Spatially selective narrow band and broadband absorption in Ag/SiO2/Ag based trilayer thin films by oblique angle deposition of SiO2layer.

We have experimentally demonstrated spatially selective absorption in Ag-SiO2-Ag based trilayer thin films by tuning the deposition angle of SiO2layer. These structures generate cavity resonance which can be tuned across the substrate locations due to spatially selective thickness and refractive index of silicon oxide (SiO2) film sandwiched between metallic silver (Ag) mirrors. Spatially selective property of SiO2film is obtained by oblique angle deposition technique using an electron beam evaporation system. The resonance wavelength of absorption in this trilayer structure shifts across the substrate locations along the direction of oblique deposition. The extent of shift in resonance increases with increase in angle of deposition of SiO2layer. 4.14 nm mm-1average shift of resonance wavelength is observed when SiO2is deposited at 40° whereas 4.76 nm mm-1average shift is observed when SiO2is deposited at 60°. We observed that the width of resonance increases with angle of deposition of the cavity layer and ultimately the resonant absorption disappears and becomes broadband when SiO2is deposited at glancing angle deposition (GLAD) configuration. Our study reveals that there is a suitable range of oblique angle of deposition from 40° to 60° for higher spatial tunability and resonant absorption whereas the absorption becomes broadband for glancing angle deposition.

Advancements in Gold-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions to Access Carbocycles and Heterocycles: An Overview.

This review summarizes recent developments (from 2006 to 2022) in numerous important and efficient carbo- and heterocycle generations using gold-catalyzed cascade protocols. Herein, methodologies involve selectivity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of product formation being controlled by the ligand as well as the counter anion, catalyst, substrate, and reaction conditions. Gold-catalyzed cascade reactions covered different strategies through the compilation of various approaches such as cyclization, hydroarylation, intermolecular and intramolecular cascade reactions, etc. This entitled reaction is also useful for the synthesis of spiro, fused, bridged carbo- and heterocycles.

Efficacy of irrigant activation techniques in removing intracanal smear layer and debris from mature permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To establish whether irrigant activation techniques (IATs) result in greater intracanal smear layer and debris removal than conventional needle irrigation (CNI). METHODOLOGY: Six electronic databases were searched to identify scanning electron microscopy studies evaluating smear layer and/or debris removal following the use of manual dynamic activation (MDA), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), sonic irrigation (SI) or apical negative pressure (ANP) IATs in mature permanent teeth. Meta-analyses were performed for each canal segment (coronal, middle, apical and apical 1 mm) in addition to subgroup analyses for individual IATs with respect to CNI. Outcomes were presented as standardized mean differences (SMD) alongside 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: From 252 citations, 16 studies were identified. The meta-analyses demonstrated significant improvements in coronal (SMD: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.72-1.57 / SMD: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.29-0.80), middle (SMD: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.59-2.53 / SMD: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.58-1.13) and apical thirds (SMD: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.83-1.62 / SMD: 1.86, 95% CI: 0.76-2.96) for smear layer and debris removal, respectively. In the apical 1 mm IATs improved cleanliness; however, differences were insignificant (SMD: 1.15, 95% CI: -0.47-2.77). Chi-squared analysis revealed heterogeneity scores of 79.3-92.8% and 0.0-93.5% for smear layer and debris removal, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IATs improve intracanal cleanliness across a substantial portion of the canal, and therefore, their use is recommended throughout root canal preparation. However, current data is too heterogeneous to compare and identify superiority of an individual technique highlighting the need to standardize experimental protocols and develop a more representative research model to investigate the in vivo impact of IATs on clinical outcomes and periapical healing following root canal treatment.

Site-directed RNA editing by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA for correction of the genetic code in gene therapy.

Site-directed RNA editing is an important technique for correcting gene sequences and ultimately tuning protein function. In this study, we engineered the deaminase domain of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1) and the MS2 system to target-specific adenosines, with the goal of correcting G-to-A mutations at the RNA level. For this purpose, the ADAR1 deaminase domain was fused downstream of the RNA-binding protein MS2, which has affinity for the MS2 RNA. To direct editing to specific targets, we designed guide RNAs complementary to target RNAs. The guide RNAs directed the ADAR1 deaminase to the desired editing site, where it converted adenosine to inosine. To provide proof of principle, we used an allele of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) bearing a mutation at the 58th amino acid (TGG), encoding Trp, into an amber (TAG) or ochre (TAA) stop codon. In HEK-293 cells, our system could convert stop codons to read-through codons, thereby turning on fluorescence. We confirmed the specificity of editing at the DNA level by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing, and at the protein level by western blotting. The editing efficiency of this enzyme system was ~5%. We believe that this system could be used to treat genetic diseases resulting from G-to-A point mutations.

Effect of Serum Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] in Menopausal Women.

The behavior of LP during the menopausal trinities and their relationship with sex hormones and body fat distribution is still unclear. The aim of this case control study was to estimate the serum lipoprotein (a) in postmenopausal women and women in reproductive age group and comparison of the above mention serum lipids between the two groups and was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Dhaka, in co-operation with the Department of Immunology, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka from July-2005 to June 2006. A total number of 70 women were selected. Selected women were grouped as Group A and Group B. In Group A 30 postmenopausal women were selected with age range 55-70 years. In Group B, 40 women within reproductive age were selected. Group B was again divided into two groups - Group B1 & Group B2 according to their ages. In Group B1 20 women were selected with age range 25-35 years, and in Group B2 another 20 women were selected with age range 36-45 years. Serum lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a) and lipid profile of all groups were measured. Mean sLp(a) concentration were compared between groups by" Mann Whitney U" test. Mean concentrations of every individual components of lipid profile (sTAG, sTc, sLDL & sHDL) were compared with different groups. sLp(a) concentration of Group A compared to Group B1 was found to be significantly higher (p<0.001). In the same way mean serum Lp(a) concentration of Group A compared to Group B2 was also significantly higher (p<0.001). Mean sLp(a) concentration of B1 compared B2 did not differ significantly. Mean values of lipid profiles were slightly elevated in Group A compared to Group B1 and Group B2 except sHDL-c level. Mean concentrations HDL-c was significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B1 and Group B2. Thus the present study has revealed that there is increased Lp(a) in menopause & decreased HDL in menopause.

Antagonistic effects of indoloquinazoline alkaloids on antimycobacterial activity of evocarpine.

AIMS: The interaction of quinolone and indoloquinazoline alkaloids concerning their antimycobacterial activity was studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antimycobacterial and modulating activity of evodiamine (1), rutaecarpine (2) and evocarpine (3) was tested on mycobacteria including three multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Antagonistic effects were concluded from fractional inhibitory concentration (FICI) values. Interaction energies of the compounds were calculated using GLUE docking module implemented in GRID. 1 and 2 exhibited weak inhibition of rapidly growing mycobacteria, however, 1 was active against Myco. tuberculosis H37Rv (MIC = 10 mg l(-1) ) while 2 was inactive. Both 1 and 2 showed a marked antagonistic effect on the susceptibility of different mycobacterial strains to 3 giving FICI values between 5 and 9. The interaction energies between compounds 1 and 2 with compound 3 suggested the possibility of complex formation in solution. CONCLUSIONS: Indoloquinazoline alkaloids markedly reduce the antimycobacterial effect of the quinolone alkaloid evocarpine. Complex formation may play a role in the attenuation of its antimycobacterial activity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study gives a striking example of antagonism between compounds present in the same plant extract which should be considered in natural product based screening projects.

Adaptive chaos synchronization of an attitude control of satellite: A backstepping based sliding mode approach.

This paper uses adaptive backstepping sliding mode control to synchronize two satellite attitude dynamics with perturbing torques. The external perturbing torques induce chaotic motion with no control inputs. The proposed control system uses Lyapunov theory and Barbalat's Lemma to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the controlled system. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed design.

A drug-in-adhesive anti-onychomycotic nail patch: Influence of drug and adhesive nature on drug release, ungual permeation, in vivo residence in human and anti-fungal efficacy.

A nail patch is an attractive option for the topical treatment of onychomycosis, although no product is commercially available. We previously identified optimal nail patch formulations for two anti-onychomycotic drugs, based on their properties, as well as those of the other patch components. In this paper, our aim was to further investigate the potential of the patch formulations as topical nail medicines, in particular, whether the drug-in-adhesive patches release drug which then permeates into and through the nail plate and show anti-fungal efficacy, and whether and to what extent they remain adhered to the human nail plate in vivo when tested over 2 week durations. In addition, the influence of the drug (amorolfine HCl, ciclopirox olamine) and PSA (Duro-Tak 2852 or Duro-Tak 202A) on these parameters was determined. We found that both the nature of the drug and of the PSA influenced in vitro drug release. The nature of the drug, but not that of the PSA, influenced ungual drug permeation through human nail clippings, with considerably greater (almost double) permeation for ciclopirox olamine, the smaller and less lipophilic molecule. In vivo residence, tested with 3 out of the 4 patches, excluding the patch where ciclopirox olamine degraded with time, showed greater residence on toenails compared to fingernails reflecting their far lesser exposure to environmental stresses during daily activities. In vivo residence was enhanced when the patch was cut to the shape of the nail, was applied at bedtime, and when a clear colourless nail varnish was applied on top of the patch to 'seal' it into place on the nail. Comparison of the patches indicated greater residence of Duro-Tak 202A containing patches over those containing Duro-Tak 2852. Amorolfine HCl in Duro-Tak 202A based patch also showed antifungal efficacy in contrast to Duro-Tak 2852-based patch, and is particularly promising for further development as a potential toenail medicine, remaining almost fully adhered to toenails for at least two weeks.

Sulfotransferases of two specificities function in the reconstitution of high endothelial cell ligands for L-selectin.

L-selectin, a lectin-like receptor, mediates rolling of lymphocytes on high endothelial venules (HEVs) in secondary lymphoid organs by interacting with HEV ligands. These ligands consist of a complex of sialomucins, candidates for which are glycosylation- dependent cell adhesion molecule 1 (GlyCAM-1), CD34, and podocalyxin. The ligands must be sialylated, fucosylated, and sulfated for optimal recognition by L-selectin. Our previous structural characterization of GlyCAM-1 has demonstrated two sulfation modifications, Gal-6-sulfate and GlcNAc-6-sulfate in the context of sialyl Lewis x. We now report the cloning of a Gal-6-sulfotransferase and a GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferase, which can modify GlyCAM-1 and CD34. The Gal-6-sulfotransferase shows a wide tissue distribution. In contrast, the GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferase is highly restricted to HEVs, as revealed by Northern analysis and in situ hybridization. Expression of either enzyme in Chinese hamster ovary cells, along with CD34 and fucosyltransferase VII, results in ligand activity, as detected by binding of an L-selectin/IgM chimera. When coexpressed, the two sulfotransferases synergize to produce strongly enhanced chimera binding.

Beta-catenin mutations in biliary tract cancers: a population-based study in China.

beta-Catenin is an ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic protein that has a crucial role in both cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and as a downstream signaling molecule in the wingless/Wnt pathway. Activating mutations in exon 3 of the beta-catenin gene, at the phosphorylation sites for ubiquitination and degradation of beta-catenin, are present in a variety of cancers. Because alterations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are present in biliary tract cancers and the APC protein modulates levels of beta-catenin, we evaluated the role of beta-catenin in biliary tract cancer by sequencing the third exon of the beta-catenin gene among 107 biliary tract cancers and 7 gallbladder adenomas from a population-based study in CHINA: Point mutations of serine or threonine phosphorylation sites in exon 3 of beta-catenin were present in 8 of 107 (7.5%) biliary tract cancers and 4 of 7 (57.1%) gallbladder adenomas. Mutations of beta-catenin were more frequent in ampullary and gallbladder carcinomas than in bile duct carcinomas (P = 0.04) and in papillary adenocarcinomas than other histological types of carcinomas (P = 0.02). These results suggest that the molecular pathways of biliary tract neoplasms vary by anatomical subsite and histological subtype.

Dens invaginatus: diagnosis and management strategies.

Dens invaginatus is a developmental malformation, in which there is an infolding of enamel into dentine. These infolds represent stagnation sites for bacteria and can predispose to dental caries. The carious infection can spread via enamel and dentine to contaminate the pulp and cause soft tissue necrosis. The altered and sometimes complex anatomy of affected teeth can make endodontic management challenging. Early diagnosis is therefore essential as prophylactic treatment of the dens can prevent degeneration and pulpal necrosis. The aim of this article is to review the aetiology, classification, diagnosis and management of teeth affected with dens invaginatus. Emphasis will be placed on describing the clinical features of this anomaly. Treatment options, management strategies and the challenges faced in managing this condition will be discussed.

UV-curable gels as topical nail medicines:In vivo residence, anti-fungal efficacy and influence of gel components on their properties.

UV-curable gels, used as nail cosmetics for their in vivo durability, were reported to be promising as topical nail medicines. Our first aim was thus to investigate whether such durability applies to drug-loaded formulations. This was found to be true. However, ethanol inclusion in the pharmaceutical formulation (to enable drug loading) reduced the in vivo residence. The second aim was therefore to determine any other effects of ethanol, and if ethanol could be avoided by the choice of monomers. Thus, three methacrylate monomers, ethyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were selected, and their influence on the formulation properties were determined. Ethanol and the methacrylate monomer influenced some (but not all) of the formulation properties. The most significant was that HEMA could dissolve drug and enable the preparation of ethanol-free, drug-loaded formulations, which would benefit in vivo residence. The absence of ethanol reduced drug loading, release and ungual flux, but had no negative impact on the in vitro anti-fungal efficacy. Thus, judicious selection of gel components enabled the exclusion of ethanol. The long in vivo residence, little residual monomers, sufficient ungual permeation and in vitro anti-fungal activity of the gels indicates their potential as anti-onychomycotic topical medicines.

Identification of an N-acetylglucosamine-6-0-sulfotransferase activity specific to lymphoid tissue: an enzyme with a possible role in lymphocyte homing.

BACKGROUND: The leukocyte adhesion molecule L-selection participates in the initial attachment of blood-borne lymphocytes to high endothelial venules (HEVs) during lymphocyte homing to secondary lymphoid organs, and contributes to leukocyte adhesion and extravasation in HEV-like vessels at sites of chronic inflammation. The L-selection ligands on lymph mode HEVs are mucin-like glycoproteins adorned with the unusual sulfated carbohydrate epitope, 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x. Sulfation of this epitope on the N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residue confers high-avidity L-selection binding, and is thought to be restricted in the vasculature to sites of sustained lymphocyte recruitment. The GlcNAc-6-0 sulfotransferase that installs the sulfate ester may be a key modulator of lymphocyte recruitment to secondary lymphoid organs and sites of chronic inflammation and is therefore a potential target for anti-inflammatory therapy. RESULTS: A GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase activity was identified within porcine lymph nodes and characterized using a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative assay. We synthesized two unnatural oligosaccharide substrates, GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R and Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R, that incorporate structural motifs from the native L-selection ligands into an unnatural C-glycosyl hydrocarbon scaffold. The sulfotransferase incorporated greater than tenfold more sulfate into the disaccharide than the trisaccharide, indicating a requirement for a terminal GlcNAc. Activity across tissues was highly restricted to the HEVs within peripheral lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: The restricted expression of the GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase activity to lymph node HEVs strongly suggestions a role in the biosynthesis of L-selection ligands. In addition, similar sulfated epitopes are known to be expressed on HEV-like vessels of chronically inflamed tissues; indicating that this sulfotransferase may also contribute to inflammatory lymphocyte recruitment. We identified a concise disaccharide motif, GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R, that preserved both recognition and specificity determinants for the GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase. The absence of activity on the trisaccharide Gal beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R indicates a requirement for a substrate with a terminal GlcNAc residue, suggesting that sulfation precedes further biosynthetic assembly of L-selection ligands.

Effective anaesthesia of the acutely inflamed pulp: part 2. Clinical strategies.

Achieving profound pulpal anaesthesia in a mandibular molar diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis can be argued to be the most testing of dental anaesthetic challenges. Following discussion on the possible reasons for this occurrence in part 1, part 2 outlines the various local anaesthetic techniques that practitioners can use to overcome the acutely inflamed mandibular molar. They should then be able to apply these same principles to help anaesthetise any other tooth presenting with an acutely inflamed pulp. Techniques are discussed in detail along with key variables that have been associated with having an impact on the anaesthetic efficacy. This is to bring to light factors that can aid anaesthetic success as well as dispel common misnomers.

Effective anaesthesia of the acutely inflamed pulp: part 1. The acutely inflamed pulp.

Achieving profound pulpal anaesthesia in a mandibular molar diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis can be argued to be the most testing of dental anaesthetic challenges. This can be attributed to the technical complexities of conventional techniques and the presence of pulp pathosis. Reasons for why the latter influences the ability to attain pulpal anaesthesia is not yet fully understood, but its frequent occurrence is well documented. In light of overcoming this it has become common practice to prescribe antibiotics, refer onto secondary care or to even commence treatment without appropriately anaesthetising the tooth. Therefore, this two part series aims to help practitioners attain clinically acceptable pulpal anaesthesia in the most testing of scenarios; the acutely inflamed mandibular molar. They should then be able to apply these same principles to other teeth presenting with similar symptoms. This section outlines the clinical presentation and pathophysiology associated with an acutely inflamed pulp, defines what it is to attain pulpal anaesthesia and critically analyses theories as to why these teeth are up to eight times more difficult to anaesthetise than their healthy counterparts.

The cDNA of a human lymphocyte cyclic-AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE IV) reveals a multigene family.

Five protein families are needed to encompass the diversity of cyclic-AMP (cAMP) phosphodiesterases (PDE). Family IV PDEs (PDE IV) specifically hydrolyze cAMP with a low Km, and are selectively inhibited by rolipram (Rp) and related drugs. Cloned cDNAs from rat (r) suggest that the PDE IV family comprises four distinct members, designated A, B, C and D. Using RN from a human lymphocytic B-cell line (43D-Cl2), we have isolated a 3.8-kb cDNA by low-stringency screening using a rat PDE IV member B (r-PDE IVB) probe. Expression of the human (h) cDNA in Escherichia coli results in cAMP-specific PDE activity that is Rp sensitive. A single large open reading frame (ORF) predicts a 564-amino-acid protein with 92.9% identity to r-PDE IVB; at the nucleotide level the identity is 86.3%. This h-PDE IVB clone, HPB106, differs from a related cDNA clone isolated by others from h-monocytes [Livi et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 10 (1990) 2678-2686]. Our analysis identifies the monocyte clone with r-PDE IVA. Southern blots using a 1.2-kb h-PDE IVB probe at low stringency suggest the presence of additional uncloned human PDE IV family members. Analysis of genomic Southern blots using short specific probes from the h-PDE IVA and h-PDE IVB cDNAs indicates that distinct genes encode these two PDE IV family members. RNA from fractionated normal human leukocytes shows major specific messages of 3.0 and 4.6 kb for h-PDE IVA and 3.7 kb for h-PDE IVB.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Molecular cloning, genomic characterization and expression of novel human alpha1A-adrenoceptor isoforms.

We have isolated and characterized from human prostate novel splice variants of the human alpha1A-adrenoceptor, several of which generate truncated products and one isoform, alpha(1A-4), which has the identical splice site as the three previously described isoforms. Long-PCR on human genomic DNA showed that the alpha(1A-4) exon is located between those encoding the alpha(1A-1) and alpha(1A-3) variants. CHO-K1 cells stably expressing alpha(1A-4) showed ligand binding properties similar to those of the other functional isoforms as well as agonist-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation. Quantitative PCR analyses revealed that alpha(1A-4) is the most abundant isoform expressed in the prostate with high levels also detected in liver and heart.

Cadmium resistance in some members of Enterobacteriaceae.

Strains of members of Enterobacteriaceae, namely Escherichia coli (18), Klebsiella aerogenes (16), and Serratia marcescens (16) were screened for Cd resistance or sensitivity. Only one strain each of these was resistant to high levels (25 n moles/0.05 ml) CdCl2. The Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of sensitive strains ranged from 0.8-5 micrograms/ml. All the resistant strains were simultaneously resistant to a number of antibiotics. Treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate eliminated resistance to Cd and to some antibiotics.