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Herein, pore size, crystalinity, and Si/Al ratio of mesoporous ZSM-5 (MFI) nanocrystals was controlled by synthesis parameters, such as surfactant concentration ([3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] hexa-decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), sodium hydroxide concentrations, synthesis temperature and time. The morphology, surface structure and composition of the MFI particles was systematically investigated. More notably, the mesopore-dependent catalytic activity of ZSM-5 was evaluated by studying the cracking of n-hexane. The findings suggest the porosity has pronounced impact on the catalytic activity, selectivity and stability of ZSM-5 nanocrystals. Critical surface attributes such as nature of acid sites (Brønsted and Lewis), concentration, and strength are obtained by the infrared study of adsorbed probe molecules (pyridine) and the temperature programmed desorption. In spite of being weaker in Si/Al ratio or acidic strength, mesoporous catalysts showed more stable and efficient cracking of n-hexane suggesting that acidity seems not the predominant factor operative in the activity, selectivity and stability.
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Macrophages play a significant role in non-specific defense mechanisms of all vertebrates against pathogens. One critical element in the area of fish immunology is the unavailability of in-vitro model of immune cells. Therefore, it is essential to develop methods for harvesting and culture of macrophages for assessing innate immune functions of rohu, Labeo rohita, an important culture fish of India. Head kidney leukocytes from were isolated by density gradient sedimentation, so as to exclude other cells. Among isolated leukocytes, only macrophages showed the unique property of sustained adherence on plastic surfaces. These cells exhibited optimum growth at 28 degrees C in L-15 containing 20% FBS. Cultured head kidney macrophages (HKM) demonstrated the property of phagocytosis as evidenced by engulfment of yeast cells. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (20 microg/ml) resulted in functional activation of macrophages as seen by enhanced reactive oxygen and nitrite production; and lysosomal enzyme activity. These results show that in-vitro model of HKM cells can be used to study the role of macrophages in innate immune responses against various immunomodulators.
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Cyprinidae/inmunología , Riñón Cefálico/inmunología , Macrófagos/fisiología , Animales , Separación Celular , Riñón Cefálico/citología , Lisosomas/enzimología , Macrófagos/citología , Nitritos/metabolismo , Fagocitosis , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismoRESUMEN
DNA sequence variations [copy number variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellite repeats] play an important role in susceptibility/resistance to tuberculosis and other infectious diseases like malaria and HIV. Different population exhibit variable associations with tuberculosis susceptibility and severity because of DNA sequence variations in both host and parasite. A number of genes and their polymorphisms have been identified that appear to be important in tuberculosis. In this article, several case-control studies of tuberculosis including a number of genes in different population have been explored. Furthermore, this review summarizes the current studies of host polymorphisms and their association with tuberculosis in different population. We have computationally predicted 275 SNPs which occur in transcription factor binding sites for transcription factors in 19 genes involved in pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Some common SNPs are rs1327474, rs755622, rs1801274, rs396991, rs5030737, rs1800451, rs1800450, rs3763313 rs3763313, rs9268494 and rs9268492 that have been found to play a role in disease. Presence of non-synonimous polymorphisms in coding region might affect the structure of protein, whereas polymorphisms in promoter region affect the level of gene products, consequently altering the susceptibility/resistance to disease. Based on this prediction, we hypothesize that these genes play an important role in susceptibility to tuberculosis through an altered expression of gene product via the modification of transcriptional regulation of gene.
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Regulación de la Expresión Génica/genética , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad/genética , Tuberculosis Pulmonar/genética , Dosificación de Gen , Humanos , Repeticiones de Microsatélite , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Factores de Transcripción/genéticaRESUMEN
Surfactin lipopeptide is an eco-friendly microbially synthesized bioproduct that holds considerable potential in therapeutics (antibiofilm) as well as in agriculture (antifungal). In the present study, production of surfactin by a marine strain Bacillus velezensis MS20 was carried out, followed by physico-chemical characterization, anti-biofilm activity, plant growth promotion, and quantitative Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (q RT-PCR) studies. From the results, it was inferred that MS20 was found to produce biosurfactant (3,300 mg L-1) under optimized conditions. From the physicochemical characterization [Thin layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (LC/MS), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification] it was revealed to be surfactin. From bio-assay and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, it was observed that surfactin (MIC 50 µg Ml-1) has appreciable bacterial aggregation against clinical pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC424, Escherichia coli MTCC43, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC9751, and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and mycelial condensation property against a fungal phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani. In addition, the q-RTPCR studies revealed 8-fold upregulation (9.34 ± 0.11-fold) of srfA-A gene compared to controls. Further, treatment of maize crop (infected with R. solani) with surfactin and MS20 led to the production of defense enzymes. In conclusion, concentration and synergy of a carbon source with inorganic/mineral salts can ameliorate surfactin yield and, application wise, it has antibiofilm and antifungal activities. In addition, it induced systemic resistance in maize crop, which makes it a good candidate to be employed in sustainable agricultural practices.
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Rotavirus is the main infective agent of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children under the age of five years and causing significant morbidity as well as mortality throughout the world. The study was carried out to detect the prevalence rate, genotypes strain and risk factors of Rotavirus among the children of rural and urban areas of district Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. A total of 180 stool samples were collected from children under the age of 5 years from two major hospitals of Bannu from January to December (2015). The samples were analyzed by Reverse-transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of Rotavirus, positive samples were further processed for genotyping (G and P type) through specific PCR. Of the total, 41 (23%) samples were positive for Rotavirus. The most prevalent G genotypes found were: G3, G8, G9 (each 29%), followed by G10 (15%), and G11 (10%). Whereas the prevalent P genotypes were: P-8 (25%), P-4 and P-10 (each 20%), P-9 (15%), followed by P-6 and P-11 (each 10%). Moreover, Rotavirus infection was more prevalent in summer (23.73%) and winter (22.7%) than spring (20%) and autumn (21.4%). Rotavirus infection exhibited high frequency in June (14%), October (8%) and November (6%). It is concluded that Rotavirus is more prevalent in children and various genotypes (G and P) of Rotavirus are present in the study area. Lack of studies, awareness and rarer testing of Rotavirus are the principal reasons of virus prevalence in district Bannu, Pakistan.
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Gastroenteritis , Infecciones por Rotavirus , Rotavirus , Niño , Preescolar , Heces , Gastroenteritis/diagnóstico , Gastroenteritis/epidemiología , Genotipo , Humanos , Prevalencia , ARN Viral/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Rotavirus/genética , Infecciones por Rotavirus/diagnóstico , Infecciones por Rotavirus/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
In a study of injection safety in Abha health district, Saudi Arabia, data were collected from 47 physicians and 85 nurses at 24 primary health care centres, using an observation checklist and an interview questionnaire. All centres used individually packed disposable syringes and puncture-proof containers to collect used needles. Needlestick injury in the previous year was reported by 14.9% of physicians and 16.5% of nurses (0.21 and 0.38 injuries/person/year respectively). Logistic regression analysis identified recapping the needle after use (physicians and nurses) and bending the needle before disposal (physicians) as significant risk factors for injury.
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Lesiones por Pinchazo de Aguja , Salud Laboral , Atención Primaria de Salud , Administración de la Seguridad/organización & administración , Accidentes de Trabajo/prevención & control , Accidentes de Trabajo/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Equipos Desechables , Femenino , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Cuerpo Médico/educación , Cuerpo Médico/psicología , Eliminación de Residuos Sanitarios/métodos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis Multivariante , Lesiones por Pinchazo de Aguja/epidemiología , Lesiones por Pinchazo de Aguja/etiología , Lesiones por Pinchazo de Aguja/prevención & control , Personal de Enfermería/educación , Personal de Enfermería/psicología , Atención Primaria de Salud/organización & administración , Factores de Riesgo , Arabia Saudita/epidemiología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , JeringasRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Diabetes is among the most prevalent diseases worldwide, of all the affected individuals a significant proportion of the population remains undiagnosed due to lack of specific symptoms early in this disorder and inadequate diagnostics. Diabetes and its associated sequela, i.e., comorbidity are associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications. As diabetes is characterized by an altered metabolism of key metabolites and regulatory pathways. Metabolic phenotyping can provide us with a better understanding of the unique set of regulatory perturbations that predispose to diabetes and its associated complication/comorbidities. METHODOLOGY: The present study utilizes the analytical platform NMR spectroscopy coupled with Random Forest statistical analysis to identify the discriminatory metabolites in diabetes (DBâ¯=â¯38) vs. diabetes-related complication (DCâ¯=â¯35) along with the healthy control (HCâ¯=â¯50) subjects. A combined and pairwise analysis was performed to identify the discriminatory metabolites responsible for class separation. The perturbed metabolites were further rigorously validated using t-test, AUROC analysis to examine the statistical significance of the identified metabolites. RESULTS: The DB and DC patients were well discriminated from HC. However, 15 metabolites were found to be significantly perturbed in DC patients compared to DB, the identified panel of metabolites are TCA cycle (succinate, citrate), methylamine metabolism (trimethylamine, methylamine, betaine), -intermediates; energy metabolites (glucose, lactate, pyruvate); and amino acids (valine, arginine, glutamate, methionine, proline, and threonine). CONCLUSION: The 1H NMR metabolomics may prove a promising technique to differentiate and predict diabetes and its complication on their onset or progression by determining the altered levels of the metabolites in serum.
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Biomarcadores/análisis , Complicaciones de la Diabetes/diagnóstico , Diabetes Mellitus/diagnóstico , Espectroscopía de Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Metabolómica , Complicaciones de la Diabetes/sangre , Diabetes Mellitus/sangre , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , PronósticoRESUMEN
We present the case of a 71-year-old man, with known Parkinson's disease and previous coronary artery bypass surgery, who presented with acute chest pain. His initial 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was unremarkable; however, a repeat 12 lead ECG during further chest pain suggested a ventricular tachycardia (VT) for which he was commenced on an intravenous amiodarone infusion. However, later analysis of his ECGs revealed that the apparent VT was, in fact, an artefact related to his parkinsonian tremor.
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Enfermedad de Parkinson/fisiopatología , Taquicardia Ventricular/diagnóstico , Anciano , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Errores Diagnósticos , Electrocardiografía , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
Through a house-to-house survey, 1325 people aged 11+ years registered at 2 primary health care centres (1 at high altitude and 1 at sea level) in Asir region, Saudi Arabia, were interviewed and examined for weight, height and peak expiratory flow rate. The prevalence of bronchial asthma at sea level (19.5%) was significantly higher than at high altitude (6.9%). Illiteracy, low income, use of coal and wood for heating, having a mud or tent house, lack of electricity inside dwellings and presence of sheep were also significant risk factors for bronchial asthma. In multivariate logistic regression, only altitude was found to be significantly associated with bronchial asthma (adjusted odds ratio = 3.94).
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Altitud , Asma/epidemiología , Asma/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Animales , Asma/diagnóstico , Niño , Carbón Mineral/efectos adversos , Escolaridad , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Calefacción/efectos adversos , Calefacción/métodos , Vivienda , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis Multivariante , Ápice del Flujo Espiratorio , Vigilancia de la Población , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Arabia Saudita/epidemiología , Ovinos , Factores Socioeconómicos , Madera/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Rotavirus is the main infective agent of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children under the age of five years and causing significant morbidity as well as mortality throughout the world. The study was carried out to detect the prevalence rate, genotypes strain and risk factors of Rotavirus among the children of rural and urban areas of district Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. A total of 180 stool samples were collected from children under the age of 5 years from two major hospitals of Bannu from January to December (2015). The samples were analyzed by Reverse-transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of Rotavirus, positive samples were further processed for genotyping (G and P type) through specific PCR. Of the total, 41 (23%) samples were positive for Rotavirus. The most prevalent G genotypes found were: G3, G8, G9 (each 29%), followed by G10 (15%), and G11 (10%). Whereas the prevalent P genotypes were: P-8 (25%), P-4 and P-10 (each 20%), P-9 (15%), followed by P-6 and P-11 (each 10%). Moreover, Rotavirus infection was more prevalent in summer (23.73%) and winter (22.7%) than spring (20%) and autumn (21.4%). Rotavirus infection exhibited high frequency in June (14%), October (8%) and November (6%). It is concluded that Rotavirus is more prevalent in children and various genotypes (G and P) of Rotavirus are present in the study area. Lack of studies, awareness and rarer testing of Rotavirus are the principal reasons of virus prevalence in district Bannu, Pakistan.
O rotavírus é o principal agente infeccioso da gastroenterite aguda (AGE) em crianças menores de 5 anos e causa de morbidade e mortalidade significativas em todo o mundo. O estudo foi realizado para detectar a taxa de prevalência, cepa de genótipos e fatores de risco de rotavírus entre as crianças de áreas rurais e urbanas do distrito de Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão. Um total de 180 amostras de fezes foi coletada de crianças menores de 5 anos de dois grandes hospitais de Bannu de janeiro a dezembro (2015). As amostras foram analisadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase transcriptase reversa (RT-PCR) para detecção de rotavírus; as amostras positivas foram posteriormente processadas para genotipagem (tipo G e P) através de PCR específica. Do total, 41 (23%) amostras foram positivas para rotavírus. Os genótipos G mais prevalentes encontrados foram: G3, G8, G9 (cada 29%), seguidos de G10 (15%) e G11 (10%). Considerando que os genótipos P prevalentes foram: P-8 (25%), P-4 e P-10 (cada 20%), P-9 (15%), seguido por P-6 e P-11 (cada 10%). Além disso, a infecção por rotavírus foi mais prevalente no verão (23,73%) e inverno (22,7%) do que na primavera (20%) e no outono (21,4%). A infecção por rotavírus apresentou alta frequência em junho (14%), outubro (8%) e novembro (6%). Conclui-se que o rotavírus é mais prevalente em crianças e vários genótipos (G e P) do rotavírus estão presentes na área de estudo. A falta de estudos, conhecimento e testes mais raros de rotavírus são as principais razões da prevalência do vírus no distrito de Bannu, Paquistão.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Niño , Gastroenteritis , Infecciones por Rotavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Rotavirus/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
Abstract Rotavirus is the main infective agent of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children under the age of five years and causing significant morbidity as well as mortality throughout the world. The study was carried out to detect the prevalence rate, genotypes strain and risk factors of Rotavirus among the children of rural and urban areas of district Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. A total of 180 stool samples were collected from children under the age of 5 years from two major hospitals of Bannu from January to December (2015). The samples were analyzed by Reverse-transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of Rotavirus, positive samples were further processed for genotyping (G and P type) through specific PCR. Of the total, 41 (23%) samples were positive for Rotavirus. The most prevalent G genotypes found were: G3, G8, G9 (each 29%), followed by G10 (15%), and G11 (10%). Whereas the prevalent P genotypes were: P-8 (25%), P-4 and P-10 (each 20%), P-9 (15%), followed by P-6 and P-11 (each 10%). Moreover, Rotavirus infection was more prevalent in summer (23.73%) and winter (22.7%) than spring (20%) and autumn (21.4%). Rotavirus infection exhibited high frequency in June (14%), October (8%) and November (6%). It is concluded that Rotavirus is more prevalent in children and various genotypes (G and P) of Rotavirus are present in the study area. Lack of studies, awareness and rarer testing of Rotavirus are the principal reasons of virus prevalence in district Bannu, Pakistan.
Resumo O rotavírus é o principal agente infeccioso da gastroenterite aguda (AGE) em crianças menores de 5 anos e causa de morbidade e mortalidade significativas em todo o mundo. O estudo foi realizado para detectar a taxa de prevalência, cepa de genótipos e fatores de risco de rotavírus entre as crianças de áreas rurais e urbanas do distrito de Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão. Um total de 180 amostras de fezes foi coletada de crianças menores de 5 anos de dois grandes hospitais de Bannu de janeiro a dezembro (2015). As amostras foram analisadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase transcriptase reversa (RT-PCR) para detecção de rotavírus; as amostras positivas foram posteriormente processadas para genotipagem (tipo G e P) através de PCR específica. Do total, 41 (23%) amostras foram positivas para rotavírus. Os genótipos G mais prevalentes encontrados foram: G3, G8, G9 (cada 29%), seguidos de G10 (15%) e G11 (10%). Considerando que os genótipos P prevalentes foram: P-8 (25%), P-4 e P-10 (cada 20%), P-9 (15%), seguido por P-6 e P-11 (cada 10%). Além disso, a infecção por rotavírus foi mais prevalente no verão (23,73%) e inverno (22,7%) do que na primavera (20%) e no outono (21,4%). A infecção por rotavírus apresentou alta frequência em junho (14%), outubro (8%) e novembro (6%). Conclui-se que o rotavírus é mais prevalente em crianças e vários genótipos (G e P) do rotavírus estão presentes na área de estudo. A falta de estudos, conhecimento e testes mais raros de rotavírus são as principais razões da prevalência do vírus no distrito de Bannu, Paquistão.
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To study emergency services delivery in all 30 primary health care centres in Abha district of Asir region, Saudi Arabia, data were collected about equipment and facilities, physicians' practices and attitudes, and patients' utilization of and satisfaction with emergency services. Two centres had no devoted place for emergency services. Lack of some essential equipment and drugs was evident. The greatest continuing medical education need for doctors was the management of cardiovascular emergencies (72.3%). Many doctors (40.4%) did not consider the majority of cases as true emergencies. Many patients (43.7%) used the centres for emergency services, the most common being trauma, burns and orthopaedics (47.8%). Most patients were satisfied overall with emergency services (82.2%).
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Actitud del Personal de Salud , Servicios Médicos de Urgencia/organización & administración , Satisfacción del Paciente , Médicos de Familia/psicología , Atención Primaria de Salud/organización & administración , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Análisis de Varianza , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Continuidad de la Atención al Paciente , Educación Médica Continua , Medicina de Emergencia/educación , Medicina de Emergencia/organización & administración , Femenino , Encuestas de Atención de la Salud , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Necesidades y Demandas de Servicios de Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Evaluación de Procesos y Resultados en Atención de Salud , Médicos de Familia/educación , Médicos de Familia/organización & administración , Pautas de la Práctica en Medicina/organización & administración , Arabia Saudita , Estadísticas no Paramétricas , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
The neuroprotective potential of ethanol:water (1:1) extract of rhizomes of Acorus calamus (AC-002) has been investigated in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced ischaemia in rats. A significant behavioural impairment in Rota-Rod performance and grid walking was observed in rats, 72 hours after MCAO as compared to sham-operated animals. These rats also exhibited an increase in lipid peroxidation (cortex -157%, corpus striatum - 58%) and a decrease in glutathione levels (cortex - 59%, corpus striatum - 34%) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (cortex - 64%, corpus striatum - 32%) as compared to sham-operated animals. Ischaemic rats treated with AC-002 (25 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited a significant improvement in neurobehavioural performance viz. Rota-Rod performance and grid walking as compared to the MCAO group. Interestingly, treatment with AC-002 in MCAO rats significantly decreased malonaldialdehyde levels in cortex as compared to ischaemic rats. A significant increase in reduced glutathione levels and SOD activity was also observed both in cortex and corpus striatum in MCAO rats treated with AC-002 in comparison to MCAO rats. Treatment with AC-002 in MCAO rats also reduced the contralateral cortical infarct area (19%) as compared to MCAO rats (33%). Neurological function score was improved in the AC-002-treated rats as compared to the MCAO group. The results of the present study indicate the neuroprotective efficacy of A. calamus in the rat model of ischaemia.
Asunto(s)
Acorus/química , Isquemia Encefálica/tratamiento farmacológico , Arteria Cerebral Media , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/uso terapéutico , Animales , Peso Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Isquemia Encefálica/patología , Glutatión/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Proteínas del Tejido Nervioso/metabolismo , Oxidación-Reducción , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Raíces de Plantas/química , Equilibrio Postural/efectos de los fármacos , Desempeño Psicomotor/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Chemokine receptors and ligands are crucial for extensive immune response against infectious diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, HIV and tuberculosis and a wide variety of other diseases. Role of chemokines are evidenced in the activation and regulation of immune cell migration which is important for immune response against diseases. Outcome of disease is determined by complex interaction among pathogen, host genetic variability and surrounding milieu. Variation in expression or function of chemokines caused by genetic polymorphisms could be associated with attenuated immune responses. Exploration of chemokine genetic polymorphisms in therapeutic response, gene regulation and disease outcome is important. Infectious agents in human host alter the expression of chemokines via epigenetic alterations and thus contribute to disease pathogenesis. Although some fragmentary data are available on chemokine genetic variations and their contribution in diseases, no unequivocal conclusion has been arrived as yet. We therefore, aim to investigate the association of CCR5-CCL5 and CCR2-CCL2 genetic polymorphisms with different infectious diseases, transcriptional regulation of gene, disease severity and response to therapy. Furthermore, the role of epigenetics in genes related to chemokines and infectious disease are also discussed.
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Quimiocina CCL2/genética , Quimiocina CCL5/genética , Enfermedades Transmisibles/genética , Receptores CCR2/genética , Receptores CCR5/genética , Animales , Enfermedades Transmisibles/terapia , Epigénesis Genética , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Estudios de Asociación Genética , Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno , Humanos , Inmunidad/genética , Inmunomodulación , Polimorfismo GenéticoRESUMEN
The urea and heat-induced unfolding-refolding behaviours of chicken egg white ovomucoid and its four fragments representing domains I, II + III, I + II and III were systematically investigated in 0.06 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) by difference spectral measurements. The effect of temperature on ovomucoid and its fragments was also studied in 0.05 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) and in presence of 2 M urea at pH 7.0. Intrinsic viscosity data showed that ovomucoid and its different fragments did not lose any significant amount of their structure under mild acidic conditions (pH 4.6). Difference spectral results showed extensive disruption of the native structure by urea or temperature. Isothermal transitions showed single-step for domain I, domain I + II and domain III, and two-step having one stable intermediate, for ovomucoid and its fragment representing domain II + III. However, the presence of intermediate was not detected when the transitions were studied with temperature at pH 7.0. Strikingly, the single-step thermal transitions of ovomucoid and its fragment representing domain II + III, became two-step when measured either at pH 5.0 or in presence of 2 M urea at pH 7.0. Analysis of the equilibrium data on urea and heat denaturation showed that the second transition observed with ovomucoid or domain II + III represent the unfolding of domain III. The kinetic results of ovomucoid and its fragments indicate that the protein unfolds with three kinetic phases. A comparison of three rate constants for the unfolding of intact ovomucoid with that of its various fragments revealed that domain I, II and III of the protein correspond to the three kinetic phases having rate constants 0.456, 0.120 and 0.054 min-1, respectively. These data have led us to conclude: (i) the unusual stability of ovomucoid towards various denaturants, including temperature, is due to its domain III, (ii) initiation of the folding of the ovomucoid molecule starts from its NH2-terminal region which probably provides the nucleation site for the formation of the subsequent structure and (iii) domains I and II have greater mutual recognition between them as compared to the recognition either of them have with domain III.
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Ovomucina/metabolismo , Animales , Pollos , Clara de Huevo , Guanidina , Guanidinas/farmacología , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Cinética , Ovomucina/química , Conformación Proteica , Desnaturalización Proteica , Espectrofotometría Ultravioleta , Termodinámica , Urea/farmacologíaRESUMEN
A 53-year-old man with a kidney transplant was hospitalized because of back pain, fever, and an enlarging heart size. Cultures of blood and stool yielded Salmonella enteritidis (group D, serotype enteritidis). Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, the patient died of cardiac arrest on the seventh hospital day. Autopsy revealed a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the right coronary artery with hemopericardium. In addition, a ruptured aneurysm of the abdominal aorta was present. To our knowledge, ruptured mycotic aneurysm involving a coronary artery owing to Salmonella infection has not been described previously.
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Aneurisma Infectado/etiología , Vasos Coronarios , Infecciones por Salmonella/complicaciones , Aneurisma Infectado/diagnóstico , Aneurisma de la Aorta/complicaciones , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Rotura Espontánea , Infecciones por Salmonella/diagnóstico , Salmonella enteritidisRESUMEN
The potential of Picroliv, a herbal extract against acute cadmium (Cd) intoxication, was evaluated in male rats. Biochemical and histopathological profile in rats pretreated with Picroliv (12 mg/kg, oral) followed by a single dose of Cd as cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (3 mg/kg, ip) revealed marked suppression of oxidative stress in liver and testes. The Cd-induced enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation, membrane fluidity and reduced levels of nonprotein sulphydryls and Na(+)K(+)ATPase were significantly restored to near normal by Picroliv pretreatment. In addition, the Cd-induced serum levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase were restored to near basal levels. Hepatic and testicular histopathological damage was also minimized. The results strongly suggest definite hepato- and testicular protection by Picroliv. The antioxidant potential of the herbal extract in the major part, and not its chelating property, seems to be responsible for its ameliorative action.
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Cloruro de Cadmio/antagonistas & inhibidores , Cloruro de Cadmio/toxicidad , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas , Cinamatos/farmacología , Glicósidos/farmacología , Hepatopatías/prevención & control , Ácido Vanílico/farmacología , Animales , Riñón/patología , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo , Ratas , ATPasa Intercambiadora de Sodio-Potasio/metabolismo , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo/metabolismo , Testículo/patologíaRESUMEN
A continuous leukocyte cell line with phagocytic activity was established from peritoneal macrophages of rohu, Labeo rohita (LRPM). LRPM was initiated from adherent mononuclear leukocytes isolated from peritoneal cavity of rohu, without use of any growth factors or feeder cells. These cells exhibited maximum growth at 30 °C in L-15 medium containing 20 % foetal bovine serum, and has been subcultured for more than 60 passages till date. The cells showed 85 % viability after 6 months of storage in liquid nitrogen. The species of origin of the LRPM was confirmed by the amplification and sequencing of 655 bp fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I of mitochondrial DNA. Functionally, LRPM showed phagocytic activity of yeast cells and fluorescent latex beads as evaluated by phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Immuno-modulators such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide and phorbol myristate acetate resulted in functional activation of LRPM; and enhanced their microbicidal activity through release of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Culture supernatant from activated cells also revealed lysozyme activity. Cells of LRPM were positive for alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase enzyme indicating macrophage lineage. Our results indicate that this cell line can be a useful in vitro tool to study the role of macrophages in teleost immune system and to evaluate the effects of new aquaculture drugs. The LRPM cell line represents the first reported leukocyte cell line of peritoneal origin from any freshwater species of fish.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent malignancy among males in India. While tobacco and alcohol are main aetiological factors, human papilloma virus (HPV) presence has surprisingly increased in head and neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) in the past two decade but its frequency in OSCCS is still uncertain. We aim to explore the frequency of HPV and its major genotypes in North Indian patients and their association with clinicopathological and histopathological features and p16 expression pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 250 histologically proven cases of OSCC. HPV was detected by real time PCR in tumor biopsy specimens and confirmed by conventional PCR with PGMY09/ PGMY11 primers. Genotyping for high-risk types 16/ 18 was conducted by type specific PCR. p16 expression was assessed by immunohistochemsitry. RESULTS: HPV presence was confirmed in 23/250 (9.2%) OSCC cases, of which 30.4% had HPV 16 infection, 17.4%were positive for HPV 18 and 26.1% had co-infections. HPV presence was significantly associated with male gender (p=0.02) and habit of pan masala chewing (p=0.01). HPV positive cases also had a history of tobacco consumption in 91.3% cases. p16 over expression was observed in 39.1% of HPV positive cases but this was not significantly different from negative cases (p=0.54). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of HPV in OSCC is low in North-India and majority of cases are associated with a tobacco habit. It appears that tobacco shows a confounding effect in HPV positive cases and use of p16 protein as a reliable marker to assess the potential etiological role of HPV in OSCC in our population is not suggested.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/epidemiología , Papillomavirus Humano 16/aislamiento & purificación , Papillomavirus Humano 18/aislamiento & purificación , Neoplasias de la Boca/epidemiología , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/epidemiología , Uso de Tabaco/efectos adversos , Adulto , Areca , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/química , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/virología , Coinfección/virología , Inhibidor p16 de la Quinasa Dependiente de Ciclina/análisis , Femenino , Genotipo , Pruebas de ADN del Papillomavirus Humano , Papillomavirus Humano 16/genética , Papillomavirus Humano 18/genética , Humanos , India/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias de la Boca/química , Neoplasias de la Boca/virología , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/complicaciones , Factores de Riesgo , Factores Sexuales , Tasa de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
Little is known about the turnover rate (i.e. the rate of replication and death) of cells in the intima and media of human arteries as a function of age and atherosclerosis. One indicator of the replicative history of cells is telomere length. In this work we explored the rate of telomere attrition as a function of age and atherosclerosis in cells of the human abdominal aorta. Telomere length, measured by the terminal restriction fragment using Southern analysis, was determined in the intima and media of the distal (infrarenal) versus proximal (suprarenal) segments of the abdominal aorta. Telomere length was then correlated with age and atherosclerotic grade. The rate of age-dependent telomere attrition was higher in both the intima and media of the distal versus proximal abdominal aorta. In addition, telomere length was negatively correlated with atherosclerotic grade. However, after adjustment for age, this relationship was not statistically significant. The high rate of age-dependent telomere attrition in the distal abdominal aorta probably reflects enhanced cellular turnover rate due to local factors such as an increase in shear wall stress in this vascular segment.