Identification of a new transthyretin variant (Ile49) in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nonisotopic RNase cleavage assay.

Mutation of the transthyretin (TTR) plasma protein and gene in a Japanese patient with amyloid polyneuropathy was investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nonisotopic RNase cleavage assay (NIRCA), respectively. ESI-MS analysis showed normal TTR peaks and additionally a variant TTR with 12-dalton-higher molecular weight than normal TTR. NIRCA suggested that the mutation existed near either the 5' or 3' end of exon 3. Direct DNA sequencing revealed both a normal ACC (threonine) and a variant ATC (isoleucine) at codon 49, which was located near the 5' end of exon 3. The molecular weight shift of this mutation was 12 D, consistent with the result of ESI-MS.     

A review of the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of aspartame: does it safe or not?

The objective of this article is to review genotoxicologic and carcinogenic profile of the artificial sweetener aspartame. Aspartame is a synthetic dipeptide, nearly 180–200 times sweeter than sucrose. It is the most widely used artificial sweetener especially in carbonated and powdered soft drinks, beverages, drugs and hygiene products. There is a discussion ongoing for many years whether aspartame posses genotoxic and carcinogenic risk for humans. This question led to many studies to specify the adverse effects of aspartame. Therefore, we aimed to review the oldest to latest works published in major indices to gather information within this article. With respect to published data, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of aspartame is still confusing. So, consumers should be aware of the potential side effects of aspartame before they consume it.     

Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of rabies viruses from Jordan

Human fatalities caused by rabies are rarely reported in Jordan; however, domestic animals are more likely to fall victim to rabies compared to wild animals, at least this is the case in Jordan due to the presence of canine rabies. In this study, twelve brain samples from domestic and wild animals suspected of being infected with rabies virus from different regions of Jordan were collected during 2019. Seven of them tested positive using the fluorescent antibody test and real-time SYBR RT-PCR assay. Five specimens were from stray dogs and two from foxes. The whole genome sequences were obtained from the positive samples. Sequence analysis showed that one dog virus from Al Quwaysimah city located in Amman governorate, was closely related to an Israeli strain belonging to a Cosmopolitan ME1a clade. The genomes of the remaining six viruses (four from dogs and two from foxes) collected from different areas of Jordan were genetically-related to each other and clustered together with sequences from Iran and Turkey; all belong to Cosmopolitan ME2 clade. These sequences were analyzed with six other Jordanian rabies virus nucleoprotein (N) gene sequences available in the public database, five of them belong to ME1a clade and one belongs to ME1b clade. Rabies virus whole genome data is scarce across the Middle East. This study provides a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of rabies virus in the region.     

Influence of Chirality of Benzimidazole Amine Hybrids on Inhibition of Human Erythrocytes Carbonic Anhydrase I,II and Acetylcholinesterase

Novel chiral benzimidazole amine hybrids ( 4a – 4d ) were synthesized from commercially available amine [(R)- (+)-phenylethylamine, (−) (S)-(-)-phenylethylamine, (−) (R)-(-)-cyclohexylethylamine, (S)-(+)-cyclohexylethylamine] and 2-(chloromethyl)-N-tosyl-1H-benzimidazole. The synthesized compounds ( 4a – 4d ) were characterized by IR, NMR, and LC/MS analysis. The inhibitory effect of 4a – 4d on human erythrocytes carbonic anhydrase I (hCA-I), II (hCA-II), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was investigated. For hCA-I, the IC₅₀ values of 4a – 4d were found to be 4.895 μM, 1.750 μM, 0.173 μM, and 0.620 μM, respectively, and for hCA-II, the IC₅₀ values of 4a – 4d were found to be 0.469 μM, 0.380 μM, 0.233 μM, 0.635 μM, respectively. Furthermore, IC₅₀ values of 4a – 4d on AChE were found as 87.5 nM, 100 nM, 26.92 nM, and 100 nM, respectively. In addition, molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate the affinity of 4a – 4d against hCA-I, hCA-II, and AChE and explain their binding interactions.