A new record of Asia II 5 genetic group of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in the major potato growing areas of India and its relationship with tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus infecting potato

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is responsible for significant yield losses in many crops, including potato, by sucking the phloem sap and transmitting a number of plant viruses. B. tabaci is a complex of cryptic species which is commonly designated as genetic groups. The B. tabaci genetic groups differ biologically with respect to host plant preference, insecticidal resistance, reproduction capacity, and ability to transmit begomoviruses. Therefore, understanding genetic variation among populations is important for establishing crop-specific distribution profile and management. We sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene of B. tabaci collected from major potato growing areas of India. BLAST analysis of the 24 mtCOI sequences with reference Gene Bank sequences revealed four B. tabaci genetic groups prevailing in this region. mtCOI analysis exhibited the presence of Asia II 1, Asia II 5, Asia 1, and MEAM1 B. tabaci genetic groups. Our study highlighted that a new genetic group Asia II 5 has been detected in Indo-Gangetic Plains. Further virus-vector relationship study of ToLCNDV with Asia II 5 B. tabaci revealed that females are efficient vector of this virus as compared to males. This behavior of females might be due to their ability to acquire more virus titer than males. This study will help in better understanding of whitefly genetic group mediated virus diseases.

Heart transplantation for Chagas cardiomyopathy in the United States

Since an initial case in 2006, we noted multiple patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTx) for Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC) at our transplant program. The clinical characteristics, laboratory results and outcomes of patients with CC undergoing HTx in the United States have not been reported previously. In 2010, we implemented a systematic screening and management program for patients undergoing HTx for CC. Before HTx, all patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy who were born in a Chagas disease endemic country were screened for Trypanosoma cruzi (TC) infection with serology. After HTx, monitoring for TC reactivation was performed using clinical visits, echocardiography, endomyocardial biopsy and serial whole blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Between June 2006 and January 2012, 11 patients underwent HTx for CC. One patient was empirically treated due to the presence of TC amastigotes in explanted cardiac tissue. Two patients experienced allograft dysfunction due to TC reactivation and three patients experienced subclinical reactivation (positive PCR results), which were treated. Chagas disease is a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in patients from endemic countries undergoing HTx at a transplant program in the United States. Reactivation is common after transplantation and can cause adverse outcomes.

Investigating the effect of CoCl2 administration on diabetic nephropathy and associated aortic dysfunction

AIM

Endothelial dysfunction appears to be a consistent finding in diabetic nephropathy. The study aimed to investigate the effect of cobalt chloride in the amelioration of endothelial dysfunction in uninephrectomized diabetic rats.

METHODS

We examined the effect of CoCl(2) (10 mg/kg, i.p., OD = once a day) treatment on contractile responses to angiotensin II (10(-10) to 10(-6)M) in an aortic preparation of control rats and uninephrectomized diabetic control rats. Blood glucose, plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitrate/nitrite (NOx), superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione levels were checked in the different groups.

RESULTS

A significant attenuation of the augmented responses to angiotensin II was observed in CoCl(2)-treated animals along with a fall in plasma urea, creatinine and uric acid levels. A significant reduction in blood glucose and an increase in aortic eNOS and NOx levels along with antioxidants levels were observed.

CONCLUSION

Chronic hypoxia augments angiotensin II responses in the thoracic aorta of uninephrectomized diabetic control rats. CoCl(2) attenuates these enhanced vascular responses with a significant decrease in blood glucose signifying stabilization of the hypoxia-inducible factor in the alleviation of endothelial dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy.

Effect of different lipids and surfactants on formulation of solid lipid nanoparticles incorporating tamoxifen citrate

Tamoxifen Citrate (TC) is an estrogen receptor antagonist and drug of choice for hormone sensitive breast cancer. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles loaded with TC were prepared by High Shear Homogenization followed by Ultrasonication. The aim of the present work is to study the effect of four different Solid Lipids and three Surfactants on Formulation and Stability of SLN. They were characterized for Particle size, Polydispersity Index and Zeta Potential by Zetasizer Nano. SLN prepared by Solid Lipid Compritol 888 (Glyceryldibehenate) and Tween 80 (1%) showed desired Particle Size of 206.9 nm, PDI of 0.046 and Zeta Potential of 9.32 mV.

Formulation and evaluation of mouth dissolving tablets of cinnarizine

The purpose of this research was to develop mouth dissolve tablets of cinnarizine by effervescent, superdisintegrant addition and sublimation methods. All the three formulations were evaluated for disintegration time, hardness and friability, among these superdisintegrant addition method showed lowest disintegration time; hence it was selected for further studies. Further nine batches (B1-B9) were prepared by using crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium and L-HPC in different concentrations such as 5, 7.5 and 10%. All the formulations were evaluated for weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, in vitro disintegration time, wetting time, in vitro dissolution. Formulation with 10% L-HPC showed the less disintegration time (25.3 s) and less wetting time (29.1 s). In vitro dissolution studies showed total drug release at the end of 6 min.

Chitosan Based Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery

Nanoparticles have gained considerable attention in recent years as one of the most promising drug delivery systems owing to their unique potentials via combining the different characteristics of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity with a nanoparticle (e.g., very small size). Several polymeric nanoparticulate systems have been prepared and characterized in recent years, based on both natural and synthetic polymers, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Among the natural polymers, chitosan has been studied extensively for preparation of nanoparticles.  Chitosan nanoparticles have been reported with different characteristics with respect to drug delivery. This review presents various types of chitosan based nanoparticles in drug delivery.

Outcomes of triple negative breast cancer in African-Americans vs. Caucasians: a community-based study

Abstract #3043

Background: Breast cancers with a triple negative tumor (TNT) subtype are associated with inferior outcomes and more recently racial disparities in patients with TNT have been demonstrated with African American women experiencing worse outcomes compared to Caucasians. This study examines association of race (AA vs. Caucasians) and breast cancer outcomes in a large community hospital TNT population.
 Methods: Breast cancers of the TNT subtype were reviewed from a hospital-based tumor registry. Cases diagnosed from 1999 to 2006 were included in the study. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted including socio-demographic, and treatment factors. Endpoints were local/systemic recurrence and death.
 Results: Of 1827 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer from 1999- 2006, 93 were of the TNT subtype. A higher number of AA (17.58%) had TNT compared to Caucasians (3.7%). In patients with TNT, AA presented at a younger age (mean age 51.78 years vs. 58.52 years, (<50 years) (p value=0.07), had more advanced disease at diagnosis (stage 3) (5.38% vs. 1.08%; p value 0.001) and had a poor insurance status (uninsured and Medicaid) (9.68% vs. 4.30%; p value 0.004). There was no difference in the histologic grade of the tumors. AA had a higher rate of local recurrence (4.30% vs. 2.15%; p value 0.029), systemic recurrence (19% vs. 10%; p value 0.02) [Figure 2] and death (17.20% vs. 13.98%; p value 0.005) [Figure 1] compared to Caucasians.
 
 
 
 Even after adjusting for insurance status and treatment modalities, AA had a higher mortality rate compared to Caucasians (p value 0.014).
 Conclusions: The high prevalence of TNTs among AA women and poorer survival in spite of adjusting for insurance and treatment modalities, suggests an underlying biologic variation with respect to race/ ethnicity.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3043.

Physicochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Buccal Adhesive Patches Containing Propranolol Hydrochloride

Buccal adhesive patches containing 20 mg of propranolol hydrochloride were prepared using solvent casting method. Chitosan was used as a natural bioadhesive polymer. Patches were prepared at different ratios of PVP K-30 and evaluated for various physicochemical characteristics such as weight variation, drug content uniformity, folding endurance, surface pH, ex-vivo mucoadhesive strength, ex-vivo residence time, in vitro drug release and in vitro buccal permeation study. Patches exhibited sustained release over a period of 7 hours. The mechanism of drug release was found to be Non-Fickian diffusion. Addition of PVP K-30 generally enhanced the releasing rate. The ex-vivo mucoadhesive strength was performed using sheep buccal mucosa on modified physical balance. Optimized patches (batch F4) showed satisfactory bioadhesive strength (9.6 degrees 2.0 gram) and ex vivo residence time (272 degrees 0.25 minutes). Swelling index was proportional to PVP K-30. The surface pH of all batches was within satisfactory limit (7.0+/-1.5) and hence patches would not cause irritation in the buccal cavity. Good correlation was observed between in vitro drug release and in vitro drug permeation with correlation coefficient of 0.9364. Stability of optimized patches was performed in natural human saliva showed that both drug and dosage forms were stable in human saliva.

Cardiac transplant experience with cyclosporine

The advent of cyclosporine 20 years ago was a major advance in the field of solid organ transplantation. Its use enabled directed immunosuppression with a consequent decrease in the incidence of graft failure, acute rejection, and systemic infection. The early oil-based preparation, however, was difficult to administer and had limited bioavailability and unpredictable pharmacokinetics. The drug also has a fairly narrow therapeutic window with major long-term side effects, which include nephrotoxicity, malignancy, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. The introduction of a microemulsion preparation (Neoral) with improved bioavailability has been associated with lower rates of rejection and comparable tolerability, therefore allowing the use of lower doses. Traditionally cyclosporine toxicity has been minimized by monitoring trough levels. Monitoring of levels 2 hours after dosing may provide a more accurate determination of cyclosporine exposure. The next phase in cardiac transplantation immunosuppression will most likely see a significantly diminished role for cyclosporine with the introduction of newer, more potent immunosuppressive agents with more favorable side-effect profiles. These agents, which include mycophenolate mofetil, sirolimus, and everolimus, also hold the promise of having a major impact on the development of transplant vasculopathy, which up to now has been an important determinant of limiting long-term allograft survival.

Anti-bacterial activity of Galega officinalis L. (Goat's Rue)

Alcoholic extracts of Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis L.; Papilionaceae) were tested on Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria as the plant was claimed to hasten skin healing after surgery. Ethanolic (60%) extract exhibited significant inhibition on growth of both Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria.

Regulation of vascular calcification in atherosclerosis

Over a century ago it was recognized that the vessel wall is a predominant site for ectopic calcification which is a hallmark of clinically significant atherosclerotic lesions. Old observational studies, which characterized vascular calcification as osteogenesis, and recent identification of common molecular mechanisms in bone and vascular calcification have led to the new recognition that atherosclerotic calcification is an actively regulated process similar to osteogenesis and distinct from a metastatic passive mineralization. Since the atherosclerotic lesion is composed of a multitude of cells and inflammatory mediators, elucidation of the role of these components in induction and acceleration of calcification is of fundamental importance in better understanding its pathogenesis and identifying possible interventional targets. This article will focus on four important mediators of vascular calcification: 1) calcifying vascular cells, 2) oxidized lipids, 3) cytokines, and 4) leptin.

Effects of antidepressant treatments on first-ECT seizure duration in depression

1. Current guidelines on the practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) suggest that antidepressant medications should be discontinued prior to the course of therapy. However, the practice of withholding potentially helpful medication is debatable because the effects of these medications on seizure duration remain unclear. In particular, there is a lack of empirical knowledge about the effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) on ECT treatment. 2. Therefore, we investigated and compared the effects of SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) on seizure duration after the first bilateral ECT treatment. 3. The diagnosis of major depressive disorder was made using the DSM-IV criteria. Both patient groups were age- and sex-matched. ECT was indicated for acute suicidal acts or refractoriness to medications. All patients had received antidepressant treatment for at least eight weeks and were receiving at least the recommended dose of medication. All patients were ECT treatment-naïve and we measured the seizure duration after the first bilateral ECT treatment. 4. There was no significant difference between electrical charge applied to either group. Between the TCA and SSRI group the seizure duration was not significantly different: 33.2 seconds and 31.4 seconds respectively.

Weight gain from novel antipsychotic drugs: need for action

Obesity is common in schizophrenia, and people with schizophrenia appear to be at increased risk for certain obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Antipsychotic drugs, used chronically to control symptoms of schizophrenia, are associated with often-substantial weight gain, a side effect that is a special concern with the latest generation of highly effective "novel" agents. That the most effective (e.g., novel) antipsychotic medications lead to substantial weight gain presents the field with a critical public health problem. Although preliminary data have been reported regarding the beneficial use of behavior therapy programs for short-term weight control in patients with schizophrenia, the available data are quite limited, and there are no data regarding the long-term beneficial effects of these programs in this population. The obesity field recently has developed programs emphasizing "lifestyle changes" (e.g., diet, exercise, and problem-solving skills) to successfully manage weight in patients without schizophrenia. Such programs can be adapted for patients with schizophrenia through the use of highly structured and operationalized modules emphasizing medication compliance, social skills development, and participation in outpatient programs. Moreover, these programs can potentially be combined with the use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy to maximize and maintain weight loss. The field must solve the paradox that some of our most effective medications for schizophrenia produce substantial weight gain and its associated troubling health risks.

Clozapine in the treatment of refractory psychotic mania

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of clozapine was examined in a group of patients with treatment-refractory bipolar disorder, manic type with psychotic features.

METHOD

Twenty-two subjects with treatment-refractory bipolar disorder with active manic and psychotic symptoms participated in a 12-week open-label trial of clozapine. After a 2-10-day drug washout period, patients began treatment with clozapine at 25 mg/day; the dose was increased 25 mg/day (as tolerated) to a maximum level of 550 mg/day. Patients were evaluated longitudinally over the course of the study with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale, and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale.

RESULTS

Fourteen of the 22 subjects in the study continued taking clozapine for at least 10 of the 12 weeks. Among the entire group, mean improvements of 56. 7%, 56.6%, and 39.1% were seen on the BPRS, Young Mania Rating Scale, and CGI, respectively. Seventeen of the 22 subjects (77.3%) experienced at least a 20% improvement in scores on all three scales.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this open-label study, which are consistent with previous retrospective studies, case reports, and one other open-label prospective study, suggest that clozapine is an effective agent for patients with treatment-refractory psychotic mania.

Effects of typical antipsychotic drugs and risperidone on the quality of sleep in patients with schizophrenia: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a newer antipsychotic drug, risperidone (a potent serotonin 5-HT2A/2C and dopamine D2-receptor blocker), on the quantity and quality of sleep in patients with schizophrenia.

DESIGN

Prospective pilot study.

SETTING

Outpatient treatment at a mental health hospital.

PATIENTS

Two groups of age- and sex-matched patients with schizophrenia receiving either risperidone (n = 8) or a typical antipsychotic drug (n = 8), and a group of age- and sex-matched controls (n = 8).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Sleep quality, measured by a visual analogue scale, and sleep continuity, measured using a movement index calculated from actigraph data.

RESULTS

Patients with schizophrenia had more disturbed sleep than controls. Compared with patients treated with typical antipsychotic drugs, patients treated with risperidone reported significantly better sleep quantity and quality as well as general functioning.

CONCLUSION

Improvement by risperidone may be related to 5-HT2A/2C receptor blockade; however, further controlled studies are required to confirm these results.

Lost time, found hope and sorrow: the search for self, connection, and purpose during "awakenings" on the new antipsychotics

The novel antipsychotic medications clozapine and olanzapine provide well-documented clinical improvement for some patients with psychosis. We interviewed 15 patients with chronic psychosis who demonstrated significant improvement on these new medications and offer a conceptual framework to organize their narratives. In our conceptual model, our patients' descriptions are divided into three broad areas: sense of self, sense of connection, and sense of purpose. We also highlight the opportunities for psychotherapy with this population.

Olanzapine: a new antipsychotic agent with efficacy in the management of schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy data, and adverse effects of olanzapine as a treatment for schizophrenia and to determine the advantages and disadvantages of this atypical antipsychotic agent compared with currently marketed agents.

DATA SOURCES

A MEDLINE computer literature search was conducted to retrieve all English-language studies and review articles involving olanzapine published as of October 1, 1996. The manufacturer of the drug, Eli Lilly and Company, provided the clinical investigator's brochure and abstracts of unpublished Phase III clinical trials.

STUDY SELECTION

Animal studies evaluating the pharmacology of olanzapine were evaluated, as were all open-label and double-blind studies involving the evaluation of olanzapine for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia.

DATA EXTRACTION

All available clinical studies were reviewed and the interpretation of data for each study was influenced by the size of the study sample, the nature of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the data analysis techniques used.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Olanzapine is a thienobenzodiazepine analog with an in vitro receptor affinity profile similar to that of clozapine. Olanzapine exhibits linear kinetics over the dosage range studied and is extensively metabolized in humans. Clinical evaluations to date have shown olanzapine to be at least as efficacious as typical antipsychotic agents in the treatment of the acute phase of schizophrenia. The drug was well tolerated, with significantly fewer extrapyramidal adverse effects than haloperidol. Current data suggest that olanzapine may be more effective than haloperidol for the treatment of negative symptoms; moreover, preliminary data suggest that fewer relapses occur over the course of treatment in patients treated with olanzapine compared with those taking haloperidol.

CONCLUSIONS

The exact place of olanzapine in the therapy of psychotic patients remains unclear, as more data are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of this agent, its impact on negative symptoms, and its potential use in patients resistant to the standard agents. Despite limitations in the current database, olanzapine is a promising treatment option for patients with schizophrenia.

Factors affecting recurrence in lumpectomy without irradiation for breast cancer

Between 1980 and 1988, 122 women with operable invasive breast cancers underwent wide excision and axillary dissection without subsequent irradiation. During the follow-up period of 1 to 8 years (median, 4 years), recurrences were observed in 23 patients (19%), 22 occurring in the breast and one in the axilla. This is a significant rate of recurrence and supports the need for breast irradiation after conservative surgery. The incidence of recurrence in the breast did not appear to be related to the presence or absence of axillary nodal metastasis. No recurrences were noted in 20 patients whose primary tumors were smaller than 1 cm. The incidence of recurrence was directly correlated to the increasing size of the tumor, but it also appeared to decrease with advancing age. In 31 patients over 70 years of age, only one (3%) recurrence was observed. If these early findings are confirmed, it is likely that patients with tumors smaller than 1 cm or patients over 70 years of age may be spared breast irradiation after wide excision.

Nucleolar organizer region heteromorphism associated with trisomy-21: a risk factor for non-disjunction?

An unusual nucleolar organizer region (double NOR) on chromosome 13 was observed in a Down syndrome child [47, XY, +21, dNOR(13)]. The variant chromosome was inherited from the mother [46, XX, dNOR(13)]. The extra chromosome 21 in the proband was maternal origin. The frequency of NOR chromosome association showed relatively high frequency in the mother and proband as compared to the controls. The result suggest that chromosome variants involving extra copies of NOR may indeed be involved in the meiotic nondisjunction of chromosome-21.