Molecular and microscopy detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Early detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii as an opportunistic pathogen that may endanger predisposed persons, including COVID-19 patients, may help to choose the optimal management.

Methods

In this study, 585, including 530 COVID-19 patients, with clinical and radiological evidence of respiratory diseases, were investigated for P. jirovecii screening. Clinical specimens were examined by direct microscopy and PCR, and randomly selected positive PCR products were confirmed through DNA sequence analysis.

Results

Thirty-one (5.3%) samples were positive in P. jirovecii-specific nested-PCR, while by direct microscopic tests, Pneumocystis was observed in 22 (3.76%) samples. Males (61.7%) and patients over 50 years old (75.6%) were more commonly affected than others, and malaise and fatigue (84%), and wheezing (75%) were the most common symptoms, followed by fever (40.48%) and dyspnea (39.51%). Among the Pneumocystis-positive patients, three cases had coinfection with Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger (each n = 1), as documented by direct microscopy, culture, and species identification by PCR-sequencing.

Conclusion

Pneumocystis pneumonia is still a diagnostic challenge; therefore, additional large-scale studies are needed to clarify the epidemiology of the disease in immunocompromised or COVID-19 patients.

Multiplex size marker (YEAST PLEX) for rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic yeasts

Background

Multiple yeast species can cause human disease, involving superficial to deep‐seated infections. Treatment of these infections depends on the accurate identification of causative agents; however, reliable methods are not available in many laboratories, especially not in resource‐limited settings. Here, a new multiplex assay for rapid and low‐cost identification of pathogenic yeasts is described.

Methods

A two‐step multiplex assay named YEAST PLEX that comprises of four tubes and identifies 17 clinically important common to rare yeasts was designed and evaluated. The set also provides PCR amplicon of unidentified species for direct sequencing. The specificity of YEAST PLEX was tested using 28 reference strains belonging to 17 species and 101 DNA samples of clinically important non‐target bacteria, parasites, and fungi as well as human genomic DNA. The method was further analyzed using 203 previously identified and 89 unknown clinical yeast isolates. Moreover, the method was tested for its ability to identify mixed yeast colonies by using 18 mixed suspensions of two or three species.

Results

YEAST PLEX was able to identify all the target species without any non‐specific PCR products. When compared to PCR‐sequencing/MALDI‐TOF, the results of YEAST PLEX were in 100% agreement. Regarding the 89 unknown clinical isolates, random isolates were selected and subjected to PCR‐sequencing. The results of sequencing were in agreement with those of YEAST PLEX. Furthermore, this method was able to correctly identify all yeasts in mixed suspensions.

Conclusion

YEAST PLEX is an accurate, low‐cost, and rapid method for identification of yeasts, with applicability, especially in developing countries.

A dual-signaling electrochemical ratiometric strategy combining "signal-off" and "signal-on" approaches for detection of MicroRNAs

A dual-signaling electrochemical ratio metric strategy was developed for detection microRNA-18a based on the duplex-specific nuclease-assisted target recycling and electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization signal amplification. In the presence of target microRNA, RNA/DNA duplexes are formed, which become the substrate of the duplex-specific nuclease-assisted target recycling. Hence only the DNA strand is cleaved by duplex-specific nuclease enzyme, resulting in the throw away of methylene blue (MB) from the electrode (signal off) accompanied by releasing of target microRNA, which can be recycled in the next hybridization. The remaining piece of capture DNAs on the electrode surface hybridize with the Azide labeled-signal DNAs. "Click reactions" were carried out between 3-Butynyl-2-bromoisobutyrate and Azide to initiate the electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization reaction. This process could bring a great number of ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate (FMMA) on the surface of electrode (signal on). The I_FMMA/I_MB value was proportionate to the microRNA-18a concentration and measured by square wave voltammetry. The promising potential of the proposed biosensor in clinical analyses was exhibited by its remarkable features such as strong performance, high specificity, agreeable storage stability, and notable selectivity in real sample evaluation with no pretreatment or amplification. Finally, our biosensing method offers such an application to be used for the early clinical diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer.

Thymoquinone Ameliorate Hepatorenal Toxicity Associated With Propylthiouracil-Induced Hypothyroidism in Juvenile Rats

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of studies suggest that hypothyroidism may lead to hepatorenal toxicity. This study examined whether thymoquinone (TQ), the main active Nigella sativa constituent, could prevent the detrimental influences of hepatorenal toxicity of hypothyroidism during the juvenile period in rats.

METHODS

The male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7), including control, propylthiouracil (PTU), PTU-TQ 5 mg/kg, and PTU-TQ 10 mg/kg. PTU was dissolved in drinking water at a concentration of 0.05% and administered for six weeks. In the PTU-TQ5 and PTU-TQ10 groups, animals received PTU plus 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of the TQ (i.p.) for six weeks, respectively. The rats were evaluated after TQ treatment by measuring serum markers of liver and kidney function tests as well as oxidative stress biomarkers in liver and kidney tissues.

RESULTS

Administration of TQ (5 and 10 mg/kg) decreased oxidative stress damage in liver and kidney tissue in hypothyroidism rats with improvement in activities of antioxidant enzymes and a decrease in MDA in both liver and kidney homogenates. Furthermore, TQ treatment significantly inhibited the elevation of serum biochemical markers of liver and kidney function associated with this hepatorenal toxicity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the protective effect of TQ in hypothyroidism-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats is attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress in hepatic and renal tissues. However, more studies are recommended to investigate the exact mechanism (s) for the effect of TQ on hepatorenal outcomes of hypothyroidism in human subjects.

Use of Apps in Pharmacy as a Communication tool

In Germany, around 58 million people currently use a smartphone. 1 Not to use this communicative access to potential customers on the part of the health market would not only be negligent, but also unrealistic. Digitalization in the health sector has developed strongly in many areas in recent years and is described with different terms. These include 'e-health', 'digital health' or 'health 2.0'. However, all these terms mean the same thing: techniques and digital applications for preventing, improving and maintaining the health of the population. The tools of this technology are websites, portals, forums and, above all, apps. They are all intended to support people in actively shaping their health. 2

Effect of Low-Intensity Endurance Training and High-Intensity Interval Training on Sperm Quality in Male Rats with Fatty Liver

Background

We aimed to investigate the effect of low-intensity endurance training (LIET) and high-intensity inter- val training (HIIT) on sperm parameters, chromatin status, and oxidative stress in a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Materials and Methods

For this experimental study, we divided 40 male Wistar rats into four groups (control, sham, HIIT and LIET) according to diet treatment and exercise training protocol. Liver triglycerides, sperm parameters, sperm lipid peroxidation (BODIPY C11 probe) and chromatin status [chromomycin A3 (CMA3)], and acridine orange [AO] staining) were assessed in these groups at the end of the study.

Results

The mean liver triglyceride values significantly improved in both the LIET and HIIT groups compared to the control and sham groups. The mean of testicular volume, sperm concentration, motility, intensity of sperm lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were similar within groups. While, the mean percentage of sperm lipid peroxidation and protamine deficiency were significantly higher in the LIET and HIIT groups compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Both LIET and HIIT in the rat NAFLD model had no adverse effects on testicular morphometric param- eters, sperm concentration, motility, and DNA integrity. However, the mean sperm lipid peroxidation and protamine deficiency were significantly higher in both exercise groups. Our study suggests that exercise or antioxidant supple- mentation could minimise the adverse effects of oxidant by-products of exercise.

Evaluation of the frequency of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome in students of girls’ high schools of Kermanshah-Iran

Introduction

Many women in fertile period of their lives experience some mental and physical symptoms that begin on 7–10 days before menses and cease after bleeding. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are the terms to indicate these symptoms. The prevalence of PMS has been estimated to be about40% to70%, PMDD has lower prevalence.

Objective

This study has evaluated the frequencies of PMS and PMDD along with related factors in students of girls’ high schools in Kermanshah.

Methods

In this descriptive-analytic study, 800 students of girls’ high schools were chosen by incidentally and clustery sampling. Everyone who was volunteer included in the study. Excluding criteria were: history of depression; medical illnesses like epilepsy, meningitis, encephalitis, heart diseases…; history of consumption of β-blockers or other drugs of heart diseases, Phenobarbitals, and anticonvulsants. The diagnosis was made according to DSM.IV.TR. The data was processed using SPSS software, version 11.5, and by descriptive and analytic statistical methods.

Results

1.

Conclusion

The high frequencies of PMS and PMDD which result to problems in education of students need serious considerations to elevate mental health of students and to refer the severe cases to specialized centers.

Association of serum ghrelin with weight gain during pregnancy in overweight and normal women

PURPOSE

Despite the fact that the ghrelin hormone plays pivotal role in the process of weight gain, its correlation with weighing during pregnancy has not been elucidated. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between plasma ghrelin levels and gestational weight gain in overweight and normal women.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted in 27 overweight and 18 normal body mass index (BMI) pregnant women referring to Tehran health care centers. Weight gain during all trimesters of pregnancy was measured and the blood samples were collected at 8-12 (first trimester) and 16-20 weeks (second trimester) of pregnancy. The plasma total ghrelin concentration was measured by ELISA method.

RESULTS

The overweight pregnant women exhibited significantly lower weight gain at the second (p = 0.002), third trimesters (p = 0.005) as well as total weighing during pregnancy (p = 0.001) compared to the normal BMI pregnant women. There was no significant difference in plasma ghrelin levels between the groups from the first to the second trimesters of pregnancy (p > 0.05). Moreover, no correlation was found between ghrelin levels and gestational weight gain in the overweight and normal groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the increased level of serum ghrelin could not be considered as a key mediator for weight gain difference during pregnancy of overweight women.

Domestic Ocular Injuries: A Case Series

Purpose

To determine the nature and types of domestic eye injuries.

Methods

The authors prospectively analyzed data of 100 consecutive patients with domestic eye injury (104 eyes) referred to the emergency room of Farabi Hospital during October 2003. Standardized international classification of ocular trauma (Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology) was used for eye injury classification.

Results

Domestic ocular trauma represented 4.85% of all ocular emergencies (2061 patients) referred to the emergency room during that period. Male to female ratio was 1.13 and mean age of patients was 26±18 years (range, 1–73). Cornea was involved in 50.0% and sclera, lens, and retina each was involved in 4.8%. There was severe visual loss (best-corrected distance visual acuity <20/200 due to trauma) in 4% of the patients. The most frequent domestic ocular injury was globe injury (93.7%) including mechanical (72.1% closed and 4.8% open), chemical (14.4%), and thermal (1.9%) injuries.

Conclusions

Closed mechanical injuries were the most common type of domestic ocular injury in our series. Considering the high rate of domestic eye trauma among ocular emergency cases, more preventive measures should be taken at home.

Tacrolimus-induced Ascites after Liver Transplant

Massive post-transplantation ascites is a rare but serious condition following liver transplantation. Although, many etiologies are suggested as the cause of this complication, in some cases the definitive etiology remains unknown. Drug-induced post-transplantation ascites is one of the possible etiologies. In this study we present a case of ascites caused by tacrolimus in the post-liver transplantation period. A 49-year-old man with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis underwent liver transplantation and received tacrolimus, mycophenolate and prednisolone, as the immunosuppressive regimen. Progressive ascites developed after 10 days, in spite of a normal liver function. Various studies, including liver biopsy, were performed but we could not find any etiology for this complication. The tacrolimus was switched to rapamune. Ascites was completely disappeared and up to the last follow-up visit, the patient remained asymptomatic for more than two years. We concluded that after ruling out other etiologies, tacrolimus as a rare cause of post-transplantation ascites should be taken into account. The treatment is discontinuation of the drug.

Effect of Antioxidants on Testicular iNOS and eNOS after High-Fat Diet in Rat

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Spermatogenesis is a process by which germ cells produce spermatozoa and can be disturbed at every level. Nitric Oxide Synthases (NOS), implicate in interactions with Oxidative Stress (OS) which is one of the main factors in the etiology of male infertility. The High Fat Diet (HFD) is a major factor of obesity which in turn is important for enhancing OS. Antioxidants and garlic could attenuate or reverse effects of HFD. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary antioxidants and garlic on testicular inducible NOS (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in Wistar albino rats fed on HFD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Groups (each n = 8) were: SD (100% access to standard diet), F-HFD, (100% access to HFD) and R-HFD (70% access to HFD), F-HFD +antioxidants, F-HFD+garlic and R-HFD+antioxidants. The HFD consisted of a 60% fatty diet in 3 forms: Without antioxidants, with antioxidants and with garlic. The testicular iNOS and eNOS were studied by immunohistochemical (IHC) method. Also used ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, t-tests and Tukey's test (where necessary) to analyze the data (p<0.05).

RESULTS

The iNOS increased in the F-HFD and R-HFD+antioxidants groups. The eNOS increased in R-HFD,F-HFD and F-HFD+garlic groups. The H-E evaluation in R-HFD group showed a decrease in spermatogenesis score count and seminiferous tubules diameters (μm) in comparison with the SD and F-HFD groups. R-HFD+antioxidants group had lower score than F-HFD+antioxidants and F-HFD+garlic groups.

CONCLUSION

Restricted fat diet consumption causes increase in weight and impairs spermatogenesis. Results of this study reveal that adding the antioxidants can't improve histological changes of testis. The iNOS expression in seminiferous tubules in restricted fat diet along with antioxidants, suggest a potential role of iNOS in spermatogenesis and male infertility.

Th e eff ects of Nigella Sativa extract on renal tissue oxidative damage during neonatal and juvenile growth in propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroid rats

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (NS) on renal tissue oxidative damage associated with propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism during neonatal and juvenile growth in rats.

METHODS

Pregnant rats were divided into five groups designated as: 1) control; 2) propylthiouracil (PTU); 3) PTU-NS100; 4) PTU-NS200, and 5) PTU-NS400. All mothers except the control group received 0.005% PTU in their drinking water during lactation. Besides PTU, mothers in groups 3-5 received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of NS extract. After lactation period, the off spring continued to receive the same experimental treatment for the first 8 weeks of their life. Ten male off springs of each group were randomly selected, blood samples collected, and the kidney tissues removed.

RESULTS

The serum thyroxin concentration in PTU group was lower than control group and improved by extract. PTU increased the renal malondialdehyde (MDA), while reduced the total thiols concentrations and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared to control group. Administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of NS extract decreased MDA level, while it increased the total thiols and 400 mg/kg increased CAT and SOD activity in renal tissues compared to PTU group. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in PTU group was higher than in comparison with the control group. 400 mg/kg decreased creatinine, but both 200 and 400 mg/kg improved BUN concentration compared to PTU group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate that the hydroalcoholic extract of NS has a protective effect on the renal tissue oxidative damage associated with PTU-induced hypothyroidism during neonatal and juvenile growth in rats.

Vitamin E improved redox homeostasis in heart and aorta of hypothyroid rats

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin E on the oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant defense enzymes in the heart and aorta of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroid rats.

METHODS

The animals were divided into 4 experimental groups: Group 1 (Euthyroid) received tap water, Group 2 (Hypothyroid) received 0.05 % of PTU in dissolved in their drinking water, Group 3 (PTU+Vit E) hypothyroid rats treated with vitamin E, and Group 4 (Euthyroid+Vit E). Vitamin E was injected daily (20 mg/kg) to groups 3 and 4 via daily gavage for 6 weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total thiol levels, and the activities of Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated in the aortic and cardiac tissues.

RESULTS

A significant decrease of thyroxine (T4) serum levels confirmed hypothyroidism in rats, which received PTU. The MDA level increased and total thiol level decreased in the hypothyroid group compared to control group (p<0.001). Th e activities of SOD and CAT significantly decreased in the hypothyroid rats in comparison to the control. Vitamin E treatment resulted in increased levels of total thiol, SOD, and CAT within aortic and cardiac tissues and decreased levels of MDA in comparison with the hypothyroid group (p<0.01-p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PTU-induced hypothyroidism resulted in oxidative stress. Chronic administration of vitamin E to hypothyroid rats decreased the oxidative stress markers in the aortic and cardiac tissues.

Identification and characterization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional persian pickled vegetables

Background: The pickle, a traditional fermented product, is popular among Iranians. Much research has been conducted worldwide on this food group. Due to a lack of related data in Iran, this study was conducted to isolate and identify dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in pickles and salted pickles. Materials and methods: Seventy samples were collected from different regions of Iran. The isolated bacteria were identified as LAB by Gram staining and catalase by using MRS agar. Then, those strains were identified at the species level by physiological tests (e.g., gas production from glucose, arginine hydrolysis, CO2 production from glucose in MRS broth, carbohydrate fermentation) and growth at temperatures of 15°C, 30°C, and 45°C in MRS broth for 3 days. The probiotic characteristics of these bacteria were studied using acid and bile tolerance. The corresponding results were verified using PCR analyses of the 16S rDNA region. Results: 114 presumptive lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with Gram-positive and catalase-negative properties were obtained from the samples. The results revealed that all isolated bacteria were identfied as Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum, L. brevis, L. pentosus, L. casei, L. paracasei and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. The predominant LAB in these pickles was L. plantarum, which was isolated from most of the samples. Among the 114 LAB, 7 isolated species have probiotic potential. Six out of seven were recognized as L. plantarum and one remained unidentifiable by biochemical testing. PCR analysis and sequencing of the 16S rDNA region using 27f and 1522r primers showed that all of the probiotic strains were L. plantarum. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the dominant LAB in traditional Persian pickled vegetables are L. plantarum, L. brevis, L. pentosus, L. casei, L. paracasei, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Moreover, L. plantarum was recognized as a probiotic species in pickled vegetables. The raw data obtained from this study can be used in the pickling industry to improve the nutritional value of products.

Crocin improves spatial learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze via attenuating cortical oxidative damage in diabetic rats

The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of crocin on improving spatial memory deficits and cerebral oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Crocin was administered intraperitoneally daily at doses of 15, 30 and 60mg/kg for 6 weeks. Spatial memory performance was measured in rats by the Morris water maze paradigm. Lipid peroxidation and total thiol levels as parameters of oxidative stress were assessed in the cerebral cortex at the end of week 6. Diabetic rats showed spatial learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze which was accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation levels in the cerebral cortex. By contrast, chronic treatment with crocin (15, 30 and 60mg/kg, ip, 6 weeks) improved cognitive performance and lowered hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. In conclusion, the results suggest that beneficial effects of crocin on streptozotocin-induced memory dysfunction may be attributed to its antidiabetic and antioxidant activity, which could find clinical use in treating cognitive dysfunction in diabetics.

Cigarette smoking in patients newly diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis in Iran

BACKGROUND

The association between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and tobacco smoke has been verified by most studies on the subject; figures from different countries for the prevalence of smoking among PTB patients vary.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with smoking among TB patients in Iran.

DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, subjects were included on a first-come, first-served basis from among newly diagnosed PTB patients using a multistage cluster sampling method during 2012-2014. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire was used to gather information on smoking habits.

RESULTS

Of 1127 newly diagnosed PTB patients included in the study (mean age 50.0 ± 19.8 years), 228 (20.2%) were daily smokers, 20 (1.8%) were occasional smokers and 93 (8.9%) had quit before diagnosis. Simultaneous drug use (P < 0.001, OR 75.21), increasing age (P = 0.001), being single (P < 0.001, OR 16.95), being an Iranian national (P < 0.001, OR 6.26) and living in a rural area (P < 0.001, OR 5.85) were found to be independent risk factors for smoking in study patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of smoking among PTB patients in Iran is relatively high. It is therefore necessary to include smoking cessation interventions in the National TB Programme.

Effect of a high fat diet on ovary morphology, in vitro development, in vitro fertilisation rate and oocyte quality in mice

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) on oocyte maturation and quality in a mouse model.

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice were allocated to one of the following groups: (a) control group (n = 40), which received a controlled diet; or (b) HFD group (n = 40), which received an HFD for 12 weeks. Sections of the ovary were examined histologically. The number of follicles and corpora lutea were counted. In vitro maturation and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were assessed in germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes, respectively. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and leptin receptor genes in GV and MII oocytes was evaluated using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reactions.

RESULTS

In the HFD group, there was a decreased number of primordial and Graafian follicles, as well as corpora lutea (p < 0.05). The rate of oocyte development to the MII stage was also reduced (p < 0.001). Cumulus expansion was observed more frequently in the control group than the HFD group (p < 0.05). The IVF rate in the HFD group was lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In the HFD group, BMP15 and leptin receptor genes were upregulated in the GV stage (p > 0.05) and MII stage (p < 0.05), compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

An HFD reduces folliculogenesis in the primordial and Graafian stages, in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilisation rates, as well as oocyte quality in mice.

Effects of crocin on brain oxidative damage and aversive memory in a 6-OHDA model of Parkinson’s disease

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of crocin on brain oxidative damage and memory deficits in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson’s disease. Male Wistar rats were subjected to unilateral injection of 6-OHDA (16 µg) into the medial forebrain bundle and treated with crocin (30 and 60 mg/kg) for six weeks. The rats were tested for memory performance at six weeks after 6-OHDA infusion, and then were killed for the estimation of biochemical parameters. The increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitrite levels in the hippocampus were observed in the 6-OHDA lesioned rats, which was accompanied by memory deficits in a passive avoidance test at the end of week 6. Moreover, treatment with crocin decreased TBARS and nitrite levels in the hippocampus, and improved aversive memory. The present study conclusively demonstrated that crocin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in the hippocampus of parkinsonian rats and could improve aversive memory through its properties.

Evaluation of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and sequential organ failure assessment scoring systems for prognostication of outcomes among Intensive Care Unit's patients

Context:

Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) are of the most validated and prevalent general scoring systems over the world.

Aims:

The aim of the current study was to evaluate APACHE II and SOFA ability in predicting the outcomes (survivors, nonsurvivors) in surgical and medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Setting and Design:

This was an observational and prospective study of 300 consecutive patients admitted in surgical and medical ICU during a 6-month period.

Materials and Methods:

APACHE II and SOFA scores and demographic characteristics were recorded for each patient separately in the first admission 24 h.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis (95% confidence interval).

Results:

Data analysis showed a significant statistical difference in APACHE II and SOFA scores between survivor and nonsurvivor patients (P < 0.0001, P = 0.001; respectively). The discrimination power was acceptable for APACHE II and poor for SOFA (area under ROC [AUC] curve: 73.7% (standard error [SE]: 3.2%), 63.4% [SE: 3.6%]; respectively). The acceptable calibration was seen just for SOFA (χ² = 11.018, P = 0.051).

Conclusions:

Both APACHE II and SOFA showed good predictive accuracy for results in surgical and medical ICUs; however, the SOFA is the choice to select, because of being simpler and easier to record data.

Tetanus neurotoxin HCC protein commits T cells to IFN-γ producing cells

A protective response against tetanus toxin and toxoid demands efficient specific T cell and B cell responses. Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT), a 150 kDa polypeptide, is the main cause of tetanus disease. TeNT consists of two structurally distinct chains, a 50 kDa N-terminal light (L) and a 100 kDa C-terminal heavy (H) chain. C-terminal heavy (H) chain (fragment C) has two sub-domains named as proximal HCN and carboxy sub-domain or HCC. Beside neural binding property, HCC has been recently found as an immunodominant module of TeNT. In the present study, we investigated the effects of recombinant HCC (rHCC) on the expression of lineage specific transcription factors and secretion of a panel of functional cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 from purified human T cells. Our results revealed that T-bet transcript level, as TH1 specific transcription factor, was significantly increased in the cells treated with 10 and 20 µg/ml of rHCC following 48 h treatment(p<0.05). Treated purified human T cells with rHCC showed significant increase in IFN-γ mRNA level and cytokine secretion, but not IL-4 and IL-17, following 48 h treatment. In conclusion, our results showed that treatment of T cells with r HCC resulted in development of Th1 lineage phenotype, which might lead to a specific and protective antibody mediated response against tetanus toxin.

Neural stem/progenitor cell transplantation for spinal cord injury treatment; A systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite the vast improvements of cell therapy in spinal cord injury treatment, no optimum protocol has been developed for application of neural stem/progenitor cells. In this regard, the present meta-analysis showed that the efficacy of the neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) transplantation depends mainly on injury model, intervention phase, transplanted cell count, immunosuppressive use, and probably stem cell source. Improved functional recovery post NSPC transplantation was found to be higher in transection and contusion models. Moreover, NSPC transplantation in acute phase of spinal injury was found to have better functional recovery. Higher doses (>3×10(6)cell/kg) were also shown to be optimum for transplantation, but immunosuppressive agent administration negatively affected the motor function recovery. Scaffold use in NSPC transplantation could also effectively raise functional recovery.

Immunization with Single Oral Dose of Alginate-Encapsulated BCG Elicits Effective and Long-Lasting Mucosal Immune Responses

Effective vaccination against pathogens, which enter the body through mucosal surfaces, requires the induction of both mucosal and systemic immune responses. Here, mucosal as well as systemic immune responses in the lung and spleen of BALB/c mice which were orally vaccinated with a single dose of alginate-encapsulated bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) were evaluated. Twenty weeks after immunization, the vaccinated mice were challenged intranasally with BCG. Twelve weeks after immunization and 5 weeks after challenge, the immune responses were evaluated. Moreover, immune responses were compared with those of mice that were vaccinated with free BCG by subcutaneous (sc) and oral routes. Twelve weeks after the immunization, serum IgG level was higher in the sc-immunized mice, while serum IgA level was higher in the orally immunized mice with encapsulated BCG. Significant productions of both IgG and IgA were only detected in lungs of mice orally immunized with encapsulated BCG. Proliferative and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses and IFN-γ production were significantly higher in mice immunized orally with encapsulated BCG, compared to mice immunized orally with free BCG. After challenge, the levels of IFN-γ were comparable between sc-immunized mice with free BCG and orally immunized with encapsulated BCG; however, significantly less IL-4 was detected in mice which had received encapsulated BCG via oral route. Moreover, significant control of the bacilli growth in the lung of the immunized mice after intranasal challenge with BCG was documented in mice vaccinated with encapsulated BCG. These results suggest that oral immunization with alginate-encapsulated BCG is an effective mean of inducing mucosal and systemic specific immune responses.

Functional Response of Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) to Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae): Effects of Vermicompost and Host Plant Cultivar

Interactions between natural enemies and herbivores may be affected by application of fertilizers and different cultivars. We investigated the functional response of the predatory gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) larvae to the nymphs of the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), reared on two commonly grown cucumber cultivars in Iran (Khasib and Karim) treated with different vermicompost/soil ratios (0:100, 10:90, 20:80, and 30:70%). Based on logistic regression analysis, A. aphidimyza revealed a type II functional response to the aphid in all treatments. Attack rates and handling times of A. aphidimyza larvae on different vermicompost/soil ratios ranged from 0.076 to 0.140 h(-1) and 0.969 to 1.164 h on Khasib and from 0.092 to 0.123 h(-1) and 0.905 to 1.229 h on Karim, respectively. Furthermore, increasing the density of the melon aphid on both cultivars amended with vermicompost/soil ratios resulted in increased prey consumption by the predator. Density of trichomes increased when plants received higher concentrations of vermicompost. So, trichomes may be responsible for different attack rates and handling times of A. aphidimyza on both cultivars.

Nitrogen in Hydroponic Growing Medium of Tomato Affects the Demographic Parameters of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

We evaluated the effects of different nitrogen levels (380, 310, 240, and 174 ppm) on the life history parameters of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on hydroponically cultured tomato plants. Our data show that there is a positive correlation between the nitrogen content and the demographic parameters, as the intrinsic rate of increase of T. vaporariorum was the lowest (0.059 ± 0.007 day(-1)) at 174 ppm and the highest (0.088 ± 0.005 day(-1)) at 380 ppm of nitrogen. The net reproduction rate (R 0), finite rate of increase (λ), and mean developmental time (T) were significantly influenced by the nitrogen levels. The mean longevity of males and females showed a positive relationship with the nitrogen level, ranging from 64.8 ± 3.96 to 76.3 ± 2.44 for males and 61.6 ± 5.35 to 71.2 ± 2.44 for females, observed in the lowest and highest nitrogen levels, respectively. The relationship between nitrogen fertilization and T. vaporariorum management on tomato crops is discussed.

The comparison of serum vaspin and visfatin concentrations in obese and normal weight women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is evidence based studies which show that plasma level of visfatin and vaspin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus elevate in comparison with healthy people. But there is no consistency in plasma visfatin and vaspin concentration between studies done on obese people. For this reason, the aim of this study is to investigate the serum level concentrations of visfatin and vaspin in obese women compared to normal weight women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The participants of this study consist of 43 women aged 20-50, and 43 healthy women with normal weight as a control group. They were matched for age and physical activity. 24h food recall was used to collect dietary information from subjects. Moreover, blood sampling was taken to measure the blood levels of sugar, lipid profile, vaspin and visfatin.

RESULTS

The mean serum level of visfatin was not statistically different between obese and normal weight women. But, the obese women had statistically higher mean serum level of vaspin than normal women (p=0.04). We found no relations between serum levels of vaspin with serum concentration of visfatin. Also, serum levels of these two adipokines were not related to the serum concentrations of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyserides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Also, there was a significant positive relationship between carbohydrate intake and serum visfatin level in women participating to this study (p=0.018, r=0.257).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrated that the level of serum vaspin was significantly higher in obese women. But there were no differences in serum levels of visfatin in comparison to normal weight women. Meanwhile this study demonstrated a positive relationship between serum levels of visfatin with dietary intake of carbohydrate, but no relationship between serum level of visfatin and vaspin in women participating in this study.

Dual-rail optical gradient echo memory

We introduce a scheme for the parallel storage of frequency separated signals in an optical memory and demonstrate that this dual-rail storage is a suitable memory for high fidelity frequency qubits. The two signals are stored simultaneously in the Zeeman-split Raman absorption lines of a cold atom ensemble using gradient echo memory techniques. Analysis of the split-Zeeman storage shows that the memory can be configured to preserve the relative amplitude and phase of the frequency separated signals. In an experimental demonstration dual-frequency pulses are recalled with 35% efficiency, 82% interference fringe visibility, and 6° phase stability. The fidelity of the frequency-qubit memory is limited by frequency-dependent polarisation rotation and ambient magnetic field fluctuations, our analysis describes how these can be addressed in an alternative configuration.