Graduate University of Advanced Technology

About: Graduate University of Advanced Technology is a education organization based out in Kerman, Iran. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Carbon paste electrode & Electrochemical gas sensor. The organization has 890 authors who have published 2169 publications receiving 31027 citations.

Comparison of ex vivo harvested and in vitro cultured materials from Echinococcus granulosus by measuring expression levels of five genes putatively involved in the development and maturation of adult worms

Abstract: Parts of the natural life cycle of Echinococcus granulosus can be retraced in vitro such as the development of protoscoleces into semiadult worms with three or more proglottids, or the redifferentiation of in vitro cultured protoscoleces into metacestode-like cystic structures. Most in vitro generated samples share-at the microscopical level-high similarities with those naturally grown, but developmental differences have also been documented, such as missing egg production in in vitro grown adults or unusual bladder/vesicle formation in protoscoleces cultured into the metacestode direction. The aim of the present study was to explore how far different in vitro generated stage-specific materials/structures match the natural situation on the transcriptome level, based on testing five exemplarily chosen different genes: the frizzled receptor eg-fz4 (posterior marker), the FGF receptor-like factor eg-fgfrl (anterior association), the cell differentiation protein eg-rcd1 (part of the CCR4-NOT complex, a key regulator of eukaryotic gene expression), the rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma serin/threonin kinase eg-braf (part of the MAPK pathway involved, e.g., in EGF signaling) and the co-smad eg-smadD (downstream factor of TGFβ/BMP2/activin signaling). These genes-tested via qPCR-were selected such as to allow a discussion on their potential role in the development of E. granulosus into the adult stage. Thus, testing took place with three ex vivo isolated samples, namely (i) egg-containing adult worms, (ii) invaginated protoscoleces, and (iii) protoscolex-free germinal layer tissue. Respective data were compared (a) with in vitro generated metacestode-like microcysts developed from protoscolices, and (b) different development stages of protoscoleces in vitro cultured toward adult maturation. As a finding, only eg-smadD and partially eg-fz4 showed high expression similarities between ex vivo harvested and in vitro cultured E. granulosus, thus suggesting a putative role in adult maturation. Conclusively, the fact of using "only" five genes did not allow answering the question if ex vivo and in vitro materials are similar on the transcriptome level. Another experimental restriction arises from different growth conditions of the in vitro cultured materials, and comparing these to the ex vivo harvested ones. Future experiments may solve the problems by using fully standardized E. granulosus sample collection and fully standardized culture conditions.

Microfacies and depositional environments of the Qom Formation in Barzok area, SW Kashan, Iran

Abstract: Qom Formation (Oligo-Miocene marine deposits of Middle Iran) in the southwestern Kashan was studied to determine its microfacies and depositional environments. Outcrops of the Qom Formation in the study area with 410 m, consist mainly of limestone, sandy limestone, shale and marl. Study section is unconformably underlain by the Eocene volcanic rocks and overlain by alluvium. Biogenic components of the Qom Formation comprise mainly of larger benthic foraminifera, coralline red algae and corals. Based on the presence of Nummulites spp. (Nummulites fichteli, Nummulites vascus, Nummulites cf. vascus, Nummulites sp.) throughout the study section, the Qom Formation is considered to be Rupelian in age. Microfacies analysis and field investigations on the study section led to recognition of six carbonate microfacies and two marl and shale facies. Two major depositional environments were identified in the study area including lagoon and open marine. Based on the recognized microfacies and field investigations, deposition of the Qom Formation in Barzok area took place on a carbonate ramp; besides, most of the carbonate parts of the study section are deposited in the open-marine settings. The high abundance of larger benthic foraminifera, coralline red algae and corals indicates that deposition took place in the tropical warm waters.

Influential Mechanisms and Potential Applications of Nano-Silicas in Cement Composites

Abstract: Nanosilicas have been known as super-pozzolanic materials and compared to silica fume, these materials have higher purity of silica and finer particles. However, in contrast to silica fume, nanosilicas are produced by various methods, leading to different morphologies and agglomeration statuses in their initial form. On the other hand, due to several mechanisms such as the bridging effect of calcium ions between particles, double layer compression at a high ionic concentration, and dehydration of silica surfaces, nanosilica particles are destabilized in the pore solution environment of cement mixtures. Thus, the behavior of these materials is different from that of silica fume. In this research, considering the recent studies, a comprehensive investigation has been carried out on the influence of nanosilicas on the mechanical, durability and microstructural characteristics of cement composites. This study investigates the mechanisms that influence the performance of nanosilica in cement-based materials. Based on these mechanisms, several applications have been suggested and discussed. Some of these applications include viscosity-modifying agent in self-compacting concrete, enhancing the cohesion of cement composites, increasing the adhesion capacity of repair mortars and shotcrete to the substrate surface, accelerating the cement hydration, developing low-alkali cements and fast early-strength cements.

Expression levels of heat shock protein 60 and glucose-regulated protein 78 in response to trimethylamine-N-oxide treatment in murine macrophage J774A.1 cell line.

Abstract: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a common metabolite in animals and humans, can induce changes in the expression or conformation of heat shock proteins. It has also been introduced as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and a biomarker for kidney problems. On the other hand, increased levels of heat shock proteins 60 and 70 KDa are associated with increased atherosclerosis risk. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the possible effect(s) of TMAO on the expression of HSP60 and GRP78 at the mRNA and protein levels. Murine macrophage J774A.1 cells were treated with micromolar concentrations of TMAO and 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), a chemical chaperon, for different time intervals. Tunicamycin was also used as a control for induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Tunicamycin greatly increased both mRNA and protein levels of GRP78. Similarly but to a lesser extent compared to tunicamycin, TMAO also increased mRNA and protein levels of GRP78 in a dose and time-dependent manner. In contrast, 4-PBA failed to induce any changes. Similar to GRP78, HSP60 was also increased only at mRNA level in TMAO treated cells. 4-PBA also increased HSP60 mRNA levels, whereas, tunicamycin did not show any effect on either protein or mRNA levels of HSP60. Since both heat shock proteins are stress inducible and the elevation of GRP78 is a hallmark for endoplasmic reticulum stress induction, it can be concluded that TMAO may induce endoplasmic reticulum stress or may act through elevation of these heat shock proteins.