Decolorization of textile azo dye Novacron Red using bacterial monoculture and consortium: Response surface methodology optimization

The present study was intended toward the optimization of a textile dye Novacron Red decolorization by single and mixed culture of Bacillus strains namely, B. firmus, B. filamentosus and B. subterraneus. Optimization of dye decolorization using Bacillus monocultures was conducted using central composite design. The maximum dye decolorization achieved under optimized conditions for B. firmus, B. filamentosus and B. subterraneus was 89.24%, 88.28% and 88.45%, respectively. The effect of various consortia of selected Bacillus strains on dye removal was evaluated by applying a mixture design. The best dye (100 mg/L) decolorization yield (84%) was achieved using the consortium of B. filamentosus and B. subetrraneus.The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analyses confirmed biodegradation potential of the two Bacillus strains. The results highlighted the potential of mono- and co-cultures of Bacillus strains for application in textile wastewater treatment. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Novel dye-decolorizing Bacillus strains were isolated from marine sediment. Optimization of decolorization was conducted using response surface methodology. Efficient decolorization of textile dye by Bacillus strains on mono- and co-cultures. The efficiency of the consortium B. filamentosus and B. subetrraneus on dye removal.

Protective Effect of Curcuma Against Chromium Hepatotoxicity in Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant effects of curcuma against chromium-induced alterations in hepatic indices and dysfunctions in the antioxidant system. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and were treated for 30 consecutive days. The control group (0-0) received per os mineral water and normal diet. The second group (0-Cur) received mineral water and an experimental diet containing 2% of curcuma powder, whereas the third group (Cr-0) was orally fed (per os) with 15 mg/kg body weight/day of potassium dichromate and normal diet. The last group (Cr-Cur) received per os 15 mg/kg of potassium dichromate and a diet with 2% of curcuma. The treatment by chromium was found to elicit a perturbation in biochemical parameters producing a significant increase in glycemia, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALP, ALT, AST, and LDH levels. On the contrary, a significant reduction was observed in the oxidative stress-related parameters (GSH, GPx, CAT, and GST). Moreover, we noticed that liver sections of rats intoxicated with chromium showed a disrupted architecture. However, the administration of curcuma revealed an intense reduction in the oxidative stress induced by chromium, ameliorating the levels of the majority of the previous parameters. The data of this study revealed the potent antioxidant effects of curcuma in reducing oxidative stress damage induced by the hexavalent chromium.

Targeted high-resolution quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry analyses reveal a significant reduction of tachykinin and opioid neuropeptides level in PC1 and PC2 mutant mouse spinal cords

Tachykinin and opioid neuropeptides play a fundamental role in pain transmission, modulation and inhibition. The proteolysis control of endogenous tachykinin and opioid neuropeptides has a significant impact on pain perception. The role of proprotein convertases (PCs) in the proteolysis of proneuropeptides was previously established but very few studies have shown the direct impact of PCs on the regulation of specific tachykinin and opioid peptides in the central nervous system. There is an increasing interest in the therapeutic targeting of PCs for the treatment of pain but it is imperative to assess the impact of PCs on the pronociceptive and the endogenous opioid systems. The objective of this study was to determine the relative concentration of targeted neuropeptides in the spinal cord of WT, PC1^-/+ and PC2^-/+ animals to establish the impact of a restricted PCs activity on the regulation of specific neuropeptides. The analysis of tachykinin and opioid neuropeptides were performed on a HPLC-MS/MS (High-Resolution Quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer). The results revealed a significant decrease of Dyn A (p<0.01), Leu-Enk (p<0.001), Met-Enk (p<0.001), Tach_58-71 (p<0.05), SP (p<0.01) and NKA (p<0.001) concentrations in both, PC1^-/+ and PC2^-/+ animals. Therefore, the modulation of PCs activity has an important impact on specific pronociceptive peptides (SP and NKA), but the results also shown that endogenous opioid system is hindered and consequently it will affect significantly the pain modulatory pathways. These observations may have insightful impact on future analgesic drug developments and therapeutic strategies.

Characterization of Substance P processing in mouse spinal cord S9 fractions using high-resolution Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Tachykinins are a family of pronociceptive neuropeptides with a specific role in pain and inflammation. Several mechanisms regulate endogenous tachykinins and Substance P (SP) levels, including the differential expression of protachykinin mRNA and the controlled secretion of tachykinins from neurons. Proteolysis is suspected to regulate extracellular SP concentrations but few studies were conducted on the metabolism of proneuropeptides and neuropeptides. Here, we provide evidence that proteolysis controls SP levels in the spinal cord leading to the formation of active C-terminal fragments. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, specific tachykinins fragments were characterized and quantified. The metabolic stability of β-Tachykinin_58-71 and SP were very short resulting in half-life of 5.7 and 3.5min respectively. Several C-terminal fragments were identified, including SP_3-11, SP_5-11 and SP_8-11, which conserve affinity for the Neurokinin 1 receptor. Interestingly, the metabolic stability of C-terminal fragments was significantly superior. Two specific Prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors were used and showed a significant reduction in the rate of formation of SP_3-11 and SP_5-11 providing strong evidence that Prolyl endopeptidase is involved into N-terminal processing of SP in the spinal cord.

Liquid chromatography-electrospray linear ion trap mass spectrometry analysis of targeted neuropeptides in Tac1(-/-) mouse spinal cords reveals significant lower concentration of opioid peptides

Tachykinin and opioid peptides play a central role in pain transmission, modulation and inhibition. The treatment of pain is very important in medicine and many studies using NK1 receptor antagonists failed to show significant analgesic effects in humans. Recent investigations suggest that both pronociceptive tachykinins and the analgesic opioid systems are important for normal pain sensation. The analysis of opioid peptides in Tac1(-/-) spinal cord tissues offers a great opportunity to verify the influence of the tachykinin system on specific opioid peptides. The objectives of this study were to develop an HPLC-MS/MRM assay to quantify targeted peptides in spinal cord tissues. Secondly, we wanted to verify if the Tac1(-/-) mouse endogenous opioid system is hampered and therefore affects significantly the pain modulatory pathways. Targeted neuropeptides were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Our results reveal that EM-2, Leu-Enk and Dyn A were down-regulated in Tac1(-/-) spinal cord tissues. Interestingly, Dyn A was almost 3 fold down-regulated (p<0.0001). No significant concentration differences were observed in mouse Tac1(-/-) spinal cords for Met-Enk and CGRP. The analysis of Tac1(-/-) mouse spinal cords revealed noteworthy decreases of EM-2, Leu-Enk and Dyn A concentrations which strongly suggest a significant impact on the endogenous pain-relieving mechanisms. These observations may have insightful impact on future analgesic drug developments and therapeutic strategies.

Repellent effect of alphacypermethrin-treated netting against Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

For > 20 yr, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius persists as a begomovirus vector and is a serious problem in tomato production in many parts of the world. In tropical countries, the use of netting to protect horticultural crops has proven to be an effective and sustainable tool against Lepidoptera but not against small insects. This study evaluated the repellent effect of AgroNet 0.9T, a 0.9-mm pore diameter and 40-mesh size netting treated with alphacypermethrin insecticide against B. tabaci. This pyrethroid insecticide is known to have toxic and repellent effects against mosquitoes and has been used for treatment of mosquito nets. Two nontreated netting materials were used as control: AgroNet 0.9NT with 0.9-mm pore diameter and 40-mesh size and AgroNet 0.4NT with 0.4-mm pore diameter and 80-mesh size. The behavior of B. tabaci and its parasitoid Encarsia formosa Gahan as they progressed through the treated netting was studied in the laboratory in choice and no-choice tests. The development of wild B. tabaci population on tomato plants protected by the same nets was followed in two field trials implemented in Njoro, Kenya. Results obtained with the no-choice tests showed a significant reduction of movement on the treated net with 40-mesh (19%) compared with nontreated netting (35 and 46% with 80- and 40-mesh, respectively). The mortality of B. tabaci was significantly higher (two-fold) in the test tube containing only the treated netting compared with the nontreated one. The repellent effect of the treated netting was also demonstrated against E. formosa, but it did not have this toxic effect. Unlike for B. tabaci, the treated and nontreated nets appeared to have a similar repellent effect on E. formosa in the choice test, which suggests a learning behavior of the parasitoid. In both field tests, B. tabaci population was significantly lower on tomato protected by the treated net compared with the same nontreated net. However there was no significant difference in B. tabaci population between the treated 0.9-pore diameter and the nontreated 0.4-pore diameter. We discussed these findings and their implications for the use of repellent netting in integrated pest management in horticulture and more specifically in vegetable production.

Spontaneous cholesteatoma of the external auditory canal: the utility of CT

Spontaneous external auditory canal (EAC) cholesteatoma is a rare disease. The symptoms are nonspecific. It is diagnosed by clinical examination and radiological investigation. The clinical examination alone is often insufficient for accurately assessing spread of the cholesteatoma into the temporal bone, meaning cross-sectional imaging modalities are required, and specifically computed tomography. We report three cases of spontaneous cholesteatoma of the external auditory canal. All of our patients underwent surgery. In two cases, the cholesteatoma was restricted to the external auditory canal, while in one case, it was complicated by a fistula with the lateral semicircular canal. Good anatomical and functional results were obtained in all three cases, with the external auditory canal patent and a good calibre on completion.

Simultaneous removal of metal ions and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate by combined electrochemical and photocatalytic process

Combined electrochemical removal of Zn(++) and Ni(++) and photo-oxidation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) by suspended TiO(2) particles was investigated. The effect of different process variables such as current density, pH and liquid flow rate on the sole electrochemical reduction of metal ions was also evaluated. At pH of 5.0, the removal of Zn(++) increased by 28% with increases in the liquid flux from 0.0021 to 0.0172 m(3)m(-2)s(-1) while the removal of Ni(++) was only enhanced marginally. Under optimum operating conditions used in the present study (liquid flux=0.0172 m(3) m(-2) s(-1), current density=0.166 mA cm(-2), pH 5.0 and in the presence of LAS), Zn(++) and Ni(++) were reduced by 86 and 56%, respectively, over 7h of the sole electrochemical treatment. For the sole photocatalytic treatment of LAS at pH of 5.0, a 60% LAS degradation was obtained. However, the liquid flow rate did not have any considerable effect on the LAS oxidation. Finally, in the combined photocatalytic-electrolytic process, the LAS degradation increased to 76%. Nonetheless, in the combined system the Zn(++) and Ni(++) removal remained at comparable levels to those obtained in the sole electrochemical system.

Cytotoxicity and scanning electron microscopy study of gentamycin-coated HA effect on biofilm

Biofilms are adherent, multi-layered colonies of bacteria that are typically more resistant to the host immune response and routine antibiotic therapy. HA biomaterial comprises of a single-phased hydroxyapatite scaffold with interconnected pore structure. The device is designed as osteoconductive space filler to be gently packed into bony voids or gaps following tooth extraction or any surgical procedure. Gentamycin-coated biomaterial (locally made hydroxyapatite) was evaluated to reduce or eradicate the biofilm on the implant materials. The results indicated that the HA coated with gentamycin was biocompatible to human osteoblast cell line and the biofilm has been reduced after being treated with different concentrations of gentamycin-coated hydroxyapatite (HA).

Scanning electron microscopy of cornea re-epithelization after transplanted with bilayered corneal construct

The present work was to determine the development and re-epithelization of bilayered corneal construct (BCC) in vitro and in vivo using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro BCC was transplanted to the rabbit's eye and after 90 days the BCC was harvested and analyzed. The corneas were processed for morphology studies. The result indicates that the BICC that was transplanted for 90 days showed good development and re-epithelization of epithelial layer similar to the normal cornea.

Application of the Health Belief Model for osteoporosis prevention among middle school girl students, Garmsar, Iran

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis is a serious metabolic bone disorder that often results in hip fracture and is usually asymptomatic in its initial stages. Since the majority of bone formation occurs during childhood and adolescence, it is important to begin primary prevention at an early age, although the optimal way for instilling this preventive behavior in youth has not yet been defined. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a health education intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in reducing the risk of osteoporosis development in female adolescents.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 206 female students from the middle schools of the city of Garmdsar, Iran. The students were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Students in Group 1, the experimental group, participated in two health education sessions of one hour, based on components of the HBM. Students in Group II took part in the traditional didactic health education curriculum on osteoporosis. Group III students had no specific educational program for osteoporosis prevention. Data were collected at three points: before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. The data-gathering instrument was a validated and reliable questionnaire (67 questions) that was developed based on the following HBM domains: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and health behavior action for osteoporosis prevention).

RESULTS

Group 1's pre-tests, post- tests and one month follow up tests revealed a significant increase in the students' mean scores in the domains of knowledge (about osteoporosis) (p<0.001), perceived susceptibility (p<0.001), perceived severity (p<0.001), and perceived benefits of reducing risk factors (p<0.001)), as well as taking health action (p<0.001). The mean scores of Group II only improved significantly in the domains of knowledge and perceived susceptibility (p<0.001). Group III showed no significant changes.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The findings of this study support the feasibility of a health education program based on HBM to induce behavior change for osteoporosis prevention in middle school females.

Massive osteolysis of the maxillo-facial bones: case report and review of the literature

An unusual case of massive osteolysis destroying the left side of the mandible, the maxilla, the orbit, the cranium bones and the upper cervical spine is reported. The evolution of this disease was observed over a period of 4 years. The literature was reviewed, only 39 cases have been found involving the maxillo-facial bones. In our case, attempts at surgery was without success. However, further radiotherapy with 35 Gy controlled the progression of this osteolysis.

The prefabricated combined scapula flap for bony and soft-tissue reconstruction in maxillofacial defects--a new method

A concept for improving the precision of reconstruction of the maxilla in terms of form and function, including gnathologic, functional, and prosthetic aspects, is presented with a prefabricated combined scapula flap. In four cases, a bony flap from the lateral border of the scapula with osseointegrated titanium implants, covered with skin grafts and encapsulated with a Goretex sheet to create a stable soft-tissue coverage, was performed. Three months later, the prefabricated combined scapula flap was harvested and transferred to reconstruct a maxillary bony and soft-tissue defect in the face using microsurgical vascular anastomoses to the facial vessels. One flap was lost because of vascular thrombosis and was repeated successfully 1 year later. In each of the four cases, full dental rehabilitation and marked improvement of the facial contour was achieved in a single surgical intervention of the face. For this purpose, new radiodiagnostic methods for precise correlation between the maxillofacial defect and the donor area were use. With this new concept, an organ-specific reconstruction of soft-and bony-tissue defects of the alveolar ridge and the hard palate, with a pseudogingiva and teeth, is possible in an optimal way.

[The serum potassium level during and after cardio-pulmonary bypass in children: a comparative study of the effects of the preoperative administration of digitalis and diuretics (author's transl)]

The serum potassium levels were determined in 2 groups. The first group (40 children) was treated preoperatively with digitalis and diuretics. The second group (20 children) received none of these drugs and served as a control group. During the period of bypass, all patients received potassium-chloride, 1 m Eq/per Kg/h, which was infused into the heartlung machine. The serum potassium levels were determined before, during and after extracorporeal circulation. The first group showed a significant decrease in the serum potassium level during and after the bypass. The lower serum potassium levels (less than 4 m Eq/L) had to be corrected by injection of potassium aspartate. In the second group, an increased serum potassium level was observed. It is advisable to reduce the amount of potassium administered by half in patients not pretreated with digitalis and diuretics. In those who have been pretreated with these drugs, hypokalaemia should be avoided by frequent serum potassium estimation and potassium administration if needed.