(E)-Methyl 2-[(2-formyl-6-meth-oxy-phen-oxy)meth-yl]-3-phenyl-acrylate

The title compound, C(19)H(18)O(5), crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules (A and B) in an asymmetric unit in both of which the two aromatic rings are in a bis-ectional orientation as evidenced by the dihedral angle between them [41.7 (1)° in mol-ecule A and 35.6 (1)° in mol-ecule B]. Both mol-ecules adopt an E configuration with respect to the C=C bond. An intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen-bond occurs in mol-ecule A. The crystal packing features inter-molecular C-H⋯O inter-actions.

(E)-Methyl 2-[(4-bromo-2-formylphenoxy)methyl]-3-phenylacrylate

The C=C double bond in the title compound, C₁₈H₁₅BrO₄, adopts an E configuration. The two rings are almost orthogonal to each other, making a dihedral angle of 82.8 (1)°. An intra­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

The foot in type 2 diabetes: is there a link between vascular calcification and bone mineral density?

AIMS

To examine the relationship between vascular calcification in the foot (FVC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the heel of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) subjects.

METHODS

65 subjects with type 2 DM and serum creatinine<125 μmol/l underwent CT scanning of the foot to assess FVC and dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to assess heel BMD. Routine biochemistry including osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) was also carried out.

RESULTS

The proportion of subjects with FVC was 43%, whilst 40% had low BMD (T score<-1.0). Age, neuropathy and 25 hydroxyvitamin D were independent predictors of FVC. Body-weight, eGFR, 25 hydroxyvitamin D, OPG, and total cholesterol were independent predictors of low heel BMD. There was no correlation between albuminuria and BMD or FVC. There was no difference in heel BMD between those with FVC and those without, but those with frank osteoporosis were significantly more likely to have FVC than those with higher BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no clear-cut association between FVC and low BMD in type 2 DM with relatively well-preserved renal function. Age, neuropathy, eGFR, hyperlipidemia, body-weight, 25 hydroxyvitamin D and OPG play a complex role in their pathogenesis.

Methylrac-(2R,11S,12R)-12-(2-chlorophenyl)-22-oxo-9,13,21-trioxapentacyclo[12.8.0.02,11.03,8.015,20]docosa-1(14),3,5,7,15(20),16,18-heptaene-11-carboxylate

In the title compound C₂₇H₁₉ClO₆, the coumarin ring system is not exactly planar, with a dihedral angle of 4.12 (7)° between its benzene and lactone rings. The cis-fused pyran rings adopt half-chair conformations. The carbometh­oxy and chloro­phenyl groups are in a trans configuration. The crystal packing is stabilized by inter­molecular C—H⋯O interactions, which produce a centrosymmetric R₂²(14) dimer and two centrosymmetric R₂²(18) dimers connecting the mol­ecules in a two-dimensional fashion.

Methyl 6-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxo-1,2,3,4,6,6a,7,12b-octahydrochromeno[4′,3′:4,5]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6a-carboxylate

In the title compound, C₂₄H₂₁ClN₂O₆, the two fused six-membered pyran rings adopt half-chair conformations. The dihedral angle between the pyrimidine ring and the chloro­phenyl ring is 51.55 (3)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by pairs of weak inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. A C—H⋯π inter­action is also observed.

Role of a dentist in discrimination of abuse from accident

Most physical injuries resulting from abuse or violence are found on the head and neck areas that are clearly visible to the dental team during examination. Given that dental professionals routinely assess the head, face, and neck of patients, they are in a unique position to identify the signs of abuse and neglect. Involvement of a dentist in the protection team may be beneficial and can lead to early intervention. This article brings to light the importance of questioning and physical examination and the role of a dentist in identifying abuse, assault, and accident.

Prediction of disease causing gene in Xq22.1 region of human X-chromosome

A comprehensive analysis of the X-chromosome led to the discovery of an important region found to be Xq22.1. Xq22.1 was analysed in detail to locate a credible gene carrying segment on it, which may be implicated in various disorders related to the X-chromosome. Finding genes in a genomic sequence is a fiddly problem. Hence, we developed a new in-silico approach to identify the novel gene, based on homology methods (extrinsic methods) and gene prediction methods (intrinsic methods).

Bioprocess and bioreactor: next generation technology for production of potential plant-based antidiabetic and antioxidant molecules

Globally, diabetes and obesity are two of the most common metabolic diseases of the 21(st) century. Increasingly, not only adults but children and adolescents are being affected. New approaches are needed to prevent and treat these disorders and to reduce the impact of associated disease-related complications. Industrial-scale production using plant-root cultures can produce quantities and quality of inexpensive bioactive small molecules with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties. Using this approach, and targeting these diseases, a next generation approach to tackling this emerging global health crisis may be developed. Adventitious roots cultured in bioreactors under controlled and reproducible conditions have been shown effective for production of natural products. The liquid-phase airlift bioreactor in particular has been used successfully for culturing roots on an industrial-scale and thus may provide an economical production platform for expressing promising plant-based antidiabetic and antioxidant molecules. This review focuses on a next-generation, scalable, bioprocessing approach for adventitious and hairy root cultures that are a pesticide-free, seasonally-independent, plant-based source of three molecules that have shown promise for the therapeutic management of diabetes and obesity: corosolic acid, resveratrol and ginsenosides.

Sequence analysis of topoisomerase gene of pseudocowpox virus isolates from camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Topoisomerase gene of pseudocowposvirus from Indian dromedarian camel was amplified by PCR using the primers of PCPV from Finnish reindeer and cloned into pGEM-T for sequence analysis. Analysis of amino acid identity revealed that Indian PCPV of camel shared 95.9-96.8 with PCPV of reindeer, 96.2-96.5 with ORFV and 87.5 with BPSV.

Acute effects of deep breathing for a short duration (2-10 minutes) on pulmonary functions in healthy young volunteers

Breathing is the most vital function for maintenance of life. Slow and deep breathing is an integral part of Pranayama and it reduces dead space ventilation and renews air throughout the lungs. The reported beneficial effects of deep breathing as a part of either long term or short term practice of Pranayama are well documented. However our knowledge about the effects of a few minutes' of deep breathing on human ventilatory parameters is poor. In the present study, we examined the relationship between exposure to short duration of deep breathing and performance on pulmonary function tests before and after the deep breathing. The study was conducted in a homogenous group of 12 volunteers containing 4 females and 8 males who were well trained in pulmonary function testing (PFT) before the start of the study. The volunteers performed deep breathing (DB) exercise for 2, 5 and 10 minutes at the rate of 6 breaths per minute under guidance, and the duration of DB exercise for that day was randomly selected for each group. PFT was done before and after the DB exercise. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in vital capacity (VC) after 2 and 5 minutes' DB exercise and a consistent improvement in tidal volume (TV) and minute ventilation (MV) after the DB exercise in all the three groups, though it wasn't statistically significant. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in forced vital capacity (FVC) after 2 minutes' of DB exercise and a consistent increase in all the three groups in forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIVC) and peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR), though this increase was not statistically significant. This shows that deep breathing exercise, even for a few minutes' duration is beneficial for the lung functions.

Biomass production of hairy roots of Artemisia annua and Arachis hypogaea in a scaled-up mist bioreactor

Hairy roots have the potential to produce a variety of valuable small and large molecules. The mist reactor is a gas phase bioreactor that has shown promise for low-cost culture of hairy roots. Using a newer, disposable culture bag, mist reactor performance was studied with two species, Artemisia annua L. and Arachis hypogaea (peanut), at scales from 1 to 20 L. Both species of hairy roots when grown at 1 L in the mist reactor showed growth rates that surpassed that in shake flasks. From the information gleaned at 1 L, Arachis was scaled further to 4 and then 20 L. Misting duty cycle, culture medium flow rate, and timing of when flow rate was increased were varied. In a mist reactor increasing the misting cycle or increasing the medium flow rate are the two alternatives for increased delivery of liquid nutrients to the root bed. Longer misting cycles beyond 2-3 min were generally deemed detrimental to growth. On the other hand, increasing the medium flow rate to the sonic nozzle especially during the exponential phase of root growth (weeks 2-3) was the most important factor for increasing growth rates and biomass yields in the 20 L reactors. A. hypogaea growth in 1 L reactors was µ = 0.173 day(-1) with biomass yield of 12.75 g DW L(-1). This exceeded that in shake flasks at µ = 0.166 day(-1) and 11.10 g DW L(-1). Best growth rate and biomass yield at 20 L was µ = 0.147 and 7.77 g DW L(-1), which was mainly achieved when medium flow rate delivery was increased. The mist deposition model was further evaluated using this newer reactor design and when the apparent thickness of roots (+hairs) was taken into account, the empirical data correlated with model predictions. Together these results establish the most important conditions to explore for future optimization of the mist bioreactor for culture of hairy roots.

Practical aspects of DNA-based forensic studies in dentistry

Forensic dentistry as a science has evolved from simple methods of age estimation and bite-mark analysis, to a new era of genetic and serological investigations. DNA analysis in forensic science requires a sample or source from either an individual (living or dead) or a crime/incident site. The orofacial region is a good source of such material, due to the fact that certain oral tissues are relatively resistant to environmental degradation and destruction by thermal, electrical, and mechanical insult. Dentists may be called upon to provide samples and expert analysis in many such situations. Sources include soft and hard tissues of teeth and jaws, saliva, biopsy material, and mucosal swabs. Tissue samples should be handled with care, and correct protocol in collection and preparation has to be followed. This ensures a high yield of the required DNA. Hard tissues like teeth require specialized procedures to extract the genetic material. Research has shown that there is a wide variation in the quality and quantity of DNA extracted from different individuals from the same site even under similar conditions. This necessitates calibration of the various methods to achieve best results. DNA analysis can provide highly accurate identification if used correctly. Here a description of the various sources in the oral region has been provided from which samples could be forwarded to the forensic laboratory. Most commonly employed techniques of collection and handling for laboratory procedures have been outlined.

Low serum osteoprotegerin levels in normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study is to establish whether abnormal mineral metabolism is present in patients with type 1 DM with normal renal function and in the absence of microalbuminuria. Serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa β ligand (RANKL) and other determinants of bone metabolism were measured in 35 patients with type 1 DM and in 25 age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. Serum OPG (1.98 vs. 2.98 pmol/l: P = 0.001), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (41.1 vs. 48.2 pmol/l: P = 0.035) and magnesium (0.84 vs. 0.89 mmol/l P = 0.029) levels were significantly lower in patients with type 1 DM compared to normal controls. RANKL levels were similar in both groups. The groups did not differ with respect to calcium, phosphate, PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, tubular reabsorption of phosphate and cross-linked N-telopeptides of type 1-collagen levels. Abnormalities of mineral metabolism including low serum OPG and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels occur in patients with type 1 DM with normal renal function and in the absence of microalbuminuria. These abnormalities may promote altered bone metabolism and vascular pathology.

Haptic controlled three-axis MEMS gripper system

In this work, we describe the development and testing of a three degree of freedom meso/micromanipulation system for handling micro-objects, including biological cells and microbeads. Three-axis control is obtained using stepper motors coupled to micromanipulators. The test specimen is placed on a linear X-stage, which is coupled to one stepper motor. The remaining two stepper motors are coupled to the Y and Z axes of a micromanipulator. The stepper motor-micromanipulator arrangement in the Y and Z axes has a minimum step resolution of ∼0.4 μm with a total travel of 12 mm and the stepper motor-X stage arrangement has a minimum resolution of ∼0.3 μm with a total travel of 10 mm. Mechanical backlash error is ∼0.8 μm for ∼750 μm of travel. A MEMS microgripper from Femtotools™ acts as an end-effector in the shaft end of the micromanipulator. The gripping ranges of the grippers used are 0-100 μm (for FT-G100) and 0-60 μm (for FT-G60). As the gripping action is performed, the force sense circuit of FT-G100 measures the handling force. This force feedback is integrated to a commercially available three degree of freedom haptic device (Novint Falcon) allowing the user to receive tactile feedback during the microscale handling. Both mesoscale and microscale controls are important, as mesoscale control is required for the travel motion of the test object whereas microscale control is required for the gripping action. The haptic device is used to control the position of the microgripper, control the actuation of the microgripper, and provide force feedback. A LABVIEW program was developed to interlink communication and control among hardware used in the system. Micro-objects such as SF-9 cells and polystyrene beads (∼45 μm) are handled and handling forces of ∼50 μN were experienced.

Induced biosynthesis of resveratrol and the prenylated stilbenoids arachidin-1 and arachidin-3 in hairy root cultures of peanut: Effects of culture medium and growth stage

Previously, we have shown that hairy root cultures of peanut provide a controlled, sustainable and scalable production system that can be induced to produce stilbenoids. However to leverage peanut hairy roots to study the biosynthesis of this polyphenolic biosynthetic pathway, growing conditions and elicitation kinetics of these tissue cultures must be defined and understood. To this end, a new peanut cv. Hull hairy root (line 3) that produces resveratrol and its prenylated analogues arachidin-1 and arachidin-3 upon sodium acetate-mediated elicitation was established. Two culture media were compared for impact on root growth and stilbenoid biosynthesis/secretion. The levels of ammonium, nitrate, phosphate and residual sugars were monitored along growth and elicitation period. A modified MS (MSV) medium resulted in higher root biomass when compared to B5 medium. The stilbenoid profile after elicitation varied depending on the age of the culture (6, 9, 12, and 15-day old). After elicitation at day 9 (exponential growth in MSV medium), over 90% of the total resveratrol, arachidin-1 and arachidin-3 accumulated in the medium. Our studies demonstrate the benefits of the hairy root culture system to study the biosynthesis of stilbenoids including valuable prenylated polyphenolic compounds.

Are low erythropoietin and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels indicative of tubulo-interstitial dysfunction in diabetes without persistent microalbuminuria?

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between Erythropoietin (EPO) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, and tubular damage in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) without persistent microalbuminuria.

METHODS

We measured serum EPO and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels and tubular injury markers such as urinary N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) and retinol binding protein (RBP) levels in 41 non-diabetic controls, 40 patients with Type 1 and 40 with Type 2 DM.

RESULTS

Median serum EPO levels were lower in Type 1 (2.57 mIU/ml: p<0.001) and Type 2 DM (5.69 mIU/ml: p=0.044) than in controls (8.76 mIU/ml), though haemoglobin levels did not differ. Median 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels were lower in Type 1 (41.0 pmol/l: p=0.001) and Type 2 DM (41.8 pmol/l: p=0.035) than in controls (56.1 pmol/l), though serum creatinine, calcium, phosphate and PTH levels did not differ. Median RBP excretion was higher in Type 2 DM (0.35 mg/l vs. 0.23 mg/l: p=0.013) than in controls. Median NAG excretion was higher in Type 1 DM (1,079 micromol/h vs.1,030 micromol/h: p=0.048) compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Tubulo-interstitial damage with low levels of EPO and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D occurs early in Type 1 and Type 2 DM before persistent microalbuminuria.

Functional characterization of a stilbene synthase gene using a transient expression system in planta

The expression and functionality of a resveratrol synthase (RS) gene from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) was studied using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Functional analysis of RS was demonstrated by tracking its expression during 96 h. To measure the transcripts levels of RS transgene, real-time qRT-PCR was used and revealed that the highest level of transcripts was at 48 h post-transfection. Western blot analyses showed that RS protein was accumulated to the highest levels at 72 h post-transfection. Finally, HPLC and mass spectrometry analyses revealed the production of trans-piceid (resveratrol glucoside) as the major stilbenoid compound confirming the functional activity of the RS enzyme in planta. No activity of RS transgene was detected in negative controls. This strategy showed advantages over conventional systems because it does not require establishment of cell cultures, feeding with appropriate substrates or generation of stable transgenic plants. This transient system proved to be a rapid and direct approach to perform functional analysis of stilbene synthases, such as resveratrol synthase. Furthermore, this approach can be useful to study the metabolic effects of over-expressing or silencing specific genes within a short period of time.

Odontogenic myxoma of maxilla

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare and locally invasive benign neoplasm found exclusively in the jaws. OM commonly occurs in the second and third decade, and the mandible is involved more commonly than the maxilla. The lesion often grows without symptoms and presents as a painless swelling. The radiographic features are variable, and the diagnosis is therefore not easy. A case of OM of the maxilla with unusual radiographic and histologic features is described in a 30-year-old male. A panoramic radiograph revealed a well-demarcated, multilocular radiolucent lesion with 'tennis racket' appearance involving maxillary antrum. The histopathology showed loosely arranged spindle-shaped stellate cells and few areas of inactive odontogenic epithelium in a mucoid intercellular substance.