Shifting serotypes, plasmid profile analysis and antimicrobial resistance pattern of shigellae strains isolated from Kolkata, India during 1995-2000

One hundred and sixty-six shigellae strains, isolated from stool samples of paediatric patients (< 5 years old) at a Childrens' Hospital in Kolkata, India during the period of 1995-2000 were examined for serotyping, drug resistance pattern and plasmid profiles. Sh. flexneri (58 %) was found to be commonest isolate of total shigellae, followed by Sh. sonnei (28 %), Sh. boydii (9%) and Sh. dysenteriae (5%). This profile of species was in sharp contrast to the picture obtained before 1995, when Sh. dysenteriae 1 predominated over Sh. flexneri. In Sh. flexneri strains, Sh. flexneri 2a (35%) was the most prevalent serotype, following Sh. flexneri 3a (31%), Sh. flexneri 6 (14%), Sh. flexneri 2b (11%) and Sh. flexneri 4 (9%). Resistance patterns of the strains to 12 commonly used antimicrobial agents and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the antibiotics were also tested. All strains were found uniformly susceptible to norfloxacin, but more than 90% strains were resistant to tetracycline, co-trimoxazole and 67% strains were resistant to ampicillin. Resistance to amoxicillin, chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid was found in 55% (range 45-74%), 46% (range 40-60%) and 29% (range 15-40%) strains respectively. Overall, shigellae strains showed statistically significant increase in resistance against tetracycline, nalidixic acid and furazolidone (P < 0.05) over the years of this study. This indicates decreased efficacy of furazolidone, cotrimoxazole and nalidixic acid for the empirical treatment of shigellosis in Kolkata. Although a few strains showed intermediate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (4%) and cefotaxime (10%) by disk diffusion test, but the MICs of those antibiotics were within the normal limits. Almost 57% of the strains were resistant to four or more drugs with high MICs of the antibiotics. Plasmid profile analysis revealed presence of large plasmid of 220 kb in majority of the strains except in Sh. sonnei and a correlation between presence of smaller plasmids and shigellae serotypes. Hence this study reports epidemiological change of shigellae species in Kolkata, India with regard to serotypes and antibiotic resistance patterns.

Studies on surfactant-biopolymer interaction. I. Microcalorimetric investigation on the interaction of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) with gelatin (Gn), lysozyme (Lz) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

The interaction of the surfactants cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with the biopolymers gelatin (Gn), lysozyme (Lz) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was studied by isothermal titration microcalorimetry at varied biopolymer concentration, pH and temperature. The nature of interaction of the surfactants with the biopolymers was assessed from the observed enthalpy-[surfactant] profiles. The biopolymer-induced aggregation of the surfactants was observed. The enthalpies of aggregation of amphiphiles, binding of aggregates with macromolecules, organisational change of bound aggregates, and threshold concentrations for micelle formation of surfactants in the presence of biopolymers were estimated. The results collected on the three biopolymers were analysed and compared.

Physical and biological studies with protons and HZE particles in a NASA supported research center in radiation health

NASA has established and supports a specialized center for research and training (NSCORT) to specifically address the potential deleterious effects of HZE particles on human health. The NSCORT in radiation health is a joint effort between Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Colorado State University (CSU). The overall scope of research encompasses a broad range of subjects from microdosimetric studies to cellular and tissue responses to initial damage produced by highly energetic protons and heavy charged particles of the type found in galactic cosmic rays (GCR) spectrum. The objectives of the microdosimetry studies are to determine the response of Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (TEPC) to cosmic rays using ground based accelerators. This includes evaluation of energy loss due to the escape of high-energy delta rays and increased energy deposition due to the enhanced delta ray production in the wall of the detector. In this report major results are presented for 56Fe at 1000, 740, 600 and 400 MeV/nucleon. An assessment of DNA repair and early development of related chromosomal changes is extremely important to our overall understanding of enhanced biological effectiveness of high LET particle radiation. Results are presented with respect to the fidelity of the rejoining of double strand breaks and the implications of misrejoining. The relationship between molecular and cytogenetic measurements is presented by studying damage processing in highly heterochromatic supernumerary (correction of sypernumerary) X chromosomes and the active X-chromosome. One of the important consequences of cell's inability to handle DNA damage can be evaluated through mutation studies. Part of our goal is the assessment of potential radioprotectors to reduce the mutation yield following HZE exposures, and some promising results are presented on one compound. A second goal is the integration of DNA repair and mutation studies. Results are presented on a direct comparison of initial double strand breaks induction, the time course and fidelity of double strand break rejoining, cell killing and mutation induction in the same human model system. In order to understand the carcinogenic potential of protons and HZE particles, the role of damaged microenvironment in this process must be understood. In this project it has been postulated that radiation affects the microenvironment, which then modifies cell interactions in a manner conducive to neoplastic progression. Both TGF-beta and FGF-2 are important components of microenvironment. A recent result on the assessment of the role of FGF-2 and its cross-talk with TGF-beta as a function of radiation quality is presented. Theoretical modeling has so far played a central role in analyzing and integrating experimental data on repair and mutation studies and predicting new phenomena. The integrated NSCORT program also provides a broad training experience for students and postdoctoral fellows in space radiation health.

Angular momentum and cross sections for fusion with weakly bound nuclei: breakup, a coherent effect

Results for the cross section and average angular momentum for complete fusion at energies around the Coulomb barrier are presented for 7Li with 165Ho. Comparison of the cross sections with a one-dimensional barrier penetration model, using a potential consistent with the measured elastic scattering, showed a reduction above the barrier and an enhancement below it. An increase in the measured average angular momentum, <l>, above the barrier and its consistency with that obtained from the fusion excitation function for weakly bound nuclei, is reported. These results together with a reanalysis of existing data conclusively demonstrate that the effect of breakup on fusion is coherent, like coupling to any nonelastic channel.

Integrin modulating factor: a 30-kD protein that modulates the expression and function of alpha5beta1 integrin receptor

The integrin family of cell surface receptors consists of transmembrane glycoproteins involved in cellular morphology, cytoarchitecture, cell-cell, and cell-extracellular matrix interaction. Changes in integrin receptor expression are associated with malignant transformation. The adhesion promoting activity of several members of the integrin receptors may be modulated. Integrin Associated Proteins and integrin modulating factor that may modulate integrin receptors expression and function have been reported. In this article, we report the identification of a 30-kD protein produced in SiHa cell culture medium that can modulate the expression and function of alpha5beta1 integrin receptor in HeLaS3 cells. The cell adhesion assay clearly demonstrated that HeLaS3 cells grown in a serum-free culture medium of SiHa cells (fresh medium: culture medium = 3:1) stimulated the ligand binding activity of alpha5beta1 receptor to fibronectin in a time-dependent manner, having a peak activity at 72 hours of culture. Immunocytochemical localization showed a very high expression of alpha5beta1 receptor in HeLaS3 cells grown in a SiHa culture medium for 72 hours. The (NH4)2SO4 fractionation demonstrated that proteins present in 80-100% (NH4)2SO4 saturated fraction of serum-free SiHa culture medium have a significant stimulatory effect on the binding of HeLaS3 cells to fibronectin ligand via the alpha5beta1 integrin receptor. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation of 80-100% (NH4)2SO4 saturated fraction showed a 30- kD protein in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis that has a maximum stimulatory effect on the binding of HeLaS3 cells to fibronectin ligand via the alpha5beta1 integrin receptor. In conclusion, our observations indicated that human cervical tumor cells SiHa produce a 30-kD protein that can modulate the expression and function of alpha5beta1 fibronectin integrin receptor of HeLaS3 cells. These findings strengthen the concept that some cellular proteins, also called Integrin Associated Protein, may regulate the integrin receptor expression and function. Studies are in progress to characterize this 30-kD integrin modulating factor and its role in the regulation of integrin receptor function.

Role of alphavbeta3 integrin receptor in the invasive potential of human cervical cancer (SiHa) cells

One of the most important cell surface receptors in tumor development is alphavbeta3. To study the role of the alphavbeta3 integrin receptor in the invasive properties of tumor cells, we used human cervical tumor cells SiHa (cell surface alphavbeta3 integrin receptor-positive) and HeLa cells (cell surface alphavbeta3 integrin receptor-negative). Cell adhesion assay showed that SiHa and HeLa cells can bind very efficiently to extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV, but the binding of HeLa cells to vitronectin is very poor compared to that of SiHa cells. Comparative invasion assay demonstrated a much lower invasive potential of HeLa cells than SiHa cells. Cell surface alphav and beta3 integrin receptor subunit assay showed the expression of alphavbeta3 integrin receptor on the SiHa cell surface, whereas the HeLa cell surface lacks functional alphavbeta3 heterodimer. The zymogram demonstrated a higher gelatinase/MMP-2 activity in culture medium, whole cell, and membrane extract of SiHa cells than that in HeLa cells. The alphavbeta3 integrin receptor-associated MMP-2 activity of SiHa and HeLa cells was tested in a comparative zymography that clearly showed very high gelatinase/MMP-2 activity in alphav mAb-immunoprecipitated fraction of SiHa cell (containing alphavbeta3 heterodimer) but not in the alphav mAb-immunoprecipitated fraction of HeLa cell membrane extract (containing only the beta3 subunit). Immunoblot assay of alphav monoclonal antibody-immunoprecipitated alphavbeta3 integrin receptor from SiHa cell membrane extract with MMP-2 monoclonal antibody demonstrated the association of MMP-2 protein with alphavbeta3 integrin receptor. We concluded that alphavbeta3 integrin receptor is one of the most important cell surface molecules regulating the invasive property of cervical tumor cells because of its associated gelatinase/MMP-2 activity. Our findings will contribute to a better understanding of the role of integrin receptors, especially of the alphavbeta3 integrin receptor, in the invasive property of cancer cells and possibly affect future therapeutic approaches to cancer invasion and metastasis.

Inhibition of cell proliferation and antitumor activity of a novel organotin compound

Organotin compounds showed more antineoplastic effect against P388 leukemia in mice than any other class of compounds. However, they have not received as much attention as the platinum compounds. The present compound, Et2SnCl2.L [L = N-(2-pyridylmethylene)-4-toluidine] (OTC), showed an Sn-N bond length of 2.46 A which, because it is bigger than 2.39 A, is expected to achieve better formation of tin-DNA complexes. We previously reported on the synthesis and biological activity of this compound and on its ability to cause a delay in cell proliferation and sister chromatid exchanges in mouse bone marrow cells. In this study, we carried out further investigations on the antiproliferative and antitumor activity of OTC in relation to the cellular glutathione (GSH) level, which plays an important role in the cellular defense mechanism. OTC induced significant delay in the cell cycle in mouse bone marrow cells and, when the GSH level was low, the extent of the delay was reduced. The antitumor activity was determined in accordance with the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) standard protocol for primary screening in Dalton's lymphoma (DL) that was maintained by serial intraperitoneal transplantation. The T/C (treated/control) value was 146% when organotin was treated after transplantation; this improved significantly when buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a GSH-depleting agent, was added 24 hours before the tin treatment. Our data suggest that the present tin compound has antiproliferative ability and can increase the survival of mice bearing DL. The endogenous GSH level influences the effect of the tin compound.

Uracil-DNA glycosylase-deficient yeast exhibit a mitochondrial mutator phenotype

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been reported in cancer and are involved in the pathogenesis of many mitochondrial diseases. Uracil-DNA glycosylase, encoded by the UNG1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, repairs uracil in DNA formed due to deamination of cytosine. Our study demonstrates that inactivation of the UNG1 gene leads to at least a 3-fold increased frequency of mutations in mtDNA compared with the wild-type. Using a Ung1p-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion construct, we demonstrate that yeast yUng1-GFP protein localizes to both mitochondria and the nucleus, indicating that Ung1p must contain both a mitochondrial localization signal (MLS) and a nuclear localization signal. Our study reveals that the first 16 amino acids at the N-terminus contain the yUng1p MLS. Deletion of 16 amino acids resulted in the yUng1p-GFP fusion protein being transported to the nucleus. We also investigated the intracellular localization of human hUng1p-GFP in yeast. Our data indicate that hUng1p-GFP predominantly localizes to the mitochondria. Further analysis identified the N-terminal 16 amino acids as important for localization of hUng1 protein into the mitochondria. Expression of both yeast and human UNG1 cDNA suppressed the frequency of mitochondrial mutation in UNG1-deficient cells. However, expression of yUNG1 in wild-type cells increased the frequency of mutations in mtDNA, suggesting that elevated expression of Ung1p is mutagenic. An increase in the frequency of mitochondrial mutants was also observed when hUNG1 site-directed mutants (Y147C and Y147S) were expressed in mitochondria. Our study suggests that deamination of cytosine is a frequent event in S.cerevisiae mitochondria and both yeast and human Ung1p repairs deaminated cytosine in mitochondria.

Role of alphavbeta3 integrin receptors in breast tumor

The intriguing problem of tumor metastasis involves adhesion of the metastatic cells via the integrin group of cell surface receptors to the ECM proteins of the basement membrane. Modulation of integrin family of cell surface receptors is believed to be associated with stages of tumor metastasis. In this present study, results obtained indicate that alphavbeta3 vitronectin receptors may play an important role in the malignant behaviour of human breast tumor. Alphavbeta3 integrin receptors can modulate the activity of collagenase enzyme and thereby the invasive property of breast tumor cells.

Molecular cloning of the cDNAs for pituitary glycoprotein hormone alpha subunits of two species of duck and their gene regulation

The cDNAs encoding pituitary glycoprotein hormone alpha subunits (PGHalphas) of two species of duck (Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata and Pekin duck, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) were cloned and sequenced to better understand the phylogenic diversity and evolution of PGHalpha molecules in vertebrates. Oligonucleotide primers were designed and used for reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) amplification of PGHalpha cDNA fragments from total cellular RNA of pituitary glands. The remaining sequences were completed by rapid amplification of the cDNA ends. The nucleotide sequence of isolated PGHalpha cDNA of both ducks are identical, including 81 bp of 5' untranslated region (UTR), 360 bp of coding region, and 272 bp of 3'-UTR followed by a 13 bp poly(A)(+) tract. The total number of amino acids deduced from the cDNA of the duck PGHalpha is 120 with a signal peptide of 24 amino acids and a mature protein of 96 amino acids. PGHalphas of the ducks (order Anseriformes) share 96% homology of amino acid sequence in signal peptide, and 100% homology in mature proteins with chicken, quail and turkey (order Galliformes). Our data thus demonstrate identical inter-order homology of PGHalpha mature protein in birds. Ten cysteine residues, presumably forming five disulfide bonds within the alpha subunit, and four proline residues, presumably responsible for folding of the molecule, are conserved in the alpha subunit of ducks. Northern blot analysis revealed that PGHalpha mRNA is expressed only in the pituitary. In order to study factors regulating the gene expression of PGHalpha mRNA, duck pituitary fragments were incubated with GnRH, TRH, testosterone, or triiodothyronine (T(3)). GnRH and TRH increased, while testosterone and T(3) decreased, PGHalpha mRNA levels. This is the first report in birds of TRH up-regulation and down-regulation by testosterone and T(3) under in vitro conditions. The present study demonstrates both ducks have the same cDNA nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences in the PGHalpha subunit, exhibiting identical inter-genus homology within the family of Anatidae. The findings from mRNA expression work suggest that hypothalamic GnRH and TRH up-regulate, while testosterone and T(3) down-regulate, PGHalpha gene expression in ducks.

Severe intrauterine herpes simplex disease with placentitis in a newborn of a mother with recurrent genital infection at delivery

We present a case of fatal herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) in a premature infant born to a mother diagnosed with recurrent HSV-2, based on history and HSV serology results. It was clinically evident at delivery, and subsequently confirmed by laboratory studies that the infant was infected before delivery. There was histopathologic evidence of placentitis and chorioamnionitis upon examination of the placenta and fetal membranes. This case illustrates a relatively uncommon complication of recurrent genital herpes at delivery--intrauterine transmission to the fetus from a primary episode during pregnancy.

Context and crossover in unilateral neglect

Patients with left-neglect bisect horizontal lines to the right of true center. Their bisection bias is affected by line length, so that longer lines are bisected further to the right. Patients often crossover and bisect very short lines to the left of true center. We tested the hypothesis that the context in which lines are apprehended accounts for the crossover phenomenon. We replicated previous findings that a line is bisected further leftward when it is preceded by a longer line and further rightward when it is preceded by a shorter line. These contextual effects occur with relatively short and relatively long target lines. Bisection patterns in two different series of lines, one ranging from 10 to 150 mm, and the other from 110 to 250 mm, were investigated. If crossover bisections were simply due to contextual effects then left-sided errors would be observed on bisections of the shorter lines of both series. Our findings did not support this hypothesis. Crossover bisections occurred only with objectively short lines, those shorter than 40 mm. Even though we found significant contextual effects on line bisection biases, these effects per se do not account for the crossover phenomenon. Rather, our data suggest that the absolute length of the line is associated specifically with the crossover phenomenon.