2D-PAGE as an effective method of RNA degradome analysis

The continuously growing interest in small regulatory RNA exploration is one of the important factors that have inspired the recent development of new high throughput techniques such as DNA microarrays or next generation sequencing. Each of these methods offers some significant advantages but at the same time each of them is expensive, laborious and challenging especially in terms of data analysis. Therefore, there is still a need to develop new analytical methods enabling the fast, simple and cost-effective examination of the complex RNA mixtures. Recently, increasing attention has been focused on the RNA degradome as a potential source of riboregulators. Accordingly, we attempted to employ a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis as a quick and uncomplicated method of profiling RNA degradome in plant or human cells. This technique has been successfully used in proteome analysis. However, its application in nucleic acids studies has been very limited. Here we demonstrate that two dimensional electrophoresis is a technique which allows one to quickly and cost-effectively identify and compare the profiles of 10–90 nucleotide long RNA accumulation in various cells and organs

Enhancing solubilisation and methane production kinetic of switchgrass by microwave pretreatment

This study investigated the effects of microwave pretreatment of switchgrass in order to enhance its anaerobic digestibility. Response surface analysis was applied to screen the effects of temperature and time of microwave pretreatment on matter solubilisation. The composite design showed that only temperature had a significant effect on solubilisation level. Then the effects of the microwave pretreatment were correlated to the pretreatment temperature. The sCOD/tCOD ratio was equal to 9.4% at 90 \ub0C and increased until 13.8% at 180 \ub0C. The BMP assays of 42 days showed that microwave pretreatment induced no change on the ultimate volume of methane but had an interesting effect on the reaction kinetic. Indeed, the time required to reach 80% of ultimate volume CH4 is reduced by 4.5 days at 150 \ub0C using the microwave pretreatment.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Clinical Relevance of Corylus Pollen in Poznan, Western Poland

Abstract Background. In Central Europe, hazel (Corylus sp.) pollen is considered to be an important aeroallergen in early spring. Objective. This study examines hazel pollen levels in Poznań, western Poland, and the clinical relevance of this aeroallergen in the city. Methods. Corylus pollen data (1996–2010) were obtained by volumetric spore trap located near the centre of Poznań. Clinical data (2006–2010), i.e. skin prick test (SPT) and allergen-specific IgE measurements (asIgE), were supplied by the Allergy Diseases Diagnostic Centre in Poznań. Results. Mean diurnal hazel pollen concentrations peaked around 14:00–16:00 when mean bi-hourly pollen concentrations were ~60 P m-3. Onset of the hazel pollen season varied up to 87 days annually, and was significantly (r=–0.647; p<0.01) related to mean maximum temperature during late December. SPT data revealed that ~11% of allergy patients had positive skin reactions to Corylus pollen allergens, and most of these (94.4%) reacted to pollen allergens from other members of the Betulaceae family – alder or birch. Of those sensitized, 53% suffered from atopic dermatitis. Of patients examined for serum asIgE, 26.0% had asIgE measurements in classes 5 and 6. Conclusions. Hazel pollen has a detrimental effect on the allergic population of Poznań, with more than half of those sensitised to hazel pollen allergens showing symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Hazel pollen concentrations reach levels recognized as being able to induce allergy symptoms, especially in the afternoon and early evening when many people are returning home from work. The cross-reactivity with other members of the Fagales order also increases the allergenic potential of hazel pollen