bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of second trimester uterine artery doppler for the prediction of preeclampsia in high risk pregnancy
Authors: Thakur Madhuri , Mehra Reeti
Published: February 2019

Background: The uterine artery Doppler has potentials for screening for complications of impaired placentation. The purpose of study was to assess the role of uterine artery color Doppler waveform analysis in second trimester for the prediction of preeclampsia in a high-risk pregnancy between 18-24 weeks of gestation.Methods: 100 women with moderate or high-risk factors for developing preeclampsia reporting to Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh were enrolled for present study. Transabdominal uterine artery doppler measurements was done at 18-24weeks of gestation in these patients. Doppler . The Doppler indices generated automatically from the machine , the Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistance Index (RI) , presence or absence of diastolic notch and S/D Ratio were recorded, and average was calculated.Results: Out of 100 patients there were 46 primigravidas with no additional risk factors, 22 pateints with two or more risk factors and there were no patients who had three or more risk factors in present study population. Preeclampsia is seen more commonly in primigravida and primigravida is considered as moderate risk factor for preeclampsia. It was found that an elevated second trimester uterine artery RI was significantly associated with developing preeclampsia later in pregnancy. The sensitivity and specificity of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry were found to be 84% and 55% respectively. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were created to demonstrate the prognostic value of RI and PI of uterine artery doppler indices at 18-24 weeks of gestation for the development preeclampsia. In addition, there were statistically significant positive correlations between mean RI of uterine artery doppler study and patients who developed preeclampsia. With a sensitivity of 84.21% it could identify 31% of the cases of preeclampsia at a false positive rate of 44.4%.Conclusions: Uterine artery doppler study can be used as a predictor of moderate strength for preeclampsia.
A randomized cross over trial of oral nifedipine and intravenous labetalol in pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
Authors: Krishna Kirtan , Shailaja N. , Bhat B. Shyamasundara , Krishna L. , . Namrata
Published: February 2019

Background: The aim of treatment of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is to quickly bring about a smooth reduction in blood pressure to levels that are safe for both mother and baby but avoiding any sudden drops. There are not many studies comparing nifedipine and labetalol for this purpose. Authors conducted this study with the aim of comparing their efficacy in reducing maternal blood pressure.Methods: It was a cross over trial with 30 patients in each group conducted at a tertiary care hospital. 60 pregnant women were randomized to receive nifedipine (20mg loading dose followed by 10 mg tablet, orally, up to maximum of five doses) or  intravenous labetalol  (in an escalating dose regimen of 20, 40, 80, 80 and 80 mg)  every 20 minutes until the target blood pressure of 150/100 mmHg was achieved. Crossover treatment was affected if the initial treatment regimen was unsuccessful after 20 min of the last dose of the drug in the respective groups.Results: The mean time to achieve the target blood pressure was 32.0 ±18.64 minutes (mean ± SD) in nifedipine group as compared with 37.04 ± 16.36 minutes in those receiving labetalol (P = .002). In the nifedipine group 63.3% required only one dose compared to 36.6% in the labetalol group.  Only two women in the nifedipine group required maximum number of doses that is five doses. Cross over treatment was required by 10% of patients in the labetalol group and none in the nifedipine group.Conclusions: This study shows that oral nifedipine is more effective than intravenous labetalol in rapid control of hypertension in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding menstruation among girls in Aurangabad, India and their correlation with sociodemographic factors
Authors: Deshmukh Varsha , Sandhu Gurpreet Kaur , Rachakonda Laxmi , Kakde Manisha , S. P. Andurkar
Published: February 2019

Background: Menstruation has always been surrounded by different perceptions throughout the world. Nowadays, there is some openness toward menstruation, but differences in attitude still persist between different populations depending upon the education, socioeconomic status and the surroundings. We conducted this study to assess the knowledge regarding menstruation, their attitudes and the practises undertaken by the young girls of India .A prewritten questionnaire was distributed to these girls and the answers were analysed.Methods: A school based cross-sectional study design was employed in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select 1000 female high school and junior college and pharmacy college students. Data collection was carried out from May 2018 to August 2018 using a pre- tested structured questionnaire. The data were entered into a computer using Epi-info version 3.5.1 and then exported to SPSS for Windows version 20.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done at 95 % confidence interval.Results: In this study 682and 552 respondents had good knowledge and practice of menstruation respectively. The findings of the study showed a significant positive association between good knowledge of menstruation and educational status of mothers (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.02-2.22), (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI:1.64-3.56). Educational status of the mother (AOR = 2.03, 95 % CI =1.38-2.97), revealed significant positive association with good practice and attitude of menstrual process.Conclusions: The findings showed that the knowledge and practice of menstruation is low. Hence awareness programmed should be conducted in schools regularly. Participation of mothers can also add to the knowledge and good practice scores of the young girls.
A study of abnormal semen parameters in infertile couples in Assam, India
Authors: Juneja Parija , Phukan Pranay K. , Changmai Debojit
Published: February 2019

Background: The importance of male factor contribution to infertility is well recognised. Semen analysis is an indispensable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the male partners of infertile couples.  Aim and objective of the study was conducted to determine the abnormalities in semen among male partners in infertile couples.Methods: Detailed history, examination and semen analysis was done. Semen samples were analysed for volume, viscosity, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, according to WHO guidelines.Results: This study, done at a tertiary care center in north eastern India has demonstrated that abnormal semen quality is a major factor contributing to infertility in couples. Total number of participants were 94. Most of the male partners i.e. 65.96%, who came for infertility evaluation were between 30-39 years of age with 56.38% participants having abnormal semen parameters. The most common abnormality found was asthenozoospermia seen in 35.11% of cases followed by oligozoospermia seen in 25.53% of cases. Teratozoospermia and azoospermia were seen in 7.45% and 4.26% of cases respectively.Conclusions: Males contribute towards infertility in couples significantly. Abnormal semen pattern is a common cause. More research is needed to render more valuable and significant results regarding male infertility.
Comparison of intrauterine insemination and timed intercourse following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in unexplained infertility: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paul Sayanti , Mandal Saumen , Pal Arghya , Pramanik Sumit Ranjan
Published: February 2019

Background: Being a diagnosis of exclusion the treatment options of unexplained infertility are often empiric. There is significant dilemma regarding the superiority of one over another. Despite increasing use of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in adjunct to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) there is scarcity of randomized controlled trials (RCT) from developing countries. Objective was to compare IUI and timed intercourse (TI) in super ovulated cycles among couples with unexplained infertility over one year.Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled trial total 85 patients were randomly assigned into group 1 (COH with IUI, N= 44) and group 2 (COH with TI, N=41). Patients underwent COH using sequential Clomiphene Citrate and injection human menopausal gonadotrophin followed by IUI in group 1 and timed intercourse in group 2. Either protocol was repeated for three consecutive cycles. Finally, both groups were compared for clinical pregnancy rate, adverse effects and acceptability of the treatment process and outcome. Comparison was done by Student’s unpaired t test for continuous and 2-tailed chi square test for categorical variables.Results: Clinical pregnancy rates following COH/IUI and COH/TI were 13.64% and 19.51% respectively. There was observable difference in the acceptability of the outcome (38.64% in IUI and 56.09% in TI group). All the results including complications and side effect rates were statistically insignificant.Conclusions: Present study failed to show any improvement of pregnancy rates following addition of IUI over TI and it raised the probability that the outcome of the procedure may not be well accepted.
Training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities of management of post-partum haemorrhage
Authors: Bhardwaj Samita , Raut Sonal , Bangal Vidyadhar B.
Published: February 2019

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication, that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Institutional delivery by skilled birth attendant who are trained in active management of third stage of labour and those who can use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment can reduce incidence and morbidity related to PPH. The objective of the paper was to share the experiences of the training programmes held for maternal health care workers in the newer modalities of PPH management.Methods: During one and a half year period, 32 Continuation of Medical Education (CME) programmes, with the theme of “Managing Obstetric Emergencies and Obstetric Trauma”, covering important topics related to high risk pregnancies like Hypertension, Eclampsia ,Anaemia and Haemorrhage at 32 health institutions, spread over 11 states and 2 union territories in India, were conducted .In addition,42 hands on workshops  at various health facilities were conducted with training of more than 2575 maternal health care providers.Results: The pre and post test scores revealed that 95 percent of the maternal health care providers were unaware about the use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade (Bakri balloon) in PPH and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG). Seventy percent were unaware about the proper sequence of steps of active management of third stage of labour. Training programmes helped to improve the knowledge, whereas hands on workshop, helped in skill development of the health care providers. The participants expressed great satisfaction regarding the knowledge and skills they acquired through training programme on management of post-partum haemorrhage. They gave positive feedback about the quality, contents and conduct of training programme.Conclusions: There is need for refresher training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities like AMTSL, NASG and Bakri balloon, which have potential to save lives.
Comparative study of maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancies with and without umbilical cord around foetal neck
Authors: Sonawane Pundalik K. , Bhadra Deep M.
Published: February 2019

Background: Umbilical cord around neck of the foetus is called the nuchal cord. The aims and objectives are to find out the incidence of nuchal cord around foetal neck at delivery, and to compare and evaluate intrapartum and postpartum maternal and foetal outcome in those with or without nuchal cord at delivery.Methods: It is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at tertiary care hospital for period of 12 months. Of 1380 patients, 934 patients were enrolled in present study after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria of which 150 patients were included in study group who delivered with nuchal cord and 784 patients in control group who delivered without nuchal cord.Results: Present study showed 18.84% incidence of nuchal cord at delivery. Duration of labour was 6.51hrs in study group and 6.15hrs in control group and the difference was statistically significant. Rest of the intrapartum and postpartum events were statistically not significant. Mean length of cord was more in patients delivered with loop of cord around foetal neck as compared to another group and it is statistically significant.Conclusions: Nuchal cord is a common finding at the time of delivery. However, it is per-se not an indication of LSCS and it only increases the operative morbidity.
Study of knowledge, attitude, practices regarding PPIUCD among antenatal women at a tertiary care centre in Northern India
Authors: Asnani Mona , Agarwal Anjoo , Singh Renu
Published: February 2019

Background: PPIUCD has been introduced in the national family welfare program since March 2010 in several states. AN IUCD can be inserted in 48 hours postpartum, referred to here as postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device. This study was done to assess the Knowledge, attitude and practice of postpartum Intrauterine contraceptive device in antenatal patients at a tertiary care centre in Northern India.Methods: This is a questionnaire based cross sectional observational study including 350 antenatal women attending antenatal OPD over a period of 6 months.Results: Out of these 350 women, 126 women (36%) had knowledge of PPIUCD. only 30 % of women had previous knowledge about PPIUCD however only 10 % of women practiced it in the past. After appropriate counselling 18% of women agreed for insertion of PPIUCD after this delivery.Conclusions: The study concludes that the antenatal women had poor knowledge regarding PPIUCD. Practices were even worse. This might be attributed to low education ,  refusal by family especially male partner, and religious beliefs. But once appropriate knowledge and information is provided, attitude gradually changes.
Review of experiences: recurrent pregnancy loss with reproductive outcome in pregnant women
Authors: Gupta Urvi , Alwani M. , Kosta Susmit
Published: February 2019

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is an important reproductive health issue, affecting 2%–5% of couples. Research into why miscarriage happens is the only way we can save lives and prevent future loss. In this study we estimate the percentage of babies who survived beyond the neonatal period in a RPL clinic and to identify associated factors.Methods: A retrospective cohort study including 128 women seen at a clinic for RPL in loss group between 2016 and 2018 and a control group including 180 pregnant women seen at a low-risk prenatal care unit. Reproductive success rate was defined as an alive-birth, independent of gestational age at birth and survival after the neonatal period. All the date was statically reviewed and analyzed.Results: Out of 115 who conceived, 105 (91.3%) had reproductive success rate. There were more full-term pregnancies in the control than in the loss group (155/180; 89.6% versus 67/115; 58.3%; p<0.01). The prenatal visits number was satisfactory for 97(84.3%) women in the loss group and 112(62.2%) in the control (p<0.01). In this, the beginning of prenatal care was earlier (13.5 ±4.3versus 18.3±6.1weeks). During pregnancy, the loss group women increased the weight more than those in the control group (57.4% versus 47.8% p=0.01). Although cervix cerclage was performed in 41/115 (35.7%) women in the loss group, the pregnancy duration mean was smaller (34.6±5.1 weeks versus 38.2±2.5 weeks; p<0.01) than in the control group. Due to gestational complications, cesarean delivery predominated in the loss group (71/115; 61.7%versus 69/180; 38.3%, p<0.01).Conclusions: A very good reproductive success rate can be attributed to greater availability of healthcare services to receive pregnant women, through prenatal visits scheduled or not, cervical cerclage performed on time and available hospital care for the mother and newborn.
Intestinal endometriosis: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Juneja Sunil Kumar , Virk Satpal Singh , Singla Saurabh , Sachdeva Kamal , Kaur Harpreet , Sharma Anjali
Published: February 2019

Background: Endometriosis is a benign gynaecological condition that causes significant morbidity to women of reproductive age group. It uncommonly affects the gastrointestinal tract and acute bowel obstruction is a rare manifestation.Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on eight patients.Results: In three patients (37.5%), small intestinal involvement was seen, and colon was involved in five patients (62.5%). One (12.5%) patient presented with complete bowel obstruction while in others partial obstruction of the intestine was seen.Conclusions: Intestinal endometriosis is a diagnostic challenge and should be considered in young menstruating women with gastrointestinal symptoms. Intestinal endometriosis is the most common extra-pelvic site and it is found in 12% of women with endometriosis. The true incidence of endometriosis causing bowel obstruction is unknown. Pre or intraoperative sigmoidoscopy may prove helpful in ruling out malignancy. The gold standard for diagnosis is laparoscopy and biopsy, which allows a full assessment of the pelvis as well as surgical resection if required. The management of endometriosis is an integrated approach of both medical and surgical therapy. Bowel resection is usually undertaken if there are features of obstruction or bleeding, and if there is suspicion of malignancy.
Fatal outcome in acute fatty liver of pregnancy and review of literature
Authors: Rani Reena , Rathore Asmita M. , Bhasin Sangeeta
Published: February 2019

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is an uncommon life-threatening disorder of pregnancy seen commonly in third trimester. When not diagnosed at right time it can lead to hepatic failure, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, maternal and fetal mortality. The clinical symptoms and signs are nonspecific, and it needs to be identified early in order to prevent poor outcome. The gold standard for diagnosis of AFLP is liver biopsy, which is difficult in an acute setting and in abnormal coagulation profile hence the diagnosis is usually based on clinical criteria   Early termination of pregnancy and good intensive care support are the mainstay of management. The authors here presented a case report where even early delivery and good critical care failed to prevent maternal mortality. Review of literature regarding etiopathogenesis, management and recurrences of AFLP are also discussed.
A case report: 46 XY-disorder of sexual development
Authors: Kansara Tejal , Shah Tushar , Umbharatwala Yesha
Published: February 2019

Authors report a case of a 6-year-old child with syndromic 46, XY disorder of sexual development. From the birth patient was assigned female. Physical examination showed dysmorphic features and ambiguous external genitalia. Cytogenetic analysis of cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed a male karyotype. The result of the chromosomal investigation showing male genetic sex, together with the ambivalent aspect of the external genitalia and gonads that are exclusively testes led to the diagnosis of 46, XY disorder of sexual development. The clinical management will help the child and the family deal effectively with this condition A multidisciplinary approach to this problem involving pediatricians, specialists in the field of endocrinology, genetics, surgery and psychiatry is necessary in order to reach a prompt and correct diagnosis and treatment.
Desenvolvimento de habilidades motoras: evidências de validade de um novo instrumento de medida
Authors: Gonçalves Gabriel Henrique Treter , Balbinotti Marcos Alencar Abaide , Balbinotti Carlos Adelar Abaide
Published: February 2019

Introdução: O desenvolvimento de habilidades motoras é um dos conteúdos mais lembrados pela literatura relacionada à pedagogia do esporte. Objetivo: Testar o modelo quadridimensional – Orientação ao Aperfeiçoamento (OA), Orientação à Conformação (OC), Orientação a Adequação ao Estágio Motos (OAEM) e Orientação a Práticas Variadas (OPV) – avaliado pela Escala sobre o Desenvolvimento de Habilidades Motoras no Contexto de Competições Esportivas (EDHMCCE-14) – através dos princípios métricos de análises fatoriais e consistência interna. Método: Foi utilizada uma amostra de 108 participantes de 20 a 61 anos, de ambos os sexos, treinadores esportivos. Resultados: Os resultados das análises fatoriais exploratória (explicando cerca de 50% da variância total do construto) e confirmatória (GFI = 0,89; AGFI = 0,83; x2/gl = 1,424; RMSEA = 0,063; PCLOSE = 0,220; CFI = 0,934) permitem concluir que o modelo testado confirmou a existência de 4 dimensões (OA, OC, OAEM, OPV). Os resultados do estudo de consistência interna obtidos pelo cálculo alpha de Cronbach (0,67 a 0,73), asseguram a relativa precisão das dimensões medidas e a confiabilidade de sua utilização aos objetivos a que se propõe. Conclusão: Novos estudos devem explorar/testar outras importantes qualidades métricas deste instrumento (validade de conteúdo e fidedignidade teste-reteste, entre outras).
Efeitos do treinamento resistido em indivíduos com tendinose no manguito rotador – uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Toigo Adriana Marques
Published: February 2019

Introdução: O ombro é considerado um local frequentemente acometido por lesões esportivas, especialmente nas modalidades que envolvem rebatidas e arremessos em razão da grande demanda biomecânica. As lesões de manguito rotador, entre as quais destaca-se a tendinose, podem ser complicadas de tratar em esportistas, porque, em muitas vezes, o quadro doloroso não corresponde aos diagnósticos por imagem e os indivíduos com esse tipo de lesão, muitas vezes, conseguem praticar esporte sem relato de dor. Objetivo: Esta revisão propôs-se a apresentar evidências baseadas na literatura científica sobre os possíveis efeitos do treinamento resistido como forma de tratamento conservador da tendinose no manguito rotador. Método: Foram selecionados e analisados artigos de periódicos arbitrados presentes em bancos de dados acadêmicos EBSCO e Pubmed entre os anos de 2007 e 2017. Resultados e conclusões: Todos os resultados encontrados mostraram efeitos positivos do treinamento resistido nas variáveis dor, amplitude de movimento e função muscular, inclusive nos que realizaram follow-up, verificando que, mesmo após algum tempo sem treinar, os efeitos benéficos mantiveram-se. Dessa forma, o treinamento resistido parece ser uma alternativa de tratamento conservador para o alívio da dor, aumento da amplitude de movimento e melhora da função do manguito rotador em indivíduos com tendinose no manguito rotador.
Aplicação da análise sensorial como determinante da qualidade da alimentação escolar
Authors: Sostmeyer Diégeles , Hautrive Tiffany Prokopp
Published: February 2019

O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar tem como objetivo promover o crescimento, a aprendizagem e a formação de boas práticas alimentares dos alunos, favorecendo, dessa forma, a permanência na escola e a melhoria do desempenho escolar. O Programa também é responsável pela alimentação diária de milhões de alunos matriculados no sistema público de educação. Este artigo de revisão bibliográfica objetivou descrever como a aplicação da análise sensorial é importante para verificar a qualidade da alimentação oferecida aos escolares. Existem duas maneiras de realizar os testes de aceitabilidade: pode ser por meio de resto ingestão, que deve ter no mínimo 90% de aceitabilidade; e pela escala hedônica, que deve ter no mínimo 85%. Os resultados dos testes de aceitabilidade contribuem para verificar sobre a aceitação de determinado alimento pelos escolares, o qual também é um importante fator para determinar a qualidade do serviço prestado pelas escolas em relação ao fornecimento da alimentação escolar. Além disso, essa prática auxilia o trabalho da Nutricionista e evita o desperdício de recursos públicos, pois ajuda na compra de gêneros alimentícios e no planejamento de cardápios.
Immunoinflammatory responses in gastrointestinal tract injury and recovery.
Authors: Verma Garima , Marella Akranth , Shaquiquzzaman Md , Alam Md Mumtaz
Published: February 2019

Inflammation is a non-specific immune response to infection, irritation or other injury, the key features being redness, warmth, swelling and pain. A number of mediators are released which alter the resistance of mucosa to injury induced by noxious substances. Oxidative stress is a unifying mechanism of injury in many types of disease processes, including gastrointestinal diseases. It has been defined as an imbalance in the activity of pro and antioxidants. Pro-oxidants favour free radical formation while antioxidants inhibit or retard the same. A number of markers of oxidative stress have been identified. This review provides an overview of various mediators of inflammation and oxidative stress, and diverse approaches for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal inflammation.
Congenital disorders of glycosylation. Part I. Defects of protein N-glycosylation.
Authors: Cylwik Bogdan , Naklicki Marcin , Chrostek Lech , Gruszewska Ewa
Published: February 2019

Glycosylation is the most common chemical process of protein modification and occurs in every living cell. Disturbances of this process may be either congenital or acquired. Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a rapidly growing disease family, with about 50 disorders reported since its first clinical description in 1980. Most of the human diseases have been discovered recently. CDG result from defects in the synthesis of the N- and O-glycans moiety of glycoproteins, and in the attachment to the polypeptide chain of proteins. These defects have been found in the activation, presentation, and transport of sugar precursors, in the enzymes responsible for glycosylation, and in proteins that control the traffic of component. There are two main types of protein glycosylation: N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation. Most diseases are due to defects in the N-glycosylation pathway. For the sake of convenience, CDG were divided into 2 types, type I and II. CDG can affect nearly all organs and systems. The considerable variability of clinical features makes it difficult to recognize patients with CDG. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of abnormal glycosylation display. In this paper, an overview of CDG with a new nomenclature limited to the group of protein N-glycosylation disorders, clinical phenotype and diagnostic approach, have been presented. The location, reasons for defects, and the number of cases have been also described. This publication aims to draw attention to the possibility of occurrence of CDG in each multisystem disorder with an unknown origin.
Heat and SDS insensitive NDK dimers are largely stabilised by hydrophobic interaction to form functional hexamer in Mycobacterium smegmatis.
Authors: Arumugam Muthu , Ajitkumar Parthasarathi
Published: February 2019

The primary structure and function of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK), a substrate non-specific enzyme involved in the maintenance of nucleotide pools is also implicated to play pivotal roles in many other cellular processes. NDK is conserved from bacteria to human and forms a homotetramer or hexamer to exhibit its biological activity. However, the nature of the functional oligomeric form of the enzyme differs among different organisms. The functional form of NDKs from many bacterial systems, including that of the human pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtuNDK), is a hexamer, although some bacterial NDKs are tetrameric in nature. The present study addresses the oligomeric property of MsmNDK and how a dimer, the basic subunit of a functional hexamer, is stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Homology modeling was generated using the three-dimensional structure of MtuNDK as a template; the residues interacting at the monomer-monomer interface of MsmNDK were mapped. Using recombinant enzymes of wild type, catalytically inactive mutant, and monomer-monomer interactive mutants of MsmNDK, the stability of the dimer was verified under heat, SDS, low pH, and methanol. The predicted residues (Gln17, Ser24 and Glu27) were engaged in dimer formation, however the mutated proteins retained the ATPase and GTPase activity even after introducing single (MsmNDK- Q17A, MsmNDK-E27A, and MsmNDK-E27Q) and double (MsmNDK-E27A/Q17A) mutation. However, the monomer-monomer interaction could be abolished using methanol, indicating the stabilization of the monomer-monomer interaction by hydrophobic interaction.
Detailed characterization of the substrate specificity of mouse wax synthase.
Authors: Miklaszewska Magdalena , Kawiński Adam , Banaś Antoni
Published: February 2019

Wax synthases are membrane-associated enzymes catalysing the esterification reaction between fatty acyl-CoA and a long chain fatty alcohol. In living organisms, wax esters function as storage materials or provide protection against harmful environmental influences. In industry, they are used as ingredients for the production of lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Currently the biological sources of wax esters are limited to jojoba oil. In order to establish a large-scale production of desired wax esters in transgenic high-yielding oilseed plants, enzymes involved in wax esters synthesis from different biological resources should be characterized in detail taking into consideration their substrate specificity. Therefore, this study aims at determining the substrate specificity of one of such enzymes -- the mouse wax synthase. The gene encoding this enzyme was expressed heterologously in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the in vitro assays (using microsomal fraction from transgenic yeast), we evaluated the preferences of mouse wax synthase towards a set of combinations of 11 acyl-CoAs with 17 fatty alcohols. The highest activity was observed for 14:0-CoA, 12:0-CoA, and 16:0-CoA in combination with medium chain alcohols (up to 5.2, 3.4, and 3.3 nmol wax esters/min/mg microsomal protein, respectively). Unsaturated alcohols longer than 18°C were better utilized by the enzyme in comparison to the saturated ones. Combinations of all tested alcohols with 20:0-CoA, 22:1-CoA, or Ric-CoA were poorly utilized by the enzyme, and conjugated acyl-CoAs were not utilized at all. Apart from the wax synthase activity, mouse wax synthase also exhibited a very low acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity. However, it displayed neither acyl-CoA:monoacylglycerol acyltransferase, nor acyl-CoA:sterol acyltransferase activity.
Cohesin Irr1/Scc3 is likely to influence transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via interaction with Mediator complex.
Authors: Cena Agata , Skoneczny Marek , Chełstowska Anna , Kowalec Piotr , Natorff Renata , Kurlandzka Anna
Published: February 2019

The evolutionarily conserved proteins forming sister chromatid cohesion complex are also involved in the regulation of gene transcription. The participation of SA2p (mammalian ortholog of yeast Irr1p, associated with the core of the complex) in the regulation of transcription is already described. Here we analyzed microarray profiles of gene expression of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae irr1-1/IRR1 heterozygous diploid strain. We report that expression of 33 genes is affected by the presence of the mutated Irr1-1p and identify those genes. This supports the suggested role of Irr1p in the regulation of transcription. We also indicate that Irr1p may interact with elements of transcriptional coactivator Mediator.
Lclet 4 enhances pro-apoptotic and anti-invasive effects of mitoxantrone on human prostate cancer cells - in vitro study.
Authors: Koczurkiewicz Paulina , Podolak Irma , Wójcik Katarzyna Anna , Galanty Agnieszka , Madeja Zbigniew , Michalik Marta , Czyż Jarosław
Published: February 2019

Triterpene saponosides are widely distributed plant secondary metabolites characterized by relatively low systemic cytotoxicity and a range of biological activities. These include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, vasoprotective and antitumor properties. In particular, the ability of saponins to enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs opened perspectives for their application in combined cancer chemotherapy. Here, we used human prostate cancer DU-145 cells as an in vitro model to elucidate the synergy of the interactions between biological activities of an oleanane type 13β,28-epoxy triterpene saponoside (Lclet 4) and mitoxantrone, which is a cytostatic drug commonly used in prostate cancer therapy. No cytotoxic or pro-apoptotic effect of Lclet 4 and mitoxantrone administered at the concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1 µg/ml could be seen. In contrast, cocktails of these agents exerted synergistic pro-apoptotic effects, accompanied by the activation of the caspase 3/7 system. This effect was paralleled by attenuating effects of Lclet 4/mitoxantrone cocktails on the invasive potential, metalloproteinase expression and motility of DU-145 cells. Multifaceted and additive effects of Lclet 4 and mitoxantrone on basic cellular traits crucial for prostate cancer progression indicate that the combined application of both agents at systemically neutral concentrations may provide the basis for new promising strategies of prostate cancer chemotherapy.
Molecular basis of mechanisms of steroid resistance in children with nephrotic syndrome.
Authors: Swierczewska Monika , Ostalska-Nowicka Danuta , Kempisty Bartosz , Nowicki Michał , Zabel Maciej
Published: February 2019

Steroid therapy, due to a wide range of anti-inflammatory properties of steroids, is a basic field of treatment in many human diseases including the nephrotic syndrome in children. However, not all patients respond positively to therapy which divides them into steroid sensitive (SS) and steroid resistance (SR) individuals. Many potential factors associated with steroid resistance have been identified so far. It seems that genetic factors associated with glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα), the structure of heterocomplex of GR as well as glycoprotein P or cytochrome P450 may play a role in the induction of glucocorticoid resistance. Here we described several of the molecular mechanisms, which can regulate glucocorticoid sensitivity and resistance. Moreover, we presented genetic defects, which can lead to various effects of treatment and, in a longer perspective, enable clinicians to individualize therapies.
NOD1 and NOD2 receptors: integral members of the innate and adaptive immunity system.
Authors: Antosz Halina , Osiak Magdalena
Published: February 2019

NOD-like proteins (NLR) are a specialized group of intracellular receptors, which constitute an essential component of the host innate immune system. They were discovered more than a decade ago, but research on this particular class of microbial detectors is still ongoing to allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms, recognition of microorganisms, transmission of signals, and carrying out the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the construction of NOD1 and NOD2 receptors, their functions, and significance in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases in humans.
A simple method for the determination of the cholesterol esterase activity.
Authors: Stępień Agnieszka Ewa , Gonchar Mykhailo
Published: February 2019

The proposed method determines the activity of cholesterol esterase (CEH) and takes advantage of its ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters naturally present in human serum. The assay is based on Allain's method of spectrophotometric determination of cholesterol by means of cholesterol oxidase, peroxidase, but using 3,5-dichloro-dihydroxybenzenesulfonic acid (DHBS) as phenolic chromogen and human serum as a source of substrate for the CEH as a novelty. Furthermore, it is characterized by low costs and high precision. It can be employed to control the activity of CE preparations used for the preparation of enzymatic kits for the determination of cholesterol or for screening of potential bacterial enzyme producers.
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 C(-1306)T promoter polymorphism and breast cancer risk in the Saudi population.
Authors: Saeed Hesham Mahmoud , Alanazi Mohammad Saud , Alshahrani Omair , Parine Narasimha Reddy , Alabdulkarim Huda Abdullah , Shalaby Manal Aly
Published: February 2019

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an enzyme with proteolytic activity against matrix proteins, particularly basement membrane constituents. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at -1306, which disrupts a Sp1-type promoter site (CCACC box), displayed a strikingly lower promoter activity with the T allele. In the present study, we investigate whether this MMP-2 SNP is associated with susceptibility to breast cancer in the Saudi population. Ninety breast cancer patients and 92 age matched controls were included in this study. TaqMan Allele Discrimination assay and DNA sequencing techniques were used for genotyping. The results showed that, the frequency of MMP-2 CC wild genotype was lower in breast cancer patients when compared with healthy controls (0.65 versus 0.79). The homozygous CC (OR=2, χ(2)=5.36, p=0.02) and heterozygous CT (OR=1.98, χ(2)=4.1, p=0.04) showing significantly high risk of breast cancer in the investigated group. In conclusion our data suggest that the MMP-2 C(-1306)T polymorphism may be associated with increased breast cancer risk in the Saudi population.
Trehalase as a possible marker of intestinal ischemia--reperfusion injury.
Authors: Tóth Stefan , Pekárová Tímea , Varga Ján , Tomečková Vladimíra , Tóth Stefan , Lakyová Lucia , Veselá Jarmila
Published: February 2019

Different pathological affections of the small intestine cause corresponding morphological and functional changes. The present study was aimed to assess intestinal trehalase activities during ischemia and following reperfusion, correlate them with the pathological changes and determine whether trehalase could be used as a biochemical marker of the intestinal ischemia, ischemia - reperfusion injury.
Wistar rats, randomly divided into 5 experimental groups (IR) (each n=15), were subjected to one hour mesenteric ischemia followed by 0, 1, 4, 12 and 24 hours of reperfusion. As a control group sham operated animals were used (n=15). The activity of trehalase was determined using an adapted Dahlqwist method. The range of intestinal injury was determined using histological (histopathological injury index and goblet cell quantification) and immunohistochemical (Ki67, InSitu TUNEL) methods.
The highest activities of trehalase were recorded in the control group (C=4.42 ± 0.373 μmol/mg/h). The most altered intestinal histology detected in group IR1 was accompanied by the lowest trehalase activity (IR1=0.97 ± 0.209 μmol/mg/h; p < 0.001 C vs. IR1). Improved histological structure in the remaining reperfusion periods correlated with increase in trehalase activity. Almost normal mucosal histological architecture and 72% of the enzymatic activity were restored after 24 hours of reperfusion (IR24=3.20 ± 0.266 μmol/mg/h; p < 0.01 IR1 vs. IR24).
The correlation between intestinal histology and trehalase activities during intestinal injury has been shown. Trehalase activity is closely associated with the status of the histological architecture of the small intestine.
Nanosilver - does it have only one face?
Authors: Likus Wirginia , Bajor Grzegorz , Siemianowicz Krzysztof
Published: February 2019

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) have at least one dimension of a particle smaller than 100 nm and contain 20-15,000 silver atoms. Due to its antibacterial activity nanosilver (NS) is used for medical purposes. NS particles can be obtained by various methods. Potentially, the best method of the NS synthesis for medical purposes is based on a brief flow of electric current between two silver electrodes placed in deionized water. It is accepted that the major antibacterial effect of silver is its partial oxidation and releasing silver ions, which interact with thiol groups of peptidoglicans of bacterial cell wall, and proteins of the cell membrane causing cell lysis. Silver ions can also bind to bacterial DNA preventing its replication and stopping synthesis of bacterial proteins. The rise in exposure to silver NPs has spurred interest into their toxicology. NS undergoes a set of biochemical transformations including accelerated oxidative dissolution in gastric acid, binding to thiol groups of serum and tissue proteins, exchange between thiol groups, sulfides and selenides, binding to selenoproroteins and photoreduction in skin to zerovalent metallic silver. Animal studies have shown that exposure to NS may lead to liver and spleen damage. NS can also stimulate an increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by monocytes. As a spectrum of NS applications is still growing, the complex evaluation of a safety of its use becomes an important task. This requires an elucidation of not only the influence of NS on human cells and organism, but also its biotransformation in organism and in environment.
Beneficial and harmful roles of bacteria from the Clostridium genus.
Authors: Samul Dorota , Worsztynowicz Paulina , Leja Katarzyna , Grajek Włodzimierz
Published: February 2019

Bacteria of the Clostridium genus are often described only as a biological threat and a foe of mankind. However, many of them have positive properties and thanks to them they may be used in many industry branches (e.g., in solvents and alcohol production, in medicine, and also in esthetic cosmetology). During the last 10 years interest in application of C. botulinum and C. tetani in medicine significantly increased. Currently, the structure and biochemical properties of neurotoxins produced by these bacterial species, as well as possibilities of application of such toxins as botulinum as a therapeutic factor in humans, are being intensely researched. The main aim of this article is to demonstrate that bacteria from Clostridium spp. are not only pathogens and the enemy of humanity but they also have many important beneficial properties which make them usable among many chemical, medical, and cosmetic applications.
Microscopic findings for the study of biofilms in food environments.
Authors: Olszewska Magdalena A
Published: February 2019

The capability of bacteria to colonize food processing surfaces and to form biofilm has become an emerging concern for food industry. The presence and persistence of biofilm on food processing surfaces may pose a risk of food spoilage or food poisoning. A better understanding of bacterial adhesion and resistance of biofilms is needed to ensure quality and safety of food products. This review focuses on microscopic approaches incorporated to explore biofilm mode of existence in food processing environments. An application of antimicrobial agents for the biofilm control, in particular for bacteria connected with food processing environments, is also highlighted. In addition, some aspects of biofilm resistance, especially the phenomenon of persister cells, are discussed.
Interactions of sialic acid with phosphatidylcholine liposomes studied by 2D NMR spectroscopy.
Authors: Timoszyk Anna , Latanowicz Lidia
Published: February 2019

Biological membranes are complex systems which have attracted scientific interest for a long time and for various reasons. The sialic acid-liposome interactions at the molecular level depend on their hydro-lipophilic characteristics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes of conformation of the phospholipid (1,2-Diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and sialic acid (2,8-(N-acetylneuraminic acid)) molecules and the type of interactions induced by the sialic acid molecules on membrane-like systems (liposomes) by 2D NMR (TOCSY, HETCOR, ROESY). The nature of the interaction of sialic acid with the model membrane depends on the structure of the phospholipid headgroups and the hydration of membrane. In ROESY spectra was observed the absence of dipole-dipole couplings within the choline head, between headgroups and glycerol, and between glycerol and fatty acid chains. It indicates an increase of the membrane dynamics in the presence of sialic acid. Moreover, the conformation of sialic acid molecule is changed in the presence of liposomes, which depends on stereochemistry of the chemical groups of the carbon atoms C7 and C8, and oxygen O8. The observed differences between the ROESY spectra of free and liposome bound sialic acid may be a consequence of a changed orientation of the pyranose ring from trans to gauche in the presence of liposomes. The sialic acid penetrate into the phospholipid bilayer to a sufficient depth to allow the dipole interaction. The present result that the correlation signal was found only between the methyl protons from the acetyl group of sialic acid and the methylene tail of phospholipid molecule in the ROESY spectrum indicates that the opposite end of the sialic acid molecule stays in the aqueous phase without interacting with membrane molecules.
Antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activity of simvastatin may involve modulation of the expression of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase.
Authors: Adekunle Adeniran Sanmi , Fatoki John Olabode , Adelusi Temitope Isaac
Published: February 2019

The statin-induced effects on high density lipoprotein (HDL) are relatively small compared with those of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and, as a result, most clinical trials of statins are underpowered with respect to HDL parameters. This study experimentally investigated, the effects of statin on serum lipids, atherogenic index and examined the possibility of a relationship amongst serum concentrations of HDL-C, atherogenic index and activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase.
Thirty albino rats equally divided into 2 groups were used for the study. Group 1 was given 0.05mg/g of statin daily for 28 days, while group 2 served as control. HDL concentration was determined as a measure of HDL-C. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and HDL-C were determined spectrophotometrically while LDL-C was calculated using the Frieldwald formula. Effect on the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase was determined by the difference between the amount of free cholesterol converted to cholesteryl ester in the two experimental groups. Effects on body and relative organs weights were also determined.
The administration of statin caused a significant increase in serum concentration of HDL-C, while levels of LDL-C, triglyceride and total cholesterol were reduced. Simvastatin caused a significant reduction in the atherogenic index (TC/HDL-C; LDLC/HDL-C). The administration of statin significantly induced the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) as evident by reduced serum concentration of free cholesterol when compared with control. The administration of statin caused reduced body and relative organs weights.
The study showed that serum antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activity of statin may involve the induction of LCAT.