Genetic variation and evolutionary origins of parthenogenetic Artemia (Crustacea: Anostraca) with different ploidies

Using two nuclear (ITS1 and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase) and three mitochondrial (COI, 16S and 12S) markers, we determined the genetic variation and evolutionary relationship of parthenogenetic and bisexual Artemia. Our analyses revealed that mitochondrial genes had higher genetic variation than nuclear genes and that the 16S showed more variety than the other mitochondrial genes in parthenogenetic populations. Triploid parthenogens showed lower genetic variation than diploid ones, whereas the tetra‐ and pentaploids had greater genetic distance than diploid parthenogens. No shared haplotype was found between individuals of parthenogenetic populations and Asian bisexual species with the exception of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase (Artemia tibetiana). Only mitochondrial markers can demonstrate phylogenetic relationships, and showed that the parthenogenetic Artemia is a polyphyletic group in which the diploid lineages share a common ancestor with Artemia urmiana while tetraploids are closely related to Artemia sinica. The triploid and pentaploid linages are likely to be directly derived from diploid and tetraploid parthenogens, respectively. Subsequently, west Asia is origin for di‐/triploids, and tetra‐/pentaploids rose from East Asia.     

Unphysical nucleation of diamond in the extended cutoff Tersoff potential

In simulations of carbon materials it is common practice to view the coefficients of the cutoff function as free parameters which can be optimised according to the system of interest. This work examines a common modification to the widely used Tersoff potential in which the coefficient of the upper cutoff is increased to improve the properties of amorphous carbon. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that this so-called extended cutoff Tersoff model leads to nucleation of diamond nanocrystals during annealing of amorphous carbon. By varying the density of the system, and examining the radial distribution function in conjunction with the modified cutoff function, we demonstrate that this behaviour is unphysical, and does not represent a new pathway for synthesising diamond. Viewed from a broader perspective, this observation provides a cautionary tale against altering the parameters of empirical potentials without fully considering the wider implications.     

First report of c. 1499G>C mutation in a 6-month-child with cystic fibrosis

So far, more than 1800 mutations identified in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. In this case report, we presented first report of c. 1499G>C mutation in a 6-month-old girl with cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis. A 6-month-old girl with weakness and meconium Ileus referred to the pediatric clinic in Ilam, in the west of Iran. Patient''s skin was dark and suffered from bronchiectasis. The sweat test was performed, and the concentration of chloride and sodium in patient''s sweat was 130-135 mmol/L and 125-128 mmol/L, respectively. The exon 10 mutation analysis of a CF patient was performed. CFTR mutation analysis revealed the identification of 2 mutations in patient, the mutations were p.F508del (ΔF508) and c. 1499G>C (cd500), respectively. The mutation c. 1499G>C (cd500) were found for the first time in the world. Assessing this mutation in future study and genetic investigation is recommended.     

Magnetic immobilization of bacteria using iron oxide nanoparticles

Bacterial cell immobilization is a novel technique used in many areas of biosciences and biotechnology. Iron oxide nanoparticles have attracted much attention in bacterial cell immobilization due to their unique properties such as superparamagnetism, large surface area to volume ratio, biocompatibility and easy separation methodology. Adhesion is the basis behind many immobilization techniques and various types of interactions determine bacterial adhesion. Efficiency of bacterial cell immobilization using iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) generally depends on the physicochemical properties of the IONs and surface properties of bacterial cells as well as environmental/culture conditions. Bacteria exhibit various metabolic responses upon interaction with IONs, and the potential applications of iron oxide nanoparticles in bacterial cell immobilization will be discussed in this work.     

Reducing Soil Permeability Using Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) Method: A Case Study of Shiraz Landfill Soil

Abstract

Improvement of engineering properties of soils to meet project requirements has long been subject of interest to civil engineers. One of the environment-friendly methods that have recently been used for this purpose is the biological method. These methods that actually benefit from various sciences such as biology, biochemistry, and civil engineering, use biological products or organisms such as bacteria that are commonly found in soils. In this study, the reduction of permeability or hydraulic conductivity of Shiraz landfill base soil using microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has been explored. B. sphaericus was used to treat the soil. Falling head permeability tests are conducted to measure soil samples’ permeability before and after biological treatment. The target variables were the curing time, bacterial density, optimal nutrient content, and soil unit weight. The test results demonstrated that the permeability of the samples treated with Bacillus sphaericus decreases by increasing curing time, the density of calcium chloride solution and bacterial density of samples. This study showed that the MICP can be utilized as a new environment-friendly method for reducing the soil permeability at the base and walls of the landfill to form a barrier between the waste and the groundwater and substrata.     

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia secondary to vascular compression in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report

ABSTRACT: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an uncommon, painful syndrome, characterized by paroxysmsof pain in the sensory distribution of the 9th cranial nerve. Idiopathic glossopharyngealneuralgia may be due to compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve by adjacent vessels,while secondary glossopharyngeal neuralgia is associated with identifiable lesions affectingthe glossopharyngeal nerve at different levels of its neuroanatomic pathway.Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is rare in the general population, but is more common in patientswith multiple sclerosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old Caucasian woman with multiple sclerosis and migraine presented to ourfacility with intermittent lancinating pain to the right of her throat, tongue, and the floor ofher mouth that had been occurring for the past year. The pain was intense, sharp, andstabbing, which lasted two to six seconds with radiation to the right ear. Initially, the attackswere infrequent, however, they had become more intense and frequent over time. Our patientreported weight loss, headache, painful swallowing, and the inability to maintain sleep due topainful attacks. A neurological examination revealed a right-handed woman with triggerpoints in the back of the tongue and throat on the right side. She also had dysphagia,hoarseness, and pain in the distribution of the right glossopharyngeal nerve. Mild righthemiparesis, hyperreflexia, dysmetria, and an ataxic gait were present. A magnetic resonanceimaging scan of the brain was consistent with multiple sclerosis and magnetic resonanceangiography demonstrated a loop of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery compressing theright glossopharyngeal nerve. She responded satisfactorily to carbamazepine. Microvasculardecompression and Gamma Knife? radiosurgery were discussed in case of failure of themedical treatment; however, she declined these options. CONCLUSIONS: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis may occur due to vascular compressivelesions and it should not be solely attributed to the underlying demyelinating process.Vascular compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve could independently causeglossopharyngeal neuralgia in patients with multiple sclerosis, and vascular imaging toexclude such a diagnosis is recommended.     

Endothelial cells' biophysical,biochemical, and chromosomal aberrancies in high‐glucose condition within the diabetic range

To date, many studies have been conducted to find out the underlying mechanisms of hyperglycemia‐induced complications in diabetes mellitus, attributed to the cellular pathologies of different cells—especially endothelial cells. However, there are still many ambiguities and unresolved issues to be clarified. Here, we investigated the alteration in biophysical and biochemical properties in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to a high‐glucose concentration (30mM), comparable to glucose content in type 2 diabetes mellitus, over a course of 120 hours. In addition to a reduction in the rate of cell viability and induction of oxidative stress orchestrated by the high‐glucose condition, the dynamic of the fatty acid profile—including polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids—was also altered in favor of saturated fatty acids. Genetic imbalances were also detected at chromosomal level in the cells exposed to the abnormal concentration of glucose after 120 hours. Moreover, the number of tip cells (CD31⁺/CD34⁺) and in vitro tubulogenesis capability negatively diminished in comparison to parallel control groups. We found that diabetic hyperglycemia was associated with a decrease in the cell‐cell tight junction and upregulation in vascular endothelial cadherin and zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 molecules after 72 and 120 hours of exposure to the abnormal glucose concentration, which resulted in a profound reduction in transendothelial electrical resistance. The surface plasmon resonance analysis of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells immobilized on gold‐coated sensor chips confirmed the loosening of the cell to cell intercellular junction as well as stable attachment of each cell to the basal surface. Our findings highlighted the disturbing effects of a diabetic hyperglycemia on either biochemical or biophysical properties of endothelial cells.