bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective action of carnosine and organic lithium salts in case of ethanol-induced oxidative damage of proteins and lipids of blood plasma in healthy persons and alcoholic patients
Authors: Prokopieva V.D. , Plotnikov E.V. , Yarygina E.G. , Bokhan N.A.
Published: February 2019

Organic lithium salts containing anionic components (succinate, fumarate, pyruvate and antioxidant ascorbate) were tested for protection of blood plasma proteins and lipids against ethanol-induced oxidation in vitro. We used normothymic lithium carbonate and well-known antioxidant dipeptide carnosine (b-alanyl-L-histidine) as the reference drugs. The oxidized proteins and lipids were determined by the level of carbonylated proteins (CP) and TBA-reactive products (TBA-RP), respectively. In alcoholic patients the level of oxidized proteins and lipids was higher than in healthy persons. Incubation of blood with ethanol resulted in an increase in oxidized proteins and lipids in blood plasma of healthy persons but had no influence on the level of CP and TBA-RP in blood plasma of alcoholic patients. Lithium carbonate, lithium ascorbate, and lithium succinate exhibited protective action against ethanol-induced oxidation of biomolecules of blood plasma of healthy people. These effects were comparable with carnosine action. The studied compounds had no effect on the level of CP and TBA-RP of blood plasma of alcoholic patients.
Maternal outcomes of the childbirth among primiparous teenagers in South Kivu, RD Congo
Authors: Innocent Ntamulenga , Ntakwinja Mukanire , Prince Imani , Kikwaya Kasereka , Olivier Nyakio , Denis Mukwege , Dieudonné Sengeyi
Published: February 2019

Background: Adolescent births remain at high risk. The aim of this study was to determine the maternal prognosis of births among primiparous teenagers in South Kivu.Methods: A case-control study of 250 primiparous teenagers (cases) and another group of 500 primiparous adults aged 20-34 years (control) was performed in 4 General Reference Hospitals of South Kivu in Republic Democratic Congo. The study period was from January to December 2017. A survey sheet was used to collect the data. The analysis were performed using SPSS 22.0 and EPIINFO version 7.2.2.6.Results: Out of a total of 8490 deliveries recorded at the 4 General Reference Hospitals in South Kivu in 2017, authors recorded 250 deliveries of primiparous teenagers, or 2.9%. The maternal prognosis of adolescent deliveries was more marked by a high rate of caesarean section (OR=13.5), the presence of complications (OR=7.37), prolonged labor (OR=4.51), lesions soft tissues (OR=3.92), intraoperative bleeding (OR=3.26) and fever by puerperal infection (OR=2.13).Conclusions: The frequency of childbirth among primiparous teenagers and maternal-neonatal prognosis has been determined and is of concern. The prevention of adolescent obstetric complications includes the respect for the legal age of marriage, adequate antenatal care and childbirth in a specialized hospital setting.
Relationship between personality traits and reproductive choices among women attending the psychiatric clinic of a Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Mapayi Boladale M. , Seun-Fadipe Champion , Akinsulore Adesanmi , Aloba Olutayo O. , Oginni Olukunle O. , Ugalahi Theresa O.
Published: February 2019

Background: The study aimed to assess the relationship between personality traits and reproductive choices among women attending the psychiatric clinic at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.Methods: The original study used a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test-controlled design though this article presents a cross sectional view of results. Two hundred females were recruited into the study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to the respondents which elicited information on background characteristics, baseline contraceptive indicators and personality traits. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential methods.Results: The personality factors found to affect contraceptive use included high scores on Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Neuroticism, though only extraversion maintained this relationship on regression analysis. The personality factors found to affect pregnancy plan included high scores on Conscientiousness.Conclusions: This study showed a distinct relationship between specific personality traits and contraceptive use with neuroticism exhibiting a negative influence on use while conscientiousness exhibited a positive influence.
Premature ovarian failure incidence, risk factors and its relation to BMI and infertility
Authors: Baheti Smita , Verma Anjana , Sharma Medhavi
Published: February 2019

Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is cessation in the normal functioning of the ovaries in women younger than age 40 years. It is estimated to affect1% of women younger than 40 years and 0.1% of those under 30 years. Premature ovarian failure is a common cause of infertility in women.Methods: Patient attending outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with age less than 40 years and complaint of menstrual disturbances, symptoms of menopause were enrolled for the study for duration of 1year. This study is planned to calculate the incidence, risk factors, relation to BMI and infertility in patients attending outpatient department at Geetanjali medical college and hospital, Udaipur for all enrolled patient coming with complaints of menstrual disturbances. FSH levels were send for all the patients and those with FSH level more than 20 at day 2/3 for menstruating women and random FSH level for amenorrhea patient more than 20 were classified in to study group and all those women with FSH less than 20 are taken as control group.Results: Present study strongly suggests that simple laboratory test FSH and symptoms of missed and irregularity of menstrual cycle help in early and prompt diagnosis of premature ovarian failure. And early diagnosis helps in avoiding unnecessary medications and helps in improving long term morbidity.Conclusions: Disturbances in menstrual cycle like amenorrhea and infrequent cycles are the symptoms which are associated with premature ovarian failure after ruling out pregnancy and other hormonal and structural causes.
Contraceptive practices and awareness about emergency contraception among women attending a tertiary care hospital of Delhi, India
Authors: Renjhen Prachi , Kumar Vikas , Rathi Akanksha , Loukya Attuluri
Published: February 2019

Background: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECs) are a safe female-controlled method of post-coital contraception; however, the knowledge about them is low among general population.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among the adult females, aged 18 years and above, who visited the various out-patient departments (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital in July 2017. A total of 640 adult females, who visited the OPDs of medicine, surgery, orthopedics and gynecology were included in this study. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS ver 16. Chi-square test was used to test association. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant association.Results: Of the 640 participants, mostly were Hindu, aged between 20-29 years, married and had more than one child. Only, 52% females were aware of the term ‘contraception’ and 17.7% about ‘emergency contraception’. The only method of ECs they were aware of was i-pill. Commonest source of their knowledge was friends, relatives and spouse. Only 70 women knew that it can be used after unprotected intercourse and 25 knew that it can be used after failure of barrier method. Just 41.2% women used any kind of contraceptive and 5.3% women have ever used an EC. Around 28% women reported not using contraception due to lack of knowledge.Conclusions: Despite of their availability since many years, awareness about emergency contraception is low. More efforts are required to generate awareness about regular use of effective contraception and emergency contraception if required.
Morbidly adherent placenta: management is real challenge
Authors: Vyas Rupa C. , Patel PrinceNrutik Amrut , Shah Sapana , Vala Shweta N. , Patel Nidhi B.
Published: February 2019

Background: The objective of the present study was to describe management of morbidly adherent placenta with placenta previa and feto-maternal outcome.Methods: All antenatal USG diagnosed cases of morbidly adherent placenta were analyzed. The cases were managed by elective caesarean hysterectomy and non-separation of placenta at delivery. Amount of blood loss, blood transfused, ICU admission, postnatal complications and hospital stay was recorded.Results: From January 2010 to October 2018, 22 cases of morbidly adherent placenta were diagnosed on gray scale and color Doppler during antenatal ultrasound scan. Scheduled caesarean hysterectomy without attempting placental removal was done. Subtotal hysterectomy was performed in 17(77.2%) cases and total hysterectomy in remaining 5(22.8%) cases. All the patients required blood transfusion.  Seven (31.8%) patients had urinary bladder injury. One case developed DIC and One needed ventilatory support. No patient died in this series.Conclusions: Antenatal diagnosed cases of morbidly adherent placenta, avoidance of placental separation and caesarean hysterectomy results in better maternal outcome.
A study of efficacy of intramuscular injection tramadol as labour analgesic and labour accelerator in 400 primigravida patients in latent phase of first stage of labour
Authors: Vanitha M. , Muthulakshmi N.
Published: February 2019

Background: Labour pain is among the most severe pain experienced by women. Most women like to experience labour birth with active involvement and as naturally as possible. Hence, the need for analgesia to overcome labour pains is highly requested by women today. In developing nations where availability of facilities is the main limiting factor, intra muscular opioids can be used. The aim was to know the effect of Tramadol in labour analgesia and reduction in the duration of labour and to know the maternal and neonatal outcome after administration of TramadolMethods: This study was conducted in tertiary teaching care hospital in 400 low risk primigravidae who fulfilled selection criteria with full-term pregnancy with vertex presentation in late latent phase of labour were selected and given 100 mg tramadol hydrochloride intramuscularly.Results: The degree of pain relief in 1 st and 2 nd stage of labour, duration of labour, Apgar score of neonates and side effect of drugs were studied. In this study 23.5% of patients had grade II pain, 38.5% of patients had grade III pain and 38% of patients had no pain relief after Tramadol administration. Before drug, the mean pain score is 3.86 in stage I. After drug administration the mean pain score is 3.14 in stage I and 3.81 in stage II. The duration of first and second stage of labour also shortened.Conclusions: In low risk Primigravidae, IM Tramadol hydrochloride appears to be effective without side effects. Hence, in developing nations, where availability of facilities is the main limiting factor, IM opioids can be considered as suitable alternatives.
An observational study of effect of Mullerian anomalies on pregnancy
Authors: Raj Neha , Chavan Niranjan N.
Published: February 2019

Background: Mullerian anomalies occur in approximately 3-4% of fertile and infertile women, 5–10% of women with recurrent early pregnancy loss, and up to 25% of women with late first or second-trimester pregnancy loss or preterm delivery. However, due to low prevalence rate and asymptomatic course of the anomalies, Mullerian anomalies remain underdiagnosed and often overlooked as a possible cause of recurrent pregnancy failures, preterm deliveries, IUGR and low birth weight.Methods: Total of 30 cases of Mullerian anomalies with pregnancy, prior diagnosed or incidental during LSCS, were studied for complications during pregnancy, history of gynecological complaints and rate of diagnosis with routine imaging technique.Results: Septate uterus was the most common anomaly seen in this study (36.6%).56.6% were diagnosed incidentally during LSCS despite the fact 26.6% of cases had history of 2 or more abortions and 30% had some or other gynecological complaints previously. 10% of pregnancies ended in abortions, 20% had preterm delivery, 36.6% had malpresentations and there was case of rupture uterus (03.3%).Conclusions: Mullerian anomalies are often asymptomatic or have subtle gynecological symptoms which are often missed by both patient and gynecologists. It is observed that due to the asymptomatic course of Mullerian anomalies, invasive nature of HSG and lack of 1.5 Tesla MRI at many institutes leads to low rate of diagnosis of Mullerian anomalies. Pregnancy with Mullerian anomalies often have preterm delivery, IUGR and malpresentation, so, require proper counselling and close monitoring during antenatal period.
The risks for thromboembolism following caesarean section
Authors: R. Veena , M. V. Radhamani , S. Deepa
Published: February 2019

Background: Maternal mortality can be due to various reasons. Maternal mortality following thromboembolism is a cause for concern. Venous thromboembolism is a very serious condition following caesarean section. Thromboprophylaxis should be given to the mothers with high risk for thromboembolism, who deliver by caesarean section. The objective of this study was to do to assess the risk status for thromboembolism among women delivered by caesarean section.Methods: A hospital based cross- sectional study was conducted among four hundred mothers who delivered by caesarean section. The study was conducted for a period of eight months from January to August 2017. The risks for thromboembolism was assessed and as per the guideline and hospital policy, thromboprophylaxis was given.Results: Out of four hundred patients, medical comorbidities were present for three patients. Patients who were overweight were 122. Two had systemic infection. The number of patients with high, intermediate and low risk of venous thromboembolism were 4,65 and 331.Conclusions: The study suggests that thromboprophylaxis is to be given for all the patients with any risk for thromboembolism, after caesarean section.
Umbilical cord cyst: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Kaushal Aayushi , Mehra Reeti , Dubey Sunita , Goel Poonam , Sheokand Seema , Kaur Navjot
Published: February 2019

Umbilical cord cyst refers to any cystic lesion associated with the umbilical cord. Cord cysts can be defined as true or false cysts and may occur in any location along the cord. They are irregular in shape and are located between the cord vessels. Authors are reporting the case of an infant with an umbilical cord tumor which had twice been misdiagnosed previously as a hemangioma, based on ultrasound image of its cystic and solid component with good vascular supply. The ultrasound image most likely suggestive of a hemangioma as a differential diagnosis led to caesarean section in our patient (based on large size of the lesion and fear of rupture of same during process of labour). The definitive diagnosis was made only after birth of the baby. Final diagnosis of true umbilical cord cyst was made after histopathological examination. Thus, there can be confusion in the diagnosis between umbilical cord hemangiomas and umbilical cord cysts based on ultrasound.
Acompanhamento do estado nutricional de pré-escolares
Authors: Coelho Vitor Antonio Cerignoni , De Lima Mayara Mascarenhas , Tolocka Rute Estanislava
Published: February 2019

O aumento do sobrepeso e da obesidade em pré-escolares, associado à falta de acompanhamento do crescimento e do estado nutricional destas crianças, tem chamado a atenção da ciência e de governos. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a tendência de crescimento de crianças frequentadoras de instituições infantis em um município do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Foram realizadas três avaliações antropométricas, durante dois anos de acompanhamento, em 75 crianças em idade pré-escolar. Os dados coletados foram: peso, estatura, índice de massa corporal, perímetro tricipital, dobra tricipital e subescapular. Os valores foram comparados com índices da Organização Mundial da Saúde. A maioria das crianças estava dentro do esperado em todas as medidas nas três avaliações. Não houve tendência ao excesso de peso, mas a associação significativa de p<0,001 entre sobrepeso e obesidade revelou uma alta incidência desses casos nas três avaliações superando a prevalência nacional e internacional para crianças dessa faixa etária. São necessárias ações de acompanhamento nutricional e incremento dos níveis de atividade física dessas crianças.
Johannes Müller, Exile Memories and the Dutch Revolt: The Narrated Diaspora, 1550-1750
Authors: Romein C.A. (Annemieke)
Published: February 2019

Johannes Müller, Exile Memories and the Dutch Revolt: The Narrated Diaspora, 1550-1750 (Dissertation Leiden University 2014; Leiden/ Boston: Brill. 2016, 254 pp., ISBN 9789004315914).
Serum soluble Klotho protein level is associated with residual diuresis in incident peritoneal dialysis patients.
Authors: Golembiewska Edyta , Safranow Krzysztof , Kabat-Koperska Joanna , Myślak Marek , Ciechanowski Kazimierz
Published: February 2019

Active vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃), PTH, fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and Klotho protein are key regulators of phosphate metabolism. Hyperphosphatemia and increased FGF-23 level in patients with end-stage renal disease are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The relationships among key regulators of phosphate metabolism are still being investigated. FGF-23, the humoral factor involved in phosphate metabolism, is strongly associated with serum phosphorus level. Klotho, a transmembrane protein expressed primarily in renal tubules, functions as an obligatory co-receptor for FGF-23. The soluble form of Klotho, produced by the shedding of the transmembrane protein, is detectable in body fluids. The purpose of the study was to assess if serum soluble alpha-Klotho level was related to phosphate metabolism parameters and residual renal function (RRF) in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
Thirty-five clinically stable patients 4 to 6 weeks after the onset of PD were included in the study. For each patient, clinical and laboratory data were reviewed. Serum phosphorus concentration, urinary and peritoneal phosphate clearance, serum FGF-23 and soluble Klotho protein concentrations were determined.
Serum soluble alpha-Klotho was strongly negatively correlated with 24-hour diuresis (Rs = -0.55, p = 0.004) and renal phosphate clearance (Rs = -0.40, p = 0.049), but not with RRF.
Serum soluble Klotho protein concentration is inversely related to residual diuresis and renal phosphate clearance in incident PD patients.
Single-electron reduction of quinone and nitroaromatic xenobiotics by recombinant rat neuronal nitric oxide synthase.
Authors: Anusevičius Žilvinas , Nivinskas Henrikas , Šarlauskas Jonas , Sari Marie-Agnes , Boucher Jean-Luc , Čėnas Narimantas
Published: February 2019

We examined the kinetics of single-electron reduction of a large number of structurally diverse quinones and nitroaromatic compounds, including a number of antitumour and antiparasitic drugs, and nitroaromatic explosives by recombinant rat neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS, EC 1.14.13.39), aiming to characterize the role of nNOS in the oxidative stress-type cytotoxicity of the above compounds. The steady-state second-order rate constants (kcat/Km) of reduction of the quinones and nitroaromatics varied from 10² M⁻¹s⁻¹ to 10⁶ M⁻¹s⁻¹, and increased with an increase in their single-electron reduction potentials (E¹₇). The presence of Ca²⁺/calmodulin enhanced the reactivity of nNOS. These reactions were consistent with an 'outer sphere' electron-transfer mechanism, considering the FMNH∙/FMNH₂ couple of nNOS as the most reactive reduced enzyme form. An analysis of the reactions of nNOS within the 'outer sphere' electron-transfer mechanism gave the approximate values of the distance of electron transfer, 0.39-0.47 nm, which are consistent with the crystal structure of the reductase domain of nNOS. On the other hand, at low oxygen concentrations ([O₂] = 40-50 μM), nNOS performs a net two-electron reduction of quinones and nitroaromatics. This implies that NOS may in part be responsible for the bioreductive alkylation by two-electron reduced forms of antitumour aziridinyl-substituted quinones under a modest hypoxia.
The antigenic character of zinc-binding proteins and their localization in boar reproductive tract--a preliminary study.
Authors: Mogielnicka-Brzozowska Marzena , Fraser Leyland , Strzeżek Jerzy , Kordan Władysław
Published: February 2019

In this study immunoelectrophoretic and double immunodiffusion analyses were used to investigate the antigenic character of zinc-binding proteins (ZnBPs), whereas the indirect immunofluorescence technique was used to identify their origin in boar reproductive tract. The mmunoelectrophoretic analysis of ZnBPs of the seminal plasma resulted in the appearance of three antigenic protein complexes, while specific immunoreactivity patterns of the anti-ZnBP serum were detected by double immunodiffusion analysis. Indirect immunofluorescence technique confirmed that ZnBPs were secreted by different reproductive tract tissues, suggesting their contributions to the seminal plasma.
Kinin-generating cellular model obtained from human glioblastoma cell line U-373.
Authors: Guevara-Lora Ibeth , Blonska Beata , Faussner Alexander , Kozik Andrzej
Published: February 2019

Kinins, a group of important pro-inflammatory peptides, are abundantly found in tissues and biological fluids of cancer patients. Bradykinin, the major representative of kinins, induces vascular permeability and, in consequence, promotes tumor expansion. Additionally, the kinin-induced inflammatory responses, especially those mediated by kinin metabolites without the C-terminal arginine residue, lead to enhanced tumor growth. The present study aimed at analyzing the ability of the human glioblastoma cell line U-373, derived from a malignant tumor, to produce kinin peptides. The proteins involved in kinin generation, i.e., the kininogens and the kallikreins, were shown to be expressed in these cells. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor α, a proinflammatory cytokine that mediates tumorigenesis, was found to enhance the expression of enzymes associated with kinin production. The strong binding of kininogen to the cell surface and the enzymatic degradation of this protein by cells suggest the activation of kinin-generating systems. Indeed, glioblastoma cells, pre-treated with tumor necrosis factor α, released kinin peptides from exogenous kininogen. The expression of kinin receptors in these cells was also shown to increase under the influence of this cytokine. Our results suggest that the human glioblastoma cell line U-373 constitutes a good cellular model that can be helpful in cancer research focused on kinin-induced inflammation. Furthermore, our findings can contribute to new approaches in cancer treatment with the use of kinin receptor antagonists and inhibitors of kinin production.
Metastasis inhibition after proton beam, β- and γ-irradiation of melanoma growing in the hamster eye.
Authors: Romanowska-Dixon Bożena , Elas Martyna , Swakoń Jan , Sowa Urszula , Ptaszkiewicz Marta , Szczygieł Małgorzata , Krzykawska Martyna , Olko Paweł , Urbańska Krystyna
Published: February 2019

Standard ocular tumor treatment includes brachytherapy, as well as proton therapy, particularly for large melanoma tumors. However, the effects of different radiation types on the metastatic spread is not clear. We aimed at comparing ruthenium ((106)Ru, emitting β electrons) and iodine ((125)I, γ-radiation) brachytherapy and proton beam therapy of melanoma implanted into the hamster eye on development of spontaneous lung metastases. Tumors of Bomirski Hamster Melanoma (BHM) implanted into the anterior chamber of the hamster eye grew aggressively and completely filled the anterior chamber within 8-10 days. Metastases, mainly in the lung, were found in 100% of untreated animals 30 days after enucleation. Tumors were irradiated at a dose of 3-10 Gy with a (106)Ru plaque and at a dose of 6-14 Gy using a (125)I plaque. The protons were accelerated using the AIC-144 isochronous cyclotron operating at 60 MeV. BHM tumors located in the anterior chamber of the eye were irradiated with 10 Gy, for the depth of 3.88 mm. All radiation types caused inhibition of tumor growth by about 10 days. An increase in the number of metastases was observed for 3 Gy of β-irradiation, whereas at 10 Gy an inhibition of metastasis was found. γ-radiation reduced the metastatic mass at all applied doses, and proton beam therapy at 10 Gy also inhibited the metastastic spread. These results are discussed in the context of recent clinical and molecular data on radiation effects on metastasis.
Pulmonary metastases of the A549-derived lung adenocarcinoma tumors growing in nude mice. A multiple case study.
Authors: Jakubowska Monika , Sniegocka Martyna , Podgórska Ewa , Michalczyk-Wetula Dominika , Urbanska Krystyna , Susz Anna , Fiedor Leszek , Pyka Janusz , Płonka Przemysław M
Published: February 2019

Lung adenocarcinoma is a leading human malignancy with fatal prognosis. Ninety percent of the deaths, however, are caused by metastases. The model of subcutaneous tumor xenograft in nude mice was adopted to study the growth of control and photodynamically treated tumors derived from the human A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell line. As a side-result of the primary studies, observations on the metastasis of these tumors to the murine lungs were collected, and reported in the present paper. The metastasizing primary tumors were drained by a prominent number of lymphatic vessels. The metastatic tissue revealed the morphology of well-differentiated or trans-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Further histological and histochemical analyses demonstrated the presence of golden-brown granules in the metastatic tissue, similar to these found in the tumor tissue. In contrast to the primary tumors, the electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed no nitric oxide - hemoglobin complexes (a source of intense paramagnetic signals), in the metastases. No metastases were found in other murine organs; however, white infarctions were identified in a single liver. Taken together, the A549-derived tumors growing subcutaneously in nude mice can metastasize and grow on site in the pulmonary tissue. Thus, they can represent an alternative for the model of induced metastatic nodule formation, following intravenous administration of the cancerous cells.
Estimation of cytogenetic risk among coke oven workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Authors: Sureshkumar Shanmugam , Balachandar Vellingiri , Devi Subramaniam Mohana , Arun Meyyazhagan , Karthickkumar Alagamuthu , Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian , Sankar Kathannan , Mustaqahamed Shafi Ahammed Khan , Dharwadkar Shanwaz N , Sasikala Keshavarao , Cho Ssang-Goo
Published: February 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) result from the incomplete combustion of natural or synthetic organic materials. The working environment at a coke plant can negatively affect the employed workers who were exposed to coke oven emissions containing PAHs, which formed and released into the environment by the process of pyrolysis of coke. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the exposure of PAHs and the risk of genetic damages such as chromosomal alteration (CA), micronucleus (MN), and DNA damage (PCR-RFLP) in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 27 coke oven workers and equal number of control subjects. The exposed subjects and controls were divided into two groups based on their age (group I
An organic solvent and surfactant stable α-amylase from soybean seeds.
Authors: Jaiswal Nivedita , Prakash Om
Published: February 2019

An organic solvent and surfactant stable α-amylase was obtained from soybean seeds. The direct and indirect effect of various organic solvents (non-polar, polar protic, and polar aprotic) and surfactants on the activity and stability of free enzyme was determined. The enzyme showed a very high catalytic efficiency and stabilization against most of the organic solvents and surfactants tested, except for few. Those organic solvents and surfactants (like chloroform, dimethyl formamide, n-butanol, and Tween 20), which caused an inhibition in enzyme activity, were used to study their effects on immobilized enzyme. The inhibitory effect was found to be decreased in immobilized enzyme as compared to free enzyme indicating that immobilization imparted stability to the enzyme. Moreover, the possibility of reuse of the enzyme in the presence of the organic solvents and surfactants was increased upon immobilization. The stability of soybean α-amylase towards organic solvents and surfactants shows that it is a potential candidate for use in organic-solvent biocatalysis as well as in detergent industries.
Antiproliferative activity of new benzimidazole derivatives.
Authors: Błaszczak-Świątkiewicz Katarzyna , Olszewska Paulina , Mikiciuk-Olasik Elżbieta
Published: February 2019

A series of new benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized and tested in vitro for possible anticancer activity. Their effect of proliferation into selected tumor cell lines at normoxia and hypoxia conditions was determined by WST-1 test. Additionally, apoptosis test (caspase 3/7 assay) was used to check the mode caused by the agents of cell death. Four of the examined compounds (7, 8, 13, 11) showed a very good antiproliferative effect and three of them were specific for hypoxia conditions (8, 14, 11). Compound 8 was the most cytotoxic against human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells at hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia/ normoxia cytotoxic coefficient of compound 14 (4.75) is close to hypoxia/normoxia cytotoxic coefficient of tirapazamine (5.59) - a reference compound in our experiments and this parameter locates it between mitomycin C and 2-nitroimidazole (misonidazole). Screening test of caspase-dependent apoptosis proved that exposure to A549 cells of compounds 7-8 and 13-14 for 48 h promote apoptotic cell death. These results supplement our earlier study of the activity of new potentialy cytotoxic heterocyclic compounds against selected tumor cells.
Evaluation of antioxidant, antimutagenic, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities of selected fractions of Holarrhena floribunda (G. Don) leaves.
Authors: Badmus Jelili A , Odunola Oyeronke A , Yekeen Taofeek A , Gbadegesin Adedapo M , Fatoki John O , Godo Muyideen O , Oyebanjo Kayode S , Hiss Donavon C
Published: February 2019

Exposure to environmental pollutants often leads to an upsurge in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS oxidize cellular fatty acids to produce lipid peroxyl radicals, subsequently transformed into lipid peroxides, which decrease membrane fluidity and increase the activity of various enzymes implicated in degenerative diseases and cancer formation. Edible plants that contain exogenous compounds like curcumeroid, β-carotene, turmeric, and so on, protect the aerobic cells from oxidation of free radicals. This study thus evaluates antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of ethyl acetate, aqueous and methanolic fractions of Holarrhena floribunda leaves. Inhibitory activities of the ethyl acetate fraction on Fe(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation in hen egg yolk; rat liver and brain tissues were also evaluated. The Allium cepa root assay was used to evaluate antimutagenic activity. Results showed that the ethyl acetate scavenged DPPH, OH•, and •O2(-) much stronger than other fractions, as evidenced by its lowest respective IC50 values. All the fractions displayed antimutagenic activities against cyclophosphamide-induced chromosomal aberrations. Likewise, all the fractions induced a reduction in mitotic index, a hallmark of cytotoxicity in the root meristem of Allium cepa. The decrease in mitotic index was most profound for the ethyl acetate fraction, which also demonstrated a significant lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity in the liver and brain homogenates, but not in egg yolk, compared with the ascorbic acid standard. In general, the results suggest that the ethyl acetate fraction might contain beneficial phytochemicals that should be explored as novel candidates for preclinical drug development.
Role of anti-apoptotic pathways activated by BCR/ABL in the resistance of chronic myeloid leukemia cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Authors: Danisz Katarzyna , Blasiak Janusz
Published: February 2019

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological stem cell disorder characterized by the excessive proliferation of the myeloid lineage. In its initial chronic phase, the myeloid progenitor cells expand and demonstrate apparently normal differentiation. The disease may then transform into the accelerated phase, usually associated with resistance to therapy, and finally, into acute leukemic progression phase - blast crisis. Abnormal myeloid cells produce progenitors, which have lost their ability to differentiate, but retain the capacity to proliferate. The molecular hallmark of CML is the Philadelphia chromosome, resulting from reciprocal chromosome translocation, t(9;22)(q34;q11), and containing the BCR/ABL fusion gene, producing the BCR/ABL protein with a constitutive tyrosine kinase activity. BCR/ABL-positive cells have faster growth and proliferation over their normal counterparts and are resistant to apoptosis. Introduction of imatinib (IM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, revolutionized the therapy of CML, changing it from a fatal disease into a chronic disorder. However, some patients show a primary resistance to IM, others acquire such resistance in the course of therapy. Therefore, a small number of leukemic stem cells retains self-renewal capacity under IM treatment. Because BCR/ABL is involved in many signaling pathways, some of them may be essential for resistance to IM-induced apoptosis. The PI3K/AKT, Ras and JAK/STAT signaling pathways are involved in resistance to apoptosis and can be activated by BCR/ABL. Therefore, they can be candidates for BCR/ABL-dependent pro-survival pathway(s), allowing a fraction of CML cells to withstand treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Personalization of structural PDB files.
Authors: Woźniak Tomasz , Adamiak Ryszard W
Published: February 2019

PDB format is most commonly applied by various programs to define three-dimensional structure of biomolecules. However, the programs often use different versions of the format. Thus far, no comprehensive solution for unifying the PDB formats has been developed. Here we present an open-source, Python-based tool called PDBinout for processing and conversion of various versions of PDB file format for biostructural applications. Moreover, PDBinout allows to create one's own PDB versions. PDBinout is freely available under the LGPL licence at http://pdbinout.ibch.poznan.pl.
CTLA-4 polymorphisms (+49 A/G and -318 C/T) are important genetic determinants of AITD susceptibility and predisposition to high levels of thyroid autoantibodies in Polish children - preliminary study.
Authors: Pastuszak-Lewandoska Dorota , Domańska Daria , Rudzińska Magdalena , Bossowski Artur , Kucharska Anna , Sewerynek Ewa , Czarnecka Karolina , Migdalska-Sęk Monika , Czarnocka Barbara
Published: February 2019

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Hashimoto' s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD), are related to environmental and genetic factors. We analyzed the association of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) gene two polymorphisms (+49 A/G, -318 C/T) with HT and GD development in Polish children, and correlated both polymorphisms with the production of thyroid autoantibodies (TPOAb and TgAb). The study involved 49 AITD patients (age 10-19) with HT (n=25) or GD (n=24) and 69 healthy controls. SNP genotyping was performed using genomic DNA and TaqMan® probes. The obtained results indicated that CTLA-4 +49 GG genotype was significantly more frequent in both HT and GD patients, whereas the AA genotype was more common in controls. CTLA-4-318 CT genotype was significantly more frequent in AITD, and the CC genotype more often occurred in controls. Significantly higher median TPOAb and TgAb values were associated with G allele in HT, and with T allele in GD patients. Concluding, both studied polymorphisms seem to be important genetic determinants of the risk of HT and GD, and appear to be associated with a predisposition to high levels of TAbs and clinical AITD. The obtained results give more information on the distribution of the CTLA-4 polymorphism in Polish AITD children, and further support the proposal that the CTLA-4 gene plays an important role in a TAb production.
Utilization of 4-n-nonylphenol by Metarhizium sp. isolates.
Authors: Różalska Sylwia , Pawłowska Julia , Wrzosek Marta , Tkaczuk Cezary , Długoński Jerzy
Published: February 2019

Nonylphenol (4-NP) is a xenobiotic classified as an endocrine disrupting compound with an ability to interfere with hormonal systems of numerous organisms including humans. It is widely distributed not only in aquatic but also in terrestrial systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of cosmopolitan fungus Metarhizium (commonly persistent in soil as a facultative insect pathogen, controlling populations of arthropods in natural environment) to degrade 4-n-nonylphenol. All isolates examined in this work were identified to a species rank based on five, independent genetic markers. Among eight Metarhizium strains; six of them have been identified as M. robertsii, and two others as M. brunneum and M. lepidiotae. All investigated Metarhzium isolates were found to eliminate 4-n-NP with significant efficiency (initial xenobiotic concentration 50 mg L(-1)). The degradation process was very effective and at 24h of incubation 50-90% of 4-n-NP was eliminated by certain strains, while extended incubation resulted in further utilization of this compound. At the end of the experiments 64-99% of 4-n-NP was removed from the culture medium. Additionally, in all tested cultures three major metabolites were detected: 4-hydroxybenzoic acid; 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid and 4-hydroxyphenylpentanoic acid. The obtained results indicate that Metarhizium sp. possesses an ability to degrade NP and can serve as a potential candidate for further biodegradation studies.
Differences in metabolic profiles of planktonic and biofilm cells in Staphylococcus aureus - (1)H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance search for candidate biomarkers.
Authors: Junka Adam Feliks , Deja Stanisław , Smutnicka Danuta , Szymczyk Patrycja , Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Bartoszewicz Marzenna , Młynarz Piotr
Published: February 2019

Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for many types of infections related to biofilm presence. As the early diagnostics remains the best option for prevention of biofilm infections, the aim of the work presented was to search for differences in metabolite patterns of S. aureus ATCC6538 biofilm vs. free-swimming S. aureus planktonic forms. For this purpose, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was applied. Data obtained were supported by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy, quantitative cultures and X-ray computed microtomography. Metabolic trends accompanying S. aureus biofilm formation were found using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Levels of isoleucine, alanine and 2,3-butanediol were significantly higher in biofilm than in planktonic forms, whereas level of osmoprotectant glycine-betaine was significantly higher in planktonic forms of S. aureus. Results obtained may find future application in clinical diagnostics of S. aureus biofilm-related infections.
Analysis of ciprofloxacin and gentamicin diffusion in Proteus mirabilis O18 biofilm by laser interferometry method.
Authors: Arabski Michał , Wąsik Sławomir , Zych Magdalena , Lakomiec Wioletta , Kaca Wiesław
Published: February 2019

Laser interferometry is a measurement technique used in physical sciences, with a potential for new applications in microbiology. Our previously studies, focused on the quantitative analysis of antibiotics diffusion through membranes or their releasing from gel structure, indicate that this method might be useful in analysis of substances diffusion across the bacterial biofilms. As antibiotic - biofilm interaction model, we tested above method for determination of ciprofloxacin or gentamicin diffusion through Proteus mirabilis O18 biofilm. Laser interferometry analysis of antibiotics diffusion showed that the amount of ciprofloxacin transported through mature biofilm is 1.9 times higher than gentamicin. It was correlated with lower level of gentamicin in compare to the level of ciprofloxacin in biofilm, which amounts were predicted in biofilm during diffusion process by laser interferometry method. We suggest that the analysis of antibiotic diffusion in biofilm might by helpful in evaluation of effectiveness of antibacterial agents.
Laccase activity and stability in the presence of menthol-based ionic liquids.
Authors: Feder-Kubis Joanna , Bryjak Jolanta
Published: February 2019

Laccases attract attention due to their potential for manufacturing pharmaceutical intermediates from a wide array of phenolic and non-phenolic substrates that are sparingly soluble in water. Because of the high polarity of ionic liquids (ILs), they can dissolve polar and nonpolar compounds and are claimed as "green" alternative for volatile organic solvents. The main aim of this work was to find water-immiscible ILs suitable for Cerrena unicolor laccase. For that five ILs with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions coupled with cations derived from natural alcohol - (1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthol were synthesized, namely: (I) 3-butyl-1-[(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthoxymethyl]imidazolium, (II) 1-[(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthoxymethyl]-3-heptylimidazolium, (III) 1-[(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthoxymethyl]-3-methylpyridinium, (IV) heptyl[(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthoxymethyl]dimethylammonium, and (V) decyl[(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthoxymethyl]dimethylammonium ions. Laccase activity was tested in buffer saturated with ILs whereas stability tests in biphasic systems lasted 5 days. It was shown that ILs I, III-V did not significantly alter laccase activity (being 90-123% respective to the buffer) whereas IL II decreased reactivity in 20%. Stability tests revealed that ILs I, IV and V increased enzyme stability even more than in the buffer. For mathematical formalization of inactivation courses, isoenzyme model was applied but this model fitted experimental data only for sets obtained in the buffer (control) and in the presence of IL II. In the other cases, first-order reaction model was sufficient. This shows that ILs, even at very low concentrations, influence conformational stability of proteins, which is dependent on the cation structure. In general, the imidazolium (I) and ammonium (IV) salts with shorter alkyl chains supported laccase activity and stability.
Genetic polymorphism of Hucul horse population based on 17 microsatellite loci.
Authors: Fornal Agnieszka , Radko Anna , Piestrzyńska-Kajtoch Agata
Published: February 2019

Short tandem repeat (STR) loci, i.e. microsatellites are a class of genetic markers commonly used for population studies and parentage control. This study determined the usefulness of microsatellite markers recommended by International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) for identification and pedigree analysis in horses based on the example of Polish Hucul horse population (Equus caballus). The set of seventeen microsatellites loci was tested (AHT4, AHT5, ASB2, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HTG10, HTG4, HTG6, HTG7, VHL20, ASB17, ASB23, CA425, HMS1, LEX3) for 216 individuals. All samples were genotyped and mean number of alleles per locus was estimated (7.00). Means of observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity were calculated 0.7288 and 0.7027, respectively. The observed heterozygosity was similar to the results of research on Hucul horse population in another area of Carpathians Mountains. The average polymorphism information content (PIC) for analyses of seventeen microsatellite markers indicates the usefulness of this set of markers for Hucul horse parentage testing.
Genetic polymorphisms of leptin and leptin receptor genes in relation with production and reproduction traits in cattle.
Authors: Trakovická Anna , Moravčíková Nina , Kasarda Radovan
Published: February 2019

Leptin and leptin receptor genes are considered as production traits markers in dairy or beef cattle. The aim of this study was to verify the associations of polymorphisms in bovine LEP and LEPR genes with production and reproduction traits in Slovak Spotted and Pinzgau cows. Long-life production was evaluated: milk, protein, and fat yield and reproduction traits: age at first calving, calving interval, days open, and insemination interval. In total, 296 blood samples of Slovak Spotted and 85 hair roots samples of Pinzgau cows were analyzed. In order to detect LEP/Sau3AI (BTA 4, inron 2) and LEPR/T945M (BTA 3, exon 20) genotypes PCR-RFLP method was used. In Slovak Spotted and Pinzgau cows allele frequencies were 0.838/0.162 and 0.694/0.306 for A and B LEP variants, and 0.954/0.046 and 0.912/0.088 for C and T LEPR variants, respectively. For testing the associations between SNPs LEP/Sau3AI and LEPR/T945M and evaluated traits, the General Linear Model procedure in SAS Software was used. Statistical analysis showed that SNP LEP/Sau3AI significantly affected milk, protein and fat yield (P
Nanosilver against fungi. Silver nanoparticles as an effective biocidal factor.
Authors: Pulit Jolanta , Banach Marcin , Szczygłowska Renata , Bryk Mirosław
Published: February 2019

The work presents a method of obtaining an aqueous raspberry extract as well as its physicochemical and analytical characteristics. The paper also contains a description of the method of preparation of nanosilver suspensions based on this extract. The raspberry extract served as a source of phenolic compounds which acted as both reducing and stabilizing agents. Suspensions of silver nanoparticles were obtained with the use of chemical reduction method. The silver ions concentration, pH value and temperature of samples incubation were independent variables. The next step of the research was to measure the antifungal activity of the received silver nanoparticles as well as to perform a mycological efficacy resistance analysis of the tested preparations in relation to different concentrations of nanostructured silver. Tests were conducted in compliance with the Eucast guidelines. The results of microbiological study of (the samples') biocidal effect against Cladosporium cladosporoides and Aspergillus niger are described. It was found that using nanosilver suspension at the concentration of 50 ppm inhibited the growth of Cladosporium cladosporoides and Aspergillus niger by 90% and 70%, respectively.
Analysis of Slovak Spotted breed for bovine beta casein A1 variant as risk factor for human health.
Authors: Miluchová Martina , Gábor Michal , Trakovická Anna
Published: February 2019

The goal of work was identification A1 variant of bovine beta casein which involves ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus in human. The digestion of A1beta casein can result in the production of bioactive beta casomorphin-7 (BCM-7); this is not the case with A2. This bioactive peptide has been linked to physiological traits that may elicit effects on components of the vascular and immune systems. The material involved 111 Slovak Spotted breed. Bovine genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood by using commercial kit, and used in order to estimate beta-casein genotypes by means of PCR-RFLP method. The PCR products were digested with DdeI restriction enzyme. In the population included in the study were detected all three genotypes, homozygote genotype A1A1 (14 animals), heterozygote genotype A1A2 (37 animals) and homozygote genotype A2A2 (60 animals). In the total population of cattle homozygotes A2A2-0.5405 were the most frequent, while homozygotes A1A1-0.1261 were the least frequent ones. This suggests a superiority of allele A2 (0.7072) which does not produce BCM-7, and thus is safe for human consumption. The expected homozygosity for gene CSN2 is in the population stated a slight increase in homozygosity (0.5858). This caused a slight decrease in the level of possible variability realization (41.80%), which corresponds to the effective number of alleles (1.7071).