The complex mutual connection between stroke and bone health

Both stroke and osteoporosis are prevalent conditions among the elderly. With increasing life expectancy across the world, despite better preventative measures, the incidence of both conditions is set to rise in the ageing populations. Alongside with sharing several common risk factors, the current evidence suggests that these conditions are risk factors for each other albeit more clear support for the effects of stroke on bone health. In this article, we present aetiopathophysiology of these two conditions and the current evidence of impact on each other particularly the impact of stroke on bone health. We also provide suggestions for improving bone health in people living with stroke based on the currently available evidence.     

Distribution of Cereal Luteoviruses and Molecular Diversity of BYDV‐PAV Isolates in Central and Southern Iran: Proposal of a New Species in the Genus Luteovirus

During a survey , 148 wheat, 70 barley and 24 wild grass samples of plants showing symptoms of yellowing or reddening of leaves and general stunting were collected in central and southern provinces of Iran and tested for Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and Cereal yellow dwarf virus (CYDV) infection by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and tissue print immunoassay (TPIA). The results showed the presence of the viruses in most regions. Positive reactions to BYDV‐PAV, BYDV‐MAV, CYDV‐RPV and BYDV‐SGV antisera were recorded. BYDV‐PAV was the most prevalent virus. The genetic diversity of BYDV‐PAV isolates in central and southern provinces was studied by analysing ORF1 (903 nt) and read through domain (RTD) (575 nt) of 13 and nine isolates respectively. Sequence analysis of RTD at nucleotide and amino acid levels revealed a high identity (91.8–97.2% and 91.4–100% respectively) between Iranian and other available isolates in the GenBank. However, in regards to ORF1, a high genetic diversity among Iranian and other known PAV isolates at both amino acid (2–16.9%) and nucleotide (4.1–16.5%) levels were detected. Based on phylogenetic analysis of ORF1, two major groups of BYDV‐PAV isolates were distinguished. The Iranian isolates were divided between the two clusters. Our results suggest that the occurrence of two genetically distinct groups of PAV isolates in central and southern Iran, from which according to the ICTV criteria for species demarcation in the family Luteoviridae, four isolates from central parts of the country, qualify for designation as new species.     

Antifungal activity of some essential oils against toxigenic Aspergillus species

Increasing attentions have been paid on the application of essential oils and plant extracts for control of postharvest pathogens due to their natural origin and less appearance of resistance in fungi pathogens. Some Aspergillus species are toxigenic and responsible for many cases of food and feed contamination. Some Toxins that produce with some Aspergillus species are known to be potent hepatocarcinogens in animals and humans. The present work evaluated the parameters of antifungal activity of the essential oils of Zataria multiflora, Thymus migricus, Satureja hortensis, Foeniculum vulgare, Carum capticum and thiabendazol fungicide on survival and growth of different species of Aspergillus. Aerial part and seeds of plant species were collected then dried and its essential oils isolated by means of hydrodistillation. Antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro by poisonous medium technique with PDA medium at six concentrations. Results showed that all essential oils could inhibit the growth of Aspergillus species. The essential oil with the best effect and lowest EC50 and MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) was Z. multiflora (223 microl/l and 650 microl/l, respectively). The chemical composition of the Z. multiflora essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS.     

Concentration dependent dual effect of thrombin in endothelial cells via Par‐1 and Pi3 Kinase

Disruption of endothelial barrier is a critical pathophysiological factor in inflammation. Thrombin exerts a variety of cellular effects including inflammation and apoptosis through activation of the protease activated receptors (PARs). The activation of PAR‐1 by thrombin is known to have a bimodal effect in endothelial cell permeability with a low concentration (pM levels) eliciting a barrier protective and a high concentration (nM levels) eliciting a barrier disruptive response. It is not known whether this PAR‐1‐dependent activity of thrombin is a unique phenomenon specific for the in vitro assay or it is part of a general anti‐inflammatory effect of low concentrations of thrombin that may have a physiological relevance. Here, we report that low concentrations of thrombin or of PAR‐1 agonist peptide induced significant anti‐inflammatory activities. However, relatively high concentration of thrombin or of PAR‐1 agonist peptide showed pro‐inflammatory activities. By using function‐blocking anti‐PAR‐1 antibodies and PI3 kinase inhibitor, we show that the direct anti‐inflammatory effects of low concentrations of thrombin are dependent on the activation of PAR‐1 and PI3 kinase. These results suggest a role for cross communication between PAR‐1 activation and PI3 kinase pathway in mediating the cytoprotective effects of low concentrations of thrombin in the cytokine‐stimulated endothelial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 744–751, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry identification of proanthocyanidins in rat plasma after oral administration of grape seed extract

Proanthocyanidin rich plant extracts derived from grape seed extract (GSE), hawthorn and cranberry are on markets for their preventive effects against cardiovascular diseases and uroinfections in woman. However, the importance of these health beneficial effects of these botanicals remains elusive due to incomplete understanding of uptake, metabolism and bioavailability of proanthocyanidins in vivo. In the present study rats were given GSE orally (300 mg/kg, twice a day) and blood and urine were collected over a 24 h period. Monomeric catechins and their methylated metabolites, and proanthocyanidins up to trimers were detected in blood samples treated with GSE using LC-MS/MS operating in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. A new tetramethylated metabolite of dimeric proanthocyanidin (m/z 633) in GSE-treated urine was tentatively identified. Using LC-MS/MS, (+)-catechin and (?)-epicatechin were identified in the brain conclusively. These data suggested that GSE catechins cross the blood brain barrier and may be responsible for the neuroprotective effects of GSE.     

Organic Amendments to Enhance Atrazine and Metamitron Degradation in Two Contaminated Soils with Contrasting Textures

Among all types of xenobiotics, pesticides such as herbicides play a significant role in soil and water pollution due to their wide usage all over the world. This study addresses the ability of organic amendments to enhance atrazine and metamitron degradation in two herbicide-contaminated soils with contrasting textures under laboratory conditions. Soil samples were collected from surface soils with textures of sandy loam and silty clay, from northeastern Iran. Initial concentration of herbicides was 50 mg · kg^{? 1} soil. Contaminated soil samples were treated with manure, compost and vermicompost at rates of 0, 0.5, and 2% (w/w). Residual concentrations of atrazine and metamitron were determined by HPLC at the end of incubation periods of 20, 40, and 60 days. Residual concentrations of atrazine were 46.5, 38.9, and 36.2 mg · kg^{? 1} after 20, 40, and 60 days incubation, respectively. Residual metamitron concentrations were clearly lower than atrazine. After 20, 40, and 60 days, concentrations of metamitron were 2.9, 1.0, and 0.6 mg · kg^{? 1}, respectively. Organic amendments at the rates of 0.5 and 2% showed similar effects on the enhancement of herbicide degradation in soils. However, no statistically significant effect was observed among types of organic amendments (α = 0.05). Degradation was affected by soil textures. Residual concentrations of herbicides were higher in sandy loam than in silty clay soil.     

Inhibitory effects of Iranian Thymus vulgaris extracts on in vitro growth of Entamoeba histolytica

One of the most common drugs used against a wide variety of anaerobic protozoan parasites is metronidazole. However, this drug is mutagenic for bacteria and is a potent carcinogen for rodents. Thymus vulgaris is used for cough suppression and relief of dyspepsia. Also it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The aim of this study was to investigate antiamebic effect of Thymus vulgaris against Entamoeba histolytica in comparison with metronidazole. One hundred gram air-dried T. vulgaris plant was obtained and macerated at 25 degrees C for 14 days using n-hexane and a mixture of ethanol and water. For essential oil isolation T. vulgaris was subjected to hydrodistillation using a clevenger-type apparatus for 3 hr. E. histolytica, HM-1: IMSS strain was used in all experiments. It was found that the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for T. vulgaris hydroalcoholic, hexanic extracts, and the essential oil after 24 hr was 4 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL, and 0.7 mg/mL, respectively. After 48 hr the MIC for T. vulgaris hydroalcoholic and hexanic extracts was 3 and 3 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Iranian T. vulgaris is effective against the trophozoites of E. histolytica.     

Zinc in Thalassemic Patients and Its Relation with Depression

Studies have shown that there is a relationship between zinc levels and depression. Thalassemic patients are at risk of zinc deficiency due to various causes including Desferal injection. The aim of this study, therefore, is to investigate hair zinc levels in thalassemic patients and their association with depression. For the purposes of this survey, 50 patients with major thalassemia between 10-20 years old were selected randomly. The patients' hair zinc concentration was compared with a control group of similarly aged healthy individuals. Simultaneously, their psychological status was evaluated with either the "Beck" or "Marya Kovacs" test (according to age) so that the relation between depression and zinc concentration could be assessed. The mean hair zinc concentration in patients was more than the controls (193.96 +/- 92.4 ppm vs 149.6 +/- 72.21 ppm). Zinc deficiency was present in 10% of the patients, and 52% had some degree of depression. There was a reverse correlation between zinc deficiency and blood transfusion rate (p < 0.05). Also, while there were more incidences of depression among the zinc deficient patients, the difference was not significant. Regarding the high prevalence of depression and insignificant relation to the zinc deficiency in these thalassemic patients, this research suggests the need for further consideration concerning patients' psychological status, the risk factors of zinc deficiency, as well as extended assessment into other causes of depression.     

Functional properties and active-site topographies of factor X Gla- and prothrombin Gla-domain chimeras of activated protein C

Substitution of the Gla-domain of activated protein C (APC) with the Gla-domain of prothrombin (APC-PTGla) improves the anticoagulant activity of APC independent of protein S. Previous FRET studies showed that this substitution alters the active-site topography of this mutant, rendering it identical to the active site of the APC-protein S complex. In this study, we characterized the functional properties and the active-site topography of another APC chimera containing the Gla-domain of factor X (APC-FXGla). We discovered that the anticoagulant activity of this mutant was similarly improved independent of protein S. The average distance of the closest approach (L) between the donor dye fluorescein attached to the active site of APC derivatives and the acceptor dye octadecylrhodamine incorporated into PC/PS vesicles was determined to be 99 A for APC and 84-86 A for both APC-PTGla and APC-FXGla. Protein S minimally influenced the L values of the APC chimeras, however, it lowered this value to 87 A for wild-type APC. Further studies revealed that neither chimera elicits a protective signaling response in the TNF-alpha-activated endothelial cells. These results suggest that unique structural features within the Gla-domain of APC enable the protease to interact with endothelial protein C receptor in the antiinflammatory pathway, while the same features also cause an inherently lower specific activity for APC in the anticoagulant pathway. This adaptation has made APC a cofactor-dependent protease, requiring the cofactor function of protein S for its optimal anticoagulant function, which appears to involve the alteration of the active-site topography of APC above the membrane surface.