Gingival crevicular fluid infiltrating CD14+ monocytes promote inflammation in periodontitis

Periodontitis is a condition that occurs because of inflammation-mediated tissue degeneration. Many studies have been conducted to identify inflammatory molecules in periodontitis, but the well-defined role of cells from the immune system in the progression of periodontitis as well as in gingival tissue degeneration has not been appropriately established. The objective of the present study was to characterize the monocytes isolated from the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with periodontitis. GCF was obtained from periodontitis patients and healthy controls. Cytokine levels of CCL2 were evaluated by ELISA in GCF samples. CD14+ monocytes were separated using magnetic sorting from GCF. RT-qPCR was performed to assess the gene expression. Cytometric bead array analysis was performed to analyze the levels of cytokines and chemokines in the secretome of cells. CD14+ monocytes from GCF secreted higher levels of CCL2 and showed elevated expression of genes responsible for monocyte migration. Additionally, upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation, these monocytes secreted higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This investigation aids in understanding the inflammatory microenvironment of periodontitis by characterizing GCF in terms of infiltrated CD14+ monocytes, cytokines, and molecules secreted by these monocytes, which are specific for cellular differentiation.     

Diversity,phytochemical and medicinal potential of the genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae)

Phytochemistry Reviews - Ocimum, commonly known as Tulsi, is a huge genus within family Lamiaceae, comprising about 64 species of annual to perennial aromatic medicinal herbs with a long history of...     

Pannexin 1 mutation found in melanoma tumor reduces phosphorylation,glycosylation, and trafficking of the channel-forming protein

Pannexin 1 (PANX1) is a glycoprotein that forms large pore channels capable of passing ions and metabolites such as ATP for cellular communication. PANX1 has been implicated in many diseases including breast cancer and melanoma, where inhibition or deletion of PANX1 reduced the tumorigenic and metastatic properties of the cancer cells. We interrogated the effect of single amino acid changes in various PANX1 domains using naturally occurring variants reported in cancer patient tumors. We found that a previously reported variant (Q5H) is present in cancer cells, but was not different from the wild type (Q5) in glycosylation, trafficking, or channel function and did not affect cellular properties. We discovered that the Q5H variant is in fact the highly conserved ancestral allele of PANX1 with 89% of humans carrying at least one Q5H allele. Another mutated form Y150F, found in a melanoma patient tumor, prevented phosphorylation at Y150 as well as complex N-glycosylation while increasing intracellular localization. Sarcoma (SRC) is the predicted kinase to phosphorylate the Y150 residue, and its phosphorylation is not likely to be constitutive, but rather dynamically regulated. The Y150 phosphorylation site is the first one reported to play a role in regulating posttranslational modifications and trafficking of PANX1, with potential consequences on its large-pore channel structure and function in melanoma cells.     

Muscle glycolipids in inherited muscular dystrophy of chickens

Gangliosides and neutral glycolipids of muscles from normal and dystrophic chickens were studied. Total glycolipid content of the degenerating muscles was higher than the normal muscles. In addition, the myopathic muscles contained a ganglioside which was absent in the unaffected muscles from normal and dystrophic chickens. Based on the thin-layer chromatographic mobility, treatment with neuraminidases from Vibrio cholerae and Arthrobacter ureafaciens, and reactivity of the asialo-derivative towards anti-ganglio-N-triaosylceramide antibody, the dystrophic-specific ganglioside was tentatively identified as G_M2. Data obtained from young and old dystrophic chickens suggested a direct relationship of this ganglioside to muscular dystrophy.     

Proanthocyanidin as a cytogenetic protective agent against adverse effects of plant growth regulators supplementation in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of grape seed extract (containing proanthocyandin) against the adverse effects of plant growth regulators (GA₃ (gibberellic acid) and IAA (indoleacetic acid)). The present data showed that the administration of either GA₃ and IAA caused undesirable changes in both hepatic and testicular structure. This was evidenced by a disturbed hepatic strands, pyknotic nuclei, central vein with collapsed endothelium, dilatation in bile sinusoids, congested blood vessel, binucleatd hepatocytes, lymphocytic infiltration, vacuolation, giant hepatic cells, increased Kupffer cells and karyoryxis. Additionally, it was shown that degenerative changes in the testis, spermatogenic arrest, moderate tubular necrosis, Leydig cell degeneration and reduction in the number and size of the seminiferous tubules with some spermatogonia detached from the basement membrane. Concerning flow cytometric study of the liver a significant decrease in G0/1 % and a significant increase in S phase %, G2/M  %, P⁵³ % and apoptosis % (sub G1) were detected. However, in testis the data recorded a significant decrease in the percentage of mature sperm (percentage of haploid cells) and a significant increase in the percentage of spermatide, diploid cells, P⁵³ and of apoptotic cells. On the other hand, a distinct recovery of the mentioned hepatic and testicular histopathological and cytogenetic disorders was observed when proanthocyanidin was supplemented to rats administered either of the plant growth hormones (GA₃ and IAA).     

BTEX Remediation under Challenging Site Conditions Using In-Situ Ozone Injection and Soil Vapor Extraction Technologies: A Case Study

Remediation was successfully completed in a petroleum-contaminated site using ozone sparging combined with soil vapor extraction technologies. The site contained high levels of BTEX contamination in dissolved, adsorbed, and free phases. The presence of fine-grained soil, smear zone contamination, and shallow groundwater posed challenging site conditions for this remediation. Active remediation was performed for approximately 18 months followed by one year of post-remediation monitoring. Application of soil vapor extraction technology effectively removed free phase contamination. Biodegradation during active and post-remediation periods also played a role in bringing down the contaminant levels and achieving closure of the release. The cost of this remediation approach was estimated to be $2.04 per cubic foot ($72.08 per cubic meter) and found to be cost-effective. Timely completion of the project prevented the spreading of contaminants towards the down-gradient residential and school properties.