Psychomotor delay, a possible rare presentation of moyamoya disease

Moyamoya disease is a rare, chronic cerebrovascular occlusive disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by progressive stenosis of the arteries of the circle of Willis leading to ischemic strokes in young people and cerebral hemorrhage, which is more frequent in adults. Secondarily, an abnormal network of fine collateral vessels arises at the base of the brain. The term moyamoya refers to the angiographic appearance of the cerebral vasculature. We present such a disease in an 18-month-old Iranian girl with global developmental delay, which is a very rare presentation of moyamoya disease. She was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Efficient measurement of quantum dynamics via compressive sensing

The resources required to characterize the dynamics of engineered quantum systems--such as quantum computers and quantum sensors--grow exponentially with system size. Here we adapt techniques from compressive sensing to exponentially reduce the experimental configurations required for quantum process tomography. Our method is applicable to processes that are nearly sparse in a certain basis and can be implemented using only single-body preparations and measurements. We perform efficient, high-fidelity estimation of process matrices of a photonic two-qubit logic gate. The database is obtained under various decoherence strengths. Our technique is both accurate and noise robust, thus removing a key roadblock to the development and scaling of quantum technologies.

Experimental study of the degradation of 2,4-D induced by vacuum-UV radiation

Vacuum-UV (VUV) photoinduced degradation of the herbicide 2,4-D was studied. A flow-through VUV photoreactor was used (i) in batch mode to study the kinetics of degradation and (ii) in continuous mode under steady state to analyze the potential utilization of this process in commercial applications. In both cases, the reactants were recycled to minimize diffusive resistances. Experimental results from the batch studies showed that the initial degradation rate of 2,4-D in ultrapure water was independent of the initial concentration of the herbicide. However, a reduction in the reaction rate was obtained over the course of the treatment, largely due to the formation of 2,4-D partial oxidation by-products which compete with 2,4-D molecules for HO (scavenging effect). Increases in water alkalinity reduced 2,4-D degradation rate as a consequence of the scavenging of HO by carbonates and bicarbonates. The degradation of 2,4-D in raw surface waters was also investigated. A noticeable reduction in the degradation rate was observed because of the presence of NOM and alkalinity, both being known HO scavengers. Additionally, the presence of inorganic species/ions that absorb VUV may also have contributed to the reduction of the overall degradation rate. High conversions were obtained in the continuous system. At a residence time of 25 seconds, conversions of 97% and 65% were achieved for inlet herbicide concentrations of 1 and 10 mg L(-1), respectively. Under these conditions, the received dose of 185 nm radiation was 44.8 mJ cm(-2).

Evaluation of model parameters for simulating TiO(2) coated UV reactors

A CFD-based model for simulating TiO(2) coated photocatalytic reactors used in drinking water treatment applications was preliminarily evaluated. The model includes aspects of hydrodynamics, mass transfer, UV-radiation field, and surface chemical reactions. Appropriate models for each of the associated physicochemical phenomena were experimentally or analytically examined. Once defined and evaluated, the individual models were integrated into a CFD-based model for simulating photocatalytic reactor performance, which was experimentally evaluated.

A clinical and molecular genetic study of 112 Iranian families with primary microcephaly

BACKGROUND

Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder showing an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Affected individuals present with head circumferences more than three SDs below the age- and sex-matched population mean, associated with mild to severe mental retardation. Five genes (MCPH1, CDK5RAP2, ASPM, CENPJ, STIL) and two genomic loci, MCPH2 and MCPH4, have been identified so far.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we investigated all seven MCPH loci in patients with primary microcephaly from 112 Consanguineous Iranian families. In addition to a thorough clinical characterisation, karyotype analyses were performed for all patients. For Homozygosity mapping, microsatellite markers were selected for each locus and used for genotyping. Our investigation enabled us to detect homozygosity at MCPH1 (Microcephalin) in eight families, at MCPH5 (ASPM) in thirtheen families. Three families showed homozygosity at MCPH2 and five at MCPH6 (CENPJ), and two families were linked to MCPH7 (STIL). The remaining 81 families were not linked to any of the seven known loci. Subsequent sequencing revealed eight, 10 and one novel mutations in Microcephalin, ASPM and CENPJ, respectively. In some families, additional features such as short stature, seizures or congenital hearing loss were observed in the microcephalic patient, which widens the spectrum of clinical manifestations of mutations in known microcephaly genes.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the molecular basis of microcephaly is heterogeneous; thus, the Iranian population may provide a unique source for the identification of further genes underlying this disorder.

Antibody against recombinant heat labile enterotoxin B subunit (rLTB) could block LT binding to ganglioside M1 receptor

OBJECTIVES

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most common agents of diarrhea among other bacterial agents. Designing and producing vaccine against these bacteria is one of the major purposes of World Health Organization (WHO). Due to presence of diverse clones of ETEC strains in the world, the use of global vaccines for ETEC infection is controversial. B subunit of heat labile toxin (LTB) was introduced as a vaccine candidate molecule by several investigators. The expression of LTB gene isolated from a local bacterial strain and investigation of its immunological property was the objective of this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LTB gene was isolated from a local isolated ETEC, cloned and expressed using pET28a expression vector. For LTB gene expression, the three main expression parameters (IPTG concentration, time and temperature of induction) were investigated. The recombinant protein was purified (>95%) with Ni-NTA column using 6XHis-tag and used as an antigen in ELISA test.

RESULTS

The immunological analyses showed production of high titer of specific antibody in immunized mice. Anti LTB Antibody could bind to whole toxin and neutralize the toxin through inhibition of its binding to the Ganglioside M1 receptor.

CONCLUSION

The recombinant LTB protein is a highly immunogenic molecule. Considering the LTB role in ETEC pathogenesis, it can be taken into account as one of the most important components of vaccines against local ETEC.

Deletion of p53 in human mammary epithelial cells causes chromosomal instability and altered therapeutic response

The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancers. To evaluate the biological and clinical relevance of p53 loss, human somatic cell gene targeting was used to delete the TP53 gene in the non-tumorigenic epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. In all four p53-/- clones generated, cells acquired the capability for epidermal growth factor-independent growth and were defective in appropriate downstream signaling and cell cycle checkpoints in response to DNA damage. Interestingly, p53 loss induced chromosomal instability leading to features of transformation and the selection of clones with varying phenotypes. For example, p53-deficient clones were heterogeneous in their capacity for anchorage-independent growth and invasion. In addition, and of clinical importance, the cohort of p53-null clones showed sensitivity to chemotherapeutic interventions that varied depending not only on the type of chemotherapeutic agent, but also on the treatment schedule. In conclusion, deletion of the TP53 gene from MCF-10A cells eliminated p53 functions, as well as produced p53-/- clones with varying phenotypes possibly stemming from the distinct chromosomal changes observed. Such a model system will be useful to further understand the cancer-specific phenotypic changes that accompany p53 loss, as well as help to provide future treatment strategies for human malignancies that harbor aberrant p53.

Novel composite photocatalyst made of TiO(2) nanoparticles

A novel photocatalyst based on TiO(2) nanoparticles was developed for application in fluidised bed photocatalytic reactors for water treatment. The mechanically robust photocatalyst consists of composite spheres made of TiO(2) nanoparticles and TiO(2) commercial powder. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and specific surface area analysis (BET) were used to characterise the catalyst. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated using model pesticide micro-pollutant. A complete model comprised of radiation, kinetic, and reactor bed models was also developed, allowing for detailed analysis of the photoreactor.

Prognostic value of infection and inflammation markers for late cardiac events in an Iranian sample

We evaluated the serum levels of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae and cytomegalovirus and the level of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in 57 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 65 with unstable angina, 60 with stable angina and 44 healthy controls, and whether these markers were associated with cardiac instability 6 months after admission. acute There was a significant increased risk of late coronary events (cardiac death or readmission with coronary events) associated with seropositivity to C. pneumoniae (adjusted odds ratio 2.12; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-4.08). Other parameters were not significantly associated with late cardiac events after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and smoking behaviour.

Direct characterization of quantum dynamics

The characterization of quantum dynamics is a fundamental and central task in quantum mechanics. This task is typically addressed by quantum process tomography (QPT). Here we present an alternative "direct characterization of quantum dynamics" (DCQD) algorithm. In contrast to all known QPT methods, this algorithm relies on error-detection techniques and does not require any quantum state tomography. We illustrate that, by construction, the DCQD algorithm can be applied to the task of obtaining partial information about quantum dynamics. Furthermore, we argue that the DCQD algorithm is experimentally implementable in a variety of prominent quantum-information processing systems, and show how it can be realized in photonic systems with present day technology.

Using ozone to reduce recalcitrant compounds and to enhance biodegradability of pulp and paper effluents

The effect of ozone based oxidation on removing recalcitrant organic matter (ROM) and enhancing the biodegradability of alkaline bleach plant effluent was investigated. A bubble column ozonation tower was used in the study. The experiments were carried out at different temperatures (20 degrees C and 60 degrees C) and pH (9 and 11), with a number of biological and chemical parameters being monitored including BOD5, COD, TC, pH, color, and molecular weight distribution of organics (nominal cut off of 1,000 Da). Biodegradability of the effluent was determined based on BOD5/COD of the wastewater throughout the process. For all the experiments, ozonation enhanced the biodegradability of the effluent by 30-40%, which was associated with noticeable removal of ROM including high molecular weight (HMW) and color-causing organics by about 30% and 60%, respectively. While the biodegradability of HMW fraction increased by about 50%, there was no biodegradability improvement for low molecular weight (LMW) portion, which was originally readily biodegradable (with BOD5/COD of about 0.5). Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed neither pH nor temperature played significant role on the ozonation process at 95% confidence level.

Experimental application of decoherence-free subspaces in an optical quantum-computing algorithm

For a practical quantum computer to operate, it is essential to properly manage decoherence. One important technique for doing this is the use of "decoherence-free subspaces" (DFSs), which have recently been demonstrated. Here we present the first use of DFSs to improve the performance of a quantum algorithm. An optical implementation of the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm can be made insensitive to a particular class of phase noise by encoding information in the appropriate subspaces; we observe a reduction of the error rate from 35% to 7%, essentially its value in the absence of noise.

MICA, HLA-B haplotypic variation in five population groups of sub-Saharan African ancestry

The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related gene A (MICA), located 46 kb centromeric to HLA-B, encodes a stress-inducible protein, which is a ligand for the NKG2D receptor. In addition to its primary role in immune surveillance, data suggest that MICA is involved in the immune response to transplants and in susceptibility to some diseases. In this study, 152 subjects from the Yoruba (n=74), Efik (n=32), and Igbo (n=46) tribes of southern Nigeria, 39 nationwide African-American stem cell donors, and 60 African-American individuals residing in the metropolitan Boston area were studied for MICA, HLA-B allelic variation, haplotypic diversity, and linkage disequilibrium (LD). MICA and HLA-B exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity among the populations studied. In particular, MICA allele and HLA-B-MICA haplotype frequencies and LD in the Efik and Igbo tribes were significantly different from the other study groups. HLA-B and MICA loci demonstrated significant global LD in all five populations (P-values &<0.00001). LD also varied in a haplotype-specific manner. A novel MICA allele was detected in the Boston population. These findings are important from an anthropologic perspective, and will inform future HLA-linked disease association studies in related ethnic groups of African-derived ancestry.