Discrimination and numerical analysis of human pathogenic Candida albicans strains based on SDSPAGE protein profiles

In the present study, 21 Candida albicans strains were investigated using the commercial kit API 20C AUX system and the numerical analysis of whole-cell protein profiles. The results of the commercial kitconfirmed that the all the strains belonged to C. albicans species. However, the research indicated that SDS-PAGE of polypeptides of whole-cell extracts can provide more valuable taxonomic informationthan conventional yeast test kits at the subspecies level. Despite the fact that C. albicans subtypes isolated from different anatomical sites had similar protein profiles, there were some distinctive proteinbands. Numerical analysis of whole-cell protein profiles of all strains revealed 2 major clusters at similarity degrees of between 46.26 and 100%. Moreover, the results of numerical analysis confirmedthat each cluster had characteristic and distinctive protein profiles. The research showed that, the morphological examination of yeast isolates remains essential to obtaining a correct identification, boththe commercial yeast kit system and the numerical analysis of whole-cell protein patterns can be useful for the more reliable identification of C. albicans strains

The effect of melatonin on bacterial translocation following ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion

Background: Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening vascular emergency resulting in tissue destruction due to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Melatonin, the primary hormone of the pineal gland, is a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including the hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, as well as singlet oxygen, and nitric oxide. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether melatonin prevents harmful effects of superior mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion on intestinal tissues in rats. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into three groups, each having 10 animals. In group I, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was isolated but not occluded. In group II and group III, the SMA was occluded immediately distal to the aorta for 60 minutes. After that, the clamp was removed and the reperfusion period began. In group III, 30 minutes before the start of reperfusion, 10 mg/kg melatonin was administered intraperitonally. All animals were sacrified 24 hours after reperfusion. Tissue samples were collected to evaluate the I/R-induced intestinal injury and bacterial translocation (BT). Results: There was a statistically significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels and in the incidence of bacterial translocation in group II, along with a decrease in glutathione levels. These investigated parameters were found to be normalized in melatonin treated animals (group III). Conclusion: We conclude that melatonin prevents bacterial translocation while precluding the harmful effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury on intestinal tissues in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion. © 2015 Ozban et al.; licensee BioMed Central

Risk assessment of mercury and methyl mercury intake via sardine and swordfish consumption in Algeria

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLETotal mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in the flesh of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) fished in three Algerian coasts were determined by a direct mercury analyzer (DMA). We also assessed the risk to which the consumer was exposed to by calculating the estimated daily intakes (EDIs), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The average concentrations of Hg and MeHg in the flesh of sardine were similar (0.04 mg/kg wet weight) and in swordfish were 0.61 mg/kg wet weight; 0.57 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. These concentrations have not surpassed the thresholds set by the Algerian and European regulations. The estimated daily intakes for Hg and MeHg were similar in sardine (0.0064 μg/kg/day) and were 0.098 μg/kg/day and 0.092 μg/kg/day for Hg and MeHg, respectively, in swordfish. These values did not exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI) calculated were < 1. Consequently, consumption of these fishes does not pose any risk for the adult groups of the Algerian population regarding mercury, and methylmercury studied

YÜKSEK SICAKLIĞIN YAPI TAŞLARININ DAYANIMI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİNİN ULTRASONİK ÖLÇÜMLER İLE KESTİRİLMESİ

Natural stones have been used as a construction material since prehistoric age. Stone buildings and their protection and restoration are nowadays in the focus of interest. Natural disasters like fire can strongly damage or even may ruin these buildings. In this study, the resistance of building stones against high temperature was determined by ultrasonic measurements. The current study focuses on changes in the ultrasonic velocity of building stone subjected to simulated fire situations in the laboratory. 14 stones having different petrographical, physical and mechanical properties were used in the laboratory studies. The ultrasonic measurements and laboratory observation have shown that the texture and mineral composition of building stones are changed by heating. These changes influence the strength and durability of building stones. The evaluation of these results provides useful information when replacing damaged stone or one has to choose the suitable restoring method for the damaged part of buildings.Doğal taşlar tarih öncesi çağdan beri yapı malzemesi olarak kullanılmaktadır. Taş yapılar, bu yapıların korunması ve restorasyonu gibi konular günümüzde ilgi alanlarının odağında bulunmaktadır. Yangın gibi doğal felaketler bu yapılara çok fazla zarar verebilmekte ya da yıkılmasına neden olabilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, yapı taşlarının yüksek sıcaklığa karşı dirençleri ultrasonik ölçümler ile belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Mevcut çalışma, laboratuar ortamında yangına maruz kalan yapı taşlarının ultrasonik hızlarındaki değişime odaklanmıştır. Laboratuar çalışmalarında farklı petrografik, fiziksel ve mekanik özelliklere sahip 14 farklı yapı taşı kullanılmıştır. Ultrasonik ölçümler ve laboratuar gözlemleri yapı taşlarının doku ve mineral içeriğinin sıcaklık değişimine bağlı olarak değiştiğini göstermiştir. Bu değişimler yapı taşlarının dayanımını ve duraylılığını etkilemektedir. Bu sonuçların değerlendirilmesi, hasar gören taşların değiştirilmesi ve hasar gören binanın restorasyon yönteminin seçiminde, bize çok faydalı bilgiler verebilir

Frequency of food allergy in Europe:an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Food allergy (FA) is increasingly reported in Europe, however, the latest prevalence estimates were based on studies published a decade ago. The present work provides the most updated estimates of the prevalence and trends of FA in Europe. Databases were searched for studies published between 2012 and 2021, added to studies published up to 2012. In total, 110 studies were included in this update. Most studies were graded as moderate risk of bias. Pooled lifetime and point prevalence of self-reported FA were 19.9% (95% CI 16.6–23.3) and 13.1% (95% CI 11.3–14.8), respectively. The point prevalence of sensitization based on specific IgE (slgE) was 16.6% (95% CI 12.3–20.8), skin prick test (SPT) 5.7% (95% CI 3.9–7.4), and positive food challenge 0.8% (95% CI 0.5–0.9). While lifetime prevalence of self-reported FA and food challenge positivity only slightly changed, the point prevalence of self-reported FA, sIgE and SPT positivity increased from previous estimates. This may reflect a real increase, increased awareness, increased number of foods assessed, or increased number of studies from countries with less data in the first review. Future studies require rigorous designs and implementation of standardized methodology in diagnosing FA, including use of double-blinded placebo-controlled food challenge to minimize potential biases