Development of a novel explant culture method for the isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from human breast tumor

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from various sources, including various types of tumors. However choosing an appropriate isolation method is an important step in obtaining cells with optimal quality and yield in companion with economical considerations. The purpose of this study was to isolate more pure MSCs from human breast tumor tissue by a modified explant culture method.

Methods and Materials: The tumor tissues (n = 8) were cut into 1 to 3-mm cube-like pieces (explant). Each explant was placed in a well of 24-well format plates, cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM), and maintained at 37°C with 5% humidified incubator. Morphological phenotypes of the cells were surveyed by an inverted microscope and wells with rather homogenous fibroblast-like morphology cell were considered as positive and selected for more expansion and characterization.

Results: A total of 185 wells, 63.7% of wells were positive that were chosen for expansion. Flowcytometry analysis demonstrated that isolated cells were positive for CD73, CD44, CD29, CD105, and CD90 but negative for CD11b, CD45, CD34, and HLA?DR. In addition, cells possessed the capability of multipotential differentiation into osteoblasts and adipocytes.     

A phosphorylation-dependent intramolecular interaction regulates the membrane association and activity of the tumor suppressor PTEN

The PI 3-phosphatase PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10), one of the most important tumor suppressors, must associate with the plasma membrane to maintain appropriate steady-state levels of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate. Yet the mechanism of membrane binding has received little attention and the key determinants that regulate localization, a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) binding motif and a cluster of phosphorylated C-terminal residues, were not included in the crystal structure. We report that membrane binding requires PIP₂ and show that phosphorylation regulates an intramolecular interaction. A truncated version of the enzyme, PTEN_1–351, bound strongly to the membrane, an effect that was reversed by co-expression of the remainder of the molecule, PTEN_352–403. The separate fragments associated in vitro, an interaction dependent on phosphorylation of the C-terminal cluster, a portion of the PIP₂ binding motif, integrity of the phosphatase domain, and the CBR3 loop. Our investigation provides direct evidence for a model in which PTEN switches between open and closed states and phosphorylation favors the closed conformation, thereby regulating localization and function. Small molecules targeting these interactions could potentially serve as therapeutic agents in antagonizing Ras or PI3K-driven tumors. The study also stresses the importance of determining the structure of the native enzyme.     

A review of available techniques for determination of nano-antimicrobials activity

In recent years using nanoparticle has been increased to resolve microbial resistance. It has been shown that nanomaterial such as metallic nanoparticles is the most effective in microbial cell reduction. In nanoparticle using the antimicrobial activity assay should be identified by suitable method. This review consists of introduce the available techniques for determination of Nanoantimicrobials activity, specifically metal oxide nanoparticles. Determining methods for the antimicrobial potential of nanoparticle, including the use of viable cells by exploring and indirect tests, each with unique advantages and disadvantages, such as bacterial cell enumeration, diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration, adenosine triphosphate assay, fluorescein diacetate (3,6-diacetylfluorescein), molecular biological techniques, and fractional inhibitory concentration index, to determine the effectiveness of test substances for synergistic, antagonistic, or additive effects, in one section. Antimicrobial activity parameters of nanoparticles, including UV illumination effect, impact of nanoparticle shape, surface modification, influence of nanoparticle size and concentration, surface defects, ion release of used nanoparticles, charge on the surface of the nanoparticles, and generation of reactive oxygen species, are described in other sections. It can be concluded that being familiar with all the existence method’s advantages, disadvantages and application range can reduce the challenge of method selection that providing relevant and reliable information about antimicrobial activity of NPs.     

Protective effects of pharmacological agents against aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity: A systematic review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Aminoglycosides have been long used for antibacterial treatment and are still commonly used in clinical practice. Despite their extensive application and positive effects, drug-related toxicity is considered as the main obstacle for aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides induce nephrotoxicity through the endocytosis and accumulation of the antibiotics in the epithelial cells of proximal tubule. Most importantly, however, a number of pharmacological agents were demonstrated to have protective activities against nephrotoxicity in experimental animals.

Areas covered: In the present systematic review, the authors provide and discuss the mechanisms and epidemiological features of aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity, and focus mainly on recent discoveries and key features of pharmacological interventions. In total, 39 articles were included in this review.

Expert opinion: The majority of studies investigated gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in animal models. Antioxidants, chemicals, synthetic drugs, hormones, vitamins, and minerals showed potential values to prevent gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Indicators used to evaluate the effectiveness of nephroprotection included antioxidative indexes, inflammatory responses, and apoptotic markers. Among the nephroprotective agents studied, herbs and natural antioxidant agents showed excellent potential to provide a protective strategy against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.     

Calcium carbonate nanowires: greener biosynthesis and their leishmanicidal activity

The synthesis of inorganic rod shape nanostructures is important in chromatography, dentistry, and medical applications such as bone implants, and drug and gene delivery systems. Herein, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanowires were synthesized using a plant extract and the ensuing nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FESEM, and HR-TEM. Then, the leishmanicidal effects of biogenic calcium carbonate nanowires were investigated against Leishmania major including the toxicity of varying concentrations of nanoparticles, and the percentage of viable and apoptotic cells based on flow cytometry analysis. Based on the results, the IC₅₀ of these polymorphs were calculated to be 800 μg mL⁻¹. An ecofriendly, inexpensive, and novel biogenic method for the production of a new advanced inorganic nanostructure, CaCO₃ nanowires, is described without using hazardous chemicals; calcium carbonate nanowires maybe used as a smart drug carrier.

The synthesis of inorganic rod shape nanostructures is important in chromatography, dentistry, and medical applications such as bone implants, and drug and gene delivery systems.     

Neurological features and outcome in COVID-19: dementia can predict severe disease

Journal of NeuroVirology - The COVID-19 pandemic has infected more than 22 million people worldwide. Although much has been learned about COVID-19, we do not know much about its neurological...     

Sonochemical degradation of pesticides in aqueous solution: investigation on the influence of operating parameters and degradation pathway – a systematic review

Along with the wide production, consumption and disposal of pesticides in the world, the concerns over their human and environmental health impacts are rapidly growing. Among developing treatment technologies, sonochemistry as an emerging and promising technology for the removal of pesticides in the aqueous environment has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. This systematic review presents an extensive study of sonochemical degradation of different types of pesticides from aqueous solution. The influence of various parameters including reactor configurations, initial concentration of pesticide, ultrasonic frequency, intensity of irradiation, bulk solution temperature, operational pH and sonication time on the degradation efficiency has been analyzed. The mechanism of ultrasonic degradation has been discussed, and recommendations for optimum operating conditions have been reported for maximizing degradation efficiency. Additionally, the intensification of ultrasonic cavitation by combining with oxidation processes was overviewed and the main advantages and disadvantages were pointed out, in order to address future studies and promote efficient large-scale operations. As a conclusion, it appears that ultrasonic irradiation can be effectively used for intensification of the degradation of pesticides from aqueous solution.

Along with the wide production, consumption and disposal of pesticides in the world, the concerns over their human and environmental health impacts are rapidly growing.     

Evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish: a review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of pollutants which occur in considerable amounts in the environment and food. In this study, a meta-analysis study was conducted on PAHs concentrations in fish in different parts of the world. The results showed that the PAHs were observed and quantified in fish in the most considered studies. The maximum and minimum concentration of PAHs was found in Cynoglossus Bilineatus fish of Persian Gulf (3970?ng/kg) and Cyprinus Carpio fish of Caspian Sea (0.004?ng/kg), respectively. These values are below the maximum value currently allowed by European Union regulations (12.0?μg/kg wet weight).