Hepatic Macrosteatosis Is Partially Converted to Microsteatosis by Melatonin Supplementation in ob/ob Mice Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Obesity is a common risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Currently, there are no specific treatments against NAFLD. Thus, examining any molecule with potential benefits against this condition emerged melatonin as a molecule that influences metabolic dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to determine whether melatonin would function against NAFDL, studying morphological, ultrastuctural and metabolic markers that characterize the liver of ob/ob mice

Ispitivanje mogućnosti suzbijanja Venturia inaequalis ekološki prihvatljivim preparatima

Possibility of V. inaequalis control on apple variety Idared was evaluated by ecologically acceptable products such as inorganic fungicides and acidified clays. The obtained results were compared with common, chemical protection. Year 2009 was one of the unfavorable for V. inaequalis, and 2010 was extremely favorable for apple scab development. Accordingly, in 2009 intensity of infection on apple leaves and fruits in control variant was low (leaves 15,4-34,9%; fruits 0-23,8%). In 2010 infection intensity on leaves and fruits was high (leaves 81,2%; fruits 100%). During period 2009-2010, in these different environmental conditions, common chemical protection showed high efficacy (leaves 96,2-100%; fruits 97,5-100%). High efficacy level in control of V. inaequalis on leaves of 87,4-99,7% was achieved also in variants in which copper products were applied in low concentration of 0,05%. It should be noted that in the most critical period, in April and May of 2010, the treatments were carried out in 5-6 days interval. Copper products showed differing efficacy on fruits (48,5-90,2%). In 2009 which is considered as one of the unfavorable for V. inaequalis development, product Ulmasud B applied alone on leaves was less efficiacy (51,8-58,6%), than on fruits (87,8%). In the same year, efficacy of this product in combination with sulfur, was better (leaves 71,4-76,6%; fruits 86,6). In 2010, which was especially rainy and favourable for spreading the disease, efficiacy of mention combination of products didn,t satisfy (leaves 44,8%; fruits 41,0%). In the system of organic production, during vegetation period, program of apple protection in control of V. inaequalis should be supplemented by use of low concentrations of copper products (0,05%) and by various alternative products of different action mechanisms, such as mineral clays, sulfur products and etc. These researches should be continued.Ispitivana je mogućnost suzbijanja V. inaequalis na jabuci (ajdared) ekološki prihvatljivim preparatima (neorganski fungicidi i kisela glina). Dobijeni rezultati su poređeni sa uobičajenom, hemijskom zaštitom. Godina 2009. je bila jedna od najnepovoljnijih za V. inaequalis, a 2010. jedna od najpovoljnih za širenje ovog patogena na jabuci. Shodno tome, u 2009. godini (tri lokaliteta) intenzitet zaraze u kontroli na listovima i plodovima jabuke bio je nizak (listovi 15,4-34,9%; plodovi 0-23,8%). U 2010. godini intenzitet zaraze na listovima i plodovima je bio visok (listovi 81,2%; plodovi 100%). Pri navedenim različitim uslovima zaraze, efikasnost uobičajene, hemijske zaštite, u obe godine je bila na visokom nivou (listovi 96,2-100%; plodovi 97,5-100%). Visoka efikasnost u suzbijanju V. inaequalis na listovima (87,4-99,7%), postignuta je i u varijantama sa primenom bakarnih preparata u niskoj koncentraciji (0,05%), uz napomenu da su u 2010. godini tretmani u najkritičnijem periodu izvođeni u intervalu 5-6 dana. Efikasnost bakarnih preparata na plodovima je bila različta (48,5-90,2%). U 2009. godini, koja je bila jedna od nepovoljnijih za širenje crne pegavosti na jabuci, preparat Ulmasud B primenjen samostalno, ispoljio je znatno slabiju efikasnost na listovima (51,9-58,6%), u odnosu na plodove (87,8%). Iste godine, ovaj preparat u kombinaciji sa sumpornim preparatima, obezbedio je bolju efiksanost (listovi 71,4-76,6%; plodovi 86,6%). Suprotno tome, u 2010. godini, koja je bila izrazito povoljna za širenje ovog patogena, efikasnost navedene kombinacije preparata nije bila zadovoljavajuća (listovi 44,8%; plodovi 41,0%). U sistemu organske proizvodnje, program zaštite jabuke od V. inaequalis tokom vegetacije treba dopuniti korišćenjem preparata na bazi bakra (u niskoj koncentraciji) i raznih alternativnih preparata (na bazi mineralnih glina, sumpornih preparata i sl.). Ova ispitivanja bi trebalo nastaviti

Vitamin D status in mothers with pre-eclampsia and their infants: a case-control study from Serbia, a country without a vitamin D fortification policy

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine if vitamin D intake and status are associated with pre-eclampsia in a country without a vitamin D fortification policy. Design: A case-control study of pregnancies with (case) and without (control) pre-eclampsia was conducted from January to April when UVB is minimal. Maternal and cord blood obtained at delivery were measured for plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D-3), 3-epimer of 25-OH-D-3 (3-epi-25-OH-D-3) and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (24,25-(OH)(2)D-3) by LC-MS/MS and maternal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH) 2D). Differences between groups were tested with ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests (P lt 0.05). Setting: Clinical Center of Serbia. Subjects: Pregnant women with and without pre-eclampsia (n 60) and their infants. Results: Exogenous vitamin D intake (0.95-16.25 mu g/d (38-650 IU/d)) was not significantly different between groups. Women with pre-eclampsia delivered infants at an earlier gestational age and had significantly lower mean total plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D; case: 11.2 (SD 5.1); control: 16.1 (SD 5.7) ng/ml; P=0.0006), 25-OH-D-3 (case: 10.0 (SD 4.9); control: 14.2 (SD 5.8) ng/ml; P=0.002), 3-epi-25-OH-D-3 (case: 0.5 (SD 0.2); control: 0.7 (SD 0.2) ng/ml; P=0.0007) and 1,25-(OH)(2)D (case: 56.5 (SD 26.6); control: 81.0 (SD 25.7) pg/ml; P=0.018), while 24,25-(OH)(2)D-3 was not different between groups. Infants did not differ in total plasma 25-OH-D, 25-OH-D-3, 3-epi-25-OH-D-3 and 24,25-(OH)(2)D-3, but the mean proportion of 3-epi-25-OH-D-3 was higher in the infant case group (case: 7.9 (SD 1.1); control: 7.0 (SD 1.4) % of total 25-OH-D-3; P=0.005). Conclusions: A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, as defined by plasma 25-OH-D lt 12 ng/ml, was observed in 47 % of all mothers and 77 % of all infants. These data underscore the need for prenatal vitamin D supplementation and a food fortification policy in Serbia

High Risk First Degree Relatives of Type 1 Diabetics: An Association with Increases in CXCR3 +

We analyzed the level of (a) CXCR3+ (Th1) and CCR4+ (Th2) T memory cells (b) interferon-γ inducible chemokine (IP-10)(Th1) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)(Th2), in 51 first degree relatives (FDRs) of type 1 diabetics (T1D) (17 high risk FDRs (GADA+, IA-2+) and 34 low risk FDRs (GADA−, IA-2−)), 24 recent-onset T1D (R-T1D), and 18 healthy subjects. T memory subsets were analyzed by using four-color immunofluorescence staining and flowcytometry. IP-10 and TARC were determined by ELISA. High risk FDRs showed higher levels of CXCR3+ and lower level of CCR4+ T memory cells compared to low risk FDRs (64.98 ± 5.19 versus 42.13 ± 11.11; 29.46 ± 2.83 versus 41.90 ± 8.58%, resp., P<0.001). Simultaneously, both IP-10 and TARC levels were increased in high risk versus low risk FDRs (160.12 ± 73.40 versus 105.39 ± 71.30; 438.83 ± 120.62 versus 312.04 ± 151.14 pg/mL, P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis identified the level of CXCR3+ T memory cells as predictors for high risk FDRs, together with high levels of IP-10. The results imply that, in FDRs, the risk for T1D might be strongly influenced by enhanced activity of Th1 and diminished activity of Th2 autoimmune response

Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity of Biocompatible Bacterial Cellulose Films via Dual Synergistic Action of Curcumin and Triangular Silver Nanoplates

Curcumin and triangular silver nanoplates (TSNP)-incorporated bacterial cellulose (BC) films present an ideal antimicrobial material for biomedical applications as they afford a complete set of requirements, including a broad range of long-lasting potency and superior efficacy antimicrobial activity, combined with low toxicity. Here, BC was produced by Komagataeibacter medellinensis ID13488 strain in the presence of curcumin in the production medium (2 and 10%). TSNP were incorporated in the produced BC/curcumin films using ex situ method (21.34 ppm) and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC95922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 bacterial strains. Biological activity of these natural products was assessed in cytotoxicity assay against lung fibroblasts and in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans and Danio rerio as model organisms. Derived films have shown excellent antimicrobial performance with growth inhibition up to 67% for E. coli and 95% for S. aureus. In a highly positive synergistic interaction, BC films with 10% curcumin and incorporated TSNP have shown reduced toxicity with 80% MRC5 cells survival rate. It was shown that only 100% concentrations of film extracts induce low toxicity effect on model organisms’ development. The combined and synergistic advanced anti-infective functionalities of the curcumin and TSNP incorporated in BC have a high potential for development for application within the clinical setting

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Cysteine Protease Inhibitor from Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)

The need for replacing traditional pesticides with alternative agents for the management of agricultural pathogens is rising worldwide. In this study, a cysteine proteinase inhibitor (CPI), 11 kDa in size, was purified from green kiwifruit to homogeneity. We examined the growth inhibition of three plant pathogenic Gram-negative bacterial strains by kiwi CPI and attempted to elucidate the potential mechanism of the growth inhibition. CPI influenced the growth of phytopathogenic bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens (76.2 % growth inhibition using 15 mu M CPI), Burkholderia cepacia (75.6 % growth inhibition) and, to a lesser extent, Erwinia carotovora (44.4 % growth inhibition) by inhibiting proteinases that are excreted by these bacteria. Identification and characterization of natural plant defense molecules is the first step toward creation of improved methods for pest control based on naturally occurring molecules

The Unity of Redox and Structural Remodeling of Brown Adipose Tissue in Hypothyroidism

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is important for maintaining whole-body metabolic and energy homeostasis. However, the effects of hypothyroidism, one of the most common diseases worldwide, which increases the risk of several metabolic disorders, on BAT redox and metabolic homeostasis remain mostly unknown. We aimed to investigate the dynamics of protein expression, enzyme activity, and localization of antioxidant defense (AD) enzymes in rat interscapular BAT upon induction of hypothyroidism by antithyroid drug methimazole for 7, 15, and 21 days. Our results showed an increased protein expression of CuZn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutamyl–cysteine ligase, thioredoxin, total glutathione content, and activity of catalase and thioredoxin reductase in hypothyroid rats, compared to euthyroid control. Concomitant with the increase in AD, newly established nuclear, mitochondrial, and peroxisomal localization of AD enzymes was found. Hypothyroidism also potentiated associations between mitochondria, peroxisomes, and lipid bodies, creating specific structural–functional units. Moreover, hypothyroidism induced protein expression and nuclear translocation of a master regulator of redox-metabolic homeostasis, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and an increased amount of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adducts. The results indicate that spatiotemporal overlap in the remodeling of AD is orchestrated by Nrf2, implicating the role of 4-HNE in this process and suggesting the potential mechanism of redox-structural remodeling during BAT adaptation in hypothyroidism

Evaluation of possibilities of Venturia inaequlis control by ecologically acceptable products

Possibility of V. inaequalis control on apple variety Idared was evaluated by ecologically acceptable products such as inorganic fungicides and acidified clays. The obtained results were compared with common, chemical protection. Year 2009 was one of the unfavorable for V. inaequalis, and 2010 was extremely favorable for apple scab development. Accordingly, in 2009 intensity of infection on apple leaves and fruits in control variant was low (leaves 15,4-34,9%; fruits 0-23,8%). In 2010 infection intensity on leaves and fruits was high (leaves 81,2%; fruits 100%). During period 2009-2010, in these different environmental conditions, common chemical protection showed high efficacy (leaves 96,2-100%; fruits 97,5-100%). High efficacy level in control of V. inaequalis on leaves of 87,4-99,7% was achieved also in variants in which copper products were applied in low concentration of 0,05%. It should be noted that in the most critical period, in April and May of 2010, the treatmentswere carried out in 5-6 days interval. Copper products showed differing efficacy on fruits (48,5-90,2%). In 2009 which is considered as one of the unfavorable for V. inaequalis development, product Ulmasud B applied alone on leaves was less efficiacy (51,8-58,6%), than on fruits (87,8%). In the same year, efficacy of this product in combination with sulfur, was better (leaves 71,4-76,6%; fruits 86,6). In 2010, which was especially rainy and favourablefor spreading the disease, efficiacy of mention combination of products didn,t satisfy (leaves 44,8%; fruits 41,0%). In the system of organic production, during vegetation period, program of apple protection in control of V. inaequalis should be supplemented by use of low concentrations of copper products (0,05%) and by various alternative products of different action mechanisms,such as mineral clays, sulfur products etc. These researches should be continued

ACOX-driven peroxisomal heterogeneity and functional compartmentalization in brown adipocytes of hypothyroid rats

We previously demonstrated that hypothyroidism increases peroxisomal biogenesis in rat brown adipose tissue (BAT). We also showed heterogeneity in peroxisomal origin and their unique structural association with mitochondria and/or lipid bodies to carry out β-oxidation, contributing thus to BAT thermogenesis. Distinctive heterogeneity creates structural compartmentalization within peroxisomal population, raising the question of whether it is followed by their functional compartmentalization regarding localization/colocalization of two main acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX) isoforms, ACOX1 and ACOX3. ACOX is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of peroxisomal β-oxidation, and, to date, their protein expression patterns in BAT have not been fully defined. Therefore, we used methimazole-induced hypothyroidism to study ACOX1 and ACOX3 protein expression and their tissue immunolocalization. Additionally, we analysed their specific peroxisomal localization and colocalization in parallel with peroxisomal structural compartmentalization in brown adipocytes. Hypothyroidism caused a linear increase in ACOX1 expression, while a temporary decrease in ACOX3 levels is only recovered to the control level at day 21. Peroxisomal ACOX1 and ACOX3 localization and colocalization patterns entirely mirrored heterogeneous peroxisomal biogenesis pathways and structural compartmentalization, e.g. associations with mitochondria and/or lipid bodies. Hence, different ACOX isoforms localization/colocalization creates distinct functional heterogeneity of peroxisomes and drives their functional compartmentalization in rat brown adipocytes

World Allergy Organization Journal / The evaluation of pollen concentrations with statistical and computational methods on rooftop and on ground level in Vienna How to include daily crowd-sourced symptom data

Background It is recommended to position pollen monitoring stations on rooftop level to assure a large catchment area and to gain data that are representative for a regional scale. Herein, an investigation of the representativeness of pollen concentrations was performed for 20 pollen types in the pollen seasons 20152016 in Vienna for rooftop and ground level and was compared with weather data and for the first time with symptom data. Methods The complete data set was analyzed with various statistical methods including Spearmen correlation, ANOVA, KolmogorovSmirnov test and logistic regression calculation: Odds ratio and Yule's Q values. Computational intelligence methods, namely Self Organizing Maps (SOMs) were employed that are capable of describing similarities and interdependencies in an effective way taking into account the U-matrix as well. The Random Forest algorithm was selected for modeling symptom data. Results The investigation of the representativeness of pollen concentrations on rooftop and ground level concerns the progress of the season, the peak occurrences and absolute quantities. Most taxa examined showed similar patterns (e.g. Betula), while others showed differences in pollen concentrations exposure on different heights (e.g. the Poaceae family). Maximum temperature, mean temperature and humidity showed the highest influence among the weather parameters and daily pollen concentrations for the majority of taxa in both traps. Conclusion The rooftop trap was identified as the more adequate one when compared with the local symptom data. Results show that symptom data correlate more with pollen concentrations measured on rooftop than with those measured on ground level.(VLID)490428