Alkaloids Used as Medicines: Structural Phytochemistry Meets Biodiversity-An Update and Forward Look

Selecting candidates for drug developments using computational design and empirical rules has resulted in a broad discussion about their success. In a previous study, we had shown that a species' abundance [as expressed by the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)] dataset is a core determinant for the development of a natural product into a medicine. Our overarching aim is to understand the unique requirements for natural product-based drug development. Web of Science was queried for research on alkaloids in combination with plant systematics/taxonomy. All alkaloids containing species demonstrated an average increase of 8.66 in GBIF occurrences between 2014 and 2020. Medicinal Species with alkaloids show higher abundance compared to non-medicinal alkaloids, often linked also to cultivation. Alkaloids with high biodiversity are often simple alkaloids found in multiple species with the presence of 'driver species' and are more likely to be included in early-stage drug development compared to 'rare' alkaloids. Similarly, the success of an alkaloid containing species as a food supplement ('botanical') is linked to its abundance. GBIF is a useful tool for assessing the druggability of a compound from a certain source species. The success of any development programme from natural sources must take sustainable sourcing into account right from the start.

Current status and future needs in craniofacial imaging

Imaging is a keystone in understanding and delivery of craniofacial health care. Recent developments in imaging have brought forth many diverse technologies and approaches. This review provides the current status of methods in craniofacial imaging and discusses future needs and directions. New developments in three-dimensional dental and skeletal imaging, as well as three-dimensional facial image acquisition and animation of jaw movement and facial expression are reviewed. Visualization and convergence of the data from these technologies for construction of patient-specific models is described. Insights on how these technologies and approaches could impact research, education as well as the future of craniofacial health care will be discussed.

The effects of morbid obesity on maternal and neonatal health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Morbidly obese (Class III, body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg m(-2)) women constitute 8% of reproductive-aged women and are an increasing proportion; however, their pregnancy risks have not yet been well understood. Hence, we performed meta-analyses following the MOOSE (Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guideline, searching Medline and Embase from their inceptions. To examine graded relationships, we compared Class III obesity to Class I and I/II, and separately to normal weight. We found important effects on all three primary outcomes in morbidly obese women: preterm birth <37 weeks was 31% higher compared with Class I (relative risk [RR] 1.31 [1.19, 1.43]) and 20% higher than Class I/II (RR 1.20 [1.13, 1.27]), large-for-gestational age was higher (RR 1.37 [1.29, 1.45] and RR 1.30 [1.24, 1.36] compared with Class I and I/II, respectively), while small-for-gestational age was lower (RR 0.89 [0.84, 0.93] compared with Class I, with nearly identical reductions for Class I/II). Morbidly obese women have higher risks of preterm birth, large-for-gestational age and numerous other adverse maternal and infant health outcomes, relative to not only normal weight but also Class I or I/II obese women. These findings have important implications for screening and care of morbidly obese pregnant women, to try to decrease adverse outcomes.

Antiproliferative mechanism of action of the novel taxane cabazitaxel as compared with the parent compound docetaxel in MCF7 breast cancer cells

Cabazitaxel, a novel chemotherapeutic taxane, is effective against docetaxel-resistant cells and tumors. It is approved for treatment of metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer in patients pretreated with docetaxel. Objective responses have been observed in many other cancers, including pretreated metastatic breast cancer. Cabazitaxel and docetaxel share a high degree of structural similarity. The basis for cabazitaxel's efficacy is unclear, and its mechanism has not been described. We compared the effects of cabazitaxel and docetaxel on MCF7 human breast cancer cells expressing fluorescent tubulin. Both drugs inhibited cell proliferation (IC50s, cabazitaxel, 0.4 ± 0.1 nmol/L, docetaxel, 2.5 ± 0.5 nmol/L) and arrested cells in metaphase by inducing mitotic spindle abnormalities. Drug concentrations required for half-maximal mitotic arrest at 24 hours were similar (1.9 nmol/L cabazitaxel and 2.2 nmol/L docetaxel). Cabazitaxel suppressed microtubule dynamic instability significantly more potently than docetaxel. In particular, cabazitaxel (2 nmol/L) suppressed the microtubule shortening rate by 59% (compared with 49% for 2 nmol/L docetaxel), the growing rate by 33% (vs. 19%), and overall dynamicity by 83% (vs. 64%). Cabazitaxel was taken up into cells significantly faster than docetaxel, attaining an intracellular concentration of 25 μmol/L within 1 hour, compared with 10 hours for docetaxel. Importantly, after washing, the intracellular cabazitaxel concentration remained high, whereas the docetaxel concentration was significantly reduced. The data indicate that the potency of cabazitaxel in docetaxel-resistant tumors is due to stronger suppression of microtubule dynamics, faster drug uptake, and better intracellular retention than occurs with docetaxel.

Multicentre prospective cohort study of body mass index and postoperative complications following gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND

There is currently conflicting evidence surrounding the effects of obesity on postoperative outcomes. Previous studies have found obesity to be associated with adverse events, but others have found no association. The aim of this study was to determine whether increasing body mass index (BMI) is an independent risk factor for development of major postoperative complications.

METHODS

This was a multicentre prospective cohort study across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal surgery over a 4-month interval (October-December 2014) were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was the 30-day major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo grade III-V). BMI was grouped according to the World Health Organization classification. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to adjust for patient, operative and hospital-level effects, creating odds ratios (ORs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 7965 patients, 2545 (32·0 per cent) were of normal weight, 2673 (33·6 per cent) were overweight and 2747 (34·5 per cent) were obese. Overall, 4925 (61·8 per cent) underwent elective and 3038 (38·1 per cent) emergency operations. The 30-day major complication rate was 11·4 per cent (908 of 7965). In adjusted models, a significant interaction was found between BMI and diagnosis, with an association seen between BMI and major complications for patients with malignancy (overweight: OR 1·59, 95 per cent c.i. 1·12 to 2·29, P = 0·008; obese: OR 1·91, 1·31 to 2·83, P = 0·002; compared with normal weight) but not benign disease (overweight: OR 0·89, 0·71 to 1·12, P = 0·329; obese: OR 0·84, 0·66 to 1·06, P = 0·147).

CONCLUSION

Overweight and obese patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy are at increased risk of major postoperative complications compared with those of normal weight.

Expression of bone microsomal casein kinase II, bone sialoprotein, and osteopontin during the repair of calvarial defects

The temporal expression of bone microsomal casein kinase II, osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, and the accumulation of a solid calcium-inorganic orthophosphate mineral phase, have been charted from day 2 to day 21 during the repair of calvarial defects in rats induced by the implantation of decalcified rat bone matrix. Unlike the sequence of events that occur when the same decalcified bone matrix is implanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly, in which cases the first tissue to form in response to the implant is cartilage that subsequently calcifies and is later resorbed and replaced by bone, the repair of cranial defects is quite different. In the latter case, the first cells induced are undifferentiated mesenchymal cells and early fibroblasts followed by osteoblastic direct bone formation. Somewhat later a few small islands of cartilage are formed, widely separated and spatially distinct from the newly formed bone matrix. All of the cartilage and most of the implanted decalcified bone matrix are later resorbed and replaced by new bone by day 21. This in vivo model of the repair of a bone defect by direct bone formation has provided an excellent system to follow specific biochemical and physicochemical events. The total accumulation and rate of accumulation of the mineral and the two noncollagenous phosphoproteins (bone sialoprotein and osteopontin), as well as the activities of alkaline phosphatase, and for the first time either in vivo or in cell culture, the activity of microsomal casein kinase II, the major enzyme that phosphorylates the bone phosphoproteins, have been determined as a function of healing time in vivo. The overall general pattern of accumulation of the phosphoproteins and calcium-phosphate mineral phase and their relationships are similar to those reported in osteoblast cell cultures also monitored as a function of time.

Accuracy of genomic breeding values for residual feed intake in crossbred beef cattle

The benefit of using genomic breeding values (GEBV) in predicting ADG, DMI, and residual feed intake for an admixed population was investigated. Phenotypic data consisting of individual daily feed intake measurements for 721 beef cattle steers tested over 5 yr was available for analysis. The animals used were an admixed population of spring-born steers, progeny of a cross between 3 sire breeds and a composite dam line. Training and validation data sets were defined by randomly splitting the data into training and testing data sets based on sire family so that there was no overlap of sires in the 2 sets. The random split was replicated to obtain 5 separate data sets. Two methods (BayesB and random regression BLUP) were used to estimate marker effects and to define marker panels and ultimately the GEBV. The accuracy of prediction (the correlation between the phenotypes and GEBV) was compared between SNP panels. Accuracy for all traits was low, ranging from 0.223 to 0.479 for marker panels with 200 SNP, and 0.114 to 0.246 for marker panels with 37,959 SNP, depending on the genomic selection method used. This was less than accuracies observed for polygenic EBV accuracies, which ranged from 0.504 to 0.602. The results obtained from this study demonstrate that the utility of genetic markers for genomic prediction of residual feed intake in beef cattle may be suboptimal. Differences in accuracy were observed between sire breeds when the random regression BLUP method was used, which may imply that the correlations obtained by this method were confounded by the ability of the selected SNP to trace breed differences. This may also suggest that prediction equations derived from such an admixed population may be useful only in populations of similar composition. Given the sample size used in this study, there is a need for increased feed intake testing if substantially greater accuracies are to be achieved.

Longitudinal compliance with annual screening for fecal occult blood. Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study

In a randomized, controlled trial of fecal occult blood screening for colorectal cancer, the Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study carried out 11 annual mail screens in two phases between 1976 and 1992. This long-term compliance record of 15,476 individuals is summarized and related to demographic characteristics as well as to the screening experience of the participants. There was a strong and consistent effect of age, with peak compliance among participants about 70 years old, and lower compliance among the youngest (< or = 55 years) and oldest (> or = 80 years) participants. There was a significantly higher rate of screen compliance among participants who lived with other participants, compared with households where only one individual participated in the study. Finally, participants who underwent a diagnostic colorectal examination with negative results had significantly lower odds of compliance.

Three-dimensional visualization of the craniofacial patient: volume segmentation, data integration and animation

The research goal at the Craniofacial Virtual Reality Laboratory of the School of Dentistry in conjunction with the Integrated Media Systems Center, School of Engineering, University of Southern California, is to develop computer methods to accurately visualize patients in three dimensions using advanced imaging and data acquisition devices such as cone-beam computerized tomography (CT) and mandibular motion capture. Data from these devices were integrated for three-dimensional (3D) patient-specific visualization, modeling and animation. Generic methods are in development that can be used with common CT image format (DICOM), mesh format (STL) and motion data (3D position over time). This paper presents preliminary descriptive studies on: 1) segmentation of the lower and upper jaws with two types of CT data--(a) traditional whole head CT data and (b) the new dental Newtom CT; 2) manual integration of accurate 3D tooth crowns with the segmented lower jaw 3D model; 3) realistic patient-specific 3D animation of the lower jaw.

Assessment of pacemaker chronotropic response: implementation of the Wilkoff mathematical model

There are few practical guidelines for proper adjustment of rate responsive pacemaker sensor parameters. This study describes the application of the chronotropic assessment exercise protocol (CAEP) and the Wilkoff model of chronotropic response to assess the adjustment of pacemaker sensor parameters. In 31 patients implanted 1 month previously with a dual sensor pacemaker, pacemaker sensor parameters were adjusted to yield a peak sensor rate of 100 beats/min on a simple 6-minute walk (low intensity treadmill exercise [LITE] protocol); the maximum sensor rate was set to the age predicted maximum heart rate (220-age). The rate response behavior of the pacemaker was then assessed using the slope of metabolic-chronotropic relation (MCR) during CAEP exercise. After adjustments based on the LITE protocol, CAEP exercise yielded MCR slopes of 0.92 +/- 0.25 for the entire study group, which compares well with the predicted normal slope of 1. However, 7 of the 31 patients had sensor MCR slopes during CAEP exercise that were 2 SD or more below expected. To test the sensitivity of this approach to suboptimal pacemaker programming or suboptimal exercise, simulations were performed with the maximum sensor rate programmed below age-predicted maximum heart rate or with exercise truncated before maximum exertion; with these conditions, MCR slopes were sharply lower for the entire group. The authors conclude that a simple treadmill walk (LITE) allowed for optimum programming of sensor parameters in most patients, but in a minority the chronotropic behavior was underresponsive. Failure to appropriately adjust pacemaker maximum sensor rate or failure to achieve peak exercise sharply limits the accuracy of this methodology.

Using Video Acquired from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to Measure Fracture Orientation in an Open-Pit Mine

This project explored the feasibility of using video images acquired with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to obtain three-dimensional (3D) point clouds using structure from motion (SfM) software. Missions were flown using an Aeryon Scout: a lightweight, vertical take-off and landing quadrotor micro UAV with a miniature video camera. The initial mission captured urban scene images that were used to assess system performance while the main mission focused on rock walls where 3D images were used to successfully measure fracture orientations. Point clouds generated from this combination of technologies were sparse, but in the future, improvements in the resolution of original video images would cascade through the processing and improve the overall results. Such a system could have a multitude of applications in the mining industry, contributing to both safety and financial considerations.

Genetic parameters and genotype x environment interaction for feed efficiency traits in steers fed grower and finisher diets

The objective of this study was to examine the genetic parameters and genetic correlations of feed efficiency traits in steers (n = 490) fed grower or finisher diets in 2 feeding periods. A bivariate model was used to estimate phenotypic and genetic parameters using steers that received the grower and finisher diets in successive feeding periods, whereas a repeated animal model was used to estimate the permanent environmental effects. Genetic correlations between the grower-fed and finisher-fed regimens were 0.50 ± 0.48 and 0.78 ± 0.43 for residual feed intake (RFI) and G:F, respectively. The moderate genetic correlation between the 2 feeding regimens may indicate the presence of a genotype × environment interaction for RFI. Permanent environmental effects (expressed in percentage of phenotypic variance) were detected in the grower-fed steers for ADG (38%), DMI (30%), RFI (18%), and G:F (40%) and also in the finisher-fed steers for ADG (28%), DMI (35%), metabolic mid-weight (23%), and RFI (10%). Heritability estimates were 0.08 ± 0.10 and 0.14 ± 0.15 for the grower-fed steers and 0.42 ± 0.16 and 0.40 ± 17 for the finisher-fed steers for RFI and G:F, respectively. The dependency of the RFI on the feeding regimen may have serious implications when selecting animals in the beef industry. Because of the higher cost of grains, feed efficiency in the feedlot might be overemphasized, whereas efficiency in the cow herd and the backgrounding segments may have less emphasis. These results may also favor the retention (for subsequent breeding) of cows whose steers were efficient in the feedlot sector. Therefore, comprehensive feeding trials may be necessary to provide more insight into the mechanisms surrounding genotype × environment interaction in steers.

Exclusion of Class III malocclusion candidate loci in Brazilian families

The role played by genetic components in the etiology of the Class III phenotype, a class of dental malocclusion, is not yet understood. Regions that may be related to the development of Class III malocclusion have been suggested previously. The aim of this study was to search for genetic linkage with 6 microsatellite markers (D1S234, D4S3038, D6S1689, D7S503, D10S1483, and D19S566), near previously proposed candidate regions for Class III. We performed a two-point parametric linkage analysis for 42 affected individuals from 10 Brazilian families with a positive Class III malocclusion segregation. Analysis of our data indicated that there was no evidence for linkage of any of the 6 microsatellite markers to a Class III locus at = zero, with data supporting exclusion for 5 of the 6 markers evaluated. The present work reinforces that Class III is likely to demonstrate locus heterogeneity, and there is a dependency of the genetic background of the population in linkage studies.

Contact damage in an yttria stabilized zirconia: implications

This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and computational study of contact damage in a 3 mole% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (3-YSZ) that is relevant to hip implants and dental restorations. Contact-induced loading in real applications is idealized using Hertzian contact model to explain plasticity phenomena and failure mechanisms observed under monotonic and cyclic loading. Under monotonic loading, the elastic moduli increase with increasing loading levels. Under cyclic loading, the ceramic specimens fail with progressive cone cracking. X-ray analyses reveal that stress-induced phase transformation (from tetragonal to monoclinic phases) occurs under cyclic contact loading above the critical load levels (approximately 8.5 kN). Furthermore, when the cyclic loading level (5.0 kN) is less than a critical load levels (7.5 kN) that is required to induce surface cone cracks, significant plastic damage is observed in the subsurface zone underneath the contact area. These suggest that the cyclic contact loading induce both plastic damage and tetragonalto-monoclinic phase transformation in the 3-YSZ, leading to significant degradation in long-term strength. The implications of the results are discussed for the design of zirconia femoral heads in total hip replacements and zirconia crowns in dental restoration.

The catalysis of redox cycling by pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), PQQ derivatives, and isomers and the specificity of inhibitors

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a widely distributed redox-active cofactor and essential nutrient. For its detection in protein-free ultrafiltrates or dialysates, a highly sensitive amplification assay was developed on the basis of PQQ's ability to catalyze redox cycling at pH 10 in the presence of excess glycine, oxygen, and nitro blue tetrazolium. Herein, we examine the propensities of PQQ, PQQ triester, and its various isomers, and certain PQQ triester derivatives, to catalyze glycine-fueled redox cycling and show that PQQ is the most capable of catalyzing redox cycling. Furthermore, PQQ has a unique pattern of inhibition induced by a series of PQQ antagonists of different potencies. The data indicate that putative PQQ from a biological sample, separated by HPLC and detected by the glycine-fueled redox-cycling assay, can be further identified as PQQ based on the profile of inhibition it displays with the antagonists such as those employed in this study. The methodology presented here should facilitate the specific detection of PQQ in biological samples.

The effect of repeated mating at short intervals on reproductive performance of gilts

Three trials involving 87 gilts were completed to investigate the role of additional sexual stimulation on various reproductive parameters. Forty-five gilts were mated twice at 12-h intervals at second pubertal estrus with intact boars beginning 12 h after detection of sexual receptivity (control group). Forty-two gilts were exposed to a vasectomized boar 15 min following each fertile mating to provide additional copulatory stimulus (treatment group). This additional exposure improved (P less than .01) conception rate (100 vs 84%). No statistical differences were observed in number of corpora lutea (CL), number of viable embryos (VE) or number of total embryos (TE) at d 30. These results suggest that additional mating stimuli may have a beneficial effect on conception rate. While the use of additional males resulted in more pregnant females, it likely did not have an effect on litter size.

Characterization of the glycine-dependent redox-cycling activity in animal fluids and tissues using specific inhibitors and activators: evidence for presence of PQQ

Pyrroloquinoline quinone, a redox cofactor first isolated from bacteria, efficiently catalyzes the nonenzymatic oxidation of glycine in the presence of nitroblue tetrazolium. We report that certain metallic cations and heterocyclic aromatic cations, like the N-methyl phenazonium cation and aryl-iodonium compounds, strongly and specifically inhibit this redoxcycling activity. The inhibition by metal cations is reversed by Tiron and that of the aromatic cations by Tiron and thyroxine. These inhibitors and activators affect authentic PQQ and the redox-activity of putative PQQ isolated from biological sources in a similar manner. This indicates that pyrroloquinoline quinone occurs naturally in animal tissues and fluids.

The effect of intrauterine infusions of prostaglandin E2 on luteal function in nonpregnant gilts

Two trials were conducted to study the effects of intrauterine infusions of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on luteal function in nonpregnant gilts. Cannulae were surgically implanted on day 9 postestrus into the lumen of each horn with a cephalic vein cannula inserted for collection of peripheral blood. Intrauterine infusions of 0, 25, 75 or 200 microg of PGE2 were initiated at 0900 h on day 12 and administered thereafter every 12 hr until estrus or day 22 in the first trial. The second trial protocol included an increase in the dose of PGE2 administered as well as the frequency of infusion. Infusion of 0, 200, 300 or 400 microg PGE2 was begun at 0300 h on day 12 and continued every 6 hr until estrus or day 22. Cephalic plasma samples for progesterone analysis were collected every six hours from 0300 h on day 11 to 2100 h on day 26 in both trials. In Trial 1 mean plasma progesterone concentrations for all treatments were not different (P>0.05) from the controls on any given day of the estrous cycle. Interestrous interval was unaffected by intrauterine infusion of PGE2. The mean plasma progesterone concentrations for all treatments were not different (P>0.05) from the controls on days 11-18 of the estrous cycle in Trial 2. However, plasma progesterone concentrations for the 200-microg and 300-microg PGE2 groups appeared to be greater than the controls on days 14 and 15, indicating a possible delay in the decline of progesterone for these groups. The mean plasma progesterone concentrations for the treatment groups were lower (P<0.05) than the controls on days 20-26 of the cycle. treatment cycle length did not differ (P>0.05) from previous cycle length; thus treatment with PGE2 had no effect on interestrous interval. PGE2 may have retarded the decline of progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum in some cases, but at these dosages and frequencies of administration PGE2 was ineffective in prolonging luteal maintenance.

Clinicopathologic correlation of DNA flow cytometric content analysis (DFCA), surgical staging, and estrogen/progesterone receptor status in endometrial adenocarcinoma

DNA flow cytometric content analysis (DFCA) and estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor levels are reported to be prognostic with regard to the malignant potential of endometrial adenocarcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 50 patients presenting with endometrial adenocarcinoma between July 1990 and December 1992, to determine the extent of any pathologic features reported at the time of hysterectomy. Patients whose tumors were nondiploid (aneuploid) by flow cytometry generally presented with a higher pathologic stage, higher grade, and more frequent lymph node involvement. In addition, the majority of clear cell and uterine papillary serous (UPS) adenocarcinoma were also nondiploid. Fourteen of 21 ER-positive tumors aneuploid, as were 18 of 37 PR-positive tumors. We also found DNA-A (DNA content aneuploid) patterns frequently associated with tumor characteristics implicated by other authors as related to aggressiveness. Further studies comparing the molecular biology of tumors to their clinicopathologic features and behavior are needed to fully understand the ultimate malignant potential.

Flow cytometric DNA content analysis of paraffin-embedded tissue derived from cervical carcinoma

PURPOSE

Flow cytometric deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content analysis has been shown to be of prognostic importance in some cancers. There have been recent reports of a prognostic importance for DNA content analysis in cervical carcinoma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed the hospital and radiation oncology records of cervical carcinoma patients who presented between 1984-1990.

RESULTS

A total of 101 archival paraffin-embedded blocks were processed, of which 77 were of technical quality for analysis. Thirty-five percent were found to be DNA content aneuploid (DNA-A) and 65% DNA content diploid (DNA-D). No statistical difference was found between the two groups in age at diagnosis, % S-phase, coefficient of variation (CV), or proliferative index (PI). A statistical difference was noted in the G2M phase between the two groups (p = 0.004). The median % S-phase was 8.4% in the DNA-D group. A statistical difference (p = 0.017) in survival was noted between the low and high % S-phase DNA-D groups. In patients who received radiation alone, high-PI patients had improved survival compared to low-PI patients. No statistical difference in survival was noted in the high % S-phase DNA-D group and DNA-A group (p = 0.28). Proportional Hazard (Cox) Regression found clinical stage the only independent prognostic indicator for survival.

CONCLUSION

Flow cytometric DNA content analysis is being used more frequently in the management of different malignant tumors. Our study shows that DNA content analysis is useful in determining the prognosis and survival outcomes in cervical carcinomas and may aid in predicting outcome to certain types of treatment regimens.