Evaluation of DNA/DNA and prime-boost vaccination using LPG3 against Leishmania major infection in susceptible BALB/c mice and its antigenic properties in human leishmaniasis

One of the main issues in vaccine development is implementation of new adjuvants to improve the antigen presentation and eliciting the protective immune response. Heat shock protein (HSP) molecules are known as natural adjuvants. They can stimulate the innate and adaptive immune response against infectious diseases and cancer. Lipophosphoglycan 3 (LPG3), the Leishmania homologous with GRP94 (glucose regulated protein 94), a member of HSP90 family, is involved in assembly of LPG as the most abundant macromolecule on the surface of Leishmania promastigotes. In the present study as a primary step, we tested LPG3 as a vaccine candidate in two regimens, DNA/DNA and prime-boost (DNA/Protein), against Leishmania major infection in BALB/c mice model. Our results showed that LPG3 and its fragment (rNT-LPG3) are highly immunogenic in BALB/c mice and can stimulate the production of both IgG1 and IgG2a. In prime-boost immunization strategy, the level of antibody response was higher compared with DNA/DNA immunization. The levels of IFN-γ in the supernatant of splenocytes from mice immunized with DNA/DNA and prime-boost regimens were significantly higher when compared to control groups. In fact, immunization with prime-boost vaccination has higher ratio of IFN-γ/IL-5, suggesting a shift towards a Th1 response.In addition, sera reactivity against LPG3 in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients was significantly higher in comparison with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients. Therefore, we recommend further investigations on the usage of LPG3 co-delivery with candidate antigens for vaccine development against leishmaniasis.     

Copper Concentration in a Healthy Urban Adult Population of Southern Iran

Nutritional deficiencies are important and widespread problems in most developing countries. Preventing and correcting micronutrient deficiencies are important because of the multiple negative consequences of these deficiencies. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of copper deficiency in an adult population in Shiraz, southern Iran. We also determined the association between copper status and other factors such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). In this cross-sectional study, 416 adults residing in Shiraz were selected by two-stage sampling. Serum copper was measured by flame-atomic absorption spectrometry. The data were analyzed with SPSS software. Mean age in our sample was 39.33?±?15.06 years, and mean BMI was 26.17?±?4.81 kg/m(2). Mean serum copper concentration was 118.15?±?54.33 μg/dL in the whole sample, 109.74?±?56.22 μg/dL in men, and 122.15?±?53.04 μg/dL in women. The overall prevalence of copper deficiency was 24%. The prevalence of copper deficiency differed significantly between men and women but not between different age groups. Serum copper concentration correlated significantly with BMI (p?相似文献   

Short-term effect of weight loss through restrictive bariatric surgery on serum levels of vaspin in morbidly obese subjects

The aims of this study were to evaluate the short-term effects of laparoscopic restrictive bariatric surgery (LRBS) on plasma levels of vaspin and the potential associations of changes in vaspin levels with changes in anthropometric indices, insulin-resistance and dietary intake. Thirty, severely obese subjects (21 female; mean age, 32.5 years) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 44.1 ± 4.9 kg/m(2) underwent LRBS. Measurements of anthropometric indices, dietary intakes, physical activity and plasma vaspin concentrations were performed prior to, and six weeks after LRBS. Insulin-sensitivity was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin-resistance (HOMA-IR). Six weeks after LRBS, BMI decreased to a mean of 38.4 ± 4.9 kg/m(2). Significant reductions were also observed in waist circumference (WC), daily intakes of calorie, fat and protein, and plasma concentrations of triglyceride. No significant change was observed in fasting levels of insulin, blood sugar or HOMA-IR. Vaspin decreased significantly (0.26 ± 0.17 vs 0.36 ± 0.20, p=0.048) following surgery. While the percentage change of vaspin was not correlated with percent changes in anthropometric indices and HOMA-IR, it correlated positively with the percentage change in intake of calories, fat and protein: this correlation remained significant even after adjustment for sex and changes in WC and HOMA-IR. Our study suggests that LRBS decreases the serum vaspin concentrations in parallel with the restriction of dietary intake. Furthermore, decreased levels of vaspin early after LRBS seem more likely to result from decreased dietary intake rather than weight-loss-induced insulin sensitivity improvement.     

A new approach for aromaticity criterion based on electrostatic field gradient

In this research, electric field gradient (EFG), which is the first derivative of electric field, is applied for evaluation of aromaticity of 89 cyclic organic compounds. In our calculations, DFT procedure (b3lyp) with basis set 6-311++G** has been employed, and the obtained electronic structures and frequency test has been done for optimized geometries. The aromaticity evaluated for these compounds by EFG procedure is successfully compared with other well-known indices in literature, especially with nuclear independent chemical shift (NICS). These comparisons show that EFG method of assessment of aromaticity can be used as a rather valid procedure for this purpose. Flexibility and simplicity of EFG make this method a rather easy procedure for assessment of aromaticity. Since EFG method of aromaticity evaluation does not need specific programming and it can be done by known software such as Gaussian, therefore, the availability for everyone to calculate desired aromaticity by this method is one of attractive feature of it similar to NICS.     

Dietary supplementation of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) improves the innate immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities and growth performance of Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus) fry

The present study investigated the effects of prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the innate immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities, growth factors and survival of Caspian Roach (Rutilus rutilus) fry. After acclimation, fish (0.67 ± 0.03 g) were allocated into 12 tanks (50 fish per tank) and triplicate groups were fed a control diet or diets containing 1%, 2% or 3% FOS. At the end of the trial (7 weeks), humoral innate immune parameters (serum Ig levels, lysozyme activity and alternative complement activity (ACH50)), resistance to salinity stress (150 g L⁻¹), digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase and protease) and growth factors (final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), and condition factor) were assessed. At the end of the study the innate immune responses (Ig levels, lysozyme activity and ACH50) were significantly higher in 2% and 3% FOS fed fish (P < 0.05), whereas, 1% dietary FOS only elevated serum lysozyme activity. All dietary FOS levels significantly increased resistance to a salinity stress challenge (P < 0.05) and highest survival was observed in the 3% FOS group. Similarly, digestive enzyme activities were significantly elevated with increasing levels of dietary FOS (P < 0.05). Subsequently, elevated growth performance (final weight, SGR and FCR) was observed in roach fed 2% and 3% FOS compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that FOS can be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement for improving the immune response, stress resistance, digestive enzyme activities and growth performance of Caspian roach fry.     

Structural and functional study of a simple,rapid, and label‐free DNAzyme‐based DNA biosensor for optimization activity

Peroxidase‐mimicking DNAzyme has a potential to self‐assemble into a G‐quadruplex and shows peroxidase activity. In comparison to proteins, peroxidase‐mimicking DNAzyme is less expensive and more stable. Herein, it is used in fabricating non‐labeling biosensors. This paper investigates the structural and functional properties of a DNA biosensor based on split DNAzyme with a detection limit in nM range (9.48 nM). Two halves of DNAzyme were linked by a complementary sequence of DNA target. Hybridization of the DNA target pulled two DNAzyme halves apart and peroxidase activity decreased. This study can be divided into 3 stages. First, the characteristics of DNAzyme were studied by Circular Dichroism technique and UV–Vis spectroscopy to find out DNAzyme's optimum activity. It is worth to note that some divalent cations were used to form G‐quadruplex, in addition to common monovalent cations. Furthermore, the hemin incubation was also optimized. Secondly, the structural and functional properties of two types of split DNAzyme were compared with DNAzyme. Thirdly, the hybridization of DNA target was monitored. The results revealed that peroxidase activities of split types decreased by half without any specific conformational changes. Interestingly, the catalytic activities of split DNAzymes could be promoted by adding Mg²⁺. Besides, it was demonstrated that the structure, peroxidation reaction, and DNA target hybridization of 2:2 and 3:1 split modes were almost alike. It was also illustrated that magnesium promoted the possibility of hybridization.     

Scrophularia attariae and S. maharluica spp. nov. (Scrophulariaceae) from south Iran

Two new species of Scrophularia L. sect. Tomiophyllum Benth., S. attariae Ranjbar & Rahchamani and S. maharluica Ranjbar & Rahchamani, are described and illustrated from Fars Province, south Iran. The diagnostic morphological characters of these species and closely related taxa are discussed. The distribution, ecology and conservation status of the new species are also described. The value and utility of stem indumentum and leaf stomata is evaluated as an additional source of information for their taxonomy. Finally, an identification key and distribution map for the new taxa and related species are presented.     

Introduction of cationic virosome derived from vesicular stomatitis virus as a novel gene delivery system for sf9 cells

Insect-derived cell lines are used extensively to produce recombinant proteins because they are capable of performing a range of post-translational modifications. Due to their significance in biotechnological applications, various methods have been developed to transfect them. In this study, we introduce a virosome constructed from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) as a new delivery system for sf9 cells. We labeled these VSV virosomes by fluorescent probe Rhodamine B chloride (R18). By fluorescence microscope observation and conducting a fusion assay, we confirmed the uptake of VSV virosomes via endocytosis by sf9 cells and their fusion with the endosomal membrane. Moreover, we incubated cationic VSV virosomes with a GFP-expressing bacmid and transfected sf9 cells, after 24?h some cells expressed GFP indicating the ability of VSV virosomes to deliver heterologous DNA to these cells. This is the first report of a virosome-based delivery system introduced for an insect cell line.     

A Chimeric protein of CFA/I,CS6 subunits and LTB/STa toxoid protects immunized mice against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (ETEC) strains are the commonest bacteria causing diarrhea in children in developing countries and travelers to these areas. Colonization factors (CFs) and enterotoxins are the main virulence determinants in ETEC pathogenesis. Heterogeneity of CFs is commonly considered the bottleneck to developing an effective vaccine. It is believed that broad spectrum protection against ETEC would be achieved by induced anti‐CF and anti‐enterotoxin immunity simultaneously. Here, a fusion antigen strategy was used to construct a quadrivalent recombinant protein called 3CL and composed of CfaB, a structural subunit of CFA/I, and CS6 structural subunits, LTB and STa toxoid of ETEC. Its anti‐CF and antitoxin immunogenicity was then assessed. To achieve high‐level expression, the 3CL gene was synthesized using E. coli codon bias. Female BALB/C mice were immunized with purified recombinant 3CL. Immunized mice developed antibodies that were capable of detecting each recombinant subunit in addition to native CS6 protein and also protected the mice against ETEC challenge. Moreover, sera from immunized mice also neutralized STa toxin in a suckling mouse assay. These results indicate that 3CL can induce anti‐CF and neutralizing antitoxin antibodies along with introducing CFA/I as a platform for epitope insertion.

     

Dietary Application of the Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 426951 Enhances Immune Status and Growth of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Vaccinated Against Yersinia ruckeri

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins - This study was aimed to assess the effect of oral application of Lactobacillus plantarum (2&nbsp;×&nbsp;107&nbsp;CFU&nbsp;g−1...