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Gum arabic/acacia (GA), derived from Acacia trees, is a versatile natural product offering a broad spectrum of applications. Its rich content of soluble dietary fibers, coupled with a low caloric profile, renders GA a valuable dietary component associated with numerous health benefits. Furthermore, its fermentation by gut microbiota yields short‐chain fatty acids, renowned for their positive impact on health. Immunomodulation, a crucially regulated mechanism in the body, serves to fend off pathogenic infections by releasing pro‐inflammatory cytokines. However, prolonged synthesis of these cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify plant‐based biomolecules that can effectively reduce inflammation and inhibit inflammation‐induced complications or disorders. In this context, edible biomolecules like GA are gaining prominence for their noteworthy immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, in the present review we have explored the role of GA in immunomodulation, inflammation, and inflammation‐associated metabolic diseases, and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the usage of thermally conductive angled fins within an annular conduit through numerical simulation. Despite the thermally conductive nature of the fins increasing heat transfer surface area, this investigation found that using an optimal fin angle can promote the generation of vortical structures which aid heat transfer. Using ANSYS-Fluent with the SIMPLEC algorithm and the SST κ − ω turbulence model, this research found that heat transfer performance improved considerably when the generated vortices were sufficiently large and robust. However, the type of generated vortex had a profound impact when optimising for higher performance evaluation criterion (PEC) values. Longitudinal vortices improved heat transfer performance with a low impact on pressure drop increase, unlike transverse vortices, which increased pressure drop significantly. The fin angles of 50° and 60° yielded high heat transfer performance without much increase in pressure drop, thus resulting in higher PEC values. Additionally, using fin heights that correlate to 20% to 60% of the gap between the concentric walls was ideal when designing heat exchangers to achieve higher PEC values. The results of this numerical investigation have been validated both theoretically and experimentally to ensure accurate reporting of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report a unique plant‐insect interaction between the leafhopper Aloka depressa (tribe Phlogisini) and the host liana, Diploclisia glaucescens, from a Botanic Garden located at the southern edge of Western Ghats in India.Field observations and SEM micrographs were employed to derive evidences on this rare plant‐insect interaction. 20‐Hydroxyecdysone (20E), insect moulting hormone, was detected and quantified in the host plant D. glaucescens using HPTLC‐densitometry. 20E was isolated and characterized from D. glaucescens using column chromatography, 1H‐, 13C‐NMR and HR‐MS. 20E was also detected in A. depressa excrement using HPTLC‐densitometry.The leafhopper A. depressa is functioning as a 'sharpshooter' drawing nutrients from the host liana, D. glaucescens, and flinging the waste fluid as droplets through their tail ends. SEM micrographs of A. depressa revealed its external morphological features, characteristic of a sharpshooter. We quantified 20E (0.44–1.44%, dry wt.) in various parts of D. glaucescens. 20E (1.47%, dry wt.) was also detected in the excrement of A. depressa.This plant (D. glaucescens)‐insect (A. depressa) association crucially is not damaging the host liana. Considering the diseases caused by sharpshooting leafhoppers in the Americas, this association and the survival of the host plant (D. glaucescens) is illustrating a unique plant‐insect interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There can be numerous electronic components on a given PCB, making the task of visual inspection to detect defects very time‐consuming and prone to error, especially at scale. There has thus been significant interest in automatic PCB component detection, particularly leveraging deep learning. While deep neural networks are able to perform such detection with greater accuracy, these networks typically require high computational resources, limiting their feasibility in real‐world use cases, which often involve high‐volume and high‐throughput detection with constrained edge computing resource availability. To bridge this gap between performance and resource requirements, PCBDet, an attention condenser network design that provides state‐of‐the‐art inference throughput while achieving superior PCB component detection performance compared to other state‐of‐the‐art efficient architecture designs, is introduced. Experimental results show that PCBDet can achieve up to 2× inference speed‐up on an ARM Cortex A72 processor when compared to an EfficientNet‐based design while achieving ∼2–4% higher mAP on the FICS‐PCB benchmark dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global drive to achieve the climate change mitigation targets set during the Paris Agreement and COP26 necessitates sustainable electricity generation from renewable energy sources. However, renewable energy systems face economic challenges due to unattractive feed‐in‐tariffs (FiT). This paper presents a mathematical programming model to optimise the participation and electricity generation by biomass power plants in a FiT programme. A disjunctive fuzzy optimisation approach is adopted in this work due to the presence of several biomass power plants, thus resulting in a multi‐objective optimisation. The newly developed mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) model maximises the overall satisfaction extent of biomass power plants in power generation. The optimisation model ensures the satisfaction of all biomass power plants' technical and economic constraints. A base case study of seven power plants utilising various palm biomass is used to demonstrate the disjunctive fuzzy optimisation approach for the MILP model. This is followed by a scenario investigating the impact of demand variation. The optimisation of the case studies favours the utilisation of empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm oil mill effluent (POME), and palm mesocarp fibre (PMF) for sustainable electricity generation. Palm kernel shell (PKS) is the least preferred palm biomass due to its lowest net availability of useful energy from biomass combustion. This work provides a decision tool for the selection of biomass type during electricity generation. The MILP model in this work may be readily extended for any number of power plants, handling a variety of biomass feedstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raine syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition, characterized by distinctive facial and skeletal features along with intracranial calcification[1]. Raine syndrome: Prenatal diagnosis based on recognizable fetal facial features and characteristic intracranial calcification. The characteristic facies of Raine syndrome comprises exophthalmos, hypertelorism, midfacial hypoplasia, a depressed nasal bridge, micrognathia and low-set ears[[4]]. [Extracted from the article]

Gracilariales is a clade of florideophycean red macroalgae known for being the main source of agar. We present a de novo genome assembly and annotation of Gracilaria domingensis, an agarophyte alga with flattened thallus widely distributed along Central and South American Atlantic intertidal zones. In addition to structural analysis, an organizational comparison was done with other Rhodophyta genomes. The nuclear genome has 78 Mbp, with 11,437 predicted coding genes, 4,075 of which did not have hits in sequence databases. We also predicted 1,567 noncoding RNAs, distributed in 14 classes. The plastid and mitochondrion genome structures were also obtained. Genes related to agar synthesis were identified. Genes for type II galactose sulfurylases could not be found. Genes related to ascorbate synthesis were found. These results suggest an intricate connection of cell wall polysaccharide synthesis and the redox systems through the use of L‐galactose in Rhodophyta. The genome of G. domingensis should be valuable to phycological and aquacultural research, as it is the first tropical and Western Atlantic red macroalgal genome to be sequenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrathecal morphine is an analgesic option for major hepatopancreaticobiliary procedures but is associated with a risk of respiratory depression. We hypothesised that a postoperative low-dose naloxone infusion would reduce the incidence of respiratory depression without an increase in pain scores. Patients scheduled for major open hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery and who were receiving 10 μg.kg-1 intrathecal morphine were eligible for inclusion. Patients were allocated randomly to receive a postoperative infusion of naloxone 5 μg.kg-1 .h-1 (naloxone group) or saline at an identical infusion rate (control group) until the morning after surgery. Clinicians, nursing staff and patients were blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of respiratory depression (respiratory rate < 10 breaths.min-1 and/or oxygen saturation < 90%). Secondary outcome measures included: arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide; pain score; requirement for supplemental analgesic; and incidence of nausea and vomiting, pruritus and sedation. In total, data from 95 patients (48 in the naloxone group and 47 in the control group) were analysed. The incidence of respiratory depression was lower in the naloxone group compared with the control group (10/48 vs. 21/47 patients, respectively; p = 0.037, relative risk 0.47 (95%CI 0.25-0.87). Maximum pain scores were greater for patients allocated to the naloxone group compared with control (median 5 (95%CI 4-6) vs. 4 (95%CI 2-4), respectively; p < 0.001). A low-dose naloxone infusion decreases the incidence of respiratory depression following intrathecal morphine administration in patients having major hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery at the expense of a small increase in postoperative pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once the RP2D for monotherapy has been defined, pts will receive escalating doses of PRT1419 in combination with AZA (myeloid malignancies) or VEN (myeloid malignancies; B-cell malignancies) until MTD/RP2D is reached. As monotherapy, pts will receive escalating doses of intravenous PRT1419 once weekly in a 28-day cycle using a 3 + 3 dose escalation design until a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or RP2D dose has been reached. PHASE 1 STUDY OF PRT1419 (MCL1 INHIBITOR) AS MONOTHERAPY OR IN COMBINATION WITH AZACITIDINE OR VENETOCLAX IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED/REFRACTORY MYELOID OR B-CELL MALIGNANCIES. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To assess the coverage and adequacy of antenatal care services (ANC) available to women and examine the socio-economic determinants affecting service utilisation.Design: Secondary data analysis of a population-based national survey.Setting: India, 2015/16.Sample: In all, 190 898 women between 15 and 49 years of age who had a live birth during the 5 years preceding the survey.Methods: Ordinal logistic regression.Main Outcome Variable: Adequacy of ANC services received was measured under four categories - delivery of services by skilled personnel, timely provision of services, sufficiency and appropriateness of content. Quality of care was categorised as adequate ANC, inadequate ANC and no ANC.Results: Only 23.5% (95% CI 23.1-23.9%) of all women received adequate ANC, while 58.8% (95% CI 58.4-59.2%) received inadequate and 17.7% (95% CI 17.4-18.0%) received no ANC services. Regression analysis revealed that women belonging to the adolescent age group, illiterate women, and those in the poorest wealth quintile and in rural areas were less likely to receive any ANC.Conclusion: There is a need to improve the quality of ANC services. Currently, <25% of women of all ages receive adequate ANC. Socio-economic conditions play a vital part in determining the quality of care that women receive.Tweetable Abstract: Nearly one out of four women in India received adequate ANC, nearly three in every five women received inadequate ANC and 18% lacked ANC for their recent live birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathological assessment of excised tumour and surgical margins in colorectal cancer (CRC) play crucial role in prognosis after surgery. Molecular assessment of margins could be more sensitive and informative than conventional histopathological analysis. Considering this view, we evaluated the distal surgical margins for expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. Cellular and molecular assessment of normal, tumour and distal margin tissues were performed by flow cytometry, real‐time q‐PCR and immuno‐histochemical analysis for CRC patients after tumour excision. CRC patients were evaluated for expression of CSC markers in their normal, tumour and distal tissues. Flow cytometry assay revealed CD133 and CD44 enriched cells in distal margin and tumour compared to normal colorectal tissues, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Most importantly, immunohistochemistry also revealed the enrichment of CSC markers expression in pathologically negative distal margins. Patients with distal margin enriched for CD133 expression showed an increased recurrence rate and decreased disease‐free survival. This study proposes that although distal margin seems to be tumour free in conventional histopathological analysis, it could harbour cells enriched for CSC markers. Further CD133 could be a promising molecule to be used in molecular pathology for disease prognosis after surgery in CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. Anaesthetic management should take into consideration the numerous body systems affected, including the musculoskeletal; respiratory; cardiovascular; gastro‐intestinal; and central nervous systems. A 42‐year‐old man with myotonic dystrophy presented for septoplasty and bilateral inferior turbinate reductions. He had severe upper and lower extremity myotonia and weakness, pulmonary impairment with non‐obstructive patterns and first‐degree atrioventricular block with reduced ejection fraction. He used bilevel positive airway pressure, a cough assist device and was paced 3% of the time with a single‐chamber pacemaker. To reduce potential complications associated with opioid use and general anaesthetics, an opioid‐free technique was planned using local anaesthetic infiltration and sedation with a dexmedetomidine infusion. The patient maintained spontaneous ventilation and haemodynamic stability, and had an uneventful postoperative course. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2‐adrenergic receptor agonist that has the ability to provide sedation, analgesia and anxiolysis with a stable haemodynamic profile. Avoiding both opioids and general anaesthetics in these patients may decrease the risk of peri‐operative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the rare and most severe form of VWD which results from a near‐complete deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF). This study evaluates in detail the molecular pathology of type‐3 VWD in India. One hundred and two patients from 90 families were evaluated. Patients and methods: Phenotypic data, including bleeding scores (BS), were documented using structured questionnaires. Diagnosis of type 3 VWD was based on undetectable VWF antigen levels in the plasma. Genomic DNA from these patients was screened for mutations in VWF gene. Structural modeling and expression studies were carried out for missense mutations. Results: Out of 102 patients, mutations could be identified in 91% (n = 93). Fifty‐five different gene variants were identified. Thirty‐four (61.8%) were novel. Mutations could be identified in both the alleles in 90 patients, while no causative mutation could be identified in 9 patients; twenty‐four (23.5%) patients had mutations clustered in the propeptide region of VWF. Interestingly, five mutations accounted for the defects in 37/93 (39.8%) patients. Structural analysis and in vitro studies on missense mutations imply impaired processes associated with secretion of VWF. Conclusion: This study is one of the largest series to define the molecular basis of type‐3 VWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We studied the changes in mRNA expressions of influx and efflux transporters, blood–testis–barrier proteins (BTB) and key apoptotic genes in the testis of rats coadministered with nicotine and atorvastatin. Rats were divided into four groups: (i) control, (ii) atorvastatin (10 mg/kg b.wt), (iii) nicotine (0.6 mg/kg b.wt) and (iv) atorvastatin (10 mg/kg b.wt) + nicotine (0.6 mg/kg b.wt). Atorvastatin was given by oral intubation and nicotine by intraperitoneal injection. After 60 days of treatment, expressions of key apoptotic genes involved in both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways; solute carrier influx transporters SLCOB1, SLC22A1 and efflux transporter ABCB1 associated with transport of atorvastatin and nicotine, and proteins of BTB were assayed. Nicotine administration activated apoptosis and downregulated SLCOB1, which transport atorvastatin. Atorvastatin administration suppressed apoptotic pathway and downregulated SLC22A1, transporter of nicotine. Coadministration of atorvastatin with nicotine downregulated expressions of apoptotic genes. The combined administration of atorvastatin and nicotine reduced the influx of both atorvastatin and nicotine and enhanced the efflux of these drugs thereby altering the microenvironment of testis and improving testicular function. We conclude that atorvastatin‐mediated alterations of BTB and drug transporters might have played a significant role in ameliorating nicotine‐induced testicular toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal haemophilia care is best established and implemented through a well‐coordinated plan guided by clearly defined principles and priorities. A document which enunciates those details is therefore important. A successful example of this approach is the definition of principles of haemophilia care (PHC) outlined by the European Association for Haemophilia and Associated Disorders (EAHAD) and also the World Federation of Hemophilia. A similar document applicable to the Asia‐Pacific region must take into account not only the highly varied healthcare systems but also the tremendous socio‐economic and cultural diversities which impact provision of such care. The Asia‐Pacific Haemophilia Working Group (APHWG), representing the countries in this region, has prepared this perspective of the PHC. While endorsing the overall framework outlined by EAHAD, this APHWG document emphasizes regional priorities on education and training of healthcare personnel in the diagnosis and management of hereditary bleeding disorders. Central coordinating agencies with wide stakeholder input, networks of haemophilia treatment centres and national registries as well as robust processes for procurement and distribution of safe and effective clotting factor concentrates (CFCs), implementation of prophylaxis programmes and management of patients with inhibitors should also be developed. The implementation of these strategies should lead to establishment of good comprehensive care programmes. This document should also be an advocacy tool to lobby for improved care for people with haemophilia (PWH) in the region. We urge national healthcare policy makers to consider these principles and initiate strong and decisive action to reach these goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the association of interleukin‐6 (IL6) promoter single‐nucleotide polymorphisms rs1800797 (‐597 G/A) and rs1800796 (‐572 G/C) with obesity or metabolic syndrome in Mexican‐Americans. Methods: The rs1800797 and rs1800796 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in Mexican‐Americans (n = 437) from South Texas, and results were correlated with measures of obesity and metabolic syndrome including body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, liver enzymes, plasma IL6 and high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP). Results: Significant associations were found for the rs1800796 variant with increased waist circumference, insulin resistance, lower IL6 levels and higher hs‐CRP levels. The rs1800797 variant showed no associations with metabolic traits but was associated with higher IL6 levels and lower hs‐CRP levels. Conclusions: Findings in this study support the anti‐inflammatory, anti‐obesity and glucose homeostatic roles of IL6 in Mexican‐American youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flywheel systems are quick acting energy storage that enable smoothing of a wind turbine output to ensure a controllable power dispatch. The effectiveness of a flywheel depends on how well it can be controlled to respond to fluctuating power output from intermittent sources. A quadratic Lyapunov function based non‐linear controller is proposed which is designed based on an implicit understanding of the system including its inherent nonlinearities. Two different configurations of flywheel designs have been studied. The controller ensures asymptotic stability of the system as well as obtaining a better and more reliable performance than linear proportional–integral controllers in tracking rapid changes in power references. A further benefit is that the tuning of the proposed controller remains unaffected by changes in the system parameter and operating conditions. The efficacy of the algorithm is verified using non‐linear time‐domain simulation in MATLAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) Ag/ZnO (CAZ) nanocomposite heterostructure was prepared by the copyrolysis of a precursor mixture containing melamine and nitrates of zinc and silver. This one-pot synthetic approach facilitated the incorporation of fine dispersions of Ag and ZnO on C3N4 sheets. The CAZ sample thus prepared exhibited higher adsorption capacity and enhanced sunlight-induced photocatalytic activity towards tetracycline degradation when compared with compositions of g-C3N4-Ag, g-C3N4-ZnO, ZnO-Ag, and g-C3N4. Incorporation of ZnO helped to utilize the UV component of sunlight, whereas ultrafine dispersions of Ag on the surface of the composite created intimate interfaces, facilitating the direct migration of photoinduced electrons to the Ag surface for an efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The present work exemplifies a simple and convenient synthetic protocol for processing the tricomponent heterostructured system of g-C3N4-Ag/ZnO for the effective degradation of pollutants such as tetracycline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoS2/g-CNO (g-CNO = oxidized graphitic carbon nitride) heterostructures were synthesized by a one-step low-temperature hydrothermal route. The hydrolysis and oxidation reactions during the hydrothermal synthesis provide a fivefold increase in the surface area of the carbon nitride matrix. The heterostructure formation between MoS2 and the g-CNO matrix induced reduced recombination effects, and 1 wt.-% MoS2/g-CNO composites showed the highest photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of organic pollutants under visible-light irradiation. Moreover, owing to the presence of groups with negative inductive effects in g-CNO and g-CNO-based composites, the photocatalytic activities were higher than that of bare g-C3N4. Recyclability studies on the synthesized catalysts indicated no loss of efficiency after four cycles. Thus, these MoS2/g-CNO heterostructures are promising photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemorrhagic disorders like Postpartum haemorrhage and Dengue haemorrhagic fever are life threatening and requires an active and efficient transfusion service that could provide the most appropriate blood product which could be effective in managing them. This would essentially require prompt identification of the coagulopathy so that the best available product can be given to the bleeding patient to correct the identified haemostatic defect which will help control the bleeding. This would only be possible if the transfusion service has a laboratory to correctly detect the haemostatic defect and that too with an accuracy and precision which is ensured by a good laboratory quality assurance practices. These same processes are necessary for the transfusion services to ensure the quality of the blood products manufactured by them and that it contains adequate amounts of haemostasis factors which will be good to be effective in the management of haemorrhagic disorders. These issues are discussed in detail individually in the management of postpartum haemorrhage and Dengue haemorrhagic fever including when these can help in the use of rFVIIa in Dengue haemorrhagic fever. The requirements to ensure good-quality blood products are made available for the management of these disorders and the same have also been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selected quality issues pertinent to the determination of accurate results in the haemostasis laboratory are discussed. Specifically, the implementation of a successful external quality-assessment scheme is described, including its impact on result accuracy as well as the programme's unique challenges and opportunities. Errors in the preanalytical phase of laboratory testing represent the greatest source for reporting incorrect test results. Some of the most common preanalytical errors are described including those that necessitate sample rejection. Analytical means to identify potential sources of error and analytical means to overcome particular interferences are described. Representing the most important clinical complication in the treatment of patients with haemophilia, quality issues related to determination of the presence of inhibitory antibodies against factor VIII (FVIII) are reviewed. Heat treatment of patient plasma prior to testing, particularly in patients receiving replacement FVIII concentrate or during induction of immune tolerance to achieve more accurate results is recommended, while screening activated partial thromboplastin time-based mixing tests to rule out inhibitor presence is discouraged. The initiatives presented in this review can be implemented in robust and resource restricted settings to improve the quality of laboratory testing in patients with bleeding disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera L. is a medicinal plant with potential antioxidant property. This study was aimed at investigating the chemoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract ( MOE) on cyclophosphamide ( CP)-induced testicular toxicity. Two-week-old male Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally injected with phosphate-buffered saline, 50 mg kg−1 of CP and 25 mg kg−1 of MOE. In combination treatment, mice were injected with 25 mg kg−1 of MOE 24 h prior to CP injection, 24 h prior and post- CP injection and 24 h post- CP injection for 5 consecutive days (10 mg kg−1). Six weeks later, mice were sacrificed to assess epididymal sperm parameters. MOE alone did not have any significant effect on sperm parameters. However, acute injection of CP resulted in significant decline in motility ( P < 0.001), increase in head abnormality ( P < 0.01) and DNA damage ( P < 0.05). Combining MOE with CP increased the sperm density, motility and reduced head defect and DNA damage, irrespective of the schedule and dosage of MOE. Administration of MOE prior to CP significantly elevated the level of superoxide dismutase and catalase with concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation in the testicular tissue. In conclusion, MOE may have potential benefit in reducing the loss of male gonadal function following chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Banana and papaya are among the most important crops in the tropics, with a value amounting to millions of dollars per year. However, these fruits suffer significant losses due to anthracnose, a fungal disease. It is well known that certain seaweed extracts possess antifungal activity, but no published data appear to exist on the practical application of this property. In the present study, five organic Brazilian seaweed extracts were screened for their activity against banana and papaya anthracnose fungi. Furthermore, cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of the extracts were evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality assay and the Allium cepa root-tip mutagenicity test respectively, while their major components were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS Strong fungus-inhibitory effects of Ochtodes secundiramea and Laurencia dendroidea extracts were observed on both papaya (100 and 98% respectively) and banana (89 and 78% respectively). This impressive activity could be associated with halogenated terpenes, the major components of both extracts. Only Hypnea musciformis extract showed cytotoxic and mutagenic effects. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest the potential use of seaweed extracts as a source of antifungal agents with low toxicity to control anthracnose in papaya and banana during storage. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Hb Hofu ( HBB:c. 380T>A) is a rare inherited hemoglobin abnormality with few case reports in the world literature. Methods Screening for the sickle cell gene mutation and other hemoglobinopathies was carried out using the sickle slide test, Hb electrophoresis, and HPLC under an ongoing central government project. Results We detected twelve Hb Hofu heterozygotes and three sickle Hb Hofu compound heterozygotes. The heterozygotes were asymptomatic except for one individual who had chronic kidney disease and moderate anemia. Only one Hb S- Hofu case was symptomatic and presented with intermittent attacks of painful crisis. In the carrier state, the Hb Hofu eluted as a hump at the beginning of the Hb A0 window. But in Hb S- Hofu cases, Hb Hofu eluted as a single peak in the Hb A0 window, with the Hb A2 levels being >4% consistently. Conclusion Hb S- Hofu has a variable clinical presentation. The retention time of Hb Hofu on HPLC is very close to that of Hb A0 and often elutes in the A0 window. Thus, there is every possibility of the Hb S- Hofu chromatogram to be misinterpreted as that of a sickle cell trait/transfused sickle cell-beta-thalassemia case. This is the first time where Hb Hofu has been detected by HPLC, which is the widely accepted screening technique for hemoglobinopathies around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital fibrinogen deficiency is an extremely rare (1:1 000 000) hereditary bleeding disorder caused by defects in genes coding for fibrinogen Aα-, Bβ- and γ-chains, respectively. We report here the molecular basis of fibrinogen deficiency in a large series of patients from India. Twenty-seven patients with clinical features suggestive of fibrinogen deficiency and with prolonged plasma clotting times and low fibrinogen levels were studied. Genomic DNA was screened for mutations in the fibrinogen alpha ( FGA), beta ( FGB), gamma ( FGG) genes by PCR and conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis. Fourteen different disease-causing mutations including frameshifts (51.9%), splice site (22.2%), missense (18.5%) and nonsense mutation (7.4%) were identified in 27 patients. Thirteen of them were novel, including seven frameshifts (fibrinogen Aα: p.Asp296 fs*59, p.Thr466 fs*17 and p.Lys575 fs*74; fibrinogen Bβ: p.Gly414 fs*2 and fibrinogen γ: p.Ser81 fs*5, p.Lys185 fs*13 and p.Asp278_279 fs*17), three splice site mutations ( FGA gene c.364+1G>A; c.510+2 T>G; FGB gene c.851+1G>A), two missense substitutions (fibrinogen Bβ: p.Gly288Ser; p.Arg445Thr) and a nonsense mutation in fibrinogen Aα (p.Tyr127*). Two common mutations ( FGA: c.364+1G>A, n = 6, FGG: p.Lys185 fs*13, n = 7) affecting 13 patients were identified in this series, suggesting that these mutations could be screened first in Indian patients with fibrinogen deficiency. The molecular data presented here is the largest series of patients with fibrinogen deficiency reported so far, adding significantly to the mutation database of this condition. It also helps create an algorithm for its genetic diagnosis in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosized LiCoPO4 (LCP) was prepared using a simple sol-gel method. For the first time, electrophoretic deposition process was employed to fabricate a LiCoPO4 cathodematerial in order to improve the electrochemical performance. The prepared powder was deposited on titanium plate by electrophoretic deposition and their electrochemical properties were studied. The electrochemical properties were analyzed by using cyclic voltagramm studies, impedance studies, and charge/discharge tests. The thickness of the prepared cathode material was found to be 11-12 μm by using scanning electron microscope. he initial specific capacity and the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the prepared cathode was 103 mAh/g and 851Ω, respectively. The charge/discharge profiles showed moderate columbic efficiency of 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae, is a major dipteran pest of rice, with many known biotypes. The present investigation was initiated to understand the molecular mechanisms of infestation for developing novel integrated pest management strategies. We isolated and characterized a gene, nucleoside diphosphate kinase ( OoNDPK), from the rice gall midge, encoding a protein with 169 amino acid residues and with a secretory signal sequence - an observation that assumes significance as salivary gland secretions have been implicated to play a major role in insect−plant interactions. Furthermore, up-regulation (> 18 folds) of OoNDPK was observed in the salivary glands of maggots feeding on susceptible host in contrast to those feeding on resistant host. Phylogenetic analysis revealed similarity of OoNDPK with its dipteran orthologues. 3 DLigandSite analysis, of the predicted OoNDPK and its orthologues, revealed phenylalanine and tyrosine residues to be specifically present in NDPK proteins from the plant feeders. Results suggest secretion of OoNDPK into the host plant and its probable involvement in gall midge−rice interaction. Using the coleoptile cell elongation assay, we demonstrated that the recombinant OoNDPK is capable of causing elongation of rice coleoptile cells. Additionally, heterologous expression of OoNDPK in Escherichia coli increased the tolerance of these cells to salt ( NaCl; up to 1 mM), hinting at the involvement of this gene in abiotic stress response as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Data on the clinical manifestations of patients with clotting factor defects other than Haemophilia A, B and von Willebrand disease are limited because of their rarity. Due to their autosomal recessive nature of inheritance, these diseases are more common in areas where there is higher prevalence of consanguinity. There is no previous large series reported from southern India where consanguinity is common. Our aim was to analyze clinical manifestations of patients with rare bleeding disorders and correlate their bleeding symptoms with corresponding factor level. Data were collected in a standardized format from our centre over three decades on 281 patients who were diagnosed with rare bleeding disorders (fibrinogen, prothrombin, factor V (FV), FVII, FX, FXI, FXIII and combined FV or FVIII deficiency). Patients with liver dysfunction or those on medications which can affect factor level were excluded. All patients with <50% factor levels were included in this analysis. Patients were analysed for their salient clinical manifestations and it was correlated with their factor levels. The data shows that FXIII deficiency is the commonest and FXI deficiency is the rarest in Southern India. There was no significant difference in bleeding symptoms among those who were < or >1% factor coagulant activities among all disorders, except for few symptoms in FVII and FX deficiency. An international collaborative study is essential to find out the best way of classifying severity in patients with rare bleeding disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the clinical and economic benefits associated with adequate and early initiation and intensification of insulin in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A systematic review was performed using published articles from January 2000 to August 2010 that linked intervention, disease, study design and outcomes. Studies were further classified as initiation and intensification based on predefined criteria. Individual studies in systematic reviews and meta-analysis were searched and included if relevant. Results: A total of 2690 articles were screened with 76 (40 initiation and 36 intensification) studies included. Most initiation studies had mean baseline HbA1c values of >8.5%. The endpoint HbA1c values were reduced with insulin treatment in these studies, with endpoint values ranging from 6.6 to 9.8%. Similar results were seen with the intensification studies (endpoint HbA1c: 6.4-9.6%). Addition of insulin to oral antidiabetics (OADs) resulted in better glycaemic control in most studies. Blood glucose levels reduced substantially with OADs + insulin compared with OADs alone. Quality of life outcomes and treatment satisfaction were reported in six studies and not significantly different for insulin vs. OADs. Hypoglycaemic events were manageable with insulin initiation. However, all insulin types were associated with weight gain although the comparison with OADs elicited varying results. Conclusions: Proactive management with early insulin initiation and intensification should be considered in people with T2DM in inadequate glycaemic control. The economic benefits with early initiation and intensification have to be fully explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae, is a fast evolving, damaging pest of rice. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of interaction between the gall midge and rice will help in devising strategies to control and manage the pest. The present study aims to identify rice-responsive genes in the gall midge that aid pest survival. The abundance of transcripts coding for enzymes related to glycosylation, in a cDNA library prepared from maggots of the rice gall midge feeding on susceptible hosts, indicated their probable involvement in the gall midge-rice interaction. Hence, a full-length transcript for a gamma subunit of the oligosaccharyl transferase gene ( OoOST) from the gall midge was cloned and characterized. It has 72% similarity to its orthologue cloned from Aedes aegypti. Tissue-specific analysis of the expression of OoOST revealed an increase (> sevenfold) in the transcripts of the gene in the salivary glands of maggots in susceptible plants when compared with the transcript level in the salivary glands of maggots feeding on resistant hosts. Using quantitative PCR, performed on different developmental stages of the maggots in two susceptible and two resistant hosts, we observed similar expression patterns (i.e. overexpression in the compatible interaction). These results indicate the involvement of OoOST in maggot survival and establishment in the susceptible host. In order to identify polymorphism in the gene, OoOST was cloned from three gall midge biotypes GMB1, GMB4 and GMB4M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Anaemia is increasingly prevalent in the United Kingdom. Despite recommendations to the contrary, many patients undergo cardiac surgery with undiagnosed and untreated anaemia. According to the World Health Organization definition, 1463/2688 (54.4%) patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2008 and 2009 in our institution were anaemic. Compared with non-anaemic patients, anaemia was significantly associated with transfusion (791 (54.1%) vs 275 (22.4%), p < 0.001, OR (95% CI) 3.4 (2.8-4.1)), death (45 (3.1%) vs 13 (1.1%), p = 0.0005, OR 2.4 (1.2-4.5)), and prolonged ICU stay (287 (19.6%) vs 168 (13.7%) p < 0.001, OR 1.3 (1.0-1.6)). The prevalence of anaemia in this cohort is much greater than that previously reported. The cause of this excess is not clear. Pre-operative anaemia is a strong predictor of increased transfusion requirement, risk of ICU stay and death during cardiac surgery. The effect of increasing haemoglobin concentration therapeutically is not yet clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biocatalytic reduction of acetophenone derivatives was exploited by using algal biomass from Bostrychia radicans and B. tenella producing exclusively ( S)-2-phenylethanols with high enantiomeric excess (>99% ee). Bacterial populations associated with algal biomass were identified as the Bacillus genus. This report deals with the first investigations involving the use of marine bacteria associated with B. radicans and B. tenella marine algae for the biocatalytic reduction of acetophenone derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the fate of staples after stapled haemorrhoidectomy (SH) and reviewed the complications they may cause. A survey was carried among 16 surgeons experienced at performing SH to assess their knowledge regarding retained staples. In addition, plain pelvic radiology was used to visualize residual staples at different time intervals after SH in 45 patients. Ten (63%) surgeons informed their patients that the staples would be shed within 3 months of SH. Regardless of the timing of surgery, part of the staple line was radiologically visible in all patients, and in 19 patients (45%) the staple line was completely visible. Contrary to the common belief, the majority of staples are retained after SH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which looks into the relation of barley kernel hardness with other physical grain traits and food processing parameters. The study discovers that the single kernel characterization system hardness index (SKCS-HI) has no relationship with kernel crease dimensions. However, it discovers that hardness index is correlated with both proportion of barley flour particles and starch damage.

Background: The current study was conducted to assess the efficacy and toxicity of sorafenib as front-line therapy in patients with stage IIIB (pleural effusion) or IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: Patients received sorafenib 400 mg twice daily by mouth continuously, and were evaluated every 2 weeks during the first 8 weeks. Patients who manifested clinical progression during this period proceeded to receive standard of care. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective tumor response. A 2-stage Fleming design was used such that if at most 1 confirmed partial response (PR) or complete response was observed in the first 20 patients (stage 1), the treatment would be considered ineffective, and further enrollment would be discontinued.Results: Only 1 PR was observed in the first 20 patients. By the time of study closure, 5 additional patients who were already being screened for study inclusion were enrolled. Of the 25 patients (15 women, 10 men; 4 stage IIIB, 21 stage IV; median age, 67 years [range, 45-85 years]), there were 3 (12%) PRs and 6 (24%) cases with stable disease observed. The median time-to-progression and progression-free survival was 2.8 months. Seven (28%) patients remained progression-free at 24 weeks. No grade 3 or higher hematologic adverse events were observed. Thirteen (52%) patients had a grade 3 nonhematologic adverse event, with fatigue (20%), diarrhea (8%), and dyspnea (8%) being the most common.Conclusions: Sorafenib is not effective as front-line therapy in the general unselected NSCLC population. The window of opportunity design is feasible for estimating the activity of novel compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endogenous cytokinins, auxins, and abscisic acid (ABA) were identified and quantified in 11 red algae collected from the Brazilian coast. Field materials and two isolates cultured in the laboratory were extracted with various solvents and buffers containing a mixture of appropriate internal standards, purified by solid-phase extraction followed by immunoaffinity chromatography, and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Isoprenoid cytokinins (free and conjugated forms of isopentenyladenine [iP], cis-zeatin [ cZ], and trans-zeatin [ tZ]) were detected in all species with concentrations of cZ and iP forms being higher than tZ forms. Dihydrozeatin (DHZ) and its metabolites were only detected at very low levels in nine of the studied species. Aromatic cytokinins (6-benzylaminopurine [BA], ortho- and meta-topolin [ oT and mT]) were not detected in any of the samples. The cytokinin profile of Chondracanthus teedei (Mert. ex Roth) Kütz. was distinct in comparison to other species with para-topolin ( pT) derivatives detected in low concentrations. The main auxins present in all species were free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-acetamide (IAM). Indole-3-ethanol (IEt), indole-3-acetyl glutamic acid (IAGlu), and indole-3-acetyl leucine (IALeu) were detected in a few species at low concentrations. ABA was present in all species analyzed except for Hypnea nigrescens Grev. ex J. Agardh. No ABA conjugates were detected in any species. These results confirm that cytokinins, auxins, and ABA were common constituents in red seaweeds, with this being the first report of the occurrence of ABA in Rhodophyta. The complexity of the hormone profiles suggests that plant hormones play a role in regulating physiological processes in Rhodophyta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a potential for significant paradigm shift in the assessment of haemostasis from the conventional plasma recalcification times, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which correspond to artificially created compartments of haemostasis to tests that assess the entire process in a more physiological and holistic manner. These include the thrombin generation test, thromboelastogram and the clot wave form analysis. While these tests have been described many years ago, there is renewed interest in their use with modified technology for assessing normal haemostasis and its disorders. Although early data suggest that they can provide much greater information regarding the overall haemostasis process and its disorders, many challenges remain. Some of them are possible only on instruments that are proprietary technology, expensive and are not widely available. Furthermore, these tests need to be standardized with regard to their reagents, methodology and interpretation, and finally, much more data need to be collected regarding clinical correlations with the parameters measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) reportedly plays a role in insulin-stimulated activation of Akt in some cell types but not in others. The role of ATM in insulin signalling has not been firmly resolved for skeletal muscle cells, for which Akt phosphorylation is a pivotal step in stimulation of glucose transport. Accordingly, our aim was to determine the role of ATM in insulin effects for cell lines derived from skeletal muscle and for skeletal muscle. Methods: We examined insulin effects in L6 myotubes, mouse soleus, C2C12 myotubes and differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells in the presence and absence of a low concentration (1 μm) of the ATM inhibitor KU55933. We also compared insulin signalling in C2C12 cells expressing shRNA against ATM and control cell lines (empty vector; cells expressing non-targeting shRNA). Results: In L6 myotubes and mouse soleus muscle, KU55933 inhibited insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the 160 kDa substrate of Akt (AS160) despite no effect on Akt. In contrast, KU55933 prevented insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, C2C12 myotubes expressing shRNA against ATM displayed reduced insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation compared to controls. KU55933 also decreased insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in differentiated RD cells. Conclusion: These model-dependent differences in the role of ATM in insulin action demonstrate a role of ATM in insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt (in C2C12 and RD cells) but also allow the elucidation of a novel, Akt-independent role of ATM (in L6 myotubes and mouse soleus, at the level of AS160) in insulin signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (3): 226–232 Background This study was undertaken to analyse cases of microcytosis, and/or haemolytic anaemia where an unusual peak on HPLC or an abnormal electrophoretic mobility in isolation or along with common β-globin gene defects was found, and to identify the molecular abnormality in them. Patients and methods Investigations included a complete blood count, HPLC analysis, cellulose acetate electrophoresis (pH 8.9), heat stability test and DNA sequencing. Results Five α chain variants were identified. This is the first report of Hb Jackson and Hb O Indonesia in the Indian population. The presence of Hb J Meerut along with Hb E and Hb J Paris I with heterozygous β-thalassaemia are uncommon associations. Hb Sun Prairie would have remained undetected in the heterozygous state. The presence of a homozygous child in the family helped to identify this variant. Conclusions This study emphasizes the need to undertake systematic investigations while screening for the β haemoglobinopathies to identify rare α chain variants in a population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduction • Functional analyses of cks1 • cks1 linking the unlinked • cks1 acts as a transcriptional regulator • cks1 turnover • Human cks1 - Structural basis for docking functions - Targeting function of skp2-p27 interaction - Other targets of human cks1 - Mitotic functions of human cks1 - Human cks1 and cancer • Future directions Genetic and biochemical studies have provided considerable insight into the multiple functions of cyclin-dependent kinase subunit (cks)1 in cell division cycle. In addition to enhanced substrate targeting by specific ubiquitin ligases SCFskp2 and APC/C, its direct interaction with proteasome components normalizes multiple cell cycle regulators. Importantly, it also acts as a transcriptional regulator. cks1 overexpression reflects poor prognosis in malignancy thus indicating its possible role in tumour diagnosis and management. The present review compiles the multiple functional roles of cks1 in cell division with specific emphasis on its molecular mechanisms. Its docking functions and the possible downstream proteolytic and transcriptional targets are described. The spatial configuration of cks1–cdk2 complex and the structural organization of cks1–p27–skp2 assembly required for p27 ubiquitination are discussed in detail. In addition to enhanced p27 degradation, the possible other mechanisms which underlie its pathological functions in human cancer progression are also discussed. Though there are apparent gaps in information, the turnover mechanism of cks1 is well addressed and presents opportunity to exploit the target for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basis for 10–15% of patients with severe haemophilia having clinically mild disease is not fully understood. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in various coagulant factors may affect frequency of bleeding while functionally significant polymorphisms in inflammatory and immunoregulatory genes may also contribute to variations in the extent of joint damage. These variables were studied in patients with severe haemophilia, who were categorized as ‘mild’ (<5 bleeds in the preceding year, <10 World Federation of Haemophilia clinical and <10 Pettersson scores, n = 14) or ‘severe’ (all others, n = 100). A total of 53 parameters were studied in each individual for their association with the clinical severity. Age, F8:c activity and the incidence of thrombotic markers were comparable between the groups while the median number of bleeds, number of affected joints, clinical, radiological and functional joint scores ( P ≤ 0.001) and life-time clotting factor use ( P ≤ 0.007) were different. Patients with severe molecular defects had a 4.1-fold increased risk for a severe phenotype (95% CI: 1.18–14.42, P = 0.026) compared with other mutations. Of the polymorphisms studied, the FVII353Q (RR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.04–12.05, P = 0.044) allele was associated with a severe phenotype. This data shows that apart from the F8/F9 genotype, functional polymorphisms in FVII gene affect the phenotype of patients with severe haemophilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marteilia sydneyi is the causative agent of QX disease in Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata. It is responsible for disease outbreaks among oysters that occur during summer and can result in up to 95% mortality. QX disease has significantly decreased S. glomerata production in some areas of Australia’s eastern seaboard over the past 30 years. Marteilia sydneyi sporulates in the digestive gland of oysters leading to complete disorganization of the infected tissues. The current study used proteomics to identify potential molecular markers of sporulating M. sydneyi infection during a field trial undertaken in the Georges River, Sydney, between December 2006 and May 2007. Early stages of M. sydneyi infection were detected by polymerase chain reaction, whilst cytological examination was used to identify sporulating M. sydneyi in the gut. Protein expression in oyster haemolymph was assessed during the M. sydneyi infection period by two dimensional electrophoresis. Proteome maps identified significant differences in the expression of four proteins in oysters with sporulating M. sydneyi infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]