The identity of the fragments was checked by sequencing Light in

The identity of the fragments was checked by sequencing. Light induction of the orange pigmentation (putative carotenoid accumulation) was assessed in two sexually compatible wild-type strains of F. verticillioides

FGSC 7600 and FGSC 7603, as well as three independent ΔFvMAT1-2-1 mutants (M6, M7, and M15) of FGSC 7603, grown on NM agar under different illumination conditions (Fig. 2). On this medium, the two wild-type strains acquired a faint pigmentation in the dark, but this was not apparent in the mutant strains under the same culture conditions (Fig. 2a). When incubation occurred under continuous illumination, the wild-type strains developed an intense orange color, while the three ΔFvMAT1-2-1 mutants showed a paler pigmentation (Fig. 2b). These findings indicate that (1) the orange BI 6727 order pigmentation is light inducible and (2) the synthesis is check details reduced in the

absence of an operational MAT1-2-1 gene in the MAT1-2 background. The color development of these five strains on CA and CM agar was similar to that observed on NM (data not shown), suggesting that the deficiency of orange pigmentation in the ΔFvMAT1-2-1 mutants was not limited to minimal nutrient conditions. To further analyze the effect of light on pigment accumulation, fungi were grown in liquid NM under different illumination conditions for 5 days. As presented in Fig. 2c, all strains showed an albino phenotype when they were

cultured in the dark. Five-day culture under continuous illumination SB-3CT resulted in intense orange coloration in the wild-type strains, but much less pigment accumulation occurred in the three ΔFvMAT1-2-1 mutants (Fig. 2e). When 4-day-old cultures grown in the dark were exposed to 24-h illumination, a moderate pigment accumulation was observed in the wild-type strains, while the ΔFvMAT1-2-1 mutants exhibited albino-like phenotypes (Fig. 2d). Similar pigmentation patterns were observed with shorter light exposures (i.e. 8-h illumination, followed by further incubation for 16 h in the dark) after 4-day culturing in the dark (data not shown). To reveal the biochemical bases of the orange pigmentation, the carotenoid contents of the cultures were measured. Carotenoids were extracted and analyzed by column chromatography to determine the amounts of both polar and nonpolar carotenoids in the wild-type strains of F. verticillioides and the ΔFvMAT1-2-1 mutants of strain FGSC 7603 grown in liquid NM under different illumination conditions (Fig. 3). As expected, only trace amounts (<0.2 μg g−1 dry mass) of carotenoids were found in the albino cultures of any strain grown in the dark.

In STARTMRK, treatment-naïve patients received raltegravir

In STARTMRK, treatment-naïve patients received raltegravir

400 mg twice a day (bid) or efavirenz 600 mg at bedtime, both with tenofovir/emtricitabine. In BENCHMRK-1 and -2, highly treatment-experienced patients with multi-drug resistant virus and prior treatment failure received raltegravir 400 mg bid or placebo, both with optimized background therapy. Patients with chronic HBV and/or HCV coinfection were enrolled if baseline liver function tests were ≤5 times the upper limit of normal. HBV infection was defined PLX4032 as HBV surface antigen positivity for all studies; HCV infection was defined as HCV RNA positivity for STARTMRK and HCV antibody positivity for BENCHMRK. Hepatitis coinfection was present in 6% (34 of 563) of treatment-naïve patients (4% HBV only, 2% HCV only and 0.2% HBV+HCV) and 16% (114 of 699) of treatment-experienced patients (6% HBV only, 9% HCV only and 1% HBV+HCV). The incidence of drug-related adverse events was signaling pathway similar in raltegravir recipients with and without hepatitis coinfection in both STARTMRK (50 vs. 47%) and BENCHMRK (34 vs. 38.5%). Grade 2–4 liver enzyme elevations were more frequent in coinfected vs. monoinfected patients, but were not different between the raltegravir and control groups. At week 96, the proportion of raltegravir recipients with HIV RNA <50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL was similar between coinfected and monoinfected patients (93 vs. 90% in STARTMRK;

63 vs. 61% in BENCHMRK). Raltegravir was generally well tolerated and efficacious up to 96 weeks in HIV-infected patients with HBV/HCV coinfection. World-wide prevalence rates for coinfection with HIV and Resveratrol hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are estimated

at 5–15% and 25–33%, respectively [1–3], and liver diseases associated with HBV and HCV infections have emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in persons with HIV infection [3–6]. Hepatitis coinfection is also associated with an increased risk for liver toxicity in HIV-infected patients receiving protease inhibitors or reverse transcriptase inhibitors [7–10]. Raltegravir is a novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitor that has demonstrated potent efficacy and a favourable safety profile in treatment-naïve and heavily treatment-experienced patients with HIV-1 infection [11–14]. The primary mechanism of raltegravir clearance is through hepatic metabolism mediated by UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 [15]; moderate hepatic insufficiency does not have a clinically important effect on the pharmacokinetic profile of raltegravir [16]. We have examined the safety and efficacy of raltegravir in patients with HIV-1 and HBV and/or HCV coinfection who participated in three Phase III studies of raltegravir [11–14]. These post hoc analyses utilized week-96 data from STARTMRK (MK-0518 Protocol 021; NCT00369941), BENCHMRK-1 (MK-0518 Protocol 018; NCT00293267) and BENCHMRK-2 (MK-0518 Protocol 019; NCT00293254).

7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 692–848%] than by healthy indi

7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 69.2–84.8%] than by healthy individuals (88.0%; 95% CI 81.2–93.0%; P < 0.001) and did not increase after the second dose (69.8%; 95% CI 60.1–78.3%). Systemic reactions were rare and evenly distributed in the two groups (not shown). Ninety of 121 HIV-infected patients provided paired plasma samples for the detection of HIV RNA before and 4 weeks after the second dose of vaccine. At baseline, HIV RNA levels were below the detection threshold in 68 individuals and detectable

in 22. Unexpectedly, overall HIV RNA levels were significantly higher at follow-up compared with baseline (P < 0.001). HIV RNA was detected in 40 of 68 (58.8%) previously aviraemic patients [median 152 copies/mL; interquartile range (IQR) 87–509 copies/mL], independent of CD4 cell count (Fig. 1f). Among the 22 HIV-infected patients with buy RO4929097 detectable baseline HIV RNA levels (≥ 20 copies/mL), the median HIV RNA level increased, but an increase of ≥1 log10 copies/mL was observed in only two of 22 patients (9.1%). Individuals with an increase in their HIV RNA level were invited to return for follow-up 3 months later (median 91 days; IQR 65–122 days) at which point HIV RNA levels had returned to baseline in most individuals (27 of

34; 79.4%; Fig. 1f). Logistic regression analysis AG-014699 nmr established previous nonadjuvanted seasonal influenza Dimethyl sulfoxide vaccination as the sole determinant for HIV RNA increase above the detection threshold of 20 copies in previously aviraemic patients (P = 0.05; Table 4). Patients with a new elevated HIV RNA after dose 2 had similar characteristics compared with patients who stayed virologically suppressed: no differences in treatment regimen (NNRTI-based vs. PI-based antiretroviral therapy) were observed (data not

shown). In the following season (2010/2011), HIV RNA levels were assessed before and 4 weeks after administration of a single dose of seasonal influenza vaccine in a total of 66 HIV-positive patients who had participated in 2009. HIV RNA levels increased this time only weakly in three previously aviraemic individuals (median 29 copies/mL; range 20–125 copies/mL), two of whom had also experienced an increase after the AS03-adjuvanted vaccine in 2009 (23 and 125 copies/mL, respectively). For the remaining 23 individuals who had experienced an increase in viraemia in 2009, this finding was not reproduced in 2010/2011. This study reports the influence of the novel AS03-adjuvanted influenza A/09/H1N1 vaccine in HIV-positive patients attending an HIV clinic in a public hospital. HIV-positive patients achieved seroprotection rates of 94.2% and seroconversion rates of 85.6%, regardless of their clinical or biological characteristics. However, immunization triggered a detectable increase in HIV RNA levels even in successfully HAART-treated, aviraemic patients.

A cross-sectional

survey was developed based on study obj

A cross-sectional

survey was developed based on study objectives and completed by pharmacists in Qatar. Most hospital settings have implemented components selleck chemicals of ASP. Lack of infectious disease specialists and training of healthcare providers was the most common barrier to implementation or expansion of ASP identified in the hospital and community settings respectively. Pharmacists report some components of ASP have been implemented; however, barriers must be overcome to further expand ASPs. “
“Objectives  The literature identifies many barriers to medicines use, including bio-psycho-social issues, but less is known regarding ethno-cultural barriers, which are important in culturally diverse nations. The aim of this study was to explore ethnic differences in attitudes to medicines and medicines-taking, focusing on the main constituents of the New Zealand (NZ) population: NZ European, Māori (the indigenous people of NZ), Pacific and Asian peoples. Methods  A qualitative study involving a series of focus groups was conducted. Participants (>50 years old) taking medicines were recruited from various community-based groups. The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed for key themes via manual inductive coding and constant comparison.

Key findings  Twenty focus groups (n = 100 participants) were conducted. Three key common themes emerged: (1) conception of a medicine; (2) self-management of medication; and (3) http://www.selleckchem.com/products/PLX-4032.html seeking further medicines information. In general, NZ European participants had a very narrow view of what a medicine is, were motivated to source medicines information independently and were very proactive in medicines management. At the other end of the spectrum, Pacific peoples expressed

a broad view of what constitutes a medicine, were not motivated to source medicines information independently and were not proactive in medicines management, tending to instead rely on healthcare professionals for answers. The findings others from the various ethnic groups highlight differences in attitudes to medicines per se and medicines-taking; these influences on medication-taking behaviour need to be considered in the provision of pharmaceutical care. Conclusion  Ethnic differences in attitudes to medicines and medicines-taking are apparent, although there are some commonalities in terms of needs regarding support and advice around medicines’ use. This will help inform the development of resources and communication tools to assist pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical care to diverse patient populations. “
“Objectives  Maintenance and improvement of knowledge, skills and performance for provision of contemporary patient care is at the core of continuing professional pharmacy development (CPPD). Existing CPPD models worldwide reflect different approaches to lifelong learning.

A cross-sectional

survey was developed based on study obj

A cross-sectional

survey was developed based on study objectives and completed by pharmacists in Qatar. Most hospital settings have implemented components selleck compound of ASP. Lack of infectious disease specialists and training of healthcare providers was the most common barrier to implementation or expansion of ASP identified in the hospital and community settings respectively. Pharmacists report some components of ASP have been implemented; however, barriers must be overcome to further expand ASPs. “
“Objectives  The literature identifies many barriers to medicines use, including bio-psycho-social issues, but less is known regarding ethno-cultural barriers, which are important in culturally diverse nations. The aim of this study was to explore ethnic differences in attitudes to medicines and medicines-taking, focusing on the main constituents of the New Zealand (NZ) population: NZ European, Māori (the indigenous people of NZ), Pacific and Asian peoples. Methods  A qualitative study involving a series of focus groups was conducted. Participants (>50 years old) taking medicines were recruited from various community-based groups. The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed for key themes via manual inductive coding and constant comparison.

Key findings  Twenty focus groups (n = 100 participants) were conducted. Three key common themes emerged: (1) conception of a medicine; (2) self-management of medication; and (3) www.selleckchem.com/products/bgj398-nvp-bgj398.html seeking further medicines information. In general, NZ European participants had a very narrow view of what a medicine is, were motivated to source medicines information independently and were very proactive in medicines management. At the other end of the spectrum, Pacific peoples expressed

a broad view of what constitutes a medicine, were not motivated to source medicines information independently and were not proactive in medicines management, tending to instead rely on healthcare professionals for answers. The findings Exoribonuclease from the various ethnic groups highlight differences in attitudes to medicines per se and medicines-taking; these influences on medication-taking behaviour need to be considered in the provision of pharmaceutical care. Conclusion  Ethnic differences in attitudes to medicines and medicines-taking are apparent, although there are some commonalities in terms of needs regarding support and advice around medicines’ use. This will help inform the development of resources and communication tools to assist pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical care to diverse patient populations. “
“Objectives  Maintenance and improvement of knowledge, skills and performance for provision of contemporary patient care is at the core of continuing professional pharmacy development (CPPD). Existing CPPD models worldwide reflect different approaches to lifelong learning.

A cross-sectional

survey was developed based on study obj

A cross-sectional

survey was developed based on study objectives and completed by pharmacists in Qatar. Most hospital settings have implemented components see more of ASP. Lack of infectious disease specialists and training of healthcare providers was the most common barrier to implementation or expansion of ASP identified in the hospital and community settings respectively. Pharmacists report some components of ASP have been implemented; however, barriers must be overcome to further expand ASPs. “
“Objectives  The literature identifies many barriers to medicines use, including bio-psycho-social issues, but less is known regarding ethno-cultural barriers, which are important in culturally diverse nations. The aim of this study was to explore ethnic differences in attitudes to medicines and medicines-taking, focusing on the main constituents of the New Zealand (NZ) population: NZ European, Māori (the indigenous people of NZ), Pacific and Asian peoples. Methods  A qualitative study involving a series of focus groups was conducted. Participants (>50 years old) taking medicines were recruited from various community-based groups. The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed for key themes via manual inductive coding and constant comparison.

Key findings  Twenty focus groups (n = 100 participants) were conducted. Three key common themes emerged: (1) conception of a medicine; (2) self-management of medication; and (3) click here seeking further medicines information. In general, NZ European participants had a very narrow view of what a medicine is, were motivated to source medicines information independently and were very proactive in medicines management. At the other end of the spectrum, Pacific peoples expressed

a broad view of what constitutes a medicine, were not motivated to source medicines information independently and were not proactive in medicines management, tending to instead rely on healthcare professionals for answers. The findings C1GALT1 from the various ethnic groups highlight differences in attitudes to medicines per se and medicines-taking; these influences on medication-taking behaviour need to be considered in the provision of pharmaceutical care. Conclusion  Ethnic differences in attitudes to medicines and medicines-taking are apparent, although there are some commonalities in terms of needs regarding support and advice around medicines’ use. This will help inform the development of resources and communication tools to assist pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical care to diverse patient populations. “
“Objectives  Maintenance and improvement of knowledge, skills and performance for provision of contemporary patient care is at the core of continuing professional pharmacy development (CPPD). Existing CPPD models worldwide reflect different approaches to lifelong learning.

One patient developed pulmonary

One patient developed pulmonary click here embolism requiring intensive care-unit management (grade IV). Four chemo-naïve patients received adjuvant chemotherapy whereas the remaining two previously chemo-exposed patients received no adjuvant therapy. All patients were alive and disease-free without proof of recurrence/relapse

at 40, 32, 27, 24, 20 and 16 months. The average interval of follow-up after CRS+HIPEC was roughly 27 months (range: 16–40 months). CRS+HIPEC appears to be an efficacious and morbidly well-tolerated therapeutic modality for recurrent/relapsed OGCT. Long-term follow-up data and further research are needed. “
“Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a potential option for child-bearing in women with uterine infertility. Recovery of uterine function after allogeneic UTx in non-human primates has not been reported. The objective of this study is to establish the functional uterine transplant model in non-human primates. Uteri of two cynomolgus monkeys were simultaneously removed, cooled at 4°C and perfused with heparin saline. The uteri were interchanged with each other and then orthotopically transplanted. Immunosuppressive protocols included use of three agents (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone)

Forskolin cost in case 1 and two agents (tacrolimus and methylprednisolone) in case 2. Transabdominal Immune system ultrasonography, vaginoscopy and biopsy of the transplanted uterine cervix were routinely conducted to monitor rejection after surgery. The blood concentration of tacrolimus decreased 11 days after surgery and evidence of rejection was found in biopsy

of the uterine cervix in both cases. The suspected rejection disappeared 23 days after surgery in case 1 and temporary menstruation resumed at 3 months after surgery. In case 2, blood flow to the uterine artery gradually decreased and the uterus resulted in atrophy due to ischemia, which has been triggered by rejection. Allogeneic UTx in the cynomolgus monkeys resulted in temporary recovery of menstruation with three immunosuppressants and uterine atrophy with two immunosuppressants. This preliminary experience suggests that recovery of uterine function after allogeneic UTx in non-human primates is possible but more experiments are required. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has improved markedly in recent years. However, women with uterine infertility who require hysterectomy due to a malignant uterine tumor, benign disease or post-partum hemorrhaging and those with a congenital defect such as Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome currently have no option of having children, other than adoption and gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy is also restricted due to legal, ethical and religious issues in many countries.

No E7080

No buy Obeticholic Acid significant impact on HIV DNA in RP patients was found at any time-point (Table 1). In the two NR patients, the poor reduction in plasma HIV RNA (<1 log10 copies/mL) was accompanied by a decrease in CD4 T-cell count (not shown). Under enfuvirtide-based therapy, the number of naïve CD4+ CD45RA+ CD27+ T cells progressively increased in all the patients (mean increases of 20 and 31 cells/μL at weeks 24 and 48, respectively). Similar increases were observed for the central memory CD4+ CD45RA− CD27+ subset (mean increases of 21 and 90 cells/μL at weeks 24 and 48, respectively), while the frequency of effector

memory and effector T cells (CD4+ CD45RA− CD27− and CD4+ CD45RA+ CD27−, respectively) was less affected (Fig. 1a). At the CD8 T-cell level, the numbers

of naïve and central memory T cells did not vary (mean variations of 0.3 and −4 cells/μL at week 48, respectively), while an increase in effector memory T cells occurred at week 48 (a mean increase of 98 cells/μL) www.selleckchem.com/products/jq1.html (Fig. 1a). The restoration of CD4 T-cell subsets under enfuvirtide therapy was associated with a decrease in their activation state. This is shown in representative dot plots of HLA-DR and CD38 expression in Figure 1b. CD38 was highly expressed on all CD4 subsets at baseline, and both the frequency and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of positive cells decreased at weeks 12 and 24. Similar observations were obtained for HLA-DR. Figure 1c shows that the decreases in CD38 and HLA-DR were significant for both central memory and effector memory CD4 subsets. A similar trend was observed for Dipeptidyl peptidase effector CD4 T cells (CD45RA+ CD27−) (not shown). Surprisingly, the expression of CD38 persisted in naïve CD4 T cells (Fig. 1c). Decreased immune activation was similarly observed in CD8 T cells. The proportions of naïve, central memory, effector memory and effector CD8 T cells expressing CD38 or HLA-DR progressively declined, reaching very low frequencies at week 48 (Fig. 2). The increase in CD4 numbers correlated with the decrease in the frequency of CD38-expressing CD4 T cells

(r=−0.4; P=0.024), and the decreased frequency of CD38-expressing CD8 T cells was correlated with suppression of VL under enfuvirtide therapy (r=0.56; P=0.002). It is widely recognized that peripheral T cells from HIV-infected patients show increased levels of AICD when activated ex vivo through the T-cell receptor, and this priming for apoptosis is associated with T-cell activation and disease progression (reviewed in Gougeon [21]). Figure 3 shows the impact of enfuvirtide-based therapy on AICD in response to overnight costimulation of patients’ PBMCs with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies. At the CD4 T-cell level, a significant amount of AICD was observed at baseline, mainly in the central memory and effector memory subsets, while the naïve and effector subsets were less sensitive to AICD (Fig. 3a), as previously reported [22].

Most children liked dentists with closed shoes and no jewellery b

Most children liked dentists with closed shoes and no jewellery but preferred the use of a wrist watch. The results obtained from this study can help dentists decide what is appropriate to wear when dealing with children so as to minimise their anxiety and improve delivery of health care. “
“International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Pim inhibitor 2012; 22: 100–109 Objectives.  The objectives were to investigate the prevalence of the condition, by using transillumination, in a group of children. Analysed the prevalence with regard to gender, jaw affected, and the teeth that exhibited dysplasia most commonly. Methods.  A sample of 550 children aged

6 to 14 years was selected at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, but among those selected only 505 children were eligible for inclusion in the study. The gender and age of the child, number of permanent teeth, number of teeth affected by MIH and their position were registered. Results.  Ninety patients (17.85%) had MIH. Of these, 45 were girls (50%) and 45 were boys (50%). A total of 8062 permanent teeth were observed. Of these, 344 (4.2%) were affected by MIH. Of the teeth affected, 198 (57.7%) were located

in the maxilla and 146 (42.4%) in the mandible. This result was statistically significant (P = 0.003). Conclusions.  The population studied showed a prevalence of MIH of 17.8%. The presence of the defect did not differ according to sex in this population. Defects were more common among teeth in the maxilla. “
“International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 382–389 Background.  Considering this website formocresol’s toxicity, Ca(OH)2 partial pulpotomy (PP) was studied as a treatment alternative. Aim.  To compare success rates of Ca(OH)2 PP versus formocresol pulpotomy (FP) treatment of pulpally exposed lower primary molars. Design.  A total of 84 lower primary molars, which met study criteria, from 56 child patients were randomly assigned for each treatment. After treatment, blinded clinical and radiographic evaluation with

96.9% and 90% reliability was performed at 6-month intervals to determine treatment success/failure. Chi-squared test was used to compare success rates MycoClean Mycoplasma Removal Kit between the two treatments. Results.  The success rates from 6 to 36 months for PP ranged from 95.03% to 75%, whereas for FP, it was 92.7–74.2%. The success rates for the two treatments at each 6-month interval were not different (P ≥ 0.05). The most frequent failure was internal resorption, affecting five FP teeth and three PP teeth. The resorption was arrested in five of the teeth and was replaced by a radiopaque calcified tissue in one case. Conclusion.  Considering the favourable clinical and radiographic success rate of PP and the potentially toxic effects of formocresol leads us to recommend the use of PP instead of FP in primary teeth with deep carious lesions.

DNA was isolated from A niger using a modified TES method (Mahuk

DNA was isolated from A. niger using a modified TES method (Mahuku, 2004). Promoter-less xylanase/pAN56-1 plasmid vector was developed in the following steps. Construction of pAN7-1 (ClaI). A polylinker was designed to create a unique ClaI site in the EVpAN7-1 vector. The nucleotide sequence of the double stranded primer was: 5′-GCTCTAGAATCGATTCTAGAG C-3′. Two primers were annealed and digested

with ClaI and cloned in XbaI site of EVPAN7-1 vector. The vector was now called pAN7-1 (ClaI) (Fig. 1). Construction of pAN56-1 (SalI-NcoI). A polylinker was designed to create multiple cloning sites (SalI-NotI-EcoRV and NcoI) to introduce the promoter 5′-ACGCGT CGACCCATCGATGGGCGGCCGCGATATCCCATGGCA TG 3′. Two primers were annealed and digested with SalI and NcoI, and then see more cloned into SalI- and NcoI-digested alkaline xylanase vector pAN56-1 (alx xylanase-truncat) to construct the pAN56-1 (SalI-NcoI) (Fig. 1). The alkaline xylanase is from Actinomadura Z-VAD-FMK molecular weight sp. Construction of promoter-less xylanase/pAN56-1-vector.

pAN7-1 (ClaI) and pAN56-1 (SalI-NcoI) were digested by SalI and ClaI separately. A smaller fragment (around 2121 bp) from plasmid pAN7-1 (ClaI) containing the selection marker, i.e. hygromycin gene, was ligated to the linearized pAN56-1 (SalI-NcoI) containing multiple cloning site (MCS), reporter gene (alkaline xylanase from Actinomorpha), gluco-amylase terminator, ampicillin gene, a selection marker for Escherichia coli and ori for replication in E. coli. Finally, the constructed vector was digested by various restriction enzymes (viz. SalI plus EcoRV, BamHI plus EcoRI, NcoI, ClaI, NotI) to confirm the availability and functionality of different restriction sites. As the region between −562 and −318 regulates the high level expression of glaA (Fowler et al., 1990), catR promoter was also analyzed within 1000 bp upstream (-)-p-Bromotetramisole Oxalate of the starting ATG. The effect of the CAAT motif was evaluated particularly with reference to Pcat300 and Pcat924 as the former does not contain the CAAT sequence

(Pcat300), whereas Pcat924 has CAAT motifs. The catR promoters (Pcat300, Pcat924) were amplified from A. niger genomic DNA by PCR using the primers cat300F (5′-ACTTGTTGTGGTGATCTTGAGCA-3′) and cat300R (5′-GCATGGCGGAGTAAACGAA-3′) and cat924F (5′-AGGTTTAGTGAAGGAACACCCGTGGCGAGT-3′) and cat924R (5′-GCATGGCGGAGTAAACGAA-3′) synthesized by M/S Sigma USA. Primers were designed on the basis of the complete genome sequence of wild-type A. niger ATCC 1015 strain. For PCR amplification, 20 ng of DNA, 10 pmol of each primer, 200 μM dNTP mix, 1 U of Taq DNA polymerase (Bangalore Geneii, India) with reaction buffer supplied by the manufacturer were used. Amplification was performed in a 20-μL reaction volume in a Thermocycler (Eppendorf, Germany). Cycling parameters for Pcat300 were 3 min of denaturation at 95 °C followed by 35 cycles at 94 °C for 30 s, 55 °C for 30 s, and 72 °C for 1 min.