HLA-G 14bp ins/del Polymorphism, Plasma Level of Soluble HLA-G and Association with IL-6/IL-10 Ratio and Survival of Glioma Patients

HLA-G is an immune checkpoint molecule with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities, and its expression and level of its soluble form (sHLA-G) may play an important role in tumor prognosis. The HLA-G 14 bp ins/del polymorphism and the plasma level of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) were investigated by a polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively, in 59 glioma patients. A significantly higher proportion of glioma patients had the 14 nt insert in both homozygous and heterozygous states compared to the control group. Glioma patients had also higher plasma levels of sHLA-G. Patients with methylated MGMT promoter had lower levels of sHLA-G than those with unmethylated MGMT promoter. Level of sHLA-G negatively correlated with the overall survival of patients. Glioblastoma patients who survived more than one year after diagnosis had lower levels of sHLA-G than those surviving less than one year. Patients with sHLA-G levels below the cut off value 40 U/mL survived significantly longer than patients with sHLA-G above 40 U/mL. The levels of sHLA-G also negatively correlated with the level of IL-6 (P=0.0004) and positively with IL-10/IL-6 (P=0.046). Conclusion: The presence of 14 nt insert in both homozygous and heterozygous states of the HLA-G 14 bp ins/del polymorphism is more frequent in glioma patients and the elevated plasma levels of sHLA-G are negatively associated with their survival.

SNPs detection in 5’-UTR region of the MC4R gene in Garut sheep

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene has been linked to controlling feeding behavior and body weight. The objective of this study was to detect the polymorphism within the 5’-UTR region of the MC4R gene in Garut sheep. A total of 36 blood samples were isolated and amplified using primers (forward: 5’-TTCGTTTGGGGCAAGTCAAG-3’ and reverse: 5’-GGAAACGCTCACCAACATGT-3’). Two SNPs, g.396C/T and g.399C/G, were discovered in the 5‘UTR region based on sequence alignment (position number based on Genbank acc no. NC_040274). For both SNPs, only two genotypes were found in the samples. Both SNPs had identical allele and genotype frequencies. The C allele (86%, n=26) was higher than the T (g.396C/T) and G allele (g.399C/G) (14%, n=10). The homozygous CC genotype has a higher frequency (72%) in both SNP g.396C/T and g.399C/G, followed by CT and CG genotype (28%), respectively. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium analysis resulted in the sample population did not deviate (χ2<5.59). Further analysis could be suggested to provide an overview of this polymorphism effect in Garut sheep’s growth traits.

Dental Students’ Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Temporomandibular Dysfunction-Self-Rating versus Clinical Assessment

The aim of this study was to compare dental students’ self-perception of oral health with the results of a clinical examination of the masticatory system. Seventy-four dental students (38 (51.4%) females and 36 (48.6%) males) completed the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-G-14) and underwent a clinical examination according to the Graz Dysfunction Index (GDI). Data were analyzed with descriptive and comparative statistics. Median OHIP-G-14 scores were 3 (IQR 0–6) in the total collective, 4 (1–11) in females, and 2 (0–4) in males (p = 0.072). A score of 0 was found in 29.7% of the sample. The results of the GDI were 50% “normal function”, 43.2% “adaptation”, 5.4% “compensation”, and 1.4% “dysfunction”. The comparison of OHIP-G-14 scores and DGI groups showed a significant difference (p = 0.031). Based on the questionnaire, less than one third of the sample indicated maximum oral health-related quality of life. In contrast, the GDI revealed “normal function” or “adaptation” in 93.2%. Dental students underappreciated their oral health condition. Health assessments should not be solely questionnaire-based, especially in health professionals (-to-be). To establish a valid diagnosis of the state of health, self-assessment must be complemented by an objective clinical examination, e.g., GDI.

HLA-G 14bp Ins/Del Polymorphism in the 3′UTR Region and Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects the survival rate of kidney transplant organs and patients. Acute rejection (AR) due to AKI may lead to kidney transplantation failure. It is known that there is a relationship between human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), which is involved in immune regulation, and AR in transplant patients. Moreover, 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) region of the HLA-G gene is known to affect HLA-G expression. However, its relationship to AR is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism contributed to the development of AR in kidney transplant patients using a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: To perform our meta-analysis, eligible studies about HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and AR were searched in electronic databases until 1 June 2021. Finally, a total of 336 patients with AR and 952 patients without AR in relation to kidney transplantation were analyzed from a total of nine studies. Results: In our results, the Del allele and Ins/Del+Del/Del and Del/Del genotypes significantly increased susceptibility of AR in Asian populations [odds ratio (OR) = 2.359, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.568–3.550, p = 3.8 × 10−5; OR = 3.357, 95% CI = 1.769–6.370, p = 0.002; OR = 2.750, 95% CI = 1.354–5.587, p = 0.0052 in each model, respectively]. Conclusions: Evidence of the present results indicate that HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to AR in the Asian population.

System Dynamics Modeling for Estimating the Locations of Road Icing Using GIS

Road icing can cause large traffic accidents on highways because, unlike snowy roads, its location is difficult to identify and it can occur rapidly, even during rainy weather. In this study, the amount and location of road icing were modeled and simulated over time based on the system dynamics theory. The simulation is expressed on the geographic information system (GIS) and facilitates advance detection of the location and amount of road icing that occurs unexpectedly unlike previous studies. Modeling was designed to process spatial and meteorological data after combining them. The spatial data used for modeling were Hillshade, Water System, Bridge, and Road (Highway). Air temperature, cloudiness, vapor pressure, wind speed, and precipitation were used as meteorological data. The amount of road icing was estimated by scientifically designing the parameters related to its occurrence between spatial and meteorological data. Based on this, the amount of road icing by location was simulated per 1m2 using the GIS. The simulation results showed that the amount of road icing that began to increase from AM 08:00 reached its peak (an average of 213.62 g/m2) at noon and then slowly decreased. Additionally, when simulated with GIS, the sum amount of road icing between AM 12:00 and PM 13:00 was a maximum of 1707.292 (g/14 h) and a minimum of 360.082 (g/14 h) for each location. Hypothesis testing was conducted on whether road icing significantly occurs at actual points vulnerable to traffic accidents. Based on the results, the average significance level was calculated to be less than 0.05. Therefore, the alternative hypothesis that the model can estimate road icing in vulnerable areas was adopted. The verified simulation can be useful data to government agencies (e.g., road traffic authority) in their programs to prevent traffic accidents caused by road icing.

Evidence for a shift in placental HLA-G allelic dominance and the HLA-G isoform profile during a healthy pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a non-classical class Ib major expressed by placental trophoblast cells plays a central role in establishing tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus and in placentation. HLA-G exists in different soluble or membrane-bound isoforms. Pre-eclampsia, a major cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality, has been linked to insufficient placentation and an altered immune response in pregnancy, including altered HLA-G expression. The 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region of the gene and the isoform profile may affect HLA-G expression. The aim of the current pilot study was to characterize the expression patterns of HLAG mRNA, protein and isoform profile in uncomplicated term pregnancies and in cases of pre-eclampsia. Maternal sHLA-G mRNA and protein levels was slightly reduced in pre-eclampsia. No difference was found for placental blood, and no correlation between peripheral and placental sHLA-G levels was found. We observed no association between neither fetal nor maternal HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion genotypes and pre-eclampsia, nor a significant difference in isoform profiles. However, in HLA-G 14 bp insertion/deletion heterozygous placental samples, we observed abundant HLA-G1 14 bp insertion allele expression in the term placentae, which is contrary to previous findings in first trimester trophoblast. Increased HLA-G1 14 bp insertion allele expression in the placenta was associated with reduced levels of placental sHLA-G and an altered isoform profile with increased relative levels of HLA-G1 and -G5 and reduced levels of HLA-G3. The results indicate that an allelic shift in heterozygous individuals could represent a novel regulatory pathway.

Biotransformation of Daidzein, Genistein, and Naringenin by Streptomyces Species Isolated from High-Altitude Soil of Nepal

Flavonoids have achieved widespread importance in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. Furthermore, modification of these naturally occurring flavonoids to structurally diverse compounds through whole cell biotransformation with enhanced biological activities has numerous biotechnological applications. The present study investigated the biotransformation potential of Streptomyces species isolated from a high-altitude-soil sample towards selected flavonoid molecules. The biotransformed metabolites were confirmed by comparing the HPLC chromatogram with authentic compounds and LC-MS/MS analysis. Of these isolates, Streptomyces species G-18 (Accession number: MW663767.1) catalyzed isoflavone molecules daidzein and genistein to produce hydroxylated products at 24 h of reaction condition in a whole cell system. The hydroxylation of daidzein (4′,7-dihydroxyisoflavone) was confirmed at 3′-position of the B ring to produce 3′,4′,7-trihydroxyisoflavone. In addition, Streptomyces species G-14 (Accession number: MW663770.1) and Streptomyces species S4L (Accession number: MW663769.1) also revealed the transformation of daidzein (4′,7-dihydroxyisoflavone) to hydroxy daidzein at a distinct position than that of G-18 isolates, whereas thee Streptomyces species S4L reaction mixture with naringenin as a substrate also revealed the hydroxylated product. Our results demonstrated that microorganisms isolated from different ecological niches have broad application.

Design and Analysis of Multistorey (G+14) Residential Building Using Staad.Pro & Autocad

In order to compete in the ever-growing competent market, it is very important for a structural engineer to save time. As a sequel to this an attempt is made to analyze and design a multistoried building by using a software package staad pro. For analyzing a multi storied building one has to consider all the possible loadings and see that the structure is safe against all possible loading conditions. There are several methods for analysis of different frames like kani’s method, cantilever method, portal method, and Matrix method. The present project deals with the design & analysis of a multi storied residential building of G+14 consisting of 2 apartments in each floor. The dead load &live loads are applied and the design for beams, columns, footing is obtained STAAD Pro with its new features surpassed its predecessors and compotators with its data sharing capabilities with other major software like AutoCAD. We conclude that staad pro is a very powerful tool which can save much time and is very accurate in Designs. Thus, it is concluded that staad pro package is suitable for the designof a multistoried building.

The relationship of HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion genetic polymorphism to the risk of multiple sclerosis and its clinical phenotypes

Background Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecule has been suggested to have a potential immunomodulatory role in multiple sclerosis (MS). Genetic variant sites of HLA-G molecule have been reported to be associated with autoimmune diseases. Identifying the genetic risk factors of MS may help in preventive strategies and anticipating disease progression. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of HLA-G 14-base-pair insertion/deletion (14-bp INS/DEL) genetic polymorphism on MS risk and clinical characteristics and to observe the clinical characteristics of the MS patients’ group. The study included 48 MS patients and 50 cross-matched healthy controls, who were recruited from Sohag and Assiut university hospitals. Genetic testing (14-bp Ins/Del gene polymorphism) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for patients and control groups. All patients had a detailed clinical assessment and have undergone measurement of disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results No statistically significant difference was found between MS patients and healthy controls (HC) in genotypic and allelic frequencies of HLA-G 14-bp INS/DEL polymorphism (P=0.305). No significant association was found between HLA-G 14-bp INS/DEL polymorphism genotypes and clinical characteristics or degree of disability of MS patients. The most frequent presenting symptoms of MS were motor symptoms. Fatigue was the most reported symptom along the course of MS disease. Conclusion Although it has been long known that HLA-G represents an important MS susceptibility locus, in this study, no significant relation could be detected between the 14-bp INS/DEL polymorphism genotype and MS susceptibility. MS risk susceptibility may be not linked to a single allele but may depend on the combination of different polymorphic genetic sites. In this study, the lack of genetic susceptibility may be attributed to ethnic factor.