Readily usable strategies to control mastitis for production augmentation in dairy cattle: A review

Mastitis in dairy cattle is the most common management disorder that causes higher economic losses by lowering production and quality of milk leads to substantial economical loss. The aim of this article was to review worldwide important advances in strategies to control mastitis for production augmentation in dairy cattle. Many scientists worked to identify effective strategies to control mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and others. It is necessary to identify mechanisms of infection, define clinical and subclinical states of disease, determine exposure time, and identify pathogen-specific characteristics. Evolvement of management strategies that incorporated hygienic procedures (animal, floor, and milkman), post milking standing period of animal and strategic use of antibiotic or herbal therapy at dry-off, nutritional supplementation, fly control, body condition score optimization, etc., resulted in widespread control of mastitis. The udder, teat of animal, scientific management of milking, automatic milking procedure, genetic selection are considered as important factors to control mastitis. As farm management changed, scientists were directed to redefine control of mastitis caused by opportunistic pathogens of environmental sources and have sought to explore management strategies which will maintain animal well-being in a judicial way. Although significant advances in mastitis management have been made changing herd structure, changing climatic scenario and more rigorous milk processing standards ensure that mastitis will remain important issue for future research.

Effect of reducing energy intake during the dry period on milk production, udder health, and body condition score of Jersey crossbred cows in the tropical lower Gangetic region

To find out the effect of reducing energy intake during dry period on milk production, udder health, and body condition, the experiment was conducted on 14 Jersey crossbred cows during whole dry period and continued up to 120 days of lactation. Reduction in energy intake was done during far-off period for each dry cow of treatment group as compared to control group. Statistically analyzed data revealed that overall significantly (P < 0.01) lower DMI and WI were recorded in control than treatment group. Overall significantly (P < 0.01) higher total milk production was found in treatment than control group. Overall significantly (P < 0.01) lower milk SCC, MCMT, pH, and EC were found in treatment than control group. Nonsignificant difference in milk fat, SNF, total solid, total protein, and fat:protein ratio was found. Overall significantly (P < 0.01) better quality milk (MBRT) was found in treatment than control groups. BCS during dry period and at calving was significantly (P < 0.01) different between groups. Significantly (P < 0.01) higher plasma NEFA concentration was estimated in control than treatment groups in all stages. No significant difference was found for plasma concentrations of glucose, urea, and total protein. The coefficients of correlation indicated significant (P < 0.01) correlation among BCS, milk production, milk SCC, MCMT, pH, and EC. It can be concluded that reducing energy intake during far-off dry period can lead to achieve optimum BCS at calving. Suitable BCS at calving was beneficial to get higher milk production with improved quality, better maintenance of udder health and body condition of Jersey crossbred cows at tropical lower Gangetic region.

Electrophoretic profile of seminal proteins and their correlation with in vitro sperm characters in Black Bengal buck semen

Aim:

This study aimed to study the electrophoretic properties of seminal plasma and sperm proteins of Black Bengal buck semen and their correlation with in vitro sperm characters and freezability.

Materials and Methods:

Semen ejaculates from nine Black Bengal bucks were collected by artificial vagina (n=20/buck). Ejaculates were evaluated for in vitro sperm characters and electrophoretic profile of seminal protein. In vitro sperm characters were evaluated immediately after collection, after completion of equilibration period, and after freeze-thawing. For seminal protein studies, seminal plasma proteins were precipitated by ice-cold ethanol method, and sperm proteins were extracted by Triton X detergent extraction method. Discontinuous sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to assess the molecular weight of seminal proteins. Correlation between in vitro sperm characters and protein bands was determined by Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and two-way ANOVA was applied to find the individual buck differences.

Results:

Significant difference (p<0.01) among the bucks was noticed in the in vitro sperm characters evaluated at all the three stages of semen evaluation such as immediately after collection, after completion of equilibration period, and post-freeze thawing. Progressive loss of sperm motility, membrane integrity, and other in vitro sperm characters were noticed during cryopreservation. A total of ten protein bands in the molecular weight ranging from 17 to 180 kDa were found in the SDS-PAGE of seminal plasma proteins, while nine bands of 17-134 kDa were observed in sperm proteins. Seminal plasma proteins of molecular weight 75, 62-49, 20, and 17 kDa and sperm proteins of 75, 20, and 17 kDa were present in all the nine bucks (100%) screened, and variation among the bucks was noticed for the presence of other proteins. Seminal plasma protein of 180-134 kDa showed a negative correlation with individual motility (−0.716) and functional membrane integrity of sperm cells (−0.724) in post-freeze–thaw analysis and 48 kDa protein had a positive correlation with individual motility (0.649) and functional membrane integrity of sperm cells (0.664) in post-thaw analysis. Sperm proteins of 63 kDa had a negative correlation (−0.616) with sperm concentration in neat semen.

Conclusion:

Variation among the bucks was noticed in the in vitro sperm characters and semen freezability. Correlation between seminal proteins and in vitro sperm characters and semen freezability had been found which might be useful as a tool to select breeding bucks.

Selection of suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR gene expression analysis in Mulberry (Morus alba L.) under different abiotic stresses

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is the sole food source for the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori and therefore important for sericulture industry. Different abiotic stress conditions like drought, salt, heat and cold stress adversely affect the productivity and quality of mulberry leaves. Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) is a reliable and widely used method to identify abiotic stress responsive genes and molecular mechanism in different plant species. Selection of suitable reference genes is important requirement for normalizing the expression of genes through qRT-PCR study. In the present study, we have selected eight candidate reference genes in mulberry for analyzing their expression stability in different abiotic stress treatments including drought, salt, heat and cold stresses. The expression stability of these reference genes was determined using geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder statistical algorithms. The results showed that Ubiquitin and protein phosphatase 2A regulatory subunit A (PP2A) were the most stable genes across all the treatment samples. However, analysis of individual stresses revealed different expression profiles and stability of reference genes. Actin3 and PP2A were most stable in drought and salt conditions respectively. RPL3 most preferred in heat stress and Ubiquitin was most stable in cold stress. We propose the ubiquitin and PP2A are the preferred reference genes for normalization of gene expression data from abiotic stresses. In addition, Actin3 are preferred for drought stress, PP2A for salt stress, RPL3 for heat stress and Ubiquitin for cold stress studies.

The DEAD box protein p68: a novel coactivator of Stat3 in mediating oncogenesis

DEAD box RNA helicase p68 acts as a transcriptional coactivator of several oncogenic transcription factors apart from being a vital player of RNA metabolism. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a major oncogenic contributor of diverse cancers, including that of colon. Deciphering the mechanistic insights of coactivation of Stat3 transcriptional activity may aid in improved therapeutic strategies. Here we report for the first time a novel mechanism of alliance between p68 and Stat3 in stimulating transcriptional activity of Stat3. Interestingly, we observed that the expression of p68 and Stat3 bears strong positive correlation and significant colocalization in normal and colon carcinoma patient samples. We demonstrated that p68 directly interacts with Stat3 in HEK293 cells as well as multiple colon cancer cell lines. Additionally, p68 positively modulated both mRNA and protein expression levels of Stat3 target genes; promoter activity of Stat3 target gene Mcl-1 in multiple colon cancer cell lines. Also, p68 occupied the promoters of multiple Stat3 target genes in enhancing Stat3-dependent transcription. Moreover, the strong positive correlation between the abundance of p68 and Stat3 target genes in the same set of colon carcinoma samples further supported our observations. Enhanced expression levels of Stat3 target genes observed in primary tumors and metastatic lung nodules, generated in mice colorectal allograft model using syngeneic cells stably expressing p68, further reinforced our in vitro findings. Hence, this study unravels novel modes of p68-mediated oncogenesis through coactivation of Stat3 and enhancing Stat3 signaling.

Recommendations for Vaccination Against Seasonal Influenza in Adult High Risk Groups: South Asian Recommendations

Influenza is a global public health problem and concern especially in high risk people. Prevention plays a key role in avoiding complications of influenza related illnesses. Despite the existing prevalence of influenza, and documented importance of vaccination, the uptake of influenza vaccine is very poor. This document provide recommendations for influenza vaccination in high-risk individuals and help implement best practices in the South Asian region and improve coverage of influenza vaccination to achieve better outcomes in this population.

Socio-demographic Factors of Geriatric Depression

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common mental health problem in geriatric population and the overall prevalence rate of depression in this age group varies between 10 and 20%.

OBJECTIVE

To study the socio-demographic factors associated with depression in geriatric population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review was done on 74 community-based mental health surveys on depression in geriatric population, which were conducted in the continents of Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and South America. All the studies were conducted between 1955 and 2005. The researchers had included only community-based cross-sectional surveys and some prospective studies that had not excluded depression on baseline. These studies were conducted on homogenous community of geriatric population in the world, who were selected by simple random sampling technique. A qualitative analysis was conducted to study the socio-demographic factors of depression.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The two non-modifiable risk factors found to be significantly associated with depression in geriatric population were "older age group" and "female gender". However, the potentially modifiable risk factors for depression in the geriatric population were identified as low socioeconomic status, loss of spouse, living alone, chronic co-morbidities, cognitive impairment, bereavement and restricted activities of daily living (ADL).

Serological evidence of antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus in free-ranging yak (Poephagus grunniens) in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Serum samples were randomly collected from 172 free-ranging yak (Poephagus grunniens, presently Bos grunniens) from six different yak tracts of Arunachal Pradesh, India, and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the presence of specific antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus. The overall prevalence of this disease in yak was 35%. The prevalence of Cp. abortus-specific antibodies was significantly higher in yak cows (41%) than among bulls (25%). The highest prevalence (39%: 95% confidence interval [Cl] = 27, 55) was found in yak between one and three years of age, while the lowest prevalence (20%: 95% CI = 10, 41) was reported in yak below one year of age.

A serological survey of antibodies against bovine herpesvirus-1 in yak (Poephagus grunniens) in Arunachal Pradesh in India

Serum samples were collected from 254 yak (Poephagus grunniens, presently Bos grunniens) in different yak tracts of India. These samples were then screened by virus neutralisation test (VNT) and avidin-biotin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (AB-ELISA) to study the seroprevalence of antibodies against bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1). The overall seroprevalence in yak was found to be 41% (105) by VNT and AB-ELISA. The sex of the animal, whether it was on a farm or free-ranging and the location of the different yak tracts did not seem to have any effect on seroprevalence. However, seroprevalence was found to increase with the age of the animals, being highest in yak older than three years of age (49%). Yak generally share feeding, watering and grazing areas with other domestic and wild animals and this common ecological niche is thought to be a possible avenue of infection. This is the first time that the seroprevalence of antibodies against BHV-1 has been studied in yak in India.

A study on endocrine dysfunction in thalassaemia

The aim was to study the prevalence and severity of hormonal imbalance affecting growth, gonadal and thyroid function in thalassaemic patients and to find out whether any correlation exists between the degree of tissue iron-overload and several patients characteristics like age, gender, foetal haemoglobin (HbF) level, type of thalassaemia (beta or E-beta), and the presence of specific endocrine abnormality. Sixty-eight consecutive non-chelated, transfusion-dependent patients of beta and E-beta-thalassaemia with significant tissue iron overload (serum ferritin more than 2000 microg/l) were included. Standing height was noted and clinical features of hypogonadism were recorded. Insulin tolerance test was done to assess growth hormone reserve. Serum oestradiol, T3,T4,TSH were measured in fasting clotted sample, while pooled sera (from 3 consevutive morning samples) was used for testosterone, FSH and LH. Hypogonadism was the commonest abnormality, both in males (52.28%) and females (35.89%) followed by growth retardation (20.58%) and reduced growth hormone reserve (7.35%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of endocrine dysfunction with regard to patient's age, gender, type of thalassaemia (beta or E-beta) amd HbF level. Hypogonadic females had a significantly elevated mean serum ferritin level. Subclinical hypothyroidism was present in 23.52% of patients, related to the duration of disease. No association was found between pituitarty and thyroid dysfunction.

Hemophagoctic lymphohistiocytosis--recent concept

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare condition characterized by highly stimulated but inactive immune response. The disease may be inherited or acquired due to infections, collagen vascular diseases and malignancies. The pathological hallmark of the syndrome is aggressive proliferation of macrophages and histiocytes. Decreased NK cell activity results in increased T cell activation resulting production of large quantities of interferon gamma (IFN gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). This causes sustained macrophage activation and tissue infiltration as well as production of interleukin 1 (IL1) and interleukin 6 (IL6).The resulting inflammatory reaction causes extensive damage and associated symptoms. Patients with HLH commonly present with high fever, anemia and splenomegaly. Minimal diagnostic parameters are a complete hemogram, liver function test, serum triglycerides and ferritin, coagulation profile including fibrinogen and bone marrow aspiration. Two highly sensitive diagnostic marker are an increased plasma concentration of the alpha chain of soluble IL2 receptor (CD25) and impaired NK cell activity. Hyperinflammation can be treated with steroid, Cyclosporine prevents T lymphocytes and immunoglobulin infusion helps to control the infection. Etoposide may be life saving specially in case of HLH with Ebstein Barr Viruses infection. The Histiocyte Society in 1994 developed a common treatment protocol (HLH-94). In January 2004 a revised HLH treatment protocol was opened entitled HLH-2004, which is based on HLH-94 with minor modifications. There is a high remission rate on the HLH-94 and HLH-2004 treatment protocols.

Transverse testicular ectopia with persistent Muellerian duct syndrome

A one-year-old boy was admitted with complaints of swelling in the left inguinoscrotal region and an empty right scrotum since birth. The inguinoscrotum contained two ovoid solid swellings one above the other. The swellings were testes like in feel, size and shape. The diagnosis was transverse testicular ectopia. The case was managed by surgery. Tissue from gonads, the tubular structures and the fallopian tubes were sent for histopathological examination for confirmation. This was a case of an otherwise normal male with transverse testicular ectopia with persistent Muellerian duct syndrome in the left inguinoscrotal hernial sac.

Cytochrome P450-mediated oxidative damage of nuclear membrane proteins and its prevention by vitamin C

In this report, we present data to indicate that NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase/cytochrome P450 system is present in the nuclear membrane. The reactive oxygen species generated in this free metal ion-independent P450 system oxidatively modifies and degrades the membrane proteins. The oxidative modification is evidenced by the formation of carbonyl, bityrosine and tryptophan loss. The degradation of membrane proteins is manifested using fluorescamine reactivity and SDS-PAGE. Ascorbic acid exclusively prevents the oxidative modification and degradation of the membrane proteins. Other antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, alpha-tocopherol, probucol, beta-carotene, mannitol, histidine and thiourea are found to be ineffective. The observation assumes significance, particularly in subclinical ascorbic acid deficiency, where oxidative damage of the nuclear membrane would occur. This, in turn, would affect the traffic of cytoplasmic enzymes and proteins required for DNA replication and repair, transcription and RNA processing, ultimately leading to disruption of gene regulation of the cell.

Quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in breast milk

The distribution and stability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in breast milk (BM) components remain largely unknown. Inhibitory effects, if any, of BM on HIV RNA and DNA PCR amplification are poorly understood. We have addressed these issues by using virus-spiked BM samples from HIV-negative women. BM samples from HIV-negative women were spiked with HIV-1 virions or cells containing a single integrated copy of HIV DNA (8E5/LAV). After incubation under different experimental conditions, viral RNA was detected by the Roche Amplicor UltraSensitive assay in whole-milk, skim milk, and lipid fractions. We found excellent correlation between HIV-1 input copy and recovery in whole milk (r = 0.965, P < 0.0001), skim milk (r = 0.972, P < 0.0001), and the lipid fraction (r = 0.905, P < 0.001). PCR inhibition was observed in less than 10% of the spiked samples. Similar levels of inhibition were noted in BM samples collected from HIV-infected women. HIV proviral DNA was detected in BM samples using real-time PCR (linear correlation between the threshold cycle versus log DNA copy number, >0.982). The effects of incubation duration and temperature and repeated freeze-thaw cycles on HIV RNA recovery were analyzed. HIV RNA levels were remarkably stable in whole milk after three freeze-thaw cycles and for up to 30 h at room temperature. Our findings improve the understanding of the dynamics of HIV detection in BM and the conditions for BM sample collection, storage, and processing.

Virus-derived tubular structure displaying foreign sequences on the surface elicit CD4+ Th cell and protective humoral responses

Particulate vector systems for the presentation of immunogenic epitopes provide an alternate and powerful approach for the delivery of immunogens of interest. In this article, we have exploited a viral protein of unknown function, bluetongue virus (BTV) nonstructural protein NS1, which forms distinct tubular aggregates in infected cells, as an immunogen delivery system. Tubules are helical assemblies of NS1 protein that present the C-terminus of the protein to the outer edge effectively displaying appended residues in a regular and repeating array akin to the coat of a filamentous phage. To assess the breadth of response induced following tubule-based immunization, two different immunodominant foreign peptides were inserted at the C-terminus of NS1 and chimeric tubules generated following expression in the baculovirus expression system. Both constructs, one carrying a peptide of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) (aa 135-144 of VP1) and the other, a peptide of influenza A virus (aa 186-205 of HA), effectively assembled into tubules and were easily purified. Subsequently, using in vitro assay systems, we demonstrated that each purified chimeric particle was capable of eliciting strong immune responses. Further, NS1-FMDV chimeric tubules could induce a potent immune response that could protect against disease.

Detection and quantification of phytotoxic metabolites of Sarocladium oryzae in sheath rot-infected grains of rice

AIMS

The present study describes the detection and quantification of the Sarocladium oryzae metabolites, helvolic acid and cerulenin in extracts of rice grains collected from plants infected with sheath rot. It also describes the phytotoxicity of these metabolites on rice seedlings.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Helvolic acid and cerulenin in sheath rot-infected rice grains were detected using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. On the TLC plates helvolic acid and cerulenin moved as brownish yellow spots and showed R(F) values of 0.61 and 0.49, respectively. A standard assay curve was developed on the basis of selective toxicity of helvolic acid towards Calvibacter michiganensis ATCC 2140 and cerulenin towards Candida albicans 1150. The amounts of helvolic acid and cerulenin on the basis of standard assay curve were 2.2 and 1.75 microg g(-1) of infected seeds. Treatment of IR 36 rice seedlings with metabolites induced chlorosis and reduced shoot length by 20%, root length by 30% and root number by 7% relative to control.

CONCLUSIONS

Helvolic acid and cerulenin were detected in infected rice grains and these metabolites induced chlorosis and reduced the seed viability and seedling health of rice.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Antimicrobial and phytotoxic metabolites, helvolic acid and cerulenin are present in infected grains and reduce the seed viability and seedling health. These metabolites may increase the pathogenic potential and survival of S. oryzae in rice seed by competing with other seed-borne fungi.

Inactivation of p21 by E1A leads to the induction of apoptosis in DNA-damaged cells

A major impediment to successful chemotherapy is the propensity for some tumor cells to undergo cell cycle arrest rather than apoptosis. It is well established, however, that the adenovirus E1A protein can sensitize these cells to the induction of apoptosis by anticancer agents. To further understand how E1A enhances chemosensitivity, we have made use of a human colon carcinoma cell line (HCT116) which typically undergoes cell cycle arrest in response to chemotherapeutic drugs. As seen by the analysis of E1A mutants, we show here that E1A can induce apoptosis in these cells by neutralizing the activities of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. E1A's ability to interact with p21 and thereby restore Cdk2 activity in DNA-damaged cells correlates with the reversal of G(1) arrest, which in turn leads to apoptosis. Analysis of E1A mutants failing to bind p300 (also called CBP) or Rb shows that they are almost identical to wild-type E1A in their ability to initially overcome a G(1) arrest in cells after DNA damage, while an E1A mutant failing to bind p21 is not. However, over time, this mutant, which can still target Rb, is far more efficient in accumulating cells with a DNA content greater than 4N but is similar to wild-type E1A and the other E1A mutants in releasing cells from a p53-mediated G(2) block following chemotherapeutic treatment. Thus, we suggest that although E1A requires the binding of p21 to create an optimum environment for apoptosis to occur in DNA-damaged cells, E1A's involvement in other pathways may be contributing to this process as well. A model is proposed to explain the implications of these findings.

Maternal mortality. A global perspective

Despite difficulty in collecting data and prevailing underreporting and misclassification, data collection by the World Health Organization shows that more than half a million maternal deaths occur globally every year; 99% occur in developing countries and 1% occur in industrialized ones. The maternal mortality rate is highest in sub-Saharan African countries, followed by South Asian countries. Compelling evidence suggests that a reduction in maternal mortality on a short-term basis is possible only by providing modern obstetric care to the 15% of pregnancies that develop complications and making such care available in time. For long-term reduction and prevention of maternal death, preventive measures should be started before conception and should be continued during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Vitamin C prevents cigarette smoke induced oxidative damage of proteins and increased proteolysis

Aqueous extract of cigarette smoke (CS) contains some stable oxidants, which oxidize human plasma proteins, bovine serum albumin, amino acid homopolymers, and also cause extensive oxidative degradation of microsomal proteins. Similar observations are made when the aqueous extract of cigarette smoke is replaced by whole phase CS solution or whole phase cigarette smoke. CS-induced microsomal protein degradation is a two step process: (i) oxidation of proteins by the oxidants present in the CS and (ii) rapid proteolytic degradation of the oxidized proteins by proteases present in the microsomes. Using aqueous extract of CS equivalent to that produced from one-twentieth of a cigarette, the observed initial and postcigarette smoke treated values of different parameters of oxidative damage per milligram of microsomal proteins are respectively: 0.24 and 1.74 nmoles for carbonyl formation, 125.4 and 62.8 fluorescence units for tryptophan loss, 10.2 and 33.4 fluorescence units for bityrosine formation, and 58.3 and 12.2 nmoles for loss of protein thiols. When compared with sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles of untreated microsomal proteins, the extent of microsomal protein degradation after treatment with whole phase CS solution or aqueous extract of CS is above 90%. Ascorbate (100 microM) almost completely prevents cigarette smoke-induced protein oxidation and thereby protects the microsomes from subsequent proteolytic degradation. Glutathione is partially effective, but other antioxidants including superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin E, probucol, beta-carotene, mannitol, thiourea, and histidine are ineffective. The gas phase cigarette smoke contains unstable reactive oxygen species such as superoxide (O2*-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that can cause substantial oxidation of pure protein like albumin but is unable to produce significant oxidative damage of microsomal proteins. Gas phase cigarette smoke-induced albumin oxidation is not only inhibited by ascorbate and glutathione but also by superoxide dismutase, catalase and mannitol. The stable oxidants in the cigarette smoke are not present in the tobacco and are apparently produced by the interaction of O2*-/H2O2/OH* of the gas phase with some components of the tar phase during/following the burning of tobacco.

Elderly patients with hypercholesterolaemia: a double-blind study of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of fluvastatin

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly, a rapidly growing section of the population. Elderly patients have been excluded from most preventative risk factor trials.

METHODS

We evaluated fluvastatin, a fully synthetic hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, in white patients older than 60 years, in seven hospital centres. After an 8-week cholesterol-decreasing diet phase, patients were allocated to groups to receive fluvastatin 40 mg daily (n = 33) or placebo (n = 36) given for 12 weeks. All patients had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations > or = 4.1 mmol/l 1 week before they were allocated to a treatment at random. After receiving randomised treatment for 12 weeks, 50 patients then received fluvastatin 40 mg daily on an open basis for a further 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Mean +/- SD age was 70.7 +/- 5.2 years for fluvastatin patients and 68.3 +/- 5.6 years for placebo. Mean +/- SD percentage changes in lipid concentrations from randomisation to the end of 12 weeks were calculated (n = 63) by intent-to-treat analysis. Total cholesterol decreased by 21.64 +/- 8.7% in the fluvastatin group and by 2.91 +/- 7.25% in the placebo group (P < 0.01); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased by 4.98 +/- 10.84% in the fluvastatin group and decreased by 0.05 +/- 8.68% in the placebo group (P = 0.05); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by 27.14 +/- 8.45% in the fluvastatin group and by 2.16 +/- 9.68% in the placebo group (P < 0.01); very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by 30.70 +/- 30.65% in the fluvastatin group and by 9.80 +/- 28.6% in the placebo group (P < 0.01); triglyceride decreased by 18.13 +/- 17.35% in the fluvastatin group and by 2.97 +/- 21.85% in the placebo group (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups for any other biochemical or haematological parameters. Adverse events were mainly mild, diminishing with continued treatment, and no event was serious by standard criteria. Patient-assessed tolerability after randomised treatment was 'very good' for 18 fluvastatin patients and for 26 placebo patients (P = 0.79). Seven patients withdrew from the 12-week follow-up (four from the fluvastatin group and three from the placebo group).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that fluvastatin decreases lipid concentrations effectively and safely in elderly patients, producing clinically significant decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and, especially, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol moderately.

NADPH-initiated cytochrome P450-dependent free iron-independent microsomal lipid peroxidation: specific prevention by ascorbic acid

In this paper we demonstrate that ascorbic acid specifically prevents NADPH-initiated cytochrome P450 (P450)-mediated microsomal lipid peroxidation in the absence of free iron. Lipid peroxidation has been evidenced by the formations of conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde. Other scavengers of reactive oxygen species including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, alpha-tocopherol, uric acid, thiourea, mannitol, histidine, beta-carotene and probucol are ineffective to prevent the NADPH-initiated P450-mediated free iron-independent microsomal lipid peroxidation. Using a reconstituted system comprised of purified NADPH-P450 reductase, P450 and isolated microsomal lipid or pure L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine diarachidoyl, a mechanism has been proposed for the iron-independent microsomal lipid peroxidation and its prevention by ascorbic acid. It is proposed that the perferryl moiety P450 Fe3+.O2.- initiates lipid peroxidation by abstracting methylene hydrogen from polyunsaturated lipid to form lipid radical, which then combines with oxygen to produce the chain propagating peroxyl radical for subsequent formation of lipid peroxides. Apparently, ascorbic acid prevents initiation of lipid peroxidation by interacting with P450 Fe3+.O2.-.

AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF MALARIA AT AN AIR FORCE STATION

Increased incidence of malaria in an Air Force Station in western India in 1994 was investigated by means of an epidemiological survey. The survey was conducted from 17 October to 20 October 1994. It revealed that the station had ecological conditions and topography favouring mosquito breeding. For 1994 the annual parasite incidence was 3.29 and annual blood examination rate was 26.4 per cent. Active parasitological survey revealed 2 cases of asymptomatic parasitaemia. The survey also revealed that the outbreak was due to combination of natural forces and laxity in implementing existing anti-malaria activity.

Evolutionary significance of vitamin C biosynthesis in terrestrial vertebrates

Evolution of vertebrates from aquatic medium to the terrestrial atmosphere containing high concentration of environmental oxygen was accompanied by tissue-specific expression of the gene for L-gulonolactone oxidase (LGO). LGO is the terminal enzyme in the pathway of biosynthesis of ascorbic acid in animals. In this paper we present data to indicate that emergence of LGO is apparently to provide the terrestrial vertebrates with adequate amount of ascorbic acid and thereby protect their tissues against oxygen toxicity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was not induced in the early tetrapods. However, SOD activity has increased in the mammals which is accompanied by a decrease in the LGO activity. In fact, there has been an inverse relationship between LGO and SOD in the progress of evolution. SOD activity is markedly high in the guinea pig, flying mammal, monkey and man, the species those lack LGO. The inverse relationship between LGO and SOD is also observed in rats during postnatal development, that is when the new born rats are exposed to high concentration of atmospheric oxygen. Recent results from our laboratory indicate that ascorbic acid is specifically needed for protection of microsomal membranes against cytochrome P450-mediated lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, where SOD is ineffective. Data presented in this paper also indicate an apparent tissue-specific correlation among LGO activity, P450 level and O2.- production during phylogenetic evolution.

Subpopulations of T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and lymph nodes of Indian kala-azar patients

Distribution of T cells in the peripheral blood and lymph nodes of Indian kala-azar (KA) patients was studied by using appropriate phenotypic markers for CD2+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Significant reduction in the CD2+, CD4+ cell numbers as well as CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio was noted in the peripheral blood of active KA cases. Such alteration in the T cell population appeared to be a manifestation of the disease process as it showed a tendency to return close to normalcy several months after successful chemotherapy. Histopathological studies of KA patients with lymphadenopathy demonstrated gradual destruction of lymph node follicular architecture which correlated well with the severity and duration of illness. Massive infiltration of CD2+ cells in the cortical region of lymph node was evident. The observed preponderance of CD4+ cells over CD8+ ones in these infiltrates was in sharp contrast to the distribution pattern of these cells in the periphery. Significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the current concepts on the immunology of leishmaniasis and related diseases.

Vitamin C prevents oxidative damage

Ascorbate-deficiency leads to extensive oxidative damage of proteins and protein loss in the guinea pig tissue microsomes as evidenced by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, accumulation of carbonyl, bityrosine as well as by tryptophan loss. Oxidative damage is reversed by ascorbate therapy. Oxidative damage in ascorbate deficiency also leads to lipid peroxidation in guinea pig tissue microsomes as evidenced by accumulation of conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde and fluorescent pigment. Lipid peroxides, disappear after ascorbate therapy but not by vitamin E. The observations substantiate the previous in vitro findings that ascorbate specifically prevents oxidative degradation of microsomal membranes. The results indicate that vitamin C may exert a powerful protection against degenerative diseases associated with oxidative damage and play a critical role in wellness and health maintenance.

Epidemiology of meningococcal carrier state amongst recruits of a military training centre

An epidemiological study was carried out to determine meningococcal carrier state amongst recruits of a military training centre. 360 recruits with divergent socioeconomic, ethnic backgrounds were studied. Epidemiological factors such as age, religion, educational status, housing conditions, family structure were considered. The overall carrier rate was 11.94%. Carrier rate was higher amongst recruits from poor background and joint families. No association was found between carrier state and smoking as well as those suffering from upper respiratory tract infection. Carrier rate was aslo studied in relation to age, marital status, educational back ground and region.

Ascorbic acid prevents lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of proteins in guinea pig extrahepatic tissue microsomes

It has recently been indicated that in the absence of free iron, NADPH initiates oxidative damage of proteins in guinea pig liver microsomes and also lipid peroxidation and protein damage in cardiac microsomes and that ascorbic acid specifically inhibits both the lipid peroxidation and protein damage [Mukhopadhyay CK, Chatterjee IB: J Biol Chem 269: 13390-13397, 1994; Mukhopadhyay M et al.: Mol Cell Biochem 126: 69-75, 1993]. In this paper we demonstrate that Fe(III)-independent NADPH-initiated lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of proteins occur in the microsomes of all the extrahepatic tissues including lung, kidney, adrenal gland and brain and that both the lipid peroxidation and protein damage are specifically prevented by ascorbic acid. We further demonstrate that when NADPH is replaced by O2 as the electron donor, the O2-initiated lipid peroxidation and protein damage are also inhibited by ascorbic acid.

Subpopulations of T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, dermal lesions and lymph nodes of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis patients

Distribution of different subpopulations of T cells in the dermal lesions, lymph nodes and peripheral blood of post kala-azar dermal lesihmaniasis (PKADL) patients was studied by using appropriate phenotypic markers for CD2+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Histopathological studies of skin lesions showed marginal to massive infiltration of mononuclear cells depending upon the duration of illness and type of lesions. Thus, while the hypopigmented patches were represented by small focal collections of lymphocytes with scanty parasites in the dermis, these were replaced at the nodular stage with massive granulomas consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells and histiocytes with numerous amastigotes. The involvement of CD4+ and CD8+ cell types in these lesions also showed a gradual change from the appearance of a few cells of both the phenotypes in early hypopigmented type to massive accumulation of cells, primarily of CD8+ phenotype, in the granuloma of nodular type. However, the observed preponderance of CD8+ cells at the lesion site of chronic PKADL patients is in contrast to their peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio (1.9:1) which remained within the normal limits. Similar studies of lymph nodes from PKADL patients with lymphadenopathy revealed infiltration of the cortical areas by T cells which were more of CD8+ than CD4+ phenotypes. All these results document the involvement of CD8+ cells in leishmanoid lesions. Thus, it is likely that these cells, in association with appropriate subpopulations of CD4+ cells, play a profound role in the evolution of dermal pathology in PKADL.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF UPPER AERODIGESTIVE CANCERS AMONG ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES

Cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus are now suspected to have common etiologic factors and have been grouped together as "upper aerodigestive" cancers. Since this grouping is of relatively recent origin there have been no epidemiological studies on this group among Armed Forces personnel. 114 cases of upper aerodigestive cancers and an equal number of controls were studied. The largest number of cases were in the age group of 40-49 years with male preponderance. Lower level of education, smoking, quid chewing, and alcohol use were found to be the major risk factors for these cancers. A dose response relationship was observed for smoking, quid chewing and alcohol intake.

Evaluation of some properties of a phosphorodithioate oligodeoxyribonucleotide for antisense application

An all phosphorodithioate oligodeoxyribonucleotide (PS2; 17-mer) complementary to the coding region of the rabbit beta-globin mRNA was compared with the normal (PO2) and phosphorothioate (POS) oligonucleotide of the same size and sequence with respect to physicochemical properties and antisense activity in cell-free systems. The melting temperature (Tm) of the PS2-cDNA duplex was reduced by 17 degrees C relative to the PO2-cDNA duplex, compared to 11 degrees C for the POS-cDNA duplex, suggesting a decreased stability of the duplex with an increasing sulfur substitution. Like the POS-derivative, the PS2 oligonucleotide is quite stable against exonucleases, but these modified oligonucleotides showed different stability towards endonucleases and also towards different sub-cellular fractions of MCF-7 cells. During in vitro protein binding studies, the PS2 oligonucleotide showed similar binding (10-20%) to that of the PO2 oligonucleotide, while the POS oligonucleotide bound 60%. In cell-free translation, the PS2 oligonucleotide produced slightly higher specific translation inhibition of rabbit beta-globin mRNA compared to that of the PO2 oligonucleotide, and this was true only at concentration below 2 mM. The POS-derivative, except at 10 mM concentration, always showed higher translation arrest of the rabbit beta-globin mRNA compared to that of the other two oligonucleotides. The present study suggests that the PS2 oligonucleotide offers very little advantage over the POS oligonucleotide for use as an antisense analog.

Phosphorothioate-phosphodiester oligonucleotide co-polymers: assessment for antisense application

Efforts have been made to reduce the disadvantages associated with the natural oligonucleotides (all-PO) for antisense application by introducing phosphorothioate (PS) linkages into the molecule. A series of such oligodeoxynucleotide copolymers (17-mers) complementary to the coding region of the rabbit beta-globin mRNA, and containing different proportions and arrangements of PO and PS bonds, were synthesized and tested for their protein-binding properties, nuclease stability in vitro, hybridizing ability with the complementary DNA (cDNA), ability to form RNase H-sensitive substrates and antisense activity in cell-free systems. The melting temperatures (Tm) of the co-polymers were reduced by up to 6 degrees C relative to the all-PO oligo, compared to 11 degrees C for the all-PS compound, indicating intermediate hybridizing abilities of the co-polymers. The protein-binding studies with human serum albumin exhibited a linear correlation with the percentage of PS linkage present in the molecule. Nuclease susceptibilities of the co-polymers were also improved, but the number and position of the PS linkages played a significant role in such improvement. Translation inhibition by these oligonucleotides was only found in wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) extract, but not in rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL) cell-free system, suggesting the involvement of RNase H in their antisense activities. Provided they have > or = 50% PS linkages, the co-polymers produced almost the same increased inhibition in the WGA system as that of the all-PS oligo. The translation arrest in WGA extract is in good agreement with the in vitro cleavage found for rabbit globin mRNA in the oligo:mRNA duplex by RNase H alone. It is concluded that a copolymer of PO and PS might be preferable to either all-PO or all-PS for antisense applications.

Enhanced delivery of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine to the brain parenchyma

5'-Ester derivatives of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IDU) with varying degrees of lipophilicity were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of lipophilic ester prodrugs for enhanced and sustained delivery of IDU to the brain parenchyma. Approximately 1.0% (1.0 +/- 0.19; n = 4) of the total radioactivity was found in the brain at 30 min following intravenous administration of the lipophilic benzoyl-5'-ester of 125I-labeled IDU, whereas IDU per se yielded only 0.01% (0.01 +/- 0.06; n = 4). Since the IDU 5'-esters generated significantly higher levels of IDU in the brain, an HPLC analysis of IDU in the presence of 5'-esters and the metabolite 5-iodouracil was developed to characterize IDU uptake in the brain. The drug was detected at levels of 6.6 and 9.5 micrograms/g of brain tissue at 3 hr following intravenous administration of valeryl and benzoyl IDU, respectively, at a dose level of 40 mg/kg IDU equivalent each. IDU, on the other hand, when injected at a similar dose level, produced concentration levels below 0.01 micrograms/g of brain tissue, which was too low to be detected accurately by the HPLC assay. These results suggest that the 5'-ester derivatives cross the blood-brain barrier effectively and generate significantly higher brain levels of the parent drug in the brain parenchyma. The regenerated hydrophilic drug because of its polarity is "locked in" the brain and is subsequently metabolized by pyrimidine phosphorylase to 5-iodouracil.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Brain parenchymal metabolism of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine and 5'-ester prodrugs

In an attempt to generate derivatives of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IDU) with enhanced blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, a series of 5' ester prodrugs of IDU was synthesized and their metabolism studied in rat brain homogenate and its different subcellular fractions. The rate of hydrolysis was dependent on the steric and polar nature of the ester substituent. Ester hydrolyzing activities were associated primarily with the cytosolic fraction and were due mainly to the presence of cholinesterases as confirmed by inhibition experiments performed with different esterase inhibitors. The metabolism of IDU to 5-iodouracil (5-IU) by the cytosolic fraction, in the presence and absence of specific pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitors, also suggests that there are two specific enzyme systems catalyzing two different metabolic processes. IDU 5'-esters competitively inhibit the metabolism of IDU and the inhibitory effect depends on the affinity of a particular ester toward the enzyme and also on the rate by which the ester itself undergoes hydrolysis. In the absence of any 5'-ester, 95% IDU was metabolized within 6 hr. However, in the presence of an eightfold molar excess of butyryl-IDU, the hydrolysis of IDU was completely inhibited over a 6-hr time period.

Translation inhibition by phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides in cell-free systems

A detailed comparison was made of the concentration dependence of translation inhibition by phosphorothioate and phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides of the same anti-beta-globin sequence in cell-free systems using beta-globin mRNA and unrelated mRNAs as controls. The results confirm that at low concentrations the phosphorothioate oligomer is more potent as an antisense compound, while at higher concentration (greater than 4 microM) it exhibits more nonspecific inhibition than the phosphodiester oligomer for RNase H-mediated translation inhibition.

Bilateral pulmonary aneurysm in Behçet's disease (a case report)

While investigating a chest opacity in Behcet's disease possibility of pulmonary aneurysm should be considered. Contrast enhanced CT is a safe diagnostic method which is useful in confirming or excluding the presence of an aneurysm in such cases. We report here the first case of bilateral pulmonary aneurysms in Behcet's disease.

Hamartoma--a benign intraluminal tumor of the oesophagus (a case report)

Benign tumours of the oesophagus are rare, representing less than 1% of all oesophageal neoplasms. Most of them are intramural leiomyomas while the other benign tumours are encountered only infrequently; among these pedunculated intraluminal hamartomas form a particularly rare group. We present here one such case.

Pulmonary pseudoaneurysm

A case of pseudoaneurysm with erosion of both pulmonary and bronchial vessels is reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography followed by intravenous digital subtraction angiography. It was removed surgically.

Effects of 5'-ester modification on the physicochemical properties and plasma protein binding of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine

A series of 5'-(O-acyl and O-benzoyl) derivatives of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IDU) was synthesized by direct acylation of the parent nucleoside in a pyridine-N,N'-dimethylformamide mixture (1:1). Aqueous solubilities in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), partition coefficients in 1-octanol/phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), plasma protein binding properties, and plasma reversion kinetics of these potential prodrugs were evaluated. The esters showed an expected increase in lipophilicity with a corresponding decrease in aqueous solubility relative to the parent compound. The association constants (Ka) with albumin also exhibited a good linear correlation with the lipophilicity of the compounds. However, the reversion rate constants in plasma varied with the steric and polar nature of the acyl or benzoyl substituent.

Adreno cortical carcinoma in children--a case report of three cases

Three cases of adrenal carcinomas are reported with emphasis on different radiological imaging techniques. It is felt that sonography and C.T. both have an important role in diagnosing masses of suprarenal region.