Oral administration of phenylalanine molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) benefits PKU mouse model.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a defect in the metabolism of phenylalanine (Phe). Currently, the most commonly used treatment for PKU is dietary Phe restriction. Problems associated with Phe restricted diets include lack of universal availability, high treatment costs, and reduced adherence to continued treatment with age and finally the development of psychological and neurological problems in a significant proportion of patients despite early start of treatment. One possible approach to decreasing blood Phe level, is inhibition of GI tract absorption of this amino acid. We had previously shown that a Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer was able to bind Phe in the GI tract and attenuate its plasma concentration. In this work, we used different orally administered Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer doses in a PKU mouse model to further study the effects of this treatment on biochemical profile and cognitive function in test animals. Treatments started 21 days postnatally. After 3 weeks, brain and plasma amino acid profiles and brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter concentrations were measured. Behavioral profile was also evaluated. Treatment with 2% and 5% Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer significantly reduced levels of blood Phe in PKU model animals (46% and 48% respectively) meanwhile levels of other amino acids remained unchanged. Brain dopamine concentrations in hippocampus was effectively restored by supplementation of Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer. Finally, polymer treatment improved locomotor dysfunction in PKU model animals. Our data suggest that the Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer can be a new candidate for treatment of PKU patients. Take home message: Orally administered Phenylalanine Selective Molecularly Imprinted Polymer is able to inhibit absorption of phenylalanine from the GI tract and may offer a new treatment, in conjunction with dietary restriction, for PKU patients.

Nutritional value and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in muscle tissues of five commercially important marine fish species from the Red Sea.

The study evaluated the nutritional quality and investigated the heavy metals concentration in muscle tissues of five commercially important marine fish species, including brownspotted grouper (Epinephelus chlorostigma), squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus), black pomfret (Parastromateus niger), goldbanded jobfish (Pristipomoides multidens), and blueskin seabream (Polysteganus coeruleopunctatus) from the Red Sea, Jeddah Coast, Saudi Arabia. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the proximate chemical composition of fish muscles in these species. The highest protein content (17.66 ± 0.58%) was achieved in blueskin seabream while the lowest (15.28 ± 0.46%) was observed in brownspotted grouper. The highest lipid content (2.97 ± 0.45%) was recorded in squaretail coralgrouper while the lowest (1.52 ± 0.26%) was observed in blueskin seabream. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly within and between fish species under study (p < 0.05). Significant differences in the concentration of heavy metals among fish species were recorded. Results revealed that the bioaccumulation of Cr, Fe, Ni, and Cd in muscles of fish species under study was higher than the standard concentration, but that of Mn, Cu, and Pb were less than the standard concentration recommended in the EU, FAO, and WHO guidelines. In conclusion, these fish species represent a high-quality food source but is unsafe due to the level of certain minerals in their tissues. Results also indicated that the Red Sea environment is contaminated with heavy metals, which was reflected in the tissues of fishes used in this study.

Noscapine, a possible drug candidate for attenuation of cytokine release associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Successful treatment of viral infections has proven to be huge challenge for modern medicine with the most effective approach being prior vaccination. The problem with vaccination is the time it takes to develop an effective vaccine, validate its safety and manufacture it in large quantities. Facing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), we simply do not have the time to develop the vaccine before thousands of people die. Therefore, any treatment which can decrease the severe symptoms due to lung damage may help attenuate mortality rates. Inactivation of ACE2 during virus fusion into the host cell may be one of the underlying reasons for intense immunological reaction seen in the lung tissue. This overreaction is probably mediated through the bradykinin receptor activation. Noscapine, a medication used for the treatment of cough, has been shown to inhibit bradykinin enhanced cough response in man. As it is already marketed in a number of countries as a cough medicine, even for children, a suitable formulation with all the required licenses is available that can be rapidly utilized in preliminary trials.

Validation of RegCM-CHEM4 model by comparison with surface measurements in the Greater Cairo (Egypt) megacity.

The densely populated Greater Cairo (GC) region suffers from severe air quality issues caused by high levels of anthropogenic activities, such as motorized traffic, industries, and agricultural biomass burning events, along with natural sources of particulate matter, such as wind erosion of arid surfaces. Surface-measured concentrations of particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) and its precursor's gases (nitrogen dioxide, NO2; carbon monoxide, CO) were obtained for the GC region. The PM10 concentrations were found to exceed remarkably the Egyptian guidelines (150 µg/m3). These high levels of PM10 were recorded throughout 68% of the period of measurement in some industrial areas (El-Kolaly). The measured data of pollutants were used for both the evaluation of environmental pollution levels and the validation of the online-integrated regional climate chemistry model "RegCM-CHEM4." Calculation of the bias between the model results and the measured data was used to evaluate the model performance in order to assess its ability in reproducing the chemical species over the area. The model was found to reproduce the seasonal cycle of the pollutants successfully, but with a large underestimation of the PM10 values. Validation of the RegCM-CHEM4 indicated that the emission inventories of mobile sources and anthropogenic activities need to be improved especially with respect to local and regional activities in order to enhance air quality simulations over the GC region.

Identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria by high-performance liquid chromatography from patients in tehran.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The genus Mycobacterium contains over 140 species comprises pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) causing clinical disease have become increasingly common and more diverse. Widespread features of NTM infection can make the diagnosis difficult. Precise species-level detection can aid in distinguishing environmental contamination from actual infection and, furthermore, can assist in making a choice of antimicrobial therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mycolic acids extracted from saponified mycobacterial cells were examined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in addition to phenotypic tests for the identification of 20 clinical isolates of mycobacteria at Masoud Laboratory during 2014-2015. RESULTS: Mycobacterium abscessus (8 isolates), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (6 isolates), Mycobacterium intracellulare (3 isolates) and Mycobacterium fortuitum (3 isolates) were identified in these isolates. The phenotypic tests also confirmed the identity of the clinical isolates. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that HPLC is a more reliable, rapid, simple, easy-to-perform, cost-effective, and specific identification method compared with other identification procedures like phenotypic tests.

Hypouricemic and antioxidant activities of Allium cepa Lilliaceae and quercetin in normal and hyperuricemic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hypouricemic and antioxidant effects of Allium cepa Lilliaceae (Allium cepa L.) and quercetin in normal and hyperuricemic rats. METHODS: The following study was conducted in the Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, Tehran University of Medical Science, Iran, between May 2007 and March 2008. A total of 48 male Wistar rats (body weights: 180-200 g) were randomly divided into 8 equal groups including normal; normal + Allium cepa L. (5g/kg); normal + quercetin (5mg/kg); normal + allopurinol (5mg/kg); hyperuricemic; hyperuricemic + Allium cepa L. (5g/kg); hyperuricemic + quercetin (5mg/kg); hyperuricemic + allopurinol (5mg/kg) once a day for 14 days. Experimentally, hyperuricemia in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate (250mg/kg). RESULTS: Allium cepa L. and quercetin treatments for 14 days significantly reduced (p=0.000) the serum uric acid levels of hyperuricemic rats in a time-dependent manner. All treatments significantly inhibited hepatic xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase activity. Allium cepa L. and quercetin treatments led also to a significant improvement in biomarkers of oxidative stress in hyperuricemic rats (p=0.000). Although the hypouricemic effect of allopurinol was much higher than that of Allium cepa L. and quercetin, it could not significantly change oxidative stress biomarkers. CONCLUSION: These results may be responsible partly for the beneficial effects of Allium cepa L. and its major flavonoid on hyperuricemia and oxidative stress.

Dietary intake and serum bone related chemistry and their correlations in postmenopausal Iranian women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine dietary intake and bone related chemistry of osteoporosis and their correlations in postmenopausal Iranian women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 58 healthy Iranian, postmenopausal women from January 2005 until August 2006, at Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase were measured using auto analyzer and parathyroid hormone (PTH) by immune radio metric assay. Dietary intake was assessed by 3-day dietary record. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine and left femur. Comparison between means of the groups was carried out using one-way analysis of variance test. To examine the correlation between dietary factors and bone related chemistry markers, multiple and linear regression was used. RESULTS: According to the results of lumbar spine BMD, women (n=58) were classified into 3 groups: normal (n=18), osteopenia (n=22), and osteoporosis (n=18). The mean serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase in 3 groups were in the normal range. Serum PTH in the osteoporosis group was higher than other groups. The mean dietary calcium intake in the osteoporosis groups was significantly lower than the normal group (p=0.01). The results of analyzing by linear regression, showed a significant correlation between calcium intake and PTH (r = -0.61, p = 0.0001, B = -0.032). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that postmenopausal women need to be educated regarding osteoporosis and the related preventive measures, such as the effect of nutrients on bone health, and the adequate intake of dairy products and calcium rich-foods.

Induction of ovulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques: recombinant human FSH (follitropin alpha) versus highly purified urinary FSH (urofollitropin HP).

This multicentre, open, randomized, study compared the efficacy and safety of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH; follitropin alpha) with highly purified urinary human FSH (uFSH; urofollitropin HP) in women undergoing ovulation induction for assisted reproductive techniques. Following long down-regulation with buserelin, patients received two ampoules of 75 IU (150 IU) s.c. rFSH or highly purified uFSH for 6 days, after which the dose could be increased until they fulfilled the criteria for human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration. Of 168 patients recruited, 155 received at least one dose of FSH, and 137 received HCG [68: rFSH (85%); 69: uFSH (92%)]. Following oocyte retrieval and fertilization, up to three embryos were replaced/patient and luteal support was given. The mean number of oocytes retrieved/patient was 10.2 +/- 6.0 for rFSH patients compared with 10.8 +/- 6.1 in the uFSH group (not significant). There was a trend towards fewer ampoules used (22.3 +/- 6.5 versus 24.3 +/- 6.5), higher pregnancy (44.3 versus 41.4%) and live birth rates (33.8 versus 26.7%), as well as a lower miscarriage rate (0.0 versus 16.7%) in favour of rFSH. However, no significant differences in efficacy parameters were recorded. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurred in 8.6% and 7.9% of rFSH and uFSH patients respectively. In conclusion, this protocol was effective in inducing multiple follicular development and high numbers of oocytes were retrieved with both drugs.

Immunochemical purification and characterization of a 74.0-kDa Schistosoma mansoni antigen.

A polypeptide antigen of 74.0 kDa molecular weight was detected in the antigenic extracts of the 3 developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni (eggs, cercariae, and adult worms) by western blotting using BRL4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that significantly protected mice at the levels of 51.6%, 42%, and 53.8% against challenge S. mansoni infection in 3 separate experiments. This antigen was isolated and purified from crude soluble worm antigen preparation by immunoaffinity chromatography using CNBr-activated sepharose-4B beads coupled with the BRL4 mAb. The purified antigen showed a single peak when analyzed by both high-performance liquid chromatography and high-performance capillary electrophoresis. The 74-kDa antigen was characterized as a protein in nature with 56.9% hydrophilic amino acids and 43.1% hydrophobic amino acids. This antigen was detected in 93% of urine samples from infected cases with specificity of 89% among noninfected cases using an enzyme immunoassay-fast dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on BRL4 mAb.

Pure red-cell aplasia: a review.

Pure red-cell aplasia is an anemia characterized by a near absence of nucleated red blood cells. It can be congenital or acquired. The congenital form is probably induced by intrauterine damage to early erythroid stem cells. The acquired form can be transient and self-limited or sustained and lifelong. Many, if not most, cases of transient pure red-cell aplasia are caused by the B19 parvovirus, which has a special affinity for erythroid progenitor cells. When complicating an underlying hemolytic anemia, the anemia may be acute and severe. Sustained aplasia is caused by viral invasion, immune rejection or toxic destruction of progenitor or precursor cells. It occurs most often in patients with a benign or malignant lymphoid disease. Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs--especially corticosteroids--will in most cases cause a temporary or permanent remission. The final outcome depends primarily on the underlying disorder.

[Combination electroanesthesia in oncological patients during surgery and in the early postoperative period]. / Kombinirevannaia élektroanesteziia u onkologicheskikh bol'nykh na étape khirurgicheskogo vmeshatel'stva i v rannem posleoperatsionnom periode.

Pelan and Elnar type electric stimulators were used to produce analgesia in 178 cancer patients in the course of surgery and in early postoperative period. The results of a complex study using rhythmography, acid-base balance, blood-sugar level, arterial and central venous pressure measurements and psychophysiologic examination with the Neuron type installation showed that joint application of electric stimulation and local anesthesia as well as the use of electric stimulation in combination with intravenous injection of hydroxybutyric acid, seduxen and ketalar provide adequate intraoperative anesthesia in 85% of cases. Postoperative application of electroanesthesia in cancer patients was followed by a significantly lower requirement of narcotic analgetics. Moreover, the procedure did not involve depressive or hyperkinetic complications, characteristic of morphine and promedol treatment. The results of the study suggest that electroanesthesia be used in cancer treatment.