ALBERT

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The two major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Amyloid peptide aggregations in the brain cause loss of synaptic connections and subsequent neurotoxicity leading to neurodegeneration and memory deficits. However, the physiological effects of beta-amyloid on early embryonic development still remain unclear. Administration of human beta-amyloid peptide (1–42) through cerebrospinal ventricular injection was carried out at 24 hpf (hours post fertilization) and it was uptaken into the cellular layers of the early ventricular development without any plaque aggregation. Whole-mount Immunostaining of zebrafish embryos injected with the beta-amyloid at 60 hpf revealed the delay in Sox9a expression. Decreased level of cartilage to bone transformation rate in 15 dpf (days post fertilization) zebrafish was observed by differential staining. These results suggest the possible existence of a genetic relationship between extrinsic amyloid peptide and Sox9a expression. Thus, our results demonstrated that the human beta-amyloid influences bone development through Sox9a expression during osteogenesis in zebrafish.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Preeclampsia (PE) is a gestational disorder and genetic and epigenetic alterations can affect its pathogenesis. Some evidences showed that the altered expression of miRNAs in the placentas complicated by PE. The blood samples from 219 PE and 242 normotensive pregnant women and placental tissue samples from 111 PE and 119 normotensive women were collected. MiR-146a and miR-149 polymorphisms were genotyped in blood samples and placentas using PCR–RFLP method. The frequencies of maternal miR-146a rs2910164 GC and CC genotypes did not differ between PE and control groups. However, the miR-146a rs2910164 G/C polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of PE in dominant (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1–2.1; P = 0.04) and allelic (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1–1.9; P = 0.04) but not recessive models. Moreover, the maternal GC and CC genotypes were associated with a 1.9- and 3.4-fold increased risk of severe PE (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2; P = 0.02 and OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.3–9; P = 0.01, respectively) and miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism could increase risk of severe PE in dominant and recessive models (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.4; P = 0.004 and OR 2.6, 95% CI 1–6.7; P = 0.04). The placental miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism was associated with PE susceptibility in dominant (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3; P = 0.03) and allelic models (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.5; P = 0.02). The frequencies of maternal and placental miR-149 rs2292832 genotypes were not different between two groups and these genotypes were not associated with PE or severe PE risk. In conclusion, according to logistic regression analysis the maternal/placental miR-146a rs2910164 G/C polymorphism was associated with PE and/or severe PE risk.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Exposure to high doses of radiation negatively impacts on human organs. Dandelion (〈em〉Taraxacum officinale 〈/em〉) L. has been used as a traditional folk. This study was to investigate the effect of dandelion root extract (DRE) on radiation -induced hepatic and testicular tissues injury. Animals were exposed to 8.5 Gy of gamma radiation applied as a shot dose and DRE (200 mg/kg/day), was orally supplemented to rats 14 days before and after irradiation. The results showed that DRE administration attenuated oxidative stress in the liver and testis denoted by a significant reduction in the level of MDA and PCO with a marked elevation in GSH and the activity of SOD, CAT and Gpx. Moreover, DRE administration showed positive modulation in the activity of PNPase, GLDH and GSH-Ts. Additionally, these alterations were associated with a significant decrease in the activity of ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH with a marked increase of AL level. Further, elevated levels of testosterone, LH and inhibin B, as well as StAR and P450scc gene expression and Zn level with a decrease of FSH level were noticed. Also, DRE reduced the level of IL-1β, TNF-α, and caspase-3. Also administration of DRE significance diminished the histopathological changes in the hepatic and testicular tissues, denoted by a reduction in the necrotic and degenerative changes of hepatocytes or fibrinoid necrosis of congested central vein and improving the seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue between the tubules of the testis. In conclusion, treatment with DRE pre-irradiation is effective on both liver and testicular tissues of rats. Meanwhile, in the case of post-radiation administration, DRE was more effective on testicular tissue than liver. So we suggest that it is better to use the dandelion before exposure to radiation rather than after it.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉From the literature review, there seem to be no studies conducted on infection caused by 〈em〉Helicobacter pylori〈/em〉 in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma in the KSA region. The present research is an attempt to understand the prevalence of patients infected with 〈em〉H. pylori〈/em〉 in the selected region and the role of allelic imbalance of chromosome 3p regions to understand the clinical manifestations and features associated with MALT lymphomagenesis. The researcher analyzed the frequency of infection in patients from the region of Saudi Arabia by examining the data collected from hospitals and biopsy tissue samples as per the recommended protocol. The endoscopic diagnosis was performed to collect biopsy samples. Histology and AP-PCR DNA fingerprinting analyses were performed from the endoscopic gastric mucosal biopsies collected from patients with associated gastric MALT lymphoma. The existence of 〈em〉H. pylori〈/em〉 was examined based on the results of gastric mucosal biopsies stained with hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and Steiner’s silver stains. MALT, MALT lymphoma tissue samples and 〈em〉H. pylor〈/em〉i-positive chronic gastritis were examined for LOH at chromosome 3p24 using standard procedures and techniques. The findings of the paper revealed the 〈em〉H. pylori〈/em〉 was found to be positive in 17% of the cases significantly high among the age group of 31–50 years. Patients with MALT, MALT lymphoma, and 〈em〉H. pylori〈/em〉-associated gastritis presented features such as lymphocyte accumulation, vacuolation, Peyer’s patch appearance, and lymphatic follicles. 〈em〉H. pylori〈/em〉 were found to appear as a dense colored accumulated mass in the gastric epithelial layer. The findings from AP-PCR generated DNA fingerprints revealed intense band including two prominent bands in MALT lymphoma. Among other loci, 3p24 was the only one locus that showed high percentages of LOH as reported earlier in all cancer-related cases. The findings of this research paper empower the fact that allelic imbalances play a vital role in the development of MALT lymphoma. However, future researches should be conducted to identify the chromosome regions of the AP-PCR generated DNA fingerprints of human gastric MALT lymphoma in order to confirm this proposition.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Polysaccharides including resistant starch are categorized as dietary fiber and are used as an important prebiotic. Similar to soluble fibers, resistant starch also has a number of physiological effects that have been shown to be beneficial for health. Starch hydrolyzing enzymes, most importantly amylases, play essential roles in the production of resistant starch. This study aimed to develop α-amylase-treated maize flour with slow digestibility and unique physicochemical characteristics compared to native maize flour. In the current study, resistant starch type III from maize flour was prepared using α-amylase obtained from indigenously isolated 〈em〉Bacillus licheniformis.〈/em〉 The α-amylase gene from 〈em〉B. licheniformis〈/em〉 was amplified and cloned into the pET-24(a) vector, expressed in 〈em〉E. coli〈/em〉 BL21 (DE3) cells and purified by metal ion affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme enhanced the yield of resistant starch 16-fold in maize flour. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the granular structure of maize flour was disrupted into a dense network with irregular structure, and X-ray diffractograms confirmed the transformation from an amorphous to a crystalline structure upon α-amylase treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed increased amylose content of α-amylase-treated maize flour. Moreover, α-amylase-treated maize flour resulted in a significant enhancement of the desired properties of maize flour, such as resistant starch content, amylose, milk absorption capacity, and iodine and fatty acid complexing ability, and a reduction in swelling power, water binding, oil absorption capacity, and in vitro digestibility compared to untreated maize flour. Resistant starch type III showed low digestibility and increased complexing ability with iodine and fatty acid and therefore could be a safe and beneficial alternative as a coating material for the delivery of active, sensitive ingredients to the colon.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉To improve bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) production by 〈em〉Pediococcus pentosaceus〈/em〉 ATCC 43200, the influence of pH as well as the addition of sugars—either prebiotic (inulin) or not (sucrose)—on its metabolism were investigated. This strain was grown at pH 5.0 or 6.0 either in glucose-based MRS medium (control) or after addition of 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5% (w/w) sucrose and inulin (GSI-MRS) in the same percentages. In the control medium at pH 5.0, cell mass concentration after 48 h of fermentation (〈em〉X〈/em〉〈sub〉max〈/sub〉 = 2.26 g/L), maximum specific growth rate (µ〈sub〉max〈/sub〉 = 0.180 h〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and generation time (T〈sub〉g〈/sub〉 = 3.84 h) were statistically coincident with those obtained in supplemented media. At pH 6.0 some variations occurred in these parameters between the control medium (〈em〉X〈/em〉〈sub〉max〈/sub〉 = 2.68 g/L; µ〈sub〉max〈/sub〉 = 0.32 h〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉; T〈sub〉g〈/sub〉 = 2.17 h) and the above supplemented media (〈em〉X〈/em〉〈sub〉max〈/sub〉 = 1.90, 2.52 and 1.86 g/L; µ〈sub〉max〈/sub〉 = 0.26, 0.33 and 0.32 h〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉; T〈sub〉g〈/sub〉 = 2.62, 2.06 and 2.11 h, respectively). Lactate production was remarkable at both pH values (13 and 16 g/L) and improved in all supplemented media, being 34 and 54% higher than in their respective control media, regardless of the concentration of these ingredients. Cell-free supernatant of the fermented control medium at pH 5.0 displayed an antimicrobial activity against 〈em〉Enterococcus〈/em〉 101 5.3% higher than that at pH 6.0 and even 20% higher than those of all supplemented media, regardless of the concentration of supplements. BLIS production was favored either at pH 5.0 or in the absence of any additional supplements, which were able, instead, to stimulate growth and lactate production by 〈em〉P. pentosaceus〈/em〉.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉With the multiplicity of existing methods to track 〈em〉E. coli〈/em〉 infections, it still seems necessary to seek new, better and/or complementary ways for epidemiological investigations. Particularly, fast, cheap, effective and reproducible methods providing easily comparable results are needed. Our previous studies showed that the use of TRS-PCR is an effective molecular tool in 〈em〉E. coli〈/em〉 epidemiology. In this paper, we have developed a unique classification scheme in which an individual TRS-PCR pattern is assigned a numerical value. This approach allows for rapid interpretation of the results obtained from several similarity dendrograms. Using this approach, based on CAC-PCR, GTG-PCR and CGG-PCR, we obtained 52, 86 and 99 different numerical types for the 124 analyzed uropathogenic 〈em〉E. coli〈/em〉 strains, respectively. This allowed for the identification of 121 unique isolates differing in at least one TRS-PCR class. In this approach, we got numerical results, easy to sort and interpret, allowing easier analysis of these strains.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉〈em〉Cynodon dactylon〈/em〉 is characterized by taxonomic and systematic complexity, and polyploidy is one of the factors responsible for its genetic and morphological diversity. The aim of the present study was to compare karyotypes of 〈em〉C〈/em〉. 〈em〉dactylon〈/em〉 cytotypes based on fluorescent banding and nuclear DNA content. The nine 〈em〉C. dactylon〈/em〉 accessions evaluated were obtained from the Active Germplasm Bank (BAG) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Roots were pretreated with cycloheximide, fixed in Carnoy’s solution and subjected to enzymatic digestion. Slides were prepared by the dissociation and air-drying technique. The fluorescent banding pattern was obtained using chromomycin A3 (CMA)/4,6-dimidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and DNA content was estimated by flow cytometry. The chromosome number of the accessions ranged from 2n = 2x = 18 to 2n = 5x = 45. Chromosomal polymorphism was observed based on the distribution and number of heterochromatic bands, with CMA〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 bands located in the pericentromeric position and DAPI〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 bands mainly in the terminal position. PI477004-26 (2n = 3x = 27) and PI291966-27 (2n = 4x = 36) had the highest and lowest number of DAPI〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 bands, respectively. The number of CMA〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 bands was stable, as only PI477004-26, PI291966-27 and PI289750-10 (2n = 5x = 45) showed variation. There was no direct correlation between an increase in the ploidy level and an increase in the percentage of heterochromatic regions, mainly in relation to A-T-rich blocks. The chromosomal banding variation found reinforces the notion of allopolyploidy occurrence in 〈em〉C〈/em〉. 〈em〉dactylon〈/em〉 and demonstrates the genomic complexity of this species regard to repetitive DNA content.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Pancreatic β cell damage is one of the crucial factors responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies have suggested that puerarin (PR) could regulate the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex in diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, whether PR can inhibit pancreatic β-cell apoptosis in T2DM remains to be elucidated. In the present study, T2DM mice induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) injection were used as a working model to investigate the mechanism of PR on pancreatic β cell apoptosis. The results showed that PR decreased the serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels but significantly increased the fasting blood insulin (FINS) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Furthermore, decreased caspase-3, 8, 9 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) proteins in the pancreas were detected by Western blot analysis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining demonstrated that the pancreatic β cell apoptosis was inhibited by PR. Furthermore, PR improved the histopathological changes in pancreatic tissue in T2DM mice. Collectively, the data show that PR can protect the β cells from apoptotic death in a mouse model of T2DM through regulating the expression of apoptosis-related protein-AIF and caspase family proteins.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉〈em〉Miscanthus lutarioriparia〈/em〉, which is found widespread in China, has attracted great attention as a most potential bioenergy plant for years. The quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR) has appeared as a sensitive and powerful technique to measure gene expression in living organisms during different development stages. In this study, we evaluated ten candidate genes, including 25S ribosomal RNA gene (〈em〉25S rRNA〈/em〉), actin1 gene (〈em〉ACT1〈/em〉), carotenoid-binding protein 20 gene (〈em〉CBP20〈/em〉), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (〈em〉GAPDH〈/em〉), Ubiquitin gene (〈em〉UBQ〈/em〉), eukaryotic elongation factor 1-αgene (〈em〉eEF〈/em〉-〈em〉1α〈/em〉), α-tubulin gene (〈em〉α〈/em〉-〈em〉TUB〈/em〉), β-tubulin gene (〈em〉β〈/em〉-〈em〉TUB)〈/em〉, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4α-1 gene (〈em〉eIF〈/em〉-〈em〉4α〈/em〉) and NAC domain protein gene(〈em〉NAC〈/em〉) in a series of 30 〈em〉M. lutarioriparia〈/em〉 samples followed by statistical algorithms geNorm and Normfinder to analyze the gene expression stability. The results indicated that 〈em〉eIF〈/em〉-〈em〉4α〈/em〉and 〈em〉UBQ〈/em〉 were the most stable expressed genes while 〈em〉CBP20〈/em〉 showed as the least stable among all the samples. Based on above research, we recommend that at least two top-ranked reference genes should be employed for expression data normalization. The best genes selected in this study will provide a starting point to select reference genes in the future in other tissues and under other experimental conditions in this energy crop candidate.〈/p〉