Proteomic analysis reveals changes in the hippocampus protein pattern of rats exposed to dietary zinc deficiency

An experiment was performed to observe protein changes in the hippocampus of zinc‐deficient (ZD) rats. Twenty‐four male weanling Wistar rats were randomly assigned to ZD (n=12) and control groups (n=12). After 4‐wk treatment, we used 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF‐MS to analyze the proteomes of hippocampus in the two groups. One of the important differential proteins, ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase L1 (Uch‐L1), was confirmed by Western blot assays. The results demonstrated that compared with the controls, ZD rats had significantly reduced plasma zinc concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity. The latency period in passive avoidance performance was also significantly shorter for the ZD rats. Nine proteins were differentially expressed between the two groups. Eight of them were identified. Tubulin β chain and voltage‐dependent anion channel 1 were upregulated, while mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase, α‐enolase, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1, F‐actin capping protein α‐2 subunit, pyruvate dehydrogenase β and Uch‐L1 were downregulated, respectively. Importantly, some of the identified proteins (e.g. Uch‐L1) are known to be involved in cognitive impairment. Western blot analysis of hippocampus Uch‐L1 expression confirmed the proteomic findings. The data indicated that there may be common mechanisms or pathways in cognitive dysfunction between neurodegenerative diseases and zinc deficiency.     

Two-beam interference detection of the changes in fibre structural parameters during low drawing process

A Pluta polarizing interference microscope with a fibre stretching device attached was used to detect the changes in molecular structure that occur during the fibre cold drawing process. Fibres drawn with low draw ratios show different types of deformation mechanisms. The interference patterns recorded at different draw ratios are used to relate the deformation mechanisms with the measured structural parameters. Some optical parameters are measured such as; refractive indices nand n birefringence n, the polarizability per unit volume , the orientation distribution function f(θ), the angle θ between the stretching direction and the chain axis, and the angle θ_m which the transition dipole moment of the molecular species makes with the molecular axis (chain axis). Three polymeric fibres (Polyethylene terephthalate PET, Polypropylene PP and Polyamide PA) were used in this study and their interferograms are illustrated.     

Structural changes in low temperature water

Previous experiments on the neutron structure factor S(q) for heavy water near 11.2°C have been extended so that the next term in the Taylor expansion may be examined. An improved result for the isochoric temperature derivative of S(q) at 11.2°C is obtained. These data and those for the (ΔT)² coefficient in the Taylor expansion may be explained on a simple basis: namely that OH and HH distances between neighbouring molecules vary as (T  t₀)⁻ⁿ where (T  T₀) ≈ 1200n for T ≈ 300 K.     

Radiological impact assessment and dose distribution pattern in gorgan bay,Northern Iran

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - In this study, the specific activity of radionuclides was measured using a high purity germanium detector (HPGe) and the distribution pattern of...     

Continuous glucose monitoring in interstitial fluid using glucose oxidase-based sensor compared to established blood glucose measurement in rats

Glucose monitoring is of importance for success of complex therapeutic interventions in diabetic patients. Its impact on treatment and glycemic control is demonstrated in large clinical trials. Up to eight blood glucose measurements per day are recommended. Notwithstanding, a substantial number of diabetic patients cannot or will not monitor their blood glucose appropriately. Considerable progress in control of disturbed metabolism in diabetic patients can be expected by continuous glucose monitoring. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of a new amperometric glucose oxidase-based glucose sensor in vitro and in vivo after subcutaneous implantation into rats.For in vitro testing current output of sensors was measured by exposure to increasing and decreasing glucose concentrations up to 472 mg dL⁻¹ over a time period of 7 days. After subcutaneous implantation of sensors into interscapular region of male rats glucose in interstitial fluid was evaluated and compared to glucose in arterial blood up to 7 days. Hyper- and hypoglycaemia were induced by intravenous application of glucose and insulin, respectively. Current of each implanted sensor was converted into glucose concentration using the first blood glucose measurement only.A change of current with glucose of 0.35 nA mg⁻¹ dL⁻¹ indicates high sensitivity of the sensor in vitro. The response time (90% of steady state) was calculated by approximately 60 s. Test strips for blood glucose measurement as reference for sensor readings was found as an appropriate and rapidly available method in rats by comparison with established hexokinase method in an automated lab analyzer with limits of agreement of +32.8 and −25.7 mg dL⁻¹ in Bland-Altman analysis. In normo- and hypoglycaemic range sensor readings in interstitial fluid correlated well with blood glucose measurements whereas hyperglycaemia was not reflected by the sensor completely when blood glucose was changing rapidly.The data given characterize a sensor with high sensitivity, long term stability and short response time. A single calibration of the sensor is required only in measurement periods up to 7 days. The findings demonstrate that the sensor is a highly promising candidate for assessment in humans.     

Effects of changes in pattern of LHRH pulse on LH secretion by perfused anterior pituitary cells of male rats

In the present study, a perfusion system of dispersed cells was used to investigate the effects of LHRH pulse amplitude and frequency, and LHRH continuous stimulation on LH secretion by anterior pituitary cells of adult male rats. The results have shown that, in the range of LHRH concentrations from 1 X 10(-10) to 1 X 10(-6) mol/L, the dose-response curve of LH secretion was linear. LHRH pulse frequency generated a biphasic LH response: increasing LHRH pulse frequency increased the basal LH secretion and decreased LH/pulse. When 1 X 10(-9) mol/L or greater LHRH was given at frequencies of 3 pulses/h or higher, it was observed that a maximal LH peak was induced and then the LH release declined progressively to its LH basal level, i.e. LHRH self-priming effect and LH desensitization occurred. Enhancement of amplitude of LHRH pulses could reduce pulse frequency required for priming. Increases in frequency of LHRH pulses with high amplitude would provoke the priming effect more quickly. In addition, continuous perfusion of LHRH with different concentrations could also elicit the LHRH self-priming effect and lH desensitization. LHRH with low concentration (1 X 10(-10) mol/L) would take much longer to evoke a self-priming effect. These results indicate that the LH secretion pattern is dependent on LHRH pulsatile amplitude and frequency, and will help to clarify the kinetics mechanisms by which LH pulses fluctuate in vivo.     

低温加压热解脱氧对胜利褐煤亲水性的影响

在固定床反应器中考察了低温（200~350 ℃）、加压（0.25~8.00 MPa）热解条件下胜利褐煤主要含氧官能团的变化规律,并进一步分析了褐煤中含氧官能团的脱除对其吸水能力的影响。结果表明,温度升高对胜利褐煤中羧基和酚羟基的脱除非常有效,压力变化对羧基脱除影响极小,而在3.00~4.00 MPa时对酚羟基脱除效果最佳;同时羧基对煤样的表面极性和亲水性具有决定性作用,当羧基含量不变时,固体比表面积对煤样的吸水性影响相对较明显。     

Waveband and dose dependency of sunlight-induced immunomodulation and cellular changes

Both the UVB and UVA wavebands within sunlight are immunosuppressive. This article reviews the relationship between wavebands and dose in UV-induced immunosuppression mainly concentrating on responses in humans. It also contrasts the effects of UVB and UVA on cellular changes involved in immunosuppression. Over physiological sunlight doses to which humans can be exposed during routine daily living or recreational pursuits, both UVA and UVB suppress immunity. While there is a linear dose relationship with UVB commencing at doses less than half of what is required to cause sunburn, UVA has a bell-shaped dose response over the range to which humans can be realistically exposed. At doses too low for either waveband to be suppressive, interactions between UVA and UVB augment each other, enabling immunosuppression to occur. At doses beyond where UVA is immunosuppressive, it still contributes to sunlight-induced immunosuppression via this interaction with UVB. While there is little research comparing the mechanisms by which UVB, UVA and their interactions can cause immunosuppression, it is likely that different chromophores and early molecular events are involved. There is evidence that both wavebands disrupt antigen presentation and effect T cell responses. Different individuals are likely to have different immunomodulatory responses to sunlight.     

Fenitrothion-induced changes in lipids of rats

The dose-dependent lipid accumulation caused by fenitrothion administration is associated with alteration of the ratio of various components of phospholipids and neutral lipids in various organs of rats up to 48 h. The concentration of triacylglycerol, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl glycerol increased in liver, kidney and brain in treated rats whereas phosphatidyl serine was greatly reduced. High-performance liquid chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography were used for quantiative analysis of phospholipids and triacylglycerol. The changes in relative composition of various lipids by fenitrothion administration may lead to malfunctioning and alteration of biological properties.     

Radon dose in cellars during the war in Croatia

During the war in 1991 and 1992, because of artillery bombardment, the citizens of Croatia have been forced to live underground in shelters and cellars and therefore they have been exposed to an additional radon radiation. Rn concentration in shelters (cellars) and dwellings of Osijek and Zagreb were measured by means of a silicon detector (Radhome) and also, at several locations, by an LR-115 nuclear track detector. Estimated monthly radon exposures in dwellings and cellars of Osijek or Zagreb were (2.88±1.58)×10⁴ Bq h m^–3 and (6.62±3.17)×10⁴ Bq h m^–3, respectively, or (1.94±0.72)×10⁴ Bq h m^–3 and (7.46±7.78)×10⁴ Bq h m^–3. Inhabitants of Osijek and Zagreb have received, on the average, the effective dose equivalent of 4.1 and 2.6 mSv y^–1, respectively.     

Biolabel-led research pattern reveals serum profile in rats after treatment with Herba Lysimachiae: Combined analysis of metabonomics and proteomics

In traditional Chinese medicine, Herba Lysimachiae (HL) is mainly used to treat rheumatic arthralgia. Current pharmacological studies also showed that HL has therapeutic potential for synovial diseases. HL is an oral drug, whose compounds need to enter the blood circulation before reaching the injured tissue, thus potentially causing activity or toxicity to the blood system. In this study, the biolabel-led research pattern was used to analyze the serum profile after HL intervention, based on which the safety and efficacy of HL were explored. Metabonomics and proteomics were combined to analyze the biolabels responsible for the interventions of HL in serum. Bioinformatics databases were used to screen for the material basis that may interfere with biolabels. Omics analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins (19) and metabolites (5) were identified and considered as the potential biolabels, which were involved in 8 biochemical processes (platelet activation and aggregation, blood glucose release, immune and inflammatory regulation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, tumor progression, blood pressure regulation, and uric acid synthesis). Thirty-one compounds may be the material basis to interfere with 11 biolabels. The present research reveals that the potential activities and toxicities of HL can be explored based on the biolabel-led research pattern.     

Chromatographic pattern in recycled high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) - Occurrence of low molecular weight compounds during the life cycle

The analysis of the chromatographic pattern of virgin, reprocessed, thermo-oxidised, and recycled high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) proves to be a suitable and sensitive tool to assess the degree of degradation of HIPS during its first life and subsequent recycling. Different low molecular weight compounds, such as residues of polymerisation, degradation products, and additives have been identified and relatively quantified in HIPS, using microwave-assisted extraction and further analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The release of residues of polymerisation has been proven to occur during reprocessing, thermo-oxidation, and in recycled samples, which may show the emissions of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds during the life cycle of HIPS. A wide range of oxidised degradation products are formed during reprocessing and thermo-oxidation; these products can be identified as oxidised fragments of polystyrene (PS), oxidised fragments from polybutadiene (PB) phase, and oxidised fragments from the grafting points between the PS and PB phase. Real recycled HIPS samples may also contain contaminations and fragments from additives included in their original formulations; the presence of brominated fragments from flame retardants in electronic waste is here observed.     

Structural changes in wood during ozonation

It is found that ozone treatment of aspen wood leads to changes in its structural characteristics, i.e., its specific surface area and the crystallinity index of cellulose. Using optical microscopy, it is shown that ozonation is accompanied by a decrease in the average size and visible surface of wood particles. The values for the specific area of the outer surface of samples are calculated. The specific surface area available to the enzyme molecules is determined from data on the adsorption of inert protein hemoglobin on wood. It is shown that this value is an order of magnitude higher than that of the outer surface and increases considerably for an ozonized sample. Based on the results from X-ray analysis, it is established that the structure of cellulose is disordered during ozone delignification, as is indicated by a reduction in the crystallinity index and crystallite sizes.     

Theoretical study of pattern formation during the catalytic oxidation of CO on Pt{100} at low pressures

Theoretical studies have thus far been unable to model pattern formation during the reaction in this system on physically feasible length and time scales. In this paper, we derive a computational reaction-diffusion model for this system in which most of the input parameters have been determined experimentally. We model the surface on a mesoscopic scale intermediate between the microscopic size of CO islands and the macroscopic length scale of pattern formation. In agreement with experimental investigations [M. Eiswirth et al., Z. Phys. Chem., Neue Folge 144, 59 (1985)], the results from our model divide the CO and O(2) partial pressure parameter space into three regions defined by the level of CO coverage or the presence of sustained oscillations. We see CO fronts moving into oxygen-covered regions, with the 1 x 1 to hex phase change occurring at the leading edge. There are also traveling waves consisting of successive oxygen and CO fronts that move into areas of relatively high CO coverage, and in this case, the phase change is more gradual and of lower amplitude. The propagation speed of these reaction waves is similar to those observed experimentally for CO and oxygen fronts [H. H. Rotermund et al., J. Chem. Phys. 91, 4942 (1989); H. H. Rotermund et al., Nature (London) 343, 355 (1990); J. Lauterbach and H. H. Rotermund, Surf. Sci. 311, 231 (1994)]. In the two-dimensional version of our model, the traveling waves take the form of target patterns emitted from surface inhomogeneities.     

Differential Response of Pentanal and Hexanal Exhalation to Supplemental Oxygen and Mechanical Ventilation in Rats

High inspired oxygen during mechanical ventilation may influence the exhalation of the previously proposed breath biomarkers pentanal and hexanal, and additionally induce systemic inflammation. We therefore investigated the effect of various concentrations of inspired oxygen on pentanal and hexanal exhalation and serum interleukin concentrations in 30 Sprague Dawley rats mechanically ventilated with 30, 60, or 93% inspired oxygen for 12 h. Pentanal exhalation did not differ as a function of inspired oxygen but increased by an average of 0.4 (95%CI: 0.3; 0.5) ppb per hour, with concentrations doubling from 3.8 (IQR: 2.8; 5.1) ppb at baseline to 7.3 (IQR: 5.0; 10.8) ppb after 12 h. Hexanal exhalation was slightly higher at 93% of inspired oxygen with an average difference of 0.09 (95%CI: 0.002; 0.172) ppb compared to 30%. Serum IL-6 did not differ by inspired oxygen, whereas IL-10 at 60% and 93% of inspired oxygen was greater than with 30%. Both interleukins increased over 12 h of mechanical ventilation at all oxygen concentrations. Mechanical ventilation at high inspired oxygen promotes pulmonary lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation. However, the response of pentanal and hexanal exhalation varies, with pentanal increasing by mechanical ventilation, whereas hexanal increases by high inspired oxygen concentrations.     

Effect of decrease in both postprandial blood glucose (PBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in normal beagle dogs with nateglinide enteric coated granules and immediate release tablets

Nateglinide is a new quick action/short duration (QRSD) type of oral blood glucose regulator, and nateglinide immediate release tablets are used for patients with mild diabetes under the trade name of Fastic((R)) tablets. In this study, we attempted to determine if it was possible to control both post-prandial blood glucose level (PBG) and fasting blood glucose level (FBG) for moderate or severe diabetes through controlled release of nateglinide. Enteric coated granules were selected for the administration form for controlled release of nateglinide, and three types of enteric coated granules were prepared having dissolution pH values of 5.5, 6.5 and 7.2. The three types of enteric coated granules were each administered separately or the enteric coated granules having an dissolution pH of 6.5 were administered simultaneous to administration of nateglinide immediate release tablets to normal beagle dogs just before feeding followed by measurement of plasma nateglinide concentration, plasma insulin concentration and blood glucose level. In the case of administering enteric coated granules alone (nateglinide: 9 mg/kg), the absorption of nateglinide was confirmed to tend to be delayed as the dissolution pH increased. In the case of an dissolution pH of 5.5, decreases in both PBG and FBG were observed. In the case of dissolution pH values of 6.5 and 7.2, only decrease in FBG was observed. In case of nateglinide immediate release tablets (nateglinide: 9 mg/kg), only decrease in PBG was observed. Decreases in both PBG and FBG were observed in the case of simultaneous administration of dissolution pH 6.5 enteric coated granules and nateglinide immediate release tablets just before feeding (nateglinide: 90 mg/head+60 mg/head). A correlation was observed between plasma nateglinide concentrations and blood glucose levels. On the other hand, there were no correlations observed between changes in plasma insulin concentrations and blood glucose levels. In case of nateglinide immediate release tablets (nateglinide: 150 mg/head), Decreases in both PBG and FBG were observed. However, the nateglinide controlled release formulation is more useful than the nateglinide immediate release tablets from the view point of avoidance of side effect, or of easy control of both PBG and FBG. On the basis of these results, the design of a controlled release formulation that contains nateglinide was suggested to enable control of both PBG and FBG for moderate and severe diabetes patients.