Application of Hydrogel Spacer SpaceOAR Vue for Prostate Radiotherapy.

Damage in the surrounding structures, including the rectum, due to unintended exposure to radiation is a large burden to bear for patients who undergo radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The use of injectable rectal spacers to distance the anterior rectum from the prostate is a potential strategy to reduce the dose of unintended radiation to the rectum. Hydrogel spacers are gaining increasing popularity in the treatment regimen for prostate cancer. After FDA approval of SpaceOAR, specialists are receiving an increasing number of referrals for hydrogel placements. In this paper, we review hydrogel spacers, the supporting clinical data, the best practices for hydrogel placement, and the risk of adverse events.

Nutraceutical Value of Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.], and Their Improvement Using Omics Approaches.

The science of nutritional biology has progressed extensively over the last decade to develop food-based nutraceuticals as a form of highly personalized medicine or therapeutic agent. Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] is a crop with potentially tremendous but under-explored source of nutraceutical properties as compared to other regularly consumed cereals. In the era of growing divide and drawback of nutritional security, these characteristics must be harnessed to develop finger millet as a novel functional food. In addition, introgression of these traits into other staple crops can improve the well-being of the general population on a global scale. The objective of this review is to emphasize the importance of biofortification of finger millet in context of universal health and nutritional crisis. We have specifically highlighted the role that recent biotechnological advancements have to offer for enrichment of its nutritional value and how these developments can commission to the field of nutritional biology by opening new avenues for future research.

Alteration of Genetic Make-up in Karnal Bunt Pathogen (Tilletia indica) of Wheat in Presence of Host Determinants.

Alteration of genetic make-up of the isolates and monosporidial strains of Tilletia indica causing Karnal bunt (KB) disease in wheat was analyzed using DNA markers and SDS-PAGE. The generation of new variation with different growth characteristics is not a generalized feature and is not only dependant on the original genetic make up of the base isolate/monosporidial strains but also on interaction with host. Host determinant(s) plays a significant role in the generation of variability and the effect is much pronounced in monosporidial strains with narrow genetic base as compared to broad genetic base. The most plausible explanation of genetic variation in presence of host determinant(s) are the recombination of genetic material from two different mycelial/sporidia through sexual mating as well as through para-sexual means. The morphological and development dependent variability further suggests that the variation in T. indica strains predominantly derived through the genetic rearrangements.

Cloning, in silico characterization and induction of TiKpp2 MAP kinase in Tilletia indica under the influence of host factor(s) from wheat spikes.

In order to understand the molecular mechanism(s) associated with floret specificity, morphogenetic and disease development of Karnal bunt (KB) pathogen in wheat spikes, host factor(s) was isolated from KB prone susceptible stage of wheat spikes. An orthologue of Kpp2 gene involved in pheromone response and fungal development was isolated from Tilletia indica for analyzing its role in fungal development. The maximum expression of TiKpp2 gene was observed at 14th day and decreased thereafter. To investigate whether the fungus alters the expression levels of same kinase upon interaction with plants, T. indica cultures were treated with 1% of host factor(s). Such treatment induced the expression of TiKpp2 gene in time dependent manner. Host factor(s) treatment tends to increase the myelination in fungal cultures by lowering the sporidial production. Increase in myelination led to impose more pathogenicity levels in the host and prolific multiplication of pathogen inside host causing more damage to developing grains. In silico characterization and protein-protein interaction studies further suggests that isolated gene showed similarity with Ustilago maydis Kpp2 and induction of TiKpp2 might further activate a downstream transcription factor Prf1. The results of present study clearly suggest that host factor(s) derived from wheat spikes provide certain signal(s) which activate TiKpp2 gene during morphogenetic development of T. indica and affect the fungal growth and pathogenicity. In turn it also provides a plausible explanation for floret specificity of KB fungus in wheat.

EPR and photoluminescence properties of Mn2+ doped CdS nanoparticles synthesized via co-precipitation method.

The structural properties of Mn doped CdS (Mn:CdS) nanoparticles (NPs) are studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), Photoluminescence (PL), Raman and Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. XRD analysis shows the nanostructure with 2-4 nm of average crystallite size. The planes (110), (103) and (112) in XRD pattern distinguish the wurtzite structure of the Mn:CdS NPs. The intensity of the plane (102) increases as the doping concentration of Mn(2+) increases. UV-vis absorption spectra show blue shift as compared to bulk CdS. The optical band gap energy of Mn(2+) (0, 0.35, 0.70 and 1.35 at.%) doped CdS NPs corresponding to absorption edge are found to be 5.29, 5.28, 5.25 and 5.21 eV, respectively. The intensity of luminescence is changing with the concentration of Mn(2+) doped in CdS NPs. Raman spectra show blue shift in fundamental optical phonon mode (1LO) as well as second optical phonon mode (2LO) as compared to bulk CdS. The intensity ratio of the 2LO to 1LO modes slightly decreases as Mn(2+) concentration increases. EPR shows the existence of Mn(2+) with different local structures in CdS nanoparticles. The values of spectroscopic splitting factor (g) and hyperfine interaction constant (A) decrease as Mn(2+) concentration increases in CdS NPs.

Relationship of nitrogen use efficiency with the activities of enzymes involved in nitrogen uptake and assimilation of finger millet genotypes grown under different nitrogen inputs.

Nitrogen responsiveness of three-finger millet genotypes (differing in their seed coat colour) PRM-1 (brown), PRM-701 (golden), and PRM-801 (white) grown under different nitrogen doses was determined by analyzing the growth, yield parameters and activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase; GOGAT, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) at different developmental stages. High nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen utilization efficiency were observed in PRM-1 genotype, whereas high nitrogen uptake efficiency was observed in PRM-801 genotype. At grain filling nitrogen uptake efficiency in PRM-1 negatively correlated with NR, GS, GOGAT activities whereas it was positively correlated in PRM-701 and PRM-801, however, GDH showed a negative correlation. Growth and yield parameters indicated that PRM-1 responds well at high nitrogen conditions while PRM-701 and PRM-801 respond well at normal and low nitrogen conditions respectively. The study indicates that PRM-1 is high nitrogen responsive and has high nitrogen use efficiency, whereas golden PRM-701 and white PRM-801 are low nitrogen responsive genotypes and have low nitrogen use efficiency. However, the crude grain protein content was higher in PRM-801 genotype followed by PRM-701 and PRM-1, indicating negative correlation of nitrogen use efficiency with source to sink relationship in terms of seed protein content.

Induction of MAP kinase homologues during growth and morphogenetic development of Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica) under the influence of host factor(s) from wheat spikes.

Signaling pathways that activate different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in response to certain environmental conditions, play important role in mating type switching (Fus3) and pathogenicity (Pmk1) in many fungi. In order to determine the roles of such regulatory genes in Tilletia indica, the causal pathogen of Karnal bunt (KB) of wheat, semi-quantitative and quantitative RT-PCR was carried out to isolate and determine the expression of MAP kinase homologues during fungal growth and development under in vitro culture. Maximum expression of TiFus3 and TiPmk1 genes were observed at 14th and 21st days of culture and decreased thereafter. To investigate whether the fungus alters the expression levels of same kinases upon interaction with plants, cultures were treated with 1% of host factors (extracted from S-2 stage of wheat spikes). Such treatment induced the expression of MAPks in time dependent manner compared to the absence of host factors. These results suggest that host factor(s) provide certain signal(s) which activate TiFus3 and TiPmk1 during morphogenetic development of T. indica. The results also provides a clue about the role of host factors in enhancing the disease potential due to induction of MAP kinases involved in fungal development and pathogenecity.

Isolation and characterization of oviduct-specific glycoproteins from ampulla and isthmus parts of cyclic and acyclic buffalo for studying differential microenvironment.

The present study characterized the glycoproteins synthesized by buffalo oviduct. Scanning electron microscopy analyses of the ampullary and isthmic segments of cyclic and acyclic buffaloes showed ultrastructural variations in ciliated and nonciliated cells. Mucosal proteins were extracted by scrapping of different segments of oviduct and, after centrifugation, the remainder tissues were subjected to establish primary cell culture system of oviduct epithelial cells and conditioned media were prepared. Time- and concentration-dependent effects of trypsinization on the establishment of primary monolayer culture showed that 0.25% trypsin for 1-2 min at 37 °C were the optimal conditions. Total protein content in oviductal tissues and conditioned media was quantified and analyzed by SDS-PAGE which showed marked variation in different segments of the oviduct. Western blot analysis revealed five major oviduct-specific glycoproteins (OGPs) in cyclic oviduct (ampulla and isthmus) with Mw 180, 95, 75, 66 and 35 kDa in the oviduct extract and two glycoproteins with Mw 95 and 66 kDa in conditioned media. However, in acyclic oviduct (ampulla and isthmus), three glycoproteins were immunostained with Mw 180, 95 and 66 kDa in the oviduct extract and one glycoprotein with Mw 66 kDa in conditioned media. Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) results showed significant differences of OGPs in different segments of cyclic and acyclic buffaloes and, thus, indicative of segmental variation in the synthesis and secretion of glycoproteins. Oviductal extract secretes more amounts of OGPs as compared to the conditioned medium. The role of these OGPs may be defined and exploited for influencing the fertilization process and/or subsequent embryonic development.

Understanding the differential nitrogen sensing mechanism in rice genotypes through expression analysis of high and low affinity ammonium transporter genes.

Two rice genotypes, Kalanamak 3119 (KN3119) and Pusa Basmati 1(PB1) differing in their optimum nitrogen requirements (30 and 120 kg/ha, respectively) were undertaken to study the expression of both high and low affinity ammonium transporter genes responsible for ammonium uptake. Exposing the roots of the seedlings of both the genotypes to increasing (NH(4))(2)SO(4) concentrations revealed that all the three families of rice AMT genes are expressed, some of which get altered in a genotype and concentration specific manner. This indicates that individual ammonium transporter genes have defined contributions for ammonium uptake and plant growth. Interestingly, in response to increasing nitrogen concentrations, a root specific high affinity gene, AMT1;3, was repressed in the roots of KN3119 but not in PB1 indicating the existence of a differential ammonium sensing mechanism. This also indicates that not only AMT1;3 is involved not only in ammonium uptake but may also in ammonium sensing. Further, if it can differentiate and could be used as a biomarker for nitrogen responsiveness. Expression analysis of low affinity AMT genes showed that, both AMT2;1 and AMT2;2 have high levels of expression in both roots and shoots and in KN3119 are induced at low ammonium concentrations. Expressions of AMT3 family genes were higher shoots than in the roots indicating that these genes are probably involved in the translocation and distribution of ammonium ions in leaves. The expression of the only high affinity AMT gene, AMT1;1, along with six low affinity AMT genes in the shoots suggests that low affinity AMTs in the shoots leaves are involved in supporting AMT1;1 to carry out its activities/function efficiently.

Expression analysis of MAP2K9 and MAPK6 during pathogenesis of Alternaria blight in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia.

Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia was used as a host in order to investigate the involvement of MAP kinase machinery in the pathogenesis of Alternaria blight. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and quantitative real time PCR based approaches were used to determine the change in transcript profile of MAP2K9 and MAPK6 in leaves of A. thaliana ecotpe Columbia at early, middle and late stages of Alternaria blight infection. It was observed that the expression of both MAP2K9 and MAPK6 simultaneously increased up to middle stage of disease progression. There was observed a positive correlation between the expression of MAPK6 and MAP2K9 as disease progressed from initial to middle stage of infection. Then, the expression of MAP2K9 decreased and that of MAPK6 increased as disease progressed towards late stage of infection. The increased levels of MAP2K9 and MAPK6, seem to be necessary for plant to defend the pathogen up to middle stage of infection. However, MAP2K9 may be down regulated at late stage of infection by pathogen to promote it's efficient colonization. Since MAPK6 expression remains unaltered till late stage, it suggests that it's expression is not only regulated by MAP2K9 but also by other MAP2K's. The above results are consistent with observations of earlier studies. In conclusion, the present study has suggested MAP2K9/MAPK6 module as possible target, which is influenced during pathogenesis of Alternaria blight in A. thaliana ecotype Columbia. Hence genetic modulation in expression levels of these components in Arabidopsis or Brassica could be a possible strategy for engineering defense against Alternaria blight disease.

Unusually large sialolith of Wharton's duct.

The formation of calcific concretions in the salivary duct or glands is a common disorder, especially in the submandibular glands. Most of the salivary calculi are small in size, in contrast to those that reach several centimeters, which are reported as megaliths or giant calculi in the literature. They may occur in any of the salivary gland ducts but are most common in Wharton's duct and the submandibular gland. This report presents clinical and radiographical sign of an unusually large sialolith. There was painless swelling on the floor of the edentulous mouth and patient was unaware of it. Radiographical examination revealed large irregular radio-opaque mass superimposed on right canine and premolar areas. This case report describes a patient presenting with an unusually large submandibular gland duct sialolith, the subsequent patient management, the aetiology, diagnosis and its treatment.

Photoconductivity and photoluminescence of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via co-precipitation method.

Photoconductivity and photoluminescence studies of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by co-precipitation method capped with thioglycerol are carried out. The effect of annealing at 300°C is also studied. The transmission electron micrograph (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirm the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles. The UV-vis absorption spectrum of ZnO NPs shows blue shift of absorption peak as compared to bulk ZnO. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of as-synthesized ZnO NPs show band edge emission as well as blue-green emission. After annealing band edge emission is quenched. Photocurrent is found to vary super linearly at high voltage for both as-synthesized as well as annealed ZnO NPs. Time resolved rise and decay photocurrent spectra are found to exhibit anomalous photoconductivity for as-synthesized as well as annealed ZnO NPs wherein the photocurrent decreases even during steady illumination.

In vivo evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Aloe spp. and identification of its mode of action on GLUT-4 gene expression in vitro.

The present study evaluated the hypoglycemic activity of Aloe extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and focuses its effect on GLUT-4 gene expression under in vitro cell-culture system. Administration of extract at the dosage of 130 mg/kg body weight per day for 4 weeks resulted in significant decrease in blood glucose and total cholesterol in streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) induced diabetic mice. The hypoglycemic effect was compared with metformin. The activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes were brought back to near normal level after the treatment and glucose homeostasis was maintained. Lyophilized aqueous Aloe extract (1 mg/ml) upregulated the GLUT-4 mRNA synthesis in mouse embryonic NIH/3T3 cells.

Photoluminescence and photoconductivity of ZnS:Mn(2+) nanoparticles synthesized via co-precipitation method.

Mn(2+) doped ZnS nanoparticles are characterized using UV-vis, photoluminescence and photoconductivity studies. The size of Mn(2+) doped ZnS NPs is estimated to be 2-4nm by X-ray diffraction. UV-vis spectra show a blue shift in absorption edge as compared to bulk counterpart. Photoluminescence spectra indicate that orange luminescence varies with Mn(2+) concentration. The Mn(2+) doped ZnS nanoparticles are found to be photosensitive. The doping of Mn(2+) ions improves the photosensitivity of the ZnS nanoparticles system. The time-resolved rise and decay of photocurrent indicate anomalous behavior during steady state illumination.

Exudativory in the Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura, northeast India.

In this study we estimated the extent of exudativory in Nycticebus bengalensis and examined whether exudates can be considered as fallback foods. This study was carried out in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern India, in winter (December-February) and summer (March and April). We estimated time-activity budget using instantaneous sampling and used continuous focal animal sampling to record all instances and durations of feeding, over a total of 177 hr. Feeding accounted for 22.3+/-2.2% of the activity budget, with no seasonal difference. Bengal slow lorises fed on exudates, nectar, fruit, bark, invertebrates and avian eggs. In addition to scraping they also obtained exudates by gouging holes into the bark of trees. In winter, lorises almost exclusively fed on exudates (94.3% of winter feeding time). In summer, exudates (67.3%) and nectar from one species (22.3%) dominated the diet. This study identifies the Bengal slow loris as the most exudativorous loris. Exudates rather than being a staple fallback food, seem to be a preferred, patchily distributed and common food in the diet of the Bengal slow loris. Exudativory in this species is characterized by high selectivity among species and seasonal variation, which may be related to variations in productivity of exudates and their chemical composition. An understanding of these factors is necessary for predicting the response of this species to human disturbance such as logging. This study also underscores the importance of protecting some of the common species such as Terminalia belerica on which the loris feeds during periods of scarcity.

Effects of transforming growth factor Beta and insulinlike growth factor 1 on the biomechanical and histologic properties of tissue-engineered cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histologic and biomechanical properties of rabbit tissue-engineered cartilage exposed to insulinlike growth factor 1 and transforming growth factor beta. DESIGN: Controlled study. SUBJECTS: New Zealand white rabbits aged 3 to 4 weeks. INTERVENTION: A mean of 3.42 million rabbit chondrocytes were placed onto 2 x 1-cm polyglycolic/poly-L-lactic acid mesh templates. One group (n = 21) was placed in complete medium for 4 days. The experimental group (n = 19) was placed into complete medium with insulinlike growth factor 1 (50 ng/mL) and transforming growth factor beta (1 ng/mL). After 96 hours the templates were removed and implanted into the dorsum of the donor rabbit. The templates were harvested after 8 weeks and subjected to gross, histologic, and biomechanical testing. RESULTS: All samples showed histologic characteristics consistent with normal cartilage. No statistically significant differences were found with biomechanical testing between the control and experimental groups. CONCLUSION: In spite of more promising results from earlier studies, these results do not support improved histologic features or mechanical performance with the addition of insulinlike growth factor 1 and transforming growth factor beta to the chondrocyte/template complex.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine is potentially an alternative contrast agent for three-dimensional computed tomography angiography with multidetector-row helical scanning.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that gadopentetate dimeglumine is potentially an alternative contrast medium for computed tomographic angiography (CTA). METHODS: One 12.2-kg Beagle dog was studied as proof of principle; the cervical vessels of three adult human patients were imaged for presurgical planning of the neck. Gadopentetate dimeglumine, 0.5 mol/l (Berlex Laboratories, Wayne, NJ, U.S.A.), a LightSpeed QX/i CT (General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A.), and an Ultra Sparc II (SUN Microsystems, Santa Clara, CA, U.S.A.) running Advantage Windows 3.1 (General Electric Medical Systems) were used. RESULTS: Sufficient enhancement for CTA of the thoracic aorta, cervical vessels, and abdominal vessels was produced in the experimental dog, and the cervical vessels were clearly defined in all three patients. CONCLUSION: In that subset of patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast medium and for whom magnetic resonance angiography is inappropriate, gadopentetate dimeglumine may be an alternative contrast medium for CTA.