Methodology to Create Auxin-Inducible Degron Tagging System to Control Expression of a Target Protein in Mammalian Cell Lines.

The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system is a versatile tool in cell biology and genetics, enabling conditional protein regulation through auxin-induced degradation. Integrating CRISPR/Cas9 with AID expedites tagging and depletion of a required protein in human and mouse cells. The mechanism of AID involves interactions between receptors like TIR1 and the AID tag fused to the target protein. The presence of auxin triggers protein ubiquitination, leading to proteasome-mediated degradation. We have used AID to explore the mitotic functions of the replication licensing protein CDT1. Swift CDT1 degradation via AID upon auxin addition achieves precise mitotic inhibition, revealing defects in mitotic spindle structure and chromosome misalignment. Using live imaging, we found that mitosis-specific degradation of CDT1 delayed progression and chromosome mis-segregation. AID-mediated CDT1 inhibition surpasses siRNA-based methods, offering a robust approach to probe CDT1's mitotic roles. The advantages of AID include targeted degradation and temporal control, facilitating rapid induction and reversal of degradation-contrasting siRNA's delayed RNA degradation and protein turnover. In summary, the AID technique enhances precision, control, and efficiency in studying protein function and regulation across diverse cellular contexts. In this article, we provide a step-by-step methodology for generating an efficient AID-tagging system, keeping in mind the important considerations that need to be adopted to use it for investigating or characterizing protein function in a temporally controlled manner. Key features • The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system serves as a versatile tool, enabling conditional protein regulation through auxin-induced degradation in cell biology and genetics. • Integration of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in technology with AID expedites the tagging and depletion of essential proteins in mammalian cells. • AID's application extends to exploring the mitotic functions of the replication licensing protein CDT1, achieving precise mitotic inhibition and revealing spindle defects and chromosome misalignment. • The AID system and its diverse applications advance the understanding of protein function and cellular processes, contributing to the study of protein regulation and function.

Missed injuries associated with maxillofacial trauma.

Background: Maxillofacial trauma in polytrauma settings is often associated with multiple injuries both trivial and life threatening, and their timely detection is the mainstay of definitive trauma management for preventing mortality and morbidity. Emergency management of all the patients reporting to our maxillofacial unit is either done by our center or they have been managed at the peripheral health care facility and relatively stable patient is referred to us. Anecdotally, we found inadequacies in transport methods, diagnosis, and detection of associated injuries in the patients referred to us from the peripheral health care facility. To substantiate our finding, this observational study has been planned. Objective: To identify, diagnose, and document missed injuries associated with the maxillofacial trauma. Materials and Methods: All the trauma patients referred to the maxillofacial unit directly from the peripheral health care facility during the period of October 2017 to March 2019 were included in this study. Results: We observed a total of 270 patients having both pure maxillofacial trauma and patients having documented other injuries associated with maxillofacial injuries. In our maxillofacial unit, functioning as a secondary screen, head to toe clinical examination was performed to document any previously missed out injuries. Missed injuries diagnosed by us included spinal injuries, temporal bone fractures, fractures of the styloid process, and even head injury. Conclusion: Frequent reassessment of trauma patients at all levels of trauma care and training health care personnel particularly those at peripheral health care facility and those involved in prehospital care are pivotal in managing the trauma patients in most efficient manner.

Generation of two induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (IGIBi006-A and IGIBi008-A) carrying exonic deletions in the dystrophin gene.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder with defect in dystrophin gene that shows features of degeneration of muscle tissue at an early age. Here, we describe iPSC lines generated from LCL of two patients of Indian origin carrying 46-48 and 49-50 exons deletions in DMD. The resulting iPSC lines IGIBi006-A and IGIBi008-A showed all the characteristic features of pluripotency, differentiated into cells of three germ layers in vitro and have no major genetic alterations due to reprogramming process. These lines can serve as a useful cell model for studying disease pathogenesis and will aid in precision therapy.

Sentiment Thesaurus, Synset and Word2Vec Based Improvement in Bigram Model for Classifying Product Reviews.

Classifying product reviews is one of the tasks in Natural Language Processing by which the sentiment of the reviewer towards a product can be identified. This identification is useful for the growth of the business by increasing the number of satisfied customers through product quality improvement. Bigram models are more popular in performing this classification since it considers the occurrence of two words consecutively in the reviews. In the existing works on bigram models, semantically similar words to the words present in bigrams are not considered. As the reviewers use different words with the same meaning to express their feeling, we proposed improved bigram models in which semantically similar words to the words in bigrams are also used for classifying the reviews. In the proposed models, sentiment polarity thesaurus is constructed by including sentiment words and their synonyms. The combinations of constructed thesaurus, Synset and Word2Vec are used for extracting synonyms for the words in the reviews. Performance of the proposed models is compared with the traditional bigram model and state-of-the-art methods. It is observed from the results that our models are able to achieve better performance than traditional model and recent methods.

Utilising pneuRIP device in determining the adequacy of respiratory support when weaning high-flow nasal cannula in paediatric patients with acute respiratory distress: A pilot study.

AIM: Recognition of paediatric respiratory distress and timely intervention is critical, especially during the weaning phase of support in paediatric acute respiratory failure, as weaning too aggressively can lead to further setbacks in a patient's recovery. We aimed to determine if pulmonary function measurements obtained with the pneuRIP device, a noninvasive pulmonary function testing device that provides measurements of labored breathing index (LBI), phase angle and %rib cage (%RC) contribution to breathing, will provide predictive values to assess the adequacy of respiratory support while weaning from HFNC. METHODS: We reviewed patients ages 0-18 years admitted to the PICU for respiratory distress due to respiratory infections receiving HFNC. Patients with history of chronic lung disease and chronic neuromuscular disease with baseline habnormal breathing patterns were excluded. Phase angle, LBI and %RC were obtained every hour and with every wean of HFNC. Nine patients were enroled. RESULTS: Mean LBI range remained 1.27-1.68 when LBI was plotted as a function of the HFNC flow rate. Mean values of %RC contribution to breathing ranged 43.65-57.12 as a function of the HFNC flow rate. No significant deviations existed in either %RC (P = 0.16) or LBI (P = 0.16) during the weaning of HFNC. Mean phase angle for all subjects was 41.48°-74.12° for the duration of wean and showed significant deviation from baseline during the weaning process (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of LBI and %RC on the pneuRIP device effectively demonstrated tolerance of weaning HFNC during the recovery phase of acute respiratory failure from a respiratory infection.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels in Indian Women Seeking Infertility Treatment: Are Indian Women Facing Early Ovarian Senescence?

BACKGROUND: Antimullerian hormone (AMH) is a key marker of ovarian reserve and predictor of response to fertility treatment. AIM: To understand the prevalence of low ovarian reserve in Indian women seeking infertility treatment, compare their AMH with age-matched fertile Indian controls and understand ethnic differences with Caucasian women. SETTING AND DESIGN: Retrospective observational study done as collaboration between our in vitro fertilization centre and a laboratory with Pan-India presence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women aged 20-44 years were selected as Group A (seeking infertility treatment n = 54,473), Group B (conceived naturally in the past; n = 283) and Group C (data of Caucasian women; n = 718). Serum AMH levels were measured and descriptive analysis done. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. RESULTS: In Group A, 28.7%, 48.7% and 70.6% of women aged <30 years, 30-34 years and 35-39 years had serum AMH levels ≤2 ng/mL and the proportions were higher than Group B. The rate at which median AMH decreased was 1.1-2 times faster in Group B as compared to Group C. The decrease in median AMH across age groups in Group A was similar to Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Indian women in their late twenties and early thirties visiting fertility centers showed a worrisome trend of low AMH. Our study can be used as a reference for those women considering postponing pregnancy. It may be time to look at intangible cultural factors linked to social habits, ethnicity, diet, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors like endocrine disrupting chemicals contributing to premature ovarian senescence.

Profiling the phyto-constituents of Punica granatum fruits peel extract and accessing its in-vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory properties.

This context was investigated to assess the in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition traits of Punica granatum fruits peel extract. Initially, among various extracts tested, aqueous and ethanolic peel extracts depicted the presence of diverse phytoconstituents. In vitro antioxidative properties of peel extracts were determined using standard methodologies. Results showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts had IC50 values of 471.7 and 509.16 µg/mL, respectively in terms of 1,1,diphenyl 2,2,picrylhydrazyl scavenging. Likewise, IC50 values of aqueous and ethanol extract were obtained as 488.76 and 478.47 µg/mL towards the degradation of hydrogen peroxide. The ethanolic extract exhibited the highest inhibition of α-glucosidase by showing activity of 53.34 ± 2.0 to 15.18 ± 1.4 U/L in a dose dependent manner (100-1000 µg/mL). Ethanolic extract was reported as the most active inhibitor of lipase with an IC50 value of 603.50 µg/mL. Ethanolic extract showed increased inhibition of ACE in a concentration dependent manner (100-1000 µg/mL) with IC50 value of 519.45 µg/mL. Fourier transform-infrared spectrum revealed the availability of various functional groups in the ethanolic extract of peel. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry chromatogram of peel extract illustrated 23 diversified chemical constituents including 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol, Dimethyl sulfone, 9-octadecenamide, and Pentadecanoic acid as predominant compounds. In summary, P. granatum fruits peel extract revealed promising antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive properties.

Cerebroprotective Potential of Hesperidin Nanoparticles Against Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion Reperfusion Injury in Rats and In silico Approaches.

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (C I/R) accelerates neuronal injury through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Hesperidin has cerebroprotective effects due to its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic nature against oxidative damage caused by C I/R. The blood-brain barrier also limits the hesperidin passage into the cerebral region due to its poor bioavailability. Current research included analysis of binding energy, hesperidin inhibitory constant on inflammatory cytokines (TNF α, IL 6) and apoptotic protein (caspase 3), hesperidin nanoparticles prepared, and investigation of their defense against C I/R rats. Binding energy and IC50 of hesperidin on pathological proteins using AutoDoc. 1.5.6 and PyRx in silico tools were compared with thalidomide. The fabrication method was engaged in the preparing of nano-hesperidin, characterized by SEM assessment. Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion technique has been used in experimental rats to cause C I/R. Nano-hesperidin cerebroprotective activity was assessed by differing infarction magnitude, oxidative stress parameters, TNF α and IL 6, and hippocampal histopathology with rats treated with unformulated hesperidin. Hesperidin found stronger binding strength and IC50 was relative to thalidomide on TNF α, IL 6, and caspase 3. Nano-hesperidin with a size of 100-500 nm was shown in a uniform nano-size and spherical form. Nano-hesperidin-treated rats showed significantly increased glutathione (p < 0.00***), catalase (p < 0.01**), and total protein (p < 0.001***), and decreased cerebral infarction size, TNF α (p < 0.01**), IL 6 (p < 0.01**), and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05*), compared with hesperidin-treated ischemic rats. Therefore, hesperidin nanoparticles may confer protection to the neurons against ischemic injury compared with hesperidin treatment.

Retraction notice to "Proteomic studies on lactic acid bacteria: A review" [Biochem. Biophys. Rep. 14 (2019) 100689].

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2018.04.009.].

Proteomic studies on lactic acid bacteria: A review.

Probiotics are amongst the most common microbes in the gastro-intestinal tract of humans and other animals. Prominent among probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They offer wide-ranging health promoting benefits to the host which include reduction in pathological alterations, stimulation of mucosal immunity and interaction with mediators of inflammation among others. Proteomics plays a vital role in understanding biological functions of a cell. Proteomics is also slowly and steadily adding to the existing knowledge on role of probiotics. In this paper, the proteomics of probiotics, with special reference to lactic acid bacteria is reviewed with a view to understand i) proteome map, ii) mechanism of adaptation to harsh gut environment such as low pH and bile acid, iii) role of cell surface proteins in adhering to intestinal epithelial cells, and iv) as a tool to answer basic cell functions. We have also reviewed various analytical methods used to carry out proteome analysis, in which 2D-MS and LC-MS/MS approaches were found to be versatile methods to perform high-throughput sample analyses even for a complex gut samples. Further, we present future road map of understanding gut microbes combining meta-proteomics, meta-genomics, meta-transcriptomics and -metabolomics.

Multiple parasitic and viral infections in a patient living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy.

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are more prone for gastrointestinal infections causing diarrhoea, particularly with parasites. Parasitic infections have been regularly reported in such patients. A female patient confirmed positive for HIV 1 on antiretroviral therapy came with complaints of chronic diarrhoea for the past 7 months. Her initial CD4 count was 89 cells/µl of blood, and antibodies to cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 virus were found to be positive in the patient's serum, but there was no HIV-associated retinopathy. Her stool examination showed decorticated fertilised eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, cysts of Blastocystis sp. and Entamoeba species in the unconcentrated sample and oocysts of Cystoisospora species, egg of Schistosoma haematobium and eggs of Trichuris trichiura in the concentrated. The patient responded well to cotrimoxazole and albendazole, and repeat samples were negative for all these parasites.

Biological responses of symbiotic Rhizobium radiobacter strain VBCK1062 to the arsenic contaminated rhizosphere soils of mung bean.

The rationale could be that mung bean is cultivated in areas of arsenic contamination and therefore it is worth investigating how Rhizobium is impacted by arsenic exposure. The objective(s) of the study deals with relationship between Rhizobium metal tolerance and its adaptations to metal stressed environment. The selected strain was recovered from root nodules of Vigna radiata, based on viscous EPS production and arsenic tolerant capacity, identified as R. radiobacter by 16S rDNA sequencing. Batch studies were performed to evaluate toxic effects of heavy metal ions in decreasing order of MIC As(V) (10mM), Cu(1.5mM), Pb(0.18mM), Cr(0.1mM), Ni(0.08mM) and Cd(0.04mM). Scanning electron microscopy analysis of Arsenic resistant strain revealed evident changes in cell morphology. SDS-PAGE results showed altered expression of proteins in response to arsenate. One unique protein of approximately 21kDa was highly expressed in 5mM arsenate, but same protein was down regulated in 10mM arsenate. The exopolysaccharide components such as total carbohydrates, proteins and uronic acids were significantly enhanced by 41%, 25% and 33% (P Value <0.05) and also produced EPS under Arsenic stressed conditions. Fourier transformed spectroscopy analysis demonstrated arsenic metal ion-EPS interactions. The results obtained from SEM-EDS analysis clearly revealed mucous nature of Rhizobial-EPS surrounding bacterial cells and confirmed the role of EPS in arsenate sequestration (10% as weight). Interestingly total arsenate uptake by strain VBCK1062 in whole-cell pellet and EPS were 0.045mg and 0.068mgg-1 of biomass respectively. Thus these results significantly contribute to better understanding of plant-metal-microbe interactions, cellular-metabolic changes and As-enhanced EPSs, hence can serve as potential bioremediation agent for As-contaminated agrogeoecosystems.

Empty follicle syndrome: Successful pregnancy following dual trigger.

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is an uncommon, but the frustrating complication of assisted reproductive technology with failure to obtain oocytes after an adequate ovarian response to stimulation. Most of the reported cases of EFS are drug-related problems which are actually avoidable and do not represent any potential pathology and that the risk of genuine EFS (GEFS) is much smaller than was once thought. Our case is the first report of a pregnancy obtained after management of GEFS with dual trigger in a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycle. In this report, we present a patient who underwent two oocyte retrievals, in which no oocytes were obtained. In the third in-vitro fertilization cycle, a dual trigger with the combination of GnRH agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin yielded 11 oocytes, which led to the transfer of 2 blastocysts resulting in a live birth. Changing the treatment protocol with dual trigger brought about a successful outcome.

Correlation of subendometrial-endometrial blood flow assessment by two-dimensional power Doppler with pregnancy outcome in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.

CONTEXT: Various markers have been proposed to evaluate endometrial receptivity, such as molecular markers and sonographic markers. Commonly used sonographic markers include endometrial thickness and pattern. A good endometrial blood flow is considered necessary for improved pregnancy outcome. AIM: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of subendometrial endometrial blood flow with two-dimensional-power Doppler (2D-PD) in predicting pregnancy outcome in hormone replacement frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. SETTING AND DESIGN: Prospective, non-randomized observational study. A total of 165 patients undergoing their first FET cycle were evaluated for subendometrial-endometrial blood flow by 2D-PD once the endometrium was ≥7 mm thick. Group A consisted of 127 women showing the presence of subendometrial-endometrial blood flow. Group B comprised of 38 women in whom subendometrial blood flow was absent. Progesterone supplement was added and transfer of 2-3 cleavage stage good quality embryos was done after 3 days. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Independent two-tailed t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in body mass index, endometrial thickness, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone levels, number of mature oocytes, semen parameters and the number of good quality embryos in the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean age in Group A was 32.05 years and 33.73 years in Group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.04). Overall pregnancy rate (PR) was 30.90%. PRs were significantly higher in the presence of subendometrial-endometrial blood flow than in its absence (35.43% vs. 15.78%, P = 0.02). Furthermore, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate were significantly higher in Group A when compared to Group B (31.49% and 14.79% vs. 13.15% and 6.52%, P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: The presence of endometrial blood flow significantly improves cycle outcome in hormone replacement therapy-FET cycles.

Amniotic fluid index at admission in labour as predictor of intrapartum fetal status.

To re-examine the value of amniotic fluid index at admission in labour (aAFI) as a predictor of intrapartum fetal status, in 326 term pregnancies at their admission in labour, labour admission test (LAT) and antepartum risk status were recorded. The different categories were correlated with fetal/neonatal outcome. There were 68.7% women at low risk on the Minnesota scale for antepartum status. The proportion of women with low aAFI (≤5 cm) was higher in the high-risk group (8 of 12, 64%, p = 0.0001) and occurrence of significantly higher non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS; 10 of 12 with low AFI, 83%, p = 0.0001). Number recording LAT as non-reactive trace (41 cases) was similar irrespective of the pregnancy status (24 and 17 in low- and high-risk cases, respectively) and fetal status through labour (21 and 20 in fetuses with NRFS and otherwise, respectively). Negative predictive value was similar between the groups (88% for aAFI and 89% for LAT), and LAT was found to be more specific (91%) than 64% for aAFI. Sensitivity and positive predictive values were poor in both. It is concluded that aAFI is not a reliable screening test to predict intrapartum fetal compromise.

An evalution of compressive strength of newer nanocomposite: An in vitro study.

AIM: The purpose of the study is to assess and compare compressive strength of newer nanocomposites (FiltekZ350, Ceram X Mono, Ceram X Duo) with microhybrid (Tetric Ceram) and to compare difference in compressive strength of newer nanocomposites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty eight specimens of composite were fabricated using customized biparpite brass mold measuring 5mm x 5mm and were grouped with twelve specimens in each Group I : Tetric Ceram, Group II: Filtek Z 350, Group III : Ceram X Mono, Group IV : Ceram X Duo. Composite resins are placed in cylindrical recesses and covered with mylar strip and are cured using QHL light curing unit. Compressive strength is evaluated using Instron machine. Results are statistically analyzed using One way Anova and Student t test. Analysis demonstrated that nanocomposites have better compressive strength than micro hybrid (P<0.001). RESULTS: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that nanocomposites have better compressive strength than microhybrid composite and nanocomposite showed optimal compressive strength of 312 - 417 Mpa.

Successful pregnancy following medical management of heterotopic pregnancy.

We present a case of sonographic demonstration of quadruplet heterotopic pregnancy consisting of twin intrauterine (IU) pregnancy and a twin adnexal pregnancy after ovulation induction (OI) with clomiphene citrate (CC) and timed intercourse (TI). Both heterotopic pregnancy and spontaneous twinning are frequent after OI, this combination although extremely rare must be kept in mind. The role of early transvaginal sonography and serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin after missed periods helps in early diagnosis. It gives us an opportunity for medical management, saving the patient the agony of surgery along with loss of pregnancy. The management of heterotopic pregnancy is controversial. This patient did not have a viable IU pregnancy and both the sacs in the adnexa were small. Thus, we treated her successfully by medical management with systemic methotrexate, with regular follow-up. This patient successfully conceived after 6 months with OI and TI, with ovulation occurring from the same side of the previous ectopic. She had a viable IU gestation corresponding to 12 weeks.

A comparative and evaluative study of cytological and histological grading system profile in malignant neoplasm of breast--an important prognostic factor.

Breast carcinoma is one of the leading causes of malignancy in females. Diagnosis of breast carcinoma is often made by fine needle aspiration biopsy. Nuclear grading is the most important prognostic factor. It is important to grade the breast carcinoma which will provide valuable information to the treating oncologist to plan the management. The purpose of the study is to compare the cytological grading with histological grading and to assess the prognosis according to the grade. 100 cases of breast carcinoma were graded cytologically by Robinson Grading system and 71 cases were graded histologically by modified Bloom-Richardson system and results of both were compared and statistical correlation was done. In the present study sensitivity and specificity of cytological grading system were 90.77% and 84.42% respectively.

The Jahn-Teller and pseudo-Jahn-Teller effects in the anion photoelectron spectroscopy of B3 cluster.

The photodetachment spectroscopy of B3- anion is theoretically studied with the aid of a quantum dynamical approach. The theoretical results are compared with the available experimental photoelectron spectra of B3-. Both B3- and B3 possess D(3h) symmetry at the equilibrium configuration of their electronic ground state. Distortion of B3 along its degenerate vibrational mode nu2 splits the degeneracy of its excited C2E' electronic manifold and exhibits (E [symbol: see text] e)-Jahn-Teller (JT) activity. The components of the JT split potential energy surface form conical intersections, and they can also undergo pseudo-Jahn-Teller (PJT) crossings with the X2A1' electronic ground state of B3 via the degenerate nu2 vibrational mode. The impact of the JT and PJT interactions on the nuclear dynamics of B3 in its X2A1'-C2E' electronic states is examined here by establishing a diabatic model Hamiltonian. The parameters of the electronic part of this Hamiltonian are calculated by performing electronic structure calculations and the nuclear dynamics on it is simulated by solving quantum eigenvalue equation. The theoretical results are in good accord with the experimental data.

Interleukin-1 balance in the lungs of preterm infants who develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: The local pulmonary balance between the agonist and antagonist of interleukin-1 (IL-1) may influence the development of inflammatory disease and resultant structural damage in a variety of human diseases including adult respiratory distress syndrome and asthma. OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypothesis that IL-1 cytokines are early markers for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), when measured in tracheal aspirates (TAs) obtained from premature infants being ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome during the first week of life. METHODS: Serial TAs were collected on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 from 35 preterm infants (16 BPD, 19 non-BPD) in the absence of chorioamnionitis, and were assayed for IL-1 cytokines and leukocytes. RESULTS: In spite of comparable maternal demographic and clinical characteristics, premature infants who developed BPD had higher levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (Ra) in their airways on the first day of life. This antagonist IL-1Ra was an early and persistent marker for BPD during the first week of life. The agonist IL-1beta also increased significantly for BPD patients early, both compared to non-BPD patients, and also within the BPD group. While the early (day 1) IL-1 antagonist/agonist molar balance offered protection, by days 5 and 7, a threshold for IL-1Ra in the presence of increasing IL-1beta expression-favored pro-inflammation in the BPD group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a strong and early expression of airway antagonist (IL-1Ra) proves ultimately to be sub-optimal and non-protective due to the robust expression of airway agonist (IL-1beta) seen by day 5 in premature infants who develop BPD.