scholarly journals Overcoming Fluctuation and Leakage Problems in the Quantification of Intracellular 2-Oxoglutarate Levels in Escherichia coli

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (19) ◽  
pp. 6763-6771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalai Yan ◽  
Peter Lenz ◽  
Terence Hwa

ABSTRACT2-Oxoglutarate is located at the junction between central carbon and nitrogen metabolism, serving as an intermediate for both. In nitrogen metabolism, 2-oxoglutarate acts as both a carbon skeletal carrier and an effector molecule. There have been only sporadic reports of its internal concentrations. Here we describe a sensitive and accurate method for determination of the 2-oxoglutarate pool concentration inEscherichia coli. The detection was based on fluorescence derivatization followed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography separation. Two alternative cell sampling strategies, both of which were based on a fast filtration protocol, were sequentially developed to overcome both its fast metabolism and contamination from 2-oxoglutarate that leaks into the medium. We observed rapid changes in the 2-oxoglutarate pool concentration upon sudden depletion of nutrients: decreasing upon carbon depletion and increasing upon nitrogen depletion. The latter was studied in mutants lacking either of the two enzymes using 2-oxoglutarate as the carbon substrate for glutamate biosynthesis. The results suggest that flux restriction on either reaction greatly influences the internal 2-oxoglutarate level. Additional study indicates that KgtP, a 2-oxoglutarate proton symporter, functions to recover the leakage loss of 2-oxoglutarate. This recovery mechanism benefits the measurement of cellular 2-oxoglutarate level in practice by limiting contamination from 2-oxoglutarate leakage.

1895 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 743-757
Author(s):  
Charles Hunter Stewart

An easy and yet accurate method of determining carbon and nitrogen in organic substances has long been a desideratum, especially among those engaged in the application of chemistry to biological, hygienic, and agricultural questions. For the determination of nitrogen the method of Dumas, with its numerous modifications, is still the only one applicable in all cases, but the time required for it, and the manipulative dexterity necessary, has prevented its wide application for the above-named purposes. The method of Will and Varrentrap, though less generally applicable, is easier, and, until the publication of Kjeldahl's method, was most frequently used in applied chemistry. Kjeldahl claims for his method the same applicability and as great accuracy as the Will and Varrentrap method, with the added advantage of greater ease in working.


2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (10) ◽  
pp. 659-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snezana Djordjevic ◽  
Vesna Kilibarda

Background/Aim. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine anxyolitic. Metabolism of diazepam takes place in liver which generates pharmacologically active metabolites N-desmethyldiazepam, temazepam and oxazepam. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the method of liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (LC-MS) for separation and determination of diazepam and its active metabolites in the serum of rats samples after i.p. application of diazepam in a dose of 10 mg/kg. Methods. The serum samples taken from Wistar rats, were used in LC-MS analysis after the application of 10 mg/kg of diazepam i.p. Results. After alkaline extraction from the serum samples with diethylether and separation on a C18 reversed-phase column by using mobile phase methanolglacial acetic acid-water (50:1:49 v/v), diazepam and its metabolites were quantified. Determination was performed in a selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode, thereby the other exogenous and endogenous compounds did not interfere with this assay. Diazepam, N-desmethyldiazepam, oxazepam and temazepam were eluted in 14 minutes. The standard curve was linear in the range from 10-2 000 ng/ml. The limits of detection for diazepam, N-desmethyldiazepam, oxazepam and temazepam were 4.37, 3.13, 4.38 and 7.31 ng/ml, respectively. The limits of quantitation for diazepam, Ndesmethyldiazepam, oxazepam and temazepam were 14.58, 10.41, 14.59 and 24.36 ng/ml, respectively. Conclusion. The described LC-MS is a simple, sensitive, specific and accurate method and could be used for routine identification and quantification of small concentrations of diazepam and its metabolites in biological fluids.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
AK Kumar Hemanth ◽  
V Sudha ◽  
G Ramachandran

Introduction: Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) requires a combination of drugs. Isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) are key components of the fi rst-line regimen used in the treatment of TB and monitoring these drug levels in plasma would help in better patient care. The objective of the study is to develop and validate a simple and rapid high performance liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of INH and PZA in human plasma. Methodology: The method involved deproteinisation of plasma with para hydroxy benzaldehyde and trifl uoroacetic acid and analysis using a reversed-phase C8 column and UV detection at 267nm. The fl ow rate was set at 1.5 ml/min at ambient temperature. The accuracy, linearity, precision, specifi city, stability and recovery of the method were evaluated. The method was applied to estimate plasma INH and PZA collected from six children with TB. Results: Well resolved peaks of PZA and INH at retention times of 3.2 and 6.1 minutes respectively were obtained. The assay was linear from 0.25 - 10.0 ìg/ml for INH and 1.25 – 50.0 ìg/ml for PZA. The within-day and between-day relative standard deviation for standards were below 10%. The average recoveries of INH and PZA from plasma were 104 and 102% respectively. Conclusions: A rapid and accurate method for simultaneous determination of INH and PZA in plasma was validated. The assay spans the concentration range of clinical interest. The easy sample preparation and small sample size makes this assay highly suitable for pharmacokinetic studies of INH and PZA in TB patients. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS 2012; IX (1) 13-18 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v9i1.6960


2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Mueller ◽  
Amandine Masseron ◽  
Guy Prod’Hom ◽  
Tatiana Galperine ◽  
Gilbert Greub ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT A novel KPC variant, KPC-41, was identified in a Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolate from Switzerland. This β-lactamase possessed a 3-amino-acid insertion (Pro-Asn-Lys) located between amino acids 269 and 270 compared to the KPC-3 amino acid sequence. Cloning and expression of the blaKPC-41 gene in Escherichia coli, followed by determination of MIC values and kinetic parameters, showed that KPC-41, compared to those of KPC-3, has an increased affinity to ceftazidime and a decreased sensitivity to avibactam, leading to resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam once produced in K. pneumoniae. Furthermore, KPC-41 exhibited a drastic decrease of its carbapenemase activity. This report highlights that a diversity of KPC variants conferring resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam already circulate in Europe.


1980 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Alvarez Garijo ◽  
J. J. Vilches ◽  
J. A. Aznar

✓ The fibrinolytic activity in cerebrospinal fluid has been monitored by determination of levels of fibrin split products (FSP) in 23 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms. In 20 of these 23, FSP was found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with levels ranging from 10 to 80 μg/ml. Eleven of the 23 patients were treated with 2 gm tranexamic acid daily. In these patients FSP was found in only two cases during the 2nd week, while in 12 untreated patients it was found in 10 cases. These results suggest that there exists a localized fibrinolytic activity, and monitoring the FSP levels in the CSF may be a simple and accurate method for controlling the efficiency of antifibrinolytic therapy. Thus, treatment could be begun with a lower dose, which could be increased later as deemed necessary from the results of careful monitoring.


2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Troy E. Sandberg ◽  
Colton J. Lloyd ◽  
Bernhard O. Palsson ◽  
Adam M. Feist

ABSTRACT Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) experiments are often designed to maintain a static culturing environment to minimize confounding variables that could influence the adaptive process, but dynamic nutrient conditions occur frequently in natural and bioprocessing settings. To study the nature of carbon substrate fitness tradeoffs, we evolved batch cultures of Escherichia coli via serial propagation into tubes alternating between glucose and either xylose, glycerol, or acetate. Genome sequencing of evolved cultures revealed several genetic changes preferentially selected for under dynamic conditions and different adaptation strategies depending on the substrates being switched between; in some environments, a persistent “generalist” strain developed, while in another, two “specialist” subpopulations arose that alternated dominance. Diauxic lag phenotype varied across the generalists and specialists, in one case being completely abolished, while gene expression data distinguished the transcriptional strategies implemented by strains in pursuit of growth optimality. Genome-scale metabolic modeling techniques were then used to help explain the inherent substrate differences giving rise to the observed distinct adaptive strategies. This study gives insight into the population dynamics of adaptation in an alternating environment and into the underlying metabolic and genetic mechanisms. Furthermore, ALE-generated optimized strains have phenotypes with potential industrial bioprocessing applications. IMPORTANCE Evolution and natural selection inexorably lead to an organism's improved fitness in a given environment, whether in a laboratory or natural setting. However, despite the frequent natural occurrence of complex and dynamic growth environments, laboratory evolution experiments typically maintain simple, static culturing environments so as to reduce selection pressure complexity. In this study, we investigated the adaptive strategies underlying evolution to fluctuating environments by evolving Escherichia coli to conditions of frequently switching growth substrate. Characterization of evolved strains via a number of different data types revealed the various genetic and phenotypic changes implemented in pursuit of growth optimality and how these differed across the different growth substrates and switching protocols. This work not only helps to establish general principles of adaptation to complex environments but also suggests strategies for experimental design to achieve desired evolutionary outcomes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (15) ◽  
pp. 5297-5304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baoguang Li ◽  
Jin-Qiang Chen

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to develop a sensitive, specific, and accurate method for the selective detection of viableEscherichia coliO157:H7 cells in foods. A unique open reading frame (ORF), Z3276, was identified as a specific genetic marker for the detection ofE. coliO157:H7. We developed a real-time PCR assay with primers and probe targeting ORF Z3276 and confirmed that this assay was sensitive and specific forE. coliO157:H7 strains (n= 298). Using this assay, we can detect amounts of genomic DNA ofE. coliO157:H7 as low as a few CFU equivalents. Moreover, we have developed a new propidium monoazide (PMA)–real-time PCR protocol that allows for the clear differentiation of viable from dead cells. In addition, the protocol was adapted to a 96-well plate format for easy and consistent handling of a large number of samples. Amplification of DNA from PMA-treated dead cells was almost completely inhibited, in contrast to the virtually unaffected amplification of DNA from PMA-treated viable cells. With beef spiked simultaneously with 8 × 107dead cells/g and 80 CFU viable cells/g, we were able to selectively detect viableE. coliO157:H7 cells with an 8-h enrichment. In conclusion, this PMA–real-time PCR assay offers a sensitive and specific means to selectively detect viableE. coliO157:H7 cells in spiked beef. It also has the potential for high-throughput selective detection of viableE. coliO157:H7 cells in other food matrices and, thus, will have an impact on the accurate microbiological and epidemiological monitoring of food safety and environmental sources.


2009 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 723-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luiz Neves de Aguiar ◽  
Katia Christina Leandro ◽  
Shirley de Mello Pereira Abrantes ◽  
André Luis Mazzei Albert

Acetylsalicylic acid (AAS) is a drug utilized as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic medication, available worldwide and commonly used in Brazil. Salicylic acid (AS) is a precursor in AAS synthesis and is also produced during its degradation. The official United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) suggests the determination of these drugs by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with ultraviolet detection, but this method has neither a high sensitivity (S AAS=0.12 mAbs/(μg/mL) and S AS=0.48 mAbs/(μg/mL)) nor resolution (Rs=1.61). The purpose of this study was to develop a new more adequate, accurate method by liquid phase chromatography than the current official methodology, and to use this new method in the determination of the tenors of acetylsalicylic, as of salicylic acids in tablets. The parameters of the chromatographic system for both the AAS and AS were satisfactory. Selectivity was verified by absorption spectra comparison in the ultraviolet (UV) range, during and after substance retention time. The linear range for AAS was 0.21 to 0.39 mg/mL, and that for AS was 6.3 to 11.7 μg/mL. The correlation coefficients (r) of the analytical curves of AAS and AS were 0.9995 and 0.9988, respectively; and the detection and quantification limits for the AS were 0.23 and 0.69 μg/mL. The sensitivity (S AAS=1.88 mAbs/(μg/mL) and S AS=1.84 mAbs/(μg/mL)) and the resolution (Rs =5.06) show the improvement obtained using this method over that described by the USP.


2006 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 595-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Arranz ◽  
Eric Sizoo ◽  
Hans Van Egmond ◽  
Katy Kroeger ◽  
Teresa M Legarda ◽  
...  

Abstract A method was developed for the determination of aflatoxin B1 in medical herbs (senna pods, botanical name Cassia angustifolia; devil's claw, botanical name Harpagophytum procumbens; and ginger roots, botanical name Zingiber officinale). The method, which was tested in a mini-collaborative study by 4 laboratories, is based on an immunoaffinity cleanup followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography separation and fluorescence detection after post-column derivatization. It allows the quantitation of aflatoxin B1 at levels lower than 2 ng/g. A second extractant (acetonewater) was tested and compared to the proposed methanolwater extractant. Several post-column derivatization options (electrochemically generated bromine, photochemical reaction, and chemical bromination) as well as different integration modes (height versus area) were also investigated. No differences were found depending on the choice of derivatization system or the signal integration mode used. The method was tested for 3 different matrixes: senna pods, ginger root, and devil's claw. Performance characteristics were established from the results of the study and resulted in HorRat values ranging from 0.12 to 0.75 with mean recoveries from 78 to 91% for the extraction with methanolwater and HorRat values ranging from 0.101.03 with mean recoveries from 98 to 103% for the extraction with acetonewater. As a result, the method, with all tested variations, was found to be fit-for-purpose for the determination of aflatoxin B1 in medical herbs at levels of 1 g/kg and above.


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