Independent isomeric yield ratios of fission products in the epi-cadmium neutron induced fission of 233U

The independent isomeric yield ratios (IR) of 128,130,132Sb, 131,133Te, 132,134,136I, 135Xe and 138Cs have been measured in the epi-cadmium neutron induced fission of 233U by using an off-line gamma-ray spectrometric technique. The average neutron energy of the epi-cadmium reactor neutron spectrum is 1.9 MeV. The root mean square fragment angular momenta (JRMS) were deduced from the IR values by using spin dependent statistical model analysis. The IR and JRMS values of considered fission products in the epi-cadmium neutron induced fission of 233U were compared with the literature data in the thermal neutron induced fission of 233U to examine the influence of excitation energy on nuclear structure effect.

Charge distribution studies in the epi-cadmium neutron induced fission of 238Pu

Studies on charge distribution have been carried out in the epi-cadmium neutron induced fission of 238Pu for the first time. Experimentally fractional cumulative yields (FCY) and independent yields (IY) of various fission products have been measured by using an off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. From the FCY values, the charge distribution parameters such as the isobaric width parameter (σZ), most probable charge (ZP) and the charge polarization (ΔΖEXPT) as a function of fragment mass were obtained. On the other hand, from the measured IY values, isotopic width parameter (σA), the most probable mass (AP) and the elemental yields (YZ) of Sn, Sb, Te, I, Xe, Cs, Ba, La, Ce and Pr were determined by using a non-linear fit. From the YZ values, the proton even-odd effect (δp) was obtained for the first time. The isobaric and isotopic charge distribution parameters in the 238Pu(nf, f) reaction were compared with the similar data in the thermal neutron induced fission of 238Pu and other actinides to examine the role of excitation energy.

Gene expression profiling of spontaneously occurring canine mammary tumours: Insight into gene networks and pathways linked to cancer pathogenesis

Spontaneously occurring canine mammary tumours (CMTs) are the most common neoplasms of unspayed female dogs leading to thrice higher mortality rates than human breast cancer. These are also attractive models for human breast cancer studies owing to clinical and molecular similarities. Thus, they are important candidates for biomarker studies and understanding cancer pathobiology. The study was designed to explore underlying molecular networks and pathways in CMTs for deciphering new prognostic factors and therapeutic targets. To gain an insight into various pathways and networks associated with the development and pathogenesis of CMTs, comparative cDNA microarray expression profiling was performed using CMT tissues and healthy mammary gland tissues. Upon analysis, 1700 and 1287 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, P ≤ 0.05) were identified in malignant and benign tissues, respectively. DEGs identified from microarray analysis were further annotated using the Ingenuity Systems Pathway Analysis (IPA) tool for detection of deregulated canonical pathways, upstream regulators, and networks associated with malignant, as well as, benign disease. Top scoring key networks in benign and malignant mammary tumours were having central nodes of VEGF and BUB1B, respectively. Cyclins & cell cycle regulation and TREM1 signalling were amongst the top activated canonical pathways in CMTs. Other cancer related significant pathways like apoptosis signalling, dendritic cell maturation, DNA recombination and repair, Wnt/β-catenin signalling, etc. were also found to be altered. Furthermore, seven proteins (ANXA2, APOCII, CDK6, GATC, GDI2, GNAQ and MYH9) highly up-regulated in malignant tissues were identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and MALDI-TOF PMF studies which were in concordance with microarray data. Thus, the study has uncovered ample number of candidate genes associated with CMTs which need to be further validated as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers.

Multiplexed Autoantibody Signature for Serological Detection of Canine Mammary Tumours

Spontaneously occurring canine mammary tumours (CMTs) are the most common neoplasms of female unspayed dogs and are of potential importance as models for human breast cancer as well. Mortality rates are thrice higher in dogs as compared to humans with breast cancer, which can partly be attributed to lack of diagnostic techniques for their early detection. Human breast cancer studies reveal role of autoantibodies in early cancer diagnosis and also the usefulness of autoantibody panels in increasing the sensitivity, as well as, specificity of diagnostic assays. Therefore, in this study, we took advantage of high-throughput Luminex technique for developing a multiplex assay to detect autoantibody signatures against 5 canine mammary tumour-associated autoantigens (TAAs). These TAAs were expressed separately as fusion proteins with halo tag at the N-terminus, which allows easy and specific covalent coupling with magnetic microspheres. The multiplex assay, comprising a panel of candidate autoantigens (TPI, PGAM1, MNSOD, CMYC & MUC1) was used for screening circulating autoantibodies in 125 dog sera samples, including 75 mammary tumour sera and 50 healthy dog sera. The area under curve (AUC) of the combined panel of biomarkers is 0.931 (p < 0.0001), which validates the discriminative potential of the panel in differentiating tumour patients from healthy controls. The assay could be conducted in 3hrs using only 1ul of serum sample and could detect clinical cases of canine mammary tumour with sensitivity and specificity of 78.6% and 90%, respectively. In this study, we report for the first time a multiplexed assay for detection of autoantibodies in canine tumours, utilizing luminex technology and halo-tag coupling strategy. Further to the best of our knowledge, autoantibodies to CMYC and MUC1 have been reported for the first time in canines in this study.

Tuberculosis-tobacco integration in the South-East Asia Region: policy analysis and implementation framework

SETTING

Despite overwhelming evidence for the association between tuberculosis (TB) and tobacco use, it remains neglected in the context of policy, planning and practice. There is limited evidence about the extent of integration of TB and tobacco control programmes in South-East Asia Region (SEAR) countries.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the level of TB-tobacco integration in 11 SEAR countries.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire addressed to TB and tobacco focal points at the World Health Organization Country Offices.

RESULTS

Apart from India, no country in the SEAR has a formal coordination mechanism for national TB and tobacco control programmes or a system of referral for tobacco users among TB patients for treatment of tobacco dependence. There is no joint planning, joint training or joint supervision and monitoring in any country.

CONCLUSION

There is poor integration between TB and tobacco control programmes in most SEAR countries. This assessment fed into the development of a regional framework for TB-tobacco integration, which outlines three strategies: 1) integrated patient-centred care and prevention; 2) joint TB tobacco actions covering policy development, planning, training and monitoring; and 3) research and innovation. Every country in the region should adopt the TB-tobacco integration framework to improve programme performance.

Clinical and biochemical phenotypes of adults with monoallelic and biallelic CYP24A1 mutations: evidence of gene dose effect

Mutations of the CYP24A1 gene can result in hypercalcemia, hyerpercalciuria, and nephrolithiasis, but disease severity is variable. Clinical and biochemical phenotypes were correlated with gene sequence information in a family with two CYP24A1 mutations. A gene dose effect was apparent with monoallelic mutations demonstrating milder disease manifestations than biallelic mutations.

INTRODUCTION

The objective was to examine the spectrum of clinical and biochemical phenotypes in a family with monoallelic and biallelic mutations of CYP24A1 after identification of the proband with two mutations of the CYP24A1 gene: (A) p.R396W and (B) E143del-Het.

METHODS

Clinical and biochemical phenotypes were correlated with CYP24A1 sequence information in the proband and four siblings, a daughter, and two nieces of the proband. The subjects' medical histories were evaluated, and measurement of serum minerals, vitamin D metabolites, PTH, bone turnover markers, and urinary calcium and sequencing of the CYP24A1 gene were performed.

RESULTS

The proband had nephrolithiasis, osteopenia, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D, undetectable 24,25(OH)2D, and inappropriately low PTH concentrations. Two subjects with biallelic (A/B) mutations had nephrolithiasis, marked hypercalciuria (583 ± 127 mg/24 h, mean ± SD), compared with five subjects with monoallelic mutations (A or B) with a urine calcium of 265 ± 85 mg/24 h. Two subjects with monoallelic mutations had nephrolithiasis and one had non-PTH dependent hypercalcemia. Five subjects had high 1,25(OH)2D measurements, including three with monoallelic mutations. The 25OHD/24,25(OH)2D ratio, in subjects with biallelic mutations was 291 versus 19.8 in the subjects with monoallelic mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

In this family, adults with CYP24A1 mutations a gene dose effect is apparent: subjects with biallelic, compound heterozygous mutations (A/B) have a more severe clinical and biochemical phenotype, whereas, subjects with monoallelic mutations demonstrate milder disease manifestations which are not easily characterized through biochemical assessment.

Impact of modular training on tobacco control on the knowledge of health workers in two jurisdictions of northern India

BACKGROUND

National Tobacco Control Programme was launched in India in year 2007-08. It was realized that community health workers can play an important role of agents for positive change to bring down the tobacco morbidity and mortality in the country. Keeping this in view, a health worker guide was developed by the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (GOI) in collaboration with The Union South-East Asia (The Union) in the year 2010. The guide provides the information needed by the most basic level of health workers to effectively address the problem of tobacco use in the community. A modular training was conducted in two jurisdictions in India (namely, Chandigarh and Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh)) to assess the usefulness of the guide as training material for community health workers in undertaking tobacco control activities at community and village levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 271 participants were trained, which included 133 from Chandigarh and 138 from Hamirpur. The pre and post-training assessment of knowledge of health worker was done.

RESULTS

There was marked increase in post-test scores as compared to the pretest scores. The health workers scoring more than 60% increased from 40% in the pretest to over 80% in the post-test. Only three workers had a post-test score of less than 30% against 54 workers in the pretest.

CONCLUSION

The understanding on tobacco control had increased significantly after the training in each group. It is strongly recommended that such training should be replicated to all community health workers across all the states in India.

Intersubgeneric hybridization between Glycine max and G. tomentella: production of F₁, amphidiploid, BC₁, BC₂, BC₃, and fertile soybean plants

KEY MESSAGE

This paper describes methods for unlocking genetic treasure from wild perennial Glycine species of Australia for soybean improvement. The genetic resources of the ca. 26 species of the genus Glycine subgenus Glycine have not been exploited to broaden the genetic base of soybean (Glycine max; 2n = 40). The objectives of this study were to develop methods for producing F1, amphidiploid, BC1, BC2, BC3, and fertile soybean plants from crosses of soybean and the genus Glycine subgenus Glycine species, in order to utilize the subgenus Glycine germplasm in soybean breeding. Soybean cultivars were hybridized with six accessions of 78-chromosome G. tomentella as well as one accession each of 40-chromosome G. tomentella, G. argyrea and G. latifolia. They were chosen because they exhibit resistance to soybean rust. We were successful in producing fertile soybean from soybean cv. 'Dwight' and 78-chromosome G. tomentella accession PI 441001, while other hybrids were discontinued either at F1 or amphidiploid stage. The F1 seeds aborted prior to reaching maturity, so developing seeds from 19 to 21 day old pods were cultured aseptically in various media formulations. Seed maturation and multiple embryo generation media were developed. F1 plants with shoots and roots (2n = 59) were transplanted to pots in greenhouse. Amphidiploid (2n = 118) plants were backcrossed to 'Dwight'. BC1 (2n = 79) plants were propagated through in vitro and 43 mature BC2F1 seeds were harvested. Fifteen surviving BC2F1 plants were morphologically distinct, sterile, and had chromosome numbers ranging 2n = 56-59. Chromosome numbers of the BC3F1 plants ranged 2n = 40-49. Derived fertile soybeans were first planted in the field in 2008 and are being evaluated for yield, resistance to pathogens and pests and tolerance to salt through material transfer agreement.

Can vitamin D metabolite measurements facilitate a "treat-to-target" paradigm to guide vitamin D supplementation?

Substantial variability exists in the serum 25(OH)D increase observed in response to vitamin D supplementation. Measurement of circulating cholecalciferol and 24,25(OH)₂D, as indicators of vitamin D absorption and degradation, respectively, account for approximately half of the variation in serum 25(OH)D observed following supplementation.

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin D supplementation produces a variable response in serum 25(OH)D. This variability likely reflects, in part, differences in vitamin D absorption and/or degradation. Despite this variation in response, virtually all expert recommendations endorse a fixed vitamin D supplementation dose, an approach also used in most prospective studies. Such utilization of a single vitamin D dose does not assure attaining any pre-specified target 25(OH)D level, thereby compromising clinical care and prospective supplementation trials. This study begins addressing this weakness by exploring the feasibility of vitamin D metabolite measurements to predict serum 25(OH)D level attained following supplementation.

METHODS

Ninety-one community-dwelling postmenopausal women with baseline 25(OH)D of 10-30 ng/mL received oral vitamin D₃, 2300 or 2500 IU, daily for 4-6 months. Serum 25(OH)D, cholecalciferol (D₃), and 24,25(OH)₂D were measured before and at the end of supplementation to determine if metabolite concentrations allow prediction of the 25(OH)D level attained.

RESULTS

From baseline and follow-up data, we derived a multiple linear regression model predicting posttreatment 25(OH)D as follows: final 25(OH)D = 8.3 + (1.05*initial 25(OH)D) - (7.7*initial 24,25(OH)₂D) + (0.53*final D₃) + (4.2*final 24,25(OH)₂D). This model has an adjusted R(2) = 0.55, thus accounting for approximately half of the observed variance in the final 25(OH)D level.

CONCLUSIONS

The contributions of circulating cholecalciferol and 24,25(OH)₂D to this predictive model can be considered as indicators of intestinal absorption and clearance, respectively. This paradigm requires further study; it may allow efficient "treat-to-25(OH)D-target" strategies useful in optimizing prospective studies and clinical practice.

Evidence for gonadotrophin secretory and steroidogenic abnormalities in brothers of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

STUDY QUESTION

Are there abnormalities in gonadotrophin secretion, adrenal steroidogenesis and/or testicular steroidogenesis in brothers of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Brothers of women with PCOS have increased gonadotrophin responses to gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist stimulation and alterations in adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

PCOS is a complex genetic disease. Male as well as female first-degree relatives have reproductive features of the syndrome. We previously reported that brothers of affected women have elevated circulating dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This was a case-control study performed in 29 non-Hispanic white brothers of 22 women with PCOS and 18 control men.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

PCOS brothers and control men were of comparable age, weight and ethnicity. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and GnRH agonist stimulation tests were performed. Gonadotrophin responses to GnRH agonist as well as changes in precursor-product steroid pairs (delta, Δ) across steroidogenic pathways in response to ACTH and GnRH agonist were examined.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Basal total (T) levels did not differ, but dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels (0.13 ± 0.08 brothers versus 0.22 ± 0.09 controls, nmol/l, P = 0.03) were lower in brothers compared with control men. ACTH-stimulated Δ17-hydroxypregnenolone (17Preg)/Δ17-hydroxyprogesterone (17Prog) (7.8 ± 24.2 brothers versus 18.9 ± 21.3 controls, P = 0.04) and ΔDHEA/Δandrostenedione (AD) (0.10 ± 0.05 brothers versus 0.14 ± 0.08 controls, P = 0.04) were lower in brothers than in the controls. GnRH agonist-stimulated Δ17Prog/ΔAD (0.28 ± 8.47 brothers versus 4.79 ± 10.28 controls, P = 0.003) was decreased and luteinizing hormone (38.6 ± 20.6 brothers versus 26.0 ± 9.8 controls, IU/l, P = 0.02), follicle-stimulating hormone (10.2 ± 7.5 brothers versus 4.8 ± 4.1 controls, IU/l P = 0.002), AD (1.7 ± 1.4 brothers versus 0.9 ± 1.5 controls, nmol/l, P = 0.02) and ΔAD/ΔT (0.16 ± 0.14 brothers versus 0.08 ± 0.12 controls, P = 0.005) responses were increased in brothers compared with controls.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The modest sample size may have limited our ability to observe other possible differences in steroidogenesis between PCOS brothers and control men.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Decreased ACTH-stimulated Δ17Preg/Δ17Prog and ΔDHEA/ΔAD responses suggested increased adrenal 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the brothers. Decreased Δ17Prog/ΔAD and increased ΔAD/ΔT responses to GnRH agonist stimulation suggested increased gonadal 17,20-lyase and decreased gonadal 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the brothers. Increased LH and FSH responses to GnRH agonist stimulation suggested neuroendocrine alterations in the regulation of gonadotrophin secretion similar to those in their proband sisters. These changes in PCOS brothers may reflect the impact of PCOS susceptibility genes and/or programming effects of the intrauterine environment.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This research was supported by P50 HD044405 (A.D.), K12 HD055884 (L.C.T.), U54 HD034449 (A.D., R.S.L.) from the National Institute of Child Health and Development. Some hormone assays were performed at the University of Virginia Center for Research in Reproduction Ligand Assay and Analysis Core that is supported by U54 HD28934 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Partial support for some of the clinical studies was provided by UL1 RR025741 and UL1 TR000150 (Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute) from the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, which is now the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Pharmacokinetics of daily versus monthly vitamin D3 supplementation in non-lactating women

This study compared serum cholecalciferol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations over four weeks in healthy, non-pregnant, non-lactating females aged 18-40 years, who were randomized to oral cholecalciferol 5000 international units (IU) daily for 28 days or a single dose of 150 000 IU. The study was conducted in Rochester, MN in March and April of 2010. We found no difference in mean 25(OH)D between treatment groups on study day 0 or day 28 (P=0.14 and 0.28, respectively). The daily group had 11 more days of detectable serum cholecalciferol than the single-dose group (P<0.001). There was no difference observed in cholecalciferol area under the curve (AUC28) between groups (P=0.49). However, the single-dose group had a significantly greater mean 25(OH)D AUC28 compared with the daily group (P<0.001).

Public opinion about smoking and smoke free legislation in a district of North India

Context: A growing number of cities, districts, counties and states across the globe are going smoke-free. While an Indian national law namely Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) exists since 2003 and aims at protecting all the people in our country; people still smoke in public places. Aim: This study assessed knowledge and perceptions about smoking, SHS and their support for Smoke-free laws among people residing in Mohali district, Punjab. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Mohali district of Punjab, India. A sample size of 1600 people was obtained. Probability Proportional to Size technique was used for selecting the number of individuals to be interviewed from each block and also from urban and rural population. Statistical Analysis Used: We estimated proportions and tested for significant differences by residence, smoking status, literacy level and employment level by means of the chi-square statistics. Statistical software SPSS for Windows version 20 was used for analysing data . Results: The overall prevalence of current smoking among study participants was 25%. Around 96% were aware of the fact that smoking is harmful to health, 45% viewed second-hand smoke to be equally harmful as active smoking, 84.2% knew that smoking is prohibited in public places and 88.3% wanted the government to take strict actions to control the menace of public smoking. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that people aged 20 years and above, unemployed, urban, literate and non-smokers had significantly better perception towards harms of smoking. The knowledge about smoke free provisions of COTPA was significantly better among males, employed individuals, urban residents, and literate people. Conclusions: There was high knowledge about deleterious multi-dimensional effects of smoking among residents and a high support for implementation of COTPA. Efforts should be taken to make Mohali a "smoke-free district".

Refining compliance surveys to measure the smokefree status of jurisdictions using the Delphi method

SETTING

Compliance assessment surveys are cost-effective means of assessing smokefree status in a jurisdiction. Assigning weights to assessment criteria (indicators) can also inform law implementers and policy makers about the effectiveness of the enforcement of smokefree rules.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a standardised measure for compliance surveys using the Delphi method in India.

DESIGN

Tobacco control experts from India comprising different constituencies and jurisdictions met for a half-day workshop in August 2012 to deliberate on how weights can be assigned to criteria for smokefree status. Using the Delphi method, the relevance and ranking of criteria from an existing protocol for measuring compliance was evaluated.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on all five compliance survey indicators through three rigorous rounds of discussion. The highest priority was assigned to the absence of the act of smoking in public places (33%), followed by the display of no-smoking signage in public places (32%), absence of cigarette butts or bidi stubs (15%), absence of smoking aids (10%) and absence of tobacco smoke and ash (10%).

CONCLUSION

Tobacco control advocates can effectively inform local policy makers using weights that prioritise directed enforcement and targeted interventions, which in turn will ensure stronger compliance and sustainable smokefree settings.

Genomic diversity and multiple origins of tetraploid (2n = 78, 80) Glycine tomentella

Among 15 wild perennial species of the genus Glycine Willd. subgenus Glycine, G. tomentella is exceptional. It is composed of four cytotypes (2n = 38, 40, 78, 80), is diverse in morphological features, and covers a wide geographical area. The objectives of this study were to uncover the genomic diversity in 78- and 80-chromosome cytotypes through a multidisciplinary approach, using cytogenetic, biochemical, and molecular methods, to verify previously identified isozyme groupings and to determine their possible origins. The cytogenetic observations, total seed protein and protease inhibitor profile comparisons, and the phylogenetic analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms identified three distinct groups (T1, T5, T6) among aneutetraploid (2n = 78) and four distinct groups (T2, T3, T4, T7) among tetraploid (2n = 80) G. tomentella accessions. The groupings were congruent with those of isozyme analysis. Tetraploid accessions from Indonesia were assigned to a new group, T7, based on the present study. Morphology, cytology, and seed protein banding patterns of synthetic tetraploids indicated that the T1 and T5 group aneutetraploids were composed of D3D3EE and AAEE genomes, respectively, and the T2 group tetraploid accessions consisted of AAD3D3 genomes. Various groups within the 78- and 80-chromosome G. tomentella were suggested to have originated in Australia by allopolyploidization, most likely through multiple independent events.

Occupational stress and social support in naval personnel

BACKGROUND

Data show that naval personnel have a high incidence of stress related disorders. A high prevalence of occupational stress was seen in a previous survey carried out on Indian Naval personnel. However, the role of social support in reducing occupational stress was not studied. To study occupational stress in Indian Naval personnel and to study the effect of social support on occupational stress.

METHODS

5077 naval personnel were surveyed using study questionnaires which included Occupational Stress Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12 item version as a measure of psychological health. The data was statistically analysed using chi square test and other non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

High occupational stress was seen in personnel serving afloat (66.47%) as compared to those serving ashore (51.55%) and on submarines (53.72%). Among personnel serving afloat, occupational stress was highest among Junior Sailors as compared to Senior Sailors and Officers. Occupational stress was linked to poor psychological health as measured by the GHQ and younger age. Perceived social support was effective in reducing occupational stress in Officers and Senior Sailors but not in Junior Sailors where paradoxically it seemed to lead to greater occupational stress.

CONCLUSIONS

High occupational stress was seen in more than half the service personnel studied. Occupational stress is mitigated by social support in Officers and Senior Sailors but not in Junior Sailors.

Compliance surveys: an effective tool to validate smoke-free public places in four jurisdictions in India

Smoke-free initiatives have gained significant momentum since India enacted comprehensive smoke-free legislation in October 2008. The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease has actively supported various levels of government, legislators, civil society, and communities across the country to implement smoke-free public places and comply with the law. On World No Tobacco Day 2010, four jurisdictions demonstrated that public places within their jurisdictions were smoke-free. These jurisdictions cover a wide spectrum of demographic and geographic variation and include an entire state. The demonstration of being 'smoke-free' in these jurisdictions was supported by a simple survey that documented compliance with the smoke-free law in the country.

Diagnostic characteristics of late-night salivary cortisol using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to describe the diagnostic performance of a commercially available late-night salivary cortisol (NSC) assay using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 90 patients who had one or more NSC determinations: 52 patients in whom Cushing syndrome (CS) was excluded or could not be confirmed [group 1 (G1)] and 38 patients in whom CS was confirmed [group 2 (G2)]. Eighteen healthy volunteers served as controls.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics in all groups were similar with regards to age, ethnicity, gender, and body mass index. NSC levels [median (range)] were higher in G2, 381 (64-13,500) ng/dl [10.51 (1.77-372.46) nmol/liter], compared with controls, 19.3 (2.1-416) ng/dl [0.53 (0.06-11.48) nmol/liter], and G1, 26 (4-176) ng/dl [0.72 (0.11-4.86) nmol/liter, P < 0.001]. The highest combined sensitivity (92%) and specificity (92%) was achieved at a cut point of 107 ng/dl (2.95 nmol/liter). Two or more NSCs were done in 32 of 52 G1 and 31 of 38 G2 patients. In G1 eight of 32 (25%) had at least one elevated [>100 ng/dl (2.76 nmol/liter)] NSC including two in whom both NSCs were elevated. In contrast, four of 31 (13%) in G2 had at least one normal NSC including one with four of five normal NSC values. None of the patients with CS had a NSC less than 60 ng/dl (<1.66 nmol/liter). Comparing G1 and G2, obtaining more than one saliva sample did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of NSC measurement (P = 0.64).

CONCLUSION

The liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay to measure NSC is a simple and reliable test to screen patients suspected to have CS. Clinicians should be aware of appropriate cutoff values for proper interpretation of NSC and use additional tests when necessary.

Vitamin D status and longitudinal lung function decline in the Lung Health Study

Low blood vitamin D levels have been postulated to be a risk factor for worse lung function, based largely on cross-sectional data. We sought to use longitudinal data to test the hypothesis that baseline plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is lower in subjects with more rapid lung function decline, compared to those with slow lung function decline. We conducted a nested, matched case-control study in the Lung Health Study 3 cohort. Cases and controls were continuous smokers with rapid and slow lung function decline, respectively, over ~6 yrs of follow-up. We compared baseline 25(OH)D levels between cases and controls, matching date of phlebotomy and clinical centre. Among 196 subjects, despite rapid and slow decliners experiencing strikingly and significantly different rates of decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (-152 versus -0.3 mL·yr⁻¹; p < 0.001), there was no significant difference in baseline 25(OH)D levels (25.0 versus 25.9 ng·mL⁻¹; p = 0.54). There was a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (35%) and deficiency (31%); only 4% had a normal 25(OH)D level in the winter. Although vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are common among continuous smokers with established mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, baseline 25(OH)D levels are not predictive of subsequent lung function decline.

Primary trisomics of rice: origin, morphology, cytology and use in linkage mapping

Twelve primary trisomics of Oryza sativa L. were isolated from the progenies of spontaneous triploids and were transferred by backcrossing to the genetic background of IR36, a widely grown high yielding rice variety. Eleven trisomics can be identified morphologically from one another and from diploids. However, triplo 11 is difficult to distinguish from diploid sibs.-The extra chromosome of each trisomic was identified cytologically at pachytene stage of meiosis, and the chromosomes were numbered according to their length at this stage. The major distinguishing features of each pachytene chromosome were redescribed.-The female transmission rates varied from 15.5% for triplo 1, the longest chromosome, to 43.9% for triplo 12, the shortest chromosome. Seven of the 12 primary trisomics transmitted the extra chromosome through the male. The low level of chromosomal imbalance tolerated by rice and other evidence are interpreted to indicate that this species is a basic diploid.-Genetic segregation for 22 marker genes in the trisomic progenies was studied. Of a possible 264 combinations, involving 22 genes and 12 trisomics, 120 were examined. Marker genes for each of the 12 chromosomes were identified. The results helped establish associations between linkage groups and cytologically identifiable chromosomes of rice for the first time. Relationships between various systems of numbering chromosomes, trisomics, linkage groups and marker genes are described, and a revised linkage map of rice is presented.

Comparison of sex steroid measurements in men by immunoassay versus mass spectroscopy and relationships with cortical and trabecular volumetric bone mineral density

In men, measurement of serum testosterone and estradiol levels with immunoassays correlated with mass spectroscopic measurements, and correlations of sex steroids with volumetric bone mineral density were similar.

INTRODUCTION

While immunoassays have been used extensively for measurement of serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E(2)) levels, there is concern about their specificity, particularly at low E(2) levels as present in men.

METHODS

We compared T and E(2) measured by mass spectroscopy to levels measured by immunoassay in men (n = 313, age 22 to 91 years) and related these to volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) at various skeletal sites.

RESULTS

Serum T and non-SHBG bound (or bioavailable) T levels by immunoassay correlated well with the corresponding mass spectroscopy measurements (R = 0.90 and 0.95, respectively, P < 0.001); the correlations for serum E(2) measured using the two techniques were less robust (R = 0.63 for total E(2) and 0.84 for bioavailable E(2), P < 0.001). Overall relationships between serum bioavailable T and E(2) levels with vBMD at various skeletal sites were similar for the immunoassay and mass spectroscopic measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Although E(2) levels with immunoassay correlate less well with the mass spectroscopic measurements than do the T measurements in men, our findings indicate that the fundamental relationships observed previously between vBMD and the sex steroids by immunoassay are also present with the mass spectroscopic measurements.

Processing of rayon waste effluent for the recovery of zinc and separation of calcium using thiophosphinic extractant

Zinc is used in various metallurgical, chemical and textile industries. In textile industries, waste effluent containing zinc is generated during the manufacture of rayon yarn. Due to the strict environmental regulations and the presence of toxic metallic and other constituents, the discharge of effluents in sewage is restricted. In view of above a process has been developed for the recovery of zinc from rayon waste effluent following solvent extraction technique using thiophosphinic extractants Cyanex 272 and 302. Before recycling of zinc sulphate solution in spinning bath, solution must be free from calcium, which is deleterious to the process as gypsum precipitates and forms scale. The extractant Cyanex 302 has been found selective for the recovery of 99.99% of zinc in the form of [R(2)Zn](org) from the effluent above equilibrium pH 3.4 maintaining the O/A ratio of 1/30 leaving all the calcium in the raffinate. The zinc from the loaded Cyanex 302 can be stripped with 10% sulphuric acid at even O/A ratio of 10. The stripped solution thus obtained could be recycled in the spinning bath of the rayon plant and raffinate could be disposed safely without affecting environment.

Landmark research in legumes

Legumes are members of the family Fabaceae or Leguminosae and include economically important grain legumes, oilseed crops, forage crops, shrubs, and tropical or subtropical trees. Legumes are a rich source of quality protein for humans and animals. They also enrich the soil by producing their own nitrogen in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. International centers and national institutes collect, maintain, distribute, and produce high-yielding legumes (grain-pulses, oilseeds, forages, nutraceuticals, medicinal shrubs, and trees). Legume breeders are confined within the primary gene pools (GP-1) in their varietal improvement programs and have not exploited secondary gene pools (GP-2), tertiary gene pools (GP-3), or quaternary gene pools (GP-4). Legumes are also an excellent source of timber, medicine, nutraceuticals, tannins, gums, insecticides, resins, varnish, paints, dyes, and eco-friendly by-products such as soy diesel. Three forage crops, Medicago truncatula , Lotus japonicus , and Trifolium pratense , are model legumes for phylogenetic studies and genome sequencing. This paper concludes that a “protein revolution” is needed to meet the protein demands of the world.

Atorvastatin inhibits calcification and enhances nitric oxide synthase production in the hypercholesterolaemic aortic valve

OBJECTIVE

To study in a rabbit model the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in association with the development of calcification of the aortic valve, and to assess the effects of atorvastatin on eNOS expression, nitrite concentration, and aortic valve calcification.

METHODS

Rabbits (n = 48) were treated for three months: 16, forming a control group, were fed a normal diet; 16 were fed a 0.5% (wt/wt) high cholesterol diet; and 16 were fed a 0.5% (wt/wt) cholesterol diet plus atorvastatin (2.5 mg/kg/day). The aortic valves were examined with eNOS immunostains and western blotting. Cholesterol and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations were determined by standard assays. Serum nitrite concentrations were measured with a nitric oxide analyser. eNOS was localised by electron microscopy and immunogold labelling. Calcification in the aortic valve was evaluated by micro-computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS

Cholesterol, hsCRP, and aortic valve calcification were increased in the cholesterol fed compared with control animals. Atorvastatin inhibited calcification in the aortic valve as assessed by micro-CT. eNOS protein concentrations were unchanged in the control and cholesterol groups but increased in the atorvastatin treated group. Serum nitrite concentrations were decreased in the hypercholesterolaemic animals and increased in the group treated with atorvastatin.

CONCLUSION

These data provide evidence that chronic experimental hypercholesterolaemia produces bone mineralisation in the aortic valve, which is inhibited by atorvastatin.

Comparison of cough of 2 and 3 weeks to improve detection of smear-positive tuberculosis cases among out-patients in India

SETTING

Governmental health facilities in six districts of India.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of cough and to compare the detection of smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) among out-patients with cough of > or =2 or > or =3 weeks.

DESIGN

Trained health workers questioned each out-patient for presence of cough. Those with cough > or =2 weeks underwent sputum microscopy.

RESULTS

Of 55561 out-patients interviewed, 2210 (4%) had cough > or =2 weeks, of whom 267 had sputum-positive TB, compared to 182/1370 with cough > or =3 weeks. The 31% who did not spontaneously complain of cough were less likely to be sputum-positive than those who did (45/680 [7%] vs. 222/1530 [15%], P < 0.001), but they accounted for 45/267 smear-positive cases. Using cough > or =2 weeks as the screening criterion, the estimated number of smears performed per day at each primary and secondary health care facility was respectively 8 and 19, compared to 5 and 12 using cough > or =3 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The detection of smear-positive TB cases can be substantially improved by actively eliciting history of cough from all out-patients, and by changing the screening criterion for performing sputum microscopy among out-patients from cough > or =3 weeks to > or =2 weeks. Before implementing this change nationally, its programmatic feasibility should be assessed.

SSR marker and ITS cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence analysis of soybean x Glycine tomentella intersubgeneric derived lines

Wild perennial Glycine species are an invaluable gene resource for the cultivated soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr., 2 n=40]. However, these wild species have been largely unexplored in soybean breeding programs because of their extremely low crossability with soybean and the need to employ in vitro embryo rescue methods to produce F(1) hybrids. The objective of this study was to develop molecular markers to identify gene introgression from G. tomentella, a wild perennial Glycine species, to soybean. A selection of 96 soybean simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers was evaluated for cross-specific amplification and polymorphism in G. tomentella. Thirty-two SSR markers (33%) revealed specific alleles for G. tomentella PI 483218 (2 n=78). These SSR markers were further examined with an amphidiploid line (2 n=118) and monosomic alien addition lines (MAALs), each with 2 n=40 chromosomes from soybean and one from G. tomentella. The results show that the use of SSR markers is a rapid and reliable method to detect G. tomentella chromosomes in MAALs. We also developed a cleaved amplification polymorphism sequence (CAPS) marker according to the sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions in soybean and G. tomentella. Four MAALs that carry the ITS (rDNA) locus from G. tomentella were identified. The SSR and ITS-CAPS markers will greatly facilitate the introgression and characterization of gene transfer from G. tomentella to soybean.

Assignment of molecular linkage groups to soybean chromosomes by primary trisomics

Gene-linkage groups (classical linkage groups, CLGs; molecular linkage groups, MLGs) and chromosome relationship in soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr., 2n = 40] is not yet established. However, primary trisomics provide an invaluable cytogenetic tool to associate genes and linkage groups to specific chromosomes. We have assigned 11 MLGs to soybean chromosomes by using primary trisomics (2 x + 1 = 41) and SSR markers. Primary trisomics were hybridized with Glycine soja Sieb. and Zucc. (2n = 40) in the greenhouse, F(1) plants with 2n = 40 and 41 were identified cytologically and 41 chromosome plants were selfed. A deviation from the 1:2:1 ratio in the F(2) population suggests a marker is associated with a chromosome. Of the possible 220 combinations involving 20 MLGs and 11 primary trisomics, 151 combinations were examined. The relationships between soybean chromosomes and MLGs are: 1 = D1a+q, 3 = N, 5 = A1, 8 = A2, 9 = K, 13 = F, 14 = C1, 17 = D2, 18 = G, 19 = L and 20 = I. This study sets the stage to establish relationship between nine remaining MLGs with the other genetically unidentified nine primary trisomics. The association of CLGs with the soybean chromosomes will be discussed.

Association of the yellow leaf (y10) mutant to soybean chromosome 3

At least 19 single recessive gene yellow leaf mutants and one duplicate recessive gene mutant have been described in soybean. This study was conducted to associate a yellow leaf mutant, y10, with a specific soybean chromosome by using primary trisomics (2n = 41). Seven soybean primary trisomics were hybridized as female parent with genetic stock strain, T161, carrying y10. F(1) disomic and primary trisomic plants were identified cytologically. One disomic (control) and all primary trisomic plants were allowed to self-pollinate and F(2) populations were classified for green versus yellow leaf mutant. The F(2) population of Triplo 3 segregated in a 17:1 ratio, while a disomic (3:1) ratio was observed with Triplo 8-, 17-, 18-, and 20-derived F(2) populations, suggesting that the y10 locus is on chromosome 3. The y10 locus was examined with four simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers (Satt584, Sat_033, Satt387, and Satt022) from molecular linkage group (MLG) N and y10 was found linked with Satt022. Therefore we confirmed the association of MLG N with chromosome 3. The possible association of y10 with Triplo 16 and Triplo 19 are discussed.

Remnant lipoproteins induce endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

Remnant lipoproteins (RLPs) accumulate in type III hyperlipoproteinemia, a condition associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity. The effect of RLPs on fibrinolysis is unknown. Our aim was to study the effect of RLPs on endothelial expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). After 24-h culture of human aortic endothelial cells with RLPs at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.038, or 0.076 mg triglyceride/mL, postculture PAI-1 antigen concentrations were: 870 +/- 80, 1963 +/- 183 (P = 0.005), and 3551 +/- 177 ng/mL (P < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, after 24-h incubation of endothelial cells with RLPs (0 or 0.076 mg triglyceride/mL), PAI-1 activity increased from 0.667 +/- 0.144 to 1.268 +/- 0.198 U/mL, respectively (P = 0.008) and endothelial PAI-1 mRNA increased to 2.7 +/- 0.66 that of control (P = 0.048). In conclusion, RLPs from patients with type III hyperlipoproteinemia induce endothelial cell PAI-1 expression, which may contribute to a prothrombotic state.

Reactions of *NO, *NO2 and peroxynitrite in membranes: physiological implications

Nitric oxide (*NO) and nitrogen dioxide (*NO2) are hydrophobic gases. Therefore, lipid membranes and hydrophobic regions of proteins are potential sinks for these species. In these hydrophobic environments, reactive nitrogen species will exhibit different chemistry than in aqueous environments due to higher local concentrations and the lack of hydrolysis reactions. The peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-) and peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH) can freely pass through lipid membranes, making peroxynitrite-mediated reactions in a hydrophobic environment also of extreme relevance. The reactions observed by these reactive nitrogen species in a hydrophobic milieu include oxidation, nitration and even potent chain-breaking antioxidant reactions. The physiological and toxicological relevance of these reactions is discussed.

Mechanism of superoxide dismutase/H(2)O(2)-mediated nitric oxide release from S-nitrosoglutathione--role of glutamate

S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), a physiologically relevant nitric oxide ((*)NO) donor, exhibits antioxidant, anti-ischemic, and antiplatelet properties. The exact mechanism of (*)NO release from GSNO in biological systems has not been determined. Both copper ions and copper-containing enzymes have been shown to catalyze (*)NO release from GSNO. In this study we observed that copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD) in the presence of H(2)O(2) caused a rapid decomposition of GSNO, forming oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and (*)NO. The cupric ions (Cu(2+)) released from Cu,ZnSOD were bound to the glutamate moiety of GSNO, yielding a 2:1 (GSNO)(2)Cu(2+) complex. Strong chelators of cupric ions, such as histidine and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, inhibited the formation of (GSNO)(2)Cu(2+) complex, GSSG, and (*)NO. GSSG alone inhibited Cu(2+)-induced decomposition of GSNO. This effect is attributed to complexation of copper by GSSG. We conclude that binding of copper to GSNO is obligatory for (*)NO release from GSNO; however, the rate of this reaction was considerably slowed due to binding of Cu(2+) by GSSG. The glutamate moiety in GSNO and GSSG controls copper-catalyzed (*)NO release from GSNO. Cu,ZnSOD and H(2)O(2) enhanced peroxidation of unsaturated lipid that was inhibited by GSNO. The antioxidant function of GSNO is related to the sequestering of copper by GSNO and its ability to slowly release (*)NO. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to GSNO-induced cardioprotection and to neuropathological processes.

Bicarbonate enhances the peroxidase activity of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase. Role of carbonate anion radical

We examined the effect of bicarbonate on the peroxidase activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), using the nitrite anion as a peroxidase probe. Oxidation of nitrite by the enzyme-bound oxidant results in the formation of the nitrogen dioxide radical, which was measured by monitoring 5-nitro-gamma-tocopherol formation. Results indicate that the presence of bicarbonate is not required for the peroxidase activity of SOD1, as monitored by the SOD1/H(2)O(2)-mediated nitration of gamma-tocopherol in the presence of nitrite. However, bicarbonate enhanced SOD1/H(2)O(2)-dependent oxidation of tocopherols in the presence and absence of nitrite and dramatically enhanced SOD1/H(2)O(2)-mediated oxidation of unsaturated lipid in the presence of nitrite. These results, coupled with the finding that bicarbonate protects against inactivation of SOD1 by H(2)O(2), suggest that SOD1/H(2)O(2) oxidizes the bicarbonate anion to the carbonate radical anion. Thus, the amplification of peroxidase activity of SOD1/H(2)O(2) by bicarbonate is attributed to the intermediary role of the diffusible oxidant, the carbonate radical anion. We conclude that, contrary to a previous report (Sankarapandi, S., and Zweier, J. L. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 1226-1232), bicarbonate is not required for peroxidase activity mediated by SOD1 and H(2)O(2). However, bicarbonate enhanced the peroxidase activity of SOD1 via formation of a putative carbonate radical anion. Biological implications of the carbonate radical anion in free radical biology are discussed.

Soybean genetic resources and crop improvement

The soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an economically important leguminous crop for feed, oil, and soyfood products. It contains about 40% protein and 20% oil in the seed and, in the international trade markets, is ranked number one in oil production (48%) among the major oil seed crops. Despite its economic importance, the genetic base of soybean cultivars is extremely narrow. The indigenous cultivars and landraces in East Asia are on the verge of extinction, because farmers are now growing high yielding soybean cultivars. The exotic germplasm, enriched with genes for abiotic and biotic stresses, has not been fully exploited by soybean breeders. Mutation breeding has improved the fatty acids of the soybeans and has produced soybeans tolerant to herbicides. By using recombinant DNA technology, Monsanto has produced stable glyphosate tolerant soybean lines known as 'Round Up Ready' soybean. DuPont is producing transgenic soybean lines with improved fatty acids content. The feasibility of developing hybrid soybeans is still an open question.Key words: soybean, Glycine spp., exotic germplasm, mutation, interspecific hybridization, biotechnology, hybrid soybeans.

Characterization of the adduct formed from the reaction between homocysteine thiolactone and low-density lipoprotein: antioxidant implications

Homocysteine thiolactone is a cyclic thioester that is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. This molecule will readily acylate primary amines, forming a homocystamide adduct, which contains a primary amine and a thiol. Here, we have characterized and evaluated the antioxidant potential of the homocystamide-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) adduct, a product of the reaction between homocysteine thiolactone and LDL. Treatment of LDL with homocysteine thiolactone resulted in a time-dependent increase in LDL-bound thiols that reached approximately 250 nmol thiol/mg LDL protein. The thiol groups of the homocystamide-LDL adduct were labeled with the thiol-reactive nitroxide, methanethiosulfonate spin label. Using paramagnetic relaxing agents and the electron spin resonance spin labeling technique, we determined that the homocystamide adducts were predominately exposed to the aqueous phase. The homocystamide-LDL adduct was resistant to myoglobin- and Cu2(+)-mediated oxidation (with respect to native LDL), as measured by the formation of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and the depletion of vitamin E. This antioxidant effect was due to increased thiol content, as the effect was abolished with N-ethylmaleamide pre-treatment. We conclude that the reaction between homocysteine thiolactone and LDL generates an LDL molecule that is more resistant to oxidative modification than native LDL. The potential relationship between the homocystamide-LDL adduct and the development of atherosclerosis is discussed.

The peroxynitrite generator, SIN-1, becomes a nitric oxide donor in the presence of electron acceptors

SIN-1 has been used, in vitro, to simultaneously generate nitric oxide (*NO) and superoxide (O*-2). However, the pharmacological activity of SIN-1 resembles that of a *NO donor. SIN-1 decays by a three-step mechanism. After initial isomerization to an open ring form, SIN-1A reduces oxygen by a one-electron transfer reaction to give O*-2 and the SIN-1 cation radical, which decomposes to form SIN-1C and *NO. Here we report that one-electron oxidizing agents, in addition to oxygen, can oxidize SIN-1A, resulting in the release of *NO without the concomitant formation of O*-2. We demonstrate that easily reducible nitroxides, such as the nitronyl and imino nitroxides, are able to oxidize SIN-1. Biological oxidizing agents such as ferricytochrome c also stimulate *NO production from SIN-1. In addition, decomposition of SIN-1 by human plasma or by the homogenate of rat liver, kidney, and heart tissues results in the formation of *NO. Our findings suggest that SIN-1 may react with heme proteins and other electron acceptors in biological systems to produce *NO. Thus, at the relatively low in vivo oxygen concentrations, SIN-1 is likely to behave more like an *NO donor than a peroxynitrite donor. The relevance of this reaction to myocardial protection afforded by SIN-1 in ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury is discussed.

Possible Transfer of Resistance to Heterodera glycines from Glycine tomentella to Glycine max

Eight wild perennial Glycine species (G. argyrea, G. canescens, G. curvata, G. cyrtoloba, G. latifolia, G. microphylla, G. tabacina, and G. tomentella) were evaluated for resistance to isolates of races 1, 3, and 14 of Heterodera glycines. In a second experiment, reproduction of isolates of races 3, 5, and 14 of H. glycines on five of the wild perennial species was determined. Seventy-one derived fertile lines (2n = 40) that were hybrids between G. max cv Clark 63 and G. tomentella also were evaluated for resistance to isolates of races 3, 5, and 14. All of the wild perennial Glycine species were resistant (Female Indices [FI] less than 10) to all of the isolates that were tested on them. In most cases no females matured. The soybean cvs. Clark 63 and Altona, which were tested at the same time as the hybrids, were susceptible to all isolates of H. glycines tested. When the tests were combined and a single FI calculated with the average number of females on Lee 74, one derived fertile line was resistant to race 3, three derived fertile lines were resistant to race 5, and five derived fertile lines were resistant to race 14. Thus, transfer of resistance to H. glycines from G. tomentella to G. max apparently occurred.

Depletion of nitric oxide causes cell cycle alterations, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in pulmonary cells

Nitric oxide (NO.) is important in the regulation of mitochondrial function, cell signaling, and gene expression. To elucidate how endogenous NO. regulates the function of airway epithelial cells, we used carboxy-PTIO, a hydrophilic, negatively charged NO. trap, to scavenge NO. from rat lung epithelial (RLE) and rat pleural mesothelial (RPM) cells and to determine the elicitation of cell cycle alterations, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. The reaction of NO. with PTIO causes the formation of PTI, which is measured by electron spin resonance (ESR) and is a quantitative measure of NO. formation. ESR spectroscopy revealed the production of NO. in RLE or RPM cells over a period from 1 to 24 h of exposure, indicating scavenging of NO. by PTIO. Cycle analyses in confluent RLE or RPM cells revealed two- to threefold increases in S and G2/M phases after exposure to 100-200 microM PTIO as well as increases in the fraction of cells undergoing apoptosis. Direct addition of PTI to cells failed to elicit cell cycle perturbations or apoptosis. The guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ mimicked the effects of PTIO. 8-Bromo-cGMP but not 8-bromo-cAMP ameliorated the PTIO- or ODQ-mediated cell cycle perturbations and apoptosis, suggesting that cGMP-dependent pathways are involved in these cell cycle perturbations. Treatment of log-phase cells with PTIO resulted in more dramatic cell cycle perturbations compared with cells treated at confluence. Assessment of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation to measure DNA synthesis demonstrated decreases in PTIO-treated compared with sham cells in addition to a cell cycle arrest in late S or G2/M phase. Last, incubation with dichlorofluorescin diacetate revealed oxidative stress in PTIO- but not in PTI-exposed RLE or RPM cells. We conclude that the depletion of endogenous NO. induces oxidative stress, cell cycle perturbations, and apoptosis. Our findings illustrate the importance of endogenous NO. in the control of cell cycle progression and survival of pulmonary and pleural cells and that a critical balance between NO. and superoxide may be necessary for these physiological events.

Nitration of gamma-tocopherol and oxidation of alpha-tocopherol by copper-zinc superoxide dismutase/H2O2/NO2-: role of nitrogen dioxide free radical

Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD) is the antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide (O2*-) to O2 and H2O2. In addition, Cu,ZnSOD also exhibits peroxidase activity in the presence of H2O2, leading to self-inactivation and formation of a potent enzyme-bound oxidant. We report in this study that lipid peroxidation of L-alpha-lecithin liposomes was enhanced greatly during the SOD/H2O2 reaction in the presence of nitrite anion (NO2-) with or without the metal ion chelator, diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid. The presence of NO2- also greatly enhanced alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TH) oxidation by SOD/H2O2 in saturated 1, 2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The major product identified by HPLC and UV-studies was alpha-tocopheryl quinone. When 1,2-diauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine liposomes containing gamma-tocopherol (gamma-TH) were incubated with SOD/H2O2/NO2-, the major product identified was 5-NO2-gamma-TH. Nitrone spin traps significantly inhibited the formation of alpha-tocopheryl quinone and 5-NO2-gamma-TH. NO2- inhibited H2O2-dependent inactivation of SOD. A proposed mechanism of this protection involves the oxidation of NO2- by an SOD-bound oxidant to the nitrogen dioxide radical (*NO2). In this study, we have shown a new mechanism of nitration catalyzed by the peroxidase activity of SOD. We conclude that NO2- is a suitable probe for investigating the peroxidase activity of familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-linked SOD mutants.

Reexamination of the mechanism of hydroxyl radical adducts formed from the reaction between familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase mutants and H2O2

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involves the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and motor cortex. Mutations to Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) linked with familial ALS are reported to increase hydroxyl radical adduct formation from hydrogen peroxide as measured by spin trapping with 5, 5'-dimethyl-1-pyrrolline N-oxide (DMPO). In the present study, we have used oxygen-17-enriched water and H2O2 to reinvestigate the mechanism of DMPO/.OH formation from the SOD and SOD mutants. The relative ratios of DMPO/.17OH and DMPO/.16OH formed in the Fenton reaction were 90% and 10%, respectively, reflecting the ratios of H217O2 to H216O2. The reaction of the WT SOD with H217O2 in bicarbonate/CO2 buffer yielded 63% DMPO/.17OH and 37% DMPO/.16OH. Similar results were obtained from the reaction between familial ALS SOD mutants and H217O2: DMPO/.17OH (64%); DMPO/.16OH (36%) from A4V and DMPO/.17OH (62%); and DMPO/.16OH (38%) from G93A. These results were confirmed further by using 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide spin trap, a phosphorylated analog of DMPO. Contrary to earlier reports, the present results indicate that a significant fraction of DMPO/.OH formed during the reaction of SOD and familial ALS SOD mutants with H2O2 is derived from the incorporation of oxygen from water due to oxidation of DMPO to DMPO/.OH presumably via DMPO radical cation. No differences were detected between WT and mutant SODs, neither in the concentration of DMPO/.OH or DEPMPO/.OH formed nor in the relative incorporation of oxygen from H2O2 or water.

The mechanism of apolipoprotein B-100 thiol depletion during oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is recognized to be a key step in atherogenesis. Previous studies show that LDL contains low-molecular-weight antioxidants such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and ubiquinol, which can retard oxidative modification. In this report, we have evaluated the antioxidant potential of apolipoprotein B-100 (apo-B) thiols during LDL oxidation. Both apo-B thiols and vitamin E were depleted concomitantly during the lag phase of Cu(2+)-mediated LDL oxidation. The rate of thiol depletion was significantly inhibited by the lipophilic spin trap N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN) but not by the water-soluble spin trap alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone (POBN). Blocking apo-B thiols with sulfhydryl modifying agents increased the oxidizability of LDL. As with Cu2+, peroxynitrite also caused depletion of apo-B thiols, and again thiol depletion was inhibited by PBN but not by POBN. A PBN/lipid-derived radical adduct was observed by the electron spin resonance technique during oxidation of LDL with peroxynitrite. We conclude that apo-B thiol depletion is mediated by lipid peroxidation, prior to the onset of the propagation phase of LDL oxidation. The implications of apo-B thiols an intrinsic antioxidants of LDL are discussed.

S-Nitrosoglutathione as a substrate for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase

S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) has been used as a nitric oxide (.NO) donor compound and has also been postulated to be involved in the transport of .NO in vivo. In this study we have examined the possibility that GSNO is a substrate for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT), an enzyme that hydrolyses the gamma-glutamyl moiety of glutathione to give glutamate and cysteinylglycine. gamma-GT accelerated the decomposition of GSNO, forming S-nitrosocysteinylglycine (CG-SNO) by a mechanism inhibitable by the gamma-GT inhibitors acivicin and S-methylglutathione. The Km of gamma-GT for GSNO was found to be 28 microM. In the presence of contaminating transition metal ions, gamma-GT accelerated the release of ;NO from GSNO, as CG-SNO is more susceptible to transition metal ion-dependent decomposition than GSNO. However, in the presence of the transition metal ion chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, neither GSNO nor CG-SNO decomposed to generate .NO. Neither S-methylglutathione nor acivicin affected the vasodilatory response to GSNO in an isolated perfused rat heart. However, rat kidney homogenate stimulated the decomposition of GSNO by an acivicin-inhibitable mechanism. It is likely therefore that gamma-GT is involved in the decomposition of GSNO in the kidney but not in the heart.

Phylogenetic and genomic relationships in the genus Glycine Willd. based on sequences from the ITS region of nuclear rDNA

Phylogenetic relationships among all 18 species of the genus Glycine were inferred from nucleotide sequence variation in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Pairwise sequence divergence values ranged from 0.2% (a single nucleotide) between Glycine max and Glycine soja to 8.6% between Glycine hirticaulis and Glycine falcata. The length of the ITS1 and ITS2 sequences ranged from 215 to 238 nucleotides and from 205 to 222 nucleotides, respectively, and that of 5.8S was 168 nucleotides across all the species. Phylogenetic analyses of the ITS region clearly resolved all the genomic groups that were established previously based on cytogenetic and biochemical studies. Based on this study, we assign new genome symbols: HH to Glycine arenaria, H1H1 to Glycine hirticaulis, H2H2 to Glycine pindanica, II to Glycine albicans, and I1I1 to Glycine lactovirens. Parsimony analysis of the entire ITS region, using subgenus Soja as outgroup, resulted in a trichotomy consisting of the clades: G. falcata (F genome), Glycine cyrtoloba and Glycine curvata (C genome), and all other species (A, B, D, E, H, and I genomes) of the subgenus Glycine.

Detection of thiyl radical adducts formed during hydroxyl radical- and peroxynitrite-mediated oxidation of thiols--a high resolution ESR spin-trapping study at Q-band (35 GHz)

Thiyl radicals (RS.) formed during peroxynitrite- or hydroxyl radical-dependent oxidation of thiols, i.e., glutathione (GSH) and L-cysteine (CySH) were trapped with 5,5'-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) and analyzed by X-band and Q-band electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. At X-band, the ESR parameters of DMPO-glutathionyl radical adduct (DMPO/.SG) and DMPO-hydroxyl radical adduct (DMPO/.OH) are nearly similar in aqueous solutions and as a result, except for the lowfield spectral line, the remaining spectral lines of DMPO/ .SG virtually over-lap with those of the DMPO/.OH adduct. In contrast, at Q-band, most of the spectral lines due to the DMPO/.SG were separated from the DMPO/ .OH. Inclusion of a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimic completely abolished the formation of the DMPO/.OH adduct and not the DMPO/.SG adduct during ONOO(-)-mediated oxidation of GSH and DMPO. In the presence of formate, the DMPO/.SG spectrum was replaced by the DMPO/.CO2- spectrum which was monitored by Q-band ESR spectroscopy. Thus, spin-trapping at Q-band provides unambiguous proof for the glutathionyl radical-dependent oxidation of formate by peroxynitrite. High resolution Q-band ESR spectra of DMPO/.Scys were also obtained. Biological applications of the Q-band spin-trapping technique to detect thiyl radicals in cellular systems are discussed.