Effect of Physical and Chemical Parameters on the Activity of Purified Phosphatase Enzyme Produced by Bacillus cereus

Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth and development. This study aimed to survey the optimum condition for phosphatase enzyme production, purified and studied its properties. Phosphatase enzyme activity was determined by end point method. Phosphatase enzyme was obtained from Bacillus cereus EME 66 isolate. The enzyme was purified and characterized, using a three-step purification procedure with 12.3-fold. The phosphatase enzyme was partially purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by ultrafiltration. The acid phosphatase is a monomer protein purified gel filtration to 5.6 fold. Results showed that the optimum temperature for the purified enzyme activity was 60 °C and it was stable at temperatures below 60 °C. This enzyme was stable between pH 4.0-6.0, and the optimal pH activity was found to 5.0. The activity of the enzyme enhanced by heavy metals (Fe3+, Cu2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+). The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by heavy metals Zn2+. The present article reveals on enzymatic characterization of acid phosphatase enzyme

Physical Activity and Obesity Indicators: National Cross Sectional Study on Lebanese Adults

Association between higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity has been shown. The aim is to assess the relation between the prevalence of physical activity and the Physical Activity Index (PAI) of 300 Lebanese healthy adults, with age, gender, occupation, body mass indices and waist circumferences (WC). The cutoff points of WC for both genders were determined using the values of Body Mass Index (BMI). A cross-sectional study using self-reported valid questionnaire was conducted randomly on 150 men and 150 women, between 18 and 74 years, from Beirut region. Association between variables was performed using chi2, T-Test and ANOVA. Linear regression determined the WC cutoffs based on BMI. 22% of the population was obese with WC mean level of 92.47±14.4cm (87.71±14.4 cm for women and 97.24±12.96 cm for men). The prevalence of physical activity was 34% in overall population (27% in women and 40% in men).There was no significant association between BMI values and PAI (p< 0.085 for men and p< 0.300 for women). However there was an inverse association between WC values and PAI in both genders (p<0.043 in men and p< 0.036 in women). Linear regression showed WC cut-off point in Lebanese women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and ≥30 kg/m2 of 86 cm and 100 cm respectively, whereas for men it was 92.12 cm and 105 cm respectively. The prevalence of physical activity in Beirut is low with differences among genders. The highest physical activity index is associated with the decreased values of waist circumference

Forever Changed: The Transformation of Rural America through Immigration

This qualitative case study reveals the impact of immigration on one rural Midwestern community and its longtime residents. The 123 phone interviews and sessions conducted with two focus groups provide compelling insights into residents’ perceptions of immigration and immigrants as well as their ensuing personal and collective struggle with and adaptation to an immigration process that forever changed the community. The residents offer prudent insights for policy makers, immigrants, and other communities facing similar challenges. While the focus of the study is on the macro conversion of the community through the eyes of its residents, the author stresses the need for social workers to refresh their professional roots in community organization and highlights the vital role they play in helping communities adapt effectively while negotiating the needs of residents and immigrants alike

THE POSSIBLE CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT FRACTIONS OF ARTICHOKE EXTRACTS AGAINST 5-FU INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of ethyl acetate and methanolartichoke extracts(Cynara scolymus L.) against 5-Flurouracil (5-FU) induced cardiotoxicity in rats.Methods: Thirty-six albino rats were divided randomly and equallyin to six groups (each group with 6 rats): I, negative control, received (2 ml/kg/d)of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) orally for 30 successive d; II, positive control, received (2 ml/kg/d) of (DMSO) orally for 30 successive d, and subsequently administered a single dose of 5-FU (150 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection on 27thd in assossiation with DSMO; III and V, received (200 mg/kg/d) of oral methanol and ethyl acetate artichoke extracts respectivelyfor 30 successive d; V and VI, received(200 mg/kg/d) of oral methanol and ethyl acetate artichoke extracts respectively for 30 successive d,with a subsequently received single dose of 5-FU (150 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection on 27th d of the experiment.Results: Prophylactic treatment of ethyl acetate and methanol artichoke extracts significantly attenuates the increased level of serum cardiac troponin T (CTn-T) and tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-a)caused by 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity in experimental albino rats while it increases the serum level of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC).Conclusion: Results of the present study suggest that methanol and ethyl acetate artichoke extracts may be an effective modulator in mitigating 5-FU induced cardiotoxicity.Â

Scattering of the low-mode internal tide at the Line Islands Ridge

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution February 2015The scattering of low-mode internal tides by ocean-floor topography is extensively studied through analytical models and field observations at the Line Islands Ridge (LIR). An existing Green function method is utilized to examine the generation of internal tides by idealized topographic shapes as well as realistic transects of the LIR. The method is also applied to examine the scattering of a mode-1 internal tide at these topographies to determine the relative high mode energy flux due to generated and scattered internal tides at the realistic transects. A method of determining the modal content of an internal wave field is advanced to account for arbitrary stratification and rotation. It is then adjusted to allow for image loss as is common to oceanographic studies. Its performance is compared to the existing regression method widely used by oceanographers to determine the modal content of internal tides. The results from this comparison are used to inform the analysis of the field observations. This thesis concludes by examining the modal content of the LIR as determined from measurements taken during the 150-day EXperiment on Internal Tide Scattering (EXITS) NSF field study. Motivated by satellite altimetry data and three-dimensional numerical model studies, the EXITS cruise sought to observe the internal tide scattering process in the ocean for the first time. The data from three moorings equipped with moored profilers, spanning total depths of 3000-5000 m is analyzed to determine the modal content of the southward propagating internal tide before and after it encounters the ridge for evidence of topographic scattering

Ameliorative Effect of Folic Acid on the Neurological Changes in Rats Treated with Methotrexate

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antimetabolite of the normal folic acid produced by human and animal bodies. MTX antagonizes Folic Acid which is vital for purine and many vital amino acids. Treatment with MTX has been widespread all over the world recently. Physicians usually prescribe folic acid together or following treatment with MTX. Some patients minimize the importance of having folic acid with MTX or after it regarding it as a not essential drug as MTX. From here it comes, the value of this research to clarify the important role of folic acid in minimizing the side effects of MTX. In fact this effect applies on most systems in the human and animal bodies; however, authors prefer to focus on the neurological aspects as references are somewhat scarce especially in the veterinary aspect and found some behavioral changes which coincide with brain histopathological findings. Keywords: methotrexate, folic acid, neurological changes, rat

Effects of ginseng ingestion on salivary testosterone and DHEA levels in healthy females: An exploratory study

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterGinseng is a traditional herbal adaptogen that has been historically used in China and the Far East. Ginsenosides are the active component of ginseng known to exert several actions by targeting “multi-receptor systems”, both extracellular and intracellular. In humans, ginseng effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ginseng can influence salivary androgen levels (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) in females. The study followed a parallel partially controlled design. Healthy women (n = 24) were recruited and divided into two groups (A = 20−32 and B = 38−50 years). Volunteers were asked to maintain a food diary pre and post ginseng consumption and collected four salivary samples (7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.) before and after ingesting 75 mg red Korean ginseng extract per day for seven days. Testosterone and DHEA were then assayed by ELISA methods. Group A’s mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion increased from 76.3 ± 16.6 to 98.4 ± 21.1 pg/mL post ginseng (p 0.01) with significant difference at all time points, and mean daily salivary DHEA increased from 1.53 ± 0.63 to 1.98 ± 0.89 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.02). Group B’s mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion was 61.2 ± 16.9 and post ginseng 68.1 ± 11.5 pg/mL (p = 0.132), and daily salivary DHEA increased from 0.91 ± 0.32 to 1.62 ± 0.49 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.014) with significant difference at all time points. In conclusion, it appears that ginseng intake significantly increased salivary testosterone levels in the younger women group, but only slightly in the older group. However, DHEA levels in the older women showed a marked and significant increase. These results suggest a potential role for ginseng in modulating salivary androgen levels and that such effect may be more evident in older women where the levels of androgens (DHEA) start to decline. However, it has to be stressed that our results are preliminary and further properly controlled trials are justified.12pubpub

Karakteristik Morfologi Rusa timor (Rusa timorensis) dengan Pemeliharaan Ex Situ di Kota Kupang

Rusa merupakan salah satu sumber daya genetik yang ada di Indonesia. Keberadaan populasi rusa timor semakin menurun sebagai akibat adanya perburuan liar untuk berbagai kepentingan. Usaha yang dilakukan agar populasi rusa di alam tetap lestari ialah dengan melakukan pengembangan rusa timor melalui konservasi ex situ. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik morfologi rusa timor dan sistem pemeliharaan pada penangkaran di Kota Kupang. Sampel yang digunakan adalah 35 ekor rusa timor yang dipelihara pada dua penangkaran di Kota Kupang. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode observasi, wawancara, dan pengukuran menggunakan pita ukur meliputi: pengukuran panjang badan (cm), tinggi badan (cm), lingkar dada (cm), panjang ekor (cm), panjang telinga (cm), panjang kepala (cm), panjang ranggah (cm), dan bobot badan (kg) menggunakan rumus winter. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya perbedaan antara rusa timor jantan dan betina. Secara morfologi, rusa timor jantan memiliki warna dasar kuning kecoklatan pada seluruh area tubuh dan tidak memiliki corak tertentu, sedangkan rusa timor betina memiliki warna coklat, dan berwarna coklat keabuan pada area ventral yaitu bagian kaki, perut, dagu dan bagian bawah leher. Secara morfometri, menunjukan adanya perbedaan nyata pada bagian-bagian luar tubuh rusa jantan dan betina yaitu : bobot badan, lingkar dada, panjang badan, dan tinggi badan. Rusa timor dewasa di Kota Kupang memiliki ukuran tubuh yang lebih besar dibandingkan rusa timor dewasa di Manokwari. Anak rusa timor di Kota Kupang memiliki ukuran tubuh yang lebih besar bila dibandingkan dengan anak rusa timor di Ciawi. Sistem pemeliharaan rusa timor pada dua kawasan penangkaran di Kota Kupang merupakan penangkaran semi terkurung (mini ranch) yang dipelihara di area pekarangan rumah

Cellular players that shape evolving pathology and neurodegeneration following traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and has emerged as a critical risk factor for multiple neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). How the inflammatory cascade resulting from mechanical stress, axonal shearing and the loss of neurons and glia following initial impact in TBI, contributes to the development of AD-like disease is unclear. Neuroinflammation, characterized by blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and activation of brain-resident microglia and astrocytes, resulting in secretion of inflammatory mediators and subsequent recruitment of peripheral immune cells has been the focus of extensive research in attempts to identify drug-targets towards improving functional outcomes post TBI. While knowledge of intricate cellular interactions that shape lesion pathophysiology is incomplete, a major limitation in the field is the lack of understanding of how distinct cell types differentially alter TBI pathology. The aim of this review is to highlight functional differences between populations of bone marrow derived, infiltrating monocytes/macrophages and brain-resident microglia based on differential expression of the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CX3CR1. This review will focus on how unique subsets of mononuclear phagocytes shape TBI pathophysiology, neurotoxicity and BBB function, in a disease-stage dependent manner. Additionally, this review summarizes the role of multiple microglia and macrophage receptors, namely CCR2, CX3CR1 and Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-2 (TREM2) in pathological neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration vs. recovery following TBI. TREM2 has been implicated in mediating AD-related pathology, and variants in TREM2 are particularly important due to their correlation with exacerbated neurodegeneration. Finally, this review highlights behavioral outcomes associated with microglial vs. macrophage variances, the need for novel treatment strategies that target unique subpopulations of peripheral macrophages, and the importance of development of therapeutics to modulate inflammatory functions of brain-resident microglia at specific stages of TBI

Dopamine dysregulation in a mouse model of paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia.

Paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) is an autosomal dominant episodic movement disorder. Patients have episodes that last 1 to 4 hours and are precipitated by alcohol, coffee, and stress. Previous research has shown that mutations in an uncharacterized gene on chromosome 2q33-q35 (which is termed PNKD) are responsible for PNKD. Here, we report the generation of antibodies specific for the PNKD protein and show that it is widely expressed in the mouse brain, exclusively in neurons. One PNKD isoform is a membrane-associated protein. Transgenic mice carrying mutations in the mouse Pnkd locus equivalent to those found in patients with PNKD recapitulated the human PNKD phenotype. Staining for c-fos demonstrated that administration of alcohol or caffeine induced neuronal activity in the basal ganglia in these mice. They also showed nigrostriatal neurotransmission deficits that were manifested by reduced extracellular dopamine levels in the striatum and a proportional increase of dopamine release in response to caffeine and ethanol treatment. These findings support the hypothesis that the PNKD protein functions to modulate striatal neuro-transmitter release in response to stress and other precipitating factors