Hyperthermic Enhancement of Immunotherapy: Findings of In Vitro Modeling

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Despite advancement in understanding and manipulation of immune checkpoint molecules in immunotherapeutic design, limitations in treatment efficacy persist. Strategies to enhance effectiveness include use of multiple immunotherapeutic agents or combination with radiation therapy. Prior studies have also shown potential for hyperthermia to augment response to both of these therapeutic modalities. We hypothesized that in vitro assessment of moderate hyperthermia effects on the anti-tumor immune response will aid in development of targeted strategies that best combine hyperthermia with other immune manipulating therapies.

MATERIALS/METHODS

To understand the consequences of temperature on carcinogenic phenotypes in vitro, B16-F10 melanoma cells were grown at 37°C or 41°C and biochemical profiles including protein expression were evaluated. Impact of hyperthermia on cell migration and proliferation were also assessed as were changes in the immune milieu including cytokine expression in response to heat. Data obtained was used to define ongoing in vivo experiments in which B16-F10 cells are implanted into C57BL/6 mice, grown to palpable tumors than treated with infrared radiation in combination with either anti-PDL1, anti-PD-1, or IL-15. Future studies based on these initial in vivo studies will explore integration of radiotherapy with hyperthermia and immunotherapy.

RESULTS

B16-F10 cells grown at 41°C decreased cell migration by 70% in 24 hours, and decreased proliferation by 62% at 48 hours and 94% at 72 hours. To assess biochemical orchestrations exemplified by these data, protein expression profiles were evaluated. Expression of pERK and ERK decreased by 86% and 50% and caspase-3 increased by 31% at 41°C. Activation of sphingomyelinase and caspase-3 both rely on caspase-8. Sphingomyelinase activation results in CD95 receptor translocation, leading to cell death initiation in melanoma cells. Cell stress can induce death pathways and the heat shock protein response simultaneously. Of note, Hsp70 has an established role in fostering a tumor specific immune response. Thus, we investigated inducible hsp70 expression. Hsp70 expression increased by 188% at 41°C vs. 37°C. To evaluate the immune milieu, cytokine array data from conditioned media showed that at 41°C, TNFa expression was increased and IL-4 expression was decreased, suggesting a proinflammatory shift in cytokine profiles at hyperthermic temperatures. In support of our data, hyperthermia-induced TNFa apoptotic responses have been reported. In direct relation to clinical practice, we observed that hyperthermic potentiation decreased PDL1 expression in B16-F10 by 35%.

CONCLUSION

Our work to date supports the hypothesis that hyperthermia can enhance immunotherapy via several mechanisms. In vivo study of the ability of hyperthermia to augment immune modulating therapies such as checkpoint blockade and radiation therapy is warranted.

Density Functional Theory, Molecular Dynamics and AlteQ Studies Approaches of Baimantuoluoamide A and Baimantuoluoamide B to Identify Potential Inhibitors of Mpro Proteins: a Novel Target for the Treatment of SARS COVID-19

COVID-19 has resulted in epidemi conditions over the world. Despite efforts by scientists from all over the world to develop an effective va ine against this virus, there is presently no recognized cure for COVID-19. The most succeed treatments for various ailments come from natural components found in medicinal plants, which are also rucial for the development of new medications. This study intends to understand the role of the baimantuoluoamide A and baimantuoluoamide B molecules in the treatment of Covid19. Initially, density functional theory (DFT) used to explore their electronic potentials along with the Becke3-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) 6-311 + G(d, p) basis set. A number of characteristics, including the energy gap, hardness, local softness, electronegativity, and electrophilicity, have also been calculated to discuss the reactivity of mole ules. Using natural bond orbital, the title compound's bioactive nature and stability were investigated. Further, both compounds potential inhibitors with main protease (Mpro) proteins, molecular dynamics simulations and AlteQ investigations also studied.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1134/S0021364023600039.

Strengthening the biokinetics workforce for improved services: A human resources for health review from 2000 to 2020

Background

Biokinetics is a South African (SA) health profession within the private health care sector. Biokineticists register with the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA).

Objectives

To describe the demographic trends of HPCSA registered biokineticists from 2000 to 2020 to understand the supply and status of human resources for health within the profession.

Methods

The following data were collected and analysed: i) health personnel category, ii) geographical location, iii) age, iv) sex, and v) population category.

Results

The number of HPCSA registered biokineticists grew from 136 in 2000, to 1831 in January 2020 (67.8% women, 32.2% men). There was a sharp decline in numbers after the age of 45 years. The Western Cape (5.8) and Gauteng (5.1) provinces had the most biokineticists per 100 000 of the population, whilst smaller provinces like Kwazulu-Natal (1.6), Mpumalanga (1.6), North-West (1.6) and Limpopo (0.9) lagged. The demographic profile of registered Biokineticists changed steadily from 2000 to 2020. Registered biokineticists classified as White decreased from 91.6% to 80.4%, whilst substantial increases were observed among Black (5.0% to 8.3%), Coloured (0.02% to 5.3%) and Indian/Asian (0.02% to 6.0%) biokineticists. Thirteen tertiary institutions offered Biokinetics programmes in 2022. Seven offered the 3+1-year (Honours) programme and six have migrated to a 4-year professional degree.

Conclusion

The profession is well established, growing, and dominated by women. The demographic profile has transformed steadily; however, the need to transform the profession remains strong. Strengthening investments aimed at the employment of biokineticists in the public health sector may serve as a key turning point for healthcare workforce planning.

Plasma cell rich acute rejection: Risk factors, treatment and outcomes

Plasma cell-rich rejection is a rare and poorly defined entity. Its treatment is not clearly defined and has universally poor prognosis. More data should be published from various transplant centers around the world to identify the treatment that has the best outcomes and to formulate treatment guidelines for these cases. It is a retrospective analysis of kidney biopsies form 2008 to 2018. Four hundred biopsied were screened and 55 were found to have features of rejection and among them, 13 had plasma cell-rich rejection. Data of treatment given and the graft survival outcomes in these cases were retrieved by medical records. One patient had complete recovery, three had graft loss and the remaining nine had permanent decline in glomerular filtration rate. Decrease in immunosuppression and presence of infection are risk factors for plasma cell-rich acute rejection (PCAR). It can be acute cell-mediated rejection (ACR)/antibody-mediated rejection (AMR)/ACR+AMR. Resistant rejection, ACR+AMR, C4d positivity, and severe interstitial inflammation are poor prognostic factors. Overzealous decrease in immunosuppression should not be done. Management of immunosuppression during infection is most critical for the development of PCAR. Bortezomib is emerging as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of PCAR.

Comparative pathology, molecular pathogenicity, immunological features, and genetic characterization of three highly pathogenic human coronaviruses (MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2)

The last two decades have witnessed the emergence of three deadly coronaviruses (CoVs) in humans: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are still no reliable and efficient therapeutics to manage the devastating consequences of these CoVs. Of these, SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the currently ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has posed great global health concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented crisis with devastating socio-economic and health impacts worldwide. This highlights the fact that CoVs continue to evolve and have the genetic flexibility to become highly pathogenic in humans and other mammals. SARS-CoV-2 carries a high genetic homology to the previously identified CoV (SARS-CoV), and the immunological and pathogenic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS contain key similarities and differences that can guide therapy and management. This review presents salient and updated information on comparative pathology, molecular pathogenicity, immunological features, and genetic characterization of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2; this can help in the design of more effective vaccines and therapeutics for countering these pathogenic CoVs.

Modulation of host epigenome by coronavirus infections and developing treatment modalities for COVID-19 beyond genetics

The recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has resulted in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide, affecting millions of lives. Although vaccines are presently made available, and vaccination drive is in progress to immunize a larger population; still the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and related mortality is persistent amid threats of the third wave of the ongoing pandemic. In the scenario of unavailability of robust and efficient treatment modalities, it becomes essential to understand the mechanism of action of the virus and deeply study the molecular mechanisms (both at the virus level and the host level) underlying the infection processes. Recent studies have shown that coronaviruses (CoVs) cause-specific epigenetic changes in the host cells to create a conducive microenvironment for replicating, assembling, and spreading. Epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to various aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 multiplication cycle, like expressing cytokine genes, viral receptor ACE2, and implicating different histone modifications. For SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral proteins are physically associated with various host proteins resulting in numerous interactions between epigenetic enzymes (i.e., histone deacetylases, bromodomain-containing proteins). The involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the virus life cycle and the host immune responses to control infection result in epigenetic factors recognized as emerging prognostic COVID-19 biomarkers and epigenetic modulators as robust therapeutic targets to curb COVID-19. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to summarize and discuss the various epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression and how these mechanisms are altered in the host cells during coronavirus infection. We also discuss the opportunities to exploit these epigenetic changes as therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Epigenetic alterations and regulation play a pivotal role at various levels of coronavirus infection: entry, replication/transcription, and the process of maturation of viral proteins. Coronaviruses modulate the host epigenome to escape the host immune mechanisms. Therefore, host epigenetic alterations induced by CoVs can be considered to develop targeted therapies for COVID-19.

Performance evaluation of air pollution control device at traffic intersections in Delhi

Urban air pollution and exposure-related health impacts are being noticed and discussed very intensely in India. On the other hand, source-specific control is the primary focus for policymakers; however, diverse and complex sources make it difficult to immediately see the action and consequent impacts on better air quality. Many cities across the world have witnessed high air pollution levels at traffic junctions, more so in all Indian cities. Site-specific air pollution reduction can be a promising solution for managing the pollution level at highly polluted locations. CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, India, has designed and developed Wind Augmentation and purifYing Unit (WAYU) to remove particulate and gaseous pollutants from urban hot spots such as traffic locations. In the present study, the authors attempted to evaluate the performance of two different designs of WAYU for the removal of particulate matters from polluted air at different traffic locations in Delhi City, the national capital territory of India. The performance analyses show that the current design of WAYU removes PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations in the range of 34-49% and 19-25%, respectively from the inlet air. The total PM collected from all WAYU devices was 34.19 kg from 120,557 operating hours' at all the sampling sites. The PM removal rate depends on the size-segregated particulate matter pollution load in the ambient air.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-021-03641-3.

Basion-Cartilaginous Dens Interval: An Imaging Parameter for Craniovertebral Junction Assessment in Children

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Widening of the basion-dens interval is an important sign of cranioverterbral junction injury. The current literature on basion-dens interval in children is sparse and based on bony measurements with variable values. Our goal was to establish the normal values of a recently described new imaging parameter, the basion-cartilaginous dens interval in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred healthy pediatric patients (0-10 years of age) were selected retrospectively. These patients were divided into 3 different groups: A (0-3 years), B (3-6 years), and C (6-10 years). The basion-cartilaginous dens interval was calculated on the sagittal MPR image of cervical spine CT in a soft-tissue window. The mean, SD, and the upper limit of normal (mean +2 SDs) of the 3 groups were calculated, and statistical tests were used to check for significant differences of the basion-cartilaginous dens interval among these 3 groups.

RESULTS

The upper limits of the basion-cartilaginous dens interval for the 3 groups were 5.34 mm in group A, 5.64 mm in group B, and 7.24 mm in group C. There were statistically significant differences in the basion-cartilaginous dens interval values among the 3 groups. There was no statistically significant difference in basion-cartilaginous dens interval values between groups A and B; however, values in group C were significantly different from those in both A and B. There was no statistically significant difference in the basion-cartilaginous dens interval values between males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

The basion-cartilaginous dens interval is a novel imaging parameter to assess cranioverterbral junction integrity in children, which includes the nonossified cartilage in the measurement.

Workplace Violence and Gender Bias in Unorganized Fisheries of Udupi, India

Fisheries industry in India is an unorganized sector of occupation where considerable proportionof workers is female. However, the prevalent gender inequality in terms of task allocation,wages, and other welfare facilities makes the men as dominant workforce. Furthermore,there are occasions when incidents of workplace violence take place. The present study wasconducted to find the prevalence of workplace violence at worksite and study gender bias insuch events. In a cross-sectional study 171 fishermen and fisherwomen were interviewed tocollect information about workplace violence. The overall prevalence of workplace violencereported was 14.6%. This included 2 (8%) cases of physical assault, 1 (4%) case of sexualharassment of fisherwoman by her colleague and 22 (88%) cases of verbal abuse. A significant(p=0.002) association was found between gender and verbal abuse at the workplace. Inconclusion, this study highlighted the occurrence of workplace violence among fishery workersin India. There was a gender bias towards females that can be attributed to male dominancein this occupation.

Ross River Virus (RRV) infection in horses and humans: a review

A fascinating and important arbovirus is Ross River Virus (RRV) which is endemic and epizootic in nature in certain parts of the world. RRV is a member of the genus Alphavirus within the Semliki Forest complex of the family Togaviridae, which also includes the Getah virus. The virus is responsible for causing disease both in humans as well as horses. Mosquito species (Aedes camptorhynchus and Aedes vigilax; Culex annulirostris) are the most important vector for this virus. In places of low temperature as well as low rainfall or where there is lack of habitat of mosquito there is also limitation in the transmission of the virus. Such probability is higher especially in temperate regions bordering endemic regions having sub-tropical climate. There is involvement of articular as well as non-articular cells in the replication of RRV. Levels of pro-inflammatory factors viz., tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); and macrophage chemo-attractant protein-1 (MAC-1) during disease pathogenesis have been found to be reduced. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the most advanced molecular diagnostic tool along with epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting RRV infection. Treatment for RRV infection is only supportive. Vaccination is not a fruitful approach. Precise data collection will help the researchers to understand the RRV disease dynamics and thereby designing effective prevention and control strategy. Advances in diagnosis, vaccine development and emerging/novel therapeutic regimens need to be explored to their full potential to tackle RRV infection and the disease it causes.

Food-borne pathogens of animal origin-diagnosis, prevention, control and their zoonotic significance: a review

The term food borne diseases or food-borne illnesses or more commonly food poisoning are used to denote gastrointestinal complications that occur following recent consumption of a particular food or drink. Millions of people suffer worldwide every year and the situation is quiet grave in developing nations creating social and economic strain. The food borne pathogens include various bacteria viz., Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus, Arcobacter, Clostridium perfringens, Cl. botulinum and Bacillus cereus and helminths viz., Taenia. They also include protozoa viz., Trichinella, Sarcocystis, Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. The zoonotic potential and the ability to elaborate toxins by many of the microbes causing fatal intoxication are sufficient to understand the seriousness of the situation. The viral agents being host specific their transmission to humans through food of animal origin is not yet confirmed although these animal viruses are similar to that of viruses infecting human. Food-borne bacteria; protozoa and helminthes have complex distribution pattern in the environment and inside the host system. This along with complexity of the maintenance chain and life cycle (of parasites) has made it difficult for epidemiologist and diagnostician to undertake any immediate safety measures against them. Serological and molecular diagnostic tests viz. ELISA, Latex agglutination test, Lateral flow assays, Immunomagnetic separation assays, molecular assays viz. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, immuno-PCR, Realtime PCR, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR, DNA microarrays and probes are widely used. Along with these LAMP assays, Capillary Electrophoresis-Single Strand Confirmation polymorphism (CE-SSCP); Flow cytometry, FISH, Biosensors, Direct epifluorescent filter technique, nanotechnology based methods and sophisticated tools (ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and chlonangio-pancreatography) have aided in the diagnosis greatly. Most of the food-borne illnesses are self-limiting but in many instances antibiotics are recommended. With the increased drug resistance however use of chicken immunoglobulin, bacteriophage therapy, probiotics and herbs are gaining much importance these days. Adoption of proper prevention and control measures (including cooking procedures; hygiene, strict adherence to HACCP principles, public awareness and disease surveillance and monitoring) are the need of hour. All these have been discussed vividly in this review to help epidemiologists, diagnosticians, clinicians and above all common people so as to enable them avoid negligence regarding such serious issue.

Molecular detection and epidemiology of chicken infectious anaemia virus in India

Chicken infectious anemia (CIA) is an economically important disease affecting poultry, especially young chicks, characterized by poor weight gain, anemia, immunosuppression and production losses. Recent reports indicate that the virus is emerging and re-emerging worldwide.  Also, scarce reports regarding the molecular detection and epidemiology of virus from India are available. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the virus in the commercial poultry farms of the country employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of the suspected 424 field samples tested from 12 different states of the country during the last five years (2007-2012), 311 (73.3%) samples were found positive for CIAV-DNA indicating the wide prevalence of the virus in India. The age wise prevalence of the virus indicated high prevalence in young chicks of up to three weeks (80.3%) of age compared to 3-7 (66.6%) and 7-12 (25%) week age groups. Being an immunosuppressive emerging pathogen circulating among the poultry flocks of the country, suitable prevention and control measures need to be adopted timely. This is a first elaborative report on the molecular epidemiology of CIAV in poultry flocks of the country. Extensive epidemiological studies are suggested to know the magnitude of the virus affecting poultry industry of the country, and design and formulate effective disease prevention and control strategies to reduce economic losses being caused by emerging virus.

Neutraceutical approaches to control diabetes: A natural requisite approach

Objective:

The aim of this study is to screen the polyherbal preparation for antidiabetic activity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The blood glucose lowering activity of the polyherbal preparation-I (1:1:1 of wheat germ oil, Coraidrum sativum, and Aloe vera) was studied in normal rats after oral administration at doses of 1.0 ml/kg and 2.0 ml/kg and polyherbal preparation-I, II (wheat germ oil, fresh juice of C. sativum, and A. vera in the ratio of 2:2:1), and III (wheat germ oil, fresh juice of C. sativum and A. vera in the ratio of 1:2:2) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, after oral administration at doses of 1.0 ml/kg and 2.0 ml/kg. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein method at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h in normal rats and in diabetic rats at 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days. Blood plasma glucose was estimated by the GOD/POD (glucose oxidase and peroxidase) method. The data were compared statistically by using the one-way ANOVA method followed by the Dunnett multiple component test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

The polyherbal preparation-I produced significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the blood glucose level of normal rats and polyherbal preparation-I, II, and III produced significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the blood glucose level of diabetic rats during 30-day study and compared with that of control and glibenclamide.

Conclusion:

The polyherbal preparation-I showed a significant glucose lowering effect in normal rats and polyherbal preparation-I, II, and III in diabetic rats. This preparation is going to be promising antidiabetic preparation for masses; however, it requires further extensive studies in human beings.

FTIR Spectroscopy: A Tool for Quantitative Analysis of Ciprofloxacin in Tablets

A simple, accurate and sensitive spectroscopic method has been proposed for the assay of ciprofloxacin in tablet by least square treatment of fourier transform infrared spectrometric data obtained at the wavenumber corresponding to the carbonyl group centered at 1707 cm^-1. The method involves the extraction of the active ingredient with methanol followed by phosphate buffer pH 6.0. The excipients in the commercial tablet preparation did not interfere with the assay. The specifity, linearity, detection limits, precision and accuracy of the calibration curve, drug extraction, infrared analysis and data manipulation were determined in order to validate the method. Moreover, the statistical results were compared with other methods for quantification of ciprofloxacin.

Tumors of the infratemporal fossa

Neoplastic processes involving the infratemporal fossa may originate from the tissues in the region, but more often are the result of extension from neighboring structures. Metastatic lesions located in the region are rarely encountered. Because of its concealed localization, tumors may remain unnoticed for some time. Clinical signs and symptoms often arise late, are insidious, and may be mistakenly attributed to other structures. The close proximity of the area to the intracranial structures, the orbit, the paranasal sinuses, the nasopharynx, and the facial area demands careful planning of surgical excision and combined procedures may be called for. Modern imaging techniques have made three-dimensional visualization of the extent of the pathology possible. Treatment depends on the histopathology and staging of the tumor. Several surgical approaches have been developed over the years. Radical tumor excision with preservation of the quality of life remain the ultimate goal for those tumors where surgery is indicated. Experience over a decade with various pathologies is presented.

Obesity among adolescents of affluent public schools in Meerut

The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide in all segments of the population due to increased industrialization, urbanization, mechanization, and associated changes in diet and lifestyles. Change in diet habit of consuming more high energy fast foods and shifting to sedentary lifestyle has affected our children and also increased the risk of chronic diseases among adolescents. Childhood obesity has association with increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer in later life. Therefore, its control and prevention is one of the major concerns for all developing nations. The present school-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 2785 affluent adolescents of six public schools in Meerut during the period October 2003 to March 2004. The objective is to assess the magnitude of overweight and obesity in adolescents and associated risk factors, with the help of the ELIZ health pathway based on body mass index criteria. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 19.7% and 5.3% in girls and 18.36% and 10.82% in boys. Obesity was found to be significantly associated with high intake of junk foods (P < 0.05), binge eating, high calorie intake (P < 0.05), lower physical activity (P < 0.05), and prolonged TV watching (P < 0.05).

Management of intellectual property rights in India: An updated review

The World Trade Organization's agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights set global minimum standards for the protection of intellectual property, substantially increasing and expanding intellectual property rights, and generated clear gains for the pharmaceutical industry and the developed world. The present review elaborates all aspects of Intellectual Property Rights in detail, along with their protection criteria.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of certain 6-methyl-2(3H)-benzo-1, 3-thiazolyl-1'-ethylidene-2-(o, p- Substituted Acetophenones) Hydrazine Analogs

In the present study, five new derivatives (GG4 to GG8) of benzothiazoles were synthesized and evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 737), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 424), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1687), and yeast-like fungi Candida tropicalis. p-Toluidine on treatment with ammonium thiocynate formed 2-benzothiazolamines (II), which on reaction with hydrazine hydrate formed a hydrazino derivative (III). Compounds GG4 to GG8 were synthesized by reacting the hydrazine derivative with different acetophenones. All the synthesized compounds were identified by IR and (1)H-NMR, and antimicrobial activity was performed on the synthesized compounds. Presence of NO(2), Br, OCH(3), and Cl groups to the substituted benzothiazole enhanced the antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Cell transformation by v-Rel reveals distinct roles of AP-1 family members in Rel/NF-kappaB oncogenesis

Cell transformation by the v-rel oncogene is mediated by the aberrant expression of genes that are normally tightly regulated by other Rel/NF-κB family members. Although a number of genes inappropriately activated or suppressed by v-Rel have been identified, their contributions to the v-Rel transformation process have been poorly characterized. Here, we examine the role of individual AP-1 proteins in v-Rel-mediated transformation. v-Rel transformed cells exhibit elevated RNA and protein expression of c-Fos, c-Jun, and ATF2 and sustained repression of Fra-2. c-Fos and c-Jun are essential in both the initiation and maintenance of v-Rel-mediated transformation while Fra-2 is dispensable. By employing a c-Jun dimerization mutant, we further identified Fos:Jun heterodimers as major contributors to the v-Rel transformation process. The inability of c-Rel to induce the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun contributes to its weaker oncogenic potential relative to v-Rel. Our studies also demonstrate that v-Rel may induce AP-1 members by directly upregulating gene expression (c-fos and ATF2) and by activating pathways that stimulate AP-1 activity. While elevated expression of ATF2 is also required for v-Rel-mediated transformation, its ectopic overexpression is inhibitory. Investigating the mode of ATF2 regulation revealed a positive feedback mechanism whereby ATF2 induces p38 MAPK phosphorylation to further induce its own activity. In addition, these studies identified Ha-Ras as an effector of v-Rel mediated transformation and reveal a novel role for ATF2 in the inhibition of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Overall, these studies reveal distinct and complex roles of AP-1 proteins in Rel/NF-κB oncogenesis.

Investigations on DNA damage and frequency of micronuclei in occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted from video display terminals (VDTs)

The potential effect of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted from video display terminals (VDTs) to elicit biological response is a major concern for the public. The software professionals are subjected to cumulative EMFs in their occupational environments. This study was undertaken to evaluate DNA damage and incidences of micronuclei in such professionals. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first attempt to carry out cytogenetic investigations on assessing bioeffects in personal computer users. The study subjects (n = 138) included software professionals using VDTs for more than 2 years with age, gender, socioeconomic status matched controls (n = 151). DNA damage and frequency of micronuclei were evaluated using alkaline comet assay and cytochalasin blocked micronucleus assay respectively. Overall DNA damage and incidence of micronuclei showed no significant differences between the exposed and control subjects. With exposure characteristics, such as total duration (years) and frequency of use (minutes/day) sub-groups were assessed for such parameters. Although cumulative frequency of use showed no significant changes in the DNA integrity of the classified sub-groups, the long-term users (> 10 years) showed higher induction of DNA damage and increased frequency of micronuclei and micro nucleated cells.

Detection of local community structures in complex dynamic networks with random walks

Identification of interaction patterns in complex networks via community structures has gathered a lot of attention in recent research studies. Local community structures provide a better measure to understand and visualise the nature of interaction when the global knowledge of networks is unknown. Recent research on local community structures, however, lacks the feature to adjust itself in the dynamic networks and heavily depends on the source vertex position. In this study the authors propose a novel approach to identify local communities based on iterative agglomeration and local optimisation. The proposed solution has two significant improvements: (i) in each iteration, agglomeration strengthens the local community measure by selecting the best possible set of vertices, and (ii) the proposed vertex and community rank criterion are suitable for the dynamic networks where the interactions among vertices may change over time. In order to evaluate the proposed algorithm, extensive experiments and benchmarking on computer generated networks as well as real-world social and biological networks have been conducted. The experiment results reflect that the proposed algorithm can identify local communities, irrespective of the source vertex position, with more than 92% accuracy in the synthetic as well as in the real-world networks.