Assessment of Agroeconomic Indicators of Sesamum indicum L. as Influenced by Application of Boron at Different Levels and Plant Growth Stages

To achieve the nutritional target of human food, boron (B) has been described as an essential mineral in determining seed and theoretical oil yield of Sesamum indicum L. The research to increase its cultivation is garnering attention due to its high oil content, quality and its utilization for various purposes, which include human nutrition as well as its use in the food industry. For this, a two-year field experiment was performed at PAU, Punjab, India to determine the effect of different concentrations of foliar-applied B (20, 30 and 40 mg L−1) and different growth stages of crop, i.e., we measured the effects on agroeconomic indicators and certain quality parameters of sesame using different concentrations of B applied at the flowering and capsule formation stages as compared to using water spray and untreated plants. Water spray did not significantly affect the studied parameters. However, B application significantly increased the yield, uptake, antioxidant activity (AOA) and theoretical oil content (TOC) compared to those of untreated plants. The maximum increase in seed yield (26.75%), B seed and stover uptake (64.08% and 69.25%, respectively) as well as highest AOA (69.41%) and benefit to cost ratio (B:C ratio 2.63) was recorded when B was applied at 30 mg L−1 at the flowering and capsule formation stages. However, the maximum sesame yield and B uptake were recorded when B was applied at a rate of 30 mg L−1. A significant increase in TOC was also recorded with a B application rate of 30 mg L−1. For efficiency indices, the higher values of boron agronomic efficiency (BAE) and boron crop recovery efficiency (BCRE) were recorded when B was applied at 20 mg L−1 (5.25 and 30.56, respectively) and 30 mg L−1 (4.96 and 26.11, respectively) at the flowering and capsule formation stages. In conclusion, application of B @ 30 mg L−1 at the flowering and capsule formation stages seemed a viable technique to enhance yield, B uptake and economic returns of sesame.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRODUCTION OF PROTEIN A, CAPSULE STRUCTURE AND SOME ENZYMES OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM INFECTIONS OF HUMAN AND ANIMALS

Thirty-five isolates of Staphylococcus were isolated out of 100 clinical specimens were collected from different infections of human and animals. These isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, 15 of them isolated from human, 15 from cows and only 5 isolates from poultry. Twenty-five (71.4%) isolates of different sources revealed positive results for the detection of protein A, capsule formation and enzyme production of phosphatase, DNase and haemolysin. Seven (20 %) isolates showed negative results for both protein A and capsule as well as for the production of enzymes while only three (8.5%) isolates were not capsulated but able to produce protein A and the enzymes. During the detection of protein A, capsule structure and production of some enzymes, we found that the best value of pH used was the range of 7-7.5. The present study indicated that the presence of protein A and capsule structure is highly associated with the virulence of isolates, and loss of protein A doesn't necessary mean loss of capsule as well. The ability of the isolates to produce their essential enzymes to induct the infection is highly correlated with the ability to produce protein A, without considering the source of the isolates.

Comparison of Rat Connective Tissue Response to BioMTA, Angelus MTA, and Root MTA

Due to the widespread use of MTA in dentistry and various brands of this product, we decided to compare the three brands available in the country market by their biocompatibility. We divided 20 male Wistar rats into four groups. After local anesthesia and washing, we made two incisions on both sides (4 incisions in total). The experimental groups were Angelus MTA (Angelus, Brazil), BioMTA (CERKAMED, Poland), Root MTA (Dr. Lotfi, Tabriz, Iran), and the control group. The resulting paste was placed in a tube and implanted subcutaneously into male Wistar rats. Wistar rats were sacrificed 7, 15, 30, and 60 days later, with high anesthetic doses. The sample implanted in 10% formalin was stabilized after tissue processing and H&E staining under a microscope. The inflammatory reaction in the tissues received different scores at the beginning of the tube opening. BioMTA had the highest inflammatory response among the groups, but the difference was not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between the groups’ granulation and calcification ( p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between BioMTA, Angelus MTA, Root MTA, and control groups in fibrous capsule formation ( p < 0.05). Angelus MTA showed the lowest mean fibrous capsule formation in all periods. The effects of Angelus MTA, Root MTA, and BioMTA on connective tissue were investigated and compared. According to this study, these materials have good biocompatibility. According to the findings and statistical analysis, Angelus MTA has the most biocompatibility.

Role of Plasmodium berghei ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein, a novel oocyst capsule-associated protein, in ookinete motility

Background Plasmodium sp., which causes malaria, must first develop in mosquitoes before being transmitted. Upon ingesting infected blood, gametes form in the mosquito lumen, followed by fertilization and differentiation of the resulting zygotes into motile ookinetes. Within 24 h of blood ingestion, these ookinetes traverse mosquito epithelial cells and lodge below the midgut basal lamina, where they differentiate into sessile oocysts that are protected by a capsule. Methods We identified an ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein (OSCP) that is involved in ookinete motility as well as oocyst capsule formation. Results We found that knockout of OSCP in parasite decreases ookinete gliding motility and gradually reduces the number of oocysts. On day 15 after blood ingestion, the oocyst wall was significantly thinner. Moreover, adding anti-OSCP antibodies decreased the gliding speed of wild-type ookinetes in vitro. Adding anti-OSCP antibodies to an infected blood meal also resulted in decreased oocyst formation. Conclusion These findings may be useful for the development of a transmission-blocking tool for malaria. Graphical abstract

Gene Polymorphism of MUC15, MMP14, BRAF, and COL1A1 Is Associated with Capsule Formation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background. The presence of a capsule is an important prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Capsule formation is affected by tumor-host interaction, which may include collagen deposition and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Purpose. This study aimed to examine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes for COL1A1 MUC15, MMP14, CD97, SMYD3, BRAF, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β) are related to capsule formation. Methods. We prospectively recruited and analyzed 185 patients with HCC with or without a capsule between 2019 and 2020. The SNPs involved were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Differences in the allele and genotype frequency between the cases and controls were evaluated using the chi-square test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex. Stratification analyses were also performed with preselected variables. Results. The single-locus analysis showed that the presence of a capsule was significantly associated with five SNPs : MUC15 rs17309195 P = 0.01 , rs12271124 P = 0.02 , rs10430847 P = 0.04 , MMP14 rs17884816 P = 0.01 , and BRAF rs74512895 P = 0.03 . Adjusted logistic regression revealed that the decreased capsule formation was statistically significantly associated with BRAF rs76603725, COL1A1 rs2269336, and MUC15 rs17309195, while MMP14 rs17884816 and MUC15 rs10430847, rs2063278, and rs967490 were associated with increased capsule formation. The MUC15 block 2 haplotype was associated with increased capsule formation. Conclusions. MUC15, MMP14, BRAF, and COL1A1 gene polymorphisms are associated with capsule formation in HCC. Studies involving larger samples are needed to confirm our results.

Role of Plasmodium berghei ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein, a novel oocyst capsule-associated protein, in ookinete motility

Background: Plasmodium sp., which causes malaria, must first develop in mosquitoes before being transmitted. Upon ingesting infected blood, gametes form in the mosquito lumen, followed by fertilization and differentiation of the resulting zygotes into motile ookinetes. Within 24 hours of blood ingestion, these ookinetes traverse mosquito epithelial cells and lodge below the midgut basal lamina, where they differentiate into sessile oocysts that are protected by a capsule. Methods: We identified an ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein (OSCP) that is involved in ookinete motility as well as oocyst capsule formation. Results: We found that knockout of OSCP in parasite decreases ookinete gliding motility and gradually reduces the number of oocysts. On day 15 after blood ingestion, the oocyst wall was significantly thinner. Moreover, adding anti-OSCP antibodies decreased the gliding speed of wild type ookinetes in vitro. Adding anti-OSCP antibodies to an infected blood meal also resulted in decreased oocyst formation. Conclusion: These findings may be useful for the development of transmission-blocking tools for malaria.

Defining Double Capsules: A Clinical and Histological Study

Background Macrotextured breast implants are associated with double capsules. There is little agreement as to what defines double capsules, how they present, and whether different degrees of double capsule exist. Objectives This study aimed to define double capsules and report an association between double-capsule type and degree of tissue adherence. Methods Consecutive aesthetic patients undergoing explantation of Biocell (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) implants between May 2018 and November 2018 were included if they were found to have double capsules intraoperatively. Patient demographics, implant characteristics, explantation reason, implant adherence, and intraoperative findings were recorded. Both adherent and double capsules were histologically examined. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results Eleven patients had 22 Biocell implants explanted during the study period. The average explantation time was 8.0 years. Sixteen implants were found to have some degree of nonadherence, and all areas of nonadherence were associated with double-capsule formation. Double capsules were either partial or complete. The architecture of the inner layer of double capsules varied between an organized capsular layer and a thin area of nascent capsule. Histologically, all capsular specimens demonstrated an overall hypocellular fibrous capsule with scattered chronic inflammatory infiltrates. Synovial metaplasia was present in all capsule types and spaces/cracks in the capsule were disproportionately represented in partially adherent capsules. Conclusions This is the first study to identify a clinical and pathological correlation between double capsules and failed tissue adherence. Double capsules represent a spectrum of inner capsule formation ranging between nascent capsular tissue to a mature inner capsular layer. Level of Evidence: 4