Genetic characterization of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes by AFLP markers

The Coruh Valley, located in Northeastern Turkey, is one of the most important centers of diversity in pomegranate in Turkey. In this study, we attempted to characterize 19 promising pomegranate genotypes originating from the Coruh Valley in using fluorescent dye AFLP markers and capillary electrophoresis. Four AFLP primer combinations were used, generating a total of 297 fragments, 213 of which were polymorphic (73.0%). Resolving powers of the AFLP primers ranged from 0.700 to 1.018, with a total of 3.440, while polymorphism information contents ranged from 0.707 to 0.837 with an average of 0.764. UPGMA clustering of the genotypes showed two major groups. Most of the fruit characteristics of the genotypes within the same group were variable. Therefore, the results showed that molecular characterization is necessary to get reliable relationships among pomegranate genotypes and AFLP markers can be used effectively in pomegranate.     

MDR1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with Behçet's disease and its colchicum treatment response

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem disorder. Infectious agents, immune system mechanisms, and genetic factors are implicated in the etiopathogenesis of BD, which remains to be explained. The human MDR1 (ABCB1) gene encoder P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays a key role in drug disposition, serves as a protective mechanism against xenobiotics, and provides additional protection for the brain, testis, and fetus. We investigated the genotype and haplotype distributions of three MDR1 gene polymorphisms (C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T) in 104 BD patients and 130 control subjects. The genotyping analysis was performed by using PCR–RFLP methods.     

Can bacteraemia lead to false positive results in 1,3-beta-d-glucan test? Analysis of 83 bacteraemia episodes in high-risk patients for invasive fungal infections

BackgroundAlthough bacteraemia has been reported to be related to false positive results in the 1,3-beta-d-glucan (BDG) test, the evidence for this interaction is limited.AimsTo investigate the association between bacteraemia and the BDG test.MethodsRecords of the Infection Control Committee were reviewed to identify bacteraemia in patients who were hospitalized in the haematology ward and stem cell transplantation unit. Patients who had undergone the BDG test at least once within 5 days of a positive blood culture were included in the study. BDG levels in the sera were assayed using the Fungitell kit (Associates of Cape Cod, East Falmouth, MA) according to the manufacturer's specifications. The cutoff for BDG positivity was 80 pg/mL.ResultsEighty-three bacteraemic episodes were identified in 71 patients. BDG positivity was detected in 14 patients with bacteraemia, and only 1 patient with Escherichia coli bacteraemia had high BDG levels (over 80 pg/mL) despite having no evidence of invasive fungal infection (IFI).ConclusionsOur study suggests that the cross-reactivity of the BDG test with a concomitant or recent bacteraemia is a very rare condition. Patients with risk factors for IFI should be evaluated cautiously when a positive BDG test is reported.     

Changing pattern of antibiotic susceptibility in intensive care units: ten years experience of a university hospital

The study was performed to assess microorganisms and antibiotic susceptibility patterns during ten years in intensive care units of a University Hospital. Infection Control Committee has active, prospective surveillance in ICUs for thirteen years. Ten years data of ICUs was evaluated retrospectively from surveillance forms. Microorganisms and their antibiotic resistance were recorded according to the years. During ten years, gram negative microorganisms were the most frequent isolated microorganisms from clinical specimens. Acinetobacter baumannii (21.8%), Pseudomonas aerigunosa (16%), Escherichia coli (10.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (8%) were the most common gram negative microorganisms. However, Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent gram positive microorganism, the incidence decreased from 18.6% to 4.8% during ten years. Also antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms changed during ten years. Carbapenem resistance increased from 44% to 92% in A. baumannii and ciprofloxacin resistance increased in E. coli from 28% to 60% and in K. pneumoniae from 21% to 55% during ten years. However, methicilin resistance decreased in S. aureus from 96% to 54%. In conclusion, antibiotic resistance is growing problem in ICUs. Rationale antibiotic policies and infection control measures will prevent the development of resistance.     

The impact of wool in the patients with chronic non-specific low back pain

The aim was to assess the effect of wool underwear use in patients with chronic non specific low back pain. The study employed two-group, experimental design. A total of 48 patients with chronic non specific low back pain were selected for the study. They were distributed into two groups: a control group and a treatment group. The 24 patients in each group were randomly selected and the compositions of the two groups. The patients in the treatment group wore woolen underwear during the experimental period of 2 month. All patients were assessed at the beginning the trial (pre-test) and the end of 8th (post-test) week. Data were collected using the visual analogue pain scale, Oswestry Disability Index and Schober test measurements. Patients in the treatment group reported significant improvements in their conditions including a reduction in pain levels and Oswestry Disability Index, and Schober test measurements increased (p<0.001). Patients with chronic non-specific low back pain who wore wool underwear experienced significant improvements in pain intensity, disability, and lower back flexibility.     

Identification of phosphorylation sites in mammalian mitochondrial ribosomal protein DAP3

Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes synthesize 13 proteins that are essential for oxidative phosphorylation. In addition to their role in protein synthesis, some of the mitochondrial ribosomal proteins have acquired functions in other cellular processes such as apoptosis. Death-associated protein 3 (DAP3), also referred to as mitochondrial ribosomal protein S29 (MRP-S29), is a GTP-binding pro-apoptotic protein located in the small subunit of the ribosome. Previous studies have shown that phosphorylation is one of the most likely regulatory mechanisms for DAP3 function in apoptosis and may be in protein synthesis; however, no phosphorylation sites were identified. In this study, we have investigated the phosphorylation status of ribosomal DAP3 and mapped the phosphorylation sites by tandem mass spectrometry. Mitochondrial ribosomal DAP3 is phosphorylated at Ser215 or Thr216, Ser220, Ser251 or Ser252, and Ser280. In addition, phosphorylation of recombinant DAP3 by Protein kinase A and Protein kinase Cdelta at residues that are endogenously phosphorylated in ribosomal DAP3 suggests both of these kinases as potential candidates responsible for the in vivo phosphorylation of DAP3 in mammalian mitochondria. Interestingly, the majority of the phosphorylation sites detected in our study are clustered around the highly conserved GTP-binding motifs, speculating on the significance of these residues on protein conformation and activity. Site-directed mutagenesis studies on selected phosphorylation sites were performed to determine the effect of phosphorylation on cell proliferation and PARP cleavage as indication of caspase activation. Overall, our findings suggest DAP3, a mitochondrial ribosomal small subunit protein, is a novel phosphorylated target.     

Purification and biochemical characteristics of pectinesterase from Malatya apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Pectinesterase (PE) in Malatya apricot pulp (Prunus armeniaca L.) was extracted and purified through (NH(4))(2)SO(4) precipitation, dialysis, and DEAE-Sephadex gel filtration chromatography. The samples obtained from the dialysis procedure, named partially purified enzyme, were used for characterization of the apricot pectinesterase. The effect of various factors such as pH, temperature, heat, and storage stability on the partially purified apricot PE enzyme was investigated. Optimum pH value was 9.0 for PE with 1% pectin in 0.1 N NaCl (w/v). The optimum temperature for apricot PE was found to be 60 degrees C on standard analysis conditions. Heat inactivation studies showed a decrease in enzymatic activity at temperatures above 70 degrees C. Km and V(max) values were 0.77 mM and 1.75 micromol min(-1) mg(-1) for apricot PE. Five inhibitors were tested in the study; the most effective inhibitor was found to be sodium carbonate (100% inhibition). The order of inhibitory effectiveness was: Na(2)CO(3), iodine, lauril sulphate, AgNO(3), EDTA. Thermal inactivation data indicated that apparent activation energy with pectin substrate was 2.96 kcal mol(-1) for the enzyme. Ascorbic acid, CaCl(2), and KCl showed activatory effect on the apricot PE enzyme.