Treatment Of GA Research Articles

Neuroprotective Effect of Ganoderic Acid against Focal Ischemic Stroke Induced by Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in the Rats via Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

Swiss Wistar rats were used for the current study. The rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to simulate transient focal ischemia, followed by reperfusion. Various neurological parameters, including infarct size, neurological deficit score, brain water content, Evans blue leakage, nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), antioxidant levels, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis markers, inflammatory parameters, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) levels, were estimated. Additionally, mRNA expressions were evaluated in the brain tissue. Dose dependently treatment of GA significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed the infarct size, neurological deflects score, brain water, evans blue leakage, NO, iNOS, LDH, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S-100β) and K+-Cl- cotransporter 1 (KCC1) positive cells. GA altered the level of oxidative stress parameters like Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA); cytokines viz., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10; inflammatory parameters such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin (PGE2), Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); apoptosis parameters like B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated protein x (Bax), Caspase-3; matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) parameters like MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, respectively. GA remarkably suppressed the mRNA expression of TRL-4, Syndecan-1, CSF, Aquaporin-1, OCT3, and RFX1. Ganoderic acid exhibited the protection against the cerebral ischemia reperfusion via multiple mechanism.

Prohexadione Calcium and Gibberellin Improve Osmoregulation, Antioxidant Response and Ion Homeostasis to Alleviate NaCl Stress in Rice Seedlings

Prohexadione calcium (EA) and gibberellin (GA) are two different types of plant growth regulators that have different effects on the regulation of plant development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of EA and GA on rice plant growth, development and morph-physiological traits in two rice varieties: ‘Huang Huazhan’ and ‘Guang Hong 3’. At the three-leaf seedling stage, the plants were treated with 50 mM NaCl 24 h after foliar application of EA (100 mg·L−1) and GA (1 mg·L−1). Data on morphological indexes, osmotic regulators and antioxidant activities were compared with the treatment of EA and GA on the 4th, 7th, 10th and 13th days after NaCl stress. Our data analysis showed that NaCl stress inhibited the leaf area growth of rice seedlings, altered the microstructure and disrupted the antioxidant system, ion uptake and transport balance. The significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide anion production rate (O2·¯) indicated that NaCl stress caused a severe oxidative stress response to rice seedlings. Treatment with EA and GA activated the antioxidant system under NaCl stress, significantly elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities and suppressed the increase in MDA content and the O2·¯ production rate. Under NaCl stress, EA and GA treatments improved the osmoregulatory balance, significantly increased soluble protein and proline contents and maintained lower Na+/K+ levels. EA and GA treatments significantly increased the K+ and Ca2+ contents, thereby maintaining ionic balance, which was favorable for maintaining the growth of rice seedlings. In this study, moth plant growth regulators maintained the growth and development of rice seedlings under NaCl stress by inducing an increase in osmoregulation and antioxidant levels, reducing the degree of membrane damage and regulating the selective uptake of ions by rice seedlings. Current findings also clarified that foliar application of EA was more effective than GA in three-leaf seedlings by enhancing the morph-physiological and antioxidant parameters under NaCl stress.

Gastric adenocarcinoma burden, trends and survival in Cali, Colombia: A retrospective cohort study.

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) has changed in recent decades. Cancer estimates are often calculated from population-based cancer registries, which lack valuable information to guide decision-making (clinical outcomes). We describe the trends in clinical practice for GA using a hospital-based cancer registry over a timespan of 15 years. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Data were gathered from adults diagnosed and treated for GA at Fundación Valle del Lili (FVL), between 2000 and 2014, from the hospital's own cancer registry and crossed with Cali's Cancer Registry. Additional data were obtained directly from clinical records, pathology reports and the clinical laboratory. Patients younger than 18 years and those for whom limited information was available in the medical history were excluded. A survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 500 patients met eligibility criteria. Median age was 64 years (IQR: 54-74 years), 39.8% were female, 22.2% were at an early stage, 32.2% had a locally advanced disease, and 29% a metastatic disease, 69% had intestinal subtype, 48.6% had a positive H. pylori test, 85.2% had a distal lesion, 62% underwent gastrectomy, 60.6% lymphadenectomy, and 40.6% received chemotherapy. Survival at 5 years for all cases was 39.9% (CI 95% 35.3-44.5). Survival decreased over time in all groups and was lower in age-groups <39 and 60-79 with either locally advanced or metastatic disease. Prognostic factors that were significant in the Cox proportional-hazards model were late stages of the tumor (locally advanced: HR=2.52; metastatic: HR=4.17), diffuse subtype (HR=1.40), gastrectomy (subtotal: HR=0.42; total: 0.44) and palliative chemotherapy (HR=0.61). The treatment of GA has changed in recent decades. GA survival was associated with clinical staging, diffuse subtype, gastrectomy and palliative chemotherapy. These findings must be interpreted in the context of a hospital-based study.

Mechanism of ShuiJingDan in Treating Acute Gouty Arthritis Flares Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

This study examined the underlying mechanisms of SJD's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on acute GA flares. This study used pharmacology network and molecular docking methods. The active ingredients of ShuiJingDan (SJD) were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the relevant targets of GA were obtained from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The core drug group-target-disease Venn diagram was formed by crossing the active ingredients of SJD and the relevant targets. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was conducted for functional annotation, DAVID was used for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes, and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, and R was used to find the core targets. The accuracy of SJD network pharmacology analysis in GA treatment was verified by molecular docking simulations. Finally, a rat GA model was used to further verify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SJD in the treatment of GA. SJD mainly acted on target genes including IL1B, PTGS2, CXCL8, EGF, and JUN, as well as signal pathways including NF-κB, Toll-like receptor (TLR), IL-17, and MAPK. The rat experiments showed that SJD could significantly relieve ankle swelling, reduce the local skin temperature, and increased the paw withdrawal threshold. SJD could also reduce synovial inflammation, reduced the concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8, and COX-2 in the synovial fluid, and suppressed the expression of IL1B, CXCL8, and PTGS2 mRNA in the synovial tissue. SJD has a good anti-inflammatory effect to treat GA attacks, by acting on target genes such as IL-1β, PTGS2, and CXCL8.

1261TiP CARMEN-GC01: Phase II, open-label, single-arm study of tusamitamab ravtansine in combination with ramucirumab in pretreated patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GA/GEJA)

Tusamitamab ravtansine (tusa; SAR408701), an anti-carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) antibody conjugated to the potent cytotoxic antitubulin DM4, showed promising antitumor activity and was well tolerated in heavily pretreated patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and high CEACAM5 expression (immunohistochemistry intensity ≥ 2+ in ≥ 50% of tumor cells). High CEACAM5 expression occurs in 30% of pts with gastric cancer (GC). Ramucirumab, an antibody antagonist of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), combined with paclitaxel is a standard of care option for second-line (2L) treatment of GA or GEJA. Preclinical studies with tusa and a VEGFR2 antagonist have shown synergistic activity in gastric patient-derived xenografts, supporting clinical investigation of tusa in combination with ramucirumab. This combination may lead to improved 2L outcomes in pts with GC, with a better safety profile compared with that of paclitaxel plus ramucirumab. A phase II study (NCT04394624) of tusa in combination with ramucirumab is also ongoing in pts with NSCLC and high CEACAM5 expression. CARMEN-GC01 (NCT05071053) is a phase II, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, 2 part study to evaluate tusa combined with ramucirumab in pts pretreated for GA/GEJA with high CEACAM5-expressing tumors. Part 1 is a safety run-in, followed by a Part 2 expansion. Inclusion criteria include age ≥ 18, metastatic or locally advanced GA/GEJA, and ≥ 1 measurable lesion. Key exclusion criteria are untreated brain metastases, unresolved previous corneal disorders, concurrent anticancer therapy, and prior CEACAM5-targeted, DM1- or DM4-containing, anti-VEGF/VEGFR, or taxane treatment. The primary objectives are to confirm the recommended tusa loading dose in combination with ramucirumab (Part 1) and to assess the antitumor activity of tusa (Part 2). Secondary objectives include safety, duration of response, progression-free survival, disease control rate, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. As of April 13, 2022, 22 sites in 6 countries are recruiting. EudraCT: 2021-001967-26; NCT05071053. Medical writing support was provided by Zeshan Mahmood, PharmD, and Elizabeth Strickland, PhD, inScience Communications (Philadelphia, PA). This work was performed in accordance with current Good Publication Practices and funded by Sanofi. Sanofi.

Liquorice Extract and 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Protect Against Experimental Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats Through Inhibiting Cytochrome P450-Mediated Metabolic Activation.

Misuse of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-containing plants or consumption of PA-contaminated foodstuffs causes numerous poisoning cases in humans yearly, while effective therapeutic strategies are still limited. PA-induced liver injury was initiated by cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolic activation and subsequent formation of adducts with cellular proteins. Liquorice, a hepato-protective herbal medicine, is commonly used concurrently with PA-containing herbs in many compound traditional Chinese medicine formulas, and no PA-poisoning cases have been reported with this combination. The present study aimed to investigate hepato-protective effects of liquorice aqueous extract (EX) and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA, the primary bioactive constituent of liquorice) against PA-induced hepatotoxicity and the underlying mechanism. Histopathological and biochemical analysis demonstrated that both single- and multiple-treatment of EX (500 mg/kg) or GA (50 mg/kg) significantly attenuated liver damage caused by retrorsine (RTS, a representative hepatotoxic PA). The formation of pyrrole-protein adducts was significantly reduced by single- (30.3% reduction in liver; 50.8% reduction in plasma) and multiple- (32.5% reduction in liver; 56.5% reduction in plasma) treatment of GA in rats. Single- and multiple-treatment of EX also decreased the formation of pyrrole-protein adducts, with 30.2 and 31.1% reduction in rat liver and 51.8 and 53.1% reduction in rat plasma, respectively. In addition, in vitro metabolism assay with rat liver microsomes demonstrated that GA reduced the formation of metabolic activation-derived pyrrole-glutathione conjugate in a dose-dependent manner with the estimated IC50 value of 5.07 µM. Further mechanism study showed that GA inhibited activities of CYPs, especially CYP3A1, the major CYP isoform responsible for the metabolic activation of RTS in rats. Enzymatic kinetic study revealed a competitive inhibition of rat CYP3A1 by GA. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that both EX and GA exhibited significant hepato-protective effects against RTS-induced hepatotoxicity, mainly through the competitive inhibition of CYP-mediated metabolic activation of RTS.

Successful Treatment of Granuloma Annulare with Thin-Layered Co2 Laser Ablation

Two clinical cases of successful thin-layered CO2 laser ablation of localized form of granuloma annulare, are presented. Granuloma annulare is a rare dermatosis whose etiology is still unclear. Relation to various systemic diseases is assumed. Non-aesthetic lesions create discomfort, and may impede affected individuals’ social confidence, physical, and psycho-social functioning. In most cases lesions regress spontaneously, and therefore therapeutic minimalism is to be applied. Therapeutic modalities include laser therapy. Reports in literature of GA treatment with PDL, Fractional Thermolysis, as well as excimer laser indicate attempts at treatment of GA are being made not knowing the mechanisms behind etiology of GA. Presented bellow successfully treated cases with thin-layered CO2 laser ablation demonstrate treatment of GA with thin-layered laser ablation as therapeutically effective. The procedure is bloodless, relatively painless and completely aseptic, no postoperative pain. Possible impetiginization is easily avoided. Keywords: Granuloma Annulare; CO2 Laser; Thin-Layered Laser Ablation Abbreviations (CO2 laser) Carbon Dioxide Laser (GA) Granuloma Annulare (PDL) Pulsed Dye Laser (FT) Fractional Thermolysis

One-step solvothermal synthesis and growth mechanism of well-crystallized β-Ga2O3 nanoparticles in isopropanol

Well-crystallized β-Ga2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by solvothermal treatment of Ga(NO3)3 in isopropanol at 400 °C without performing the calcination process.

Gum Arabic modifies anti-inflammatory cytokine in mice fed with high fat diet induced obesity

Obesity is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, the effect of GA on anti-inflammatory cytokines is not reported. We intended to investigate the effects of GA on anti-inflammatory cytokines in mouse fed with high fat diet. Forty five female CD-1 mice of 90 days old were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15). Mice fed mice either a normal diet (control), high fat diet (HFD) or high fat diet containing 10% w/w GA (HFD + gum) for 15 weeks. Body weights, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), plasma lipid profile, blood glucose, plasma anti-inflammatory cytokines, adiponectin, ghrelin and leptin levels were measured. In addition, anti-inflammatory cytokines gene mRNA expressions were detected. Supplementation of GA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased body weight and VAT associated with decreases in blood glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), whereas, increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations. HFD consumption increased plasma interleukins (IL) IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leptin and ghrelin concentrations. However, the administration of GA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, leptin and ghrelin compared to the high fat diet and control groups. On the other hand, the treatment of GA significantly (P < 0.05) increased plasma IL-10 and adiponectin compared to the HDF and control groups. Likewise, GA significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated hepatic IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α and C-reactive protein mRNA expression compared to the HDF group. However, no change found in IL-1β mRNA expression. These findings indicate that consumption of GA may help to prevent obesity related complications through downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines gene.

18\u03b2-Glycyrrhetinic-acid-mediated unfolded protein response induces autophagy and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine, Glycyrrhrzae Radix et Rhizoma. Here, we explored the effects of GA on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and in vivo and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We confirmed that GA suppressed proliferation of various HCC cell lines. Treatment of GA caused G0/G1 arrest, apoptosis and autophagy in HCC cells. GA-induced apoptosis and autophagy were mainly due to the unfolded protein response. We compared the roles of the ATF4/CHOP and IRE1α/XBP1s UPR pathways, which were both induced by GA. The ATF4/CHOP cascade induced autophagy and was indispensable for the induction of apoptosis in GA-treated HCC cells. In contrast, the IRE1α/XBP1s cascade protected HCC cells from apoptosis in vitro and in vivo induced by GA. Despite this, activation of autophagy protected HCC cells from apoptosis induced by GA. We concluded that pharmacological inhibition of autophagy or IRE1α may be of benefit to enhance the antitumor activity of GA.

Enhancing the growth and yield of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) by ramie biomass waste in liquid form and gibberellic acid

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) is one of the most important sources of natural fibre, a sustainable biomass. The growth and yield of ramie are affected by mineral nutrients. In the present study, we usedfertilizers from waste of ramie biomass in liquid form (liquid organic fertilizer, LOF) and the other treatment is by gibberellic acid (GA3). This study was to obtain the effect of treatments on enhance the growth and yield of ramie. Hence, we measure the character that related to the important parameter for biomass product of ramie. Such plant height, stem diameter, dry plant weight, and ramie fresh stem weight of ramie clone Pujon 13. This research was conducted from January 2016 to March 2016 at Research Field Ciparanje, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java with an altitude of about ± 750 m above sea level. The type of Soil in this area is Inceptisolsoil order and thetype of rainfall according to Schmidt and Fergusson Classification is C type. The experiment used Randomized Block Design (RBD) which consisted of eight treatments (GA and LOF) and four replications. The concentration of GA from 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm and for concentration of LOF is 40 mlL-1. We suggested the treatment of GA 150 ppm with 40 mlL-1 LOF was the best treatment on enhancing plant height and stem fresh weight of ramie clone Pujon 13.

Partial protection by 18β Glycrrhetinic acid against Cisplatin induced oxidative intestinal damage in wistar rats: Possible role of NFkB and caspases.

Cisplatin (CP) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for the treatment of various malignancies. It has varied undesirable effects such as nephrotoxicity, intestinal toxicity which limit its wide and extensive clinical usage. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid derivative, obtained from the herb liquorice having pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antioxidant. The present study was designed to investigate in vivo efficacy of GA against CP induced small intestinal toxicity. Rats were subjected to prophylactic oral treatment of GA (50 and 100mg/kg body weight) for 21days against intestinal toxicity induced by single intra peritoneal injection of CP (10mg/kg body weight) on day 18th and sacrificed on 21st day. The plausible mechanism of CP induced small intestinal toxicity is via deficit in anti-oxidant armory, induction of oxidative stress; TNF-α, NFkB, activation of apoptotic pathway proteins by up regulation of caspases. However prophylactic treatment of GA diminished oxidative stress markers, TNF-α, NFkB expression and enhanced anti-oxidant status, down regulated apoptosis, recovered histopatholgical alterations in small intestine. Therefore, results of the present finding provide strong evidence that GA may be a useful modulator in alleviating CP induced intestinal toxicity.

Improved germination of silverleaf phacelia (Phacelia hastataDouglas ex Lehm. var.hastata)

Silverleaf phacelia ( Phacelia hastata Douglas ex Lehm. var. hastata [Hydrophyllaceae]) is a versatile and hardy native plant species with an aesthetically pleasing flower, silver-tinged leaves, and the ability to respond positively to nursery propagation protocols. Attempts to germinate this species without suitable pretreatment, however, have resulted in low and erratic germination due to seed dormancy, even though previous anecdotal studies have identified seed treatments for freshly harvested seeds. After-ripened seeds were subjected to seed structure identification and the following experiments to classify dormancy and to determine effective and efficient seed treatments for growers: 1) examination of water uptake; 2) growth of excised embryos; 3) effect of gibberellic acid; and 4) effect of mechanical scarification. Based on the results of all observations and experiments, dormancy was classified as physiological. Germination was most successful with excised embryos (100%), scarification (87%), and GA soak (48%), with scarification being the most effective and labor-efficient method for growers to use. Note that the highest treatment of GA, 1000 mg/l (1000 ppm), was not high enough to determine peak and toxicity levels, indicating that phacelia may respond to higher levels of GA.

Effect of different plant growth regulators and chemicals on quality and economics of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. BHAGAWA

The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design replicated twice with two factors consisted of growth regulators and chemicals. The results of present investigation indicated that, in the qualitative parameters significantly maximum TSS, reducing sugar total sugars and ascorbic acid (17.05°B, 14.60%, 14.99 and 17.15 mg/100 g, respectively), with the lowest titrable acidity (0.21 %), of fruit juice was recorded in treatment of GA 3 75 ppm + boron 0.3 per cent. The highest gross monetary returns (Rs. 6,96,820per ha), net monetary returns (Rs. 4,90,740per ha) and B:C ratio (2.86) was reported in the treatment of GA 3 75 ppm + boron 0.3 per cent (T 7 ) .It was followed by treatment of 2-4-D 20 ppm + boron 0.3 per cent (T 22 ) (Rs.6,81,560,Rs. 4,75,720 per ha and 2.81, respectively). The minimum values for all these parameters were observed in control (T 1 ) treatment.

Mononuclear dpp-Bian Gallium Complexes: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Reactivity toward Alkynes and Enones

Treatment of (dpp-Bian)Ga–Ga(dpp-Bian) (1) (dpp-Bian = 1,2-bis[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene) with iodine gives (dpp-Bian)Ga(I)–Ga(I)(dpp-Bian) (2), which reacts in situ with K(C5H4CH2CH2NMe2) (KCpDo) or K(OCH2CH2NMe2) (KORDo) to produce the monomeric species (dpp-Bian)GaCpDo (3) and (dpp-Bian)GaORDo (4), respectively. Complex 3 reacts with PhC≡CH to give the paramagnetic derivative (dpp-Bian)Ga(C≡CPh)2 (5), while compound 4 is inert toward this alkyne. In contrast, monomeric (dpp-Bian)Ga(S2CNMe2) (6) reacts with PhC≡CH and HC≡CH to give the cycloaddition products [dpp-Bian(PhC═CH)]Ga(S2CNMe2) (7) and [dpp-Bian(HC═CH)]Ga(S2CNMe2) (8). The related compounds [dpp-Bian(MeC═CC(O)OMe)]Ga(S2CNMe2) (9) and [dpp-Bian(CH2CH═C(Me)O)]Ga(S2CNMe2) (10) have been obtained in the reactions of complex 6 with methyl 2-butynoate and methyl vinyl ketone, respectively. New complexes have been characterized by 1H NMR (3, 4, and 7–10) and ESR (5) spectroscopy; their molecular structures have been established by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The catalytic activity of complex 6 in the hydroamination and hydroarylation of alkynes has been examined.

Phytohormones reduce the adverse effect of salinity on seed germination and seedling growth and some biochemical changes in imbibed seeds ofCicer aeritinum cv. C-235

When 1x10-9M NaCl stressed seeds of Cicer arietinum cv. C-235 was treated with growth hormones i.e. 1x10-8M of IAA, 1x10-9M of Kn and 1x10-7M of GA. Individual treatment of growth hormones IAA, GA and Kn, improved seed germi-nation and seedling growth, the level of biochemi-cal components and enzyme activities in imbibed seeds being maximum at combined treatment (IAA+GA+Kn).

Gum arabic-coated radioactive gold nanoparticles cause no short-term local or systemic toxicity in the clinically relevant canine model of prostate cancer

IntroductionGum arabic-coated radioactive gold nanoparticles (GA-198AuNPs) offer several advantages over traditional brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer, including homogenous dose distribution and higher dose-rate irradiation. Our objective was to determine the short-term safety profile of GA-198AuNPs injected intralesionally. We proposed that a single treatment of GA-198AuNPs would be safe with minimal-to-no evidence of systemic or local toxicity.MethodsNine dogs with spontaneously occurring prostatic cancer were treated. Injections were performed with ultrasound or computerized tomography guidance. Complete blood counts, chemistry panels, and urinalyses were performed at weekly intervals for 1 month and imaging was repeated 4 weeks postinjection. Planar scintigraphic images were obtained within 30 minutes of injection.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was found in any hematologic or biochemical parameter studied, nor was any evidence of tumor swelling or abscessation found in eight dogs with repeat imaging; one dog died secondary to urethral obstruction 12 days following injection. At 30 minutes postinjection, an average of 53% of injected dose in seven dogs was retained in the prostate, with loss of remaining activity in the bladder and urethra; no systemic uptake was detected.ConclusionGA-198AuNP therapy had no short-term toxicity in the treatment of prostatic cancer. While therapeutic agent was found in the prostate immediately following injection, some loss of agent was detected in the bladder and urethra. Localization of radioactivity within the prostate was lower than anticipated and likely due to normal vestigial prostatic ducts. Therefore, further study of retention, dosimetry, long-term toxicity, and efficacy of this treatment is warranted prior to Phase I trials in men.

Effect of low-temperature annealing on the electronic- and band-structures of (Ga,Mn)As epitaxial layers

The effect of outdiffusion of Mn interstitials from (Ga,Mn)As epitaxial layers, caused by post-growth low-temperature annealing, on their electronic- and band-structure properties has been investigated by modulation photoreflectance (PR) spectroscopy. The annealing-induced changes in structural and magnetic properties of the layers were examined with high-resolution X-ray diffractometry and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, respectively. They confirmed an outdiffusion of Mn interstitials from the layers and an enhancement in their hole concentration, which were more efficient for the layer covered with a Sb cap acting as a sink for diffusing Mn interstitials. The PR results demonstrating a decrease in the band-gap-transition energy in the as-grown (Ga,Mn)As layers, with respect to that in the reference GaAs one, are interpreted by assuming a merging of the Mn-related impurity band with the GaAs valence band. Whereas an increase in the band-gap-transition energy caused by the annealing treatment of the (Ga,Mn)As layers is interpreted as a result of annealing-induced enhancement of the free-hole concentration and the Fermi level location within the valence band. The experimental results are consistent with the valence-band origin of itinerant holes mediating ferromagnetic ordering in (Ga,Mn)As, in agreement with the Zener model for ferromagnetic semiconductors.

Diagnosis, treatment and outcome of glutaric aciduria type I in Zhejiang Province, China

SummaryBackgroundGlutaric aciduria type I (GA I; MIM 231670) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting from glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. This article reports our experience in the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of GA I patients in Zhejiang Province, China.Material/MethodsA total of 129,415 newborns (accounting for approximately one-tenth of the annual births in Zhejiang Province) and 9640 high-risk infants were screened for inborn errors of metabolism in the Neonatal Screening Center of Zhejiang Province during a 3-year period. Tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for diagnosis of the patients. Dietary modification, carnitine supplementation and aggressive treatment of intercurrent illnesses were adapted for GA I patients.ResultsThree infants were diagnosed with GA I by high-risk screening (detection rate: 1/3,213) and 2 were diagnosed by newborn screening (incidence: 1/64,708). Four patients (3 by high-risk screening and 1 by neonatal screening) undergoing MRI examination showed remarkable changes on T2-weighted image. Four patients accepted timely treatment, and in the patient diagnosed by neonatal screening, treatment was delayed until hypotonia appeared 3 months later. Neuropsychological assessment showed mental and motor retardation in 3 patients after treatment, including the patient diagnosed by neonatal screening.ConclusionsIndividualized timely treatment and close monitoring of GA I patients needs to be optimized in China. Appropriate communication with parents may help to achieve successful management of GA I patients.

Interactive effect of calcium and gibberellin on nickel tolerance in relation to antioxidant systems in Triticum aestivum L.

Nickel toxicity affects many metabolic facets of plants and induces anatomical and morphological changes resulting in reduced growth and productivity. To overcome the damaging effects of nickel (Ni) stress, different strategies of the application of nutrients with plant hormones are being adopted. The present experiment was carried out to assess the growth and physiological response of wheat plant (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Samma to pre-sowing seed treatment with GA(3) alone as well as in combination with Ca(2+) and/or Ni stress. The pre-sowing seed treatment of Ni decreased all the growth characteristics (plant height, root length, fresh, and dry weight) as well as chlorophyll (Chl) content and enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA: E.C. 4.2.1.1) activity. However, an escalation was recorded in malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage in plants raised from seed soaked with Ni alone. Moreover, all the growth parameters and physiological attributes (Chl content, proline (Pro) content, CA, peroxidase (E.C.1.11.1.7), catalase (E.C. 1.11.1.6), superoxide dismutase (E.C. 1.15.1.1), ascorbate peroxidase (E.C. 1.11.1.11), and glutathione reductase (E.C. 1.6.4.2) were enhanced in the plants developed from the seeds soaked with the combination of GA(3) (10(-6) M), Ca(2+), and Ni. The present study showed that pre-sowing seed treatment of GA(3) with Ca(2+) was more capable in mitigation of adverse effect of Ni toxicity by improving the antioxidant system and Pro accumulation.