GDF11 induces kidney fibrosis, renal cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and kidney dysfunction and failure.

PubMed

Pons, Marianne; Koniaris, Leonidas G; Moe, Sharon M; Gutierrez, Juan C; Esquela-Kerscher, Aurora; Zimmers, Teresa A

2018-05-03

GDF11 modulates embryonic patterning and kidney organogenesis. Herein, we sought to define GDF11 function in the adult kidney and in renal diseases. In vitro renal cell lines, genetic, and murine in vivo renal injury models were examined. Among tissues tested, Gdf11 was highest in normal adult mouse kidney. Expression was increased acutely after 5/6 nephrectomy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, kanamycin toxicity, or unilateral ureteric obstruction. Systemic, high-dose GDF11 administration in adult mice led to renal failure, with accompanying kidney atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells, and eventually death. These effects were associated with phosphorylation of SMAD2 and could be blocked by follistatin. In contrast, Gdf11 heterozygous mice showed reduced renal Gdf11 expression, renal fibrosis, and expression of fibrosis-associated genes both at baseline and after unilateral ureteric obstruction compared with wild-type littermates. The kidney-specific consequences of GDF11 dose modulation are direct effects on kidney cells. GDF11 induced proliferation and activation of NRK49f renal fibroblasts and also promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of IMCD-3 tubular epithelial cells in a SMAD3-dependent manner. Taken together, these data suggest that GDF11 and its downstream signals are critical in vivo mediators of renal injury. These effects are through direct actions of GDF11 on renal tubular cells and fibroblasts. Thus, regulation of GDF11 presents a therapeutic target for diseases involving renal fibrosis and impaired tubular function. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

78 FR 7424 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-01

... Triennial Market Power Analysis of Southwestern Public Service Company. Filed Date: 1/24/13. Accession.... Applicants: GDF SUEZ Energy Marketing NA, Inc. Description: Notice of Succession to be effective 1/26/2013...

Nuclei pulposi formation from the embryonic notochord occurs normally in GDF-5-deficient mice.

PubMed

Maier, Jennifer A; Harfe, Brian D

2011-11-15

The transition of the mouse embryonic notochord into nuclei pulposi was determined ("fate mapped") in vivo in growth and differentiating factor-5 (GDF-5)-null mice using the Shhcre and R26R alleles. To determine whether abnormal nuclei pulposi formation from the embryonic notochord was responsible for defects present in adult nuclei pulposi of Gdf-5-null mice. The development, maintenance, and degeneration of the intervertebral disc are not understood. Previously, we demonstrated that all cells in the adult nucleus pulposus of normal mice are derived from the embryonic notochord. Gdf-5-null mice have been reported to contain intervertebral discs in which the nucleus pulposus is abnormal. It is currently unclear if disc defects in Gdf-5-null mice arise during the formation of nuclei pulposi from the notochord during embryogenesis or result from progressive postnatal degeneration of nuclei pulposi. Gdf-5 messenger RNA expression was examined in the discs of wild-type embryos by RNA in situ hybridization to determine when and where this gene was expressed. To examine nucleus pulposus formation in Gdf-5-null mice, intervertebral discs in which embryonic notochord cells were marked were analyzed in newborn and 24-week-old mice. Our Gdf-5 messenger RNA in situ experiments determined that this gene is localized to the annulus fibrosus and not the nucleus pulposus in mouse embryos. Notochord fate-mapping experiments revealed that notochord cells in Gdf-5-null mice correctly form nuclei pulposi. Our data suggest that the defects reported in the nucleus pulposus of adult Gdf-5-null mice do not result from abnormal patterning of the embryonic notochord. The use of mouse alleles to mark cells that produce all cell types that reside in the adult nucleus pulposus will allow for a detailed examination of disc formation in other mouse mutants that have been reported to contain disc defects.

GDF15 is elevated in mice following retinal ganglion cell death and in glaucoma patients

PubMed Central

Ban, Norimitsu; Siegfried, Carla J.; Lin, Jonathan B.; Shui, Ying-Bo; Sein, Julia; Pita-Thomas, Wolfgang; Sene, Abdoulaye; Santeford, Andrea; Gordon, Mae; Lamb, Rachel; Dong, Zhenyu; Kelly, Shannon C.; Cavalli, Valeria; Yoshino, Jun

2017-01-01

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Physicians often use surrogate endpoints to monitor the progression of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. These approaches are limited in their ability to quantify disease severity and progression due to inherent subjectivity, unreliability, and limitations of normative databases. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify specific molecular markers that predict or measure glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Here, we demonstrate that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is associated with retinal ganglion cell death. Gdf15 expression in the retina is specifically increased after acute injury to retinal ganglion cell axons and in a murine chronic glaucoma model. We also demonstrate that the ganglion cell layer may be one of the sources of secreted GDF15 and that GDF15 diffuses to and can be detected in aqueous humor (AH). In validating these findings in human patients with glaucoma, we find not only that GDF15 is increased in AH of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), but also that elevated GDF15 levels are significantly associated with worse functional outcomes in glaucoma patients, as measured by visual field testing. Thus, GDF15 maybe a reliable metric of glaucomatous neurodegeneration, although further prospective validation studies will be necessary to determine if GDF15 can be used in clinical practice. PMID:28469085

Biochemistry and Biology of GDF11 and Myostatin: Similarities, Differences, and Questions for Future Investigation.

PubMed

Walker, Ryan G; Poggioli, Tommaso; Katsimpardi, Lida; Buchanan, Sean M; Oh, Juhyun; Wattrus, Sam; Heidecker, Bettina; Fong, Yick W; Rubin, Lee L; Ganz, Peter; Thompson, Thomas B; Wagers, Amy J; Lee, Richard T

2016-04-01

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and myostatin (or GDF8) are closely related members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily and are often perceived to serve similar or overlapping roles. Yet, despite commonalities in protein sequence, receptor utilization and signaling, accumulating evidence suggests that these 2 ligands can have distinct functions in many situations. GDF11 is essential for mammalian development and has been suggested to regulate aging of multiple tissues, whereas myostatin is a well-described negative regulator of postnatal skeletal and cardiac muscle mass and modulates metabolic processes. In this review, we discuss the biochemical regulation of GDF11 and myostatin and their functions in the heart, skeletal muscle, and brain. We also highlight recent clinical findings with respect to a potential role for GDF11 and/or myostatin in humans with heart disease. Finally, we address key outstanding questions related to GDF11 and myostatin dynamics and signaling during development, growth, and aging. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Asiaticoside hinders the invasive growth of keloid fibroblasts through inhibition of the GDF-9/MAPK/Smad pathway.

PubMed

Wu, Xin; Bian, Difei; Dou, Yannong; Gong, Zhunan; Tan, Qian; Xia, Yufeng; Dai, Yue

2017-08-01

Higher expression of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) in keloids compared with hypertrophic scars and normal skin tissues has been reported recently. The present study was performed to investigate the role of GDF-9 in keloid pathogenesis, and to elucidate its implication for asiaticoside in the keloid management. The data showed that GDF-9 could enhance the proliferation, migration, and invasion of keloid fibroblasts (KFs), while it only slightly elevated collagen expression, indicating that the effect of GDF-9 was opposite to that of TGF-β1. The bioactivity difference between GDF-9 and TGF-β1 could be explained by the different phosphorylated sites on the downstream Smad2/3. Moreover, asiaticoside could inhibit GDF-9-induced activation of MAPKs and Smad pathway in KFs. In conclusion, GDF-9 enhanced the invasive growth of KFs, which was achieved by phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 at the linker region through activation of MAPKs pathway. Asiaticoside hindered the invasive growth of KFs by inhibiting the GDF-9/MAPK/Smad pathway. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Knock-in human GDF5 proregion L373R mutation as a mouse model for proximal symphalangism.

PubMed

Zhang, Xinxin; Xing, Xuesha; Liu, Xing; Hu, Yu; Qu, Shengqiang; Wang, Heyi; Luo, Yang

2017-12-26

Proximal symphalangism (SYM1) is an autosomal dominant disorder, mainly characterized by bony fusions of the proximal phalanges of the hands and feet. GDF5 and NOG were identified to be responsible for SYM1. We have previously reported on a p.Leu373Arg mutation in the GDF5 proregion present in a Chinese family with SYM1. Here, we investigated the effects of the GDF-L373R mutation. The variant caused proteolysis efficiency of GDF5 increased in ATDC5 cells. The variant also caused upregulation of SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and increased expression of target genes SMURF1 , along with COL2A1 and SOX9 which are factors associated with chondrosis. Furthermore, we developed a human-relevant SYM1 mouse model by making a Gdf5 L367R (the orthologous position for L373R in humans) knock-in mouse. Gdf5 L367R/+ and Gdf5 L367R/L367R mice displayed stiffness and adhesions across the proximal phalanx joint which were in complete accord with SYM1. It was also confirmed the joint formation and development was abnormal in Gdf5 L367R/+ and Gdf5 L367R/L367R mice, including the failure to develop the primary ossification center and be hypertrophic chondrocytes during embryonic development. This knock-in mouse model offers a tool for assessing the pathogenesis of SYM1 and the function of the GDF5 proregion.

Nuclei pulposi formation from the embryonic notochord occurs normally in GDF5-deficient mice

PubMed Central

Maier, Jennifer A.; Harfe, Brian D.

2011-01-01

Study Design The transition of the mouse embryonic notochord into nuclei pulposi was determined (“fate mapped”) in vivo in GDF-5 null mice using the Shhcre and R26R alleles. Objective To determine if abnormal nuclei pulposi formation from the embryonic notochord was responsible for defects present in adult nuclei pulposi of Gdf-5 null mice. Summary of Background Data The development, maintenance, and degeneration of the intervertebral disc are not understood. Previously, we demonstrated that all cells in the adult nucleus pulposus of normal mice are derived from the embryonic notochord. Gdf-5 null mice have been reported to contain intervertebral discs in which the nucleus pulposus is abnormal. It is currently unclear if disc defects in Gdf-5 null mice arise during the formation of nuclei pulposi from the notochord during embryogenesis or resulted from progressive postnatal degeneration of nuclei pulposi. Methods Gdf-5 mRNA expression was examined in the discs of wild-type embryos by RNA in situ hybridization to determine when and where this gene was expressed. To examine nucleus pulposus formation in Gdf-5 null mice, intervertebral discs in which embryonic notochord cells were marked were analyzed in newborn and 24 week old mice. Results Our Gdf-5 mRNA in situ experiments determined that this gene is localized to the annulus fibrosus and not the nucleus pulposus in mouse embryos. Notochord fate mapping experiments revealed that notochord cells in Gdf-5 null mice correctly form nuclei pulposi. Conclusion Our data suggest that the defects reported in the nucleus pulposus of adult Gdf-5 null mice do not result from abnormal patterning of the embryonic notochord. The use of mouse alleles to mark cells that produce all cell types that reside in the adult nucleus pulposus will allow for a detailed examination of disc formation in other mouse mutants that have been reported to contain disc defects. PMID:21278629

Treatment with rGDF11 does not improve the dystrophic muscle pathology of mdx mice.

PubMed

Rinaldi, Fabrizio; Zhang, Yu; Mondragon-Gonzalez, Ricardo; Harvey, Jeffrey; Perlingeiro, Rita C R

2016-01-01

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited lethal muscle wasting disease characterized by cycles of degeneration and regeneration, with no effective therapy. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the TGF-β superfamily and myostatin homologous, has been reported to have the capacity to reverse age-related skeletal muscle loss. These initial findings led us to investigate the ability of GDF11 to promote regeneration in the context of muscular dystrophy and determine whether it could be a candidate to slow down or reverse the disease progression in DMD. Here, we delivered recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) to dystrophin-deficient mice using the intra-peritoneal route for 30 days and evaluated histology and function in both steady-state and cardiotoxin-injured muscles. Our data confirmed that treatment with rGDF11 resulted in elevated levels of this factor in the circulation. However, this had no effect on muscle contractility nor on muscle histology. Moreover, no difference was found in the number of regenerating myofibers displaying centrally located nuclei. On the other hand, we did observe increased collagen content, which denotes fibrosis, in the muscles of rGDF11-treated dystrophic mice. Taken together, our findings indicate no beneficial effect of treating dystrophic mice with rGDF11 and raise caution to a potential harmful effect, as shown by the pro-fibrotic outcome.

Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11): Functions in the regulation of erythropoiesis and cardiac regeneration.

PubMed

Rochette, Luc; Zeller, Marianne; Cottin, Yves; Vergely, Catherine

2015-12-01

Members of the TGF-β superfamily transduce their signals through type I and II receptor serine/threonine kinases. The regulation of members of the TGF-β family is known to be complex, because many proteins able to bind the ligands and inhibit their activities have been identified. Growth and differentiation factor 11 (Gdf11) as activins belong to the TGF-β family. GDF11, like other members of the TGF-β superfamily, is produced from precursor proteins by proteolytic processing. The binding of activins to activin type IIA (ActRIIA) or type IIB (ActRIIB) receptors induces the recruitment and phosphorylation of an activin type I receptor which then phosphorylates the Smad2 and Smad3 intracellular signaling proteins. GDF11 signal through the ActRIIB pathway. Recent studies have reported that GDF11-ActRIIB-Smad2/3-dependent signaling is a key regulatory mechanism in proliferating erythroid precursors as it controls their late-stage maturation. The administration of GDF11 is effective in experimental cardiac hypertrophy, and the identification of GDF11 as a "rejuvenating factor" opens up perspectives for the treatment of age-related cardiac dysfunction. Recent studies of the heart indicate that exposure to young blood reverses age-related impairments. GDF11 could be one of the circulating molecules that influence the aging of different tissues. Is GDF11 an "elixir of youth"? Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Present Kinematic Regime and Recent Seismicity of Gulf Suez, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, G.-E. A.; Abd El-Aal, A. K.

2018-01-01

In this study we computed recent seismicity and present kinematic regime in the northern and middle zones of Gulf of Suez as inferred from moment tensor settlings and focal mechanism of local earthquakes that happened in this region. On 18 and 22 of July, 2014 two moderate size earthquakes of local magnitudes 4.2 and 4.1 struck the northern zone of Gulf of Suez near Suez City. These events are instrumentally recorded by Egyptian National Seismic Network (ENSN). The earthquakes have been felt at Suez City and greater Cairo metropolitan zone while no losses were reported. The source mechanism and source parameters of the calculated events were considered by the near-source waveform data listed at very broadband stations of ENSN and supported by the P-wave polarity data of short period stations. The new settling method and software used deem the action of the source time function, which has been ignored in most of the program series of the moment tensor settling analysis with near source seismograms. The obtained results from settling technique indicate that the estimated seismic moments of both earthquakes are 0.6621E + 15 and 0.4447E + 15 Nm conforming to a moment magnitude Mw 3.8 and 3.7 respectively. The fault plan settlings obtained from both settling technique and polarity of first-arrival indicate the dominance of normal faulting. We also evaluated the stress field in north and middle zones of Gulf of Suez using a multiple inverse method. The prime strain axis shows that the deformation is taken up mainly as stretching in the E-W and NE-SW direction.

75 FR 70736 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-18

...: EC10-98-000. Applicants: GDF Suez S.A., International Power PLC. Description: Supplemental Affidavit of...., International Power plc and its Indicated United States Subsidiaries. Filed Date: 10/29/2010. Accession Number... Generation Holdings, LLC. Description: TPF Generation Holdings, LLC submits an application for authorization...

76 FR 27035 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-10

... Power Resources Management, LLC, GDF SUEZ Energy Marketing NA, Inc., Hopewell Cogeneration Limited... & Company, Power Receivable Finance, LLC. Description: Land Acquisition Report of J. Aron & Company and Power Receivable Finance, LLC under LA11-1. Filed Date: 05/02/2011. Accession Number: 20110502-5534...

A review of potential tsunami impacts to the Suez Canal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkl, C.; Pelinovsky, E.

2012-04-01

Destructive tsunamis in the eastern Mediterranean and Red seas, induced by earthquakes and/or volcanic activity, pose potential hazards to docked seaport shipping and fixed harbor infrastructure as well as to in-transit international shipping within the Suez Canal. Potential vulnerabilities of the Suez Canal to possible tsunami impacts are reviewed by reference to geological, historical, archaeoseismological, and anecdotal data. Tsunami catalogues and databases compiled by earlier researchers are perused to estimate potential return periods for tsunami events that could affect directly the Suez Canal and its closely associated operational infrastructures. Analysis of these various records indicates a centurial return period, or multiples thereof, for long-wave repetition that could generally affect the Nile Delta. It is estimated that tsunami waves 2 m high would have a breaking length about 5 km down Canal whereas a 10 m wave break would occur about 1 km into the Canal. Should a tsunami strike the eastern flanks of the Nile Delta, it would damage Egypt's maritime infrastructure and multi-national commercial vessels and military ships then using the Canal.

Identification of a distant cis-regulatory element controlling pharyngeal arch-specific expression of zebrafish gdf6a/radar

PubMed Central

Reed, Nykolaus P.; Mortlock, Douglas P.

2011-01-01

Skeletal formation is an essential and intricately regulated part of vertebrate development. Humans and mice deficient in Growth and Differentiation Factor 6 (Gdf6) have numerous skeletal abnormalities including joint fusions and cartilage reductions. The expression of Gdf6 is dynamic and in part regulated by distant evolutionarily conserved cis-regulatory elements. radar/gdf6a is a zebrafish ortholog of Gdf6 and has an essential role in embryonic patterning. Here we show that radar is transcribed in the cells surrounding and between the developing cartilages of the ventral pharyngeal arches, similar to mouse Gdf6. A 312 bp evolutionarily conserved region (ECR5), 122 kilobases downstream, drives expression in a pharyngeal arch-specific manner similar to endogenous radar/gdf6a. Deletion analysis identified a 78 bp region within ECR5 that is essential for transgene activity. This work illustrates that radar is regulated in the pharyngeal arches by a distant conserved element and suggests radar has similar functions in skeletal development in fish and mammals. PMID:20201106

Energy transfer and tunable multicolor emission and paramagnetic properties of GdF3:Dy(3+),Tb(3+),Eu(3+) phosphors.

PubMed

Guan, Hongxia; Sheng, Ye; Xu, Chengyi; Dai, Yunzhi; Xie, Xiaoming; Zou, Haifeng

2016-07-20

A series of Dy(3+), Tb(3+), Eu(3+) singly or doubly or triply doped GdF3 phosphors were synthesized by a glutamic acid assisted one-step hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results show that the synthesized samples are all pure GdF3. The obtained samples have a peanut-like morphology with a diameter of about 270 nm and a length of about 600 nm. Under UV excitation, GdF3:Dy(3+), GdF3:Tb(3+) and GdF3:Eu(3+) samples exhibit strong blue, green and red emissions, respectively. By adjusting their relative doping concentrations in the GdF3 host, the different color hues of green and red light are obtained by co-doped Dy(3+), Tb(3+) and Tb(3+), Eu(3+) ions in the GdF3 host, respectively. Besides, there exist two energy transfer pairs in the GdF3 host: (1) Dy(3+) → Tb(3+) and (2) Tb(3+) → Eu(3+). More significantly, in the Dy(3+), Tb(3+), and Eu(3+) tri-doped GdF3 phosphors, white light can also be achieved upon excitation of UV light by adjusting the doping concentration of Eu(3+). In addition, the obtained samples also exhibit paramagnetic properties at room temperature (300 K) and low temperature (2 K). It is obvious that multifunctional Dy(3+), Tb(3+), Eu(3+) tri-doped GdF3 materials including tunable multicolors and intrinsic paramagnetic properties may have potential applications in the field of full-color displays.

Targeted myocardial delivery of GDF11 gene rejuvenates the aged mouse heart and enhances myocardial regeneration after ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Du, Guo-Qing; Shao, Zheng-Bo; Wu, Jie; Yin, Wen-Juan; Li, Shu-Hong; Wu, Jun; Weisel, Richard D; Tian, Jia-Wei; Li, Ren-Ke

2017-01-01

Ischemic cardiac injury is the main contributor to heart failure, and the regenerative capacity of intrinsic stem cells plays an important role in tissue repair after injury. However, stem cells in aged individuals have reduced regenerative potential and aged tissues lack the capacity to renew. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), from the activin-transforming growth factor β superfamily, has been shown to promote stem cell activity and rejuvenation. We carried out non-invasive targeted delivery of the GDF11 gene to the heart using ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) and cationic microbubble (CMB) to investigate the ability of GDF11 to rejuvenate the aged heart and improve tissue regeneration after injury. Young (3 months) and old (21 months) mice were used to evaluate the expression of GDF11 mRNA in the myocardium at baseline and after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and myocardial infarction. GDF11 expression decreased with age and following myocardial injury. UTMD-mediated delivery of the GDF11 plasmid to the aged heart after I/R injury effectively and selectively increased GDF11 expression in the heart, and improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size. Over-expression of GDF11 decreased senescence markers, p16 and p53, as well as the number of p16 + cells in old mouse hearts. Furthermore, increased proliferation of cardiac stem cell antigen 1 (Sca-1 + ) cells and increased homing of endothelial progenitor cells and angiogenesis in old ischemic hearts occurred after GDF11 over-expression. Repetitive targeted delivery of the GDF11 gene via UTMD can rejuvenate the aged mouse heart and protect it from I/R injury.

GDF-15 is abundantly expressed in plexiform lesions in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and affects proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary endothelial cells

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a stress-responsive, transforming growth factor-β-related cytokine, which has recently been reported to be elevated in serum of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). The aim of the study was to examine the expression and biological roles of GDF-15 in the lung of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods GDF-15 expression in normal lungs and lung specimens of PAH patients were studied by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Using laser-assisted micro-dissection, GDF-15 expression was further analyzed within vascular compartments of PAH lungs. To elucidate the role of GDF-15 on endothelial cells, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) were exposed to hypoxia and laminar shear stress. The effects of GDF-15 on the proliferation and cell death of HPMEC were studied using recombinant GDF-15 protein. Results GDF-15 expression was found to be increased in lung specimens from PAH patients, com-pared to normal lungs. GDF-15 was abundantly expressed in pulmonary vascular endothelial cells with a strong signal in the core of plexiform lesions. HPMEC responded with marked upregulation of GDF-15 to hypoxia and laminar shear stress. Apoptotic cell death of HPMEC was diminished, whereas HPMEC proliferation was either increased or decreased depending of the concentration of recombinant GDF-15 protein. Conclusions GDF-15 expression is increased in PAH lungs and appears predominantly located in vascular endothelial cells. The expression pattern as well as the observed effects on proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary endothelial cells suggest a role of GDF-15 in the homeostasis of endothelial cells in PAH patients. PMID:21548946

MAP3K11/GDF15 axis is a critical driver of cancer cachexia

PubMed Central

Tao, Julie; Liu, Qing; Nicoletti, Richard; Feng, Bin; Krieger, Brian; Mazsa, Elizabeth; Siddiquee, Zakir; Wang, Ruoji; Huang, Lucia; Shen, Luhua; Lin, Jie; Vigano, Antonio; Chiu, M. Isabel; Weng, Zhigang; Winston, William; Weiler, Solly

2015-01-01

Abstract Background Cancer associated cachexia affects the majority of cancer patients during the course of the disease and thought to be directly responsible for about a quarter of all cancer deaths. Current evidence suggests that a pro‐inflammatory state may be associated with this syndrome although the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of cachexia are poorly understood. The purpose of this work was the identification of key drivers of cancer cachexia that could provide a potential point of intervention for the treatment and/or prevention of this syndrome. Methods Genetically engineered and xenograft tumour models were used to dissect the molecular mechanisms driving cancer cachexia. Cytokine profiling from the plasma of cachectic and non‐cachectic cancer patients and mouse models was utilized to correlate circulating cytokine levels with the cachexia phenotype. Results Utilizing engineered tumour models we identified MAP3K11/GDF15 pathway activation as a potent inducer of cancer cachexia. Increased expression and high circulating levels of GDF15 acted as a key mediator of this process. In animal models, tumour‐produced GDF15 was sufficient to trigger the cachexia phenotype. Elevated GDF15 circulating levels correlated with the onset and progression of cachexia in animal models and in patients with cancer. Inhibition of GDF15 biological activity with a specific antibody reversed body weight loss and restored muscle and fat tissue mass in several cachectic animal models regardless of their complex secreted cytokine profile. Conclusions The combination of correlative observations, gain of function, and loss of function experiments validated GDF15 as a key driver of cancer cachexia and as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment and/or prevention of this syndrome. PMID:27239403

GDF-15 plasma levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with subclinical coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Martinez, Carlos H; Freeman, Christine M; Nelson, Joshua D; Murray, Susan; Wang, Xin; Budoff, Matthew J; Dransfield, Mark T; Hokanson, John E; Kazerooni, Ella A; Kinney, Gregory L; Regan, Elizabeth A; Wells, J Michael; Martinez, Fernando J; Han, MeiLan K; Curtis, Jeffrey L

2017-02-28

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a cytokine associated with cardiovascular mortality, increases during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, but any role in stable COPD is unknown. We tested associations between GDF-15 and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, assessed by coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, in COPD subjects free of clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cross-sectional analysis of COPD participants (GOLD stages 2-4) in the COPDGene cohort without CVD at enrollment, using baseline CAC (from non-EKG-gated chest computed tomography) and plasma GDF-15 (by custom ELISA). We used multinomial logistic modeling of GDF-15 associations with CAC, adjusting for demographics, baseline risk (calculated using the HEART: Personal Heart Early Assessment Risk Tool (Budoff et al. 114:1761-1791, 2006) score), smoking history, measures of airflow obstruction, emphysema and airway disease severity. Among 694 participants with COPD (47% women, mean age 63.6 years) mean GDF-15 was 1,304 pg/mL, and mean CAC score was 198. Relative to the lower GDF-15 tertile, higher tertiles showed bivariate association with increasing CAC score (mid tertile odds ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29, 2.51; higher tertile OR 2.86, CI 2.04, 4.02). This association was maintained after additionally adjusting for baseline CVD risk, for co-morbidities and descriptors of COPD severity and impact, markers of cardiac stress (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin T) and of inflammation (Interleukin-6), and in subgroup analysis excluding men, diabetics, current smokers or those with limited ambulation. In ever-smokers with COPD free of clinical CVD, GDF-15 contributes independently to subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00608764 . Registered 28 January 2008.

Risk assessment during transport of radioactive materials through the Suez Canal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabek, M. G.; El-Shinawy, R. M. K.; Gomaa, M.

1997-03-01

In this paper a study for risk assessment of the impact of transporting radioactive materials, during the period 1986-1992, through the Suez Canal of Egypt is given. The code RADTRAN-IV was used for this study. The results of the code, for a normal case, show that the transportation of low activity materials such as uranium (U 3O 8) represent the main items that contribute significantly to the collective dose within the Suez Canal area (Port-Said, Ismailia and Suez). The values of the annual collective dose due to transportation of all radionuclide materials was found to be at a maximum in Suez town and is equal to 5.04 × 10 -8 Man-Sv for the whole populations. If we only consider the workder at the harbour (estimated to be 50 persons), the value of the annual collective dose is about 3.33 × 10 -4 Man-Sv. These values are less than the exemption value of 1 Man-Sv recommended by the IAEA. For the accident case, the following pathways are considered by the code: ground-shine, direct inhalation, inhalation of resuspended material and cloud-shine. The total values of the estimated risks for each radionuclide material are presented in table form and, in addition, health effects (genetic effects, GE, and latent cancer fatality), LCF) are discussed. The calculated values of the radiological risks are very low for the three towns, showing that no radiation-induced early deaths are to be expected.

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) suppresses in vitro angiogenesis through a novel interaction with connective tissue growth factor (CCN2).

PubMed

Whitson, Ramon J; Lucia, Marshall Scott; Lambert, James R

2013-06-01

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and the CCN family member, connective tissue growth factor (CCN2), are associated with cardiac disease, inflammation, and cancer. The precise role and signaling mechanism for these factors in normal and diseased tissues remains elusive. Here we demonstrate an interaction between GDF-15 and CCN2 using yeast two-hybrid assays and have mapped the domain of interaction to the von Willebrand factor type C domain of CCN2. Biochemical pull down assays using secreted GDF-15 and His-tagged CCN2 produced in PC-3 prostate cancer cells confirmed a direct interaction between these proteins. To investigate the functional consequences of this interaction, in vitro angiogenesis assays were performed. We demonstrate that GDF-15 blocks CCN2-mediated tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. To examine the molecular mechanism whereby GDF-15 inhibits CCN2-mediated angiogenesis, activation of αV β3 integrins and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was examined. CCN2-mediated FAK activation was inhibited by GDF-15 and was accompanied by a decrease in αV β3 integrin clustering in HUVEC cells. These results demonstrate, for the first time, a novel signaling pathway for GDF-15 through interaction with the matricellular signaling molecule CCN2. Furthermore, antagonism of CCN2 mediated angiogenesis by GDF-15 may provide insight into the functional role of GDF-15 in disease states. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

GDF-15 gene expression alterations in human lymphoblastoid cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes following exposure to ionizing radiation

PubMed Central

Li, Shuang; Zhang, Qing-Zhao; Zhang, De-Qin; Feng, Jiang-Bin; Luo, Qun; Lu, Xue; Wang, Xin-Ru; Li, Kun-Peng; Chen, De-Qing; Mu, Xiao-Feng; Gao, Ling; Liu, Qing-Jie

2017-01-01

The identification of rapid, sensitive and high-throughput biomarkers is imperative in order to identify individuals harmed by radiation accidents, and accurately evaluate the absorbed doses of radiation. DNA microarrays have previously been used to evaluate the alterations in growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) gene expression in AHH-1 human lymphoblastoid cells, following exposure to γ-rays. The present study aimed to characterize the relationship between the dose of ionizing radiation and the produced effects in GDF-15 gene expression in AHH-1 cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs). GDF-15 mRNA and protein expression levels following exposure to γ-rays and neutron radiation were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis in AHH-1 cells. In addition, alterations in GDF-15 gene expression in HPBLs following ex vivo irradiation were evaluated. The present results demonstrated that GDF-15 mRNA and protein expression levels in AHH-1 cells were significantly upregulated following exposure to γ-ray doses ranging between 1 and 10 Gy, regardless of the dose rate. A total of 48 h following exposure to neutron radiation, a dose-response relationship was identified in AHH-1 cells at γ-ray doses between 0.4 and 1.6 Gy. GDF-15 mRNA levels in HPBLs were significantly upregulated following exposure to γ-ray doses between 1 and 8 Gy, within 4–48 h following irradiation. These results suggested that significant time- and dose-dependent alterations in GDF-15 mRNA and protein expression occur in AHH-1 cells and HPBLs in the early phases following exposure to ionizing radiation. In conclusion, alterations in GDF-15 gene expression may have potential as a biomarker to evaluate radiation exposure. PMID:28440431

Non-homeostatic body weight regulation through a brainstem-restricted receptor for GDF15

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsu, Jer-Yuan; Crawley, Suzanne; Chen, Michael

Under homeostatic conditions, animals use well-defined hypothalamic neural circuits to help maintain stable body weight, by integrating metabolic and hormonal signals from the periphery to balance food consumption and energy expenditure1,2. In stressed or disease conditions, however, animals use alternative neuronal pathways to adapt to the metabolic challenges of altered energy demand3. Recent studies have identified brain areas outside the hypothalamus that are activated under these ‘non-homeostatic’ conditions4,5,6, but the molecular nature of the peripheral signals and brain-localized receptors that activate these circuits remains elusive. Here we identify glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor alpha-like (GFRAL) as a brainstem-restricted receptormore » for growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). GDF15 regulates food intake, energy expenditure and body weight in response to metabolic and toxin-induced stresses; we show that Gfral knockout mice are hyperphagic under stressed conditions and are resistant to chemotherapy-induced anorexia and body weight loss. GDF15 activates GFRAL-expressing neurons localized exclusively in the area postrema and nucleus tractus solitarius of the mouse brainstem. It then triggers the activation of neurons localized within the parabrachial nucleus and central amygdala, which constitute part of the ‘emergency circuit’ that shapes feeding responses to stressful conditions7. GDF15 levels increase in response to tissue stress and injury, and elevated levels are associated with body weight loss in numerous chronic human diseases8,9. By isolating GFRAL as the receptor for GDF15-induced anorexia and weight loss, we identify a mechanistic basis for the non-homeostatic regulation of neural circuitry by a peripheral signal associated with tissue damage and stress. These findings provide opportunities to develop therapeutic agents for the treatment of disorders with altered energy demand.« less

Heads, Shoulders, Elbows, Knees, and Toes: Modular Gdf5 Enhancers Control Different Joints in the Vertebrate Skeleton

PubMed Central

Schoor, Michael; Mortlock, Doug P.; Reddi, A. Hari; Kingsley, David M.

2016-01-01

Synovial joints are crucial for support and locomotion in vertebrates, and are the frequent site of serious skeletal defects and degenerative diseases in humans. Growth and differentiation factor 5 (Gdf5) is one of the earliest markers of joint formation, is required for normal joint development in both mice and humans, and has been genetically linked to risk of common osteoarthritis in Eurasian populations. Here, we systematically survey the mouse Gdf5 gene for regulatory elements controlling expression in synovial joints. We identify separate regions of the locus that control expression in axial tissues, in proximal versus distal joints in the limbs, and in remarkably specific sub-sets of composite joints like the elbow. Predicted transcription factor binding sites within Gdf5 regulatory enhancers are required for expression in particular joints. The multiple enhancers that control Gdf5 expression in different joints are distributed over a hundred kilobases of DNA, including regions both upstream and downstream of Gdf5 coding exons. Functional rescue tests in mice confirm that the large flanking regions are required to restore normal joint formation and patterning. Orthologs of these enhancers are located throughout the large genomic region previously associated with common osteoarthritis risk in humans. The large array of modular enhancers for Gdf5 provide a new foundation for studying the spatial specificity of joint patterning in vertebrates, as well as new candidates for regulatory regions that may also influence osteoarthritis risk in human populations. PMID:27902701

Tbx6 controls left-right asymmetry through regulation of Gdf1.

PubMed

Concepcion, Daniel; Hamada, Hiroshi; Papaioannou, Virginia E

2018-05-04

The Tbx6 transcription factor plays multiple roles during gastrulation, somite formation and body axis determination. One of the notable features of the Tbx6 homozygous mutant phenotype is randomization of left/right axis determination. Cilia of the node are morphologically abnormal, leading to the hypothesis that disrupted nodal flow is the cause of the laterality defect. However, Tbx6 is expressed around but not in the node, leading to uncertainty as to the mechanism of this effect. In this study, we have examined the molecular characteristics of the node and the genetic cascade determining left/right axis determination. We found evidence that a leftward nodal flow is generated in Tbx6 homozygous mutants despite the cilia defect, establishing the initial asymmetric gene expression in Dand5 around the node, but that the transduction of the signal from the node to the left lateral plate mesoderm is disrupted due to lack of expression of the Nodal coligand Gdf1 around the node. Gdf1 was shown to be a downstream target of Tbx6 and a Gdf1 transgene partially rescues the laterality defect. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

GDF15 regulates Kv2.1-mediated outward K+ current through the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway in rat cerebellar granule cells.

PubMed

Wang, Chang-Ying; Huang, An-Qi; Zhou, Meng-Hua; Mei, Yan-Ai

2014-05-15

GDF15 (growth/differentiation factor 15), a novel member of the TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) superfamily, plays critical roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems, but the signal transduction pathways and receptor subtypes involved are not well understood. In the present paper, we report that GDF15 specifically increases the IK (delayed-rectifier outward K+ current) in rat CGNs (cerebellar granule neurons) in time- and concentration-dependent manners. The GDF15-induced amplification of the IK is mediated by the increased expression and reduced lysosome-dependent degradation of the Kv2.1 protein, the main α-subunit of the IK channel. Exposure of CGNs to GDF15 markedly induced the phosphorylation of ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase), Akt and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), but the GDF15-induced IK densities and increased expression of Kv2.1 were attenuated only by Akt and mTOR, and not ERK, inhibitors. Pharmacological inhibition of the Src-mediated phosphorylation of TGFβR2 (TGFβ receptor 2), not TGFβR1, abrogated the effect of GDF15 on IK amplification and Kv2.1 induction. Immunoprecipitation assays showed that GDF15 increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of TGFβRII in the CGN lysate. The results of the present study reveal a novel regulation of Kv2.1 by GDF15 mediated through the TGFβRII-activated Akt/mTOR pathway, which is a previously uncharacterized Smad-independent mechanism of GDF15 signalling.

Tendon tissue engineering: adipose-derived stem cell and GDF-5 mediated regeneration using electrospun matrix systems.

PubMed

James, R; Kumbar, S G; Laurencin, C T; Balian, G; Chhabra, A B

2011-04-01

Tendon tissue engineering with a biomaterial scaffold that mimics the tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) and is biomechanically suitable, and when combined with readily available autologous cells, may provide successful regeneration of defects in tendon. Current repair strategies using suitable autografts and freeze-dried allografts lead to a slow repair process that is sub-optimal and fails to restore function, particularly in difficult clinical situations such as zone II flexor tendon injuries of the hand. We have investigated the effect of GDF-5 on cell proliferation and gene expression by primary rat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) that were cultured on a poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) PLAGA fiber scaffold and compared to a PLAGA 2D film scaffold. The electrospun scaffold mimics the collagen fiber bundles present in native tendon tissue, and supports the adhesion and proliferation of multipotent ADSCs. Gene expression of scleraxis, the neotendon marker, was upregulated seven- to eightfold at 1 week with GDF-5 treatment when cultured on a 3D electrospun scaffold, and was significantly higher at 2 weeks compared to 2D films with or without GDF-5 treatment. Expression of the genes that encode the major tendon ECM protein, collagen type I, was increased by fourfold starting at 1 week on treatment with 100 ng mL(-1) GDF-5, and at all time points the expression was significantly higher compared to 2D films irrespective of GDF-5 treatment. Thus stimulation with GDF-5 can modulate primary ADSCs on a PLAGA fiber scaffold to produce a soft, collagenous musculoskeletal tissue that fulfills the need for tendon regeneration.

Evaluation of an injectable rhGDF-5/PLGA construct for minimally invasive periodontal regenerative procedures: a histological study in the dog.

PubMed

Kwon, David H; Bennett, William; Herberg, Samuel; Bastone, Patrizia; Pippig, Susanne; Rodriguez, Nancy A; Susin, Cristiano; Wikesjö, Ulf M E

2010-04-01

To evaluate the injectability, biocompatibility, safety, and periodontal wound healing/regeneration following application of a novel bioresorbable recombinant human growth/differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) construct. Periodontal pockets (3 x 6 mm, width x depth) were surgically created over the buccal roots of the second and fourth mandibular pre-molars in eight adult Hound Labrador mongrel dogs. Surgeries including injection of the rhGDF-5/PLGA construct into the pockets were sequenced that four animals provided 2-/4-week and four animals 6-/8-week observations of sites receiving rhGDF-5/PLGA or serving as sham-surgery control. The rhGDF-5/PLGA construct was easy to prepare and apply. Approximately 0.2 ml (93 microg rhGDF-5)/tooth was used. Clinical and radiographic healing was exemplary without adverse events. Healing was characterized by a non-specific connective tissue attachment, acellular/cellular cementum, periodontal ligament (PDL), bone regeneration, and a junctional epithelium. PLGA fragments were observed in 4/7, 2/8, and 1/8 sites at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively. Associated inflammatory reactions exhibited no limiting effect on periodontal wound healing/regeneration. Root resorption/ankylosis was not observed. Bone formation showed apparent increased maturity (lamellar bone) at 6 weeks in sites receiving rhGDF-5/PLGA compared with the control. Both protocols exhibited significant increases in PDL, cementum, and bone regeneration over time, without significant differences between treatments. In time, PDL and cementum regeneration was twofold greater for the control at 4 weeks (p=0.04) while increased bone formation was observed at sites receiving rhGDF-5/PLGA (p<0.01). In conclusion, the rhGDF-5/PLGA construct appears to be a safe technology for injectable, ease-of-use application of rhGDF-5-stimulated periodontal wound healing/regeneration. Additional work to optimize the polymer carrier and rhGDF-5 release

Tendon tissue engineering: Adipose 1 derived stem cell and GDF-5 mediated regeneration using electrospun matrix systems

PubMed Central

James, R; Kumbar, S G; Laurencin, C T; Balian, G; Chhabra, A B

2011-01-01

Tendon tissue engineering with a biomaterial scaffold that mimics the tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) and is biomechanically suitable when combined with readily available autologous cells may provide successful regeneration of defects in tendon. Current repair strategies using suitable autografts and freeze-dried allografts lead to a slow repair process that is sub-optimal and fails to restore function, particularly in difficult clinical situations such as zone II flexor tendon injuries of the hand. We have investigated the effect of GDF-5 on cell proliferation and gene expression by primary rat adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) that were cultured on poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) PLAGA fiber scaffold and compared to PLAGA 2D film scaffold. The electrospun scaffold mimics the collagen fiber bundles present in native tendon tissue, and supports the adhesion and proliferation of multipotent ADSCs. Gene expression of scleraxis, the neotendon marker was upregulated 7 – 8 fold at 1 week with GDF-5 treatment when cultured on 3D electrospun scaffold, and was significantly higher at 2 weeks compared to 2D films with or without GDF-5 treatment. Expression of the genes that encode the major tendon ECM protein, collagen type I, was increased by 4 fold starting at 1 week on treatment with 100ng/mL GDF-5, and at all time points the expression was significantly higher compared to 2D films irrespective of GDF-5 treatment. Thus stimulation with GDF-5 can modulate primary ADSCs on PLAGA fiber scaffold to produce a soft, collagenous musculoskeletal tissue that fulfills the need for tendon regeneration. PMID:21436509

Magnetic and luminescent properties of multifunctional GdF3:Eu3+ nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Hon-Tung; Chan, H. L. W.; Hao, J. H.

2009-07-01

Multifunctional GdF3:Eu3+ nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Photoluminescent excitation and emission spectra, and lifetime were measured. The average lifetime of the nanoparticles is about 11 ms. The nanoparticle exhibits paramagnetism at both 293 and 77 K, ascribing to noninteracting localized nature of the magnetic moment in the compound. The magnetic properties of GdF3:Eu3+ is intrinsic to the Gd3+ ions, which is unaffected by the doping concentration of the Eu3+ luminescent centers. A measured magnetization of approximately 2 emu/g is close to reported values of other nanoparticles for bioseparation.

Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: New insights from recent satellite-marine potential field data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almalki, Khalid A.; Mahmud, Syed A.

2018-01-01

Previous models and interpretations of crustal geometry and the nature of the crust under the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba have generally been based on a local or small scale and have been limited due to a lack of data. The few studies that present larger scale crustal and uppermost mantle structure were dependent on one type of data with no consideration of other geological and/or geophysical features. Satellite-marine potential field data provide for the first time a full coverage dataset of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba as well as the Sinai area at the same scale which allows for a better understanding of crustal domains and geometry and the interplay between tectonic events. To that end, our forward models of magnetic and gravity data constrained by seismic data and available geological information in this area suggest that the crustal domains in the Gulf of Aqaba are more complicated than those in the Gulf of Suez. Our result supports continental rifting under most of the Gulf of Suez and a combination of transitional and continental crusts under the Gulf of Aqaba. Yet, there is no evidence of oceanic segment development in these gulfs. Regardless of oceanic or transitional crust, the models support a link between the Arabia and Sinai plates at the central Gulf of Aqaba. The data also support that Red Sea tectonism has no connection to or influence on both gulfs. The result suggests a continuation of lithological elements from land into the eastern part of the Gulf of Suez. Our synthesis and interpretations may play an important role in the reassessment of the tectonic history and extension of this important rift system.

EGF-CFC proteins are essential coreceptors for the TGF-β signals Vg1 and GDF1

PubMed Central

Cheng, Simon K.; Olale, Felix; Bennett, James T.; Brivanlou, Ali H.; Schier, Alexander F.

2003-01-01

The TGF-β signals Nodal, Activin, GDF1, and Vg1 have been implicated in mesoderm induction and left-right patterning. Nodal and Activin both activate Activin receptors, but only Nodal requires EGF-CFC coreceptors for signaling. We report that Vg1 and GDF1 signaling in zebrafish also depends on EGF-CFC proteins, but not on Nodal signals. Correspondingly, we find that in Xenopus Vg1 and GDF1 bind to and signal through Activin receptors only in the presence of EGF-CFC proteins. These results establish that multiple TGF-β signals converge on Activin receptor/EGF-CFC complexes and suggest a more widespread requirement for coreceptors in TGF-β signaling than anticipated previously. PMID:12514096

Comparison between a β-tricalcium phosphate and an absorbable collagen sponge carrier technology for rhGDF-5-stimulated periodontal wound healing/regeneration.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Taek; Wikesjö, Ulf M E; Jung, Ui-Won; Lee, Jung-Seok; Kim, Tae-Gyun; Kim, Chong-Kwan

2013-06-01

The objective of this study is to compare a candidate β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) carrier technology with the absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) benchmark to support recombinant human growth/differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5)-stimulated periodontal wound healing/regeneration. Routine, bilateral, critical-size (5-mm), 1-wall, intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created in the mandibular premolar region in 10 beagle dogs. Five animals received rhGDF-5/β-TCP and five animals received rhGDF-5/ACS, with a total of 20 μg rhGDF-5 per defect. The animals were euthanized for histologic and histometric analyses at 8 weeks postsurgery. Both rhGDF-5/ACS and rhGDF-5/β-TCP stimulated the formation of functionally oriented periodontal ligament, cellular mixed fiber cementum, and woven/lamellar bone. Bone regeneration (height and area) was significantly greater for the rhGDF-5/β-TCP construct than for the rhGDF-5/ACS (3.26 ± 0.30 mm versus 2.22 ± 0.82 mm, P <0.01; and 10.45 ± 2.26 mm(2) versus 5.62 ± 2.39 mm(2), P <0.01, respectively). Cementum formation ranged from 3.83 ± 0.73 mm to 3.03 ± 1.18 mm without significant differences between groups. Root resorption/ankylosis was not observed. The β-TCP carrier technology significantly enhanced rhGDF-5-stimulated bone formation compared with the ACS benchmark in this discriminating periodontal defect model. The structural integrity of the β-TCP carrier, preventing compression while providing a framework for bone ingrowth, may account for the observed results.

Combined Secretomics and Transcriptomics Revealed Cancer-Derived GDF15 is Involved in Diffuse-Type Gastric Cancer Progression and Fibroblast Activation.

PubMed

Ishige, Takayuki; Nishimura, Motoi; Satoh, Mamoru; Fujimoto, Mai; Fukuyo, Masaki; Semba, Toshihisa; Kado, Sayaka; Tsuchida, Sachio; Sawai, Setsu; Matsushita, Kazuyuki; Togawa, Akira; Matsubara, Hisahiro; Kaneda, Atsushi; Nomura, Fumio

2016-02-19

Gastric cancer is classified into two subtypes, diffuse and intestinal. The diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) has poorer prognosis, and the molecular pathology is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study was to identify functional secreted molecules involved in DGC progression. We integrated the secretomics of six gastric cancer cell lines and gene expression analysis of gastric cancer tissues with publicly available microarray data. Hierarchical clustering revealed characteristic gene expression differences between diffuse- and intestinal-types. GDF15 was selected as a functional secreted molecule owing to high expression only in fetal tissues. Protein expression of GDF15 was higher in DGC cell lines and tissues. Serum levels of GDF15 were significant higher in DGC patients as compared with healthy individuals and chronic gastritis patients, and positively correlated with wall invasion and lymph node metastasis. In addition, the stimulation of GDF15 on NIH3T3 fibroblast enhanced proliferation and up-regulated expression of extracellular matrix genes, which were similar to TGF-β stimulation. These results indicate that GDF15 contributes to fibroblast activation. In conclusion, this study revealed that GDF15 may be a novel functional secreted molecule for DGC progression, possibly having important roles for cancer progression via the affecting fibroblast function, as well as TGF-β.

Serum levels of GDF15 are reduced in preeclampsia and the reduction is more profound in late-onset than early-onset cases.

PubMed

Chen, Qi; Wang, Yao; Zhao, Min; Hyett, Jonathan; da Silva Costa, Fabricio; Nie, Guiying

2016-07-01

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder affecting 3-5% of pregnancies worldwide. It is clinically divided into early-onset and late-onset subtypes. Placental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a protein of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, is highly expressed in the placenta. However, it is unclear whether the circulating levels of GDF15 are altered in preeclampsia at the time of or prior to disease presentation. Serum samples across three trimesters from 29 healthy pregnancies, third trimester sera from 34 women presenting with preeclampsia (early-onset n=16, late-onset n=18) and 66 gestation-age-matched controls, and sera at 11-13weeks of pregnancy from women who later did (n=36) or did not (n=33) develop late-onset preeclampsia, were examined for GDF15 by ELISA. Serum GDF15 levels increased significantly with gestation in normal pregnancy. Serum GDF15 was significantly reduced in the third trimester in women presenting with preeclampsia compared to their gestation-age-matched controls. This reduction was apparent in both early-onset and late-onset subtypes, but it was more profound in late-onset cases. At 11-13weeks of gestation, however, serum levels of GDF15 were similar between women who subsequently did and did not develop late-onset preeclampsia. Serum GDF15 increased with gestation age, reaching the highest level in the third trimester. Serum GDF15 was significantly reduced in the third trimester in women presenting with preeclampsia, especially in late-onset cases. However, serum GDF15 was not altered in the first trimester in women destined to develop late-onset preeclampsia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Suez Canal as a habitat and pathway for marine algae and seagrasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleem, A. A.

The Suez Canal supports a diversified benthic algal flora; 133 species of benthic algae are now known from the Canal, as compared with only 24 in 1924. The vertical and horizontal distribution of algae is considered in relation to hydrographic factors. The algae display zonation and 3-4 algal belts are distinguished on the Canal banks on buoys and pier supports. Associated fauna include Balanus amphitrite and Brachidontes variabilis, together with various hydroids, sponges, ascidians, asteroids, ophiuroids and crustaceans. Merceriella enigmatica thrives well in brackish water habitats. The algal flora in the Bitter Lakes resembles that in the Red Sea. The number of Red Sea species decreases from Suez to Port Said in the littoral zone. On the other hand, bottom algae predominantly belong to Red Sea flora. Thirty of the species of algae found belong to the Indo-Pacific flora; half of these are new records to the Canal. Several of these Indo-Pacific algae have recently become established in the Eastern Mediterranean, whereas only two of the Mediterranean macro-algal flora (viz. Caulerpa prolifera and Halopteris scoparia) have been found in the Gulf of Suez. Two seagrasses, Halopia ovalis and Thalassia hemprichii, are recorded for the first time in the Canal. Only Halophila stipulacea has found its way into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, but none of the Mediterranean seagrasses is found either in the Canal or in the Red Sea.

BMP15 Mutations Associated With Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Reduce Expression, Activity, or Synergy With GDF9.

PubMed

Patiño, Liliana C; Walton, Kelly L; Mueller, Thomas D; Johnson, Katharine E; Stocker, William; Richani, Dulama; Agapiou, David; Gilchrist, Robert B; Laissue, Paul; Harrison, Craig A

2017-03-01

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)15 is an oocyte-specific growth factor, which, together with growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9, regulates folliculogenesis and ovulation rate. Multiple mutations in BMP15 have been identified in women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), supporting a pathogenic role; however, the underlying biological mechanism of many of these mutants remains unresolved. To determine how mutations associated with ovarian dysfunction alter the biological activity of human BMP15. The effects of 10 mutations in BMP15 on protein production, activation of granulosa cells, and synergy with GDF9 were assessed. Sequencing of 35 patients with POI identified both an unrecognized BMP15 variant (c.986G>A, R329H) and a variant (c.581T>C, F194S) previously associated with the condition. Assessing expression and activity of these and 8 other BMP15 mutants identified: (1) multiple variants, including L148P, F194S, and Y235C, with reduced mature protein production; (2) three variants (R138H, A180T, and R329H) with ∼fourfold lower activity than wild-type BMP15; and (3) 3 variants (R68W, F194S, and N196K) with a significantly reduced ability to synergize with GDF9. Mutations in BMP15 associated with POI reduce mature protein production, activity, or synergy with GDF9. The latter effect is perhaps most interesting given that interactions with GDF9 most likely underlie the physiology of BMP15 in the human ovary. Copyright © 2017 by the Endocrine Society

Suez Canal Clearance Operation, Task Force 65

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-05-01

supporting minesweepers, GARDENIA, GIROFLEE, AJONC, and LILAS, and two minehunters CERES and CALLIOPE. TG SIX FIVE POINT ZERO . This Task Group designation...circle search line, buoy line, tether, zero visibility, and no communication with the surface, created a hazardous situation for open circuit scuba...from essentially zero to several hut7Ared thousand in Port Said and Suez City, and to a lesser degree in Ismailia. This occurred without a concomitant

Sea-level Variation Along the Suez Canal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eid, F. M.; Sharaf El-Din, S. H.; Alam El-Din, K. A.

1997-05-01

The variation of sea level at 11 stations distributed along the Suez Canal was studied during the period from 1980 to 1986. The ranges of variation in daily mean sea level at Port Said and Port Tawfik are about 60 and 120 cm, respectively. The minimum range of daily variation is at Kantara (47 cm). The fluctuations of the monthly mean sea level between the two ends of the Suez Canal vary from one season to another. From July to December, the sea level at Port Said is higher than that at Port Tawfik, with the maximum difference (10·5 cm) in September. During the rest of the year, the mean sea level at Port Tawfik is higher than that at Port Said, with the maximum difference (31·5 cm) in March. The long-term variations of the annual mean sea level at both Port Said and Port Tawfik for the period from 1923 to 1986 showed a positive trend. The sea level at Port Said increased by about 27·8 cm century -1while it increased by only 9·1 cm century -1at Port Tawfik. This indicates that the difference between sea level at Port Said and Port Tawfik has decreased with time.

Egypt`s first subsea completion: A Gulf of Suez case history

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El Hawary, A.; Hoffman, J.G.

1996-06-01

A case history of the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Co.`s (Gupco) first subsea completion is provided. The first completion was for Well GS 373-2, a previously drilled and tested exploration well located in the south portion of the gulf of Suez. Subsea technology was used to economically justify development of this one-well marginal field, which was discovered in 1978. Traditional methods proved to be too costly for development, therefore application of a low-cost subsea tree was used to capture the resources. In the Gulf of Suez, many fields have been discovered but have not been developed because of low reserves.more » These marginal projects can have a profound impact on the revenue and shareholder value if an economic method is used to exploit these opportunities. Platform installation was not feasible because of reserve size, hence the well has remained abandoned until recently. This paper presents a summarized look at subsea completion technology. The cost comparison of traditional development methods will be made, given the local cost structure in Egypt. The application of this technology has some limitations and constraints that will be discussed in the paper. Furthermore, the actual field installation of Egypt`s first subsea tree will be summarized. Also included is a discussion on simple remote controls and offshore installation operations.« less

Reservoir assessment of the Nubian sandstone reservoir in South Central Gulf of Suez, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Gendy, Nader; Barakat, Moataz; Abdallah, Hamed

2017-05-01

The Gulf of Suez is considered as one of the most important petroleum provinces in Egypt and contains the Saqqara and Edfu oil fields located in the South Central portion of the Gulf of Suez. The Nubian sandstone reservoir in the Gulf of Suez basin is well known for its great capability to store and produce large volumes of hydrocarbons. The Nubian sandstone overlies basement rocks throughout most of the Gulf of Suez region. It consists of a sequence of sandstones and shales of Paleozoic to Cretaceous age. The Nubian sandstone intersected in most wells has excellent reservoir characteristics. Its porosity is controlled by sedimentation style and diagenesis. The cementation materials are mainly kaolinite and quartz overgrowths. The permeability of the Nubian sandstone is mainly controlled by grain size, sorting, porosity and clay content especially kaolinite and decreases with increase of kaolinite. The permeability of the Nubian Sandstone is evaluated using the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR technology) and formation pressure data in addition to the conventional logs and the results were calibrated using core data. In this work, the Nubian sandstone was investigated and evaluated using complete suites of conventional and advanced logging techniques to understand its reservoir characteristics which have impact on economics of oil recovery. The Nubian reservoir has a complicated wettability nature which affects the petrophysical evaluation and reservoir productivity. So, understanding the reservoir wettability is very important for managing well performance, productivity and oil recovery.

Structure of Gremlin-2 in Complex with GDF5 Gives Insight into DAN-Family-Mediated BMP Antagonism.

PubMed

Nolan, Kristof; Kattamuri, Chandramohan; Rankin, Scott A; Read, Randy J; Zorn, Aaron M; Thompson, Thomas B

2016-08-23

The DAN family, including Gremlin-1 and Gremlin-2 (Grem1 and Grem2), represents a large family of secreted BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) antagonists. However, how DAN proteins specifically inhibit BMP signaling has remained elusive. Here, we report the structure of Grem2 bound to GDF5 at 2.9-Å resolution. The structure reveals two Grem2 dimers binding perpendicularly to each GDF5 monomer, resembling an H-like structure. Comparison to the unbound Grem2 structure reveals a dynamic N terminus that undergoes significant transition upon complex formation, leading to simultaneous interaction with the type I and type II receptor motifs on GDF5. Binding studies show that DAN-family members can interact with BMP-type I receptor complexes, whereas Noggin outcompetes the type I receptor for ligand binding. Interestingly, Grem2-GDF5 forms a stable aggregate-like structure in vitro that is not clearly observed for other antagonists, including Noggin and Follistatin. These findings exemplify the structural and functional diversity across the various BMP antagonist families. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mites (acari) infesting commensal rats in Suez Canal zone, Egypt.

PubMed

el Kady, G A; Shoukry, A; Ragheb, D A; el Said, A M; Habib, K S; Morsy, T A

1995-08-01

Mites are arthropods distinguished from ticks by usually being microscopical in size and have a hypostome unarmed with tooth-like anchoring processes. They are group in a number of suborders, each with super-families and families including many genera of medical and economic importance. In this paper, commensal rodents (Rattus norvegicus, R. r. alexandrinus and R. r. frugivorous) were surveyed in the Suez Canal Zone for their acari ectoparasites. Four species of mites were recovered. In a descending order of mite indices, they were Eulaelaps stabularis (4.83 on 6 rats), Laelaps nuttalli (3.11 on 27 rats), Ornithonyssus bacoti (1.66 on 9 rats) and Dermanyssus gallinae (0.66 on 24 rats). The overall mite indices in the three governorates were 3.66 in Suez, 2.82 in Ismailia and zero in Port Said. The medical and economic importance of the mites were discussed.

Lifelong exercise, but not short-term high-intensity interval training, increases GDF11, a marker of successful aging: a preliminary investigation.

PubMed

Elliott, Bradley T; Herbert, Peter; Sculthorpe, Nicholas; Grace, Fergal M; Stratton, Daniel; Hayes, Lawrence D

2017-07-01

Lifelong exercise is associated with regulation of skeletal mass and function, reductions in frailty, and successful aging. Yet, the influence of exercise on myostatin and myostatin-interacting factors is relatively under examined in older males. Therefore, we investigated whether serum total myostatin, free myostatin, follistatin, and growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) were altered following high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in a group of 13 lifelong sedentary (SED; 64 [6] years) and 11 lifelong exercising (LEX; 62 [6] years) older males. SED follistatin was moderately greater than LEX pre-HIIT (Cohen's d  = 0.66), and was largely greater post-HIIT (Cohen's d  = 1.22). The HIIT-induced increase in follistatin was large in SED (Cohen's d  = 0.82) and absent in LEX (Cohen's d  = 0.03). GDF11 was higher in LEX pre-HIIT (Cohen's d  = 0.49) and post-HIIT (Cohen's d  = 0.63) compared to SED HIIT resulted in no change to GDF11 in LEX or SED (Cohen's d  = 0.00-0.03). Peak power output and GDF11 were correlated ( r  = 0.603), independent of grouping. Differences in GDF11 with lifelong exercise training, paired with the correlation between GDF11 and peak power output, suggested that GDF11 may be a relevant myostatin-interacting peptide to successful aging in humans, and strategies to maintain this need to be further explored. © 2017 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

Relations of circulating GDF-15, soluble ST2, and troponin-I concentrations with vascular function in the community: The Framingham Heart Study.

PubMed

Andersson, Charlotte; Enserro, Danielle; Sullivan, Lisa; Wang, Thomas J; Januzzi, James L; Benjamin, Emelia J; Vita, Joseph A; Hamburg, Naomi M; Larson, Martin G; Mitchell, Gary F; Vasan, Ramachandran S

2016-05-01

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), soluble (s)ST2, and high-sensitivity troponin-I (hs-TnI) are associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) including heart failure, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated if GDF-15, sST2, and hs-TnI are related to subclinical vascular dysfunction in the community, which may explain the relations of these biomarkers with CVD. We evaluated 1823 Framingham Study participants (mean age 61 ± 10 years, 54% women) who underwent routine assessment of vascular function. We related circulating GDF-15, sST2, and hs-TnI concentrations to measures of arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, CFPWV; augmentation index; and forward pressure wave amplitude, FW), endothelial-dependent vasodilation (flow-mediated dilation, FMD), and baseline and hyperemic brachial flow velocities using linear regression adjusting for standard risk factors. After multivariable adjustment, GDF-15 levels were positively associated with CFPWV (0.044 [95% confidence interval 0.007-0.081] standard deviation [SD] change per SD increase in loge[GDF-15], p = 0.02) and FW (0.076 [0.026-0.126] SD change per SD increase in loge[GDF-15], p = 0.003) and inversely related to FMD (-0.051 [-0.101-0.0003] SD change per SD increase in loge[GDF-15], p = 0.048). sST2 was positively associated with CFPWV (0.032 [0.0005-0.063] SD change per SD increase in loge[sST2], p = 0.046), and hs-TnI inversely associated with hyperemic flow velocity (-0.041 [-0.082-0.0004] SD change per SD increase in loge[hs-TnI], p = 0.048). In our community-based investigation, individual cardiac stress biomarkers were differentially related to select aspects of vascular function. These findings may contribute to the associations of circulating GDF-15, sST2, and hs-TnI with incident CVD and heart failure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association of BMPR-1B and GDF9 genes polymorphisms and secondary protein structure changes with reproduction traits in Mehraban ewes.

PubMed

Abdoli, R; Zamani, P; Deljou, A; Rezvan, H

2013-07-25

BMPR-1B and GDF9 genes are well known due to their important effects on litter size and mechanisms controlling ovulation rate in sheep. In the present study, polymorphisms of BMPR-1B gene exon 8 and GDF9 gene exon 1 were detected by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and DNA sequencing methods in 100 Mehraban ewes. The PCR reaction forced to amplify 140 and 380-bp fragments of BMPR-1B and GDF9 genes, respectively. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) were identified in two different SSCP patterns of BMPR-1B gene (CC and CA genotypes) that deduced one amino acid exchange. Also, two SNPS were identified in three different SSCP patterns of GDF9 gene (AA, AG and GG genotypes) that deduced one amino acid exchanges. Two different secondary structures of protein were predicted for BMPR-1B exon 8, but the secondary protein structures predicted for GDF9 exon 1 were similar together. The evaluation of the associations between the SSCP patterns and the protein structure changes with reproduction traits showed that BMPR-1B exon 8 genotypes have significant effects on some of reproduction traits but the GDF9 genotypes did not have any significant effect. The CA genotype of BMPR-1B exon 8 had a significant positive effect on reproduction performance and could be considered as an important and new mutation, affecting the ewes reproduction performance. Marker assisted selection using BMPR-IB gene could be noticed to improve the reproduction traits in Mehraban sheep. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Brachdactyly Instigated as a Result of Mutation in GDF5 and NOG Genes in Pakistani Population.

PubMed

Khan, Samiullah; Mudassir, Muhammad; Khan, Naqab; Marwat, Asmatullah

2018-01-01

Brachdactyly a genetic disorder associated with the abnormal development of metacarpals, phalanges or both which results in the shortening of hands and feet. Mutations in the contributing genes has been recognized with the majority of the investigated syndromic form of brachdactyly. The current study was proposed to examine mutation in NOG and GDF5 genes in a Pakistani family. Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for the genomic screening and linkage analysis to observe the mutation in genes. The samples were collected from Luckki Marwat district, KPK, while the research study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. After survey, family was identified with brachdactyly type A2 and investigated a heterozygous arginine to glutamine exchange in the growth demarcation factor 5 in all the victim persons. Different types of skeletal dysplasia resulted due to mutation in the GDF5 genes. Novel GDF5 genes mutations were reported with distinct limb malformation and sequencing of coding region revealed that the mildly affected individuals were heterozygous while the harshly affected individuals were homozygous. The current study reported the genetic variability and concluded that the Brachdacytyly type A2 and type B2 resulted due to mutation in GDF5 and NOG genes respectively. A new subtype of brachydactyly (BDB2) was instigated as a result of novel mutations in NOG. The mutation has been reported for the first time in Pakistani population and especially in Pushtoon ethnic population.

Simulation of strong ground motion parameters of the 1 June 2013 Gulf of Suez earthquake, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toni, Mostafa

2017-06-01

This article aims to simulate the ground motion parameters of the moderate magnitude (ML 5.1) June 1, 2013 Gulf of Suez earthquake, which represents the largest instrumental earthquake to be recorded in the middle part of the Gulf of Suez up to now. This event was felt in all cities located on both sides of the Gulf of Suez, with minor damage to property near the epicenter; however, no casualties were observed. The stochastic technique with the site-dependent spectral model is used to simulate the strong ground motion parameters of this earthquake in the cities located at the western side of the Gulf of Suez and north Red Sea namely: Suez, Ain Sokhna, Zafarana, Ras Gharib, and Hurghada. The presence of many tourist resorts and the increase in land use planning in the considered cities represent the motivation of the current study. The simulated parameters comprise the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), Peak Ground Velocity (PGV), and Peak Ground Displacement (PGD), in addition to Pseudo Spectral Acceleration (PSA). The model developed for ground motion simulation is validated by using the recordings of three accelerographs installed around the epicenter of the investigated earthquake. Depending on the site effect that has been determined in the investigated areas by using geotechnical data (e.g., shear wave velocities and microtremor recordings), the investigated areas are classified into two zones (A and B). Zone A is characterized by higher site amplification than Zone B. The ground motion parameters are simulated at each zone in the considered areas. The results reveal that the highest values of PGA, PGV, and PGD are observed at Ras Gharib city (epicentral distance ∼ 11 km) as 67 cm/s2, 2.53 cm/s, and 0.45 cm respectively for Zone A, and as 26.5 cm/s2, 1.0 cm/s, and 0.2 cm respectively for Zone B, while the lowest values of PGA, PGV, and PGD are observed at Suez city (epicentral distance ∼ 190 km) as 3.0 cm/s2, 0.2 cm/s, and 0.05 cm/s respectively for Zone A

Microstructure-related properties at 193 nm of MgF2 and GdF3 films deposited by a resistive-heating boat.

PubMed

Liu, Ming-Chung; Lee, Cheng-Chung; Kaneko, Masaaki; Nakahira, Kazuhide; Takano, Yuuichi

2006-03-01

MgF2 and GdF3 materials, used for a single-layer coating at 193 nm, are deposited by a resistive-heating boat at specific substrate temperatures. Optical characteristics (transmittance, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and optical loss) and microstructures (morphology and crystalline structure) are investigated and discussed. Furthermore, MgF2 is used as a low-index material, and GdF3 is used as a high-index material for multilayer coatings. Reflectance, stress, and the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) are studied. It is shown that MgF2 and GdF3 thin films, deposited on the substrate at a temperature of 300 degrees C, obtain good quality thin films with high transmittance and little optical loss at 193 nm. For multilayer coatings, the stress mainly comes from MgF2, and the absorption comes from GdF3. Among those coatings, the sixteen-layer design, sub/(1.4L 0.6H)8/air, shows the largest LIDT.

Chimerism for 20q11.2 microdeletion of GDF5 explains discordant phenotypes in monochorionic-diamniotic twins.

PubMed

Meredith, Matthew M; Crabb, Beau; Vargas, Marcelo; Hirsch, Betsy A

2017-12-01

Microdeletions of 20q11.2 are rare but have been associated with characteristic clinical findings. A 1.6 Mb minimal critical region has been identified that includes three OMIM genes: GDF5, EPB41L1, and SAMHD. Here we describe a male monozygotic, monochorionic-diamniotic twin pair with discordant phenotypes, one with multiple findings that overlap with those reported in 20q11.2 deletions, and the other unaffected. Microarray analysis revealed mosaicism for a 363 Kb deletion encompassing GDF5 in the peripheral blood of both twins, which was confirmed by FISH. Subsequent FISH on buccal cells identified the deletion only in the affected twin. The blood FISH findings were interpreted as representing chimerism resulting from anastomosis and the blood exchange between the twins in utero. The implications of this finding are discussed, as is the contribution of GDF5 to the associated clinical findings of 20q11.2 deletions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

["Protein of senility" CCL11, "protein of juvenility" GDF11 and their role in age-related pathology].

PubMed

Khavinson, V Kh; Kuznik, B I; Ryzhak, G A; Linkova, N S; Kozina, L S; Sall, T S

2016-01-01

The paper presents the latest literature data on the structure and functions of «protein of juvenility» - CCL11 and «protein of senility» - GDF11. Chemokine CCL11 injected to young animals has been shown to lead to degenerative changes in the central nervous system (CNS), disturb cognitive functions and impede tissue regeneration. CCL11 concentration increases dramatically in schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, neuro-inflammatory disorders, cerebral malaria, drug addiction, as well as in atherosclerosis, periodontal disease, macular degeneration, cancer and other pathologies. In contrast to CCL11, differentiation growth factor 11 (GDF11), being administered to old mice, eliminates age-associated hypertrophy of the heart, improves muscle tone and prevents degenerative changes in the CNS, improves cognitive functions and enhances tissue regeneration. Its concentration decreases in cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and other «diseases of old age». At the same time, the higher the GDF11 level in the blood, the milder myocardial infarction, stroke and other age-related diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Evaluation of local site effect in the western side of the Suez Canal area by applying H/V and MASW techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Emad K.; Shokry, M. M. F.; Hassoup, Awad; Helal, A. M. A.

2016-11-01

The soft sediments are one of the most important factors responsible for the amplification of the seismic ground motion in an area of study. Three components, single-station microtremor measurements were performed at 61 sites along the Suez Canal to estimate the fundamental frequencies of the soil and corresponding H/V amplitude ratios by using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method. We have applied the investigations of the shear wave velocity for supplementing the existing seismic microzonation of the Suez Canal. The multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) tests were done along the Suez Canal in the three cities, Suez, Ismailia, and Port Said using 24 channels digital engineering seismograph with 4.5 Hz geophones from September 2014 to January 2015 to get the shear wave velocity VS30. The SeisImager/SW software was used for analyzing the data, and 1D-shear wave velocity model have achieved for each site. The HVSR curves show that the fundamental frequency values are ranging from 0.57 to 1.08 Hz, and H/V amplitude ratios are ranging from 4.05 to 6.46. The average values of VS30 are (548, 301), (241, 319), (194, 110, 238) for Suez, Ismailia, and Port Said respectively. The average of shear wave velocity up to 30 m depth is estimated and used for site classification based on the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) classification. The majority of the sites was classified as Class D (stiff soil) except one site at Port Said city is classified as Class E (soft soils), and another site in the Suez city is classified as Class C (hard rock).

Evaluation of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the aquatic species of Suez Gulf water along El-Sokhna area to the Suez refineries.

PubMed

Ali, Nabila A; Ahmed, Omayma E; Doheim, Mamdouh M

2014-02-01

The Egyptian Red Sea environment especially along El-Sokhna area to the Suez refineries (Suez) is severely contaminated with organic compounds, as well as overfishing. This may be well contributory to recent serious declines in fish stocks. Fish embryos are also particularly vulnerable to oil exposure, even at extremely low concentrations of less than one part per billion. Consequently, even traces of oil pollution at levels often considered safe for wildlife can cause severe damage to fish. Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in ten fish species of aquatic species by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The compositions of PAHs determined in all samples were measured in order to use them as chemical markers for identifying different sources of PAH pollutants in the studied region. The total content of these16 PAHs ranged from 399.616 up to 67,631.779 ng/g wet weight. The data show that these values are considered to be alarmingly high enough to cause lethal toxicity effect by accumulation. All studied aquatic species samples are characterized by relatively high concentrations of the six-membered ring PAHs. The origin of PAHs in the collected samples is either petrogenic, biogenic, or mixed petrogenic and biogenic.

Bovine GDF10 gene polymorphism analysis and its association with body measurement traits in Chinese indigenous cattle.

PubMed

Adoligbe, C; Zan, Linsen; Farougou, S; Wang, Hongbao; Ujjan, J A

2012-04-01

The objective of this research was to detect bovine GDF10 gene polymorphism and analyze its association with body measurement traits (BMT) of animals sampled from 6 different Chinese indigenous cattle populations. The populations included Xuelong (Xl), Luxi (Lx), Qinchuan (Qc), Jiaxian red (Jx), Xianang (Xn) and Nanyang (Ny). Blood samples were taken from a total of 417 female animals stratified into age categories of 12-36 months. Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) was employed to find out GDF10 single polymorphism nucleotide (SNPs) and explore their possible association with BMT. Sequence analysis of GDF10 gene revealed 3 SNPs in total: 1 in exon1 (G142A) and 2 in exon3 (A11471G, and T12495C). G142A and T12495C SNPs are both synonymous mutation. They showed 2 genotypes namely respectively (GG, GA) and (PP and PB). A11471G SNP is a missense mutation leading to the change of Alanine to Threonine amino acid. It showed three genotypes namely AA, BB and AB. Analysis of association of polymorphism with body measurement traits at the three locus showed that there were significant effects on BMT in Qc, Jx and Ny cattle population. These results suggest that the GDF10 gene might have potential effects on body measurement traits in the above mentioned cattle populations and could be used for marker-assisted selection.

Determination and partitioning of metals in sediments along the Suez Canal by sequential extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd El-Azim, H.; El-Moselhy, Kh. M.

2005-06-01

The application of sequential extraction technique was used to determine the chemical association of heavy metals in five different chemical phases (exchangeable F1, bound to carbonate F2, bound to Fe-Mn oxides F3, bound to organic matter F4 and residual F5) for sediment samples collected from the Suez Canal. From the obtained data, it can be seen that the surplus of metal contaminants introduced into the sediment from sources usually exists in relatively unstable chemical forms. A high proportion of the studied metals remained in the residual fraction. Most of remaining portion of metals was bound to ferromanganese oxides fraction. The low concentrations of metals in the exchangeable fraction indicated that the sediments of Suez Canal were relatively unpolluted.

Absolute quantification of DcR3 and GDF15 from human serum by LC-ESI MS

PubMed Central

Lancrajan, Ioana; Schneider-Stock, Regine; Naschberger, Elisabeth; Schellerer, Vera S; Stürzl, Michael; Enz, Ralf

2015-01-01

Biomarkers are widely used in clinical diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring. Here, we developed a protocol for the efficient and selective enrichment of small and low concentrated biomarkers from human serum, involving a 95% effective depletion of high-abundant serum proteins by partial denaturation and enrichment of low-abundant biomarkers by size exclusion chromatography. The recovery of low-abundance biomarkers was above 97%. Using this protocol, we quantified the tumour markers DcR3 and growth/differentiation factor (GDF)15 from 100 μl human serum by isotope dilution mass spectrometry, using 15N metabolically labelled and concatamerized fingerprint peptides for the both proteins. Analysis of three different fingerprint peptides for each protein by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry resulted in comparable concentrations in three healthy human serum samples (DcR3: 27.23 ± 2.49 fmol/ml; GDF15: 98.11 ± 0.49 fmol/ml). In contrast, serum levels were significantly elevated in tumour patients for DcR3 (116.94 ± 57.37 fmol/ml) and GDF15 (164.44 ± 79.31 fmol/ml). Obtained data were in good agreement with ELISA and qPCR measurements, as well as with literature data. In summary, our protocol allows the reliable quantification of biomarkers, shows a higher resolution at low biomarker concentrations than antibody-based strategies, and offers the possibility of multiplexing. Our proof-of-principle studies in patient sera encourage the future analysis of the prognostic value of DcR3 and GDF15 for colon cancer patients in larger patient cohorts. PMID:25823874

Dimensions of quality of antenatal care sservice at suez, egypt.

PubMed

Rahman El Gammal, Hanan Abbas Abdo Abdel

2014-07-01

The 5(th) millennium development goal aims at reducing maternal mortality by 75% by the year 2015. According to the World Health Organization, there was an estimated 358,000 maternal deaths globally in 2008. Developing countries accounted for 99% of these deaths of which three-fifths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa. In primary health care (PHC), quality of antenatal care is fundamental and critically affects service continuity. Nevertheless, medical research ignores the issue and it is lacking scientific inquiry, particularly in Egypt. The aim of the following study is to assess the quality of antenatal care in urban Suez Governorate, Egypt. A cross-sectional primary health care center (PHCC) based study conducted at five PHCC in urban Suez, Egypt. The total sample size collected from clients, physicians and medical records. Parameters assessed auditing of medical records, assessing provider and pregnant women satisfaction. Nearly 97% of respondents were satisfied about the quality of antenatal care, while provider's satisfaction was 61% and for file, auditing was 76.5 ± 5.6. The present study shows that client satisfaction, physicians' satisfaction and auditing of medical record represent an idea about opportunities for improvement.

Egypt, Nile Valley, Gulf of Suez, Sinai as seen from Gemini 12 spacecraft

NASA Image and Video Library

1966-11-13

S66-63477 (13 Nov. 1966) --- United Arab Republic (Egypt), the Nile Valley from Luxor to Cairo, El Payium, Gulf of Suez, Sinai as seen from Gemini-12 spacecraft on its 25th revolution of Earth. Photo credit: NASA

Mutational screening of CHX10, GDF6, OTX2, RAX and SOX2 genes in 50 unrelated microphthalmia-anophthalmia-coloboma (MAC) spectrum cases.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Rodriguez, J; Pelcastre, E L; Tovilla-Canales, J L; Garcia-Ortiz, J E; Amato-Almanza, M; Villanueva-Mendoza, C; Espinosa-Mattar, Z; Zenteno, J C

2010-08-01

Microphthalmia-anophthalmia-coloboma (MAC) are congenital eye malformations causing a significant percentage of visually impairments in children. Although these anomalies can arise from prenatal exposure to teratogens, mutations in well-defined genes originate potentially heritable forms of MAC. Mutations in genes such as CHX10, GDF6, RAX, SOX2 and OTX2, among others, have been recognised in dominant or recessive MAC. SOX2 and OTX2 are the two most commonly mutated genes in monogenic MAC. However, as more numerous samples of MAC subjects would be analysed, a better estimation of the actual involvement of specific MAC-genes could be made. Here, a comprehensive mutational analysis of the CHX10, GDF6, RAX, SOX2 and OTX2 genes was performed in 50 MAC subjects. PCR amplification and direct automated DNA sequencing of all five genes in 50 unrelated subjects. Eight mutations (16% prevalence) were recognised, including four GDF6 mutations (one novel), two novel RAX mutations, one novel OTX2 mutation and one SOX2 mutation. Anophthalmia and nanophthalmia, not previously associated with GDF6 mutations, were observed in two subjects carrying defects in this gene, expanding the spectrum of GDF6-linked ocular anomalies. Our study underscores the importance of genotyping large groups of patients from distinct ethnic origins for improving the estimation of the global involvement of particular MAC-causing genes.

Interpretation of multispectral and infrared thermal surveys of the Suez Canal Zone, Egypt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elshazly, E. M.; Hady, M. A. A. H.; Hafez, M. A. A.; Salman, A. B.; Morsy, M. A.; Elrakaiby, M. M.; Alaassy, I. E. E.; Kamel, A. F.

1977-01-01

Remote sensing airborne surveys were conducted, as part of the plan of rehabilitation, of the Suez Canal Zone using I2S multispectral camera and Bendix LN-3 infrared passive scanner. The multispectral camera gives four separate photographs for the same scene in the blue, green, red, and near infrared bands. The scanner was operated in the microwave bands of 8 to 14 microns and the thermal surveying was carried out both at night and in the day time. The surveys, coupled with intensive ground investigations, were utilized in the construction of new geological, structural lineation and drainage maps for the Suez Canal Zone on a scale of approximately 1:20,000, which are superior to the maps made by normal aerial photography. A considerable number of anomalies belonging to various types were revealed through the interpretation of the executed multispectral and infrared thermal surveys.

Dimensions of Quality of Antenatal Care Sservice at Suez, Egypt

PubMed Central

Rahman El Gammal, Hanan Abbas Abdo Abdel

2014-01-01

Introduction: The 5th millennium development goal aims at reducing maternal mortality by 75% by the year 2015. According to the World Health Organization, there was an estimated 358,000 maternal deaths globally in 2008. Developing countries accounted for 99% of these deaths of which three-fifths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa. In primary health care (PHC), quality of antenatal care is fundamental and critically affects service continuity. Nevertheless, medical research ignores the issue and it is lacking scientific inquiry, particularly in Egypt. Aim of the Study: The aim of the following study is to assess the quality of antenatal care in urban Suez Governorate, Egypt. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional primary health care center (PHCC) based study conducted at five PHCC in urban Suez, Egypt. The total sample size collected from clients, physicians and medical records. Parameters assessed auditing of medical records, assessing provider and pregnant women satisfaction. Results: Nearly 97% of respondents were satisfied about the quality of antenatal care, while provider's satisfaction was 61% and for file, auditing was 76.5 ± 5.6. Conclusion: The present study shows that client satisfaction, physicians’ satisfaction and auditing of medical record represent an idea about opportunities for improvement. PMID:25374861

Egypt`s first remotely controlled subsea completion -- A Gulf of Suez case history

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El Hawary, A.; Hoffman, J.G.

1995-11-01

A case history of the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company`s (GUPCO) first remotely controlled subsea completion is provided. The first completion was for well GS 373-2, a previously drilled and tested exploration well located in the south portion of the Gulf of Suez. Subsea technology was utilized to economically justify development of this one well marginal field which was discovered in 1978. Traditional methods proved to be too costly for development, therefore application of a low cost subsea tree was utilized to capture the resources. In the Gulf of Suez many fields have been discovered by have not been developedmore » due to low reserves. These marginal projects can have a profound impact on the revenue and shareholder value if any economic method is used to exploit these opportunities. Platform installation was not feasible due to reserve size, hence the well has remained abandoned until recently. Capturing the experience of Amoco in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Dutch North Sea, GUPCO was able to build a low cost subsea system which would allow for the economic development of the marginal fields discovered in the past. This paper presents a summarized look at subsea completion technology. The cost comparison of traditional development methods will be made, given the local cost structure in Egypt. The application of this technology has some limitations and constraints which will be discussed in the paper. Furthermore the actual field installation of Egypt`s first remotely controlled subsea tree will be summarized. Also included is a discussion on simple remote controls,and offshore installation operations.« less

A study of Salmonella typhi isolated in Suez Canal area. Biotyping, phage typing and colicinogenic property.

PubMed

Shoeb, S; Khalifa, I; el Daly, O; Heiba, A; Farmer, J; Brenner, F; el Batawi, Y

1989-01-01

In this work a total of 82 strains of Salmonella typhi were isolated from Egyptian patients diagnosed as quiry enteric fever. These cases were from Ismalia, Suez and port Said Areas. The strains fell in 16 phage types. Phage types N, 40, E1, and degraded Vi were the commonest phage type in Ismailia, while phage types degraded Vi and C1 were the commonest in Port Said. Phage types Di-N, degraded Vi, A and C1 were the commonest in Suez. Chemotyping of Salmonella typhi showed that the majority of the strains belonged to chemotype I (82%), and the rest belonged to chemotype II (18%). Colicin production was negative and all the strains were susceptible to the currently used antibiotics.

Controls on erosional retreat of the uplifted rift flanks at the Gulf of Suez and northern Red Sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steckler, Michael S.; Omar, Gomaa I.

1994-01-01

The Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea rigts are currently bordered by large asymmetric uplifts that are undergoing erosion. We find that the amount and timing of erosion vary systematically along the strike of the margin and have been controlled by variations in the perift stratigraphy. The perfit strata are compsoed of cliff-forming Eocene-Cretaceous carbonates overlaying the easily eroded Cretaceous-Cambrian 'Nubian' sandstone. This lithologic succession promotes scarp retreat of the sedimentary section, follwed by dissection of the underlying basement. The perift section thins from over 2000 m at the northern end of the rift to less htan 400 m at its junction with the Red Sea. Thus, at the northern part of the Gulf of Suez, the Nubian sandstone is minimally exposed, and the carbonates form a scarp at the rift border fault. Farther south, undercuttin of hte carbonates by erosion of the sandstion has resulted in scarp retreat. The escarpment cuts diagonally away from the border fault andis over 100 km inland from the border fault at the southernmost Gulf of Suez. The amount of retreat varies inversely with the sediment thickness. Exposure and erosion of basement are initiated by the retreate of the escarpment, and the depth of erosion, as indicated by fission track ages, increases with distance from the escarpment. These observations are explained by a model in which erosion along the Gulf of Suez is initiated as rift flank uplift becomes sufficiently large ot expose the friable sandstones. Undercutting the escarpment and exhumation of basement has been propagating northward and westward for at least 20 m.y. The average rate of scarp retreat has been 6 km/m.y. and the along-strike propagation of the erosion has been 12 km/m.y. The diachronous erosion of the rift flanks at the Gulf of Suez highlights the importance of distinguishing between the timing of uplift and of erosion. Both thermochronometric and stratigraphic data primarily indicate the timing of erosion, which

GDF-15 secreted from human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells delivered through the cerebrospinal fluid promotes hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic activity in an Alzheimer's disease model.

PubMed

Kim, Dong Hyun; Lee, Dahm; Chang, Eun Hyuk; Kim, Ji Hyun; Hwang, Jung Won; Kim, Ju-Yeon; Kyung, Jae Won; Kim, Sung Hyun; Oh, Jeong Su; Shim, Sang Mi; Na, Duk Lyul; Oh, Wonil; Chang, Jong Wook

2015-10-15

Our previous studies demonstrated that transplantation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) into the hippocampus of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) reduced amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and enhanced cognitive function through paracrine action. Due to the limited life span of hUCB-MSCs after their transplantation, the extension of hUCB-MSC efficacy was essential for AD treatment. In this study, we show that repeated cisterna magna injections of hUCB-MSCs activated endogenous hippocampal neurogenesis and significantly reduced Aβ42 levels. To identify the paracrine factors released from the hUCB-MSCs that stimulated endogenous hippocampal neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, we cocultured adult mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) with hUCB-MSCs and analyzed the cocultured media with cytokine arrays. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) levels were significantly increased in the media. GDF-15 suppression in hUCB-MSCs with GDF-15 small interfering RNA reduced the proliferation of NSCs in cocultures. Conversely, recombinant GDF-15 treatment in both in vitro and in vivo enhanced hippocampal NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Repeated administration of hUBC-MSCs markedly promoted the expression of synaptic vesicle markers, including synaptophysin, which are downregulated in patients with AD. In addition, in vitro synaptic activity through GDF-15 was promoted. Taken together, these results indicated that repeated cisterna magna administration of hUCB-MSCs enhanced endogenous adult hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic activity through a paracrine factor of GDF-15, suggesting a possible role of hUCB-MSCs in future treatment strategies for AD.

Development of an ultra-sensitive Simoa assay to enable GDF11 detection: a comparison across bioanalytical platforms.

PubMed

Myzithras, Maria; Li, Hua; Bigwarfe, Tammy; Waltz, Erica; Gupta, Priyanka; Low, Sarah; Hayes, David B; MacDonnell, Scott; Ahlberg, Jennifer; Franti, Michael; Roberts, Simon

2016-03-01

Four bioanalytical platforms were evaluated to optimize sensitivity and enable detection of recombinant human GDF11 in biological matrices; ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, Gyrolab xP Workstation and Simoa HD-1. Results & methodology: After completion of custom assay development, the single-molecule ELISA (Simoa) achieved the greatest sensitivity with a lower limit of quantitation of 0.1 ng/ml, an improvement of 100-fold over the next sensitive platform (MSD). This improvement was essential to enable detection of GDF11 in biological samples, and without the technology the sensitivity achieved on the other platforms would not have been sufficient. Other factors such as ease of use, cost, assay time and automation capability can also be considered when developing custom immunoassays, based on the requirements of the bioanalyst.

Phytoplankton variability in relation to some environmental factors in the eastern coast of Suez Gulf, Egypt.

PubMed

Nassar, Mohamed Z; El-Din, Nihal G Shams; Gharib, Samiha M

2015-10-01

Water samples were seasonally collected from 12 stations of the eastern coast of Suez Gulf during autumn of 2012 and winter, spring, and summer of 2013 in order to investigate phytoplankton community structure in relation to some physicochemical parameters. The study area harbored a diversified phytoplankton community (138 species), belonging to 67 genera. Four algal groups were represented and classified as Bacillariophyceae (90 species), Dinophyceae (28 species), Cyanophyceae (16 species), and Chlorophyceae (4 species). The results indicated a relative high occurrence of some species namely.; Pleurotaenium trabecula of green algae; Chaetoceros lorenzianus, Proboscia alata var. gracillima, Pseudosolenia calcar-avis, and Pseudo-nitzschia pungens of diatoms; Trichodesmium erythraeum and Pseudoanabaena limnetica of cyanophytes. Most of other algal species were fairly distributed at the selected stations of the study area. The total abundance of phytoplankton was relatively low (average of 2989 unit/L) in the eastern coast of Suez Gulf, as compared its western coast and the northern part of the Red Sea. The diversity of phytoplankton species was relatively high (2.35-3.82 nats) with an annual average of 3.22 nats in the present study. The results concluded that most of eastern coast of Suez Gulf is still healthy, relatively unpolluted, and oligotrophic area, which is clearly achieved by the low values of dissolved phosphate (0.025-0.3 μM), nitrate (0.18-1.26 μM), and dissolved ammonium (0.81-5.36 μM). Even if the occurrence of potentially harmful algae species was low, the study area should be monitored continuously. The dissolved oxygen ranged between 1.77 and 8.41 mg/L and pH values between 7.6 and 8.41. The multiple regression analysis showed that the dissolved nitrate and pH values were the most effective factors that controlled the seasonal fluctuations of phytoplankton along the eastern coast of Suez Gulf during 2012-2013.

Ascidian introductions through the Suez Canal: The case study of an Indo-Pacific species.

PubMed

Rius, Marc; Shenkar, Noa

2012-10-01

Although marine biological invasions via the Suez Canal have been extensively documented, little is known about the introduction of non-indigenous ascidians (Chordata, Ascidiacea), a group containing particularly aggressive invasive species. Here, we used a multidisciplinary approach to study the introduction of the ascidian Herdmania momus into the Mediterranean Sea. We reviewed its taxonomy and global distribution, and analyzed how genetic variation is partitioned between sides of the Suez Canal. The taxonomic revision showed that H. momus currently has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution. Genetic data indicated two well-differentiated colonization histories across the eastern Mediterranean. Our findings suggest that the range expansion of H. momus has been greatly facilitated by the combined effect of human-mediated transport and the species' ability to adapt to different environments. The integrative approach presented here is critical to attain a holistic understanding of marine biological invasions, especially when studying groups with a poorly resolved taxonomy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Refining insulin concentrations in culture medium containing growth factors BMP15 and GDF9: An in vitro study of the effects on follicle development of goats.

PubMed

Dipaz-Berrocal, D J; Sá, N A R; Guerreiro, D D; Celestino, J J H; Leiva-Revilla, J; Alves, B G; Alves, K A; Santos, R R; Cibin, F W S; Rodrigues, A P R; Figueiredo, J R

2017-10-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of two insulin concentrations (10ng/mL and 10μg/mL) combined or in the absence of BMP15 and/or GDF9, on the in vitro survival and development of preantral follicles of goat ovarian tissue. Ovarian slices from the same goat ovary pair were randomly assigned to a non-cultured control treatment or to be in vitro cultured for 1 or 7days in α-MEM containing 10ng/mL (Low) or 10μg/mL (High) of insulin in the absence or presence of BMP15 and/or GDF9. With the low insulin treatment, there was a greater percentage of normal follicles than with the high insulin treatment. The addition of BMP15 alone or in association with GDF9 to the medium containing low insulin resulted in a lesser percentage of normal follicles (P<0.05). The addition of BMP15 and GDF9 separately or in combination with the high insulin concentration enhanced the percentage of normal follicles. On day 7 of culture, the use of medium containing low insulin alone or high insulin supplemented with BMP15 and BMP15+GDF9 resulted in a greater percentage of secondary follicles than the non-cultured control, although follicles cultured with low insulin were smaller than those from the control group and had greater rates of oxidative stress. In conclusion, in the presence of physiological concentrations of insulin (10ng/mL), medium supplementation with GDF9 and BMP15 alone or in combination is unnecessary for normal follicle development in vitro. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitative expression patterns of GDF9 and BMP15 genes in sheep ovarian follicles grown in vivo or cultured in vitro.

PubMed

Kona, S S R; Praveen Chakravarthi, V; Siva Kumar, A V N; Srividya, D; Padmaja, K; Rao, V H

2016-01-15

Quantitative patterns of expression of the growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenic protein 15 (BMP15) genes in different development stages of in vivo and in vitro grown ovarian follicles in sheep were studied for the first time. Both GDF9 and BMP15 were expressed in the cumulus cells and oocytes at all the development stages of in vivo and in vitro grown ovarian follicles. Growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenic protein 15 exhibited stage-specific undulations in the expression in the cumulus cells and oocytes isolated from in vivo grown ovarian follicles. These undulations could be related to discrete development events during the ovarian follicle development. The expression of GDF9 and BMP15 was highest (3.38 ± 0.02 and 2.69 ± 0.06, respectively; P ≤ 0.05) in the primordial follicles compared with preantral, early antral, antral, and large antral stages. Similarly, GDF9 and BMP15 expression in the cumulus cells (0 ± 0.16 and 0 ± 0.07) and oocytes (1.47 ± 0.07 and 1.32 ± 0.03) was lowest (P ≤ 0.05) in the in vivo grown antral follicles. In the cultured follicles, the stage-specific undulations observed in the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 in the in vivo grown follicles were either different or abolished. For example, in the oocytes from in vitro grown follicles, the expression of BMP15 did not change as the development progressed all the way from preantral to large antral follicle stage although in the oocytes from in vivo grown follicles BMP15 expression exhibited stage-specific variations. It is concluded that GDF9 and BMP15 follow a stage-specific pattern of expression during the in vivo development of ovarian follicles in sheep, and in vitro culture altered the stage-specific changes in the expression of these two genes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

GDF15(MIC1) H6D Polymorphism Does Not Influence Cardiovascular Disease in a Latin American Population with Rheumatoid Arthritis

PubMed Central

Amaya-Amaya, Jenny; Rojas-Villarraga, Adriana; Molano-Gonzalez, Nicolas; Montoya-Sánchez, Laura; Nath, Swapan K.; Anaya, Juan-Manuel

2015-01-01

Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common autoimmune arthropathy worldwide. The increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in RA is not fully explained by classic risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of rs1058587 SNP within GDF15(MIC1) gene on the risk of CVD in a Colombian RA population. Methods. This was a cross-sectional analytical study in which 310 consecutive Colombian patients with RA and 228 age- and sex-matched controls were included and assessed for variables associated with CVD. The mixed cluster methodology based on multivariate descriptive methods such as principal components analysis and multiple correspondence analyses and regression tree (CART) predictive model were performed. Results. Of the 310 patients, 87.4% were women and CVD was reported in 69.5%. Significant differences concerning GDF15 polymorphism were not observed between patients and controls. Mean arterial pressure, current smoking, and some clusters were significantly associated with CVD. Conclusion. GDF15 (rs1058587) does not influence the development of CVD in the population studied. PMID:26090487

Red to Mediterranean Sea bioinvasion: natural drift through the Suez Canal, or anthropogenic transport?

PubMed

Shefer, Sigal; Abelson, Avigdor; Mokady, Ofer; Geffen, Eli

2004-08-01

The biota of the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea has experienced dramatic changes in the last decades, in part as a result of the massive invasion of Red Sea species. The mechanism generally hypothesized for the 'Red-to-Med' invasion is that of natural dispersal through the Suez Canal. To date, however, this hypothesis has not been tested. This study examines the mode of invasion, using as a model the mussel Brachidontes pharaonis, an acclaimed 'Lessepsian migrant' that thrives along the eastern Mediterranean coast. Our findings reveal two distinct lineages of haplotypes, and five possible explanations are discussed for this observation. We show that the genetic exchange among the Mediterranean, Gulf of Suez and the northern Red Sea is sufficiently large to counteract the build up of sequential genetic structure. Nevertheless, these basins are rich in unique haplotypes of unknown origin. We propose that it is historic secondary contact, an ongoing anthropogenic transport or both processes, that participate in driving the population dynamics of B. pharaonis in the Mediterranean and northern Red Sea. Copyright 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Marine Radioactivity Studies in the Suez Canal, Part I: Hydrodynamics and Transit Times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abril, J. M.; Abdel-Aal, M. M.

2000-04-01

This paper describes work carried out under the IAEA Project EGY/07/002 to study the dispersion of radioactive material in the Suez Canal. This effort is linked with the increased public concern about radiation safety through this important trade route. To follow the fate of radioactive wastes along this waterway, we had to solve the hydrodynamics of the water, governed mainly by tides, atmospheric forcing and the drift currents produced by horizontal salinity gradients and by differences in mean sea level (MSL) at the two entrances of the Canal. The hydrodynamics has been studied using both 1-D and 2-D modelling approaches, and a reasonable calibration has been possible from the data set prepared with the collaboration of the Suez Canal Authority. Dispersion of conservative pollutants has been preliminarily studied by using a 1-D-Gaussian approach. Thus, we are computing the path of the plumes and the time evolution of concentrations for different scenarios of discharges and under different seasonal conditions. The transit times can vary enormously during the year, ranging from a few days to several months, depending on the differences in MSL at the two entrances of the Canal.

Pattern of Blood Stream Infections within Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt.

PubMed

Kishk, Rania Mohammed; Mandour, Mohamed Fouad; Farghaly, Rasha Mohamed; Ibrahim, Ahmed; Nemr, Nader Attia

2014-01-01

Introduction. Blood stream infection (BSI) is a common problem of newborn in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Monitoring neonatal infections is increasingly regarded as an important contributor to safe and high-quality healthcare. It results in high mortality rate and serious complications. So, our aim was to determine the incidence and the pattern of BSIs in the NICU of Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt, and to determine its impact on hospitalization, mortality, and morbidity. Methods. This study was a prospective one in which all neonates admitted to the NICUs in Suez Canal University hospital between January, 2013 and June 2013 were enrolled. Blood stream infections were monitored prospectively. The health care associated infection rate, mortality rate, causative organism, and risk factors were studied. Results. A total of 317 neonates were admitted to the NICU with a mortality rate of 36.0%. During this study period, 115/317 (36.3%) developed clinical signs of sepsis and were confirmed as BSIs by blood culture in only 90 neonates with 97 isolates. The total mean length of stay was significantly longer among infected than noninfected neonates (34.5 ± 18.3 and 10.8 ± 9.9 days, resp., P value < 0.001). The overall mortality rates among infected and noninfected neonates were 38.9% and 34.8%, respectively, with a significant difference. Klebsiella spp. were the most common pathogen (27.8%) followed by Pseudomonas (21.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.4%). Conclusion. The rate of BSIs in NICU at Suez Canal University Hospital was relatively high with high mortality rate (36.0%).

Pattern of Blood Stream Infections within Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt

PubMed Central

Kishk, Rania Mohammed; Mandour, Mohamed Fouad; Farghaly, Rasha Mohamed; Ibrahim, Ahmed; Nemr, Nader Attia

2014-01-01

Introduction. Blood stream infection (BSI) is a common problem of newborn in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Monitoring neonatal infections is increasingly regarded as an important contributor to safe and high-quality healthcare. It results in high mortality rate and serious complications. So, our aim was to determine the incidence and the pattern of BSIs in the NICU of Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt, and to determine its impact on hospitalization, mortality, and morbidity. Methods. This study was a prospective one in which all neonates admitted to the NICUs in Suez Canal University hospital between January, 2013 and June 2013 were enrolled. Blood stream infections were monitored prospectively. The health care associated infection rate, mortality rate, causative organism, and risk factors were studied. Results. A total of 317 neonates were admitted to the NICU with a mortality rate of 36.0%. During this study period, 115/317 (36.3%) developed clinical signs of sepsis and were confirmed as BSIs by blood culture in only 90 neonates with 97 isolates. The total mean length of stay was significantly longer among infected than noninfected neonates (34.5 ± 18.3 and 10.8 ± 9.9 days, resp., P value < 0.001). The overall mortality rates among infected and noninfected neonates were 38.9% and 34.8%, respectively, with a significant difference. Klebsiella spp. were the most common pathogen (27.8%) followed by Pseudomonas (21.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.4%). Conclusion. The rate of BSIs in NICU at Suez Canal University Hospital was relatively high with high mortality rate (36.0%). PMID:25389439

GDF5 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs143383 is associated with lumbar disc degeneration in Northern European women

PubMed Central

Williams, F M K; Popham, M; Hart, D J; de Schepper, E; Bierma-Zeinstra, S; Hofman, A; Uitterlinden, A G; Arden, N K; Cooper, C; Spector, T D; Valdes, A M; van Meurs, J

2011-01-01

Objective Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a serious social and medical problem which has been shown to be highly heritable. It has similarities with peripheral joint osteoarthritis (OA) in terms of both epidemiology and pathologic processes. A few known genetic variants have been identified using a candidate gene approach, but many more are thought to exist. GDF5 is a gene whose variants have been shown to play a role in skeletal height as well as predisposing to peripheral joint OA. In vitro, the gene product growth differentiation factor 5 has been shown to promote growth and repair of animal disc. This study was undertaken to investigate whether the GDF5 gene plays a role in LDD. Methods We investigated whether the 5′ upstream single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant rs143383 was associated with LDD, using plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging to identify disc space narrowing and osteophytes, in 5 population cohorts from Northern Europe. Results An association between LDD and the SNP rs143383 was identified in women, with the same risk allele as in knee and hip OA (odds ratio 1.72 [95% confidence interval 1.15–2.57], P = 0.008). Conclusion Our findings in 5 population cohorts from Northern Europe indicate that a variant in the GDF5 gene is a risk factor for LDD in women. Many more such variants are predicted to exist, but this result highlights the growth and differentiation cellular pathway as a possible route to a better understanding of the process behind lumbar disc degeneration. PMID:21360499

Relationship between sediment morphology and oil pollution along the Suez Canal beaches, Egypt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barakat, M.A.K.; Shimy, T.M.; Mostafa, Y.M.

1996-10-01

In this study, marine surface sediments are collected from nine locations along the Suez Canal in order to investigate the relationship between the morphology of sands in the studied beaches and pollution by oil. Basically, the studied samples were analyzed by three techniques: grains-size analysis, microscopic examination, and gas chromatographic (GC) analysis. This study concluded that medium sand is the major class represented in the studied marine sediments. Pollution in these sand grains increases in the irregular grains more so than in the more rounded grains. Also, deep surface points, pitting, and fissures are considered to be good sites tomore » precipitate oil contamination. Also, the presence of iron oxides may be taken as evidence for tanker ballast washings. The heavy fraction (zircon) shows more contamination than the light fraction (quartz) in these samples. Finally, GC profiles have shown two types of samples: one typical of weathered or highly weathered crude oil patterns and the other for samples with very highly weathered profiles. The relationship obtained between morphology studies and both oil content and GC chromatogram profiles indicates that all of the studied locations are suffering from pollution of oil that is spilled while shipping petroleum through the Suez Canal.« less

Present-day stress fields of the Gulf of Suez (Egypt) based on exploratory well data: Non-uniform regional extension and its relation to inherited structures and local plate motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosworth, William; Durocher, Scott

2017-12-01

The Gulf of Suez is the prototype model of a failed or aborted continental rift. However, the basin is seismically active and the footwalls of several major extensional faults continue to rise at the present time. Furthermore, decadal-length Global Positioning System (GPS) datasets demonstrate that the Sinai micro-plate continues to separate from Africa in a northerly direction at ∼0.15 cm/yr with a Gulf of Suez rift-normal component of ∼0.05 cm/yr. Geologic and GPS observations both indicate that the rift is now undergoing highly-oblique extension. Previous interpretations of borehole breakouts in industry exploration wells suggested that the minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) in the southern Gulf of Suez is presently aligned ∼015°. New subsurface data from the accommodation zone boundary between the Central and Darag (northern) sub-basins similarly identifies an extension direction of approximately N-S. By contrast, in the Central sub-basin itself breakout and drilling-induced fracture (DIF) data indicate NE-SW extension, or rift-normal movement that is similar to the documented older Miocene history of the entire basin. Based on these observations the present-day stress field of the Gulf of Suez is spatially non-uniform. Variations are also present in local and teleseismic datasets. The northern Gulf of Suez shows relatively less seismicity, with very few events greater than M = 3. The central sub-basin is very active, with 17 events M ≥ 3 during the past 45 years, and these suggest NE-SW extension similar to the breakout data. The southern Gulf of Suez is the most seismically active and merges with an area of significant seismicity in the northern Red Sea. In the southern Gulf of Suez the seismicity is complex but focal plane analyses of the two largest historical events indicated NNE-SSW extension, in agreement with the breakout data. Differing interpretations have been proposed for the smaller magnitude seismicity. We suggest that each of the three

Reproductive biology of the Suez Canal spider crab Schizophrys aspera (H. Milne Edwards, 1834: Crustacea: Brachyura: Majidae)

PubMed Central

El-Serehy, Hamed A.; Al-Rasheid, Khaled A.; Ibrahim, Nesreen K.; Al-Misned, Fahad A.

2015-01-01

A reproductive biology study of the spider crab Schizophrys aspera (H. Milne Edwards, 1834) was conducted in the Suez Canal from July 2012 to June 2013. The annual sex ratio (Male:Female) of S. aspera was female biased with values of 1:1.25. Out of the four ovarian development stages of this crab, two stages were observed in the Suez Canal throughout the whole year. The ovigerous crab’s carapace width varied from 28 to 52 mm. This crab species can spawn during most of the year in the canal water, with a peak during late spring and early winter. The fecundity of ovigerous females ranged between 2349 and 13600 eggs with a mean of 5494 ± 1486 eggs. Female crabs that reached sexual maturity exhibited a minimum carapace width varying between 22 and 46 mm, and fifty percentage of all ovigerous females showed a carapace width of 36 mm. PMID:26587008

Reproductive biology of the Suez Canal spider crab Schizophrys aspera (H. Milne Edwards, 1834: Crustacea: Brachyura: Majidae).

PubMed

El-Serehy, Hamed A; Al-Rasheid, Khaled A; Ibrahim, Nesreen K; Al-Misned, Fahad A

2015-11-01

A reproductive biology study of the spider crab Schizophrys aspera (H. Milne Edwards, 1834) was conducted in the Suez Canal from July 2012 to June 2013. The annual sex ratio (Male:Female) of S. aspera was female biased with values of 1:1.25. Out of the four ovarian development stages of this crab, two stages were observed in the Suez Canal throughout the whole year. The ovigerous crab's carapace width varied from 28 to 52 mm. This crab species can spawn during most of the year in the canal water, with a peak during late spring and early winter. The fecundity of ovigerous females ranged between 2349 and 13600 eggs with a mean of 5494 ± 1486 eggs. Female crabs that reached sexual maturity exhibited a minimum carapace width varying between 22 and 46 mm, and fifty percentage of all ovigerous females showed a carapace width of 36 mm.

Hydrocarbon potential, structural setting and depositional environments of Hammam Faraun Member of the Belayim Formation, Southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabawy, Bassem S.; El Sharawy, Mohamed S.

2015-12-01

The Middle Miocene Belayim Formation is one of the most prolific formations in the Southern Gulf of Suez. It consists of four members; two members are evaporitic (Baba and Feiran) and the other two members are prospective, mostly clastics (Hammam Faraun and Sidri). The hydrocarbon potential and depositional environment of Hammam Faraun Member, the target of the present study, have been studied in 11 wells distributed in the southern province of the Gulf of Suez. The traditional well log data, as well as the Spectral Gamma-Ray logs 'SGR' and dipmeter data were used to evaluate the petrophysical properties and distribution of the Hammam Faraun Member in the Southern Gulf of Suez. It varies greatly in thickness with the greatest thicknesses in GS 365 (372 ft) and GS 373 (430 ft) fields in the central parts and the thinnest at the basin margins of the studied area at GH376 (65 ft) and Ras El Bahar (67.5 ft) fields. It is composed of clastic rocks, mainly shales and sometimes reef carbonates. The very good petrophysical properties of the studied sequence indicate a good reservoir in some fields with good to very good porosity (13.5 ≤ ∅ ≤ 25.0%). The shale volume of this reservoir sequence is less than 33% and the water saturation is less than 42.3%, while the net-pay thickness is up to 58 ft. The SGR and Pe logs indicate that, the studied rocks were deposited mostly in lagoonal to shallow marine environments, with illite and montmorillonite as dominant clay minerals. The dipmeter data obtained in some wells indicate slightly tilted beds, mostly less than 20° with an overall dip direction towards the SW, which represents the regional dip in the Southern Gulf of Suez. Based on dipmeter data, two major angular unconformities can be detected; one at the top of the sequence, separating it from the overlying South Gharib evaporates, and another one at the base of the sequence, separating it from the underlying Feiran Member.

Natural and artificial radionuclides in the Suez Canal bottom sediments and stream water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Tahawy, M. S.; Farouk, M. A.; Ibrahiem, N. M.; El-Mongey, S. A. M.

1994-07-01

Concentration of natural and artificial radionuclides in Suez Canal bottom sediments and stream water have been measured using γ spectrometers based on a hyper-pure Ge detector. The activity concentrations of 238U series, 232Th series and 40K did not exceed 16.0, 15.5 and 500.0 Bq kg-1 dry weight for sediments. The activity concentration of 238U series and 40K did not exceed 0.6 and 18.0 Bq 1-1 for stream water.

Risk factors of falls among elderly living in Urban Suez - Egypt

PubMed Central

Kamel, Mohammed Hany; Abdulmajeed, Abdulmajeed Ahmed; Ismail, Sally El-Sayed

2013-01-01

Introduction Falling is one of the most common geriatric syndromes threatening the independence of older persons. Falls result from a complex and interactive mix of biological or medical, behavioral and environmental factors, many of which are preventable. Studying these diverse risk factors would aid early detection and management of them at the primary care level. Methods This is a cross sectional study about risk factors of falls was conducted to 340 elders in Urban Suez. Those are all patients over 60 who attended two family practice centers in Urban Suez. Results When asked about falling during the past 12 months, 205 elders recalled at least one incident of falling. Of them, 36% had their falls outdoors and 24% mentioned that stairs was the most prevalent site for indoor falls. Falls were also reported more among dependant than independent elderly. Using univariate regression analysis, almost all tested risk factors were significantly associated with falls in the studied population. These risk factors include: living alone, having chronic diseases, using medications, having a physical deficit, being in active, and having a high nutritional risk. However, the multivariate regression analysis proved that the strongest risk factors are low level of physical activity with OR 0.6 and P value 0.03, using a cane or walker (OR 1.69 and P value 0.001) and Impairment of daily living activities (OR 1.7 and P value 0.001). Conclusion Although falls is a serious problem among elderly with many consequences, it has many preventable risk factors. Health care providers should advice people to remain active and more research is needed in such an important area of Family Practice. PMID:23504298

Risk factors of falls among elderly living in urban Suez--Egypt.

PubMed

Kamel, Mohammed Hany; Abdulmajeed, Abdulmajeed Ahmed; Ismail, Sally El-Sayed

2013-01-01

Falling is one of the most common geriatric syndromes threatening the independence of older persons. Falls result from a complex and interactive mix of biological or medical, behavioral and environmental factors, many of which are preventable. Studying these diverse risk factors would aid early detection and management of them at the primary care level. This is a cross sectional study about risk factors of falls was conducted to 340 elders in Urban Suez. Those are all patients over 60 who attended two family practice centers in Urban Suez. When asked about falling during the past 12 months, 205 elders recalled at least one incident of falling. Of them, 36% had their falls outdoors and 24% mentioned that stairs was the most prevalent site for indoor falls. Falls were also reported more among dependant than independent elderly. Using univariate regression analysis, almost all tested risk factors were significantly associated with falls in the studied population. These risk factors include: living alone, having chronic diseases, using medications, having a physical deficit, being in active, and having a high nutritional risk. However, the multivariate regression analysis proved that the strongest risk factors are low level of physical activity with OR 0.6 and P value 0.03, using a cane or walker (OR 1.69 and P value 0.001) and Impairment of daily living activities (OR 1.7 and P value 0.001). Although falls is a serious problem among elderly with many consequences, it has many preventable risk factors. Health care providers should advice people to remain active and more research is needed in such an important area of Family Practice.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Benefits For Pakistan And Comparison With Suez And Panama Canals

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC): BENEFITS FOR PAKISTAN AND COMPARISON WITH SUEZ AND PANAMA CANALS by Hanif Ullah Khan December 2017 Thesis...DATE December 2017 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC): BENEFITS FOR...The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is part of China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative and joins two major economic corridors: The Silk Road

Study optimizes gas lift in Gulf of Suez field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abdel-Waly, A.A.; Darwish, T.A.; Osman Salama, A.

1996-06-24

A study using PVT data combined with fluid and multiphase flow correlations optimized gas lift in the Ramadan field, Nubia C, oil wells, in the Gulf of Suez. Selection of appropriate correlations followed by multiphase flow calculations at various points of injection (POI) were the first steps in the study. After determining the POI for each well from actual pressure and temperature surveys, the study constructed lift gas performance curves for each well. Actual and optimum operating conditions were compared to determine the optimal gas lift. The study indicated a net 2,115 bo/d could be gained from implementing its recommendations.more » The actual net oil gained as a result of this optimization and injected gas reallocation was 2,024 bo/d. The paper discusses the Ramadan field, fluid properties, multiphase flow, production optimization, and results.« less

[The corvette "Nordstjernen's" voyage to the opening of the Suez Canal--naval medicine in 1869].

PubMed

Ongre, Aksel; Pettersen, Jan Sommerfelt; Munch, Johan Storm

2002-06-30

When the Norwegian corvette Nordstjernen was in the North Sea bound for Port Said to be present at the opening of the Suez Canal on 17 November 1869, an officer suffered a rupture of m. triceps brachii when he was drawn into the machinery during a storm. He was put ashore in Harwich; four days after the injury he was hospitalized in Colchester. The voyage was eventful in other ways too. Another officer died from typhoid fever in Ismailia. On the Swedish frigate Vanadis, also present at the opening of the Suez Canal, one of the doctors died from lung infection and was buried in Smyrna; a twelve-feet high column of white marble was taken from the ruins of Aesculap's temple and put on his grave. Denmark was represented by the frigate Sjaelland. During a storm in the North Sea, one seaman fell down on the deck from the foresail yard and suffered contusions and a fracture of the left clavicle. These cases illustrate challenges that faced our ancestors. The accident happened when the ship was in the Netherlands sector of the North Sea as we know it today. Today the Coast Guard could have arranged transport by helicopter and hospitalized the patient in about two hours.

Thorium normalization as a hydrocarbon accumulation indicator for Lower Miocene rocks in Ras Ghara area, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Khadragy, A. A.; Shazly, T. F.; AlAlfy, I. M.; Ramadan, M.; El-Sawy, M. Z.

2018-06-01

An exploration method has been developed using surface and aerial gamma-ray spectral measurements in prospecting petroleum in stratigraphic and structural traps. The Gulf of Suez is an important region for studying hydrocarbon potentiality in Egypt. Thorium normalization technique was applied on the sandstone reservoirs in the region to determine the hydrocarbon potentialities zones using the three spectrometric radioactive gamma ray-logs (eU, eTh and K% logs). This method was applied on the recorded gamma-ray spectrometric logs for Rudeis and Kareem Formations in Ras Ghara oil Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The conventional well logs (gamma-ray, resistivity, neutron, density and sonic logs) were analyzed to determine the net pay zones in the study area. The agreement ratios between the thorium normalization technique and the results of the well log analyses are high, so the application of thorium normalization technique can be used as a guide for hydrocarbon accumulation in the study reservoir rocks.

Why is the mediterranean more readily colonized than the Red Sea, by organisms using the Suez Canal as a passageway?

PubMed

Agur, Z; Safriel, U N

1981-07-01

Since the opening of the Suez Canal, more than 120 Red Sea species colonized the eastern Mediterranean, whereas less than 10 Mediterranean species colonized the Red Sea. For most of the species involved in this colonization, the mode of dispersal from the source to the colonized area is through free-drifting propagules. In order to examine whether the current regime of the Suez Canal may be involved in this assymetry in colonization, a mathematical hydraulic model that forecasts the direction and velocity of water currents through the year, along the length of the Canal, was utilized. The movements of free-floating propagules that occur at either entrance of the Canal, was simulated on a computer, and it was found that the completion of a Mediterranean-bound passage of Red Sea propagules is far faster and much more likely than a completion of a Red Sea-bound passage of Mediterranean propagules.

Rac1 modulates the formation of primordial follicles by facilitating STAT3-directed Jagged1, GDF9 and BMP15 transcription in mice

PubMed Central

Zhao, Lihua; Du, Xinhua; Huang, Kun; Zhang, Tuo; Teng, Zhen; Niu, Wanbao; Wang, Chao; Xia, Guoliang

2016-01-01

The size of the primordial follicle pool determines the reproductive potential of mammalian females, and establishment of the pool is highly dependent on specific genes expression. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the essential genes are regulated coordinately to ensure primordial follicle assembly remain a mystery. Here, we show that the small GTPase Rac1 plays an indispensable role in controlling the formation of primordial follicles in mouse ovary. Employing fetal mouse ovary organ culture system, we demonstrate that disruption of Rac1 retarded the breakdown of germline cell cysts while Rac1 overexpression accelerated the formation of primordial follicles. In addition, in vivo inhibitor injection resulted in the formation of multi-oocyte follicles. Subsequent investigation showed that Rac1 induced nuclear import of STAT3 by physical binding. In turn, nuclear STAT3 directly activated the transcription of essential oocyte-specific genes, including Jagged1, GDF9, BMP15 and Nobox. Further, GDF9 and BMP15 regulated the translation of Notch2 via mTORC1 activation in pregranulosa cells. Overexression or addition of Jagged1, GDF9 and BMP15 not only reversed the effect of Rac1 disruption, but also accelerated primordial follicle formation via Notch2 signaling activation. Collectively, these results indicate that Rac1 plays important roles as a key regulator in follicular assembly. PMID:27050391

Mosquitoes of the genus Culex in the Suez Canal Governorates.

PubMed

Morsy, T A; el Okbi, L M; Kamal, A M; Ahmed, M M; Boshara, E F

1990-06-01

Mosquitoes are among the most annoying and important vectors of human and animal diseases as malaria, filariasis, yellow fever, rift valley fever...etc. In this paper, it was aimed to study the present status of species of genus Culex in the Suez Canal Governorates after the reconstruction and developmental projects. Five species of Culex were identified: C. pipiens, C. univittatus, C. antennatus, C. poicilipes and C. pusillus. The latter species was represented by two specimens. C. pipiens was the commonest species both indoors and outdoors. C. antennatus and C. poicilipes were found only outdoors. C. pipiens was found all the year round particularly in Spring. Other species were found in Spring and Autumn, except C. antennatus which was found in Summer as well. The results were discussed on the light of work done before.

Studies on biting midges of the genus Culicoides in the Suez Canal Zone.

PubMed

Morsy, T A; Bebars, M A; Sabry, A H; Ahmed, M M; Abdel Fattah, S A

1989-06-01

The importance of the biting midges of the genus Culicoides being in their role as vector of non periodic filarial worms of the genus Mansonella and Dipetalonema to man and pathogenic virus to livestock. Besides, their painful bite may disappear within an hour or cause an appreciable systemic reaction. In this paper, the four species recorded in the Suez Canal Zone (C. schultzei, C. puncticollis, C. pallidipennis & C. distinctipennis) were redescribed. Also, the hours of activity of the most common and abundant species, C. schultzei was studied. C. neavei Austin, 1912, representing a new record in Egypt.

Modulation of stress related protein genes in the bass (Epinephelus guaza) caught from the Gulf of Suez, the Red Sea, Egypt.

PubMed

Abdel-Gawad, Fagr Kh; Khalil, Wagdy K B

2013-10-01

Impact of chemical pollution on expression of stress protein genes in the bass Epinephelus guaga collected from several locations including Suez Oil Production Port (Floating port), Atakah Fishing Port, Adabiya Port and Tawfik Port in Suez Governorate, Egypt, was investigated. In the current study, levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and fish samples collected from Suez Gulf were assessed. In addition, gills and liver tissues of caught bass fish were used to address the interaction between pollution status and the expression of stress-related genes (Hsp70a, Hsp70b, Hsp47, MT and CYP1A). Our analysis demonstrated that levels of PAHs in Floating and Tawfik ports were higher than those found in the Atakah Fishing Port and the Adabiya Port. In addition, MDA and PC contents were significantly higher in gills and liver tissues collected from Floating and Tawfik ports than those collected from Adabiya and Atakah ports. In correlation to the above results, all fish collected from the Floating and Tawfik ports presented a significant increase in Hsp-, MT- and CYP1A-mRNAs. On the other hand, fish samples collected from the Atakah Fishing and Adabiya ports showed no induction of the stress-related genes transcription in such tissues. In conclusion, the current research demonstrates that remarkable increase in PAH contaminants levels in Floating and Tawfik ports are correlated with the levels stress protein-related genes transcription in E. guaga gills and liver tissues. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Geology and habitat of oil in Ras Budran field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chowdhary, L.R.; Taha, S.

1987-10-01

The Ras Budran structure at the deepest mappable seismic reflector, the top of the Kareem Formation (middle Miocene), is a broad northeast-southwest-trending anticlinal feature with an anomalous strike nearly at right angles to the main Gulf of Suez trend. Oil is produced from three units of Nubian Formation sandstone from a depth of 11,000-12,000 ft (3352-3657 m). The lower unit of Paleozoic age averages 10% porosity and has up to 200 md in-situ permeability. Wells completed in this unit produce up to 2000 BOPD. In contrast, the sands to the upper two units of the Early Cretaceous have 15-20% porositymore » and up to 700 md permeability. Wells completed in this unit produce 6000-8000 BOPD. The Ras Budran structure was formed primarily during an intra-Rudeis tectonic phase (lower Miocene). Oil migration for accumulation in the structure started in the late Miocene or Pliocene when the Santonian Brown Limestone and the Eocene Thebes Formation, the main source beds in the Gulf of Suez, reached the threshold of oil generation at a burial depth of approximately 10,000 ft (3048 m). At this depth, the organic matter in the source beds had a high transformation ratio (0.10 to 0.15), high yields of C/sub 15+/ soluble organic matter and C/sub 15+/ saturated hydrocarbons, vitrinite reflectance (R/sub 0/) of 0.62%, and a time-temperature index (TTI) value of 15. Oil migration from mature source beds in adjoining lows into low-potential Nubian reservoirs is easily explained by fault planes that acted as conduits for oil migration. 16 figures, 3 tables.« less

Anorexia-cachexia and obesity treatment may be two sides of the same coin: role of the TGF-b superfamily cytokine MIC-1/GDF15.

PubMed

Tsai, V W W; Lin, S; Brown, D A; Salis, A; Breit, S N

2016-02-01

Anorexia-cachexia associated with cancer and other diseases is a common and often fatal condition representing a large area of unmet medical need. It occurs most commonly in advanced cancer and is probably a consequence of molecules released by tumour cells, or tumour-associated interstitial or immune cells. These may then act directly on muscle to cause atrophy and/or may cause anorexia, which then leads to loss of both fat and lean mass. Although the aetiological triggers for this syndrome are not well characterized, recent data suggest that MIC-1/GDF15, a transforming growth factor-beta superfamily cytokine produced in large amounts by cancer cells and as a part of other disease processes, may be an important trigger. This cytokine acts on feeding centres in the hypothalamus and brainstem to cause anorexia leading to loss of lean and fat mass and eventually cachexia. In animal studies, the circulating concentrations of MIC-1/GDF15 required to cause this syndrome are similar to those seen in patients with advanced cancer, and at least some epidemiological studies support an association between MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels and measures of nutrition. This article will discuss its mechanisms of central appetite regulation, and the available data linking this action to anorexia-cachexia syndromes that suggest it is a potential target for therapy of cancer anorexia-cachexia and conversely may also be useful for the treatment of severe obesity.

Influences of Ivabradine treatment on serum levels of cardiac biomarkers sST2, GDF-15, suPAR and H-FABP in patients with chronic heart failure.

PubMed

Jirak, Peter; Fejzic, Dzeneta; Paar, Vera; Wernly, Bernhard; Pistulli, Rudin; Rohm, Ilonka; Jung, Christian; Hoppe, Uta C; Schulze, P Christian; Lichtenauer, Michael; Yilmaz, Atilla; Kretzschmar, Daniel

2017-12-14

Chronic heart failure (CHF) represents a major cause of hospitalization and death. Recent evidence shows that novel biomarkers such as soluble suppression of tumorigenicity (sST2), growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) are correlated with inflammatory and ischemic responses in CHF patients. In this study we examined the effects of Ivabradine that inhibited the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN channel, also called funny current I f ), thereby leading to selective heart rate reduction and improved myocardial oxygen supply on the cardiac biomarkers sST2, GDF-15, suPAR and H-FABP in 50 CHF patients at the University Hospital of Jena. Patients were divided into three groups based on the etiology of CHF: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n=20), ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM, n=20) and hypertensive cardiomyopathy (HCM, n=10). The patients were administered Ivabradine (5 mg, bid for 3 months, and 7.5 mg bid for further 3 months). Analyses of cardiovascular biomarkers were performed at baseline as well as at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. At 6-month follow-up, GDF-15 levels were significantly reduced compared to baseline levels (P=0.0215), indicating a reduction in the progress of cardiac remodeling. H-FABP concentration was significantly lower in DCM patients compared to ICM (1.89 vs 3.24 μg/mL) and HCM patients (1.89 vs 3.80 μg/mL), and decreased over the 6-month follow-up (P=0.0151). suPAR median levels remained elevated, implying major ongoing inflammatory processes. As shown by significant decreases in GDF-15 and H-FABP levels, a reduction in ventricular remodeling and sub-clinical ischemia could be assumed. However, markers of hemodynamic stress (sST2) and inflammation (suPAR) showed no change or progression after 6 months of Ivabradine treatment in CHF patients. Further studies are necessary to validate the clinical applicability of

Oligocene lacustrine tuff facies, Abu Treifeya, Cairo-Suez Road, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Motelib, Ali; Kabesh, Mona; El Manawi, Abdel Hamid; Said, Amir

2015-02-01

Field investigations in the Abu Treifeya area, Cairo-Suez District, revealed the presence of Oligocene lacustrine volcaniclastic deposits of lacustrine sequences associated with an Oligocene rift regime. The present study represents a new record of lacustrine zeolite deposits associated with saponite clay minerals contained within reworked clastic vitric tuffs. The different lithofacies associations of these clastic sequences are identified and described: volcaniclastic sedimentary facies represent episodic volcaniclastic reworking, redistribution and redeposition in a lacustrine environment and these deposits are subdivided into proximal and medial facies. Zeolite and smectite minerals are mainly found as authigenic crystals formed in vugs or crusts due to the reaction of volcanic glasses with saline-alkaline water or as alteration products of feldspars. The presence of abundant smectite (saponite) may be attributed to a warm climate, with alternating humid and dry conditions characterised by the existence of kaolinite. Reddish iron-rich paleosols record periods of non-deposition intercalated with the volcaniclastic tuff sequence.

Ecology, biology and susceptibility of Phlebotomus papatasi to Leishmania experimental infection in Suez Governorate.

PubMed

El-Naggar, Mostafa H; Shoukry, Nahla M; Soliman, Belal A; Darwish, Ahmed B; El-Sawaf, Bahira M

2006-04-01

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is endemic in Sinai Peninsula. The sand fly and reservoirs were investigated in Suez G., since new settlements and land reclamation programs are ongoing. The results showed that Phlebotomus papatasi reached its highest density in September. The successfully colonized P. papatasi facilitated its biology and competence study. An autogenous trait was proven within P. papatasi population indicating its ability to survive and breed during adverse conditions. The vector competence was carried out under laboratory condition through feeding on lesion of a L. major experimentally infected hamster and by membrane feeding technique. Both hamsters and BALB-c mice inoculated with L. major developed ZCL lesions.

Identification of a duplication within the GDF9 gene and novel candidate genes for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) by a customized high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization platform.

PubMed

Norling, A; Hirschberg, A L; Rodriguez-Wallberg, K A; Iwarsson, E; Wedell, A; Barbaro, M

2014-08-01

Can high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis of DNA samples from women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) improve the diagnosis of the condition and identify novel candidate genes for POI? A mutation affecting the regulatory region of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) was identified for the first time together with several novel candidate genes for POI. Most patients with POI do not receive a molecular diagnosis despite a significant genetic component in the pathogenesis. We performed a case-control study. Twenty-six patients were analyzed by array CGH for identification of copy number variants. Novel changes were investigated in 95 controls and in a separate population of 28 additional patients with POI. The experimental procedures were performed during a 1-year period. DNA samples from 26 patients with POI were analyzed by a customized 1M array-CGH platform with whole genome coverage and probe enrichment targeting 78 genes in sex development. By PCR amplification and sequencing, the breakpoint of an identified partial GDF9 gene duplication was characterized. A multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) probe set for specific identification of deletions/duplications affecting GDF9 was developed. An MLPA probe set for the identification of additional cases or controls carrying novel candidate regions identified by array-CGH was developed. Sequencing of three candidate genes was performed. Eleven unique copy number changes were identified in a total of 11 patients, including a tandem duplication of 475 bp, containing part of the GDF9 gene promoter region. The duplicated region contains three NOBOX-binding elements and an E-box, important for GDF9 gene regulation. This aberration is likely causative of POI. Fifty-four patients were investigated for copy number changes within GDF9, but no additional cases were found. Ten aberrations constituting novel candidate regions were detected, including a second DNAH6

Multiphase flowmeter successfully measures three-phase flow at extremely high gas-volume fractions -- Gulf of Suez, Egypt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leggett, R.B.; Borling, D.C.; Powers, B.S.

1998-02-01

A multiphase flowmeter (MPFM) installed in offshore Egypt has accurately measured three-phase flow in extremely gassy flow conditions. The meter is completely nonintrusive, with no moving parts, requires no flow mixing before measurement, and has no bypass loop to remove gas before multiphase measurement. Flow regimes observed during the field test of this meter ranged from severe slugging to annular flow caused by the dynamics of gas-lift gas in the production stream. Average gas-volume fraction ranged from 93 to 98% during tests conducted on seven wells. The meter was installed in the Gulf of Suez on a well protector platformmore » in the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Co. (Gupco) October field, and was placed in series with a test separator located on a nearby production platform. Wells were individually tested with flow conditions ranging from 1,300 to 4,700 B/D fluid, 2.4 to 3.9 MMscf/D of gas, and water cuts from 1 to 52%. The meter is capable of measuring water cuts up to 100%. Production was routed through both the MPFM and the test separator simultaneously as wells flowed with the assistance of gas-lift gas. The MPFM measured gas and liquid rates to within {+-} 10% of test-separator reference measurement flow rates, and accomplished this at gas-volume fractions from 93 to 96%. At higher gas-volume fractions up to 98%, accuracy deteriorated but the meter continued to provide repeatable results.« less

Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Transparent Nanocrystalline GdF3:Tb Glass-Ceramic Scintillator.

PubMed

Lee, Gyuhyon; Savage, Nicholas; Wagner, Brent; Zhang, Yuelan; Jacobs, Benjamin; Menkara, Hisham; Summers, Christopher; Kang, Zhitao

2014-03-01

Transparent glass-ceramic containing rare-earth doped halide nanocrystals exhibits enhanced luminescence performance. In this study, a glass-ceramic with Tb doped gadolinium fluoride nanocrystals embedded in an aluminosilicate glass matrix is investigated for X-ray imaging applications. The nanocrystalline glass-ceramic scintillator was prepared by a melt-quench method followed by an anneal. The GdF 3 :Tb nanocrystals precipitated within the oxide glass matrix during the processing and their luminescence and scintillation properties were investigated. In this nanocomposite scintillator system, the incorporation of high atomic number Gd compound into the glass matrix increases the X-ray stopping power of the glass scintillator, and effective energy transfer between Gd 3+ and Tb 3+ ions in the nanocrystals enhances the scintillation efficiency.

Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Transparent Nanocrystalline GdF3:Tb Glass-Ceramic Scintillator

PubMed Central

Lee, Gyuhyon; Savage, Nicholas; Wagner, Brent; Zhang, Yuelan; Jacobs, Benjamin; Menkara, Hisham; Summers, Christopher; Kang, Zhitao

2014-01-01

Transparent glass-ceramic containing rare-earth doped halide nanocrystals exhibits enhanced luminescence performance. In this study, a glass-ceramic with Tb doped gadolinium fluoride nanocrystals embedded in an aluminosilicate glass matrix is investigated for X-ray imaging applications. The nanocrystalline glass-ceramic scintillator was prepared by a melt-quench method followed by an anneal. The GdF3:Tb nanocrystals precipitated within the oxide glass matrix during the processing and their luminescence and scintillation properties were investigated. In this nanocomposite scintillator system, the incorporation of high atomic number Gd compound into the glass matrix increases the X-ray stopping power of the glass scintillator, and effective energy transfer between Gd3+ and Tb3+ ions in the nanocrystals enhances the scintillation efficiency. PMID:24610960

Geology and habitat of oil in Ras Budran field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chowdhary, L.R.; Taha, S.

1987-05-01

Deminex discovered the Ras Budran oil field in 1978. Discovery well EE 85-1 was drilled in about 140 ft of water, 4 km off the Sinai coast of the Gulf of Suez. Appraisal drilling (EE 85-2, 3, and 4 wells) confirmed the presence of a major field with an estimated 700 million bbl oil in place. The field, developed from three wellhead platforms, went on production in April 1983. To date, 20 development wells have been drilled. The Ras Budran structure at the deepest mappable seismic reflector, top Kareem (middle Miocene), is a broad northeast-southwest-trending anticlinal feature striking nearly atmore » right angles to the main Gulf of Suez trend. At pre-Miocene producing horizons, the structure is complex and consists of a northeast-dipping flank (14-15) broken into several blocks by faults and limited to the south and west by major bounding faults. Oil is produced from three units of Nubian sandstone at a depth of 11,000 to 12,000 ft. The lower unit of Paleozoic age averages 10% porosity and up to 200 md in -situ permeability. The wells completed in this unit produce up to 2000 BOPD. In contrast, the sands of the upper two units of Lower Cretaceous age have a 15-20% porosity and up to 700 md permeability. The wells completed in these units produce 6000-8000 BOPD. The Ras Budran structure was primarily formed during the intra-Rudeis tectonic phase (lower Miocene). Migration of oil for accumulation in Ras Budran started late in the upper Miocene or Pliocene when the Santonian Brown Limestone and the Eocene Thebes Formation, the main source beds in the Gulf, reached the threshold of oil generation at a burial depth of about 10,000 ft (3000 m). At these depths, the organic matter in the source beds have a transformation ratio (0.10 to 0.15), increased yields of C15 + soluble organic matter and C15 + saturated hydrocarbons, a vitrinite reflectance of 0.62%, and a TTI value of 15.« less

Mutation in the protease cleavage site of GDF9 increases ovulation rate and litter size in heterozygous ewes and causes infertility in homozygous ewes.

PubMed

Souza, C J H; McNeilly, A S; Benavides, M V; Melo, E O; Moraes, J C F

2014-10-01

Litter size (LS) in sheep is determined mainly by ovulation rate (OR). Several polymorphisms have been identified in the growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene that result in an increase in OR and prolificacy of sheep. Screening the databank of the Brazilian Sheep Breeders Association for triplet delivery, we identified flocks of prolific Ile de France ewes. After resequencing of GDF9, a point mutation (c.943C>T) was identified, resulting in a non-conservative amino acid change (p.Arg315Cys) in the cleavage site of the propeptide. This new allele was called Vacaria (FecG(v) ). A flock of half-sib ewes was evaluated for OR in the first three breeding seasons, and Vacaria heterozygotes had higher OR (P < 0.001), averaging 2.1 ± 0.1 when compared to 1.2 ± 0.1 in wild-type ewes. The OR was also influenced by age, increasing in the second and third breeding seasons (P < 0.001). In flocks segregating this allele, the LS was higher in mutant sheep (P < 0.001), averaging 1.61 ± 0.07 in heterozygotes and 1.29 ± 0.03 in wild-type ewes. Analysis of homozygote reproductive tract morphology revealed uterine and ovarian hypoplasia. Ovarian follicles continue to develop up to small antral stages, although with abnormal oocyte morphology and altered arrangement of granulosa cells. After the collapse of the oocyte in most follicles, the remaining cells formed clusters that persisted in the ovary. This SNP is useful to improve selection for dam prolificacy and also as a model to investigate GDF9 post-translation processing and the fate of the follicular cells that remain after the oocyte demise. © 2014 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.

Estimating the Mean Circulation and Water Exchange of the Gulf of Suez-Red Sea via a Validated One-Way Atmospheric-Hydrodynamic Coupled Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eladawy, Ahmed; Shaltout, Mohamed; Sousa, Magda Catarina; Dias, João Miguel; Nadaoka, Kazuo

2018-05-01

The Gulf of Suez, Northern Islands protected area, and Hurghada zone are experiencing mega developments in all sectors including tourism, industry, and logistics. The need for moderately accurate near-shore hydrodynamic models is increasing to support the sustainable development of this oceanic area. This can be accomplished by following a nesting approach including the downscaling of global atmospheric and oceanic models into local models using higher resolution datasets. This work aims to present the development of a one-way coupling between atmospheric and hydrodynamic models for the Gulf of Suez (GOS) to understand the local oceanic characteristics and processes. The Regional Climate Model system (RegCM4) is used to simulate moderate resolution atmospheric features and its results are used to force a local dedicated application of Delft3D model. The results indicate that the predicted water level, water temperature, and evaporation accurately follow in situ measurements, remotely sensed data, and re-analysis data. The results suggest that the annual sea surface temperature is averaged at 23 °C, while the annual average of evaporation rates equals 8.02 mm/day. The study suggests that the water level displays a marked seasonal and spatial variation. Moreover, the water balance in the Gulf of Suez was controlled by the difference between inflows and outflows through the Straits of Gubal and by the net precipitation. In addition, the water balance indicated a net loss of approximately 3.9 × 10-3 m of water during 2013. Moreover, the exchange through the Straits of Gubal showed a two-way exchange with a net inflow of 0.0007 Sv, where the outflow dominated in the surface layer along the western coast and the inflow dominated in the lower layers along the middle of the Straits. To conclude, the one-way coupling modeling technique proved to be a reliable tool for studying local features of the GOS region.

Using sequence stratigraphic approaches in a highly tectonic area: Case study - Nubia (A) sandstone in southwestern Gulf of Suez, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attia, Ibrahem; Helal, Iman; El Dakhakhny, Alaa; Aly, Said A.

2017-12-01

West Esh El Mallaha area is located west of the Hurghada shoreline. It pertains to the southwestern province of the Gulf of Suez. Nubia (A) sandstone is one of the prolific reservoirs in the western side along the Gulf of Suez area. To enhance further oil production and to develop this reservoir, it is important to gain a clear understanding of the reservoir in terms of its depositional origin. In west Esh El Mallaha area, the understanding of the depositional setting of Nubia (A) is relatively hard due to the limited number of cores. A comprehensive workflow which integrates all geological datasets (electrical logs pattern, the high resolution biostratigraphic analysis, and previous studies) which has been performed for the Nubia (A), enables to recognize different patterns of electrical logs, which are used to define the sequence stratigraphy and systems tracts for Nubia (A). The Lower Nubia (A) is characterized by fining-upward profile and well-developed coarsening-straight profile interpreted as a braided - fluvial facies (lowstand system tract). On the other hand, the upper Nubia (A) is characterized by fining-upward, coarsening-upward, and bell profile interpreted as meandering fluvial to fluvio-dominated delta (transgressive system tract). This study is an approach to build a reliable geological model, and give wide view to evaluate and develop the reservoir in the drilled areas and predict sand distribution in the undrilled areas despite the limited number of cores.

Sequence stratigraphy and high-frequency cycles: New aspects for a quantitative evaluation of the Gulf of Suez basin, Egypt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nio, S.D.; Yang, C.S.; Tewfik, N.

1993-09-01

A new development in the application of sequence stratigraphic concepts in marine as well as continental basins is the recognition of high-frequency cyclic patterns in rock successions in the subsurface. Studies of six wells from the northern, central, and southern parts of the Gulf of Suez show the presence of well-preserved, high-frequency cycles with periodicities similar to the orbitally forced Malankovitch parameters. Subsurface rock successions, third-order sequences, and high-frequency cycles were compared with outcrops. After establishing the biostratigraphic framework for the above-mentioned wells, a sequence analysis was performed. Sequence boundaries and maximum flooding positions in each well were calibrated withmore » the occurrences and evaluation of the high-frequency cycles. It became obvious that there is an intimate relationship between these high-frequency Milankovitch cycles and sequence organization. In addition, a close relationship can be observed in the subsurface as well as in outcrops between high-frequency climatic changes (connected to the Milankovitch cycles) and (litho)facies variability. Quantitative evaluations of each sequence and/or systems tract can be computed with the International Geoservices' cyclicity analysis tool (MILABAR). The results are summarized in a well composite chart, rate (NAR), and ratio of preserved time. In correlations between the wells, an accuracy of 500-100 Ka can be obtained. The quantitative evaluation of the sequence and high-frequency cycle analysis gave some new aspects concerning the (litho)facies and geodynamic development during the pre- as well as the synrift stages of the Gulf of Suez Basin.« less

Biostratigraphy and paleoecology of the Burdigalian-Serravallian sediments in Wadi Sudr (Gulf of Suez, Egypt): comparison with the Central Paratethys evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ied, Ibrahim M.; Holcová, Katarína; Abd-Elshafy, Ezzat

2011-06-01

Two main Miocene facies were recorded in the Gulf of Suez area: a deep marine and a coastal facies. The analysed sections in the Wadi Sudr area belong to the marine facies. The Lower Miocene (Burdigalian) is represented by coastal, shallow marine sediments, rich in coral, algae, gastropods and large pectinids followed by Langhian open marine sediments and Serravallian lagoonal carbonates. The open marine sediments contain well preserved planktonic and benthic foraminifers and abundant ostracods. The parts of the sections containing foraminifers have been correlated with three planktonic foraminiferal zones (Praeorbulina glomerosa Zone, Orbulina Zone and Globorotalia praemenardii-Globorotalia peripheroronda Zone). Two benthic ecozones were defined (Heterolepa dutemplei-Laevidentalina elegans Zone and Bolivina compressa-Elphidium spp. Zone). Two cycles of sea-level changes can be distinguished and correlated with global sea-level cycles Bur5/Lan1 and Ser1. The first (Langhian) cycle culminated in open marine sublittoral to upper bathyal well aerated sediments. The second (Serravallian) cycle was shallower, littoral suboxic sediments were overlaid by euryhaline carbonates. The studied foraminifera-bearing sediments can be correlated with the lower and Middle Badenian of the Central Paratethys. Though the area of the Gulf of Suez and the Central Paratethys were situated in different climatic zones, and influenced by different tectonic events, the main paleoenvironmental events (sea-level changes, oxygen decrease, salinity changes) are comparable. This correspondence shows that the decisive factors triggering these events were global climatic events.

Extensional tectonics and collapse structures in the Suez Rift (Egypt)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chenet, P. Y.; Colletta, B.; Desforges, G.; Ousset, E.; Zaghloul, E. A.

1985-01-01

The Suez Rift is a 300 km long and 50 to 80 km wide basin which cuts a granitic and metamorphic shield of Precambrian age, covered by sediments of Paleozoic to Paleogene age. The rift structure is dominated by tilted blocks bounded by NW-SE normal faults. The reconstruction of the paleostresses indicates a N 050 extension during the whole stage of rifting. Rifting began 24 My ago with dikes intrusions; main faulting and subsidence occurred during Early Miocene producing a 80 km wide basin (Clysmic Gulf). During Pliocene and Quaternary times, faulting is still active but subsidence is restricted to a narrower area (Present Gulf). On the Eastern margin of the gulf, two sets of fault trends are predominant: (1) N 140 to 150 E faults parallel to the gulf trend with pure dip-slip displacement; and (2) cross faults, oriented NOO to N 30 E that have a strike-slip component consistent with the N 050 E distensive stress regime. The mean dip cross fault is steeper (70 to 80 deg) than the dip of the faults parallel to the Gulf (30 to 70 deg). These two sets of fault define diamond shaped tilted block. The difference of mechanical behavior between the basement rocks and the overlying sedimentary cover caused structural disharmony and distinct fault geometries.

Potential migration of buoyant LNAPL from intermediate level waste (ILW) emplaced in a geological disposal facility (GDF) for U.K. radioactive waste.

PubMed

Benbow, Steven J; Rivett, Michael O; Chittenden, Neil; Herbert, Alan W; Watson, Sarah; Williams, Steve J; Norris, Simon

2014-10-15

A safety case for the disposal of Intermediate Level (radioactive) Waste (ILW) in a deep geological disposal facility (GDF) requires consideration of the potential for waste-derived light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) to migrate under positive buoyancy from disposed waste packages. Were entrainment of waste-derived radionuclides in LNAPL to occur, such migration could result in a shorter overall travel time to environmental or human receptors than radionuclide migration solely associated with the movement of groundwater. This paper provides a contribution to the assessment of this issue through multiphase-flow numerical modelling underpinned by a review of the UK's ILW inventory and literature to define the nature of the associated ILW LNAPL source term. Examination has been at the waste package-local GDF environment scale to determine whether proposed disposal of ILW would lead to significant likelihood of LNAPL migration, both from waste packages and from a GDF vault into the local host rock. Our review and numerical modelling support the proposition that the release of a discrete free phase LNAPL from ILW would not present a significant challenge to the safety case even with conservative approximations. 'As-disposed' LNAPL emplaced with the waste is not expected to pose a significant issue. 'Secondary LNAPL' generated in situ within the disposed ILW, arising from the decomposition of plastics, in particular PVC (polyvinyl chloride), could form the predominant LNAPL source term. Released high molecular weight phthalate plasticizers are judged to be the primary LNAPL potentially generated. These are expected to have low buoyancy-based mobility due to their very low density contrast with water and high viscosity. Due to the inherent uncertainties, significant conservatisms were adopted within the numerical modelling approach, including: the simulation of a deliberately high organic material--PVC content wastestream (2D03) within an annular grouted waste package

Low-angle normal faulting and isostatic response in the Gulf of Suez: Evidence from seismic interpretation and geometric reconstruction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, S. K.; Schamel, S.

1985-01-01

Tectonic extension within continental crust creates a variety of major features best classed as extensional orogens. These features have come under increasing attention in recent years, with the welding of field observation and theoretical concepts. Most recent advances have come from the Basin and Range Province of the southwestern United States and from the North Sea. Application of these geometric and isostatic concepts, in combination with seismic interpretation, to the southern Gulf of Suez, an active extensional orogen, allows generation of detailed structural maps and geometrically balanced sections which suggest a regional structural model. Geometric models which should prove to be a valuable adjunct to numerical and thermal models for the rifting process are discussed.

Is our medical school socially accountable? The case of Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University.

PubMed

Hosny, Somaya; Ghaly, Mona; Boelen, Charles

2015-04-01

Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University (FOM/SCU) was established as community oriented school with innovative educational strategies. Social accountability represents the commitment of the medical school towards the community it serves. To assess FOM/SCU compliance to social accountability using the "Conceptualization, Production, Usability" (CPU) model. FOM/SCU's practice was reviewed against CPU model parameters. CPU consists of three domains, 11 sections and 31 parameters. Data were collected through unstructured interviews with the main stakeholders and documents review since 2005 to 2013. FOM/SCU shows general compliance to the three domains of the CPU. Very good compliance was shown to the "P" domain of the model through FOM/SCU's innovative educational system, students and faculty members. More work is needed on the "C" and "U" domains. FOM/SCU complies with many parameters of the CPU model; however, more work should be accomplished to comply with some items in the C and U domains so that FOM/SCU can be recognized as a proactive socially accountable school.

Heparin functionalization increases retention of TGF-β2 and GDF5 on biphasic silk fibroin scaffolds for tendon/ligament-to-bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Font Tellado, Sònia; Chiera, Silvia; Bonani, Walter; Poh, Patrina S P; Migliaresi, Claudio; Motta, Antonella; Balmayor, Elizabeth R; van Griensven, Martijn

2018-05-01

The tendon/ligament-to-bone transition (enthesis) is a highly specialized interphase tissue with structural gradients of extracellular matrix composition, collagen molecule alignment and mineralization. These structural features are essential for enthesis function, but are often not regenerated after injury. Tissue engineering is a promising strategy for enthesis repair. Engineering of complex tissue interphases such as the enthesis is likely to require a combination of biophysical, biological and chemical cues to achieve functional tissue regeneration. In this study, we cultured human primary adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMCs) on biphasic silk fibroin scaffolds with integrated anisotropic (tendon/ligament-like) and isotropic (bone/cartilage like) pore alignment. We functionalized those scaffolds with heparin and explored their ability to deliver transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2) and growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5). Heparin functionalization increased the amount of TGF-β2 and GDF5 remaining attached to the scaffold matrix and resulted in biological effects at low growth factor doses. We analyzed the combined impact of pore alignment and growth factors on AdMSCs. TGF-β2 and pore anisotropy synergistically increased the expression of tendon/ligament markers and collagen I protein content. In addition, the combined delivery of TGF-β2 and GDF5 enhanced the expression of cartilage markers and collagen II protein content on substrates with isotropic porosity, whereas enthesis markers were enhanced in areas of mixed anisotropic/isotropic porosity. Altogether, the data obtained in this study improves current understanding on the combined effects of biological and structural cues on stem cell fate and presents a promising strategy for tendon/ligament-to-bone regeneration. Regeneration of the tendon/ligament-to-bone interphase (enthesis) is of significance in the repair of ruptured tendons/ligaments to bone to improve implant integration and

DAN (NBL1) specifically antagonizes BMP2 and BMP4 and modulates the actions of GDF9, BMP2, and BMP4 in the rat ovary.

PubMed

Hung, Wei-Ting; Wu, Fang-Ju; Wang, Chun-Jen; Luo, Ching-Wei

2012-05-01

Although differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma (DAN, official symbol NBL1) is the founding member of the DAN subfamily of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, its antagonizing targets, gene regulation, and physiological functions remain unclear. Using diverse cell expression systems, we found that the generation of bioactive DAN is likely to be cell type specific. Unlike other phylogenetically close members, which are covalently linked homodimers, DAN forms a noncovalently linked homodimer during folding. Purified recombinant DAN specifically blocked signaling of BMP2 and BMP4 but not that of other ovarian-expressed transforming growth factor-beta members. Although widely distributed in many organs, DAN transcript level was periodically regulated by gonadotropins. Ovarian microdissection indicated that NBL1 (DAN) mRNA is mainly expressed in granulosa cells, where its transcript level is up-regulated by the gonadotropin-driven cAMP cascade. We further investigated the local regulation and ovarian functions of DAN. NBL1 (DAN) mRNA expression in granulosa cells was up-regulated by oocyte-derived growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), whereas treatment with DAN significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of BMP4 on follicle-stimulating hormone-induced progesterone production in cultured granulosa cells. Our findings suggest the DAN gradient in granulosa cells, established by oocyte-derived GDF9, may serve as an antagonist barrier that modulates the actions of theca-derived BMP4 and granulosa/theca-derived BMP2 during folliculogenesis both spatially and temporally.

Assessment of genetic diversity and relationships among Egyptian mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivers grown in Suez Canal and Sinai region using RAPD markers.

PubMed

Mansour, Hassan; Mekki, Laila E; Hussein, Mohammed A

2014-01-01

DNA-based RAPD (Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA) markers have been used extensively to study genetic diversity and relationships in a number of fruit crops. In this study, 10 (7 commercial mango cultivars and 3 accessions) mango genotypes traditionally grown in Suez Canal and Sinai region of Egypt, were selected to assess genetic diversity and relatedness. Total genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to RAPD analysis using 30 arbitrary 10-mer primers. Of these, eleven primers were selected which gave 92 clear and bright fragments. A total of 72 polymorphic RAPD bands were detected out of 92 bands, generating 78% polymorphisms. The mean PIC values scores for all loci were of 0.85. This reflects a high level of discriminatory power of a marker and most of these primers produced unique band pattern for each cultivar. A dendrogram based on Nei's Genetic distance co-efficient implied a moderate degree of genetic diversity among the cultivars used for experimentation, with some differences. The hybrid which had derived from cultivar as female parent was placed together. In the cluster, the cultivars and accessions formed separate groups according to bearing habit and type of embryo and the members in each group were very closely linked. Cluster analysis clearly showed two main groups, the first consisting of indigenous to the Delta of Egypt cultivars and the second consisting of indigenous to the Suez Canal and Sinai region. From the analysis of results, it appears the majority of mango cultivars originated from a local mango genepool and were domesticated later. The results indicated the potential of RAPD markers for the identification and management of mango germplasm for breeding purposes.

Marine Radioactivity Studies in the Suez Canal, Part II: Field Experiments and a Modelling Study of Dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abril, J. M.; Abdel-Aal, M. M.; Al-Gamal, S. A.; Abdel-Hay, F. A.; Zahar, H. M.

2000-04-01

In this paper we take advantage of the two field tracing experiments carried out under the IAEA project EGY/07/002, to develop a modelling study on the dispersion of radioactive pollution in the Suez Canal. The experiments were accomplished by using rhodamine B as a tracer, and water samples were measured by luminescence spectrometry. The presence of natural luminescent particles in the canal waters limited the use of some field data. During experiments, water levels, velocities, wind and other physical parameters were recorded to supply appropriate information for the modelling work. From this data set, the hydrodynamics of the studied area has been reasonably described. We apply a 1-D-Gaussian and 2-D modelling approaches to predict the position and the spatial shape of the plume. The use of different formulations for dispersion coefficients is studied. These dispersion coefficients are then applied in a 2-D-hydrodynamic and dispersion model for the Bitter Lake to investigate different scenarios of accidental discharges.

Predictors of job satisfaction among practicing dentists at hospitals in Suez Canal Area, Egypt.

PubMed

Fahim, Ayman Ekram

2013-03-01

The aim of this study was to measure the level of job satisfaction and the work factors associated with it among practicing dentists in Suez Canal governorates hospitals. Four hundred forty nine dentists were contacted, and 277 agreed to participate (response rate 61.7%). They were surveyed through a self-administered questionnaire based on items from the Dentist Satisfaction Survey (DSS) questionnaire, which included 29 questions covering items related to the overall satisfaction level and work environment factors; answers were reported on 5 point Likert scale. The mean score of overall job satisfaction among studied dentists was 3.24 out of 5. As regards work environment factors, the most satisfying aspect was patient relations (3.71) and the least was personal time (2.71). Multiple regression analysis model verified that patient relations, value of income, personal time, staff, and training opportunities accounted for 36% of variation in overall job satisfaction score. The majority of the variance was explained by patient relations. This study suggests that patient relations, perception of income, personal time, staff, and specialty training are important work environment factors for job satisfaction among the dentists. These findings might help policy makers to design plans to increase the level of job satisfaction among dentists at their workplaces.

Research publications in medical journals (1992-2013) by family medicine authors - suez canal university-egypt.

PubMed

Abdulmajeed, Abdulmajeed A; Ismail, Mosleh A; Nour-Eldein, Hebatallah

2014-01-01

Research in family medicine (FM) provides an important contribution to its discipline. Family medicine research can contribute to many areas of primary care, ranging from the early diagnosis to equitable health care. Publication productivity is important in academic settings as a marker for career advancement. To describe the publications by family medicine researcher authors between 1992 and 2013. All full text, original articles published by family medicine researcher; author with affiliation to the Suez Canal University were collected using the internet and hand search. The journals that published for family medicine researcher authors were identified. Author characteristics were described. The trend of publications was described. All articles were analyzed for their characteristics, including the themes and study designs according to predefined criteria. Along 22 years, 149 research articles were published by 48 family medicine authors in 39 medical journals. The largest category in publications was related to Family physician/Health service (FP-HS, n = 52 articles), followed by 'Patient' category (n = 42). All the studies were quantitative; the largest group was represented by cross-sectional studies (76.5%). The publication productivity by family medicine researchers are going to be increased. FP-HS and patient topics were mostly addressed in publications. Cross-sectional studies exceeded any other designs. There is need to put more emphasis on intervention studies. Continuous assessment and improvement of FM research production and publication is recommended.

Physico-chemical conditions for plankton in Lake Timsah, a saline lake on the Suez Canal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Serehy, H. A. H.; Sleigh, M. A.

1992-02-01

Lake Timsah receives high salinity water from the Suez Canal, mainly from the south, and freshwater from a Nile canal and other sources, producing a salinity stratification with surface salinities of 20-40‰ and over 40‰ in deeper water. Water temperature at a depth of 50-70 cm fell to below 20 °C in winter and rose to above 30 °C in summer; oxygen concentration at the same depth ranged between 6-10 mg l -1 and the pH was 8·1-8·3, and at mid-day this water was supersaturated with oxygen through 6-8 months of the year. The main chemical nutrients reached their highest levels in winter (December-February) and their lowest levels in summer (May-August), silicate varying between 1-7 μ M, phosphate between 0·1 and 0·8 μ M and nitrate between 4-10 μ M; nitrite varied in a more complex manner, usually between 0·25 and 0·4 μ M. The atomic ratio of N/P was generally well above the Redfield ratio level, except for a few months in midwinter. These nutrient concentrations are high in comparison with those of unpolluted seas of the region, but are typical of the more eutrophic coastal waters in most parts of the world.

Q-values for P and S waves in Southern Sinai and Southern Gulf of Suez Region, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Gad-Elkareem A.

2014-05-01

The quality factor Q has been estimated using spectral amplitudes of P and S waves from earthquakes recorded by the seismic network of the Egyptian National Seismological Network (ENSN) in southern Sinai and southern Gulf of Suez region. The earthquakes recorded at nine stations - DHA, NUB, TR1, TR2, KAT, SH2, GRB, HRG and SFG have been used in this study. The spectral amplitude ratios have been calculated between 2 - 20 Hz and single station spectral ratio method has been applied for this purpose. The results show that the quality factors for both P and S waves (Qp and Qs) increase as a function of frequency according to law the Q = Q0fn. By averaging the estimated Q- Value obtained at all stations we calculated the average attenuation laws: Qp = (13.15± 0.76) f0.95± 0.19 and Qs = (20.05± 0.79) f1.03±0.04 for P and S waves respectively. These relations are useful for the estimation of source parameters of earthquakes and simulation of earthquake strong ground motions. The QS /QP ratio for KAT station is less than 1 at lower frequencies, whereas at HRG and SH2 stations QS /QP ratio is are greater than 1.

Research Publications in Medical Journals (1992-2013) by Family Medicine Authors - Suez Canal University-Egypt

PubMed Central

Abdulmajeed, Abdulmajeed A.; Ismail, Mosleh A.; Nour-Eldein, Hebatallah

2014-01-01

Background: Research in family medicine (FM) provides an important contribution to its discipline. Family medicine research can contribute to many areas of primary care, ranging from the early diagnosis to equitable health care. Publication productivity is important in academic settings as a marker for career advancement. Objective: To describe the publications by family medicine researcher authors between 1992 and 2013. Materials and Methods: All full text, original articles published by family medicine researcher; author with affiliation to the Suez Canal University were collected using the internet and hand search. The journals that published for family medicine researcher authors were identified. Author characteristics were described. The trend of publications was described. All articles were analyzed for their characteristics, including the themes and study designs according to predefined criteria. Results: Along 22 years, 149 research articles were published by 48 family medicine authors in 39 medical journals. The largest category in publications was related to Family physician/Health service (FP-HS, n = 52 articles), followed by ‘Patient’ category (n = 42). All the studies were quantitative; the largest group was represented by cross-sectional studies (76.5%). Conclusions: The publication productivity by family medicine researchers are going to be increased. FP-HS and patient topics were mostly addressed in publications. Cross-sectional studies exceeded any other designs. There is need to put more emphasis on intervention studies. Continuous assessment and improvement of FM research production and publication is recommended. PMID:25657945

Problemes et methodes de la lexicographie quebecoise (Problems and Methods of Quebec Lexicography).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cormier, Monique C., Ed.; Francoeur, Aline, Ed.

Papers on lexicographic research in Quebec (Canada) include: "Indications semantiques dans les dictionnaires bilingues" ("Semantic Indications in Bilingual Dictionaries) (Johanne Blais, Roda P. Roberts); "Definitions predictionnairiques de 'maison, batiment, et pavillon'" ("Pre-dictionary definitions of 'house,…

Marine molluscs as biomonitors for heavy metal levels in the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamed, Mohamed A.; Emara, Ahmed M.

2006-05-01

Levels of the heavy metals Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) were determined in coastal water, sediments and soft tissues of the gastropod limpet, Patella caerulea, and the bivalve, Barbatus barbatus, from seven different stations in the western coast of the Gulf of Suez. The concentrations of heavy metals in water ranged between 3.37-4.78, 18.83-21.46, 2.75-3.17, 0.22-0.27, 0.99-1.21, 2.69-3.65, 3.75-4.56 μg L - 1 and 23.82-32.78 mg g - 1 for Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mn and Fe, respectively. The corresponding concentration values in the sediments were 8.65-12.16, 51.78-58.06, 36.52-42.15, 3.23-3.98, 9.03-12.75, 34.31-49.63, 3.28-4.56 and 64.20-70.22 μg g - 1 for Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mn and Fe, respectively. The highest accumulated metals were Fe, Zn and Mn in both P. caerulea and B. barbatus, while the lowest one was Cd. The accumulation of metals was more pronounced in P. caerulea than B. barbatus. The highest concentrations of all metals in water, sediments and mollusca were recorded at Adabiya harbour north of the Gulf, while the lowest concentrations were recorded at Gabal El-Zeit and Hurghada. Land based activities and ships awaiting berth are the main source of metal pollution in the northern part of the Gulf.

Serum growth differentiation factor 15 levels in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.

PubMed

Tarkun, Pinar; Birtas Atesoglu, Elif; Mehtap, Ozgur; Musul, Mahmut Mert; Hacihanefioglu, Abdullah

2014-01-01

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological cancer associated with increased clonal malignant plasma cells. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF 15) is a protein that is highly expressed in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of patients with MM. This study investigated whether the clinical stage of the disease, treatment response and survival are affected by pretreatment serum GDF 15 levels. Serum GDF 15 levels were measured in 35 newly diagnosed MM patients and 27 healthy controls. The correlation between serum GDF 15 levels and various clinical and laboratory parameters was analyzed. The study demonstrated significantly higher levels of GDF 15 in MM patients. There was a negative correlation between GDF 15 levels, hemoglobin and albumin levels, and a positive correlation between GDF 15 levels, CRP, creatinine, β-2-microglobulin and stage. GDF 15 levels were lower in patients who could receive autologous stem cell transplantation compared to other groups, representing a statistically significant difference. However, in the survival analyses, GDF 15 level did not have an impact on survival. High serum levels of GDF 15 may indicate a poor treatment response. Our study supports the prognostic value of GDF 15 in MM. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

GDF5 PROGENITORS GIVE RISE TO FIBROCARTILAGE CELLS THAT MINERALIZE VIA HEDGEHOG SIGNALING TO FORM THE ZONAL ENTHESIS

PubMed Central

Dyment, Nathaniel A.; Breidenbach, Andrew P.; Schwartz, Andrea G.; Russell, Ryan P.; Aschbacher-Smith, Lindsey; Liu, Han; Hagiwara, Yusuke; Jiang, Rulang; Thomopoulos, Stavros; Butler, David L.; Rowe, David W.

2015-01-01

The sequence of events that leads to the formation of a functionally graded enthesis is not clearly defined. The current study demonstrates that clonal expansion of Gdf5 progenitors contributes to linear growth of the enthesis. Prior to mineralization, Col1+ cells in the enthesis appose Col2+ cells of the underlying primary cartilage. At the onset of enthesis mineralization, cells at the base of the enthesis express alkaline phosphatase, Indian hedgehog, and ColX as they mineralize. The mineralization front then extends towards the tendon midsubstance as cells above the front become encapsulated in mineralized fibrocartilage over time. The hedgehog (Hh) pathway regulates this process, as Hh-responsive Gli1+ cells within the developing enthesis mature from unmineralized to mineralized fibrochondrocytes in response to activated signaling. Hh signaling is required for mineralization, as tissue-specific deletion of its obligate transducer Smoothened in the developing tendon and enthesis cells leads to significant reductions in the apposition of mineralized fibrocartilage. Together, these findings provide a spatiotemporal map of events – from expansion of the embryonic progenitor pool to synthesis of the collagen template and finally mineralization of this template – that leads to the formation of the mature zonal enthesis. These results can inform future tendon-to-bone repair strategies to create a mechanically functional enthesis in which tendon collagen fibers are anchored to bone through mineralized fibrocartilage. PMID:26141957

Caprellidae (Crustacea: Peracarida: Amphipoda) from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, with the redescription of Metaprotella africana and Paradeutella multispinosa.

PubMed

Zeina, Amr F; Guerra-García, José M

2016-04-06

The Caprellidae from the Red Sea are reviewed based on the literature data and new collections from the Hurghada coasts. So far, only six valid species has been reported from the Red Sea and Suez Canal: Caprella equilibra Say, 1818, Hemiaegina minuta Mayer, 1890, Metaprotella africana Mayer, 1903, Paracaprella pusilla Mayer, 1890 and Paradeutella multispinosa Schellenberg, 1928 and Pseudocaprellina pambanensis Sundara Raj, 1927. The type material of M. africana (deposited in the Muséum nacional d'Histoire naturelle, Paris) and Paradeutella multispinosa (deposited in the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin) are redescribed and illustrated in detail. P. pambanensis and H. minuta were the most abundant species in the collections along the northern coast. Most of the sampling effort has been focused on algae from shallow waters; additional substrates such as sediments, hydroids and coral rubble, especially from areas deeper than 15 meters should be explored. The number of caprellid species in the Red Sea is low compared to adjacent waters, as the Mediterranean Sea. However, further research and more extensive caprellid collections should be conducted along the coasts of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan and Eritrea, which are still unexplored.

Master's and doctoral theses in family medicine and their publication output, Suez Canal University, Egypt.

PubMed

Nour-Eldein, Hebatallah; Mansour, Nadia M; Abdulmajeed, Abdulmajeed A

2015-01-01

The completion of a thesis is a significant requirement for both a Master's and a doctorate degree in general practice/family medicine (GP/FM). A postgraduate thesis is a well-planned, time-intensive activity carried out over several years. The quality of the theses can be judged by the proportion of published papers. This study aimed to describe Master's and doctoral theses in family medicine and their publications between 1982 and 2014. GP/FM degree theses were reviewed at the Faculty of Medicine and central Suez Canal libraries. Several characteristics were extracted from each thesis relating to the main researcher, supervisors, themes, and study methods according to predefined criteria. Publications from the theses were described. Over 33 years, 208 theses were completed by 173 GP/FM researchers. The majority of the theses were for Master's degrees (84.1%). Regarding the study design, most of the degree theses were cross-sectional studies (76.9%). The adult population was targeted in 33.7% of research theses. Nonprobability sampling was used in 51%. Rural communities were the setting of research in 43.8%, and primary health center (PHC)-based studies in 59.1%. The "Patient" category exceeded the other categories (28.4%). Publication from theses started in the second decade of research production. Of the degree theses, 21.6% original articles were published. Only 13.3% of articles from theses were published in PubMed-indexed journals. The researcher was first author in 62.2% of published articles. The production of GP/FM theses and their publications are going to increase. Continuous assessment and planning for GP/FM studies are recommended.

Master's and doctoral theses in family medicine and their publication output, Suez Canal University, Egypt

PubMed Central

Nour-Eldein, Hebatallah; Mansour, Nadia M.; Abdulmajeed, Abdulmajeed A.

2015-01-01

Background: The completion of a thesis is a significant requirement for both a Master's and a doctorate degree in general practice/family medicine (GP/FM). A postgraduate thesis is a well-planned, time-intensive activity carried out over several years. The quality of the theses can be judged by the proportion of published papers. Objective: This study aimed to describe Master's and doctoral theses in family medicine and their publications between 1982 and 2014. Materials and Methods: GP/FM degree theses were reviewed at the Faculty of Medicine and central Suez Canal libraries. Several characteristics were extracted from each thesis relating to the main researcher, supervisors, themes, and study methods according to predefined criteria. Publications from the theses were described. Results: Over 33 years, 208 theses were completed by 173 GP/FM researchers. The majority of the theses were for Master's degrees (84.1%). Regarding the study design, most of the degree theses were cross-sectional studies (76.9%). The adult population was targeted in 33.7% of research theses. Nonprobability sampling was used in 51%. Rural communities were the setting of research in 43.8%, and primary health center (PHC)-based studies in 59.1%. The “Patient” category exceeded the other categories (28.4%). Publication from theses started in the second decade of research production. Of the degree theses, 21.6% original articles were published. Only 13.3% of articles from theses were published in PubMed-indexed journals. The researcher was first author in 62.2% of published articles. Conclusion: The production of GP/FM theses and their publications are going to increase. Continuous assessment and planning for GP/FM studies are recommended. PMID:25949959

CLEAN - Large-Scale CO2 Storage for Enhanced Gas Recovery in a depleted German Gasfield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuehn, M.; Förster, A.; Grossmann, J.; Meyer, R.; Pilz, P.; Reinicke, K.; Schaefer, D.; Tesmer, M.; Wendel, H.

2011-12-01

The project CLEAN was a German research and development (R&D) alliance of 16 partners from science and industry that conducted research from July 2008 until June 2011 on Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR) with regard to Europe's second largest onshore gas field. The gas field is located in the Altmark (Germany) and is owned by GDF SUEZ E&P Deutschland GmbH. Activities focused on the Altensalzwedel sub-field, having the size of 14 sq.km. The Altensalzwedel sub-field is a structurally and hydraulically closed block, bound by faults. Subsurface data are available from 12 existing wells drilled into the Rotliegend reservoir, which is at >3000 m depth. About 30 wells from an area of 30 sq.km, surrounding the Altensalzwedel block, provided additional data for the generation of an integrated earth model. Fluviatile silt- and sandstones from Upper Rotliegend built the reservoir at depth. The caprock above the reservoir consists of massive Zechstein formations with significant deposits of evaporites. These salt layers with an average thickness of several hundred meters represent a natural seal of the reservoir. At present the reservoir temperature is about 125 °C and reservoir pressures decreased from initially 425 bar to pressures between 30 bar and 50 bar, due to the former gas production from the field. For the substructure of Altensalzwedel it is assessed that the natural gas reservoir is depleted by 90 %. Within the 3 years project following results, developments, methods and concepts were achieved and will be presented: (1) well bore conditions, (2) risk base monitoring schemes to detect possible technical leakage at well bores, (3) strategies to avoid and mitigate technical leakage, (4) permanent geological sealing of well bores, (5) quality of the reservoir facies and mineral-pore-interface and related fluid-rock reactions, (6) chemical alteration of fluid and rock from laboratory experiments, (7) models and simulations of coupled processes, (8) data management system, (9

Reservoir zonation based on statistical analyses: A case study of the Nubian sandstone, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Sharawy, Mohamed S.; Gaafar, Gamal R.

2016-12-01

Both reservoir engineers and petrophysicists have been concerned about dividing a reservoir into zones for engineering and petrophysics purposes. Through decades, several techniques and approaches were introduced. Out of them, statistical reservoir zonation, stratigraphic modified Lorenz (SML) plot and the principal component and clustering analyses techniques were chosen to apply on the Nubian sandstone reservoir of Palaeozoic - Lower Cretaceous age, Gulf of Suez, Egypt, by using five adjacent wells. The studied reservoir consists mainly of sandstone with some intercalation of shale layers with varying thickness from one well to another. The permeability ranged from less than 1 md to more than 1000 md. The statistical reservoir zonation technique, depending on core permeability, indicated that the cored interval of the studied reservoir can be divided into two zones. Using reservoir properties such as porosity, bulk density, acoustic impedance and interval transit time indicated also two zones with an obvious variation in separation depth and zones continuity. The stratigraphic modified Lorenz (SML) plot indicated the presence of more than 9 flow units in the cored interval as well as a high degree of microscopic heterogeneity. On the other hand, principal component and cluster analyses, depending on well logging data (gamma ray, sonic, density and neutron), indicated that the whole reservoir can be divided at least into four electrofacies having a noticeable variation in reservoir quality, as correlated with the measured permeability. Furthermore, continuity or discontinuity of the reservoir zones can be determined using this analysis.

Gdf5 progenitors give rise to fibrocartilage cells that mineralize via hedgehog signaling to form the zonal enthesis.

PubMed

Dyment, Nathaniel A; Breidenbach, Andrew P; Schwartz, Andrea G; Russell, Ryan P; Aschbacher-Smith, Lindsey; Liu, Han; Hagiwara, Yusuke; Jiang, Rulang; Thomopoulos, Stavros; Butler, David L; Rowe, David W

2015-09-01

The sequence of events that leads to the formation of a functionally graded enthesis is not clearly defined. The current study demonstrates that clonal expansion of Gdf5 progenitors contributes to linear growth of the enthesis. Prior to mineralization, Col1+ cells in the enthesis appose Col2+ cells of the underlying primary cartilage. At the onset of enthesis mineralization, cells at the base of the enthesis express alkaline phosphatase, Indian hedgehog, and ColX as they mineralize. The mineralization front then extends towards the tendon midsubstance as cells above the front become encapsulated in mineralized fibrocartilage over time. The hedgehog (Hh) pathway regulates this process, as Hh-responsive Gli1+ cells within the developing enthesis mature from unmineralized to mineralized fibrochondrocytes in response to activated signaling. Hh signaling is required for mineralization, as tissue-specific deletion of its obligate transducer Smoothened in the developing tendon and enthesis cells leads to significant reductions in the apposition of mineralized fibrocartilage. Together, these findings provide a spatiotemporal map of events - from expansion of the embryonic progenitor pool to synthesis of the collagen template and finally mineralization of this template - that leads to the formation of the mature zonal enthesis. These results can inform future tendon-to-bone repair strategies to create a mechanically functional enthesis in which tendon collagen fibers are anchored to bone through mineralized fibrocartilage. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The caudo-ventral pallium is a novel pallial domain expressing Gdf10 and generating Ebf3-positive neurons of the medial amygdala.

PubMed

Ruiz-Reig, Nuria; Andres, Belen; Lamonerie, Thomas; Theil, Thomas; Fairén, Alfonso; Studer, Michèle

2018-06-04

In rodents, the medial nucleus of the amygdala receives direct inputs from the accessory olfactory bulbs and is mainly implicated in pheromone-mediated reproductive and defensive behaviors. The principal neurons of the medial amygdala are GABAergic neurons generated principally in the caudo-ventral medial ganglionic eminence and preoptic area. Beside GABAergic neurons, the medial amygdala also contains glutamatergic Otp-expressing neurons cells generated in the lateral hypothalamic neuroepithelium and a non-well characterized Pax6-positive population. In the present work, we describe a novel glutamatergic Ebf3-expressing neuronal subpopulation distributed within the periphery of the postero-ventral medial amygdala. These neurons are generated in a pallial domain characterized by high expression of Gdf10. This territory is topologically the most caudal tier of the ventral pallium and accordingly, we named it Caudo-Ventral Pallium (CVP). In the absence of Pax6, the CVP is disrupted and Ebf3-expressing neurons fail to be generated. Overall, this work proposes a novel model of the neuronal composition of the medial amygdala and unravels for the first time a new novel pallial subpopulation originating from the CVP and expressing the transcription factor Ebf3.

Circulating and Placental Growth-Differentiation Factor 15 in Preeclampsia and in Pregnancy Complicated by Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Sugulle, Meryam; Dechend, Ralf; Herse, Florian; Weedon-Fekjaer, M. Susanne; Johnsen, Guro M.; Brosnihan, K. Bridget; Anton, Lauren; Luft, Friedrich C.; Wollert, Kai C.; Kempf, Tibor; Staff, Anne Cathrine

2014-01-01

Abstract Growth-differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a stress-responsive transforming growth factor-β–related cytokine, is emerging as a new risk marker in patients with cardiovascular disease. We explored GDF-15 in preeclampsia and in diabetic pregnancies, because these conditions are associated with augmented risk for cardiovascular disease, both in mother and in offspring. Plasma from pregnant women (n=267; controls: n=59, preeclampsia: n=85, diabetes mellitus: n=112, and superimposed preeclampsia in diabetes mellitus: n=11), fetal plasma (n=72), and amniotic fluid (n=99) were analyzed by immunoassay for GDF-15. Placental GDF-15 mRNA and protein expression levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblots in 78 and 18 pregnancies, respectively. Conditioned media from preeclamptic (n=6) and control (n=6) villous placenta explants were analyzed by immunoassay for GDF-15. Median maternal GDF-15 concentration was elevated in those with diabetes mellitus, as compared with controls (91 549 versus 79 875 ng/L; P=0.02). Median GDF-15 concentration was higher in patients with preeclampsia than in controls in term maternal blood samples (127 061 versus 80 319 ng/L; P<0.001). In the fetal circulation and amniotic fluid, GDF-15 was elevated in preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia in diabetes mellitus, as compared with controls. GDF-15 placental mRNA expression was elevated in preeclampsia, as compared with controls (P=0.002). Placenta immunoblots confirmed a single GDF-15 protein band, and a time-dependent increase in GDF-15 protein was detected in the conditioned media. Our study is the first to show that GDF-15 is dysregulated, both in preeclampsia and in diabetic pregnancies. The mechanisms and diagnostic implications of these findings remain to be explored. PMID:19470878

Growth/differentiation factor-11: an evolutionary conserved growth factor in vertebrates.

PubMed

Funkenstein, Bruria; Olekh, Elena

2010-11-01

Growth and differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is thought to be derived together with myostatin (known also as GDF-8) from an ancestral gene. In the present study, we report the isolation and characterization of GDF-11 homolog from a marine teleost, the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata, and show that this growth factor is highly conserved throughout vertebrates. Using bioinformatics, we identified GDF-11 in Tetraodon, Takifugu, medaka, and stickleback and found that they are highly conserved at the amino acid sequence as well as gene organization. Moreover, we found conservation of syntenic relationships among vertebrates in the GDF-11 locus. Transcripts for GDF-11 can be found in eggs and early embryos, albeit at low levels, while in post-hatching larvae expression levels are high and decreases as development progresses, suggesting that GDF-11 might have a role during early development of fish as found in tetrapods and zebrafish. Finally, GDF-11 is expressed in various tissues in the adult fish including muscle, brain, and eye.

Investigating the complex structural integrity of the Zeit Bay Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt, using interpretation of 3D seismic reflection data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afife, M.; Salem, M.; Aziz, M. Abdel

2017-07-01

Zeit Bay Field is one of the most important oil-bearing fields in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, producing oil from the fractured basement rocks. Due to the complex structural setting of the area and the classical exploration concept that was based mainly on 2D seismic survey data, the area suffered from limited hydrocarbon interest for several years. During this time, most of the drilled wells hit structural highs and resulted in several dry holes. The present study is based on the interpretation of more recently acquired 3D seismic survey data as, matched with the available well logs, used to understand the complex structural setting of the Zeit Bay Field and provide insight into the entrapment style of the implied hydrocarbons. Several selected seismic cross sections were constructed, to extract subsurface geologic information, using available seismic profiles and wells. In addition, structure contour maps (isochronous maps, converted to depth maps) were constructed for the peaks of the basement, Nubian Sandstone, Kareem and Belayim Formations. Folds (anticlines and synclines) and faults (dip-slip) are identified on these maps, both individually and in groups, giving rise to step-like belts, as well as graben and horst blocks.

Neurotrophic effects of growth/differentiation factor 5 in a neuronal cell line.

PubMed

Toulouse, André; Collins, Grace C; Sullivan, Aideen M

2012-04-01

The neurotrophin growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) is studied as a potential therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease as it is believed to play a role in the development and maintenance of the nigrostriatal system. Progress in understanding the effects of GDF5 on dopaminergic neurones has been hindered by the use of mixed cell populations derived from primary cultures or in vivo experiments, making it difficult to differentiate between direct and indirect effects of GDF5 treatment on neurones. In an attempt to establish an useful model to study the direct neuronal influence of GDF5, we have characterised the effects of GDF5 on a human neuronal cell line, SH-SY5Y. Our results show that GDF5 has the capability to promote neuronal but not dopaminergic differentiation. We also show that it promotes neuronal survival in vitro following a 6-hydroxydopamine insult. Our results show that application of GDF5 to SH-SY5Y cultures induces the SMAD pathway which could potentially be implicated in the intracellular transmission of GDF5's neurotrophic effects. Overall, our study shows that the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line provides an excellent neuronal model to study the neurotrophic effects of GDF5.

Differentially Expressed Genes Associated with Low-Dose Gamma Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegyesi, Hargita; Sándor, Nikolett; Schilling, Boglárka; Kis, Enikő; Lumniczky, Katalin; Sáfrány, Géza

We have studied low dose radiation induced gene expression alterations in a primary human fibroblast cell line using Agilent's whole human genome microarray. Cells were irradiated with 60Co γ-rays (0; 0.1; 0.5 Gy) and 2 hours later total cellular RNA was isolated. We observed differential regulation of approximately 300-500 genes represented on the microarray. Of these, 126 were differentially expressed at both doses, among them significant elevation of GDF-15 and KITLG was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Based on the transcriptional studies we selected GDF-15 to assess its role in radiation response, since GDF-15 is one of the p53 gene targets and is believed to participate in mediating p53 activities. First we confirmed gamma-radiation induced dose-dependent changes in GDF-15 expression by qRT-PCR. Next we determined the effect of GDF-15 silencing on radiosensitivity. Four GDF-15 targeting shRNA expressing lentiviral vectors were transfected into immortalized human fibroblast cells. We obtained efficient GDF-15 silencing in one of the four constructs. RNA interference inhibited GDF-15 gene expression and enhanced the radiosensitivity of the cells. Our studies proved that GDF-15 plays an essential role in radiation response and may serve as a promising target in radiation therapy.

Growth differentiation factor-15 promotes glutamate release in medial prefrontal cortex of mice through upregulation of T-type calcium channels.

PubMed

Liu, Dong-Dong; Lu, Jun-Mei; Zhao, Qian-Ru; Hu, Changlong; Mei, Yan-Ai

2016-06-29

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has been implicated in ischemic brain injury and synapse development, but its involvement in modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of GDF-15 on non-evoked miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSCs) and neurotransmitter release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in mice. Incubation of mPFC slices with GDF-15 for 60 min significantly increased the frequency of mEPSCs without effect on their amplitude. GDF-15 also significantly elevated presynaptic glutamate release, as shown by HPLC. These effects were blocked by dual TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) and TGF-β type II receptor (TβRII) antagonists, but not by a TβRI antagonist alone. Meanwhile, GDF-15 enhanced pERK level, and inhibition of MAPK/ERK activity attenuated the GDF-15-induced increases in mEPSC and glutamate release. Blocking T-type calcium channels reduced the GDF-15 induced up-regulation of synaptic transmission. Membrane-protein extraction and use of an intracellular protein-transport inhibitor showed that GDF-15 promoted CaV3.1 and CaV3.3 α-subunit expression by trafficking to the membrane. These results confirm previous findings in cerebellar granule neurons, in which GDF-15 induces its neurobiological effects via TβRII and activation of the ERK pathway, providing novel insights into the mechanism of GDF-15 function in cortical neurons.

Significant structural reinterpretation of the giant October Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt using SCAT, isogon based sections and 3D seismic

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sercombe, W.J.; Smith, G.W.; Morse, J.D.

1996-01-01

The October field, a sub-salt giant in the extensional Gulf of Suez (Egypt) has been structurally reinterpreted for new reserve opportunities. Quantitative SCAT analyses of the wellbore dip data have been integrated with 3D seismic by using dip isogons to construct local structural sections. SCAT dip analysis was critical to the reinterpretation because SCAT revealed important structural information that previously was unresolvable using conventional tadpole plots. In gross aspect, the October Field is a homocline that trends NW-SE, dips to the NE, and is closed on the SW (updip) by the major Clysmic Normal Fault. SCAT accurately calculated the overallmore » trend of the field, but also identified important structural anomalies near the Clysmic fault and in the northwest and southeast plunge ends. In the northwest plunge end, SCAT has identified new, south dipping blocks that are transitional to the structurally-higher North October field. The southeast plunge end has been reinterpreted with correct azimuthal trends and new fault-block prospects. These new SCAT results have successfully improved the 3D seismic interpretation by providing a foundation of accurate in-situ structural control in an area of poor-to-fair seismic quality below the Miocene salt package.« less

Significant structural reinterpretation of the giant October Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt using SCAT, isogon based sections and 3D seismic

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sercombe, W.J.; Smith, G.W.; Morse, J.D.

1996-12-31

The October field, a sub-salt giant in the extensional Gulf of Suez (Egypt) has been structurally reinterpreted for new reserve opportunities. Quantitative SCAT analyses of the wellbore dip data have been integrated with 3D seismic by using dip isogons to construct local structural sections. SCAT dip analysis was critical to the reinterpretation because SCAT revealed important structural information that previously was unresolvable using conventional tadpole plots. In gross aspect, the October Field is a homocline that trends NW-SE, dips to the NE, and is closed on the SW (updip) by the major Clysmic Normal Fault. SCAT accurately calculated the overallmore » trend of the field, but also identified important structural anomalies near the Clysmic fault and in the northwest and southeast plunge ends. In the northwest plunge end, SCAT has identified new, south dipping blocks that are transitional to the structurally-higher North October field. The southeast plunge end has been reinterpreted with correct azimuthal trends and new fault-block prospects. These new SCAT results have successfully improved the 3D seismic interpretation by providing a foundation of accurate in-situ structural control in an area of poor-to-fair seismic quality below the Miocene salt package.« less

Assessing the Resilience of Global Sea Routes

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

12.9403 54.6680 SriLanka Sri Lanka 6.1406 78.5742 SuezN Egypt 31.8216 32.2119 SuezS Egypt 28.9793 32.7832 SundaE Indonesia -4.8283 108.0615 SundaW Indonesia...7.66 6 (Ma_TanjungPelepas, Si_Singapore) 7 98.0 5.96 7 (Ma_Kelang, Ma_TanjungPelepas) 7 97.6 5.53 8 (Socotra, SriLanka ) 8 93.2 0.75 9...Ma_Kelang, BandaAceh) 7 93.2 0.75 10 ( SriLanka , BandaAceh) 7, 8 93.2 0.67 11 (Aden, Socotra) 8 93.1 0.63 12 (SuezS, Sa_Yanbu) 8 93.1

Growth differentiation factor 3 is induced by bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP-6) and BMP-7 and increases luteinizing hormone receptor messenger RNA expression in human granulosa cells.

PubMed

Shi, Jia; Yoshino, Osamu; Osuga, Yutaka; Akiyama, Ikumi; Harada, Miyuki; Koga, Kaori; Fujimoto, Akihisa; Yano, Tetsu; Taketani, Yuji

2012-04-01

To examine the relevance of growth differentiation factor 3 (GDF-3) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) cytokines in human ovary. Molecular studies. Research laboratory. Eight women undergoing salpingo-oophorectomy and 30 women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization. Localizing GDF-3 protein in human ovaries; granulosa cells (GC) cultured with GDF-3, BMP-6, or BMP-7 followed by RNA extraction. The localization of GDF-3 protein in normal human ovaries via immunohistochemical analysis, GDF-3 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression evaluation via quantitative real-time reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and evaluation of the effect of GDF-3 on leuteinizing hormone (LH) receptor mRNA expression via quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In the ovary, BMP cytokines, of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, are known as a luteinization inhibitor by suppressing LH receptor expression in GC. Growth differentiation factor 3, a TGF-β superfamily cytokine, is recognized as an inhibitor of BMP cytokines in other cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that GDF-3 was strongly detected in the GC of antral follicles. An in vitro assay revealed that BMP-6 or BMP-7 induced GDF-3 mRNA in GC. Also, GDF-3 increased LH receptor mRNA expression and inhibited the effect of BMP-7, which suppressed the LH receptor mRNA expression in GC. GDF-3, induced with BMP-6 and BMP-7, might play a role in folliculogenesis by inhibiting the effect of BMP cytokines. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PI3K/Akt is involved in brown adipogenesis mediated by growth differentiation factor-5 in association with activation of the Smad pathway

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hinoi, Eiichi; Iezaki, Takashi; Fujita, Hiroyuki

2014-07-18

Highlights: • Akt is preferentially phosphorylated in BAT and sWAT of aP2-GDF5 mice. • PI3K/Akt signaling is involved in GDF5-induced brown adipogenesis. • PI3K/Akt signaling regulates GDF5-induced Smad5 phosphorylation. - Abstract: We have previously demonstrated promotion by growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF5) of brown adipogenesis for systemic energy expenditure through a mechanism relevant to activating the bone morphological protein (BMP) receptor/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) pathway. Here, we show the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in brown adipogenesis mediated by GDF5. Overexpression of GDF5 in cells expressing adipocyte protein-2 markedly accelerated the phosphorylationmore » of Smad1/5/8 and Akt in white and brown adipose tissues. In brown adipose tissue from heterozygous GDF5{sup Rgsc451} mutant mice expressing a dominant-negative (DN) GDF5 under obesogenic conditions, the basal phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and Akt was significantly attenuated. Exposure to GDF5 not only promoted the phosphorylation of both Smad1/5/8 and Akt in cultured brown pre-adipocytes, but also up-regulated Pgc1a and uncoupling protein-1 expression in a manner sensitive to the PI3K/Akt inhibitor Ly294002 as well as retroviral infection with DN-Akt. GDF5 drastically promoted BMP-responsive luciferase reporter activity in a Ly294002-sensitive fashion. Both Ly294002 and DN-Akt markedly inhibited phosphorylation of Smad5 in the nuclei of brown pre-adipocytes. These results suggest that PI3K/Akt signals play a role in the GDF5-mediated brown adipogenesis through a mechanism related to activation of the Smad pathway.« less

Transforming growth factor 15 increased in severe aplastic anemia patients.

PubMed

Shao, Yuanyuan; Wang, Honglei; Liu, Chunyan; Cao, Qiuying; Fu, Rong; Wang, Huaquan; Wang, Ting; Qi, Weiwei; Shao, Zonghong

2017-10-01

The patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) usually rely on red cell transfusion which lead to secondary iron overload. Transforming growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) plays an important role in erythropoiesis and iron regulation. In this study, we investigated the level of GDF-15 and other indexes of iron metabolism in SAA patients to explore the correlation with GDF-15 and iron overload in SAA. The levels of serum GDF-15, hepcidin (Hepc), and erythropoietin (EPO) were determined by ELISA. The levels of serum iron (SI), ferritin, TIBC, and transferrin saturation (TS) were measured by an auto analyzer. Iron staining of bone marrow cells was used for testing extracellular and intracellular iron. The GDF-15 level in the experimental group was higher than that of the case-control group and normal control group (all p < 0.05). The Hepc level in the experimental group and case-control group were both higher than that of healthy controls (all p < 0.05). The Hepc level was significantly lower in the experimental group patients who had excessive GDF-15 (r = -0.766, p = 0.000). There was a positive correlation between the level of GDF15 and EPO in the experimental group (r = 0.68, p < 0.000). The level of GDF15 in SAA patients was positively correlated with SI levels (r = 0.537, p = 0.008), TS levels (r = 0.466, p = 0.025), and sideroblasts (%) (r = 0.463, p = 0.026). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between GDF-15 level and blood transfusion-dependent time (r = 0.739, p = 0.000). Our data indicated that GDF-15 plays an important role in iron metabolism in SAA. GDF-15 might be a novel target for SAA therapy.

Growth differentiation factor 9 and its spatiotemporal expression and regulation in the zebrafish ovary.

PubMed

Liu, Lin; Ge, Wei

2007-02-01

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) superfamily. As an oocyte-specific growth factor, GDF9 plays critical roles in controlling folliculogenesis in mammals. In the present study, we cloned a 2.1-kb cDNA of the zebrafish GDF9 homolog (Gdf9, gdf9), which shares approximately 60% homology with that of mammals in the mature region. RT-PCR analysis showed that zebrafish gdf9 expression was present only in the gonads and Northern blot analysis revealed a single transcript of about 2.0 kb in the ovary. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that gdf9 expression was highest in primary growth (PG, stage I) follicles and gradually decreased during follicular development, with the lowest level being found in fully grown (FG) follicles. The expression of gdf9 was maintained through fertilization and early embryonic development until gastrulation, at which point the expression level dramatically decreased. Expression was barely detectable after the late gastrula stage. Within the follicle, gdf9 mRNA was localized exclusively in the oocytes, as demonstrated by RT-PCR of denuded oocytes and freshly isolated follicle layers as well as by in situ hybridization. Interestingly, when amplified for high numbers of cycles, the expression of gdf9 was detected in cultured zebrafish follicular cells that were free of oocytes. The expression of gdf9 was downregulated by hCG in both ovarian fragments and isolated follicles in dose- and time-dependent manners, and this inhibition appeared to be stage-dependent, with the strongest inhibition observed for the FG follicles and no effect seen for the PG follicles. This correlates well with the expression profile of the LH receptor (lhcgr) in zebrafish follicles. In conclusion, as an oocyte-derived growth factor, GDF9 is highly conserved across vertebrates. With its biological advantages, zebrafish provides an alternative model for studying gene function and regulation.

Nuclear factor-κB is a common upstream signal for growth differentiation factor-5 expression in brown adipocytes exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines and palmitate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hinoi, Eiichi; Iezaki, Takashi; Ozaki, Kakeru

Highlights: • GDF5 expression is up-regulated by IL-1β, TNF-α and palmitate in brown pre-adipocytes. • NF-κB stimulates promoter activity and expression of GDF5 in brown pre-adipocytes. • Recruitment of NF-κB to the GDF5 promoter is facilitated in BAT from ob/ob mice. • An NF-κB inhibitor prevents upregulation of GDF5 expression in brown pre-adipocytes. - Abstract: We have previously demonstrated that genetic and acquired obesity similarly led to drastic upregulation in brown adipose tissue (BAT), rather than white adipose tissue, of expression of both mRNA and corresponding protein for the bone morphogenic protein/growth differentiation factor (GDF) member GDF5 capable of promotingmore » brown adipogenesis. In this study, we evaluated expression profiles of GDF5 in cultured murine brown pre-adipocytes exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids (FFAs), which are all shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Both interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were effective in up-regulating GDF5 expression in a concentration-dependent manner, while similar upregulation was seen in cells exposed to the saturated FFA palmitate, but not to the unsaturated FFA oleate. In silico analysis revealed existence of the putative nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) binding site in the 5′-flanking region of mouse GDF5, whereas introduction of NF-κB subunits drastically facilitated both promoter activity and expression of GDF5 in brown pre-adipocytes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed significant facilitation of the recruitment of NF-κB to the GDF5 promoter in lysed extracts of BAT from leptin-deficient ob/ob obese mice. Upregulation o GDF5 expression was invariably inhibited by an NF-κB inhibitor in cultured brown pre-adipocytes exposed to IL-1β, TNF-α and palmitate. These results suggest that obesity leads to upregulation of GDF5 expression responsible for the promotion of brown adipogenesis through a

Synergistic roles of bone morphogenetic protein 15 and growth differentiation factor 9 in ovarian function.

PubMed

Yan, C; Wang, P; DeMayo, J; DeMayo, F J; Elvin, J A; Carino, C; Prasad, S V; Skinner, S S; Dunbar, B S; Dube, J L; Celeste, A J; Matzuk, M M

2001-06-01

Knockout mouse technology has been used over the last decade to define the essential roles of ovarian-expressed genes and uncover genetic interactions. In particular, we have used this technology to study the function of multiple members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily including inhibins, activins, and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9 or Gdf9). Knockout mice lacking GDF-9 are infertile due to a block in folliculogenesis at the primary follicle stage. In addition, recombinant GDF-9 regulates multiple cumulus granulosa cell functions in the periovulatory period including hyaluronic acid synthesis and cumulus expansion. We have also cloned an oocyte-specific homolog of GDF-9 from mice and humans, which is termed bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15 or Bmp15). To define the function of BMP-15 in mice, we generated embryonic stem cells and knockout mice, which have a null mutation in this X-linked gene. Male chimeric and Bmp15 null mice are normal and fertile. In contrast to Bmp15 null males and Gdf9 knockout females, Bmp15 null females (Bmp15(-/-)) are subfertile and usually have minimal ovarian histopathological defects, but demonstrate decreased ovulation and fertilization rates. To further decipher possible direct or indirect genetic interactions between GDF-9 and BMP-15, we have generated double mutant mice lacking one or both alleles of these related homologs. Double homozygote females (Bmp15(-/-)Gdf9(-/-)) display oocyte loss and cysts and resemble Gdf9(-/-) mutants. In contrast, Bmp15(-/-)Gdf9(+/-) female mice have more severe fertility defects than Bmp15(-/-) females, which appear to be due to abnormalities in ovarian folliculogenesis, cumulus cell physiology, and fertilization. Thus, the dosage of intact Bmp15 and Gdf9 alleles directly influences the destiny of the oocyte during folliculogenesis and in the periovulatory period. These studies have important implications for human fertility control and the maintenance of fertility and

A Prodomain Fragment from the Proteolytic Activation of Growth Differentiation Factor 11 Remains Associated with the Mature Growth Factor and Keeps It Soluble.

PubMed

Pepinsky, Blake; Gong, Bang-Jian; Gao, Yan; Lehmann, Andreas; Ferrant, Janine; Amatucci, Joseph; Sun, Yaping; Bush, Martin; Walz, Thomas; Pederson, Nels; Cameron, Thomas; Wen, Dingyi

2017-08-22

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, plays diverse roles in mammalian development. It is synthesized as a large, inactive precursor protein containing a prodomain, pro-GDF11, and exists as a homodimer. Activation requires two proteolytic processing steps that release the prodomains and transform latent pro-GDF11 into active mature GDF11. In studying proteolytic activation in vitro, we discovered that a 6-kDa prodomain peptide containing residues 60-114, PDP 60-114 , remained associated with the mature growth factor. Whereas the full-length prodomain of GDF11 is a functional antagonist, PDP 60-114 had no impact on activity. The specific activity of the GDF11/PDP 60-114 complex (EC 50 = 1 nM) in a SMAD2/3 reporter assay was identical to that of mature GDF11 alone. PDP 60-114 improved the solubility of mature GDF11 at neutral pH. As the growth factor normally aggregates/precipitates at neutral pH, PDP 60-114 can be used as a solubility-enhancing formulation. Expression of two engineered constructs with PDP 60-114 genetically fused to the mature domain of GDF11 through a 2x or 3x G4S linker produced soluble monomeric products that could be dimerized through redox reactions. The construct with a 3x G4S linker retained 10% activity (EC 50 = 10 nM), whereas the construct connected with a 2x G4S linker could only be activated (EC 50 = 2 nM) by protease treatment. Complex formation with PDP 60-114 represents a new strategy for stabilizing GDF11 in an active state that may translate to other members of the TGF-β family that form latent pro/mature domain complexes.

Two new Myxidium species (Myxosporea: Myxidiidae) infecting the gallbladder of African flying fish, Cheilopogon nigricans and Suez fusilier, Caesio suevicus from the Red Sea, Egypt: a morphological and morphometric study.

PubMed

Abdel-Baki, Abdel-Azeem Sh

2009-08-01

Myxidium maamouni sp. n. and Myxidium aydai sp. n. were described from the gallbladder of the African flying fish Cheilopogon nigricans and Suez fusilier Caesio suevicus, respectively. Fishes were collected from the Red Sea at Al-Quseir, Egypt. M. maamouni have irregular to mostly rounded polysporous plasmodia with diameter of 27 microm. Spores were sigmoid or S-shaped and sometimes spindle-shaped in the frontal view with smooth valves. They measured 13.5 x 8.0 x 8.2 microm in size. Their polar capsules were equal pyriform and measured 7.0 x 3.2 microm in size with nine to 12 coils. Spores of M. aydai were spindle-shaped in the frontal view with thin smooth valves. They measured 23.0 x 5.6 x 5.5 microm in size. Their polar capsules were pyriform and measured 7.2 x 3.4 microm in size with eight to nine coils.

Polymorphisms Near TBX5 and GDF7 Are Associated With Increased Risk for Barrett’s Esophagus

PubMed Central

Palles, Claire; Chegwidden, Laura; Li, Xinzhong; Findlay, John M.; Farnham, Garry; Castro Giner, Francesc; Peppelenbosch, Maikel P.; Kovac, Michal; Adams, Claire L.; Prenen, Hans; Briggs, Sarah; Harrison, Rebecca; Sanders, Scott; MacDonald, David; Haigh, Chris; Tucker, Art; Love, Sharon; Nanji, Manoj; deCaestecker, John; Ferry, David; Rathbone, Barrie; Hapeshi, Julie; Barr, Hugh; Moayyedi, Paul; Watson, Peter; Zietek, Barbara; Maroo, Neera; Gay, Laura; Underwood, Tim; Boulter, Lisa; McMurtry, Hugh; Monk, David; Patel, Praful; Ragunath, Krish; Al Dulaimi, David; Murray, Iain; Koss, Konrad; Veitch, Andrew; Trudgill, Nigel; Nwokolo, Chuka; Rembacken, Bjorn; Atherfold, Paul; Green, Elaine; Ang, Yeng; Kuipers, Ernst J.; Chow, Wu; Paterson, Stuart; Kadri, Sudarshan; Beales, Ian; Grimley, Charles; Mullins, Paul; Beckett, Conrad; Farrant, Mark; Dixon, Andrew; Kelly, Sean; Johnson, Matthew; Wajed, Shahjehan; Dhar, Anjan; Sawyer, Elinor; Roylance, Rebecca; Onstad, Lynn; Gammon, Marilie D.; Corley, Douglas A.; Shaheen, Nicholas J.; Bird, Nigel C.; Hardie, Laura J.; Reid, Brian J.; Ye, Weimin; Liu, Geoffrey; Romero, Yvonne; Bernstein, Leslie; Wu, Anna H.; Casson, Alan G.; Fitzgerald, Rebecca; Whiteman, David C.; Risch, Harvey A.; Levine, David M.; Vaughan, Tom L.; Verhaar, Auke P.; van den Brande, Jan; Toxopeus, Eelke L.; Spaander, Manon C.; Wijnhoven, Bas P.L.; van der Laan, Luc J.W.; Krishnadath, Kausilia; Wijmenga, Cisca; Trynka, Gosia; McManus, Ross; Reynolds, John V.; O’Sullivan, Jacintha; MacMathuna, Padraic; McGarrigle, Sarah A.; Kelleher, Dermot; Vermeire, Severine; Cleynen, Isabelle; Bisschops, Raf; Tomlinson, Ian; Jankowski, Janusz

2015-01-01

Background & Aims Barrett's esophagus (BE) increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). We found the risk to be BE has been associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 6p21 (within the HLA region) and on 16q23, where the closest protein-coding gene is FOXF1. Subsequently, the Barrett's and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium (BEACON) identified risk loci for BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma near CRTC1 and BARX1, and within 100 kb of FOXP1. We aimed to identify further SNPs that increased BE risk and to validate previously reported associations. Methods We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify variants associated with BE and further analyzed promising variants identified by BEACON by genotyping 10,158 patients with BE and 21,062 controls. Results We identified 2 SNPs not previously associated with BE: rs3072 (2p24.1; odds ratio [OR] = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.09–1.18; P = 1.8 × 10−11) and rs2701108 (12q24.21; OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.86–0.93; P = 7.5 × 10−9). The closest protein-coding genes were respectively GDF7 (rs3072), which encodes a ligand in the bone morphogenetic protein pathway, and TBX5 (rs2701108), which encodes a transcription factor that regulates esophageal and cardiac development. Our data also supported in BE cases 3 risk SNPs identified by BEACON (rs2687201, rs11789015, and rs10423674). Meta-analysis of all data identified another SNP associated with BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma: rs3784262, within ALDH1A2 (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87–0.93; P = 3.72 × 10−9). Conclusions We identified 2 loci associated with risk of BE and provided data to support a further locus. The genes we found to be associated with risk for BE encode transcription factors involved in thoracic, diaphragmatic, and esophageal development or proteins involved in the inflammatory response. PMID:25447851

iss016e019375

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-05-02

ISS016-E-019375 (30 Dec. 2007) --- Port of Suez, Egypt is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 16 crewmember on the International Space Station. The Port of Suez is located in Egypt along the northern coastline of the Gulf of Suez. The port and city are the southern terminus of the Suez Canal that transits through Egypt and debouches into the Mediterranean Sea near Port Said. The port serves vessels transporting general cargo, oil tankers, and both commercial and private passenger vessels. The port is also an important waypoint for Muslim pilgrims traveling to and from Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Several large vessels are visible in the Gulf of Suez and berthed at various docks around the port. An extensive petroleum refinery complex forms the southern coastal boundary of the Port of Suez. At the time this image was acquired, gaseous byproducts of petroleum processing were being burned off -- as indicated by a smoke plume extending southwards into the Gulf of Suez (lower right). This view also captures several regions of greenish blue coloration in the Gulf. These are most probably sediments stirred up by passage of ships traveling to and from the Port. Similarly-colored regions along the coastline are bottom sediments visible through the shallow water column.

Ligand-activated BMP signaling inhibits cell differentiation and death to promote melanoma

PubMed Central

Venkatesan, Arvind M.; Vyas, Rajesh; Gramann, Alec K.; Gujja, Sharvari; Bhatnagar, Sanchita; Gomes, Camilla Borges Ferreira; Xi, Hualin Simon; Lian, Christine G.; Houvras, Yariv; Edwards, Yvonne J. K.; Deng, April; Ceol, Craig J.

2017-01-01

Oncogenomic studies indicate that copy number variation (CNV) alters genes involved in tumor progression; however, identification of specific driver genes affected by CNV has been difficult, as these rearrangements are often contained in large chromosomal intervals among several bystander genes. Here, we addressed this problem and identified a CNV-targeted oncogene by performing comparative oncogenomics of human and zebrafish melanomas. We determined that the gene encoding growth differentiation factor 6 (GDF6), which is the ligand for the BMP family, is recurrently amplified and transcriptionally upregulated in melanoma. GDF6-induced BMP signaling maintained a trunk neural crest gene signature in melanomas. Additionally, GDF6 repressed the melanocyte differentiation gene MITF and the proapoptotic factor SOX9, thereby preventing differentiation, inhibiting cell death, and promoting tumor growth. GDF6 was specifically expressed in melanomas but not melanocytes. Moreover, GDF6 expression levels in melanomas were inversely correlated with patient survival. Our study has identified a fundamental role for GDF6 and BMP signaling in governing an embryonic cell gene signature to promote melanoma progression, thus providing potential opportunities for targeted therapy to treat GDF6-positive cancers. PMID:29202482

Meat and Livestock Association Plenary Lecture 2005. Oocyte signalling molecules and their effects on reproduction in ruminants.

PubMed

McNatty, Kenneth P; Lawrence, Stephen; Groome, Nigel P; Meerasahib, Mohammed F; Hudson, Norma L; Whiting, Lynda; Heath, Derek A; Juengel, Jennifer L

2006-01-01

Sheep (Ovis aries) are a highly diverse species, with more than 900 different breeds that vary significantly in their physiological characteristics, including ovulation rate and fecundity. From examination of inherited patterns of ovulation rate, several breeds have been identified with point mutations in two growth factor genes that are expressed in oocytes. Currently, five different point mutations have been identified in the BMP15 (GDF9b) gene and one in GDF9. Animals heterozygous for the GDF9 and/or the BMP15 mutations have higher ovulation rates than their wild-type counterparts. In contrast, those homozygous for any of the aforementioned BMP15 or GDF9 mutations are sterile owing to arrested follicular development. In bovine and ovine ovaries, GDF9 was expressed exclusively in oocytes throughout follicular growth from the primordial stage of development, whereas in sheep BMP15 was expressed exclusively in oocytes from the primary stage: no data for the ontogeny of BMP15 expression are currently available for cattle. In vitro, ovine growth differentiation factor 9 (oGDF9) has no effect on (3)H-thymidine incorporation by either bovine or ovine granulosa cells, whereas ovine bone morphogenetic protein 15 (oBMP15) has modest (1.2- to 1.6-fold; P < 0.05) stimulatory effects. Ovine GDF9 or oBMP15 alone inhibited progesterone production by bovine granulosa cells, whereas in ovine cells only oGDF9 was inhibitory. The effects of oGDF9 and oBMP15 together were often cooperative and not always the same as those observed for each factor alone. Active immunisation of ewes with BMP15 and/or GDF9 peptides affected ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate. Depending on the GDF9 and/or BMP15 vaccine formulation, ovulation rate was either increased or suppressed. A primary and single booster immunisation of ewes with a BMP15 peptide in a water-based adjuvant has led to 19-40% increases in lambs born per ewe lambing. Collectively, the evidence suggests that oocyte

Growth differentiation factor 9 reverses activin A suppression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression and progesterone production in human granulosa-lutein cells.

PubMed

Shi, Feng-Tao; Cheung, Anthony P; Klausen, Christian; Huang, He-Feng; Leung, Peter C K

2010-10-01

We have reported that growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) can enhance activin A (β(A)β(A))-induced inhibin B (αβ(B)) secretion in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells, but its effects on steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), ovarian steroidogenic enzymes, and progesterone production are unknown. We undertook this study to further evaluate GDF9 in this regard. hGL cells from women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment were cultured with and without small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection targeted at inhibin α-subunit or GDF9 before treatment with GDF9, activin A, FSH, or combinations. We compared StAR, P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in hGL cells and progesterone levels in culture media after these treatments. mRNA, protein, and hormone levels were assessed with real-time RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and ELISA, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Activin A alone reduced basal and FSH-induced progesterone production by decreasing the expression of StAR protein, which regulates the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis but not P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. GDF9 attenuated these activin A effects on StAR and progesterone. After transfection of α-subunit siRNA, activin A level increased (P < 0.001), whereas basal and activin A-induced inhibin B levels (with and without GDF9) decreased. Furthermore, the effects of GDF9 in reversing activin A suppression of progesterone production were attenuated (P < 0.001). Transfection of GDF9 siRNA decreased GDF9 as expected and led to lower StAR expression and progesterone secretion than those observed with activin A treatment alone. GDF9 attenuates the suppressive effects of activin A on StAR expression and progesterone production by increasing the expression of inhibin B, which acts as an activin A competitor.

GC estimation of organic hydrocarbons that threaten shallow Quaternary sandy aquifer Northwestern Gulf of Suez, Egypt.

PubMed

Zawrah, M F; Ebiad, M A; Rashad, A M; El-Sayed, E; Snousy, Moustafa Gamal; Tantawy, M A

2014-11-01

Soil and groundwater contamination is one of the important environmental problems at petroleum-related sites, which causes critical environmental and health defects. Severe petroleum hydrocarbon contamination from coastal refinery plant was detected in a shallow Quaternary sandy aquifer is bordered by Gulf in the Northwestern Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The overall objective of this investigation is to estimate the organic hydrocarbons in shallow sandy aquifers, released from continuous major point-source of pollution over a long period of time (91 years ago). This oil refinery contamination resulted mainly in the improper disposal of hydrocarbons and produced water releases caused by equipment failures, vandalism, and accidents that caused direct groundwater pollution or discharge into the gulf. In order to determine the fate of hydrocarbons, detailed field investigations were made to provide intensive deep profile information. Eight composite randomly sediment samples from a test plot were selected for demonstration. The tested plot was 50 m long × 50 m wide × 70 cm deep. Sediment samples were collected using an American auger around the point 29° 57' 33″ N and 32° 30' 40″ E in 2012 and covered an area of 2,500 m(2) which represents nearly 1/15 of total plant area (the total area of the plant is approximately 3.250 km(2)). The detected total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) were 2.44, 2.62, 4.54, 4.78, 2.83, 3.22, 2.56, and 3.13 wt%, respectively. TPH was calculated by differences in weight and subjected to gas chromatography (GC). Hydrocarbons were analyzed on Hewlett-Packard (HP-7890 plus) gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). The percentage of paraffine of the investigated TPH samples was 7.33, 7.24, 7.58, 8.25, 10.25, 9.89, 14.77, and 17.53 wt%, respectively.

The effects of dolomitization on petrophysical properties and fracture distribution within rift-related carbonates (Hammam Faraun Fault Block, Suez Rift, Egypt)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korneva, I.; Bastesen, E.; Corlett, H.; Eker, A.; Hirani, J.; Hollis, C.; Gawthorpe, R. L.; Rotevatn, A.; Taylor, R.

2018-03-01

Petrographic and petrophysical data from different limestone lithofacies (skeletal packstones, matrix-supported conglomerates and foraminiferal grainstones) and their dolomitized equivalents within a slope carbonate succession (Eocene Thebes Formation) of Hammam Faraun Fault Block (Suez Rift, Egypt) have been analyzed in order to link fracture distribution with mechanical and textural properties of these rocks. Two phases of dolomitization resulted in facies-selective stratabound dolostones extending up to two and a half kilometers from the Hammam Faraun Fault, and massive dolostones in the vicinity of the fault (100 metres). Stratabound dolostones are characterized by up to 8 times lower porosity and 6 times higher frequency of fractures compared to the host limestones. Precursor lithofacies type has no significant effect on fracture frequency in the stratabound dolostones. At a distance of 100 metres from the fault, massive dolostones are present which have 0.5 times porosity of precursor limestones, and lithofacies type exerts a stronger control on fracture frequency than the presence of dolomitization (undolomitized vs. dolomitized). Massive dolomitization corresponds to increased fracture intensity in conglomerates and grainstones but decreased fracture intensity in packstones. This corresponds to a decrease of grain/crystal size in conglomerates and grainstones and its increase in packstones after massive dolomitization. Since fractures may contribute significantly to the flow properties of a carbonate rock, the work presented herein has significant applicability to hydrocarbon exploration and production from limestone and dolostone reservoirs, particularly where matrix porosities are low.

Growth-differentiation factor 15 and osteoprotegerin in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: a biomarker substudy of the IABP-SHOCK II-trial.

PubMed

Fuernau, Georg; Poenisch, Christian; Eitel, Ingo; de Waha, Suzanne; Desch, Steffen; Schuler, Gerhard; Adams, Volker; Werdan, Karl; Zeymer, Uwe; Thiele, Holger

2014-08-01

This study investigates the role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and growth-differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) as predictors of outcome in cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction. The novel biomarkers OPG and GDF-15 have shown prognostic impact in various cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction. In acute myocardial infarction complicated by CS, the diagnostic and prognostic impact of these biomarkers has not been investigated yet. OPG and GDF-15 may have additional prognostic impact on early prognosis assessment, being potentially useful for decision-making in CS. In the randomized Intra-aortic Balloon Pump in cardiogenic Shock II (IABP-SHOCK II)-trial, 600 patients with CS complicating acute myocardial infarction undergoing early revascularization were assigned to therapy with or without IABP. Within a pre-defined substudy, blood samples were collected from 190 patients during PCI. GDF-15 and OPG serum levels were measured with standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Patients with GDF-15 and OPG levels greater than the median showed higher rates of death at 30 days by χ(2) testing (OPG, 51% vs. 32%, P = 0.01; GDF-15, 52% vs. 31%, P = 0.005) and log rank testing [GDF-15, hazard ratio (HR) 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-2.94; P = 0.005; OPG, HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11-2.71; P = 0.01]. Both markers were significantly predictive of 30-day mortality in univariable logistic regression analysis. In a multivariable logistic stepwise regression model, GDF-15, TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade <3 after PCI, age, LVEF, and serum lactate remained significant predictors of 30-day mortality. GDF-15 on admission is a significant independent predictor of short-term mortality in infarct-related CS. Trail registration: NCT00491036. © 2014 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure © 2014 European Society of Cardiology.

Growth differentiation factor 15 is associated with left atrial/left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Hu, Xiao Feng; Zhan, Rui; Xu, Shanhu; Wang, Junjun; Wu, Jiong; Liu, Xiaoli; Li, Yaguo; Chen, Linhui

2018-01-01

There is evidence suggesting that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) appears to be associated with stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). AF-related thromboembolic stroke is predominantly attributed to the thrombus from the left atrium (LA) or left atrial appendage (LAA). GDF-15 is related to LA/LAA thrombus in nonvalvular AF (NVAF) patients. A total of 894 patients with NVAF without anticoagulation therapy were included in this study. All patients routinely underwent transesophageal echocardiography for detection of LA/LAA thrombus. GDF-15 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression models were used to test for association. LA/LAA thrombus was detected by transesophageal echocardiography in 69 (7.72%) patients with AF. The GDF-15 levels in the patients with LA/LAA thrombus were significantly higher than those without LA/LAA thrombus (log 10 GDF-15: 2.989 ± 0.023 ng/L vs 2.831 ± 0.007 ng/L; P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that GDF-15 was an independent risk factor for LA/LAA thrombus (odds ratio [per quarter]: 1.799, 95% confidence interval: 1.381-2.344, P < 0.001) after adjusting for potential clinical risk factors. The optimal cutoff point for GDF-15 predicting LA/LAA thrombus was 809.9 ng/L (sensitivity, 75.3%; specificity, 61.5%), determined by ROC curve. The area under the curve was 0.709 (95% confidence interval: 0.644-0.770, P < 0.001). Elevated GDF-15 indicated a significantly increased risk for LA/LAA thrombus in NVAF patients. Thus, GDF-15 might be a potentially useful adjunct in discriminating LA/LAA thrombus in NVAF patients. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Powering Up Mitichondrial Functions to Treat Mitochondrial Disease

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

derived hormone whose serum level correlates positively with the severity of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy (recently published with DOD grant support...derived hormone that regulates body growth. Circulating GDF15 level correlates positively with the severity of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy and can...Pei lab recently discovered that GDF15 is a heart-derived hormone that regulates body growth. Circulating GDF15 level correlates positively with the

A prospective, randomized pilot study on the safety and efficacy of recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 coated onto β-tricalcium phosphate for sinus lift augmentation.

PubMed

Koch, Felix P; Becker, Jürgen; Terheyden, Hendrik; Capsius, Björn; Wagner, Wilfried

2010-11-01

The aim of this prospective, randomized clinical trial was to investigate the potential of recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5) coated onto β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) (rhGDF-5/β-TCP) to support bone formation after sinus lift augmentation. In total, 31 patients participated in this multicenter clinical trial. They required a two-stage unilateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation (residual bone height <5 mm). According to a parallel-group design, the patients were randomized to three treatment groups: (a) augmentation with rhGDF-5/β-TCP and a 3-month healing period, (b) augmentation with rhGDF-5/β-TCP and a 4-month healing period and (c) medical device β-TCP mixed with autologous bone and a 4-month healing period. The primary study objective was the area of newly formed bone within the augmented area as assessed by histomorphometric evaluation of trephine bur biopsies. The osseous regeneration was similar in each treatment group; the amount of newly formed bone ranged between 28% (± 15.5%) and 31.8% (± 17.9%). Detailed analysis of histological data will be published elsewhere. As secondary efficacy variables, the augmentation height at the surgery site was measured by radiography. The largest augmentation was radiologically achieved in the rhGDF-5/β-TCP - 3-month and the rhGDF-5/β-TCP - 4-month treatment groups. As safety parameters, adverse events were recorded and anti-drug antibody levels were evaluated. Most of the adverse events were judged as unrelated to the study medication. Four out of 47 (8.5%) implants failed in patients treated with rhGDF-5/β-TCP, a result that is in agreement with the general implant failure rate of 5-15%. Transiently very low amounts of anti-rhGDF-5 antibodies were detected in some patients who received rhGDF-5, which was not related to the bone formation outcome. rhGDF-5/β-TCP was found to be effective and safe as the control treatment with autologous bone mixed β-TCP in sinus floor

Role of growth differentiation factor 11 in development, physiology and disease

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yonghui; Wei, Yong; Liu, Dan; Liu, Feng; Li, Xiaoshan; Pan, Lianhong; Pang, Yi; Chen, Dilong

2017-01-01

Growth differentiation factor (GDF11) is a member of TGF-β/BMP superfamily that activates Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways and regulates expression of its target nuclear genes. Since its discovery in 1999, studies have shown the involvement of GDF11 in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development and erythropoiesis, as well as in the pathophysiology of aging, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. In addition, there are contradictory reports regarding the role of GDF11 in aging, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, osteogenesis, skeletal muscle development, and neurogenesis. In this review, we describe the GDF11 signaling pathway and its potential role in development, physiology and disease. PMID:29113418

Powering Up Mitochondrial Functions to Treat Mitochondrial Disease

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

derived hormone whose serum level correlates positively with the severity of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy (recently published with DOD grant support...o Pei lab has recently discovered that GDF15 is a heart-derived hormone that regulates body growth. Circulating GDF15 level correlates positively...Circulating GDF15 level correlates positively with the severity of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy and can be used as a serum biomarker for our 5

Sequence stratigraphy of the Raha Formation, Bakr Oil Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt: Insights from electrical well log and palynological data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansour, Ahmed; Mohamed, Omar; Tahoun, Sameh S.; Elewa, Ashraf M. T.

2018-03-01

The current paper provides a high resolution sequence stratigraphic study of the Raha Formation from the productive Bakr Oil Field, central Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Sixty cutting rock samples spanning the Cenomanian from three wells (Bakr-114, B-115 and B-109) in the Bakr Basin, were palynologically investigated. The documented palynomorphs assemblage of either terrestrially-derived sporomorphs or marine inhabited dinocysts, allowed two palynological zones as well as their encompassing depositional palaeoenvironment to be recognized. These zones are Afropollis jardinus-Crybelosporites pannuceus Assemblage Zone (early-middle Cenomanian) and Classopollis brasiliensis-Tricolpites sagax Assemblage Zone (late Cenomanian). Detailed analysis of the particulate organic matter compositions suggested that the depositional palaeoenvironment of the Raha Formation was fluctuating between supratidal and distal-inner neritic conditions, due to successive oscillations of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean during the Cenomanian. The pronounced peaks of particulate organic matter versus gamma ray are markedly used in delineating the depositional sequences of the Raha Formation and their bounding surfaces. The Raha Formation probably corresponds to a second-order depositional sequence, which can be further subdivided into eight third-order depositional sequences, of which six are complete and two are incomplete ones. These depositional sequences are significantly synchronized based on a simple 2-D correlation model between the three wells. According to the hierarchical duration system, the Cenomanian herein was approximately attributed to 6 Myr, each of which has lower order depositional sequences that took approximately 0.9 Myr. Based on the sequence stratigraphic approach together with palynofacies analysis and gamma ray data, a condensed section was defined in the B-115.

Follicular localization of growth differentiation factor 8 and its receptors in normal and polycystic ovary syndrome ovaries.

PubMed

Lin, Ting-Ting; Chang, Hsun-Ming; Hu, Xiao-Ling; Leung, Peter C K; Zhu, Yi-Min

2018-05-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and its etiology has not been characterized. Growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily that plays a critical role in the regulation of ovarian functions. However, the expression pattern of GDF8 in the human ovary is not yet clear. This study examined the cellular distribution of GDF8 and its putative cellular receptors (ACVR2A, ACVR2B, and ALK5) in a series of normal (n = 34) and PCOS ovaries (n = 14). The immunostaining of GDF8, ACVR2A, ACVR2B, and ALK5 was detected in the oocytes regardless of the developmental stage. All these proteins were localized in antral follicles in normal and PCOS ovaries, and the expression of these proteins increased with increasing follicle diameter. A significantly higher expression of GDF8 was detected in the granulosa cells than in the matched theca cells (TCs). These proteins were also localized in the luteal cells of the corpus luteum. Granulosa cells and TCs of large antral follicles in PCOS ovaries display a higher expression of these proteins. The higher expression levels of GDF8 and its functional receptors (ACVR2A, ACVR2B, and ALK5) in antral follicles of PCOS ovaries than those in normal ovaries suggest the possible involvement of dysregulated GDF8 in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Growth/differentiation factor-5: pre-clinical and clinical evaluations of periodontal regeneration and alveolar augmentation--review.

PubMed

Lee, Jaebum; Wikesjö, Ulf M E

2014-08-01

Growth/differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) plays critical roles in mesenchymal cell differentiation and stimulates human periodontal ligament cell proliferation. Potentially, GDF-5 may also play roles in wound healing including periodontal regeneration and alveolar augmentation. The objective of this review was to provide up-to-date information from pre-clinical/clinical studies evaluating GDF-5 for these indications. A comprehensive search using PubMed and Google search engines was conducted to identify reports on GDF-5 applied to periodontal and alveolar indications. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts from a total of 479 reports. Full-length articles of 17 pre-clinical and four clinical studies were selected and reviewed. Canine-, porcine- and non-human primate-based models as well as human clinical trials were used in the evaluation of GDF-5 in support of periodontal regeneration and alveolar augmentation. An absorbable collagen sponge (ACS), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) were evaluated as candidate carriers for GDF-5 using various dose and healing intervals demonstrating significantly enhanced periodontal regeneration/alveolar augmentation including cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with limited, if any, adverse effects. Growth/differentiation factor-5 supports periodontal regeneration/alveolar augmentation without aberrant healing events documented in qualified pre-clinical models and clinical pilot studies. In perspective, GDF-5 appears a promising technology for periodontal regeneration/alveolar augmentation. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Association of catalase gene polymorphisms with catalase activity and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in the Suez Canal area, Egypt.

PubMed

Ghaly, M S; Ghattas, M H; Labib, S M

2012-10-01

The present study evaluated the relationship of genetic variants in both promoter (-262 C/T) and in exonic (389 C/T) regions of the catalase (CAT) gene to CAT activity and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Suez Canal-area patients. CAT gene polymorphisms were assessed by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). CAT activity was measured by using a spectrophotometer. We compared the frequencies of CAT 389 C/T and -262 C/T polymorphic variants between SLE patients (n = 103) and healthy controls (n = 103). CAT 389 C/T is associated with SLE susceptibility, with the T allele being significantly more frequent among SLE patients than healthy controls. There was no association, however, between CAT activity and genotypes of 389 C/T. We did not observe significant differences in the prevalence of CAT -262 C/T polymorphic variants in SLE patients and controls, however, we found that patients with the CAT -262 CT and TT genotypes had low CAT activity, and these genotypes showed a significant association with thrombocytopaenia, leukopaenia and the presence of anti-snRNP in SLE patients. In conclusion, the present study supports the notion of in vivo oxidative stress in SLE as indicated by the decrease in CAT activity. The allelic variations in the CAT gene -262 are more likely to affect the expression or the function of the enzyme. Since CAT may be pathogenetically linked to SLE, and owing to its free-radical origin, it appears reasonable to target lipid peroxidation by dietary and/or pharmacological antioxidants.

Analysis of the similar epicenter earthquakes on 22 January 2013 and 01 June 2013, Central Gulf of Suez, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toni, Mostafa; Barth, Andreas; Ali, Sherif M.; Wenzel, Friedemann

2016-09-01

On 22 January 2013 an earthquake with local magnitude ML 4.1 occurred in the central part of the Gulf of Suez. Six months later on 1 June 2013 another earthquake with local magnitude ML 5.1 took place at the same epicenter and different depths. These two perceptible events were recorded and localized by the Egyptian National Seismological Network (ENSN) and additional networks in the region. The purpose of this study is to determine focal mechanisms and source parameters of both earthquakes to analyze their tectonic relation. We determine the focal mechanisms by applying moment tensor inversion and first motion analysis of P- and S-waves. Both sources reveal oblique focal mechanisms with normal faulting and strike-slip components on differently oriented faults. The source mechanism of the larger event on 1 June in combination with the location of aftershock sequence indicates a left-lateral slip on N-S striking fault structure in 21 km depth that is in conformity with the NE-SW extensional Shmin (orientation of minimum horizontal compressional stress) and the local fault pattern. On the other hand, the smaller earthquake on 22 January with a shallower hypocenter in 16 km depth seems to have happened on a NE-SW striking fault plane sub-parallel to Shmin. Thus, here an energy release on a transfer fault connecting dominant rift-parallel structures might have resulted in a stress transfer, triggering the later ML 5.1 earthquake. Following Brune's model and using displacement spectra, we calculate the dynamic source parameters for the two events. The estimated source parameters for the 22 January 2013 and 1 June 2013 earthquakes are fault length (470 and 830 m), stress drop (1.40 and 2.13 MPa), and seismic moment (5.47E+21 and 6.30E+22 dyn cm) corresponding to moment magnitudes of MW 3.8 and 4.6, respectively.

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 and growth differentiation factor 9 expression in the ovary of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): cellular localization, developmental profiles, and response to unilateral ovariectomy.

PubMed

García-López, Ángel; Sánchez-Amaya, María Isabel; Halm, Silke; Astola, Antonio; Prat, Francisco

2011-12-01

Vertebrate oocytes actively contribute to follicle development by secreting a variety of growth factors, among which bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15/Bmp15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9/Gdf9) have been paid particular attention. In the present study, we describe the cellular localization, the developmental profiles, and the response to unilateral ovariectomy (a procedure implying the surgical removal of one of the ovaries) of protein and mRNA steady-state levels of Bmp15 and Gdf9 in the ovary of European sea bass, an important fish species for marine aquaculture industry. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the oocyte is the main production site of Bmp15 and Gdf9 in European sea bass ovary. During oocyte development, Bmp15 protein expression started to be detected only from the lipid vesicle stage onwards but not in primary pre-vitellogenic (i.e. perinucleolar) oocytes as the bmp15 mRNA already did. Gdf9 protein and gdf9 mRNA expression were both detected in primary perinucleolar oocytes and followed similar decreasing patterns thereafter. Unilateral ovariectomy induced a full compensatory growth of the remaining ovary in the 2-month period following surgery (Á. García-López, M.I. Sánchez-Amaya, C.R. Tyler, F. Prat 2011). The compensatory growth elicited different changes in the expression levels of mRNA and protein of both factors, although the involvement of Bmp15 and Gdf9 in the regulatory network orchestrating such process remains unclear at present. Altogether, our results establish a solid base for further studies focused on elucidating the specific functions of Bmp15 and Gdf9 during primary and secondary oocyte growth in European sea bass. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Gordon Conference on Inorganic Chemistry Held in Wolfboro, New Hampshire on 30 July-3 August 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-01

Amgerst, MA 01002 Facultad De Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales Pabellon 1 - C Universitaria Dissado, Leonard N4 Buenos Aires 1428 Kings College Argentina...Laboratories 6 Universitatstrasse 2nd Floor B-2 Zurich Switzerland CH-8092 Rochester NY 14652-3208 Diebold, Michael P. Dunham, Stephen Dupont De Nemours...Laboratoire De Chimie Moleculaire Univ. of Paris-Sud URAAU CNRS Laboratoire De Chimie Theorique Univ. De Nice, Parc Vairose Batiment 490 Nice France 06034

Introducing computer-assisted training sessions in the clinical skills lab at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University.

PubMed

Hosny, Somaya; Mishriky, Adel M; Youssef, Mirella

2008-01-01

The Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University clinical skills lab was established in 1981 as the first skills lab in Egypt to cope with innovation in medical education adopted since school inauguration in 1978. Students are trained using their peers or models. Training is done weekly, guided by checklists tested for validity and reliability and updated regularly. Students receive immediate feedback on their performance. Recently, the number of students has increased, leading to challenges in providing adequate supervision and training experiences. A project to design and implement a computer-assisted training (CAT) system seemed to be a plausible solution. To assess the quality of a newly developed CAT product, faculty and students' satisfaction with it, and its impact on the learning process. The project involved preparation of multimedia video-films with a web interface for links of different scientific materials. The project was implemented on second year students. A quality check was done to assess the product's scientific content, and technical quality using questionnaires filled by 84 faculty members (139 filled forms) and 175 students (924 filled forms). For assessment of impact, results of examinations after project implementation were compared with results of 2nd year students of previous 3 years. More faculty (96.3%) were satisfied with the product and considered its quality good to excellent, compared to 93.9% of students, p < 0.001. Most faculty (76.2%) have agreed on its suitability for self-learning, while most students considered the product would be suitable after modification. The percentage of students' failures was lower after project implementation, compared to previous 3 years, p < 0.05. CAT materials developed for training of second year students in skills lab proved to be of good scientific content and quality, and suitable for self-learning. Their use was associated with lower failure rates among students. A randomized trial is recommended

Provenance, diagenesis, tectonic setting and reservoir quality of the sandstones of the Kareem Formation, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaid, Samir M.

2013-09-01

The Middle Miocene Kareem sandstones are important oil reservoirs in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Suez basin, Egypt. However, their diagenesis and provenance and their impact on reservoir quality, are virtually unknown. Samples from the Zeit Bay Oil Field, and the East Zeit Oil Field represent the Lower Kareem (Rahmi Member) and the Upper Kareem (Shagar Member), were studied using a combination of petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical techniques. The Lower Rahmi sandstones have an average framework composition of Q95F3.4R1.6, and 90% of the quartz grains are monocrystalline. By contrast, the Upper Shagar sandstones are only slightly less quartzose with an average framework composition of Q76F21R3 and 82% of the quartz grains are monocrystalline. The Kareem sandstones are mostly quartzarenite with subordinate subarkose and arkose. Petrographical and geochemical data of sandstones indicate that they were derived from granitic and metamorphic terrains as the main source rock with a subordinate quartzose recycled sedimentary rocks and deposited in a passive continental margin of a syn rift basin. The sandstones of the Kareem Formation show upward decrease in maturity. Petrographic study revealed that dolomite is the dominant cement and generally occurs as fine to medium rhombs pore occluding phase and locally as a grain replacive phase. Authigenic quartz occurs as small euhedral crystals, locally as large pyramidal crystals in the primary pores. Authigenic anhydrites typically occur as poikilotopic rhombs or elongate laths infilling pores but also as vein filling cement. The kaolinite is a by-product of feldspar leaching in the presence of acidic fluid produced during the maturation of organic matter in the adjacent Miocene rocks. Diagenetic features include compaction; dolomite, silica and anhydrite cementation with minor iron-oxide, illite, kaolinite and pyrite cements; dissolution of feldspars, rock fragments. Silica dissolution, grain replacement and

Insulin-like growth factor-I and growth differentiation factor-5 promote the formation of tissue-engineered human nasal septal cartilage.

PubMed

Alexander, Thomas H; Sage, August B; Chen, Albert C; Schumacher, Barbara L; Shelton, Elliot; Masuda, Koichi; Sah, Robert L; Watson, Deborah

2010-10-01

Tissue engineering of human nasal septal chondrocytes offers the potential to create large quantities of autologous material for use in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Culture with recombinant human growth factors may improve the biochemical and biomechanical properties of engineered tissue. The objectives of this study were to (1) perform a high-throughput screen to assess multiple combinations of growth factors and (2) perform more detailed testing of candidates identified in part I. In part I, human nasal septal chondrocytes from three donors were expanded in monolayer with pooled human serum (HS). Cells were then embedded in alginate beads for 2 weeks of culture in medium supplemented with 2% or 10% HS and 1 of 90 different growth factor combinations. Combinations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, BMP-7, BMP-13, growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-2, insulin, and dexamethasone were evaluated. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation was measured. A combination of IGF-1 and GDF-5 was selected for further testing based on the results of part I. Chondrocytes from four donors underwent expansion followed by three-dimensional alginate culture for 2 weeks in medium supplemented with 2% or 10% HS with or without IGF-1 and GDF-5. Chondrocytes and their associated matrix were then recovered and cultured for 4 weeks in 12 mm transwells in medium supplemented with 2% or 10% HS with or without IGF-1 and GDF-5 (the same medium used for alginate culture). Biochemical and biomechanical properties of the neocartilage were measured. In part I, GAG accumulation was highest for growth factor combinations including both IGF-1 and GDF-5. In part II, the addition of IGF-1 and GDF-5 to 2% HS resulted in a 12-fold increase in construct thickness compared with 2% HS alone (p < 0.0001). GAG and type II collagen accumulation was significantly higher with IGF-1 and GDF-5. Confined compression

Statistical methods and errors in family medicine articles between 2010 and 2014-Suez Canal University, Egypt: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Nour-Eldein, Hebatallah

2016-01-01

With limited statistical knowledge of most physicians it is not uncommon to find statistical errors in research articles. To determine the statistical methods and to assess the statistical errors in family medicine (FM) research articles that were published between 2010 and 2014. This was a cross-sectional study. All 66 FM research articles that were published over 5 years by FM authors with affiliation to Suez Canal University were screened by the researcher between May and August 2015. Types and frequencies of statistical methods were reviewed in all 66 FM articles. All 60 articles with identified inferential statistics were examined for statistical errors and deficiencies. A comprehensive 58-item checklist based on statistical guidelines was used to evaluate the statistical quality of FM articles. Inferential methods were recorded in 62/66 (93.9%) of FM articles. Advanced analyses were used in 29/66 (43.9%). Contingency tables 38/66 (57.6%), regression (logistic, linear) 26/66 (39.4%), and t-test 17/66 (25.8%) were the most commonly used inferential tests. Within 60 FM articles with identified inferential statistics, no prior sample size 19/60 (31.7%), application of wrong statistical tests 17/60 (28.3%), incomplete documentation of statistics 59/60 (98.3%), reporting P value without test statistics 32/60 (53.3%), no reporting confidence interval with effect size measures 12/60 (20.0%), use of mean (standard deviation) to describe ordinal/nonnormal data 8/60 (13.3%), and errors related to interpretation were mainly for conclusions without support by the study data 5/60 (8.3%). Inferential statistics were used in the majority of FM articles. Data analysis and reporting statistics are areas for improvement in FM research articles.

Statistical methods and errors in family medicine articles between 2010 and 2014-Suez Canal University, Egypt: A cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Nour-Eldein, Hebatallah

2016-01-01

Background: With limited statistical knowledge of most physicians it is not uncommon to find statistical errors in research articles. Objectives: To determine the statistical methods and to assess the statistical errors in family medicine (FM) research articles that were published between 2010 and 2014. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. All 66 FM research articles that were published over 5 years by FM authors with affiliation to Suez Canal University were screened by the researcher between May and August 2015. Types and frequencies of statistical methods were reviewed in all 66 FM articles. All 60 articles with identified inferential statistics were examined for statistical errors and deficiencies. A comprehensive 58-item checklist based on statistical guidelines was used to evaluate the statistical quality of FM articles. Results: Inferential methods were recorded in 62/66 (93.9%) of FM articles. Advanced analyses were used in 29/66 (43.9%). Contingency tables 38/66 (57.6%), regression (logistic, linear) 26/66 (39.4%), and t-test 17/66 (25.8%) were the most commonly used inferential tests. Within 60 FM articles with identified inferential statistics, no prior sample size 19/60 (31.7%), application of wrong statistical tests 17/60 (28.3%), incomplete documentation of statistics 59/60 (98.3%), reporting P value without test statistics 32/60 (53.3%), no reporting confidence interval with effect size measures 12/60 (20.0%), use of mean (standard deviation) to describe ordinal/nonnormal data 8/60 (13.3%), and errors related to interpretation were mainly for conclusions without support by the study data 5/60 (8.3%). Conclusion: Inferential statistics were used in the majority of FM articles. Data analysis and reporting statistics are areas for improvement in FM research articles. PMID:27453839

Recombinant growth differentiation factor 11 influences short-term memory and enhances Sox2 expression in middle-aged mice.

PubMed

Zhang, Min; Jadavji, Nafisa M; Yoo, Hyung-Suk; Smith, Patrice D

2018-04-02

Previous evidence suggests that a significant decline in cognitive ability begins during middle-age and continues to deteriorate with increase in age. Recent work has demonstrated the potential rejuvenation impact of growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) in aged mice. We carried out experiments to evaluate the impact of a single dose of recombinant (rGDF-11) on short-term visual and spatial memory in middle-aged male mice. On the novel object recognition task, we observed middle-aged mice treated rGDF-11 showed improved performance on the novel object recognition task. However, middle-aged mice did not show increased expression of phosphorylated-Smad2/3, a downstream effector of GDF-11. We noted however that the expression of the transcription factor, Sox2 was increased within the dentate gyrus. Our data suggest that a single injection of rGDF-11 contributes to improvements in cognitive function of middle-aged animals, which may be critical in the preservation of short-term memory capacity in old age. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Joint morphogenetic cells in the adult mammalian synovium

PubMed Central

Roelofs, Anke J.; Zupan, Janja; Riemen, Anna H. K.; Kania, Karolina; Ansboro, Sharon; White, Nathan; Clark, Susan M.; De Bari, Cosimo

2017-01-01

The stem cells that safeguard synovial joints in adulthood are undefined. Studies on mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have mainly focused on bone marrow. Here we show that lineage tracing of Gdf5-expressing joint interzone cells identifies in adult mouse synovium an MSC population largely negative for the skeletal stem cell markers Nestin-GFP, Leptin receptor and Gremlin1. Following cartilage injury, Gdf5-lineage cells underpin synovial hyperplasia through proliferation, are recruited to a Nestin-GFPhigh perivascular population, and contribute to cartilage repair. The transcriptional co-factor Yap is upregulated after injury, and its conditional ablation in Gdf5-lineage cells prevents synovial lining hyperplasia and decreases contribution of Gdf5-lineage cells to cartilage repair. Cultured Gdf5-lineage cells exhibit progenitor activity for stable chondrocytes and are able to self-organize three-dimensionally to form a synovial lining-like layer. Finally, human synovial MSCs transduced with Bmp7 display morphogenetic properties by patterning a joint-like organ in vivo. Our findings further the understanding of the skeletal stem/progenitor cells in adult life. PMID:28508891

Folic acid protects against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity by up-regulating the expression of Dvr1

PubMed Central

Ma, Yan; Zhang, Chen; Gao, Xiao-Bo; Luo, Hai-Yan; Chen, Yang; Li, Hui-hua; Ma, Xu; Lu, Cai-Ling

2015-01-01

As a nutritional factor, folic acid can prevent cardiac and neural defects during embryo development. Our previous study showed that arsenic impairs embryo development by down-regulating Dvr1/GDF1 expression in zebrafish. Here, we investigated whether folic acid could protect against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity. We found that folic acid supplementation increases hatching and survival rates, decreases malformation rate and ameliorates abnormal cardiac and neural development of zebrafish embryos exposed to arsenite. Both real-time PCR analysis and whole in-mount hybridization showed that folic acid significantly rescued the decrease in Dvr1 expression caused by arsenite. Subsequently, our data demonstrated that arsenite significantly decreased cell viability and GDF1 mRNA and protein levels in HEK293ET cells, while folic acid reversed these effects. Folic acid attenuated the increase in subcellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and oxidative adaptor p66Shc protein expression in parallel with the changes in GDF1 expression and cell viability. P66Shc knockdown significantly inhibited the production of ROS and the down-regulation of GDF1 induced by arsenite. Our data demonstrated that folic acid supplementation protected against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity by up-regulating the expression of Dvr1/GDF1, and folic acid enhanced the expression of GDF1 by decreasing p66Shc expression and subcellular ROS levels. PMID:26537450

ISSLS PRIZE IN BASIC SCIENCE 2018: Growth differentiation factor-6 attenuated pro-inflammatory molecular changes in the rabbit anular-puncture model and degenerated disc-induced pain generation in the rat xenograft radiculopathy model.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Shingo; Diwan, Ashish D; Kato, Kenji; Cheng, Kevin; Bae, Won C; Sun, Yang; Yamada, Junichi; Muehleman, Carol; Lenz, Mary E; Inoue, Nozomu; Sah, Robert L; Kawakami, Mamoru; Masuda, Koichi

2018-04-01

To elucidate the effects of growth differentiation factor-6 (GDF6) on: (i) gene expression of inflammatory/pain-related molecules and structural integrity in the rabbit intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration model, and (ii) sensory dysfunction and changes in pain-marker expression in dorsal nerve ganglia (DRGs) in the rat xenograft radiculopathy model. Forty-six adolescent rabbits received anular-puncture in two non-consecutive lumbar IVDs. Four weeks later, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or GDF6 (1, 10 or 100 µg) was injected into the nucleus pulposus (NP) of punctured discs and followed for 4 weeks for gene expression analysis and 12 weeks for structural analyses. For pain assessment, eight rabbits were sacrificed at 4 weeks post-injection and NP tissues of injected discs were transplanted onto L5 DRGs of 16 nude rats to examine mechanical allodynia. The rat DRGs were analyzed immunohistochemically. In GDF6-treated rabbit NPs, gene expressions of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, and nerve growth factor were significantly lower than those in the PBS group. GDF6 injections resulted in partial restoration of disc height and improvement of MRI disc degeneration grades with statistical significance in rabbit structural analyses. Allodynia induced by xenograft transplantation of rabbit degenerated NPs onto rat DRGs was significantly reduced by GDF6 injection. Staining intensities for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 and calcitonin gene-related peptide in rat DRGs of the GDF6 group were significantly lower than those of the PBS group. GDF6 injection may change the pathological status of degenerative discs and attenuate degenerated IVD-induced pain.

A Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Concentration in Blood

PubMed Central

Jiang, Jiyang; Thalamuthu, Anbupalam; Ho, Jennifer E.; Mahajan, Anubha; Ek, Weronica E.; Brown, David A.; Breit, Samuel N.; Wang, Thomas J.; Gyllensten, Ulf; Chen, Ming-Huei; Enroth, Stefan; Januzzi, James L.; Lind, Lars; Armstrong, Nicola J.; Kwok, John B.; Schofield, Peter R.; Wen, Wei; Trollor, Julian N.; Johansson, Åsa; Morris, Andrew P.; Vasan, Ramachandran S.; Sachdev, Perminder S.; Mather, Karen A.

2018-01-01

Blood levels of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), also known as macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), have been associated with various pathological processes and diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Prior studies suggest genetic factors play a role in regulating blood MIC-1/GDF-15 concentration. In the current study, we conducted the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) to date using a sample of ∼5,400 community-based Caucasian participants, to determine the genetic variants associated with MIC-1/GDF-15 blood concentration. Conditional and joint (COJO), gene-based association, and gene-set enrichment analyses were also carried out to identify novel loci, genes, and pathways. Consistent with prior results, a locus on chromosome 19, which includes nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (top SNP, rs888663, p = 1.690 × 10-35), was significantly associated with blood MIC-1/GDF-15 concentration, and explained 21.47% of its variance. COJO analysis showed evidence for two independent signals within this locus. Gene-based analysis confirmed the chromosome 19 locus association and in addition, a putative locus on chromosome 1. Gene-set enrichment analyses showed that the“COPI-mediated anterograde transport” gene-set was associated with MIC-1/GDF15 blood concentration with marginal significance after FDR correction (p = 0.067). In conclusion, a locus on chromosome 19 was associated with MIC-1/GDF-15 blood concentration with genome-wide significance, with evidence for a new locus (chromosome 1). Future studies using independent cohorts are needed to confirm the observed associations especially for the chromosomes 1 locus, and to further investigate and identify the causal SNPs that contribute to MIC-1/GDF-15 levels. PMID:29628937

A Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Concentration in Blood.

PubMed

Jiang, Jiyang; Thalamuthu, Anbupalam; Ho, Jennifer E; Mahajan, Anubha; Ek, Weronica E; Brown, David A; Breit, Samuel N; Wang, Thomas J; Gyllensten, Ulf; Chen, Ming-Huei; Enroth, Stefan; Januzzi, James L; Lind, Lars; Armstrong, Nicola J; Kwok, John B; Schofield, Peter R; Wen, Wei; Trollor, Julian N; Johansson, Åsa; Morris, Andrew P; Vasan, Ramachandran S; Sachdev, Perminder S; Mather, Karen A

2018-01-01

Blood levels of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), also known as macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), have been associated with various pathological processes and diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Prior studies suggest genetic factors play a role in regulating blood MIC-1/GDF-15 concentration. In the current study, we conducted the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) to date using a sample of ∼5,400 community-based Caucasian participants, to determine the genetic variants associated with MIC-1/GDF-15 blood concentration. Conditional and joint (COJO), gene-based association, and gene-set enrichment analyses were also carried out to identify novel loci, genes, and pathways. Consistent with prior results, a locus on chromosome 19, which includes nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (top SNP, rs888663, p = 1.690 × 10 -35 ), was significantly associated with blood MIC-1/GDF-15 concentration, and explained 21.47% of its variance. COJO analysis showed evidence for two independent signals within this locus. Gene-based analysis confirmed the chromosome 19 locus association and in addition, a putative locus on chromosome 1. Gene-set enrichment analyses showed that the"COPI-mediated anterograde transport" gene-set was associated with MIC-1/GDF15 blood concentration with marginal significance after FDR correction ( p = 0.067). In conclusion, a locus on chromosome 19 was associated with MIC-1/GDF-15 blood concentration with genome-wide significance, with evidence for a new locus (chromosome 1). Future studies using independent cohorts are needed to confirm the observed associations especially for the chromosomes 1 locus, and to further investigate and identify the causal SNPs that contribute to MIC-1/GDF-15 levels.

Tribulus terrestris Alters the Expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 in Rabbit Ovaries of Mothers and F1 Female Offspring.

PubMed

Abadjieva, Desislava; Kistanova, Elena

2016-01-01

Although previous research has demonstrated the key role of the oocyte-derived factors, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15 and growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9, in follicular development and ovulation, there is a lack of knowledge on the impact of external factors, which females are exposed to during folliculogenesis, on their expression. The present study investigated the effect of the aphrodisiac Tribulus terrestris on the GDF9 and BMP15 expression in the oocytes and cumulus cells at mRNA and protein levels during folliculogenesis in two generations of female rabbits. The experiment was conducted with 28 New Zealand rabbits. Only the diet of the experimental mothers group was supplemented with a dry extract of T. terrestris for the 45 days prior to insemination. The expression of BMP15 and GDF9 genes in the oocytes and cumulus cells of mothers and F1 female offspring was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The localization of the GDF9 and BMP15 proteins in the ovary tissues was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. The BMP15 and GDF9 transcripts were detected in the oocytes and cumulus cells of rabbits from all groups. T. terrestris caused a decrease in the BMP15 mRNA level in the oocytes and an increase in the cumulus cells. The GDF9 mRNA level increased significantly in both oocytes and cumulus cells. The downregulated expression of BMP15 in the treated mothers' oocytes was inherited in the F1 female offspring born to treated mothers. BMP15 and GDF9 show a clearly expressed sensitivity to the bioactive compounds of T. terrestris.

Tribulus terrestris Alters the Expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 in Rabbit Ovaries of Mothers and F1 Female Offspring

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Although previous research has demonstrated the key role of the oocyte-derived factors, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15 and growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9, in follicular development and ovulation, there is a lack of knowledge on the impact of external factors, which females are exposed to during folliculogenesis, on their expression. The present study investigated the effect of the aphrodisiac Tribulus terrestris on the GDF9 and BMP15 expression in the oocytes and cumulus cells at mRNA and protein levels during folliculogenesis in two generations of female rabbits. The experiment was conducted with 28 New Zealand rabbits. Only the diet of the experimental mothers group was supplemented with a dry extract of T. terrestris for the 45 days prior to insemination. The expression of BMP15 and GDF9 genes in the oocytes and cumulus cells of mothers and F1 female offspring was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The localization of the GDF9 and BMP15 proteins in the ovary tissues was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. The BMP15 and GDF9 transcripts were detected in the oocytes and cumulus cells of rabbits from all groups. T. terrestris caused a decrease in the BMP15 mRNA level in the oocytes and an increase in the cumulus cells. The GDF9 mRNA level increased significantly in both oocytes and cumulus cells. The downregulated expression of BMP15 in the treated mothers’ oocytes was inherited in the F1 female offspring born to treated mothers. BMP15 and GDF9 show a clearly expressed sensitivity to the bioactive compounds of T. terrestris. PMID:26928288

Sedimentology of rift climax deep water systems; Lower Rudeis Formation, Hammam Faraun Fault Block, Suez Rift, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leppard, Christopher W.; Gawthorpe, Rob L.

2006-09-01

In most marine rift basins, subsidence outpaces sedimentation during rift climax times. Typically this results in sediment-starved hangingwall depocentres dominated by deep-marine mudstones, with subordinate local development of coarser clastics in the immediate hangingwall derived from restricted catchments on the immediate footwall scarp. To highlight the spatial variability of rift climax facies and the controls upon them, we have investigated the detailed three-dimensional geometry and facies relationships of the extremely well exposed Miocene, rift climax Lower Rudeis Formation in the immediate hangingwall to the Thal Fault Zone, Suez Rift, Egypt. Detailed sedimentological analyses allows the Lower Rudeis Formation to be divided into two contemporaneous depositional systems, (1) a laterally continuous slope system comprising, hangingwall restricted (< 250 m wide) slope apron, slope slumps, fault scarp degradation complex and laterally extensive lower slope-to-basinal siltstones, and (2) a localized submarine fan complex up to 1 km wide and extending at least 2 km basinward of the fault zone. Interpretation of individual facies, facies relationships and their spatial variability indicate that deposition in the immediate hangingwall to the Thal Fault occurred via a range of submarine concentrated density flows, surge-like turbidity flows, mass wasting and hemipelagic processes. Major controls on the spatial variability and stratigraphic architecture of the depositional systems identified reflect the influence of the steep footwall physiography, accommodation and drainage evolution associated with the growth of the Thal Fault. The under-filled nature of the hangingwall depocentre combined with the steep footwall gradient result in a steep fault-controlled basin margin characterised by either slope bypass or erosion, with limited coastal plain or shelf area. Sediment supply to the slope apron deposits is controlled in part by the evolution and size of small

Growth differentiation factor 15, a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation, for risk assessment in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial.

PubMed

Wallentin, Lars; Hijazi, Ziad; Andersson, Ulrika; Alexander, John H; De Caterina, Raffaele; Hanna, Michael; Horowitz, John D; Hylek, Elaine M; Lopes, Renato D; Asberg, Signild; Granger, Christopher B; Siegbahn, Agneta

2014-11-18

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), high-sensitivity troponin, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels are predictive of death and cardiovascular events in healthy elderly subjects, patients with acute coronary syndrome, and patients with heart failure. High-sensitivity troponin I and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide are also prognostic in patients with atrial fibrillation. We evaluated the prognostic value of GDF-15 alone and in addition to clinical characteristics and other biomarkers in patients with atrial fibrillation. The Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial randomized 18 201 patients with atrial fibrillation to apixaban or warfarin. Biomarkers were measured at randomization in 14 798 patients. Efficacy and safety outcomes during 1.9 years of follow-up were compared across quartiles of GDF-15 by use of Cox analyses adjusted for clinical characteristics, randomized treatment, and other biomarkers. The GDF-15 level showed a median of 1383 ng/L (interquartile range, 977-2052 ng/L). Annual rates of stroke or systemic embolism ranged from 0.9% to 2.03% (P<0.001); of major bleeding, from 1.22% to 4.53% (P<0.001); and of mortality, from 1.34% to 7.19% (P<0.001) in the lowest compared with the highest GDF-15 quartile. The prognostic information provided by GDF-15 was independent of clinical characteristics and clinical risk scores. Adjustment for the other cardiac biomarkers attenuated the prognostic value for stroke, whereas the prognostic value for mortality and major bleeding remained. Apixaban consistently reduced stroke, mortality, and bleeding, regardless of GDF-15 levels. GDF-15 is a risk factor for major bleeding, mortality, and stroke in atrial fibrillation. The prognostic value for major bleeding and death remained even in the presence of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin I. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier

Predictive value of long-term changes of growth differentiation factor-15 over a 27-year-period for heart failure and death due to coronary heart disease.

PubMed

Fluschnik, Nina; Ojeda, Francisco; Zeller, Tanja; Jørgensen, Torben; Kuulasmaa, Kari; Becher, Peter Moritz; Sinning, Christoph; Blankenberg, Stefan; Westermann, Dirk

2018-01-01

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), Cystatin C and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been discussed as biomarkers for prediction of cardiac diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of single and repeated measurements of GDF-15 compared to Cystatin C and CRP for incidence of heart failure (HF) and death due to coronary heart disease (CHD) in the general population. Levels of GDF-15, CRP and Cystatin C were determined in three repeated measurements collected 5 years apart in the DAN-MONICA (Danish-Multinational MONitoring of trends and determinants in Cardiovascular disease) cohort (participants at baseline n = 3785). Cox regression models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors revealed significantly increased hazard ratios (HR) for GDF-15 for incident HF 1.36 (HR per interquartile range (IQR) increase, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16; 1.59) and for death from CHD 1.51 (HR per IQR increase, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.75) (both with p<0.001). Joint modeling of time-to-event and longitudinal GDF-15 over a median 27-year follow-up period showed that the marker evolution was positively associated with death of CHD (HR per IQR increase 3.02 95% CI: (2.26, 4.04), p < 0.001) and HF (HR per IQR increase 2.12 95% CI: (1.54, 2.92), p<0.001). However using Cox models with follow-up time starting at the time of the third examination, serial measurement of GDF-15, modeled as changes between the measurements, did not improve prediction over that of the most recent measurement. GDF-15 is a promising biomarker for prediction of HF and death due to CHD in the general population, which may provide prognostic information to already established clinical biomarkers. Repeated measurements of GDF-15 displayed only a slight improvement in the prediction of these endpoints compared to a single measurement.

Geometry and architecture of faults in a syn-rift normal fault array: The Nukhul half-graben, Suez rift, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Paul; Gawthorpe, Rob L.; Hodgetts, David; Rarity, Franklin; Sharp, Ian R.

2009-08-01

The geometry and architecture of a well exposed syn-rift normal fault array in the Suez rift is examined. At pre-rift level, the Nukhul fault consists of a single zone of intense deformation up to 10 m wide, with a significant monocline in the hanging wall and much more limited folding in the footwall. At syn-rift level, the fault zone is characterised by a single discrete fault zone less than 2 m wide, with damage zone faults up to approximately 200 m into the hanging wall, and with no significant monocline developed. The evolution of the fault from a buried structure with associated fault-propagation folding, to a surface-breaking structure with associated surface faulting, has led to enhanced bedding-parallel slip at lower levels that is absent at higher levels. Strain is enhanced at breached relay ramps and bends inherited from pre-existing structures that were reactivated during rifting. Damage zone faults observed within the pre-rift show ramp-flat geometries associated with contrast in competency of the layers cut and commonly contain zones of scaly shale or clay smear. Damage zone faults within the syn-rift are commonly very straight, and may be discrete fault planes with no visible fault rock at the scale of observation, or contain relatively thin and simple zones of scaly shale or gouge. The geometric and architectural evolution of the fault array is interpreted to be the result of (i) the evolution from distributed trishear deformation during upward propagation of buried fault tips to surface faulting after faults breach the surface; (ii) differences in deformation response between lithified pre-rift units that display high competence contrasts during deformation, and unlithified syn-rift units that display low competence contrasts during deformation, and; (iii) the history of segmentation, growth and linkage of the faults that make up the fault array. This has important implications for fluid flow in fault zones.

Region-specific role of growth differentiation factor-5 in the establishment of sympathetic innervation.

PubMed

O'Keeffe, Gerard W; Gutierrez, Humberto; Howard, Laura; Laurie, Christopher W; Osorio, Catarina; Gavaldà, Núria; Wyatt, Sean L; Davies, Alun M

2016-02-15

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the prototypical target-derived neurotrophic factor required for sympathetic neuron survival and for the growth and ramification of sympathetic axons within most but not all sympathetic targets. This implies the operation of additional target-derived factors for regulating terminal sympathetic axon growth and branching. Here report that growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), a widely expressed member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily required for limb development, promoted axon growth from mouse superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons independently of NGF and enhanced axon growth in combination with NGF. GDF5 had no effect on neuronal survival and influenced axon growth during a narrow window of postnatal development when sympathetic axons are ramifying extensively in their targets in vivo. SCG neurons expressed all receptors capable of participating in GDF5 signaling at this stage of development. Using compartment cultures, we demonstrated that GDF5 exerted its growth promoting effect by acting directly on axons and by initiating retrograde canonical Smad signalling to the nucleus. GDF5 is synthesized in sympathetic targets, and examination of several anatomically circumscribed tissues in Gdf5 null mice revealed regional deficits in sympathetic innervation. There was a marked, highly significant reduction in the sympathetic innervation density of the iris, a smaller though significant reduction in the trachea, but no reduction in the submandibular salivary gland. There was no reduction in the number of neurons in the SCG. These findings show that GDF5 is a novel target-derived factor that promotes sympathetic axon growth and branching and makes a distinctive regional contribution to the establishment of sympathetic innervation, but unlike NGF, plays no role in regulating sympathetic neuron survival.

Growth differentiation factor 9 signaling requires ERK1/2 activity in mouse granulosa and cumulus cells.

PubMed

Sasseville, Maxime; Ritter, Lesley J; Nguyen, Thao M; Liu, Fang; Mottershead, David G; Russell, Darryl L; Gilchrist, Robert B

2010-09-15

Ovarian folliculogenesis is driven by the combined action of endocrine cues and paracrine factors. The oocyte secretes powerful mitogens, such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), that regulate granulosa cell proliferation, metabolism, steroidogenesis and differentiation. This study investigated the role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2; also known as MAPK3/1) signaling pathway on GDF9 action on granulosa cells. Results show that mitogenic action of the oocyte is prevented by pharmacological inhibition of the EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway. Importantly, EGFR-ERK1/2 activity as well as rous sarcoma oncogene family kinases (SFK) are required for signaling through SMADs, mediating GDF9, activin A and TGFbeta1 mitogenic action in granulosa cells. GDF9 could not activate ERK1/2 or affect EGF-stimulated ERK1/2 in granulosa cells. However, induction of the SMAD3-specific CAGA reporter by GDF9 in granulosa cells required active EGFR, SFKs and ERK1/2 as did GDF9-responsive gene expression. Finally, the EGFR-SFKs-ERK1/2 pathway was shown to be required for the maintenance of phosphorylation of the SMAD3 linker region. Together our results suggest that receptivity of granulosa cells to oocyte-secreted factors, including GDF9, is regulated by the level of activation of the EGFR and resulting ERK1/2 activity, through the requisite permissive phosphorylation of SMAD3 in the linker region. Our results indicate that oocyte-secreted TGFbeta-like ligands and EGFR-ERK1/2 signaling are cooperatively required for the unique granulosa cell response to the signal from oocytes mediating granulosa cell survival and proliferation and hence the promotion of follicle growth and ovulation.

Evaluation of generalized degrees of freedom for sparse estimation by replica method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakata, A.

2016-12-01

We develop a method to evaluate the generalized degrees of freedom (GDF) for linear regression with sparse regularization. The GDF is a key factor in model selection, and thus its evaluation is useful in many modelling applications. An analytical expression for the GDF is derived using the replica method in the large-system-size limit with random Gaussian predictors. The resulting formula has a universal form that is independent of the type of regularization, providing us with a simple interpretation. Within the framework of replica symmetric (RS) analysis, GDF has a physical meaning as the effective fraction of non-zero components. The validity of our method in the RS phase is supported by the consistency of our results with previous mathematical results. The analytical results in the RS phase are calculated numerically using the belief propagation algorithm.

Withdrawal from Empire: Britain’s Decolonization of Egypt, Aden, and Kenya in the Mid-Twentieth Century

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-30

Compagnie universelle du canal maritime de Suez) and completed the Suez Canal ten years later opening the new route east. (Arthur Goldschmidt, Modern...Mackinnon and the British government started advertising and allocating colonial lands to bring in colonists who would grow cash crops. The government

Change in Growth Differentiation Factor 15, but Not C-Reactive Protein, Independently Predicts Major Cardiac Events in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

PubMed Central

Hernandez-Baldomero, Idaira F.; Bosa-Ojeda, Francisco

2014-01-01

Among the numerous emerging biomarkers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) have received widespread interest, with their potential role as predictors of cardiovascular risk. The concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, however, are influenced, among others, by physiological variations, which are the natural, within-individual variation occurring over time. The aims of our study are: (a) to describe the changes in hsCRP and GDF-15 levels over a period of time and after an episode of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and (b) to examine whether the rate of change in hsCRP and GDF-15 after the acute event is associated with long-term major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE). Two hundred and Fifty five NSTE-ACS patients were included in the study. We measured hsCRP and GDF-15 concentrations, at admission and again 36 months after admission (end of the follow-up period). The present study shows that the change of hsCRP levels, measured after 36 months, does not predict MACE in NSTEACS-patients. However, the level of GDF-15 measured, after 36 months, was a stronger predictor of MACE, in comparison to the acute unstable phase. PMID:24839357

Runx2 mediates epigenetic silencing of the bone morphogenetic protein-3B (BMP-3B/GDF10) in lung cancer cells

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The Runt-related transcription factor Runx2 is essential for bone development but is also implicated in progression of several cancers of breast, prostate and bone, where it activates cancer-related genes and promotes invasive properties. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family member bone morphogenetic protein-3B (BMP-3B/GDF10) is regarded as a tumor growth inhibitor and a gene silenced in lung cancers; however the regulatory mechanisms leading to its silencing have not been identified. Results Here we show that Runx2 is highly expressed in lung cancer cells and downregulates BMP-3B. This inverse relationship between Runx2 and BMP-3B expression is further supported by increased expression of BMP-3B in mesenchymal cells from Runx2 deficient mice. The ectopic expression of Runx2, but not DNA binding mutant Runx2, in normal lung fibroblast cells and lung cancer cells resulted in suppression of BMP-3B levels. The chromatin immunoprecipitation studies identified that the mechanism of Runx2-mediated suppression of BMP-3B is due to the recruitment of Runx2 and histone H3K9-specific methyltransferase Suv39h1 to BMP-3B proximal promoter and a concomitant increase in histone methylation (H3K9) status. The knockdown of Runx2 in H1299 cells resulted in decreased histone H3K9 methylation on BMP-3B promoter and increased BMP-3B expression levels. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation studies showed a direct interaction of Runx2 and Suv39h1 proteins. Phenotypically, Runx2 overexpression in H1299 cells increased wound healing response to TGFβ treatment. Conclusions Our studies identified BMP-3B as a new Runx2 target gene and revealed a novel function of Runx2 in silencing of BMP-3B in lung cancers. Our results suggest that Runx2 is a potential therapeutic target to block tumor suppressor gene silencing in lung cancer cells. PMID:22537242

Application of marker selection to enhance estimation of genetic effects and gene interaction in cattle

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Selection on important genetic markers can improve estimates of additive and dominance association effects. A composite population of beef cattle was selected for intermediate frequencies of myostatin (GDF8) F94L and µ-calpain (CAPN1) polymorphisms. Important additive associations of the GDF8 locu...

Hepcidin: A Critical Regulator Of Iron Metabolism During Hypoxia

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

GDF15) has been demonstrated to suppress hepcidin expression and is elevated in patients with thalassemia [28]. Another erythrokine, twisted...Oneal et al., “High levels of GDF15 in thalassemia suppress expression of the iron regulatory protein hepcidin,” Nature Medicine, vol. 13, no. 9, pp

Geophysical Constraints on the Hydrogeologic and Structural Settings of the Gulf of Suez Rift-Related Basins: Case Study from the El Qaa Plain, Sinai, Egypt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahmed, M; Sauck, William; Sultan, Mohamed

2013-11-09

Groundwater has been identified as one of the major freshwater sources that can potentially meet the growing demands of Egypt’s population. Gravity data (from 381 ground gravity stations) were collected, processed, and analyzed together with the available aeromagnetic (800 line-km) data to investigate the hydrogeologic and structural settings, areal distribution, geometry, and water storage of the aquifers in El Qaa coastal plain in the southwest Sinai Peninsula, and to assess their longevity given projected extraction rates. Findings include (1) complete Bouguer anomaly and total magnetic intensity maps show two connected sub-basins separated by a narrow saddle with an average basinmore » length of 43 km and an average width of 12 km; (2) two-dimensional modeling of both gravity and magnetic data indicates basin fill with a maximum thickness of 3.5 km; (3) using anomalous residual gravity, the volume of water in storage was estimated at 40–56 km3; and (4) progressive increases in extraction rates over time will deplete up to 40 % of the aquifers’ volume in 200–230 years and will cause the water quality to deteriorate due to seawater intrusion in 45 years. Similar geophysical exploration campaigns, if conducted over the entire coastal plains of the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, could assist in the development of sound and sustainable management schemes for the freshwater resources in these areas. The adopted techniques could pave the way toward the establishment of sustainable utilization schemes for a much larger suite of similar aquifers worldwide.« less

Myostatin-like proteins regulate synaptic function and neuronal morphology.

PubMed

Augustin, Hrvoje; McGourty, Kieran; Steinert, Joern R; Cochemé, Helena M; Adcott, Jennifer; Cabecinha, Melissa; Vincent, Alec; Halff, Els F; Kittler, Josef T; Boucrot, Emmanuel; Partridge, Linda

2017-07-01

Growth factors of the TGFβ superfamily play key roles in regulating neuronal and muscle function. Myostatin (or GDF8) and GDF11 are potent negative regulators of skeletal muscle mass. However, expression of myostatin and its cognate receptors in other tissues, including brain and peripheral nerves, suggests a potential wider biological role. Here, we show that Myoglianin (MYO), the Drosophila homolog of myostatin and GDF11, regulates not only body weight and muscle size, but also inhibits neuromuscular synapse strength and composition in a Smad2-dependent manner. Both myostatin and GDF11 affected synapse formation in isolated rat cortical neuron cultures, suggesting an effect on synaptogenesis beyond neuromuscular junctions. We also show that MYO acts in vivo to inhibit synaptic transmission between neurons in the escape response neural circuit of adult flies. Thus, these anti-myogenic proteins act as important inhibitors of synapse function and neuronal growth. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Biomarkers of cardiovascular stress and incident chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Ho, Jennifer E; Hwang, Shih-Jen; Wollert, Kai C; Larson, Martin G; Cheng, Susan; Kempf, Tibor; Vasan, Ramachandran S; Januzzi, James L; Wang, Thomas J; Fox, Caroline S

2013-11-01

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), soluble ST2 (sST2), and high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) are emerging predictors of adverse clinical outcomes. We examined whether circulating concentrations are related to the development of kidney disease in the community. Plasma GDF-15, sST2, and hsTnI concentrations were measured in 2614 Framingham Offspring cohort participants (mean age 57 years, 54% women) at the sixth examination cycle (1995-1998). Associations of biomarkers with incident chronic kidney disease [CKD, eGFR <60 mL · min(-1) · (1.73 m(2)) (-1), n = 276], microalbuminuria (urinary albumin to creatinine ratio ≥25 mg/g in women and 17 mg/g in men, n = 191), and rapid decline in renal function [decline in eGFR ≥3 mL · min(-1) · (1.73 m(2)) (-1) per year, n = 237], were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression; P < 0.006 was considered statistically significant in primary analyses. Participants were followed over a mean of 9.5 years. Higher plasma GDF-15 was associated with incident CKD [multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.9 per 1-U increase in log-GDF-15, 95% CI 1.6-2.3, P < 0.0001] and rapid decline in renal function (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8; P < 0.0001). GDF-15, sST2, and hsTnI had suggestive associations with incident microalbuminuria but did not meet the prespecified P-value threshold after multivariable adjustment. Adding plasma GDF-15 to clinical covariates improved risk prediction of incident CKD: the c-statistic increased from 0.826 to 0.845 (P = 0.0007), and categorical net reclassification was 6.3% (95% CI, 2.7-9.9%). Higher circulating GDF-15 is associated with incident renal outcomes and improves risk prediction of incident CKD. These findings may provide insights into the mechanisms of renal injury.

Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of normal fault zones: Thal Fault Zone, Suez Rift, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leppard, Christopher William

The evolution of linkage of normal fault populations to form continuous, basin bounding normal fault zones is recognised as an important control on the stratigraphic evolution of rift-basins. This project aims to investigate the temporal and spatial evolution of normal fault populations and associated syn-rift deposits from the initiation of early-formed, isolated normal faults (rift-initiation) to the development of a through-going fault zone (rift-climax) by documenting the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the Sarbut EI Gamal segment of the exceptionally well-exposed Thai fault zone, Suez Rift, Egypt. A number of dated stratal surfaces mapped around the syn-rift depocentre of the Sarbut El Gamal segment allow constraints to be placed on the timing and style of deformation, and the spatial variability of facies along this segment of the fault zone. Data collected indicates that during the first 3.5 My of rifting the structural style was characterised by numerous, closely spaced, short (< 3 km), low displacement (< 200 m) synthetic and antithetic normal faults within 1 - 2 km of the present-day fault segment trace, accommodating surface deformation associated with the development of a fault propagation monocline above the buried, pre-cursor strands of the Sarbut El Gamal fault segment. The progressive localisation of displacement onto the fault segment during rift-climax resulted in the development of a major, surface-breaking fault 3.5 - 5 My after the onset of rifting and is recorded by the death of early-formed synthetic and antithetic faults up-section, and thickening of syn-rift strata towards the fault segment. The influence of intrabasinal highs at the tips of the Sarbut EI Gamal fault segment on the pre-rift sub-crop level, combined with observations from the early-formed structures and coeval deposits suggest that the overall length of the fault segment was fixed from an early stage. The fault segment is interpreted to have grown through rapid lateral

APPLICATION OF GAS DYNAMICAL FRICTION FOR PLANETESIMALS. II. EVOLUTION OF BINARY PLANETESIMALS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grishin, Evgeni; Perets, Hagai B.

2016-04-01

One of the first stages of planet formation is the growth of small planetesimals and their accumulation into large planetesimals and planetary embryos. This early stage occurs long before the dispersal of most of the gas from the protoplanetary disk. At this stage gas–planetesimal interactions play a key role in the dynamical evolution of single intermediate-mass planetesimals (m{sub p} ∼ 10{sup 21}–10{sup 25} g) through gas dynamical friction (GDF). A significant fraction of all solar system planetesimals (asteroids and Kuiper-belt objects) are known to be binary planetesimals (BPs). Here, we explore the effects of GDF on the evolution of BPs embedded inmore » a gaseous disk using an N-body code with a fiducial external force accounting for GDF. We find that GDF can induce binary mergers on timescales shorter than the disk lifetime for masses above m{sub p} ≳ 10{sup 22} g at 1 au, independent of the binary initial separation and eccentricity. Such mergers can affect the structure of merger-formed planetesimals, and the GDF-induced binary inspiral can play a role in the evolution of the planetesimal disk. In addition, binaries on eccentric orbits around the star may evolve in the supersonic regime, where the torque reverses and the binary expands, which would enhance the cross section for planetesimal encounters with the binary. Highly inclined binaries with small mass ratios, evolve due to the combined effects of Kozai–Lidov (KL) cycles with GDF which lead to chaotic evolution. Prograde binaries go through semi-regular KL evolution, while retrograde binaries frequently flip their inclination and ∼50% of them are destroyed.« less

Effects of immunization against bone morphogenetic protein-15 and growth differentiation factor-9 on ovarian function in mares.

PubMed

Davis, Kelli A; Klohonatz, Kristin M; Mora, Darcy S O; Twenter, Hannah M; Graham, Peter E; Pinedo, Pablo; Eckery, Douglas C; Bruemmer, Jason E

2018-05-01

Currently there is no contraceptive vaccine that can cause permanent sterility in mares. This study investigates the effect of vaccination against oocyte-specific growth factors, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 (BMP-15) and Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF-9), on ovarian function of mares. It was hypothesized that immunization against these growth factors would prevent ovulation and/or accelerate depletion of the oocyte reserve. For this study, 30 mares were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10/group) and vaccinated with BMP-15 or GDF-9 peptides conjugated to KLH and adjuvant, or a control of phosphate buffered saline and adjuvant. Horses received vaccinations at weeks 0, 6, 12, and 18. Ovarian activity and estrous behavior were evaluated 3 days a week via ultrasonography and interaction with a stallion. The study was initiated on March1, 2016. Upon evaluation of ovulation rate, the GDF-9 group did not have a difference (P = 0.66) in ovulation rate when compared to controls (10.8 and 10.0 ovulations, respectively), but the number of ovulations in the BMP-15 group was less (P = 0.02; 4.9 ovulations). Average follicle size prior to ovulation was less (P < 0.0001) in both treatment groups compared to controls. Estrous behavior was altered in both the BMP-15 and GDF-9 groups compared to controls after the second vaccination (P = 0.05 and 0.03, respectively). Although further research is required to determine the continued effects of vaccination against GDF-9 on ovulation rates, these results indicate that vaccination against BMP-15 and GDF-9 could serve as a contraceptive in wild horse populations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma cytokines can help to identify the development of severe acute pancreatitis on admission

PubMed Central

Deng, Li-Hui; Hu, Cheng; Cai, Wen-Hao; Chen, Wei-Wei; Zhang, Xiao-Xin; Shi, Na; Huang, Wei; Ma, Yun; Jin, Tao; Lin, Zi-Qi; Jiang, Kun; Guo, Jia; Yang, Xiao-Nan; Xia, Qing

2017-01-01

Abstract Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early severity stratification remains a challenging issue to overcome to improve outcomes. We aim to find novel plasma cytokines for the early identification of severe AP according to the revised Atlanta criteria. In this prospective observational study, 30 cytokines, screened semiquantitatively with a human multicytokine array, were submitted to quantitative determination using either microparticle-based multiplex immunoassays analyzed on a Luminex 100 platform or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The cytokine profiles of patients and the discriminative value of cytokines for severe AP were analyzed. Plasma samples of 70 patients with AP (20 mild, 30 moderately severe, and 20 severe) were selected in this study if they were admitted within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Plasma from healthy volunteers was collected as the healthy control. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) on admission were independent prognostic markers for the development of severe AP and had higher discriminative powers than conventional markers (GDF-15 vs hematocrit, P = .003; GDF-15 vs C-reactive protein, P = .037; GDF-15 vs creatinine, P = .048; GDF-15 vs Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, P = .007; PTX3 vs hematocrit, P = .006; PTX3 vs C-reactive protein, P = .047; PTX3 vs Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, P = .011; PTX3 vs Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis, P = .048). Plasma GDF-15 and PTX3 can help to identify the development of severe AP on admission. Future work should validate their accuracy in a larger, multicenter patient cohort. PMID:28700471

Growth differentiation factor 15 may protect the myocardium from no-reflow by inhibiting the inflammatory-like response that predominantly involves neutrophil infiltration

PubMed Central

ZHANG, MEI; PAN, KUNYING; LIU, QIANPING; ZHOU, XIN; JIANG, TIEMIN; LI, YUMING

2016-01-01

The aim of the current study was to investigate the time course of the expression of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) in rat ischemic myocardium with increasing durations of reperfusion, and to elucidate its physiopathological role in the no-reflow phenomenon. Wistar rats were randomly divided into ischemia reperfusion (I/R) and sham groups, and myocardial I/R was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 1 h followed by reperfusion for 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 h and 7 days whilst rats in the sham group were subjected to a sham operation. The expression levels of GDF-15 and ICAM-1 were measured, in addition to myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The myocardial anatomical no-reflow and infarction areas were assessed. The area at risk was not significantly different following various periods of reperfusion, while the infarct area and no-reflow area were significantly greater following 6 h of reperfusion (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of GDF-15 were increased during the onset and development of no-reflow, and peaked following 24 h of reperfusion. MPO activity was reduced with increasing reperfusion duration, while ICAM-1 levels were increased. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that myocardial neutrophil infiltration was significantly increased by I/R injury, in particular following 2, 4 and 6 h of reperfusion. GDF-15 expression levels were negatively correlated with MPO activity (r=−0.55, P<0.001), and the MPO activity was negatively correlated with the area of no-reflow (r=−0.46, P<0.01). By contrast, GDF-15 was significantly positively correlated with ICAM-1 levels (r=0.52, P<0.01), which additionally were demonstrated to be significantly positively associated with the size of the no-reflow area (r= 0.39, P<0.05). The current study demonstrated the time course effect of reperfusion on the expression of GDF-15 in the myocardial I/R rat model, with the shorter reperfusion times (6 h) resulting in

Periodontal wound healing/regeneration following implantation of recombinant human growth/differentiation factor-5 in a beta-tricalcium phosphate carrier into one-wall intrabony defects in dogs.

PubMed

Lee, Jung-Seok; Wikesjö, Ulf M E; Jung, Ui-Won; Choi, Seong-Ho; Pippig, Susanne; Siedler, Michael; Kim, Chong-Kwan

2010-04-01

Recombinant human growth/differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5) is being evaluated as a candidate therapy in support of periodontal regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate periodontal wound healing/regeneration following the application of rhGDF-5 on a particulate beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) carrier using an established defect model. Bilateral 4 x 5 mm (width x depth), one-wall, critical-size, intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth pre-molar teeth in 15 Beagle dogs. Unilateral defects in five animals received rhGDF-5/beta-TCP (Scil Technology GmbH); five animals received beta-TCP solo; and five animals served as sham-surgery controls. Contralateral sites received treatments reported elsewhere. The animals were sacrificed following an 8-week healing interval for histological examination. Clinical healing was generally uneventful. Sites implanted with rhGDF-5/beta-TCP exhibited greater enhanced cementum and bone formation compared with beta-TCP and sham-surgery controls; cementum regeneration averaged (+/- SD) 3.83 +/- 0.73 versus 1.65 +/- 0.82 and 2.48 +/- 1.28 mm for the controls (p<0.05). Corresponding values for bone regeneration height averaged 3.26 +/- 0.30 versus 1.70 +/- 0.66 and 1.68 +/- 0.49 mm (p<0.05), and bone area 10.45 +/- 2.26 versus 6.31 +/- 2.41 and 3.00 +/- 1.97 mm(2) (p<0.05). Cementum regeneration included cellular/acellular cementum with or without a functionally oriented periodontal ligament. A non-specific connective tissue attachment was evident in the sham-surgery control. Controls exhibited mostly woven bone with primary osteons, whereas rhGDF-5/beta-TCP sites showed a noticeable extent of lamellar bone. Sites receiving rhGDF-5/beta-TCP or beta-TCP showed some residual beta-TCP granules apparently undergoing biodegradation without obvious differences between the sites. Sites receiving beta-TCP alone commonly showed residual beta-TCP granules sequestered in the

Growth-differentiation factor-15, endoglin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide induction in athletes participating in an ultramarathon foot race.

PubMed

Tchou, Isabelle; Margeli, Alexandra; Tsironi, Maria; Skenderi, Katerina; Barnet, Marc; Kanaka-Gantenbein, Christina; Papassotiriou, Ioannis; Beris, Photis

2009-09-01

We investigated the actions of growth-differentiation factor (GDF)-15, endoglin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in 15 male athletes who participated in the ultradistance foot race of the 246 km 'Sparthathlon'. Measurements were performed before (phase I), at the end of the race (phase II) and 48 h post-race (phase III). GDF-15 and endoglin serum concentrations were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and NT-pro-BNP plasma levels by electrochemiluminescence. GDF-15 levels were increased from phase I (563.9 +/- 57.1 pg ml(-1)) to phase II (2311.1 +/- 462.3 pg ml(-1)) and decreased at phase III (862.0 +/- 158.0 pg ml(-1)) (p < 0.0002). NT-pro-BNP levels followed a similar pattern to that of GDF-15 from 38.1 +/- 4.8 pg ml(-1) at phase I to 1280.6 +/- 259.0 pg ml(-1) at phase II and 89.8 +/- 13.6 pg ml(-1) at phase III (p < 0.0001) and at the same time points, endoglin levels were 4.7 +/- 0.2 ng ml(-1) at phase I, 5.8 +/- 0.2 ng ml(-1) at phase II and 4.3 +/- 0.2 ng ml(-1) at phase III (p < 0.002). These findings indicate that circulating GDF-15, endoglin and NT-pro-BNP levels reflect a transient endothelial dysfunction in these athletes who participated in a foot race consisting of continuous, prolonged and brisk exercise.

Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 13 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-06-30

ISS013-E-44847 (30 June 2006) --- Ship traffic on the Suez Canal, Egypt is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 13 crewmember on the International Space Station. This oblique photograph captures a northbound convoy of cargo ships entering the Mediterranean Sea from the Suez Canal in Egypt (leftmost canal branch at image center). Oblique images are taken at an angle other than vertical, or nadir -- looking down a line connecting the station to the point on the Earth's surface directly below it -- and this provides a sense of perspective. In this case, the station was located above the eastern coast of Cyprus and the crewmember was looking at Egypt to the southwest. Regions of reduced clarity in the image are caused by thin variable cloud cover. The Suez Canal connects Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea with the port of Suez on the Red Sea, and provides an essentially direct route for transport of goods between Europe and Asia. The Canal is 163 kilometers long and 300 meters wide at its narrowest point -- sufficiently wide for ships as large as aircraft carriers to traverse it. Transit time from end to end is 14 hours on average.

Egypt western desert activity hits high gear

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Petzet, G.A.

1996-11-04

Exploration in Egypt`s western desert is turning up large oil and gas reserves in several sub-basins. Though not a threat to the Gulf of Suez`s oil production dominance, the western desert`s output is climbing. And gas production is also set to rise as more pipelines are built. The paper describes the geology, Qarun field production, further exploration at Qarun and the Khalda/Obaiyed gas.

Applying 3D Full Waveform Inversion in resolving fracture damage zones around a modelled geological disposal facility in granite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bentham, H. L. M.; Morgan, J. V.; Angus, D. A.

2016-12-01

The UK has a large volume of high level and intermediate level radioactive waste and government policy is to dispose of this waste in a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). This will be a highly-engineered facility capable of isolating radioactive waste within multiple protective barriers, deep underground, to ensure that no harmful quantities of radioactivity ever reach the surface environment. Although no specific GDF site in the UK has been chosen, granite is one of the candidate host rocks due to its strength, in engineering terms, and because of its low permeability in consideration of groundwater movement. We design time-lapse seismic surveys to characterise geological models of naturally fractured granite with GDF-related tunnel damage zones at a potential disposal depth of 1000 m (the UK GDF might be shallower). Additionally, we use effective medium models to calculate the velocity change when the fracture density is increased in the damage zones, and find a reduction of 60 m/s in P-wave velocity when the fracture density is doubled. Next, we simulate seismic surveys and apply 3D Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) to see how well we can recover the low-velocity damage zones. Furthermore we evaluate the effectiveness of using a survey design consisting of surface and tunnel receivers (a combined array) to resolve the target. After applying FWI we find the velocity anomaly within the damage zone can be resolved to within 2 m/s (3%) and the shape of the damage zone is resolved to 12.5 m (within a single grid cell). Using the combined array we are able to resolve the anomaly strength and shape more completely. When we add further complexity to the model by including tunnel infrastructure, we conclude the combined array is essential in recovering the tunnel damage zone. Our findings show that it is beneficial to use 3D FWI and novel survey designs for characterising subtle variations as may be present in granite, information that could assist in the GDF site selection

Earth Observations taken by Expedition 30 crewmember

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-25

ISS030-E-112822 (25 Feb. 2012) --- This nighttime image photographed by one of the Expedition 30 crew members aboard the International Space Station provides a look toward the Mediterranean Sea. Along the left side, the night lights clearly depict the high population associated with the Nile River and its delta and the Alexandria, Egypt area (top left center). The Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal are seen to the right.

Earth Observations taken by Expedition 30 crewmember

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-25

ISS030-E-112823 (25 Feb. 2012) --- This nighttime image photographed by one of the Expedition 30 crew members aboard the International Space Station provides a look toward the Mediterranean Sea. Along the left side, the night lights clearly depict the high population associated with the Nile River and its delta and the Alexandria, Egypt area (top left center). The Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal are seen to the right.

RETRACTED: Rift-related active fault-system and a direction of maximum horizontal stress in the Cairo-Suez district, northeastern Egypt: A new approach from EMR-Technique and Cerescope data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagag, Wael; Obermeyer, Hennes

2016-09-01

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of Editor-in-Chief Read Mapeo in agreement with Editor-in-Chief Damien Delvaux. The authors have plagiarized part of the following papers. The introduction and methodology sections of the paper are similar and in places slightly modified versions of the abstract, introduction and sections 2.4.2.1 and 2.4.2.2 of the PhD Thesis of Michael Krumbholz (2010) https://ediss.uni-goettingen.de/handle/11858/00-1735-0000-0006-B2EB-A. Text from the sections of introduction, methodology and "EMR-measurements in the Cairo-Suez district" is found also in the paper "Detection of active faults using EMR-Technique and Cerescope at Landau area in central Upper Rhine Graben, SW Germany" that was published by the authors in the Journal of Applied Geophysics 124 (2016) 117-129 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.11.019. One of the conditions of submission of a paper for publication is that authors declare explicitly that their work is original and has not appeared in a publication elsewhere. Re-use of any data should be appropriately cited. As such this article represents a severe abuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.

Diffusion Filters for Variational Data Assimilation of Sea Surface Temperature in an Intermediate Climate Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

over data-dense regions. After that, a perfect twin data assimilation experiment framework is designed to study the effect of the GDF on the state...is designed to study the effect of the GDF on the state estimation based on an intermediate coupled model. In this framework, the assimilation model...observation. Considering = , (4) is equal to () = 1 2 + 1 2 ( − ) −1 ( − ) . (5) The effect of in (5) can

Grandidierella bonnieroides Stephensen, 1948 (Amphipoda, Aoridae)-first record of an established population in the Mediterranean Sea.

PubMed

Brutto, Sabrina Lo; Iaciofano, Davide; Lubinevsky, Hadas; Galil, Bella S

2016-03-17

The first record in the Mediterranean Sea of the invasive aorid amphipod crustacean Grandidierella bonnieroides is presented. A widespread circumtropical species, recorded off the Saudi coast of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, it may have been introduced into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. This tube-builder species of soft bottoms recently established a population in the polluted Haifa Bay, Israel. Further, this is the first Mediterranean record of the genus.

Recombinant myostatin (GDF-8) propeptide enhances the repair and regeneration of both muscle and bone in a model of deep penetrant musculoskeletal injury.

PubMed

Hamrick, Mark W; Arounleut, Phonepasong; Kellum, Ethan; Cain, Matthew; Immel, David; Liang, Li-Fang

2010-09-01

Myostatin (GDF-8) is known as a potent inhibitor of muscle growth and development, and myostatin is also expressed early in the fracture healing process. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a new myostatin inhibitor, a recombinant myostatin propeptide, can enhance the repair and regeneration of both muscle and bone in cases of deep penetrant injury. We used a fibula osteotomy model with associated damage to lateral compartment muscles (fibularis longus and brevis) in mice to test the hypothesis that blocking active myostatin with systemic injections of a recombinant myostatin propeptide would improve muscle and bone repair. Mice were assigned to two treatment groups after undergoing a fibula osteotomy: those receiving either vehicle (saline) or recombinant myostatin propeptide (20 mg/kg). Mice received one injection on the day of surgery, another injection 5 days after surgery, and a third injection 10 days after surgery. Mice were killed 15 days after the osteotomy procedure. Bone repair was assessed using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histologic evaluation of the fracture callus. Muscle healing was assessed using Masson trichrome staining of the injury site, and image analysis was used to quantify the degree of fibrosis and muscle regeneration. Three propeptide injections over a period of 15 days increased body mass by 7% and increased muscle mass by almost 20% (p < 0.001). Micro-CT analysis of the osteotomy site shows that by 15 days postosteotomy, bony callus tissue was observed bridging the osteotomy gap in 80% of the propeptide-treated mice but only 40% of the control (vehicle)-treated mice (p < 0.01). Micro-CT quantification shows that bone volume of the fracture callus was increased by ∼ 30% (p < 0.05) with propeptide treatment, and the increase in bone volume was accompanied by a significant increase in cartilage area (p = 0.01). Propeptide treatment significantly decreased the fraction of fibrous tissue in the wound site

Growth differentiation factor-15 level predicts major bleeding and cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes: results from the PLATO study.

PubMed

Hagström, Emil; James, Stefan K; Bertilsson, Maria; Becker, Richard C; Himmelmann, Anders; Husted, Steen; Katus, Hugo A; Steg, Philippe Gabriel; Storey, Robert F; Siegbahn, Agneta; Wallentin, Lars

2016-04-21

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) predicts death and composite cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We investigated the independent associations between GDF-15 levels and major bleeding, the extent of coronary lesions and individual CV events in patients with ACS. Growth differentiation factor-15 was analysed at baseline ( ITALIC! n = 16 876) in patients with ACS randomized to ticagrelor or clopidogrel in the PLATO (PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes) trial. Growth differentiation factor-15 levels were related to extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to all types of non-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)-related major bleeding, spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and death during 12-month follow-up. In Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for established risk factors for CV disease and prognostic biomarkers (N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, cystatin C, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and high-sensitive troponin T), 1 SD increase in ln GDF-15 was associated with increased risk of major bleeding with a hazard ratio (HR) 1.37 (95% confidence interval: 1.25-1.51) and with a similar increase in risk across different bleeding locations. For the same increase in ln GDF-15, the HR for the composite of CV death, spontaneous MI, and stroke was 1.29 (1.21-1.37), CV death 1.41 (1.30-1.53), all-cause death 1.41 (1.31-1.53), spontaneous MI 1.15 (1.05-1.26), and stroke 1.19 (1.01-1.42). The ITALIC! C-statistic improved for the prediction of CV death and non-CABG-related major bleeding when adding GDF-15 to established risk factors. In patients with ACS, higher levels of GDF-15 are associated with raised risks of all types of major non-CABG-related bleeding, spontaneous MI, and stroke as well as CV and total mortality and seem to improve risk stratification for CV-mortality and major bleeding beyond established risk factors. www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00391872. Published on behalf of the

Association between Serum Selenium Concentrations and Levels of Proinflammatory and Profibrotic Cytokines-Interleukin-6 and Growth Differentiation Factor-15, in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis.

PubMed

Prystupa, Andrzej; Kiciński, Paweł; Luchowska-Kocot, Dorota; Błażewicz, Anna; Niedziałek, Jarosław; Mizerski, Grzegorz; Jojczuk, Mariusz; Ochal, Andrzej; Sak, Jarosław J; Załuska, Wojciech

2017-04-21

According to some authors, serum selenium levels are strongly associated with the severity of liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentration of selenium and pro-inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines-interleukin-6 (IL-6) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The parameters studied were determined in the serum of 99 patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis divided based on the severity of disease according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh criteria. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the serum selenium concentration was statistically lower, whereas serum IL-6 and GDF-15 concentrations were higher than those in the control group. Moreover, the concentration of selenium negatively correlated with the levels of GDF-15 and IL-6. The above results may indicate a role of selenium deficiency in the pathogenesis and progression of alcoholic liver disease.

Safe transport of radioactive materials in Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Shinawy, Rifaat M. K.

1994-07-01

In Egypt the national regulations for safe transport of radioactive materials (RAM) are based on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations. In addition, regulations for the safe transport of these materials through the Suez Canal (SC) were laid down by the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) and the Suez Canal Authority (SCA). They are continuously updated to meet the increased knowledge and the gained experience. The technical and protective measures taken during transport of RAM through SC are mentioned. Assessment of the impact of transporting radioactive materials through the Suez Canal using the INTERTRAN computer code was carried out in cooperation with IAEA. The transported activities and empty containers, the number of vessels carrying RAM through the canal from 1963 to 1991 and their nationalities are also discussed. The protective measures are mentioned.A review of the present situation of the radioactive wastes storage facilities at the Atomic Energy site at Inshas is given along with the regulation for safe transportation and disposal of radioactive wastes

Comparison of Gadofluorine-M and Gd-DTPA for Non-Invasive Staging of Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability Using MRI

PubMed Central

Ronald, John A.; Chen, Yuanxin; Belisle, Andre J.-L.; Hamilton, Amanda M.; Rogers, Kem A.; Hegele, Robert A.; Misselwitz, Bernd; Rutt, Brian K.

2009-01-01

Background Inflammation and neovascularization play critical roles in the stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Whole-body quantitative assessment of these plaque features may improve patient risk-stratification for life-threatening thromboembolic events and direct appropriate intervention. Here we determined the utility of the MR contrast agent Gadofluorine-M (GdF) for staging plaque stability and compared this to the conventional agent Gd-DTPA. Methods and Results 5 control and 7 atherosclerotic rabbits were sequentially imaged following administration of Gd-DTPA (0.2 mmol/kg) and GdF (0.1 mmol/kg) using a T1-weighted pulse sequence on a 3T MRI scanner. Diseased aortic wall could be distinguished from normal wall based on wall-to-muscle contrast-to-noise values following GdF administration. RAM-11 (macrophages) and CD-31 (endothelial cells) immunostaining of MR-matched histological sections revealed that GdF accumulation was related to the degree of inflammation at the surface of plaques and the extent of core neovascularization. Importantly, an MR measure of GdF accumulation at both 1 and 24 hours post-injection, but not Gd-DTPA at peak enhancement, was shown to correlate with a quantitative histological morphology index related to these two plaque features. Conclusions GdF-enhanced MRI of atherosclerotic plaques allows non-invasive quantitative information about plaque composition to be acquired at multiple time points post-injection (within 1 and up to 24 hours post-injection). This dramatically widens the imaging window for assessing plaque stability that is currently attainable with clinically approved MR agents, therefore opening the possibility of whole-body (including coronary) detection of unstable plaques in the future and potentially improved mitigation of cataclysmic cardiovascular events. PMID:19808597

Single and multiple cardiovascular biomarkers in subjects without a previous cardiovascular event.

PubMed

Pareek, Manan; Bhatt, Deepak L; Vaduganathan, Muthiah; Biering-Sørensen, Tor; Qamar, Arman; Diederichsen, Axel Cp; Møller, Jacob Eifer; Hindersson, Peter; Leósdóttir, Margrét; Magnusson, Martin; Nilsson, Peter M; Olsen, Michael H

2017-10-01

Aims To assess the incremental value of biomarkers, including N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), in predicting incident cardiovascular events and mortality among asymptomatic individuals from the general population, beyond traditional risk factors, including fasting glucose and renal function (cystatin C), medication use, and echocardiographic measures. Methods and results Prospective population-based cohort study of 1324 subjects without a previous cardiovascular event, who underwent baseline echocardiography and biomarker assessment between 2002 and 2006. The clinical endpoint was the composite of myocardial infarction, invasively treated stable/unstable ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, or all-cause mortality. Predictive capabilities were evaluated using Cox proportional-hazards regression, Harrell's concordance index (C-index), and net reclassification improvement. Median age was 66 (interquartile range: 60-70) years, and 413 (31%) were female. During median 8.6 (interquartile range: 8.1-9.2) follow-up years, 368 (28%) composite events occurred. NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, GDF-15, and IL-6 were significantly associated with outcome, independently of traditional risk factors, medications, and echocardiography ( p < 0.05 for all). Separate addition of NT-proBNP and GDF-15 to traditional risk factors, medications, and echocardiographic measurements provided significant improvements in discriminative ability (NT-proBNP: C-index 0.714 vs. 0.703, p = 0.03; GDF-15: C-index 0.721 vs. 0.703, p = 0.02). Both biomarkers remained significant predictors of outcome upon inclusion in the same model ( p < 0.05 for both). Conclusions NT-proBNP and GDF-15 each enhance prognostication beyond traditional risk factors, glucose levels

Stratified Whole Genome Linkage Analysis of Chiari Type I Malformation Implicates Known Klippel-Feil Syndrome Genes as Putative Disease Candidates

PubMed Central

Markunas, Christina A.; Soldano, Karen; Dunlap, Kaitlyn; Cope, Heidi; Asiimwe, Edgar; Stajich, Jeffrey; Enterline, David; Grant, Gerald; Fuchs, Herbert

2013-01-01

Chiari Type I Malformation (CMI) is characterized by displacement of the cerebellar tonsils below the base of the skull, resulting in significant neurologic morbidity. Although multiple lines of evidence support a genetic contribution to disease, no genes have been identified. We therefore conducted the largest whole genome linkage screen to date using 367 individuals from 66 families with at least two individuals presenting with nonsyndromic CMI with or without syringomyelia. Initial findings across all 66 families showed minimal evidence for linkage due to suspected genetic heterogeneity. In order to improve power to localize susceptibility genes, stratified linkage analyses were performed using clinical criteria to differentiate families based on etiologic factors. Families were stratified on the presence or absence of clinical features associated with connective tissue disorders (CTDs) since CMI and CTDs frequently co-occur and it has been proposed that CMI patients with CTDs represent a distinct class of patients with a different underlying disease mechanism. Stratified linkage analyses resulted in a marked increase in evidence of linkage to multiple genomic regions consistent with reduced genetic heterogeneity. Of particular interest were two regions (Chr8, Max LOD = 3.04; Chr12, Max LOD = 2.09) identified within the subset of “CTD-negative” families, both of which harbor growth differentiation factors (GDF6, GDF3) implicated in the development of Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS). Interestingly, roughly 3–5% of CMI patients are diagnosed with KFS. In order to investigate the possibility that CMI and KFS are allelic, GDF3 and GDF6 were sequenced leading to the identification of a previously known KFS missense mutation and potential regulatory variants in GDF6. This study has demonstrated the value of reducing genetic heterogeneity by clinical stratification implicating several convincing biological candidates and further supporting the hypothesis that

Heavy metals and hydrocarbon concentrations in water, sediments and tissue of Cyclope neritea from two sites in Suez Canal, Egypt and histopathological effects.

PubMed

Sharaf, Hesham M; Shehata, Abdalla M

2015-01-01

Heavy metals and hydrocarbons are of the most common marine pollutants around the world. The present study aimed to assess the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals in tissues of the snail cyclope neritea, water and sediments from two sites of the study area (Temsah lake and Suez canal) represent polluted and unpolluted sites respectively. The results showed that, the levels of the heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Co, Mg and Zn) in the polluted area have reached harmful limits recorded globally. Lead in water, sediment and tissue of the snail reached to 0.95 ppm, 4.54 ppm and 7.93 ppm respectively. Cadmium reached 0.31 ppm, 1.15 ppm and 3.08 ppm in the corresponding samples. Cobalt was not detected in water, but it reached 1.42 ppm and 10.36 ppm in the sediment and snails tissue respectively. Magnesium in water, sediment and tissue of the snail reached 3.73 ppm, 9.44 ppm and12.6 ppm respectively. Zinc reached 0.11 ppm, 3.89 ppm and 12.60ppm in the corresponding samples. Meanwhile, hydrocarbons in the polluted area (site1) reached 110.10 μg/L, 980.15 μg/g and 228.00 μg/g in water sediment and digestive gland tissues of the snails respectively. Whereas, hydrocarbons in the unpolluted area (site2) were estimated as 14.20 μg/L, 55.60 μg/g and 22.66 μg/g in water, sediment and tissue of the snails respectively. The combination of histopathological image with monitoring of the metal level in the digestive gland of the present snail provides an important tool for early detection of impending environmental problems and potential public health issues. Petroleum hydrocarbons are toxic to the marine fauna when present above certain limit in the marine water. The major detoxification organ in molluscs is the digestive gland, which has been used as a bioindicator organ for toxicity assessment. The effect of high crude oil on the digestive gland tubules of exposed snails when examined microscopically reveals a series of histological changes which indicates that the

A cascade of morphogenic signaling initiated by the meninges controls corpus callosum formation

PubMed Central

Choe, Youngshik; Siegenthaler, Julie A.; Pleasure, Samuel J.

2012-01-01

Summary The corpus callosum is the most prominent commissural connection between the cortical hemispheres, and numerous neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with callosal agenesis. Using mice with either meningeal overgrowth or selective loss of meninges, we’ve identified a cascade of morphogenic signals initiated by the meninges that regulates corpus callosum development. The meninges produce BMP7, an inhibitor of callosal axon outgrowth. This activity is overcome by the induction of expression of Wnt3 by the callosal pathfinding neurons, which antagonizes the inhibitory effects of BMP7. Wnt3 expression in the cingulate callosal pathfinding axons is developmentally regulated by another BMP family member, GDF5, produced by the adjacent Cajal-Retzius neurons and turns on before outgrowth of the callosal axons. The effects of GDF5 are in turn under the control of a soluble GDF5 inhibitor, Dan, made by the meninges. Thus, the meninges and medial neocortex use a cascade of signals to regulate corpus callosum development. PMID:22365545

Instability patterns in a miscible core annular flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Olce, Marguerite; Martin, Jerome; Rakotomalala, Nicole; Salin, Dominique; Talon, Laurent

2006-11-01

Laboratoire FAST, batiment 502, campus universitaire, 91405 Orsay Cedex (France). Experiments are performed with two miscible fluids of equal density but different viscosities. The fluids are injected co-currently and concentrically into a cylindrical pipe. The so-obtained base state is an axisymmetric parallel flow, for which the ratio of the flow rates of the two fluids monitors the relative amount (and so the radius) of the fluids. Depending on this relative amount and on the total flow rate of the fluids, unstable axisymmetric patterns such as mushrooms and pearls are observed. We delineate the diagram of occurrence of the two patterns and characterize the instabilities.

Panoramic Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea

NASA Image and Video Library

1984-10-13

An excellent panoramic view of the entire Sinai Peninsula (29.0N, 34.0E) and the nearby Nile River Delta and eastern Mediterranean coastal region. The Suez Canal, at the top of the scene just to the right of the Delta, connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez on the west side of the Sinai Peninsula and the Gulf of Aqaba is on the west where they both flow into the Red Sea. At upper right, is the Dead Sea, Jordan River and Lake Tiberius.

MIC-1, A Potential Inhibitor of Breast Tumor Progression

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-10-01

lines with intact TGF-S signaling pathways, but not in certain cells lacking TGF-9 receptors type I, II or Smad4 (15). The founding member of the TGF...mutations in the TGF-9 Page. 4 Koniaris M.D., Leonidas George receptors or its downstream signaling partners such as Smad4 have been described in a number...brain (18) (10) lesions. GDF-15/ MIC-1 has anti-apoptotic effects on cerebellar granular cells partly through (9) (10) AKT activation GDF-1 5/ MIC-1 is

Microbial degradation of isosaccharinic acid at high pH

PubMed Central

Bassil, Naji M; Bryan, Nicholas; Lloyd, Jonathan R

2015-01-01

Intermediate-level radioactive waste (ILW), which dominates the radioactive waste inventory in the United Kingdom on a volumetric basis, is proposed to be disposed of via a multibarrier deep geological disposal facility (GDF). ILW is a heterogeneous wasteform that contains substantial amounts of cellulosic material encased in concrete. Upon resaturation of the facility with groundwater, alkali conditions will dominate and will lead to the chemical degradation of cellulose, producing a substantial amount of organic co-contaminants, particularly isosaccharinic acid (ISA). ISA can form soluble complexes with radionuclides, thereby mobilising them and posing a potential threat to the surrounding environment or ‘far field'. Alkaliphilic microorganisms sampled from a legacy lime working site, which is an analogue for an ILW-GDF, were able to degrade ISA and couple this degradation to the reduction of electron acceptors that will dominate as the GDF progresses from an aerobic ‘open phase' through nitrate- and Fe(III)-reducing conditions post closure. Furthermore, pyrosequencing analyses showed that bacterial diversity declined as the reduction potential of the electron acceptor decreased and that more specialised organisms dominated under anaerobic conditions. These results imply that the microbial attenuation of ISA and comparable organic complexants, initially present or formed in situ, may play a role in reducing the mobility of radionuclides from an ILW-GDF, facilitating the reduction of undue pessimism in the long-term performance assessment of such facilities. PMID:25062127

Earth Observation taken by the Expedition 20 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-10-02

ISS020-E-045018 (2 Oct. 2009) --- Great Bitter Lake, Egypt is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 20 crew member on the International Space Station. The Great Bitter Lake is one of several lakes located along the Suez Canal that connects the eastern Mediterranean and Red Seas. As the Canal is built only to allow ships to travel in a single lane, the Great Bitter Lake is a location where ships can change their position in line - much like a motor highway passing lane - before proceeding to either Port Said to the north, or the port of Suez to the south. The lake also provides an intermediate harborage for ships traversing the Canal ? a journey that typically takes 14 hours end-to-end. Several ships - some under power and some anchored ? are visible at right. Prior to the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Great Bitter Lake was a large salt flat, the typical geomorphic expression of basins in the arid Egyptian climate. Large expanses of white to tan sandy sediments at left and top attest to the desert conditions surrounding the Lake. Located at the approximate midpoint of the Suez Canal, Great Bitter Lake is now filled with water derived from both the Red and Mediterranean Seas and this steady influx of water balances the water lost to evaporation. The town of Fayid (also spelled as Fayed), visible along the western shore of the Lake (bottom) is a tourist destination frequented, particularly in the summer months, by residents of Cairo.

Growth differentiation factor-15 predicts mortality and morbidity after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

PubMed

Foley, Paul W X; Stegemann, Berthold; Ng, Kelvin; Ramachandran, Sud; Proudler, Anthony; Frenneaux, Michael P; Ng, Leong L; Leyva, Francisco

2009-11-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) predicts mortality and morbidity after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Growth differentiation factor-15, a transforming growth factor-beta-related cytokine which is up-regulated in cardiomyocytes via multiple stress pathways, predicts mortality in patients with heart failure treated pharmacologically. Growth differentiation factor-15 was measured before and 360 days (median) after implantation in 158 patients with heart failure [age 68 +/- 11 years (mean +/- SD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 23.1 +/- 9.8%, New York Class Association (NYHA) class III (n = 117) or IV (n = 41), and QRS 153.9 +/- 28.2 ms] undergoing CRT and followed up for a maximum of 5.4 years for events. In a stepwise Cox proportional hazards model with bootstrapping, adopting log GDF-15, log NT pro-BNP, LVEF, and NYHA class as independent variables, only log GDF-15 [hazard ratio (HR), 3.76; P = 0.0049] and log NT pro-BNP (HR, 2.12; P = 0.0171) remained in the final model. In the latter, the bias-corrected slope was 0.85, the optimism (O) was -0.06, and the c-statistic was 0.74, indicating excellent internal validity. In univariate analyses, log GDF-15 [HR, 5.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.31-11.9; likelihood ratio (LR) chi(2) = 14.6; P < 0.0001], NT pro-BNP (HR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.55-5.26; LR chi(2) = 10.4; P = 0.0004), and the combination of both biomarkers (HR, 7.03; 95% CI, 2.91-17.5; LR chi(2) = 19.1; P < 0.0001) emerged as significant predictors. The biomarker combination was associated with the highest LR chi(2) for all endpoints. Pre-implant GDF-15 is a strong predictor of mortality and morbidity after CRT, independent of NT pro-BNP. The predictive value of these analytes is enhanced by combined measurement.

Associations of Circulating Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and ST2 Concentrations With Subclinical Vascular Brain Injury and Incident Stroke.

PubMed

Andersson, Charlotte; Preis, Sarah R; Beiser, Alexa; DeCarli, Charles; Wollert, Kai C; Wang, Thomas J; Januzzi, James L; Vasan, Ramachandran S; Seshadri, Sudha

2015-09-01

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and soluble (s)ST2 are markers of cardiac and vascular stress. We investigated the associations between circulating concentrations of these biomarkers and incident stroke and subclinical vascular brain injury in a sample from the Framingham Offspring cohort. We followed 3374 stroke- and dementia-free individuals (mean age, 59.0±9.7 years; 53% women) attending the Framingham Offspring sixth examination cycle 11.8±3.0 years for incident stroke. A subsample of 2463 individuals underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological testing ≈4.0±1.7 years after the sixth examination. After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and urine albumin levels, higher stress biomarker levels were associated cross-sectionally with lower brain volumes (β coefficients for intracranial volume comparing fourth [Q4] versus first biomarker [Q1] quartiles: -0.71% for GDF-15; P=0.002 and 0.47% for sST2; P=0.02) and worse performance on the visual reproduction test (β coefficients for Q4 versus Q1: -0.62 for GDF-15; P=0.009 and -0.40 for sST2; P=0.04). Higher GDF-15 concentrations were also associated with greater log-transformed white-matter hyperintensity volumes (β for Q4 versus Q1=0.19; P=0.01). Prospectively, a total of 203 (6%) individuals developed incident stroke/transient ischemic attack during follow-up. After multivariable adjustment, sST2 remained significantly associated with stroke/transient ischemic attack, hazard ratio for Q4 versus Q1 of 1.76, 95% confidence interval of 1.06 to 2.92, and P=0.03. Circulating GDF-15 and sST2 are associated with subclinical brain injury and cognitive impairment. Higher sST2 concentrations are also associated with incident stroke, suggesting potential links between cardiac stress biomarkers and brain injury. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

A comparative analysis of novel cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with chronic heart failure.

PubMed

Lichtenauer, Michael; Jirak, Peter; Wernly, Bernhard; Paar, Vera; Rohm, Ilonka; Jung, Christian; Schernthaner, Christiana; Kraus, Johannes; Motloch, Lukas J; Yilmaz, Atilla; Hoppe, Uta C; Christian Schulze, P; Kretzschmar, Daniel; Pistulli, Rudin

2017-10-01

Heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction remains a major therapeutic challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of novel cardiovascular biomarkers, i.e. soluble suppression of tumorigenicity (sST2), growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) in patients with ischaemic (ICM) or dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM). A total of 200 patients were enrolled in this study: 65 were diagnosed with DCM and 59 patients suffering from ICM were included. 76 patients without coronary artery disease or signs of heart failure were included as controls. Plasma samples of all patients were analyzed by use of ELISA. Levels of sST2, suPAR and H-FABP were significantly higher in ICM and DCM patients compared to the control group (p<0.0001). However, there were no significant differences between ICM and DCM in biomarker levels. Ejection fraction correlated inversely with cardiac biomarkers (sST2 p<0.0001, GDF-15 p=0.0394, suPAR p=0.0029, H-FABP p<0.0001). Similarly, CRP levels also showed a positive correlation with cardiac biomarkers. Renal insufficiency (p<0.0001) and diabetes (sST2 p=0.0021, GDF-15 p=0.0055, suPAR p=0.0339, H-FABP p=0.0010) were significantly associated with a rise in cardiac biomarkers. Novel cardiovascular biomarkers such as ST2, GDF-15, uPAR and H-FABP could offer a great potential for more precise diagnostic in ICM and DCM patients. H-FABP was the most promising marker in our study, followed by sST2, uPAR and GDF-15. Additional prospective studies will be necessary to further evaluate the potential clinical benefits in routine treatment of HF. Copyright © 2017 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Integrated petrophysical and sedimentological study of the Middle Miocene Nullipore Formation (Ras Fanar Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt): An approach to volumetric analysis of reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afife, Mohamed M.; Sallam, Emad S.; Faris, Mohamed

2017-10-01

This study aims to integrate sedimentological, log and core analyses data of the Middle Miocene Nullipore Formation at the Ras Fanar Field (west central Gulf of Suez, Egypt) to evaluate and reconstruct a robust petrophysical model for this reservoir. The Nullipore Formation attains a thickness ranging from 400 to 980 ft and represents a syn-rift succession of the Middle Miocene marine facies. It consists of coralline-algal-reefal limestone, dolomitic limestone and dolostone facies, with few clay and anhydrite intercalations. Petrographically, seven microfacies types (MF1 to MF7) have been recognized and assembled genetically into three related facies associations (FA1 to FA3). These associations accumulated in three depositional environments: 1) peritidal flat, 2) restricted lagoon, and 3) back-shoal environments situated on a shallow inner ramp (homoclinal) setting. The studied rocks have been influenced by different diagenetic processes (dolomitization, cementation, compaction, authigenesis and dissolution), which led to diminishing and/or enhancing the reservoir quality. Three superimposed 3rd-order depositional sequences are included in the Nullipore succession displaying both retrogradational and aggradational packages of facies. Given the hydrocarbon potential of the Nullipore Formation, conventional well logs of six boreholes and core analyses data from one of these wells (RF-B12) are used to identify electrofacies zones of the Nullipore Formation. The Nullipore Formation has been subdivided into three electrofacies zones (the Nullipore-I, Nullipore-II, and Nullipore-III) that are well-correlated with the three depositional sequences. Results of petrographical studies and log analyses data have been employed in volumetric calculations to estimate the amount of hydrocarbon-in-place and then the ultimate recovery of the Nullipore reservoir. The volumetric calculations indicate that the total volume of oil-in-place is 371 MMSTB at 50% probability (P50), whereas

A cascade of morphogenic signaling initiated by the meninges controls corpus callosum formation.

PubMed

Choe, Youngshik; Siegenthaler, Julie A; Pleasure, Samuel J

2012-02-23

The corpus callosum is the most prominent commissural connection between the cortical hemispheres, and numerous neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with callosal agenesis. By using mice either with meningeal overgrowth or selective loss of meninges, we have identified a cascade of morphogenic signals initiated by the meninges that regulates corpus callosum development. The meninges produce BMP7, an inhibitor of callosal axon outgrowth. This activity is overcome by the induction of expression of Wnt3 by the callosal pathfinding neurons, which antagonize the inhibitory effects of BMP7. Wnt3 expression in the cingulate callosal pathfinding axons is developmentally regulated by another BMP family member, GDF5, which is produced by the adjacent Cajal-Retzius neurons and turns on before outgrowth of the callosal axons. The effects of GDF5 are in turn under the control of a soluble GDF5 inhibitor, Dan, made by the meninges. Thus, the meninges and medial neocortex use a cascade of signals to regulate corpus callosum development. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tectonic and climatic considerations for deep geological disposal of radioactive waste: A UK perspective.

PubMed

McEvoy, F M; Schofield, D I; Shaw, R P; Norris, S

2016-11-15

Identifying and evaluating the factors that might impact on the long-term integrity of a deep Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) and its surrounding geological and surface environment is central to developing a safety case for underground disposal of radioactive waste. The geological environment should be relatively stable and its behaviour adequately predictable so that scientifically sound evaluations of the long-term radiological safety of a GDF can be made. In considering this, it is necessary to take into account natural processes that could affect a GDF or modify its geological environment up to 1millionyears into the future. Key processes considered in this paper include those which result from plate tectonics, such as seismicity and volcanism, as well as climate-related processes, such as erosion, uplift and the effects of glaciation. Understanding the inherent variability of process rates, critical thresholds and likely potential influence of unpredictable perturbations represent significant challenges to predicting the natural environment. From a plate-tectonic perspective, a one million year time frame represents a very short segment of geological time and is largely below the current resolution of observation of past processes. Similarly, predicting climate system evolution on such time-scales, particularly beyond 200ka AP is highly uncertain, relying on estimating the extremes within which climate and related processes may vary with reasonable confidence. The paper highlights some of the challenges facing a deep geological disposal program in the UK to review understanding of the natural changes that may affect siting and design of a GDF. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two girls with short stature, short neck, vertebral anomalies, Sprengel deformity and intellectual disability.

PubMed

Isidor, Bertrand; David, Albert

2015-01-01

Here, we report two unrelated girls with prenatal onset short stature, short neck, cervical vertebral anomalies, Sprengel deformity, and mild intellectual disability. The association of these features first suggested a syndromic form of Klippel-Feil anomaly. We therefore analyzed the three known disease causing genes and the candidate gene PAX1. However, direct sequencing of GDF6, GDF3, PAX1, and MEOX1 failed to identify any mutation. To our knowledge, the phenotype we report has not been described previously, leading us to speculate that this condition may represent a new syndrome. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Earth observations taken from Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-80 mission

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-11-28

STS080-745-004 (19 Nov.-7 Dec. 1996) --- A view to the west showing Asia in the foreground and Africa in the background, as photographed by the space shuttle Columbia crewmembers. The Mediterranean Sea is to the upper right and the Red Sea to the lower left (holding photograph with NASA numbers on left). Sinai Peninsula is between the two with the Gulf of Suez above and the Gulf of Aqaba below. The Suez Canal connects the Gulf of Suez with the Mediterranean Sea. The triangular shaped dark area beyond is the Nile River Delta. The thin green fertile valley of the Nile crosses the photograph from a point at Cairo (near dark triangle area) past the great bend at Luxor with Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, and on the left into the Nubian Desert with the Aswan High Dam at the very left edge of the photograph. To the horizon is the Western Desert of Egypt and Libya. The foreground is the northwest portion of Saudi Arabia, an area known as the Hejaz with the southern portions of Israel and Jordan to the lower right.

BMP15 suppresses progesterone production by down-regulating StAR via ALK3 in human granulosa cells.

PubMed

Chang, Hsun-Ming; Cheng, Jung-Chien; Klausen, Christian; Leung, Peter C K

2013-12-01

In addition to somatic cell-derived growth factors, oocyte-derived growth differentiation factor (GDF)9 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)15 play essential roles in female fertility. However, few studies have investigated their effects on human ovarian steroidogenesis, and fewer still have examined their differential effects or underlying molecular determinants. In the present study, we used immortalized human granulosa cells (SVOG) and human granulosa cell tumor cells (KGN) to compare the effects of GDF9 and BMP15 on steroidogenic enzyme expression and investigate potential mechanisms of action. In SVOG cells, neither GDF9 nor BMP15 affects the mRNA levels of P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme or 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. However, treatment with BMP15, but not GDF9, significantly decreases steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA and protein levels as well as progesterone production. These suppressive effects, along with the induction of Sma and Mad-related protein (SMAD)1/5/8 phosphorylation, are attenuated by cotreatment with 2 different BMP type I receptor inhibitors (dorsomorphin and DMH-1). Furthermore, depletion of activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)3 using small interfering RNA reverses the effects of BMP15 on SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and StAR expression. Similarly, knockdown of ALK3 abolishes BMP15-induced SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation in KGN cells. These results provide evidence that oocyte-derived BMP15 down-regulates StAR expression and decreases progesterone production in human granulosa cells, likely via ALK3-mediated SMAD1/5/8 signaling. Our findings suggest that oocyte may play a critical role in the regulation of progesterone to prevent premature luteinization during the late stage of follicle development.

Sinai Peninsula, Middle East as seen from STS-66 orbiter Atlantis

NASA Image and Video Library

1994-11-14

A high oblique view of the Middle East centered at approximately 28.0 degrees north and 34.0 degrees east. Portions of the countries of Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are visible. The Dead Sea Rift Valley continuing into the Gulf of Aqaba marks the boundary between Israel and Jordan. The vegetation change in the Sinai Peninsula is the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. In Egypt, the Suez Canal connects the Gulf of Suez with the Mediterranean Sea and forms the western boundary of the Sinai Peninsula. The green ribbon of the Nile River is in marked contrast to this arid region. Even the Jordan River does not support large scale agriculture.

Feasibility of investigating differential proteomic expression in depression: implications for biomarker development in mood disorders

PubMed Central

Frye, M A; Nassan, M; Jenkins, G D; Kung, S; Veldic, M; Palmer, B A; Feeder, S E; Tye, S J; Choi, D S; Biernacka, J M

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether proteomic profiling in serum samples can be utilized in identifying and differentiating mood disorders. A consecutive sample of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of unipolar (UP n=52) or bipolar depression (BP-I n=46, BP-II n=49) and controls (n=141) were recruited. A 7.5-ml blood sample was drawn for proteomic multiplex profiling of 320 proteins utilizing the Myriad RBM Discovery Multi-Analyte Profiling platform. After correcting for multiple testing and adjusting for covariates, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), hemopexin (HPX), hepsin (HPN), matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4) and transthyretin (TTR) all showed statistically significant differences among groups. In a series of three post hoc analyses correcting for multiple testing, MMP-7 was significantly different in mood disorder (BP-I+BP-II+UP) vs controls, MMP-7, GDF-15, HPN were significantly different in bipolar cases (BP-I+BP-II) vs controls, and GDF-15, HPX, HPN, RBP-4 and TTR proteins were all significantly different in BP-I vs controls. Good diagnostic accuracy (ROC-AUC⩾0.8) was obtained most notably for GDF-15, RBP-4 and TTR when comparing BP-I vs controls. While based on a small sample not adjusted for medication state, this discovery sample with a conservative method of correction suggests feasibility in using proteomic panels to assist in identifying and distinguishing mood disorders, in particular bipolar I disorder. Replication studies for confirmation, consideration of state vs trait serial assays to delineate proteomic expression of bipolar depression vs previous mania, and utility studies to assess proteomic expression profiling as an advanced decision making tool or companion diagnostic are encouraged. PMID:26645624

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 in the Pro-Mature Complex Form Enhances Bovine Oocyte Developmental Competence

PubMed Central

Sudiman, Jaqueline; Sutton-McDowall, Melanie L.; Ritter, Lesley J.; White, Melissa A.; Mottershead, David G.; Thompson, Jeremy G.; Gilchrist, Robert B.

2014-01-01

Developmental competence of in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes needs to be improved and this can potentially be achieved by adding recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) or growth differentiation factor (GDF9) to IVM. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a purified pro-mature complex form of recombinant human BMP15 versus the commercially available bioactive forms of BMP15 and GDF9 (both isolated mature regions) during IVM on bovine embryo development and metabolic activity. Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in control medium or treated with 100 ng/ml pro-mature BMP15, mature BMP15 or mature GDF9 +/− FSH. Metabolic measures of glucose uptake and lactate production from COCs and autofluorescence of NAD(P)H, FAD and GSH were measured in oocytes after IVM. Following in vitro fertilisation and embryo culture, day 8 blastocysts were stained for cell numbers. COCs matured in medium +/− FSH containing pro-mature BMP15 displayed significantly improved blastocyst development (57.7±3.9%, 43.5±4.2%) compared to controls (43.3±2.4%, 28.9±3.7%) and to mature GDF9+FSH (36.1±3.0%). The mature form of BMP15 produced intermediate levels of blastocyst development; not significantly different to control or pro-mature BMP15 levels. Pro-mature BMP15 increased intra-oocyte NAD(P)H, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were increased by both forms of BMP15 in the absence of FSH. Exogenous BMP15 in its pro-mature form during IVM provides a functional source of oocyte-secreted factors to improve bovine blastocyst development. This form of BMP15 may prove useful for improving cattle and human artificial reproductive technologies. PMID:25058588

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 in the pro-mature complex form enhances bovine oocyte developmental competence.

PubMed

Sudiman, Jaqueline; Sutton-McDowall, Melanie L; Ritter, Lesley J; White, Melissa A; Mottershead, David G; Thompson, Jeremy G; Gilchrist, Robert B

2014-01-01

Developmental competence of in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes needs to be improved and this can potentially be achieved by adding recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) or growth differentiation factor (GDF9) to IVM. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a purified pro-mature complex form of recombinant human BMP15 versus the commercially available bioactive forms of BMP15 and GDF9 (both isolated mature regions) during IVM on bovine embryo development and metabolic activity. Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in control medium or treated with 100 ng/ml pro-mature BMP15, mature BMP15 or mature GDF9 +/- FSH. Metabolic measures of glucose uptake and lactate production from COCs and autofluorescence of NAD(P)H, FAD and GSH were measured in oocytes after IVM. Following in vitro fertilisation and embryo culture, day 8 blastocysts were stained for cell numbers. COCs matured in medium +/- FSH containing pro-mature BMP15 displayed significantly improved blastocyst development (57.7±3.9%, 43.5±4.2%) compared to controls (43.3±2.4%, 28.9±3.7%) and to mature GDF9+FSH (36.1±3.0%). The mature form of BMP15 produced intermediate levels of blastocyst development; not significantly different to control or pro-mature BMP15 levels. Pro-mature BMP15 increased intra-oocyte NAD(P)H, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were increased by both forms of BMP15 in the absence of FSH. Exogenous BMP15 in its pro-mature form during IVM provides a functional source of oocyte-secreted factors to improve bovine blastocyst development. This form of BMP15 may prove useful for improving cattle and human artificial reproductive technologies.

Mixed organic solvents induce renal injury in rats.

PubMed

Qin, Weisong; Xu, Zhongxiu; Lu, Yizhou; Zeng, Caihong; Zheng, Chunxia; Wang, Shengyu; Liu, Zhihong

2012-01-01

To investigate the injury effects of organic solvents on kidney, an animal model of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats treated with mixed organic solvents via inhalation was generated and characterized. The mixed organic solvents consisted of gasoline, dimethylbenzene and formaldehyde (GDF) in the ratio of 2:2:1, and were used at 12,000 PPM to treat the rats twice a day, each for 3 hours. Proteinuria appeared in the rats after exposure for 5-6 weeks. The incidences of proteinuria in male and female rats after exposure for 12 weeks were 43.8% (7/16) and 25% (4/16), respectively. Urinary N-Acetyl-β-(D)-Glucosaminidase (NAG) activity was increased significantly after exposure for 4 weeks. Histological examination revealed remarkable injuries in the proximal renal tubules, including tubular epithelial cell detachment, cloud swelling and vacuole formation in the proximal tubular cells, as well as proliferation of parietal epithelium and tubular reflux in glomeruli. Ultrastructural examination found that brush border and cytoplasm of tubular epithelial cell were dropped, that tubular epithelial cells were partially disintegrated, and that the mitochondria of tubular epithelial cells were degenerated and lost. In addition to tubular lesions, glomerular damages were also observed, including segmental foot process fusion and loss of foot process covering on glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Immunofluorescence staining indicated that the expression of nephrin and podocin were both decreased after exposure of GDF. In contrast, increased expression of desmin, a marker of podocyte injury, was found in some areas of a glomerulus. TUNEL staining showed that GDF induced apoptosis in tubular cells and glomerular cells. These studies demonstrate that GDF can induce both severe proximal tubular damage and podocyte injury in rats, and the tubular lesions appear earlier than that of glomeruli.

Mixed Organic Solvents Induce Renal Injury in Rats

PubMed Central

Qin, Weisong; Xu, Zhongxiu; Lu, Yizhou; Zeng, Caihong; Zheng, Chunxia; Wang, Shengyu; Liu, Zhihong

2012-01-01

To investigate the injury effects of organic solvents on kidney, an animal model of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats treated with mixed organic solvents via inhalation was generated and characterized. The mixed organic solvents consisted of gasoline, dimethylbenzene and formaldehyde (GDF) in the ratio of 2∶2:1, and were used at 12,000 PPM to treat the rats twice a day, each for 3 hours. Proteinuria appeared in the rats after exposure for 5–6 weeks. The incidences of proteinuria in male and female rats after exposure for 12 weeks were 43.8% (7/16) and 25% (4/16), respectively. Urinary N-Acetyl-β-(D)-Glucosaminidase (NAG) activity was increased significantly after exposure for 4 weeks. Histological examination revealed remarkable injuries in the proximal renal tubules, including tubular epithelial cell detachment, cloud swelling and vacuole formation in the proximal tubular cells, as well as proliferation of parietal epithelium and tubular reflux in glomeruli. Ultrastructural examination found that brush border and cytoplasm of tubular epithelial cell were dropped, that tubular epithelial cells were partially disintegrated, and that the mitochondria of tubular epithelial cells were degenerated and lost. In addition to tubular lesions, glomerular damages were also observed, including segmental foot process fusion and loss of foot process covering on glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Immunofluorescence staining indicated that the expression of nephrin and podocin were both decreased after exposure of GDF. In contrast, increased expression of desmin, a marker of podocyte injury, was found in some areas of a glomerulus. TUNEL staining showed that GDF induced apoptosis in tubular cells and glomerular cells. These studies demonstrate that GDF can induce both severe proximal tubular damage and podocyte injury in rats, and the tubular lesions appear earlier than that of glomeruli. PMID:23029287

MO-G-BRF-07: Optical Characterization of Novel Terbium-Doped Nanophosphors Excited by Clinical Electron and Photon Beams for Potential Use in Molecular Imaging Or Photodynamic Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Darafsheh, A; Paik, T; Tenuto, M

Purpose: Optical properties of terbium (Tb3+)-doped gadolinium trifluoride (GdF3) nanoplates irradiated by electron and photon beams were investigated for their potential as optical probes. The contribution of induced Cerenkov radiation in exciting the nanophosphors was investigated as well. Methods: The emission spectra of Terbium-doped GdF3 dispersed in hexane, embedded in tissue mimicking phantoms were collected by an optical fiber connected to a CCD-coupled spectrograph, while the samples were irradiated by a medical linear accelerator with electron beams of energies 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV or X-ray beams of energies of 6, and 15 MV. The contribution of inducedmore » Cerenkov radiation in exciting the nanophosphores was investigated in a dedicated experimental apparatus through optical isolation of the samples and also by using 125 kVp X-ray beams whose energy is below the threshold for generating Cerenkov radiation in that medium. Results: Terbium-doped GdF3 nanoplates show characteristic cathodoluminescence emission peaks at 488, 543, 586, and 619 nm, which are responsible for the characteristic f-f transition of terbium ion. In a series of experiments, the contribution of Cerenkov radiation in the luminescence of such nanophosphors was ruled out. Conclusion: We have characterized the optical properties of Terbium-doped GdF3 nanoplates. Such nanocrystals with emission tunability and high surface area that facilitates attachment with targeting reagents are promising in situ light source candidates for molecular imaging or exciting a photosensitizer for ultralow fluence photodynamic therapy. This work is supported by the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, the American Cancer Society through IRG-78-002-28, and the University of Pennsylvania's Nano/Bio Interface Center through NSEC DMR08-32802.« less

Investigation of Prolific Sheep from UK and Ireland for Evidence on Origin of the Mutations in BMP15 (FecXG, FecXB) and GDF9 (FecGH) in Belclare and Cambridge Sheep

PubMed Central

Mullen, Michael P.; Hanrahan, James P.; Howard, Dawn J.

2013-01-01

This paper concerns the likely origin of three mutations with large effects on ovulation rate identified in the Belclare and Cambridge sheep breeds; two in the BMP15 gene (FecXG and FecXB) and the third (FecGH) in GDF9. All three mutations segregate in Belclare sheep while one, FecXB, has not been found in the Cambridge. Both Belclare and Cambridge breeds are relatively recently developed composites that have common ancestry through the use of genetic material from the Finnish Landrace and Lleyn breeds. The development of both composites also involved major contributions from exceptionally prolific ewes screened from flocks in Ireland (Belclare) and Britain (Cambridge) during the 1960s. The objective of the current study was to establish the likely origin of the mutations (FecXG, FecXB and FecGH) through analysis of DNA from Finnish Landrace and Lleyn sheep, and Galway and Texel breeds which contributed to the development of the Belclare breed. Ewes with exceptionally high prolificacy (hyper-prolific ewes) in current flocks on Irish farms were identified to simulate the screening of ewes from Irish flocks in the 1960s. DNA was obtained from: prolific ewes in extant flocks of Lleyn sheep (n = 44) on the Lleyn peninsula in Wales; hyper-prolific ewes (n = 41); prolific Galway (n = 41) ewes; Finnish Landrace (n = 124) and Texel (n = 19) ewes. The FecXG mutation was identified in Lleyn but not in Finnish Landrace, Galway or Texel sheep; FecXB was only found among the hyper-prolific ewes. The FecGH mutation was identified in the sample of Lleyn sheep. It was concluded from these findings that the Lleyn breed was the most likely source of the FecXG and FecGH mutations in Belclare and Cambridge sheep and that the FecXB mutation came from the High Fertility line that was developed using prolific ewes selected from commercial flocks in Ireland in the 1960′s and subsequently used in the genesis of the Belclare. PMID:23301039

The Maternal Maverick/GDF15-like TGF-β Ligand Panda Directs Dorsal-Ventral Axis Formation by Restricting Nodal Expression in the Sea Urchin Embryo.

PubMed

Haillot, Emmanuel; Molina, Maria Dolores; Lapraz, François; Lepage, Thierry

2015-01-01

Specification of the dorsal-ventral axis in the highly regulative sea urchin embryo critically relies on the zygotic expression of nodal, but whether maternal factors provide the initial spatial cue to orient this axis is not known. Although redox gradients have been proposed to entrain the dorsal-ventral axis by acting upstream of nodal, manipulating the activity of redox gradients only has modest consequences, suggesting that other factors are responsible for orienting nodal expression and defining the dorsal-ventral axis. Here we uncover the function of Panda, a maternally provided transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) ligand that requires the activin receptor-like kinases (Alk) Alk3/6 and Alk1/2 receptors to break the radial symmetry of the embryo and orient the dorsal-ventral axis by restricting nodal expression. We found that the double inhibition of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptors Alk3/6 and Alk1/2 causes a phenotype dramatically more severe than the BMP2/4 loss-of-function phenotype, leading to extreme ventralization of the embryo through massive ectopic expression of nodal, suggesting that an unidentified signal acting through BMP type I receptors cooperates with BMP2/4 to restrict nodal expression. We identified this ligand as the product of maternal Panda mRNA. Double inactivation of panda and bmp2/4 led to extreme ventralization, mimicking the phenotype caused by inactivation of the two BMP receptors. Inhibition of maternal panda mRNA translation disrupted the early spatial restriction of nodal, leading to persistent massive ectopic expression of nodal on the dorsal side despite the presence of Lefty. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Panda is not a prototypical BMP ligand but a member of a subfamily of TGF-β distantly related to Inhibins, Lefty, and TGF-β that includes Maverick from Drosophila and GDF15 from vertebrates. Indeed, overexpression of Panda does not appear to directly or strongly activate phosphoSmad1

The Maternal Maverick/GDF15-like TGF-β Ligand Panda Directs Dorsal-Ventral Axis Formation by Restricting Nodal Expression in the Sea Urchin Embryo

PubMed Central

Haillot, Emmanuel; Molina, Maria Dolores; Lapraz, François; Lepage, Thierry

2015-01-01

Specification of the dorsal-ventral axis in the highly regulative sea urchin embryo critically relies on the zygotic expression of nodal, but whether maternal factors provide the initial spatial cue to orient this axis is not known. Although redox gradients have been proposed to entrain the dorsal-ventral axis by acting upstream of nodal, manipulating the activity of redox gradients only has modest consequences, suggesting that other factors are responsible for orienting nodal expression and defining the dorsal-ventral axis. Here we uncover the function of Panda, a maternally provided transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) ligand that requires the activin receptor-like kinases (Alk) Alk3/6 and Alk1/2 receptors to break the radial symmetry of the embryo and orient the dorsal-ventral axis by restricting nodal expression. We found that the double inhibition of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptors Alk3/6 and Alk1/2 causes a phenotype dramatically more severe than the BMP2/4 loss-of-function phenotype, leading to extreme ventralization of the embryo through massive ectopic expression of nodal, suggesting that an unidentified signal acting through BMP type I receptors cooperates with BMP2/4 to restrict nodal expression. We identified this ligand as the product of maternal Panda mRNA. Double inactivation of panda and bmp2/4 led to extreme ventralization, mimicking the phenotype caused by inactivation of the two BMP receptors. Inhibition of maternal panda mRNA translation disrupted the early spatial restriction of nodal, leading to persistent massive ectopic expression of nodal on the dorsal side despite the presence of Lefty. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Panda is not a prototypical BMP ligand but a member of a subfamily of TGF-β distantly related to Inhibins, Lefty, and TGF-β that includes Maverick from Drosophila and GDF15 from vertebrates. Indeed, overexpression of Panda does not appear to directly or strongly activate phosphoSmad1

Labor, nationalism, and imperialism in eastern Arabia: Britain, the Shaikhs, and the Gulf oil workers in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, 1932-1956

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saleh, H.M.A.

This study examines the lack of a noticeable indigenous labor movement in the contemporary Gulf Arab countries of Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar; it focuses on the emergence, after the discovery of oil, of an industrial Gulf labor force, and on the evolution of the British policy towards oil and Gulf oil workers. The period examined begins with the discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1932 (the first such discovery on the Arab side of the Gulf), and ends with the Suez Crisis of 1956. The latter is a watershed event in Gulf history. It is argued that the Suez Crisismore » was in large part responsible for the long-term defeat of the indigenous labor movement in the Gulf. Attention is given to the parts played by the British Government of India, the Foreign Office, the local Shaikhs, the Gulf nationalists, and by the workers themselves. Policies towards workers passed through two different periods. In the first, 1932-1945, the Government of India had no direct interest in the Gulf labor situation; in the second, 1946-1956, the Foreign Office took increased interest in the welfare of local oil workers, primarily because of the importance of oil to reconstruction of the British economy after the war. However, the Suez Crisis in 1956 convinced the British to withdraw their support for the workers.« less

GEMINI-7 - EARTH-SKY VIEW - MIDDLE-EAST AREA - OUTER SPACE

NASA Image and Video Library

1965-12-08

S65-63849 (8 Dec. 1965) --- The eastern Mediterranean area as seen from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Gemini-7 spacecraft. The Nile Delta in Egypt is at bottom. The Suez Canal, Gulf of Suez and Red Sea are in the center of the photograph. The Sinai Peninsula is in the upper right corner of the picture. The body of water at the top edge of the photograph is the Gulf of Aqaba. The Dead Sea can be seen at top center. Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Syria are also at top center. The Island of Cyprus is at extreme left. Astronauts Frank Borman and James A. Lovell Jr. took this picture using a modified 70mm Hasselblad camera, with Eastman Kodak, Ektachrome MS (S.O. 217) color film. Photo credit: NASA

Mitochonic Acid 5 (MA-5) Facilitates ATP Synthase Oligomerization and Cell Survival in Various Mitochondrial Diseases.

PubMed

Matsuhashi, Tetsuro; Sato, Takeya; Kanno, Shin-Ichiro; Suzuki, Takehiro; Matsuo, Akihiro; Oba, Yuki; Kikusato, Motoi; Ogasawara, Emi; Kudo, Tai; Suzuki, Kosuke; Ohara, Osamu; Shimbo, Hiroko; Nanto, Fumika; Yamaguchi, Hiroaki; Saigusa, Daisuke; Mukaiyama, Yasuno; Watabe, Akiko; Kikuchi, Koichi; Shima, Hisato; Mishima, Eikan; Akiyama, Yasutoshi; Oikawa, Yoshitsugu; Hsin-Jung, H O; Akiyama, Yukako; Suzuki, Chitose; Uematsu, Mitsugu; Ogata, Masaki; Kumagai, Naonori; Toyomizu, Masaaki; Hozawa, Atsushi; Mano, Nariyasu; Owada, Yuji; Aiba, Setsuya; Yanagisawa, Teruyuki; Tomioka, Yoshihisa; Kure, Shigeo; Ito, Sadayoshi; Nakada, Kazuto; Hayashi, Ken-Ichiro; Osaka, Hitoshi; Abe, Takaaki

2017-06-01

Mitochondrial dysfunction increases oxidative stress and depletes ATP in a variety of disorders. Several antioxidant therapies and drugs affecting mitochondrial biogenesis are undergoing investigation, although not all of them have demonstrated favorable effects in the clinic. We recently reported a therapeutic mitochondrial drug mitochonic acid MA-5 (Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 2015). MA-5 increased ATP, rescued mitochondrial disease fibroblasts and prolonged the life span of the disease model "Mitomouse" (JASN, 2016). To investigate the potential of MA-5 on various mitochondrial diseases, we collected 25 cases of fibroblasts from various genetic mutations and cell protective effect of MA-5 and the ATP producing mechanism was examined. 24 out of the 25 patient fibroblasts (96%) were responded to MA-5. Under oxidative stress condition, the GDF-15 was increased and this increase was significantly abrogated by MA-5. The serum GDF-15 elevated in Mitomouse was likewise reduced by MA-5. MA-5 facilitates mitochondrial ATP production and reduces ROS independent of ETC by facilitating ATP synthase oligomerization and supercomplex formation with mitofilin/Mic60. MA-5 reduced mitochondria fragmentation, restores crista shape and dynamics. MA-5 has potential as a drug for the treatment of various mitochondrial diseases. The diagnostic use of GDF-15 will be also useful in a forthcoming MA-5 clinical trial. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Glaucoma diagnostic capacity of optic nerve head haemoglobin measures compared with spectral domain OCT and HRT III confocal tomography.

PubMed

Mendez-Hernandez, Carmen; Rodriguez-Uña, Ignacio; Gonzalez-de-la Rosa, Manuel; Arribas-Pardo, Paula; Garcia-Feijoo, Julian

2016-11-01

The computer program laguna onhe determines optic nerve head haemoglobin (ONH Hb) on retinal photographs based on detecting colour differences. This study compares the diagnostic capacity of Laguna ONhE with that of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal tomography (HRT III). In a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study, glaucomatous (n = 66) and healthy (n = 52) eyes were examined by Spectralis OCT, HRT III and Laguna ONhE. The following Laguna ONhE variables were determined: ONH Hb across the vertical disc diameter (8&20 Hb), estimated cup-disc ratio (C/D) and the glaucoma discriminant function (GDF), which combines the slope of Hb amount with the mean in 8&20 Hb. The three diagnostic methods were compared by calculating areas under ROC curves (AUCs). Correlations between variables were assessed through Spearman's rho coefficient. Areas under ROC curves (AUCs) were 0.785 (95% CI: 0.700-0.863) for GDF, 0.807 (95% CI: 0.730-0.883) for OCT retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (OCT-RNFL) and 0.714 (95% CI: 0.618-0.810) and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.628-0.815) for the HRT III variable GPS (glaucoma probability score) and vertical C/D ratio, respectively. Glaucoma discriminant function (GDF) was correlated with OCT-RNFL (0.587, p 0.001; 0.507, p 0.045; and -0.119, p 0.713 for mild, moderate and advanced glaucoma, respectively), mostly so with inferior OCT-RNFL (0.622; p < 0.001). Glaucoma discriminant function (GDF)-HRT III correlations were lower (rim area 0.471, p < 0.0001; rim/disc area 0.426, p < 0.0001; vertical C/D -0.413, p < 0.0001; GPS -0.408, p < 0.0001; rim volume 0.341, p < 0.0001). Similar diagnostic power was observed for Laguna ONhE, Spectralis OCT and HRT III. © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Differing Effects of Younger and Older Human Plasma on C2C12 Myocytes in Vitro.

PubMed

Kalampouka, Ifigeneia; van Bekhoven, Angel; Elliott, Bradley T

2018-01-01

Ageing is associated with a general reduction of physiological function and a reduction of muscle mass and strength. Endocrine factors such as myostatin, activin A, growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF-11) and their inhibitory peptides influence muscle mass in health and disease. We hypothesised that myocytes cultured in plasma from older and younger individuals would show an ageing effect, with reduced proliferation and differentiation in older environments. C2C12 myoblasts were grown as standard and stimulated with media conditioned with 5% plasma from healthy male participants that were either younger ( n = 6, 18-35 years of age) or older ( n = 6, >57 years of age). Concentration of plasma myostatin (total and free), follistatin-like binding protein (FLRG), GDF-11 and activin A were quantified by ELISA. Both FLRG and activin A were elevated in older individuals (109.6 and 35.1% increase, respectively), whilst myostatin (free and total) and GDF-11 were not. Results indicated that plasma activin A and FLRG were increased in older vs. younger participants, GDF11 and myostatin did not differ. Myoblasts in vitro showed no difference in proliferation rate between ages, however scratch closure was greater in younger vs. older plasma stimulated myoblasts (78.2 vs. 87.2% of baseline scratch diameter, respectively). Myotube diameters were larger in cells stimulated with younger plasma than with older at 24 and 48 h, but not at 2 h. A significant negative correlation was noted between in vivo plasma FLRG concentration and in vitro myotube diameter 48 h following plasma stimulation ( r 2 = 0.392, p = 0.030). Here we show that myoblasts and myotubes cultured in media conditioned with plasma from younger or older individuals show an ageing effect, and further this effect moderately correlates with circulating FLRG concentration in vivo . The effect of ageing on muscle function may not be innate to the tissue, but involve a general cellular environment change. Further

Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1, members of the TGF-beta superfamily and follistatin do not reflect different stages of dynapenia and sarcopenia in elderly women.

PubMed

Hofmann, Marlene; Halper, Barbara; Oesen, Stefan; Franzke, Bernhard; Stuparits, Petra; Tschan, Harald; Bachl, Norbert; Strasser, Eva-Maria; Quittan, Michael; Ploder, Martin; Wagner, Karl-Heinz; Wessner, Barbara

2015-04-01

There is a high need for blood-based biomarkers detecting age-related changes in muscular performance at an early stage. Therefore, we investigated whether serum levels of growth and differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), activin A, myostatin, follistatin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) would reflect age- and physical performance-related differences between young (22-28 years) and elderly (65-92 years) females. Isokinetic peak torque of knee extension (PTE) was measured in young females to obtain reference values for the discrimination of different stages of age-associated muscle weakness. Additionally, elderly women were screened for sarcopenia using the algorithm of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (low muscle mass in addition to low PTE and/or low walking speed). IGF-1 levels were higher and GDF-15 levels were lower in young females in comparison to the elderly (p < 0.01), whereas members of the activin A/myostatin/follistatin axis showed similar levels across age groups. In older women, IGF-1 correlated negatively with age (ρ = -0.359, p < 0.01) and positively with muscle mass (ρ = 0.365, p < 0.01). In contrast, GDF-15 correlated positively with age (ρ = 0.388, p < 0.001) and negatively with muscle mass (ρ = -0.320, p < 0.01). However, none of the serum markers differed between women classified as non-, mildly and severely dynapenic/sarcopenic. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that a combination of all blood-based biomarkers obtained in addition to age and fat mass moderately predicted muscle mass (+2.9%). Neither a single nor a combined set of tested biomarkers reflected the presence of dynapenia or sarcopenia in elderly women. However, due to the associations of IGF-1 and GDF-15 with correlates of muscle mass and function, these parameters remain promising candidates in a potential set of blood-based biomarkers to diagnose sarcopenia and/or dynapenia. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Volcano-sedimentary characteristics in the Abu Treifiya Basin, Cairo-Suez District, Egypt: Example of dynamics and fluidization over sedimentary and volcaniclastic beds by emplacement of syn-volcanic basaltic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalaf, E. A.; Abdel Motelib, A.; Hammed, M. S.; El Manawi, A. H.

2015-12-01

This paper describes the Neogene lava-sediment mingling from the Abu Treifiya Basin, Cairo-Suez district, Egypt. The lava-sediment interactions as peperites have been identified for the first time at the study area and can be used as paleoenvironmental indicators. The identification of peperite reflects contemporaneous time relationship between volcanism and sedimentation and this finding is of primary importance to address the evolutional reconstruction of the Abu Treifiya Basin. Characterization of the facies architecture and textural framework of peperites was carried out through detailed description and interpretation of their outcrops. The peperites and sedimentary rocks are up to 350 m thick and form a distinct stratigraphic framework of diverse lithology that is widespread over several kilometers at the study area. Lateral and vertical facies of the peperites vary from sediment intercalated with the extrusive/intrusive basaltic rocks forming peperitic breccias to lava-sediment contacts at a large to small scales, respectively. Peperites encompass five main facies types ascribed to: (i) carbonate sediments-hosted fluidal and blocky peperites, (ii) lava flow-hosted blocky peperites, (iii) volcaniclastics-hosted fluidal and blocky peperites, (iv) sandstone/siltstone rocks-hosted blocky peperites, and (iv) debris-flows-hosted blocky peperites. Soft sediment deformation structures, vesiculated sediments, sediments filled-vesicles, and fractures in lava flows indicate that lava flows mingled with unconsolidated wet sediments. All the peperites in this study could be described as blocky or fluidal, but mixtures of different clast shapes occur regardless of the host sediment. The presence of fluidal and blocky juvenile clasts elucidates different eruptive styles, reflecting a ductile and brittle fragmentation. The gradual variation from fluidal to blocky peperite texture, producing the vertical grading is affected by influencing factors, e.g., the viscosity, magma

The Nile River

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

This image of the northern portion of the Nile River was captured by MISR's nadir camera on January 30, 2001 (Terra orbit 5956). The Nile is the longest river in the world, extending for about 6700 kilometers from its headwaters in the highlands of eastern Africa. At the apex of the fertile Nile River Delta is the Egyptian capital city of Cairo. To the west are the Great Pyramids of Giza. North of here the Nile branches into two distributaries, the Rosetta to the west and the Damietta to the east. Also visible in this image is the Suez Canal, a shipping waterway connecting Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez. The Gulf is an arm of the Red Sea, and is located on the righthand side of the picture. Image credit: NASA/GSFC/LaRC/JPL, MISR Team.

GEMINI-TITAN (GT)-4 - EARTH-SKY - OUTER SPACE

NASA Image and Video Library

1965-06-03

S65-34776 (3-7 June 1965) --- This photograph shows the Nile Delta, Egypt, the Suez Canal, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq as seen from the Gemini-Titan 4 (GT-4) spacecraft during its 12th revolution of Earth.

Oocyte-granulosa-theca cell interactions during preantral follicular development

PubMed Central

Orisaka, Makoto; Tajima, Kimihisa; Tsang, Benjamin K; Kotsuji, Fumikazu

2009-01-01

The preantral-early antral follicle transition is the penultimate stage of follicular development in terms of gonadotropin dependence and follicle destiny (growth versus atresia). Follicular growth during this period is tightly regulated by oocyte-granulosa-theca cell interactions. Formation of the theca cell layer is a key event that occurs during this transitional stage. Granulosal factor(s) stimulates the recruitment of theca cells from cortical stromal cells, while oocyte-derived growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) is involved in the differentiation of theca cells during this early stage of follicular development. The preantral to early antral transition is most susceptible to follicular atresia. GDF-9 promotes follicular survival and growth during transition from preantral stage to early antral stage by suppressing granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia. GDF-9 also enhances preantral follicle growth by up-regulating theca cell androgen production. Thecal factor(s) promotes granulosa cell proliferation and suppress granulosa cell apoptosis. Understanding the intraovarian mechanisms in the regulation of follicular growth and atresia during this stage may be of clinical significance in the selection of the best quality germ cells for assisted reproduction. In addition, since certain ovarian dysfunctions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and gonadotropin poor-responsiveness, are consequences of dysregulated follicle growth at this transitional stage, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms in the control of follicular development during the preantral-early antral transition may provide important insight into the pathophysiology and rational treatment of these conditions. PMID:19589134

Effect of transforming growth factor-beta and growth differentiation factor-5 on proliferation and matrix production by human bone marrow stromal cells cultured on braided poly lactic-co-glycolic acid scaffolds for ligament tissue engineering.

PubMed

Jenner, J M G Th; van Eijk, F; Saris, D B F; Willems, W J; Dhert, W J A; Creemers, Laura B

2007-07-01

Tissue engineering of ligaments based on biomechanically suitable biomaterials combined with autologous cells may provide a solution for the drawbacks associated with conventional graft material. The aim of the present study was to investigate the contribution of recombinant human transforming growth factor beta 1 (rhTGF-beta1) and growth differentiation factor (GDF)-5, known for their role in connective tissue regeneration, to proliferation and matrix production by human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) cultured onto woven, bioabsorbable, 3-dimensional (3D) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds. Cells were cultured for 12 days in the presence or absence of these growth factors at different concentrations. Human BMSCs attached to the suture material, proliferated, and synthesized extracellular matrix rich in collagen type I and collagen III. No differentiation was demonstrated toward cartilage or bone tissue. The addition of rhTGF-beta1 (1-10 ng/mL) and GDF-5 (10-100 ng/mL) increased cell content (p < 0.05), but only TGF-beta1 also increased total collagen production (p < 0.05) and collagen production per cell, which is a parameter indicating differentiation. In conclusion, stimulation with rhTGF-beta1, and to a lesser extent with GDF-5, can modulate human BMSCs toward collagenous soft tissue when applied to a 3D hybrid construct. The use of growth factors could play an important role in the improvement of ligament tissue engineering.

The Global Drug Facility: a unique, holistic and pioneering approach to drug procurement and management

PubMed Central

Ryan, Timothy

2007-01-01

Abstract In January 2006, the Stop TB Partnership launched the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006–2015, which describes the actions and resources needed to reduce tuberculosis (TB) incidence, prevalence and deaths. A fundamental aim of the Global Plan is to expand equitable access to affordable high-quality anti-tuberculous drugs and diagnostics. A principal tool developed by the Stop TB Partnership to achieve this is the Global Drug Facility (GDF). This paper demonstrates the GDF’s unique, holistic and pioneering approach to drug procurement and management by analysing its key achievements. One of these has been to provide 9 million patient-treatments to 78 countries in its first 6 years of operation. The GDF recognized that the incentives provided by free or affordable anti-tuberculosis drugs are not sufficient to induce governments to improve their programmes’ standards and coverage, nor does the provision of free or affordable drugs guarantee that there is broad access to, and use of, drug treatment in cases where procurement systems are weak, regulatory hurdles exist or there are unreliable distribution and storage systems. Thus, the paper also illustrates how the GDF has contributed towards making sustained improvements in the capacity of countries worldwide to properly manage their anti-TB drugs. This paper also assesses some of the limitations, shortcomings and risks associated with the model. The paper concludes by examining the GDF’s key plans and strategies for the future, and the challenges associated with implementation. PMID:17639218

Seven Years of Imaging the Global Heliosphere with IBEX

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McComas, D. J.; Zirnstein, E. J.; Bzowski, M.

2017-04-01

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer ( IBEX ) has now operated in space for 7 years and returned nearly continuous observations that have led to scientific discoveries and reshaped our entire understanding of the outer heliosphere and its interaction with the local interstellar medium. Here we extend prior work, adding the 2014–2015 data for the first time, and examine, validate, initially analyze, and provide a complete 7-year set of Energetic Neutral Atom (ENA) observations from ∼0.1 to 6 keV. The data, maps, and documentation provided here represent the 10th major release of IBEX data and include improvements to various prior correctionsmore » to provide the citable reference for the current version of IBEX data. We are now able to study time variations in the outer heliosphere and interstellar interaction over more than half a solar cycle. We find that the Ribbon has evolved differently than the globally distributed flux (GDF), with a leveling off and partial recovery of ENAs from the GDF, owing to solar wind output flattening and recovery. The Ribbon has now also lost its latitudinal ordering, which reflects the breakdown of solar minimum solar wind conditions and exhibits a greater time delay than for the surrounding GDF. Together, the IBEX observations strongly support a secondary ENA source for the Ribbon, and we suggest that this be adopted as the nominal explanation of the Ribbon going forward.« less

Anoxic Biodegradation of Isosaccharinic Acids at Alkaline pH by Natural Microbial Communities.

PubMed

Rout, Simon P; Charles, Christopher J; Doulgeris, Charalampos; McCarthy, Alan J; Rooks, Dave J; Loughnane, J Paul; Laws, Andrew P; Humphreys, Paul N

2015-01-01

One design concept for the long-term management of the UK's intermediate level radioactive wastes (ILW) is disposal to a cementitious geological disposal facility (GDF). Under the alkaline (10.013.0) anoxic conditions expected within a GDF, cellulosic wastes will undergo chemical hydrolysis. The resulting cellulose degradation products (CDP) are dominated by α- and β-isosaccharinic acids (ISA), which present an organic carbon source that may enable subsequent microbial colonisation of a GDF. Microcosms established from neutral, near-surface sediments demonstrated complete ISA degradation under methanogenic conditions up to pH 10.0. Degradation decreased as pH increased, with β-ISA fermentation more heavily influenced than α-ISA. This reduction in degradation rate was accompanied by a shift in microbial population away from organisms related to Clostridium sporosphaeroides to a more diverse Clostridial community. The increase in pH to 10.0 saw an increase in detection of Alcaligenes aquatilis and a dominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens within the Archaeal population. Methane was generated up to pH 10.0 with acetate accumulation at higher pH values reflecting a reduced detection of acetoclastic methanogens. An increase in pH to 11.0 resulted in the accumulation of ISA, the absence of methanogenesis and the loss of biomass from the system. This study is the first to demonstrate methanogenesis from ISA by near surface microbial communities not previously exposed to these compounds up to and including pH 10.0.

40 CFR Table 1 to Subpart Cccccc... - Applicability Criteria and Management Practices for Gasoline Dispensing Facilities With Monthly...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Gallons of Gasoline or More If you own or operate Then you must 1. A new, reconstructed, or existing GDF... fill tube is used, it shall be provided with a submerged drop tube that extends the same distance from...

Parasitic copepods from Egyptian Red Sea fishes: Bomolochidae Claus, 1875.

PubMed

El-Rashidy, Hoda Hassan; Boxshall, Geoffrey Allan

2016-02-01

Two species of parasitic copepods from the genus Bomolochus von Nordmann, 1832 (Cyclopoida: Bomolochidae) are redescribed in detail, based on material collected from the gills of Red Sea fishes. Host material was caught at El-tor, near Sharm El-Sheikh, and in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Both sexes of Bomolochus bellones Burmeister, 1835 were collected from the gills of a needlefish Tylosurus choram (Rüppell) caught in the Gulf of Suez. This is a new host record. The female is well characterised so only the male is described. Adult females of Bomolochus minus Lin & Ho, 2005 were obtained from the branchial cavities and gills of mojarra Gerres oyena (Forsskål). This species was known only from its original description in Taiwan, and this report constitutes a new host record and a significant range extension. Both parasite species are new records for Egyptian Red Sea waters.

Seawater Polluted with Highly Concentrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Suppresses Osteoblastic Activity in the Scales of Goldfish, Carassius auratus.

PubMed

Suzuki, Nobuo; Sato, Masayuki; Nassar, Hossam F; Abdel-Gawad, Fagr Kh; Bassem, Samah M; Yachiguchi, Koji; Tabuchi, Yoshiaki; Endo, Masato; Sekiguchi, Toshio; Urata, Makoto; Hattori, Atsuhiko; Mishima, Hiroyuki; Shimasaki, Youhei; Oshima, Yuji; Hong, Chun-Sang; Makino, Fumiya; Tang, Ning; Toriba, Akira; Hayakawa, Kazuichi

2016-08-01

We have developed an original in vitro bioassay using teleost scale, that has osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone matrix as each marker: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for osteoblasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) for osteoclasts. Using this scale in vitro bioassay, we examined the effects of seawater polluted with highly concentrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) on osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities in the present study. Polluted seawater was collected from two sites (the Alexandria site on the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal site on the Red Sea). Total levels of PAHs in the seawater from the Alexandria and Suez Canal sites were 1364.59 and 992.56 ng/l, respectively. We were able to detect NPAHs in both seawater samples. Total levels of NPAHs were detected in the seawater of the Alexandria site (12.749 ng/l) and the Suez Canal site (3.914 ng/l). Each sample of polluted seawater was added to culture medium at dilution rates of 50, 100, and 500, and incubated with the goldfish scales for 6 hrs. Thereafter, ALP and TRAP activities were measured. ALP activity was significantly suppressed by both polluted seawater samples diluted at least 500 times, but TRAP activity did not change. In addition, mRNA expressions of osteoblastic markers (ALP, osteocalcin, and the receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand) decreased significantly, as did the ALP enzyme activity. In fact, ALP activity decreased on treatment with PAHs and NPAHs. We conclude that seawater polluted with highly concentrated PAHs and NPAHs influences bone metabolism in teleosts.

A bitter aftertaste: unintended effects of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome

PubMed Central

Bokulich, Nicholas A.; Blaser, Martin J.

2015-01-01

Intestinal microbial communities regulate a range of host physiological functions, from energy harvest and glucose homeostasis to immune development and regulation. Suez and colleagues (2014) recently demonstrated that artificial sweeteners alter gut microbial communities, leading to glucose intolerance in both mice and humans. PMID:25440050

Investigation of prolific sheep from UK and Ireland for evidence on origin of the mutations in BMP15 (FecX(G), FecX(B)) and GDF9 (FecG(H)) in Belclare and Cambridge sheep.

PubMed

Mullen, Michael P; Hanrahan, James P; Howard, Dawn J; Powell, Richard

2013-01-01

This paper concerns the likely origin of three mutations with large effects on ovulation rate identified in the Belclare and Cambridge sheep breeds; two in the BMP15 gene (FecX(G) and FecX(B)) and the third (FecG(H)) in GDF9. All three mutations segregate in Belclare sheep while one, FecX(B), has not been found in the Cambridge. Both Belclare and Cambridge breeds are relatively recently developed composites that have common ancestry through the use of genetic material from the Finnish Landrace and Lleyn breeds. The development of both composites also involved major contributions from exceptionally prolific ewes screened from flocks in Ireland (Belclare) and Britain (Cambridge) during the 1960s. The objective of the current study was to establish the likely origin of the mutations (FecX(G), FecX(B) and FecG(H)) through analysis of DNA from Finnish Landrace and Lleyn sheep, and Galway and Texel breeds which contributed to the development of the Belclare breed. Ewes with exceptionally high prolificacy (hyper-prolific ewes) in current flocks on Irish farms were identified to simulate the screening of ewes from Irish flocks in the 1960s. DNA was obtained from: prolific ewes in extant flocks of Lleyn sheep (n = 44) on the Lleyn peninsula in Wales; hyper-prolific ewes (n = 41); prolific Galway (n = 41) ewes; Finnish Landrace (n = 124) and Texel (n = 19) ewes. The FecX(G) mutation was identified in Lleyn but not in Finnish Landrace, Galway or Texel sheep; FecX(B) was only found among the hyper-prolific ewes. The FecG(H) mutation was identified in the sample of Lleyn sheep. It was concluded from these findings that the Lleyn breed was the most likely source of the FecX(G) and FecG(H) mutations in Belclare and Cambridge sheep and that the FecX(B) mutation came from the High Fertility line that was developed using prolific ewes selected from commercial flocks in Ireland in the 1960's and subsequently used in the genesis of the Belclare.

Illustrative assessment of human health issues arising from the potential release of chemotoxic substances from a generic geological disposal facility for radioactive waste.

PubMed

Wilson, James C; Thorne, Michael C; Towler, George; Norris, Simon

2011-12-01

Many countries have a programme for developing an underground geological disposal facility for radioactive waste. A case study is provided herein on the illustrative assessment of human health issues arising from the potential release of chemotoxic and radioactive substances from a generic geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste. The illustrative assessment uses a source-pathway-receptor methodology and considers a number of human exposure pathways. Estimated exposures are compared with authoritative toxicological assessment criteria. The possibility of additive and synergistic effects resulting from exposures to mixtures of chemical contaminants or a combination of radiotoxic and chemotoxic substances is considered. The case study provides an illustration of how to assess human health issues arising from chemotoxic species released from a GDF for radioactive waste and highlights potential difficulties associated with a lack of data being available with which to assess synergistic effects. It also highlights how such difficulties can be addressed.

Real-time gamma imaging of technetium transport through natural and engineered porous materials for radioactive waste disposal.

PubMed

Corkhill, Claire L; Bridge, Jonathan W; Chen, Xiaohui C; Hillel, Phil; Thornton, Steve F; Romero-Gonzalez, Maria E; Banwart, Steven A; Hyatt, Neil C

2013-12-03

We present a novel methodology for determining the transport of technetium-99m, a γ-emitting metastable isomer of (99)Tc, through quartz sand and porous media relevant to the disposal of nuclear waste in a geological disposal facility (GDF). Quartz sand is utilized as a model medium, and the applicability of the methodology to determine radionuclide transport in engineered backfill cement is explored using the UK GDF candidate backfill cement, Nirex Reference Vault Backfill (NRVB), in a model system. Two-dimensional distributions in (99m)Tc activity were collected at millimeter-resolution using decay-corrected gamma camera images. Pulse-inputs of ~20 MBq (99m)Tc were introduced into short (<10 cm) water-saturated columns at a constant flow of 0.33 mL min(-1). Changes in calibrated mass distribution of (99m)Tc at 30 s intervals, over a period of several hours, were quantified by spatial moments analysis. Transport parameters were fitted to the experimental data using a one-dimensional convection-dispersion equation, yielding transport properties for this radionuclide in a model GDF environment. These data demonstrate that (99)Tc in the pertechnetate form (Tc(VII)O4(-)) does not sorb to cement backfill during transport under model conditions, resulting in closely conservative transport behavior. This methodology represents a quantitative development of radiotracer imaging and offers the opportunity to conveniently and rapidly characterize transport of gamma-emitting isotopes in opaque media, relevant to the geological disposal of nuclear waste and potentially to a wide variety of other subsurface environments.

Real-Time Gamma Imaging of Technetium Transport through Natural and Engineered Porous Materials for Radioactive Waste Disposal

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

We present a novel methodology for determining the transport of technetium-99m, a γ-emitting metastable isomer of 99Tc, through quartz sand and porous media relevant to the disposal of nuclear waste in a geological disposal facility (GDF). Quartz sand is utilized as a model medium, and the applicability of the methodology to determine radionuclide transport in engineered backfill cement is explored using the UK GDF candidate backfill cement, Nirex Reference Vault Backfill (NRVB), in a model system. Two-dimensional distributions in 99mTc activity were collected at millimeter-resolution using decay-corrected gamma camera images. Pulse-inputs of ∼20 MBq 99mTc were introduced into short (<10 cm) water-saturated columns at a constant flow of 0.33 mL min–1. Changes in calibrated mass distribution of 99mTc at 30 s intervals, over a period of several hours, were quantified by spatial moments analysis. Transport parameters were fitted to the experimental data using a one-dimensional convection–dispersion equation, yielding transport properties for this radionuclide in a model GDF environment. These data demonstrate that 99Tc in the pertechnetate form (Tc(VII)O4–) does not sorb to cement backfill during transport under model conditions, resulting in closely conservative transport behavior. This methodology represents a quantitative development of radiotracer imaging and offers the opportunity to conveniently and rapidly characterize transport of gamma-emitting isotopes in opaque media, relevant to the geological disposal of nuclear waste and potentially to a wide variety of other subsurface environments. PMID:24147650

Analysis of novel cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PubMed

Jirak, Peter; Mirna, Moritz; Wernly, Bernhard; Paar, Vera; Thieme, Marcus; Betge, Stefan; Franz, Marcus; Hoppe, Uta; Lauten, Alexander; Kammler, Jürgen; Schulze, Paul C; Lichtenauer, Michael; Kretzschmar, Daniel

2018-04-12

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common form of manifestation of atherosclerosis. PAD has a considerable impact on morbidity, hospitalisation rates and health- care costs. Biomarkers have been introduced in many cardiovascular disease entities over the last years. However, an analysis on the correlation of biomarker levels and PAD is still lacking. A total of 106 patients were enrolled in this current study, 51 that were diagnosed with PAD and 55 with excluded coronary and peripheral artery disease as controls. During outpatient visits, plasma samples of all patients were obtained and analyzed for sST2 (hemodynamics and inflammation), Galectin-3 (fibrosis and remodeling), GDF-15 (remodeling and inflammation), suPAR (inflammation), and Fetuin-A (vascular calcification) by use of ELISA after informed consent. Compared with controls, patients with PAD showed significantly higher levels of sST2 (5248 vs. 7503 pg/ml, p<0.001), suPAR (2267 vs. 2414 pg/ml, p=0.02), Galectin-3 (2795 vs. 4494 pg/ml, p<0.001), and GDF-15 (549 vs. 767 pg/ml, p<0.001). Fetuin-A showed a trend towards lower levels in patients with PAD (117 vs. 100 ng/ml, p=0.119). Circulating levels of sST2, suPAR, Galectin-3, and GDF-15 were significantly elevated in PAD patients. In contrast, Fetuin-A levels showed a decrease in PAD patients indicating increased vascular calcification. Thus, by incorporating different pathophysiological processes present in PAD, tested novel biomarkers facilitate a more precise diagnosis as well as a more accurate evaluation of disease severity and progression.

The Red Sea Basin Province: Sudr-Nubia(!) and Maqna(!) Petroleum Systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lindquist, Sandra J.

1999-01-01

The Sudr-Nubia(!) oil-prone total petroleum system dominates the densely explored Gulf of Suez part of the rifted Red Sea Basin Province. Upper Cretaceous to Eocene source rocks, primarily the Senonian Sudr Formation, are organic-rich, areally uniform marine carbonates that have generated known ultimate recoverable reserves exceeding 11 BBOE. The name Nubia is used for sandstone reservoirs with a wide range of poorly constrained, pre-rift geologic ages ranging from Early Paleozoic to Early Cretaceous. Syn- and post-rift Tertiary reservoirs, especially the Kareem Formation, also contain significant reserves. Partly overlapping Sudr-Nubia(!) is the areally larger and geochemically distinct, oil-and-gas-prone Maqna(!) total petroleum system within the southern Gulf of Suez basin and the sparsely explored remaining Red Sea basin. Known ultimate recoverable reserves are 50-100 MMBOE and more than 900 MMBOE, respectively, in those areas. Both the source and reservoir rocks in this petroleum system are Tertiary, dominantly Miocene, in age. Maqna(!) has the greater potential for future resource development.

Estimating Curie Point Depth and Heat Flow Map for Northern Red Sea Rift of Egypt and Its Surroundings, from Aeromagnetic Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleh, Salah; Salk, Müjgan; Pamukçu, Oya

2013-05-01

In this study, we aim to map the Curie point depth surface for the northern Red Sea rift region and its surroundings based on the spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data. Spectral analysis technique was used to estimate the boundaries (top and bottom) of the magnetized crust. The Curie point depth (CPD) estimates of the Red Sea rift from 112 overlapping blocks vary from 5 to 20 km. The depths obtained for the bottom of the magnetized crust are assumed to correspond to Curie point depths where the magnetic layer loses its magnetization. Intermediate to deep Curie point depth anomalies (10-16 km) were observed in southern and central Sinai and the Gulf of Suez (intermediate heat flow) due to the uplifted basement rocks. The shallowest CPD of 5 km (associated with very high heat flow, ~235 mW m-2) is located at/around the axial trough of the Red Sea rift region especially at Brothers Island and Conrad Deep due to its association with both the concentration of rifting to the axial depression and the magmatic activity, whereas, beneath the Gulf of Aqaba, three Curie point depth anomalies belonging to three major basins vary from 10 km in the north to about 14 km in the south (with a mean heat flow of about 85 mW m-2). Moreover, low CPD anomalies (high heat flow) were also observed beneath some localities in the northern part of the Gulf of Suez at Hammam Fraun, at Esna city along River Nile, at west Ras Gharib in the eastern desert and at Safaga along the western shore line of the Red Sea rift. These resulted from deviatoric tensional stresses developing in the lithosphere which contribute to its further extension and may be due to the opening of the Gulf of Suez and/or the Red Sea rift. Furthermore, low CPD (with high heat flow anomaly) was observed in the eastern border of the study area, beneath northern Arabia, due to the quasi-vertical low-velocity anomaly which extends into the lower mantle and may be related to volcanism in northern Arabia. Dense microearthquakes

US Carrier Strike and the Mediterranean, 1970-89 - Lessons in Littoral Crisis Response for the United Kingdom’s Joint Expeditionary Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

east of Suez could apply equally to her heightened interest in the Mediterranean: 29 See Stephen C. Calleya,”Bridging History and Future Security...diplomacy and military effort in the Libyan crisis.4 Rising to that ambition, the carriers - a joint force in steel, treasure and equities - have the

The European Union’s Headline Goal: An Operational Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-09-01

strong between the United States and the rest of Europe. The 1956 Suez Crisis did not scar relations between the UK and the United States to the...Support Logistics UK 6 Light Infantry Brigade HQ & Augmentees 7 Light/Medium Armoured Companies UK 8 Medical Collective Protection Role 3

77 FR 273 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-04

.... Applicants: Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc. Description: Market Power Update of Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc. Filed Date: 12/21/11. Accession Number: 20111221-5251. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2...; ER10-2675-004. Applicants: Choctaw Generation Limited Partnership, Hot Spring Power Company, LLC,GDF...

A mutation creating a potential illegitimate microRNA target site in the myostatin gene affects muscularity in sheep.

PubMed

Clop, Alex; Marcq, Fabienne; Takeda, Haruko; Pirottin, Dimitri; Tordoir, Xavier; Bibé, Bernard; Bouix, Jacques; Caiment, Florian; Elsen, Jean-Michel; Eychenne, Francis; Larzul, Catherine; Laville, Elisabeth; Meish, Françoise; Milenkovic, Dragan; Tobin, James; Charlier, Carole; Georges, Michel

2006-07-01

Texel sheep are renowned for their exceptional meatiness. To identify the genes underlying this economically important feature, we performed a whole-genome scan in a Romanov x Texel F2 population. We mapped a quantitative trait locus with a major effect on muscle mass to chromosome 2 and subsequently fine-mapped it to a chromosome interval encompassing the myostatin (GDF8) gene. We herein demonstrate that the GDF8 allele of Texel sheep is characterized by a G to A transition in the 3' UTR that creates a target site for mir1 and mir206, microRNAs (miRNAs) that are highly expressed in skeletal muscle. This causes translational inhibition of the myostatin gene and hence contributes to the muscular hypertrophy of Texel sheep. Analysis of SNP databases for humans and mice demonstrates that mutations creating or destroying putative miRNA target sites are abundant and might be important effectors of phenotypic variation.

Synthesis and characterization of a BaGdF5:Tb glass ceramic as a nanocomposite scintillator for x-ray imaging.

PubMed

Lee, Gyuhyon; Struebing, Christian; Wagner, Brent; Summers, Christopher; Ding, Yong; Bryant, Alex; Thadhani, Naresh; Shedlock, Daniel; Star-Lack, Josh; Kang, Zhitao

2016-05-20

Transparent glass ceramics with embedded light-emitting nanocrystals show great potential as low-cost nanocomposite scintillators in comparison to single crystal and transparent ceramic scintillators. In this study, cubic structure BaGdF5:Tb nanocrystals embedded in an aluminosilicate glass matrix are reported for potential high performance MeV imaging applications. Scintillator samples with systematically varied compositions were prepared by a simple conventional melt-quenching method followed by annealing. Optical, structural and scintillation properties were characterized to guide the design and optimization of selected material systems, aiming at the development of a system with higher crystal volume and larger crystal size for improved luminosity. It is observed that enhanced scintillation performance was achieved by tuning the glass matrix composition and using GdF3 in the raw materials, which served as a nucleation agent. A 26% improvement in light output was observed from a BaGdF5:Tb glass ceramic with addition of GdF3.

The major tectonic boundaries of the Northern Red Sea rift, Egypt derived from geophysical data analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleh, Salah; Pamukçu, Oya; Brimich, Ladislav

2017-09-01

In the present study, we have attempted to map the plate boundary between Arabia and Africa at the Northern Red Sea rift region including the Suez rift, Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea transform and southeastern Mediterranean region by using gravity data analysis. In the boundary analysis method which was used; low-pass filtered gravity anomalies of the Northern Red Sea rift region were computed. Different crustal types and thicknesses, sediment thicknesses and different heat flow anomalies were evaluated. According to the results, there are six subzones (crustal blocks) separated from each other by tectonic plate boundaries and/or lineaments. It seems that these tectonic boundaries reveal complex structural lineaments, which are mostly influenced by a predominant set of NNW-SSE to NW-SE trending lineaments bordering the Red Sea and Suez rift regions. On the other side, the E-W and N-S to NNE-SSW trended lineaments bordering the South-eastern Mediterranean, Northern Sinai and Aqaba-Dead Sea transform regions, respectively. The analysis of the low pass filtered Bouguer anomaly maps reveals that the positive regional anomaly over both the Red Sea rift and South-eastern Mediterranean basin subzones are considered to be caused by the high density of the oceanic crust and/or the anomalous upper mantle structures beneath these regions whereas, the broad medium anomalies along the western half of Central Sinai with the Suez rift and the Eastern Desert subzones are attributed to low-density sediments of the Suez rift and/or the thick upper continental crustal thickness below these zones. There are observable negative anomalies over the Northern Arabia subzone, particularly in the areas covered by Cenozoic volcanics. These negative anomalies may be attributed to both the low densities of the surface volcanics and/or to a very thick upper continental crust. On the contrary, the negative anomaly which belongs to the Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea transform zone is due to crustal thickening

Rumors in Iraq: A Guide to Winning Hearts and Minds

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-01

32 b. Quality of Life .........................................................................33 c...involved in planning a coup—this time in Syria. The revolt never took place due to friction among the participants, timing of the Suez invasion, and...rumors into one of eight overarching subjects: Government/Political, Quality of Life , Insurgency, Security, Terrorism, Military, Communication, and

Cultural Considerations for Evaluation Consulting in the Egyptian Context.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seefeldt, Michael F.

1985-01-01

Reflecting on his experiences as an evaluation consultant at the Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt the author discusses: (1) implications of the Egyptian political context; (2) adapting to the host culture; and (3) maintaining distance from one's own culture. Personal qualities to complement the recommended naturalistic methods…

The Nuclearization of the Middle East and the Subcontinent

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

Simultaneously a potash mining industry sprang up in the Negev desert which, apart from the fertilizers it produced, had the added importance of being a...the Suez War, the construction of the Diirona reactor, a 24,000 kilowatt themal unit, was begun in the Negev with French assistance and was

Arctic Security: An Adaptive Approach for a Changing Climate

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

Hansen, Director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Adjunct Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University’s Earth...realized by megaships which are too large to use the Panama and Suez Canals and are currently making the long treks around the Cape of Good Hope and Cape

Metabolomic profiles indicate distinct physiological pathways affected by two loci with major divergent effect on Bos taurus growth and lipid deposition.

PubMed

Weikard, Rosemarie; Altmaier, Elisabeth; Suhre, Karsten; Weinberger, Klaus M; Hammon, Harald M; Albrecht, Elke; Setoguchi, Kouji; Takasuga, Akiko; Kühn, Christa

2010-10-01

Identifying trait-associated genetic variation offers new prospects to reveal novel physiological pathways modulating complex traits. Taking advantage of a unique animal model, we identified the I442M mutation in the non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G (NCAPG) gene and the Q204X mutation in the growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) gene as substantial modulators of pre- and/or postnatal growth in cattle. In a combined metabolomic and genotype association approach, which is the first respective study in livestock, we surveyed the specific physiological background of the effects of both loci on body-mass gain and lipid deposition. Our data provided confirming evidence from two historically and geographically distant cattle populations that the onset of puberty is the key interval of divergent growth. The locus-specific metabolic patterns obtained from monitoring 201 plasma metabolites at puberty mirror the particular NCAPG I442M and GDF8 Q204X effects and represent biosignatures of divergent physiological pathways potentially modulating effects on proportional and disproportional growth, respectively. While the NCAPG I442M mutation affected the arginine metabolism, the 204X allele in the GDF8 gene predominantly raised the carnitine level and had concordant effects on glycerophosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins. Our study provides a conclusive link between the well-described growth-regulating functions of arginine metabolism and the previously unknown specific physiological role of the NCAPG protein in mammalian metabolism. Owing to the confirmed effect of the NCAPG/LCORL locus on human height in genome-wide association studies, the results obtained for bovine NCAPG might add valuable, comparative information on the physiological background of genetically determined divergent mammalian growth.

Air Power and Maneuver Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-01

one of the IDF’s own units. For the rest of the campaign, these units draped themselves in conspicuous red cloth, proof enough that they feared their...and Force Structure." General Dynamics, February 1992. Published Sources Adan, Avraham. On the Banks of the Suez. London : Arms and Armour Press, 1980

A bitter aftertaste: unintended effects of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome.

PubMed

Bokulich, Nicholas A; Blaser, Martin J

2014-11-04

Intestinal microbial communities regulate a range of host physiological functions, from energy harvest and glucose homeostasis to immune development and regulation. Suez et al. (2014) recently demonstrated that artificial sweeteners alter gut microbial communities, leading to glucose intolerance in both mice and humans. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Three Questioning Strategies on EFL Reading Comprehension.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El-Koumy, Abdel Salam A.

This study investigated the effects of three classroom questioning strategies on the reading comprehension of learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Subjects were 86 first-year EFL students in the school of education of Suez Canal University (Egypt), randomly assigned to three treatment groups. The same instructor taught the three groups…

Effect of Instruction in Story Grammar on the Narrative Writing of EFL Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El-Koumy, Abdel Salam A.

A study investigated the effects of explicit versus implicit instruction in story grammar on the narrative writing skills of English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students at the university level. Subjects were 83 freshmen enrolled in English at the Faculty of Education at Suez Canal University (Egypt). The subjects were randomly assigned to…

The Flipped Classroom Model to Develop Egyptian EFL Students' Listening Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmad, Samah Zakareya

2016-01-01

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of the flipped classroom model on Egyptian EFL students' listening comprehension. A one-group pre-posttest design was adopted. Thirty-four 3rd-year EFL students at the Faculty of Education, Suez University, were pretested on listening comprehension before the experiment and then posttested after…

Teaching with Documents: A Cartoonist's View of the Eisenhower Years.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mueller, Jean West; Schamel, Wynell Burroughs

1990-01-01

Illustrates how to teach U.S. history through the use of original documents such as Charles Nickerson's cartoon, "Images of the Fifties from Disneyland to Suez." States that the original artwork for this cartoon, which portrays the Eisenhower years, is in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Kansas. Provides a pretest, teaching…

Promoter polymorphisms in genes involved in porcine myogenesis influence their transcriptional activity.

PubMed

Bongiorni, Silvia; Tilesi, Francesca; Bicorgna, Silvia; Iacoponi, Francesca; Willems, Daniela; Gargani, Maria; D'Andrea, MariaSilvia; Pilla, Fabio; Valentini, Alessio

2014-11-07

Success of meat production and selection for improvement of meat quality is among the primary aims in animal production. Meat quality traits are economically important in swine; however, the underlying genetic nature is very complex. Therefore, an improved pork production strongly depends on identifying and studying how genetic variations contribute to modulate gene expression. Promoters are key regions in gene modulation as they harbour several binding motifs to transcription regulatory factors. Therefore, polymorphisms in these regions are likely to deeply affect RNA levels and consequently protein synthesis. In this study, we report the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in promoter regions of candidate genes involved in development, cellular differentiation and muscle growth in Sus scrofa. We identified SNPs in the promoter regions of genes belonging to the Myogenic Regulatory Factors (MRF) gene family (the Myogenic Differentiation gene, MYOD1) and to Growth and Differentiation Factors (GDF) gene family (Myostatin gene, MSTN, GDF8), in Casertana and Large White breeds. The purpose of this study was to investigate if polymorphisms in the promoters could affect the transcriptional activity of these genes. With this aim, we evaluated in vitro the functional activity of the luciferase reporter gene luc2 activity, driven by two constructs carrying different promoter haplotypes. We tested the effects of the G302A (U12574) transition on the promoter efficiency in MYOD1 gene. We ascertained a difference in transcription efficiency for the two variants. A stronger activity of the A-carrying construct is more evident in C2C12. The luciferase expression driven by the MYOD1-A allelic variant displayed a 3.8-fold increased transcriptional activity. We investigated the activity of two haplotype variants (AY527152) in the promoter of GDF8 gene. The haploptype-1 (A435-A447-A879) up-regulated the expression of the reporter gene by a two-fold increase, and

Tectonic framework of northeast Egypt and its bearing on hydrocarbon exploration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khalil, M.; Moustafa, A.R.

1995-08-01

Detailed structural study of northern and central Sinai, the northern Eastern Desert, and the northern Gulf of Suez clarified the tectonic framework of northeast Egypt. This framework is related to the movements between the African Plate and the Eurasian and Arabian Plates. Late Cretaceous folding and thrusting in response to oblique convergence between the African and Eurasian Plates formed NE-ENE oriented, doubly plunging, en echelon folds of the northern Egypt fold belt. This fold belt is well exposed in northern Sinai and a few other places but is concealed under younger sediments in the other parts of northern Egypt. Youngermore » folding of local importance is related to dextral slip on the Themed Fault (Central Sinai) in post Middle Eocene-pre Miocene time. Early Miocene rifting of the Afro-Arabian Plate led to the opening of the Suez rift and deposition of significant syn-rift facies. Half grabens and tilted fault blocks dominate the rift. Slightly tilted fault blocks characterize the competent Middle Eocene limestones of the Eastern Desert south of the Cairo-Suez road but north of this road, Middle Eocene rocks are locally dragged on nearby E-W and NW-SE oriented faults forming fault-drag folds. Ductile Upper Eocene and Miocene rocks are also folded about gentle NW-SE oriented doubly plunging folds. The different stages of tectonic activity in northern Egypt contributed to the development of different types of structural traps as well as different source, reservoir, and cap rocks. The sedimentary history of the region indicates well developed marine sediments of Jurassic, Cretaceous, Eocene, and Miocene ages. Basin development in structurally low areas provided good sites for hydrocarbon generation and maturation.« less

In-Service Education within Schools: A Comparative Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dahawy, Bayoumi M.

This paper prepared in the United States by a visiting faculty member of the Suez Canal University in Egypt, presents a comparative study that finds that school-based in-service training sessions, in which teachers learn within their own teaching environments, do much to encourage more teachers to adopt a more positive attitude to the…

The Nile

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

This image of the northern portion of the Nile River was captured by MISR's nadir camera on January 30, 2001 (Terra orbit 5956). The Nile is the longest river in the world, extending for about 6700 kilometers from its headwaters in the highlands of eastern Africa.

At the apex of the fertile Nile River Delta is the Egyptian capital city of Cairo. To the west are the Great Pyramids of Giza. North of here the Nile branches into two distributaries, the Rosetta to the west and the Damietta to the east.

Also visible in this image is the Suez Canal, a shipping waterway connecting Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez. The Gulf is an arm of the Red Sea, and is located on the righthand side of the picture.

MISR was built and is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, for NASA's Office of Earth Science, Washington, DC. The Terra satellite is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology.

Genome walk of an unknown upstream region of myostatin gene in Spanish goats

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Myostatin (MSTN) gene product also known as growth differentiation factor (GDF8) is a member of the TGF-ß family of secreted proteins. It is shown to be a negative regulator of muscle mass development. Mutations in the MSTN gene have been reported in mice, cattle and humans that lead to muscular hyp...

Earth view over Egypt and the Nile River taken during STS-121

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-07-04

STS121-334-026 (4-17 July 2006) --- This photo, featuring an easterly view of the Nile River, the Nile River Delta, Sinai Peninsula, the Suez Canal, Red Sea and part of the Mediterranean Sea, was taken by one of the STS-121 crewmembers aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Cairo, Egypt, can be seen at far right.

Biogeochemistry of aragonite mud and oolites.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitterer, R. M.

1972-01-01

Amino acids were determined on an analyzer similar to that described by Hare (1969) in carbonate mud samples from locations in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Persian Gulf, and Florida Bay, and in oolites from the Gulf of Suez, the Abu Dhabi coast, the Bahamas, and Baffin Bay, Texas. A histogram, tables, and chromatograms of the results are given.

The Drosophila TGF-beta/Activin-like ligands Dawdle and Myoglianin appear to modulate adult lifespan through regulation of 26S proteasome function in adult muscle

PubMed Central

Langerak, Shaughna; Kim, Myung-Jun; Lamberg, Hannah; Godinez, Michael; Main, Mackenzie; Winslow, Lindsey; O'Connor, Michael B.

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT The Drosophila Activin signaling pathway employs at least three separate ligands – Activin-β (Actβ), Dawdle (Daw), and Myoglianin (Myo) – to regulate several general aspects of fruit fly larval development, including cell proliferation, neuronal remodeling, and metabolism. Here we provide experimental evidence indicating that both Daw and Myo are anti-ageing factors in adult fruit flies. Knockdown of Myo or Daw in adult fruit flies reduced mean lifespan, while overexpression of either ligand in adult muscle tissues but not in adipose tissues enhanced mean lifespan. An examination of ubiquitinated protein aggregates in adult muscles revealed a strong inverse correlation between Myo- or Daw-initiated Activin signaling and the amount of ubiquitinated protein aggregates. We show that this correlation has important functional implications by demonstrating that the lifespan extension effect caused by overexpression of wild-type Daw or Myo in adult muscle tissues can be completely abrogated by knockdown of a 26S proteasome regulatory subunit Rpn1 in adult fly muscle, and that the prolonged lifespan caused by overexpression of Daw or Myo in adult muscle could be due to enhanced protein levels of the key subunits of 26S proteasome. Overall, our data suggest that Activin signaling initiated by Myo and Daw in adult Drosophila muscles influences lifespan, in part, by modulation of protein homeostasis through either direct or indirect regulation of the 26S proteasome levels. Since Myo is closely related to the vertebrate muscle mass regulator Myostatin (GDF8) and the Myostatin paralog GDF11, our observations may offer a new experimental model for probing the roles of GDF11/8 in ageing regulation in vertebrates. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. PMID:29615416

Generation and periodontal differentiation of human gingival fibroblasts-derived integration-free induced pluripotent stem cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yin, Xiaohui; Peking University Stem Cell Research Center and Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191; Li, Yang

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been recognized as a promising cell source for periodontal tissue regeneration. However, the conventional virus-based reprogramming approach is associated with a high risk of genetic mutation and limits their therapeutic utility. Here, we successfully generated iPSCs from readily accessible human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) through an integration-free and feeder-free approach via delivery of reprogramming factors of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, L-myc, Lin28 and TP53 shRNA with episomal plasmid vectors. The iPSCs presented similar morphology and proliferation characteristics as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and expressed pluripotent markers including Oct4, Tra181, Nanog and SSEA-4. Additionally, these cells maintainedmore » a normal karyotype and showed decreased CpG methylation ratio in the promoter regions of Oct4 and Nanog. In vivo teratoma formation assay revealed the development of tissues representative of three germ layers, confirming the acquisition of pluripotency. Furthermore, treatment of the iPSCs in vitro with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) or growth/differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) significantly up-regulated the expression of periodontal tissue markers associated with bone, periodontal ligament and cementum respectively. Taken together, our data demonstrate that hGFs are a valuable cell source for generating integration-free iPSCs, which could be sequentially induced toward periodontal cells under the treatment of EMD and GDF-5. - Highlights: • Integration-free iPSCs are successfully generated from hGFs via an episomal approach. • EMD promotes differentiation of the hGFs-derived iPSCs toward periodontal cells. • GDF-5 promotes differentiation of the hGFs-derived iPSCs toward periodontal cells. • hGFs-derived iPSCs could be a promising cell source for periodontal regeneration.« less

Association of novel biomarkers of cardiovascular stress with left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction: implications for screening.

PubMed

Xanthakis, Vanessa; Larson, Martin G; Wollert, Kai C; Aragam, Jayashri; Cheng, Susan; Ho, Jennifer; Coglianese, Erin; Levy, Daniel; Colucci, Wilson S; Michael Felker, G; Benjamin, Emelia J; Januzzi, James L; Wang, Thomas J; Vasan, Ramachandran S

2013-11-07

Currently available screening tools for left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) and systolic dysfunction (LVSD) are either expensive (echocardiography) or perform suboptimally (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]). It is unknown whether newer biomarkers are associated with LVH and LVSD and can serve as screening tools. We studied 2460 Framingham Study participants (mean age 58 years, 57% women) with measurements of biomarkers mirroring cardiac biomechanical stress (soluble ST-2 [ST2], growth differentiation factor-15 [GDF-15] and high-sensitivity troponin I [hsTnI]) and BNP. We defined LVH as LV mass/height(2) ≥the sex-specific 80th percentile and LVSD as mild/greater impairment of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) or a fractional shortening <0.29. Adjusting for standard risk factors in logistic models, BNP, GDF-15, and hsTnI were associated with the composite echocardiographic outcome (LVH or LVSD), odds ratios (OR) per SD increment in log-biomarker 1.29, 1.14, and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.15 to 1.44, 1.004 to 1.28, and 1.06 to 1.31), respectively. The C-statistic for the composite outcome increased from 0.765 with risk factors to 0.770 adding BNP, to 0.774 adding novel biomarkers. The continuous Net Reclassification Improvement was 0.212 (95% CI: 0.119 to 0.305, P<0.0001) after adding the novel biomarkers to risk factors plus BNP. BNP was associated with LVH and LVSD in multivariable models, whereas GDF-15 was associated with LVSD (OR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.70), and hsTnI with LVH (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.36). ST2 was not significantly associated with any outcome. Our community-based investigation suggests that cardiac stress biomarkers are associated with LVH and LVSD but may have limited clinical utility as screening tools.

Synovial joint formation requires local Ext1 expression and heparan sulfate production in developing mouse embryo limbs and spine.

PubMed

Mundy, Christina; Yasuda, Tadashi; Kinumatsu, Takashi; Yamaguchi, Yu; Iwamoto, Masahiro; Enomoto-Iwamoto, Motomi; Koyama, Eiki; Pacifici, Maurizio

2011-03-01

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) regulate a number of major developmental processes, but their roles in synovial joint formation remain unknown. Here we created conditional mouse embryo mutants lacking Ext1 in developing joints by mating Ext1(f/f) and Gdf5-Cre mice. Ext1 encodes a subunit of the Ext1/Ext2 Golgi-associated protein complex responsible for heparan sulfate (HS) synthesis. The proximal limb joints did form in the Gdf5-Cre;Ext1(f/f) mutants, but contained an uneven articulating superficial zone that expressed very low lubricin levels. The underlying cartilaginous epiphysis was deranged as well and displayed random patterns of cell proliferation and matrillin-1 and collagen IIA expression, indicative of an aberrant phenotypic definition of the epiphysis itself. Digit joints were even more affected, lacked a distinct mesenchymal interzone and were often fused likely as a result of local abnormal BMP and hedgehog activity and signaling. Interestingly, overall growth and lengthening of long bones were also delayed in the mutants. To test whether Ext1 function is needed for joint formation at other sites, we examined the spine. Indeed, entire intervertebral discs, normally composed by nucleus pulposus surrounded by the annulus fibrosus, were often missing in Gdf5-Cre;Ext1(f/f) mice. When disc remnants were present, they displayed aberrant organization and defective joint marker expression. Similar intervertebral joint defects and fusions occurred in Col2-Cre;β-catenin(f/f) mutants. The study provides novel evidence that local Ext1 expression and HS production are needed to maintain the phenotype and function of joint-forming cells and coordinate local signaling by BMP, hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. The data indicate also that defects in joint formation reverberate on, and delay, overall long bone growth. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of iron redox chemistry on nuclear waste disposal

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pearce, Carolyn I.; Rosso, Kevin M.; Pattrick, Richard

For the safe disposal of nuclear waste, the ability to predict the changes in oxidation states of redox active actinide elements and fission products, such as U, Pu, Tc and Np is a key factor in determining their long term mobility. Both in the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) near-field and in the far-field subsurface environment, the oxidation states of radionuclides are closely tied to changes in the redox condition of other elements in the subsurface such as iron. Iron pervades all aspects of the waste package environment, from the steel in the waste containers, through corrosion products, to the ironmore » minerals present in the host rock. Over the long period required for nuclear waste disposal, the chemical conditions of the subsurface waste package will vary along the entire continuum from oxidizing to reducing conditions. This variability leads to the expectation that redox-active components such as Fe oxides can undergo phase transformations or dissolution; to understand and quantify such a system with respect to potential impacts on waste package integrity and radionuclide fate is clearly a serious challenge. Traditional GDF performance assessment models currently rely upon surface adsorption or single phase solubility experiments and do not deal with the incorporation of radionuclides into specific crystallographic sites within the evolving Fe phases. In this chapter, we focus on the iron-bearing phases that are likely to be present in both the near and far-field of a GDF, examining their potential for redox activity and interaction with radionuclides. To support this, thermodynamic and molecular modelling is particularly important in predicting radionuclide behaviour in the presence of Fe-phases. Examination of radionuclide contamination of the natural environment provides further evidence of the importance of Fe-phases in far-field processes; these can be augmented by experimental and analogue studies.« less

Skeletal muscle-derived progenitors capable of differentiating into cardiomyocytes proliferate through myostatin-independent TGF-{beta} family signaling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nomura, Tetsuya; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566; Ueyama, Tomomi

2008-01-25

The existence of skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) has been suggested in mammals; however, the signaling pathways controlling MDSC proliferation remain largely unknown. Here we report the isolation of myosphere-derived progenitor cells (MDPCs) that can give rise to beating cardiomyocytes from adult skeletal muscle. We identified that follistatin, an antagonist of TGF-{beta} family members, was predominantly expressed in MDPCs, whereas myostatin was mainly expressed in myogenic cells and mature skeletal muscle. Although follistatin enhanced the replicative growth of MDPCs through Smad2/3 inactivation and cell cycle progression, disruption of myostatin did not increase the MDPC proliferation. By contrast, inhibition of activinmore » A (ActA) or growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) signaling dramatically increased MDPC proliferation via down-regulation of p21 and increases in the levels of cdk2/4 and cyclin D1. Thus, follistatin may be an effective progenitor-enhancing agent neutralizing ActA and GDF11 signaling to regulate the growth of MDPCs in skeletal muscle.« less

A comparative study on the luminescence properties of Ce3+/Tb3+ doped Gd-based host nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadhao, Charushila Vasant; Rani, Barkha; Sahu, Niroj Kumar

2018-04-01

A comparative study on the crystal phases and their respective luminescence behaviour of Gd3+ based host materials such as GdPO4, GdF3, GdVO4 and Gd2O3 sensitized with 7at.% Ce3+ and activated with 5 at.% Tb3+ have been reported. The nanomaterials were prepared by polyol method using ethylene glycol as solvent and found to have different crystal structures such as monoclinic, orthorhombic, tetragonal and cubic phase. Clear characteristics emission from Tb3+ has been observed in all the samples when excited in the absorption wavelength of Ce3+ and Gd3+ (˜280 nm). Among all the above materials, intense emission of Tb3+ is found in GdPO4 followed by GdF3, Gd2O3 and GdVO4 respectively. The Tb3+ emission is strongly influenced by the energy transfer process and crystal structure of the host materials and hence this study will be important for choosing suitable materials for display devices and biomedical applications.

Gulf of Aqaba, Sinai Peninsula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

The Gulf of Aqaba separates the Sinai peninsula from Saudi Arabia in this scene of the Middle East (29.0N, 34.5E) showing the geomorphology and geology of this region including portions of Egypt, Israel, Jordon and Saudi Arabia. A small portion of the Gulf of Suez can be seen on the opposite side of the Sinai peninsula.

The 1956 Suez Crisis and the United Nations

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-17

formally given them the “ scarlet letter.” He then proceeds to describe the crisis as “the first time that permanent members of the Security Council had...less fanfare. Jubilant crowds of Egyptians replaced them. By midday on 23 December, the merriment reached a fevered pitch when units of the “defeated

Eisenhower and Suez: An Appraisal of Presidential Leadership

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-05

anything in all my public life that we were right, my colleagues and I, in the judgments and decisions we took, and that history will prove it.൩ When...alliance. Britain’s conservative press revealed the extent of ill will and bitterness caused by the crisis. Nevertheless, the tabloids recognized that...FUNDING NUMBERS U.S. Naval War College PROGRAM PROJECT TASK WORK UNIT Newport, R.I. 02841-5010 ELEMENT NO. NO NO ACCESSION NO 11 TITLE (Include Security

Earth Observations taken by STS-115 crewmember

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-19

S115-E-07595 (19 Sept. 2006) --- A crewmember aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis recorded this digital still image of part of the eastern Mediterranean area. The Gulf of Suez, Gulf of Aqaba, Dead Sea, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem all are visible in the upper left quadrant. Jordan is in the lower left quadrant. The Golan Heights and Haifa appear in the lower right quarter.

iss047e057822

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-04-14

ISS047e057822 (04/14/2016) --- The Middle East is seen from 250 miles above in this photo from the International Space Station. Countries seen left to right along the Mediterranean coast include Egypt, Gaza, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. The major waterways shown from left to right are the Nile River, Gulf of Suez, Gulf of Aqaba, and the Red Sea.

Developmental programming: prenatal testosterone excess disrupts anti-Müllerian hormone expression in preantral and antral follicles.

PubMed

Veiga-Lopez, Almudena; Ye, Wen; Padmanabhan, Vasantha

2012-03-01

To investigate the impact of prenatal T excess on the expression of key ovarian regulators implicated in follicular recruitment and persistence using a large animal model of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Interventional, animal model study. Academic research unit. A total of 25 female fetuses, 14 prepubertal female, and 24 adult female Suffolk sheep. Prenatal T treatment. Immunohistochemical determination of expression of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), kit ligand, and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in fetal, prepubertal, and adult ovarian tissues. Prenatal T treatment reduced the AMH protein expression in granulosa cells (GC) of preantral follicles and increased its expression in antral follicles compared with age-matched adult controls. These differences were not evident in prepubertal animals. Protein expression of GDF9 and kit ligand was not altered at any of the developmental time points studied. Prenatal T exposure is associated with changes in AMH expression in preantral and antral follicles in adult ovaries, similar to findings in women with PCOS. These findings indicate that abnormal folliculogenesis in PCOS may be at least in part mediated by changes in AMH expression. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Uncovering the Role of BMP Signaling in Melanocyte Development and Melanoma Tumorigenesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

or select agents: Nothing to Report. 11 PRODUCTS: This career development award has helped to jump start my activities as an independent...American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award 2012-2016 Kimmel Scholar Award 2013-2015 Department of Defense Cancer Career Development Award 2013-2015...NHMPP Award, Ceol & Yang (PIs) GDF-6 blocking antibodies as cancer therapeutics. Concluded: CA120099 Dept of Defense Peer Reviewed Cancer Career

Uncovering the Role of BMP Signaling in Melanocyte Development and Melanoma Tumorigenesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-01

clear that these mutations are not sufficient for melanoma formation and other genes are involved. Using genomic studies and cross -species...studies and cross -species comparisons to identify several candidates. One of these candidates, GDF6, is a BMP factor that is recurrently amplified...having to cross cell membranes. Antibodies, such as the VEGF blocker bevacizumab, epitomize this type of therapy. We are currently investigating the

Targeting Mechanisms of Resistance to Taxane-Based Chemotherapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

12]. Another interesting gene ; monoamine oxidase A ( MAOA ) was upregulated in patients with PSA relapse (Figure 8A). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT...from prostate. After excluding genes previously shown to be influenced by the radical prostatectomy procedure, we identified 51 genes with significant...analyses confirmed overexpression of GDF15 may confer resistance to chemotherapy in prostate cancer cells. Gene expression changes after

Correlation consistent basis sets for lanthanides: The atoms La–Lu

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Qing; Peterson, Kirk A., E-mail: kipeters@wsu.edu

Using the 3rd-order Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH3) Hamiltonian, all-electron correlation consistent basis sets of double-, triple-, and quadruple-zeta quality have been developed for the lanthanide elements La through Lu. Basis sets designed for the recovery of valence correlation (defined here as 4f5s5p5d6s), cc-pVnZ-DK3, and outer-core correlation (valence + 4s4p4d), cc-pwCVnZ-DK3, are reported (n = D, T, and Q). Systematic convergence of both Hartree-Fock and correlation energies towards their respective complete basis set (CBS) limits are observed. Benchmark calculations of the first three ionization potentials (IPs) of La through Lu are reported at the DKH3 coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples,more » CCSD(T), level of theory, including effects of correlation down through the 4s electrons. Spin-orbit coupling is treated at the 2-component HF level. After extrapolation to the CBS limit, the average errors with respect to experiment were just 0.52, 1.14, and 4.24 kcal/mol for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd IPs, respectively, compared to the average experimental uncertainties of 0.03, 1.78, and 2.65 kcal/mol, respectively. The new basis sets are also used in CCSD(T) benchmark calculations of the equilibrium geometries, atomization energies, and heats of formation for Gd{sub 2}, GdF, and GdF{sub 3}. Except for the equilibrium geometry and harmonic frequency of GdF, which are accurately known from experiment, all other calculated quantities represent significant improvements compared to the existing experimental quantities. With estimated uncertainties of about ±3 kcal/mol, the 0 K atomization energies (298 K heats of formation) are calculated to be (all in kcal/mol): 33.2 (160.1) for Gd{sub 2}, 151.7 (−36.6) for GdF, and 447.1 (−295.2) for GdF{sub 3}.« less

Marine Corps Equities in the Arctic

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-18

reduces the shipping time from Yokohama, Japan, to Hamburg , Germany, by 11 days as compared to the Suez Canal. Ships average approximately a 20...areas within the Arctic Circle. 10 Warming ocean water is causing fisheries to shift north as well. Fish populations usually found in the...people live in the Arctic region. Commercial fishing fleets are following these populations. 29 Russia holds the majority of the Arctic population

The U.S.-Saudi Partnership: Is This Marriage Headed for Divorce?

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

water exploration, Crane discovered vast amounts of oil deposits and alerted his engineers to exploit this further. Aramco would later make trillions...British also utilized the Suez Canal as a major trading route to India, and created coaling stations along this route in various ports. More importantly...and Indonesian oil production ramped up output to fill the gap, and by early September 1967, the Arab producers gave up the embargo.101

Analysis of the National Security of the Republic of Zaire.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-29

through the Suez Canal, have been essential to European expansion and domestic economic development. They have outflanked the lands controlled by Islam...it Is also the most expensive. For those who V would attack, however, acquisition of the coastline is essential , particularly if the attackers do not...since there are few American objectives that would be served. A low military profile is probably essential at the present for the advancement of

Evidence for deep-water evaporite deposition in the Miocene Kareem Formation, Gemsa basin, eastern Egypt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

May, J.A.; Stonecipher, S.A.; Steinmetz, J.C.

1991-03-01

The correct interpretation of intercalated Miocene siliciclastics and evaporites of Gemsa basin is crucial for understanding early rift tectonics of the Gulf of Suez, pinpointing the timing of isolation of the Gulf from the Mediterranean, and developing exploration plays. Evaporites of the Kareem Formation comprise celestites and massive, 'chicken-wire,' and laminated anhydrites. Although previously interpreted as sabkha deposits; sedimentologic, petrographic, and paleontologic analyses indicate these evaporites more likely formed in a submarine setting. Marls that encase the evaporites contain a diverse and abundant assemblage of nannoplankton, planktonic foraminifera, diatoms, pteropods, and fish scales indicative of basinal deposition. Associated turbidites alsomore » denote deep-water sedimentation. The paucity of benthic diatoms and foraminifera, plus the presence of unburrowed shales, phosphate nodules, early ferroan carbonate cements, and authigenic pyrite, suggest periodic anoxic, or at least disaerobic, bottom waters. These sequences probably represent partial isolation of the Gulf of Suez by middle Miocene, producing periodic basin restriction and evaporative drawdown. Episodes of increasing salinity likely caused the progressive decreases in foram abundance and diversity in marls beneath the anhydrites, culminating in subaqueous evaporite formation. Diverse, indigenous nannoplankton assemblages from shale seams within the anhydrites suggest Gemsa basin was stratified; shallow open-marine conditions coexisted with anhydrite crystallization from deeper hypersaline waters.« less

Uncovering the Role of BMP Signaling in Melanocyte Development and Melanoma Tumorigenesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

Cell Cycle, one lecture (0.5hr), one discussion group (2hr) 2011, 2015 Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. Co-coordinator, two lectures and 2011-2012...of GDF6 levels has profound effects on cell viability and tumorigenic potential. Task 2: Use established screening procedures in zebrafish to...Molecular Medicine and Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School Albert Sherman Center, AS6.1041

An ingredient for the elixir of youth.

PubMed

Andersen, Rebecca E; Lim, Daniel A

2014-12-01

Emerging evidence indicates that there are factors within the blood of young animals that have the ability to restore youthful characteristics to a number of organ systems in older animals. Growth/differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is the first of such factors to be identified, and two new studies demonstrate that this "factor of youth" rejuvenates stem cells found in the skeletal muscle and brain of aged mice.

Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the Prevention of Bone Fractures

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-01

falls and fractures . Yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related muscle wasting, and the ability of muscle to promote bone formation and... mechanical relationship between muscle and bone. On the other hand, a large portion of osteoporotic fractures do not occur in individuals with low bone... fracture healing, are unknown. We have focused our research on the role of myostatin (GDF-8) in muscle-bone interactions in order to develop more

Egypt and Red Sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A panaramic view of eastern Egypt, The Red Sea and Saudi Arabia beyond (24.0N, 33.0E). In this desert country, where water is life, the high Aswan Dam and the impounded waters of the Nile River in the foreground assure water availability into the next century. The Red Sea beyond, part of the Suez Canal seaway, serves as a commercial link to the world and separates Egypt from Saudi Arabia.

GT-12 - EARTH SKY - UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC (EGYPT)

NASA Image and Video Library

1966-11-14

S66-63533 (14 Nov. 1966) --- United Arab Republic (Egypt) area as seen from the Gemini-12 spacecraft during its 39th revolution of Earth, looking southeast. Nile River is in center of picture. At bottom center is the Sinai Peninsula. Arabian Peninsula is at lower left. Large body of water is Red Sea. Gulf of Aqaba is on east side of Sinai Peninsula. Gulf of Suez separates Sinai from Egyptian mainland. Photo credit: NASA

Naval War College Review. Volume 67, Number 2, Spring 2014

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

and Bosporus, and the Suez Canal, an artificial waterway� The H O L M E S 4 3 South China Sea, similarly, is ringed by continental Southeast Asia, a...that spun a propeller-geared turbine at nearly twenty thousand revolutions per minute� A submarine operating such a closed-cycle system could...remain submerged as long as its fuel supply permitted� However, the Walter turbine required colossal amounts of fuel to meet even modest performance

The genetic architecture of microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma.

PubMed

Williamson, Kathleen A; FitzPatrick, David R

2014-08-01

Microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC) are distinct phenotypes that represent a continuum of structural developmental eye defects. In severe bilateral cases (anophthalmia or severe microphthalmia) the genetic cause is now identifiable in approximately 80 percent of cases, with de novo heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in SOX2 or OTX2 being the most common. The genetic cause of other forms of MAC, in particular isolated coloboma, remains unknown in the majority of cases. This review will focus on MAC phenotypes that are associated with mutation of the genes SOX2, OTX2, PAX6, STRA6, ALDH1A3, RARB, VSX2, RAX, FOXE3, BMP4, BMP7, GDF3, GDF6, ABCB6, ATOH7, C12orf57, TENM3 (ODZ3), and VAX1. Recently reported mutation of the SALL2 and YAP1 genes are discussed in brief. Clinical and genetic features were reviewed in a total of 283 unrelated MAC cases or families that were mutation-positive from these 20 genes. Both the relative frequency of mutations in MAC cohort screens and the level of confidence in the assignment of disease-causing status were evaluated for each gene. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

New extracellular factors in glioblastoma multiforme development: neurotensin, growth differentiation factor-15, sphingosine-1-phosphate and cytomegalovirus infection

PubMed Central

Korbecki, Jan; Gutowska, Izabela; Kojder, Ireneusz; Jeżewski, Dariusz; Goschorska, Marta; Łukomska, Agnieszka; Lubkowska, Anna; Chlubek, Dariusz; Baranowska-Bosiacka, Irena

2018-01-01

Recent years have seen considerable progress in understanding the biochemistry of cancer. For example, more significance is now assigned to the tumor microenvironment, especially with regard to intercellular signaling in the tumor niche which depends on many factors secreted by tumor cells. In addition, great progress has been made in understanding the influence of factors such as neurotensin, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) on the ‘hallmarks of cancer’ in glioblastoma multiforme. Therefore, in the present work we describe the influence of these factors on the proliferation and apoptosis of neoplastic cells, cancer stem cells, angiogenesis, migration and invasion, and cancer immune evasion in a glioblastoma multiforme tumor. In particular, we discuss the effect of neurotensin, GDF-15, S1P (including the drug FTY720), and infection with CMV on tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), microglial cells, neutrophil and regulatory T cells (Treg), on the tumor microenvironment. In order to better understand the role of the aforementioned factors in tumoral processes, we outline the latest models of intratumoral heterogeneity in glioblastoma multiforme. Based on the most recent reports, we discuss the problems of multi-drug therapy in treating glioblastoma multiforme. PMID:29467963

Molecular Study of a Hoxa2 Gain-of-Function in Chondrogenesis: A Model of Idiopathic Proportionate Short Stature

PubMed Central

Deprez, Pierre M. L.; Nichane, Miloud G.; Lengelé, Benoît G.; Rezsöhazy, René; Nyssen-Behets, Catherine

2013-01-01

In a previous study using transgenic mice ectopically expressing Hoxa2 during chondrogenesis, we associated the animal phenotype to human idiopathic proportionate short stature. Our analysis showed that this overall size reduction was correlated with a negative influence of Hoxa2 at the first step of endochondral ossification. However, the molecular pathways leading to such phenotype are still unknown. Using protein immunodetection and histological techniques comparing transgenic mice to controls, we show here that the persistent expression of Hoxa2 in chondrogenic territories provokes a general down-regulation of the main factors controlling the differentiation cascade, such as Bapx1, Bmp7, Bmpr1a, Ihh, Msx1, Pax9, Sox6, Sox9 and Wnt5a. These data confirm the impairment of chondrogenic differentiation by Hoxa2 overexpression. They also show a selective effect of Hoxa2 on endochondral ossification processes since Gdf5 and Gdf10, and Bmp4 or PthrP were up-regulated and unmodified, respectively. Since Hoxa2 deregulation in mice induces a proportionate short stature phenotype mimicking human idiopathic conditions, our results give an insight into understanding proportionate short stature pathogenesis by highlighting molecular factors whose combined deregulation may be involved in such a disease. PMID:24129174

WFIKKN1 and WFIKKN2: "Companion" proteins regulating TGFB activity.

PubMed

Monestier, Olivier; Blanquet, Véronique

2016-12-01

The WFIKKN (WAP, Follistatin/kazal, Immunoglobulin, Kunitz and Netrin domain-containing) protein family is composed of two multidomain proteins: WFIKKN1 and WFIKKN2. They were formed by domain shuffling and are likely present in deuterostoms. The WFIKKN (also called GASP) proteins are well known for their function in muscle and skeletal tissues, namely, inhibition of certain members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) superfamily such as myostatin (MSTN) and growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11). However, the role of the WFIKKN proteins in other tissues is still poorly understood in spite of evidence suggesting possible action in the inner ear, brain and reproduction. Further, several recent studies based on next generation technologies revealed differential expression of WFIKKN1 and WFIKKN2 in various tissues suggesting that their function is not limited to MSTN and GDF11 inhibition in musculoskeletal tissue. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the WFIKKN proteins and propose that they are "companion" proteins for various growth factors by providing localized and sustained presentation of TGFB proteins to their respective receptors, thus regulating the balance between the activation of Smad and non-Smad pathways by TGFB. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Stemness Genes Predicted to Regulate RNA Splicing, microRNA and Oncogenic Signaling are Associated with Prostate Cancer Survival.

PubMed

Freedman, Jennifer A; Wang, Yanru; Li, Xuechan; Liu, Hongliang; Moorman, Patricia G; George, Daniel J; Lee, Norman H; Hyslop, Terry; Wei, Qingyi; Patierno, Steven R

2018-05-03

Prostate cancer is a clinically and molecularly heterogeneous disease, with variation in outcomes only partially predicted by grade and stage. Additional tools to distinguish indolent from aggressive disease are needed. Phenotypic characteristics of stemness correlate with poor cancer prognosis. Given this correlation, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of stemness-related genes and examined their associations with prostate cancer survival. SNPs within stemness-related genes were analyzed for association with overall survival of prostate cancer in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Significant SNPs predicted to be functional were selected for linkage disequilibrium analysis and combined and stratified analyses. Identified SNPs were evaluated for association with gene expression. SNPs of CD44 (rs9666607), ABCC1 (rs35605 and rs212091) and GDF15 (rs1058587) were associated with prostate cancer survival and predicted to be functional. A role for rs9666607 of CD44 and rs35605 of ABCC1 in RNA splicing regulation, rs212091 of ABCC1 in miRNA binding site activity and rs1058587 of GDF15 in causing an amino acid change was predicted. These SNPs represent potential novel prognostic markers for overall survival of prostate cancer and support a contribution of the stemness pathway to prostate cancer patient outcome.

[Low expression of activin A in mouse and human embryonic teratocarcinoma cells].

PubMed

Gordeeva, O F

2014-01-01

TGFP3 family factors play an important role in regulating the balance of self-renewal and differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem and embryonic teratocarcinoma cells. The expression patterns of TGFbeta family signaling ligands and functional roles of these signaling pathways differ significantly in mouse and human embryonic stem cells, but the activity and functional role of these factors in mouse and human embryonic teratocarcinoma cells were not sufficiently investigated. Comparative quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the expression of TGF@[beta] family factors in mouse embryonic stem, embryonic germ, and embryonic teratocarcinoma cells showed that embryonic teratocarcinoma cells express lower ActivinA than pluripotent stem cells but similar levels of factors Nodal, Lefty 1, TGFbeta1, BMP4, and GDF3. In human nullipotent embryonic teratocarcinoma PA-1 cells, most factors of the TGFbeta family (ACTIVINA, NODAL, LEFTY 1, BMP4, and GDF3) are expressed at lower levels than in human embryonic stem cells: Thus, in mouse and human nullipotent teratocarcinoma cells, theexpression of ActivinA is significantly reduced com- pared ivith embryonic stem cells. Presumably, these differences may be associated with changes in the functional activity of the respective signaling pathways and deregulation of proliferative and antiproliferative mechanisms in embryonic teratocarcinoma cells.

Crustal and upper mantle structure of the north-east of Egypt and the Afro-Arabian plate boundary region from Rayleigh-wave analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corchete, V.; Chourak, M.; Hussein, H. M.; Atiya, K.; Timoulali, Y.

2017-05-01

The crustal and mantle structure of the north-eastern part of Egypt and the surrounding area is shown by means of S-velocity maps for depths ranging from zero to 45 km, determined by the regionalization and inversion of Rayleigh-wave dispersion. This analysis shows several types of crust with an average S-velocity ranging from 2.5 to 3.9 km/s. The values of S-velocity range from 2.5 km/s at the surface to 3.4 km/s at 10 km depth for the Sinai Peninsula, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, Dead Sea, western part of Dead sea and Arabian Plate. In the lower crust, the values of the S-velocity reach 4.0 km/s. In the uppermost mantle, the S-velocities range from 4.4 to 4.7 km/s. The crustal thickness ranges from the oceanic thin crust (around 15-20 km of thickness), for Red Sea and the extended continental margins, to 35-45 km of thickness for the Arabian plate. A gradual increasing crustal thickness is observed from north-east to south-west. While the Moho is located at 30-35 km of depth under the Sinai Peninsula, Gulf of Aqaba, Dead Sea Fault (DSF) and Dead Sea, a thinner crust (20-25 km of thickness) is found at the east of DSF and under the northern and the southern part of the Gulf of Suez. The crustal thickness varies within Sinai from the southern edge to the north, which provided an evidence for the presence of an Early Mesozoic passive margin with thinned continental crust in the north of Sinai. The change of crustal structure between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez is due to the different tectonic and geodynamic processes affecting Sinai. In general, our results are consistent with surface geology and the Moho depth inferred from reflection and refraction data, receiver function, surface-wave analysis and P-S tomography. The strong variations in the base of the Moho reflect the complex evolution of the African and Arabian plate boundary region.

The Volcanic Myths of the Red Sea - Temporal Relationship Between Magmatism and Rifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stockli, D. F.; Bosworth, W.

2017-12-01

The Cenozoic Red Sea is one of the premier examples of continental rifting and active break-up. It has been cited as an example for both prototypical volcanic, pure shear rift systems with limited crustal stretching as well as magma-poor simple-shear rifting and highly asymmetric rift margins characterized by low-angle normal faults. In light of voluminous Oligocene continental flood basalts in the Afar/Ethiopian region, the Red Sea has often been viewed as a typical volcanic rift, despite evidence for asymmetric extension and hyperextended crust (Zabargad Island). An in-depth analysis of the timing, spatial distribution, and nature of Red Sea volcanism and its relationship to late Cenozoic extensional faulting should shed light on some of the misconceptions. The Eocene appearance of the East African super-plume was not accompanied by any recognized significant extensional faulting or rift-basin formation. The first phase of volcanism more closely associated with the Red Sea occurred in northern Ethiopia and western Yemen at 31-30 Ma and was synchronous with the onset of continental extension in the Gulf of Aden. Early Oligocene volcanism has also been documented in southern and central Saudi Arabia and southern Sudan. However, this voluminous Oligocene volcanism entirely predates Red Sea extensional faulting and rift formation. Marking the onset of Red Sea rifting, widespread, spatially synchronous intrusion of basaltic dikes occurred at 24-21 Ma along the entire Red Sea-Gulf of Suez rift and continuing into northern Egypt. While the initiation of lithospheric extension in the central and northern and central Red Sea and Gulf of Suez was accompanied by only sparse basaltic volcanism and possible underplating, the main phase of rifting in the Miocene Red Sea/Gulf of Suez completely lacks any significant rift-related volcanism, suggesting plate-boundary forces probably drove overall separation of Arabia from Africa. During progressive rifting, there is also no

Electronic structure of gadolinium complexes in ZnO in the GW approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosa, A. L.; Frauenheim, Th.

2018-04-01

The role of intrinsic defects has been investigated to determine binding energies and the electronic structure of Gd complexes in ZnO. We use density-functional theory and the GW method to show that the presence of vacancies and interstitials affect the electronic structure of Gd doped ZnO. However, the strong localization of the Gd-f and d states suggest that carrier mediated ferromagnetism in this material may be difficult to achieve.

Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt at Night (NASA, International Space Station Science, 10:28:10)

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-11-02

From 220 miles above Earth, one of the Expedition 25 crew members on the International Space Station took this night time photo featuring the bright lights of Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt on the Mediterranean coast. The Nile River and its delta stand out clearly as well. On the horizon, the airglow of the atmosphere is seen across the Mediterranean. The Sinai Peninsula, at right, is outlined with lights highlighting the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba. Credit: NASA

Earth Observations taken by STS-119 Crewmember.

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-27

S119-E-010839 (27 March 2009) --- On its final full day in space before its scheduled return home on March 28, the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery took some pictures of the home planet, including this one of the Sinai Peninsula. The frame shows part of the Red Sea (top), Gulf of Suez (right of center), Nile River (far right edge), Gulf of Aqaba (center frame) and parts of the nations of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Unchained Interests: American-British-Dutch-Australian Command 1942

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

DSO), the Dutch Militaire Willems Orde (MWO), the highest Dutch decoration for valor 1C. E . L. Helfrich, Memoires van C.E.L. Helfrich, Eerste Deel: De...British imperial naval defense system east of the Suez.57 It aimed to deter Japanese aggression by building a large naval base and basing 55C. E . L...clearly signaled the power transition that had emerged in Southeast Asia— the Americans only wanted to discuss strategic matters with the 68David E

CTC Sentinel. Volume 6, Issue 11-12, November 2013

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-01

Libyan government today seeks only to strengthen its existence and power through presenting loyalty to these belligerent countries and offering...opened fire at customs police in Port Said near the Suez Canal, killing one person. – Bloomberg October 8 October 8, 2013 (IRAQ): A car bomb exploded...in front of a restaurant in the mainly Shi`a neighborhood of Zafaraniyya, killing three people. – AP, October 8 NOvEMBER 2013 . VoL 6. IssUE 11-12

Deep microbial life in the Altmark natural gas reservoir: baseline characterization prior CO2 injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozova, Daria; Shaheed, Mina; Vieth, Andrea; Krüger, Martin; Kock, Dagmar; Würdemann, Hilke

2010-05-01

the quantification of those microorganisms as well as the determination of microbial activity was not yet possible. Microbial monitoring methods have to be further developed to study microbial activities under these extreme conditions to access their influence on the EGR technique and on enhancing the long term safety of the process by fixation of carbon dioxide by precipitation of carbonates. We would like to thank GDF SUEZ for providing the data for the Rotliegend reservoir, sample material and enabling sampling campaigns. The CLEAN project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in the frame of the Geotechnologien Program.

Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Changes on Restaging Computed Tomography Scans in Two Thirds of Testicular Cancer Patients Show No Correlation With Fibrosis Markers.

PubMed

den Hollander, Martha W; Westerink, Nico-Derk L; Lubberts, Sjoukje; Bongaerts, Alfons H H; Wolf, Rienhart F E; Altena, Renska; Nuver, Janine; Oosting, Sjoukje F; de Vries, Elisabeth G E; Walenkamp, Anna M E; Meijer, Coby; Gietema, Jourik A

2016-08-01

In metastatic testicular cancer patients treated with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy, bleomycin-induced pneumonitis is a well-known and potentially fatal side effect. We sought to determine the prevalence of lesions as signs of bleomycin-induced pulmonary changes on restaging computed tomography (CT) scans after treatment and to ascertain whether fibrosis markers were predictive of these changes. This prospective nonrandomized cohort study included metastatic testicular cancer patients, 18-50 years of age, treated with BEP chemotherapy. Restaging CT scans were examined for lesions as signs of bleomycin-induced pulmonary changes by two independent radiologists and graded as minor, moderate, or severe. Plasma samples were collected before, during, and after treatment and were quantified for transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). In total, 66 patients were included: forty-five (68%) showed signs of bleomycin-induced pulmonary changes on the restaging CT scan, 37 of which were classified as minor and 8 as moderate. No differences in TGF-β1, GDF-15, or hs-CRP plasma levels were found between these groups. Bleomycin-induced pulmonary changes are common on restaging CT scans after BEP chemotherapy for metastatic testicular cancer. Changes in TGF-β1, GDF-15, and hs-CRP plasma levels do not differ between patients with and without radiological lesions as signs of bleomycin-induced pulmonary changes and are therefore not helpful as predictive biomarkers. Bleomycin-induced pneumonitis (BIP) is a well-known and potentially fatal side effect in metastatic testicular cancer patients treated with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin chemotherapy. Currently, the decision to discontinue bleomycin administration is made during treatment and is based on clinical signs. An upfront or early marker or biomarker that identifies patients likely to develop BIP would be

Defense Policy and Low-Intensity Conflict. The Development of Britain’s ’Small Wars’ Doctrine During the 1950s

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

United States was spending as a pro- portion of its national income. Ibid., p. 52. 5William Wallace, "World Status Without Tears," in Bogdanor and... Bogdanor , Vernon, and Robert Skidelsky (eds.), The Age of Affluence, 1951-1964, Macmillan, London, 1970. Bowie, Robert R., Suez 1956, Oxford...1986. Wallace, William, "World Status Without Tears," in Bogdanor and Skidelsky, 1970., Wolffe, Jim, "Powell Rejects Plan to Loosen Special Operations Leash," The Army Times, 16 July 1990, p. 12.

Rare variants in the notch signaling pathway describe a novel type of autosomal recessive Klippel-Feil syndrome.

PubMed

Karaca, Ender; Yuregir, Ozge O; Bozdogan, Sevcan T; Aslan, Huseyin; Pehlivan, Davut; Jhangiani, Shalini N; Akdemir, Zeynep C; Gambin, Tomasz; Bayram, Yavuz; Atik, Mehmed M; Erdin, Serkan; Muzny, Donna; Gibbs, Richard A; Lupski, James R

2015-11-01

Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare disorder represented by a subgroup of segmentation defects of the vertebrae and characterized by fusion of the cervical vertebrae, low posterior hairline, and short neck with limited motion. Both autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance patterns were reported in families with Klippel-Feil. Mutated genes for both dominant (GDF6 and GDF3) and recessive (MEOX1) forms of Klippel-Feil syndrome have been shown to be involved in somite development via transcription regulation and signaling pathways. Heterotaxy arises from defects in proteins that function in the development of left-right asymmetry of the developing embryo. We describe a consanguineous family with a male proband who presents with classical Klippel-Feil syndrome together with heterotaxy (situs inversus totalis). The present patient also had Sprengel's deformity, deformity of the sternum, and a solitary kidney. Using exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous frameshift mutation (c.299delT; p.L100fs) in RIPPLY2, a gene shown to play a crucial role in somitogenesis and participate in the Notch signaling pathway via negatively regulating Tbx6. Our data confirm RIPPLY2 as a novel gene for autosomal recessive Klippel-Feil syndrome, and in addition-from a mechanistic standpoint-suggest the possibility that mutations in RIPPLY2 could also lead to heterotaxy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The enrichment of an alkaliphilic biofilm consortia capable of the anaerobic degradation of isosaccharinic acid from cellulosic materials incubated within an anthropogenic, hyperalkaline environment.

PubMed

Charles, C J; Rout, S P; Garratt, E J; Patel, K; Laws, A P; Humphreys, P N

2015-08-01

Anthropogenic hyperalkaline sites provide an environment that is analogous to proposed cementitious geological disposal facilities (GDF) for radioactive waste. Under anoxic, alkaline conditions cellulosic wastes will hydrolyze to a range of cellulose degradation products (CDP) dominated by isosaccharinic acids (ISA). In order to investigate the potential for microbial activity in a cementitious GDF, cellulose samples were incubated in the alkaline (∼pH 12), anaerobic zone of a lime kiln waste site. Following retrieval, these samples had undergone partial alkaline hydrolysis and were colonized by a Clostridia-dominated biofilm community, where hydrogenotrophic, alkaliphilic methanogens were also present. When these samples were used to establish an alkaline CDP fed microcosm, the community shifted away from Clostridia, methanogens became undetectable and a flocculate community dominated by Alishewanella sp. established. These flocs were composed of bacteria embedded in polysaccharides and proteins stabilized by extracellular DNA. This community was able to degrade all forms of ISA with >60% of the carbon flow being channelled into extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production. This study demonstrated that alkaliphilic microbial communities can degrade the CDP associated with some radioactive waste disposal concepts at pH 11. These communities divert significant amounts of degradable carbon to EPS formation, suggesting that EPS has a central role in the protection of these communities from hyperalkaline conditions. © FEMS 2015.

Nile River Delta, Egypt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

The Nile River Delta of Egypt (30.0N, 31.0E) irrigated by the Nile River and its many distributaries, is some of the richest farm land in the world and home to some 45 million people, over half of Egypt's population. The capital city of Cairo is at the apex of the delta. Just across the river from Cairo can be seen the ancient three big pyramids and sphinx at Giza and the Suez Canal is just to the right of the delta.

Eastern Egypt, Red Sea and Saudi Arabia

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-04-29

STS031-79-015 (24-29 April 1990) --- The 330-plus nautical mile orbital altitude of the Space Shuttle Discovery allowed for this unique high oblique 70mm Hasselblad frame. Egypt is in the foreground, with the Nile River and Lake Nasser readily identifiable. Cairo and Alexandria are visible. The Mediterranean Sea is on the horizon in upper left. The Red Sea is in the center. Other areas seen include Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine and Israel; the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez.

Nile River Delta, Egypt

NASA Image and Video Library

1984-10-13

The Nile River Delta of Egypt (30.0N, 31.0E) irrigated by the Nile River and its many distributaries, is some of the richest farm land in the world and home to some 45 million people, over half of Egypt's population. The capital city of Cairo is at the apex of the delta. Just across the river from Cairo can be seen the ancient three big pyramids and sphinx at Giza and the Suez Canal is just to the right of the delta.

Night Earth Observation taken by the Expedition 25 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-10-28

ISS025-E-009858 (28 Oct. 2010) --- From 220 miles above Earth, one of the Expedition 25 crew members on the International Space Station took this night time photo featuring the bright lights of Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt on the Mediterranean coast. The Nile River and its delta stand out clearly as well. On the horizon, the airglow of the atmosphere is seen across the Mediterranean. The Sinai Peninsula, at right, is outlined with lights highlighting the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba.

Israeli Operational Art: The Six Day War -- How the Israeli Defense Forces Achieved Overwhelming Success Against Overwhelming Odds

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-04

one side and Saudis on the other. Denial of access to Eilat was as simple as a ground force near Sharm el-Sheikh postured to threaten shipping from...objectives. General Gavish in the South was to encircle and destroy the Egyptian Army on the Sinai, and capture Sharm el-Sheik in order to control the...amphibious vessels at Eilat, the IDF caused almost one- third of the Egyptian fleet to transit the Suez Canal to the Red Sea in order to protect Sharm el

Revisiting Seafloor-Spreading in the Red Sea: Basement Nature, Transforms and Ocean-Continent Boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tapponnier, P.; Dyment, J.; Zinger, M. A.; Franken, D.; Afifi, A. M.; Wyllie, A.; Ali, H. G.; Hanbal, I.

2013-12-01

A new marine geophysical survey on the Saudi Arabian side of the Red Sea confirms early inferences that ~ 2/3 of the eastern Red Sea is floored by oceanic crust. Most seismic profiles south of 24°N show a strongly reflective, landward-deepening volcanic basement up to ~ 100 km east of the axial ridge, beneath thick evaporitic deposits. This position of the Ocean-Continent Boundary (OCB) is consistent with gravity measurements. The low amplitudes and long wavelengths of magnetic anomalies older than Chrons 1-3 can be accounted for by low-pass filtering due to thick sediments. Seafloor-spreading throughout the Red Sea started around 15 Ma, as in the western Gulf of Aden. Its onset was coeval with the activation of the Aqaba/Levant transform and short-cutting of the Gulf of Suez. The main difference between the southern and northern Red Sea lies not in the nature of the crust but in the direction and modulus of the plate motion rate. The ~ 30° counterclockwise strike change and halving of the spreading rate (~ 16 to ~ 8 mm/yr) between the Hermil (17°N) and Suez triple junctions results in a shift from slow (≈ North Atlantic) to highly oblique, ultra-slow (≈ Southwest Indian) ridge type. The obliquity of spreading in the central and northern basins is taken up by transform discontinuities that stop ~ 40 km short of the coastline, at the OCB. Three large transform fault systems (Jeddah, Zabargad, El Akhawein) nucleated as continental transfer faults reactivating NNE-trending Proterozoic shear zones. The former two systems divide the Red Sea into three main basins. Between ~15 and ~5 Ma, for about 10 million years, thick evaporites were deposited directly on top of oceanic crust in deep water, as the depositional environment, modulated by climate, became restricted by the Suez and Afar/Bab-el-Mandeb volcano-tectonic 'flood-gates.' The presence of these thick deposits (up to ~ 8 km) suffices to account for the difference between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden

Nile Delta, Egypt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

The Nile Delta of Egypt (30.0N, 31.0E) irrigated by the Nile River and its many distributaries, is some of the richest farm land in the world and home to some 45 million people, over half of Egypt's population of 57 million. The capital city of Cairo is at the apex of the delta in the middle of the scene. Across the river from Cairo can be seen the three big pyramids and sphinx at Giza and the Suez Canal is just to the right of the delta.

Gonadotropin and intra-ovarian signals regulating follicle development and atresia: the delicate balance between life and death.

PubMed

Craig, Jesse; Orisaka, Makoto; Wang, Hongmei; Orisaka, Sanae; Thompson, Winston; Zhu, Cheng; Kotsuji, Fumikazu; Tsang, Benjamin K

2007-05-01

Regulation of mammalian follicular development is tightly regulated by both cell death and survival signals, including endocrine (e.g. gonadotropin) and intra-ovarian regulators (e.g. Nodal and GDF9). The destiny of the individual follicle (growth/ovulation or atresia) is dependent on a delicate balance in the expression and action of factors promoting follicular cell proliferation, growth and differentiation, and of those promoting programmed cell death (apoptosis). Development of the follicle from the primordial to preantral stage is regulated by oocyte-derived factors including GDF9 and BMP15, and is not dependent on gonadotropin support (gonadotropin-independent stage). As the follicle transits into the early antral stage it becomes responsive to gonadotropin (gonadotropin-responsive stages) and further development renders the follicle completely dependent on the presence of gonadotropin while modulated by intra-ovarian regulators (gonadotropin-dependent). Follicle fate is also regulated by pro-apoptotic factors such as the intraovarian regulator Nodal, which is secreted by the theca and promotes apoptosis of differentiated granulosa cells through a mechanism involving Smad2 signaling and suppression of the PI3K/Akt pathway. The intracellular protein prohibitin (PHB) appears to have a dual role during folliculogenesis; acting as a cell survival factor in undifferentiated cells, and as a pro-apoptotic factor following differentiation. Further investigations of the interplay between these endocrine and ovarian regulators will lead to a better understanding into the regulation of follicular development and atresia, allowing development of new techniques for assisted reproduction.

Molecular findings and clinical data in a cohort of 150 patients with anophthalmia/microphthalmia.

PubMed

Chassaing, N; Causse, A; Vigouroux, A; Delahaye, A; Alessandri, J-L; Boespflug-Tanguy, O; Boute-Benejean, O; Dollfus, H; Duban-Bedu, B; Gilbert-Dussardier, B; Giuliano, F; Gonzales, M; Holder-Espinasse, M; Isidor, B; Jacquemont, M-L; Lacombe, D; Martin-Coignard, D; Mathieu-Dramard, M; Odent, S; Picone, O; Pinson, L; Quelin, C; Sigaudy, S; Toutain, A; Thauvin-Robinet, C; Kaplan, Josseline; Calvas, Patrick

2014-10-01

Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (AM) are the most severe malformations of the eye, corresponding respectively to reduced size or absent ocular globe. Wide genetic heterogeneity has been reported and different genes have been demonstrated to be causative of syndromic and non-syndromic forms of AM. We screened seven AM genes [GDF6 (growth differentiation factor 6), FOXE3 (forkhead box E3), OTX2 (orthodenticle protein homolog 2), PAX6 (paired box 6), RAX (retina and anterior neural fold homeobox), SOX2 (SRY sex determining region Y-box 2), and VSX2 (visual system homeobox 2 gene)] in a cohort of 150 patients with isolated or syndromic AM. The causative genetic defect was identified in 21% of the patients (32/150). Point mutations were identified by direct sequencing of these genes in 25 patients (13 in SOX2, 4 in RAX, 3 in OTX2, 2 in FOXE3, 1 in VSX2, 1 in PAX6, and 1 in GDF6). In addition eight gene deletions (five SOX2, two OTX2 and one RAX) were identified using a semi-quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [quantitative multiplex PCR amplification of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF)]. The causative genetic defect was identified in 21% of the patients. This result contributes to our knowledge of the molecular basis of AM, and will facilitate accurate genetic counselling. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Two novel disease-causing variants in BMPR1B are associated with brachydactyly type A1.

PubMed

Racacho, Lemuel; Byrnes, Ashley M; MacDonald, Heather; Dranse, Helen J; Nikkel, Sarah M; Allanson, Judith; Rosser, Elisabeth; Underhill, T Michael; Bulman, Dennis E

2015-12-01

Brachydactyly type A1 is an autosomal dominant disorder primarily characterized by hypoplasia/aplasia of the middle phalanges of digits 2-5. Human and mouse genetic perturbations in the BMP-SMAD signaling pathway have been associated with many brachymesophalangies, including BDA1, as causative mutations in IHH and GDF5 have been previously identified. GDF5 interacts directly as the preferred ligand for the BMP type-1 receptor BMPR1B and is important for both chondrogenesis and digit formation. We report pathogenic variants in BMPR1B that are associated with complex BDA1. A c.975A>C (p.(Lys325Asn)) was identified in the first patient displaying absent middle phalanges and shortened distal phalanges of the toes in addition to the significant shortening of middle phalanges in digits 2, 3 and 5 of the hands. The second patient displayed a combination of brachydactyly and arachnodactyly. The sequencing of BMPR1B in this individual revealed a novel c.447-1G>A at a canonical acceptor splice site of exon 8, which is predicted to create a novel acceptor site, thus leading to a translational reading frameshift. Both mutations are most likely to act in a dominant-negative manner, similar to the effects observed in BMPR1B mutations that cause BDA2. These findings demonstrate that BMPR1B is another gene involved with the pathogenesis of BDA1 and illustrates the continuum of phenotypes between BDA1 and BDA2.

Inflammasome-driven catecholamine catabolism in macrophages blunts lipolysis in the aged

PubMed Central

Camell, Christina D.; Sander, Jil; Spadaro, Olga; Lee, Aileen; Nguyen, Kim Y.; Wing, Allison; Goldberg, Emily L.; Youm, Yun-Hee; Brown, Chester W.; Elsworth, John; Rodeheffer, Matthew S.; Schultze, Joachim L.; Dixit, Vishwa Deep

2017-01-01

Catecholamine-induced lipolysis, the first step in generation of energy substrates through hydrolysis of triglycerides (TGs) 1, declines with age 2,3. The defect in mobilization of free fatty acids (FFA) in elderly is accompanied with increased visceral adiposity, lower exercise capacity, failure to maintain core body temperature during cold stress, and reduced ability to survive starvation. While catecholamine signaling in adipocytes is normal in elderly, how lipolysis is impaired in aging remains unknown 2,4. Here we uncover that the adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) regulate age-related reduction in adipocyte lipolysis by lowering the bioavailability of norepinephrine (NE). Unexpectedly, unbiased whole transcriptome analyses of adipose macrophages revealed that aging upregulates genes controlling catecholamine degradation in an NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent manner. Deletion of NLRP3 in aging restored catecholamine-induced lipolysis through downregulation of growth differentiation factor-3 (GDF3) and monoamine oxidase-a (MAOA) that is known to degrade NE. Consistent with this, deletion of GDF3 in inflammasome-activated macrophages improved lipolysis by decreasing MAOA and caspase-1. Furthermore, inhibition of MAOA reversed age-related reduction in adipose tissue NE concentration and restored lipolysis with increased levels of key lipolytic enzymes, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone sensitive lipase (HSL). Our study reveals that targeting neuro-innate signaling between sympathetic nervous system and macrophages may offer new approaches to mitigate chronic inflammation-induced metabolic impairment and functional decline. PMID:28953873

Transcriptomic profiling of TK2 deficient human skeletal muscle suggests a role for the p53 signalling pathway and identifies growth and differentiation factor-15 as a potential novel biomarker for mitochondrial myopathies

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Mutations in the gene encoding thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) result in the myopathic form of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome which is a mitochondrial encephalomyopathy presenting in children. In order to unveil some of the mechanisms involved in this pathology and to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets we have investigated the gene expression profile of human skeletal muscle deficient for TK2 using cDNA microarrays. Results We have analysed the whole transcriptome of skeletal muscle from patients with TK2 mutations and compared it to normal muscle and to muscle from patients with other mitochondrial myopathies. We have identified a set of over 700 genes which are differentially expressed in TK2 deficient muscle. Bioinformatics analysis reveals important changes in muscle metabolism, in particular, in glucose and glycogen utilisation, and activation of the starvation response which affects aminoacid and lipid metabolism. We have identified those transcriptional regulators which are likely to be responsible for the observed changes in gene expression. Conclusion Our data point towards the tumor suppressor p53 as the regulator at the centre of a network of genes which are responsible for a coordinated response to TK2 mutations which involves inflammation, activation of muscle cell death by apoptosis and induction of growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in muscle and serum. We propose that GDF-15 may represent a potential novel biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction although further studies are required. PMID:24484525

Transcription factor ERG and joint and articular cartilage formation during mouse limb and spine skeletogenesis.

PubMed

Iwamoto, Masahiro; Tamamura, Yoshihiro; Koyama, Eiki; Komori, Toshihisa; Takeshita, Nobuo; Williams, Julie A; Nakamura, Takashi; Enomoto-Iwamoto, Motomi; Pacifici, Maurizio

2007-05-01

Articular cartilage and synovial joints are critical for skeletal function, but the mechanisms regulating their development are largely unknown. In previous studies we found that the ets transcription factor ERG and its alternatively-spliced variant C-1-1 have roles in joint formation in chick. Here, we extended our studies to mouse. We found that ERG is also expressed in developing mouse limb joints. To test regulation of ERG expression, beads coated with the joint master regulator protein GDF-5 were implanted close to incipient joints in mouse limb explants; this led to rapid and strong ectopic ERG expression. We cloned and characterized several mammalian ERG variants and expressed a human C-1-1 counterpart (hERG3Delta81) throughout the cartilaginous skeleton of transgenic mice, using Col2a1 gene promoter/enhancer sequences. The skeletal phenotype was severe and neonatal lethal, and the transgenic mice were smaller than wild type littermates and their skeletons were largely cartilaginous. Limb long bone anlagen were entirely composed of chondrocytes actively expressing collagen IX and aggrecan as well as articular markers such as tenascin-C. Typical growth plates were absent and there was very low expression of maturation and hypertrophy markers, including Indian hedgehog, collagen X and MMP-13. The results suggest that ERG is part of molecular mechanisms leading chondrocytes into a permanent developmental path and become joint forming cells, and may do so by acting downstream of GDF-5.

Uncertainty Models for Knowledge-Based Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

sists of the subsets of a constituting the a-algebra A such that = Pr Note that the sum of (A over A in general exceeds unity or is divergent . (Of...f is a g.d.f. Hence, again PCf = -Pf I - Pf = Cf Now, analogous to Sklar’s Theroem mentioned previously, define ior any n a 1 C n U (SBVq n ((sBVq [0...then extends the following basic theroem in a natural way to the above example: The entropy of a joint probability function which has independent

The `advanced DIR-MCFC development' project, an overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kortbeek, P. J.; Ottervanger, R.

An overview is given of the approach and mid-term status of the joint European `Advanced DIR-MCFC Development' project, in which BCN, BG plc, GDF, ECN, Stork, Schelde and Sydkraft co-operate. Hospitals are identified as an attractive initial market for cogeneration direct internal reforming-molten carbonate fuel cell (DIR-MCFC) systems in the size of 400 kWe. Innovative system and stack design concepts are being developed for this application. The `SMARTER' system, based on DIR stacks, combines high electric efficiency and a wide operational window with optimal system simplicity and low cost.

Quantum-Chemical Study of the Adsorption of DMMP and Sarin on gamma-Al2O3

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

In this and in the following section, ∆Eads is not corrected for zero-point vibrational energy ( ZPE ); however, a counterpoise correction for basis set...Ångstroms and the bond angle is in degrees. Values in parentheses are BSSE-corrected (∆Eads C ) results. ∆Eads has not been corrected for ZPE . b 6-31G...sets. The ∆ Eads C values are given in parentheses. No ZPE corrections have been applied. e The basis sets used were 6-311G(df) for Sarin and for the Al

Microstructure related properties of gadolinium fluoride films deposited by molybdenum boat evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Y. H.; Wang, C. Y.; Qi, L. Q.; Liu, H.

2017-08-01

In order to optimize the performance of fluoride thin films in wavelength of Deep Ultraviolet (DUV), GdF3 single layers are prepared by thermal evaporation at different deposition temperatures on Fused Silica. Optical and structure properties of each sample are characterized. The results that the refrac-tive index increased gradually and the crystallization status becomes stronger with the temperature rising, the inhomogeneous of the thin films present linearity. The decrease total optical loss with deposited temper-ature is attributed to the higher packing density and lower optical absorption.

Characterization of the deep microbial life in the Altmark natural gas reservoir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozova, D.; Alawi, M.; Vieth-Hillebrand, A.; Kock, D.; Krüger, M.; Wuerdemann, H.; Shaheed, M.

2010-12-01

., Adicdovorax sp., Ralstonia sp., Pseudomonas sp.), thiosulfate-oxidising bacteria (Diaphorobacter sp.) and biocorrosive thermophilic microorganisms, which have not previously been cultivated. Furthermore, several uncultivated microorganisms were found, that were similar to representatives from other saline, hot, anoxic, deep environments. However, due to the hypersaline and hyperthermophilic reservoir conditions, cell numbers are low, so that the quantification of those microorganisms as well as the determination of microbial activity was not yet possible. Microbial monitoring methods have to be further developed to study microbial activities under these extreme conditions to access their influence on the EGR technique and on enhancing the long term safety of the process by fixation of carbon dioxide by precipitation of carbonates. We thank GDF SUEZ for providing the data for the Rotliegend reservoir, sample material and supporting sampling campaigns. The CLEAN project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in the framework of the GEOTECHNOLOGIEN Program.

Dynamics of wind setdown at Suez and the Eastern Nile Delta.

PubMed

Drews, Carl; Han, Weiqing

2010-08-30

Wind setdown is the drop in water level caused by wind stress acting on the surface of a body of water for an extended period of time. As the wind blows, water recedes from the upwind shore and exposes terrain that was formerly underwater. Previous researchers have suggested wind setdown as a possible hydrodynamic explanation for Moses crossing the Red Sea, as described in Exodus 14. This study analyzes the hydrodynamic mechanism proposed by earlier studies, focusing on the time needed to reach a steady-state solution. In addition, the authors investigate a site in the eastern Nile delta, where the ancient Pelusiac branch of the Nile once flowed into a coastal lagoon then known as the Lake of Tanis. We conduct a satellite and modeling survey to analyze this location, using geological evidence of the ancient bathymetry and a historical description of a strong wind event in 1882. A suite of model experiments are performed to demonstrate a new hydrodynamic mechanism that can cause an angular body of water to divide under wind stress, and to test the behavior of our study location and reconstructed topography. Under a uniform 28 m/s easterly wind forcing in the reconstructed model basin, the ocean model produces an area of exposed mud flats where the river mouth opens into the lake. This land bridge is 3-4 km long and 5 km wide, and it remains open for 4 hours. Model results indicate that navigation in shallow-water harbors can be significantly curtailed by wind setdown when strong winds blow offshore.

Dynamics of Wind Setdown at Suez and the Eastern Nile Delta

PubMed Central

Drews, Carl; Han, Weiqing

2010-01-01

Background Wind setdown is the drop in water level caused by wind stress acting on the surface of a body of water for an extended period of time. As the wind blows, water recedes from the upwind shore and exposes terrain that was formerly underwater. Previous researchers have suggested wind setdown as a possible hydrodynamic explanation for Moses crossing the Red Sea, as described in Exodus 14. Methodology/Principal Findings This study analyzes the hydrodynamic mechanism proposed by earlier studies, focusing on the time needed to reach a steady-state solution. In addition, the authors investigate a site in the eastern Nile delta, where the ancient Pelusiac branch of the Nile once flowed into a coastal lagoon then known as the Lake of Tanis. We conduct a satellite and modeling survey to analyze this location, using geological evidence of the ancient bathymetry and a historical description of a strong wind event in 1882. A suite of model experiments are performed to demonstrate a new hydrodynamic mechanism that can cause an angular body of water to divide under wind stress, and to test the behavior of our study location and reconstructed topography. Conclusions/Significance Under a uniform 28 m/s easterly wind forcing in the reconstructed model basin, the ocean model produces an area of exposed mud flats where the river mouth opens into the lake. This land bridge is 3–4 km long and 5 km wide, and it remains open for 4 hours. Model results indicate that navigation in shallow-water harbors can be significantly curtailed by wind setdown when strong winds blow offshore. PMID:20827299

Revolution in Egypt and the Potential for a New Suez Crisis

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-06

inhibited the local production of foodstuffs necessary to feed a growing population. This agro -export economic model was a legacy of British...debt crisis, and China’s unsustainable growth model . He argues that the U.S. is having difficulty just dealing with one of these situations, let...Tunisia succeed and become models for the region.”2 However, as events transpire the Arab revolutions generally have brought Islamist governments to

Rapid assessment of non-indigenous species in the era of the eDNA barcoding: A Mediterranean case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardura, Alba; Planes, Serge

2017-03-01

With only a narrow opening through the Gibraltar and Suez Canals, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the largest semi-enclosed seas. The marine flora and fauna are some of the richest in the world, relative to its size, particularly in the coastal habitats, which are also characterized by numerous endemic species although the introduction of non-indigenous species threatens its rich and unique biodiversity. Following the opening of the Suez Canal, and in combination with shipping and aquaculture activities, non-indigenous species (NIS) introduction has had measurable impacts on the Mediterranean. Lagoon ecosystems along the French coastline, with approx. 100 NIS identified, are considered hot-spot areas for these species. Rapid assessment sampling for sessile benthic species together with DNA barcoding is a rapid, easy and cheap method to detect non-indigenous species. Two nearby and different ecosystems were sampled for invertebrate species: Saint-Nazaire lagoon, a Special Protection Area within the Natura 2000 Network and Canet port, a marina in a small village. The DNA barcoding tool for species identification was used for confirming the taxonomy. This showed that, despite the Saint-Nazaire Lagoon classification within the Natura 2000 network, it is already contaminated with a single NIS that was found in high densities and is clearly beginning to dominate the system. It is proposed that a rapid assessment of the sampled environment and the DNA barcode approach are efficient and can provide sufficient information on the new target species to be used in conservation planning and ongoing management efforts.

Lithospheric strength variations as a control on new plate boundaries: examples from the northern Red Sea region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steckler, Michael S.; ten Brink, Uri S.

1986-08-01

The complex plate boundary between Arabia and Africa at the northern end of the Red Sea includes the Gulf of Suez rift and the Gulf of Aqaba—Dead Sea transform. Geologic evidence indicates that during the earliest phase of rifting the Red Sea propagated NNW towards the Mediterranean Sea creating the Gulf of Suez. Subsequently, the majority of the relative movement between the plates shifted eastward to the Dead Sea transform. We propose that an increase in the strength of the lithosphere across the Mediterranean continental margin acted as a barrier to the propagation of the rift. A new plate boundary, the Dead Sea transform formed along a zone of minimum strength. We present an analysis of lithospheric strength variations across the Mediterranean continental margin. The main factors controlling these variations are the geotherm, crustal thickness and composition, and sediment thickness. The analysis predicts a characteristic strength profile at continental margins which consists of a marked increase in strength seaward of the hinge zone and a strength minimum landward of the hinge zone. This strength profile also favors the creation of thin continental slivers such as the Levant west of the Dead Sea transform and the continental promontory containing Socotra Island at the mouth of the Gulf of Aden. Calculations of strength variations based on changes of crustal thickness, geotherm and sediment thickness can be extended to other geologic settings as well. They can explain the location of rerifting events at intracratonic basins, of backarc basins and of major continental strike-slip zones.

Salt weathering in Egyptian limestone after laboratory simulations with continuous flow of salt solutions at different temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aly, Nevin; Gomez-Heras, Miguel; Hamed, Ayman; Alvarez de Buergo, Monica

2013-04-01

weathering in Egyptian limestone after laboratory simulations with continuous flow of salt solutions at different temperatures Nevin Aly Mohamed (1), Miguel Gomez - Heras(2), Ayman Hamed Ahmed (1), and Monica Alvarez de Buergo(2). (1) Faculty of Pet. & Min. Engineering- Suez Canal University, Suez, Egypt, (2) Instituto de Geociencias (CSIC-UCM) Madrid. Spain. Limestone is one of the most frequent building stones in Egypt and is used since the time of ancient Egyptians and salt weathering is one of the main threats to its conservation. Most of the limestone used in historical monuments in Cairo is a biomicrite extracted from the Mid-Eocene Mokattam Group. During this work, cylindrical samples (2.4 cm diameter and approx. 4.8 cm length) were subjected, in a purpose-made simulation chamber, to simulated laboratory weathering tests with fixed salt concentration (10% weight NaCl solution), at different temperatures, which were kept constant throughout each test (10, 20, 30, 40 oC). During each test, salt solutions flowed continuously imbibing samples by capilarity. Humidity within the simulation chamber was reduced using silica gel to keep it low and constant to increase evaporation rate. Temperature, humidity inside the simulation chamber and samples weight were digitally monitored during each test. Results show the advantages of the proposed experimental methodology using a continuous flow of salt solutions and shed light on the effect of temperature on the dynamics of salt crystallization on and within samples. Research funded by mission sector of high education ministry, Egypt and Geomateriales S2009/MAT-1629.

An extended stochastic method for seismic hazard estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd el-aal, A. K.; El-Eraki, M. A.; Mostafa, S. I.

2015-12-01

In this contribution, we developed an extended stochastic technique for seismic hazard assessment purposes. This technique depends on the hypothesis of stochastic technique of Boore (2003) "Simulation of ground motion using the stochastic method. Appl. Geophy. 160:635-676". The essential characteristics of extended stochastic technique are to obtain and simulate ground motion in order to minimize future earthquake consequences. The first step of this technique is defining the seismic sources which mostly affect the study area. Then, the maximum expected magnitude is defined for each of these seismic sources. It is followed by estimating the ground motion using an empirical attenuation relationship. Finally, the site amplification is implemented in calculating the peak ground acceleration (PGA) at each site of interest. We tested and applied this developed technique at Cairo, Suez, Port Said, Ismailia, Zagazig and Damietta cities to predict the ground motion. Also, it is applied at Cairo, Zagazig and Damietta cities to estimate the maximum peak ground acceleration at actual soil conditions. In addition, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 20 % damping median response spectra are estimated using the extended stochastic simulation technique. The calculated highest acceleration values at bedrock conditions are found at Suez city with a value of 44 cm s-2. However, these acceleration values decrease towards the north of the study area to reach 14.1 cm s-2 at Damietta city. This comes in agreement with the results of previous studies of seismic hazards in northern Egypt and is found to be comparable. This work can be used for seismic risk mitigation and earthquake engineering purposes.

Sinai peninsula taken by the STS-112 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-10-08

STS112-702-002 (7-18 October 2002) --- Egypt's triangular Sinai Peninsula lies in the center of this view, photographed from the Space Shuttle Atlantis, with the dark greens of the Nile delta lower right. In this southwesterly view, the Red Sea, with its characteristic parallel coastlines, stretches toward the top. At the bottom of the image, the Suez Canal appears as an irregular line joining the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea (lower left). The Dead Sea in central Israel, with its light blue salt ponds at the south end, appears on the left margin.

Earth Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-12

S125-E-005175 (12 May 2009) --- Among the first group of still images downlinked by the STS-125 crewmembers onboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis was this high oblique scene looking toward the Red Sea, Sinai Peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. Saudi Arabia is in the foreground and Egypt?s Nile River and its delta can be seen (left) toward the horizon. Israel and Jordan can be seen near the top edge of the frame. The Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba (near frame center) extend from the Red Sea toward the Mediterranean Sea.

View of the Columbia's aft section while over Mediterranean Sea

NASA Image and Video Library

1982-03-31

This southerly looking view photographed from the orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia shows a small portion of the vehichle's aft section. The 50-ft Canadian built remote manipulator system (RMS) is in a resting posture (lower right corner) stretched out along the 60-ft. long cargo bay. Many of the components of the OSS-1 payload package are in the bottom center. The Mediterranean Sea is at right foreground. Parts of the Sinai peninsula, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon can be located in the photo. The Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Suez Canal are near the photo's horizon.

View of the Columbia's aft section while over Mediterranean Sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

This southerly looking view photographed from the orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia shows a small portion of the vehichle's aft section. The 50-ft Canadian built remote manipulator system (RMS) is in a resting posture (lower right corner) stretched out along the 60-ft. long cargo bay. Many of the components of the OSS-1 payload package are in the bottom center. The Mediterranean Sea is at right foreground. Parts of the Sinai peninsula, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon can be located in the photo. The Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Suez Canal are near the photo's horizon.

Developmental competence of Dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) oocytes selected using brilliant cresyl blue staining.

PubMed

Fathi, Mohamed; Ashry, Mohamed; Salama, Ali; Badr, Magdy R

2017-08-01

The objectives of the present studies were to investigate the developmental capacity of dromedary camel oocytes selected by brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining and to investigate the expression of select transcripts in germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes. These transcripts included BMP15 and GDF9 as important transcripts for folliculogenesis and oocyte development, Zar1 and Mater as maternal transcripts required for embryonic development, Cyclin B1 and CDK1 as cell cycle regulators and Oct4 and STAT3 as transcription factors. Dromedary camel oocytes were retrieved from ovaries collected at a local slaughterhouse. After exposure to BCB staining, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from BCB+, BCB- and control (selected based on morphological criteria) groups were subjected to in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture. For gene expression studies, after BCB staining cumulus cells were stripped off and the completely denuded GV stage oocytes were used for RT-PCR analysis of selected transcripts. BCB+ oocytes showed higher maturation, and fertilization rates compared with BCB- and control groups. Indices of early embryonic development, namely, cleavage at 48 hours post insemination (hpi), and development to morula at day 5 and day 7 blastocyst rates were also significantly higher in the BCB+ group. RT-PCR revealed a higher expression of BMP15, GDF9, Zar1, Mater, Cyclin B1, CDK1, OCT4 and STAT3 in good quality oocytes that stained positively for BCB (BCB+). Collectively, results provide novel information about the use of BCB screening for selecting good quality oocytes to improve in vitro embryo production in the dromedary camel.

Interfering effects of bisphenol A on in vitro growth of preantral follicles and maturation of oocyes.

PubMed

Wang, Xiyan; Jiang, Shi-Wen; Wang, Liguo; Sun, Yanmei; Xu, Fangyan; He, Hai; Wang, Shuo; Zhang, Zhenghong; Pan, Xiaoyan

2018-06-26

In order to investigate the effects and mechanism of Bisphenol A (BPA) on the growth of preantral follicles and the maturation of oocytes in vitro, preantral follicles were harvested from mouse ovaries and in vitro cultured for 11 days with different concentrations of BPA (0, 4.5 and 45 μM) for calculating the percentages of antral follicles, denuded oocytes, degenerative oocytes and the maturation rate of oocytes, besides measuring the diameter of follicles and the thickness of cumulus cell layers. The contents of estradiol (E 2 ) in the culture media on Day 4, 8 and 10 were detected by ELISA. The estrogen receptor (ER) expression, spindle morphology and chromosome distribution in oocytes on Day 10 and 11 were observed by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (p-Erk1) and phosphorylated Ca 2 + /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMKII) in the oocytes. Compared with control, BPA (45 μM) significantly reduced percentages of antral follicles (9.25% vs. 91.17%, P < 0.05) and the maturation rate of oocytes (7.61% vs. 79.83%, P < 0.05), but increased the percentages of denuded oocytes (30.29% vs. 3.36%, P < 0.05) and degenerative oocytes (45.70% vs. 2.45%, P < 0.05). The diameter of follicles and the thickness of the cumulus cell layers were decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Moreover, BPA (45 μM) significantly decreased E 2 contents in the culture medium on Day 8 and 10 (P < .05) and the expressions of ER, GDF-9 and BMP-15 in oocytes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BPA (4.5 and 45 μM) treatment resulted in the abnormal spindle morphology and chromosome distribution, and the decreased expressions of p-Erk1 and p-CaMKII in the MII oocytes. Together, these results clearly demonstrated BPA retarded the preantral follicle growth in vitro through interfering

Testicular cell-conditioned medium supports embryonic stem cell differentiation toward germ lineage and to spermatocyte- and oocyte-like cells.

PubMed

Shah, Syed M; Saini, Neha; Singh, Manoj K; Manik, Radheysham; Singla, Suresh K; Palta, Prabhat; Chauhan, Manmohan S

2016-08-01

Testicular cells are believed to secrete various growth factors that activate signaling pathways finally leading to gametogenesis. In vitro gametogenesis is an obscure but paramountly important task primarily because of paucity of the precursor cells and first trimester gonadal tissues. To overcome these limitations for development of in vitro gametes, the present study was designed to induce differentiation of buffalo embryonic stem (ES) cells into germ lineage cells on stimulation by testicular cell-conditioned medium (TCM), on the basis of the assumption that ES cells have the intrinsic property to differentiate into any cell type and TCM would provide the necessary growth factors for differentiation toward germ cell lineage. For this purpose, buffalo ES cells were differentiated as embryoid bodies (EB) in floating cultures and as monolayer adherent cultures in different doses (10%, 20%, and 40%) of TCM for different culture intervals (4, 8, and 14 days), to identify the optimum dose-and-time period. We observed that 40% TCM dose induces highest expression of primordial germ cell-specific (DAZL, VASA, and PLZF), meiotic (SYCP3, MLH1, TNP1/2, and PRM2), spermatocyte-specific (BOULE and TEKT1), and oocyte-specific genes (GDF9 and ZP2/3) for a culture period of 14 days under both floating and adherent differentiation. Immunocytochemical analysis of EBs and adherent cultures revealed presence of primordial germ cell markers (c-KIT, DAZL, and VASA), meiotic markers (SYCP3, MLH1 and PROTAMINE1), spermatocyte markers (ACROSIN and HAPRIN), and oocyte markers (GDF9 and ZP4), indicating progression into post-meiotic gametogenesis. The detection of germ cell-specific proteins in Day 14 EBs like VASA, GDF9, and ZP4 by Western blotting further confirmed germ lineage differentiation. The significantly lower (P < 0.05) concentration of 5-methyl-2-deoxycytidine in optimally differentiated EBs is suggestive of the process of methylation erasure. Oocyte-like structures

Occult HBV infection status among chronic hepatitis C and hemodialysis patients in Northeastern Egypt: regional and national overview.

PubMed

Mandour, Mohamed; Nemr, Nader; Shehata, Atef; Kishk, Rania; Badran, Dahlia; Hawass, Nashaat

2015-01-01

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is considered to be one of the major risks for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis (HD) and patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study compared the prevalence of OBI among these two high-risk groups in the Suez Canal region, Northeastern Egypt, to obtain a better national overview of the magnitude of OBI in this region. Serum samples were collected from 165 HD patients and 210 chronic HCV-infected patients. Anti-HCV antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), total hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) antibody, and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCV RNA was detected using a quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay, and HBV was detected using a nested PCR. All patients were negative for HBsAg. A total of 49.1% and 25.2% of the patients in the HD and HCV groups, respectively, were anti-HBc-positive. In addition, more anti-HBs-positive patients were detected in the HD group compared to the HCV group (52.1% and 11.4%, respectively). Three cases were positive for HBV DNA in the HD group, while eighteen positive cases were detected in the HCV group. Both study groups showed significant differences in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level as well as anti-HBc, anti-HBs and HBV-DNA positivity. OBI was more prevalent among chronic HCV patients than HD patients in the Suez Canal region, Egypt, with rates of 8.5% and 1.8%, respectively. However, more precise assessment of this infection requires regular patient follow-up using HBV DNA detection methods.

Predictive value of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) for laparotomy in unstable polytrauma Egyptians patients.

PubMed

Elbaih, Adel Hamed; Abu-Elela, Sameh T

2017-12-01

The emergency physicians face significant clinical uncertainty when multiple trauma patients arrive in the emergency department (ED). The priorities for assessment and treatment of polytrauma patients are established in the primary survey. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is very essential clinical skill during trauma resuscitation. Use of point of care ultrasound among the trauma team working in the primary survey in emergency care settings is lacking in Suez Canal University Hospitals even ultrasound machine not available in ED. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of FAST in hemodynamically unstable polytraumatized patients and to determine its role as an indication of laparotomy. This study is a cross-sectional study included 150 polytrauma patients with a blunt mechanism admitted in Suez Canal University Hospital. Firstly primary survey by airway check, cervical spine securing with neck collar, maintenance of breathing/circulation and management of life threading conditions if present were conducted accordingly to ATLS (advanced trauma life support) guidelines. The patients were assessed in the primary survey using the FAST as a tool to determine the presence of intra-abdominal collection. A total of 150 patients, and FAST scans were performed in all cases. The sensitivity and specificity were 92.6% and 100%, respectively. The negative predictive value was 92%, while the positive predictive value of FAST was 100%. The accuracy of FAST was 96%. FAST is an important method to detect intra-abdominal fluid in the initial assessment in hemodynamically unstable polytrauma patients with high accuracy. Copyright © 2017 Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Earth Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-12

S125-E-005173 (12 May 2009) --- Among the first group of still images downlinked by the STS-125 crewmembers onboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis was this high oblique scene looking toward the Sinai Peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. The Red Sea is just out of frame at bottom right. Saudi Arabia is in the right foreground and Egypt?s Nile River and its delta can be seen (lower left) toward the horizon. Jordan and a small portion of Israel can be seen near the top of the frame. The Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba extend from the Red Sea toward the Mediterranean.

John Foster Dulles, his medical history and its impact on Cold War politics.

PubMed

Pappas, Theodore N; Willett, Christopher G

2018-01-01

John Foster Dulles was the United States Secretary of State during the administration of President Dwight D Eisenhower. At the height of the Cold War, Dulles was Eisenhower's emissary, traveling over 450,000 international miles, leading United States foreign policy. In November of 1956, during an international crisis involving the Suez Canal, Dulles became ill and underwent an operation for a perforated colon cancer. During much of his impactful term as Secretary of State, Dulles was being treated for this cancer that ultimately resulted in his death in May of 1959. This paper highlights the medical care of John Foster Dulles and the global events during his illness.

TGF-β signaling in insects regulates metamorphosis via juvenile hormone biosynthesis.

PubMed

Ishimaru, Yoshiyasu; Tomonari, Sayuri; Matsuoka, Yuji; Watanabe, Takahito; Miyawaki, Katsuyuki; Bando, Tetsuya; Tomioka, Kenji; Ohuchi, Hideyo; Noji, Sumihare; Mito, Taro

2016-05-17

Although butterflies undergo a dramatic morphological transformation from larva to adult via a pupal stage (holometamorphosis), crickets undergo a metamorphosis from nymph to adult without formation of a pupa (hemimetamorphosis). Despite these differences, both processes are regulated by common mechanisms that involve 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH). JH regulates many aspects of insect physiology, such as development, reproduction, diapause, and metamorphosis. Consequently, strict regulation of JH levels is crucial throughout an insect's life cycle. However, it remains unclear how JH synthesis is regulated. Here, we report that in the corpora allata of the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus, Myoglianin (Gb'Myo), a homolog of Drosophila Myoglianin/vertebrate GDF8/11, is involved in the down-regulation of JH production by suppressing the expression of a gene encoding JH acid O-methyltransferase, Gb'jhamt In contrast, JH production is up-regulated by Decapentaplegic (Gb'Dpp) and Glass-bottom boat/60A (Gb'Gbb) signaling that occurs as part of the transcriptional activation of Gb'jhamt Gb'Myo defines the nature of each developmental transition by regulating JH titer and the interactions between JH and 20E. When Gb'myo expression is suppressed, the activation of Gb'jhamt expression and secretion of 20E induce molting, thereby leading to the next instar before the last nymphal instar. Conversely, high Gb'myo expression induces metamorphosis during the last nymphal instar through the cessation of JH synthesis. Gb'myo also regulates final insect size. Because Myo/GDF8/11 and Dpp/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2/4-Gbb/BMP5-8 are conserved in both invertebrates and vertebrates, the present findings provide common regulatory mechanisms for endocrine control of animal development.

Reactive Oxygen Species/Nitric Oxide Mediated Inter-Organ Communication in Skeletal Muscle Wasting Diseases

PubMed Central

Leitner, Lucia M.; Wilson, Rebecca J.; Yan, Zhen

2017-01-01

Abstract Significance: Cachexia is defined as a complex metabolic syndrome that is associated with underlying illness and a loss of muscle with or without loss of fat mass. This disease is associated with a high incidence with chronic diseases such as heart failure, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), among others. Since there is currently no effective treatment available, cachectic patients have a poor prognosis. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms is, therefore, an important medical task. Recent Advances: There is accumulating evidence that the diseased organs such as heart, lung, kidney, or cancer tissue secrete soluble factors, including Angiotensin II, myostatin (growth differentiation factor 8 [GDF8]), GDF11, tumor growth factor beta (TGFβ), which act on skeletal muscle. There, they induce a set of genes called atrogenes, which, among others, induce the ubiquitin-proteasome system, leading to protein degradation. Moreover, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels due to modulation of NADPH oxidases (Nox) and mitochondrial function contribute to disease progression, which is characterized by loss of muscle mass, exercise resistance, and frailty. Critical issues: Although substantial progress was achieved to elucidate the pathophysiology of cachexia, effectice therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Future Directions: With the identification of key components of the aberrant inter-organ communication leading to cachexia, studies in mice and men to inhibit ROS formation, induction of anti-oxidative superoxide dismutases, and upregulation of muscular nitric oxide (NO) formation either by pharmacological tools or by exercise are promising approaches to reduce the extent of skeletal muscle wasting. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 700–717. PMID:27835923

Effects of FSH addition to an enriched medium containing insulin and EGF after long-term culture on functionality of equine ovarian biopsy tissue.

PubMed

Aguiar, F L N; Gastal, G D A; Ishak, G M; Gastal, M O; Teixeira, D I A; Feugang, J M; Figueiredo, J R; Gastal, E L

2017-09-01

The effect of FSH supplementation on an enriched cultured medium containing insulin (10 ng/mL) and EGF (50 ng/mL) was investigated on in vitro culture of equine ovarian biopsy tissue. Ovarian tissue fragments were collected from mares (n = 10) and distributed in the following treatments: noncultured control, cultured control, and cultured + FSH. Both treated groups were cultured for 7 or 15 days. The end points evaluated were: follicular morphology, estradiol levels in the culture medium, fluorescence intensity for TUNEL, EGFR and Ki-67 detection, and gene expression of GDF-9, BMP-15, and Cyclin-D2 in the ovarian tissue. After seven days of culture, medium supplemented with FSH had a similar (P > 0.05) percentage of morphologically normal follicles compared to the noncultured control group. Estradiol levels increased (P < 0.05) from Day 7 to Day 15 of culture for both treated groups. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed for TUNEL and EGFR intensity between the noncultured control group and the treated groups after 15 days of culture. Ki-67 intensity did not differ (P > 0.05) between treated groups after 15 days of culture, but decreased (P < 0.05) when compared with the noncultured control group. Similar (P > 0.05) mRNA expression for GDF-9, BMP-15, and Cyclin-D2 was observed among all treatments after 15 days of culture. In conclusion, an enriched medium supplemented or not with FSH was able to maintain the functionality of equine ovarian biopsy tissue after a long-term in vitro culture. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Iron Status and Inflammation in Early Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Łukaszyk, Ewelina; Łukaszyk, Mateusz; Koc-Żórawska, Ewa; Tobolczyk, Jolanta; Bodzenta-Łukaszyk, Anna; Małyszko, Jolanta

2015-01-01

One of the most common causes of anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is chronic kidney disease. The main pathomechanism responsible for ACD is subclinical inflammation. The key element involved in iron metabolism is hepcidin, however, studies on new indices of iron status are in progress.The aim of the study was to assess the iron status in patients in early stages of chronic kidney disease, iron correlation with inflammation parameters and novel biomarkers of iron metabolism. The study included 69 patients. Standard laboratory measurements were used to measure the iron status, complete blood count, fibrinogen, prothrombin index, C-reactive protein concentration (CRP), creatinine, urea, uric acid. Commercially available kits were used to measure high-sensitivity CRP, interleukin 6 (IL-6), hepcidin-25, hemojuvelin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and zonulin. Absolute iron deficiency was present in 17% of the patients, functional iron deficiency was present in 12% of the patients. Functional iron deficiency was associated with significantly higher serum levels of fibrinogen, ferritin, transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, hepcidin and older age relative to patients with absolute iron deficiency. In comparison with patients without iron deficiency, patients with functional iron deficiency were older, with lower prothrombin index, higher fibrinogen, CRP, hsCRP, sTfR, GDF-15, urea and lower eGFR. Hepcidin was predicted by markers of inflammation:ferritin, fibrinogen and IL-6. Inflammation is correlated with iron status. Novel biomarkers of iron metabolism might be useful to distinguish iron deficiency anemia connected with inflammation and absolute iron deficiency. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Evasion of anti-growth signaling: a key step in tumorigenesis and potential target for treatment and prophylaxis by natural compounds

PubMed Central

Amin, A.R.M. Ruhul; Karpowicz, Phillip A.; Carey, Thomas E.; Arbiser, Jack; Nahta, Rita; Chen, Zhuo G.; Dong, Jin-Tang; Kucuk, Omer; Khan, Gazala N.; Huang, Gloria S.; Mi, Shijun; Lee, Ho-Young; Reichrath, Joerg; Honoki, Kanya; Georgakilas, Alexandros G.; Amedei, Amedeo; Amin, Amr; Helferich, Bill; Boosani, Chandra S.; Ciriolo, Maria Rosa; Chen, Sophie; Mohammed, Sulma I.; Azmi, Asfar S.; Keith, W Nicol; Bhakta, Dipita; Halicka, Dorota; Niccolai, Elena; Fujii, Hiromasa; Aquilano, Katia; Ashraf, S. Salman; Nowsheen, Somaira; Yang, Xujuan; Bilsland, Alan; Shin, Dong M.

2015-01-01

The evasion of anti-growth signaling is an important characteristic of cancer cells. In order to continue to proliferate, cancer cells must somehow uncouple themselves from the many signals that exist to slow down cell growth. Here, we define the anti-growth signaling process, and review several important pathways involved in growth signaling: p53, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), retinoblastoma protein (Rb), Hippo, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A), Notch, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) pathways. Aberrations in these processes in cancer cells involve mutations and thus the suppression of genes that prevent growth, as well as mutation and activation of genes involved in driving cell growth. Using these pathways as examples, we prioritize molecular targets that might be leveraged to promote anti-growth signaling in cancer cells. Interestingly, naturally-occurring phytochemicals found in human diets (either singly or as mixtures) may promote anti-growth signaling, and do so without the potentially adverse effects associated with synthetic chemicals. We review examples of naturally-occurring phytochemicals that may be applied to prevent cancer by antagonizing growth signaling, and propose one phytochemical for each pathway. These are: epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) for the Rb pathway, luteolin for p53, curcumin for PTEN, porphyrins for Hippo, genistein for GDF15, resveratrol for ARID1A, withaferin A for Notch and diguelin for the IGF1-receptor pathway. The coordination of anti-growth signaling and natural compound studies will provide insight into the future application of these compounds in the clinical setting. PMID:25749195

Materials Data on K3GdF6 (SG:14) by Materials Project

DOE Data Explorer

Kristin Persson

2014-11-02

Computed materials data using density functional theory calculations. These calculations determine the electronic structure of bulk materials by solving approximations to the Schrodinger equation. For more information, see https://materialsproject.org/docs/calculations

One year continuous soil gas monitoring above an EGR test site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furche, Markus; Schlömer, Stefan; Faber, Eckhard; Dumke, Ingolf

2010-05-01

information about hardware configurations at the stations, maintenance carried out and special events which might have influenced the results. An interactive database application has been developed to allow versatile graphical output and statistical processing of the collected time series. On a large scale CO2 concentrations show natural seasonal variations with higher values during summer (July to September) and lower values during winter. This behaviour is expected and mainly caused by temperature dependent activities of bacterial CO2 production. Absolute concentrations however vary extremely between different locations. While several stations show more than 10% CO2 during summer, others stay below 0.1% at the same time. The conclusion is that individual baselines at all sites for a sufficient time without CO2 sequestration are necessary. The CLEAN project is financed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the special program Geotechnologien. We would like to thank GDF SUEZ E&P Deutschland GmbH for supporting our field work at the well sites.

Tectonic evolution of the northeastern part of the African continental margin, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussein, I. M.; Abd-Allah, A. M. A.

2001-07-01

The area between Manzalah Lake and the southern Galala Plateau in northeast Egypt constitutes the Galalas, Cairo-Suez, southern Nile Delta and northern Nile Delta structural provinces. The northern Galala Fault separates the Galalas Province from the Cairo-Suez Province and is considered to be the westward extension of the Themed Fault in central Sinai. The pre-Eocene rocks are affected by northeast to east-northeast-orientated folds and reverse faults, as well as east-west-orientated oblique-slip faults with dextral and normal components. Some folds and reverse faults are interpreted to have been formed by northwest to north-northwest-orientated compression related to the Syrian Arc movement, whereas the others by the secondary northwest orientated shortening, which accompanied dextral strike-slip component along the planes of the east-west-orientated faults. The east-west-orientated faults were initially formed during the Late Triassic/Early Jurassic extension related to the drifting of the African/Arabian Plate away from the Eurasian Plate as a result of opening of the Neotethyan Sea. The Neotethyan began to close due to convergence between the two plates, leading to the Syrian Arc deformation. This deformation mildly started in Late Cenomanian and followed by a more intensive phase in Conacian/Santonian. It mildly continued in the Maastrichtian, Early Palæocene and Late Palæocene/Early Eocene. The southward thinning of the pre-Eocene rocks controlled the intensity and style of deformation. Two deformational mechanisms are proposed for the Nile Delta hinge zone. The first is related to Late Oligocene—Early Miocene north-northwest-orientated Alpine compression. The second is related to northward gravitational sliding of the post-Oligocene shale and sandstone over Cretaceous-Eocene carbonates.

Aquatic ecosystem health and trophic status classification of the Bitter Lakes along the main connecting link between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

PubMed

El-Serehy, Hamed A; Abdallah, Hala S; Al-Misned, Fahad A; Irshad, Rizwan; Al-Farraj, Saleh A; Almalki, Esam S

2018-02-01

The Bitter Lakes are the most significant water bodies of the Suez Canal, comprising 85% of the water volume, but spreading over only 24% of the length of the canal. The present study aims at investigation of the trophic status of the Bitter Lakes employing various trophic state indices, biotic and abiotic parameters, thus reporting the health of the Lake ecosystem according to the internationally accepted classification criteria's. The composition and abundance of phytoplankton with a dominance of diatoms and a decreased population density of 4315-7376 ind. l -1 reflect the oligotrophic nature of this water body. The intense growth of diatoms in the Bitter Lakes depends on silicate availability, in addition to nitrate and phosphate. If the trophic state index (TSI) is applied to the lakes under study it records that the Bitter Lakes have an index under 40. Moreover, in the total chlorophyll- a measurements of 0.35-0.96 µg l -1 there are more indicative of little algal biomass and lower biological productivity. At 0.76-2.3 µg l -1 , meanwhile, the low quantity of Phosphorus is a further measure of low biological productivity. In the Bitter Lakes, TN/TP ratios are high and recorded 147.4, and 184.7 for minimum and maximum ratios, respectively. These values indicate that in Bitter lakes, the limiting nutrient is phosphorus and confirm the oligotrophic status of the Bitter Lakes. The latter conclusion is supported by Secchi disc water clarity measurements, showing that light can penetrate, and thus algae can photosynthesize, as deep as >13 m. This study, therefore, showed that the Bitter Lakes of the Suez Canal exhibit oligotrophic conditions with clear water, low productivity and with no algal blooming.

Heavy metals distribution in the coral reef ecosystems of the Northern Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Abdel-Hamid A. M.; Hamed, Mohamed A.; Abd El-Azim, Hoda

2011-03-01

Concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co and Fe) were measured in the seawater, sediments, common scleractinian reef-building corals and soft corals (Octocorallia : Alcyonacea) at seven reef sites in the Northern Red Sea: I (Hurghada), II (Ras Za'farana), III (El-Ain Al-Sukhna), IV (El-Tur), V (Sha'b Rashdan), VI (Sharm El-Sheikh) and VII (Dahab). Levels of heavy metals were considerably elevated in seawater, sediments and corals collected from reef sites exposed to increased environmental contamination, as a result of diversified natural and anthropogenic inputs. Soft corals of genera Lithophyton, Sarcophyton and Sinularia showed higher concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd and Ni than hard coral genera Acropora and Stylophora. Soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum collected from El Ain Al-Suhkna (Gulf of Suez) had greater concentration of Cu, followed by hard corals Acropora pharaonis and Acropora hemprichi. The elevated levels of Zn, Cd and Ni were reported in the dry tissue of soft coral Sinularia spp. On the other hand, the soft coral Lithophyton arboreum displayed the highest concentration of Pb at Sha'b Rashdan (Gulf of Suez) and elevated concentration of Zn at Sharm El-Sheikh. Sediments showed significantly higher concentration of Fe than corals. The higher levels of Fe in hard corals than soft corals reflected the incorporation of Fe into the aragonite and the chelation with the organic matrix of the skeleton. The greater abundance of soft corals in metal-contaminated reef sites and the elevated levels of metals in their tissue suggesting that the soft corals could develop a tolerance mechanism to relatively high concentrations of metals. Although the effects of heavy metals on reef corals were not isolated from the possible effects of other stresses, the percentage cover of dead corals were significantly higher as the concentrations of heavy metals increased.

A Modeling Study of Deep Water Renewal in the Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, F.; Hoteit, I.

2016-02-01

Deep water renewal processes in the Red Sea are examined in this study using a 50-year numerical simulation from 1952-2001. The deep water in the Red Sea below the thermocline ( 200 m) exhibits a near-uniform vertical structure in temperature and salinity, but geochemical tracer distributions, such as 14C and 3He, and dissolved oxygen concentrations indicate that the deep water is renewed on time scales as short as 36 years. The renewal process is accomplished through a deep overturning cell that consists of a southward bottom current and a northward returning current at depths of 400-600 m. Three sources regions are proposed for the formation of the deep water, including two deep outflows from the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez and winter deep convections in the northern Red Sea. The MITgcm (MIT general circulation model), which has been used to simulate the shallow overturning circulations in the Red Sea, is configured in this study with increased resolutions in the deep water. During the 50 years of simulation, artificial passive tracers added in the model indicate that the deep water in the Red Sea was only episodically renewed during some anomalously cold years; two significant episodes of deep water renewal are reproduced in the winters of 1983 and 1992, in accordance with reported historical hydrographic observations. During these renewal events, deep convections reaching the bottom of the basin occurred, which further facilitated deep sinking of the outflows from the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez. Ensuing spreading of the newly formed deep water along the bottom caused upward displacements of thermocline, which may have profound effects on the water exchanges in the Strait of Bab el Mandeb between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and the functioning of the ecosystem in the Red Sea by changing the vertical distributions of nutrients.

The novel biomarker-based ABC (age, biomarkers, clinical history)-bleeding risk score for patients with atrial fibrillation: a derivation and validation study.

PubMed

Hijazi, Ziad; Oldgren, Jonas; Lindbäck, Johan; Alexander, John H; Connolly, Stuart J; Eikelboom, John W; Ezekowitz, Michael D; Held, Claes; Hylek, Elaine M; Lopes, Renato D; Siegbahn, Agneta; Yusuf, Salim; Granger, Christopher B; Wallentin, Lars

2016-06-04

The benefit of oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation is based on a balance between reduction in ischaemic stroke and increase in major bleeding. We aimed to develop and validate a new biomarker-based risk score to improve the prognostication of major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation. We developed and internally validated a new biomarker-based risk score for major bleeding in 14,537 patients with atrial fibrillation randomised to apixaban versus warfarin in the ARISTOTLE trial and externally validated it in 8468 patients with atrial fibrillation randomised to dabigatran versus warfarin in the RE-LY trial. Plasma samples for determination of candidate biomarker concentrations were obtained at randomisation. Major bleeding events were centrally adjudicated. The predictive values of biomarkers and clinical variables were assessed with Cox regression models. The most important variables were included in the score with weights proportional to the model coefficients. The ARISTOTLE and RE-LY trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT00412984 and NCT00262600, respectively. The most important predictors for major bleeding were the concentrations of the biomarkers growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (cTnT-hs) and haemoglobin, age, and previous bleeding. The ABC-bleeding score (age, biomarkers [GDF-15, cTnT-hs, and haemoglobin], and clinical history [previous bleeding]) score yielded a higher c-index than the conventional HAS-BLED and the newer ORBIT scores for major bleeding in both the derivation cohort (0·68 [95% CI 0·66-0·70] vs 0·61 [0·59-0·63] vs 0·65 [0·62-0·67], respectively; ABC-bleeding vs HAS-BLED p<0·0001 and ABC-bleeding vs ORBIT p=0·0008). ABC-bleeding score also yielded a higher c-index score in the the external validation cohort (0·71 [95% CI 0·68-0·73] vs 0·62 [0·59-0·64] for HAS-BLED vs 0·68 [0·65-0·70] for ORBIT; ABC-bleeding vs HAS-BLED p<0·0001 and ABC

Payload bay and ODS after undocking with Mir

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-09-24

STS079-808-008 (16-26 Sept. 1996) --- In this 70mm frame from the space shuttle Atlantis, the Nile River wanders through the eastern Sahara Desert of Sudan and Egypt. In the foreground is a great bend of the Nile from north to south past the Fourth Cataract at Merowe (an ancient Sudanese dynastic capitol), then north past Dongola and the Third Cararact, to Lake Nasser in Egypt. Prominent sand streaks display a north-south alignment. North of the first great bend a thick dust storm completely obscures the land surface, near Merowe thinner dust creates a hazy look. In the distance the Red Sea stretches from Suez to southern Arabia.

Vertical view of Arab Republic of Egypt from ASTP mission

NASA Image and Video Library

1975-07-19

AST-09-555 (19 July 1975) --- A vertical view of a portion of the Arab Republic of Egypt, as photographed from the Apollo spacecraft in Earth orbit during the joint U.S.-USSR Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission. The Nile Delta is in the most northerly corner of the picture. The City of Cairo on the Nile River is in the center of the photograph. The Gulf of Suez is in the most easterly corner of the picture. El Faiyum is south-southwest of Cairo. This picture was taken at an altitude of 223 kilometers (138 statute miles), with a 70mm Hasselblad camera using medium-speed Ektachrome QX-807 type film.

Genetic bottlenecks and successful biological invasions: the case of a recent Lessepsian migrant.

PubMed

Golani, Daniel; Azzurro, Ernesto; Corsini-Foka, Maria; Falautano, Manuela; Andaloro, Franco; Bernardi, Giacomo

2007-10-22

Our current understanding of the mechanisms that lead to successful biological invasions is limited. Although adaptations play a central role in biological invasions, genetic studies have so far failed to produce a unified theory. The bluespotted cornetfish, a recent Red Sea invader in the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, provides an ideal case study for research in the mechanisms of invasive genetics. In this study, we show that the invading bluespotted cornetfish underwent a severe population bottleneck that reduced the genetic diversity of this immigrant to only two mitochondrial haplotypes. Although loss of genetic diversity is considered detrimental to the need to adapt to new environments, bluespotted cornetfish experienced an unprecedented success and rapid spread across the Mediterranean.

TGF-β signaling in insects regulates metamorphosis via juvenile hormone biosynthesis

PubMed Central

Ishimaru, Yoshiyasu; Tomonari, Sayuri; Matsuoka, Yuji; Watanabe, Takahito; Miyawaki, Katsuyuki; Bando, Tetsuya; Tomioka, Kenji; Ohuchi, Hideyo; Noji, Sumihare; Mito, Taro

2016-01-01

Although butterflies undergo a dramatic morphological transformation from larva to adult via a pupal stage (holometamorphosis), crickets undergo a metamorphosis from nymph to adult without formation of a pupa (hemimetamorphosis). Despite these differences, both processes are regulated by common mechanisms that involve 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH). JH regulates many aspects of insect physiology, such as development, reproduction, diapause, and metamorphosis. Consequently, strict regulation of JH levels is crucial throughout an insect’s life cycle. However, it remains unclear how JH synthesis is regulated. Here, we report that in the corpora allata of the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus, Myoglianin (Gb’Myo), a homolog of Drosophila Myoglianin/vertebrate GDF8/11, is involved in the down-regulation of JH production by suppressing the expression of a gene encoding JH acid O-methyltransferase, Gb’jhamt. In contrast, JH production is up-regulated by Decapentaplegic (Gb’Dpp) and Glass-bottom boat/60A (Gb’Gbb) signaling that occurs as part of the transcriptional activation of Gb’jhamt. Gb’Myo defines the nature of each developmental transition by regulating JH titer and the interactions between JH and 20E. When Gb’myo expression is suppressed, the activation of Gb’jhamt expression and secretion of 20E induce molting, thereby leading to the next instar before the last nymphal instar. Conversely, high Gb’myo expression induces metamorphosis during the last nymphal instar through the cessation of JH synthesis. Gb’myo also regulates final insect size. Because Myo/GDF8/11 and Dpp/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2/4-Gbb/BMP5–8 are conserved in both invertebrates and vertebrates, the present findings provide common regulatory mechanisms for endocrine control of animal development. PMID:27140602

Evidence of the Generation of Isosaccharinic Acids and Their Subsequent Degradation by Local Microbial Consortia within Hyper-Alkaline Contaminated Soils, with Relevance to Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste Disposal

PubMed Central

Rout, Simon P.; Charles, Christopher J.; Garratt, Eva J.; Laws, Andrew P.; Gunn, John; Humphreys, Paul N.

2015-01-01

The contamination of surface environments with hydroxide rich wastes leads to the formation of high pH (>11.0) soil profiles. One such site is a legacy lime works at Harpur Hill, Derbyshire where soil profile indicated in-situ pH values up to pH 12. Soil and porewater profiles around the site indicated clear evidence of the presence of the α and β stereoisomers of isosaccharinic acid (ISA) resulting from the anoxic, alkaline degradation of cellulosic material. ISAs are of particular interest with regards to the disposal of cellulosic materials contained within the intermediate level waste (ILW) inventory of the United Kingdom, where they may influence radionuclide mobility via complexation events occurring within a geological disposal facility (GDF) concept. The mixing of uncontaminated soils with the alkaline leachate of the site resulted in ISA generation, where the rate of generation in-situ is likely to be dependent upon the prevailing temperature of the soil. Microbial consortia present in the uncontaminated soil were capable of surviving conditions imposed by the alkaline leachate and demonstrated the ability to utilise ISAs as a carbon source. Leachate-contaminated soil was sub-cultured in a cellulose degradation product driven microcosm operating at pH 11, the consortia present were capable of the degradation of ISAs and the generation of methane from the resultant H2/CO2 produced from fermentation processes. Following microbial community analysis, fermentation processes appear to be predominated by Clostridia from the genus Alkaliphilus sp, with methanogenesis being attributed to Methanobacterium and Methanomassiliicoccus sp. The study is the first to identify the generation of ISA within an anthropogenic environment and advocates the notion that microbial activity within an ILW-GDF is likely to influence the impact of ISAs upon radionuclide migration. PMID:25748643

The Inhibitory Core of the Myostatin Prodomain: Its Interaction with Both Type I and II Membrane Receptors, and Potential to Treat Muscle Atrophy

PubMed Central

Ohsawa, Yutaka; Takayama, Kentaro; Nishimatsu, Shin-ichiro; Okada, Tadashi; Fujino, Masahiro; Fukai, Yuta; Murakami, Tatsufumi; Hagiwara, Hiroki; Itoh, Fumiko; Tsuchida, Kunihiro; Hayashi, Yoshio; Sunada, Yoshihide

2015-01-01

Myostatin, a muscle-specific transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), negatively regulates skeletal muscle mass. The N-terminal prodomain of myostatin noncovalently binds to and suppresses the C-terminal mature domain (ligand) as an inactive circulating complex. However, which region of the myostatin prodomain is required to inhibit the biological activity of myostatin has remained unknown. We identified a 29-amino acid region that inhibited myostatin-induced transcriptional activity by 79% compared with the full-length prodomain. This inhibitory core resides near the N-terminus of the prodomain and includes an α-helix that is evolutionarily conserved among other TGF-β family members, but suppresses activation of myostatin and growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) that share identical membrane receptors. Interestingly, the inhibitory core co-localized and co-immunoprecipitated with not only the ligand, but also its type I and type II membrane receptors. Deletion of the inhibitory core in the full-length prodomain removed all capacity for suppression of myostatin. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the inhibitory core (p29) ameliorates impaired myoblast differentiation induced by myostatin and GDF11, but not activin or TGF-β1. Moreover, intramuscular injection of p29 alleviated muscle atrophy and decreased the absolute force in caveolin 3-deficient limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 1C model mice. The injection suppressed activation of myostatin signaling and restored the decreased numbers of muscle precursor cells caused by caveolin 3 deficiency. Our findings indicate a novel concept for this newly identified inhibitory core of the prodomain of myostatin: that it not only suppresses the ligand, but also prevents two distinct membrane receptors from binding to the ligand. This study provides a strong rationale for the use of p29 in the amelioration of skeletal muscle atrophy in various clinical settings. PMID:26226340

The Inhibitory Core of the Myostatin Prodomain: Its Interaction with Both Type I and II Membrane Receptors, and Potential to Treat Muscle Atrophy.

PubMed

Ohsawa, Yutaka; Takayama, Kentaro; Nishimatsu, Shin-ichiro; Okada, Tadashi; Fujino, Masahiro; Fukai, Yuta; Murakami, Tatsufumi; Hagiwara, Hiroki; Itoh, Fumiko; Tsuchida, Kunihiro; Hayashi, Yoshio; Sunada, Yoshihide

2015-01-01

Myostatin, a muscle-specific transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), negatively regulates skeletal muscle mass. The N-terminal prodomain of myostatin noncovalently binds to and suppresses the C-terminal mature domain (ligand) as an inactive circulating complex. However, which region of the myostatin prodomain is required to inhibit the biological activity of myostatin has remained unknown. We identified a 29-amino acid region that inhibited myostatin-induced transcriptional activity by 79% compared with the full-length prodomain. This inhibitory core resides near the N-terminus of the prodomain and includes an α-helix that is evolutionarily conserved among other TGF-β family members, but suppresses activation of myostatin and growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) that share identical membrane receptors. Interestingly, the inhibitory core co-localized and co-immunoprecipitated with not only the ligand, but also its type I and type II membrane receptors. Deletion of the inhibitory core in the full-length prodomain removed all capacity for suppression of myostatin. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the inhibitory core (p29) ameliorates impaired myoblast differentiation induced by myostatin and GDF11, but not activin or TGF-β1. Moreover, intramuscular injection of p29 alleviated muscle atrophy and decreased the absolute force in caveolin 3-deficient limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 1C model mice. The injection suppressed activation of myostatin signaling and restored the decreased numbers of muscle precursor cells caused by caveolin 3 deficiency. Our findings indicate a novel concept for this newly identified inhibitory core of the prodomain of myostatin: that it not only suppresses the ligand, but also prevents two distinct membrane receptors from binding to the ligand. This study provides a strong rationale for the use of p29 in the amelioration of skeletal muscle atrophy in various clinical settings.

Expression of Folliculogenesis-Related Genes in Vitrified Human Ovarian Tissue after Two Weeks In Vitro Culture.

PubMed

Shams Mofarahe, Zahra; Salehnia, Mojdeh; Ghaffari Novin, Marefat; Ghorbanmehr, Nassim; Fesharaki, Mohammad Gholami

2017-01-01

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitrification and in vitro culture of human ovarian tissue on the expression of oocytic and follicular cell-related genes. In this experimental study, ovarian tissue samples were obtained from eight transsexual women. Samples were cut into small fragments and were then assigned to vitrified and non-vitrified groups. In each group, some tissue fragments were divided into un-cultured and cultured (in α-MEM medium for 2 weeks) subgroups. The normality of follicles was assessed by morphological observation under a light microscope using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Expression levels of factor in the germ line alpha ( FIGLA ), KIT ligand ( KL ), growth differentiation factor 9 ( GDF-9 ) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor ( FSHR ) genes were quantified in both groups by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the beginning and the end of culture. The percentage of normal follicles was similar between non-cultured vitrified and non-vitrified groups (P>0.05), however, cultured tissues had significantly fewer normal follicles than non-cultured tissues in both vitrified and non-vitrified groups (P<0.05). In both cultured groups the rate of primary and secondary follicles was significantly higher than non-cultured tissues (P<0.05). The expression of all examined genes was not significantly altered in both non-cultured groups. Whiles, in comparison with cultured tissues non-cultured tissues, the expression of FIGLA gene was significantly decreased, KL gene was not changed, GDF-9 and FSHR genes was significantly increased (P<0.05). Human ovarian vitrification following in vitro culture has no impairing effects on follicle normality and development and expression of related-genes. However, in vitro culture condition has deleterious effects on normality of follicles.

Identification of radiation response genes and proteins from mouse pulmonary tissues after high-dose per fraction irradiation of limited lung volumes.

PubMed

Jin, Hee; Jeon, Seulgi; Kang, Ga-Young; Lee, Hae-June; Cho, Jaeho; Lee, Yun-Sil

2017-02-01

The molecular effects of focal exposure of limited lung volumes to high-dose per fraction irradiation (HDFR) such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have not been fully characterized. In this study, we used such an irradiation system and identified the genes and proteins after HDFR to mouse lung, similar to those associated with human therapy. High focal radiation (90 Gy) was applied to a 3-mm volume of the left lung of C57BL6 mice using a small-animal stereotactic irradiator. As well as histological examination for lungs, a cDNA micro array using irradiated lung tissues and a protein array of sera were performed until 4 weeks after irradiation, and radiation-responsive genes and proteins were identified. For comparison, the long-term effects (12 months) of 20 Gy radiation wide-field dose to the left lung were also investigated. The genes ermap, epb4.2, cd200r3 (up regulation) and krt15, hoxc4, gdf2, cst9, cidec, and bnc1 (down-regulation) and the proteins of AIF, laminin, bNOS, HSP27, β-amyloid (upregulation), and calponin (downregulation) were identified as being responsive to 90 Gy HDFR. The gdf2, cst9, and cidec genes also responded to 20 Gy, suggesting that they are universal responsive genes in irradiated lungs. No universal proteins were identified in both 90 Gy and 20 Gy. Calponin, which was downregulated in protein antibody array analysis, showed a similar pattern in microarray data, suggesting a possible HDFR responsive serum biomarker that reflects gene alteration of irradiated lung tissue. These genes and proteins also responded to the lower doses of 20 Gy and 50 Gy HDFR. These results suggest that identified candidate genes and proteins are HDFR-specifically expressed in lung damage induced by HDFR relevant to SBRT in humans.

Circulating biomarkers of hypertrophy and fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Gawor, Monika; Śpiewak, Mateusz; Kubik, Agata; Wróbel, Aleksandra; Lutyńska, Anna; Marczak, Magdalena; Grzybowski, Jacek

2018-05-23

Myocardial fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with worse clinical outcomes. The availability of circulating biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy would be helpful in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate usefulness of various biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy in HCM. Levels of biomarkers: soluble ST2 (sST2), galectin-3 (Gal-3), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), NT-proBNP and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) were measured in 60 patients with HCM. All patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to calculate parameters of hypertrophy and fibrosis. We observed positive correlations among sST2 levels and left ventricular mass (LVM) (r = 0.32, p = 0.012), LV mass indexed for the body surface area (LVMI) (r = 0.27, p = 0.036) and maximal wall thickness (MWT) (r = 0.31, p = 0.015). No correlation was found between Gal-3 and GDF-15 levels and hypertrophy and fibrosis parameters. We observed positive correlations among hs-cTnT levels and LVM (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001), LVMI (r = 0.48, p = 0.0001), MWT (r = 0.31, p = 0.015) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) mass (r = 0.37, p = 0.003). There were positive correlations between NT-proBNP levels and LVM (r = 0.33, p = 0.01), LVMI (r = 0.41, p = 0.001), MWT (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and LGE mass (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). Although no correlation between sST2 levels and myocardial fibrosis was found, sST2 may provide some additional information about hypertrophy extension. NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT are useful biomarkers in assessment of hypertrophy and fibrosis in HCM.

Combinatorial Analysis of Growth Factors Reveals the Contribution of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins to Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Periosteal Cells.

PubMed

Mendes, Luis Filipe; Tam, Wai Long; Chai, Yoke Chin; Geris, Liesbet; Luyten, Frank P; Roberts, Scott J

2016-05-01

Successful application of cell-based strategies in cartilage and bone tissue engineering has been hampered by the lack of robust protocols to efficiently differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into the chondrogenic lineage. The development of chemically defined culture media supplemented with growth factors (GFs) has been proposed as a way to overcome this limitation. In this work, we applied a fractional design of experiment (DoE) strategy to screen the effect of multiple GFs (BMP2, BMP6, GDF5, TGF-β1, and FGF2) on chondrogenic differentiation of human periosteum-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPDCs) in vitro. In a micromass culture (μMass) system, BMP2 had a positive effect on glycosaminoglycan deposition at day 7 (p < 0.001), which in combination with BMP6 synergistically enhanced cartilage-like tissue formation that displayed in vitro mineralization capacity at day 14 (p < 0.001). Gene expression of μMasses cultured for 7 days with a medium formulation supplemented with 100 ng/mL of BMP2 and BMP6 and a low concentration of GDF5, TGF-β1, and FGF2 showed increased expression of Sox9 (1.7-fold) and the matrix molecules aggrecan (7-fold increase) and COL2A1 (40-fold increase) compared to nonstimulated control μMasses. The DoE analysis indicated that in GF combinations, BMP2 was the strongest effector for chondrogenic differentiation of hPDCs. When transplanted ectopically in nude mice, the in vitro-differentiated μMasses showed maintenance of the cartilaginous phenotype after 4 weeks in vivo. This study indicates the power of using the DoE approach for the creation of new medium formulations for skeletal tissue engineering approaches.

Prevalence and risk factors of COPD among never-smokers in two areas of Sweden - Occupational exposure to gas, dust or fumes is an important risk factor.

PubMed

Hagstad, Stig; Backman, Helena; Bjerg, Anders; Ekerljung, Linda; Ye, Xiong; Hedman, Linnea; Lindberg, Anne; Torén, Kjell; Lötvall, Jan; Rönmark, Eva; Lundbäck, Bo

2015-11-01

Although active tobacco smoking is the main risk factor for COPD, COPD is not uncommon also among never-smokers. Different study locations along with different spirometric definitions of COPD have historically yielded different prevalence estimates of the disease. To study current prevalence and risk factors of COPD among never-smokers in two areas of Sweden. Data collected in 2008-2012 within the West Sweden Asthma Study and Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies was pooled. The study population consisted of 1839 subjects who participated in spirometry and interviews. COPD was defined as post-bronchodilator a) FEV(1)/(F)VC < 0.7, b) FEV(1)/FVC < 0.7 and c) FEV(1)/FVC < lower limit of normal. Of the 1839 subjects, 967 (52.6%) were never-smokers. Among the never-smoking subjects, the prevalence of COPD according to definitions a-c was 7.7%, 4.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The corresponding prevalence of GOLD grade ≥2 was 2.0%, 1.4% and 1.3%. No significant difference in prevalence between the two study areas was observed. In never-smokers, occupational exposure to gas, dust or fumes (GDF) was significantly associated with both COPD (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.03-3.33), and GOLD ≥2 (OR 4.51, 1.72-11.9) according to definition a), after adjusting for age, educational level and exposure to passive smoking at work. Depending on definition, prevalence of COPD among never-smokers was 3.0-7.7%, whereas GOLD ≥2 was present in 1.3-2.0%. Occupational exposure to GDF remained independently and significantly associated with COPD regardless of spirometric definition of the disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence of the generation of isosaccharinic acids and their subsequent degradation by local microbial consortia within hyper-alkaline contaminated soils, with relevance to intermediate level radioactive waste disposal.

PubMed

Rout, Simon P; Charles, Christopher J; Garratt, Eva J; Laws, Andrew P; Gunn, John; Humphreys, Paul N

2015-01-01

The contamination of surface environments with hydroxide rich wastes leads to the formation of high pH (>11.0) soil profiles. One such site is a legacy lime works at Harpur Hill, Derbyshire where soil profile indicated in-situ pH values up to pH 12. Soil and porewater profiles around the site indicated clear evidence of the presence of the α and β stereoisomers of isosaccharinic acid (ISA) resulting from the anoxic, alkaline degradation of cellulosic material. ISAs are of particular interest with regards to the disposal of cellulosic materials contained within the intermediate level waste (ILW) inventory of the United Kingdom, where they may influence radionuclide mobility via complexation events occurring within a geological disposal facility (GDF) concept. The mixing of uncontaminated soils with the alkaline leachate of the site resulted in ISA generation, where the rate of generation in-situ is likely to be dependent upon the prevailing temperature of the soil. Microbial consortia present in the uncontaminated soil were capable of surviving conditions imposed by the alkaline leachate and demonstrated the ability to utilise ISAs as a carbon source. Leachate-contaminated soil was sub-cultured in a cellulose degradation product driven microcosm operating at pH 11, the consortia present were capable of the degradation of ISAs and the generation of methane from the resultant H2/CO2 produced from fermentation processes. Following microbial community analysis, fermentation processes appear to be predominated by Clostridia from the genus Alkaliphilus sp, with methanogenesis being attributed to Methanobacterium and Methanomassiliicoccus sp. The study is the first to identify the generation of ISA within an anthropogenic environment and advocates the notion that microbial activity within an ILW-GDF is likely to influence the impact of ISAs upon radionuclide migration.

Circulating proteins as predictors of incident heart failure in the elderly.

PubMed

Stenemo, Markus; Nowak, Christoph; Byberg, Liisa; Sundström, Johan; Giedraitis, Vilmantas; Lind, Lars; Ingelsson, Erik; Fall, Tove; Ärnlöv, Johan

2018-01-01

To identify novel risk markers for incident heart failure using proteomic profiling of 80 proteins previously associated with cardiovascular pathology. Proteomic profiling (proximity extension assay) was performed in two community-based prospective cohorts of elderly individuals without heart failure at baseline: the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors [PIVUS, n = 901, median age 70.2 (interquartile range 70.0-70.3) years, 80 events]; and the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men [ULSAM, n = 685, median age 77.8 (interquartile range 76.9-78.1) years, 90 events]. Twenty-nine proteins were associated with incident heart failure in the discovery cohort PIVUS after adjustment for age and sex, and correction for multiple testing. Eighteen associations replicated in ULSAM. In pooled analysis of both cohorts, higher levels of nine proteins were associated with incident heart failure after adjustment for established risk factors: growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1), tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2), spondin-1 (SPON1), matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12), follistatin (FS), urokinase-type plasminogen activator surface receptor (U-PAR), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2). Of these, GDF-15, U-PAR, MMP-12, TRAIL-R2, SPON1 and FS were associated with worsened echocardiographic left ventricular systolic function at baseline, while only TIM-1 was positively associated with worsened diastolic function (P < 0.02 for all). Proteomic profiling identified several novel associations between proteins involved in apoptosis, inflammation, matrix remodelling, and fibrinolysis with incident heart failure in elderly individuals. Our results encourage additional studies investigating the underlying mechanisms and the clinical utility of our findings. © 2017 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure © 2017 European

Altered Cytokine Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Monocytes across the Menstrual Cycle in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Ma, Hongyue; Hong, Min; Duan, Jinao; Liu, Pei; Fan, Xinsheng; Shang, Erxin; Su, Shulan; Guo, Jianming; Qian, Dawei; Tang, Yuping

2013-01-01

Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological complaints in young women, but potential peripheral immunologic features underlying this condition remain undefined. In this paper, we compared 84 common cytokine gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from six primary dysmenorrheic young women and three unaffected controls on the seventh day before (secretory phase), and the first (menstrual phase) and the fifth (regenerative phase) days of menstruation, using a real-time PCR array assay combined with pattern recognition and gene function annotation methods. Comparisons between dysmenorrhea and normal control groups identified 11 (nine increased and two decreased), 14 (five increased and nine decreased), and 15 (seven increased and eight decreased) genes with ≥2-fold difference in expression (P<0.05) in the three phases of menstruation, respectively. In the menstrual phase, genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1B, TNF, IL6, and IL8) were up-regulated, and genes encoding TGF-β superfamily members (BMP4, BMP6, GDF5, GDF11, LEFTY2, NODAL, and MSTN) were down-regulated. Functional annotation revealed an excessive inflammatory response and insufficient TGF-β superfamily member signals with anti-inflammatory consequences, which may directly contribute to menstrual pain. In the secretory and regenerative phases, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased expression of growth factors were also observed. These factors may be involved in the regulation of decidualization, endometrium breakdown and repair, and indirectly exacerbate primary dysmenorrhea. This first study of cytokine gene expression profiles in PBMCs from young primary dysmenorrheic women demonstrates a shift in the balance between expression patterns of pro-inflammatory cytokines and TGF-β superfamily members across the whole menstrual cycle, underlying the peripheral immunologic features of primary dysmenorrhea. PMID:23390521

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 1 (ACVRL1/ALK1) Expression in the Rat and Human Hippocampus: Decline in CA3 During Progression of Alzheimer's Disease.

PubMed

Adams, Stephanie L; Benayoun, Laurent; Tilton, Kathy; Mellott, Tiffany J; Seshadri, Sudha; Blusztajn, Jan Krzysztof; Delalle, Ivana

2018-01-01

The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes signaling defects mediated by the transforming growth factor β-bone morphogenetic protein-growth and differentiation factor (TGFβ-BMP-GDF) family of proteins. In animal models of AD, administration of BMP9/GDF2 improves memory and reduces amyloidosis. The best characterized type I receptor of BMP9 is ALK1. We characterized ALK1 expression in the hippocampus using immunohistochemistry. In the rat, ALK1 immunoreactivity was found in CA pyramidal neurons, most frequently and robustly in the CA2 and CA3 fields. In addition, there were sporadic ALK1-immunoreactive cells in the stratum oriens, mainly in CA1. The ALK1 expression pattern in human hippocampus was similar to that of rat. Pyramidal neurons within the CA2, CA3, and CA4 were strongly ALK1-immunoreactive in hippocampi of cognitively intact subjects with no neurofibrillary tangles. ALK1 signal was found in the axons of alveus and fimbria, and in the neuropil across CA fields. Relatively strongest ALK1 neuropil signal was observed in CA1 where pyramidal neurons were occasionally ALK1-immunoractive. As in the rat, horizontally oriented neurons in the stratum oriens of CA1 were both ALK1- and GAD67-immunoreactive. Analysis of ALK1 immunoreactivity across stages of AD pathology revealed that disease progression was characterized by overall reduction of the ALK1 signal in CA3 in advanced, but not early, stages of AD. These data suggest that the CA3 pyramidal neurons may remain responsive to the ALK1 ligands, e.g., BMP9, during initial stages of AD and that ALK1 may constitute a therapeutic target in early and moderate AD.

An experimental study of solar desalination using free jets and an auxiliary hot air stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eid, Eldesouki I.; Khalaf-Allah, Reda A.; Dahab, Mohamed A.

2018-04-01

An experimental study for a solar desalination system based on jet-humidification with an auxiliary perpendicular hot air stream was carried out at Suez city, Egypt 29.9668°N, 32.5498°E. The tests were done from May to October 2016. The effects of nozzles situations and nozzle diameter with and without hot air stream on fresh water productivity were monitored. The results show that; the lateral and downward jets from narrow nozzles have more productivities than other situations. The hot air stream has to be adapted at a certain flow rate to get high values of productivity. The system productivity is (5.6 L/m 2 ), the estimated cost is (0.030063 / L) and the efficiency is 32.8%.

Ship canals and aquatic ecosystems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Aron, William I.; Smith, Stanford H.

1971-01-01

Through a combination of ecosystem homeostasis and the perversity of man and nature, oftentimes the significant biological changes effected by environmental modifications are not detected until long after the initial change has taken place. The immediate impact, which may range from the spectacular to the undetectable, is a deceptive measure of the long-term and often more important changes in the ecosystem. Two major engineering achievements illustrate this premise: (i) construction of the Erie Canal, which provided access from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, and the Welland Canal, which bypasses the block between Lakes Ontario and Erie created by Niagara Falls (Fig. 1), and (ii) construction of the Suez Canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

Energy efficiency in membrane bioreactors.

PubMed

Barillon, B; Martin Ruel, S; Langlais, C; Lazarova, V

2013-01-01

Energy consumption remains the key factor for the optimisation of the performance of membrane bioreactors (MBRs). This paper presents the results of the detailed energy audits of six full-scale MBRs operated by Suez Environnement in France, Spain and the USA based on on-site energy measurement and analysis of plant operation parameters and treatment performance. Specific energy consumption is compared for two different MBR configurations (flat sheet and hollow fibre membranes) and for plants with different design, loads and operation parameters. The aim of this project was to understand how the energy is consumed in MBR facilities and under which operating conditions, in order to finally provide guidelines and recommended practices for optimisation of MBR operation and design to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts.

Heat flow in eastern Egypt - The thermal signature of a continental breakup

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morgan, P.; Boulos, F. K.; Hennin, S. F.; El-Sherif, A. A.; El-Sayed, A. A.

1985-01-01

Data on the heat flow in eastern Egypt were collected to provide information related to the mode and the mechanism of the Red Sea opening. The data indicate a general increase in heat flow towards the Red Sea (75-100 mW/sq m in a zone within 40 km of the coast compared with 35-55 mW/sq m inland). Moderately high heat flow (about 70 mW/sq m) was found for the Gulf of Suez. Heat production data indicate that the coastal thermal anomaly is not primarily related to crustal radiogenic heat production. Possible causes of the anomaly (one of which could be a high mantle heat flow causing a lithospheric thinning centered beneath the Red Sea) are discussed.

"The Electric City": Sherbrooke et son paysage hydroelectrique (1880--1930)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillemette, Remi

Ce memoire presente l'imbrication des elements hydroelectrique au sein du paysage de la ville de Sherbrooke entre 1880 et 1930. Nous cherchons a comprendre comment les nouveaux elements energetiques s'integrent a celui-ci et comment la population sherbrookoise se represente ces espaces transformes. Comment le paysage hydroelectrique, en tant qu'espace vu et vecu, interagit-il avec la societe sherbrookoise ? A l'interieur de cette problematique generale, nous chercherons a repondre a trois sous-questions. Quelles sont les transformations physiques et materielles engendrees par l'implantation de cette nouvelle technologie hydroelectrique sur le paysage urbain sherbrookois ? Qu'est-ce que les differents groupes valorisent au sein du paysage ? Quel sens prennent ces nouveaux paysages pour les Sherbrookois ? En effet, l'etude du developpement rapide du potentiel hydroelectrique de la riviere Magog nous amene a demontrer que l'exploitation des ressources energetiques a profondement transforme le paysage de Sherbrooke : vastes modifications du trace des cours d'eau, apparition de batiments specifiques a la production energetique, structures de distributions et infrastructures permettant l'illumination de la ville. Nous avancons aussi que differents groupes d'individus ne valorisent pas les memes elements paysagers. Finalement, nous proposons que le regard porte par les citoyens sur le paysage energetique est tributaire de l'usage qu'ils en font. Comme la fonction des elements energetiques paysagers evolue, le regard qu' ils portent vers ces structures se transforme lui aussi. Mots cles: histoire de Sherbrooke, paysage, hydroelectricite, electricite, transformation de l'espace, histoire environnementale

Complex roles of myoglianin in regulating adult performance and lifespan

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Myoglianin, the Drosophila homolog of the secreted vertebrate proteins Myostatin and GDF-11, is an important regulator of neuronal modeling, and synapse function and morphology. While Myoglianin suppression during development elicits positive effects on the neuromuscular system, genetic manipulations of myoglianin expression levels have a varied effect on the outcome of performance tests in aging flies. Specifically, Myoglianin preserves jumping ability, has no effect on negative geotaxis, and negatively regulates flight performance in aging flies. In addition, Myoglianin exhibits a tissue-specific effect on longevity, with myoglianin upregulation in glial cells increasing the median lifespan. These findings indicate complex role for this TGF-β-like protein in governing neuromuscular signaling and consequent behavioral outputs and lifespan in adult flies. PMID:28837401

Validation of AIRS Retrievals of CO2 via Comparison to In Situ Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, Edward T.; Chahine, Moustafa T.; Chen, Luke L.; Jiang, Xun; Pagano, Thomas S.; Yung, Yuk L.

2008-01-01

Topics include AIRS on Aqua, 2002-present with discussion about continued operation to 2011 and beyond and background, including spectrum, weighting functions, and initialization; comparison with aircraft and FTIR measurements in Masueda (CONTRAIL) JAL flask measurements, Park Falls, WI FTIR, Bremen, GDF, and Spitsbergen, Norway; AIRS retrievals over addition FTIR sites in Darwin, AU and Lauder, NZ; and mid-tropospheric carbon dioxide weather and contribution from major surface sources. Slide titles include typical AIRS infrared spectrum, AIRS sensitivity for retrieving CO2 profiles, independence of CO2 solution with respect to the initial guess, available in situ measurements for validation and comparison, comparison of collocated V1.5x AIRS CO2 (N_coll greater than or equal to 9) with INTEX-NA and SPURT;

Synthesis, characterization and vibrational properties of p-fluorosulfinylaniline.

PubMed

Páez Jerez, Ana L; Flores Antognini, Andrea; Cutin, Edgardo H; Robles, Norma L

2015-02-25

The reaction of p-fluoroaniline and SOCl2 rendered p-fluorosulfinylaniline in good yield. The obtained dark yellowish liquid compound was characterized by NMR, UV-visible, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopies. The observed features were consistent with the existence of only one conformer, belonging to the CS symmetry group. A tentative assignment of the vibrational modes was performed on the basis of experimental spectra and quantum chemical calculations at different levels of theory (B3LYP and MP2 with 6-31+G(d), 6-311+G(d) and 6-311+G(df) basis sets). The conformational and vibrational properties of p-fluorosulfinylaniline were in good agreement with experimental data reported for other substituted sulfinylanilines and p-halogenanilines. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of experimental proton-induced fluorescence spectra for a selection of thin high-Z samples with Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Incerti, S.; Barberet, Ph.; Dévès, G.; Michelet, C.; Francis, Z.; Ivantchenko, V.; Mantero, A.; El Bitar, Z.; Bernal, M. A.; Tran, H. N.; Karamitros, M.; Seznec, H.

2015-09-01

The general purpose Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit is able to simulate radiative and non-radiative atomic de-excitation processes such as fluorescence and Auger electron emission, occurring after interaction of incident ionising radiation with target atomic electrons. In this paper, we evaluate the Geant4 modelling capability for the simulation of fluorescence spectra induced by 1.5 MeV proton irradiation of thin high-Z foils (Fe, GdF3, Pt, Au) with potential interest for nanotechnologies and life sciences. Simulation results are compared to measurements performed at the Centre d'Etudes Nucléaires de Bordeaux-Gradignan AIFIRA nanobeam line irradiation facility in France. Simulation and experimental conditions are described and the influence of Geant4 electromagnetic physics models is discussed.

Sampling and analytical methods of stable isotopes and dissolved inorganic carbon from CO2 injection sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Geldern, Robert; Myrttinen, Anssi; Becker, Veith; Barth, Johannes A. C.

2010-05-01

enough to cover the sample concentrations. In order to assure methodological reproducibility, this 'calibration set' should be included in every sequence analysed with the Gasbench CF-IRMS system. The standards, therefore, should also be treated in the same way as the samples. For accurate determination, it is essential to know the exact amount of water in the vial and the density of the sample. This requires weighing of each vial before and after injection of the water sample. For stable isotope analysis, the required signal height can be adjusted by the sample amount. Therefore this method is suitable for analysing samples with highly differing DIC concentrations. Reproducibility and accuracy of the quantitative analysis of the dissolved inorganic carbon need to be verified by independent control standards, treated as samples. This study was conducted as a part of the R&D programme CLEAN, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education in the framework of the programme GEOTECHNOLOGIEN. We would like to thank GDF SUEZ for permitting us to conduct sampling campaigns at their site.

Regional consequences of a biotic interchange: insights from the Lessepsian invasion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawrot, Rafal; Albano, Paolo G.; Chattopadhyay, Devapriya; Zuschin, Martin

2016-04-01

The fossil record provides ample evidence of large-scale biotic interchanges and their pervasive effects on regional biotas, but mechanisms controlling such events are difficult to decipher in deep time. Massive invasion of Indo-Pacific species into the Mediterranean Sea triggered by the opening of the Suez Canal offers a unique opportunity to examine the ecological consequences of breaking down biogeographic barriers. We developed an extensive database of taxonomic composition, body size and ecological characteristics of the Red Sea and Mediterranean bivalve fauna in order to link biotic selectivity of the invasion process with its effects on the recipient biota. Shallow-water occurrence and presence outside the tropical zone in other regions are the strongest predictors of the successful transition through the Suez Canal. Subsequent establishment of alien species in the Mediterranean Sea correlates with early arrival and preference for hard substrates. Finally, large-bodied species and hard-bottom dwellers are over-represented among the invasive aliens that have reached the spread stage and impose a strong impact on native communities. Although body size is important only at the last invasion stage, alien species are significantly larger compared to native Mediterranean bivalves. This reflects biogeographic difference in the body-size distributions of the source and recipient species pools related to the recent geological history of the Mediterranean Sea. Contrary to the general expectations on the effects of temperature on average body size, continued warming of the Mediterranean Sea accelerates the entry of tropical aliens and thus indirectly leads to increase in the proportion of large-bodied species in local communities and the regional biota. Invasion-driven shifts in species composition are stronger in hard-substrate communities, which host a smaller pool of incumbent species and are more susceptible to the establishment of newcomers. Analogous differences

The WAP four-disulfide core domain protein HE4: a novel biomarker for heart failure.

PubMed

de Boer, Rudolf A; Cao, Qi; Postmus, Douwe; Damman, Kevin; Voors, Adriaan A; Jaarsma, Tiny; van Veldhuisen, Dirk J; Arnold, William D; Hillege, Hans L; Silljé, Herman H W

2013-04-01

This study investigated clinical determinants and added prognostic value of HE4 as a biomarker not previously described in heart failure (HF). Identification of plasma biomarkers that help to risk stratify HF patients may help to improve treatment. Plasma HE4 levels were determined in 567 participants of the COACH (Coordinating study evaluating outcomes of Advising and Counseling in Heart failure). Patients had been hospitalized for HF and were followed for 18 months. The primary endpoint of this study was a composite of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization. HE4 showed a strong correlation with HF severity, according to New York Heart Association functional class and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (p < 0.001). HE4 also showed a positive correlation with GDF15 (p < 0.001) and, in addition, correlated with kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]; p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed that a doubling of HE4 levels was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53 to 1.95) for the primary outcome (p < 0.001). After correction for age, gender, BNP, and eGFR, the HR was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.23 to 1.72; p < 0.001), and after additional adjustment for GDF15, the HR lowered to 1.30 (95% CI: 1.07 to 1.59; p = 0.009). The area under the curve in the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis increased from 0.727 to 0.752 when HE4 was included in the clinical evaluation (p = 0.051). The integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification index for reclassification showed significant improvements when HE4 was added to the clinical model, and this remained significant after BNP inclusion in the model. HE4 plasma levels are correlated with markers of HF severity, show prognostic value, and can improve risk assessment in HF. Copyright © 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Infertility of Repeat-Breeder Cows During Summer Is Associated with Decreased Mitochondrial DNA and Increased Expression of Mitochondrial and Apoptotic Genes in Oocytes.

PubMed

Ferreira, Roberta Machado; Chiaratti, Marcos Roberto; Macabelli, Carolina Habermann; Rodrigues, Carlos Alberto; Ferraz, Márcio Leão; Watanabe, Yeda Fumie; Smith, Lawrence Charles; Meirelles, Flávio Vieira; Baruselli, Pietro Sampaio

2016-03-01

Oocyte quality is known to be a major cause of infertility in repeat-breeder (RB) and heat-stressed dairy cows. However, the mechanisms by which RB oocytes become less capable of supporting embryo development remain largely unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the decreased oocyte competence of RB cows (RBs) during summer is associated with an altered gene expression profile and a decrease in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number. Therefore, oocytes collected from heifers, non-RBs in peak lactation (PLs), and RBs were used to evaluate mtDNA amounts as well as the expression levels of genes associated with the mitochondria (MT-CO1, NRF1, POLG, POLG2, PPARGC1A, and TFAM), apoptosis (BAX, BCL2, and ITM2B), and oocyte maturation (BMP15, FGF8, FGF10, FGF16, FGF17, and GDF9). The oocytes retrieved from RBs during winter contained over eight times more mtDNA than those retrieved from RBs during summer. They also contained significantly less mtDNA than oocytes retrieved from heifers and PLs during summer. Moreover, the expression of mitochondria- (NRF1, POLG, POLG2, PPARGC1A, and TFAM) and apoptosis-related (BAX and ITM2B) genes, as well as of GDF9, in RB oocytes collected during summer was significantly greater than that in oocytes collected from heifers and PLs during the same season. In oocytes from heifers and PLs, the expression levels of these genes were lower in those collected during summer compared with winter, but this difference was not observed in oocytes collected from RBs. Altogether, these data provide evidence of altered gene expression and reduced mtDNA copy number in the oocytes collected from RBs during summer. This indicates a loss of fertility in RBs during summer, which might be caused by a possible mitochondrial dysfunction associated with a greater chance of oocytes to undergo apoptosis. © 2016 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Successful vitrification and autografting of baboon (Papio anubis) ovarian tissue.

PubMed

Amorim, Christiani A; Jacobs, Sophie; Devireddy, Ram V; Van Langendonckt, Anne; Vanacker, Julie; Jaeger, Jonathan; Luyckx, Valérie; Donnez, Jacques; Dolmans, Marie-Madeleine

2013-08-01

Can a vitrification protocol using an ethylene glycol/dimethyl sulphoxide-based solution and a cryopin successfully cryopreserve baboon ovarian tissue? Our results show that baboon ovarian tissue can be successfully cryopreserved with our vitrification protocol. Non-human primates have already been used as an animal model to test vitrification protocols for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Ovarian biopsies from five adult baboons were vitrified, warmed and autografted for 5 months. After grafting, follicle survival, growth and function and also the quality of stromal tissue were assessed histologically and by immunohistochemistry. The influence of the vitrification procedure on the cooling rate was evaluated by a computer model. After vitrification, warming and long-term grafting, follicles were able to grow and maintain their function, as illustrated by Ki67, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) immunostaining. Corpora lutea were also observed, evidencing successful ovulation in all the animals. Stromal tissue quality did not appear to be negatively affected by our cryopreservation procedure, as demonstrated by vascularization and proportions of fibrotic areas, which were similar to those found in fresh ungrafted ovarian tissue. Despite our promising findings, before applying this technique in a clinical setting, we need to validate it by achieving pregnancies. In addition to encouraging results obtained with our vitrification procedure for non-human ovarian tissue, this study also showed, for the first time, expression of AMH and GDF-9 in ovarian follicles. This study was supported by grants from the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique de Belgique (grant Télévie No. 7.4507.10, grant 3.4.590.08 awarded to Marie-Madeleine Dolmans), Fonds Spéciaux de Recherche, Fondation St Luc, Foundation Against Cancer, and Department of Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana State University (support to Ram Devireddy), and

Gravity and magnetic data across the Ghost Dance Fault in WT-2 Wash, Yucca Mountain, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oliver, H.W.; Sikora, R.F.

1994-12-31

Detailed gravity and ground magnetic data were obtained in September 1993 along a 4,650 ft-long profile across the Ghost Dance Fault system in WT-2 Wash. Gravity stations were established every 150 feet along the profile. Total-field magnetic measurements made initially every 50 ft along the profile, then remade every 20 ft through the fault zone. These new data are part of a geologic and geophysical study of the Ghost Dance Fault (GDF) which includes detailed geologic mapping, seismic reflection, and some drilling including geologic and geophysical logging. The Ghost Dance Fault is the only through-going fault that has been identifiedmore » within the potential repository for high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Preliminary gravity results show a distinct decrease of 0.1 to 0.2 mGal over a 600-ft-wide zone to the east of and including the mapped fault. The gravity decrease probably marks a zone of brecciation. Another fault-offset located about 2,000 ft to the east of the GDF was detected by seismic reflection data and is also marked by a distinct gravity low. The ground magnetic data show a 200-ft-wide magnetic low of about 400 nT centered about 100 ft east of the Ghost Dance Fault. The magnetic low probably marks a zone of brecciation within the normally polarized Topopah Spring Tuff, the top of which is about 170 ft below the surface, and which is known from drilling to extend to a depth of about 1,700 ft. Three-component magnetometer logging in drill hole WT-2 located about 2,700 ft east of the Ghost Dance Fault shows that the Topopah Spring Tuff is strongly polarized magnetically in this area, so that fault brecciation of a vertical zone within the Tuff could provide an average negative magnetic contrast of the 4 Am{sup {minus}1} needed to produce the 400 nT low observed at the surface.« less

Lefty Blocks a Subset of TGFβ Signals by Antagonizing EGF-CFC Coreceptors

PubMed Central

Cheng, Simon K; Olale, Felix; Brivanlou, Ali H

2004-01-01

Members of the EGF-CFC family play essential roles in embryonic development and have been implicated in tumorigenesis. The TGFβ signals Nodal and Vg1/GDF1, but not Activin, require EGF-CFC coreceptors to activate Activin receptors. We report that the TGFβ signaling antagonist Lefty also acts through an EGF-CFC-dependent mechanism. Lefty inhibits Nodal and Vg1 signaling, but not Activin signaling. Lefty genetically interacts with EGF-CFC proteins and competes with Nodal for binding to these coreceptors. Chimeras between Activin and Nodal or Vg1 identify a 14 amino acid region that confers independence from EGF-CFC coreceptors and resistance to Lefty. These results indicate that coreceptors are targets for both TGFβ agonists and antagonists and suggest that subtle sequence variations in TGFβ signals result in greater ligand diversity. PMID:14966532

GEMINI-TITAN (GT)-11 - EARTH SKY - OVERLAY - SINAI PENINSULA - POINTS OF INTEREST - OUTER SPACE

NASA Image and Video Library

1966-09-14

S66-54893 (14 Sept. 1966) --- Near East area as seen from the orbiting Gemini-11 spacecraft during its 26th revolution of Earth. The United Arab Republic (Egypt) is in foreground. Triangular-shaped area is the Sinai Peninsula. Saudi Arabia is at upper right. The Mediterranean Sea is at upper left. The Gulf of Suez separates Egypt from the Sinai Peninsula. The Red Sea is at bottom right. The Gulf of Aqaba is the body of water in right center of photograph separating the Sinai Peninsula and the Arabian Peninsula. The Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Jordan and Israel are in top center of picture. Iraq is at top right edge of photograph. Taken with a J. A. Maurer 70mm camera, using Eastman Kodak, Ektachrome, MS (S.O. 368) color film. Photo credit: NASA

Cairo, Egypt as seen from STS-62

NASA Image and Video Library

1994-03-05

STS062-108-058 (4-18 March 1994) --- Cairo lies at the apex of the great delta of the Nile: the delta is marked by the strong greens of cultivated lands, Cairo by the gray sprawl along the river and the eastern delta apex as it develops in the direction of the airports and Suez. The city of El Giza lies on the west side of the Nile with the Giza pyramids in the desert just beyond the cultivated lands. Several major canals lead water to parts of the delta more distant from the Nile; generally these can be recognized as straighter, more engineered waterways. Towards the top left, the bifurcation of the Rosetta and Damietta branches of the Nile can be seen. These are the two major present-day veins of the Nile as it approaches the Mediterranean.

Egypt: World Oil Report 1991

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-08-01

This paper reports on a selective ban on exploration for oil and gas that resulted for offshore and onshore areas of the Red Sea and South Sinai. Egypt is a new hot spot for environmental concerns. After six months of debate, three concessions in the southern Gulf of Suez were reopened for exploration in late 1990. Companies can resume seismic work and eventually drill, but only in a zone from the shoreline inland and under certain restrictions. If oil is found in the restricted area, discovery wells must be plugged and the location restored. If commercial, companies must go outsidemore » the restricted zone and drill deviated wells. Three companies directly involved are Asamera Egypt (Gulf Canada), Germany's Deminex and Exxon. All foreign exploration companies are now required to submit environmental impact statements.« less

Family physicians' attitude and practice of infertility management at primary care--Suez Canal University, Egypt.

PubMed

Eldein, Hebatallah Nour

2013-01-01

The very particular natures of infertility problem and infertility care make them different from other medical problems and services in developing countries. Even after the referral to specialists, the family physicians are expected to provide continuous support for these couples. This place the primary care service at the heart of all issues related to infertility. to improve family physicians' attitude and practice about the approach to infertility management within primary care setting. This study was conducted in the between June and December 2010. The study sample comprised 100 family physician trainees in the family medicine department and working in family practice centers or primary care units. They were asked to fill a questionnaire about their personal characteristics, attitude, and practice towards support, investigations, and treatment of infertile couples. Hundred family physicians were included in the study. They were previously received training in infertility management. Favorable attitude scores were detected among (68%) of physicians and primary care was considered a suitable place for infertility management among (77%) of participants. There was statistically significant difference regarding each of age groups, gender and years of experience with the physicians' attitude. There was statistically significant difference regarding gender, perceiving PHC as an appropriate place to manage infertility and attitude towards processes of infertility management with the physicians' practice. Favorable attitude and practice were determined among the study sample. Supporting the structure of primary care and evidence-based training regarding infertility management are required to improve family physicians' attitude and practice towards infertility management.

Global Cardiovascular Risk Assessment by Family Physicians in Suez Canal University-Family Medicine Centers-Egypt

PubMed Central

Nour-Eldein, Hebatallah; Abdelsalam, Shimaa A.; Nasr, Gamila M.; Abdelwahed, Hassan A.

2013-01-01

Background: The close sustained contact of family physician with their patients and local community makes preventive care an integral part of their routine work. Most cardiovascular diseases (CVD) can be prevented by addressing their risk factors. There are several guidelines that recommend different CV risk assessment tools to support CV prevention strategies. Aim: This study aimed to assess awareness and attitude of global CV risk assessment and use of their tools by family physicians; aiming to improve CV prevention service. Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional descriptive analytic. Sixty-five family physicians were asked to respond to, validated anonymous questionnaire to collect data about characteristics of family physicians, their awareness, attitude, current use, barriers, and recommendations of global CV risk assessment. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: Awareness of guidelines of global CV risk assessment was relatively higher regarding the American guidelines (30.8%) than that recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) for Egypt (20.2%). 50.8% of participants had favorable attitude. There was statistical significant relationship between attitude scores and physician characteristics; age (P = 0.003), qualification (P = 0.001) and number of patients seen per week (P = 0.009). Routine use of global CV risk assessment tools was reported only (23%) by family physicians. Conclusion: Relative higher attitude scores than use of global CV risk assessment tools in practice. The most frequent barriers were related to lack of resources and shortage in training/skills and the raised suggestions were towards training. PMID:26664843

Global Cardiovascular Risk Assessment by Family Physicians in Suez Canal University-Family Medicine Centers-Egypt.

PubMed

Nour-Eldein, Hebatallah; Abdelsalam, Shimaa A; Nasr, Gamila M; Abdelwahed, Hassan A

2013-01-01

The close sustained contact of family physician with their patients and local community makes preventive care an integral part of their routine work. Most cardiovascular diseases (CVD) can be prevented by addressing their risk factors. There are several guidelines that recommend different CV risk assessment tools to support CV prevention strategies. This study aimed to assess awareness and attitude of global CV risk assessment and use of their tools by family physicians; aiming to improve CV prevention service. The current study is a cross-sectional descriptive analytic. Sixty-five family physicians were asked to respond to, validated anonymous questionnaire to collect data about characteristics of family physicians, their awareness, attitude, current use, barriers, and recommendations of global CV risk assessment. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18 was used for data entry and analysis. Awareness of guidelines of global CV risk assessment was relatively higher regarding the American guidelines (30.8%) than that recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) for Egypt (20.2%). 50.8% of participants had favorable attitude. There was statistical significant relationship between attitude scores and physician characteristics; age (P = 0.003), qualification (P = 0.001) and number of patients seen per week (P = 0.009). Routine use of global CV risk assessment tools was reported only (23%) by family physicians. Relative higher attitude scores than use of global CV risk assessment tools in practice. The most frequent barriers were related to lack of resources and shortage in training/skills and the raised suggestions were towards training.

Family physicians’ attitude and practice of infertility management at primary care - Suez Canal University, Egypt

PubMed Central

Eldein, Hebatallah Nour

2013-01-01

Introduction The very particular natures of infertility problem and infertility care make them different from other medical problems and services in developing countries. Even after the referral to specialists, the family physicians are expected to provide continuous support for these couples. This place the primary care service at the heart of all issues related to infertility. The aim of the work: to improve family physicians' attitude and practice about the approach to infertility management within primary care setting. Methods This study was conducted in the between June and December 2010. The study sample comprised 100 family physician trainees in the family medicine department and working in family practice centers or primary care units. They were asked to fill a questionnaire about their personal characteristics, attitude, and practice towards support, investigations, and treatment of infertile couples. Results Hundred family physicians were included in the study. They were previously received training in infertility management. Favorable attitude scores were detected among (68%) of physicians and primary care was considered a suitable place for infertility management among (77%) of participants. There was statistically significant difference regarding each of age groups, gender and years of experience with the physicians′ attitude. There was statistically significant difference regarding gender, perceiving PHC as an appropriate place to manage infertility and attitude towards processes of infertility management with the physicians′ practice. Conclusion Favorable attitude and practice were determined among the study sample. Supporting the structure of primary care and evidence-based training regarding infertility management are required to improve family physicians' attitude and practice towards infertility management. PMID:24244792

GDF9 and BMP15 Expressions and Fine Structure Changes During Folliculogenesis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PubMed

Karagül, Meryem İlkay; Aktaş, Savaş; Coşkun Yılmaz, Banu; Yılmaz, Mustafa; Orekici Temel, Gülhan

2018-01-20

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most frequently seen endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age with a prevalence of about 10%. To investigate the efficiency of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 during folliculogenesis in a dehydroepiandrosterone-induced mouse Polycystic ovary syndrome model. Animal experimentation. Mice were divided into 3 groups: control, vehicle and Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome model mice were developed by the injection of dehydroepiandrosterone dissolved in 0.1 mL of sesame oil. Ovarian tissues were examined for growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 using immunofluorescent labelling and electron microscopic examinations. The immunoreactivity of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 proteins decreased (p<0.05) in the Polycystic ovary syndrome group (27.73±8.43 and 24.85±7.03, respectively) compared with the control group (33.72±11.22 and 31.12±11.05, respectively) and vehicle group (33.95±10.75 and 29.99±10.72, respectively). Apoptotic changes were observed in granulosa cells, lipid vacuoles increased in Theca cells and thickening and irregularities were noted in the basal lamina of granulosa cells. An increased electron density in the zona pellucida in some of the multilaminar primary and secondary follicles in the Polycystic ovary syndrome model was also observed at the ultrastructural level. These results suggest that the decrease in the growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 expression initiated at the primary follicle stage effect the follicle development and zona pellucida structure and may cause subfertility or infertility in Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Remote sensing, planform, and facies analysis of the Plain of Tineh, Egypt for the remains of the defunct Pelusiac River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quintanar, Jessica; Khan, Shuhab D.; Fathy, Mohamed S.; Zalat, Abdel-Fattah A.

2013-11-01

The Pelusiac Branch was a distributary river in the Nile Delta that splits off from the main trunk of the Nile River as it flowed toward the Mediterranean. At approximately 25 A.D., it was chocked by sand and silt deposits from prograding beach accretion processes. The lower course of the river and its bifurcation point from the trunk of the Nile have been hypothesized based on ancient texts and maps, as well as previous research, but results have been inconsistent. Previous studies partly mapped the lower course of the Pelusiac River in the Plain of Tineh, east of the Suez Canal, but rapid urbanization related to the inauguration of the Peace Canal mega-irrigation project has covered any trace of the linear feature reported by these previous studies. The present study used multispectral remote sensing data of GeoEYE-1 and Landsat-TM to locate and accurately map the course of the defunct Pelusiac River within the Plain of Tineh. Remote sensing analysis identified a linear feature that is 135 m wide at its maximum and approximately 13 km long. It extends from the Pelusium ruins to the Suez Canal, just north of the Peace Canal. This remotely located linear feature corresponds to the path of the Pelusiac River during Roman times. Planform geomorphology was applied to determine the hydrological regime and paleodischarge of the river prior to becoming defunct. Planform analysis derived a bankfull paleodischarge value of ~ 5700 m3 s- 1 and an average discharge of 650 m3 s- 1, using the reach average for the interpreted Pelusiac River. The derived values show a river distributary similar in discharge to the modern dammed Damietta river. Field work completed in April of 2012 derived four sedimentary lithofacies of the upper formation on the plain that included pro-delta, delta-front and delta-plain depositional environments. Diatom and fossil mollusk samples were also identified that support coastal beach and lagoonal environments of deposition. Measured section columns

Plio-Pleistocene extinctions and immigration credit reflected in the size-frequency distribution of Mediterranean marine bivalves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawrot, Rafal; Zuschin, Martin; Chattopadhyay, Devapriya

2015-04-01

Following the opening of the Suez Canal hundreds of Red Sea species have entered the Mediterranean Sea making it a global hot spot of marine bioinvasion. With the ongoing influx of the subtropical and tropical alien species and increasing sea surface temperatures, the Mediterranean biota is currently gaining a more tropical character and increasingly becoming a mixture of faunal stocks with different evolutionary histories. This susceptibility to invasion was suggested to reflect the presence of an empty ecological space left after decimation of incumbent warm-water fauna during Plio-Pleistocene climate fluctuations. As molluscs are among the most prolific immigrants, we test this hypothesis using data on taxonomic composition and body size of Pliocene Mediterranean bivalves derived from the literature sources and museum collections. The Pliocene inter-specific size-frequency distribution (SFD) is strikingly similar to the SFDs of the Recent Red Sea bivalve fauna, in spite of different biogeographic provenance and the absence of true reef ecosystems in the Pliocene of the Mediterranean region. In contrast, body-size patterns in both assemblages are significantly different from the present-day Mediterranean fauna characterized by smaller median and modal size. Our preliminary results suggest that the distinct shape of the modern Mediterranean SFD may reflect the selective nature of the late Piacenzian - Galesian (Late Pliocene - Early Pleistocene) extinctions pulses related to the onset of the Northern Hemisphere glaciations. These extinctions affected almost 40% of Pliocene species and were biased towards large-bodied taxa. They were not followed by re-immigration of warm-water species owing to the isolation from the tropical Atlantic biota by the cold upwelling along the NW coasts of Africa. The resulting invasion credit (sensu Jackson & Sax, 2010) is currently being paid by the Red Sea bivalves colonizing the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. Successful

Spatial and Temporal Strain Distribution Along the Central Red Sea Rift - A Study of the Hamd-Jizil Basin in Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szymanski, E.; Stockli, D.; Johnson, P.; Kattan, F. H.; Al Shamari, A.

2006-12-01

Numerous models exploring the rupturing modes and mechanisms of continental lithosphere are based on geological evidence from the Red Sea/Gulf of Suez rift system. Individually, the Red Sea basin is the prototype for many models of orthogonal continental rifting. Despite being a classic example of continental extension, many temporal and spatial strain distribution aspects, as well as the dynamic evolution of the rift architecture of the Red Sea, remain poorly constrained. Critical data come mostly from the Gulf of Suez and the Egyptian and Yemeni margins of the Red Sea; the rift flanks in Sudan and Saudi Arabia have remained largely unstudied, leaving a large information gap along the central portions of the rift system. Improving continental lithosphere rupture models requires an absolute understanding of the timing and magnitude of strain partitioning along the full rift flank. This study focuses on the development of extensional structures, syn- extensional sedimentary deposits, and rift-related Tertiary basaltic volcanism along the central flank of the rift system in Saudi Arabia. Geo- and thermochronometric techniques are used to elucidate the evolution of inboard and outboard strain markers manifested by structurally-controlled extensional basins that parallel the trend of the main Red Sea rift. Constraints on the dynamics of rift flank deformation are achieved through the collection of thermochronometric transects that traverse both the entire Arabian shield and individual normal faults that bound inland basins. Preliminary results show inland basins as asymmetric half-grabens filled by tilted Cenozoic sedimentary strata and separated by exhumed basement fault blocks. The most prominent extensional basin is the NW-trending Hamd-Jizil basin, located north of Madinah, measuring ~200 km along strike and up to 20 km in width. The Hamd-Jizil basin is structurally characterized by two half-grabens exposing a series of syn-rift siliciclastic sedimentary sections

Environmental pollution and shipping feasibility of the Nicaragua Canal.

PubMed

Chen, Jihong; Zeng, Xin; Deng, Yibing

2016-12-15

In recent years, the Nicaraguan government's renewed interest in constructing this interoceanic canal has once again aroused widespread concern, particularly in the global shipping industry. The project's immense ecological risks, coupled with the recent expansions of both the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, have raised questions among scientists and experts about its viability. Whether the Nicaragua Canal is really feasible for international shipping, given its high marine pollution risks, requires the further study. This paper discusses and analyses the feasibility of the Nicaragua Canal in the context of its environmental impact and value as a shipping service. This paper aims to provide an important information reference to inform strategic decision-making among policymakers and stakeholders. Our research results indicate that the environmental complexity, economic costs and safety risks of building a new transoceanic canal are simply too high to justify the project. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relation of myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women.

PubMed

Mehanna, Eman T; Saleh, Samy M; Ghattas, Maivel H; Mesbah, Noha M; Abo-Elmatty, Dina M

2015-02-01

Myeloperoxidase is a heme protein secreted by activated macrophages and generates intermediates that oxidize lipoproteins. Myeloperoxidase-463G/A is a functional polymorphism involved in regulation of myeloperoxidase expression. The aim of this study is to assess the relation of myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism with metabolic syndrome and its component traits in Egyptian women from the Suez Canal area. The study includes 100 healthy female subjects and 100 metabolic syndrome patients. The component traits of metabolic syndrome are determined and the genotypes of the polymorphisms assessed using the PCR-RFLP technique. There was no significant difference in the allele frequencies between the metabolic syndrome and control groups. However, the GA and AA genotypes were associated with lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the patients. Myeloperoxidase-463G/A polymorphism is not associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome.

Magmatism and crustal extension: Constraining activation of the ductile shearing along the Gediz detachment, Menderes Massif (western Turkey)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rossetti, Federico; Asti, Riccardo; Faccenna, Claudio; Gerdes, Axel; Lucci, Federico; Theye, Thomas

2017-06-01

The Menderes Massif of western Turkey is a key area to study feedback relationships between magma generation/emplacement and activation of extensional detachment tectonics. Here, we present new textural analysis and in situ U-(Th)-Pb titanite dating from selected samples collected in the transition from the undeformed to the mylonitized zones of the Salihli granodiorite at the footwall of the Neogene, ductile-to-brittle, top-to-the-NNE Gediz-Alaşheir (GDF) detachment fault. Ductile shearing was accompanied by the fluid-mediated sub-solidus transformation of the granodiorite to orthogneiss, which occurred at shallower crustal levels and temperatures compatible with the upper greenschist-to-amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions (530-580 °C and P < 2 GPa). The syn-tectonic metamorphic overgrowth of REE-poor titanite on pristine REE-rich igneous titanite offers the possibility to constrain the timing of magma crystallisation and solid-state shearing at the footwall of the Gediz detachment. The common Pb corrected 206Pb/238U (206Pb*/238U) ages and the REE re-distribution in titanite that spatially correlates with the Th/U zoning suggests that titanite predominantly preserve open-system ages during fluid-assisted syn-tectonic re-crystallisation in the transition from magma crystallization and emplacement (at 16-17 Ma) to the syn-tectonic, solid-state shearing (at 14-15 Ma). A minimum time lapse of ca. 1-2 Ma is then inferred between the crustal emplacement of the Salihli granodiorite and nucleation of the ductile extensional shearing along the Gediz detachment. The reconstruction of the cooling history of the Salihli granodiorite documents a punctuated evolution dominated by two episodes of rapid cooling, between 14 Ma and 12 Ma ( 100 °C/Ma) and between 3 and 2 Ma ( 105 °C/Ma). We relate the first episode to nucleation and development of post-emplacement of ductile shearing along the GDF and the second to brittle high-angle faulting, respectively. Our dataset

Osteoblast-Secreted Factors Mediate Dormancy of Metastatic Prostate Cancer in the Bone via Activation of the TGFβRIII-p38MAPK-pS249/T252RB Pathway.

PubMed

Yu-Lee, Li-Yuan; Yu, Guoyu; Lee, Yu-Chen; Lin, Song-Chang; Pan, Jing; Pan, Tianhong; Yu, Kai-Jie; Liu, Bin; Creighton, Chad J; Rodriguez-Canales, Jaime; Villalobos, Pamela A; Wistuba, Ignacio I; de Nadal, Eulalia; Posas, Francesc; Gallick, Gary E; Lin, Sue-Hwa

2018-06-01

Bone metastasis from prostate cancer can occur years after prostatectomy, due to reactivation of dormant disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in the bone, yet the mechanism by which DTCs are initially induced into a dormant state in the bone remains to be elucidated. We show here that the bone microenvironment confers dormancy to C4-2B4 prostate cancer cells, as they become dormant when injected into mouse femurs but not under the skin. Live-cell imaging of dormant cells at the single-cell level revealed that conditioned medium from differentiated, but not undifferentiated, osteoblasts induced C4-2B4 cellular quiescence, suggesting that differentiated osteoblasts present locally around the tumor cells in the bone conferred dormancy to prostate cancer cells. Gene array analyses identified GDF10 and TGFβ2 among osteoblast-secreted proteins that induced quiescence of C4-2B4, C4-2b, and PC3-mm2, but not 22RV1 or BPH-1 cells, indicating prostate cancer tumor cells differ in their dormancy response. TGFβ2 and GDF10 induced dormancy through TGFβRIII to activate phospho-p38MAPK, which phosphorylates retinoblastoma (RB) at the novel N-terminal S249/T252 sites to block prostate cancer cell proliferation. Consistently, expression of dominant-negative p38MAPK in C4-2b and C4-2B4 prostate cancer cell lines abolished tumor cell dormancy both in vitro and in vivo Lower TGFβRIII expression in patients with prostate cancer correlated with increased metastatic potential and decreased survival rates. Together, our results identify a dormancy mechanism by which DTCs are induced into a dormant state through TGFβRIII-p38MAPK-pS249/pT252-RB signaling and offer a rationale for developing strategies to prevent prostate cancer recurrence in the bone. Significance: These findings provide mechanistic insights into the dormancy of metastatic prostate cancer in the bone and offer a rationale for developing strategies to prevent prostate cancer recurrence in the bone. Cancer Res; 78(11); 2911

Mineralogical Evidence for the Palaeohydrogeological Stability of a Deep Groundwater System in Fractured Rock, in West Cumbria, Northwest England

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milodowski, A. E.; Gillespie, M. R.; Chenery, S. R. N.; Naden, J.; Shaw, R. P.

2014-12-01

An important requirement of the safety assessment for a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste is to be able to demonstrate the long-term chemical stability of the groundwater system at repository depth over the long period of time during which the waste will be a hazard, typically up to one million years. Of particular concern in the UK is the potential for oxidising groundwater to penetrate to repository depth during periods of glaciation, thereby increasing the mobility of some transuranic radionuclides.Between 1990 and 1998, United Kingdom Nirex Limited carried out geological investigations into the suitability of a potential site in the Sellafield area of NW England, for a GDF for L/ILW. As part of these investigations, detailed petrological analysis of fracture mineralisation in 23 deep boreholes identified a complex sequence of mineralisation events referred to as ME1-ME9. The distribution of the ME9 calcite mineralisation correlates closely with present-day groundwater flows. The ME9 calcite has been studied in more detail to understand the evolution of the deep groundwater system. The morphology and growth zoning characteristics of the calcites reflects the groundwater chemistry. Freshwater calcites display c-axis flattened to equant crystals, and are non-ferroan and strongly zoned with Mn-rich and Mn-free bands. Deeper saline-zone calcites display c-axis elongated crystals, with high Mn:Fe and low Mn:Fe growth zones. Calcite in the transition zone between the saline and fresh groundwater display saline-type cores overgrown by freshwater-type calcite, indicating a small depression of the position of the transition zone during the growth of the calcites. Sr isotope ratios and fluid inclusion chemistry confirm a link between ME9 calcite and the present regional groundwater system. Modelling of the oxygen isotope data indicates that some growth zones in the ME9 calcite precipitated from groundwater potentially containing a significant

Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) stably expressing CRISPR-based synergistic activation mediator (SAM).

PubMed

Xiong, Kai; Zhou, Yan; Hyttel, Poul; Bolund, Lars; Freude, Kristine Karla; Luo, Yonglun

2016-11-01

Human fibroblasts were engineered to express the CRISPR-based synergistic activation mediator (SAM) complex: dCas9-VP64 and MS2-P65-HSF1. Two induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) clones expressing SAM were established by transducing these fibroblasts with lentivirus expressing OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and C-MYC. We have validated that the reprogramming cassette is silenced in the SAM iPSC clones. Expression of pluripotency genes (OCT4, SOX2, LIN28A, NANOG, GDF3, SSEA4, and TRA-1-60), differentiation potential to all three germ layers, and normal karyotypes are validated. These SAM-iPSCs provide a novel, useful tool to investigate genetic regulation of stem cell proliferation and differentiation through CRISPR-mediated activation of endogenous genes. Copyright © 2016 Michael Boutros, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of burnout pattern between hospital physicians and family physicians working in Suez Canal University Hospitals.

PubMed

Kotb, Amany Ali; Mohamed, Khalid Abd-Elmoez; Kamel, Mohammed Hbany; Ismail, Mosleh Abdul Rahman; Abdulmajeed, Abdulmajeed Ahmed

2014-01-01

The burnout syndrome is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. It is associated with impaired job performance. This descriptive study examined 171 physicians for the presence of burnout and its related risk factors. The evaluation of burnout was through Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The participant was considered to meet the study criteria for burnout if he or she got a "high" score on at least 2 of the three dimensions of MBI. In the current study, the prevalence of burnout in hospital physicians (53.9%) was significantly higher than family physicians (41.94%) with (p=0.001). Participants who work in the internal medicine department scored the highest prevalence (69.64%) followed by Surgeons (56.50%) and Emergency doctors (39.39%). On the other hand, Pediatricians got the lowest prevalence (18.75%). Working in the teaching hospital and being married are strong predictors for occurrence of burnout. There is a significant difference of burnout between hospital physicians and family physicians among the study subjects. Working in the teaching hospital and being married are strong predictors for occurrence of burnout.

Comparison of burnout pattern between hospital physicians and family physicians working in Suez Canal University Hospitals

PubMed Central

Kotb, Amany Ali; Mohamed, Khalid Abd-Elmoez; Kamel, Mohammed Hbany; Ismail, Mosleh Abdul Rahman; Abdulmajeed, Abdulmajeed Ahmed

2014-01-01

Introduction The burnout syndrome is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. It is associated with impaired job performance. Methods This descriptive study examined 171 physicians for the presence of burnout and its related risk factors. The evaluation of burnout was through Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The participant was considered to meet the study criteria for burnout if he or she got a “high“ score on at least 2 of the three dimensions of MBI. Results In the current study, the prevalence of burnout in hospital physicians (53.9%) was significantly higher than family physicians (41.94%) with (p=0.001). Participants who work in the internal medicine department scored the highest prevalence (69.64%) followed by Surgeons (56.50%) and Emergency doctors (39.39%). On the other hand, Pediatricians got the lowest prevalence (18.75%). Working in the teaching hospital and being married are strong predictors for occurrence of burnout. Conclusion There is a significant difference of burnout between hospital physicians and family physicians among the study subjects. Working in the teaching hospital and being married are strong predictors for occurrence of burnout. PMID:25422682

Application of petroleum markers to geochemical and environmental investigations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abu-Elgheit, M.A.; El-Gayar, M.S.; Hegazi, A.H.

1998-01-01

Application of trace-metal and biological markers to geochemical studies has shown that crude oils could be correlated or differentiated according to their geologic age. The V/Ni, V/{Sigma} Ni, Mg, Fe, and pristine to phytane (Pr/Ph) markers were almost uniform in Gulf of Suez crude oils, revealing their same origin, yet showing marked differences in Western Desert crude oils, reflecting varying degrees of their maturity and migrational history. The significance of petroleum markers was extended to monitoring of oil spill sources. Weathering of spills usually renders their source identification questionable by infrared or gas chromatography profiles. Since evaporative loss light petroleummore » fractions does not appreciably affect the high-Molecular Weight components with which trace metals, isoprenoids, hopanes, and steranes are associated, V/Ni, Pr/Ph, m/z 191, and m/z 217 mass chromatogram fragments were found reliable in fingerprinting oil spill sources in Mediterranean waters.« less

Estimating the rate of biological introductions: Lessepsian fishes in the Mediterranean.

PubMed

Belmaker, Jonathan; Brokovich, Eran; China, Victor; Golani, Daniel; Kiflawi, Moshe

2009-04-01

Sampling issues preclude the direct use of the discovery rate of exotic species as a robust estimate of their rate of introduction. Recently, a method was advanced that allows maximum-likelihood estimation of both the observational probability and the introduction rate from the discovery record. Here, we propose an alternative approach that utilizes the discovery record of native species to control for sampling effort. Implemented in a Bayesian framework using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations, the approach provides estimates of the rate of introduction of the exotic species, and of additional parameters such as the size of the species pool from which they are drawn. We illustrate the approach using Red Sea fishes recorded in the eastern Mediterranean, after crossing the Suez Canal, and show that the two approaches may lead to different conclusions. The analytical framework is highly flexible and could provide a basis for easy modification to other systems for which first-sighting data on native and introduced species are available.

Antibacterial, cytotoxicity and anticoagulant activities from Hypnea esperi and Caulerpa prolifera marine algae.

PubMed

Selim, Samy; Amin, Abeer; Hassan, Sherif; Hagazey, Mohamed

2015-03-01

Extracts from 2 algal species (Hypnea esperi and Caulerpa prolifera) from Suez Canal region, Egypt were screened for the production of antibacterial compounds against some pathogenic bacteria. The bacteria tested included Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Algal species displayed antibacterial activity. The methanolic extracts showed variable response by producing various zones of inhibition against studied bacteria. The tested Gram-negative bacteria were less affected by studied algal extracts than Gram-positive bacteria. We determined some biopotentials properties such as cytotoxicity and anticoagulant activity of most potent algal active extracts. The secondary metabolites of only Hypnea esperi algal extract effectively prevented the blood clotting to the extent of 120 seconds. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) indicated that all potent tested algal extract C inhibits Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was between 1 and 1.4mg/ml. The algal isolates from Egypt have been found showing promising results against infectious bacteria instead of some synthetic antibiotics.

Monogenean infestations and mortality in wild and cultured Red Sea fishes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paperna, I.; Diamant, A.; Overstreet, R. M.

1984-03-01

Hyperinfection by the gill-infesting monogenean Allobivagina sp. (Microcotylea) caused mass mortalities in juveniles of Siganus luridus cultured in seawater earthen ponds and holding tanks in Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea). Other species of Siganus and adults of S. luridus cultured in the same systems acquired a low intensity of infestation. Most hyperinfected fish were emaciated and anaemic with hematocrit values below 10 %. Skin and mouth infestations by the monogenean Benedenia monticelli (Capsaloidea) caused mass mortalities in grey mullets (Mugilidae). These mortalities occurred in large individuals in wild populations of Liza carinata from lagoonal habitats in the Gulf of Suez and in most species of grey mullets cultured in Eilat. The intensity of infestation correlated positively with severity of infestation, and the common sites of infestation corresponded with areas of severe pathological alterations. Spontaneous recovery followed the climax of an epizootic, both for infested S. luridus and infested grey mullets. Decline in infestation coincided with remission of the pathological signs.

The rDNA ITS region in the lessepsian marine angiosperm Halophila stipulacea (Forssk.) Aschers. (Hydrocharitaceae): intragenomic variability and putative pseudogenic sequences.

PubMed

Ruggiero, Maria Valeria; Procaccini, Gabriele

2004-01-01

Halophila stipulacea is a dioecious marine angiosperm, widely distributed along the western coasts of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. This species is thought to be a Lessepsian immigrant that entered the Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea after the opening of the Suez Canal (1869). Previous studies have revealed both high phenotypic and genetic variability in Halophila stipulacea populations from the western Mediterranean basin. In order to test the hypothesis of a Lessepsian introduction, we compare genetic polymorphism between putative native (Red Sea) and introduced (Mediterranean) populations through rDNA ITS region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) sequence analysis. A high degree of intraindividual variability of ITS sequences was found. Most of the intragenomic polymorphism was due to pseudogenic sequences, present in almost all individuals. Features of ITS functional sequences and pseudogenes are described. Possible causes for the lack of homogenization of ITS paralogues within individuals are discussed.

A frictionally and hydraulically constrained model of the convectively driven mean flow in partially enclosed seas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxworthy, T.

1997-08-01

A simple three-layer model of the dynamics of partially enclosed seas, driven by a surface buoyancy flux, is presented. It contains two major elements, a hydraulic constraint at the exit contraction and friction in the interior of the main body of the sea; both together determine the vertical structure and magnitudes of the interior flow variables, i.e. velocity and density. Application of the model to the large-scale dynamics of the Red Sea gives results that are not in disagreement with observation once the model is applied, also, to predict the dense outflow from the Gulf of Suez. The latter appears to be the agent responsible for the formation of dense bottom water in this system. Also, the model is reasonably successful in predicting the density of the outflow from the Persian Gulf, and can be applied to any number of other examples of convectively driven flow in long, narrow channels, with or without sills and constrictions at their exits.

Regional geothermal exploration in Egypt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morgan, P.; Boulos, F. K.; Swanberg, C. A.

1983-01-01

A study is presented of the evaluation of the potential geothermal resources of Egypt using a thermal gradient/heat flow technique and a groundwater temperature/chemistry technique. Existing oil well bottom-hole temperature data, as well as subsurface temperature measurements in existing boreholes, were employed for the thermal gradient/heat flow investigation before special thermal gradient holes were drilled. The geographic range of the direct subsurface thermal measurements was extended by employing groundwater temperature and chemistry data. Results show the presence of a regional thermal high along the eastern margin of Egypt with a local thermal anomaly in this zone. It is suggested that the sandstones of the Nubian Formation may be a suitable reservoir for geothermal fluids. These findings indicate that temperatures of 150 C or higher may be found in this reservoir in the Gulf of Suez and Red Sea coastal zones where it lies at a depth of 4 km and deeper.

Evaluation of the pollution load discharged at an upstream industry--Egypt--and methods for its reduction.

PubMed

El-Dars, F M S E; Mohammed, H A; Farag, A B

2011-01-01

Oil exploration in Egypt is a major contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With 50-65% of the oil resources located in the Gulf of Suez (GoS) region, the impact of such activity upon the region's water environment and its quality cannot be overlooked because of the volume of effluent generated. The objective of this study (September 2000-September 2001) was to assess the impact of a 650,000 barrels/day (bl/d) (100,000 m3/d) effluent arising from a major oil exploration site located south of GoS upon the local water environment. Another objective was to identify the pollutant contents amenable for reduction relative to the new Egyptian regulations. This was achieved by the characterization of the main contributing streams and the identification of the final effluent parameter constraints relative to the type of injection waters used. Subsequent investigations for the reduction of these contents were conducted on site and the results obtained are reviewed herewith.

Diverse feather shape evolution enabled by coupling anisotropic signalling modules with self-organizing branching programme

PubMed Central

Li, Ang; Figueroa, Seth; Jiang, Ting-Xin; Wu, Ping; Widelitz, Randall; Nie, Qing; Chuong, Cheng-Ming

2017-01-01

Adaptation of feathered dinosaurs and Mesozoic birds to new ecological niches was potentiated by rapid diversification of feather vane shapes. The molecular mechanism driving this spectacular process remains unclear. Here, through morphology analysis, transcriptome profiling, functional perturbations and mathematical simulations, we find that mesenchyme-derived GDF10 and GREM1 are major controllers for the topologies of rachidial and barb generative zones (setting vane boundaries), respectively, by tuning the periodic-branching programme of epithelial progenitors. Their interactions with the anterior–posterior WNT gradient establish the bilateral-symmetric vane configuration. Additionally, combinatory effects of CYP26B1, CRABP1 and RALDH3 establish dynamic retinoic acid (RA) landscapes in feather mesenchyme, which modulate GREM1 expression and epithelial cell shapes. Incremental changes of RA gradient slopes establish a continuum of asymmetric flight feathers along the wing, while switch-like modulation of RA signalling confers distinct vane shapes between feather tracts. Therefore, the co-option of anisotropic signalling modules introduced new dimensions of feather shape diversification. PMID:28106042

Contribution of rare inherited and de novo variants in 2,871 congenital heart disease probands.

PubMed

Jin, Sheng Chih; Homsy, Jason; Zaidi, Samir; Lu, Qiongshi; Morton, Sarah; DePalma, Steven R; Zeng, Xue; Qi, Hongjian; Chang, Weni; Sierant, Michael C; Hung, Wei-Chien; Haider, Shozeb; Zhang, Junhui; Knight, James; Bjornson, Robert D; Castaldi, Christopher; Tikhonoa, Irina R; Bilguvar, Kaya; Mane, Shrikant M; Sanders, Stephan J; Mital, Seema; Russell, Mark W; Gaynor, J William; Deanfield, John; Giardini, Alessandro; Porter, George A; Srivastava, Deepak; Lo, Cecelia W; Shen, Yufeng; Watkins, W Scott; Yandell, Mark; Yost, H Joseph; Tristani-Firouzi, Martin; Newburger, Jane W; Roberts, Amy E; Kim, Richard; Zhao, Hongyu; Kaltman, Jonathan R; Goldmuntz, Elizabeth; Chung, Wendy K; Seidman, Jonathan G; Gelb, Bruce D; Seidman, Christine E; Lifton, Richard P; Brueckner, Martina

2017-11-01

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality from birth defects. Here, exome sequencing of a single cohort of 2,871 CHD probands, including 2,645 parent-offspring trios, implicated rare inherited mutations in 1.8%, including a recessive founder mutation in GDF1 accounting for ∼5% of severe CHD in Ashkenazim, recessive genotypes in MYH6 accounting for ∼11% of Shone complex, and dominant FLT4 mutations accounting for 2.3% of Tetralogy of Fallot. De novo mutations (DNMs) accounted for 8% of cases, including ∼3% of isolated CHD patients and ∼28% with both neurodevelopmental and extra-cardiac congenital anomalies. Seven genes surpassed thresholds for genome-wide significance, and 12 genes not previously implicated in CHD had >70% probability of being disease related. DNMs in ∼440 genes were inferred to contribute to CHD. Striking overlap between genes with damaging DNMs in probands with CHD and autism was also found.

Lessons from rare diseases of cartilage and bone.

PubMed

Gallagher, James A; Ranganath, Lakshminarayan R; Boyde, Alan

2015-06-01

Studying severe phenotypes of rare syndromes can elucidate disease mechanisms of more common disorders and identify potential therapeutic targets. Lessons from rare bone diseases contributed to the development of the most successful class of bone active agents, the bisphosphonates. More recent research on rare bone diseases has helped elucidate key pathways and identify new targets in bone resorption and bone formation including cathepsin K and sclerostin, for which drugs are now in clinical trials. By contrast, there has been much less focus on rare cartilage diseases and osteoarthritis (OA) remains a common disease with no effective therapy. Investigation of rare cartilage syndromes is identifying new potential targets in OA including GDF5 and lubricin. Research on the arthropathy of the ultra-rare disease alkaptonuria has identified several new features of the OA phenotype, including high density mineralized protrusions (HDMPs) which constitute a newly identified mechanism of joint destruction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

B3LYP Calculation of Deuterium Quadrupole Coupling Constants in Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, William C.

1998-08-01

The B3LYP/6-31G(df,3p) model for the calculation of deuterium nuclear quadrupole coupling constants (nqcc's) is shown to yield results as accurate as calculations previously performed at the MP4 level of theory. For 25 molecules, ranging from HD and DF to pyridine and fluorobenzene, the rms difference between the B3LYP nqcc's and the experimental nqcc's is 3.2 kHz (2.7%). For benzene, our calculations suggest that the experimental χbband χccof S. Jans-Bürli, M. Oldani, and A. Bauder, 1989.Mol. Phys.,68, 1111-1123) have been incorrectly assigned with respect to inertia axes and should be reversed. For borane carbonyl and nitric acid, it is shown that nqcc calculations using hydrogen bond lengths given by MP2/6-311 + G(d,p) optimizations in combination with the heavy atom experimental structures significantly improve agreement with the experimental nqcc's.

Contribution of rare inherited and de novo variants in 2,871 congenital heart disease probands

PubMed Central

Jin, Sheng Chih; Homsy, Jason; Zaidi, Samir; Lu, Qiongshi; Morton, Sarah; DePalma, Steven R.; Zeng, Xue; Qi, Hongjian; Chang, Weni; Sierant, Michael C.; Hung, Wei-Chien; Haider, Shozeb; Zhang, Junhui; Knight, James; Bjornson, Robert D.; Castaldi, Christopher; Tikhonoa, Irina R.; Bilguvar, Kaya; Mane, Shrikant M.; Sanders, Stephan J.; Mital, Seema; Russell, Mark; Gaynor, William; Deanfield, John; Giardini, Alessandro; Porter, George A.; Srivastava, Deepak; Lo, Cecelia W.; Shen, Yufeng; Watkins, W. Scott; Yandell, Mark; Yost, H. Joseph; Tristani-Firouzi, Martin; Newburger, Jane W.; Roberts, Amy E.; Kim, Richard; Zhao, Hongyu; Kaltman, Jonathan R.; Goldmuntz, Elizabeth; Chung, Wendy K.; Seidman, Jonathan G.; Gelb, Bruce D.; Seidman, Christine E.; Lifton, Richard P.; Brueckner, Martina

2017-01-01

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality from birth defects. Exome sequencing of a single cohort of 2,871 CHD probands including 2,645 parent-offspring trios implicated rare inherited mutations in 1.8%, including a recessive founder mutation in GDF1 accounting for ~5% of severe CHD in Ashkenazim, recessive genotypes in MYH6 accounting for ~11% of Shone complex, and dominant FLT4 mutations accounting for 2.3% of Tetralogy of Fallot. De novo mutations (DNMs) accounted for 8% of cases, including ~3% of isolated CHD patients and ~28% with both neurodevelopmental and extra-cardiac congenital anomalies. Seven genes surpassed thresholds for genome-wide significance and 12 genes not previously implicated in CHD had > 70% probability of being disease-related; DNMs in ~440 genes are inferred to contribute to CHD. There was striking overlap between genes with damaging DNMs in probands with CHD and autism. PMID:28991257

Combination of small RNAs for skeletal muscle regeneration.

PubMed

Kim, NaJung; Yoo, James J; Atala, Anthony; Lee, Sang Jin

2016-03-01

Selectively controlling the expression of the target genes through RNA interference (RNAi) has significant therapeutic potential for injuries or diseases of tissues. We used this strategy to accelerate and enhance skeletal muscle regeneration for the treatment of muscular atrophy. In this study, we used myostatin small interfering (si)RNA (siGDF-8), a major inhibitory factor in the development and postnatal regeneration of skeletal muscle and muscle-specific microRNAs (miR-1 and -206) to further accelerate muscle regeneration. This combination of 3 small RNAs significantly improved the gene expression of myogenic regulatory factors in vitro, suggesting myogenic activation. Moreover, cell proliferation and myotube formation improved without compromising each other, which indicates the myogenic potential of this combination of small RNAs. The recovery of chemically injured tibialis anterior muscles in rats was significantly accelerated, both functionally and structurally. This novel combination of siRNA and miRNAs has promising therapeutic potential to improve in situ skeletal muscle regeneration. © FASEB.

Developmental roles of the BMP1/TLD metalloproteinases.

PubMed

Ge, Gaoxiang; Greenspan, Daniel S

2006-03-01

The astacin family (M12A) of the metzincin subclan MA(M) of metalloproteinases has been detected in developing and mature individuals of species that range from hydra to humans. Functions of this family of metalloproteinase vary from digestive degradation of polypeptides, to biosynthetic processing of extracellular proteins, to activation of growth factors. This review will focus on a small subgroup of the astacin family; the bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1)/Tolloid (TLD)-like metalloproteinases. In vertebrates, the BMP1/TLD-like metalloproteinases play key roles in regulating formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) via biosynthetic processing of various precursor proteins into mature functional enzymes, structural proteins, and proteins involved in initiating mineralization of the ECM of hard tissues. Roles in ECM formation include: processing of the C-propeptides of procollagens types I-III, to yield the major fibrous components of vertebrate ECM; proteolytic activation of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, necessary to formation of covalent cross-links in collagen and elastic fibers; processing of NH2-terminal globular domains and C-propeptides of types V and XI procollagen chains to yield monomers that are incorporated into and control the diameters of collagen type I and II fibrils, respectively; processing of precursors for laminin 5 and collagen type VII, both of which are involved in securing epidermis to underlying dermis; and maturation of small leucine-rich proteoglycans. The BMP1/TLD-related metalloproteinases are also capable of activating the vertebrate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-like "chalones" growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8, also known as myostatin), and GDF11 (also known as BMP11), involved in negative feedback inhibition of muscle and neural tissue growth, respectively; by freeing them from noncovalent latent complexes with their cleaved prodomains. BMP1/TLD-like proteinases also liberate the vertebrate TGF

A demonstration of the H3 trimethylation ChIP-seq analysis of galline follicular mesenchymal cells and male germ cells.

PubMed

Chokeshaiusaha, Kaj; Puthier, Denis; Nguyen, Catherine; Sananmuang, Thanida

2018-06-01

Trimethylation of histone 3 (H3) at 4th lysine N-termini (H3K4me3) in gene promoter region was the universal marker of active genes specific to cell lineage. On the contrary, coexistence of trimethylation at 27th lysine (H3K27me3) in the same loci-the bivalent H3K4m3/H3K27me3 was known to suspend the gene transcription in germ cells, and could also be inherited to the developed stem cell. In galline species, throughout example of H3K4m3 and H3K27me3 ChIP-seq analysis was still not provided. We therefore designed and demonstrated such procedures using ChIP-seq and mRNA-seq data of chicken follicular mesenchymal cells and male germ cells. Analytical workflow was designed and provided in this study. ChIP-seq and RNA-seq datasets of follicular mesenchymal cells and male germ cells were acquired and properly preprocessed. Peak calling by Model-based analysis of ChIP-seq 2 was performed to identify H3K4m3 or H3K27me3 enriched regions (Fold-change≥2, FDR≤0.01) in gene promoter regions. Integrative genomics viewer was utilized for cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 ( CRABP1 ), growth differentiation factor 10 ( GDF10 ), and gremlin 1 ( GREM1 ) gene explorations. The acquired results indicated that follicular mesenchymal cells and germ cells shared several unique gene promoter regions enriched with H3K4me3 (5,704 peaks) and also unique regions of bivalent H3K4m3/H3K27me3 shared between all cell types and germ cells (1,909 peaks). Subsequent observation of follicular mesenchyme-specific genes- CRABP1 , GDF10 , and GREM1 correctly revealed vigorous transcriptions of these genes in follicular mesenchymal cells. As expected, bivalent H3K4m3/H3K27me3 pattern was manifested in gene promoter regions of germ cells, and thus suspended their transcriptions. According the results, an example of chicken H3K4m3/H3K27me3 ChIP-seq data analysis was successfully demonstrated in this study. Hopefully, the provided methodology should hereby be useful for galline ChIP-seq data

Earth observations taken during STS-77 mission

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-05-28

STS077-732-089 (19-29 May 1996) --- This photograph encompasses an area comprising 99 percent of the Egyptian population of close to 60 million people. North is roughly to the right side of the photograph. Cairo, the capital and principal city, lies at the apex of the Nile Delta. Alexandria is in the top right corner of the frame. The Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and is in the bottom of the photograph. The Delta itself is 100 miles long and 160 miles wide at the coast. This view brings out the details of the Eastern Desert that rises abruptly from the Nile valley. This desert supports some vegetation in contrast to the sandier Western desert. It has more relief with some of the peaks rising to 6,000 feet. Rainfall in the region ranges from a high of 7 inches at Alexandria to 0.1 inch in the Eastern Desert. Most of Egypt’s mineral resources are concentrated in this area.

Mid-Eocene (Bartonian) larger benthic foraminifera from southeastern Turkey and northeastern Egypt: New evidence for the palaeobiogeography of the Tethyan carbonate platforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sallam, Emad S.; Erdem, Nazire Özgen; Sinanoğlu, Derya; Ruban, Dmitry A.

2018-05-01

Larger benthic foraminiferal assemblages from the mid-Eocene (Bartonian) sedimentary successions of the Tethyan carbonate platforms have been studied in southeastern Turkey and northeastern Egypt. In the Hazro-Diyarbakir section (SE Turkey), small-medium miliolids and textularinids are identified from the lower intervals of the Hoya Formation, whereas alveolinids and soritids (porcellaneous) and orbitolinids (agglutinated) increase in diversity and abundance in the upper intervals. The Dictyoconus aegyptiensis (Chapman) and Somalina stefaninii Silvestri are recorded for the first time from the Hoya Formation. The larger benthic foraminiferal assemblage from the Hoya Formation shows a significant similarity to those reported from the Observatory Formation (coeval with the Sannor Formation) in the Cairo-Suez district (NE Egypt). The studied foraminiferal assemblages imply restricted lagoonal-tidal flat palaeoenvironments. Palaeobiogeographically, the larger benthic foraminiferal assemblages recorded in southeastern Turkey and northeastern Egypt carbonate platforms display a strong affinity to the Arabian, Middle East and African platforms. The position of the global sea-level and the plate tectonic organization of the studied region during the Bartonian were the main factors that facilitated faunal exchange within the carbonate platforms.

Genetics reveal the identity and origin of the lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean Sea.

PubMed

Bariche, Michel; Kleitou, Periklis; Kalogirou, Stefanos; Bernardi, Giacomo

2017-07-28

Following aquarium releases, invasive lionfishes have colonized large areas of the Caribbean and western Atlantic, resulting in an immense ecological damage. The early stages of that invasion are poorly known. Indeed, a lag of time between the introduction and detection often preclude genetic characterization of that crucial phase. With elevated awareness, the recent invasion of Pterois miles was quickly detected in the Mediterranean Sea. We hereby show that the very first individuals establishing populations in the Mediterranean Sea display haplotypes that nest within the large genetic diversity of Red Sea individuals, thus indicating an invasion via the Suez Canal. We also show that only two haplotypes are detected in the Mediterranean Sea, suggesting that few individuals may have been involved in the invasion. Thus, we conclude that the Mediterranean invasion is the result of a movement of individuals from the Red Sea, rather than from other means, and that low genetic diversity does not seem to have a negative effect on the success and spread of lionfish into the Mediterranean Sea.

Evaluation of the Role of Postnatal Ambroxol in the Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates

PubMed Central

Elsayed, Hesham F; Elkhaiouby, Muhammed I; Elsharkawey, Sunia M; Elnemr, Muna A

2006-01-01

Objective: to study the effect of the postnatal administration of Ambroxol in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates at risk and on the severity of the disease in those neonates already suffering from it. Methods: the study was a randomized clinical trial performed on 120 preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal unit of the Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt, with gestational age of 28 to 34 weeks. It was performed in the period from September 2001 through March 2003. Half of the enrolled neonates received intravenous ambroxol (20 mg/kg/d), while the control group received the routine management of prematurity and a placebo. Results: Ambroxol decreased the incidence of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), improved the gas exchange, and decreased Continious Positive Airway pressure (CPAP) pressure, the length of mechanical ventilation and also the mortality rate. Conclusion: the study concluded that Ambroxol reduced the incidence of this disease in preterm neonates at risk of developing it, and improved the clinical course of RDS. PMID:21748134

Surgical management of vestibular schwannoma: attempted preservation of hearing and facial function.

PubMed

Youssef, T F; Matter, A; Ahmed, M R

2013-05-01

Vestibular schwannomas are benign tumours which usually originate from the vestibular portion of the VIIIth cranial nerve. Treatment options include observation with serial imaging, stereotactic radiation and microsurgical removal. The goal of surgery was complete eradication of tumour with preservation of hearing and facial nerve function. A retrospective review was undertaken of 24 cases of vestibular schwannoma jointly operated upon by a team of neurosurgeons and otologists at the Suez Canal University Hospital, with assessment of VIIth and VIIIth cranial nerve function, tumour size, and extent of growth. All surgery utilised a retromastoid, suboccipital approach. Complete tumour removal was achieved in 19 patients. Anatomical preservation of the facial nerve was possible in 66.6 per cent of patients. Pre-operative, useful hearing was present in four patients, and preserved in 80 per cent. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was diagnosed in two (8.3 per cent) patients, who responded to conservative therapy. The retromastoid, suboccipital surgical approach to the skull base can be safely and successfully achieved using a microsurgical technique, with minimal or no damage to neurovascular structures, even for large tumours.

Red-free light for measurement of intraocular pressure using Goldmann applanation tonometer without fluorescein.

PubMed

Ghoneim, Ehab M

2014-01-01

To evaluate the use of red-free light for the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) using a Goldmann applanation tonometer without fluorescein. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 500 eyes in 250 patients attending the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic at Suez Canal University Hospital. The IOP was measured using a Goldmann applanation tonometer mounted on a Haag-Streit slit-lamp. The measurements were performed first using red-free light without fluorescein. Then the measurements were repeated with cobalt blue light and topical fluorescein on the same eyes. The mean IOP was 15.23 ± 3.3 (SD) mm Hg using the red-free light without fluorescein, whereas it was 15.78 ± 3.7 (SD) mm Hg when measured using cobalt blue light after the application of fluorescein to the conjunctival sac. This difference was not statistically significant. Measurement of IOP with a Goldmann applanationtonometer with red-free light and without the use of fluorescein is simple, saves time, and gives an accurate IOP measurement relative to the traditional measurement technique with cobalt blue light and topical fluorescein.

Immunolocalization of Myostatin (GDF-8) Following Musculoskeletal Injury and the Effects of Exogenous Myostatin on Muscle and Bone Healing

PubMed Central

Elkasrawy, Moataz; Immel, David; Wen, Xuejun; Liu, Xiaoyan; Liang, Li-Fang

2012-01-01

The time course and cellular localization of myostatin expression following musculoskeletal injury are not well understood; therefore, the authors evaluated the temporal and spatial localization of myostatin during muscle and bone repair following deep penetrant injury in a mouse model. They then used hydrogel delivery of exogenous myostatin in the same injury model to determine the effects of myostatin exposure on muscle and bone healing. Results showed that a “pool” of intense myostatin staining was observed among injured skeletal muscle fibers 12–24 hr postsurgery and that myostatin was also expressed in the soft callus chondrocytes 4 days following osteotomy. Hydrogel delivery of 10 or 100 µg/ml recombinant myostatin decreased fracture callus cartilage area relative to total callus area in a dose-dependent manner by 41% and 80% (p<0.05), respectively, compared to vehicle treatment. Myostatin treatment also decreased fracture callus total bone volume by 30.6% and 38.8% (p<0.05), with the higher dose of recombinant myostatin yielding the greatest decrease in callus bone volume. Finally, exogenous myostatin treatment caused a significant dose-dependent increase in fibrous tissue formation in skeletal muscle. Together, these findings suggest that early pharmacological inhibition of myostatin is likely to improve the regenerative potential of both muscle and bone following deep penetrant musculoskeletal injury. PMID:22205678

Immunolocalization of myostatin (GDF-8) following musculoskeletal injury and the effects of exogenous myostatin on muscle and bone healing.

PubMed

Elkasrawy, Moataz; Immel, David; Wen, Xuejun; Liu, Xiaoyan; Liang, Li-Fang; Hamrick, Mark W

2012-01-01

The time course and cellular localization of myostatin expression following musculoskeletal injury are not well understood; therefore, the authors evaluated the temporal and spatial localization of myostatin during muscle and bone repair following deep penetrant injury in a mouse model. They then used hydrogel delivery of exogenous myostatin in the same injury model to determine the effects of myostatin exposure on muscle and bone healing. Results showed that a "pool" of intense myostatin staining was observed among injured skeletal muscle fibers 12-24 hr postsurgery and that myostatin was also expressed in the soft callus chondrocytes 4 days following osteotomy. Hydrogel delivery of 10 or 100 µg/ml recombinant myostatin decreased fracture callus cartilage area relative to total callus area in a dose-dependent manner by 41% and 80% (p<0.05), respectively, compared to vehicle treatment. Myostatin treatment also decreased fracture callus total bone volume by 30.6% and 38.8% (p<0.05), with the higher dose of recombinant myostatin yielding the greatest decrease in callus bone volume. Finally, exogenous myostatin treatment caused a significant dose-dependent increase in fibrous tissue formation in skeletal muscle. Together, these findings suggest that early pharmacological inhibition of myostatin is likely to improve the regenerative potential of both muscle and bone following deep penetrant musculoskeletal injury. © The Author(s) 2012

Studies on rodents role as reservoir hosts of leishmaniasis with specical reference to their ectoparasites in Suez Governorate.

PubMed

Shoukry, Nahla M; El-Naggar, Mostafa H; Darwish, Ahmed B; Soliman, Belal A; El-Sawaf, Bahira M

2006-04-01

The distribution of rodents was studied in three different habitats. Seven rodent species were identified: Rattus norvegicus, R. alexandrinus, R. frugivorous, Mus musculus, Acomys russatus, Meriones sacramenti and Gerbillus pyramidum. The species distribution varied with the habitat type. The highest density of rodents was in July and August and the lowest one was in January. However, some species were collected all the year round. The rodents were investigated for the endo- and ecto-parasites. No Leishmania parasites were found. The ectoparasites were: Xenopsylla cheopis, Leptopsylla segnis and Ctenocephalides felis, Polyplax spinulos, Hyalomma dromedarii (nymph) and Echinolaelaps echidninus and Hemolaelaps glassgowi. Ecto-parasites were on rodents all year-round in domestic habitat and peridomestic habitats. In wild one, ecto-parasites activity was from March to December. The rodents' role as reservoir for L. major was experimentally studied. Rodents inoculated with L. major together with hamster and BALB-c mice developed cutaneous lesions. The active lesions, the rodents' ecological habitats and the presence of insect-vector may pave the way to an epidemic zoonotic leishmaniasis role.

Success in Opposite Direction: Strategic Culture and the French Experience in Indochina, the Suez, and Algeria, 1945-1962

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-21

5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) MAJ Coley D. Tyler 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f...American political scientist Jack Snyder introduced strategic culture in 1977 while trying to explain the differences in Soviet and American nuclear...Strategic Cultures Curriculum Project (McLean, VA: SAIC, 2006), 3. 3 how belligerents could act in a crisis.9 The US Army cannot underestimate the

Visual information processing II; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Apr. 14-16, 1993

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huck, Friedrich O. (Editor); Juday, Richard D. (Editor)

1993-01-01

Various papers on visual information processing are presented. Individual topics addressed include: aliasing as noise, satellite image processing using a hammering neural network, edge-detetion method using visual perception, adaptive vector median filters, design of a reading test for low-vision image warping, spatial transformation architectures, automatic image-enhancement method, redundancy reduction in image coding, lossless gray-scale image compression by predictive GDF, information efficiency in visual communication, optimizing JPEG quantization matrices for different applications, use of forward error correction to maintain image fidelity, effect of peanoscanning on image compression. Also discussed are: computer vision for autonomous robotics in space, optical processor for zero-crossing edge detection, fractal-based image edge detection, simulation of the neon spreading effect by bandpass filtering, wavelet transform (WT) on parallel SIMD architectures, nonseparable 2D wavelet image representation, adaptive image halftoning based on WT, wavelet analysis of global warming, use of the WT for signal detection, perfect reconstruction two-channel rational filter banks, N-wavelet coding for pattern classification, simulation of image of natural objects, number-theoretic coding for iconic systems.

Signalling and the control of skeletal muscle size

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Otto, Anthony; Patel, Ketan, E-mail: ketan.patel@reading.ac.uk

2010-11-01

Skeletal muscle is highly adaptive to environmental stimuli and can alter its mass accordingly. This tissue is almost unique in that it can increase its size through two distinct mechanisms. It can grow through a cellular process mediated by cell fusion, or it can increase its size simply by increasing its protein content. Understanding how these processes are regulated is crucial for the development of potential therapies against debilitating skeletal muscle wasting diseases. Two key signalling molecules, Insulin like Growth Factor (IGF) and GDF-8/myostatin, have emerged in recent years to be potent regulators of skeletal muscle size. In this reviewmore » we bring together recent data highlighting the important and novel aspects of both molecules and their signalling pathways, culminating in a discussion of the cellular and tissue phenotypic outcomes of their stimulation or antagonism. We emphasise the complex regulatory mechanisms and discuss the temporal and spatial differences that control their action, understanding of which is crucial to further their use as potential therapeutic targets.« less

Eye Development Genes and Known Syndromes

PubMed Central

Slavotinek, Anne M.

2011-01-01

Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are significant eye defects because they can have profound effects on visual acuity. A/M is associated with non-ocular abnormalities in an estimated 33–95% of cases and around 25% of patients have an underlying genetic syndrome that is diagnosable. Syndrome recognition is important for targeted molecular genetic testing, prognosis and for counseling regarding recurrence risks. This review provides clinical and molecular information for several of the commonest syndromes associated with A/M: Anophthalmia-Esophageal-Genital syndrome, caused by SOX2 mutations, Anophthalmia and pituitary abnormalities caused by OTX2 mutations, Matthew-Wood syndrome caused by STRA6 mutations, Oculocardiafaciodental syndrome and Lenz microphthalmia caused by BCOR mutations, Microphthalmia Linear Skin pigmentation syndrome caused by HCCS mutations, Anophthalmia, pituitary abnormalities, polysyndactyly caused by BMP4 mutations and Waardenburg anophthalmia caused by mutations in SMOC1. In addition, we briefly discuss the ocular and extraocular phenotypes associated with several other important eye developmental genes, including GDF6, VSX2, RAX, SHH, SIX6 and PAX6. PMID:22005280

Data mining reveals a network of early-response genes as a consensus signature of drug-induced in vitro and in vivo toxicity.

PubMed

Zhang, J D; Berntenis, N; Roth, A; Ebeling, M

2014-06-01

Gene signatures of drug-induced toxicity are of broad interest, but they are often identified from small-scale, single-time point experiments, and are therefore of limited applicability. To address this issue, we performed multivariate analysis of gene expression, cell-based assays, and histopathological data in the TG-GATEs (Toxicogenomics Project-Genomics Assisted Toxicity Evaluation system) database. Data mining highlights four genes-EGR1, ATF3, GDF15 and FGF21-that are induced 2 h after drug administration in human and rat primary hepatocytes poised to eventually undergo cytotoxicity-induced cell death. Modelling and simulation reveals that these early stress-response genes form a functional network with evolutionarily conserved structure and intrinsic dynamics. This is underlined by the fact that early induction of this network in vivo predicts drug-induced liver and kidney pathology with high accuracy. Our findings demonstrate the value of early gene-expression signatures in predicting and understanding compound-induced toxicity. The identified network can empower first-line tests that reduce animal use and costs of safety evaluation.

Pathophysiology of transfusional iron overload: contrasting patterns in thalassemia major and sickle cell disease.

PubMed

Porter, John B

2009-01-01

The pathophysiological consequences of transfusional iron overload largely reflect the pattern of excess iron distribution and include cardiomyopathy, endocrinopathy, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Since the introduction of desferrioxamine (DFO) in the late 1970s, these complications have fallen substantially but approximately half of the chelated adult patients with thalassemia major (TM) still show evidence of increased myocardial iron loading by MRI. An understanding of the factors that determine the propensity to extrahepatic iron distribution may be a key to minimizing the pathophysiological consequences of transfusional iron overload. Transfused patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) appear less likely to develop these extrahepatic complications, possibly because plasma nontransferrin-bound iron (NTBI) levels are typically lower than in TM patients at matched levels of iron loading. Other mechanisms that may reduce the extrahepatic iron distribution in SCD include raised plasma hepcidin due to chronic inflammation, lower growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) levels because of less ineffective erythropoiesis (IE), and induction of heme oxygenase (HO1) by intravascular hemolysis. Further understanding of these mechanisms may help in designing strategies to decrease extrahepatic iron distribution in TM.

Enhanced Fluoride Over-Coated Al Mirrors for FUV Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quijada, Manuel A.; DelHoyo, Javier; Rice, Steve; Threat, Felix

2014-01-01

Astronomical observations in the Far Ultraviolet (FUV) spectral region are some of the more challenging due to the very distant and faint objects that are typically searched for in cosmic origin studies such as origin of large scale structure, the formation, evolution, and age of galaxies and the origin of stellar and planetary systems. These challenges are driving the need to improve the performance of optical coatings over a wide spectral range that would increase reflectance in mirrors and reduced absorption in dielectric filters used in optical telescope for FUV observations. This paper will present recent advances in reflectance performance for Al+MgF2 mirrors optimized for Lyman-alpha wavelength by performing the deposition of the MgF2 overcoat at elevated substrate temperatures. We will also present optical characterization of little studied rare-earth fluorides such as GdF3 and LuF3 that exhibit low-absorption over a wide wavelength range and could therefore be used as high refractive index alternatives for dielectric coatings at FUV wavelengths.

Biomarkers and diagnostics in heart failure.

PubMed

Gaggin, Hanna K; Januzzi, James L

2013-12-01

Heart failure (HF) biomarkers have dramatically impacted the way HF patients are evaluated and managed. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) are the gold standard biomarkers in determining the diagnosis and prognosis of HF, and studies on natriuretic peptide-guided HF management look promising. An array of additional biomarkers has emerged, each reflecting different pathophysiological processes in the development and progression of HF: myocardial insult, inflammation and remodeling. Novel biomarkers, such as mid-regional pro atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), mid-regional pro adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), highly sensitive troponins, soluble ST2 (sST2), growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 and Galectin-3, show potential in determining prognosis beyond the established natriuretic peptides, but their role in the clinical care of the patient is still partially defined and more studies are needed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Heart failure pathogenesis and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Generation of Scaffoldless Hyaline Cartilaginous Tissue from Human iPSCs

PubMed Central

Yamashita, Akihiro; Morioka, Miho; Yahara, Yasuhito; Okada, Minoru; Kobayashi, Tomohito; Kuriyama, Shinichi; Matsuda, Shuichi; Tsumaki, Noriyuki

2015-01-01

Summary Defects in articular cartilage ultimately result in loss of joint function. Repairing cartilage defects requires cell sources. We developed an approach to generate scaffoldless hyaline cartilage from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We initially generated an hiPSC line that specifically expressed GFP in cartilage when teratoma was formed. We optimized the culture conditions and found BMP2, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and GDF5 critical for GFP expression and thus chondrogenic differentiation of the hiPSCs. The subsequent use of scaffoldless suspension culture contributed to purification, producing homogenous cartilaginous particles. Subcutaneous transplantation of the hiPSC-derived particles generated hyaline cartilage that expressed type II collagen, but not type I collagen, in immunodeficiency mice. Transplantation of the particles into joint surface defects in immunodeficiency rats and immunosuppressed mini-pigs indicated that neocartilage survived and had potential for integration into native cartilage. The immunodeficiency mice and rats suffered from neither tumors nor ectopic tissue formation. The hiPSC-derived cartilaginous particles constitute a viable cell source for regenerating cartilage defects. PMID:25733017

Recent Progress on 2012 SAT for UVOIR Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quijada, Manuel A.; Del Hoyo, Javier G.; Rice, Stephen H.

2014-01-01

Astronomical observations in the Far Ultraviolet (FUV) spectral region are some of the more challenging due to the very distant and faint objects that are typically searched for in cosmic origin studies such as origin of large scale structure, the formation, evolution, and age of galaxies and the origin of stellar and planetary systems. These challenges are driving the need to improve the performance of optical coatings over a wide spectral range that would increase reflectance in mirrors and reduced absorption in dielectric filters used in optical telescope for FUV observations. This paper will present recent advances in reflectance performance for Al+MgF2 mirrors optimized for Lyman-alpha wavelength by performing the deposition of the MgF2 overcoat at elevated substrate temperatures. We will also present optical characterization of little studied rare-earth fluorides such as GdF3 and LuF3 that exhibit low-absorption over a wide wavelength range and could therefore be used as high refractive index alternatives fordielectric coatings at FUV wavelengths.

[Regulation of in vitro and in vivo differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells, and teratocarcinoma cells by TGFb family signaling factors].

PubMed

Gordeeva, O F; Nikonova, T M; Lifantseva, N V

2009-01-01

The activity of specific signaling and transcription factors determines the cell fate in normal development and in tumor transformation. The transcriptional profiles of gene-components of different branches of TGFbeta family signaling pathways were studied in experimental models of initial stages of three-dimensional in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells and teratocarcinoma cells and in teratomas and teratocarcinomas developed after their transplantation into immunodeficient Nude mice. Gene profile analysis of studied cell systems have revealed that expression patterns of ActivinA, Nodal, Lefty1, Lefty2, TGF TGFbeta1, BMP4, and GDF were identical in pluripotent stem cells whereas the mRNAs of all examined genes with the exception of Inhibin betaA/ActivinA were detected in the teratocarcinoma cells. These results indicate that differential activity of signaling pathways of the TGFbeta family factors regulates pluripotent state maintenance and pluripotent stem cell differentiation into the progenitors of three germ layers and extraembryonic structures and that normal expression pattern of TGFbeta family factors is rearranged in embryonic teratocarcinoma cells during tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.

Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency in an old-order Amish cohort: longitudinal risk and disease management.

PubMed

Rider, Nicholas L; Strauss, Kevin A; Brown, Krysta; Finkenstedt, Armin; Puffenberger, Erik G; Hendrickson, Christine L; Robinson, Donna L; Muenke, Nikolas; Tselepis, Chris; Saunders, Lauren; Zoller, Heinz; Morton, D Holmes

2011-10-01

Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a chronic illness with age specific consequences. Newborns suffer life-threatening hemolytic crisis and hyperbilirubinemia. Adults are at risk for infections because of asplenia, pregnancy-related morbidity, and may suffer organ damage because of systemic iron overload. We describe 27 Old Order Amish patients (ages 8 months-52 years) homozygous for c.1436G>A mutations in PKLR. Each subject had a predictable neonatal course requiring packed red blood cell transfusions (30 ± 5 mL/kg) to control hemolytic disease and intensive phototherapy to prevent kernicterus. Hemochromatosis affected 29% (n = 4) of adult patients, who had inappropriately normal serum hepcidin (34.5 ± 12.7 ng/mL) and GDF-15 (595 ± 335pg/mL) relative to hyperferritinemia (769 ± 595 mg/dL). A high prevalence of HFE gene mutations exists in this population and may contribute to iron-related morbidity. Based on our observations, we present a strategy for long-term management of pyruvate kinase deficiency. 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Double muscling in cattle due to mutations in the myostatin gene

PubMed Central

McPherron, Alexandra C.; Lee, Se-Jin

1997-01-01

Myostatin (GDF-8) is a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily of secreted growth and differentiation factors that is essential for proper regulation of skeletal muscle mass in mice. Here we report the myostatin sequences of nine other vertebrate species and the identification of mutations in the coding sequence of bovine myostatin in two breeds of double-muscled cattle, Belgian Blue and Piedmontese, which are known to have an increase in muscle mass relative to conventional cattle. The Belgian Blue myostatin sequence contains an 11-nucleotide deletion in the third exon which causes a frameshift that eliminates virtually all of the mature, active region of the molecule. The Piedmontese myostatin sequence contains a missense mutation in exon 3, resulting in a substitution of tyrosine for an invariant cysteine in the mature region of the protein. The similarity in phenotypes of double-muscled cattle and myostatin null mice suggests that myostatin performs the same biological function in these two species and is a potentially useful target for genetic manipulation in other farm animals. PMID:9356471

Sinai Peninsula, Shaded Relief and Colored Height

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The Sinai Peninsula, located between Africa and Asia, is a result of those two continents pulling apart from each other. Earth's crust is cracking, stretching, and lowering along the two northern branches of the Red Sea, namely the Gulf of Suez, seen here on the west (left), and the Gulf of Aqaba, seen to the east (right). This color-coded shaded relief image shows the triangular nature of the peninsula, with the coast of the Mediterranean Sea forming the northern side of the triangle. The Suez Canal can be seen as the narrow vertical blue line in the upper left connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.

The peninsula is divided into three distinct parts; the northern region consisting chiefly of sandstone, plains and hills, the central area dominated by the Tih Plateau, and the mountainous southern region where towering peaks abound. Much of the Sinai is deeply dissected by river valleys, or wadis, that eroded during an earlier geologic period and break the surface of the plateau into a series of detached massifs with a few scattered oases.

Two visualization methods were combined to produce the image: shading and color coding of topographic height. The shade image was derived by computing topographic slope in the northwest-southeast direction, so that northwest slopes appear bright and southeast slopes appear dark. Color coding is directly related to topographic height, with green at the lower elevations, rising through yellow and tan, to white at the highest elevations.

Elevation data used in this image were acquired by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, launched on Feb. 11, 2000. SRTM used the same radar instrument that comprised the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) that flew twice on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1994. SRTM was designed to collect 3-D measurements of the Earth's surface. To collect the 3-D data, engineers added a 60-meter (approximately 200-foot

Small cell lung cancer: Recruitment of macrophages by circulating tumor cells

PubMed Central

Hamilton, Gerhard; Rath, Barbara; Klameth, Lukas; Hochmair, Maximilan J.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumor progression, suppression of antitumor immunity and dissemination. Blood monocytes infiltrate the tumor region and are primed by local microenvironmental conditions to promote tumor growth and invasion. Although many of the interacting cytokines and factors are known for the tumor-macrophage interactions, the putative contribution of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is not known so far. These specialized cells are characterized by increased mobility, ability to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to enter the blood stream and generate secondary lesions which is a leading cause of death for the majority of tumor patients. The first establishment of two permanent CTC lines, namely BHGc7 and 10, from blood samples of advanced stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients allowed us to investigate the CTC-immune cell interaction. Cocultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) with CTCs or addition of CTC-conditioned medium (CTC-CM) in vitro resulted in monocyte-macrophage differentiation and appearance of CD14+, CD163weak and CD68+ macrophages expressing markers of TAMs. Furthermore, we screened the supernatants of CTC-primed macrophages for presence of approximately 100 cytokines and compared the expression with those induced by the local metastatic SCLC26A cell line. Macrophages recruited by SCLC26A-CM showed expression of osteopontin (OPN), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, chitinase3-like 1 (CHI3L1), platelet factor (Pf4), IL-1ra and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) among other minor cytokines/chemokines. In contrast, BHGc7-CM induced marked overexpression of complement factor D (CFD)/adipsin and vitamin D-BP (VDBP), as well as increased secretion of OPN, lipocalin-2 (LCN2), CHI3L1, uPAR, MIP-1 and GDF-15/MIC-1. BHGc10, derived independently from relapsed SCLC, revealed an almost identical pattern with added expression of ENA-78/CXCL5. CMs of the non

Small cell lung cancer: Recruitment of macrophages by circulating tumor cells.

PubMed

Hamilton, Gerhard; Rath, Barbara; Klameth, Lukas; Hochmair, Maximilan J

2016-03-01

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumor progression, suppression of antitumor immunity and dissemination. Blood monocytes infiltrate the tumor region and are primed by local microenvironmental conditions to promote tumor growth and invasion. Although many of the interacting cytokines and factors are known for the tumor-macrophage interactions, the putative contribution of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is not known so far. These specialized cells are characterized by increased mobility, ability to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to enter the blood stream and generate secondary lesions which is a leading cause of death for the majority of tumor patients. The first establishment of two permanent CTC lines, namely BHGc7 and 10, from blood samples of advanced stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients allowed us to investigate the CTC-immune cell interaction. Cocultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) with CTCs or addition of CTC-conditioned medium (CTC-CM) in vitro resulted in monocyte-macrophage differentiation and appearance of CD14 + , CD163 weak and CD68 + macrophages expressing markers of TAMs. Furthermore, we screened the supernatants of CTC-primed macrophages for presence of approximately 100 cytokines and compared the expression with those induced by the local metastatic SCLC26A cell line. Macrophages recruited by SCLC26A-CM showed expression of osteopontin (OPN), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, chitinase3-like 1 (CHI3L1), platelet factor (Pf4), IL-1ra and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) among other minor cytokines/chemokines. In contrast, BHGc7-CM induced marked overexpression of complement factor D (CFD)/adipsin and vitamin D-BP (VDBP), as well as increased secretion of OPN, lipocalin-2 (LCN2), CHI3L1, uPAR, MIP-1 and GDF-15/MIC-1. BHGc10, derived independently from relapsed SCLC, revealed an almost identical pattern with added expression of ENA-78/CXCL5. CMs of the non-tumor HEK293