Trends in cancer incidence in Chennai city (1982-2006) and statewide predictions of future burden in Tamil Nadu (2007-16)

BACKGROUND

This paper investigates cancer trends in Chennai and predicts the future cancer burden in Chennai and Tamil Nadu state, India, using data on 89 357 incident cancers from the Chennai registry during 1982-2006, published incidence rates from the Dindigul Ambilikkai Cancer Registry during 2003-06 and population statistics during 1982-2016.

METHODS

Age-specific incidence rates were modelled as a function of age, period and birth cohort using the NORDPRED software to predict future cancer incidence rates and numbers of cancer cases for the period 2007-11 and 2012-16 in Chennai. Predictions for Tamil Nadu state were computed using a weighted average of the predicted incidence rates of the Chennai registry and current rates in Dindigul district. RESULTS; In Chennai, the total cancer burden is predicted to increase by 32% by 2012-16 compared with 2002-06, with 19% due to changes in cancer risk and a further 13% due to the impact of demographic changes. The incidence of cervical cancer is projected to drop by 46% in 2015 compared with current levels, while a 100% increase in future thyroid cancer incidence is predicted. Among men, a 21% decline in the incidence of oesophageal cancer by 2016 contrasts with the 42% predicted increase in prostate cancer. The annual cancer burden predicted for 2012-16 is 6100 for Chennai, translating to 55 000 new cases per year statewide (in Tamil Nadu). Breast cancer would dislodge cervical cancer as the top-ranking cancer in the state, while lung, stomach and large bowel cancers would surpass cervical cancer in ranking in Chennai by 2016.

CONCLUSION

In order to tackle the predicted increases in cancer burden in Tamil Nadu, concerted efforts are required to assess and plan the infrastructure for cancer control and care, and ensure sufficient allocation of resources.

Efficacy of soy protein isolate as a fat replacer on physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of low-fat paneer

The nutritional and textural properties of low fat paneer using soy protein isolate (SPI) as fat replacer was investigated. The physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of 4 types of paneer made of low-fat milk (3% milk fat (MF) and 10% solids-not-fat (SNF)) and SPI of 0 (T1), 0.1 (T2), 0.2 (T3) and 0.3% SPI (T4) were compared with high fat paneer (TC) made of high fat milk (6% MF and 9% SNF). CaCl2 (0.2%, w/v) was used as coagulant at 75 ± 1°C. Increased level of SPI in paneer increased yield, protein, ash, moisture content and decreased fat, moisture protein ratio, lactose and calorie contents. Titratable acidity and pH varied in narrow range. Instrumental firmness was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in T1-T4 than in TC. The gumminess, chewiness and firmness showed the same trend. Resilience and cohesiveness values showed no significant difference among the samples. Hunter colour L values showed a decreasing, and a and b values increasing trend with increasing levels of SPI. Sensory appearance and colour scores were lower (p ≤ 0.05) for T1-T4 than TC. More than 0.2% SPI imparted beany flavour to paneer.

Influence of moisture content on physical properties of minor millets

Physical properties including 1000 kernel weight, bulk density, true density, porosity, angle of repose, coefficient of static friction, coefficient of internal friction and grain hardness were determined for foxtail millet, little millet, kodo millet, common millet, barnyard millet and finger millet in the moisture content range of 11.1 to 25% db. Thousand kernel weight increased from 2.3 to 6.1 g and angle of repose increased from 25.0 to 38.2°. Bulk density decreased from 868.1 to 477.1 kg/m(3) and true density from 1988.7 to 884.4 kg/m(3) for all minor millets when observed in the moisture range of 11.1 to 25%. Porosity decreased from 63.7 to 32.5%. Coefficient of static friction of minor millets against mild steel surface increased from 0.253 to 0.728 and coefficient of internal friction was in the range of 1.217 and 1.964 in the moisture range studied. Grain hardness decreased from 30.7 to 12.4 for all minor millets when moisture content was increased from 11.1 to 25% db.

Pyoderma gangrenosum with pure red cell aplasia

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an inflammatory condition of the skin commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis, but also associated with various hematological malignancies. We describe its association with pure red cell aplasia in a four year old boy who presented with progressive skin lesions, fever and pallor, and improved with corticosteroid therapy.

Continuous microwave-assisted isoflavone extraction system: design and performance evaluation

The purpose of this research was to design, test, and optimize a continuous microwave extraction method using temperature and residence time during and after microwave exposure as optimizing parameters for extraction of major isoflavones (genistin, genistein, daidzin, and daidzein) from soy flour. The extraction yield of four isoflavones at different heating temperatures (55 and 73 degrees C) and extraction times (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 min) were investigated and compared with yields provided by a conventional solvent extraction method. The microwave prototype consisted of multiple, commercially available, batch-type, house-hold microwave units placed on top of each other in series to impart a continuous operation. The optimum parameters for microwave-assisted extraction of isoflavones were 73 degrees C for 8 min using a 3:1 ethanol-to soy flour ratio. At these parameters, the total yield of isoflavones extracted doubled, while the amount of oil extracted was 12%. Continuous microwave-assisted solvent extraction is a viable method for extraction of soybean isoflavones at relatively short residence times and high throughput.

Changing trends in antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica serovar typhi and salmonella enterica serovar paratyphi A in Chennai

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Chloramphenicol was considered the anti-microbial gold standard for typhoid treatment but, following the increasing worldwide frequency of antibiotic resistance, ciprofloxacin has been the mainstay of therapy since 1980. Recent studies have shown a shifting of susceptibility to conventional drugs like chloramphenicol, ampicillin and cotrimoxazole. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of chloramphenicol and other first-line drugs in comparison with cephalosporins and quinolones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty isolates of Salmonella obtained from blood culture were subjected to serotyping at the Central Research Institute, Kasauli. Phage typing and biotyping was performed at the National Phage Typing Centre, New Delhi. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was carried out for 10 drugs by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration by broth microdilution for nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefixime and ofloxacin. Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains were checked for plasmid.

RESULTS

In the present study, 70 and 30% of the isolates were Salmonella enterica serovar typhi and paratyphi A, respectively. They were highly sensitive to chloramphenicol (86%), ampicillin (84%) and cotrimoxazole (88%). Highest sensitivity was seen for cephalosporins, followed by quinolones. Seventeen/21 (81%) and 100% of the Salmonella enterica serovar typhi strains belonged to E1 phage type and biotype 1, respectively. Antibiogram showed 2% of the strains to be sensitive to all the drugs tested and 12% were MDR and showed the presence of plasmids.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates reemergence of chloramphenicol-susceptible Salmonella enterica serovar typhi and paratyphi A isolates, a significant decline in MDR strains and high resistance to nalidixic acid. E1 phage type and biotype 1 are found to be most prevalent in Chennai, India.

Activation and clinical significance of the unfolded protein response in breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

The tumour microenvironment is hypoglycaemic, hypoxic and acidotic. This activates a stress signalling pathway: the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is cytoprotective if the stressor is mild, but may initiate apoptosis if severe.Activation of the UPR in breast carcinoma is induced by microenvironmental stress such as glucose and oxygen deprivation, but may also be linked to oestrogen stimulation. It may be clinically significant as it may alter chemosensitivity to doxorubicin.

METHODS

395 human breast adenocarcinomas were immunohistochemically stained for UPR activation markers (glucose-regulated protein (GRP-78 and XBP-1). A model of UPR activation in vitro by glucose deprivation of T47D breast cancer cells was developed to determine how the UPR affects cellular sensitivity to doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil. Cytotoxicity was assessed using a colorimetric cytotoxicity assay (MTT). The effect of oestrogen stimulation and tamoxifen exposure on UPR activation by T47D cells was determined by western blotting measurement of the key UPR protein, GRP-78.

RESULTS

Expression of GRP78 and XBP-1 was demonstrated in 76% and 90% of the breast cancers, respectively, and correlated with oestrogen receptor positivity (P=0.045 and 0.017, respectively). In vitro UPR activation induced resistance to both doxorubicin and 5-flurouracil, (P<0.05). Oestrogen stimulation induced GRP78 and XBP1 over-expression on western blotting. Tamoxifen did not block this response and may induce UPR activation in its own right.

CONCLUSIONS

The UPR is activated in the majority of breast cancers and confers resistance to chemotherapy. In vitro oestrogen stimulates UPR induction. UPR activation may contribute to breast cancer chemoresistance and interact with oestrogen response elements.

Pachyonychia congenita with unusual features

Pachyonychia congenita is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by gross thickening of all finger and toenails. We report an infant who had clinical features consistent with pachyonychia congenita type II, with unusual features of microcephaly, seizures, electroencephalogram abnormalities, failure to thrive, and heterochromia iridis.

3-Acetyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acrylate

In the title compound, C₁₂H₁₂O₄, the hydr­oxy O and the C and O atoms of the acetyl group are almost coplanar [maximum deviation = 0.0356 (1) Å] with the benzene ring. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the plane through the non-H atoms of the methacrylo­yloxy group is 86.1 (1)°. In the crystal structure, mol­ecules are linked by two C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming dimers with graph-set descriptor R₂²(16). A strong intra­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond is also observed.

Interesting clinical presentation of anterior knee pain causing diagnostic dilemma

A diverse variety of lesions may occasionally occur in the patella. In this case report, we are presenting an interesting case of anterior knee pain in middle aged gentleman. Initial investigations including Magnetic Resonance Imaging not showed any abnormality. Due to prolonged continued pain he had bone scan and MRI, which confirmed the diagnosis of Brodie's abscess. We are presenting this case of Brodie's abscess of the patella causing diagnostic dilemma because of its rarity.

Recurrent Kawasaki disease

We describe an infant who had recurrence of Kawasaki disease and responded to therapy with Intravenous Immune globulin (IVIG) and highlight the need for recognition of this vasculitis, which is being increasingly recognised in the Indian subcontinent.

Comparison of oxygen saturation levels by pulse oximetry in healthy children aged 1 month to 5 years residing at an altitude of 1500 metres and at sea level

OBJECTIVE

To compare oxygen saturation levels (SaO(2)) by pulse oximetry among healthy Indian children aged from 1 month to 5 years age residing at two different altitudes, Chennai and the Shervaroy hills.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study with a control group at sea level. SETTING 1: Chennai city which is at sea level (data published previously). SETTING 2: The Shervaroy hills (Yercaud, Salem district, Tamil Nadu) about 1500 metres above sea level (this study).

SUBJECTS

328 healthy children aged 1 month to 5 years living in the Shervaroy hills.

OUTCOME MEASURES

After assessment of anthropometry and heart and respiratory rates, oxygen saturation was recorded by pulse oximetry.

RESULTS

The mean SaO(2) values of children in the Shervaroy hills in the age groups 1 month to 3 years and 3-5 years were 97% and 98%, respectively. The mean -2 SD O(2) saturation values for the 1 month to 5 years age group was 93%. The overall mean and median values of oxygen saturation were 97% in the Shervaroy hills vs 99% for children in Chennai city (p<0.01). When compared with their counterparts in Chennai, the Shervaroy hills subjects had significantly lower mean weight and height and higher heart and respiratory rates (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The reference value for mean SaO(2) in healthy children aged 1 month to 5 years in the Shervaroy hills (1500 m) was 97%, with the (-2 SD) values having a mean of 93% which is significantly lower than those living in Chennai (sea level), 99% of whom had a -2 SD mean of 96.6%.

Qualitative and Textural Changes in Fresh Okra Pods (Hibiscus esculentus L.) under Modified Atmosphere Packaging in Perforated Film Packages

Improper post-harvest handling and storage under room temperature lead to high loss of moisture resulting in loss of strength and development of flaccidity in okra tissues, apart from the loss of its characteristic green color. In this study, different weights of freshly harvested okra pods (Hibiscus esculentus L.) were stored at 15°C and 75% relative humidity packaged under modified atmosphere (MAP) in 35 μm thick polypropylene film packages to assess the effect of different in-pack gaseous compositions of O2 and CO2 on the properties of okra. During storage, the normal freshness indicators of okra namely, the bright green color and ease of snapping at the tip served as the prominent qualitative and textural parameters, indicative of the acceptability of okra. Results indicated that an in-pack gaseous range for O2 (6.3-8.4%) and CO2 (10.7-11.8%) under MAP resulted in maintenance of green color and β-carotene in the pericarp, and ascorbic acid in the seeds as well as other qualitative parameters. Further, the texture analysis of okra at the pre-determined snapping point at the tip and also along the longitudinal portion showed that MAP stored okra were snapping easily at the tips and had a very slight increase in the other mechanical properties which were considered to be within acceptable limits.

Systemic capillary leak syndrome resulting in compartment syndrome and the requirement for a surgical airway

We report on a case of systemic capillary leak syndrome associated with a monoclonal band on plasma electrophoresis. In our patient hospital admission was precipitated by ischaemic pain in the left lower limb, associated with polycythaemia, renal failure and hypovolaemic shock. Fluid resuscitation, venesection and renal replacement therapy were instituted but a compartment syndrome developed necessitating surgery. Failure of tracheal intubation resulted in the requirement for a surgical airway. Despite surgical and resuscitative efforts the outcome was fatal from hypovolaemia and hyperkalaemia. We aim to highlight the difficulties in managing this condition and to remind healthcare workers to include it in the differential diagnoses for patients presenting with polycythaemia; in particular polycythaemic patients with a monoclonal band on plasma electrophoresis.

Aqueous solution of [bmim][PF6]: ion and solvent effects on structure and dynamics

A dilute aqueous solution of the salt 1-n-butyl,3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF(6)]) has been studied using molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of ions on water and vice versa. The anion is found to diffuse faster than the cation in the solution, in contrast to observations in the pure ionic liquid. Distributions of pair energies have been employed to identify ion association, and around 13% of the ions were found to exist as pairs. The mean potential energy of water molecules present in the coordination shell of an anion is less than that of water molecules coordinated to a cation. The former kind also exhibit two distinct orientational preferences with respect to the anion. The larger diffusion coefficient of the anion is related to the faster dynamics of water molecules in its hydration layer, as evidenced from the relaxation of their residence time correlation function.

Intermolecular correlations in an ionic liquid under shear

The behavior of a model room temperature ionic liquid under shear is explored using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The external field reduces intermolecular structure in the liquid. However, orientational ordering of the molecules in the form of a nematic phase is observed under shear.

2,3,4,9-Tetra-hydro-1H-carbazole

In the title compound, C(12)H(13)N, two methyl-ene C atoms of the cyclo-hexene ring are disordered over two sites with occupancies of 0.591 (10) and 0.409 (10); both disorder components adopt half-chair conformations. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter-molecular N-H⋯π and C-H⋯π inter-actions.

3-Acetyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acrylate. Corrigendum

Corrigendum to Acta Cryst. (2007), E63, o4725.

The chemical name in the title of the paper by Chakkara­varthi, Anthonysamy, Balasubramanian & Manivannan [Acta Cryst. (2007), E63, o4725] is corrected.

Tuberculous gluteal abscess in infancy

Primary tuberculous gluteal abscess without bone involvement has not been reported in infancy. We report 3 infants with isolated tuberculous gluteal abscess who presented with gluteal swelling of 2 weeks, 1 month and 6 months duration, respectively. Tuberculin test was positive in all cases. Pus cultures from the gluteal abscess grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis in all 3 infants.

Tuberculosis associated hemophagocytic syndrome in infancy

An infant presented with prolonged fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, splenohepatomegaly, anemia and seborrheic dermatitis. Investigations including bone marrow findings confirmed the diagnosis of hemo-phagocytic syndrome (HPS) and the infant succumbed. Liver biopsy features of epithelioid granuloma and positive AFB culture of gastric aspirate confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). This rare association of HPS and tuberculosis in infancy is reported.

Synthesis and NMR spectral studies of some 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-one O-benzyloximes

Variously substituted 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-one O-benzyloximes were synthesized by the direct condensation of the corresponding 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones with O-benzylhydroxylamine hydrochloride. All the synthesized compounds are characterized by IR, Mass and NMR spectral studies. NMR spectral assignments are made unambiguously by their one-dimensional (1H NMR and 13C NMR) and two-dimensional (1H-1H COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC) NMR spectra. All the synthesized compounds are resulted as single isomer, i.e., exclusively E isomer (9-14). The conformational preference of 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-one oxime ethers with and without alkyl substituents at C-3 and C-5 has also been discussed using the spectral studies. The observed chemical shifts and coupling constants suggest that compounds 8-13 adopt normal chair conformation with equatorial orientation of all the substituents while compound 14 contributes significant boat conformation along with the predominant chair conformation in solution. The effect of oximination on ring carbons, their associated protons, alkyl substituents and ipso carbons are studied. Every proton in the piperidone ring of the oxime ether is observed as distinct signal due to oximination. The order of chemical shift magnitude in compound 8 is H-2a>H-6a>H-5e>H-3e>H-3a>H-5a. For 9-12, the order is H-6a>H-5e>H-2a>H-3a>H-5a, for 13, H-6a>H-2a>H-5e>H-3a>H-5a and for 14, the order is H-2a>H-6a>H-5e>H-3a>H-5a while the 13C chemical shift magnitude for 8-14 due to oximination is C-2>C-6>C-3>C-5.

Vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breast-fed infants

Exclusive breast-feeding is recommended up to 6 months of age with all its beneficial effects on child survival. Several studies have concluded that adequate intake of vitamin D cannot be met with human milk as the sole source of vitamin D. As breast-feeding rates increase, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency rickets is also expected to rise. One of the potential sources of vitamin D synthesis is in the skin from the ultraviolet rays of sunlight. Risk factors for developing vitamin D deficiency and rickets include low maternal levels of vitamin D, indoor confinement during the day, living at higher altitudes, living in urban areas with tall buildings, air pollution, darker skin pigmentation, use of sunscreen and covering much or all of the body when outside. In a study of 50 cases of hypocalcaemia reported from an urban tertiary care children's hospital in Chennai, 13 exclusively breast-fed infants presented with hypocalcaemia due to vitamin D deficiency and most of them with seizures. None of them had received vitamin D supplementation and all their mothers had biochemical evidence for vitamin D deficiency. This review discusses the rising incidence of vitamin D deficiency in infancy and the need to consider and implement methods to prevent the same by supplementation and increased exposure to sunlight without the hazards of ultraviolet rays on the skin. Further research to define the magnitude of vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breast-fed infants as a public health and paediatric problem and to recommend programmes to prevent the same are of utmost importance.

A novel histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8)-specific inhibitor PCI-34051 induces apoptosis in T-cell lymphomas

We have developed a potent, histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8)-specific inhibitor PCI-34051 with >200-fold selectivity over the other HDAC isoforms. PCI-34051 induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in cell lines derived from T-cell lymphomas or leukemias, but not in other hematopoietic or solid tumor lines. Unlike broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitors, PCI-34051 does not cause detectable histone or tubulin acetylation. Cells defective in T-cell receptor signaling were still sensitive to PCI-34051-induced apoptosis, whereas a phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLCgamma1)-defective line was resistant. Jurkat cells showed a dose-dependent decrease in PCI-34051-induced apoptosis upon treatment with a PLC inhibitor U73122, but not with an inactive analog. We found that rapid intracellular calcium mobilization from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and later cytochrome c release from mitochondria are essential for the apoptotic mechanism. The rapid Ca(2+) flux was dependent on PCI-34051 concentration, and was blocked by the PLC inhibitor U73122. Further, apoptosis was blocked by Ca(2+) chelators (BAPTA) and enhanced by Ca(2+) effectors (thapsigargin), supporting this model. These studies show that HDAC8-selective inhibitors have a unique mechanism of action involving PLCgamma1 activation and calcium-induced apoptosis, and could offer benefits including a greater therapeutic index for treating T-cell malignancies.

283 EXPRESSION OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS AND MESENCHYMAL DIFFERENTIATION OF STEM CELLS DERIVED FROM WHARTON'S JELLY OF PORCINE UMBILICAL CORD

Wharton's jelly derived from mesoderm of umbilical cord matrix is an abundant source of stem cells such as mesenchymal and more primitive stem cells that don't raise the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells. The Oct-4 POU transcription factor, Nanog, and Sox-2 are expressed in embryonic stem cells and have been implicated in embryonic development and maintenance of pluripotency. The present study examined the expression of early transcription factors, Oct-4, Nanog, and Sox-2, and capability of differentiation to osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes of the cells of Wharton's jelly isolated from porcine umbilical cord. Wharton's jelly was obtained from the umbilical cord of post-natal piglets (immediately after birth). This tissue was diced into 2-mm-diameter explants and attached to tissue culture dishes. Cells were then cultured in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% fetal blood serum (FBS), 10 ng mL–1 basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), 1 nm dexamethasone, and 10 nm insulin at 38.5�C, 5% CO2 in air. Expression of Oct-4, Nanog, and Sox-2 by these cells was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and compared with expression by porcine bone marrow MSCs established in our laboratory. Osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation were induced following the protocols described earlier (Jin et al. 2007 Int. J. Dev. Biol. 51, 85–90; Mohana Kumar et al. 2007 Mol. Cells, in press). Cells isolated from Wharton's jelly expressed Oct-4, Nanog, and Sox-2 especially in colonies/clusters, as observed by immunocytochemistry and gene expression by RT-PCR, and this expression was higher than by MSCs isolated from bone marrow. Osteocytes were documented by the formation of the mineral nodules with alkaline phosphatase-positive cells and deposition of calcium. Differentiation into adipocytes was exhibited by oil red O staining of lipid vacuoles. Alcian blue staining for proteoglycans demonstrated the differentiation of chondrogenic cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that cells isolated from Wharton's jelly have properties of primitive pluripotency and multilineage differentiation. These stem cells, therefore, can serve as an easily accessible and expandable source possessing potential for preclinical applications using a large animal model. This work was supported by Grant No. 20070301034040 from Bio-organ, Republic of Korea.

167 EXPRESSION PATTERN OF GAP JUNCTIONAL CONNEXINS DURING IN VITRO AND IN VIVO PREIMPLANTATION EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN BOVINE

During preimplantation development, several connexin proteins are expressed and assembled into gap junctions in the plasma membrane at compaction but the functional significance of connexin diversity remains controversial. The present investigations were (i) to compare the expression pattern of a panel of gap junctional connexin (Cx) gene transcripts from in vitro-produced (IVP) under low (5%) and high (20%) oxygen (O2) concentrations and in vivo-derived (IVD) bovine embryos during various preimplantation stages, and (ii) to evaluate the expression of the same set of gene transcripts in blastocysts derived from IVP (low O2 concentration) and in vivo embryos following a conventional cryopreservation method using 1.5 m ethylene glycol (EG) (Hasler et al. 1997 Theriogenology 48, 563–579). Cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured in TCM199 supplemented with 10% FBS and hormones for 22 h at 39�C, 5% CO2 in air, and then inseminated and cultured in SOF medium for 7 days. IVD embryos were collected from 18 superovulated and artificially inseminated cows. In Experiment I, five pooled embryos from each developmental stage (2-, 4-, 8-, 16-cell, morula, and blastocyst) and embryo source (IVP under low and high O2 concentrations and IVD) and, in Experiment II, Day 7 IVP (low O2 concentration) and IVD blastocysts following cryopreservation and storage for at least 1 week were used for analyzing the expression pattern of gap junctional connexin (Cx30, Cx31, Cx32, Cx36, Cx43, and Cx45) gene transcripts using real-time RT-PCR (four replicates). Normalization of mRNAs at each developmental stage of bovine preimplantation embryos was performed by employing a similar amount of RNA at the reverse transcription (RT) step. This was followed by analyzing by qRT-PCR the target genes using GAPDH as a reference gene. Significant differences in gene expression were analyzed byANOVA and Student's t-test. Relative abundances (RA) of Cx30, Cx31, and Cx32 of IVD embryos were significantly (P < 0.05) higher at all stages compared to that of IVP embryos, except at the blastocyst stage for Cx32. Differences in Cx36 and Cx45 were observed at all stages, with the levels being higher (P < 0.05) in IVD than in IVP embryos. However, the differences at the 4-cell stage between the two embryo sources were not significant. The RA of Cx43 transcript in IVD embryos at 4- and 16-cell stages was higher (P < 0.05) than in IVP embryos, but did not differ at the 2-cell stage. Furthermore, there were differences at the 8-cell and blastocyst stages among IVD, and low and high O2 IVP embryos. Following cryopreservation, RA of all analyzed connexin transcripts of IVD blastocysts were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the low O2 concentration. However, the expression levels in both embryo sources were lower compared to blastocysts before cryopreservation, except for Cx36. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the differences in the expression pattern of a panel of gap junctional connexin gene transcripts during the key developmental stages of IVP embryos with direct comparisons of IVD counterparts.

Pneumoparotitis with subcutaneous emphysema

We report an adolescent with recurrent bilateral parotitis with pneumoparotitis and subcutaneous emphysema due to self pneumoinsufflation by a Valsalva like maneuver. Investigations for recurrent parotitis did not yield any clue. His la belle indifference, prolonged school absence and the presence of sibling rivalry helped us identify the psychological cause.

275 IN VITRO DIFFERENTIATION OF PORCINE MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS INTO NEURON-LIKE CELLS

The unique self-renewal ability for multilineage differentiation makes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) a promising cell source for regenerative medicine. However, before adapting in clinical trials, there is a need for a systematic evaluation of the in vitro differentiation process and the functional identities of cells generated using animal model systems. We have previously reported that MSCs derived from porcine umbilical cord blood (pUCB), post-natal bone marrow, and young adult bone marrow with typical phenotypic properties differentiate in vitro into various cells types of mesodermal lineage (Jin et al. 2007 Int. J. Dev. Biol. 51, 85–90; Mohana Kumar et al. 2007 Mol. Cells, in press). In the present study, we examined whether porcine MSCs (pMSCs) obtained from different origins, such as UCB, post-natal (immediately after birth) bone marrow, and young adult (6 months old) bone marrow are capable of neuronal differentiation in vitro. Subconfluent cultures of pMSCs (2–5 passages) were induced to become neuroectodermal cells following the protocol described earlier (Woodbury et al. 2000 J. Neurosci. Res. 61, 364–370), with minor modifications. After induction, 75 80% of cells exhibited substantial morphological changes including appearance of a more spherical shape, with multipolar and extending processes arranged into a network-like structure. Besides acquiring a neuronal phenotype, pMSCs derived from different origins displayed the expression pattern of characteristic neural-specific markers including early, intermediate, and late neural cell types. Differentiated cells expressed markers such as nestin, microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), neuronal nuclei (NeuN), βIII-tubulin, neurofilament-M (NF-M), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), galactocerebroside (GalC), and myelin basic protein (MBP) by immunofluorescence analysis. Expression pattern was further confirmed by analyzing selected neuronal transcripts by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Neurally differentiated pMSCs from different origins showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher relative abundance of nestin, βIII-tubulin, NF-M, and GFAP, compared to cells in control. In conclusion, the morphological observations and expression of neuronal-specific markers support the fact that pMSCs from different origins possess the ability to differentiate in vitro into neuron-like cells upon exposure to appropriate stimuli. Furthermore, these findings provide additional support for the emerging concept that the establishment of cell lines from pMSCs can have a pivotal role in standardizing cell replacement strategies.

Synthesis and NMR spectral studies of N-chloroacetyl-2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones

A series of 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones having electron withdrawing chloroacetyl group at the heterocyclic nitrogen were synthesized. Unambiguous characterizations of the synthesized compounds were achieved by one-dimensional ((1)H NMR and (13)C NMR) and two-dimensional (HOMOCOSY, NOESY and HSQC spectra for compounds 8 and 9 and HOMOCOSY spectrum only for 10) NMR spectroscopic data. The conformational preferences of N-chloroacetyl-2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones with and without alkyl substituent at C-3 and C-5 (8-14) have also been discussed using the spectral studies. The spectral data and extracted coupling constant values suggest that the compounds 8, 12 and 14 adopt flattened boat conformation whereas the remaining compounds exist in twist-boat conformations in solution with coplanar orientation of the chloroacetyl moiety present at the heterocyclic nitrogen. The substituent parameters for the chloroacetyl moiety on the heterocyclic ring carbons have also been derived and discussed elaborately on the basis of their steric, electronic and gamma-eclipsing interaction. This substituent at the nitrogen causes a substantial change on the chemical shifts of ring carbons and the associated protons.

Refined potential model for atomistic simulations of ionic liquid [bmim][PF6]

Refined parameters of an atomistic interaction potential model for the room temperature ionic liquid 1-n-butyl,3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate are presented. Classical molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out to validate this fully flexible all-atom model. It predicts the density of the liquid at different temperatures between 300 and 500 K within 1.4% of the experimental value. Intermolecular radial distribution functions and the spatial distribution functions obtained from the new model are in close agreement with ab initio simulations. The calculated diffusion coefficients of ions and the surface tension of the liquid agree well with experiment.