Differential susceptibilities of Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles pseudopunctipennis to infections with coindigenous Plasmodium vivax variants VK210 and VK247 in southern Mexico

The susceptibilities to coindigenous Plasmodium vivax of colonized Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles pseudopunctipennis from southern Mexico were investigated by simultaneous feeding with infected blood obtained from patients. The genes encoding circumsporozoite protein variant types (VK210 and VK247) in blood samples were determined by PCR and oligonucleotide probe hybridization. A. albimanus was more susceptible to VK210, and A. pseudopunctipennis was more susceptible to VK247.     

Thyroid cancer. Epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic features

This study presents a survey on the demand for out-patient neurological-neuropsychological rehabilitation. Neurologists working in acute care and in in-patient rehabilitation settings as well as neurologists and neuropsychologists with out-patient practice were asked to rate the demand for and the present means to realize out-patient neuropsychological rehabilitation. The results show a great demand for out-patient rehabilitation. The preferred concept and model of out-patient rehabilitation depends on the setting where the participants of the study work with a tendency to favour flexible programs close to patients' habitation.     

Enzymatic characterization of refolded human rhinovirus type 14 2A protease expressed in Escherichia coli

Reported here is the production of recombinant human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14) 2A protease from bacterial cells transformed with a heat-inducible plasmid containing the HRV14 2A cDNA sequence. Overexpressed 2A protein partitioned into the inclusion bodies was solubilized in urea and then refolded in the presence of Zn2+ Transition metals were required for the restoration of 2A protease activity as a structural component, but appeared to be inhibitory if added exogenously once the enzyme was refolded. Based on the cleavage specificity studies, a colorimetric assay was developed for the highly purified HRV14 2A protease. A peptide with the sequence RKGDIKSY-p-nitroanilide was found to be cleaved by the 2A protease with a k(cat)/Km ratio of approximately 335 M(-1)s(-1), which allows its activity to be measured continuously with a spectrophotometer or a microplate reader.     

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of Brahman cross bulls and steers finished on tropical pastures in Costa Rica

Forty-eight male calves (3/4 Brahman × 1/4 Charolais) were used to determine carcass cutability and meat tenderness of Longissimus lumborum (LL), Gluteus medius (GM), Semitendinosus (ST) and Psoas major (PM) steaks from lighter weight carcasses of bulls and steers castrated at 3, 7, or 12 mo of age grown under tropical pasture conditions. Steaks from steers had lower (more tender) LL Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values than those from bulls. Steaks from steers castrated at 3 mo had lower GM WBSF than those from bulls. For PM steaks, those aged 28 d had lower WBSF than those aged 2 d. Steaks aged 28 d had the lowest LL and GM WBSF and steaks aged 2 d had the highest LL, GM, and ST WBSF. Castration at younger ages is recommended because it provides improvement in LL and GM tenderness over bulls with no differences in carcass traits or subprimal yields.     

β Cell GHS-R Regulates Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity

Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) is widely known to regulate food intake and adiposity, but its role in glucose homeostasis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression of GHS-R in mouse pancreatic islets and its role in glycemic regulation. We used Ghsr-IRES-tauGFP mice, with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) as a surrogate for GHS-R, to demonstrate the GFP co-localization with insulin and glucagon expression in pancreatic islets, confirming GHS-R expression in β and α cells. We then generated β-cell-specific GHSR-deleted mice with MIP-Cre/ERT and validated that GHS-R suppression was restricted to the pancreatic islets. MIP-Cre/ERT;Ghsr^f/f mice showed normal energy homeostasis with similar body weight, body composition, and indirect calorimetry profile. Interestingly, MIP-Cre/ERT;Ghsr^f/f mice exhibited an impressive phenotype in glucose homeostasis. Compared to controls, MIP-Cre/ERT;Ghsr^f/f mice showed lower fasting blood glucose and insulin; reduced first-phase insulin secretion during a glucose tolerance test (GTT) and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) test in vivo. The isolated pancreatic islets of MIP-Cre/ERT;Ghsr^f/f mice also showed reduced insulin secretion during GSIS ex vivo. Further, MIP-Cre/ERT;Ghsr^f/f mice exhibited improved insulin sensitivity during insulin tolerance tests (ITT). Overall, our results confirmed GHS-R expression in pancreatic β and α cells; GHS-R cell-autonomously regulated GSIS and modulated systemic insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, β cell GHS-R was an important regulator of glucose homeostasis, and GHS-R antagonists may have therapeutic potential for Type 2 Diabetes.     

Metagenomic Microbial Diversity in Aguamiel from Two Agave Species During 4-Year Seasons

Aguamiel is the sap of “maguey pulquero” and can be consumed as a fresh beverage or after a cooking process. Further, it is also fermented for the production of “pulque,” a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage. Use of aguamiel as a functional beverage has been suggested due to prebiotic activity of its fructooligosaccharides and probiotic activity of lactic acid bacteria that it contains. There are some reports about the culturable microbial diversity in aguamiel; however, the total microbial diversity has not been characterized. The objective of this study was to identify metagenomic populations in aguamiel using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and 26SrRNA gene regions. Microbial diversity in aguamiel from two maguey species was evaluated: Agave salmiana and Agave atrovirens, during the four seasons of the year. The highest diversity was found during summer season in aguamiel samples from both Agave species, detecting presence of Leuconostoc sp., Leuconostoc gelidum, Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Pediococcus sp., uncultured Trichococcus sp., uncultured Leuconostoc, uncultured Lactococcus, Kazachstania zonata (not previously reported in aguamiel), Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Knowledge about the microbial populations of this beverage throughout the different seasons will provide advantages through understanding of aguamiel for application areas such as syrup elaboration and pulque making. In addition, this beverage could be industrialized as a functional beverage with a consistent quality.     

Self direction and factors influencing technology use: Examining the relationships for the 21st century workplace

Self-direction and technology use are both identified as increasingly important skills for the 21st century workforce. In an effort to define effective pedagogies for students entering the workplace, this study examines the relationship between selected factors of self-directed learning and factors influencing technology use. University seniors provided a sample representing new workforce entrants and the workplace of the immediate future. Examining self-direction using the PRO-model of self-direction and technology use through the lens of computer self-efficacy, 572 graduating seniors provided a look at their preparation for the workplace for self-direction and technology use. Results indicated a significant but very weak relationship between self-direction and technology use that accounted for less than 7% of the variance for any one factor examined. Based on these results, this study includes implications for practice as well as recommendations for future research.     

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity are differentially affected by drying processes in celery,coriander and parsley leaves

Convective drying (CO) is the most common technique for drying herbs, although it may diminish phenolic compounds content. Microwave drying (MW) has been suggested as an alternative, although its effects on phenolic compounds remain to be explored. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of different convective temperatures (40, 80 and 120 °C) and microwave powers (100, 500 and 1000 W) on drying time, polyphenols classes (HPLC-DAD) and antioxidant capacity in celery, coriander and parsley leaves. Microwave procedure reduced drying time (MW: 3 h–7 min; CO: 25–1.5 h) resulting more effective than CO. Increasing temperatures led to an initial decrease in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity followed by an increase, potentially by the release of bound phenolic acids. Regarding MW, the highest polyphenol content was generally observed at 500 W, probably due to the hydroxycinnamic acid's rise. Antioxidant capacity was similar at 500 and 1000 W. There was a good agreement between TPC and antioxidant capacity. Consequently, MW seems a good alternative to reduce drying time. However, the maintenance or improvement of phenolic activity depends on the food matrix. Indeed, the best drying system and conditions to preserve phenolic compounds were variable depending on the herb type: celery (CO at 40 °C), coriander (both CO at 40 °C and MW at 500 W) and parsley (MW at 100 W).