Protein ligand and nanotopography separately drive the phenotype of mouse embryonic stem cells

Biochemical and biomechanical signals regulate stem cell function in the niche environments in vivo. Current in vitro culture of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) uses laminin (LN-511) to provide mimetic biochemical signaling (LN-521 for human systems) to maintain stemness. Alternative approaches propose topographical cues to provide biomechanical cues, however combined biochemical and topographic cues may better mimic the in vivo environment, but are largely unexplored for in vitro stem cell expansion. In this study, we directly compare in vitro signals from LN-511 and/or topographic cues to maintain stemness, using systematically-varied submicron pillar patterns or flat surfaces with or without preadsorbed LN-511. The adhesion of cells, colony formation, expression of the pluripotency marker,octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), and transcriptome profiling were characterized. We observed that either biochemical or topographic signals could maintain stemness of mESCs in feeder-free conditions, indicated by high-level Oct4 and gene profiling by RNAseq. The combination of LN-511 with nanotopography reduced colony growth, while maintaining stemness markers, shifted the cellular phenotype indicating that the integration of biochemical and topographic signals is antagonistic. Overall, significantly faster (up to 2.5 times) colony growth was observed at nanotopographies without LN-511, suggesting for improved ESC expansion.

Associations of diagnostic findings with disease activity in primary Sjӧgren's syndrome: a cluster analysis

OBJECTIVE

The diagnosis of primary Sjӧgren's syndrome still relies upon a constellation of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological findings. We aimed to evaluate the relation of the disease activity with the results of diagnostic tests for primary Sjӧgren's syndrome.

METHODS

A principal component with cluster analysis was performed to classify 69 patients with primary Sjӧgren's syndrome based on the results of diagnostic evaluations.

RESULTS

Anti-SSA autoantibody was the most represented feature on the principal components. The anti-SSA and ultrasound score were positively correlated (p=0.001). We identified two distinct clusters of low or high disease activity (p<0.001). Except for disease duration and serum beta2-microglobulin, the clusters were significantly different in salivary flow (p= 0.004), ultrasound findings (p<0.001), IgG (p= 0.001), and salivary beta2-microglobulin (p= 0.048). Also, positive findings were significantly different between the clusters in rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, anti-SSA, and anti-SSB (all p≤0.013).

CONCLUSION

Patients with higher syndrome activity were best recognized with serological and ultrasound assessments. However, patients with lower syndrome activity had a longer disease duration, higher stimulated salivary flow rate, and a positive biopsy of minor salivary glands (56%).

Advanced bioengineering of female germ cells to preserve fertility

Oogenesis and folliculogenesis are considered as complex and species-specific cellular differentiation processes, which depend on the in vivo ovarian follicular environment and endocrine cues. Considerable efforts have been devoted to driving the differentiation of female primordial germ cells toward mature oocytes outside of the body. The recent experimental attempts have laid stress on offering a suitable microenvironment to assist the in vitro folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Despite developing a variety of bioengineering techniques and generating functional mature gametes through in vitro oogenesis in earlier studies, we still lack knowledge of appropriate microenvironment conditions for building biomimetic culture systems for female fertility preservation. Therefore, this review paper can provide a source for a large body of scientists developing cutting-edge in vitro culture systems for female germ cells or setting up the next generation of reproductive medicine as feasible options for female infertility treatment. The focal point of this review outlines advanced bioengineering technologies such as 3D biofabricated hydrogels/scaffolds and microfluidic systems utilized with female germlines for fertility preservation through in vitro folliculogenesis and oogenesis.

Protein Ligand Nanopattern Size Selects for Cellular Adhesion via Hemidesmosomes over Focal Adhesions

Hemidesmosomes (HDs) are multiprotein complexes that firmly anchor epidermal cells to the basement membrane of skin through the interconnection of the cytoplasmic intermediate filaments with extracellular laminin 332 (Ln332). Considerably less attention has been paid to HDs compared to focal complexes/focal adhesions (FC/FAs) in mechanistic single-cell structures due to the lack of suitable in vitro model systems. Here nanopatterns of Ln332 (100-1000 nm) are created to direct and study the formation of HD in adherent HaCaT cells. It is observed that HaCaT cells at Ln 332 nanopatterns adhere via hemidesmosomes, in stark contrast to cells at homogeneous Ln332 surfaces that adhere via FC/FAs. Clustering of α6 integrin is observed at nanopatterned Ln332 of 300 nm patches and larger. Cells at 500 nm diameter patterns show strong colocalization of α6 integrin with ColXVII or pan-cytokeratin compared to 300 nm/1000 nm indicating a threshold for HD initiation >100 nm but a pattern size selection for maturation of HDs. It is demonstrated that the pattern of Ln332 can determine the cellular selection of adhesion types with a size-dependent initiation and maturation of HDs. The protein nanopatterning approach that is presented provides a new in vitro route to study the role of HDs in cell signaling and function.

Polylysine for skin regeneration: A review of recent advances and future perspectives

There have been several attempts to find promising biomaterials for skin regeneration, among which polylysine (a homopolypeptide) has shown benefits in the regeneration and treatment of skin disorders. This class of biomaterials has shown exceptional abilities due to their macromolecular structure. Polylysine-based biomaterials can be used as tissue engineering scaffolds for skin regeneration, and as drug carriers or even gene delivery vectors for the treatment of skin diseases. In addition, polylysine can play a preservative role in extending the lifetime of skin tissue by minimizing the appearance of photodamaged skin. Research on polylysine is growing today, opening new scenarios that expand the potential of these biomaterials from traditional treatments to a new era of tissue regeneration. This review aims to address the basic concepts, recent trends, and prospects of polylysine-based biomaterials for skin regeneration. Undoubtedly, this class of biomaterials needs further evaluations and explorations, and many critical questions have yet to be answered.

Microfluidic-Based Droplets for Advanced Regenerative Medicine: Current Challenges and Future Trends

Microfluidics is a promising approach for the facile and large-scale fabrication of monodispersed droplets for various applications in biomedicine. This technology has demonstrated great potential to address the limitations of regenerative medicine. Microfluidics provides safe, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective methods for encapsulating different stem cells, gametes, biomaterials, biomolecules, reagents, genes, and nanoparticles inside picoliter-sized droplets or droplet-derived microgels for different applications. Moreover, microenvironments made using such droplets can mimic niches of stem cells for cell therapy purposes, simulate native extracellular matrix (ECM) for tissue engineering applications, and remove challenges in cell encapsulation and three-dimensional (3D) culture methods. The fabrication of droplets using microfluidics also provides controllable microenvironments for manipulating gametes, fertilization, and embryo cultures for reproductive medicine. This review focuses on the relevant studies, and the latest progress in applying droplets in stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, reproductive biology, and gene therapy are separately evaluated. In the end, we discuss the challenges ahead in the field of microfluidics-based droplets for advanced regenerative medicine.

Advanced bioengineering of male germ stem cells to preserve fertility

In modern life, several factors such as genetics, exposure to toxins, and aging have resulted in significant levels of male infertility, estimated to be approximately 18% worldwide. In response, substantial progress has been made to improve in vitro fertilization treatments (e.g. microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and round spermatid injection (ROSI)). Mimicking the structure of testicular natural extracellular matrices (ECM) outside of the body is one clear route toward complete in vitro spermatogenesis and male fertility preservation. Here, a new wave of technological innovations is underway applying regenerative medicine strategies to cell-tissue culture on natural or synthetic scaffolds supplemented with bioactive factors. The emergence of advanced bioengineered systems suggests new hope for male fertility preservation through development of functional male germ cells. To date, few studies aimed at in vitro spermatogenesis have resulted in relevant numbers of mature gametes. However, a substantial body of knowledge on conditions that are required to maintain and mature male germ cells in vitro is now in place. This review focuses on advanced bioengineering methods such as microfluidic systems, bio-fabricated scaffolds, and 3D organ culture applied to the germline for fertility preservation through in vitro spermatogenesis.

A promising wound dressing based on alginate hydrogels containing vitamin D3 cross-linked by calcium carbonate/d-glucono-δ-lactone

In the present study, we fabricated vitamin D₃-loaded alginate hydrogel and assessed its wound healing capability in the animal model. The various concentrations of vitamin D3 were added to the pre-dissolved sodium alginate in deionized water and cross-linked by calcium carbonate in combination with d-glucono-δ-lactone. The microstructure, swelling behavior, weight loss, hemo- and cytocompatibility of the fabricated hydrogels were evaluated. In the last stage, the therapeutic efficacy of the prepared hydrogels was evaluated in the full-thickness dermal wound model. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the prepared hydrogel was highly porous with the porosity of 89.2 ± 12.5% and contained the interconnected pores. Weight loss assessment showed that the prepared hydrogel is biodegradable with the weight loss percentage of about 89% in 14 days. The results showed that the prepared hydrogels were hemo- and cytocompatible. The animal study results implied that alginate hydrogel/3000 IU vitamin D₃ group exhibited the highest wound closure present which was statistically significant than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the histological examinations revealed that hydrogel containing 3000 IU vitamin D3 had the best performance and induced the highest re-epithelialization and granular tissue formation. All in all, this study suggests that alginate hydrogels with 3000 IU vitamin D₃ can be exploited as a potential wound dressing in skin tissue engineering.

Panax ginseng Extract Improves Follicular Development after Mouse Preantral Follicle 3D Culture

Objective

Panax ginseng is a popular traditional herb that has been used in complementary and alternative medicine in eastern Asia, and it possesses pharmacologically active compounds like ginsenosides (GSs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) at different concentrations on in vitro follicular function and development in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system fabricated using sodium alginate after 12 days of culture.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, preantral follicles (n=661) were mechanically isolated from the ovaries of 14-day-old female NMRI mice using 29-gauge insulin syringes. Follicles were individually capsulated within sodium alginate, and divided into four groups including control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. Then, they were cultured for 12 days in the medium supplemented with different concentrations of PGE (0, 50, 100, and 500 µg/ mL, for control groups and groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). At the end of the culture period, the mean diameter and maturation of follicles, follicular steroid production, mRNA expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in collected metaphase-II (MII) oocytes were determined.

Results

The mean diameter of follicles in group 2 was significantly increased as compared to other groups (P<0.001). The percentages of the survival and maturation rate and levels of secreted hormones were higher in group 2 than the other groups (P<0.05). Follicles cultured in the presence of PGE 100 µg/mL had higher levels of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) mRNA expression in comparison to other groups (P<0.05). Moreover, oocytes collected from groups 2 and 3 had lower levels of ROS as compared to other groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PGE at the concentration of 100 µg/mL induces higher follicular function and development in the 3D culture system.

A hybrid micromixer with planar mixing units

The application of microfluidic systems in chemical and biological assays has progressed dramatically in recent years. One of the fundamental operations that microfluidic devices must achieve is a high mixing index. Of particular importance is the role of planar mixing units with repetitive obstacles (MURO) in the formation of micromixers. To date, a myriad of planar passive micromixers has been proposed. However, a strategy for the combination of these units to find an efficient planar mixer has not been investigated. As such, five different MURO have been selected to form a “hybrid micromixer,” and their combination was evaluated via numerical and experimental methods. These mixing units include ellipse-like, Tesla, nozzle and pillar, teardrop, and obstruction in a curved mixing unit. Since these units have distinctive dimensions, dynamic and geometric similarities were used to scale and connect them. Afterwards, six slots were designated to house each mixing unit. Since the evaluation of all possible unit configurations is not feasible, the design of experiment method is applied to reduce the total number of experiments from 15 625 to 25. Following this procedure, the “hybrid” micromixer proposed here, comprising Tesla, nozzle and pillar, and obstruction units, shows improved performance for a wide range of Re (i.e., mixing index of >90% for Re 0.001–0.1, 22–45) over existing designs. The use of velocity profiles, concentration diagrams, vorticity and circulation plots assist in the analysis of each unit. Comparison of the proposed “hybrid” micromixer with other obstacle-based planar micromixers demonstrates improved performance, indicating the combination of planar mixing units is a useful strategy for building high-performance micromixers.

Taguchi-optimized “hybrid micromixer” has been proposed which can be utilized in a wide range of chemical and biological applications.

Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neuron-like cells using composite 3D scaffold combined with valproic acid induction

The nervous system has little capacity for self-repair after injury because neurons cannot proliferate owing to lack of suitable microenvironment. Therefore, neural tissue engineering that combines neural stem, scaffolds, and growth factors may improve the chance of restoration of damaged neural tissues. A favorable niche for neural regeneration would be both fibrous and electrically conductive scaffolds. Human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded on wet-electrospun 3D scaffolds composed of poly lactic acid coated with natural polymers including alginate and gelatin, followed by a multi-wall carbon nanotube coating. The results show that a wet-electrospun poly lactic acid scaffold at a concentration of 15% w/v had higher porosity (above 80%) than other concentrations. Moreover, the coated scaffold supported the growth of human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in 3D culture, and were incubated for 21 days with 1 mM valproic acid as the inducer resulted in improvement in human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into neuron-like cells immunoreactivity to nestin, Map2, and neuron specific enolase (NSE), which were also consistent with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitive Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results. The conclusion is that the 3D composite nanofiber poly lactic acid scaffold improved the transdifferentiation of human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells into neuron-like cells.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic spray cryotherapy for esophageal cancer

Although surgery is traditionally the standard of care for esophageal cancer, esophagectomy carries significant morbidity. Alternative endoscopic therapies are needed for patients who are not candidates for conventional treatment. The objective of this study is to assess the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of spray cryotherapy of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This study includes patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who had failed or were not candidates for conventional therapy enrolled retrospectively and prospectively in an open-label registry and patients in a retrospective cohort from 11 academic and community practices. Endoscopic spray cryotherapy was performed until biopsy proven local tumor eradication or until treatment was halted due to progression of disease, patient withdrawal or comorbidities. Eighty-eight patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (median age 76, 80.7% male, mean length 5.1 cm) underwent 359 treatments (mean 4.4 per patient). Tumor stages included 39 with T1a, 25 with T1b, 9 with unspecified T1, and 15 with T2. Eighty-six patients completed treatment with complete response of intraluminal disease in 55.8%, including complete response in 76.3% for T1a, 45.8% for T1b, 66.2% for all T1, and 6.7% for T2. Mean follow-up was 18.4 months. There were no deaths or perforations related to spray cryotherapy. Strictures developed in 12 of 88 patients (13.6%) but were present before spray cryotherapy in 3 of 12. This study suggests that endoscopic spray cryotherapy is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment option for early esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Three-dimensional wet-electrospun poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes scaffold induces differentiation of human menstrual blood-derived stem cells into germ-like cells

Infertility caused by the disruption or absence of germ cells is a major and largely incurable medical problem. Germ cells (i.e., sperm or egg) play a key role in the transmission of genetic and epigenetic information across generations. Generation of gametes derived in vitro from stem cells hold promising prospects which could potentially help infertile men and women. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells are a unique stem cell source. Evidence suggests that menstrual blood-derived stem cells exhibit a multi-lineage potential and have attracted extensive attention in regenerative medicine. To maintain the three-dimensional structure of natural extra cellular matrices in vitro, scaffolds can do this favor and mimic a microenvironment for cell proliferation and differentiation. According to previous studies, poly(lactic acid) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes have been introduced as novel and promising biomaterials for the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Some cell types have been successfully grown on a matrix containing carbon nanotubes in tissue engineering but there is no report for this material to support stem cells differentiation into germ cells lineage. This study designed a 3D wet-electrospun poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes composite scaffold to compare infiltration, proliferation, and differentiation potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells toward germ cell lineage with 2D culture. Our primary data revealed that the fabricated scaffold has mechanical and biological suitable qualities for supporting and attachments of stem cells. The differentiated menstrual blood-derived stem cells tracking in scaffolds using scanning electron microscopy confirmed cell attachment, aggregation, and distribution on the porous scaffold. Based on the differentiation assay by RT-PCR analysis, stem cells and germ-like cells markers were expressed in 3D groups as well as 2D one. It seems that poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes scaffold-seeded menstrual blood-derived stem cells could be viewed as a novel, safe, and accessible construct for these cells, as they enhance germ-like generation from menstrual blood-derived stem cells.

Significant performance improvement of a terahertz photoconductive antenna using a hybrid structure

Design of a photoconductive terahertz antenna based on a distributed Bragg reflector, recessed nanoplasmonic grating and recessed electrodes.

Evaluating the relation between patients-related factors and dissected lymph node ratio in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is a forth common malignancy world-wide and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. According to the current International Union Against Cancer staging system, nodal status is categorized based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs). Some groups have recently proposed the metastatic lymph node ratio (MLR) (the ratio between metastatic LNs and total dissected LNs; MLR) as an alternative prognostic factor. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between MLR and different clinico pathologic factors including patients' age, tumor grade, stage, sites of involvement and disease prognosis.

METHODS

Atotal of 70 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent gastrectomy with negative margin and LN resection during 2004-2009 and were referred to Radiotherapy-Oncology Department of Name of Hospital, Name of City, were included in the study. MLR status was divided to five groups. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTS

The difference between MLR groups in age was significant; older patients had lower MLR (P = 0.01). The ratio of male to female was 5.3, which indicated higher prevalence of gastric cancer in males. The difference between MLR groups for tumor location, tumor stage, disease free periods and tumor T stages were not significant. A significant relation existed between different stages of LN involvement and MLR; and also between cancer stages and MLR.

CONCLUSION

We found a significant relation between MLR and cancer stage and metastatic LN. Due to small sample size and short period of follow-up, we could not find significant relation between MLR and other factors such as depth of tumor invasion, disease free period and tumor grading. In conclusion with regards to our results and other similar studies' results, we acknowledge the importance of MLR in determining patients' prognosis in gastric cancer.

The Effect of Observational Practice by a Point-Light Model on Learning a Novel Motor Skill

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of observing point-light and video models and physical practice on learning a crouch start.

METHOD

Thirty-two female students were randomly assigned into point-light, video, physical practice, and control groups. They performed 10 trials in pretest, 160 trials in acquisition phase, and 10 trials in 24-hour retention test. Kinematic features and reaction time were measured as dependent variables.

RESULTS

Results showed that physical practice group performed better than other groups in reaction time and range of motion of trunk and observational groups performed better than control groups in reaction time and range of motion of knee.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the positive effects of observational practice on motor learning.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic spray cryotherapy for Barrett's dysplasia: results of the National Cryospray Registry

Retrospective series have shown the efficacy of endoscopic spray cryotherapy in eradicating high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE); however, prospective data are lacking, and efficacy for low-grade dysplasia (LGD) is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of spray cryotherapy in patients with LGD or HGD. A multicenter, prospective open-label registry enrolled patients with dysplastic BE. Spray cryotherapy was performed every 2-3 months until there was no endoscopic evidence of BE and no histological evidence of dysplasia, followed by surveillance endoscopies up to 2 years. Primary outcome measures were complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D) and complete eradication of all intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM). Ninety-six subjects with Barrett's dysplasia (67% HGD; 65% long-segment BE; mean length 4.5 cm) underwent 321 treatments (mean 3.3 per subject). Mean age was 67 years, 83% were male. Eighty patients (83%) completed treatment with follow-up endoscopy (mean duration 21 months). In patients with LGD, rate of CE-D was 91% (21/23) and rate of CE-IM was 61% (14/23). In HGD, CE-D rate was 81% (46/57) and CE-IM was 65% (37/57). In patients with short-segment BE (SSBE) with any dysplasia, CE-D was achieved in 97% (30/31) and CE-IM in 77% (24/31). There were no esophageal perforations or related deaths. One subject developed a stricture, which did not require dilation. One patient was hospitalized for bleeding in the setting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. In the largest prospective cohort to date, data suggest endoscopic spray cryotherapy is a safe and effective modality for eradication of BE with LGD or HGD, particularly with SSBE.

The effect of different recovery methods on blood lactate removal in wrestlers

AIM

The first aim of this study was to compare the VO₂at lactate threshold (LT) and maximum rate of fat oxidation (Fat(max)) intensity in wrestlers. A secondary aim was to compare the different recovery trials in wrestlers for finding effective methods of lactate removal post-match.

METHODS

Eight wrestlers (mean ± SD; age, 23.2 ± 1 year; VO(2max), 55.2 ± 3.4 mL.min⁻¹.kg⁻¹) completed four recovery trials in a counter-balanced order. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), Fat(max), individual anaerobic threshold (IAT), individual ventilatory threshold (IVT), and LT were determined during a graded exercise test. Different recovery methods were performed at a similar time of the day after three 2 min wrestling match. Lactate concentration was obtained at rest, and at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 min of post-match.

RESULTS

In wrestler, Fat(max) was significantly correlated with LT (r=0.47, P<0.05) and lactate concentration (mean ± SD) significantly increased during the match from (1.7 ± 0.2 mmol.L⁻¹) to (15.1 ± 1.3 mmol.L⁻¹). At 5 minute, IVT method provides greater reduce in blood lactate (79% ∆La) and in other time point (10, 15 and 20 min) Fat(max) intensity provides more reduce.

CONCLUSION

Fat(max) intensity is the most effective method for removal lactate concentration in wrestlers. There may be a relationship between improve in endurance capacity and training at the Fat(max) intensity.

Anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities of constituents of chloroform extract of Juglans regia leaves

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate anti-proliferative as well as apoptotic activities of compounds identified in chloroform extract of Juglans regia leaves, on human breast and oral cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and BHY).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Column chromatography, MTT assay, flowcytometry and western blotting have all been used in the study.

RESULTS

Bioassay-guided fractionation of chloroform extract of J. regia afforded isolation of 5-hydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone [1], lupeol [2], daucosterol [3], 4-hydroxy-α-tetralone [4], β-sitosterol [5], 5,7- dihydroxy-3,4'-dimethoxyflavone [6] and regiolone [7]. Structures of the compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses [Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass]. All compounds inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and BHY (human oral squamous carcinoma) cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Compounds 6 and 7 had potent cytotoxic effects on both MCF-7 and BHY cells (IC50 21-51 μm), yet were not toxic to normal cells. MCF-7 growth inhibition was attributed to apoptosis; population of apoptotic cells increased from 1.12% in controls to 5.64 and 8.1% after 48-h treatment with compounds 6 and 7, indicating their potential at inducing early and late apoptosis. The caspase cascade was not activated, as indicated by only insignificant cleavage of caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that compounds 6 and 7 can induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through the caspase-3 independent pathway.

Processing of Thermally Stable Polymer Nanocomposites Reinforced Silicate Nanoparticles Based on N-trimellitylimido-L-phenyl alanine

In this article two polymer/nanocomposite films with 5 and 10% silicate particles based on Poly(amide-imide) (PAI) from N-trimellitylimido-L-phenyl alanine were prepared via solution intercalation method through blending of organoclay with the PAI solution. Poly(amide-imide) was synthesized by the direct polycondensation reaction of N-trimellitylimido-L-phenyl alanine with 4,4′-diamino diphenyl ether in the presence of triphenyl phosphite (TPP), CaCl2 and pyridine (Py). Morphology and structure of the resulting PAI-nanocomposite films were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of clay dispersion and the interaction between clay and polymeric chains on the properties of nanocomposites films were investigated by using Uv-vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and water uptake measurements.

Cross interaction of Pseudomonas putida and Glomus intraradices and its effect on wheat root colonization

To study the cross interaction of microorganisms in plant growth promotion and the effect of auxin in this interaction, Pseudomonas putida and Glomus intraradices were co-inoculated on wheat. For this purpose, a mutant that produced less amount of auxin was derived from the bacterial strain by chemical mutagenesis with ethyl methane sulfonate. Next both the wild-type strain and the mutant strain were labeled with gusA for a better detection on the roots. Finally, the bacteria were inoculated on wheat as single inoculants or combined with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Controls included non-bacteria/non-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alone. Plants co-inoculated with the wild-type bacterial strain and Glomus intraradices had the highest stem and their fresh and dry shoot weight was more than other treatments. Also, it was observed that the wild-type strain significantly improved the mycorrhizal colonization which implies the beneficial effect of auxin on mycorrhizal colonization. Furthermore, Glomus intraradices increased the population density of the wild-type strain in the endorhizosphere. In the microscopic studies of plant roots, bacterial colonies were observed as blues lines on the surface and inside the roots as well as on the seed surfaces.

Analysis of morphological trait and yield components of mutant wheat under different levels of nitrogen

In order to evaluate the reaction of yield and yield components of wheat's mutant lines to different levels of nitrogen in the crop year of 2006-2007, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on completely randomized block design in 4 replicates in the Research Farm of Agricultural, Medical and Industrial Research School in Zaferaniyeh-Karaj-Iran the first factor included 5 genotypes of wheat (Tabasi-the maternal entity, T-65-7-1, T-65-5-1, T-6-67-60, T-65-58-8) and the second factor consisted of 4 levels of nitrogen (100, 140, 180 and 220 kg ha(-1) urea 46%). The result showed that grain's yield harvest index, number of grain/spike in mutant lines and their parent had significant difference (p < 0.01) in mutant genotypes, meanwhile, the biological yield and the number of spike m2 were not significant difference (p < 0.05). The harvest index, number of grains per spike, grain's yield, biologic yield and number of spikes m(-2), weight of 1000 grains didn't affected by applying different levels of nitrogen fertilizer.

Detection and some properties of cowpea mild mottle virus isolated from soybean in Iran

During 2006-2007 growing seasons, survey were carried to identify a virus disease causing mosaic of soybean in the field in Southern region (Khozestan Province) of Iran. To detect the viral infection, diseased leaf samples showing mild mosaic and leaf malformation were collected from soybean fields in Dezful, located in Khozestan Province. Infected samples were carried to the lab in a proper condition on ice packages. TPIA and DAS-ELISA serological tests were applied to identify the viral agent. To investigate the host-range, several indicator plants were mechanically inoculated under green-house condition. Seed transmission of CPMMV was examined using the seeds obtained from infected plants. The virus isolate was not found to be seed-borne in Clark variety of soybean. Different steps of ultracentrifugation including sucrose density gradient (10-40%) were carried out in order to obtain partial purified virus. On the basis of biological, serological and EM results, CPMMV-Carla virus was identified in the infected soybean samples. This is the first report of CPMMV infection of soybean in Iran.

Religious coping and problem-solving by couples faced with prostate cancer

Religion can be an important resource for people struggling with chronic illness. Problem-solving skills have also been shown to be helpful. This study examined whether turning to religion as a coping resource would be associated with better problem-solving in couples trying to manage challenges associated with prostate cancer. The sample was 101 patients with prostate cancer and their wives. Wives completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory--Revised at baseline (T1) and 10 weeks later (T2). Patients and their wives also completed a measure that included items on religious coping. These items were used to classify couples into four groups based on whether one or both members engaged in religious coping: (1) husband only, (2) wife only, (3) both husband and wife, and (4) neither husband nor wife. From T1 to T2, wives who used religious coping along with their husbands (group 3) showed a significantly greater reduction in dysfunctional problem-solving (specifically, on impulsive/careless problem-solving) in comparison with wives who used religious coping while their husbands did not (group 2). Findings suggest that when couples share in turning to religion as a source of coping, this may be associated with improved problem-solving, but sole engagement in religious coping by wives may be associated with worse problem-solving.