Chemistry and Biochemistry Aspects of the 4-Hydroxy-2,3-trans-nonenal

4-hydroxy-2,3-trans-nonenal (C9H16O2), also known as 4-hydroxy-2E-nonenal (C9H16O2; HNE) is an α,β-unsaturated hydroxyalkenal. HNE is a major aldehyde, formed in the peroxidation process of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-6 PUFAs), such as linoleic and arachidonic acid. HNE is not only harmful but also beneficial. In the 1980s, the HNE was regarded as a “toxic product of lipid peroxidation” and the “second toxic messenger of free radicals”. However, already at the beginning of the 21st century, HNE was perceived as a reliable marker of oxidative stress, growth modulating factor and signaling molecule. Many literature data also indicate that an elevated level of HNE in blood plasma and cells of the animal and human body is observed in the course of many diseases, including cancer. On the other hand, it is currently proven that cancer cells divert to apoptosis if they are exposed to supraphysiological levels of HNE in the cancer microenvironment. In this review, we briefly summarize the current knowledge about the biological properties of HNE.

The Practice of Spiritual Criminology: A Non-Doing Companionship for Crime Desistance

Spiritual criminology (SC) is an umbrella term for various criminological theories, models and practices that share reference to the spiritual dimension of human existence. Informed by a growing body of research that applies spiritual approaches to various aspects of criminology, SC attempts to provide a common thread shared by most approaches to spirituality: a voluntary self-journey that begins with an elevated level of self-centeredness and is aimed at self-transformation. Based on an extensive review of the literature, this paper proposes three general principles for spiritual accompaniment of people who offended: mindful non-doing, being and acting; love and compassion; and compassionate inclusion. These principles can be applied by combining several practices: renouncing control over knowledge, process and outcomes; creating a moral atmosphere that includes forgiveness and nonjudgment; and self-modeling. SC is shown to contribute to the rehabilitation of people who offended and also to crime prevention.

IL-10 Rescues CLL Survival through Repolarization of Inflammatory Nurse-like Cells

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are also called nurse-like cells (NLC), and confer survival signals through the release of soluble factors and cellular contacts. While in most patient samples the presence of NLC in co-cultures guarantees high viability of leukemic cells in vitro, in some cases this protective effect is absent. These macrophages are characterized by an “M1-like phenotype”. We show here that their reprogramming towards an M2-like phenotype (tumor-supportive) with IL-10 leads to an increase in leukemic cell survival. Inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF, are also able to depolarize M2-type protective NLC (decreasing CLL cell viability), an effect which is countered by IL-10 or blocking antibodies. Interestingly, both IL-10 and TNF are implied in the pathophysiology of CLL and their elevated level is associated with bad prognosis. We propose that the molecular balance between these two cytokines in CLL niches plays an important role in the maintenance of the protective phenotype of NLCs, and therefore in the survival of CLL cells.

'Silymarin' a Potential Treatment Targeting Hepatic Fibrosis of Schistosomiasis

Background: Despite all treatment and control efforts, schistosomiasis still thrives in humanity. It is endemic in 78 countries that are anchored by poverty and diseases. Until now, the broad-spectrum praziquantel (PZQ) drug is the only effective treatment of choice. However, reports documented some side effects for PZQ like haemorrhage in lung tissues, resistance, and inefficacy to treat fibrotic tissues. Therefore, alternative drugs that help in reducing the undesired effects of schistosomiasis are required. This study examined the efficacy of Silymarin in interfering with the fibrogenesis process using a mouse model. Silymarin is a herbal extract known to have flavonoids and polyphenols that help in reducing the inflammatory reaction, stimulating hepatocyte regeneration, and inhibiting the fibrogenesis process. Methods: A total of thirty adult tBALB/c male mice were divided into negative, chronically infected control and treated groups. All were killed after 18 weeks from the initial infection. Different histopathological investigations and liver function tests were carried out to detect the difference between the groups. Results: Administration of Silymarin exhibited a significant improvement in all associated histopathology with a considerable decline in the area percentage of collagen fibers. It restored the elevated level of serum ALT as well. Conclusion: Silymarin as a treatment for chronic hepatopathies will only be successful if started during the acute phase of the disease.

The Potency of Anadara nodifera Shell as Natural Testosterone Booster for Male Canary (Seriunus canaria)

Anadara clam shell contains high Zinc. This microelement is recognised as acting natural aromatase blocker (NAB) that capable of boosting testosterone level. The aim of this study was to evaluates the testosterone level of Canaries following Anadara nodifera administration. Adult male Canaries (n = 27) were group into 3 with 9 repetition of each i.e T0 [control, was given by Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium (Na-CMC)], T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.013 mg/30 g BW), and T2 (NAB 0.3 mg/30 g BW). The T2 treatment was NAB or shell powder of Anadara nodifera which was diluted 1:1 in Na-CMC. The birds were treated orally for 21 days. The complete blood cell count was performed in a haemo analyser except the erythrocyte was calculated manually in the Improved Neubauer counting chamber. Testosterone level was measured in ELISA. Subsequently gen CYP19 aromatase in syrinx, brain and testis were identified employing IHC and descriptively analysed. The result indicated significant elevated level of testosterone (p<0.05). The expression of CYP19 aromatase receptor was depressed in syrinx, brain and testis. However there was no significant changes on the blood profile (p>0.05). To conclude, Anadara nodifera at 0.3 mg/30 g BW was capable of acting as NAB to promote testosterone level. This was confirmed by the reduction of CYP19 aromatase gene receptors in syrinx, brain and testis. However NAB treatment was not significantly affecting routine blood profile.

Artificially Induced Phase Scintillation Observed From GLONASS Signals

The phase scintillation index is a commonly used metric in the remote sensing of ionospheric irregularities. In this work, we analyze the phase scintillation index observed from the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellite constellations, for a continuous period of three years. Our analysis reveals an elevated level of L1 phase scintillation observed from most GLONASS satellites, and non of the other GNSS constellations during the same period. This is of particular interest as the abnormality was observed during a solar minimum period, and from satellites labeled as healthy. Furthermore, the observations made were verified with data from three other receivers in different regions. This study was conducted to highlight these artificially induced phase scintillations from GLONASS satellites so that future studies can take them into considerations, especially during periods of heightened geomagnetic activity. Additionally, these artificially induced phase scintillations may result in loss of phase lock, as well as reduced positioning accuracy, which may have serious effects on the reliability and integrity of the GLONASS positioning service.

Artificially Induced Phase Scintillation Observed From GLONASS Signals

The phase scintillation index is a commonly used metric in the remote sensing of ionospheric irregularities. In this work, we analyze the phase scintillation index observed from the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellite constellations, for a continuous period of three years. Our analysis reveals an elevated level of L1 phase scintillation observed from most GLONASS satellites, and non of the other GNSS constellations during the same period. This is of particular interest as the abnormality was observed during a solar minimum period, and from satellites labeled as healthy. Furthermore, the observations made were verified with data from three other receivers in different regions. This study was conducted to highlight these artificially induced phase scintillations from GLONASS satellites so that future studies can take them into considerations, especially during periods of heightened geomagnetic activity. Additionally, these artificially induced phase scintillations may result in loss of phase lock, as well as reduced positioning accuracy, which may have serious effects on the reliability and integrity of the GLONASS positioning service.

An Antioxidant Enzyme Therapeutic for Sepsis

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infections that may lead to organ dysfunction with high mortality. With the rapid increase in the aging population and antimicrobial resistance, developing therapeutics for the treatment of sepsis has been an unmet medical need. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during inflammation is associated with the occurrence of sepsis. We report herein a treatment for sepsis based on PEGylated catalase, which can effectively break down hydrogen peroxide, a key component of ROS that is chemically stable and able to diffuse around the tissues and form downstream ROS. PEGylated catalase can effectively regulate the cytokine production by activated leukocytes, suppress the elevated level of AST, ALT, TNF-α, and IL-6 in mice with induced sepsis, and significantly improve the survival rate.

Compound heterozygous delta beta thalassemia with IVS 1-5 (G>C) mutation presenting as thalassemia major phenotype

Delta beta thalassemia is an unusual variant of thalassemia with elevated level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Unlike beta thalassemia, delta beta thalassemia heterozygotes have milder phenotype and homozygotes present as thalassemia intermedia phenotype. We report a 11-month-old male child who presented with severe anemia, and hepatosplenomegaly, thalassemia major phenotype. On evaluation was diagnosed as compound heterozygous for δβ0/β thalassemia with IVS 1-5 (G>C) mutation. This case highlights the importance of genotyping of patients with δβ thalassemia and co-inheritance of δβ thalassemia deletion with point mutation for β-thalassemia results in severe clinical phenotype as thalassemia major.

Effect of Fluoride Toxicity on Some Haematological Indices in Human Population

The present study aimed to determine the toxicity of Fluoride on haematological indices in some population residing in fluoride endemic area of Dongergaon village of Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, India. The study group was selected on the basis of elevated level of serum fluoride and symptoms of skeletal fluorosis. Various haematological parameters such as Hb, TEC, TLC, HCT and PLT count were analysed. Students t-test was applied for statistical analysis and the result showed that values of haematological indices in study group were significantly declined as compared to control group. The outcomes of the present study indicated the reduction in Hb, TEC, HCT, increase in TLC and non-significant change in PLT.