Isolation, purification and characterization of naturally derived Crocetin beta-d-glucosyl ester from Crocus sativus L. against breast cancer and its binding chemistry with ER-alpha/HDAC2

Saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.) is being used as a source of saffron spice and medicine to cure or prevent different types of diseases including cancers. We report the isolation, characterization of bioactive small molecule ([crocetin (β-d-glucosyl) ester] from the leaf biowastes of saffron plant of Kashmir, India. MTTC assay and Bio-autography aided approach were used to assess anti-oxidant activity and anti-cancer properties of crocin (s) against DPPH free radical and breast cancer cell line respectively. Crocetin beta-d-glucosyl ester restrained proliferation of human breast adeno-carcinoma cell model (MCF-7) without significantly affecting normal cell line (L-6). Further studies involving molecular mechanics generalized born surface area and molecular docking showed that crocetin beta-d-glucosyl ester exhibits strong affinity for estrogen receptor alpha and histone deacetylase 2 (crucial receptors involved in breast cancer signalling) as evidenced by the negative docking score and binding free energy (BFE) values. Therefore, crocetin beta-d-glucosyl ester from Crocus sativus biowastes showed antiproliferative effect possibly by inhibiting estrogen receptor alpha and HDAC2 mediated signalling cascade.

Phytochemical screening and GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds present in ethanolic leaves extract of Silybum marianum (L)

Objective: To investigate the phytochemicals and GC-MS analysis of ethanol extracts of Silybum marianum. Methods: The air-dried leaves were powdered and subjected to selective sequential extraction using solvents of increasing polarity through percolation, ethanol to obtain an ethanolic extract. Then, each of the extracts was further subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Qualitative determination of the different biologically active compounds from crude extracts of Silybum marianum using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed different types of high and low molecular weight chemical entities with varying amounts present in each of the extracts. These chemical compounds are considered biologically and pharmacologically important. Conclusions: The study established the chemical composition and anticancer activity of the plant. Keywords: Silybum marianum, Phytochemicals screening, GC–MS analysis, Bioactive compounds.

Serological evidence of exposure to zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Previous studies on tick-borne pathogens in the avian population have focused mainly on the detection of the agents in ticks collected from birds, but data about the presence of tick-borne bacteria in these animals are scant. The aim of the presented study was to verify the exposure to some zoonotic tick-borne bacteria, in particular, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, and the Rickettsia species of the Spotted Fever Group (SFG), in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) living in a central Italy area, characterized by conditions favourable for the diffusion of the ticks.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Blood serum samples from 276 farm-reared pheasants were examined by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test to detect antibodies against the 4 reported pathogens.

RESULTS

A total of 124 (44.92%) birds resulted as seropositive: in particular 3 (1.08%) to C. burnetii, 31 (11.23%) to A. phagocytophilum, 46 (16.67%) to B. burgdorferi s.l., 49 (17.75%) to SFG Rickettsia spp. antigens. Three pheasants resulted positive both to A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. antigens, whereas 2 - both to B. burgdorferi s.l. and SFG Rickettsia spp. antigens. The antibody titers varied from 1:40-1:320.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results show that the pheasants had developed antibodies to the investigated tick-borne agents. For this reason, they seem to be involved in the epidemiology of the studied tick-borne bacteria.

A scientist's guide for submitting data to ZFIN

The Zebrafish Model Organism Database (ZFIN; zfin.org) serves as the central repository for genetic and genomic data produced using zebrafish (Danio rerio). Data in ZFIN are either manually curated from peer-reviewed publications or submitted directly to ZFIN from various data repositories. Data types currently supported include mutants, transgenic lines, DNA constructs, gene expression, phenotypes, antibodies, morpholinos, TALENs, CRISPRs, disease models, movies, and images. The rapidly changing methods of genomic science have increased the production of data that cannot readily be represented in standard journal publications. These large data sets require web-based presentation. As the central repository for zebrafish research data, it has become increasingly important for ZFIN to provide the zebrafish research community with support for their data sets and guidance on what is required to submit these data to ZFIN. Regardless of their volume, all data that are submitted for inclusion in ZFIN must include a minimum set of information that describes the data. The aim of this chapter is to identify data types that fit into the current ZFIN database and explain how to provide those data in the optimal format for integration. We identify the required and optional data elements, define jargon, and present tools and templates that can help with the acquisition and organization of data as they are being prepared for submission to ZFIN. This information will also appear in the ZFIN wiki, where it will be updated as our services evolve over time.

Molecular survey on zoonotic tick-borne bacteria and chlamydiae in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the presence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) from urban areas.

METHODS

Spleen samples from 84 feral pigeons, found dead with traumatic injuries in urban areas, were examined by PCR to detect DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and Chlamydophila spp.

RESULTS

Twenty (23.8%) pigeons were infected by tick-borne agents, in particular 2 (2.38%) animals resulted positive for Bartonella spp., 5 (5.95%) for C. burnetii, 5 (5.95%) for Rickettsia spp., 13 (15.47%) for B. burgdorferi sensu lato. All birds scored negative for A. phagocytophilum. Moreover, 17 (20.23%) pigeons were positive for Chlamydophila spp. and among them 10 (11.9%) for Chlamydophila psittaci. Mixed infections by two or three agents were detected in 8 (9.52%) animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Feral pigeons living in urban and periurban areas are a hazard for the human health as source of several pathogens. The obtained results confirm pigeons as reservoirs of chlamydial agents and suggest that they may be involved in the epidemiology of zoonotic tick-borne infections too.

Antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus spp. isolated from laying hens of backyard poultry floks

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Enterococci belonging to human and animal gastrointestinal flora are widely-distributed in the environment. They are opportunistic bacteria that can cause severe infections, with the ability to acquire, express and transfer antimicrobial resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus spp. strains isolated from cloacal swabs of laying hens of small backyard flocks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Susceptibility to 21 antimicrobial agents was tested by the disc diffusion method in 115 Enterococcus spp. strains. Vancomycin and ampicillin minimum inhibitory concentrations and high-level aminoglycoside resistance tests were also performed.

RESULTS

Isolates showed resistance mainly to aminoglycosides, eritromycin, fluoroquinoles, tetracycline and nitrofurantoin. 19 (16.5%) isolates showed a high level of resistance to streptomycin, but no high level resistance to gentamycin. No significant resistance was detected for vancomycin. Several strains (45; 39.1%) showed combined resistance to macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B. 61 (53%) isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 6 (5.2%) strains as possibly extensively drug-resistant (XDR). E. faecium was the most prevalent antimicrobial resistant species, followed by E. faecalis and E. durans.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the risk of dissemination of antimicrobial resistant enterococci is related not only to the birds of large commercial flocks, but also to the birds of small backyard flocks. Thus, laying hens of hobby flocks, which share the outside environment with people, could represent a hazard for public health by providing a conduit for the entrance of resistance genes into the community.

[Studying the effect of heavy metals on tissue protein of an edible fish Cirrhinus mrigala under the influence of pH and water hardness]

The goal of the study was to investigate the influence of pH and water hardness on protein contents of muscle tissues of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. FT-IR spectra revealed significant differences in absorbance intensities between control and toxic metal-treated muscle tissues, reflecting a change in protein contents due to heavy metals, nickel and chromium, influence at different pH and water hardness. Metal toxicity is also more pronounced at pH 9.0 than in hard water.

Usutu virus, Italy, 1996

Retrospective analysis of archived tissue samples from bird deaths in the Tuscany region of Italy in 1996 identified Usutu virus. Partial sequencing confirmed identity with the 2001 Vienna strain and provided evidence for a much earlier introduction of this virus into Europe than previously assumed.

Molecular structure and vibrational spectra of 3-chloro-4-fluoro benzonitrile by ab initio HF and density functional method

In this work, the experimental and theoretical spectra of 3-chloro-4-fluoro benzonitrile (3C4FBN) were studied. The Fourier transform infrared and Fourier transform Raman spectra of 3C4FBN were recorded in the solid phase. The optimized geometry was calculated by HF and B3LYP methods with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The harmonic-vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities and Raman scattering activities of the title compound were performed at and HF/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theories. The scaled theoretical wave number showed very good agreement with the experimental values. The thermodynamic functions of the title compound was also performed at HF/6-31G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theories. A detailed interpretation of the infrared and Raman spectra of 3C4FBN was reported. The theoretical spectrograms for FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of the title molecule have been constructed.

Leptospira interrogans in the genital tract of sheep. Research on ewes and rams experimentally infected with serovar hardjo (hardjobovis)

To verify if Leptospira hardjo can colonize the male and female genital organs of sheep, 9 animals (6 non pregnant ewes and 3 mature rams) were infected with a strain of L. hardjobovis recently recovered from the kidneys of a seropositive ewe. Postinfection controls (bacteriologic, serologic, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy) failed to disclose the presence of leptospires in the uterus and oviducts, testicles, epididymis, prostate and bulbourethral glands of animals used for the experiment and slaughtered from 37 to 242 postinfection days. All animals showed a renal localization of L. hardjobovis lasting for the entire period of the study (over 8 months). These results emphasize the important role of sheep as maintenance hosts of the serovar.

Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in the kidneys and genital tracts of naturally infected sheep

A bacteriological study was carried out to identify possible renal and/or genital carriers of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo. L. hardjo was found at slaughter in the kidneys of three seropositive ewes, but not in uterus or salpinges of these animals.

No evidence of mutations in the genes for type I and type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) in nonclassical 3 beta HSD deficiency

Nonclassical 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4-isomerase deficiency (NC3 beta HSDD) has been diagnosed in hyperandrogenic women with an increasing frequency during the last 14 yr. Fifteen menarcheal women with androgen excess syndrome, diagnosed with NC3 beta HSDD previously were restudied, in 12 after discontinuation of glucocorticoid treatment, in 2 patients never treated with glucocorticoids, and in 1 both before and after glucocorticoid therapy. Each of the 15 patients underwent ACTH stimulation testing, in some cases on multiple occasions. Although some (very few) patients seem to have improved with time, others remained the same or got worse. Molecular DNA analysis was also performed in 6 of the patients, using the strategy successfully used to detect point mutations in the type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) gene, which are responsible for classical 3 beta HSD deficiency. This strategy consists of the direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified DNA fragments corresponding to the complete coding sequence and all intron-exon junctions and to the 5'- and 3'-noncoding region of this gene. We were unable to demonstrate any mutation of the type II 3 beta HSD gene in these 6 patients. To gain additional information about potential mutations, direct sequencing of the type I 3 beta HSD gene was also performed using this same strategy, and no mutations were found. The present study strongly suggests that unlike the salt-losing and nonsalt-losing forms of classical 3 beta HSD deficiency, NC3 beta HSDD is not due to a mutant type II 3 beta HSD enzyme. However, the possibility remains of a mutation(s) in the unsequenced regions of the type II 3 beta HSD gene or elsewhere, such as in a gene for modulatory protein, playing a specific role in the expression of the type II 3 beta HSD gene. On the other hand, knowing the multiple hormonal controls to which 3 beta HSD activity is subject, it cannot be excluded that at least in some cases, NC3 beta HSDD may be an acquired defect, the result of endogenous or environmental factors.

Effects of a tristearate-containing lipid and canola oil on plasma and tissue lipids in rats

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed semipurified diets containing 12% fat and 0.4% cholesterol for 4 wk. The fats were palm oil, a high-stearate fat and canola oil; each of the latter two fat sources was substituted for palm oil in 4% (w/w) increments (i.e, 4, 8 and 12%) thus yielding 3 stearate-containing, 3 canola-containing, and a 12% palm oil diet. Stearate-fed animals exhibited significantly decreased food efficiency ratios, plasma total cholesterol, and liver cholesterol whereas the substitution of canola for palm oil did not consistently alter these parameters. Liver fatty acids generally reflected the composition of the dietary fat sources with the exception of significantly higher arachidonate observed in the stearate-fed rats.

Nonclassical 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency: a review of our experience with 25 female patients

OBJECTIVE

To report 15 new menarcheal women affected with nonclassical 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (nonclassical 3 beta-HSD) and evaluation of glucocorticoid therapy in treated patients.

DESIGN

Diagnosis of these new patients using a standard adrenocorticotropin test. Effects of glucocorticoid therapy on clinical hormonal and sonographic features of each patient are appreciated for periods varying between 4 months and 7 1/2 years.

SETTING

All at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. The Pediatric Endocrinology Ambulatory Service; the Children's Clinical Research Center Core Laboratories; and the Department of Radiology.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen menarcheal women (14 to 30 years of age) newly diagnosed and 10 women previously diagnosed were evaluated for symptoms of hyperandrogenism and/or irregular menses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Positive effect of glucocorticoid therapy on signs and symptoms, hormonal levels, and ovarian imaging.

RESULTS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is noted in approximately half the cases. Glucocorticoid treatment greater than 3 months duration results in a reversal of symptoms in most cases.

Transient kinetics of thermodynamic buffering

The transient response of mitochondrial ATP production towards perturbations was studied by analyzing the trajectories leading from arbitrary initial conditions of the adenine nucleotide pool to the final steady state. These trajectories were calculated from differential equations based on linear relations between flows and thermodynamic forces of the adenylate kinase system including oxidative phosphorylation. The motion of the system along the trajectories consists of two phases: (1) a rapid phase leading from initial states to a common relaxation curve; and (2) a slow phase leading along the relaxation curve to the final steady state. The first phase corresponds to a motion close to the loci of constant adenylic energy charge. In line with this observation is the finding that the energy charge is a constant of motion of the adenylate kinase reaction. The second phase corresponds to a motion along a relaxation curve characterized by minimal Lyapunov exponents in the concentration space of the adenine nucleotides. Thus, both phases of the transient kinetics can be approximated in terms of thermodynamic functions to a high degree of precision. Incubations with isolated rat liver mitochondria were in excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. In summary, these studies show that the adenylate kinase system not only optimizes the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation through thermodynamic buffering but, in addition, also deeply influences the transient response of the whole system.