Identification of a Gene Cluster within the Genome of Chilo Iridescent Virus Encoding Enzymes Involved in Viral DNA Replication and Processing

The nucleotide sequence of the genome of Chilo iridescent virus (CIV) between the genome coordinates 0.974 and 0.101 comprising 27,079 bp was determined. Computer-assisted analysis of the DNA sequence of this particular region of the CIV genome revealed the presence of 42 potential open reading frames (ORFs) with coding capacities for polypeptides ranging from 50 to 1,273 amino acid residues. The analysis of the amino acid sequences deduced from the individual ORFs resulted in the identification of 10 potential viral genes that show significant homology to functionally characterized proteins of other species. A cluster of five viral genes that encode enzymes involved in the viral DNA replication was identified including the DNA topoisomerase II (A039L, 1,132 amino acids (aa)), the DNA polymerase (ORF A031L, 1,273 aa), a helicase (ORF A027L, 530 aa), a nucleoside triphosphatase I (ORF A025L, 1,171 aa), and an exonuclease II (ORF A019L, 624 aa), all ORFs possessing the same genomic orientation. The DNA polymerase of CIV showed the highest homology (24.8% identity) to the DNA polymerase of lymphocystis disease virus lymphocystis disease virus 1 (LCDV-1), a member of the family Iridoviridae, indicating the close relatedness of the two viruses. In addition, four putative gene products were found to be significantly homologous to previously identified hypothetical proteins of CIV.     

A tri-phasic mixture model of bone resorption: theoretical investigations

In this paper, for the first time, a tri-phasic model of bone resorption using a mixture with chemical reactions is proposed. Three constituents (matrix, fluid, and cells) are considered. Conservation equations and entropy inequality are provided. The dependent variables in the constitutive equations, such as the rate of resorption, are assumed to be a function of temperature, deformation gradient, and the extent of the chemical reactions. Using constitutive equations in the second law of thermodynamics, a criterion for the thermodynamic equilibrium state is obtained which contains a bio-chemo-mechanical affinity. Using the proposed model, one can find a theoretical explanation for some clinically observed behavior of bone, for instance for the greater rate of bone resorption in cortical than cancellous bone, using the conservation equations and/or consistency requirements of continuum mixture theory. This work can be seen as a first step towards establishing a new theoretical framework which could be developed in the future by collaborative work, and with the hope of shedding some light on the multidisciplinary and complex process of bone resorption.     

Whole-body vibration and the prevention and treatment of delayed-onset muscle soreness

Context:

Numerous recovery strategies have been used in an attempt to minimize the symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been suggested as a viable warm-up for athletes. However, scientific evidence to support the protective effects of WBV training (WBVT) on muscle damage is lacking.

Objective:

To investigate the acute effect of WBVT applied before eccentric exercise in the prevention of DOMS.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

University laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 32 healthy, untrained volunteers were randomly assigned to either the WBVT (n  =  15) or control (n  =  17) group.

Intervention(s):

Volunteers performed 6 sets of 10 maximal isokinetic (60°/s) eccentric contractions of the dominant-limb knee extensors on a dynamometer. In the WBVT group, the training was applied using a vibratory platform (35 Hz, 5 mm peak to peak) with 100° of knee flexion for 60 seconds before eccentric exercise. No vibration was applied in the control group.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Muscle soreness, thigh circumference, and pressure pain threshold were recorded at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14 days postexercise. Maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic knee extensor strength were assessed at baseline, immediately after exercise, and at 1, 2, 7, and 14 days postexercise. Serum creatine kinase was measured at baseline and at 1, 2, and 7 days postexercise.

Results:

The WBVT group showed a reduction in DOMS symptoms in the form of less maximal isometric and isokinetic voluntary strength loss, lower creatine kinase levels, and less pressure pain threshold and muscle soreness (P < .05) compared with the control group. However, no effect on thigh circumference was evident (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Administered before eccentric exercise, WBVT may reduce DOMS via muscle function improvement. Further investigation should be undertaken to ascertain the effectiveness of WBVT in attenuating DOMS in athletes.     

Novel Mutation of ZAP-70-related Combined Immunodeficiency: First Case from the National Iranian Registry and Review of the Literature

ZAP-70 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive form of combined immunodeficiency (CID) characterized by selective absence of circulating CD8 T cells with low, normal, or increased CD4 T cells in peripheral blood. Up to now, 14 unique mutations in the ZAP70 gene have been identified in patients with ZAP-70-related CID. We present a 3-year-old boy with a history of recurrent bacterial infections and autoimmunity. Initial laboratory findings showed a normal total lymphocyte count, but low levels of CD8 and CD4 T cells and an abnormal lymphocyte proliferation response. Immunoglobulin levels were normal, but the specific antibody response was impaired. Whole exome sequencing revealed a mutation within the kinase domain of ZAP-70. ZAP-70 deficiency should be considered in infants and young children with recurrent bacterial infections, in spite of having palpable lymph nodes, a notable thymus shadow, and a normal total lymphocyte count.     

In vitro differentiation of neural stem cells derived from human olfactory bulb into dopaminergic‐like neurons

This study describes a new accessible source of neuronal stem cells that can be used in Parkinson's disease cell transplant. The human olfactory bulb contains neural stem cells (NSCs) that are responsible for neurogenesis in the brain and the replacement of damaged cellular components throughout life. NSCs are capable of differentiating into neuronal and glial cells. We isolated NSCs from the olfactory bulb of brain‐death donors and differentiated them into dopaminergic neurons. The olfactory bulb tissues obtained were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/nutrient mixture F12, B27 supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor. The NSCs and proliferation markers were assessed. The multipotentiality of olfactory bulb NSCs was demonstrated by their capacity to differentiate into neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. To generate dopaminergic neurons, olfactory bulb NSCs were differentiated in neurobasal medium, supplemented with B27, and treated with sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor 8 and glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor from the 7th to the 21st day, followed by detection of dopaminergic neuronal markers including tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic l ‐amino acid decarboxylase. The cells were expanded, established in continuous cell lines and differentiated into the two classical neuronal phenotypes. The percentage of co‐positive cells (microtubule‐associated protein 2 and tyrosine hydroxylase; aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase) in the treated cells was significantly higher than in the untreated cells. These results illustrate the existence of multipotent NSCs in the adult human olfactory bulb that are capable of differentiating toward putative dopaminergic neurons in the presence of trophic factors. Taken together, our data encourage further investigations of the possible use of olfactory bulb NSCs as a promising cell‐based therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease.     

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) prevents the development of morphine analgesic tolerance and physical dependence in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a well-known spice plant, has been used traditionally in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments such as opiates withdrawal-induced disorders. However, its influences on opioid tolerance and dependence have not yet been clarified.

Materials and methods

Adult male Wistar rats were rendered tolerant to analgesic effect of morphine by injection of morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) twice daily for 8 days. To develop morphine dependence, rats given escalating doses of chronic morphine. To determine the effect of ginger on the development of morphine tolerance and dependence, different doses of ginger were administrated before morphine. The tail-flick and naloxone precipitation tests were used to assess the degree of tolerance and dependence, respectively.

Results

Our results showed that chronic morphine-injected rats displayed tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine as well as morphine dependence. Ginger (50 and 100 mg/kg) completely prevented the development of morphine tolerance. In addition, concomitant treatment of morphine with 100 and 150 mg/kg attenuated almost all of the naloxone-induced withdrawal sings which include weight lose, abdominal contraction, diarrhea, petosis, teeth chattering, and jumping. In addition, morphine-induced L-type calcium channel over-expression in spinal cord was reversed by 100 mg/kg ginger.

Conclusion

The data indicate that ginger extract has a potential anti-tolerant/anti-dependence property against chronic usage of morphine.     

Antioxidant and Radical Scavenging Activity of Human Colostrum,Transitional and Mature Milk

Human milk from healthy women contains numerous nutrients such as antioxidants which are necessary for newborns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and free radical scavenging activity in human milk during the first six month period of lactation and also its relationship to maternal plasma. A total of 505 milk samples (colostrum, transitional and mature milks) collected from 115 healthy women with full term newborns. Blood plasma was obtained from 58 women at 3 months postpartum. The TAC of samples were measured by Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power assay and free radical scavenging activity were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. TAC was obviously higher in colostrums than transitional and mature milks. Similar results were observed for DPPH radical scavenging activity of the samples. There was a high significant correlation between the results of these two methods. The relationship between the antioxidant content of human milk and maternal plasma was also significant. These data suggest that using colostrum, with high antioxidant potential during the first days of life is vital; moreover, reduction in total TAC during the course of lactation may needs more attention about nutritional status.     

Cutaneous diphtheria complicated oncologic reconstruction surgery in osteosarcoma

Diphtheria is an uncommon bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract. We described a surgical site infection in a young adolescent female on maintenance chemotherapy. Corynebacterium diphtheriae was recovered from the wound, and she was treated with antibiotics and antitoxin. Cutaneous diphtheria should be considered in immunocompromised patients receiving chemotherapy.