Investigating potential roles of extruded flaxseed and α-tocopherol acetate supplementation for production of healthier broiler meat

The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of extruded flaxseed (EFS) and α-tocopherol acetate (ATA) for the enhancement of polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (PUFA) over saturated fatty acids (SFA) in broiler meat as a source of healthier meat. A total of 96 one-d-old Cobb 550 broilers were randomly divided into 8 treatments with three replicates having 4 birds in each. EFS (extruded at 155°C) at 100, 150 and 200 g/kg alone and in combination with ATA at 200 mg/kg were supplemented through normal feed from the third week onward. During the 6-week growth period, body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality were recorded. At slaughter, weight of liver, heart and kidney and fat content in breast and leg meat were measured. Fatty acid profiles in breast and leg meat were developed to estimate the PUFA to SFA ratio. The results revealed that FI and FCR changed significantly in all groups and BWG increased in all the supplemented groups. The weight of liver, kidney and heart increased more in the supplemented group containing the maximum level of EFS with ATA compared with single supplementation of EFS. The fat content in breast and leg meat decreased as the inclusion level of EFS increased. The level was low in leg meat compared with breast meat. Mortality decreased in all supplemented groups. The PUFA to SFA ratio was significantly higher in leg meat (3.23) compared with breast meat (1.81) and the study therefore indicates that ATA and EFS supplementation could be used to improve the PUFA to SFA ratio in broiler meat.

Molecular cloning, expression and characterization of 100K gene of fowl adenovirus-4 for prevention and control of hydropericardium syndrome

Fowl adenovirus-4 is an infectious agent causing Hydropericardium syndrome in chickens. Adenovirus are non-enveloped virions having linear, double stranded DNA. Viral genome codes for few structural and non structural proteins. 100K is an important non-structural viral protein. Open reading frame for coding sequence of 100K protein was cloned with oligo histidine tag and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein. Nucleotide sequence of the gene revealed that 100K gene of FAdV-4 has high homology (98%) with the respective gene of FAdV-10. Recombinant 100K protein was expressed in E. coli and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Immunization of chickens with recombinant 100K protein elicited significant serum antibody titers. However challenge protection test revealed that 100K protein conferred little protection (40%) to the immunized chicken against pathogenic viral challenge. So it was concluded that 100K gene has 2397 bp length and recombinant 100K protein has molecular weight of 95 kDa. It was also found that the recombinant protein has little capacity to affect the immune response because in-spite of having an important role in intracellular transport & folding of viral capsid proteins during viral replication, it is not exposed on the surface of the virus at any stage.

Impact of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor-human leukocyte antigens ligand incompatibility among renal transplantation

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene shows a high degree of polymorphism. Natural killer cell receptor gets activated once they bind to self-human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) with specific ligand. KIR gene and HLA ligand incompatibility due to the presence/absence of KIR in the recipient and the corresponding HLA ligand in the allograft may impact graft survival in solid organ transplantation. This study evaluates the effect of matches between KIR genes and known HLA ligands. KIR genotypes were determined using sequence specific primer polymerase chain reaction. Presence of certain KIR in a recipient, where the donor lacked the corresponding HLA ligand was considered a mismatch. The allograft was considered matched when both KIR receptor and HLA alloantigen reveald compatibility among recipient and donor. The data revealed better survival among individuals with matched inhibitory KIR receptors and their corresponding HLA ligands (KIR2DL2/DL3-HLAC2, KIR3DL1-HLABw4). On the contrary, no adverse effect was seen for matched activating KIR receptors and their corresponding HLA ligands. One of the activating gene KIR2DS4 showed risk (P = 0.0413, odds ratio = 1.91, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-3.57) association with renal allograft rejection. We conclude that the presence of inhibitory KIR gene leads to better survival; whereas activating motifs show no significant role in renal allograft survival.

Comparative study of the effect of ethanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds with rosiglitazone on experimentally induced diabetes mellitus in rats

The study was performed to compare the blood glucose lowering effect of Swietenia mahagoni seeds with an oral antidiabetic drug, rosiglitazone in experimentally induced diabetic rats. Twentyfour healthy Long Evans Norwegian strain of rats were included in the study and divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) comprising 6 rats each. Group A (control group) received standard rat food for 14 days. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of alloxan 120 mg/kg body weight in Group B, C and D. Group B was given standard food for 10 days and considered as diabetic control. Group C and D were treated with ethanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds 1000 mg/kg and rosiglitazone 10 mg/kg orally respectively. Administration of ethanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds in group C and rosiglitazone in group D produced a significant reduction in blood glucose level as compared to diabetic control (group B). Histological examination of pancreas showed destruction of beta cells in Islets of pancreas in group B whereas retaining of islets and few degranulations of beta cells of pancreas found in group C and group D. The observations and results of the present study provide information that ethanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds has hypoglycaemic effect in experimentally induced diabetic rats which requires further investigation.

S-adenosylmethionine, a methyl donor, up regulates tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in colorectal cancer

DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic mechanism in regulating the expression of genes controlling crucial cell functions in cancer development. Gene silencing via CpG island methylation/demethylation in the promoter region is one of the mechanisms by which different genes are inactivated/activated in human cancers. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) is known to antagonize matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and to suppress tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. TIMP-2 expression has been found to be both upregulated and downregulated in various cancers. The inconsistent TIMP-2 expression and unclear epigenetic regulation lead us to investigate its role in colorectal cancer in the presence of a methylating agent. Highly invasive human colorectal cells SW-620 were treated with the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and its effect was evaluated by cell proliferation, cell cycle, invasion and migration assay. The ability of SAM to down regulate a panel of activated prometastatic, angiogenesis and growth- and cell cycle-regulatory genes was evaluated using end-point and real-time PCR. Treatment of SW-620 with SAM diminished cell proliferation and altered cell cycle kinetic G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. An in vitro matrigel invasion assay of SAM-treated cells showed a significant reduction in the invasive potential compared to untreated SW-620 cells. Treatment of SW-620 cells with SAM resulted in activation of TIMP-2 and inhibition of the expression of genes such as MMP (MMP-2, MT1-MMP), urokinase plasminogen activator, and vascular endothelial growth factors. The level of expression of tumor suppressor and apoptotic genes was not significantly higher compared to the untreated control. No changes in the levels of expression of genes (growth and cell cycle regulator), such as TGF-β, Smad2, Smad4, and p21 were observed. Our data support the hypothesis that TIMP-2, along with other prometastatic genes, is hypomethylated and expressed differently in colorectal cancer. Further in-depth analysis is warranted to confirm the promoter region CpG methylation pattern of the TIMP-2 gene.

Hyperglycaemia is associated with impaired vasa vasorum neovascularization and accelerated atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein-E deficient mice

OBJECTIVE

A direct correlation between blood glucose levels and the microvascular complications of diabetes is well established. However, the effects of hyperglycaemia on the vasa vasorum, a microvascular network which surrounds and supplies the walls of large arteries, is not known. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of hyperglycaemia on the vasa vasorum and to examine correlations between these effects and the development of atherosclerosis in a mouse model.

METHODS

The micro- and macrovascular effects of hyperglycaemia were examined in streptozotocin-injected apolipoprotein-E deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice. Retina and aortic sinus were isolated from hyperglycaemic mice and normoglycaemic controls at 5-20 weeks of age. Retinal and vasa vasorum microvessel densities were quantified and correlated to atherosclerotic lesion development. The expression levels of pro-angiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 were examined.

RESULTS

In normoglycaemic ApoE(-/-) mice atherogenesis is associated with vasa vasorum expansion, which likely corresponds to the increasing blood supply demands of the thickening artery wall. In hyperglycaemic ApoE(-/-) mice there is no significant neovascularization of the vasa vasorum, despite the fact that lesions are significantly larger. This defect may result from a localized deficiency in VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are the first evidence that hyperglycaemia alters the structure of the vasa vasorum. Such microvascular changes directly correlate, and may contribute to, the development and progression of atherosclerosis in hyperglycaemic ApoE-deficient mice.

Avian infectious bronchitis and deep pectoral myopathy - a case control study

Infectious bronchitis is caused by a coronavirus, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Infectious bronchitis is an acute and highly contagious disease of economic importance due to the reduction in weight gain observed with infected broilers and the drop in egg quality and production associated with infected laying hens. The presence of deep pectoral myopathy has been associated with IBV variants. This lesion is detected at slaughterhouses and is characterized by paleness and atrophy of the deep pectoral muscle, including necrosis of the region, leading to condemnations of the breast muscle, a valuable meat cut in the market. This work aimed to study the relationship between deep pectoral myopathy and IBV by describing tracheal and muscle lesions and comparing the frequency of IBV detection via reverse-transcription (RT) PCR in muscle, tracheal, and cecal tonsil samples from broilers with and without myopathy. A case-control study was conducted in 40 broiler flocks vaccinated with the Massachusetts strain. The case group consisted of 23 flocks that presented myopathic lesions under sanitary inspection and a control group of 17 flocks without myopathic lesions. The tracheal, cecal tonsil, and supracoracoid muscle (with and without lesions) samples from the 40 broiler flocks were screened by RT-PCR to detect IBV. Histopathology of muscle and tracheal tissue was carried out. Upon microscopic examination, the muscle samples from the case group presented extensive necrosis, intense mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, muscle fiber fragmentation, and fibrotic tissue, confirming myopathy, whereas muscles from the control group showed no alterations. The tracheal samples presented a large number of infiltrated mononuclear inflammatory cells that in some areas formed submucosal nodules. A total of 25 flocks tested IBV positive by RT-PCR: 14 from the case group and 11 from the control group. The IBV was detected by RT-PCR directly in muscle samples. Despite that, the relationship between deep pectoral myopathy and IBV was not established. The higher positive IBV RT-PCR percentage noted in the cecal tonsil samples demonstrates how important the choice of organs is for diagnostic purposes.

A cross sectional survey of newborn care practices in rural Sindh, Pakistan: implications for research and policy

INTRODUCTION

Of annual four million neonatal deaths, majority in the developing world, approximately three-quarters die within the first week of life. Pakistan has one of the highest newborn mortality rates.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a cross sectional study to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of women of reproductive age in rural Pakistan.

RESULTS

Of 1490 mothers interviewed, prevalence of newborn care practices ranged between 32% (early bathing of newborn) and 69% (use of traditional cord applications). Uptake of antenatal care services was identified as a strong predictor of good newborn care after controlling for skilled birth attendance, socio-economic status, age of mother and sex of infant (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.00-1.57).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of uptake of antenatal care services with good newborn care highlights the necessity to improve coverage of services with the integration of counseling about newborn care in order to reduce the burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality.

The Incidence, Predisposing Factors, Complications and Outcome of Preeclampsia in Diabetic Pregnancy

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy and common cause of fetal and maternal morbidity as well as mortality worldwide. In diabetic women, the chance of preeclampsia is increased. The incidence of preeclampsia in diabetic pregnancy is approximately 10 to 15 percent, which is associated with poor glycaemic control. Aim: This study was carried out to find the predisposing factors related to preeclampsia and determine the complications of preeclampsia in diabetic pregnancy and also the impact of preeclampsia in infants born to diabetic mothers. Methods: This prospective study was carried out at the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka. The Patient population consisted of 80 diabetic pregnant women who attended or admitted to BIRDEM hospital during the study period. The women were divided into groups: 50 pregnant diabetic women with preeclampsia were taken as case. 30 pregnant diabetic women without preeclampsia were taken as control. Diagnosis of preeclampsia was made on the basis of the criteria of the Committee on Terminology of the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologist. Results: Preterm delivery (<37 weeks gestation) was higher among study group (64%) compared to control (33.3%) women. Term delivery was 36.0 vs 66.7 percent among case and control women, respectively. The distribution is statistically significant (P<0.01). 35 percent of Caesarean section was done due to fetal distress in the study group and in control group it was 20 percent. In study group, 22.5 percent Caesarean sections were done due to impending eclampsia and eclampsia, 705 percent due to accidental haemorrhage and 5 percent due to IUGR. Maternal complication in study and control subjects. In the case group, maximum number of the women (16%) showed signs of impending eclampsia, while among control women, maximum number (10%) developed postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). 48 percent neonates were of low birth weight and in controls it was 13.3 percent. Both hyperbilirubinaemia (40%) and hypoglycaemia (30%) were more in study group than controls (16.66% and 20%, respectively). Perinatal outcome among study group and controls. Neonatal survival was 82.0 percent in study group and 86.7 percent in control group. Comparison of Perinatal outcome between the groups is not statistically significant. Most of the perinatal mortality was due to prematurity (8%) and intrauterine death (6%). In control group, most of the perinatal deaths were due to congenital anomalies (6.6%). Conclusion: The higher incidence among study group may be, in part, the result of more preterm birth or shortened gestational duration because early delivery is a consequence of preeclampsia. The higher rate in associated with preeclampsia was due to increased incidence of IUD and prematurity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v1i1.12379 Birdem Med J 2011; 1(1): 10-14

A subunit vaccine against hydropericardium syndrome using adenovirus penton capsid protein

Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) is a disease of poultry that is caused by fowl adenovirus-4. Inactivated liver homogenate from diseased birds is still the choice of vaccine in some countries which disseminates numerous pathogens along with inactivated virus. Moreover incomplete attenuation or inactivation, reversion to virulence and the oncogenic potential/genetic instability of the adenoviruses have prevented their use in routine vaccines. To address this problem an effort is made to develop a subunit vaccine. For this purpose penton base protein of HPS virus was expressed in Escherichia coli and used as subunit vaccine in broilers. Immunogenicity of the recombinant penton base protein and challenge protection test against pathogenic virus demonstrated the ability of recombinant penton base protein to confer (90%) protection. Results suggest that the recombinant penton base protein is a candidate for subunit vaccine against HPS.

Changing pattern of Peripheral Vascular disease in Asian countries

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i3.11713 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 03 July’12

A comparison of the effect of glitazones on serum sialic acid in patients with type 2 diabetes

Although management of hyperglycaemia represents one of the principal treatment goals of diabetes therapy, the high incidence of cardiovascular (CV) complications in diabetes also needs effective management. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine and compare the effect of glitazones on serum sialic acid (SSA), a known risk marker for CV disease, along with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycohaemoglobin (HbA1-c) and blood lipids, in overweight, previously only diet-treated patients with type 2 diabetes (n=60). The study was conducted for a period of 12 months. Significant improvement in FPG and HbA1-c were shown by both rosiglitazone (p<0.003 and p<0.001, respectively) and pioglitazone (p<0.005 and p<0.001, respectively), compared with baseline, and pioglitazone showed greater beneficial effects on other parameters monitored, significantly reducing total cholesterol (TC) (p≤0.05). Both the drugs showed a decrease in SSA and no significant differences were observed between the groups. However, the decrease was significant only in the pioglitazone-treated group at month 12 (p≤0.05), compared with baseline. A significant decrease in SSA by pioglitazone indicates its greater cardioprotective effect compared with rosiglitazone.

Feeding practices and nutritional status of children under two years of age

A descriptive cross sectional study was done in the department of Pediatrics Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. The purpose of the study was to assess breast feeding pattern, complementary feeding pattern, types of complementary foods and also to assess the nutritional status and to detect any relationship with the nutritional status and the feeding practices. Mothers with their children aged less than 2 years were included and very sick children, mother less children, handicapped children were excluded. Four hundred (400) consecutive children were enrolled from eight upazillas of Mymensingh district who were selected randomly. Out of 400 children, 214 children (53.5%) were male and 186 children (47.5%) were female and M:F was 1.2:1. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 41.5%. Pre-lacteal feeding rate were 30.7% and most common pre-lacteal foods were honey and sugar water. Colostrum was given in 69.3% children. Breast feeding continued at the time of interview was 58.1%. Complementary feeding started in time in 35.8%, early weaning in 44.5% children. Type of complementary food was mainly luta (rice powder mixed with boiled water and sugar only) in 38.8% and khichuri (rice, pulses, soybean oil) in 19.5%. Bottle feeding rate was 31.30%. Around 43% children were underweight and 10.25% children were severely underweight and common in between 12 to 23 months of age group. Around 29% children were stunted among 11.25% were severely stunted. About 13.5% children were wasted and among them 2.5% were severely wasted. Stunting prevalent over the age of 9 months and wasting started after 6 months of age. Malnutrition was common in partially breast fed and early weaning with carbohydrate rich food.

Electrical characterization of composition modulated In(1-x)Sb(x) nanowire field effect transistors by scanning gate microscopy

In this work high quality crystalline In(1_x)Sb(x) nanowires (NWs) are synthesized via a template-based electrochemistry method. Energy dispersive spectroscopy studies show that composition modulated In(1-x)Sb(x) (x approximately 0.5 or 0.7) nanowires can be attained by selectively controlling the deposition potential during growth. Single In(1-x)Sb(x) nanowire field effect transistors (NW-FETs) are fabricated to study the electrical properties of as-grown NWs. Using scanning gate microscopy (SGM) as a local gate the I(ds)-V(ds) characteristics of the fabricated devices are modulated as a function of the applied gate voltage. Electrical transport measurements show n-type semiconducting behavior for the In0.5Sb0.5 NW-FET, while a p-type behavior is observed for the In0.3Sb0.7 NW-FET device. The ability to grow composition modulated In(1-x)Sb(x) NWs can provide new opportunities for utilizing InSb NWs as building blocks for low-power and high speed nanoscale electronics.

Heterofunctional nanomaterials: fabrication, properties and applications in nanobiotechnology

Nanotechnology and nanoengineering includes a novel class of materials that are gaining significant recognition to pursuit technological/biological advances in diverse fields including, biology, medicine, electronics, engineering etc. due to their unique size- and shape-dependent intrinsic physicochemical, optoelectronic and biological properties. Characteristics such as high surface to volume ratios and quantum confinement results in materials that are qualitatively different from their bulk counterparts. These properties not only make them suitable for numerous applications in existing and emerging technologies, but also have outstanding role in many fields that provide inspiration for their fabrication. In Today's trend nanotechnology is spreading vigorously where researchers all over the world are focusing towards their synthesis and applications. Therefore, this review is helpful for the researchers in the field of nanobiotechnology/nanomedicine, providing a brief overview of nanotechnology, covering nanomaterial synthesis methods (with emphasis on environmentally benign greener approaches), their properties, and applications; such as drug delivery, bio-labeling, nanotoxicity etc. The influence of synthesis methods and surface coatings/stabilizing agents and their subsequent applications is discussed, and a broad outline on the biomedical applications into which they have been implemented is also presented.

The orthodontic management of a patient presenting with cemento-osseous dysplasia

Cemento-osseous dysplasias are sometimes seen on routine radiographic examination of the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws, most commonly amongst adult female patients. Lesions present as radiolucent to radio-opaque areas, depending on various levels of maturity. Extraction of teeth is strongly contraindicated because there is a high risk of infection with a possibility of bone sequestration, as antibiotics are unable to cross the thick cortical marginal bone that surrounds these lesions. No report has been found in the literature on the orthodontic management of patients with this condition. This paper reports on a 28-year-old black female patient with cemento-osseous dysplasia who received orthodontic treatment.

Spectral analysis andin vitrocytotoxicity profiles of novel organotin(IV) esters of 2-maleimidopropanoic acid

Six novel triorganotin(IV) 2-maleimidopropanoato complexes: R3SnOCOCH3(CH)(COCH)2, (R: Me(l), Et(2), n-Pr(3), n-Bu(4), Ph(5), Bz(6) have been synthesized. Their solid-state configuration has been determined by FT IR and lI9mSn Mössbauer spectroscopy. The tin(IV) atom is five-coordinated in all the complexes with 2-maleimidopropanoic acid behaving as a monoanionic bidentate ligand coordinating the tin(IV) atom through a chelating or bridging carboxylate group. The solution-state configuration has been elucidated by means of 1H-, 13C- and 119Sn-NMR spectroscopy which assigned a tetrahedron. Elemental analysis and FAB MS data also supported a 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry. The title complexes have been screened in vitro for anti-tumour, anti-fungal, anti-leishmanial and urease inhibition activities and displayed promising results.

Accuracy of Triple Test Score in The Diagnosis of Palpable Breast Lump

Breast lump is a very sensitive issue for the patient so a reliable, non invasive and prompt diagnosishelps to lessen the associated anxiety and leads to early definitive treatment. The aim of this studywas to evaluate the acuracy of Triple Test Score (TTS) as a clinical tool for the diagnosis of a palpablebreast lump. This diagnostic test study was carried out in the Department of Surgery of TribhuvanUniversity Teaching Hospital. Of the 117 patients admitted with breast diseases from the breastclinic over thirteen months, 87 had breast lump. Fifty patients underwent Triple Test Score ( physicalexamination, mammography and fine needle aspiration cytology) and were categorized into benign,suspicious and malignant. This was later correlated with the histopathological findings. Nineteenpatients with breast lumps interpreted by TTS as benign correlated with the histopathologicalfindings whereas of 31 malignant lumps, 30 turned out to be malignant and one benign. This givesTTS an over all accuracy of 98% with 100% sensitivity, 95.2% specificity and positive predictive valueof 96.7%. Carcinoma was seen in 29 (58%) cases in the age group of 35 to 70 years. The mean age atdiagnosis of benign and malignant disease was 41.8 and 45.1 years respectively. In conclusion, TTS isan accurate and least invasive diagnostic test based on which definitive treatment can be initiated.Key words : breast lump, carcinoma breast, triple test score

Accuracy of triple test score in the diagnosis of palpable breast lump

Breast lump is a very sensitive issue for the patient so a reliable, non invasive and prompt diagnosis helps to lessen the associated anxiety and leads to early definitive treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Triple Test Score (TTS) as a clinical tool for the diagnosis of a palpable breast lump. This diagnostic test study was carried out in the Department of Surgery of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Of the 117 patients admitted with breast diseases from the breast clinic over thirteen months, 87 had breast lump. Fifty patients underwent Triple Test Score ( physical examination, mammography and fine needle aspiration cytology) and were categorized into benign, suspicious and malignant. This was later correlated with the histopathological findings. Nineteen patients with breast lumps interpreted by TTS as benign correlated with the histopathological findings whereas of 31 malignant lumps, 30 turned out to be malignant and one benign. This gives TTS an over all accuracy of 98% with 100% sensitivity, 95.2% specificity and positive predictive value of 96.7%. Carcinoma was seen in 29 (58%) cases in the age group of 35 to 70 years. The mean age at diagnosis of benign and malignant disease was 41.8 and 45.1 years respectively. In conclusion, TTS is an accurate and least invasive diagnostic test based on which definitive treatment can be initiated.

Complex carbohydrate specificity of lectin from fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. A surface plasmon resonance study

The thermodynamics and kinetics of binding of glycans and glycoproteins to Ganoderma lucidum lectin was studied using surface plasmon resonance. The lectin showed highest affinity for asialo triantennary N glycan (Ka = 3.52 x 10(5)) among the glycans tested. There was a several fold increase in affinity for glycoproteins compared to their corresponding glycans and coincident increase in contribution from enthalpy (DeltaH), suggesting the involvement of hydrogen bonding in the interaction as well as involvement of protein-protein interactions. Increased affinity also showed increase in unfavorable negative binding entropy (DeltaS) which was compensated with higher enthalpy. The glycoproteins showed faster association rates (k(1)) and the activation energy (E(1)) in the association process was much lower for the glycoproteins than glycans, resulting in their faster associations. These observations elaborate the role of protein matrix in lectin-glycoconjugate interaction.

Purification and characterization of lectin from fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum

A novel 114 kDa hexameric lectin was purified from the fruiting bodies of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Biochemical characterization revealed it to be a glycoprotein having 9.3% neutral sugar and it showed hemagglutinating activity on pronase treated human erythrocytes. The lectin was stable in the pH range of 5-9 and temperature up to 50 degrees C. The hemagglutinating activity was inhibited by glycoproteins that possessed N-as well as O-linked glycans. Chemical modification of the G. lucidum lectin revealed contribution of tryptophan and lysine to binding activity. The thermodynamics of binding of bi- and triantennary N-glycans to G. lucidum lectin was studied by spectrofluorimetry. The lectin showed very high affinity for asialo N-linked triantennary glycan and a preference for asialo glycans over sialylated glycans. The binding was accompanied with a large negative change in enthalpy as well as entropy, indicating primarily involvement of polar hydrogen, van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions in the binding.

Tooth width predictions in a sample of Black South Africans

Space analysis during the mixed dentition requires prediction of the mesiodistal widths of the unerupted permanent canines and premolars and prediction tables and equations may be used for this purpose. The Tanaka and Johnston prediction equations, which were derived from a North American White sample, is one example which is widely used. This prediction equation may be inapplicable to other race groups due to racial tooth size variability. Therefore the purpose of this study was to derive prediction equations that would be applicable to Black South African subjects. One hundred and ten pre-treatment study casts of Black South African subjects were analysed from the Department of Orthodontics' records at the University of Limpopo. The sample was equally divided by gender with all subjects having Class I molar relationship and relatively well aligned teeth. The mesiodistal widths of the maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars were measured with a digital vernier calliper and compared with the measurements predicted with the Tanaka and Johnston equations. The relationship between the measured and predicted values were analysed by correlation and regression analyses. The results indicated that the Tanaka and Johnston prediction equations were not fully applicable to the Black South African sample. The equations tended to underpredict the male sample, while slight overprediction was observed in the female sample. Therefore, new equations were formulated and proposed that would be accurate for Black subjects.

Purification and characterization of putative alkaline [Ni-Fe] hydrogenase from unicellular marine green alga, Tetraselmis kochinensis NCIM 1605

Hydrogenase enzyme from the unicellular marine green alga Tetraselmis kochinensis NCIM 1605 was purified 467 fold to homogeneity. The molecular weight was estimated to be approximately 89kDa by SDS-PAGE. This enzyme consists of two subunits with molecular masses of approximately 70 and approximately 19kDa. The hydrogenase was found to contain 10g atoms of Fe and 1g of atom of Ni per mole of protein. The specific activity of hydrogen evolution was 50micromol H(2)/mg/h of enzyme using reduced methyl viologen as an electron donor. This hydrogenase enzyme has pI value approximately 9.6 representing its alkaline nature. The absorption spectrum of the hydrogenase enzyme showed an absorption peak at 425nm indicating that the enzyme had iron-sulfur clusters. The total of 16 cysteine residues were found per mole of enzyme under the denaturing condition and 20 cysteine residues in reduced denatured enzyme indicating that it has two disulfide bridges.

Nitrate reductase-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles from AgNO3

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using alpha-NADPH-dependent nitrate reductase and phytochelatin in vitro has been demonstrated for the first time. The silver ions were reduced in the presence of nitrate reductase, leading to the formation of a stable silver hydrosol 10-25 nm diam. and stabilized by the capping peptide. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-Vis absorption. These studies will help in designing a rational enzymatic strategy for the synthesis of nanomaterials of different chemical composition, shapes and sizes as well as their separation.

The impact of new regulations on the incidence and severity of ocular injury sustained in hurling

AIM

To prospectively evaluate, and compare, the incidence of hurling-related eye injuries in the South East of Ireland before and after implementation of new rules rendering the use of protective head gear and face masks compulsory for players aged 18 years or under.

METHODS

Details relating to patients attending the regional ophthalmic department with injuries sustained during hurling were prospectively recorded between 1 October 2003 and 31 March 2006.

RESULTS

Sixty players attended with hurling-related ocular injuries during the study period. Of these, 43 (71.6%) and 17 (28.3%) sustained the ocular injuries during the 15-month period before, and after implementation of the new rules (1 January 2005), respectively. Restricting our analysis to players aged 18 years or under, and, for statistical validity, to the 12-month period immediately before and immediately after implementation of the new rules, a statistically significant reduction in the number of hurling-related injuries was seen (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2004: 11; 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2005: 2; chi(2) test P<0.05) in this age group. A permanent visual deficit was seen in 11 (18.3%) patients. Of these, one (9%) was aged 18 years or under, and this injury was sustained before the new regulations.

CONCLUSION

New rules rendering the use of protective eye wear compulsory for players aged 18 years or under have resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of hurling-related eye injuries in this age group.

RETRACTED: In vitro and in vivo biological potential and structural aspects of new diorganotin(IV) esters of N-maleoyl-beta-alanine

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AIT-082 and methylprednisolone singly, but not in combination, enhance functional and histological improvement after acute spinal cord injury in rats

Extracellular non-adenine based purines are neuroprotective. Preliminary studies indicate that administration of the synthetic purine 4-[[3-(1,6 dihydro-6-oxo-9-purine-9-yl)-1-oxypropyl] amino] benzoic acid (AIT-082, leteprinim potassium) to rats immediately after acute spinal cord injury (SCI), improves functional outcome. The effects of potential new agents are often compared to methylprednisolone (MPSS). We evaluated the effects of AIT-082 and MPSS, separately and in combination, on the functional and morphological outcome of acute SCI in adult rats. After standardized T11-12 spinal cord compression rats were given intraperitoneally one of the following: vehicle (saline); MPSS (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg body weight, first dose 15 min after crush); AIT-082 (60 mg/kg body weight daily, first dose 15 min after crush); or AIT-082 plus MPSS. After 1, 3, or 21 days, the rats were perfused for histological analysis. AIT-082 administrations significantly reduced locomotor impairment from 121 days post-operatively. At 1 and 3 days post injury, AIT-082-treatment reduced tissue swelling, tissue loss and astrogliosis at the injured cords but did not alter the extent of hemorrhage and the number of macrophages and/or microglia. MPSS reduced hemorrhage and the number of macrophages and/or microglia, but did not alter astrogliosis. At 21 days, either AIT-082 or MPSS administration improved function and morphology similarly (less tissue loss and astrogliosis). In contrast, administration of AIT-082 and MPSS together abolished the beneficial effects observed when either drug was given individually. These results suggest that MPSS and AIT-082 may exert their beneficial effects through different and potentially antagonistic pathways.

Two orthorhombic crystal structures of a galactose-specific lectin from Artocarpus hirsuta in complex with methyl-alpha-D-galactose

Based on their carbohydrate specificity, the jacalin family of lectins can be divided into two groups: galactose-specific and mannose-specific. The former are cytoplasmic proteins, whereas the latter are localized in the storage vacuoles of cells. It has been proposed that the post-translational modification in some of the lectins that splits their polypeptide chains into two may be crucial for galactose specificity. The mannose-specific members of the family are single-chain proteins that lack the above modification. Although the galactose-specific and the mannose-specific jacalin-type lectins differ in their sequences, they share a common fold: the beta-prism I fold, which is characteristic of Moraceae plant lectins. Here, two crystal structures of a jacalin-related lectin from Artocarpus hirsuta, which is specific for galactose, in complex with methyl-alpha-D-galactose are reported. The lectin crystallized in two orthorhombic forms and one hexagonal form under similar conditions. The crystals had an unusually high solvent content. The structure was solved using the molecular-replacement method using the jacalin structure as a search model. The two orthorhombic forms were refined using data to 2.5 and 3.0 A resolution, respectively. The structures of the A. hirsuta lectin and jacalin are identical. In orthorhombic form I the crystal packing provides three different micro-environments for sugar binding in the same crystal. The observed difference in the specificity for oligosaccharides between the A. hirsuta lectin and jacalin could only be explained based on differences in the molecular associations in the packing and variation of the C-terminal length of the beta-chain. The observed insecticidal activity of A. hirsuta lectin may arise from its similar fold to domain II of the unrelated delta-endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis.

The role of hemagglutinins in the midgut extracts of two lines of Aedes aegypti in their susceptibility to Dengue-2 virus

Hemagglutinin activity (HA) was studied in the midgut extracts from highly (h) and lowly susceptible strains of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to Dengue-2 virus (DEN-2). HA in the midgut extracts from these two isofemale strains of mosquitoes was high in as compared to (h) mosquitoes. HA was found to be higher with chicken red blood cells (RBCs) than with rabbit and human RBCs of O group. Larval midgut extracts showed higher activity than those from adult female mosquitoes. Exposure of midgut extracts to 100 degrees C for 10 mins destroyed the activity. The activity was observed between pH 6 and pH 10. HA in midgut extracts was also studied using twenty different carbohydrates; five of them showed an inhibition of HA. The inhibitory carbohydrates, when incorporated into DEN-2-infected bloodmeal, showed a reduction in the susceptibility of mosquitoes to the virus as compared to the control ones fed on the virus alone. Similarly, when these carbohydrates were incorporated in the DEN-2-infected inoculum, the inoculated mosquitoes showed a reduction in the susceptibility to the virus. HA in the virus-infected midgut extracts was higher than that in the uninfected controls. These results suggest that the presence of HA in the midgut may be one of the factors that affect the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to DEN-2.

Trends and patterns of tuberculosis: interpretations and prospects of tuberculosis control in Vojvodina, Yugoslavia, 1987-2000

AIM

To assess the trends and pattern of tuberculosis in Vojvodina, Yugoslavia.

METHODS

Using a retrospective design, data on 393 diagnosed TB cases were investigated for the years 1987, 1993 and 2000.

RESULTS

TB case notification has been increasing in Vojvodina. The number of reported TB cases was 146 in 1987, 101 in 1993 and 146 in 2000; cases were predominantly in the age group 20-39 years (44.5%) in 1987, compared to the 40-59 year age group in 1993 and 2000 (38.6% and 45.9%, respectively). The majority of patients belonged to lower socio-economic groups. Manifestations of TB such as cough, weight loss and exhaustion were common. With the increasing trend of alcoholism from 1987 to 2000, delays in reporting were noticed. TB-related mortality was 1.4% in 1987 and 4.1% in 2000. Resistance to TB drugs among previously treated cases was 2.7% in 1987, 0.9% in 1993 and 2.7% in 2000. With respect to the increasing resistance, the levels of detection and surveillance were poor. The implementation of the DOTS strategy remained fairly low.

CONCLUSION

TB is a chronic problem in Vojvodina. Prompt community-oriented actions need to be taken to improve case detection and cure rates through DOTS.

Reducing colonization of Salmonella Enteritidis in chicken by targeting outer membrane proteins

AIMS

To evaluate the ability of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of 75.6 and 82.3 kDa to inhibit or reduce in vivo colonization of S. Enteritidis on intestinal mucosa in chickens.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nine-week-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were subcutaneously immunized with 75.6 or 82.3 kDa protein, and challenged with a virulent strain of S. Enteritidis. Chickens were killed, and portions of small intestine and caecum were removed at necropsy. The population of S. Enteritidis attached to chicken intestinal mucosa was determined. The population of S. Enteritidis recovered from the small intestine and caecum of chickens immunized with 75.6 or 82.3 kDa protein was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that recovered from the control birds.

CONCLUSIONS

Salmonella Enteritidis OMPs 75.6 kDa and 82.3 kDa were effective in reducing colonization of S. Enteritidis on intestinal mucosa in chickens.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Salmonella Enteritidis OMPs 75.6 or 82.3 kDa could be used as potential vaccines to reduce S. Enteritidis colonization in chickens.

Structural changes enhance the activity of Chainia xylanase in low urea concentrations

Low concentrations of urea (1.2 M) stimulated the activity of endo-xylanase from Chainia by 30%. Subtle structural changes in the monomeric protein were reflected in the secondary and tertiary structure of the enzyme as monitored by fluorescence and circular dichroism. Changes in lambda(max) of emission, the fluorescence intensity and the Stern-Volmer quenching constants for acrylamide, measured in the presence of urea, indicated changes in the microenvironment of the Trp residues, suggesting alterations in tertiary structure. The ellipticity changes at 220 nm and Selcon analysis reflected changes in the content of beta-sheet while both the near- and far-UV CD spectra indicated alterations in the secondary and tertiary structure of the protein in presence of urea. The dissociation constant values (K(d)) show very little change in the affinity of the enzyme for the substrate while the k(cat) values suggest enhanced turnover of the substrate in presence of urea. We suggest that low urea concentrations perturb the conformational state of xylanase leading to an open and a more flexible structure, resulting in enhanced catalytic rates.

Identification of Salmonella enteritidis outer membrane proteins expressed during attachment to human intestinal epithelial cells

AIMS

To express and identify the Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis outer membrane proteins that are involved in the attachment to human intestinal epithelial cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Salmonella Enteritidis attachment proteins were expressed by infection of human intestinal epithelial cells (int-407) with Salm. Enteritidis strain SE28, followed by pulse labelling with [35S]-methionine. Outer membrane proteins were separated by TritonX-114 phase partitioning, and were detected by Salm. Enteritidis-specific polyclonal antibody. Outer membrane proteins of molecular weights 82.3, 75.6, 49.3, 35.5 and 19.3 kDa were newly synthesized. Expression of 31.2 and 16 kDa proteins was up-regulated, whereas the expression of 40.7 kDa protein was down-regulated. Polyclonal antibodies against the 82.3 and 75.6 kDa proteins significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the binding of Salm. Enteritidis to int-407 cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Outer membrane proteins 82.3 and 75.6 kDa are potentially involved in the attachment of Salm. Enteritidis to the intestinal mucosa.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Outer membrane proteins 82.3 and 75.6 kDa identified in this study could be used as potential vaccines to block or reduce Salm. Enteritidis colonization in chickens.

Diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction of Erysipelas septicemia in a flock of ring-necked pheasants

A flock of 810 pheasants experienced 6.2% mortality over 6 days. Affected birds were weak and lethargic for up to 24 hr before death. Examined birds were thin, and gross lesions consisted of thick opaque crops and cecal cores. Histologically, there was capillariasis of the crop and multifocal ulcerative typhlitis with Heterakis spp. infection, and numerous systemic intravascular monocytes were filled with clusters of blue rod-shaped organisms. The organisms were gram-positive bacilli by Brown and Brenn staining and ultrastructural analysis. Liver bacterial cultures were negative for pathogenic bacteria. Erysipelas septicemia was diagnosed by an Erysipelothrix species-specific polymerase chain reaction method with the substrate DNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver.

Updating of hereditary haemoglobin disorders

Hereditary haemoglobin disorders (E-beta Thalassaemia & Thalassaemia) are inherited as recessive disorders so that the heterozygote subjects are generally healthy. They commonly present with progressive pallor, thalassaemic facies, splenohepatomegaly & growth retardation. Diagnosis of carriers & patients are usually confirmed by haemoglobin electrophoresis. Transfusion-chelation therapy is usually employed for their treatment. Allogenic bone marrow transplantation is the only definite cure. Gene therapy remains to be the major challenging goal of future curative therapy. During the last 10 years wit medical advances, the number of pregnancies in thalassaemia is increasing. Normal pregnancy can be maintained with regular packed blood cells transfusion given carefully. In Bangladesh, HHD can be prevented by I. carrier identification and marriage counseling, II. passing and enforcing laws against marriage between two carriers, III. introducing thalassaemia in school curriculum and IV. creating public awareness.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Listeria monocytogenes by PR-26, a synthetic antibacterial peptide

This study reports the antibacterial effect of PR-26, a synthetic peptide derived from the first 26 amino acid sequence of PR-39, an antimicrobial peptide isolated from porcine neutrophils. A three-strain mixture of Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Listeria monocytogenes of approximately 10(8) CFU was inoculated to a final concentration of 10(7) CFU/ml in 1% peptone water (pH 7.0), containing 50 or 75 microg/ml of PR-26, and incubated at 37 degrees C for 0, 6, 12, and 24 h; at 24 degrees C for 0, 12, 24, and 36 h; or at 10 or 4 degrees C for 0, 24, 72, and 120 h. Control samples included 1% peptone water inoculated with each pathogen mixture but containing no PR-26. The surviving population of each pathogen at each sampling time was determined by plating on tryptic soy agar with incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h. At 37 degrees C, PR-26 decreased E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes populations by >5.0 log CFU/ml at 12 h, with complete inactivation at 24 h. At 24 degrees C, PR-26 reduced E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes by approximately 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 log CFU/ml at the end of 12-, 24-, and 36-h incubations, respectively. At 4 and 10 degrees C, the inhibitory effect of PR-26 on E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that at 37 and 24 degrees C: a 2- to 3-log CFU/ml reduction was observed at 120-h incubation. Results indicate that PR-26 could potentially be used as an antimicrobial agent, but applications in appropriate foods need to be validated.

Inorganic-organic hybrids derived from oxovanadium sulfate motifs: synthesis and characterization of [VIVO(mu 3-SO4)(2,2'-bpy)]infinity

The hydrothermal reaction of V2O5, V2O3, 2,2'-bpy and Na2SO4 in dilute sulfuric acid yields a novel hybrid, [VIVO(mu 3-SO4)(2,2'-bpy)]infinity, which demonstrates the potential of constructing a new class of robust composite solids composed of a (V/O/SO4)-based framework decorated with organic functionalities by combining appropriate vanadyl sulfate motifs with a variety of organic ligands.

On the stringent requirement of mannosyl substitution in mannooligosaccharides for the recognition by garlic (Allium sativum) lectin. A Surface Plasmon Resonance Study

The kinetics of the binding of mannooligosaccharides to the heterodimeric lectin from garlic bulbs was studied using surface plasmon resonance. The interaction of the bound lectin immobilized on the sensor chip with a selected group of high mannose oligosaccharides was monitored in real time with the change in response units. This investigation corroborates our earlier study about the special preference of garlic lectin for terminal alpha-1,2-linked mannose residues. An increase in binding propensity can be directly correlated to the addition of alpha-1,2-linked mannose to the mannooligosaccharide at its nonreducing end. Mannononase glycopeptide (Man9GlcNAc2Asn), the highest oligomer studied, exhibited the greatest binding affinity (Ka = 1.2 x 10(6) m(-1) at 25 degrees C). An analysis of these data reveals that the alpha-1,2-linked terminal mannose on the alpha-1,6 arm is the critical determinant in the recognition of mannooligosaccharides by the lectin. The association (k1) and dissociation rate constants (k(-1)) for the binding of Man9GlcNAc2Asn to Allium sativum agglutinin I are 6.1 x 10(4) m(-1) s(-1) and 4.9 x 10(-2) s(-1), respectively, at 25 degrees C. Whereas k1 increases progressively from Man3 to Man7 derivatives, and more dramatically so for Man8 and Man9 derivatives, k(-1) decreases relatively much less gradually from Man3 to Man9 structures. An unprecedented increase in the association rate constant for interaction with Allium sativum agglutinin I with the structure of the oligosaccharide ligand constitutes a significant finding in protein-sugar recognition.

Ribonuclease Rs from Rhizopus stolonifer: lowering of optimum temperature in the presence of urea

RNase Rs showed an approx. 2-fold increase in its activity when incubated in the presence of 2 M urea at 37 degrees C. The increase in its activity, in the presence of urea, was comparable to the activity at its optimum temperature, i.e. 45 degrees C. Compared to the native enzyme at 37 degrees C, the K(m) and V(max) of RNase Rs at 45 degrees C and in the presence of 2 M urea at 37 degrees C showed an increase while k(cat)/K(m) decreased. Arrhenius plots in the presence and absence of urea showed a decrease in the activation energy in the presence of urea. Though there was no change in the secondary structure of the protein in the presence of urea, minor changes were observed in the tertiary structure. Hence, the increase in the activity of RNase Rs, in the presence of 2 M urea at 37 degrees C, is due to the lowering of the activation energy as a result of changes in the microenvironment of the active site.

Molecular characterization of an infectious bronchitis virus strain isolated from an outbreak in vaccinated layers

An infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strain CT/7852/97 was isolated from a commercial layer flock experiencing decreased egg production and poor egg quality. Reciprocal virus neutralization test demonstrated that the isolate was closely related to Massachusetts, Arkansas, and JMK. With the use of both reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and multiplex polymerase chain reaction methods, results consistently showed that CT/7852/97 isolate was Massachusetts serotype specific only. The nucleotide sequence of S1 polypeptide coding region of CT/7852/97 was determined and compared with the published sequences of 12 IBV strains from North America. The highest nucleotide homology with H120 (97%) and the least homology (62%) with Delaware (De/072/92) were observed. Massachusetts 41 and Beaudette shared 94% and 93%, respectively, nucleotide similarity with CT/7852/97, and Connecticut, JMK, and Arkansas 99 had 94%, 83%, and 78%, respectively, nucleotide similarity with CT/7852/97. Furthermore, no possible recombination site on S1 gene among Massachusetts 41, Arkansas 99, and JMK was detected in the isolate.

A mannose-binding protein from the cell surface of flocculent Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCIM 3528): its role in flocculation

A cell surface lectin was isolated and purified to homogeneity from the cell walls of a highly flocculent strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCIM 3528) by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, phenyl Sepharose and Sephacryl S-300. It showed a molecular mass of 40 kDa on SDS-PAGE. It is an acidic protein with a pI of 4.0 and contains 44% hydrophobic amino acids. The N-terminal sequence up to 10 amino acid residues showed at least 70% homology with the predicted N-terminal sequence of the putative FLO1 as well as FLO5 gene products. The mannose-binding nature of the lectin was indicated by its high affinity and specificity towards the branched trisaccharide of mannose, a ligand which also inhibits the flocculation of yeast cells. Immunofluorescence studies confirmed the presence of lectin on the yeast cell surface and lectin-specific IgGs prevented flocculation of the cells. This cell surface mannose-specific lectin probably plays an important role in flocculation, with the branched trimannoside on the cell wall being the apparent carbohydrate receptor. The N-terminal sequence data gives a primary indication that the lectin could be a product of one of the FLO genes.