Heavy metal intoxication

Although some debate exists with regards to the subject, elements which are classified under ‘heavy metals’ have come to be those which pose a threat to humans in terms of toxicity. Intoxication with heavy metals is not a typical diagnosis as it is fairly uncommon. This can impose a risk on people who fail to be diagnosed and removed from the source of exposure, increasing morbidity and mortality. For the purposes of this review, Cadmium and Mercury will be discussed. A brief introduction of each element’s chemical and physical properties will be given, as well as its sources in the environment and any uses. Each metal’s toxicity will be illustrated using actual cases of poisoning. Any treatments for intoxication will be explained at the end of each section.peer-reviewe

Genome organisation

The genome is a functional unit consisting of a hierarchy of subunits: one or more chromosomes, a number of genes, pseudogenes and “junk” DNA (repetitive/simple sequences). The sizes of the genomes vary from one organism to another. Some examples are shown in Table 1.peer-reviewe

Dna fingerprinting - review paper

Before the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was established, DNA fingerprinting technology has relied for years on Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Variable Number of Tandom Repeats (VNTR) analysis, a very efficient technique but quite laborious and not suitable for high throughput mapping. Since its, development, PCR has provided a new and powerful tool for DNA fingerprinting.peer-reviewe

What is genomics?

The genome is the complete set of instructions for making an organism. The term "genome" is more than 75 years old and refers to an organism's set of genes and chromosomes. The term genomics was coined later, to describe the scientific discipline of mapping, sequencing and analysing genomes. Currently is understood to encompass all genetic information carried on genes and chromosomal or mitochondrial DNA required for structural organisation and functional living organisms.peer-reviewe

The biology of Clara cells - review paper

Clara cells, the nonciliated population in the epithelial lining of bronchioles, are one of the most heterogeneous and multifunctional cell types in fhe mammalian lung. The best-defined markers for Clara cell differentiation in adult mammals are the ultrastructural features (Table 1).peer-reviewe

Transgenic animals - review paper

Developments in the biological sciences in the last years have changed mankind's ability to manipulate the genetics, cell biology and physiology of biological organisms. These techniques, collectively termed biotechnology, create the opportunity for modifying domestic animals in ways that markedly increase the efficiency of production. Among the procedures being developed for animal production systems are marker-assisted selection of specific alleles of a gene that are associated with high production, production of transgenic animals, production of large amounts of previously-rare proteins through use of genetically-engineered bacteria or other cells and identification of new biologically-active molecules as potential regulators of animals function.peer-reviewe

Causes of infertility

Infertility is described as the lack of conception after one year of unprotected intercourse (Bayer et al., 2002). However, the amount of time after which treatment to a couple is administered varies considerably. It might be greatly reduced in the case of an obvious infertility problem, such as blockage of the fallopian tubes. Considering that there is an approximate 15-20% chance per month of achieving pregnancy, and that about 73-80% of couples achieve pregnancy before six months of trying, it is justified that an infertility evaluation and treatment are initiated after six months rather than one year of trying.peer-reviewe

Epithelial cells interaction-review paper

Airways are exposed to a number of inhaled toxins, pathogens, allergens, reactive gases, aerosols and irritant particles. After a lung insult, some of the epithelial cells are injured or damaged. These cells either detach or die thus disruption of cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction and also exposing the basement membrane. The normal response to the injury is a mass transportation of factors including Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM), various growth factors and inflammatory cells. The epithelial cells in the margin of the damage flatten and move to eventually cover the wound. If this repair does not occur this insult can result in a disease (Fig. 1).peer-reviewe

The biology of p21 Waf1/Cip1 - review paper

p21WAF1/Cip1 belongs to the Cip/Kip family of cyclin kinase inhibitors (CKI) (p21Waf1/Cip1, p27Kip1, p57Kip1). p21Waf1/Cip1 was first described as a potent and universal inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). Two forms of functionally active p21 has been localized and described: a nuclear and a cytoplasmic forms. In this paper the structures of p21 has been described and as well as it functional biology in terms of differentiation, proliferation and apoptotic activities. The upregulation of p21 by p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms is also described.peer-reviewe

Reintroduction of the local breeds of sheep and goats in Malta

The number of goats and sheep in Malta has decreased considerably especially in the Maltese local breeds. A program for increasing these Maltese goats began in 1994, and the mainly involves the collection of Maltese breeds of sheep and goats from farmers, importing Maltese goats and sheep from abroad, and then restocking the farmers the selected possibly pure Maltese breeds. In parallel with this project, a method using genetic markers is being developed to help in the selection of these animals.peer-reviewe