Effect of different dietary protein levels on reproductive performance of paradise fish Macropodus opercularis

In this study, the effect of different protein levels, on paradise fish growth and reproduction were investigated. Thus, number of one thousand paradise fish (0.5 ± 0.01 g) were collected from hatchery bred brooders and divided into six group, each group was offered one of six experimental diet comprising different protein levels (25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% and 50%). After six month feeding period, the highest weight gain (5.96± 0.17), the highest weight gain percentage (90.8 ± 0.31) were submitted in the group fed 40% protein. Moreover, the highest feed conversion ratio (0.9 ± 0.3) as well as daily growth was observed in this group. In the reproduction, the highest eggs released by the group fed with diet containing 45% protein. The GSI and the egg diameter and larval length were highest in 45% protein group. The group of 25% and 30% the reproduction efficiency was the lowest. Protein increment up to 50% had no effect on reproduction performance. No differences were seen in biochemical composition and amino acid profile of the ovaries between groups

Therapeutic potentials of curcumin in the treatment of glioblstoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a greatly aggressive malignancy of the brain, is correlated with a poor prognosis and low rate of survival. Up to now, chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgical approaches have been the treatments increasing the survival rates. The low efficacy of mentioned therapies as well as their side-effects has forced researchers to explore an appropriate alternative or complementary treatment for glioblastoma. In experimental models, it has been shown that curcumin has therapeutic potentials to fight against GBM. Given that curcumin has pharmacological effects against cancer stem cells, as major causes of resistance to therapy in glioblastoma cells. Moreover, it has been showed that curcumin exerts its therapeutic effects on GBM cells via affecting on apoptosis, oxidant system, and inflammatory pathways. Curcumin would possess a synergistic impact with chemotherapeutic agents. Herein, we summarized the current findings on curcumin as therapeutic agent in the treatment of GBM. © 2020 Elsevier Masson SA

Excitonic AND Logic Gates on DNA Brick Nanobreadboards

A promising application of DNA self-assembly is the fabrication of chromophore-based excitonic devices. DNA brick assembly is a compelling method for creating programmable nanobreadboards on which chromophores may be rapidly and easily repositioned to prototype new excitonic devices, optimize device operation, and induce reversible switching. Using DNA nanobreadboards, we have demonstrated each of these functions through the construction and operation of two different excitonic AND logic gates. The modularity and high chromophore density achievable via this brick-based approach provide a viable path toward developing information processing and storage systems

Whether vitamin a supplementation is effective in T-bet and IFN-γ gene expression reduction?

Background: The aim of present study is evaluation of vitamin A supplementation efficacy on IFN-γ and T-bet gene expression in atherosclerotic patients. Methods: Thirty-one patients and 15 healthy controls participated in this study. Healthy control and patients in Vitamin A group received 25 000 IU retinyl palmitate daily for 4 months. Control patients also received 1 pearl of placebo per day up to 4 months. Gene expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR using SYBR green detection method. Results: IFN-γ gene expression in fresh cells of patients taking vitamin A declined slightly (0.85-fold, p = 0.068), whereas the expression of this gene was increased in patients taking placebo, and in healthy control subjects 1.2-fold (p = 0.267) and 1.7-fold (p = 0.580), respectively. There were no significant difference (p = 0.159) between 3 groups in terms of IFN-γ gene expression in cells stimulated with PHA. In order to determine whether PHA stimulation of PBMCs in vitro had an effect on T-bet expression, we measured the difference between the 3 groups of studied. The results showed significant differences between the groups (p = 0.046). IFN-γ gene expression in cells activated with ox-LDL in healthy control subjects and patients taking vitamin A, was reduced 0.43 (p = 0.0001) and 0.41 (p = 0.001) respectively, but in placebo patients was increased 2.2-fold (p = 0.959). Conclusion: Considering role of vitamin A on suppression of Th1 cells in atherosclerotic patients, it can be concluded that vitamin A supplementation may be advantageous for these patients. © Informa Healthcare USA, Inc

Neonatal Testicular Torsion After Cesarean Section With Spinal Anesthesia: a Presentation of Two Cases

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency appearing at any age, the prevalence of which in the neonatal period comprises 10% of the whole cases occurring at any  point in life.Among all the cases being diagnosed at birth,70% has occurred in the prenatal period and 30% in the neonatal period.Generally, the most common symptoms of testicular torsion during postnatal period include acute pain and swelling of the testis, but in the neonatal period it is often manifested by firmness and swelling of  the testicle. Accordingly, careful attention of the physician and the medical staff while examining the newborn results in quick diagnosis and timely medical treatment  of the torsion.This medical intervention prevents irreversible necrosis of the affected testis-the main consequence of the torsion-and helps to restore its function.The major purpose of this study was to draw the attention of physicians and medical  teams to prompt diagnosis of testicular torsion.This study presents two newborn  babies with testicular torsion,diagnosed at early hours after delivery,who underwent surgical treatment within first 8-10 hours after birth.

Immunohistochemical and immunoradiometric evaluations of total cathepsin D in human larynx

By using a commercially available immunoradiometric technique (Cath-D-IRMA, Cis BioInt.) the distribution of total cathepsin D (cath-D) in 30 malignant and in the corresponding histologically-proven non-malignant fragments obtained from lymph node negative patients suffering from larynx cancer was investigated. In both tissues the oestrogen and progesterone receptors were also assayed. In 17 out of the 30 samples, the cath-D was also assayed by immunohistochemistry using the M1G8, a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against cath-D (Cis BioInt.). Our data indicate that cath-D is present in prismatic cells of the normal laryngeal epithelium and in the cancerous cells. In cancerous larynx, the outer cell layer of large tumour nests showed the highest degree of immunoreactivity, while fibroblasts and inflammatory cells always showed a very faint staining. Cathepsin D levels were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the cancerous fragments (with a mean of 33 +/- 3.4 pmol/mg protein) than in the corresponding non-cancerous specimen (with a mean of 20.8 +/- 2 pmol/mg protein). A significant positive association (P < 0.001) between cath-D and progesterone receptor (PR) concentration values in the cancerous larynx was observed; accordingly, tumours expressing PR had significantly (P = 0.0005) higher cath-D levels than the tumours which did not contain the receptor. In contrast, such a relationship was absent in the non-malignant specimens. As regard the oestrogen receptor, no significant relationship between this and cath-D was observed. We conclude that cath-D measured by IRMA in tissue cytosols is mainly derived from cancerous cells, the contribution from fibroblasts and inflammatory cells being negligible. Cathepsin D overexpression and association with the PR in the malignant part of the larynx could indicate a possible role of the receptor in the biology of this disease

Therapeutic potentials of curcumin in the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma

Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is one of the most lethal malignancies that include more than 80 of lung cancer cases worldwide. During the past decades, plants and plant-derived products have attracted great interest in the treatment of various human diseases. Curcumin, the turmeric isolated natural phenolic compound, has shown a promising chemo-preventive and anticancer agent. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin delays the initiation and progression of NSCLC by affecting a wide range of molecular targets and cell signalling pathways including NF-kB, Akt, MAPKS, BCL-2, ROS and microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the poor oral bioavailability and low chemical stability of curcumin remain as major challenges in the utilisation of this compound as a therapeutic agent. Different analogs of curcumin and new delivery systems (e.g., micelles, nanoparticles and liposomes) provided promising solutions to overcome these obstacles and improve curcumin pharmacokinetic profile. The present review focuses on current reported studies about anti-NSCLC effects of curcumin. NSCLC involved miRNAs whose expression is regulated by curcumin has also been discussed. Furthermore, recent researches on the use of curcumin analogs and delivery systems to enhance the curcumin benefits in NSCLC are also described. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd