Activity Of TH Research Articles

Helper T Cells are Hyperactive and Contribute to the Dysregulation of Antibody Production in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease, mediated by a complex interaction between B cells and various subsets of T cells. Dysfunction of helper T (Th) and regulatory T (Treg) cells may contribute to the breakdown of self-tolerance and the progression of autoimmune disease. In this study, we investigated the activity of Th and Treg cells on the differentiation of autologous B cells in vitro using cell cultures from the peripheral blood of healthy controls (HCs) and RA patients. The expressions of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and IL-21 were monitored as activation markers for Th cells. Unstimulated Th cells from RA patients showed remarkably higher PD-1 expression than HC samples. Stimulation of Th cells from RA patients with Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) in the presence of B cells significantly induced their PD-1 and IL-21 expression at a considerably higher level in RA compared to HCs, and Treg cells did not affect IL-21 production. When monitoring B-cell differentiation, a significantly higher frequency of plasma cells was observed, even in unstimulated samples of RA patients compared to HCs. In the SEB-stimulated co-cultures of the RA samples, plasma cell frequency and IgG production were considerably higher than in HCs and were not significantly affected by Tregs. These findings demonstrate that Th cells are constitutively active in RA, and their hyperactivity upon interaction with diseased B cells may lead to uncontrolled antibody production.

Activation of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopaminergic Neurons Projecting to the Parabrachial Nucleus Promotes Emergence from Propofol Anesthesia in Male Rats.

Since the clinical introduction of general anesthesia, its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) and parabrachial nucleus (PBN) play pivotal roles in the mechanisms underlying general anesthesia. However, whether dopaminergic (DA) projections from the VTA to the PBN play a role in mediating the effects of general anesthesia is unclear. We microinjected 6-hydroxydopamine into the PBN to damage tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) neurons and found a prolonged recovery time from propofol anesthesia. We used calcium fiber photometry recording to explore the activity of TH + neurons in the PBN. Then, we used chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches either activate the VTADA-PBN pathway, shortening the propofol anesthesia emergence time, or inhibit this pathway, prolonging the emergence time. These data indicate the crucial involvement of TH + neurons in the PBN in regulating emergence from propofol anesthesia, while the activation of the VTADA-PBN pathway facilitates the emergence of propofol anesthesia.

A feasibility study on indoor therapeutic horticulture to alleviate sleep and anxiety problems: The impact of plants and activity choice on its therapeutic effect

IntroductionTherapeutic horticulture (TH) is increasingly being applied for sub-health or patient mental health care. Whether plant and activity type will affect TH’s effectiveness is unclear. AimTo evaluate the feasibility of an indoor TH for alleviating the anxiety symptoms and sleeping problems of people with poor sleep quality, and explore the potential affection of plant and activity type on health benefits. MethodThirty subjects (all with sleep problems and half with anxiety problems) were randomly assigned to three groups to do horticultural activities with ornamental plants, general aromatic plants, or aromatic plants with reported mental health functions, respectively. Six indoor TH activities were then held sequentially within two weeks. Psychological scales, subjective feedback questionnaires, and physiological indicators were used as evaluation indexes before and after horticulture activities. ResultsThe TH relieved subjects' sleep and anxiety problems and was particularly effective in alleviating anxiety among people with high anxiety levels. Using ornamental plants was more effective in relieving stress while functional aromatic plants performed better in sleep improvement and satisfaction to TH. Each horticultural activity could improve mood state but showed different effects on the vitality of the participants. ConclusionThe above findings provided some basis for the potential benefits of selecting plants and activities based on psychological care needs in the development of TH plans. Future research that expands upon the current project is warranted. A larger sample size is beneficial for obtaining more powerful statistical results.

A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Integrated Study on Brain Functional Changes in a Neuropathic Pain Rat Model.

Human and animal imaging studies demonstrated that chronic pain profoundly alters the structure and the functionality of several brain regions and even causes mental dysfunctions such as depression and anxiety disorders. In this article, we conducted a multimodal study cross-sectionally and longitudinally, to evaluate how neuropathic pain affects the brain. Using the spared nerve injury (SNI) model which promotes long-lasting mechanical allodynia, results showed that neuropathic pain deeply modified the intrinsic organization of the brain functional network 2 weeks after injury. There are significant changes in the activity of the left thalamus (Th_L) and left olfactory bulb (OB_L) brain regions after SNI, as evidenced by both the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal and c-Fos expression. Importantly, these changes were closely related to mechanical pain behavior of rats. However, it is worth noting that after morphine administration for analgesia, only the increased activity in the TH region is reversed, while the decreased activity in the OB region becomes more prominent. Functional connectivity (FC) and c-Fos correlation analysis further showed these two regions of interest (ROIs) exhibit different FC patterns with other brain regions. Our study comprehensively revealed the adaptive changes of brain neural networks induced by nerve injury in both cross-sectional and longitudinal dimensions and emphasized the abnormal activity and FC of Th_L and OB_L in the pathological condition. It provides reliable assistance in exploring the intricate mechanisms of diseases.

The antimicrobial activity of <i>Thymus marshallianus</i> extract against clinical cultures <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>C. albicans</i>

Aim to study the antimicrobial activity of the Thymus marshallianus extract against clinical cultures of microorganisms isolated from patients' material.
 Material and methods. The extract from the herb Th. marshallianus was obtained according to the method previously described and used, since the extraction obtained by this method presented the antimicrobial activity against standard cultures of microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity of extracts was studied in accordance with the Guidelines 4.2.1890-04 for 6 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and 5 clinical isolates of Candida albicans taken from patients' material (nasopharyngeal smear, blood, wound fluid) in the laboratory of the S. R. Mirovtsev of the Saratov State Medical University. The sectoral seeding was performed on dense nutrient media from test tubes with the colonies count, compared with the control seeding.
 Results. The antimicrobial activity of Th. marshallianus extract, obtained by the patented method, against clinical cultures of microorganisms was studied for the first time. A pronounced anti-staphylococcal effect of Th. marshallianus extract was established against clinical culture of S. aureus (the minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.78 mg/ml to 0.39 mg/ml). The antimycotic activity was detected only for one culture of C. albicans (minimum inhibitory concentration 25.0 mg/ml).

Facile synthesis, in vitro biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity of porous hollow hydroxyapatite microspheres

AbstractIn this study, porous hollow hydroxyapatite (HAp) microspheres are prepared using chitosan microspheres as novel sacrificial templates and their microstructure, biocompatibility, and drug delivery properties are evaluated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show that HAp microspheres are spherical in morphology with a diameter of 100–300 μm and have a porous and core–shell structure. X‐ray diffractometer patterns show that HAp microspheres consist of apatite phase. MTT assay indicates that HAp microspheres are biocompatible and have no significant cytotoxicity. SEM observations show that HAp microspheres support attachment and proliferation of osteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells. After being soaked in the solution of tetracycline hydrochloride (TH, model drug), HAp microspheres adsorb TH with an adsorption capacity of 47% to derive TH‐loaded HAp microspheres. When exposed to two types of representative bacteria: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, TH‐loaded HAp microspheres maintain the biological activity of TH to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

A zona incerta-basomedial amygdala circuit modulates aversive expectation in emotional stress-induced aversive learning deficits

A previously published study showed that stress may interfere with associative aversive learning and facilitate mood-related disorders. However, whether emotional stress alone affects aversive learning is unknown. Using three chamber-vicarious social defeat stress (3C-VSDS) model mice, we investigated the effect of emotional stress on aversive learning. An important origin of dopamine (DA) neurons, the zona incerta (ZI), is expected to be a novel target for the modulation of aversive learning. However, less is known about the circuit mechanism of ZIDA neurons in aversive learning. Here, we subjected mice to a fear-conditioning system (FCS) and observed an increased calcium activity of ZI TH+ neurons in aversive expectation during the conditioning phase, especially during the late stage of the conditional stimulus (CS) when CS and unconditional stimulus (US) pairings were used. Optogenetic inhibition of ZI TH+ neurons at the late stage of CS disrupted conditioned fear learning in mice. We further identified a TH+ projection from the ZI to the basomedial amygdala (BMA) and found that optogenetic inhibition of the ZI-BMA circuit could also block aversive learning. Finally, we used 3C-VSDS mice as a model of emotional stress. We found that the 3C-VSDS model mice demonstrated reduced aversive expectation associated with ZI TH+ neurons in the late stage of CS and impaired aversive learning in FCS. Optogenetic activation of ZI-BMA TH+ projections in the late stage of CS significantly reversed the aversive FCS learning disability of 3C-VSDS model mice. These data suggest that a TH+ circuit from the ZI to the BMA is required for aversive expectation, both at baseline and in 3C-VSDS-induced aversive learning deficits and that this circuit is a potential target for the modulation of aversive learning. Low activity of ZI-BMA TH+ projections is one reason for 3C-VSDS-induced aversive learning deficits.

Triphenyl hexene, an active substance of Betaone barley water extract, inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and LPS-induced osteoporosis

• Triphenyl hexene from Betaone barley water extract inhibits osteoclastogenesis. • Tirphenyl hexene reduces the transcriptional and translational expression of markers associated with osteoclastogenesis. • Triphenyl hexene decreases bone loss in an LPS-induced osteoporosis mouse model. Osteoporosis is an aging-associated disease that causes fragile bone in postmenopausal women and elderly, resulting in increased social expenses. Bone health is maintained through the bone remodeling process. In this study, we investigated the anti-osteoporotic activity of 2,3,5-triphenyl-1-hexene (TH), an active substance of water extract of Betaone barley. To analyze the effect of TH on osteoclasts, the transcriptional and translational expression levels of several osteoclastogenesis-related genes were investigated. To investigate the in vivo activity of TH, an experiment with LPS-induced osteoporosis model mice was performed, and data were analyzed using micro-CT imaging, H&E and TRAP staining. The results showed that TH reduced the transcriptional and translational expression of NFATc1, a modulator of osteoclast formation, and decreased the mRNA expression levels of various osteoclast differentiation marker genes. Moreover, TH inhibited bone resorption in the LPS-induced osteoporosis model in proportion to a concentration similar to the positive control, alendronate, and bisphosphonates.

Melatonin Increases Life Span, Restores the Locomotor Activity, and Reduces Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) in Transgenic Knockdown Parkin Drosophila melanogaster Exposed to Paraquat or Paraquat/Iron.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving impairment of bodily movement caused by the specific destruction of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons. Mounting evidence suggests that PD might be triggered by an interplay between environmental neurotoxicants (e.g., paraquat, PQ), heavy metals (e.g., iron), and gene alterations (e.g., PARKIN gene). Unfortunately, there are no therapies currently available that protect, slow, delay, or prevent the progression of PD. Melatonin (Mel, N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine) is a natural hormone with pleiotropic functions including receptor-independent pathways which might be useful in the treatment of PD. Therefore, as a chemical molecule, it has been shown that Mel prolonged the lifespan and locomotor activity, and reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO) in wild-type Canton-S flies exposed to PQ, suggesting antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. However, it is not yet known whether Mel can protect or prevent the genetic model parkin deficient in flies against oxidative stress (OS) stimuli. Here, we show that Mel (0.5, 1, 3mM) significantly extends the life span and locomotor activity of TH > parkin-RNAi/ + Drosophila melanogaster flies (> 15days) compared to untreated flies. Knock-down (K-D) parkin flies treated with PQ (1mM) or PQ (1mM)/iron (1mM) significantly diminished the survival index and climbing abilities (e.g., 50% of flies were dead and locomotor impairment by days 4 and 3, respectively). Remarkably, Mel reverted the noxious effect of PQ or PQ/iron combination in K-D parkin. Indeed, Mel protects TH > parkin-RNAi/ + Drosophila melanogaster flies against PQ- or PQ/iron-induced diminish survival, locomotor impairment, and LPO (e.g., 50% of flies were death and locomotor impairment by days 6 and 9, respectively). Similarly, Mel prevented K-D parkin flies against both PQ and PQ/iron. Taken together, these findings suggest that Mel can be safely used as an antioxidant and neuroprotectant agent against OS-stimuli in selective individuals at risk to suffer early-onset Parkinsonism and PD.

Combination With Tomatidine Improves the Potency of Posaconazole Against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Azoles such as posaconazole (Posa) are highly potent against Trypanosoma cruzi. However, when tested in chronic Chagas disease patients, a high rate of relapse after Posa treatment was observed. It appears that inhibition of T. cruzi cytochrome CYP51, the target of azoles, does not deliver sterile cure in monotherapy. Looking for suitable combination partners of azoles, we have selected a set of inhibitors of sterol and sphingolipid biosynthetic enzymes. A small-scale phenotypic screening was conducted in vitro against the proliferative forms of T. cruzi, extracellular epimastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Against the intracellular, clinically relevant forms, four out of 15 tested compounds presented higher or equal activity as benznidazole (Bz), with EC50 values ≤2.2 μM. Ro48-8071, an inhibitor of lanosterol synthase (ERG7), and the steroidal alkaloid tomatidine (TH), an inhibitor of C-24 sterol methyltransferase (ERG6), exhibited the highest potency and selectivity indices (SI = 12 and 115, respectively). Both were directed to combinatory assays using fixed-ratio protocols with Posa, Bz, and fexinidazole. The combination of TH with Posa displayed a synergistic profile against amastigotes, with a mean ΣFICI value of 0.2. In vivo assays using an acute mouse model of T. cruzi infection demonstrated lack of antiparasitic activity of TH alone in doses ranging from 0.5 to 5 mg/kg. As observed in vitro, the best combo proportion in vivo was the ratio 3 TH:1 Posa. The combination of Posa at 1.25 mpk plus TH at 3.75 mpk displayed suppression of peak parasitemia of 80% and a survival rate of 60% in the acute infection model, as compared to 20% survival for Posa at 1.25 mpk alone and 40% for Posa at 10 mpk alone. These initial results indicate a potential for the combination of posaconazole with tomatidine against T. cruzi.

Influence of phytoncide activity of Thuja occidentalis L. on strains of microorganisms under the action of car load (Dnipro city)

Landscaping of modern cities is impossible without increasing the area of green planting, which performs the function of turning the environment into more health-friendly one. Especially valuable are the species of ornamental plants that have high volatile activity. Because volatiles regulate the balance of pathogenic microflora in the air of cities, they significantly improve people's living conditions. According to the results of a previous study it was found that Thuja occidentalis L. and Th. plicata Donn ex D. Don f. “Zebrina” had the highest bactericidal activity during the winter among members of the family Cupressaceae. Given the frost, wind, gas and smoke resistance of Th. occidentalis, the aim of the study was to investigate the dynamics of phytoncide activity of the needles of this tree species during the year in a relatively clean zone and under the influence of vehicle emissions on plants in the urban ecosystem of Dnipro. The material was collected in all seasons of the year at two monitoring points in Dnipro, which differ in the level of environmental pollution by vehicle emissions. Traffic intensity was determined by the Potichuk & Pilipaka method. Antimicrobial action of Th. occidentalis was studied by the method of placing the crops of microbial test cultures under the effect of volatile secretions of needles and evaluating the result on a scale of phytoncide activity. The test subjects were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus sp., Bacillus subtilis, Esherechia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Candida albicans. Studies have shown that in a relatively clean area and under the action of traffic loads, the inhibitory effect of needles on the studied strains of microorganisms changes during the year: in winter it is the smallest, in spring begins to grow, in summer is maximum, and in autumn decreases again. Under the man-made growth conditions, the greatest volatile activity of Th. оccidentalis performs on test objects such as: S. aureus, Micrococcus sp. and E. coli. When affected by car load, there is significant inhibition of phytoncide production by needles in the presence of C. albicans, to a lesser extent – Ps. fluorescens and B. subtilis. It is recommended to use Th. оccidentalis in landscaping of urban areas with moderate traffic.

An osteogenic helioxanthin derivative suppresses the formation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts.

ObjectiveThe helioxanthin derivative 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)thieno[2,3-b:5,4-c′]dipyridine-2-carboxamide (TH) is a low-molecular-weight compound that was identified through screening for osteogenic compounds that enhance the activity of mouse preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we found that TH suppressed osteoclast differentiation.MethodsUsing the hematopoietic stem cells of ddY mice, TH was added to the culture in the experimental group, and the number of osteoclasts was measured with rhodamine phalloidin staining and TRAP staining. In osteo assay, bone resorption area was compared by the von Kossa staining.ResultsSpecifically, TH inhibited the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-degrading activity of phosphodiesterase (PDE), promoted nitric oxide (NO) production, and dose-dependently suppressed osteoclast differentiation in an osteoclast formation culture of mouse bone marrow cells. The NO-competitive guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) attenuated the suppressive activity of TH on osteoclast differentiation. Conclusion: Given the previously reported suppressive action of cGMP on osteoclastogenesis, our data suggest that TH negatively impacts osteoclast differentiation at least to some extent by stimulating NO production and inhibiting PDE activity, both of which lead to the upregulation of intracellular cGMP. This study supports the potential use of TH as a novel antiosteoporotic reagent that not only stimulates bone formation but also inhibits bone resorption.

The Beginnings of Sound Recording of Folk Music in Ukraine

The acceptance of the phonograph by the researchers of the Ukrainian folk music made an importants tepin the establishment and development of the professional musicalethnography. Thanksto Theodor von Steinheil (1870–1946), a socio-political and cultural activist, philanthropist, and diplomat, Ukrainians were among the top three nations in Europe to have taken advantage of the technical innovation. In July 1898, as part of work in the Horodok Regional Ethnography Museum (near Rivne), which he had created, the researcher used a phonograph cylinder to record a harvest song.Yet, in recent years, as a result of the latest research of the Ukrainian and foreign scientist, new data about the selfless work of the researcher in the field of music ethnography has become available, which has drawn other scientists’ attention to this topic.However, despite his momentous event in the history of ethnomusicology, the scientific feat of the baron was properly recognized only at the beginning of the ХХІ century in an article by Bogdan Lukaniuk. Nowadays, new data about the selfless work of the researcher in the field of musical ethnography has become available, stimulating interest in the topic. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to analyze the phonographic activity of Th. Von Steinheil and his museum associate V.Moshkov, adding to and verifying the data which had been published before.Having recorded his first several experimental phonographic audios, Th. von Steinheil did not stop at that. Already in autumn, he resumed his collecting work, and in addition too the pieces of music, recorded the repertoire of a lyrist. The baron in volveda folk loristanda military man V. Moshkov in the phonograph recording of folk music, who in 1898, recorded carol melodies for a Nativity drama, traditional Christmas felicitations, and some examples of Jewish folklore, hence establishing the beginning of the recording of Jewish tradition a musculature in Ukraine. Thanks to Th. Von Steinheilin four years, the phonograph recording of folk music became a separate field of research, whose culmination was the creation of the first archive of the phonograph cylinders in Ukraine and Europe. Nowadays, it is unknown what happened to the cylinders, neither is their whereabouts.

Peptides derived from tryptic hydrolysate of Bacillus subtilis culture suppress fungal spoilage of table grapes

This study confirmed the anti-fungal effect of trypsin-treated Bacillus subtilis culture (BC) (tryptic hydrolysate, TH) on mold growth on Kyoho grapes. We examined the anti-fungal activity of TH by identifying TH peptides and performing a computational docking analysis. TH was more potent than untreated BC in suppressing fungal growth on grapes. Specifically, TH maintained grape freshness by inhibiting respiration and rachis browning, maintaining firmness, and preventing weight loss. Thirty-six inhibitory peptides against β-1,3-glucan synthase (GS) were screened from 126 TH peptides identified through proteomic analysis. Among them, 13 peptides bound tightly to GS active pockets with lower binding energies than that of GppNHp. The most potent peptides, LFEIDEELNEK and FATSDLNDLYR, were synthesized, and further experiments showed that these peptides had a highly suppressive effect on GS activity and Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum growth. Our results confirm that tryptic treatment is effective for improving the anti-fungal activity of BC.

Radiological characterization of beach sediments along the Alexandria–Rosetta coasts of Egypt

In the present study, 52 sediment samples were collected from 14 sites along the area extending from west of Alexandria (El-MAX) to the eastern side of the Rosetta promontory (the terminal of the Nile River with the Mediterranean Sea). The collected samples were analyzed for radioactive contents. 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K and 137Cs were detected. The distribution of radionuclide activity and mass concentrations of Th and U displayed a specific pattern that reflects the mineralogical formations and beach stability. Radiological hazards were investigated by calculating the following radiological parameters: the radium equivalent, radiation hazard index and annual effective dose. It was observed that the levels of radiological parameter are higher in eastern locations than in western ones. In addition, the western side displayed radiological parameters higher than the recommended world-wide values.

Reply to the letter-to-the-editor submitted by Dr. M. U. Khandaker at JRNC referring to the article entitled as “Environmental impact of some cement manufacturing plants in Saudi Arabia” J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2014) 302:1103–1117 doi 10.1007/s10967-014-3383-8

We appreciate this opportunity to reply to the comments given in the letter of Dr. M.U. Khandaker about our recent published article in J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2014) 302:1103–1117. Our reply is presented in the next paragraphs according to the ordering of the letter’s comments. Secular equilibrium in the decay of radioactive series is normally assumed in environmental samples. The disequilibrium is occurred when one or more of the progeny are completely or partially removed or added to the system. The relatively short half-lives of the Th daughters mean that disequilibrium in this decay series is unlikely. On the other hand, because of the much longer half-lives of many U daughters, disequilibrium in this decay series is present, even for closed systems. In particularly, U series disequilibrium can result from precipitation/dissolution, alpha recoil, diffusion and the Szilard–Chalmers effect [1]. It is widespread in the exposed surficial environment and was even observed in many raw materials. The present work dealt with cement samples which were subjected to many chemical and physical processes that can easily lead to disequilibrium in U series assuming that all raw materials used in the production were in secular equilibrium which can hardly happen. Therefore, both the Th and Ra activity concentrations were measured in the present work. The quantification of Th activity (or U, assuming radioactive equilibrium) using the 63.3 and 92.6 keV (92.4 ? 92.8 keV doublet) c-ray photopeaks is highly preferable, especially in case of using n-type X-gamma HPGe detectors (as the used detector in this study had a carbon epoxy window) because they are typically at highest detection efficiency. The high detector efficiencies combined with the high emission probabilities make these c-ray photopeaks the optimal choice for routine c-ray analysis on most environmental samples even when regular p-type HPGe detectors are used [2–8]. The typical ratio of U/Ra activity in soil are reported with range from 0.55 to[2 [6, 9, 10]. Therefore, the observed disequilibrium in this study between the radioactivity of Th and Ra is normal in soil samples assuming radioactive equilibrium between the U and Th. If there are significant contributions of spectral interferences from other radionuclides to the 63.3 and 92.6 keV photopeaks of Th isotope as mentioned in Khandaker’s letter, then this will lead to a higher calculated activity of Th than that of Ra, which is not found in this study. The possible interference with 63.3 photopeak of Th from 63.8 keV of Th and 63.9 keV of from Th can be neglected unless the measured sample is highly enriched in U which is hardly the case in most of the environmental samples. Since the isotopic activity ratio of U/U is 21.6 [11–13], the contributions of any radionuclides in U decay series to the measured c-ray spectra of H. E. Hassan (&) T. Sharshar H. M. Badran Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 888, Al-Hawiah, Taif, Saudi Arabia e-mail: hebrahim_hassan@yahoo.com

Ice-binding proteins that accumulate on different ice crystal planes produce distinct thermal hysteresis dynamics

Ice-binding proteins that aid the survival of freeze-avoiding, cold-adapted organisms by inhibiting the growth of endogenous ice crystals are called antifreeze proteins (AFPs). The binding of AFPs to ice causes a separation between the melting point and the freezing point of the ice crystal (thermal hysteresis, TH). TH produced by hyperactive AFPs is an order of magnitude higher than that produced by a typical fish AFP. The basis for this difference in activity remains unclear. Here, we have compared the time dependence of TH activity for both hyperactive and moderately active AFPs using a custom-made nanolitre osmometer and a novel microfluidics system. We found that the TH activities of hyperactive AFPs were time-dependent, and that the TH activity of a moderate AFP was almost insensitive to time. Fluorescence microscopy measurement revealed that despite their higher TH activity, hyperactive AFPs from two insects (moth and beetle) took far longer to accumulate on the ice surface than did a moderately active fish AFP. An ice-binding protein from a bacterium that functions as an ice adhesin rather than as an antifreeze had intermediate TH properties. Nevertheless, the accumulation of this ice adhesion protein and the two hyperactive AFPs on the basal plane of ice is distinct and extensive, but not detectable for moderately active AFPs. Basal ice plane binding is the distinguishing feature of antifreeze hyperactivity, which is not strictly needed in fish that require only approximately 1°C of TH. Here, we found a correlation between the accumulation kinetics of the hyperactive AFP at the basal plane and the time sensitivity of the measured TH.

Molecular basis of thyrotropin and thyroid hormone action during implantation and early development.

Implantation and early embryo development are finely regulated processes in which several molecules are involved. Evidence that thyroid hormones (TH: T4 and T3) might be part of this machinery is emerging. An increased demand for TH occurs during gestation, and any alteration in maternal thyroid physiology has significant implications for both maternal and fetal health. Not only overt but also subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with infertility as well as with obstetric complications, including disruptions and disorders of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and troubles in early neonatal life. We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles related to TH action on ovary, endometrium, trophoblast maturation and embryo implantation. In addition, articles on the regulation of TH activity at cellular level have been reviewed. The findings are hereby summarized and critically discussed. TH have been shown to influence endometrial, ovarian and placental physiology. TH receptors (TR) and thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH) receptors (TSHR) are widely expressed in the feto-maternal unit during implantation, and both the endometrium and the trophoblast might be influenced by TH either directly or through TH effects on the synthesis and activity of implantation-mediating molecules. Interestingly, due to the multiplicity of mechanisms involved in TH action (e.g. differential expression of TR isoforms, heterodimeric receptor partners, interacting cellular proteins, and regulating enzymes), the TH concentration in blood is not always predictive of their cellular availability and activity at both genomic and nongenomic level. In addition to the known role of TH on the hormonal milieu of the ovarian follicle cycle, which is essential for a woman's fertility, evidence is emerging on the importance of TH signaling during implantation and early pregnancy. Based on recent observations, a local action of TH on female reproductive organs and the embryo during implantation appears to be crucial for a successful pregnancy. Furthermore, an imbalance in the spatio-temporal expression of factors involved in TH activity might induce early arrest of pregnancy in women considered as euthyroid, based on their hormonal blood concentration. In conclusion, alterations of the highly regulated local activity of TH may play a crucial, previously underestimated, role in early pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Further studies elucidating this topic should be encouraged.

Fabrication, characterization and antimicrobial activity of polyaniline Th(IV) tungstomolybdophosphate nanocomposite material: Efficient removal of toxic metal ions from water

Abstract Polyaniline Th(IV) tungstomolybdophosphate (PANI/TWMP) nanocomposite ion exchanger was prepared via sol–gel method by mixing polyaniline gel into the inorganic precipitates of Th(IV) tungstomolybdophosphate (TWMP). The PANI/TWMP nanocomposite ion exchanger was well characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. Thermal stability, elution behavior, effect of eluent concentration and pH titrations curves of PANI/TWMP were also investigated. The study revealed that PANI/TWMP nancomposite had higher ion exchange capacity (1.07 meq/g) compared to its inorganic counterpart TWMP (0.78 meq/g) and organic counterpart PANI (0.30 meq/g). The PANI/TWMP nanocomposite ion exchanger was found thermally stable and retained 53.27% ion exchange capacity upto 400 °C. On the basis of selectivity studies, some important binary separations were also achieved to explore the potential application of PANI/TWMP in the environmental analysis of toxic heavy metals. PANI/TWMP was also effectively used in separations of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from synthetic mixtures of metal ions.

Distribution and functional plasticity of peripheral blood Th(c)17 and Th(c)1 in rheumatoid arthritis

With the discovery of Th17 cells, it became unclear whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a Th1-mediated and/or a Th17-mediated disease. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the pro-inflammatory function of IL-17-producing T cell subsets (Th(c)17) in RA. Flow cytometry analysis was performed on peripheral blood from RA patients with inactive or low disease activity (LDA, n = 19) and moderate to high disease activity (HDA, n = 13) to analyze the number and functional activity of Th(c)17 and Th(c)1 cell subsets according to the frequency of IL-2-, TNF-α- and IFN-γ-producers cells, as well as, their cytokine amount. Additionally, 13 age-matched healthy volunteers were added to the study. Our data point to a slight increase in Tc17 frequency in RA patients, more evident in HDA, and a higher ability of Th17 to produce IL-17, whereas a lower production of TNF-α was noted either in Th17 or Tc17 cells, particularly from HDA. A similar decrease was observed in Th(c)1 for almost all studied pro-inflammatory cytokines, with the exception of IL-2, which was increased in Tc1 from LDA patients. Analysing the proportion of pro-inflammatory cytokines-producing cells, a polarization to a Tc1 phenotype seemed to occur in CD8 T cells, while CD4 T cells appear to be decreased in their frequency of IFN-γ-producing cells. Taken together, the functional plasticity features of Th17 and Tc17 cells suggest a particular contribution to the local cytokine production, pointing an underestimated role, namely of Tc1 and Tc17 cells, in the RA pathophysiology.