The effect of PRP and hyperosmolarity simultaneous use on expression profile alteration of miRNAs associated with cartilage differentiation in human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a type of multipotent stem cell whose differentiation into cartilage cells has been considered in recent years. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may impair cartilage differentiation due to its richness in growth factors and hyperosmolarity due to its proximity to the required cartilage environment.

OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of this study was to treat human adipose tissue-derived MSCs concurrently with PRP and hyperosmolarity to investigate the expression profile of micro-RNA (miRNA) involved in the cartilage process differentiation. We examined the effect of PRP and the increase in osmolarity on the expression of miR-27, miR-101, miR-140, miR-145, miR-146, and miR-199.

METHODS

Mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from human adipose tissue and differentiated into chondrocytes and the effect of baseline cultures (diff), PRP (prp), hyperosmolarity (os), base plus hyperosmolarity (diff + os), PRP plus hyperosmolarity (prp + os) next to the control group were studied in cartilage differentiation using specific stains such as Alcian blue, hematoxylin and eosin, and collagen type 2 and 10 immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression of miR-27, miR-140, miR-199, miR-146, miR-101, and miR-145 was evaluated using real-time PCR.

CONCLUSION

Human adipose tissue-derived MSCs with the ability to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes showed the properties of chondrocytes in all differentiation groups. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity and calcium deposition were lower in the diff + os group than in other groups. Therefore, the diff + os group may be a more suitable environment for cartilage differentiation. Furthermore, 5% PRP concentration and hyperosmolarity showed a positive effect on miR-140, miR-199, miR-27, and, miR-146 and a negative effect on miR-101 and miR-145 on cartilage differentiation.

Risk factors and control strategies for silicotuberculosis as an occupational disease

Silicotuberculosis is critical in community settings among workers and employees exposed to silica dust. Older age of entry (>30 years), male sex, infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), exposure duration, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, migration, the severity of the silicosis and the intensity of the exposure are potential risk factors. Lack of timely diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis (TB) may also raise the rate of infection; previous treatment of TB is possibly associated with the development of silicotuberculosis in more than half of patients, increasing with age (>40 years). Identification of risk factors benefits not only the academic research community, but also the workers or employees and policy making. Some strategies can be implemented, such as controlling or reducing exposure to silica dust, ensuring continuity of treatment of TB or extended anti-TB treatment, management of the situation by occupational health professionals, prevention of oscillating migration, providing workers with compensation, training and education in occupational health, improving the quality of life of miners and workers, intensive medical surveillance and TB screening in routine health check ups, and policy making for higher immunity to inhibit inhalation of dust by workers or employees.

Growth of graphene on cylindrical copper conductors as an anticorrosion coating: a microscopic study

We have successfully grown graphene film on the surface of cylindrical copper conductors by chemical vapour deposition. The quality and number of graphene layers have been investigated using Raman spectroscopy, Raman mapping and scanning electron microscopy, as a function of methane gas flow rate and of growth temperature. Transmission electron microscopy analysis has been performed to verify the number of graphene layers, confirming the results obtained by Raman spectroscopy. The results open up the possibility of using graphene as an anticorrosion coating for copper cables and earth grids.

Single-spin CCD

Spin-based electronics or spintronics relies on the ability to store, transport and manipulate electron spin polarization with great precision. In its ultimate limit, information is stored in the spin state of a single electron, at which point quantum information processing also becomes a possibility. Here, we demonstrate the manipulation, transport and readout of individual electron spins in a linear array of three semiconductor quantum dots. First, we demonstrate single-shot readout of three spins with fidelities of 97% on average, using an approach analogous to the operation of a charge-coupled device (CCD). Next, we perform site-selective control of the three spins, thereby writing the content of each pixel of this 'single-spin charge-coupled device'. Finally, we show that shuttling an electron back and forth in the array hundreds of times, covering a cumulative distance of 80 μm, has negligible influence on its spin projection. Extrapolating these results to the case of much larger arrays points at a diverse range of potential applications, from quantum information to imaging and sensing.

Spin-relaxation anisotropy in a GaAs quantum dot

We report that the electron spin-relaxation time T_{1} in a GaAs quantum dot with a spin-1/2 ground state has a 180° periodicity in the orientation of the in-plane magnetic field. This periodicity has been predicted for circular dots as being due to the interplay of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin orbit contributions. Different from this prediction, we find that the extrema in the T_{1} do not occur when the magnetic field is along the [110] and [11[over ¯]0] crystallographic directions. This deviation is attributed to an elliptical dot confining potential. The T_{1} varies by more than 1 order of magnitude when rotating a 3 T field, reaching about 80 ms for the optimal angle. We infer from the data that in our device the signs of the Rashba and Dresselhaus constants are opposite.

Simultaneous spin-charge relaxation in double quantum dots

We investigate phonon-induced spin and charge relaxation mediated by spin-orbit and hyperfine interactions for a single electron confined within a double quantum dot. A simple toy model incorporating both direct decay to the ground state of the double dot and indirect decay via an intermediate excited state yields an electron spin relaxation rate that varies nonmonotonically with the detuning between the dots. We confirm this model with experiments performed on a GaAs double dot, demonstrating that the relaxation rate exhibits the expected detuning dependence and can be electrically tuned over several orders of magnitude. Our analysis suggests that spin-orbit mediated relaxation via phonons serves as the dominant mechanism through which the double-dot electron spin-flip rate varies with detuning.

Resolving spin-orbit- and hyperfine-mediated electric dipole spin resonance in a quantum dot

We investigate the electric manipulation of a single-electron spin in a single gate-defined quantum dot. We observe that so-far neglected differences between the hyperfine- and spin-orbit-mediated electric dipole spin resonance conditions have important consequences at high magnetic fields. In experiments using adiabatic rapid passage to invert the electron spin, we observe an unusually wide and asymmetric response as a function of the magnetic field. Simulations support the interpretation of the line shape in terms of four different resonance conditions. These findings may lead to isotope-selective control of dynamic nuclear polarization in quantum dots.

Two-year experience of orthotopic liver transplantation in afzalipoor hospital, kerman, southeastern iran

BACKGROUND

End-stage liver diseases are common in Iran. The only therapeutic option for these patients is liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE

To present our 2-year experience of liver transplantations in Afzalipoor Hospital, Kerman, southeastern Iran.

METHODS

From November 2009 to September 2011, 12 patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation in our center. Their data including demographics, indications for transplantation, MELD scores, post-operative complications and their management were collected.

RESULTS

Patients (7 women and 5 men) aged between 14 and 55 years. Indications for the transplantation included HBV infection (n=5), cryptogenic cirrhosis (n=2), Wilson's disease, alcoholism (n=1), HCV infection (n=1), Budd-Chiari syndrome (n=1), and autoimmune hepatitis (n=1). MELD score of patients ranged from 16 to 30. All patients received tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetile and corticosteroid, postoperatively. 2 patients died of pulmonary and intra-abdominal infections with resultant to multiple organ failure. Nonfunctioning of transplanted liver and ongoing bleeding resulted in death in another patients. 9 patients are well doing and have excellent liver functions.

CONCLUSION

We had relatively successful results in our experience of orthotopic liver transplantation. Vicinity of our center to Shiraz Transplant Center would be an important factor in this success.

Lipid-lowering effect of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) fruit extract in hypercholesterolemic rats

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for development of atherosclerosis. In the present study, the hypolipidemic effects of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruits in high cholesterold diet (HCD)-fed rats was investigated. There was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) along with augmented activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. Treatment with aqueous methanol extract of sumac fruits reduced the above alterations observed in hypercholesterolemic rats. Sumac extract also reversed the hypertrophic cardiac histology. Furthermore, in vivo toxicological studies showed no evidence of acute toxicity of the extract in male Wistar rats. In conclusion, sumac fruit extract intervention minimized the lipid abnormalities and abnormal biochemical changes induced in HCD fed rats. This shows that sumac fruit extract possesses cardioprotective and hepatoprotective activities which will be beneficial in hypercholesterolemic condition.

Single-shot correlations and two-qubit gate of solid-state spins

Measurement of coupled quantum systems plays a central role in quantum information processing. We have realized independent single-shot read-out of two electron spins in a double quantum dot. The read-out method is all-electrical, cross-talk between the two measurements is negligible, and read-out fidelities are ~86% on average. This allows us to directly probe the anticorrelations between two spins prepared in a singlet state and to demonstrate the operation of the two-qubit exchange gate on a complete set of basis states. The results provide a possible route to the realization and efficient characterization of multiqubit quantum circuits based on single quantum dot spins.

Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from vaginal swabs of Ewin, Rajaii shahr, Karaj and Varamin female prisoners by PCR and culture methods

Isolation of N. gonorrhoeae by culture method is currently the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis of gonorrhoea. However, PCR techniques are being used more frequently as sensitivity and specificity of the newer tests are improved. In this study, 500 vaginal swabs from Ewin, Rajaii shahr, Karaj and Varamin female prisoners were used for detection of N. gonorrhoae by culture and PCR techniques. Five hundred vaginal swabs from Ewin, Rajaii shahr, Karaj and Varamin female prisoners were cultured in modified Thayer Martin in 37 degrees C with 5% CO2 for 72 h. Oxidase, catalase tests, biochemical tests such as maltose and glucose oxidation and gram staining, were used to confirm the isolated species. Amplification by PCR using 2 targets which are specific for N. gonorrhoeae, Ngu1 and Ngu2, were used to detect the presence of gonococcal specific DNA. Despite of finding some questionable samples as N. gonorrhoeae by using biochemical tests, PCR method confirmed that none of them were positive for N. gonorrhoeae. This study deals with detection of N. gonorrhoeae among woman prisoners in three main prisons in Tehran, Iran. The high specificity and sensitivity coupled with low cost and rapidity of the method (PCR) provided a substantial advantages over the time consuming culture methods currently used in hospitals and laboratories.

Reperfusion injury and inflammatory responses following acute lower limb revascularization surgery

After revascularization of an acute arterial occlusion the development of a serious ischaemic-reperfusion injury is a menacing challenge and a hard task in peripheral vascular surgery. A whale of evidences point to oxidative stress, as an important trigger, in the complex chain of events leading to reperfusion injury. In the present study authors aimed to examine oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant-prooxidant state and leukocyte adhesion molecules (CD11a and CD18) expression following acute revascularization surgery of lower limb.10 patients were examined in the prospective randomized study. Peripheral blood sample was collected in ischaemic period, and after reperfusion in the 2nd and 24th hours, and on 7th day. Superoxide-dismutase activity, reduced glutathion concentration and leukocytes free radical production were measured. The degree of lipidperoxidation was marked with the quantity of malondialdehyde. The expressions of adhesion molecules were measured with flowcytometry.The speed and rate of free radical production significantly increased in the early reperfusion (p<0.05). The level of antioxidant enzymes decreased after revascularization. The CD11a and CD18 expression of the granulocytes significantly (p<0.05) decreased right after the revascularization, but with a gradual elevation until the 7th day they exceed the ischaemic value. Our results showed a time specific turnover of the sensitive antioxidant-prooxidant balance after revascularization operation.

Ischaemic postconditioning reduces peroxide formation, cytokine expression and leukocyte activation in reperfusion injury after abdominal aortic surgery in rat model

OBJECTIVE

We studied the protective effects of ischaemic postconditioning (PS) on ischemia-reperfusion injury of the lower extremities in a rat model of abdominal aortic intervention. We aimed to examine the evoked oxidative stress, cytokine expression and leukocyte activation after revascularisation surgery.

METHODS

Anesthetized animals (48 Whistar rats) underwent a 60 min infrarenal aorta cross-clamping. After the ischaemic period, an intermittent 4 times 15 s reperfusion--15 seconds ischaemic episodes--were applied (ischaemic postconditioning: group PS). Then we started a 120 min reperfusion in the aorta. In untreated group animals underwent a long ischaemia (60 min) and the following reperfusion (group IR). Peripherial blood samples were collected before operation, and in early (5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min) reperfusion periods. Serum peroxide level, TNF-alpha concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and PMA-induced leukocyte ROS production were measured.

RESULTS

In PS group, plasma peroxide level elevation was significantly lower in very early reperfusion (5-30 min) comparing to non-conditioned IR group (10.04+/-1.9 microM/l vs. 16.91+/-3.67 microM/l, p<0.05). PS also reduced serum TNF-alpha concentration (167.41+/-31.26 microg/ml vs. 116.55+/-12.04 microg/ml, p<0.05), MPO activity (1.759+/-0.239 microM/ml vs. 1.22+/-0.126 microM/ml, p<0.05) and leukocyte activation detected by PMA-induced leukocyte ROS production (5.7+/-0.96 AU/10(3) cells vs. 4.63+/-0.69 AU/10(3) cells).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischaemic postconditioning could reduce ROI production after IR in early reperfusion period, thus limiting ROI mediated tissue lesion, cytokine-leukocyte activation and inflammatory responses. PS seems to be an effective tool in vascular surgery to reduce reperfusion injuries after revascularization interventions.

Mutation of Streptomyces griseoflavus in order to obtain high yield desferrioxamine producing fused cells

Streptomyces griseoflavus PTCC 1130 was mutated by UV irradiation. Two mutants were obtained (C7031 and S7011). These two mutants were able to produce desferioxamine. Desferrioxamine was extracted from the culture broth of the two mutated strains and the thin layer chromatogram of the products showed the R(F) values of 0.461, 0.463 and 0.456 for S7011, C7031 and the standard, respectively. The protoplasts of mutated Streptomyces griseoflavus were isolated and fused together. Total numbers of 58 fusions were obtained and only 17 fusions showed significant resistance to sodium azide and crystal violet. In terms of production of desferrioxamine only fusion PF9 and PF10 increased 68.3 and 81.8% desferrioxamine production as compared to parent strain (PTCC 1130), respectively.

Confirmation of hydrazone formation in HYNIC-peptide conjugate preparation, and its hydrolysis during labeling with 99mTc

Because of its monodenticity, 6-hydrazinopyridine-3-carboxylic acid (HYNIC) is of interest as a bifunctional chelator for labeling peptide with (99m)Tc. Here, we confirm the formation of hydrazone in HYNIC-conjugated peptide. The preparative HPLC was used to purify the HYNIC conjugated somatostatin-based peptide and the result showed two peaks, even after two consecutive purifications. Analysis of these peaks by mass spectrometry indicated the presence of hydrazone, produced during preparation conjugate. Further, we have shown that presence of hydrazone really does not matter because under (99m)Tc-labeling conditions, hydrazone is hydrolyzed back to HYNIC that then chelates (99m)Tc. A HYNIC-peptide conjugate freeze-dried kit was also prepared in a mildly acidic or neutral condition with a final pH of 6-7. The kit was then labeled by (99m)Tc and incubated in 100 degrees C for 10min, and a labeling yield of >95% was obtained.

Effect of sildenafil (Viagra) on memory retention of a passive avoidance response in rats

The effects of an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of different doses of sildenafil, a cyclic guanosin monophosphate (cGMP) specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitor, on memory retention of young (2-month-old) and middle aged (12-month-old) male Wistar rats were investigated. Passive avoidance behaviour was studied in a one trial learning, step--through type, passive avoidance task utilizing the natural preference of rats for a dark environment. In each category (young or middle-aged) different groups of rats received vehicle or sildenafil (1, 3, 10, 20 mg*kg(-1), i.p.) immediately after training and one group remained uninjected serwing as control. Retention latencies were measured 48 h later. To asses a possible non-specific proactive effect of sildenafil, the response latencies in a group of rats not receiving foot shock were also tested. The results showed that the post-training i.p. administration of sildenafil did not facilitate retention performance of a passive avoidance response in both young and middle aged rats compared to control or vehicle groups. Also, sildenafil did not affect response latencies in rats not having received the footshock on the training trial, indicating that sildenafil does not show a non-specific proactive affect on retention performance. The comparison of retention time between young and middle aged rats showed that the memory of the latter had been significantly reduced. In conclusion, this study suggests that sildenafil has no effects on memory retention in Wistar rats.

Interaction of papaverine with the enalapril-induced cough in guinea pig

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) like enalapril are extremely effective in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. One of the most important side-effects of these drugs which can lead to cessation of therapy is a persistant dry cough, induced because of increased bradykinin levels in the lung. Although antitussive alkaloids like codeine are effective in suppressing this cough, they too present a wide range of side-effects, most notably addiction.

OBJECTIVE

In a previous work we were able to show that noscapine, a non-narcotic antitussive agent, was able to decrease enalapril induced cough in guinea pigs. In this work, papaverine, another non-narcotic alkaloid found in opium latex was tested in the guinea pig model for antitussive activity.

METHOD

Cough was induced in enalapril pretreated guinea pigs by forcing the animals to inspire capsaicin aerosol in an air-tight chamber. Coughs were recorded in control animals and in those which had received different doses of papaverine. Characteristic changes in chamber air pressure, were detected by a pressure transducer.

RESULTS

. At low doses (0.5 and 0.25 mg/kg) papaverine was able to decrease enalapril induced cough. CONCLUSION. This effect was not mediated by the action of the drug on mu receptors and was only observed in animals treated with enalapril.

Palmar skin conductance compared to a developed stress score and to noxious and awakening stimuli on patients in anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

The number of fluctuations in the skin conductance per s (NFSC) as a measure of the sympathetic nervous system may be a tool for monitoring physiological stress during surgery and general anaesthesia. The purpose of this study was to find the sensitivity and specificity of the NFSC when compared to a peroperative clinical stress score. Moreover, different patterns of skin conductance responses were compared with the BIS score to find out if the mean level of skin conductance (SC) and NFSC monitoring could differentiate between awakening and noxious stimuli.

METHODS

Fourteen patients were studied during stressful or non-stressful registration periods. During each registration period, the NFSC was compared to a five-point clinical stress score (CSS) (systolic blood pressure >130 mmHg, cough, tears, EMG in the forehead >50 or movements) and BIS score.

RESULTS

The NFSC and the CSS both indicated physiological stress at 12 registrations and no stress at 186 registrations. The NFSC indicated physiological stress without signs of clinical stress (CSS = 0) in 28 registrations, whereas signs of clinical stress (CSS > 0) were indicated on two occasions without signs of stress in the NFSC. The sensitivity of the NFSC when compared to the CSS was 86% and the specificity was 86%. Moreover, in all situations (n = 16) where NFSC indicated stress and the BIS score >50, the SC increased. This was different from situations (n = 13) where NFSC indicated stress and the BIS score <50, then the SC did not increase (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The NFSC is sensitive to clinical stress during surgical stimulation. Moreover, the combined use of SC and NFSC may have a potential to differentiate between situations of stress due to inadequate hypnotic effect vs. inadequate analgesic effect.

Histochemical assessment of nitric oxide synthase activity in aortic endothelial cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation of blood vessels is a common feature in diabetes, but the exact underlying mechanisms have not yet been clarified. In present study, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of aortic rings were evaluated in vitro in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and age-matched control rats. Moreover, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity of aortic endothelial cells was assessed in both diabetic and healthy rats using histochemical staining for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase activity. The results showed a significant decrease of endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine (ACh) in diabetic rings, compared with controls, that was accompanied by a remarkable attenuation of NOS activity in diabetic sections of rat aorta stained for NADPH-diaphorase. Furthermore, a membrane disruption of some endothelial cells was also observed in all diabetic sections. It can be concluded that a decrease in NOS activity together with a disruption of endothelial cell membrane play a major role in endothelial dysfunction observed in diabetes.

Coexistence of at least three distinct beta-adrenoceptors in human internal mammary artery

The internal mammary artery (IMA) is currently the preferred conduit for myocardial revascularization. However, perioperative vasospasm and a hypoperfusion state during maximal exercise may limit its use as a bypass graft. The mechanism of spasm has not been clearly defined. Since beta-adrenoceptor activation plays a major role in vasorelaxation, the present study was carried out to investigate the beta-adrenoceptor responsiveness of human IMA smooth muscle. Isoproterenol produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in endothelium-denuded IMA segments, precontracted with phenylephrine (maximal relaxation 46.33+/-5.45%). Atenolol (10(-6)M) and propranolol (2x10(-7)M) inhibited isoproterenol-induced relaxation. While atenolol produced partial inhibition, propranolol caused a complete inhibition in a majority of the segments and a partial inhibition in a minority. BRL 37344, a selective beta 3-adrenoceptor agonist, produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in phenylephrine-precontracted rings of endothelium-denuded IMA (maximal relaxation 40.35+/-4.07%). Cyanopindolol, a beta-adrenoceptor partial agonist, produced a marked relaxation (58.65+/-6.2%) in endothelium-denuded IMA rings, precontracted with phenylephrine. Cyanopindolol-induced relaxation was resistant to blockade by propranolol (2x10(-7)M). Spontaneous contractions of IMA rings were also observed in some cases that were inhibited by isoproterenol and BRL 37344. This observation implies the important role of beta-adrenoceptor activation in prevention of human IMA spasm. The results obtained in present study indicate that human IMA smooth muscle possesses an atypical beta-adrenoceptor together with beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors. Regarding the relaxation induced in IMA rings by adding BRL 37344, the possible identical entities of IMA atypical beta-adrenoceptors and beta 3-adrenoceptors are suggested.

Atypical beta-adrenoceptors of rat thoracic aorta

The possible existence of atypical beta-adrenoceptors in vascular smooth muscle of rat isolated thoracic aorta was investigated. Isoprenaline (10(-8)-10(-4) M) produced concentration-dependent relaxation of phenylephrine (10(-5) M) precontracted rings of endothelium-denuded rat aorta in vitro. Isoprenaline-induced relaxation was resistant to blockade by atenolol (10(-6) M). But, propranolol (2 x 10(-7) M) caused a non-competitive inhibition and SR 59230A (6.6 x 10(-6) M), a beta3-adrenoceptor selective antagonist, failed to produce additional antagonism in presence of propranolol. BRL 37344 (10(-8)-10(-4) M), a beta3-selective agonist, did not relax ring segments precontracted with phenylephrine (10(-5) M) in the absence of endothelium. The non-conventional partial agonist (-)-cyanopindolol (5 x 10(-6)-10(-4) M) induced a marked relaxation in phenylephrine (10(-5)M) precontracted aortic rings without endothelium. This vasodilation was resistant to blockade by propranolol (2 x 10(-7) M) and SR 59230A (10(-5) M). Salbutamol (10(-8)-10(-4) M) produced concentration-dependent relaxation in isolated endothelium-denuded aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (10(-5) M). Propranolol (2 x 10(-7) M), but not atenolol (10(-6) M), inhibited this relaxant response. It is concluded that in endothelium-denuded thoracic aorta, salbutamol acts through beta2-adrenoceptors whereas isoprenaline seems to activate both beta2-adrenoceptors and an atypical beta-adrenergic receptor. This atypical beta-adrenoceptor is distinct from putative beta3-adrenoceptor and maybe resembles the reported fourth cardiac beta-adrenoceptor.