The Role of Polygalacturonase (PG) in the Ripening of Apple Fruits

Polygalacturonase (PG) activity and changes in respiratory intensity of apple fruits were investigated. The respiratory rate was decreased to a preclimacteric minimum from 30 Aug. to 20 Sept., Then increased to a climacteric peak (20–30 Sept.) and again drop down gradually with approaching the senescence stage. The PG activity was undetectable in a developing fruit until the onset climacteric phase. It rose rapidly after harvest, and reaching its highest level on 27 Oct. Just a month after the climacteric peak. The PG activity fell gradually. The amount of the fractions of pectic acid in fruits changed with the modifications of PG activity. With the ripening of fruits, the content of alcohol-soluble small molecules of pectic acids was increased from 12 to 13 5 mg/100 g of tissue, while the amount of alcohol- insoluble large molecules of pectic acids reduced from 530 to 280/100 g of tissue. PG activity would indicate the destruction of cell walls and the separation of cells. The onset of softening of fruits occurred 20 days after the rise of PG activity. It is supposed that the process of softening is directly controlled by PG activity.     

A Novel Technique of Rescuing Capsulorhexis Radial Tear-out using a Cystotome

Part 1 : Purpose: To demonstrate a capsulorhexis radial tear out rescue technique using a cystotome on a virtual reality cataract surgery simulator and in a human eye. Part 2 : Method: Steps: When a capsulorhexis begins to veer radially towards the periphery beyond the pupillary margin the following steps should be applied without delay. 2.1) Stop further capsulorhexis manoeuvre and reassess the situation. 2.2) Fill the anterior chamber with ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). We recommend mounting the cystotome to a syringe containing OVD so that the anterior chamber can be reinflated rapidly. 2.3) The capsulorhexis flap is then left unfolded on the lens surface. 2.4) The cystotome tip is tilted horizontally to avoid cutting or puncturing the flap and is engaged on the flap near the leading edge of the tear but not too close to the point of tear. 2.5) Gently push or pull the leading edge of tear opposite to the direction of tear. 2.6) The leading tearing edge will start to do a ''U-Turn''. Maintain the tension on the flap until the tearing edge returns to the desired trajectory. Part 3 : Results: Using our technique, a surgeon can respond instantly to radial tear out without having to change surgical instruments. Changing surgical instruments at this critical stage runs a risk of further radial tear due to sudden shallowing of anterior chamber as a result of forward pressure from the vitreous. Our technique also has the advantage of reducing corneal wound distortion and subsequent anterior chamber collapse. Part 4 : Discussion The EYESI Surgical Simulator is a realistic training platform for surgeons to practice complex capsulorhexis tear-out techniques. Capsulorhexis is the most important and complex part of phacoemulsification and endocapsular intraocular lens implantation procedure. A successful cataract surgery depends on achieving a good capsulorhexis. During capsulorhexis, surgeons may face a challenging situation like a capsulorhexis radial tear-out. A surgeon must learn to tackle the problem promptly without making the situation worse. Some other methods of rescuing the situation have been described using a capsulorhexis forceps. However, we believe our method is quicker, more effective and easier to manipulate as demonstrated on the EYESi surgical simulator and on a human eye. Acknowledgments: List acknowledgements and funding sources. We would like to thank Dr. Wael El Gendy, for video clip. Disclosures: describe potential conflicting interests or state We have nothing to disclose. References: 1. Brian C. Little, Jennifer H. Smith, Mark Packer. J Cataract Refract Surg 2006; 32:1420 1422, Issue-9. 2. Neuhann T. Theorie und Operationstechnik der Kapsulorhexis. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1987; 1990: 542-545. 3. Gimbel HV, Neuhann T. Development, advantages and methods of the continuous circular capsulorhexis technique. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1990; 16: 31-37. 4. Gimbel HV, Neuhann T. Continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. (letter) J Cataract Refract Sur. 1991; 17: 110-111.     

Differential Complex Formation via Paralogs in the Human Sin3 Protein Interaction Network

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Highlights

• •Sin3 paralog identity influences Sin3 complex composition.
• •Chemical cross-linking mass spectrometry identifies domains in SIN3A and SIN3B that mediate complex formation.
• •Complex subunit homology to yeast Sin3 complex components may assist in defining distinct forms of the Sin3 complex in humans.
• •A nuclear import signal within SIN3B is identified via chemical cross-linking mass spectrometry.

     

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.     

Role of Type I Interferon Receptor Signaling on NK Cell Development and Functions

Type I interferons (IFN) are unique cytokines transcribed from intronless genes. They have been extensively studied because of their anti-viral functions. The anti-viral effects of type I IFN are mediated in part by natural killer (NK) cells. However, the exact contribution of type I IFN on NK cell development, maturation and activation has been somewhat difficult to assess. In this study, we used a variety of approaches to define the consequences of the lack of type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) signaling on NK cells. Using IFNAR deficient mice, we found that type I IFN affect NK cell development at the pre-pro NK stage. We also found that systemic absence of IFNAR signaling impacts NK cell maturation with a significant increase in the CD27⁺CD11b⁺ double positive (DP) compartment in all organs. However, there is tissue specificity, and only in liver and bone marrow is the maturation defect strictly dependent on cell intrinsic IFNAR signaling. Finally, using adoptive transfer and mixed bone marrow approaches, we also show that cell intrinsic IFNAR signaling is not required for NK cell IFN-γ production in the context of MCMV infection. Taken together, our studies provide novel insights on how type I IFN receptor signaling regulates NK cell development and functions.     

Profile of an HIV Testing and Counseling Unit in Bangladesh: Majority of New Diagnoses among Returning Migrant Workers and Spouses

Introduction

Analysis of data from HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services provides an opportunity to identify important populations for targeting of HIV prevention efforts. Our primary aim was to describe the demographics of clients presenting to HTC in Bangladesh, a low HIV prevalence country. Our secondary aim was to determine the risk factors for HIV positivity among returning migrant workers who were tested.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of data collected between 2002 and 2010 from the first HTC service established in Bangladesh, located in three large cities.

Results

8973 individuals attended HTC services, with 558 (6.2%) of clients testing positive for HIV, including 33 children. The majority of those who tested positive were aged 25–44 (71%), male (70%), and married (68%). Key populations considered at increased risk of HIV, such as female sex workers, people who inject drugs, and males who have sex with males accounted for only 11% of adults who tested positive. Notably, 75% of adults testing positive had a history of migrant work or was the spouse of a migrant worker. In multivariable logistic regression of those with a migrant work history presenting for HTC, we found rural residence, working in the Middle East, and longer duration of migrant work to be independently associated with testing positive, and female gender and higher level of education to be negatively associated.

Conclusions

These data suggest that in Bangladesh, in addition to targeting traditional key populations, HIV prevention efforts should also focus on migrant workers and their spouses.     

SUMOylation and PARylation cooperate to recruit and stabilize SLX4 at DNA damage sites

SUMOylation plays important roles in the DNA damage response. However, whether it is important for interstrand crosslink repair remains unknown. We report that the SLX4 nuclease scaffold protein is regulated by SUMOylation. We have identified three SUMO interaction motifs (SIMs) in SLX4, mutating all of which abrogated the binding of SLX4 to SUMO-2 and covalent SLX4 SUMOylation. An SLX4 mutant lacking functional SIMs is not recruited to PML nuclear bodies nor stabilized at laser-induced DNA damage sites. Additionally, we elucidated a novel role for PARylation in the recruitment of SLX4 to sites of DNA damage. Combined, our results uncover how SLX4 is regulated by post-translational modifications.     

2-anilino-4-aryl-8H-purine derivatives as inhibitors of PDK1

A series of 2-anilino substituted 4-aryl-8H-purines were prepared as potent inhibitors of PDK1, a serine-threonine kinase thought to play a role in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, a key mediator of cancer cell growth, survival and tumorigenesis. The synthesis, SAR and ADME properties of this series of compounds are discussed culminating in the discovery of compound 6 which possessed sub-micromolar cell proliferation activity and 65% oral bioavailability in mice.     

Activating and inhibitory Fcγ receptors in rheumatoid arthritis: from treatment to targeted therapies

Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) bind the constant Fc region of IgG molecules. IgG/antigen-containing immune complexes elicit a variety of effector functions in cells that express activating FcγRs. Because activating FcγRs are present on cells from the innate immune system, such as dendritic cells, monocytes/macrophages and granulocytes, these IgG receptors form a crucial link between the innate and the acquired immune systems. Recently, the ability to detect the inhibitory FcγRIIb on cells has indicated an imbalance between activating and inhibitory FcγRs in rheumatoid arthritis. This progress offers an opportunity to study modulation of FcγR balance and could stimulate development of FcγR-directed immunotherapy.     

Electron-microscopic immunolabelling of vasoactive substances in human umbilical endothelial cells and their actions in early and late pregnancy

Human umbilical vessels are devoid of nerves and therefore endothelial cells may play an important role in the control of feto-placental blood flow. The pharmacological effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine and endothelin were examined in umbilical arteries and veins from legal terminations (gestational age 8–17 weeks, n=12) and normal term vaginal deliveries (gestational age 38–41, n=12). Immunocytochemistry of human unbilical vessels indicated that 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine and endothelin were localised in subpopulations of endothelial cells of both artery and vein in late, but not early, pregnancy. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (10 nM–30 μM) caused sustained concentration-dependent contractions in all vessels from early and late pregnancy. Histamine (0.1 μM–30 mM) also caused sustained contractions in all vessels from late pregnancy but only 27% of arteries and 41% of veins from early pregnancy responded. Endothelin (10 pM–30 nM) caused slow long-lasting contractions in all vessels from early and late pregnancy. Atrial natriuretic peptide and neuropeptide Y did not alter vascular tone. The endothelium may thus play an autocrine/paracrine role, by synthesizing and releasing the above reactive substances in late pregnancy to influence feto-placental blood flow. Received: 23 May 1995 / Accepted: 13 October 1995