Development of rapid PCR method for simultaneous identification of species, specific capsular type, and toxigenicity of Pasteurella sp. isolates

Toxigenicity, species, and type species of Pasteurella multocida isolates cannot be differentiated by morphology or standard biochemical reactions. A more rapid method is needed for P. multocida detection from clinical cases. These findings provide rapid insights into the characteristics of P. multocida isolates and suggest that this method can identify toxigenic and specific capsular type P. multocida. A PCR assay has been developed for rapid detection of P. multocida and differentiation of capsular types A and D. In this rapid method, kmt1, capA and capD, and toxA genes were amplified and a reliable multiplex PCR method for the detection of P. multocida in sheep and goats in the south of Iran was designed. Twenty isolates were obtained, which evinced characteristic morphological and cultural properties. Ten samples were identified simultaneously through the presence of the kmt1 gene as P. multocida species, the hydD–hydC gene as type A capsule, and the toxA gene as dermonecrotic toxin by mPCR, but none of them belonged to type D.     

Erythropoietin attenuates motor impairments induced by bilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Neurologic sequelae remain a common and destructive problem in patients with acute kidney injury. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on motor impairments following bilateral renal ischemia (BRI) in two time points after reperfusion: short term (24 h) and long term (1 week). Male Wistar rats underwent BRI or sham surgery. EPO or saline administration was performed 30 min before surgery (1000 U/kg, i.p.). Explorative behaviors and motor function of the rats were evaluated by open field, rotarod, and wire grip tests. Plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were significantly enhanced in BRI rats 24 h after reperfusion. BRI group had only an increased level of BUN but not Cr 1 week after reperfusion. Impairment of balance function by BRI was not reversed by EPO 24 h after reperfusion, but counteracted 7 days after renal ischemia. Muscle strength had no significant differences between the groups. BRI group had a decrease in locomotor activity, and EPO could not reverse this reduction in both time points of the experiment. Although EPO could not be offered as a potential neuroprotective agent in the treatment of motor dysfunctions induced by BRI, it could be effective against balance dysfunction 1 week after renal ischemia.     

Effect of soluble copper released from copper oxide nanoparticles solubilisation on growth and photosynthetic processes of Lemna gibba L

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are used as a biocide in paints, textiles and plastics. Their application may lead to the contamination of aquatic ecosystems, where potential environmental effects remain to be determined. Toxic effects may be related to interactions of NPs with cellular systems or to particles' solubilisation releasing metal ions. In this report, we evaluated CuO NPs and soluble copper effects on photosynthesis of the aquatic macrophyte Lemna gibba L to determine the role of particle solubility in NPs toxicity. When L. gibba plants were exposed 48 h to CuO NPs or soluble copper, inhibition of photosynthetic activity was found, indicated by the inactivation of Photosystem II reaction centers, a decrease in electron transport and an increase of thermal energy dissipation. Toxicity of CuO NPs was mainly driven by copper ions released from particles. However, the bioaccumulation of CuO NPs in plant was shown, indicating the need to evaluate organisms of higher trophic level.     

Effects of inhibiting astrocytes and BET/BRD4 chromatin reader on spatial memory and synaptic proteins in rats with Alzheimer’s disease

Metabolic Brain Disease - Communication between astrocytes and neurons has a profound effect on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Astrocytes regulate homeostasis and increase...