First Report of bla CTX-M-15-Type ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Wild Migratory Birds in Pakistan

EcoHealth - We investigated wild migratory birds faecal swabs for extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-K. pneumoniae) from wetland habitats in Pakistan. ESBL-K....     

An Optimal Au Grating Structure for Light Absorption in Amorphous Silicon Thin Film Solar Cell

Plasmonics - Effect of different gold (Au) grating structures on light absorption in solar cell is investigated by finite elemental analysis using COMSOL multiphysics-RF module. The geometry of the...     

Functional Effect of Pim1 Depends upon Intracellular Localization in Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells

Human cardiac progenitor cells (hCPC) improve heart function after autologous transfer in heart failure patients. Regenerative potential of hCPCs is severely limited with age, requiring genetic modification to enhance therapeutic potential. A legacy of work from our laboratory with Pim1 kinase reveals effects on proliferation, survival, metabolism, and rejuvenation of hCPCs in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that subcellular targeting of Pim1 bolsters the distinct cardioprotective effects of this kinase in hCPCs to increase proliferation and survival, and antagonize cellular senescence. Adult hCPCs isolated from patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation were engineered to overexpress Pim1 throughout the cell (PimWT) or targeted to either mitochondrial (Mito-Pim1) or nuclear (Nuc-Pim1) compartments. Nuc-Pim1 enhances stem cell youthfulness associated with decreased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, preserved telomere length, reduced expression of p16 and p53, and up-regulation of nucleostemin relative to PimWT hCPCs. Alternately, Mito-Pim1 enhances survival by increasing expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X_L and decreasing cell death after H₂O₂ treatment, thereby preserving mitochondrial integrity superior to PimWT. Mito-Pim1 increases the proliferation rate by up-regulation of cell cycle modulators Cyclin D, CDK4, and phospho-Rb. Optimal stem cell traits such as proliferation, survival, and increased youthful properties of aged hCPCs are enhanced after targeted Pim1 localization to mitochondrial or nuclear compartments. Targeted Pim1 overexpression in hCPCs allows for selection of the desired phenotypic properties to overcome patient variability and improve specific stem cell characteristics.     

Plasmon Modes Management

A new plasmonic structure based on bimetallic layer is proposed. We analyze the structure and show that bimetallic film plays a crucial role in the management of surface plasmons. The roll of the buffer is discussed, as well. Up to three surface plasmons can be excited simultaneously in the structure. Two of plasmons can be used for two-plasmon spectroscopy. The third plasmon can be used for controlling the temperature of the structure.     

Aluminium oxide nanoparticles inhibit EPS production,adhesion and biofilm formation by multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is a biofilm forming multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogen responsible for respiratory tract infections. In this study, aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al₂O₃ NPs) were synthesized and characterized by TEM and EDX and shown to be spherical shaped nanoparticles with a diameter < 10?nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for the Al₂O₃ NPs ranged between 125 and 1,000?µg ml^?1. Exposure to NPs caused cellular membrane disruption, indicated by an increase in cellular leakage of the contents. Biofilm inhibition was 11.64 to 70.2%, whereas attachment of bacteria to polystyrene surfaces was reduced to 48.8 to 51.9% in the presence of NPs. Nanoparticles also reduced extracellular polymeric substance production and the biomass of established biofilms. The data revealed the non-toxic nature of Al₂O₃ NPs up to a concentrations of 120?µg ml^?1 in HeLa cell lines. These results demonstrate an effective and safer use of Al₂O₃ NPs against the MDR A. baumannii by targeting biofilm formation, adhesion and EPS production.     

IGF-1 and G-CSF complement each other in BMSC migration towards infarcted myocardium in a novel in vitro model

Stem cell capability enhanced with cytokine administration is a promising treatment for myocardial infarction. Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated from C57BL/6 mice (8-12 weeks old) expressing GFP and characterized with c-kit and CD34. Infarcted heart tissue fragments were placed into dishes with BMSCs and medium supplemented with G-CSF, SCF, IGF-1 or combinations thereof were given to the BMSC-infarcted myocardium in vitro model. The IGF-1-G-CSF group showed significantly higher migration (67.7% ± 2.6) of c-kit⁺ BMSCs towards the ischemic tissue and expressed MEF-2 (43.7% ± 1.7). Of the single treatment groups, the G-CSF group demonstrated significantly higher migration of c-kit⁺ BMSCs (60.5 ± 2.7) with MEF-2 expression (38.7 ± 1.4). IGF-1 complements G-CSF and was relatively more significant in its effects on BMSC migration and cardiac lineage commitment towards ischemic heart tissue.     

Nitric oxide blocks cellular heme insertion into a broad range of heme proteins

Although the insertion of heme into proteins enables their function in bioenergetics, metabolism, and signaling, the mechanisms and regulation of this process are not fully understood. We developed a means to study cellular heme insertion into apo-protein targets over a 3-h period and then investigated how nitric oxide (NO) released from a chemical donor (NOC-18) might influence heme (protoporphyrin IX) insertion into seven targets that present a range of protein structures, heme ligation states, and functions (three NO synthases, two cytochrome P450's, catalase, and hemoglobin). NO blocked cellular heme insertion into all seven apo-protein targets. The inhibition occurred at relatively low (nM/min) fluxes of NO, was reversible, and did not involve changes in intracellular heme levels, activation of guanylate cyclase, or inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production. These aspects and the range of protein targets suggest that NO can act as a global inhibitor of heme insertion, possibly by inhibiting a common step in the process.     

In vitro regeneration of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. cv. Blackeye cowpea via shoot organogenesis

An in vitro regeneration system was developed in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Blackeye. Among several explants studied, shoot initiation response was observed from shoot apices of 3–5-day-old seedlings. The optimal medium for maximum shoot initiation comprised MS salts, B₅ vitamins, 8.88 μM N ⁶-benzylaminopurine, 1 gl^-1 casein hydrolysate, 342 μM L-glutamine, 3% sucrose, 0.3% phytagel, adjusted to pH 5.8. A shift in pH from 5.8 to 7.0 had no effect on shoot initiation and on number of shoots per explant. The highest shoot initiation frequency (77%) was obtained using this preferred medium, reaching a maximum of eight shoots per explant. For shoot elongation, 14 μM gibberellic acid was supplemented in the shoot initiation medium. Presence of indolebutyric acid in the rooting medium had no effect on root induction. The regenerated plants were fertile and developed normally.     

Development of a novel feeding regime for large scale production of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

Cytotechnology - Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hUC-MSCs) have attracted significant research interests in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies due to their...     

Herbal medicine as an auspicious therapeutic approach for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection: A concise review

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes gastric mucosa inflammation and gastric cancer mostly via several virulence factors. Induction of proinflammatory pathways plays a crucial role in chronic inflammation, gastric carcinoma, and H. pylori pathogenesis. Herbal medicines (HMs) are nontoxic, inexpensive, and mostly anti-inflammatory reminding meticulous emphasis on the elimination of H. pylori and gastric cancer. Several HM has exerted paramount anti-H. pylori traits. In addition, they exert anti-inflammatory effects through several cellular circuits such as inhibition of 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-κB, and activator protein-1 pathway activation leading to the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1α [IL-1α], IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, interferon γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α) expression. Furthermore, they inhibit nitrous oxide release and COX-2 and iNOS activity. The apoptosis induction in Th1 and Th17-polarized lymphocytes and M2-macrophagic polarization and STAT6 activation has also been exhibited. Thus, their exact consumable amount has not been revealed, and clinical trials are needed to achieve optimal concentration and their pharmacokinetics. In the aspect of bioavailability, solubility, absorption, and metabolism of herbal compounds, nanocarriers such as poly lactideco-glycolide-based loading and related formulations are helpful. Noticeably, combined therapies accompanied by probiotics can also be examined for better clearance of gastric mucosa. In addition, downregulation of inflammatory microRNAs (miRNAs) by HMs and upregulation of those anti-inflammatory miRNAs is proposed to protect the gastric mucosa. Thus there is anticipation that in near future HM-based formulations and proper delivery systems are possibly applicable against gastric cancer or other ailments because of H. pylori.