Tipranavir/T20-based salvage regimens highly effective and durable against HIV-1 with evidence for genotypic predictability of response in clinical practice

Escalating drug resistance in treatment-experienced HIV-1-infected patients has made management increasingly difficult. In clinical trials, tipranavir (TPV) has produced potent and durable responses in such patients, although experience in clinical cohorts is limited. A retrospective clinical case review was undertaken of triple-class experienced HIV-1-infected patients receiving optimized boosted TPV-containing regimens and T20 with up to 108 weeks follow-up. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) resistance profiles were characterized using International Aids Society (IAS)-USA scoring and 'TPV resistance score' (TPV-RS) at baseline and failure. Five of 12 patients had undetectable virus (<50 copies/mL) after median 84 weeks (range 60–108), and 1/12 < had 700 copies/mL after 40 weeks. Six of 12 patients failed after 36 (range 12–48) weeks and were more likely to have ≥3 TPV-RS mutations than non-failures ( P = 0.06). Presence of a major IAS-USA mutation at baseline was strongly associated with absence of a 1 log viral load drop at 24 weeks ( P = 0.02). TPV-containing regimens showed impressive efficacy and tolerability in this heavily experienced cohort.

Optical constants of e-beam-deposited zirconium dioxide measured in the 55-150 Å wavelength region using the reflectivity technique

In the present study, optical constants of e-beam-deposited zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) thin film are determined in the 55-150 Å soft x-ray wavelength region using the angle-dependent reflectivity technique. Soft x-ray reflectivity measurements are carried out using the reflectivity beamline at the Indus-1 synchrotron radiation source. Derived optical constants (δ and β) are compared with the tabulated values of Henke et al. [http://henke.lbl.gov/optical_constants/asf.html]. It is found that the measured δ values are consistently lower than the tabulated bulk values in the 70-150 Å wavelength region. In this region, the delta values are lower by 19%-24% from the tabulated data. Below the Zr M₄ edge (66.3 Å), a deviation in delta values is found as ∼2%-21%. These changes are attributed to growth-related defects (oxygen and voids) and variation in film stoichiometry. To the best of our knowledge, the present study gives the first reported experimental values of optical constants for ZrO₂ in the 55-150 Å wavelength region.

Field emission properties of highly ordered low-aspect ratio carbon nanocup arrays

A novel strategy for the synthesis of highly ordered low-aspect ratio carbon nanocup arrays and its field emission properties.

Langmuir monolayer assisted formation of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles at the air–water interface and their role in the alignment of bulk liquid crystals

Metal-sulfide nanoparticles can be fabricated by a one-step synthetic route by forming a Langmuir monolayer of long chain fatty acids over a subphase possessing metal ions and H₂S gas in an air medium.

In search of acceptable alternatives to the murine histamine sensitisation test (HIST): what is possible and practical?

The 'International Workshop on Alternatives to the Murine Histamine Sensitization Test for Acellular Pertussis Vaccines: In Search of Acceptable Alternatives to the Murine Histamine Sensitization Test (HIST): What is Possible and Practical?' was held on 4 and 5 March 2015 in London, United Kingdom. Participants discussed the results of the data generated from an international collaborative study (BSP114 Phase 2) sponsored by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Health Care (EDQM) to determine if a modified Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-based clustering assay is a suitable alternative to replace HIST. Workshop participants agreed that protocol transferability demonstrated in the collaborative study indicates that a standardised CHO cell assay is adequate for measuring pure PTx in reference preparations. However, vaccine manufacturers would still need to demonstrate that the method is valid to detect or measure residual PTx in their specific adjuvanted products. The 2 modified CHO cell protocols included in the study (the Direct and the Indirect Methods) deserve further consideration as alternatives to HIST. Using the CHO cell assay, an in vitro alternative, for acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine batch release testing would reduce the number of animals used for aP vaccine safety testing. A strategic, stepwise adoption plan was proposed, in which the alternative test would be used for release purposes first, and then, once sufficient confidence in its suitable performance has been gained, its use would be extended to stability testing.

Development of quick cooking multi-grain dalia utilizing sprouted grains

Multi-grain dalia (MGD) formulations were prepared utilizing sprouted wheat and mixer of other three grains (barley, sorghum and pearl millet) in the ratio of 100:0 (MGD-A), 75:25 (MGD-B), 50:50 (MGD-C), 25:75 (MGD-D) and 0:100 (MGD-E), respectively. The mixer of barley, sorghum and pearl millet was prepared using 50, 25, 25 parts of these grains, respectively. The recovery of grits/ dalia (particle size 1.41 to 2 mm) from sprouted wheat and barley was 74.56 and 69.77 %, respectively while sorghum and pearl millet yield 47.94 and 49.39 % (particle size 0.954 to 1.41 mm), respectively. Sprouting brought a reduction of cooking time by about 50 % as compared to un-sprouted studied grains. Cooking time for different MGD formulations ranged from 3.91 to 4.42 min, which was slightly increased with increasing proportion of mixer of barley, sorghum and pearl millet (p > 0.05). Rehydration ratio of MGD samples varied from 3.12 to 3.45 with minimum in MGD-E sample. Though protein content was decreased with increasing proportion of mixer of three grains in MGD samples but in vitro protein digestibility (58.68 to 62.75 %) was similar (p > 0.05). The mean overall sensory acceptability scores for MGD samples ranged from 7.50 to 8.49 with ≥8.0 in samples having up to 75 % grits of mixer of three grains. In view of very good overall sensory acceptability, rich in crude fibre, calcium and iron content and low cooking time, 25:75 parts of sprouted wheat and mixer of studied three grains, respectively may be considered for preparation of acceptable quality quick cooking multi-grain dalia.

Luminomagnetic bifunctionality of Mn(2+)-bonded graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide two dimensional nanosheets

Herein, we report the luminomagnetic bifunctional properties of two-dimensional (2D) Mn(2+) bonded graphene oxide (GO)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets synthesized using a facile route of oxidation followed by a solvothermal reduction method. Photoluminescence (PL) studies (excited by different wavelengths) revealed that the resonant energy transfer between Mn(2+) and sp(3)/sp(2) clusters of GO/RGO is responsible for the enhancement of emissions. Moreover, pH-sensitive PL behaviors have also been investigated in detail. The ferromagnetic behavior is believed to arise due to defects in Mn(2+) bonded GO composites. Thus, present reduction method provides a direct route to tune and enhance the optical properties of GO and RGO nanosheets bonded with Mn(2+) ions, which creates an opportunity for various technological applications.

Laparoscopic management of transverse testicular ectopia with persistent mullerian duct syndrome

A 4-month-old male child presented with right undescended testis and left inguinal hernia with funiculitis. Ultrasonography showed funiculitis on the left side testis along with presence of 1.5 × 1 cm testis like structure just above left testis and empty right scrotal sac without any evidence of mullerian structures. On diagnostic laparoscopy, right testicular vessels were crossing from right to left and had uterus with both testes in left hernia sac. Mobilization of vessels, division of uterus, and hernia repair was done laparoscopically. On the review of literature, there is only one case report of total laparoscopic repair of transversetesticular ectopia (TTE) with hernia without persistent mullerian duct (PMDS). The uniqueness of our case is that it had TTE with hernia and PMDS, which were totally managed by laparoscopy. On 6 months of follow-up, both the testes are palpable in scrotum.

Prospective glioma grading using single-dose dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI

AIM

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of single-dose dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in prospective evaluation of glioma grading and to correlate the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) values with mitotic and ki-67 indexes obtained at histopathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 53 histologically proven patients with glioma were included in this study. DCE-MRI perfusion with a single dose of contrast medium was included in brain tumour protocol and prospective grading of glioma into low and high grade was done based on a previously reported rCBV cut-off value of 3. Tumours with rCBV ≥ 3 were considered to be high grade and rCBV < 3 were considered to be low grade. The sensitivity and specificity of the cut-off value were estimated. Ki-67 and mitotic indexes were also obtained on histopathological analysis along with histological grading.

RESULTS

Based on pre-defined rCBV cut-off values, prospective grading of low- and high-grade glioma was achieved with a sensitivity and specificity of 97.22% and 100%, respectively. Significant correlation was found between the mitotic/ki-67 indexes and rCBV values when data for high- and low-grade tumours was combined.

CONCLUSION

DCE-MRI performed with a single dose of contrast medium is as effective as a protocol with a double-dose of contrast medium for glioma grading using 3 T MRI and could be added to the routine evaluation protocol of brain tumours.

Cupriavidus pauculus (Ralstonia paucula) concomitant meningitis and septicemia in a neonate: first case report from India

Ralstonia paucula (formerly classified as CDC (Centre for Disease Control) group IVc-2, Wautersia paucula; recently renamed as Cupriavidus pauculus) is an environmental Gram-negative bacillus isolated from water sources and can cause serious human infections. Patients recover bacteriologically indicating low virulence. A total of 32 cases have been reported world-wide, but no isolation has ever been reported from cerebrospinal fluid or in India. The first case of R. paucula meningitis and septicemia is being reported here along with the brief summary of cases reported world-wide.

In vitro activity of bioactive extracts from rare actinomycetes against multi-drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

AIMS

In this study, we investigated the in vitro potential of the bioactive extracts from five putatively novel species of actinomycetes isolated from the Indian hot desert against multi-drug resistant (MDR) Streptococcus pneumoniae.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The antimicrobial activity of 10 different extracts was evaluated against S. pneumoniae strains with, erm(B) and mef(E) genes as well as fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQ(R) ) strains using the micro-broth dilution method. Of these 10 extracts, four exhibited good to excellent anti-S. pneumoniae activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0·125 to 8 μg ml(-1) . The time-kill kinetics study showed that these extracts killed the pathogens in 2-8 h. In vitro cell-free transcription/translation of luciferase gene using S30 bacterial extract and TNT mammalian ribosome indicated that they inhibited bacterial ribosomes at much lower concentrations than those required to inhibit the mammalian ribosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that these are potent concentration-dependent bactericidal metabolites with 16-fold higher in vitro activity than levofloxacin against MDR S. pneumoniae.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Metabolites from actinomycetes can be excellent inhibitors of MDR S. pneumoniae. Considering the in vitro efficacy of these crude extracts against S. pneumoniae MDR spp., once purified these can be used against streptococcal pathogens causing community-acquired pneumonia.

Intracellular ions in salt-sensitive essential hypertension: possible role of calcium-regulating hormones

To study the blood pressure, ionic, and hormonal responses to chronic dietary salt loading, we measured RBC pHi, Mgi, Nai, and Cai, and compared these with serum levels of Ca-io, 1,25-D, and free levels of PHF in salt-sensitive and salt-insensitive essential hypertension subjects on low and high (200 mEq/day less than UNaV less than 50 mEq/day) dietary salt intakes. As a group, salt loading significantly increased diastolic blood pressure (7.6 +/- /3%), Nai (25.5 +/- /8%) and Cai (27.0 +/- /11%), while Mgi (-14.2 +/- 7%) and pHi (-0.03 +/- /0.01 pH units) fell. Significant changes in pHi, Cai, and Mgi occurred only in SS individuals, who also exhibited elevated levels of 1,25-D and of PHF in association with suppression of Ca-io. Altogether, the pressor response to salt was inversely related to the basal pHi (p less than 0.001), and to the degree of salt-induced suppression of Ca-io (p less than 0.001) and Mgi (p less than 0.001), while being directly related to the basal PHF (p less than 0.001) and to the salt-induced stimulation of 1,25-D (p less than 0.005). We hypothesize that elevated levels of 1,25-D and PHF coordinately shift intracellular cation levels and stimulate cellular calcium uptake from the extracellular space. As such, these calcium-regulating hormones may be responsible, at least in part, for salt-sensitive hypertension.

Hypoxia-Induced Inflammatory Chemokines in Subjects with a History of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema

High altitude hypoxia is known to induce an inflammatory response in immune cells. Hypoxia induced inflammatory chemokines may contribute to the development of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) by causing damage to the lung endothelial cells and thereby capillary leakage. In the present study, we were interested to know whether chronic inflammation may contribute to HAPE susceptibility. We examined the serum levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 in group (1) HAPE Susceptible subjects (n = 20) who had past history of HAPE and group (2) Control (n = 18) consist of subjects who had stayed at high altitude for 2 years without any history of HAPE. The data obtained confirmed that circulating MCP-1, MIP-1α were significantly upregulated in HAPE-S individuals as compared to the controls suggestive of chronic inflammation. However, it is not certain whether chronic inflammation is cause or consequence of previous episode of HAPE. The moderate systemic increase of these inflammatory markers may reflect considerable local inflammation. The existence of enhanced level of inflammatory chemokines found in this study support the hypothesis that subjects with past history of HAPE have higher baseline chronic inflammation which may contribute to HAPE susceptibility.

Mature cystic retroperitoneal teratoma with well differentiated renal elements: relation to spinal dysraphism

Retroperitoneum is a relatively uncommon site for pediatric teratomas. Rarely, such tumors can have an intraspinal extension and few cases of retroperitoneal teratomas associated with spinal dysraphism have been reported. Teratomas consist of tissues arising from all three embryonic layers. However, mature renal tissues in the form of glomeruli and tubules are sparingly found in teratomas. A 15-day-old female presented with spina bifida occulta and on evaluation a cystic presacral mass was detected. Intraoperatively the cyst was found densely adherent to the hemivertebrae but not entering the spinal canal. Histopathological examination confirmed a mature cystic teratoma but also demonstrated presence of mature renal elements in the cyst wall. The teratomas lying in proximity to spine and associated with spinal dysraphism are likely to contain mature renal tissues or even nephroblastic elements. It supports the dysembryogenic model of origin of intradural teratomas from native progenitor cells rather than aberrantly migrated germ cells.

Selection of process parameters for producing high quality defatted sesame flour at pilot scale

The present work was undertaken to study the effect of pearling duration, soaking time, steaming duration and drying temperature on the quality of sesame seeds and mechanically extracted partially defatted sesame cake. On the basis of quality attributes i.e. high protein, low crude fibre, low residual oil and low oxalic acid, the optimum process parameters were selected. The combination of 20 min of pearling duration, 15 min of soaking, 15 min of steaming at 100 kPa pressure and drying at 50 °C yielded high quality partially defatted protein rich sesame flour as compared to untreated defatted sesame flour. The developed high quality partially defatted protein rich sesame flour may be used in various food applications as a vital ingredient to increase the nutritional significance of the prepared foodstuffs.

Ultrathin films of TiO2 nanoparticles at interfaces

The properties of a material change remarkably as a result of the scaling dimensions. The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film deposition technique is known to offer precise control over the film thickness and the interparticle separation. To form a well-ordered LB film, it is essential to form a stable Langmuir film at the air-water interface. Here, we report our studies on ultrathin films of TiO2 nanoparticles at air-water and air-solid interfaces. The Langmuir film of TiO2 nanoparticles at the air-water interface was found to be very stable, and it exhibits loose-packing and close-packing phases. The LB films were transferred onto solid substrates for characterization and application. The surface morphology of the LB film was obtained by a field emission scanning electron microscope. The optical and electronic properties of the LB films of TiO2 nanoparticles were studied using UV-vis spectroscopy and current-voltage measurements, respectively. The LB film of TiO2 nanoparticles was employed for ethanol gas sensing, and the sensing performance was compared to that of bulk material. Because of the enormous gain in the surface to volume ratio and the increase in crystalline defect density in the ultrathin LB film of TiO2 nanoparticles, the LB film is found to be a potential functional layer for ethanol sensing as compared to the bulk material.

What a practitioner needs to know about celiac disease?

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated systemic disorder elicited by gluten and related prolamines in genetically susceptible individuals and is characterized by the presence of a variable combination of gluten-dependent clinical manifestations, CD-specific antibodies, HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes and enteropathy. CD is triggered by wheat gluten and related prolamines in barley and rye. Worldwide, the disease affects approximately 1 % of the general population. Clinical features of CD vary considerably. Intestinal symptoms are more common in young children. In older children extra intestinal manifestations affecting almost all organs are seen. IgA tTG antibody, upper GI endoscopy with histological analysis of multiple biopsies of the duodenum and in selected cases HLA DQ2 and DQ8 positivity and endomysial antibodies (EMA) are needed for diagnosis. Currently, the only treatment for CD is a life-long gluten-free diet (GFD). Strict avoidance of wheat, rye, barley and their derivatives will result in intestinal healing and relief of symptoms for the majority of individuals with CD. The GFD is simple in principle, however, completely eliminating all foods and ingredients containing wheat, rye, barley, and most commercial oats can be very challenging. Newly diagnosed CD children should undergo testing and treatment for micronutrient deficiencies specially iron, folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Long-term monitoring and follow up of patients with CD is necessary.

Solvatochromism of a tricycloquinazoline based disk-shaped liquid crystal: a potential molecular probe for fluorescence imaging

Fluorescence microscopy images of a non-fluorescent discotic liquid crystal (DLC) using tricycloquinazoline (TCQ) based DLC as a molecular probe.

Development of sprouted wheat based probiotic beverage

Present study was carried out to evaluate the potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) for development of wheat based probiotic beverage and to optimize the proportion of different ingredients viz. sprouted wheat flour, sprouted wheat bran, oat and stabilizer using response surface methodology. Acidity, pH and probiotic count of samples prepared with L. acidophilus NCDC-14 was higher than that of L. acidophilus NCDC-16 culture. Being more compatible, L. acidophilus NCDC-14 was selected for this study. Acidity (in terms of lactic acid), pH and probiotic count of the different samples ranged from 0.21 to 0.45 %, 4.0 to 4.9, and 8.30 to 10.95 log10 cfu mL(-1), respectively. Probiotic count increased with increasing amount of sprouted wheat and oat. Optimized levels for sprouted wheat flour, oat, wheat bran and guar gum were 7.86, 5.42, 1.42 and 0.6 g, respectively per 100 mL of water. Optimized probiotic beverage provided 13.19 % total solids, 1.19 % protein, 0.33 % fat, 0.10 % ash, 0.42 % crude fibre, 1.45 mg iron, calcium 15.74 mg, 11.56 % carbohydrates, 54 kcal calories and 10.43 log10 cfu mL(-1) probiotic count. Thus, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC-14 can be used for development of potentially probiotic beverage with sprouted wheat and oat.

Microwave technology for disinfestation of cereals and pulses: An overview

Contamination of stored grain with insects, insect fragments, fungi, and mycotoxins is a major concern of the grain industry. The stored-grain insects affect the grains not only quantitatively but also qualitatively. Disinfestation of grains can be achieved by physical, chemical and thermal methods. Microwaves may be an alternate to chemical methods of killing insects in grain as their application do not leave any undesirable residues and thus might be very effective for controlling insect infestation compared to other available methods. Microwave disinfestation can provide a continuous process to allow large quantities of products to pass in a shorter period of time. Microwave disinfestation is considered safe and competitive alternative method to fumigation as it avoids environmental pollution. The aim of this review is to examine how the use of microwave treatment benefits grain producers, handlers, and processors seeking to use non-chemical methods for preventing and controlling insect infestation and fungal growth during storage.