Assessment of cheese frauds, and relevant detection methods: A systematic review

Dairy products are widely consumed in the world due to their nutritional and functional characteristics. This group of food products are consumed by all age groups due to their health-giving properties. One of these products is cheese which has a high price compared to other dairy products. Because of this, it can be prone to fraud all over the world. Fraud in food products threatens the world's food safety and can cause serious damage to human health. There are many concerns among food authorities in the world about the fraud of food products. FDA, WHO, and the European Commission provide different legislations and definitions for fraud. The purpose of this review is to identify the most susceptible cheese type for fraud and effective methods for evaluating fraud in all types of cheeses. For this, we examined the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. Mozzarella cheese had the largest share among all cheeses in terms of adulteration due to its many uses. Also, the methods used to evaluate different types of cheese frauds were PCR, Spectrometry, stable isotope, image analysis, electrophoretic, ELISA, sensors, sensory analysis, near-infrared and NMR. The methods that were most used in detecting fraud were PCR and spectrometry methods. Also, the least used method was sensory evaluation.

The role of additives on acrylamide formation in food products: a systematic review

Acrylamide (AA) is a toxic substance formed in many carbohydrate-rich food products, whose formation can be reduced by adding some additives. Furthermore, the type of food consumed determines the AA intake. According to the compiled information, the first route causing AA formation is the Maillard reaction. Some interventions, such as reducing AA precursors in raw materials, (i.e., asparagine), reducing sugars, or decreasing temperature and processing time can be applied to limit AA formation in food products. The L-asparaginase is more widely used in potato products. Also, coatings loaded with proteins, enzymes, and phenolic compounds are new techniques for reducing AA content. Enzymes have a reducing effect on AA formation by acting on asparagine; proteins by competing with amino acids to participate in Maillard, and phenolic compounds through their radical scavenging activity. On the other hand, some synthetic and natural additives increase the formation of AA. Due to the high exposure to AA and its toxic effects, it is essential to recognize suitable food additives to reduce the health risks for consumers. In this sense, this study focuses on different additives that are proven to be effective in the reduction or formation of AA in food products.

Oilseed Cakes in the Food Industry; A Review on Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

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By-products from the food sector now have a wide range of applications. Low-cost raw materials, followed by low-cost goods, are regarded as one of the sectors’ top goals. Because of its economic relevance, reduced price, and nutrients such as protein, fiber, carbs, and antioxidants, oilseed cakes (OCs) have found a desirable place in livestock and poultry feed. Furthermore, because the cake has the same desirable nutrients, its usage in the food business is unavoidable. However, its use in this sector is not simply for nutritious purposes and has it has different impacts on flavor, texture, color, and antioxidant qualities. Therefore, as a result of its desirable qualities, the cake can be more useful in extensive applications in the food business, as well as in the manufacture of supplements and novel foods. The current review looks at the reapplications of byproducts obtained from oilseeds (soybean, sunflower, sesame, canola, palm kernel, peanut, mustard, and almond) in the food sector in the future. Furthermore, allergenicity, toxicity, antinutritional compounds, and techniques of extracting cakes from oilseeds have been discussed.

Asymptotic solutions of fractional interval differential equations with nonsingular kernel derivative

Realizing the behavior of the solution in the asymptotic situations is essential for repetitive applications in the control theory and modeling of the real-world systems. This study discusses a robust and definitive attitude to find the interval approximate asymptotic solutions of fractional differential equations (FDEs) with the Atangana-Baleanu (A-B) derivative. In fact, such critical tasks require to observe precisely the behavior of the noninterval case at first. In this regard, we initially shed light on the noninterval cases and analyze the behavior of the approximate asymptotic solutions, and then, we introduce the A-B derivative for FDEs under interval arithmetic and develop a new and reliable approximation approach for fractional interval differential equations with the interval A-B derivative to get the interval approximate asymptotic solutions. We exploit Laplace transforms to get the asymptotic approximate solution based on the interval asymptotic A-B fractional derivatives under interval arithmetic. The techniques developed here provide essential tools for finding interval approximation asymptotic solutions under interval fractional derivatives with nonsingular Mittag-Leffler kernels. Two cases arising in the real-world systems are modeled under interval notion and given to interpret the behavior of the interval approximate asymptotic solutions under different conditions as well as to validate this new approach. This study highlights the importance of the asymptotic solutions for FDEs regardless of interval or noninterval parameters.

The relation of serum prolactin levels and Toxoplasma infection in humans

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite distributed worldwide. Although the infection is benign in immunocompetent individuals, it is life threatening and complicated in immunocompromised patients and fetuses of pregnant women who received their first exposure to T. gondii during the pregnancy. Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland, and it is confirmed that it plays a role in the immune system. The present study was carried out to assess the possible relation between serum PRL levels and Toxoplasma infection frequency in human.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 343 serum samples (240 from women and 103 from men) were collected from individuals who were referred for PRL checking in laboratories of Karaj, Iran. Blood samples were collected, and sera were separated and analyzed for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody by ELISA method. The levels of PRL were measured by Roche Elecsys 2010 analyzer, electrochemiluminescence technology.

RESULTS

Of 343 sera, 110 samples (32%) consisting of samples from 42 men and 68 women had anti-T. gondii IgG antibody. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in women with high PRL levels was lower than that in the comparison group with normal levels of PRL and the relationship between these two parameters was statistically significant (P=0.016). In women with hyperprolactinemia, by increasing of PRL levels, the prevalence of T. gondii infection was reduced.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study confirmed the previous studies based on immunoregulatory role of PRL and indicated that high levels of PRL could be related to Toxoplasma seronegativity in women.

Effects of morphine on the biomass and development rate of Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a forensically important species

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of morphine on the biomass and development rate of Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae). C. albiceps, a well-known forensically important species which is among the first wave of faunal succession on human cadavers, which makes it a valuable source of information for the estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). Antemortem exposure to substances such as drugs and toxins may have an effect on the biomass and/or on the development rate of insects that feed on carcass, which may directly affect PMI estimation. In this study, three rabbits were administered 12.5, 25 or 50 mg/ml of morphine sulfate via ear perfusion over a period of 3 hours, and a fourth rabbit, which did not receive morphine, was used as a control. The rabbits were sacrificed using chloroform 30 minutes after morphine administration. The tissues were analyzed for the presence of morphine using HPLC-UV. Morphine was detected in all tissues of rabbits that received morphine, except in the bile and spleen of the rabbit which received 12.5 mg/ml dose of morphine. The presence of morphine in rabbit tissues retarded larval development rate, but accelerated the puparial development rate. The rate of development of C. albiceps larvae that fed on rabbits which received 25 and 50 mg/ml dosages of morphine was 9 days each. However, the rate of larval development was similar in the 12.5 mg/ml morphine group and the control; 6 days. Results of this study show that an underestimation of the postmortem interval of 72 h based on larval development and an overestimation of 24 to 48 h based on puparial development is possible if the presence of morphine in tissues is not considered. Moreover, the decreased larval development rate caused an increase larval length and weight compared with the control group. In this study, we found a strong correlation between the concentration of morphine administered and concentrations in rabbit tissues. In the estimation of PMI, it is recommended that effects of drugs such as morphine on the development of carcass colonizers be considered.

Design of a dual-promoter expression vector harboring Sag1 and Gra7 genes from Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain)

Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, has possible irreparable consequences in immunocompromised patients and fetuses. Finding an effective method of prevention, such as vaccination, is crucial because of the global distribution of the parasite and the lack of effective anti-toxoplasmosis drugs. The Sag1 and Gra7 antigens of T. gondii can induce strong humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Therefore, to develop a novel DNA vaccine against toxoplasmosis, we prepared a eukaryotic construct expressing the Sag1 and Gra7 genes of T. gondii (RH strain). We then verified the ability of this construct to produce the corresponding Sag1 and Gra7 antigens in mammalian cells. Using specific primers, the complete coding sequences of Sag1 and Gra7 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the genomic DNA of T. gondii. Then, both genes were subcloned into pVitro2-neo-mcs plasmid. The pVitro-Sag1-Gra7 construct was subjected to colony PCR, enzymatic digestion, and sequencing to confirm successful subcloning. Sag1 and Gra7 expression in HeLa cells was investigated. Sag1 and Gra7 were successfully subcloned in pVitro2-neo-mcs plasmid. The expression of Sag1 and Gra7 in HeLa cells was confirmed through Western blot analysis. The recombinant pVitro-Sag1-Gra7 construct that simultaneously produces Sag1 and Gra7 antigens in one mammalian cell may be used to develop a novel protective vaccine against toxoplasmosis.

PCR-RFLP analysis of Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein2c gene in field isolates of Iran

A family of reticulocyte-binding proteins of Plasmodium vivax (PvRBP) is localised at the apical pole of the merozoites and appears to bind to reticulocytes specifically and has also been involved in identifying host cells. Protein component produced by the Pvrbp2c gene is highly antigenic. The aim of this study was to detect the genetic diversity in the Pvrbp2c gene of Iranian P. vivax field isolates using the polymerase chain reaction- restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. A total of 79 P. vivax malaria patients with fever participated in the study. Alu1 and Apo1 restriction enzymes were independently used to identify allelic variants of the Pvrbp2c gene. All of the samples exhibited a single band of about 2 Kb in nested PCR. Among 79 P. vivax field isolates in the RFLP with Apo1 and Alu1 restriction enzymes, 15 and nine patterns were observed, respectively. In total, 24 various patterns were detected from the combined findings of both Alu1 and Apo1 fragments in RFLP. This study revealed that Pvrbp2c has genetic diversity in southeast Iran. Genotyping of Pvrbp2c not only shows the heterogeneity of P. vivax but also provides important information that could be used to control vivax malaria.

Comparison of the Toxoplasma gondii mice and cell culture derived antigens in ELISA assay

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Diagnosis is based on serological methods with detection of specific IgG and IgM antibodies. The present study was performed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of soluble antigen of T. gondii, RH strain obtained from mice and cell culture in ELISA method. Tachyzoites of T. gondii, RH strain that inoculated in mice peritoneum were collected. At the same time, tachyzoites were harvested from HeLa cell culture that infected with the parasite. Soluble antigen was prepared and ELISA method performed on 100 serum samples that were collected from different laboratories in Tehran, Iran. Commercial Trinity kit was used as gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of T.gondii soluble antigen were higher in antigens that obtained from cell culture in comparison with mice peritoneum. T. gondii cell culture derived antigen has high sensitivity and specificity in ELISA test.

High-fat diet with stress impaired islets' insulin secretion by reducing plasma estradiol and pancreatic GLUT2 protein levels in rats' proestrus phase

This study was conducted to determine whether two estrus phases (proestrus and diestrus) in female rats may influence the metabolic response to a high-fat diet and/or stress, focusing on pancreatic insulin secretion and content. Animals were divided into high-fat and normal diet groups, then each group was subdivided into stress and non-stress groups, and finally, each one of these was divided into proestrus and diestrus subgroups. At the end of high-fat diet treatment, foot-shock stress was applied to the animals. Then, blood samples were taken to measure plasma factors. Finally, the pancreas was removed for determination of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) protein levels and assessment of insulin content and secretion of the isolated islets. In the normal and high-fat diet groups, stress increased plasma corticosterone concentration in both phases. In both study phases, high-fat diet consumption decreased estradiol and increased leptin plasma levels. In the high-fat diet group in response to high glucose concentration, a reduction in insulin secretion was observed in the proestrus phase compared with the same phase in the normal diet group in the presence and absence of stress. Also, high-fat diet decreased the insulin content of islets in the proestrus phase compared with the normal diet. High-fat diet and/or stress caused a reduction in islet GLUT2 protein levels in both phases. In conclusion, it seems possible that high-fat diet alone or combined with foot-shock, predispose female rats to impaired insulin secretion, at least in part, by interfering with estradiol levels in the proestrus phase and decreasing pancreatic GLUT2 protein levels.

Evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii soluble, whole and excretory/secretary antigens for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by ELISA test

The present study was performed to compare the soluble, whole and excretory/secretary antigens of Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain) in diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by ELISA method. Tachyzoites of T. gondii, RH strain were injected in intra-peritoneal cavity of BALB/c mice, after 4 days tachyzoites were harvested by peritoneal washing of the mice. For soluble antigen, exudates were centrifuged and sediment sonicated and then centrifuged at 4 °C, 1 h, supernatant collected and density of protein determined by Bradford method. For whole antigen after collecting, washing and centrifuging of peritoneal fluid the tachyzoites sediment was counted. In excretory/secretary antigen 1.5 × 10⁸ tachyzoites were transferred in 1 ml tube of saline and incubated under mild agitation and after centrifuging, supernatant was collected and protein density determined by Bradford method. 176 human serum samples were evaluated for T. gondii IgG antibody with prepared antigens, and finally serum samples were evaluated by commercial ELISA kit (Trinity, USA) which was considered as gold standard method. In this study sensitivity and specificity of prepared antigens compared with commercial kit in ELISA method. Sensitivity and specificity of soluble antigen was 91.4 and 74.5 %, in whole antigen these parameters were 77.1 and 77.3 % and in excretory/secretary antigen were 28.5 and 74.5 % respectively. Soluble antigen had high levels of sensitivity and specificity in ELISA method and the results were rather resemble to commercial kit (Trinity, USA).

Enhanced isolation of lymphoid cells from human skin

Studying skin immune cells under various pathophysiological conditions is vital for understanding the nature of cutaneous inflammatory responses. Available methods of isolating cells from the skin have relatively low yield or require in vitro culture. To increase the effective isolation of skin immune cells, we used collagenase P treatment. The number of T cells obtained ex vivo using this technique was dramatically greater than that obtained with conventional methods, without the need for long‐term culture. The phenotype and function of isolated cells were comparable with those of cells isolated by EDTA treatment. Collagenase P‐based methods will enhance the ability to investigate lymphoid cell function in both healthy and diseased skin.

Dengue NS1 antigen contributes to disease severity by inducing interleukin (IL)-10 by monocytes

Both dengue NS1 antigen and serum interleukin (IL)-10 levels have been shown to associate with severe clinical disease in acute dengue infection, and IL-10 has also been shown to suppress dengue-specific T cell responses. Therefore, we proceeded to investigate the mechanisms by which dengue NS1 contributes to disease pathogenesis and if it is associated with altered IL-10 production. Serum IL-10 and dengue NS1 antigen levels were assessed serially in 36 adult Sri Lankan individuals with acute dengue infection. We found that the serum IL-10 levels correlated positively with dengue NS1 antigen levels (Spearman's r = 0·47, P < 0·0001), and NS1 also correlated with annexin V expression by T cells in acute dengue (Spearman's r = 0·63, P = 0·001). However, NS1 levels did not associate with the functionality of T cell responses or with expression of co-stimulatory molecules. Therefore, we further assessed the effect of dengue NS1 on monocytes and T cells by co-culturing primary monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), with varying concentrations of NS1 for up to 96 h. Monocytes co-cultured with NS1 produced high levels of IL-10, with the highest levels seen at 24 h, and then declined gradually. Therefore, our data show that dengue NS1 appears to contribute to pathogenesis of dengue infection by inducing IL-10 production by monocytes.

The relationship between transcript expression levels of nuclear encoded (TFAM, NRF1) and mitochondrial encoded (MT-CO1) genes in single human oocytes during oocyte maturation

In some cases of infertility in women, human oocytes fail to mature when they reach the metaphase II (MII) stage. Mitochondria plays an important role in oocyte maturation. A large number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), copied in oocytes, is essential for providing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during oocyte maturation. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between transcript expression levels of the mitochondrial encoded gene (MT-CO1) and two nuclear encoded genes, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in various stages of human oocyte maturation. Nine consenting patients, age 21–35 years old, with male factors were selected for ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. mRNA levels of mitochondrial-related genes were performed by singlecell TaqMan® quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). There was no significant relationship between the relative expression levels in germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes (p = 0.62). On the contrary, a significant relationship was seen between the relative expression levels of TFAM and NRF1 and the MT-CO1 genes at the stages of metaphase I (MI) and MII (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002). A relationship exists between the transcript expression levels of TFAM and NRF1, and MT-CO1 genes in various stages of human oocyte maturation.

Relationship between learning styles and interpersonal communication skills of nursing student in Medical Sciences Tehran University in 2012

Introduction: interpersonal communication skills are required for training and represent one of the most significant parts concerning the character of student learning. In another idea, learning is a constant method and learners favor a position of knowledge forms according to their character and individual practices. Evaluate the correlation between the learning methods and interpersonal conversation abilities of the nursing undergraduate in Medical Sciences Tehran University in 2012 was the purpose of this research. Methods: In this regular detailed cross-sectional analysis, 361 students from the School of Nursing and Midwifery were chosen during a census method. The information collection instruments were regulated, giving a questionnaire called Interpersonal Communication Skills Standards exam and VARK Learning Styles questionnaire. Data was examined by SPSS application (18th edition) by using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: 320 questionnaires were finished. 60.6% of the members were females. The average number of the students' conversation abilities level was 101.91 ± 10.35. More than half of the samples (58.8%) preferred multi-modal learning styles (Bi-Tri and Quad Modals) and 41.2% of the students preferred single modal learning styles. There were no significant differences between the Interpersonal Communication Skills and the learning styles (P= 0.46). Conclusion: According to no significant relationship between the communication skills of students with learning style and Demographic changeable and Lack of proper form of communication skills, we were ready to build different systems and courses related to improving the skills' level.

Correlation between adequate nursing staff and the hospital performance: Case Study in Tehran University of Medical Sciences Hospitals

Background: As the biggest collection among various collections of hospital employees, nurses perform a vital role in the progress of the hospital actions and the improvement of community health. Objectives: This research intended to find the relationship between the shortage of nursing workforce and hospitals performance of Tehran's Medical Sciences University. Materials and Methods: The current analysis was a cross-sectional definitive research, which was conducted in selected educational hospices associated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the year 2010. While using three researcher-made questionnaires, information was obtained from all clinical, paraclinical, commercial, managerial and support units of hospitals. Information was investigated according to the patterns of Iran's Healthcare Ministry and Medical Education by employing Excel software. Pabon Lasso model was used for performance measurement during the year 2010. The mixture of 3 indicators was applied to determine the period of stay, bed occupancy time and bed turnover. Results: The outcomes revealed that the personnel of nursing, in the 18 hospital wards (66.67%) were at levels below the standards, just one ward (3.7%) reached the standards requirements, and the remainder of the hospital wards (29.62%) were at greater levels than the standard requirements. Both hospitals were near the value 4 in the Pabon Lasso model. The correlation analysis among the nursing shortage and performance showed a meaningful relationship (P<0.05). Conclusion: Frequently, the examined hospices were challenged with a shortage of nursing workforce and the dissemination of workforce was not suitable. A decent supervision of workforce in conformity with the shortage of staff compensated and achieved the rules needed for the hospital's nursing workforce and this would guide to an improvement in the performance of the hospitals' actions and could present gratification for the personnel.

Anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities of constituents of chloroform extract of Juglans regia leaves

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate anti-proliferative as well as apoptotic activities of compounds identified in chloroform extract of Juglans regia leaves, on human breast and oral cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and BHY).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Column chromatography, MTT assay, flowcytometry and western blotting have all been used in the study.

RESULTS

Bioassay-guided fractionation of chloroform extract of J. regia afforded isolation of 5-hydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone [1], lupeol [2], daucosterol [3], 4-hydroxy-α-tetralone [4], β-sitosterol [5], 5,7- dihydroxy-3,4'-dimethoxyflavone [6] and regiolone [7]. Structures of the compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses [Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass]. All compounds inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and BHY (human oral squamous carcinoma) cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Compounds 6 and 7 had potent cytotoxic effects on both MCF-7 and BHY cells (IC50 21-51 μm), yet were not toxic to normal cells. MCF-7 growth inhibition was attributed to apoptosis; population of apoptotic cells increased from 1.12% in controls to 5.64 and 8.1% after 48-h treatment with compounds 6 and 7, indicating their potential at inducing early and late apoptosis. The caspase cascade was not activated, as indicated by only insignificant cleavage of caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that compounds 6 and 7 can induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through the caspase-3 independent pathway.

Histamine enhances keratinocyte-mediated resolution of inflammation by promoting wound healing and response to infection

BACKGROUND

The role of the epidermis in the immune response is well known. While multiple cytokines are implicated in keratinocyte-mediated infection clearance and wound healing, little is known about the involvement of keratinocytes in promoting resolution of inflammation.

AIM

To assess effects of histamine stimulation on keratinocyte function.

METHODS

We performed a combined microarray/Gene Ontology analysis of histamine-stimulated keratinocytes. Functional changes were tested by apoptosis assessment and scratch assays. Histamine receptor involvement was also assessed by blocking wound closure with specific antagonists.

RESULTS

Histamine treatment had extensive effects on keratinocytes, including effects on proinflammatory responses and cellular functions promoting wound healing. At the functional level, there was reduced apoptosis and enhancement of wound healing in vitro. At the receptor level, we identified involvement of all keratinocyte-expressed histamine receptors (HRHs), with HRH1 blockage resulting in the most prominent effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Histamine activates wound healing and infection clearance-related functions of keratinocytes. While enhancement of histamine-mediated wound healing is mediated predominantly via the HRH1 receptor, other keratinocyte-expressed receptors are also involved. These effects could promote resolution of skin inflammation caused by infection or superficial injury.

Histamine exerts multiple effects on expression of genes associated with epidermal barrier function

BACKGROUND

The role of epidermal barrier genes in the pathogenesis of atopic skin inflammation has recently been highlighted. Cytokines that are abundant in the skin during inflammation have been shown to exert various effects on the expression of barrier genes, although the role of histamine in this area of skin biology is not yet fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of stimulation with histamine on keratinocytes by analysis of the pathways involved in epidermal barrier integrity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a gene expression analysis of histamine-stimulated keratinocytes. Functional changes were tested using the dye penetration assay. Differential changes in filaggrin and the filaggrin-processing enzyme bleomycin hydrolase (BLMH) were validated at the protein level, and expression was also assessed in filaggrin knock-down keratinocytes.

RESULTS

Histamine altered expression of multiple barrier genes. Expression of filaggrin was downregulated, as was that of other markers, thus suggesting the presence of delayed/aberrant keratinocyte differentiation. Expression of genes involved in cellular adhesiveness and genes of protease expression was dysregulated, but expression of protease inhibitors was increased. BLMH was upregulated in keratinocytes subjected to histamine and filaggrin knockdown.

CONCLUSIONS

Histamine exerts a dual effect on epidermal barrier genes; it suppresses keratinocyte differentiation and dysregulates genes of cellular adhesiveness, although it induces genes contributing to stratum corneum function. Upregulation of BLMH and protease inhibitors could support maintenance of the permeability barrier by enhanced generation of moisturizing compounds and suppressed desquamation. In contrast, in the case of stratum corneum damage, histamine could enhance transcutaneous sensitization.

Identification of serotype-specific T cell responses to highly conserved regions of the dengue viruses

Determining previous infecting dengue virus (DENV) serotypes has been difficult due to highly cross-reactive immune responses from previous DENV infections. Determining the correlates of serotype-specific immune responses would be crucial in understanding dengue transmission in the community and would also help to determine the correlates of protective immune responses. Therefore, we set out to define highly conserved, serotype-specific regions of the DENVs. Serotype-specific and highly conserved regions of the four DENV serotypes were identified using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) searches and custom perl scripts. Using ex-vivo and cultured enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays, we identified serotype-specific T cell epitopes within the four DENV serotypes in healthy adult donors from Sri Lanka. We identified T cell responses to 19 regions of the four DENV serotypes. Six peptides were from the NS2A region and four peptides were from the NS4A region. All immune donors responded to peptides of at least two DENV serotypes, suggesting that heterologous infection is common in Sri Lanka. Eight of 20 individuals responded to at least two peptides of DENV-4, despite this serotype not being implicated previously in any of the epidemics in Sri Lanka. The use of these regions to determine past and current infecting DENV serotypes will be of value to characterize further the dynamics of silent dengue transmission in the community. In addition, these T cell responses to these regions could be used to characterize DENV serotype-specific immune responses and thus possibly help us to understand the immune correlates of a protective immune response.

Interleukin-22 downregulates filaggrin expression and affects expression of profilaggrin processing enzymes

BACKGROUND

The identification of filaggrin mutations has contributed towards our understanding of hereditary factors associated with epidermal dysfunction observed in individuals with atopic eczema (AE). However, factors that predispose to acquired filaggrin modulation are not well understood. Interleukin (IL)-22 is upregulated in lesional AE tissue, but its effects on filaggrin expression and genes associated with epidermal function have not yet been comprehensively addressed.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of IL-22 on expression of filaggrin and genes encoding proteins relevant to epidermal function.

METHODS

Microarray analysis was performed on IL-22-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. Filaggrin protein level was assessed by an intracellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot in HaCaT cells and the findings were validated in primary keratinocytes.

RESULTS

Exposure to IL-22 cytokine resulted in a downregulation of profilaggrin mRNA expression in HaCaT keratinocytes. The expression of genes involved in enzymatic processing of profilaggrin as well as the generation of natural moisturizing factor was also altered. Furthermore, there was an upregulation of many transcripts encoding proteins of the S100 family. Profilaggrin/filaggrin downregulation was detected by intracellular ELISA and Western blot in HaCaT cells. The relevance to the primary setting was confirmed in primary keratinocytes by Western blot.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-22 downregulates profilaggrin/filaggrin expression in keratinocytes at both mRNA and protein levels and affects genes relevant to epidermal function. This novel pathway may have relevance to the pathogenesis and treatment of atopic and other skin disease.

Insecticide resistance and synergism of three field-collected strains of the German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) from hospitals in Kermanshah, Iran

The development of insecticide resistance in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) is a serious problem in controlling this medically important household pest. The insecticide resistance status in three hospital-collected strains of the German cockroach using four commonly used insecticides from different classes (permethrin, cypermethrin, bendiocarb and chlorpyrifos) was detected by topical bioassay method and preliminary information on possible involvement of monooxygenases in permethrin resistant strains employing synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was obtained. For each insecticide, four to six concentrations resulting in >0% and <100% mortality were used. Three to six replicates of 10 cockroaches per concentration were conducted. For synergism studies, 100 μg PBO per gram body weight of cockroach as the maximum sublethal dose was administered to the first abdominal segment 1 h before insecticide treatment. The differences between LD50 (μg/g) values were considered statistically significant only when the 95% confidence intervals did not overlap. The resistance ratio and synergism ratio were calculated for each insecticide. All three hospital-collected strains of the German cockroach showed different levels of resistance to permethrin and cypermethrin based on resistance ratios compared with SUS strain. Permethrin and cypermethrin resistance ratios ranged from 11.61 to 17.64 and 11.45 to 26.45 at LD50 levels, respectively. Low to moderate levels of bendiocarb resistance and low level of chlorpyrifos resistance were also observed in the hospital-collected strains under study. The synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) significantly enhanced the toxicity of permethrin to all strains with different degrees of synergist ratio, 2.45-, 1.87-, 2.51- and 2.38-fold, suggesting monooxygenase involvement in permethrin resistance.

First Report of Human Nasal Myiasis Caused by Eristalis tenax in Iran (Diptera: Syrphidae)

We report a case of human nasal myiasis caused by flower fly larva in a 14-year-old rural girl in Central Province of Iran. Entomological studies on larva showed the larva as Eristalis tenax which is a rarely cause of nasal myiasis. This is the first reported case of E. tenax larva causing human nasal myiasis in Iran.

Human Urogenital Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in Markazi Province of Iran

We report a case of human urogenital myiasis in an 86-year-old rural man with a penil ulcer and numerous alive and motile larvae from urethra and glans penis. Entomological studies on adult flies showed the larvae were Lucilia sericata and Wohlfahrtia magnifica. The clinical presentation and treatment strategies are discussed.

Effects of supplemental dietary biotin on performance of Holstein dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of biotin on productive performance of Holstein dairy cow. In this experiment a change-over design with twelve multiparous cows, three rations and three periods was employed. Ingredients of the basal diet were alfalfa hay (24%) corn silage (16%) and concentrate (60%) on dry matter basis. The experimental diets 1 to 3 contained 0, 10 and 20 mg of biotin per day, respectively. The rations were fed to cows as Total Mixed Rations (TMR), but biotin was top-dressed on the a.m. allotment of ration. The cows were individually ad libitum and milked three times per day. Daily milk yielded was recorded and samples of the milk were taken once per week for determination of milk composition. Blood were taken in end of each period. Dry Matter Intake (DMI) and milk yield of cows were not affected by biotin. Also milk compositions were not affected by biotin. The average of Fat Corrected Milk (FCM) yield for 4% fat for rations contain 0, 10 and 20 mg day(-1) biotin, respectively 25.45, 26.2 and 25.9 kg day(-1) were calculated. Blood concentration of were unaffected by different levels of biotin. The differences between averages of the milk cows were not significant.

Dose-dense (DD) two-weekly docetaxel/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (TAC) with G-CSF support compared to standard adjuvant TAC in breast cancer patients

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Background: TAC confers a significant disease free and overall survival benefits vs. FAC for patients with node positive breast cancer and prophylactic use of G-CSF is a reasonable supportive therapy to minimize myelosuppresive complications of this regimen. DD scheduling has shown improved clinical outcomes in breast cancer therapy. This study is trying to compare toxicities and tolerability of DD TAC with G-CSF support with TAC every 3 wks supported with G-CSF. Methods: Thirty seven patients were enrolled during the period 1/04 to 1/06. Cohort A (N=25) received six cycles of TAC (75/50/500 mg/m2 every 3 wks) plus GCSF started on day 5 and Cohort B (N=12) received six cycles of TAC (75/50/500 mg/m2 every 2 wks) plus GCSF started on day 2. All patients had normal cardiac, renal and liver function. Toxicities were evaluated by clinical assessment, CBC and liver function tests. Results: The incidence of febrile neutropenia was 15.8% and 16.7% in cohort A and B respectively (RR =1.06, 95% CI = 0.20–5.42). Grade III/IV anemia was detected in 5.3% of cohort A patients and 8.0 % of cohort B patients (RR=1.58, 95% CI=0.10–22.99). Ten percent of cohort A patients developed stomatitis grade III/IV while none of cohort B patients had this toxicity (RR=1.06, 95% CI = 0.94–1.17). Hospitalization due to chemotherapy complications (mainly neutropenia) in cohort A and B were 5.3% and 8.3% (RR =1.58, 95%CI = 0.10–22.99). Conclusions: DD two weekly TCA was reported to be feasible in patients with stage II - III breast cancer (Margolis et al. JCO, 2005). This study shows that DD TCA plus G-CSF has comparable toxicity profile with standard TCA regimen with shorter treatment period.

Chemotherapy of Mediterranean abdominal lymphoma. Retrospective comparison of chemotherapy protocols in Iranian patients

Retrospectively, 41 Iranian patients with Mediterranean abdominal lymphoma (MAL) were studied; 21 patients had received anthracycline-based protocols, and 20 patients had been treated with regimens lacking anthracyclines. The study groups were comparable with respect to several factors, including age, performance status, histology of lymphoma, stage of disease, and the average relative dose intensity of their protocols. Our first group had a complete remission (CR) rate of 62%, mean disease-free interval (DFI) of 16.3 months and a 71% overall survival at 30 months. The second group showed a CR rate of 40%, mean DFI of 11.2 months, and a 35% overall survival at 30 months. The differences were significant in survival (P = .012) and DFI (p < .001). The incidence of serious toxicities and complications was similar.

Effect of ethacrynic acid on guinea pig ileum

The effect of ethacrynic acid on the motor function of guinea pig ileum was studied in vitro. Ethacrynic acid produced dose-related (5-160 microgram/ml) contractions in this tissue. Morphine, tetrodotoxin and sodium-free medium prevented the contractions while hexamethonium, diphenhydramine, methysergide or indomethacin did not. Atropine in a high concentration (0.1 microgram/ml) only inhibited the contractions. Ethacrynic acid inhibited the contraction of ileum induced by electrical stimulation of intramural nerves. This was not prevented by pretreatment with reserpine. Repeated exposure to ethyacrynic acid developed tachyphylaxis in contractile response. Inhibition of electrically elicited contraction of guinea pig ileum also diminished with repeated treatment. Ethacrynic acid (80-160 micrograms/ml) inhibited the peristaltic reflex of the guinea pig ileum. It is concluded that the excitatory effect of ethacrynic acid is most probably mediated by the release of neurotransmitter, however, the mechanism of the inhibitory effect remains to be elucidated.

Comparison of beta-adrenoceptor blocking properties of sotalol, oxprenolol, propranolol and pindolol on rabbit intestinal smooth muscle

Adrenergic agonists produced a characteristic and definite decrease in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions and tone of the isolated rabbit jejunum. Effect of phenylephrine was abolished either by phenoxybenzamine or phentolamine. Relaxation induced by epinephrine and by norepinephrine was inhibited after combined treatment with phentolamine and propranolol. Phentolamine alone diminished the response to epinephrine and to norepinephrine, but the diminution for epinephrine was greater, indicating that epinephrine has a greater affinity for alpha- than for beta-receptors in the rabbit jejunum. Stimulation of the beta-receptors by isoproterenol was inhibited by propranolol, oxprenolol, sotalol and pindolol, but the block was incomplete. The activity of these four beta-blockers in preventing the inhibitory response to isoproterenol was as follows: inidolol greater than or equal to oxprenolol greater than propranolol greater than sotalol. This demonstrates the fact that not all beta-adrenergic blocking agents possess an identical pharmacologic spectrum of activity. Also it can be suggested that the beta-receptors of jejunum differ in specificity from those of other organs.