Isolation and Characterization of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Rhizosphere of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dioscorea alata</Emphasis> Stimulating Growth and Diosgenin Production

The effect of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Bacillus subtilis KF279045, identified on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing was investigated on plant growth and diosgenin content in Dioscorea alata in pots containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) supplemented soil. The PSB were isolated from the rhizosphere of D. alata plants and tested for P-solubilization ability and indole acetic acid production. High performance thin layer chromatography method was used for quantitative determination of diosgenin in different samples of D. alata. In glasshouse study, treatment of PSB resulted in increased plant growth and diosgenin content. The stimulatory effect was observed with PSB + TCP treatment in plant growth parameters and diosgenin content was compared to the uninoculated plants. This is the first study documenting the stimulatory effect of PSB on diosgenin content and it suggests the establishment of synergistic interactions between B. subtilis and D. alata.     

Antifeedant and Insecticidal Activity of Plant Extracts Against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera litura</Emphasis> (Fab.) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lipaphis erysimi</Emphasis>

The solvent extracts of four plants, viz. Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thw. (PL), Paederia foetida (PF), Limonia acidissima L. (LA) and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. (BA), from different families, were screened for their antifeedant, insecticidal and insect growth regulatory potential against important crop pests. The solvent extracts, namely methanol, petroleum ether, chloroform and water, of all four plants were tested for their bio-activity against lepidopteran insect pest, Spodoptera litura; and sucking insect pest, L. erysimi (mustard aphid). It was observed that Polyalthia longifolia (methanol extract) exhibited maximum potency with least concentration of 0.1 % (~1080 ppm) to give 50 % antifeedancy, followed by P. longifolia (petroleum ether) with a value of 0.2 % (~2360 ppm) and Limonia acidissima (methanol) and L. acidissima (petroleum ether). The least active compound for antifeedancy was found in the aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptica. Out of 16 plant extracts bio-assayed, methanol showed potential antifeedancy when compared with chloroform, water and petroleum ether extracts. But chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of all four plants gave very promising insecticidal activity against aphids, in comparison to other two extracts. L. acidissima (water), B. aegyptica (methanol), P. longifolia (methanol) and P. foetida (water) did not give any insecticidal activity with 50 % lethal concentration (LC₅₀) up to 0.1 % as maximum concentration.     

Monitoring of Cardiac Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Pressure-Overload Left Ventricular Hypertrophy with [<Superscript>18</Superscript>F]FDG MicroPET

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the left ventricular function parameters, scar load, and hypertrophy in a mouse model of pressure-overload left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy over the course of 8 weeks using 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose ([¹⁸F]FDG) micro-positron emission tomography (microPET) imaging.

Procedures

LV hypertrophy was induced in C57BL/6 mice by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Myocardial hypertrophy developed after 2–4 weeks. ECG-gated microPET scans with [¹⁸F]FDG were performed 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. The extent of fibrosis was measured by histopathologic analysis. LV function parameters and scar load were calculated using QGS®/QPS®. LV metabolic volume (LVMV) and percentage injected dose per gram were estimated by threshold-based analysis.

Results

The fibrotic tissue volume increased significantly from 4 to 8 weeks after TAC (?1.67 vs. 3.91  mm³; P = 0.044). There was a significant increase of the EDV (4 weeks: 54 ± 15 μl, 8 weeks: 79 ± 32 μl, P < 0.01) and LVMV (4 weeks: 222 ± 24 μl, 8 weeks: 276 ± 52 μl, P < 0.01) as well as a significant decrease of the LVEF (4 weeks: 56 ± 17 %, 8 weeks: 44 ± 20 %, P < 0.01). The increase of LVMV had a high predictive value regarding the amount of ex vivo measured fibrotic tissue (R = 0.905, P < 0.001). The myocardial metabolic defects increased within 4 weeks (P = 0.055) but only moderately correlated with the fibrosis volume (R = 0.502, P = 0.021). The increase in end-diastolic volume showed a positive correlation with the fibrosis at 8 weeks (R = 0.763, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

[¹⁸F]FDG-PET is applicable for serial in vivo monitoring of the TAC mouse model. Myocardial hypertrophy, the dilation of the left ventricle, and the decrease in LVEF could be reliably quantified over time, as well as the developing localized scar. The increase in volume over time is predictive of a high fibrosis load.

     

Genetic Diversity Assessment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolus vulgaris</Emphasis> L. in Two Himalayan Districts of India

Twenty-eight accessions of Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), an economically important legume, were collected from Rajouri–Poonch region of J&K State of India to study the extent and distribution of genetic diversity using inter simple sequence repeat markers. Qualitative morphological trait analysis indicated significant amount of variability at seed and seedling stage. Results showed that Nei’s genetic diversity (H) and Shannon’s information indices (I) were highest for Buddhal group of accessions (H = 0.2228; I = 0.3200), and lowest for Loran Mandi group of accessions (H = 0.0272; I = 0.0377). Shannon index based analysis calculated the total species diversity (H _sp ) 0.1240 and average diversity within groups of accessions (intra-site) (H _pop ) 0.2180. The proportion of diversity among groups of accessions (inter-site) (G _ST ) was 0.4311. Within group diversity was 0.5689, i.e. 56.89 % of the total diversity. Analysis of molecular variance showed similar results with 75 % variation existing within groups. Overall, Loran Mandi group of accessions had the greatest distance as revealed by F _ST distances and Nei’s unbiased measure of genetic distance. The germplasm studies reveal moderate to high level of genetic diversity and the potential use of P. vulgaris accessions for future crop improvement programmes.     

Effect of Host Plants on Insecticide Susceptibility and Detoxification Enzymes Activity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera litura</Emphasis> Fabricius (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

Susceptibility to two insecticides (profenophos and cypermethrin) as influenced by host plants viz., cauliflower, soybean and castor in comparison to artificial diet and changes in detoxification enzymes in tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura were studied under laboratory. In comparison to larvae reared on artificial diet, those reared on cauliflower were tolerant to profenophos and cypermethrin by, 1.41 and 6.6 respectively, while the larvae reared on soybean showed 1.32 and 2.00-fold more tolerance to these insecticides. However, the larvae reared on castor were found to be more susceptible to profenophos than those reared on artificial diet. The host plants had a significant influence on levels of detoxification enzymes in S. litura. Elevated levels of carboxylesterase (20.72-fold) and cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase (3.10-fold) were observed in larvae reared on cauliflower as compared to diet fed larvae. Activity of glutathione S-transferase (1.56-fold) was higher in larvae reared on soybean. Enhanced activity of detoxification enzymes in larvae of S. litura reared on different host plants could be correlated with insecticide susceptibility. Positive and significant (p < 0.05) correlation was observed between the detoxification enzyme (CarE and GST) activity in different host fed larvae and LD₅₀ of profenophos (r = 0.77; r = 0.93). Activity of cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase also had positive correlation with LD₅₀ of cypermethin (r = 0.98). The present studies have shown that differential susceptibility of S. litura population could be correlated with the diet/host plants and levels of detoxifications enzymes like carboxylesterases, glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase.     

Predictive Value of Asphericity in Pretherapeutic [<Superscript>111</Superscript>In]DTPA-Octreotide SPECT/CT for Response to Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy with [<Superscript>177</Superscript>Lu]DOTATATE

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of the spatial heterogeneity of somatostatin receptor (SSR) volume, quantified as asphericity (ASP), and to predict response to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in patients with metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN).

Procedures

From June 2011 to May 2013, patients suffering from GEP-NEN who underwent pretherapeutic [¹¹¹In-DTPA⁰]octreotide scintigraphy (Octreoscan®) prior to [¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTA⁰-Tyr³]octreotate ([¹⁷⁷Lu]DOTATATE)-PRRT were enrolled in this retrospective evaluation. SSR expression in 20 NEN patients was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed using the Krenning score, the metastasis to liver uptake ratio (M/L ratio), and ASP at baseline. Response to PRRT was evaluated based on lesions, which were classified as responding lesions (RL) and non-responding lesions (NRL) after 4- and 12-month follow-ups. The values of the Krenning score, M/L ratio, and ASP for response prediction were compared by using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Seventy-seven metastases (liver, n = 40; lymph node, n = 24; bone, n = 11; pancreas, n = 2) showed SSR expression. A higher ASP level was significantly associated with poorer response at both time points. ROC analyses revealed the highest area under the curve (AUC) for discrimination between RL and NRL for ASP after 4 months (AUC 0.97; p = 0.019) and after 12 months (AUC 0.96; p < 0.001), followed by the Krenning score (AUC 0.74; p = 0.082 and AUC 0.85; p < 0.001, respectively) and M/L ratio (AUC 0.77; p = 0.107 and AUC 0.82; p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value for ASP was 5.12 % (sensitivity, 90 %; specificity, 93 %).

Conclusion

Asphericity of SSR-expressing lesions in pretherapeutic single-photon emission computed tomography with integrated computed tomography (SPECT/CT) is a promising parameter for predicting response to PRRT in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

     

Bioefficacy of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Beauveria bassiana</Emphasis> (Balsamo) Vuillemin and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lecanicillium lecanii</Emphasis> Zimmerman against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thrips tabaci</Emphasis> Lindeman

Bioefficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Lecanicillium lecanii Zimmerman in comparison with their commercial formulations along with standard check insecticide, Fenvalerate 20 EC were evaluated against onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman under greenhouse as well as field conditions. The results revealed that the standard check fenvalerate 20 EC @ 0.0075 % showed significantly the highest cumulative corrected mortality of 97.84 % followed by commercial formulation of B. bassiana, Myco-Jaal @ 1 × 10⁸ spores/mL which showed 80.90 % mortality. The laboratory cultured B. bassiana showed percent mortalities of 74.11, 71.69 and 78.48 % for the concentrations of 1.23 × 10⁷, 1.23 × 10⁶ and 1.23 × 10⁸ spores/mL, respectively. However, these concentrations were statistically at par on all the days of observation. Thrips mortality gradually increased with the increase in concentrations of fungal preparations and days of observations. Similar trend was also observed in L. lecanii experiment. Under field conditions, Fenvalerate 20 EC @ 0.0075 % recorded highest mortality of T. tabaci (90.10 %) followed by commercial formulation of V. lecanii (Phule Bugicide @ 2 × 108 cfu/g) with 74.90 % mortality. All the concentrations of fungal concentrations gave low mortality ranging from 9.40 to 10.10 % and 7.10 to 7.40 % at 2 days after treatment (DAT) of B. bassiana and L. lecanii, respectively. The standard check of Fenvalerate 20 EC @ 0.0075 % was highly toxic and showed significantly maximum percent reduction (90.50 %) of T. tabaci population in both the experiments. The present study clearly shows that these entomopathogens may be integrated with existing integrated pest management (IPM) practices for management of T. tabaci.     

Frequency of Antimicrobial-Resistant Genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmonella enteritidis</Emphasis> Isolated from Traditional and Industrial Iranian White Cheeses

Iranian white cheese is one of the most important kinds of cheese produced in large scale with high consumption in the country. This dairy product transmits bacterial pathogens like Salmonella spp. Antibiotic resistant Salmonella are widespread in the world. This study was performed to evaluate the frequency of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella enteritidis and related genes isolated from traditional and industrial Iranian white cheeses. A total of 200 traditional and industrial Iranian white cheeses were collected within Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari province (southwest Iran). After culturing on specific media using standard bacterial tests the Salmonella sp. was isolated. For specific detection of S. enteritidis from other Salmonella strains sefA gene was studied. Finally, the antibiotic susceptibility patterns were investigated. Results showed that 17 % of cheese samples were contaminated by Salmonella and 5.5 % of specimens by S. enteritidis. The frequencies of resistance genes including tetA, tetB, tetC, cat3, and floR in isolated S. enteritidis were 36.4, 54.5, 81.8, 54.5, and 36.4 %, respectively. All isolated S. enteritidis were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime (100 %). In addition, most of them were resistance to chloramphenicol (64 %) and susceptible to gentamicin (98 %). The Salmonella contamination was more frequent in traditional Iranian white cheeses (11.5 %) as compared to industrial (5.5 %) samples (p < 0.05). As compared to industrial samples, high level of resistant genes in Salmonella enteritidis isolated from traditional Iranian white cheeses were observed (p < 0.05). Therefore, traditional Iranian white cheeses are important source of Salmonella contamination in the country hence examination of dairy products for the presence of this pathogen is important.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis> DCE-MRI for the Discrimination Between Glioblastoma and Radiation Necrosis in Rats

Purpose

In this study, the potential of semiquantitative and quantitative analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was investigated to differentiate glioblastoma (GB) from radiation necrosis (RN) in rats.

Procedures

F98 GB growth was seen on MRI 8–23 days post-inoculation (n = 15). RN lesions developed 6–8 months post-irradiation (n = 10). DCE-MRI was acquired using a fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence. Regions of interest (ROIs) encompassed peripheral contrast enhancement in GB (n = 15) and RN (n = 10) as well as central necrosis within these lesions (GB (n = 4), RN (n = 3)). Dynamic contrast-enhanced time series, obtained from the DCE-MRI data, were fitted to determine four function variables (amplitude A, offset from zero C, wash-in rate k, and wash-out rate D) as well as maximal intensity (Imax_F) and time to peak (TTP_F). Secondly, maps of semiquantitative and quantitative parameters (extended Tofts model) were created using Olea Sphere (_O). Semiquantitative DCE-MRI parameters included wash-in_O, wash-out_O, area under the curve (AUC_O), maximal intensity (Imax_O), and time to peak (TTP_O). Quantitative parameters included the rate constant plasma to extravascular-extracellular space (EES) (K _trans), the rate constant EES to plasma (K _ep), plasma volume (V _p), and EES volume (V _e). All (semi)quantitative parameters were compared between GB and RN using the Mann-Whitney U test. ROC analysis was performed.

Results

Wash-in rate (k) and wash-out rate (D) were significantly higher in GB compared to RN using curve fitting (p = 0.016 and p = 0.014). TTP_F and TTP_O were significantly lower in GB compared to RN (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). The highest sensitivity (87 %) and specificity (80 %) were obtained for TTP_F by applying a threshold of 581 s. K _trans, K _ep, and V _e were not significantly different between GB and RN. A trend towards higher V _p values was found in GB compared to RN, indicating angiogenesis in GB (p = 0.075).

Conclusions

Based on our results, in a rat model of GB and RN, wash-in rate, wash-out rate, and the time to peak extracted from DCE-MRI time series data may be useful to discriminate GB from RN.

     

Evaluation of [<Superscript>18</Superscript>F]CP18 as a Substrate-Based Apoptosis Imaging Agent for the Assessment of Early Treatment Response in Oncology

Purpose

The substrate-based positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [¹⁸F]CP18 is capable of detecting the activity of caspase-3/7, two key executioner proteases in the apoptosis pathway, through selective cleavage of the ligand by the activated proteases and subsequent accumulation in apoptotic cells. Using an in vitro and in vivo model of colorectal cancer (CRC), we investigated whether [¹⁸F]CP18 tracer accumulation provides a measure for apoptosis and reliably reflects early treatment response to chemotherapeutics.

Procedures

[¹⁸F]CP18 cell uptake was assessed in treated Colo205 cells (saline, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), irinotecan or their combination) and correlated with caspase-3/7 activity. [¹⁸F]CP18 imaging was performed in Colo205 xenografts, starting with a baseline μPET/micro X-ray computed tomography (?μCT) scan, followed by a 3-day treatment with saline (n = 5), 5-FU (low sensitivity, n = 4), irinotecan (high sensitivity, n = 5), or a combination of both (n = 7). The study was concluded with a second [¹⁸F]CP18 scan, 24 h after final treatment administration, followed by tumor removal for gamma counting (%ID/g) and for cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry (apoptotic index/necrosis). Tumors were delineated on μCT images and, using the obtained volumes of interest, average percentage injected dose per cubic centimeter (%ID/cm³) was calculated from every μPET image.

Results

In vitro, [¹⁸F]CP18 cell uptake was positively correlated with caspase-3/7 activity (r = 0.59, p = 0.003). A drug-dependent increase in [¹⁸F]CP18 tumor uptake compared to baseline was observed in animals treated with 5-FU (+14 ± 25 %), irinotecan (+56 ± 54 %), and their combination (+158 ± 69 %, p = 0.002). %ID/cm³ showed a positive relationship with both %ID/g (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001) and the apoptotic index (r = 0.60, p = 0.004), but not with tumor necrosis (r = 0.22, p = 0.36).

Conclusion

Both our in vitro and in vivo findings have shown the ability of [¹⁸F]CP18-PET to visualize therapy-induced cancer cell apoptosis and possibly serve as a biomarker for early therapy response.

     

Characterization and Mosquitocidal Potential of the Soil Bacteria <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus</Emphasis> Isolated from Burdwan,West Bengal,India

Aedes aegypti, Anopheles subpictus and Culex quinquefasciatus are the principal vector mosquitoes globally, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. It is very essential to control the mosquito population to prevent mosquito-borne disease transmission. The major goal of the present study was to isolate an alternative for the microbial mosquito control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus sphaericus. The spore forming soil bacteria isolated from Burdwan, West Bengal, India were assessed for mosquitocidal potential. One potent mosquitocidal isolate was characterized by phenotypic, biochemical and 16S rDNA sequence (GU244410) analysis. The isolate was identified as Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus. Five ml bacterial suspension of A. aneurinilyticus (22 × 10⁹ colony forming unit/milliliter)/100 ml water resulted in 34, 59.6 and 100 % mortality of Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus and An. subpictus larvae respectively within 72 h, whereas, 10 ml suspension having same concentration showed 95 and 97 % death of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae respectively within the same time period.     

Development of Microbial Consortia for Growth Attributes and Protein Content in Micropropagated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacopa monnieri</Emphasis> (L.)

The study was conducted for evaluation of the effect of microbial consortia for growth attributes and protein content of micropropagated plants of Bacopa monnieri. Five microbial strains e.g., Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB04, Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB06, Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03, Bacillus sp. BHUPSB13 and Paenibacillus sp. BHUPSB16 were isolated and characterised on the basis of biochemical and molecular characters. Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03 was screened as an effective and significant for phosphate solubilisation, production of indole-3-acetic acid, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and siderophores. Hydrogen cyanide was produced by other strains namely Bacillus sp. BHUPSB13, Paenibacillus sp. BHUPSB16 and Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB04. Higher indole-3-acetic acid production was recorded with Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03 followed by Bacillus sp. BHUPSB13, Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB04 and Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB06 as compared to A. Brasilense and T. harzianum. Tetra inoculation of microbial consortia Azospirillum + Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB06 + Trichoderma + Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03 showed maximum growth attributes like shoot length, number of branching, dry weight and protein content in micropropagated plants of B. monnieri followed by tri-inoculation of A. brasilense + Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB06 with Burkholderia sp. BHUPSB03/Pseudomonas sp. BHUPSB04/Paenibacillus sp. BHUPSB16/Bacillus sp. BHUPSB13 as compared to control and other treatments. Therefore, tetra and tri inoculations may be used as most efficient microbial consortia for enhancing the growth attributes and protein content in shoots of B. monnieri.     

Efficacy of Food Preservatives and Volatile Compounds in the Control of Ochratoxin A Production by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium</Emphasis> Species

In the present investigation different volatile compounds and food preservatives were tested for their efficiency in the control of growth and ochratoxin A (OTA) production by Penicillium verrucosum and Penicillium nordicum. Volatiles such as phenols and formic acid which have no residual effect were proved to be effective in checking the growth and OTA production by both the species of Penicillium under study. Vapours of phenols and formic acid significantly inhibited OTA produced by P. verrucosum, while aniline and toluene inhibited the OTA production by P. nordicum to a significant level. A positive correlation coefficient was observed between the growth and toxin production by P. verrucosum (0.55) and P. nordicum (0.66) against different volatile compounds tried. Among food preservatives, sodium acetate and sodium metabisulphate were responsible for total inhibition of OTA production by P. verrucosum at 150 µg/ml concentration. P. nordicum proved to be comparatively more resistant to these substances than P. verrucosum. In conclusion of present investigation, phenol, formic acid, amyl alcohol, propionic acid, sodium acetate and sodium metabisulphate were found to be effective in checking the growth and OTA production by both the species of Penicillium under investigation, and can be exploited in protecting the poultry feed from unwanted mould growth and mycotoxin production.     

Evaluation of the impact of computed high <Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>-value diffusion-weighted imaging on prostate cancer detection

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare high b-value (b = 2000 s/mm²) acquired diffusion-weighted imaging (aDWI) with computed DWI (cDWI) obtained using four diffusion models—mono-exponential (ME), intra-voxel incoherent motion (IVIM), stretched exponential (SE), and diffusional kurtosis (DK)—with respect to lesion visibility, conspicuity, contrast, and ability to predict significant prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

Ninety four patients underwent 3 T MRI including acquisition of b = 2000 s/mm² aDWI and low b-value DWI. High b = 2000 s/mm² cDWI was obtained using ME, IVIM, SE, and DK models. All images were scored on quality independently by three radiologists. Lesions were identified on all images and graded for lesion conspicuity. For a subset of lesions for which pathological truth was established, lesion-to-background contrast ratios (LBCRs) were computed and binomial generalized linear mixed model analysis was conducted to compare clinically significant PCa predictive capabilities of all DWI.

Results

For all readers and all models, cDWI demonstrated higher ratings for image quality and lesion conspicuity than aDWI except DK (p < 0.001). The LBCRs of ME, IVIM, and SE were significantly higher than LBCR of aDWI (p < 0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic curves obtained from binomial generalized linear mixed model analysis demonstrated higher Area Under the Curves for ME, SE, IVIM, and aDWI compared to DK or PSAD alone in predicting significant PCa.

Conclusion

High b-value cDWI using ME, IVIM, and SE diffusion models provide better image quality, lesion conspicuity, and increased LBCR than high b-value aDWI. Using cDWI can potentially provide comparable sensitivity and specificity for detecting significant PCa as high b-value aDWI without increased scan times and image degradation artifacts.

     

Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage Preventive Activity of Selected <Emphasis Type="Italic">Valeriana</Emphasis> Species from West Himalaya

The polyphenols, antioxidant activity and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage preventive efficiency of 3 species Valeriana jatamansi, V. hardwickii and V. himalayana were investigated. V. himalayana exhibited significantly higher total phenolics and V. jatamansi showed significantly higher flavonoids and total tannins. Valerenic acid was significantly higher in V. himalayana (1.6 %) in root portion as compared to that of V. jatamansi (0.75 %). Significantly higher antioxidant activity of 2,2′-azinobis benzyl ethyl thiazole 6-sulphonic acid was observed as 4.65 mM AAE/100g in aerial portion and 5.73 mM AAE/100g in root portion; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl was 8.87 mM AAE/100g in aerial portion and 17.53 mM AAE/100g in root portion; and ferric reducing antioxidant power was 4.48 mM AAE/100g in aerial portion and 7.28 mM AAE/100g in root portion was higher in V. himalayana as compared to that of V. jatamansi and V. hardwickii. DNA damage preventive efficiency revealed variation in these species. V. himalayana exhibited better ability to prevent Fenton reagent induced DNA damage (97.97 %) as compared to the other two species at 100 μg/μl of aqueous extract. Based on the results it is recommended that as V. himalayana exhibited higher phytochemicals, antioxidant property and DNA damage preventive efficiency, therefore, more systematic investigation and conservation of this species is suggested to meet the increasing industrial demand. As the species is threatened in its natural habitat the other two species i.e., V. hardwickii and V. jatamansi can be promoted as an alternative source for phenolics and antioxidants.     

Histogram Analysis of T1-Weighted,T2-Weighted,and Postcontrast T1-Weighted Images in Primary CNS Lymphoma: Correlations with Histopathological Findings—a Preliminary Study

Purpose

Previously, some reports mentioned that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict histopathological features in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). The reported data analyzed diffusion-weighted imaging findings. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between histopathological findings, such as tumor cellularity, nucleic areas and proliferation index Ki-67, and signal intensity on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images in PCNSL.

Procedures

For this study, 18 patients with PCNSL were retrospectively investigated by histogram analysis on precontrast and postcontrast T1-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. For every patient, histopathology parameters, nucleic count, total nucleic area, and average nucleic area, as well as Ki-67 index, were estimated.

Results

Correlation analysis identified several statistically significant associations. Skewness derived from precontrast T1-weighted images correlated with Ki-67 index (p = ? 0.55, P = 0.028). Furthermore, entropy derived from precontrast T1-weighted images correlated with average nucleic area (p = 0.53, P = 0.04). Several parameters from postcontrast T1-weighted images correlated with nucleic count: maximum signal intensity (p = 0.59, P = 0.017), P75 (p = 0.56, P = 0.02), and P90 (p = 0.52, P = 0.04) as well as SD (p = 0.58, P = 0.02). Maximum signal intensity derived from FLAIR sequence correlated with nucleic count (p = 0.50, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Histogram-derived parameters of conventional MRI sequences can reflect different histopathological features in PSNCL.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">nab</Emphasis>-Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine Versus Gemcitabine in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Canadian Subgroup Analysis of the Phase 3 MPACT Trial

Introduction

The phase III MPACT trial in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) demonstrated superior efficacy of nab-paclitaxel (nab-P) plus gemcitabine (Gem) compared with Gem monotherapy, including the primary endpoint of overall survival (OS; median 8.7 vs. 6.6 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.72; P < 0.001). A significant treatment difference favoring nab-P + Gem over Gem was observed for OS in patients treated in North America. The majority of patients were from the US (88%) with only 12% from Canada. Healthcare systems and treatment patterns are different between the 2 countries, and there is limited published information on outcomes of Canadian patients treated with first-line nab-P + Gem. This analysis evaluated efficacy and safety outcomes in Canadian patients in the MPACT trial.

Methods

Treatment-naive patients with MPC (N = 861) received either nab-P 125 mg/m² + Gem 1000 mg/m² on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks or Gem 1000 mg/m² weekly for the first 7 of 8 weeks (cycle 1) and then on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks (cycle ≥2).

Results

The MPACT trial enrolled 63 patients in Canada. Baseline characteristics were well balanced and comparable with those of the intent-to-treat population. Both OS (median 11.9 vs. 7.1 months; HR 0.76; P = 0.373) and progression-free survival (median 7.2 vs. 5.2 months; HR 0.65; P = 0.224) were numerically longer and overall response rate (27% vs. 17%; P = 0.312) was numerically higher with nab-P + Gem vs. Gem. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events with nab-P + Gem vs. Gem were neutropenia (22% vs. 10%), fatigue (34% vs. 33%), and neuropathy (25% vs. 0%).

Conclusion

This subanalysis confirmed that nab-P + Gem is an efficacious treatment option and has a manageable safety profile in patients with MPC treated in Canada.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00844649.

Funding

Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ, USA.

     

Assessment of aortic stiffness among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis by magnetic resonance imaging

To evaluate aortic stiffness by MRI in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in comparison to controls. We measured aortic strain, distensibility and pulse wave velocity (PWV) by MRI in 30 SLE patients, 31 RA patients and 53 matched controls. Mean PWV in SLE and RA patients were higher in comparison to controls (9.2 ± 4.4 vs. 7.6 ± 3.0 m/s, p = 0.04) and (6.2 ± 2.3 vs. 5.4 ± 1.7, p = 0.04) respectively. Aortic distensibility among RA patients was significantly lower in comparison to controls (4.4 ± 4.6 vs. 5.8 ± 4.9 kPa^?1 × 10^?3, p = 0.04). A significant correlation was found between PWV and age (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), Framingham risk score (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), waist to hip ratio (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.37, p = 0.01), diabetes (r = 0.32, p = 0.001) and dyslipidemia (r = 0.32, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis for the prediction of PWV, variables which were found significant included: RA (p = 0.01), age (p < 0.001) and hypertension (p = 0.01) for patients with RA and SLE (p = 0.02), waist to hip ratio (p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (p < 0.001) for patients with SLE. Arterial stiffness, characterized by metrics of aortic distensibility and pulse wave velocity derived from MRI, is increased in SLE and RA female patients.     

Larvicidal Activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colocasia esculenta,Eclipta prostrata</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Wrightia tinctoria</Emphasis> Leaf Extract Against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Culex quinquefasciatus</Emphasis>

Control of mosquitoes by using chemical insecticides creates several problems including development of resistance. This leads to find out alternative methods via plant products. Viewing this in mind, methanolic extracts of Colocasia esculenta, Eclipta prostrata and Wrightia tinctoria leaves were tested against II, III, IV instars and pupa of filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus. The LC₅₀ value obtained for IV instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus is 165.697 ppm for C. esculenta while it is 114.257 ppm for E. prostrata and 210.298 ppm for W. tinctoria. Of the three plants studied E. prostrata is most effective in controlling mosquito larvae than the others.     

Suppression of Leaf Blight of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ocimum sanctum</Emphasis> L. Using Lactic Acid Bacteria as Novel Bio-control Agent

Fungal pathogens causing leaf blight of Ocimum sanctum L. have been isolated from the lateritic belt of Birbhum district of West Bengal, India and were identified as species of Alternaria. The pathogen not only destroys the mesophyll tissues of the leaves but also decreases the antibacterial potential and antioxidant activity of Ocimum plants. Two strains of Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordniae, viz., LABW1, LABW3 and a strain of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LABW4, isolated from high quality fermented milk product (homemade buttermilk), were able to produce significant zones of inhibition against the pathogen on dual culture overlay plates. A maximum of 4.5 ± 0.2 cm zone of inhibition was produced by LABW4. Cell free supernatant of LABW4 (50%) was also effective to inhibit more than 89% of conidial germination of Alternaria sp. VBOS17. Antifungal action of LABW4 was responsible for prominent mycelial deformations and breakages of pathogen as evident from scanning electron microscopic studies. During in vivo greenhouse experiment only 14.57 ± 1.99% leaf blight was noticed after 60 days of bacterial application even upon treatment with high concentration of Alternaria conidia (1.6 × 10⁴ conidia/ml), as compared to pathogen treated set (87.95 ± 2.14%). Efficacy of LABW4 to control the disease was also noticed during field experiment. In addition, LABW4 also increased the antibacterial and antioxidant potentials of the plant. L. lactis subsp. lactis LABW4 can be used as a prospective agent to control leaf blight disease of Ocimum plant and to increase its medicinal properties.