Quantitative study of the structural requirements of phthalazine/quinazoline derivatives for interaction with human liver aldehyde oxidase

Aldehyde oxidase is a molybdenum-containing enzyme distributed throughout the animal kingdom. Although this enzyme is capable of metabolizing a wide range of aldehydes and N-heterocyclic compounds, there is no reported detailed study of physicochemical requirements of the enzyme-substrate interactions. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate quantitatively the relationships between the kinetic constants of aldehyde oxidase-catalyzed oxidation of some phthalazine and quinazoline derivatives (as substrates) and their structural parameters. Multiple regression and stepwise regression analyses showed that polarity of phthalazines (expressed as dipole moment μ, cohesive energy density δT and an indicator variable for hydrogen-bond acceptor ability of R1 substituent, HBA) had a negative effect on the enzyme activity (leading to the reduction of Vmax and increase of Km). Electron withdrawing substituents in the quinazoline series are favorable for interaction with the enzyme. This finding and also the relationships of 1/Km of phthalazines with the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and log Vmax/logKm of phthalazines with degree of bonding of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecules are consistent with the mechanism of action. The reaction involves a nucleophilic attack on an electron-deficient sp2-hybridized carbon atom and formation of an epoxide intermediate following the disruption of the aromatic structure

Wolfram Syndrome presenting with optic atrophy and diabetes mellitus: two case reports

Wolfram syndrome is the constellation of juvenile onset diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy, known as DIDMOAD (Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, and Deafness)

Orange Juice and Hesperetin Supplementation to Hyperuricemic Rats Alter Oxidative Stress Markers and Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity

Our objective was to examine the effect of orange juice and hesperetin on serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (MDA), uric acid and hepatic xanthine oxidase (XO) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity in hyperuricemic rats. Experimentally hyperuricemia in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg). Orange juice (5 ml/kg) and hesperetin (5 mg/kg) was given by oral gavage to rats for 2 weeks and biochemical data was measured. Data showed that orange juice supplementation increased serum TAC and decreased MDA concentration (p≤0.05). Orange juice also inhibited hepatic XO and XDH activity and decreased serum uric acid levels. Hesperetin, which is the main flavanone constituent in orange juice, also exhibited antioxidative and antihyperuricemic properties, but its effect was weaker than that of orange juice. Although the hypouricemic effect of allopurinol (5 mg/kg), as a positive control, was much higher than that of orange juice and hesperetin, it could not significantly change biomarkers of oxidative stress. These features of orange juice and hesperetin make them an attractive candidate for the prophylactic treatment of hyperuricaemia, particularly if these compounds are to be taken on a long-term basis

The Mediating Role of Cinema in Representation of Hard Power Case Study: The movie "Zero Dark Thirty"

In recent decades, critical geopolitics has worked to achieve a proper understanding of the conditions prevailing in the world by common discourse analysis along with power relations. One of the areas ­taken into consideration seriously by the critical geopolitical is the media. Media, due to its function in issues related to soft power and common discourse in geopolitics and soft power has the ability to influence the prevailing trends in public opinion through ­ influencing on audiences and conveying information. Various media ­ are widely used to enhance the influence and expansion of soft power and also strengthening the function of hard power by the states ­and especially the world major powers like the United States of America. One of the Media ­ that has been utilized seriously to present an acceptable and also influential picture of states is cinema. In critical geopolitical perspective, ­ capabilities that cinema provides to represent different real and imaginative narratives and also its entertaining and attractive nature for people lead to represent different functions than news media represent of themselves. One of the functions is to use cinema to represent the hard power in order to convince citizens and to convey the message of ­ threats to enemies. As in 2012, in movie "Zero Dark Thirty" the hard power of the United States in the fight against terrorism was represented. This study intends to use the discourse analysis of the film "Zero Dark Thirty" in responding to this question what the mediating functions of cinema are in representation of ­hard power. Keywords: Media, cinema, representation, hard power, soft powe

Examining the jurisprudential ruling on "Astrology and its teaching and learning" from the perspective of contemporary jurisprudence

"Tanjim" means "belief in the effect of the state of the constellations and the movement of stars in human life and terrestrial events" is one of the topics that have long been of interest to humans, including Muslims. The existence of some narrations, for or against this issue, has caused the jurists of Islamic religions to disagree about its permission or sanctity. As far as it is mentioned in Shiite jurisprudential books as one of the forbidden achievements. The issues related to the jurisprudential ruling of Tanjim can be examined in four areas; The principle of entering the discussion of stars and astronomy; Teaching and learning it; Practice it; and acquire it. In this research, in a descriptive-analytical manner, with the information obtained from the library method, and by analyzing the narrations, we examine the arguments of the jurists of the two sects in the second area. Research findings show that; The teaching of astrology is permissible and sometimes recommended if it means astronomy and cosmology. However, it is forbidden if it requires other prohibitions, such as believing in the independent influence of the stars in terrestrial events, or their association with God, lying, or foretelling suspicious matters

Sleep Quality and Spiritual Well-Being in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Sleep disorders are considered as one of the most important problems in hemodialysis patients, making their everyday life a serious hazard. Sleep quality of hemodialysis patients and consequences of sleep disorders on other aspects of health such as spiritual well-being are important issues. Objectives: This study examined the relationship between spiritual well-being and quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients in Isfahan, Iran. Patients and Methods: This study was a correlation research, carried out on 190 hemodialysis patients. Data collection Questionnaires included demographic forms, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and Ellison and Paloutzian spiritual well-being scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis) at P < 0.05 significance level, by SPSS software version 18. Results: Of 190 study participants, 163 (85.78%) with scores more than five index had sleep disturbances and 27 (14.12%) had no sleep disturbance; 3(1.52%) had mild, 163 (85.78%) moderate, and 24 (12.30%) good spiritual health conditions. Pearson correlation test showed significant relationship between the sleep quality items of Pittsburg and spiritual well-being (P<0.04, r=0.149). Through the regression analyses of spiritual health, family, education, financial status, marital status, occupation, and use of sleep medication, the predictive power of these variables was found 0.417% and prediction of spiritual well-being was more than others (beta=0.209). Conclusions: Considering bed as one of the most vital physical, mental, and emotional needs, it is very important in mental and spiritual well-being of hemodialysis patients as an influencing factor in mental relaxation and reducing disease tensions. Paying attention to sleep quality and spiritual well-being components of hemodialysis patients in formulating and promoting healthcare programs is recommended

Impact of Gatorade Beverage on Elite Female Badminton Players' Performance

Sports beverages assumed as one the principle factor on players' performance, and impact on their indicators, noticeably. Gatorade beverage is one of this primary beverages that in present study focused on its impact on elite female badminton players' performance in Iran. In the present survey has been considered in 2 groups of Gatorade and control that included 79 participants. The data has been got based on 24 hours' recall questionnaire on three different days in every week. As well, skin folds' brachial triceps index was applied for body fat percent assessment. To quantity VO2max, Shuttle runs sub-maximal test was used. Also, for controlling fluid intake in every two groups based on players' body weight,150 ml per every 70 kg weight for every 15 minutes was recommended. Besides, for control of blood volume changes related to plasma blood glucose, hematocrit, hemoglobin, sodium, and potassium was measured during three time periods of zero, 30 minutes after the start and 90 minutes after the start. To end, to measure performance, standardized tests measure the indicators: aerobic power, speed, flexibilityy, agility, muscular strength, and endurance were used. The results showed that supply adequate water and fluids in during of sport, play a critical role in gaining the high level of female badminton players' performance. In truth, the players who supply enough water shown better performance as compared with those who provide Gatorade beverage