil samples were collected from different regions (compost, 50 year old garden, river bed, clove, wheat farms and domestic yards) of Isfahan in two different seasons. One gram of each sample was serially diluted and cultivated in a primary isolation medium. Morphological shapes of colonies and vegetative hyphae were initially used to separate the grown bacteria of the samples. Various biochemical tests based on Bergey's manual of systemic bacteriology were performed to separate the Streptomyces from other related Genera. In order to further separate Streptomyces grisesus, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of aphE and strA genes in isolated colonies. Biochemical and morphological results, showed the presence of several species of Streptomyces in the collected samples. The expected band of 924 bp belonging to strA gene was observed in the positive control bacterial DNA (PTCC 1125). Several other bands were also observed in the positive control sample. From the total of 10 colonies that undergone molecular detection for the presents of strA gene, 6 colonies (W1, W3, W5, F4, F5, F26) showed only one band at 750 bp and four (W1, W3, F5, F26) showed an extra band of approximately 924 bp band as well. The expected band of 671 bp belonging to aphE gene was detected in positive control bacterial DNA (PTCC 1125). None of the soil samples, however, showed the presence of the aphE gene (data not shown).

In vivo study of metal content of oral mucosa cells in patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances

OBJECTIVE

To compare the concentration of nickel, chromium and cobalt in oral mucosa cells of patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 patients were included in this study. The control group consisted of 30 patients without any type of fixed orthodontic appliances or metal restoration in the mouth (20 females and 10 males from 16 to 20 years with a mean age of 18 years). The test group consisted of 30 patients who had fixed orthodontic appliance in their upper and lower arches (20 females and 10 male from 16 to 20 years with a mean age of 18.2 years). The metal content determinations were carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a graphite furnace.

RESULTS

According to spectrophotometric analysis, no significant differences in chromium (p = 0.09) and cobalt (p = 0.10) content of oral mucosa cells were found between the test and control samples. The nickel content in mucosa samples was significantly higher (p = 0.003) in orthodontic patients compared with the controls. The mean levels of nickel in control and orthodontic patient group were 12.26 and 21.74 ng / ml, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that there was no difference in the concentration of chromium and cobalt in oral mucosa cells of patients with or without fixed appliances. However, a significantly higher concentration of nickel can be found in oral mucosa cells of patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. Continued follow-up is needed to determine the long-term significance of nickel release.

Photocatalytic degradation of C.I. Acid Red 27 by immobilized ZnO on glass plates in continuous-mode

The photocatalytic degradation of C.I. Acid Red 27 (AR27), an anionic monoazo dye of acid class, in aqueous solutions was investigated with immobilized ZnO catalyst on glass plates in a continuous-mode. In the slurry ZnO system the separation and recycling of the photocatalyst is practically difficult. Thus, ZnO was immobilized on solid supports to solve this problem. The removal percent increases with increasing the photoreactor volume and light intensity but it decreases when the flow rate is increased. With decreasing flow rate from 43 to 15mlmin(-1), the complete decolorization and degradation was obtained at around 748 and 1080cm(3) from photoreactor volume. The increase in the light intensity from 21.4 to 58.5Wm(-2) increases the decolorization from 23 to 57.6% and degradation from 17.5 to 37.8% for 374cm(3) of photoreactor volume. NH(4)(+), NO(3)(-), NO(2)(-) and SO(4)(2-) ions were analyzed as mineralization products of nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms. Results showed that final concentration of SO(4)(2-) ions and N-containing mineralization products were less than the finally expected stoichiometric values. The positive slope of production of NH(4)(+), NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) shows that these compounds are initial products resulting directly from the initial attack on the nitrogen-to-nitrogen double bond (-NN-) of the azo dye.

Efficacy of dried colostrum powders in the prevention of diarrhea in neonatal Holstein calves

One hundred and twenty healthy Holstein calves were assigned randomly at birth to one of four groups; each group contained 30 calves and the calves were received as follows: group A, 85 ± 5 g of lyophilized colostrum powder dissolved in 3 kg of whole milk; group B, 85 ± 5 g of spray-dried colostrum powder dissolved in 3 kg of whole milk; group C, 750 ml frozen and thawed colostrum in 3 kg of whole milk, and group D, only 3 kg of whole milk without colostrum supplement. Each group was subdivided into 3 sub-groups of 10 calves as follows: calves fed colostrum supplement at 24 or 48 or 72 h after birth. All calves fed fresh colostrum within 6 h after birth at the amount of 5% of BW by bottle. Calves which were fed lyophilized colostrum supplement had a significant lower incidence of diarrhea in comparison to control calves. In addition, calves were received lyophilized colostrum supplement at 24 h after birth showed less incidence of diarrhea than calves fed the supplement at 48 and 72 h. According to the results of present study providing lyophilized colostrum supplement at 24 h after birth might have been preventive effect on calf diarrhea. The spray-dried colostrum supplement had not the same effect.

Protective effects of calcium-magnesium soft gels in morphine tolerant and dependent mice

The present study was aimed at evaluating the acute effects of Calcium-Magnesium soft gels (CalMag) in morphine tolerant and dependent mice. Mice were rendered tolerant and dependent on morphine by subcutaneous injection of morphine over a fixed time period. Withdrawal signs were precipitated by injecting naloxone 2 h after the final injection of morphine. The tail-pinch assay was used to investigate the effects of various compounds on the development and reversal of morphine tolerance. Acute injection of CalMag (containing 50 mg/kg calcium and 25 mg/kg magnesium) significantly reduced the number of jumps, stands and fast breathing in morphine dependent mice. Co-administration of calcium (50 mg/kg) and magnesium (25 mg/kg) was also effective in preventing the development of morphine tolerance and dependence. Administration of calcium (up to 50 mg/kg) alone did not significantly block the development of tolerance and dependence. The mean latency to pain was significantly increased in animals pretreated with CalMag (containing 50 mg/kg calcium and 25 mg/kg magnesium). The mixture of calcium and magnesium at specific concentrations seem to be critical for preventing the development of morphine tolerance and dependence.

Anxiolytic effects of Salvia reuterana Boiss. on the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety in mice

The anxiolytic and sedative effects of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Salvia reuterana Boiss. was evaluated in mice. The HE of Salvia reuterana (100 mg/kg), increased the percentage of time-spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze. Spontaneous locomotor activity count measured in 15 min of the test was significantly decreased in animals pretreated with diazepam and 100 mg/kg of Salvia reuterana extract. Results of the present study provide support for the traditional usage of Salvia reuterana as a sedative and anxiolytic medicinal plant.

Photooxidative degradation of Acid Red 27 in a tubular continuous-flow photoreactor: influence of operational parameters and mineralization products

The decolorization and mineralization of Acid Red 27 (AR27), an anionic monoazo dye of acid class, was investigated using UV radiation in the presence of H2O2 in a tubular continuous-flow photoreactor as a function of oxidant concentration, reactor length, flow rate and light intensity. The removal efficiency of AR27 depends on the operational parameters and increases as the initial concentration of H2O2 and light intensity are increased but it decreases when the flow rate is increased. The AR27 degradation was followed through HPLC, UV-vis and COD analyses. The results of these analyses showed that the final outlet stream from the photoreactor was completely mineralized. The UV/H2O2 process was also able to mineralize nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms into NH4+, NO3-, NO2- and SO4(2-) ions, respectively. The nitrogen of azo group was transformed predominantly to NH4+ ions. Decreasing the flow rate results in the reduction of COD and promotion of SO4(2-) at the final outlet stream of the photoreactor.

Hydroalcohol extract and fractions ofStachys lavandulifolia vahl: effects on spontaneous motor activity and elevated plus-maze behaviour

The present study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic effects of four fractions of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. The aerial parts of the plant were extracted with petroleum ether (PF), ethyl acetate (EF), butanol (BF) and water (AF) and tested for spontaneous motor activity and elevated plus-maze (EPM) behaviour in mice. The hydroalcohol extract (HE) and different fractions of S. lavandulifolia were administered intraperitoneally to male Syrian mice, at various doses, 30 min before the behavioural evaluation. The HE of S. lavandulifolia (at 50 mg/kg) increased the percentage of time spent (39%) and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms (53%). The HE (50 mg/kg), PF (25 and 50 mg/kg), EF (25 and 50 mg/kg) and AF (50 mg/kg) of S. lavandulifolia significantly increased the percentage of time spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms. The BF up to a dose of 50 mg/kg had no significant effects on any of the measured parameters in the EPM. The spontaneous locomotor activity was significantly decreased in animals injected with each plant fractions, compared with that of saline. The EF and AF showed the least and the most reduction in the activity, respectively. The anxiolytic effects of EF, PF and AF could be related to their content of flavonoids, phenylpropanoids or terpenoids.

Critical effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration in photochemical oxidative degradation of C.I. Acid Red 27 (AR27)

The photochemical decolorization of C.I. Acid Red 27 (AR27), an anionic monoazo dye, was studied in the UV/H2O2 process by using a batch reactor with a UV-C lamp emitting at 254 nm (30 W). The decolorization rate follows pseudo-first order kinetic with respect to the AR27 concentration. The results indicate that the apparent reaction rate constant in the UV/H2O2 process is a function of H2O2 concentration. In this work, a mathematical relation between the apparent reaction rate constant of the AR27 removal and used H2O2 was established. The applied amount of H2O2 was performed in two forms: (i) the light fraction absorbed by H2O2 in 254 nm, (ii) the initial concentration ratio of H2O2 to AR27. The results obtained from this mathematical model are in good agreement with experimental results.

Anxiolytic effects of Echium amoenum on the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety in mice

The ethanolic extract of Echium amoenum flowers at the dose of 50 mg/kg increased the percentage of time-spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and decreased the percentage of time-spent in the closed arms of EPM. Moreover, it prolonged the ketamine-induced latency to sleep but had no significant effects on total sleeping time induced by ketamine. Also, the locomotor activity was affected but not to the same extent as observed for diazepam. These results suggested that the extract of E. amoenum seems to possess anxiolytic effect with lower sedative activity than that of diazepam.

Anxiolytic effects of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety in mice

Interest in alternative medicine and plant-derived medications that affect the "mind" is growing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of Stachys lavanduifolia Vahl on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) model of anxiety. The Stachys lavandulifolia extract or its essential oil was administered intraperitoneally to male TO mice, at various doses, 30 min before the behavioral evaluation. The extract of Stachys lavandulifolia at the dose of 100 mg/kg increased the percentage of time spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the EPM and decreased the percentage of time spent and the percentage of arm entries in the closed arms of the EPM. The plant extract at doses lower than 100 mg/kg had no significant effects on any of the parameters measured on the EPM. This dose of the plant extract prolonged the ketamine-induced sleeping time, and decreased the locomotor activity in mice. These results suggested that the extract of Stachys lavandulifolia possessed anxiolytic effect with relatively lower sedative activity than diazepam. The essential oil of Stachys lavandulifolia, however, at doses of up to 100 mg/kg did not have any significant effects on the mice behaviour on the EPM.

Direct labelling of octreotide with 99mTc: effect of different concentration of reducing agents and amount of sodium pertechnetate on radiolabelling efficiency

Octreotide, a synthetic analog of natural hormone somatostatin, was labelled with 99mTc. Labelling was accomplished by reduction of the cysteine bridge, which provided sulfhydryl groups for chelating with 99mTc. Sodium ascorbate and sodium dithionite in different concentrations were used as reducing agents. Different amounts of sodium pertechnetate were used for labelling of peptide. When the mass ratio of peptide and sodium ascorbate was 1:100 and the final concentration of dithionite in the labelling vial was 0.2-0.4 microg/microl with 0.18-1.48 GBq sodium pertechnetate more than 80% radiolabelling efficiency was confirmed by RP-HPLC, ITLC-SG and C18 Cartridge analysis. The stability of the 99mTc-peptide bond was evaluated by human serum challenge and that showed the stability was 90% after 4h.

Chronic ethanol treatment reduces adenylyl cyclase activity in human erythroleukemia cells

Characteristic changes of platelet membrane adenylyl cyclase activity have been described in men with alcoholism. We studied the occurrence of these changes in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells after chronic ethanol treatment. Chronic treatment of the HEL cell with ethanol (50 or 100 mM) for 48 h resulted in significant reduction of prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. The acute ethanol (200 mM, 5 min) enhancement of adenylyl cyclase activity was significantly reduced after chronic ethanol treatment. We also observed a reduction in phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) enhancement of prostaglandin E1-stimulation after chronic ethanol treatment. Chronic ethanol treatment (50 or 100 mM) reduced the activity of adenylyl cyclase in response to stimulation by acute ethanol to a greater extent than that of after acute PDB. The increase in cAMP formation by ethanol and PDB was only evident when prostaglandin E1 was present and under basal conditions (when no stimulatory agent was present) ethanol up to 200 mM, and PDB up to 1 M, had no significant effect on adenylyl cyclase activity. The reduced capacity of ethanol and/or PDB to stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity after chronic ethanol treatment suggests the involvement of a common denominator in the action of ethanol and PDB.

Salmonella Thompson associated with improper handling of roast beef at a restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

In October 1996, we investigated an outbreak of Salmonella serotype Thompson infections associated with Restaurant A in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and conducted two cohort studies among persons who ate at luncheons catered by Restaurant A. Fifty-two Salmonella Thompson infections were identified between 29 September and 14 October 1996. Infections occurred among employees and patrons at Restaurant A and among attendees at three luncheons catered by the restaurant on 7 October. Roast beef cooked at Restaurant A was the only food item significantly associated with illness. Cooking times and storage temperatures for roast beef were inadequate to prevent multiplication of Salmonella, and the chefs were unaware of proper cooking and storage temperatures. We conclude that improper handling of roast beef probably caused this outbreak of Salmonella Thompson infections. Better knowledge of food safety practices by the cooking staff at Restaurant A, through required food safety education, might have prevented the outbreak.

Increases in neuronal Ca2+ flux after withdrawal from chronic barbiturate treatment

Chronic barbital treatment significant increased the net K+-stimulated uptake of 45Ca2+ in cerebrocortical synaptosomal preparations, 24 h after withdrawal from chronic barbital administration. Basal uptake was not significantly changed. Hippocampal synaptosomal preparations showed a similar pattern, but the increase was not significant. The synaptosomal Ca2+ uptake was not affected by incubation with the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel antagonist, nitrendipine, in controls or after chronic barbital treatment. Acute administration of a single dose of barbital did not alter the basal or stimulated uptake of 45Ca2+ in cortical synaptosomes, when this was measured 36 h after the barbital administration. Hippocampal slices prepared 24 h after withdrawal from chronic barbital treatment showed a significant increase in K+-stimulated uptake of 45Ca2+, and the basal uptake was significantly decreased. Both changes were prevented by nitrendipine. An increase in the density of dihydropyridine-sensitive binding sites was found in the cerebral cortex. The results indicate that both dihydropyridine-sensitive and insensitive neuronal Ca2+ channels are altered by chronic barbiturate treatment. These changes may be involved in physical dependence on barbiturates.