Solubilization of NSC-639829

Solubilization using pH combined with cosolvents, surfactants, and complexants are investigated for NSC-639829, an investigational anti-tumor agent. The intrinsic solubility of the drug is approximately 30 ng/ml and it has an ionizable dimethyl aniline group with an approximate base pK(a) of 5. Samples buffered at pH 1.0, 2.0, and 7.0 with various concentrations of the solubilizing agents were used to study the solubilization of NSC-629829 when present as charged and uncharged species. The solubilization of NSC-639829 was found to be much more effective when the drug was present primarily in ionized form. At pH values 1.0 and 2.0 where the surfactant (SLS) and complexant (SBEbetaCD) carried a negative charge enhanced solubilities of more than a million-fold were observed for the drug.

Modes of granular segregation in a noncircular rotating cylinder

Axial segregation is a well-known example of segregation of granular materials. However, at present, there is no conclusive explanation as to why it occurs. Most studies of axial segregation to date are based on cylinders with circular cross sections, and models focus on the character of the surface flow without accounting explicitly for the influence of any subsurface detail. The present experiments demonstrate that the cross section of the mixer has a significant influence on axial segregation and that subsurface dynamics are, in fact, important. Unlike circular mixers, in square mixers the subsurface segregation patterns change with filling level, as does the time dependence of axial segregation. Furthermore, when radial segregation patterns in noncircular mixers most closely resemble that observed for circular cylinders, the time dependence for axial band formation deviates the most. These results challenge segregation theories of axial segregation that ignore subsurface effects.

Effects of light intensity, n-alcohols, water-soluble colorants, and solution viscosity on photoisomerization of sorivudine

Effects of various factors, such as light intensity, polarizability of n-alcohol solvents, addition of colorants, and viscosity of solutions on the kinetics of the photoisomerization of therapeutically effective E-isomer of sorivudine to its less effective Z-isomer were studied. Solutions of known concentrations of E-isomer or Z-isomer in water or in a series of n-alcohols were directly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) A light, or visible light of 400 or 900 foot candles (fc). E-isomer solutions containing various colorants at 1% w/v, or in a series of poloxamer solutions of different viscosities, were also exposed to 400 or 900 fc light. Using the stability-indicating HPLC assay, which showed mass-balance between the starting isomer and the converting isomer, the kinetics of photoisomerization were monitored. The photoisomerization reaction, which takes place on the vinyl side chain, was found to be a first-order reversible reaction. In water, the rate of conversion of E-isomer to Z-isomer was faster than that of Z-isomer to E-isomer, since, E-isomer with higher extinction coefficient absorbed substantially more light than Z-isomer. The rate of photoisomerization increased with the intensity of the visible light and was very rapid in the presence of UV A light (300 to 400 nm), which is to be expected based on the 239 nm and 283 nm absorption maxima of sorivudine. Addition of water-soluble colorants retarded the photoisomerization process significantly, especially as the maximum absorption wavelengths (lambda max) of the colorants approached the UV region. The rate of photoisomerization increased with increasing polarizability (alpha s) of the n-alcohol solvents. Polarizable solvents such as alcohols could compensate for the electron density built up in the excited state, and thus facilitated the photoisomerization process. The rate of photoisomerization decreased as the viscosity of solution increased. This may be attributed to the fact that the twisting of the C=C bond in the excited state can be inhibited by the friction imposed by the viscous medium.

Clinical characteristics of familial B-CLL in the National Cancer Institute Familial Registry

In an ongoing study, families with two or more living cases of B-CLL in first-degree relatives have been recruited through physician and self-referral. Since 1967, 28 kindreds with 73 cases of B-CLL have been enrolled within the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Familial B-CLL Registry. Medical, clinical, and demographic information have been obtained from private physicians, patient interview, hospital records, and death certificates. We used SEER Registry data to compare characteristics of sporadic B-CLL to familial B-CLL. The mean age at diagnosis was approximately 10 years younger among familial cases (57.9 +/- 12.1) than that observed in sporadic cases (70.1 +/- 11.9). A higher percentage of second primary tumors among familial CLL cases compared to reports in sporadic was also observed (16% vs. 8.8%). However, the transformation rate to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma does not appear to be different from that reported for sporadic cases. In conclusion, we observed some differences between familial and sporadic cases; whether any of these characteristics affect survival time or severity of disease is unknown. The study of families with multiple B-CLL cases will aid in delineating the genes and environmental factors that may play a role in the development of both forms of B-CLL.

Redox-dependent conformational selection in a Cys4Fe2S2 ferredoxin

Putidaredoxin (Pdx), a Cys4Fe2S2 ferredoxin from Pseudomonas putida, exhibits redox-dependent binding to its physiological redox partner, cytochrome P450(cam) (CYP101), with the reduced form of Pdx (Pdx(r)) binding with greater affinity to oxidized camphor-bound CYP101 than the oxidized form, Pdx(o). It has been previously shown that Pdx(o) is more dynamic than Pdx(r) on all accessible time scales, and it has been proposed that Pdx(r) samples only a fraction of the conformational substates populated by Pdx(o) on a time average. It is postulated that the ensemble subset populated by Pdx(r) is the same subset that binds CYP101, providing a mechanism for coupling the Pdx oxidation state to binding affinity for CYP101. Evidence from a variety of sources, including redox-dependent shifts of 15N and 13C resonances, indicates that the metal cluster binding loop of Pdx is the primary determinant of redox-dependent conformational selection. Patterns of paramagnetic effects suggest that the metal cluster binding loop contracts around the metal cluster upon reduction, possibly due to the strengthening of hydrogen bonds between the sulfur atoms of the metal cluster and the surrounding polypeptide NH and OH groups. Effects of this perturbation are then transmitted mechanically to other affected regions of the protein. A specific mutation has been introduced into the metal binding loop of Pdx, G40N, that slows conformational exchange sufficiently that the ensemble of conformational substates in Pdx(o) are directly observable as severe broadenings or splittings in affected NMR resonances. Many of the residues most affected by the mutation also show significant exchange contributions to 15N T(2) relaxation in wild-type Pdx(o). As predicted, G40N Pdx(r) shows a collapse of many of these multiplets and broadened lines to form much sharper resonances that are essentially identical to those observed in wild-type Pdx(r), indicating that Pdx(r) occupies fewer conformational substates than does Pdx(o). This is the first direct observation of such redox-dependent ensembles at slow exchange on the chemical shift time scale. These results confirm that conformational selection within the Fe2S2 cluster binding loop is the primary source of redox-dependent changes in protein dynamics in Pdx.

Isolation, screening and identification of bacterial strains for degradation of predigested distillery wastewater

Three bacterial isolates from the activated sludge of a distillery wastewater treatment plant identified as Xanthomonas fragariae, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus cereus were found to remove COD and colour from anaerobically digested distillery wastewater in the range of 55 to 68% and 38 to 58% respectively.

Self-organization in granular slurries

We report the existence of self-organization in wet granular media or slurries, mixtures of particles of different sizes dispersed in a lower density liquid. As in the case of dry granular mixtures, axial banding (alternating bands rich in small and large particles in a long rotating cylinder) and radial segregation (in quasi-2D containers) are observed in slurries. However, when compared with the dry counterpart axial segregation is significantly faster and the spectrum of outcomes is richer. Moreover, experiments with suitable fluids reveal, for the first time, the internal structure of axially segregated systems, something that up to now has been accessible only via magnetic resonance imaging experimentation.

Enhanced anti-cancer activities of some derivatives of titanocene dichloride

The compounds (eta5-C5H5)2TiCl2 (I), currently undergoing phase II trials, (eta5-C5H5)(eta5-C5H4CO2Me)TiCl2 (II) and C5H4CO2Me)2TiCl2 (III) are assessed for their efficacies against a small lung cancer cell line. It is found that the introduction of the electron withdrawing carbomethoxy group into the cyclopentadienyl rings increases the effectiveness of this class of drugs, such that III compares favorably with the well known cisplatin.

Estimation of the aqueous solubility I: application to organic nonelectrolytes

The estimation of aqueous solubilities of organic nonelectrolytes by the General Solubility Equation (GSE) as proposed by Valvani and Yalkowsky (1980) is used in this study. The data and assumptions on which the GSE are based are reevaluated, and the equation is revised. The revised GSE is validated on a set of 580 pharmaceutically, environmentally, and industrially relevant nonelectrolytes. The revised equation has a stronger theoretical background and provides a more accurate estimation of aqueous solubility.

Haemolytic disease of newborn

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) occurs due to maternal IgG antibodies crossing the placenta thereby producing hemolysis mainly due to Rh, ABO and Kell groups. A systematic approach to the Rh HDN involves an obstetric history of previous isoimmunized baby, timing and regular monitoring of maternal Rh antibodies and pigment assay of amniotic fluid. Timely decision regarding in utero transfusion and early termination of pregnancy based on the maternal monitoring has radically improved the outcome of these babies. Antenatal prophylaxis with anti D has resulted in great reduction in the magnitude of Rh problem. The fetal blood sampling and in-utero intravenous transfusions has made it possible for almost 100% survival of isoimmunized pregnancies without hydrops. Alternative methods--IVIG and plasma exchange are still of limited application. ABO HDN though common is not a serious form of disease and dose not warrants invasive antenatal monitoring. Anti-Kell is found in patients having received multiple transfusions and the rapid progress of hemolysis in them may not allow such systematic follow up as in Rh HDN.

Anatomic correlates of the face and oral cavity representations in the somatosensory cortical area 3b of monkeys

We determined the somatotopy of the face and the oral cavity representation in cortical area 3b of New World owl monkeys and squirrel monkeys. Area 3b is apparent as a densely myelinated strip in brain sections cut parallel to the surface of flattened cortex. A narrow myelin-light septum that we have termed the "hand-face septum" separates the hand representation from the more lateral face and mouth representation. The face and oral cavity representation is further divided into a series of myelin-dense ovals. We show that three ovals adjacent to the hand representation correspond to the upper face, upper lip, and chin plus lower lip, whereas three or four more rostral ovals successively represent the contralateral teeth, tongue, and the ipsilateral teeth and tongue. Strips of cortex lateral and medial to the area 3b ovals, possibly corresponding to area 1 and area 3a, respectively, have similar somatotopic sequences. Although previous results suggest the existence of great variability within and across primate species, we conclude that the representations of the face and mouth are highly similar across individuals of the same species, and there are extensive overall similarities across these two species of New World monkeys.

Pathology of the diffuse variant of supravalvar aortic stenosis

Supravalvar aortic stenosis is a rare congenital heart anomaly, producing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Of the two anatomic variants that have been described, diffuse type is the rarest. We report five such cases in children between two months and nine years of age. None had features of Williams syndrome. The entire aorta was involved in three cases, with abdominal aortic coarctation in two cases. Stenosis was mainly due to involvement of the media, which showed smooth muscle hypertrophy, abnormal elastic fibers, and mild collagenization. Predominant intimal change was seen in one case. Pulmonary, coronary, arch, renal, and common iliac arteries were also involved.

Binocular cross-orientation suppression in the primary visual cortex (V1) of infant rhesus monkeys

PURPOSE

To better understand the course of cortical maturation during early development, the phenomenon of binocular cross-orientation suppression in neurons of the primary visual cortex (V1) in young infant monkeys was investigated.

METHODS

Extracellular single-unit recordings were made in anesthetized and paralyzed monkeys ranging in age between 6 days and 8 weeks. Orthogonally oriented, dichoptic sine-wave gratings were used as visual stimuli.

RESULTS

V1 neurons in young infant monkeys showed a higher prevalence and greater magnitude of binocular cross-orientation suppression than in adult monkeys. Binocular suppression decreased and reached an adult level between 4 and 8 weeks of age, the presumed onset-age for stereopsis in monkeys.

CONCLUSIONS

During the first 4 weeks of life, the functional connections that are necessary for initiating binocular cross-orientation suppression exist in the monkey primary visual cortex. This finding is consistent with the view that before the abrupt onset of stereopsis, human infants may detect the differences between interocularly iso-oriented gratings and orthogonal gratings.

The organization of somatosensory cortex in the short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

The organization of neocortex in the short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) was explored with multiunit microelectrode recordings from middle layers of cortex. Microelectrode maps were subsequently related to the chemoarchitecture of flattened cortical preparations, sectioned parallel to the cortical surface and processed for either cytochrome oxidase (CO) or NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHd) histochemistry. The recordings revealed the presence of at least two systematic representations of the contralateral body surface located in a continuous strip of cortex running from the rhinal sulcus to the medial wall. The primary somatosensory area (S1) was located medially while secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) formed a laterally located mirror image of S1. Auditory cortex was located in lateral cortex at the caudal border of S2, and some electrode penetrations in this area responded to both auditory and somatosensory stimulation. Auditory cortex was outlined by a dark oval visible in flattened brain sections. A large primary visual cortex (V1) was located at the caudal pole of cortex, and also consistently corresponded to a large chemoarchitecturally visible oval. Cortex just rostral and lateral to V1 responded to visual stimulation, while bimodal auditory/visual responses were obtained in an area between V1 and somatosensory cortex. The results are compared with brain organization in other marsupials and with placentals and the evolution of cortical areas in mammals is discussed.

Phase-shift error as a result of molecular alignment distortions in a liquid-crystal point-diffraction interferometer

We report the observation of nematic director distortions around the diffracting element of a liquid-crystal point-diffraction interferometer. The observed director field distortions are similar to those reported in the literature for other liquid-crystal guest-host systems. We show how the alignment distortion changes as a function of the voltage applied to the liquid-crystal cell, leading to an observed phase-shift error. Tailoring of surface anchoring conditions and judicious choice of phase-shift algorithm can improve device accuracy.

Successful management of hypokalaemia related conduction disturbances in acute aluminium phosphide poisoning

A case of acute aluminium phosphide poisoning is described, who presented in shock secondary to electrolyte related cardiac rhythm disturbance and the judicious correction of the same could save his life without any consequence.

Distribution of NADPH-diaphorase cells in visual and somatosensory cortex in four mammalian species

The distribution of the well-labeled nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd) Type I neurons was evaluated in the isocortex of four mammalian species: the Didelphis opossum, the Monodelphis opossum, the rat and the marmoset. In Didelphis opossum, laminar distribution was examined in tangential and non-tangential sections. The density increases from superficial to deep layers of the gray matter. In rats' tangential sections, infragranular and supragranular layers have higher density than layer IV. Cell density measurements in the visual and the somatosensory cortices were compared in tangential sections from flattened hemispheres of the four species. Somatosensory areas were identified histochemically in rat (barrel fields) and marmoset (S1 and S2/PV). In the opossums, areas S1 and S2/PV were identified by multiunit recording. Except in the rat, primary visual cortex (V1) was labeled histochemically by NADPHd and/or cytochrome oxidase. In the four species, cell density in somatosensory cortex was significantly higher than in visual cortex. Taken together these results demonstrate that NADPHd Type I neurons are not homogeneously distributed in the isocortex of these mammals. In conclusion, the tangential distribution of Type I neurons in the sensory areas examined, but not its laminar distribution, was similar in the four species. Given that rats, marmosets and opossums are distantly related species, and that the latter are considered to have more 'generalized' brains, it is conceivable that this pattern of tangential distribution of Type I neurons is a general feature of mammalian isocortex.

Growth of new brainstem connections in adult monkeys with massive sensory loss

Somatotopic maps in the cortex and the thalamus of adult monkeys and humans reorganize in response to altered inputs. After loss of the sensory afferents from the forelimb in monkeys because of transection of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, therapeutic amputation of an arm or transection of the dorsal roots of the peripheral nerves, the deprived portions of the hand and arm representations in primary somatosensory cortex (area 3b), become responsive to inputs from the face and any remaining afferents from the arm. Cortical and subcortical mechanisms that underlie this reorganization are uncertain and appear to be manifold. Here we show that the face afferents from the trigeminal nucleus of the brainstem sprout and grow into the cuneate nucleus in adult monkeys after lesions of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord or therapeutic amputation of an arm. This growth may underlie the large-scale expansion of the face representation into the hand region of somatosensory cortex that follows such deafferentations.

Clinical profile of neurobrucellosis--a report on 12 cases from Bikaner (north-west India)

OBJECTIVE

To study the spectrum of neurobrucellosis in a prospective study at Bikaner which is supposed to be uncommon in India.

METHOD

This study was done on admitted patients of brucellosis from June 1996 to June 1999 in whom the diagnosis was done by history of exposure to animals, fever and arthralgia and demonstration of brucella antibody titres in serum 1:160. CSF examination was done in all the patients. All cases were treated by combination of doxycycline 100 mg twice daily, rifampicin 900 mg daily for 6-8 weeks and injection streptomycin 0.75 to 1 gm i.m. per day for initial 14 days. Detailed neurological examination and antibody titres of serum and CSF again measured at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Twelve out of 92 patients revealed evidence of neurobrucellosis in which four cases were of meningoencephalitis, two cases of myelitis leading to spastic paraparesis, five cases of polyradiculoneuropathy and one case of polyneuroradiculomyeloencephalopathy. The treatment regimen used was associated with a high cure rate and significant reduction in antibody titres in serum and CSF.

CONCLUSION

Neurobrucellosis is an uncommon but serious manifestation affecting central and peripheral nervous system. The clinical profile of the disease mimicks closely to commonly seen neurological infective diseases like tubercular meningitis, viral encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, cerebral malaria and viral encephalopathy. Serum and CSF testing for brucella antibody titre is an important test for the diagnosis. Blood culture is not an ideal test for neurobrucellosis because of low yield and longer time required for the diagnosis. High degree of suspicion is prudent for the diagnosis. High degree of cure rate can be achieved by treatment with present regimen in a disease which is otherwise having high mortality and morbidity.

Recurrent production of plants of black plum, Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels, a myrtaceous fruit tree, from in vitro cultured seedling explants

 The epicotyl segments bearing scaly leave(s), excised from in vitro grown seedlings of Syzygium cuminii, produced multiple shoots when cultivated on Murashige and Skoog's (MS, 1962) medium supplemented with different concentrations of BA (0-2 mg l^-1). The optimum response was recorded on the medium containing 1 mg l^-1 BA. An average of 8.6 shoots per explant were produced 60 days after inoculation, following transfer to fresh medium after 30 days. The shoots were excised, and the residual explants were transferred to fresh medium, where they again developed shoots. Up to five such passages resulted in the production of shoots from the repeatedly subcultured original explants. However, during the fifth passage, organogenic response was negligible and the explants turned brown thereafter. Following repeated harvesting of shoots and subculture of the residual explants, an average of 29 shoots per explant was obtained. The in vitro developed shoots produced roots when transferred to Knop's medium supplemented with 2% sucrose and 1 mg l^-1 IAA. The developed plantlets were planted in soil and transferred to fields after an acclimatization period of 7-8 months. These plants have been thriving well for more than 3 years. The nodal explants excised from in vitro developed shoots and plants also exhibited a similar response when cultured on MS+1 mg l^-1 BA. Thus, a protocol has been developed to raise plants of S. cuminii at any time of the year.

A truncated cytoplasmic topoisomerase IIalpha in a drug-resistant lung cancer cell line is encoded by a TOP2A allele with a partial deletion of exon 34

To study the problem of acquired resistance to widely used anti-cancer drugs that target the 170 kDa topoisomerase IIalpha (topo IIalpha), a drug-resistant human small-cell lung cancer cell line, H209/VP, was selected in VP-16. H209/VP cells express reduced levels of the 170 kDa topo IIalpha that is localized normally in the nucleus and also express lower levels of a 160 kDa topo IIalpha-related protein that is located predominantly in the cytoplasm. Band depletion immunoblotting experiments suggest that the H209/VP nuclear 170 kDa topo IIalpha is able to form ternary complexes with DNA and VP-16 in intact cells, but the ability of the cytoplasmic 160 kDa protein to do so is greatly diminished. Sequence analysis of the 3; end of the H209/VP mutant topo IIalpha mRNA and the TOP2A gene indicates that the mRNA is missing 200 nt that corresponds to exon 34 because the partial loss of the minimal 3; splice-acceptor sequence at the beginning of exon 34 results in splicing of exon 33 to exon 35. The protein predicted to be encoded by this mutant mRNA does not contain the COOH-terminal 109 amino acids of the wild-type enzyme that we have demonstrated contain a strongly functional nuclear localization signal sequence. Consequently, our data explain both the size and the cytoplasmic localization of the H209/VP mutant topo IIalpha. The mutant TOP2A allele in H209/VP cells differs from those in previously characterized cell lines with cytoplasmic topo IIalpha and extends the number of types of resistance-associated deletions in this region to 4. These findings indicate that this region of the TOP2A gene may be a hot spot for mutations.

An isoflavone from Myristica malabarica

Phytochemical investigation of the heartwood of Myristica malabarica has led to the isolation of the new 7,4'-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyisoflavone together with two other isoflavones, biochanin A and prunetin, and a 1,3-diarylpropanol and a rare alpha-hydroxydihydrochalcone.

Fasciolopsiasis--a persisting problem in eastern U.P.--a case report

Fasciolopsiasis, or infection by the intestinal fluke, Fascilopsis buski, is endemic in the eastern states of our country. While it is by no means a rarity, especially in the rural set up, awareness regarding this common parasitic infestation is still a much-needed entity. The importance of a strong degree of suspicion and early diagnosis cannot be over emphasised, if a successful campaign is to be launched in its control. With this as our central theme, we proceed to report a case of and unsually heavy Fasciolopsis buski infection in our hospital, which had failed to be diagnosed in a semi urban setup in UP.

UPPER III: unified physical property estimation relationships. Application to non-hydrogen bonding aromatic compounds

The UPPER scheme uses four additive and two nonadditive parameters and several well-known equations to calculate 21 physical properties of organic compounds strictly from molecular structure. The scheme allows reasonable estimations of melting and boiling points, aqueous and octanol solubilities, air-octanol, air-water, and octanol-water partition coefficients, vapor pressure, and other properties. In this report non-hydrogen bonding aromatic compounds are used to evaluate a portion of the UPPER scheme.

Effect of arteether on electrocardiogram in the patients of falciparum malaria--a preliminary study

The effect of intramuscular arteether (150 mg daily for 3 days) on electrocardiogram was studied in 16 patients having falciparum malaria. This included three patients with cerebral malaria, three patients with jaundice (S. bilirubin > 3 mg per cent) and ten patients with uncomplicated malaria. Five patients had tachycardia prior to arteether treatment. The mean RR interval before starting the treatment was 0.59 sec which increased progressively--0.60, 0.68 and 0.69 sec on Day 1, 2 and 3 respectively after starting the treatment. There was no significant difference statistically in the mean corrected QT interval (p > 0.05), PR interval (p > 0.05), QRS duration (p > 0.05) and diastolic BP (p > 0.05) before starting and at the end of treatment on Day 3. One patient had developed first degree heart block (PR 0.24), while another patient had prolonged QTc (0.48 sec) on Day 3. Subsequent ECG of both these patients was normal on Day 5. The profile of ECG changes was same in the patients of uncomplicated and complicated malaria. Absence of any significant effect on BP and ECG changes precludes the significant effect of arteether on the cardiovascular system when compared to quinine which may cause hypotension, arrhythmia and QTc prolongation.

Protein kinase C delta associates with and phosphorylates Stat3 in an interleukin-6-dependent manner

Stat3 is activated by phosphorylation on Tyr-705, which leads to dimer formation, nuclear translocation, and regulation of gene expression. Serine phosphorylation of Stat3 by mitogen-activated protein kinase has also been observed in cells responding to epidermal growth factor and shown to affect its tyrosine phosphorylation and transcriptional activity. Serine phosphorylation of Stat3 is also induced by interleukin-6 (IL-6) stimulation, which is shown to be independent of mitogen-activated protein kinase and sensitive to the Ser/Thr kinase inhibitor H7. In this study, we investigated whether protein kinase C (PKC) is the kinase that is induced and responsible for Stat3 serine phosphorylation by IL-6 stimulation and which isoform of PKCs is likely to be involved. Here, we report that Stat3 was specifically associated with PKC delta in vivo in an IL-6-dependent manner in several cell types. Furthermore, Stat3 was phosphorylated by PKC delta in vivo on Ser-727, which could be inhibited either by a specific PKC delta inhibitor or by a dominant-negative mutant of PKC delta. Finally, we showed that the phosphorylation of Stat3 by PKC delta led to a negative regulation of Stat3 DNA binding and transcriptional activity. These results indicate that PKC delta is likely to be the kinase that phosphorylates Stat3 in response to IL-6 stimulation and suggest a possible regulatory role of PKC delta on Stat3 function.

Mortality trends in falciparum malaria--effect of gender difference and pregnancy

Falciparum malaria in pregnancy is a significant health problem in India. Pregnant women constitute an important high risk group for malaria infection which may cause abortions, stillbirths, intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and premature labour. In this hospital based study on 602 admitted patients of falciparum malaria which included 314 males, 243 non-pregnant females and 45 pregnant females, there was significantly increased mortality rate in females (18.4%) in comparison to males (7.64%, p < 0.001). The mortality rate was highly significant in pregnant females (37.77%) in comparison to non-pregnant females (14.81%) and males (7.64%; p < 0.001). Severe anaemia with Hb < 5 gm% was observed more commonly in pregnant patients (20.0%) in comparison to non-pregnant patients (4.11%). Incidence of malaria infection was more in primi gravida and second gravida. Pregnancy related complications in the form of preterm live births, intra-uterine death (IUD), still births and abortions were more in primi parous than multiparous patients. As the pregnancy is associated with increased incidence and adverse outcome of P.falciparum malaria infection, chemoprophylaxis should be made an integral part of antenatal care along with antianaemia therapy to reduce the risk of serious maternal and fetal complications.

Inverted pyramidal neurons in chimpanzee sensorimotor cortex are revealed by immunostaining with monoclonal antibody SMI-32

We used the monoclonal antibody SMI-32 to label pyramidal cells of sensorimotor cortex in two chimpanzees. The majority of the pyramidal cells had typical vertically oriented apical dendrites that extended towards the pial surface. A small population of pyramidal cells varied from this orientation, so that the apical dendrites were 20 degrees or more from radial, and were often inverted, extending away from the pial surface. When numbers of non-inverted and inverted pyramidal cells were compared, less than 1% were found to be inverted.

Evolution and development of a renal recipient transplant co-ordinator for the Asian community

The aim of this paper is to share with colleagues the development of this innovative role and the unprecedented experience in addressing issues of transplantation for a large Asian population. The author is the named transplant co-ordinator for all Asian patients who account for 30% of the total waiting list. During the first six months of the post the author has undertaken home visits, nurse-led clinics and liaison with dialysis units. This continuous direct rapport is unique, and facilitates the living donor programme. The author has been involved in developing specific educational material relevant and appropriate to this patient population. Patients and families comments and responses have been favourable and positive. Audit and evaluation of the role is on-going and the author feels privileged to be central to this process of providing holistic care equitably to all patients in a multicultural society.

Management of celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD), perceived as a rare cause of chronic diarrhea three decades ago, was diagnosed as a cause of diarrhea in 60 (7.5%) post weaned children among 800 cases of chronic diarrhea. The diagnosis was established on the basis of a detailed clinical history, histopathological studies on small bowel mucosa and a complete recovery on gluten free diets. Thirty four children were followed up for a period of 0.3 to 8.2 years (mean 3.45 +/- 2.28). Catch up growth was seen in all. A rapid gain in height and weight was observed in first year following exclusion of gluten from the diet. However, on subsequent follow up, flattening of growth curve was seen in 9 subjects which was attributed to non-compliance of gluten free diets and dietary inadequacies. Strict dietary compliance is difficult to adhere to with wheat being a staple cereal in India. Other factors affecting compliance include lack of awareness and non availability of gluten free diets as well as contamination of other items with wheat at grocery shops. A few cases may present as celiac crisis which is a medical emergency requiring aggressive management including use of corticosteroids to improve survival in this otherwise life threatening situation. Effective management of CD requires intense family cooperation as well as concerted national efforts to provide these patients easy access to gluten free diets. The evolution of Celiac Societies, and widespread dissemination of knowledge through all available media will greatly help in management of patients with this chronic disease.

Repression of Stat3 activity by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)

STAT proteins are activated by phosphorylation at specific tyrosine residue at the carboxy-terminus which is required for dimer-formation, nuclear translocation, DNA binding and transcriptional activity in cells treated with cytokines and growth factors. Recent studies have indicated that STATs are also phosphorylated by MAPK, or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) on serine. We investigated the role of ERK on the regulation of STAT activity. Here, we report that ERK2 activated by its upstream kinase, MEK1, represses Stat3 transcriptional activity induced by Src or Jak-2. To unravel the mechanism of repression, we further showed that Stat3 DNA binding activity and its tyrosine phosphorylation are also inhibited under the same conditions. ERK2 phosphorylates Stat3 on three serine-containing peptides and decreases its tyrosine phosphorylation induced by EGF treatment. We also detected an association of ERK2 and Stat3 in vivo which is modulated positively by activation of ERK2, but negatively by Jak2. We propose that MAP kinase cascade may negatively regulate Stat3 activities by decreasing its tyrosine phosphorylation and also possibly by association.

Cortical connections of striate and extrastriate visual areas in tree shrews

The ipsilateral and contralateral cortical connections of visual cortex of tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri) were investigated by placing restricted injections of fluorochrome tracers, wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase, or biotinylated dextran amine into area 17 (V1), area 18 (V2), or the adjoining temporal dorsal area (TD). As previously reported, V1 was characterized by a widespread, patchy pattern of intrinsic connections; ipsilateral connections with V2, TD, and to a lesser extent, other areas of the temporal cortex; and contralateral connections with V1, V2, and TD. A surface-view of the myelin pattern in V1 revealed a patchwork of light and dark module-like regions. The ipsilateral connections with V2 and TD were roughly topographic, whereas heterotopic locations in V1 were callosally connected. Injections in V2 labeled as much as one third of V2 in a patchy pattern, and portions of ipsilateral V1 and TD in roughly topographic patterns. In addition, connections with several other visual areas in the temporal lobe were revealed. Contralaterally, most of the label was in V2, with some in V1 and TD. Injections in TD demonstrated connections within the region, and with adjoining portions of the temporal cortex, V2, and V1. There were sparse connections with an oval of densely myelinated cortex, which we have termed the temporal inferior area (TI). Callosal connections were concentrated in TD, but also included V2. The results provide further evidence for modular organizations within V1 and V2, and reveal for the first time the complete patterns of cortical connections of V2 and TD. The results are consistent with the proposal that at least three visual areas, the temporal anterior area, TA, the temporal dorsal area, TD, and the temporal posterior area, TP, exist along the rostrolateral border of V2 in tree shrews; suggest visual involvement of at least three other areas, the temporal inferior area, TI, the temporal anterior lateral area, and the temporal posterior inferior area located more ventrally in the temporal cortex; and fortify the conclusion that TD is the likely homologue of the middle temporal visual area of primates. Because tree shrews are considered close relatives of primates, the evidence for several visual areas along the border of V2 is more compatible with theories that propose a series of visual areas along V2 in primates, rather than a single visual area, V3.

Interactive case challenge. Dysphoric disorders in women: a case of premenstrual syndrome

When this woman's long-standing PMS grows progressively more severe over the 3 years following the birth of her third child, what pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments would you recommend? Symptoms of mood swings, irritability, and anxiety occur in many women during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. Several promising treatment options now exist for women whose symptoms are severe and interfere with daily functioning. These include nonpharmacologic as well as pharmacologic interventions, such as serotonergic antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hormones that suppress ovulation. When PMS becomes intolerably severe for this 36-year-old mother of 3 children--all under 10 years of age--she seeks treatment.

Dysphoric disorders in women: a case of perinatal depression

During her third pregnancy, a woman becomes preoccupied with illness and death. When the dysphoria continues after her child is born, how would you evaluate and manage the problem?

Stress-induced immediate-early gene, egr-1, involves activation of p38/JNK1

The Ras/Raf/MAP kinase (ERK) pathway is a major signaling pathway induced by growth factors in mammalian cells. Two other types of mammalian MAP kinases, JNK (SAPK) and p38 (RK, CSBP), are induced by environmental stress. Although the immediate-early gene, egr-1, is induced by growth factors, cytokines, differentiation signals and DNA damaging agents, less is known about its induction by environmental stress and the mechanism involved. Here we report that in NIH3T3 cells, egr-1 is induced by various stress treatments such as heat shock, sodium arsenite, ultraviolet (U.V.) radiation, and anisomycin. p38 and JNK1, but not ERK2, were activated by these stress treatments. Induction of egr-1 by anisomycin is inhibited by a specific inhibitor of p38, SB 203580. We also show that p38 and JNK1 activated by their upstream kinases induce egr-1 promoter activity through activation of the ternary complex factor, Elk-1. The stress treatments also lead to an increase in Egr-1 protein phosphorylation and its DNA binding activity. Together, our data suggest that induction of egr-1 gene by growth factors and stress are mediated through different subgroups of MAP kinases which may also differentially affect egr-1 function on its target genes.

Profile of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children from a tropical country

Eighty five children were evaluated endoscopically for recurrent lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The male: female ratio was 2.4:1 with a mean age of 6 years (range 8 months to 2 years). After adequate bowel preparation endoscopic evaluation was done using olympus CF 101 colonoscope. Sedation was given only in two patients. Full length colonoscopy had been done in 16 cases only, to look for extent of disease in 8 cases and to ascertain site of bleeding when no lesion could be seen on sigmoidoscopy. Juvenile polyps were seen in 40 cases, amoebic ulcer in 20, solitary rectal ulcer in 4 and polyposis syndrome in 5 cases. Sigmoidoscopy alone could establish the diagnose in 76 cases. We conclude that flexible sigmoidoscopy alone is safe and adequate in ascertaining the cause of prolonged recurrent lower GI bleeding.

A histologically visible representation of the fingers and palm in primate area 3b and its immutability following long-term deafferentations

An isomorph of the glabrous hand is visible in primary somato-sensory cortex (area 3b) of owl monkeys in brain sections cut parallel to the surface and stained for myelin. A mediolateral row of five ovals, separated by myelin-light septa, represents digits and corresponds precisely with cortical sites activated by light touch on individual digits in microelectrode recordings. A number of caudal ovals relate to pads of the palm. A more distinct septum separates the hand from the more lateral face representation. Within the face representation, two large myelin-dense ovals can be identified that are activated by the upper or lower face in a caudo-rostral sequence. Accidental finger loss or dorsal column section, deafferentations that result in reorganization of the physiological map in area 3b, do not alter the morphological map. The proportions for each digit and palm in the morphological map do not vary across normal and deafferented animals. Similar isomorphs were also seen in area 3b of squirrel and macaque monkeys. We conclude that the anatomical isomorph for the body surface representation in area 3b is a reliable reflection of normal cortical organization and may be a common feature of the primate area 3b. The isomorph can provide a reference in studies of somatotopic reorganization.

`Isubgol' as an alternative gelling agent in plant tissue culture media

`Isubgol', the mucilaginous husk derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata, was successfully used as a gelling agent in tissue culture media for in vitro seed germination, shoot formation and rooting in Syzygium cuminii and anther culture in Datura innoxia. For seed germination, Knop's basal medium supplemented with 1% sucrose was employed, whereas for the development of shoots the epicotyl segments excised from in vitro-developed seedlings were cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with 4% sucrose and 1 mg/l 6-benzyladenine. Shoots that developed from the epicotyl segments were rooted on Knop's medium enriched with 2% sucrose and 1 mg/l indole-3-acetic acid. The anthers of D. innoxia excised at the late uninucleate to early binucleate stages of microspore development were cultured on Nitsch's basal medium containing 2% sucrose. Media were either gelled with 0.9% agar or 3% `Isubgol'. The response on media gelled with `Isubgol' in each of the cases was similar to that on media solidified with agar.