Effective technological pectinases by Aspergillus carneus NRC1 utilizing the Egyptian orange juice industry scraps

The production of a notable and highly effective pectinase by the local fungal strain Aspergillus carneus NRC1 utilizing the abundant Egyptian orange peels and pulps (OPP) scraps excluded in the orange juice and canning industry was achieved in 5-day submerged fermentation (SMF) cultures, at temperature and pH ranges of 30–55 °C and 5.0–5.5, respectively. Fresh or thawed OPP (6%, w/v) were the most preferable sole carbon source. Pectinase activity was dramatically stimulated by ammonium sulphate as the sole nitrogen source, and at the same time strongly inhibited the production of the other tested enzymes, i.e., cellulases and hemicellulases. The lyophilized enzyme preparation was free from any ochra or aflatoxins. The optimum conditions of this methodology including enzyme and substrate (citrus pectin) concentrations were 40 mg ml^?1 and 7% (w/v), respectively, with pH and temperature of 4.0 and 55 °C, respectively.     

Ameliorative Effect of Chrysin on Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Rats

Chrysin (5, 7- dihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid with several pharmacological properties that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic activities. in this work, we investigated some effects of three graded oral doses of chrysin (10, 50 and 250 mg/kg) on kidney structure and function in rats with experimental chronic renal disease (CKD) induced by adenine (0.25% w/w in feed for 35 days), which is known to involve inflammation and oxidative stress. Using several indices in plasma, urine and kidney homogenates, adenine was found to impair kidney function as it lowered creatinine clearance and increased plasma concentrations of creatinine, urea, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity. Furthermore, it raised plasma concentrations of the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate, some inflammatory cytokines and urinary albumin concentration. Renal morphology was severely damaged and histopathological markers of inflammation and fibrosis were especially increased. In renal homogenates, antioxidant indices, including superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione were all adversely affected. Most of these adenine – induced actions were moderately and dose -dependently mitigated by chrysin, especially at the highest dose. Chrysin did not cause any overt adverse effect on the treated rats. The results suggest that different doses of chrysin produce variable salutary effects against adenine-induced CKD in rats, and that, pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, its usability as a possible ameliorative agent in human CKD should be considered.     

Genome-wide comparative analysis of Mg transporter gene family between Triticum turgidum and Camelina sativa

Magnesium (Mg) as a bimetal plays critical roles in biochemical processes, membrane stability, and enzyme activity. Mg transporters (MGTs) are involving in maintaining Mg homeostasis in cells. Although the MGT family members have been identified in different plant species, there is no comprehensive analysis of the other plants' MGT genes. In the current study, 62 and 41 non-redundant putative MGT proteins were recognized into the genome of Camelina sativa, and Triticum turgidum and they were compared based on physicochemical properties, protein structure, expression, and interaction. All identified MGTs were classified into three subgroups, NIPA, CorA, and MRS2/MGT, based on conserved-motifs distribution. The results showed that the secondary structure pattern in NIPA and MRS2 subfamily members in both studied plant species were highly similar. Furthermore, MGTs encompass the conserved structures and the critical sites mainly in the metal ion and Mg²⁺ binding centers as well as the catalytic sites were observed. The highest numbers of protein channels were predicted in CorA proteins in both C. sativa and T. turgidum with 24 and 17 channel numbers, respectively. The Ser, Pro, Gly, Lys, Tyr, and Arg amino acids were predicted as the binding residues in MGTs channel regions. The expression pattern of identified genes demonstrated that MGT genes have diverse tissue-specific expression and stress response expression patterns. Besides, 147 co-expressed genes with MGTs were clustered into the eight co-expression nodes involved in N-glycan biosynthesis, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, and endocytosis. In the present study, all interpretations are based on in silico predictions, which can be used in further studies related to functional genomics of MGT genes.

     

Analysis of CLDN14 gene in deaf Moroccan patients with non-syndromic hearing loss

Mutations in the CLDN14 gene, encoding the tight junction claudin 14 protein has been reported to date in an autosomal recessive form of isolated hearing loss DFNB29. In order to identify the contribution of CLDN14 to inherited deafness in Moroccan population, we performed a genetic analysis of this gene in 80 Moroccan familial cases. Our results show the presence of 7 mutations: 6 being conservative and one leading to a missense mutation (C11T) which was found at heterozygous and homozygous states, with a general frequency of 6.87%. The pathogenicity of the resulting T4M substitution is under discussion.     

Microbial calcium carbonate precipitation with high affinity to fill the concrete pore space: nanobiotechnological approach

Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - Despite the advantages of concrete, it has a pore structure and is susceptible to cracking. The initiated cracks as well as pores and their connectivity...     

Development of sensitive benzofurazan‐based spectrometric methods for analysis of spectinomycin in vials and human biological samples

Spectinomycin hydrochloride (SPEC) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that has a broad spectrum against several bacterial strains of humans and veterinary infections. However, SPEC lacks a fluorophore or chromophore and this lack makes its analysis a challenge. Our study provides a simple, sensitive and low‐cost spectrofluorimetric/spectrophotometric method based on the reaction between secondary amine groups and a benzofurazan reagent using borate buffer (pH 9.2). The yielding compound was measured fluorimetrically at 530 nm (excitation at 460 nm) with colorimetry at 410 nm. The calibration curves ranged from 30 to 400 ng ml^?1 and from 0.2 to 6 μg ml^?1 for spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric analyses, respectively. The limits of detection were calculated to be 4.15 ng ml^?1 and 0.05 μg ml^?1 for spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric processes, respectively. The ultra‐affectability and high selectivity of the proposed method permitted analysis of SPEC in the dosage form and in human plasma samples, with good recoveries of about 101.19 and 97.11%, respectively, without any matrix interference. The proposed strategy was validated using International Conference on Harmonization standards and validated bioanalytically using USFDA recommendations.     

Two case reports of unusual phimosis in rhesus monkeys (Macaca Mulatta)

Phimosis is the inability of the penis to protrude from the prepuce. In the present report, we present two cases of phimosis in two rhesus monkeys. Surgical enlargement of preputial orifice was performed for unrestricted movement of penis. The exact cause of this condition is unknown to us.     

Melanism and coat colour polymorphism in the Egyptian Wolf Canis lupaster Hemprich & Ehrenberg (Carnivora: Canidae) from Egypt

The Egyptian Wolf Canis lupaster was recently rediscovered as a distinct species on the basis of both morphologic and molecular genetic evidence. Phenotypical variability, including coat colour of this species across its vast, ecologically diverse range is yet to be investigated. In this paper, we present the first record of melanistic individuals of this species and compare their morphological characters and mitochondrial cytochrome b DNA sequences with those of typically coloured Canis lupaster and other closely related canids to verify their identity. We also study pelage polymorphism in a population of this species in the Egyptian Nile Valley and the Nile Delta and define its different colour variants. The typical colour, as well as the rare, very light and reddish coat colours are described. We discuss the possibility that the observed coat colour polymorphism is the result of hybridisation with the domestic dog and their potential adaptive significance.     

Characterization of Lung Fibroblasts More than Two Decades after Mustard Gas Exposure

Purpose

In patients with short-term exposure to the sulfur mustard gas, the delayed cellular effects on lungs have not been well understood yet. The lung pathology shows a dominant feature consistent with obliterative bronchiolitis, in which fibroblasts play a central role. This study aims to characterize alterations to lung fibroblasts, at the cellular level, in patients with delayed respiratory complications after short-term exposure to the sulfur mustard gas.

Methods

Fibroblasts were isolated from the transbronchial biopsies of patients with documented history of exposure to single high-dose sulfur mustard during 1985–7 and compared with the fibroblasts of control subjects.

Results

Compared with controls, patients’ fibroblasts were thinner and shorter, and showed a higher population doubling level, migration capacity and number of filopodia. Sulfur mustard decreased the in vitro viability of fibroblasts and increased their sensitivity to induction of apoptosis, but did not change the rate of spontaneous apoptosis. In addition, higher expression of alpha smooth muscle actin showed that the lung''s microenvironment in these patients is permissive for myofibroblastic differentiation.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that in patients under the study, the delayed pulmonary complications of sulfur mustard should be considered as a unique pathology, which might need a specific management by manipulation of cellular components.