Methods and Results: We performed viability test, examined cells using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and measured the release of intracellular
proteins and nucleic acids. The inactivation rate of B. subtilis by 2.0-kW microwave irradiation was higher than that of a domestic microwave (0.5 kW). Few proteins were released from either microwaved or boiled cells. However, the leakage of nucleic acids from 2.0-kW-microwaved cells was significantly higher than that of 0.5-kW-microwaved or boiled cells. Therefore, we examined ultrastructural alterations of microwaved or boiled cells to analyse the pattern of release of cytoplasmic contents. Although boiled cells did not show any ultrastructural changes on TEM, 2.0-kW-microwaved cells showed disruption of the cell wall.
Conclusion: The microbicidal mechanisms of 2.0-kW microwave irradiation include damage to the microbial cell wall, breakage 4EGI-1 clinical trial of
the genomic DNA, and thermal coagulation of cytoplasmic proteins.
Significance and Impact of the Study: TEM images showed that the cytoplasmic protein aggregation and cell envelope damage by microwave irradiation were different from the ultrastructural changes observed after boiling.”
“Objective: To examine the effects of gamma knife surgery (GKS) on the expression of N-methel-D-asparate receptor (NMDAR) subunits in rat forebrain. Materials and methods: Using stereotactic technique, we performed gamma knife irradiation on the left forebrain of 13 male Wistar rats with a maximum SHP099 dose of 60 Gy. These animals were raised for 24 h, 30 and 60 days before they were killed. Then immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the relative levels of NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B) in the target region. Results: The expression of NR1 and NR2A but not NR2B increased significantly in the cortex 30 and 60 days after irradiation. However, no significant differences in the expression of these three subunits were detected in the caudate putamen at all time points. Conclusion: gamma knife irradiation induced the upregulation of NMDAR subunits, NR1, and NR2A,
which might represent a possible mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of gamma knife irradiation on many neurological diseases, including drug Calpain resistance epilepsy. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Aim: To isolate viruses of specific heterotrophic bacterial strains from marine environments using a host addition/virus amplification protocol (HAVAP) for use in phage/host systems.
Methods and Results: Bacteria-free seawater samples containing natural viruses assemblages were inoculated with a single laboratory grown bacterial host of interest in a nutrient-enriched [peptone, Fe(III) and yeast extract] seawater suspension. These conditions enhanced the replication of only those virus(s) capable of infecting the host bacterium.