Molecular impact and inducible factors associated with adenovirus infection in hematopoietic stem [corrected] cell transplant patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF STUDY

Latent and active adenovirus infections are detected in 5% to 20% of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients. In addition to the significant role of adenoviral infection in the pathogenesis of late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis in HSCT patients, adenovirus infections may have possible roles in undefined posttransplant clinical complications. Therefore, pre- and posttransplantation we studied the prevalence and role of adenoviral infections among HSCT clinical syndromes using molecular methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study between 2005 and 2008. We collected 470 EDTA-treated blood samples from 125 HSCT recipients, including 70 (56%) men and 55 (44%) women. The 52 (41.6%) HSCT patients underwent autologous grafts and the other 73 (58.4%), from related donors. One EDTA-treated blood sample was collected from all recipients pretransplantation. Also once per week for 3 months we were collected blood samples from HSCT patients to evaluate the prevalence of adenovirus DNA infection by a qualitative in house polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

The adenovirus genome was diagnosed in 2/75 (2.7%) HSCT patient samples pretransplantation. There were 28/395 (7.1%) plasma samples of transplant patients infected with adenovirus DNA. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) clinical complications were observed in six adenovirus-infected transplant recipients; there was a significant correlation between these viral infections and GVHD clinical presentation.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of adenovirus infection in HSCT recipients pre- and posttransplantation, was significantly related to GVHD symptoms, enforcing the important pathogenic role of these viral infections in clinical complications post-HSCT.

Effects of electromagnetic fields on mental health of the staff employed in gas power plants, Shiraz, 2009

The aims of this study are to assess, in a power station in Shiraz, the effects of noise and electromagnetic field on psychological mood. By the great industrial and technological improvements human beings have been exposed to different types of physical and chemical factors. Some of these factors such as electromagnetism are known as the constant components of the environment. According to the studies carried out in one of the power stations in Shiraz, psychological disorders caused by jobs are among the most important problems of the workers. This study is performed to determine the presence or absence of these psychological disorders. This cross-sectional study is performed on these groups : (1) The gas power plant staff who were in contact with electromagnetic field and nose, (2) employees who were only exposed to noise and (3) a group of staff employed in the administrative parts of the Telecommunication companies who did not have any history of being exposed to electromagnetic field and sounds. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) is used in this study to recognize psychosomatic disorders. Measurements indicate that range of electromagnetic field varies from 0.087 micro Tesla in the phone homes to 30 micro Tesla in power stations. The results of this study has shown that a significant number of staff which were exposed to electromagnetic fields and noise (78.2%) were suspected to have a kind of mental disorders. The results obtained from this study which shows the prevalence of mental disorders among the suspected case is higher than the results of Noorbala and colleagues study in 2006.

Cesarean labor cognitive related variables in private and public hospitals

Introduction

Recent clinical reports show a sharp rise in the cesarean section rate, particularly in the private hospitals that might be affected by the cognitive variables.

Objectives

This research was to compare fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, catastrophic cognition and also childbirth attitude in private and public hospitals.

Aims

The main aim of this research was to compare fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, catastrophic cognition and also childbirth attitude in private and public hospitals.

Methods

Participants were (n = 150) pregnant women from private hospitals who were selected using available sampling method as well as (n = 150) pregnant women from public hospitals who were counter balanced on the basis of the age, education, previous number of deliveries, previous number of cesarean and type of hospital variables. Three questionnaires of fear of pain (FPQ) and catastrophic cognition (CCQ) and childbirth attitude (CAQ) as well as scale of pain catastrophizing (PCS) were administrated.

Results

Multivariate analyses of variance were shown significantly differences for two cognitive variables of “fear of pain” and “catastrophic cognition”, while no significant difference were observed for other variables.

Conclusions

These results suggested fear of pain and catastrophic cognition as important cognitive factors in the increase rate of cesarean labor in private hospitals.

A new classification for female infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. However infertility is a clinical presentation and not a disease. Thus to be able to offer a new classification, it is necessary to apply a clinical presentation (philosophy) suggested by the University of Calgary in 1991. In recent years several classification algorithms have been proposed which apply key predictors of clinical, imaging, or morphological types to determine the diseases that can cause infertility. On the other hand, an algorithm is a product of an expert's mind after many years of practice and experience, which is too difficult to understand by a medical student. However there has not been any simple schematic classification based on a logical justification applying integration of etiologies with basic science to break down etiologies into categories, subcategories and disease classes of this clinical presentation. Because etiology has also become an important criterion for the characterization of causes of infertility, a classification proposal is presented here that attempts to include all relevant (basic science) features of the causative diseases of this clinical presentation.

Nonlinear solution for radiation boundary condition of heat transfer process in human eye

In this paper we propose a new method based on finite element method for solving radiation boundary condition of heat equation inside the human eye and other applications. Using this method, we can solve heat equation inside human eye without need to model radiation boundary condition to a robin boundary condition. Using finite element method we can obtain a nonlinear equation, and finally we use nonlinear algorithm to solve it. The human eye is modeled as a composition of several homogeneous regions. The Ritz method in the finite element method is used for solving heat differential equation. Applying the boundary conditions, the heat radiation condition and the robin condition on the cornea surface of the eye and on the outer part of sclera are used, respectively. Simulation results of solving nonlinear boundary condition show the accuracy of the proposed method.

Effect of bright light on shift work nurses in hospitals

The aim of this study are to assess, in a hospital setting, the effects of Bright Light (BL) on the rhythms in body temperature, plasma melatonin, plasma cortisol and subjective alertness during shift work. In our experimental design, 34 healthy shift work nurses from a university hospital were exposed to bright light (4500 lux) during two break times (21:15 to 22; 00 and 3:15 to 4:00) for four consecutive weeks. In this survey, the subjects were studied under 24 h of realistic conditions during which their plasma cortisol and plasma melatonin was measured at 3 h intervals. In addition, their body temperatures were measured during and after night shift work. Subjective alertness and fatigue were evaluated with the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and Visual Analog Scale (VOI). It was found that bright light administration significantly suppressed nighttime melatonin levels during night shift, most strongly at 2:00 a.m. A one-way ANOVA, with repeated measurement design, revealed that Bright Light (BL) tended to increase cortisol levels and body temperature and improved alertness significantly during night shift. These results demonstrate that photic stimulation in a hospital setting can have a powerful influence on the adjustment of the circadian system.

The role and frequency of glutathione s-transferase P1 polymorphism in Iranian patients affected with reflux esophagitis

Reflux esophagitis is a common complication of the gastroesophageal reflux disease. Glutathione s-transferases (GSTs) have important role in the protection of cells from the products of oxidative stress. GSTP1*B allele has a correlation with susceptibility to several diseases. In this case-control study, the role and frequency of GSTP1 polymorphism was evaluated in Iranian patients with erosive reflux esophagitis. Seventy patients with erosive reflux esophagitis and 75 normal individuals were enrolled in this study. The grade of esophagitis was determined via endoscopy. DNA was extracted from venous blood of each subject using the salting out method. GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms were detected using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. There was a significant difference in GSTP1 genotype frequency between patients and normal groups (P= 0.006). Also, in the patient group, the grade B of esophagitis was significantly associated with variant GSTP1 genotype (P= 0.028). The rate of throat pain symptom was higher in the no-variant group (P < 0.036). The GSTP1*B allele frequency in Iranian normal groups is similar to Orientals. Reflux esophagitis are more commonly found in variant (*B/*B and *A/*B) GSTP1 genotypes. In addition, GSTP1 polymorphism is correlated with a higher grade of esophagitis.

The efficiency of Amberjet 4200 resin in removing nitrate in the presence of competitive anions from Shiraz drinking water

The aim of this research is to study the feasibility of removing nitrates from water by means of anion exchange. In the purposed work an attempt was made to utilize strong basic anion resin to remove nitrate in the presence of competitive anion. Amberjet Cl- 4200 ion exchange resin was used in a batch scale. The fixation rate of nitrate without the presences of any competitive anion was almost constant (94.60-96.43) when the nitrate concentrations are in the range of 100-150 mg L(-1). The fixation rate of nitrate in the presences of two competitive anions (sulphate and chloride) was reduced to 82% when the concentration of nitrate was 100 mg L(-1).

Assessment of atrazine distribution in Shiraz soils, south of Iran

The main objective of this study was focused on determining atrazine residual concentration in agricultural soil in Shiraz and its vicinity. Twenty two sampling fields were selected by grid sampling in Shiraz and its vicinity. Atrazine residual concentrations in 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm soil depths were in the range of 15-550 microg kg(-1) soil. Data showed that the concentration of atrazine did not exceed the soil quality standard for agriculture which is 22 mg kg(-1) soil and there was no significant difference between depth and atrazine residual concentration (p > 0.05). Although, in all sampling regions in Shiraz and its vicinity, the concentration of atrazine did not exceed the soil quality standard for agriculture, atrazine leaching and dissipation rate in soil and risk of atrazine ground water pollution must be determined.

Assessment of the potential of scale formation and corrosivity of tap water resources and the network distribution system in Shiraz, South Iran

The aim of this research is to study the potential of scale formation and corrosivity of water resources and the network distribution system of Shiraz in Fars province, South Iran. The Langelier saturation index (LSI) was used to assess the scale formation and corrosivity. The index was calculated based on the principle of calcium deposition. This research was done through 118 water resources samples which include wells and surface water and many different points in the network distribution system during late Summer and early fall, 2007. The mean LSI value for all the samples was 0.417. Although, the results indicated the scaling potential in all water samples, monitoring the corrosion rates was done on a regular basis. Seasonal changes can affect water quality, and therefore the corrosion rates.

Liver transplantation for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: two case reports

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HFHC) is a rare inherited condition with an incidence of one in one million. It is associated with severe premature atherosclerosis and early death from cardiovascular complications. Mutation in the gene that encodes the synthesis of the cellular receptor for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is responsible for this metabolic disorder. Currently, the only effective treatment for this disease is liver transplantation, which alone or in association with medications, normalizes plasma cholesterol level. The authors report the results of liver transplantation for two cases of HFHC. The first case, a 15-year-old boy received a whole liver from a deceased donor, and the second, an 11-year-old boy, received a left liver lobe transplant from his mother's sister. Their preoperative fasting lipid concentrations were grossly raised. The older boy had severe atherosclerotic heart disease and had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting 5 months before transplantation. Both had preoperative plasma cholesterol levels higher than 750 mg/dL with normal thyroid and liver function tests. After the operation, the patients received methylprednisolone as pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus for immunosuppression. Their hospital stays were 24 and 13 days, respectively. The first case needed reexploration because of bleeding on the second day after the operation. The lipid concentrations rapidly returned to the normal range in the first week after the operation, remaining in this range over the first 6 months of follow-up. Liver transplantation offers an highly effective treatment for HFHC. It is better to operate on patients before severe atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries. All patients must undergo a complete cardiac evaluation before surgery.

Liver transplantation in the presence of old portal vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been mentioned as a potential obstacle to liver transplantation (LTx).

OBJECTIVE

To review the impact of PVT on orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) outcome.

METHOD

Between January 2006 and April 2009, 440 OLT were performed in Shiraz Transplant Unit of whom, 35 (7.9%) cases had old PVT with recanalization. Data were retrospectively collected regarding the demographics, indication for OLT, Child-Turgot-Pugh classification, pre-transplant diagnosis of PVT, perioperative course and managements, relapse of PVT, early post-operative mortality and morbidity. All patients received liver from deceased donors, underwent thrombendvenectomy with end-to-end anastomosis without interposition graft and evaluated daily for 5 days and thereafter, biweekly by duplex sonography during the follow-up period for 2 months. They were treated by therapeutic doses of heparin followed by warfarin to maintain an INR of 2-2.5.

RESULTS

The causes of end-stage liver disease were hepatitis B in 11, cryptogenic cirrhosis in 11, primary sclerosing cholangitis in 5 and other causes in 8 recipients. Extension of thrombosis was through confluence of superior mesenteric and splenic vein in 32 and to superior mesenteric vein in 3 patients. The mean±SD operation time was 7.2±1.5 hrs. The mean±SD transfusion requirement was 5.4±2.8 units of packed cells. The mean±SD duration of hospital stay in these patients was 17.7±10.9 days. Eight patients died; 1 developed early in-hospital PVT, 1 had hepatic vein thrombosis, and 1 died of in-hospital ischemic cerebrovascular accident, despite a full anticoagulant therapy. The mean±SD follow-up period for those 28 patients discharged from hospital was 16.6±7.9 months; none of them developed relapse of PVT. The overall mortality and morbidity was 28% and 32%, respectively. There was no relapse of PVT in the other patients.

CONCLUSION

The presence of PVT at the time of OLT is not a contraindication for the operation but those with PVT have a more difficult surgery, develop more postoperative complications, and experience a higher in-hospital mortality.

Experience of living donor liver transplantation in Iran: a single-center report

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has been accepted as a valuable treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease seeking to overcome the shortage of organs and the waiting list mortality. The aim of this study was to report our experience with LDLT.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 50 LDLTs performed in our organ transplant center from January 1997 to March 2008. We reviewed the demographic data, family history, operative and hospital stay durations as well as postoperation complications among donors and recipients. We also performed a retrospective analysis of recipient chemical and biochemical data.

RESULTS

Among 50 patients (30 males and 20 females) of overall mean age of 7.21 +/- 5.35 who underwent LDLT (10 right lobe, 38 left lobe, and 2 left lateral segments), 47 received a liver graft from their parent, two from a brother, and one from an uncle. The most common indications for LDLT were end-stage liver disease due to Wilson's disease (16%), cryptogenic cirrhosis (16%), tyrosinemia (14%), biliary atresia (12%), autoimmune hepatitis (12%), and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (12%). The mean follow-up was 16.91 +/- 23.74 months. There were 13 (26%) recipient mortalities including vascular complications; three to sepsis after bowel perforation, two from liver dysfunction, two from chronic rejection due to noncompliance, and one from diffuse aspergillosis. The morbidity rate was 50%, including 19 reexplorations during the hospital course and five biliary complications.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that LDLT can decrease the number of patients awaiting liver transplantation especially in the pediatric group. However, because of relatively high mortality and morbidity, we must improve our treatment outcomes.

The Effectiveness of Little Bird Programme on Improvement of Mental Health and Decrease Parental Stress in Mothers of Autistic Children

This study was a trail of an intervention named Little Bird aimed to decrease parental stress and improve mental health in mothers of autistic children. The sample was 24 mothers of autistic children. The intervention compared across two groups, an intervention group and non-intervention control group. The result indicate that, compared with the control group, mothers in intervention group reported significant improvement in mental health and significant decrease in parental stress following the intervention, at the end of programme and 1 month follow-up.

Nitrous oxide dimer: Observation of a new polar isomer

Spectra of the nitrous oxide dimer (N2O)2 are studied in the region of the N2O nu1 fundamental band around 2230 cm-1 using a rapid-scan tunable diode laser spectrometer to probe a pulsed supersonic jet expansion. The previously known band of the centrosymmetric nonpolar dimer is analyzed in improved detail, and a new band is observed and assigned to a polar isomer of (N2O)2. This polar form of the dimer has a slipped parallel structure, rather similar to the slipped antiparallel structure of the nonpolar form but with a slightly larger intermolecular distance. The accurate rotational parameters determined here should enable a microwave observation of the polar N2O dimer. The need for a modern ab initio investigation of the N2O-N2O intermolecular potential energy surface is emphasized.

Observation of the “missing” polar OCS dimer

A new infrared band at 2069.3 cm-1 is observed and assigned to the long-anticipated polar isomer of the OCS dimer, helping to explain apparent discrepancies among earlier studies. The data reported here should enable direct observation of the microwave spectrum of polar (OCS)2 and motivate new theoretical works on the energetics of OCS dimer isomers and interconversion energy barriers.

Isolation and identification of atrazine-degrading bacteria from corn field soil in Fars province of Iran

In this study several agricultural fields with a long history of atrazine application in Fars province of Iran have been explored for their potential of atrazine biodegradation. After several subculturing for a period of 300 days acclimation, leads to an enhancement of atrazine biodegradation rate. A successful enrichment culture with a high capability for atrazine degradation was obtained (88%). A combination of enrichment culture technique, in a basal salt medium containing atrazine and carbon sources under nitrogen limitation and plating on indicator atrazine agar, have permitted the isolation of bacterial consortium with high capability of using atrazine as a nitrogen source. Seven gram-negative and one gram-positive bacterial strain, which were able to use this herbicide as a sole source of nitrogen, were isolated from Darehasalouie Kavar corn field soil. Based on physiological, biochemical and nutritional characteristics, the isolated bacteria were identified as Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Acidovorax sp., Pseudomonas putida, Ralstonia eutrophus, Pseudomonas syiringe, Erwinia tracheiphila, Entrobacter agglomerans and Micrococcus varians. Therefore, the bacterial consortium in liquid culture containing carbon sources and atrazine as a sole source of nitrogen, degrade added atrazine more than 80%.