Spatial Variations in Vitreous Oxygen Consumption

We investigated the spatial variation of vitreous oxygen consumption in enucleated porcine eyes. A custom made oxygen source was fabricated that could be localized to either the mid or posterior vitreous cavity and steady state vitreous oxygen tension was measured as a function of distance from the source using a commercially available probe. The reaction rate constant of ascorbate oxidation was estimated ex vivo by measuring the change in oxygen tension over time using vitreous harvested from porcine eyes. Vitreous ascorbate from mid and posterior vitreous was measured spectrophotometrically. When the oxygen source was placed in either the mid-vitreous (N = 6) or the posterior vitreous (N = 6), we measured a statistically significant decrease in vitreous oxygen tension as a function of distance from the oxygen source when compared to control experiments without an oxygen source; (p<0.005 for mid-vitreous and p<0.018 for posterior vitreous at all distances). The mid-vitreous oxygen tension change was significantly different from the posterior vitreous oxygen tension change at 2 and 3mm distances from the respective oxygen source (p<0.001). We also found a statistically significant lower concentration of ascorbate in the mid-vitreous as compared to posterior vitreous (p = 0.02). We determined the reaction rate constant, k = 1.61 M^-1s^-1 ± 0.708 M^-1s^-1 (SE), of the oxidation of ascorbate which was modeled following a second order rate equation. Our data demonstrates that vitreous oxygen consumption is higher in the posterior vitreous compared to the mid-vitreous. We also show spatial variations in vitreous ascorbate concentration.     

The Multifaceted Origin of Taurine Cattle Reflected by the Mitochondrial Genome

A Neolithic domestication of taurine cattle in the Fertile Crescent from local aurochsen (Bos primigenius) is generally accepted, but a genetic contribution from European aurochsen has been proposed. Here we performed a survey of a large number of taurine cattle mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control regions from numerous European breeds confirming the overall clustering within haplogroups (T1, T2 and T3) of Near Eastern ancestry, but also identifying eight mtDNAs (1.3%) that did not fit in haplogroup T. Sequencing of the entire mitochondrial genome showed that four mtDNAs formed a novel branch (haplogroup R) which, after the deep bifurcation that gave rise to the taurine and zebuine lineages, constitutes the earliest known split in the mtDNA phylogeny of B. primigenius. The remaining four mtDNAs were members of the recently discovered haplogroup Q. Phylogeographic data indicate that R mtDNAs were derived from female European aurochsen, possibly in the Italian Peninsula, and sporadically included in domestic herds. In contrast, the available data suggest that Q mtDNAs and T subclades were involved in the same Neolithic event of domestication in the Near East. Thus, the existence of novel (and rare) taurine haplogroups highlights a multifaceted genetic legacy from distinct B. primigenius populations. Taking into account that the maternally transmitted mtDNA tends to underestimate the extent of gene flow from European aurochsen, the detection of the R mtDNAs in autochthonous breeds, some of which are endangered, identifies an unexpected reservoir of genetic variation that should be carefully preserved.     

Antifungal drug resistance pattern of Candida. spp isolated from vaginitis in Ilam-Iran during 2013-2014

Vaginal Candidiasis is the most common and important opportunistic fungal infection in women. By increasing use of antifungal drugs in recent years, it has caused drug resistance. This study aims to evaluate antifungal drugs susceptibility of Candida. spp isolated of women with vaginitis from Ilam-Iran during 2013-2014. samples were collected and cultured from 385 women with vaginitis, then Candida.spp was diagnosed by standard method. Antifungal drug susceptibility test for nystatin 100 unit/disk, fluconazole 10µg/disk, itraconazole 10µg/disk, ketoconazole 10µg/disk, amphotericinB 20µg/disk, clotrimazole 10µg/disk, posaconazole 5µg/disk, and voriconazole 1µg/disk were carried out by M44-A method(CLSI). From all culture positive samples, 150 isolates were Candida albicans and 89 isolates were non-albicans. The resistance to fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, nystatin and amphotericin B was 76%, 62%, 72%, 55%, 6%, 7%, 1% and 0%. The highest resistance was seen for fluconazole , itraconazole, and the highest susceptible was seen for nystatin and amphotericin B. These results indicate nystatin and amphotericin B can be used as the first line for empirical therapy of vaginal candidiasis in the district.     

Monitoring growth and lipid production of new isolated oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus aerius UIMC65 on glucose and xylose cultures

Process monitoring is one of the most important factors affecting production efficiency at industrial scale bioprocesses. In the present work, Flow-cytometric analysis has been employed to monitor and determine neutral lipid cell droplets, granularity and size of the cells of the new oleaginous yeast, Cryptococcus aerius UIMC65. It has been shown that, differences of fluorescent intensity as well as side and forward scatter light properties have close correlations with the differences in lipid production by these yeast cells. The lipid content-related fluorescent intensity versus forward scatter parameter has been used to monitor and compare different subpopulations during growth phases on both glucose and xylose in batch cultures. Flow cytometric results have revealed that the observed differences in the proportion of each subpopulation were related to the specific growth phase and lipid content of the cells. The highest lipid content and lipid productivity were attained at 82.62%, 4.47 g/L (at 72 h) and 78.41%, 6.21 g/L (at 60 h) on glucose and xylose growth cultures, respectively. The highest biomass, lipid yield and biomass yield were found to be 7.92 g/L (on glucose culture, at 60 h), 20.92% (on glucose culture, at 48 h) and 50.71% (on glucose culture, at 24 h), respectively.     

High Bone Mass in Mice Lacking Cx37 Because of Defective Osteoclast Differentiation

Connexin (Cx) proteins are essential for cell differentiation, function, and survival in all tissues with Cx43 being the most studied in bone. We now report that Cx37, another member of the connexin family of proteins, is expressed in osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes. Mice with global deletion of Cx37 (Cx37^−/−) exhibit higher bone mineral density, cancellous bone volume, and mechanical strength compared with wild type littermates. Osteoclast number and surface are significantly lower in bone of Cx37^−/− mice. In contrast, osteoblast number and surface and bone formation rate in bones from Cx37^−/− mice are unchanged. Moreover, markers of osteoblast activity ex vivo and in vivo are similar to those of Cx37^+/+ littermates. sRANKL/M-CSF treatment of nonadherent Cx37^−/− bone marrow cells rendered a 5-fold lower level of osteoclast differentiation compared with Cx37^+/+ cell cultures. Further, Cx37^−/− osteoclasts are smaller and have fewer nuclei per cell. Expression of RANK, TRAP, cathepsin K, calcitonin receptor, matrix metalloproteinase 9, NFATc1, DC-STAMP, ATP6v0d1, and CD44, markers of osteoclast number, fusion, or activity, is lower in Cx37^−/− osteoclasts compared with controls. In addition, nonadherent bone marrow cells from Cx37^−/− mice exhibit higher levels of markers for osteoclast precursors, suggesting altered osteoclast differentiation. The reduction of osteoclast differentiation is associated with activation of Notch signaling. We conclude that Cx37 is required for osteoclast differentiation and fusion, and its absence leads to arrested osteoclast maturation and high bone mass in mice. These findings demonstrate a previously unrecognized role of Cx37 in bone homeostasis that is not compensated for by Cx43 in vivo.     

Molecular Dynamics Study of the Human Beta-defensins 2 and 3 Chimeric Peptides with the Cell Membrane Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a unique microorganism among the antibiotic-resistant microbial pathogens. Among the various therapeutic...     

Genetic variation in DNA repair gene XRCC7 (G6721T) and susceptibility to breast cancer

The human XRCC7 is a DNA double-strand break (DSBs) repair gene, involved in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). It is speculated that DNA DSBs repair have an important role during development of breast cancer. The human XRCC7 is a NHEJ DSBs repair gene. Genetic variation G6721T of XRCC7 (rs7003908) is located in the intron 8 of the gene. This polymorphism may regulate splicing and cause mRNA instability. In the present study, we specifically investigated whether common G6721T genetic variant of XRCC7 was associated with an altered risk of breast cancer. The present study included 362 females with breast cancer. Age frequency-matched controls (362 persons) were randomly selected from the healthy female blood donors, according to the age distribution of the cases. Using RFLP-PCR based method, the polymorphism of XRCC7 was determined. The TG (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 0.83-1.74, P=0.320) and TT (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.67-1.53, P=0.933) genotypes had no significant effect on risk of breast cancer, in comparison with the GG genotype. Our present findings indicate that the TT and TG genotypes were not associated with an altered breast cancer risk.     

Relationship of serum and saliva calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase with dry mouth feeling in menopause

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00619.x Relationship of serum and saliva calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase with dry mouth feeling in menopause Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare serum and saliva calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase of menopausal women with/without dry mouth (DM) feeling. Background: The composition of saliva in menopause women with/without DM feeling is different. Some of these differences are in hormones that are related to bone turnover. Methods: A case–control study was carried out on 60 selected menopausal women aged 45–79 years with or without DM feeling (30 as case, 30 as control), conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The phosphorus concentration was measured by photometrical measurement of the blue colour formed after the addition of ammonium molybdate and stannous chloride; calcium was measured by Arsenazo reaction; and alkaline phosphatase by the pNPP‐AMP method. Statistical analysis of Student’s t‐test was used. Results: The mean serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, stimulated and unstimulated saliva calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in the menopausal women suffering from DM. There were no significant differences between groups regarding saliva phosphorus and serum calcium concentration. Conclusion: Calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase appear associated with DM feeling in menopause.     

Mild and efficient oxidation of alcohols with sodium periodate catalyzed by polystyrene-bound Mn(III)porphyrin

Mild and efficient oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols with sodium periodate catalyzed by Mn(TPyP), [manganese(III)tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin], supported on chloromethylated polystyrene, [Mn(TPyP)-CMP], at room temperature were reported. This catalyst can be reused consecutively four times in the oxidation of 4-chlorobenzyl alcohol in 97% yield without significant loss of its activity.