bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between folate and vitamin B₁₂ and markers of DNA stability in healthy men: preliminary results.
Authors: Milić Mirta , Rozgaj Ružica , Kašuba Vilena , Oreščanin Višnja , Balija Melita , Jukić Irena
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to find correlations between folate and vitamin B₁₂ on baseline damage in white blood cells and their association with smoking, alcohol consumption and ageing. Thirty-six healthy vitamin non-deficient male subjects were selected in a randomized study. Comet assay (SCGE) and micronucleus (MN) assay were used as biomarkers of DNA damage. The amount of DNA damage was correlated with vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid concentration. Positive, but non-significant correlation (canonical R = 0.61; χ²=28.97; P=0.253) was found between micronucleus (MN) frequency or comet assay parameters (SCGE) and five covariates (age, smoking, alcohol consumption, vitamin B₁₂ and folate blood serum concentration). The highest MN frequency was observed in the group with the lowest vitamin B₁₂ concentration (F=3.59; P=0.024). The SCGE assay failed to show significant correlation with vitamin B₁₂ or folic acid concentration. Concentration of vitamin B₁₂ was significantly correlated with incidence of micronuclei. Our results present background data that could be valuable for future genotoxicological monitoring.
Salivary aldehyde dehydrogenase - temporal and population variability, correlations with drinking and smoking habits and activity towards aldehydes contained in food.
Authors: Giebułtowicz Joanna , Dziadek Marta , Wroczyński Piotr , Woźnicka Katarzyna , Wojno Barbara , Pietrzak Monika , Wierzchowski Jacek
Published: March 2019

Fluorimetric method based on oxidation of the fluorogenic 6-methoxy-2-naphthaldehyde was applied to evaluate temporal and population variability of the specific activity of salivary aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and the degree of its inactivation in healthy human population. Analyzed was also its dependence on drinking and smoking habits, coffee consumption, and its sensitivity to N-acetylcysteine. Both the specific activity of salivary ALDH and the degree of its inactivation were highly variable during the day, with the highest activities recorded in the morning hours. The activities were also highly variable both intra- and interpersonally, and negatively correlated with age, and this correlation was stronger for the subgroup of volunteers declaring abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. Moderately positive correlations of salivary ALDH specific activity with alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking were also recorded (r(s) ~0.27; p=0.004 and r(s) =0.30; p=0.001, respectively). Moderate coffee consumption correlated positively with the inactivation of salivary ALDH, particularly in the subgroup of non-drinking and non-smoking volunteers. It was found that mechanical stimulation of the saliva flow increases the specific activity of salivary ALDH. The specific activity of the salivary ALDH was strongly and positively correlated with that of superoxide dismutase, and somewhat less with salivary peroxidase. The antioxidant-containing drug N-acetylcysteine increased activity of salivary ALDH presumably by preventing its inactivation in the oral cavity. Some food-related aldehydes, mainly cinnamic aldehyde and anisaldehyde, were excellent substrates of the salivary ALDH3A1 enzyme, while alkenals, particularly those with short chain, were characterized by lower affinity towards this enzyme but high catalytic constants. The protective role of salivary ALDH against aldehydes in food and those found in the cigarette smoke is discussed, as well as its participation in diminishing the effects of alcohol- and smoking-related oxidative stress.
The 5' regulatory sequence of the PMP22 in the patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Authors: Sinkiewicz-Darol Elena , Kabzińska Dagmara , Moszyńska Izabela , Kochański Andrzej
Published: March 2019

Little is known about the molecular background of clinical variability of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) disease and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). The CMT1A and HNPP disorders result from duplication and deletion of the PMP22 gene respectively. In a series of studies performed on affected animal transgenic models of CMT1A disease, expression of the PMP22 gene (gene dosage) was shown to correlete with severity of CMT course (gene dosage effect). In this study we hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the 5' regulatory sequence of PMP22 gene may be responsible for the CMT1A/HNPP clinical variability. We have sequenced the PMP22 5' upstream regulatory sequence in a group of 45 CMT1A/HNPP patients harboring the PMP22 duplication (37) /deletion (8). We have identified five SNPs in the regulatory sequence of the PMP22 gene. Three of them i.e. -819C>T, -4785G>T, -4800C>T were detected both in the patients and in the control group. Thus, their pathogenic role in the regulation of the expression of the PMP22 gene seems not to be significant. Two SNPs i.e. -4210T>C and -4759T>A were found only in the CMT patients. Their role in the regulation of the PMP22 gene expression can not be excluded. Additionally we have detected the Thr118Met variant in exon 4 of the PMP22 gene, which was previously reported by other authors, in one patient. We conclude that the 5' regulatory sequence of the PMP22 gene is conserved at the nucleotiode level, however rarely occurring SNPs variant in the PMP22 regulatory sequence may be associated with the gene dosage effect.
Evidence for RNA recombination between distinct isolates of Pepino mosaic virus.
Authors: Hasiów-Jaroszewska Beata , Kuzniar Arnold , Peters Sander A , Leunissen Jack A M , Pospieszny Henryk
Published: March 2019

Genetic recombination plays an important role in the evolution of virus genomes. In this study we analyzed publicly available genomic sequences of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) for recombination events using several bioinformatics tools. The genome-wide analyses not only confirm the presence of previously found recombination events in PepMV but also provide the first evidence for double recombinant origin of the US2 isolate.
Liver mitochondria and insulin resistance.
Authors: Vial Guillaume , Dubouchaud Hervé , Leverve Xavier M
Published: March 2019

With a steadily increasing prevalence, insulin resistance (IR) is a major public health issue. This syndrome is defined as a set of metabolic dysfunctions associated with, or contributing to, a range of serious health problems. These disorders include type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). According to the literature in the field, several cell types like β-cell, myocyte, hepatocyte and/or adipocyte, as well as related complex signaling environment involved in peripheral insulin sensitivity are believed to be central in this pathology. Because of the central role of the liver in the whole-body energy homeostasis, liver insulin sensitivity and its potential relationship with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation appear to be crucial. The following short review highlights how liver mitochondria could be implicated in IR and should therefore be considered as a specific therapeutic target in the future.
"MitoTea": Geranium robertianum L. decoctions decrease blood glucose levels and improve liver mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats.
Authors: Ferreira Fernanda M , Peixoto Francisco , Nunes Elsa , Sena Cristina , Seiça Raquel , Santos Maria Sancha
Published: March 2019

Several chemical compounds found in plant products have proven to possess beneficial properties, being currently pointed out due to their pharmacological potential in type 2 diabetes mellitus complications. In this context, we studied the effect of Geranium robertianum L. (herb Robert) leaf decoctions in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a model of type 2 diabetes. Our results showed that oral administration of G. robertianum leaf decoctions over a period of four weeks lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats. Furthermore, the treatment with G. robertianum extracts improved liver mitochondrial respiratory parameters (state 3, state 4 and FCCP-stimulated respiration) and increased oxidative phosphorylation efficiency.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization of mitochondrial DNA and RNA.
Authors: Alán Lukáš , Zelenka Jaroslav , Ježek Jan , Dlasková Andrea , Ježek Petr
Published: March 2019

To reveal nucleic acid localization in mitochondria, we designed molecular beacon fluorescent probes against: i) the light strand complementary to ND5 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene (annealing also to corresponding mRNA); ii) displacement (D) loop 7S DNA (annealing also to parallel heavy strand mtDNA and corresponding light strand transcript); iii) the proximal D-loop heavy strand displaced by the light strand promoter minor RNA. Confocal microscopy demonstrated ND5 probe spreading (less for other probes) in mitochondrial reticulum tubules but upon RNase A treatment all probes contoured mtDNA nucleoid localization. DNase I spread the signal over mitochondrial tubules. Future applications are discussed.
Tissue variation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation efficiency in cold-acclimated ducklings.
Authors: Salin Karine , Teulier Loïc , Rey Benjamin , Rouanet Jean-Louis , Voituron Yann , Duchamp Claude , Roussel Damien
Published: March 2019

We investigated the oxidative phosphorylation efficiency of liver and gastrocnemius muscle mitochondria in thermoneutral and cold-acclimated ducklings. The yield of oxidative phosphorylation was lower in muscle than in liver mitochondria, a difference that was associated with a higher proton conductance in muscle mitochondria. Cold exposure did not affect oxidative phosphorylation efficiency or basal proton leak in mitochondria. We conclude that the basal proton conductance of mitochondria may regulate mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, but is not an important contributor to thermogenic processes in cold-acclimated ducklings.
A comparative study of the inhibitory effects of purine nucleotides and carboxyatractylate on the uncoupling protein-3 and adenine nucleotide translocase.
Authors: Komelina Natalia P , Amerkhanov Zarif G
Published: March 2019

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) mediate fatty acid-induced proton cycling in mitochondria, which is stimulated by superoxide and inhibited by GDP. Fatty acid anions can also be transported by adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), thus resulting in the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. In the present work, an attempt was made to distinguish between the protonophoric activity of UCP3 and that of ANT using inhibition analysis. This study was carried out using mitochondria from skeletal muscles of hibernating Yakut ground squirrel, which have a significant level of UCP3 mRNA. We found that millimolar concentrations of GDP, which is considered to be a specific inhibitor of UCPs, slightly recoupled the mitochondrial respiration and restored the membrane potential. Addition of the specific ANT inhibitor CAT (carboxyatractylate), in micromolar concentration, prior to GDP prevented its recoupling effect. Moreover, GDP and ADP exhibited a competitive kinetic behavior with respect to ANT. In brown adipose tissue, CAT did not prevent the UCP1-iduced increase in chloride permeability and the inhibitory effect of GDP, thus confirming the inability of CAT to affect UCP1. These results allow us to conclude that the recoupling effect of purine nucleotides on skeletal muscle mitochondria of hibernating ground squirrels can be explained by interaction of the nucleotides with ANT, whereas UCP3 is not involved in the process.
The mitochondrial complex II and ATP-sensitive potassium channel interaction: quantitation of the channel in heart mitochondria.
Authors: Wojtovich Andrew P , Nehrke Keith W , Brookes Paul S
Published: March 2019

The mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mK(ATP)) is important in cardioprotection, although the channel remains molecularly undefined. Several studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial complex II inhibitors activate the mK(ATP), suggesting a potential role for complex II in channel composition or regulation. However, these inhibitors activate mK(ATP) at concentrations which do not affect bulk complex II activity. Using the potent complex II inhibitor Atpenin A5, this relationship was investigated using tight-binding inhibitor theory, to demonstrate that only 0.4 % of total complex II molecules are necessary to activate the mK(ATP). These results estimate the mK(ATP) content at 15 channels per mitochondrion.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors modulate the metal-induced inner mitochondrial membrane permeabilization.
Authors: Belyaeva Elena A
Published: March 2019

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the protective action of stigmatellin (an inhibitor of complex III of mitochondrial electron transport chain, mtETC) against the heavy metal-induced cytotoxicity, we tested its effectiveness against mitochondrial membrane permeabilization produced by heavy metal ions Cd²(+), Hg²(+), Cu²(+) and Zn²(+), as well as by Ca²(+) (in the presence of P(i)) or Se (in form of Na₂SeO₃) using isolated rat liver mitochondria. It was shown that stigmatellin modulated mitochondrial swelling produced by these metals/metalloids in the isotonic sucrose medium in the presence of ascorbate plus tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (complex IV substrates added for energization of the mitochondria). It was found that stigmatellin and other mtETC inhibitors enhanced the mitochondrial swelling induced by selenite. However, in the same medium, all the mtETC inhibitors tested as well as cyclosporin A and bongkrekic acid did not significantly affect Cu²(+)-induced swelling. In contrast, the high-amplitude swelling produced by Cd²(+), Hg²(+), Zn²(+), or Ca²(+) plus P(i) was significantly depressed by these inhibitors. Significant differences in the action of these metals/metalloids on the redox status of pyridine nucleotides, transmembrane potential and mitochondrial respiration were also observed. In the light of these results as well as the data from the recent literature, our hypothesis on a possible involvement of the respiratory supercomplex, formed by complex I (P-site) and complex III (S-site) in the mitochondrial permeabilization mediated by the mitochondrial transition pore, is updated.
Homocysteine and vitamin therapy in stroke prevention and treatment: a review.
Authors: Manolescu Bogdan N , Oprea Eliza , Farcasanu Ileana C , Berteanu Mihai , Cercasov Cornelia
Published: March 2019

Homocysteine (Hcy), a sulfur amino acid, is the only direct precursor for L-methionine synthesis through a reaction that requires vitamin B₁₂, representing a connection with "one-carbon" units metabolism. Hcy catabolism requires vitamin B₆ and as a consequence, alteration in folic acid and B vitamins status impairs Hcy biotransformation. Numerous studies have indicated that Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. In the last decade, several clinical trials have investigated the possible correlation between the use of folic acid and vitamins B₆ and B₁₂ for lowering Hcy plasma concentration and the reduced risk of stroke or its recurrence. This review is aimed to present some aspects of Hcy biochemistry, as well as the mechanisms through which it exerts the toxic effects on the vascular endothelium. We also discuss the results of some of the clinical trials developed to investigate the beneficial effects of vitamin therapy in the prevention and management of stroke.
Reversion of argE3 to Arg(+) in Escherichia coli AB1157 -an informative bacterial system for mutation detection.
Authors: Sikora Anna , Grzesiuk Elżbieta
Published: March 2019

This review concerns reversion of the argE3 (ochre) nonsense mutation to prototrophy in E. coli AB1157 strain as an informative system for mutation detection. Strain AB1157 bears the argE3 (ochre), hisG4 (ochre) and thr-1 (amber) mutations, and the supE44 amber suppressor on its chromosome. The Arg(+) phenotype can be restored by (i) any base substitution at the argE3 site that changes the nonsense UAA codon to any sense nucleotide triplet or to UAG recognized by the supE44 amber suppressor, or (ii) suppressor mutations enabling the reading of the UAA nonsense codon. The argE3 → Arg(+) reversion-based system enables (i) determination of the spontaneous or induced mutation level; (ii) determination of base substitutions (suppressor analysis); (iii) examination of transcription-coupled repair (TCR) since targets for DNA damage are situated on the transcribed or coding strand of DNA; (iv) detection of mutations resulting from single stranded DNA damage. This review focuses on studies carried out since the early 1990s till now with the application of the AB1157-based mutation detection system. Recently, the system has been used to obtain new data on the processes of methyl methanesulfonate-induced mutagenesis and DNA repair in E. coli alkB⁻ mutants.
Expression and polymorphism of defensins in farm animals.
Authors: Bagnicka Emilia , Strzałkowska Nina , Jóźwik Artur , Krzyżewski Józef , Horbańczuk Jarosław , Zwierzchowski Lech
Published: March 2019

Due to their activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, antimicrobial peptides are important factors in the innate resistance system of humans and animals. They are called "new generation antibiotics" for their potential use in preventive and therapeutic medicine. The most numerous group of antimicrobial peptides is a family of cationic peptides which include defensins and cathelicidins. Among them the most common are peptides with a beta-sheet structure containing three intra-molecular disulphide bonds, called defensins, comprising three classes: alpha, beta, and theta. The class of beta-defensins is the largest one. Their transcripts have been found in many tissues of humans and animals. The aim of this paper is to present the current knowledge about antimicrobial peptides from the defensin family in farm animals, their expression, polymorphism, as well as the potential of their use as genetic markers of health and production traits.
Characterization of epitope specificity of Proteus penneri 7 lipopolysaccharide core region.
Authors: Palusiak Agata , Sidorczyk Zygmunt
Published: March 2019

To extend the knowledge on the fragments of Proteus penneri lipopolysaccharide core regions, which determine the cross-reactions with specific antibodies, serological studies were performed by use of P. penneri 7 core-specific antiserum and Proteus sp. lipopolysaccharides. Different reactivity of the tested antiserum with three groups of antigens suggested differences in their core regions' epitope specificity. Comparing the results of the serological investigations with the previously determined structures of the core regions of the tested P. penneri lipopolysaccharides allowed distinguishing two potential tri- and tetrasaccharide epitopes and a third fragment which could not be determined precisely.
Core structure of flavonoids precursor as an antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic agent: an in vivo study in rats.
Authors: Najafian Mahmoud , Ebrahim-Habibi Azadeh , Yaghmaei Parichehreh , Parivar Kazem , Larijani Bagher
Published: March 2019

trans-Chalcone is the core structure of naringenin chalcone, located halfway in the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids. Flavonoids have been reported as mammalian alpha-amylase inhibitors, a property which could be useful in the management of postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes and related disorders. As a mammalian alpha-amylase inhibitor in vitro, the putative beneficial effect of trans-chalcone on diabetes was tested in a streptozotocin-induced rat model of diabetes type 1, and the results analyzed with commonly used statistical methods. Significant reduction of blood glucose levels and beneficial effect on dyslipidemia were observed in diabetic rats, as well as reduction of disturbing consequences of diabetes such as high urine volume and water intake. trans-chalcone was observed to have a weight loss-inductive effect, alongside with a reduction in food intake, which is suggestive of a therapeutic potential of this compound in overweight and obese patients.
Serum metallothionein in newly diagnosed patients with childhood solid tumours.
Authors: Krizkova Sona , Masarik Michal , Majzlik Petr , Kukacka Jiri , Kruseova Jarmila , Adam Vojtech , Prusa Richard , Eckschlager Tomas , Stiborova Marie , Kizek Rene
Published: March 2019

Tumour markers are substances produced by malignant cells or by the organism as a response to cancer development. Determination of their levels can, therefore, be used to monitor the risk, presence and prognosis of a cancer disease or to monitor the therapeutic response or early detection of residual disease. Time-consuming imaging methods, examination of cerebrospinal fluid or tumour tissue and assays for hormones and tumour markers have been used for cancer diagnosis. However, no specific marker for diagnosis of childhood solid tumours has been discovered yet. In this study, metallothionein (MT) was evaluated as a prospective marker for such diseases. Serum metallothionein levels of patients with childhood solid tumours were determined using differential pulse voltammetry - Brdicka reaction. A more than 5-fold increase in the amount of metallothionein was found in sera of patients suffering from cancer disease, compared with those in sera of healthy donors. The average metallothionein level in the sera of healthy volunteers was 0.5 ± 0.2 μmol · dm⁻³ and was significantly different (p
Normal levels of serum pancreatic enzymes in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2.
Authors: Walkowiak Jaroslaw , Jankowska Irena , Lisowska Aleksandra , Biczysko Maciej , Wierzbicka Aldona , Pawłowska Joanna
Published: March 2019

High prevalence of elevated serum pancreatic enzymes in children with cholestasis with normal fecal elastase-1 concentrations has been documented. However, this state is related predominantly to biliary atresia. Therefore, we aimed to assess pancreatic damage by measuring serum pancreatic enzymes in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC type 2).
Twenty PFIC type 2 patients with normal serum bilirubin and bile acid concentrations were included in the study. Thirty pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF) patients, thirty patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and thirty healthy subjects (HS) served for the purpose of comparison. In all subjects, serum lipase and elastase-1 levels were measured.
In all but one PFIC type 2 patients and all HS normal lipase activities were found. Serum elastase-1 concentrations were normal in all PFIC type 2 patients and HS. The enzyme levels were very similar in both groups studied. Lipase activities in PFIC type 2 patients were significantly higher than in PI-CF patients (p < 0.00001) and lower than in patients with AP (p < 0.00001). Serum elastase-1 levels in PFIC type 2 patients were significantly lower than in patients with AP (p < 0.00001) and not different from those in PI-CF patients. In conclusion. serum pancreatic enzymes in patients with PFIC type 2 are normal. No pancreatic damage in these patients could be detected.
Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase deficiency in mice leads to organ-specific increase in oxidatively damaged DNA and NF-κB1 protein activity.
Authors: Siomek Agnieszka , Brzoska Kamil , Sochanowicz Barbara , Gackowski Daniel , Rozalski Rafal , Foksinski Marek , Zarakowska Ewelina , Szpila Anna , Guz Jolanta , Bartlomiejczyk Teresa , Kalinowski Bartlomiej , Kruszewski Marcin , Olinski Ryszard
Published: March 2019

Earlier experimental studies have demonstrated that: i) Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase deficiency leads to oxidative stress and carcinogenesis; ii) dysregulation of NF-κB pathway can mediate a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. Therefore, we decided, for the first time, to examine the level of oxidative DNA damage and the DNA binding activity of NF-κB proteins in SOD1 knockout, heterozygous and wild-type mice. Two kinds of biomarkers of oxidatively damaged DNA: urinary excretion of 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGua, and the level of oxidatively damaged DNA were analysed using HPLC-GC-MS and HPLC-EC. The DNA binding activity of p50 and p65 proteins in a nuclear extracts was assessed using NF-κB p50/p65 EZ-TFA transcription factor assay. These parameters were determined in the brain, liver, kidney and urine of SOD1 knockout, heterozygous and wild-type mice. The level of 8-oxodG in DNA was higher in the liver and kidney of knockout mice than in wild type. No differences were found in urinary excretion of 8-oxoGua and 8-oxodG between wild type and the SOD1-deficient animals. The activity of the p50 protein was higher in the kidneys, but surprisingly not in the livers of SOD1-deficient mice, whereas p65 activity did not show any variability. Our results indicate that in Cu,Zn-SOD-deficient animals the level of oxidative DNA damage and NF-κB1 activity are elevated in certain organs only, which may provide some explanation for organ-specific ROS-induced carcinogenesis.
Effects of starvation and refeeding on growth performance and stress defense mechanisms of stellate sturgeon Acipenser stellatus juveniles from aquaculture
Authors: Florescu (Gune) Iulia Elena , Burcea Alexandru , Popa Gina Oana , Dudu Andreea , Georgescu Sergiu Emil , Balas Mihaela , Dinescu Sorina , Voicu Sorina , Grecu Iulia , Dediu Lorena , Dinischiotu Anca , Costache Marieta
Published: March 2019

Acipenser stellatus represents a species of great economical interest due to its roe used for caviar production. Therefore, it has been intensively captured for decades and nowadays, this species is on the verge of extinction. As a consequence, Acipenser stellatus is intensively raised in fish farms. Aquaculture is focused on optimizing the feeding regime of juveniles. The aim of this study was to investigate if Acipenser stellatus can adapt to a starvation/refeeding regime by assessing the effects of this regime on growth performance, oxidative stress biomarkers and heat shock protein (hsp) gene expression in juveniles raised under aquaculture conditions. The juveniles were subjected to two starvation/refeeding regimes: a 7-day starvation period followed by 21 days of refeeding, and a14-day starvation period followed by 21 days of refeeding. The results had shown that the juveniles subjected to 7/21-day starvation/refeeding regime presented a complete compensatory growth, they were able to counteract the oxidative stress by enhancing activities of the antioxidant enzymes and they presented no significant changes in hsp gene expression. In contrast, 14/21-day starvation/refeeding regime negatively influenced growth performance, it induced a high level of oxidative stress that was impossible to counteract and it determined major changes in the hsp gene expression level in the liver of Acipenser stellatus. Thus, Acipenser stellatus seems to be able to adapt only to the 7/21-day starvation/refeeding regime that does not threaten the growth performance and the welfare of juveniles. Therefore, it could be useful to optimize the feeding practice in aquaculture production.
The Study of Soil Detoxification of the Municipal Landfill of Solid Waste Using Sorbent "Agroionit"
Authors: Kireycheva L.V. , Titov A.V.
Published: March 2019

The technology on separation of the solid wastes at the municipal waste landfills obtaining solid waste and soil, which is sanitized with the use of natural sorbent "Agroionit" is suggested. It showed that sorbent "Agrionite" application in the amount of 16 % in absolutely dry matter could reduce the content of mobile forms of heavy metals up to MPC. To reduce the amount of sorbent up to 12 % pre-treatment of soil with lime in the amount of 0,4 % for the detoxification of zinc, which is slowly absorbed by Agrionite is required. Appropriate changes to the developed technology have been added, including the regulation of temperature and humidity of soil.
Application of Fractal Analysis in Lichenoindication of Atmospheric Air Pollution of Technogenically Disturbed Territories
Authors: Nasonov A.N. , Tsvetkov I.V. , Kizeev A.N. , Kulnev V.V. , Martynov D.Yu. , Smetanin V.I.
Published: March 2019

A method for modeling and assessing the degree of air pollution in Technogenically disturbed areas based on fractal analysis is proposed.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Soil Geochemical Anomalies in the Zone of Impact of Slag Residuals
Authors: Stepanova L.P. , Yakovleva E.V. , Pisareva A.V.
Published: March 2019

The 13-year-old (from 2003 to 2016) dynamics of soil contamination for the content of heavy metals in the area of the village of Bolshoye Dumchino of the Mtsensk District in the territory adjacent to the slag dump of Mtsensk Foundry was studied. It is shown that on the territory of the placement of slag residuals a techno geochemical anomaly is formed, in which the contained heavy metals are of technogenic and genetic (natural geochemical) nature. To identify the effect of anthropogenic factor on soil pollution with heavy metals, was determined the refined enrichment factor of heavy metals (EFHM) in light gray forest soils at different distances from the slag dump, allowing to calculate the proportion of technogeneity of metals as a percentage of its total content. The technogenic origin of heavy metals as pollutants and the role of humus soil horizons in fixing these metals in the soil profile have been proven. Analysis of the results characterizing the degree of enrichment of the genetic horizons of light gray forest soils with heavy metals for the period 2003–2016 convincingly proves the effect of maximum accumulation of slag residuals in the dump on the accumulation intensity and fixation of the studied metals, both in the upper humus layer and their distribution in the profile soil. The established patterns in changing the degree of enrichment and technogenicity of heavy metals in the profile of light-gray forest soil are caused not only by the impact of the slag dump as a source of pollution, but also by the peculiarities of using the soils of the studied territories. It is shown that the toxic load for the analyzed period not only did not decrease, but even increased.
Remediation of Mineral Resources Polluted by Oil Refineries
Authors: Bykov D.E. , Chertes K.L. , Petrenko E.N. , Tupitsyna O.V. , Pystin V.N. , Pod’yachev A.A.
Published: March 2019

The features of the genesis of technogenic lens elements of hydrocarbons under the sites of oil refineries are considered. Recommendations are given for the study and assessment of the dynamics of the state and migration of accumulated hydrocarbons in the geological environment using numerical and 3D modeling. The differences of technogenic lens elements from oil fields of natural origin are presented. It is shown that the object under study adversely affects all components of the geological environment. To reduce the anthropogenic load exerted by the oil lens elements, a physicochemical method has been proposed for cleaning contaminated rocks from pollutants using surfactants. This technology allows for the rehabilitation of the geological environment and at the same time to intensify the extraction of commercial hydrocarbons accumulated under the territories of oil refineries.
Therapeutic Applications of Monoclonal Antibodies in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Musavi Hadis , Moradi-Sardareh Hemen , Mousavi Mohammad Javad , Aslani Saeed , Asadi Amirhooman , Abbasi Mojtaba
Published: March 2019

Despite the various therapies available, the use of monoclonal antibodies is a highly specific approach that has only recently been of interest to researchers. The properties of antibodies have led to their use in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS). MS, a chronic inflammatory disease, occurs commonly in young adults. The disease is one of the attractive options for monoclonal antibody therapy because it has no definitive drug for its treatment. Antibodies, by targeting different molecules, have different mechanisms to improve the disease. Treatment with monoclonal antibody has culminated in a clear divergence in paradigm and concentration in MS therapeutics. Application of monoclonal antibody in early inflammatory phases can inhibit or postpone the disability in MS subjects. Ocrelizumab and daclizumab are currently under investigation by late phase III trials, and some other monoclonal antibodies are in the early stages of clinical trials. Monoclonal antibodies are of special structural features (including chimeric, humanized, or fully humanized) as well as specific targets (such as stimulation of signal transduction by binding to receptors, blocking interactions, antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity), thus providing various mechanisms of actions during MS therapy. In the present paper, we reviewed different monoclonal antibodies used in MS, their mechanism of action and theirs target molecules.
The Relationship Between Severity of Hypothyroidism and Red Blood Cells Indices
Authors: Saba Fakhredin , Sayyadipoor Fatemeh
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims: Thyroid hormones have an important role in metabolism and regulation of the red blood cells (RBCs). Thyroid dysfunction induces various effects on blood cells such as anemia through reducing the oxygen metabolism. For the first time, we aimed to determine the effects of severity activation of hypothyroidism on RBCs indices in patients with hypothyroidism.
Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 79 patients with hypothyroidism. Initially patients' TSH level was determined by immunoassays method, and then according to TSH ranges (0.3-5.5 µIU/mL), patients were divided into two moderate hypothyroidism (45 individuals) (TSH 6-10 µIU/mL) and marked hypothyroidism (34 individual) (TSH>10 µIU/mL) groups. Then, complete blood count was measured by cell counter.
Results and conclusions: Data analysis revealed a statistically difference between the two groups of patient including moderate and marked hypothyroidism in RBCs count (4.46 versus 4.04 mil/L), hemoglobin (12.8 versus 12.3 g/dl) and hematocrit (39.8 versus 38.0 %) respectively. It seems that severly reduced hormones of thyroid may result in markedly decrease in RBCs count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. These finding are consistent with the fact that reduced thyroid hormones may cause anemia frequently through effect on cytokines involving erythropoiesis such as erythropoietin
Propolis Supplementation Effects on Semen Parameters, Oxidative Stress, Inﬂammatory Biomarkers and Reproductive Hormones in Infertile Men with Asthenozoospermia; A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gholaminejad Fereshteh , Javadi Maryam , Karami Ali Akbar , Alizadeh Fatemeh , Kavianpour Maria , Khadem Haghighian Hossein
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims: Decreased sperm motility and increased level of oxidative stress are major causes of male infertility. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of propolis supplementation on spermatogram and reproductive hormones in asthenozoospermic men.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial, 60 asthenozoospermic men attending an infertility clinic in Velayat Hospital in Qazvin, Iran, were randomly assigned to one of intervention and placebo groups (n=30 for each group). For 10 weeks each participant in the intervention group took 1500 mg of propolis daily, while in the placebo group they received daily placebo. Sperm parameters, total antioxidant capacity, concentrations of malondialdehyde of plasma, inflammatory markers and reproductive hormones were measured at the baseline and at the end of the interventions.
Results: Out of 60 who participated in this study, 29 men in the intervention group and 28 men in the placebo group completed the study. After the intervention, concentration and percentage of motile sperms as well as total antioxidant capacity of plasma significantly increased while the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde and inflammatory markers significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Propolis supplementation led to increase in the concentration and motility of asthenozoospermic sperms and reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Since increase in reactive oxygen species has been observed in abnormal sperms, oral intake of propolis may be one of the ways to deal with oxidative damage in spermatozoa of infertile men.
The Effects of Splenectomy on Pattern of Nitric Oxide Induction and Pathogenesis of Rodent Malaria Caused by Plasmodium berghei Infection
Authors: Arbabi Mohsen , Soleimani Jevinani Sara , Nahrevanian Hossein , Hooshyar Hossein , Esmaeili Rastaghi Ahmad Reza , Delavari Mahdi , Ghasemi Fatemeh Sadat
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims: The aim of this study is to clarify nitric oxide (NO)-production by spleen and the importance of spleen in malaria infection in murine model.
Materials and Methods: Thirty outbred NMRI female mice were divided into four groups, Group I: No intervention (Healthy control), Group II: With splenectomy (Healthy test), Group III: No intervention, Inoculation of contaminated blood (Infected control), Group IV: With splenectomy, inoculation of contaminated blood (Infected test). The Parasitemia was counted every other day through Giemsa stain examination of animal blood. The parasitemia and survival rates, hepatosplenomegaly and body weight were recorded. After terminal anesthesia, plasma and liver/spleen suspensions were assessed by the Griess micro assay for measurement of NO-levels.
Results: At the end of the experiment (on day 16), the parasitemia was 26.99±0.46 % among the group of non-splenectomized animals (Group III) compared with 31.25±0.72% among the group of splenectomized animals (Group IV). The average parasitemia among the groups at the end of the experiment was statistically significant (Group III, Group IV: p= 0.0002). Survival rate was statistically significant (p<0.0001). NO concentrations in plasma, liver and spleen were determined. The amount of NO in plasma increased significantly in the infected groups (p=0.0003).
Conclusions: Although, splenectomy decreased immune function against rodent malaria, it did not solely changed the pattern of antimalarial activity via NO-pathway. It is concluded that NO possibly comes from several sources rather than spleen during rodent malaria disease and is released into circulation, which may replace NO shortage by splenic cells to combat malaria parasites.
Myeloid Cell Leukemia-1 Gene Expression and Clinicopathological Features in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Zaker Farhad , Sharifi Mohammad Jafar , Nasiri Nahid , Yaghmaie Marjan , Namjoo Soodeh
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims: Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) plays a pivotal role in the survival of hematologic and solid tumors, and is known as a substantial oncogene. Studies have demonstrated the altered expression of Mcl-1 has been linked to malignancy development and poor prognosis. In this research, we have studied the expression of Mcl-1 mRNA in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and determined association with clinico-pathological factors, MDS subgroups as well as international prognostic scoring system.
Materials and Methods: The relative level of Mcl-1 was determined by real time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and gene expression normalized to Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Results: Results indicated amplification of mRNA encoding Mcl-1 in 100% of the cases. The higher level of Mcl-1 existed in MDS patients compared with the healthy controls but there was no statistically difference of Mcl-1 expression between these groups. Fold change in gene expression was higher in advanced stage MDS, high risk MDS, cases with >5% blast and LDH >400 to their corresponding groups. In addition, the correlation between gene expression and cytogenetic prognostic subgroups was statistically significant (p=0.043).
Conclusions: In the present study, we showed that Mcl-1 is expressed in MDS independent of the World Health Organization subgroup and international prognostic scoring system. Therefore, Mcl-1 may be up-regulated already in early stages of leukemogenesis.
Development of Simple Protocol for Generation of Functionally Active Hepatocyte-like Cells from Human Adipose Tissue-derived Stem Cells
Authors: Rouzbehan Sahere , Davoodian Nahid , Jamshidi Ali , Atashabparvar Ali , Davoodian Najmeh
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims: Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) are considered as an attractive source of regenerative stem cells, mainly because of their higher proliferation rate, more accessibility and hepatocyte like properties as compared to mesenchymal stem cells isolated from other tissues. Numerous studies have described the beneficial use of adipose tissue-derived stem cells for generating hepatocyte-like cells. However, due to the lack of appropriate culture conditions, most of the produced cells exhibit poor functionality. The aim of the present study was to establish a new protocol for the efficient hepatic differentiation of hASCs.
Materials and Methods: hASCs were cultured in hepatic differentiation medium containing fibroblast growth factor 4, hepatocyte growth factor, dexamethasone and oncostatin M using a three-step protocol up to 21 days. Then, the functionality of the treated cells was evaluated by analyzing specific hepatocyte genes and biochemical markers at various time points.
Results: A significant upregulation in albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, cytokeratin 18 and hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α expressions was observed in differentiated cells relative to day 1 of differentiation protocol. Moreover, the finding of glycogen deposits increased urea production and positive immunofluorescence staining for albumin and alpha-fetoprotein in hepatocyte-like cells suggesting that most of the cells differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells.
Conclusions: Our report has provided a simple protocol for differentiation of hASCs into more functional hepatocyte-like cells.
Prevalence of Occult Hepatitis B Infection among HBsAg Negative Blood Donors in Golestan Province
Authors: Tabar Asad Laleh Rana , Sharifi Zohreh , Pourfathollah Akbar , Samei Shahram
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims: Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is known as an important source of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is categorized as Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) not being present and low DNA viral load in serum. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the outbreak of anti-HBc and OBI among the HBsAg-negative donors in Golestan province.
Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional experiment was conducted on 3500 voluntary blood donors in Golestan province to examine the presence of human immunodeficiency viruses Ag-Ab, HBsAg, and hepatitis C virus Ab. Then, samples with negative results for the mentioned tests were screened for total HBc antibody (IgM-IgG) through ELISA technique. Afterward, HBV-DNA extraction and R-T PCR assay were conducted for all HBsAg negative samples by using Real ART HBV LC PCR kit on a Light Cycler instrument.
Results: The study participants included 3255 (93%) male and 245 (7%) female. In general, 385 (11%) out of 3500 samples were anti-HBc positive. HBV-DNA results for every sample with either positive or negative anti-HBc were found to be negative.
Conclusions: As the area under study has a high rate of anti-HBc outbreak (11%) without the presence of HBV-DNA, anti-HBc screening can cause blood donor deferrals and limit blood supply; therefore, the HBsAg test with high analytical sensitivity is recommended for HBV screening in this area. Regarding the cost analyses and also the status of HBV endemicity, HBsAg test along with ID-NAT is preferable, if possible, for improving blood safety.
The Impact of In vitro Oocyte Maturity on Developmental Potential of Embryos Derived from Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Cycles
Authors: Montazeri Fatemeh , Mohammad Foroughmand Ali , Mehdi Kalantar Seyed , Aflatoonian Abbas , Mohammad Khalili Ali
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims: One of the major subjects for improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome is the quantity and quality of retrieved oocytes. In vitro maturation (IVM) provides an opportunity for using immature oocytes routinely discarded in clinics. This study aimed at evaluating the quality of embryos derived from in vivo and rescue in vitro matured oocytes.
Materials and Methods: Totally, 462 immature oocytes as cases and 466 mature (MII) oocytes as controls were included for study of their developmental competence. Oocytes underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection insemination and then denuded oocytes were microscopically assessed regarding cytoplasmic and nuclear maturity and quality.
Results: The morphological assessments showed fertilization rate of 60.9 and 61.4%, the embryo formation rate of 86.7% and 90.9% and arresting rate of 27.3% and 25.6% for the case and control oocytes, respectively. Evaluating embryo quality in the cleavage stage indicated that 63% of the embryos in the case group and 68% of the embryos in the control group were of good quality. There was no significant difference between fertility rate and arresting rate of oocytes matured in both groups, although the embryo formation rate and the quality of embryos differed significantly.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that IVM is a valuable and practical option for patients who had to cancel IVF treatment cycles because of severe responses or resistance to routine hormonal therapies or those with low functional ovarian reserve.
طراحی و تبیین الگوی پیشایندهای فضیلت سازمانی در دانشگاه¬های دولتی استان یزد
Authors: رضا زین آبادی حسن , آراسته حمیدرضا , نوه ابراهیم عبدالرحیم , دهقانی زاده مرضیه
Published: March 2019

مقدمه: فضيلت سازماني از جمله مفاهيم  جديد سازماني است كه از روان شناسي مثبت نگر گرفته شده است. مطالعه در این حوزه در برگیرنده رفتارهای برجسته در سازمان است که خود منجر به پیامدهای مثبت می­شود. هدف از پژوهش حاضر طراحی و تبیین الگوی سازمان فضیلتی و شناسایی پیشایندهای سازمان فضیلتی در دانشگاه­های دولتی استان یزد است.
روش بررسی: پژوهش حاضر از «تحقیق ترکبی اکتشافی» استفاده نموده است، لذا ابتدا از روش پژوهش کیفی گروه­کانونی به صورت مصاحبه­های نیمه ساختار یافته با اعضای هیئت علمی دانشگاه­های دولتی استان یزد (گروه هشت نفره)، در سه جلسه یک و نیم ساعته مصاحبه انجام شد و داده­های به دست آمده از مصاحبه­ و ادبیات با روش تحلیل مضمون تحلیل شد. سپس مدل با پرسشنامه محقق ساخته و نمونه 285 نفر از میان کارکنان دانشگاه­های دولتی استان یزد، به کمک روش پژوهش کمی مدل­یابی معادلات ساختاری با نرم­افزار Lisrel 8.8  آزمون شد.
نتایج: به کمک مصاحبه گروه کانونی و ادبیات پژوهش و تحلیل عاملی اکتشافی سه عامل اصلی تاثیرگذار بر فضیلت سازمانی شامل عامل سازمانی (ساختار و فرایند؛ فرهنگ سازمان؛رهبری؛ فلسفه وجودی سازمان)، عامل فردی (ویژگی فردی کارکنان؛ ویژگی فردی مدیران) و عامل محیطی (عامل اجتماعی- اقتصادی؛ عامل قانونی) شناسایی شد. پس از آزمون مدل مفهومی تمام پیشایندها دارای بار عاملی مناسب بوده و مدل تایید شد، همچنین با بررسی نتایج آزمون معادلات ساختاري عامل سازمانی داراي ضريب مسیر بیشتري بود (74/0)، در نتیجه بیشترين تاثیر را بر سازمان فضیلتي دارد.
نتیجه‌گیری: با توجه به اینکه عامل سازمانی مهمترین عامل در فضیلت سازمانی بوده؛ سازمان­ها باید در استخدام افراد با فضیلت دقت نموده و به علت اینکه فضایل قابل پرورش هستند، مسئله آموزش و نهادینه کردن فضایل درکارکنان بسیار مهم است.