Aqueous Mg-Ion Supercapacitor and Bi-Functional Electrocatalyst Based on MgTiO₃ Nanoparticles

Supercapacitor and hydrogen-based fuel cells are cheap and environmental-friendly next-generation energy storage devices that are intended to replace Lithium-ion batteries. Metal oxide nanostructures having perovskite crystal structure have been found to exhibit unique electrochemical properties owing to its unique electronic band structure and multiple redox-active ions. Herein, MgTiO₃ nanoparticles (MTO-1) were synthesized by wet-chemical sol-gel technique with an average particle size of 50-55 nm, which exhibited superior supercapacitor performance of capacitance (C) = 25 F/g (at 0.25 A/g), energy density (E_D) = 17 Wh/kg, power density (P_D) = 275 W/kg and 82.41% capacitance retention (after 1000 cycles). Aqueous 1 M Mg(ClO₄)₂ solution was used as the electrolyte. MTO-1 revealed an overpotential () = 1.329 V and Tafel slope (b) = 374 mV/dec towards Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) electrocatalyst and exhibited = 0.914 V and b = 301.4 mV/dec towards Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) electrocatalyst, both in presence of alkaline 1 M KOH solution, making these MgTiO₃ nanoparticles very promising for potential use in various technologically important electrochemical applications.

Molten Salt Synthesized MgNiO₂ Micro/Nano-Particles for High Energy Density Supercapacitor and Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Medium

In recent years, solid solutions have shown promising results as functional materials for different applications. These materials have tunable physiochemical properties and electronic properties, and are being intensively studied for next generation electrochemical charge storage as well as noble metal free low cost electrocatalyts. In the present work, Magnesium Nickel Oxide (MgNiO₂) solid solution is prepared by molten salt synthesis. MgNiO₂ particles having octahedron shaped morphology with size of 550 nm with an agglomerative behavior was observed through morphological studies. Raman studies revealed presence of three two-phonon modes as well as two one-phonon modes, which confirm the phase purity of MgNiO₂ sample. MgNiO₂ particles behaved as a promising supercapacitor candidate by exhibiting a large specific capacitance of 76 F/g. It also revealed electrochemical stability over an expansive potential range under the presence of 0.5 mol L^-1Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) electrolyte, having a high energy density of nearly 51 Wh/kg with a power density of nearly 825 w/kg. Further, MgNiO₂ particle showed improved electrocatalytic potential towards Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in 1 mol L^-1 Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) alkaline medium, by demonstrating an overpotential of 0.636 V with a Tafel slope of 0.22205 v/dec. Based on these observed promising results, it can be conclusively inferred that MgNiO₂ solid solution is a potential candidate for environmental friendly high voltage supercapacitor and HER electrocatalyst applications.

Dopamine Prevents Ultraviolet B-induced Development and Progression of Premalignant Cutaneous Lesions through its D2 Receptors

Although the role of dopamine (DA) in malignant tumors has been reported, its function in premalignant lesions is unknown. Herein we report that the stimulation of DA D₂ receptors in endothelial cells in ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cutaneous lesions in mice significantly reduced the tumor number, tumor burden, and malignant squamous cell carcinoma in these animals. DA D₂ receptor agonist inhibited VEGFA-dependent proangiogenic genes in vitro and in vivo. However, the mice pretreated with selective DA D₂ receptor antagonist inhibited the actions of the agonist, thereby suggesting that the action of DA was through its D₂ receptors in the endothelial cells. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report DA-mediated regulation of pathogenesis and progression of UVB-induced premalignant skin lesions. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: This investigation demonstrates the role of dopamine and its D₂ receptors in UVB induced premalignant squamous cell skin lesions and how DA through its D₂ receptors inhibits the development and progression of these lesions and subsequently prevents squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

Suppression of beta 2 adrenergic receptor actions prevent UVB mediated cutaneous squamous cell tumorigenesis through inhibition of VEGF-A induced angiogenesis

Although beta 2 adrenergic receptors (β2 ADR) are present in the keratinocytes, their role in cutaneous squamous cell tumorigenesis needs to be ascertained. For the first time, we report here that selective β2 ADR antagonists by inhibiting β2 ADR actions significantly retarded the progression of ultraviolet B (UVB) induced premalignant cutaneous squamous cell lesions. These antagonists acted by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) mediated angiogenesis to prevent UVB radiation-induced squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

Chebulinic acid is a safe and effective antiangiogenic agent in collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Background

Although vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), serious side effects, mainly grade 2–3 hypertension, which is commonly observed with currently available anti-VEGF agents, can be detrimental for RA patients due to hypertension and associated cardiovascular complications seen in these patients. Thus, identification of anti-VEGF molecules that do not increase blood pressure could be useful for the treatment of RA. Chebulinic acid (CI), a water-soluble small-molecule tannin, can inhibit the actions of VEGF, and a report suggested that CI might not increase blood pressure due to its compensatory effects on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, the effects of CI on blood pressure in mice and the progression of the disease in a murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model were investigated.

Methods

CIA was induced in DBA/1J mice with type II collagen. The effects of CI in these animals were then evaluated by determination of clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical parameters. The effects of CI on VEGF-induced proangiogenic genes and signaling pathways were examined in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Significant CD31 and VEGF expressions were detected in the synovial tissues of mice with CIA, similar to their expressions observed in human RA patients. However, treatment with CI significantly inhibited paw swelling, decreased the mean articular index and joint pathology scores in these animals through inhibition of VEGF-induced proangiogenic gene expressions and signaling pathways that regulate angiogenesis. Unlike currently used antiangiogenic agents, CI at a dose that inhibits VEGF actions did not increase blood pressure in mice.

Conclusion

CI can act as a safe and potent anti-VEGF antiangiogenic agent for the treatment of types of inflammatory arthritis, such as RA.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-020-02370-1.

P2797Clinical outcomes of an ultra-thin strut sirolimus-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer in all-comers patients undergoing coronary intervention

Background

Thin stent struts may be associated with reduced vessel injury and use of biodegradable polymers may further improve long term outcomes. However, data with earlier stents has been inconsistent; thus further studies with newer devices are needed.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new ultra-thin (65um) strut cobalt chromium sirolimus-eluting stent with a hybrid design (closed cell at ends and open cells in middle to reduce edge injury and optimise conformability) in all-comers patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We enrolled 752 patients from 14 sites undergoing PCI into a prospective, non-randomised, multi-centre, open-label, observational registry. Inclusion of patients with complex anatomy (long stent lengths, bifurcations and chronic total occlusions) was encouraged. Clinical follow-up was scheduled at 1, 9, 12 and 24 months. The primary endpoint was incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) - cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or target vessel revascularization (TVR) - at 9 months.

Results

Mean patient age was 64.7±12.2 years, 20.7% had diabetes, 58.8% had dyslipidaemia, 40.4% had multi-vessel disease, 22% had previous PCI, 4.7% had previous coronary-artery bypass graft, and 19.6% had a clinical history of previous MI. Mean lesion length was 25.7±17.3 mm. The primary endpoint of cumulative MACE up to 9 months (from 624 patients reaching 9 months follow-up) occurred in 12 patients (1.92%), including 6 (0.96%) cardiac death, 5 (0.80%) MI and 6 (0.96%) clinically indicated TVR. Definite stent thrombosis was reported in 3 patients (0.48%) and probable stent thrombosis in 2 patients (0.32%).

Conclusions

Use of an ultra-thin strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent in all-comers patients undergoing PCI was associated with good clinical efficacy and safety.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Meril Life

A bifunctional chiral [2]catenane based on 1,1'-binaphthyl-phosphates

A novel [2]catenane was synthesised by ring-closing metathesis from a Ca-bisphosphate template. The resulting interlocked structure features two chiral 1,1'-binaphthyl-phosphates, leading to a bifunctional catenane structure. Initial binding studies point at the applicability of such mechanically interlocked bisphosphates as artificial receptors for dicationic guest molecules.

Short environmental enrichment in adulthood reverses anxiety and basolateral amygdala hypertrophy induced by maternal separation

Maternal separation during early childhood results in greater sensitivity to stressors later in adult life. This is reflected as greater propensity to develop stress-related disorders in humans and animal models, including anxiety and depression. Environmental enrichment (EE) reverses some of the damaging effects of maternal separation in rodent models when provided during peripubescent life, temporally proximal to the separation. It is presently unknown if EE provided outside this critical window can still rescue separation-induced anxiety and neural plasticity. In this report we use a rat model to demonstrate that a single short episode of EE in adulthood reduced anxiety-like behaviour in maternally separated rats. We further show that maternal separation resulted in hypertrophy of dendrites and increase in spine density of basolateral amygdala neurons in adulthood, long after initial stress treatment. This is congruent with prior observations showing centrality of basolateral amygdala hypertrophy in anxiety induced by stress during adulthood. In line with the ability of the adult enrichment to rescue stress-induced anxiety, we show that enrichment renormalized stress-induced structural expansion of the amygdala neurons. These observations argue that behavioural plasticity induced by early adversity can be rescued by environmental interventions much later in life, likely mediated by ameliorating effects of enrichment on basolateral amygdala plasticity.

Staphylococcal septicaemia associated with peripheral neuropathy in three different clinical settings

Among the various etiologies of peripheral neuropathy, S. aureus is a rare cause that is not even mentioned in standard textbooks. Here we like to report three clinical scenarios where patients with different manifestations of S. aureus infection developed peripheral neuropathy presenting as quadriparesis, which subsided gradually with control of infection and supportive care. No other known causes of peripheral neuropathy were present in these cases.

The utilization of opiates in pain management: use or abuse

BACKGROUND

Despite governmental regulations, opiate medications continue to be abused in some populations. Some clinicians have advocated non-opioid therapy for pain patients that suffer from non-malignant conditions; while others have suggested that chronic benign pain conditions may successfully be managed with opiates in non-escalating dosages.

AIM

The aim of this paper was to review the literature regarding opiate utilization in the acute and chronic pain population.

DESIGN

Review.

SETTING

Europe and United States.

POPULATION

Acute and chronic adult pain patients.

METHODS

A computer-aided search of several databases--MEDLINE (1966 to July 2012); EMBASE (Elsevier BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), 1982 to present; CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EBSCO Industries, Glendale, CA), 1982 to July 2012; and all EBM (Evidence-Based Medicine) reviews was performed. The search terms were pain, opioid, opiate and narcotic.

RESULTS

It is generally accepted that WHO step III opioids are indicated and appropriate in malignant conditions, however the utilization of opiates in non-malignant chronic conditions remains controversial.

CONCLUSION

Limited data does support the utilization of non-escalating dosages of opiates in patients that are closely monitored in non-malignant conditions. Education in opiate utilization and pain management is insufficient in its current form.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Studies demonstrating functional improvements with the utilization of opiate medications are also lacking. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation researchers therefore have an ideal opportunity to positively influence education, regulation and patient care in this field.

Hla-a and hla-B alleles associated in psoriasis patients from mumbai, Western India

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis, a common autoimmune disorder characterized by T cell-mediated keratinocyte hyperproliferation, is known to be associated with the presence of certain specific Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles.

AIM

To evaluate distribution of HLA-A and HLA-B alleles and hence identify the susceptible allele of psoriasis from patients in Western India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study design included 84 psoriasis patients and 291 normal individuals as controls from same geographical region. HLA-A and HLA-B typing was done using Serology typing. Standard statistical analysis was followed to identify the odds ratio (OR), allele frequencies, and significant P value using Graphpad software.

RESULTS

The study revealed significant increase in frequencies of HLA-A2 (OR-3.976, P<0.0001), B8 (OR-5.647, P<0.0001), B17 (OR-5.452, P<0.0001), and B44 (OR-50.460, P<0.0001), when compared with controls. Furthermore, the frequencies of HLA-A28 (OR-0.074, P=0.0024), B5 (OR-0.059, P<0.0001), B12 (OR-0.051, P=0.0002), and B15 (OR-0.237, P=0.0230) were significantly decreased in psoriasis patients.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the strong association of HLA-A2, B8, and B17 antigens with psoriasis conferring susceptibility to psoriasis patients from Western India, while the antigens HLA-A28, B5, and B12 show strong negative association with the disease.

On the equivalence of posterior inference based on retrospective and prospective likelihoods: application to a case-control study of colorectal cancer

The paper develops a class of priors that leads to equivalent posterior inference for odds ratio parameters based on prospective and retrospective models for categorical response data. The results are applicable to both unmatched and matched case-control studies. The results hold for a general class of link functions for categorical response. The proposed method can accommodate multiple and possibly ordered disease states. The results are applied to the analysis of discrete subtypes in an ongoing case-control study of colorectal cancer. A simulation study illustrates the need for carefully considering prior choices in Bayesian analysis of data collected under retrospective design.

Young male with systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with sensorineural deafness with immune suppression induced miliary tuberculosis

A 32 year male presented with deafness and other classical symptoms suggestive of SLE. Subsequent serological investigations confirmed the diagnosis. Renal biopsy showed the presence of SLE induced Grade V nephropathy. Patient was started on NIH protocol for lupus nephritis on which he was doing well. After two years, he presented with symptoms of miliary tuberculosis and was started on ATD. Subsequently, he developed ATD induced hepatotoxicity and had to be switched over to Inj. Streptomycin containing regimen. We thought to share this clinical experience, as we found it a challenge to manage tuberculosis in such a setting, where a fine balance had to be maintained between immunosuppression for SLE and therapy of TB, and an ototoxic drug had to be used in a patient with deafness induced by SLE.

Prevalence of ponticulus posticus in Indian orthodontic patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of complete ponticulus posticus in Indian orthodontic patients.

METHODS

The presence and types of ponticuli posticus were investigated on 858 lateral cephalograms.

RESULTS

Complete ponticulus posticus was found in 4.3% of the subjects studied with a male (5.33%) predominance over female in the population (3.76%).

CONCLUSIONS

Ponticulus posticus is not a rare anomaly and the patient must be told of the implications and importance of detecting ponticulus posticus on a lateral cephalogram. This information can prove beneficial for the diagnosis of head and neck symptoms later.

Efficacy of Second Molar to Achieve Anchorage Control in Maximum Anchorage Cases

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of inclusion of second molar in treatment at the outset to reinforce anchorage.

METHODS

A comparative study comprising of 30 maximum anchorage cases to quantify anchorage loss in two situations was undertaken. Group I consisted of cases in which only first molars were banded and Group II consisted of cases where both first and second molars were banded. A total of seven landmarks were marked and six measurements were recorded on to the pre-treatment and post-treatment lateral cephalogram.

RESULT

The difference in pre-treatment and post-treatment values of all the variables were statistically significant (p<0.05) except maxillary central incisor vertical movement (U1 VER), implying a significant post-treatment change. Thus in both the treatment approaches U6 and U1 showed a considerable amount of movement in horizontal and vertical direction and there was rotation which brought about change in angular values.

CONCLUSION

The study has successfully quantified the anchorage loss and brought out the advantages of including second molar in treatment at the outset. Not only the anchorage loss is minimized but inclusion of second molar also helps to maximize incisor retraction and helps control angular movement of molar and incisor. Extra time required for second molar banding is well spent, as the benefits are overwhelming.

SK2 potassium channel overexpression in basolateral amygdala reduces anxiety, stress-induced corticosterone secretion and dendritic arborization

The basolateral amygdala is critical for generation of anxiety. In addition, exposure to both stress and glucocorticoids induces anxiety. Demonstrated ability of the amygdala to change in response to stress and glucocorticoids could thus be important therapeutic target for anxiety management. Several studies have reported a relationship between anxiety and dendritic arborization of the amygdaloid neurons. In this study we employed a gene therapeutic approach to reduce anxiety and dendritic arborization of the amygdala neurons. Specifically, we overexpressed SK2 potassium channel in the basolateral amygdala using a herpes simplex viral system. Our choice of therapeutic cargo was guided by the indications that activation of the amygdala might underlie anxiety and that SK2 could reduce neuronal activation by exerting inhibitory influence on action potentials. We report that SK2 overexpression reduced anxiety and stress-induced corticosterone secretion at a systemic level. SK2 overexpression also reduced dendritic arborization of the amygdala neurons. Hence, SK2 is a potential gene therapy candidate molecule that can be used against stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety.

Effect of route of introduction and host cultivar on the colonization, internalization, and movement of the human pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 in spinach

Human pathogens can contaminate leafy produce in the field by various routes. We hypothesized that interactions between Escherichia coli O157:H7 and spinach are influenced by the route of introduction and the leaf microenvironment. E. coli O157:H7 labeled with green fluorescent protein was dropped onto spinach leaf surfaces, simulating bacteria-laden raindrops or sprinkler irrigation, and survived on the phylloplane for at least 14 days, with increasing titers and areas of colonization over time. The same strains placed into the rhizosphere by soil infiltration remained detectable on very few plants and in low numbers (10(2) to 10(6) CFU/g fresh tissue) that decreased over time. Stem puncture inoculations, simulating natural wounding, rarely resulted in colonization or multiplication. Bacteria forced into the leaf interior survived for at least 14 days in intercellular spaces but did not translocate or multiply. Three spinach cultivars with different leaf surface morphologies were compared for colonization by E. coli O157:H7 introduced by leaf drop or soil drench. After 2 weeks, cv. Bordeaux hosted very few bacteria. More bacteria were seen on cv. Space and were dispersed over an area of up to 0.3 mm2. The highest bacterial numbers were observed on cv. Tyee but were dispersed only up to 0.15 mm2, suggesting that cv. Tyee may provide protected niches or more nutrients or may promote stronger bacterial adherence. These findings suggest that the spinach phylloplane is a supportive niche for E. coli O157:H7, but no conclusive evidence was found for natural entry into the plant interior. The results are relevant for interventions aimed at minimizing produce contamination by human pathogens.

Utilization of HIV point-of-care testing clinics in general practice and genitourinary medicine services in south-east London

We compared the utilization of HIV point-of-care testing (POCT) clinics in a general practice and a genitourinary (GU) medicine service. Retrospective case-note review of patients attending the general practice HIV POCT clinic from February 2005 to July 2007 was undertaken. Those attending the GU medicine service over the same period were used as a comparator group. HIV POCT clinics in general practice when compared with GU medicine services were significantly more likely to be utilized by those of Black ethnicity (Black African 61/370 [16.5%] vs. 107/1231 [8.7%], P < 0.001; Black Caribbean 19/370 [5.1%] vs. 11/1231 [0.9%], P < 0.001 and Black Other 20/370 [5.4%] vs. 26/1231 [2.1%], P = 0.001, respectively). Fewer men who have sex with men attended for HIV POCT in general practice than in GU medicine; 82/238 (34.5%) vs. 337/816 (41.3%), P = 0.058. We have demonstrated that HIV POCT clinics in primary care and GU medicine attract different 'at-risk' groups and provide increased opportunity for testing.

Polony analysis of gene expression in ES cells and blastocysts

Expression profiling of stem cells is challenging due to their small numbers and heterogeneity. The PCR colony (polony) approach has theoretical advantages as an assay for stem cells but has not been applied to small numbers of cells. An assay has been developed that is sensitive enough to detect mRNAs from small numbers of ES cells and from fractions of a single mouse blastocyst. Genes assayed include Oct3, Rex1, Nanog, Cdx2 and GLUT-1. The assay is highly sensitive so that multiple mRNAs from a single blastocyst were easily detected in the same assay. In its present version, the assay is an attractive alternative to conventional RT–PCR for profiling small populations of stem cells. The assay is also amenable to improvements that will increase its sensitivity and ability to analyze many cDNAs simultaneously.

Brd4 is required for e2-mediated transcriptional activation but not genome partitioning of all papillomaviruses

Bromodomain protein 4 (Brd4) has been identified as the cellular binding target through which the E2 protein of bovine papillomavirus type 1 links the viral genome to mitotic chromosomes. This tethering ensures retention and efficient partitioning of genomes to daughter cells following cell division. E2 is also a regulator of viral gene expression and a replication factor, in association with the viral E1 protein. In this study, we show that E2 proteins from a wide range of papillomaviruses interact with Brd4, albeit with variations in efficiency. Moreover, disruption of the E2-Brd4 interaction abrogates the transactivation function of E2, indicating that Brd4 is required for E2-mediated transactivation of all papillomaviruses. However, the interaction of E2 and Brd4 is not required for genome partitioning of all papillomaviruses since a number of papillomavirus E2 proteins associate with mitotic chromosomes independently of Brd4 binding. Furthermore, mutations in E2 that disrupt the interaction with Brd4 do not affect the ability of these E2s to associate with chromosomes. Thus, while all papillomaviruses attach their genomes to cellular chromosomes to facilitate genome segregation, they target different cellular binding partners. In summary, the E2 proteins from many papillomaviruses, including the clinically important alpha genus human papillomaviruses, interact with Brd4 to mediate transcriptional activation function but not all depend on this interaction to efficiently associate with mitotic chromosomes.

Dose perturbations due to contrast medium and air in MammoSite® treatment: An experimental and Monte Carlo study

In the management of early breast cancer, a partial breast irradiation technique called MammoSite (Proxima Therapeutic Inc., Alpharetta, GA) has been advocated in recent years. In MammoSite, a balloon implanted at the surgical cavity during tumor excision is filled with a radio-opaque solution, and radiation is delivered via a high dose rate brachytherapy source situated at the center of the balloon. Frequently air may be introduced during placement of the balloon and/or injection of the contrast solution into the balloon. The purpose of this work is to quantify as well as to understand dose perturbations due to the presence of a high-Z contrast medium and/or an air bubble with measurements and Monte Carlo calculations. In addition, the measured dose distribution is compared with that obtained from a commercial treatment planning system (Nucletron PLATO system). For a balloon diameter of 42 mm, the dose variation as a function of distance from the balloon surface is measured for various concentrations of a radio-opaque solution (in the range 5%-25% by volume) with a small volume parallel plate ion chamber and a micro-diode detector placed perpendicular to the balloon axis. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to provide a basic understanding of the interaction mechanism and the magnitude of dose perturbation at the interface near balloon surface. Our results show that the radio-opaque concentration produces dose perturbation up to 6%. The dose perturbation occurs mostly within the distances <1 mm from the balloon surface. The Plato system that does not include heterogeneity correction may be sufficient for dose planning at distances > or = 10 mm from the balloon surface for the iodine concentrations used in the MammoSite procedures. The dose enhancement effect near the balloon surface (<1 mm) due to the higher iodine concentration is not correctly predicted by the Plato system. The dose near the balloon surface may be increased by 0.5% per cm3 of air. Monte Carlo simulation suggests that the interface effect (enhanced dose near surface) is primarily due to Compton electrons of short range (<0.5 mm). For more accurate dosimetry in MammoSite delivery, the dose perturbation due to the presence of a radio-opaque contrast medium and air bubbles should be considered in a brachytherapy planning system.

The in vivo synthesis and accumulation of lectin in developing seeds of black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper)

Black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) seed contains two D-galactose-specific lectin species, BGL-I and BGL-II, identified on the basis of elution from ion exchange column and immunochemical cross-reactivity. BGL-I consisted of two monomeric lectins, BGL-I-1 and BGL-1-2, of relative molecular weights 94 and 89 kDa, respectively. BGL-II is another monomeric lectin with a molecular weight of 83 kDa. The in vivo synthesis studies using pulse-chase experiment showed that BGL-II lectin was synthesized as early as 14 days after flowering (DAF). The 94-kDa BGL-I-1 lectin was synthesized around 17 DAF. There was no cotranslational or posttranslational modification of the lectin proteins. The amount of lectin in developing seeds was determined by radial immunodiffusion assay technique. The maximum amount of lectin per seed was found at 28 DAF.

Exchange of genetic sequences of long terminal repeat and the env gene by a promiscuous primate type D retrovirus

Squirrel monkey retrovirus (SMRV) is a New World primate type D retrovirus. It was shown that SMRV-related sequences could be detected in another New World species, the skunk. It was further suggested that SMRV and an Old World primate type C retrovirus, baboon endogenous virus (BaEV), may have exchanged their env gene sequences. In this study, we sought to understand which sequences were exchanged between the genomic DNAs of SMRV and skunk. We also sought to determine the sequences exchanged between SMRV and BaEV. Here, we demonstrate that the long terminal repeat of SMRV is present in the skunk genome. We also show, by nucleotide sequence analysis, that the env gene that encodes the p15E glycoprotein of BaEV was most likely transduced from the corresponding gene of a primate type D retrovirus. Our results demonstrate that SMRV is a promiscuous virus with its pol gene homologous to the pol genes of type A, type B and avian type C viruses and a portion of its env gene homologous to the env genes of primate type C retroviruses. However, the primer binding sequence is unique to type D retroviruses. These kinds of recombination are likely to occur more than once in the evolution of retroviruses. The promiscuous nature of retroviruses and the recent incidence of unintended retroviral integration into a gene therapy patient underscore the importance of understanding how retroviral sequences are recombined among themselves and how they are integrated into the mammalian genome.