Comments on "New hypergeometric identities arising from Gauss’s second summation theorem"

In 1997, Exton [J. Comput. Appl. Math. 88 (1997) 269–274] obtained a general transfor- mation involving hypergeometric functions by elementary manipulation of series. A number of hypergeometric identities not previously recorded in the literature were then deduced by application of Gauss’ second summation theorem and other known hypergeometric summa- tion theorems. However, many of the results stated by Exton contain errors. It is the purpose of this note to present the corrected forms of these hypergeometric identities

Hepatocytes Traffic and Export Hepatitis B Virus Basolaterally by Polarity-Dependent Mechanisms

Viruses commonly utilize the cellular trafficking machinery of polarized cells to effect viral export. Hepatocytes are polarized in vivo, but most in vitro hepatocyte models are either nonpolarized or have morphology unsuitable for the study of viral export. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of trafficking and export for the hepadnaviruses hepatitis B virus (HBV) and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) in polarized hepatocyte-derived cell lines and primary duck hepatocytes. DHBV export, but not replication, was dependent on the development of hepatocyte polarity, with export significantly abrogated over time as primary hepatocytes lost polarity. Using Transwell cultures of polarized N6 cells and adenovirus-based transduction, we observed that export of both HBV and DHBV was vectorially regulated and predominantly basolateral. Monitoring of polarized N6 cells and nonpolarized C11 cells during persistent, long-term DHBV infection demonstrated that newly synthesized sphingolipid and virus displayed significant colocalization and fluorescence resonance energy transfer, implying cotransportation from the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane. Notably, 15% of virus was released apically from polarized cells, corresponding to secretion into the bile duct in vivo, also in association with sphingolipids. We conclude that DHBV and, probably, HBV are reliant upon hepatocyte polarity to be efficiently exported and this export is in association with sphingolipid structures, possibly lipid rafts. This study provides novel insights regarding the mechanisms of hepadnavirus trafficking in hepatocytes, with potential relevance to pathogenesis and immune tolerance. © 2011, American Society for Microbiology

Toward a Network Model of MHC Class II-Restricted Antigen Processing.

The standard model of Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHCII)-restricted antigen processing depicts a straightforward, linear pathway: internalized antigens are converted into peptides that load in a chaperone dependent manner onto nascent MHCII in the late endosome, the complexes subsequently trafficking to the cell surface for recognition by CD4(+) T cells (TCD4+). Several variations on this theme, both moderate and radical, have come to light but these alternatives have remained peripheral, the conventional pathway generally presumed to be the primary driver of TCD4+ responses. Here we continue to press for the conceptual repositioning of these alternatives toward the center while proposing that MHCII processing be thought of less in terms of discrete pathways and more in terms of a network whose major and minor conduits are variable depending upon many factors, including the epitope, the nature of the antigen, the source of the antigen, and the identity of the antigen-presenting cell

Unusual clinical presentation of rare case of vaginal leiomyoma: a case report

Primary vaginal leiomyoma are rare and usually arise from anterior vaginal wall, approximately 330 cases of vaginal fibroid reported in world literature. Vaginal myoma usually presented as discharge per vaginum, abnormal bleeding, pain lower abdomen, dyspareunia etc. We report a case of primary vaginal leiomyoma arising from lateral vaginal wall which is presented clinically as pain in hip joint and radiating to ipsilateral leg which is unusual clinical presentation creating diagnostic dilemma and because of rarity of the case

Solid crystal suspension of Efavirenz using hot melt extrusion: exploring the role of crystalline polyols in improving solubility and dissolution rate

The poor aqueous solubility of drugs has emerged as a major issue for pharmaceutical scientists from many decades. The current study explores the manufacture and development of a thermodynamically stabilized solid crystal suspension (SCS) of poorly water soluble drug efavirenz via hot melt extrusion. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and belongs to BCS class II. The SCS was prepared using pearlitol and xylitol as a crystalline carrier. The drug-excipient blend was processed by hot melt extrusion with up to 50% (w/w) drug loading. Physico-chemical characterization of the SCS conducted via a scanning electron microscopy showed crystalline morphology. The solid state analysis undertaken by using differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage microscopy confirmed that SCS are in crystalline state. Similarly, X-ray powder diffraction analysis revealed that pure drug, crystalline carriers and developed SCS are in crystalline state. The FTIR chemical imaging analysis of SCS formulations showed a homogeneous drug distribution within respective crystalline carriers while an advanced chemical analysis via atomic force microscopy and Raman analysis complemented the foregoing findings of the FTIR imaging. The developed SCS1 formulation showed up to 81 fold increase in the solubility and 4.1 fold increase in the dissolution rate of the drug compared to that of the bulk substance. Surprisingly, the developed SCS formulation remained stable for a period of more than one year at accelerated conditions inferred from dissolution studies. It can be concluded that the SCS approach can be used as an alternative contemporary technique to enhance the dissolution rates of many other poorly water-soluble drugs by means of thermal HME processing

Successful pregnancy outcome in a case of Swyer Syndrome with hypertension and morbid obesity

To report a case of Swyer syndrome with hypertension and morbid obesity with successful pregnancy and live birth after assisted reproductive technology. 27 year old morbidly obese female with essential hypertension who had been on HRT for 10 years with well-developed secondary sexual characters with primary infertility. After adequate development of the uterus and the endometrial preparation, Patients with Swyer syndrome conceive with oocyte donation and ICSI. Caesarean section rate is high due to multiple pregnancies and other obstetric complications. Early detection of these cases would help in timely development of their secondary sexual characters and restoration of menses and gonadectomy for prevention of malignancy as its propensity is high. Multidisciplinary approach is required including counseling and management of long term health problems. Pregnancy is feasible but caesarean rate is high

Where is the best site for embryo transfer? A study of relation of embryo-fundal distance with pregnancy rate in ICSI-ET cycle

Background: Embryo transfer is the ultimate and most critical step of IVF-ICSI treatment cycle. It has a significant impact on the success rate of IVF cycle. Undoubtedly, it has significant impact of the pregnancy rate and implantation rate. Along with the other factors the impact of the site of embryo transfer has also been studied by several investigators. There is lack of clear consensus about the ideal site of embryo transfer.Methods: This study includes a retrospective analysis of 200 embryo transfers done in 200 infertile couples done at our infertility clinics from January 2016 to March 2016. Transfer cycles of gamete donation, embryo donation and frozen embryos were excluded from the study. The study involved patients undergoing their first IVF- ICSI cycle with fresh embryo transfer at our IVF Unit. All patients were stimulated using Antagonist protocol starting Gonadotropins from day 2/3 of menses.Results: The clinical pregnancy rate was highest (55.2%) in group 2 when the embryo fundal distance was more than 10 mm but less than or equal to 15 mm. In group 3 when embryos were placed beyond 15 mm distance from the fundus, the clinical pregnancy rate was 34.66%. The lowest pregnancy rate - 30% was found in group 1 when embryos were places less than 10 mm from fundus. There was only a single case of ectopic pregnancy in the study group. The ectopic pregnancy was seen in group 1. There two cases of abortion each in group 2. The miscarriage rate was higher in group 3-5. 33% as compared to 1.9% in group 2. The sample size was small to determine if these results were significant enough.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that higher pregnancy rates are obtained if the embryos are selectively placed at a distance between 10mm to 15 mm from the fundal endometrial surface. It is not possible to determine exact location of embryo placed in utero by any method. The findings of our study can be considered as a guiding force by clinicians

Knowing a cross-talk between embryo and endometrium can help to achieve successful pregnancy outcome in recurrent implantation failure

Recurrent implantation failure is most distressing condition to both couple as well as doctor in the field of reproductive medicine. Patients have already undergone various ART treatments with no favourable outcome and are drained emotionally as well as economically. To overcome this obstacle a comprehensive approach is needed. In this case report, we are addressing a couple who came to us with primary infertility of 15 yrs, with recurrent IVF failures (four cycles of IUI, seven cycles of ICSI both fresh and frozen and with ovum donation in last two cycle), with poor ovarian reserve and male factor infertility for surrogacy as a last option. After complete evaluation of couple, recurrent Implantation failure is thought to be due to poor endometrium and bad embryo quality, and we counselled couple to go for ovum donation and ICSI before considering surrogacy. To improve endometrial receptivity we performed local endometrial injury, oral estradiol therapy, intrauterine G-CSF instillation and IVIG etc. Simultaneously for better quality of embryo we decided to choose ovum donation due to poor ovarian reserve and advance age of the patient and ICSI was done with husband sperm after treatment of male factor infertility and ET was performed. Patient conceived in first cycle with single live intrauterine pregnancy, her antenatal course was uneventful and delivered a healthy baby at term without any complication

Templated Synthesis and Chemical Behavior of Nickel Nanoparticles within High Aspect Ratio Silica Capsules

One-dimensional transition metal nanostructures are of interest in many magnetic and catalytic applications. Using a combination of wet chemical synthesis, optical (infrared), and structural characterization methods (powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy), we have investigated four paths to access 1D nickel nanostructures: (1) direct chemical reduction of a self-assembled nickel-hydrazine coordination complex, (2) thermal decomposition of the silica encapsulated nickel-hydrazine complex, (3) treatment of the silica encapsulated nickel-hydrazine complex with sodium borohydride followed by thermal annealing, and (4) electroless nickel plating using silica encapsulated nickel seed particles. We find that only route 1, which does not require a silica template, results in the formation of nickel nanorods, albeit some particle aggregation is observed. Routes 2 and 3 result in the formation of isotropic nickel structures under a reducing atmosphere. Route 4 results in heterogeneous nucleation and growth of existing particles only when partial etching of the silica capsule occurs. Detailed examination of the encapsulated nickel particles allows studying the effect of silica surface silanols on the oxidation of encapsulated nickel particles, the presence of nanoparticle-silica support interactions, the sintering mechanism of nickel and nickel oxide particles, and the fate of boride impurities. Nickel/silica nanostructures are strongly magnetic at room temperature

Gingival crevicularfluid osteoprotegerin levels in Indian population

Background: Initial research indicated that higher concentration of osteoprotegerin (OPG) is associated with healthy periodontium (protective) and its concentration decreases as the periodontal disease progresses. However, till date, there are no studies to investigate the levels of OPG in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after the treatment of periodontitis. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess its concentration in GCF to find out their association if any, and to explore its possible use as a 'novel bone marker' of the host modulation of periodontal disease. Materials and methods: Sixty-four subjects were divided into 4 groups (16 each), based on clinical attachment loss (CAL) and radiological parameters (bone loss); healthy (group I), gingivitis (group II), slight periodontitis (group III), and moderate-to-severe periodontitis (group IV). Moderate-to-severe periodontitis subjects, after nonsurgical periodontal treatment, (SRP) constituted group V. GCF samples were collected to estimate the levels of OPG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Kruskal-Wallis, Man-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were carried out to compare OPG levels among groups. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to correlate OPG levels between the study groups and the clinical parameters; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The highest mean OPG concentration in GCF was obtained for group I (162.47 ± 51.171 pg/ μL) and the least for group IV (10.92 ± 1.913 pg/μL), suggesting a negative correlation between OPG concentration and CAL. OPG concentrations in GCF after the treatment of group IV increased from 10.92 ± 1.913 pg/μL to 15.63 ± 4.679 pg/μL. Conclusion: OPG concentration in GCF was inversely proportional to CAL and not an active progression factor for periodontal disease. Further, after the treatment of moderate-to-severe periodontitis subjects (group IV), OPG concentrations increased. Hence, it can be concluded that OPG could be considered as a 'novel bone marker' the host modulation of periodontal disease