Extracellular S100B inhibits A-type voltage-gated potassium currents and increases L-type voltage-gated calcium channel activity in dopaminergic neurons

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with an increase in secreted S100B within the midbrain and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, S100B overexpression in mice accelerates the loss of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic (DA) neurons, suggesting a role for this protein in PD pathogenesis. We found that in the mouse SNc, S100B labeled astrocytic processes completely envelop the somata of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressing DA neurons only in male mice. These data suggest that an increase in S100B secretion by astrocytes within the midbrain could play a role in DA dysfunction during early PD. We therefore asked if acute exposure to extracellular S100B alters the activity of identified TH expressing DA neurons in primary mouse midbrain cultures. Acute exposure to 50 pM S100B specifically inhibited A-type voltage-gated potassium currents in TH+ , but not TH- neurons. This was accompanied by ~2-fold increases in the frequency of both intrinsic firing, as well as L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC)-mediated calcium fluxes only in TH+ neurons. Further, exposure to 100 μM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), an A-type voltage-gated potassium channel inhibitor, mimicked the S100B mediated increase in intrinsic firing and L-type VGCC-mediated calcium fluxes in TH+ neurons. Taken together, our finding that extracellular S100B alters the activity of native DA neurons via an inhibition of A-type voltage-gated potassium channels has important implications for understanding the pathophysiology of early PD.

The association of polygenic risk for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression with neural connectivity in adolescents and young adults: examining developmental and sex differences

Neurodevelopmental abnormalities in neural connectivity have been long implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia (SCZ); however, it remains unclear whether these neural connectivity patterns are associated with genetic risk for SCZ in unaffected individuals (i.e., an absence of clinical features of SCZ or a family history of SCZ). We examine whether polygenic risk scores (PRS) for SCZ are associated with functional neural connectivity in adolescents and young adults without SCZ, whether this association is moderated by sex and age, and if similar associations are observed for genetically related neuropsychiatric PRS. One-thousand four-hundred twenty-six offspring from 913 families, unaffected with SCZ, were drawn from the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) prospective cohort (median age at first interview = 15.6 (12-26), 51.6% female, 98.1% European American, 41% with a family history of alcohol dependence). Participants were followed longitudinally with resting-state EEG connectivity (i.e., coherence) assessed every two years. Higher SCZ PRS were associated with elevated theta (3-7 Hz) and alpha (7-12 Hz) EEG coherence. Associations differed by sex and age; the most robust associations were observed between PRS and parietal-occipital, central-parietal, and frontal-parietal alpha coherence among males between ages 15-19 (B: 0.15-0.21, p < 10^-4). Significant associations among EEG coherence and Bipolar and Depression PRS were observed, but differed from SCZ PRS in terms of sex, age, and topography. Findings reveal that polygenic risk for SCZ is robustly associated with increased functional neural connectivity among young adults without a SCZ diagnosis. Striking differences were observed between men and women throughout development, mapping onto key periods of risk for the onset of psychotic illness and underlining the critical importance of examining sex differences in associations with neuropsychiatric PRS across development.

Cytisine is neuroprotective in female but not male 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned parkinsonian mice and acts in combination with 17-β-estradiol to inhibit apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum stress in dopaminergic neurons

Apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a major mechanism for dopaminergic (DA) loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). We assessed if low doses of the partial α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, cytisine attenuates apoptotic ER stress and exerts neuroprotection in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) DA neurons. Alternate day intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 mg/kg cytisine were administered to female and male mice with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions in the dorsolateral striatum, which caused unilateral degeneration of SNc DA neurons. Cytisine attenuated 6-OHDA-induced PD-related behaviors in female, but not in male mice. We also found significant reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) loss within the lesioned SNc of female, but not male mice. In contrast to female mice, DA neurons within the lesioned SNc of male mice showed a cytisine-induced pathological increase in the nuclear translocation of the pro-apoptotic ER stress protein, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). To assess the role of estrogen in cytisine neuroprotection in female mice, we exposed primary mouse DA cultures to either 10 nM 17-β-estradiol and 200 nM cytisine or 10 nM 17-β-estradiol alone. 17-β-estradiol reduced expression of CHOP, whereas cytisine exposure reduced 6-OHDA-mediated nuclear translocation of two other ER stress proteins, activating transcription factor 6 and x-box-binding protein 1, but not CHOP. Taken together, these data show that cytisine and 17-β-estradiol work in combination to inhibit all three arms (activating transcription factor 6, x-box-binding protein 1, and CHOP) of apoptotic ER stress signaling in DA neurons, which can explain the neuroprotective effect of low-dose cytisine in female mice.

Estimating soil nutrient index vis-a-vis mango orchard productivity of Lucknow region, Uttar Pradesh, India

Soil nutrient index was developed in mango orchard soils for which a sum of 88 soil samples were recently collected from the root zone depth (0–30 cm) of 22 fixed mango orchards of Lucknow region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Analysis of data indicated orchards had wider contents in nutrients in soil and foliar parts. Developed soil nutrient index concluded that mango orchard soils were categorized as low SOC, N and K, whereas P designated in medium rating. In case of available micronutrients, Zn, Fe and Mn falls under medium rating while Cu in low rating. Productivity analysis showed 4.92 to 8.68 t ha-1 with majority of the orchards had production from 6 to ≤8.0 t ha-1. Such lower productivity is linked to low to medium soil nutrients. The study showed for ensuring better productivity, proper nutrition management systems should be adopted by the growers.

Critical care usage after major gastrointestinal and liver surgery: a prospective, multicentre observational study

BACKGROUND

Patient selection for critical care admission must balance patient safety with optimal resource allocation. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care admission, and postoperative mortality after abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This prespecified secondary analysis of a multicentre, prospective, observational study included consecutive patients enrolled in the DISCOVER study from UK and Republic of Ireland undergoing major gastrointestinal and liver surgery between October and December 2014. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associations between critical care admission (planned and unplanned) and mortality, and inter-centre variation in critical care admission after emergency laparotomy.

RESULTS

Of 4529 patients included, 37.8% (n=1713) underwent planned critical care admissions from theatre. Some 3.1% (n=86/2816) admitted to ward-level care subsequently underwent unplanned critical care admission. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.9% (n=133/4519), and the risk-adjusted association between 30-day mortality and critical care admission was higher in unplanned [odds ratio (OR): 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.51-19.97) than planned admissions (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.43-3.85). Some 26.7% of patients (n=1210/4529) underwent emergency laparotomies. After adjustment, 49.3% (95% CI: 46.8-51.9%, P<0.001) were predicted to have planned critical care admissions, with 7% (n=10/145) of centres outside the 95% CI.

CONCLUSIONS

After risk adjustment, no 30-day survival benefit was identified for either planned or unplanned postoperative admissions to critical care within this cohort. This likely represents appropriate admission of the highest-risk patients. Planned admissions in selected, intermediate-risk patients may present a strategy to mitigate the risk of unplanned admission. Substantial inter-centre variation exists in planned critical care admissions after emergency laparotomies.

Direct-acting Antiviral Agents in Hepatitis C Virus-infected Renal Allograft Recipients: Treatment and Outcome Experience from Single Center

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in renal allograft recipient is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. At present, only few studies related to treatment and outcomes of HCV-infected renal allograft recipients with DAAs have been published. We aimed the study to assess the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based regimens in HCV-infected renal allograft recipients. We analyzed data of 22 eligible HCV-infected renal allograft recipients (14 genotype-3, 6 genotype-1, one each genotype-2 and 4) who were treated with DAAs at our institute. DAA regimen included sofosbuvir and ribavirin with or without ledipasvir or daclatasvir for 12–24 weeks. Patients were followed up for 24 weeks after completion of treatment. A rapid viral response of 91%, end of therapy response of 100%, and sustained viral response at 12 and 24 weeks of 100% with rapid normalization of liver enzymes were observed. Therapy was well tolerated except for ribavirin-related anemia. A significant decrease in tacrolimus trough levels was observed and most patients required increase in tacrolimus dose during the study. Treatment with newer DAAs is effective and safe for the treatment of HCV-infected renal allograft recipients.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma in trachea: A rare presentation

Primary tracheal tumors are rare. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of trachea is even rarer. It occurs as a polypoidal mass in trachea presenting with dyspnea and respiratory distress due to tracheobronchial obstruction. We report a case of young male presenting with dyspnea for some time. CT scan revealed mass in trachea obliterating its lumen. Histopathological examination conirmed the diagnosis.

Studies on bio-chemical profiling of Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) for genetic diversity

Biochemical profiling of physiologically mature fruits of 51 diverse Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) germplasm accessions was collected from Vindhyan hill region of Madhya Pradesh, with a view to select nutraceutically rich genotypes based on important biochemical traits. The mean ascorbic acid and total phenol (tannin) content amongst different accessions was recorded as 496.47 mg 100 g⁻¹ and 4.88% with highest value found in CISH A-12 (654.50 mg 100 g⁻¹) and CISH A-30 (7.18%), respectively. Apart from the above, wide range of variability in the composition of other important biochemical attributes viz., total soluble solids (8.60-17.70°Brix), acidity (1.61-2.94%), total sugar (4.15-9.17), reducing sugar (2.19-4.45%) and TSS/acid ratio (3.89-8.33) was also recorded. Highest significant and positive correlation was observed between total sugar and TSS (0.895) followed by reducing sugar and TSS (0.882). Significant positive correlation between ascorbic acid and tannins (0.551) was an indication to be associated with binding capacity of ascorbic acid over a longer period of storage.

Functionalized alkoxysilane mediated controlled synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles dispersible in aqueous and non-aqueous medium

The synthesis of amphiphilic noble metal nanoparticles involving the functional role of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTMS) and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy-silane (3-GPTMS) is reported herein. The mechanistic approach on the reactivity of these functional alkoxysilane for the typical controlled synthesis of AuNPs as evidenced from UV-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is reported. The experimental findings demonstrate the followings; (1) Methanolic solution of 3-GPTMS undergo interaction with 3-APTMS and the same is facilitated in the presence of 3-APTMS treated noble metal ions, (2) The molar ratio of 3-GPTMS/3-APTMS control the nanogeometry as well as the dispersibility of AuNPs in both aqueous and non-aqueous media, (3) the dispersion ability of nanoparticles is found to be based on the hydrophobic alkyl chain of the reaction product of 3-GPTMS and 3-APTMS, and (4) AuNPs shows absorption maxima as a function of polarity and refractive index of the medium. A typical application of as synthesized AuNPs as peroxidase mimetic is reported.

Myrid of histopathological features of malignancy in Xeroderma pigmentosum

Background: Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare autosomal recessively inherited disorder affecting 1 in 2,50,000 population. It shows genetic heterogeneity with at least ten different complementation groups identified which have different clinical presentations. They tend to have a more than 1000 fold increased risk of developing cancers in sun-exposed areas as a result of a DNA repair defect. This study presents a myriad of histopathological features of malignancies seen in individuals with this rare. Materials and Methods: Biopsies received from patients with a clinical diagnosis of Xeroderma Pigemntosa at the department of pathology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, from April 2008 to June 2012 were included in the study. Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections were examined. Clinical history was retrieved from the computer data base of the department. Results: During the study period, a total of eleven cases of Xeroderma pigmentosum presented with a biopsied lesion. All of these were malignant lesions. No benign lesions were seen. The age range of these patients was 6-30years with a mean of 18.8 years. The male to female ratio was 4.5:1. The most common malignancy seen was squamous cell carcinoma 7/11 (63.6%) followed by basal cell carcinoma 2/11 (27.2%). A single case presented with basal cell carcinoma of face and melanoma of trunk. The frequently observed site of malignancy was skin of the face followed by conjunctiva. Conclusion: In our population, non melanotic skin cancers affecting the face are more common in young individuals with Xeroderma pigmentosum. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i6.8996   Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, 472-475

Status of tuberculosis in bovine animals raised by tuberculosis infected patients in Western Chitwan, Nepal

INTRODUCTION: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an important public health concern worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the status of bTB in animals raised by tuberculosis patients in Western Chitwan, Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August, 2011 to January, 2012. A total of 100 bovines (cattle and buffalo) raised in 60 farms of tuberculosis patients were tested with single intradermal tuberculin test considering various animal factors. Well designed questionnaire survey was taken with 70 tuberculosis patients of same 60 families focusing knowledge, awareness and various practices related to bovine tuberculosis. RESULTS: Overall 15% bovines were positive for tuberculosis (13.6% cattle and 15.4% buffaloes). Age of animal was significantly associated with tuberculosis (p<0.05) while sex and species were not. 24% tuberculosis patients had raw milk consuming habit while very few of them (9%) were aware of zoonotic aspect of bovine tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: There is high chance of tuberculosis transmission form animals to humans or vice versa. Further detailed study is needed in large scale with stronger intersectoral collaboration of medical and veterinary health sector to determine the scale of problem and find out prevention and control strategies against zoonotic tuberculosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v1i2.7407 Int J Infect Microbiol 2012;1(1):49-53

A microcosm study on bioremediation of p-nitrophenol-contaminated soil using Arthrobacter protophormiae RKJ100

p-Nitrophenol (PNP), a toxic nitroaromatic compound, can build up in soils due to extensive usage of nitrophenolic pesticides and hence needs to be removed. Arthrobacter protophormiae RKJ100, a PNP-degrading organism, was used in this work to study factors affecting its growth, and then evaluated for its capacity to degrade PNP in soil microcosms. Molasses (10%) treated with 0.1% potassium hexacyanoferrate was found to be a suitable and cheap carbon source for inoculum preparation. Induction studies showed that PNP depletion was quicker when cells were induced by pre-exposure to PNP. The efficiency of PNP degradation in soil by strain RKJ100 was seen to be dependent on pH, temperature, initial PNP concentration and inoculum size. Microcosm studies performed with varying concentrations (1.4-210 ppm) of PNP-spiked soils showed that strain RKJ100 could effectively degrade PNP over the range 1.4-140 ppm. A cell density of 2x10(8) colony forming units/g soil was found to be suitable for PNP degradation over a temperature range of 20-40 degrees C and at a slightly alkaline pH (7.5). Our results indicate that strain RKJ100 has potential for use in in situ bioremediation of PNP-contaminated sites. This is a model study that could be used for decontamination of sites contaminated also with other compounds.

Desulphurization of dibenzothiophene and diesel oils by bacteria

AIMS

To study the desulphurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT), a recalcitrant thiophenic component of fossil fuels, by two bacteria namely Rhodococcus sp. and Arthrobacter sulfureus isolated from oil-contaminated soil/sludge in order to use them for reducing the sulphur content of diesel oil in compliance with environmental regulations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The desulphurization pathway of DBT by the two bacteria was determined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. Both organisms were found to produce 2-hydroxy biphenyl (2-HBP), the desulphurized product of DBT. Sulphur contents of culture supernatants of Rhodococcus sp. and A. sulfureus grown with DBT as sole sulphur source were analysed by X-ray fluorescence indicating sulphur levels of 8 and 10 ppm, respectively, as compared with 27 ppm in control. In order to study desulphurization of diesel oils obtained from an oil refinery, resting cell studies were carried out which showed a decrease of about 50% in sulphur content of the oil obtained from the hydrodesulphurization (HDS) unit of the refinery.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhodococcus sp. and A. sulfureus selectively remove sulphur from DBT to form 2-HBP. Application of these bacteria for desulphurization of diesel showed promising potential for decreasing the sulphur content of diesel oil.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The process of microbial desulphurization described herein can be used for significantly reducing the sulphur content of oil, particularly, after the process of HDS which would help in meeting the regulatory standards for sulphur level in diesel oil.

First Report of Black Soft Rot of Indian Gooseberry Caused by Syncephalastrum racemosum

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) is a medicinal plant with high nutraceutical value. During November and December 2003, soft rot was noticed on harvested and stored (20 ± 5°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity) fruits at the experimental farm in Rehmanhera, Lucknow, India (26°50'N, 80°54'E). These fruits had numerous, minute brown necrotic lesions showing white mycelial growth. A pronounced halo of water-soaked, faded tissue surrounded the lesion between the fringe of mycelium and healthy tissues. The rotted surface was covered with a black, powdery layer of spores. On Czapek yeast extract agar, fungal colonies were blackish grey, moderately dense, and covered the entire petri dish. The fungus produced aseptate mycelium. The sporangial heads were 30 to 50 μm in diameter with sporangiospores found linearly within cylindrical sacs (merosporangia) borne on spicules around the columella. Sporangiospores, spherical to cylindrical in shape and borne in chains, measured 3.0 to 5.0 μm long. The fungus was morphologically and physiologically identified as Syncephalastrum racemosum Schr. (2). For pathogenicity tests, healthy fruits (10 replicates) were surface sterilized and punctured inoculated aseptically with 1.0 × 10⁶ conidia and incubated at 20 ± 5°C Typical symptoms of the disease appeared after 4 days. The fungus exhibited a strong level of cellulolytic activity as indicated by prolific growth on Indian gooseberry fiber waste under solid-state fermentation conditions. The level of cellulase activity (1) was 21 filter paper activity unit per ml at 72 hr in culture supernatant of basal medium having carboxymethyl cellulose as the carbon source. The fungus showed resistance to tannins (as much as 2%), since it could grow well in liquid growth medium (Czapek Dox broth) with 2% tannins and aonla juice with 1.8% tannins. Since Indian gooseberry is rich in fiber (2.5 to 3.4%) and tannins (1.5 to 2.0%), this may be an important pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of Syncephalastrum racemosum on Indian gooseberry fruits. References: (1) T. K. Ghose. Pure Appl. Chem. 59(2):257, 1987. (2) J. I. Pitt and A. D. Hocking. Fungi and Food Spoilage. Academic Press. North Ryde, Australia, 1985.

Phytoremediation: an overview of metallic ion decontamination from soil

In recent years, phytoremediation has emerged as a promising ecoremediation technology, particularly for soil and water cleanup of large volumes of contaminated sites. The exploitation of plants to remediate soils contaminated with trace elements could provide a cheap and sustainable technology for bioremediation. Many modern tools and analytical devices have provided insight into the selection and optimization of the remediation process by plant species. This review describes certain factors for the phytoremediation of metal ion decontamination and various aspects of plant metabolism during metallic decontamination. Metal-hyperaccumulating plants, desirable for heavily polluted environments, can be developed by the introduction of novel traits into high biomass plants in a transgenic approach, which is a promising strategy for the development of effective phytoremediation technology. The genetic manipulation of a phytoremediator plant needs a number of optimization processes, including mobilization of trace elements/metal ions, their uptake into the root, stem and other viable parts of the plant and their detoxification and allocation within the plant. This upcoming science is expanding as technology continues to offer new, low-cost remediation options.

Colovesical fistula an unusual complication of cytotoxic therapy in a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A 65-year old man, a known case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of base of the tongue and epiglottis presented with complaints of pneumaturia and faecaluria. He had received the first cycle of cytotoxic therapy (CHOP-regimen). At the end of the cycle he developed febrile neutropenia (circulating granulocyte count <1500/mm3). Cystogram showed air in the bladder area and a fistulous communication to a cavity behind the bladder. CT-scan showed air in the bladder, a fistulous communication between the sigmoid colon and bladder along with an intervening small abscess cavity. On exploration a fistulous communication between the sigmoid and bladder along with an intervening small abscess cavity was found. Resection of involved portion of sigmoid and end to end anastomosis along with a diverting colostomy was done. The bladder was closed in two layers with an omental interposition between it and the sigmoid along with a suprapubic cystostomy. The histopathology demonstrated only inflammatory response without any evidence of malignancy or diverticular disease.

Decrease in reelin and glutamic acid decarboxylase67 (GAD67) expression in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a postmortem brain study

BACKGROUND

Reelin (RELN) is a glycoprotein secreted preferentially by cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) interneurons (layers I and II) that binds to integrin receptors located on dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons or on GABAergic interneurons of layers III through V expressing the disabled-1 gene product (DAB1), a cytosolic adaptor protein that mediates RELN action. To replicate earlier findings that RELN and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)(67), but not DAB1 expression, are down-regulated in schizophrenic brains, and to verify whether other psychiatric disorders express similar deficits, we analyzed, blind, an entirely new cohort of 60 postmortem brains, including equal numbers of patients matched for schizophrenia, unipolar depression, and bipolar disorder with nonpsychiatric subjects.

METHODS

Reelin, GAD(65), GAD(67), DAB1, and neuron-specific-enolase messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and respective proteins were measured with quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or Western blot analyses. Reelin-positive neurons were identified by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS

Prefrontal cortex and cerebellar expression of RELN mRNA, GAD(67) protein and mRNA, and prefrontal cortex RELN-positive cells was significantly decreased by 30% to 50% in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychosis, but not in those with unipolar depression without psychosis when compared with nonpsychiatric subjects. Group differences were absent for DAB1,GAD(65) and neuron-specific-enolase expression implying that RELN and GAD(67) down-regulations were unrelated to neuronal damage. Reelin and GAD(67) were also unrelated to postmortem intervals, dose, duration, or presence of antipsychotic medication.

CONCLUSIONS

The selective down-regulation of RELN and GAD(67) in prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who have psychosis is consistent with the hypothesis that these parameters are vulnerability factors in psychosis; this plus the loss of the correlation between these 2 parameters that exists in nonpsychotic subjects support the hypothesis that these changes may be liability factors underlying psychosis.

Glucocorticoids stimulate inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase gene expression and protein translocation in the brain

In the brain, the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of inflammatory leukotrienes, increases during aging. Antiinflammatory drugs are currently being evaluated for the treatment of aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Although generally considered antiinflammatory, glucocorticoids, whose production also increases during aging, are not particularly effective in this disease. In human monocytes, 5-LO mRNA content increases on exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone, which prompted us to hypothesize that glucocorticoids might increase 5-LO expression in the brain as well. We treated rats for 10 days either with corticosterone (implanted subcutaneously) or with dexamethasone (injected daily); they were killed on day 10 after pellet implantation or 24 h after the 10th dexamethasone injection. We found increased levels of 5-LO mRNA and protein in hippocampus and cerebellum of glucocorticoid-treated rats; 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP) mRNA content was not affected. Using western immunobloting, we also observed the concurrent translocation of 5-LO protein from cytosol to membrane, an indication of its activation. Thus, glucocorticoid-mediated up-regulation of the neuronal 5-LO pathway may contribute to rendering an aging brain vulnerable to degeneration.

Enhancing recombinant protein yields in Escherichia coli using the T7 system under the control of heat inducible lambda PL promoter

A recombinant plasmid containing the complete lacZ gene downstream of the T7 promoter was used to transform Escherichia coli containing another plasmid which had the T7 RNA polymerase gene under the control of heat inducible lambda PL promoter. This recombinant E. coli containing the two plasmids was studied in order to enhance beta-galactosidase expression. The heat shock time which effectively regulates the T7 RNA polymerase was optimized and best expression of beta-galactosidase was obtained with 2 min heat shock. Substrate feeding increased the duration of log phase and allowed induction at a higher cell density without affecting the specific activity. A high cell density (7 g l-1) and high specific activity (approximately 20,000 U) were achieved which effectively increased the product concentration 18-fold.

Handedness in Mental Retardation

Mentally retarded and age-matched normal controls with no history of parental sinistrality were examined for their handedness with the Waterloo Handedness Questionnaire (Singh & Bryden, 1994). Normal controls showed a clear rightward bias, with the effect being significantly higher for skilled as compared to unskilled hand items. Mentally retarded subjects showed mixed handedness with a nonsignificant difference in performance between skilled and unskilled hand items.

Verapamil for the treatment of acute mania: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the efficacy of verapamil in acute mania.

METHOD

The study was a 3-week double-blind, random-assignment, parallel-group, placebo-controlled inpatient trial of verapamil for patients with acute mania. Of the 32 study patients, 15 were given placebo and 17 were given verapamil.

RESULTS

Mean absolute change scores on the Mania Rating Scale at endpoint, with baseline scores as the covariates, did not differ between the verapamil and placebo groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, and presence of psychosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigators found no benefit of verapamil over placebo in treating acute mania.

Degree of asymmetry in lateral preferences: eye, foot, ear

Lateral asymmetry in eye, foot, and ear preference was measured using a 15-item questionnaire administered to 442 subjects. Degree and magnitude of asymmetry were greatest for eye, followed by foot and ear. Intercorrelations of lateral preferences were all positive and significant. Two primary factors, eyedness and earedness, were established.

A longitudinal study of plasma cortisol and depressive symptomatology by random regression analysis

The authors utilized a random regression model to test the longitudinal relationship between depressive symptomatology and plasma cortisol levels obtained before and after the administration of dexamethasone in 62 affectively ill inpatients. This statistical model for longitudinal studies permits the inclusion of subjects with incomplete data as well as subjects measured at different time points. The most significant relationships were found between decreases in depressive symptoms and decreases in the 8:30 AM predexamethasone and the 4:00 PM postdexamethasone cortisol values. Patients were also classified as responders or nonresponders, and the rate of change in several plasma cortisol measures were separately analyzed for these two groups. No differences in the rate of change in plasma cortisol levels were found between responders and nonresponders. These results suggest that the decreases in cortisol production associated with clinical improvement may be partially explained by a regression toward the mean effect. Some of the possible explanations for these results are discussed.

Standardisation of somarajee taila

This paper describes the standardization of Somarajee taila, an important ayurvedic formulation indicated in scabies, pruritus, acne, fistula, gout, leprosy and ring worm.

Eating attitudes and glucose tolerance in anorexia nervosa patients at 8-year followup compared to control subjects

This study analyzed eating attitudes and plasma glucose, insulin, unesterified fatty acid (FFA), human growth hormone (GH), and cortisol responses to an oral (100 g) glucose load in 26 female anorexia nervosa patients at an 8-year outcome evaluation in comparison to 14 age-matched female control subjects. Recovered patients who were of normal body weight and had cyclical menstruation (n = 19) showed glucose tolerance curves and insulin, cortisol, and GH responses that were indistinguishable from those of normal subjects, although patients tended to be more diet-conscious than controls and showed elevated fasting FFA levels. Two of 19 recovered patients met criteria for impaired glucose tolerance. Nonrecovered patients (n = 7) showed abnormal eating attitudes at an average underweight of 20% with persistent amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. They had high fasting FFA plasma levels, significantly greater than normal rises in plasma glucose, a significant delay in serum insulin secretion, higher mean glucose levels before and after controlling for amount of exercise, and paradoxical release of GH. One of seven patients met criteria for diabetes mellitus and two of seven had impaired glucose tolerance. The findings suggest that fasting plasma FFA levels may reflect patients' eating and exercise habits more accurately than their verbal or written reports.

4 p.m. baseline cortisol level as a predictor of DST results in depression

To assess the relationship of baseline cortisol to the 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST), 4 p.m. baseline and 4 p.m. postdexamethasone blood samples were drawn on 52 consecutive depressed outpatients. Baseline cortisol correlated significantly with post-DST values, and baseline levels above 15 micrograms/dl predicted DST nonsuppression with 90.4% accuracy. These data lend some support to the usefulness of baseline cortisol determination in depressed outpatients in whom a full DST may be difficult.

Lithium ratio in psychiatric patients: a caveat

We divided bipolar patient samples into two groups: Group I (off lithium 10 days to 2 weeks, n = 14) and group II (off lithium 3 weeks or longer, n = 13). Only group I was significantly different from controls. The mean for group II was significantly different from that for group I but not that for controls. Previous reports may have exaggerated the number of "high ratio" patients due to a treatment artifact. We recommend that patients be tested only after having been withdrawn from lithium treatment for 3 weeks or more. Otherwise spurious differences between patients and controls may result.