The 43GHz SiO maser in the circumstellar envelope of the AGB star R Cassiopeiae

We present multi-epoch, total intensity, high-resolution images of 43GHz, v=1, J=1-0 SiO maser emission toward the Mira variable R Cas. In total we have 23 epochs of data for R Cas at approximate monthly intervals over an optical pulsation phase range from 0.158 to 1.78. These maps show a ring-like distribution of the maser features in a shell, which is assumed to be centred on the star at a radius of 1.6 to 2.3 times the stellar radii. It is clear from these images that the maser emission is significantly extended around the star. At some epochs a faint outer arc can be seen at 2.2 stellar radii. The intensity of the emission waxes and wanes during the stellar phase. Some maser features are seen infalling as well as outflowing. We have made initial comparisons of our data with models by Gray et. al. (2009).Comment: 12 pages, 14 figure

One-electron oxidation and reduction of glycosaminoglycan chloramides: a kinetic study.

Hypochlorous acid and its acid-base counterpart, hypochlorite ions, produced under inflammatory conditions, may produce chloramides of glycosaminoglycans, these being significant components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This may occur through the binding of myeloperoxidase directly to the glycosaminoglycans. The N-Cl group in the chloramides is a potential selective target for both reducing and oxidizing radicals, leading possibly to more efficient and damaging fragmentation of these biopolymers relative to the parent glycosaminoglycans. In this study, the fast reaction techniques of pulse radiolysis and nanosecond laser flash photolysis have been used to generate both oxidizing and reducing radicals to react with the chloramides of hyaluronan (HACl) and heparin (HepCl). The strong reducing formate radicals and hydrated electrons were found to react rapidly with both HACl and HepCl with rate constants of 1-1.7 x 108 and 0.7-1.2 x 108 M-1 s-1 for formate radicals and 2.2 x 109 and 7.2 x 10 8 M-1 s-1 for hydrated electrons, respectively. The spectral characteristics of the products of these reactions were identical and were consistent with initial attack at the N-Cl groups, followed by elimination of chloride ions to produce nitrogen-centered radicals, which rearrange subsequently and rapidly to produce C-2 radicals on the glucosamine moiety, supporting an earlier EPR study by M.D. Rees et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125: 13719-13733; 2003). The oxidizing hydroxyl radicals also reacted rapidly with HACl and HepCl with rate constants of 2.2 x 108 and 1.6 x 108 M-1 s-1, with no evidence from these data for any degree of selective attack on the N-Cl group relative to the N-H groups and other sites of attack. The carbonate anion radicals were much slower with HACl and HepCl than hydroxyl radicals (1.0 x 105 and 8.0 x 10 4 M-1 s-1, respectively) but significantly faster than with the parent molecules (3.5 x 104 and 5.0 x 10 4 M-1 s-1, respectively). These findings suggest that these potential in vivo radicals may react in a site-specific manner with the N-Cl group in the glycosaminoglycan chloramides of the ECM, possibly to produce more efficient fragmentation. This is the first study therefore to conclusively demonstrate that reducing radicals react rapidly with glycosaminoglycan chloramides in a site-specific attack at the N-Cl group, probably to produce a 100% efficient biopolymer fragmentation process. Although less reactive, carbonate radicals, which may be produced in vivo via reactions of peroxynitrite with serum levels of carbon dioxide, also appear to react in a highly site-specific manner at the N-Cl group. It is not yet known if such site-specific attacks by this important in vivo species lead to a more efficient fragmentation of the biopolymers than would be expected for attack by the stronger oxidizing species, the hydroxyl radical. It is clear, however, that the N-Cl group formed under inflammatory conditions in the extracellular matrix does present a more likely target for both reactive oxygen species and reducing species than the N-H groups in the parent glycosaminoglycans. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Reaction of superoxide radicals with glycosaminoglycan chloramides: a kinetic study.

Hypochlorous acid and its acid-base counterpart, hypochlorite ions, produced under inflammatory conditions, may produce chloramides of glycosaminoglycans, perhaps through the binding of myeloperoxidase directly to the glycosaminoglycans. The N-Cl group in the chloramides is a potential target for reducing species such as Cu(I) and superoxide radicals. Laser flash photolysis has been used here to obtain, for the first time, the rate constants for the direct reaction of superoxide radicals with the chloramides of hyaluronan and heparin. The rate constants were in the range 2.2-2.7 × 103 M-1 s-1. The rate constant for the reaction with the amino acid taurine was found to be much lower, at 3.5-4.0 × 102 M-1 s-1. This demonstration that superoxide anion radicals react directly with hyaluronan and heparin chloramides may support the mechanism first proposed by M.D. Rees et al. (Biochem. J. 381, 175-184, 2004) for an efficient fragmentation of these glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix under inflammatory conditions. © 2013 Elsevier Inc

The Role of Lactoferrin and Adenosin De Aminase Enzyme in Thyroiditis (single and multiple nodule goiters) Iraqi Pateints

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional iron-binding protein present in several mucosal secretions as well as in secondary granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Anti-lactoferrin antibodies, which belong to anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies have been described in several immunomediated diseases. A total of 60 nodular and multi-nodular goiter patients, their age ranged from (22-71) years, attending the Medical City\Surgery department and Dijlah Private Hospital, during the period from August 2010 -April 2011. In addition, twenty healthy (controls), matched patients for age, were also included in the study. The study was conducted for the detection of serum level of anti- lactoferrin antibodies by using immunometric enzyme immunoassay. While (ADA) enzyme activity was measured by the method of (Giusti, 1981), also Protein ratio was measured by the method of (Bradford, 1976). Anti- lactoferrin antibodies were detected in 14 (23.33%) patients, which was significantly higher than that in normal individuals (p value 0.01) and the mean of positive cases was (4.473 ± 0.206) compared to the  negative cases which was (23.676 ± 2.137) (P value 0.001). (ADA) enzyme showed an increasing in mean value (4.56A ± 1.27) in patients, compared to controls (1.18 B ± 0.49). Total protein was detecting with high values and significant difference between patients (21.99B ± 0.33 gm/100ml) and control group (8.37A ± 1.31 gm/100ml). Where the normal value of the total protein is (6.4–8.3) gram per deciliter (g/dL). We conclude that anti-lactoferrin antibodies could be detected in patients with thyroiditis (single and multiple nodule goiters) in addition to elevatet level of  (ADA) enzyme and often total protein in the same patients. Keywords: Thyroiditis, Single and multiple nodule goiters, Lactoferrin, Adenosin De Aminase enzyme, protein

Autoantibodies Status of Leishmanial Patients in Iraq

A total of 145 leishmaniasis Iraqi patients were collected from suspected cases and 30 healthy control. Based on skin smear examination and serum samples analysis, the patients were distributed into two clinical groups: 30 cutaneous leishmaniasis and 30 visceral leishmaniasis patients. The study was conducted for the detection of 17 types of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) in studied groups, 10 types including (anti-ds-DNA, anti-Nucleosome, anti-SmD1, anti-PCNA, anti-SS-A/Ro60kD, anti-SS-A/Ro52kD, anti-SS-B/La, anti-CENP-B, anti-Mi-2 and anti-Ku antibodies), showed significant differences (P?0.05), (P?0.01) in the two groups, while 7 types which were non-significant included (anti-histones, anti-ribosomal P0, anti-Scl70, anti-U1-snRNP, anti-AMA M2, anti-Jo1 and anti-PM-Scl antibodies). With respect to the Anti-cardiolipin IgG antibodies (aCL), it showed a significant increased level in the serum of VL patients (P?0.01) as compared with control group (8.123 vs. 1.959), also as compared with CL patients (8.123 vs. 2.402). As for CL patients, also there was a significant difference (P?0.01) (2.402 vs. 8.123) when compared with VL patients, but no significant variations (2.402 vs. 1.959) were observed in compare with control group. We conclude that Leishmaniasis in iraqi patients may be considered as a cause autoimmune diseases as in case of inflammatory myopathies (IM), and the pathgenesis of human myositis, especially in VL which contributes in the immunological alterations associated with muscle damage. Keywords: Leishmania species, autoantibodies, antinuclear antibodies, anticardiolipin

Vitamin and mineral supplementation for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in mid and late life

Vitamins and minerals play multiple functions within the central nervous system which may help to maintain brain health and optimal cognitive functioning. Supplementation of the diet with various vitamins and minerals has been suggested as a means of maintaining cognitive function, or even of preventing dementia, in later life

The Immunological Effectiveness of Some Common Plants

Three plant species were picked randomly and their alcoholic extracts have been screened to know their effects on the phagocytic capability and intracellular killing of yeast by human peripheral macrophages. Macrophage cultures were incubated with different concentration of each plant extract: for 15 min., 30 min .and 45 min. The phagocytes activity in Iresine herbstii extract was significantly (p?0.05) increased with increasing dose and time of incubation. In Mentha piperita extract, increasing in dose and time of incubation leads to elevate phagocytic capbility, especially in the dose of 20% and 25% of plant extract, perhaps because the antimicrobial and antiviral activities of this plant, as well as strong antioxidant and antitumor actions. While in Elettaria cardamomum, a significant elevation has been observed in phagocytic efficiency when the dose of extract increase to 15%, then decreased in the subsequent doses (20% and 25%), in three periods of time. These findings may suggest that cardamom exert immunomodulatory roles

Hepatitis C Virus among Iraqi Patients on Renal Dialysis, Some Immunological Profiles

Back ground: Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common chronic liver disease at present, and HCV infection is found with variable prevalence in dialysis populations in different parts of the world. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of sialic acid and immunoglobulins level in the sera of patients with chronic renal failure whom infected with Hepatitis C virus, and the effect of hemodialysis on them. Patients&Methods: Regarding to this aim, total sialic acid levels (TSA) and immunoglobulins level were studied on the blood samples of 20 patients with chronic renal failure + Hepatitis C virus (positive group) and 20 patients with chronic renal failure (negative group) and 20 healthy volunteers. Serum TSA determinations were carried out by the resorcinol method. Results: In (positive group), the mean of TSA concentration (after hemodialysis treatment) was 68 ± 2.9 mg/dl, and the mean of TSA concentration in (negative group) was 110.7 ±7.5 mg/dl, while the mean TSA level in healthy control group was 58.3 ± 1.7 mg/dl. Also, this study aimed to assess serum concentration of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgM and IgA. Serum IgG was increased in patients of (positive group) and (negative group) with respect to control healthy (6.1, 5.5, 5.4 respectively) (p<0.05).There was no significant difference between the third groups in serum IgM concentration (6.6, 6, 6.2 respectively).Also in serum IgA concentration (5.8, 6, 5.5 respectively). Conclusion: We conclude that the TSA levels in the first groups both were found to be significantly elevated as compared to control levels (p<0.05), and Hepatitis C virus are linked to selective increase of serum IgG

Approaches in biotechnological applications of natural polymers

Natural polymers, such as gums and mucilage, are biocompatible, cheap, easily available and non-toxic materials of native origin. These polymers are increasingly preferred over synthetic materials for industrial applications due to their intrinsic properties, as well as they are considered alternative sources of raw materials since they present characteristics of sustainability, biodegradability and biosafety. As definition, gums and mucilages are polysaccharides or complex carbohydrates consisting of one or more monosaccharides or their derivatives linked in bewildering variety of linkages and structures. Natural gums are considered polysaccharides naturally occurring in varieties of plant seeds and exudates, tree or shrub exudates, seaweed extracts, fungi, bacteria, and animal sources. Water-soluble gums, also known as hydrocolloids, are considered exudates and are pathological products; therefore, they do not form a part of cell wall. On the other hand, mucilages are part of cell and physiological products. It is important to highlight that gums represent the largest amounts of polymer materials derived from plants. Gums have enormously large and broad applications in both food and non-food industries, being commonly used as thickening, binding, emulsifying, suspending, stabilizing agents and matrices for drug release in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In the food industry, their gelling properties and the ability to mold edible films and coatings are extensively studied. The use of gums depends on the intrinsic properties that they provide, often at costs below those of synthetic polymers. For upgrading the value of gums, they are being processed into various forms, including the most recent nanomaterials, for various biotechnological applications. Thus, the main natural polymers including galactomannans, cellulose, chitin, agar, carrageenan, alginate, cashew gum, pectin and starch, in addition to the current researches about them are reviewed in this article.. }To the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientfíico e Tecnológico (CNPq) for fellowships (LCBBC and MGCC) and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nvíel Superior (CAPES) (PBSA). This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit, the Project RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462) and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) (JAT)

Risk Factors with Porcelain Laminate Veneers Experienced during Cementation: A Review

The clinical success of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) depends on many clinical and technical factors, from planning to execution, among which adhesive cementation is of significant importance. This procedure carries many risk factors if not optimally executed. The objective of this study was to document the clinical parameters affecting successful cementation procedures with a focus on the adhesive strength, integrity, and esthetics of the PLVs. A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, complemented by a hand search using predefined keywords. Articles published in English between 1995 and 2023 were selected. According to this review, the success and longevity of PLVs rely in great part on the implementation of a precise cementation technique, starting from field isolation, adequate materials selection for adhesion, proper manipulation of the materials, the seating of the veneers, polymerization, and elimination of the excess cement. Several clinical steps performed before cementation, including treatment planning, preparation, impression, and adequate choice of the restorative material, could affect the quality of cementation. Scientific evidence suggests careful implementation of this process to achieve predictable outcomes with PLVs. The short- and long-term clinical success of adhesively luted PLVs is tributary to a deep understanding of the materials used and the implementation of clinical protocols. It is also contingent upon all the previous steps from case selection, treatment planning, and execution until and after the cementation