Polymorphism in the oxytocin promoter region in patients with lactase non-persistence is not related to symptoms

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Oxytocin and the oxytocin receptor have been demonstrated in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and have been shown to exert physiological effects on gut motility. The role for oxytocin in the pathophysiology of GI complaints is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine genetic variations or polymorphism of oxytocin (<it>OXT</it>) and its receptor (<it>OXTR</it>) genes in patients with GI complaints without visible organic abnormalities.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Genetic variants in the <it>OXT </it>promoter region, and in the <it>OXTR </it>gene in DNA samples from 131 rigorously evaluated patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), 408 homozygous subjects referred for lactase (LCT-13910 C>T, rs4988235) genotyping, and 299 asymptomatic blood donors were compared. One polymorphism related to the <it>OXT </it>gene (rs6133010 A>G) and 4 related to the <it>OXTR </it>gene (rs1465386 G>T, rs3806675 G>A, rs968389 A>G, rs1042778 G>T) were selected for genotyping using Applied Biosystems 7900 HT allele discrimination assays.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There were no statistically significant differences in the genotype or allele frequencies in any of the SNPs when IBS patients were compared to healthy controls. Among subjects referred for lactase genotyping, the rs6133010 A>G <it>OXT </it>promoter A/G genotype tended to be more common in the 154 non-persistent (27.3%) subjects than in the 254 lactase persistant (18.1%) subjects and in the healthy controls (19.4%) (p = 0.08). When direct comparing, the A/G genotype was less common in the <it>OXT </it>promoter region in controls (p = 0.09) and in subjects with lactase persistence (p = 0.03) compared to subjects with lactase non-persistence. When healthy controls were viewed according to their own LCT-13910 genotypes, the C/C lactase non-persistent controls had a higher frequency for the <it>OXT </it>promoter A/G genotype than LCT-13910 T/T lactase persistent controls (41.2% vs 13.1%).</p> <p>No significant differences in frequencies of the investigated <it>OXTR </it>SNPs were noted in this study.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results suggest that polymorphism in the promoter region of the <it>OXT </it>gene is most common in subjects with lactase non-persistence. This polymorphism may not be related to GI symptoms, as it is related to lactase non-persistence also in healthy controls.</p

Phylogenetic Analysis of Torque Teno Virus in Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients in Shiraz

Background: Torque teno virus (TTV) was the first human Circoviridae detected in a Japanese patient with unknown hepatitis in 1997. Subsequently, several studies performed to evaluate different aspects of Torque teno virus pathogenesis. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine dominant genotype of Torque teno virus in chronic hepatitis disease using 5'-UTR sequence among patients infected by hepatitis C virus in Shiraz - Iran. Patients and Methods: The study conducted in 240 patients with chronic hepatitis C from Prof. Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center. The presence of Torque teno virus DNA and its genotype in plasma was assessed by nested polymerase chain reaction using two primer sets for 5'-UTR and N22 regions. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on 5'-UTR region. Results: DNA of Torque teno virus was detected in 220 out of 240 (92 ) patients with chronic hepatitis C by the use of 5'-UTR primer based PCR method and in 12 out of 240 (5 ) by the use of N22 primer. Based on phylogenetic analysis it was shown that the Dominant genotype in this study was 11. Genotypes 1, 3, 17, and 22 were also detected. Some sequences could not be classified to a specific genotype. Conclusions: The prevalence of Torque teno virus DNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C disease by the use of 5'-UTR primer appeared to be higher compared to that revealed by N22 primer. We observed five genotypes among hepatitis C chronic patients in our study. Copyright (c) 2012 Kowsar Corp. All rights reserved

Pharmacological evaluation of anti-anemic property of aqueous extracts of Falcaria vulgaris leaf in rats

In the last decade, traditional medicine has been used to treat several diseases such as hemolytic anemia. One of these plants is Falcaria vulgaris. This plant is expanding vastly in Iran. In this experiment, we assessed the anti-anemic property of aqueous extract of F. vulgaris leaf. After collection of the plant, its extract was obtained using Soxhlet extractor. In vivo design, after 1 day of the last injection of Phenylhydrazine, the rats were divided into six subgroups, including negative healthy control, untreated negative control, and four groups receiving the F. vulgaris at 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg concentrations. At the end of day 15 of treatment, the animals of all groups were euthanized and blood samples were drawn immediately from the animals’ hearts to analyze the hematological and biochemical parameters. The data were analyzed by SPSS-21 software. All doses of aqueous extract of F. vulgaris leaf (especially FV200) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the levels of body weight, WBC, neutrophils, platelet, RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and decreased the raised levels of ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, urea, creatinine, ferrous, ferritin, and erythropoietin as compared to the untreated group. Finally, the results showed the useful anti-anemic property of F. vulgaris leaf aqueous extract. © 2018, Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature

The Significance of Digital Transformation in the Supply Chain Management for Facilitating International Businesses : Cases from Emerging Markets

Technological advancements have altered all aspects of human life, undeniably impacting all domains of commercial entities. Current digital technologies have the most pre-eminent influence on the supply chain management of corporations, irrespective of their diverse industry and operations. Remarkably, emerging markets with rapid economic growth, becoming appealing for foreign investments, are transmuting their supply chains with innovative hi-tech for smooth, effective, and efficient business processes and operations.The commencement of supply chain alterations in developed countries for facilitating international business has been part of various erstwhile studies that need more information on emerging markets. This thesis contributes to the prevailing research concerning the cited phenomenon by pursuing and expounding the answers to the research questions; "Considering the challenges and opportunities, how do digital technologies (blockchain, Cloud, IoT, AI) affect supply chain management and logistics in emerging markets?" and "What role does the supply chain's digital transformation play for businesses operating in emerging markets engaged in international business?".Fundamentally, the prime purpose of this research is to provide in-depth comprehension regarding the impending gratuities of supply chain revolutions availed by emergent markets expediting their international business with significant hindrances in the process. Also, this study uses a modified theoretical framework created under the idea of dynamic capabilities theory by Teece (2007) to illustrate the pertinent concepts. Furthermore, qualitative case studies of the syndicates from countries Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh were conducted through semistructured interviews using an inductive approach under the interpretive methodology concept.The study demonstrates that despite market and industry, human errors and manual processes resulting in extra cost, time and energy limiting a firm's overall capacity have been the crucial challenges optimised by supply chain renovations. Lastly, the research provides the theoretical and managerial implications to define the topic in future regarding comparative analysis across industries and mitigating risks in international supply chains due to hi-tech, along with future recommendations

The Significance of Digital Transformation in the Supply Chain Management for Facilitating International Businesses : Cases from Emerging Markets

Technological advancements have altered all aspects of human life, undeniably impacting all domains of commercial entities. Current digital technologies have the most pre-eminent influence on the supply chain management of corporations, irrespective of their diverse industry and operations. Remarkably, emerging markets with rapid economic growth, becoming appealing for foreign investments, are transmuting their supply chains with innovative hi-tech for smooth, effective, and efficient business processes and operations.The commencement of supply chain alterations in developed countries for facilitating international business has been part of various erstwhile studies that need more information on emerging markets. This thesis contributes to the prevailing research concerning the cited phenomenon by pursuing and expounding the answers to the research questions; "Considering the challenges and opportunities, how do digital technologies (blockchain, Cloud, IoT, AI) affect supply chain management and logistics in emerging markets?" and "What role does the supply chain's digital transformation play for businesses operating in emerging markets engaged in international business?".Fundamentally, the prime purpose of this research is to provide in-depth comprehension regarding the impending gratuities of supply chain revolutions availed by emergent markets expediting their international business with significant hindrances in the process. Also, this study uses a modified theoretical framework created under the idea of dynamic capabilities theory by Teece (2007) to illustrate the pertinent concepts. Furthermore, qualitative case studies of the syndicates from countries Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh were conducted through semistructured interviews using an inductive approach under the interpretive methodology concept.The study demonstrates that despite market and industry, human errors and manual processes resulting in extra cost, time and energy limiting a firm's overall capacity have been the crucial challenges optimised by supply chain renovations. Lastly, the research provides the theoretical and managerial implications to define the topic in future regarding comparative analysis across industries and mitigating risks in international supply chains due to hi-tech, along with future recommendations

The aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra effectively prevents induced gastroduodenal ulcers: experimental study on Wistar rats

The recent studies have indicated the properties of ethnomedicinal plants in the prevention, control, and treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers. Glycyrrhiza glabra has been used in Iranian traditional medicine as a therapeutic supplement. The aim of our research was to survey the preventive property of aqueous extract of G. glabra leaf on ibuprofen-induced gastroduodenal ulcers by investigating the biochemical, hematological, immunological, and microscopic approaches in rats. In this study, 60 rats were used. The animals were randomly divided into six subgroups, including negative healthy control, untreated negative control, the positive control receiving omeprazole 60 mg/kg, and three groups receiving the G. glabra aqueous extract at 20 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, and 180 mg/kg concentrations. After 14 days, gastroduodenal ulcers were caused by ibuprofen 400 mg/kg. Four hours after oral administration of ibuprofen, the rats were sacrificed and blood, stomach, and duodenum samples of them collected for analysis of biochemical, hematological, immunological, and microscopic parameters. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21 software. All doses of G. glabra could significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduce the raised levels of ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, total and conjugated bilirubin, urea, creatinine, IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ, and TNF-α and increase HDL, total protein, albumin, WBC, platelet, RBC, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and IFN-α as compared to the untreated group. Also, aqueous extract of G. glabra prevented significantly (p ≤ 0.05) gastroduodenal ulcers as compared to the untreated group. In conclusion, the obtained results indicated the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, hematoprotective, immunoprotective, and gastroduodenal protective properties of G. glabra aqueous extract. © 2018, Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature

The therapeutic potential of aqueous extract of Falcaria vulgaris in the treatment of fatty liver disease: a histopathological and biochemical approach

The recent experiments have indicated the potential of ethno-medicinal plants on the control, prevention, and treatment of fatty liver disease. In this study, we assessed the potential of aqueous extract of Falcaria vulgaris in treatment of fatty liver disease by investigating the histopathological and biochemical approaches. In beginning of the research, a total of 10 Wistar male rats were selected as the negative healthy control, and 50 rats were treated with a high-fat diet for 4 months. Then, the animals were randomly divided into six subgroups, including negative healthy control group, untreated group, and four groups receiving the aqueous extract of F. vulgaris at 25, 50, 100, and 200-mg/kg concentrations. After 2 months, the rats were sacrificed, and blood and liver samples of them were collected to analyze the histopathological and biochemical parameters. The data were analyzed by SPSS-21 software. Different groups of F. vulgaris significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased the increased concentrations of ALP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate transaminase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase), cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), triglyceride, total and conjugated bilirubin, glucose, and GR (glutathione reductase) and enhanced the concentrations of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), total protein, albumin, SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), and GPx (glutathione peroxidase) as compared to the untreated group. Also, F. vulgaris reduced the degree of hepatic steatosis as compared to the untreated group. It appears that the aqueous extract of F. vulgaris can treat fatty liver disease in rats. Extraction of active molecules will be the future work to peruse. © 2018, Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature

Hepatoprotective potential of aqueous extract of Allium eriophyllum Boiss in high-fat diet-induced fatty liver diseases

In recent years, Iranian traditional medicine has been used to control, prevent, and treat various diseases such as fatty liver. One of these plants is Allium eriophyllum Boiss. In this research, we assessed the potential of aqueous extract of A. eriophyllum in the treatment of fatty liver disease in Wistar male rats. At beginning of the study, a total of 10 rats were selected as the negative control, and 50 rats were treated with a high-fat diet for 4 months. Then, the animals were randomly divided into six subgroups, including negative healthy control, untreated negative control, and four groups receiving the aqueous extract of A. eriophyllum at 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg concentrations. After 2 months, the rats were sacrificed, and blood and liver samples were collected. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21 software. All groups of A. eriophyllum (especially A200) could significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decrease the raised weights of body and liver and the concentrations of ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, total and conjugated bilirubin, glucose, and GR and increase the concentrations of HDL, total protein, albumin, SOD, CAT, and GPx as compared to the untreated group. Also, A. eriophyllum (especially A200) decreased the degree of hepatic steatosis as compared to the untreated group. In finally, it appears that the aqueous extract of A. eriophyllum can treat the fatty liver disease in rats. © 2018, Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature

Investigation of Geological and Environmental Factors of Airborne Suspended Particles from Sand and Gravel Quarries in The West of Tehran, Iran

Introduction: Particulate matter (PM) is known as the most common cause of air pollution in the world. Activities of sand quarries are known as one of the emission sources in Tehran. This study aimed at investigating the geological and environmental factors of airborne particles in an active quarry in the west of Tehran. Material and Methods: Three methods of dust sampling were used. totally, 32 samples were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The data were analyzed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo). Results: The results showed the presence of Si, Ca, Al, Na, Fe, K, Zn, Pb, P, S, Mg, Cu, Ti, Mn, Cl and V in dust of the quarry. Also, the elements of Mn, V, Zn, Cu and Pb were shown to have moderate to extremely enrichment and contamination from anthropogenic origin. The silicon and potassium were found to have a natural source originated from igneous and alluvial rocks. Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that fugitive dust generated from sand quarries and related activities have higher concentration of elements than those in the Earth crust due to anthropogenic activities. Further studies on transfer of fugitive dust from sand and gravel quarries to Tehran and assessment of its health impact are suggested