Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives

In this study, new 3-[(1(2H)-phthalazinone-2-yl(methyl/ethyl]-4-aryl-1,2,4-triazole-5-thione and 2-[[1(2H)-phthalazinone-2-yl]methyl/ethyl]-5-arylamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized. Antimicrobial properties of the title compounds were investigated against two Gram (+) bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis), two Gram ( - ) bacteria (P. aeruginosa, E. coli) and two yeast-like fungi (C. albicans and C. parapsilosis) using the broth microdilution method. Generally the compounds were found to be active against B. subtilis and the fungi. Derivatives carrying a 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring generally showed higher antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis and the fungi when compared to other synthesized compounds.     

Immunohistochemical study of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor suppressor protein (p53) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) in the conjunctiva of diabetic patients

Summary The expression pattern of VEGF, p53 and ICAM-1 was studied in conjunctiva of diabetic patients with and without retinopathy. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including retinal fluorescein angiography. Indirect immunoperoxidase method was performed on 20 eyes of 20 patients with type II diabetes without DR and on 5 eyes of 5 patients with PDR. A control study was performed on 6 normal conjunctiva undertaken during cataract surgery. Immunoreactivity of VEGF, p53 and ICAM-1 was found in epithelial, fibroblast and vascular endothelial cells. For the same duration of diabetes, a strong to moderate or weak immunoreactivity was observed in the conjunctiva of patients without retinopathy. In patients with PDR, the expression was strong for all these proteins. The immunoreactivity was correlated between VEGF, p53 and ICAM-1. In the normal conjunctiva, a weak to negative immunostaining was observed. The presence of these proteins in the conjunctiva of diabetic patients without retinopathy may add new data in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.     

Bovidae (Mammalia) du Pliocène final d’Ahl al Oughlam, Casablanca, Maroc

Only seven bovid species are present at Ahl al Oughlam: aTragelaphus (rare), a Bovine close toPelorovis ? praeafricanus but mostly known by teeth, a new species of kob (perhaps of an endemic lineage), aParmularius slightly more primitive than at Olduvai,Beatragus (mentioned for the first time in North Africa),Gazella thomasi, and a new species of gazelle noticeable by its nasal region. The Ahl al Oughlam bovids are in good agreement with an age of 2.5 Ma. They point towards an open and probably rather unfavourable, perhaps cold, environment.     

Ultrasonographic and electrophysiologic evaluation of median and ulnar nerves in chronic stroke patients with upper extremity spasticity

Objective: To evaluate the upper extremity nerves of stroke patients morphologically and electrophysiologically and to determine whether there is a relationship between clinical evaluations, ultrasonographic measurements, and electrodiagnostic findings.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 chronic stroke patients. After recording demographical data, clinical, ultrasonographic, and electrophysiological evaluations were performed. Clinical evaluations included Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (BRS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Motricity index (MI), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS). For ultrasonographic measurements, median and ulnar nerves were scanned. Median and ulnar nerve conduction studies were performed bilaterally.

Results: Mean ages of the patients were 62.2?±?13.0 years (range 24–84 years; 22 males, 8 females). There was no significant difference in median/ulnar nerve ultrasonographic measurements between paretic and non-paretic sides (p?>?.05), whereas median nerve motor conduction velocity was significantly slower and median nerve F-wave latency was prolonged on the paretic side (p?<?.05). The median and ulnar nerve compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitudes of paretic sides were positively correlated with lower extremity BRS and FAS scores. Median CMAP amplitudes were also positively correlated with FIM scores and ulnar CMAP amplitudes were positively correlated with motricity scores. Moreover, on the paretic side, there were positive correlations of median SNAP amplitudes with FIM and FAS scores (p?<?.05).

Conclusions: Our results showed electrophysiological changes in peripheral nerves on the paretic upper extremities, however, no morphological change was determined. Further studies with larger number of patients and longer follow-up periods are needed to clarify the effect of stroke and spasticity on the peripheral nervous system.     

Survival and adhesion ability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shigella</Emphasis> spp. strains after their incubation in seawater microcosms

In this study, we investigated the survival and adhesion ability of Shigella after their incubation in seawater microcosms at ambient temperature and at 4°C during 1 month. Our results showed that the number of cells was considerably decreased after this period of stress. In addition, we have revealed some modifications in the biochemical and enzymatic profiles of stressed cells. These modification were noted by the appearance or/and the disappearance of some activities. Indeed, antibiotic susceptibility of stressed cells has been changed. Adherence assays to KB cells showed on increase in the number of adherent cells from 0.7 to 6.7% after 1 month of incubation in seawater.     

A statistical approach for optimization of R-phycoerythrin extraction from the red algae Gracilaria verrucosa by enzymatic hydrolysis using central composite design and desirability function

The aim of this research is to statistically optimize enzymatic hydrolysis parameters for the production of R-phycoerythrin (RPE) from red algae Gracilaria verrucosa. Six independent variables, incubation temperature, incubation time, ratio of buffer to raw material, cellulase loading, xylanase loading, and pH, were selected for response surface methodology studies. A central composite design was employed to maximize RPE production. A mathematical model with high determination coefficient (R ²?=?0.86) was developed and could be employed to optimize RPE extraction. The optimal extraction conditions of RPE were determined as follows: incubation temperature (48°C), incubation time (6?h), ratio of buffer to raw material (20 w/v), cellulase loading (15%), xylanase loading (5%), and pH (6.5). Under this optimal condition, the experimental yield of RPE was 6.25?mg?g^?1. Based on the result of response surface methodology and desirability function approach study, total sugar, the main by-product in RPE extraction was considered as another response. A new optimal condition was predicted as follows: incubation temperature (30°C), incubation time (12?h), ratio of buffer to raw material (20, w/v), cellulase loading (15%), xylanase loading (5%), and pH (6). Under this condition, similar RPE levels were obtained while the concentration of total sugar decreased by 40%.     

The clinical significance of circulating miR-21, miR-142, miR-143, and miR-146a in patients with prostate cancer

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is the most common type of solid tissue cancer among men in western countries. In this study, we determined the levels of circulating miR-21, miR-142, miR-143, miR-146a, and RNU 44 levels as controls for early diagnosis of PCa.MethodsThe circulating miRNA levels in peripheral blood samples from 43 localized PCa patients, 12 metastatic PCa (MET) patients, and a control group of, 42 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients with a total of 97 volunteers were determined the by PCR method.ResultsNo differences in the DCT values were found among the groups. In PCa and PCaMet groups the expression of miR21 and miR142 were higher compared to the BHP group. No other differences were observed among the other groups. miR21 expression in the PCa group was 6.29 folds upregulated whereas in the PCaMet group 10.84 folds up-regulated. When the total expression of miR142 is evaluated, it showed a positive correlation with mir21 and mir 146 (both p<0.001). Also, the expression of miR146 shows a positive correlation with both miR21 and miR143 (both p<0.001). Expression of miRNAs was found to be an independent diagnostic factor in patients with Gleason score, PSA, and free PSA levels.ConclusionsOur study showed that co-expression of miR21, miR-142, miR-143, and miR-146a and the upregulation of miR-21 resulted in increased prostate carcinoma cell growth. In the PCaMet group, miR21 is the most upregulated of all miRNAs. These markers may provide a novel diagnostic tool to help diagnose PCa with aggressive behavior.     

Alleviation of drought stress in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) by exogenous application of β-aminobutyric acid (BABA)

Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants - Drought stress is one of the most prevalent environmental factors limiting faba bean (Vicia faba L.) crop productivity. β-aminobutyric acid (BABA)...