Frontal Intraparenchymal "White Epidermoid Cyst": A Rare Occurrence

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice. Jul, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21808524

Effect of Manuka Honey, Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Xylitol on the Clinical Levels of Dental Plaque

Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 22114423

To compare the effect of Manuka honey, chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2%) mouthwash and xylitol chewing gum on the dental plaque levels.

Rare Association of Visceral Leishmaniasis with Hodgkin's Disease: A Case Report

Infectious Agents and Cancer. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22011565

ABSTRACT: We present here a case of young male with complaints of fever and swelling in the neck for eight months. History of progressive weakness associated with weight loss was present. Physical examination revealed pallor, multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly. Investigations showed pancytopenia, hyperglobinemia and Leishman-Donovan bodies on bone marrow aspiration. Serological test confirmed diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. However, cervical lymph node aspiration and biopsy were suggestive of Mixed cellularity Hodgkin's disease. This made it a very rare case of Leishmaniasis as an opportunistic infection in a patient of pre-chemotherapy Hodgkin's disease. There was marked improvement in haematological profile and regression of hepatosplenomegaly with Amphotericin B treatment followed by favourable response to chemotherapy. The case emphasizes the suspicion for leishmaniasis as a masquerader and as an opportunistic infection in haematological malignancies.

Solution-processable Zinc Oxide for the Polymer Solar Cell Based on P3HT:PCBM

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22121646

The device performance of polymer solar cells with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles inserted as an electron injection layer between the poly(3-hexylthiopene) (P3HT):phenyl-C60-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) active layer and the Al electrode was studied. The polymer solar cell consists of molybdenum-oxide (MoO3) as a hole injection layer, P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction as an active layer, and ZnO NPs as an electron injection layer. The ZnO layer was formed from a precursor solution on the top part of the P3HT:PCBM film (1:0.8 weight ratio) via sol-gel spin-coating, and was annealed at a low temperature (150 degrees C). The crystallinity, the atomic ratio of Zn and O, the absorption spectra, and the surface morphology of the ZnO thin films were studied. The device with a ZnO layer showed 9-11% higher J(SC) and 8-9% higher PCE compared to the devices without a ZnO layer. These improved device properties are attributed to the efficient electron extraction and the decreased reflectivity owing to the use of a ZnO layer.

Improved Imaging of Lingual Articulation Using Real-time Multislice MRI

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22127935

PURPOSE: To develop a real-time imaging technique that allows for simultaneous visualization of vocal tract shaping in multiple scan planes, and provides dynamic visualization of complex articulatory features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Simultaneous imaging of multiple slices was implemented using a custom real-time imaging platform. Midsagittal, coronal, and axial scan planes of the human upper airway were prescribed and imaged in real-time using a fast spiral gradient-echo pulse sequence. Two native speakers of English produced voiceless and voiced fricatives /f/-/v/, /θ/-/ð/, /s/-/z/, /∫/- in symmetrical maximally contrastive vocalic contexts /a_a/, /i_i/, and /u_u/. Vocal tract videos were synchronized with noise-cancelled audio recordings, facilitating the selection of frames associated with production of English fricatives. RESULTS: Coronal slices intersecting the postalveolar region of the vocal tract revealed tongue grooving to be most pronounced during fricative production in back vowel contexts, and more pronounced for sibilants /s/-/z/ than for /∫/-. The axial slice best revealed differences in dorsal and pharyngeal articulation; voiced fricatives were observed to be produced with a larger cross-sectional area in the pharyngeal airway. Partial saturation of spins provided accurate location of imaging planes with respect to each other. CONCLUSION: Real-time MRI of multiple intersecting slices can provide valuable spatial and temporal information about vocal tract shaping, including details not observable from a single slice. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bile Duct Changes in Different Etiologic Types of End-stage Chronic Liver Disease: a Study on Native Explant Livers

Journal of Clinical Pathology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22135029

AimsBile duct changes in the form of intraepithelial neoplasia or dysplasia have been well studied in chronic biliary tract diseases. It is important to analyse the morphologic spectrum of bile duct changes in non-biliary diseases as a link has been reported between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and chronic liver disease associated with viral hepatitis, metabolic syndromes and with alcohol abuse.MethodsThe authors retrospectively reviewed liver explants of alcoholic liver disease (ALD)-, hepatitis C virus- and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related end-stage liver diseases to analyse morphologic changes in large intrahepatic bile ducts. Diagnostic criteria of biliary intraepithelial lesions at end-stage disease are discussed.ResultsMajority of explants exhibited reactive changes. Normal cuboidal epithelium of septal bile ducts was observed in minority of cases. Low-grade biliary intraepithelial neoplastic lesions were identified in all cases with variable frequency. None of the cases were associated with cholangiocarcinoma. Nuclear hyperchromasia, cellular polarity and presence o inflammation were considered as differentiating points between reactive and neoplastic lesions.ConclusionsAt end stage of liver disease, large septal bile ducts rarely show normal morphology. Presence of low-grade biliary dysplasia at end stage signifies its frequent occurrence probably in response to alcohol/viral/metabolic syndrome-related injury.Addition to literatureObservational analysis of large bile ducts in non-biliary diseases of varied aetiology has not been discussed from this part of world where incidence of cholangiocarcinoma is low. Identifying these lesions correctly is important. The frequency of these lesions is not uncommon especially at the end-stage liver disease.

Fibrinolytic Enzyme from Newly Isolated Marine Bacterium Bacillus Subtilis ICTF-1: Media Optimization, Purification and Characterization

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22137041

Fibrinolytic enzymes are important in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The present work reports isolation, screening and identification of marine cultures for production of fibrinolytic enzymes. A potent fibrinolytic enzyme-producing bacterium was isolated from marine niches and identified as Bacillus subtilis ICTF-1 on the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and biochemical properties. Further, media optimization using L(18)-orthogonal array method resulted in enhanced production of fibrinolytic enzyme (8814U/mL) which was 2.6 fold higher than in unoptimized medium (3420U/mL). In vitro assays revealed that the enzyme could catalyze blood clot lysis effectively, indicating that this enzyme could be a useful thrombolytic agent. A fibrinolytic enzyme was purified from the culture supernatant to homogeneity by three step procedures with a 34.42-fold increase in specific activity and 7.5% recovery. This purified fibrinolytic enzyme had molecular mass of 28kDa, optimal temperature and pH at 50°C and 9, respectively. It was stable at pH 5.0-11.0 and temperature of 25-37°C. The enzyme activity was activated by Ca(2+) and obviously inhibited by Zn(2+), Fe(3)(+), Hg(2+) and PMSF. The purified fibrinolytic enzyme showed high stability towards various surfactants and was relatively stable towards oxidizing agent. Considering these properties purified fibrinolytic enzyme also finds potential application in laundry detergents in addition to thrombolytic agent. The gene encoding fibrinolytic enzyme was isolated and its DNA sequence was determined. Compared the full DNA sequence with those in NCBI, it was considered to be a subtilisin like serine-protease.

Controlled Release Chitosan Microspheres of Mirtazapine: in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation

Archives of Pharmacal Research. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22139691

The purpose of the study was to formulate and evaluate controlled release chitosan microspheres of mirtazapine (MTZ) to improve the bioavailability by altering the pharmacokinetic profiles of the drug. Chitosan microspheres were prepared to prolong the release of the drug into the systemic circulation. Microspheres were prepared by a single water in oil (w/o) emulsion technique varying the chitosan/drug ratio, stirring speed and concentration of the crosslinking agent (glutaraldehyde). Drug-polymer compatibility studies were carried out using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The microspheres were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, surface morphology, swelling index, in vitro release, as well as erosion and in vivo studies in rats. The FT-IR and DSC studies revealed no interaction between drug and polymer. The encapsulation efficiency of different formulation varied from 53 ± 1.2% to 78 ± 1.5%. The mean particle size of the optimized formulation F-14 was 106.4 ± 0.5 μm. Surface morphology revealed that chitosan microspheres were discrete and spherical in shape with a porous surface. The release of MTZ from chitosan microspheres was rapid up to 4 h, and then it was continuously and slowly released up to 48 h. Optimized formulation (F-14) was found to be stable under accelerated storage conditions based on International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the optimized formulation showed significant increases in systemic exposure (AUC = 177.70 ± 7.39 μg·h/mL), half-life (4.72 ± 0.46 h) and reduced clearance (0.009 ± 0.0001 L/h) compared to pure drug administration. Hence, the present study demonstrates that controlled release formulation of MTZ microspheres using chitosan can improve pharmacokinetic profiles of MTZ.

Small Cell Osteosarcoma of the Mandible: Case Report and Review of Its Diagnostic Aspects

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology : JOMFP. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22144840

Small cell osteosarcoma, a rare histological subtype, has very infrequently been reported in the mandible. We present a case of a 28-year-old female who had classic signs, symptoms, and radiographic features of the lesion. The histology showed sheets of small round cells and osteoid. The absence of the latter would have made it difficult to distinguish from other small round cell tumors of bone, especially Ewing's sarcoma. We have reviewed the clinical and radiographic features, cytologic and histologic characteristics, as well as the immunohistochemistry and molecular genetics of small cell osteosarcoma.

Cost-effectiveness of Different Screening Strategies for Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women

Annals of Internal Medicine. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22147714

The best strategies to screen postmenopausal women for osteoporosis are not clear.

Detection of Human G10 Rotavirus Strains with Similarity to Bovine and Bovine-like Equine Strains from Untypable Samples

Infection, Genetics and Evolution : Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics in Infectious Diseases. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22155585

G10 rotaviruses, which are usually found in cattle, have also been reported in neonatal infections in recent years. During the rotavirus surveillances of children less than 4years of age between 2003 and 2006 in Kolkata, eastern India, 60 out of 1153 samples could not be typed. All 60 samples gave usual electropherotype pattern in polyacrylamide gel. Thirty-one out of these 60 G and P untypable rotavirus strains were successfully characterized during the study. Among 31 samples, G9P[4] (n=8), G12P[8] (n=8), G1P[8] (n=6), G10P[4] (n=6), and G2P[4] (n=3) genotypes were identified. In this study we report genetic analysis of the six G10 strains, which revealed close relations with Turkish (E29TR) bovine strains, as well as with bovine-like-equine strain (Erv2) from India. SimPlot of the VP7 gene segment suggested possible recombination event between the bovine and the bovine-like-equine rotaviruses in these human rotavirus infections.

Development of Monoclonal Antibodies to Recombinant Terrelysin and Characterization of Expression in Aspergillus Terreus

Journal of Medical Microbiology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22160315

Aspergillus terreus is an emerging pathogen that mostly affects immunocompromised patients with infections that are often difficult to manage therapeutically. Current diagnostic strategies are limited to the detection of fungal growth using radiological methods or biopsy that often does not enable species-specific identification. As a result, there is a critical need for diagnostic techniques to enable early and specific identification of the causative agent. In this study, we describe monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed to a previously described recombinant terrelysin. Sixteen hybridomas of various IgG isotypes were generated to the recombinant protein, of which seven demonstrated reactivity to the native protein in hyphal extracts. Cross-reactivity analysis using hyphal extracts from 29 fungal species, including 12 Aspergillus species and 5 different strains of A. terreus showed that 3 mAbs (13G10, 15B5 and 10G4) were A. terreus-specific. Epitope analysis demonstrated mAbs 13G10 and 10G4 recognize the same epitope 'PSNEFE', while mAb 15B5 recognized the epitope 'LYEGQFHS'. Time course studies showed that terrelysin expression was highest during early hyphal growth and dramatically reduced after mycelial expansion. Immunolocalization studies demonstrated that terrelysin is localized not only within the cytoplasm of hyphae but appeared to be more abundant at the hyphal tip. These findings were confirmed in cultures grown at room temperature as well as at 37°C. Additionally, terrelysin was detected in the supernatant of A. terreus cultures. These observations suggest terrelysin may be a candidate biomarker for A. terreus infection.

Relationship Between Serum Lithium, Salivary Lithium, and Urinary Lithium in Patients on Lithium Therapy

Biological Trace Element Research. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22161502

Lithium carbonate is used in the treatment of both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum lithium, salivary lithium, and urinary lithium. Blood, saliva, and urine samples were collected from 50 patients, and estimation of serum, salivary, and urine lithium was done using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean serum lithium was 0.75 ± 0.25 mEq/L, mean salivary lithium was 1.91 ± 0.80 mEq/L, and mean urine lithium was 7.16 ± 4.84 mEq/L. A significant direct correlation was found between serum lithium and salivary lithium (r = 0.695, p < 0.001). This correlation was higher in females (r = 0.770, p < 0.001) when compared to males (r = 0.665, p < 0.001). Even though a significant correlation was found between serum and salivary lithium levels, more studies are needed in this domain to establish salivary therapeutic monitoring as a feasible option for patients on lithium carbonate therapy.

Arterial Spin Labeled CMR Detects Clinically Relevant Increase in Myocardial Blood Flow with Vasodilation

JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22172781

This study sought to determine whether arterial spin labeled (ASL) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is capable of detecting clinically relevant increases in regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) with vasodilator stress testing in human myocardium.

Lifetime Victimization and Past Year Alcohol Use in a U.S. Population Sample of Men and Women Drinkers

Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22177898

BACKGROUND: Research on alcohol use among victims of physical and sexual violence has focused mostly on women and alcohol use disorders. It is also limited by the relative lack of consideration of victimization over the lifetime and of population data on both men and women. We critically examined associations between lifetime victimization and diverse past year alcohol use patterns and problems and whether these associations differ for men and women. METHODS: Population data from the 2005 U.S. National Alcohol Survey (NAS11, n=6919) are reported for 4256 adult men and women drinkers. Logistic regressions assessed associations between physical only or any sexual victimization experienced over the lifetime and past year heavy episodic drinking, drinking to intoxication, alcohol-related consequences and any alcohol use disorder. Models controlled for demographics and parental history of alcohol abuse and examined interactions of gender with victimization. RESULTS: Associations between victimization experienced over the lifetime and all past year alcohol measures were significant for both men and women. These associations did not differ by type of lifetime victimization (physical only vs any sexual). The association of physical only victimization with drinking to intoxication was stronger for victimized vs non-victimized women compared to victimized vs non-victimized men. This gender difference ceased to be significant when specific victimization characteristics were controlled for. CONCLUSIONS: Lifetime victimization is associated with increased risk for diverse alcohol use problems for both men and women. All prevention and treatment programs should screen men and women for lifetime victimization and diverse alcohol use problems.

Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome: a Rare Entity

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22016290

Trigeminal trophic syndrome is a rare condition resulting from self-manipulation of the skin after a peripheral or central injury to the trigeminal system. The syndrome consists of a classic triad of anaesthesia, paraesthesia, and a secondary persistent or recurrent facial ulceration. We describe a 60 year-old woman who developed this syndrome as a sequel to the gasserian ganglion block for trigeminal neuralgia. She had also developed melasma within 1 year. A remarkable benefit was achieved by proper patient education and topical antibiotics which led to the healing of all ulcerations within 4 weeks. In the case reported here, the diagnosis of the trigeminal trophic syndrome was made primarily as a result of the physician's experience with the syndrome previously.

Prevalence of Mesiodens Among Six- to Seventeen-year-old School Going Children of Indore

Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. Oct-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22016311

'Mesiodens' are the supernumerary teeth present in the midline of the maxilla between the two central incisors. These mesiodens are the most common supernumerary teeth and are usually responsible for eruption disturbance or delay of the maxillary anterior permanent teeth. The present study seeks to investigate the prevalence of mesiodens among school going children in Indore City, India.

Underweight in Low Socioeconomic Status Preschool Children with Severe Early Childhood Caries

Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. Oct-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22016314

The prevalence of severe early childhood caries (sECC) is high in developing nations like India. It has local as well as systemic manifestations.

Controlling Release of Metformin HCl Through Incorporation into Stomach Specific Floating Alginate Beads

Molecular Pharmaceutics. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22017707

The aim of present study was to develop stomach specific floating beads of metformin hydrochloride for effective management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The beads were evaluated for surface morphology, particle size, tapped density, true density, percent porosity, drug entrapment efficiency, percent yield, differential scanning calorimetry, in vitro floating ability and in vitro drug release. Stability studies were performed at 25 and 40 °C up to 45 days. Effectiveness of the formulations was evaluated in vivo by hypoglycemic response in both normal and diabetic albino rats. The beads were grossly spherical in shape, and average particle diameter of beads was found to be in the size range of 861.34 to 991.75 μm. Percent entrapment was found to be in the range of 77.61 to 82.48%. Beads demonstrated favorable in vitro floating ability. All the formulations followed a non-Fickian release mechanism. It was found that there was no significant effect on floating ability of aged beads since it floated up to an 8 h study period. In vivo studies on diabetic rats showed that the hypoglycemic effect induced by the metformin hydrochloride loaded alginate beads was significantly greater (P < 0.05) and more prolonged than that induced by the nonfloating beads. The results clearly demonstrated the ability of the formulation to maintain blood glucose level and improved the patient compliance by enhancing, controlling and prolonging the systemic absorption of metformin hydrochloride.

Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) in Forensic Medicine: Students' Point of View

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22018165

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of undergraduate medical students towards the objective structured practical examination (OSPE) in Forensic Medicine, in a medical college in Nepal. Participants included 59 undergraduate medical students of the 7th semester. Findings indicated that the OSPE was an acceptable tool considering the conduct of practical examination in Forensic Medicine at the undergraduate level. The overall mean attitude score was towards the favourable side. Students strongly agreed that the OSPE tested a wide range of skills. They also strongly agreed that it was a good form of examination as well as a learning experience. The introduction of the OSPE replacing the conventional method of practical examination in Forensic Medicine is a step in the right direction taken to objectively assess undergraduate medical students.

RNAi Screening Reveals Requirement for Host Cell Secretory Pathway in Infection by Diverse Families of Negative-strand RNA Viruses

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22065774

Negative-strand (NS) RNA viruses comprise many pathogens that cause serious diseases in humans and animals. Despite their clinical importance, little is known about the host factors required for their infection. Using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a prototypic NS RNA virus in the family Rhabdoviridae, we conducted a human genome-wide siRNA screen and identified 72 host genes required for viral infection. Many of these identified genes were also required for infection by two other NS RNA viruses, the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus of the Arenaviridae family and human parainfluenza virus type 3 of the Paramyxoviridae family. Genes affecting different stages of VSV infection, such as entry/uncoating, gene expression, and assembly/release, were identified. Depletion of the proteins of the coatomer complex I or its upstream effectors ARF1 or GBF1 led to detection of reduced levels of VSV RNA. Coatomer complex I was also required for infection of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and human parainfluenza virus type 3. These results highlight the evolutionarily conserved requirements for gene expression of diverse families of NS RNA viruses and demonstrate the involvement of host cell secretory pathway in the process.

Quantification of Fluorophore Copy Number from Intrinsic Fluctuations During Fluorescence Photobleaching

Biophysical Journal. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22067169

We present a theoretical technique for quantifying the cellular copy-number of fluorophores that relies on the random nature of the photobleaching process. Our approach does not require single-molecule sensitivity, and therefore can be used with commonly used epifluorescence microscopes. Fluctuations arising from photobleaching can be used to estimate the proportionality between fluorescence intensity and copy-number, which can then be used with subsequent intensity measurements to estimate copy-number. We calculate the statistical errors of our approach and verify them with stochastic simulations. By using fluctuations over the entire photobleaching process, we obtain significantly smaller errors than previous approaches that have used fluctuations arising from cytoplasmic proteins partitioning during cellular division. From the time-dependence of the fluctuations as photobleaching proceeds, we can discriminate between desired photobleach fluctuations and background noise or photon shot noise. Our approach does not require cellular division and the photobleaching rate sets a timescale that is adjustable with respect to cellular processes. We hope that our approach will now be applied experimentally.

Epigenetics in Breast Cancer: What's New?

Breast Cancer Research : BCR. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22078060

ABSTRACT: Epigenetic changes are critical for development and progression of cancers, including breast cancer. Significant progress has been made in the basic understanding of how various epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, miRNA expression, and higher order chromatin structure affect gene expression. The present review will focus on methylation and demethylation of histones. While the acetylation of histones has been at the forefront of well-characterized post-translational modifications of histones, including the development of inhibitors targeting de-acetylating enzymes, the past few years have witnessed a dramatic increase in knowledge regarding the role of histone methylation/demethylation. This is an exciting and rapidly evolving area of research, with much promise for potential clinical intervention in several cancers including breast cancer. We also summarize efforts to identity DNA methylation signatures that could be prognostic and/or predictive markers in breast cancer, focusing on recent studies using genome-wide approaches. Finally, we briefly review the efforts made by both the National Institutes of Health Epigenome Project and The Cancer Genome Atlas, especially highlighting the study of breast cancer epigenetics, exciting technological advances, potential roadblocks, and future directions.

Reduced Field of View MRI with Rapid, B(1) -robust Outer Volume Suppression

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine : Official Journal of the Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine / Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22083545

MRI scans are inefficient when the size of the anatomy under investigation is small relative to the subject's full extent. The field of view must be expanded, and acquisition times accordingly prolonged. Shorter scans are feasible with reduced field of view imaging (rFOV) using outer volume suppression (OVS), a magnetization preparation sequence that attenuates signal outside a region of interest (ROI). This work presents a new OVS sequence with a cylindrical ROI, short duration, and improved tolerance for B 1+ inhomogeneity. The sequence consists of a nonselective adiabatic tipdown pulse, which provides B 1+-robust signal suppression, and a fast 2D spiral cylindrical tipback pulse. Analysis of the Bloch equations with transverse initial magnetization reveals a conjugate symmetric constraint for tipback pulses with small flip angles. This property is exploited to achieve two-shot performance from the single-shot tipback pulse. The OVS sequence is validated in phantoms and in vivo with multislice spiral imaging at 3 T. The relative signal-to-noise ratio efficiency of the proposed sequence was 98% in a phantom and 75-90% in vivo. The effectiveness is demonstrated with cardiovascular rFOV imaging, which exhibits improved resolution and reduced artifacts compared to conventional, full field of view imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Rapidly Developing Lung Mass Diagnosed As Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor

Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22084544

We present a case of a young male who presented with complaints of fever along with cough and sputum. He was diagnosed with having right pleural effusion. He was already taking anti-tubercular therapy for one month before presentation. He was started on intravenous antibiotics and continued on anti-tubercular therapy in our hospital, based on his high leukocyte count, pleural fluid analysis, and ultrasonographic report of multiple hypoechoic areas in the liver. His symptoms continued to worsen and he subsequently developed mediastinal widening and a left lung mass. Commuted tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of the lung mass revealed a desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor. Desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor is a rare and aggressive tumor, which presents rarely as a mediastinal and lung mass. This tumor has very poor prognosis.

Radioprotective Effect of Ocimum Sanctum and Amifostine on the Salivary Gland of Rats After Therapeutic Radioiodine Exposure

Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22087607

The current study investigated the radioprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum on the salivary gland of rats administered radioiodine ((131)I) and compared its efficacy with a known radioprotectant, amifostine. The experimental rats were divided in four groups and sacrificed in three different batches at 1, 3, and 6 months of time interval after 18.5 MBq/100g (i.p.) (131)I exposure. Six months duration batch received (131)I exposure twice with the gap of 3 months. Two groups of experimental rats were presupplemented with O. sanctum (40 mg/kg for 5 days, orally) and amifostine (200 mg/kg, s.c) before (131)I exposure separately. Increased Technetium-99m-pertechnetate ((99m)TcO(4)(-)) uptake at 30 minutes post injection in salivary glands of only (131)I exposed rats may imply delay in clearance at 6 months of exposure in comparison to their counterparts sacrificed at 1 month. Parotid gland histology showed atrophy with lipomatosis in only (131)I exposed rats at 3 and 6 months of duration. O. sanctum and amifostine presupplemented and subsequently exposed to (131)I rats at 3 and 6 months duration exhibited comparable histopathology with controls. Our study indicates possible radioprotective effect of O. sanctum and amifostine against high-dose (131)I exposure.

Management of Distress During Climacteric Years by Homeopathic Therapy

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.). Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22087613

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the usefulness of homeopathic therapy in the management of distressing symptoms encountered during climacteric years in women (primary objective) and also the changes brought about in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and lipid profile in these women after homeopathic treatment (secondary objective).

Angiogenesis: the HETE is On

Blood. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22096255

In this issue of Blood, Singh and colleagues identify HMG-CoA reductase-dependent farnesylation of Rac-1 as critical for 15(S)-HETE-induced angiogenesis. These findings establish a novel link between eicosanoid and cholesterol metabolism with important biologic and therapeutic implications for angiogenesis.

Characterization of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) in the Curcuma Longa Expressed Sequence Tag Database

Bioinformation. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22102775

Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are universal signal transduction modules that play crucial role in plant growth and development as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. 20 and 17 MAPKs have been characterized in Arabidopsis and rice respectively, which are used for identification of the putative MAPKs in other higher plants. However, no MAPK gene sequences have yet been characterized for asexually reproducing plants. We describe the analysis of MAPK EST sequences from Curcuma longa (an asexually reproducible plant of great medicinal and economic significance). The four Curcuma MAPKs contains all 11 MAPK conserved domains and phosphorylation-activation motif, TEY. Phylogenetic analysis grouped them in the subgroup A and C as identified earlier for Arabidopsis. The Curcuma MAPKs identified showed high sequence homology to rice OsMPK3, OsMPK4 and OsMPK5 suggesting the presence of similar key element in signaling biotic and abiotic stress responses. Although further in vivo and in vitro analysis are required to establish the physiological role of Curcuma MAPKs, this study provides the base for future research on diverse signaling pathways mediated by MAPKs in Curcuma longa as well as other asexually reproducing plants.

Computational Modeling and Analysis of Insulin Induced Eukaryotic Translation Initiation

PLoS Computational Biology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22102801

Insulin, the primary hormone regulating the level of glucose in the bloodstream, modulates a variety of cellular and enzymatic processes in normal and diseased cells. Insulin signals are processed by a complex network of biochemical interactions which ultimately induce gene expression programs or other processes such as translation initiation. Surprisingly, despite the wealth of literature on insulin signaling, the relative importance of the components linking insulin with translation initiation remains unclear. We addressed this question by developing and interrogating a family of mathematical models of insulin induced translation initiation. The insulin network was modeled using mass-action kinetics within an ordinary differential equation (ODE) framework. A family of model parameters was estimated, starting from an initial best fit parameter set, using 24 experimental data sets taken from literature. The residual between model simulations and each of the experimental constraints were simultaneously minimized using multiobjective optimization. Interrogation of the model population, using sensitivity and robustness analysis, identified an insulin-dependent switch that controlled translation initiation. Our analysis suggested that without insulin, a balance between the pro-initiation activity of the GTP-binding protein Rheb and anti-initiation activity of PTEN controlled basal initiation. On the other hand, in the presence of insulin a combination of PI3K and Rheb activity controlled inducible initiation, where PI3K was only critical in the presence of insulin. Other well known regulatory mechanisms governing insulin action, for example IRS-1 negative feedback, modulated the relative importance of PI3K and Rheb but did not fundamentally change the signal flow.

Novel SSR Markers from BAC-end Sequences, DArT Arrays and a Comprehensive Genetic Map with 1,291 Marker Loci for Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.)

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22102885

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important cool season food legume, cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The goal of this study was to develop novel molecular markers such as microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-end sequences (BESs) and diversity arrays technology (DArT) markers, and to construct a high-density genetic map based on recombinant inbred line (RIL) population ICC 4958 (C. arietinum)×PI 489777 (C. reticulatum). A BAC-library comprising 55,680 clones was constructed and 46,270 BESs were generated. Mining of these BESs provided 6,845 SSRs, and primer pairs were designed for 1,344 SSRs. In parallel, DArT arrays with ca. 15,000 clones were developed, and 5,397 clones were found polymorphic among 94 genotypes tested. Screening of newly developed BES-SSR markers and DArT arrays on the parental genotypes of the RIL mapping population showed polymorphism with 253 BES-SSR markers and 675 DArT markers. Segregation data obtained for these polymorphic markers and 494 markers data compiled from published reports or collaborators were used for constructing the genetic map. As a result, a comprehensive genetic map comprising 1,291 markers on eight linkage groups (LGs) spanning a total of 845.56 cM distance was developed (http://cmap.icrisat.ac.in/cmap/sm/cp/thudi/). The number of markers per linkage group ranged from 68 (LG 8) to 218 (LG 3) with an average inter-marker distance of 0.65 cM. While the developed resource of molecular markers will be useful for genetic diversity, genetic mapping and molecular breeding applications, the comprehensive genetic map with integrated BES-SSR markers will facilitate its anchoring to the physical map (under construction) to accelerate map-based cloning of genes in chickpea and comparative genome evolution studies in legumes.

Aurora A and Aurora B Jointly Coordinate Chromosome Segregation and Anaphase Microtubule Dynamics

The Journal of Cell Biology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22184196

We established a conditional deletion of Aurora A kinase (AurA) in Cdk1 analogue-sensitive DT40 cells to analyze AurA knockout phenotypes after Cdk1 activation. In the absence of AurA, cells form bipolar spindles but fail to properly align their chromosomes and exit mitosis with segregation errors. The resulting daughter cells exhibit a variety of phenotypes and are highly aneuploid. Aurora B kinase (AurB)-inhibited cells show a similar chromosome alignment problem and cytokinesis defects, resulting in binucleate daughter cells. Conversely, cells lacking AurA and AurB activity exit mitosis without anaphase, forming polyploid daughter cells with a single nucleus. Strikingly, inhibition of both AurA and AurB results in a failure to depolymerize spindle microtubules (MTs) in anaphase after Cdk1 inactivation. These results suggest an essential combined function of AurA and AurB in chromosome segregation and anaphase MT dynamics.

Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Children: A Single Center Experience

Journal of Endourology / Endourological Society. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22191495

Abstract Objectives: Open pyeloplasty is the standard treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. The introduction of robotic surgical system has facilitated precise intracorporeal suturing and shortened the learning curve for minimal invasive procedures for the surgeons. There is sparse data over the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasties in children. We describe our technique and outcomes of robotic pyeloplasty in children. Patients and Methods: Operative data for all patients undergoing a robot-assisted procedure at our center is prospectively recorded in a database. We retrieved data of patients below the age of 16 years undergoing robot-assisted pyeloplasty between July 2007 to March 2011 and evaluated their operative parameters, recovery, and functional outcomes. Results: In the period under review, 34 pediatric patients (mean age 12 years, range 5-15 years) underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty at our center. All patients underwent unilateral pyeloplasty but one patient underwent a simultaneous contralateral pyelolithotomy. The mean total operative time (range) was 105 minutes (75-190 minutes), average dissection time and the anastomosis time was 23 minutes (20-58 minutes) and 46.5 minutes (28-70 minutes) respectively. The mean blood loss was 30 mL. Follow-up of 36, 24, 18, 12, and 6 months was completed in 14, 21, 24, 28, and 31 patients respectively. Postoperatively, one patient had an omentum herniation through the camera port site and another had an ileocaecal volvulus. With a mean follow-up of 28.5 months (2-56 months), the success rate was 97% (32/33), whereas postoperatively one patient had deterioration of function. Conclusion: Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment modality in children.

Piperine Protects Epilepsy Associated Depression: a Study on Role of Monoamines

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22195361

In patients with epilepsy, a common comorbidity diagnosed is depression. Temporal lobe epilepsy or post status epilepticus (SE) animal model establish and validate the co morbidity and common pathogenesis of depression and epilepsy. Elevation in serotonin concentration gives an inhibitory response to epileptic discharge and stabilizes the depressed mood disorder. Piperine is a potent monoaminooxidase inhibitor and stimulates the synthesis of serotonin. So the present work is undertaken to investigate the effect of piperine on depression associated with by status epilepticus induced by pilocarpine in rats.

A Comprehensive Study of the Extensor Tendons to the Medical Four Digits of the Hand

Chang Gung Medical Journal. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22196064

Awareness of the anatomy and variations of the extensor tendons on the dorsum of the hand is necessary when assessing the traumatized or diseased hand and when considering tendons for repair or transfer. A complete quantitative documentation of the extensor tendons is lacking.

Search for Supersymmetry in Pp Collisions at ˆ�7 TeV in Events with Two Photons and Missing Transverse Energy

Physical Review Letters. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21699288

A search for supersymmetry in the context of general gauge-mediated breaking with the lightest neutralino as the next-to-lightest supersymmetric particle and the gravitino as the lightest is presented. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 36 pb(-1) recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The search is performed by using events containing two or more isolated photons, at least one hadronic jet, and significant missing transverse energy. No excess of events at high missing transverse energy is observed. Upper limits on the signal cross section for general gauge-mediated supersymmetry between 0.3 and 1.1 pb at the 95% confidence level are determined for a range of squark, gluino, and neutralino masses, excluding supersymmetry parameter space that was inaccessible to previous experiments.

Study of Z Boson Production in PbPb Collisions at ˆ�S(NN)=2.76 TeV

Physical Review Letters. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21699291

A search for Z bosons in the μ(+)μ(-) decay channel has been performed in PbPb collisions at √S(NN)=2.76  TeV with the CMS detector at the LHC, in a 7.2 μb(-1) data sample. The number of opposite-sign muon pairs observed in the 60-120 GeV/c(2) invariant mass range is 39, corresponding to a yield per unit of rapidity (y) and per minimum bias event of [33.8±5.5(stat)±4.4(syst)]×10(-8), in the |y|<2.0 range. Rapidity, transverse momentum, and centrality dependencies are also measured. The results agree with next-to-leading order QCD calculations, scaled by the number of incoherent nucleon-nucleon collisions.

Elemental Analysis of Coal and Coal ASH by PIXE Technique

Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22204786

Coal and coal ash samples were characterized by particle induced X-ray emission spectroscopic technique. Sixteen elements, namely K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Y and Pb were quantified in this study. Elements like K, Ca, Ti and Fe were present as major elements, whereas, other elements like V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr and Pb were present in trace level. The enrichment ratio of different ash samples with respect to coal were also estimated and discussed.

Extensive Alopecia Areata: Not Necessarily Recalcitrant to Therapy!

International Journal of Trichology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22223966

Extensive alopecia areata includes alopecia universalis, alopecia totalis, ophiasis and patients having more than 50% scalp involvement. Alopecia universalis (AU) and totalis (AT) are considered to be resistant to single modalities of treatment. Our study highlights the efficacy and safety of combination therapy in extensive alopecia areata.

N-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)acetamide

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22219958

In the title compound, C(18)H(14)BrNO, the naphthalene ring system and the benzene ring form dihedral angles of 78.8 (2) and 19.7 (2)°, respectively, with the acetamide C-C(=O)-N plane. The naphthalene ring system forms a dihedral angle of 64.88 (19)° with the benzene ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via inter-molecular bifurcated (N,C)-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating an R(2) (1)(6) ring motif, forming chains along the b axis.

N-(3,5-Dichloro-phen-yl)-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)acetamide

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22219971

In the title compound, C(18)H(13)Cl(2)NO, the naphthalene ring system [maximum deviation = 0.038 (4) Å] and the benzene ring form dihedral angles of 69.5 (2) and 37.2 (2)°, respectively, with the essentially planar acetamide unit [maximum deviation = 0.004 (4) Å]. The naphthalene ring system forms a dihedral angle of 52.36 (18)° with the benzene ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [001].

Activator-induced Dynamic Disorder and Molecular Memory in Human Two-pore Domain HTREK1 K Channel

Journal of Chemical Biology. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22295053

Ion channels are fundamental molecules in the nervous system that catalyze the flux of ions across the cell membrane. Ion channel flux activity is comparable to the catalytic activity of enzyme molecules. Saturating concentrations of substrate induce "dynamic disorder" in the kinetic rate processes of single-enzyme molecules and consequently, develop correlative "memory" of the previous history of activities. Similarly, binding of ions as substrate alone or in presence of agonists affects the catalytic turnover of single-ion channels. Here, we investigated the possible existence of dynamic disorder and molecular memory in the single human-TREK1-channel due to binding of substrate/agonist using the excised inside-out patch-clamp technique. Our results suggest that the single-hTREK1-channel behaves as a typical Michaelis-Menten enzyme molecule with a high-affinity binding site for K(+) ion as substrate. But, in contrast to enzyme, dynamic disorder in single-hTREK1-channel was not induced by substrate K(+) binding, but required allosteric modification of the channel molecule by the agonist, trichloroethanol. In addition, interaction of trichloroethanol with hTREK1 induced strong correlation in the waiting time and flux intensity, exemplified by distinct mode-switching between high and low flux activities. This suggested the induction of molecular memory in the channel molecule by the agonist, which persisted for several decades in time. Our mathematical modeling studies identified the kinetic rate processes associated with dynamic disorder. It further revealed the presence of multiple populations of distinct conformations that contributed to the "heterogeneity" and consequently, to the molecular memory phenomenon that we observed. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12154-010-0053-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Study on Pulmonary Manifestations in Patients with Malaria from Northwestern India (Bikaner)

Journal of Vector Borne Diseases. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22297284

Background & objectives: Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium vivax (Pv) are responsible for most of the global burden of malaria. With changing spectrum of clinical presentation in malaria, pulmonary system involvement has always been under diagnosed. The present study was planned to estimate the pulmonary system involvement in patients with malaria from north- western India (Bikaner). Study design & description of the patients: Our study was conducted during 2007 to 2009 in 200 cases of severe malaria [Pf , Pv, and mixed (Pf + Pv)] with pulmonary involvement. It included adult patients of both sexes (145 males and 55 females) belonging to all age groups. The diagnosis of Pf and Pv was confirmed by demonstrating asexual form of parasites in peripheral blood smear and OptiMal test. Main outcome measures: Pulmonary involvement was observed in 30% (60/200) patients among which cough in 24% , dyspnea in 12%, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in 7% , bronchitis in 3% and pneumonia in 1.5% were the major clinical manifestations of malaria. Metabolic acidosis and low oxygen saturation was observed in 7% patients. Chest X- ray abnormality in 11.5% patients, 7% had bilateral infiltrates, 1.5% had inflammatory patch and 3% had findings suggestive of bronchitis. Spirometry findings showed 17% patients had early small airway obstruction. All the patients with ARDS had poor disease outcome. Results & conclusion: Our results suggest that pulmonary system involvement was observed in patients infected with Pf and Pv. If these clinical presentations are ignored, it may lead to delay in diagnosis and can alter the outcome and prognosis of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis of malaria induced ARDS can significantly affect the outcome.

Effect of Phosphogypsum Amendment on Soil Physico-chemical Properties, Microbial Load and Enzyme Activities

Journal of Environmental Biology / Academy of Environmental Biology, India. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22319877

Phosphogypsum (PG) is produced as a solid waste from phosphatic fertilizer plants. The waste slurry is disposed off in settling ponds or in heaps. This solid waste is now increasingly being used as a calcium supplement in agriculture. This study reports the effectof PG amendmenton soil physico chemical properties, bacterial and fungal count and activities of soil enzymes such as invertase, cellulase and amylase over an incubation period of 28 days. The highest mean percent carbon loss (55.98%) was recorded in 15% PG amended soil followed by (55.28%) in 10% PG amended soil and the minimum (1.68%) in control soil. The highest number of bacterial colonies (47.4 CFU g(-1) soil), fungal count (17.8 CFU g(-1) soil), highest amylase activity (38.4 microg g(-1) soil hr(-1)) and cellulase activity (38.37 microg g(-1) soil hr(-1)) were recorded in 10% amended soil. Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) has been recorded in the activities of amylase and cellulase over the period of incubation irrespective of amendments. Considering the bacterial and fungal growth and the activities of the three soil enzymes in the control and amended sets, it appears that 10% PG amendment is optimal for microbial growth and soil enzyme activities.

Stratified Assessment of the Role of Inhaled Hypertonic Saline in Reducing Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Exacerbations: a Retrospective Analysis

BMJ Open. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22021727

Objective Limited data exist concerning the role of inhaled hypertonic saline (HS) in decreasing pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF), especially as more advanced stages of CF lung disease were excluded in prior studies. Herein, the authors retrospectively determined the efficacy of inhaled HS in reducing CF pulmonary exacerbations when stratified according to the severity of CF lung disease. Stratification was based on the framework of the Pulmonary Therapeutics Committee's published gradation of obstructive lung physiology in CF, that is, mild (FEV(1) >70%), moderate (FEV(1) 40-70%) and severe (FEV(1) <40%) lung disease, respectively. Design A retrospective review of the Port CF database over a 3-year period performed at an academic CF care centre. Results 340 pulmonary exacerbations were identified; inhaled HS was being used in 99 of these cases. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in pulmonary exacerbations only in mild obstruction (OR=0.09, CI 0.01 to 0.81, p=0.012); however, multivariate logistic regression that adjusted for confounding variables showed a reduction in pulmonary exacerbations across the entire spectrum of obstructive lung disease when using inhaled HS, that is, mild obstructive CF lung disease (OR=0.17, CI 0.05 to 0.58, p=0.004), moderate obstructive CF lung disease (OR=0.39, CI 0.16 to 0.93, p=0.034), as well as severe obstructive CF lung disease (OR=0.02, CI 0.001 to 0.45, p=0.015). Moreover, inhaled HS appeared reasonably well tolerated across all stages of lung-disease severity, and was discontinued in only 7% of cases (n=4) with severe lung disease. Conclusion In this study, inhaled HS appeared to reduce pulmonary exacerbations in CF lung disease at all stages of obstruction. This underscores the importance of therapeutic inhaled HS in CF lung disease, regardless of the severity of lung obstruction.

Prevalence and Pattern of Stress Relaxation Practices in Ahmedabad City: A Cross-sectional Study

International Journal of Yoga. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22022127

Research has shown the growing importance of stress relaxation practices (SRPs) in many noncommunicable diseases. But there is little information on the prevalence of SRPs in Indian population.

Quasiparticle Band Gap Engineering of Graphene and Graphone on Hexagonal Boron Nitride Substrate

Nano Letters. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22026533

Graphene holds great promise for post-silicon electronics; however, it faces two main challenges: opening up a band gap and finding a suitable substrate material. In principle, graphene on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) substrate provides a potential system to overcome these challenges. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have provided conflicting results: while theoretical studies suggested a possibility of a finite band gap of graphene on hBN, recent experimental studies find no band gap. Using the first-principles density functional method and the many-body perturbation theory, we have studied graphene on hBN substrate. A Bernal stacked graphene on hBN has a band gap on the order of 0.1 eV, which disappears when graphene is misaligned with respect to hBN. The latter is the likely scenario in realistic devices. In contrast, if graphene supported on hBN is hydrogenated, the resulting system (graphone) exhibits band gaps larger than 2.5 eV. While the band gap opening in graphene/hBN is due to symmetry breaking and is vulnerable to slight perturbation such as misalignment, the graphone band gap is due to chemical functionalization and is robust in the presence of misalignment. The band gap of graphone reduces by about 1 eV when it is supported on hBN due to the polarization effects at the graphone/hBN interface. The band offsets at graphone/hBN interface indicate that hBN can be used not only as a substrate but also as a dielectric in the field effect devices employing graphone as a channel material. Our study could open up new way of band gap engineering in graphene based nanostructures.

Measurement of the Inclusive Jet Cross Section in Pp Collisions at Sqrt[s]=7  TeV

Physical Review Letters. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22026843

The inclusive jet cross section is measured in pp collisions with a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV at the Large Hadron Collider using the CMS experiment. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 34  pb^{-1}. The measurement is made for jet transverse momenta in the range 18-1100 GeV and for absolute values of rapidity less than 3. The measured cross section extends to the highest values of jet p_{T} ever observed and, within the experimental and theoretical uncertainties, is generally in agreement with next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD predictions.

Development, Optimization, and Anti-diabetic Activity of Gliclazide-loaded Alginate-methyl Cellulose Mucoadhesive Microcapsules

AAPS PharmSciTech. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22038475

The purpose of this work was to develop and optimize gliclazide-loaded alginate-methyl cellulose mucoadhesive microcapsules by ionotropic gelation using central composite design. The effect of formulation parameters like polymer blend ratio and cross-linker (CaCl(2)) concentration on properties of gliclazide-loaded alginate-methyl cellulose microcapsules like drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release were optimized. The optimized microcapsules were subjected to swelling, mucoadhesive, and in vivo studies. The observed responses coincided well with the predicted values from the optimization technique. The optimized microcapsules showed high drug encapsulation efficiency (83.57 ± 2.59% to 85.52 ± 3.07%) with low T(50%) (time for 50% drug release, 5.68 ± 0.09 to 5.83 ± 0.11 h). The in vitro drug release pattern from optimized microcapsules was found to be controlled-release pattern (zero order) with case II transport release mechanism. Particle sizes of these optimized microcapsules were 0.767 ± 0.085 to 0.937 ± 0.086 mm. These microcapsules also exhibited good mucoadhesive properties. The in vivo studies on alloxan-induced diabetic rats indicated the significant hypoglycemic effect that was observed 12 h after oral administration of optimized mucoadhesive microcapsules. The developed and optimized alginate-methyl cellulose microcapsules are suitable for prolonged systemic absorption of gliclazide to maintain lower blood glucose level and improved patient compliance.

Foramina on the Zygomatic Bone: Its Clinical Significance

La Clinica Terapeutica. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22041796

To study the anatomy of zygomatico-orbital, zygomatico-facial and zygomatico temporal foramina in south Indian population.

Aortic Aneurysm: a Case Report with Emphasize on Microscopic and Surgical Anatomy

La Clinica Terapeutica. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22041798

We report a case of fusiform type of abdominal aortic aneurysm which was found during the routine dissection of a cadaver, done for teaching the undergraduate medical students. The aneurysm was seen unruptured and positioned below the renal arteries, just above the aortic bifurcation. This study illustrates the microscopic and surgical anatomy of the aneurysm with added literature review and clinical implications. We believe that the knowledge of this vascular pathology will be enlightening for broad specialties of medicine and medical science researchers alike.

VEGF-A Immunohistochemical and MRNA Expression in Tissues and Its Serum Levels in Potentially Malignant Oral Lesions and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Oral Oncology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22051188

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the estimation of circulating Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels by ELISA could be used as surrogate of VEGF-A expression in tissues of pre-malignant oral lesions (PMOLs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as compared to that in healthy controls. The study samples comprised of tissue and blood samples from 60 PMOLs, 60 OSCC, and 20 healthy controls. Serum VEGF-A levels were determined by an ELISA based assay (Quantikine human VEGF; R & D System, Minneapolis USA). Tissue VEGF-A expression and microvessel density (MVD) were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against VEGF-A and CD-34 on formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. VEGF-A mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time PCR in snap frozen tissues. Serum VEGF-A levels and immunohistochemical VEGF-A expression were significantly high in PMOLs and OSCC in comparison with controls. VEGF mRNA gene expression showed more than 50-fold increase in PMOLs and OSCC. VEGF-A levels in serum correlated in a linear fashion with the tissue expression in oral pre-malignant and malignant lesions, suggesting that the serum levels may serve as surrogate material for tissue expression of VEGF-A.

Umbilical Arterial Catheter Insertion Length: in Quest of a Universal Formula

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22052331

Objective:The study was aimed at comparing the accuracy in length of insertion of umbilical arterial catheter in all new born groups stratified according to weight, by using two different methods, that is, Wright et al./Case (Group I): (4 × Body wt (BW) (kg)) +7; Shukla et al./Control (Group II): (3 × BW (kg)) +9.Study Design:It was a randomized open label case control study in a Level III tertiary level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over 9 months.Results:The babies in both the groups were similar in relation to weight, gender, prematurity and weight subgroups. Under insertion was seen in 8% (4/50) of babies in group I and over insertion was seen in group II where it was 32.6% (16/49). There was a reduction of 82% abnormal insertions and repositioning by using the Wright's formula as compared with the Shukla's formula in preterm babies. Statistically significant reduction in repositioning was seen in all babies <1500 g in Group I and under insertion seen in 8% of babies in group I did not attain statistical significance (P=0.34).Conclusions:There is no universal formula, which gives the accurate length of placement of an umbilical arterial catheter, but Wright's formula comes closer in neonates with different weight sub groups.Journal of Perinatology advance online publication, 3 November 2011; doi:10.1038/jp.2011.149.

Functional Characterization and Signal Transduction Ability of Nucleotide-binding Site-leucine-rich Repeat Resistance Genes in Plants

Genetics and Molecular Research : GMR. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22057959

Pathogen infection in plants is often limited by a multifaceted defense response triggered by resistance genes. The most prevalent class of resistance proteins includes those that contain a nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) domain. Over the past 15 years, more than 50 novel NBS-LRR class resistance genes have been isolated and characterized; they play a significant role in activating conserved defense-signaling networks. Recent molecular research on NBS-LRR resistance proteins and their signaling networks has the potential to broaden the use of resistance genes for disease control. Various transgenic approaches have been tested to broaden the disease resistance spectrum using NBS-LRR genes. This review highlights the recent progress in understanding the structure, function, signal transduction ability of NBS-LRR resistance genes in different host-pathogen systems and suggests new strategies for engineering pathogen resistance in crop plants.

Lipid Nanoemulsions for Anti-cancer Drug Therapy

Die Pharmazie. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21812320

Multifunctional lipid nanoemulsions have shown to combine several advantages e.g. tissue targeting, cell targeting, imaging analysis, barrier permeability enhancement, and therapeutic purposes. Depending on the choice of lipid composition, surfactants and additional surface modifiers ratio, different drug loadings may be achieved and exploited for drug delivery in cancer chemotherapy. However, a safe and effective delivery system for cancer therapy should also be able to overcome the major impediment of multidrug resistance. Several strategies have been tested in nanoemulsions including P-glycoprotein-mediated drug resistance. The present review focuses on a comprehensive discussion of the use of nanoemulsions in anti-cancer therapy, reporting the technological aspects of pharmaceutical formulation of these carriers, and exploiting their advantages in siRNA therapy.

Survey and Characterization of NBS-LRR (R) Genes in Curcuma Longa Transcriptome

Bioinformation. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21814396

Resistance genes are among the most important gene classes for plant breeding purposes being responsible for activation of plant defense mechanisms. Among them, the nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) class R-genes are the most abundant and actively found in all types of plants. Insilico characterization of EST database resulted in the detection of 28 NBS types R-gene sequences in Curcuma longa. All the 28 sequences represented the NB-ARC domain, 21 of which were found to have highly conserved motif characteristics and categorized as regular NBS genes. The Open Reading Frames varied from 361 (CL.CON.3566) to 112 (CL.CON.1267) with an average of 279 amino acids. Most alignment occurred with monocots (67.8%) with emphasis on Oryza sativa and Zingiber sequences. All best alignments with dicots occurred with Arabidopsis thaliana, Populus trichocarpa and Medicago sativa. These detected NBS type Rgenes from Curcuma longa can be used as a valuable resource for molecular marker development, molecular mapping of R-genes, and identification of resistance gene analogs and functional and evolutionary characterization of NBS-LRR-encoding resistance genes in asexually reproducing plants.

Development of PH-sensitive Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide-alginate Composite Beads for Controlled Diclofenac Sodium Delivery Using Response Surface Methodology

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21816168

The present study deals with the development of novel pH-sensitive tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP)-alginate composite beads for controlled diclofenac sodium delivery using response surface methodology by full 3(2) factorial design. The effect of polymer-blend ratio (sodium alginate:TSP) and cross-linker (CaCl(2)) concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %) and drug release from diclofenac sodium loaded TSP-alginate composite beads prepared by ionotropic gelation was optimized. The observed responses were coincided well with the predicted values by the experimental design. The DEE (%) of these beads containing diclofenac sodium was within the range between 72.23±2.14 and 97.32±4.03% with sustained in vitro drug release (69.08±2.36-96.07±3.54% in 10 h). The in vitro drug release from TSP-alginate composite beads containing diclofenac sodium was followed by controlled-release pattern (zero-order kinetics) with case-II transport mechanism. Particle size range of these beads was 0.71±0.03-1.33±0.04 mm. The swelling and degradation of the developed beads were influenced by different pH of the test medium. The FTIR and NMR analyses confirmed the compatibility of the diclofenac sodium with TSP and sodium alginate used to prepare the diclofenac sodium loaded TSP-alginate composite beads. The newly developed TSP-alginate composite beads are suitable for controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium for prolonged period.

Presumed Tubercular Retinal Vasculitis with Serpiginous-like Choroiditis in the Other Eye

Ocular Immunology and Inflammation. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21823934

A 17-year old boy, with decreased vision in right eye for 15 days, presented with retinal periphlebitis in multiple quadrants of the right eye and partially active serpiginous-like choroiditis in the left eye. Tuberculin test was positive (16 mm induration), and chest X-ray showed hilar lymphadenopathy. The patient was treated with a 9-month course of anti-tubercular therapy and a tapering dose of oral corticosteroids. Both retinal vasculitis and choroiditis lesions resolved over 3-4 months. Retinal neovascularization in the right eye was treated with laser photocoagulation. There was no recurrence over an 18-month follow-up. The probable pathogenic mechanism for such a presentation is discussed.

Rapid and Robust Generation of Functional Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells from Epiblast Stem Cells

Nature Methods. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21946668

Myelin-related disorders such as multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies, for which restoration of oligodendrocyte function would be an effective treatment, are poised to benefit greatly from stem cell biology. Progress in myelin repair has been constrained by difficulties in generating pure populations of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in sufficient quantities. Pluripotent stem cells theoretically provide an unlimited source of OPCs, but current differentiation strategies are poorly reproducible and generate heterogenous populations of cells. Here we provide a platform for the directed differentiation of pluripotent mouse epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) through defined developmental transitions into a pure population of highly expandable OPCs in 10 d. These OPCs robustly differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that mouse pluripotent stem cells provide a pure population of myelinogenic oligodendrocytes and offer a tractable platform for defining the molecular regulation of oligodendrocyte development and drug screening.

Molecular Characterization of Resistance to Extended-spectrum Cephalosporins in Clinical Escherichia Coli Isolates from Companion Animals in the United States

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21947397

Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) among members of the family Enterobacteriaceae occurs worldwide; however, little is known about ESC resistance in Escherichia coli strains from companion animals. Clinical isolates of E. coli were collected from veterinary diagnostic laboratories throughout the United States from 2008 to 2009. E. coli isolates (n = 54) with reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime or cefotaxime (MIC ≥ 16 μg/ml) and extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotypes were analyzed. PCR and sequencing were used to detect mutations in ESBL-encoding genes and the regulatory region of the chromosomal gene ampC. Conjugation experiments and plasmid identification were conducted to examine the transferability of resistance to ESCs. All isolates carried the bla(CTX-M-1)-group β-lactamase genes in addition to one or more of the following β-lactamase genes: bla(TEM), bla(SHV-3), bla(CMY-2), bla(CTX-M-14-like), and bla(OXA-1.) Different bla(TEM) sequence variants were detected in some isolates (n = 40). Three isolates harbored a bla(TEM-181) gene with a novel mutation resulting in an Ala184Val substitution. Approximately 78% of the isolates had mutations in promoter/attenuator regions of the chromosomal gene ampC, one of which was a novel insertion of adenine between bases -28 and -29. Plasmids ranging in size from 11 to 233 kbp were detected in the isolates, with a common plasmid size of 93 kbp identified in 60% of isolates. Plasmid-mediated transfer of β-lactamase genes increased the MICs (≥ 16-fold) of ESCs for transconjugants. Replicon typing among isolates revealed the predominance of IncI and IncFIA plasmids, followed by IncFIB plasmids. This study shows the emergence of conjugative plasmid-borne ESBLs among E. coli strains from companion animals in the United States, which may compromise the effective therapeutic use of ESCs in veterinary medicine.

Correlation Between Reentrant Spin Glass Behavior and the Magnetic Order-disorder Transition of the Martensite Phase in Ni-Co-Mn-Sb Heusler Alloys

Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21952121

We have performed ac susceptibility and dc magnetization measurements in Ni(50-x)Co(x)Mn(38)Sb(12) Heusler alloys. From the ac susceptibility measurements, the existence of reentrant spin glass (RSG) state is observed for x=0-5. It is found that the signature of RSG behavior diminishes with increase in x. This behavior is in contrast to the fact that the exchange bias field increases with x, which reveals that the origins of RSG and exchange bias are different in the present system. It is found that the system enters a frustrated ferromagnetic state just below the Curie temperature of the martensite phase (T(M)(C)) and then the RSG state at low temperature. The strength of the RSG state is critically dependent on the sharpness of the magnetic transition at (T(M)(C)). This proposition is further supported by the thermo-remanent magnetization and low field thermomagnetic measurements.

Relationship of Dyslipidemia and Uric Acid with the Risk of Myocardial Infarction Among Hypertensive Patients in Trinidad

Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21955256

To study the relationship of dyslipidemia and serum uric acid with the risk of myocardial infarction among the hypertensive type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients of Trinidad.

Validity and Ease of Use of a Computerized Hess Chart

Journal of AAPOS : the Official Publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus / American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21958903

To investigate agreement between computerized and conventional methods for obtaining Hess charts and to compare relative ease of use of both methods.

Conformation-changing Aggregation in Hydroxyacetone: a Combined Low-temperature FTIR, Jet, and Crystallographic Study

Journal of the American Chemical Society. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21961479

Aggregation in hydroxyacetone (HA) is studied using low-temperature FTIR, supersonic jet expansion, and X-ray crystallographic (in situ cryocrystallization) techniques. Along with quantum chemical methods (MP2 and DFT), the experiments unravel the conformational preferences of HA upon aggregation to dimers and oligomers. The O-H···O═C intramolecular hydrogen bond present in the gas-phase monomer partially opens upon aggregation in supersonic expansions, giving rise to intermolecular cooperatively enhanced O-H···O-H hydrogen bonds in competition with isolated O-H···O═C hydrogen bonds. On the other hand, low-temperature IR studies on the neat solid and X-ray crystallographic data reveal that HA undergoes profound conformational changes upon crystallization, with the HOCC dihedral angle changing from ~0° in the gas phase to ~180° in the crystalline phase, hence giving rise to a completely new conformation. These conclusions are supported by theoretical calculations performed on the geometry derived from the crystalline phase.

Childhood Asthma and Indoor Allergen Exposure and Sensitization in Buffalo, New York

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21962526

This nested case-control study examined the association between prevalent asthma and indoor allergen sensitization and/or exposure among children (aged 5-17 years) in Buffalo, New York. The study included a self-administered questionnaire, clinical interviews, skin allergen sensitivity tests and home dust sampling for house dust mites, cat, dog, cockroach and mouse allergens. After adjusting for multiple confounders, asthma cases had higher odds of being sensitized to Der p dust mites (odds ratio [OR]=1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-3.35), cat (OR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.13-3.39), or dog allergens (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.10-3.22) than the controls. A significantly positive association between asthma status presence of cat allergen in the child's mattress (ORs: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.09-6.28) was also found. Children with both sensitization and environmental exposure to cat allergens had higher odds of asthma (OR=7.08, 95% CI: 2.12-23.62) than those who were only sensitized to cat allergen (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.01-5.32) or had only home exposures (OR=1.47, 95% CI: 0.47-4.65). The association between allergen sensitization and asthma was more consistent than for home exposures. The findings help to confirm the role of allergen sensitization and home exposure in regard to asthma, and suggest that both, individually and jointly, are associated with asthma.

UV-Vis, Fluorescence and NMR Spectroscopic Investigations on Inclusion Properties of a Designed Tetrahomocalix[8]arene with Fullerenes C60 and C70 in Solution

Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21964241

The present article reports the spectroscopic investigations on non-covalent interaction of fullerenes C(60) and C(70) with a macrocyclic receptor molecule, namely, 1,3,5,7-tetrahomo-p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene (1) in toluene. Jobs method of continuous variation reveals 1:1 stoichiometry for the fullerene complexes of 1. The most fascinating feature of the present study is that 1 binds selectively C(60) compared to C(70) as obtained from binding constant (K) data of C(60)-1 (K(C60-1)) and C(70)-1 (K(C70-1)) complexes which are enumerated to be 265,000 dm(3) mol(-1) and 63,43 dm(3) mol(-1), respectively, and selectivity in binding (K(C60-1)/K(C70-1)) is estimated to be 4.18 as obtained from UV-Vis study. Steady state fluorescence studies reveal quenching of fluorescence of 1 in presence of fullerenes and the K value of the C(60)-1 and C(70)-1 complexes are estimated to be 80,760 and 68,780 dm(3) mol(-1), respectively, with selectivity in binding (K(C60-1)/K(C70-1)) ~1.18. (1)H NMR analysis provides very good support in favor of strong binding between C(60) and 1. The high value of K value for C(60)-1 complex indicates that 1 forms an inclusion complex with C(60).

Delayed Recovery of Paraplegia Following Surgical Evacuation of Spontaneous Cervicothoracic Epidural Hematoma

Child's Nervous System : ChNS : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21971907

High Energy Resolution Bandpass Photon Detector for Inverse Photoemission Spectroscopy

The Review of Scientific Instruments. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21974594

We report a bandpass ultraviolet photon detector for inverse photoemission spectroscopy with energy resolution of 82 ± 2 meV. The detector (Sr(0.7)Ca(0.3)F(2)/acetone) consists of Sr(0.7)Ca(0.3)F(2) entrance window with energy transmission cutoff of 9.85 eV and acetone as detection gas with 9.7 eV photoionization threshold. The response function of the detector, measured using synchrotron radiation, has a nearly Gaussian shape. The n = 1 image potential state of Cu(100) and the Fermi edge of silver have been measured to demonstrate the improvement in resolution compared to the CaF(2)/acetone detector. To show the advantage of improved resolution of the Sr(0.7)Ca(0.3)F(2)/acetone detector, the metal to semiconductor transition in Sn has been studied. The pseudogap in the semiconducting phase of Sn could be identified, which is not possible with the CaF(2)/acetone detector because of its worse resolution.

Awareness and Impact of Education on Breast Self Examination Among College Going Girls

Indian Journal of Palliative Care. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21976857

Breast cancer accounts for 19-34% of all cancer cases among women in India. There is high mortality due to late stage diagnosis as patients usually present at an advanced stage because of lack of awareness and nonexistent breast cancer screening programs. Early detection and prompt treatment offer the greatest chance of long-term survival and breast self-examination (BSE) seems to be a important viable optional substitute for early detection of cancer.

Unilateral Segmental Odontomaxillary Hypoplasia: an Unusual Case Report

Imaging Science in Dentistry. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21977473

Facial asymmetry is not an uncommon occurrence in day to day dental practice. It can be caused by various etiologic factors ranging from facial trauma to serious hereditary conditions. Here, we report a rare case of non-syndromic facial asymmetry in a young female, who was born with this condition but was not aware of the progression of asymmetry. No relevant family history was recognized. She was also deficient in both deciduous and permanent teeth in the corresponding region of maxilla. Hence, the cause of this asymmetry was believed to be a segmental odontomaxillary hypoplasia of left maxilla accompanied by agenesis of left maxillary premolars and molars and disuse atrophy of corresponding facial musculature. This report briefly discussed the comparative features of segmental odontomaxillary hypoplasia, hemimaxillofacial dysplasia, and segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia and justified the differences between segmental odontomaxillary hypoplasia and the other two conditions.

Acetylation of the Proto-oncogene EVI1 Abrogates Bcl-xL Promoter Binding and Induces Apoptosis

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21980434

EVI1 (Ecotropic Viral Integration site I), which was originally identified as a myeloid transforming gene by means of retroviral insertional mutagenesis in mouse leukemia, encodes a nuclear DNA binding zinc finger protein. The presence of zinc fingers that are able to bind to specific sequences of DNA suggests that EVI1 is a transcriptional regulator; however, except a few, target genes of EVI1 are poorly functionally identified thus far. In this study we provide evidence that EVI1 directly induces the expression of Bcl-xL through the first set of zinc finger and thereby inhibits apoptosis. ChIP analysis showed that EVI1 binds to the Bcl-xL promoter in HT-29 cells, a colon carcinoma cell line, which expresses EVI1. The observation is also supported by the fact that EVI1 siRNA treated HT-29 cells, shows a down regulation of Bcl-xL expression and that over expression of EVI1 results in the induction of the Bcl-xL reporter construct. A set of EVI1 positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) samples also showed higher Bcl-xL expression with respect to EVI1 negative samples. Interestingly, co-expression of EVI1 with wild type, but not with dominant-negative form of PCAF, abolishes the effect of EVI1 on Bcl-xL, indicating that acetylation of EVI1 abrogates its ability not only to bind Bcl-xL promoter but also alleviate Bcl-xL activity. Finally we have shown that EVI1 expression regulates apoptosis in HT-29 cells, which is abrogated when HT-29 cells are transfected with EVI1 siRNA or PCAF. The result for the first time shows a direct pathway by which EVI1 can protect cells from apoptosis and also demonstrates that the pathway can be reversed when EVI1 is acetylated.

Stressful Events, Smoking Exposure and Other Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21980946

The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased significantly in the last few decades in the US. Understanding its risk factors is imperative for the prevention of GDM and its sequelae, but the roles of behavioural risk factors such as stressful events and smoking on GDM are generally not well understood. Using data obtained from the New York State (NYS) Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey for 2004-06 and the NYS birth certificates, we examined relationships between GDM, stressful events and smoking among 2690 women who had live singleton births and did not have pre-pregnancy diabetes. After adjustment for risk factors such as maternal age, race/ethnicity, pre-pregnancy body mass index, hypertension, as well as smoking exposure, education, parity, and gestation at first visit for prenatal care, we found that having five or more stressful events 12 months before the baby was born was significantly associated with GDM (OR = 2.49, [95% CI 1.49, 4.16]). In another model, having any stressful event(s) other than 'moved to a new address' 12 months before the baby was born was also moderately associated with GDM (OR = 1.38, [95% CI 1.04, 1.85]). Smoking exposure, assessed by combining maternal smoking and second-hand smoke exposure into six levels, had no significant association with GDM, and did not show a dose-response pattern. The present study suggests that stressful events during pregnancy may be an independent risk factor for GDM. Future studies of GDM should include this common, but potentially modifiable risk factor in analyses.

Search for Three-Jet Resonances in Pp Collisions at Sqrt[s]=7  TeV

Physical Review Letters. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21981492

A search for three-jet hadronic resonance production in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV has been conducted by the CMS Collaboration at the LHC, using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35  pb^{-1}. Events with high jet multiplicity and a large scalar sum of jet transverse momenta are analyzed using a signature-based approach. The number of expected standard model background events is found to be in good agreement with the observed events. Limits on the cross section times branching ratio are set in a model of gluino pair production with an R-parity-violating decay to three quarks, and the data rule out such particles within the mass range of 200 to 280  GeV/c^{2}.

Wastewater Utilization for Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate Production by the Cyanobacterium Aulosira Fertilissima in a Recirculatory Aquaculture System

Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21984242

Intensive aquaculture releases large quantities of nutrients into aquatic bodies, which can lead to eutrophication. The objective of this study was the development of a biological recirculatory wastewater treatment system with a diazotrophic cyanobacterium, Aulosira fertilissima, and simultaneous production of valuable product in the form of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). To investigate this possible synergy, batch scale tests were conducted under a recirculatory aquaculture system in fiber-reinforced plastic tanks enhanced by several manageable parameters (e.g., sedimentation, inoculum size, depth, turbulence, and light intensity), an adequate combination of which showed better productivity. The dissolved-oxygen level increased in the range of 3.2 to 6.9 mg liter⁻¹ during the culture period. Nutrients such as ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate decreased to as low as zero within 15 days of incubation, indicating the system's bioremediation capability while yielding valuable cyanobacterial biomass for PHB production. Maximum PHB accumulation in A. fertilissima was found in sedimented fish pond discharge at 20-cm culture depth with stirring and an initial inoculum size of 80 mg dry cell weight (dcw) liter⁻¹. Under optimized conditions, the PHB yield was boosted to 92, 89, and 80 g m⁻², respectively for the summer, rainy, and winter seasons. Extrapolation of the result showed that a hectare of A. fertilissima cultivation in fish pond discharge would give an annual harvest of ∼17 tons dry biomass, consisting of 14 tons of PHB with material properties comparable to those of the bacterial polymer, with simultaneous treatment of 32,640 m³ water discharge.

Use of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Cancer Patients with Acute Stroke

Journal of Neuro-oncology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22179814

People with cancer may be at increased risk for stroke, especially of cardioembolic and large vessel origin. Some clinicians are reluctant to use recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) in the cancer population due to safety concerns. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who received rTPA for acute stroke at an academic cancer center. We report six patients with cancer treated with rTPA at our institution, four of whom had early neurologic recovery. Only one of our six patients suffered minor bleeding as a complication of rTPA. Acute stroke in patients with cancer may be treated with rTPA, and active cancer should not be considered an absolute contraindication to rTPA use.

Search for B(s)(0) †� μ+ μ- and B(0) †� μ+ μ- Decays in Pp Collisions at Sqrt[s] = 7 TeV

Physical Review Letters. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22181597

A search for the rare decays B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- and B(0) → μ+ μ- is performed in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV, with a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.14 fb(-1), collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. In both cases, the number of events observed after all selection requirements is consistent with expectations from background and standard-model signal predictions. The resulting upper limits on the branching fractions are B(B(s)(0) → μ+ μ-) < 1.9 × 10(-8) and B(B(0) → μ+ μ-)<4.6 × 10(-9), at 95% confidence level.

Search for New Physics with a Monojet and Missing Transverse Energy in Pp Collisions at Sqrt[s]=7  TeV

Physical Review Letters. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22181725

A study of events with missing transverse energy and an energetic jet is performed using pp collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The data were collected by the CMS detector at the LHC, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 36  pb^{-1}. An excess of these events over standard model contributions is a signature of new physics such as large extra dimensions and unparticles. The number of observed events is in good agreement with the prediction of the standard model, and significant extension of the current limits on parameters of new physics benchmark models is achieved.

Search for Supersymmetry at the LHC in Events with Jets and Missing Transverse Energy

Physical Review Letters. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22182023

A search for events with jets and missing transverse energy is performed in a data sample of pp collisions collected at sqrt[s]=7  TeV by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The analyzed data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.14  fb^{-1}. In this search, a kinematic variable α_{T} is used as the main discriminator between events with genuine and misreconstructed missing transverse energy. No excess of events over the standard model expectation is found. Exclusion limits in the parameter space of the constrained minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model are set. In this model, squark masses below 1.1 TeV are excluded at 95% C.L. Gluino masses below 1.1 TeV are also ruled out at 95% C.L. for values of the universal scalar mass parameter below 500 GeV.

Huntington's Disease: An Immune Perspective

Neurology Research International. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21876800

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by abnormal expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats. Neuroinflammation is a typical feature of most neurodegenerative diseases that leads to an array of pathological changes within the affected areas in the brain. The neurodegeneration in HD is also caused by aberrant immune response in the presence of aggregated mutant huntingtin protein. The effects of immune activation in HD nervous system are a relatively unexplored area of research. This paper summarises immunological features associated with development and progression of HD.

Role of Le Fort Type I Osteotomy Approach in Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21880465

Le Fort type I osteotomy is a fracture that extends from the pyriform aperture to each of the pterygoid plates, resulting in the detachment of the upper jaw from the cranial base. A retrospective study was conducted on 12 patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) who underwent the Le Fort type I approach. Preoperatively, all cases were investigated with computed tomographic scans with contrast and angiography with embolisation. This paper highlights the surgical technique, results and treatment morbidity. The average age of the patients was 21 years, average duration of surgery was 3.2h and average blood loss was 550 ml. All cases had significant symptomatic improvement postoperatively. At 1 year follow up, the authors encountered dental malocclusion in one case and no recurrence of JNA. The Le Fort I osteotomy approach is an excellent approach for the excision of JNA because it allows good surgical exposure, better haemostasis, is cosmetically more acceptable and has a very low morbidity.

Factor X Binding to Endothelial Cell Protein C Receptor: Comparison with Factor VIIa and Activated Protein C

Blood. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21885613

Telecommunication Technology Used in Home Healthcare

Journal of the Indian Medical Association. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21888158

Current telemedicine applications are usually developed for doctors to do consultation and case study between several hospitals. Patients see doctor at home via Internet becomes possible and it might be a part of lifestyle in the future. Telemedicine has been an active area of research for over 30 years. In the past, several telemedicine applications using wired EPABX telecommunications equipment were provided whereas now-a-days the evolution of wireless communication means enabling telemedicine systems to operate everywhere in the world, thus expanding telemedicine benefits, services and applications. How these applications are used in healthcare delivery and what are the technologies used in this system are explained in this paper.

A Study on Traffic Noise of Two Campuses of University, Balasore, India

Journal of Environmental Biology / Academy of Environmental Biology, India. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21888241

Noise pollution is a significant environmental problem in many rapidly urbanizing areas of Orissa, India. Transportation sector is one of the major contributors to noise in these areas. The present study is an attempt to estimate traffic noise pollution at five places on the way from Vyasa Vihar Campus to Gyan Vigyan Vihar Campus of Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Orissa. The sources of noise at the studied sites are predominantly attributable to motor vehicular traffic. The noise levels of all the five locations were found to be beyond permissible limit during the day time. The contributions of different types of vehicles to environmental noise were found to ranging from 70.4-94.2, 79.0-96.1, 77.8-110.2, 70.8-90.3, 71.0-87.5, 71.1-84.4, 72.5-86.9 and 74.0-85.4 dB (A) by cargo carrying Trucks, Tractors, Dumpers, Town Buses, Motor cycles, Bolero/Trucker, Pick up and Tempo respectively. The contributions of individual vehicles towards noise pollution were found to be more than the road traffic noise-limit i.e., 70 dB (A). On certain local inhabitants interviewed, the impact of noise was observed in the forms of alterations in their physical, psychological and personal aspects. This study warrants attention from all sections of people to deal with the problem of noise pollution.

Primary Thoracic Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Mimicking As Neurofibroma

Neurology India. Jul-Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21891963

Enhanced Dendritic Arborization of Hippocampal CA3 Neurons by Bacopa Monniera Extract Treatment in Adult Rats

Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology = Revue Roumaine De Morphologie Et Embryologie. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21892534

Bacopa monniera (BM), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine has been used in treatment for a number of disorders, particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory. The current study examined the effects of standardized extract of Bacopa monniera on the dendritic morphology in adult rats of hippocampal CA3 neurons, one of the regions concerned with learning and memory.

Paraphenylene Diamine Poisoning

Journal of the Indian Medical Association. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21894627

Mania Associated with Complicated Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21897689

Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is an inherited group of neurological disorders with progressive lower limb spasticity. HSP can be clinically grouped into pure and complicated forms. Pure HSP is one without any associated neurological/psychiatric comorbidity. Depression is the most common psychiatric comorbidity. Presence of mania or bipolar affective illness with HSP is a rare phenomenon. We report a case of a 17-year-old boy who presented with classical features of HSP with complaints of excessive happiness, irritability, increased self-esteem and decreased sleep since 1 month. The patient also had complex partial seizure ever since he had features of HSP. The patient's father and younger sister suffer from pure HSP. The patient was diagnosed to have first episode mania with complicated HSP. The details of treatment and possible neurobiology are discussed in this case report.

Cultured Vestibular Ganglion Neurons Demonstrate Latent HSV1 Reactivation

The Laryngoscope. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21898423

Vestibular neuritis is a common cause of both acute and chronic vestibular dysfunction. Multiple pathologies have been hypothesized to be the causative agent of vestibular neuritis; however, whether herpes simplex type I (HSV1) reactivation occurs within the vestibular ganglion has not been demonstrated previously by experimental evidence. We developed an in vitro system to study HSV1 infection of vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs) using a cell culture model system.

ϻ�The Effect of Autologous Bone Marrow-derived Cells on Healing Chronic Lower Extremity Wounds: Results of a Randomized Controlled Study

Ostomy/wound Management. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21904014

Case studies suggest that bone marrow-derived stem cells may improve chronic wound healing. A prospective, randomized, clinical study was conducted to compare the rate of healing chronic lower limb wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus whose wounds were treated with topically applied and locally injected bone marrow-derived cells or whole blood (control). Of the 48 patients participating in the study, 25 were randomized to study treatment and 23 to control treatment. At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the two groups for patient age (average for treatment group was 54 years, 3 months; range 33 to 76 years and for the control group 58 years, 7 months; range 28 to 69 years), comorbidity (82% in the treatment group and 78% in the control group had diabetes mellitus), ulcer history (mean duration was 14.28 months in the treatment group and 10.21 months in the control group; SD 0.28), or baseline area (mean was 65.32 cm2 in the treatment group and 48.83 cm2 in the control group). After obtaining informed consent, all wounds were surgically debrided. Wounds of study participants randomized to the treatment group were injected and oversprayed with a total of 5 cc of autologous bone marrow-derived cells. Using a similar procedure, the wounds of patients randomized to the control group were injected with 5 cc of autologous peripheral blood. All wounds were covered with saline-moistened gauze and cotton pads. Patients were followed for a maximum of 3 months. The average decrease in wound area at 2 weeks was 17.4% (39.6-43.4 cm2) in the treatment group compared to 4.84% (41.6-42.8 cm2) in the control group. After 12 weeks, the average decrease in wound area was 36.4% (SD 0.48) in the treatment group compared to 27.32% (SD 0.32) in the control group. No adverse events were observed. None of the patients complained of significant pain or discomfort following the procedure, no wound infections occurred, and all patients reported resumption of normal daily activity the day after the procedure. The results of this study show that a single application of autologous bone marrow-derived cells increases the rate of healing chronic lower extremity wounds in the early weeks of treatment. Additional studies to elucidate the treatment mode of action and optimal application frequency as well as comparisons between this and other treatment modalities are warranted.

Quantitative in Vivo Solubility and Reconstitution of Truncated Circular Permutants of Green Fluorescent Protein

Protein Science : a Publication of the Protein Society. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21910151

Several versions of split green fluorescent protein (GFP) fold and reconstitute fluorescence, as do many circular permutants, but little is known about the dependence of reconstitution on circular permutation. Explored here is the capacity of GFP to fold and reconstitute fluorescence from various truncated circular permutants, herein called "leave-one-outs" using a quantitative in vivo solubility assay and in vivo reconstitution of fluorescence. Twelve leave-one-out permutants are discussed, one for each of the 12 secondary structure elements. The results expand the outlook for the use of permuted split GFPs as specific and self-reporting gene encoded affinity reagents.

The Relationship Between Salivary IgA Levels and Dental Caries in Children

Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. Apr-Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21911947

The aim of the study was to find the relationship between salivary IgA (s-IgA) levels and dental caries in children.

Bilateral Anomaly of Rectus Capitis Posterior Muscles in the Suboccipital Triangle and Its Clinical Implication

La Clinica Terapeutica. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21912824

Rectus capitis posterior muscles are located in the suboccipital triangle and function in extension and lateral rotation of the head and neck. There are two of these muscles on each side: the rectus capitis posterior major and the rectus capitis posterior minor. In the present case we observed bilateral double rectus capitis posterior major muscle and bilateral absence of rectus capitis posterior minor muscle. The additional rectus capitis posterior major may put more strain to the spine of the axis and mean time the bilateral absence of rectus capitis posterior minor muscles will result in muscular in coordination in the suboccipital region while balancing the head. The present variation should be considered in the aetiology of cervicogenic headache.

The Relationship of Childhood Trauma to Nicotine Dependence in Pregnant Smokers

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors : Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21928869

Pregnant women with high levels of nicotine dependence are the least likely to quit smoking spontaneously during pregnancy or to benefit from smoking cessation interventions. In the general population, there is increasing evidence of a relationship between smoking, nicotine dependence, and exposure to childhood trauma. We examined the relationship of childhood trauma to several measures of nicotine dependence and evaluated whether this relationship was mediated by major depressive disorder or depressive symptom severity in pregnant smokers. Moderate to extreme levels of childhood trauma were significantly related to smoking within 5 minutes or less of waking, and to the Behavioral Choice-Melioration, Negative Reinforcement, and Tolerance subscales of the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM-68) scale. The relationships between childhood emotional abuse and the WISDM-68 Total and Negative Reinforcement subscale were partially mediated by depressive symptoms. Results suggest that childhood trauma may be a risk factor underlying nicotine dependence in pregnant smokers. Increased understanding of the relationship of affect regulation to smoking in individuals with childhood trauma histories may aid in the development of more effective treatments of nicotine dependence for this population of smokers.

Measurement of the T-channel Single Top Quark Production Cross Section in Pp Collisions at Sqrt[s]=7  TeV

Physical Review Letters. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21929225

Electroweak production of the top quark is measured for the first time in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=7  TeV, using a data set collected with the CMS detector at the LHC and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36  pb⁻¹. With an event selection optimized for t-channel production, two complementary analyses are performed. The first one exploits the special angular properties of the signal, together with background estimates from the data. The second approach uses a multivariate analysis technique to probe the compatibility with signal topology expected from electroweak top-quark production. The combined measurement of the cross section is 83.6±29.8(stat+syst)±3.3(lumi)  pb, consistent with the standard model expectation.

Cavity Formation on an Optical Nanofiber Using Focused Ion Beam Milling Technique

Optics Express. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21934765

We present the experimental realization of nanofiber Bragg grating (NFBG) by drilling periodic nano-grooves on a subwavelength-diameter silica fiber using focused ion beam milling technique. Using such NFBG structures we have realized nanofiber cavity systems. The typical finesse of such nanofiber cavity is F ∼ 20 - 120 and the on-resonance transmission is ∼ 30 - 80%. Moreover the structural symmetry of such NFBGs results in polarization-selective modes in the nanofiber cavity. Due to the strong confinement of the field in the guided mode, such a nanofiber cavity can become a promising workbench for cavity QED.

Symptom Screening Among HIV-infected Pregnant Women is Acceptable and Has High Negative Predictive Value for Active Tuberculosis

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21940417

We evaluated tuberculosis (TB) screening among 799 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women in India. Eleven (1.4%) had active TB. The negative predictive value of screening using cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss was 99.3%. Tuberculin skin test and targeted chest radiography provided no substantial benefit. TB symptom screening, as recommended by the World Health Organization, is effective for ruling out TB in HIV-infected pregnant women.

Composition, Recruitment and Regulation of the PRC2 Complex

Nucleus (Austin, Tex.). Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21941108

The PRC2 histone methyltransferase complex is an important regulator of gene expression programs in metazoans. Gene expression regulation by the PRC2 complex is critical for development and cell differentiation. Several recent studies have begun to shed light on the molecular basis for the physiological function of the PRC2 complex. Here, we discuss some of these results and how they provide new insights into the composition, recruitment and regulation of the PRC2 complex.

Cytotoxic Diterpenoid Quinonemethides from the Roots of Pygmacopremna Herbacea

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21708464

Two new diterpenoid quinonemethides (1 and 2) along with two known compounds (3 and 4) were isolated from the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of root nodules of Pygmacopremna herbacea. The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic data interpretation. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the structure of 1. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated against A 549, HEPG2, MCF-7, PC-3 and HELA cancer cell lines. Compounds 4, 2 and 1 were shown very good cytotoxic activity.

86Y Based PET Radiopharmaceuticals: Radiochemistry and Biological Applications

Medicinal Chemistry (Shāriqah (United Arab Emirates)). Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21711222

Development of targeted radionuclide therapy with (90)Y labeled antibodies and peptides has gained momentum in the past decade due to the successes of (90)Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and (90)Y-DOTA-Phe(1)-Tyr(3)-octreotide in treatment of cancer. (90)Y is a pure β(-)-emitter and cannot be imaged for patient-specific dosimetry which is essential for pre-therapeutic treatment planning and accurate absorbed dose estimation in individual patients to mitigate radiation related risks. This review article describes the utility of (86)Y, a positron emitter (33%) with a 14.7-h half-life that can be imaged by positron emission tomography and used as an isotopically matched surrogate radionuclide for (90)Y radiation doses estimations. This review discusses various aspects involved in the development of (86)Y labeled radiopharmaceuticals with the specific emphasis on the radiochemistry and biological applications with antibodies and peptides.

Effect of Static Wrist Position on Grip Strength

Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21713161

Grip strength after wrist arthrodesis is reported to be significantly less than normal. One of the reasons suggested for this decrease in grip strength is that the arthrodesis was performed in a suboptimal position. However, there is no consensus on the ideal position of wrist fusion. There is a paucity of studies evaluating the effect of various fixed positions of the wrist on grip strength and therefore, there is no guide regarding the ideal position of wrist fusion. The authors' aim was to determine the grip strength in various fixed positions of the wrist and subsequently to find out in which position of wrist fusion the grip strength would be maximal.

Sudden Onset Isolated Complete Third Nerve Palsy Due to Pituitary Apoplexy

Oman Journal of Ophthalmology. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21713240

Accelerated Water-fat Imaging Using Restricted Subspace Field Map Estimation and Compressed Sensing

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine : Official Journal of the Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine / Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21713983

Water-fat separation techniques play an important role in a variety of clinical and research applications. In particular, multiecho separation methods remain a topic of great interest due to their ability to resolve water and fat images in the presence of B(0) -field inhomogeneity. However, these methods are inherently slow as they require multiple measurements. An accelerated technique with reduced k-space sampling is desirable to decrease the scan time. This work presents a new method for water-fat separation from accelerated multiecho acquisitions. The proposed approach does not require the region-growing or region-merging schemes that are typically used for field map estimation. Instead, the water, fat, and field map signals are estimated directly from the undersampled k-space measurements. In this work, up to 2.5×-acceleration is demonstrated in a water-fat phantom, ankle, knee, and liver. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Evidence for Consistency of the Glycation Gap in Diabetes

Diabetes Care. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21715524

Discordance between HbA(1c) and fructosamine estimations in the assessment of glycemia is often encountered. A number of mechanisms might explain such discordance, but whether it is consistent is uncertain. This study aims to coanalyze paired glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c))-fructosamine estimations by using fructosamine to determine a predicted HbA(1c), to calculate a glycation gap (G-gap) and to determine whether the G-gap is consistent over time.

Retromastoid-sub Occipital: A Novel Approach to Cerebello Pontine Angle in Acoustic Neuroma Surgery-our Experience in 21 Cases

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21716801

Acoustic neuroma surgery poses significant challenges regarding definite management and preservation of hearing and the facial nerve are of great concern.

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Scanning: A Predictor of Outcome in Vegetative State of Head Injury

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21716866

Neurotrauma is one of the most important causes of death and disability. Some of the severely head injured patients, failed to show significant improvement despite aggressive neurosurgical management and ended up in a vegetative state.

Improvement of Gel Strength and Melting Point of Fish Gelatin by Addition of Coenhancers Using Response Surface Methodology

Journal of Food Science. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21729080

  Fish gelatin is a potential alternative to mammalian gelatin. However, poor gel strength and low melting point limit its applications. The study was aimed at improving these properties by adding coenhancers in the range obtained from response surface methodology (RSM) by using Box-Behnken design. Three different coenhancers, MgSO(4) , sucrose, and transglutaminase were used as the independent variables for improving the gel strength and melting point of gelatin extracted from Tiger-toothed croaker (Otolithes ruber). Addition of coenhancers at different combinations resulted gel strength and melting point in the range of 150.5 to 240.5 g and 19.5 to 22.5 °C, respectively. The optimal concentrations of coenhancers for predicted maximum gel strength (242.8 g) obtained by RSM were 0.23 M MgSO(4) , 12.60% sucrose (w/v), and 5.92 mg/g transglutaminase and for predicted maximum melting point (22.57 °C), the values were 0.24M MgSO(4) , 10.44% sucrose (w/v), and 5.72 mg/g transglutaminase. By addition of coenhancers at these optimal concentrations in verification experiments, the gel strength and melting point were improved from 170 to 240.89 g and 20.3 to 22.7 °C, respectively. These experimental values agreed well with the predicted values demonstrating the fitness of the models. Results from the present study clearly revealed that the addition of coenhancers at a particular combination can improve the gel strength and melting point of fish gelatin to enhance its range of applications. Practical Application:  There is a growing interest in the use of fish gelatin as an alternative to mammalian gelatin. However, poor gel strength and low melting point of fish gelatin have limited its commercial applications. The gel strength and melting point of fish gelatin can be increased by incorporation of coenhancers such as magnesium sulphate, sucrose, and transglutaminase. Results of this work help to produce the fish gelatin suitable for wide range of applications in the food industry.

Aneuploidy Rates in Failed Pregnancies Following Assisted Reproductive Technology

Journal of Women's Health (2002). Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21732812

Approximately 10%-15% of clinically recognized pregnancies end with a first trimester loss. Cytogenetic analysis of products of conception (POC) has revealed that a large proportion of these spontaneous miscarriages are a result of chromosomal abnormalities. However, relatively few studies have evaluated chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancies achieved using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Here, we review the incidence and type of chromosomal abnormalities that occurred in our infertility patient population undergoing ART and provide a review of the literature pertaining to this subject.

Monoclonal Antibodies to Hyphal Exoantigens Derived from the Opportunistic Pathogen Aspergillus Terreus

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology : CVI. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21734068

Aspergillus terreus has been difficult to identify in cases of aspergillosis, and clinical identification has been restricted to the broad identification of aspergillosis lesions in affected organs or the detection of fungal carbohydrates. As a result, there is a clinical need to identify species-specific biomarkers that can be used to detect invasive A. terreus disease. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed to a partially purified preparation of cytolytic hyphal exoantigens (HEA) derived from A. terreus culture supernatant (CSN). Twenty-three IgG1 isotype murine MAbs were developed and tested for cross-reactivity against hyphal extracts of 54 fungal species. Sixteen MAbs were shown to be specific for A. terreus. HEA were detected in conidia, hyphae, and in CSN of A. terreus. HEA were expressed in high levels in the hyphae during early stages of A. terreus growth at 37°C, whereas at room temperature the expression of HEA peaked by days 4 to 5. Expression kinetics of HEA in CSN showed a lag, with peak levels at later time points at room temperature and 37°C than in hyphal extracts. Serum spiking experiments demonstrated that human serum components do not inhibit detection of the HEA epitopes by MAb enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoprecipitation and proteomic analysis demonstrated that MAbs 13E11 and 12C4 immunoprecipitated a putative uncharacterized leucine aminopeptidase (Q0CAZ7), while MAb 19B2 recognized a putative dipeptidyl-peptidase V (DPP5). Studies using confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the uncharacterized leucine aminopeptidase mostly localized to extracellular matrix structures while dipeptidyl-peptidase V was mostly confined to the cytoplasm.

Analysis of Ancient Indian Silver Punch-marked Coins by External PIXE

Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21741849

Seven silver punch-marked coins were analysed using external particle induced X-ray emission technique. The main group of elements like Ag, Cu, Au, Pb and Fe were estimated along with a number of trace/minor elements such as K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni and Rb in the analysed silver coins. Gold was found in all the coins and varied between 0.7% and 6.2% indicating the better economic condition of that civilisation.

Thrombolytic Along with Anti-platelet Activity of Crinumin, a Protein Constituent of Crinum Asiaticum

Blood Cells, Molecules & Diseases. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21742519

Several anticoagulants, anti-platelet and thrombolytic medications are used for the treatment of thrombotic disorders. Anti-coagulants and anti-platelet agents prevent the formation of blood clots but do not dissolve existing clots, whereas thrombolytic agents are able to dissolve a clot but emboli can form even after successful treatment. Thus, none of them provide a permanent and complete solution. In this regard a single molecule that could both dissolve the clot and prevent the formation of new clots would be useful in the treatment of thrombotic diseases. Crinumin, a stable and active (in many adverse conditions) serine protease, shows plasmin-like fibrinolytic activity and inhibits platelet aggregation and P-selectin exposure, as established by photography, phase contrast microscopy, whole blood optical Lumi-aggregometry and flow cytometry. Crinumin could be an efficient and inexpensive therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases.

Surgical Treatment and Results in Growing Skull Fracture

Neurology India. May-Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21743175

Growing skull fracture is a rare complication of skull fracture and remains almost undetected in the first few years of life. Here, we report a series of 11 patients with growing skull fracture treated at our institute over a period of five years and discuss their clinical features, radiological findings, and principles of management. Of the 11 patients, six were females and five males, with the age ranging between 9 months and 12 years (mean, 3 years). Progressive scalp swelling was the most common presenting feature. Other clinical features included generalised tonic clonic seizures, eyelid swelling, and proptosis. Computed tomography scan of the head defined the growing skull fracture in all 11 patients and detected the underlying parenchymal injury. Postoperatively, all patients had a complete resolution of the scalp swelling. Two patients had postoperative seizures and one had cerebrospinal fluid leak. Early recognition and surgical repair is essential to prevent the development of neurological complications and cranial asymmetry.

Student-involved Demonstration Approach to Teach the Physiology of Vestibular Apparatus for Undergraduate Medical Students

Teaching and Learning in Medicine. Jul-Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21745063

It is quite difficult to teach complex topics like the physiology of vestibular apparatus to undergraduate students. Understanding the orientation and mode of stimulation of receptors in vestibular apparatus is also quite challenging for the students. As faculty we attempt to use innovative methods to teach physiology and enhance student learning.

High Rates of All-cause and Gastroenteritis-related Hospitalization Morbidity and Mortality Among HIV-exposed Indian Infants

BMC Infectious Diseases. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21762502

HIV-infected and HIV-exposed, uninfected infants experience a high burden of infectious morbidity and mortality. Hospitalization is an important metric for morbidity and is associated with high mortality, yet, little is known about rates and causes of hospitalization among these infants in the first 12 months of life.

Design and Synthesis of 3,5-Disubstituted 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Containing Retinoids from a Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonist

Tetrahedron Letters. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21765558

We previously synthesized novel retinoid libraries, and after screening for bioactivity found one compound BT10 that functions as a specific agonist for retinoic acid receptors. This lead compound was further derivatized using SAR and LRD to obtain 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazole-containing retinoids. The new oxadiazole (amide bioisosters)-containing retinoids (compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) were synthesized in 42-65% yield by reacting with (E)-4-((3-ethyl,2-4,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-enylidene)methyl)benzoic acid and phenyl substituted amidoxime in DMF using CDI as the coupling reagent. The biological activities of the synthesized compounds are currently being evaluated.

Effect of Layer Stacking on the Electronic Structure of Graphene Nanoribbons

ACS Nano. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21766785

The evolution of electronic structure of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) as a function of the number of layers stacked together is investigated using ab initio density functional theory (DFT), including interlayer van der Waals interactions. Multilayer armchair GNRs (AGNRs), similar to single-layer AGNRs, exhibit three classes of band gaps depending on their width. In zigzag GNRs (ZGNRs), the geometry relaxation resulting from interlayer interactions plays a crucial role in determining the magnetic polarization and the band structure. The antiferromagnetic (AF) interlayer coupling is more stable compared to the ferromagnetic (FM) interlayer coupling. ZGNRs with the AF in-layer and AF interlayer coupling have a finite band gap, while ZGNRs with the FM in-layer and AF interlayer coupling do not have a band gap. The ground state of the bilayer ZGNR is nonmagnetic with a small but finite band gap. The magnetic ordering is less stable in multilayer ZGNRs compared to that in single-layer ZGNRs. The quasiparticle GW corrections are smaller for bilayer GNRs compared to single-layer GNRs because of the reduced Coulomb effects in bilayer GNRs compared to single-layer GNRs.

Search for Neutral Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model Higgs Bosons Decaying to Tau Pairs in Pp Collisions at ˆ�s=7 TeV

Physical Review Letters. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21770497

A search for neutral minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) Higgs bosons in pp collisions at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV is presented. The results are based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36  pb(-1) recorded by the CMS experiment. The search uses decays of the Higgs bosons to tau pairs. No excess is observed in the tau-pair invariant-mass spectrum. The resulting upper limits on the Higgs boson production cross section times branching fraction to tau pairs, as a function of the pseudoscalar Higgs boson mass, yield stringent new bounds in the MSSM parameter space.

Measurement of the B0 Production Cross Section in Pp Collisions at Sqrt[s] = 7 TeV

Physical Review Letters. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21770632

Measurements of the differential production cross sections dσ/dpTB and dσ/dyB for B0 mesons produced in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV are presented. The data set used was collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 40 pb-1. The production cross section is measured from B0 meson decays reconstructed in the exclusive final state J/ψKS0, with the subsequent decays J/ψ → μ + μ - and KS0 → π+}π-. The total cross section for pTB>5 GeV and |yB|<2.2 is measured to be 33.2 ± 2.5 ± 3.5 μb, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.

In Vitro and In Vivo Study of Poly(ethylene Glycol) Conjugated Ibuprofen to Extend the Duration of Action

Scientia Pharmaceutica. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21773072

Ibuprofen-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugates (PEG-Ibu) were prepared and their potential as a prolonged release system was investigated. Two PEG-Ibu conjugates were synthesized from Ibuprofen and PEG with two different molecular weights by esterification in the presence of DCC and DMAP. The PEG-Ibu conjugates were characterized by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, Mass spectroscopy and DSC analysis. The solubility study in aqueous system showed an increase in solubility of conjugates. The dissolution / hydrolysis studies showed a specific acid-base catalysis pattern dependent on the pH of the medium. This indicated a good chemical stability in aqueous buffer solution of acidic medium and the extended release behavior was found in both prodrugs after 9 hour. The results demonstrate that, in the same condition, the rate of hydrolysis for PEG(4000)-Ibu is slower than other. The Writhing induced by acetic acid experiment and paw edema test after oral administration showed that both conjugates had extended analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects compared with Ibuprofen. These results suggest that PEG-Ibu could be a promising NSAID prodrug with an extended pharmacological effect owing to delayed-release of parent drug.

Melanotic Choroid Plexus Carcinoma of the Posterior Fossa

Journal of Clinical Neurology (Seoul, Korea). Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21779301

The pigmented or melanotic variant of choroid plexus carcinoma is very rarely encountered.

MR Properties of Brown and White Adipose Tissues

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21780237

To explore the MR signatures of brown adipose tissue (BAT) compared with white adipose tissue (WAT) using single-voxel MR spectroscopy.

Nitrate Leaching to Shallow Groundwater Systems from Agricultural Fields with Different Management Practices

Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21785805

Monitoring the concentration of NO(3)-N from agricultural fields to the subsurface and shallow ground water resources have received considerable interest worldwide, since agriculture has been identified as a major source of nitrate-nitrogen (NO(3)-N) pollution of groundwater systems in intensively farmed watersheds. A study was conducted to quantify the impact of two tillage practices viz. chisel plow (CP) and no till (NT) with liquid swine manure application on nitrate leaching to the shallow ground water system under corn-soybean production system. This study is part of the long-term field experiments conducted at Iowa State University using completely randomized block design. The NO(3)-N concentrations in the shallow ground water were monitored at three depths viz., a network of subsurface drains at a depth of 1.2 m and piezometers at depths of 1.8 m and 2.4 m. Results of this study showed that the average NO(3)-N concentration during the study period was 16.1 mg l(-1), 14.4 mg l(-1) and 11.8 mg l(-1) at 1.2 m, 1.8 m and 2.4 m depths, respectively implying significant amount of NO(3)-N leaching past the subsurface drain depth of 1.2 m into the shallow groundwater but the NO(3)-N concentration decreases with the depth. The NO(3)-N concentrations in shallow groundwater were significantly higher under the chisel plow system in comparison with the no till method of tillage. Fall application of liquid swine manure caused more leaching in comparison with the spring application. Higher NO(3)-N concentration was observed under corn in comparison with the soybean plots. An in-depth analysis of the data showed a definite relationship between the NO(3)-N concentration in subsurface drain water at a depth of 1.2 m and shallow groundwater at depths of 1.8 m and 2.4 m depths.

An Exploratory Study on Scientific Investigations in Homeopathy Using Medical Analyzer

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.). Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21787219

The action of homeopathic medicines, in ultra-high dilution, is not directly observable. An attempt was made to explore autonomic response of selective homeopathic medicines, in healthy persons, using Medical Analyzer System (Electronics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India).

Measurement of the Polarization of W Bosons with Large Transverse Momenta in W + Jets Events at the LHC

Physical Review Letters. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21797595

A first measurement of the polarization of W bosons with large transverse momenta in pp collisions is presented. The measurement is based on 36 pb⁻¹ of data recorded at √s = 7 TeV by the CMS detector at the LHC. The left-handed, right-handed, and longitudinal polarization fractions (f(L), f(R), and f₀, respectively) of W bosons with transverse momenta larger than 50 GeV are determined by using decays to both electrons and muons. The muon final state yields the most precise measurement: (f(L) - f(R))⁻ = 0.240 ± 0.036(stat) ± 0.031(syst) and f₀⁻ = 0.183 ± 0.087(stat) ± 0.123(syst) for negatively charged W bosons and (f(L) - f(R))⁺ = 0.310 ± 0.036(stat) ± 0.017(syst) and f₀⁺ = 0.171 ± 0.085(stat) ± 0.099(syst) for positively charged W bosons. This establishes, for the first time, that W bosons produced in pp collisions with large transverse momenta are predominantly left-handed, as expected in the standard model.

The Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Tongue Cleaning on Salivary Levels of Mutans Streptococci in Children

International Journal of Dental Hygiene. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21797979

To cite this article: Int J Dent Hygiene DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2011.00522.x Rupesh S, Winnier JJ, Nayak UA, Rao AP, Reddy V, Peter J. The comparative evaluation of the effects of tongue cleaning on salivary levels of mutans streptococci in children. Abstract:  Objectives:  The study compared and evaluated the effects of tongue scraping and tongue brushing on salivary mutans streptococci levels in children. Methods:  The investigation was a single-blind, stratified comparison of three parallel groups of children who performed either tongue scraping or tongue brushing along with tooth brushing or only tooth brushing twice daily under professional supervision for a 21-day period. A total of three saliva samples were taken from each individual, at baseline, on day 10 and on day 21, and colony counts of mutans streptococci were determined. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using Wilcoxon's signed-ranks sum test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results and conclusions:  The results of the present study show that tongue scraping and tongue brushing demonstrated statistically significant reductions in salivary mutans streptococci counts after 10 days and also after 21 days. It was also noted that tongue scraping and tongue brushing were equally effective in reducing colony counts.

A Computational-experimental Approach Identifies Mutations That Enhance Surface Expression of an Oseltamivir-resistant Influenza Neuraminidase

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21799795

The His274→Tyr (H274Y) oseltamivir (Tamiflu) resistance mutation causes a substantial decrease in the total levels of surface-expressed neuraminidase protein and activity in early isolates of human seasonal H1N1 influenza, and in the swine-origin pandemic H1N1. In seasonal H1N1, H274Y only became widespread after the occurrence of secondary mutations that counteracted this decrease. H274Y is currently rare in pandemic H1N1, and it remains unclear whether secondary mutations exist that might similarly counteract the decreased neuraminidase surface expression associated with this resistance mutation in pandemic H1N1. Here we investigate the possibility of predicting such secondary mutations. We first test the ability of several computational approaches to retrospectively identify the secondary mutations that enhanced levels of surface-expressed neuraminidase protein and activity in seasonal H1N1 shortly before the emergence of oseltamivir resistance. We then use the most successful computational approach to predict a set of candidate secondary mutations to the pandemic H1N1 neuraminidase. We experimentally screen these mutations, and find that several of them do indeed partially counteract the decrease in neuraminidase surface expression caused by H274Y. Two of the secondary mutations together restore surface-expressed neuraminidase activity to wildtype levels, and also eliminate the very slight decrease in viral growth in tissue-culture caused by H274Y. Our work therefore demonstrates a combined computational-experimental approach for identifying mutations that enhance neuraminidase surface expression, and describes several specific mutations with the potential to be of relevance to the spread of oseltamivir resistance in pandemic H1N1.

Thermal Degradation of Anthocyanins from Purple Potato (cv. Purple Majesty) and Impact on Antioxidant Capacity

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21800848

Degradation parameters of purified anthocyanins from purple-fleshed potato (cv. Purple Majesty) heated at high temperatures (100-150 °C) were determined. Purified anthocyanins, prepared by removing salts, sugars, and colorless nonanthocyanin phenolics from the crude extract, were monitored and quantified using HPLC and spectrophotometry for heat-induced degradation products. Separation of colorless phenolics from the anthocyanins was confirmed using HPLC at two wavelengths, 280 and 520 nm. The degradation kinetics of purified anthocyanins followed a first-order reaction with reaction rate constants (k values) of 0.0262-0.2855 min(-1), an activation energy of 72.89 kJ/mol, thermal death times (D values) of 8.06-8789 min, and a z value of 47.84 °C over the temperature range of 100-150 °C. The enthalpy and entropy of activation were 59.97 kJ/mol and -116.46 J/mol·K, respectively. The antioxidant capacity in the purified anthocyanins, measured by DPPH and ABTS assays, was increased after the thermal treatment, indicating antioxidant activities of degradation products in the samples.

(99m)Tc-labeling of Ciprofloxacin and Nitrofuryl Thiosemicarbazone Using Fac-[(99m)Tc(CO)3(H2O)3] Core: Evaluation of Their Efficacy As Infection Imaging Agents

Metallomics : Integrated Biometal Science. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21833405

The aim of this study was to radiolabel ciprofloxacin (Cip) and nitrofuryl thiosemicarbazone (NFT) with the fac-[(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(H(2)O)(3)](+) core and to evaluate the ability of the radiopharmaceuticals as tracers in detecting sites of infection. Cip and NFT were radiolabeled with the fac-[(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(H(2)O)(3)](+) core and characterized by RHPLC. The stabilities of the preparations were evaluated in saline and rat serum. In vitro binding studies of the radiopharmaceuticals with S. aureus were performed. Biodistribution studies were conducted at different time points after injecting (i.v.) the radiopharmaceuticals in rats (intramuscularly infected with S. aureus) as well as in rats with sterile inflammation. To assess the infection targeting capacity of (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl ciprofloxacin and nitrofuryl thiosemicarbazone, (99m)Tc(v)O-Cip and (99m)Tc(v)O-NFT were used as control. Scintigraphic imaging studies of tricarbonyl compounds and (99m)Tc(v)O-Cip were performed at 4 h after injection. The radiochemical purities of (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-Cip and (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-NFT were between 97-98% as determined by thin layer chromatography (TLRC) and RHPLC; no further purification is necessary before injection. The radiopharmaceuticals exhibited substantial stability when incubated in isotonic saline and serum up to 24 h. Biodistribution studies showed maximum uptake in the infected rat thigh muscle at 4 h post injection and washing out at slower rate from the infected site than the oxo technetium chelate. The mean ratios of uptake in infected/non-infected thighs were 3.87:1, 3.41:1 and 3.17:1 for (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-Cip, (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-NFT and (99m)Tc(v)O-Cip respectively. During scintigraphic studies, infection sites appeared quite distinctly with (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-Cip and (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-NFT, comparable to the behaviour with (99m)Tc(v)O-Cip. These results encouraged us for further development of infection imaging radiopharmaceuticals based on the (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl core.

Molecular Characterization of Drug-resistant and Drug-sensitive Aspergillus Isolates Causing Infectious Keratitis

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. Sep-Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21836343

To study the susceptibilities of Aspergillus species against amphotericin B in infectious keratitis and to find out if drug resistance had any association with the molecular characteristics of the fungi.

Ethyl 6-methyl-2-sulfanyl-idene-4-[4-(trifluoro-meth-yl)phen-yl]-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyrimidine-5-carboxyl-ate

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21836973

The title compound, C(15)H(15)F(3)N(2)O(2)S, adopts a conformation with an intra-molecular C-H⋯π inter-action. The dihedral angles between the planes of the 4-(trifluoro-meth-yl)phenyl and ester groups with the plane of the six-membered tetra-hydro-pyrimidine ring are 81.8 (1) and 16.0 (1)°, respectively. In the crystal structure, inter-molecular N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds link pairs of mol-ecules into dimers and N-H⋯O inter-actions generate hydrogen-bonded mol-ecular chains along the crystallographic a axis.

Higher Harmonic Anisotropic Flow Measurements of Charged Particles in Pb-Pb Collisions at Sqrt(s(NN)) = 2.76  TeV

Physical Review Letters. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21838350

We report on the first measurement of the triangular v3, quadrangular v4, and pentagonal v5 charged particle flow in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt(s(NN)) = 2.76  TeV measured with the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. We show that the triangular flow can be described in terms of the initial spatial anisotropy and its fluctuations, which provides strong constraints on its origin. In the most central events, where the elliptic flow v2 and v3 have similar magnitude, a double peaked structure in the two-particle azimuthal correlations is observed, which is often interpreted as a Mach cone response to fast partons. We show that this structure can be naturally explained from the measured anisotropic flow Fourier coefficients.

H1N1 Influenza A Outbreak Among the Nicobarese, an Aboriginal Tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Public Health. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21839873

The Relationship of Two Orthodontic Indices, with Perceptions of Aesthetics, Function, Speech and Orthodontic Treatment Need

Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21842013

The study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) with subjective perceptions of dental aesthetics, function, speech and orthodontic treatment need.

In Vitro and In Vivo Pre-Clinical Analysis of a F(ab')(2) Fragment of Panitumumab for Molecular Imaging and Therapy of HER1 Positive Cancers

EJNMMI Research. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21845232

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to characterize the in vitro and in vivo properties of the F(ab')(2) fragment of panitumumab and to investigate its potential for imaging and radioimmunotherapy. METHODS: The panitumumab F(ab')(2) was generated by enzymatic pepsin digestion. After the integrity and immunoreactivity of the F(ab')(2) was evaluated, the fragment was radiolabeled. In vivo studies included direct quantitation of tumor targeting and normal organ distribution of the radiolabeled panitumumab F(ab')(2) as well as planar γ-scintigraphy and PET imaging. RESULTS: The panitumumab F(ab')(2) was successfully produced by peptic digest. The F(ab')(2) was modified with the CHX-A"-DTPA chelate and efficiently radiolabeled with either (111)In or (86)Y. In vivo tumor targeting was achieved with acceptable uptake of radioactivity in the normal organs. The tumor targeting was validated by both imaging modalities with good visualization of the tumor at 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: The panitumumab F(ab')(2) fragment is a promising candidate for imaging of HER1 positive cancers.

Revised TNM Staging for Colorectal Cancer: Did We Miss the Golden Opportunity to Do Right by the Staging?

Clinical Colorectal Cancer. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21855045

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Using a Locking Compression Plate for Distal Femoral Fractures

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong Kong). Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21857042

To evaluate treatment outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal femoral fractures in 31 patients.

Evaluation of Routinely Performed Hematological and Biochemical Parameters for the Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Neurological Sciences : Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21863274

We have investigated serial changes in routine hematological and biochemical analysis in the follow-up samples collected from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients (n = 17) at admission (0 h) and 24, 48, 72 and 144 h after admission, respectively, to determine their prognostic significance. Blood samples from age and sex matched healthy control subjects (n = 12) were also collected. We observed significant changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count (WBC), polymorph, lymphocyte, and total protein levels in discharged and expired AIS patients. These changes were more in expired AIS patient throughout the follow-up. Similarly low hemoglobin (Hb) and globulin were observed only in expired AIS patient. Thus ESR, WBC, polymorph, lymphocyte, and total protein may be used as a predictor for severity of AIS. Similarly low Hb and globulin in AIS patient may be used as a predictive biomarker for short-term mortality after AIS.

Anti-thrombotic Effects of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator Tamoxifen

Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21866300

Tamoxifen is a known anti-cancer drug and established estrogen receptor modulator. Few clinical studies have earlier implicated the drug in thrombotic complications attributable to lower anti-thrombin and protein S levels in plasma. However, action of tamoxifen on platelet signalling machinery has not been elucidated in detail. In the present report we show that tamoxifen is endowed with significant inhibitory property against human platelet aggregation. From a series of in vivo and in vitro studies tamoxifen was found to inhibit almost all platelet functions, prolong tail bleeding time in mouse and profoundly prevent thrombus formation at injured arterial wall in mice, as well as on collagen matrix perfused with platelet-rich plasma under arterial shear against the vehicle dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). These findings strongly suggest that tamoxifen significantly downregulates platelet responses and holds potential as a promising anti-platelet/anti-thrombotic agent.

Indications of Suppression of Excited Υ States in Pb-Pb Collisions at ˆ�(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

Physical Review Letters. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21867063

A comparison of the relative yields of Υ resonances in the μ(+)μ(-) decay channel in Pb-Pb and pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of 2.76 TeV is performed with data collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. Using muons of transverse momentum above 4  GeV/c and pseudorapidity below 2.4, the double ratio of the Υ(2S) and Υ(3S) excited states to the Υ(1S) ground state in Pb-Pb and pp collisions, [Υ(2S+3S)/Υ(1S)](Pb-Pb)/[Υ(2S+3S)/Υ(1S)](pp), is found to be 0.31(-0.15)(+0.19)(stat)±0.03(syst). The probability to obtain the measured value, or lower, if the true double ratio is unity, is calculated to be less than 1%.

Yeast Dynamically Modify Their Environment to Achieve Better Mating Efficiency

Science Signaling. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21868361

The maintenance and detection of signaling gradients are critical for proper development and cell migration. In single-cell organisms, gradient detection allows cells to orient toward a distant mating partner or nutrient source. Budding yeast expand their growth toward mating pheromone gradients through a process known as chemotropic growth. MATα cells secrete α-factor pheromone that stimulates chemotropism and mating differentiation in MATa cells and vice versa. Paradoxically, MATa cells secrete Bar1, a protease that degrades α-factor and that attenuates the mating response, yet is also required for efficient mating. We observed that MATa cells avoid each other during chemotropic growth. To explore this behavior, we developed a computational platform to simulate chemotropic growth. Our simulations indicated that the release of Bar1 enabled individual MATa cells to act as α-factor sinks. The simulations suggested that the resultant local reshaping of pheromone concentration created gradients that were directed away from neighboring MATa cells (self-avoidance) and that were increasingly amplified toward partners of the opposite sex during elongation. The behavior of Bar1-deficient cells in gradient chambers and mating assays supported these predictions from the simulations. Thus, budding yeast dynamically remodel their environment to ensure productive responses to an external stimulus and avoid nonproductive cell-cell interactions.

Design and Synthesis of 1,3-biarylsulfanyl Derivatives As New Anti-breast Cancer Agents

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21871812

A new series of 1,3-biarylsulfanyl derivatives (homodibenzyl core motif) have been designed and synthesized as new estrogen receptor ligands by chopping benzothiophene core of raloxifene to engender seco-raloxifene scaffold. All the synthesized compounds were screened for anti-proliferative, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-implantation activity. Compounds (35, 36) having basic amino anti-estrogenic side chain were exhibiting potential anti-proliferative activity in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and ishikawa cell lines. Some of the synthesized compounds having homodibenzyl motif (5, 8, 10) have shown moderate anti-osteoporotic activity.

The E-box Binding Factors Max/Mnt, MITF, and USF1 Act Coordinately with FoxO to Regulate Expression of Proapoptotic and Cell Cycle Control Genes by Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Signaling

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21873430

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt signaling plays a critical role in cell proliferation and survival, partly by regulation of FoxO transcription factors. Previous work using global expression profiling indicated that inhibition of PI 3-kinase in proliferating cells led to induction of genes that promote cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The upstream regulatory regions of these genes had binding sites not only for FoxO, but also for Myc/Max transcription factors. In the present study, we have addressed the role of Myc family members and related E-box-binding proteins in the regulation of these genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitations and RNA interference indicated that transcription was repressed by Max-Mnt-Sin3a-histone deacetylase complexes in proliferating cells. Inhibition of PI 3-kinase led to a loss of Max/Mnt binding and transcriptional induction by MITF and USF1, as well as FoxO. Both MITF and USF1 were activated by glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3, with GSK3 phosphorylation sites on USF1 identified as the previously described activating site threonine 153 as well as serine 186. siRNA against MITF as well as against FoxO3a protected cells from apoptosis following PI 3-kinase inhibition. These results define a novel E-box-regulated network that functions coordinately with FoxO to regulate transcription of apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory genes downstream of PI 3-kinase/Akt/GSK3 signaling.

(2E)-1-(2,5-Dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)-3-(3-nitro-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22220068

In the title compound, C(17)H(15)NO(5), an intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. The benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 6.45 (7)° with each other. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(8) loops. Adjacent dimers are further connected by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into an infinite chain along the [011] direction.

Ethyl 4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyrimidine-5-carboxyl-ate

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22220078

In the title compound, C(15)H(16)N(2)O(4)S, the dihedral angles between the planes of the benzodioxole and ester groups and the plane of the six-membered tetra-hydro-pyrimidine ring are 89.5 (1) and 20.2 (1)°, respectively. Inter-molecular N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds assemble the mol-ecules into dimers, which are further connected via N-H⋯O inter-actions into chains parallel to [010]. Weak C-H⋯S and C-H⋯π inter-actions enhance the stability of the crystal structure.

Microsurgical Management of Prolactinomas - Clinical and Hormonal Outcomes

Neurology India. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22234233

Search for a Vectorlike Quark with Charge 2/3 in T+Z Events from Pp Collisions at Sqrt[s]=7  TeV

Physical Review Letters. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22243304

A search for pair-produced heavy vectorlike charge-2/3 quarks, T, in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV, is performed with the CMS detector at the LHC. Events consistent with the flavor-changing-neutral-current decay of a T quark to a top quark and a Z boson are selected by requiring two leptons from the Z-boson decay, as well as an additional isolated charged lepton. In a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.14  fb^{-1}, the number of observed events is found to be consistent with the standard model background prediction. Assuming a branching fraction of 100% for the decay T→tZ, a T quark with a mass less than 475  GeV/c^{2} is excluded at the 95% confidence level.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in H1N1 Infection

Indian Pediatrics. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22253158

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon pediatric emergency which usually occurs secondary to bronchial asthma in children. We report a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a 7 year child following Swine Flu (H1N1) infection.

Prevention and Reversal of Antibody Responses Against Factor IX in Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B

Frontiers in Microbiology. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22279442

Intramuscular (IM) administration of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector represents a simple and safe method of gene transfer for treatment of the X-linked bleeding disorder hemophilia B (factor IX, F.IX, deficiency). However, the approach is hampered by an increased risk of immune responses against F.IX. Previously, we demonstrated that the drug cocktail of immune suppressants rapamycin, IL-10, and a specific peptide (encoding a dominant CD4(+) T cell epitope) caused an induction of regulatory T cells (Treg) with a concomitant apoptosis of antigen-specific effector T cells (Nayak et al., 2009). This protocol was effective in preventing inhibitory antibody formation against human F.IX (hF.IX) in muscle gene transfer to C3H/HeJ hemophilia B mice (with targeted F9 gene deletion). Here, we show that this protocol can also be used to reverse inhibitor formation. IM injection of AAV1-hF.IX vector resulted in inhibitors of on average 8-10 BU within 1 month. Subsequent treatment with the tolerogenic cocktail accomplished a rapid reduction of hF.IX-specific antibodies to <2 BU, which lasted for >4.5 months. Systemic hF.IX expression increased from undetectable to >200 ng/ml, and coagulation times improved. In addition, we developed an alternative prophylactic protocol against inhibitor formation that did not require knowledge of T cell epitopes, consisting of daily oral administration of rapamycin for 1-month combined with frequent, low-dose intravenous injection of hF.IX protein. Experiments in T cell receptor transgenic mice showed that the route and dosing schedule of drug administration substantially affected Treg induction. When combined with intravenous antigen administration, oral delivery of rapamycin had to be performed daily in order to induce Treg, which were suppressive and phenotypically comparable to natural Treg.

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapy with Imatinib for Locally Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in Eastern Indian Patients

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22292651

Background: Imatinib mesylate is able to at least modify the course of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). Neoadjuvant use for locally advanced lesions is evolving as a new treatment paradigm in this hitherto universally fatal disease. Methods and Results: The study patients with locally advanced GIST received neoadjuvant and adjuvant imatinib mesylate. Response was noted as per the RECIST protocol and overall progression free survival was reported. Of 19 patients (mean age 38.5 years, range 26 yrs to 64 yrs) studied, 13 achieved partial response (PR) and 6 a stationary disease (SD) on preoperative imatinib. Histopathological evaluation and grading of responses revealed only moderate and low grade pathological response after imatinib. R0 resection was possible in 13/19 and R1 in 6/19. Imatinib was well tolerated and adverse reactions were minimal. Post operative complications of surgery were not out of the ordinary for a surgical series featuring extensive abdominal surgery. Conclusion: Preoperative imatinib in locally advanced GIST seems to be a reasonable option for locally advanced GIST patients and enough downstaging to allow a resection with microscopically negative margins can be expected in a fairly good proportion of patients.

Dynamic Regulation of Wnt7a Expression in the Primate Endometrium: Implications for Postmenstrual Regeneration and Secretory Transformation

Endocrinology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22294752

Despite the vital physiological role of endometrial regeneration during the menstrual cycle and the various pathological implications of abnormal growth of endometrial epithelial cells, the local factors and regulatory mechanisms involved in endometrial regeneration and growth have not been well characterized. Here, we examine the pattern, hormone dependence, and potential functions of Wnt7a (wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 7a), , which is known to play a critical role in the formation of the mouse endometrial epithelium during embryonic development, in both human and artificially cycling rhesus macaque endometrium, and using a potent Wnt-antagonist in a mouse model of endometrial regeneration. Wnt7a transcript levels were examined using quantitative real-time PCR and in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect Ki-67 and 3,5-bromodeoxyuridine. Stringent, fully conditional Wnt inhibition was achieved by adenoviral expression of Dickkopf-1 during artificial endometrial regeneration in mice. In macaques, Wnt7a expression was confined to the newly formed luminal epithelium (LE) and upper glands during the postmenstrual repair phase. The signal increased in the LE during the proliferative phase but decreased in the upper glands and was undetectable in the glands by the late proliferative phase. Interestingly, Wnt7a was completely suppressed in the LE and remained undetectable in other cell types after 7 d of progesterone treatment. The pattern of Wnt7a expression in the human endometrium was similar to that in macaques. Blockade of Wnt signaling during endometrial regeneration in mice resulted in a dramatic delay in reepithelialization and degeneration of glands and LE. These results strongly suggest, for the first time, a role for Wnt7a in postmenstrual regeneration and proliferation of endometrial glands and LE in primates, and its dramatic suppression by progesterone is likely essential for secretory transformation of the epithelium.

Design, Synthesis of Some New (2-aminothiazol-4-yl)methylester Derivatives As Possible Antimicrobial and Antitubercular Agents

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22280817

A series of (2-aminothiazol-4-yl)methylester (5a-t) derivatives were synthesized in good yields and characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass spectral and elemental analyses. The crystal structure of 5a was evidenced by X-ray diffraction study. The compounds were evaluated for their preliminary in vitro antibacterial, antifungal activity and were screened for antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. The synthesized compounds displayed interesting antimicrobial activity.

Ocular Telehealth Screenings in an Urban Community

Telemedicine Journal and E-health : the Official Journal of the American Telemedicine Association. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22283358

Abstract The current U.S. economic recession has resulted in a loss of income, housing, and healthcare coverage. Our major goal in this socioeconomic setting was to provide ophthalmic remote health screenings for urban soup kitchen and homeless populations in order to identify and refer undetected vision-threatening disease (VTD). We assessed visual acuity, blood pressure, pulse/oxygen saturation, body mass index, and intraocular pressure for 341 participants at soup kitchens as part of the homeless outreach program in Newark, NJ. History of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, last ocular examination, and ocular history were noted. Imaging was performed with an 8.2 megapixel non-mydriatic retinal camera with high-speed Internet ready for off-site second opinion image evaluation. Positive VTD findings were identified in 105 participants (31%) (mean age, 53.6 years), of whom 78% were African American, 73% males, and 62% smokers. We detected glaucoma in 34 participants (32%), significant cataract in 22 (21%), diabetic retinopathy in 5 (5%), optic atrophy in 1 (1%), age-related macular degeneration in 1 (1%), and other retinal findings in 43 (41%). The incidence of VTDs was higher among this cohort than among study groups in previous screenings (31% vs. 12%). This finding shows an increase in ocular morbidity in a younger, at-risk population with elevated rates of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Functional visual impairment was 2.5 times higher than the national average (16% vs. 6.4%). Comprehensive, community-based screenings can provide more sensitive detection of VTDs in high-risk groups with low access to ophthalmic care and can be an integral part of recession solutions for improving healthcare.

Comparison of Wideband Steady-state Free Precession and T(2) -weighted Fast Spin Echo in Spine Disorder Assessment at 1.5 and 3 T

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine : Official Journal of the Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine / Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22287191

Wideband steady-state free precession (WB-SSFP) is a modification of balanced steady-state free precession utilizing alternating repetition times to reduce susceptibility-induced balanced steady-state free precession limitations, allowing its use for high-resolution myelographic-contrast spinal imaging. Intertissue contrast and spatial resolution of complete-spine-coverage 3D WB-SSFP were compared with those of 2D T(2) -weighted fast spin echo, currently the standard for spine T(2) -imaging. Six normal subjects were imaged at 1.5 and 3 T. The signal-to-noise ratio efficiency (SNR per unit-time and unit-volume) of several tissues was measured, along with four intertissue contrast-to-noise ratios; nerve-ganglia:fat, intradural-nerves:cerebrospinal fluid, nerve-ganglia:muscle, and muscle:fat. Patients with degenerative and traumatic spine disorders were imaged at both MRI fields to demonstrate WB-SSFP clinical advantages and disadvantages. At 3 T, WB-SSFP provided spinal contrast-to-noise ratios 3.7-5.2 times that of fast spin echo. At 1.5 T, WB-SSFP contrast-to-noise ratio was 3-3.5 times that of fast spin echo, excluding a 1.7 ratio for intradural-nerves:cerebrospinal fluid. WB-SSFP signal-to-noise ratio efficiency was also higher. Three-dimensional WB-SSFP disadvantages relative to 2D fast spin echo are reduced edema hyperintensity, reduced muscle signal, and higher motion sensitivity. WB-SSFP's high resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio improved visualization of intradural nerve bundles, foraminal nerve roots, and extradural nerve bundles, improving detection of nerve compression in radiculopathy and spinal-stenosis. WB-SSFP's high resolution permitted reformatting into orthogonal planes, providing distinct advantages in gauging fine spine pathology. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaporative Light Scattering Detection Based HPLC Method for the Determination of Polysorbate 80 in Therapeutic Protein Formulations

Journal of Chromatographic Science. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22291052

An evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) based high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is developed for the determination of polysorbate 80 (tween 80) in therapeutic protein formulations. The method is simple and overcomes the difficulties associated with specificity and sensitivity. The method is suitable for the quantitation of polysorbate 80 in the usual formulation range (0.01-0.1%) as well as in trace amounts ≥13 µg/mL. The analysis is based on the removal of protein first by solid-phase extraction using Oasis HLB cartridges followed by HPLC analysis using Inertsil ODS-3 C 18 column (4.6×150 mm, 5 µm) using reversed-phase conditions. The detector response changes exponentially with an increase in polysorbate concentration. A very good linear fit of log ELSD response against log polysorbate 80 concentration is observed. The specificity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy of the method are suitable for the quantitation of polysorbate 80 in protein formulations.

A New Ion Selective Electrode for Cesium (I) Based on Calix[4]arene-crown-6 Compounds

Journal of Hazardous Materials. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22260754

A polyvinylchloride (PVC) based liquid membrane ion selective electrode (ISE) for cesium has been developed. 25,27-Dihydroxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 (L1), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-dimethoxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 (L2) and 25,27-bis(1-octyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6 (L3) were investigated for their use as ionophores. The cation exchange resin DOWEX-50W was used to maintain low activity Cs(+) in inner filling solution to improve the performance. The best response for cesium was observed with L3 along with optimized membrane constituents and composition. Excellent Nernstian response (56.6mV/decade of Cs(I)) over the concentration range 10(-7) to 10(-2)M of Cs(I) was obtained with a fast response time of less than 10s. Detection limit for Cs(I) using the present ISE is 8.48×10(-8)M Cs(I). Separate solution method (SSM) was applied to ascertain the selectivity for Cs(I) over alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions. The response of ISE for Cs(I) was fairly constant over the pH range of 4-11. The lifetime of the electrode is 10 months which is the highest life for any membrane based Cs-ISE so far developed. The concentration of cesium ion in two simulated high level active waste streams was determined and results agreed well with those obtained independently employing AAS.

Homeopathy and Heart Rate Variability: Clarification About Concerns and Issues

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.). Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22268966

Micro Texturing of Silicon Using Pulsed N₂-laser and Formation Mechanism

Applied Optics. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22270419

A low-cost pulsed N₂-laser has been used to successfully demonstrate the formation of self-organized conical microtexture in Si. The process is demonstrated in vacuum environment to avoid the use of SF₆ gas and sulfur incorporation. The microtexture is formed with an average structure height of ∼15  um, base diameter ∼10  μm, and tip-to-tip separation ∼8  μm. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy of individual conelike structure shows that the material remains free from impurity incorporation. We have shown that the laser-induced-damage-related absorption can be successfully restored after an hour annealing at 1000 °C, making the material an ideal candidate for photovoltaic and other photonic applications.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspirate (EBUS-TBNA): a Proposal for On-site Adequacy Criteria

Diagnostic Cytopathology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22246929

This is a retrospective study of 48 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA procedure between the periods January 2008 to September 2009 at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. The study was undertaken with the following objectives: First, to define practical and useful on-site adequacy criteria for EBUS-TBNA samples; Second, to understand the diagnostic pitfalls associated with accurate interpretation of EBUS-TBNA samples. EBUS-TBNA procedure was able to diagnose 24/48 (50%) patients with malignancy, 1/48 (2%) suspicious for malignancy, 9/48 (19%) with granulomatous process, and 9/48 (19%) negative for disease. Only five cases (10%) could not be diagnosed with this procedure. Based on our experience, any smear with presence of > 5 low power fields (×100) with ≥ 100 lymphocytes in each and containing < 2 groups of bronchial cells/low power field (×100) can be considered adequate for evaluation. Also, the presence of germinal center fragments renders a smear adequate for evaluation, irrespective of the above mentioned criteria. Adequacy criteria are to be applied only to the smears not showing any identifiable pathology such as malignancy or granuloma. An understanding of diagnostic pitfalls associated with accurate interpretation of EBUS-TBNA samples is essential to avoid false-positive and false-negative diagnosis. To conclude, an effective communication between the clinician and cytologist, an algorithmic approach to diagnosis, and the on-site adequacy criteria proposed in this study can markedly improve the diagnostic yield of the procedure.

Non-mulberry Silk Biopolymers

Biopolymers. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22241173

The silk produced by silkworms are biopolymers and can be classified into two types - mulberry and non-mulberry. Mulberry silk of silkworm Bombyx mori has been extensively explored and used for century old textiles and sutures. But for the last few decades it is being extensively exploited for biomedical applications. However, the transformation of non-mulberry silk from being a textile commodity to biomaterials is relatively new. Within a very short period of time, the combination of load bearing capability and tensile strength of non-mulberry silk has been equally envisioned for bone, cartilage, adipose and other tissue regeneration. Adding to its advantage is its diverse morphology, including macro to nano architectures with controllable degradation and biocompatibility yields novel natural material systems in vitro. Its follow on applications involve sustained release of model compounds and anticancer drugs. Its 3D cancer models provide compatible micro-environment systems for better understanding of the cancer progression mechanism and screening of anti-cancer compounds. Diversely designed non-mulberry matrices thus provide an array of new cutting age technologies, which is unattainable with the current synthetic materials that lack biodegradability and biocompatibility. Scientific exploration of non-mulberry silk in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and biotechnological applications promises advancement of sericulture industries in India and China, largest non-mulberry silk producers of the world. This review discusses the prospective biomedical applications of non-mulberry silk proteins as natural biomaterials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2012.

Microbial Carbon Capture Cell Using Cyanobacteria for Simultaneous Power Generation, Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Wastewater Treatment

Bioresource Technology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22221988

Microbial carbon capture cells (MCCs) were constructed with cyanobacteria growing in a photo biocathode in dual-chambered flat plate mediator-less MFCs separated by an anion exchange membrane from the anode compartment containing Shewanella putrefaciens. The performance of the MCC with Anabaena sparged with CO(2)-air mixture was compared with that of a conventional cathode sparged with air only. The power densities achieved were 57.8mW/m(2) for Anabaena sparged with a CO(2)-air mixture, 39.2mW/m(2) for CO(2)-air mixture sparging only, 29.7mW/m(2) for Anabaena sparged with air, and 19.6mW/m(2) for air sparging only. The pH of the cathode containing Anabaena gradually increased from 7 to 9.12 and power generation decreased from 34.7 to 23.8mW/m(2) 17 due to pH imbalance associated voltage losses without CO(2)-air mixture sparging. Sparging with a 5% CO(2)-air mixture produced maximum power of 100.1mW/m(2). In addition, the power density of MCC increased by 31% when nitrate was added into the catholyte.

Effects of Anti-VEGF on Pharmacokinetics, Biodistribution and Tumor Penetration of Trastuzumab in a Preclinical Breast Cancer Model

Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22222630

Both human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression correlate with aggressive phenotypes and decreased survival among breast cancer patients. Concordantly, the combination of trastuzumab (anti-HER2) with bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) has shown promising results in preclinical xenograft studies and in clinical trials. However, despite the known anti-angiogenic mechanism of anti-VEGF antibodies, relatively little is known about their effects on the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of other antibodies. This study aimed to measure the disposition properties, with a particular emphasis on tumor uptake, of trastuzumab in the presence or absence of anti-VEGF. Radiolabeled trastuzumab was administered alone or in combination with an anti-VEGF antibody to mice bearing HER2 expressing KPL-4 breast cancer xenografts. Biodistribution, autoradiography, and SPECT-CT imaging all demonstrated that anti-VEGF administration reduced accumulation of trastuzumab in tumors despite comparable blood exposures and similar distributions in most other tissues. A similar trend was also observed for an isotype-matched IgG with no affinity for HER2, demonstrating reduced vascular permeability to macromolecules. Reduced tumor blood flow (p < 0.05) was observed following anti-VEGF treatment, with no significant differences in the other physiological parameters measured despite immunohistochemical evidence of reduced vascular density. In conclusion, anti-VEGF pre-administration decreased tumor uptake of trastuzumab, and this phenomenon was mechanistically attributed to reduced vascular permeability and blood perfusion. These findings may ultimately help inform dosing strategies to achieve improved clinical outcomes.

Avian Paramyxovirus Serotypes 2-9 (APMV-2-9) Vary in the Ability to Induce Protective Immunity in Chickens Against Challenge with Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus (APMV-1)

Vaccine. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22222870

The avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) belong to the genus Avulavirus of family Paramyxoviridae. The APMVs are classified into nine serotypes on the basis of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase inhibition (NI) assays, although some serologic cross-reaction exists. Newcastle disease virus (NDV), which constitutes serotype 1 (APMV-1), is an important pathogen of poultry, but the pathogenic potential of the other APMV serotypes is poorly understood. Although antibodies to APMV -2 to -9 are prevalent in chickens, the effect of prior exposure to these serotypes on susceptibility to NDV infection and disease was not known. In the present study, chickens were immunized with APMV-2 to -9 by the oculo-nasal route and later were challenged by the same route with a highly virulent strain of NDV. Among APMV-2 to -9, only APMV-3 induced serum antibodies that cross-reacted significantly with NDV and had significant NDV-neutralizing activity in vitro. In mock-immunized chickens, challenge NDV replicated throughout the respiratory tract as well as in the brain, spleen, and enteric tract. In contrast, in APMV-3-immunized chickens, challenge NDV replication was restricted to the upper respiratory tract and trachea. Some of the other APMVs also induced partial restriction of challenge NDV replication: for example, challenge NDV was not detected in the brains of APMV-9-immunized chickens, and shedding from the respiratory tract was reduced in chickens immunized with APMV-8 and -9. All of the chickens immunized with APMV-3 survived the NDV challenge; with APMV-2, -7, -8, and -9 the percentage survival was 30%, 20%, 20%, and 52.5%, respectively; whereas none of the chickens immunized with APMV-4, -5, or -6 survived. These results show that prior infection of chickens with APMV-3 induced substantial protection against NDV challenge, whereas prior infection with APMV-2, -7, -8, and -9 can alter subsequent NDV infection. The induction of NDV-neutralizing antibodies was a marker for efficient protection, but partial protection also was observed in their absence.

Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Compare Homeopathy and Conventional Therapy in Acute Otitis Media

Homeopathy : the Journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22226309

To compare the effectiveness of Homeopathy and Conventional therapy in Acute Otitis Media (AOM).

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections in Hospitalized HIV Patients in Baltimore City

Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (Chicago, Ill. : 2002). Jan-Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21876216

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are known to promote the transmission of HIV. Diagnosing these infections can identify patients engaging in high-risk behaviors and provides an opportunity for intervention and education. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends STI screening as part of routine HIV care. Ninety HIV-infected inpatients admitted to the University of Maryland Hospital were screened for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. None of the nucleic acid amplification probes were positive for gonorrhea, and 1 was positive for chlamydia. A total of 8 rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests were positive, 2 of which are believed to be associated with new infection or treatment failure. Rapid plasma reagin positivity was found to be associated with men who have sex with men (MSM), low CD4 count, and high HIV viral load. Routine inpatient screening for asymptomatic STIs in HIV-infected patients may be beneficial, particularly patients not engaged in routine outpatient care.

Castleman's Disease: a Rare Presacral Tumour

Colorectal Disease : the Official Journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21848666

Photodegradation of Hazardous Dye Quinoline Yellow Catalyzed by TiO2

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21943509

The photocatalytic degradation of hazardous dye quinoline yellow, employing a heterogeneous photocatalytic process using TiO(2) photocatalyst irradiated with 6 W UV light source tungsten lamp, has been studied. The effect of various operational parameters, i.e., dye concentration, photocatalyst concentration, pH of the solution, substrate concentration, and electron acceptor such as hydrogen peroxide on the degradation rate of aqueous solutions of quinoline yellow has been examined. The disappearance of the dye follows a pseudo first order kinetics according to the Langmuir Hinshelwood model. Results show that the use of an efficient photocatalyst and the selection of optimal operational parameters may lead to complete decolorization and to sustainable decrease in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the dye waste water.

Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Binds to the MRNA Cap-binding Eukaryotic Translation Initiation 4F (eIF4F) Complex and Up-regulates Host Translation Initiation Machinery Through EIF4E-binding Protein 1 Inactivation

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22184107

Initiation, a major rate-limiting step of host protein translation, is a critical target in many viral infections. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection results in hepatocellular carcinoma. Translation initiation, up-regulated in many cancers, plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. mTOR is a major regulator of host protein translation. Even though activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR by HCV non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) is known, not much is understood about the regulation of host translation initiation by this virus. Here for the first time we show that HCV up-regulates host cap-dependent translation machinery in Huh7.5 cells through simultaneous activation of mTORC1 and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) by NS5A. NS5A, interestingly, overexpressed and subsequently hyperphosphorylated 4EBP1. NS5A phosphorylated eIF4E through the p38 MAPK-MNK pathway. Both HCV infection and NS5A expression augmented eIF4F complex assembly, an indicator of cap-dependent translation efficiency. Global translation, however, was not altered by HCV NS5A. 4EBP1 phosphorylation, but not that of S6K1, was uniquely resistant to rapamycin in NS5A-Huh7.5 cells, indicative of an alternate phosphorylation mechanism of 4EBP1. Resistance of Ser-473, but not Thr-308, phosphorylation of AKT to PI3K inhibitors suggested an activation of mTORC2 by NS5A. NS5A associated with eIF4F complex and polysomes, suggesting its active involvement in host translation. This is the first report that implicates an HCV protein in the up-regulation of host translation initiation apparatus through concomitant regulation of multiple pathways. Because both mTORC1 activation and eIF4E phosphorylation are involved in tumorigenesis, we propose that their simultaneous activation by NS5A might contribute significantly to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Relationship of Biochemical Parameters, BMI and Blood Pressure with Age, Gender and Ethnicity of Trinidadian Type 2-diabetic Subjects

Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21961500

Objective: To determine the relationship of biochemical parameters, BMI and blood pressure with age, gender and ethnicity of Trinidadian type 2-diabetic subjects. Methods: A retrospective case control study comprised of 1794 patient (740 males and 1054 females). Results: The correlation was found for lipid profile with age and gender in diabetic subjects. There was a positive significant correlation in LDL-C values for all age groups. Serum creatinine concentrations significantly varied amongst ethnicity (p = 0.02). Of the known ethnicities, East Indians had the highest mean creatinine value (1.00 ± 0.47 mg/dl). The univariate general linear model showed that lipid profile had many associations with gender and ethnicity in type 2 diabetic subjects. LDL-C had significant differences between gender (p = 0.04) and diabetes (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Varied lipid profile with elevated systolic blood pressure and BMI are associated in type 2 diabetic patients with respect to age, gender and ethnicity.

Mometasone Furoate/formoterol Reduces Asthma Deteriorations and Improves Lung Function

The European Respiratory Journal : Official Journal of the European Society for Clinical Respiratory Physiology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21828036

This study evaluated the effect of mometasone furoate (MF)/formoterol (F) versus its monocomponents, each administered via metered-dose inhaler, on asthma deteriorations and lung function. This 26-week, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included subjects aged ≥12 yrs with not well-controlled asthma on low-dose inhaled corticosteroids. After a 2-3-week open-label run-in (MF 100 μg b.i.d.), 746 subjects were randomised to receive placebo, F 10 μg, MF 100 μg or MF/F 100/10 μg b.i.d. Co-primary end-points were time to first asthma deterioration (MF/F versus F to assess effect of MF) and change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) area under the curve of serial spirometry measurements over the 12-h period following the morning dose (AUC(0-12h)) (baseline to week 12; MF/F versus MF to assess effect of F). The therapeutic effect of MF in the combination was demonstrated by a reduction in asthma deterioration incidence with MF/F versus F and a delayed time to first asthma deterioration (p<0.001). Asthma deterioration incidence was also reduced with MF/F versus MF (p=0.006). The therapeutic effect of F in the combination was demonstrated by MF/F versus MF in FEV(1) AUC(0-12h) change (4.00 versus 2.53 L·h, respectively; p=0.001). MF/F treatment also resulted in a marked improvement in health-related quality of life. MF/F 100/10 μg b.i.d. treatment showed greater clinical efficacy than its individual components or placebo; both components contributed to the efficacy of MF/F.

FungiDB: an Integrated Functional Genomics Database for Fungi

Nucleic Acids Research. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22064857

FungiDB (http://FungiDB.org) is a functional genomic resource for pan-fungal genomes that was developed in partnership with the Eukaryotic Pathogen Bioinformatic resource center (http://EuPathDB.org). FungiDB uses the same infrastructure and user interface as EuPathDB, which allows for sophisticated and integrated searches to be performed using an intuitive graphical system. The current release of FungiDB contains genome sequence and annotation from 18 species spanning several fungal classes, including the Ascomycota classes, Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Saccharomycetes and the Basidiomycota orders, Pucciniomycetes and Tremellomycetes, and the basal 'Zygomycete' lineage Mucormycotina. Additionally, FungiDB contains cell cycle microarray data, hyphal growth RNA-sequence data and yeast two hybrid interaction data. The underlying genomic sequence and annotation combined with functional data, additional data from the FungiDB standard analysis pipeline and the ability to leverage orthology provides a powerful resource for in silico experimentation.

Potential of 2D Crosslinked Sericin Membranes with Improved Biostability for Skin Tissue Engineering

Cell and Tissue Research. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327482

Silk sericin protein is a natural, hydrophilic, macromolecular glycoprotein mainly synthesized in the middle silk gland of the silkworm. It constitutes 25-30% of the silk cocoon. Sericin proteins have antioxidant, antimicrobial, UV-resistant properties, promote wound healing and support cell proliferation even in serum-free media. Most of the sericin is discarded as waste in silk processing industries. This study aims at improving the mechanical strength and stability of sericin extracted from the silk cocoons during processing and utilize it as a biocompatible natural biopolymer in biomedical applications. Crosslinked sericin membranes, from the cocoon of non-mulberry tropical silkworm, Antheraea mylitta, were prepared using gluteraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. Physical and structural characteristics of the membranes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction along with swelling and degradation studies. The secondary structure of the membrane indicates that crosslinking provides a more integrated structure that significantly improves the stability and mechanical strength of the membranes. In vitro cytocompatibility of the membranes was evaluated by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis of feline fibroblast cells. The adherence, growth and proliferation patterns of cells on membranes were assessed by confocal microscopy, which demonstrated that the latter is non-toxic and supports cell growth. Cell cycle analyses indicate cytocompatibility with normal cell cycle pattern. This study reveals that silk sericin protein can be used as a biocompatible natural biopolymer for various applications in the biomedical field.

Gerbode Defect with Staphylococcus Lugdunensis Native Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis

Journal of Cardiac Surgery. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22329696

Abstract  Coagulase-negative staphylococci are generally not considered to be very virulent; they are an uncommon cause of native valve endocarditis. Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an important exception and causes more severe infections, clinically mimicking S. aureus. We present a case of direct Gerbode defect associated with S. lugdunensis native valve infective endocarditis (IE) requiring cardiac surgery. (J Card Surg 2012;**:1-4).

Ultrafast Laser-induced Microstructure/nanostructure Replication and Optical Properties

Applied Optics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330293

This paper demonstrates replication of ultrafast laser-induced micro/nano surface textures on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The surface texture replication process reduces the processing steps for microtexturing while improving light trapping. Two methods are demonstrated to replicate surface microtexture, a simple mold method and an embossing method. The laser microtextured silicon and titanium surfaces with micro to nanoscale features have been successfully replicated. Optical characterization of the replicated microtextured PDMS surfaces is performed and the results agree with model predictions. The replicated microtextured PDMS film is applied on a silicon surface and optical characterization shows that surface reflectance can be suppressed over 55% compared to the control value.

Fluorescence Photon Measurements from Single Quantum Dots on an Optical Nanofiber

Optics Express. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330531

We experimentally investigate the fluorescence photon emission characteristics for single q-dots by using optical nanofibers. We demonstrate that single q-dots can be deposited along an optical nanofiber systematically and reproducibly with a precision of 5 μm. For single q-dots on an optical nanofiber, we measure the fluorescence photon numbers coupled into the nanofiber and the normalized photon correlations, by varying the excitation laser intensity. We estimate the fluorescence photon coupling efficiency into the nanofiber guided modes.

Nox4 Mediates Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Invasion Through Hypoxia-Induced Interleukin 6- and 8- Production

PloS One. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22303451

Inflammatory cytokines are detected in the plasma of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and are associated with poor prognosis. However, the primary cell type involved in producing inflammatory cytokines and the biological significance in RCC remain unknown. Inflammation is associated with oxidative stress, upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha, and production of pro-inflammatory gene products. Solid tumors are often heterogeneous in oxygen tension together suggesting that hypoxia may play a role in inflammatory processes in RCC. Epithelial cells have been implicated in cytokine release, although the stimuli to release and molecular mechanisms by which they are released remain unclear. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved sensor of cellular energy status and a role for AMPK in the regulation of cell inflammatory processes has recently been demonstrated.

Three-Dimensional Organization of Block Copolymers on 'DNA-Minimal' Scaffolds

Journal of the American Chemical Society. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22309245

Here we introduce a 3D-DNA construction method that assembles a minimum number of DNA strands in quantitative yield, to give a scaffold with a large number of single-stranded arms. This DNA frame is used as a core structure to organize other functional materials in 3D- as the shell. We use the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) to generate block copolymers that are covalently attached to DNA strands. Site-specific hybridization of these DNA-polymer chains on the single-stranded arms of the 3D-DNA scaffold gives efficient access to DNA-block copolymer cages. These biohybrid cages possess polymer chains that are programmably positioned in three dimensions on a DNA core, and display increased nuclease resistance as compared to unfunctionalized DNA cages.

Microbial Biomass and Carbon Mineralization in Agricultural Soils As Affected by Pesticide Addition

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310842

A laboratory study was conducted with four pesticides, viz. a fungicide (carbendazim), two insecticides (chlorpyrifos and cartap hydrochloride) and an herbicide (pretilachlor) applied to a sandy clay loam soil at a field rate to determine their effect on microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and carbon mineralization (C(min)). The MBC content of soil increased with time up to 30 days in cartap hydrochloride as well as chlorpyrifos treated soil. Thereafter, it decreased and reached close to the initial level by 90th day. However, in carbendazim treated soil, the MBC showed a decreasing trend up to 45 days and subsequently increased up to 90 days. In pretilachlor treated soil, MBC increased through the first 15 days, and thereafter decreased to the initial level. Application of carbendazim, chlorpyrifos and cartap hydrochloride decreased C(min) for the first 30 days and then increased afterwards, while pretilachlor treated soil showed an increasing trend.

Nationwide Incidence of Major Complications in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22311839

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in otolaryngology. Major complications are estimated to occur in 1-3% of cases, based on early studies with relatively small patient cohorts in academic institutions. The aim of this study was to update data regarding major complication rates associated with ESS by analyzing a large patient database.

FRAX or Fiction: Determining Optimal Screening Strategies for Treatment of Osteoporosis in Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316237

OBJECTIVES: To examine screening strategies for osteoporosis and fractures for treatment of long-term care residents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis to examine screening strategies for treatment. SETTING: Assisted living and skilled care facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred two frail women aged 65 and older (mean 85), excluding those receiving bisphosphonates. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical fractures of the hip or spine (Clin Fx); Clin Fx or bone mineral density (BMD); Clin Fx, BMD, or vertebral fractures (VF) assessed according to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-based vertebral fracture assessments; fracture risk algorithm using femoral neck BMD (FRAX-FN); fracture risk algorithm using body mass index (FRAX-BMI); or Clin Fx or heel ultrasound (heel US). RESULTS: Treatment eligibility ranged from 17% (Clin Fx) to 98% (FRAX-BMI). VFs were found in 47%, 74% of which were silent. Criteria with Clin Fx, BMD, or VF identified 73% of study participants for treatment. FRAX-FN suggested treatment in 81% but would have missed approximately 10% of individuals with silent VFs. Clin Fx or heel US suggested that 39% of participants were eligible for treatment. CONCLUSION: Long-term care residents eligible for osteoporosis treatment ranged from fewer than 20% to roughly all residents depending on screening criteria. VFs are common and identify a subset of residents missed by conventional BMD scans or FRAX-FN. A reasonable clinical approach could consider treatment for those with Clin Fx of the hip or spine, radiological evidence of a VF, or osteoporosis according to BMD classification. Prospective studies are needed to determine optimal screening strategies for treatment in this cohort.

Is HbA1c a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetic Subjects Without Macro and Micro Vascular Complications?

Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22295973

Objective: Our study attempted to evaluate the diagnostic value of HbA1c in predicting diabetic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: Study comprised 229 subjects (156 males and 73 females) with diabetic dyslipidemia without any micro and macro vascular disorders. Fasting blood samples were taken to analyse biochemical parameters like HbA1c, sugar and lipid profile. Results: The HbA1c levels did not differ much between males (6.96 ± 1.11) and females (7.01 ± 1.19). HbA1c demonstrated a positive significant correlation with cholesterol, LDL and a negative significant correlation with HDL. Patients with HbA1c >7.0 % had significantly higher value of cholesterol, LDL when compared with <7.0%. Conclusions: The findings of this study clearly suggest that HbA1c endures the ability of predicting CVD risk in the diabetic patients without any micro and macro vascular disorder. Therefore study recommends using HbA1c as a marker for predicting the risk of developing CVD.

Wound-healing Potential of an Ethanol Extract of Carica Papaya (Caricaceae) Seeds

International Wound Journal. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22296524

Carica papaya L. (Linn) (Caricaceae) is traditionally used to treat various skin disorders, including wounds. It is widely used in developing countries as an effective and readily available treatment for various wounds, particularly burns. This study evaluated the wound-healing and antimicrobial activity of C. papaya seed extract. Ethanol extract of C. papaya seed (50 mg/kg/day) was evaluated for its wound-healing activity in Sprague-Dawley rats using excision wound model. Animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each (group 1 served as control, group 2 treated with papaya seed extract, group 3 treated with a standard drug mupirocin and papaya seed extract (1:1 ratio) and group 4 treated with a mupirocin ointment. Rate of wound contraction and hydroxyproline content were determined to assess the wound-healing activity of the seed extract. The group 2 animals showed a significant decrease in wound area of 89% over 13 days when compared with groups 1 (82%), 3 (86%) and 4 (84%) respectively. The hydroxyproline content was significantly higher with the granulation tissue obtained from group 2 animals which were treated with C. papaya seed extract. Histological analysis of granulation tissue of the group 2 animals showed the deposition of well-organized collagen. The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Our results suggest that C. papaya promotes significant wound healing in rats and further evaluation for this activity in humans is suggested.

Facile Synthesis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Amino Methylene Bisphosphonates

Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22223381

A green and efficient preparation method for the amino bisphosphonates is accomplished by simple mixing and stirring of diethylphosphite, triethylorthoformate and various amines in the presence of amberlyst-15 as catalyst at room temperature under solvent free conditions. The title compounds are characterized by IR, (1)H-, (13)C-, (31)P-NMR and mass spectra, also studied their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Epoprostenol-Induced Hypersplenism in Portopulmonary Hypertension

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22227513

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a not infrequent but serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Continuous intravenous epoprostenol infusion is a treatment option for this condition. Progressive splenomegaly with pancytopenia (hypersplenism) is associated with epoprostenol use in POPH. After recognizing a case of epoprostenol-induced hypersplenism that resolved upon stopping the drug, the authors retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with epoprostenol at the center for both POPH and pulmonary hypertension due to other causes. Five of 11 patients with POPH developed hypersplenism secondary to epoprostenol. In 1 patient, and possibly in a second, the hypersplenism resolved upon discontinuation of epoprostenol. None of 9 patients with pulmonary hypertension due to other causes developed splenomegaly. This report confirms hypersplenism as a complication of epoprostenol therapy for POPH. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate for the first time that hypersplenism may be reversed by stopping the medication and propose a mechanism for this phenomenon.

Social-emotional Screening for Infants and Toddlers in Primary Care

Pediatrics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22232304

Recommendations in pediatrics call for general developmental screening of young children; however, research suggests social-emotional development, in particular, is important as an initial indicator of general well-being versus risk. We aim to describe a program designed to identify the social-emotional status of young children in the pediatric setting by using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) as a universal screening tool, and to assess the effect of interventions by a colocated psychologist on changes in ASQ:SE scores over time.

Millisecond Time-scale Folding and Unfolding of DNA Hairpins Using Rapid-mixing Stopped-flow Kinetics

Journal of the American Chemical Society. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22263662

We report stopped-flow kinetics experiments to study the folding and unfolding of 5 base-pair stem and 21 nucleotide polythymidine loop DNA hairpins over various concentrations of NaCl. The reactions occurred on a time scale of milliseconds, considerably longer than the microsecond time scale suggested by previous kinetics studies of similar-sized hairpins. In comparison to a recent fluorescence correlation spectroscopy study (J. Am. Chem. Soc.2006, 128, 1240-1249), we suggest the microsecond time-scale reactions are due to intermediate states and the millisecond time-scale reactions reported here are due to the formation of the fully folded DNA hairpin. These results support our view that DNA hairpin folding occurs via a minimum three-state mechanism.

PET and MRI of Metastatic Peritoneal and Pulmonary Colorectal Cancer in Mice with Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 1-targeted 89Zr-labeled Panitumumab

Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official Publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22213822

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (HER1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Panitumumab is an anti-HER1 monoclonal antibody approved for use in colorectal cancer. However, few data exist regarding HER1 status in the corresponding distant metastases, and little corresponding information is available regarding the localization of panitumumab at primary and metastatic lesions. The utility of PET and MRI using (89)Zr-panitumumab to assess the status of HER1 in distant metastases with different metastasis models is presented in this study.

Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of Resistance Gene Candidates in Kaempferia Galanga L

Molecular Biotechnology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21701859

Majority of the plant disease resistance genes expresses cytoplasmic receptor-like proteins characterized by an N-terminal nucleotide-binding site (NBS) and a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain. Degenerative primers based on these conserved motifs were used to isolate NBS type sequences in Kaempferia galanga. Cloning and sequencing identified 12 Kaempferia NBS-type sequences called resistance gene candidates (RGCs) classified into four classes. The amino acid sequences of the RGCs detected the presence of conserved domains, viz., kinase-1a, kinase-2, and hydrophobic GLPL, categorizing them with the NBS-LRR class gene family. Structural and phylogenetic characterization grouped the RGCs with the non-toll interleukin receptor (non-TIR) subclasses of the NBS sequences. Reverse transcription PCR with 10 Kaempferia RGC specific primers revealed 7 out of 10 Kaempferia RGCs to be expressive. The isolation and characterization of Kaempferia RGCs has been reported for the first time in this study. This will provide a starting point towards characterization of candidate resistance genes in Kaempferia and can act as a source pool for disease resistance development in other asexually reproducing plants.

Zinc Responsive Acrodermatitis in Nephrotic Syndrome: A Rare Presentation

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22199088

SP-A and SP-D in Host Defense Against Fungal Infections and Allergies

Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition). 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22201901

Innate immunity mediated by pattern recognition proteins is relevant in the host defense against fungi. SP-A and SP-D are two such proteins belonging to the class of collagen domain containing C-type lectins, or collectins. They bind to the sugar moieties present on the cell walls of various fungi in a dose dependent manner via their carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). SP-A and SP-D directly interact with alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes. We review these roles of SP-A and SP-D against various clinically relevant fungal pathogens and fungal allergens. SP-A and SP-D gene deficient mice showed increased susceptibility/ resistance to various fungal infections. Patients of fungal infections and allergies are reported with alterations in the serum or lung lavage levels of SP-A and SP-D. There are studies associating the gene polymorphisms in SP-A and SP-D with alterations in their levels or functions or susceptibility of the host to fungal diseases. In view of the protective role of SP-D in murine models of Aspergillus fumigatus infections and allergies, therapeutic use of SP-D could be explored further.

Nasal Tip Modifications

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22104654

Rhinoplasty remains a challenging art but is now systematized at least in part by recent understanding of the supporting mechanisms and how they may be manipulated to control the nasal tip. Nasal tip control is the key to a successful, aesthetically pleasing, rhinoplasty result with preservation of nasal function.

Multilocus Sequence Typing of Salmonella Strains by High-throughput Sequencing of Selectively Amplified Target Genes

Journal of Microbiological Methods. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22108494

Rapid development of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in recent years has made whole genome sequencing of bacterial genomes widely accessible. However, it is often unnecessary or not feasible to sequence the whole genome for most applications of genetic analyses in bacteria. Selectively capturing defined genomic regions followed by NGS analysis could be a promising approach for high-resolution molecular typing of a large set of strains. In this study, we describe a novel and straightforward PCR-based target-capturing method, hairpin-primed multiplex amplification (HPMA), which allows for simultaneous amplification of numerous target genes. To test the feasibility of NGS-based strain typing using HPMA, 20 target gene sequences were simultaneously amplified with barcode tagging in each of 41 Salmonella strains. The amplicons were then pooled and analyzed by 454 pyrosequencing. Analysis of the sequence data, as an extension of multilocus sequence typing (MLST), demonstrated the utility and potential of this novel typing method, MLST-seq, as a high-resolution strain typing method. With the rapidly increasing sequencing capacity of NGS, MLST-seq or its variations using different target enrichment methods can be expected to become a high-resolution typing method in the near future for high-throughput analysis of a large collection of bacterial strains.

A Letter to Fellows: Transitioning from Training into Practice in Uncertain Times

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22099713

The end of training marks the beginning of learning. Moving into practice is exciting, and there are good opportunities. Although there is still a great deal of uncertainty with the economy, you have a skill set that is in demand. By understanding your real priorities, being deliberate and organized in your search, and being willing to extend outside your comfort zone, you will find a practice that fits you. Each person has an ideal practice. Choose your new practice setting with your eyes wide open, especially regarding new changes that are expected with health care reform.

Anticancer Activity of Berberis Aristata in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-bearing Mice: A Preliminary Study

Pharmaceutical Biology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22085276

Context: Berberis aristata DC (Berberidaceae) is an important medicinal plant with claims of widespread medicinal value in indigenous medicine. It is used by herbal healers to treat oral cancers. Objective: To evaluate the antineoplastic activity of the extracts of Berberis aristata in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice with cisplatin as positive control in the advanced stage of tumorigenesis. Materials and methods: Brine shrimp lethality bioassay (BSL) of extracts and effect on the tumor cell viability in vitro were carried out. EAC was induced in Swiss albino mice by injecting 10(6) cell/mL of tumor cell suspension i.p. Antineoplastic activity of the aqueous and ethanol extracts (100 and 6.5 mg/kg i.p., respectively) was compared with that of cisplatin (3.5 mg/kg i.p.) on the parameters such as percentage increase in weight, median survival time, and hematology. Results: Ethanol extract attenuated percentage increase in weight gain (-6.86 ± 1.50) due to tumor cell proliferation and increased the survival time (19.5 days) when compared to control group (19.10 ± 2.31 and 16 days, respectively). However, the effect was less than that of cisplatin. In vitro cytotoxicity assay as well as BSL test showed the cytotoxic effect of the extracts. Cisplatin and the extracts reversed the tumor-induced alterations in total white blood cell count, differential leukocyte counts, total red blood cell count, and hemoglobin contents. Discussion and conclusion: Of the two extracts, the ethanol extract was observed to be more efficient and the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids may be responsible for the observed anticancer effects.

Quantitative Analysis of Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine by Anion-exchange Chromatography and Evaporative Light-scattering Detection

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22019701

Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) belongs to the trialkylphosphine class of reducing agents that are widely used in research and industry. In this paper, we discuss a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method equipped with an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) for the determination of TCEP in pharmaceutical samples containing therapeutic protein and stabilizing additives. TCEP was first completely oxidized with hydrogen peroxide to form TCEP oxide (TCEPO). Proteins and salts were removed from the sample by solid phase extraction. TCEPO concentrations were determined by anion exchange chromatography coupled with ELSD. Because of the 1:1 oxidation stoichiometry for the reaction, the concentration of TCEP in the sample is directly proportional to the measured concentration of TCEPO. A good linearity fit of ELSD response versus TCEPO concentration was observed over the range of 20-2000 μM. The specificity, precision, accuracy, and robustness of the method were evaluated and suitable for the quantitation of TCEP in biological samples. Moreover, selective treatment with peroxide prior to solid-phase extraction may be used to determine the mass balance of TCEP species or track the oxidation rate in pharmaceutical samples.

Development of Cloxacillin Loaded Multiple-unit Alginate-based Floating System by Emulsion-gelation Method

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22020191

This work investigates the development, optimization and in vitro evaluation of liquid paraffin-entrapped multiple-unit alginate-based floating system containing cloxacillin by emulsion-gelation method for gastro retentive delivery. The effect of process variables like drug to polymer ratio by weight, and liquid paraffin to water ratio by volume on various physicochemical properties in case of liquid paraffin-entrapped calcium alginate beads containing cloxacillin applicable to drug entrapment efficiency, density and drug release was optimized using 3(2) factorial design and analyzed using response surface methodology. The observed (actual values) responses were coincided well with the predicted values, given by the optimization technique. The optimized beads showed drug entrapment efficiency of 64.63±0.78%, density of 0.90±0.05 g/cm(3), and drug release of 56.72±0.85% in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) after 8h with floating lag time of 8.45 min and floated well over 12h in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). The average size of all dried beads ranged from 1.73±0.04 to 1.97±0.08 mm. The beads were characterized by SEM and FTIR for surface morphology and excipients-drug interaction analysis, respectively. All these beads showed prolonged sustained release of cloxacillin over 8h in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). The cloxacillin release profile from liquid paraffin beads followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model over a period of 8h with anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism for drug release.

Polyphenolic Fraction of Pilea Microphylla (L.) Protects Chinese Hamster Lung Fibroblasts Against γ-radiation-induced Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity

Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22196050

Present study was designed to compare cytoprotective and antigenotoxic activity of the polyphenolic fraction of Pilea microphylla (PM1) with that of its active polyphenolic constituents against γ-radiation in V79 cells. PM1 was standardized with respect to the polyphenols present by RP-HPLC. It was evaluated for its free radical scavenging potential using Fenton reaction-induced DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. Further, PM1 was subjected against γ-radiation-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in V79 cells. PM1 significantly reduced free radical-mediated calf thymus DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. Among the concentrations tested (12.5, 25 and 50 μg/ml) for radioprotection, PM1 at 25 μg/ml exhibited maximum protection. Further, when compared with constituent polyphenols viz., rutin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid (concentrations equivalent to that present in PM1-25 μg/ml), a combination of polyphenols was found most effective in preventing γ-radiation-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. To conclude, radioprotection is possibly a synergistic effect of the phytochemicals present in the herbal extract, rather than any single component.

A Cell Culture Model of Facial Palsy Resulting from Reactivation of Latent Herpes Simplex Type 1

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22158020

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in geniculate ganglion neurons (GGNs) is an etiologic mechanism of Bell's palsy (BP) and delayed facial palsy (DFP) after otologic surgery.

Redox, Mutagenic and Structural Studies of the Glutaredoxin/arsenate Reductase Couple from the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis Sp. PCC 6803

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22155275

The arsenate reductase from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has been characterized in terms of the redox properties of its cysteine residues and their role in the reaction catalyzed by the enzyme. Of the five cysteines present in the enzyme, two (Cys13 and Cys35) have been shown not to be required for catalysis, while Cys8, Cys80 and Cys82 have been shown to be essential. The as-isolated enzyme contains a single disulfide, formed between Cys80 and Cys82, with an oxidation-reduction midpoint potential (E(m)) value of -165mV at pH 7.0. It has been shown that Cys15 is the only one of the four cysteines present in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 glutaredoxin A required for its ability to serve as an electron donor to arsenate reductase, while the other three cysteines (Cys18, Cys36 and Cys70) play no role. Glutaredoxin A has been shown to contain a single redox-active disulfide/dithiol couple, with a two-electron, E(m) value of -220mV at pH 7.0. One cysteine in this disulfide/dithiol couple has been shown to undergo glutathionylation. An X-ray crystal structure, at 1.8Å resolution, has been obtained for glutaredoxin A. The probable orientations of arsenate reductase disulfide bonds present in the resting enzyme and in a likely reaction intermediate of the enzyme have been examined by in silico modeling, as has the surface environment of arsenate reductase in the vicinity of Cys8, the likely site for the initial reaction between arsenate and the enzyme.

Systems Approaches in Global Change and Biogeochemistry Research

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22144393

Systems approaches have great potential for application in predictive ecology. In this paper, we present a range of examples, where systems approaches are being developed and applied at a range of scales in the field of global change and biogeochemical cycling. Systems approaches range from Bayesian calibration techniques at plot scale, through data assimilation methods at regional to continental scales, to multi-disciplinary numerical model applications at country to global scales. We provide examples from a range of studies and show how these approaches are being used to address current topics in global change and biogeochemical research, such as the interaction between carbon and nitrogen cycles, terrestrial carbon feedbacks to climate change and the attribution of observed global changes to various drivers of change. We examine how transferable the methods and techniques might be to other areas of ecosystem science and ecology.

Epidemiology of Brain Metastases

Current Oncology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22012633

Brain metastases are one of the most common neurologic complications of cancer. The incidence is 9%-17% based on various studies, although the exact incidence is thought to be higher. The incidence is increasing with the availability of improved imaging techniques which aid early diagnosis, and effective systemic treatment regimens which prolong life, thus allowing cancer to disseminate to the brain. Lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma are the most frequent to develop brain metastases, and account for 67%-80% of all cancers. Most patients with brain metastases have synchronous extracerebral metastases. Some patients present with no known primary cancer diagnosis. In children, brain metastases are rare; germ cell tumors, sarcomas, and neuroblastoma are the common offenders.

Treatment of Electronic Waste to Recover Metal Values Using Thermal Plasma Coupled with Acid Leaching - A Response Surface Modeling Approach

Waste Management (New York, N.Y.). Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22119048

The global crisis of the hazardous electronic waste (E-waste) is on the rise due to increasing usage and disposal of electronic devices. A process was developed to treat E-waste in an environmentally benign process. The process consisted of thermal plasma treatment followed by recovery of metal values through mineral acid leaching. In the thermal process, the E-waste was melted to recover the metal values as a metallic mixture. The metallic mixture was subjected to acid leaching in presence of depolarizer. The leached liquor mainly contained copper as the other elements like Al and Fe were mostly in alloy form as per the XRD and phase diagram studies. Response surface model was used to optimize the conditions for leaching. More than 90% leaching efficiency at room temperature was observed for Cu, Ni and Co with HCl as the solvent, whereas Fe and Al showed less than 40% efficiency.