bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha P2 promoter variants associate with insulin resistance.
Authors: Saif-Ali Riyadh , Harun Roslan , Al-Jassabi S , Wan Ngah Wan Zurinah
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to investigate the associations of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) alpha single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotype with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome parameters. Nine SNPs spanning the HNF4 alpha P2 promoter (rs4810424, rs1884613 and rs1884614) and coding region (rs2144908, rs6031551, rs6031552, rs1885088, rs1028583 and rs3818247) were genotyped in 160 subjects without diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The HNF4 alpha P2 promoter SNPs rs4810424, rs1884613 and rs1884614 were associated with insulin resistance (p = 0.017; 0.037; 0.024) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.03; 0.035; 0.039). The intron 1D SNP rs2144908 was associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) (p = 0.020) and the intron 9 SNP rs3818247 showed association with systolic (p = 0.02) and diastolic (p = 0.034) blood pressure. HNF4 alpha common haplotype CCCGTC associated with higher insulin resistance (p = 0.022), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p = 0.035) and lower HDLc (p = 0.001). In conclusion, subjects with HNF4 alpha P2 variants and haplotypes have been shown to have a higher insulin resistance and are therefore at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Cyclic enkephalin-deltorphin hybrids containing a carbonyl bridge: structure and opioid activity.
Authors: Ciszewska Małgorzata , Ruszczyńska Katarzyna , Oleszczuk Marta , Chung Nga N , Witkowska Ewa , Schiller Peter W , Wójcik Jacek , Izdebski Jan
Published: March 2019

Six hybrid N-ureidoethylamides of octapeptides in which an N-terminal cyclic structure related to enkephalin was elongated by a C-terminal fragment of deltorphin were synthesized on MBHA resin. The synthetic procedure involved deprotection of Boc groups with HCl/dioxane and cleavage of the peptide resin with 45 % TFA in DCM. d-Lys and d-Orn were incorporated in position 2, and Lys, Orn, Dab, or Dap in position 5. The side chains of the dibasic amino function were protected with the Fmoc group. This protection was removed by treatment with 55 % piperidine in DMF, and cyclization was achieved by treatment with bis-(4-nitrophenyl)carbonate. Using various combinations of dibasic amino acids, peptides containing a 17-, 18-, 19- or 20-membered ring structure were obtained. The peptides were tested in the guinea-pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) assays. Diverse opioid activities were observed, depending on the size of the ring. Extension of the enkephalin sequence at the C-terminus by a deltorphin fragment resulted in a change of receptor selectivity in favor of the δ receptor. The conformational propensities of selected peptides were determined using the EDMC method in conjunction with data derived from NMR experiments carried out in water. This approach allowed proper examination of the dynamical behavior of these small peptides. The results were compared with those obtained earlier with corresponding N-(ureidoethyl)pentapeptide amides.
Sequence analysis of human cytomegalovirus US28 gene in low-passage clinical isolates from children and AIDS patients.
Authors: He Rong , Xia Chang , Ruan Qiang , Qi Ying , Ma Yan-Ping , Ji Yao-Hua , Guo Jin-Jin
Published: March 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is often a dangerous opportunistic pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality in newborn children and immunocompromised patients. The different symptoms and tissue tropisms of HCMV infection may result from genetic polymorphism. This study investigated the sequence variability of the HCMV US28 ORF, which shows sequence homology to the G protein-coupled receptor. HCMV isolated from suspected pediatric cases and isolates from AIDS patients were compared in order to examine the possible associations between polymorphisms and pathogenesis. Seventy children with suspected congenital HCMV infection, who suffered from jaundice (47), megacolon (10), and microcephaly (13), and 17 AIDS patients, were studied. Mutation was prevalent among the sequences of US28, with a focus on the two ends of US28. The important functional groups of US28 are highly conserved. An unrooted tree showed that all sequences from suspected congenitally infected infants and AIDS patients were divided into three groups. Comparison showed that most of the sequences (12/17) from pediatric patients were included in the first group (G1), whereas most of the sequences (11/17) from AIDS patients were included in the third group (G3). The specific high mutation sites in US28 from children were located at the C terminus of the protein, whereas those from AIDS patients were located at the N terminus. We demonstrated the existence of polymorphisms among the US28 genes of clinical isolates of HCMV from infants with suspected congenital infection. Comparison of US28 sequences from AIDS patients with those from children showed that both sequences have their own specific high mutation points.
Tadalafil alters energy metabolism in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells.
Authors: Sabatini Stefania , Sgrò Paolo , Duranti Guglielmo , Ceci Roberta , Di Luigi Luigi
Published: March 2019

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a family of enzymes that hydrolyze cyclic nucleotides, thereby modulating cell functions. Three highly selective PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i), sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil, have been developed for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Experimental evidence showed that chronic treatment with sildenafil PDE5i in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance improved insulin action and decreased circulating fatty acid levels. It has recently been shown that healthy athletes use PDE5i as performance enhancers, hence in the present study we investigated whether the long-lasting PDE5i tadalafil influences energy metabolism in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells by evaluating lactate production, glucose consumption, and citrate synthase and 3-OH acyl CoA dehydrogenase activities. Our data demonstrate that tadalafil is able to modulate energy homeostasis in mouse skeletal muscle cells, depending on the treatment length and dose.
PDZ domain from Dishevelled -- a specificity study.
Authors: Śmietana Katarzyna , Mateja Agnieszka , Krężel Artur , Otlewski Jacek
Published: March 2019

Intracellular signaling cascades induced by Wnt proteins play a key role in developmental processes and are implicated in cancerogenesis. It is still unclear how the cell determines which of the three possible Wnt response mechanisms should be activated, but the decision process is most likely dependent on Dishevelled proteins. Dishevelled family members interact with many diverse targets, however, molecular mechanisms underlying these binding events have not been comprehensively described so far. Here, we investigated the specificity of the PDZ domain from human Dishevelled-2 using C-terminal phage display, which led us to identification of a leucine-rich binding motif strongly resembling the consensus sequence of a nuclear export signal. PDZ interactions with several peptide and protein motifs (including the nuclear export signal sequence from Dishevelled-2 protein) were investigated in detail using fluorescence spectroscopy, mutational analysis and immunoenzymatic assays. The experiments showed that the PDZ domain can bind the nuclear export signal sequence of the Dishevelled-2 protein. Since the intracellular localization of Dishevelled is governed by nuclear localization and nuclear export signal sequences, it is possible that the intramolecular interaction between PDZ domain and the export signal could modulate the balance between nuclear and cytoplasmic pool of the Dishevelled protein. Such a regulatory mechanism would be of utmost importance for the differential activation of Wnt signaling cascades, leading to selective promotion of the nucleus-dependent Wnt β-catenin pathway at the expense of non-canonical Wnt signaling.
Chitinolytic enzymes from bacterium inhabiting human gastrointestinal tract -- critical parameters of protein isolation from anaerobic culture.
Authors: Dušková Jarmila , Tishchenko Galina , Ponomareva Evgenia , Šimůnek Jiří , Koppová Ingrid , Skálová Tereza , Štěpánková Andrea , Hašek Jindřich , Dohnálek Jan
Published: March 2019

The object of this study are chitinolytic enzymes produced by bacterium Clostridium paraputrificum J4 isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of a healthy human. In particular, we focus on the development of purification protocols, determination of properties of the enzymes and their activity profiles. The process of bacteria cultivation and isolation of chitinolytic complex of enzymes showing specific activities of endo-, exo-chitinase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase was optimized. A range of various purification procedures were used such as ultrafiltration, precipitation, chromatographic separations (ion-exchange, size exclusion, chromatofocusing) in altered combinations. The optimal purification protocol comprises two or three steps. Individual samples were analyzed by SDS/PAGE electrophoresis and after renaturation their activity could be detected using zymograms. Mass spectroscopy peptide fragment analysis and MALDI analysis of the purest samples indicate presence of endochitinase B (molecular mass about 85 kDa) and of 60-kDa endo- and exochitinases.
In vitro inhibition of topoisomerase IIα by reduced glutathione.
Authors: Delwar Zahid M , Vita Marina Fernanda , Siden Åke , Cruz Mabel , Yakisich Juan Sebastian
Published: March 2019

In most cells, the major intracellular redox buffer is glutathione (GSH) and its disulfide-oxidized (GSSG) form. The GSH/GSSG system maintains the intracellular redox balance and the essential thiol status of proteins by thiol disulfide exchange. Topoisomerases are thiol proteins and are a target of thiol-reactive substances. In this study, the inhibitory effect of physiological concentration of GSH and GSSG on topoisomerase IIα activity in vitro was investigated. GSH (0-10 mM) inhibited topoisomerase IIα in a concentration-dependent manner while GSSG (1-100 µM) had no significant effect. These findings suggest that the GSH/GSSG system could have a potential in vivo role in regulating topoisomerase IIα activity.
A novel alkaline protease from wild edible mushroom Termitomyces albuminosus.
Authors: Zheng Suyue , Wang Hexiang , Zhang Guoqing
Published: March 2019

A protease with a molecular mass of 30 kDa and the N-terminal sequence of GLQTNAPWGLARSS, was isolated from fresh fruiting bodies of the wild edible mushroom Termitomyces albuminosus. The purification protocol included ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, SP-Sepharose and FPLC-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The protein was unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose and Q-Sepharose, but adsorbed on SP-Sepharose. The optimal pH and temperature of the purified enzyme were 10.6 and 60 °C, respectively. The enzyme was stable in the presence of 2 % (v/v) Tween 80 and 4 M urea. More than 80 % of the enzyme activity was retained in 2 % (v/v) Triton X 100, 54 % in 10 mM EDTA and 31 % in 2 % (w/v) SDS. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), but not inhibited by dithiothreitol (DTT), pepstatin or lima bean trypsin inhibitor suggesting that it was a serine protease but not a trypsin-like one. The protease was inhibited by Hg(2+), Cu(2+), and Fe(3+) ions. The K(m) and V(max) values of the purified enzyme for casein were 8.26 mg ∙ ml(-1) and 0.668 mg ∙ ml(-1) ∙ min(-1), respectively.
Chromatin acetylation, β-amyloid precursor protein and its binding partner FE65 in DNA double strand break repair.
Authors: Szumiel Irena , Foray Nicolas
Published: March 2019

Among post-translational modifications of chromatin proteins taking place in DNA double strand break (DSB) repair, acetylation plays a prominent role. This review lists several facts and hypotheses concerning this process. Lack of acetyltransferase TIP60 (HIV-Tat interacting protein of 60 kDa) activity results in cells with defective DSB repair. The enzyme is present in the nucleus in a multimeric protein complex. TIP60 dependent activation of ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase) is an early event in the response to DNA breakage. Other important acetylations are those of histones H4 and γH2AX. Correct reconstruction of the damaged site is critical for survival and prevention of genetic and epigenetic changes in the cell that may affect the function of its daughter cells. Recently, two proteins with previously unsuspected functions in DSB repair have been identified as active in this process: Alzheimer β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its binding partner FE65, β-amyloid precursor binding protein. Their participation in DSB repair in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells is related to acetylation carried out by the acetyltransferase complex. The same function is ascribed to heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). So far, the relations (if any) between TIP60 activation by HP1 and by the FE65 complex remain unidentified.
Homocysteine level in urine of autistic and healthy children.
Authors: Kałużna-Czaplińska Joanna , Michalska Monika , Rynkowski Jacek
Published: March 2019

Homocysteine is an amino acid which plays several important roles in human physiology and is an important biomarker for possible deficiencies of various vitamins (vitamin B₆ and B₁₂, folic acid). In this work GC-MS method was used to determine the levels of homocysteine in the urine of autistic and healthy children. The levels of homocysteine in urine samples from 34 autistic and 21 healthy children were 2.36 ± 1.24 and 0.76 ± 0.31 (mmol∙mol⁻¹ creatinine), respectively. The higher level of homocysteine in autistic children may indicate deficiencies of folic acid and vitamins B₆ and B₁₂ in nutrition of these children. The results of this work were taken into consideration in the nutrition of autistic children treated in the Navicula Centre of Diagnosis and Therapy of Autism in Łódź (Poland).
Effects of olive leaf polyphenols against H₂O₂ toxicity in insulin secreting β-cells.
Authors: Cumaoğlu Ahmet , Rackova Lucia , Stefek Milan , Kartal Murat , Maechler Pierre , Karasu Cimen
Published: March 2019

In pancreatic β-cells, although H₂O₂ is a metabolic signal for glucose stimulated insulin secretion, it may induce injury in the presence of increased oxidative stress (OS) as in the case of diabetic chronic hyperglycemia. Olea europea L. (olive) leaves contain polyphenolic compounds that may protect insulin-secreting cells against OS. The major polyphenolic compound in ethanolic olive leaf extract (OLE) is oleuropein (about 20%), thus we compared the effects of OLE with the effects of standard oleuropein on INS-1 cells. The cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of OLE or oleuropein for 24 h followed by exposure to H₂O₂ (0.035 mM) for 45 min. H₂O₂ alone resulted in a significantly decreased viability (MTT assay), depressed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, increased apoptotic and necrotic cell death (AO/EB staining), inhibited glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) and stimulated catalase activity that were associated with increased intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (fluorescence DCF). OLE and oleuropein partly improved the viability, attenuated necrotic and apoptotic death, inhibited the ROS generation and improved insulin secretion in H₂O₂-exposed cells. The effects of oleuropein on insulin secretion were more pronounced than those of OLE, while OLE exerted a stronger anti-cytotoxic effect than oleuropein. Unlike OLE, oleuropein had no significant preserving effect on GPx; however, both compounds stimulated the activity of catalase in H₂O₂-exposed cells. These findings indicate different modulatory roles of polyphenolic constituents of olive leaves on redox homeostasis that may have a role in the maintenance of β-cell physiology against OS.
Advanced oxidation protein products and inflammatory markers in liver cirrhosis: a comparison between alcohol-related and HCV-related cirrhosis.
Authors: Zuwała-Jagiełło Jolanta , Pazgan-Simon Monika , Simon Krzysztof , Warwas Maria
Published: March 2019

Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are protein markers of oxidative stress with pro-inflammatory properties that accumulated in liver cirrhosis. In the present study, we investigated the association between chronic inflammatory response triggered by AOPPs and the severity of liver disease as assessed by the Child-Pugh score. Plasma concentrations of AOPPs and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were measured in 41 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, 43 patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC), and in 30 age and sex matched controls. In comparison with controls, AOPPs were increased in HCV-related compensated (Child-Pugh A) and decompensated (Child-Pugh B-C) cirrhosis and in alcohol-related compensated cirrhosis. AOPPs level positively correlated with Child-Pugh score in alcohol-related cirrhosis but not in HCV-related cirrhosis and the correlation with the indices of chronic inflammation was stronger in ALC. In turn, AOPPs in HCV-related cirrhosis was related to inflammation to a lesser extent, but a significant correlation with antioxidant defense could be noted. In summary, liver cirrhosis was associated with increased formation of AOPPs, which differed between alcohol-related and HCV-related cirrhosis with respect to the relationship between AOPPs and antioxidant defense, stage of liver cirrhosis, and inflammatory response. The significant correlation between AOPPs accumulation and indices of chronic inflammation, more specifically TNF-α, suggests that oxidative stress may be a mediator of chronic inflammatory state in the early stage of alcohol-related cirrhosis.
Sp100 interacts with phage ΦC31 integrase to inhibit its recombination activity.
Authors: Lin Yun , Li Zhi-hui , Wang Jing-Jing , Xu Gua-lan , Shen Qi , Tian Lin , Xue Jin-lun , Chen Jin-zhong
Published: March 2019

Phage ΦC31 integrase is a potential vector for the insertion of therapeutic genes into specific sites in the human genome. To understand the mechanism involved in ΦC31 integrase-mediated recombination, it is important to understand the interaction between the integrase and cellular proteins. Using a yeast two-hybrid system with pLexA-ΦC31 integrase as bait, we screened a pB42AD human fetal brain cDNA library for potential interacting cellular proteins. From the 10⁶ independent clones that were screened, 11 potential interacting clones were isolated, of which one encoded C-terminal fragment of Sp100. The interaction between Sp100 and ΦC31 integrase was further confirmed by yeast mating and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The hybridization between a ΦC31 integrase peptide array and an HEK293 cell extract revealed that residues 81RILN84 in the N-terminus of ΦC31 integrase are responsible for the interaction with Sp100. Knocking down endogenous Sp100 with Sp100-specific siRNA increased ΦC31 integrase-mediated recombination but did not impact reporter gene expression. Therefore, endogenous Sp100 may interact with ΦC31 integrase and inhibit the efficiency of ΦC31 integrase-mediated recombination.
Effects of 1-methylnicotinamide and its metabolite N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide on streptozotocin-induced toxicity in murine insulinoma MIN6 cell line.
Authors: Przygodzki Tomasz , Slominska Ewa , Polakowska Ewa , Mlynarski Wojciech , Watala Cezary
Published: March 2019

1-methylnicotinamide (MNA) is a primary metabolite of nicotinamide. In recent years several activities of MNA have been described, such as anti-inflammatory activity in skin diseases, induction of prostacyclin synthesis via COX-2, aortal endothelium protection in diabetes and hypertriglyceridaemia and increased survival rate of diabetic rats. 1-methylnicotinamide was also suggested to protect pancreatic cells from streptozotocin in vivo. Streptozotocin toxicity is known to be mediated by poly-ADP-ribose polymerase. Nicotinamide and its derivatives have been shown to ameliorate poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-dependent nucleotide pool reduction. We aimed to verify if 1-methylnicotinamide and its metabolite, N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, can protect insulinoma cells from streptozotocin-induced toxicity. We found that N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, but not 1-methylnicotinamide, restores the pool of ATP and NAD+ in streptozotocin-treated cells, but neither compound improved the cell viability. We conclude that inhibition of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-dependent nucleotide pool reduction may not be sufficient to protect cells from streptozotocin toxicity.
Gene expression alterations induced by low molecular weight heparin during bowel anastomosis healing in rats.
Authors: Krześniak Natalia , Paziewska Agnieszka , Rubel Tymon , Skrzypczak Magdalena , Mikula Michał , Dzwonek Artur , Goryca Krzysztof , Wyrwicz Lucjan S , Jarosz Dorota , Laubitz Daniel , Woszczyński Marek , Bielecki Krzysztof , Ostrowski Jerzy
Published: March 2019

Colon anastomosis is therapeutically challenging because multiple, usually undetectable factors influence a spectrum of repair mechanisms. We hypothesized that low molecular weight heparins, routinely administered perioperatively, may differentially affect gene expression related to colon healing. Twenty pairs of untreated and enoxaparin-treated rats underwent left-side hemicolectomy with a primary end-to-end anastomosis. Normal colon and anastomotic bowel segments were resected on day 0 and on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after surgery, respectively. Serial anastomosis transverse cross-sections were evaluated microscopically and by microarray (Rat Genome 230 2.0, Affymetrix). Differentially expressed probe sets were annotated with Gene Ontology. We also examined the influence of enoxaparin on fibroblast proliferation and viability in vitro. Among the 5476 probe sets, we identified differential expression at each healing time point, yielding 79 subcategories. Most indicated genes were involved in wound healing, including multicellular organismal development, locomotory behavior, immune response, cell adhesion, inflammatory response, cell-cell signaling, blood vessel development, and tissue remodeling. Although we found no intensity differences in histological features of healing between enoxaparin-treated and control rats, treatment did induce significant expression changes during early healing. Of these changes, 83 probe sets exhibited at least twofold changes and represented different functional annotations, including inflammatory response, regulation of transcription, regulation of apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Fibroblast culture confirmed an anti-viability effect of enoxaparin. Enoxaparin affects colon wound-related gene expression profiles, but further studies will resolve whether heparin treatment is a risk factor after intestinal surgery, at least in some patients.
Generation of reactive oxygen species by a sufficient, insufficient and varicose vein wall.
Authors: Krzyściak Wirginia , Kózka Mariusz
Published: March 2019

Despite numerous theories, the etiology and pathogenesis of primary varicose veins remain unclear. The etiology of chronic venous diseases (CVDs) known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is related to leukocyte trapping. Leukocyte trapping involves trapping of white cells in vessel walls followed by their activation and translocation outside the vessel. Release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from trapped white cells has been documented. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) directly inhibits the generation of free radicals and compounds that are produced during oxidation by ROS, such as malonyldialdehyde (MDA). The aim of this study was to determine the involvement of free radicals in the etiology of venous changes. The following material was used for the study: fragments of sufficient or insufficient venous system and varices from 31 patients diagnosed with chronic venous disease in the 2nd or 3rd degree, according to clinical state, etiology, anatomy and pathophysiology (CEAP), which were qualified for surgical procedure. The levels of oxidative stress markers strongly correlated with lesions observed by USG in insufficient and varicose veins. In both a higher concentration of MDA was observed, which is a sign of lipid peroxidation. Antioxidative mechanisms, SOD activity and total antioxidative power expressed as FRAP were inversely proportional to MDA concentration. In insufficient and varicose veins both FRAP and SOD activities were significantly lower than in normal veins. The severity of clinical changes was inversely dependent on the efficiency of scavenging of ROS, which additionally proves the participation of free radicals in pathogenesis of CVDs.
Antitumor activity of antimicrobial peptides against U937 histiocytic cell line.
Authors: Koszałka Patrycja , Kamysz Elżbieta , Wejda Magdalena , Kamysz Wojciech , Bigda Jacek
Published: March 2019

We investigated cytotoxic activity of antimicrobial peptides of different origin (both naturally occurring and synthetic), structure and known mechanisms of action against human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937. The strongest cytotoxic activity against U937 cell line was shown by Pexiganan MSI-78, followed by Citropin 1.1, Protegrin 1 and a synthetic lipopeptide, N-α-palmitoyl-L-lysyl-L-lysine amide (Pal-Lys-Lys-NH₂). The cytotoxic activity of the peptides was more dependent on the time of incubation than concentration. Only for the lipopeptide, whose mode of action was restricted to disruption of electric potential of the cell membrane, the correlation between cytotoxicity and concentration was almost linear. The high cytotoxicity of Pexiganan MSI-78, Protegrin 1 and the lipopeptide could be basically explained by their membranolytic activity leading to necrosis. However, in the case of Citropin 1.1, the cell membrane integrity was disrupted only slightly and independently of the peptide concentration. Therefore, some other mechanism of action might be responsible for its strong dose-dependent cytotoxic activity, e.g., membranolytic activity leading to apoptosis. Furthermore, TNF-α production due to LPS (lipopolysaccharide) stimulation was suppressed by the presence of Citropin 1.1, Pexiganan MSI-78 or Protegrin 1, but not by Buforin 2 or the lipopeptide. Our experiments have shown that cytotoxic activity is not limited to some specific molecular structure of a peptide, but rather to the length of the peptide chain as it is likely to affect the efficiency of the tumor cell membrane disruption and interaction with LPS.
Identification of specific interaction of juvenile hormone binding protein with isocitrate dehydrogenase.
Authors: Zalewska Marta , Ożyhar Andrzej , Kochman Marian
Published: March 2019

Juvenile hormone (JH) is essential for multiple physiological processes: it controls larval development, metamorphosis and adult reproduction. In insect hemolymph more than 99 % of JH is bound to juvenile hormone binding protein (JHBP), which protects JH from degradation by nonspecific hydrolases and serves as a carrier to supply the hormone to the target tissues. In Galleria mellonella hemolymph, JHBP is found in a complex with lipid-binding high molecular weight proteins (HMWP) and this interaction is enhanced in the presence of JH. In this report, we present studies on the interaction of JHBP with low molecular weight proteins (LMWP) in the hemolymph. Using ligand blotting we found that JHBP interacts with a protein of about 44 kDa. To identify the protein that preferentially binds JHBP, a LMWP fraction was applied to a Sepharose-bound JHBP and, after washing, the column was eluted with free JHBP acting as a specific competitor or with carbonic anhydrase as a negative control. The eluted proteins were separated by SDS/PAGE and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Isocitrate dehydrogenase was identified as a component of the supramolecular complex of JHBP with hemolymph proteins.
Is MLC phosphorylation essential for the recovery from ROCK inhibition in glioma C6 cells?
Authors: Korczyński Jarosław , Sobierajska Katarzyna , Krzemiński Patryk , Wasik Anna , Wypych Dorota , Pomorski Paweł , Kłopocka Wanda
Published: March 2019

Inhibition of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) activity in glioma C6 cells induces changes in actin cytoskeleton organization and cell morphology similar to those observed in other types of cells with inhibited RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. We show that phosphorylation of myosin light chains (MLC) induced by P2Y₂ receptor stimulation in cells with blocked ROCK correlates in time with actin cytoskeleton reorganization, F-actin redistribution and stress fibers assembly followed by recovery of normal cell morphology. Presented results indicate that myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) is responsible for the observed phosphorylation of MLC. We also found that the changes induced by P2Y₂ stimulation in actin cytoskeleton dynamics and morphology of cells with inhibited ROCK, but not in the level of phosphorylated MLC, depend on the presence of calcium in the cell environment.
Microbiological Characteristics of Wild Edible Mushrooms and Effect of Temperature during Storage of Morchella conica
Authors: Gaglio R. , Saitta A. , Cruciata M. , La Rosa A. , Barbaccia P. , Moschetti G. , Settanni L.
Published: March 2019

Background: The continuous worldwide increase of consumption of fresh mushrooms has registered in the recent years. The major goal of this study was to determine the microbiological characteristics of wild edible mushrooms and effect of temperature during storage of Morchella conica.
Methods: Wild mushrooms of the species Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, and Leccinum aurantiacum were collected in a mixed forest of Picea abies, Betula pendula, and Pinus sylvestris located in Tartu territory, Estonia. Faecal indicators, potential pathogens, spoilage bacteria, and microfungi (yeasts and moulds) were evaluated. M. conica was microbiologically investigated for 24 days under different thermal regimes, including 4, 8, 12, 15, 20, and 28 °C. The statistical analysis was conducted with SAS 9.2 software.
Results: The microbial counts of wild mushrooms, ranging from 6.81 to 7.68 log10 CFU/g for total mesophilic count, were generally higher (p<0.05) than those registered for marketed samples ranging from 4.60 to 7.39 log10 CFU/g. The dynamics of total mesophilic microorganisms on M. conica stored at different temperatures indicated that stationary and death phases occurred earlier with increasing temperature and that the highest levels were registered at 28 °C at the 2nd day of storage.
Conclusion: This work highlights consistent differences in terms of microbiological properties among different mushrooms species. The results clearly showed that total mesophilic populations developed at high levels quickly at temperatures more than 15 °C, but also the refrigeration did not stop the microbiological decay of mushrooms.
Comparison of Two Multiplex PCR Systems for Meat Species Authentication
Authors: Al-taghlubee D. , Misaghi A. , Shayan P. , Akhondzadeh Basti A. , Gandomi H. , Shayan D.
Published: March 2019

Background: Meat species adulteration has become a problem of concern. This study aimed to compare two previously published multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods for meat species authentication. 
Methods: The primers used in the first multiplex PCR involved species-specific reverse primer for sheep, goat, cattle, pig, and donkey with universal forward primer. In the second multiplex PCR, the primers included species-specific forward and reverse primer for pork, lamb, ostrich, horse, and cow. The extracted DNA was then amplified with species-specific primers and with mix primers separately in the respective multiplex PCR.
Results: The first multiplex PCR was accompanied with cross reactivity, whereas the second multiplex PCR was specific as expected for pork, lamb, ostrich, horse, and cow. The first set of multiplex PCR showed not always amplification of all species-specific DNAs with a mixture of DNA from mentioned animals. Regarding the second set of primers, the extracted DNA of different meat species was amplified with corresponding species primers as simplex PCR resulting in specific amplicons for species DNA prepared from sheep, ostrich, horse, pig, and cattle with the specific PCR products of 119, 155, 253, 100, and 311 bp, respectively.
Conclusion: Based on the present investigation, we recommend the multiplex PCR with the second set of primers included species-specific forward and reverse primers for species authentication of five meat types, including pork, lamb, ostrich, horse, as well as cow.
Quality and Safety Assessment of Bangladeshi Pasteurized Milk
Authors: Ahmed S. , Zim A.F.M.I.U. , Rahman S. , Ghosh S. , Chhetri A. , Ali M.S.
Published: March 2019

Background: Milk is considered as one of the highly nutritious food for human. This study was undertaken to evaluate the physicochemical as well as the microbial quality of pasteurized milk of different brands available in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Methods: Five types of branded pasteurized liquid milk were collected from retail markets of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Physicochemical analyses were carried out in order to determine the levels of pH, acidity, fat, protein, casein, specific gravity, Solids-Not-Fat (SNF), and total solids of the samples. Also, the samples were analyzed microbiologically to assess the total microbial loads and coliforms. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 23.0.
Results: The ranges of physicochemical parameters of the samples were determined, including specific gravity (1.024-1.031), pH (5.8-6.7), acidity (0.17±0.01-0.37±0.01%), total solids content (8.17-12.27%), SNF (7.28-8.49%), fat (0.89-3.78%), protein (3.42±0.09-3.63±0.02%), and casein content (2.66±0.07-2.82±0.02%). Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were recorded among different milk brands for all physicochemical parameters except specific gravity. The highest and lowest amounts of total bacterial counts were 1150400 and 35500 CFU/ml, respectively. A significant difference (p<0.05) was found in bacterial loads among different brands of pasteurized milk.
Conclusion: This survey revealed that different brands of Bangladeshi pasteurized milk did not maintain the standard and acceptable quality.
5th International Scientific Conference of “Plant Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology” (24-29 June 2019, Novosibirsk, Russia)
Authors: Orlov Y.L.
Published: March 2019

The article's abstract is no available.
The Effect Of Family Health Education On The Knowledge And Attitude Of Couples Attending Pre-Marriage Counseling Classes
Authors: MazloomyMahmoodAbad Seyed Saeed , Tofighiyan Seyed Abed , Ardiyan Nahid , Kalantari Forozandeh , DehghaniTafti Arefeh , Zobeydi Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Introduction: health physical, mental and social young couples with health family is related fertility of new slip. Participation in premarital education and counseling program, may couple's first encounter with the health care system. service perception and satisfaction, will play an important role continuation of health service utilization.
Methods:This quasi-experimental study,before and after the 230 couples attending pre-marriage counseling classes during June to December 2016 premarital counseling center was down.The questionnaire was made based on the objectives of the study was designed and its validity and reliability was approved.The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, knowledge,attitude in three areas of was set up in two stages,before and after intervention training program and completed.Collected data using parametric and nonparametric statistical tests and meaningful outlets α = 0/05 were analyzed.
Results:The average age of the couples studied,22/97 ± 4/77 years was.Knowledge couple before and after the educational intervention,respectively 6/33 ± 3/89 and 15/37 ± 3/84 was. Attitudes of couples before and after the intervention to the 65/94 ± 8/92 and 76/56 ± 9/92 was.Average score of knowledge and attitude before and after the intervention in the areas of reproductive health, hereditary diseases and blood-borne and sexually showed statistically significant differences. (P = 0/000)
Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it is necessary to increase the couple's health literacy about the topics (Blood and sexually transmitted diseases, reproductive health and hereditary diseases) headlines and take the time to do a more comprehensive programming classes.
The Association between Obesity and Severityof Asthma in Children
Authors: Golshan Tafti Mohammad , Abdollahi Najmeh , Shajari Ahmad , Almodersi Vajiheh
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic airway disease in children, which is caused by genetic and environmental factors such as obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and asthma severity in children.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 200 asthmatic children aged 6 to 12 years in Yazd Shohadaye Kargar hospital in 2015 - 2016. The participants' demographic data were recorded. According to the Australian National Asthma Campaign, they were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups considering their severity of asthma. In order to compare the studied variables t, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests were used by SPSS 18.
Results: The results showed that 11 (27.5%) obese children had severe asthma, but only 7 children (4.4%) with normal BMI had severe asthma (P <0.001). It was also found that the mean BMI in children with severe asthma was 21.68, in children with moderate asthma was 19.73, and in children with mild asthma was 18.27 (P <0.001). Other variables including age, birth weight, maternal age, socioeconomic status, and educational level did not have any significant effect on the severity of asthma (P> 0.05).
Conclusion: Our study showed that the prevalence of severe asthma was high in obese children and this relationship was stronger in boys. Therefore, obese children have a higher risk for severe asthma. To reduce obesity in children,  treatments such as regimen are required.
The Effect of Education based on Reasoned Action Theory on the Behaviors of Mothers with Malnourished 2-5 Year-Old Children in Sepidan
Authors: Morowatisharifabad Mohammad Ali , Vazirie Raziyeh , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Abargouei Amin Salehi , Keshavarzi Fatemeh
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Studies showed that about 25 percent of children with less than 5 years of age were underweight to varying degrees in Iran. Mothers, as the most influential group in family education, play very significant roles in preventing growth retardation and regular monitoring. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of educational intervention based on reasoned action theory on the behavior of mothers with malnourished children.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 130 mothers with malnourished 2-5 year-old children in Sepidan city. Participants were divided into two groups (65 in the case group and 65 in the control group). Data were collected using a questionnaire containing demographic data and a questionnaire based on the structures of the reasoned action theory. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16.
Results: The mean score of attitude in the intervention group increased from 33.1± 5.2 to 38.5±3.8, their intention score from  24.4±3.3 to 30.03±3.1, and practice score from  31.6±4.9 to 42.5±3.8, which were statistically significant (p<0.001). However, the mean score of subjective norms increased from 31.4±5.5 to 32.7±5.3 and the difference was not statistically significant.
The weight mean of children in the intervention and control groups were 1.1 ± 1.6 and 11.5 ± 1.5 kg before the intervention, respectively. After the intervention, the weight mean of children in the intervention group increased to 12.05±1.4, which was statistically significant. On the other hand, weight gain in children of the control group was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Educational intervention based on reasoned action theory was effective on behaviors of mothers with malnourished children. So, this theory can be used as an educational framework to prevent malnutrition in children.
The Effect of Educating Proper Use of Inhaled Corticosteroid Sprays on the Asthmatic Patients' Attitude towards Treatment and Control of Asthma
Authors: Modares Mosadegh Moneyreh , Halvani Abulhasan , Kazemi Ali
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Since proper use of drugs by patients is under the influence of their beliefs and attitudes, we decided to conduct a study to determine the effect of training of asthmatic patients for appropriate use of inhaled corticosteroids sprays (ICS) on their attitude and asthma control.
Methods: This study was semi-experimental with two groups of case and control. One hundred ninety patients were enrolled in the study and randomly were allocated to either two groups. Ninety patients in each group finished the study. Pre-training researcher made questionnaire was completed by all of the participants. Nine sessions of one-hour training on how to properly use the inhalers, were held for patients in the case group. Two months later, the questionnaire was completed by all the patients again. Student and paired T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze data.
Results: Demographic characteristics of two groups were similar. Training could reduce patients’ anxiety (p=0.0001) and increase their interest (p=0.0001) and self-esteem (p=0.0001). Overall attitude score in the case and control groups were 68.23 ± 6.69 and 58.69 ± 10, respectively (p=0.001). Average score of asthma control in the trained group was significantly higher than the other (p=0. 001). Control of asthma did not have a substantial relationship with the level of education (p=0.061) and gender (p=0.116) of patients.
Conclusion: Overall, education could have a positive effect on patient attitude and improve control of asthma. Therefore, training patients could increase the effectiveness of therapy and lower the costs on patients and the society.
Ecological Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metals In Topsoil Around Major Industries Of Ardakan City
Authors: Siyahati Ardakani Gholamreza , Mirsanjari Mirmehradad , Azimzadeh Hamidreza , Solgi Eisa
Published: March 2019

Introduction:Today, the contamination caused by rapid rate of developing industries has been drawing attention from scientific and environmental communities to itself. This study was conducted to investigate the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in topsoil of industrial area in Ardakan city.
Methods: For this porous, sampling of topsoil (0-5 cm) was performed using 5 transects in an area of 20000 hectares. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mo, Pb, V and Zn were measured in 45 samples based on ICP-OES method. Then, Indices including: Contamination level of heavy metal ( ), Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals ( ) and Total Potential Ecological Risk (RI) were calculated. Also Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the relationship between heavy metal’s concentrations.
Results: Results indicated that mean value concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were repectivley 9.85, 0.31, 35.33, 1.001, 43.28, 18.51, 44.8 and 78.3 (mg/kg) in topsoil of studied area. Maximum concentrations of all heavy metals was found in samples collected from downwind and near the major industries except for Mo and Ni.  and RI indices also showed an increase downwind areas. Strongest correlations were found between Cr-Ni, Cd-Zn and As-Cr which indicates that these metals probably have the same source.
Conclusion: Although the ecological risk of the whole area was low in the risk class, the increase in ecological risk in the surrounding and lower parts of factories such as steel and pelletizing, and tile and ceramic industries indicated the dominant role in the distribution and spread of pollution and the necessity of attention to the site selection studies of these industries. Also the results of the present study indicated the necessity of preventive measurements such as Phytoremediation in the lower parts of industrial area of this region.
Education in the values of a social and solidarity-based economy for improving the conditions and the capabilities of women miners in Colombia
Authors: Alonso Asier Arcos , Arcos-Alonso Ander , Papa Ettore , Alonso-Olea MarÃ­a JosÃ©
Published: March 2019

The -SSE- tries to build complex relations of production, consumption, distribution and financing based on justice, cooperation, reciprocity and mutual help, In this study an ESS educational model for the development of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASSM) that incorporates women in Colombia is proposed. The ASSM is the mining subsector where the situation of women is more precarious. a subsistence economy and are in serious situations of inequality. Promoting and educating for a social and solidarity ASSM with a strong gender focus could break down obstacles, stereotypes and build more equitable gender relations. An intersectional and differential approach complements the necessary analysis to address this problem and proposes local built models, that are flexible, participatory and liberating, where the economic, cultural and social causes of womenÂ´s labour are tackled with

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Keywords: Social economy, Solidarity economy, education in values, women mining;
Monitoramento físico-químico de uma estação de tratamento de esgotos por lodos ativados no município de Armação dos Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Soares Alexandre Mioth
Published: March 2019

O monitoramento físico-químico dos parâmetros operacionais de uma estação de tratamento de esgotos é importante, uma vez que serve de base para adoção de medidas que objetivam a melhoria da qualidade do efluente final. Com este estudo buscou-se monitorar doze parâmetros físico-químicos da estação de tratamento de esgotos de Armação dos Búzios de setembro de 2010 a agosto de 2013. Todos os parâmetros efluentes estiveram de acordo com a legislação, exceto nitrogênio e fósforo totais, que ficaram em desacordo com a legislação estadual em somente um mês de pesquisa cada. As eficiências de remoção da demanda bioquímica de oxigênio e dos sólidos suspensos totais aumentaram com o decorrer do monitoramento e foram consideradas bastante satisfatórias. É possível afirmar que as vazões estimadas não irão exceder a de projeto para nenhuma das condições de retorno consideradas. Este estudo servirá de base para análise de confiabilidade de estações de tratamento de esgotos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, inédito para a área, mas já realizado em outras regiões do país.
Interfaith Tolerance and Its Relevance to the Indonesian Diversity: A Study on Ibn ʿĀshūr’s al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr
Authors: Hasan Moh. Abdul Kholiq
Published: March 2019

Indonesia is a biggest Muslim, and yet multi-cultural, country. Religious tolerance is a key issue for harmony, and correct understanding of this principle is highly important. Maqāṣid approach serves one of the alternatives for such understanding. This study aims to elucidate the concept of interfaith tolerance from the perspective of the maqāṣid offered by Ibn ʿĀshūr‘s interpretation and analyze its relevance to the context of Indonesian diversity. This study is based on his work al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr and finds several important principles of interreligious tolerance from the perspective of the Qur’an. As a Muslim reformer, Ibn ʿĀshūr sees that tolerance is one crucial issue that religious followers are now facing. Grounded on the maqāṣid approach, he finds several principles of interreligious relation from the Quranic verses. These principles fit to the highest objective of Islamic law (maqāṣid al-sharīʿa). These include drawing the common good and leaving away the damage, egalitarian, justice, conscience and freedom. These principles in the context of Indonesia are important and necessary in order to maintain harmony among religious people and the unity of the Republic of Indonesia.