Factors influencing crosslink formation in muscle tissue

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of the crosslink breaker ALT-711 on the concentration of soluble collagen, as well as its effectiveness on meat tenderness.;Final body weights were not affected by treatments. Muscle tenderness was higher (p \u3c 0.05) for TB, SS, BF, ST, and LT (p \u3c 0.10) for A-maturity animals compared to control and ALT-711 treated animals. No consistent ALT-711 effect on shear force measurements was found. Shear force increased linearly with age BF, R2 = 0.94; SM, R2 = 0.81; LL, R 2 = 0.77; SS, R2 = 0.63; LT, R2 = 0.32; TB, R2 = 0.37; ST, R2 = 0.40. Total collagen content was not different (p \u3e 0.10) between A-maturity, control and ALT-711 treated animals. However, the concentration of soluble collagen was higher (P \u3c 0.05) for A-maturity group. Insoluble collagen content was higher (p \u3c 0.05) for longissimus thoracis, biceps femoris, and (p \u3c 0.10) for supraspinatus of control animals. Muscle soluble collagen content decreased linearly as chronological age increased LT R2 = 0.98; LL R 2 = 0.92; TB R2 = 0.99; BF R2 = 0.99; ST R2 = 0.95; SM R2 = 0.99; SS R2 = 0.36. The soluble collagen percentage was higher for ALT-711 treated animals compared to control animals.;ALT-711 tended to increase muscle soluble collagen content of aged cattle. ALT-711 may be an effective age-related collagen crosslink breaker. However, ALT-711 may not be used to improve meat quality of aged cattle

Evaluation of the use of remotely sensed images to speciate mixed Appalachian forests

Advancements in technology have led to development of various new sensors and platforms. Among them, the airborne digital camera has potential for use in detailed forest vegetation management, and they offer a number of advantages over conventional aerial photographs. The aim of the study was to determine the ability to speciate mixed Appalachian hardwood forests using the Airborne Data Acquisition and Registration (ADAR) System 1000, and to determine the optimal spatial resolution and the optimal scale of the acquired images. Digital images of a 200-ha area in west central West Virginia were acquired for the study.;The first objective of the study was to determine the optimal spatial resolution of Central Appalachian hardwoods images through analysis of spatial autocorrelation and semivariance.;The next objective of the study was to determine the optimal scale of the acquired images, which represents the pixel size at which the classification accuracy was optimized.;The third objective of the study was to evaluate the ability to determine the species composition of the study area using the acquired images. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

THE INFLUENCE OF THE INTEGRATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION ON THE ROMANIAN FISCAL LEGISLATION

Fiscal policy constitutes – within the state's economic policy – a system by means of which the taxes and duties owed to the country's consolidated budget are established and collected. Taking into account the role fiscal policy has been playing since Romania's admission in the European Union, one of the goals ceaselessly looked for is its adapting to the international community's acquis through the implementation of the European directives in our context. The EU directives make reference to direct taxes: dividend tax, interest income tax, assets transfer, shares exchange, income taxation for the non-residents, and so on, along with the indirect taxes: value-added tax, excise duties, etc. The paper approaches the main provisions within the contents of the European directives as well as the means of their implementation in the Romanian fiscal legislation regarding various types of taxes. The implementation of the European directives has been simultaneous with the establishing of measures concerning fiscal fraud prevention, frauds liable to have a negative impact on the state's consolidated budget

Role of MicroRNAs in Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System-Mediated Cardiovascular Inflammation and Remodeling

MicroRNAs are endogenous regulators of gene expression either by inhibiting translation or protein degradation. Recent studies indicate that microRNAs play a role in cardiovascular disease and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system- (RAAS-) mediated cardiovascular inflammation, either as mediators or being targeted by RAAS pharmacological inhibitors. The exact role(s) of microRNAs in RAAS-mediated cardiovascular inflammation and remodeling is/are still in early stage of investigation. However, few microRNAs have been shown to play a role in RAAS signaling, particularly miR-155, miR-146a/b, miR-132/122, and miR-483-3p. Identification of specific microRNAs and their targets and elucidating microRNA-regulated mechanisms associated RAS-mediated cardiovascular inflammation and remodeling might lead to the development of novel pharmacological strategies to target RAAS-mediated vascular pathologies. This paper reviews microRNAs role in inflammatory factors mediating cardiovascular inflammation and RAAS genes and the effect of RAAS pharmacological inhibition on microRNAs and the resolution of RAAS-mediated cardiovascular inflammation and remodeling. Also, this paper discusses the advances on microRNAs-based therapeutic approaches that may be important in targeting RAAS signaling

PROFIT TAX OR INCOME TAX? OPTIONS FOR FISCAL OPTIMIZATION OF ROMANIAN SMALL COMPANIES

Entrepreneurs usually seek for solutions to reduce their tax burden. We can speak about tax optimization as long as these solutions are in accordance with the law; if they are not, they obviously fall into the area of fiscal fraud. This paper addresses the issue of taxation applicable to the Romanian micro-enterprises. These are small entities that fulfil certain conditions regarding total turnover, equity and domain of activity. Although the provisions applying to micro-enterprise taxation were elaborated, among others, with the intention to reduce tax evasion, they also allow the micro-enterprises with losses to avoid tax payment. In a country with low purchasing power and a great number of taxes and fees like Romania, the entrepreneurs are tempted to use any kind of method to reduce the payments due to the state budget. The micro-enterprise owners make no exception in this matter

Confounding experimental considerations in nanogenotoxicology

The development of novel nanomaterials with unique physico-chemical properties is increasing at a rapid rate, with potential applications across a broad range of manufacturing industries and consumer products. Nanomaterial safety is therefore becoming an increasingly contentious issue that has intensified over the past 4 years, and in response, a steady stream of studies focusing on nanotoxicology are emerging. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that nanomaterials cannot be treated in the same manner as chemical compounds with regards to their safety assessment, as their unique physico-chemical properties are also responsible for unexpected interactions with experimental components that generate misleading data-sets. In this report, we focus on nanomaterial interactions with colorimetric and fluorometric dyes, components of cell culture growth medium and genotoxicity assay components, and the resultant consequences on test systems are demonstrated. Thus, highlighting some of the potential confounding factors that need to be considered in order to ensure that in vitro genotoxicity assays report true biological impacts in response to nanomaterial exposure.status: publishe

Unusual Presentation of Recurrent Gallstone Ileus: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background. Gallstone ileus (GSI) is a rare form of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients with cholelithiasis, which is often poorly managed. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) with contrast is considered the most helpful diagnostic tool, as it is highly sensitive, specific, and accurate. We report an interesting case of recurrent GSI that was not detected by CT but diagnosed intraoperatively. Case Presentation. A 49-year-old female with a previous history of choledocholithiasis and ERCP presented to the emergency department following episodes of sudden cramping, epigastric pain, and nausea. An abdominal CT revealed evidence of SBO with clear evidence of GSI and a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Laparoscopic exploration of the small bowel revealed a large, calcified 3.5 cm × 3 cm gallstone with evidence of pressure necrosis; segmental bowel resection with stapled anastomosis was performed and patient recovered appropriately after surgery. Cholecystectomy was not performed due to multiple co-morbidities and absence of gallbladder stones. However, she presented two months later with signs and symptoms of SBO. A repeat abdominal CT showed dilated bowel with no clear transition point. This was suspected to be due to adhesions. After an initial conservative treatment which produced mild improvement, laparotomy was performed which revealed a second large non-calcified gallstone and necrotic small bowel with a pocket of abscess. Conclusion. The most sensitive diagnostic tool for GSI is enhanced abdominal CT but dilemma arises when GSI is not detected on CT. A high index of suspicion and further exploration are required in order not to miss other vital findings

A Review on the Respiratory System Toxicity of Carbon Nanoparticles

The respiratory system represents the main gateway for nanoparticles’ entry into the human body. Although there is a myriad of engineered nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles/nanotubes (CNPs/CNTs) have received much attention mainly due to their light weight, very high surface area, durability, and their diverse applications. Since their discovery and manufacture over two decades ago, much has been learned about nanoparticles’ interactions with diverse biological system models. In particular, the respiratory system has been of great interest because various natural and man-made fibrous particles are known to be responsible for chronic and debilitating lung diseases. In this review, we present up-to-date the literature regarding the effects of CNTs or carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the human respiratory system with respect to respiratory toxicity pathways and associated pathologies. This article is intended to emphasize the potentially dangerous effects to the human respiratory system if inadequate measures are used in the manufacture, handling, and preparation and applications of CNP or CNP-based products. View Full-Tex

Signaling interactions in the adrenal cortex

The major physiological stimuli of aldosterone secretion are angiotensin II (AII) and extracellular K+ whereas cortisol production is primarily regulated by corticotrophin (ACTH) in fasciculata cells. AII triggers Ca2+ release from internal stores that is followed by store-operated and voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry whereas K+-evoked depolarisation activates voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. ACTH acts primarily through the formation of cAMP and subsequent protein phosphorylation by protein kinase A. Both Ca2+ and cAMP facilitate the transfer of cholesterol to mitochondrial inner membrane. The cytosolic Ca2+ signal is transferred into the mitochondrial matrix and enhances pyridine nucleotide reduction. Increased formation of NADH results in increased ATP production whereas that of NADPH supports steroid production. In reality, the control of adrenocortical function is a lot more sophisticated with second messengers crosstalking and mutually modifying each other’s pathways. Cytosolic Ca2+ and cGMP are both capable of modifying cAMP metabolism whilst cAMP may enhance Ca2+ release and voltage-activated Ca2+ channel activity. Besides, mitochondrial Ca2+ signal brings about cAMP formation within the organelle and this further enhances aldosterone production. Maintained aldosterone and cortisol secretion are optimized by the concurrent actions of Ca2+ and cAMP, as exemplified by the apparent synergism of Ca2+ influx (inducing cAMP formation) and Ca2+ release during response to AII. Thus, cross-actions of parallel signal transducing pathways are not mere intracellular curiosities but rather substantial phenomena which fine-tune the biological response. Our review focuses on these functionally relevant interactions between the Ca2+ and the cyclic nucleotide signal transducing pathways hitherto described in the adrenal cortex

Iron oxide nanoparticles induce human microvascular endothelial cell permeability through reactive oxygen species production and microtubule remodeling

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Engineered iron nanoparticles are being explored for the development of biomedical applications and many other industry purposes. However, to date little is known concerning the precise mechanisms of translocation of iron nanoparticles into targeted tissues and organs from blood circulation, as well as the underlying implications of potential harmful health effects in human.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The confocal microscopy imaging analysis demonstrates that exposure to engineered iron nanoparticles induces an increase in cell permeability in human microvascular endothelial cells. Our studies further reveal iron nanoparticles enhance the permeability through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the stabilization of microtubules. We also showed Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathways are involved in iron nanoparticle-induced cell permeability. The inhibition of ROS demonstrate ROS play a major role in regulating Akt/GSK-3β – mediated cell permeability upon iron nanoparticle exposure. These results provide new insights into the bioreactivity of engineered iron nanoparticles which can inform potential applications in medical imaging or drug delivery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results indicate that exposure to iron nanoparticles induces an increase in endothelial cell permeability through ROS oxidative stress-modulated microtubule remodeling. The findings from this study provide new understandings on the effects of nanoparticles on vascular transport of macromolecules and drugs.</p