The role of proteases in the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 virus into human host cells

The new coronavirus, which originally broke out in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, increase quickly around the world, causing a pandemic all over the world. The virus uses its spike protein to enter the human host cells. Protein S binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptor and enters the host cell. For the more successful binding, several proteases facilitate and optimize this binding, the most important of which are transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), furin, and cathepsin L proteases. After binding of protein S to the ACE2 receptor, cleavage of protein S is required for membrane fusion by protein S, which causes viral entry into host cells. This proteolytic activity may be cathepsin L-dependent and occurs with changes in pH in cell endosomes, or it may occur through serine proteases activity at the surface of the host cell membrane or within vesicles. Finally, the cell becomes infected with the virus. Several studies have tried to reduce the rate of viral infection by using inhibitors of these proteases

The Effect of Accelerated Aging on Germination Characteristics, Seed Reserve Utilization and Malondialdehyde Content of Two Wheat Cultivars

In this study experiment was conducted to evaluated the effect of accelerated aging on germination characteristics, seed reserve utilization and malondialdehyde of two wheat cultivars. The experiment was conducted in factorial with a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Results of variance analysis showed that, seed aging had significant effects on germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage, mean time to germination, malondialdehyde content, seedling dry weight, weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve and electrical conductivity. The highest germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage, seedling dry weight and weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve and the minimum mean time to germination, electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content were attained from Verinak cultivar under control conditions (0 day aging). Results indicates that germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage, seedling dry weight, and weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve decreased significantly as seed aging progressed. But, mean time to germination, electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content increased significantly as seed aging progressed. Also, the decrease in seed reserve mobilization rate was the cause of decreased other traits

Response of MIR-1 and HSP-60 Gene Expression to Endurance Training in Heart Tissue of Rats

MicroRNAs and heat shock proteins are important factors in heart function. However, the response of these factors to exercise in the heart tissue is unclear. Here, we evaluated the impact of endurance training on the expression of MIR-1 and HSP-60 genes in heart tissue of rats. In this study, 10 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups control and endurance training. The aerobic exercise program included running on the treadmill at speed of 25 m min-1, 5 days a week for 12 weeks. After anesthesia, we performed an autopsy to collect the heart. The expression level of MIR-1 and HSP60 were measured by Real-Time PCR. An Independent t-test was used to determine significant changes (P<0.05). After the intervention period, the expression level of the MIR-1 gene showed a significant decrease in the aerobic exercise group thank in the control group (P=0.001). However, aerobic training had no significant effect on the expression level of HSP60 in the heart (P<0.05). It seems that twelve weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can probably improve heart function

Different physiological and biochemical responses in maize hybrids subjected to drought stress at vegetative and reproductive stages

The growth and development of all plants are seriously limited by a variety of environmental stresses. In this study, responses in crop yield, physiological and biochemical traits were investigated in maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids such as SC704, SC700 (FAO 700), SC647 (FAO 600), SC500 (FAO 500), SC370 (FAO 300) and SC260 (FAO 200) subjected to drought stress induced by stopping irrigation at vegetative stage (4-5 leaves) and reproductive stage (anthesis). The results showed that drought stress had a significant effect on these characteristics. The yield and its components decreased considerably under water stress: the main factors that caused reduction of yield were the decrease in the number of grain per ear and 1000-grain weight. Reduction of yield in short maturity hybrids was higher than in other ones. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as permeability of plasma membrane increased significantly, but ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity decreased under water stress. Maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and performance index (PI) revealed a significant reduction in leaves in comparison with control plants. The content of soluble proteins in leaves reduced with increasing drought stress. These results suggested that water stress lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which caused an increased membrane permeability and oxidative stress in the maize plants. Furthermore, maize hybrids with higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activities showed higher resistance to drought stress and produced higher yield under stress. So that SC704 and SC700 were the most tolerant, however, SC647 and SC500 were drought semi-tolerant to water stress, and SC370 and SC260 were the most sensitive

Two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets and their derivatives for diagnosis and detection applications

The early diagnosis of certain fatal diseases is vital for preventing severe consequences and contributes to a more effective treatment. Despite numerous conventional methods to realize this goal, employing nanobiosensors is a novel approach that provides a fast and precise detection. Recently, nanomaterials have been widely applied as biosensors with distinctive features. Graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a two-dimensional (2D) carbon-based nanostructure that has received attention in biosensing. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, semiconductivity, high photoluminescence yield, low-cost synthesis, easy production process, antimicrobial activity, and high stability are prominent properties that have rendered g-C3N4 a promising candidate to be used in electrochemical, optical, and other kinds of biosensors. This review presents the g-C3N4 unique features, synthesis methods, and g-C3N4-based nanomaterials. In addition, recent relevant studies on using g-C3N4 in biosensors in regard to improving treatment pathways are reviewed

The Taste of Waste: The Edge of Eggshell Over Calcium Carbonate in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber

Rubber technology experiences a new age by the use of biowaste or natural fillers. In this regard, taking properties of reinforcing agents from biowaste fillers remains as the challenging matter. Chicken eggshell (ES) biowaste has recently been introduced to substitute calcium carbonate (CaCO3) duo to its superior properties and low price. In this work, composites based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) reinforced with ES and CaCO3 microfillers at various loading levels were prepared and characterized. To improve the interactions between fillers and the NBR matrix, ES and CaCO3 were surface-functionalized using a terpolymer, namely poly(vinyl 2-pyrrolidone-co-maleic acid-co-acrylic acid). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the modified fillers. The incorporation of the functionalized fillers resulted in a significant rise in the maximum torque according to the rheometric measurements. The Young’s modulus of the ES-based and CaCO3-based compounds showed a mild improvement over a wide range of filler contents. The elongation at break of the NBR composites, however, was dependent on the filler content. This work provides exciting opportunities for the design of novel and innovative coupling agents to be used in rubber applications. © 2019, The Author(s)

Serologic Biomarkers in Pemphigus Monitoring: C-reactive Protein, Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor, and Prolactin Levels Versus Autoantibody Assays

Evaluation and monitoring of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) typically involve autoantibody detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). We aimed to determine the levels of antipemphigus immunoglobulin (Ig) G autoantibodies using ELISA and IIF (as standard biomarkers), and compare it to prolactin, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (as nonstandard biomarkers) to determine which of these non-standard biomarkers is appropriate for PV monitoring. The experiment was performed before and during therapy. Anti-Dsg immunoglobulin G autoantibodies were measured using ELISA and IIF (as standard biomarkers) versus prolactin, MIF, and CRP (nonstandard), before 1 and 3 months after the treatment. Before beginning the treatment, the severity of the disease was determined using the pemphigus disease area Index (PDAI). We enrolled 60 newly diagnosed patients with PV (32 men and 28 women; mean age=43.8±14.2 years). Before treatment, the levels of anti-Dsg1, anti-Dsg3, and IIF were high and had a significant relationship with PDAI. PDAI also had a connection with the levels of CRP and prolactin. The anti-Dsg1, anti-Dsg3, IIF, and CRP titers decreased in patients treated with conventional (prednisolone plus azathioprine) and rituximab therapy during and after treatment. In conclusion, anti-Dsg1, anti-Dsg3, and IIF autoantibody titers remain standard biomarkers for assessing disease activity, severity, and PV monitoring. The trend of CRP was similar to that of anti-Dsg1, anti-Dsg3, and IIF. Thus, CRP may be used for PV monitoring

Adipokine modulation in obesity: evaluating the integrative impact of chlorella vulgaris supplementation and interval resistance training in obese males

Aims: To evaluate the effects of 12-week chlorella vulgaris (CV) combined with interval resistance training (IRT) on plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin and neuregulin-4 (Nrg-4) in obese men. Methods: Obese men (n = 44, BMI of 32.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to the following groups of 11 participants per group: Control Placebo group (CP), CV supplement group (CV), Interval Resistance Training group plus Placebo (IRT + P), and Interval Resistance Training plus CV supplement group (IRT + CV). IRT was performed three times a week for 12 weeks using three sets of 10 repetitions at 60 % 1RM, and integrating an active rest interval with 15 repetitions at 20 % 1RM. Participants consumed either CV (1800 mg daily) or a placebo. Pre- and post-intervention blood samples were obtained to assess adipokines which were measured byELISA. Results: While CV or IRT separately did not alter plasma levels of leptin (p > 0.05), their combination reduced leptin levels (p = 0.007). IRT and IRT plus CV increased the plasma levels of adiponectin and Nrg-4 (p < 0.01). An intergroup comparison indicated significant elevations of adiponectin and Nrg-4 in the CV compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of IRT and CV modulates plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin and NRG4 more effectively than either IRT or CV separately in obese men

Comparison of Clinico-Pathological Features Between Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients With and Without Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Women with endometriosis have a high risk of developing ovarian carcinoma that may occur due to endometriosis lesions. There is few research have so far focused on the clinical factors in patients with endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). Accordingly, this study aimed at comparing the demographic and obstetric characteristics between ovarian cancer with and without endometriosis Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 EAOC patients and 140 non-EAOC individuals who had gone under surgery from 2011-17 at Al-Zahra hospital. Clinico-pathological characteristics of the two groups including first group only had malignant epithelial ovarian tumor (non-EAOC) and second group had both malignant epithelial ovarian tumor and endometriosis (EAOC). P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: EAOC cases were significantly younger (P=0.002) and had lower number of pregnancy (P=0.002), parity (P=0.004), and term pregnancy (P=0.005) than non-EAOC patients. A large proportion of EAOC cases had clear cell and endometrioid histopathology in comparison to non-EAOC individuals (P<0.001) and most of the tumors in these cases were unilateral (P=0.01). Conclusions: We found that age, parity, gravidity, and term pregnancy as well as laterality and histopathologic type of epithelial ovarian cancers vary in EAOC and non-EAOC individuals. Further research is required to identify these differences