The efficacy of chemical inducers and fungicides in controlling tomato root rot disease caused by Rhizoctoniasolani

Chitosan is an environmentally friendly natural substance that is used in crop disease management as an alternative to chemical pesticides. A significant issue restricting output in Egypt is root rot, which is a disease, caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effects of R. solani on 60-day-old tomato plants under fungal infection and to determine the antifungal activity of chitosan and Rizolax T fungicide against the pathogenic fungus. The findings demonstrated that 4 g/L of chitosan seed application completely obstructed the radial mycelial growth of R. solani and decreased the disease severity. Pathogenic infection significantly decreased morphological characteristics and total chlorophyll but significantly increased carotenoid, total thiol, non-protein thiol, protein thiol, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and isoflavone compared to healthy plants. Tomato plants treated with chitosan exhibited lower rates of oxidative stress, but higher levels of all previously mentioned parameters compared to untreated infected plants. The number and molecular mass of protein banding patterns varied in all treated tomato plants as compared to the healthy control. There are 42 bands in the treatments, and their polymorphism rate is 69.55%. Moreover, the number and density of α- and β-esterase, and peroxidase isozymes in treated tomato plants exhibited varied responses. Moreover, in treated and control plants, chitosan treatment raised the expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, pathogenesis-related protein-1, β-1,3-glucanases and chitinase. In conclusions, chitosan reduces R. solani infection by controlling the biochemical and molecular mechanisms in tomato plants during infection.

A review of clinical guidelines, laboratory recommendations and external quality assurance programs for monoclonal gammopathy testing

Monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is a spectrum of diseases ranging from the benign asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to the malignant multiple myeloma. Clinical guidelines and laboratory recommendations have been developed to inform best practices in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of MG. In this review, the pathophysiology, relevant laboratory testing recommended in clinical practice guidelines and laboratory recommendations related to MG testing and reporting are examined. The clinical guidelines recommend serum protein electrophoresis, serum immunofixation and serum free light chain measurement as initial screening. The laboratory recommendations omit serum immunofixation as it offers limited additional diagnostic value. The laboratory recommendations offer guidance on reporting findings beyond monoclonal protein, which was not required by the clinical guidelines. The clinical guidelines suggested monitoring total IgA concentration by turbidimetry or nephelometry method if the monoclonal protein migrates in the non-gamma region, whereas the laboratory recommendations make allowance for involved IgM and IgG. Additionally, several external quality assurance programs for MG protein electrophoresis and free light chain testing are also appraised. The external quality assurance programs show varied assessment criteria for protein electrophoresis reporting and unit of measurement. There is also significant disparity in reported monoclonal protein concentrations with wide inter-method analytical variation noted for both monoclonal protein quantification and serum free light chain measurement, however this variation appears smaller when the same method was used. Greater harmonization among laboratory recommendations and reporting format may improve clinical interpretation of MG testing.

Evaluation of the skin protective effects of niosomal-entrapped annona squamosa against UVA irradiation

Annona squamosa is a medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine since antiquity. The goal of this study is to see how effective Annona squamosa leaf extract (A.S.L.E) or its niosomal-entrapped preparation is at protecting skin from UVA irradiation. The prepared niosomal-entrapped A.S.L.E has been characterized via spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy imaging. Furthermore, the entrapment efficiency and in vitro release of A.S.L.E were determined. In this study, ex vivo and freshly prepared samples from the dorsal region of the rats' skin were used as biological samples, which were divided into five groups: control UVA-unexposed, unprotected UVA-exposed, A.S.L.E-protected UVA-exposed, and niosomal-entrapped A.S.L.E UVA-exposed. UVA irradiation was performed by exposing the skin samples to a UVA-producing lamp for 4 h. Samples from various groups were then examined using FTIR spectroscopy, histopathology, and protein electrophoresis methods. The results showed that A.S.L.E has a skin protective effect against UVA irradiation. The niosomal-entrapped A.S.L.E was more effective than the native plant leaf extract in protecting skin from the damaging effects of UVA. Therefore, the nanotechnologically formulated preparation, niosomal-entrapped A.S.L.E, can be used as an effective photoprotector (sunscreen) against the adverse effects of UVA radiation.

Avian Inflammatory Markers

Inflammation represents a fundamental response to diverse diseases ranging from trauma and infection to immune-mediated disease and neoplasia. As such, inflammation can be a nonspecific finding but is valuable as an indicator of pathology that can itself lead to disease if left unchecked. This article focuses on inflammatory biomarkers that are available and clinically useful in avian species. Inflammatory biomarkers are identified via evaluation of whole blood and plasma and can be divided into acute and chronic, with varying degrees of specificity and sensitivity. Evaluation of multiple biomarkers may be necessary to identify subclinical disease.

Clinical Pathology of Box Turtles (Terrapene spp.)

Box turtles are commonly presented for veterinary care and clinicopathologic testing is a vital component of case management. This article summarizes recent literature about box turtle clinical pathology and identifies directions for future research.

Role of environmental surfaces and hands of healthcare workers in perpetuating multi-drug-resistant pathogens in a neonatal intensive care unit

Neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units are at a risk of developing healthcare-associated infections, leading to increased risk of mortality. This study aimed to identify organisms causing such late-onset infections in neonates and determine whether these isolates were genetically identical to those from the surrounding environmental surfaces and hands of healthcare workers (HCWs). A cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of 4 months in a university neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Samples were collected from all neonates with symptoms of late-onset infections (n = 180). Fingerprint samples of 21 healthcare workers as well as 330 random environmental samples were also taken from the unit. Isolates from neonates, environment and fingerprints were subjected to protein electrophoresis followed by sequencing to detect genetic similarities. Almost half of neonatal samples were culture positive (91/180, 50.6%), out of which 72% of bacterial isolates (49/68) were multi-drug resistant. Klebsiella pneumoniae (32.6%) and Candida spp. (28.4%) were the commonest neonatal isolates. A cluster of two homologous Klebsiella pneumoniae strains was isolated from a neonate and an examining bed, while another homologous cluster was from a neonatal sample and a portal incubator. A third cluster was isolated from hands and three neonatal samples. This cluster (caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae strain NH54 chromosome) was found to perpetuate over the 4 months of the study. All three clusters were multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. A homologous pair of each of Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata was isolated from the blood of two neonates, and one neonatal and a crash cart sample, respectively. Overall, 8.8% (8/91) of neonatal samples were found to be homologous to other neonatal/environmental/hand isolates, denoting perpetuation of pathogens between neonates themselves and also other reservoirs of infections.Conclusion: The hands of HCWs, crash carts and incubators are reservoirs of pathogens and can lead to nosocomial infections. Clusters of multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida spp. were the predominant neonatal pathogens in this NICU. What is Known: • The role of hands and the environment in transmission of infections to neonates is a subject of debate. • Genetic sequencing provides solid evidence for detecting homologous strains. What is New: • K. pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated pathogen, and concomitant isolation was found in two cases from the neonatal surroundings (bed/incubator) and hands. • Candida spp. with homology were also found in different neonates and environmental samples suggesting risk of transmission.

Paper-based open microfluidic platform for protein electrophoresis and immunoprobing

Protein electrophoresis and immunoblotting are indispensable analytical tools for the characterization of proteins and posttranslational modifications in complex sample matrices. Owing to the lack of automation, commonly employed slab-gel systems suffer from high time demand, significant sample/antibody consumption, and limited reproducibility. To overcome these limitations, we developed a paper-based open microfluidic platform for electrophoretic protein separation and subsequent transfer to protein-binding membranes for immunoprobing. Electrophoresis microstructures were digitally printed into cellulose acetate membranes that provide mechanical stability while maintaining full accessibility of the microstructures for consecutive immunological analysis. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate separation of fluorescently labeled marker proteins in a wide molecular weight range (15-120 kDa) within only 15 min, reducing the time demand for the entire workflow (from sample preparation to immunoassay) to approximately one hour. Sample consumption was reduced 10- to 150-fold compared to slab-gel systems, owing to system miniaturization. Moreover, we successfully applied the paper-based approach to complex samples such as crude bacterial cell extracts. We envisage that this platform will find its use in protein analysis workflows for scarce and precious samples, providing a unique opportunity to extract profound immunological information from limited sample amounts in a fast fashion with minimal hands-on time.

Insulin autoimmune syndrome

SUMMARY

Insulin autoimmune syndrome (Hirata's disease) is a disorder caused by development of autoantibodies to insulin and manifested by hypoglycaemic syndrome. The overwhelming majority of physicians do not include it in the differential diagnosis of hypoglycaemic states because of a misconception of an extremely low prevalence of this condition. This results in unnecessary drug therapy and unjustified surgical interventions in patients that otherwise would be successfully treated conservatively. This disease is strongly associated with certain alleles of the HLA gene. In most cases, this condition develops in predisposed individuals taking drugs containing sulfhydryl groups. Formation of autoantibodies to insulin may be observed in patients with other autoimmune disorders, as well as in those with multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. This paper presents the first Russian case report of insulin autoimmune syndrome in an adult patient.

LEARNING POINTS

Insulin autoimmune syndrome, Hirata's disease, anti-insulin antibodies, and hypoglycaemia.

Molecular analysis of genetic diversity in population of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn in Egypt

BACKGROUND

Silybum marianum L. Gaertn is a medicinal plant of unique pharmaceutical properties in the treatment of liver disorders and diabetic nephropathy. Biochemical (SDS-PAGE) and molecular markers such as randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) technologies were used in this work to detect genetic diversity of 14 collections of Silybum marianum population in Egypt.

RESULTS

The electrophoretic pattern of seed protein gave different molecular weight bands, ranging from 24 to 111 KDa with the presence of unique bands. RAPD results revealed a high level of polymorphism (73.2%) using 12 RAPD primers, but only eight of them gave reproducible polymorphic DNA pattern. Sixteen primers were used in the ISSR method; only ten of them yielded clearly identifiable bands. The percentage of polymorphism is about 80% of the studied samples.

CONCLUSION

The obtained data confirmed that SDS-protein, RAPD, and ISSR markers are important tools for genetic analysis for Silybum marianum and recommended to give accurate results.

Genetic diversity of gliadin-coding alleles in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from Northern Kazakhstan

Background

Spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) represents the main cereal crop in Northern Kazakhstan. The quality of wheat grain and flour strongly depends on the structure of gluten, comprised of gliadin and glutenin proteins. Electrophoresis spectra of gliadins are not altered by environmental conditions or plant growth, are easily reproducible and very useful for wheat germplasm identification in addition to DNA markers. Genetic polymorphism of two Gli loci encoding gliadins can be used for selection of preferable genotypes of wheat with high grain quality.

Methods

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to analyse genetic diversity of gliadins in a germplasm collection of spring bread wheat from Northern Kazakhstan.

Results

The highest frequencies of gliadin alleles were found as follows, in Gli1: -A1f (39.3%), -B1e (71.9%), and -D1a (41.0%); and in Gli-2: -A2q (17.8%), -B2t (13.5%), and -D2q (20.4%). The combination of these alleles in a single genotype may be associated with higher quality of grain as well as better adaptation to the dry environment of Northern Kazakhstan; preferable for wheat breeding in locations with similar conditions.

Laboratory assessment of multiple myeloma

Laboratory testing plays an essential role in the diagnosis and management of patients with multiple myeloma. A variety of chemistry and molecular assays are routinely used to monitor patient progress, response to treatment and relapse. Here, we have reviewed current literature and core guidelines on the details of laboratory testing in myeloma-related investigations. This includes the use and value of protein electrophoresis, serum free light chain and cytogenetic testing. Furthermore, we discuss other traditional chemistry assays essential to myeloma investigation, and potential interferences that may arise due to the disease nature of myeloma, that is, the presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin. Finally, we discuss the importance of communication in protein electrophoresis results, where laboratorians are required to relate clinically relevant myeloma-relevant information to the ordering physician on the background of a complex pattern of serum or urine proteins. Laboratory testing in myeloma-related investigation relies on several traditional chemistry assays. However, we anticipate new tests and technologies to become available in the future with improved analytical sensitivity, as well as improved clinical sensitivity in identifying patients who are at high risk of progression to multiple myeloma.

Toxicological assessment of lambda-cyhalothrin and acetamiprid insecticides formulated mixture on hatchability rate, histological aspects, and protein electrophoretic pattern of Biomphalaria alexandrina (Ehrenberg, 1831) snails

Several formulated mixtures of pesticides are widely used in modern agriculture. Nevertheless, the agriculture runoff causes a serious damage to the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, the present study aims to use B. alexandrina snails as bioindicators for 30 g/l lambda-cyhalothrin and 17 g/l acetamiprid as a formulated mixture insecticide. Results showed that it has a molluscicidal activity against snails at LC₅₀ 7.9 mg/l. The hatchability percent of both treated 1-day-aged and/or 3-day-aged groups were less than that of the control group. The sublethal concentrations of the tested insecticide caused a remarkable abnormal necrosis in male and female gametogenic cells, besides a severe damage in both secretory and digestive cells. The results of SDS-PAGE protein profiles of treated snails showed that the least number of protein bands was noticed in snail groups that subjected to LC₁₀ (6.6 mg/l) and LC₂₅ (7.2 mg/l) concentrations when compared to control protein fractions.

Hematologic, Plasma Biochemical, Protein Electrophoretic, and Total Solid Values of Captive Oriental Turtle Doves (Streptopelia orientalis)

I-Ting Tsai, Chau-Hwa Chi, and Pin-Huan Yu (2018) As part of ongoing studies on the blood profiles of Taiwanese avian species, hematology, plasma biochemistry, and serum protein electrophoresis values and hand-held refractometer readings of total solids were determined in Oriental turtle doves (Streptopelia orientalis). Blood samples were collected and analyzed from 44 healthy captive adult and sub-adult Oriental turtle doves. There were no significant gender differences in any of the parameters studied. However, adults had significantly higher values of total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, sodium, chloride, and alpha2 globulin, while sub- adults had higher values of phosphorus and potassium. The refractometer readings were highly correlated with values of total protein obtained by the biuret method. The results of the current study provide valuable data for clinically evaluating Oriental turtle doves and will be beneficial for the conservation of this species.

The effect of chitosan-PMAA-NPK nanofertilizer on Pisum sativum plants

The use of chitosan (CS) as a carrier for slow fertilizer release is a novel trend. The potential effect of this system in agriculture is still debatable. Here, chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were obtained by polymerizing methacrylic acid (PMAA) for the entrapment of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) nanoparticles (NP), each at a time to form CS-PMAA-NPK NPs complex. The impact of this complex was evaluated using garden pea (Pisum sativum var. Master B) plants. Five-day-old pea seedlings were treated through their root system with CS-PMAA-NPK NPs at concentrations of 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.0625 of the stock solution (R) for 1, 2, 4 and 7 days. In general, CS-PMAA-NPK NP complex reduced root elongation rate and resulted in the accumulation of starch at the root tip in a dose-dependent manner within the treated plants. Interestingly, the lowest concentrations of 0.0625 and 0.125 R had induced mitotic cell division (MI = 22.45 ± 2.68 and 19.72 ± 3.48, respectively) compared with the control (MI = 9.09 ± 3.28). In addition, some of major proteins such as convicilin, vicilin and legumin β were upregulated in plants treated with these low concentrations too. However, all concentrations used exhibited genotoxic effect on DNA based on the comet assay data after 48 h of treatment. Thus, it is highly recommended to consider the negative effects of this carrier system on plants and environment that may arise due to its accumulation in the agricultural fields.

Proteomics as a Tool to Study Molecular Changes During Plant Morphogenesis In Vitro

Proteome analysis represents a promising approach for plant tissue culture since it is now possible to identify and quantify proteins on a large scale. Biomarker discovery and the study of the molecular events associated with in vitro plant morphogenesis are considered potential targets for application of proteomics technologies. This chapter describes a protocol for application in in vitro plant material using two proteomics approaches: 2-DE coupled to mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-linked tandem mass spectrometry.

Fluorescent Protein Visualization Immediately After Gel Electrophoresis Using an In-Gel Trichloroethanol Photoreaction with Tryptophan

SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is one of the essential techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories and requires rapid visualization methods for efficient sample analysis. Proteins on polyacrylamide gels can be visualized within 5 min via the photoreaction of tryptophan with trichloroethanol. This process does not require protein fixation, staining, or destaining. In this method polyacrylamide gels are prepared by adding trichloroethanol before polymerization. After electrophoresis, the gel is immediately activated on a standard UV transilluminator and the fluorescently labeled proteins are imaged. The reaction is based on the photoreaction of trichloroethanol with tryptophan residues within the protein. This generates a visible blue-green fluorescence (∼500 nm) that is accurately imaged. Here we describe the preparation of Tris-glycine and Tris-tricine SDS-polyacrylamide gels with trichloroethanol and the photoreaction and visualization of tryptophan containing proteins.

POEMS Syndrome with Biclonal Gammopathy: A Rare Association

Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M protein and Skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is rare plasma cell dyscrasia with multisystem involvement. The name comes from the five characteristic features: Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein and skin changes. The presence of biclonal M band is a rare manifestation. Here, we are describing the cases of a 60-year-old lady, presented with bilateral pedal oedema and pericardial effusion and peripheral neuropathy. She also had hepatosplenomegaly, hyperpigmented rash and hypothyroidism and hyperparathyroidism. The serum protein electrophoresis and the immunofixation electrophoresis revealed two distinct monoclonal bands, immunoglobulin IgG kappa and IgA lambda. There was a mild increase in plasma cells and sclerotic bone lesion in pelvis. The POEMS syndrome is generally associated with lambda light chain restriction. The presence of biclonal gammopathy involving kappa and lambda is a rare manifestation. The pathogenic or prognostic role of different paraprotein is not known. Further studies are required to delineate such effect.

Evaluation of clinical pathology parameters in fecal PCR-positive or PCR-negative goats for Johne's disease

Johne's disease (JD) is an economically important infectious disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). This study evaluated the differences in various hematological and biochemical parameters between healthy goats and goats with JD. Forty goats were chosen randomly from a herd endemic for JD. A complete physical examination was performed. Blood and fresh fecal samples were collected from each goat. A complete blood cell (CBC) count and a protein electrophoresis were performed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on fecal samples was performed in order to divide goats into two groups: group A "positive PCR on feces"; and group B "control (negative)." A Student's t test was performed for each parameter to verify differences between groups A vs B. Twenty goats were included in each group. Clinical signs likely related to JD were found in the history of 4/40 (10%) goats, while 36/40 (90%) goats were reported to be asymptomatic. CBC and electrophoresis values were within reference intervals in both groups. No differences were found for CBC parameters between the two groups. Values for alpha 1, beta, gamma globulins, and total protein (TP) were statistically higher in group A vs those in group B, while those for albumin and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio were lower. An increase in TP, hypoalbuminemia, and hypergammaglobulinemia has been reported in group A, while no abnormalities were found concerning CBC. JD-positive goats seem to show earlier clinical pathological alternations than clinical signs. Protein electrophoresis may help the diagnosis of JD in asymptomatic goat herds, acting as an economical screening method.

Accumulation efficiency, genotoxicity and antioxidant defense mechanisms in medicinal plant Acalypha indica L. under lead stress

The present study was designed to assess the physiological and biochemical changes in roots and shoots of the herb Acalypha indica grown under hydroponic conditions during exposure to lead (Pb) (100-500 mg L^-1) for 1-12 d. The accumulation of Pb by A. indica plants was found to be 121.6 and 17.5 mg g^-1 dry weight (DW) in roots and shoots, respectively, when exposed to a Pb concentration of 500 mg L^-1. The presence of Pb ions in stem, root and leaf tissues was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. Concerning the activity of antioxidant enzymes, viz., peroxidase (POX) catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), they were induced at various regimes during 5, 8 and 12 d of Pb exposure in both the leaves and roots than untreated controls. Lead treatment increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in both the leaf and root tissues over control, irrespective of the duration of exposure. Anew, it was observed that Pb treatments induced variations in the number and intensity of protein bands. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) results show that the Pb treatment caused genotoxicity on DNA molecules as evidenced by the amplification of new bands and the absence of normal DNA amplicons in treated plants. Results confirm that A. indica is a Pb accumulator species, and the antioxidants might play a crucial role in the detoxification of Pb-induced toxic effects.

Non-Secretory Myeloma, Diagnosed on Renal Biopsy as Cast Nephropathy

Multiple myeloma is a disorder of plasma cells which can involve kidneys in the form of cast nephropathy. Neoplastic plasma cells produce either complete immunoglobulins or fragments of immunoglobulins leading to a monoclonal spike in the serum and/or Bence Jones proteinuria. Very few patients present as non-secretory myeloma when no immunoglobulins (M spike) are produced or only light chains are secreted which can only be detected in urine. Acute renal failure due to cast nephropathy can rarely be the first presentation of multiple myeloma. We here in report a case in which primary diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made on renal biopsy due to its characteristic histomorphology. The diagnosis was later on supported by presence of neoplastic plasma cells in the aspirate and biopsy of bone marrow.

Serum Free Light Chain Assay and κ/λ Ratio Performance in Patients Without Monoclonal Gammopathies: High False-Positive Rate

OBJECTIVES

Serum free light chain assay is a recommended screening test for monoclonal gammopathies. Anecdotal observations indicated a high rate of false-positive abnormal κ/λ ratios. This study was undertaken to ascertain the magnitude of the false-positive rate and factors contributing to the error rate.

METHODS

Results of serum protein electrophoresis, serum free light chains, and related tests, usually done for investigation of suspected monoclonal gammopathy, were reviewed retrospectively for 270 patients and 297 observations.

RESULTS

Using the conventional κ/λ ratio, 36.4% of the ratios were abnormal, in the absence of monoclonal gammopathy. When the renal κ/λ ratio was used, the rate of abnormal κ/λ ratios was 30.1%. In patients with a γ-globulin concentration of 1.6 g/dL or more, the usual κ/λ ratio was abnormal in 54.8% of the patients. Urine protein electrophoresis was used in 53 (19.6%) instances, whereas bone marrow examination was done in 65 (24.1%) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Usual κ/λ ratio was abnormal in 36.4% of the observations in patients without evidence of monoclonal gammopathy, and an abnormal κ/λ ratio should not be used as the sole indicator for diagnosis of neoplastic proliferation of the lympho-plasmacytic system. Hypergammaglobulinemia is associated with a higher rate of false-positive abnormal κ/λ ratios. Examination of urine for monoclonal immunoglobulins may be underused, and recommendations by some to use serum free light chain assay in place of, rather than as an adjunct to, urine electrophoresis are not warranted.

A special type of scald caused by prolonged exposure to slowly heated water

When skin is subjected to water temperatures gradually rising from moderate to critical ranges for a prolonged period of time, the resulting scalds will initially present as reddening, followed by blistering and at last by full-thickness burns. On changing from second- to third-degree burn, the blisters stop to become enlarged and solidify due to heat-induced coagulation necrosis. Such gradually intensifying tissue damage results in multiple firm skin blisters together with third-degree burn of the affected area. The initially serous blister fluid assumes a jelly-like consistency as the proteins undergo denaturation. Scalds of this special type may occur in persons taking a bath and becoming incapable to act so that the warm water tap remains turned on or a hairdryer continues to work after having been dropped into the bath water. On the basis of two relevant fatalities (suicidal electrocutions in bathtubs by means of hairdryers), the macroscopic and histological appearance of blisters which only secondarily turned into a full-thickness scald is compared with blisters in genuine second-degree scalds. The blister fluid of the latter ones was also investigated as to their protein composition and hemoglobin concentration.

Protein oxidation affects proteolysis in a meat model system

The effect of hydrogen peroxide-induced protein oxidation and pH (4.8 and 5.2) on meat proteolysis was investigated in a meat model system for dry fermented sausages. In oxidised samples, increased protein carbonyl contents and decreased thiol concentrations were found. The initial concentration of protein carbonyls was significantly lower in oxidised samples at pH4.8 than in ones at pH5.2, but after ten days comparable levels were reached. The inhibition of proteolysis by the addition of a protease inhibitor cocktail did not influence protein oxidation. Yet, proteolysis was negatively affected by low pH values as well as by oxidation, resulting in a reduced release of amino acids during ripening.

A case of IgA multiple myeloma: Nutritional perspective in diagnostic testing

A 64-year-old security guard and longstanding known hypertensive presented with hypertensive heart disease (HHD), weight loss, an enlarged prostate, and a spontaneously fractured rib. Malignancy of the prostate with possible metastases to the ribs was strongly suspected. Biochemical profiling revealed a paraprotein. Other biochemical and hematological correlates that were on hand before serum protein electrophoresis were rather atypical. Paraprotein studies by immunofixation revealed IgA myelomatosis. Unlike previous reports from Caucasians there was normocalcaemia, normal protein level, microcytic hypochromia, low MCHC, cholesterol level at the lower limit of the reference range and normal urea level (in the face of markedly raised creatinine level). Nutritional modulation of the classical laboratory features of this disease may account for the fairly atypical laboratory picture.The need to appreciate the influence of nutritional status on the laboratory (especially biochemical) features of a disease and thus interpretation of diagnostic tests appears of exceptional current importance, given the widening gap in socioeconomic status and the level of poverty between the resource poor and developed countries from which the classical, clinical and laboratory features of most diseases were first described.This case report reminds of the need not only to recognize theoretically the impact of nutritional status on the laboratory characteristics of a disease but of the practical application of the nutritional perspective in the interpretation of diagnostic investigations, especially in nutritionally disadvantaged communities.

Insect egg cortex isolated by microsurgery: Specific protein pattern and uridine incorporation

Egg cortex material (ECM) containing the oolemma and adherent periplasm has been isolated from an insect egg by means of micromanipulation. Analysis of proteins by SDS-PAAG-electrophoresis demonstrated striking differences between the protein banding patterns of ECM and of whole eggs. ECM and whole eggs also differ clearly with respect to³H-uridine uptake; the ECM contains RNA labeled during the previtellogenetic period of oogenesis (probably in the germarium) but, in contrast to the central parts of the oocyte, is largely void of label taken up during the last stages of oogenesis.