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Background: Questions remain regarding the safety of swallowed topical corticosteroids in eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE)., Aim: To assess the safety of an investigational formulation of budesonide (budesonide oral suspension; BOS) from six trials., Methods: Safety data were integrated from six trials (healthy adults: SHP621-101 [phase 1]; patients with EoE: MPI 101-01 and MPI 101-06 [phase 2]; SHP621-301, SHP621-302 and SHP621-303 [phase 3]) for participants who received ≥1 dose of study drug (BOS 2.0 mg twice daily [b.i.d.], BOS any dose [including BOS 2.0 mg b.i.d.] and placebo). Adverse events (AEs), laboratory testing, bone density and adrenal AEs were assessed. Exposure-adjusted incidence rates were calculated for AEs and AEs of special interest (AESIs)., Results: Overall, 514 unique participants were included (BOS 2.0 mg b.i.d., n = 292; BOS any dose, n = 448; placebo, n = 168). The BOS 2.0 mg b.i.d., BOS any dose and placebo groups totalled 93.7, 122.4 and 25.0 participant-years of exposure (PY), respectively. Proportions of treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) and AESIs (any) reported were higher for BOS than placebo; however, most were mild/moderate in severity. The most commonly reported AESIs (exposure-adjusted incidence rates [per 100 PY]) in the BOS 2.0 mg b.i.d., BOS any dose and placebo groups were infections (133.5, 154.4 and 136.2, respectively) and gastrointestinal AEs (84.3, 80.9 and 92.1, respectively). Adrenal AEs were more frequent with BOS 2.0 mg b.i.d. and BOS any dose than placebo (44.8, 34.3 and 24.0, respectively). TEAEs and AESIs related to study drug or leading to discontinuation were infrequent., Conclusions: BOS was well-tolerated; most TEAEs with BOS were mild/moderate in severity., Gov Numbers: SHP621-101 (no clinical trials registration number), MPI 101-01 (NCT00762073), MPI 101-06 (NCT01642212), SHP621-301 (NCT02605837), SHP621-302 (NCT02736409) and SHP621-303 (NCT03245840)., (© 2023 Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc and The Authors. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Mammalian zona pellucida (ZP) is composed of three to four glycoproteins, which plays an important role during fertilization. Mutations in the genes encoding zona proteins are reported in women with empty follicle syndrome, degenerated oocytes and those with an abnormal or no ZP further emphasizing their relevance during fertility. Immunization with either native or recombinant ZP glycoproteins/proteins leads to curtailment of fertility in various animal species. Observed infertility is frequently associated with ovarian pathology characterized by follicular atresia and degenerative changes in ZP, which may be due to oophoritogenic T cell epitope(s) within ZP glycoproteins. To avoid ovarian dystrophy, B cell epitopes of ZP glycoproteins have been mapped by using bio-effective monoclonal antibodies. Immunization with the immunogens encompassing the mapped B cell epitopes by and large led to amelioration of follicular atresia. However, their use for human application will require more rigorous research to establish their safety and reversibility of the contraceptive effect. Nonetheless, to minimize human-animal conflicts, ZP-based contraceptive vaccines have been used successfully in the population management of free-ranging animal species such as feral horses, white-tailed deer and elephants. To control zoonotic diseases, attempts are also underway to control the population of other animal species including stray dogs, which acts as one of the major vectors for the rabies virus., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

We report a case of a 4-month-old boy with tetralogy of Fallot where computed tomography angiography incidentally revealed the presence of a unique extra-mediastinal and intrapulmonary course of the superior caval vein within the anterior portion of the azygos fissure., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Problem: To manage population of dogs (Canis familiaris), the efficacy of recombinant proteins-based contraceptive vaccines to inhibit fertility has been evaluated in female beagle dogs., Method of Study: Female beagle dogs (n = 4) were immunized with physical mixture of Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant porcine ZP3 with promiscuous T cell epitope of tetanus toxoid (TT-KK-pZP3) and porcine ZP4 with promiscuous T cell epitope of bovine RNase (bRNase-KK-pZP4), or with a fusion protein encompassing dog ZP3 fragment and two copies of GnRH with appropriate promiscuous T cell epitopes (dZP3-GnRH 2 ); control animals received only alum, the adjuvant. The immunized animals were followed-up for antibody titres by ELISA as well as for fertility status subsequent to mating with male dogs., Results: Active immunization of female dogs following a three injections schedule at 4-week intervals with a physical mixture of TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 as well as dZP3-GnRH 2 , led to generation of significant antibody titres against respective recombinant proteins. Active immunization with dZP3-GnRH 2 also led to generation of antibodies reactive with both dZP3 and GnRH. A booster dose on day 383 led to an increase in antibody titres and circulating antibodies against respective recombinant proteins could be observed on day 528. Antibodies in immune serum samples from dogs immunized with TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 or dZP3-GnRH 2 reacted with native canine ZP as assessed by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Mating studies revealed a reduced number of pregnancies as well as a significant reduction in the number of pups born in the female dogs immunized with dZP3-GnRH 2 as compared to the adjuvanted control. Curtailment of pregnancy in dZP3-GnRH 2 immunized group was associated with antibody titres against dZP3-GnRH 2 . However, immunization with recombinant TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 did not significantly decrease the number of pups born as compared to the adjuvanted control., Conclusion: These studies revealed the potential of recombinant dZP3-GnRH 2 -based contraceptive vaccine to curtail fertility in female dogs. Large scale studies to establish the efficacy and safety of this recombinant protein for the management of community dog population are thus warranted., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Over the course of time, new developments associated with the embryogenesis of the murine heart have served to clarify the developmental processes observed in the human heart. This evidence allows for the creation of a developmental framework for many congenital cardiac defects., Aims: We aim to solidify the framework related to the categorization of both solitary and multiple ventricular septal defects., Materials and Methods: Mice having genetic perturbation of the Furin enzyme have demonstrated perimembranous and juxta-arterial ventricular septal defects, permitting the inference to be made that these defects can co-exist with defects occurring within the apical muscular septum., Results: Basis of developmental evidence, furthermore, all interventricular communications can be placed into one of three groups, namely those which are perimembranous, juxta-arterial, and muscular. All of the defects are described based on their borders as seen from the morphologically right ventricle. Our focus here will be on those defects within the muscular ventricular septum, recognizing that such defects can co-exist with those that are perimembranous. We discuss the differentiation of multiple discrete defects from those referred to as the "Swiss cheese" variant., Conclusions: As we show, appropriate surgical management requires an understanding of the specific terminology, as the surgical approach may differ depending on the combination of the individual defects. Data from the Society for Thoracic Surgeons revealed that both mortality and morbidity were increased in the setting of multiple as opposed to solitary ventricular septal defects., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

We report a case of a 10-month-old cyanotic child with tetralogy of Fallot showing intrapulmonary invagination of right subclavian artery and presence of dual left anterior descending artery with the high take-off of the right coronary artery. This case highlights the role of computed tomography angiography in depicting vascular anatomy (arch vessels and coronary arteries) in patients with congenital heart diseases and in the planning of surgical management., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Problem: The miRNAs show placenta-specific expression patterns, which alter during pregnancy-related complications. In present study, the role of miR-27b-5p during forskolin-mediated BeWo cells fusion has been investigated., Method of Study: The fusion of BeWo cells in response to forskolin treatment (25 µM) was studied by desmoplakin I+II staining. Expression profile of miR-27b-5p by qRT-PCR and its targets HSD3β1 and WNT2B by qRT-PCR and in Western blot were studied. The effect of overexpression of miR-27b-5p and silencing of HSD3β1 & WNT2B by siRNA on forskolin-mediated BeWo cells fusion and secretion of hCG and progesterone by ELISA was investigated., Results: Time-dependent down-regulation in the expression of miR-27b-5p in forskolin-treated BeWo cells has been confirmed by qRT-PCR. Overexpression of miR-27b-5p significantly inhibits forskolin-mediated BeWo cells fusion as well as hCG & progesterone secretion. HSD3β1 and WNT2B were identified as targets of miR-27b-5p and are up-regulated in forskolin-treated BeWo cells. Overexpression of miR-27b-5p in BeWo cells downregulates their expression. Further, luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-27b-5p directly target expression of both HSD3β1 and WNT2B. Silencing of both HSD3β1 and WNT2B leads to a significant reduction in forskolin-mediated BeWo cells fusion with concomitant decrease in the secretion of progesterone or/and hCG. Decrease in forskolin-mediated cells fusion observed in miR-27b-5p mimic transfected BeWo cells could be rescued by the overexpression of both HSD3β1 and WNT2B., Conclusion: These observations suggest that reduced miR-27b-5p in forskolin-treated BeWo cells leads to increased secretion of progesterone and hCG due to loss of repressional control on HSD3β1 and WNT2B., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background HIV infection and depression are each associated with increased ischemic stroke risk. Whether depression is a risk factor for stroke within the HIV population is unknown. Methods and Results We analyzed data on 106 333 (33 528 HIV-positive; 72 805 HIV-negative) people who were free of baseline cardiovascular disease from an observational cohort of HIV-positive people and matched uninfected veterans in care from April 1, 2003 through December 31, 2014. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision ( ICD-9 ) codes from medical records were used to determine baseline depression and incident stroke. Depression occurred in 19.5% of HIV-positive people. After a median of 9.2 years of follow-up, stroke rates were highest among people with both HIV and depression and lowest among those with neither condition. In Cox proportional hazard models, depression was associated with an increased risk of stroke for HIV-positive people after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and cerebrovascular risk factors (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.34; 0.014). The depression-stroke relationship was attenuated by alcohol use disorders, cocaine use, and baseline antidepressant use, and unaffected by combined antiretroviral therapy use or individual antiretroviral agents. A numerically higher HR of depression on stroke was found among those younger than 60 years. Conclusions Depression is associated with an increased risk of stroke among HIV-positive people after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, traditional cerebrovascular risk factors, and HIV-specific factors. Alcohol use disorders, cocaine use, and baseline antidepressant use accounted for some of the observed stroke risk. Depression may be a novel, independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in HIV, particularly among younger people.

Sildenafil is one of the commonest over the counter drugs which is orally taken by the people for sexual enhancement. It is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and results in engorgement of carpora cavernosa and help in erectile dysfunction. There are fewer adverse cutaneous drug reactions reported by sildenafil perhaps due to use of the drug without medical prescription. Here we are reporting a case of sildenafil induced hypersensitivity syndrome that is possibly the first one and reviewing the medical literature on type of adverse cutaneous drug eruption due to sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

It remains a major concern that sperm structure has continued to be poorly investigated and reported in avian species. To our knowledge, sperm structure in the order Pelecaniforme has not been reported. Although McFarlane (1963; Proceedings of the XIII International Ornithological Congress; Ithaca, NY; American Ornithologists' Union) reported the study of spermatozoa in two genera and two species of the family Ardeidae, he did not provide an account, or the names of the species examined. The present report on the sperm structure of the cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis, is, thus, the first in the order Pelecaniformes (this bird has been placed variably under the order Ciconiiformes, or the order Pelecaniformes). Five sexually mature and reproductively active male cattle egrets were obtained from the wild, humanely euthanized, the reproductive organs dissected out, and tissues from the ducti deferentia were prepared for transmission electron microscopy. The sperm structure of this bird is generally similar to that described for most non-passerine birds. However, the acrosome is a short, conical or bullet-shaped, blunt-ending organelle that lacks a perforatorium. The base of the acrosome is flat and makes contact with the nucleus along, a correspondingly flat plane. The nucleus, thus, ends anteriorly in a flat plane devoid of a concavity or a rostrum, and an endonuclear canal. The acrosomal and nuclear features of this bird are, therefore, main deviations from the situation in the non-passerine clade of birds., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Problem: Requirement of multiple injections of contraceptive vaccines to achieve infertility is one of the important impediments for their application. In the present study, attempts have been made to reduce the number of injections of contraceptive vaccine., Method of Study: Fusion protein encompassing C-terminus fragment of sperm protein Sp17 (aa residues 76-126) and two copies of gonadotropin-releasing hormone along with T-cell epitopes and dilysine linkers (abbreviated as Sp17 C -GnRH 2 ) was expressed in Escherichia coli. Its immunogenicity and contraceptive efficacy have been evaluated in female FVB/J mice using different adjuvants and delivery platforms., Results: Immunization of female mice with recombinant Sp17 C -GnRH 2 (25 μg/injection/mouse) emulsified with squalene-arlacel A following two injections schedule led to failure of 88.8% immunized animals to conceive, which was not significantly different from mice immunized with same protein along with alum following three injections schedule. To make single-dose vaccine, poly d,l-lactic acid-based microparticles (PLA-MPs) entrapping Sp17 C -GnRH 2 were prepared. Immunization of female mice with a combination of soluble Sp17 C -GnRH 2 (12.5 μg/injection/mouse) along with Sp17 C -GnRH 2 entrapped in PLA-MPs (12.5 μg/injection/mouse) in alum showed higher antibody titres and contraceptive efficacy as compared to mice immunized with Sp17 C -GnRH 2 entrapped in PLA-MPs alone in alum. Immunization with recombinant Sp17 C -GnRH 2 led to long-term infertility as second mating (150 days after immunization) of various groups of immunized mice showed similar infertility as observed during first mating., Conclusion: Single-dose immunization with PLA-MPs entrapping Sp17 C -GnRH 2 along with soluble recombinant protein in alum generated long-lasting infertility in female mice., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is reported to be down-regulated in pregnancy complications like intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia, which are associated with abnormal trophoblast migration/invasion. In this study, role of HGF and associated signaling pathways has been investigated in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells migration/invasion under normoxia (20% O 2 ) and hypoxia (2% O 2 ). HTR-8/SVneo cells exposed to hypoxia showed increase in migration and invasion as compared to cells incubated under normoxic conditions. The migration/invasion under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions was further enhanced after treatment with HGF. Subsequent to treatment with HGF, a significant increase in expression of MMP2 & MMP3 under normoxia and MMP1 & MMP9 under hypoxia was observed. Treatment of HTR-8/SVneo cells with HGF under hypoxia also led to decrease in TIMP1. Treatment of the cells with HGF led to activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways. Inhibition of MAPK by U0126 and PI3K by LY294002 led to concomitant decrease in the HGF-mediated migration/invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. HGF treatment under hypoxia also led to a significant increase in hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) expression. Additionally, inhibition of HIF-1α by siRNA led to decrease in HGF-mediated migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells under hypoxic conditions. Inhibition of HGF activated MAPK and PI3K signaling led to reduction in HIF-1α expression under hypoxia. In conclusion, HGF facilitates HTR-8/SVneo cell migration/invasion by activation of MAPK/PI3K signaling pathways and increased expression of MMPs. HIF-1α has a role in HGF-mediated increase in migration under hypoxic conditions.

Vein of Galen malformation (VGM) is a rare intracranial vascular malformation. High output heart failure is common in infancy and is characterized by dilatation of all the cardiac chambers. We report an unusual case of VGM in a 3-month-old infant without dilatation of the right-sided cardiac chambers. We then demonstrate importance of comprehensive evaluation in detecting rare coexistence of anomalous right superior caval vein connection to the left atrium., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Problem: To study the role of miRNA(s) during trophoblastic BeWo cell fusion., Method of Study: Changes in miRNA(s) profile of BeWo cells treated with forskolin were analyzed using Affymetrix miRNA microarray platform. Down-regulated miRNA, miR-92a-1-5p, was overexpressed in BeWo cells followed by forskolin treatment to understand its relevance in the process of BeWo cell fusion by desmoplakin I+II staining and hCG secretion by ELISA. Predicted targets of miR-92a-1-5p were also confirmed by qRT-PCR/Western blotting., Results: The miRNA profiling of BeWo cells after forskolin (25 μmol/L) treatment identified miR-92a-1-5p as the most significantly down-regulated miRNA both at 24 and 48 hours time points. Overexpression of miR-92a-1-5p in these cells led to a significant decrease in forskolin-mediated cell fusion and hCG secretion. miRNA target prediction software, TargetScan, revealed dysferlin (DYSF) and protein kinase cAMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha (PRKACA), as target genes of miR-92a-1-5p. Overexpression of miR-92a-1-5p in BeWo cells showed reduction in forskolin-induced transcripts for DYSF and PRKACA. Further, reduction in DYSF (~2.6-fold) at protein level and PRKACA-encoded protein kinase A catalytic subunit alpha (PKAC-α; ~1.6-fold) were also observed., Conclusion: These observations suggest that miR-92a-1-5p regulates forskolin-mediated BeWo cell fusion and hCG secretion by regulating PKA signaling pathway and dysferlin expression., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The validity of the eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) histologic scoring system (EoEHSS) has been demonstrated, but only preliminary reliability data exist., Aim: Formally assess the reliability of the EoEHSS and additional histologic features., Methods: Four expert gastrointestinal pathologists independently reviewed slides from adult patients with EoE (N = 45) twice, in random order, using standardised training materials and scoring conventions for the EoEHSS and additional histologic features agreed upon during a modified Delphi process. Intra- and inter-rater reliability for scoring the EoEHSS, a visual analogue scale (VAS) of overall histopathologic disease severity, and additional histologic features were assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs)., Results: Almost perfect intra-rater reliability was observed for the composite EoEHSS scores and the VAS. Inter-rater reliability was also almost perfect for the composite EoEHSS scores and substantial for the VAS. Of the EoEHSS items, eosinophilic inflammation was associated with the highest ICC estimates and consistent with almost perfect intra- and inter-rater reliability. With the exception of dyskeratotic epithelial cells and surface epithelial alteration, ICC estimates for the remaining EoEHSS items were above the benchmarks for substantial intra-rater, and moderate inter-rater reliability. Estimation of peak eosinophil count and number of lamina propria eosinophils were associated with the highest ICC estimates among the exploratory items., Conclusion: The composite EoEHSS and most component items are associated with substantial reliability when assessed by central pathologists. Future studies should assess responsiveness of the score to change after a therapeutic intervention to facilitate its use in clinical trials., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Problem: To study the involvement of specific Wnt(s) ligand during trophoblastic BeWo cell differentiation., Method of Study: BeWo cells on treatment with forskolin/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were studied for cell fusion by desmoplakin I+II staining and/or hCG secretion by ELISA. Levels of Wnt10b/β-catenin/glial cell missing a (GCMa)/syncytin-1 were studied by qPCR/Western blotting in forskolin-/hCG-treated control siRNA and Wnt10b silenced BeWo cells., Results: BeWo cells on treatment with hCG (5 IU/mL) led to a 94-fold increase in Wnt10b transcript. Wnt10b silencing showed significant decrease in forskolin-/hCG-mediated BeWo cell fusion and/or hCG secretion. It led to down-regulation of β-catenin (nuclear and cytoplasmic), GCMa and syncytin-1 expression. Treatment of BeWo cells with H89, protein kinase A (PKA) signaling inhibitor, significantly reduced forskolin-/hCG-induced Wnt10b, β-catenin, and syncytin-1 expression, which also resulted in reduced cell fusion., Conclusion: Wnt10b is involved in forskolin/hCG-mediated BeWo cell fusion via β-catenin/GCMa/syncytin pathway, which may also involve activation of PKA., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

An in silico method has been used to discover N-hydroxy-substituted 2-aryl acetamide analogs as a new class of HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. Based on the molecular requirements of the binding pocket of catalytic active site, two molecules (compounds 2 and 4b) were designed as fragments. These were further synthesized and biologically evaluated. In vitro potency along with docking studies highlighted compound 4b as an active fragment which was further used to synthesize new leads as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. Finally, six promising compounds (compounds 5b, 5c, 5e, 6-2c, 6-3b, and 6-5b) were identified by integrase inhibition assay (>50% inhibition). Based on in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity in a reporter gene-based cell assay system, compounds 5d, 6s, and 6k were found as novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitors due to its better selectivity index. Additionally, docking study revealed the importance of H-bond as well as hydrophobic interactions with Asn155, Lys156, and Lys159 which were required for their anti-HIV-1 activity., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Background: We reviewed the long-term results of surgery for discrete subaortic membrane (SubAM) from a single institute., Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of all patients (n = 146) who underwent resection of a SubAM for discrete subaortic stenosis between 1990 and 2015 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India was undertaken., Results: Median age at surgery was 9.0 years (9 months-47 years). There was one early death. Preoperative peak left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) Doppler gradient was 83.4 ± 26.2 mmHg (range: 34-169 mmHg). On preoperative echocardiography, aortic regurgitation (AR) was absent in 69 (47.3%), mild in 35 (24%), moderate in 30 (20.5%), and severe in 12 (8.2%). After surgery, the LVOT gradient was reduced to 15.1 ± 6.2 mmHg (P < 0.001). Fourteen patients (9.6%) who had residual/recurrent significant gradients are currently being followed-up or awaiting surgery. There was improvement in AR for operated patients with freedom from AR of 92.6 ± 0.03% at 15 years. Kaplan-Meier survival at 25 years was 93.0 ± 3.9% (95% confidence interval: 79.6, 97.7). Freedom from re-operation at 25 years was 96.9 ± 1.8%., Conclusions: Long-term results of surgery for discrete SubAM are good. Resection of the membrane along with septal myectomy decreases the risk of recurrence., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Retroaortic course of coronary artery is a relative contraindication for device closure of an atrial septal defect. In this brief report, we demonstrate, for the first time, inferior aortic recess mimicking retroaortic left circumflex coronary artery in a patient with atrial septal defect. This distinction is important to avoid spurious diagnosis of anomalous coronary artery denying patient a chance of nonsurgical closure of atrial septal defect., (© 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Saline contrast echocardiography is a well-established modality for the diagnosis of right-to-left shunt lesions. In this brief report, we demonstrate, for the first time, its usefulness in the diagnosis of anomalous origin of right pulmonary artery from aorta., (© 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Implantation involves an extensive cross talk between the trophoblast cells and the receptive endometrium through embryonic as well as endometrial-derived factors that regulate the invasion and migration of trophoblast cells and also syncytia formation. Any aberration in this highly regulated process may lead to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, or even pregnancy failure. How various cytokines and growth factors act by activating various cell signaling pathways leading to the expression of the effector molecules have been reviewed, which control invasion and migration of trophoblast cells and syncytialization. The gaps in our current understanding of the various signaling pathways, activated by different cytokines/growth factors, their possible cross talk for optimized effector function(s), and future prospects in this field have been discussed., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In a focused exploration, thiazolidin-4-ones with different C-2 and N-3 substituent groups were synthesized and evaluated as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors against HIV-1. This has led to new active compounds sporting heteroaryls at both C-2 and N-3 positions prompting to view them in the backdrop of nevirapine. To assign the molecular attributes for the activity, the compounds are investigated by docking them into non-nucleoside inhibitor-binding pocket of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). The most active compounds of this series (7d and 7f) shared spatial features with nevirapine with added molecular flexibility. Furthermore, in molecular dynamics simulations carried out for up to 10 ns, the compounds 7d and 7f showed consistency in their interactions with non-nucleoside inhibitor-binding pocket of HIV-1 RT and suggested Tyr319 and Val106 as potential residues for H-bond interaction with these molecules. These results open new avenues for the exploration of 2,3-diheteroaryl thiazolidin-4-ones for prevention of HIV-1., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Saline contrast echocardiography is an established imaging modality. Logical interpretation of a carefully performed study is vital to realize its diagnostic potential. In this review, we discuss utility of saline contrast echocardiography in evaluation of various pathologies within and outside the heart other than a patent foramen ovale., (© 2015, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Knowledge about determinants of quality of life (QoL) in eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoO) patients helps to identify patients at risk of experiencing poor QoL and to tailor therapeutic interventions accordingly., Aim: To evaluate the impact of symptom severity, endoscopic and histological activity on EoE-specific QoL in adult EoE patients., Methods: Ninety-eight adult EoE patients were prospectively included (64% male, median age 39 years). Patients completed two validated instruments to assess EoE-specific QoL (EoO-QoL-A) and symptom severity (adult EoE activity index patient-reported outcome) and then underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy sampling. Physicians reported standardised information on EoE-associated endoscopic and histological alterations. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between QoL and symptom severity. Linear regression and analysis of variance was used to quantify the extent to which variations in severity of EoE symptoms, endoscopic and histological findings explain variations in QoL., Results: Quality of life strongly correlated with symptom severity (r = 0.610, P < 0.001). While the variation in severity of symptoms, endoscopic and histological findings alone explained 38%, 35% and 22% of the variability in EoE-related QoL, respectively, these together explained 60% of variation. Symptom severity explained 18-35% of the variation in each of the five QoL subscale scores., Conclusions: Eosinophilic oesophagitis symptom severity and biological disease activity determine QoL in adult patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis. Therefore, reduction in both eosinophilic oesophagitis symptoms as well as biological disease activity is essential for improvement of QoL in adult patients. Clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT00939263., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In the title compound, C13H14O5, the furan ring is essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.031 (3) Å] with a stereogenic center (R) at the sp (3) hybridized C atom. The C atom bearing the dihy-droxy ethyl group is S. The absolute configuration is based on the precursor in the synthesis. The two O-H groups are in an anti conformation with respect to each other. The mean plane of the furan-one group is twisted by 8.2 (4)° from that of the phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving furan-one C=O groups and symmetry-related hy-droxy groups, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (001). Weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are observed within the two-dimensional network.

Problem: The aim of this study was to investigate the relative importance of STAT3 and ERK1/2 activation in leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-mediated invasion of JEG-3 cells., Method of Study: Matrigel matrix-based invasion assay; Western blot; cDNA microarray; quantitative RT-PCR; gene silencing by siRNA., Results: Leukaemia inhibitory factor treatment led to the activation of STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways which was followed by changes in the expression of several invasion-associated molecules such as mucin1 (MUC1), Fos, Jun, etc. Abrogation of either STAT3 or ERK1/2 signaling reduced (P < 0.05) the LIF-mediated invasion of JEG-3 cells. It was associated with a significant reduction in the expression of both MUC1 and Fos, suggesting a common denominator in LIF-STAT3-ERK1/2 signaling. To this effect, we observed a decrease in LIF-mediated p-STAT3 (Ser727) upon blocking STAT3 or ERK1/2 signaling., Conclusions: ERK1/2 as well as JAK-STAT-mediated STAT3 (Ser727) phosphorylation play an important role in LIF-mediated JEG-3 trophoblastic cell invasion and gene expression., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C18H15ClTe, contains two mol-ecules which are in inverted orientations. The compound displays a tetra-hedral geometry around the Te atom in spite of there being five electron domains. This is attributed to the fact that the lone pair is not sterically active. The dihedral angles between the three phenyl rings are 76.51 (16)/73.75 (16)/71.06 (17) and 78.60 (17)/77.67 (16)/79.11 (16)° in the two mol-ecules. The crystal packing features eight C-H⋯π inter-actions.

In the title compound, [Ni(C40H28N4S4)]·0.5C6H6, the Ni(II) atom is in a square-planar geometry defined by four pyrrole N atoms. There is considerable buckling in the porphyrin ring with the dihedral angles between the N4 donor set and the pyrrole rings being in the range 16.24 (5)-22.47 (5)°. Each of the six-membered chelate rings is twisted about an Ni-N bond and the dihedral angles between diagonally opposite chelate rings are 21.36 (4) and 23.87 (4)°; each pair of rings is oriented in opposite directions. The methyl-thienyl rings are twisted out of the plane of the central N4 core with dihedral angles in the range 75.98 (2)-88.70 (5)°. All four methyl-thienyl groups are disordered over two sets of sites, as is commonly found with such groups, with occupancies of 0.553 (8):0.447 (8), 0.579 (7):0.421 (7), 0.796 (6):0.204 (6) and 0.956 (7):0.044 (7). The benzene solvent mol-ecule was found to be present in half-occupancy.

Aim: The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of cusp 7 in permanent mandibular first molars in an Indian population, and to comparatively evaluate the variations in occlusal morphology of these teeth, including the difference in the number of cusps and fissure patterns., Methods: A total of 1123 Indian participants from the Government College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, were selected for the study. For the analyses of cusp 6 and cusp 7 in permanent mandibular first molars, the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System was used. Groove patterns were analyzed and classified as Y, +, X, and Ұ., Results: Of the 1123 individuals, 132 (11.75%) were found to have cusp 7, while 78 (6.95%) had cusp 6. Thus, a total of 210 participants had the six-cusped mandibular first molars, 98 (8.73%) had the four-cusped mandibular first molars, and two had the seven-cusped variant. Overall, the most common fissure pattern was the Y pattern (50.36%), while the least common was the X pattern (1.25%). Mandibular first molars with cusp 7 demonstrated a highly significant (P < 0.05) dominance of the Ұ pattern (36.80%) over the Y (30.74%), + (27.71%), and X (4.46%) fissure patterns., Conclusion: A significant prevalence of cusp 7 (11.25%) in permanent mandibular first molars was found in the present study in an Indian population., (© 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Problem: To overcome availability of the purified native zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins for immunocontraception, porcine ZP3, and ZP4 were expressed in E. coli., Method of Study: Purified recombinant proteins were characterized by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, and immunogenicity and contraceptive efficacy determined in FvB/J female mice., Results: Purified ZP3, ZP3 with promiscuous T-cell epitope of tetanus toxoid, ZP4 and ZP4 incorporating promiscuous T-cell epitope of bovine RNase revealed ~44-, ~49-, ~53-, and ~55-kDa bands by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, respectively. Immunization of female mice with recombinant proteins elicited high antibody titers as well as T-cell responses. Immune sera recognized mouse oocyte ZP and also inhibited in vitro fertilization. Immunized mice showed significant decrease in fertility. Recombinant proteins were able to recall memory antibody response in female mice primed with porcine native ZP., Conclusion: Availability of recombinant porcine proteins will be useful in the development of contraceptive vaccine., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Aim: This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor gemigliptin (LC15-0444) 50 mg versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes., Methods: We conducted a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial in 182 patients (74 from Korea and 108 from India) with type 2 diabetes. After an initial 2 weeks of a diet and exercise programme followed by 2 weeks of a single-blind placebo run-in period, eligible patients were randomized to gemigliptin 50 mg or placebo, receiving the assigned treatment for 24 weeks. HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured periodically, and oral glucose tolerance test was performed at baseline and weeks 12 and 24., Results: At week 24, gemigliptin treatment led to significant reductions in HbA1c measurements compared to placebo (adjust mean after subtracting the placebo effect size: -0.71%, 95% confidence interval: -1.04 to -0.37%). A significantly greater proportion of patients achieved an HbA1c <7% with gemigliptin than with placebo. The placebo-subtracted FPG change from baseline at week 24 was -19.80 mg/dl. The overall incidence rates for adverse events were similar in the gemigliptin and placebo groups., Conclusions: This study showed the efficacy and safety of gemigliptin 50 mg administered once daily as a monotherapy for type 2 diabetes patients., (© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

In the title mol-ecule, C20H15N3, the atoms in the carbazole unit deviate from planarity [maximum deviation from mean plane = 0.1082 (15) Å]. The pyrrole ring makes dihedral angles of 3.17 (8)/4.10 (9), 7.20 (9) and 44.62 (9)° with the fused benzene, pyrazole and phenyl rings, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming an infinite chain along [010]. Mol-ecules are further linked by nine π-π [centroid-centroid distances vary from 3.6864 (11) to 3.9802 (11) Å] and one C-H⋯π inter-action, forming a three-dimensional network.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C13H11N3O5S, contains two independent mol-ecules, which are linked by a pair of inter-molecular N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, forming an R2(2)(8) ring motif. The central thio-urea core forms dihedral angles of 3.02 (12) and 14.00 (10)° with the essentially planar furoyl groups [maximum deviations = 0.030 (2) and 0.057 (2) Å] in the two mol-ecules and dihedral angles of 2.43 (13) and 8.03 (12)° with the benzene rings. The dihedral angles between the furoyl and benzene rings in the two mol-ecules are 3.97 (10) and 5.98 (9)°. The trans-cis geometry of the thio-urea group is stabilized by three intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving carbonyl and meth-oxy O atoms with the H atom of the cis-thio-amide group and between furan O atom and the other thio-amide H atom. There is also a weak intra-molecular C-H⋯S inter-action in each mol-ecule.

In the title mol-ecule, C(18)H(15)NO(2), the atoms in the carbazole unit deviate from planarity [maximum deviation from mean plane = 0.1317 (12) Å]. The pyrrole ring makes dihedral angles of 1.01 (8) and 18.56 (10)° with the benzene and furan rings, respectively. The cyclo-hexene ring adopts a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds form an R(2) (2)(10) ring. Mol-ecules are further linked by C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π inter-actions, forming a three-dimensional network.

The title compound, C10H8N4O2S, was synthesized from furoyl isothio-cynate and 2-amino-pyrimidine in dry acetone. The two N-H groups are in an anti conformation with respect to each other and one N-H group is anti to the C=S group while the other is syn. The amide C=S and the C=O groups are syn to each other. The mean plane of the central thio-urea fragment forms dihedral angles of 13.50 (14) and 5.03 (11)° with the furan and pyrimidine rings, respectively. The dihedral angle between the furan and pyrimidine rings is 18.43 (10)°. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H⋯N hydrogen bond generating an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by pairs of N-H⋯N and weak C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds to form inversion dimers.

Problem: To decipher structural and functional aspects of human zona pellucida glycoprotein-4 (ZP4), the epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have been mapped., Method of Study: Recombinant human ZP4-mediated induction of acrosome reaction in human sperm was studied in the absence and presence of ZP4-specific MAbs. The epitopes of MAbs were mapped using recombinant peptides expressed in Escherichia coli., Results: Monoclonal antibodies (MA-1662, MA-1671) against human ZP4 showed specific binding to ZP matrix of human eggs in an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Both the antibodies showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition in the baculovirus-expressed recombinant ZP4-mediated acrosome reaction. MA-1671 recognized N-terminal fragment of ZP4 and minimal epitope mapped to amino acid residues 126-130 (PARDR), whereas MA-1662 reacted to C-terminal fragment and minimal epitope mapped to amino acid residues 256-260 (ENELV)., Conclusions: The epitopes corresponding to both N- and C-terminal parts of human ZP4 may be relevant for its biological activity., (© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

In the title compound, C(16)H(12)N(2)OS(2), the dihedral angles between the mean planes of the central thio-urea core and the thio-phene ring and the naphthalene ring system are 1.8 (2) and 6.45 (18)°, respectively. The mol-ecule adopts a trans-cis conformation with respect to the position of thio-phenoyl and naphthyl groups relative to the S atom across the thiourea C-N bonds. Both the thio-phene ring and the sulfanyl-idene S atom are disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.862 (3):0.138 (3) and 0.977 (3):0.023 (3), respectively. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond is observed. The crystal packing features two N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds.

The title compound, C(8)H(17)O(2)PS(2), displays a distorted tetra-hedral geometry around the P atom. The P atom is part of a six-membered ring with an isopropyl group in the equatorial position. The mol-ecules are linked by S-H⋯S hydrogen bonds in the crystal packing.

In the title mol-ecule, C(13)H(12)ClNO, the dihedral angle between the benzene and pyrrole rings is 1.38 (9)°. The cyclo-heptene ring adopts a distorted twist chair and sofa conformation. Inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds form an R(2) (2)(10) loop in the crystal packing. Further, weak C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π (involving the benzene ring) inter-actions are found in the crystal structure.

The title compound, C(13)H(11)NO(3)S, was synthesized from methyl anthranilate, triethyl-amine and 2-thio-phenoyl chloride in benzene. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond. The dihedral angle between the rings is 2.74 (12)°. In the crystal, C-H⋯O inter-actions link neighbouring mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network.

Problem: To investigate the role of syndecan-1 in the differentiation of the BeWo cells into syncytiotrophoblast., Method of Study: BeWo cells were stimulated with forskolin to form syncytia, and the expression of syndecan-1, desmoplakin I+II, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and angiogenesis-associated factors was analyzed. Syndecan-1 was silenced by siRNA to evaluate its involvement in the forskolin-mediated syncytia formation., Results: Treatment of the BeWo cells with forskolin led to a significant increase in the syncytia formation. It was associated with an increase in the expression of syndecan-1 with a concomitant decrease in the expression of desmoplakin I+II. Forskolin treatment of the BeWo cells also led to an increase in the secretion of soluble endoglin, whereas no change was observed in the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. Silencing of the syndecan-1 expression in BeWo cells led to a significant decrease in cell fusion both in the presence and in the absence of forskolin. It was associated with a significant decrease in hCG level in the conditioned medium., Conclusion: Syndecan-1 is up-regulated in BeWo cells during differentiation and its silencing inhibits syncytialization and thus could be a useful biomarker for syncytiotrophoblast formation., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

The title compound, C(46)H(40)N(4)O(2)·0.33C(6)H(12), was obtained unintentionally as a product of an attempted synthesis of a cadmium(II) complex of the [2,6-{PhSe(CH(2))(2)N=CPh}(2)C(6)H(2)(4-Me)(OH)] ligand. The full tetra-imino-diphenol macrocyclic ligand is generated by the application of an inversion centre. The macrocyclic ligand features strong intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds. The dihedral angles formed between the phenyl ring incorporated within the macrocycle and the peripheral phenyl rings are 82.99 (8) and 88.20 (8)°. The cyclo-hexane solvent mol-ecule lies about a site of [Formula: see text] symmetry. Other solvent within the lattice was disordered and was treated with the SQUEEZE routine [Spek (2009). Acta Cryst. D65, 148-155].

Zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins, by virtue of their critical role in fertilization, have been proposed as candidate antigens for the development of contraceptive vaccines. In this review, the potential of a ZP-based contraceptive vaccine for the management of wildlife population, with special reference to street dogs, is discussed. Immunization of various animal species, including female dogs, with native porcine ZP led to inhibition of fertility, which was associated with the ovarian dysfunction. Immunization of female dogs with Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant dog ZP glycoprotein-3 (ZP3) either coupled to diphtheria toxoid or expressed as fusion protein with 'promiscuous' T non-B-cell epitope of tetanus toxoid also led to inhibition of fertility. To improve the contraceptive efficacy of ZP-based contraceptive vaccine, various groups are working on improving the immunogen, use of DNA vaccine as prime-boost strategy, and delivering the zona proteins/peptides presented on either virus-like particles or entrapped in microsphere. Host-specific live vectors such as ectromelia virus and cytomegalovirus have also been used to deliver mouse ZP3 in mice. Various studies show the enormous potential of the ZP-based vaccine for the management of wildlife population, where permanent sterilization may be desirable., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

The dinuclear title complex, [Cu(2)(C(46)H(38)N(4)O(2))Cl(2)]·0.5C(2)H(5)OH·2H(2)O, is located on crystallographic inversion centres with two half-mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. The two Cu(II) atoms are coordinated by a hexa-dentate dianionic ligand formed in situ from the condensation of two tridentate ligands by four imine N atoms and two bridging phenolate O atoms along with two Cl atoms at axial positions. The coordination geometry around the metal atoms is distorted square-pyramidal (τ = 0.185 and 0.199). The non-bonding Cu⋯Cu distances are 2.9556 (12) and 2.9506 (12) Å in the two dimers. The packing is stabilized through solvent-mediated inter-molecular O-H⋯O and O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. The diamine chain of one of the dimers is disordered over two positions in a 0.680 (5):0.320 (5) ratio.