Characterization of amber mutations in bacteriophage Mu transposase: a functional analysis of the protein

We have characterized a series of amber mutations in the A gene of bacteriophage Mu encoding the phage transposase. We tested different activities of these mutant proteins either in a sup0 strain or in different sup bacteria. In conjunction with the results described in the accompanying paper by Bétermier et al. (1989) we find that the C-terminus of the protein is not absolutely essential for global transposase function, but is essential for phage growth. Specific binding to Mu ends is defined by a more central domain. Our results also reinforce the previous findings (Bétermier et al., 1987) that more than one protein may be specified by the A gene.     

Comparative bioinformatics analysis and abiotic stress responses of expansin proteins in Cucurbitaceae members: watermelon and melon

Protoplasma - Watermelon and melon are members of the Cucurbitaceae family including economically significant crops in the world. The expansin protein family, which is one of the members of the...     

Cloning and sequencing of IS1086, an Alcaligenes eutrophus insertion element related to IS30 and IS4351.

A new insertion sequence (IS), designated IS1086, was isolated from Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34 by being trapped in plasmid pJV240, which contains the Bacillus subtilis sacB and sacR genes. The 1,106-bp IS1086 element contains partially matched (22 of 28 bp) terminal-inverted repeats and a long open reading frame. Hybridization data suggest the presence of one copy of IS1086 in the strain CH34 heavy-metal resistance plasmid pMOL28 and at least two copies in its chromosome. Analysis of the IS1086 nucleotide sequence revealed striking homology with two other IS elements, IS30 and IS4351, suggesting that they are three close members in a family of phylogenetically related insertion sequences. One open reading frame of the Spiroplasma citri phage SpV1-R8A2 B was also found to be related to this IS family but to a lesser extent. Comparison of the G+C contents of IS30 and IS1086 revealed that they conform to their respective hosts (46 versus 50% for IS30 and Escherichia coli and 64.5% for IS1086 and A. eutrophus). The pressure on the AT/GC ratio led to a very different codon usage in these two closely related IS elements. Results suggesting that IS1086 transposition might be activated by some forms of stress are discussed.     

Morphology, anatomy, palynology and nutlet micromorphology of the rediscovered Turkish endemic Salvia ballsiana (Lamiaceae) and their taxonomic implications

Salvia ballsiana (Rech. fil.) Hedge, previously known only from the type gathering, is a local endemic species from Turkey. The species was first collected from Gölbaşı (Malatya) by E. K. Balls in 1935, and was not collected again until 2008, when we found it in Gerger (Adıyaman). The diagnostic morphological characters of this rare endemic species are discussed, including its anatomical, palynological and nutlet micromorphological features. Morphological characteristics of leaves, calyces, corollas and types of stamens are useful for sectional and specific delimitation in Salvia . Anatomical characters such as number of ray rows in roots, distance between vascular bundles in stems, mesophyll structures in leaves, shape of mid-rib and presence/absence of sclerenchymatic tissue in petioles are of taxonomic significance. In addition, size, shape and ornamentation of pollen grains and nutlets are diagnostic.     

Determination of microRNAs associated with adverse left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry - Increasing evidence indicates that microRNA (miRNA) regulated mechanisms in myocardial healing and ventricular remodeling following acute myocardial infarction...     

Masson’s tumor of the kidney: a case report

Background

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (known also as Masson’s tumor) is a benign vascular lesion that commonly occurs in the skin and is rarely found in solid organs, especially in the kidney. In what follows, we will look into the first case of an unexpectedly diagnosed Masson’s tumor of the kidney presenting as a suspicious renal cyst.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old Arab man presented with a left renal cyst, incidentally revealed by ultrasonography. The laboratory values were unremarkable. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 38 mm left renal midportion Bosniak IV cyst. Our patient underwent a radical nephrectomy. Histopathology revealed the diagnosis of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia. There was no recurrence detected after 9 years of follow-up.

Conclusions

Renal intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is a rare benign tumor which can mimic a suspicious renal mass on radiological findings. Thus, this entity should be considered more often in the thick of the diagnostic possibilities in order to avoid unnecessary nephrectomies.

     

Gold and Female Reproductive Organs: an Ultrastructural Study

Gold, a heavy yellow-colored metal, is usually found in nature as a metallic element or as salts. This noble metal historically had a reputation as an anti-inflammatory medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, a nervine, and a remedy for nervous disorders, as well as a potential anticancer agent. It has also been used as component in dental restorations and in implant materials. The present study was undertaken to point out histological and ultrastructural effects of gold, administered by intraperitoneal route, in pregnant female reproductive organs (ovary and uterus), in order to clarify its side effects on the reproductive function. Using the transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the ultrastructural investigations of both ultrathin ovarian and uterine sections of treated pregnant rats revealed the existence of numerous heterogeneous clusters with very electron-dense inclusions characterized by various aspects in the lysosomes of granulosa, theca interna cells, and theca externa cells. Degeneration of these tissues, like cell vacuolization, marked expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial alterations, and necrotic foci, were also highlighted. Moreover, huge phagolysosomes and high numbers of eosinophils as signs of inflammation were also identified especially in endometrial and myometrial cells of gold-treated rats. The ultrastructural investigations of reproductive organ sections of control pregnant rats showed a normal ultrastructural aspect and no loaded lysosomes. These results speculated the toxicity of gold at the used dose. The observed signs of toxicity allowed concluding that the important role of lysosome in the sequestration of this element under an insoluble form in all categories of cells in the studied tissues does not seem to be efficient.     

Serum and hair zinc levels in epileptic children taking valproic acid

This study was performed to investigate the serum and hair zinc levels in patients having epilepsy diagnoses who were intended to be put on valproic acid (VA) monotherapy and had never ingested antiepileptics before. A total of 16 patients having normal growth, development, and nutrition was selected as Group 1, and Group 2 was made up of 10 patients who had received VA monotherapy for 2 yrs or more and had normal growth, development, and nutrition characteristics. A control group (Group 3) was formed of 15 subjects who applied to the hospital for upper respiratory tract disorders. Serum and hair samples were taken for zinc assays from the Group 1 patients on the d 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 180. Groups 2 and 3 were sampled only once, and zinc levels were determined. We found that both serum and hair zinc levels in Group 1 were higher than those of Group 2 and control group before the beginning of VA therapy, but they returned to normal during VA treatment. There was no zinc deficiency, and zinc replacement treatment may therefore be considered as unnecessary.