Hybrid Assembly and Annotation of the Genome of the Indian , a Superfood.

The wonder fruit pomegranate (, family Lythraceae) is one of India's economically important fruit crops that can grow in different agro-climatic conditions ranging from tropical to temperate regions. This study reports high-quality draft hybrid genome assembly of diploid Punica cultivar "Bhagwa" and identifies its genomic features. This cultivar is most common among the farmers due to its high sustainability, glossy red color, soft seed, and nutraceutical properties with high market value.

Designing an Escherichia coli Strain for Phenylalanine Overproduction by Metabolic Engineering.

The phenylalanine pathway flux is controlled by two types of regulators, those that are specific to the pathway, as well as by global regulators. In order to demonstrate the importance of these global regulators, we first removed the pathway-specific regulators using all possible combinations of gene knockouts and knockins. We found that genes like aroG performed best individually as well as in combination with other genes, while other genes like tyrA and tyrR worked only in combination with other modifications.

Evaluation of Apis mellifera syriaca Levant region honeybee conservation using comparative genome hybridization.

Apis mellifera syriaca is the native honeybee subspecies of Jordan and much of the Levant region. It expresses behavioral adaptations to a regional climate with very high temperatures, nectar dearth in summer, attacks of the Oriental wasp and is resistant to Varroa mites. The A.

Draft genome sequence of the Algerian bee Apis mellifera intermissa.

Apis mellifera intermissa is the native honeybee subspecies of Algeria. A. m.

Next generation sequencing of Apis mellifera syriaca identifies genes for Varroa resistance and beneficial bee keeping traits.

Apis mellifera syriaca exhibits a high degree of tolerance to pests and pathogens including varroa mites. This native honey bee subspecies of Jordan expresses behavioral adaptations to high temperature and dry seasons typical of the region. However, persistent honey bee imports of commercial breeder lines are endangering local honey bee population.

Role of defensins in the pathogenesis of chronic lung allograft rejection.

Chronic rejection predominantly manifested as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), still remains a major problem affecting long-term outcomes in human lung transplantation (LTx). Donor specific antibodies (DSA) and infiltration of neutrophils in the graft have been associated with the development of BOS. This study determines the role of defensins, produced by neutrophils, and its interaction with α-1-antitrypsin (AAT) towards induction of airway inflammation and fibrosis which are characteristic hallmarks of BOS.

Management and prognosis of teeth with trauma induced crown fractures and large periapical cyst like lesions following apical surgery with and without retrograde filling.

Crown fractures are common detrimental consequences of dental traumatic injuries. Early management of such cases is mandatory in order to prevent subsequent pathological changes that could further complicate the treatment. Pulp necrosis, chronic and cystic apical periodontitis can be the fate if these teeth are left untreated.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of a new fast set highly viscous conventional glass ionomer cement with L929 fibroblast cell line.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a new fast set highly viscous conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) with L929 fibroblasts.

Materials And Methods: The cement capsule was mixed and introduced into a paraffin wax mould. After setting, the cement was incubated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium.

Alloimmunity-induced autoimmunity as a potential mechanism in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection of human lung allografts.

Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation (LTx). We sought to better understand the relationship between alloimmune responses and autoimmunity and, subsequently, how autoimmunity leads to chronic rejection.

Methods: We analyzed the development of donor-specific antibodies (Abs) in LTx by flow PRA and the development of Abs to K-α1 tubulin (K-α1T) and collagen V (ColV) by ELISA.

Respiratory virus-induced dysregulation of T-regulatory cells leads to chronic rejection.

Background: Lower respiratory viral infections predispose to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). In addition, there is emerging evidence to support the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of BOS. Because CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T-cells (Treg) control autoimmunity, we tested the hypothesis that respiratory virus-induced Treg dysfunction leads to BOS.

Antibodies to self-antigens predispose to primary lung allograft dysfunction and chronic rejection.

Background: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a known risk factor for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation. Here, we report that preformed antibodies to self-antigens increase PGD risk and promote BOS.

Methods: Adult lung transplant recipients (n = 142) were included in the study.

Synergistic effect of antibodies to human leukocyte antigens and defensins in pathogenesis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after human lung transplantation.

Background: This study aims to determine the role of antibodies to donor-mismatched human leukocyte antigen (HLA) developed during the post-transplant period in inducing defensins and their synergistic role in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), after human lung transplantation (LTx).

Methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and serum from 21 BOS+ LTx patients were assayed for β-defensins human neutrophil peptides (HNP) 1-3 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) and anti-HLA antibodies (Luminex, Luminex Corp, Austin, TX). Human airway epithelial cells (AEC) were treated with anti-HLA antibodies, HNP-1/2, or both, and the levels of β-defensin were measured by ELISA.

Regulation of Golgi structure and secretion by receptor-induced G protein βγ complex translocation.

We show that receptor induced G protein betagamma subunit translocation from the plasma membrane to the Golgi allows a receptor to initiate fragmentation and regulate secretion. A lung epithelial cell line, A549, was shown to contain an endogenous translocating G protein gamma subunit and exhibit receptor-induced Golgi fragmentation. Receptor-induced Golgi fragmentation was inhibited by a shRNA specific to the endogenous translocating gamma subunit.

Oral mucosal lesions in non oral habit diabetic patients and association of diabetes mellitus with oral precancerous lesions.

Aims: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OML) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-diabetic subjects without any oral habits and to investigate the association of DM with oral precancerous lesions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 420 diabetic and 420 non-diabetic control subjects without any oral habits. Detailed oral examination was performed based on international criteria.

Significant association of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) but not of p53 polymorphisms with oral squamous cell carcinomas in Malaysia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of HPV and p53 polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) affecting Malaysian population.

Methods: We analysed frozen samples from 105 OSCC as well as 105 oral specimens derived from healthy individuals. PCR assays targeting two regions of the virus were used.

Development of antibodies to human leukocyte antigen precedes development of antibodies to major histocompatibility class I-related chain A and are significantly associated with development of chronic rejection after human lung transplantation.

The development of antibodies (Abs) to major histocompatibility (MHC) class I-related chain A (MICA) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and their role in the immunopathogenesis of chronic rejection (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome [BOS]) after human lung transplantation (LTx) was analyzed. Sera from 80 LTx recipients were analyzed for anti-MICA and anti-HLA Abs using Luminex and flow PRA (panel reactive assay). Development of Abs either to MICA alone or MICA and HLA together significantly correlated (p < 0.

Increased erythrocyte C4D is associated with known alloantibody and autoantibody markers of antibody-mediated rejection in human lung transplant recipients.

Background: Immune responses to mismatched donor human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are important in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection. This study evaluated whether erythrocyte-bound C4d (E-C4d) is associated with known alloimmune and autoimmune markers of antibody-mediated rejection after human lung transplantation (LTx).

Methods: Flow cytometry was used to analyze 22 LTx recipients and 15 healthy individuals for E-C4d.

Disruption of the mGsta4 gene increases life span of C57BL mice.

The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) forms as a consequence of oxidative stress. By electrophilic attack on biological macromolecules, 4-HNE mediates signaling or may cause toxicity. A major route of 4-HNE disposal is via glutathione conjugation, in the mouse catalyzed primarily by glutathione transferase mGSTA4-4.

Phage displayed scFv: pIII scaffold may fine tune binding specificity.

The fine specificity of antibodies is important for their discriminating powers during diagnostics and in vivo therapy. We have attempted to isolate human scFv antibodies to the oncofetal antigen, the placental isozyme of alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) in which it is important to distinguish between the closely related intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) isozymes. As the antibodies are selected in the phage displayed form and might be finally used as different entities, including the soluble scFv form, it may be important to look at the influence of scaffolds in determining specificity.

Oleanolic Acid, a plant triterpenoid, significantly improves survival and function of islet allograft.

BACKGROUND.: Oleanolic acid (OA) is a ubiquitous triterpenoid, with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we tested whether these combined properties of OA can prevent nonimmunologic primary nonfunctioning and immunologic phenomena ascribed to graft rejection hence prolong islet allograft survival.

Single-tube seminested PCR assay for detecting human papillomavirus in clinical samples.

There is a growing appreciation of the potential value for routine screening for the presence of HPV not only for cervical specimens but also from oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to develop and clinically evaluate a single-tube seminested PCR assay for the detection of HPV. Several parameters such as PCR primers, primer annealing temperature, the number of PCR cycles and concentration of PCR components were optimized.

Antibodies to MHC class I induce autoimmunity: role in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection.

Alloimmunity to mismatched donor HLA-Ags and autoimmunity to self-Ags have been hypothesized to play an important role in immunopathogenesis of chronic rejection of transplanted organs. However, it is not known what role, if any, alloimmune response plays in inducing autoimmunity. To test whether Ab-developed posttransplantation to mismatched donor MHC induces autoimmunity and chronic rejection, we developed a murine model wherein anti-MHC class I Abs or control (C1.

Role of the electrophilic lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal in the development and maintenance of obesity in mice.

The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) is a signaling mediator with wide-ranging biological effects. In this paper, we report that disruption of mGsta4, a gene encoding the 4-HNE-conjugating enzyme mGSTA4-4, causes increased 4-HNE tissue levels and is accompanied by age-dependent development of obesity which precedes the onset of insulin resistance in 129/sv mice. In contrast, mGsta4 null animals in the C57BL/6 genetic background have normal 4-HNE levels and remain lean, indicating a role of 4-HNE in triggering or maintaining obesity.

Role of intra-islet endothelial cells in islet allo-immunity.

Background: Intra-islet endothelial cells (IECs) express high levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and are pivotal for posttransplant islet revascularization. We postulated that donor-specific sensitization would result in hyperacute rejection of IECs and prevent islet engraftment. Furthermore, ligation of endothelial cells with subsaturating concentrations of anti-MHC class I antibody (Ab) results in "accommodation" conferring protection against Ab/complement-mediated lysis.

Soluble CD30 levels as a diagnostic marker for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome following human lung transplantation.

The long term survival of human lung allograft is hampered by the occurrence of chronic rejection, Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS). This end-stage disease is normally diagnosed clinically by using the pulmonary function tests. This results in delay of BOS diagnosis and consequently prevents early intervention.