Comparison of two bacterial DNA extraction methods from non-polluted and polluted soils

DNA extraction from soil samples is a critical step for molecular biology analyses. The present study compared the efficiency of two DNA isolation methods from non-polluted and polluted soils with or without the presence of a plant. Both applied methods used chemical and physical lyses, but method 1 had an additional physical disruption. The main difference between these two methods was the humic acid purification technique as it was carried out during cell lysis for method 1 and after cell lysis for method 2. Samples were assessed on the basis of their yield and DNA purity as well as their bacterial quantity and diversity. Based on our results, method 1 proved to be more effective at removing protein and RNA, whereas method 2 proved to be more effective at removing humic acids. Although no differences were obtained in terms of the DNA yield, both the bacterial quantity and community structure were affected by the method used. Method 1 allowed for the recovery of more information than method 2, and polluted soil was more sensitive to the DNA extraction procedure. We recommend carefully selecting the DNA extraction method, especially when soil is disturbed.     

Cellular immunohistochemical localization of the matricellular protein myocilin in the intervertebral disc

Myocilin is a 55-57-kDa protein that is a member of the olfactomedin protein family. It is expressed in the cornea, sclera and trabecular network of the eye, myelinated peripheral nerves, heart, skeletal muscle, trachea and other tissues. Myocilin binds to a domain of fibronectin, type IV collagen and laminen in the trabecular meshwork of the eye, and its expression is influenced by transforming growth factor beta. Because these extracellular matrix components also are common in the intervertebral disc, the objective of our study was to determine whether the matricellular protein myocilin could be detected in the human or sand rat intervertebral disc using immunohistochemistry and to assess its localization. We investigated 16 specimens of human disc tissue and discs from six sand rats. Three human disc cell cultures grown in three-dimensional culture also were evaluated. Immunocytochemical annulus analysis showed the presence of myocilin within the disc cell cytoplasm in some, but not all, cells. Extracellular matrix in both the human and sand rat disc was negative for myocilin localization. Myocilin is believed to play a role in cell-cell adhesion and/or signaling. Myocilin may have such functions within the disc cell population in a manner similar to tenascin, SPARC and thrombospondin, which are other matricellular proteins recently shown to be present in the disc.     

Studies of the heterogeneity of carp liver acid phosphatases: acid phosphatase--I. Subunit structure and carbohydrate composition

The three molecular forms of the carp liver acid phosphatase (AcPase) were shown to be dimeric proteins, two of them differing in molecular weights. An activating effect of ConA binding on the AcPases has been observed. AcPase I and AcPase II showed a mol. wt of 122,500 and of 58,884 +/- 3000 for their subunits. It is assumed that AcPase I is a sialylated derivative of AcPase II. AcPase III has a mol. wt of 93,132 and the two subunits of 46,556 +/- 4000. A homogeneous AcPase I was obtained and its carbohydrate composition is presented.     

Synthesis of 1,2-cis- and 1,2-trans-glycosides of 2-acetamido-4,6-O-benzylidene-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose by anomeric O-alkylation

The reaction of a partially protected 1-hydroxy derivative of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine with benzyl bromide under conditions of anomeric O-alkylation was studied. It was found that the stereoselectivity of the reaction depended on the nature of the alkali metal cation constituent of a transient ion pair. The substitution of the Li⁺ cation for K⁺ or complexation with a crown ether allowed the steric outcome to be shifted from β- to α-selectivity.     

Effect of radiotherapy delay in overall treatment time on local control and survival in head and neck cancer: Review of the literature

Treatment delays in completing radiotherapy (RT) for many neoplasms are a major problem affecting treatment outcome, as increasingly shown in the literature. Overall treatment time (OTT) could be a critical predictor of local tumor control and/or survival. In an attempt to establish a protocol for managing delays during RT, especially for heavily overloaded units, we have extensively reviewed the available literature on head and neck cancer. We confirmed a large deleterious effect of prolonged OTT on both local control and survival of these patients.