Development and evaluation of Fusarium wilt-resistant and high-yielding chickpea advanced breeding line, KCD 11

Fusarium wilt (FW) is the most severe soil-borne disease of chickpea that causes yield losses up to 100%. To improve FW resistance in JG 11, a high-yielding variety that became susceptible to FW, we used WR 315 as the donor parent and followed the pedigree breeding method. Based on disease resistance and yield performance, four lines were evaluated in station trials during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 at Kalaburagi, India. Further, two lines, namely, Kalaburagi chickpea desi 5 (KCD 5) and KCD 11, which possesses the resistance allele for a specific single-nucleotide polymorphism marker linked with FW resistance, were evaluated across six different locations (Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Siruguppa, Bhimarayanagudi and Hagari) over a span of 3 years (2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023). KCD 11 exhibited notable performance, showcasing yield advantages of 8.67%, 11.26% and 23.88% over JG 11, and the regional checks Super Annigeri 1 (SA 1) and Annigeri 1, respectively, with enhanced FW resistance in wilt sick plot. Further, KCD 11 outperformed JG 11, SA 1 and Annigeri 1 in multi-location trials conducted across three seasons in the North Eastern Transition Zone, North Eastern Dry Zone, and North Dry Zones of Karnataka. KCD 11 was also tested in trials conducted by All India Coordinated Research Project on chickpea and was also nominated for state varietal trials for its release as a FW-resistant and high-yielding variety. The selected line is anticipated to cater the needs of chickpea growers with the dual advantage of yield increment and disease resistance.

Knowledge extraction of sonophotocatalytic treatment for acid blue 113 dye removal by artificial neural networks

Removing decolorizing acid blue 113 (AB113) dye from textile wastewater is challenging due to its high stability and resistance to removal. In this study, we used an artificial neural network (ANN) model to estimate the effect of five different variables on AB113 dye removal in the sonophotocatalytic process. The five variables considered were reaction time (5-25 min), pH (3-11), ZnO dosage (0.2-1.0 g/L), ultrasonic power (100-300 W/L), and persulphate dosage (0.2-3 mmol/L). The most effective model had a 5-7-1 architecture, with an average deviation of 0.44 and R² of 0.99. A sensitivity analysis was used to analyze the impact of different process variables on removal efficiency and to identify the most effective variable settings for maximum dye removal. Then, an imaginary sonophotocatalytic system was created to measure the quantitative impact of other process parameters on AB113 dye removal. The optimum process parameters for maximum AB 113 removal were identified as 6.2 pH, 25 min reaction time, 300 W/L ultrasonic power, 1.0 g/L ZnO dosage, and 2.54 mmol/L persulfate dosage. The model created was able to identify trends in dye removal and can contribute to future experiments.

Modeling and optimization of process parameters of biofilm reactor for wastewater treatment

The efficiency of heavy metal in biofilm reactors depends on absorption process parameters, and those relationships are complicated. This study explores artificial neural networks (ANNs) feasibility to correlate the biofilm reactor process parameters with absorption efficiency. The heavy metal removal and turbidity were modeled as a function of five process parameters, namely pH, temperature(°C), feed flux(ml/min), substrate flow(ml/min), and hydraulic retention time(h). We developed a standalone ANN software for predicting and analyzing the absorption process in handling industrial wastewater. The model was tested extensively to confirm that the predictions are reasonable in the context of the absorption kinetics principles. The model predictions showed that the temperature and pH values are the most influential parameters affecting absorption efficiency and turbidity.

Prediction of batch sorption of barium and strontium from saline water

Celestite and barite formation results in contamination of barium and strontium ions hinder oilfield water purification. Conversion of bio-waste sorbent products deals with a viable, sustainable and clean remediation approach for removing contaminants. Biochar sorbent produced from rice straw was used to remove barium and strontium ions of saline water from petroleum industries. The removal efficiency depends on biochar amount, pH, contact time, temperature, and Ba/Sr concentration ratio. The interactions and effects of these parameters with removal efficiency are multifaceted and nonlinear. We used an artificial neural network (ANN) model to explore the correlation between process variables and sorption responses. The ANN model is more accurate than that of existing kinetic and isotherm equations in assessing barium and strontium removal with adj. R² values of 0.994 and 0.991, respectively. We developed a standalone user interface to estimate the barium and strontium removal as a function of sorption process parameters. Sensitivity analysis and quantitative estimation were carried out to study individual process variables' impact on removal efficiency.

Highly Selective and Potent Human β-Secretase 2 (BACE2) Inhibitors against Type 2 Diabetes: Design, Synthesis, X-ray Structure and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies

Herein we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of potent and highly selective β-secretase 2 (memapsin 1, beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 2, or BACE 2) inhibitors. BACE2 has been recognized as an exciting new target for type 2 diabetes. The X-ray structure of BACE1 bound to inhibitor 2 a {N³ -[(1S,2R)-1-benzyl-2-hydroxy-3-[[(1S,2S)-2-hydroxy-1-(isobutylcarbamoyl)propyl]amino]propyl]-5-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]-N¹ -[(1R)-1-phenylpropyl]benzene-1,3-dicarboxamide} containing a hydroxyethylamine isostere was determined. Based on this structure, a computational docking study was performed which led to inhibitor 2 a-bound BACE2 models. These were used to optimize the potency and selectivity of inhibitors. A systematic structure-activity relationship study led to the identification of determinants of the inhibitors' potency and selectivity toward the BACE2 enzyme. Inhibitors 2 d [N³ -[(1S,2R)-1-benzyl-2-hydroxy-3-[[(1S,2S)-2-hydroxy-1-(isobutylcarbamoyl)pentyl]amino]propyl]-N¹ -methyl-N¹ -[(1R)-1-phenylpropyl]benzene-1,3-dicarboxamide; K_i =0.031 nm, selectivity over BACE1: ≈174 000-fold] and 3 l [N¹ -((2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-1-phenyl-4-((3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)amino)butan-2-yl)-N³ ,5-dimethyl-N³ -((R)-1-phenylethyl)isophthalamide; K_i =1.6 nm, selectivity over BACE1: >500-fold] displayed outstanding potency and selectivity. Inhibitor 3 l is nonpeptide in nature and may pave the way to the development of a new class of potent and selective BACE2 inhibitors with clinical potential.

Design of Highly Potent, Dual-Acting and Central-Nervous-System-Penetrating HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors with Excellent Potency against Multidrug-Resistant HIV-1 Variants

Herein we report the design, synthesis, X-ray structural, and biological studies of an exceptionally potent HIV-1 protease inhibitor, compound 5 ((3S,7aS,8S)-hexahydro-4H-3,5-methanofuro[2,3-b]pyran-8-yl ((2S,3R)-4-((2-(cyclopropylamino)-N-isobutylbenzo[d]thiazole)-6-sulfonamido)-1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-3-hydroxybutan-2-yl)carbamate). Using structure-based design, we incorporated an unprecedented 6-5-5-ring-fused crown-like tetrahydropyranofuran as the P2-ligand, a cyclopropylaminobenzothiazole as the P2'-ligand, and a 3,5-difluorophenylmethyl group as the P1-ligand. The resulting inhibitor 5 exhibited exceptional HIV-1 protease inhibitory and antiviral potency at the picomolar level. Furthermore, it displayed antiviral IC₅₀ values in the picomolar range against a wide panel of highly multidrug-resistant HIV-1 variants. The inhibitor shows an extremely high genetic barrier against the emergence of drug-resistant variants. It also showed extremely potent inhibitory activity toward dimerization as well as favorable central nervous system penetration. We determined a high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the complex between inhibitor 5 and HIV-1 protease, which provides molecular insight into the unprecedented activity profiles observed.

Design of Potent and Highly Selective Inhibitors for Human β-Secretase 2 (Memapsin 1), a Target for Type 2 Diabetes

Structure-based design and syntheses of potent and highly selective BACE2 inhibitors are described.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of very potent and selective β-secretase 2 (memapsin 1, BACE 2) inhibitors are described. The inhibitors were designed specifically to interact with the S2′-site of β-secretase 2 to provide >170 000-fold selectivity over β-secretase (BACE 1) and >15 000-fold selectivity over cathepsin D. BACE 2 is implicated in type 2 diabetes. The studies serve as an important guide to selective BACE 2 inhibitors.

Isolation, speciation, and antibiogram of clinically relevant non-diphtherial Corynebacteria (Diphtheroids)

PURPOSE

Coryneform or the non-diphtherial Corynebacterium species largely remains a neglected group with the traditional consideration of these organisms as contaminants. This concept, however, is slowly changing in the light of recent observations. This study has been done to find out the species distribution and antibiogram of various members of the clinically relevant Coryneform group, isolated from various clinical materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and fourteen non-duplicate isolates of diphtheroids from various clinical isolates were selected for the study. The isolates were identified to the species level by using a battery of tests; and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by using a combination of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) guidelines, in the absence of definitive CLSI guidelines.

RESULTS

Corynebacterium amycolatum was the predominant species (35.9%) in our series followed by the CDC Group G organisms (15.7%). Each of the remaining 19 species comprised of less than 10% of the isolates. More than half the total isolates were resistant to the penicillins, erythromycin, and clindamycin; while excellent activity (all the strains being susceptible) was shown by vancomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline. Chloramphenicol and tetracycline also had good activity in inhibiting more than 80% of the isolates. Multiply drug resistance was exhibited by all the species.

CONCLUSION

This study was an attempt to establish the clinical significance of coryneform organisms. The high level of resistance shown by this group to some of the common antibacterial agents highlights the importance of processing these isolates in select conditions to guide the clinicians towards an appropriate therapy.

Randomized clinical trial of effect of synbiotics, neomycin and mechanical bowel preparation on intestinal barrier function in patients undergoing colectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to modulate gut microflora and preserve intestinal barrier function during elective colorectal surgery by using combinations of oral antibiotics, synbiotics and mechanical bowel preparation (MBP).

METHODS

Ninety-two patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Group 1 had MBP only, group 2 had neomycin + MBP, group 3 had synbiotics + neomycin + MBP, and group 4 had synbiotics + neomycin but no MBP. Changes in gut microflora were assessed by culturing nasogastric aspirates and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of faecal samples. Intestinal barrier function was determined by microbiological confirmation of bacterial translocation and measurement of intestinal permeability. The inflammatory response was monitored by measurement of serum C-reactive protein and interleukin 6, and septic morbidity was recorded prospectively.

RESULTS

Four patients were excluded owing to protocol violation, leaving 24 patients in group 1, 22 in group 2, 20 in group 3 and 22 in group 4 for analysis. There was a significant decrease in Enterobacteriaceae in group 3 compared with the other groups. Group 3 had a significantly lower incidence of translocation after bowel mobilization (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in intestinal permeability, inflammatory response or septic morbidity.

CONCLUSION

The combination of MBP, neomycin and synbiotics reduces the prevalence of faecal Enterobacteriaceae and bacterial translocation; however, this was not associated with a reduction in inflammatory response or septic morbidity in this study. Larger trials are needed before a change in practice can be recommended.

Day-case stoma, surgery: Is it feasible?

INTRODUCTION

The National Health Service (NHS) Modernisation Agency has identified ten high impact changes for health organisations to adopt in order to improve their service. Top of this list is increasing day-surgery rates. The basket of interventions offered as short-stay procedures will have to increase to achieve this target. The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is feasible to offer fashioning or reversal of loop stomas as a short-stay procedure.

METHODS

Consecutive patients needing stoma fashioning or reversal were offered surgery as a day-case. All were recruited from a single colorectal consultant's caseload. Patients scheduled for stoma formation were taught how to manage the stoma by a specialist nurse prior to hospital admission. The stoma nurse then visited all patients at home one day after discharge. Laparoscopic-assisted techniques, opiate avoidance and early mobilisation were included in the management protocol. Data relating to patient demographics, length of stay and complications were collected prospectively. Results of continuous variables were presented as median and interquartile ranges (IQRs).

RESULTS

All patients offered day-surgery accepted it readily. A total of twelve patients (M:F, 5:7) with a median (IQR) age of 70 (63-74) years were recruited. Seven had laparoscopically assisted loop ileostomy formation while five underwent loop stoma reversal (four loop ileostomies, one transverse colostomy). Four out of twelve patients were discharged the same day and 11/12 patients were home within 23 hours of admission. One patient needed admission for 72 hours for social reasons. None of the patients required readmission, and there were no observed complications associated with early discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

With the appropriate supportive set up, 23-hour stoma surgery is indeed feasible. Day-case procedures are possible in some, however, as with all short-stay surgery, careful patient selection is required.

Review article: bacterial translocation in the critically ill--evidence and methods of prevention

BACKGROUND

Delayed sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiorgan failure remain major causes of morbidity and mortality on intensive care units. One factor thought to be important in the aetiology of SIRS is failure of the intestinal barrier resulting in bacterial translocation and subsequent sepsis.

AIM

This review summarizes the current knowledge about bacterial translocation and methods to prevent it.

METHODS

Relevant studies during 1966-2006 were identified from a literature search. Factors, which detrimentally affect intestinal barrier function, are discussed, as are methods that may attenuate bacterial translocation in the critically ill patient.

RESULTS

Methodological problems in confirming bacterial translocation have restricted investigations to patients undergoing laparotomy. There are only limited data available relating to specific interventions that might preserve intestinal barrier function or limit bacterial translocation in the intensive care setting. These can be categorized broadly into pre-epithelial, epithelial and post-epithelial interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of factors that influence translocation could result in the implementation of interventions which contribute to improved patient outcomes. Glutamine supplementation, targeted nutritional intervention, maintaining splanchnic flow, the judicious use of antibiotics and directed selective gut decontamination regimens hold some promise of limiting bacterial translocation. Further research is required.

Surgical manipulation of the large intestine increases bacterial translocation in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery

OBJECTIVE

Several animal studies have suggested that surgical manipulation of the intestine alters the barrier function and promotes bacterial translocation (BT). Whether this occurs in humans has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of surgical manipulation of the intestine on the prevalence of BT in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

METHOD

This was a prospective observational study of 50 consecutive elective surgical patients in whom a sample of mesenteric lymph node (MLN) was harvested after mobilization of the colon, prior to ligation of the vascular pedicle. These results were compared with 472 historical controls, who had a sample of MLN taken before the mobilization of colon during laparotomy. A positive culture of MLN confirmed BT.

RESULTS

BT was identified in 39/49 (79.6%) patients in the study group compared with 54/472 (11.4%) patients in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001, chi(2) test).

CONCLUSION

Surgical manipulation of the bowel does increase the prevalence of BT and therefore is associated with changes in gut barrier function in elective surgical patients.

General gynaecology: Association of phthalate esters with endometriosis in Indian women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible association between phthalate esters (PEs) and the occurrence of endometriosis.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

Department of Reproductive Medicine, Bhagawan Mahavir Medical Research Centre, Maternal Health and Reproductive Institute and Department of Analytical R&D, Hetero Research Foundation, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.

SAMPLE

Blood samples were collected from 49 infertile women with endometriosis (study group); 38 age-matched women without endometriosis (control group I) but with infertility related to tubal defects, fibroids, polycystic ovaries, idiopathic infertility and pelvic inflammatory diseases diagnosed by laparoscopy and a further group of 21 age-matched women (control group II) with proven fertility and no evidence of endometriosis and other gynaecological disorders during laparoscopic sterilisation.

METHODS

Concentrations of PEs were measured using gas chromatography.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evaluation of PEs concentrations in women with endometriosis compared with women free from the disease.

RESULTS

Women with endometriosis showed significantly higher concentrations of di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) and diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) (mean 0.44 [SD 0.41]; 0.66 [SD 0.61]; 3.32 [SD 2.17]; 2.44 [SD 2.17] micrograms/ml) compared with control group I (mean 0.08 [SD 0.14]; 0.12 [SD 0.20]; 0; 0.50 [SD 0.80] micrograms/ml) and control group II (mean 0.15 [SD 0.21]; 0.11 [SD 0.22]; 0; 0.45 [SD 0.68] micrograms/ml). The correlation between the concentrations of PEs and different severity of endometriosis was strong and statistically significant at P < 0.05 for all four compounds (DnBP: r=+0.73, P < 0.0001; BBP: r=+0.78, P < 0.0001; DnOP: r=+0.57, P < 0.0001 and DEHP: r=+0.44, P < 0.0014).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that PEs may have an aetiological association with endometriosis.

Bacterial translocation studied in 927 patients over 13 years

BACKGROUND

Bacterial translocation (BT) describes the passage of bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract to normally sterile tissues such as the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and other internal organs. The clinical and pathophysiological significance of BT remains controversial. This report describes results obtained over a 13-year period of study.

METHODS

MLNs were obtained from 927 patients undergoing laparotomy. Nasogastric aspirates were obtained from 458 (49.4 per cent) of 927 patients for culture; pH was measured in 172 (37.6 per cent) of 458. Preoperative clinical variables were evaluated and factors that influenced BT were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

BT was identified in 130 (14.0 per cent) of 927 patients. Postoperative sepsis was more common in patients with BT (42.3 versus 19.9 per cent; P < 0.001). Independent preoperative variables associated with BT were emergency surgery (P = 0.001) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (P = 0.015). Gastric colonization was confirmed in 248 (54.1 per cent) of 458 patients, and was associated with both BT (P = 0.015) and postoperative sepsis (P = 0.029). A gastric pH of less than 4 was associated with a significant reduction in gastric colonization (53 versus 80 per cent; P < 0.001) and postoperative sepsis (46 versus 70.3 per cent; P = 0.018) but not BT.

CONCLUSION

BT is associated with postoperative sepsis. Emergency surgery and TPN are independently associated with an increased prevalence of BT.

Randomized clinical trial of multimodal optimization of surgical care in patients undergoing major colonic resection

BACKGROUND

The aim of this trial was to compare multimodal optimization with conventional perioperative management in a consecutive series of patients undergoing a wide range of colorectal procedures.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients undergoing major elective colonic resection were recruited prospectively. Patients were randomized to receive a ten-point multimodal optimization package or conventional perioperative care. All patients were administered epidural analgesia and opiates were avoided. Outcome measures recorded related to length of hospital stay, physical and mental function, and gut function.

RESULTS

Optimization was associated with a significantly shorter median (interquartile range) hospital stay compared with conventional care (5 (4-9) versus 7.5 (6-10) days; P = 0.027). Duration of catheterization (P = 0.022) and duration of intravenous infusion (P = 0.007) were also less. Optimization was associated with a quicker recovery of gut function (P = 0.042). Grip strength was maintained in the postoperative period in the optimized group (P = 0.241) but not in the control group (P = 0.049). There were no differences in morbidity or mortality between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Optimization is safe and results in a significant reduction in postoperative stay along with other improved endpoints. This cannot be directly attributed to improvement in any single outcome measure or to the use of epidural analgesia. Improvements are more likely to be multifactorial and may relate to an earlier return of gut function.

Cytokine expression pattern in the genital tract of Chlamydia trachomatis positive infertile women - implication for T-cell responses

Human genital infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis is thought to be immunologically mediated, resulting in local recruitment of lymphocyte subsets and inducing the production of cytokines. Little information is available about the role of lymphocyte recruitment and the regulation of cytokine production in the genital tract of C. trachomatis positive infertile women. We have evaluated the recruitment of lymphocyte subsets in the genital tract and production of Th1/Th2 cytokines in cervical secretions and laparoscopic specimens from the fallopian tubes of C. trachomatis positive infertile women (n = 17) and compared them with controls, viz. C. trachomatis negative infertile women (n = 20) using ELISA and flow cytometry. None of these patients were found to be infected either with Candida sps., bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma hominis or Ureaplasma urealyticum in the cervix. Flow cytometric analysis of cervical secretions in Chlamydia positive women revealed recruitment of both CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes to the genital tract was up-regulated and a variation in the production rates of different cytokines in cervical secretions and fallopian tube was observed. We found that the immune responses in cervical secretions were of Th0 type, since all the analysed cytokines, viz. IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and IL-12 were up-regulated. As, both CD4 and CD8 cells contribute to the production of IFN-gamma and IL-10, these results suggest that along with CD4 cells, CD8 lymphocytes also may be important for local regulation of Th1/Th2 responses in the genital tract during C. trachomatis infection.

Sturge Weber syndrome

A variant of hemangioma and an uncommon congenital condition, the Sturge Weber syndrome (SWS), also called encephalo trigeminal angiomatosis, is a neurocutaneous disorder with angiomas involving the skin of the face (cutaneous angioma) and pia arachnoid (leptomeningeal angioma). It occurs typically in the ophthalmic and maxillary distributions of the trigeminal nerve (1,2). Here we present a case of a 14 year old girl.

Enhanced immunocompetent cells in chlamydial cervicitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in cell-mediated immunophenotypes by flow cytometry in endocervical secretions and peripheral blood in women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty women attending the gynaecology outpatient department of Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India, with signs and symptoms of cervicitis were enrolled. All patients underwent endocervical screening for C trachomatis (direct fluorescence antibody test [DFA]), and any coinfection with Candida (Gram stain), bacterial vaginosis (Gram stain), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gram stain), Trichomonas vaginalis (wet mount) and HIV (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was ruled out. Flow cytometry was done to investigate changes in immunophenotypes in endocervical secretions and peripheral blood using monoclonal antibodies for surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD45 and CD83). Data were analyzed by chi2 test, while means were compared using Student's t test.

RESULTS

C trachomatis positivity was found to be 36% (n = 18). Forty-eight patients constituted the study population since 2 patients coinfected with Candida, bacterial vaginosis and T vaginalis were excluded. A statistically significant enhancement in CD4+, CD8+ and dendritic cellular phenotypes was observed in the endocervical secretions of Chlamydia-positive patients, while B cells showed no marked difference. In the parallel study of matched peripheral blood, immunophenotypes did not show statistically significant results.

CONCLUSION

Increased influx of CD4+, CD8+ and dendritic cells in the endocervix is an indication of cell-mediated immunity in response to C trachomatis infection. Local immune response in the cervical region is independent of systemic response. The mechanism by which local mucosal and systemic immune cells interact to repel or enhance susceptibility to C trachomatis infection requires further study.

Ameloblastomatous calcifying odontogenic cyst: a rare histologic variant

Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is an uncommon developmental odontogenic cyst first described by Gorlin in 1962. It is considered as extremely rare and accounts for only 1% of jaw cysts reported. Because of its diverse histopathology, there has always been confusion about its nature as a cyst, neoplasm or hamartoma. Several subclassifications have been proposed. Here, we present a case of calcifying odontogenic cyst with ameloblastic proliferation - an extremely rare histologic variant. The classical histologic features of the lining epithelium in the form of cords and presence of characteristic ghost cells were seen along with ameloblastomatous proliferations. Ameloblastomatous COC microscopically resembles unicystic ameloblastoma except for the ghost cells and calcifications within the proliferative epithelium. The nature of the COC is controversial. The case is presented here for its rarity, and difference between ameloblastomatous COC and ameloblastoma ex COC has been emphasized.

Utility of Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and its detection in male patients with non gonococcal urethritis in New Delhi

The purpose of this study was assessment of prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and utility of Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test for its detection in male patients with non gonococcal urethritis in New Delhi, India. Thirty male patients with symptoms of dysuria showing polymorphs in their gram stained urethral smears with no evidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and negative for Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans by wet mount were subjected to DFA test for detection of C. trachomatis in urethral samples. Microscopic examination of gram stained urethral smears revealed 5-7 polymorphs/HPF in 90% of the patients. Evidence of C. trachomatis with DFA (MicroTrak) was detected in 11 cases (36.67%) when a cut off of 10 elementary bodies was considered essential. It is concluded that C. trachomatis is an important cause of non gonococcal urethritis in male patients in New Delhi and DFA test is a useful diagnostic tool in its detection. Where facilities are not available for its detection antichlamydial therapy should be recommended emperically.

Parakeratosis pustulosa--a distinct but less familiar disease

Parakeratosis pustulosa (PP) is a distinct but less commonly known skin disease, which is frequently seen, in young girls. We describe the clinical and histological features of PP in a 7 month old female baby. Further, it is stressed that unless carefully looked for, this entity may be easily misdiagnosed as chronic paronychia, acrodermatitis of Hallopeau, pustular psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, tinea pedis or dry fissured eczematoid dermatitis and mistreated subsequently.

Multiorgan sensitivity to anticarcinogenesis by the organoselenium 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate

The data in this report clearly indicate that the form (structure) in which selenium is used is the most critical determinant of success in future clinical trials. Synthetic organoselenium compounds can be tailored to achieve greater chemopreventive efficacy with minimal toxic side effects by structural modifications. We demonstrated that 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate is a powerful chemopreventive agent against the development of experimental colon, mammary, lung, and oral carcinogenesis. On the basis of metabolism studies of organoselenium compounds and those reported in the literature, our working hypothesis is that aromatic selenol intermediates are important entities in cancer chemoprevention. In addition, we suggest that 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate not only serves as a chemopreventive agent, but it may be valuable in preventing metastatic diseases in future studies in the clinic.

Effect of types and amount of dietary fat during the initiation phase of hepatocarcinogenesis

The effects of various levels of corn oil and lard fed during the initiation stage of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis were studied in male Fischer 344 rats. The animals were fed diets containing 5%, 13.6%, and 23.5% corn oil or lard two weeks before, during, and until one week after injections of AOM (15 mg/kg body wt s.c.) once weekly for two weeks. One week after AOM treatment, groups of animals fed the 13.6% and 23.5% corn oil or lard diet were transferred to their respective 5% corn oil or lard diet and fed these diets until the termination of the study (34 wk). Immunohistochemical staining of glutathione S-transferase placental form was performed in the liver, and the number of glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive foci was determined. Density, average area, and unit area of foci were significantly inhibited in the animals fed the 13.6% and 23.5% lard diets compared with those fed the 13.6% and 23.5% corn oil diets. These results indicate that the effect of dietary fat during the initiation phase of AOM-induced hepatocarcinogenesis depends on the type of fat and its fatty acid composition. Additionally, the enhancing effect of a corn oil diet in hepatocarcinogenesis is mainly present during the initiation phase of carcinogenesis compared with a lard diet.

Docosahexaenoic acid regulated genes and transcription factors inducing apoptosis in human colon cancer cells

Epidemiological and preclinical studies demonstrate that consumption of diets high in omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) reduce the risk of colon cancer. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) is a major constituent of nutrients rich in n-3 PUFAs. There are studies to indicate that colon tumor inhibition by n-3 PUFA-rich diets is, in part, mediated through modulation of signaling pathways that alter gene expression which are involved in colon tumor growth. In the present study using CaCo-2 colon cancer cell lines we examined the effects of DHA on the genetic precursors of human colon cancer at the transcription level using DNA oligonucleotide arrays. Our results indicated that DHA inhibits the growth of CaCo-2 cells and induces apoptosis. For gene expression analysis using DNA microarrays, total RNA extracted from DHA treated CaCo-2 cells was converted to cDNA, labeled with Cy5-dCTP (DHA-treated) and Cy3-dCTP (untreated cells) and used as probes for hybridization in human chip spotted with 3,800 oligonucleotides consisting of 156 functional categories. The expression profiles of genes indicated a reprogramming pattern of previously known and unknown genes and transcription factors that provided clues to the possible functional mechanism of DHA. An average of (ratios from triplicate experiments) 504 out of 3,800 genes expressed after 48 h of DHA treatment. Altered expression on the transcription factors includes down regulation of nine members of the RNA II polymerases, transcription co-repressor associated protein and enhancer binding proteins such as AP2, in addition to changes in the expression of zinc finger group of transcription factors. Activation of cytochrome c which triggers caspases was associated with the elevated expression of pro-apoptotic caspases 10, 13, 8, 5 and 9 in DHA treated cells. Activation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors such as p21 (waf1/cip1), p27, p57, p19 and growth arrest specific proteins by more than 2-fold is consistent with the induction of apoptosis and inactivation of antiapototic Bcl-2 family of genes. Inactivation of prostaglandin family of genes, lipoxygenases and altered expression of peroxisome proliferators (PPARalpha and gamma) by DHA seem to indicate a lipid peroxidation-induced apoptosis in addition to effect reflected on the modification of cell cycle regulatory genes. These findings support the conclusion that a genomewide expression profiling of human colon cancer precursor genes and transcription factors provides a set of novel regulatory mechanism(s) to determine the chemopreventive efficacy of DHA and thus to prevent the inflammation and neoplasia.

Lupus vulgaris mimicking lichen simplex chronicus

Cutaneous tuberculosis is not an uncommon entity but it often remains undiagnosed and is inappropriately treated due to its varied presentation. We present a 42-year-old male with lupus vulgaris in the perianal area, who was treated as lichen simplex chronicus with steroids for two years. With four drug antitubercular treatment, the patient had a dramatic response. The case is being reported because in this HIV era with the resurgence of tuberculosis, not only will there be an increase in incidence but also more involvement of atypical sites.

Pyoderma gangrenosum in two siblings: a familial predisposition

We report pyoderma gangrenosum in two siblings with onset during childhood and no associated systemic abnormalities. The patients were born of nonconsanguineous, healthy parents. Treatment with oral corticosteroids produced an excellent clinical response, followed by recurrence after cessation of therapy. Steroids were restarted in combination with dapsone to prevent further recurrence.

Chemoprevention of colon cancer by a glutathione conjugate of 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate, a novel organoselenium compound with low toxicity

We have consistently shown that several synthetic Organoselenium compounds are superior cancer chemopreventive agents and less toxic than selenite or certain naturally occurring selenoamino acids. 1,4-Phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC) is the lead Organoselenium compound in that it has been shown to be the most effective and the least toxic agent in several experimental cancer models. It is not known whether p-XSC or one of its metabolites is responsible for its chemopreventive efficacy. As an initial step, we synthesized one of its putative metabolites, i.e., the glutathione conjugate of p-XSC (p-XSe-SG), and determined its stability in the pH range from 2 to 8 and in the diet under normal feeding conditions. We also assessed its maximum tolerated dose and examined its chemopreventive efficacy against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. p-XSe-SG proved to be very stable over the pH range tested. The maximum tolerated dose of p-XSe-SG determined in a 6-week subchronic toxicity study was found to be >210 ppm (>40 ppm selenium) when the compound was added to AIN-76A high-fat diet. To assess the efficacy of this agent in the postinitiation period of colon carcinogenesis, male F344 rats 6 weeks of age were fed the high-fat diet, and at beginning of weeks 7 and 8, all of the rats intended for carcinogen treatment were given AOM at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight by s.c. injection. Two days after the carcinogen treatment, the groups of rats consuming the high-fat control diet began their respective high-fat experimental diet regimens with 0, 56, or 84 ppm p-XSe-SG (0.1, 10, and 15 ppm of selenium) supplementation. All animals continued on their respective diets for 38 weeks after the AOM-treatment and were then killed. Colon tumors were evaluated histologically using routine procedures and were also analyzed for cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 expression and enzymatic activities. The results indicate that p-XSeSG administered during the post-initiation stage significantly inhibited both the incidence (P < 0.05-0.01) and the multiplicity (P < 0.05-0.005) of AOM-induced colon adenocarcinomas. This agent also greatly suppressed the multiplicity (P < 0.01-0.001) of AOM-induced exophytic adenocarcinomas in a dose-dependent manner. Feeding of 56 or 84 ppm p-XSe-SG in the diet significantly suppressed total COX activity (P < 0.02 to -0.01) and COX-2 specific activity (P < 0.005-0.0005) but had minimal effect on the protein expression levels of COX-1 and COX-2. These results suggest that the newly developed synthetic Organoselenium compound, p-XSe-SG, is stable in the diet and at wide pH ranges, inhibits colon carcinogenesis when administered during the postinitiation stage, and inhibits COX activity. Compared with previous efficacy studies and considering the toxicity associated with selenium, p-XSe-SG seems to be the least toxic Organoselenium chemopreventive agent thus far tested in the experimental colon carcinogenesis. Studies are in progress to delineate whether p-XSe-SG is also effective when administered during the progression stage of colon carcinogenesis.

16S ribosomal DNA terminal restriction fragment pattern analysis of bacterial communities in feces of rats fed Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM

16S ribosomal DNA terminal restriction fragment patterns from rat fecal samples were analyzed to track the dynamics of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and discern bacterial populations that changed during feeding with NCFM. Lactobacillus johnsonii and Ruminococcus flavefaciens were tentatively identified as such bacterial populations. The presence of L. johnsonii was confirmed by isolation from feces.

Recent developments in sequence selective minor groove DNA effectors

DNA is a well characterized intracellular target but its large size and sequential nature make it an elusive target for selective drug action. Binding of low molecular weight ligands to DNA causes a wide variety of potential biological responses. In this respect the main consideration is given to recent developments in DNA sequence selective binding agents bearing conjugated effectors because of their potential application in diagnosis and treatment of cancers as well as in molecular biology. Recent progress in the development of cross linked lexitropsin oligopeptides and hairpins, which bind selectively to the minor groove of duplex DNA, is discussed. Bis-distamycins and related lexitropsins show inhibitory activity against HIV-1 and HIV-2 integrases at low nanomolar concentrations. Benzoyl nitrogen mustard analogs of lexitropsins are active against a variety of tumor models. Certain of the bis-benzimidazoles show altered DNA sequence preference and bind to DNA at 5'CG and TG sequences rather than at the preferred AT sites of the parent drug. A comparison of bifunctional bizelesin with monoalkylating adozelesin shows that it appears to have an increased sequence selectivity such that monoalkylating compounds react at more than one site but bizelesin reacts only at sites where there are two suitably positioned alkylation sites. Adozelesin, bizelesin and carzelesin are far more potent as cytotoxic agents than cisplatin or doxorubicin. A new class of 1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclo-propa[c]benz[e]indole-4-one (CBI) analogs i.e., CBI-lexitropsin conjugates arising from the latter leads are also discussed.A number of cyclopropylpyrroloindole (CPI) and CBI-lexitropsin conjugates related to CC-1065 alkylate at the N3 position of adenine in the minor groove of DNA in a sequence specific manner, and also show cytotoxicities in the femtomolar range. The cross linking efficiency of PBD dimers is much greater than that of other cross linkers including cisplatin, and melphalan. A new class of PBD-lexitropsin conjugates is also discussed. Certain functional models of the bleomycins (BLMs) show outstanding DNA cleavage activity comparable with that of and positionally distinct from natural BLM.

Modulation of experimental colon tumorigenesis by types and amounts of dietary fatty acids

Epidemiological studies and laboratory animal model assays suggest that a high intake of dietary fat promotes colorectal cancer. Several in vivo and in vitro studies support the hypothesis that omega-6 fatty acids promote colon tumorigenesis, whereas omega-3 fatty acids lack promoting activity. Fat intake in the United States traditionally includes high amounts (30% of total caloric intake) of saturated fat rather than omega-6 fatty acids. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare the modulatory effects of a high-fat diet containing mixed lipids (HFML), a diet rich in saturated fatty acids (the average American diet), a diet with fish oil (HFFO) that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and a low-fat corn oil diet (LFCO) on the formation of chemically induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and tumors, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 activity, and apoptosis during experimental colon carcinogenesis. At 5 weeks of age, groups of male F344 rats were fed a 5% corn oil diet (LFCO). At 7 weeks of age, rats intended for carcinogen treatment received s.c. injections of azoxymethane at a dose level of 15 mg/kg of body weight once weekly for 2 weeks. Beginning 1 day after the carcinogen treatment, groups of rats were then maintained on experimental diets containing 20% HFML or 20% HFFO. Rats were killed at 8, 23, or 38 weeks after azoxymethane treatment. Colonic ACF and tumors were evaluated histopathologically, and apoptosis was evaluated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling method. Colonic mucosae and tumor samples harvested at week 38 were analyzed for COX-2 synthetic activity and expression. The rats fed the HFML diet showed significantly increased total colonic ACF (P < 0.001-0.0001) with a multiplicity of > or = 4 aberrant crypts/focus (P < 0.0001) compared with the effects of the HFFO or LFCO diets at week 8, 23, and 38. Interestingly, there was a 2- to 3-fold increase (> or = 4) in multicrypt foci in rats given the HFML diet as compared with such foci in rats fed the HFFO or LFCO diets. By week 23, the HFML diet had significantly increased the incidence of colonic tumors (30-60%) and their multiplicity (100-141%) when compared with the effects of the LFCO or HFFO diets. At week 38, the HFML diet had induced 100% colon tumor incidence and a 4-fold multiplicity of adenocarcinomas compared with the LFCO and HFFO diets. At weeks 23 and 38, a significantly lower percentage of apoptotic colonic epithelial cells were observed in the tumors of animals fed the HFML diet as compared with those fed the HFFO diet. The HFML diet caused significantly increased levels of COX-2 activity in colon tumors (P < 0.05-0.01), and these tumors had enhanced levels of COX-2 expression as compared with those in assays with LFCO or HFFO diets. These observations demonstrate for the first time that HFML diets containing high levels of saturated fatty acids (such as those in Western diets) promote colon carcinogenesis. Although the mechanisms involved in colon tumor promotion by a HFML diet are not fully known, our results indicate that the modulation of eicosanoid production via the influence on COX activity and the suppression of apoptosis may play a key role in HFML diet-induced colon tumorigenesis.

An association of twenty-nail dystrophy with vitiligo

A rare association of twenty-nail dystrophy with segmental vitiligo is described in two patients. Vitiligo preceded the nail dystrophy. In both cases, all twenty nails were uniformly affected with the nail plates showing longitudinal striations and loss of luster. Longitudinal nail biopsy revealed a histological picture suggestive of eczematous changes and lichen planus respectively. Intramatrix injections of triamcinolone acetonide into the proximal and lateral nail folds were administered with considerable improvement.

Modulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in rat intestinal cells by colon tumor promoters

Metabolic epidemiological studies in humans and laboratory animal models demonstrate that consumption of diets high in fat and low in fiber excrete increased levels of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol (DAG) and secondary bile acids such as deoxycholic acid (DA) and lithocholic acid that have been shown to promote colon carcinogenesis. The secondary bile acids and DAG have been shown to activate protein kinase C (PKC) and induce colonic cell proliferation. A large body of evidence indicates that iNOS, an inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase, is over-expressed in human colon adenomas and in chemically-induced colon tumors of laboratory animals. However, the precise cascade of intracellular events that leads to the iNOS over-expression remains to be fully explored. In this study, we investigated the relationship between induction of iNOS and activation of the PKC pathway by DAG and DC, in an in vitro system using the rat intestinal cell line, RIE-1. As an initial step, we determined whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) modulate iNOS protein expression in RIE-1 cells. Treatment of RIE-1 cells with LPS and PMA for 4 h significantly elevated the iNOS protein expression. The induction of iNOS by the treatment with LPS/PMA was concentration- and time-dependent. Treatment with LPS/DAG or LPS/DC also caused iNOS over-expression in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion suggesting that DAG and DC induce iNOS activity in intestinal cells. Pretreatment with specific PKC inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimide I or Gö 6976, inhibited LPS/PMA, LPS/DAG, or LPS/DC-induced iNOS expression and activity. Extracts of the cells treated with LPS/PMA, LPS/DAG or LPS/DC had a high iNOS activity compared to that of control (p<0.04 to p<0.0001). Taken together, our data suggest a possible role of colon tumor promoters, DAG and DC, for iNOS over-expression through activation of the PKC pathway.

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome with pyogenic hepatic abscess: a rare association

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome in a 14-year-old boy presenting with palmoplantar keratoderma, periodontosis, recurrent pyogenic infections of the skin, and hepatic abscesses is reported for its rarity and unusual manifestations. The patient showed a dramatic response to acitretin therapy.