Evolution of the ATP-binding-cassette transmembrane transporters of vertebrates

The ATP-binding-cassette transmembrane transporters (ABC transporters) known from vertebrates belong to four major subfamilies: (1) the P- glycoproteins (Pgp); (2) the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators (CFTR); (3) the Tap proteins encoded with the major histocompatibility complex of mammals; and (4) the peroxisomal membrane proteins. Both Pgp and CFTR have a structure suggesting a past internal gene duplication; a phylogenetic analysis indicated that these duplications occurred independently, while an independent tandem gene duplication occurred in the case of the Tap family. Both the Pgp and Tap proteins show evidence of relationship to bacterial ABC transporters lacking internal duplication, and both are significantly more closely related to the HlyB and MsbA families of transporters from purple bacteria than they are to ABC transporters from nonpurple bacteria. The simplest hypothesis to explain this observation is that eukaryotic Pgp and Tap genes are descended from a mitochondrial gene or genes that were subsequently translocated to the nuclear genome. The Pgp genes of eukaryotes are characterized by a remarkable degree of convergent evolution between the ATP-binding cassettes of their N- terminal and C-terminal halves, whereas no such convergence is seen between the two halves of CFTR genes or between the duplicated Tap genes. Exon 13 of the CFTR gene, which encodes a putative regulatory domain not found in other ABC transporters apart from CFTR, showed high levels of both synonymous and nonsynonymous difference in comparisons among different mammalian species, suggesting that this region is a mutational hot spot.      

Evidence for the presence of β-lactamase inStreptomyces glaucescens and its inhibition by sodium clavulanate

Streptomyces glaucescens is shown to possess -lactamase activity which is inhibitable by clavulanate. This is important in regard to its use as a cloning host for enzymes of \-lactam biosynthesis.     

Changes in TNF and IL-6 production after diphtheria toxoid vaccination: drug modulation of the cytokine levels

The effect of vaccination with diphtheria toxoid (AD-M) on TNF and IL-6 production has been studied in humans. In the present study it was demonstrated that immunization with AD-M resulted in changes of in vitro TNF and IL-6 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. TNF release was suppressed but IL-6 production was stimulated. On the other hand, serum levels of TNF were markedly increased over a period of 3 weeks. It was also demonstrated that the postvaccinal cytokine production disturbances may be corrected by pretreatment with a new synthetic hexapeptid (Imunofan((R))). It is possible that the imunofan treatment could prevent some postvaccinal complications.     

Targeting CoV-2 spike RBD and ACE-2 interaction with flavonoids of Anatolian propolis by in silico and in vitro studies in terms of possible COVID-19 therapeutics

Propolis is a multi-functional bee product rich in polyphenols. In this study, the inhibitory effect of Anatolian propolis against SARS-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was investigated in vitro and in silico. Raw and commercial propolis samples were used, and both samples were found to be rich in caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, t-cinnamic acid, hesperetin, chrysin, pinocembrin, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) at HPLC-UV analysis. Ethanolic propolis extracts (EPE) were used in the ELISA screening test against the spike S1 protein (SARS-CoV-2): ACE-2 interaction for in vitro study. The binding energy values of these polyphenols to the SARS-CoV-2 spike and ACE-2 protein were calculated separately with a molecular docking study using the AutoDock 4.2.6 program. In addition, the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties of these eight polyphenols were calculated according to the SwissADME tool. The binding energy value of pinocembrin was highest in both receptors, followed by chrysin, CAPE, and hesperetin. Based on the in silico modeling and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) behaviors of the eight polyphenols, the compounds exhibited the potential ability to act effectively as novel drugs. The findings of both studies showed that propolis has a high inhibitory potential against the Covid-19 virus. However, further studies are now needed.     

Comparative analysis of diploid species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Avena</Emphasis> L. using cytogenetic and biochemical markers: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Avena canariensis</Emphasis> Baum et Fedak and <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. longiglumis</Emphasis> Dur.

The diploid oat species containing the A genome of two types (Al and Ac) were studied by electrophoresis of grain storage proteins (avenins), chromosome C-banding, and in situ hybridization with probes pTa71 and pTa794. The karyotypes of the studied species displayed similar C-banding patterns but differed in size and morphology of several chromosomes, presumably, resulting from structural rearrangements that took place during the divergence of A genomes from a common ancestor. In situ hybridization demonstrated an identical location of the 45S and 5S rRNA gene loci in Avena canariensis and A. longiglumis similar to that in the A. strigosa genome. However, the 5S rDNA locus in A. longiglumis (5S rDNA1) was considerably decreased in the chromosome 3Al long arm. The analysis demonstrated that these oat species were similar in the avenin component composition, although individual accessions differed in the electrophoretic mobilities of certain components. A considerable similarity of A. canariensis and A. longiglumis to the Avena diploid species carrying the As genome variant was demonstrated.     

Three-Dimensional Trabecular Alignment Model

The Shear-slip Mesh Update Method (SSMUM) is being used in flow simulations involving large but regular displacements of one or more boundaries of the computational domain. We follow up the earlier discussion of the method with notes on practical implementation aspects. In order to establish a benchmark problem for this class of flow problems, we define and report results from a two-dimensional viscous flow around a rotating stirrer in a square chamber. The application potential of the method is demonstrated in the context of biomedical design problem, as we perform an analysis of blood flow in a centrifugal left ventricular assist device, or blood pump, which involves a rotating impeller in a non-axisymmetric housing.     

Pan-European regional-scale modelling of water and N efficiencies of rapeseed cultivation for biodiesel production

The energy produced from the investment in biofuel crops needs to account for the environmental impacts on soil, water, climate change and ecosystem services. A regionalized approach is needed to evaluate the environmental costs of large-scale biofuel production. We present a regional pan-European simulation of rapeseed ( Brassica napus ) cultivation. Rapeseed is the European Union's dominant biofuel crop with a share of about 80% of the feedstock. To improve the assessment of the environmental impact of this biodiesel production, we performed a pan-European simulation of rapeseed cultivation at a 10 × 10 km scale with Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC). The model runs with a daily time step and model input consists of spatialized meteorological measurements, and topographic, soil, land use, and farm management practices data and information. Default EPIC model parameters were calibrated based on literature. Modelled rapeseed yields were satisfactory compared with yields at regional level reported for 151 regions obtained for the period from 1995 to 2003 for 27 European Union member countries, along with consistent modelled and reported yield responses to precipitation, radiation and vapour pressure deficit at regional level. The model is currently set up so that plant nutrient stress is not occurring. Total fertilizer consumption at country level was compared with IFA/FAO data. This approach allows us to evaluate environmental pressures and efficiencies arising from and associated with rapeseed cultivation to further complete the environmental balance of biofuel production and consumption.