Angiogenic Profiling of Synthesized Carbon Quantum Dots.

A simple method was employed for the synthesis of green luminescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from styrene soot. The CQDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The prepared carbon quantum dots did not show cellular toxicity and could successfully be used for labeling cells. We also evaluated the effects of carbon quantum dots on the process of angiogenesis. Results of a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay revealed the significant decrease in the density of branched vessels after their treatment with CQDs. Further application of CQDs significantly downregulated the expression levels of pro-angiogenic growth factors like VEGF and FGF. Expression of VEGFR2 and levels of hemoglobin were also significantly lower in CAMs treated with CQDs, indicating that the CQDs inhibit angiogenesis. Data presented here also show that CQDs can selectively target cancer cells and therefore hold potential in the field of cancer therapy.

Safety assessment and caloric value of partially hydrolyzed guar gum.

Guar gum and partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) are food ingredients that have been available for many years. PHGG is the partially hydrolyzed product from guar gum obtained from the Indian cluster bean (Cyanopsis tetragonolopus). The gum (CAS Registry No. 9000-30-0) is composed of galactomannan, a gel-forming polysaccharide with a molecular weight ranging from 200 to 300 kDa. The intact and partially hydrolyzed forms have multiple food applications. The intact material can be used to control the viscosity, stability, and texture of foods. PHGG is highly soluble and has little physical impact on foods. Both forms are indigestible but are excellent sources of fermentable dietary fiber. The caloric value of intact guar gum is accepted as 2.0, whereas the caloric value of PHGG has not been firmly established. It is the goal of this paper to review the chemistry, safety, in vivo effects, and caloric value of PHGG.

Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) extracts reduce oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The antioxidant properties of amla extracts and their effects on the oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetes were examined in rats. Amla in the form of either the commercial enzymatic extract SunAmla (Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan) (20 or 40 mg/kg of body weight/day) or a polyphenol-rich fraction of ethyl acetate extract (10 or 20 mg/kg of body weight/day) was given orally for 20 days to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Amla extracts showed strong free radical scavenging activity. Amla also showed strong inhibition of the production of advanced glycosylated end products. The oral administration of amla extracts to the diabetic rats slightly improved body weight gain and also significantly alleviated various oxidative stress indices of the serum of the diabetic rats. The elevated serum levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, which is a glycosylated protein that is an indicator of oxidative stress, were significantly reduced dose-dependently in the diabetic rats fed amla. Similarly, the serum level of creatinine, yet another oxidative stress parameter, was also reduced. Furthermore, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels were significantly reduced with amla, indicating a reduction in lipid peroxidation. In addition, the decreased albumin levels in the diabetic rats were significantly improved with amla. Amla also significantly improved the serum adiponectin levels. These results form the scientific basis supporting the efficacy of amla for relieving the oxidative stress and improving glucose metabolism in diabetes.

A new bis-andrographolide ether from Andrographis paniculata nees and evaluation of anti-HIV activity.

Novel bis-andrographolide ether (1) and six known compounds andrographolide, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, andrograpanin, 14-deoxyandrographolide, (+/-)-5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavanone, and 5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone have been isolated from the aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata and their structures were established by spectral data. All the isolates were tested for the anti-HIV and cytotoxic activity.

Utility of digital photographs of the hand for assessing the presence of hand osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Nodal osteoarthritis of the hand (hand OA) is a subset of OA with a strong heritable component. Multiple genetic analyses of this condition have been performed and are underway. Highest yield from any genetic study depends upon a clear clinical phenotype for case definition. Radiographs may provide the most detail about the nature of the lesion. Physical examination is an imperfect means of evaluating each patient, particularly when hundreds or thousands of patients are required for study. Our study evaluated the accuracy, relative to a radiograph, of a digital photograph of the hands for the presence of OA in a particular joint, as well as for the diagnosis of nodal hand OA. METHODS: Consecutive patients were evaluated as part of the I-NODAL study (Investigation of Nodal Osteoarthritis to Detect an Association with Loci encoding Interleukin-1 [IL-1]). Evaluation included a physical examination by a trained rheumatologist, a postero-anterior radiograph of the hands, and a digital photograph of each hand. Radiographs were read by one trained observer using the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. Photographs were taken by one individual and were analyzed by an experienced rheumatologist. Kappa statistics were determined for each modality and accuracy was assessed using radiographic readings as a gold standard. RESULTS: Intra-reader reliability for radiograph interpretation was good for the overall diagnosis of hand OA (kappa0.76 [0.45,1.07]), but varied widely for the presence or absence of K-L grades 2-4 in individual joints (median kappa0.70, range 0.49-0.87 for ACR index joints). Distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) nodes on physical examination were sensitive (median 96.27, 93.94-100), but not specific for radiographic hand OA in the corresponding joint (median 33.0, 17.24-42.86). Physical examination evidence of OA in the 1st carpo-metacarpal (CMC) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints provided only moderate sensitivity and specificity. However, the negative predictive value of the examination of individual joints was good (median negative predictive value was 82.58 for IP joints with a range 68.29-100.00), particularly in the DIP joints. Specificity of a node visualized on hand photograph was variable (median for all IP joints and 1st CMC 83.77, range 53.37-96.97), with greatest specificity for radiographic OA in the corresponding joint found in the 1st CMC and the PIP joints. Clinical hand OA was sensitive, but not specific for the radiographic diagnosis of hand OA; while, photographic OA was moderately specific, but insensitive. CONCLUSION: The visualization of a node on a digital photograph of the hand provides fair to moderate specificity for radiographic hand OA in the corresponding joint, with generally poor sensitivity. A photograph has limited value as a screening tool for the diagnosis of radiographic hand OA.

Association of erosive hand osteoarthritis with a single nucleotide polymorphism on the gene encoding interleukin-1 beta.

OBJECTIVE: Certain forms of primary osteoarthritis (OA), particularly those affecting hand joints, have a genetic component. Recent studies have shown suggestive evidence that hand and knee OA are linked with the interleukin-1 (IL-1) region on human chromosome 2q. This study was undertaken to assess the association of primary OA of the hand (hand OA) with IL-1 region markers. METHODS: Sixty-eight US Caucasoid cases and 51 US Caucasoid controls aged 60 years or older were recruited from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Hand OA was classified by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Clinical Criteria, and cases were subjected to radiographic examination for subgrouping. Genotyping was done for seven previously described single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes for IL-1alpha (encoded by IL1A), IL-1beta (IL1B), and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), as well as an IL1RN variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) marker. Six microsatellite markers on other chromosomes (null loci) were also typed. RESULTS: The IL1B 5810 G>A SNP genotypes marker were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p<0.05 in both non-erosive and erosive hand OA subgroups). Statistically significant association with the IL1B 5810 AA genotype was found in the erosive hand OA subgroup (relative risk 3.8, p=0.007). This IL1B 5810 AA genotype association was also significant between erosive and non-erosive hand OA subjects (relative risk 4.01, p=0.008). As expected, significant linkage disequilibrium was present between IL1B 5810 SNP and IL1A (-)889 SNP, other IL1B SNPs, and the nearest IL1RN SNP examined. The IL1B 5810A allele occurs most frequently on haplotypes with the SNP alleles IL1B 1423C, IL1B 1903T, IL1B 5887C, and IL1A (-)889C. Genotypes at null loci failed to show evidence suggesting population stratification that might account for spurious association. CONCLUSION: Statistical evidence shows association between erosive hand OA and a genomic region containing the IL1B 5810 SNP in a US Caucasoid population. This supports a potential role for IL-1 in the pathogenesis of a severe phenotype of hand OA.

A new triterpenoid from the fern Adiantum lunulatum and evaluation of antibacterial activity.

A new triterpenoid, 22,29xi-epoxy-30-norhopane-13beta-ol (1) was isolated together with six known compounds viz., fern-9(11)-en-6alpha-ol. fern-9(11)-ene, fern-9(11)-en-25-oic acid, fern-9(11)-en-28-ol, filicenol-B, adiantone and oxidation product of fern-9(11)-en-6alpha-ol obtained as 6-oxofern-9(11)-ene from the whole plant of Adiantum lunulatum, and their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis and antibacterial evaluation of these compounds were conducted.

Pace of leprosy elimination and support teams in Bihar state, India.

Despite the extensive implementation of multiple drug therapy (MDT) in most leprosy-endemic countries world-wide since 1982, bringing about a remarkable reduction in prevalence, there are still regions at the sub-national level where the implementation of MDT remains difficult. The state of Bihar (population 86.3 million) in India is a good example of such a region. Previously rated as one of the most highly endemic states, it still contributes about 21% of the total caseload in India and about 12% of the global caseload. For various reasons, case-finding and drug treatment have lagged behind the progress made in most other states in the country and in 1996, the Damien Foundation India Trust (DFIT) volunteered technical support to increase the pace of elimination. Sixteen out of the 39 districts in the state were allocated, with a population of 41.8 million. Support teams, including a Medical Advisor and a Non-Medical Supervisor, both with over 10 years experience of leprosy work and control programmes, were provided to assist and work alongside government staff in case detection, treatment delivery, case-holding and discharge in their respective areas of operation. New case detection by intensive survey increased by 394% and total new case detection by 226% during the year 1996-1997, with similar trends in the following year. Striking improvements were also observed in MDT coverage, treatment regularity, monitoring and discharge of patients and in the training of local staff. This collaboration between a non-government agency (DFIT) and the staff of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme in 16 out of 39 districts in the State of Bihar has clearly been extremely successful. Similar approaches in the remaining districts of Bihar, and in other parts of India, where the infrastructure is available but inadequate, may contribute significantly to achieving the elimination goal at national and sub-national levels.

Mixed-ligand chelate extraction of trivalent lanthanides with 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione and neutral oxo-donors.

Mixed-ligand chelate extraction of trivalent lanthanides such as Nd(III), Eu(III) and Lu(III) into benzene with mixtures of 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione (HBFA) and bis-2-ethylhexyl sulphoxide (B2EHSO) or triphenylphosphine oxide (TPhPO) from thiocyanate solutions was investigated. The results demonstrate that these metal ions are extracted as Ln(BFA)(3) with HBFA alone and in the presence of a neutral oxo-donor, B2EHSO or TPhPO(S), as Ln(BFA)(3).S and Ln(BFA)(3).2S. The equilibrium constants of the above species increase monotonically with decreasing ionic radii of these metals ions. The addition of a neutral donor to the metal chelate system not only enhances the extraction efficiency but also improves the selectivity among these trivalent lanthanides. Hence this mixed-ligand system may be useful for the extraction and separation of individual lanthanides and also for the separation of lanthanides as a group from other metal ions.

Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric determination of ziram (a dithiocarbamate fungicide).

A d.c. polarographic technique has been used previously for the determination of the pesticide, ziram, in aqueous samples, this paper reports differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric determination of ziram zinc in rice samples using a static mercury drop electrode. The procedure developed distinguishes inorganic zinc and ziram zinc in sodium acetate-sodium chloride media. The procedure developed is suitable for the determination of concentrations as low as 10 ppb of ziram with a precision of 2.1% for five successive determinations of 150 ppb of ziram.

Spectrophotometric determination of ziram (dithiocarbamate fungicide) by thiocyanate and rhodamine 6G method.

A sensitive spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of ziram in water, vegetables and grains. The method is based on the dissociation of dithiocarbamate complex of zinc with thiocyanate and rhodamine 6G at pH 4 to form a pink coloured complex that is stabilized by gelatin. The method is simple and Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration range of 0.05-1 ppm of ziram. The method is free from interference of similar dithiocarbamate fungicides containing Mn(2+) and Fe(3+) ions.

Human natriuretic factor in cirrhotic patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation.

We measured the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in eight adult patients with cirrhosis and ascites. The aim of this study was to determine whether significant differences in ANF concentration may be detected during the individual phases of OLT and to correlate these changes with hemodynamics. In each patient a hemodynamic assessment was achieved using a Swan-Ganz fiber optic catheter for continuous monitoring of cardiac output (CO), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), right filling pressure as assessed by central venous pressure (CVP), and left filling pressure by means of pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP). During reperfusion a clear-cut increase in ANF values was observed (P < 0.05). Concurrently, an increase in CVP (P < 0.05) and a decrease in SVRI were observed without any significant increase in diuresis. These data suggest that ANF might play a role in the development of the reperfusion syndrome.

Extraction equilibria of rare earths by a new reagent (2-ethylhexyl-3-pentadecylphenyl) phosphoric acid.

A new reagent (2-ethylhexyl-3-pentadecylphenyl) phosphoric acid (EPPA = HR) was synthesized from cardanol (I, 37300-39-5) and was used to investigate the extraction behaviour of lanthanum(III), europium(III) and lutetium(III) from hydrochloric acid solutions. The species extracted were found to be Ln(HR(2))(3) (where Ln = La(III) or Eu(III) or Lu(III)). The extraction behaviour of the above lanthanides has also been compared with yttrium and other rare earths. It was observed that the extraction increases with increase in atomic number of rare earths. In addition, the extraction efficiency of EPPA has also been compared with well known acidic organophosphorus extractants like di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (DEHPA), 2-ethylhexyl-mono-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (EHEHPA).

Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of cadmium in high purity zinc materials with iodide and rhodamine 6G.

A highly selective and sensitive spectrophotometric procedure for the determination of cadmium is developed. This is based on the interaction of rhodamine 6G with tetraiodocadmate (II) anion to form a pink product which absorbs maximally at 575 nm that is stable for 24 hr when stabilized with gelatin. Cadmium concentrations as low as 0.01 ppm can be readily determined. The method is precise and has been applied to synthetic sea water samples and high purity zinc materials.

Second derivative spectrophotometric determination of iron by extraction of the ferroin-perchlorate ion-association complex into mesityl oxide.

A highly selective and sensitive second-derivative spectrophotometric determination of iron is based on the extraction of the ferroin-perchlorate ion-association complex into mesityl oxide. A linear calibration graph is obtained for iron in the range 0.5-50 mug in 100 ml of original aqueous phase, with a detection limit of 2 ng/ml. The method is precise and reliable and has been applied to the determination of iron in high-purity rare-earth oxides.

Galvanic stripping determination of trace amounts of lead.

A galvanic stripping procedure for rapid determination of trace amounts of lead with a glassy-carbon electrode is described. The method is useful for determining lead at 1-200 ng/ml concentration.