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Background In an aging population with cardiovascular comorbidities, anticoagulant (AC), antiplatelet (AP), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use are increasing. It remains unclear whether these agents pose increased bleeding risk in cirrhosis. This study aimed to assess the association between these medications and bleeding and portal hypertension complications in cirrhosis. Methods The IMS PharMetrics database was used to identify privately insured adults diagnosed with cirrhosis from 2007 to 2015, stratified as compensated or decompensated based on the presence of portal hypertensive complications 1 year before cirrhosis diagnosis. Bleeding or decompensation outcomes were assessed 6 to 18 months after cirrhosis diagnosis using a landmark analysis design. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression modeling assessed associations between AC, AP, and NSAID drug exposures and outcomes adjusting for covariates. Results A total of 18,070 cirrhosis patients were analyzed; 57% male; 74% ages 50 to 64 years; 34% with a prior decompensation. Overall, 377 (2%) had claims for ACs; 385 (2%) APs; and 1231 (7%) NSAIDs. APs were associated with increased bleeding [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.72] and decompensation events (aHR=1.44; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.95) in a 9-month landmark analysis. NSAIDs were significantly associated with bleeding events (aHR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.57) on 3-month landmark analysis. No statistically significant associations were seen between ACs and bleeding or decompensation outcomes in adjusted analyses. Conclusions AP use was associated with increased bleeding and decompensation events among privately insured patients with cirrhosis. NSAID use was associated with significant early bleeding, but not decompensations. Lastly ACs were not associated with bleeding or decompensation outcomes.

Bioenergy recovery from cashew nut shells was investigated throughout using efficient inoculums source and appropriate pretreatment. Physicochemical characteristics of shells and inoculums including pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA, total solid, volatile solid, ash were determined using standard methods. Total anaerobes and methanogenic archaea from inocula were determined by MPP method. Wastewater (WW), sludge from bioreactor (SBR), bovine dung (BD) and mixed inoculums (MIX) were used to evaluate inoculums source in batch system. Biochemical methane potential of pretreated shells was evaluated. Biogas was measurement by liquid displacement. CH4 and CO2 were performed by GC. MIX and WW showed high concentration of methanogenic bacteria (2.3 102 CFU/mL). Best biomethane levels 70.38% with yields of 55.52 L biogas. (Kg VS)-1 was observed with old shells inoculated by MIX. Low productivity was noted with thermal and biological treatment of old and fresh shells, 11.20 and 0.02 L CH4. (Kg VS)-1, respectively. Inoculums source has significant effect on biogas production. Mixed inoculums exhibited significantly high yields of biomethane. Thermo-biological pretreatment seems to be not appropriate for a better biomethane production. Combination of thermochemical and biological pretreatment could be necessary for best biomethane production yield.

Tomato is a vegetable/fruit highly consumed all other the world. This study was to assess the effect of some postharvest processing such as thermal treatment, microwave, ultrasound and ultrasound combined with heat treatment on some physicochemical characteristics as well as nutrients content of tomato pulp during storage at room temperature. Results showed that the pulp samples submitted to ultrasonic and microwave treatments gave an increase in water content (95.65 to 96.75%) and total acidity (0.70 to 1.16% citric acid equivalent) and a decrease in pH (4.02 to 3.59) and brix degree (4.93 to 4.02% Brix) during the first 15 days of storage. Ultrasound treatment associated with heat treatment did not affect the physicochemical characteristics of tomato pulp and the β-carotene, but slightly reduced the total phenolic content during the first 15 days of storage (723.98 to 659.66 mg GAE/100 g DM). A significant increase in the total phenolic content (647.33 to 832.78 mg GAE/100 g DM) and β-carotene (10.77 to 12.90 mg GAE/100 g DM) was observed during storage of pulp samples treated with ultrasound and microwaves. This study showed that the ultrasound treatment associated with heat treatment can be recommended to processors for nutrients preservation during storage. Key words: Tomato pulp, s-carotene, total phenolic, physicochemical characteristics, ultrasound, heat.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which has a male predominance, lacks effective therapeutic options. Previously, the cardiac glycoside analogue bufalin has been found to inhibit HBV infection and HCC development. As yet, however, its molecular role in HBV-associated HCC has remained obscure. Colony formation and soft agar assays, xenograft and orthotopic mouse models and HBV X protein (HBx) transgenic mice with exposure to diethylnitrosamine were used to evaluate the effect of bufalin on HBV-associated HCC growth and tumorigenicity. HBx-induced oncogenic signaling regulated by bufalin was assessed using PCR array, chromatin immunoprecipitation, site-directed mutagenesis, luciferase reporter, transcription and protein expression assays. Synergistic HCC therapeutic effects were examined using combinations of bufalin and sorafenib. We found that bufalin exerted a more profound effect on inhibiting the proliferation of HBV-associated HCC cells than of non HBV-associated HCC cells. Bufalin significantly inhibited HBx-induced malignant transfromation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Androgen receptor (AR) signaling was found to be a target of bufalin resistance to HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. We also found that bufalin induced both AR dephosphorylation and cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK) degradation to inhibit β-catenin/TCF signaling, which subsequently led to cell cycle arrest via cyclin D1 down-regulation and p21 up-regulation, resulting in HCC regression. Furthermore, we found that bufalin reduced > 60% diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in HBx transgenic mice, and improved the sensitivity of refractory HBV-associated HCC cells to sorafenib treatment. Our results indicate that bufalin acts as a potential anti-HCC therapeutic candidate to block HBx-induced AR/CCRK/β-catenin signaling by targeting AR and CCRK, which may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of HBV-associated HCC.

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important in tumor microenvironment (TME) driven cancer progression. However, CAFs are heterogeneous and still largely underdefined, better understanding their origins will identify new therapeutic strategies for cancer. Here, the authors discovered a new role of macrophage‐myofibroblast transition (MMT) in cancer for de novo generating protumoral CAFs by resolving the transcriptome dynamics of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) with single‐cell resolution. MMT cells (MMTs) are observed in non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) associated with CAF abundance and patient mortality. By fate‐mapping study, RNA velocity, and pseudotime analysis, existence of novel macrophage‐lineage‐derived CAF subset in the TME of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model is confirmed, which is directly transited via MMT from M2‐TAM in vivo and bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) in vitro. Adoptive transfer of BMDM‐derived MMTs markedly promote CAF formation in LLC‐bearing mice. Mechanistically, a Smad3‐centric regulatory network is upregulated in the MMTs of NSCLC, where chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing(ChIP‐seq) detects a significant enrichment of Smad3 binding on fibroblast differentiation genes in the macrophage‐lineage cells in LLC‐tumor. More importantly, macrophage‐specific deletion and pharmaceutical inhibition of Smad3 effectively block MMT, therefore, suppressing the CAF formation and cancer progression in vivo. Thus, MMT may represent a novel therapeutic target of CAF for cancer immunotherapy., Here, the authors discovered a direct mechanism of tumor‐associated macrophages for de novo generating protumoral cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) via macrophage‐myofibroblast transition (MMT) by resolving their transcriptome dynamics at single‐cell resolution. Encouragingly, targeting the MMT key regulator Smad3 effectively blocked the production and protumoral actions of CAF, evidencing its translational potential as a novel therapeutic target in the tumour microenvironment for cancer.

Germline mutation in the PTEN gene is the genetic basis of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome with the affected individuals harboring features of autism spectrum disorders. Characterizing a panel of 14 autism‐associated PTEN missense mutations revealed reduced protein stability, catalytic activity, and subcellular distribution. Nine out of 14 (64%) PTEN missense mutants had reduced protein expression with most mutations confined to the C2 domain. Selected mutants displayed enhanced polyubiquitination and shortened protein half‐life, but that did not appear to involve the polyubiquitination sites at lysine residues at codon 13 or 289. Analyzing their intrinsic lipid phosphatase activities revealed that 78% (11 out of 14) of these mutants had twofold to 10‐fold reduction in catalytic activity toward phosphatidylinositol phosphate substrates. Analyzing the subcellular localization of the PTEN missense mutants showed that 64% (nine out of 14) had altered nuclear‐to‐cytosol ratios with four mutants (G44D, H123Q, E157G, and D326N) showing greater nuclear localization. The E157G mutant was knocked‐in to an induced pluripotent stem cell line and recapitulated a similar nuclear targeting preference. Furthermore, iPSCs expressing the E157G mutant were more proliferative at the neural progenitor cell stage but exhibited more extensive dendritic outgrowth. In summary, the combination of biological changes in PTEN is expected to contribute to the behavioral and cellular features of this neurodevelopmental disorder., Mutation of the PTEN gene has been linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other disorders with autism‐like features. Here, Andrew Chen and co‐authors characterized a panel of PTEN autism‐associated mutants, unearthing a E157G PTEN mutant that displays preferential localization to the cell nucleus. The E157G mutant was knocked‐in to an iPSC line that recapitulated a similar nuclear‐targeting preference. In addition, iPSCs expressing the E157G mutant were more proliferative at the neural progenitor cell stage and exhibited more extensive dendritic outgrowth when induced to undergo neuronal differentiation, hinting at the contribution of PTEN to the cellular features of ASDs.

Biomethane potential production from cashew nut hulls, an agricultural waste, was carried out using old and fresh hulls as substrates. Samples were taken from old hulls (around 8 years old) and fresh hulls produced in cashew scale transformation units at Bobo Dioulasso/Burkina Faso. Physicochemical parameters showed that cashew hulls can be a good candidate for anaerobic digestion. But high acidity, total phenols and lignin tenor could be a constraint for anaerobic bacteria. Theoretical biochemical methane potential showed high value of 666.937 CH4 L. (Kg VS)-1 and 526.206 CH4 L. (Kg VS)-1 for crushed fresh and powdered old hulls, respectively. Experimental biochemical methane potential showed significantly low potential of 1.982 CH4 L. (Kg VM)-1 and 46.840 CH4 L. (Kg VM)-1 for fresh and hold hulls, respectively. Pretreatment for optimization, chemical composition and co-digestion system must be expected for a better anaerobic digestion performance.

We report laboratory experimental results that support a brine-related hypothesis for the recurring slope lineae (RSL) on Mars in which the subsurface Cl-salts, i.e., hydrous chlorides and oxychlorine salts (HyCOS) are the potential source materials. Our experiments revealed that within the observed RSL temperature window TRSL (250–300 K), the deliquescence of HyCOS could occur in relative humidity ranges (RH ≥ 22%–46%) much lower than those for hydrous (Mg, Fe)-sulfates (RH ≥ 75%–96%). In addition, we demonstrated that the RH values kept by common HyCOS and hydrous sulfates in enclosures have a general trend as RHsulfates > RHperchlorates > RHchlorides (with same type of cation) in wide T range. It means that the required RH range for a Cl-bearing salt to deliquescence can be satisfied by a co-existing salt of different type, e.g., in the subsurface layers of mixed salts on Mars. Furthermore, we found a strong temperature dependence of the deliquescence rates for all tested HyCOS, e.g., a duration of 1–5 sols for all HyCOS at the high end (300 K) of TRSL, and of 20–70 sols for all tested HyCOS (except NaClO4·H2O) at the low end (250 K) of TRSL, which is consistent with the observed seasonal behavior of RSL on Mars. From a mass-balance point of view, the currently observed evidences on Mars do not support a fully-brine-wetted track model, thus we suggest a brine-triggered granular-flow model for the most RSL. Considering the recurrence of RSL in consecutive martian years, our experimental results support the rehydration of remnant HyCOS layers during a martian cold season through H2O vapor-to-salt direct interaction. We found that the evidences of HyCOS rehydration under Mars relevant P-T-RH conditions are detectable in a few minutes by in situ Raman spectroscopy. This rehydration would facilitate the recharge of H2O back into subsurface HyCOS, which could serve as the source material to trigger RSL in a subsequent warm season. The major limiting factor for this rehydration is the H2O supply, i.e., the H2O vapor density carried by current Mars atmospheric circulation and the diffusion rate of H2O vapor into the salt-rich subsurface in a cold season. In a worst-case scenario, these H2O supplies can support a maximum increase of hydration degrees of two for totally dehydrated HyCOS, whereas the full rehydration of subsurface HyCOS layers can be easily reached during a >30° obliquity period that has H2O vapor density 10× to 20× times the value of current obliquity. Overall, our results imply the existence of a large amount of Cl-bearing salts in the subsurface at RSL sites.

Acetic acid bacteria are known for their ability to oxidize ethanol to acetic acid. This study investigated to identify dominant strain acetic acid bacteria involving in fermented juice of mango and capable to produce Vinegar, total of 4 bacteria (CRSBAN-BVA1, CRSBAN-BVK1, CRSBAN-BVK2, CRSBAN-BVI1) bacteria strains were preselected ¶for the analyses. The strains were examined with biochemical, physiological and phenotypical methods such as Gram die, catalase and oxidase test, ethanol oxidation to acetic acid, and over to CO2 and H2O and also metabolism of carbohydrate was tested, for their affiliation to the genera of acetic acid bacteria. Subsequently, genotypic identification was conducted by sequencing the gene coding for 16S rRNA of one targeted strain and phylogenetic analysis was realized throughout 16S rRNA sequences. The results showed that one of the isolated strain (CRSBAN-BVA1) present 99. 90% of similarity in the sequence 16S rRNA region with Acetobacter tropicalis. It demonstrated that bacterial diversity in the mango vinegar is dominated by A. tropicalis. Therefore this strain is potentially useful for its utilization as a starter in vinegar production. Key words: Fermented juice, acetic acid bacteria, 16S rRNA gene sequence, Acetobacter tropicalis.

Essential oils are natural substances which can be used as natural conservators for foods. The present work aimed to evaluate biological properties of essential oil of Hyptis suaveolens and its effect on shelf-life of beef. The extraction was carried out by hydro-distillation. Antioxidant activity was determined by method of DPPH and FRAP. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the microdilution and agar diffusion methods. The sensitivity of eleven pathogen microbial strains was tested. The conservation test of ground meat using essential oil was carried out by monitoring the evolution of the microbial groups. Result showed that extraction yield of essential oil was 0.21% (m/v). The DPPH assay gave IC50 of 16.367 ± 0.0739 µL and was confirmed by the FRAP assay. The essential oil from H. suaveolens showed inhibitory activity on microbial strains. Biopreservation assay revealed a significant decrease of microbial charge during conservation time. Thus essential oil was successful in vitro and its activity on prolonging shelf-life of beef was found to be 7 days. The results of the present study demonstrated the possibility of essential oil from H. suaveolens to be used as natural conservator for food industry. Key words: Hyptis suaveolens, essential oil, biopreservation, biological properties, meat.

The experiment aimed to study the effects of the number of microsafe detergent spraying periods on the microbial presence in mouth and vent of birds and their product characteristics. A total of 180 one-day old unsexual chickens (Ross-308) strain were used. The birds were randomly allocated to four treatments with 3 replicated of 15 birds each. The treatments were control (C) without microsafe spray and D3, D7 and D10 which were sprayed with microsafe detergent every 3, 7 and 10 days, respectively. Total bacteria count, coliform and E.coli bacteria at 14 and 28 days in both mouth and vent of birds were significantly (p

BACKGROUND Growth arrest-specific gene 2 (GAS2) plays a role in modulating in reversible growth arrest cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell survival. GAS2 protein is universally expressed in most normal tissues, particularly in the liver, but is depleted in some tumor tissues. However, the functional mechanisms of GAS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not fully defined. AIM To investigate the function and mechanism of GAS2 in HCC. METHODS GAS2 expression in clinic liver and HCC specimens was analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting. Cell proliferation was analyzed by counting, MTS, and colony formation assays. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Cell apoptosis was investigated by Annexin V apoptosis assay and western blotting. RESULTS GAS2 protein expression was lower in HCC than in normal tissues. Overexpression of GAS2 inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells with wide-type p53, while knockdown of GAS2 promoted the proliferation of hepatocytes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, GAS2 overexpression impeded the G1-to-S cell cycle transition and arrested more G1 cells, particularly the elevation of sub G1 (P < 0.01). Apoptosis induced by GAS2 was dependent on p53, which was increased by etoposide addition. The expression of p53 and apoptosis markers was further enhanced when GAS2 was upregulated, but became diminished upon downregulation of GAS2. In the clinic specimen, GAS2 was downregulated in more than 60% of HCCs. The average fold changes of GAS2 expression in tumor tissues were significantly lower than those in paired non-tumor tissues (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION GAS2 plays a vital role in HCC cell proliferation and apoptosis, possibly by regulating the cell cycle and p53-dependent apoptosis pathway.

Erythropoietin (EPO) protects cells by inhibiting apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in several models of retinal degeneration. In this study, we demonstrate the effects of recombinant Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of a modified form of erythropoietin (EPO-R76E) in an established mouse model of dry-AMD in which retinal degeneration is induced by RPE oxidative stress. Experimental vector AAV-EPO-R76E and control vector AAV-GFP were packaged into serotype-1 (AAV1) to enable RPE selective expression. RPE oxidative stress-mediated retinal degeneration was induced by exon specific deletion of the protective enzyme MnSOD (encoded by Sod2) by cre/lox mechanism. Experimental mice received subretinal injection of AAV-EPO-R76E in the right eye and AAV-GFP in the left eye. Western blotting of RPE/Choroid protein samples from AAV-EPO-R76E injected eyes showed RPE specific exogenous protein expression. Retinal degeneration was monitored by electroretinography (ERG). EPO-R76E over-expression in RPE delayed the progressive retinal degeneration as measured by light microscopy in RPE specific Sod2 knockout mice. Delivery of EPO-R76E vector can be used as a tool to prevent retinal degeneration induced by RPE oxidative stress as seen in this mouse model.

Erythropoietin (EPO) plays an important role in erythropoiesis by its action in blocking apoptosis of progenitor cells and protects both photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells from induced or inherited degeneration. A modified form of EPO, EPO-R76E has attenuated erythropoietic activity but is effective in inhibiting apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in several models of retinal degeneration. In this study, we used recombinant Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) to provide long-term sustained delivery of EPO-R76E and demonstrated its effects in a mouse model of dry-AMD in which retinal degeneration is induced by oxidative stress in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Experimental vector AAV-EPO-R76E and control vector AAV-GFP were packaged into serotype-1 (AAV1) to enable RPE selective expression. RPE oxidative stress-mediated retinal degeneration was induced by exon specific deletion of the protective enzyme MnSOD (encoded by Sod2) by cre/lox mechanism. Experimental mice received subretinal injection of AAV-EPO-R76E in the right eye and AAV-GFP in the left eye. Western blotting of RPE/choroid protein samples from AAV-EPO-R76E injected eyes showed RPE specific EPO expression. Retinal function was monitored by electroretinography (ERG). EPO-R76E over-expression in RPE delayed the retinal degeneration as measured by light microscopy in RPE specific Sod2 knockout mice. Delivery of EPO-R76E vector can be used as a tool to prevent retinal degeneration induced by RPE oxidative stress, which is implicated as a potential cause of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Enhancer DNA methylation and expression of MYBPHL was studied in multiple myeloma (MM). By bisulfite genomic sequencing, among the three CpGs inside the MYBPHL enhancer, CpG1 was significantly hypomethylated in MM cell lines (6.7–50.0%) than normal plasma cells (37.5–75.0%) (P = 0.007), which was negatively correlated with qPCR-measured MYBPHL expression. In RPMI-8226 and WL-2 cells, bearing the highest CpG1 methylation, 5-azadC caused enhancer demethylation and expression of MYBPHL. In primary samples, higher CpG1 methylation was associated with lower MYBPHL expression. By luciferase assay, luciferase activity was enhanced by MYBPHL enhancer compared with empty vector control, but reduced by site-directed mutagenesis of each CpG. RNA-seq data of newly diagnosed MM patients showed that MYBPHL expression was associated with t(11;14). MOLP-8 cells carrying t(11;14) express the highest levels of MYBPHL, and its knockdown reduced cellular proliferation and increased cell death. Herein, as a proof-of-concept, our data demonstrated that the MYBPHL enhancer, particularly CpG1, was hypomethylated and associated with increased MYBPHL expression in MM, which was implicated in myelomagenesis.

Purpose Uveitis is an ocular inflammation that can affect individuals of all ages and is a major cause of blindness. We have tested the therapeutic efficacy of a cell penetrating peptide from the kinase inhibitory region of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, denoted as R9-SOCS1-KIR. Methods We stimulated J774A.1 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of R9-SOCS1-KIR or its inactive control peptide. Effect on inflammatory pathways was followed by the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB p65 subunit and phosphorylated-p38. Synthesis of inflammatory markers induced by LPS was tested by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and ELISA of cell supernatants. We monitored effects on the barrier properties of a differentiated ARPE-19 monolayer treated with LPS. We treated C57BL/6 mice topically with either R9-SOCS1-KIR or vehicle and injected their eyes intravitreally with LPS. Eyes were analyzed by fundoscopy, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, histology, Western blotting, multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry. Results Treatment with R9-SOCS1-KIR resulted in suppression of signaling through nuclear factor κB and p-p38 pathways. R9-SOCS1-KIR suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes, the secretion of inflammatory makers such as nitric oxide, and IL-1β induced by LPS. Increased permeability of retinal pigment epithelial cell monolayers was prevented. Corneal administration of R9-SOCS1-KIR blocked the acute inflammation observed in LPS-injected mouse eyes. Conclusions Treatment with R9-SOCS1-KIR alleviated the inflammatory responses in cell culture. Topical delivery of this peptide on mouse eyes protected against LPS-induced damage. Translational relevance Topical delivery of R9-SOCS1-KIR peptide allows the patient to self-administer the drug, while preventing any systemic effects on unrelated organs.

Microglia are immune cells of the central nervous system capable of distinct phenotypic changes and migration in response to injury. These changes most notably include the retraction of fine dendritic structures and adoption of a globular, phagocytic morphology. Due to their characteristic responses, microglia frequently act as histological indicators of injury progression. While algorithms seeking to automate microglia counts and morphological analysis are becoming increasingly popular, few exist that are adequate for use within the retina and manual analysis remains prevalent. To address this, we propose a novel segmentation routine, implemented within FIJI-ImageJ, to perform automated segmentation and cell counting of retinal microglia. We show that our routine could perform cell counts with accuracy similar to manual observers using the I307N Rho model. Tracking cell position relative to retinal vasculature, we observed population migration towards the photoreceptor layer beginning 12 h post light damage. Using feature selection with Chi2 and principal component analysis, we resolved cells along a morphological gradient, demonstrating that extracted features were sufficiently descriptive to capture subtle morphological changes within cell populations in I307N Rho and Balb/c TLR2−/− retinal degeneration models. Taken together, we introduce a novel automated routine capable of efficient image processing and segmentation. Using data retrieved following segmentation, we perform morphological analysis simultaneously on whole populations of cells, rather than individually. Our algorithm was built entirely with open-source software, for use on retinal microglia.

Tomato fruit enormously consumed in Burkina Faso is a source of health risk due to its quality. The plant of tomato cultivated in most the industrially polluted area as Ouagadougou, accumulates significant quantities of heavy metals and microorganisms and could be dangerous for consumption. The present study was conducted to investigate heavy metal and microbial contamination in soils wastewater and vegetables (tomato fruit) and to evaluate the possible health risks associated with the consumption of vegetables. Total concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Se and Zn were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Transfer factor (TF), daily intake of metals (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) were also calculated. Microbial quality was analyzed for the presence of foodborne pathogens. The pH involved from 6.50 ± 0.1 to 9.40 ± 0.12 respectively for Boulmiougou and Kossodo. The mean metal concentrations indicated that soils were strongly polluted followed by wastewater and vegetable. The range of the mean values (in mg · kg-1) exhibited by As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Se and Zn in tomato fruit was 17.80 ± 0.32, 2.71 ± 0.02, 11.57 ± 0.2, 203.41 ± 1.20, 15.13 ± 0.30, 53.18 ± 0.20, 38.56 ± 0.10, 109.13 ± 0.25 concerning samples of Boulmiougou and 3.47 ± 0.15, 2.78 ± 0.01, 22.11 ± 0.1, 242.85 ± 2.10, 14.86 ± 0.10, 132.19 ± 1.50, 33.23 ± 0.15, 146.43 ± 1.12 for Kossodo. Microbial count was below to acceptable limits for vegetable, but underlined the presence of spoiler and foodborne pathogens. However, the daily intake of metals (DIM) and the health risk index (HRI) values were found to be under to the prescribed maximum tolerable.

The microbial activity estimated by respirometry test method made it possible to measure the quantity of CO2 produced per day, from four soils polluted at different degrees by hydrocarbons. These samples have been wet to 2/3 of their maximal capacity of retention and incubated at 30°C for 30 days. The quantity of CO2 released and measured shows a high value (83.97 mg/100 g of soils against 36.05 mg/100 g of soils) in soils highly polluted by hydrocarbons treated without cow dung. We get higher values (148.98 mg/100 g of polluted soils against 66.52 mg/100 g of not contaminated soils) when the cow dung is used as a ferment. The total aerobic mesophilic flora in the samples of soils has been counted on the nutritive agar. The result is that the total aerobic mesophilic flora varied from 1×104 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) to 50 × 104 CFU before treatment and from 5×104 CFU to 420×104 CFU after 30 days of treatment. During the treatment of the soils, the bacteria and molds microflora increases with time while yeasts disappear progressively. Key words: Respirometry, microorganisms, contaminated soils, hydrocarbons.

In Burkina Faso, deficiency of amino acids in protein is becoming a major healthy public problem. This study was purposed to optimize essentials amino acids in single cell protein (SCP) by supplementing different nitrogen sources during fermentation of mango waste with Candida utilis FJM12. Analytical methods were used to determine biomass yield, chemical composition and amino acids profile of SCP. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was performed to identify the nitrogen source which exhibited best rate of SCP. The maximum biomass yield (6.48±0.03 g/L) exhibited 9.65±0.36% (w/w) of ash, while using yeast extract. The proximate composition of SCP revealed 56.40±1.30, 13.25±0.11, 3.80±0.10, and 6.60±0.25% (w/w), respectively for crude protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acid content. PCA showed a strong correlation between yeast extract and Ammonium sulphate and demonstrated their positive influence to increase the rate of SCP and essentials amino acids as compared to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommendation. These results demonstrated that C. utilis FJM12 could be suitable for essentials amino acids. Key words: Mango waste, nitrogen source, Candida utilis, single cell protein (SCP), amino acids.

The present study aims at optimizing the production of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SKM10 single cell proteins (SCP) from mango waste. To optimize the production process, the effect of two independent variables was evaluated by a three-level full factorial design using response surface methodology (RSM). The parameters studied were inoculum size (2 to 12% v/v) and concentration of substrates (5 to 10 g/L). Analytical methods were used to determine yeast cell biomass, sugar and protein content in yeast. Under optimal conditions, sugar content and maximum cell dry weight attained were 15.28 and 29.85% (w/w). Optimal protein content of 79.14% (w/w) was achieved at 8% (v/v) inoculum and 8% (g/L) substrate concentration. These results have provided useful information on how to improve the production by RSM and suggested that S. cerevisiae SKM10 might be applied effectively to produce SCP using mango waste as a low-cost substrate. Key words: Mango waste, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, bioconversion, production, single cell protein.

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in rodents recapitulates many features of the disease in humans and has served as a useful tool for the development of therapeutics. A peptide from C-terminus of interferon α1, conjugated to palmitoyl-lysine for cell penetration, denoted as IFNα–C, was tested for its anti-inflammatory properties in ARPE-19 cells, followed by testing in a mouse model of EAU. Treatment with IFNα–C and evaluation by RT-qPCR showed the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokine. Inflammatory markers induced by treatment with TNFα were suppressed when IFNα–C was simultaneously present. TNF-α mediated induction of NF-kB and signaling by IL-17A were attenuated by IFNα–C. Differentiated ARPE-19 cells were treated with TNFα in the presence or absence IFNα–C and analyzed by immmunhistochemistry. IFNα–C protected against the disruption integrity of tight junction proteins. Similarly, loss of transepithelial resistance caused by TNFα was prevented by IFNα–C. B10.RIII mice were immunized with a peptide from interphotoreceptor binding protein (IRBP) and treated by gavage with IFNα–C. Development of uveitis was monitored by histology, fundoscopy, SD-OCT, and ERG. Treatment with IFNα–C prevented uveitis in mice immunized with the IRBP peptide. Splenocytes isolated from mice with ongoing EAU exhibited antigenspecific T cell proliferation that was inhibited in the presence of IFNα–C. IFNα–C peptide exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and protects mice against damage to retinal structure and function suggesting that it has therapeutic potential for the treatment of autoimmune uveitis.

Purpose Mutations in RHO, the gene for a rhodopsin, are a leading cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. The objective of this study was to determine if a synthetic retinal analogue (SRD005825) serves as a pharmacologic chaperone to promote appropriate membrane trafficking of a mutant version of human rhodopsin. Methods A tetracycline-inducible cell line was used to produce human wild-type and T17M opsin. A cell-free assay was used to study the impact of SRD005825 on binding of 9-cis-retinal to wild-type opsin. A cell-based assay was used to measure the effect of SRD005825 on the generation of rhodopsin by spectroscopy and Western blot and the transport of rhodopsin to the cell membrane by confocal microscopy. Mice bearing T17M RHO were treated with daily oral doses of SRD005825, and retinal degeneration was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and, at the conclusion of the experiment, by electroretinography and morphometry. Results SRD005825 competed with 9-cis-retinal for binding to wild-type opsin but promoted the formation of rhodopsin in HEK293 cells and the trafficking of T17M rhodopsin to the plasma membrane of these cells. T17M transgenic mice exhibited rapid retinal degeneration, but thinning of the outer nuclear layer representative of photoreceptor cell bodies was delayed by treatment with SRD005825. Electroretinography a-wave and b-wave amplitudes were significantly improved by drug treatment. Conclusions SRD005825 promoted the reconstitution of mutant rhodopsin and its membrane localization. Because it delayed retinal degeneration in the mouse model, it has potential as a therapeutic for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Translational relevance SRD005825 may be useful as a treatment to delay retinal degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa patients with rhodopsin mutations causing misfolding of the protein.

Background Metastasis is a prominent cause of cancer-related death governed by both cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic microenvironment. Clinical observations demonstrated liver as a common metastatic site for various cancers, which may be due to its immune tolerant environment. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) is a heterogeneous cell population of immature myeloid cells that contribute to the formation of a favorable metastatic environment partially via suppression of immune effector cells. However, the underlying mechanisms in liver tropism of tumor metastasis remain poorly understood. We have previously discovered that cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK) can promote primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development via MDSCs. Here we hypothesize that the accumulation of hepatic MDSCs induced by CCRK may contribute to the formation of a favorable metastatic liver microenvironment. Methods We constructed a liver-specific CCRK inducible transgenic (TG) mouse model by a Cre/loxP system. Orthotopic and metastatic mouse models were used to investigate the role of CCRK in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. PMN-MDSC was depleted by anti-Ly6G antibody. Cytokine, chemokine, and immune cells profiling were performed after sacrifice. Results Induction of CCRK expression by tamoxifen injection could increase CD11b+Gr-1+Ly6G+Ly6Clow polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs liver accumulation specifically in male mice with upregulated Cxcl1 and Gcsf expression. Intrahepatic injection of a mouse hepatoma cell line Hep1–6 in male TG mice developed larger tumors compared to control and positively associated with increased PMN-MDSCs levels in liver. Moreover, the tumorigenicity was abolished by PMN-MDSC depletion. Notably, intrasplenic injection of a mouse melanoma cell line B16F10 exhibited an increased level of liver-infiltrating PMN-MDSCs and enhanced liver metastasis in male TG mice compared to control mice. Moreover, depletion of PMN-MDSCs suppressed metastasis in liver. Mechanistically, anti-tumor NKT cells, rather than NK cells and CD8+T cells, were negatively correlated with tumor weight and MDSC proportion, indicating involvement of cross-talk between MDSC and NKT in liver metastasis. Conclusions Our findings suggest that hepatic CCRK expression create a tumor growth- and metastasis-supportive liver microenvironment via enhancing immunosuppression.

The deficiency of protein in human food and animal feed is well recognized due to the rapid growth of population. It is therefore, important to increase protein production by utilizing all the available ways and means. In the light of this, an attempt was made in this study by selecting Candida utilis NOY1. This yeast was used to determine the optimum concentration of different minerals salts and nitrogen source on growth. This study aimed at improving the medium composition for efficient and high yield yeast biomass production using tubers wastes. Proximate analysis of the biomass revealed that the protein and nucleic acid content were 54.8 and 4.6%, respectively. Amino acid profiles were found to be comparable to those of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reference. This study shows that tubers wastes supplemented with peptone and yeast extract could be used as a good production medium for large scale production of yeast biomass and C. utilis NOY1 possesses a high protein value and can be used as a better choice for single cell protein production. Key words: Mineral salts, Candida utilis, biomass, tubers, wastes.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is quantitatively the highest vegetable consumed in Burkina Faso. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical, nutritional characteristics, and sanitary quality of the tomato variety Mongal F1 from different production sites. Twenty-eight (28) samples of Mongal F1 fresh tomatoes were collected from 28 producers at three different localities of Ouahigouya, Loumbila and Ouagadougou. The physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics were determined by standardized methods and the traces metallic elements by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed a degree brix varying from 4.07° to 5.50° and a pH ranging from 3.71 to 4.08 corresponding to a total acidity of 0.39% to 0.55% citric acid equivalents. The moisture content, the ash content, the total carbohydrates content, the reducing carbohydrates content, the lipids content and the protein content were ranged from 95.09% to 96.17%, 9.25% to 10.60%, 47.00% to 53.43%, 30.03% to 41.21%, 3.04% to 7.71% and 17.09% to 25.03% respectively. The results of the trace metals showed a high accumulation of total cadmium from 0.11 to 0.22 ppm, of total lead of 1.15 to 1.27 ppm and arsenic total of 0.19 to 0.20 ppm. The results proved that environmental conditions influence the quality of the tomato Mongal F1. Detection of trace elements in the tomato fruits suggests that a better production practices are needed.

Purpose To investigate whether antioxidant gene therapy protects the structure and function of retina in a murine model of RPE atrophy, and to determine whether antioxidant gene therapy can prevent degeneration once it has begun. Methods We induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in RPE by conditional deletion of Sod2, the gene for manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). These mice exhibited localized atrophy of the RPE and overlying photoreceptors. We restored Sod2 to the RPE of one eye using adeno-associated virus (AAV) by subretinal injection at an early (6 weeks) and a late stage (6 months), injecting the other eye with an AAV vector expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Retinal degeneration was monitored over a period of 9 months by electroretinography (ERG) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Immunohistochemical and histologic analyses were conducted to measure oxidative stress markers and to visualize retinal structure. Results One month after delivery, the AAV-Sod2 injection resulted in production of MnSod in the RPE and negligible expression in the neural retina. Electroretinography and OCT suggested no adverse effects due to increased expression of MnSOD or subretinal injection. Decrease in the ERG response and thinning retinal thickness was significantly delayed in eyes with early treatment with the Sod2 vector, but treatment at 6 months of age did not affect the ERG decline seen in these mice. Conclusions We conclude that antioxidant gene therapy may be effective in preventing the detrimental effects of oxidative stress, but may not be beneficial once substantial tissue damage has occurred.

This study is a contribution to the optimization of organic fraction of municipal waste bioconversion into biomethane, by activated sludge production as inoculum for digesters. The wastewater (WW) and cow dung (CD) samples were taken from the slaughterhouse of Ouagadougou town, Burkina Faso. Different mixtures were made, enriched with mineral solution and cellulose at 5% (w/v) as: 10% CD + 90% WW (C7), 30% CD + 70% WW (C6), 50% CD + 50% WW (C5), 70% CD + 30% WW (C4), 90% CD + 10% WW (C3), 100% CD (C2) and 100% WW (C1). The pH evolution and biogas (CH4 and CO2) production were followed for 25 days. Cultures tend to acidify with increase in cow dung proportion. Biogas production was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in C5 (880.0 mL), C6 (862.0 10 mL) and C7 (772.0 mL). Mixture C5 had a highest level of CO2 production (40%). Also C7 and C6 retained in the experiment contained respectively organic matter, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and total alkalinity (TAC) as 41.06%, 47.02%, 1320 mg acetic acid/L, 3036 mg Acetic acid/L and 520 mg CaCO3/L, 1310 mg CaCO3/L. Mixture C6 was the best medium for microorganism proliferation stability with 3.5 × 105 UFC/ml of methanogens bacteria. It also possessed buffering capacity, which prevents acidification of medium during VFAs production.

The concentration of secondary metabolites can be influenced qualitatively and quantitatively by ecological factors and farming practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of organic and mineral fertilization on physical characteristics and the content of chemical and biochemical compounds of the fruits of the tomato var. Mongal F1. Physical, chemical and biochemical characterizations of tomato samples were carried out from samples collected from control, organic and mineral fertilized plants, to assess the nutritional potential according to fertilization. Samples collected from the organic fertilizer had pH values of 4.21 ± 0.01 corresponding to measurable acidity of 8.47 ± 0.06g malic acid /100g Fresh Tomato (FT), dry matter of 4.18±0.02/100g FT and total ash content of 0.38±0.01/100g FT. The contents of fats, proteins are respectively 2.28 ± 0.01 and 0.70± 0.02 mg/100g FT, totals sugar value of 2.83± 0.02 mg/100g FT. For mineral fertilization, the samples had pH values of 4.16 ± 0.01 corresponding to a measurable acidity of 8.10 ± 0.12g malic acid /100g FT, values of dry matter 3.82 ± 0.02/100g FT and totals ash content of 0.37 ± 0.01. The contents of fats and proteins are respectively 0.27 ± 0.01 and 0.64 ± 0.01 mg/100g FT with totals sugar value of 2.56 ± 0.01 mg/100g FT. Result of study revealed that organic fertilization can increase the concentration of secondary metabolites production in tomato var. Mongal F1 than mineral fertilization. This increase may be probably due to the availability of various major and minor elements in organic fertilizer contrary to mineral fertilizer which has only three major elements, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). Globally fruit ripping has shown a positive effect on the accumulation of fats, proteins and total sugar.

Determining the eruption temperature of Io's dominant silicate lavas would constrain Io's present interior state and composition. We have examined how eruption temperature can be estimated at lava tube skylights through synthesis of thermal emission from the incandescent lava flowing within the lava tube. Lava tube skylights should be present along Io's long-lived lava flow fields, and are attractive targets because of their temporal stability and the narrow range of near-eruption temperatures revealed through them. We conclude that these skylights are suitable and desirable targets (perhaps the very best targets) for the purposes of constraining eruption temperature, with a 0.9:0.7-µm radiant flux ratio ≤6.3 being diagnostic of ultramafic lava temperatures. Because the target skylights may be small – perhaps only a few m or 10 s of m across – such observations will require a future Io-dedicated mission that will obtain high spatial resolution ( < 100 m/pixel), unsaturated observations of Io's surface at multiple wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared, ideally at night. In contrast to observations of lava fountains or roiling lava lakes, where accurate determination of surface temperature distribution requires simultaneous or near-simultaneous ( < 0.1 s) observations at different wavelengths, skylight thermal emission data are superior for the purposes of temperature derivation, as emission is stable on much longer time scales (minutes, or longer), so long as viewing geometry does not greatly change during that time.

The generation of laminated and light responsive retinal organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides a powerful tool for the study of retinal diseases and drug discovery and a robust platform for cell-based therapies. The aim of this study is to investigate whether retinal organoids can retain their morphological and functional characteristics upon storage at room temperature (RT) conditions and shipment by air using a commercially available container that maintains the environment at ambient temperature. Morphological analysis and measurements of neuroepithelial thickness revealed no differences between control, RT incubated and shipped organoids. Similarly immunohistochemical analysis showed no differences in cell type composition and position within the laminated retinal structure. All groups showed a similar response to light, suggesting that the biological function of retinal organoids was not affected by RT storage or shipment. These findings provide an advance in transport of ready-made retinal organoids, increasing their availability to many research and pharma labs worldwide and facilitating cross-collaborative research.

Present-day topographic changes are observed on steep slopes in equatorial regions of Mars that are associated with sulfate-rich sediments. Hydrated sulfates are known to be present in many sedimentary deposits on Mars. We document volume changes in the form of mass movements and gullies over these regions. We have estimated erosion rates of ~12 mm/yr (or ~1.2–120 mm/yr with uncertainties) over steep slopes on sulfate-rich mounds in Ganges Chasma, much higher than Mars average erosion rate near a few μm/yr. At this rate, the mounds would have shrunk in diameter by ~18,000 km over 3 b.y., which greatly exceeds the width of the canyon, supporting suggestions that these sediments once filled the canyons. Due to the soft nature of typical sulfate-rich sediment, it is susceptible to mass wasting, and active eolian processes may remove loose material to maintain steep slopes. The water in hydrated sulfates could potentially be extracted and used as a resource for future humans on Mars, and our results suggest that such deposits would be mechanically weak.

Evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation plays an important role in disease etiology of retinal degenerations. Several studies suggest that preserving the retinal metabolic ecosystem may be protective against retinal degenerations. We investigated whether activation of 5' adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) is protective to the retina in several preclinical mouse models of retinal degeneration and found that metformin-induced activation of AMPK was able to delay or prevent retinal degeneration in the rd10 model of retinitis pigmentosa, the NaIO3 model of RPE and retinal injury, and the light damage model of retinal degeneration. This protection was associated with increased mitochondrial DNA copy number, increased levels of ATP, and a reduction in oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage. We propose that AMPK plays an important role in regulation of the retinal metabolic ecosystem and that activation of AMPK may promote metabolic processes to prevent retinal degeneration.

Among the repertoire of immunoregulatory proteins encoded by myxoma virus, M013 is a viral homologue of the viral pyrin domain-only protein (vPOP) family. In myeloid cells, M013 protein has been shown to inhibit both the inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathways by direct binding to ASC1 and NF-κB1, respectively. In this study, a three-dimensional homology model of the M013 pyrin domain (PYD) was built based on similarities to known PYD structures. A distinctive feature of the deduced surface electrostatic map of the M013 PYD is the presence of a negatively region consisting of numerous aspartate and glutamate residues in close proximity. Single-site mutations of aspartate and glutamate residues reveal their role in interactions with ASC-1. The biological significance of charge complementarity in the M013–ASC-1 interaction was further confirmed by functional assays of caspase-1 activation and subsequent secretion of cytokines. M013 also has a unique 33-residue C-terminal tail that follows the N-terminal PYD, and it is enriched in positively charged residues. Deletion of the tail of M013 significantly inhibited the interactions between M013 and NF-κB1, thus compromising the ability of the viral protein to suppress the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results demonstrate that vPOP M013 exploits distinct structural motifs to regulate both the inflammasome and NF-κB pathways.

Inherited retinal degenerations are caused by mutations in >250 genes that affect photoreceptor cells or the retinal pigment epithelium and result in vision loss. For autosomal recessive and X-linked retinal degenerations, significant progress has been achieved in the field of gene therapy as evidenced by the growing number of clinical trials and the recent commercialization of the first gene therapy for a form of congenital blindness. However, despite significant efforts to develop a treatment for the most common form of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) caused by >150 mutations in the rhodopsin (RHO) gene, translation to the clinic has stalled. Here, we identified a highly efficient shRNA that targets human (and canine) RHO in a mutation-independent manner. In a single adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector we combined this shRNA with a human RHO replacement cDNA made resistant to RNA interference and tested this construct in a naturally occurring canine model of RHO-adRP. Subretinal vector injections led to nearly complete suppression of endogenous canine RHO RNA, while the human RHO replacement cDNA resulted in up to 30% of normal RHO protein levels. Noninvasive retinal imaging showed photoreceptors in treated areas were completely protected from retinal degeneration. Histopathology confirmed retention of normal photoreceptor structure and RHO expression in rod outer segments. Long-term (>8 mo) follow-up by retinal imaging and electroretinography indicated stable structural and functional preservation. The efficacy of this gene therapy in a clinically relevant large-animal model paves the way for treating patients with RHO-adRP.

Many DNA methylome profiling methods cannot distinguish between 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Since 5mC typically acts as a repressive mark whereas 5hmC is an intermediate form during active demethylation, the inability to separate their signals could lead to incorrect interpretation of the data. Meanwhile, many analysis pipelines quantify methylation level by the count or ratio of methylated reads, but the proportion of discordant reads (PDR) has recently been proposed to be a better indicator of gene expression level. Is the amount of extra information contained in 5hmC signals and PDR worth the additional experimental and computational costs? Here we combine whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and oxidative WGBS (oxWGBS) data in normal human lung and liver tissues and their paired tumors to investigate the quantitative relationships between gene expression and signals of the two forms of DNA methylation at promoters, transcript bodies, and immediate downstream regions. We find that 5mC and 5hmC signals correlate with gene expression in the same direction in most samples, but considering both types of signals increases the accuracy of expression levels inferred from methylation data by a median of 18.2% as compared to having only standard WGBS data, showing that the two forms of methylation provide complementary information about gene expression. In addition, differential analysis between matched tumor and normal pairs is particularly affected by the superposition of 5mC and 5hmC signals in WGBS data, with at least 25-40% of the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) identified from 5mC signals not detected from WGBS data. We do not find PDR to be more informative about expression levels than ratio of methylated reads, and integrating the two types of methylation features only improves the accuracy of inferred expression levels by at most 9.8%. Our results also confirm previous finding that methylation signals at transcript bodies are more indicative of gene expression levels than promoter methylation signals, and further show that in addition to the first exon, methylation signals at the last exon and internal introns also contain non-redundant information about gene expression. Overall, our study provides concrete data for evaluating the cost effectiveness of some experimental and analysis options in the study of DNA methylation in normal and cancer samples.

We describe an immunosuppressive peptide corresponding to the kinase inhibitory region (KIR) of the intracellular checkpoint protein suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1) that binds to the phospho-tyrosine containing regions of the tyrosine kinases JAK2 and TYK2 and the adaptor protein MAL, and thereby inhibits signaling downstream from these signaling mediators. The peptide, SOCS1-KIR, is thus capable of downregulating overactive JAK/STAT or NF-kB signaling in somatic cells, including those in many compartments of the eye. Attachment of poly-arginine to this peptide (R9-SOCS1-KIR) allows it to penetrate the plasma membrane in aqueous media. R9-SOCS1-KIR was tested in ARPE-19 cells and was found to attenuate mediators of inflammation by blocking the inflammatory effects of IFNγ, TNFα, or IL-17A. R9-SOCS1-KIR also protected against TNFα or IL-17A mediated damage to the barrier properties of ARPE-19 cells, as evidenced by immunostaining with the tight junction protein, zona occludin 1 (ZO-1), and measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) was generated in B10.RIII mice using a peptide of interphotoreceptor retinal binding protein (IRBP161-180) as immunogen. Topical administration of R9-SOCS1-KIR protected ocular structure and function as seen by fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG). The ability R9-SOCS1-KIR to suppress ocular inflammation and preserve barrier properties of retinal pigment epithelium makes it a potential candidate for aqueous treatment of autoimmune uveitis.Highlightspeptide corresponding to the kinase inhibitory region of SOCS-1 linked to poly-arginine (R9-SOCS1-KIR) and its inactive control peptide were chemically synthesized.R9-SOCS1-KIR attenuated pro-inflammatory effects of IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-17 in ARPE-19 cells, thus showing a simultaneous inhibition Th1 and Th17 cell functions.Damage to barrier properties of ARPE-19 cells caused by TNFα or IL-17 was prevented in the presence of R9-SOCS1-KIR.Topical administration of R9-SOCS1-KIR prevented ocular damage in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune uveitis.

We describe an immunosuppressive peptide corresponding to the kinase inhibitory region (KIR) of the intracellular checkpoint protein suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1) that binds to the phospho-tyrosine containing regions of the tyrosine kinases JAK2 and TYK2 and the adaptor protein MAL, and thereby inhibits signaling downstream from these signaling mediators. The peptide, SOCS1-KIR, is thus capable of downregulating overactive JAK/STAT or NF-kB signaling in somatic cells, including those in many compartments of the eye. Attachment of poly-arginine to this peptide (R9-SOCS1-KIR) allows it to penetrate the plasma membrane in aqueous media. R9-SOCS1-KIR was tested in ARPE-19 cells and was found to attenuate mediators of inflammation by blocking the inflammatory effects of IFNγ, TNFα, or IL-17A. R9-SOCS1-KIR and also protected against TNFα or IL-17A mediated damage to the barrier properties of ARPE-19 cells, as evidenced by immunostaining with the tight junction protein, zona occludin 1 (ZO-1), and measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) was generated in B10. RIII mice using a peptide of interphotoreceptor retinal binding protein (IRBP161−180) as immunogen. Topical administration of R9-SOCS1-KIR, 2 days before (prophylactic), or 7 days after immunization (therapeutic) protected ocular structure and function as seen by fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG). The ability R9-SOCS1-KIR to suppress ocular inflammation and preserve barrier properties of retinal pigment epithelium makes it a potential candidate for treatment of autoimmune uveitis.

Canning edible mushrooms using water bath is commonly applied for long-term storage. However, nutrients and bioactive substances can be leached out from mushrooms during the canning process. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of watermelon juice as alternative to the boiling water bath and as a means of improving the nutritional value of canned mushrooms. Three samples of Pleurotus sajor-caju were canned as follows: the first (CKKwmj) with 150 ml of "Kaolack" watermelon juice, the second (CKLwmj) with 150 ml of "Koloss" watermelon juice and the third (Cwt) "control" with 150 ml of tap water. After sterilization, samples were brought to room temperature for 45 days. Carbohydrate content was increased (6.68 ± 0.03 g /100 g and 6.65 ± 0.05 g /100 g dry weight), respectively in samples from CKKwmj and CKLwmj cans compared with Cwt (6.50 ± 0.04 g /100 g dw). The filling mediums KKwmj and KLwmj were also a source of carbohydrates with respectively 7.05 ± 0.06 g /100 g and 7.22 ± 0.04 g /100g dw. The proteins levels of CKLwmj and CKKwmj were approximately equal to Cwt (3.35 ± 0.03 g/100 g dw). L-citrulline content from CKLwmj (66.34 ± 0.07 mg /100 g dw) was higher than CKKwmj (48.15 ± 0.05 mg/100 g dw) and Cwt (48.06 ± 0.08 mg/100 g dw). In addition, L-citrulline contents of cans filled with KLwmj and KKwmj were respectively 297.5 ± 0.08 mg/100 g dw and 258.5 ± 0.09 mg/100 g dw. Energy content of samples were low, the highest value was observed in mushrooms from CKLwmj (45.11 ± 0.15 Kcal/100 g dw) and was slightly above on the "control" (43.72 ± 0.15 Kcal/100 g dw). This study shows that canning mushrooms with watermelon juice could be a source of minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium).Read Complete Article at ijSciences: V52016051016 AND DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18483/ijSci.1016

Rice is one of the staple crops in Burkina Faso. However, the local production covers only 47% of the population demands. One of the main reasons of the poor productivity in Burkina Faso is iron toxicity which is related mainly to the activity of Iron Reducing Bacteria in the rice field’s ecosystems. In order to control the harmful effects of Iron Reducing Bacterial populations and to improve rice productivity, a pots experiment was conducted at the experimental site of the University Ouaga I Pr. Joseph KI-ZERBO. An iron toxic soil from Kou Valley (West of Burkina Faso) and two rice varieties, BOUAKE-189 and ROK-5, sensitive and tolerant to iron toxicity, respectively, were used for the experiment. The pots were drained for 14 days (D2) and amended with chemical fertilizers (NPK + Urea and NPK + Urea + Ca + Mg + Zn complexes). Control pots without drainage and fertilization (D0/NF) were prepared similarly. The kinetics of Iron Reducing Bacterial populations and ferrous iron content in soil near rice roots were monitored throughout the cultural cycle using MPN and colorimetric methods, respectively. The total iron content was evaluated in rice plant using a spectrometric method. Data obtained were analyzed in relation to drainage and fertilization mode, rice growth stage and rice yield using the Student’s t-test and XLSTAT 2014 statistical software. The experiment showed that the combined application of subsurface drainage and NPK + Urea + Ca + Mg + Zn fertilization, reduced significantly the number of IRB in the soil near rice roots for both rice varieties (p = 0.050 and p = 0.020) increased the leaf tissue tolerance to excess amounts of Fe, and rice yield.

Iron toxicity is a major stress to rice caused by a high concentration of reduced iron, in the soil in many lowlands worldwide. To reduce iron toxicity in the West African lowlands, an investigation was performed at the site of the University of Ouagadougou, in pots containing an iron toxic soil from the Kou Valley (West of Burkina Faso). The experiment objective was to study the effect of mineral fertilizer on Iron Reducing Bacteria (IRB) dynamics and activity during rice cultivation, iron accumulation in rice plant and rice biomass yield under iron toxicity conditions. BOUAKE-189 and ROK-5 rice varieties, sensitive and tolerant to iron toxicity, respectively, were used for the experiment. The pots were amended with chemical fertilizers (NPK + Urea and NPK + Urea + Ca + Mg + Zn complex). Control pots without fertilization were prepared similarly. The kinetics of IRB and ferrous iron content in soil near rice roots were monitored throughout the cultural cycle using MPN and colorimetric methods, respectively. The total iron content was evaluated in rice plant using spectrometric method. Data obtained were analyzed in relation to fertilization mode, rice growth stage and rice yield using the student’s t-test and XLSTAT 2014 statistical software. The experiment revealed that NPK + Urea and NPK + Urea + Ca + Mg + Zn fertilization, decreased significantly (p