Diversidad bacteriana en el biocátodo reductor de Cr(VI) de una Celda de Combustible Microbiana con puente salino / Bacterial diversity in the Cr(VI) reducing biocathode of a Microbial Fuel Cell with salt bridge

Although Cr(VI)-reducing and/or tolerant microorganisms have been investigated, there is no detailed information on the composition of the microbial community of the biocathode microbial fuel cell for Cr(VI) reduction. In this investigation, the bacterial diversity of a biocathode was analyzed using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. It was found that most bacteria belonged to phylum Proteobacteria (78.8%), Firmicutes (7.9%), Actinobacteria (6.6%) and Bacteroidetes (5.5%), commonly present in environments contaminated with Cr(VI). The dominance of the genus Pseudomonas (34.87%), followed by the genera Stenotrophomonas (5.8%), Shinella (4%), Papillibacter (3.96%), Brevundimonas (3.91%), Pseu-dochrobactrum (3.54%), Ochrobactrum (3.49%), Hydrogenophaga (2.88%), Rhodococcus (2.88%), Fluviicola (2.35%), and Alcaligenes (2.3%), was found. It is emphasized that some genera have not previously been associated with Cr(VI) reduction. This biocathode from waters contaminated with tannery effluents was able to remove Cr(VI) (97.83%) in the cathodic chamber. Additionally, through use of anaerobic sludge in the anodic chamber, the removal of 76.6% of organic matter (glucose) from synthetic waste water was achieved. In this study, an efficient biocathode for the reduction of Cr(VI) with future use in bioremediation, was characterized.

Aunque se ha investigado sobre los microorganismos reductores y/o tolerantes de Cr(VI), no hay información detallada sobre la composición de la comunidad microbiana del cátodo de una Celda de Combustible Microbiana para la reducción de Cr(VI). En esta investigación se analizó la diversidad bacteriana de un biocátodo usando pirosecuenciación 454 del gen 16S rRNA. Se encontró que la mayoría de las bacterias pertenecieron a los filos Proteobac-teria (78,8%), Firmicutes (7,9%), Actinobacteria (6,6%) y Bacteroidetes (5,5%), comúnmente presentes en ambientes contaminados con Cr(VI). Se encontró como género dominante a Pseudomonas (34,87%), seguido por los géneros Stenotrophomonas (5,8%), Shinella (4%), Papil-libacter (3,96%), Brevundimonas (3,91%), Pseudochrobactrum (3,54%), Ochrobactrum (3,49%), Hydrogenophaga (2,88%), Rhodococcus (2,88%), Fluviicola (2,35%) y Alcaligenes (2,3%). Se destaca que algunos géneros no han sido previamente asociados con la reducción de Cr(VI). Este biocátodo procedente de aguas contaminadas con efluentes de curtiembres fue capaz de remover Cr(VI) (97,83%) en la cámara catódica. Adicionalmente, a través del uso de lodo anaeróbico en la cámara anódica, se logró la remoción del 76,6% de materia orgánica (glucosa) a partir de agua residual sintética. En este estudio se caracterizó un eficiente biocátodo para la reducción de Cr(VI) con futuro uso en biorremediación.

Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI): Proposed Terminology and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Idiopathic Male Infertility

Despite advances in the field of male reproductive health, idiopathic male infertility, in which a man has altered semen characteristics without an identifiable cause and there is no female factor infertility, remains a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) plays an independent role in the etiology of male infertility, with 30% to 80% of infertile men having elevated seminal reactive oxygen species levels. OS can negatively affect fertility via a number of pathways, including interference with capacitation and possible damage to sperm membrane and DNA, which may impair the sperm's potential to fertilize an egg and develop into a healthy embryo. Adequate evaluation of male reproductive potential should therefore include an assessment of sperm OS. We propose the term Male Oxidative Stress Infertility, or MOSI, as a novel descriptor for infertile men with abnormal semen characteristics and OS, including many patients who were previously classified as having idiopathic male infertility. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) can be a useful clinical biomarker for the classification of MOSI, as it takes into account the levels of both oxidants and reductants (antioxidants). Current treatment protocols for OS, including the use of antioxidants, are not evidence-based and have the potential for complications and increased healthcare-related expenditures. Utilizing an easy, reproducible, and cost-effective test to measure ORP may provide a more targeted, reliable approach for administering antioxidant therapy while minimizing the risk of antioxidant overdose. With the increasing awareness and understanding of MOSI as a distinct male infertility diagnosis, future research endeavors can facilitate the development of evidence-based treatments that target its underlying cause.

Stress-reducing and anesthetic effects of the essential oils of Aloysia triphylla and Lippia alba on Serrasalmus eigenmanni (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae)

Anesthetic effect of Aloysia triphylla and Lippia alba essential oils (EOs) in the Amazonian fish Serrasalmus eigenmanni was evaluated. The fish were placed in aquaria containing A. triphylla or L. alba EOs (25 to 200 µL L-1). Then, fish were transferred to aquaria containing EO-free water to evaluate their recovery time. In another experiment, fish were transferred to aquaria containing A. triphylla or L. alba EOs (3 to 10 µL L-1) and swimming behavior was analyzed for up to 240 min of exposure. Water samples were collected at 0 and 240 min and blood samples were collected at 240 min. Tested concentrations induced all stages of anesthesia, except 25 µL L-1 A. triphylla EO and 50 µL L-1 L. alba EO, which only induced sedation. Prolonged exposure to both EOs reduced swimming time compared to the control at all evaluated times. The fish exposed to 3 µL L-1 A. triphylla EO showed a lower net K+ efflux compared to ethanol-exposed fish; in those exposed to 5 µL L-1, ammonia excretion was reduced. The blood parameters did not show significant differences between treatments. In conclusion, both EOs can be used as anesthetics and sedatives for transport of S. eigenmanni.(AU)

Avaliou-se o efeito anestésico dos óleos essenciais de Aloysia triphylla e de Lippia alba no peixe amazônico Serrasalmus eigenmanni. Os peixes foram colocados em aquários contendo OEs de A. triphylla ou L. alba (25 a 200 µL L-1). Após, foram transferidos para aquários com água sem anestésicos para avaliar o tempo de recuperação. Em outro experimento, peixes foram transferidos para aquários contendo OEs de A. triphylla ou L. alba (3 a 10 µL L-1) e o comportamento natatório foi analisado até 240 min de exposição. Foram coletadas amostras de água em 0 e 240 min e de sangue em 240 min. As concentrações testadas induziram todos estágios de anestesia, exceto 25 µL L-1 OE de A. triphylla e 50 µL L-1 OE de L. alba, que causaram somente sedação. Exposição prolongada a ambos OEs reduziu o tempo de natação comparado ao controle. Peixes expostos a 3 µL L-1 OE de A. triphylla apresentaram menor efluxo de K+ comparado aos expostos ao etanol e nos expostos a 5 µL L-1 a excreção de amônia reduziu. Parâmetros sanguíneos não diferiram entre tratamentos. Conclui-se que ambos OEs podem ser utilizados como anestésicos e no transporte de S. eigenmanni.(AU)

Autonomia e reinserção social: percepção de familiares e profissionais que trabalham com redução de danos / Autonomy and social reintegration: perception of families and professionals who work with harm reduction / Autonomía y reinserción social: percepción de familiares y profesionales que trabajan con reducción del danõ

Objetivo: Identificar a percepção de familiares de dependentes de álcool e outras drogas e profissionais da área da saúde sobre as concepções de autonomia e reinserção social que embasam a abordagem redução de danos. Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo, realizado com 21 participantes 11 familiares e 10 profissionais recrutados em CAPS sediados no Sul do Brasil. Os dados, coletados entre junho/2013 e maio/2014, utilizando entrevistas semiestruturadas, foram submetidos à análise temática. Resultados: Para os familiares a concepção de autonomia comporta uma dualidade: um grupo a associa com instabilidade nos relacionamentos, prejuízos no trabalho e insegurança pelo fato de a pessoa manter contato com ambientes de comercialização de drogas; outro grupo a considera uma estratégia que ajuda a pessoa dependente a aceitar o tratamento, controlar a ingesta e amenizar os sintomas da abstinência. Para os profissionais, é uma estratégia que estimula a pessoa a refletir sobre sua relação com a(s) droga(s) e tomar suas decisões. A reinserção social é considerada promissora pelos profissionais e pelas famílias, pois favorece a substituição do grupo anterior de convivência e a integração em atividades ocupacionais. Conclusão: A autonomia e a reinserção social são, sem dúvida, conceitos importantes para o trabalho com dependentes químicos, mas desde que envolva a família e uma rede de apoio social. [AU]

Objective: Identify the perception of family's dependent on alcohol and other drugs and health professionals about the concepts of autonomy and social reintegration that supports harm-reduction approach. Methodology: Qualitative study, performed with 21 11 10 professionals and family participants recruited in CAPS located in the South of Brazil. The data, collected between June 2013 and may/2014, using semi-structured interviews, were subjected to analysis. Results: For family members of autonomy involves a duality: a group associated with instability in relationships, job losses and insecurity because the person keep in touch with the marketing environments of drugs; another group to consider a strategy that helps a person dependent on accepting the treatment, control food intake and alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal. For professionals, it is a strategy that encourages the person to reflect on your relationship with (s) drug (s) and make their decisions. Social reintegration is considered promising by the professionals and families, because it favors the replacement of the previous group of coexistence and integration in occupational activities. Conclusion: Autonomy and social reintegration are undoubtedly important concepts for working with drug addicts, but since that involves family and a social support network. [AU]

Objetivo: Identificar la percepción de familiares de dependientes de alcohol y otras drogas y profesionales del área de la salud sobre las concepciones de autonomía y reinserción social que basan el abordaje de la reducción del daño. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, realizado con 21 participantes: 11 familiares y 10 profesionales reclutados en CAPS (Colegios de Aplicaciones Pedagógicas) ubicados en el Sur de Brasil. Los datos, recolectados entre junio/2013 y mayo/2014, utilizando entrevistas semiestructuradas, fueron sometidos al análisis temático. Resultados: Para los familiares la concepción de autonomía comporta una dualidad: un grupo la asocia con inestabilidad en las relaciones, perjuicios en el trabajo e inseguridad por el hecho de que la persona mantiene contacto con ambientes de comercialización de drogas; otro grupo la considera una estrategia que ayuda a la persona dependiente a aceptar el tratamiento, controlar la ingesta y amenizar los síntomas de la abstinencia. Para los profesionales, es una estrategia que estimula a la persona a reflexionar sobre su relación con la(s) droga(s) y a tomar sus decisiones. La reinserción social es considerada esperanzadora por los profesionales y las familias, pues favorece la sustitución del grupo anterior de convivencia y la integración en actividades ocupacionales. Conclusión: La autonomía y reinserción social son, sin duda, conceptos importantes para el trabajo con dependientes químicos, desde que involucre a la familia y una red de apoyo social. [AU]

Género y trayectorias profesionales de las médicas de familia en Andalucía, España, a comienzos del siglo XXI / Gender and career paths of female primary care physicians in Andalusia, Spain, at the beginning of 21st century

El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar, desde una perspectiva feminista, la diversidad y homogeneidad en las trayectorias profesionales de las médicas de familia que ejercían en Andalucía a comienzos del siglo XXI, a través del análisis de los significados que ellas mismas confieren a su desarrollo profesional y de la influencia de los factores personales, familiares y laborales. Realizamos un estudio cualitativo con seis grupos de discusión. Participaron 32 médicas de familia que se encontraban trabajando en los centros de salud urbanos de la red sanitaria pública de Andalucía. El análisis del discurso revela que la mayoría de las médicas no planifican sus metas profesionales y que, cuando lo hacen, las van entrelazando con las necesidades familiares. Esto se traduce en que sus trayectorias profesionales sean discontinuas. Por el contrario, las trayectorias orientadas al desarrollo profesional y a la planificación consciente de metas son más frecuentes entre las médicas que ocupan cargos de dirección en centros de salud.

The purpose of this article was to study, from a feminist perspective, the diversity and homogeneity in the career paths of female primary care physicians from Andalusia, Spain in the early 21st century, by analyzing the meanings they give to their careers and the influence of personal, family and professional factors. We conducted a qualitative study with six discussion groups. Thirty-two female primary care physicians working in urban health centers of the public health system of Andalusia participated in the study. The discourse analysis revealed that most of the female physicians did not plan for professional goals and, when they did plan for them, the goals were intertwined with family needs. Consequently, their career paths were discontinuous. In contrast, career paths oriented towards professional development and the conscious planning of goals were more common among the female doctors acting as directors of health care centers.

Compositional studies and Biological activities of Perovskia abrotanoides Kar. oils

BACKGROUND: Current study has been designed to evaluate the chemical composition of essential and fixed oils from stem and leaves of Perovskia abrotanoides and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these oils. RESULTS: GC-MS analysis of essential oil identified 19 compounds with (E)-9-dodecenal being the major component in stem and hexadecanoic acid in leaves. In contrast, GC-MS analysis of fixed oil showed 40 constituents with α-amyrin the major component in stem and α-copaene in leaves. The antioxidant activity showed the highest value of 76.7% in essential oil from leaves in comparison with fixed oil from stem (45.9%) through inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system. The antimicrobial assay tested on different microorganisms (e.g. E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, Nitrospira, S. epidermis, A. niger, A. flavus and C. albicans) showed the higher inhibition zone at essential oil from leaves (15.2 mm on B. cereus) as compared to fixed oil from stem (8.34 mm onS. aureus) and leaves (11.2 mm on S. aureus). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed the fact that essential oil analyzed from Perovskia abrotanoides stem and leaves could be a promising source of natural products with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as compared to fixed oil.

Compositional studies and biological activities of some mash bean (Vigna mungo (L) Hepper) cultivars commonly consumed in Pakistan

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the desire to adopt a healthy diet has drawn attention to legume seeds and food products derived from them. Mash bean is an important legume crop used in Pakistan however a systematic mapping of the chemical composition of mash bean seeds is lacking. Therefore seeds of four mash bean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper, family Leguminoseae) cultivars (NARC-Mash-1, NARC-Mash-2, NARC-Mash-3, NARC-Mash-97) commonly consumed in Pakistan have been analyzed for their chemical composition, antioxidant potential and biological activities like inhibition of formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) activity and tyrosinase inhibition activity. RESULTS: The investigated cultivars varied in terms of biochemical composition to various extents. Mineral composition indicated potassium and zinc in highest and lowest amounts respectively, in all cultivars. The amino acid profile in protein of these cultivars suggested cysteine is present in lowest quantity in all cultivars while fatty acid distribution pattern indicated unsaturated fatty acids as major fatty acids in all cultivars. All cultivars were found to be rich source of tocopherols and sterols. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) fingerprints of seed flour and extracts indicated major functional groups such as polysaccharides, lipids, amides, amines and amino acids. Results indicated that all investigated cultivars possessed appreciable antioxidant potential. CONCLUSIONS: All cultivars are rich source of protein and possess sufficient content of dietary fiber, a balanced amino acid profile, low saturated fatty acids and antioxidant capacity that rationalizes many traditional uses of seeds of this crop besides its nutritional importance. The collected data will be useful for academic and corporate researchers, nutritionists and clinical dieticians as well as consumers. If proper attention is paid, it may become an important export commodity and may fetch considerable foreign exchange for Pakistan.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, toxicity and analgesic properties of ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root

BACKGROUND: This study was subjected to investigate different pharmacological properties of ethanol extract ofSolena amplexicaulis root. RESULTS: The extract contains flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin and steroid compounds. The extract exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extract also showed potent activity in brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The LC50 value was found to 44.677 µg/ml. The extract showed better anti-bacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. In antifungal assay, the maximum 79.31% of anti-mycotic activity was observed against Aspergillus ochraceus while minimum 44.2% against Rhizopus oryzae. MIC value ranged between 1500 - 3000 µg/ml. The extract was found moderately toxic with a 24-hr LD50 value of 81.47 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice. The degree of inhibition by the ethanolic extract of the root was found less than that of standard analgesic drug diclofenac sodium. The extract also showed moderate anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity and anti-diabetic property. Reducing power of the extract was comparable with standard ascorbic acid. Moderate in vitro thrombolytic activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition property, metal chelating ability and stress-protective activity was also observed. CONCLUSION: Ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root can be valuable for treatment of different diseases.

Assessment of the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of a bloom forming microalgae Euglena tuba

BACKGROUND: Unstable generation of free radicals in the body are responsible for many degenerative diseases. A bloom forming algae Euglena tuba growing abundantly in the aquatic habitats of Cachar district in the state of Assam in North-East India was analysed for its phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity as well as free radical scavenging potentials. RESULTS: Based on the ability of the extract in ABTS•+ radical cation inhibition and Fe3+ reducing power, the obtained results revealed the prominent antioxidant activity of the algae, with high correlation coefficient of its TEAC values to the respective phenolic and flavonoid contents. The extract had shown its scavenging activity for different free radicals and 41.89 ± 0.41 µg/ml, 5.83 ± 0.07 µg/ml, 278.46 ± 15.02 µg/ml and 223.25 ± 4.19 µg/ml were determined as the IC50 values for hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide and hypochlorous acid respectively, which are lower than that of the corresponding reference standards. The phytochemical analysis also revealed that the phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and carbohydrates are present in adequate amount in the extract which was confirmed by HPLC analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that 70% methanol extract of the algae possesses excellent antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.

Green process for indigo dyeing: effect and modeling of physico-chemical parameters using statistical analysis

Textile Industries use different chemicals in indigo dyeing processes. Interest in eco-friendly processing in the textile industry has recently increased because of a larger awareness of environmental issues. For the case of indigo dyeing process, the reducing agent conventionally used is the - environmentally unfavourable - sodium dithionite, which will be replaced in this study with an ecological reducing agent called acetol that is also known as hydroxyacetone. In this paper, measurements of the redox potential at various experimental conditions were carried out in a dyeing bath, where acetol is the reducing agent of indigo. Moreover, an unconventional but eco-friendly indigo dyeing process of cotton was investigated. The effects of: reduction duration, dyeing duration, reduction temperature, alkalinity and the amount of indigo on the performances of this dyeing process were studied, and the dyeing results were evaluated by measuring the colour yield parameter [K/S] of the dyed samples at 660 nm. Finally, a factorial design was employed for the experimental plan; mathematical model equation and statistical analysis were derived by computer simulation applying the least squares method using Minitab 15

Studies on In Vivo Function of Peroxiredoxins in Knockout Mice / 한양의대학술지

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a family of antioxidant proteins that reduce peroxide levels by using reducing agents such as thioredoxin. These proteins were characterized to have a number of cellular functions, including cell proliferation and differentiation and protection of specific proteins from oxidative damage. Thus, it is important to clarify the physiological role of Prxs by generating mouse models deficient in each Prx to better understand the in vivo function of Prxs. We have generated and characterized mice deficient in Prx I and II that are abundantly expressed in almost all types of cells. The Prx II-/- mice were healthy in appearance and fertile, however showed several pathophysiological disorders. Using the mice, we found that Prx II is an essential antioxidant enzyme that prevents oxidative stress in erythropoiesis, protects against endotoxin-induced lethal shock, regulates platelet-derived growth factor signaling and angiogenesis, inhibits cellular senescence, preserves cognitive function against age-linked hippocampal oxidative damage and exacerbates tumorigenesis in a liver cancer mouse model. The Prx I-/- mice were also healthy in appearance and fertile like Prx II-/- mice. With the mice, we found that Prx I suppresses K-ras-driven lung tumorigenesis by opposing the redox-sensitive extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/cyclin D1 pathway and plays concerted action with sulfiredoxin in preventing against alcohol-induced oxidative injury in the mouse liver. The results obtained suggest that Prx I and II are essential antioxidant enzymes for maintaining redox homeostasis in mice.

Do blood components affect the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by equine synovial cells in vitro? / Os componentes do sangue afetam a produção de (ERO) pelas células sinoviais de equinos in vitro?

Blood-derived products are commonly administered to horses and humans to treat many musculoskeletal diseases, due to their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, antioxidant effects have never been shown upon horse synovial fluid cells in vitro. If proved, this could give a new perspective to justify the clinical application of blood-derived products. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of two blood-derived products - plasma (unconditioned blood product - UBP) and a commercial blood preparation (conditioned blood product - CBP)¹ - upon stimulated equine synovial fluid cells. Healthy tarsocrural joints (60) were tapped to obtain synovial fluid cells; these cells were pooled, processed, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and evaluated by flow cytometry for the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Upon addition of any blood-derived product here used - UBP and CBP - there was a significant decrease in the oxidative burst of synovial fluid cells (P<0.05). There was no difference between UBP and CBP effects. In conclusion, treatment of stimulated equine synovial cells with either UBP or CBP efficiently restored their redox equilibrium.

Produtos derivados do sangue são comumente usados, tanto no homem como em cavalos, para tratar diversas doenças musculoesqueléticas, principalmente devido a seus efeitos antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórios. Contudo, efeitos antioxidantes nunca foram demonstrados em células de líquido sinovial in vitro. Caso esses efeitos sejam efetivamente demonstrados, uma nova perspectiva para justificar a aplicação clínica desses produtos poderia surgir. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos antioxidantes de dois produtos derivados de sangue - plasma (produto de sangue não condicionado - UBP) e uma preparação comercial de sangue (produto de sangue condicionado - CBP)¹ - sobre células estimuladas extraídas do líquido sinovial de equinos. Articulações tibiotársicas saudáveis (60) foram puncionadas para a obtenção de células de líquido sinovial; essas células foram concentradas, processadas, estimuladas com lipopolissacarídeos (LPS) ou forbol 12-miristato 13-acetato (PMA), e avaliadas por citometria de fluxo quanto à produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS). Após a adição de ambos os produtos derivados do sangue - UBP ou CBP - ocorreu uma significativa queda no burst oxidativo em células do líquido sinovial (P<0,05). Não houve diferença entre os efeitos de UBP e CBP. Em conclusão, tratamento de células estimuladas do líquido sinovial de equinos com UBP ou CBP restaurou eficientemente o equilíbrio redox das células.

Increasing reductant NADPH content via metabolic engineering of PHB synthesis pathway in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 / 生物工程学报

Cyanobacteria have become attractive hosts for renewable chemicals production. The low productivity, however, prevents it from industrial application. Reductant NAD(P)H availability is a chief hurdle for the production of reductive metabolites in microbes. To increase NADPH content in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, PHB synthase encoding gene phaC and phaE in Synechocystis was inactivated by replacing phaC&E genes with chloromycetin resistance cassette via homologous recombination. PCR analysis showed that mutant S.delta phaC&E with complete genome segregation was generated. The comparison between growth curves of S.wt and S.delta phaC&E indicated the knockout of phaC & phaE genes did not affect obviously the cell growth. Gas chromatography analysis showed that the accumulation of PHB in wild type was about 2.3% of the dry cell weight, whereas no PHB was detected in the mutant S.delta phaC&E. The data indicated that inactivation of PHB synthase gene phaC and phaE interrupted the synthesis of PHB. Further comparative study of wild type and mutant demonstrated that NADPH content in S.delta phaC&E was obviously increased. On the third day, the NADPH content in S.delta phaC&E was up to 1.85 fold higher than that in wild type. These results indicated that deleting PHB synthase gene phaC and phaE not only can block the synthesis of PHB, but also can save NADPH to contribute reductant sink in cyanobacteria. Hence, the engineered cyanobacterial strain S.delta phaC&E, in which carbon flux was redirected and NADPH was increased, will be a potential host strain for chemicals production in cyanobacteria.

Recovery of silver residues from dental amalgam

Dental amalgam residues are probably the most important chemical residues generated from clinical dental practice because of the presence of heavy metals among its constituents, mainly mercury and silver. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop an alternative method for the recovery of silver residues from dental amalgam. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The residue generated after vacuum distillation of dental amalgam for the separation of mercury was initially diluted with 32.5 percent HNO3, followed by precipitation with 20 percent NaCl. Sequentially, under constant heating and agitation with NaOH and sucrose, the sample was reduced to metallic silver. However, the processing time was too long, which turned this procedure not viable. In another sequence of experiments, the dilution was accomplished with concentrated HNO3 at 90ºC, followed by precipitation with 20 percent NaCl. After washing, the pellet was diluted with concentrated NH4OH, water and more NaCl in order to facilitate the reaction with the reducer. RESULTS: Ascorbic acid was efficiently used as reducer, allowing a fast reduction, thus making the procedure viable. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methodology is of easy application and does not require sophisticated equipment or expensive reagents.

Frecuencia y factores de riesgo asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad en universitarios de Colima, México / The frequency of risk factors associated with obesity and being overweight in university students from Colima, Mexico

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia y factores de riesgo para sobrepeso y obesidad en jóvenes universitarios. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en 821 alumnos inscritos de la Universidad de Colima. Entre las variables analizadas se encuentran: edad, género, alcoholismo, tabaquismo y utilización de medicamentos o sustancias para control de peso. Resultados Se estudiaron 821 alumnos (380 hombres y 441 mujeres) con una edad promedio de 20,9±2,5 años. Las frecuencias de sobrepeso y obesidad en hombres fueron de 27,8 por ciento y 14,7 por ciento y en mujeres de 17 por ciento y 5,2 por ciento. En hombres el tabaquismo (OR 2,1, IC 95 por ciento 1,4-3,8;p=0,01) y etilismo (OR 2,1, IC 95 por ciento 1,2-3,6;p=0,003), estuvieron asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad. Fueron factores protectores en ambos géneros el uso de sustancias para control de peso (OR 0,4, IC 95 por ciento 0,2-0,8;p=0,01); mientras que el control dietético fue un factor protector sólo en las mujeres (OR 2,2, IC 95 por ciento 1,1- 3,4;p=0,01). Conclusiones En estudiantes universitarios, el 31,6 por ciento presentó sobrepeso y obesidad. En hombres, el tabaquismo y etilismo se asociaron a sobrepeso y obesidad. El uso de sustancias para bajar de peso y control dietético fueron factores protectores.

Objective Determining risk factor frequency regarding obesity and being overweight in university students. Methods A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out on 821 students from the University of Colima. Some variables analysed were age, gender, alcoholism, smoking and weight-control drug use. Results 821 students were included (380 male, 441 female), 20.9±2.5 average age. 27.8 percent of males were overweight and 14.7 percent suffered from obesity; this was 17 percent and 5.2 percent in females, respectively. Smoking (2.1 OR; 1.4-3.8 95 percent CI; p=0.01) and alcoholism (2.1 OR; 1.2-3.6 95 percent CI; p=0.003) were associated with being overweight and being obese. Weight-control drug use was a protective factor in both genders (0.4 OR; 0.2-0.8 95 percent CI; p=0.01); diet control was only a protective factor in women (2.2. OR; 1.1-3.4 95 percent CI; p=0.01). Conclusions 31.6 percent of university students were overweight and suffered from obesity. Smoking and alcoholism in males were associated with being overweight and suffering from obesity. Weight-control and diet-control drug use were protective factors.

Recent advances in the study of bioreductive drugs targeted tumor hypoxia / 药学学报

Tumor hypoxia is the necessary process in the development of solid tumors, which is the key factor for drug resistance, recurrence, attack and shift of tumor. Hypoxic tumor cells have a certain extent of tolerance to radiation and chemotherapy. Tumor hypoxia is an important target for medication therapy. In the recent years, the bioreductive drugs targeted tumor hypoxia has made great process in the treatment of tumors. The latest advances of bioreductive drugs targeted hypoxia were reviewed in this paper.

Effects of oxidizing and reducing agents on ovine pulmonary artery responses to nitric oxide donors, sodium nitroprusside and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine.

Nitrovasodilators-sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10(-9)-10(-4) M) and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1; 10(-9)-10(-4) M) produced concentration-dependent relaxation of the fourth generation sheep pulmonary artery, preconstricted with 5-hydroxytryptamine (1 microM). Oxidizing agents [oxidized glutathione (GSSG, 1 mM) and CuSO4 (5 and 20 microM)] and reducing agents [dithiothreitol (DTT, 0.1 mM), ascorbic acid (1 mM) and reduced glutathione (GSH, 1 mM)] caused opposite effects on nitric oxide (NO)-induced vasodilation in the artery. Ascorbic acid and GSH potentiated the NO responses, while GSSG and CuSO4 inhibited relaxation caused by the nitrovasodilators. DTT, however, reduced the relaxant potency and efficacy of SNP and SIN-1. Pretreatment of the pulmonary artery strips with DTT (0.1 mM) inhibited SNP (10 microM)-induced Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, while ascorbic acid (1 mM) and GSH (1 mM) had no effect either on basal or SNP (10 microM)-stimulated 86Rb uptake, an index of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, in ovine pulmonary artery. The results suggest that reducing agents like ascorbic acid may have beneficial effect in improving the vascular function under oxidative stress.

Factors affecting chemistry of reduction-mediated 99mTc-labelling of monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal human immunoglobulins.

In developing a new method for preparing a radiopharmaceutical for clinical investigation, a thorough understanding of reaction stoichiometry is crucial in optimizing the labelling chemistry. Factors determining labelling efficiency of the 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME)-mediated 99mTc-labelling of antibody molecules were elucidated using anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies of different IgG subclasses (i.e. IOR-CEA(IgG1), M170(IgG1), 3F8(IgG3) and EMD (IgG2a)) and polyclonal human immunoglobulins (Sandoglobulin). Antibodies which were sensitive to 2-ME reduction (i.e. required 500-1000 molar excess of 2-ME) could tag 99mTc with high efficiency since they possessed abundant reactive sites (i.e. sulfydryl groups) for 99mTc binding. Reduction sensitivity of antibodies was unlikely to be affected by IgG subclass and could be rated as follows: Sandoglobulin > IOR-CEA > 3F8 > M170 > EMD. Concentrations of the reduced antibodies for effective labelling appeared to be related to the reduction sensitivity, i.e. 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/ml were required for labelling of IOR-CEA, 3F8 and M170 respectively. In addition, susceptibility to 2-ME reduction seemed to reflect the rate of antibody labelling. For 2-ME resistant molecules, i.e. M170 and EMD, successful labelling could be achieved by using a slow 99mTc reducing agent such as SnCl2 instead of SnF2 which reacted more rapidly. Since 2-ME generates reactive sulfhydryl groups that are distal to antigen binding sites, the immunoreactivity of the modified antibody was not affected by the effect of reduction.

Methemoglobinemia in aluminium phosphide poisoning in rats.

Aluminium phosphide (AlP) a grain fumigant is the leading cause of intentional poisoning in North India. The mechanisms involved in toxicity are not known and there is no antidote till date. The present study was carried out to investigate the oxygen free radical generation, methemoglobinemia and effect of methylene blue treatment on survival time in rat model of AlP poisoning. AlP (50 mg/kg, intragastric) was administered in one group and the other group received AlP + Methylene Blue (MB) (0.1%, 1 mg/kg/5 min, i.v.). Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and methemoglobin (MeHb) levels were measured at 10 and 30 min intervals. Blood MDA levels increased at 10 and 30 min after AlP exposure with simultaneous rise in MeHb levels suggesting methemoglobinemia could be due to increased oxygen free radical generation. Methylene blue caused a significant fall in both the parameters with prolongation of survival time. It is concluded that AlP causes methemoglobinemia responding to methylene blue treatment.

Sulfhydryl modification affects coronary artery tension by changing activity of delayed rectifier K+ current

It has been reported that a change in the cellular redox state may be involved in the regulation of vascular tone, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The present study was designed to investigate the cellular effect of sulfhydryl modifying agents in the coronary artery of rabbit using the tension measurement and whole cell clamping method. The application of diamide, a sulfhydryl oxidizing agent, relaxed the endothelium denuded coronary arteries in a dose dependent manner. The fact that this diamide-induced relaxation was significantly attenuated by a pretreatment of 4-AP, and the coronary arteries precontracted with 100 mM K+ instead of histamine, suggests the involvement of 4-AP sensitive K+ channels in the diamide-induced relaxation of coronary arteries. Whole cell patch clamp studies revealed that the 4-AP sensitive IdK was significantly enhanced by the membrane permeant oxidizing agents, diamide and DTDP, and were reversed by subsequent exposure to the reducing agent, DTT. Neither the membrane impermeant oxidizing or reducing agents, GSSG or GSH, had any effect on the activity of IdK, indicating that intracellular sulfhydryl modification is critical for modulating IdK activity. The Diamide failed to significantly alter the voltage dependence of the activation and inactivation parameters, and did not change the inactivation process, suggesting that diamide increases the number of functional channels without altering their gating properties. Since IdK has been believed to play an important role in regulating membrane potential and arterial tone, our results about the effect of sulfhydryl modifying agents on coronary arterial tone and IdK activity should help understand the pathophysiology of the diseases, where oxidative damage has been implicated.