Design and Production of Arginine Deiminase-Azurin Recombinant Fusion Protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its Confirmation by Western Blot

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that has a unique genome that allowed the bacteria to produce various enzymes and proteins. Azurin and arginine deiminase are low molecular weight proteins that produced by P. aeruginosa. These proteins can be used alone or in combination together in order to become effective in cancer therapy or inhibiting of metastasis. This study aimed to design, express and purify the Azurin and Arginine Deiminease recombinant fusion protein.Materials and Methods: The sequences of Azurin and arginine deiminase from P. aeruginosa were studied for synthesis in a pET28a vector. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into the E.coli BL-21 strain and expression was induced by isopropyl-β-D-thio galactopyranoside (IPTG). The fusion protein expression was evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Purification of the recombinant product was performed by the Ni-NTA chromatography column, obtained product analysis with SDS-PAGE and Western blot technique.Results: Cloning was confirmed by observing bands from the enzyme digestion. The protein band with a molecular weight of 65 kDa on the SDS-PAGE gel was an indication of the correct expression of the protein. The single-band of this recombinant protein was confirmed by the western blot technique.Conclusion: In this study, due to the successful production of arginine deiminase-azurin fusion protein, and considering the separate anti-cancer properties of these compounds, which have been reported in previous studies, it is suggested that immunological assessments and effects of this fusion protein in different cancerous cell line be investigated

Evaluating the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasonic waves on experimental tibial fracture healing in

چکیده: زمینه و هدف: ترمیم شکستگی یک روند بیولوژیک پیچیده است که فاکتورهای داخلی و خارجی متعددی روی آن تاثیر می گذارند. یکی از فاکتورهای خارجی، تحریکات مکانیکی امواج اولتراسوند است. هدف از انجام این مطالعه، ارزیابی اثرات اولتراسوند متناوب با شدت پایین روی شکستگی تجربی تیبیای خرگوش نیوزیلندی بود. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی تعداد 36 سر خرگوش نر بالغ نیوزیلندی را در چهار گروه قرار داده و حیوانات تحت عمل جراحی شکستگی تیبیای راست قرار گرفتند. بعد از بهبود زخم ها، محل شکستگی گروه های آزمایش بترتیب به مدت 2 و 4 هفته تحت تاثیر امواج اولتراسوند قرار داده شدند و گروه های کنترل بدون هیچگونه مداخله ای نگه داری شدند. سپس حیوانات را کشته و تیبیای آنها خارج گردید. بعد از فیکس شدن و پاساژ بافتـــی نمونه ها، از بلوک های پارافین لام تهیه گردیده و با هماتوکسیلین و آئوزین رنگ آمیزی شدند. سپس لام ها برای شاخص های ترمیم استخوان مورد آنالیز استریولوژیک قرار گرفتند و داده ها به کمک آزمون های آماری من ویتنی و کروسکال والیس مورد مقایسه قرار گرفت. یافته ها: نتایج بدست آمده از این مطالعه نشان داد میانگین تغییرات حجمی رشد کالوس غضروفی در خرگوش هایی که تحت تاثیر امواج اولتراسوند قرار داشتند در مقایسه با گروه کنترل به طور معنی داری افزایش یافته بود (05/0>P). اما در سایر شاخص ها (بافت گرانوله و بافت مزانشیمی، بافت استخوانی) اختلاف معنی دار آماری بین گروه های آزمایش و کنترل آنها مشاهده نگردید. نتیجه گیری: امواج اولتراسوند متناوب با فرکانس یک مگا هرتز ممکن است ترمیم شکستگی در تیبیای خرگوش را تسریع نماید

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a GA-repeat in human GPM6B leads to disruption of neural cell differentiation from NT2 cells

The human neuron-specific gene, GPM6B (Glycoprotein membrane 6B), is considered a key gene in neural cell functionality. This gene contains an exceptionally long and strictly monomorphic short tandem repeat (STR) of 9-repeats, (GA)9. STRs in regulatory regions, may impact on the expression of nearby genes. We used CRISPR-based tool to delete this GA-repeat in NT2 cells, and analyzed the consequence of this deletion on GPM6B expression. Subsequently, the edited cells were induced to differentiate into neural cells, using retinoic acid (RA) treatment. Deletion of the GA-repeat significantly decreased the expression of GPM6B at the RNA (p < 0.05) and protein (40%) levels. Compared to the control cells, the edited cells showed dramatic decrease of the astrocyte and neural cell markers, including GFAP (0.77-fold), TUBB3 (0.57-fold), and MAP2 (0.2-fold). Subsequent sorting of the edited cells showed an increased number of NES (p < 0.01), but a decreased number of GFAP (p < 0.001), TUBB3 (p < 0.05), and MAP2 (p < 0.01), compared to the control cells. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a GA-repeat in human GPM6B, led to decreased expression of this gene, which in turn, disrupted differentiation of NT2 cells into neural cells.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

PERAN KH. DIMYATI MAHMUDIN DALAM KEHIDUPAN SOSIAL DAN KEAGAMAAN DI KELURAHAN BAYUNG LENCIR

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh realita bahwa literatur yang membahas Peran tokoh KH. Dimyati Mahmudin secara khusus tidak penulis jumpai sama sekali. Minimnya catatan hidup beliau membuat tokoh ini tidak terlalu dikenal oleh masyarakat Sumatera Selatan, khususnya dikalangan generasi muda. Inilah yang kemudian mendorong penulis untuk meneliti tentang tokoh KH. Dimyati Mahmudin agar sejarah, serta perannya bagi Provinsi Sumatera Selatan terkhusus di Kelurahan Bayung Lencir tidak terlupakan dan tidak terkikis oleh zaman. Oleh karena itu, peneliti tertarik untuk melakukan penelitian tentang biografi KH. Dimyati Mahmudin ( Sosial dan Keagamaan). Jenis Penelitian ini adalah penelitian lapangan yang bersifat kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan sejarah ( historis ) serta berbagai teori yaitu biografi, tokoh, ulama, peranan, dan kepemimpinan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pengumpulan data berupa observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Adapun hasil penelitian ini adalah KH. Dimyati Mahmudin merupakan tokoh di Bayung Lencir lahir pada 31 Desember 1946 yang berasal dari Kabupaten Brebes. Peran KH. Dimyati Mahmudin di kelurahan Bayung Lencir ialah dalam hal perkembangan pendidikan Islam serta dalam kehidupan sosial keagamaan. Dalam lembaga masyarakat KH. Dimyati Mahmudin pernah menjadi kepala KUA Kecamatan Sungai Lilin dan Bayung Lencir, Ketua Forum Kerukunan Umat Beragama Kecamatan, Pembina Nahdatul Ulama Kabupaten dan Sebagai pendiri pondok pesantren Nurul Islam yang merupakan pesantren pertama di kelurahan Bayung Lencir. Sejalan dengan hal tersebut, sudah menjadi kewajiban bagi generasi penerus bangsa untuk mengetahui, mengenal dan belajar dari tokoh ulama sehingga dapat menjadi tokoh tauladan bagi kita dan sebagai cara kita menghargai dan meneruskan perjuangan mereka

The survey of hypertension and its risk factors among industrial male workers

Hypertension is nowadays increasingly observed among the workforce population. There are many risk factors for hypertension. This study was conducted to survey hypertension and its associated risk factors among male workers of the industrial sector in Shiraz city. 500 male workers employed in Shiraz city industries participated voluntarily (age range of 20 to 59 years). A questionnaire and direct measurements were used to collect required data. The questionnaire consisted of two parts including a) demographic and occupational and b) anthropometric (height, weight, BMI, WHtR) and physiological (blood pressure and VO2-max) characteristics of the subjects. Mean (standard deviation) of systolic and diastolic Blood Pressure (BP), and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) in workers were 128.37±14.78, 83.13±13.10, and 98.21±13.36 mmHg, respectively. The results showed that systolic and diastolic BP, and MAP significantly were related to BMI, shift work, and smoking. Also, statistical analysis revealed that mean values of VO2-max between workers with normal and high blood pressure are significantly different. The results of this study demonstrated that domestic and occupational life style and cardio-respiratory fitness are the risk factors for hypertension in the studied workers

Effects of Plyometric Jump Training in Sand or Rigid Surface on Jump-Related Biomechanical Variables and Physical Fitness in Female Volleyball Players

Background: This study aims to assess the effects of 8 weeks of plyometric jump training (PJT) conducted on sand or a rigid court surface on jump-related biomechanical variables and physical fitness in female indoor volleyball players. Methods: Seventeen participants were randomly divided into a sand surface group (SsG, n = 8) and rigid surface group (RsG, n = 9). Both groups completed equal indoor volleyball training routines. Participants were assessed pre and post the 8-week PJT for jump-related biomechanical variables (countermovement jump (CMJ) RSI; drop jump (DJ) reactive strength index (RSI); spike jump (SJ) height; CMJ height; CMJ rate of force development (RFD); CMJ velocity at take-off; DJ height and CMJ peak force), 20 m linear sprint time, t test for change-of-direction sprint (CODs) time, Wingate test peak power (PP), cardiorespiratory endurance, and leg-press one-repetition maximum (1RM). Results: A two-way mixed analysis of variance (group × time) revealed that there was a significant group × time interaction between DJ height (p = 0.035) and CMJ peak force (p = 0.032) in favour of RsG and SsG, respectively. A significant interaction was also observed for cardiorespiratory endurance (p = 0.01) and 1RM (p = 0.002), both favouring the SsG. No other group × time interaction was observed. Conclusions: The type of surface used during PJT induced specific adaptations in terms of jump-related biomechanical variables and physical fitness in female indoor volleyball players. Based on the individual needs of the athletes, practitioners may prescribe one type of surface preferentially over another to maximize the benefits derived from PJT

A comprehensive framework for sustainable closed-loop supply chain network design

Many companies face challenges in reducing their supply chain costs while increasing sustainability and customer service levels. A comprehensive framework for a sustainable closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) network is a practical solution to these challenges. Hence, for the first time, this study considers an integrated multio-bjective mixed-integer linear programming (MOMILP) model to design sustainable CLSC networks with cross-docking, location-inventory-routing, time window, supplier selection, order allocation, transportation modes with simultaneous pickup, and delivery under uncertainty. An intelligent simulation algorithm is proposed to produce CLSC network data with probabilistic distribution functions and feasible solution space. In addition, a fuzzy goal programming approach is proposed to solve the MOMILP model under uncertainty. Eight small and medium-size test problems are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed model with the simulated data in GAMS software. The results obtained from test problems and sensitivity analysis show the efficacy of the proposed model

The Effect of Aluminum Source on Performance of Beta-Zeolite as a Support for Hydrocracking Catalyst

In this paper, three different kinds of aluminum sources (sodium aluminate, aluminum sulfate and aluminum isopropylate) were used for preparing of nano beta-zeolite. The as synthesized zeolites were mixed with the as prepared amorphous silica-alumina to produce the supports for hydrocracking catalyst. The prepared supports were used for preparation of NiMo/silica alumina-nano beta-zeolite by impregnation method. The influence of the aluminum source for preparation of beta-zeolite on the performance of the prepared catalysts has been studied. The samples were thoroughly characterized by X-Ray diffraction method (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR) methods. The catalysts performance was evaluated by vacuum gas oil (VGO) hydrocracking at 390 oC in a fixed bed reactor. The XRD patterns showed that the beta-zeolite samples obtained from the present methods were pure and highly crystalline and the crystal size of the prepared zeolites were in nanometer scale. Crystallite size of nano beta-zeolite synthesized by aluminum isopropylate [Al(iPrO)3] was smaller than those of prepared by the other aluminum sources. The catalyst containing this zeolite with higher surface area (231 m2/g) and more available acid sites (1.66 mmol NH3/g) possessed higher activity and selectivity to gas oil (71.9 %). Copyright © 2018 BCREC Group. All rights reserved Received: 25th April 2018; Revised:22nd July 2018; Accepted: 29th July 2018 How to Cite: Hadi, M., Aghabozorg, H.R., Bozorgzadeh, H.R., Ghasemi, M.R. (2018). The Effect of Aluminum Source on Performance of Beta-Zeolite as a Support for Hydrocracking Catalyst. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 13 (3): 543-552 (doi:10.9767/bcrec.13.3.2570.543-552) Permalink/DOI: https://doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.13.3.2570.543-55

A comparative study on the meaning in life of patients with cancer and their family members

Introduction: Overwhelming effects of cancer could be catastrophic for the patients and their family members putting them at risk of experiencing uncertainty, loss, and interruption in life. Also, it can influence their sense of meaning, a fundamental need equated with purpose in life. Accordingly, this study aimed to compare the meaning in life (MiL) of patients with cancer with and their family members. Methods: This descriptive comparative study was conducted on 400 patients with cancer and their family members admitted to university hospitals in Tabriz and Ardebil provinces, Iran. The participants were sampled conveniently and the Life Evaluation Questionnaire (LEQ) were used for collecting data which analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean score for the MiL of patients with cancer and their family members was 119 ± 16.92 and 146.2 ± 17.07, respectively. There is a significant difference between patients with cancer and their family members in terms of MiL (p<0.001). Conclusion: The MiL of patients with cancer is lower than their family members which indicates the necessity for further attention to the psychological process and its modification in Iranian healthcare systems

Alcohol sensing properties of nanosized thick film WO3 doped with Y2O3

In this paper the response of printed thick-film of WO3 doped by Y2O3 to organic solvent was studied. Different ratio of doping was prepared and changes of film resistance at different temperature in present of vaporized types of alcohol were observed. The results showed a high sensitivity of the film of 80.1%WO3-18.8%Y2O3 to Toluene, Xylene, Methanol, and 2-Propanone (Acetone) at 250, 450, and 550 °C, and higher sensitivity of 94.3%WO3-4.7%Y2O 3 at 350 °C. Microscopic images of the samples including SEM and TEM were observed. EDX and XRD analysis onto the samples also were done