Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related unfolded protein response and its implications in dengue virus infection for biomarker development

Dengue virus (DENV) causes debilitating disease in humans, which varies at different rates in host cells, such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, Langerhans cells, and other cell types. Such heterogeneity in DENV infection in cells could be attributed to a range of factors, including host cell immune response, anti-viral cellular proteins, and virus mediated cellular autophagy. This review delineates an important feature of every cell, the unfolded protein response (UPR) that is attributed to the accumulation of several viral and unfolded/misfolded proteins, such as in DENV infection. UPR is a normal process to counteract endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that leads to cell autophagy; though the phenomenon is markedly upregulated during DENV infection. This could be attributed to the uncontrolled activation of the key UPR signaling pathways: inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1 (IRE1), protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6), which promote cell autophagy under normal and diseased conditions through the downstream regulation of apoptosis promoting factors such as X-box binding protein (XBP1), GADD34, and ATF-6. Because DENV can modulate these signaling cascades, by promoting dysregulated cell autophagy, the ER stress mediated UPR pathways and the inherent agents could play an important role in delineating the severity of dengue infection with a potential for developing DENV targeted therapeutics.

Microscopic anatomy of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) a histochemical, stereological, and scanning electron microscope study

The present work was designed to investigate the microscopic structure of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) using histochemical staining, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and stereological procedures. Four adult males were included in our study. Serial sections of the entire length of the oesophagus were stained with aldehyde fuchsin, alcian blue (pH 2.5), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome. Then, the total volume of the oesophagus, and the total volume of its different layers, were estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The oesophageal epithelium was a non-keratinized stratified squamous type. Muscularis mucosa was present as a thick layer between lamina propria and submucosa and its thickness was increased toward the stomach. Tunica submucosa was a loose connective tissue containing an oesophageal gland with PAS-positive and AB-positive reactions throughout the submucosa and become denser toward the stomach. The tunica muscularis consisted of two distinct striated muscle layers, and its thickness was decreased toward the stomach. On SEM images, the cervical and thoracic oesophagus showed shallow folding, while the abdominal part had deeper folds. The present findings indicate that the histological properties of the oesophagus in southern white-breasted hedgehogs have slight similarities with rodents and considering its epithelium, submucosal glands and tunica muscularis more resemble with dog oesophagus. The obtained results may be quite helpful to improve the current knowledge of the histophysiology of the hedgehog gastrointestinal tract as a member of eulipotyplan mammals and as a pet for biologists and veterinarians.

Therapeutic properties and molecular docking study of some phenolic compounds as anti-human lung cancer potential: A biochemical approach

Chloroxine (5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline) is a molecule utilized in some shampoos for the therapy of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and dandruff. In this study, we investigated the inhibition effects of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate compounds on the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA Reductase) and urease enzymes. We have obtained results for the HMG-CoA Reductase and urease enzymes at the micromolar level. In our study, inhibition result of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and Methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate on HMG-CoA reductase showed lower values 2.28 ± 0.78 and 33.25 ± 5.04 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, inhibition result of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate on urease showed lower values 6.18 ± 1.38 and 8.51 ± 1.35 µg/ml, respectively. Molecular docking calculations were made for their biological activities were compared. In the present work, the structures of the related compounds (1 and 2) were drawn using Gaussian 09 software and done geometry optimization at DFT/B3LYP/6-31G* basis set with aforementioned program. Cytotoxicity potential of these compounds against human lung cancer demonstrated that these compounds had good cytotoxic effects. Both compounds significantly decreased lung cell viability from low doses. In addition, 100 µM dose of all compounds caused significant reductions in lung cell viability. In general, we can say that of the two tested compounds, 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate have cytotoxic effects in all cell types, and this effect is particularly strong in lung cells. Activities were performed at concentrations of 10, 20, 50, 70, and 100 µl and we achieved good results. Lung cell viability (%) value was better at 100 µl concentration and IC₅₀ of them were 54.28 and 48.05 µM.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Leaf Essential Oils of Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica and Curcuma angustifolia

Curcuma species are widely used as a food additive and also in various medicinal purposes. The plant is a rich source of essential oil and is predominantly extracted from the rhizomes. On the other hand, the leaves of the plants are usually considered as an agrowaste. The valorization of these Curcuma leaf wastes into essential oils is becoming accepted globally. In the present study, we aim to extract essential oils from the leaves of Curcuma longa (LEO), C. aromatica (REO), and C. anguistifolia (NEO). The chemical composition of these essential oils was analyzed by GC-MS. Free radical scavenging properties were evaluated against the radical sources, including DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide. The antibacterial activity was assessed by the disc diffusion method and Minimum inhibitory concentration analysis against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica) bacteria. Results identified the compounds α-phellandrene, 2-carene, and eucalyptol as predominant in LEO. The REO was predominated by camphor, 2-bornanone, and curdione. The main components detected in NEO were eucalyptol, curzerenone, α-lemenone, longiverbenone, and α-curcumene. Antioxidant properties were higher in the LEO with IC50 values of 8.62 ± 0.18, 9.21 ± 0.29, and 4.35 ± 0.16 µg/mL, against DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. The cytotoxic activity was also evident against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells; the LEO was found to be the most active against these two cell lines (IC50 values of 40.74 ± 2.19 and 45.17 ± 2.36 µg/mL). Likewise, the results indicated a higher antibacterial activity for Curcuma longa essential oil with respective IC50 values (20.6 ± 0.3, 22.2 ± 0.3, 20.4 ± 0.2, and 17.6 ± 0.2 mm). Hence, the present study confirms the possible utility of leaf agrowastes of different Curcuma spp. as a possible source of essential oils with pharmacological potential.

Phytochemical Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer, and Enzyme-Inhibitory Activities of Artemisia nilagirica (C.B. Clarke) Pamp

Plants have been employed in therapeutic applications against various infectious and chronic diseases from ancient times. Various traditional medicines and folk systems have utilized numerous plants and plant products, which act as sources of drug candidates for modern medicine. Artemisia is a genus of the Asteraceae family with more than 500 species; however, many of these species are less explored for their biological efficacy, and several others are lacking scientific explanations for their uses. Artemisia nilagirica is a plant that is widely found in the Western Ghats, Kerala, India and is a prominent member of the genus. In the current study, the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities were examined. The results indicated that the ethanol extract of A. nilagirica indicated in vitro DPPH scavenging (23.12 ± 1.28 µg/mL), ABTS scavenging (27.44 ± 1.88 µg/mL), H2O2 scavenging (12.92 ± 1.05 µg/mL), and FRAP (5.42 ± 0.19 µg/mL). The anti-inflammatory effect was also noticed in the Raw 264.7 macrophages, where pretreatment with the extract reduced the LPS-stimulated production of cytokines (p < 0.05). A. nilagirica was also efficient in inhibiting the activities of α-amylase (38.42 ± 2.71 µg/mL), α-glucosidase (55.31 ± 2.16 µg/mL), aldose reductase (17.42 ± 0.87 µg/mL), and sorbitol dehydrogenase (29.57 ± 1.46 µg/mL). It also induced significant inhibition of proliferation in breast (MCF7 IC50 = 41.79 ± 1.07, MDAMB231 IC50 = 55.37 ± 2.11µg/mL) and colon (49.57 ± 1.46 µg/mL) cancer cells. The results of the phytochemical screening indicated a higher level of polyphenols and flavonoids in the extract and the LCMS analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive constituents including artemisinin.

Larval cestodes infecting commercial fish of Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea: morphology and phylogeny

Members of the order Trypanorhyncha are cestode parasites that are frequently found infecting the muscles of several marine fish species, affecting fish health and resulting in consumers' rejection. Seventy-five specimens of marine fish were freshly caught from boat landing sites at the Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, including two Carangids, the greater amberjack Seriola dumerili and the gulley jack Pseudocarans dentex; two Serranids, the Haifa grouper Epinephelus haifensis and the mottled grouper Mycteroperca rubra. Forty-five fish were infected; the infection was recorded as blastocysts embedded in fish flesh. Blastocysts were isolated and ruptured; the generated plerocerci were described morphologically, where, four different species were recovered; Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, Callitetrarhynchus speciosus, Protogrillotia zerbiae, and Grillotia brayi. The taxonomic position of these parasites was justified by multiple-sequence alignment and a phylogenetic tree was constructed following maximum likelihood analysis of the 18s rRNA sequences of the recovered worms. The accession numbers MN625168, MN625169, MN611431and MN611432 were respectively assigned to the recovered parasites. The results obtained from the molecular analyses confirmed the morphological records of the recovered parasites. Since metacestodes are found in the musculature of infected fish specimens, it is necessary to remove these areas in the commercialization of fish.

In vitro study of antimicrobial activity of some plant seeds against bacterial strains causing food poisoning diseases

In this research, some plant seeds powder was evaluated to find their potential effect to rule diseases of food poisoning. Antimicrobial effect of five plant seeds was examined contra Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella. pneumonia and Candida albicans by using well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity studies revealed high potential activity of plant seeds powder of Nigella sativa L., cucurbita pepo, Sesamum radiatum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Linum usitatissimum with variable efficiency contra tested microbial strains with concentration of 100 mg/ml, except Sesamum radiatum scored no effect. The T. foenum and N. sativa seed powder showed the largest inhibition zone (24-20 mm) contra K. pneumonia, followed by S. aureus (20-18 mm) and C. albicans (15mm) respectively. The five plant seeds powder exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects with MIC's 20 and MBC 40 mg/ml against K. pneumonia, and MIC's 40 and MBC 60 mg/ml against S. aureus. The results of this study indicated that plants seeds powder have promising antimicrobial activities and their potential applications in food process. It could be utilized as a natural medicinal alternative instead of chemical substance.

Selenium and Zinc Oxide Multinutrient Supplementation Enhanced Growth Performance in Zebra Fish by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Growth-Related Gene Expression

Selenium and zinc are important dietary micronutrients having antimicrobial and antioxidant roles, thereby assisting in normal development, and an enhanced immune system. Supplementation of selenium and zinc for enhancing the growth performance and reproductive capacity in fish was explored in this study. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized by high-energy ball milling (HEBM) using a 10-h dry milling technique at a 10:1 ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) and were premixed with basal feed followed by the administration to adult zebra fish (D. rerio) (2 months old) for 30 days. Growth analysis revealed that zebra fish fed with SeNPs + ZnONPs (2 mg/ kg, equimolar mixture) had significantly higher length and weight than only SeNP (2 mg/ kg) or ZnONP (2 mg/ kg) groups and control zebra fish (p < 0.05). The average length–weight relationships were assessed by estimating the condition factor (C), which was highest in the SeNP + ZnONP group (1.96), followed by a downward trend in SeNP (C = 1.15) and ZnONP (1.11) (p < 0.05). Relative gene expression of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly high in the SeNP + ZnONP group compared to other groups (p < 0.05), which indicated that combined administration of both the nanoparticles in basal feed enhanced the growth performance of zebra fish. Intracellular ROS generation was low in the combined group, followed by control, SeNP, and ZnONP groups, indicating higher concentrations of both nanoparticles, in particular, ZnONPs induced oxidative stress. Fecundity and the development of fertilized embryos were significantly high in the SeNP + ZnONP–treated zebra fish compared to only the SeNP- or ZnONP-treated group or control (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that supplementation of SeNP + ZnONP in basal feed could considerably improve the growth performance and development of zebra fish which could be exploited for enhancing aquaculture production.

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Heterobothrium lamothei (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae), a gill parasite infecting the tiger puffer fish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontidae)

ABSTRACT Members of the family Diclidophoridae are potentially dangerous species for the puffer fish aquaculture worldwide. They are parasitic polyopisthocotyleans, with a posterior haptor equipped with clamps for attachment to the host's surface, allowing the worm to resist the flow of water to maintain its position on gills. The anterior body of the worm is deformable, allows the worm to feed on blood sucked from fish gills. The present study is the first description of a Heterobothrium species from the gills of the tiger puffer Lagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontidae) from the coasts of the Arabian Gulf at Jubail, Saudi Arabia morphologically by light microscopy as well as by molecular analysis of the parasite partial 28S rRNA through multiple sequence alignments and phylogeny by maximum likelihood analysis which is provided for the first time for the described species. Seventeen tiger puffer fish were captured alive from marine water off Saudi Arabia; gills were separated and further examined for parasitic infection. Nine fish were found infected with a monogenean parasite which was robust, equipped by two buccal organs at the tapered anterior end; the posterior haptor was rectangular with four symmetrically arranged clamps, with no isthmus. Marginal hooks absent. Ovary elongated, U-shaped, testes numerous, irregularly shaped and extended from the posterior part of the ovary to the anterior margin of the haptor. Copulatory organ muscular, as a spherical cup armed with 12 to 15 genital hooks. The molecular analysis of the parasite 28s rRNA and phylogeny revealed a percentage of identities between 87.47-89.09%, with Diclidophoridae species within the monophyletic clade of Mazocraeidea where a maximum percentage of 89.09% were obtained for the morphologically different sister taxon H. okamotoi. The results obtained from molecular analysis are consistent with the conclusions drawn from morphological classification where that the parasite recorded was morphologically similar to H. lamothei which was not characterized by molecular analysis before. The recovered sequences were deposited into the GeneBank under accession number MT322610.

Maternal and developmental toxicity induced by Nanoalumina administration in albino rats and the potential preventive role of the pumpkin seed oil

Although Nanoalumina is widely used in many biomedical applications, its potential toxic effect on pregnant women and developing embryos/fetuses has not been reported. In this investigation, the maternal and developmental toxicity caused by Nanoalumina during gestation and the potential preventive role of the pumpkin seed oil (PSO) were evaluated. Four groups of pregnant rats were orally administered during days 5–19 of gestation as follows: control group, Nanoalumina group (70 mg/kg b.w), PSO- group (4 ml/kg b.w.), and Nanoalumina plus PSO- group. Nanoalumina induced detrimental impacts in pregnancy outcomes, fetal growth retardation, morphological anomalies, hepatic and neural DNA damage, and histopathological changes in hepatic and neural tissues of both mother and fetus, respectively. Furthermore, the level of MDA is significantly increased and activities of GSH and CAT are significantly reduced in both tissues of nanoalumina‐administered rats. PSO co administration improved pregnancy outcomes, fetal growth parameters, DNA damage, antioxidant defenses the histopathological changes of nanoalumina‐gavaged rats and significantly diminished MDA level. Finally, PSO has a preventive role against the detrimental impacts of nanoalumina in dams and fetuses probably via its potential to prevent reactive oxygen species.

The oil of garlic, Allium sativum L. (Amaryllidaceae), as a potential protectant against Anisakis spp. Type II (L3) (Nematoda) infection in Wistar rats

The consumption of inadequately thermally treated fish is a public health risk due to the possible propagation of Anisakis larvae. The present study demonstrated the physiological and histopathological changes that accompanied an oral inoculation of crude extracts from fresh and thermally treated Anisakis Type II (L3) in rats. Worms were isolated from a marine fish and examined and identified using light and scanning electron microscopy. The study was performed in 6 rat groups: control (I), garlic oil (GO) inoculated (II), fresh L3 inoculated (III), thermally treated L3 inoculated (IV), fresh L3 + GO inoculated (V), and a thermally treated L3 + GO inoculated (VI) groups. Rats inoculated with fresh and thermally treated L3 showed abnormal liver and kidney functions associated with the destruction of normal architecture. GO produced a protective effect in rat groups inoculated with L3 extracts + GO via the amelioration of liver and kidney functions, which was confirmed by the marked normal structure on histology. Cooking of L3-infected fish induced severe alterations compared to uncooked fish. The administration of garlic before and after fish eating is recommended to avoid the dangerous effect of anisakids, even if they are cooked.

Morphology of the lips, cheeks, and the hard palate of the Egyptian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): a focus on histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural aspects

BACKGROUND

The available data is scanty about Egyptian water buffalo lips, cheeks, and palate.

AIMS

The current investigation was focused on describing the morphology of the lip, cheek, and palate.

METHODS

Our study included the gross, light, and electron microscopic examinations of ten heads of the Egyptian water buffalos.

RESULTS

The nasolabial plate surface carried numerous scales of keratinized epithelium. Internal labial surface and labial mucocutaneous junctions were covered with stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Two types of hair follicles in the dermis included ordinary and cavernous types characterized by cavernous space. The conical papillae on the internal aspect of the oral commissure were projected from the mucous membrane. Seromucous glands were occasionally observed under the oral mucous membrane of the commissure and gave positive PAS and AB. Conical papillae density on the inner cheek surface had some variations: the rostral part had large papillae, while the dorsal part had numerous papillae than the ventral part, the caudal part had a smaller number of papillae, while the middle part was devoid of papillae. Parotid duct opening in the buccal vestibule was without papillae. Conical papillae had two surfaces; the rostral surface was highly keratinized than the caudal one. The buccal gland was a compound tubuloacinar mixed (mucoserous) gland and mucus acini only reacted to PAS and AB. The oral surface of palatine rugae was covered with highly keratinized epithelium than the aboral surface. Palatine glands showed PAS and AB positive.

CONCLUSION

The result describes the relationship between the available food particles, environmental conditions and the lip, cheek, and palate appearance, and structure.

A reconfigurable PID fault tolerant tracking controller design for LPV systems

This paper considers the design of a reconfigurable PID Fault Tolerant Tracking Controller (PID-FTTC) for Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) systems affected by actuator faults with the presence of disturbance. The LPV systems are represented through a polytopic LPV description with measurable gain scheduling functions. A new PID-FTTC scheme with a model reference, an adaptive PID controller and an Adaptive Polytopic Observer (APO), is developed. The main idea is to improve and to compare performances with this developed PID-FTTC versus previous similar FTC techniques especially about the settling time, the overshoot and integral error indices. By the way, this paper can reduce the conservatism of previous methods with more parameters design so as to avoid their disadvantages and to give better control loop performances especially in terms of accuracy and speed of trajectory tracking even when a fault occurs. So, in order to establish the stability of the reconfigured PID-FTTC, a new theoretical study is developed through the use of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). This new method is illustrated through a two-tank process where the results compared to previous ones, underline the improvements.

Effects of olive-cake supplementation on fatty acid composition, antioxidant status and lipid and meat-colour stability of Barbarine lambs reared on improved rangeland plus concentrates or indoors with oat hay plus concentrates

The effects of feeding system (indoor vs rangeland) and olive-cake (OC) supplementation (control vs supplemented) on fatty acid (FA) composition, lipid oxidation status and meat-colour stability were studied. Lambs were fed indoor with hay (OH) or reared on improved rangeland (RL). All lambs received concentrate at a rate of 400 g/head.day. Twenty-four 6-month-old Barbarine lambs with an average weight of 24.3 ± 1.1 kg were assigned into the following four groups: OH without OC, OH with OC, RL without OC and RL with OC. Supplemented groups received 280 g/day of OC. Lambs were reared for ~3 months and then slaughtered at 33 kg. Feeding lambs on rangeland increased proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, P < 0.05), n-3 PUFA (P < 0.01) and long-chain n-3 PUFA (P < 0.01) and decreased those of C16:0 and monounsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.052). Higher PUFA : saturated FA (SFA) (P < 0.001) and lower n-6 : n-3 PUFA (P < 0.01) ratios were found for RL lambs. The peroxidisability index was higher (P = 0.024) for RL lambs. Whereas, a lower malondialdehyde concentration (P < 0.001) was found for meat of RL group after 5-day storage, because of a higher vitamin E concentration (P < 0.001) and catalase activity (P = 0.002). Moreover, colour was more stable for meat of RL lamb. OC supplementation reduced only superoxide dismutase activity (P = 0.033) and did not have any effect on lipid peroxidation and colour stability. No interactions were noted between the feeding system and olive-cake supplementation. Meat lambs produced on rangeland had a healthier fatty acid composition. Lipids were more stable to oxidation than was meat produced indoor with hay and concentrate.

Potential risks of maternal administration of Mucophylline on the pups of albino rats during lactation

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential risks of the mucolytic and broncholytic drug, Theophylline derivatives (Mucophylline) maternally administered on the pups. The nursing rats orally administered from 1st postpartum day (PPD) to 21th PPD with two different doses 30.83mg/kg (low dose) and 66.61mg/kg (Human equivalent dose (HED)). On the 21th PPD, the postnatal developmental signs, skeletal malformation and the histopathology of neonatal liver, kidney and brain were examined. Our results showed that Mucophylline induced a significant reduction in the neonatal weight and length, delayed, weak and incomplete ossification, wavy ribs and the neonatal liver revealed histopathological changes, pyknotic hepatocytes, cytoplasmic vacuolization, dilated sinusoid and necrotic area. Kidney revealed alternation changes, enlargement of the glomerulus, renal tubules degeneration and lymphatic infiltration. Brain (cerebral cortex and cerebellum) showed neurodegenerative changes, vacuolization of neuropil, congested and dilated blood vessel and dark stain neurons. Our results showed that the activities of non-enzymatic (GSH) and enzymatic (GST, CAT) antioxidants were insignificantly decrease in both neonatal brain and liver tissues of rats administered with 30.83mg/kg and 61.66mg/kg of Mucophylline and insignificant increase in MDA levels in both neonatal brain and liver tissues. However, significant reduction (P≤0.05) in the content of GR was recorded in neonatal brain tissue of rats administered with 30.83mg/kg and 61.66mg/kg of Mucophylline during lactation period in comparison with control. These support and proof the potential risks of the maternal administration of Mucophylline on pups.

Assessment of the genotoxicity of quinolone and fluoroquinolones contaminated soil with the Vicia faba micronucleus test

The genotoxicity of quinolone and fluroquinolones was assessed using the micronucleus (MN) test on Vicia faba roots by direct contact exposure to a solid matrix. Plants were exposed to quinolones (nalidixic acid) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin) alone or mixed with artificially contaminated soils. Four different concentrations of each of these antibiotics were tested (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/Kg) for nalidixic acid and (0.005, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mg/Kg) for ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. These antibiotics were also used in mixture. Exposure of Vicia faba plants to each antibiotic at the highest two concentrations showed significant MN induction. The lowest two concentrations had no significant genotoxic effect. The mixture of the three compounds induced a significant MN induction whatever the mixture tested, from 0.02 to 20 mg/Kg. The results indicated that a similar genotoxic effect was obtained with the mixture at 0.2 mg/Kg in comparison with each molecule alone at 5-10 mg/Kg. Data revealed a clear synergism of these molecules on Vicia faba genotoxicity.

Distribution of 16 EPA-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sludges collected from nine Tunisian wastewater treatment plants

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds which may be present as contaminants in wastewater sewage sludge. Due to their toxicity and persistence in the solid phase, information should be gathered relating to their presence in sewage sludge in order to determine their contamination risks after land application. In this study, sewage sludge samples from nine Tunisian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were characterized for the total content in 16 EPA-priority PAHs using an optimized extraction protocol. These WWTPs differ in the type of applied treatment and the wastewater source. Through this first assessment of PAHs in Tunisian sludges, their total concentration varied from 96 to the highest level of 7718 ng g(-1). Regardless of the source of wastewater, the highest PAH content was found in sludges deriving from untreated wastewater (natural lagooning). In addition, some correlation was found between the distribution patterns of each PAH, the type of applied treatment on one hand and the wastewater source on other hand.

Spectroscopic studies of inclusion complex of beta-cyclodextrin and benzidine diammonium dipicrate

Formation of inclusion complex between benzidine diammonium dipicrate and beta-cyclodextrin with stoichiometry 1:2 (guest-host) has been established by UV, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, IR spectra and powder X-ray diffractometry. (1)H NMR studies are used to confirm the inclusion and to provide information on the geometry of dipicrate inside the cavity of beta-cyclodextrin.

Optimisation of biodegradation conditions for the treatment of olive mill wastewater

The aim of the present paper was to optimise the conditions of aerobic treatment of olive mill wastewater. To do so, the waste was treated following the experimental optimal design methodology studying the set of factors susceptible to influence the treatment (pH, C/N ratio, aeration and temperature). The results of a first series of experiments showed a strong correlation between the reduction in the levels of polyphenols and three of the parameters studied, i.e. the C/N ratio, aeration and temperature. Optimised conditions led to a 94% drop in polyphenols. Then, for a finer study of the conditions, just two parameters were varied, the pH and the C/N ratio. The results showed that the conditions of pH modification (addition of lime or sodium hydroxide) and the C/N ratio (urea or ammonium nitrate) allowed the microbiological activity to be very significantly improved. This led to polyphenol reductions of 51% and 76%.

Fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during composting of lagooning sewage sludge

The fate of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), targeted by the USEPA agency, has been investigated during composting of lagooning sludge. Composting shows efficient decrease of the content and the bioavailability of each PAH. Biodegradation and sorption are suggested as the main mechanisms contributing to this decrease. During the stabilization phase of composting, extensive microbial degradation of PAHs, mainly those with a low number of aromatic rings, was achieved following development of intense thermophilic communities. However, partial sorption of PAH to non-accessible sites temporarily limits the mobility mainly of PAHs with a high number of aromatic rings plus acenaphthene and acenaphthylene, and allows them to escape microbial attack. During the maturation phase, the development of a mesophilic population could play an important role in the degradation of the remaining PAH. During this phase of composting, PAH sequestration and binding of their oxidative metabolites within new-formed humic substances might also explain PAH decrease at the end of composting. The tendency of change of content or bioavailability of various PAH compounds during composting is found to be strongly related to the number of their aromatic rings, their molecular weight and structure.

Origin and phylogenetic distribution of Alu DNA repeats: irreversible events in the evolution of primates

Over the past 60 million years, or so, approximately one million copies of Alu DNA repeats have accumulated in the genome of primates, in what appears to be an ongoing process. We determined the phylogenetic distribution of specific Alu (and other) DNA repeats in the genome of several primates: human, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, baboon, rhesus, and macaque. At the population level studied, the majority of the repeats was found to be fixed in the primate species. Our data suggest that new Alu elements arise in unique, irreversible events, in a mechanism that seems to preclude precise excision and loss. The same insertions did not arise independently in two species. Once inserted and genetically fixed, the DNA elements are retained in all descendant lineages. The irreversible expansion of Alu s introduces a vector of time into the evolutionary process, and provides realistic (rather than statistical) answers to questions on phylogenies. In contrast to point mutations, the present distribution of individual Alu s is congruent with just one phylogeny. We submit that only irreversible and taxonomically relevant events are at the molecular basis of evolution. Most point mutations do not belong to this category.

Cleavage of structural components of mammalian vitreous by endogenous matrix metalloproteinase-2

Our goal was to determine if the major endogenous vitreous matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) could digest known collagenous components of the vitreous body. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and its associated inhibitors were isolated from porcine vitreous by affinity column chromatography. The inhibitors were inactivated by chemical modification with dithiothreitol and iodoacetamide. The latent MMP-2 was then activated with the organomercurial, p-aminophenyl mercuric acetate (APMA). Bovine vitreous fibrillar collagens (types II, V/XI and IX) were isolated by pepsin extraction and differential salt precipitation. Intact type IX collagen was purified by selective salt precipitation followed by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography. These isolated collagens were incubated for 6 to 24 h with different concentrations of activated MMP-2, and the extent of collagen degradation was analyzed. Activated MMP-2 was also introduced into freshly isolated vitreous gels and the degree of liquefaction was determined. Our results showed that the activated MMP-2 has no apparent effect upon type II collagen but can degrade type V/XI collagen and type IX collagen fragments (COL2 and COL2 + COL3). In addition, when the type IX collagen was in the intact helical form, MMP-2 appeared to selectively digest alpha 3 (IX) chains. This suggested that vitreous MMP-2 preferentially cleaved certain vitreous collagen chains into large fragments rather than small peptides. MMP-2 also disrupted the vitreous gel in vitro, releasing proteins but not hexuronic acid or sulfated glycosaminoglycans into the liquefied supernatant. We conclude that MMP-2 activity should be considered as a potential mechanism of vitreous liquefaction that is seen in aging and various pathological states.

Characterization of an endogenous metalloproteinase in human vitreous

The vitreous is a gel-like connective tissue that undergoes liquefaction during aging and pathological processes. We isolated and characterized a degradative enzyme from the vitreous of different species and identified it to be matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). This enzyme was found in a latent form and may be associated with endogenous inhibitors. Vitreous isolated from both non-diabetic and diabetic patients contained MMP-2 in the same concentrations. However, the diabetic samples had an additional gelatinase activity at 92 kDa which may be associated with a compromised vasculature. These results suggest that the normal human vitreous contains an endogenous MMP and the appearance of an additional activity is associated with pathologic conditions.