ST-segment elevation associated with allergic reaction to echocardiographic contrast agent administration

We report a case of an allergic reaction after the administration of an echocardiographic contrast agent which resulted in ST-segment elevation. Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are known causes of acute cardiovascular events. However, only limited reports are available which suggest the exact mechanism of the occurrence of angina or myocardial infarction during severe allergic reactions. In our case, through invasive imaging (coronary angiography and IVUS) we have shown for the first time a transient coronary spasm in the absence of intra-coronary thrombus and only minimal neointimal hyperplasia.     

Characterisation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Haplotypes of MSTN Associated with Growth Traits in European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Marine Biotechnology - The myostatin (MSTN) gene, known as growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and plays a...     

Viability of human-derived probiotic lactobacilli in ice cream produced with sucrose and aspartame

A mixture of human-derived probiotic strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. agilis and L. rhamnosus was used as a probiotic culture in ice cream manufacture. Viability and survival of these probiotic cultures were investigated in two different ice cream formulations. Ice cream with sucrose and ice cream with aspartame were prepared and each of these was divided into two subgroups: one with direct addition of the probiotic culture and one with milk fermented by the same probiotic culture. Ice cream samples were stored at −20°C for 6 months and the survival rate of cultures were determined monthly. Probiotic cultures underwent tests for resistance to bile salts, antibiotics, acidic conditions; they were found to be highly resistant to such challenges. Chemical analysis of ice cream samples, such as determination of acidity, pH and solid matter, was also performed. The probiotic cultures remained unchanged in ice cream stored for up to 6 months regardless of the sweeteners used. Using probiotic cultures in ice cream mixes did not alter the characteristics of the product.     

Radiation shielding parameters of some antioxidants using Monte Carlo method

In this paper, radiation shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients and half value layer (HVL) of some antioxidants are investigated using MCNPX (version 2.4.0). The validation of the generated MCNPX simulation geometry for antioxidant structures is provided by comparing the results with standard WinXcom data for radiation mass attenuation coefficients of antioxidants. Very good agreement between W?NXCOM and MCNPX was obtained. The results from the validated geometry were used to calculate the shielding parameters of different antioxidants. The radiation attenuation properties of each antioxidant were compared with each other. The results showed that, on average, the highest and the lowest radiation mass attenuation coefficients were observed on hesperidin and delphinidin chloride, respectively. It can be concluded that Monte Carlo simulation is a strong tool and an alternate method where experimental investigations are not possible and a standard simulation setup can be used in further studies for different biological structures. It can also be concluded that the obtained results from this study are very useful for radiology and radiotherapy applications where antioxidants are frequently used.     

Cupin: A candidate molecular structure for the Nep1-like protein family

Background  

NEP1-like proteins (NLPs) are a novel family of microbial elicitors of plant necrosis. Some NLPs induce a hypersensitive-like response in dicot plants though the basis for this response remains unclear. In addition, the spatial structure and the role of these highly conserved proteins are not known.     

Efficacy of marbofloxacin for naturally occurring contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

The aim of the present study is to determine the efficacy of marbofloxacin used in goats with naturally occurring contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP). The study was performed in two groups (consisting of 15 animals in each group) with two different doses of 10% aqueous solution of marbofloxacin injected intramuscularly into the semitendinous muscle. 2 mg/kg BW for 3 days (total dose administered: 6 mg/kg BW) was injected to the first group (group 1) and 3 mg/kg for 2 times every other day (total dose administered: 6 mg/kg BW) was injected to the second group (group 2). Microbiological analyses revealed that the causative agent of the disease was Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae. Cure rates for groups 1 and 2 were determined as 100% (15/15 goats) and 93% (14/15 goats), respectively. The results of this field trial suggest that marbofloxacin could be an effective drug against CCPP in goats.     

Biosynthesis of isoprenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and flavonoids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Industrial biotechnology employs the controlled use of microorganisms for the production of synthetic chemicals or simple biomass that can further be used in a diverse array of applications that span the pharmaceutical, chemical and nutraceutical industries. Recent advances in metagenomics and in the incorporation of entire biosynthetic pathways into Saccharomyces cerevisiae have greatly expanded both the fitness and the repertoire of biochemicals that can be synthesized from this popular microorganism. Further, the availability of the S. cerevisiae entire genome sequence allows the application of systems biology approaches for improving its enormous biosynthetic potential. In this review, we will describe some of the efforts on using S. cerevisiae as a cell factory for the biosynthesis of high-value natural products that belong to the families of isoprenoids, flavonoids and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. As natural products are increasingly becoming the center of attention of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, the use of S. cerevisiae for their production is only expected to expand in the future, further allowing the biosynthesis of novel molecular structures with unique properties.