Medium optimization and kinetic modeling for the production of Aspergillus niger inulinase

Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - The goals of this study were to optimize the medium formulation for enhanced production of Aspergillus niger inulinase using Plackett–Burman Design...     

Shoot proliferation and HPLC-determination of iridoid glycosides in clones of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gentiana cruciata</Emphasis> L

Gentiana cruciata L. (Cross gentian) is a medicinal and ornamental plant, threatened in its natural habitats. The wild root extracts of this species are known to exhibit many curative properties. In the present study, an efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of G. cruciata L. was developed from node culture. A semi-solidified Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2.22 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA), 2.46 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and sucrose (3% w/v) improved the production of multiple shoots directly from nodal segments, providing 3.9 shoots per explants on average. The highest rooting (81.7%) was observed with half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.46 μM IBA. Plants with well-developed roots were transferred to pots containing turf/vermiculite mixtures and acclimatized in plant growth chamber conditions. Acclimatized plants showed 100% survival and remained healthy. The content of secondary metabolites in the clones was determined by HPLC, and the presence of gentiopicroside, loganic acid, swertiamarin, and sweroside in the samples was confirmed. Gentiopicroside was found to be the major compound.     

A study on age and growth characteristics of spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei Blanc & Hureau, 1973), northeastern Mediterranean Sea

This study investigated the age and growth characteristics of spiny gurnard, Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei, from the northeastern Mediterranean. Samples were collected by commercial trawls during the 2012–2013 fishing seasons. A total 1,878 speciments ranged from 7.10 to 15.90 cm total length and 2.28–35.88 g in weight. Female/male ratio was 1.2/1. The total length–weight relationship was W = 0.002 TL^3.579 (r² = .909) for sexes combined, W = 0.0021 TL^3.551 (r² = .914) for males and W = 0.0019 TL^3.602 (r² = .904) for females. Age determination was conducted using the sagittal otoliths. Ages of examined individulas ranged from 3 to 11 years. Total length‐at‐age data were fitted using the von Bertalanffy growth model. Estimated growth functions were TL_t = 18.100 [1?e^{?0.14 (t + 0.63)}] for sexes combined, TL_t = 23.587 [1?e^{?0.08 (t + 1.56)}] for males and TL_t = 16.612 [1?e^{?0.19 (t + 0.15)}] for females.     

Computational screening of ZIFs for CO2 separations

Using molecular simulations, we studied a diverse collection of zeolite–imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) to evaluate their performances in adsorption- and membrane-based gas separations. Molecular simulations were performed for both single-component gases (CH₄, CO₂, H₂ and N₂) and binary gas mixtures (CO₂/CH₄, CO₂/N₂, CO₂/H₂ and CH₄/H₂) to predict the intrinsic and mixture selectivities of ZIFs. These two selectivities were compared to discuss the importance of multi-component mixture effects on making predictions about the separation performance of a material. Gas separation performances of ZIFs were compared with other nanoporous materials and our results showed that several ZIFs can outperform well-known zeolites and metal–organic frameworks in CO₂ separations. Several other properties of ZIFs such as gas permeability, working capacity and sorbent selection parameter were computed to identify the most promising materials in adsorption- and membrane-based separation of CO₂/CH₄, CO₂/N₂, CO₂/H₂ and CH₄/H₂.     

Characterization of extremely halophilic archaea isolated from saline environment in different parts of Turkey

Ninety-five extremely halophilic strains were isolated from six distinct saline regions of Turkey by using complex medium containing 25% NaCl. The selected regions are Tuz Golu (salt lake), Ankara; Aci Lake, Denizli; Salda Lake, Denizli; Seyfe Lake, Kirsehir; Tuzla Lake, Kayseri; and Bolluk Lake, Konya. The isolated strains were tested for motility, Gram reaction, cell and colony morphologies, pigmentation, biochemical characteristics, and antibiotic sensitivities. According to membrane glycerol diether moieties and antibiotic susceptibilities, all isolated strains were found to belong to the domain Archaea. All isolates were examined for the presence of plasmids by agarose gel electrophoresis and it was established that most isolates contained plasmids that varied in number and whose molecular sizes ranged from 1 to 36.9 kbp. Whole-cell protein profiles from isolates were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and a similarity dendogram was constructed using the UPGMA method. Significant similarities and differences were observed among the isolates. The strains were clustered in eight groups and ten of our isolates were placed in the same group with the standard strains. The current study represents the first isolation and characterization of such a large collection of archeal strains from Turkey.     

Brugada-type electrocardiographic pattern induced by fever

ST-segment elevation in Brugada syndrome is caused by a shift in the ionic current balance and the creation of a voltage gradient between the epicardium and the endocardium. This ionic mechanism have been shown to be temperature dependent. We describe a 33-year-old man who presented with fever with the dynamic electrocardiographic changes similar to the Brugada syndrome. These electrocardiographic anomalies disappeared when the temperature returned to normal.     

Low serum insulin-like growth factor-1 in patients with erectile dysfunction

Objective

Endothelial dysfunction and microvascular damage play a crurical role in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED). Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is one of the growth factors that have a wide range of biologic effects. IGF-1 is an important mediator of cell growth, differentiation and transformation in various tissues. The purpose of the current study was to determine the association between IGF-1 levels and ED.

Materials and methods

All men were evaluated for ED and divided into two groups: 80 patients suffering from ED for >?1 year and 80 subjects without ED were enrolled as a control group in this study. Diagnosis of ED was based on the International Index of Erectile Function Score-5. IGF-1 levels were measured in serum by an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. The relationship between IGF-1 levels and ED scores in patients was statistically evaluated.

Results

The mean age of patients in ED group was 60.4?±?11.3 years and 55.4?±?9.6 in control group. The plasma IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in ED than in control group (96.5?±?38.3 and 132.5?±?53.3 ng/ mL, respectively, P?<?0.001). The IGF-1 levels were positively correlated with ED score (r?=?0.623, P?<?0.01).

Conclusion

In this study serum IGF-1 levels were found to be associated with endothelial dysfunction that predicts ED. Serum IGF-1 level appears to be a specific predictor of ED, and it might be used in early prediction of ED in male population.