Antispasmodic and anti-diarrhoeal effect of Satureja hortensis L. essential oil

Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiaceae) is an annual herb that is used in the traditional medicine of Iran for treating stomach and intestinal disorders. The antispasmodic activity of S. hortensis essential oil (SHEO) was assessed on contractions of isolated ileum, induced by KCl and acetylcholine, and compared with the effect of atropine and dicyclomine. SHEO inhibited the response to 80 mM KCl in a concentration-dependent manner (pD(2)=1.55+/-0.09 microg/ml; this is negative log concentration of SHEO causing 50% of maximum inhibition) and attenuating the maximum inducible response of acetylcholine concentration-response curve. Effect of SHEO on KCl was similar to that of dicyclomine. Dicyclomine (3.46 and 34.6 ng/ml) also reduced the response to acetylcholine on rat isolated ileum without altering the maximum response and shifted the acetylcholine concentration-response curve to the right by 16-fold at 34.6 ng/ml (100 nM) bath concentration, while atropine only inhibited the response to acetylcholine. This study shows that SHEO is a relaxant of rat isolated ileum. In addition to antispasmodic activity in vitro, essential oil of this plant at a dose of 0.1 ml/100 g inhibited castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice. As the inhibition of contractile overactivity of the ileum is the base of the treatment of some gastrointestinal disorders such as colic, SHEO may have clinical benefits for treatment of these conditions.

A clinical and molecular genetic study of 112 Iranian families with primary microcephaly

BACKGROUND

Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder showing an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Affected individuals present with head circumferences more than three SDs below the age- and sex-matched population mean, associated with mild to severe mental retardation. Five genes (MCPH1, CDK5RAP2, ASPM, CENPJ, STIL) and two genomic loci, MCPH2 and MCPH4, have been identified so far.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we investigated all seven MCPH loci in patients with primary microcephaly from 112 Consanguineous Iranian families. In addition to a thorough clinical characterisation, karyotype analyses were performed for all patients. For Homozygosity mapping, microsatellite markers were selected for each locus and used for genotyping. Our investigation enabled us to detect homozygosity at MCPH1 (Microcephalin) in eight families, at MCPH5 (ASPM) in thirtheen families. Three families showed homozygosity at MCPH2 and five at MCPH6 (CENPJ), and two families were linked to MCPH7 (STIL). The remaining 81 families were not linked to any of the seven known loci. Subsequent sequencing revealed eight, 10 and one novel mutations in Microcephalin, ASPM and CENPJ, respectively. In some families, additional features such as short stature, seizures or congenital hearing loss were observed in the microcephalic patient, which widens the spectrum of clinical manifestations of mutations in known microcephaly genes.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the molecular basis of microcephaly is heterogeneous; thus, the Iranian population may provide a unique source for the identification of further genes underlying this disorder.

Realizing topologically ordered states on a quantum processor

[Figure: see text].

Photocurable, Antimicrobial Quaternary Ammonium-modified Nanosilica

In this study, novel, quaternary ammonium methacrylate-modified silica nanoparticles (QMSNs) were synthesized for the first time and proposed as possible antimicrobial particles for free-radical, photocurable monomers. Such monomers have the potential to polymerize with other methacrylate monomers and create antimicrobial polymers. The silica nanoparticles were modified by quaternary ammonium methacrylate functionality and incorporated at 0 to 10 wt% into a 1:1 (by mass) bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) resin. Thermal stability of the pristine and modified silica nanoparticles was examined by thermogravimetric analyses. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the size distribution and topography of the nanoparticles. For evaluation of the mechanical properties of the samples, flexural strength was measured using a 3-point bending test method. The flexural strength of the composites containing QMSNs increased with increasing modified silica content. The antimicrobial activity of samples was investigated against some standard microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans), and then cytotoxicity and viability were quantified. Incorporation of 2.5% to 10% (by mass) QMSNs into BisGMA/TEGDMA demonstrated antimicrobial activity, but ≥5 wt% significantly reduced cell viability.

Novel atherogenic pathways from the differential transcriptome analysis of diabetic epicardial adipose tissue

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To evaluate the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) transcriptome in comparison to subcutaneous fat (SAT) in coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS AND RESULTS

SAT and EAT samples were obtained from subjects with T2DM and CAD (n = 5) and those without CAD with or without T2DM (=3) undergoing elective cardiac surgery. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed in both EAT and SAT. Gene enrichment analysis was conducted to identify pathways affected by the differentially expressed genes. Changes of top genes were verified by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence. A total of 592 genes were differentially expressed in diabetic EAT, whereas there was no obvious changes in SAT transcriptome between diabetics and non-diabetics. Diabetic EAT was mainly enriched in inflammatory genes, such as Colony Stimulating Factor 3 (CSF3), Interleukin-1b (IL-1b), IL-6. KEGG pathway analysis confirmed that upregulated genes were involved in inflammatory pathways, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) and advanced glycation end-products-receptor advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE). The overexpression of inflammatory genes in diabetic EAT was largely correlated with upregulated transcription factors such as NF-κB and FOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic EAT transcriptome is significantly different when compared to diabetic SAT and highly enriched with genes involved in innate immune response and endothelium, like Pentraxin3 (PTX3) and Endothelial lipase G (LIPG). EAT inflammatory genes expression could be induced by upregulated transcription factors, mainly NF-kB and FOSL, primarily activated by the overexpressed AGE-RAGE signaling. This suggests a unique and novel atherogenic pathway in diabetes.

Weight status and associated comorbidities in children and adults with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

Little is known about body weight status and the association between body weight and common comorbidities in children and adults with Down syndrome (DS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).

METHODS

Data were extracted from the University of Kansas Medical Center's Healthcare Enterprise Repository for Ontological Narration clinical integrated data repository. Measures included demographics (sex, age and race), disability diagnosis, comorbid health conditions, height, weight and body mass index percentiles (BMI%ile; <18 years of age) or BMI (≥18 years of age).

RESULTS

Four hundred and sixty-eight individuals with DS (122 children and 346 adults), 1659 individuals with ASD (1073 children and 585 adults) and 604 individuals with other IDDs (152 children and 452 adults) were identified. A total of 47.0% (DS), 41.9% (ASD) and 33.5% (IDD) of children had overweight/obese (OW/OB), respectively. Children with DS were more likely to have OW/OB compared with children with IDD or ASD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.49, 2.46); OR = 1.43, 95% CI: (1.19, 1.72)], respectively. A total of 81.1% (DS), 62.1% (ASD), and 62.4% (IDD) of adults were OW/OB, respectively. Adults with DS were more likely to have OW/OB compared with those with IDD [OR = 2.56, 95% CI: (2.16, 3.02)]. No significant differences were observed by race. In children with ASD, higher OW/OB was associated with significantly higher (compared with non-OW/OB) occurrence of sleep apnoea [OR = 2.94, 95% CI: (2.22, 3.89)], hypothyroidism [OR = 3.14, 95% CI: (2.17, 4.25)] and hypertension [OR = 4.11, 95% CI: (3.05, 5.54)]. In adults with DS, OW/OB was significantly associated with higher risk of sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes [OR = 2.93, 95% CI: (2.10, 4.09); OR = 1.76, 95% CI: (1.11, 2.79) respectively]. Similarly, in adults with ASD and IDD, OW/OB was significantly associated with higher risk of sleep apnoea [OR = 3.39, 95% CI: (2.37, 4.85) and OR = 6.69, 95% CI: (4.43, 10.10)], type 2 diabetes [OR = 2.25, 95 % CI: (1.68, 3.01) and OR = 5.49, 95% CI: (3.96, 7.61)] and hypertension [OR = 3.55, 95% CI: (2.76, 4.57) and 3.97, 95% CI: (3.17, 4.97)].

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest higher rates of OW/OB in individuals with DS compared with ASD and IDD. Given the increased risk of comorbidities associated with the increased risk of OW/OB, identification of effective interventions for this special population of individuals is critical.

Deletion of p53 in human mammary epithelial cells causes chromosomal instability and altered therapeutic response

The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancers. To evaluate the biological and clinical relevance of p53 loss, human somatic cell gene targeting was used to delete the TP53 gene in the non-tumorigenic epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. In all four p53-/- clones generated, cells acquired the capability for epidermal growth factor-independent growth and were defective in appropriate downstream signaling and cell cycle checkpoints in response to DNA damage. Interestingly, p53 loss induced chromosomal instability leading to features of transformation and the selection of clones with varying phenotypes. For example, p53-deficient clones were heterogeneous in their capacity for anchorage-independent growth and invasion. In addition, and of clinical importance, the cohort of p53-null clones showed sensitivity to chemotherapeutic interventions that varied depending not only on the type of chemotherapeutic agent, but also on the treatment schedule. In conclusion, deletion of the TP53 gene from MCF-10A cells eliminated p53 functions, as well as produced p53-/- clones with varying phenotypes possibly stemming from the distinct chromosomal changes observed. Such a model system will be useful to further understand the cancer-specific phenotypic changes that accompany p53 loss, as well as help to provide future treatment strategies for human malignancies that harbor aberrant p53.

Selenium Supplementation and the Effects on Reproductive Outcomes, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Selenium supplementation could be effective on reproductive outcomes, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the study was to determine the effects of selenium supplementation on reproductive outcomes, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in PCOS patients. The present randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 64 women aged 18-40 years old with PCOS at the clinic affiliated to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups receiving either 200 μg selenium daily (n=32) or placebo (n=32) for 8 weeks. Hormonal profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress were measured and compared both before and after the treatment. After 8 weeks of intervention, pregnancy rate in the selenium group was higher than in the placebo group: 18.8 (6/32) vs. 3.1% (1/32), p=0.04. In addition, alopecia (40.6 vs. 9.4%, p=0.004) and acne (46.9 vs. 12.5 %, p=0.003) decreased following the consumption of selenium supplements compared with placebo. Additionally, patients who received selenium supplements had significantly decreased serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels (p=0.02), hirsutism (modified Ferriman-Gallwey scores) (p<0.001), serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (p=0.02), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p=0.01) compared with placebo. We did not observe any significant effects of taking selenium supplements on other hormonal profiles, nitric oxide (NO), and other biomarkers of oxidative stress. Taken together, selenium supplementation for 8 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on reproductive outcomes, DHEA, hs-CRP, and MDA levels. Supporting Information for this article is available online at http://www.thieme-connect.de/products.

Demonstrating a Continuous Set of Two-Qubit Gates for Near-Term Quantum Algorithms

Quantum algorithms offer a dramatic speedup for computational problems in material science and chemistry. However, any near-term realizations of these algorithms will need to be optimized to fit within the finite resources offered by existing noisy hardware. Here, taking advantage of the adjustable coupling of gmon qubits, we demonstrate a continuous two-qubit gate set that can provide a threefold reduction in circuit depth as compared to a standard decomposition. We implement two gate families: an imaginary swap-like (iSWAP-like) gate to attain an arbitrary swap angle, θ, and a controlled-phase gate that generates an arbitrary conditional phase, ϕ. Using one of each of these gates, we can perform an arbitrary two-qubit gate within the excitation-preserving subspace allowing for a complete implementation of the so-called Fermionic simulation (fSim) gate set. We benchmark the fidelity of the iSWAP-like and controlled-phase gate families as well as 525 other fSim gates spread evenly across the entire fSim(θ,ϕ) parameter space, achieving a purity-limited average two-qubit Pauli error of 3.8×10^{-3} per fSim gate.

Efficient measurement of quantum dynamics via compressive sensing

The resources required to characterize the dynamics of engineered quantum systems--such as quantum computers and quantum sensors--grow exponentially with system size. Here we adapt techniques from compressive sensing to exponentially reduce the experimental configurations required for quantum process tomography. Our method is applicable to processes that are nearly sparse in a certain basis and can be implemented using only single-body preparations and measurements. We perform efficient, high-fidelity estimation of process matrices of a photonic two-qubit logic gate. The database is obtained under various decoherence strengths. Our technique is both accurate and noise robust, thus removing a key roadblock to the development and scaling of quantum technologies.

MICA, HLA-B haplotypic variation in five population groups of sub-Saharan African ancestry

The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related gene A (MICA), located 46 kb centromeric to HLA-B, encodes a stress-inducible protein, which is a ligand for the NKG2D receptor. In addition to its primary role in immune surveillance, data suggest that MICA is involved in the immune response to transplants and in susceptibility to some diseases. In this study, 152 subjects from the Yoruba (n=74), Efik (n=32), and Igbo (n=46) tribes of southern Nigeria, 39 nationwide African-American stem cell donors, and 60 African-American individuals residing in the metropolitan Boston area were studied for MICA, HLA-B allelic variation, haplotypic diversity, and linkage disequilibrium (LD). MICA and HLA-B exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity among the populations studied. In particular, MICA allele and HLA-B-MICA haplotype frequencies and LD in the Efik and Igbo tribes were significantly different from the other study groups. HLA-B and MICA loci demonstrated significant global LD in all five populations (P-values &<0.00001). LD also varied in a haplotype-specific manner. A novel MICA allele was detected in the Boston population. These findings are important from an anthropologic perspective, and will inform future HLA-linked disease association studies in related ethnic groups of African-derived ancestry.

Efficient estimation of energy transfer efficiency in light-harvesting complexes

The fundamental physical mechanisms of energy transfer in photosynthetic complexes is not yet fully understood. In particular, the degree of efficiency or sensitivity of these systems for energy transfer is not known given their realistic with surrounding photonic and phononic environments. One major problem in studying light-harvesting complexes has been the lack of an efficient method for simulation of their dynamics in biological environments. To this end, here we revisit the second order time-convolution (TC2) master equation and examine its reliability beyond extreme Markovian and perturbative limits. In particular, we present a derivation of TC2 without making the usual weak system-bath coupling assumption. Using this equation, we explore the long-time behavior of exciton dynamics of Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) portein complex. Moreover, we introduce a constructive error analysis to estimate the accuracy of TC2 equation in calculating energy transfer efficiency, exhibiting reliable performance for system-bath interactions with weak and intermediate memory and strength. Furthermore, we numerically show that energy transfer efficiency is optimal and robust for the FMO protein complex of green sulfur bacteria with respect to variations in reorganization energy and bath correlation time scales.

Pilot-scale UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation process for surface water treatment and downstream biological treatment: effects on natural organic matter characteristics and DBP formation potential

The effects of the advanced oxidation process (AOP) of ultraviolet radiation in combination with hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2) on the structure and biodegradability of dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) and on the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) through the post-UV/H2O2 chlorination were investigated using UV reactors equipped with either low-pressure amalgam lamps or medium-pressure mercury vapour lamps. With electrical energy doses and H2O2 concentrations typically applied in full-scale UV systems for water remediation, the UV/H2O2 AOP partially oxidized NOM, reducing its degree of aromaticity and leading to an increase in the level of biodegradable species. Also, when combined with a downstream biological activated carbon (BAC) filter, UV/H2O2 AOP reduced the formation of DBPs by up to 60% for trihalomethanes and 75% for haloacetic acids. Biological activated carbon was also shown to effectively remove biodegradable by-products and residual H2O2.

Anti-inflammatory activity of diazomethyl ketone and chloromethyl ketone analogs prepared from N-tosyl amino acids

A series of diazomethyl ketone and chloromethyl ketone analogs prepared from N-tosyl amino acids was shown to have anti-inflammatory activity in mice at 20 mg/kg and in rats at 10 mg/kg. N-Tosyl-L-alanine and N-tosyl-beta-alanine chloromethyl ketones demonstrated the most potent anti-inflammatory activity. The writhing reflex also was inhibited at 20 mg/kg in mice. In the tail flick test, N-tosyl-D,L-alanine and N-tosyl-D,L-isoleucine chloromethyl ketones demonstrated the highest increase in time. Toxicity studies indicated good therapeutic indexes for most of these agents.