Anthropometric variables accurately predict dual energy x-ray absorptiometric-derived body composition and can be used to screen for diabetes

The current world-wide epidemic of obesity has stimulated interest in developing simple screening methods to identify individuals with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) or metabolic syndrome (MS). Prior work utilizing body composition obtained by sophisticated technology has shown that the ratio of abdominal fat to total fat is a good predictor for DM2 or MS. The goals of this study were to determine how well simple anthropometric variables predict the fat mass distribution as determined by dual energy x-ray absorptometry (DXA), and whether these are useful to screen for DM2 or MS within a population. To accomplish this, the body composition of 341 females spanning a wide range of body mass indices and with a 23% prevalence of DM2 and MS was determined using DXA. Stepwise linear regression models incorporating age, weight, height, waistline, and hipline predicted DXA body composition (i.e., fat mass, trunk fat, fat free mass, and total mass) with good accuracy. Using body composition as independent variables, nominal logistic regression was then performed to estimate the probability of DM2. The results show good discrimination with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) having an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78. The anthropometrically-derived body composition equations derived from the full DXA study group were then applied to a group of 1153 female patients selected from a general endocrinology practice. Similar to the smaller study group, the ROC from logistical regression using body composition had an AUC of 0.81 for the detection of DM2. These results are superior to screening based on questionnaires and compare favorably with published data derived from invasive testing, e.g., hemoglobin A1c. This anthropometric approach offers promise for the development of simple, inexpensive, non-invasive screening to identify individuals with metabolic dysfunction within large populations.     

Determining the interaction behavior of calf thymus DNA with berberine hydrochloride in the presence of linker histone: a biophysical study

Abstract

The binding of small molecules with histone-DNA complexes can cause an interference in vital cellular processes such as cell division and the growth of cancerous cells that results in apoptosis. It is significant to study the interaction of small molecules with histone-DNA complex for the purpose of better understanding their mechanism of action, as well as designing novel and more effective drug compounds. The fluorescence quenching of ct-DNA upon interaction with Berberine has determined the binding of Berberine to ct-DNA with K_sv?=?9.46?×?10⁷ M^?1. K_sv value of ct-DNA-Berberine in the presence of H1 has been observed to be 3.10?×?10⁷ M^?1, indicating that the H1 has caused a reduction in the binding affinity of Berberine to ct-DNA. In the competitive emission spectrum, ethidium bromide (EB) and acridine orange (AO) have been examined as intercalators through the addition of Berberine to ct-DNA complexes, which includes ctDNA-EB and ctDNA-AO. Although in the presence of histone H1 , we have observed signs of competition through the induced changes within the emission spectra, yet there has been apparently no competition between the ligands and probes. The viscosity results have confirmed the different behaviors of interaction between ctDNA and Berberine throughout the binary and ternary systems. We have figured out the IC50 and viability percent values at three different time durations of interaction between Berberine and MCF7 cell line. The molecular experiments have been completed by achieving the results of MTT assay, which have been confirmed to be in good agreement with molecular modeling studies.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma     

Interaction Between Oxytocin and Opioidergic System on Food Intake Regulation in Neonatal Layer Type Chicken

The aim of the current study was to determine possible interaction of central oxytocin and opioidergic system on food intake regulation in neonatal layer-type chicken. In experiment 1, FD₃ chicken ICV injected with control solution, oxytocin (10 µg), β-FNA (µ receptor antagonist, 5 µg) and oxytocin (10 µg)?+?β-FNA were injected. Experiments 2–6 were similar to experiments 1, except chicken injected with nor-BNI (κ receptor antagonist, 5 µg), NTI (δ receptor antagonist, 5 µg), DAMGO (µ receptor agonist, 62.25 pmol), U-50488H (κ receptor agonist, 10 nmol), DPDPE (δ receptor agonist, 20 pmol) instead of β-FNA. In experiment 7, control solution, DAMGO (125 pmol), d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-[Orn8]-vasotocin (oxytocin antagonist, 5 µg) and DAMGO?+?d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-[Orn8]-vasotocin were ICV injected to FD₃ chicken. Experiments 8 and 9 were similar to experiments 7, except chicken injected with U-50488H (30 nmol) and DPDPE (40 pmol) instead of DAMGO. Then, cumulative food intake was recorded at 30, 60 and 120 min after injection. According to the results, ICV injection of the oxytocin (10 µg) significantly decreased food intake compared to control group (P?<?0.05). Co-injection of the oxytocin?+?β-FNA and oxytocin?+?U-50488H significantly decreased hypophagic effect of the oxytocin (P?<?0.05). While, co-injection of the oxytocin?+?nor-BNI or oxytocin?+?DAMGO significantly amplified hypophagic effect of the oxytocin in chicken (P?<?0.05). In addition, ICV injection of DAMGO (125 pmol) significantly decreased cumulative food intake compared to control group (P?<?0.05). However, co-addministration of the DAMGO?+?(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-[Orn8]-vasotocin significantly decreased hypophagic effect of the DAMGO (P?<?0.05) in chicken. These results suggested there are interconnection between oxytocin and opioidergic system on central food intake regulation, which mediates via µ and κ opioidergic receptors in neonatal layer-type chicken.

     

Improving the provision of ecosystem services from urban forest by integrating the species’ potential environmental functions in tree selecting process

Due to the fact that urban environments and population demands are evolving rapidly and species selection is inevitable, it is possible to gain substantial environmental benefit by implementing more effective urban tree planting programs, especially with the aim of increasing the upcoming provision of multiple ecosystem services (ES) through proper species selection. In this paper, we used a new approach to improve the potential of urban trees in optimizing more desirable environmental benefits. This was done by selecting the most appropriate tree species among a vast range of species based on their potential environmental function (both services and disservices) in Tabriz city, Iran. Also, three main planting scenarios (divided to six sub-scenarios) were developed so as to understand the long-term effectiveness of introducing the selected tree species in improving the environmental benefits (both urban forest structure and ES) in comparison with planting the existing tree species. The results indicate that regardless of the quantity of planting, the benefits of introducing the selected trees will be more than planting the existing species. Moreover, as the amount of the annual planting of the recommended species increases, so does the improvement in the projected tree characteristics and ES. This approach creates more opportunities which enable urban forest managers and policymakers to understand the importance of selecting the proper urban tree species when looking for a nature-based solution to promote the wellbeing of the urban population, to create more livable and ecologically sustainable cities and to mitigate urban environmental problems.

     

Aflatoxin contamination of wheat flour and the risk of esophageal cancer in a high risk area in Iran

Background: Golestan province in northeastern Iran has been known as a high-risk area for esophageal cancer (EC). This study was conducted to assess aflatoxin (AF) contamination of wheat flour (WF) samples in high and low EC-risk areas of Golestan province. Methods: Four WF samples were collected randomly from each of 25 active silos throughout the province in 2009. The levels of AFs were measured using the High-performance liquid chromatography method. Using the data of EC rates obtained from Golestan population-based cancer registry, the province was divided into high and low risk areas for EC. Student t-test and multivariate regression analysis were used to compare the levels of aflatoxins as well as the condition of silos between the two areas. Results: One hundred WF samples were collected. The mean levels of total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 was 1.99 and 0.53 ng g^?1, respectively. The levels of total AF (p = 0.03), AFG2 (p = 0.02) and AFB1 (p = 0.003) were significantly higher in samples obtained from high risk area. Multivariate regression analysis showed that humidity of silo was the most important source of difference between silos of the two areas (p = 0.04). Conclusion: We found a positive relationship between AF level of WF samples and the risk of EC. So, AF contamination may be a possible risk factor for EC in our region. We also found that humidity of silos was the most important determinant of AF contamination of WF. Intensive control of silos conditions including humidity and temperature are needed especially in high EC-risk areas.     

Chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells treated by GSK-3 inhibitors

A study of the cartilage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would be of particular interest since one strategy for cell-based treatment of cartilage defects emphasizes the use of cells that are in a differentiated state. The present study has attempted to evaluate the effects of two well-known glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors, including lithium chloride (LiCl) and SB216763 on a human marrow-derived MSC (hMSC) chondrogenic culture. Passaged-3 MSCs were condensed into small pellets and cultivated in the following groups based on the supplementation of chondrogenic medium: transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β1 + LiCl, TGF-β1 + SB216763, TGF-β3, TGF-β3 + LiCl, and TGF-β3 + SB216763. The cultures were maintained for 21 days and then analyzed for expression of Sox9, aggrecan, collagen II, β-catenin, and axin genes. Deposition of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the cartilage matrix was also measured for certain cultures. The presence of both LiCl and SB216763 along with TGF-β in the MSC chondrogenic culture led to the up-regulation of cartilage-specific genes. TGF-β3 appeared much better than TGF-β1. Based on our findings, SB216763 was more effective in up-regulation of cartilage-specific genes. These chondrogenic effects appeared to be mediated through the Wnt signaling pathway since β-catenin and axin tended to be up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. In the culture with SB216763 + TGF-β3, significantly more GAG was deposited (P < 0.05). In conclusion, addition of either SB216763 or LiCl to hMSC chondrogenic culture up-regulates cartilage-specific gene expression and enhances GAG deposition in the culture.     

Complete basis set,hybrid-DFT study and NBO interpretation of conformational analysis of 2-methoxytetrahydropyran and its thiopyran and selenopyran analogues in relation to the anomeric effect

2-Methoxytetrahydropyran (1), -thiopyran (2) and -selenopyran (3) have been chosen as model compounds to investigate the origin of the anomeric effect (AE). The impacts of the hyperconjugation, electrostatic and steric interactions on the conformational preferences of compounds 1–3 have been analysed by means of complete basis set-4, hybrid-density functional theory (B3LYP/6-311+G**) based methods and natural bond orbital (NBO) interpretation. Both levels of theory showed that the axial conformations of compounds 1–3 are more stable than their equatorial conformations. The Gibbs free energy difference (G _eq–G _ax) values (i.e. ΔG _eq–ax) between the axial and equatorial conformations increase from compound 1 to compound 2 but decrease from compound 2 to compound 3. Based on the NBO results obtained, the AE associated with the electron delocalisation [i.e. Σ(endo-AE_eq + exo-AE_eq) ? Σ(endo-AE_ax + exo-AE_ax)] increase slightly from compound 1 to compound 2 but decrease from compound 2 to compound 3. Similar trend is also observed for the differences between the calculated total steric exchange energy values [i.e. Δ(TSEE)_eq–ax]. On the other hand, the calculated differences between the dipole moment values of the axial and equatorial conformations [i.e. Δ(μ_eq–μ_ax)] decrease from compound 1 to compound 3. These findings led to the proposal that the AE associated with the electron delocalisation (the hyperconjugation effect) is more significant for the explanation of the conformational preferences of compounds 1–3 than the electrostatic model. The correlations between the AE associated with the electron delocalisation, bond orders, TSEE, ΔG _eq–ax, dipole–dipole interactions, structural parameters and conformational behaviours of compounds 1–3 have been investigated.     

Gender specificity of a genetic variant of angiotensin-converting enzyme and risk of coronary artery disease

Etiological factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) involve a wide range of gene and environmental interactions. One of the systems being implicated in the pathophysiology of CAD is the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). However, the genetic polymorphisms of this system have not been widely studied in Iranian patients diagnosed with CAD. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between six gene polymorphisms of RAS components and CAD in a sample of Iranian population. A total of 374 participants were enrolled in a case/control study. The presence of CAD was determined by coronary angiography. Genotyping of six RAS gene polymorphisms was performed using a modified PCR–RFLP method. Our results revealed, for the first time, a significant independent association of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) A-240T polymorphism and incidence of CAD among Iranian women (P = 0.005, OR = 20.4, 95 % CI = 2.49–41.2). There has also been a significant difference in genotype distribution of ACE A-240T (P = 0.008) and angiotensin II receptor type 2 C3123A polymorphism (P = 0.032) in Iranian female participants. In conclusion, TT genotype of ACE A-240T seems to be a genetic risk factor for CAD in Iranian women.     

Effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain UTPF5 on the mobility,mortality and hatching of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne spp. includes important plant pathogens worldwide. This study has considered nematode Meloidogyne javanica second stage larvae activity in the extracts of Pseudomonas fluorescens strains UTPF5 and cytotoxic effect of the strain on the nematode. The movement of second stage larvae of nematodes in water agar medium at four concentrations of bacterial extracts and second stage larvae mortality rate of hatching nematode and bacterial strains in vitro were affected. Different concentrates of the strain UTPF5 effect nematode larvae movement and disposal of the same. Bacterial extraction kills almost 100% of the larvae hatching after 24?h and a complete ban on egg hatch of biocontrol nematodes and nematode indicated that root-knot nematode larvae movement on the right attract the bacteria P. fluorescens to extract in the first place.     

Carbon Nanoparticles in High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

In the past few years, organic–inorganic metal halide ABX₃ perovskites (A = Rb, Cs, methylammonium, formamidinium (FA); B = Pb, Sn; X = Cl, Br, I) have rapidly emerged as promising materials for photovoltaic applications. Tuning the film morphology by various deposition techniques and additives is crucial to achieve solar cells with high performance and long‐term stability. In this work, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) containing functional groups are added to the perovskite precursor solution for fabrication of fluorine‐doped tin oxide/TiO₂/perovskite/spiro‐OMeTAD/gold devices. With the addition of CNPs, the perovskite films are thermally more stable, contain larger grains, and become more hydrophobic. NMR experiments provide strong evidence that the functional groups of the CNPs interact with FA cations already in the precursor solution. The fabricated solar cells show a power‐conversion efficiency of 18% and negligible hysteresis.