Repeated fed-batch cultivation of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis using urea as nitrogen source

Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis (Nordstedt) Gomont was autotrophically cultivated for biomass production in repeated fed-batch process using urea as nitrogen source, with the aim of making large-scale production easier, increasing cell productivity and then reducing the production costs. It was investigated the influence of the ratio of renewed volume to total volume (R), the urea feeding time (t_f) and the number of successive repeated fed-batch cycles on the maximum cell concentration (X_m), cell productivity (P_x), nitrogen-to-cell conversion yield (Y_x/n), maximum specific growth rate (μ_m) and protein content of dry biomass. The experimental results demonstrated that R = 0.80 and t_f = 6 d were the best cultivation conditions, being able to simultaneously ensure, throughout the three fed-batch cycles, the highest average values of three of the five responses (X_m = 2101 ± 113 mg L^?1, P_x = 219 ± 13 mg L^?1 d^?1 and Y_x/n = 10.3 ± 0.8 g g^?1).     

Isoelectric focusing reveals additional casein variants in German sheep breeds

Isoelectric focusing (IEF) was applied for screening milk protein variants in milk samples from altogether 1078 sheep of different breeds, in detail Black Faced Mutton sheep (SKF; n = 57), East Friesian Milk sheep (OMS; n = 254), Gray Horned Heath (GGH; n = 190), Merinoland sheep (MLS; n = 363), Merino Mutton sheep (MMS; n = 88), and Rhön sheep (RHO; n = 126). Besides the known genetic variants of α_s1-casein (CSN1S1) (A, C, D), α_s2-casein (CSN1S2) (A, B), and β-lactoglobulin (LGB) (A, B, C) additional variants could be demonstrated in CSN1S1 (H, I) and CSN1S2 (C, D) and their genetic control confirmed by segregation analyses. CSN1S1*H corresponds to a previously mentioned phenotype “X” occurring in OMS, whereas CSN1S1*I was identified for the first time in GGH. CSN1S2*C appeared in OMS, GGH, MLS, and RHO in low frequencies and CSN1S2*D in MLS. Within LGB all three alleles occurred in Merino breeds while α-lactalbumin (LAA) and κ-CN (CSN3) were monomorph at protein level. The haplotype CSN1S1*C–CSN1S2*A was predominant in five out of six breeds with frequencies between 0.325 and 0.919.     

Comparing anti-HIV,antibacterial, antifungal,micellar, and cytotoxic properties of tricarboxylato dendritic amphiphiles

Three series of homologous dendritic amphiphiles—RCONHC(CH₂CH₂COOH)₃, 1(n); ROCONHC(CH₂CH₂COOH)₃, 2(n); RNHCONHC(CH₂CH₂COOH)₃, 3(n), where R = n-C_nH_2n+1 and n = 13–22 carbon atoms—were assayed for their potential to serve as antimicrobial components in a topical vaginal formulation. Comparing epithelial cytotoxicities to the ability of these homologues to inhibit HIV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Candida albicans provided a measure of their prophylactic/therapeutic potential. Measurements of the ability to inhibit Lactobacillus plantarum, a beneficial bacterium in the vagina, and critical micelle concentrations (CMCs), an indicator of the potential detergency of these amphiphiles, provided additional assessments of safety. Several amphiphiles from each homologous series had modest anti-HIV activity (EC₅₀ = 110–130 μM). Amphiphile 2(18) had the best anti-Neisseria activity (MIC = 65 μM), while 1(19) and 1(21) had MICs against C. albicans of 16 and 7.7 μM, respectively. Two measures of safety showed promise as all compounds had relatively low cytotoxic activity (EC₅₀ = 210–940 μM) against epithelial cells and low activity against L. plantarum, 1(n), 2(n), and 3(n) had MICs ? 490, 1300, and 940 μM, respectively. CMCs measured in aqueous triethanolamine and in aqueous potassium hydroxide showed linear dependences on chain length. As expected, the longest chain in each series had the lowest CMC—in triethanolamine: 1(21), 1500 μM; 2(22), 320 μM; 3(22), 340 μM, and in potassium hydroxide: 1(21), 130 μM; 3(22), 40 μM. The CMC in triethanolamine adjusted to pH 7.4 was 400 μM for 1(21) and 3900 μM for 3(16). The promising antifungal activity, low activity against L. plantarum, relatively high CMCs, and modest epithelial cytotoxicity in addition to their anti-Neisseria properties warrant further design studies with dendritic amphiphiles to improve their safety indices to produce suitable candidates for antimicrobial vaginal products.     

Asymmetric total synthesis and identification of tetrahydroprotoberberine derivatives as new antipsychotic agents possessing a dopamine D1, D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A multi-action profile

An effective and rapid method for the microwave-assisted preparation of the key intermediate for the total synthesis of tetrahydroprotoberberines (THPBs) including l-stepholidine (l-SPD) was developed. Thirty-one THPB derivatives with diverse substituents on A and D ring were synthesized, and their binding affinity to dopamine D₁, D₂ and serotonin 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2A receptors were determined. Compounds 18k and 18m were identified as partial agonists at the D₁ receptor with K_i values of 50 and 6.3 nM, while both compounds act as D₂ receptor antagonists (K_i = 305 and 145 nM, respectively) and 5-HT_1A receptor full agonists (K_i = 149 and 908 nM, respectively). These two THPBs compounds exerted antipsychotic actions in animal models. Further electrophysiological studies employing single-unit recording in intact animals demonstrated that 18k-excited dopaminergic (DA) neurons are associated with its 5-HT_1A receptor agonistic activity. These results suggest that these two compounds targeted to multiple neurotransmitter receptors may present novel lead drugs with new pharmacological profiles for the treatment of schizophrenia.     

Synthesis and biological investigation of new equatorial (β) stereoisomers of 3-aminotropane arylamides with atypical antipsychotic profile

A series of novel 3β-aminotropane derivatives containing a 2-naphthalene or a 2-quinoline moiety was synthesised and evaluated for their affinity for 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A and D₂ receptors. Their affinity for the receptors was in the nanomolar to micromolar range. p-Substitution (6c, 6f, 6i, 6l, 6o), as well as substitution with chlorine atoms (6g, 6h, 6i), led to a significant increase in binding affinity for D₂ receptors with compounds 6f (K_i = 0.6 nM), 6c and 6i (K_i = 0.4 nM), having the highest binding affinities. m-Substituted derivatives were the most promising ligands in terms of 5-HT_2A receptor binding affinity whereas 2-quinoline derivatives (10a, 10b) displayed the highest affinity for 5-HT_1AR and were the most selective ligands with K_i = 62.7 nM and K_i = 30.5 nM, respectively. Finally, the selected ligands 6b, 6d, 6e, 6g, 6h, 6k, 6n and 6o, with triple binding activity for the D₂, 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2A receptors, were subjected to in vivo tests, such as those for induced hypothermia, climbing behaviour and the head twitch response, in order to determine their pharmacological profile. The tested ligands presented neither agonist nor antagonist properties for the 5-HT_1A receptors in the induced hypothermia and lower lip retraction (LLR) tests. All tested compounds displayed antagonistic activity against 5-HT_2A, with 6n and 6o being the most active. Four (6b, 6k, 6n and 6o) out of eight tested compounds could be classified as D₂ antagonists. Additionally, evaluation of metabolic stability was performed for selected ligands, and introduction of halogen atoms into the benzene ring of 6h, 6k, 6n and 6o improved their metabolic stability. The project resulted in the selection of the lead compounds 6n and 6o, which had antipsychotic profiles, combining dopamine D₂-receptor and 5-HT_2A antagonism and metabolic stability.     

Pyrrolidine analogs of GZ-793A: Synthesis and evaluation as inhibitors of the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2)

Central heterocyclic ring size reduction from piperidinyl to pyrrolidinyl in the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) inhibitor GZ-793A and its analogs resulted in novel N-propane-1,2(R)-diol analogs 11a–i. These compounds were evaluated for their affinity for the dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) binding site on VMAT2 and for their ability to inhibit vesicular dopamine (DA) uptake. The 4-difluoromethoxyphenethyl analog 11f was the most potent inhibitor of [³H]-DTBZ binding (K_i = 560 nM), with 15-fold greater affinity for this site than GZ-793A (K_i = 8.29 μM). Analog 11f also showed similar potency of inhibition of [³H]-DA uptake into vesicles (K_i = 45 nM) compared to that for GZ-793A (K_i = 29 nM). Thus, 11f represents a new water-soluble inhibitor of VMAT function.     

Synthesis,characterization and magnetic properties of six new copper(II) complexes with aminoacids as bridging ligand,exhibiting ferromagnetic coupling

The synthesis, crystallographic analysis and magnetic studies of six new copper(II) complexes of formulae [Cu(μ-ala)(im)(H₂O)]_n(ClO₄)_n (1), [Cu(μ-ala)(pz)(μ-ClO₄)] (2), [Cu(μ-phe)(im)(H₂O)]_n(ClO₄)_n (3), [Cu(μ-gly)(H₂O)(ClO₄)]_n (4), [Cu(μ-gly)(pz)(ClO₄)]_n(5) and [Cu(μ-pro)(pz)(ClO₄)]_n (6) have been carried out (ala = alanine; phe = phenylalanine; gly = glycine; pro = proline; im = imidazole; pz = pyrazole). In all cases, the deprotonated aminoacid ligand acts as chelate through the N(amine) and one O(carboxylato), whereas the second O atom of the same carboxylato acts as a bridge to the neighbouring copper(II) ion. The coordination of copper(II) ions is square-pyramidal in all complexes but 2 (elongated O_h). All complexes (1–6) are uniform chains with syn–anti (equatorial–equatorial) coordination mode of the carboxylato bridging ligand, exhibiting intrachain ferromagnetic interactions.     

A pilot study of synbiotic supplementation on breast milk mineral concentrations and growth of exclusively breast fed infants

Despite the crucial role of breast milk mineral contents for health and growth of the infants, they decrease with the duration of lactation. So, this pilot study aimed to determine the effects of synbiotic supplementation on breast milk mineral composition and infants’ growth. In this pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 57 lactating mothers were randomly divided into two groups to receive a daily supplement of synbiotic (n = 30) or a placebo (n = 27) for 30 days. Breast milk zinc, copper, Iron, magnesium and, calcium concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Weight for age Z-score (WAZ) and height for age Z-score (HAZ) were assessed for infants. Dietary intake was collected from lactating women using the 24-h recall method. Data analyses were carried out using nutritionist IV, Epi Info and SPSS soft wares. Synbiotic supplementation led to an insignificant increase of the mean breast milk levels of zinc (from 2.44 ± 0.65 to 2.55 ± 0.55 mg L⁻¹), copper (from 0.35 ± 0.24 to 0.40 ± 0.26 mg L⁻¹), iron (from 0.28 ± 0.42 to 0.31 ± 0.38 mg L⁻¹), magnesium (from 17.14 ± 1.35 to 17.17 ± 1.09 mg L⁻¹), and calcium (from 189 ± 25.3 to 189.9 ± 21.7 mg L⁻¹); whilst in the placebo group, these variables decreased significantly (P = 0.001). The observed changes between two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Although WAZ and HAZ of infants increased slightly in the supplemented group (from 1.19 ± 0.79 to 1.20 ± 0.69 and 0.36 ± 0.86 to 0.37 ± 0.85 respectively), these two parameters decreased in the placebo group which was significant only for WAZ (P = 0.01). Moreover, no significant association was found between mineral intake and breast milk mineral contents. It seems, synbiotic supplementation may have positive effects on breast milk mineral contents.     

Implementation of a dose–response curve for γ-radiation in the Portuguese population by use of the chromosomal aberration assay

An in vitro dose–response curve following exposure to γ-radiation was determined at the IST/ITN, by use of the chromosomal aberration assay. This is the first study of this kind carried out among the Portuguese population. Un-irradiated and γ-irradiated peripheral blood lymphocytes from 16 healthy donors were cultured. A total of 22,395 metaphases were analyzed for frequency and distribution of dicentrics and centric rings, as a function of the radiation dose. The dose–response data for dicentrics and dicentrics plus centric rings were fitted by use of a linear–quadratic model: Y_dic = (0.0011 ± 0.0006) + (0.0105 ± 0.0035)D + (0.0480 ± 0.0019)D² and Y_{dic + rings} = (0.0011 ± 0.0006) + (0.0095 ± 0.0036)D + (0.0536 ± 0.0020)D². Also, calibration curves related to age and gender were determined, but no significant differences were found. Following the establishment of the dose–response curves, a validation experiment was carried out with three individuals. Real and estimated doses, obtained with the dose–response curves, were in agreement. These results give us confidence to apply both dose–response calibration curves in future biological dosimetry requirements.     

The structural definition of some novel adducts of stoichiometry CuX:dpex:MeCN (2:1:1)(n), X = (pseudo-) halogen,dppx = Ph2E(CH2)xEPh2, E = P,As, Sb

Single-crystal X-ray studies have defined the structures of a number of novel adducts of the form CuX:dpex (2:1), X = (pseudo-)halide, dpex = bis(diphenylpnicogeno)alkane, Ph₂E(CH₂)_xEPh₂, E = P, As, of diverse types, solvated with acetonitrile. CuBr:dpem (2:1)₂. 2MeCN (E = both P, As) are tetranuclear, derivative of the familiar ‘step’ structure, while CuCl:dpph (MeCN solvate) and CuBr:dppe (MeCN solvate) yield one-dimensional polymers (i.e., x = 1, 2, 6 for dppx, x = m, e, h), as also does CuSCN:dpam (MeCN solvate). In CuI:dpsm:MeCN (3:1:2) (‘dpsm’ = Ph₂Sb(CH₂)SbPh₂), CuI:dpsm (2:1)₂ ‘step’ units are connected into an infinite ‘stair’ polymer by interspersed (MeCN)CuI linkers.     

Effects of competition outcome on testosterone concentrations in humans: An updated meta-analysis

A contribution to a special issue on Hormones and Human Competition.Since Archer's (2006) influential meta-analysis, there has been a major increase in the number of studies investigating the effect of competition outcome on testosterone reactivity patterns in humans. Despite this increased research output, there remains debate as to whether competition outcome modulates testosterone concentrations. The present paper examines this question using a meta-analytic approach including papers published over the last 35 years. Moreover, it provides the first meta-analytic estimate of the effect of competition outcome on testosterone concentrations in women. Results from a meta-analysis involving 60 effect sizes and > 2500 participants indicated that winners of a competition demonstrated a larger increase in testosterone concentrations relative to losers (D = 0.20)—an effect that was highly heterogeneous. This ‘winner-loser’ effect was most robust in studies conducted outside the lab (e.g., in sport venues) (D = 0.43); for studies conducted in the lab, the effect of competition outcome on testosterone reactivity patterns was relatively weak (D = 0.08), and only found in studies of men (D = 0.15; in women: D = − 0.04). Further, the 'winner-loser' effect was stronger among studies in which pre-competition testosterone was sampled earlier than (D = 0.38, after trim and fill correction) rather than within (D = 0.09) 10 min of the start of the competition. Therefore, these results also provide important insight regarding study design and methodology, and will be a valuable resource for researchers conducting subsequent studies on the 'winner loser' effect.     

Efficiency of energy use for pregnancy by meat goat does with different litter size

Twenty-four Boer × Spanish does (3 years of age, having kidded once previously and with an initial BW of 42.7 ± 1.2 kg) were used to determine the efficiency of ME utilization for pregnancy (k_preg). Six does were nonpregnant and, based on ultrasound determination on day 45 of gestation, six had a litter size (LS) of 1, 2, and 3. However, only 10 of the pregnant does delivered the expected number of kids (3, 4, and 3 with LS of 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Does were fed a diet of approximately 50% concentrate in accordance with assumed maintenance plus pregnancy energy requirements based on estimated nonpregnancy tissue BW and LS. Recovered energy (RE) was determined by subtraction of energy expenditure (EE; respiration calorimetry) near days 80, 100, 120, and 140 of gestation from ME intake (MEI). RE was assumed attributable to pregnancy tissues (fetus, fetal fluids and membranes, uterus, and mammary gland), and ME used for pregnancy (ME_preg) was estimated by subtracting ME_m determined with nonpregnant goats from MEI by those pregnant. For does with actual LS equal to that expected, the no-intercept equation for the regression of RE against ME_preg was: RE = ME_preg × 0.252 (S.E. = 0.030; R² = 0.64), indicating a k_preg of 25%. A regression including LS (1 versus 2 or 3) suggested greater k_preg for LS of 1 (40.2 ± 5.6%) versus 2 or 3 (20.5 ± 3.2%). Regressions for goats with LS different from expected suggested positive effects of use of energy mobilized from nonpregnancy tissues on k_preg and of use of dietary ME for energy accretion in nonpregnancy tissues on the efficiency of whole body ME utilization. In conclusion, the average efficiency of ME use for pregnancy regardless of LS in goats was near 25%, which when considering the expected proportion of all pregnancy tissues attributable to fetal or conceptus tissues implies an energy requirement for pregnancy of goats similar to common recommendations for sheep and cattle.     

Identification and evaluation of nutrient limitation on periphyton growth in headwater streams in the Pawnee Nation,Oklahoma

The objective of the study was to identify nutrient impacts, if any, on stream periphyton growth in Black Bear Creek (north central Oklahoma) and its tributaries. Passive diffusion periphytometers were deployed at ten study sites within the Black Bear Creek basin to evaluate periphyton growth in response to nutrient enrichment. These sites were selected to represent a gradient of land uses, from predominantly agricultural to predominantly urban. Periphytometer treatments included phosphorus (P) (1.0 mg/L PO₄-P, n = 10), nitrogen (N) (10.0 mg/L NO₃-N, n = 10), N plus P (n = 10) and control (reverse osmosis-treated water, n = 10). Results indicated that average dissolved inorganic N (DIN, PQL = 0.04 mg/L) concentrations were significantly correlated (R² = 0.63, p < 0.01) with chlorophyll a production on the periphytometer control treatments in the Black Bear Creek basin. Periphytic growth was nutrient-limited (increased chlorophyll a was measured on nutrient-enriched growth media) at four of the ten sites sampled; two sites were limited by N and two sites were co-limited by both N and P. The lotic ecosystem trophic status index (LETSI), the ratio of C to N + P chlorophyll a, was calculated to compare treatment responses across sites. At nutrient-limited sites, LETSI was positively correlated to ambient DIN values (R² = 0.97, p < 0.01). However, some sites that were not nutrient-limited had ambient nutrient concentrations similar to sites with observed nutrient limitation, indicating other factors were limiting periphyton growth at those sites.     

Target Binding to S100B Reduces Dynamic Properties and Increases Ca2 +-Binding Affinity for Wild Type and EF-Hand Mutant Proteins

Mutations in the second EF-hand (D61N, D63N, D65N, and E72A) of S100B were used to study its Ca^2 + binding and dynamic properties in the absence and presence of a bound target, TRTK-12. With ^D63NS100B as an exception (^D63NK_D = 50 ± 9 μM), Ca^2 + binding to EF2-hand mutants were reduced by more than 8-fold in the absence of TRTK-12 (^D61NK_D = 412 ± 67 μM, ^D65NK_D = 968 ± 171 μM, and ^E72AK_D = 471 ± 133 μM), when compared to wild-type protein (^WTK_D = 56 ± 9 μM). For the TRTK-12 complexes, the Ca^2 +-binding affinity to wild type (^WT + TRTKK_D = 12 ± 10 μM) and the EF2 mutants was increased by 5- to 14-fold versus in the absence of target (^{D61N + TRTK}K_D = 29 ± 1.2 μM, ^{D63N + TRTK}K_D = 10 ± 2.2 μM, ^{D65N + TRTK}K_D = 73 ± 4.4 μM, and ^{E72A + TRTK}K_D = 18 ± 3.7 μM). In addition, R_ex, as measured using relaxation dispersion for side‐chain ¹⁵N resonances of Asn63 (^D63NS100B), was reduced upon TRTK-12 binding when measured by NMR. Likewise, backbone motions on multiple timescales (picoseconds to milliseconds) throughout wild type, ^D61NS100B, ^D63NS100B, and ^D65NS100B were lowered upon binding TRTK-12. However, the X-ray structures of Ca^2 +-bound (2.0 Å) and TRTK-bound (1.2 Å) ^D63NS100B showed no change in Ca^2 + coordination; thus, these and analogous structural data for the wild-type protein could not be used to explain how target binding increased Ca^2 +-binding affinity in solution. Therefore, a model for how S100B–TRTK‐12 complex formation increases Ca^2 + binding is discussed, which considers changes in protein dynamics upon binding the target TRTK-12.     

Gender discrimination in undernutrition with mediating factors among Bengalee school children from Eastern India

This study was undertaken to determine age and sex variations in the prevalence of underweight and stunting, and to assess the impact of some socio-economic variables on undernutrition among 6–16 year old school children of Bengalee ethnicity in Chapra, West Bengal, India. The subjects were selected randomly from various schools and madrassas of the Chapra Block. A total of 725 children (342 boys and 383 girls) aged 6–16 years were measured and data on their socio-economic status were collected. Age and sex combined rates of underweight and stunting were 44.40% and 37.20%, respectively. Weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) showed significant association with per-capita income (PCI) among boys (F = 5.45) and girls (F = 8.14). Height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) has also shown the association with per-capita income among boys (F = 4.43) and girls (F = 9.69). The WAZ was significantly associated with fathers’ educational status (FOS) (t = ?2.95) and the number of living rooms (NLR) (t = ?2.91) among girls. The HAZ showed significant association with number of siblings (NS) among girls (F = 4.25). Linear regression analyses revealed that NLR (t = 2.04) and NS (t = 1.95) had a significant impact on HAZ among boys. Among girls, PCI (t = 3.38), FOS (t = 2.87) and NLR (t = 2.81) had a significant impact on WAZ and also PCI (t = 3.28) and FOS (t = 2.90) had a significant impact on HAZ. NLR had significant associations with underweight (χ² = 3.59) and stunting (χ² = 4.20) among boys. Among girls, PCI had significant associations with underweight (χ² = 11.15) and stunting (χ² = 11.64). FOS also showed significant associations with underweight (χ² = 8.10) as well as stunting (χ² = 8.28) among girls. NLR showed a significant association with underweight (χ² = 7.75). Logistics regression analyses revealed that FOS (Wald = 8.00) and NLR (Wald = 4.09) were significant predictors of stunting among boys. Among girls, PCI was a significant predictor of underweight (Wald = 10.95) as well as stunting (Wald = 10.45). FOS, NLR and NS were also significant predictors of stunting (Wald = 8.16), underweight (Wald = 7.68) and stunting (Wald = 6.97) respectively. The present study revealed that the nutritional status of the children was unsatisfactory and it is of paramount importance not only to increase the amount of food supplementation given but also to promote gender equality.     

Discovery of a new series of 5-HT1A receptor agonists

Starting from compounds previously identified as α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists that were also found to bind to the 5-HT_1A receptor, in an attempt to separate the two activities, a new series of 5-HT_1A receptor agonists was identified and shown to have high potency and/or high selectivity. Of these, compound 13, which combines high selectivity (5-HT_1A/α₁ = 151) and good agonist potency (pD₂ = 7.82; E_max = 76), was found to be the most interesting.     

Human growth hormone-specific aptamer identification using improved oligonucleotide ligand evolution method

LETEG is a method developed and used for the separation and purification of proteins employing a single-step ligand (aptamers) evolution in which aptamers are eluted with an increasing temperature gradient. Using recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) as the test purification target, and after avoiding cross reactions of aptamers with Bacillus subtilis extracellular proteins by negative SELEX, the effects of time and pH on aptamer binding to rhGH were investigated. The highest binding efficiency of aptamers on rhGH-immobilized microparticles was obtained at pH 7.0. The aptamers that interacted with rhGH were eluted by a multi-stage step-up temperature gradient in ΔT = 10 °C increments within the range T = 55–95 °C; and the strongest affinity binding was disrupted at T = 85 °C where C_Apt = 0.16 μM was eluted. The equilibrium binding data obtained was described by a Langmuir-type isotherm; where the affinity constant was K_D = 218 nM rhGH. RhGH was separated from the fermentation broth with 99.8% purity, indicating that the method developed is properly applicable even for an anionic protein.     

The effect of adding zinc to vitamin A on IGF-1, bone age and linear growth in stunted children

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A with daily zinc supplementation was conducted with children in Mojo village, Surabaya City. Children aged 48 to 60 months were randomized to receive a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A plus zinc sulfate (n = 12) or a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A (n = 12) plus placebo six days a week for six months. Children were evaluated weekly for nutrient intake and for IGF-1, C-reactive protein levels, gamma globulin levels, serum zinc, serum retinol, bone age and the index height for age at six months.At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in the serum retinol level (p < 0.03), serum zinc level (p < 0.03), IGF-1 hormone (p < 0.04) and Z-score height for age (p < 0.001), bone age (p < 0.01), and gamma globulin level (p < 0.04) and a significant decrease in the amount of infection/inflammation measured by CRP level (p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between CRP level and height for age (p < 0.01), and between gamma level and height for age (p < 0.01).These results suggest that combined vitamin A and zinc supplementation reduces the risk of infection and increases linear growth among children, and thus may play a key role in controlling infection and stunted growth for children under five years old.     

Genetic polymorphism of epidermal growth factor 61A>G and cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Background: Numerous studies have investigated the risk of cancer associated with the polymorphism of epidermal growth factor (EGF) 61A>G, but the results have been inconsistent. We performed this meta-analysis to drive a more precise estimation of association between this polymorphism and risk of cancer. Methods: Electronic searches of PubMed and EMBASE were conducted to select studies. Case-control studies containing available genotype frequencies of EGF 61A>G were chose, and Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of this association. Results: 23 case-control studies including 5578 cases and 7306 controls were identified. This meta-analysis showed significant effect of EGF 61A>G on cancer risk (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.05–1.72; GG vs. GA + AA: OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.03–1.47; GG + GA vs. AA: OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.02–1.38). In subgroup analysis, significant increased risk was found in gastric cancer and glioma in additive model (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.13–2.12; OR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.21–2.37) and in recessive model (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.10–1.52; OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.16–2.04). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that the EGF 61G allele is a risk factor of cancer, especially for gastric cancer and glioma.     

Syntheses,structures, and magnetic properties of heterobimetallic complexes based on tetracyanometallic building blocks

Two tetracyanometalate building blocks, [Fe(5,5′-dmbipy)(CN)₄]^? (2) and [Fe(4,4′-dmbipy)(CN)₄]^? (3) (5,5′-dmbipy = 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine; 4,4′-dmbipy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), and two cyano-bridged heterobimetallic complexes, [Cu₂(bpca)₂(H₂O)₂Fe₂(5,5′-dmbipy)₂(CN)₈] · 2[Cu(bpca)Fe(5,5′-dmbipy)(CN)₄] · 4H₂O (4) and [Cu(bpca)Fe(4,4′-dmbipy)(CN)₄]_n (5) (bpca = bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)amidate), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 4 contains two dinuclear and one tetranuclear heterobimetallic clusters in an asymmetric unit whereas the structure of complex 5 features a one-dimensional heterobimetallic zigzag chain. The Cu(II) ion is penta-coordinated in the form of a distorted square-based pyramid. Magnetic studies show ferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions with g = 2.28, J₁ = 2.64 cm^?1, J₂ = 5.40 cm^?1 and TIP = ?2.36 × 10^?3 for complex 4, and g = 2.17, J = 4.82 cm^?1 and zJ′ = 0.029 cm^?1 for complex 5.