Grapevine Plants Management Using Natural Extracts and Phytosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Starting from the well-known antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles, the goal of this study is to evaluate the influence of two “green” recipes, namely an alcoholic extract of Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott and a dispersion of silver nanoparticles phytosynthesized using the extract on grapevine pathogens. The influence of some grapevine parameters (pith/wood rapport, soluble sugars, starch, total sugars, total water content, length of young shoots, number of grapes) in field experiments was also studied. The study was conducted on four clones (Feteasca alba 97 St., Feteasca neagra 6 St., Feteasca regala 72 St., and Cabernet Sauvignon 131 St.) located in vegetation pots inside a greenhouse. For the phytosynthesis of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) we used a scaled-up technology, allowing us to obtain large quantities of nanoparticles-containing solution. The AgNPs analysis by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the synthesis of spherical and quasi-spherical nanoparticles of 17 nm average diameter and 6.72 nm crystallite size. The field experiments registered different responses of the four clones to the treatment, using both the natural extracts and phytosynthesized nanoparticles solution. Both recipes exhibited a protective effect against the Uncinula necator pathogen. For the treatment using phytosynthesized nanoparticles, significant increases in the pith/wood ratio for white wine clones (Feteasca alba 97 St. and Feteasca regala 72 St.) were observed. The biochemical analyses revealed other significant increases of soluble sugars (red wine clones—Feteasca neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon/second year), starch (Feteasca alba and Cabernet Sauvignon in 2021 for both clones), total sugars (Feteasca alba and Feteasca neagra in 2021 for both clones), and of total water content (Feteasca alba and Feteasca neagra in 2021 for both clones), respectively. The applied treatments also led to an increase of young shoots length and grape numbers for all clones as compared to the control (chemical pesticide), which would suggest a potential biostimulant effect of the recipes.     

Microsatellite instability markers for identifying early-onset colorectal cancers caused by germ-line mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes.

PURPOSE: Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing of colorectal cancer tumors is used as a screening tool to identify patients most likely to be mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutation carriers. We wanted to examine which microsatellite markers currently used to detect MSI best predict early-onset colorectal cancer caused by germ-line mutations in MMR genes. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Invasive primary tumors from a population-based sample of 107 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 45 years and tested for germ-line mutations in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 and MMR protein expression were screened for MSI using the National Cancer Institute panel and an expanded 10-microsatellite marker panel. RESULTS: The National Cancer Institute five-marker panel system scored 31 (29%) as (NCI)MSI-High, 13 (12%) as (NCI)MSI-Low, and 63 (59%) as (NCI)MS-Stable. The 10-marker panel classified 18 (17%) as (10)MSI-High, 17 (16%) as (10)MSI-Low, and 72 (67%) as (10)MS-Stable. Of the 26 cancers that lacked the expression of at least one MMR gene, 24 (92%) were positive for some level of MSI (using either microsatellite panel). The mononucleotide repeats Bat26, Bat40, and Myb were unstable in all (10)MSI-High cancers and all MLH1 and MSH2 mutation carriers (100% sensitive). Bat40 and Bat25 were unstable in all tumors of MSH6 mutation carriers (100% sensitive). Bat40 was unstable in all MMR gene mutation carriers (100% sensitive). By incorporating seven mononucleotide repeats markers into the 10-marker panel, we were able to distinguish the carriers of MSH6 mutations (all scored (10)MSI-Low) from the MLH1 and MSH2 mutation carriers (all scored (10)MSI-High). CONCLUSIONS: In early-onset colorectal cancer, a microsatellite panel containing a high proportion of mononuclear repeats can distinguish between tumors caused by MLH1 and MSH2 mutations from those caused by MSH6 mutations.     

Colorectal cancer: epidemiology and health services research

The causes of colorectal carcinoma are multifactorial. Numerous lines of epidemiologic evidence support the role of dietary factors, with strong associations revealed for folate and calcium, more equivocal evidence exists for dietary antioxidants. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity, alcohol in-take, and tobacco use are also positively correlated with the risk of colorectal carcinoma. Health services research examines epidemiologic issues,clinical evidence regarding prevention and treatment, patient preferences,and other factors with the goal of improving the quality of care. Observations based on epidemiologic studies and health services research will in the future provide the basis for reducing personal and social burdens caused by colorectal carcinoma.     

The analysis and source of 1-diphenylmethyl-4-nitrosopiperazine in 1-diphenylmethyl-4-[(6-methyl-2-pyridyl) methyleneamino]piperazine: a case history

Analytical methods were developed to determine whether there was less than one ppm of II in IV. Purified IV contained a compound with the same GC retention time as authentic II on OV-17 and Silar 10C columns, using a FID or a nitrogen/phosphorus detector. The GC-coupled mass spectra contained major peaks at m/e 251 and 167 and the GC-coupled methane CI spectra gave the quasi-molecular ion, m/e 282. However, the CI selected ion monitor indicated three compounds at m/e 282. The nitrosamine II was separated from IV by HPLC on muBondapak C18. The GC-coupled mass spectra of the HPLC nitrosamine fraction had peaks at m/e 251 and 167 and other peaks for a compound of greater MW than II, although the GC retention times were the same. Evidence for II and a decrease in the detection limit to one ppm was obtained with a TEA interfaced with a HPLC. To determine if II was formed from IV, it was exposed to ozone at -78 degrees C in methylene chloride. The DSC, IR and NMR of the product were coincident with those of the standard of II. In other experiments, IV in methylene chloride was exposed to light and dry air in the presence and absence of methylene blue. The PMR and 13C NMR of the product formed in the presence of methylene blue were the same as that of II. It is postulated that this nitrosamine was formed by a singlet oxygen mechanism.     

Detection of favorable oral cephalosporin-clavulanate interactions by in vitro disk approximation susceptibility testing of extended-spectrum-Beta-lactamase-producing members of the enterobacteriaceae

Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing members of the Enterobacteriaceae are often resistant to multiple drug classes, making therapy of urinary infections with oral antibiotics difficult. Previously it was shown that amoxicillin-clavulanate can provide clavulanate inhibition of ESBLs and protect an oral cephalosporin present in combination when tested by broth microdilution. This study has shown that disk approximation testing could detect favorable cephalosporin-clavulanate interactions among a group of 101 previously characterized members of the Enterobacteriaceae with CTX-M, SHV, or TEM ESBLs.     

Oblique radiographs compared favorably with computed tomography images in assessing cervical foraminal area

Oblique radiographs are often ordered to evaluate the patency of cervical intervertebral foramina. Previous studies have shown that computed tomography (CT) provides accurate measurements of foraminal dimensions. Up until now, no study has directly compared the diagnostic utility of oblique radiographs and CT. We conducted a study to quantify the correlation between cervical foramina dimensions measured on oblique radiographs and on CT scans. Heights, widths, and cross-sectional areas were evaluated at every level from C2-C3 through C7-T1 using both oblique radiographs and oblique CT reconstructions. Both measurements were performed at a 50% oblique angle. Interreliability and intrareliability statistics for radiographs and CT were 0.91 and 0.99 for height, 0.90 and 0.97 for width, and 0.84 and 0.92 for area. Pearson correlation coefficients for height, width, and area were 0.439, 0.871, and 0.899, respectively. Oblique radiographs of the cervical spine provide accurate estimates of intervertebral foraminal dimensions--estimates similar to those generated from CT reconstructions. Thus, these radiographs may serve as an acceptable first-line imaging study for initial assessment of patients suspected of having nerve root compression that precludes the higher cost and radiation exposure associated with CT scans.     

Serine protease HtrA1 modulates chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity

Resistance to chemotherapy presents a serious challenge in the successful treatment of various cancers and is mainly responsible for mortality associated with disseminated cancers. Here we show that expression of HtrA1, which is frequently downregulated in ovarian cancer, influences tumor response to chemotherapy by modulating chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity. Downregulation of HtrA1 attenuated cisplatin- and paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity, while forced expression of HtrA1 enhanced cisplatin- and paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity. HtrA1 expression was upregulated by both cisplatin and paclitaxel treatment. This upregulation resulted in limited autoproteolysis and activation of HtrA1. Active HtrA1 induces cell death in a serine protease-dependent manner. The potential role of HtrA1 as a predictive factor of clinical response to chemotherapy was assessed in both ovarian and gastric cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based regimens. Patients with ovarian or gastric tumors expressing higher levels of HtrA1 showed a higher response rate compared with those with lower levels of HtrA1 expression. These findings uncover what we believe to be a novel pathway by which serine protease HtrA1 mediates paclitaxel- and cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and suggest that loss of HtrA1 in ovarian and gastric cancers may contribute to in vivo chemoresistance.     

Inhalant abuse of computer cleaner manifested as angioedema

Inhalant abuse is the intentional inhalation of chemical vapors or volatile substance to achieve a euphoric effect. Although no statistical data are reported yet, inhalant abuse is potentially life-threatening and has resulted in a wide range of toxic effects such as central nervous system depression, seizures, aspiration, cardiac arrhythmia, asphyxiation, hypoxia, metabolic acidosis, and sudden death among others. We are reporting a 25-year-old white man who was brought to the emergency department after inhaling aerosolized computer-cleaning spray composed of difluoroethane. He was found to have marked upper and lower lip facial swelling consistent with angioedema. The patient also had a prolonged QT interval, mild inspiratory stridor, but no urticaria. In this case, we believe the difluoroethane-related angioedema represents either idiopathic or bradykinin-induced angioedema.