Using Photoconvertible and Extractable Fluorescent Proteins to Study Autophagy in Plants.

Several methodologies have been employed to understand the kinetics of induced autophagic degradation in plants, but most of them are not capable of distinguishing the autophagic cargo proteins before and after induction of autophagy in cells. Here, we designed a mass photoconverter that allowed us to simultaneously monitor protein synthesis and degradation in tobacco BY-2 cells using a photoconvertible fluorescence marker protein, Kikume Green Red (KikGR). An example of a new protocol for the analysis of autophagy progression using a fusion protein of cytochrome b5 and KikGR under phosphate starvation is described. The other example described is the analysis of the proliferation of Golgi apparatus in tobacco BY-2 cells using the fusion protein of a prolyl 4-hydroxylase NtP4H1.1 and monomeric KikGR. A detailed protocol on key analysis, as well as tips and notes for experiments using KikGR proteins, are described.

Curcumin and hydroxamate-derivative (PCI-34058) interfere with histone deacetylase I catalytic core Asp-His charge relay system: atomistic simulation studies.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are representative targets for the natural and synthetic chemicals used to transform cells to confer antitumor properties. In the current study, curcumin and hydroxamate-derivative PCI-34058-bound HDAC1 were subjected to atomistic simulation. The results support the view that fitting of curcumin and PCI-34058 within the HDAC1 pocket depends on extensive interactions between the aromatic moieties of the inhibitors and the extensive network of aromatic amino acid side chains lining the pocket of HDAC1. The interaction forces a local perturbation of the coiled structures connecting the pocket residues resulting in ligand-induced tightening of the pocket. In addition to the competitive occupancy of the histone-acetyl-lysine binding pocket by the inhibitors, interference with the in-pocket aspartate-histidine (ASP-HIS) charge relay system was also observed in inhibitor-bound HDAC1 systems. In conclusion, curcumin and PCI-34058-mediated ligand-dependent HDAC1 tunnel closure interferes negatively with the ASP-HIS charge relay system in HDAC1. Future design of HDAC inhibitors may benefit from optimizing competitive interaction with the ligand site and interference with the charge relay system.

Awareness and practice of safety precautions among healthcare workers in the laboratories of two public health facilities in Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of awareness and practice of SP among laboratory workers at two tertiary public health facilities in Nigeria. METHODS: A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the awareness, attitude and adherence to SP among laboratory workers. Information on the availability of safety equipment was also sought. The laboratory safety practice of respondents was assessed based on self-reported observance of basic principles of universal precautions in clinical settings. RESULTS: Study participants were 130, mean age: 28.2 years (SD±6.6), number of years in hospital employment: 3.7 years (SD±2.4) and the male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Many (41.5%) were unaware and 25.4% do not observe SP. Participants attest to availability of various safety devices and equipment including hand gloves (86.2%), disinfectants (84.6%), HBV immunisation (46.2%) and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV and HBV (79.6%). Attitude to safety is unsatisfactory as 60.0% eat and drink in the laboratory, 50.8% recap needles and 56.9% use sharps box. Even though 83.1% are willing to take PEP, only 1.5% will present self following laboratory injury. CONCLUSION: This study shows the deficit in the awareness of SP among laboratory personnel and demonstrates that attitude and practice of safety rules are unsatisfactory. Training and re-training on SP is therefore desired. Counselling to induce a positive attitudinal change on HBV immunisation and PEP is similarly necessary.

Rectovaginal fistula following sexual intercourse: a case report.

Female genital fistula is an important feature of the developing countries gynecology. Most of the rectovaginal fistulae encountered in the tropics are due to obstetrics causes and genital malignancies. In developed countries, radiation injury and Crohn's disease are also common etiological factors. The index case is reported to highlight the rare situation, where a 24-year old married nullipara sustained low rectovaginal fistula following normal coitus. She was later divorced by her husband.

Clinical usefulness of an enzyme strip for estimation of blood sugar ("Dextrostix") in a tropical medical practice: a 10-year experience.

A series of studies were carried out to assess the usefulness and accuracy of measuring blood sugar levels in a tropical medical practice using an enzyme test strip ("Dextrostix"). The results showed that the method is simple, accurate and reproducible, especially when the colour changes on the strips are interpreted electronically by the reflectance meter or Eyetone instrument. The results are independent of packed cell volume. Sequestrene-containing blood samples maintain a constant level of glucose for 5 hours. The Eyetone can be used for approximate determination of blood glucose levels greater than 400 mg per 100 ml by exposing the strips to blood for only 30 seconds and multiplying the result by two. Where there is no mains supply, the instrument can be operated from a car battery.

Acute intermittent porphyria in Africans. A report of two cases.

The cases of two Nigerians with acute intermittent porphyria are reported. They both had severe hyponatraemia and are the first patients to show serum electrolyte disturbances in documented cases of Nigerians with the disease. The clinical picture did not differ from that described in temperate countries. The rarity of this disease in Africans might be more apparent than real and we believe that a high index of awareness will bring more cases to light.