Concurrent occurrence of three neoplasms including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma and leiomyoma in the same kidney

A 53-year-old man with triple renal neoplasms in his left kidney presented. He was initially diagnosed intermediate grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) which involved gastro-intestinal tract, left kidney, liver and pancreas. He underwent left nefrectomy because of a persistent renal mass after the completion of chemotherapy. The large renal mass revealed a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Additionally, multiple small nodules of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a solitary leiomyoma were observed.     

Effects of bromocriptine on cyclic-GMP contents of some endocrine glands and liver in rats

Cyclic GMP contents of the thyroid gland and ovary were significantly increased in response to single and multiple treatments of bromocriptine, an effect which was antagonized by sulpiride. Liver and adrenocortical cyclic GMP levels have not been changed by bromocriptine although sulpiride alone induced a significant reduction. The data may indicate the presence of D₂ receptors in ovary and thyroid gland that are related to cyclic GMP.     

Pachyovatamine,a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid,and other alkaloids from Pachygone ovata

A new dibenzo-p-dioxin biphenyl bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, pachyovatamine, has been isolated from an extract of the leaves and stems of Pachygone ovata from Sri Lanka. The alkaloid was characterized by a consideration of its physicochemical data and conversion to O-acetyltiliacorinine. Pachygonamine, N-methylpachygonamine and tiliamosine were also isolated from the same extract.     

D-limonene nanoemulsion: lousicidal activity,stability, and effect on the cuticle of Columbicola columbae

The current study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and stability of D-limonene (DL) and its nanoemulsion (DLN) against pigeon feather lice (Columbicola columbae) and their mode of action. DL pure form and DLN were prepared and characterized freshly and after storage for 50 days. In vitro bioassay on live lice was conducted with different concentrations of DL, DLN, and deltamethrin (DM). The results revealed significant mortality rates in the DL-, DLN-, DM-treated groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05). The scanning electron micrographs of lice treated with DL and DLN revealed collapsed bodies with destruction in the cuticle of the mouthparts and damaged antennae. The 50 days stored DLN showed stability in their effectiveness when compared with the freshly prepared formulation. DL and DLN caused significant inhibition (p ≤ 0.05) in acetylcholinesterase activity (AchE). Malondialdehyde level (MDA) was significantly increased while glutathione was significantly decreased in DL- and DLN-treated lice. In conclusion, DL and DLN have significant lousicidal activities. DLN showed better stability than DL after storage for 50 days. In addition, the mode of action of DL may associate with its effect on the cuticle of the lice body, inhibition of AchE, and increasing oxidative stress in the treated lice.     

Vitamin C suppresses cell death in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells induced by tamoxifen

Vitamin C is generally thought to enhance immunity and is widely taken as a supplement especially during cancer treatment. Tamoxifen (TAM) has both cytostatic and cytotoxic properties for breast cancer. TAM engaged mitochondrial oestrogen receptor beta in MCF‐7 cells and induces apoptosis by activation of pro‐caspase‐8 followed by downstream events, including an increase in reactive oxygen species and the release of pro‐apoptotic factors from the mitochondria. In addition to that, TAM binds with high affinity to the microsomal anti‐oestrogen‐binding site and inhibits cholesterol esterification at therapeutic doses. This study aimed to investigate the role of vitamin C in TAM‐mediated apoptosis. Cells were loaded with vitamin C by exposure to dehydroascorbic acid, thereby circumventing in vitro artefacts associated with the poor transport and pro‐oxidant effects of ascorbic acid. Pre‐treatment with vitamin C caused a dose‐dependent attenuation of cytotoxicity, as measured by acridine‐orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) and Annexin V assay after treatment with TAM. Vitamin C dose‐dependently protected cancer cells against lipid peroxidation caused by TAM treatment. By real‐time PCR analysis, an impressive increase in FasL and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) mRNA was detected after TAM treatment. In addition, a decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential was observed. These results support the hypothesis that vitamin C supplementation during cancer treatment may detrimentally affect therapeutic response.     

A sampling design and model for estimating abundance of Nile crocodiles while accounting for heterogeneity of detectability of multiple observers

As part of the development of a management program for Nile crocodiles in Lake Nasser, Egypt, we used a dependent double-observer sampling protocol with multiple observers to compute estimates of population size. To analyze the data, we developed a hierarchical model that allowed us to assess variation in detection probabilities among observers and survey dates, as well as account for variation in crocodile abundance among sites and habitats. We conducted surveys from July 2008–June 2009 in 15 areas of Lake Nasser that were representative of 3 main habitat categories. During these surveys, we sampled 1,086 km of lake shore wherein we detected 386 crocodiles. Analysis of the data revealed significant variability in both inter- and intra-observer detection probabilities. Our raw encounter rate was 0.355 crocodiles/km. When we accounted for observer effects and habitat, we estimated a surface population abundance of 2,581 (2,239–2,987, 95% credible intervals) crocodiles in Lake Nasser. Our results underscore the importance of well-trained, experienced monitoring personnel in order to decrease heterogeneity in intra-observer detection probability and to better detect changes in the population based on survey indices. This study will assist the Egyptian government establish a monitoring program as an integral part of future crocodile harvest activities in Lake Nasser. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.     

Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilises its type III secretion system to kill the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a free-living and common environmental bacterium. It is an opportunistic and nosocomial pathogen causing serious human health problems. To overcome its predators, such as macrophages and environmental phagocytes, it utilises different survival strategies, such as the formation of microcolonies and the production of toxins mediated by a type III secretion system (TTSS). The aim of this study was to examine interaction of TTSS effector proteins of P. aeruginosa PA103 with Acanthamoeba castellanii by co-cultivation, viable count, eosin staining, electron microscopy, apoptosis assay, and statistical analysis. The results showed that P. aeruginosa PA103 induced necrosis and apoptosis to kill A. castellanii by the effects of TTSS effector proteins ExoU, ExoS, ExoT, and ExoY. In comparison, Acanthamoeba cultured alone and co-cultured with P. aeruginosa PA103 lacking the known four TTSS effector proteins were not killed. The results are consistent with P. aeruginosa being a strict extracellular bacterium that needs TTSS to survive in the environment, because the TTSS effector proteins are able to kill its eukaryotic predators, such as Acanthamoeba.     

Physical factors affecting the production of organic solvent-tolerant protease by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain K

The physical factors affecting the production of an organic solvent-tolerant protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain K was investigated. Growth and protease production were detected from 37 to 45 degrees C with 37 degrees C being the optimum temperature for P. aeruginosa. Maximum enzyme activity was achieved at static conditions with 4.0% (v/v) inoculum. Shifting the culture from stationary to shaking condition decreased the protease production (6.0-10.0% v/v). Extracellular organic solvent-tolerant protease was detected over a broad pH range from 6.0 to 9.0. However, the highest yield of protease was observed at pH 7.0. Neutral media increased the protease production compared to acidic or alkaline media.