bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clothing-related information-seeking practices in an online menswear community
Authors: Lellock J. Slade
Published: May 2018

Despite increasing cultural expectations for men to attend to their physical appearance, there remains significant dearth of face-to-face social contexts in which men can comfortably pursue clothing-related knowledge. As such, there exists scarce scholarship on the ways that men use online resources to construct articulations of masculinity through clothing and dress. In this article, I examine men’s clothing-related knowledge-seeking practices in the subreddit Male Fashion Advice (MFA), a widely visited online style community. Men’s participation in MFA offers a rich and unexplored social context in which to examine this phenomenon. Based on virtual ethnographic fieldwork, I address the following two research questions: (1) Which factors prompt men to seek out clothing-related knowledge and advice? and (2) About which aspects of clothing, style and dress do men express the most concern? I also provide a discussion of the implications of my findings in terms of their consequences for contemporary constructions of masculinities and give suggestions for future research.
Decisions men make with ill-fitting clothing: Keep it or throw it away?
Authors: Saiki Diana , Ritchie Kayla Crecelius , Finch Rebekah
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this article was to examine why men keep clothing that does not fit. Previous research with women suggests that clothes that do not fit are not simply thrown away, but may be kept as a reflection of the self. A web-based survey that prompted discussion of keeping ill-fitting clothing was completed by 76 men at a Midwestern university of all ages. The themes found were these clothes were kept for Weight Management, Investment Value, Sentimental Value and Functional Value. Young men made less reference to Weight Management than older ones. Younger men kept clothing for Sentimental Value with pleasant associations to childhood. Societal pressures to limit interaction with clothing were evident with responses such as finding function in ill-fitting clothing rather than purchasing new ones. However, identity was reflected in these choices. Further research with men is needed to fully understand clothing disposal practices among men.
Lin-Manuel Miranda: Digital age diva
Authors: Hillman-McCord Jessica
Published: May 2018

Lin-Manuel Miranda, of Hamilton fame, confounds the traditional definition of the musical theatre diva in both his identity and his methods of modern, digital fan engagement. His personal attributes do not fit the most obvious definitions of divadom: he is cis-male and most scholarship on divas presumes an outsized femininity; he is an author, whereas we think of divas as solely performers; he is not vocally powerful and divas’ voices are commonly overwhelming and strong. However, not in spite of the fact, but rather because Miranda troubles the traditional understanding of the diva, he also inspires passionately devoted fans, one of the most crucial elements defining divadom. He engages these fans with his masterful use of the Internet and social media. Miranda, by finding the perfect expression of his multi-layered identity online, offers an instructive model for understanding how the digital world provides a re-articulation of the notion of Broadway divadom.
Book Reviews
Authors: Miller Ray , Holme Mark J.
Published: May 2018

Agnes de Mille: Telling Stories in Broadway Dance, Kara Anne Gardner (2017)

New York: Oxford University Press, 231 pp.,

ISBN: 9780199733682, h/bk, $36.96

The Disney Musical on Stage and Screen: Critical Approaches from ‘Snow White’ to ‘Frozen’, George Rodosthenous (ed.) (2017)

London: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 257 pp.,

ISBN: 9781474234160, p/bk, $21.59
‘The world belongs to the young?’: Age and the golden age diva in Coco (1969) and Applause (1970)
Authors: Cantu Maya
Published: May 2018

Among the most pervasive mythologies of the Broadway diva is her evocation of indomitable agelessness. This article considers two musicals that both affirm and complicate the myth of the invincible Broadway diva by focusing explicitly on the ageing of their female protagonists: 1969’s Coco, a bio-musical about the life of Coco Chanel, starring Katharine Hepburn; and 1970’s Applause, based on All About Eve, starring Lauren Bacall as Margo Channing. Engaging with the cultural contexts of the women’s liberation movement and the Vietnam-era Broadway nostalgia boom, both Coco and Applause appeared as glamorous comeback vehicles for their late-middle-aged, Old Hollywood stars. In the musicals’ frank obsession with age, and with the ageing body of the diva, Coco and Applause both anticipated Sondheim’s Follies (1971), and channelled their creators’ anxieties about the fading cultural status of the Broadway musical (and its Old Hollywood counterparts) in the face of the youthful counterculture.
Diva relations in The Color Purple, the 2015 Broadway revival
Authors: Paredez Deborah
Published: May 2018

The Color Purple’s 2015 revival departs from Broadway musical conventions by showcasing not just one singular diva, but by depicting the performative prowess of three different divas – Celie, Sofia and Shug – in relation to one another. The revival stages divaness as a liberatory mode of relations among women. Divas here act as facilitators of female relationships that are otherwise foreclosed by racism and patriarchy. Throughout the revival, expressions of diva virtuosity serve to forge and solidify – rather than isolate the diva from – liberatory female bonds. The production’s promotional materials and theatrical elements – including its conventional musical numbers, its unconventional trinity of diva performers and director John Doyle’s signature character-focused approach to ensemble acting, Brechtian staging and minimalist design – amplify the centrality of diva relations at the heart of story’s womanist aesthetics and upend traditional understandings of the Broadway diva by staging divaness as a mode of womanist relations.
Katherine Dunham: The crossing and [con]fusion of borders by Broadway’s original diasporic dance diva
Authors: Stiehl Pamyla
Published: May 2018

Although current musical theatre scholarship rarely anthologizes or analyses the work of dancer/choreographer/director Katherine Dunham, she is the prototype of a Broadway dance diva. As such, she subverted marginalizing norms to fully realize and exploit a validated self-expressive model of authoritative and authorial power on both the commercial and concert theatre/dance stages. In the process, Dunham up-ended diva-muse and gendered labour paradigms, confronting and superseding restrictive constructs of gender and normative femininity. As a woman of colour, she used her star power to ‘dance’ blended, diasporic narratives of race and multiculturalism, as well as bridge highly subjective and fluid genre demarcations and art/entertainment binaries in the dance and theatre arenas. Such signature hallmarks – identity, control, transgression, personal comment and singular talent – bespeak a formidable and groundbreaking model of dance divadom.
Stepping out of line: (Re)claiming the diva for the dancers of Broadway
Authors: Martincich Dustyn
Published: May 2018

Working from the terms and examples set in musical theatre, opera and ballet, this article expands the definition of Broadway’s diva to include the powerful performances of Broadway’s dancing divas Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Donna McKechnie. Drawing on gender and queer studies in performance, musical theatre studies and dance studies, this article reframes the musical theatre diva in a way that acknowledges the virtuosity of the body as tantamount to that of the voice. By highlighting the dancing diva, I make a case for her as collaborator, translator and artist of her own instead of simply as a muse for male directors, choreographers and composers. Finally, by featuring Verdon, Rivera and McKechnie, I point to the dancing diva’s essential impact on the evolving artistry of musical theatre in the twentieth century by highlighting their contributions to the narrative power of dance and their roles in establishing unique expectations for the triple-threat performer.
How can the small screen contain her? Television, genre and the twenty-first-century Broadway diva onslaught
Authors: Kessler Kelly
Published: May 2018

Despite her continued presence on American television, the Broadway diva’s theatrical grandiosity has often pushed up against television form and displayed a contentious relationship with stylistic specificities of the box-bound medium. This article posits that the twenty-first-century television industry has shifted in various ways, allowing for a more nuanced symbiotic relationship between the diva and television programming. Old and new divas alike have become staples of network, cable and streaming content, with such iconic figures as Liza Minnelli, Elaine Stritch, Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald appearing and reappearing on TVs and mobile devices across America. Importantly and much more often than in previous eras, these Broadway divas have been able to embrace their true divadom across genres (e.g. live musicals, melodramas and sitcoms). Highlighting a perfect storm of shifts in marketing, genre (gendered genre) and viewing habits, I position millennial television as a natural home for Broadway’s grande dames.
The somewhat different diva: Impersonation, ambivalence and the musical comedy performances of Julian Eltinge
Authors: Wilson James F.
Published: May 2018

Female impersonator and musical theatre star Julian Eltinge (1881–1941) was as formidable a draw on the musical stages as George M. Cohan in the first decades of the twentieth century. Eltinge headlined a series of musical comedies and revues, including The Fascinating Widow (1911) and Cohan and Harris Minstrels (1908). His musical comedy diva performances were inspired by the Gibson Girl image, and he enacted cross-racial performances in musical revues. As a man-impersonating-a-woman-impersonating-a-diva, he underscored the performativity of gender and race. In this article, I examine a different kind of diva performance through Eltinge’s performance: the ambivalent diva. As a white and – vigorously proclaimed – heterosexual man, Eltinge undermined his own rebelliousness through the eventual divulgence of his masculinity and subsequent repudiation of the cultural identities he performed. Eltinge’s unassailable performance ultimately and forcefully symbolized the political, social and material tensions of the Progressive Era.
Clinical syndromes of compression and surgical transection of the pituitary stalk
Authors: Astafyeva Ludmila I. , Kadashev Boris A. , Kalinin Pavel L. , Kutin Maxim A. , Klochkova Irina S. , Fomichev Dmitry V. , Sharipov Oleg I. , Andreev Dmitry N.
Published: May 2018

Background. The pituitary stalk (PS) is an anatomical structure consisting of the portal vessel system and axons of the hypothalamic nuclei terminating in the posterior pituitary lobe. Surgical injury or compression (by a tumor or another space-occupying process) of the PS can lead to hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, and hyperprolactinemia. However, the literature lacks studies on the extent of these disorders depending on PS injury or compression in clinical practice.
Aim. The study aim was to investigate pre- and postoperative endocrine disorders in patients with chiasmo-sellar region (CSR) tumors and the PS compressed and preserved or involuntarily transected during neurosurgery.
Material and methods. The PS compressed before surgery was preserved in 82 patients (41 patients with non-functioning endosuprasellar adenoma and 41 — with suprasellar meningioma). The PS was transected during transcranial surgery in 57 patients (46 patients with pituitary stalk craniopharyngioma and 11 patients with non-functioning endosupresellar pituitary adenoma). All patients underwent blood tests for prolactin (PRL), TSH, LH, FSH, free T4, cortisol, testosterone, or estradiol levels before and 6 months after surgery.
Results. Hyperprolactinemia was detected in 37.4% of patients with CSR tumors compressing the PS. Elimination of PS compression led to normalization of the PRL level in most patients and was not accompanied by worsening of hypopituitarism symptoms. Transection of the PS resulted in panhypopituitarism in 100% of patients and diabetes insipidus in 93% of cases. There was no evidence of hyperprolactinemia in 58.7% of patients with craniopharyngiomas and 81.9% of patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas.
Conclusion. Given the difference in symptoms, we distinguished two syndromes: PS compression syndrome and PS transection syndrome. Syndrome of PS compression by a CSR tumor was characterized mainly by hyperprolactinemia (37.4% of cases); elimination of PS compression due to tumor resection led to normalization of the PRL level in most patients and was not accompanied by worsening of hypopituitarism symptoms. Syndrome of surgical PS transection in patients with craniopharyngioma (CP) and non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) manifested as panhypopituitarism in all patients and as permanent diabetes insipidus in most of them. The causes for the absence of hyperprolactinemia in many patients with the transected PS require further research. We can not exclude both adenohypophysis ischemia (due to its impaired blood supply) with partial or complete atrophy of lactotrophic cells and pituitary revascularization with restoration of dopamine transport.
Disorder of sex development 46,XY associated with mutations in the gene MAP3K1. The report of clinical cases
Authors: Kopylova Irina V. , Kuznetsova Elena S. , Chugunov Igor S. , Orlova Elizaveta M. , Danilenko Oleg S. , Brovin Dmitry N. , Kareva Maria A. , Peterkova Valentina A.
Published: May 2018

The disorders of sex development (DSD) 46,XY may be caused by mutations in a number of genes involved in the gonadal differentiation. The XY sex inversion can be also due to disturbances at the level of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase 1 gene (MAP3K1) and MAPK-signaling pathway. During the last decade, the involvement of the MAPK pathway in the SRY gene up-regulation during the formation of male gonadal sex in mammals has been demonstrated. The role of MAPK-signaling pathway in the human sex determination is not fully understood. Probably, MAP3K1 and the MAPK-signaling pathway are one of the genetic pathways controlling normal development of human testis. So far, several families and sporadic cases of 46,XY DSD due to mutations in MAP3K1 gene have been reported in the literature. Clinical presentation of DSD in these patients varies from female phenotype with normal externalia to male phenotype with hypospadias. We describe rare cases of the DSD 46,XY (a family case of DSD in uterine sisters and a sporadic case) with mutations in the MAP3K1 gene that haven’t been previously described. The article also presents brief literature review on this pathology.
Neonatal hypoglycemia in the De Morsier syndrome
Authors: Kovalenko Tatiana V. , Petrova Irina N. , Tarasova Tatiana Yu.
Published: May 2018

The article discusses the causes and diagnostic criteria of the septo-optic dysplasia or De Morsier syndrome. De Morsier syndrome attracts attention of endocrinologists due to the development secondary hypofunction of the endocrine glands and somatotropic deficiency associated with this disease. Septo-optic dysplasia is a polyetiologic disease. The relationship of the disease with the antenatal influence of alcohol, narcotic substances, neurotropic drugs, significant perinatal infections, maternal endocrine diseases, gene mutations, in particular, mutations in the HESX1 gene, encoding the pituitary transcription factors involved in the embryogenesis of the adenohypophysis. We report a clinical case of the disease accompanied by congenital hypopituitarism symptoms. The disease manifested in the neonatal period. The child had severe hypoglycemia in combination with neurological symptoms in the form muscle hypotonia and oculomotor disturbances. The diagnosis of the De Morsier syndrome was verified by the results of MRI of the brain. Endocrine disorders in this patient were characterized by low levels of ACTH, cortisol, IGF-1, and free T4. The administered therapy corrected endocrine disorders in the child. In summary, septo-optic dysplasia or De Morsier syndrome is the subject to interdisciplinary attention of neonatologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, optometrists, and geneticists.
Familial case of normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with polydactyly, associated with defect of FGFR1 gene
Authors: Gerasimova Maria V. , Kalinchenko Natalya U. , Vasiliev Evgeniy V. , Petrov Vasiliy M. , Tiulpakov Anatoly N.
Published: May 2018

Congenital isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism refers to a group of predominantly monogenic diseases associated with impaired production, secretion, and/or action of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which leads to a pronounced delay or absence of puberty. Clinical and genetic heterogeneity is typical of this group of diseases. To date, about 30 candidate genes associated with the development of various forms of secondary hypogonadism are known. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism can be verified only using molecular genetic diagnostics. The correct diagnosis is necessary for predicting the disease course and choosing the proper approach for managing the patient. We describe a familial case of normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and late puberty associated with a mutation in the FGFR1 gene. The case is interesting because of pronounced phenotypic manifestations and their high concentration in the proband’s family history. Also of interest is the phenotype untypical of mutations in this gene. The molecular genetic study was performed using new generation sequencing with the authors’ panel of primers and a PGM semiconductor sequencer (Ion Torrent). The Sanger method was used to confirm the identified mutation and examine the proband’s relative. In both patients, a heterozygous mutation in the FGFR1 gene, previously described in Kallmann syndrome, was detected.
Leptin resistance: unsolved diagnostic issues
Authors: Borodkina Daria A. , Gruzdeva Olga V. , Akbasheva Olga E. , Belik Ekaterina V. , Palicheva Elena I. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: May 2018

Leptin and its receptors are key regulators of body weight and energy homeostasis. A decrease in tissue sensitivity to leptin leads to the development of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, etc. Currently, the phenomenon of leptin resistance is explained by a number of mechanisms, including impairment of gene structure, leptin transport through the blood-brain barrier, and leptin receptor signaling. However, it is not known, a decrease in the number of receptors of which area leads to the development of leptin resistance. No relationship has been found between the basal leptin level in obesity and expression of leptin receptors in the skeletal muscles. It is also important to investigate the contribution of fatty tissue of different localization to leptin secretion regulation and activity of its receptors. The term «leptin resistence» reflects a complex pathophysiological phenomenon with broad perspectives for study. In this review, we analyze methods of diagnosing leptin resistance.
Gestagens in the treatment of endometriosis
Authors: Fedotcheva Tatiana A. , Shimanovskiy Nikolai L.
Published: May 2018

Endometriosis occurs in 10% of females of reproductive age and ranks third among gynecological diseases, being one of the causes of infertility. The success of endometriosis treatment depends on individually selected therapy based on molecular-genetic characterization of the patient endometrial tissue. The review addresses the mechanisms of endometriosis development and the role of gestagens in the pathogenesis of this disease. We describe the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of endometriosis development, which lead to resistance to endogenous progesterone, a key link in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Because gestagen monotherapy is considered as first-line treatment, we analyze the gestagen properties that underlie the indications for their use in endometriosis. In particular, gestagen should have high gestagenic activity and an antiproliferative effect on target cells. An original domestic drug, an oral gestagen Gestobutanoil based on 17a-acetoxy-3b-butanoyloxy-6-methyl-pregna-4,6-dien-20-one (AMP-17), is promising for clinical use. The gestagenic activity of AMP-17 in the Clauberg-McPhail test is 102-fold higher than that of progesterone. AMP-17 has a pronounced antiproliferative effect on estrogen-dependent targets, such as breast cancer cells, cervical cancer cells, etc.
Screening for congenital hypothyroidism in the Russian Federation
Authors: Dedov Ivan I. , Bezlepkina Olga B. , Vadina Tatiana A. , Baibarina Elena N. , Chumakova Olga V. , Karavaeva Ludmila V. , Bezlepkin Aleksei S. , Peterkova Valentina A.
Published: May 2018

Background. Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) allows the timely diagnosis of disease and onset of replacement therapy. Analytical research in the field of health care provides the basis for making managerial decisions, in particular by public authorities.
Objective — the study objective was to analyze the results of neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism in the Russian Federation.
Material and methods. We analyzed reports of local health authorities (LHAs) on the results of activities of regional medical and genetic services, which were monthly submitted to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The reports included the number of newborns, examined newborns, and newly diagnosed CH cases.
Results. According to the results of neonatal screening, the rate of CH detection in the Russian Federation was 1 case per 3,617 newborns (maximum, 1 per 2379; minimum, 1 per 4752 in different federal districts). The coverage of neonatal screening for CH in the Russian Federation varies by years and regions, from 67.9% (1997) to 99.8% (2012) and from 81.7% (North Caucasian Federal District) to 99.9% (Central Federal District). With the percentage of newborn screening coverage more than 70%, each additional coverage percent results in detection of 6—7 new CH cases.
Conclusion. The conducted analysis indicates the need for further studying the features of congenital hypothyroidism incidence in different regions of the Russian Federation and improving organizational processes of neonatal screening for CH.
Familial case of late diagnosis of Persistence of Müllerian derivatives syndrome type 1
Authors: Kalinchenko Natalia Yu. , Brovin Dmitry N. , Kostrova Irina B. , Petrov Vasily M. , Vasiliev Evgeny V. , Tiulpakov Anatoly N.
Published: May 2018

Persistent müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare variant of the disorder of sex development (DSD) 46,XY characterized by the presence of Müllerian duct derivatives in 46,XY males. Since cryptorchidism is the only external manifestation of PMDS, until recently, PMDS was not diagnosed in patients and detection of Müllerian duct derivatives during the surgical treatment of cryptorchidism in patients with 46,XY karyotype was regarded as a variant of gonadal dysgenesis, leading to an erroneous choice of treatment strategy in these patients. Only the development of the molecular diagnostics methods, in particular, new generation sequencing, which enable simultaneous investigation of several candidate genes, provided accurate differential diagnosis of the PMDS. This article reports a clinical case of late diagnosis of the familial form of PMDS caused by mutation in the AMH gene. Detected persistent Müllerian derivatives in combination with agenesis of the testicle in the proband at an early age led to the diagnosis gonadal dysgenesis. Given the proven high risk of malignization of the gonads located outside the scrotum in patients with gonadal dysgenesis, the patient underwent removal of the only gonad located in the inguinal canal. The correct diagnosis was established after a comprehensive molecular genetic study using a new generation sequencing with the «disorders of sex development» panel. This study detected a homozygous mutation in the AMH gene.
The analytical review of monitoring of the basic epidemiological characteristics of iodine deficiency disorders among the population of the Russian Federation for the period 2009—2015
Authors: Troshina Ekaterina A. , Platonova Nadezhda M. , Panfilova Elena A. , Panfilov Konstantin O.
Published: May 2018

Background. In the Russian Federation (RF), the problem of iodine deficiency(ID) remains in. Major ongoing events are regional program. In our opinion it is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness and suggestions for improvements of preventive measures if necessary.
Aims — to analyze the dynamics of the main epidemiological indicators of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in children, adolescents and adults population of the RF, sing the figures in the statistical form № 63 «Information on diseases related to micronutrient deficiency» and the statistical form №12 «Data on number of diseases registered at patients, living in area of medical service of medical institutions» (retrospective study), to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures for elimination of ID and formulate possible solutions.
Material and methods. It have been analyzed the main epidemiological indicators of IDD among children (0—14 years), adolescents (15—17 years) and adult (18 and older) population of the RF for the period 2009—2015. For the assessment of the key epidemiological indicators was constructed a linear regression model, calculated the slope of the trend line (k-factor; a quantitative expression of the dynamics of prevalence/incidence), using Student’s t-test assessed the significance of k: were considered reliable (presence of speakers) at the level of p value p<0.05. Data processing was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010, R (version 3.2.3).
Results. Latest analytical data on the prevalence and incidence of IDD has shown that despite preventive actions, the problem IDD is still remaining, as evidenced by the increase in the prevalence and incidence of IDD. The downward trend in the prevalence and incidence of some IDD is likely to be associated with the implementation of regional programs for the prevention of IDD. Also challenges and successes in managing ID in RF highlighted, given some normative-legal acts related to salt iodization.
Conclusions. Formulate practical proposals to improve preventive measures to prevent the development of IDD.
Comparative study on different types of photovoltaic modules under outdoor operating conditions in Minna, Nigeria
Authors: Ezenwora Joel A. , Oyedum David O. , Ugwuoke Paulinus E.
Published: May 2018

There is need to always obtain the realistic outdoor performance variables of Photovoltaic (PV) module in a location for efficient PV power system sizing and design. Outdoor performance evaluation was carried out on three types of commercially available silicon PV modules rated 10 W each, using CR1000 software-based Data Acquisition System (DAS). The PV modules under test and meteorological sensors were installed on a metal support structure at the same test plane.The data monitoring was from 08.00 to 18.00 hours each day continuously for a period of one year, from December 2014 to November 2015. Maximum values of module efficiencies of 5.86% and 10.91% for the monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules were respectively recorded at irradiance of 375 W/m2, while the amorphous efficiency peaked at 3.61 % with irradiance of 536.5 W/m2. At 1000 W/m2 the efficiencies reduced to 3.30 %, 6.20 % and 2.25 % as against manufacturerâ€™s specifications of 46 %, 48 % and 33 % for the monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous modules respectively. The maximum power output achieved for the modules at irradiance of 1000 W/m2 were 0.711 W, 1.323 W and 0.652 W for the monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous PV modules, respectively. Accordingly, Module Performance Ratios for the PV modules investigated were 0.07, 0.13 and 0.07, respectively. The rate of variation of module response variables with irradiance and temperature was determined using a linear statistical model given as Y= a + bHg+ c Tmod. The approach performed creditably when compared with measured data.
Comparison of serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, TGF-Î² and TNF-Î± in coronary artery diseases, stable angina and participants with normal coronary artery
Authors: Sepehri Zahra Sepehri , Masoomi Mohammad , Ruzbehi Fatemeh , Kiani Zohreh , Nasiri Ali Akbar , Kohan Farhad , Sheikh Fathollahi Mahmood , Kazemi Arababadi Mohammad , Kennedy Derek , Asadikaram Gholamreza Asadikaram
Published: May 2018

Cytokines, which typically regulate the immune responses, play a role in cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery diseases (CAD) and ischemic heart diseases (IHD). The aims of this study were to evaluate serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, TGF-Î² and TNF-Î± in patients with or without CAD, as well as stable angina, and to assess the effects of drug administration on the serum levels of these cytokines. Serum levels of the cytokines were analyzed in the three groups: patients with acute coronary syndrome, stable angina and participants with normal coronary arteries as controls. Cohort study of the patients showed that Nitrocontin was the only drug used in a significantly different pattern between the groups where it was used less frequently in patients with stable angina compared to the acute coronary syndrome or control groups. Serum levels of the evaluated cytokines were not different neither between the studied groups nor between the groups with variable Gensini scores. However, IL-8 in controls that were not engaged in regular exercise was higher than the controls performing regular exercise. In the stable angina group, TNF-Î± in non-smokers was higher than the smokers. It was revealed that serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are not associated with atherosclerosis and stable angina in patients from the South-East of Iran. However, suppressed expression of TGF-Î², may increase the risk of CAD. Exercise can reduce the risk of CAD through downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Hematoprotective effect of boron on cyclophosphamide toxicity in rats
Authors: Cengiz Mustafa
Published: May 2018

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of  boric acid (B) as a boron source on blood cells and indirectly on bone marrow. Intraperitoneally (i.p.) administration of 200 mg / kg of cyclophosphamide (CP) resulted in reductions in the number of erythrocyte (20%), hemoglobin (20%), leukocytes (96%), thrombocytes (41%), and hematocrit (21%). The group given CP alone was killed 3 days after the CP administrated. For the group having CP+B (200 mg/kg i.p) treatment was started 3 days earlier than the CP administration and continued to the finish of the experiment (6 days). On day 4, the animals were weighed again, relative doses of CP were expected, and CP+B was administered together. On day 7, blood samples were collected under anesthesia. The results suggest that B could reduce CP -induced toxicity on blood cells and bone marrow in rats.
Nuclear entrapment of p33ING1b by inhibition of exportin-1: A trigger of apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell cancer
Authors: í–zdaş Sibel
Published: May 2018

The effect of deregulation of nuclear export mediated by exportin-1, with consequent cellular mislocalization of p33ING1b, a member of the tumor suppressor gene family, has not been previously investigated in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). We evaluated the effect of reversing cytoplasmic p33ING1b localization through inhibition of exportin-1 by leptomycin B (LMB) and the effect of nuclear entrapment of p33ING1b on molecular alterations in primary and metastatic HNSCC lines. The expression and location of exportin-1 and p33ING1b were analyzed by a quantitative real"‘time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction PCR (qRT-PCR), a Western blot, and immunostaining. Cell proliferation and migration assays were conducted to determine the effect of exportin-1 inhibition on the cell lines. Exportin-1 was overexpressed in metastatic HNSCC, whereas p33ING1b was poorly expressed. Exportin-1 inhibition induced nuclear entrapment and upregulation of p33ING1b, extensive apoptosis, and growth arrest. It also suppressed cell migration. Cytoplasmic p33ING1b-mediated regulation of cell growth and nuclear entrapment of p33ING1b via inhibition of exportin-1 may be a key mechanism for inducing HNSCC apoptosis.
RASSF7 promotes cell proliferation through activating MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Qiong , Zhang Lu , Wang Yunjian , Wang Linxia , Li Qingjun , He Tao , Wan Baishun , Wang Xiaoqian
Published: May 2018

The Ras-association domain family (RASSF) proteins have been involved in many important biological processes. RASSF7 is recently reported to be up-regulated in several types of cancer. However, the function of RASSF7 remain unknown in human cancers. To explore the role of RASSF7 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells proliferation and molecular mechanism. RASSF7 expression was examined using public database TCGA, qRT-PCR and Western blot. The correlation between RASSF7 and clinicopathological features was measured. Overexpression and silencing of RASSF7 were performed to measure the impact on HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. Futhermore, the molecular mechanism of MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway regulation by RASSF7 was explored. RASSF7 was significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and correlated with AFP, poor tumor histology and T stage. Overexpression of RASSF7 promoted HCC cell proliferation, drived G1-S phase cell cycle transition and inhibited apoptosis. Knockdown of RASSF7 suppressed cell growth, induced G1-S phase cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, our findings also demonstrated that RASSF7 promoted HCC cell proliferation through activating MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Taken together, this study provides a novel evidence for clinical significance of RASSF7 as a potential biomarker, and demonstrates that RASSF7- MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway might be a novel pathway involved in HCC progression.
Poria cocos Wolf extracts represses pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lee HyunKyung , Cha Hwa Jun
Published: May 2018

In skin, melanocytes determine skin color using melanogenesis, which induces protective mechanism to oxidative stress and UV damage. However, when melanin is excessive produced by the various stimulus, the accumulated melanin induces hyperpigmentation disease such as melasma, freckles, Melanism ware induced. Therefore, it is implicated to finding potential agents for whitening to be used in cosmetic products. In our present study, we show that Poria cocos Wolf extracts decreased melanin synthesis in B16F10. And then this inhibition of melanogenesis was provoked by regulation of tyrosinase activity and tyrosinase and MITF expression. Moreover, Poria cocos Wolf extracts contained cream improved skin tone using increase of bright value. Overall, these results provide evidence to potential agent for whitening to be used in cosmetic products.
Nano-biosensors in cellular and molecular biology
Authors: Moradi Sajad , Khaledian Salar , Abdoli Mohadese , Shahlaei Mohsen , Kahrizi Danial
Published: May 2018

Detection and quantification of various biological and non-biological species today is one of the most important pillars of all experimental sciences, especially sciences related to human health. This may apply to a chemical in the factory wastewater or to identify a cancer cell in a person's body, it may be apply to trace a useful industrial microorganism or human or plant pathogenic microorganisms. In this regard, scientists from various sciences have always striven to design and provide tools and techniques for identifying and quantifying as accurately as possible to trace various analyte types with greater precision and specificity. Nano science, which has flourished in recent years and is nowadays widely used in all fields of science, also has a unique place in the design and manufacture of sensors and this, in addition to the new and special characteristics of nanoparticles, is due to the ability of nano-devices to penetrate into very tiny places to track the species. On the other hand, due to the high specificity of biological molecules in identifying and connecting to their receptors that have evolved over millions of years, Scientists are now trying to design hybrid devices using nano science and biology, called Nano-biosensors So that they can trace and quantify target molecules in very small amounts and in inaccessible places, such as within the organs and even the cells.
Effects of climate on fatty acid profile in Camelina sativa
Authors: Raziei Zahra , Kahrizi Danial , Rostami-Ahmadvandi Hosein
Published: May 2018

Due to the importance of Camelina for low expectation (water and other inputs) and as an oil crop, Soheil cultivar was cultivated in Ardebil, Hamedan, Rasht, Ilam, Kermanshah, Karaj, Mashhad, Ahvaz and Bushehr Provinces. Fatty acids were measured with MG-Mass. Results showed that morphological traits were not very dependent on the climate, but the profile of the fatty acids was dependent. ANOVA of the effects of climate on the saturated fatty acid showed that there were significant differences between climates for all studied SFAs (P<0.01) with the exception of Lauric acid. Mean squares of the effects of climate on the Unsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) in showing that there were significant differences between climates for all studied MUFAs (P<0.01). Mean squares of the effects of climate on the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), oil percentage and protein content of seeds indicated that there were significant differences between climates for all these studied traits. Mean squares of the effects of climate on the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), oil percentage and protein content of seeds indicated that there were significant differences between climates for all these studied traits. The statistical analysis for the effects of Climate on the ratio of the Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) in Camelina sativa showed that there were significant differences (P<0.01) for SFA, MUSFA, PUFA, MP, P:S and MP:S. Briefly, in the cold climates, the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids was higher. So it is possible to the cultivation of this plant in cold provinces for nutritional purposes and in tropical provinces for industrial and sanitary purposes.
FcÎ³ receptor III expression and morphological maturity on neutrophil are associated with higher iron level of major beta-thalassemia
Authors: Ghozali Mohammad , Cakranita Tiwi Harjanti , Tjahjadi Adi Imam , Reniarti Lelani , Ghrahani Reni , Syamsunarno MRAA , Setiabudiawan Budi , Panigoro Ramdan
Published: May 2018

Lifetime blood transfusion experienced by major Î²-thalassemia patients complicated with iron overload, therefore, may lead to their tissue injury. Ultimately, free toxic iron may alter immune response via dysregulation of immune cell activity producing prolonged effector reaction. Neutrophil as one of the vital innate immune cell despite serves as the first line of defense resulting acute inflammation has a pivotal role in chronic inflammation while releasing the toxic substance that interferes biological processes. This process is initiated by one of them by activation of FcÎ³ Receptor III (CD16), a neutrophil membrane-bound protein. A cross-sectional laboratory study involving lysed-erythrocyte heparinized whole blood of fifty pediatric major Î²-thalassemia patients treated with monoclonal antibodies i.e. CD16, CD14, and HLA-DR, dissected into CD16+ and CD16++ population using flow cytometry. Expression of FcÎ³ Receptor III was measured as Median Fluorescent Intensity (MFI). Hematology and iron status were measured. A correlation analysis was done. MFI of CD16 neutrophil [509.5 (371 – 796.5)] and ferritin level [(3209 µg/L, 1862 – 4564)] was positively correlated (r = 0.4, P = 0.007). Respectively, ferritin and serum iron were found negatively correlated with segmented neutrophils (r = -0.3, P = 0.02; r = -0.3, P = 0.02). Change in CD16 expression may implicate preliminarily neutrophil activation as a response of iron-overloaded tissue and result in chronic inflammation in Î²-thalassemia patients. However, the maturity of this cell may be altered.  Future study in the understanding of neutrophil-mediated inflammation, particularly related to immune complexes and functionality, is imperative to be explored.
Molecular cloning and biotic elicitation response of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene of Astragalus chrysochlorus
Authors: Turgut Kara Neslihan , í‡akır í–zgür , Arıkan Burcu , Arı Åžule
Published: May 2018

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) is the first enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway, and it is necessary to upregulate flavonoid biosynthesis in most of the plant species. In this study, we have cloned PAL gene from endemic Astragalus chrysochlorus which is a producer of phenolic nicotiflorin (kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside). The cDNA encoding PAL was cloned from A. chrysochlorus using RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) with conserved primer pairs. Amino acid sequence alignments showed that AcPAL (2160 bp, Accession number: KM189182) has more than 95% amino acid identity with their homologues in other Astragalus species. The coding sequence for the protein of AcPAL is 720 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 78.53 kDa. Full length AcPAL was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) analysis of the expression of PAL gene of A. chrysochlorus suggested that maximum transcript level was observed in 3 h yeast extract elicited suspension cells. Our findings suggest that AcPAL plays role in early response for yeast extract treatment. The isolation of AcPAL gene could be result in further studies for overproduction of secondary metabolite, nicotiflorin.
Blood metabolism study on protection of residual renal function of hemodialysis patients by traditional Chinese medicine Kidney Flaccidity Compound
Authors: Hu Qiong-dan , Wu Wei-hua , Zeng Yan , Wen Ji , Li Xiao-jun , Pan Wei , Zhang Mao-ping , Hu Bo , Lei Chun-yan , Fan Junming
Published: May 2018

In recent years, metabolomics using high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) has been used to study the metabolic profiles in plasma, urine, stool and tissue in animal model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the previous work, we found that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) "Kidney Flaccidity Compound” (KFC) based on "kidney flaccidity theory” can improve renal function and quality of life of patients with kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic profiles in peripheral blood of hemodialysis patients administrated by KFC for 1.5 and 3 months and explore the potential metabolic mechanism using UPLC. Results showed that 121 metabolites were different between KFC 3-months group and untreated control, of which 75 were significantly upregulated and 46 were significantly downregulated. In the 1.5-months treatment group, there were 365 metabolites, of which 164 were significantly upregulated and 192 downregulated. There were 6 metabolites and 15 metabolites upregulated 3-fold in 3-months and 1.5-months KFC treatment group, respectively. In addition, more than 60 new metabolites were identified in the peripheral blood in KFC treated patients, including two potential diagnostic markers MGDG 30:8 and 2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[[(1R,4S) -2,2,4-trimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-5-yl]oxy]oxane-3,4,5-triol. The pathway enrichment analysis showed thce differential metabolites mainly enriched in Arginine and proline metabolism, Urea cycle, Tyrosine metabolism, Methionine metabolism, Tricarboxylic acid cycle, and Androgen and estrogen metabolism. The findings are helpful to reveal the mechanism of KFC protects CKD, and to provide a new strategy for recovery renal function in hemodialysis patients.
Analysis of peripheral blood T-cell subsets and regulatory T-cells in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Huang Lai-quan , Wang Jian-xin , He Kun , Jiang Yi-zhi , Wei Zhong-ling , Huang Dong-ping , Chu Li-li
Published: May 2018

To study the peripheral blood T-cell subsets and regulatory T-cells of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. 48 MM patients and 24 healthy controls were enrolled. Changes in peripheral blood T-cell subsets in the MM patients i.e. CD4+CD25+T cells and CD4+CD25+CD127lowT regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+CD127lowTregs) and in healthy controls were measured using flow cytometry and immunohischemistry. The total T-cells (CD3+) in peripheral blood lymphocyte and auxiliary/induced T-cells (CD3+CD4+ T cell) of the 48 MM patients showed no statistical significance when compared with those of the control group. Suppressor/cytotoxicity T-cells (CD3+CD8+ T cell) increased (p < 0.05). CD4+CD25+T cells and CD4+CD25+CD127low Tregs were significantly higher than corresponding values in the healthy group (p < 0.05). The CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio of Stage III MM patients was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The CD4+CD25+T cells and CD4+CD25+CD127low Tregs of MM patients in the stable and the progressive stages  were significantly higher than those of MM patients in the control group (p < 0.05). The abnormality of the peripheral blood T-cell subset, increased expression of CD4+CD25+CD127low Tregs, and low cellular immunity of MM patients are related to clinical staging and progression of the disease. The quantity of CD4+CD25+CD127lowTregs of peripheral blood cells of MM patients could be significantly increased through the inhibition of CD4+ and CD8+T cell activities. CD4+CD25+CD127low Tregs promotes tumor growth through the inhibition of immunologic cell proliferation. Immunological dysfunction based on Tregs cells plays an important role in the pathogenic course.
Immunoexpression of progesterone receptor, epithelial growth factor receptor and galectin-3 in uterine smooth muscle tumors
Authors: Soltan Mervat M. , Albasry Abdelkader Mohammed , Eldosouky Maha K. , Abdelhamid Hanan S.
Published: May 2018

Uterine smooth muscle tumors constitute a spectrum of neoplasms. Diagnosis of leiomyomas (LMs) is usually straight forwards; however, atypical leiomyomas (ALMs) and smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) have overlapping features and need to be distinguished from leiomyosarcoma. To evaluate progesterone receptor (PR), epithelial growth factor receptor (EGF-R), and galectin-3 expression in LMs, ALMs, STUMPs, and leiomyosarcomas and to assess their possible role in differentiating those tumors. Immunoexpression of EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 were studied in 44 cases of uterine smooth muscle tumors through retrospective study. Studied cases included 20 LM, 9 ALM, 5 STUMP, and 10 leiomyosarcomas. A semiquantitative score was used to evaluate immunohistochemical staining. EGF-R overexpression was detected in leiomyosarcomas while a lack of or reduced EGF-R expression was observed in the nonsarcomatous group (LMs, ALMs, and STUMPs) with a highly significant difference. On the contrary, there was weak or negative PR staining in leiomyosarcomas compared to intense PR expression in the nonsarcomatous group with a highly significant difference. Meanwhile, galectin-3 was downregulated in leiomyosarcomas compared to the nonsarcomatous group with a significant difference. Correlation analysis revealed negative correlation between EGF-R and PR expression with significant statistical results while correlation of galectin-3 with EGF-R and PR showed insignificant statistical results. Immunoexpression of EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 could help differentiate challenging cases of uterine smooth muscle tumors. Further studies are recommended to investigate interactions between EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 and to plan new therapeutic strategies.