S1R agonist modulates rat platelet eicosanoid synthesis and aggregation

Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is detected in different cell types and can regulate intracellular signaling pathways. S1R plays a role in the pathomechanism of diseases and the regulation of neurotransmitters. Fluvoxamine can bind to S1R and reduce the serotonin uptake of neurons and platelets. We therefore hypothesized that platelets express S1R, which can modify platelet function. The expression of the SIGMAR1 gene in rat platelets was examined with a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The receptor was also visualized by immunostaining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effect of S1R agonist PRE-084 on the eicosanoid synthesis of isolated rat platelets and ADP- and AA-induced platelet aggregation was examined. S1R was detected in rat platelets both at gene and protein levels. Pretreatment with PRE-084 of resting platelets induced elevation of eicosanoid synthesis. The rate of elevation in thromboxane B₂ and prostaglandin D₂ synthesis was similar, but the production of prostaglandin E₂ was higher. The concentration-response curve showed a sigmoidal form. The most effective concentration of the agonist was 2 µM. PRE-084 increased the quantity of cyclooxygenase-1 as detected by ELISA. PRE-084 also elevated the ADP- and AA-induced platelet aggregation. S1R of platelets might regulate physiological or pathological functions.

Assessment of a residual municipal solid waste landfill for prospective 'landfill mining'

Landfill mining is a prospective tool for the recycling of valuable materials (waste-to-material) and secondary fuel (waste-to-energy) from old, therefore more or less stabilised municipal solid waste landfills. The main target of Horizon 2020 'SMARTGROUND' R&D was improving the availability and accessibility of data and information from both urban landfills and mining dumps through a set of activities to integrate all the data - from existing sources and new information retrieved with time progress - in a single EU database. Concerning urban landfills, a new sampling protocol was designed on the basis of the current Hungarian national municipal solid waste analysis standards, optimised for landfill mining. This protocol was then applied in a sampling campaign on a municipal solid waste landfill in Debrecen, Hungary. The composition and parameters of the landfilled materials were measured as a 12-year timescale. The total wet and dry mass of the valuable components possible for utilisation was estimated.

Total thyroidectomy with LigaSure Small Jaw versus conventional thyroidectomy - a clinical study

INTRODUCTION

The emergence of LigaSure device in surgical practice brings some real benefits in thyroid surgery. UsingLigaSure Small Jaw device in total thyroidectomy is an important step in thyroid surgery. The aim of this study is to present the initial experience of Surgical Clinic I of Targu Mures staff in terms of total thyroidectomy using this procedure, without ligatures compared to the conventional technique with ligatures.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The study included 20 consecutive patients (19 females and one male) who have undergone total thyroidectomy in Surgical Clinic I of the Emergency County Hospital Targu Mures, between September 2012 - February 2013. Group I included 10 patients who underwent total thyroidectomty using the LigaSure Small Jaw device (without ligatures) while the second group included 10 patients in whom total thyroidectomy was performed by classical procedure (using vascular ligatures). The two groups were compared using statistical analysis following the next parameters: the thyroid pathology, operation time, number of hospitalization days,analgesia and immediate postoperative complications.

RESULTS

This method provides a statistically significant decrease of the operative time and hospitalization days.

CONCLUSION

Using LigaSure Small Jaw device in thyroid surgery is a safe procedure with little complications rate.

Dynamic modeling of biodegradation and volatilization of hazardous aromatic substances in aerobic bioreactor

The aerobic biological process is one of the best technologies available for removing hazardous organic substances from industrial wastewaters. But in the case of volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, naphthalene), volatilization can contribute significantly to their removal from the liquid phase. One major issue is to predict the competition between volatilization and biodegradation in biological process depending on the target molecule. The aim of this study was to develop an integrated dynamic model to evaluate the influence of operating conditions, kinetic parameters and physical properties of the molecule on the main pathways (biodegradation and volatilization) for the removal of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). After a comparison with experimental data, sensitivity studies were carried out in order to optimize the aerated biological process. Acclimatized biomass growth is limited by volatilization, which reduces the bioavailability of the substrate. Moreover, the amount of biodegraded substrate is directly proportional to the amount of active biomass stabilized in the process. Model outputs predict that biodegradation is enhanced at high SRT for molecules with low H and with a high growth rate population. Air flow rate should be optimized to meet the oxygen demand and to minimize VOC stripping. Finally, the feeding strategy was found to be the most influential operating parameter that should be adjusted in order to enhance VOC biodegradation and to limit their volatilization in sequencing batch reactors (SBR).

PP13, maternal ABO blood groups and the risk assessment of pregnancy complications

BACKGROUND

Placental Protein 13 (PP13), an early biomarker of preeclampsia, is a placenta-specific galectin that binds beta-galactosides, building-blocks of ABO blood-group antigens, possibly affecting its bioavailability in blood.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We studied PP13-binding to erythrocytes, maternal blood-group effect on serum PP13 and its performance as a predictor of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Datasets of maternal serum PP13 in Caucasian (n = 1078) and Hispanic (n = 242) women were analyzed according to blood groups. In vivo, in vitro and in silico PP13-binding to ABO blood-group antigens and erythrocytes were studied by PP13-immunostainings of placental tissue-microarrays, flow-cytometry of erythrocyte-bound PP13, and model-building of PP13--blood-group H antigen complex, respectively. Women with blood group AB had the lowest serum PP13 in the first trimester, while those with blood group B had the highest PP13 throughout pregnancy. In accordance, PP13-binding was the strongest to blood-group AB erythrocytes and weakest to blood-group B erythrocytes. PP13-staining of maternal and fetal erythrocytes was revealed, and a plausible molecular model of PP13 complexed with blood-group H antigen was built. Adjustment of PP13 MoMs to maternal ABO blood group improved the prediction accuracy of first trimester maternal serum PP13 MoMs for preeclampsia and IUGR.

CONCLUSIONS

ABO blood group can alter PP13-bioavailability in blood, and it may also be a key determinant for other lectins' bioavailability in the circulation. The adjustment of PP13 MoMs to ABO blood group improves the predictive accuracy of this test.

Orthopedic approach of haemophiliacs. A single center experience in Romania

Clinical expression of inadequately treated haemophilia is dominated by orthopedic complications, requiring invasive or non-invasive interventions.

OBJECTIVE

In Romania, with under dosed and late introduced "on demand" substitution, we aimed at highlighting the experience of orthopedic treatment and its outcome.

PATIENTS, METHODS

Single center retrospective analysis regarding orthopedic interventions and their outcomes was conducted on 59 hemophilia A, B, and von Willebrand disease patients, between 2002 and 2007.

RESULTS

The majority of interventions, invasive (60.71%) and non-invasive (39.28%), were elective, only two being emergencies. Postoperative functional evolution after synovectomies was good in 68.28%, fair in 24.39%, satisfactory in 7.31%. Results of 33 non-invasive (extensive releases) procedures were very good in 27.27%, good in 63.63%, poor in 9.09%.

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS

The important number and complexity of orthopedic interventions are proving the precarious musculoskeletal state in persons with hemophilia, demonstrating the need of improving substitution, at least with discontinue prophylaxis in patients with severe forms.

Orthopedic approach of haemophiliacs

Clinical expression of inadequately treated haemophilia is dominated by orthopedic complications, requiring invasive or non-invasive interventions. Objective: In Romania, with under dosed and late introduced “on demand” substitution, we aimed at highlighting the experience of orthopedic treatment and its outcome. Patients, methods: Single center retrospective analysis regarding orthopedic interventions and their outcomes was conducted on 59 hemophilia A, B, and von Willebrand disease patients, between 2002 and 2007. Results: The majority of interventions, invasive (60.71%) and non-invasive (39.28%), were elective, only two being emergencies. Postoperative functional evolution after synovectomies was good in 68.28%, fair in 24.39%, satisfactory in 7.31%. Results of 33 non-invasive (extensive releases) procedures were very good in 27.27%, good in 63.63%, poor in 9.09%. Discussion, conclusions: The important number and complexity of orthopedic interventions are proving the precarious musculoskeletal state in persons with hemophilia, demonstrating the need of improving substitution, at least with discontinue prophylaxis in patients with severe forms.

Cloning, sequencing, structural and molecular biological characterization of placental protein 20 (PP20)/human thiamin pyrophosphokinase (hTPK)

Full-length cDNAs of placental protein 20 (PP20) were cloned by screening a human placental cDNA library, which encode a 243 amino acid protein, identical to human thiamin pyrophosphokinase (hTPK) as confirmed by protein sequence analysis. Genomic alignment showed that the PP20/hTPK gene contains 9 exons. It is abundantly expressed in placenta, as numerous EST clones were identified. As thiamine metabolism deficiencies have been seen in placental infarcts previously, these indicate that PP20/hTPK may have a role in placental diseases. Analysis of the 1kb promoter region showed numerous putative transcription factor binding sites, which might be responsible for the ubiquitous PP20/hTPK expression. This may also be in accordance with the presence of the protein in tissues responsible for the regulation of the exquisite balance between cell division, differentiation and survival. TPK activity of the purified and recombinant protein was proved by mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. By Western blot, PP20/hTPK was found in all human normal and tumorous adult and fetal tissues in nearly equal amounts, but not in sera. By immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent confocal imaging methods, diffuse labelling in the cytoplasm of the syncytiotrophoblasts and weak staining of the trophoblasts were observed, and the amount of PP20/hTPK decreased from the first trimester to the end of gestation. A 3D model of PP20/hTPK was computed (PDB No.: 1OLY) by homology modelling. A high degree of structural homology showed that the thiamin binding site was highly similar to that of the mouse enzyme, but highly different from the bacterial ones. Comparison of the catalytic centre sequences revealed differences, raising the possibility of designing new drugs which specifically inhibit bacterial and fungal enzymes without affecting PP20/hTPK and offering the possibility for safe antimicrobial therapy during pregnancy.

Rapid removal of platelets from plasma utilizing the Hepcheck heparin removal filter

We investigated whether Hepcheck heparin removal filters could remove residual platelets from platelet-poor plasma (PPP) without compromising samples for lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing. Furthermore we assessed what effect, if any, plasma filtration has on various clotting tests that form the foundation for LA testing. Citrated blood was obtained from 35 normal donors. Two sets of citrated tubes were processed in order to obtain PPP. Citrated blood was also obtained from a single donor to check the actual amounts of platelets removed by the Hepcheck filtration device. One set of PPP samples was filtered using the Hepchek filter device and the other was not processed, i.e. unfiltered. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and kaolin clotting time (KCT) were performed on both unfiltered and filtered samples that were tested immediately and after freezing at -70 degrees C for 24 h. Platelet counts on the single donor's citrated plasma were dramatically reduced after filtration. PT and APTT values showed small but statistically significant differences between unfiltered and filtered plasmas whether these were fresh or frozen samples. However, these differences were not clinically significant. KCT data showed statistical and clinical differences between unfiltered and filtered plasmas whether fresh or frozen plasmas were used. In contrast, KCT values were similar if unfiltered, fresh plasmas or filtered, frozen plasmas were used. Coagulation factor assays for factors VIII, IX and X were performed on both sets of PPP samples after freezing to determine if the filtration device affected these levels and would as a result, compromise APTT based lupus testing. Factor IX levels demonstrated a loss of activity following use of the device but no change was observed in factor VIII or factor X. Von Willebrand factor antigen and function as well as multimer structure were not affected by the filtration device in 10 normal donors. Filtering plasmas of two donors with a history of an LA dramatically prolonged clotting times for APTT, Dilute Viper Venom Time, mixing studies, and STACLOT LA tests in comparison with unfiltered plasmas. The data indicate that plasma filtration using the Hepchek device does not adversely affect coagulation testing. Furthermore samples requiring testing for the lupus anticoagulant can be filtered and subsequently frozen and compare favorably with freshly processed samples.

APC-resistance as measured by a Textarin time assay: comparison to the APTT-based method

Protein C is a major regulatory protein critical to physiologic anticoagulation. When activated, it selectively degrades the activated forms of factors V and VIII, thereby, down-regulating blood coagulation. Using an activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay, Dahlback et al. recently reported that some individuals with thrombophilia show a poor in vitro anticoagulant response to activated protein C (APC-Resistance). Subsequent studies identified a point mutation in the gene for factor V as the underlying cause of APC-Resistance. The incidence of APC-Resistance in patients with recurrent thromboembolic events approaches 50%. The APC-Resistance phenotype is also present in approximately 5% of normal Caucasian subjects. In an attempt to develop a more sensitive and specific test system, we evaluated an assay based on Textarin(Pentapharm, Basel, Switzerland). Textarin, a protein fraction of Pseudonaja textilis venom (Australian Eastern Brown Snake) activates prothrombin in the presence of phospholipid (PL), factor V and calcium ions. Based on Textarin's requirement for factor V, we developed a Textarin time assay to test for APC-Resistance. We evaluated this test system in normal subjects and the following patient populations: stable orally anticoagulated, previously diagnosed factor V Leiden, and therapeutically heparinized samples. We found the Textarin assay to be a sensitive and specific test system to identify APC-Resistance. The phenotypic Textarin APC-Resistance test correlated more closely with the genotypic abnormality of factor VR506Q than the APTT-APC-Resistance test.

Differences in some behavioural effects of deprenyl and amphetamine enantiomers in rats

Effects of deprenyl and amphetamine enantiomers on different behavioural patterns were compared. Whereas (+)-amphetamine in doses of 1-3 mg/kg SC, (-)-amphetamine, and (+)-deprenyl in doses of 5-20 mg/kg SC increased the locomotor activity and the time the animals displayed stereotyped head movement, enhanced the acquisition of conditioned avoidance responses, and developed positive place preference conditioning, (-)-deprenyl, even in as high a dose as 20 mg/kg SC, failed to show any amphetamine-type behavioural effect. The results provide further proof why (-)-deprenyl, in contrast to other members of the amphetamine family, can be considered as a safe drug.

Pulmonary embolism and premature labor in a patient with both factor V Leiden mutation and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T mutation

Multiple risk factors for thrombosis were found in a 21 year old female who experienced three episodes of premature labor and developed severe pulmonary embolism during her third pregnancy. This patient is heterozygous for factor V Leiden mutation and homozygous for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene nucleotide 677 C to T (C677T) point mutation. This is a first report of the concordance of homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation in an individual with factor V Leiden mutation. This new case provides further evidence that synergism of multiple genetic and acquired risk factors is often encountered in young patients with symptomatic venous thrombosis.

Use of the activated partial thromboplastin time for the diagnosis of congenital coagulation disorders: problems and possible solutions

The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is a commonly performed laboratory procedure which is used for multiple purposes including monitoring of heparin therapy, detection of coagulation factor deficiency, and detection of lupus anticoagulants. Among the hereditary coagulation deficiencies, factor VIII and factor IX are the most common. APTT reagents differ widely in both their sensitivity to factor VIII and factor IX deficiencies as well as their responsiveness. Sensitivity may be defined as the ability to identify a deficiency state while responsiveness is indicated by the degree of prolongation of the APTT result as compared to the upper limit of normal. Reagents may be both sensitive and responsive or alternatively sensitive and relatively nonresponsive. Consequently, it is extremely important for each laboratory to carefully identify the upper limit of the normal range. A variety of preanalytical variables will also effect the sensitivity of the APTT to factor deficiency states. These variables include specimen handling and the preparation of platelet poor plasma. The instrument effect is also of importance. Selection of the reagent tends to have the most impact on sensitivity and responsiveness while instrumentation affects the precision of a given APTT. The composition and concentration of phospholipid in APTT reagents does have an effect on reagent responsiveness and sensitivity. Sensitivity to factor deficiencies does not necessarily parallel sensitivity to lupus anticoagulants.