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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Nonno R, Peixe L, Skandamis P, Ru G, Simmons M, De Cesare A, Escamez PF, Suffredini E, Ortiz‐Pelaez A, Ordonez AA. Evaluation of alternative methods of tunnel composting (submitted by the European Composting Network) II. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8745. [PMID: 38681740 PMCID: PMC11046411 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Two alternative methods for producing compost in a tunnel, from certain category (Cat.) 3 animal by-products (ABP) and other non-ABP material, were assessed. The first method proposed a minimum temperature of 55°C for 72 h and the second 60°C for 48 h, both with a maximum particle size of 200 mm. The assessment of the Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) exclusively focused on Cat. 3 ABP materials (catering waste and processed foodstuffs of animal origin no longer intended for human consumption). The proposed composting processes were evaluated for their efficacy to achieve a reduction of at least 5 log10 of Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella Senftenberg (775W, H2S negative) and at least 3 log10 of relevant thermoresistant viruses. The applicant provided a list of biological hazards that may enter the composting process and selected parvoviruses as the indicator of the thermoresistant viruses. The evidence provided by the applicant included: (a) literature data on thermal inactivation of biological hazards; (b) results from validation studies on the reduction of E. faecalis, Salmonella Senftenberg 775W H2S negative and canine parvovirus carried out in composting plants across Europe; (c) and experimental data from direct measurements of reduction of infectivity of murine parvovirus in compost material applying the time/temperature conditions of the two alternative methods. The evidence provided showed the capacity of the proposed alternative methods to reduce E. faecalis and Salmonella Senftenberg 775W H2S negative by at least 5 log10, and parvoviruses by at least 3 log10. The BIOHAZ Panel concluded that the two alternative methods under assessment can be considered to be equivalent to the processing method currently approved in the Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011.
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Dragčević D, Pandžić Jakšić V, Jakšić O. Athlete biological passport: longitudinal biomarkers and statistics in the fight against doping. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2024; 75:24-31. [PMID: 38548376 PMCID: PMC10978099 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2024-75-3793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
As novel substances, short time windows, and limits of detection increasingly challenge direct methods of doping detection in sports, indirect tools inevitably take a greater role in the fight against it. One such tool is the athlete biological passport (ABP) - a longitudinal profiling of the measured haematological and biochemical biomarkers, combined with calculated scores, against the background of epidemiological data crucial for doping detection. In both of its modules, haematological and steroidal, ABP parameters are analysed with the Bayesian adaptive model, which individualises reference and cut-off values to improve its sensitivity. It takes into account the confounding factors with proven and potential influence on the biomarkers, such as race and altitude exposure. The ABP has already changed the fight against doping, but its importance will further grow with the new modules (e.g., endocrinological), parameters (e.g., plasma volume-independent parameters), and complementing indirect methods (e.g., transcriptomic).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Dragčević
- University Hospital Merkur, Department of Haematology, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vlatka Pandžić Jakšić
- University Hospital Dubrava, Department of Endocrinology, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ozren Jakšić
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- University Hospital Dubrava, Department of Haematology, Zagreb, Croatia
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3
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Conrad HJ. Annual Report of the American Board of Prosthodontics. J Prosthodont 2024; 33:3-4. [PMID: 38050861 DOI: 10.1111/jopr.13809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Conrad
- Department of Restorative Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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4
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Siddique S. Is a unified blood pressure threshold feasible in the current scenario?: Commentary on the article "130/80 mmHg as a unifying hypertension threshold for office brachial, office central and ambulatory daytime brachial blood pressure": Commentary on the article "130/80 mmHg as a unifying hypertension threshold for office brachial, office central and ambulatory daytime brachial blood pressure". J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2023; 25:275-277. [PMID: 36799904 PMCID: PMC9994156 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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5
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Gupta S, Singh A, Sharma A. Exploiting moving slope features of PPG derivatives for estimation of mean arterial pressure. Biomed Eng Lett 2023; 13:1-9. [PMID: 36711158 PMCID: PMC9873885 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-022-00247-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) helps calculate the arteries' flow, resistance, and pressure. It allows doctors to check how well the blood flows through our body and reaches all major organs. Photoplethysmogram technology is gaining momentum and popularity in smart wearable devices to monitor cuff-less blood pressure (BP). However, the performance reliability of the existing PPG-based BP estimation devices is still poor. Inaccuracy in estimating systolic and diastolic blood pressure leads to an overall imprecision in resultant MAP values. Hence, there is a need for robust and reliable MAP estimation algorithms. This work exploits the moving slope features of PPG contour in its first and second derivatives that directly correlate with MAP and does not require estimating systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The proposed approach is evaluated using two different data sets (i.e., MIMIC-I and MIMIC-II) to demonstrate the robustness and reliability of the work for personalized non-invasive BP monitoring devices to estimate MAP directly. A mean absolute error of 1.28 mmHg and a standard deviation of 2.50 mmHg is obtained with MIMIC-II data-set using GridSearchCV random forest regressor that outperformed most of the existing related works.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anurag Singh
- IIIT Naya Raipur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 493661 India
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Boccellino A, Sacchi S, Pazzanese V, Calvo F, Gramegna M, Ingallina G, Cappelletti A, Baldetti L. Effects of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump delayed deflation timing on carotid blood flow and cardiac mechanics: An ultrasound and haemodynamic study. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022:S1053-2498(22)02252-5. [PMID: 36682892 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) efficacy is critically affected by the inflation/deflation timing. Balloon deflation may cause a sucking effect, and a steal phenomenon on carotid flow. Delaying IABP deflation reduces the degree of this flow reversal, but at the same time exposes patients to the risk of increased proto-systolic afterload with detrimental effects on the LV. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a delayed IABP deflation timing on cerebral blood flow and LV hemodynamics, by means of simultaneous carotid artery ultrasonography, trans-thoracic echocardiography and central aortic pressure analysis. Delaying IABP deflation trigger to the beginning of QRS effectively increased the cerebral blood flow by 20%, mostly by reducing the reverse component flow caused by the diastolic balloon deflation. Extending the deflation to the early systole was safe and favourably impacted on cardiac mechanics, increasing CO by 15% without prolonging LV isovolumetric contraction and ejection phases.
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7
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Yadav M, Atala A, Lu B. Developing all-in-one virus-like particles for Cas9 mRNA/single guide RNA co-delivery and aptamer-containing lentiviral vectors for improved gene expression. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1260-1270. [PMID: 35461863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are widely used for delivering foreign genes for long-term expression. Recently, virus-like particles (VLPs) were developed for mRNA or ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery for short-term endonuclease expression. Generating large amount of LVs or VLPs is challenging. On the other hand, methods for using VLPs to co-deliver Cas9 mRNA and single guide RNA (sgRNA) are limited. Fusing aptamer-binding protein (ABP) to the N-terminus of HIV Gag protein is currently the successful way to develop hybrid particles for co-delivering Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA. The effects of modifying Gag protein this way on particle assembly are unknown. Previously we found that adding an ABP after the second zinc finger domain of nucleocapsid (NC) protein had minimal effects on particle assembly. Based on these observations, here we developed hybrid particles for Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA co-delivery with normal capsid assembly efficiency. We further improved LVs for integrated gene expression by including an aptamer sequence in lentiviral genomic RNA, which improved lentiviral particle production and enhanced LV genomic RNA packaging. In summary, here we describe the development of new all-in-one VLPs for co-delivery of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA, and new LVs for enhanced vector production and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Yadav
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Baisong Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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8
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Bhuiyan AI, Rathod P, Ghoshal S, Dana D, Das T, Li G, Dickson AA, Rafi F, Subramaniam GS, Fath KR, Paroly S, Chang EJ, Pathak SK. Clickable, selective, and cell-permeable activity-based probe of human cathepsin B - Minimalistic approach for enhanced selectivity. Bioorg Chem 2021; 117:105463. [PMID: 34753058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human cathepsin B is a cysteine-dependent protease whose roles in both normal and diseased cellular states remain yet to be fully delineated. This is primarily due to overlapping substrate specificities and lack of unambiguously annotated physiological functions. In this work, a selective, cell-permeable, clickable and tagless small molecule cathepsin B probe, KDA-1, is developed and kinetically characterized. KDA-1 selectively targets active site Cys25 residue of cathepsin B for labeling and can detect active cellular cathepsin B in proteomes derived from live human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and HEK293 cells. It is anticipated that KDA-1 probe will find suitable applications in functional proteomics involving human cathepsin B enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashif I Bhuiyan
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Pratikkumar Rathod
- Laguardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
| | - Sarbani Ghoshal
- Department of Biological Sc. and Geology, QCC-CUNY, Bayside, NY, USA
| | - Dibyendu Dana
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Tuhin Das
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Guoshen Li
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Anna A Dickson
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Faiza Rafi
- Bard High School Early College Queens, 30-20 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
| | - Gopal S Subramaniam
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Karl R Fath
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Department of Biology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Suneeta Paroly
- Bard High School Early College Queens, 30-20 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
| | - Emmanuel J Chang
- Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA; York College of the City University of New York, Department of Chemistry, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11451, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sanjai K Pathak
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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9
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Peixe L, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Fernández Escámez P, Spiropoulos J, Iulietto MF, Ortiz‐Peláez A, Alvarez‐Ordóñez A. Evaluation of the application for new alternative biodiesel production process for rendered fat including Category 1 animal by-products (BDI-RepCat ® process, AT). EFSA J 2021; 19:e06511. [PMID: 33889218 PMCID: PMC8048768 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A new alternative method for the production of biodiesel from rendered fat, including animal by-product (ABP) Category 1 tallow, was evaluated. The method consists of a conversion phase, based on esterification and transesterification in a single step (at temperature ≥ 200°C, pressure ≥ 70 bar with a retention time ≥ 15 min), using MgO as a catalyst and in the presence of methanol (10-15%), followed by vacuum distillation (at ≥ 150°C, ≤ 10 mbar) of the end-product, biodiesel and the co-product, glycerine. Prions (PrPS c), which are abnormal isoforms of the prion protein, were considered by the applicant to be the most resistant hazard. In accordance with previous EFSA Opinions and current expert evaluation, a reduction in prion infectivity, or detectable PrPS c, of at least 6 log10 should be achieved for the process to be considered equivalent to the processing method laid down in the Regulation (EU) No 142/2011. Published data from an experimental replication of the conversion step of the biodiesel production process under consideration were provided, which showed an at least 6 log10 reduction in detectable PrPS c, by Western blot, in tallow that had been spiked with murine and human prion strains. In addition, it was demonstrated that the presence of methanol does not affect the recovery or detection of PrPS c from a biodiesel substrate. Based on scientific literature, the vacuum distillation step has been shown to be capable of achieving an additional 3 log10 reduction in PrPS c. Therefore, the proposed alternative method is considered to be at least equivalent to the processing method laid down in the legislation for the production of biodiesel from raw materials including Category 1 ABP.
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10
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Schulze J, Suominen T, Bergström H, Ericsson M, Björkhem Bergman L, Ekström L. Urinary steroid profile in relation to the menstrual cycle. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:550-557. [PMID: 33142032 PMCID: PMC7984021 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The interpretation of the steroidal module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) in female athletes is complex due to the large variation of the endogenous urinary steroids. The menstrual cycle seems to be one of the largest confounders of the steroid profile. The duration of the different phases in the menstrual cycle differs between women and is difficult to predict only by counting days after menstruation. Here, we have determined the follicle, ovulation, and luteal phases, by assessing the menstrual hormones in serum samples collected from 17 healthy women with regular menses. Urine samples were collected three times per week during two consecutive cycles to measure the urinary steroid concentrations used in the ABP. The metabolite that was mostly affected by the menstrual phases was epitestosterone (E), where the median concentration was 133% higher in the ovulation phase compared to the follicle phase (p < 0.0001). The women with a large coefficient of variation (CV) in their first cycle also had a large CV in their second cycle and vice versa. The inter-individual difference was extensive with a range of 11%-230% difference between the lowest and the highest T/E ratio during a cycle. In conclusion, E and ratios with E as denominator are problematic biomarkers for doping in female athletes. The timing of the sample collection in the menstrual cycle will have a large influence on the steroid profile. The results of this study highlight the need to find additional biomarkers for T doping in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Schulze
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology C1:68Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Tina Suominen
- Helsinki Doping Control Laboratory, Forensic Toxicology UnitFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)HelsinkiFinland
| | - Helena Bergström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Clinical GeriatricsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Magnus Ericsson
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology C1:68Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- French Doping Control Laboratory, Agence Française de lutte contre le dopage (AFLD) Département des AnalysesFrance
| | - Linda Björkhem Bergman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Clinical GeriatricsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Lena Ekström
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology C1:68Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology C1:68Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska HospitalStockholmSweden
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11
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Ghalwash M, Elmasry A, Omar NMAE. Possible cardioprotective role of NaHS on ECG and oxidative stress markers in an unpredictable chronic mild stress model in rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 99:321-327. [PMID: 33175584 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2019-0646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The protective effect of H2S against various body organ injuries has been described. The aim of this work is to investigate the potential role of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) as an H2S donor in chronic mild stress induced changes in the rat heart. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: control, stressed group, stressed rats treated with aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), and stressed rats treated with NaHS. Arterial blood pressure (ABP) was recorded. Serum adrenaline, MDA, and GSH levels were measured. Chronic stress significantly increased HR and ABP. AOAA produced similar changes, while NaHS mitigated the rise in HR and ABP. Both stressed and AOAA-treated stressed groups showed a significant decrease in QRS amplitude and a shortening of the RR, QT, and QTc intervals with an elevation of the ST segment. NaHS produced a significant improvement in ECG recordings. Chronic stress produced a significant rise of adrenaline and MDA levels with a significant decline in GSH levels. The AOAA-treated stressed group showed similar elevations. NaHS treatment caused significant reduction in adrenaline and MDA levels but significantly improved GSH levels. In conclusion, H2S donor has a cardioprotective effect against stress-induced cardiovascular diseases through amelioration of the oxidative stress and raised adrenaline levels induced by chronic stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghalwash
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt, 35516
| | - Ahlam Elmasry
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt, 35516
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12
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Bolton D, Bover-Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Peixe L, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Andréoletti O, Escámez PF, Griffin J, Spiropoulos J, Ashe S, Ortiz-Peláez A, Alvarez-Ordóñez A. Evaluation of an alternative method for production of biodiesel from processed fats derived from Category 1, 2 and 3 animal by-products (submitted by College Proteins). EFSA J 2020; 18:e06089. [PMID: 32874297 PMCID: PMC7448056 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An alternative method for the production of biodiesel from processed fats derived from Category 1, 2 and 3 animal by-products was assessed. The method is based on a pre-cleaning process, acidic esterification/transesterification of tallow using 1.5% methanesulfonic acid w/w; 140°C; 5.5 bar absolute pressure (bara); 4 h, followed by fractional distillation. The application focuses on the capacity of the alternative method to inactivate prions. Given the limitations that biodiesel presents for direct measurement of prion infectivity, the BIOHAZ Panel considered, based on the outcome of previous EFSA Opinions and current expert evaluation, that a reduction of 6 log10 in detectable PrPS c signal would be necessary to consider the process at least equivalent to previously approved methods for Category 1 animal by-products. This is in addition to the inactivation achieved by the pressure sterilisation method applied before the application of any biodiesel production method. Experimental data were provided via ad hoc studies commissioned to quantify the reduction in detectable PrPS c in material spiked with scrapie hamster strain 263K, as measured by western blot, for the first two steps, with distillation assumed to provide at least an additional 3 log10 reduction, based on published data. Despite the intrinsic methodological caveats of the detection of PrPS c in laboratory studies, the BIOHAZ Panel considers that the alternative method, including the final fractional distillation, is capable of achieving the required 6 log10 reduction of the strain 263K PrPS c signal. Therefore, the method under assessment can be considered at least equivalent to the processing methods previously approved for the production of biodiesel from all categories of animal by-product raw materials. It is recommended to check the feasibility of the proposed HACCP plan by recording the main processing parameters for a certain time period under real industrial conditions.
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Sukmawati Y, Arisanty D, Tofrizal A, Amir A. Vitamin E ameliorates testicular histological features and androgen binding protein levels in testicle of rats induced by allethrin. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6:486-491. [PMID: 31819876 PMCID: PMC6882710 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2019.f372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to determine the ameliorative effect of vitamin E (vit E) on histological features and androgen binding protein (ABP) levels in rats induced by allethrin. Materials and Methods: Thirty sexually mature male Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 300 gm, and aging 3 months were taken for this study and were divided into three groups: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), and treatment (T) groups. The PC and T groups were induced by allethrin 12 h per day for 31 days; however, only the T group was given vit E orally at 1 ml/gm body weight (BW) each day for 14 days. The paraffin block method was used to measure tubules’ diameter, thickness of the seminiferous epithelial layer, and Sertoli cell number. The ABP levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results showed that vit E gave significant effect (p < 0.05) on tubular diameter at NC 123.67 ± 12.77, PC 147.16 ± 10.64, and T 130.08 ± 10.00; tubular epithelial thickness at NC 33.55 ± 3.21, PC 30.02 ± 1.53, and T 32.96 ± 2.81; Sertoli cells number at NC 55.48 ± 5.9, PC 43.84 ± 3.77, and T 53.44 ± 4.26; and ABP levels at NC 72.35 ± 39.06, PC 38, 48 ± 18.78, and T 86.10 ± 35.77, respectively. Conclusion: This study concludes that vit E has an ameliorative effect against the toxic effects of allethrin at testicular histological features and ABP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yofa Sukmawati
- Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia
| | - Dessy Arisanty
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia
| | - Alimuddin Tofrizal
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia
| | - Arni Amir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia
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14
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An N, Zhu J, Ren L, Liu X, Zhou T, Huang H, Sun L, Ding Z, Li Z, Cheng X, Ba Y. Trends of SHBG and ABP levels in male farmers: Influences of environmental fluoride exposure and ESR alpha gene polymorphisms. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2019; 172:40-44. [PMID: 30677743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A number of epidemiological studies have reported that chronic exposure to high concentrations of fluoride not only causes dental and skeletal fluorosis but additionally affects serum levels of reproductive hormones. However, possible interaction between fluoride exposure and estrogen receptor alpha (ESRα) gene polymorphisms on sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and androgen binding protein (ABP) of male farmers has not been detailed. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study including 348 male farmers with different fluoride exposure levels from drinking water in Henan province of China to explore effects of fluoride exposure and ESRα genetic variation on serum SHBG and ABP levels. We found serum SHBG levels in male farmers from the high exposure group to be lower than those of the low exposure group. We also found that concentrations of SHBG affected ABP levels. Furthermore, fluoride exposure and single nucleotide polymorphisms at the XbaI and rs3798577 loci of the ESRα gene affected serum ABP levels. Our findings suggest that chronic fluoride exposure from drinking water is associated with alterations of serum SHBG and ABP concentrations in local male farmers and that the effect of fluoride exposure on ABP levels vary depending on ESRα gene polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning An
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhu
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Lijun Ren
- Department of Endemic Disease, Kaifeng Disease Control and Prevention Center, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Liu
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Office of Nosocomial Infection Control, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Long Sun
- Department of Endemic Disease, Kaifeng Disease Control and Prevention Center, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Zhong Ding
- Department of Endemic Disease, Kaifeng Disease Control and Prevention Center, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xuemin Cheng
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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15
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Abstract
Ubiquitin signaling requires tight control of all aspects of protein ubiquitination, including the timing, locale, extent, and type of modification. Dysregulation of any of these signaling features can lead to severe human disease. One key mode of regulation is through the controlled removal of the ubiquitin signal by dedicated families of proteases, termed deubiquitinases. In light of their key roles in signal regulation, deubiquitinases have become a recent focus for therapeutic intervention as a means to regulate protein abundance. This work and recent discoveries of novel deubiquitinases in humans, viruses, and bacteria, provide the impetus for this chapter on methods for evaluating the activities and structures of deubiquitinases. An array of available deubiquitinase substrates for biochemical characterization are presented and their limitations as standalone tools are discussed. Methods for the determination and analysis of deubiquitinase structure are also presented, with a focus on visualizing recognition of the ubiquitin substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N. Pruneda
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - David Komander
- Ubiquitin Signalling Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Corresponding author:
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Xie W, Lv A, Li R, Tang Z, Ma D, Huang X, Zhang R, Ge M. Agaricus blazei Murill Polysaccharides Protect Against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Damage in Chicken Spleens. Biol Trace Elem Res 2018; 184:247-258. [PMID: 29032405 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-017-1189-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharide (ABP) has exhibited antioxidant and immunoregulatory activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ABP on cadmium (Cd)-induced antioxidant functions and inflammatory damage in chicken spleens. In this study, groups of 7-day-old chickens were fed with normal saline (0.2 mL single/day), CdCl2 (140 mg/kg/day), ABP (30 mg/mL, 0.2 mL single/day), and Cd + ABP (140 mg/kg/day + 0.2 mL ABP). Spleens were separated on the 20th, 40th, and 60th day for each group. The Cd contents, expression of melanoma-associated differentiation gene 5 (MDA5) and its downstream signaling molecules (interferon promoter-stimulating factor 1 (IPS-1), transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)), the content of cytokines (interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and beta interferon (IFN-β)), protein levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and histopathological changes of spleens were detected on the 20th, 40th, and 60th day. The results showed that ABP significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd in the chicken spleens and reduced the expression of MDA5, IPS-1, IRF-3, and NF-κB; their downstream inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-β; and the protein levels of HSPs (HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90) in spleens. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH-Px) significantly increased, and the level of MDA decreased in the ABP + Cd group. The results indicate that ABP has a protective effect on Cd-induced damage in chicken spleens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqiu Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruyue Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zequn Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Dexing Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodan Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruili Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Ricci A, Allende A, Bolton D, Chemaly M, Davies R, Herman L, Koutsoumanis K, Lindqvist R, Nørrung B, Robertson L, Ru G, Sanaa M, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Snary E, Speybroeck N, Kuile BT, Threlfall J, Wahlström H, Girones R, Alvarez Ordoñez A, Griffin J, Correia S, Fernández Escámez P. Evaluation of the application for a new alternative processing method for animal by-products of Category 3 material (ChainCraft B.V.). EFSA J 2018; 16:e05281. [PMID: 32625925 PMCID: PMC7009369 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
EFSA received an application from the Dutch Competent Authority, under Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 and Regulation (EU) No 142/2011, for the evaluation of an alternative method for treatment of Category 3 animal by‐products (ABP). It consists of the hydrolysis of the material to short‐carbon chains, resulting in medium‐chain fatty acids that may contain up to 1% hydrolysed protein, for use in animal feed. A physical process, with ultrafiltration followed by nanofiltration to remove hazards, is also used. Process efficacy has been evaluated based on the ability of the membrane barriers to retain potential biological hazards present. Small viruses passing the ultrafiltration membrane will be retained at the nanofiltration step, which represents a Critical Control Point (CCP) in the process. This step requires the Applicant to validate and provide certification for the specific use of the nanofiltration membranes used. Continuous monitoring and membrane integrity tests should be included as control measures in the HACCP plan. The ultrafiltration and nanofiltration techniques are able to remove particles of the size of virus, bacteria and parasites from liquids. If used under controlled and appropriate conditions, the processing methods proposed should reduce the risk in the end product to a degree which is at least equivalent to that achieved with the processing standards laid down in the Regulation for Category 3 material. The possible presence of small bacterial toxins produced during the fermentation steps cannot be avoided by the nanofiltration step and this hazard should be controlled by a CCP elsewhere in the process. The limitations specified in the current legislation and any future modifications in relation to the end use of the product also apply to this alternative process, and no hydrolysed protein of ruminant origin (except ruminant hides and skins) can be included in feed for farmed animals or for aquaculture.
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Abstract
Biological systems often respond to environmental changes by rapidly altering the activity of specific enzymes: for example through desequesterization of enzyme activities by dissociation from inhibitors, activation/deactivation through posttranslational modification, or relocation of the enzyme to different organelles. This means that expression levels of enzymes do not necessarily correlate with the activities observed for these enzymes. In this chapter we review some of the approaches used to selectively image only the active sub-populations of given enzymes, the so-called activity-based protein profiling. A focus lies on recent developments that are taking this approach from chemical novelty to biochemical stalwart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander I van Kasteren
- Bio-Organic Synthesis Group, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Bogdan I Florea
- Bio-Organic Synthesis Group, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Herman S Overkleeft
- Bio-Organic Synthesis Group, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Keeratichananont W, Kaewdech A, Keeratichananont S. Efficacy and safety profile of autologous blood versus talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion: a randomized controlled trial. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2018; 12:1753466618816625. [PMID: 30526440 PMCID: PMC6295687 DOI: 10.1177/1753466618816625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous blood is a novel, high-efficacy sclerosant for treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE), similar to tetracycline. There has been no comparative data between autologous blood and a worldwide sclerosant like talc. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of autologous blood versus talc pleurodesis. METHODS A prospective study was conducted at Songklanagarind Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand. A total of 123 symptomatic MPE cases were randomized to receive autologous blood pleurodesis (ABP) versus pleurodesis with talc slurry. In the ABP group, 100 ml of autologous venous blood was instilled through a chest drain, followed by 50 ml of sterile normal saline (NSS). In the talc group, 20 ml of 1% lidocaine diluted in 30 ml NSS was instilled, followed by 4 g of sterile talc (Steritalc®, a non-small particle size talc) suspended in 100 ml of NSS. A 30-day pleurodesis efficacy (according to Paladine's criteria), along with the adverse events, was evaluated. RESULTS Fifty-six cases in the ABP, and 54 cases in the talc group completed the study. There was no difference between the two groups in the demographic data. The overall pleurodesis success rate at 30 days was 82.0% in the ABP group, comparable to the talc pleurodesis group (87.0%, p = 0.12). The percentage of fever (9.0% versus 28.0%, p = 0.04), amount of acetaminophen required by each participant (2.2 ± 0.7 versus 4.6 ± 0.9 tablets, p = 0.03), pain score and percentage of cases who needed opioids (9.0% versus 26.0%, p = 0.02) and hospital stay (10.2 ± 2.7 versus 12.8 ± 3.4, p = 0.04) were significantly lower in the ABP group; no infectious or serious events occurred. CONCLUSIONS ABP had an equivalent efficacy compared to talc pleurodesis for MPE treatment. ABP offered less fever and pain and could shorten hospital stays, and neither produced means ABP did not produce clotted drainage, pulmonary or systemic adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Apichat Kaewdech
- Division of Respiratory and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Songklanakarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
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Liu W, Ge M, Hu X, Lv A, Ma D, Huang X, Zhang R. The Effects of Agaricus blazei Murill Polysaccharides on Cadmium-Induced Apoptosis and the TLR4 Signaling Pathway of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Chicken. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 180:153-163. [PMID: 28283953 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-017-0969-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharides (ABP) on cadmium (Cd)-induced apoptosis and the TLR4 signaling pathway of chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Seven-day-old healthy chickens were randomly divided into four groups, and each group contained 20 males. The cadmium-supplemented diet group (Cd group) was fed daily with full feed that contained 140 mg cadmium chloride (CdCl2)/kg and 0.2 mL saline. The A. blazei Murill polysaccharide diet group (ABP group) was fed daily with full feed with 0.2 mL ABP solution (30 mg/mL) by oral gavage. The cadmium-supplemented plus A. blazei Murill polysaccharide diet group (Cd + ABP group) was fed daily with full feed containing 140 mg CdCl2/kg and 0.2 mL ABP solution (30 mg/mL) by gavage. The control group was fed daily with full feed with 0.2 mL saline per day. We measured the apoptosis rate and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of apoptosis genes (caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2), the mRNA levels of TLR4 and TLR4 signaling pathway-related factors (MyD88, TRIF, NF-κB, and IRF3), the TLR4 protein expression, and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in chicken PBLs. The results showed that the PBL apoptosis rate was significantly increased, the mRNA levels of caspase-3 and Bax were significantly increased, while that of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was significantly increased in the Cd group at 20, 40, and 60 days after treatment compared with that in the control group. After treatment with ABP, the above changes were clearly suppressed. At the same time, ABP reduced the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α induced by Cd. We also found that ABP inhibited the TLR4 mRNA level and protein expression and inhibited the mRNA levels of MyD88, TRIF, NF-κB, and IRF3. The results demonstrated that Cd could induce apoptosis, activate the TLR4 signaling pathway, and induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines in chicken PBLs, and that the administration of ABP clearly inhibited Cd-induced effects on chicken PBLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuequan Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Dexing Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodan Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruili Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Xu X, Gao Y, Zhai Z, Zhang S, Shan F, Feng J. Repulsive guidance molecule a blockade exerts the immunoregulatory function in DCs stimulated with ABP and LPS. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12:2169-2180. [PMID: 26986456 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1164361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Repulsive guidance molecule a (RGMa) is an axonal guidance molecule that has recently found to exert function in immune system. This study evaluated the function of RGMa in modulation of dendritic cells (DCs) function stimulated with Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide (ABP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using a RGMa-neutralizing antibody. Compared with the Control-IgG/ABP and Control-IgG/LPS groups, DCs in the Anti-RGMa/ABP and Anti-RGMa/LPS groups 1) showed small, round cells with a few cell processes and organelles, and many pinocytotic vesicles; 2) had decreased MHC II, CD86, CD80, and CD40 expression; 3) displayed the decreased IL-12p70, IL-1β and TNF-α levels and increased IL-10 secretion; 4) had a high percentage of FITC-dextran uptake; and 5) displayed a reduced ability to drive T cell proliferation and reinforced T cell polarization toward a Th2 cytokine pattern. We conclude that DCs treated with RGMa-neutralizing antibodies present with tolerogenic and immunoregulatory characteristics, which provides new insights into further understanding of the function of RGMa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuxu Xu
- a Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital , Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Yan Gao
- a Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital , Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Zhiyong Zhai
- a Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital , Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- a Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital , Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Fengping Shan
- b Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science , China Medical University , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Juan Feng
- a Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital , Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , PR China
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Kristó I, Bajusz I, Bajusz C, Borkúti P, Vilmos P. Actin, actin-binding proteins, and actin-related proteins in the nucleus. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 145:373-88. [PMID: 26847179 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-015-1400-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research in the past decade has significantly broadened our view about the role actin plays in the life of the cell and added novel aspects to actin research. One of these new aspects is the discovery of the existence of nuclear actin which became evident only recently. Nuclear activities including transcriptional activation in the case of all three RNA polymerases, editing and nuclear export of mRNAs, and chromatin remodeling all depend on actin. It also became clear that there is a fine-tuned equilibrium between cytoplasmic and nuclear actin pools and that this balance is ensured by an export-import system dedicated to actin. After over half a century of research on conventional actin and its organizing partners in the cytoplasm, it was also an unexpected finding that the nucleus contains more than 30 actin-binding proteins and new classes of actin-related proteins which are not able to form filaments but had evolved nuclear-specific functions. The actin-binding and actin-related proteins in the nucleus have been linked to RNA transcription and processing, nuclear transport, and chromatin remodeling. In this paper, we attempt to provide an overview of the wide range of information that is now available about actin, actin-binding, and actin-related proteins in the nucleus.
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Abstract
Deubiquitylating enzymes or DUBs are a class of enzymes that selectively remove the polypeptide posttranslational modification ubiquitin from a number of substrates. Approximately 100 DUBs exist in human cells and are involved in key regulatory cellular processes, which drive many disease states, making them attractive therapeutic targets. Several aspects of DUB biology have been studied through genetic knock-out or knock-down, genomic, or proteomic studies. However, investigation of enzyme activation and regulation requires additional tools to monitor cellular and physiological dynamics. A comparison between genetic ablation and dominant-negative target validation with pharmacological inhibition often leads to striking discrepancies. Activity probes have been used to profile classes of enzymes, including DUBs, and allow functional and dynamic properties to be assigned to individual proteins. The ability to directly monitor DUB activity within a native biological system is essential for understanding the physiological and pathological role of individual DUBs. We will discuss the evolution of DUB activity probes, from in vitro assay development to their use in monitoring DUB activity in cells and in animal tissues, as well as recent progress and prospects for assessing DUB inhibition in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine Harrigan
- MISSION Therapeutics Limited, Moneta, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Xavier Jacq
- MISSION Therapeutics Limited, Moneta, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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Kim N, Krasner A, Kosinski C, Wininger M, Qadri M, Kappus Z, Danish S, Craelius W. Trending autoregulatory indices during treatment for traumatic brain injury. J Clin Monit Comput 2015; 30:821-831. [PMID: 26446002 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-015-9779-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our goal is to use automatic data monitoring for reliable prediction of episodes of intracranial hypertension in patients with traumatic brain injury. Here we test the validity of our method on retrospective patient data. We developed the Continuous Hemodynamic Autoregulatory Monitor (CHARM), that siphons and stores signals from existing monitors in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), efficiently compresses them, and standardizes the search for statistical relationships between any proposed index and adverse events. CHARM uses an automated event detector to reliably locate episodes of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), while eliminating artifacts within retrospective patient data. A graphical user interface allowed data scanning, selection of criteria for events, and calculating indices. The pressure reactivity index (PRx), defined as the least square linear regression slope of intracranial pressure versus arterial BP, was calculated for a single case that spanned 259 h. CHARM collected continuous records of ABP, ICP, ECG, SpO2, and ventilation from 29 patients with TBI over an 18-month period. Analysis of a single patient showed that PRx data distribution in the single hours immediately prior to all 16 intracranial hypertensive events, significantly differed from that in the 243 h that did not precede such events (p < 0.0001). The PRx index, however, lacked sufficient resolution as a real-time predictor of IH in this patient. CHARM streamlines the search for reliable predictors of intracranial hypertension. We report statistical evidence supporting the predictive potential of the pressure reactivity index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Alex Krasner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Colin Kosinski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Michael Wininger
- Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, 06117, USA
| | - Maria Qadri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Zachary Kappus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Shabbar Danish
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute, Rutgers-RWJ Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - William Craelius
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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Atsawarungruangkit A. Residency program characteristics that are associated with pass rate of the American Board of Pediatrics certifying exam. Adv Med Educ Pract 2015; 6:517-524. [PMID: 26316837 PMCID: PMC4542559 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s90022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US is home to almost 200 pediatrics residency programs; despite this, there is little information about the relationship between program characteristics and performance in the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) certifying exam. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between pass rate of the ABP certifying exam with the characteristics of categorical pediatrics residency programs. METHODS This retrospective, cross-sectional study used publicly available data from the ABP website and the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database. All programs that reported pass rates were included. The analysis, comprising univariate and multivariate linear regression, involved determining how 69 factors (eg, general information, number of faculty and trainees, work schedule, educational environment) related to the pass rate. RESULTS Of 199 programs, 194 reported pass rates. The univariate analysis revealed 20 program characteristics with P-values <0.10. However, in the multivariate analysis, pass rate was significantly associated with only three program characteristics: ratio of full-time equivalent paid faculty to positions, percentage of US medical graduates, and average hours per week of regularly scheduled lectures or conferences. CONCLUSION Unlike in previous studies, location and program size were not significantly associated with the pass rate in this multivariate analysis. The finding regarding the ratio of full-time equivalent paid faculty to positions highlighted the benefits of a well-supervised training environment, while that regarding the percentage of US medical graduates indicated the necessity of high competition in residency programs. Finally, longer hours per week of regularly scheduled lectures or conferences were associated with better academic outcomes, both statistically and intuitively.
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Goetze JP, Hansen LH, Terzic D, Zois NE, Albrethsen J, Timm A, Smith J, Soltysinska E, Lippert SK, Hunter I. Atrial natriuretic peptides in plasma. Clin Chim Acta 2014; 443:25-8. [PMID: 25158019 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2014.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Measurement of cardiac natriuretic peptides in plasma has gained a diagnostic role in the assessment of heart failure. Plasma measurement is though hampered by the marked instability of the hormones, which has led to the development of analyses that target N-terminal fragments from the prohormone. These fragments are stable in plasma and represent surrogate markers of the actual natriuretic hormone. Post-translational processing of the precursors, however, is revealing itself to be a complex event with new information still being reported on proteolysis, covalent modifications, and amino acid derivatizations. In this mini-review, we summarize measurement of the principal cardiac hormone, e.g. atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its precursor fragments. We also highlight some of the analytical pitfalls and problems and the concurrent clinical "proof of concept". We conclude that biochemical research into proANP-derived peptides is still worthy of attention and that new biological insight may change our chemical perception of the markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens P Goetze
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lasse H Hansen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dijana Terzic
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nora E Zois
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annette Timm
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Smith
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Soltysinska
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Solvej K Lippert
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ingrid Hunter
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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27
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Petkova Z, Tchekalarova J, Pechlivanova D, Moyanova S, Kortenska L, Mitreva R, Popov D, Markova P, Lozanov V, Atanasova D, Lazarov N, Stoynev A. Treatment with melatonin after status epilepticus attenuates seizure activity and neuronal damage but does not prevent the disturbance in diurnal rhythms and behavioral alterations in spontaneously hypertensive rats in kainate model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 31:198-208. [PMID: 24440891 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is involved in the control of circadian and seasonal rhythmicity, possesses potent antioxidant activity, and exerts a neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effect. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) are widely accepted as an experimental model of essential hypertension with hyperactivity, deficient sustained attention, and alterations in circadian autonomic profiles. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether melatonin treatment during epileptogenesis can prevent the deleterious consequences of status epilepticus (SE) in SHRs in the kainate (KA) model of temporal lobe of epilepsy (TLE). Spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) were EEG- and video-recorded during and after the treatment protocol. Melatonin (10mg/kg diluted in drinking water, 8weeks) increased the seizure-latent period, decreased the frequency of SRSs, and attenuated the circadian rhythm of seizure activity in SHRs. However, melatonin was unable to affect the disturbed diurnal rhythms and behavioral changes associated with epilepsy, including the decreased anxiety level, depression, and impaired spatial memory. Melatonin reduced neuronal damage specifically in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and piriform cortex and decreased hippocampal serotonin (5-HT) levels both in control and epileptic SHRs. Although long-term melatonin treatment after SE shows a potential to attenuate seizure activity and neuronal loss, it is unable to restore epilepsy-associated behavioral abnormalities in SHRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatina Petkova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Jana Tchekalarova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria.
| | - Daniela Pechlivanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Slavianka Moyanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Lidia Kortenska
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Rumiana Mitreva
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Deyan Popov
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Petya Markova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Valentin Lozanov
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitrina Atanasova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolai Lazarov
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Alexander Stoynev
- Institute of Neurobiology, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
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28
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Durst S, Hedde PN, Brochhausen L, Nick P, Nienhaus GU, Maisch J. Organization of perinuclear actin in live tobacco cells observed by PALM with optical sectioning. J Plant Physiol 2014; 171:97-108. [PMID: 24331424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Actin performs a wide variety of different tasks. This functional diversity may be accomplished either by the formation of different isotypes or by suitable protein decoration that regulates structure and dynamics of actin filaments. To probe for such a potential differential decoration, the actin-binding peptide Lifeact was fused to different photoactivatable fluorescent proteins. These fusions were stably expressed in Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Bright Yellow 2 cells to follow dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton during the cell cycle. The Lifeact-monomeric variant of IrisFP fusion protein was observed to indiscriminately label both, central and cortical, actin filaments, whereas the tetrameric Lifeact-photoswitchable red fluorescent protein fusion construct selectively labeled only a specific perinuclear sub-population of actin. By using photoactivated localization microscopy, we acquired super-resolution images with optical sectioning to obtain a 3D model of perinuclear actin. This novel approach revealed that the perinuclear actin basket wraps around the nuclear envelope in a lamellar fashion and repartitions toward the leading edge of the migrating nucleus. Based on these data, we suggest that actin that forms the perinuclear basket differs from other actin assemblies by a reduced decoration with actin binding proteins, which is consistent with the differential decoration model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Durst
- Botanical Institute, Molecular Cell Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 2, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Per Niklas Hedde
- Institute of Applied Physics and Center for Functional Nanostructures (CFN), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Wolfgang-Gaede-Straße 1, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Linda Brochhausen
- Botanical Institute, Molecular Cell Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 2, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Peter Nick
- Botanical Institute, Molecular Cell Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 2, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gerd Ulrich Nienhaus
- Institute of Applied Physics and Center for Functional Nanostructures (CFN), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Wolfgang-Gaede-Straße 1, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jan Maisch
- Botanical Institute, Molecular Cell Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 2, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
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29
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Filchenkov GN, Popoff EH, Naumov AD. The low dose gamma ionising radiation impact upon cooperativity of androgen-specific proteins. J Environ Radioact 2014; 127:182-190. [PMID: 23465891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The paper deals with effects of the ionising radiation (γ-IR, 0.5 Gy) upon serum testosterone (T), characteristics of testosterone-binding globulin (TeBG) and androgen receptor (AR) in parallel with observation of androgen (A) responsive enzyme activity - hexokinase (HK). The interdependence or relationships of T-levels with parameters of the proteins that provide androgenic regulation are consequently analyzed in post-IR dynamics. The IR-stress adjustment data reveal expediency of TeBG- and AR-cooperativity measurements for more precise assessments of endocrine A-control at appropriate emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady N Filchenkov
- Lab. of Biochemistry, Institute of Radiobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Feduninskogo 4, Gomel 246007, Belarus
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30
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Schipper-Krom S, Juenemann K, Jansen AH, Wiemhoefer A, van den Nieuwendijk R, Smith DL, Hink MA, Bates GP, Overkleeft H, Ovaa H, Reits E. Dynamic recruitment of active proteasomes into polyglutamine initiated inclusion bodies. FEBS Lett 2013; 588:151-9. [PMID: 24291262 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease are hallmarked by neuronal intracellular inclusion body formation. Whether proteasomes are irreversibly recruited into inclusion bodies in these protein misfolding disorders is a controversial subject. In addition, it has been proposed that the proteasomes may become clogged by the aggregated protein fragments, leading to impairment of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Here, we show by fluorescence pulse-chase experiments in living cells that proteasomes are dynamically and reversibly recruited into inclusion bodies. As these recruited proteasomes remain catalytically active and accessible to substrates, our results challenge the concept of proteasome sequestration and impairment in Huntington's disease, and support the reported absence of proteasome impairment in mouse models of Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schipper-Krom
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Katrin Juenemann
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Anne H Jansen
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Wiemhoefer
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne van den Nieuwendijk
- Department of Bio-Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemistry, University of Leiden, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Donna L Smith
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Hink
- Section Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gillian P Bates
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT London, United Kingdom
| | - Hermen Overkleeft
- Department of Bio-Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemistry, University of Leiden, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Huib Ovaa
- Department of Cell Biology II, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Reits
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
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31
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Huang JS, Chun S, Sandhu A, Terrones L. Quality improvement in childhood obesity management through the maintenance of certification process. J Pediatr 2013; 163:1313-6.e1. [PMID: 23810127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the Health and Obesity: Prevention and Education (HOPE) Curriculum Project, a web-based clinician education program that promotes appropriate screening, prevention, and management of weight among youth by pediatric practitioners, based on the 2007 Expert Committee recommendations. The project currently provides Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Part 4 credit through the American Board of Pediatrics. STUDY DESIGN Participants identified themselves to the HOPE MOC Part 4 program. Enrollees were required to complete all continuing medical education modules (10.5 hours). Knowledge acquisition and self-reported confidence levels related to screening, prevention, and management practices of pediatric obesity were measured using preknowledge and postknowledge questionnaires. Participants were also required to perform a quality improvement project and submit practice performance data from repeated medical chart reviews over time. Knowledge acquisition, self-efficacy, and practice performance data were analyzed using repeated-measures analyses. RESULTS The 51 participants demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge acquisition and self-efficacy scores after viewing individual modules. In addition, participants demonstrated significant improvements in measured clinical compliance with recommended practices over time. CONCLUSIONS Participation in the HOPE MOC Part 4 program appeared to improve knowledge acquisition, self-efficacy, and physician compliance with recommended practice recommendations for the screening, prevention, and management of pediatric obesity. Further data are required to determine whether such practice-based improvements translate into actual reduction in patient weight and/or reduction in health-related costs related to overweight and obesity in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannie S Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA.
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32
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Lillegard JB, Kennedy RD, Ishitani MB, Zarroug AE, Feltis B. Autologous blood patch for persistent air leak in children. J Pediatr Surg 2013; 48:1862-6. [PMID: 24074658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2012.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Persistent air leak (PAL) is associated with increased morbidity. Standard treatment of PAL includes chemical or mechanical pleurodesis. Long-term impact of these interventions is not known in the pediatric population. Autologous blood patch (ABP) offers a novel treatment option. We report our experience with autologous blood patch to successfully treat PAL in eight children. METHODS Children with PAL were treated with ABP. A fresh whole blood sample was obtained from each patient and injected via their pre-existing chest tube. Volume of blood injected, time to cessation of air leak, time to chest tube removal, outcomes and complications were reviewed. RESULTS Eight children aged 2 months to 18 years underwent ABP. Three children had immediate seal of air leak, while two patients sealed after 1 and 2 days. Three patients required a second ABP, after which they had immediate seal of air leak. Chest tubes were removed within 2-3 days in 7 cases. One child developed an asymptomatic pneumothorax and required 8 days for radiographic resolution. CONCLUSION ABP appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for PAL in children. ABP offers an inexpensive, easy to perform technique and avoids use of toxic chemicals for pleurodesis in pediatric patients.
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33
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Beck MR, Dixon RDS, Goicoechea SM, Murphy GS, Brungardt JG, Beam MT, Srinath P, Patel J, Mohiuddin J, Otey CA, Campbell SL. Structure and function of palladin's actin binding domain. J Mol Biol 2013; 425:3325-37. [PMID: 23806659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2013.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the NMR structure of the actin-binding domain contained in the cell adhesion protein palladin. Previously, we demonstrated that one of the immunoglobulin domains of palladin (Ig3) is both necessary and sufficient for direct filamentous actin binding in vitro. In this study, we identify two basic patches on opposite faces of Ig3 that are critical for actin binding and cross-linking. Sedimentation equilibrium assays indicate that the Ig3 domain of palladin does not self-associate. These combined data are consistent with an actin cross-linking mechanism that involves concurrent attachment of two actin filaments by a single palladin molecule by an electrostatic mechanism. Palladin mutations that disrupt actin binding show altered cellular distributions and morphology of actin in cells, revealing a functional requirement for the interaction between palladin and actin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriah R Beck
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 120 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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34
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Abstract
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has become a relevant research tool in neuroscience. In special populations such as infants and for special tasks such as walking, NIRS has asserted itself as a low resolution functional imaging technique which profits from its ease of application, portability and the option to co-register other neurophysiological and behavioral data in a 'near natural' environment. For clinical use in neurology this translates into the option to provide a bed-side oximeter for the brain, broadly available at comparatively low costs. However, while some potential for routine brain monitoring during cardiac and vascular surgery and in neonatology has been established, NIRS is largely unknown to clinical neurologists. The article discusses some of the reasons for this lack of use in clinical neurology. Research using NIRS in three major neurologic diseases (cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy and headache) is reviewed. Additionally the potential to exploit the established position of NIRS as a functional imaging tool with regard to clinical questions such as preoperative functional assessment and neurorehabilitation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellmuth Obrig
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Max-Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; Dept. Neurology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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