Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of levansucrase (LsdA) from Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus SRT4

The endophytic bacterium Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus SRT4 secretes a constitutively expressed levansucrase (LsdA; EC 2.4.1.10), which converts sucrose to fructo-oligosaccharides and levan. Fully active LsdA was purified to high homogeneity by non-denaturing reversed-phase HPLC and was crystallized at room temperature by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using ammonium sulfate and ethanol as precipitants. The crystals are extremely sensitive, but native data have been collected to 2.5 A under cryogenic conditions using synchrotron radiation. LsdA crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group P22(1)2(1) or P2(1)2(1)2, with unit-cell parameters a = 53.80, b = 119.39, c = 215.10 A

Evaluación económica de la producción de mojarra castarrica en palizada, Campeche, México

El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó en la organización de productores denominada Producción pesquera y acuícola de bienes y servicios acuacultores de la Rivera Alta S.C. de R.L. de C.V. en Palizada, Campeche, México; el cual tiene como propósito determinar la rentabilidad del proyecto de inversión de mojarra castarrica para informar si los recursos que se invirtieron han permitido capitalizar a los miembros de la Sociedad Cooperativa. Por lo anterior, se calcularon los indicadores de rentabilidad que se establecen en la metodología para la formulación y evaluación de proyectos de inversión para medir la rentabilidad de la organización de productores, los cuales son: Valor Actual Neto (VAN), Relación Beneficio Costo (B/C), Relación Beneficio-Inversión Neta (N/K) y la Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR). Los resultados obtenidos en un periodo de análisis de 10 años son: VAN = 563,743; B/C = 1.34; N/K = 8.79 y la TIR = 141.6%. Al efectuarse el análisis de sensibilidad a la estructura de ingresos y costos totales se observó que el proyecto puede sufrir una disminución de los ingresos de alrededor de 20% siendo rentable y por el lado de los costos totales puede tener un aumento de alrededor de 20% y muestra redituabilidad

Hydrogen sulfide pathway and skeletal muscle: an introductory review.

The presence of the H2 S pathway in skeletal muscle (SKM) has recently been established. SKM expresses the three constitutive H2 S-generating enzymes in animals and humans, and it actively produces H2 S. The main, recognized molecular targets of H2 S, that is, potassium channels and PDEs, have been evaluated in SKM physiology in order to hypothesize a role for H2 S signalling. SKM dysfunctions, including muscular dystrophy and malignant hyperthermia, have also been evaluated as conditions in which the H2 S and transsulfuration pathways have been suggested to be involved. The intrinsic complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling together with the scarcity of preclinical models of SKM-related disorders have hampered any advances in the knowledge of SKM function. Here, we have addressed the role of the H2 S pathway in E-C coupling and the relative importance of cystathionine β-synthase, cistathionine γ-lyase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in SKM diseases

Current Insights in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Immunopathogenesis

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) is a clinically diverse group of autoimmune skin diseases with shared histological features of interface dermatitis and autoantibodies deposited at the dermal-epidermal junction. Various genetic and environmental triggers of CLE promote infiltration of T cells, B cells, neutrophils, antigen presenting cells, and NK cells into lesional skin. In this mini-review, we will discuss the clinical features of CLE, insights into CLE immunopathogenesis, and novel treatment approaches

The scavenger receptor SCARF1 mediates apoptotic cell clearance and prevents autoimmunity

Clearance of apoptotic cells is critical for control of tissue homeostasis however the full range of receptor(s) on phagocytes responsible for recognition of apoptotic cells remains to be identified. Here we show that dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and endothelial cells use scavenger receptor type F family member 1 (SCARF1) to recognize and engulf apoptotic cells via C1q. Loss of SCARF1 impairs uptake of apoptotic cells. Consequently, in SCARF1-deficient mice, dying cells accumulate in tissues leading to a lupus-like disease with the spontaneous generation of autoantibodies to DNA-containing antigens, immune cell activation, dermatitis and nephritis. The discovery of SCARF1 interactions with C1q and apoptotic cells provides insights into molecular mechanisms involved in maintenance of tolerance and prevention of autoimmune disease