Comparison of cardiovascular outcomes of moderate to severely calcific de novo coronary lesion preparation for stent implantation using rotational atherectomy in conjunction with cutting balloon versu

Background

Previous studies showed the combined rotational atherectomy (RA) and cutting balloon angioplasty (CBA) strategy was associated with favourable cardiovascular outcomes compared to RA and plain balloon angioplasty (PBA) for adequate lesion preparation before stent implantation in moderate to severely calcified coronary lesions. However, these studies were limited by small sample size.

Purpose

To assess clinical outcomes in a large group of patients with moderate to severely calcified de novo severe coronary artery stenoses using RA followed by CBA (RA+CBA) compared to RA followed by PBA (RA+PBA) before 2.5–3.5 mm diameter stent implantation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1852 patients with moderate to severely calcified de novo severe coronary artery stenosis who underwent RA+CBA (n=372) or RA+PBA (n=1480) before 2.5–3.5 mm stent implantation. Death, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), stent thrombosis (ST), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were calculated at 1-year. Standard multivariable covariate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were performed.

Results

At 1-year follow-up, the unadjusted MACE [HR: 1.58 (1.14–2.21); p=0.007] was significant in RA+CBA group compared to RA+PBA group, even after adjusted for multiple variables [HR: 1.61 (1.11–2.35); p=0.013] (Figure 1A). This was mainly driven by TVR [Unadjusted HR: 1.76 (1.16–2.68); p=0.008 and adjusted HR: 1.64 (1.01–2.67); p=0.045] (Figure 1B). However, other adjusted outcomes including death [HR: 1.25 (0.63–2.50); p=0.521], MI [HR: 1.71 (0.77–3.77); p=0.188], and ST [HR: 2.11 (0.64–6.95); p=0.221] were not significant between both groups. There was no significant difference in complications including coronary artery dissection, side branch closure, coronary perforation, slow flow/no flow, abrupt vessel closure, post procedure MI, blood transfusion or bleeding in between the two groups.

Conclusion

In moderate to severely calcific de novo severe coronary artery stenosis lesion preparation before 2.5–3.5 mm stent implantation, RA+CBA strategy is associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to RA+PBA strategy at 1-year follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Cultivation of Kabul Dhingri (Pleurotus eryngii) mushroom by standardizing protocols in subtropical zones of world

The study is of great relevance with present day pandemic era where mushrooms have immunity enhancing properties and they convert agro-wastes into protein rich food. India is having a youth population of about 750 million and mushroom cultivation has good potential to contribute in national income as well as enhanced immunity. The key aspects undertaken during research were the spawn production, cultivation methodology, and the suitability of various factors affecting the production and yield attributes of Pleurotus eryngii under ambient conditions in subtropical areas. Study includes yield enhancing substrate, sterilization method, spawn and substrate quantity in the growing of King Oyster i.e. Pleurotus eryngii in subtropical zones. Paddy straw was found to be the best substrate giving the highest biological efficiency and producing maximum number of fruiting bodies which is otherwise burnt by farmers in India and it is a major cause of air pollution. Whereas, maize straw showed fastest spawn run and pin head emergence out of six tested substrates and supplements. But, due to the unavailability of paddy straw in this region, the other straws resulting in optimum yields are to be recommended. Chemical steeping of substrate with chlorine water at 0.4% + carbendazim at 2% + dichlorovos at 0.1% of water used for soaking showed best results in terms of biological efficiency whereas, water and aerated steam treatment of substrate at 85 °C-90°C for about 60-90 min supported the results in leaching of nutrients and thus, biological efficiency gets lower. Out of four spawn rates used, spawn rate of 5% was found significantly best resulting in maximum biological efficiency, fastest mycelial run, primordial initiation and highest average fruit body weight. All the experiments were found statistically significant except the experiment that was performed for evaluating the optimum quantity of substrate for bag preparation. There was not much difference in the obtained yields with respect to increase in the amounts of substrate. So, growing this mushroom from the obtained best results will result in better production with higher income even for the marginal farmers in subtropical zones of world.

Emerging Trends in Metalloid-Dependent Signaling in Plants

Metalloids are semiconducting elements that constitute a small group in the periodic table of elements. Their occurrence in nature either poses an environmental threat or benefit to plants. The precise mechanisms or manner of crosstalk of metalloid interference and sensing remain open questions. Standard plant nutrient solutions contain the metalloid boron (B) as a micronutrient, while silicon (Si) is considered a beneficial element routinely supplied only to some plants such as grasses. By contrast, arsenic (As) is a severe environmental hazard to most organisms, including plants, while the less abundant metalloids germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), and tellurium (Te) display variable degrees of toxicity. Here we review the molecular events and mechanisms that could explain the contrasting (or overlapping) action of metalloids on the cell and cell signaling.

Remodeling of Root Growth Under Combined Arsenic and Hypoxia Stress Is Linked to Nutrient Deprivation

Root architecture responds to environmental stress. Stress-induced metabolic and nutritional changes affect the endogenous root development program. Transcriptional and translational changes realize the switch between stem cell proliferation and cell differentiation, lateral root or root hair formation and root functionality for stress acclimation. The current work explores the effects of stress combination of arsenic toxicity (As) and hypoxia (Hpx) on root development in Arabidopsis thaliana. As revealed previously, combined As and Hpx treatment leads to severe nutritional disorder evident from deregulation of root transcriptome and plant mineral contents. Both As and Hpx were identified to pose stress-specific constraints on root development that lead to unique root growth phenotype under their combination. Besides inhibition of root apical meristem (RAM) activity under all stresses, As induced lateral root growth while root hair density and lengths were strongly increased by Hpx and HpxAs-treatments. A dual stimulation of phosphate (Pi)-starvation response was observed for HpxAs-treated plant roots; however, the response under HpxAs aligned more with Hpx than As. Transcriptional evidence along with biochemical data suggests involvement of PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 1; PHR1-dependent systemic signaling. Pi metabolism-related transcripts in close association with cellular iron homeostasis modulate root development under HpxAs. Early redox potential changes in meristematic cells, differential ROS accumulation in root hair zone cell layers and strong deregulation of NADPH oxidases, NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases and peroxidases signify a role of redox and ROS signaling in root architecture remodeling under HpxAs. Differential aquaporin expression suggests transmembrane ROS transport to regulate root hair induction and growth. Reorganization of energy metabolism through NO-dependent alternate oxidase, lactate fermentation, and phosphofructokinase seems crucial under HpxAs. TOR and SnRK-signaling network components were potentially involved in control of sustainable utilization of available energy reserves for root hair growth under combined stress as well as recovery on reaeration. Findings are discussed in context of combined stress-induced signaling in regulation of root development in contrast to As and Hpx alone.

Amelioration of diabetes-induced cognitive impairment by Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) channel inhibitor: Behavioral and mechanistic study

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are Ca²⁺ permeable non-selective cation channels which play a pivotal role in diabetes and diabetic complications. Among diabetic complications, diabetes-induced cognitive impairment is a major CNS complication. The role of several TRP channels has been investigated extensively for their diverse Ca²⁺ regulating mechanism, and recently their role has been postulated in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. However, the role of TRPV2 has not been investigated yet. Therefore, in the present study, the involvement of TRPV2 channels was investigated in diabetes-induced cognitive impairment using TRPV2 inhibitor, tranilast. High glucose exposure in rat C6 glial cells enhances the Ca²⁺-entry through TRPV2 channels. In our in-vivo study, diabetic rats showed increased gene and protein expression of TRPV2 in the hippocampus. Subsequent increase in the acetylcholinesterase activity in the cortex, as well as decrease in the phosphorylation of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMKII-Thr-286), p-GSK-3β (Ser-9), p-CREB (Ser-133) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) in the hippocampus were also observed this led to the impairment in the learning and memory as evident from behavioral parameters such as Morris water maze test, passive avoidance and Y-maze test paradigm. Three-week treatment with tranilast (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) showed improvement in learning and memory associated behaviours (Morris water maze test, passive avoidance, and Y-maze test) by increasing the p-CaMKII (Thr-286), p-GSK-3β (Ser-9), p-CREB (Ser-133) and PSD-95 in the hippocampus. Cortical acetylcholinesterase activity was also reduced by the tranilast. These findings depicted that TRPV2 inhibition may be an effective treatment strategy in diabetes-induced cognitive deficits.

Interference between arsenic-induced toxicity and hypoxia

Plants often face combinatorial stresses in their natural environment. Here, arsenic (As) toxicity was combined with hypoxia (Hpx) in the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana as it often occurs in nature. Arsenic inhibited growth of both roots and leaves, whereas root growth almost entirely ceased in Hpx. Growth efficiently resumed, and Hpx marker transcripts decreased upon reaeration. Compromised recovery from HpxAs treatment following reaeration indicated some persistent effects of combined stresses despite lower As accumulation. Root glutathione redox potential turned more oxidized in Hpx and most strongly in HpxAs. The more oxidizing root cell redox potential and the lowered glutathione amounts may be conducive to the growth arrest of plants exposed to HpxAs. The stresses elicited changes in elemental and transcriptomic composition. Thus, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous amounts decreased in rosettes, but the strongest decline was seen for potassium. The reorganized potassium-related transcriptome supports the conclusion that disturbed potassium homeostasis contributes to the growth phenotype. In a converse manner, photosynthesis-related parameters were hardly affected, whereas accumulated carbohydrates under all stresses and anthocyanins under Hpx exclude carbohydrate limitation. The study demonstrates the existence of both synergistic since mutually aggravating effects and antagonistic effects of single and combined stresses.

Zinc encapsulated chitosan nanoparticle to promote maize crop yield

Zinc deficient/or alkaline soil is globally widespread issue and cultivation of cereals in such soil results in severe depression in plant growth, higher disease incidence and lower grain yield. To address such problems, laboratory synthesized Zn-chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were evaluated via seed priming and foliar application in maize plants. Zn-chitosan NPs (0.01-0.16%) showed strong in vitro antifungal and seedling growth promotry activities. Further, Zn-chitosan NPs exhibited significant disease control through strengthening of plant innate immunity by elevating antioxidant and defense enzymes, balancing of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing lignin accumulation. In field, seed treatment and foliar application of developed NPs (0.01-0.16%) significantly controlled Curvularia leaf spot (CLS) disease, increased grain yield from 20.5 to 39.8% and enriched the grain with zinc micronutrient from 41.27 to 62.21 μg/g dw. Results claim that Zn-chitosan NPs could be an effective growth promotry, disease controlling and micronutrient fortifying agent in maize crop.

Thymol nanoemulsion exhibits potential antibacterial activity against bacterial pustule disease and growth promotory effect on soybean

An antibacterial and plant growth promoting nanoemulsion was formulated using thymol, an essential oil component of plant and Quillaja saponin, a glycoside surfactant of Quillaja tree. The emulsion was prepared by a sonication method. Fifty minutes of sonication delivered a long term stable thymol nanoemulsion which was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cryogenic-field emission scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-FESEM) and fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Creaming index, pH and dilution stability were also studied for deliberation of its practical applications. The nanoemulsion (0.01-0.06%, v/v) showed substantial in vitro growth inhibition of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycine of soybean (6.7-0.0 log CFU/ml). In pot experiments, seed treatment and foliar application of the nanoemulsion (0.03-0.06%, v/v) significantly lowered the disease severity (DS) (33.3-3.3%) and increased percent efficacy of disease control (PEDC) (54.9-95.4%) of bacterial pustule in soybean caused by X. axonopodis pv. glycine. Subsequently, significant enhancements of plant growth were also recorded in plants treated with thymol nanoemulsion. This is the first report of a thymol based nanoemulsion obtained using Quillaja saponin as a surfactant. Our study claims that nano scale thymol could be a potential antimicrobial and plant growth promoting agent for agriculture.

Perioperative complications of esophagectomy: Postneoadjuvant treatment versus primary surgery - Our experience and review of literature

AIMS

: To compare perioperative complications in esophagectomy after neoadjuvant therapy v/s primary surgery.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

: Retrospective analysis of perioperative complications in a prospectively maintained data base of patients who underwent esophagectomy as Primary surgery or after neoadjuvant therapy was done.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

: 238 cases of esophagectomies performed for esophageal carcinoma were analysed and compared, out of which 125(52.5%) were given neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery and 113(47.5%) underwent primary surgery. Surgical procedure was standard for both the groups. All the cases were analysed for perioperative complications.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

: Data was analysed using Open Epi soft ware. Association between the two study group was assessed with Chi square test.

RESULTS

: On comparison, both the groups were comparable in demographic profile and type of surgery performed. However, tumour stage was higher for cases who received neoadjuvant therapy as expected. On analysis there was no significant difference in overall morbidity and 30 days mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

: Neoadjuvant Chemo/chemoradiotherapy is a feasible option in esophageal carcinoma without increase in incidence of peri operative morbidity or mortality.

Cu-chitosan nanoparticle boost defense responses and plant growth in maize (Zea mays L.)

In agriculture, search for biopolymer derived materials are in high demand to replace the synthetic agrochemicals. In the present investigation, the efficacy of Cu-chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) to boost defense responses against Curvularia leaf spot (CLS) disease of maize and plant growth promotry activity were evaluated. Cu-chitosan NPs treated plants showed significant defense response through higher activities of antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) and defense enzymes (polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase). Significant control of CLS disease of maize was recorded at 0.04 to 0.16% of Cu-chitosan NPs treatments in pot and 0.12 to 0.16% of NPs treatments in field condition. Further, NPs treatments exhibited growth promotry effect in terms of plant height, stem diameter, root length, root number and chlorophyll content in pot experiments. In field experiment, plant height, ear length, ear weight/plot, grain yield/plot and 100 grain weight were enhanced in NPs treatments. Disease control and enhancement of plant growth was further enlightened through Cu release profile of Cu-chitosan NPs. This is an important development in agriculture nanomaterial research where biodegradable Cu-chitosan NPs are better compatible with biological control as NPs "mimic" the natural elicitation of the plant defense and antioxidant system for disease protection and sustainable growth.

Cadmium-induced changes in vacuolar aspects of Arabidopsis thaliana

We have examined the changes due to Cd treatment in the vacuolar form in root tip cortical cells in Arabidopsis thaliana employing a transformant with GFP fused to a tonoplast protein. A Cd-induced enhancement in complexity with general expansion of vacuolar system within 24 h was evident. The changes in the vacuolar form were dependent on the applied Cd concentrations. Concomitantly, as revealed through dithizone staining, Cd accumulated in the seedling roots exhibiting abundance of Cd-dithizone complexes in root tip, root hairs and vasculature. To get insight into the involvement of SNARE protein-mediated vesicle fusion in Cd detoxification, the magnitude of Cd toxicity in a couple of knock out mutants of the vacuolar Q_a-SNARE protein VAM3/SYP22 was compared with that in the wild type. The Cd toxicity appeared to be comparable in the mutants and the wild type. In order to analyze the Cd effects at cellular level, we treated the Arabidopsis suspension-cultured cells with Cd. Cd, however, did not induce a change in the vacuolar form in suspension-cultured cells although Cd measured with ICP-MS was obviously taken up into the cell. The V-ATPase activity in the microsomal fractions from vacuoles isolated from A. thaliana suspension cultured cells remained unaffected by Cd. Changes in the levels of certain metabolites of Cd-treated cells were also not so distinct except for those of glutathione. The significance of findings is discussed.

Vacuolar compartmentalization as indispensable component of heavy metal detoxification in plants

Plant cells orchestrate an array of molecular mechanisms for maintaining plasmatic concentrations of essential heavy metal (HM) ions, for example, iron, zinc and copper, within the optimal functional range. In parallel, concentrations of non-essential HMs and metalloids, for example, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, should be kept below their toxicity threshold levels. Vacuolar compartmentalization is central to HM homeostasis. It depends on two vacuolar pumps (V-ATPase and V-PPase) and a set of tonoplast transporters, which are directly driven by proton motive force, and primary ATP-dependent pumps. While HM non-hyperaccumulator plants largely sequester toxic HMs in root vacuoles, HM hyperaccumulators usually sequester them in leaf cell vacuoles following efficient long-distance translocation. The distinct strategies evolved as a consequence of organ-specific differences particularly in vacuolar transporters and in addition to distinct features in long-distance transport. Recent molecular and functional characterization of tonoplast HM transporters has advanced our understanding of their contribution to HM homeostasis, tolerance and hyperaccumulation. Another important part of the dynamic vacuolar sequestration syndrome involves enhanced vacuolation. It involves vesicular trafficking in HM detoxification. The present review provides an updated account of molecular aspects that contribute to the vacuolar compartmentalization of HMs.

Characterization of seed germination, seedling growth, and associated metabolic responses of Brassica juncea L. cultivars to elevated nickel concentrations

Seed germination and seedling growth responses of three Brassica juncea L. cultivars, namely Varuna, Kranti, and Pusa Jai Kisan, to nickel have been characterized. Ni suppressed the seed germination differentially, suppression being greater in cv. Kranti than in others. On the basis of seedling growth performance, cv. Varuna proved most tolerant to Ni. The Ni accumulation in seedlings differed strongly among the three cultivars. The lowest and highest Ni contents were observed in the seedlings of cvs. Kranti and Pusa Jai Kisan, respectively. Despite substantial Ni accumulation, cv. Varuna was most tolerant to Ni. Ni accumulation in seedlings was accompanied by differentially altered Fe and K contents and increased levels of non-protein thiols and free proline. The O2- and H2O2 contents and their respective scavenging enzymes in the seedlings responded differentially to the Ni treatment suggesting the involvement of redox imbalance in the development of Ni toxicity. Interestingly, the greater Ni tolerance of cv. Varuna coincided with the elevated constitutive activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The data have implications for seedling establishment under Ni-rich conditions and in turn for phytoremediation.

Neuroprotection by resveratrol in diabetic neuropathy: concepts & mechanisms

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin found in many plants, nuts and fruits and is abundant in grapes and red wine. Resveratrol possesses a wide range of biological activities which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, chemopreventive etc. Resveratrol has been investigated extensively in diabetes and its complications which suggest its anti-diabetic activity and protective effect against various diabetic complications. Neurons are extremely susceptible to oxidant-induced damage which may be due to their high rate of oxygen consumption and low levels of antioxidant defence enzymes. Traditionally, it was thought that the protective actions of resveratrol in diabetic neuropathy are due to its intrinsic radical scavenger properties. However, recently many other associated or separate mechanisms like upregulation of Nrf2, SIRT1 and inhibition of NF-κB, AP-1 have been proposed for its beneficial effect against nerve dysfunction. This present review discusses the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol that have been observed in experimental diabetic neuropathy and possible mechanistic explanations, as these effects may provide directions for the development of newer therapies. Futuristic therapies can be based on either resveratrol or its analogs with better bioavailability, or combining the resveratrol with existing therapies.

In vitro hyperglycemia enhances sodium currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons: an effect attenuated by carbamazepine

Neuropathy is often seen in uncontrolled diabetes and the mechanisms involved for neuropathic pain are poorly understood. Hyperglycemia is a consequence of chronic uncontrolled diabetes and it is postulated to produce neuropathic pain. Therefore, in this study, we have investigated the effects of hyperglycemia on Na(+) channel kinetics in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from neonatal rats using whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Hyperglycemia-induced increase in density of tetrodotoxin resistant (TTXr) Na(+) currents was increased in time- and concentration-dependent manner. The increase was maximal with 60 mM and 24 h. There was no change Na(+) current density in time-matched control neurons. The conductance curve of TTXr Na(+) current shifted leftward after 24 h exposure to 45 mM glucose. Carbamazepine (CBZ, 100 μM) depressed TTXr Na(+) current in neurons incubated with control (17.26), 45 and 60 mM of glucose. The depression observed with CBZ in the presence of high glucose, i.e., 45 mM (86.5±4.9%) was significantly greater than control (61.6±1.8%). Hyperglycemia also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity and was attenuated by CBZ. These results suggest that short-term exposure of DRG neurons to high glucose concentrations enhance the Na(+) channel activity, and were attenuated by CBZ via ROS-dependent mechanisms.

JSH-23 targets nuclear factor-kappa B and reverses various deficits in experimental diabetic neuropathy: effect on neuroinflammation and antioxidant defence

AIM

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) being reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy is believed to be a central mechanism involved in the genesis and promulgation of inflammatory insult. Here we have targeted the nuclear translocation of NF-κB using JSH-23 to elucidate its role in diabetic neuropathy.

METHODS

JSH-23 (1 and 3 mg/kg) was administered for 2 weeks in diabetic rats, after 6 weeks of diabetes induction using streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) as diabetogenic agent. Functional (motor nerve conduction velocity and blood flow), behavioural (mechanical hyperalgesia), biochemical [malondialdehyde, glutathione, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels] and NF-κB translocation studies (western blot technique) were then undertaken.

RESULTS

JSH-23 treatment significantly reversed the nerve conduction and nerve blood flow deficits seen in diabetic animals. Reduction in mechanical pain threshold was also partially corrected by the treatment. Protein expression studies showed that nuclear translocation of p65/p50 subunit was inhibited by JSH-23 treatment in the sciatic nerve. The treatment also lowered the elevated IL-6, TNF-α, cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels/expression, indicating reduction in the inflammatory damage of the sciatic nerve. Apart from these effects, JSH-23 also increased Nrf2 and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels which could imply its potential in increasing the strength of antioxidant defence.

CONCLUSION

We observed that NF-κB inhibition partially reversed functional, behavioural and biochemical deficits with JSH-23 treatment. This study substantiates the role of NF-κB activation in the aetiology of diabetic neuropathy and protection afforded by inhibition of NF-κB by JSH-23, which can be attributed to its effect on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

TSLP polymorphisms are associated with asthma in a sex-specific fashion

BACKGROUND

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) have been associated with IgE (in girls) and asthma (in general). We sought to determine whether TSLP SNPs are associated with asthma in a sex-specific fashion.

METHODS

We conducted regular and sex-stratified analyses of association between SNPs in TSLP and asthma in families of children with asthma in Costa Rica. Significant findings were replicated in whites and African-American participants in the Childhood Asthma Management Program, in African-Americans in the Genomic Research on Asthma in the African Diaspora study, in whites and Hispanics in the Children's Health Study, and in whites in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS).

MAIN RESULTS

Two SNPs in TSLP (rs1837253 and rs2289276) were significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in combined analyses of all cohorts (P values of 2 × 10(-5) and 1 × 10(-5) , respectively). In a sex-stratified analysis, the T allele of rs1837253 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in males only (P = 3 × 10(-6) ). Alternately, the T allele of rs2289276 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in females only (P = 2 × 10(-4) ). Findings for rs2289276 were consistent in all cohorts except the FHS.

CONCLUSIONS

TSLP variants are associated with asthma in a sex-specific fashion.

Synthesis of a low-band-gap small molecule based on acenaphthoquinoxaline for efficient bulk heterojunction solar cells

A novel small molecule (SM) with a low-band-gap based on acenaphthoquinoxaline was synthesized and characterized. It was soluble in polar solvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide. SM showed broad absorption curves in both solution and thin films with a long-wavelength maximum at 642 nm. The thin film absorption onset was located at 783 nm, which corresponds to an optical band gap of 1.59 eV. SM was blended with PCBM to study the donor-acceptor interactions in the blended film morphology and the photovoltaic response of the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) devices. The cyclic voltammetry measurements of the materials revealed that the HOMO and LUMO levels of SM are well aligned with those of PCBM, allowing efficient photoinduced charge transfer and suitable open circuit voltage, leading to overall power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of approximately 2.21 and 3.23% for devices with the as-cast and thermally annealed blended layer, respectively. The increase in the PCE with the thermally annealed blend is mainly attributed to the improvement in incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) and short circuit photocurrent (J(sc)). Thermal annealing leads to an increase in both the crystallinity of the blend and hole mobility, which improves the PCE.

Effect of solvent and subsequent thermal annealing on the performance of phenylenevinylene copolymer: PCBM solar cells

The morphology of the photoactive layer used in the bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices is crucial for efficient charge generation and their collection at the electrodes. We investigated the solvent vapor annealing and thermal annealing effect of an alternating phenylenevinylene copolymer P:PCBM blend on its morphology and optical properties. The UV-visible absorption spectroscopy shows that both solvent and thermal annealing can result in self-assembling of copolymer P to form an ordered structure, leading to enhanced absorption in the red region and hole transport enhancement. By combining the solvent and thermal annealing of the devices, the power conversion efficiency is improved. This feature was attributed to the fact that the PCBM molecules begin to diffuse into aggregates and together with the ordered copolymer P phase form bicontinuous pathways in the entire layer for efficient charge separation and transport. Furthermore, the measured photocurrent also suggests that the space charges no longer limit the values of the short circuit current (J(sc)) and fill factor (FF) for solvent-treated and thermally annealed devices. These results indicate that the higher J(sc) and PCE for the solvent-treated and thermally annealed devices can be attributed to the phase separation of active layers, which leads to a balanced carrier mobility. The overall PCE of the device based on the combination of solvent annealing and thermal annealing is about 3.7 %.

The relationship between metal toxicity and cellular redox imbalance

The relationship between cellular redox imbalances leading to oxidative stress and metal toxicity in plants has been studied intensely over the past decades. This interdependency was often considered to reflect a rather indirect metal effect of cellular disregulation and progressive secondary damage development. By contrast, recent experiments revealed a clear relationship between metal stress and redox homeostasis and antioxidant capacity. Analysis of plants expressing targeted modifications of components of the antioxidant system, the comparison of closely related plant species with different degrees of toxic metal sensitivity and effector studies with, for instance, salicylic acid have established a link between the degree of plant tolerance to metals and the level of antioxidants.

Spontaneous breakage and expulsion of a stem fragment of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena) following duplicate insertion

BACKGROUND

Removal and changing an intra-uterine device (IUD) involves good history taking, a proper examination and appropriate experience in fitting IUDs.

CASE

We present a case of a woman who had two insertions of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) which was diagnosed only at hysteroscopy when she presented with the spontaneous expulsion of a vertical stem of one of the devices.

CONCLUSION

This is a unique case where two LNG-IUS were inserted in error and hence it teaches the clinicians the importance of good training and being aware of the possibility of the missing thread which deserves further investigations especially when such cases are encountered in a busy general practice.

Protective effect of pifithrin-alpha on brain ischemic reperfusion injury induced by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion in gerbils

Involvement of p53 has been implicated in apoptosis induced cell death in ischemic reperfusion injury. In the present study, we have investigated neuroprotective potential of pifithrin-alpha, a p53 inhibitor in bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (5 min) model of global cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils. Gerbils were treated with pifithrin-alpha 3 mg/kg, ip. 30 min prior to occlusion. There was a significant increase in neurological symptoms and locomotor activity in ischemic animals as compared with the sham-operated animals. Increase in neurological symptoms and locomotor activity was attenuated by pifithrin-alpha 3 mg/ kg, ip. Significant increase in the number of the surviving neurons in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal region was observed in ischemic animals treated with pifithrin-alpha 3 mg/kg, ip. This study demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of pifithrin-alpha in global cerebral ischemia in gerbils.

Free radical scavenging potential of L-proline: evidence from in vitro assays

An assessment of the potential of proline to scavenge free radicals was made in a couple of in vitro assay systems, namely graft co-polymerization and autooxidation of pyrogallol. Both these assays are essentially dependent upon free radical mechanisms. Graft co-polymerization involved a ceric (Ce(4+)) ion- or gamma-radiation-induced grafting of methyl acrylate (MA) onto a cellulose backbone. The degree of grafting, measured gravimetrically, was taken as a measure of free radical generation. The gamma-radiation-dependent grafting was far greater than that due to Ce(4+) ions. Inclusion of proline in the assay, irrespective of the initiator used, led to suppression of grafting in a concentration-dependent manner indicating the ability of proline to scavenge free radicals. The gamma-radiation-dependent grafting was also suppressed by hydroquinone and glutathione but not by ascorbate, glycine and spermine. In contrast to graft co-polymerization, proline did not inhibit the autooxidation of pyrogallol, a reaction involving superoxide radical generation. A subset of data constitutes an evidence for the ability of proline to scavenge free radicals in vitro. It is implied by extension that free proline, known to accumulate in plant tissues during abiotic stresses, would contribute to scavenging of surplus free radicals produced under a variety of abiotic stresses.

Antiphospholipid syndrome: a series of surgical emergencies and the current evidence for its management

It is generally accepted that antiphospholipid syndrome remains a major medical problem characterised by hypercoagulability, arterial and venous thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. It is unclear how best to treat these patients should they require emergency surgery. If a lupus anticoagulant is present, hypercoagulability may occur de novo but surgical interventions along with sepsis are two important predisposing factors. We describe three patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome and discuss the implications for surgery.

Emergence of sporotrichosis in Manipur

A retrospective analysis of all cases of sporotrichosis was conducted to examine the pattern and frequency of sporotrichosis cases in Manipur over a period of six year from July 1999 to June 2005. Seventy-three (73) cases of sporotrichosis were detected of which 30 were confirmed by culture and 43 were diagnosed by aspiration cytology only. Most of the patients belonged to the age group of 21 to 40 years (n = 23; 31.5%). There were 39 females (53.4%) and 34 males (46.5%). Commonest site of infection was upper limbs (n = 39; 53.4%) followed by lower limbs (n = 17; 23.2%). Commonest type of infection was lymphocutaneous form (n = 46; 63.1%) followed by fixed cutaneous form (n = 27; 36.9%). Among these 73 cases, 2 male patients (2.7%) were found to be HIV positive. In our experience, collection of material by aspiration of pus or infected tissue was found to be a better method compared to scraping or exudate. This study revealed Manipur as a new endemic area for sporotrichosis.

Neuroprotective effects of FeTMPyP: a peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst in global cerebral ischemia model in gerbils

Peroxynitrite involvement has been implicated in the neuronal damage. In the present study, we have investigated the neuroprotective effects of peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst (FeTMPyP) on global cerebral ischemia. Global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury was produced by 5 min occlusion of both common carotid arteries followed by reperfusion of 96 h in the adult male Mongolian gerbils. The extent of injury was assessed behaviorally by measuring neurological functions, locomotor activity, passive avoidance test and by histopathological evaluation of extent of damage to CA1 hippocampal pyramidal region. FeTMPyP (1 and 3 mgkg(-1), i.p., administered 30 min prior to ischemia) treatment improved the neurological functions, reduced the hyperlocomotion and memory impairment in IR challenged gerbils. The loss of neurons from the pyramidal layer of the CA1 region caused by global IR injury was attenuated with FeTMPyP. FeTMPyP also inhibited lipid peroxidation as evident from reduction in brain malondialdehyde levels. These results suggest that peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst may be effective neuroprotective agent for global cerebral ischemia.

Management of echinococcosis

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by larval forms of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus and transmitted by dogs. In humans, the disease is characterized by slowly growing cyst commonly occurring in liver and lungs. Clinical features of hepatic hydatid cyst are mainly right upper quadrant pain, feeling of lump and enlarged tender liver. The cyst may be complicated by infection or rupture and may lead to anaphylactic reaction. Ultrasonography supported by serology is the main diagnostic modality. Treatment of univesicular cyst is predominantly medical or percutaneous. Percutaneous treatment (PAIR) is safe and effective and complications are infrequent. For multivesicular and complicated cyst surgery remains the mainstay of treatment.

The distribution of consecutive closed birth intervals in females in Uttar Pradesh

Most studies of closed birth intervals are regarding their variation at specific orders among females. This paper attempts to study the nature of the distributions of consecutive closed birth intervals. Data from the Uttar Pradesh National Family Health Survey 1998-99 (NFHS-2) were analysed. It was found that, under certain assumptions, the postpartum amenorrhoea period and menstruating interval are negatively associated, indicating that socio-cultural factors are affecting the menstruating interval.

The significance of amino acids and amino acid-derived molecules in plant responses and adaptation to heavy metal stress

Plants exposed to heavy metals accumulate an array of metabolites, some to high millimolar concentrations. This review deals with N-containing metabolites frequently preferentially synthesized under heavy metal stress such as Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn. Special focus is given to proline, but certain other amino acids and oligopeptides, as well as betaine, polyamines, and nicotianamine are also addressed. Particularly for proline a large body of data suggests significant beneficial functions under metal stress. In general, the molecules have three major functions, namely metal binding, antioxidant defence, and signalling. Strong correlative and mechanistic experimental evidence, including work with transgenic plants and algae, has been provided that indicates the involvement of metal-induced proline in metal stress defence. Histidine, other amino acids and particularly phytochelatins and glutathione play a role in metal binding, while polyamines function as signalling molecules and antioxidants. Their accumulation needs to be considered as active response and not as consequence of metabolic dys-regulation.

Influence of epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 on nuclear maturation and fertilization of buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes in serum free media and their subsequent development in vitro

The in vitro maturation, fertilization and development of Indian water buffalo (Bubalus sp.) cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) to blastocysts were studied during culture, either in serum free tissue culture medium 199 (TCM 199) or Waymouth MB (WM). Based on different supplements added to these media, the experimental groups included: (a) no supplement (control); (b) hormones (FSH, LH and oestradiol) (c) Epidermal growth factor (EGF); (d) IGF-1; and (e) EGF + IGF-1. Experiments were conducted to note three end points: (1) nuclear maturation 24 h after culture (eight replicates); (2) fertilization 24 h after insemination (10 replicates); (3) development to blastocysts (nine replicates). The oocytes were cultured in groups of up to five per drop. Using a two-way (5 x 2) factorial model with interactions, the results were compared using generalized linear models with binomial errors and the logit link function. In experiment 1, the proportion of oocytes reaching metaphase II was higher for all the supplement treatments than the control treatment (t = 3.68, p < 0.0001). The proportion of oocytes reaching metaphase II was 74.7, 63.2, 64.7 and 81% with hormone (chi2 = 17.23, p < 0.0001), EGF (chi2 = 7.07, p = 0.007), IGF-1 (chi2 = 19.21, p = 0.002) and EGF + IGF-1 (chi2 = 33.04, p < 0.0001) supplementation, respectively, compared to 46.6% in the control (no supplement) group. Media did not have an effect on outcome. In experiment 2, the proportion of oocytes fertilized was significantly higher with hormones (31.0%, chi2 = 12.5, p = 0.0004), IGF-1 (35.7%, chi2 = 20.53, p < 0.0001), and the EGF + IGF-1 combination (49.7%, chi2 = 51.35, p < 0.0001) compared to control (16.2%). No significant effect of media was seen. In experiment 3, the proportion of oocytes that cleaved at 48 h after culturing was significantly higher for all supplement treatments compared to control. IGF-1 supplementation was the only treatment that did not produce a significantly higher rate of progression to blastocysts compared to the control. Once again, media had no effect on outcome. It was concluded that maturation, fertilization and development of buffalo oocytes were enhanced by all supplements tested. Enhancement was maximal with the combination of EGF+IGF-1. In contrast, no significant differences were found between the two types of media used.

Acute hyperglycemia attenuates nerve conduction velocity and nerve blood flow in male Sprague–Dawley rats: reversal by adenosine1

Hyperglycemia is implicated to play a major role in development of diabetic neuropathy. Since most of the diabetics are hyperglycemic much before they develop full-blown diabetes, we felt, it would be very important to know the effects of acute hyperglycemia on nerve function so that early pathophysiological events could be understood and appropriate therapeutic intervention can be made. Moreover, effect of acute hyperglycemia on motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and nerve blood flow (NBF) is not known. Hence, we studied the effects of acute hyperglycemia on sciatic MNCV and sciatic NBF in healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Three different animal models of acute hyperglycemia (50% glucose (3 g kg(-1), i.v. (intra-venous) or i.p. (intra-peritoneally)) or 24 h post-streptozotocin (STZ) injected rats were used. Acute hyperglycemia but not mannitol or sucrose significantly attenuated MNCV and NBF. Adenosine (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) prevented the acute hyperglycemia-induced attenuation of MNCV and NBF in all the three rat models of acute hyperglycemia. Adenosine effects were blocked by theophylline (50 mg kg(-1), i.p.) suggesting the role of adenosinergic receptor mediated mechanisms in acute hyperglycemia-induced neuropathy. Acute glucose administration in 8 weeks, STZ diabetic rats did not further affect MNCV or NBF. Adenosine (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) did not produce any adverse effects on the blood pressure and heart rate. From the results, we conclude that acute hyperglycemia attenuates MNCV and NBF via an adenosinergic receptor-dependent mechanism.

Subcellular distribution of the V-ATPase complex in plant cells, and in vivo localisation of the 100 kDa subunit VHA-a within the complex

BACKGROUND

Vacuolar H+-ATPases are large protein complexes of more than 700 kDa that acidify endomembrane compartments and are part of the secretory system of eukaryotic cells. They are built from 14 different (VHA)-subunits. The paper addresses the question of sub-cellular localisation and subunit composition of plant V-ATPase in vivo and in vitro mainly by using colocalization and fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques (FRET). Focus is placed on the examination and function of the 95 kDa membrane spanning subunit VHA-a. Showing similarities to the already described Vph1 and Stv1 vacuolar ATPase subunits from yeast, VHA-a revealed a bipartite structure with (i) a less conserved cytoplasmically orientated N-terminus and (ii) a membrane-spanning C-terminus with a higher extent of conservation including all amino acids shown to be essential for proton translocation in the yeast. On the basis of sequence data VHA-a appears to be an essential structural and functional element of V-ATPase, although previously a sole function in assembly has been proposed.

RESULTS

To elucidate the presence and function of VHA-a in the plant complex, three approaches were undertaken: (i) co-immunoprecipitation with antibodies directed to epitopes in the N- and C-terminal part of VHA-a, respectively, (ii) immunocytochemistry approach including co-localisation studies with known plant endomembrane markers, and (iii) in vivo-FRET between subunits fused to variants of green fluorescence protein (CFP, YFP) in transfected cells.

CONCLUSIONS

All three sets of results show that V-ATPase contains VHA-a protein that interacts in a specific manner with other subunits. The genomes of plants encode three genes of the 95 kDa subunit (VHA-a) of the vacuolar type H+-ATPase. Immuno-localisation of VHA-a shows that the recognized subunit is exclusively located on the endoplasmic reticulum. This result is in agreement with the hypothesis that the different isoforms of VHA-a may localize on distinct endomembrane compartments, as it was shown for its yeast counterpart Vph1.

Modulation by phenolic compounds of ABA-induced inhibition of mustard (Brassica juncea L. cv. RLM 198) seed germination

Exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) inhibited the germination of B. juncea seeds in a concentration dependent manner. As revealed in a time-course study, the ABA-induced inhibition got progressively alleviated with the lapse of time following ABA treatment possibly due to metabolic conversion of applied ABA in the seed tissue. A simultaneous application of certain phenolic compounds namely, p-coumaric-, vanillic-, gallic-, and chlorogenic acid (but not caffeic acid) also caused an alleviation of ABA effect. Of the above two patterns of recovery, the phenolic-dependent alleviation of ABA effect was apparent much earlier (24-48 hr treatment) than the time-dependent one (72 hr). It is likely that phenolics could accelerate ABA metabolism in the seed tissue leading to an early recovery from ABA-induced inhibition.

EMG frequency content changes with increasing force and during fatigue in the quadriceps femoris muscle of men and women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gender on changes in electromyographic (EMG) signal characteristics of the quadriceps muscles with increasing force and with fatigue. A total of fourteen healthy adults (seven men, seven women) participated in the study. Subjects had to perform isometric ramp contractions in knee extension with the force gradually increasing from 0 to 100% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in a 6-s period. Subjects then performed a fatigue task, consisting of a sustained maximum isometric knee extension contraction held until force decreased below 50% of the pre-fatigue MVC. Subjects also performed a single ramp contraction immediately after the fatigue task. The Root Mean Square (RMS) amplitude, mean power frequency (MPF) and median frequency (MF) of EMG signals obtained from the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris were calculated at nine different force levels from the ramp contractions (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90% MVC), as well as every 5 s during the fatigue task. The main results were a more pronounced increase in EMG RMS amplitude for the three muscles and in MPF for the VL muscle with force in men compared with women. No significant effect of gender was found with regards to fatigue. These observations most likely reflect a moderately greater type II fiber content and/or area in the VL muscle of men compared to that of women.

Involvement of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor in cisplatin induced emesis in dogs

The effect of drug acting on 5-HT1A, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors were studied against cisplatin and apomorphine induced emesis in dogs. Buspirone, 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist significantly reduced the emetic episodes though it had no significant effect on emetic latency. Mianserin, 5-HT2 receptor antagonist exhibited significant reduction in emetic episodes and in latency. Buspirone prevented the apomorphine induced emesis while mianserin had no effect. The antiemetic activity of buspirone may be attributable to its agonistic activity at 5-HT1A receptor and antagonistic activity at dopamine receptors. These findings further confirm the involvement of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor in cytotoxic drug induced emesis, though the species difference in their antiemetic action can not be ruled out.

Endoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocyst: a long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

No studies with real long-term follow-up after endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts are available. The present study was undertaken to investigate the long-term outcome of endoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocyst with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 38 consecutive patients with pancreatic pseudocyst underwent endoscopic cystogastrostomy (n = 27), endoscopic cystoduodenostomy (n = 6) and transpapillary drainage (n = 5). Patients were monitored at 1 and 3 months after drainage, and finally between 24 and 80 months. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done at 1 and 3 months after drainage while ultrasound was done at 3 months and at the end of follow-up. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was only done before cyst drainage if no cyst bulge was visible in the stomach or duodenum or if obstructive jaundice was present.

RESULTS

Biliary pancreatitis was responsible for the pseudocyst in 19 cases while the remaining occurrences were caused by alcohol (n = 12) and trauma (n = 7). All forms of endoscopic drainage were effective in treating pancreatic pseudocyst and there was complete disappearance of the cyst within 3 months of drainage, irrespective of cause. Over a mean follow-up of 44.23 months (24 - 80 months). Three patients had symptomatic recurrences while three had asymptomatic recurrences; all had alcohol-induced pancreatitis. No recurrences were seen in the biliary pancreatitis and trauma group. All symptomatic recurrences were successfully managed with endoscopic cystogastrostomy and stenting. A massive bleed in one patient required surgery while stent block and cyst infection in three patients and perforation in one patient were managed conservatively. ERCP was done before cyst drainage in eight patients because there was no visible bulge into the stomach or duodenum (n = 5), or because obstructive jaundice was present (n = 3). In five patients ERCP revealed cyst duct communication. All these patients were managed by transpapillary drainage and there was only one asymptomatic recurrence in this group.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocyst is quite an effective and safe mode of treatment in experienced hands. ERCP before the procedure is only required when the cyst does not bulge into gut lumen, for a decision about the feasibility of transpancreatic drainage. On long-term follow-up, recurrences were seen only in the alcoholic pancreatitis group. In the biliary pancreatitis group, no recurrences were seen after cholecystectomy and removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones if present. No recurrences were seen in the trauma group.

Is an elevation in basal follicle-stimulating hormone levels in unexplained infertility predictive of fecundity regardless of age?

An elevation in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels is considered to reflect lowered ovarian function, resulting in poor fecundity in infertile women. However, it remains to be clarified whether or not the significance of FSH levels applies equally to all women irrespective of age. The objective of the present study is to compare basal FSH levels in infertile women who conceived or not after stratification by age. A total of 144 infertile women between ages 25 and 45 who underwent infertility treatment due to unexplained infertility in the University of Tokyo Hospital were included in the retrospective study. Subjects were divided by age into two groups, < 38 (n=98) vs > or = 38 (n=46) years, with ages ranging from 25 to 37, and from 38 to 45, respectively. Blood samples were collected in early follicular phase (day 4-6) for assessment of basal levels of LH, FSH, and PRL. In the older group, pregnant cases had significantly lower FSH levels (6.07 +/- 2.83 mIU/ml) than nonpregnant cases (9.60 +/- 3.67 mIU/ml), whereas no difference in basal FSH levels was observed between pregnant and nonpregnant cases in the younger group. Basal FSH levels of pregnant cases in the older group were significantly lower than those of pregnant cases in the younger group (8.26 +/- 2.95 mIU/ml). Basal LH and PRL levels were not related to fecundity in either group. Thus, an increase in basal FSH levels as a predictor of fecundity should be considered in the context of age.

Significance of the V-type ATPase for the adaptation to stressful growth conditions and its regulation on the molecular and biochemical level

Two electrogenic H(+)-pumps, the vacuolar type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) and the vacuolar pyrophosphatase, coexist at membranes of the secretory pathway of plants. The V-ATPase is the dominant H(+)-pump at endomembranes of most plant cells, both in terms of protein amount and, frequently, also in activity. The V-ATPase is indispensable for plant growth under normal conditions due to its role in energizing secondary transport, maintenance of solute homeostasis and, possibly, in facilitating vesicle fusion. Under stress conditions such as salinity, drought, cold, acid stress, anoxia, and excess heavy metals in the soil, survival of the cells depends strongly on maintaining or adjusting the activity of the V-ATPase. Regulation of gene expression and activity are involved in adapting the V-ATPase on long- and short-term bases. The mechanisms known to regulate the V-ATPase are summarized in this paper with an emphasis on their implications for growth and development under stress.

Reversal of paclitaxel induced neutropenia by Withania somnifera in mice

The effect of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera (L. Solanaceae) was studied against paclitaxel induced neutropenia in mice. After paclitaxel 1 mg/kg, i.v. administration significant fall in total WBC and absolute neutrophil count was observed on day 3 and day 5. W. Somnifera (200 mg/kg, p.o.) per se produced significant increase in neutrophil counts. W. somnifera (200 mg/kg, p.o.) when administered for 4 days before paclitaxel treatment and continued for 12 days caused significant reversal of neutropenia of paclitaxel. The findings of the study suggest the potential of W. somnifera as an adjuvant during cancer chemotherapy for the prevention of bone marrow depression associated with anticancer drugs.

Effect of antioxidants on pyrogallol-induced delay in gastric emptying in rats

The effect of a free radical generator pyrogallol on gastric emptying was studied in rats. Pyrogallol at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg (i.p.) produced dose-dependent inhibition of gastric emptying. Pretreatment with vitamin C (100 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.), and vitamin E (100 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reversed the inhibition in gastric emptying caused by pyrogallol 100 mg/kg. However, the combination of vitamin C and vitamin E (100 mg/kg) produced synergistic effect. Glutathione (100 mg/kg i.v.) 5-min pretreatment also reversed the inhibition of gastric emptying caused by pyrogallol 100 mg/kg. Ondansetron (3 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reversed the pyrogallol effect. The effect of pyrogallol on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and 5-HT levels in the stomach tissue was also studied. Pyrogallol at a dose of 100 mg/kg, i.p., significantly increased MDA levels and 5-HT levels in the stomach. Pretreatment with a combination of vitamin C and vitamin E (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and glutathione (100 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly ameliorated the rise in stomach tissue MDA caused by pyrogallol but had no significant effect on the rise in 5-HT levels caused by pyrogallol. The effect of different doses of 5-HT on gastric emptying was also studied. 5-HT had a differential effect on gastric emptying. The low and high doses (0.1, 0.3 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited the gastric emptying while doses ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg, i.p., had no significant effect on the gastric emptying. The pretreatment with antioxidants, combination of vitamin C and vitamin E (100 mg/kg each, p.o.) and glutathione (100 mg/kg, i. v.) had no effect on the 5-HT (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced delay in gastric emptying. The result indicate the role of free radicals gastric emptying, and antioxidants may be of potential therapeutic value in disease conditions where free radicals are known to be released and the gastrointestinal effects are observed as symptoms or side effects of drug therapy.

Indigenous disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in the state of Manipur, India: report of four autochthonous cases

We describe four cases of disseminated infection caused by endemic Penicillium marneffei in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients from the Manipur state of India. The most common clinical features observed were fever, anorexia, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, and, more importantly, skin lesions resembling molluscum contagiosum. The diagnosis in each of the four cases was achieved by direct examination of smears, observance of intracellular yeast-like cells multiplying by fission in biopsied tissue from skin lesions, and isolation of the dimorphic P. marneffei in pure culture in each case. In one case, fluorescent antibody studies allowed specific diagnosis. This report documents a new area in which P. marneffei is endemic, located in eastern India, and describes the first occurrence in India of P. marneffei in HIV-infected patients as well as the extension of the areas of P. marneffei endemicity westward to the northeastern state of Manipur.

In vitro alleviation of heavy metal-induced enzyme inhibition by proline

Accumulation of proline in response to toxic heavy metal exposure seems to be wide-spread among plants. To elucidate the role for proline in plant responses to heavy metal stress, we studied the effect of proline on Cd-induced and Zn-induced inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH; EC 1.1.1.49) and nitrate reductase (NR; EC 1.6.6.2) in vitro. Proline appeared to protect both enzymes against Zn and, though less effectively, against Cd. Measurements with a Cd(2+)-specific electrode strongly suggested that this protection was based on a reduction of the free metal ion activity in the assay buffer, due to the formation of metal-proline complexes. There were no indications of any significant role for proline-water or proline-protein interactions. The significance of these findings with regard to heavy metal-induced proline accumulation in vivo is discussed.