Cohort profile: the PERSIAN Dena Cohort Study (PDCS) of non-communicable diseases in Southwest Iran

PURPOSE

This study conducted in Dena County is a population-based cohort study as part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). The specific objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of region-specific modifiable risk factors and their associations with the incidence of major non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

PARTICIPANTS

This PERSIAN Dena Cohort Study (PDCS) was conducted on 1561 men and 2069 women aged 35-70 years from October 2016 in Dena County, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest Iran. The overall participation rate was 82.7%.

FINDINGS TO DATE

Out of 3630 participants, the mean age was 50.16 years, 2069 (56.9%) were women and 2092 (57.6%) were rural residents. Females exhibited higher prevalence rates of diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, psychiatric disorders, thyroiditis, kidney stones, gallstones, rheumatic disease, chronic lung disease, depression and osteoporosis compared with males (p<0.05). Furthermore, the urban population showed elevated rates of diabetes, thyroiditis, kidney stones and epilepsy, whereas psychiatric disorders and lupus were more prevalent in rural areas (p<0.05). According to laboratory findings, 418 (13.0%), 1536 (48.1%) and 626 (19.3%) of the participants had fasting blood sugar >126 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein >100 mg/dL and haematuria, respectively; most of them were female and urban people (p<0.05).

FUTURE PLANS

PDCS will be planned to re-evaluate NCD-related incidence, all-cause and cause-specific mortality every 5 years, along with annual follow-up for 15 years. Some examples of additional planned studies are evaluation of genetic, environmental risk, spirometry and ECG tests.

Association Between the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis and Dietary Proinflammatory/Anti-Inflammatory Food Intake and Dietary Diversity: A Case-Control Study

A diet rich in proinflammatory components and inflammation are suggested to be significant risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to investigate the association between the risk of MS and the inflammatory potential of an individual's diet and dietary diversity through pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory food intake score (PAIFIS) and dietary diversity score (DDS). In a hospital-based case-control study, 397 participants, including 197 patients with MS and 200 healthy participants aged over 18 years, were evaluated. The history of smoking, dietary intake, and anthropometric characteristics, including body mass index, waist circumference, total body fat, and fat-free mass were assessed. A validated 160-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the PAIFIS and DDS scores. The mean age of the participants was 32.45 ± 8.66 years, and most were females (274, 79.4%). The PAIFIS score was significantly higher among MS patients than healthy participants (p = 0.001). Between PAIFIS and DDS, only PAFIS was significantly related to MS risk (odds ratio, 1.002; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.004; p = 0.001). PAIFIS, as an index of dietary inflammation, can predict MS. Further studies are needed to document these findings.

The BR-body proteome contains a complex network of protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions

Bacterial RNP bodies (BR-bodies) are non-membrane-bound structures that facilitate mRNA decay by concentrating mRNA substrates with RNase E and the associated RNA degradosome machinery. However, the full complement of proteins enriched in BR-bodies has not been defined. Here we define the protein components of BR-bodies through enrichment of the bodies followed by mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. We found 111 BR-body enriched proteins, including several RNA binding proteins, many of which are also recruited directly to in vitro reconstituted RNase E droplets, showing BR-bodies are more complex than previously assumed. While most BR-body enriched proteins that were tested cannot phase separate, we identified five that undergo RNA-dependent phase separation in vitro, showing other RNP condensates interface with BR-bodies. RNA degradosome protein clients are recruited more strongly to RNase E droplets than droplets of other RNP condensates, implying that client specificity is largely achieved through direct protein-protein interactions. We observe that some RNP condensates assemble with preferred directionally, suggesting that RNA may be trafficked through RNP condensates in an ordered manner to facilitate mRNA processing/decay, and that some BR-body associated proteins have the capacity to dissolve the condensate. Finally, we find that RNA dramatically stimulates the rate of RNase E phase separation in vitro, explaining the dissolution of BR-bodies after cellular mRNA depletion observed previously. Altogether, these results suggest that a complex network of protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions controls BR-body phase separation and RNA processing.

Effectiveness of tongue-tie assessment tools in diagnosing and fulfilling lingual frenectomy criteria: a systematic review

It is unclear how effective tongue-tie classification assessment tools are in diagnosing symptomatic tongue-tie and fulfilling lingual frenectomy criteria. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine and evaluate any association between tongue-tie severity, as measured by pre-treatment assessment tools, and post-operative outcome following tongue-tie division. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane search engines were used to retrieve articles published between 1947 and 2021. Included studies consisted of patients with symptomatic tongue-tie, assessment by either the Coryllos, Kotlow, or Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (HATLFF) classification tool, and tongue-tie division. A total of 205 abstracts were identified; 31 studies met the criteria for a full-text review, of which, only 14 studies met the criteria for data extraction and analysis. Six studies used the HATLFF, 2 studies used the Kotlow, 5 studies used the Coryllos, and 1 study used a combination of both Kotlow and Coryllos methods. Significant heterogeneity was evident across all studies. No statistical correlation between the two variables could be determined. Although tongue-tie division procedures appear to provide benefits in breastfeeding and speech, there are no data to suggest a statistically significant association between the severity of tongue-tie, and the correct identification of patients who would benefit from tongue-tie division. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.

Estimating the whole-body effective dose and health risks as well as introducing a new easy method for eye lens dosimetry in interventional cardiology procedures

This study aimed to introduce a new method for eye lens thermo-luminescent dosimetry and also estimate the dose associated with induced cancer risk due to the ionizing radiation exposure received by physicians and other staff cooperating in interventional cardiology (IC) procedures. The measurements were performed with six TLDs (thermoluminescent dosimeters): four TLDs for eye lens dosimetry (2 positioned on respiratory/surgical mask under the eye region as the new method; and 2 near the outside border of the eye as the common method) and two TLDs for whole-body dosimetry. Whole-body doses were used to calculate the cancer risks induced by IC procedures. The results of the new proposed method for eye lens dosimetry were similar to common TLD positioning (mean differences <5%) and mask displacement had no significant effect on eye dose measurement in our new method. Our proposed method for eye lens dosimetry is simpler and more comfortable compared to the common method and it can be used as an alternative method without using TLD holders to monitor lens dose for IC workers wearing masks during the procedure. The estimated excess cancer incidence risk induced by IC procedures was 29.58 ± 5.71 and 46.68 ± 7.77 (per 100000 individuals) for men and women, respectively.

The extraction of first, second or third permanent molar teeth and its effect on the dentofacial complex

The extraction of permanent molar teeth was first introduced in 1976 as a substitution for premolar extraction in cases with mild crowding. Since then, a number of studies have investigated the effect of permanent molar extraction on dentofacial harmony. Undertaking the procedure of molar extraction is most commonly recommended in response to factors such as: gross caries, large restorations and root-filled teeth, along with its application in the management of anterior open bite and reduction in crowding in facial regions. It has been indicated, however, that before undertaking the extraction of molar teeth it is important to investigate the potential influence of the procedure on other molars, with particular consideration of their eruption path. This is due to the doubt as to the effect of the exact molar teeth extraction and their consequences. In light of this, This review was undertaken to investigate and compare the effect of first, second and the third molar teeth extraction and their subsequent dentofacial complex changes.

Molecular identification of macroscopic cysts of Sarcocystis in sheep in Babol, in the north of Iran

Sarcocystis is one of the most prevalent parasite in domestic animals in the world. In this study, we examined 50 macroscopic cysts in sheep muscles from Babol, in the north of Iran. Genomic DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to amplify a 609bp length based on 18S rRNA gene. The results of restriction of AvaI, Hind II, TaqI and EcoRI enzymes demonstrated that all the samples were Sarcocystis gigantea. The results of this study supports the importance of molecular techniques for characterization of Sarcocystis species when valid preventive programs for identification and source of infection and progression of immunological diagnosis strategies are needed.

Caffeic acid derivatives from Bupleurum chinense

In this study, caffeic acid (CA) and its three derivatives including 3-caffeoylquinic acid (3-CQA, neochlorogenic acid), 4-caffeoylquinic acid (4-CQA, cryptochlorogenic acid), and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA, chlorogenic acid) were identified in Bupleurum chinense aerial parts using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with photodiode array (PDA) detector, reference compounds and chemical reactions. Separation was performed on a C18 column using gradient elution with 4% (v/v) aqueous acetic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase at ambient temperature. In addition, the flavonoid aglycones were characterized and quantified after acid hydrolysis of the plant material. The flavonols profile showed quercetin (0.36 g per 100 g), kaempferol (1.11 g per 100 g) and isorhamnetin (0.16 g per 100 g). Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents ranged from 7.3 to 18.7% and 0.58 to 2.72% in dry plant material, respectively.

Short- and long-term outcome of linear morphoea in children

BACKGROUND

Linear morphoea (LM) is a rare fibrosing disorder of the limbs or the face that may cause functional disability and severe aesthetic sequelae. Despite a wide range of therapeutics reported for LM, there is currently a lack of consensus on the optimal therapy. Little is known about the long-term outcome of this disease.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the short- and long-term outcome of a large series of patients with LM acquired in childhood.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 52 paediatric patients with LM seen in our centre during a 20-year span (1990-2010) and a telephone survey in 2011 to assess the long-term outcome of these patients.

RESULTS

Limbs were affected twice as often as the face, with a higher proportion of female patients. Stabilization was obtained after a mean disease duration of 5·4 years. Patients sometimes experienced long stretches of disease quiescence followed by reactivation; 31% of patients reported active disease after 10 years. All but one patient had aesthetic sequelae, and 38% had functional limitations. The effectiveness of methotrexate and systemic corticosteroids was apparent in the short term.

CONCLUSIONS

LM needs prolonged monitoring as the disease can have very long periods of quiescence followed by reactivation. The combination of methotrexate and systemic corticosteroids was effective in the early stages of the disease but did not seem to prevent long-standing active disease or relapse in the long term.

Analysis of phenolic compounds in Matricaria chamomilla and its extracts by UPLC-UV

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a widely used medicinal plant possessing several pharmacological effects due to presence of active compounds. This study describes a method of using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with photodiode array (PDA) detector for the separation of phenolic compounds in M. chamomilla and its crude extracts. Separation was conducted on C18 column (150 mm × 2 mm, 1.8 μm) using a gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 4% aqueous acetic acid at 25°C. The method proposed was validated for determination of free and total apigenin and apigenin 7-glucoside contents as bioactive compounds in the extracts by testing sensitivity, linearity, precision and recovery. In general, UPLC produced significant improvements in method sensitivity, speed and resolution. Extraction was performed with methanol, 70% aqueous ethanol and water solvents. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents ranged from 1.77 to 50.75 gram (g) of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g and 0.82 to 36.75 g quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g in dry material, respectively. There was a considerable difference from 40 to 740 mg/100 g for apigenin and 210 to 1110 mg/100 g for apigenin 7-glucoside in dry material.

Intraperitoneal inoculation of Haemophilus influenzae local isolates in BALB/c mice model in the presence and absence of virulence enhancement agents

PURPOSE

Haemophilus influenzae (Hi), predominantly type b accounts for approximately 4% of cases of community-acquired and nosocomial meningitis, in adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pathogenicity of local Hi isolates (type b, f and non-typable) in BALB/c mice in the presence of virulence enhancement agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three different concentrations of the Hi isolates were inoculated intraperitoneally in BALB/c mice in the presence of 2% hemoglobin and 4% mucin as virulence enhancing agents (VEA). The ability of the isolates to produce bacteremia, the percent survival and lethal dose (LD50) were recorded in different challenge groups.

RESULTS

The 3 Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) isolates used in study were able to show virulence in BALB/c mice model only in the presence of VEA and their LD50 decreased significantly when 2% hemoglobin and 4% mucin were used. All survived animals showed bacteremia within 4 h of inoculation which was cleared within 18 h. Significant differences (P<0.01) in the virulence and survival percentage of Hib challenge groups were observed based on their dose of inoculation and VEA. None of the isolates were able to induce infection in the absence of VEA. Non-type b isolates failed to produce disease in the mice models even at the highest inoculated dose (10⁸ cfu) and in the presence of VEA.

CONCLUSIONS

BALB/c mice appeared suitable for evaluating the virulence of Hib strains, and 2% hemoglobin with 4% mucin an appropriate concentration for inducing infection in this animal model.

Seroepidemiological study of bovine respiratory viruses (BRSV, BoHV-1, PI-3V, BVDV, and BAV-3) in dairy cattle in central region of Iran (Esfahan province)

Respiratory diseases in calves are responsible for major economic losses in both beef and dairy production. Several viruses, such as bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1), bovine parainfluenza virus-3 (BPI-3V), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bovine adenoviruses (BAV), are detected in most clinical cases with respiratory signs. The aim of this study is to define seroprevalences of five major viral causes of bovine respiratory infections in cattle in central region of Iran (Esfahan province). The population targeted was 642 dairy cows (Holstein-Friesian) from 25 farms. Samples of blood serum from female cattle were examined. Sera were tested by commercial ELISA kits to detect antibody against BRSV, BoHV-1, BPI-3V, BVDV, and BAV-3. The results were analyzed by Chi-square test. In the present study, seroprevalences of BRSV, BoHV-1, PI3V, BVDV, and BAV-3 were 51.1%, 72%, 84.4%, 49.2%, and 55.6%, respectively. The present study shows that infections of bovine respiratory viruses are very common in cattle in Esfahan.

Simultaneous quantification of flavonoids and phenolic acids in plant materials by a newly developed isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography approach

A simple reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method based on isocratic elution has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of flavonols (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin), flavones (luteolin and apigenin), and phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, ellagic, and rosmarinic acids) as important constituents in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. Analysis was achieved on a C18 column at ambient temperature. The wavelengths used for the detection of flavonols, flavones, and phenolic acids were 370, 350, and 325 nm, respectively. After acid hydrolysis, the flavonoid aglycones were quantified straightforwardly in 20 dry herbal samples. The plants with the highest flavonoids were Rosa damascena, Solidago virgaurea, Ginkgo biloba, and Camellia sinensis. The contents of flavonoids aglycons ranged from 0.54 to 11.10 mg/g, from 0.03 to 14.80 mg/g, from 0.19 to 2.76 mg/g, from 0.15 to 2.36 mg/g, from 0.27 to 2.05 mg/g, and from 0.42 to 1.82 mg/g for quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, luteolin, apigenin, and myricetin in dry plant samples, respectively.

Alterations in corticostriatal synaptic plasticity in mice overexpressing human alpha-synuclein

Most forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are sporadic in nature, but some have genetic causes as first described for the alpha-synuclein gene. The alpha-synuclein protein also accumulates as insoluble aggregates in Lewy bodies in sporadic PD as well as in most inherited forms of PD. The focus of the present study is the modulation of synaptic plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway of transgenic (Tg) mice that overexpress the human alpha-synuclein protein throughout the brain (ASOTg). Paired-pulse facilitation was detected in vitro by activation of corticostriatal afferents in ASOTg mice, consistent with a presynaptic effect of elevated human alpha-synuclein. However basal synaptic transmission was unchanged in ASOTg, suggesting that human alpha-synuclein could impact paired-pulse facilitation via a presynaptic mechanism not directly related to the probability of neurotransmitter release. Mice lacking alpha-synuclein or those expressing normal and A53T human alpha-synuclein in tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons showed, instead, paired-pulse depression. High-frequency stimulation induced a presynaptic form of long-term depression solely in ASOTg striatum. A presynaptic, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-independent form of chemical long-term potentiation induced by forskolin (FSK) was enhanced in ASOTg striatum, while FSK-induced cAMP levels were reduced in ASOTg synaptoneurosome fractions. Overall the results suggest that elevated human alpha-synuclein alters presynaptic plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway, possibly reflecting a reduction in glutamate at corticostriatal synapses by modulation of adenylyl cyclase signaling pathways. ASOTg mice may recapitulate an early stage in PD during which overexpressed alpha-synuclein dampens corticostriatal synaptic transmission and reduces movement.