Mapping the Binding Sites of UDP and Prostaglandin E2 Glyceryl Ester in the Nucleotide Receptor P2Y6

Cyclooxygenase-2 catalyzes the biosynthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid and the biosynthesis of prostaglandin glycerol esters (PG-Gs) from 2-arachidonoylglycerol. PG-Gs are mediators of several biological actions such as macrophage activation, hyperalgesia, synaptic plasticity, and intraocular pressure. Recently, the human UDP receptor P2Y₆ was identified as a target for the prostaglandin E2 glycerol ester (PGE₂-G). Here, we show that UDP and PGE₂-G are evolutionary conserved endogenous agonists at vertebrate P2Y₆ orthologs. Using sequence comparison of P2Y₆ orthologs, homology modeling, and ligand docking studies, we proposed several receptor positions participating in agonist binding. Site-directed mutagenesis and functional analysis of these P2Y₆ mutants revealed that both UDP and PGE₂-G share in parts one ligand-binding site. Thus, the convergent signaling of these two chemically very different agonists has already been manifested in the evolutionary design of the ligand-binding pocket.     

Study on gingival tissue reaction to the materials used for making dental prosthesis

Fixed prosthetic restorations may generate periodontal irritation by various and complex mechanisms especially in the presence of the microbial factor. In this regard, changes that compromise the functional value of the support structures of the teeth occur. Studies on patients wearing fixed denture show that those prosthetic structures facilitate plaque accumulation. Close supervision leads to prevention of periodontal diseases, through learning of a proper hygiene. Between the marginal periodontium and the prosthetic restoration, there must be a relation of ‘mutual protection’ or at least ‘mutual respect’. In this study, we tried to analyze the reaction of the periodontal tissue in contact with fixed prosthesis depending on the prosthetic material used. There were 102 fixed prostheses considered by this study that have generated reactions in the periodontal tissues with which came into contact. Thus, from the total number of 102 fixed dental prostheses, 75% were made from metal alloys based on copper, 18% from Cr–Ni alloys, 2% from Cr–Co alloys, 4% from gold alloys, and one from stainless steel. In 35% of the cases, the patients had multiple fixed dentures made from different types of dental alloys, cases in which the symptoms of the periodontal problems may be also linked to the phenomenon of oral galvanism. The histological study showed various morphological changes from one patient to another, depending on the intensity of the inflammatory and reparative response, the associated diseases (diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases) and especially on the dental hygiene status. Fixed prosthesis, in the absence of a proper cervical adaptation and an adequate local hygiene, may act as an irritative thorn and may induce gingivitis and periodontitis phenomena.     

Allelochemicals of Pinus halepensis as Drivers of Biodiversity in Mediterranean Open Mosaic Habitats During the Colonization Stage of Secondary Succession

The Mediterranean region is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. However, over the last 50 years or so, the cessation of traditional farming has given way to strong afforestation at the expense of open habitats. Pinus halepensis Miller, known to synthesize a wide range of secondary metabolites, is a pioneer expansionist species colonizing abandoned agricultural land that present high species richness. Here, laboratory bioassays were used to study the potential impact of P. halepensis on plant diversity through allelopathy, and the role of microorganisms in these interactions. Germination and growth of 12 target species naturally present in fallow farmlands were tested according to concentration of aqueous extracts obtained from shoots of young pines (aged about 5 years), with or without the presence of soil microorganisms (autoclaved or natural soil). Under the highest concentrations and autoclaved soil, more than 80 % of target species were germination and/or growth-inhibited, and only two species were non-sensitive. Under more natural conditions (lower extracts concentrations and natural soil with microorganisms), only 50 % of species were still inhibited, one was non-sensitive, and five were stimulated. Thus, microorganisms alter the expression of allelochemicals released into the ecosystem, which highlights their key role in chemical plant-plant interactions. The results of allelopathic experiments conducted in the lab are consistent with the community patterns observed in the field. These findings suggest that allelopathy is likely to shape vegetation composition and participate to the control of biodiversity in Mediterranean open mosaic habitats.     

Characterization of Indoor-Outdoor Aerosol Concentration Relationships during the Fresno PM Exposure Studies

Particle size distributions were measured indoors and outdoors of a single, detached residence during the Fresno particulate matter exposure studies in winter (February 1-28, 1999) and spring (April 18-May 16, 1999). Data was collected for particle sizes ranging from about 0.01 to 2.5     

Polymer-assisted precipitation of ZnO nanoparticles with narrow particle size distribution

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were produced by aqueous precipitation in mild hydrothermal conditions (90 °C). Well crystallized regular roundish particles were obtained, with a very narrow size distribution. The influence of soft templates (organic species) to control size and size distribution in the final product was investigated. No effect was observed with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP M_w 8000 and 40,000), (d?)fructose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). A significant decrease of the particle size towards 100 nm, while conserving a very narrow size distribution was observed for poly(acrylic acid) (PAA M_w 2000), Dispex A40 (commercial PAA from CIBA M_w ～10,000), and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS). The influence of the pH was also investigated with PAA. By increasing the pH from slightly acidic to basic conditions, the morphology was spectacularly modified from roundish nanoparticles to micronic branched flower-like particles, with an elongated primary crystal morphology.     

Influence of hydrothermal synthesis conditions on BNT-based piezoceramics

The Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ perovskite (BNT) is a very promising lead-free candidate for piezoelectric applications. Nevertheless a low reproducibility is commonly reported for the solid state synthesized BNT. In this work, the hydrothermal synthesis was investigated to improve the BNT ceramics characteristics reproducibility. The synthesis conditions were studied in order to control more particularly the BNT grain size, crystallinity and stoichiometry.Thanks to the slow hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide with bismuth nitrate pentahydrate, well crystallized BNT-based powder was synthesized at 265 °C. Nevertheless this powder exhibited secondary amorphous phases. Such secondary phases synthesis was limited and prevented by both lowering the temperature synthesis down to 160 °C and optimizing the washing conditions of the powder. The BNT was finally made free of any amorphous phase by using a hydrochloric solution. The BNT sinterability was improved and BNT-based piezoceramics exhibiting a d₃₃ as high as 60 pC/N were successfully produced.