Genistein induces a protective immunomodulatory effect in a mouse model of cervical cancer

Background: Genistein (GEN), a naturally occurring flavonoid present in soy bean, has attracted scientific interest for its possible benefits in cancer. Objective: The potential immunomodulatory effects of genistein on the immune system and against TC-1 tumor cell line were evaluated in adult female C57BL/6 mice. Methods: Mice were treated with GEN 10 days before to 10 days after the tumor induction. Thirty days after the last GEN treatment, lymphocyte proliferation, Lactase Dehydrogenase (LDH) cytolytic activity and cytokine secretion were analyzed in GEN and control groups. Results: The results showed that ingestion of genistein significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation and LDH release. Furthermore, the treatment with genistein also caused a significant increment in interferon gamma (IFN-γ). In addition, the treatment achieved significant therapeutic effect in tumor models compared to the control group. These results indicated that the effect of GEN on tumor growth may be attributed to its effect on lymphocyte proliferation, cytolytic activity and IFN-γ production. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that GEN exerts an immunomodulatory effect in a mouse model of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) associated-cervical cancer

Investors' behaviour and dynamics of ship prices: a heterogeneous agent model

Distinguishing investors into speculators and operators, and classifying the former group into momentum and contrarian investors, we develop a heterogeneous agent model (HAM) to examine the dynamics of price of second-hand dry bulk ships. The results suggest that momentum strategies based on short-term measures of earnings perform significantly better than the contrarian or passive (buy-and-hold) strategies. The HAM seems to capture the dynamics of vessel prices and the investors’ behavior in the market for ships very well. Finally, an increase in participation of momentum investors tends to increase price volatility, whereas higher demand from contrarian investors seems to lower price variability

Effects of different dietary energy levels on growth performance and sexual gonads development of Beluga (Huso huso) reared in brackish water

Culture of beluga (Huso huso) in new conditions such as inland brackish water necessitates studying nutritional requirements and effects of different diets on gonadic and somatic growth as well as physiological condition. In this research 74 beluga each 4 years old cultured in brackish water of earthen ponds in Bafgh Fisheries Research Station, were selected and distributed in 8 circular cement ponds. Feeding was done in 4 formulated diets with fixed protein level and 4 energy levels (400, 425, 450, 475kcal/l00g). Samples were biopsied at the start and the end of the experiment to determine sexuality and stage of maturation. To study gonad tissues, the hematoxylin-eosin method was used. Results indicated that somatic and gonadic growth indices were affected by diets. Somatic growth overlapped in both sexes. Sexual maturation stages were not the same in males and females and transition from stage II in males was more rapid than females. Considering the results in this study, diet treatments influenced on somatic growth in both sexes and gonadic growth in females. We conclude that somatic and especially gonadic growth in brackish water is suitable. Therefore, inland brackish water environment can be regarded suitable for beluga cultivation

Capacity adjustment decisions in the service industry under stochastic revenue: the case of the shipping industry

The paper proposes a model of capacity adjustment in the competitive ocean shipping industry the case of which is almost unique as a flexible response to market signals under operational constraints. While the concept of capacity adjustment is related usually with long-term investment or disinvestment, in the past shipping firms have responded extensively to the cyclicality of the market; a common medium-term solution has been the laying-up of ships. Although not without cost, lay-up allows minimization of losses without conceding assets in an unfavorable market for capital goods which is the case with ships during periods of shipping crises. We validate the hypothesized dependence of changes in the lay-up rates for ships on the speed of mean-reversion and volatility of freight rates on the basis of tanker market data. The results confirm that, for tankers at least, the lay-up decision is a function of more than the relation of prevailing freight rates to operating expenses levels. The speed of mean reversion is significant as faster mean reversion increases the perceived probability of recovery when the market is at low levels. The results can be considered also as proof of a rational response of firms to the rise in the cost of entry and exit of vessels from a full inactivity state as the case has been in recent years

Fumonisin B1 contamination of cereals and risk of esophageal cancer in a high risk area in Northeastern Iran

Introduction: Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin produced in cereals due to fungal infection. This study was conducted to determine FB1 contamination of rice and corn samples and its relationship with the rate of esophageal cancer (EC) in a high risk area in northeastern Iran. Methods: In total, 66 rice and 66 corn samples were collected from 22 geographical subdivisions of Golestan province of Iran. The levels of FB1 were measured for each subdivision by thin layer and high pressure liquid chromatographies. The mean level of FB1 and the proportions of FB1 contaminated samples were compared between low and high EC-risk areas of the province. Results: The mean of FB1 levels in corn and rice samples were 223.64 and 21.59 μ/g, respectively. FB1 contamination was found in 50% and 40.9% of corn and rice samples, respectively. FB1 level was significantly higher in rice samples obtained from high EC-risk area (43.8 μ/g) than those obtained from low risk area (8.93 μ/g) (p-value=0.01). The proportion of FBI contaminated rice samples was also significantly greater in high (75%) than low (21.4%) EC-risk areas (p-value=0.02). Conclusion: We found high levels of FBI contamination in corn and rice samples from Golestan province of Iran, with a significant positive relationship between FB1 contamination in rice and the risk of EC. Therefore, fumonisin contamination in commonly used staple foods, especially rice, may be considered as a potential risk factor for EC in this high risk region

Role of nitric oxide on the electrophysiological properties of isolated rabbit atrioventricular node by extracellular field potential during atrial fibrillation

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to determine direct effects of NO modulation on protective electrophysiological properties of atrioventricular node (AV node) in the experimental model of AF in rabbit. Methods: Isolated perfused rabbit AV nodal preparations were used in two groups. In the first group (N=7), LNAME (50μM) was applied. In the second group (N=12), different concentrations of L - argenine (250 μM - 5000 μM) were added to the solution. Programmed stimulation protocols were used to quantify AV nodal conduction time, refractoriness and zone of concealment. AF protocol was executed by software with coupling intervals (ranging from 75–125 msec). Results: L-NAME had depressive effects on basic AV nodal properties. L-Arginine (250μM) had direct inhibitory effects on nodal conduction time, Wenckebach and refractoriness. Significant increases in the number of concealed beats were induced by L-Arginine (500 μM). Number of concealed beats were increased from 700.7±33.7 to 763±21 msec (P<0.05). Trend of zone of concealment prolongation in a frequency-dependent model was abrogated by Larginine (250, 5000 μM). Conclusion: NO at low concentration (in the presence of L-NAME) had facilitatory role on AV nodal properties, but at high concentration (in the presence of L-arginine) enhanced protective role of AV node during AF. Biphasic modulatory role of NO may affect protective behavior of AV node during AF. © 2011, Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology. All rights reserved

In vitro propagation of four Iranian grape varieties: Influence of genotype and pretreatment with arbuscular mycorrhiza

There is a great demand for table grape saplings, mainly for commercial varieties indicating that micropropagation could be an effective method for their mass propagation. Internal contamination in woody plant species is an important problematic issue and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been known as potential plant biological protectors. In the present study, the glasshouse grown mother plants of four grape varieties ('Asgari', 'Khalili', 'Keshmeshi', and 'Shahroudi') were inoculated with AMF as pre-treatment. The fungi strains were Glomus mosseae, G. fasciculatum, G. intraradices and a mixture of all three species. The comparative in vitro performance of these genotypes was evaluated following optimization of in vitro growth conditions for each genotype. Furthermore, the positive effect of AMF inoculation of stock plant on micropropagation process was studied. Changes in biochemical features (total chlorophylls, total phenols and total sugars), growth parameters (root length and total leaf area) and in vitro behavior of AMF pretreated as well as control explants were recorded. The mycorrhizal association with grapevine roots was confirmed following root staining and evaluation of colonization rate. The results revealed a distinct difference and clear genotypic effect on various in vitro parameters of studied grape genotypes. The utilized inocula were found to have the capability of mycorrhizal association with grapevine roots, leading to enhancing phenolics as a defense mechanism, increasing sugars and chlorophyll and finally growth of whole plant corresponding to the grape variety and AMF strain. These results confirmed that health and physiological conditions of the stock plants are important parameters for in vitro grape culture establishment and suggest the integration of mycorrhizal technology with tissue culture to accomplish better results

Different mechanics of snap-trapping in the two closely related carnivorous plants Dionaea muscipula and Aldrovanda vesiculosa

The carnivorous aquatic Waterwheel Plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa L.) and the closely related terrestrial Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula SOL. EX J. ELLIS) both feature elaborate snap-traps, which shut after reception of an external mechanical stimulus by prey animals. Traditionally, Aldrovanda is considered as a miniature, aquatic Dionaea, an assumption which was already established by Charles Darwin. However, videos of snapping traps from both species suggest completely different closure mechanisms. Indeed, the well-described snapping mechanism in Dionaea comprises abrupt curvature inversion of the two trap lobes, while the closing movement in Aldrovanda involves deformation of the trap midrib but not of the lobes, which do not change curvature. In this paper, we present the first detailed mechanical models for these plants, which are based on the theory of thin solid membranes and explain this difference by showing that the fast snapping of Aldrovanda is due to kinematic amplification of the bending deformation of the midrib, while that of Dionaea unambiguously relies on the buckling instability that affects the two lobes.Comment: accepted in Physical Review

Predicting the outcome in patients with unexplained syncope and suspected cardiac cause: Role of electrophysiologic studies Kalp nedenli oldu�undan ��phe edilen ve a�ıklanamayan senkoplu bir hastada sonucun kestirilmesi

Objective: Unexplained syncope is a challenge facing electrophysiologists. The prognosis varies widely depending on underlying causes, specially, cardiac ones. We sought to determine the abnormal electrophysiolgic (EP) study results as predictors of prognosis in syncope patients with suspected cardiac cause and risk factors associated with mortality. Methods: A total of 227 consecutive patients with unexplained syncope were prospectively enrolled in this study. EP study was performed in 177 patients in base of inclusion criteria. These patients, in whom a cardiac cause of syncope was suspected, underwent EP study and if negative, head-up tilts test (HUTT). Complete follow-up was obtained for 132 patients for 20.0�10.8 months. Results: A cardiac cause of syncope was established in 35, a neurally mediated syncope in 35.6, and in the rest 29.4 the cause of syncope remained unexplained despite a throughout neurologic and cardiologic evaluation. Logistic analysis revealed that the significant predictors of a cardiac cause of syncope were the absence of prodromal symptoms, left bundle branch block (LBBB), sever left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and male gender. At logistic analysis, the presence of LBBB (OR=6.63; 95 CI: 1.09-40) was significantly associated with outcome of death. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that presence of LBBB, abnormal EP study result and structural heart disease (SHD) have prognostic value in patients with suspected cardiac cause of syncope. The patients with SHD and unexplained syncope who had a negative EP study have a good long-term prognosis even in the presence of LV dysfunction. � 2015 by Turkish Society of Cardiology

Predicting the outcome in patients with unexplained syncope and suspected cardiac cause: Role of electrophysiologic studies

Objective: Unexplained syncope is a challenge facing electrophysiologists. The prognosis varies widely depending on underlying causes, specially, cardiac ones. We sought to determine the abnormal electrophysiolgic (EP) study results as predictors of prognosis in syncope patients with suspected cardiac cause and risk factors associated with mortality. Methods: A total of 227 consecutive patients with unexplained syncope were prospectively enrolled in this study. EP study was performed in 177 patients in base of inclusion criteria. These patients, in whom a cardiac cause of syncope was suspected, underwent EP study and if negative, head-up tilts test (HUTT). Complete follow-up was obtained for 132 patients for 20.0±10.8 months. Results: A cardiac cause of syncope was established in 35, a neurally mediated syncope in 35.6, and in the rest 29.4 the cause of syncope remained unexplained despite a throughout neurologic and cardiologic evaluation. Logistic analysis revealed that the significant predictors of a cardiac cause of syncope were the absence of prodromal symptoms, left bundle branch block (LBBB), sever left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and male gender. At logistic analysis, the presence of LBBB (OR=6.63; 95 CI: 1.09-40) was significantly associated with outcome of death. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that presence of LBBB, abnormal EP study result and structural heart disease (SHD) have prognostic value in patients with suspected cardiac cause of syncope. The patients with SHD and unexplained syncope who had a negative EP study have a good long-term prognosis even in the presence of LV dysfunction. © 2015 by Turkish Society of Cardiology