Right Atrial Myxoma with Coexistent Coronary Artery Disease - A Rare Combination

Atrial myxomas are the most common primary heart tumors. Two-dimensional echocardiography is the diagnostic procedure of choice. The majority of myxomas are located in the left atrium. Myxoma in the right atrium is an uncommon location. The co-occurrence of right atrial myxoma with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) is uncommon. In our case, right atrial myxoma was associated with CAD, which makes it a unique case because very few cases of right atrial myxoma coexistent with CAD are described in literature.

Three-Chambered Heart (Single Atrium) - A Rare Entity

Single atrium (SA) is one of the rare congenital anomalies in which there is a complete absence of the atrial septum without an endocardial cushion defect associated with the absence of malformation of the atrioventricular (AV) valves. The term “common atrium” is used to denote the condition where there is a complete absence of the atrial septum or it is represented by a small strand of tissue present at the superior atrial wall of the common chamber, absence of interventricular communication, and accompanying AV cushion defect. Our patient demonstrated typical echocardiographic features of three-chambered heart (SA), which is a rare entity.

Fetal ultrasound parameters: Reference values for a local perspective

Background

Fetal biometry, with the help of ultrasonography (USG) provides the most reliable and important information about fetal growth and well-being. Frequently used parameters for fetal measurements by this method are the biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL). These fetal dimensions depend upon the racial demographic characteristics, nutrition, genetics and many more environmental factors of a particular population.

Aims

The purpose of the present investigation was to define and analyze these fetal biometric parameters in our local population and to compare them with the given norms.

Methods

This cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was conducted on a total of 425 fetuses with a period of gestation between 18 to 38 weeks. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate the mean with standard deviation and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each fetal parameter in each gestational week.

Results

Mean of BPD and FL in our population are similar to the mean values given by Hadlock throughout the pregnancy, except near the end of the third trimester where our population shows a slightly lower range of mean values. HC and AC fall below the lower range of Hadlock as early as 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Conclusions

Fetal biometric parameters in the studied population are at the lower range of established nomograms by Hadlock on white fetuses, more so with the progression of pregnancy.

Isolated Double-Chambered Right Ventricle - A Rare Entity

A double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a rare congenital heart disease and an uncommon cause of congestive heart failure. An anomalous muscle band divides the right ventricle into two cavities: the proximal high-pressure chamber and the distal low-pressure chamber. Most cases are diagnosed and treated during childhood. Furthermore, there is a tendency for progression, if not treated early. Echocardiography is considered useful for the diagnosis of this ailment. Most of the patients have associated congenital anomalies, such as ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and subaortic stenosis. Isolated DCRV is a rare entity. Hence, we report a case of an isolated DCRV in an adult patient.

In vivo efficacy of a synthetic coumarin derivative in a murine model of aspergillosis

Despite advances in therapeutic modalities, aspergillosis remains a leading cause of mortality. This has necessitated the identification of effective and safe antifungal molecules. In the present study, in vivo safety and antifungal efficacy of a coumarin derivative, N, N, N-Triethyl-11-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-benzopyran-7-yloxy)-11-oxoundecan-1-aminium bromide (SCD-1), was investigated. The maximum tolerable dose of compound was determined according to OECD 423 guidelines. The compound could be assigned to category IV of the Globally Harmonized System and its LD₅₀ cut-off was found to be 2000 mg/kg body weight. The survival increased in Aspergillus fumigatus-infected mice treated with a dose of 200 mg/kg, orally or 100 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally, of SCD-1 in comparison to infected-untreated animals. The SCD-1 treatment resulted in significant reduction in colony counts in vital organs of the animals. Its protective effect was also observed on day 14 as there was marked reduction in fungal colonies. The treatment with SCD-1 also reduced the levels of serum biochemical parameters with respect to infected-untreated animals. It could be concluded that SCD-1 is a quite safe antifungal compound, which conferred dose dependent protection against experimental aspergillosis. Therefore, SCD-1 holds potential for developing new formulations for aspergillosis.

Elisa based diagnostic test for Aspergillosis

Detection of lgE and lgG antibodies in Aspergillosis is of diagnostic significance. The serological methods, such as agglutination, gel diffusion and counter immuno electrophoresis that are commonly used in the laboratories for diagnosis of Aspergillus induced infections, are less sensitive and high cross reactivity is often encountered. We carried out work on characterization and identification of diagnostically relevant antigens ofA. fumigatus. Well characterized antigens were used to develop an ELISA with 92% sensitivity and 89% specificity for detection of specific lgE and lgG in the sera of patients of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), aspergilloma and invasive aspergillosis. Subsequently, a sample kit having "ready to use type" of dry reagents (powder/tableted buffers and lyophilized antigen, conjugate and reference sera) was formulated. The kit was validated with sera from patients of ABPA, related allergic disorders, tuberculosis, post-Kochs cases and thalassemic children receiving repeated blood transfusions. The performance of the kit was found to be satisfactory with coded sera.

Proteomic characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus treated with an antifungal coumarin for identification of novel target molecules of key pathways

A synthetic coumarin, N,N,N-triethyl-11-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yloxy)-11-oxoundecan-1-aminium bromide (SCD-1), having potent activity against pathogenic Aspergilli (MIC90 15.62 μg/mL), was investigated to identify its molecular targets in the pathogen. The proteome of Aspergillus fumigatus was developed after treatment with sublethal doses of compound and analyzed. The results demonstrated 143 differentially expressed proteins on treatment with SCD-1. The expression of four proteins, namely cell division control protein, ubiquitin-like activating enzyme, vacuolar ATP synthase catalytic subunit A, and UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase of A. fumigatus, was completely inhibited, whereas there were 13 newly expressed and 96 overexpressed proteins, mainly belonging to stress pathway. The treatment of A. fumigatus with SCD-1 also led to attenuation of proteins involved in cell replication and other important biosynthetic processes, including riboflavin biosynthesis, which has been pathogen-specific. In addition to key enzymatic players and antioxidants, nine hypothetical proteins were also identified, seven of which have been novel, being described for the first time. As no cellular functions have yet been described for these hypothetical proteins, their alteration in response to SCD-1 provides significant information about their putative roles in pathogen defense.

Novel cytosolic allergens of Aspergillus fumigatus identified from germinating conidia

Aspergillus fumigatus is the common cause of allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and most of the allergens have been described from its secreted fraction. In the present investigation, germinating conidial cytosolic proteins of A. fumigatus were extracted from a 16 h culture. The proteome from this fraction was developed, and immuno-blots were generated using pooled ABPA patients' sera. Well separated Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) and Immunoglobulin-G (IgG) reactive spots were picked from corresponding 2DE gels and subjected to mass spectrometric analysis. As a result, 66 immuno-reactive proteins were identified from two geographically different strains (190/96 and DAYA) of A. fumigatus. Only 3 out of 66 proteins reacted with IgG, and the remaining 63 proteins were found to be IgE reactive. These 63 IgE-reactive cytosolic proteins from germinating conidia included 2 already known (Asp f12 and Asp f22) and 4 predicted allergens (Hsp88, Hsp70, malate dehydrogenase, and alcohol dehydrogenase) based on their homology with other known fungal allergens. In view of this, the panel of presently identified IgE-reactive novel proteins holds the potential of providing a basis for the wider diagnostic application in assay for allergic aspergillosis. We could demonstrate that recombinantly expressed proteins from this panel showed consistent reactivity with IgE of individual sera of ABPA patients. The recombinantly expressed proteins may also be useful in desensitization therapy of allergic disorders including ABPA.

Magnetic control of large room-temperature polarization

Numerous authors have referred to room-temperature magnetic switching of large electric polarizations as 'the Holy Grail' of magnetoelectricity. We report this long-sought effect, obtained using a new physical process of coupling between magnetic and ferroelectric nanoregions. Solid state solutions of PFW [Pb(Fe(2/3)W(1/3))O(3)] and PZT [Pb(Zr(0.53)Ti(0.47))O(3)] exhibit some bi-relaxor qualities, with both ferroelectric relaxor characteristics and magnetic relaxor phenomena. Near 20% PFW the ferroelectric relaxor state is nearly unstable at room temperature against long-range ferroelectricity. Here we report magnetic switching between the normal ferroelectric state and a magnetically quenched ferroelectric state that resembles relaxors. This gives both a new room-temperature, single-phase, multiferroic magnetoelectric, (PbFe(0.67)W(0.33)O(3))(0.2)(PbZr(0.53)Ti(0.47)O(3))(0.8) ('0.2PFW/0.8PZT'), with polarization, loss (<1%), and resistivity (typically 10(8)-10(9) Ω cm) equal to or superior to those of BiFeO(3), and also a new and very large magnetoelectric effect: switching not from +P(r) to -P(r) with applied H, but from P(r) to zero with applied H of less than a tesla. This switching of the polarization occurs not because of a conventional magnetically induced phase transition, but because of dynamic effects: increasing H lengthens the relaxation time by 500 × from<200 ns to>100 µs, and it strongly couples the polarization relaxation and spin relaxations. The diverging polarization relaxation time accurately fits a modified Vogel-Fulcher equation in which the freezing temperature T(f) is replaced by a critical freezing field H(f) that is 0.92 ± 0.07 T. This field dependence and the critical field H(c) are derived analytically from the spherical random bond random field model with no adjustable parameters and an E(2)H(2) coupling. This device permits three-state logic (+P(r),0,-P(r)) and a condenser with >5000% magnetic field change in its capacitance; for H = 0 the coercive voltage is 1.4 V across 300 nm for +P(r) to -P(r) switching, and the coercive magnetic field is 0.5 T for +P(r) to zero switching.

In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities of seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (Lin.) Roxb

AIM OF THE STUDY

Caesalpinia bonduc (Lin.) Roxb. is a known drug in Ayurveda to treat various diseases specifically tumors, cysts and cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to assess in vitro as well as in vivo antimicrobial activity of Caesalpinia bonduc seeds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro antimicrobial activities of seed coat and seed kernel extracts were investigated by microbroth dilution assay. In vivo activities of hydro-alcoholic extracts were investigated in rat models of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia mimicking that in patients with cystic fibrosis.

RESULTS

Various extracts of plant seeds exhibited in vitro antimicrobial activities in a range of 22-350 microg/ml. The extracts also showed activity against methicillin resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus and ampicillin resistant (AR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa as in the sensitive strains. In rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, hydro-alcoholic extracts of Caesalpinia bonduc seed kernel (CBSK) and Caesalpinia bonduc seed coat (CBSC) were injected subcutaneously in the test groups of animals. The control groups were treated with cortisone and saline. Two weeks after challenge with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the CBSK treated animals showed a significant bacterial clearance from the lungs (P<0.04) and less severe incidence of lung abscess (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Results showed that Caesalpinia bonduc may have the potential to be promising natural medicine, with other forms of treatments, for CF patients with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Cross-Infective Rhizobia from Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha)

The Sesbania has been widely used as green manure to improve the productivity of several crops. Sinorhizobium saheli strain (SB2) was isolated from the root nodule of Sesbania aculeata. The Tn5 mutants (300) of SB2 were generated and studied for their nodulation efficiencies in its specific and cross-infective host plants. The mutant, SB2M3, was found to have two- and four fold higher nodulation efficiency than wild type in parent host and nonspecific host plant, respectively. SB2M3 differed from SB2 in exopolysaccharide and lipopolysaccharide content. SB2M3 was halotolerant and could grow in alkaline pH at comparatively high temperatures. Hence, it may find an application in agritechnology.

T lymphocyte subset profile and serum alpha-1-antitrypsin in pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by the presence of non-fully reversible airflow limitation. The study was undertaken to investigate the involvement of alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha(1)AT) and T lymphocyte subsets in the pathogenesis of COPD. Blood samples of 50 subjects, including 25 healthy volunteers and 25 patients with COPD, were analysed. Serum trypsin inhibitory capacity (STIC) was determined by enzymatic assay. CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes were enumerated in heparinized blood using a fluorescence activated cell sorter counter. The STIC in COPD patients was found to be decreased significantly than in controls (P < 0.01). In COPD patients with lower expression levels of alpha(1)AT, a highly significant decrease in the number of CD4(+) T lymphocytes (P < 0.0009) and CD4/CD8 ratio was observed compared with control subjects (P < 0.008). The mean +/- standard error of CD8(+) lymphocytes was found to be little different (only marginally decreased) in COPD patients compared to healthy controls; however, an alteration in the individual count of CD8(+) lymphocytes cells was observed in COPD patients. Using linear regression analysis, a negative correlation was observed between STIC and CD4(+) lymphocytes and CD8(+) lymphocytes (r = -0.40, P < 0.04; r = -0.42, P < 0.03, respectively) in COPD patients. An alteration in alpha(1)AT and T lymphocyte subsets in COPD patients suggested that interplay of these factors may be responsible for the progression of COPD.

Post-antifungal effects of the antifungal compound 2-(3,4-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1-methylethyl pentanoate on Aspergillus fumigatus

The post-antifungal effect (PAFE) of the antifungal compound 2-(3,4-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1-methylethyl pentanoate (DHP) upon Aspergillus fumigatus was investigated. The conidia of A. fumigatus were exposed to DHP at concentrations of 1× and 4× MIC90 for variable times at 37 °C. Amphotericin B (AmB)-treated or drug-free controls were included in the study. DHP as well as AmB exposure resulted in prolonged lag phases of the turbidimetric growth curves. Both the treatments gave rise to delayed growth, with lag phases of 11 h upon treatment with a concentration of 4× MIC90 for 4 h. Furthermore, it was observed that DHP inhibited the expression of three A. fumigatus secretory proteins of 18, 42 and 55 kDa. One protein of 42 kDa was found to be a metalloprotease, which is an important virulence factor. Analysis of time-dependent antigenic profiles showed the early expression of high-molecular-mass antigens. Expression of low-molecular-mass antigens started after 24 h culture. The antigens of A. fumigatus that are expressed during the early phase of growth were observed to be adversely affected after treatment with DHP. Although the mechanism of action of DHP to inhibit these proteins/antigens is unknown, the observations may be valuable to understand their role in the virulence of the pathogen, as well as the antigen-mediated responses caused by A. fumigatus.

An antifungal protein from Escherichia coli

A cytosolic protein was purified fromEscherichia coliBL21 that demonstrated potent antifungal activity against pathogenic strains ofAspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus flavus,Aspergillus nigerandCandida albicans. The MIC of purified protein fromE. coliBL21 (PPEBL21) againstAspergillusspecies andC. albicanswas 1.95–3.98 and 15.62 μg ml−1, respectively.In vitrotoxicity tests demonstrated no cytotoxicity of PPEBL21 to human erythrocytes up to the tested concentrations of 1250 μg ml−1. Amphotericin B was lethal to 100 % of human erythrocytes at a concentration of 37.5 μg ml−1. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of PPEBL21 was found to be DLAEVASR, which showed 75 % sequence similarity with alcohol dehydrogenase of yeast. Mass fingerprinting by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry also substantiated these observations. The results suggested thatE. coliBL21 might be an important bioresource of lead molecules for developing new peptide-based therapies for treating fungal infections.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of substituted-10-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]indoles

Series of substituted-10-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]indoles derivatives have been synthesized and examined for their activity against pathogenic strains of Aspergillus fumigatus (ITCC 4517), Aspergillus flavus (ITCC 5192) Aspergillus niger (ITCC 5405) and Candida albicans (ITCC No 4718). All synthesized compounds showed mild to moderate activity, except for 2-substituted-10-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]indoles 6a-d. The most active 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-10-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]indole 4c exhibited a MIC value of 5.85 microg/disc against A. fumigatus and 11.71 microg/disc against A. flavus and A. niger in disc diffusion assay. Anti-Aspergillus activity of active compound 4c by microbroth dilution assay was found to be 15.62 microg/ml in case of A. fumigatus and 31.25 microg/ml with A. flavus and A. niger. The MIC90 value of the most active compound by percent germination inhibition assay was found to be 15.62 microg/ml against A. fumigatus. The MIC90 values of substituted-10-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]indoles against C. albicans ranged from 15.62 to 250 microg/ml. The in vitro toxicity of the most active 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-10-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]indole 4c was evaluated using haemolytic assay, in which the compound was found to be non-toxic to human erythrocytes up to a concentration of 312.50 microg/ml. The standard drug amphotericin B exhibited 100% lysis at a concentration of 37.5 microg/ml.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of N-alkyl and N-aryl piperazine derivatives

A series of substituted piperazine derivatives have been synthesized and tested for antimicrobial activity. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCCB 737), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCCB 741), Streptomyces epidermidis (MTCCB 1824) and Escherichia coli (MTCCB 1652), and antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. All synthesized compounds showed significant activity against bacterial strains but were found to be less active against tested fungi. In vitro toxicity tests demonstrated that compounds 4d and 6a showed very less toxicity against human erythrocytes.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of antimicrobial dihydropyridines and tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ones: Novel compounds against aspergillosis

Ten 4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridine and three 4-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-one derivatives have been synthesized and examined for their activity against pathogenic strains of Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. Although none of the three compounds belonging to pyrimidin-2-one series showed any activity against two pathogens, two of the compounds of the dihydropyridine series, that is, diethyl 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridin-3,5-dicarboxylate and dimethyl 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridin-3,5-dicarboxylate, exhibited significant activity against A. fumigatus in disc diffusion, microbroth dilution and percent spore germination inhibition assays. The most active diethyl dihydropyridine derivative exhibited a MIC value of 2.92 microg/disc in disc diffusion and 15.62 microg/ml in microbroth dilution assays. The MIC(90) value of the most active compound by percent germination inhibition assay was found to be 15.62 microg/ml. The diethyl dicarboxylate derivative of dihydropyridine also exhibited appreciable activity against C. albicans. The in vitro toxicity of the most active diethyl dihydropyridine derivative was evaluated using haemolytic assay, in which the compound was found to be non-toxic to human erythrocytes even at a concentration of 625 microg/ml. The standard drug amphotericin B exhibited 100% lysis of erythrocytes at a concentration almost 16 times less than the safer concentration of the most active dihydropyridine derivative.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino [1,2-a] indoles

A series of substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino [1,2-a] indole derivatives have been synthesized and tested against the Gram positive and Gram negative strains of bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus (MTCCB 737), Salmonella typhi (MTCCB 733), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCCB 741), Streptomyces thermonitrificans (MTCCB 1824) and Escherichia coli (MTCCB 1652). All synthesized compounds showed mild to moderate activity. However, compounds 4d-f were found to have potent activity against pathogenic bacteria used in the study. Their MIC ranged from 3.75 to 60 microg/disc. In vitro toxicity tests demonstrated that toxicity of 4d-f was not significantly different than that of gentamycin. However, at higher concentration (1000-4000 microg/ml) difference was highly significant.

Investigations on anti-Aspergillus properties of bacterial products

AIMS

To investigate the anti-Aspergillus properties of bacterial products.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the present study, 12 bacterial strains were screened for antifungal activity against Aspergilli. The culture supernatant and lysates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli (BL21, DH5alpha, HB101, XL Blue), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptomyces thermonitrificans, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi were examined for antifungal activity in protein concentration ranging from 1000.0 to 7.8 microg ml-1 using microbroth dilution assay. The lysate of Salm. typhi and E. coli BL21 exhibited the maximum activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Their in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were found to be 15.6-31.2 microg ml-1 by microbroth dilution and spore germination inhibition assays. In disc diffusion assay, a concentration of 3.1 microg disc-1 of Salm. typhi lysate showed significant activity against Aspergilli. Escherichia coli BL21 exhibited similar activity at 6.2 microg disc-1. The work on identification of molecule endowed with antimycotic properties is in progress.

CONCLUSION

The products of Salm. typhi and E. coli demonstrated significant activity against Aspergillus species.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first time that E. coli has been reported for anti-Aspergillus activity. It could be an important source of biologically active compounds useful for developing better new antifungal drugs/or probiotics.

Efficacy of 2-(3,4-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1h-pyrrole-2-yl)-1-methylethyl pentanoate in a murine model of invasive aspergillosis

2-(3,4-Dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-2-yl)-1-methylethyl pentanoate, an antifungal compound, was found to be nontoxic to RAW cells up to a concentration of 312.5 microg/ml, whereas amphotericin B was lethal to all cells at 37.5 microg/ml. The treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus-infected mice with a dose of 200.0 mg of compound/kg of body weight increased their survival rate by 60%, with a decrease in CFU in organ tissues. The protection afforded by the compound against experimental aspergillosis was found to be dose dependent.

In vitro antifungal activity of 2-(3,4-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1-methylethyl pentanoate, a dihydropyrrole derivative

A novel compound 2-(3,4-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1-methylethyl pentanoate was isolated from the plant Datura metel L. The in vitro activity of this dihydropyrrole derivative against Aspergillus and Candida species was evaluated by using standard methods approved by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. The compound was found to be active against all the species tested, namely Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The MIC at which more than 90% of growth was inhibited (MIC(90)) by the compound ranged from 21.87 to 43.75 microg ml(-1) against various fungal species by microbroth dilution assay. Since the compound 2-(3,4-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1-methylethyl pentanoate has antifungal activity it can be explored further to develop new antimycotic drugs.

Association of the PIM3 allele of the alpha-1-antitrypsin gene with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

The study investigated the association of genetic polymorphism of the alpha1AT gene with COPD.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The mutations and polymorphism of alpha1AT gene were investigated by DNA sequence analysis using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The frequency of the PIM3 allele in COPD patients was found to be significantly higher than the controls (P < 0.0001). Five SNPs, including a novel SNP (24_25insA), were observed near the junction of exon-intron I. The occurrence of these SNPs didn't show any association with COPD. However, the PIM3 allele of the alpha1AT gene was found to be associated with COPD.

CONCLUSION

The PIM3 allele of the alpha1AT gene is found to have an association with the pathogenesis of COPD in the Indian population.

A fraction from Escherichia coli with anti-Aspergillus properties

The products of various strains of Escherichia coli (BL21, DH5alpha, HB101 and XL Blue) were investigated for antimycotic properties using pathogenic isolates of Aspergillus. Co-culture experiments revealed that E. coli strains exhibited variable activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. The lysates prepared from DH5alpha, HB101 and XL Blue strains of E. coli showed inhibitory activity against A. fumigatus in the protein concentration range of 62.50 to 250.00 microg ml(-1). The highest activity was seen in the lysate of BL21, which inhibited the growth of A. fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus completely at a concentration of 31.25 microg protein ml(-1). The MIC of BL21 lysate against Aspergillus niger was found to be 62.50 microg ml(-1). The in vitro toxicity of BL21 lysate was evaluated using a haemolytic assay. A BL21 lysate protein concentration of 1250.00 microg ml(-1) was found to be nontoxic to human erythrocytes. The standard drug amphotericin B lysed 100 % of erythrocytes at a concentration of 37.50 microg ml(-1). SDS-PAGE showed the presence of at least 15 major proteins in the lysate of BL21. Ion-exchange chromatography resolved the BL21 lysate into five fractions and fraction III was found to be endowed with anti-Aspergillus properties. The MIC of this fraction was found to be 3.90 microg ml(-1). Further work on the purification of the active molecule and its characterization is in progress.

A novel antifungal pyrrole derivative from Datura metel leaves

Phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Datura metel Linn. led to the isolation of a new pyrrole derivative 1 which was characterised as 2beta-(3,4-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1'-methylethyl pentanoate on the basis of spectral data analyses and chemical reactions. Compound 1 was endowed with antifungal activity and its MIC was found to be 87.5 microg/ml. Two proteins having molecular weights of 42 and 58 kD of Aspergillus fumigatus are potential targets for compound 1.

Antifungal potential of Indian medicinal plants

Fourteen Indian plants, selected based on their use in respiratory and other disorders in traditional systems of medicine, were analyzed for their potential activity against fungi. The antifungal activity was investigated by disc diffusion, microbroth dilution and percent spore germination inhibition tests against pathogenic Aspergilli. Methanolic extracts of Solanum xanthocarpum and Datura metel inhibited the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus and A. niger and their in vitro MICs were found to be 1.25-2.50 mg/ml by both microbroth dilution and percent spore germination assays. In disc diffusion assay, a concentration of 0.062 mg/disc of methanol extract of D. metel showed significant activity against Aspergilli. S. xanthocarpum exhibited similar activity at 0.125 mg/disc.

Studies on antimycotic properties of Datura metel

The hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanolic fractions of Datura metel L. were investigated for antifungal properties using pathogenic species of Aspergillus. The chloroform fraction was found to be endowed with antifungal activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chloroform fraction of D. metel L. was 625.0 microg ml(-1) against all the three species of Aspergillus, i.e. A. fumigatus, A. flavus and A. niger, by microbroth dilution and percent spore germination inhibition assays. The MIC by disc diffusion assay was observed to be 12.5 microg disc(-1). The chloroform fraction of D. metel, when investigated for potency, turned to be 9.2 times less active than amphotericin B. However, it was important to note that the cytotoxicity of chloroform fraction in vitro was 117.8 times less than amphotericin B.

Noncoronary transradial angioplasty with coronary equipment: a less invasive technique

As the safety and feasibility of the transradial approach for percutaneous coronary interventions have already been established by many series, we evaluate the safety and feasibility of this approach in noncoronary interventions such as renal, celiac, mesenteric, and subclavian angioplasty procedures. We present here our preliminary experience of noncoronary interventions via the transradial approach using coronary equipment with 100% technical and clinical success. Nine noncoronary interventions were performed in seven patients (five renal, two celiac, one mesenteric and subclavian angioplasty each). The advantage of this approach is that it limits arterial wall damage as well as potential distal embolization by the use of small guiding catheters and 0.014" guidewires. The only limitation of this approach for noncoronary interventions is the guiding catheter length in tall patients and the unavailability of large coronary balloons for subclavian, celiac, and renal interventions. With the miniaturization of equipment and improvements in technique, this approach will also become an excellent alternative for noncoronary interventions.

Purification of alpha feto protein from human cord blood

Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) is a major serum protein in the developing fetus and is of clinical significance as it is an oncofetal protein being synthesized by fetal organs and malignant tumors. AFP is here used as a diagnostic marker for hepatic carcinomas. In view of structural homology and similarities in physico-chemical properties with serum albumin, the separation and purification of AFP has always been a problem. Immunologically active AFP has been purified from human cord plasma using pseudoaffinity chromatography based on Cibacron blue substituted Sephadex G-100. AFP was quantified using rocket immunoelectrophoresis and double sandwich ELISA. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against purified AFP in mice. The purified antibodies were conjugated with peroxidase for use in double antibody sandwich ELISA. Purification of AFP from human cord plasma by an improved method with 55% recovery is reported.

Analysis of HIV seropositive thalassemic children for antibodies specific to Aspergillus fumigatus by luminescent immunoassay

The applicability of luminescent immunoassay (LIA) in serodiagnosis of fungal infections in multitransfused (MT) thalassemic children seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was investigated. Thirty-one sera samples from HIV infected pediatric patients with thalassemia receiving repeated blood transfusions were analysed for the presence of antibodies specific to Aspergillus fumigatus by LIA. The LIA was standardized using well defined antigens of A. fumigatus. Ten out of 31 (32.2%) of the MT-HIV positive patients were found to have anti-Aspergillus antibodies in their sera by LIA. The ELISA could detect A. fumigatus specific antibodies in 25.8% (8 out of 31) of the patients. Thus, 20% more number of patients turned to be positive for aspergillosis by LIA as compared to ELISA. The difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.005). Of the MT-HIV negative patients only 1 out of 33 (3%) showed A. fumigatus specific antibodies by LIA and ELISA both. In age and sex matched control group (n = 25) none of the patients was found to be positive for antibodies to A. fumigatus. LIA was found to have better discriminatory value indicating, thereby, its utility in diagnosis of aspergillosis in compromised patients.

Aspergillus fumigatus specific antibodies in multitransfused children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in relation to serum levels of Interleukin-2, gamma Interferon and tumour necrosis factor

Anti-Aspergillus fumigatus antibodies (IgG and IgE class) and serum levels of cytokines (gamma Interferon, Interleukin-2 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha) were studied in multitransfused (MT) children in relation to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The specific antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus were present in 25 per cent of MT children seropositive for HIV as compared to only 2 per cent among HIV-negative MT children (X2 = 14, P < 0.001). Estimation of serum cytokines level in MT children showed that the asymptomatic HIV-infected children had elevated levels of gamma interferon (Y-IFN) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) without any alteration of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) level, compared to HIV-negative group. However, clinically diagnosed cases of AIDS in the HIV-infected group showed elevation of all the three cytokines levels as compared to HIV negative group, as well as asymptomatic HIV infected group. Presence or absence of concomitant A. fumigatus infection did not lead to alteration of Y-IFN and IL-2 level in the HIV infected group, while TNF-alpha levels were markedly raised in the cases with evidences of presence of A. fumigatus specific antibodies irrespective of whether the group belonged to asymptomatic HIV infection or clinically proven cases of AIDS. The significance of these altered cytokines profile with respect to occurence of A. fumigatus infection in HIV-positive MT children has been discussed.

Dimethyl suberimidate as an effective crosslinker for antibody-enzyme conjugation

Dimethyl suberimidate (DMS), a bifunctional reagent was used for the first time to crosslink the alpha-feto protein monoclonal antibodies (AFPMAb) to horse radish peroxidase (HRP). Three batches of conjugates were prepared, purified by Sephadex gel chromatography and evaluated for their immunological reactivity. The Rz values obtained for AFPMAb-HRP conjugate were 0.39 to 1.36. Under optimised conditions the ELISA results showed the optical density of 1.9. The iso-electric focusing for the conjugate revealed different degrees of crosslinking between antibodies and HRP. It was evident that isoperoxidase-C was involved in the crosslinking process. From the dot ELISA, as low as 25 pg of AFP in the test samples could be detected with AFPMab-HRP conjugate. The conjugate prepared by DMS was stable at 0 degrees C for more than 10 months.

Immunogenicity of RNA-protein fraction isolated from axenic Entamoeba histolytica (NIH:200)

The immunogenicity of Entamoeba histolytica RNA (EhRNA) was studied in guinea-pigs. Animals immunized with a single dose of EhRNA and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) showed a high level of cell-mediated immune response (CMIR) as assessed by percent leucocyte migration inhibition (74.8 +/- 2.9) after 1 week of immunization. This response faded away gradually and by week 5 after immunization the percent leucocyte migration inhibition was 27.1 +/- 8.27, which is quite close to control values. The immunogenic activity of EhRNA was found to be specific, since yeast RNA failed to elicit immunological responses, and was RNase-sensitive. The CMIR could be maintained at its high level by giving boosters or multiple doses. Anti-EhRNA antibodies (haemagglutinins or precipitins) could not be demonstrated at any stage.

Efficacies of vaccines against canine hookworm disease

Three types of vaccine (1) a sonicated extract of killed larvae, (2) 5-fluorouracil-treated larvae and (3) 40 krad. X-irradiated larvae have been evaluated. Pups aged 3-4 months, weighing 2 +/- 0.5 kg and free of natural hookworm infection were selected for experimental studies. The sonicated extract was given either in a single dose or as 2 doses at weekly intervals, whereas the 5-fluorouracil-treated and X-irradiated larvae were given in a single dose only. After completion of the vaccination schedule, the pups were challenged with filariform larvae and were sacrificed 3 weeks after challenge. Non-vaccinated pups and those vaccinated with a single dose of sonicated extract lost weight and had diarrhoea or dysentery after challenge. Furthermore, in non-vaccinated pups, haemoglobin levels fell and at autopsy the intestinal mucosa was found to be grossly congested and free blood was present in the lumen of the intestine. Such findings were not obtained in pups vaccinated with the other types of vaccines. The percentage of infective larvae which developed to the adult stage in non-vaccinated pups was 82.7 +/- 9.53 compared with 45.1 +/- 12.33, 30.1 +/- 10.05, 20.6 +/- 10.60 and 8.0 +/- 7.46%, respectively in pups vaccinated with a single dose of sonicated extract, double dose of sonicated extract, 5-fluorouracil-treated and 40 krad. X-irradiated larval vaccines. While the irradiated larval vaccine provided maximum protection against clinical ancylostomiasis, 2 doses of the sonicated larval vaccine could also afford almost equal protection to pups.