New routes for spermine biosynthesis.

The polyamine spermine is a flexible linear teraamine found in bacteria and eukaryotes, and in all known cases is synthesized from triamine spermidine by addition of an aminopropyl group acquired from decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine (dcAdoMet). We have now identified in bacteria a second biosynthetic route for spermine based on the formation of carboxyspermine from spermidine, dependent on aspartate β-semialdehyde (ASA). This route also produces thermospermine from spermidine via carboxythermospermine.

Site-Selective Approaches to Attain Fluorescent Human Insulin Conjugates: Balancing the Site of Labeling and the Activity.

Fluorescent insulin is commonly used for a range of detection and imaging purposes. Achieving site-selective insulin labeling affords superior labeling yield while retaining its biological activity. Insulin labeling is usually achieved using commercial kits with minimal emphasis on the site and degree of labeling.

Infection in patients with burn injury: sources, pathogens, sensitivity, and role of empirical antibiotics therapy.

Background: Infection in the patient with burn injury is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinicians in low- and middle-income countries are often left with no option other than to commence empirical antibiotics.

Objective: To determine the magnitude of infection in patients with burn injury, the sources of these infections, the prevalent microorganisms and their sensitivity pattern, and the sensitivity of the microorganisms to empirical therapy.

Histopathological Markers of Immunoglobulin G4-related Disease: Analyzing Diagnostic Patterns and Immunohistochemical Findings.

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related disease is a localized or multisystem chronic inflammatory disease with characteristic pathological features. Several consensus criteria are available to aid in the diagnosis and its management. These criteria are highly specific, owing to their dependency on major histopathological criteria and laboratory investigations to diagnose IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD).