Surface treated Phoenix sylvestris for bioadsorption of oil from aqueous solution: Isotherms and kinetic studies.

Biosorption is a versatile technique of removing the oil spill - one of the major toxicants that causes water pollution, which threatens the ecological balance of the aquatic ecosystem. The proposed research aims in developing a viable adsorbent from discarded agricultural waste, Phoenix sylvestris, which was surface altered, assessed and utilised as a biosorbent for the effective removal of diesel from aqueous solution in batch adsorption trials. Waste palm leaves, Phoenix sylvestris (RPS)was physically (PMPS) and chemically modified (CMPS) to adsorb diesel in the emulsion. The synthesised materials were characterised by FTIR, SEM, and EDS, confirming a well-defined microporous structure consisting of ionisable groups. The studies indicated optimised conditions of 10 g, 4.5 g and 2 g of RPS, PMPS and CMPS respectively at 303K for an optimised adsorption time of 60 min. Freundlich isotherm agreed well with experimental data, and the kinetic mechanism claimed better results with RPS, PMPS and CMPS for Pseudo first-order model. The adsorbents could be reused five times without much loss of efficiency. From the performed studies, it can be inferred that good adsorption capacities at optimised conditions followed the order of CMPS > PMPS > RPS. Thermodynamic analysis proved the feasibility of such biosorption with exothermic nature predicting spontaneous attraction of oil components to the surface of PMPS and CMPS. Moreover, the density of the CMPS layer rendered proven results for such biosorption displaying a hyperbolic dependency assuring its efficacy. Hence, it can be concluded that the prepared adsorbent from Phoenix sylvestris, an agricultural waste, possess good adsorptive properties.

Survival of children and adolescents with intellectual disability following gastrostomy insertion.

BACKGROUND: Positive health outcomes have been observed following gastrostomy insertion in children with intellectual disability, which is being increasingly used at younger ages to improve nutritional intake. This study investigated the effect of gastrostomy insertion on survival of children with severe intellectual disability. METHODS: We used linked disability and health data of children and adolescents who were born in Western Australia between 1983 and 2009 to compare survival of individuals with severe intellectual disability by exposure to gastrostomy status. For those born in 2000-2009, we employed propensity score matching to adjust for confounding by indication. Effect of gastrostomy insertion on survival was compared by pertinent health and sociodemographic risk factors. RESULTS: Compared with children born in the 1980s-1990s, probability of survival following first gastrostomy insertion for those born in 2000-2009 was higher (2 years: 94% vs. 83%). Mortality risk was higher in cases than that in their matched controls (hazard ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 7.3). The relative risk of mortality (gastrostomy vs. non-gastrostomy) may have differed by sex, birthweight and time at first gastrostomy insertion. Respiratory conditions were a common immediate or underlying cause of death among all children, particularly among those undergoing gastrostomy insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst gastrostomy insertion was associated with lower survival rates than children without gastrostomy, survival improved with time, and gastrostomy afforded some protection for the more vulnerable groups, and earlier use appears beneficial to survival. Specific clinical data that may be used to prioritise the need for gastrostomy insertion may be responsible for the survival differences observed.

Synthesis of magnesium nanocomposites decked with multilayer graphene (MG) and its application for the adsorptive removal of pollutant.

Fossil fuel burning is the exclusive of key causes for greenhouse fume Carbon dioxide (CO2). Magnesium nanocomposites synthesized in combination with graphene were characterized and their performance in adsorbing CO2 is validated. The novelty of this work is the use of magnesium oxide decked MG to capture CO2. The magnesium nanocomposites decked with multilayer graphene (MG) were prepared using a simple combustion process. BET surface area of 1480 m2g-1 makes it desirable for adsorbing CO2 molecules. FTIR analysis after adsorption of CO2 shows peak mid position at 3470.45 cm-1, 1300-1000 cm-1, 1603 cm-1, and 1114.30 cm-1 corresponding to the functional groups R-C-O, R-OH, R-COOH, -alkyne, Si-O-Si, and R-C-O-H shifted, signifying that chemisorption has taken place. The effect of many experimental parameters like adsorbent mass, period, and concentration of CO2 was optimized during the experiments. A maximum of 92.2% of CO2 was adsorbed at a concentration of 5 × 10- 4 M at the optimum contact of 70 min. During the experiment, the saturation point was attained at 70 min. Experiment results were best fitting to Langmuir adsorption isotherm; the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of MG was 7.067 × 10-3 mol/g/min. The kinetics of CO2 on MG was labeled by Pseudo-second-order and R2 value nearly 0.988.

Adenoviral E1B55K oncoprotein sequesters candidate leukemia suppressor sequence-specific single-stranded DNA-binding protein 2 into aggresomes.

Sequence-specific single-stranded DNA-binding protein 2 (SSBP2) is a candidate tumor suppressor for human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Inducible expression of SSBP2 causes growth arrest and partial differentiation in AML cells. Here, we report that the adenoviral oncoprotein E1B55K directly binds to endogenous SSBP2 protein and sequesters it into juxtanuclear bodies in adenovirally transformed human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Similarly, transient expression of E1B55K in IMR90 fibroblasts and HeLa cells result in the formation of juxtanuclear bodies containing SSBP2. When nuclear export of E1B55K is prevented, SSBP2 remains associated with E1B55K in nuclear foci. A requirement for intact microtubules to retain the integrity of the juxtanuclear bodies suggests them to be E1B55K containing aggresomes. The adenoviral E1B55K protein has been shown to localize to the Mre11 complex and p53 to aggresome structures; together with the viral E4orf6 protein, E1B55K recruits a cellular E3 ubiquitin ligase that induces degradation of Mre11 and p53. However, our present studies reveal that E1B55K does not degrade SSBP2. These data demonstrate that E1B55K targets the candidate leukemia suppressor SSBP2 and suggest that subverting its function may contribute to cell transformation by viral oncoproteins.

The human PIM-1 gene product is a protein serine kinase.

The human PIM-1 gene, a homologue of murine retroviral insertion site mpim-1, is overexpressed in a subset of hematolymphoid malignancies. Deduced amino acid sequence of PIM-1 complementary DNA predicts it to be a protein kinase. In vitro transcription coupled translation of the putative 313-amino acid open reading frame yields a Mr 34,000 protein; an immune complex kinase assay of the wild-type PIM-1 and not a site-directed mutant, in which the invariant Lys67 has been changed to Arg, demonstrates autophosphorylating activity on serine residues. Thus, PIM-1 is a protein serine kinase with a possible role in neoplastic transformation.

Localization of SMAD5 and its evaluation as a candidate myeloid tumor suppressor.

Acquired interstitial or complete losses of chromosome 5 are recurring anomalies associated with preleukemic myelodysplasia and acute myelogenous leukemia with a poor prognosis. Previous studies have delineated a potential myeloid tumor suppressor locus to a <2.4-Mb interval between the genes for IL9 and EGR1 on 5q31. In this report, we have localized the SMAD5 gene, a homologue of the tumor suppressor genes SMAD4/DPC-4 and SMAD2/JV18.1, to the minimal myeloid tumor suppressor locus and characterized its open reading frame and genomic organization. SMAD5 transcripts are readily detectable in hematolymphoid tissues and leukemic blasts. Absence of intragenic mutations in the remaining SMAD5 allele of leukemic patients and multiple solid tumor cell lines prescreened for loss of heterozygosity suggests that SMAD5 may not be a common target of somatic inactivation in malignancy.

Multiplication-stimulating activity stimulates the multiplication of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells.

The present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of multiplication-stimulating activity (MSA), an insulin-like growth factor, in supporting the growth of F9 cells (an embryonal carcinoma line with properties similar to embryonic stem cells). Under serum-free growth conditions in a medium supplemented with transferrin and fibronectin, MSA is an effective mitogen. At 100 ng/ml, MSA completely replaces the growth requirement for fetal calf serum. Biologically active MSA polypeptides II and III act as potent growth promoters of F9 cells, whereas MSA I appears to be somewhat less effective. Binding studies carried out with [125I]iodo-MSA indicate that F9 cells possess specific receptors for MSA. Scatchard analysis indicates a single class of MSA receptors with a Ka of 8.2 x 10(9) M-1; about 55,000 MSA molecules can bind per F9 cell. Insulin-like growth factor I and II both complete for MSA binding, whereas insulin does not compete. Since insulin is an effective promoter of F9 cell growth, these results indicate that the mitogenic action of insulin toward F9 cells is not mediated through MSA receptors. It is apparent from these results that MSA is capable of serving as an early embryonic growth factor.

A mouse c-ros genomic clone: identification of a highly conserved 22-amino acid segment in the juxta-membrane domain.

The mouse c-ros protooncogene genomic sequences have been cloned; an analysis of the partial genomic clone revealed a high conservation of the exons encoding the juxta-membrane (JM) and the 5' most protein tyrosine kinase domains. We have identified a segment of 22 amino acids conserved between the human and mouse JM domains; this segment may have a critical role in the function of the c-ros-encoded protein tyrosine kinase receptor.

Increase in cell-surface N-acetylglucosaminide beta (1----4)galactosyltransferase activity with retinoic acid-induced differentiation of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells.

Exposure of F9 cells to all-trans-retinoic acid over a period of 6 days resulted in 4-fold induction of cell surface N-acetylglucosaminide beta (1----4)galactosyltransferase (GT) activity. The retinoic acid-induced GT activity was further enhanced by treatment of the cells with 8-bromo cyclic AMP. The ability of retinoic acid alone, or retinoic acid in combination with 8-bromo cyclic AMP, to induce GT activity was inhibited by both actinomycin D and cycloheximide. These findings indicate that the induction of galactosyltransferase activity noted with differentiation of F9 cells involves de novo synthesis of new enzyme protein.

Principal mutation hotspot for central core disease and related myopathies in the C-terminal transmembrane region of the RYR1 gene.

The congenital myopathies are a group of disorders characterised by the predominance of specific histological features observed in biopsied muscle. Central core disease and nemaline myopathy are examples of congenital myopathies that have specific histological characteristics but significantly overlapping clinical pictures. Central core disease is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable penetrance which has been linked principally to the gene for the skeletal muscle calcium release channel (RYR1). Two recent reports have identified the 3' transmembrane domain of this gene as a common site for mutations. Two other studies have reported single families that have features of both central core disease and nemaline myopathy (core/rod disease) caused by mutations in RYR1. Screening of the 3' region (exons 93-105) of the RYR1 gene for mutations in 27 apparently unrelated patients with either central core disease or core/rod disease by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing identified three described and nine novel mutations in 15 patients.

5q- in a child with refractory anemia with excess blasts: similarities to 5q- syndrome in adults.

A 19-month-old boy was referred to our institution because of chronic macrocytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia. At age 17 months, he had developed petechiae. He had a leukocyte count of 4.4 x 10(9)/L, hemoglobin concentration of 7.9 g/dL, packed cell volume of 21%, mean corpuscular volume of 101 fL, and platelet count of 19 x 10(9)/L. At the time of referral, a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy revealed myelodysplastic changes that included megakaryocytic hyperplasia with hypolobated megakaryocytes, megaloblastoid erythropoiesis, 12% blast cells, and bone marrow fibrosis; the diagnosis was refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB). Cytogenetic analysis showed the following abnormalities: 47, XY, inv(3)(p21q25), del(5)(q22q31), +21/46, XY. By dinucleotide polymorphism analysis, the 5q22-q31 loci were normal in peripheral blood granulocytes. Because of severe thrombocytopenia that became refractory to platelet transfusions and because of possible progression to leukemia, the patient received an unrelated-donor bone marrow transplant. Recovery was complicated by a visceral fungal infection, but the patient now has normal, fully reconstituted bone marrow function. This patient is the youngest to be reported with RAEB and a 5q- anomaly accompanied by thrombocytopenia, megakaryocytic hyperplasia with hypolobated megakaryocytes, and macrocytic anemia with megaloblastoid erythropoiesis, similar to "5q- syndrome" in adults.

5q- chromosome. Evidence for complex interstitial breaks in a case of refractory anemia with excess blasts.

Interstitial loss of the long arm of chromosome 5 (5q-) is an anomaly frequently seen in myelodysplasia (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Although the limits of the interstitial deletions vary among patients, there is a critical region of overlap at 5q31 that is consistently deleted in most cases. The order of genes in the critical 5q31 region is centromere, interleukin gene cluster, an anonymous polymorphic locus D5S89, early growth response factor, CSF1 receptor, telomere. Fluorescence in situ hybridization of specific 5q31 probes to metaphases with del(5) (q11q31) from a patient with secondary refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation demonstrates that the interstitial deletion is not contiguous. The 5q- chromosome has lost the D5S89 and CSF1R loci while retaining some of the sequences in between. A probe derived from a 300-kbp yeast artificial chromosome containing the D5S89 locus is interrupted on the normal chromosome 5 of this patient. Data presented in this report are consistent with (i) presence of a critical gene within the YAC and (ii) more than a single interstitial break within the 5q- chromosome. These results, while pinpointing one of the critical 5q31 loci, also provide evidence for a second telomeric locus.

Spectral karyotypic study of the HL-60 cell line: detection of complex rearrangements involving chromosomes 5, 7, and 16 and delineation of critical region of deletion on 5q31.1.

Interstitial deletions of the q arm of chromosome 5 have been associated with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML); therefore, accurate identification of rearrangements of this chromosome in a model cell line, HL-60, is important for understanding the critical genes involved in this disease. In this study, we employed a newly developed technology termed spectral karyotyping to delineate chromosomal rearrangements in this cell line. Our study revealed a derivative of chromosome 7 that resulted from translocations of chromosome arms 5q and 16q to 7q; that is, der(7)t(5;7)(?;q?)t(5;16)(?;q?). Interestingly, both chromosomes 5 and 7 were also involved in translocations with chromosome 16 in der(16) t(5;16)(q?;q?22-24) and der(16)t(7;16)(?;q?22-24), respectively. Other notable chromosomal abnormalities that were not previously reported in the HL-60 included an insertion of chromosome 8 in the q arm of chromosome 11, a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 14, and a translocation between chromosomes 14 and 15. In an attempt to define the loss of the 5q31.1 region in HL-60, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis by utilizing bacterial artificial chromosomes BAC1 and BAC2 that spanned the IL9 and EGR1 gene interval, which was previously shown to be a critical region of loss in AML. We showed that a copy of both BAC1 (spanning the D5S399 locus) and BAC2 (spanning the D5S393 locus centromeric to BAC1) were present in the normal chromosome 5, but a second copy of BAC1 was lost and a second copy of BAC2 was inserted in the der(16)t(7;16) chromosome. Thus, not only was this study the first to use the new 24-color karyotyping technique to identify several novel chromosomal rearrangements in HL-60, but it also narrowed the 5q31.1 critical region of deletion to the region represented by BAC1.

Molecular analysis of the 5q- chromosome.

Acquired interstitial deletions of the long arm of chromosome 5, are seen in anomalies of the myeloid cells. The refractory anemia (RA) or 5q- syndrome, in which the erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages are predominantly affected, is a relatively indolent clinical entity distinguishable, from the constellation of preneoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with trilineage involvement. Recent molecular evidence suggests that the critical region of 5q deletion in MDS/AML resides in the D5S89 locus, which is proximal (centromeric) to the minimal region of loss in the 5q- syndrome RA. The invariable loss of the D5S89 locus in MDS/AML qualifies it for the MDS/AML tumor suppressor locus. The telomeric 5q31 gene governs erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation and can be termed the RA locus. Isolation and characterization of these genes will lead to an understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying normal hematopoiesis and leukemic transformation.

The unexplored 5q13 locus: a role in hematopoietic malignancies.

Deletions and translocations at 5q13 point out a locus involved in the development of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) as well as other neoplasms. The chromosomal rearrangements of 5q13 are well documented, but have not been a primary focus of research. In this report, we provide evidence for a novel critical locus at 5q13.3, encoding gene(s) which may be disrupted by chromosomal translocations or deletions. Rare cases of myeloid neoplasms with t(5q13) as the sole chromosomal anomaly argue for a gene which gives rise to fusion proteins. Our preliminary studies have localized one of the critical genes to a <3 Mb. interval between the polymorphic markers AFMB347yf9 and GATAP18104 at the band 5q13.3. Other results also suggest that the 5q 13.3 locus may span a fragile site which undergoes unbalanced translocations and interstitial deletions accompanied by loss of significant segments of chromosome 5. Molecular reagents generated by the human genome mapping and sequencing initiative will allow us to characterize the critical genes at 5q13.3 and facilitate genotypic analysis of AML and MDS.

Staring episodes in children analyzed by telemetry.

Staring episodes in children may be ictal or nonictal, and telemetry helps make this distinction. Twenty-seven children referred to our service for elucidating the nature of their staring spells were studied by telemetry. No staring events were recorded in four children. The staring events were not associated with electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in 12 children. In 11 children, the staring events had EEG accompaniments: four had generalized spike-and-wave changes; three had focal or asymmetrical changes; and four had generalized decrement (desynchronization), which has not been described before as an electrical correlate of staring. EEG video telemetry in this group of patients led to accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical, surgical or behavioral management.

Seizure exacerbation and developmental regression with carbamazepine.

BACKGROUND: Unexpected exacerbation of seizures may occur following initiation of treatment with carbamazepine (CBZ). We reviewed the occurrence of such reactions in our patient population at a tertiary care children's hospital. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our clinic database identified 129/691 (18.6%) patients with epilepsy treated with CBZ, as monotherapy. 38/129 children were later switched to another drug. In 11/38 (28.5%) clinical and/or EEG deterioration was observed. Two patients identified at another institution with similar exacerbation were also included in our analysis. We report on the findings in these 13 cases. RESULTS: Two groups were identified: Group I--6 patients with normal neurological exam, normal EEG background, and a diagnosis of idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Group II--7 patients with an abnormal neurological exam and/or abnormal EEG background. Following introduction of CBZ therapy, worsening of preexisting seizures, appearance of new seizure types, behavioral regression, and accompanying EEG deterioration were reported in both groups. Dramatic improvement in seizure control occurred, following withdrawal of CBZ and substitution of another anticonvulsant. CONCLUSION: Physicians treating epilepsy must be aware that CBZ can exacerbate seizures, and cause developmental regression in children. Careful patient selection, when choosing CBZ as treatment, and prompt recognition of clinical deterioration and intervention, may help avoid or reverse these paradoxical reactions.

Subclinical rhythmic EEG discharge of adults: SREDA in two children.

Subclinical rhythmic electroencephalogram (EEG) discharge is an uncommon rhythmic EEG pattern that has been reported to occur in adults. It is thought to be a nonspecific finding with little clinical significance. This article reports this EEG pattern in two children and suggests it be called subclinical rhythmic EEG discharge of adults and children.

Cell wall antigenic homology in certain species of Saccharomyces and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rapid identification of S. cerevisiae.

Cell-wall antigenic studies on Saccharomyces species grown by fermentation in 20% glucose broth indicated S. cerevisiae to develop two antigens specific for this species. These antigens were heat-stable polysaccharides and agglutination studies using specific antiserum prepared by cross absorption indicated their localization on the cell-wall surfaces. Using species-specific antibody, the results presented describe a specific and rapid identification of S. cerevisiae by ELISA according to the classification system of Yarrow (1984).

A comparative study of different methods of training of rural subjects for reconstitution of oral rehydration solutions.

The efficacy of three methods of training rural women in reconstituting ORS was studied by analysing the sodium, potassium, and glucose contents of the ORS reconstituted by the three groups of rural women. The women in Group I were verbally instructed in the regional language regarding how to reconstitute the entire contents of a sachet containing oral rehydration salts in half a litre of water. Women from Group II, were given the same verbal instructions and in addition, were demonstrated the correct method of doing the same. Subjects from Group III were provided with plastic bags containing oral rehydration salts, which when filled with water upto the printed line, was expected to accommodate half a litre of water, when the bag was hung from a hook or held by another person from its upper ends. The contents of ORS reconstituted by Group II, who were demonstrated the actual procedure following verbal instructions, were near ideal followed by the ORS reconstituted by Group III and by Group I.

PIP: Researchers conducted a comparative study on the efficacy of training 61 rural women of the Punjab in India in making oral rehydration solution (ORS) from ORS salts using 3 different techniques. The community health worker (CHW) orally instructed the 21 women in Group I. In Group II, the CHW orally instructed 20 women and demonstrated how to reconstitute the ORS salts in the sachet. The 20 women in Group III received plastic bags containing ORS salts and marked with a line printed on it to mark 1/2 liter. The CHW also orally told them what to do. A physician was present for questions for each group. After instruction, the CHW instructed all the women to return home and in 2-4 hours reconstitute the ORS salts in the presence of the CHW and a physician. The CHW or physician collected a sample of the ORS from each participant. A significant difference existed between the ideal concentration of glucose (2 g/dl), sodium (90 mEq/L), and potassium (20 Meq/L) and the concentration of Group I and Group III (p,.001). Specifically, the mean concentrations for Group I were 3.335, 128.38, and 32.995 respectively and for Group III 2.6835, 119.595, and 26.16 respectively. The difference between the ideal and Group II's concentration was less significant (p.05). Group II's concentrations stood at 2.171,97 and 21.14 respectively. No significant difference existed in the age, monthly income, and literacy status of the women. Special care should be applied when training illiterate people so as to dispel preexisting beliefs. For example, 23.8% of the women in Group I did not use the whole packet because when making tea one only uses 2-3 teaspoonfuls of sugar. This study confirms the superiority of training workers of ORS therapy using live demonstrations as opposed to giving oral instructions plus the need to establish an adequate measure of a liter of water.