Chromosomal loci important for cotyledon opening under UV-B in Arabidopsis thaliana

Background  

Understanding of the genetic architecture of plant UV-B responses allows extensive targeted testing of candidate genes or regions, along with combinations of those genes, for placement in metabolic or signal transduction pathways.     

Insulin-Loaded Nanoparticles Based on N-Trimethyl Chitosan: In Vitro (Caco-2 Model) and Ex Vivo (Excised Rat Jejunum, Duodenum, and Ileum) Evaluation of Penetration Enhancement Properties

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the penetration enhancement properties of nanoparticles (NP) based on N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC 35% quaternization degree) loaded with insulin. The permeation performances of TMC NP were compared with those of chitosan (CS) NP and also with TMC and CS solutions. To estimate the mechanism of penetration enhancement, two different approaches have been taken into account: an in vitro study (Caco-2 cells) and an ex vivo study (excised rat duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). Insulin-loaded CS and TMC NP had dimensions of about 250 nm and had high yield and high encapsulation efficiency. The in vitro study evidenced that TMC and CS were able to enhance insulin permeation to the same extent. Penetration enhancement properties of TMC NP seem to be prevalently related to endocytosis while the widening of tight junctions appeared more important as mechanism in the case of CS NP. The ex vivo study put in evidence the role of mucus layer and of its microclimate pH. In duodenum (pH 5–5.5), CS and TMC solutions were more effective than NP while TMC NP were more efficient towards jejunum tissue (pH 6–6.5) for their high mucoadhesive potential. Confocal laser scanning microscopy study supported the hypothesis that penetration enhancement due to TMC NP was mainly due to internalization/endocytosis into duodenum and jejunum epithelial cells. The good penetration enhancement properties (permeation and penetration/internalization) make TMC NP suitable carriers for oral administration of insulin.     

Development of a qualitative PCR method for the Alexandrium spp. (Dinophyceae) detection in contaminated mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is a syndrome caused by the consumption of shellfish contaminated with neurotoxins produced by organisms of the marine dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium. A. minutum is the most widespread species responsible for PSP in the Western Mediterranean basin. The standard monitoring of shellfish farms for the presence of harmful algae and related toxins usually requires the microscopic examination of phytoplankton populations, bioassays and toxin determination by HPLC. These procedures are time-consuming and require remarkable experience, thus limiting the number of specimens that can be analyzed by a single laboratory unit. Molecular biology techniques may be helpful in the detection of target microorganisms in field samples. In this study, we developed a qualitative PCR assay for the rapid detection of all potentially toxic species belonging to the Alexandrium genus and specifically A. minutum, in contaminated mussels. Alexandrium genus-specific primers were designed to target the 5.8S rDNA region, while an A. minutum species-specific primer was designed to bind in the ITS1 region. The assay was validated using several fixed seawater samples from the Mediterranean basin, which were analyzed using PCR along with standard microscopy procedures. The assay provided a rapid method for monitoring the presence of Alexandrium spp. in mussel tissues, as well as in seawater samples. The results showed that PCR is a valid, rapid alternative procedure for the detection of target phytoplankton species either in seawater or directly in mussels, where microalgae can accumulate.     

Nanoencapsulation of Rose-Hip Oil Prevents Oil Oxidation and Allows Obtainment of Gel and Film Topical Formulations

The rose-hip oil holds skin regenerating properties with applications in the dermatological and cosmetic area. Its nanoencapsulation might favor the oil stability and its incorporation into hydrophilic formulations, besides increasing the contact with the skin and prolonging its effect. The aim of the present investigation was to develop suitable rose-hip-oil-loaded nanocapsules, to verify the nanocapsule effect on the UV-induced oxidation of the oil and to obtain topical formulations by the incorporation of the nanocapsules into chitosan gel and film. The rose-hip oil (500 or 600 μL), polymer (Eudragit RS100®, 100 or 200 mg), and acetone (50 or 100 mL) contents were separately varied aiming to obtain an adequate size distribution. The results led to a combination of the factors acetone and oil. The developed formulation showed average diameter of 158?±?6 nm with low polydispersity, pH of 5.8?±?0.9, zeta potential of +9.8?±?1.5 mV, rose-hip oil content of 54?±?1 μL/mL and tendency to reversible creaming. No differences were observed in the nanocapsules properties after storage. The nanoencapsulation of rose-hip oil decreased the UVA and UVC oxidation of the oil. The chitosan gel and film containing rose-hip-oil-loaded nanocapsules showed suitable properties for cutaneous use. In conclusion, it was possible to successfully obtain rose-hip-oil-loaded nanocapsules and to confirm the nanocapsules effect in protecting the oil from the UV rays. The chitosan gel and film were considered interesting alternatives for incorporating the nanoencapsulated rose-hip oil, combining the advantages of the nanoparticles to the advantages of chitosan.     

Two polymorphic dinucleotide repeats in intron 44 of the dystrophin gene

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common and severe X-linked disorders with an incidence of approximately 1 in 3500 newborn males. In more than 60% of DMD patients, deletions of part or all of the dystrophin gene have been shown. Despite this, carrier detection still poses a problem in some cases, because of the enormous size of the gene and the lack of sufficient numbers of informative markers. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of two additional microsatellite markers (IVS44SK12 and IVS44SK21) in intron 44 of the dystrophin gene. Both markers are useful for carrier detection either by indirect DNA analysis or by direct proof of loss of heterozygosity.