Bone marrow–mesenchymal stromal cell infusion in patients with chronic kidney disease: A safety study with 18 months of follow-up

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of kidney function and structure that affects approximately 13% of the population worldwide. A recent meta-analysis revealed that cell-based therapies improve impaired renal function and structure in preclinical models of CKD. We assessed the safety and tolerability of bone marrow–mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) infusion in patients with CKD.

Influence of thidiazuron on callus induction and crocin production in corm and style explants of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crocus sativus</Emphasis> L.

Crocus sativus L., mostly famous as saffron, has gained more attention due to its crocin (crocetin ester) pigment responsible for its extensive pharmaceutical properties. In this study, we established two different callus cultures from corm and style explants of saffron to find out the best explant as a suitable source for crocin production. Comparative analyses of total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid and anthocyanin contents were also performed in the two callus cultures. For callus induction, different combinations of MS medium with name thidiazuron (TDZ), benzylaminopurine (BA), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) alone or in combination were tested. Of the used media, all the combinations containing TDZ and NAA gave 100% callus induction. HPLC-DAD and HPLC–ESI-MS analysis were used for identification of crocin esters in established callus cultures. The highest amount of 0.35 mg g^?1 DW crocin was detected in style originated calli grown on the medium containing 3 mg L^?1 NAA?+?1 mg L^?1 TDZ while the corm calli showed the most abundant total carotenoid (0.73 mg g^?1 DW), phenolic (15.04 mg gallic acid equivalent g^?1 DW) and flavonoid (0.76 mg rutin equivalent g^?1 DW) contents. In general, style-derived calli showed longer time survival with a fine texture and good quality compared to corm-derived calli.     

Electrochemical spectroscopic investigations on the interaction of an ytterbium complex with DNA and their analytical applications such as biosensor

Metal ion-DNA interactions are important in nature, often changing the genetic material's structure and function. A new Yb complex of YbCl₃ (tris(8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid) ytterbium) was synthesized and utilized as an electrochemical indicator for the detection of DNA oligonucleotide based on its interaction with Yb(QS)₃. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to investigate the interaction of Yb(QS)₃ with ds-DNA. It was revealed that Yb(QS)₃ presented an excellent electrochemical activity on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and could intercalate into the double helix of double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA). The binding mechanism of interaction was elucidated on glassy carbon electrode dipped in DNA solution and DNA modified carbon paste electrode by using differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry. The binding ratio between this complex and ds-DNA was calculated to be 1:1. The extent of hybridization was evaluated on the basis of the difference between signals of Yb(QS)₃ with probe DNA before and after hybridization with complementary DNA. With this approach, this DNA could be quantified over the range from 1 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.1 × 10⁻⁷ M. The interaction mode between Yb(QS)₃ and DNA was found to be mainly intercalative interaction. These results were confirmed with fluorescence experiments.     

The possible role of bacteria,viruses, and parasites in initiation and exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prolonged and disabling functional gastrointestinal disorder with the incidence rate of 18% in the world. IBS could seriously affect lifetime of patients and cause high economic burden on the community. The pathophysiology of the IBS is hardly understood, whereas several possible mechanisms, such as visceral hypersensitivity, irregular gut motility, abnormal brain–gut relations, and the role of infectious agents, are implicated in initiation and development of this syndrome. Different studies demonstrated an alteration in B-lymphocytes, mast cells (MC), T-lymphocytes, and cytokine concentrations in intestinal mucosa or systemic circulation that are likely to contribute to the formation of the IBS. Therefore, IBS could be developed in those with genetic predisposition. Infections’ role in initiation and exacerbation of IBS has been investigated by quite several clinical studies; moreover, the possible role of some pathogens in development and exacerbation of this disease has been described. It appears that the main obligatory pathogens correspond with the IBS disease, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, Campylobacter concisus, Campylobacter jejuni, Chlamydia trachomatis, Helicobacter pylori, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, and viruses, particularly noroviruses. A number of pathogenic parasites (Blastocystis, Dientamoeba fragilis, and Giardia lamblia) may also be involved in the progression and exacerbation of the disease. Based on the current knowledge, the current study concludes that the most common bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens may be involved in the development and progression of IBS.     

In Silico Analysis for Determination and Validation of Iron-Regulated Protein from Escherichia coli

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics - The iron ion is an essential element in biological processes. Many of biological activities in cells, such as peroxide reduction,...     

Evaluation of cord blood immunoglobulin E and its association with maternal factors in a group of Iranian newborns

Allergic disorders are among the most common diseases around the world especially in children. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic disorders, but early events during the pregnancy are very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of cord blood immunoglobulin E (CB-IgE) and its association with maternal in a group of Iranian newborns. In a cross-sectional study, 163 pregnant women randomly selected and information about pregnancy and atopy were taken by questionnaire. Blood samples of mothers and matched cord blood were collected and total serum IgE levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. To rolling out the possibility of contamination with maternal blood, total IgA was checked for all the cord blood samples. Sixteen percent of mothers had the history of atopic diseases and the mean IgE level was significantly higher in an atopic than nonatopic mothers (241 vs 102, P < 0.001). About 73.9% of cord blood samples, had high IgE level (>0.9 IU/mL). The level of cord blood IgE (CB-IgE) was not significantly different in male and female newborns (2.14 vs 2.15 IU/mL). There was no significant correlation between maternal factors such as age, pregnancy variables, allergens exposure, smoking, and maternal IgE with cord blood IgE. The results of this study showed that CB-IgE is high in a remarkable number of samples; independent of maternal or fetal factors. Further studies need to evaluate the reasons for the high level of IgE in cord blood in our area.     

Aetiology of upper respiratory tract infections in children in Arak city: a community based study

Viruses are frequent causes of upper respiratory tract infections in children. We investigated the viral aetiology of community-acquired upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) in young children treated as outpatients in community settings. During November 2008, nasal swab specimens were taken from children with recent onset of upper respiratory tract infections. The patients attended day care or primary schools; the specimens were randomly obtained by pediatricians from schools and childcare institutions and sent for identification by PCR method. A total of 300 specimens were collected. From all samples, 40.67% were positive for at least 1 virus, viz. adenovirus 11.76%, rhinovirus 9.8%, respiratory syncytial virus 6.08%, influenza virus 5.56%, parainfluenza virus 4.9%, enterovirus 2.94% and a combination of 2 viruses 2%. Clinical manifestations of the respiratory infections were as follows: 70.7% of the patients had coryza, 69.3% cough, 26% sneezing, 19.7% sore throat, 2.7% headache, 7.7% fever, 2.3% conjunctivitis, 1.3% abdominal pain and 1% hoarseness. The results of this study demonstrate that adenoviruses and rhinoviruses are the two most common viral agents isolated from pediatric outpatients with acute URIs in autumn in Arak City. Coryza and cough were the most common symptoms in children. Sore throat and hoarseness were more prevalent in infections caused by influenza virus, conjunctivitis in parainfluenza, and coryza in rhinovirus infections.     

Neurofeedback Training for Opiate Addiction: Improvement of Mental Health and Craving

Psychological improvements in patients with substance use disorders have been reported after neurofeedback treatment. However, neurofeedback has not been commonly accepted as a treatment for substance dependence. This study was carried out to examine the effectiveness of this therapeutic method for opiate dependence disorder. The specific aim was to investigate whether treatment leads to any changes in mental health and substance craving. In this experimental study with a pre-post test design, 20 opiate dependent patients undergoing Methadone or Buprenorphine maintenance treatment were examined and matched and randomized into two groups. While both experimental and control groups received their usual maintenance treatment, the experimental group received 30 sessions of neurofeedback treatment in addition. The neurofeedback treatment consisted of sensory motor rhythm training on Cz, followed by an alpha-theta protocol on Pz. Data from the general health questionnaire and a heroin craving questionnaire were collected before and after treatment. Multivariate analysis of covariance showed that the experimental group achieved improvement in somatic symptoms, depression, and total score in general mental health; and in anticipation of positive outcome, desire to use opioid, and relief from withdrawal of craving in comparison with the control group. The study supports the effectiveness of neurofeedback training as a therapeutic method in opiate dependence disorder, in supplement to pharmacotherapy.     

Interactions of anthropometric indices,rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism and breast cancer: A case-control study

Contradictory results were reported on the effect of fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene and anthropometric measurements on breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to assess the interactions between rs9939609 polymorphism of FTO gene, anthropometric indices and BC risk in Iranian women. This case-control study was performed on 540 women including 180 women with BC and 360 healthy women in Tehran, Iran. Physical activity and dietary intakes were assessed by validated questionnaires. Data on sociodemographic and pathologic factors of the participants as well as their blood samples were collected. The rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism was genotyped using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR). No significant association was found between BC and risk allele of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism after adjustments for the confounders. However, there was a significant association between rs9939609 polymorphism risk allele and BC risk in females with overweight, even after adjusting for age, family history of BC, abortion, BMI and the number of pregnancies (P < .05). The association was disappeared after further adjustments for lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, calorie and macronutrients intake, and physical activity. The FTO gene polymorphism was associated with the risk of BC in overweight individuals. This association was influenced by environmental factors including diet, alcohol consumption and smoking. Future studies are required to confirm the association between the FTO gene and BC in overweight females and to identify the underlying mechanisms.