Search

BACKGROUND: Spina bifida (SB) is the second most common nonlethal congenital malformation. The existence of monogenic SB mouse models and human monogenic syndromes with SB features indicate that human SB may be caused by monogenic genes. We hypothesized that whole exome sequencing (WES) allows identification of potential candidate genes by i) generating a list of 136 candidate genes for SB, and ii) by unbiased exome-wide analysis. METHODS: We generated a list of 136 potential candidate genes from three categories: and evaluated WES data of 50 unrelated SB cases for likely deleterious variants in 136 potential candidate genes, and for potential SB candidate genes exome-wide. RESULTS: We identified 6 likely deleterious variants in 6 of the 136 potential SB candidate genes in 6 of the 50 SB cases, whereof 4 genes were derived from mouse models, 1 gene was derived from human non-syndromic SB, and 1 gene was derived from candidate genes known to cause human syndromic SB. In addition, by unbiased exome-wide analysis, we identified 12 genes as potential candidates for SB. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of these 18 potential candidate genes in larger SB cohorts will help decide which ones can be considered as novel monogenic causes of human SB.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active constituent of Nigella Sativa. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of TQ on apoptotic parameters and MMP-9 expression in isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). TQ was given once daily for 7 days at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg orally with ISP (86 mg/kg; s.c.) administered on the 6th and 7th days. TQ pretreatment protected against ISP-induced MI as approved by normalization of electrocardiogram (ECG) and b (CK)-MB, minimal histopathological changes, and reduction of the infarction size. Effects of TQ could be supported by its antioxidant activity, evidenced by the increase of cardiac reduced glutathione and total serum antioxidant capacity, and the inhibition of ISO-induced lipid peroxidation. TQ anti-inflammatory activity was associated with reduced expression of NF-κB and TNF-α. TQ ameliorated cardiomyocytes, apoptotic pathways by inhibiting both the intrinsic pathway, via reducing cytoplasmic cytochrome C, and the extrinsic pathway, by inhibiting TNF-α and caspases, and the effect of TQ was dose-dependent. Moreover, TQ reduced the expression of metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which is considered as a prognostic marker of ventricular remodeling, recommending that TQ can be used as a possible supplement to minimize post-MI changes. So, we conclude that TQ antiapoptotic activity and the inhibitory modulation of MMP-9 expression contribute to TQ protective effects in MI. Up to our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the effect of TQ on cytochrome c activity and MMP-9 expression in MI.

Rosuvastatin has been shown to activate PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which promotes cell survival in the myocardium. This study investigated the therapeutic benefit of adding rosuvastatin to low-dose carvedilol in protection against myocardial infarction (MI). Rosuvastatin (RSV) and carvedilol (CAR) were given for 7 consecutive days with concurrent administration of two doses of isoprenaline (ISP) on 6th and 7th days to induce MI. Isoprenaline injections caused detrimental alterations in the myocardial architecture and electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern and significantly increased the infarct size, heart index and serum levels of cardiotoxicity markers compared to the control group. ISP induced oxidative damage, inflammatory and apoptotic events and downregulated PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway compared to the control values. Treatment with low-dose CAR and/or RSV prevented the ECG and histopathological alterations induced by ISP, and also reduced the infarct size, heart index, serum creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin-I and C-reactive protein levels compared to ISP group. CAR and/or RSV treatment restored the activity of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity with a consequent reduction in lipid peroxides level. Further, they decreased the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65) and increased the phosphorylated PI3K and Akt, which may activate the anti-apoptotic signalling as evidenced by the decreased active caspase 3 level. The combination therapy has a more significant effect in the most studied parameters than their monotherapy, which may be because of the activation of PI3K/Akt Nrf2/HO-1 pro-survival signalling pathway. This study highlights the potential benefits of combining RSV with low-dose CAR in case of MI.

Background Vitiligo is a depigmentary skin disfigurement resulting from destruction of melanocytes caused by a possible malfunctioning immunity. This destruction could be linked to an aberrant T-cell-mediated immune response. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) are immune checkpoints capable of downregulating T-cell immune functions. Objectives To evaluate the pattern of expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 in active vitiligo skin. Methods Thirty nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) patients had been included in this pilot study. Marginal, lesional, and nonlesional skin biopsies were obtained. PD-1 and CTLA-4 immunohistochemistry expression in the mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates were evaluated using digital images. Results The marginal and lesional inflammatory infiltrates were significantly abundant when compared to nonlesional ones. The marginal infiltrates were significantly abundant when compared to the lesional ones. PD-1 and CTLA-4 were significantly expressed in the marginal and lesional infiltrates when compared to nonlesional skin. Moreover, the marginal expression of PD-1 was significantly higher than the lesional expression. However, no similar significant difference in CTLA-4 expression was found between the marginal and lesional infiltrates. Significant positive correlations were found between the expressions of PD-1 and CTLA-4 in marginal and lesional infiltrates. Conclusion Programmed death-1 and CTLA-4 are expressed within the inflammatory infiltrate of active NSV. Further studies are required to confirm their significance in the development or limitation of the disease.

Recently we showed that homoarginine supplementation confers kidney protection in diabetic mouse models. In this study we tested whether the protective effect of homoarginine is nitric oxide synthase‐3 (NOS3)‐independent in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Experiments were conducted in NOS3 deficient (NOS3−/−) mice and their wild type littermate using multiple low doses of vehicle or streptozotocin and treated with homoarginine via drinking water for 24 weeks. Homoarginine supplementation for 24 weeks in diabetic NOS3−/− mice significantly attenuated albuminuria, increased blood urea nitrogen, histopathological changes and kidney fibrosis, kidney fibrotic markers, and kidney macrophage recruitment compared with vehicle‐treated diabetic NOS3−/− mice. Furthermore, homoarginine supplementation restored kidney mitochondrial function following diabetes. Importantly, there were no significant changes in kidney NOS1 or NOS2 mRNA expression between all groups. In addition, homoarginine supplementation improved cardiac function and reduced cardiac fibrosis following diabetes. These data demonstrate that the protective effect of homoarginine is independent of NOS3, which will ultimately change our understanding of the mechanism(s) by which homoarginine induce renal and cardiac protection in DN. Homoarginine protective effect in DN could be mediated via improving mitochondrial function., Our results indicate that homoarginine mediates renal and cardiac protection in diabetic NOS3‐/‐ mice which will ultimately change our understanding of the mechanism(s) by which homoarginine ameliorate diabetic kidney injury. Homoarginine protective effect in diabetic nephropathy could be mediated via improving mitochondrial function.

l‐homoarginine is an endogenous, non‐proteinogenic amino acid that has emerged as a new player in health and disease. Specifically, low l‐homoarginine levels are associated with cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and reduced kidney function. However, the role of l‐homoarginine in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is not known. Experiments were conducted in 6‐week‐old Ins2Akita mice supplemented with l‐homoarginine via drinking water or mini osmotic pump for 12 weeks. Both plasma and kidney l‐homoarginine levels were significantly reduced in diabetic mice compared to nondiabetic controls. Untreated Ins2Akita mice showed significant increases in urinary albumin excretion, histological changes, glomerular macrophage recruitment, the inflammatory cytokine KC‐GRO/CXCL1, and urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) excretion as an indicator of oxidative stress, along with a significant reduction in kidney nitrate + nitrite levels compared to control mice at 18 weeks of age. In contrast, l‐homoarginine supplementation for 12 weeks in Ins2Akita mice, via either drinking water or mini osmotic pump, significantly reduced albuminuria, renal histological changes, glomerular macrophage recruitment, KC‐GRO/CXCL1 levels, urinary TBARS excretion, and largely restored kidney nitrate + nitrite levels. These data demonstrate that l‐homoarginine supplementation attenuates specific features of DN in mice and could be a potential new therapeutic tool for treating diabetic patients.

Background Microcirculatory disturbances following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are thought to be at the origin of organ dysfunction, although few studies have correlated microvascular alterations with outcome. We aimed to assess the microcirculation with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and correlate NIRS parameters with intensive care length of stay and organ dysfunction. Methods Forty patients at increased risk of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome after an elective cardiac surgery with CPB were included in this prospective observational study. Microcirculation of the thenar eminence was analysed by NIRS technology, through the tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) and the recovery slope after an ischaemic challenge. Organ dysfunction was assessed with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Microcirculation parameters were recorded at baseline, at different time points during the surgery and the first 48 postoperative hours. Results StO2 at baseline was 82% and decreased significantly until 77% at 2 h after CPB. Recovery slope values were 4.3% per second at baseline and decreased to 2.5% per second during CPB (P

Background Phototherapy is a well-known method to treat vitiligo and is able to repopulate the skin with new melanocytes. Examination of the pathological changes in vitiligo after ultraviolet therapy revealed the presence of unusual cells. Aim of study This study intended to investigate and confirm the repopulation of epidermis with new spindle cells, possibly as precursors for melanocytes after UV therapy. Methods Retrospective study was carried out on paraffin sections of biopsies obtained from 30 vitiligo patients treated successfully with ultraviolet therapy. Routine, special and immune staining were utilized to examine these biopsies. Results Amelanotic spindle cells with slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm and dark flattened nuclei were characteristically demonstrated in all examined sections after ultraviolet therapy. These cells were abundant near infundibular portion of hair follicles. They subsequently developed dendrites and became melanized. Conclusions Melanocyte precursors can be demonstrated pathologically and immunologically on tissue samples after ultraviolet therapy. They are capable of proliferation and migration into depigmented epidermis to repopulate it with new generations of melanocytes.

Different generations of hydroxyl and carboxyl terminated hyperbranched polyesters were synthesised and used as heavy metals chelating compounds. The adsorptive capacity of the 3rd generation of the polyesters (G3-OH, G3-COOH) as well as that of nanoclay (Nanofil 116) for cadmium removal was determined through adsorption isotherm studies. The highest metal ion removal capacity was observed for G3-COOH sample. The extent of binding (EOB) values of various generations of hyperbranched polyesters having the same core structure, but different terminal groups, indicated that, irrespective of the type of terminal group, the higher generations are more effective than the lower ones. EOB data can be adequately described by a bidentate coordination model for carboxyl terminated polyesters [each Cd(II) ion coordinates with two carboxyl groups] and tetradentate coordination model for hydroxyl terminated polyesters [1Cd(II)/4OH]. The EOB and selectivity properties of all prepared polyesters towards the heavy metal ions Cd(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II), were investigated under competitive condition. The results showed that the carboxyl terminated polymers exhibit higher binding capacities than those of hydroxyl terminated ones and the selectivity follows the order: Cu(II) > Cd(II) > Pb(II) for all polymer samples, irrespective of the type of terminal group. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering

BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis is a risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality after general surgical procedures. However, the impact of cirrhosis on outcomes of surgical resection for gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies has not been described. The authors' objective was to characterize early postoperative and transitional outcomes in cirrhotic patients undergoing GI cancer surgery. METHODS: Query of the National Inpatient Sample Database (2005-2008) identified 106,729 patients who underwent resection for GI malignancy; 1479 (1.4%) had cirrhosis. The association of cirrhosis with postoperative outcomes was examined. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included length-of-stay (LOS) and discharge to long-term care facility (LTCF). RESULTS: Cirrhotic patients had higher risk of in-hospital mortality (8.9% vs 2.8%, P < .001), longer LOS (11.5 ± 0.26 vs 10.0 ± 0.03 days, P < .001), and higher rate of discharge to LTCF (19.0% vs 15.7%, P < .001). Mortality was highest in patients with moderate to severe liver dysfunction (21.5% vs 6.5%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, cirrhosis was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5-3.7) and nonhome discharge (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.0). In cirrhotic patients, moderate to severe liver dysfunction was the only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR, 4.03; 95% CI, 2.7-5.9), but did not predict discharge disposition. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of GI malignancy in cirrhotics is associated with poor early postoperative and transitional outcomes, with severity of liver disease being the primary determinant of postoperative mortality. These data suggest that GI cancer operations can be performed safely in well-selected cirrhotic patients with mild liver dysfunction. Cancer 2012;3494–3500. © 2011 American Cancer Society.

Background and aims Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of skin and hair. Active melanocytes in hair follicles can be detected by DOPA and immunohistochemical staining, while amelanotic melanocytes can only be detected by the latter. None of the studies on hair melanocytes in vitiligo discussed the effect of disease duration on these melanocytes. Here, we study the presence of melanotic and amelanotic melanocytes in vitiligo hair follicles and statistically correlating their presence with the disease duration. Methods This study was conducted on 30 patients with vitiligo and 10 normal volunteers. Three biopsies were taken from each patient: two from black and white hairs from vitiliginous areas and the third from apparently normal skin of the same patients. Sections were stained by DOPA reaction and NKI/beteb then examined for the presence of melanocytes. The presence of melanocytes and the disease duration were correlated statistically using the t-test. Results Active melanocytes were detected in black hairs of 6.7% of vitiligo patients and in 100% of apparently normal skin of the same patients and controls. On examining black hairs of the 28 vitiligo patients with negative DOPA reaction, 19 of them (67.9%) showed positive NKI/beteb stain. Disease duration was inversely correlated with the melanocytes’ presence within hair follicles. Melanocytes were absent from 100% of white hairs. Conclusions The melanotic melanocytes were the first target of the disease process followed by the amelanotic melanocytes. Since the disappearance of the latter was inversely correlated with the disease duration, early treatment in vitiligo is advised. Conflicts of interest None declared.

Summary Background Loose anagen hair (LAH) syndrome is a phenomenon in early childhood characterized by the presence of easily pluckable hair, where hair tufts can be pulled out easily and painlessly. Aims All reports in the English literature described mainly white patients with blond hair. We present the first report of LAH syndrome in dark-skinned children of Upper Egypt. Patients and methods Twenty-eight children with LAH were diagnosed and examined from 1996 to 2007. The main complaints were patchy or diffuse alopecia and/or slow growth of hair. Clinical examination, hair pull test, trichogram, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. Results Children with LAH included 21 girls (75%) and seven boys (25%). Light microscopy of hair pull tests and trichograms disclosed a striking predominance of anagen hairs (90–100%) with misshapen hair bulbs and absent inner and outer root sheaths. SEM confirmed the misshapen anagen bulbs with ruffled appearance of cuticle and the longitudinal groove parallel to the long axis of the hair shaft. Most children improved spontaneously within few years, however, hair shed continued. Conclusion LAH syndrome occurs in dark-skinned children and could be under-diagnosed. The condition is of cosmetic concern and does not affect the general health.

Ultrasound velocity measurements were used to measure accurately the volume fraction of crystallised material in ‘monodispersed’ (120–2440 nm) n-alkane and cocoa butter emulsions during crystallisation. The emulsions were temperature cycled, the ‘quasi’ isothermal nucleation rate determined from ultrasound velocity, and the crystallisation kinetics estimated. Emulsions were prepared using a variety of ‘emulsifiers’ (polyglycerol esters, Tween 20, Caflon phc060 and sodium caseinate). In practice, these emulsifiers behaved as stabilisers, preventing particle coalescence during collisions. The type of surfactant has a relatively small effect on the magnitude of the undercooling, which varied only a little (14.5–16.5 °C) as the emulsifier was changed, at a given particle size. On the other hand, the type of surfactant did make a significant difference to the crystallisation rate, once nucleation had been initiated. The surfactant type also altered the details of the crystallisation process. Reducing the size increased the nucleation rates dramatically in the size range studied in these experiments. It is suggested that dramatically increased droplet diffusion and collision rates are responsible for the observations in the case of droplets in the 100-nm region. In the case of polyglycerol esters, the data suggests that they formed a solution with the n-hexadecane.

Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) suspensions, which consist of submicron-sized crystalline lipid particles dispersed within an aqueous medium, can be used to encapsulate, protect and deliver lipophilic functional components. Nevertheless, SLN suspensions are susceptible to particle aggregation and gelation during their preparation and storage, which potentially limits their industrial utilization. In this study, we examined the aggregation and gelation behavior of SLN suspensions composed of 10 wt% tripalmitin particles (r < 150 nm) stabilized by 1.5% Tween 20. The tripalmitin and aqueous surfactant solution were homogenized above the lipid melting temperature and cooled under controlled conditions to initiate SLN formation. The aggregation and gelation of SLN suspensions during storage was then examined by shear rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), light scattering and microscopy. Rheology measurements indicated that gelation times decreased with increasing storage temperature, e.g., samples formed weak gels after 62, 23, and 10 min at 1, 5, and 10 °C, respectively. DSC revealed increasingly rapid α- to β-polymorphic transformations in SLN dispersions stored at 1, 5, and 10 °C, respectively. We propose that the observed aggregation and gelation of SLN suspensions are associated with a change in the shape of the nanoparticles from spherical (α-form) to non-spherical (β-form) when they undergo the polymorphic transition. When they change shape there is no longer sufficient surfactant present to completely cover the lipid phase, which promotes particle aggregation through hydrophobic attraction. Our results have important implications for the design and fabrication of stable SLN suspensions.

Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is the most important factor in the induction of uterine cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Upon cell transformation, continual expression of the viral oncogenes is required to maintain the transformed phenotype. The viral E6 protein forms a ternary complex with the cellular E6-AP protein and p53 protein which promotes the rapid degradation of p53. Recent studies have revealed that lignans from the creosote bush (3'-O-methyl-nordihydroguaiaretic acid) can repress the viral promoter responsible for E6 gene expression. Work reported here shows that the lignan can subvert viral oncogene function resulting in stabilized p53 protein within treated HPV-containing tumor cells. The stabilized p53 is transcriptionally active as demonstrated by a luciferase reporter vector and induction of genes for Bax and PUMA proteins. Apoptosis is detected by annexin V binding to treated cells as analyzed by flow cytometry. Programmed cell death is confirmed by the induction of active caspases and TUNEL assay. Initiator caspase-9 is activated first, followed later by the effector caspase-3 enzyme. The stabilization and induced apoptosis are not observed within treated HPV-negative cervical tumor cells. Quantitative real time RT-PCR analysis of endogenous E6 gene transcription from the integrated HPV 16 promoter shows at least a fivefold repression of expression as compared to untreated cells. These results indicate that the loss of E6 protein in treated cells could be, in part, responsible for the stabilization of p53 within the lignan treated cells.

Evidence from human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and ALS-linked Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) transgenic mice bearing the mutation of glycine to alanine at position 93 (G93A) suggests that the pro-apoptotic protein prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) might be a critical link in the chain of events leading to motor neuron degeneration. We now report that Par-4 is enriched in synaptosomes and post-synaptic density from the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Levels of Par-4 in synaptic compartments increased significantly during rapid and slow declining stages of muscle strength in hSOD1 G93A mutant mice. In the pre-muscle weakness stage, hSOD1 G93A mutation sensitized synaptosomes from the ventral horn of the spinal cord to increased levels of Par-4 expression following excitotoxic and apoptotic insults. In ventral spinal synaptosomes, Par-4-mediated production of pro-apoptotic cytosolic factor(s) was significantly enhanced by the hSOD1 G93A mutation. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of Par-4 inhibited mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase-3 activation induced by G93A mutation in synaptosomes from the ventral horn of the spinal cord, and protected spinal motor neurons from apoptosis. These results identify the synapse as a crucial cellular site for the cell death promoting actions of Par-4 in motor neurons, and suggest that targeted inhibition of Par-4 by RNAi may prove to be a neuroprotective strategy for motor neuron degeneration.

1. Doxorubicin (DOX), a standard chemotherapeutic anthracycline agent, causes a positive inotropic effect in guinea-pig isolated atria in a concentration-dependent manner with an ED(50) of 3.6 micromol/L. This increase in contractility is strictly related to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a consequence of quinone metabolism. The ED(50) of DOX is significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the presence of 150 U superoxide dismutase (SOD). In the heart, DOX may be subjected to one- or two-electron reductions catalysed by flavoenzymes in the presence of suitable electron donors. Two-electron reduction is catalysed by NAD(P)H quinone acceptor oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase; DTD). Whether DOX will be activated or detoxified by two-electron reduction is important for the understanding of the mechanism of both the toxic and antitumour actions of DOX. 2. In order to assess the role of DTD in cardiac responses to DOX, we examined the effect of both a specific inhibitor (dicoumarol) and an inducer (3-methylcholanthrene; MCA) of the enzyme on the inotropic action of DOX. 3. In guinea-pig isolated left atria, 4 micromol/L dicoumarol significantly enhanced the positive inotropic effect of DOX, especially at lower concentrations of DOX. In atria isolated from guinea-pigs treated with MCA (44 mg/kg, i.p. for 4 days), DTD activity was enhanced (approximately twice that of the control; P < 0.01), whereas the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) was not significantly altered. In these preparations, DOX caused a significantly lower increase in force of contraction than in atria isolated from untreated animals. 4. These results demonstrate that cardiac DTD does not contribute to ROS generation, but represents a detoxification system.

Our recent publication showed that pharmacological blockade of arginases confers kidney protection in diabetic nephropathy via a nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3)-dependent mechanism. Arginases compete with NOS for the common substrate L-arginine. L-arginine or L-citrulline supplementation showed beneficial effect in patients with hypertension, angina and erectile dysfunction by improving endothelial function with enhanced NO synthesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that L-arginine or L-citrulline supplementation would prevent or reduce diabetic renal complication. DBA mice injected with multiple low doses of vehicle or streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg ip for 5 days) were provided drinking water (DW) supplemented with L-arginine, L-citrulline, isonitrogenous nonessential amino acid control or no amino acids (DW control) for 9 weeks. Diabetic mice with DW control showed significant increases in urine albumin excretion (p

The effects of addition of diacylglycerols (DAGs) on the crystallization behavior of n-hexadecane dispersed in oil-in-water emulsion (oil 20% and water 80%, v/v) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ultrasonic velocity measurement. In an attempt to modify the crystallization rate of n-hexadecane, five DAGs having the fatty acid moieties of behenic (DAB), stearic (DAS), palmitic (DAP), lauric (DAL) and oleic acid (DAO) were added to n-hexadecane, which was mixed with water and Tween 20 for emulsification. The DSC study showed that the addition of DAB, DAS or DAP (1.0 wt-% with respect to n-hexadecane) increased the crystallization temperature (Tc) of a n-hexadecane/water emulsion from 3 °C (without DAG) to 8 °C, whereas the addition of DAL and DAO showed no effect. The ultrasonic velocity measurement also revealed that the addition of DAGs resulted in increasing the Tc of n-hexadecane in O/W emulsion. These effects were discussed by taking into account the formation of molecular aggregates at the interface due to the addition of DAGs, which act as a template for crystallization of n-hexadecane. The template-assisted crystallization depends on the structure of the fatty acid chains present in the DAG: the longer the fatty acid moiety of DAG, the more is the crystallization of n-hexadecane in O/W emulsion accelerated. La cristallisation de la phase huileuse dans une emulsion huile dans l'eau est une etape importante pour la coagulation de l'emulsion refrigeree, comme par exemple la desemulsification de cremes fouettees ou la congelation de glaces. Les effets de l'addition de diacylglycerols sur la cristallisation de n-hexadecane disperse dans une emulsion huile dans l'eau (20/80% vol.) sont etudies par analyse calorimetrique differentielle et mesure de vitesse de propagation d'ultrasons. On observe que plus la chaine d'acide gras du diacylglycerol est longue, plus la cristallisation du n-hexadecane est rapide.

Ultrasonic velocity measurements and X-ray diffraction were employed to monitor the crystallization behavior of palm mid fraction (PMF) in oil-in-water emulsions (20 vol%). Three hydrophobic emulsifiers—sucrose oligoesters (SOE) containing palmitic acid (P-170) and stearic acid (S-170) moieties and a polyglycerine ester (DAS-750) containing a stearic acid moiety—were added to PMF in an attempt to increase the rate and extent of crystallization of PMF, which are otherwise suppressed owing to emulsification of the oil phase into many droplets. The results revealed that the hydrophobic emulsifiers accelerate the nucleation of PMF in the emulsion system, while retarding the rate of crystal growth. As a results, the crystallization temperature (Tc) of PMF increased with increasing concentrations of the hydrophobic emulsifiers. The effects of the three additives were different; in particular the addition of DAS-750 remarkably enhanced crystallization at low concentrations. By adding the emulsifiers at higher concentrations, the polymorphic behavior of PMF crystallization was also modified to different degrees, depending on the type of emulsifier. With addition of SOE, PMF crystallized predominantly in the β′ form; with addition of DAS-750, the extent of β′ nucleation was reduced by comparison with that observed with SOE. The results were explained in terms of adsorption of the hydrophobic emulsifier additives at the oil-water interface, which provides a template for acceleration of surface heterogeneous nucleation of PMF in the emulsion system.

Among the synthesized compounds, derivative (IIId) exhibits significant activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and shows the best antifungal activities against Botrytis fabae.

Recent studies reported that 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors have pleotropic effects independent of their lipid-lowering properties. The present study was undertaken to determine whether treatment with rosuvastatin (RO) would be beneficial in a rat model of bile duct ligation (BDL). Animals were divided into three groups: a sham group (group I), a BDL group treated with vehicle (group II), and a BDL group treated with RO (10 mg/kg) (group III). Serum levels of total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase decreased significantly in group III when compared to group II. Lipid peroxides and NO levels of group III were found to be significantly lower than those of group II. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and catalase) activity in liver tissues markedly decreased in group II, whereas treatment with RO preserved antioxidant enzyme activity. DT-diaphorase activity in group II was significantly higher than that in group III. The histopathological results showed multiple numbers of newly formed bile ductules with inflammatory cells infiltration in group II. These pathological changes were improved in group III. Our data indicate that RO ameliorates hepatic injury, inflammation, lipid peroxidation and increases antioxidant enzymes activity in rats subjected to BDL. RO may have a beneficial effect on treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.

The electronic density of states is calculated in the case of a hollow metallic cylinder placed in a uniform magnetic field. The oscillatory features are estimated when the magnetic field intensity is weak. This shows rapid changes in the density of states on the contrary of the case of fields of intermediate densities where the effect is quite small. Die elektronische Zustandsdichte wird fur den Fall eines hohlen Metallzylinders in einem gleichformigen Magnetfeld berechnet. Die oszillatorischen Erscheinungen werden fur schwache Magnetfeldintensitat berechnet. Dies ergibt schnelle Anderungen in der Zustandsdichte im Gegensatz zu den Fallen von Feldern mittlerer Dichten, wo der Effekt sehr klein ist.

(...) Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were grown in a greenhouse in a continuously flowing solution culture system to investigate whether P fertilization modified the detrimental effects of NaCl at low constant P concentrations similar to those in soil solutions. Increasing P fertilization enhanced the tolerance of tomato plants to NaCl. At 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mM P, the NaCl concentrations that reduced yields of fruit by 50% were 58,72, and 130 mM, respectively (...)

The capacity of three active Mn(IV)-reducing isolates to dissolve Mn in sterilized samples of two Egyptian soils and a pure sand enriched with MnO2 were studied. These isolates were identified as Penicillium variable (P. v.), Aspergillus niger (A. n.) and Streptomyces exfoliatus (S. e.). The data indicated that inoculation with the fungi and actinomycete mentioned increased the soil contents of water soluble + exchangeable manganese (Mnws+ex) but decreased the easily reducible form (Mner). The increase in Mn-mobility depended on soil type, organism used and time of incubation. The maximum level of Mnws+ex appeared after 14 days in the 3 soil samples. The release of Mn (II) ranged from 19.6 to 49.4 ppm in the sand samples, from 34.8 to 53.3 ppm in samples of a clay loam soil and from 9.9 to 19.8 ppm in samples of a calcareous sandy loam soil. The increase in Mnws+ex was at the expense of Mner but not in stochiometric amounts. The organisms tested can be ranked according to their capacity to reduce MnO2 in the following order (for all soils) Streptomyces exfoliatus > Aspergillus niger > Penicillium variable. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant differences due to inoculation, soil type, incubation time and their interactions. Manganmobilisierung in agyptischen Boden nach Inokulation mit manganreduzierenden Organismen Der Einflus manganreduzierender Mikroorganismen (Penicillium variable, Aspergillus niger und Streptomyces exfoliatus) auf die Mobilisierung von Mangan wurde in Modellversuchen anhand von 2 sterilisierten Boden (einem Tonboden sowie einem kalkhaltigen, sandigen Lehm) und einem Sand untersucht. Unter Einflus von den beiden Pilzen und von Streptomyces exfoliatus wurde der Anteil an wasserloslichem-sowie austauschbarem Mn signifikant erhoht unter gleichzeitiger Abnahme des Gehaltes an leichtreduzierbaren (in Ammonium-Acetat-Hydrochinon extrahierbaren) Mn-Verbindungen. Die Menge an gebildetem, wasserloslichem Mn (II) war im Tonboden wesentlich hoher als in dem kalkhaltigen, sandigen Lehm oder im Sand, und erreichte unter Einflus von Streptomyces exfoliatus ein wesentlich groseres Ausmas als mit den beiden Pilzen. Die Unterschiede waren statistisch signifikant. Es scheint, als ob das Impfen mit manganreduzierenden Organismen die Verfugbarkeit von Mn erhoht, zumindest in vorher sterilisierten Boden.

Summary Using NaCl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions to progressively decrease the external osmotic potential of the peat casing of the growing medium used to culture the mushroom Agaricus bisporus resulted in proportionately decreased yields of sporophores. Over the range of -0.07 to -0.37 MPa, the extent of decrease in yield was similar with both types of osmoticum. However, with further decrease in external osmotic potential (from -0.37 to -0.62 MPa) there was a further proportional decrease in sporophore yield with PEG but a complete suppression of sporophore production with NaCl. Treatments with both NaCl and PEG decreased the concentrations of P, Mg, K, Fe and Mn, but not N and Cu, in sporophore dry matter. Treatment with NaCl solutions increased the concentrations of Na and CI ions in sporophore dry matter and decreased the concentration of Ca; PEG solutions had no effect. Ion toxicity associated with excessive accumulation of Na and C1 ions, or ionic imbalance associated with the concomittant decrease in Ca ions appear to be additional factors to osmotic stress in decreasing yield of sporophores when the growing medium becomes highly saline. The critical concentration of NaCl which caused 10% reduction in sporophore yield was 28 mM; A. bisporus is, therefore, moderately salt-sensitive.

The stability of Fe-EDTA and Fe-CDTA was investigated in order to evaluate their effectiveness under calcareous soil conditions. To accomplish this evaluation the reaction rate of fixation, K, the adsorption coefficient, Kd, and the retardation factor, S, of the iron chelate were determined through column experiments at pH 7.8 and two ionic strengths, I, of CaCl2. The results indicated that iron in Fe-EDTA was more fixed than in Fe-CDTA. The fixation increased by increasing the ionic strength. Also it increased linearly with increasing CaCO3 content of the soil. The values of retardation factor, S, showed that this parameter depended more on the surface area of the soil than on I or CaCO3 content. The product KS depends on CaCO3 content, surface area of the soil, ionic strength and chelating agent used. It can be taken as an index for the efficiency of the iron chelate under different conditions. Fe-EDTA was more adsorbed than Fe-CDTA, the adsorption increased with increasing ionic strength and surface area of the soil. Die Stabilitat von Eisen-Chelaten in kalkhaltigen Boden Die Stabilitat von Fe-EDTA- und Fe-CDTA-Chelaten wurde untersucht, um die Fahigkeit von EDTA und CDTA, Eisen in kalkhaltigen Boden komplex zu binden, bewerten zu konnen. Dazu wurden die Reaktionsrate der Fixierung (K), der Adsorptionskoeffizient (Kd) und der Verzogerungsfaktor (S) der Eisen-Chelate durch Saulenversuche bei pH7.8 und bei zwei verschiedenen Ionenstarken (I) von CaCl2 bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das bei Verwendung von Fe-EDTA das Eisen im Boden starker fixiert wurde als bei Fe-CDTA und das die Fixierung mit steigender Ionenstarke zunahm. Die Fixierung stieg linear mit zunehmendem CaCO3-Gehalt des Bodens an. Die Werte des Verzogerungsfaktors (S) deuten an, das dieses mehr von der Oberflachengrose der Bodenpartikel als von der Ionenstarke (I) oder dem CaCO3-Gehalt des Bodens abhangt. Das Produkt KS hangt vom CaCO3-Gehalt, der Oberflache der Bodenpartikel, der Ionenstarke und dem verwendeten Chelat ab. Das Produkt kann als ein Index der Wirksamkeit der Eisen-Chelate unter verschiedenen Bedingungen dienen. Fe-EDTA wurde starker adsorbiert als Fe-CDTA; die Adsorption nimmt mit steigender Ionenstarke und mit zunehmender Oberflache der Bodenpartikel zu.