Purification and functional characterization of the vacuolar malate transporter tDT from .

The exact transport characteristics of the vacuolar dicarboxylate transporter tDT from are elusive. To overcome this limitation, we combined a range of experimental approaches comprising generation/analysis of overexpressors, CO feeding and quantification of C enrichment, functional characterization of tDT in proteoliposomes, and electrophysiological studies on vacuoles. knockout plants showed decreased malate and increased citrate concentrations in leaves during the diurnal light-dark rhythm and after onset of drought, when compared with wildtypes.

Nexus Between Demographic Change and Elderly Care Need in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Some Policy Implications.

Population ageing is a phenomenon affecting the whole world. The countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are no exception but transitions in population ageing are still in the early stages of the process. With current demographic dividends experienced by the GCC and the rest of the Middle-East, the pace of population ageing will be faster than that experienced by many European countries.

A Systematic Review of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Evidence from Human and Animal Studies.

Background: Growing evidence suggests a pathophysiological role of cytokines in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a key cytokine. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to examine the findings regarding TNF-α derived from both animal and human studies of PTSD.

Raman Mapping Analysis of Graphene-Integrated Silicon Micro-Ring Resonators.

We present a Raman mapping study of monolayer graphene G and 2D bands, after integration on silicon strip-waveguide-based micro-ring resonators (MRRs) to characterize the effects of the graphene transfer processes on its structural and optoelectronic properties. Analysis of the Raman G and 2D peak positions and relative intensities reveal that the graphene is electrically intrinsic where it is suspended over the MRR but is moderately hole-doped where it sits on top of the waveguide structure. This is suggestive of Fermi level 'pinning' at the graphene-silicon heterogeneous interface, and we estimate that the Fermi level shifts down by approximately 0.

A High-throughput Quantitative Expression Analysis of Cancer-related Genes in Human HepG2 Cells in Response to Limonene, a Potential Anticancer Agent.

Background: Citrus bioactive compounds, as active anticancer agents, have been under focus by several studies worldwide. However, the underlying genes responsible for the anticancer potential have not been sufficiently highlighted.

Objectives: The current study investigated the gene expression profile of hepatocellular carcinoma, HepG2, cells after treatment with Limonene.

Effect of PVA Blending on Structural and Ion Transport Properties of CS:AgNt-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane.

In this work, the role of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blending on structural and electrical properties of chitosan:silver nitrate systems is studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the crystalline phase of chitosan (CS) is greatly scarified by silver nitrate (AgNt) salt. The crystalline domain of CS:AgNt is more broadened at 10 wt % of PVA.

Intermittent fasting promotes adipose thermogenesis and metabolic homeostasis via VEGF-mediated alternative activation of macrophage.

Intermittent fasting (IF), a periodic energy restriction, has been shown to provide health benefits equivalent to prolonged fasting or caloric restriction. However, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of IF-mediated metabolic benefits is limited. Here we show that isocaloric IF improves metabolic homeostasis against diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction primarily through adipose thermogenesis in mice.

Mechanistic effect of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells on the submandibular salivary gland in ovariectomized rats.

We performed this study to understand the effect of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) on the submandibular gland after bilateral ovariectomy. For this, 21 adult female rats were distributed equally among 3 groups: the sham-operated group (SHAM); the ovariectomized group (OVX); and the OVX group that received repeated intravenous injections of the hUCB-MSCs (OVX + hUCB-MSCs). We used reverse transcription - PCR to analyze for the gene expression of AQPs 3, 4, 5, and BMP-6.

Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus ribavirin treatment improve liver function parameters and clinical outcomes in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients.

Background And Aims: Interferon-free direct-acting antivirals (DAA) combination therapies, including sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DCV) therapy, eradicate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a high percentage of patients, but its impact on improvements in liver function is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in clinical and biochemical parameters reflecting liver function and general status in those who achieved HCV eradication by DAA.

Patients And Methods: From March 2016 to October 2016, 374 chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled for this prospective, observational study and received SOF, DCV with ribavirin, to evaluate the changes in liver function parameters, international normalized ratio, complete blood count, model for end-stage liver disease, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores after achieving a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment.

Migrants' decision-process shaping work destination choice: the case of long-term care work in the United Kingdom and Norway.

Escalating demands for formal long-term care (LTC) result in the reliance on migrant workers in many developed countries. Within Europe, this is currently framed by progressive European immigration policies favouring inter-European mobility. Using the UK and Norway as case studies, this article has two main aims: (1) to document changes in the contribution of European Union (EU) migrants to the LTC sectors in Western Europe, and (2) to gain further understanding of migrants' decision-processes relating to destination and work choices.

T Cell Histiocyte Rich Large B Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: An Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Disease.

T cell histiocyte rich large B cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterized by malignant B cells with reactive T lymphocytes. The pathophysiology is thought to involve cytokine-mediated evasion of T cell immune response by malignant B cells. It usually presents at an advanced stage with extranodal involvement.

Phenolic constituents of Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A. Mey. sub sp. undulata (Asteraceae): Antioxidant protective effects and chemosystematic significances.

One new naturally isoflavone compound, 5,7,2',3',4' penta hydroxyl isoflavone-4'-O-β-glucopyranoside (1) was isolated from the aqueous methanol extract (AME) of Pulicaria undulata subsp. undulata, together with seven known compounds: kaempferol (2), kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside (3), quercetin (4), quercetin 3-O-β-glucoside (5), quercetin 3-O-β-galactoside (6), quercetin 3,7-di OCH (7), and caffeic acid (8). Their structures were established through chemical (acid hydrolysis) and spectral analysis (UV, NMR, and ESIM).

Ageing and Elderly Care in the Arab Region: Policy Challenges and Opportunities.

Populations are expected to age rapidly in the Arab countries during the coming few decades. However, the current evidence base indicates that many countries in the region are not paying attention to this demographic phenomenon. This is a particular concern as longevity is often accompanied by many years of ill health and disability and most of the countries in the region continue to rely on the family as the primary source of elder care.

Cryopreservation versus fresh frozen meniscal allograft: A biomechanical comparative analysis.

Meniscal allograft transplantation may be a better alternative for the treatment of irreparable meniscal injury compared to other forms of treatment. However, it remains to be seen whether the use fresh frozen allograft is better than cryopreserved allograft in treating this type of injury. We hypothesized that cryopreserved meniscal allograft would work better in maintaining the original biomechanical properties compared to fresh frozen ones, due to the lower amount of damage it incurs during the storage process.

Molecular factors regulating E-cadherin expression in urothelial bladder cancer and their correlations with the clinicopathological features.

This study aimed to assess the expression of S100A4, Twist and E-cadherin (mRNA and protein) in urothelial bladder cancer, investigate the correlation between them and evaluate their association with the clinicopathological features of the disease. The study included 54 patients diagnosed as urothelial bladder cancer of different stages and grades. The expression levels of S100A4, Twist and E-cadherin (mRNA and protein) in tissue samples were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Pituicytoma: Review of commonalities and distinguishing features among TTF-1 positive tumors of the central nervous system.

Pituicytoma is a rare low-grade glial neoplasm that originates in the distribution of the neurohypophysis, including the posterior pituitary lobe and infundibular stalk. The tumor cells resemble pituicytes, which are specialized glial cells of the neurohypophysis. Pituicytoma can be misdiagnosed pre-operatively as a pituitary adenoma due to overlapping clinical and neuroimaging features between these two entities.

Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Report of Response to Rituximab.

Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia is a rare form of low grade leukemia characterized by large cytotoxic T cells or natural killer cells on morphological examination. Immunosuppressive therapy is employed as first-line therapy. Treatment options in refractory cases include the anti-CD52 antibody alemtuzumab and purine analogues.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphisms and haplotypes in Egyptian children with nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) characterized by complex pathogenesis and clinical course with relapses; and needs novel breakthroughs for decades. Polymorphisms of cytokines genes including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)may influence susceptibility to NS as well as different patients' steroid responses. In the current study, we demonstrated the potential roles of TNF-α promoter gene polymorphisms [-238, -308, -863] and haplotypes in susceptibility to childhood NS.

Prognostic significance of the genetic and the immunohistochemical expression of epithelial-mesenchymal-related markers in colon cancer.

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the main events in colorectal cancer (CRC) spread. Snail-1 is a zinc transcription factor that mediates EMT in tumor cells probably by down-regulation of E-cadherin and claudin-1.

Objectives: To detect the expression of epithelial markers (claudin-1 and E-cadherin) and mesenchymal markers (snail-1 and vimentin) in primary cancer colon.

Quality assessment of groundwater from the south-eastern Arabian Peninsula.

Assessment of groundwater quality plays a significant role in the utilization of the scarce water resources globally and especially in arid regions. The increasing abstraction together with man-made contamination and seawater intrusion have strongly affected groundwater quality in the Arabia Peninsula, exemplified by the investigation given here from the United Arab Emirates, where the groundwater is seldom reviewed and assessed. In the aim of assessing current groundwater quality, we here present a comparison of chemical data linked to aquifers types.

Can Stem Cells Ameliorate the Pancreatic Damage Induced by Streptozotocin in Rats?

Background: Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the repair of injured tissues and organs, and it is one of the most promising therapies for diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to elucidate the antidiabetic effect of both mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and insulin-producing cells (IPCs) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats.

Materials And Methods: MSCs were derived from bone marrow of male albino rats.

"We don't do it for the money" … The scale and reasons of poverty-pay among frontline long-term care workers in England.

Demographic trends escalate the demands for formal long-term care (LTC) in the majority of the developed world. The LTC workforce is characterised by its very low wages, the actual scale of which is less well known. This article investigates the scale of poverty-pay in the feminised LTC sector and attempts to understand the perceived reasons behind persisting low wages in the sector.

Functional and Structural Assessment of the Effect of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

Cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin (DOX) was recognized at an early stage and also several years after drug administration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have many properties that make them suitable for preventive and/or regenerative therapies. In this study, we evaluated the effect of MSCs in the functional and the structural improvement of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy in rats.

Brown adipose tissue detected by PET/CT imaging is associated with less central obesity.

Purpose: This retrospective review was performed to determine whether patients with brown adipose tissue (BAT) detected by fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging have less central obesity than BMI-matched control patients without detectable BAT.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-seven adult oncology patients with F-FDG BAT uptake were retrospectively identified from PET/CT studies from 2011 to 2013. The control cohort consisted of 74 adult oncology patients without detectable F-FDG BAT uptake matched for BMI/sex/season.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast, 20 years of experience in a single center with review of literature.

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer, which presents inconsistencies in the optimal management strategy.

Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data, spanning the last 20 years, was performed using the cancer registry database at our institution.

Results: Six patients were diagnosed with ACC of the breast, out of 5,813 total patients diagnosed with breast cancer (0.