Molecular study on cloned endoglucanase gene from rumen bacterium

An endoglucanase gene was subcloned from anaerobic rumen bacterium Ruminococcus flavefaciens strain 17. To express endoglucanase gene in Escherichia coli and Streptococcus bovis JB1, an endoglucanase gene fragment was inserted into pVA838-based shuttle vectors. Removal of endoglucanase gene promoter and expression of endoglucanase by promoter of S. bovis JB1 alpha-amylase gene (pACMCS) was also achieved. Survival of constructs pVACMCI, pTACMC and pACMCS, which carry endoglucanase gene, and stability of endoglucanase gene in S. bovis JB1, were observed. Maximal endoglucanase activities from S. bovis JB1/pVACMCI were 2- to 3-fold higher than from E. coli/pVACMCI. Specific cell activity of E. coli/pACMCS was found to be approximately 2- to -3 fold higher than the both E. coli/pVACMCI and E. coli/pTACMC. Specific cell activity of S. bovis JB1/pACMCS was also found to be approximately 2-fold higher than the both S. bovis/pVACMCI and S. bovis JB1/pTACMC.     

Differential diagnosis of Charcot arthropathy and osteomyelitis

Foot problems are common causes of morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus. Foot ulcers are the leading cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients. Bones may be involved in two different clinical conditions: osteomyelitis and Charcot osteoarthropathy. Osteomyelitis usually develops by spreading from contiguous soft tissue to underlying bone. Charcot foot is deformation of foot as a result of muscle athrophy, bone and joint structure changes in a joint as a secondary complication of neuropathy. To distinguish bone infection from non-infectious bone disorders as in Charcot joint may be difficult, especially if there is no skin ulceration. So, the mere absence of skin ulcers does not exclude the diagnosis of osteomyelitis.     

Oxidant/antioxidant parameters and their relationship with medical treatment in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic disorder characterized by monoclonal multiplying of plasma cells. Although radiation, environmental factors, viruses and other factors have been suggested as potential causes of the disease, the aetiopathogenesis of MM is still obscure. This clinical study was designed to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aetiopathogenesis of the disease and the possible relationships between treatment and ROS production. For this purpose, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities as well as plasma nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in 14 MM patients newly diagnosed at stage III. The relationship between the above-mentioned parameters and vincristine-adriamycin-dexamethasone (VAD) therapy were also investigated in the same patients. All the enzyme activities and the parameters of oxidative stress were found to be significantly reduced after VAD therapy. These findings suggest that ROS may be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of MM. Further investigations with a larger cohort of MM patients are needed to provide definitive data about the role of ROS in MM and the alternative therapeutic approaches to MM.     

New species of Neophyllobius and Tycherobius (Acari, Camerobiidae) from turkey

Two new species of Neophyllobius (Acari, Camerobiidae) viz. N. populus sp. n., N. karabagiensis sp. n., and a new species of Tycherobius (Acari, Camerobiidae), Tycherobius dazkiriensis sp. n., are described from Turkey and illustrated based on females and a protonymph. A key to the known species of Tycherobius is presented.     

Effects of Low Temperature on Winter Wheat and Cabbage Leaves

Contents of soluble proteins, proline and chlorophyll in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Doğu-88) and cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea convar. acephala) during acclimation to low temperature were investigated. When both of the plants species were cold acclimated, soluble proteins, proline and chlorophyll contents were higher than in the controls (non-acclimated). Also protein patterns differed between the plants at control and cold conditions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Application of next-generation sequencing methods for microbial monitoring of anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass

The anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic wastes is considered an efficient method for managing the world’s energy shortages and resolving contemporary environmental problems. However, the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass represents a barrier to maximizing biogas production. The purpose of this review is to examine the extent to which sequencing methods can be employed to monitor such biofuel conversion processes. From a microbial perspective, we present a detailed insight into anaerobic digesters that utilize lignocellulosic biomass and discuss some benefits and disadvantages associated with the microbial sequencing techniques that are typically applied. We further evaluate the extent to which a hybrid approach incorporating a variation of existing methods can be utilized to develop a more in-depth understanding of microbial communities. It is hoped that this deeper knowledge will enhance the reliability and extent of research findings with the end objective of improving the stability of anaerobic digesters that manage lignocellulosic biomass.