Effect of respiratory muscle training with wind instrument among obese individuals

Introduction and Aim:One of the most utilized parts of the body when playing a wind instrument is diaphragm. It assists to blow air in and out of your lungs and into the instrument to create sound. Using controlled and measured breaths, the breathing and lung capacity could get improve. Even, music therapy, such as playing wind instrument has been used as a technique for managing and fastening recovery on a physical and emotional level.Therefore, aim of this study was to determine the effects of respiratory muscle training with wind instrument among obese individuals. The objective was to find out the effects of respiratory muscle training with wind instrument in improving maximum voluntary ventilation, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity and reducing dyspnoea among obese individuals.   Materials and Methods: Study included 40 individuals with obesity aged 18-30years. Participants were equally divided into 2 groups- A and B. Group A treated with wind instrument (flute) and group B treated with incentive spirometer, both the groups were treated for 5 days a week for 5 weeks in which 1 session per day for 40 minutes with 5 minutes of warm up, 10 minutes of breathing training, 20 minutes of intervention training program and 5 minutes of cool down. Both the groups were tested for maximum voluntary ventilation, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity using spirometry and dyspnea was graded with modified borg scale as a pre-test and post-test.   Results: The comparison of pre and post-test values of maximum voluntary ventilation, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity and modified borg scale showed a statistically significant difference with p-value <0.0001. While comparing the post-test values of maximum voluntary ventilation, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity and modified borg scale between group A and group B, group A showed higher result with statistical significant difference of p-value <0.0001.   Conclusion: Playing a wind instrument was found to be more effective than respiratory training using an incentive spirometer.

Hevea brasiliensis coniferaldehyde-5-hydroxylase (HbCAld5H) regulates xylogenesis, structure and lignin chemistry of xylem cell wall in Nicotiana tabacum

KEY MESSAGE

The HbCAld5H1 gene cloned from Hevea brasiliensis regulates the cambial activity, xylem differentiation, syringyl-guaiacyl ratio, secondary wall structure, lignification pattern and xylan distribution in xylem fibres of transgenic tobacco plants. Molecular characterization of lignin biosynthesis gene coniferaldehyde-5-hydroxylase (CAld5H) from Hevea brasiliensis and its functional validation was performed. Both sense and antisense constructs of HbCAld5H1 gene were introduced into tobacco through Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation for over expression and down-regulation of this key enzyme to understand its role affecting structural and cell wall chemistry. The anatomical studies of transgenic tobacco plants revealed the increase of cambial activity leading to xylogenesis in sense lines and considerable reduction in antisense lines. The ultra-structural studies showed that the thickness of secondary wall (S2 layer) of fibre had been decreased with non-homogenous lignin distribution in antisense lines, while sense lines showed an increase in S2 layer thickness. Maule color reaction revealed that syringyl lignin distribution in the xylem elements was increased in sense and decreased in antisense lines. The immunoelectron microscopy revealed a reduction in LM 10 and LM 11 labelling in the secondary wall of antisense tobacco lines. Biochemical studies showed a radical increase in syringyl lignin in sense lines without any significant change in total lignin content, while S/G ratio decreased considerably in antisense lines. Our results suggest that CAld5H gene plays an important role in xylogenesis stages such as cambial cell division, secondary wall thickness, xylan and syringyl lignin distribution in tobacco. Therefore, CAld5H gene could be considered as a promising target for lignin modification essential for timber quality improvement in rubber.

Elicitation of silver nanoparticles enhanced the secondary metabolites and pharmacological activities in cell suspension cultures of bitter gourd

This study describes the influence of bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on phytochemicals and their pharmacological activities in the cell suspension cultures (CSC) of bitter gourd. To standardize the effect of sucrose, plant growth regulators, medium, AgNPs and growth kinetics for the biomass and bioactive compounds accumulation in CSC of bitter gourd. The medium comprising MS salts, sucrose (30 g/L) with 2,4-D (1.0 mg/L) and TDZ (0.1 mg/L) at 28 days of CSC was appropriate for biomass and bioactive compound accumulation. The contents of silver, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide were highly elevated in AgNPs (10 mg/L)-elicited CSC when compared with non-elicited CSC. AgNPs (5 mg/L) elicited CSC extracts had significantly enhanced the production of total phenolic (3.5 ± 0.2 mg/g), and flavonoid (2.5 ± 0.06 mg/g) contents than in the control CSC extracts (2.5 ± 0.1 and 1.6 ± 0.05 mg/g). AgNPs (5 mg/L) elicited CSC showed a higher amount of flavonols (1822.37 µg/g), hydroxybenzoic (1713.40 µg/g) and hydroxycinnamic (1080.10 µg/g) acids than the control CSC (1199, 1394.42 and 944.52 µg/g, respectively). Because of these metabolic changes, the pharmacological activities (antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer) were high in the AgNPs (5 mg/L)-elicited CSC extracts in bitter gourd. The study suggested the effectiveness of elicitation process in enhancing the accumulation of phenolic compounds and pharmacological activities. AgNPs-elicited CSC offered an effective and favorable in vitro method to improve the production of bioactive compounds for potential uses in pharmaceutical industries.

Over-expression of 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase 1 (hmgr1) gene under super-promoter for enhanced latex biosynthesis in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.)

Natural rubber (cis-1, 4-polyisoprene) is being produced from bark laticifer cells of Hevea brasiliensis and the popular high latex yielding Indian rubber clones are easily prone to onset of tapping panel dryness syndrome (TPD) which is considered as a physiological syndrome affecting latex production either partially or completely. This report describes an efficient protocol for development of transgenic rubber plants by over-expression of 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl Co-enzyme A reductase 1 (hmgr1) gene which is considered as rate limiting factor for latex biosynthesis via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The pBIB plasmid vector containing hmgr1 gene cloned under the control of a super-promoter was used for genetic transformation using embryogenic callus. Putatively transgenic cell lines were obtained on selection medium and produced plantlets with 44% regeneration efficiency. Transgene integration was confirmed by PCR amplification of 1.8 kb hmgr1 and 0.6 kb hpt genes from all putatively transformed callus lines as well as transgenic plants. Southern blot analysis showed the stable integration and presence of transgene in the transgenic plants. Over expression of hmgr1 transgene was determined by Northern blot hybridization, semi-quantitative PCR and real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Accumulation of hmgr1 mRNA transcripts was more abundant in transgenic plants than control. Increased level of photosynthetic pigments, protein contents and HMGR enzyme activity was also noticed in transgenic plants over control. Interestingly, the latex yield was significantly enhanced in all transgenic plants compared to the control. The qRT-PCR results exhibit that the hmgr1 mRNA transcript levels was 160-fold more abundance in transgenic plants over untransformed control. These results altogether suggest that there is a positive correlation between latex yield and accumulation of mRNA transcripts level as well as HMGR enzyme activity in transgenic rubber plants. It is presumed that there is a possibility for enhanced level of latex biosynthesis in transgenic plants as the level of mRNA transcripts and HMGR enzyme activity is directly correlated with latex yield in rubber tree. Further, the present results clearly suggest that the quantification of HMGR enzyme activity in young seedlings will be highly beneficial for early selection of high latex yielding plants in rubber breeding programs.

Comparison of Platform Switched and Sloping Shoulder Implants on Stress Reduction in various Bone Densities: Finite Element Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Comparison of platform switched (PS), sloping shoulder, and regular implants on stress reduction in various bone densities with finite element analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 12 three-dimensional finite element models were built to analyze the stress distribution model. Nobel Biocare 4.3 × 8 mm regular platform replace select implant with matching diameter easy abutment, Nobel Biocare 4.3 × 8 mm replace select implant PS with 3.5 mm diameter easy abutment, Bicon 4 × 8 mm implant with 4 mm diameter sloping shoulder abutments were created virtually in compact bone density using software. The 130 N axial force and a 90 N oblique loading force were applied to the abutment to analyze the stress.

RESULTS

Under horizontal and vertical loading, the sloping shoulder implant had lesser stresses in cancellous bone when compared with PS and regular implants. Sloping shoulder implant showed more stress distribution at implant-abutment interface and at crestal area, whereas with regular implants, the stresses were distributed at cortical area.

CONCLUSION

Sloping shoulder implant in subcrestal position is much favorable for bone growth, stress distribution, and preservation of remaining bone.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Use of sloping shoulder implant design distributes the stress apically and creates lesser stresses when compared with PS implants.

Jasmonic and salicylic acids enhanced phytochemical production and biological activities in cell suspension cultures of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb)

In vitro cell suspension culture was established for the production of commercially valuable phytochemicals in Momordica dioica. The influence of elicitors in jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) increased their effect on phytochemical production and biomass accumulation in M. dioica. The results indicate that compared with non-elicited cultures, JA- and SA-elicited cell suspension cultures had significantly enhanced phenolic, flavonoid, and carotenoid production, as well as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative activities. Furthermore, elicited cultures produced 22 phenolic compounds, such as flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids. Greater biomass production, phytochemical accumulation, and biological activity occurred in JA- than in SA-elicited cell cultures. This study is the first to successfully establish M. dioica cell suspension cultures for the production of phenolic compounds and carotenoids, as well as for biomass accumulation.

Airway Management in Patients with Tracheal Compression Undergoing Thyroidectomy: A Retrospective Analysis

Background:

Airway management in large and retrosternal goiters with tracheal compression is often fraught with challenges and is a source of apprehension among anesthesiologists globally.

Aims:

In this study we attempt to delineate the preferred techniques of airway management of such cases in our institution and also to assess whether airway management was unnecessarily complicated.

Setting and Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of thyroidectomies performed in our institution over a three year period from January 2013. Clinical, radiological, pathological, anesthetic and surgical data were obtained from hospital case records.

Statistical Analysis:

Qualitative data is represented as frequencies and percentages and quantitative data as mean and standard deviation.

Results:

Of 1861 thyroidectomies tracheal compression were present in 50 patients with minimum tracheal diameter ranging from 4-12mm (mean 7.84); with majority(95%) having a benign pathology. Critical tracheal compression (≤5 mm) was observed in four patients. Conventional intravenous induction and intubation under muscle relaxant was performed in majority (64%) of these patients. The rest of the cases (n=18) were intubated while preserving spontaneous ventilation after induction. Primary technique of airway management was reported successful in all cases with no instances of difficult ventilation or intubation. Postoperative morbidity in few cases resulted from hematoma (n=1), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (n=1), tracheomalacia (n=1) and pulmonary complications (n=2).

Conclusion:

Airway management in patients with tracheal compression due to benign goiter is quite straightforward and can be managed in the conventional manner with little or no complications.

Production of glucosinolates, phenolic compounds and associated gene expression profiles of hairy root cultures in turnip (Brassica rapa ssp. rapa)

Turnip (Brassica rapa ssp. rapa) is an important vegetable crop producing glucosinolates (GSLs) and phenolic compounds. The GSLs, phenolic compound contents and transcript levels in hairy root cultures, as well as their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activity were studied in turnip. Transgenic hairy root lines were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription-PCR. GSLs levels (glucoallysin, glucobrassicanapin, gluconasturtiin, glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin and 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin) and their gene expression levels (BrMYB28, BrMYB29, BrMYB34, BrMYB51, BrMYB122, CYP79 and CYP83) significantly increased in hairy roots compared with that in non-transformed roots. Furthermore, hairy roots efficiently produced several important individual phenolic compounds (flavonols, hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids). Colorimetric analysis revealed that the highest levels of total phenol, flavonoid contents, and their gene expression levels (PAL, CHI and FLS) in hairy roots than non-transformed roots. Our study provides beneficial information on the molecular and physiological active processes that are associated with the phytochemical content and biosynthetic gene expression in turnip. Moreover, antioxidant activity, as measured by DPPH scavenging activity, reducing potential, phosphomolybdenum and ferrous ion chelating ability assays was significantly higher in hairy roots. Hairy root extracts exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal species. The extract of hairy roots showed inhibition of human breast and colon cancer cell lines.

Enhanced Production of Anthraquinones and Phenolic Compounds and Biological Activities in the Cell Suspension Cultures of Polygonum multiflorum

Anthraquinones (AQs) and phenolic compounds are important phytochemicals that are biosynthesized in cell suspension cultures of Polygonum multiflorum. We wanted to optimize the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs), media, sucrose, l-glutamine, jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) for the production of phytochemicals and biomass accumulation in a cell suspension culture of P. multiflorum. The medium containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts and 4% sucrose supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.5 mg/L thidiazuron, and 100 µM l-glutamine at 28 days of cell suspension culture was suitable for biomass accumulation and AQ production. Maximum biomass accumulation (12.5 and 12.35 g fresh mass (FM); 3 and 2.93 g dry mass (DM)) and AQ production (emodin 295.20 and 282 mg/g DM; physcion 421.55 and 410.25 mg/g DM) were observed using 100 µM JA and SA, respectively. JA- and SA-elicited cell cultures showed several-fold higher biomass accumulation and AQ production than the control cell cultures. Furthermore, the cell suspension cultures effectively produced 23 phenolic compounds, such as flavonols and hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives. PGR-, JA-, and SA-elicited cell cultures produced a higher amount of AQs and phenolic compounds. Because of these metabolic changes, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities were high in the PGR-, JA-, and SA-elicited cell cultures. The results showed that the elicitors (JA and SA) induced the enhancement of biomass accumulation and phytochemical (AQs and phenolic compounds) production as well as biological activities in the cell suspension cultures of P. multiflorum. This optimized protocol can be developed for large-scale biomass accumulation and production of phytochemicals (AQs and phenolic compounds) from cell suspension cultures, and the phytochemicals can be used for various biological activities.

Induction of hairy roots by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb. ex. willd) for the assessment of phenolic compounds and biological activities

An efficient protocol for hairy root induction of spine gourd (Momordica dioica) was established using Agrobacterium rhizogenes (KCTC 2703). This study evaluates the phenolic compound production, antioxidant and antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral) activities of transgenic hairy root cultures in M. dioica . Hairy roots were induced from leaves, petiole, and internodal explants. Molecular analysis of PCR and gene sequencing using specific primers of rolC and aux1 revealed T-DNA integration in the hairy root clones and RT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression of hairy root inducible genes (rolC and aux1). The greatest biomass accumulation of hairy roots on MS liquid medium supplemented with 3% sucrose was observed at 22 days. Ultra-HPLC was used to compare the individual phenolic compound contents of transgenic and non-transgenic roots. Moreover, transgenic hairy roots efficiently produced several phenolic compounds, such as flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives. The total phenolic, flavonoid contents and biological (antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral) activities were higher in hairy roots compared to non-transformed roots. These results demonstrate the greater potentiality of M. dioica hairy root cultures for the production of valuable phenolic compounds and for studies of their biological activity.

Studies on enhancing operational stability of a reusable laccase-based biosensor probe for detection of ortho-substituted phenolic derivatives

An amperometric principle-based biosensor containing immobilized enzyme laccase from Trametes versicolor was developed for detection of ortho-substituted phenolic derivatives. Different immobilization methods for Trametes versicolor laccase enzyme on cellophane membrane and the enhancement of operational stability of the immobilized enzyme electrode using various protein-based stabilizing agents were studied. Among tested methods of immobilization, co-cross-linking method with bovine serum albumin was superior to the other methods in terms of sensitivity, limit of detection, response time, and operating and thermal stability. Biosensor response reached steady state within 3 min and exhibited maximum activity at 45 °C and pH 6.8. The sensitivity of the ortho-substituted phenols for the test biosensor developed with co-cross-linking method of immobilization using bovine serum albumin as the protein-based stabilizing agent was in the order: 2-aminophenol > guaiacol(2-methoxyphenol) > catechol(2-hydroxyphenol) > cresol(2-methyl phenol) > 2-chlorophenol. Validation of the newly developed biosensor by comparison with HPLC showed good agreement in the results. A newly developed biosensor was applied for quantification of ortho-substituted phenols in simulated effluent samples.

New cytotoxic clerodane diterpenes from the leaves of Premna tomentosa

Bio-activity directed investigation of hexane extract from the leaves of Premna tomentosa led to the isolation of three new clerodane diterpenes (1-3) along with four known compounds (4-7). The structures of new compounds were established using IR, MS, 1D, and 2D NMR techniques. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the crude hexane extract and the isolated compounds were evaluated against seven human cancer cell lines and results indicated that compounds 2 and 4 depicted significant cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

Evaluation of polyphenol composition and biological activities of two samples from summer and winter seasons of Ligularia fischeri var. Spiciformis Nakai

Phenolic contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were determined by two samples from summer (June) and winter (December) seasons of Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai. A total of 24 phenolic compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis. Myricetin (1964.35 and 1829.12 μg/g) was the most dominant flavonol compared to quercetin and kaempferol. Salicylic acid (222.80 and 215.25 μg/g) was the most important phenolic compound compared to pyrogallol, caffeic acid, gentisic acid, o-coumaric acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and ferulic acid in summer (June) and winter (December) seasons. Phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities were estimated for the various solvent extracts (petroleum ether, butanol, ethyl acetate, methanol and water). Ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest phenolic (332.64 and 299.44 mg/g gallic acid equivalent) and flavonoid contents (5.72 and 5.29 mg/g quercetin equivalent) and also the strongest antioxidant activity in summer and winter seasons. Due to these metabolic variations, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were increased with summer seasons compared to winter seasons. Our study shows that the samples collected in June had higher phenolic compounds, stronger antioxidative and antimicrobial activity than the samples of L. fischeri leaf extracts collected in December.

Fibro-osseous lesions of the oral and maxillo-facial region: Retrospective analysis for 20 years

BACKGROUND

Fibro-osseous lesions (FOLs) are one of the commonest entities reported in the head and neck region. However, studies on these groups of lesions on Indian population were not carried out before. So this motivated us to analyze the clinico-pathologic correlation of fibro-osseous lesions reported at our hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was made of all the lesions surgically treated in our hospital. A total of 6,175 biopsies were performed during the study period. All the cases which were histopathologically diagnosed as FOLs were included in the study. The demographic data, radiographic features, and histopathologic findings were analyzed and compared with similar studies on other races.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We could find 80 cases diagnosed as fibro-osseous lesions and information about them was documented. The most common FOL reported in the region was cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) (75%) than fibrous dysplasia (FD) (25%). These were commonly occurring in 2(nd) decade without any sex or site predilection. However, COF was showing a slight female predominance and FD with a definite male predominance. COF was commonly seen in mandible (posterior region) whereas FD mainly confined to the maxilla (as a whole bone). Radiographically, most of COF showed well-defined mixed opaque and lucent areas whereas FD showed diffuse borders. Cortical plate expansion and resorption of associated teeth was a frequent finding in COF when compared with FD. Histopathologically, stroma was fibrocellular in many cases of COF, whereas most FDs showed fibrous stroma, interspersed with mainly woven bone.

c-Myc oncogene expression in selected odontogenic cysts and tumors: An immunohistochemical study

Aim:

To investigate the role of c-Myc oncogene in selected odontogenic cysts and tumors.

Materials and Methods:

Ten cases each of ameloblastoma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), dentigerous cyst, and radicular cyst were selected and primary monoclonal mouse anti-human c-Myc antibody was used in a dilution of 1: 50. Statistical Analysis was performed using Mann Whitney U test.

Results:

80% positivity was observed in ameloblastoma, AOT and OKC; 50% positivity in radicular cyst and 20% positivity in dentigerous cyst. Comparison of c-Myc expression between ameloblastoma and AOT did not reveal significant results. Similarly, no statistical significance was observed when results of OKC were compared with ameloblastoma and AOT. In contrast, significant differences were seen on comparison of dentigerous cyst with ameloblastoma and AOT and radicular cyst with AOT.

Conclusion:

From the above data we conclude that (1) Ameloblastoma and AOT have similar proliferative potential and their biologic behavior cannot possibly be attributed to it. (2) OKC has an intrinsic growth potential which is absent in other cysts and reinforces its classification as keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

Two new sesquiterpenoids from the rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi

Phytochemical investigation of CHCl(3):MeOH (1:1) extract from the rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi led to the isolation of two new sesquiterpenoids (5 and 6), along with six known compounds (1-4, 7, and 8). The structures of two new compounds were established using IR, MS, 1D, and 2D NMR techniques. In addition, all the isolates were tested for their cytotoxicities against the A549 (lung cancer), DU-145 (prostate cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and SK-N-SH (neuroblastoma).

Design and Microwave-assisted Synthesis of 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives for Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity

1,3,4-Oxadizoles form a biologically important group of compounds having activities like analgesic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antifungal, anticonvulsant, psychotropic, plant growth regulating and mono amino oxidase inhibition. This research has focused on the incorporation of the oxadiazole moiety into isoniazid because of their versatile biological action, to get 2-aryl-5-(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole to explore the possibilities of some altered biological action. 1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivatives were synthesized by microwave-assisted synthesis and screened for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory activities. The synthesized compounds were characterized by Melting point, Thin layer chromatographyInfra red, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, etc. Almost all the synthesized compounds possessed good activity as compared to the standard.

Glandular odontogenic cyst mimicking central mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare developmental cyst of the jaws. The most common site of occurrence is the anterior mandible, and it is most commonly seen in middle-aged people. It is a destructive lesion with a high rate of recurrence. A predilection for men is observed. Clinical and radiographic findings are not specific, and it can mimic as any other destructive lesion of the jaw. The histopathological features of GOC and those of low-grade central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) are similar. Often, they are misdiagnosed as MEC. We present a case of GOC in the posterior maxilla, which is a rare site. The similarities and differences between GOC and central MEC are also discussed.

Radicular cyst in deciduous maxillary molars: a rarity

Radicular cyst arising from deciduous teeth is exceedingly rare accounting for <1% of all radicular cysts. A total of 122 cases have been reported to date in the English language literature. We present a rare case of a radicular cyst associated with a decayed deciduous maxillary molar tooth without any history of prior pulp therapy. Our aim is to emphasize the recognition of inflammatory radicular lesions associated with deciduous teeth which may adversely impact underlying permanent successor.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase 1 (hmgr1) gene from rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.): A key gene involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis

Natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene) is a secondary metabolite produced in the laticiferous tissue of Hevea tree. Mevalonate synthesis, which is the first step in isoprenoid biosynthesis, is catalyzed by the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A reductase 1 (hmgr1). We have cloned and characterized a full-length cDNA as well as genomic DNA for hmgr1 gene from an elite Indian rubber clone (RRII 105). The nucleotide sequence of the genomic clone comprises 4 exons and 3 introns, giving a total length of 2440 bp. The sequences of 42 bp 5' UTR and 69 bp of the 3' UTR were also determined. The hmgr1 cDNA contained an open reading frame of 1838 bp coding for 575 amino acid protein with a theoretical pI value of 6.6 and the calculated protein M W was 61.6 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed high identity with other plant hmgr1 sequences. The amino acid sequence of the Hevea hmgr1 revealed several motifs which are highly conserved and common to the other plant species. These sequence conservations suggest a strong evolutionary pressure to maintain amino acid residues at specific positions, indicating that the conserved motifs might play important roles in the structural and/or catalytic properties of the enzyme. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from Hevea probed with a genomic fragment indicated that there were at least three isoforms of hmgr in Hevea. This result reveals that hmgr1 is one of the members of a small gene family. (Northern blot analysis showed that hmgr1 mRNA transcripts were noticed in all tissues - latex, leaf, immature leaf, and seedlings), however, the abundance of transcript level was higher in latex cells. As one step towards a better understanding of the role that this enzyme plays in coordinating isoprenoid biosynthesis in plants, hmgr1 cDNA was over expressed in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Transgenic plants were morphologically distinguishable from control wild-type plants and an increased expression level of hmgr1 mRNA was detected. These data suggest that hmgr1 gene expression is playing an important role in isoprenoid biosynthesis.

Benign, malignant salivary gland tumors: comparison of immunohistochemical expression of e-cadherin

The aim of the present study was to assess any variation in the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. A total of 60 cases of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors were evaluated immunohistochemically for E-cadherin expression. These included 10 cases of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), 2 cases of canalicular adenoma (CA), 2 cases of myoepithelioma (MY), 24 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 12 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), 9 cases of adenocarcinoma (AC) and 1 case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (Ca Ex PA). 48 cases (80%) showed positive expression, in which benign tumors exhibited relatively increased reactivity (85.7%) as compared to the malignant tumors (78.3%). 10 PA, 2 MY, 20 ACC, 9 MEC, 6 AC and 1 Ca Ex PA expressed E-cadherin. Negative expression was evident in CA, ACC, MEC and AC. Statistically significant reduction in reactivity was evident in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, when compared to pleomorphic adenoma.

An aggressive solitary fibrous tumor with evidence of malignancy: a rare case report

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is rare mesenchymal neoplasm that has been originally and most often documented in the pleura. Recently, the ubiquitous nature of the SFT has been recognized with reports of involvement of numerous sites all over the body, i.e, upper respiratory tract, breast, somatic tissue, mediastinum, head, and neck, etc. The diagnosis of SFT still remains an enigma in our field. Furthermore, malignant SFT is extremely rare and only two cases have been reported in the oral cavity till date. Here, we present a rare case report of an aggressive solitary fibrous tumor which presented as a palatal mass and extended throughout the middle cranial fossa and exhibited features of malignancy.

Apoptosis in endometria of dysfuntional uterine bleeding women

The study of apoptosis in endometrium of women with irregular uterine bleeding and its predictive value in endometrial malignancy. Analyze apoptotic and mitotic indices and their relevance in irregular uterine bleeding. To determine the expression of Bcl-2 oncoprotein in endometrial glands from patients with irregular uterine bleeding. Department of pathology in a Government Hospital serving a varied socio-economic population in Chennai. Random samples of endometrial currettings from dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) patient who underwent endometrial curettage as therapeutic and diagnostic procedure during the year 2000. Of 50 cases of endometrial samples from patients diagnosed as cases of DUB, the apoptotic and mitotic indexing was carried out and histological categorization revealed 13 cases as Anovulatory. 14 as simple hyperplasia, 5 as early secretory endometrium, 4 as mid secretory and 4 as late secretory endometrium and 7 as endometrium showing features of hormonal imbalance. Three cases were not included, due to sub-optimal processing. A good correlation of the Bcl-2 expression and the apoptotic cell morphology/indices, in the different categories of the endometria of DUB cases is observed. This preliminary study gives an insight to the existence of a correlative pattern of apoptosis in DUB cases. A prospective study on a larger number of cases may substantiate the hypothesis that the Apoptotic and Mitotic indices are useful screening methods with predictive values on development of endometrial carcinoma. It is observed that an increased apoptotic index correlating with high Bcl-2 expression, reflecting the actual cell burden. This prolonged cell survival resisting cell deletion is associated with irregular uterine bleeding endometria.

Cutaneous zygomycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Fallbericht. Kutane Zygomykose durch Rhizopus oryzae bei einem patienten mit akuter lymphoblstischer Leukamie

We report herein a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a 7-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving intensive chemotherapy. The diagnosis was based on observation of hyphal elements in cutaneous biopsy and isolation of the fungus in culture. The patient responded to surgical intervention and treatment with amphotericin B.

Primary intraosseous odontogenic carcinoma with osteoid/dentinoid formation

Primary intraosseous carcinoma/odontogenic carcinomas are extremely rare malignant odontogenic tumours that are thought to arise from residues of odontogenic epithelium. An unusual case of primary intraosseous carcinoma arising de novo in a previously unreported site of posterior maxilla is described. The tumour was characterized by sheets of pleomorphic round-to-ovoid cells and marked osteoid/dentinoid formation with foci of globular mineralization.

Health perspective of pesticide exposure and dietary management

Among the chemicals, pesticides which are mainly used in agriculture pose major health problems to human beings. Indiscriminate use of pesticides belonging to the class organophosphate, organochlorine, carbomate, and pyrethroid leads to various health problems affecting the nervous, endocrine, reproductive and immune systems. The toxicity of pesticide in human beings is influenced by various factors such as age, gender and health status of the individual in addition to the intensity and frequency of pesticide used. Comparatively, children are at greater risk than the adults. The human detoxification system plays a vital role in reducing the harmful effects of the pesticides. However, when the toxic level is increased beyond the capacity of the detoxification system, health condition deteriorates. Human diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of a person. Vitamins such as Vitamin C and E are effective in preventing DNA damage because of their antioxidant properties. Intake of fruits and vegetables improves the antioxidants level in the blood. Phenolic substances present in certain spices possess potent anticarcinogenic activities. Organic farming may be a viable solution to reduce the toxic effects of chemicals.

Genetic transformation and regeneration of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg) transgenic plants with a constitutive version of an anti-oxidative stress superoxide dismutase gene

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation and the regeneration of transgenic plants was achieved in Hevea brasiliensis. Immature anther-derived calli were used to develop transgenic plants. These calli were co-cultured with A. tumefaciens harboring a plasmid vector containing the H. brasiliensis superoxide dismutase gene (HbSOD) under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter. The beta-glucuronidase gene (uidA) was used for screening and the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (nptII) was used for selection of the transformed calli. Factors such as co-cultivation time, co-cultivation media and kanamycin concentration were assessed to establish optimal conditions for the selection of transformed callus lines. Transformed calli surviving on medium containing 300 mg l(-1) kanamycin showed a strong GUS-positive reaction. Somatic embryos were then regenerated from these transgenic calli on MS2 medium containing 2.0 mg l(-1) spermine and 0.1 mg l(-1) abscisic acid. Mature embryos were germinated and developed into plantlets on MS4 medium supplemented with 0.2 mg l(-1) gibberellic acid, 0.2 mg l(-1) kinetin (KIN) and 0.1 mg l(-1) indole-3-acetic acid. A transformation frequency of 4% was achieved. The morphology of the transgenic plants was similar to that of untransformed plants. Histochemical GUS assay revealed the expression of the uidA gene in embryos as well as leaves of transgenic plants. The presence of the uidA, nptII and HbSOD genes in the Hevea genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and genomic Southern blot hybridization analyses.

Effect of sodium metabisulphite on germination, growth and yield of Vigna sinensis, Savi

In the present study, the impact of sodium metabisulphite (Na2S2O5), a food preservative, on seed germination, growth and yield of Vigna sinensis, Savi has been evaluated. Observations clearly reveal the deleterious effect of Na2S2O5 on germination, stomatal development, stomatal index, chlorophyll content and yield. The shoot length exhibited a steady rise in length, while the biomass showed a gradual decrease with the increasing doses of Na2S2O5.

Ascorbate oxidase based amperometric biosensor for organophosphorous pesticide monitoring

An amperometric principle based biosensor containing tissues of cucumber, rich in ascorbic acid oxidase, was used for the detection of organophosphorous (OP) pesticide ethyl paraoxon, which inhibits the activity of ascorbic acid oxidase. The optimal concentration of ascorbic acid used as substrate was found to be 5.67 mM. The biosensor response was found to reach steady state within 2 min. A measurable inhibition (> 10%) was obtained with 10 min incubation of the enzyme electrode with different concentrations of the pesticide. There was a linear relationship between the percentage of inhibition of the enzyme substrate reaction and the pesticide (ethyl paraoxon) concentration in the range 1-10 ppm with a regression value 0.9942.

Inter- and intra-observer variation in the amniotic fluid index

OBJECTIVE

To measure inter- and intra-observer reliability in the amniotic fluid index (AFI).

METHODS

To measure inter-observer reliability, three observers measured the AFI at random in 32 patients without knowing each other's results. To determine intra-observer reliability, each investigator made repeated measurements on ten other patients. Patients at 26-41 weeks' gestation who were referred for an antenatal ultrasound examination were asked to participate. Intra-observer reliability and inter-observer reliability were expressed as intra-class correlation coefficients. Inter-observer agreement was also expressed as the kappa statistic after dichotomizing the AFI (less than 8 cm, 8 cm or more).

RESULTS

The intra-class correlation coefficient for intra-observer reliability exceeded 0.8, and for inter-observer reliability it was 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.79), with an overall kappa of 0.44 (95% CI 0.22-0.65). The percentage disagreement between pairs of observers reached 22-28%.

CONCLUSION

Measurements of AFI have good intra-observer and moderate inter-observer agreement. In clinical use, an AFI level near a cutoff value should be interpreted with caution.