Synthesis of different manganese tungstate nanostructures for enhanced charge-storage applications: theoretical support for experimental findings.

Manganese tungstate (MnWO4) has been widely studied over the past few years due to its outstanding magnetic, catalytic, and sensing features. However, the electrochemical properties of the morphology tuned MnWO4 nanoform is less explored in the literature. Herein, we report the synthesis of MnWO4 nanostructures of different aspect ratios by subtle tuning of the reaction temperature and reaction time. An immediate utility of the size-controlled nanostructures is their use as the electrode material for supercapacitors. The impact of various reaction parameters, namely the growth time and processing temperature, over the MnWO4 nanorods size was studied by different characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. It was shown that all the samples showed considerably good charge-storage properties with the highest values of specific capacitance being 455.07 and 239.07 F g-1 at 2 mV s-1 and 1 A g-1, respectively. The corresponding sample further showed an appreciable capacitance retention of ∼94% even after 10 000 long charge-discharge cycles, indicating a high electrochemical stability of the electrode. Theoretical analysis using density functional theory predicted that the presence of electronic states near Fermi level and the enhanced quantum capacitance were the prime reasons behind the excellent charge-storage performance of the as-synthesized MnWO4.

An Open Label Prospective Study on Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Cilnidipine Over Amlodipine in Stage 1 Hypertensive Patients.

Background Calcium channel blockers are considered the first line drug over renin-angiotensinaldosterone system inhibitor in black population and with renin-angiotensinaldosterone system inhibitor in non-black population with Hypertension. Amlodipine has longer biological half life and lower potential to stimulate SNS. But, is associated with reflex tachycardia and pedal oedema. Cilnidipine has potent inhibitory both on voltage gated L-type and N-type calcium channels with better anti-proteinuric effect and good tolerability. Hence, our study compared the efficacy, safety and compliance of cilnidipine over amlodipine in Stage 1 hypertensive subjects. Objective To find out antihypertensive and renoprotective effect of cilnidipine. Method The study was open-label, single centre, prospective, parallel design, randomized controlled was done in Outdoor Patient Department (OPD) of Medicine and Department of Pharmacology in Burdwan Medical College and Hospital (BMCH). Patients with stage 1 HTN received cilnidipine while the other group received amlodipine. There were 4 follow-up visits for each participant consisting of baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks and after 12 weeks. Clinical parameters including pulse rate, blood pressure and ankle oedema noted also laboratory investigations were done. Safety parameters with adverse events and compliance by traditional pill count method. Result Blood pressure was effectively decreased by both amlodipine and cilnidipine. Cilnidipine significantly decreased Pulse Rate while amlodipine increased it and the difference in Pulse Rate comparing both the groups was statistically significant. None of the ADRs were statistically significant except pedal oedema. Pedal oedema was noted only in amlodipine arm and was statistically significant. Compliance to both the drugs was excellent. Total cost of therapy was higher with cilnidipine. Conclusion Though amlodipine is preferred drug, cilnidipine should be a better alternative when we consider subjects with sympathetic over activity, proteinuria or pedal oedema.

Optimization of HTST process parameters for production of ready-to-eat potato-soy snack.

Ready-to-eat (RTE) potato-soy snacks were developed using high temperature short time (HTST) air puffing process and the process was found to be very useful for production of highly porous and light texture snack. The process parameters considered viz. puffing temperature (185-255 °C) and puffing time (20-60 s) with constant initial moisture content of 36.74% and air velocity of 3.99 m.s(-1) for potato-soy blend with varying soy flour content from 5% to 25% were investigated using response surface methodology following central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The optimum product in terms of minimum moisture content (11.03% db), maximum expansion ratio (3.71), minimum hardness (2,749.4 g), minimum ascorbic acid loss (9.24% db) and maximum overall acceptability (7.35) were obtained with 10.0% soy flour blend in potato flour at the process conditions of puffing temperature (231.0 °C) and puffing time (25.0 s).

Superantigenicity of streptococcal M protein.

M proteins that define the serotypes of group A streptococci are powerful blastogens for human T lymphocytes. The mechanism by which they activate T cells was investigated and compared with the conventional T cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin, and the known superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Although major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules are required for presentation, there is no MHC restriction, since allogeneic class II molecules presented the bacterial protein to human T cells. Type 5 M protein appears to bind class II molecules on the antigen-presenting cells and stimulate T cells bearing V beta 8 sequences. Our results indicate that this streptococcal M protein is a superantigen and suggest a possible mechanism of its role in the pathogenesis of the postinfectious autoimmune sequelae.

T cell receptor V gene usage by human T cells stimulated with the superantigen streptococcal M protein.

M proteins, the major virulence factor of group A streptococci, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and other streptococcal related autoimmune diseases. A 22-kD fragment of M type 5 protein is a potent stimulant of human T cells and has recently been shown by our laboratory to belong to the newly designated family of superantigens. Using flow cytometry and the polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrate that this molecule reacts with subsets of human T cells expressing specific T cell receptor (TCR) V beta elements, namely V beta 2, 4, and 8. We employed similar techniques to analyze the TCR V alpha usage of pep M5-stimulated T cells. These studies revealed that the preferential usage of particular V alpha elements is not specific for the superantigen; rather, it may reflect the repertoire of the individual being tested. The expansion of a large number of T cells bearing specific TCR V beta sequences by M protein may account for its role in mediating the pathogenesis of post-streptococcal diseases. Furthermore, the preferential usage of TCR V alpha elements in certain individuals may be an important factor that predisposes them to development of self-reactivity.

TNF-alpha inhibits insulin action in liver and adipose tissue: A model of metabolic syndrome.

Several studies suggest that TNF-alpha contributes to the development of insulin resistance (IR). We compared transcriptional profiles of rat H-411E liver cells exposed to insulin in the absence or presence of TNF-alpha. We identified 33 genes whose expression was altered by insulin, and then reversed by TNF-alpha. Twenty-six of these 33 genes created a single network centered around: insulin, TNF-alpha, p38-MAPK, TGFb1; SMAD and STAT1; and enzymes and cytokines involved in apoptosis (CASP3, GADD45B, IL2, TNF-alpha, etc.). We analyzed our data together with other data of gene expression in adipocytes and found a number of processes common to both, for example, cell death and inflammation; intercellular signaling and metabolism; G-Protein, IL-10 and PTEN signaling. Moreover, the two datasets combined generated a single molecular network that further identified PTEN (a phosphatase) as a unique new link between insulin signaling, IR, and apoptosis reflecting the pathophysiology of "metabolic syndrome".

Solid-state storage of Ag nanoparticles in anion exchange resin beads and their recovery.

This paper reports the idea and describes a method of reversible storage and recovery of silver nanoparticles (NPs) in anion exchange resin beads based on the principle of ion exchange. We also report that similar exchange of NPs was not possible with cation exchange resins. The Ag NPs were stored by simple exchange of anions of the resins, which were activated with OH- and NO3- ions. FTIR spectroscopic measurements support that the Ag NPs were exchanged with NO3- ions in the resins. The so-stored NPs could be regenerated by addition of NaBH4 solution to the resins. These NPs were recovered and subsequently utilized for catalytic reduction of an organic dye (eosin). Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern indicated storage of the NPs in the form of various oxides of silver in the resin, with the peak value of intensity corresponding to XRD of the NPs not changing with time. Scanning electron microscopic measurements show that the NPs in the beads were stable for over a month without the formation of any apparent agglomeration.

A monoclonal antibody which identifies the autophosphorylation domain of autophosphorylating protein kinase 500.

Autophosphorylating protein kinase 500 is a serine protein kinase expressed progressively with the steps of cellular transformation, approaching levels from 50- to 100-fold in the terminal stages of malignancy. The enzyme possesses a sharply restricted range of substrates: itself and a ribosomal protein with a molecular weight of 31,000 (S6). We report here on the characterization of a monoclonal antibody directed against the autophosphorylation domain of AUT-PK 500. The specificity of the antibody is evidenced by blockage of the enzyme phosphorylation without interfering with the native S6 or synthetic octapeptide (S6-1) serine residue phosphorylations. This represents an important step in identifying a probe that can be used to explore the structure and potential function of AUT-PK 500 in cellular transformation.

Differential signal requirements in T-cell activation by mitogen and superantigen.

The requirement for co-stimulatory molecules in T-cell stimulation by mitogens and superantigens in the absence of antigen-presenting cells (APC) was investigated. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) induced interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression on purified T-cells, but proliferation occurred only when exogenous IL-2 was added. In contrast, the proliferative response to a pepsin-extracted type 5 M-protein from Streptococcus pyogenes (pep M5), a recently identified superantigen, required signals provided by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), IL-1 and IL-6. pep M5 alone did not induce IL-2R expression; however, when combined with PMA, IL-1 and IL-6, IL-2R was expressed. Differences were also observed in the response of the leukemic T-cell line, Jurkat, to PHA and pep M5. Soluble PHA, but not pep M5, induced IL-2 production by these cells in the presence of PMA. Cross-linking by its specific antibody or adsorption of pep M5 to microtiter plates was required to activate Jurkat cells. Both PHA and pep M5 induced Ca2+ mobilization in Jurkat cells; however, only PHA induced a rise in intracellular Ca2+ in purified T-cells, whereas pep M5 was unable to induce this activity unless IL-1, IL-6 and PMA were added. Our data provide biochemical evidence that mitogenic and superantigenic stimulation of T-cells is different.

Thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (Fragmin) in high risk pregnancies.

Venous thromboembolic disease remains the commonest cause of maternal death. The management of thromboprophylaxis in high risk women during pregnancy is contentious. Low molecular weight heparins (LMW) have theoretical advantages compared with unfractionated heparin and warfarin but have been poorly studied in pregnancy. We report on the use of LMW heparin (Fragmin) as thromboprophylaxis in thirty four high risk pregnancies. All the women had a previous thrombosis or a thrombosis in their current pregnancy +/- a recognised thrombophilic state (eleven had the antiphospholipid syndrome). Fragmin was given subcutaneously to maintain trough anti-Xa activity of 0.15-0.2 U/ml and 2 h post injection levels of 0.4-0.6 U/ml. The levels were checked monthly during pregnancy. Most women required 5,000U Fragmin once daily during the first trimester unless they were greater than 100 kg at the start of pregnancy. The mean time for dosage increase was 20.5 week (S.D. 8.2). 26/34 pregnancies (76%) required 5,000 twice daily at the end of pregnancy. Epidural anaesthesia was managed by omitting Fragmin dose or inserting the needle 6 hours after the previous Fragmin injection. There were no thromboembolic events thrombocytopenias or excessive haemorrhage. One woman had osteoporotic vertebral collapse post partum, she had no other risk factors for osteoporosis. LWM heparin (Fragmin) appears to be efficacious in preventing recurrent thromboembolic disease in pregnant women at high risk, but it is notable that osteoporotic fractures occurred post partum in one woman. Further trials are required to determine optimal dosage and safety.

Cord compression: a rare complication of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Two years after the diagnosis, while the disease was under good control, a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) developed spinal cord compression from an extradural solid tumour composed of leukaemic cells. He was treated successfully with resection of the tumour followed by local radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy.

Use of leucocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) score in differentiating malignant from benign paraproteinaemias.

The leucocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) score of peripheral blood neutrophils was examined in 20 patients with multiple myeloma and compared with the score in 18 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The mean (95% confidence limit) LAP score in those with multiple myeloma was 186 (169-218) compared with 92 (64-120) in the MGUS group. In the multiple myeloma group all but one patient had a high LAP score, irrespective of disease. No cause for raised LAP, such as infection, was present in any of the patients with multiple myeloma. In the MGUS group six patients had a raised LAP score; in two of them another cause for such a rise was present (autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and primary thrombocythaemia). In neither group did the LAP score correlate with duration of the disease, bone marrow plasma cell count, paraprotein concentration, haemoglobin, total white cell or neutrophil count. It is concluded that a normal LAP count in patients with paraproteinaemia suggests a benign condition, but a raised count does not indicate a malignant condition.

Use of cytoplasmic 5'nucleotidase for differentiating malignant from benign monoclonal gammopathies.

Bone marrow smears from 15 patients with multiple myeloma, 15 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and 15 control subjects were examined for the presence of cytoplasmic 5'nucleotidase (c5NT) in plasma cells. Plasma cell positivity for c5NT (mean and 95% confidence interval) in patients with multiple myeloma numbered 46.4% (38.0-54.8%), in those with MGUS it was 15.3% (11.1-19.6%), and in control subjects it was 1.2% (0.3-2.1%). These findings indicate that c5NT can be used to differentiate benign from malignant monoclonal gammopathies.

Massive bone marrow necrosis and postnecrotic myelofibrosis in a patient with primary thrombocythaemia.

A case of non-fatal massive bone marrow necrosis (MBMN) is reported in a patient with primary thrombocythaemia five years after diagnosis. No precipitating cause was identified. The patient developed postnecrotic myelofibrosis six months later. As far as is known, this is the first report of MBMN in a case of primary thrombocythaemia.

Renal failure caused by leukaemic infiltration in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

A case of B-CLL which was complicated by chronic renal failure due to leukaemic infiltration of the kidney is reported. Treatment with chlorambucil, prednisolone, and renal bed irradiation resulted in a substantial improvement in renal function which persisted until the the patient's death from marrow failure some eight years later. The temporal association between treatments and response suggested that renal bed radiotherapy had contributed to the improvement in renal function. This case is one of only two reported cases in which chronic renal failure due to CLL has been treated with radiotherapy. It is unique in that the renal response was shown histologically. Leukaemic infiltration of the kidney is common in CLL but, characteristically, is not associated with renal impairment. An improvement in renal function has been described in two patients with acute renal failure after chemotherapy.

Massive bone marrow necrosis as the presenting feature in a case of primary bone marrow high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Massive bone marrow necrosis (MBMN) is a rare complication of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and usually occurs in the late stage of the disease. Primary bone marrow NHL with no evidence of disease elsewhere in the lymphoreticular system is also rare. Here a case of primary bone marrow high grade NHL is reported who presented with MBMN without any evidence of nodal or other extra-nodal disease.

Unremitting severe autoimmune haemolytic anaemia as a presenting feature of Hodgkin's disease with minimum tumour load.

Two patients are reported who presented with severe autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) of warm antibody type, with poor response to treatment. Extensive investigations failed to find a cause in both cases. In one case therapeutic splenectomy, one year after the initial presentation, showed Hodgkin's disease (HD) in the spleen but nowhere else. The second patient died of unremitting AIHA almost two years after the presentation and HD was found in only one mediastinal lymphnode at autopsy. These cases illustrate that a minimum tumour load of HD undetectable by the usual investigations can be associated with life-threatening AIHA.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with cerebral infiltration.

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is an extremely rare complication of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). This report describes a case of stable, early stage CLL who developed histologically documented cerebral infiltration two years after the diagnosis and responded to cranial radiotherapy.

P-Glycoprotein Expression in Drug-Resistant Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorder.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 60 patients with drug-resistant chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) were examined for expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) by direct immunofluorescence (IF) test using monoclonal antibody (MoAb) C219. Four of the 15 patients with prolymphocytic leukaemia (PLL), and both patients with Adult T cell leukaemialymphoma (ATLL) expressed P-gp. However, none of the 3 hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) patients expressed P-gp. Two of the 14 patients with anthracycline resistant chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) expressed P-gp but none of the 26 CLL patients resistant only to chlorambucil expressed it. The percentage of cells expressing P-gp varied considerably between different groups as well as different individuals (20-100%). Activation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from non-resistant CLL patients with phorbol myristic acetate (PMA) did not induce P-gp expression. It appears that multidrug resistance in ATLL is most likely mediated by over-expression of P-gp and this may also be an important mechanism in multidrug resistance in some PLL and CLL patients.

Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia terminating in acute myeloid leukaemia: report of a case and review of the literature.

We report on a patient originally diagnosed as having monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) who progressed to develop Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM) after 3 years. Four years later he developed chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMMoL) which terminated in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) after another year. We also review published reports of similar cases.