Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin induces the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and superoxide dismutase 1, 2

Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2, NGAL) is a member of the lipocalin super family with diverse function such as the induction of apoptosis, the suppression of bacterial growth, and modulation of inflammatory response. Much interest has recently been focused on the physiological/pathological role of the lipocalin-2 that is considered to be a novel protective factor against oxidative stress. However, its precise biological roles in this protection are not fully understood. In this report we intended to test the effect of lipocalin-2 on the expression of heme oxygenase (1, 2) and superoxide dismutase (1, 2) which are two strong antioxidants. NGAL was cloned to pcDNA3.1 plasmid by using genetic engineering method. The recombinant vector was transfected to CHO and HEK293T to establish stable cell expressing NGAL and the expression of HO-1, 2 and SOD1, 2 were compared with appropriate controls byRT-PCR and western blot. On the other hand, expression of NGAL was suppressed by siRNA transfection in order to study the effect of lipocalin-2 on mentioned genes/proteins. The results showed that the expression of HO-1 and SOD 1, 2 enzymes were higher in cells expressing recombinant lipocalin-2 compared with the control cells. Although the expression of HO-1 was lower in NGAL silencing cells, the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 were higher. Our data suggest that NGAL is a potent inducer of HO-1 and somewhat SOD1 and SOD2 and it appears that part of antioxidant property of NGAL could be attributed to the induction of HO-1and SOD 1, 2. © Cell Stress Society International 2009

Towards early intervention of hearing instruments using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs): A systematic review

As a result of newborn hearing screening, hearing aids are usually prescribed and fitted by 2�3 months of age. However, the assessment data used for prescribing hearing aids in infants and toddlers are limited in quality and quantity. There is great interest in finding appropriate physiological measures that can be help to facilitate and improve the management process of hearing impaired children. It seems that cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) can provide information before it is possible to obtain reliable information from behavioral assessment procedures. This article will review the studies conducted in this area during the past15 years to determine the advantages, disadvantages and future research areas of CAEPs as an objective method in the management of hearing impaired children. © 2021 Elsevier B.V

The Comparison Study of Contralateral Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) Suppression in Normal Hearing Subjects and Multiple Sclerosis Patients

ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: A common auditory complaint of multiple sclerosis patients, is misunderstanding speech in the presence of background noise. Evidence from animal and human studies has suggested that the medial olivocochlear bundle may play an important role in hearing noise. The medial olivocochlear bundle function can be evaluated by the suppression effect of transient otoacoustic emission in response to contralateral acoustic stimulation. The present study was conducted to investigate the suppression effect of transient otoacoustic emission in multiple sclerosis patients. Materials & Methods: This analytical case-control study was conducted on 34 multiple sclerosis patients (24 female, 10 male), aged 20-50 years and 34 controls matched for age and gender in Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2006. All cases were selected in simple random manner. The suppression effect of transient otoacoustic emission was evaluated by comparing the transient otoacoustic emission levels with and without contralateral acoustic stimulation. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and independent T- test. Results:There was no significant difference in transient otoacoustic emission levels of two groups, but a significantly reduced suppression effect of transient otoacoustic emission was found in multiple sclerosis patients, in compare with the controls. Conclusion: Outer hair cells activity in multiple sclerosis patients was normal but these patients presented low activity of the medial olivocochlear bundle system which could affect their ability to hear in the presence of background noise

High-level expression of functional recombinant human coagulation factor VII in insect cells

Recombinant coagulation factor VII (FVII) is used as a potential therapeutic intervention in hemophilia patients who produce antibodies against the coagulation factors. Mammalian cell lines provide low levels of expression, however, the Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cell line and baculovirus expression system are powerful systems for high-level expression of recombinant proteins, but due to the lack of endogenous vitamin K-dependent carboxylase, expression of functional FVII using this system is impossible. In the present study, we report a simple but versatile method to overcome the defect for high-level expression of the functional recombinant coagulation FVII in Sf9 cells. This method involves simultaneous expression of both human γ-carboxylase (hGC) and human FVII genes in the host. It may be possible to express other vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors using this method in the future. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V

The Relationship Between Obesity and Depression Among Federally Qualified Health Center Patients

Background: Obesity has reached epidemic levels in Mississippi. In the shadow of these skyrocketing obesity levels, there are comorbid high levels of depression. Both obesity and depression complicate and, in many cases, compromise critical health outcomes. A significant association between obesity and depression has been suspected for decades. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between obesity and depression among patients receiving medical care from a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in a southern state. Methods: The sample was comprised of 3,272 subjects. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to measure the severity of depression, and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to measure obesity. Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of depression decreased as the level of BMI increased, which is the opposite of the results in most previous research. Good physical health lessened the likelihood of depression. Less stress and fewer traumatic life events and greater self-esteem lowered the chance of depression. Conclusion: The findings indicated a need for health education and interventions to influence changes within communities and to address the medical and emotional needs of individuals with obesity and depression

A comparative study on isometric muscles strength of shoulder complex between persons with and without impingement syndrome

Background and Objective: Several studies have demonstrated the importance of a coordinated, synchronized action of a scapular and glenohumeral muscles. Minimal alteration in performance and coordination of these muscles have the potential to lead to joint dysfunction. The impingement syndrome is the most common diagnosis of shoulder pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether strength deficits could be detected in patients with shoulder impingement. Materials and Methods: This case – control study was done on 15 patients with impingement syndrome and 15 healthy matched persons by nonprobability sampling in Tehran, Iran during 2008. Strength of glenohumeral and scapulothoracic muscles was tested with a hand held dynamometer. Independent and paired t-test were used to statistically analyze between and within groups differences. Results: Compared to non impaired subjects, those with impingement syndrome demonstrated a significantly lower strength of shoulder muscles (P<0.05). The strength deficit between involved and noninvolved sides of patients was determined (P<0.05). In impingement syndrome patients, the external-to-internal rotator muscles strength ratio was significantly lower than on the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The result of this study suggest that strength deficit of shoulder muscles may be an important aspect of the impingement syndrome. Muscular strength assessment should be considered in evaluation and effective treatment of a patient. Physical therapy treatment should be emphasize strengthening of weak muscles